Putting patient value first: Using a modified nominal group technique for the implementation of enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery recommendations.

Objective: In 2019, the Society for Enhanced Recovery After Cardiac Surgery (ERAS-CS) published perioperative guidelines to optimize the care of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. For centers with limited capacity, a sequential approach to the implementation of the full guidelines may be more feasible. Therefore, we aimed to explore the priority of implementation of the ERAS-CS guideline recommendations from a patient and caregiver perspective. Methods: Using a modified nominal group technique, individuals who previously underwent cardiac surgery and their caregivers ranked ERAS-CS recommendations within 3 time points (ie, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative) and across 2 to 3 voting rounds. Final round rankings (median, mean and first quartile) were used to determine relative priorities. Results: Seven individuals (5 patients and 2 caregivers) participated in the study. Patient engagement tools (2, 2.29, and 1.50), surgical site infection reduction (2, 1.67, and 1.25), and postoperative systematic delirium screening (1, 2.43, and 1.00) were the top-ranked ERAS-CS recommendations in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative time points, respectively. Conclusions: Exploration of patient and caregiver priorities may provide important insights to guide the healthcare team with clinical pathway development and implementation. Further study is needed to understand the impact of the integration of patient and caregiver values on effective and sustainable clinical pathway implementation.

[Rupture of a sinus of valsalva aneurysm into the right atrium in the adult: a case report]. / Aneurisma del seno de valsalva roto hacia aurícula derecha en el adulto: a propósito de un caso.

Rupture of a Valsalva aneurysm in the adult is extremely rare and is often complicated by acute heart failure. We present the case of a 39-year-old patient with a non-coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm complicated by rupture into the right atrium associated with severe aortic regurgitation and moderate tricuspid regurgitation. The treatment was surgical and was based on the repair with a pericardial patch over the aneurysm, aortic valve replacement, and tricuspid plasty. We emphasize the importance of an early diagnosis and timely surgical treatment due to the high associated mortality.

Physiotherapy practices for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate physiotherapy practices in the rehabilitation of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2016 to January 2017 in cardiac care units of two private and two government hospitals in Karachi, and comprised physiotherapists dealing with patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Data was collected using a modified and validated version of 'tucker q' questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 101 physiotherapists, 60(59.4%) were females and 41(40.6%) were males. The overall work experience was 4.89+2.08 years. Of the total, 60(59.4%) physiotherapists used air suctioning in preoperative physiotherapy practices. Relaxation techniques were used by 86(85.10%) professionals and postural drainage by 85(84.20%), while breathing exercises were used by 65(64.4%) subjects in postoperative physiotherapy practices. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapists were found to be more or less keeping abreast with advances made regarding managing patients undergoing cardiac artery bypass grafting.

Intraoperative Remifentanil Infusion and Postoperative Pain Outcomes After Cardiac Surgery-Results from Secondary Analysis of a Randomized, Open-Label Clinical Trial.

DESIGN: Report of secondary pain outcomes from a prospective, randomized, open-label clinical trial that compared remifentanil and fentanyl on perioperative hyperglycemic response in cardiac surgery. SETTING: Single institution, tertiary university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 116 adult elective cardiac surgical patients. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly assigned to receive either intermittent fentanyl boluses (F) or continuous remifentanil infusion (R) intraoperatively. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Postoperative pain was evaluated with pain scores every 6 hours for 48 hours. Pain threshold to mechanical stimuli was measured around the sternotomy incision at 48 and 96 hours. The development of chronic pain was assessed using the numeric rating scale at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge. The final analysis included 106 patients. Pain scores and wound hyperalgesia were not significantly different postoperatively between the groups. The incidence of chronic pain at 3 months was comparable in both groups (61% in group F v 58% in group R; p = 0.79). Pain of more-than-mild degree was seen in 13 (32%) patients in group F and 8 (19%) in group R (p = 0.25) at 3 months. Median pain scores were not significantly different between the groups at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge from the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: The present study's findings suggested that intraoperative remifentanil infusion does not significantly worsen pain outcomes in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery.

Topical use of tranexamic acid in open heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of topical pouring of tranexamic acid in reducing post-operative mediastinal bleeding, requirement for blood products and the rate of re-exploration for re-securing haemostasis or relief of pericardial tamponade after open heart surgery. METHODS: The prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind comparative study was conducted from March 2013 to September 2015 at Rehmatul-lil-Alameen Institute of Cardiology, Punjab Employees Social Security Institution, Lahore, and comprised patients scheduled for primary isolated elective or urgent open heart surgery. The subjects were divided into two equal groups. The hetranexamic acid group received cardiac bath with 2gm of tranexamic acid diluted in 50mlof normal saline, while the placebo group received cardiac bath without tranexamic acid. Before the closure of sternum, the solution was poured into pericardial cavity as cardiac bath while the chest tubes were temporarily clamped. Data was entered into a pre-designed proforma. RESULTS: Of the 100 subjects, there were 50(50%) in each of the two groups. There was no difference in surgical characteristics and perioperative complications in the groups (p>0.05). After 48 post-operative hours, total blood loss was significantly less in the tranexamic acid group compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). Significantly less number of blood pints were transfused in the acid group than the placebo group (p<0.05). No patient in the acid group was re-explored for excessive bleeding compared to 4(8%) in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: There was significant reduction in post-operative blood drainage, need of blood products and rate of re-exploration after topical use of tranexamic acid in open heart surgery.

Innovations in cardiovascular care: Historical perspective, contemporary practice, recent trends and future directions.

