Challenges of Congenital Heart Surgery in Brazil: It is Time to Designate Pediatric Congenital Heart Surgery Subspecialty

ABSTRACT Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects eight to ten out of every 1,000 births, resulting in approximately 23,057 new cases in Brazil in 2022. About one in four children with CHD requires surgery or other procedures in the first year of life, and it is expected that approximately 81% of these children with CHD will survive until at least 35 years of age. Professionals choosing to specialize in CHD surgery face numerous challenges, not only related to mastering surgical techniques and the complexity of the diseases but also to the lack of recognition by medical societies as a separate subspecialty. Furthermore, families face difficulties when access to services capable of providing treatment for these children. To address these challenges, it is essential to have specialized hospitals, qualified professionals, updated technologies, sustainable industry, appropriate financing, quality assessment systems, and knowledge generation. The path to excellence involves specialization across all involved parties. As we reflect on the importance of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery and Congenital Heart Diseases establishing themselves as a subspecialty of Cardiovascular Surgery, it is essential to look beyond our borders to countries like the United States of America and United Kingdom, where this evolution is already a reality. This autonomy has led to significant advancements in research, education, and patient care outcomes, establishing a care model. By following this path in Brazil, we not only align our practice with the highest international standards but also demonstrate our maturity and the ability to meet the specific needs of patients with CHD and those with acquired childhood heart disease.

Congenital Aneurysm of the Right Atrium: Two Cases Report.

Congenital aneurysm or enlargement of the right atrium is a rare condition. Two children operated on at the age of 14 months and 11 years old for congenital aneurysm of the right atrium are reported. Both presented cardiomegaly and symptoms of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Diagnosis was established by echocardiography. Surgical resection was successful. Both patients are free of symptoms and their chest X-ray and echocardiogram are normal. The first patient is now in her 17th postoperative year. The patients' evolution suggests that the surgery is a curative procedure.

Congenital aneurysm of the right atrium: two cases report

Abstract Congenital aneurysm or enlargement of the right atrium is a rare condition. Two children operated on at the age of 14 months and 11 years old for congenital aneurysm of the right atrium are reported. Both presented cardiomegaly and symptoms of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Diagnosis was established by echocardiography. Surgical resection was successful. Both patients are free of symptoms and their chest X-ray and echocardiogram are normal. The first patient is now in her 17th postoperative year. The patients' evolution suggests that the surgery is a curative procedure.

The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Cardiopulmonary Function: Analyzing VO2 Recovery Kinetics.

PURPOSE: To assess cardiopulmonary capacity, autonomic heart function, and oxygen recovery kinetics during exercise testing before and after bariatric surgery. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study. Symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed with 24 patients, 1 week before and 4 months after bariatric surgery. The main variables were maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max), the time elapsed until the appearance of the first ventilatory threshold (TLV1), and VO2 oxygen kinetics during recovery with a 50% reduction in peak oxygen uptake in the recovery period after exercise (50%VO2RP). RESULTS: The study demonstrated that the peak VO2\kg increased significantly after bariatric surgery. When analyzed without adjusting for weight, the peak VO2 paradoxically and significantly decreased after the surgical procedure (p = 0.007). The exercise time until the anaerobic threshold was longer after surgical procedure than before it (p = 0.001). Regarding post-exercise oxygen recovery kinetics, there was a faster reduction in the peak oxygen uptake after bariatric surgery than before the procedure (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was an obvious cardiac autonomic improvement after surgery. Despite the improvement in exercise tolerance, patients undergoing bariatric surgery had lower maximum oxygen consumption in the analysis not corrected for body weight. The mean VO2RP before bariatric surgery was 141 s and was 111 s after the surgical procedure (p < 0.001). These results suggest an improvement in the recovery kinetics of oxygen consumption, a novel index of cardiac reserve capacity, on patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Cefazolin concentration in the mediastinal adipose tissue of patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Abstract Objective: To measure the concentration of cefazolin in the anterior mediastinal adipose tissue of patients undergoing cardiac surgery, determining the variation of cefazolin concentration. Methods: Two samples of approximately 1g of subcutaneous tissue were collected from 19 patients who underwent surgery in December 2015: the first sample was collected right after sternotomy and the second one, before sternal synthesis with steel wires. Antibiotic dosage was administered through high performance liquid chromatography. Results: We observed a positive and statistically significant correlation between time 1 and cefazolin concentration (r=0.489 and P=0.039). For time 2 and cefazolin concentration, there was a negative and statistically significant correlation between both variables (r=-0.793 and P<0.001). A negative correlation was also observed between body mass index and cefazolin concentration at time 2 (r=-0.510 and P=0.031). The regression model showed that every 1-minute increase in time 1 corresponded to an increase of 0.240 µg/dL in cefazolin concentration, whereas every 1-minute increase in time 2 corresponded to a reduction of 0.046 µg/dL in cefazolin concentration. As for body mass index, every 1 kg/m2 increase corresponded to a reduction of about 0.510 µg/dL in cefazolin concentration. Conclusion: There was a positive and significant correlation between the initial time of surgery and cefazolin level in the first dosage. The evaluation of the second dosage showed a negative and significant correlation between cefazolin level and the second time of dosage. The concentration of cefazolin is under the influence of body mass index.

