Case report: Multi-site perfusion strategy for type A acute aortic dissection complicated with cerebral malperfusion.

Acute type A dissection presenting with cerebral malperfusion has high morbidity and mortality. Given the complexity of underlying vascular involvement, it is a challenging clinical scenario. Many of these patients are not deemed surgical candidates. If surgery is considered, it often requires complex aortic arch and neck vessel reconstruction. We present a 48-year-old male with an acute type A aortic dissection that presented with paraplegia and decreased level of consciousness. A Computed Tomography showed occlusion of both common carotid arteries. He was successfully treated with a multi-site perfusion strategy and a Hybrid Frozen Elephant Trunk graft to achieve fast restoration of the cerebral circulation and minimize brain ischemia and permanent neurological damage. From this case, we learn that aggressive arch and neck vessel reconstruction supported by multi-site perfusion could help improve mortality and neurological outcomes in selected patients.

Nefrectomía radical con trombectomía de vena cava: 20 años de cirugías por tumor renal / Vena cava thrombectomy in kidney cancer. Report of 32 nephrectomies

BACKGROUND: Vena cava (VC) involvement in kidney tumors occurs in 4 to 10% of cases, and is associated with a higher mortality. Nephrectomy with thrombectomy of the VC, performed by a multidisciplinary team, improves survival. Aim: To report a series of consecutive nephrectomies with caval thrombectomy performed in an academic center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report 32 patients with cT3b and 3c renal tumors, who underwent radical nephrectomy with VC thrombectomy between 2001 and 2021. A descriptive analysis of clinical, surgical and pathological variables was performed. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: The mean tumor size was 9.7 cm. According to Mayo classification 3/32 (9%) patients had a type I thrombus, 10/32 (31%) had a type II thrombus, 8/32 (25%) had a type III thrombus, and 5/32 (16%) had a type IV thrombus. The mean bleeding was 2000 cc. There was one intraoperative death. Nineteen percent of patients had complications >= 3 according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Reoperations occurred in 9%. Pre and postoperative creatinine levels were 1.17 and 1.91 mg/dl respectively (p < 0.01). Pre and postoperative Hematocrit levels were 47.9 and 31% respectively (p = 0.02). Sixty six percent of tumors were clear cell renal cancer, 9% were papillary and 3% were chromophobic. Mean OS was 10 months. Two-year SCE was 40%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are similar to those reported elsewhere. Despite being an unusual pathology, the surgical technique has been improving, thanks to the multidisciplinary work of urologists and surgeons.

[Vena cava thrombectomy in kidney cancer. Report of 32 nephrectomies]. / Nefrectomía radical con trombectomía de vena cava: 20 años de cirugías por tumor renal.

BACKGROUND: Vena cava (VC) involvement in kidney tumors occurs in 4 to 10% of cases, and is associated with a higher mortality. Nephrectomy with thrombectomy of the VC, performed by a multidisciplinary team, improves survival. AIM: To report a series of consecutive nephrectomies with caval thrombectomy performed in an academic center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report 32 patients with cT3b and 3c renal tumors, who underwent radical nephrectomy with VC thrombectomy between 2001 and 2021. A descriptive analysis of clinical, surgical and pathological variables was performed. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: The mean tumor size was 9.7 cm. According to Mayo classification 3/32 (9%) patients had a type I thrombus, 10/32 (31%) had a type II thrombus, 8/32 (25%) had a type III thrombus, and 5/32 (16%) had a type IV thrombus. The mean bleeding was 2000 cc. There was one intraoperative death. Nineteen percent of patients had complications >= 3 according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Reoperations occurred in 9%. Pre and postoperative creatinine levels were 1.17 and 1.91 mg/dl respectively (p < 0.01). Pre and postoperative Hematocrit levels were 47.9 and 31% respectively (p = 0.02). Sixty six percent of tumors were clear cell renal cancer, 9% were papillary and 3% were chromophobic. Mean OS was 10 months. Two-year SCE was 40%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are similar to those reported elsewhere. Despite being an unusual pathology, the surgical technique has been improving, thanks to the multidisciplinary work of urologists and surgeons.

Current Status of Training and Certification for Congenital Heart Surgery Around the World: Proceedings of the Meetings of the Global Council on Education for Congenital Heart Surgery of the World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery.

The optimal training of the highly specialized congenital heart surgeon is a long and complex process, which is a significant challenge in most parts of the world. The World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery (WSPCHS) has established the Global Council on Education for Congenital Heart Surgery as a nonprofit organization with the goal of assessing current training and certification and ultimately establishing standardized criteria for the training, evaluation, and certification of congenital heart surgeons around the world. The Global Council and the WSPCHS have reviewed the present status of training and certification for congenital cardiac surgery around the world. There is currently lack of consensus and standardized criteria for training in congenital heart surgery, with significant disparity between continents and countries. This represents significant obstacles to international job mobility of competent congenital heart surgeons and to the efforts to improve the quality of care for patients with Congenital Heart Disease worldwide. The purpose of this article is to summarize and document the present state of training and certification in congenital heart surgery around the world.

