Microbial diagnosis of infection and colonization of cardiac implantable electronic devices by use of sonication.

OBJECTIVES: The clinical utility of sonication as an adjunctive diagnostic tool for the microbial diagnosis of cardiac implantable device-associated infections (CIDAIs) was investigated. METHODS: The implants of 83 subjects were investigated, 15 with a CIDAI and 68 without a clinical infection. Clinical data were analyzed prospectively and sonication fluid cultures (83 patients, 100%) and traditional cultures (31 patients, 37.4%) were performed RESULTS: Generator pocket infection and device-related endocarditis were found in 13 (86.7%) and four (26.7%) subjects, respectively. The mean numbers of previous technical complications and infections were higher in the infected patients compared to the non-infected patients (8 vs. 1, p<0.001; 2 vs. 0, p<0.031, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity for detecting CIDAI was 73.3% (11/15) and 48.5% (33/68) for sonication fluid culture, and 26.7% (4/15) and 100% (16/16) for traditional culture (p<0.001), respectively. A higher number of organisms were identified by sonication fluid than by tissue culture (58 vs. 4 specimens; p<0.001). The most frequent organisms cultured were Gram-positive cocci (66.1%), mainly coagulase-negative staphylococci (35.5%). Thirty-five (51.5%) non-infected subjects were considered colonized due to the positive identification of organisms exclusively through sonication fluid culture. CONCLUSIONS: Sonication fluid culture from the removed cardiac implants has the potential to improve the microbiological diagnosis of CIDAIs.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy: long-term follow up.

INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease is a major cause of cardiomyopathy and sudden death in our country. It has a high mortality when their patients develop New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to analyze the clinical outcome of patients with Chagas' cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure with optimized pharmacological therapy, undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy. METHODS: Between January 2004 and February 2009, 72 patients with Chagas' cardiomyopathy in NYHA class III and IV underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy and were monitored to assess their clinical evolution. We used the t test or the Wilcoxon test to compare the same variable in two different times. A P value < 0.05 was established as statistically significant. RESULTS: The average clinical follow-up was 46.6 months (range 4-79 months). At the end of the evaluation, 87.4% of patients were in NYHA class I or II (P<0.001). There was response to therapy in 65.3% of patients (P<0.001), with an overall mortality of 34.7%. CONCLUSION: In patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy, we found the following statistically significant changes: improvement in NYHA class and increase of left ventricle ejection fraction, a decrease of the systolic final diameter and systolic final left ventricle volume and improvement of patient survival.

Terapia de ressincronização cardíaca em pacientes com cardiomiopatia chagásica crônica: seguimento de longo prazo / Cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy: long-term follow up

Introdução: A doença de Chagas é a maior causa de miocardiopatia e morte súbita em nosso país. Apresenta alta mortalidade quando seus portadores evoluem para classe funcional IV da New York Heart Association (NYHA). Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a evolução clínica dos pacientes portadores de cardiomiopatia chagásica com insuficiência cardíaca avançada e terapia farmacológica otimizada submetido a terapia de ressincronização cardíaca. Métodos: Entre janeiro de 2004 e fevereiro de 2009, 72 pacientes com cardiomiopatia chagásica em classe funcional III e IV da NYHA foram submetidos à terapia de ressincronização cardíaca e acompanhados para avaliar sua evolução clínica. Para comparar a mesma variável em dois momentos diferentes utilizamos o Teste t pareado ou o Teste de Wilcoxon. Um valor de P<0,05 foi estabelecido como estatisticamente significante. Resultados: O acompanhamento clínico médio foi de 46,6 meses (variando de 4 a 79 meses). Ao final do seguimento, 87,4% dos pacientes estavam em classe funcional I ou II da NYHA (P<0,001). Houve resposta à terapia em 65,3% dos pacientes (P<0,001), com mortalidade total de 34,7%. Conclusão: Nos pacientes com cardiomiopatia chagásica crônica submetidos à terapia de ressincronização cardíaca, encontramos as seguintes alterações estatisticamente significativas: melhora da classe funcional segundo NYHA; melhora da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo; diminuição do diâmetro sistólico final e volume sistólico final do ventrículo esquerdo e maior sobrevida destes pacientes. .

