Showing papers in "Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia in 2011"
TL;DR: The physiologic aspects of ECMO support are outlined, which provide physiologic cardiopulmonary support to aid reversible aspects of the disease process and to allow recovery.
Abstract: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an adaptation of conventional cardiopulmonary bypass techniques to provide cardiopulmonary support. ECMO provides physiologic cardiopulmonary support to aid reversible aspects of the disease process and to allow recovery. ECMO does not provide treatment of the underlying disease. The indications for ECMO support have expanded from acute respiratory failure to acute cardiac failure refractory to conventional treatments from wide patient subsets involving neonates to adults. Vascular access for ECMO support is either percutaneous through a single-site, dual-lumen bicaval cannula or transthoracic via separate cannulas. The modes of support are either veno-venous or veno-arterial ECMO. In this article, the physiologic aspects of ECMO support are outlined.
60 citations
TL;DR: A significantly improved survival rate is revealed with the use of integrated ECMO-CPB circuit and early time of intervention rather than using ECMO as a last resort in the management.
Abstract: Indications for extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after pediatric cardiac surgery have been increasing despite the absence of encouraging survival statistics. Modification of ECMO circuit led to the development of integrated ECMO cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit at the author's institute, for children undergoing repair of transposition of great arteries among other congenital heart diseases (CHD). In this report, they analyzed the outcome of children with CHD, undergoing surgical repair and administered ECMO support in the last 10 years. The outcome was analyzed with reference to the timing of intervention, use of integrated ECMO-CPB circuit, indication for ECMO support, duration of ECMO run and the underlying CHD. The results reveal a significantly improved survival rate with the use of integrated ECMO-CPB circuit and early time of intervention rather than using ECMO as a last resort in the management. The patients with reactive pulmonary artery hypertension respond favorably to ECMO support. In all scenarios, early intervention is the key to survival.
32 citations
TL;DR: This article serves as a comprehensive guide for anesthesiologists to diagnose and treat hypotension and myocardial ischemia and a summary of available techniques to monitor perioperative myocardia and their limitations are discussed.
Abstract: Although perioperative hypotension is a common problem, its true incidence is largely unknown. There is evidence that postoperative outcome, including the incidence of myocardial adverse events, may be linked to the prolonged episodes of perioperative hypotension. Despite this, there are very few comprehensive resources available in the literature regarding diagnosis and management of these not so uncommon clinical occurrences, especially during non-cardiac surgery. Most anesthesia providers consider intraoperative hypotension to be caused by systemic vasodilatation and relative hypovolemia and so treat it empirically. The introduction of new monitoring devices including transesophageal echocardiography and arterial pressure waveform based stroke volume measurement have provided additional tools to narrow the differential diagnoses and initiate optimal treatment measures. Understanding the basic pathophysiology of hypotension and myocardial ischemia can further assist in providing goal directed management. This article serves as a comprehensive guide for anesthesiologists to diagnose and treat hypotension and myocardial ischemia. A summary of available techniques to monitor perioperative myocardial ischemia and their limitations are also discussed.
27 citations
TL;DR: The prophylactic use of small doses of ephedrine (0.07-0.1 mg/kg) is safe and effective in the counteracting propofol-induced hypotension during anesthesia for valve surgery.
Abstract: The prophylactic use of small doses of ephedrine may counter the hypotension response to propofol anesthesia with minimal hemodynamic changes. One hundred-fifty patients scheduled for valve surgery were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 30 for each) to receive saline, 0.07, 0.1, or 0.15 mg/kg of ephedrine, or phenylephrine 1.5 μg/kg before induction of propofol-fentanyl anesthesia. After induction, patient receiving ephedrine had higher mean arterial pressure, systemic vascular resistance (SVRI), cardiac (CI), stroke volume (SVI), and left ventricular stroke work (LVSWI) indices. Patients received 0.15 mg/kg of ephedrine showed additional increased heart rate and frequent ischemic episodes (P < 0.001). However, those who received phenylephrine showed greater rise in SVRI, reduced CI, SVI, and LVSWI and more frequent ischemic episodes. We conclude that the prophylactic use of small doses of ephedrine (0.07-0.1 mg/kg) is safe and effective in the counteracting propofol-induced hypotension during anesthesia for valve surgery.
26 citations
TL;DR: A fair correlation was found between TD CO and TEB CO measurements among post-OPCAB patients during controlled ventilation, however, the correlation was weak in spontaneously breathing patients.