Efeitos da cirurgia bariátrica na estrutura e na função do ventrículo esquerdo / Effects of bariatric surgery on left ventricular structure and function

Fundamentos: A obesidade está associada a alterações estruturais e funcionais do ventrículo esquerdo (VE). A cirurgia bariátrica tem o potencial de reverter tais achados. Os efeitos do procedimento nas funções diastólica e sistólica do VE não foram claramente definidos. O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar as alterações na estrutura e funções sistólica e diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo de pacientes obesos que se submeteram à cirurgia bariátrica. Métodos: Foram avaliados 23 pacientes (16 mulheres e 7 homens, com idade média de 32,9 ± 8,9 anos), com índice de massa corporal ≥ 40 kg/m2 , que foram submetidos à derivação gástrica em Y de Roux (RYGB). As avaliações clínicas eecocardiográficas foram realizadas no pré-operatório e em 3 a 7 meses após a cirurgia. Resultados: Após período médio de seguimento de 4,7 meses, foram observadas reduções significativas no índice de massa corporal (de 46,7 ± 5,3 para 36,2 ± 4,7 kg/m2 ; p < 0,001); na espessura do septo interventricular(de 10,3 ± 1,4 para 8,9 ± 1,2 mm); na parede posterior do VE (de 9,3 ± 1,3 para 8,4 ± 1,1 mm; p < 0,001) e na massa do VE (valor absoluto: de 168,7 ± 35,2 para 149,8 ± 40,7 g, p = 0,008; indexada pela altura: de 45,1 ± 11,3 para 39,7 ± 10,3, p = 0,006). A geometria normal do VE foi observada em 60,9% dos pacientes antes da cirurgia e em 91,3% no período de seguimento. O Doppler tecidual revelou melhora na função diastólica do VE (velocidade de onda E’ mitral lateral, 0,16 ± 0,03 no pré-operatório contra 0,17 ± 0,03 m/s no seguimento; p = 0,026). No pós‑operatório, não houve diferença significativa na função sistólica do VE. Conclusões: Após um seguimento médio de 4,7 meses, a cirurgia bariátrica promoveu melhora na estrutura ventricular esquerda e em um dos parâmetros da função diastólica (velocidade de E’). Não houve alterações nos parâmetros sistólicos do ventrículo esquerdo.

Background: Obesity is associated with changes in left ventricular (LV) structure and function. Bariatric surgery can favorably improve cardiac remodeling. The effects of the procedure in LV diastolic and systolic function have not been clearly defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in left ventricular structure, systolic and diastolic function in obese patients who have undergone bariatric surgery.Methods: We evaluated 23 patients (16 women, seven men; age, 32.9 ± 8.9 years) with body mass index > 40 kg/m2 who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Clinical and echocardiographic evaluations were performed preoperatively and 3–7 months after surgery. Results: After a mean follow-up of 4.7 months, significant reductions were observed in body mass index (from 46.7 ± 5.3 to 36.2 ± 4.7 kg/m2; p< 0.001); thickness of the interventricular septum (from 10.3 ± 1.4 to 8.9 ± 1.2 mm); LV posterior wall (from 9.3 ± 1.3 to 8.4 ± 1.1mm; p < 0.001) and LV mass (absolute value: from 168.7 ± 35.2 to 149.8 ± 40.7 g, p = 0.008; indexed by height: from 45.1 ± 11.3 to 39.7 ± 10.3, p = 0.006). Normal LV geometry was observed in 60.9% of patients before surgery and in 91.3% at follow-up. Tissue Doppler imaging revealed improved LV diastolic function (mitral E’ lateral 0.16 ± 0.03 preoperatively vs. 0.17 ± 0.03 m/s at follow-up; p = 0.026). Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in LV systolic function. Conclusions: After a mean follow-up of 4,7 months, bariatric surgery promoted improvement in left ventricular structure and in one of the parameters of diastolic function (E’ velocity). There were no changes in left ventricular systolic parameters.

