Effect of transesophageal echocardiography probe on tracheal perfusion pressure and ventilatory parameters in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass: A prospective observational study.

Background: Overinflation of cuffed endotracheal tubes and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe causes increased intracuff pressure (CP) compromising tracheal perfusion pressure (TPP). Primary objective of the study was to assess CP, TPP on TEE probe insertion and examination during pediatric cardiac surgeries. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the effect of the probe on peak airway pressures (Ppeak), mean airway pressures (Pmean) and to monitor CP, TPP on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study included fifty patients, aged 1-5 years undergoing cardiac surgeries using CPB. Following induction, TEE probe was introduced. CP, TPP, Ppeak, Pmean were measured before insertion of TEE probe (T1), during probe insertion (T2) and examination at mid-esophageal (T3), transgastric level (T4), and on removing probe (T6). CP, TPP were monitored on CPB (T5). Statistical analysis was done using paired t-test. Results: CP, Ppeak and Pmean increased significantly, while TPP decreased significantly from T1 to T2, T3, T4 (P < 0.001). CP, TPP decreased significantly at T5 in comparison to T6 (P < 0.001). In 48% of the patients CP increased above 30 cm H2O at T2. Conclusion: TEE probe causes an increase in CP and decreases TPP. Constant monitoring and maintaining CP, TPP in optimum range is recommended.

Correlation of venous to arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure difference with other cardiac output indices in patients undergoing intracardiac repair for tetralogy of fallot.

Background: Clearance of tissue carbon dioxide by circulation is measured by venous to arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure difference (AVCO2) and is correlated with cardiac output (CO) in critically ill adult patients. This study aimed to correlate AVCO2 with other CO indices like arteriovenous oxygen saturation difference (AVO2), central venous oxygen saturation (ScVO2), and serum lactate in pediatric patients undergoing intracardiac repair (ICR) for tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study in 50 patients, of age 5 months to 5 years, undergoing ICR for TOF and analyzed AVO2, AVCO2, ScVO2, and lactate from arterial and venous blood gas pairs obtained at different time intervals from admission to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) (T0), at 6 h (T1), 12 h (T2), 24 h (T3), and 48 h (T4) postoperatively. Bivariate correlations were analyzed using Pearson for parametric variables. Results: Admission AVCO2 was not correlated with AVO2 (R2 = 0.166, P = 0.246), ScVO2 (R2 = -2.2, P = 0.124), and lactate (R2 = -0.07, P = 0.624). At T1, AVCO2 was correlated with AVO2 (R2 = 0.283, P = 0.0464) but not with ScVO2 (R2 = - 0.25, P = 0.079) and lactate (R2 = -0.07, P = 0.623). At T2, T3 and T4, AVCO2 was correlated with AVO2 (R2 = 0.338,0.440 & 0.318, P = 0.0162, 0.0013, and 0.024), ScVO2 (R2 = - 0.344, - 0.488, and -0.366; P = 0.0143, <0.0001, and 0.017), and lactate (R2 = 0.305, 0.467 and 0.607; P = 0.0314, 0.00062 and <0.0001). AVCO2 was negatively correlated with ScVO2. No correlation observed between admission AVCO2 and mechanical ventilation duration. Two nonsurvivors had higher value of admission AVCO2 compared to survivors. Conclusion: AVCO2 is correlated with other CO surrogates like AVO2, ScVO2, and lactate in pediatric patients undergoing ICR for TOF.

Comparison of hemodynamic consequences of hand ventilation versus machine ventilation for transportation of post-operative pediatric cardiac patients.

Learning Objective: Hemodynamic monitoring during in-hospital transport of intubated patients is vital; however, no prospective randomized trials have evaluated the hemodynamic consequences of hand versus machine ventilation during transport among pediatric patients' post-cardiac surgery. The authors hypothesized that manual ventilation after pediatric cardiac surgery would alter hemodynamic and arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters during transport compared to mechanical ventilation. Design: A prospective randomized trial. Setting: Tertiary cardiac care hospital. Participants: Pediatric cardiac surgery patients. Materials and Methods: One hundred intubated pediatric patients were randomized to hand or machine ventilation immediately post-cardiac surgery during transport from the operating room to the pediatric post-operative intensive care unit (PICU). Hemodynamic variables, including end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2), oxygen saturation, heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), peak airway pressure (Ppeak), and mean airway pressure (Pmean), were measured at origin, during transport, and at the destination. ABG was measured before and upon arrival in the PICU, and adverse events were recorded. The Chi-square test and independent t-test were used for comparison of categorical and continuous parameters, respectively. Results and Discussion: The mean transport time was comparable between hand-ventilated (5.77 ± 1.46 min) and machine-ventilated (5.96 ± 1.19 min) groups (P = 0.47). ETCO2 consistently dropped during transport and after shifting in the hand-ventilated group, with significantly higher ETCO2 excursion than in machine-ventilated patients (P < 0.05). SBP and DBP significantly decreased during transport (at 5 and 6 min intervals) and after shifting in hand-ventilated patients than in the other group (P < 0.05). Additionally, after shifting, a significant increase in Ppeak (P < 0.001), Pmean (P < 0.001), and pH (P < 0.001), and a decrease in pCO2 (P = 0.0072) was observed in hand-ventilated patients than machine-ventilated patients. No adverse event was noted during either mode of ventilation. Conclusion: Hand ventilation leads to more significant variation in ABG and hemodynamic parameters than machine ventilation in pediatric patients during transport post-cardiac surgery. Therefore, using a mechanical ventilator is the preferred method for transporting post-operative pediatric cardiac patients.