Abstract: Transthoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB) has been proposed as a non-invasive, continuous, and cost-effective method of cardiac output (CO) measurement. In this prospective, non-randomized, clinical study, we measured CO with NICOMON (Larsen and Toubro Ltd., Mysore, India) and compared it with thermodilution (TD) method in patients after off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) graft surgery. We also evaluated the effect of ventilation (mechanical and spontaneous) on the measurement of CO by the two methods. Forty-six post-OPCAB patients were studied at five predefined time points during controlled ventilation and at five time points when breathing spontaneously. A total of 230 data pairs of CO were obtained. During controlled ventilation, TD CO values ranged from 2.29 to 6.74 L/min (mean 4.45 ± 0.85 L/min), while TEB CO values ranged from 1.70 to 6.90 L/min (mean 4.43 ± 0.94 L/min). The average correlation (r) was 0.548 ( P = 0.0002), accompanied by a bias of 0.015 L/min and precision of 0.859 L/min. In spontaneously breathing patients, TD CO values ranged from 2.66 to 6.92 L/min (mean 4.66 ± 0.76 L/min), while TEB CO values ranged from 3.08 to 6.90 L/min (mean 4.72 ± 0.82 L/min). Their average correlation was relatively poor (r = 0.469, P = 0.002), accompanied by a bias of −0.059 L/min and precision of 0.818 L/min. The overall percent errors between TD CO and TEB CO were 19.3% (during controlled ventilation) and 17.4% (during spontaneous breathing), respectively. To conclude, a fair correlation was found between TD CO and TEB CO measurements among post-OPCAB patients during controlled ventilation. However, the correlation was weak in spontaneously breathing patients.
23 citations
TL;DR: PEEP improved oxygenation in a subset of patients; larger, although still protective tidal volumes favored a positive response to PEEP, and no preoperative variables could be identified as reliable predictors for PEEP responders.
Abstract: The efficacy of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in treating intraoperative hypoxemia during one-lung ventilation (OLV) remains in question given conflicting results of prior studies. This study aims to (1) evaluate the efficacy of PEEP during OLV, (2) assess the utility of preoperative predictors of response to PEEP, and (3) explore optimal intraoperative settings that would maximize the effects of PEEP on oxygenation. Forty-one thoracic surgery patients from a single tertiary care university center were prospectively enrolled in this observational study. After induction of general anesthesia, a double-lumen endotracheal tube was fiberoptically positioned and OLV initiated. Intraoperatively, PEEP = 5 and 10 cmH 2 O were sequentially applied to the ventilated lung during OLV. Arterial oxygenation, cardiovascular performance parameters, and proposed perioperative variables that could predict or enhance response to PEEP were analysed. T-test and c2 tests were utilized for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Multivariate analyses were carried out using a classification tree model of binary recursive partitioning. PEEP improved arterial oxygenation by ≥20% in 29% of patients (n = 12) and failed to do so in 71% (n = 29); however, no cardiovascular impact was noted. Among the proposed clinical predictors, only intraoperative tidal volume per kilogram differed significantly between responders to PEEP and non-responders (mean 6.6 vs. 5.7 ml/kg, P = 0.013); no preoperative variable predicted response to PEEP. A multivariate analysis did not yield a clinically significant model for predicting PEEP responsiveness. PEEP improved oxygenation in a subset of patients; larger, although still protective tidal volumes favored a positive response to PEEP. No preoperative variables, however, could be identified as reliable predictors for PEEP responders.
19 citations
TL;DR: A single prophylactic intraoperative dose of intravenous amiodarone decreased post bypass arrhythmia in this study in comparison to the control group.
Abstract: The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of prophylactic single-dose intravenous amiodarone in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery. Maintenance of sinus rhythm is better than maintenance of fixed ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation (AF) especially in the presence of irritable left or right atrium because of enlargement. Fifty-six patients with valvular heart disease with or without AF were randomly divided into two groups. Group I or the amiodarone group (n=28) received amiodarone (3 mg/kg in 100 ml normal saline) and group II or the control group received same volume of normal saline. The standardized protocol for cardiopulmonary bypass was maintained for all the patients. AF occurred in 7.14% patients in group I, and in group II, 28.57% (P=0.035); ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation was observed in 21.43% patients in group I and 46.43% patients in group II (P=0.089) after release of aortic clamp. Most of the patients in group I (92.86%) maintained sinus rhythm without cardioversion or defibrillation after release of aortic cross clamp (P=0.002). Defibrillation or cardio version was needed in 7.14% patients in group I and 28.57% patients in group II (P=0.078). A single prophylactic intraoperative dose of intravenous amiodarone decreased post bypass arrhythmia in this study in comparison to the control group. Single dose of intraoperative amiodarone may be used to decrease postoperative arrhythmia in open heart surgery.
