Preoperative initiation of peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for a complex case of cardiac tamponade.

In this case report, we present an alternative approach to the anaesthetic management of patients presenting with delayed postoperative cardiac tamponade physiology. Given that pericardiocentesis was deemed unsafe, and a protracted surgical dissection was anticipated, peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support was established prior to induction of anaesthesia to prevent catastrophic circulatory failure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of planned preoperative commencement of peripheral VA-ECMO in a complex case of cardiac tamponade. We discuss the challenges associated with this case and the process for selecting this strategy. We also describe the role of transoesophageal echocardiography in planning the surgical approach. This report is completed by a discussion on the topic of delayed postoperative pericardial effusion and tamponade.

An atypical cause of myocardial infarction: case report of an obstructing papillary fibroelastoma of the aortic valve.

BACKGROUND: Papillary fibroelastomas are rare primary cardiac tumours with a prevalence of 0.01% at autopsy. They are histologically benign tumours but have been demonstrated through case series to confer an increased risk of thrombo-embolism resulting in: transient ischaemic attack, stroke, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary and systemic embolization. CASE SUMMARY: A 54-year-old woman presented with central chest pain radiating to her left arm. At presentation there was a significant troponin rise; initial high-sensitivity troponin-I (hsTn-I) 660 pg/mL increased to 3340 pg/mL at 6 h. Coronary angiogram did not reveal any obstructing coronary artery disease. Echocardiography revealed a rounded, mobile mass on the left coronary cusp of the aortic valve suspicious for papillary fibroelastoma. The patient underwent shave excision of the lesion. Intra-operatively it was noted that the mass intermittently sat within the ostium of the left main resulting in its occlusion. Histology confirmed a papillary fibroelastoma. DISCUSSION: Primary cardiac tumours are rare but can cause life-threatening complications such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrest. In the literature, the mechanism of these complications is mainly attributed to thrombo-embolism. This case demonstrates the utility of echocardiogram in investigating and diagnosing a rare cause of myocardial infarction and highlights an unusual mechanism, that is tumour causing obstruction of the coronary ostium.

High dose statin prophylaxis in cardiopulmonary bypass related surgery: clinical utility.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies from our group demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of statins on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), through inhibition of neutrophil transendothelial migration. We sought to determine the utility of preoperative statin on patients undergoing cardiac surgery, to investigate any moderating effects on the systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) with CPB, and to evaluate any clinical impact on our patients. METHODS: This is a prospective, randomised controlled trial with national regulatory body approval. Eligible patients were already on oral statin therapy. They were then randomly assigned to either investigation arm (n = 15, atorvastatin 80 mg for 2 weeks before surgery) or control arm (n = 15, no change to current statin therapy). Blood and urine samples were collected at 3 timepoints. Postoperative clinical measures were documented. RESULTS: Patients in the investigation arm have significantly lower troponin level (p = 0.016), and lower level of urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL; p = 0.002); thus demonstrating a lesser degree of cardiac and renal injury in these patients. Higher level of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) at baseline (p = 0.036) and 4 h post cross-clamp removal (p = 0.035) in the investiation arm. A similar trend is also observed in Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9; p > 0.05). There were however no differences in clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Maximizing the dose of statin in patients waiting for cardiac surgery has measurable biological effects. There is evidence of less cardiac and renal damage. The use of preoperative statins and in particular, high dose preoperative statin therapy, may prove a useful new tool for optimal preparation of patients for cardiac surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT no. 2012-003396-20 . Registered 05 November 2012.

Adult ileocolic intussusception secondary to ileocaecal valve polyp.

Intussusception is relatively common in children, but it is a rare cause of abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction in adults. The aetiology, clinical presentation and management of this condition differs in adults and children. Preoperative clinical diagnosis is usually difficult due to the non-specific and intermittent nature of the symptoms. Ultrasound and computed tomography can be helpful in establishing the diagnosis. We present a case of adult ileocolic intussusception with classical radiological signs and operative findings. In adults the diagnosis of intussusception should be considered in a case of intermittent abdominal pain, especially with clinical signs of intermittent bowel obstruction.

Coronary grafts flow and cardiac pacing modalities: how to improve perioperative myocardial perfusion.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to investigate modifications of coronary grafts flow during different pacing modalities after CABG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two separate prospective studies were conducted in patients undergoing CABG and requiring intraoperative epicardial pacing. In a first study (22 patients) coronary grafts flows were measured during dual chamber pacing (DDD) and during ventricular pacing (VVI). In a second study (10 patients) flows were measured during DDD pacing at different atrio-ventricular (A-V) delay periods. A-V delay was adjusted in 25 ms increments from 25 to 250 ms and flow measurements were performed for each A-V delay increment. A transit time flowmeter was used for the measurements. RESULTS: An average of 3.4 grafts/patient were performed. In the first study, average coronary graft flow was 47.4+/-20.8 ml/min during DDD pacing and 41.8+/-18.2 ml/min during VVI pacing (P = 0.0004). Furthermore average systolic pressure was 94.3+/-10.1 mmHg during DDD pacing and 89.6+/-12.2 mmHg during VVV pacing (P = 0.0007). No significant differences in diastolic pressure were recorded during the two different pacing modalities. In the second study, maximal flows were achieved during DDD pacing with an A-V delay of 175 ms (54+/-9.6 ml/min) and minimal flows were detected at 25 ms A-V delay (38.1+/-4.7 ml/min) (P=ns). No significant differences in systolic or diastolic blood pressure were noticed during the different A-V delays. CONCLUSION: Grafts flowmetry provides an extra tool to direct supportive measures such as cardiac pacing after CABG. DDD mode with A-V delay around 175 ms. should be preferred to allow for maximal myocardial perfusion via the grafts.