Assessment of quality of life for frail, elderly patients post-ICU discharge: a protocol for a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Rises in average life expectancy, increased comorbidities and frailty among older patients lead to higher admission rates to intensive care units (ICU). During an ICU stay, loss of physical and cognitive functions may occur, causing prolonged rehabilitation. Some functions may be lost permanently, affecting quality of life (QoL). There is a lack of understanding regarding how many variables are relevant to health-related outcomes and which outcomes are significant for the QoL of frail, elderly patients following discharge from the ICU. Therefore, this scoping review aims to identify reported variables for health-related outcomes and explore perspectives regarding QoL for this patient group. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews will be employed and original, peer-reviewed studies in English and Scandinavian languages published from 2013 to 2023 will be included. The search will be conducted from July 2023 to December 2023, according to the inclusion criteria in Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINAHL. References to identified studies will be hand-searched, along with backward and forward citation searching for systematic reviews. A librarian will support and qualify the search strategy. Two reviewers will independently screen eligible studies and perform data extraction according to predefined headings. In the event of disagreements, a third reviewer will adjudicate until consensus is achieved. Results will be presented narratively and in table form and discussed in relation to relevant literature. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is unnecessary, as the review synthesises existing research. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication in a scientific journal.

Increasing obesity is associated with lower postoperative bleeding in coronary bypass patients.

OBJECTIVE: Despite inherent comorbidities, obese cardiac surgical patients paradoxically had shown lower morbidity and mortality, although the nature of this association is still unclear. Thus, the authors intended in this large registry-based study to investigate the impact of obesity on short- and long-term postoperative outcomes, focusing on bleeding and transfusion requirements. DESIGN: Retrospective registry study. SETTING: Three university hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: A cohort of 12,330 prospectively compiled data from coronary bypass grafting patients undergoing surgery between 2007 to 2020 were retrieved from the Western Denmark Heart Registry. INTERVENTIONS: The parameters were analyzed to assess the association between body mass index (BMI) and the selected outcome parameters. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The crude data showed a clear statistically significant association in postoperative drainage from 637 (418-1108) mL in underweight patients with BMI <18.5 kg/m2 to 427 (295-620) mL in severely obese patients with BMI ≥40 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001, Kruskal-Wallis). Further, 50.0% of patients with BMI <18.5 received an average of 451 mL/m2 in red blood cell transfusions, compared to 16.7% of patients with BMI >40 receiving 84 mL/m2. The obese groups were less often submitted to reexploration due to bleeding, and fewer received perioperative hemostatics, inotropes, and vasoconstrictors. The crude data showed increasing 30-day and 6-month mortality with lower BMI, whereas the one-year mortality showed a V-shaped pattern, but BMI had no independent impact on mortality in logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Patients with high BMI may carry protection against postoperative bleeding after cardiac surgery, probably secondary to an inherent hypercoagulable state, whereas underweight patients carry a higher risk of bleeding and worse outcomes.

Effect of Interpectoral-Pectoserratus Plane (PECS II) Block on Recovery Room Discharge Time in Breast Cancer Surgery.