15 citations
TL;DR: In cardiac surgery, many randomized controlled trials demonstrated that the potential benefits of the use of remifentanil not only include a profound protection against intraoperative stressful stimuli, but also rapid postoperative recovery, early weaning from mechanical ventilation, and extubation.
Abstract: Remifentanil has a unique pharmacokinetic profile, with a rapid onset and offset of action and a plasmatic metabolism. Its use can be recommended even in patients with renal impairment, hepatic dysfunction or poor cardiovascular function. A potential protective cardiac preconditioning effect has been suggested. Drug-related adverse effects seem to be comparable with other opioids. In cardiac surgery, many randomized controlled trials demonstrated that the potential benefits of the use of remifentanil not only include a profound protection against intraoperative stressful stimuli, but also rapid postoperative recovery, early weaning from mechanical ventilation, and extubation. Remifentanil shows ideal properties of sedative agents being often employed for minimally invasive cardiologic techniques, such as transcatheter aortic valve implantation and radio frequency treatment of atrial flutter, or diagnostic procedures such as transesophageal echocardiography. In intensive care units remifentanil is associated with a reduction in the time to tracheal extubation after cessation of the continuous infusion; other advantages could be more evident in patients with organ dysfunction. Effective and safe analgesia can be provided in case of short and painful procedures (i.e. chest drain removal). In conclusion, thanks to its peculiar properties, remifentanil will probably play a major role in critically ill cardiac patients.
14 citations
TL;DR: Anesthetic management of a patient with osteogenesis impertecta during double valve surgery is presented and glidescope, dexmedetomidine, coagulation analysis and TEE are presented to facilitate anesthetic management.
Abstract: Osteogenesis imperfecta is a rare disorder of connective tissues and presents multiple challenges, including difficult airway, hyperthermia, coagulopathy and respiratory dysfunction, for anesthesiologists, especially during cardiac surgery. We present anesthetic management of a patient with osteogenesis impertecta during double valve surgery. Dexmedetomidine infusion minimized the risks of malignant hyperthermia. Glidescope and in-line stabilization facilitated endotracheal intubation and protected his oral structures and cervical spine. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) diagnosed a flail A3 segment and redundant left coronary cusp causing mitral and aortic regurgitation. The mitral valve was replaced and the aortic valve repaired. Coagulopathy was corrected according to comprehensive coagulation analysis. Glidescope, dexmedetomidine, coagulation analysis and TEE could facilitate anesthetic management in these patients.
13 citations
TL;DR: The analysis of responses from practicing anesthesiologists clearly indicates that use of a PAC cannot be recommended as a matter of routine, but a definite role is suggested in selected groups of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Abstract: There has been considerable controversy regarding the use of pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) in clinical practice. Some studies have indicated poor outcome in patients who were monitored with PAC. However, these studies, which have condemned the use of PAC, were conducted on patients in intensive care units, where the clinical scenarios with regard to patients' status are somewhat different as compared to those of a cardiac operating room. This study was designed to identify the indications of PAC use in cardiac operating rooms. A questionnaire was mailed to anasthesiologists in cardiac centers and the response was analyzed.The practicing cardiac anesthesiologists recommended the use of PAC for following indications in cardiac surgery: coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with poor left ventricular (LV) function, LV aneurysmectomy, recent myocardial infarction (MI), pulmonary hypertension, diastolic dysfunction, acute ventricular septal rupture and insertion of left ventricular assist device (LVAD).The analysis of responses from practicing anesthesiologists clearly indicates that use of a PAC cannot be recommended as a matter of routine, but a definite role is suggested in selected groups of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
12 citations
TL;DR: Patients of APLS are cerebrovascular accident, transient ischemic attack, seizures, chorea, migraine, pseudotumor cerebri, visual disturbances and dementia, and cutaneous features include livedo reticularis, ulcers, infarcts and superficial thrombophlebitis.
Abstract: of APLS are cerebrovascular accident, transient ischemic attack, seizures, chorea, migraine, pseudotumor cerebri, visual disturbances and dementia. Cutaneous features include livedo reticularis, ulcers, infarcts and superficial thrombophlebitis. These patients may develop renal arterial or venous thrombosis, acute or chronic renal failure, hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia.[15-17] Catastrophic APLS is a distinct entity that results in simultaneous multiple small vessel thromboses. Factors precipitating this ‘thrombotic storm’ include surgical trauma, infection, any change in anticoagulation therapy, or oral contraceptives. It is associated with nearly 50% mortality.[18-20]
TL;DR: Investigation of the feasibility of use and possible additional value of real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography compared to conventional 2D-TEE in patients undergoing elective mitral valve repair found 3D imaging of complex mitral disease involving multiple segments did not show any statistically significant difference.