Introduction: Chagas disease is a major cause of cardiomyopathy and sudden death in our country. It has a high mortality when their patients develop New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV. Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the clinical outcome of patients with Chagas' cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure with optimized pharmacological therapy, undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy. Methods: Between January 2004 and February 2009, 72 patients with Chagas' cardiomyopathy in NYHA class III and IV underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy and were monitored to assess their clinical evolution. We used the t test or the Wilcoxon test to compare the same variable in two different times. A P value < 0.05 was established as statistically significant. Results: The average clinical follow-up was 46.6 months (range 4-79 months). At the end of the evaluation, 87.4% of patients were in NYHA class I or II (P<0.001). There was response to therapy in 65.3% of patients (P<0.001), with an overall mortality of 34.7%. Conclusion: In patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy, we found the following statistically significant changes: improvement in NYHA class and increase of left ventricle ejection fraction, a decrease of the systolic final diameter and systolic final left ventricle volume and improvement of patient survival. .

Tratamento cirúrgico das taquiarritmias: qual o paciente ideal?: [revisão] / Surgical treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmia: which one is the ideal patients?: [review]

Ischemic heart disease is the main cause of congestive heart failure. Left ventricularaneurysm resection has been recommended to treat congestive heart failure, fatal arrhythmias, toprevent thromboembolic complications, and angina. We describe our experience with left ventricularaneurysmectomy, preservig the elliptical form, with heart beating continuously. Many patients hadindication of cardiodesfibrilator implant prior the surgery and 70% became free from this device afterthe aneurysmectomy. The method is safe, reprodutible, with low mortality and morbidity.

A doença isquêmica do coração é a maior responsável pelos casos de Insuficiência Cardíaca. A ressecção do aneurisma de ventrículo esquerdo tem sido preconizada para tratar a insuficiência cardíaca, controlar arritmias fatais, prevenir tromboembolismo e tratar a angina. Descrevemos um método original de tratamento dos aneurismas do ventrículo esquerdo, mantendo a forma elipsoidal do VE, com o coração batendo ininterruptamente. Vários pacientes foram enviados para implante de cardiodesfibrilador e 70% deles foram curados com a cirurgia de ressecção do aneurisma do VE, confirmado por estudo eletrofisiológico pré e pós-operatório. O método se mostrou seguro...

Efetividade e segurança dos stents farmacológicos em um serviço de cardiologia em Curitiba-PR / Effectiveness and safety of drug-eluting stents in a cardiology clinic in Curitiba, PR, Brazil

FUNDAMENTO: A efetividade e segurança de stents farmacológicos (SF) ainda têm sido questionadas. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a efetividade e segurança desses stents, e a incidência da revascularização da lesão tratada (RLT), além de identificar possíveis variáveis que influenciam a necessidade de RLT. MÉTODOS: Selecionaram-se 203 pacientes do Hospital Costantini que tiveram acompanhamento clínico no período de 1 a 3 anos. RESULTADOS: Observou-se o seguinte quadro: 470 lesões; 171 (84,24 por cento) pacientes eram homens; 54 (26,6 por cento), diabéticos; 131 (64,35 por cento), hipertensos; 127 (62,56 por cento), dislipidêmicos; 40 (19,70 por cento), tabagistas; e 79 (38,92 por cento) apresentavam história familiar de coronariopatia. Ainda: 49 (24,14 por cento) pacientes apresentavam angina estável; 58 (28,57 por cento), angina instável; e 6 (2,96 por cento), infarto agudo do miocárdio. Desses pacientes, 85 (41,87 por cento) eram assintomáticos, e 146 (71,92 por cento), multiarteriais. Nas características das lesões, 77,45 por cento foram B2/C (AHA/ACC). Taxus foi implantado em 73,62 por cento dos pacientes. Em 381 (81,96 por cento), constataram-se stents com diâmetro > 2,5 mm. O comprimento de stent era < 30 mm em 67,87 por cento das lesões, com média de 2,3 stents por paciente. Após acompanhamento, 19 pacientes (9,3 por cento) submeteram-se à RLT. Houve morte de 4 pacientes (1,97 por cento), sendo 2 pacientes por IAM (0,98 por cento), um com AVC (0,49 por cento) e um com aneurisma de aorta abdominal (0,49 por cento). Ainda observamos um paciente com trombose tardia (0,49 por cento) e um com reinfarto (0,49 por cento). Na análise estatística realizada, apenas a característica da lesão em bifurcação aproximou-se de significância estatística com p < 0,06. CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos que os stents farmacológicos apresentam boa efetividade e segurança, observamos incidência de 9,3 por cento de RLT e não identificamos variável...