Left main coronary artery aneurysm with fistula to superior vena cava: A challenging case.

Coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) are rare congenital coronary artery abnormalities, with direct communication between a coronary artery and a cardiac chamber, great vessel or other structure. We report here, a rare case of a 25-year-old male with CAF from the aneurysmal left main coronary artery to the superior vena cava detected on echocardiography and computerized tomography (CT) coronary angiography.

Thoracic paravertebral versus interpleural catheter for post-thoracotomy pain control in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of paravertebral block (PVB) and interpleural analgesia (IPA) after minimally invasive cardiac surgery through thoracotomy in terms of quality of analgesia, post-operative mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS) and complications. DESIGN: A randomized, prospective study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 50 adult patients (18-50 years old) undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery via thoracotomy. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomized for group A: paravertebral epidural catheter (n = 25), group B: interpleural catheter (n = 25). All patients were given Inj. Bupivacaine 0.125%, 8 ml and Inj. Tramadol 100 mg as an adjuvant, total volume 10 ml. RESULTS: After obtaining institutional review board approval, data collected and analysed - visual analogue score (VAS) at rest and on coughing, haemodynamic and respiratory parameters, time to extubation, supplementary analgesia requirement, LOS and complications. VAS was recorded at 0, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h post-extubation, while blood gases at-after shifting, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h. There were no significant differences in haemodynamic or respiratory parameters, VAS at rest and on coughing, ventilation duration, ICU and hospital LOS between two groups. The requirement of rescue analgesia was in one patient of mini coronary artery bypass in group B, while one patient in group A required reintubation due to respiratory acidosis and got successfully extubated on next day morning. CONCLUSION: PVB and IPA both are safe and effective techniques for minimally invasive cardiac surgery with thoracotomy. It allows optimal pain control and safe ICU fast-track post-operative course.

A novel lung recruitment technique in pediatric patients with congenital heart diseases: A case series.

Background: Lung recruitment techniques are employed to help in improvement of pulmonary mechanics, facilitate early weaning, and shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation. We are reporting a novel lung recruitment technique employed in four children with left lung atelectasis, who underwent corrective surgery for congenital heart disease. Materials and Methods: From January 2020 to March 2021, four pediatric cardiac patients having left lung atelectasis, undergoing corrective surgery were subjected to lung recruitment technique and had elective endobronchial intubation and suctioning with chest physiotherapy in the form of vibration and percussion. This was done along with intermittent ventilation with 100% oxygen. Results: Successful recruitment of lung segments and clearance of atelectasis were confirmed by auscultation and chest X-ray in all four patients. All the cases were successfully weaned off the ventilator within 24-48 h. One patient had an opposite lung collapse after extubation, which was managed conservatively with chest physiotherapy. Another patient had bradycardia and desaturation during the procedure, which was improved after withdrawing the tube and instituting two lung ventilation with 100% oxygen. Conclusions: This novel lung recruitment technique helps in recruitment of collapsed lung segments and thus helps in early weaning and shortens the duration of mechanical ventilation.

Comparative study of intranasal dexmedetomidine v/s midazolam for sedation of pediatric patients during transthoracic echocardiography.

