Does a high Haller index influence outcomes in pectus excavatum repair?

OBJECTIVE: Severity for pectus excavatum includes Haller index (HI) > 3.25. An extremely high HI (≥8) may influence surgical approach and complications. This study reviews outcomes of patients with high HI after repair. METHODS: A single institution retrospective analysis was performed on adult patients with HI ≥ 8 undergoing pectus excavatum repairs. For outcomes, a propensity score-matched control group with a HI ≤ 4 was utilized. RESULTS: In total, 64 cases (mean age, 33.5 ± 10.9 years; HI, 13.1 ± 5.0; 56% women) were included. A minimally invasive repair was successful in 84%. A hybrid procedure was performed in the remaining either to repair fractures of the ribs (8 patients) and sternum (5 patients) or when osteotomy and/or cartilage resection was required (10 patients). In comparison with the matched cohort (HI ≤ 4), patients with high HI had longer operative times (171 vs 133 minutes; P < .001), more frequently required hybrid procedures (16% vs 2%; P = .005), experienced higher incidences of rib (22% vs 3%; P = .001) and sternal fractures (12% vs 0%; P = .003), and had increased repair with 3 bars (50% vs 19%; P < .001). There were no significant differences between the groups for length of hospital stay or postoperative 30-day complications. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with an extremely high HI can be challenging cases with greater risks of fracture and need for osteotomy/cartilage resection. Despite this, minimally invasive repair techniques can be utilized in most cases without increased complications when performed by an experienced surgeon.

Evolution of Pain Control for Adult Pectus Excavatum Repair.

BACKGROUND: Pain control after minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) can be challenging, especially in adult patients undergoing surgical repair. This study reviewed different analgesic modalities used over ≥10 years after pectus repair. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of adult patients (≥18 years) who underwent uncomplicated primary MIRPE at a single institution from October 2010 to December 2021. Patients were classified by analgesic modality used: epidural, elastomeric continuous infusion subcutaneous catheters (SC-Caths), and intercostal nerve cryoablation. Comparisons among the 3 groups were performed. RESULTS: In total, 729 patients were included (mean age, 30.9 ±10.3 years; 67% male; mean Haller index, 4.9 ±3.0). Patients in the cryoablation group required significantly lower doses of morphine equivalents (P < .001) and had overall the shortest hospital stay (mean, 1.9 ±1.5 days; P < .001) with <17% staying >2 days (vs epidural at 94% and SC-Cath at 48%; P < .001). The cryoablation group had a lower incidence of ileus and constipation (P < .001) but a higher incidence of pleural effusion requiring thoracentesis (P = .024). Mean pain scores among groups were minor (<3), and differences were insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: The use of cryoablation in conjunction with enhanced recovery pathways provided significant benefit to our patients undergoing MIRPE compared with previous analgesic modalities. These benefits included a decrease in length of hospital stay, a reduction of in-hospital opioid use, and a lower incidence of opioid-related complications associated with constipation and ileus. Further studies to assess additional potential benefits with long-term follow-up after discharge are warranted.

Risk Factors and Techniques for Safe Pectus Bar Removal in Adults After Modified Nuss Repair.

BACKGROUND: The Nuss repair involves implants designed for removal after 2 to 3 years. Although rare, significant complications can occur with bar removal, and the incidence of these complications may be higher in adults. This study was performed to review complications and risk factors associated with bar removal and discuss strategies to improve operative safety. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed including all patients after pectus excavatum repair who underwent Nuss implant removal at Mayo Clinic Arizona (Phoenix, AZ) from 2013 to 2022. RESULTS: In total, 1555 bars were removed (683 patients; 71% men; median age, 34 years[(range, 15-71 years]). Of the removals, 12.45% of patients had bars placed at outside institutions. Major complications were rare, with bleeding most common (2.05%), followed by pneumothorax (0.88%), infection (0.59%), and effusions (0.44%). Most major bleeding (85.71%) occurred from the bar track during removal and was controlled by packing the track. One patient required subsequent hematoma evacuation and transfusion. Bleeding secondary to lung injury was also successfully controlled with packing. Bar removal in 1 patient with significantly displaced bars required sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass as a result of aortic injury. Risk factors identified for bleeding included sternal erosion (P < .001), bar migration (P < .001), higher number of bars (P = .037), and revision of a previous pectus repair (P = 0.001). Bar migration was additionally associated with major complications (P < .001). Older age, although a risk factor for overall complications (P = 0.001), was not a risk factor for bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Bar removal can be safely performed in most patients; however, significant complications, including bleeding, may occur. Identifying potential risk factors and being prepared for rescue maneuvers are critical to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