Chest drainage teaching and training for medical students. Use of a surgical ex vivo pig model

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: Implement a constructivist approach in thoracic drainage training in surgical ex vivo pig models, to compare the acquisition of homogeneous surgical skills between medical students. METHODS: Experimental study, prospective, transversal, analytical, controlled, three steps. Selection, training, evaluation. Inclusion criteria: a) students without training in thoracic drainage; b) without exposure to constructivist methodology. 2) Exclusion criteria: a) students developed surgical skills; b) a history of allergy. (N = 312). Two groups participated in the study: A and B. Lecture equal for both groups. Differentiated teaching: group A, descriptive and informative method; group B, learning method based on problems. A surgical ex vivo pig model for training the chest drain was created. Were applied pre and post-test, test goal-discursive and OSATS scale. RESULTS: Theoretical averages: Group A = 9.5 ± 0.5; Group B = 8.8 ± 1.1 (p = 0.006). Medium Practices: Group A = 22.8 ± 1.8; Group B = 23.0 ± 2.8 (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: Through the constructivist methodology implemented in the thoracic drainage training in surgical ex vivo pig models, has proven the acquisition of surgical skills homogeneous compared among medical students.

Impact of respiratory infection in the results of cardiac surgery in a tertiary hospital in Brazil / Impacto da infecção respiratória nos resultados da cirurgia cardíaca em hospital terciário no Brasil

AbstractObjective:To assess the impact of respiratory tract infection in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery in relation to mortality and to identify patients at higher risk of developing this complication.Methods:Cross-sectional observational study conducted at the Recovery of Cardiothoracic Surgery, using information from a database consisting of a total of 900 patients operated on in this hospital during the period from 01/07/2008 to 1/07/2009. We included patients whose medical records contained all the information required and undergoing elective surgery, totaling 109 patients with two excluded. Patients were divided into two groups, WITH and WITHOUT respiratory tract infection, as the development or respiratory tract infection in hospital, with patients in the group without respiratory tract infection, the result of randomization, using for the pairing of the groups the type of surgery performed. The outcome variables assessed were mortality, length of hospital stay and length of stay in intensive care unit. The means of quantitative variables were compared using the Wilcoxon and student t-test.Results:The groups were similar (average age P=0.17; sex P=0.94; surgery performed P=0.85-1.00) Mortality in the WITH respiratory tract infection group was significantly higher (P<0.0001). The times of hospitalization and intensive care unit were significantly higher in respiratory tract infection (P<0.0001). The presence of respiratory tract infection was associated with the development of other complications such as renal failure dialysis and stroke P<0.00001 and P=0.002 respectively.Conclusion:The development of respiratory tract infection postoperative cardiac surgery is related to higher mortality, longer periods of hospitalization and intensive care unit stay.

ResumoObjetivo:Avaliar o impacto da infecção do trato respiratório no pós-operatório da cirurgia cardíaca no Hospital Português de Pernambuco em relação à mortalidade hospitalar e identificar os pacientes com maior risco de desenvolver essa complicação.Métodos:Estudo do tipo transversal observacional realizado na Unidade de Recuperação de Cirurgia Cardiotorácica, utilizando informações de um banco de dados composto por um total de 900 pacientes operados nesse hospital no período de 01/07/2008 a 31/07/2009. Foram incluídos pacientes cujos prontuários continham todas as informações necessárias, totalizando 109 pacientes, havendo exclusão de dois. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos, com e sem infecção do trato respiratório, conforme o desenvolvimento ou não infecção do trato respiratório no internamento, sendo os pacientes do grupo sem infecção do trato respiratório, fruto de randomização, utilizando-se para o pareamento dos grupos o tipo de cirurgia realizada. As variáveis de desfecho avaliadas foram mortalidade, tempo de internamento hospitalar e tempo de internamento em unidade de terapia intensiva. As médias das variáveis quantitativas foram comparadas por meio do teste de Wilcoxon e t de student.Resultados:Os grupos mostraram-se semelhantes. A mortalidade no grupo RTI foi significativamente maior (P<0,0001). Os tempos de internamento hospitalar e em unidade de terapia intensiva foram significativamente maiores no grupo infecção do trato respiratório (P<0,0001). A presença de infecção do trato respiratório associou-se ao desenvolvimento de outras complicações como insuficiência renal dialítica e acidente vascular cerebral, P<0,00001 e P=0,002, respectivamente.Conclusão:O desenvolvimento de infecção do trato respiratório no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca relaciona-se a maior mortalidade, maiores tempos de internamento e permanência em unidade de terapia intensiva.

Impact of respiratory infection in the results of cardiac surgery in a tertiary hospital in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of respiratory tract infection in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery in relation to mortality and to identify patients at higher risk of developing this complication. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study conducted at the Recovery of Cardiothoracic Surgery, using information from a database consisting of a total of 900 patients operated on in this hospital during the period from 01/07/2008 to 1/07/2009. We included patients whose medical records contained all the information required and undergoing elective surgery, totaling 109 patients with two excluded. Patients were divided into two groups, WITH and WITHOUT respiratory tract infection, as the development or respiratory tract infection in hospital, with patients in the group without respiratory tract infection, the result of randomization, using for the pairing of the groups the type of surgery performed. The outcome variables assessed were mortality, length of hospital stay and length of stay in intensive care unit. The means of quantitative variables were compared using the Wilcoxon and student t-test. RESULTS: The groups were similar (average age P=0.17; sex P=0.94; surgery performed P=0.85-1.00) Mortality in the WITH respiratory tract infection group was significantly higher (P<0.0001). The times of hospitalization and intensive care unit were significantly higher in respiratory tract infection (P<0.0001). The presence of respiratory tract infection was associated with the development of other complications such as renal failure dialysis and stroke P<0.00001 and P=0.002 respectively. CONCLUSION: The development of respiratory tract infection postoperative cardiac surgery is related to higher mortality, longer periods of hospitalization and intensive care unit stay.

Use of EuroSCORE as a predictor of morbidity after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of the EuroSCORE as a predictor of postoperative morbidity after cardiac surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the charts of 900 patients operated on and admitted to the intensive care unit postoperatively at the Royal Portuguese Hospital of Recife. We included all patients with complete medical records, excluding those who died during surgery, underwent transplantation or correction of congenital heart disease. We evaluated the development of respiratory infection, cerebrovascular accident, and dialysis-dependent renal failure, and the EuroSCORE was compared in terms of the three complications using the Mann-Whitney test. The calibration model for predicting the morbidities being studied was evaluated using the test set of Homer-Lemeshow goodness. The accuracy of the model was assessed using the area under the ROC curve (AUROC). RESULTS: The model showed good calibration in predicting respiratory infection, acute renal failure and stroke (P=0.285, P=0.789, P=0.45, respectively), with good accuracy for respiratory infection (AUROC=0.710 and P<0.001) and dialysis-dependent renal failure (AUROC=0.834 and P<0.001), but no accuracy to predict stroke (AUROC=0.519). The high-risk patients were more likely to develop respiratory infection (OR=9.05, P<0.001) and dialysis-dependent renal failure (OR=39.6, P<0.001). The probability of developing respiratory infection and dialysis-dependent renal failure was less than 10% with EuroSCORE up to 7 and more than 70% with EuroSCORE greater than 15. CONCLUSION: EuroSCORE proved to be a good predictor of major postoperative morbidity in cardiac surgery: respiratory and dialysis-dependent renal failure.