Background and Objectives: The increase in the incidence and diagnosis rate of breast cancer demands the optimization of resources. The aim of this study was to assess whether the supplementation of the interpectoral-pectoserratus plane block (PECS II) reduces surgery and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) time in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective data-analysis study. In 2016, PECS II block was introduced as a supplement to general anesthesia for all mastectomies with or without axillary resections in South Jutland regional hospital, Denmark. The perioperative data of patients operated 3 years before and 3 years after 2016 was retrieved through the Danish anesthesia database and patient journals and systematically analyzed. Female patients aged over 18 years, with no use of muscle relaxant, intubation, and inhalation agents, were included. The eligible data was organized into two groups, i.e., Block and Control, where the Block group received PECS II Block, while the Control group received only general anesthesia. Parameters such as surgery time, anesthesia time, PACU time, opioid consumption, and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in PACU were retrieved and statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 172 patients out of 358 patients met eligibility criteria. After applying exclusion criteria, 65 patients were filtered out. A total of 107 patients, 51 from the Block and 56 from the Control group, were eligible for the final analysis. The patients were comparable in demographic parameters. The median surgery time was significantly less in the Block group (78 min (60-99)) in comparison to the Control group (98.5 min (77.5-139.5) p < 0.0045). Consequently, the median anesthesia time was also shorter in the Block group (140 min (115-166)) vs. the Control group (160 min (131.5 to 188), p < 0.0026). Patients from the Block group had significantly lower intraoperative fentanyl consumption (60 µg (30-100)) as compared with the Control group (132.5 µg (80-232.5), p < 0.0001). The total opioid consumption during the entire procedure (converted to morphine) was significantly lower in the Block group (16.37 mg (8-23.6)) as compared with the Control group (31.17 mg (16-46.5), p < 0.0001). No statistically significant difference was found in the PACU time, incidences of PONV, and postoperative pain. Conclusions: The interpectoral-pectoserratus plane (PECS II) block supplementation reduces surgery time, anesthesia time, and opioid consumption but not PACU time during breast cancer surgery.

The effects of preoperative focused cardiac ultrasound in high-risk patients: A randomised controlled trial (PREOPFOCUS).

BACKGROUND: Surgery is the third most common cause of mortality worldwide. Focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) yields information on cardiac status and discloses the presence of unknown pathology. Preoperative FOCUS changes patient treatment, allowing for a patient-tailored anaesthesia. We hypothesised that preoperative FOCUS would reduce the proportion of patients who were either admitted to hospital for more than 10 days or who were dead within 30 days after high-risk, non-cardiac surgery. METHODS: This was a randomised, controlled, multi-center study. Patients ≥65 years of age, admitted for urgent orthopaedic- or abdominal surgery, scheduled for general- or neuraxial anaesthesia and with ASA 3/4 were eligible for inclusion. Patients were randomised in a 1:1 ratio to preoperative FOCUS or no preoperative FOCUS performed in accordance with a predefined protocol. Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients admitted more than 10 days or who were dead within 30 days. Secondary endpoints included major complications, days of admission and changes in anaesthesia handling. RESULTS: During the second COVID-19 wave the study monitoring committee terminated the study prematurely. We included 338 patients of which 327 were included in the final analysis. In the FOCUS group, 41/163 (25%) patients met the criteria for the primary endpoint versus 35/164 (21%) for the control group, adjusted odds ratio 1.37 (95% CI 0.86-2.30), p = .36. The proportions of patients who developed major complications did not differ significantly between groups. Length of hospital stay was 4 (3-8) days in the FOCUS group and 4 (3-7) days on the control group (adjusted p = .24). CONCLUSION: The routine availability of preoperative FOCUS assessment in this cohort does not appear to reduce the risk for hospitalisation exceeding 10 days or 30-day mortality, although study enrolment was prematurely terminated.

Preparedness of Acute Care Facility and a Hospital for COVID-19 Pandemic: What We Did!

BACKGROUND AND AIM: India is facing the pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) just like the whole world. The private sector is the backbone of a healthcare facility in India. Presently, only a few major hospitals in the country are actively dealing with the COVID-19 patients while others are facing troubles due to lack of manpower, management, and required experience to face the pandemic. Despite the lockdown, the cases are ever increasing and each and every hospital in the country should be prepared to face this pandemic the world has never seen before. As one of the largest multispecialty hospitals and a designated COVID center, we have developed and adopted some strategies for better preparedness to face the surge of this pandemic. We would like to share our experience and hope that the strategies laid down and adopted by us will help many other acute care facilities in many parts of India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different strategies are adopted to deal with the crisis situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our adopted strategies were directed to mitigate the challenges of administration, hospital space organization, management of staff and supplies, maintenance of standard of care, and specific COVID care and ethics during this pandemic. RESULTS: Based on strategies adopted by us, we feel more confident and prepared to deal with COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Our approach for preparing for the COVID-19 pandemic may not be the best one but we believe that the basic managerial principles we adopted will guide many other institutions to find their path in tackling the pandemic in the best possible way. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Jog S, Kelkar D, Bhat M, Patwardhan S, Godavarthy P, Dhundi U, et al. Preparedness of Acute Care Facility and a Hospital for COVID-19 Pandemic: What We Did! Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(6):385-392.