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the world population. First open heart procedure was performed by Gibbon in 1953, since then many advancements have been introduced to the field of cardiac surgery. Minimally invasive techniques were introduced, which include minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), off-pump technique, minimally invasive valve surgery or transcatheter techniques to implant stentless or sutureless valves. The hybrid strategy to address coronary disease combines catheterisation procedures with standard surgical techniques. Cardiac imaging has also progressed to provide three-dimensional images of the heart, enabling surgeons to plan procedures with greater accuracy. Left ventricular assist devices can be used in patients suffering from cardiogenic shock or awaiting heart transplantation. Total artificial heart can be used for biventricular mechanical support. As technology becomes increasingly used for patient management, the future surgeon needs to be trained in minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Postoperative pain management in the surgical wards of a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar.

OBJECTIVE: To assess levels of postoperative pain with reference to internationally validated protocols. METHODS: The hospital-based survey of postoperative patients was conducted from February 2012 to April 2012 in the surgical wards of Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar. A questionnaire was devised incorporating internationally validated World Health Organisation pain scoring system to assess the level of pain control. The severity of postoperative pain was further evaluated by correlating it with various variables. RESULTS: Of the 210 patients interviewed, 80(38%) were males with a mean age of 44.16±20.37 and 130(62%) were females with a mean age of 36.47±14.39. Overall, 84(40%) patients experienced mild pain, 82(39%) experienced moderate pain and 33(16%) experienced severe pain, while only 11(5%) experienced no pain when assessed within the first 24 hours following surgery. The same patients when interviewed within the 48 hours following surgery showed 117(56%) were in mild pain, 72(34%) in moderate to severe pain and 21(10%) had no pain. CONCLUSIONS: The achievement of absolute no pain for all patients in the post-operative phase is next to impossible, but it should remain the ultimate target.

Acceptability of a web-based and tailored intervention for the self-management of pain after cardiac surgery: the perception of women and men.

BACKGROUND: Approximately two thirds of adults undergoing cardiac surgery suffer from moderate to severe postoperative pain. Assisting patients with pain management is therefore critical to prevent its negative consequences. Information technologies have become part of our lifestyle and can facilitate the implementation of interventions to manage pain in a busy care setting. A computer-tailored and Web-based intervention-referred to as SOUtien à L'AutoGEstion-Traitement-Assistance Virtuelle Infirmière-Enseignement (SOULAGE-TAVIE)-for the self-management of pain was developed. Findings from a previous pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) provided some evidence of the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of this intervention in decreasing pain interference with a few postoperative activities and by modulating pain beliefs and analgesic intake. However, its acceptability from the patient's perspective remains unclear. Moreover, the proportion of women is much lower in the cardiac surgical population, making it difficult to detect differences in experiences between men and women. OBJECTIVE: The objectives were (1) to describe SOULAGE-TAVIE's acceptability from the perspective of adults experiencing pain after cardiac surgery and (2) to compare the perceptions of men and women. METHODS: A mixed-method approach was used to capture the various attributes of patients' perceptions of the intervention's acceptability and to compare the perceptions of men and women. Quota samples of men (n=10; mean age 62.5 years, SD 7.3) and women (n=10; mean age 64.3 years, SD 10.7) who had cardiac surgery in the past month were invited to view the intervention, complete a brief questionnaire rating its acceptability, and then to discuss each component in a 60-minute, semistructured interview. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare groups. The transcripts were content analyzed to generate themes based on patients' experiences with the intervention and reports of acceptability. The content of each category and subcategory were compared between men and women. Frequency counts were also done to validate the emergence of a difference between the 2 subgroups. RESULTS: Participants perceived the intervention to be very acceptable in terms of content and format, and tended to describe awareness-raising and convenient support experiences. Women scored higher than men in terms of the intervention's appropriateness (U=13.5, P=.008). They were willing to adhere to the intervention based on the importance and relevance of the advice provided, whereas men were more focused on the delivery mode and its flexibility. CONCLUSIONS: This study underlined the acceptability of computer tailoring and persuasive communication to modulate pain beliefs and attitudes in an acute care context. Both men and women appreciated the Web-based interface and general self-guided approach of the intervention. The delivery of SOULAGE-TAVIE across the continuum of care seems to be an interesting avenue to influence the transition from acute to chronic postoperative pain.

Postoperative visual loss due to complicated mediastinal dissection and haemorrhagic shock treatment during cardiac surgery.

We report the case of a patient who underwent third time revision of double heart valve replacement. Mediastinal dissection for right atrium cannulation was complicated by laceration of the superior vena cava; this required temporary rescue clamping of the vessel. The patient suffered complete visual loss related to bilateral retrobulbar haematoma. Acute elevation of superior vena cava pressure due to vascular clamping and administration of large amounts of fluid through the central venous jugular catheter could have caused the postoperative visual loss.

How much medicine do spine surgeons need to know to better select and care for patients?

BACKGROUND: Although we routinely utilize medical consultants for preoperative clearance and postoperative patient follow-up, we as spine surgeons need to know more medicine to better select and care for our patients. METHODS: This study provides additional medical knowledge to facilitate surgeons' "cross-talk" with medical colleagues who are concerned about how multiple comorbid risk factors affect their preoperative clearance, and impact patients' postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Within 6 months of an acute myocardial infarction (MI), patients undergoing urological surgery encountered a 40% mortality rate: similar rates may likely apply to patients undergoing spinal surgery. Within 6 weeks to 2 months of placing uncoated cardiac, carotid, or other stents, endothelialization is typically complete; as anti-platelet therapy may often be discontinued, spinal surgery can then be more safely performed. Coated stents, however, usually require 6 months to 1 year for endothelialization to occur; thus spinal surgery is often delayed as anti-platelet therapy must typically be continued to avoid thrombotic complications (e.g., stroke/MI). Diabetes and morbid obesity both increase the risk of postoperative infection, and poor wound healing, while the latter increases the risk of phlebitis/pulmonary embolism. Both hypercoagluation and hypocoagulation syndromes may require special preoperative testing/medications and/or transfusions of specific hematological factors. Pulmonary disease, neurological disorders, and major psychiatric pathology may also require further evaluations/therapy, and may even preclude successful surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Although we as spinal surgeons utilize medical consultants for preoperative clearance and postoperative care, we need to know more medicine to better select and care for our patients.