Reemplazo valvular tricuspídeo: prótesis mecánica versus prótesis biológica: trabajo observacional-descriptivo / Tricuspide valve replacement: comparison of biological versus mechanical valve: a descriptive observational study

ANTECEDENTES: El reemplazo protésico de la válvula tricúspide es un procedimiento infrecuente, con elevada mortalidad y morbilidad operatoria, independientemente de la etiología de la insuficiencia tricuspídea. Persiste aún una discusión respecto al tipo de prótesis a utilizar, mecánica o biológica. OBJETIVO: Analizar nuestros resultados perioperatorios y alejados en el reemplazo valvular tricuspídeo, comparando ambos tipos de prótesis. MÉTODO: Revisión de la Base de Datos de nuestro Servicio de Cirugía Cardiovascular para el periodo enero 1991 - diciembre 2017. Identificados los pacientes con reemplazo valvular tricuspídeo (RVT); se revisaron los protocolos operatorios y los ecocardiogramas. La supervivencia se certificó a través del Registro Civil e Identificación de Chile. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 83 pacientes con RVT (76% mujeres), los que representaron el 0,7% del total de las cirugías con circulación extracorpórea y el 2,1% de las cirugías valvulares para el periodo en estudio. La edad promedio fue 49±16,5 años. Cuarenta y nueve casos (59%) correspondieron a reoperaciones y otros 49 tuvieron un procedimiento asociado. En 40 pacientes (48%) se utilizó una prótesis mecánica y en 43 (52%) una biológica. La mortalidad operatoria global fue 9,6% (8 pacientes, 4 con una prótesis mecánica y 4 con una biológica). El seguimiento se completó en el 100%, con un promedio de 7,1 años. Veintiocho pacientes fallecieron durante el seguimiento; la principal causa fue insuficiencia cardiaca. Así, la supervivencia a 5 años fue 70,3 ± 5,3% y a 10 años 58 ± 6,3%, sin diferencia significativa entre ambos tipos de prótesis. Siete pacientes se reoperaron durante el seguimiento (5 casos con prótesis biológica y 2 mecánica). CONCLUSIÓN: El RVT continúa siendo un procedimiento infrecuente, con mayor incidencia en mujeres, en la quinta década de la vida. La mayoría de los pacientes presentaba comorbilidad y había tenido cirugía cardiovascular previa. La mitad de estos recibió una prótesis mecánica y la otra, biológica. No hubo diferencias significativas entre ambos tipos de prótesis en cuanto a mortalidad operatoria, supervivencia alejada o reoperación.

BACKGROUND: Tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) is an uncommon surgical procedure, associated with high mortality and morbidity. The use of biological or mechanical prostheses in TVR has advantages and disadvantages and, therefore, there persists a debate regarding the choice of one or other type of prostheses. AIM: To analyze our operative and long-term surgical results, comparing both types of prosthetic valves. METHODS: The Data Base of the Cardiovascular Surgery Service was reviewed for the period between January 1991 and December 2017. 83 patients with TVR were identified, the operative notes and echocardiogram reports were analyzed. Survival was obtained from the Chilean Civil Identification Service. RESULTS: 83 patients (76% women) had TVR. They represented 0.7% of the total cases operated on with extracorporeal circulation and 2.1% of all valve disease cases, for the study period. Mean age was 49±16.5 years. 49 cases (59%) were reoperations and another 49 had an associated procedure. In 40 patients (48%) a mechanical prosthesis was used and in 43 (52%) a biological one was implanted. Operative mortality rate was 9.6% (8 patients, had a mechanical valve and the other 8, a biological one). Follow-up was 100% completed, with an average of 7.1 years. 28 patients died during follow-up; the main cause of death was heart failure. Five-year survival rate was 70.3 ± 5.3% and at 10 years it was 58 ± 6.3%, without significant difference the type of prostheses. Seven patients were re-operated during follow-up (5 cases corresponded to a biological prostheses and 2 to a mechanical one). CONCLUSION: TVR is still an infrequent surgical procedure, more commonly performed in women, on the fifth decade of life. Most patients presented comorbidities and had a previous cardiovascular surgical operation. Half of them received a mechanical prosthesis and half a biological one. There was no significant difference between both types of prostheses related to surgical mortality, long-term survival or reoperation.

Initial Experience in Chile with Stent Implantation in the Right Ventricle Outflow Tract in High-Risk Patients with Tetralogy of Fallot.

Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) treatment is difficult in patients with surgical risk factors or unfavorable anatomy. Stent implantation in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) is an option for these patients. We report our initial experience in Chile with RVOT stenting in patients with ToF. Retrospective and descriptive study conducted in three pediatric cardiovascular centers in Chile between 2012 and 2015, including all ToF patients with stent in the RVOT as first procedure. Clinical records, echocardiographic, interventional, and surgical reports were reviewed for demographics and information of RVOT and pulmonary arteries. 12 newborns with ToF were included (75% female). Median age was 20 days (1-70) and mean weight was 2178 g (1400-3414). Saturations increased after the procedure from 74.3% (55-88) to 88.5% (80-98%), (p < 0.01). No complications or mortality were related to interventions. Follow-up was 11 months (7-36). Median right and left pulmonary arteries Z-score increased from - 4.0 (- 5.2 to - 0.3) and - 1.5 (- 4.8 to - 0.26) to + 0.53 (0.0 to 2.2) and + 1.1 (0.5 to 2.9), (p < 0.05), respectively. Nakata index increased from 63 mm2/mm2 (35 to 143) to 162 mm2/mm2 (107 to 197), (p < 0.05). Surgical repair was performed at a median of 4 months (2-7). Transannular patch repair was necessary in all patients and there was no surgical mortality. RVOT stenting is a safe and useful option for patients with ToF and surgical risk factors or unfavorable anatomy. It increases the pulmonary blood flow, improving saturation and pulmonary artery growth as a bridge for surgical repair.