Chest Pain and Dyspnea After a Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum.

Although infrequent, damage to cardiovascular structures can occur during or following a minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum. We present a case of right ventricular outflow tract compression caused by a displaced intrathoracic bar. Removal of the bar resulted in an improvement in symptoms and hemodynamics. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Sex Differences in Objective Measures of Adult Patients Presenting for Pectus Excavatum Repair.

BACKGROUND: Women have a reported incidence of pectus deformities four to five times less than men. Sex differences have not been well studied. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of adult patients (aged 18 years or more) who underwent a pectus excavatum repair at Mayo Clinic in Arizona (January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019). RESULTS: In total, 776 adults underwent pectus repair, with 30% being women. Women presented older (mean age 35 vs 32 years, P = .007) and more symptomatic. Despite this, women performed better on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (higher maximum oxygen consumption and oxygen pulse). Women had more severe deformities (Haller index 5.9 vs 4.3, P < .001). However, in 609 patients undergoing attempted primary minimally invasive pectus repair, intraoperative fractures/osteotomies occurred equally between men and women, with the majority occurring in patients 30 years of age or more (11.5% for age 30 or more, 1.7% for age less than 30; total 7%). Women were also less likely to require three bars for repair (12% vs 42%, P < .001). Hospital length of stay and postoperative complication rates were not significantly different. Postoperatively, women reported a greater daily intensity of pain, but only on the initial postoperative day did they use significantly more opioids than men. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing of 142 patients undergoing baseline and postoperative evaluation at bar removal showed equal and significant benefits in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Women presented for pectus excavatum repair at an older age and with greater symptoms and more severe symptoms. Despite this, women required fewer bars, and there were no significant differences in length of stay or complications. Cardiopulmonary benefits of repair were significant and equal for both women and men.

Cardiac Transplantation and Consecutive Minimally Invasive Pectus Excavatum Repair.

Pectus excavatum is a common chest wall deformity with inward deviation of sternum and accompanying ribs. The depression can cause symptomatic cardiac compression, although the cardiopulmonary impact remains controversial. We present 2 cases of cardiac transplantation followed by modified minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair due to the hemodynamic consequences of the pectus deformity.

Revision of Failed Prior Nuss in Adult Patients With Pectus Excavatum.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) has been extended to repair of defects in adults, with reported higher complication rates and outcome failures. The optimal revision for a prior failed MIRPE in an adult has not been identified. We review our experience for this adult population. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 129 patients (age ≥18 years) who underwent revision after a failed pectus excavatum (PE) repair from December 2010 through December 2016. RESULTS: In total, 47 of the 129 (36%) revision patients had a prior failed MIRPE, with 98% presenting for revision because of inadequate correction after their initial repair. The median age was 28 years (range, 18 to 54 years), and 77% were men. Thirty-one (66%) patients had indwelling pectus support bars at the revision procedure. Mean time from initial MIRPE to the revision procedure was 3.34 ± 2.9 years. A modified MIRPE was successful in 39 (83%) patients. Hybrid repair with the addition of osteotomy cuts and/or titanium plating was required in 8 patients for an adequate revision. Multiple (2 bars, 62%; 3 bars, 38%), shorter (median, 13.5 inches versus 15.0 inches) bars were used for the revision versus earlier repair. Substantial lysis of intrathoracic adhesions was required in 40 (85%) patients, with a median operative time for revision MIRPE of 169 ± 66 minutes; median operative time for hybrid procedures, 314 ± 74 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: A modified MIRPE can be successfully used in most adults to revise a failed prior MIRPE.