Efeitos hemodinâmicos da combinação de dexmedetomidina-fentanil versus midazolam-fentanil em crianças submetidas à cirurgia cardíaca com circulação extracorpórea / Efectos hemodinámicos de la combinación de dexmedetomidina-fentanil versus midazolam-fentanil en ninõs sometidos a la cirugía cardíaca con circulación extracorpórea / Hemodynamic effects of the combination of dexmedetomidine-fentanyl versus midazolam-fentanyl in children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a eficácia da infusão combinada de dexmedetomidina e fentanil na resposta hemodinâmica durante cirurgia cardíaca com circulação extracorpórea (CEC) em crianças. MÉTODO: Trinta e duas crianças com idade entre 1 mês e 10 anos, agendadas para cirurgia cardíaca com circulação extracorpórea, foram distribuídas de modo aleatório em dois grupos: o Grupo MDZ recebeu midazolam 0,2 mg.kg-1.h-1, enquanto o Grupo DEX recebeu dexmedetomidina 1 µg.kg-1.h-1 durante uma hora e, em seguida, o ritmo de infusão foi reduzido à metade em ambos os grupos. Ambos os grupos receberam fentanil 10 µg.kg-1, midazolam 0,2 mg.h-1 e vecurônio 0,2 mg.kg-1 para indução da anestesia. As mesmas doses de fentanil com vecurônio da indução foram infundidas durante a primeira hora após a indução e, em seguida, reduzidas à metade. As infusões foram iniciadas imediatamente após a indução e mantidas até o final da cirurgia. O isoflurano foi administrado por curto tempo para controle da resposta hiperdinâmica à incisão e esternotomia. RESULTADOS: Em ambos os grupos, a pressão arterial sistólica e a frequência cardíaca reduziram de modo significativo após uma hora de infusão anestésica, porém o aumento da pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica e da frequência cardíaca à incisão da pele foram significantemente menores no Grupo DEX. Um número significativamente menor de pacientes demandaram suplementação com isoflurano no Grupo DEX. Após a CEC, os pacientes de ambos os grupos tiveram respostas hemodinâmicas similares. CONCLUSÕES: A infusão sem bolus de dexmedetomidina parece ser um adjuvante efetivo do fentanil na promoção de sedação e controle das respostas hemodinâmicas durante cirurgia para cardiopatias congênitas em crianças.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of the combined infusion of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl on the hemodynamic response during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in children. METHODS: Thirty-two children, ages 1 month to 10 years, scheduled for cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were randomly divided in two groups: the MDZ Group received midazolam 0.2 mg.kg-1.h-1, while the DEX group received dexmedetomidine 1 µg.kg-1.h-1 during one hour followed be a reduction by half in the rate of infusion in both groups. Both groups received fentanyl 10 µg.kg-1, midazolam 0.2 mg.h-1, and vecuronium 0.2 mg.kg-1 for anesthesia induction. The same doses of fentanyl and vecuronium used during induction were infused during the first hour after induction, followed by a reduction to half. Infusions were initiated immediately after induction and maintained until the end of the surgery. Isoflurane was administered for a short time to control the hyperdynamic response to incision and sternotomy. RESULTS: In both groups, systolic blood pressure and heart rate reduced significantly after one hour of anesthetic infusion, but the increase in systolic and diastolic pressure and heart rate to skin incision were significantly lower in the DEX Group. A significantly lower number of patients demanded supplementation with isoflurane in the DEX Group. After CPB, patients in both groups had similar hemodynamic responses. CONCLUSIONS: Infusion of dexmedetomidine without bolus seems to be an effective adjuvant to fentanyl on the promotion of sedation and control of hemodynamic responses during surgery for congenital cardiopathies in children.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la eficacia de la infusión combinada de dexmedetomidina y fentanil en la respuesta hedominámica durante la cirugía cardíaca con circulación extracorpórea (CEC) en niños. MÉTODO: Treinta y dos niños, con edad entre 1 mes y 10 años, citados para cirugía cardíaca con circulación extracorpórea, que fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente en dos grupos: el Grupo MDZ recibió midazolam 0,2 mg.kg-1.h-1, mientras que el Grupo DEX recibió dexmedetomidina 1 µg.kg-1.h-1 durante una hora y enseguida el ritmo de infusión se redujo a la mitad en los dos grupos. Los dos grupos recibieron fentanil 10 µg. kg-1, midazolam 0,2 mg.h-1 y vecuronio 0,2 mg.kg-1 para la inducción de la anestesia. Las mismas dosis de fentanil con vecuronio de la inducción fueron infundidas durante la primera hora después de la inducción y enseguida reducidas a la mitad. Las infusiones fueron iniciadas inmediatamente después de la inducción y mantenidas hasta el final de la cirugía. El isoflurano se administró por un corto tiempo para el control de la respuesta hiperdinámica a la incisión y esternotomía. RESULTADOS: En los dos grupos, la presión arterial sistólica y la frecuencia cardíaca se redujeron ostensiblemente después de una hora de infusión anestésica, pero el aumento de la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica y el de la frecuencia cardíaca al momento de la incisión de la piel, fueron significantemente menores en el Grupo DEX. Un número significativamente menor de pacientes exigió un suplemento con isoflurano en el Grupo DEX. Después de la CEC, los pacientes de los dos grupos tuvieron respuestas hedominámicas similares. CONCLUSIONES: La infusión sin bolo de dexmedetomidina parece ser un adyuvante efectivo del fentanil en la promoción de la sedación y el control de las respuestas hemodinámicas durante la cirugía para las cardiopatías congénitas en niños.