Epithelioid pituicytoma: An unusual case report.

BACKGROUND: Pituicytomas are considered World Health Organization Grade I malignancies. Until September 2017, a total of 81 cases of pituicytomas were diagnosed and described in literature. We present such a case in which histopathology shows an epithelioid pattern, a rare variant of pituicytoma. As far as we know, this is only the second such case described in the literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 61-year-old male patient presented with complaints of progressive decrease in visual acuity for about 7 months, worse on the left side. Laboratory and endocrinological investigation returned normal values. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mixed solid-cystic lesion, measuring about 3.1 × 2.2 × 2.9 cm. The lesion presented with intermediate signal intensity in T1 and T2 sequences and showed avid postcontrast enhancement. The patient underwent resection through a left pterional approach. Pathology revealed a glial neoplasm with an epithelioid pattern and moderate cellularity with rounded-elongated cell nuclei and with a broad eosinophilic cytoplasm. Absence of cellular pleomorphism, any mitotic figures, or areas of necrosis was noted. CONCLUSION: The epithelioid variant of pituicytomas differs from the commonly encountered forms of this tumor which typically present in a fascicular pattern. Microsurgical resection is the treatment of choice. However, in many cases, subtotal resection was performed because of a considerable risk for neurovascular injuries.

[Results of a national program of pediatric heart transplantation: strengths and weakness]. / Resultados de un programa nacional de trasplante cardiaco pediátrico: fortalezas y debilidades.

Pediatric heart transplantation is an effective therapy to treat advanced heart failure in children. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the immediate and mid-term results of pediatric patients listed for heart transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Registration of patients admitted to our transplant protocol between October 2001 and July 2016 were reviewed, analyzing demographic data, diagnosis, status at the time of listing, waiting time until transplantation, donor data, use of ventricular assist device, hemodynamic data, complications and global mortality. RESULTS: Thirthy patients where included with a mean age of 9.4 years (1 month to 15 years). The most frequent diagnosis was dilated cardiomyopathy in 24 patients (80%). The status was I (urgency) in 19 cases and II in 11 cases. Ten patients died on the waiting list (33.3%) at an average of 52 days (13-139 days). Fourteen were transplanted (46.7%), with a waiting time of 199.6 days (4-586 days). Nine patients required mechanical support (30%). All patients received triple association of immunosuppression. One patient died 16 days post transplant due to primary graft failure (7.1%). The average follow-up was 43 months (0.5-159 months). Two patients died later on (82 and 55 months), both due to secondary rejection because of voluntary cessation of immunosuppressive therapy. Survival at 1 and 5 years was 93% and 74%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our program has successfully transplanted 50% of patients enrolled, with good medium-term survival. A significant proportion of patients were listed as a medical emergency and 34.5% died on the waiting list.

Resultados de un programa nacional de trasplante cardiaco pediátrico: fortalezas y debilidades / Results of a national program of pediatric heart transplantation: strengths and weakness

El trasplante cardiaco pediátrico es una terapia efectiva para tratar la insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada. Objetivos: Analizar los resultados inmediatos y a mediano plazo de niños enlistados para trasplante cardiaco. Pacientes y Método: Se analizó el registro de pacientes enlistados para trasplante, entre octubre de 2001 y julio de 2016, analizando datos demográficos, diagnósticos, status de enlistamiento, tiempo de espera, datos de donantes, uso de asistencia ventricular, complicaciones y mortalidad. Resultados: La serie abarca 30 pacientes con edad promedio de 9,4 años (1 mes a 15 años). El diagnóstico principal fue miocardiopatía dilatada en 24 pacientes (80%). El status de ingreso fue I (urgencia) en 19 casos y II (no urgencia) en 11. Fallecieron 10 en la lista de espera (33,3%) en un promedio de 52 días (13 a 139 días). Catorce pacientes fueron trasplantados (46.7%), con un tiempo de espera de 199,6 días (4 a 586 días). Requirieron asistencia ventricular 9 pacientes (30%). Todos recibieron inmunosupresión tri asociada. Un paciente falleció a los 16 días por falla primaria del injerto (7,1%). El seguimiento promedio fue de 43 meses (0,5 a 159 meses). Dos pacientes fallecieron alejadamente (55 y 82 meses) por rechazo secundario al abandono de tratamiento inmunosupresor. La supervivencia a 1 y 5 años fue 93% y 74%, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Nuestro programa ha trasplantado al 50% de los pacientes enlistados con buena supervivencia a mediano plazo. Una proporción significativa de pacientes se enlistó con carácter de urgencia y un 34.5% de los pacientes fallecieron en la lista de espera.