Indicação de revascularização miocárdica em pacientes dialíticos / Indication myocardial revascularization in dialysis patients

Fundamentos: Pacientes dialíticos apresentam alto risco aterosclerótico, sendo previsto aumento nas indicações de revascularização miocárdica (RM) nesse grupo.Objetivos: Avaliar características clínicas, laboratoriais, ecoDopplercardiográficas e cineangiocoronariográficas de pacientes dialíticos e do subgrupo com indicação de RM.Métodos: Foram analisados 94 pacientes dialíticos submetidos à cineangiocoronariografia, estratificados em dois grupos: com e sem doença coronariana (DAC). Resultados: 94 pacientes, 57,4 % homens, média de idade 53,9±10,1 anos, 95,7 % hemodialíticos, mediana do tempo diálise 60,0 meses. Ao ecoDopplercardiograma a fração de ejeção média foi 61,07±12,06 % (n=84); função diastólica normal em 16,9 %, tipo I em 63,9 %, tipo II em 12,0 % e tipo III em 7,2 %. A população estudada foi estratificada em dois grupos: com DAC (n=47) e sem DAC (n=47). No grupo com DAC, 27,7 % eram triarteriais, 12,8 % uniarteriais e 9,6 % biarteriais, sendo mais frequente: DAC prévia (17,0 % vs. 2,1 %; p=0,003), calcificação parietal à cineangiocoronariografia (76,6 % vs. 10,6 %; p<0,001) e uso prévio de betabloqueadores (55,3 % vs. 27,7 %; p=0,007). Nos pacientes não diabéticos, aqueles com disfunção diastólica tiveram quatro vezes mais chance de coronariopatia (OR 4,26 IC 1,03-23,55; p=0,048). Houve elevada indicação de RM nos coronariopatas (61,7 %), com indicação cirúrgica em 51,7 % dos revascularizáveis. Conclusões: DAC prévia, calcificação parietal na cineangiocoronariografia e uso prévio de betabloqueadores foram mais frequentes nos coronariopatas. Disfunção diastólica ao ecoDopplercardiograma foi o único preditor independente para DAC em pacientes dialíticos. Indicação de RM foi elevada nos coronariopatas.

Background: Dialysis patients are at high risk for atherosclerosis, with increased indications for myocardial revascularization (MR) in this group. Objectives: To assess clinical, laboratory, echoDoppercardiographic and coronary angiography parameters among dialysis patients and in a subgroup with MR indications. Methods: 94 dialysis patients undergoing coronary angiography were analyzed and divided into two groups: with and without coronary artery disease (CAD). Results: 94 patients; 57.4% men, mean age 53.9±10.1 years, 95.7% on hemodialysis, median dialysis time of 60.0 months. Mean ejection fraction in echocardiography: 61.07±12.06% (n=84), normal diastolic function in 16.9%, type I diastolic dysfunction in 63.9%, type II in 12.0% and type III in 7.2%. The population was divided into two groups: with CAD (n = 47) and without CAD (n = 47). In the CAD group, 27.7% had three-vessel, 12.8% one-vessel and 9.6% two-vessel disease, with prior CAD (17.0% vs. 2.1%; p=0.003), parietal calcification in coronary angiography (76.6% vs. 10.6%; p<0.001), with prior use of beta-blockers (55.3% vs. 27.7%; p=0.007) being more frequent in the CAD group. Among non-diabetic patients, those with diastolic dysfunction were four times more likely to have CAD (OR 4.26 CI 1.03–23.55; p=0.048). There was a high level (61.7%) of MR indications among CAD patients, with surgery indicated for 51.7% of those suitable for revascularization. Conclusions: Prior CAD, parietal calcification in coronary angiography and prior use of beta-blockers were more frequent in the CAD group. Diastolic dysfunction in the echoDopplercardiograms was the only independent CAD predictor among dialysis patients, with MR indications high for coronary heart disease patients.