Success of Minimally Invasive Pectus Excavatum Procedures (Modified Nuss) in Adult Patients (≥30 Years).

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) has become standard for pediatric and young adult patients, but its use for older adults is controversial. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records of adults (≥18 years of age) who underwent MIRPE from January 1, 2010, through April 30, 2015, and collected demographic data, operative details, and information about outcomes. Cardiac function was measured before and after repair by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography. We divided patients by age: 18 to 29 years of age and 30 years of age and older. RESULTS: Of 361 patients, 207 were 30 or older (mean, 40 years; range, 30 to 72 years; 71.5% men). Of the older patients, 151 had primary repairs. MIRPE was successfully used in 88.7% of patients older than 30 years of age versus 96.5% of those 18 to 29 years of age. For patients 30 years of age and older, open-cartilage resection, sternal osteotomy, or both was more common with increasing age (mean, 47.8 years versus 39.5 years; p = 0.0003) and higher mean Haller index (7.7 versus 5.5; p = 0.0254). Mean operative time for MIRPE was significantly longer for older patients (≥30 years of age) compared with younger adults (121 [60 to 224] minutes versus 111 [62 to 178] minutes; p = 0.0154). Right ventricular output increased 65.2% after repair in older adults. Although greater, the frequency of bar rotation requiring reoperation was not significantly increased in the older patients (p = 0.74). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of adult patients with PE can have successful repair with modified MIRPE. The use of cartilage or sternal osteotomy, or both, increased with patient age and defect severity.

Revision of failed, recurrent or complicated pectus excavatum after Nuss, Ravitch or cardiac surgery.

Pectus excavatum (PE) can recur after both open and minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) techniques. The cause of recurrence may differ based on the initial repair procedure performed. Recurrence risks for the open repair are due to factors which include incomplete previous repair, repair at too young of age, excessive dissection, early removal or lack of support structures, and incomplete healing of the chest wall. For patients presenting after failed or recurrent primary MIRPE repair, issues with support bars including placement, number, migration, and premature removal can all be associated with failure. Connective tissue disorders can complicate and increase recurrence risk in both types of PE repairs. Identifying the factors that contributed to the previous procedure's failure is critical for prevention of another recurrence. A combination of surgical techniques may be necessary to successfully repair some patients.

Hybrid Technique for Repair of Recurrent Pectus Excavatum After Failed Open Repair.

BACKGROUND: Successful repair of recurrent pectus excavatum (PE) after failed open procedure has been reported using minimally invasive repair (MIRPE) and open approaches. Neither approach alone may be adequate for some patients. A hybrid technique for repair is presented for revision of recurrent PE. METHODS: A retrospective review of adults undergoing repair for recurrent PE after prior open repair from January 2010 to June 2014 was performed. RESULTS: Seventy-three adult patients underwent repair for recurrent PE, with 48 patients (65.8%) undergoing repair for recurrence after at least one prior open PE repair. Mean patient age was 34.5 years (range, 19 to 54 years); mean Haller index was 4.7 (range, 2.8 to 14.7). Fourteen (29%) recurrences with adequate chest wall pliability and no malunion were repaired with MIRPE alone; 34 patients (71%) underwent a hybrid procedure for repair (20 for PE recurrence alone; 14 for PE with acquired thoracic dystrophy). All had at least two support bars placed, and 11 patients (23%) had three bars placed. Mean hospitalization for MIRPE was 5 days, for hybrid was 7 days, and for hybrid because of acquired thoracic dystrophy was 10 days. One patient died of unexpected out-of-hospital arrest; there was one emergent conversion to open sternotomy for bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Most recurrent PE may be repaired with excellent results and minimal complications. Those with adequate chest pliability and no malunion are candidates for MIPRE alone. A hybrid procedure with thoracoscopic support bars combined with sternal elevation, multiple open osteotomies, and chest wall fixation is appropriate for recurrences associated with malunion or fixation of the anterior chest and failure to lift with MIRPE.

Operative management of acquired thoracic dystrophy in adults after open pectus excavatum repair.