Pediatric heart transplantation is an effective therapy to treat advanced heart failure in children. Objectives: To analyze the immediate and mid-term results of pediatric patients listed for heart transplantation. Patients and Methods: Registration of patients admitted to our transplant protocol between October 2001 and July 2016 were reviewed, analyzing demographic data, diagnosis, status at the time of listing, waiting time until transplantation, donor data, use of ventricular assist device, hemodynamic data, complications and global mortality. Results: Thirthy patients where included with a mean age of 9.4 years (1 month to 15 years). The most frequent diagnosis was dilated cardiomyopathy in 24 patients (80%). The status was I (urgency) in 19 cases and II in 11 cases. Ten patients died on the waiting list (33.3%) at an average of 52 days (13-139 days). Fourteen were transplanted (46.7%), with a waiting time of 199.6 days (4-586 days). Nine patients required mechanical support (30%). All patients received triple association of immunosuppression. One patient died 16 days post transplant due to primary graft failure (7.1%). The average follow-up was 43 months (0.5-159 months). Two patients died later on (82 and 55 months), both due to secondary rejection because of voluntary cessation of immunosuppressive therapy. Survival at 1 and 5 years was 93% and 74%, respectively. Conclusions: Our program has successfully transplanted 50% of patients enrolled, with good medium-term survival. A significant proportion of patients were listed as a medical emergency and 34.5% died on the waiting list.

Infección del sitio quirúrgico en niños sometidos a cirugía cardíaca con cierre esternal diferido: estudio de casos y controles / Surgical site infections in children undergoing cardiac surgery with delayed sternal closure: case-control study

Introduction: Surgical site infections (SSI) are an important cause of morbidity in pediatric cardiac surgery. Risk factors in patients requiring delayed sternal closure (DSC) are unknown. Aim: To report the rate of SSI in children undergoing cardiac surgery with DSC and determine the risk factors. Methodology: A retrospective case-control study, in patients younger than 15 years old undergoing cardiac surgery with DSC in our center between 2009 and 2010. SSI was diagnosed according to the criteria of the nosocomial infections committee of our institution, based on international recommendations. Univariate and multivariate analysis of variables was performed. A p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: 58 patients were included; the average age was 9.5 days. The most frequent diagnosis were transposition of the great arteries (36%) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (27%). 13 patients had SSI (22%); 11 incisional and 2 mediastinitis. It was independently associated to SSI by-pass (BP) time longer than 200 min (OR adjusted = 9,53; IC 95% 1,37-66,35) and mechanical ventilation (MV) more than 5 days (OR adjusted = 8,98; IC 95% 1,16-69,40). Conclusion: The duration of BP and MV are risk factors of SSI in children undergoing cardiac surgery with DSC.

Introducción: Las infecciones del sitio quirúrgico (ISQ) son importante causa de morbilidad en cirugía cardíaca pediátrica. Los factores de riesgo en pacientes que requieren cierre esternal diferido (CED) se desconocen. Objetivos: Reportar la tasa de ISQ en niños sometidos a cirugía cardíaca con CED y determinar factores de riesgo de ISQ. Metodología: Estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles en pacientes bajo 15 años de edad, sometidos a cirugía cardíaca con CED, en los años 2009 y 2010. Se consideró casos aquellos con ISQ diagnosticada según criterios del comité de IAAS local. Se realizó análisis uni y multivariado de las variables. Se consideró significativo un p < 0,05. Resultados: Se incluyeron 58 pacientes; la mediana de edad fue 9,5 días. Diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron transposición de grandes arterias (36%) e hipoplasia de ventrículo izquierdo (27%). Trece pacientes presentaron ISQ (22%); 11 incisionales y 2 me-diastinitis. Se asociaron de manera independiente a ISQ: circulación extracorpórea (CEC) mayor a 200 min (OR ajustado = 9,53; IC 95% 1,37-66,35) y ventilación mecánica invasora (VMI) más de 5 días (OR ajustado = 8,98; IC 95% 1,16-69,40). Conclusión: La duración de CEC y VMI son factores de riesgo de ISQ en niños sometidos a cirugía cardíaca con CED.

Síndrome de hipoplasia de corazón izquierdo: experiencia de 10 años de un programa de etapificación quirúrgica / Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: 10 year experience with staged surgical management

Resumen El síndrome de hipoplasia de corazón izquierdo (SHCI) es una cardiopatía congénita con letalidad superior al 95%. La etapificación quirúrgica es la principal vía de tratamiento, y se inicia con la operación de Norwood; la sobrevida a largo plazo de los pacientes tratados es desconocida en nuestro medio. Objetivos 1) Revisar nuestra experiencia en el manejo de todos los pacientes con SHCI evaluados entre enero 2000 y junio 2010. 2) Identificar factores de riesgo de mortalidad quirúrgica. Pacientes y método Estudio retrospectivo de una única institución con una cohorte de pacientes con SHCI. Se revisan antecedentes clínicos, quirúrgicos, y registros de seguimiento. Resultados Se evaluaron 76 pacientes con SHCI; 9/76 tenían comunicación interauricular (CIA) restrictiva, y 8/76, aorta ascendente de < 2 mm; 65/76 fueron tratados: 77% tuvieron operación de Norwood con conducto entre ventrículo derecho y ramas pulmonares como fuente de flujo pulmonar, 17% Norwood con shunt de Blalock-Taussig, y 6% otra cirugía. La mortalidad en la primera etapa quirúrgica fue del 23%, y en operación de Norwood, del 21,3%. En el período 2000-2005 la mortalidad en la primera etapa quirúrgica fue del 36%, y entre 2005-2010, del 15% (p = 0,05). La sobrevida global fue del 64% a un año y del 57% a 5 años. Por análisis multivariado fueron factores de riesgo para mortalidad la presencia de aorta ascendente diminuta y CIA restrictiva. Conclusiones Nuestros resultados inmediatos y a largo plazo en la etapificación quirúrgica de SHCI son similares a la experiencia de grandes centros. Hay una mejoría en mortalidad operatoria en la segunda mitad de la serie. Se identifican factores de riesgo de mortalidad.

Abstract Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a lethal congenital heart disease in 95% of non-treated patients. Surgical staging is the main form of treatment, consisting of a 3-stage approach, beginning with the Norwood operation. Long term survival of treated patients is unknown in our country. Objectives 1) To review our experience in the management of all patients seen with HLHS between January 2000 and June 2012. 2) Identify risk factors for mortality. Patients and method Retrospective analysis of a single institution experience with a cohort of patients with HLHS. Clinical, surgical, and follow-up records were reviewed. Results Of the 76 patients with HLHS, 9 had a restrictive atrial septal defect (ASD), and 8 had an ascending aorta ≤ 2 mm. Of the 65 out of 76 patients that were treated, 77% had a Norwood operation with pulmonary blood flow supplied by a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit, 17% had a Norwood with a Blalock-Taussig shunt, and 6% other surgical procedure. Surgical mortality at the first stage was 23%, and for Norwood operation 21.3%. For the period between 2000-2005, surgical mortality at the first stage was 36%, and between 2005-2010, 15% (P = .05). Actuarial survival was 64% at one year, and 57% at 5 years. Using a multivariate analysis, a restrictive ASD and a diminutive aorta were high risk factors for mortality. Conclusions Our immediate and long term outcome for staged surgical management of HLHS is similar to that reported by large centres. There is an improvement in surgical mortality in the second half of our experience. Risk factors for mortality are also identified.

Metástase hipofisária de adenocarcinoma mamário: relato de caso / Pituitary Metastasis of Mammary Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report

Somente 1% de todas as cirurgias hipofisárias são realizadas para tratar tumores metastáticos desta região. Os focos primários mais comuns são respectivamente mama e pulmão. Neste artigo, descrevemos uma paciente com antecedente de adenocarcinoma mamário, que se apresenta com paralisia oculomotora súbita à direita. O objetivo do trabalho é descrever um caso de metástase mamária para a região selar, evidenciando dados clínicos e radiológicos que tornam tal diagnóstico plausível.

Only 1% of all pituitary surgeries are performed to treat metastatic tumors in this region. The most common primary sites are breast and lung respectively. In this article we describe a patient with previous breast adenocarcinoma presenting with oculomotor palsy sudden right. The objective is to describe a case of breast metastasis to the sellar region, showing clinical and radiological findings that make this plausible diagnosis.

[Surgical site infections in children undergoing cardiac surgery with delayed sternal closure: Case-control study]. / Infección del sitio quirúrgico en niños sometidos a cirugía cardíaca con cierre esternal diferido: Estudio de casos y controles.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical site infections (SSI) are an important cause of morbidity in pediatric cardiac surgery. Risk factors in patients requiring delayed sternal closure (DSC) are unknown. AIM: To report the rate of SSI in children undergoing cardiac surgery with DSC and determine the risk factors. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective case-control study, in patients younger than 15 years old undergoing cardiac surgery with DSC in our center between 2009 and 2010. SSI was diagnosed according to the criteria of the nosocomial infections committee of our institution, based on international recommendations. Univariate and multivariate analysis of variables was performed. A p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: 58 patients were included; the average age was 9.5 days. The most frequent diagnosis were transposition of the great arteries (36%) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (27%). 13 patients had SSI (22%); 11 incisional and 2 mediastinitis. It was independently associated to SSI by-pass (BP) time longer than 200 min (OR adjusted = 9,53; IC 95% 1,37-66,35) and mechanical ventilation (MV) more than 5 days (OR adjusted = 8,98; IC 95% 1,16-69,40). CONCLUSION: The duration of BP and MV are risk factors of SSI in children undergoing cardiac surgery with DSC.

[Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: 10 year experience with staged surgical management]. / Síndrome de hipoplasia de corazón izquierdo: experiencia de 10 años de un programa de etapificación quirúrgica.

UNLABELLED: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a lethal congenital heart disease in 95% of non-treated patients. Surgical staging is the main form of treatment, consisting of a 3-stage approach, beginning with the Norwood operation. Long term survival of treated patients is unknown in our country. OBJECTIVES: 1) To review our experience in the management of all patients seen with HLHS between January 2000 and June 2012. 2) Identify risk factors for mortality. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective analysis of a single institution experience with a cohort of patients with HLHS. Clinical, surgical, and follow-up records were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 76 patients with HLHS, 9 had a restrictive atrial septal defect (ASD), and 8 had an ascending aorta ≤2mm. Of the 65 out of 76 patients that were treated, 77% had a Norwood operation with pulmonary blood flow supplied by a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit, 17% had a Norwood with a Blalock-Taussig shunt, and 6% other surgical procedure. Surgical mortality at the first stage was 23%, and for Norwood operation 21.3%. For the period between 2000-2005, surgical mortality at the first stage was 36%, and between 2005-2010, 15% (P=.05). Actuarial survival was 64% at one year, and 57% at 5years. Using a multivariate analysis, a restrictive ASD and a diminutive aorta were high risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our immediate and long term outcome for staged surgical management of HLHS is similar to that reported by large centres. There is an improvement in surgical mortality in the second half of our experience. Risk factors for mortality are also identified.

Cirugía de la comunicación interventricular post infarto: análisis de los últimos 22 años / Surgery for post infarction ventricular septal defect: a 22-year experience

Introducción: El desarrollo de una comunicación interventricular en la evolución de un infarto miocárdico es una complicación muy grave, aunque infrecuente. Objetivo: Comunicar nuestros resultados con el tratamiento quirúrgico de pacientes con comunicación interventricular post infarto (CIVPI) intervenidos en los últimos 22 años. Método: Analizamos en forma retrospectiva los antecedentes de los pacientes intervenidos entre Enero de 1991 y Diciembre de 2012. Revisamos fichas clínicas, protocolos operatorios y certificamos la mortalidad con el Registro Civil e Identificación de Chile. Resultados: Operamos 43 pacientes, edad promedio de 66,6 +/- 10,2 años. El 58 por ciento eran hombres, de menor edad que las mujeres (63,1 +/- 10,8 vs 71,5 +/- 6,9 años, p=0,006). El tiempo promedio entre el diagnóstico de infarto y de CIVPI fue 10 +/- 15 días. El 74 por ciento fueron intervenidos de urgencia. La CIVPI fue anterior en 58 por ciento. Se realizó revascularización miocárdica concomitante en el 58 por ciento. Trece pacientes fallecieron (30 por ciento) en el posoperatorio. Factores de riesgo de mortalidad operatoria fueron: cirugía de urgencia ( p = 0,019]) y uso de balón intra aórtico (p = 0,006). La cirugía realizada después de las 24 horas del diagnóstico tuvo una mortalidad significativamente menor (7,7 por ciento, p=0,033). El seguimiento promedio fue de 8,36 +/- 5,3 años. La supervivencia alejada, excluida la mortalidad operatoria, a 5 y 10 años, fue 93 por ciento y 71 por ciento, respectivamente. Conclusión: La CIVPI tiene elevada mortalidad operatoria, especialmente en pacientes intervenidos de urgencia y en los que requirieron balón de contra pulsación, pero la supervivencia alejada de los sobrevivientes es muy satisfactoria.

Background: The development of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) after myocardial infarction is a rare but very serious complication for which the treatment of choice is surgical repair. Aim: To report our results with patients operated on for post-infarction VSD in the last 22 years. Methods: This is a retrospective review of all patients operated for post infarction VSD between january 1991 and december 2012. We reviewed all clinical charts and operative notes. Longterm mortality was certified by the "Registro Civil e Identificación de Chile". Results: Fourty three patients with a mean age of 66.6 +/- 10.2 years underwent surgical repair. Fifty eight percent were males. The average time between myocardial infarction and the diagnosis of vsd was 10 +/- 15.2 days. Seventy four percent of patients were operated on as an emergency. In 58 percent of cases the VSD was located in the anterior septum. Myocardial revascularization was performed in 58 percent. Thirteen patients died for an operative mortality of 30 percent. Risk factors for operative mortality were emergency surgery (p = 0,04) and the use of intraaortic balloon pump (p = 0,004). Non emergency surgery had a much lower mortality rate ( 7,7 percent, p = 0,033). Survival excluding operative mortality at 5 and 10 years was 90 percent and 71 percent, respectively. Conclusions: Operative mortality for repair of post infarction VSD remains high, mainly in patients undergoing an emergency operation. Surgical survivors have a very good life expectancy.

Mortalidad operatoria y estratificación de riesgo en pacientes pediátricos operados de cardiopatía congénita: experiencia de 10 años / Surgical mortality and risk stratification in pediatric congenital heart surgery: 10-year experience

Introducción: La mortalidad operatoria en cirugía cardíaca de cardiopatías congênitas es utilizada como indicador de calidad, pero no incorpora la complejidad del procedimiento. La puntuación de riesgo "Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery-1" agrupa las cirugías según riesgo de mortalidad. Objetivos: Determinar nuestra mortalidad operatoria de cirugía cardíaca en pacientes pediátricos con cardio-patías congénitas, analizar nuestros resultados aplicando esta puntuación de riesgo, determinar la evolución de la mortalidad y comparar nuestros resultados con los publicados. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte no concurrente (enero 2000-julio 2010). Las cirugías fueron estratificadas según puntuación de riesgo. La tendencia de mortalidad operatoria se evaluó dividiendo el período estudiado en tres subperíodos. Comparamos nuestros resultados con los publicados por las Sociedades de Cirujanos de Cardiopatías Congênitas y la de Cirujanos de Tórax. Resultados: Se realizaron 1658 cirugías con mortalidad operatoria de 5,9 por ciento. Mortalidad según categoría de riesgo fue: Categorías 1 y 2: 2,1 por ciento; Categoría 3: 6,2 por ciento; Categoría 4: 24,3 por ciento y Categoría 6: 20,7 por ciento (RT = 9,87 ; P<0,001). La mortalidad disminuyó a lo largo de los tres períodos (8,1 por ciento a 4,7 por ciento; RT = 1,72; P=0,031). La mortalidad operatoria global fue similar a la reportada por la Sociedad de Cirujanos de Tórax (4,7 por ciento vs. 3.9 por ciento), pero mayor a la Sociedad de Cirujanos de Cardiopatías Con-génitas (4,7 por ciento vs. 2,9 por ciento; RT = 1,65; P=0,013). Conclusión: Nuestra mortalidad operatoria de cirugía cardíaca es 5.9 por ciento, disminuye a lo largo del estudio y es comparable a la publicada por Sociedades Internacionales.

Background: Surgical mortality in congenital heart surgery has been commonly used to assess quality of care, but it doesn't take into account the complexity of the procedure performed. The risk score "Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery-1" was developed to address this case mix. Objectives: To determine our institution surgical mortality in congenital heart surgery, assess mortality risk using the RACHS-1 score, evaluate our trend in surgical mortality and to compare our results with published data. Methods: Retrospective study of all congenital heart surgeries performed between January 2000 and July 2010. Heart surgeries were stratified according to the RACHS-1 score. The trend in surgical mortality was assessed across 3 consecutive periods. Our results were compared with published data from the Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Results: 1658 congenital heart surgeries were performed with 5,9 percent surgical mortality . Stratified by RACHS-1 score surgical mortality was: Risk category 1 and 2: 2,1 percent; Risk category 3: 6,2 percent; Risk category 4: 24,3 percent and Risk category 6: 20,7 percent (RR = 9,87; P<0,001). Mortality decreased during the study period from 8,1 percent to 4,7 percent (RR = 1,72; P=0,031). Our surgical mortality was similar to that reported by the Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society (4,7 percent vs. 3.9 percent. respectively), but higher than that reported by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (4,7 percent vs. 2,9 percent, respectively; RR = 1,65; P=0,013). Conclusions: Our surgical mortality of congenital heart surgery is 5.9 percent, it decreases along the study period and is comparable to the results of large international surgical databases.

[Influence of the referring health care systems and other factors on the results of mitral valve replacement]. / Influencia del sistema de salud de procedencia y otros factores en el resultado del reemplazo valvular mitral.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus regarding which risk factors influence the outcome of mitral valve replacement. AIM: To study the effects of the referring health care system and other factors on the results of mitral replacement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 632 patients operated between 1990 and 2010 receiving the St Jude prosthesis. Patients were divided into three groups, group 1 composed by 180 patients coming from the Public System, group 2 composed by 182 patients coming from the University System and group 3 composed by 270 patients coming from the Private System. RESULTS: Overall operative mortality was 4.3%. There was no difference between groups in mortality. Factors responsible for operative mortality were: emergency operation (Odds Patio (OR): 5.6 P < 0.01) and left ventricular function (according to ejection fraction) grade III to IV (OR: 2.5 p = 0.048). Actuarial survival rates at 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 years were 95%, 87%, 76%, 61% and 41%, respectively. Risk factors for long-term mortality were diabetes (OR: 3.3 p < 0.01), left ventricular function grades III-IV (OR: 2.6 p < 0.01), New York Heart Association functional class III to PV (OR: 2.1 p < 0.005) and male sex (OR: 1.5 p < 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Referring health care system and type of surgery do not constitute a risk factor for mitral replacement. Risk factors were: emergency surgery, ventricular function grades III-IV, diabetes, functional capacity class III-IV and male sex. Integration of public and private health care systems in a university hospital setting achieves excellent outcomes for complex pathology.

Survival of newborn infants with severe respiratory failure before and after establishing an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program.

BACKGROUND: Severe hypoxic respiratory failure is a leading cause of neonatal mortality in Chile. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation improves survival in neonates with hypoxic respiratory failure. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of the establishment of a Neonatal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Program on the outcome of newborns with severe hypoxic respiratory failure in a developing country. DESIGN/PATIENTS: Data of newborns (birthweight > 2,000 g and gestational age ≥ 35 wk) with hypoxic respiratory failure and oxygenation index greater than 25 were compared before and after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was available. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated in infants with refractory hypoxic respiratory failure who failed to respond to inhaled nitric oxide/high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. MAIN RESULTS: Data from 259 infants were analyzed; 100 born in the pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation period and 159 born after the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program was established. Patients were similar in terms of risk factors for death for both periods except for a higher oxygenation index and a greater proportion of outborn infants during the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation period. Survival significantly increased from 72% before extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to 89% during the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation period (p < 0.01). During the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation period, 98 of 159 patients (62%) with hypoxic respiratory failure were rescued using inhaled nitric oxide/high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, whereas 61 (38%) did not improve; 52 of these 61 neonates were placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survival rate to discharge was 85%. After adjusting for potential confounders, the severity of the pretreatment oxygenation index, a late arrival to the referral center, the presence of a pneumothorax, and the diagnosis of a diaphragmatic hernia were significantly associated with the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or death. CONCLUSIONS: The establishment of an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program was associated with a significant increase in the survival of newborns more than or equal to 35 weeks old with severe hypoxic respiratory failure.

