Randomized trial of routine versus on-demand intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in lung transplantation: A feasibility study.

In most centers, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is the preferred means to provide cardiopulmonary support during lung transplantation. However, there is controversy about whether intraoperative venoarterial (VA) ECMO should be used routinely or selectively. A randomized controlled trial is the best way to address this controversy. In this publication, we describe a feasibility study to assess the practicality of a protocol comparing routine versus selective VA-ECMO during lung transplantation. This prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial screened all patients undergoing lung transplantation. Exclusion criteria include retransplantation, multiorgan transplantation, and cases where ECMO is mandatory. We determined that the trial would be feasible if we could recruit 19 participants over 6 months with less than 10% protocol violations. Based on the completed feasibility study, we conclude that the protocol is feasible and safe, giving us the impetus to pursue a multicenter trial with little risk of failure due to low recruitment.

Predictive Value of a New Brief Cognitive Test for Long-term Functional Outcome in Acute Traumatic Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how results on the EXAmen Cognitif abrégé en Traumatologie (EXACT), a new test specifically designed to briefly assess global cognitive functioning during the acute phase of traumatic brain injury (TBI), can predict long-term functional outcome compared with length of posttraumatic amnesia (PTA), a well-established predictor. DESIGN: Inception cohort. SETTINGS: Level 1 trauma center. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 90 patients (N=90) hospitalized for a moderate or severe TBI. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Performance on the EXACT in the first 3 months after injury and results on the Disability Rating Scale (DRS) at follow-up 1-2 years later. RESULTS: EXACT scores were all correlated with length of PTA and DRS result. Compared with length of PTA, the EXACT added significantly to the regression and improved prediction of functional outcome. More specifically, a total score ≤80 on the EXACT was associated with a higher rate of long-term disability because of more severe TBI consequences. Behavioral regulation and executive functions were the cognitive domains that showed the most impairment, followed by attention and working memory as well as episodic memory. Except for length of PTA and hospital stay, the DRS score was not correlated with other demographic (age, education) or clinical variables (Glasgow Coma Scale and maximum score on the Therapy Intensity Level Scale). CONCLUSIONS: The EXACT can be administered to most patients early in the acute phase of TBI, and results could be used, along with other predictors such as PTA, to estimate their long-term functional sequelae. The EXACT may be a promising brief cognitive instrument for future studies investigating recovery after TBI.

Caution: Air Embolism Related to Heli-Fx EndoAnchor System in Zone 2 Thoracic Aneurysm Repair.

PURPOSE: We report a case of significant air embolization to the ascending aorta immediately following deployment of EndoAnchors in the aortic arch during a procedure to correct a type 1A endoleak. CASE REPORT: The novel Heli-Fx EndoAnchor system (Medtronic Vascular, Santa Rosa, CA, USA) was used to deploy helical anchors in the distal aortic arch during a procedure to correct a type 1A endoleak following Zone 2 thoracic endovascular aortic repair of a saccular proximal descending thoracic aorta aneurysm (DTAA). The patient developed ST-segment elevations principally in the inferior leads and severe hypotension moments after EndoAnchor deployment at the proximal edge of the endograft. Transesophageal echocardiogram revealed severe right ventricular hypokinesis and a large amount of air in the ascending aorta. Subsequent management and clinical and radiological 30-day follow-up is presented in addition to a review of the literature and ex vivo testing with the Heli-Fx system to examine potential causes and solutions. CONCLUSION: Precautions, such as pressurized saline infusion to the side port of guiding sheath, should be used whenever manipulating catheters and sheaths such as the EndoAnchor system in the aortic arch to prevent this potentially lethal complication.

Protocol for the electroencephalography guidance of anesthesia to alleviate geriatric syndromes (ENGAGES-Canada) study: A pragmatic, randomized clinical trial.

Background:  There is some evidence that electroencephalography guidance of general anesthesia can decrease postoperative delirium after non-cardiac surgery.  There is limited evidence in this regard for cardiac surgery.  A suppressed electroencephalogram pattern, occurring with deep anesthesia, is associated with increased incidence of postoperative delirium (POD) and death.  However, it is not yet clear whether this electroencephalographic pattern reflects an underlying vulnerability associated with increased incidence of delirium and mortality, or whether it is a modifiable risk factor for these adverse outcomes. Methods:  The Electroe ncephalography Guidance of Anesthesia to Alleviate Geriatric Syndromes ( ENGAGES-Canada) is an ongoing pragmatic 1200 patient trial at four Canadian sites.  The study compares the effect of two anesthetic management approaches on the incidence of POD after cardiac surgery.  One approach is based on current standard anesthetic practice and the other on electroencephalography guidance to reduce POD. In the guided arm, clinicians are encouraged to decrease anesthetic administration, primarily if there is electroencephalogram suppression and secondarily if the EEG index is lower than the manufacturers recommended value (bispectral index (BIS) or WAVcns below 40 or Patient State Index below 25).  The aim in the guided group is to administer the minimum concentration of anesthetic considered safe for individual patients.  The primary outcome of the study is the incidence of POD, detected using the confusion assessment method or the confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit; coupled with structured delirium chart review.  Secondary outcomes include unexpected intraoperative movement, awareness, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, delirium severity and duration, quality of life, falls, and predictors and outcomes of perioperative distress and dissociation. Discussion:  The ENGAGES-Canada trial will help to clarify whether or not using the electroencephalogram to guide anesthetic administration during cardiac surgery decreases the incidence, severity, and duration of POD. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT02692300) 26/02/2016.