Fast-track cardiac anaesthesia protocols: Is quality pushed to the edge?

Background: The quest for methods expediting rapid postoperative patient turnover has triggered implementation of various fast-track cardiac anaesthesia protocols. Using three different fast-track protocols in randomized controlled studies (RCT) conducted 2010-2016 we found minimal achievements in ventilation time together with actual and eligible length of stay in cardiac recovery unit. The comparable control group patients were evaluated in this retrospective post hoc analysis, for an association between above mentioned parameters and quality parameters, to assess whether the marginal gains have been at the expense of quality of recovery and patient comfort. Method: 90 control patients from three RCT with comparable demographic parameters and receiving standard department treatment were evaluated using time parameters and an objective/semi-objective Intensive Care Unit (ICU) score system (IDS score). Results: Ventilation time was statistical significant lower in latest study (C) than the early (A) and intermedium (B) studies (A=293, B=261, C=205 minutes; P=0.04). The IDS was lower at extubation and all time points in the early study compared to other studies (P < 0.001;). The average IDS in latest study were the double of previous studies at the end of observations, and marginally above the acceptable score for discharge. The postoperative morphine requirement A=15.0, B=10.0 and C=26.5 mg; P=0.002) was statistical significant higher in the latest study compared to previous studies. Conclusion: The implementation of strict fast-track protocols resulting in shorter ventilation time did not convert to earlier eligibility to discharge from the ICU. However, the quality of recovery appears challenged.

The effects of preoperative point-of-care focused cardiac ultrasound in high-risk patients: study protocol for a prospective randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Perioperative mortality and morbidity remain substantial in acute surgery. Risk factors include known cardiovascular disease, but preoperative screening is insensitive to occult cardiopulmonary conditions. Focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) can disclose both structural and functional cardiac disease and provides insight into the patient's haemodynamic status. This study aims to clarify whether preoperative FOCUS changes clinical outcomes in high-risk patients. METHODS: This is a multi-centre, randomised, controlled, prospective study including patients ≥ 65 years of age scheduled for acute/emergency abdominal- or orthopaedic surgery. A total of 800 patients will be randomised to ± application of preoperative FOCUS. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients admitted to hospital > 10 days or death within 30 days of surgery. The secondary endpoints include changes in the anaesthesia approach facilitated by FOCUS, biomarkers of organ function and perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge generated from this study may facilitate changes in the anaesthesia evaluation and decision process and, consequently, in the entire perioperative anaesthesia clinical practice. The study has the potential to reduce the risk of perioperative cardiopulmonary complications which directly implies improved patient outcome and reduced hospital costs. FUNDING: The Research Fund of the Department of Anaesthesiology, Randers Regional Hospital, The Central Denmark Region's Medical Research Fund and the Hospital of Southern Jutland. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03501927.

Automated echocardiography for measuring and tracking cardiac output after cardiac surgery: a validation study.

Echocardiographic measurement of cardiac output with automated software analyses of spectral curves in the left ventricular outflow tract has been introduced. This study aimed to assess the precision and accuracy of cardiac output measurements as well as the ability to track cardiac output changes over time comparing the automated echocardiographic method with the continuous pulmonary artery thermodilution cardiac output technique and the manual echocardiographic method in cardiac surgery patients. Cardiac output was measured simultaneously with all three methods in 50 patients on the morning after cardiac surgery. A second comparison was performed 90-180 min later. Precisions for each method were measured. Bias and limits of agreement (LoA) between methods were assessed and concordance- and polar plots were used for evaluating trending of cardiac output. When comparing the automated echocardiographic method with the thermodilution technique, the mean bias was 0.72 L/min with LoA - 1.89; 3.33 L/min corresponding to a percentage error of 46%. The concordance rate was 47%. The mean bias between the automated- and the manual echocardiographic methods was - 0.06 L/min (95% LoA - 2.33; 2.21 L/min, percentage error 42%). The concordance rate was 79%. The automated echocardiographic method did not meet the criteria for interchangeability with the thermodilution technique or the manual echocardiographic method. Trending ability was poor when compared to the continuous thermodilution technique, but moderate when compared to the manual echocardiographic method.Trial registry number: NCT03372863. Retrospectively registered December 14th 2017.

The Major Decrease in Resource Utilization in Recent Decades Seems Guided by Demographic Changes: Fast Tracking-Real Concept or Demographics.

OBJECTIVE: To identify dynamics of associations and potential areas for optimization of patient turnover between various patient profile and comorbidity indicators and selected system performance indicators such as ventilation time, length of stay in the intensive care unit, and in-hospital stay. DESIGN: Retrospective study of prospectively registered data (2000-2017). SETTING: Three university hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 38,100 adult cardiac surgical patients registered in the Western Denmark Heart Registry. INTERVENTIONS: Analysis of dynamics in patient indicators and system performance indicators, including effect on the selected performance parameters. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Comorbidity, calculated from EuroSCORE, decreased from 2.5 ± 2.2 to 1.5 ± 2.0 (p < 0.001), whereas the average age of patients increased from 65.1 ± 9.9 years to 67.6 ± 10.8 years (p < 0.001). Median ventilation time decreased from 380 to 275 minutes (p < 0.0001). The mean length of stay in the intensive care unit demonstrated a statistically significant decrease from 35.1 hours between 2000 to 2002 to 31.8 hours between 2015 to 2017 (p = 0.004), and the median time was unchanged at 22.0 hours throughout the observation period. The median in-hospital stay decreased from 6.5 to 5.1 days (p < 0.001) and the mean in-hospital stay from 8.7 days (2003-2005) to 7.0 days (2015-2017; p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis of performance factors showed a statistically significant negative independent effect on most comorbidity and surgical factors. CONCLUSION: The increase in performance parameters appears to be highly associated with decreased comorbidities and fast-tracking protocols and may only offer limited effect in additional patient turnover.

Lower Dose of Sufentanil Does Not Enhance Fast Track Significantly-A Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVE: Adjustment in the doses of opioids has been a focus of interest for achieving better fast-track conditions in cardiac anesthesia, but relatively sparse information exists on the potential effect of psychologic and behavioral factors, such as stress, anxiety, and type of personality, on anesthesia requirements and patient turnover in the cardiac recovery unit (CRU); to the authors' knowledge, this particular focus has not been systematically investigated. In this randomized study, the authors tested the hypothesis that low-dose sufentanil, compared with a standard dose, can improve fast-track parameters and the overall quality of recovery. Opioid requirements related to personality type, pain sensitivity, and preoperative stress and anxiety also were assessed. DESIGN: A randomized, prospective study. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 60 patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting with or without aortic valve replacement. SETTING: A university hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a standard dose (bolus 0.5 µg/kg) or low dose (bolus 0.25 µg/kg) of sufentanil combined with propofol. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome variables were ventilation time and eligible time to discharge from the CRU. The secondary objective was to evaluate the relationship between opioid requirements and personality type, pain sensitivity, and preoperative stress and anxiety. The groups were comparable in selected demographics and perioperative parameters. There was no difference between groups in ventilation time (low dose: 191 [163-257] v standard dose: 205 [139-279] min; p = 0.405); eligible CRU discharge time (10.3 ± 5.0 v 10.3 ± 4.2 h; p = 0.978); or administration of postoperative morphine (25 [11-34) v 27 [10-39] g; p = 0.790). There was no difference between groups in total sufentanil administration and various preoperative psychologic and behavioral test levels nor in the time to reach bispectral index <50 during induction, except that personality type A demonstrated a longer induction time of 10 (8-12) minutes versus 6 (4-8) minutes in low-score patients. CONCLUSION: A lower dose of sufentanil, compared with a standard dose, does not enhance fast-track conditions significantly.

Rising Central venous pressure: Impending right-sided failure?

Central venous pressure generally indicates right sided cardiac filling pressure. Although it is a static hemodynamic parameter, however trend of CVP gives important information regarding the patient's management. Patient with left ventricular assist device is prone to develop right ventricular dysfunction which can easily be suspected by trend of CVP. However rising CVP does not always imply right heart dysfunction.

Ultrashort acting remifentanil is not superior to long-acting sufentanil in preserving cognitive function-a randomized study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a well-known complication after cardiac surgery and may cause permanent disabilities with severe consequences for quality of life. The objectives of this study were, first, to estimate the frequency of POCD after on-pump cardiac surgery in patients randomized to remifentanil- or sufentanil-based anesthesia and, second, to evaluate the association between POCD and quality of recovery and perioperative hemodynamics, respectively. DESIGN: Randomized study. SETTING: Postoperative cardiac recovery unit, University Hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty patients with ischemic heart disease scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting ± aortic valve replacement. INTERVENTIONS AND HANDLING: Randomized to either remifentanil or sufentanil anesthesia as basis opioid. Postoperative pain management consisted of morphine in both groups. MEASUREMENTS: Cognitive functioning evaluated preoperatively and on the 1st, 4th, and 30th postoperative day using the cognitive test from the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Hospital. Perioperative invasive hemodynamics and the quality of recovery was evaluated by means of invasive measurements and an intensive care unit discharge score. MAIN RESULTS: No difference between opioids in POCD at any time. A negative correlation was found between preoperative cognitive function and POCD on the first postoperative day (r=-0.47; P=.0002). The fraction of patients with POCD on the first postoperative day was statistically greater in patients with more than 15minutes of Svo2 <60 (P=.037; χ(2) test). Among patients with postoperative ventilation time exceeding 300minutes, more patients had POCD on postoperative day 4 (P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: We could not demonstrate differences in POCD between remifentanil and sufentanil based anaesthesia, but in general, the fraction of patients with POCD seemed smaller than previously reported. We found an association between POCD and both perioperative low Svo2 and postoperative ventilation time, underlining the importance of perioperative stable hemodynamics and possible fast-track protocols with short ventilation times to attenuate POCD.

Remifentanil Compared With Sufentanil Does Not Enhance Fast-Track Possibilities in Cardiac Surgery-A Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVE: Progressive cost containment has resulted in a growing interest for fast-track cardiac surgery. Ventilation time and length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) are important factors in patient turnover, a more efficient use of resources, and early patient mobilization. However, LOS in ICU is not an objective measure because, in addition to medical factors, patient discharge may be guided by logistics and policy, and thus more objective measures are warranted. The authors hypothesized that remifentanil compared with sufentanil would reduce ventilation time and LOS in the ICU and that remifentanil would have beneficial effects on the overall quality of recovery. DESIGN: A randomized, prospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting with or without aortic valve replacement. SETTING: A university hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were assigned randomly to receive either remifentanil or sufentanil combined with propofol. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients with ejection fraction<0.3, myocardial infarction within the last 4 weeks, diabetes, and severe pulmonary or arterial hypertension were excluded. The primary outcome variables were ventilation time and time to eligibility of discharge from the cardiac recovery unit. Secondary outcomes were actual LOS in the cardiac recovery unit and quality of recovery. The groups were comparable in selected demographics and perioperative parameters. There were no differences in ventilation time or eligible ICU discharge time between the groups. Remifentanil patients received more morphine than did the sufentanil patients during recovery (20 mg v 10 mg; p = 0.040). No difference was found in pharmacologic support or use of a pacemaker. CONCLUSION: In a fast-track protocol, remifentanil did not seem to be superior to a standard moderate- to high-dose sufentanil regimen.