BACKGROUND: In young children, acquired thoracic dystrophy (ATD) is associated with extensive resection of cartilage, often during open pectus excavatum (PE) repair. Progressive dyspnea or exercise intolerance may develop in these patients secondary to cardiac compression or restrictive pulmonary function. Surgical treatment of ATD by attempting to increase the overall thoracic volume has been controversial. We describe our experience with adults presenting for surgical correction of ATD. METHODS: A retrospective medical record review was performed for all patients with ATD presenting for surgical evaluation from December 2010 through February 2013. RESULTS: Ten adult male patients were evaluated for treatment of ATD after an open Ravitch procedure for PE. Nine patients, whose mean age was 34 years (range, 21-42 years), elected to proceed with surgical treatment. The mean age of the initial repair was 3.7 years. Extensive reconstruction, chest wall expansion, and placement of stainless steel support bars and titanium plating were performed in all patients. Eight patients had minor complications, and major complications occurred in 3 patients. Respiratory failure with prolonged ventilator support occurred in 3 patients. There were no reoperations or deaths. At mean follow-up of 16 months (range, 6-31 months), all patients subjectively reported improvement in their ability to exercise and in their symptoms, including dyspnea with exertion. CONCLUSIONS: ATD may be associated with early childhood Ravitch repair. Adults may present with disabling symptoms related to cardiac compression and restrictive pulmonary function. Reconstruction with sternal elevation and expansion of the anterior chest subjectively improves symptoms.

Complex repair of pectus excavatum recurrence and massive chest wall defect and lung herniation after prior open repair.

For more than 50 years, surgeons used traditional open surgical methods to correct pectus excavatum deformities. These techniques have undergone multiple modifications but involve resection of costal cartilages and mobilization of the sternum to an anterior position. Long-term postoperative complications are rarely published. Recurrence with lung herniation presents unique challenges. We report a technique to repair this condition in a patient with massive chest wall defect and residual excavatum deformity after open repair of his excavatum deformity.

Nontraditional surgical approaches for implantation of pacemaker and cardioverter defibrillator systems in patients with limited venous access.

BACKGROUND: Indications for placement of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) and pacemakers have expanded, and traditional transvenous implantation may not be feasible in patients with aberrant anatomy or venous obstruction. In these settings, successful lead placement has required innovative surgical approaches. A case series of successful placement of these systems in challenging patients is presented. METHODS: A 2-year retrospective study of patients undergoing placement of minimally invasive epicardial pacing leads or ICD coils was performed. RESULTS: Eleven patients underwent minimally invasive surgical placement of leads or coils. None were converted to open sternotomy. One required extension to minianterior thoracotomy. Causes of intravenous placement failure included aberrant anatomy with failure to access coronary sinus in 9 and venous occlusion in 2. Four patients had previous operations through a median sternotomy. Procedures included left video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) placement of a left ventricular epicardial lead in 8, left VATS conversion to minianterior thoracotomy left ventricular epicardial lead placement in 1, left VATS placement of ICD coil in 1, subxiphoid placement of a right ventricular epicardial lead in 1, subxiphoid ICD coil in 2, and subcutaneous ICD coil placement in 3. Mean hospitalization was 4.6 days. Postoperative hypotension and pulmonary edema occurred in 27% of patients. No patients died. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional transvenous lead implantation may be difficult or impossible in some patients with aberrant or occluded venous access. Novel surgical approaches with the use of minimally invasive procedures can establish optimally functional pacing and ICD systems without sternotomy and low associated morbidity.

Use of an inexpensive blue band during ventricular assist device and total artificial heart placement facilitates and expedites explantation during heart transplant.

Ventricular assist devices and total artificial hearts are now being used routinely as a bridge to heart transplantation. Reoperation is often weeks to months from implantation. Difficulty dissecting mediastinal and cardiac structures is often encountered due to adhesion formation that prolongs operative time. A temporary, flexible, rectangular-shaped polyisoprene blue band is used to encircle major vascular structures. We have found that this facilitates identification, reduces adhesion formation, and expedites device removal at the time of heart transplantation.