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness and safety of drug-eluting stents (DES) have still been questioned. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of these stents, as well as the incidence of target lesion revascularization (TLR), in addition to identifying possible variables influencing the need for TLR. METHODS: A total of 203 patients from Hospital Costantini who were clinically followed up for one to 3 years were selected. RESULTS: The sample characteristics were as follows: 470 lesions; 171 (84.24 percent) male patients; 54 (26.6 percent) had diabetes; 131 (64.35 percent) had hypertension; 127 (62.56 percent), dyslipidemia; 40 (19.70 percent) were smokers; and 79 (38.92 percent) had a family history of coronary artery disease. Also: 49 (24.14 percent) patients presented with stable angina; 58 (28.57 percent), unstable angina; and 6 (2.96 percent), myocardial infarction. Eighty five (41.87 percent) patients were asymptomatic, and 146 (71.92 percent), had multivessel disease. As for the characteristics of the lesions, 77.45 percent were B2/C (AHA/ACC). Taxus was implanted in 73.62 percent of the patients. Stents with diameter > 2.5 mm were used in 381 (81.96 percent) patients. The stent length was < 30 mm in 67.87 percent of the lesions, with a mean of 2.3 stents per patient. After follow-up, 19 patients (9.3 percent) underwent TLR. Four patients died (1.97 percent), two of them of MI (0.98 percent), one of stroke (0.49 percent), and one of abdominal aneurysm (0.49 percent). Also, one patient died of late thrombosis (0.49 percent), and one of reinfarction (0.49 percent). In the statistical analysis carried out, only the bifurcation lesions variable reached values close to the statistical significance level, with p < 0.06. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, drug-eluting stents have good effectiveness and safety profiles; the incidence of TLR was 9.3 percent, and we did not identify a variable correlated...

Effectiveness and safety of drug-eluting stents in a cardiology clinic in Curitiba, PR, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness and safety of drug-eluting stents (DES) have still been questioned. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of these stents, as well as the incidence of target lesion revascularization (TLR), in addition to identifying possible variables influencing the need for TLR. METHODS: A total of 203 patients from Hospital Costantini who were clinically followed up for one to 3 years were selected. RESULTS: The sample characteristics were as follows: 470 lesions; 171 (84.24%) male patients; 54 (26.6%) had diabetes; 131 (64.35%) had hypertension; 127 (62.56%), dyslipidemia; 40 (19.70%) were smokers; and 79 (38.92%) had a family history of coronary artery disease. Also: 49 (24.14%) patients presented with stable angina; 58 (28.57%), unstable angina; and 6 (2.96%), myocardial infarction. Eighty five (41.87%) patients were asymptomatic, and 146 (71.92%), had multivessel disease. As for the characteristics of the lesions, 77.45% were B2/C (AHA/ACC). Taxus was implanted in 73.62% of the patients. Stents with diameter > 2.5 mm were used in 381 (81.96%) patients. The stent length was < 30 mm in 67.87% of the lesions, with a mean of 2.3 stents per patient. After follow-up, 19 patients (9.3%) underwent TLR. Four patients died (1.97%), two of them of MI (0.98%), one of stroke (0.49%), and one of abdominal aneurysm (0.49%). Also, one patient died of late thrombosis (0.49%), and one of reinfarction (0.49%). In the statistical analysis carried out, only the bifurcation lesions variable reached values close to the statistical significance level, with p < 0.06. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, drug-eluting stents have good effectiveness and safety profiles; the incidence of TLR was 9.3%, and we did not identify a variable correlated with the need for TLR.

Seven years' outcome of simultaneous surgical treatment of atrial septal defect and atrial flutter in 2 children: case reports.

We describe 2 children who had long-standing type 1 atrial flutter and atrial septal defect. The simultaneous surgical treatment of these 2 conditions consisted of transmural incision from the inferior edge of the septal defect to the tricuspid ring, transmural incision from the medial-superior edge of the septal defect to the tricuspid ring, and closure of the septal defect with a bovine pericardial patch. There was no arrhythmia recurrence during a 7-year follow-up period.