Estratégias ventilatórias frente à hipoxemia em cirurgia cardíaca: validação de questionário para anestesiologistas no Brasil / Estrategias ventilatorias frente a la hipoxemia en cirugía cardíaca: validación de cuestionario para anestesiólogos en Brasil / Ventilatory strategies for hypoxemia during cardiac surgery: survey validation for anesthesiologists in Brazil

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A hipoxemia perioperatória ocorre frequentemente em cirurgia cardíaca e a atelectasia é sua principal causa. Além disso, podemos citar como causas circulação extracorpórea (CEC), dissecção de artérias torácicas internas, status clínico prévio do paciente, entre outras. O presente estudo elaborou um questionário anônimo para observar as estratégias ventilatórias frente à hipoxemia em cirurgia cardía ca adotadas por cinco mil anestesiologistas distribuídos no país. MÉTODO: Foram enviados questionários por e-mail a cinco mil anestesiologistas do Brasil. RESULTADOS: Dos questionários enviados, foram recebidas 81 respostas válidas. Dentre as respostas, 65 (80 por cento) anestesiologistas fazem uso da ventilação controlada a volume (VCV) frente a 16 (20 por cento) que preferem ventilação controlada à pressão (PCV). O volume (Vt) corrente utilizado é inferior a 10 mL.kg-1 para 46 (61 por cento) contra 29 (39 por cento) que adotam um Vt maior que 10 mL.kg-1. Quarenta e sete (58 por cento) usam PEEP e 17 (21 por cento) utilizam FiO2 acima de 60 por cento. No caso de hipoxemia intraoperatória, 20,9 por cento aumentam ou introduzem PEEP, 70,3 por cento aumentam a FiO2, 19,7 por cento realizam manobra de recrutamento alveolar, 13,5 por cento aumentam o volume-corrente e 20,9 por cento realizam checagem de falhas no aparelho de anestesia. As respostas foram enviadas de 15 estados. CONCLUSÕES: As condutas descritas nos questionários respondidos são compatíveis com a literatura internacional. Com ajuste no formato do questionário e na abordagem aos anestesiologistas, novos estudos poderão ser realizados.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Perioperative hypoxemia is common in cardiac surgeries, and atelectasis is the main cause. Besides, we can mention extracorporeal circulation (ECC), dissection of internal thoracic arteries, and previous clinical status of the patient among others as its causes. The present study elaborated an anonymous questionnaire to observe ventilatory strategies for hypoxemia in cardiac surgeries adopted by five thousand anesthesiologists all over the country. METHODS: Questionnaires were sent via e-mail for five thousand anesthesiologists in Brazil. RESULTS: Out of the questionnaires sent, 81 valid responses were received. Among the answers, 65 (80 percent) anesthesiologists use volume-controlled ventilation (VCV), while 16 (20 percent) prefer pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV). The tidal volume (Vt) used is lower than 10 mL.kg-1, for 46 (61 percent) versus 20 (30 percent) who adopt a Vt greater than 10 mL.kg-1. Forty-seven (58 percent) use PEEP and 15 (21 percent) use FiO2 above 60 percent. In the case of intraoperative hypoxemia, 20.9 percent increase or introduce PEEP, 70.3 percent increase the FiO2, 19.7 percent use alveolar recruitment maneuvers, 13.5 percent increase the tidal volume, and 20.9 percent check for the presence of failures in the anesthesia equipment. Responses were sent from 15 states. CONCLUSIONS: The conducts described in the questionnaires are compatible with those of the international literature. Adjusting the questionnaires format and the way to approach anesthesiologists, new studies could be undertaken.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La hipoxemia perioperatoria ocurre frecuentemente en la cirugía cardíaca, y la atelectasia es su principal causa. Además, podemos citar como causas la circulación extracorpórea (CEC), disección de arterias torácicas internas, status clínico previo del paciente, entre otras. El presente estudio elaboró un cuestionario anónimo para observar las estrategias ventilatorias frente a la hipoxemia en cirugía cardíaca adoptadas por cinco mil anestesiólogos en todo el país. MÉTODO: Fueron enviados cuestionarios por e-mail a cinco mil anestesiólogos de Brasil. RESULTADOS: De los cuestionarios enviados, se recibieron 81 respuestas válidas. Entre las respuestas, 65 (80 por ciento) anestesiólogos usan ventilación controlada a volumen (VCV) frente a 16 (20 por ciento) que prefieren la ventilación controlada a presión (PCV). El volumen (Vt) corriente utilizado es inferior a 10 mL.kg-1 para 46 (61 por ciento) contra 29 (39 por ciento) que adoptan un Vt mayor que 10 mL.kg-1. Cuarenta y siete (58 por ciento) usan PEEP y 17 (21 por ciento) utilizan FiO2 por encima del 60 por ciento. En el caso de hipoxemia intraoperatoria, 20,9 por ciento aumentan o introducen PEEP, un 70,3 por ciento aumentan la FiO2, un 19,7 por ciento realizan maniobra de reclutamiento alveolar, un 13,5 por ciento aumentan el volumen corriente y un 20,9 por ciento realizan el chequeo de fallas en el aparato de anestesia. Las respuestas fueron enviadas desde 15 estados. CONCLUSIONES: Las conductas descritas en los cuestionarios respondidos están a tono con la literatura internacional. Nuevos estudios se podrán hacer ajustando el formato del cuestionario y el abordaje a los anestesiólogos.