Background: Procedural sedation required to improve the quality of Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) in infants and children. The ideal drug and route for sedation in children should have a rapid and reliable onset, atraumatic, palatable with minimal side effects, and rapid recovery. So, the aim of our study to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of intranasal midazolam and intranasal dexmedetomidine in pediatric patients for sedation during TTE. Materials and Method: Hundred children under three year of age, belonging to the American Society of Anaesthesiologists class-I and II, scheduled for TTE were divided into two groups by standard randomization technique. Patients in group-M received intranasal midazolam 0.2 mg/kg, whereas patients in group-D received intranasal dexmedetomidine 2 µg/kg prior to TTE under an adequately monitored anesthesia care. Onset and duration of sedation, heart rate, oxygen saturation, sonographer's, and parent's satisfaction scores were recorded. Results: All patients were successfully sedated for TTE. The average onset time, sedation time, awakening time and total time for Group-M were 7.3, 18.8, 29.51, 51 min and group-D were 10.1, 14.2, 24.9, 46.3 min, respectively and all were statistically significant (P < 0.001). TTE scan time of Group-M is 8.84 min and Group-D is 9.18 min and was statistically significant. Sonographer's and Parent's average satisfaction score for Group-M was 9.88, 10 and for Group-D was 7.64, 8.76, respectively, which were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Intranasal midazolam and dexmedetomidine are safe and effective for sedation in TTE. Intranasal midazolam was found to be comparatively more effective in view of onset of action, sonographers, and parental satisfaction score, while sedation time, awakening time and total duration was significantly higher as compared to intranasal dexmedetomidine.

Does addition of bi-directional cavo-pulmonary shunt to tricuspid repair in advanced cases of Ebstein anomaly result in better outcomes?

OBJECTIVES: Ebstein anomaly can be managed by single ventricular, bi-ventricular and one and a half ventricular repairs. We present midterm results of Comprehensive Tricuspid Valve repair (CTVR) with bi-directional cavo-pulmonary shunt (BCPS). METHODS: In this prospective observational study (Jan2012-July2018), 69 patients underwent surgery for Ebstein anomaly. In Group I (n = 48; 69.6%), all patients got CTVR and a BCPS (one and a half ventricle repair). Group II (n = 15; 21.8%) consisted of a similar repair without BCPS (bi-ventricle repair). All patients were echocardiographed at six monthly intervals. RESULTS: Median age of the cohort was 17 years (range 1-68). 12 (17.4%) patients were Carpentier type B, 51 (73.9%) were type C and 6 (8.7%) were type D. There were two early mortalities (2.89%). At a mean follow up of 3.2 ± 1.2 years, there were no late deaths and one delayed repair-failure in each group. Group I had significantly lower mean TR grade (1.2 ± 0.4vs1.6 ± 0.5, p = 0.03) as compared to Group II without a significant difference in the mean gradients (1.5 ± 0.5vs1.6 ± 0.6, p = 0.4). Mean indexed TAPSE (15.0 ± 6.7vs.16.6 ± 5.6 mm/m2, p = 0.21), NYHA class (1.2 ± 0.4vs1.3 ± 0.4) and six-minute walk distance (506 vs 507 m, p = 0.7) was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: One and a half ventricle repair of Ebstein anomaly gives a more functionally competent, non-stenotic and durable tricuspid valve as compared to a two-ventricle repair. BCPS doesn't result in facial swelling or AV malformations. Preload reduction by BCPS may allow the myopathic ventricle to remodel.

Role of central venous - Arterial pCO2 difference in determining microcirculatory hypoperfusion in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

Background: Cardiac surgery is frequently associated with macro and microcirculatory hypoperfusion. Patients with normal central venous oxygen saturation (Scvo2) also suffer from hypoperfusion. We hypothesized that monitoring central venous-arterial pco2 difference (dCO2) could also serve as additional marker in detecting hypoperfusion in cardiac surgery patient. Methods: This is a prospective observational study. Patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting included in this study. The dCO2 was measured postoperatively. The patients with a ScvO2 ≥70% were divided in to 2 groups, the high-dCO2 group (≥8 mmHg) and the low-dCO2 group (<8 mmHg). Results: The 65 patient had scvO2 ≥70%. Out of these, 20 patients were assigned to the high dCO2 group and 45 patients to the low dCO2 group. Patients with high dco2 had higher lactate levels after ICU admission. They also had significantly prolonged need for mechanical ventilation (14.90 ± 10.33 vs 10 ± 9.65, P = 0.0402), ICU stay (5.05 ± 2.52 d vs 3.75 ± 2.36 d, P = 0.049) and hospital stay (12.25 ± 5.90 d vs 8.57 ± 5.55 d P = 0.018). The overall rate of post-operative complications was similar in both the group. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates dCO2 as an easy to assess and routinely available tool to detect global and microcirculatory hypoperfusion in off-pump CABG patients, with assumed adequate fluid status and ScvO2 as a hemodynamic goal. We observed that high dCO2 (>8 mmHg) was associated with decreased DO2I, increased oxygen extraction ratio, the longer need for mechanical ventilation and longer ICU stay.