Influencia del sistema de salud de procedencia y otros factores en el resultado del reemplazo valvular mitral / Influence of the referring health care systems and other factors on the results of mitral valve replacement

Background: There is no consensus regarding which risk factors influence the outcome of mitral valve replacement. Aim: To study the effects ofthe referring health care system and other factors on the results of mitral replacement. Patients and Methods: We included 632 patients operated between 1990 and 2010 receiving the St Jude prosthesis. Patients were divided into three groups, group 1 composed by 180 patients coming from the Public System, group 2 composed by 182 patients coming from the University System and group 3 composed by 270 patients coming from the Private System. Results: Overall operative mortality was 4.3%. There was no difference between groups in mortality. Factors responsible for operative mortality were: emergency operation (Odds Patio (OR): 5.6 P < 0.01) and left ventricular function (according to ejection fraction) grade III to IV (OR: 2.5 p = 0.048). Actuarial survival rates at 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 years were 95%, 87%, 76%, 61% and 41%, respectively. Risk factors for long-term mortality were diabetes (OR: 3.3 p < 0.01), left ventricular function grades III-IV (OR: 2.6 p < 0.01), New York Heart Association functional class III to PV (OR: 2.1 p < 0.005) and male sex (OR: 1.5 p < 0.032). Conclusions: Referring health care system and type of surgery do not constitute a risk factor for mitral replacement. Risk factors were: emergency surgery, ventricular function grades III-IV, diabetes, functional capacity class III-IV and male sex. Integration of public and private health care systems in a university hospital setting achieves excellent outcomes for complex pathology.

Resultados inmediatos y alejados del switch arterial en pacientes condextrotransposición de grandes arterias: experiencia de 20 años / Early and late results of the switch operation for d-transposition of the great vessels. clinical experience in 108 patients operated on between 1992 and 2012

Objetivos: Comunicar los resultados de la operación de switch arterial en pacientes portadores de dextro Transposición de Grandes Arterias (D-TGA) y evaluar su evolución en el tiempo. Pacientes y Método: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes sometidos a switch arterial entre mayo de 1992 y noviembre de 2012. Se comparó período 1 (1992 a 2002) con período 2 (2003 a 2012). Se definió D-TGA simple aquella sin lesiones asociadas y D-TGA compleja aquella con asociación de comunicación interventricular o coartación aórtica. Resultados: Un total de 108 pacientes componen la serie, 44 en el período 1 y 64 en el período 2, sin diferencias demográficas y anatómicas entre ambos períodos. Setenta tenían D-TGA simple y 38 D-TGA compleja. La mortalidad operatoria en el período 1 fue 33% versus 8,4 por ciento en el período 2 (p< 0.025); hubo tendencia a mayor mortalidad en pacientes con anatomía coronaria compleja. Se observó una disminución del riesgo relativo de mortalidad de 68,7 por ciento en el período 2. El 28,7 por ciento presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias, sin diferencias entre ambos períodos. Un paciente falleció en forma alejada. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 60 meses y la supervivencia de 84,25 por ciento a 10 y 20 años. Se realizaron 16 re intervenciones, principalmente plastías percutáneas de ramas pulmonares. La mayoría de los pacientes se mantenían asintomáticos. La mortalidad operatoria de los últimos 5 años fue 2,6 por ciento. Conclusiones: La mortalidad operatoria ha disminuido significativamente a lo largo de 20 años; persiste un mayor riesgo en ciertos patrones de anatomía coronaria. La supervivencia alejada y libre de reintervenciones es muy favorable.

Aim: to report the results of the arterial Switch operation in patients with D-transposition of the great vessels (D-TGA) and to evaluate their late course. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of the clinical data on patients consecutively operated on for D-TGA using the switch procedure. Results obtained in patients operated on between 1992 and 2002 (Period 1) were compared to those obtained in patients undergoing their operation between 2013 and 2012. Patients with D-TGA and no complications were compared to those who had interventricular septal defect or aortic coarctation associated their TGA. Results: 44 patients belonged in Period 1 and 64 in Period 2 (total 108). Demographic and anatomical characteristics were similar in both periods. Simple D-TGA was present in 70 patients and complex D-TGA in 38. Operative mortality was higher in Period 1 compared to Period 2 (33 per cent vs. 8.4 percent, p<0.025). A higher, albeit not statiscally significant mortality was observed in patients with complex as opposed to simple D-TGA. A 68.7 per cent relative reduction mortality risk was observed in Period 2. Complications developed in 28.7 per cent of patients, with no difference between periods. Only 1 patient died during late follow up. Median follow up was 60 months and survival rate was 84.3 percent at 10 y 20 years. Sixteen patients required re-intervention, mainly to perform percutaneous plastic procedures on pulmonary artery branches. Most patients had an asymptomatic course during follow up. Surgical mortality for the last 5 years was 2.6 percent. Conclusion: surgical mortality for the arterial switch operation in patients with D-TGA has significantly decreased along a 20 year period. An increased surgical risk persists for patients with certain forms of coronary artery anomalies. Late survival free of re-intervention was the rule in these patients.