Paraplegia após revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio: relato de caso / Paraplegia after myocardial revascularization: case report / Paraplejia después de la revascularización quirúrgica del miocardio: relato de caso

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os avanços ocorridos na Anestesiologia permitiram melhores índices de segurança. Várias técnicas e agentes são utilizados visando controlar a resposta hemodinâmica e minimizar os efeitos adversos do estimulo cirúrgico em pacientes submetidos a procedimentos cardíacos. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente de 70 anos, masculino, 1,74 m, 75 kg, ASA III, e NYHA II. Portador de dislipidemia, diabetes mellitus tipo II e hipertensão arterial controladas; tabagismo, enfermidade vascular periférica e história de infarto agudo do miocárdio há 20 anos. O paciente foi submetido a revascularização com artéria mamária interna esquerda e enxertos de safena com pinçamento intermitente da aorta em circulação extracorpórea. Durante as primeiras 24 horas na UTI apresentou eventos de instabilidade hemodinâmica, hipotensão súbita e fibrilação atrial. Após 26 horas do final do procedimento cirúrgico, o paciente estava acordado, hemodinamicamente estável e com boa dinâmica respiratória quando foi extubado. O paciente estava comunicativo, orientado, porém com imobilidade e reflexos abolidos nos membros inferiores. Na avaliação neurológica: pares de nervos cranianos sem alteração, ausência de queixa de dor de qualquer tipo da cintura pélvica para baixo, preservação da sensibilidade superficial e profunda, perfusão distal adequada sem edemas, e paraplegia flácida na região abaixo de T8. Exame de ecocardiografia sem alterações. A tomografia computadorizada da coluna lombo-sacra, não mostrou massa compressiva no espaço epidural ou adjacente. CONCLUSÃO: A síndrome da artéria espinhal anterior, deve ser sempre considerada nos procedimentos de manipulação da aorta. A prevenção, particularmente nos pacientes de risco é necessária. A tomografia computadorizada é importante para o diagnóstico diferencial e a ressonância magnética para a localização da lesão.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Developments in anesthesiology have improved safety indices. Several techniques and agents are used to control the hemodynamic response and minimize adverse effects triggered by surgical stimuli in patients undergoing cardiac procedures. CASE REPORT: This is a 70 years old male patient, 1.74 m, 75 kg, ASA III, and NYHA II. The patient had controlled dyslipedemia, type II diabetes mellitus, and hypertension; history of smoking, peripheral vascular disease, and myocardial infarction 20 years ago. The patient underwent revascularization with the left internal mammary artery and saphenous grafts with extracorporeal circulation with intermittent clamping of the aorta. During the first 24 hours in the ICU, the patient developed hemodynamic instability, sudden hypotension, and atrial fibrillation. Twenty-six hours after the end of the surgery, the patient was awake, hemodynamically stable, and with good respiratory dynamics, being extubated. The patient was talkative and oriented, but immobile and negative reflexes in the lower limbs. Neurological evaluation showed: cranial nerves without changes, no complaints of pain below the hips, preserved superficial and deep sensitivity, adequate distal perfusion without edema, and flaccid paraplegia below T8. The echocardiogram did not show any changes. CT scan of the lumbosacral spine was negative for compressive mass in the epidural space or adjacent to it. CONCLUSION: Anterior spinal artery syndrome should be considered in procedures with manipulation of the aorta. Prevention, especially in patients at risk, is necessary. Computed tomography, for the differential diagnosis, and MRI, to localize the lesion, are important.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: En las últimas décadas, los avances que se han dado en anestesiología resultaron en una reducción de los indicadores de morbilidad y mortalidad. En ese contexto, varias técnicas y agentes anestésicos han sido utilizados para controlar la respuesta hemodinámica y minimizar los efectos perjudiciales provenientes del estimulo quirúrgico en pacientes sometidos a procedimientos cardíacos. En cirugía cardíaca, la asociación de la anestesia regional a la anestesia general, ha sido motivo de muchas controversias entre los anestesistas, además de haber promovido muchos estudios en los últimos años. El surgimiento de las complicaciones neurológicas, es una situación devastadora que puede ocurrir después de una cirugía cardiovascular. En este artículo, relatamos un caso de paraplejia ocurrida en un paciente de 70 años, del sexo masculino, y después de una cirugía de revascularización del miocardio añadiéndosele opioide subaracnoideo a la anestesia general.

Causas incomuns de instabilidade hemodinâmica durante revascularização miocárdica sem circulação extracorpórea / Uncommon causes of hemodynamic instability during myocardial revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass / Causas poco comunes de inestabilidad hemodinámica durante la revascularización miocárdica sin circulación extracorpórea

Justificativa e objetivos: A revascularização miocárdica (RM) em pacientes com hipertrofia e/ou disfunção ventricular é frequentemente realizada sem utilização de circulação extracorpórea (CEC) porque o desmame da CEC pode ser difícil nesses casos. O controle intraoperatório exige ajuste hemodinâmico estrito, bem como uso de pinçamento aórtico parcial para minimizar alterações hemodinâmicas é efetivo. O objetivo foi relatar dois casos de instabilidade hemodinâmica durante RM sem CEC, após pinçamento parcial da aorta. Relato dos casos: No primeiro caso, a paciente do sexo feminino apresentava diâmetro aórtico ligeiramente reduzido (2,8 cm) e o segundo paciente apresentava fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda (FEVE) de 24 por cento à ecocardiografia. Em ambos os casos, observou-se importante hipotensão arterial e elevação da pressão arterial pulmonar imediatamente após pinçamento aórtico. As equipes cirúrgicas foram avisadas e a instabilidade hemodinâmica de cada caso resolvida após a liberação do pinçamento parcial da aorta. Os pinçamentos posteriores foram realizados em menor área aórtica e as anastomoses proximais realizadas sem intercorrências. Conclusões: Embora as causas mais comuns de instabilidade hemodinâmica durante a RM sem CEC refiram-se à manipulação da posição cardíaca e a alterações da pré-carga ventricular, nesses casos, hipotensão arterial e hipertensão pulmonar deveram-se, provavelmente, à diminuição do débito cardíaco secundário ao aumento da pós-carga em pacientes com pequeno diâmetro relativo da aorta ou disfunção ventricular ocorridos mesmo com pinçamento parcial. A adequada monitoração intraoperatória e a correção imediata de alterações hemodinâmicas podem minimizar a morbimortalidade cirúrgica.

Background and objectives: Myocardial revascularization (MR) in patients with ventricular hypertrophy and/or dysfunction is frequently performed without cardiopulmonary bypass (CB), since it can be difficult to wean those patients off CB. Intraoperative control demands strict hemodynamic adjustment, as well as partial clamping of the aorta to minimize hemodynamic changes. The objective of this study was to report two cases of hemodynamic instability during MR without CB after partial clamping of the aorta. Case report: The first case is a female patient, whose aortic diameter was slightly reduced (2.8 cm); the second case refers to a patient with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 24 percent on the echocardiogram. In both cases, significant hypotension and increase in pulmonary blood pressure were observed immediately after clamping of the aorta. The surgical teams were informed of the problem, and in both cases the hemodynamic instability was reverted after unclamping of the aorta. Afterwards, smaller areas of the aorta were clamped and proximal anastomoses were performed without intercurrence. Conclusions: Although cardiac manipulation and changes in ventricular preload represent the most common causes of hemodynamic instability during MR without CB, in the cases presented here, hypotension and pulmonary hypertension were most likely secondary to a reduction in cardiac output due to the increase in afterload in patients with a relatively small aortic diameter or ventricular dysfunction even with partial clamping. Adequate intraoperative monitoring and immediate correction of the hemodynamic changes can minimize surgical morbidity and mortality.

Justificativa y objetivos: La revascularización miocárdica (RM) en pacientes con hipertrofia y/o disfunción ventricular, es a menudo realizada sin la utilización de la circulación extracorpórea (CEC), porque el destete de la CEC puede ser difícil en esos casos. El control intraoperatorio exige un ajuste hemodinámico estricto, y también puede ser eficaz, el uso del pinzamiento aórtico parcial para minimizar las alteraciones hemodinámicas. El objetivo fue relatar dos casos de inestabilidad hemodinámica durante la RM sin CEC, después del pinzamiento parcial de la aorta. Relato de los casos: En el primer caso, la paciente del sexo femenino presentaba un diámetro aórtico ligeramente reducido (2,8 cm), y el segundo paciente presentaba una fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda (FEVI) de un 24 por ciento a la ecocardiografía. En los dos casos, observamos una importante hipotensión arterial y una elevación de la presión arterial pulmonar inmediatamente después del pinzamiento aórtico. Los equipos de cirugía recibieron el aviso y la inestabilidad hemodinámica de cada caso se resolvió después de la liberación del pinzamiento parcial de la aorta. Los pinzamientos posteriores se realizaron en una menor área aórtica y las anastomosis proximales se hicieron sin intercurrencias. Conclusiones: Aunque las causas más frecuentes de la inestabilidad hemodinámica durante la RM sin CEC se refieran a la manipulación de la posición cardiaca y a las alteraciones de la precarga ventricular, en esos casos, la hipotensión arterial y la hipertensión pulmonar se debieron probablemente, a la reducción del débito cardíaco secundario, al aumento de la poscarga en pacientes con un diámetro reducido relativo de la aorta, o a la disfunción ventricular todos inclusive con pinzamiento parcial. El adecuado monitoreo intraoperatorio y la inmediata corrección de las alteraciones hemodinámicas, pueden minimizar la morbimortalidad quirúrgica.

Ecocardiografia transesofágica e diagnóstico intraoperatório de veia cava superior esquerda persistente / Ecocardiografía transesofágica y diagnóstico intraoperatorio de vena cava superior izquierda persistente / Transesophageal echocardiography and intraoperative diagnosis of persistent left superior vena cava

Justificativa e objetivos: A persistência da veia cava superior esquerda ocorre isoladamente em 0,5 por cento da população normal, porém nos pacientes com cardiopatia congênita chega a estar presente em 3 por cento a 10 por cento dos casos. O objetivo deste relato foi apresentar um caso de diagnóstico intraoperatório com o auxílio da ecocardiografia transesofágica e ressaltar a importância da sua utilização rotineira em intervenções cirúrgicas...

Background and objectives: Isolated persistent left superior vena cava has an incidence of 0.5 percent in the normal population, but in patients with congenital cardiopathy its incidence ranges from 3 percent to 10 percent. The objective of this report was to present a case of intraoperative diagnosis with transesophageal echocardiography and to emphasize the importance of its routine use in surgical procedures...

Justificativa y objetivos: La persistencia de la vena cava superior izquierda ocurre de forma aislada en 0,5 por ciento de la población normal, sin embargo, en los pacientes con cardiopatía congénita llega a estar presente de un 3 por ciento a un 10 por ciento de los casos. El objetivo de este relato, fue presentar un caso de diagnóstico intraoperatorio con la ayuda de la ecocardiografía transesofágica y resaltar la importancia de su utilización de rutina en intervenciones quirúrgicas...