Impact of induced cardiac arrest on cognitive function after implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) were introduced in clinical practice in 1980 and they are considered the standard treatment for individuals at risk for fatal ventricular arrhythmias. To ensure proper working conditions, the energy necessary to interrupt ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation should be determined during implantation by a test called defibrillation threshold. For this test, it is necessary to induce ventricular fibrillation, which should be identified and treated by the device. The objective of the present study was to determine the frequency of cognitive dysfunction 24 hours after the implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients with indication of cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement and 30 patients with indication of implantable pacemaker (PM) were enrolled in this study. Patients were evaluated at the following moments: 24 hours before placement of the ICD or PM with a pre-anesthetic evaluation form, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Confusion Assessment Method (CAM); during implantation of the ICD or PM, the following parameters were determined: number of cardiac arrests and total time of cardiac arrest. Twenty-four hours after placement of the device, the following parameters were evaluated: MMSE and CAM. RESULTS: Differences in the frequency of altered MMSE and CAM scores between both groups before and after implantation were not detected by the Fisher Exact test. The mean time of cardiac arrest was 7.06 seconds, with a maximal of 15.1 and minimal of 4.7 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: Induction of cardiac arrest during defibrillation threshold testing did not cause cognitive dysfunction 24 hours after implantation of the cardioverter-defibrillator.

Pharmacological stent deployment in the left anterior descending artery: late event indicators.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of pharmacological stents in decreasing the incidence of cardiac events is not homogeneous for all lesions or patient subgroups. OBJECTIVE: 1) To evaluate the late clinical evolution of patients submitted to pharmacological stent implantation in atherosclerotic lesions of the left anterior descending artery; 2) to identify, among the clinical, angiographic and intravascular ultrasonographic characteristics, the ones predictive of cardiac event risk. METHODS: From May 2002 to August 2005, 205 patients were treated with 236 pharmacological stent implants, guided by the intravascular US (IVUS). RESULTS: After a mean follow-up period of 711 days, the rate of stent thrombosis was 0.48%, the same observed for acute myocardial infarction or revascularization surgery. The revascularization rate of the treated lesion was 7.31% and the general event rate was 10.24%. The event indicators, according to the multivariate analysis were the implant of more than one stent in the same artery, concentric lesions and the minimal intra-stent area measured by IVUS < 3.88 mm(2). CONCLUSION: Based on the data obtained, we conclude that the revascularization of the left anterior descending artery with pharmacological stent implant, chosen and optimized by IVUS, presents a low incidence of late events. The implant of two pharmacological stents for the treatment of long lesions was the main independent factor for the occurrence of late events. The final luminal area > 3.88 mm(2) obtained in the small reference-diameter segments is an independent indicator of event-free evolution.

Impacto da parada cardíaca induzida nas funções cognitivas após o implante de cardiodesfibrilador / Impacto de la parada cardíaca inducida en las funciones cognitivas después del implante de desfibrilador cardiaco / Impact of induced cardiac arrest on cognitive function after implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O cardiodesfibrilador implantável (CDI) foi introduzido na prática clínica em 1980 e é considerado o tratamento-padrão para indivíduos sob risco de desenvolverem disritmias ventriculares fatais. Com o intuito de garantir funcionamento adequado do cardiodesfibrilador, a energia necessária para o término da taquicardia ventricular ou da fibrilação ventricular deve ser determinada durante o implante, sendo esse procedimento chamado de teste do limiar de desfibrilação. Para a realização do teste é necessário que seja feita indução de fibrilação ventricular, para que o aparelho possa identificar o ritmo cardíaco e tratá-lo. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a ocorrência de disfunção cognitiva 24 horas após o implante de cardiodesfibrilador. MÉTODO: Foi selecionada uma amostra consecutiva de 30 pacientes com indicação de colocação de cardiodesfibrilador implantável (CDI) e 30 pacientes com indicação de implante de marca-passo (MP). Os pacientes foram avaliados nos seguintes momentos: 24 horas antes da colocação do CDI ou MP com ficha de avaliação pré-anestésica, Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM) e Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). Durante o implante do CDI ou MP foram medidas as variáveis: número de paradas cardíacas e tempo total de parada cardíaca. Vinte e quatro horas após colocação do CDI ou MP, foram avaliadas as variáveis: MEEM e CAM. RESULTADOS: O teste de Fisher comprovou não haver diferença da freqüência de escores alterados do MEEM e do CAM entre os grupos antes e depois dos implantes. O tempo médio de PCR foi 7,06 segundos, com máximos e mínimos de 15,1 e 4,7 segundos. CONCLUSÕES: A indução de parada cardíaca durante o teste do limiar de desfibrilação não levou à disfunção cognitiva 24 horas após o implante de cardiodesfibrilador.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El desfibrilador cardiaco implantable (DCI) fue introducido en la práctica clínica en el 1980 y se considera el tratamiento estándar para individuos bajo el riesgo de desarrollar arritmias ventriculares fatales. Con el interés de garantizar el funcionamiento adecuado del desfibrilador cardiaco, la energía necesaria para el término de la taquicardia ventricular o de la fibrilación ventricular, debe ser determinada durante el implante, siendo este procedimiento llamado test del límite de desfibrilación. Para la realización del test es necesario que se haga la inducción de la fibrilación ventricular, para que el aparato pueda identificar el ritmo cardíaco y tratarlo. El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la incidencia de disfunción cognitiva 24 horas después del implante del desfibrilador cardiaco. MÉTODO: Se seleccionó una muestra consecutiva de 30 pacientes con indicación de colocación de desfibrilador cardiaco implantable (DCI) y 30 pacientes con indicación de implante de marca-paso (MP). Los pacientes fueron evaluados en los siguientes momentos: 24 horas antes de la colocación del DCI o MP con ficha de evaluación preanestésica, Mini-Examen del Estado Mental (MEEM) y Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). Durante el implante del DCI o MP fueron medidas las variables: número de paradas cardíacas y tiempo total de parada cardíaca. Veinte y cuatro horas después de la colocación del DCI o MP, se evaluaron las variables: MEEM y CAM. RESULTADOS: El test de Fisher mostró que no había diferencia de la frecuencia de puntuaciones alteradas del MEEM y del CAM entre los grupos antes y después de los implantes. El tiempo promedio de PCR 7,06, con máximos y mínimos de 15,1 y 4,7 segundos. CONCLUSIONES: La inducción de parada cardíaca durante el test del límite de desfibrilación, no conllevó a la disfunción cognitiva veinte y cuatro horas después del implante del desfibrilador cardiaco.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) were introduced in clinical practice in 1980 and they are considered the standard treatment for individuals at risk for fatal ventricular arrhythmias. To ensure proper working conditions, the energy necessary to interrupt ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation should be determined during implantation by a test called defibrillation threshold. For this test, it is necessary to induce ventricular fibrillation, which should be identified and treated by the device. The objective of the present study was to determine the frequency of cognitive dysfunction 24 hours after the implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients with indication of cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement and 30 patients with indication of implantable pacemaker (PM) were enrolled in this study. Patients were evaluated at the following moments: 24 hours before placement of the ICD or PM with a pre-anesthetic evaluation form, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Confusion Assessment Method (CAM); during implantation of the ICD or PM, the following parameters were determined: number of cardiac arrests and total time of cardiac arrest. Twenty-four hours after placement of the device, the following parameters were evaluated: MMSE and CAM. RESULTS: Differences in the frequency of altered MMSE and CAM scores between both groups before and after implantation were not detected by the Fisher Exact test. The mean time of cardiac arrest was 7.06 seconds, with a maximal of 15.1 and minimal of 4.7 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: Induction of cardiac arrest during defibrillation threshold testing did not cause cognitive dysfunction 24 hours after implantation of the cardioverter-defibrillator.

Implante de stents farmacológicos na artéria descendente anterior: indicadores de eventos tardios / Implante de stents farmacológicos en la arteria descendente anterior: indicadores de eventos tardíos / Pharmacological stent deployment in the left anterior descending artery: late event indicators

FUNDAMENTO: A eficácia dos stents farmacológicos em reduzir os índices de eventos cardíacos não é uniforme a todos os subgrupos de lesões ou pacientes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a evolução clínica tardia dos pacientes submetidos a implante de stents farmacológicos nas lesões ateroscleróticas da artéria descendente anterior e identificar, entre as características clínicas, angiográficas e do ultra-som intravascular, quais as que permitem predizer risco de eventos cardíacos. MÉTODOS: De maio de 2002 a agosto de 2005, foram tratados 205 pacientes com implante de 236 stents farmacológicos guiados pelo ultra-som intravascular. RESULTADOS: Com um acompanhamento médio de 711 dias, a taxa de trombose do stent foi de 0,48 por cento, a mesma observada para infarto agudo do miocárdio ou cirurgia de revascularização. A taxa de revascularização da lesão tratada foi de 7,31 por cento e a taxa global de eventos de 10,24 por cento. Os indicadores de eventos, conforme análise multivariada, foram o implante de mais de um stent na mesma artéria, lesões concêntricas e área mínima intra-stent medida pelo ultra-som intravascular menor que 3,88 mm². CONCLUSÃO: Baseados nos dados obtidos, concluímos que a revascularização da artéria descendente anterior com implante de stents farmacológicos escolhidos e otimizados pelo ultra-som intravascular apresenta baixo índice de eventos tardios. O implante de dois stents farmacológicos para o tratamento das lesões longas foi o principal fator independente para a ocorrência de eventos tardios. A área luminal final maior que 3,88 mm² obtidos nos segmentos de pequenos diâmetros de referência é um indicador independente de evolução livre de eventos.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of pharmacological stents in decreasing the incidence of cardiac events is not homogeneous for all lesions or patient subgroups. OBJECTIVE: 1) To evaluate the late clinical evolution of patients submitted to pharmacological stent implantation in atherosclerotic lesions of the left anterior descending artery; 2) to identify, among the clinical, angiographic and intravascular ultrasonographic characteristics, the ones predictive of cardiac event risk. METHODS: From May 2002 to August 2005, 205 patients were treated with 236 pharmacological stent implants, guided by the intravascular US (IVUS). RESULTS: After a mean follow-up period of 711 days, the rate of stent thrombosis was 0.48 percent, the same observed for acute myocardial infarction or revascularization surgery. The revascularization rate of the treated lesion was 7.31 percent and the general event rate was 10.24 percent. The event indicators, according to the multivariate analysis were the implant of more than one stent in the same artery, concentric lesions and the minimal intra-stent area measured by IVUS < 3.88 mm². CONCLUSION: Based on the data obtained, we conclude that the revascularization of the left anterior descending artery with pharmacological stent implant, chosen and optimized by IVUS, presents a low incidence of late events. The implant of two pharmacological stents for the treatment of long lesions was the main independent factor for the occurrence of late events. The final luminal area > 3.88 mm² obtained in the small reference-diameter segments is an independent indicator of event-free evolution.

FUNDAMENTO: La eficacia de los stents farmacológicos para reducir los índices de eventos cardiacos no es la misma para todos los subgrupos de lesiones o pacientes. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la evolución clínica tardía de los pacientes sometidos a implante de stents farmacológicos en las lesiones ateroscleróticas de la arteria descendente anterior e identificar, entre las características clínicas, angiográficas y de ultrasonido intravascular, cuales son las que permiten predecir riesgos de eventos cardiacos MÉTODOS: De mayo de 2002 a agosto de 2005, se trataron a 205 pacientes con implante de 236 stents farmacológicos guiados por ultrasonido intravascular. RESULTADOS: Con un seguimiento promedio de 711 días, la tasa de trombosis del stent fue del 0,48 por ciento, la misma que se observó para infarto agudo de miocardio o cirugía de revascularización. La tasa de revascularización de la lesión tratada fue del 7,31 por ciento y la tasa global de eventos fue del 10,24 por ciento. Los indicadores de eventos, conforme análisis multivariada, fueron el implante de más de un stent en la misma arteria, lesiones concéntricas y área mínima intrastent medida por el ultrasonido intravascular menor que 3,88 mm². CONCLUSIÓN: Tomando como base los datos obtenidos con esta investigación, concluimos que la revascularización de la arteria descendente anterior con implante de stents farmacológicos, elegidos y optimizados por el ultrasonido intravascular, presenta un bajo índice de eventos tardíos. El implante de dos stents farmacológicos para el tratamiento de las lesiones largas fue el principal factor independiente para la ocurrencia de eventos tardíos. El área luminal final mayor que 3,88 mm², obtenida en los segmentos de pequeños diámetros de referencia es un indicador independiente de evolución libre de eventos.