Uso do EuroSCORE como preditor de morbidade no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca / Use of EuroSCORE as a predictor of morbidity after cardiac surgery

Objetivo: Avaliar o uso do EuroSCORE como preditor de morbidade no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca. Métodos: Foram analisados, retrospectivamente, os prontuários de 900 pacientes operados no Real Hospital Português do Recife e admitidos na unidade de terapia intensiva pós-operatória. Foram incluídos todos os pacientes com prontuários completos, sendo excluídos aqueles que foram a óbito no transoperatório, submetidos a transplante ou a correção de cardiopatia congênita. Foi avaliado o desenvolvimento de infecção respiratória, acidente vascular cerebral e insuficiência renal dialítica, sendo o EuroSCORE comparado em relação às três complicações, usando-se o teste de Mann-Whitney. A calibração do modelo para predição das morbidades estudadas foi avaliado com o teste de ajuste de bondade de Homer-Lemeshow. A acurácia do modelo foi avaliada utilizando-se a área sob a curva ROC (ASROC). Resultados: O modelo apresentou boa calibração na predição de infecção respiratória, insuficiência renal dialítica e acidente vascular cerebral (P=0,285; P=0,789; P=0,45, respectivamente), tendo boa acurácia para infecção respiratória (ASROC=0,710 e P<0,001) e insuficiência renal dialítica (ASROC=0,834 e P<0,001) e sem acurácia para acidente vascular cerebral (ASROC=0,519). Os pacientes de alto risco apresentaram maior chance de desenvolver infecção respiratória (OR=9,05; P<0,001) e insuficiência renal dialítica (OR=39,6; P<0,001). A probabilidade de desenvolver infecção respiratória e insuficiência renal dialítica foi de menos de 10% com EuroSCORE até 7 e de mais de 70% com EuroSCORE maior que 15. Conclusão: O EuroSCORE mostrou-se um bom ...

Objective: To evaluate the use of the EuroSCORE as a predictor of postoperative morbidity after cardiac surgery. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the charts of 900 patients operated on and admitted to the intensive care unit postoperatively at the Royal Portuguese Hospital of Recife. We included all patients with complete medical records, excluding those who died during surgery, underwent transplantation or correction of congenital heart disease. We evaluated the development of respiratory infection, cerebrovascular accident, and dialysis-dependent renal failure, and the EuroSCORE was compared in terms of the three complications using the Mann-Whitney test. The calibration model for predicting the morbidities being studied was evaluated using the test set of Homer-Lemeshow goodness. The accuracy of the model was assessed using the area under the ROC curve (AUROC). Results: The model showed good calibration in predicting respiratory infection, acute renal failure and stroke (P=0.285, P=0.789, P=0.45, respectively), with good accuracy for respiratory infection (AUROC=0.710 and P<0.001) and dialysis-dependent renal failure (AUROC=0.834 and P<0.001), but no accuracy to predict stroke (AUROC=0.519). The high-risk patients were more likely to develop respiratory infection (OR=9.05, P<0.001) and dialysis-dependent renal failure (OR=39.6, P<0.001). The probability of developing respiratory infection and dialysis-dependent renal failure was less than 10% with EuroSCORE up to 7 and more than 70% with EuroSCORE greater than 15. Conclusion: EuroSCORE proved to be a good predictor of major postoperative morbidity in cardiac surgery: respiratory and dialysis-dependent renal failure. .

Ressecção de lipoma do septo interventricular / Lipoma resection of the interventricular septum

Relatamos o caso de um homem de 43 anos, assintomático, portador de um lipoma do septo interventricular, diagnosticado durante exame médico de rotina, por meio de ecocardiograma bidimensional e confirmado por tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética. O paciente foi submetido, com sucesso, à ressecção do tumor.

We report the case of an asymptomatic 43-year-old-man with a lipoma of the interventricular septum. Diagnosis was established during routine medical examination by 2-dimensional echocardiography and confirmed by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The patient underwent successful resection of the tumor.