Early and late mortality and morbidity after post-MI ventricular septal rupture repair: predictors, strategies, and results.

PURPOSE: There has been a shift in the paradigm of management of post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture (MI VSR), with many authors reporting improved prognosis if the surgery can be "optimally delayed." Timing of the procedure is of critical importance and our management (UPMS), and prognosis scores (UPPS) have proven to be relevant. However, long-term outcomes and their correlation with our scores had not been analyzed. In this study, we present our long-term results of post-MI-VSR repair and their correlation with our prognosis score (UPPS). METHODS: Seventy-one patients with post-MI VSR repair (2009-2017) were retrospectively studied. Patients were managed using standard institute protocols. RESULTS: The 30-day mortality was 56% (n = 40). During a mean follow-up of 4.91 ± 2.43 years, there were eight late deaths. Actuarial survival of 30-day survivors was 87% at 1 year, 74% at 5 years, and 69% at 10 years. Actuarial freedom from major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was 82% at 1 year, 72% at 2 years, and 72% at 8 years. The UPPS score predicts late mortality with sensitivity of 75% and negative predictive value of 84%. CONCLUSION: Our prognostic score (UPPS) helps not only in predicting early mortality but also in identifying the patients who are likely to live longer. The management score (UPMS) also provides best timing for the procedure, which is helpful in optimal utilization of resources in the developing world. The accuracy of these scores is reasonable and may be helpful in the decision-making in this difficult subset.

Intramural Anomalous Right Coronary Artery From the Main Pulmonary Artery.

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the main pulmonary artery (anomalous right coronary artery from pulmonary artery; ARCAPA) is a rare congenital anomaly. Here, we present an unusual case of anomalous right coronary artery from the main pulmonary artery with proximal intramural course.

Totally Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection With Obliterated Vertical Vein.

A rare variant of totally anomalous pulmonary venous connection with obliterated infradiaphragmatic vertical vein is described. A 20-day-old male child weighing 2.2 kg was admitted with cyanosis and tachypnea. Pulmonary venous return was found to be entirely through a tortuous pulmonary-to-systemic venous collateral channel, as the descending vertical vein ended blindly.

Effect of preoperative oral sildenafil on severe pulmonary artery hypertension in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement.

AIM: Long standing mitral valve disease is usually associated with severe pulmonary hypertension. Perioperative pulmonary hypertension is a risk factor for right ventricular (RV) failure and a cause for morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement. Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor-sildenafil citrate is widely used to treat primary pulmonary hypertension. There is a lack of evidence of effects of oral sildenafil on secondary pulmonary hypertension due to mitral valve disease. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of preoperative oral sildenafil on severe pulmonary hypertension and incidence of RV failure in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients scheduled for mitral valve replacement with severe pulmonary hypertension (RV systolic pressure (RVSP) ≥60 mmHg) on preoperative transthoracic echo were randomly treated with oral sildenafil 25 mg (N = 20) or placebo (N = 20) eight hourly for 24 h before surgery. Hemodynamic variables were measured 20 min after insertion of pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) under anesthesia (T1), 20 min at weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (T2) and after 1,2, and 6 h (T3, T4, T5, respectively) during the postoperative period. RESULTS: Systolic and mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) were significantly lower (P < 0.0001) in sildenafil group at all times. Ventilation time and postoperative recovery room stay were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in sildenafil group. CONCLUSION: Sildenafil produces significant pulmonary vasodilatory effect as compared with placebo in mitral valve replacement patients with severe pulmonary hypertension. It also reduces ventilation time and intensive care unit (ICU) stay time as compared with placebo. It is concluded that sildenafil is effective in reducing pulmonary hypertension when administered preoperatively in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension undergoing mitral valve replacement surgery.

Ring annuloplasty for ischemic mitral regurgitation: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic mitral regurgitation associated with coronary artery disease presents a management challenge to cardiac surgeons. We report our early and midterm results of chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation treated with concomitant mitral ring annuloplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting at our institute from January 2009 to December 2011. Data were collected in 50 patients with chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation who had mitral ring annuloplasty along with coronary artery bypass grafting. Preoperative data, echocardiographic findings, operative procedure, outcome, and perioperative hemodynamics were analyzed. Early and intermediate follow-up data were also collected and analyzed. RESULTS: There were 3 (6%) early and 9 (18%) late deaths. Of the survivors, 38 (76%) had a significant reduction in left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions and improvement in New York Heart Association functional class. CONCLUSION: Despite a risk of residual regurgitation, mitral ring annuloplasty combined with coronary artery bypass appears to be a good treatment option in selected patients with chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation.