Atrio-aortic erosion caused by Amplatzer Atrial Septal Occluder - a case report.

BACKGROUND: In specialized centers, percutaneous closure using specific occluders is the first-choice treatment in atrial septal defects (ASD). Late complications after this intervention, such as erosion of the aorta or the atria, are rare and have not been sufficiently approached and dealt with in literature. In our clinic we have been faced with the problematic situation of diagnosing and treating such cases. That is why, we have decided to share our experience with other colleagues. CASE PRESENTATION: We present two cases of severe late complications after percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects (ASD). In both cases, the atrial septal occluder (Amplatzer™ Atrial Septal Occluder Device, Abbott, Chicago USA) caused the erosion between the left atrium and the aortic root. The atrio-aortic erosion led to acute cardiac tamponade with upper venous congestion and shock. As the bleeding source remained undetectable for any imaging tools, a diagnostical sternotomy remained the only solution. The cause of the acute bleeding was discovered to be the erosion between the left atrium and the aortic root. The treatment consisted in the removal of the occluder, direct suturing of the perforated areas and the surgical closure of the remaining ASD. The patients fully recovered within the nine to fourteen days' hospital stay. Six months after surgery both patients were well and able to recover their daily routine. CONCLUSIONS: The atrio-aortic erosion after percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects is a surgical emergency. The more so, since it can be complicated by the absence of specific symptoms. A key-element in the diagnosis of this rare pathology remains the medical history of the patient, which the surgeon has to consider thoroughly and launch the diagnostic sternotomy without delay.

Modified Subxiphoid Thoracoscopic Thymectomy for Locally Invasive Thymoma.

BACKGROUND: We explored the feasibility and safety of modified subxiphoid thoracoscopic thymectomy for patients with locally invasive thymomas. METHODS: Subxiphoid thoracoscopic thymectomy was performed on select patients with locally invasive thymomas (Masaoka stage III) using an auxiliary sternal retractor to create a larger operative field. RESULTS: From June 2015 to March 2019, we performed modified subxiphoid thoracoscopic thymectomy on 48 patients with locally invasive thymomas: 39 patients had pericardium or lung infiltration and received a combination of a partial pericardium or lung wedge resection, and 9 patients had left innominate vein infiltration and underwent combined resection of the left innominate vein. Thoracoscopic thymectomy was performed from the subxiphoid pathway with an auxiliary sternal retractor in all 48 patients, and there were no conversions to median sternotomy. The median tumor size was 5 cm, and the maximal tumor size was 12 cm. The median blood loss was 50 mL. The median duration of chest tube placement was 3 days, and the median hospital stay was 4.5 days after surgery. All patients achieved a good recovery after surgery, and none had serious complications during the perioperative period. All patients underwent postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy and presented no local recurrence or distant metastasis until now. CONCLUSIONS: Modified subxiphoid thoracoscopic thymectomy with an auxiliary sternal retractor makes minimally invasive thymectomy easier and safer to perform and is an alternative approach for some patients with locally invasive thymomas.

Crimped monofilament nylon leader for median sternotomy closure in 10 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and report the outcomes after closure of median sternotomies with crimped monofilament nylon leader (MNL) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 10) that underwent intrathoracic surgery through a median sternotomy approach. METHODS: The median sternotomy was closed in a peristernal figure eight pattern with crimped MNL. Medical records were reviewed for clinical and histopathological findings and complications. Owners or veterinarians were contacted to collect long-term follow-up information. RESULTS: The technique was simple, with no intraoperative complications. Postoperative infection was documented in one dog, requiring removal of a single MNL and associated crimp clamp. Delayed healing of the surgical incision in one dog was managed conservatively. No other complications were documented throughout long-term follow-up at a median of 488 days (range, 199-608). CONCLUSION: Median sternotomies were successfully closed with crimped MNL and were associated with a low complication rate. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Crimped MNL represents an alternative method to close median sternotomies in dogs.

Wire Cerclage Versus Cable Closure After Sternotomy for Dehiscence and DSWI: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Cable closure has been introduced as a potential alternative to traditional wire cerclage (WC) for closure of median sternotomy. To evaluate whether cable closure improves patient outcomes, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. METHODS: Ovid versions of Medline and Embase, and Google Scholar were used for the literature search. This yielded 7 studies (n = 2,758), which compared traditional WC to cable closure systems. Outcomes included deep sternal wound infection, sternal dehiscence, postoperative pain score, and sternal wound infection. RESULTS: We found significantly lower incidence of sternal dehiscence for cable closure compared to WC (risk ratio [RR] 0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03 to 0.59, P < 0.01, I 2 = 0%) but no difference in DSWI (RR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.39 to 2.42, P = 0.95, I 2 = 33%). Cable closure was also associated with lower pain when compared with the WC group (mean difference -1.04 points, 95% CI: -1.89 to -0.19, P = 0.02, I 2 = 87%). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that cable closure results in less incidence of sternal dehiscence and pain compared to WC. Nonetheless, there remains a limited number of studies on this topic and further high-quality studies are required to confirm the results of this meta-analysis.

Customized Cutting Template to Assist Sternotomy in Pectus Arcuatum.

PURPOSE: Pectus arcuatum is an anterior chest wall deformity that requires transverse wedge sternotomy. Determining and delivering the correct cutting angle are crucial for successful correction. This report describes the early clinical experience with a novel cutting template technology able to deliver the optimal cutting angle. DESCRIPTION: From patients' computed tomographic scans, the optimal cutting angle is obtained using computer-aided design. A template comprising slots tilted at the right cutting angle and a safety block to avoid damaging the posterior periosteum is printed through additive manufacturing. EVALUATION: The template allows surgeons to perform a precise wedge sternotomy, safely sparing the posterior periosteum in all patients, without complications. Postoperative chest roentgenograms and clinical photographs demonstrate optimal sternal realignment and cosmetic outcome. In this report, the mean operative time was 110 minutes. All patients were successfully discharged, with a mean length of stay of 4 days. CONCLUSIONS: Transverse wedge sternotomy aided by a computer-aided design-devised cutting template may reduce the technical challenge of this procedure, thereby increasing its safety and reducing operative times and hospital stay. Further research on long-term patient outcomes is necessary.

Novel Sternal Protection Device for Cardiac Surgery Via Median Sternotomy Incision.

OBJECTIVE: Sternal bleeding during cardiac surgery is currently controlled using bone wax or other chemical substances that may result in adverse effects and affect wound healing and recovery. The purpose of this study was to identify a safe, cost-effective, and easy-to-use technique to reduce sternal bleeding and sternal trauma during cardiac surgery. METHODS: After sternotomy, a sternal protection device was placed over each hemisternal section before insertion of the retractor and remained in situ until the end of surgery. Sternal bleeding and ease of use were assessed and recorded during surgery. Sternal trauma was assessed and recorded within 5 minutes of removal of the device, and overall satisfaction (Global Impression) and any intraoperative adverse events or device malfunction were reported at surgery completion. Patients were followed up 24 hours and 4 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Twelve patients completed the study. Adverse events reported were not considered related to the device. No sternal trauma was identified in any patient. In 9 of 11 patients, sternal bleeding was reduced after insertion of the device. The device was generally considered easy to use, although some difficulty was encountered when used with the Internal Mammary Artery retractor. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the device is safe and able to reduce sternal bleeding during surgery using sternal retractors. We recommend further studies in a larger population of patients with a control group to evaluate the device's ability to reduce the morbidity associated with sternal bleeding and sternal trauma.

Safe sternal reentry in all age groups with the Rultract Resternotomy Retractor™.

In patients undergoing repeat sternotomy, the risk of injury to cardiac structures can be reduced by utilizing a technique that provides sustained visualization of structures adherent to underside of the sternum. We discuss the use of a retractor specifically designed for this purpose: the Rultract Resternotomy Retractor™.

Localizaciones del dolor en el postoperatorio de cirugía cardiaca: cronología del dolor y respuesta al tratamiento / Pain locations in the postoperative period after cardiac surgery: chronology of pain and response to treatment

Introducción. Tras la cirugía cardiaca (CC) el dolor postoperatorio procede de varios focos, además de la esternotomía. Métodos. Estudio prospectivo, descriptivo y longitudinal sobre la evolución cronológica del dolor en 11 localizaciones tras CC. Se incluyeron pacientes operados consecutivamente de CC por esternotomía. Los objetivos fueron establecer los principales focos del dolor, su evolución cronológica durante la primera semana, correlacionar la intensidad del dolor con otras variables y describir las características del dolor de la esternotomía. Se utilizó la escala de valoración numérica Numerical Pain Rate Scale de 0-10 en reposo y en movimiento en los días postoperatorios 1, 2, 4 y 6. Una puntuación>3 en la Numerical Pain Rate Scale fue considerado dolor moderado. Los datos se sometieron a las pruebas U de Mann-Whitney, Chi cuadrado, exacta de Fisher y la correlación de Pearson. Resultados. Se incluyeron 47 pacientes. En 4 de las 11 localizaciones del dolor este fue valorado como una puntuación>3 en la Numerical Pain Rate Scale (esternotomía, orofaringe, safenectomía y hombros y espalda). La máxima intensidad de dolor se registró en la esternotomía en los días postoperatorios 1 y 2, mientras que en los días postoperatorios 4 y 6 fue en la safenectomía. El dolor en movimiento fue significativamente mayor que en reposo en la esternotomía, las extremidades inferiores y en la orofaringe. El movimiento no aumentó el dolor en espalda y hombros ni en la entrada del catéter venoso central. El dolor en la esternotomía fue descrito como opresivo. Los pacientes con artrosis y los más jóvenes presentaron dolor más intenso (p=0,049 y p=0,004, respectivamente). Conclusiones. Los principales focos del dolor tras CC fueron la esternotomía, la orofaringe, la safenectomía y el osteoarticular en hombros y espalda. Los focos de dolor mostraron diferente cronología y distinta influencia del movimiento (AU)

Introduction. Postoperative pain after cardiac surgery (CS) can be generated at several foci besides the sternotomy. Methods. Prospective descriptive longitudinal study on the chronological evolution of pain in 11 sites after CS including consecutive patients submitted to elective CS through sternotomy. The primary endpoints were to establish the main origins of pain, and to describe its chronological evolution during the first postoperative week. Secondary endpoints were to describe pain characteristics in the sternotomy area and to correlate pain intensity with other variables. Numerical Pain Rating Scale from 0 to 10 at rest and at movement on postoperative days 1, 2, 4 and 6. Numerical Pain Rating Scale>3 was considered moderate pain. Statistical analysis consisted in Mann-Whitney U-test, a Chi-squared, a Fisher exact text and Pearson's correlations. Results. Forty-seven patients were enrolled. In 4 of 11 locations pain was reported as Numerical Pain Rating Scale>3 (sternotomy, oropharynx, saphenectomy and musculoskeletal pain in the back and shoulders). Maximum intensity of pain on postoperative days 1 and 2 was reported in the sternotomy area, while on postoperative days 4 and 6 it was reported at the saphenectomy. Pain at rest and at movement differed considerably in the sternotomy, saphenectomy and oropharynx. Pain at back and shoulders and at central venous catheter entry were not influenced by movement. Pain in the sternotomy was mainly described as oppressive. Patients with arthrosis and younger patients presented higher intensity of pain (P=.004; P=.049, respectively). Conclusions. Four locations were identified as the main sources of pain after CS: sternotomy, oropharynx, saphenectomy, and back and shoulders. Pain in different focuses presented differences in chronologic evolution and was differently influenced by movement (AU)

Transverse Sternal Split: a Safe Mini-invasive Approach for Perventricular Device Closure of Ventricular Septal Defect.

OBJECTIVE:: Perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect through midline sternotomy avoids the cardiopulmonary bypass, however, lacks the cosmetic advantage. Perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect with transverse split sternotomy was performed to add the cosmetic advantage of mini-invasive technique. METHODS:: Thirty-six pediatric patients with mean age 7.14±3.24 months and weight 5.00±0.88 kg were operated for perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect through transverse split sternotomy in 4th intercostal space under transesophageal echocardiography guidance. In case of failure or complication, surgical closure of ventricular septal defect was performed through the same incision with cervical cannulation of common carotid artery and internal jugular vein for commencement of cardiopulmonary bypass. All the patients were postoperatively followed, and then discharged from hospital due to their surgical outcome, morbidity and mortality. RESULTS:: Procedure was successful in 35 patients. Two patients developed transient heart block. Surgical closure of ventricular septal defect was required in one patient. Mean duration of ventilation was 11.83±3.63 hours. Mean intensive care unit and hospital stay were 1.88±0.74 days and 6.58±1.38 days, respectively. There was no in-hospital mortality. A patient died one day after hospital discharge due to arrhythmia. No patients developed wound related, vascular or neurological complication. In a mean follow-up period of 23.3±18.45 months, all 35 patients were doing well without residual defect with regression of pulmonary artery hypertension as seen on transthoracic echocardiography. CONCLUSION:: Transverse split sternotomy incision is a safe and effective alternative to a median sternotomy for perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect with combined advantage of better cosmetic outcomes and avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Transverse sternal split: a safe mini-invasive approach for perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect

Abstract Objective: Perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect through midline sternotomy avoids the cardiopulmonary bypass, however, lacks the cosmetic advantage. Perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect with transverse split sternotomy was performed to add the cosmetic advantage of mini-invasive technique. Methods: Thirty-six pediatric patients with mean age 7.14±3.24 months and weight 5.00±0.88 kg were operated for perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect through transverse split sternotomy in 4th intercostal space under transesophageal echocardiography guidance. In case of failure or complication, surgical closure of ventricular septal defect was performed through the same incision with cervical cannulation of common carotid artery and internal jugular vein for commencement of cardiopulmonary bypass. All the patients were postoperatively followed, and then discharged from hospital due to their surgical outcome, morbidity and mortality. Results: Procedure was successful in 35 patients. Two patients developed transient heart block. Surgical closure of ventricular septal defect was required in one patient. Mean duration of ventilation was 11.83±3.63 hours. Mean intensive care unit and hospital stay were 1.88±0.74 days and 6.58±1.38 days, respectively. There was no in-hospital mortality. A patient died one day after hospital discharge due to arrhythmia. No patients developed wound related, vascular or neurological complication. In a mean follow-up period of 23.3±18.45 months, all 35 patients were doing well without residual defect with regression of pulmonary artery hypertension as seen on transthoracic echocardiography. Conclusion: Transverse split sternotomy incision is a safe and effective alternative to a median sternotomy for perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect with combined advantage of better cosmetic outcomes and avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass.

[Novel Sternum Closure Technique Using Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Sutures].

During cardiac surgery through midline sternotomy, sternum closure metal wires are usually used for. However, metal wires may damage the sternum and cause artifacts on X-ray. Therefore, we use a novel sternum closure technique in which metal wire is replaced by ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWP) sutures. We have used this technique for 89 patients in 2014 and reviewed our experience. UHMWPs are often used for bone fracture cerclage, particularly in the vertebral body. UHMWPs may avoid sternal "cheese-cut" dehiscence.

Do external support devices reduce sternal wound complications after cardiac surgery?

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether external support devices reduce sternal wound complications after cardiac surgery with sternotomy. Altogether 116 papers were found using the reported search, of which six presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, year, journal, study type, patient group studied, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses are tabulated. Six randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of external chest support devices on sternal wound complications in adult patients undergoing sternotomy for cardiac surgery were selected. These studies demonstrate a significant reduction of deep sternal wound complication on comparing external support with no support. Non-elastic devices were more effective in reducing sternal complication compared with the elastic bandage (four trials). Three studies reported significant reduction of mean hospital stay in patients receiving non-elastic chest support devices. We conclude that early post-sternotomy use of an external non-elastic sternal support device reduces overall sternal wound complications and may reduce the hospital length of stay.

The Role of Radio Frequency Detection System Embedded Surgical Sponges in Preventing Retained Surgical Sponges: A Prospective Evaluation in Patients Undergoing Emergency Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the ability of radio frequency detection (RFD) system-embedded sponges to mitigate the incidence of retained surgical sponges (RSS) after emergency surgery. BACKGROUND: Emergency surgery patients are at high risk for retained foreign bodies. METHODS: All emergent trauma and nontrauma cavitary operations over a 5-year period (January 2010-December 2014) were prospectively enrolled. For damage-control procedures, only the definitive closure was included. RFD sponges were used exclusively throughout the study period. Before closure, the sponge and instrument count was followed by RFD scanning and x-ray evaluation for retained sponges. RSS and near-misses averted using the RFD system were analyzed. RESULTS: In all, 2051 patients [median (range)], aged 41 (1-101) years, 72.2% male, 46.8% trauma patients, underwent 2148 operations (1824 laparotomy, 100 thoracotomy, 30 sternotomy, and 97 combined). RFD detected retained sponges in 11 (0.5%) patients (81.8%laparotomy, 18.2% sternotomy) before cavitary closure. All postclosure x-rays were negative. No retained sponges were missed by the RFD system. Body mass index was 29 (23-43), estimated blood loss 1.0 L (0-23), and operating room time 160 minutes (71-869). Procedures started after 18:00 to 06:00 hours in 45.5% of the patients. The sponge count was incorrect in 36.4%, not performed due to time constraints in 45.5%, and correct in 18.2%. The additional cost of using RFD-embedded disposables was $0.17 for a 4X18 laparotomy sponge and $0.46 for a 10 pack of 12ply, 4X8. CONCLUSIONS: Emergent surgical procedures are high-risk for retained sponges, even when sponge counts are performed and found to be correct. Implementation of a RFD system was effective in preventing this complication and should be considered for emergent operations in an effort to improve patient safety.

Timectomía transesternal ampliada en forma de alas de mariposa / "Butterfly wings" shape maximal trans sternal thymectomy

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Modified Tightening for Figure-of-Eight Sternal Wiring Closure.

This is a simple and quick method for the tightening of figure-of-eight wires routinely used for sternal closure. This technique gives a stable approximation, adequate reduction, and immobilization, providing higher strength and rigidity compared with conventional figure-of-eight closure. The advantage of this technique is that it tightens all the four wires equally, thus avoiding loose loops.

Median sternotomy.

Sternotomy is considered to be the gold standard incision in cardiac surgery, resulting in low failure rates and excellent proven long-term outcomes. It can also be used in thoracic surgery for mediastinal, bilateral pulmonary or lower trachea and main stem bronchus surgery. Sternotomy has to be performed properly to avoid short- and long-term morbidity and mortality. The surgical technique is well established and certain principles are recognized to be crucial to minimize complications. The identification of the correct landmarks, midline tissue preparation, osteotomy with the avoidance of injury to underlying structures like pleura, pericardium, innominate vein, brachiocephalic artery and ectatic ascending aorta, and targeted bleeding control are important steps of the procedure. As important as the performance of a proper sternotomy is a correct sternal closure. An override or shift of the sternal edges has to be avoided by placing the wires at a proper distance from each other without injuring the thoracic pedicle. The two sternal halves have to be tightly re-approximated to facilitate healing of the bone and to avoid instability, which is a risk factor for wound infection. With a proper performance of sternotomy and sternal closure, instability and wound infections are rare and depend on patient-related risk factors.