Assesment of the EuroSCORE as a predictor for mortality in valve cardiac surgery at the Heart Institute of Pernambuco.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the applicability of the European Risk System in Cardiac Operations (EuroSCORE) in patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery at the Heart Institute of Pernambuco. METHOD: 840 patients operated on between 2001 and 2009, who medical records contained all the informations to calculate the EuroSCORE were included in the study. Hospital death was the end-point of the study. In order to assess the applicability of the EuroSCORE it was used the non parametric test of Mann-Whitney. The calibration of the model was measured by comparing the morbidity observed with that expected, using the Hosmer-Lemeshow Test of Goodness of Fit. The accuracy of the model was evaluated by the ROC curve (receiver operating characteristic curve). RESULTS: The comparison of expected and observed mortality, by Hosmer-Lemershow test, showed good predictive capacity (P = 0.767) as well as when compared to each value of addictive EuroSCORE (P = 0,455). The area of ROC curve was 0.731 (IC 95%, 0.660 - 0.793) with P < 0.001. The global predicted mortality was practically identical to that observed (7.9%). The low-risk group (EuroSCORE 0-2) comprised 345 patients with a mortality of 3.19%. The medium-risk group (EuroSCORE 3-5) comprised 364 patients, with a mortality of 7.69% and the high-risk group (EuroSCORE > 6) included 131 patients, with a mortality of 20.6%. The regression logistic analyses allowed to identify the following risk-factors for death: age > 60 years, gender female, previous operation, active endocarditis, associated surgery of the thoracic aorta and extra-cardiac arteriopathy. CONCLUSION: The EuroSCORE, a simple and objective method, proved to be a satisfactory predictor of operative mortality and risk factors for death in patients submitted to valve cardiac operations in the Heart Institute of Pernambuco.

Avaliação do EuroSCORE como preditor de mortalidade em cirurgia cardíaca valvar no Instituto do Coração de Pernambuco / Assesment of the EuroSCORE as a predictor for mortality in valve cardiac surgery at the Heart Institute of Pernambuco

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a aplicabilidade do Sistema Europeu de Risco em Operações Cardíacas (EuroSCORE) em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia valvar no Instituto do Coração de Pernambuco. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos no estudo 840 pacientes operados entre 2001 e 2009. Os prontuários desses doentes continham todas as informações que permitiram calcular o EuroSCORE. O desfecho de interesse foi óbito na internação. Com o objetivo de avaliar a aplicabilidade do EuroSCORE, foi usado o teste não paramétrico de Mann-Whitney. A calibração do modelo foi medida pela comparação da mortalidade observada com a esperada, usando-se o teste de bondade de ajuste de Hosmer-Lemershow. A acurácia do modelo foi avaliada pela curva ROC (receiver operating characteristic curve). RESULTADOS: A comparação entre a mortalidade prevista e a observada, por meio do teste de Hosmer-Lemershow, evidenciou boa capacidade preditiva (P=0,767), assim como quando comparada para cada valor do EuroSCORE Aditivo (P=0,455). Obteve-se uma área sob a curva de ROC de 0,731 (IC95 por cento 0,660 - 0,793), com valor de P<0,001. A mortalidade global prevista foi praticamente idêntica à observada (7,9 por cento). O grupo de baixo risco (EuroSCORE 0-2) era constituído por 345 pacientes, e a mortalidade foi de 3,19 por cento. O grupo de médio risco (EuroSCORE 3-5) compreendeu 364 pacientes, com mortalidade de 7,69 por cento, e o grupo de alto risco (EuroSCORE >6) incluiu 131 pacientes, com mortalidade foi 20,6 por cento. A análise de regressão logística permitiu identificar os seguintes fatores de risco para o óbito: idade acima de 60 anos, sexo feminino, operação prévia, endocardite ativa, cirurgia associada da aorta torácica e arteriopatia extracardíaca. CONCLUSÕES: O EuroSCORE, um método simples e objetivo, revelou-se um preditor satisfatório de mortalidade operatória e, por ele, foram identificados fatores de risco para o óbito em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia valvar no Instituto do Coração de Pernambuco.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the applicability of the European Rysk System in Cardiac Operations (EuroSCORE) in patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery at the Heart Institute of Pernambuco. METHOD: 840 patients operated on between 2001 and 2009, who medical records contained all the informations to calculate the EuroSCORE were included in the study. Hospital death was the end-point of the study. In order to assess the applicability of the EuroSCORE it was used the non parametric test of Mann-Whitney. The calibration of the model was measured by comparing the morbidity observed with that expected, using the Hosmer-Lemeshow Test of Goodness of Fit. The accuracy of the model was evaluated by the ROC curve (receiver operating characteristic curve). RESULTS: The comparison of expected and observed mortality, by Hosmer-Lemershow test, showed good predictive capacity (P = 0.767) as well as when compared to each value of addictive EuroSCORE (P = 0,455). The area of ROC curve was 0.731 (IC 95 percent, 0.660 - 0.793) with P < 0.001. The global predicted mortality was practically identical to that observed (7.9 percent). The low-risk group (EuroSCORE 0-2) comprised 345 patients with a mortality of 3.19 percent. The medium-risk group (EuroSCORE 3-5) comprised 364 patients, with a mortality of 7.69 percent and the high-risk group (EuroSCORE > 6) included 131 patients, with a mortality of 20.6 percent. The regression logistic analyses allowed to identify the following risk-factors for death: age > 60 years, gender female, previous operation, active endocarditis, associated surgery of the thoracic aorta and extra-cardiac arteriopathy. CONCLUSION: The EuroSCORE, a simple and objective method, proved to be a satisfactory predictor of operative mortality and risk factors for death in patients submitted to valve cardiac operations in the Heart Institute of Pernambuco.