High thoracic epidural analgesia in cardiac surgery. Part 2--high thoracic epidural analgesia does not reduce time in or improve quality of recovery in the intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the postoperative effect of high thoracic epidural analgesia on the time in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the quality of cardiac recovery in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. DESIGN: A randomized prospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty low-risk patients 65 to 80 years of age scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery with or without aortic valve replacement. SETTING: A university hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Patients randomized to receive high thoracic epidural analgesia (HTEA) as a supplement to general anesthesia. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The eligible time to discharge from the ICU and the quality of recovery were evaluated by an objective ICU scoring system. The time to eligible discharge from the ICU, the ventilation time, and the actual time in the ICU were not shorter in the HTEA group compared with patients receiving conventional general anesthesia. Patients receiving HTEA in addition to general anesthesia received less morphine postoperatively but with no consequent beneficial effect on respiration, nausea, sedation, or motor function. CONCLUSIONS: HTEA does not reduce the time in the ICU or improve the quality of recovery in the ICU.

High thoracic epidural analgesia in cardiac surgery. Part 1--high thoracic epidural analgesia improves cardiac performance in cardiac surgery patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perioperative cardioprotective effect of high thoracic epidural analgesia (HTEA), primarily expressed as an effect on cardiac performance and hemodynamics in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. DESIGN: A randomized, prospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty low-to-moderate risk patients between the ages of 65 and 80 years scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery with or without aortic valve replacement. SETTING: A university hospital. INTERVENTION: Patients randomized to receive HTEA as a supplement to general anesthesia. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Perioperative hemodynamic measurements, perioperative fluid balance, and postoperative release of cardiac enzymes were collected. The end-diastolic volume index (EDVI), the stroke volume index (overall 38 v 32 mL), the cardiac index (overall 2.35 v. 2.18 L/minute/m(2)), the central venous pressure, and central venous oxygenation were higher in the HTEA group. The mean arterial blood pressure was marginally lower in the HTEA group, whereas no difference was noted in the heart rate or peripheral saturation between the groups. No differences were found in the postoperative levels of troponin T and CK-MB between groups. NT-proBNP changed over time (p < 0.001) and was lower in the HTEA group (p = 0.013), with maximal values of 291 ± 265 versus 326 ± 274. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of a higher stroke volume index and central venous oxygenation without an increase in heart rate or mean arterial pressure suggest that HTEA improves cardiac performance in elderly cardiac surgery patients.

Systolic heart function remains depressed for at least 30 days after on-pump cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The myocardial recovery time following on-pump cardiac surgery remains uncertain. Global peak longitudinal strain is a sensitive measure of endocardial function which is most susceptible to ischaemia. We aimed to evaluate changes in global peak longitudinal strain up to 6 months after surgery and to compare initial changes with alterations in troponin T. Secondarily, we aimed to describe perioperative changes in strain of the inter-ventricular septum when compared with reference segments. METHODS: Patients scheduled for coronary bypass, aortic valve replacement or combination procedures were enrolled. Echocardiography was performed on the day before surgery, the day after surgery, 4 days after surgery, 30 days after surgery and 6 months after surgery. Troponin T was measured 3, 16 and 24 h following procedure. RESULTS: Forty patients were enrolled and one was later excluded. Global peak longitudinal strain decreased from -14.5 ± 3.33% preoperatively to -9.98 ± 3.09% and -10.57 ± 3.16% on the first and fourth postoperative day, respectively. Global strain was still reduced on the 30th postoperative day, but had returned to preoperative values 6 months after surgery. Absolute values and relative changes in global strain did not correlate with postoperative peak troponin T measurements. Strain of the inter-ventricular septum was unaffected by surgery as opposed to reference segments, although septal displacement in the longitudinal direction decreased from 12.0 ± 3.75 mm preoperatively to 3.58 ± 4.22 mm 4 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Global peak longitudinal strain was reduced for at least 30 days after on-pump cardiac surgery and seems to represent a more sensitive marker of myocardial function than ejection fraction. The decrease in global strain was not reflected in troponin T measurements. The visual, echocardiographic impression of septal dysfunction may be a translational phenomenon, as septal strain was unaffected by surgery.