Coarctação de aorta no adulto: a respeito de um caso e sobre desvios extra-anatômicos / Aortic coarctation in the adult: regarding a case and extra-anatomic bypass approaches

Os autores relatam a técnica operatória empregada e a evolução clínica de um paciente adulto portador de coarctação de aorta (CoAo), no qual a correção tradicional com anastomose término-terminal com interposição de enxerto não foi possível. Durante o ato operatório, foi necessário mudar o planejamento e fazer um desvio extra-anatômico aorta ascendente-aorta descendente (Aoasc-Aodesc), via toracotomia póstero-lateral esquerda ampliada. Além disso, os autores fazem uma revisão sintética das várias abordagens possíveis usadas para os desvios extra-anatômicos e suas vantagens e desvantagens.

The authors describe the operative technique approach and its post-operative course used in an adult patient with coarctation of aorta, in which it was not possible to perform the traditional correction with an end-to-end anastomosis with graft interposition. During the surgery it was necessary to make an extra-anatomic bypass: ascending-descending aorta with an enlarged left posterior-lateral thoracotomy approach. The authors also make a short review of several possible approaches used for extra-anatomic bypass as well as its advantages and drawbacks.

Aortic coarctation in the adult: regarding a case and extra-anatomic bypass approaches.

The authors describe the operative technique approach and its post-operative course used in an adult patient with coarctation of aorta, in which it was not possible to perform the traditional correction with an end-to-end anastomosis with graft interposition. During the surgery it was necessary to make an extra-anatomic bypass: ascending-descending aorta with an enlarged left posterior-lateral thoracotomy approach. The authors also make a short review of several possible approaches used for extra-anatomic bypass as well as its advantages and drawbacks.

Exames complementares pré-operatórios: análise crítica / Preoperative exams: a critical analysis

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A avaliação pré-operatória pode se beneficiar da solicitação de exames complementares em determinados pacientes. A prática, comum há alguns anos, de conjuntos padronizados de exames solicitados rotineiramente tem sido questionada. O objetivo desta revisão foi analisar recentes publicações sobre o assunto comparando seus resultados. CONTEUDO: Foram analisados os resultados observados em revisão sistemática com as evidências disponíveis entre os anos de 1966 e 1996, em recomendações da força-tarefa da Sociedade Americana de Anestesiologistas, em atualização da revisão sistemática incluindo evidências de 1997 a 2002 e no Guia de Orientação do National Health Service da Inglaterra. CONCLUSÕES: Os exames pré-operatórios não devem ser solicitados com base em rotinas, mas orientados pelo histórico clínico, exame físico e tipo e porte do procedimento cirúrgico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Preoperative evaluation can benefit from laboratory exams in specific patients. The habit of requesting a set of standardized exams has been questioned. The objective of this review was to analyze recent reports on the subject and compare their results. CONTENTS: The results obtained from a systematic revision of the evidence available from 1966 to 1996, from the recommendations of the task force of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, from the systematic revision of evidence from 1997 to 2002, and from the English National Health Service Orientation Guide. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative exams should not be based on standard routines, but on the patient's history, physical exam, and type and extent of surgery.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La evaluación preoperatoria puede beneficiarse de la solicitud de exámenes complementarios en determinados pacientes. La práctica común hace algunos años, de conjuntos estandarizados de exámenes solicitados por rutina ha sido cuestionada. El objetivo de esa revisión fue el de analizar recientes publicaciones sobre el asunto comparando sus resultados. CONTENIDO: Se analizaron los resultados observados en revisión sistemática con las evidencias disponibles entre los años 1966 y 1996, en recomendaciones del contingente de la Sociedad Norteamericana de Anestesiólogos, en actualización de la revisión sistemática incluyendo evidencias desde 1997 a 2002 y en el Guía de Orientación del National Health Service de la Inglaterra. CONCLUSIONES: los exámenes preoperatorios no deben ser solicitados basados en rutinas, sino orientados por la hoja clínica, por el examen físico y por el tipo y porte del procedimiento quirúrgico.

[Preoperative exams: a critical analysis.]. / Exames complementares pré-operatórios: análise crítica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Preoperative evaluation can benefit from laboratory exams in specific patients. The habit of requesting a set of standardized exams has been questioned. The objective of this review was to analyze recent reports on the subject and compare their results. CONTENTS: The results obtained from a systematic revision of the evidence available from 1966 to 1996, from the recommendations of the task force of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, from the systematic revision of evidence from 1997 to 2002, and from the English National Health Service Orientation Guide. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative exams should not be based on standard routines, but on the patient's history, physical exam, and type and extent of surgery.