Lipoma resection of the interventricular septum.

We report the case of an asymptomatic 43-year-old-man with a lipoma of the interventricular septum. Diagnosis was established during routine medical examination by 2-dimensional echocardiography and confirmed by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The patient underwent successful resection of the tumor.

Experiência com a técnica de ampliação do folheto posterior para correção da insuficiência mitral reumática na infância / Experience with the posterior leaflet extension technique for correction of rheumatic mitral insufficiency in children

Objetivo: Descrever a experiência com a técnica de ampliação do folheto posterior em crianças com insuficiência mitral reumática. Métodos: Entre abril de 2002 e outubro de 2007, 30 crianças com idade média de 11,3 anos, foram submetidas à correção de insuficiência mitral pela técnica de ampliação do folheto posterior com enxerto de pericárdio. Em oito pacientes, utilizou-se o anel de Carpentier. Seis crianças apresentavam doença da valva aórtica: cinco, foram submetidas à operação de Ross e, uma, a substituição da valva aórtica por homoenxerto. Todas estavam em classe funcional III ou IV (classificação da New York Heart Association). Resultados: Houve um óbito hospitalar. Uma criança exibiu acentuada hemólise no pós-operatório e foi submetida à substituição da valva mitral. Os demais pacientes tiveram evolução favorável. Conclusão: A técnica de ampliação do folheto posterior com enxerto de pericárdio é efetiva na correção da insuficiência mitral reumática em crianças.

Objective: To describe the experience with the technique of posterior leaflet extension in children suffering of rheumatic mitral regurgitation. Methods: Between April 2002, and October 2007, 30 children, mean age 11.3 years, underwent correction of mitral insufficiency with the technique of posterior leaflet extension with a pericardial patch. Eight also received a Carpentier ring. Six children had aortic valve disease and were submitted to Ross operation (five cases) or valve replacement with an aortic homograft. All were in functional class III or IV (NYHA classification). Results: There was one death. One child presented severe hemolysis in the postoperative period and was submitted to mitral valve replacement. Clinical evolution in the remaining patients was good. Conclusions: Posterior leaflet extension of the mitral valve seems to be an effective surgical technique for correction of rheumatic mitral insufficiency in children.

Should the diabetics have the internal thoracic artery skeletonized? Assessment of sternal perfusion by scintillography.

OBJECTIVE: To assess, by scintillography, the effect of using bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITAs) - prepared by two different techniques - on the sternal perfusion. METHODS: 35 patients undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were divided into two groups: Group A (18) had both ITA's dissected using skeletonization technique and group B (17) as pedicle preparation. There was no difference in the two groups relating gender, age and demographic characteristics. On the 7th postoperative day the patients underwent bone scintillography. The statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t test with 95% significance. RESULTS: Group A (skeletonized ITA) showed higher perfusion (11.5%) of the sternum as a mean, than Group B (pedicled ITA) patients; however this was not statistically significant (P = 0.127). On the other hand, comparing the diabetic population, seven in each group, there was a marked 47.4% higher perfusion of the sternum in Group A patients (skeletonized ITA) comparing to Group B (pedicled ITA) and this difference reached statistical significance (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: 1- Sternal perfusion is not affected significantly apart from the dissection technique used for both internal thoracic arteries in the general population when assessed by bone scintillography. 2 - In the diabetic subgroup, a significant preservation of the sternal perfusion was observed in patients undergone skeletonized dissection of the internal thoracic arteries. Although these findings should be confirmed in a greater number of cases, diabetic patients should have the internal thoracic arteries dissected using skeletonization techinque.