Avaliação da ansiedade e depressão no período pré-operatório em pacientes submetidos a procedimentos cardíacos invasivos / Evaluación de la ansiedad y depresión en el período preoperatorio en pacientes sometidos a procedimientos cardíacos / Evaluation of preoperative anxiety and depression in patients undergoing invasive cardiac procedures

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A avaliação específica da ansiedade e da depressão não está incluída na rotina de avaliação pré-operatória, o que faz com que em situações como as doenças cardíacas, em que o estado emocional dos pacientes pode estar modificado pela própria doença, possam não ser diagnosticadas. O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o nível e a prevalência de ansiedade e depressão em pacientes com doença cardíaca a serem submetidos a procedimentos invasivos e/ou cirúrgicos, utilizando a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - HAD). MÉTODO: Após a aprovação pelos Comitês de Ética, foram incluídos 96 pacientes, estado físico ASA II e III, que constituíram três grupos: estudo eletrofisiológico (EEF), implante de marcapasso (MP) e revascularização do miocárdio (RM). Os escores considerados "ponto de corte" foram: escala HAD-ansiedade (HAD-A) com ansiedade > 9; escala HAD-depressão (HAD-D) com depressão > 9. RESULTADOS: Os grupos foram homogêneos quanto às variáveis sociodemográficas. Observou-se diferença estatística significativa entre os três grupos (p = 0,006; p = 0,034) quanto ao nível e prevalência de ansiedade (HAD-A) e na comparação do nível de ansiedade grupo a grupo verificou-se diferença significativa entre os grupos EEF × RM e EEF × MP (p < 0,05). A comparação dos três grupos quanto ao nível e prevalência de depressão (HAD-D) não mostrou diferença estatística significativa. CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes com doença cardíaca a serem submetidos a estudo eletrofisiológico, implante de marcapasso e revascularização do miocárdio têm diferença dos níveis e prevalência de ansiedade, mas não apresentam diferença em relação aos níveis e prevalência de depressão.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Specific assessment of anxiety and depression is not included in routine preoperative evaluation; therefore, in cases of cardiac diseases in which the emotional status of the patient may be modified by the disease those disorders may not be diagnosed. The objective of the present study was to compare the level and prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with cardiac disease undergoing invasive and/or surgical procedures using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - HAD. METHODS: After approval by the Ethics Committee, 96 patients, physical status ASA II and III, were divided in three groups: electrophysiological study (EPS), pacemaker (PM) placement, and myocardial revascularization (MR). "Cutting points" were as follows: HAD-anxiety scale (HAD-A) with anxiety > 9; HAD-depression scale (HAD-D) with depression > 9. RESULTS: All three groups were homogenous regarding sociodemographic parameters. Statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups (p = 0.006; p = 0.034) in the level and prevalence of anxiety (HAD-A); and in the intergroup comparison of the anxiety level significant differences were observed between the EPS x MR and EPS x PM groups (p < 0.05). Significant differences in the level and prevalence of depression (HAD-D) among the study groups were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cardiac diseases undergoing electrophysiological studies, pacemaker implantation, and myocardial revascularization have different levels and prevalence of anxiety, but they do not show differences in the level and prevalence of depression.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La evaluación específica de la ansiedad y de la depresión no está incluida en la rutina de evaluación preoperatoria, lo que hace con que en algunas situaciones como las enfermedades cardiacas, en que el estado emocional de los pacientes puede estar modificado por la propia enfermedad, puedan no quedar diagnosticadas. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar el nivel y la prevalencia de ansiedad y depresión en pacientes con enfermedad cardiaca a ser sometidos a procedimientos invasivos y/o quirúrgicos, utilizando la Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - HAD). MÉTODO: Después de la aprobación por parte de los Comités de Ética, se incluyeron 96 pacientes, estado físico ASA II y III, que constituyeron tres grupos: estudio electrofisiológico (EEF), implante de marcapaso (MP) y revascularización del miocardio (RM). Las puntuaciones consideradas "punto de corte" fueron las siguientes: escala HAD-ansiedad (HAD-A): con ansiedad > 9; escala HAD-depresión (HAD-D): con depresión > 9. RESULTADOS: Los grupos fueron homogéneos en cuanto a las variables sociodemográficas. Se observó una diferencia estadística significativa entre los tres grupos (p = 0,006; p = 0,034) en lo concerniente al nivel y a la prevalencia de ansiedad (HAD-A) y en la comparación del nivel de ansiedad grupo a grupo, se verificó la diferencia significativa entre los grupos EEF x RM y EEF x MP (p < 0,05). La comparación de los tres grupos en cuanto al nivel y a la prevalencia de Depresión (HAD-D) no arrojó diferencia estadística significativa. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes con enfermedad cardiaca a ser sometidos a estudio electrofisiológico, implante de marcapaso y revascularización del miocardio, tienen diferencia de los niveles y prevalencia de ansiedad, pero no presentan diferencia con relación a los niveles y a la prevalencia de depresión.

Reposição volêmica intraoperatória: cristaloides versus coloides em revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio sem circulação extracorpórea / Reposición volémica intraoperatoria: cristaloides versus coloides en revascularización quirúrgica del miocardio sin circulación extracorpórea / Intraoperative volume replacement: crystalloids versus colloids in surgical myocardial revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O uso de cristaloides ou coloides na reposição volêmica de intervenções cirúrgicas de grande porte é assunto controverso. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar os efeitos do cristaloide (solução fisiológica a 0,9 por cento SF) com coloide (gelatina fluida modificada) quando administrados no intraoperatório de revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio (RVCM) sem circulação extracorpórea (CEC). MÉTODO: Quarenta pacientes submetidos à RVCM sem CEC foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos similares. O primeiro grupo recebeu gelatina fluida modificada e SF e o segundo grupo recebeu somente SF. Registrou-se a diurese, nível da hemoglobina, sangramentos intra e pós-operatórios, valores de glicemia e lactato do intraoperatório em quatro medidas distintas. Foram avaliados a morbimortalidade pós-operatória, o tempo de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) e o tempo de internação hospitalar. RESULTADOS: O tempo de extubação do grupo da gelatina foi de 6,6 horas contra 7,3 horas do grupo do SF. O tempo de internação no CTI foi de 2,4 dias no grupo da gelatina contra 3,3 dias no grupo do SF. O tempo de internação hospitalar no grupo da gelatina foi de 10,3 dias contra 6,8 dias no grupo do uso exclusivo de SF. A ocorrência de complicações renais, respiratórias, disritmias cardíacas, infartos, infecções, reintubações, transfusões sanguíneas e reoperações foi a mesma. CONCLUSÕES: O uso de coloides, representados pela gelatina fluida modificada associada a cristaloides ou o uso de cristaloides exclusivamente não alterou o prognóstico pós-operatório de pacientes submetidos à RVCM sem CEC nos pacientes estudados. Talvez mais importante que o tipo de líquido administrado ao paciente cirúrgico seja a manutenção de estabilidade hemodinâmica adequada durante o procedimento.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The use of crystalloids or colloids for volume replacement in large size surgeries is controversial. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of the intraoperative administration of crystalloids (normal saline - NS) with those of colloids (modified fluid gelatin) for surgical myocardial revascularization (SMR) without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: Forty patients undergoing SMR without CPB were randomly divided in two similar groups. The first group received modified fluid gelatin and NS and the second group received only NS. Urine output, hemoglobin level, intra- and postoperative bleeding, blood glucose levels, and intraoperative lactate in four distinct measurements were recorded. Postoperative morbidity and mortality, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), and length of hospitalization were analyzed. RESULTS: Time to extubation in the gelatin group was 6.6 hours versus 7.3 hours in the NS group. The length of stay in the ICU was 2.4 days in the gelatin group versus 3.3 days in the NS group. The length of hospitalization was 10.3 days in the gelatin group versus 6.8 days in the NS group. The incidence of renal and respiratory complications, cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial infarctions, infections, reintubations, blood transfusions, and reoperation was the same in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of colloids represented here by modified fluid gelatin associated with crystalloids or the use of crystalloids alone did not change the postoperative prognosis of patients undergoing SMR without CPB. Perhaps maintenance of the hemodynamic balance during the surgery is more important than the type of fluid administered.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El uso de cristaloides o coloides en la reposición volémica de intervenciones quirúrgicas de gran envergadura es un asunto controvertido. El objeto de este trabajo fue comparar los efectos del cristaloide (solución fisiológica al 0,9 por ciento SF), con coloide (gelatina fluida modificada), cuando se administran en el intraoperatorio de revascularización quirúrgica del miocardio (RVCM) sin circulación extracorpórea (CEC). MÉTODO: Cuarenta pacientes sometidos a la RVCM sin CEC fueron divididos aleatoriamente en dos grupos similares. El primer grupo recibió gelatina fluida modificada y SF, el segundo grupo recibió solo SF. Se registró la diuresis, el nivel de la hemoglobina, el sangramiento intra y postoperatorio, y los valores de glicemia y lactato del intraoperatorio en cuatro medidas distintas. Se evaluaron la morbimortalidad postoperatoria, el tiempo de internación en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) y el tiempo de internación hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: El tiempo de extubación del grupo de la gelatina fue de 6,6 horas contra 7,3 horas del grupo del SF, el tiempo de internación en UCI fue de 2,4 días en el grupo de la gelatina contra 3,3 días en el grupo del SF. El tiempo de internación hospitalaria en el grupo de la gelatina fue de 10,3 días contra 6,8 días en el grupo del uso exclusivo de SF. El aparecimiento de complicaciones renales, respiratorias, arritmias cardíacas, infartos, infecciones, reintubaciones, transfusiones sanguíneas y reoperaciones, fue la misma. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de coloides, representados por la gelatina fluida modificada, asociada a cristaloides o el uso de cristaloides exclusivamente, no alteró el pronóstico postoperatorio de pacientes sometidos a la RVCM sin CEC en los pacientes estudiados. Tal vez, más importante que el tipo de líquido administrado al paciente quirúrgico, sea el mantener la estabilidad hemodinámica adecuada durante el procedimiento.

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

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

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

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

Variance of Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Aged Patients after Noncardiac Surgery and Its Significance / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To explore the variance of plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations in the aged patients after noncardiac surgery and its significance. Methods 101 patients undergoing elective noncardiac surgery were divided into two groups based on the BNP concentrations before surgery: group A: BNP≤100 ng/L，n=61; group B: BNP>100 ng/L，n=40. The BNP concentrations before and after noncardiac surgery and the incidence of cardiac events in both groups were compared. Results There was no significant difference （P>0.05） of BNP concentrations before and after noncardiac surgery in group A, which were (58.2±28.7) ng/L and (53.7±25.9) ng/L respectively, but was significant difference （P<0.05） in group B, which were (147.3±72.1) ng/L and (341.5±92.4) ng/L respectively. There was significant difference （P<0.05） between group A, in which no patient happened cardiac event, and group B, in which 14 patients happened. Conclusion The plasma BNP concentration would be increased significantly in the aged patients with a BNP concentration>100 ng/L before surgery, which may cause more cardiac events.

Prediction of B-type Natriuretic Peptide for Cardiac Events after Noncardiac Surgery in Aged Patients / 中国康复理论与实践

@# Objective To explore the value of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) predicting cardiac events after noncardiac surgery in the aged patients. Methods The level of BNP， the score of Goldman analysis and the cardiac risk grade of ACC/AHA guideline were analyzed in 274 aged patients for cardiac outcome after noncardiac surgery. Results Preoperative BNP concentration>100 pg/ml，score of Goldman≥13，and the high or moderate risk grade by ACC/AHA guideline were related with cardiac events. There was no significant difference in the index such as sensitivity，specificity, accuracy，positive predictive value and negative predictive value for cardiac events between BNP level and cardiac risk grade. Compared with the score of Goldman, BNP was more sensitive （100% vs 55.6%）and negatively predictive （100% vs 96.3%） for cardiac events. Conclusion The risk of cardiac events after noncardiac surgery could be predicted with the level of BNP before operation in the aged patient.