Abstract: Aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility of use and possible additional value of real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography (RT-3D-TEE) compared to conventional 2D-TEE in patients undergoing elective mitral valve repair. After ethical committee approval, patients were included in this prospective study. After induction of anesthesia, a comprehensive 2D-TEE examination was performed, followed with RT-3D-TEE. The intraoperative surgical finding was used as the gold standard for segmental analysis. Only such segments which were surgically corrected either by resection or insertion of artificial chords were judged pathologic. A total of 50 patients were included in this study; usable data were available from 42 of these patients . Based on the Carpentier classification, the pathology found was type I in 2 (5%) patients, type II in 39 (93%) patients and type IIIb in 1 (2%) patient. We found that 3D imaging of complex mitral disease involving multiple segments, when compared to 2D-TEE did not show any statistically significant difference.RT-3D-TEE did not show any major advantage when compared to conventional 2D-TEE for assessing mitral valve pathology, although further study in a larger population is required to establish the validity of this study.
TL;DR: In this case, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) played a major role in confirmation of the preoperative findings, detection of any new anomalies missed during the preoper evaluation, intraoperative monitoring and assessment of the adequacy of repair in the immediate postoperative period.
Abstract: Noonan syndrome (NS) is one of the most common non chromosomal syndrome presenting to the cardiac anesthesiologist for the management of various cardiac lesions, predominantly pulmonary stenosis (PS) (80%) and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) (30%). The presence of HOCM in NS makes these children susceptible to acute congestive heart failure due to hemodynamic fluctuations, thus necessitating optimization of drug and fluid therapy, careful conduct of anesthesia and providing adequate analgesia in the perioperative period. We describe a case of four year old boy with NS who presented to us for the management of PS and HOCM. In our case, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) played a major role in confirmation of the preoperative findings, detection of any new anomalies missed during the preoperative evaluation, intraoperative monitoring and assessment of the adequacy of repair in the immediate postoperative period. TEE provided invaluable help in taking critical surgical decisions, resulting in a favorable outcome.
TL;DR: The reader should develop an understanding of the magnitude of the cardiac preoperative morbidity and mortality, how to select a patient for further preoperative testing, currently available noninvasive cardiac testing for the detection of coronary artery disease and assessment of left ventricular function, and an approach to select the most appropriate nonin invasive cardiac test, if needed.
Abstract: The preoperative cardiac assessment of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery is common in the daily practice of medical consultants, anesthesiologists, and surgeons. The number of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery worldwide is increasing. Currently, there are several noninvasive diagnostic tests available for preoperative evaluation. Both nuclear cardiology with myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and stress echocardiography are well-established techniques for preoperative cardiac evaluation. Recently, some studies demonstrated that both coronary angiography by gated multidetector computed tomography and stress cardiac magnetic resonance might potentially play a role in preoperative evaluation as well, but more studies are needed to assess the role of these new modalities in preoperative risk stratification. A common question that arises in preoperative evaluation is if further preoperative testing is needed, which preoperative test should be used. The preferred stress test is the exercise electrocardiogram (ECG). Stress imaging with exercise or pharmacologic stress agents is to be considered in patients with abnormal rest ECG or patients who are unable to exercise. After reviewing this article, the reader should develop an understanding of the following: (1) the magnitude of the cardiac preoperative morbidity and mortality, (2) how to select a patient for further preoperative testing, (3) currently available noninvasive cardiac testing for the detection of coronary artery disease and assessment of left ventricular function, and (4) an approach to select the most appropriate noninvasive cardiac test, if needed.
TL;DR: It was concluded that maximum rise in S100β levels occurs immediately after CPB with a gradual decline in next 24 h, and the rise is significantly less in patients administered sevoflurane in comparison to isofLurane or TIVA.
Abstract: Cardiac surgery with aid of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with neurological dysfunction. The presence of cerebrospecific protein S100β in serum is an indicator of cerebral damage. This study was designed to evaluate the influence of three different anesthesia techniques, on S100β levels, in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting on CPB. A total of 180 patients were divided into three groups - each of who received sevoflurane, isoflurane and total intravenous anesthesia as part of the anesthetic technique, respectively. S100 were evaluated from venous sample at following time intervals - prior to induction of anesthesia (T1), after coming off CPB (T2); 12 h after aortic cross clamping (T3) and 24 h after aortic cross clamping (T4). In all three groups, maximal rise in S100β levels occurred after CPB which gradually declined over next 24 h, the levels at 24 h post-AOXC being significantly higher than baseline levels. Significantly low levels of S100β were noted at all postdose hours in the sevoflurane group, as compared to the total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) group, and at 12 and 24 h postaortic cross clamp, in comparison to the isoflurane group. Comparing the isoflurane group with the TIVA group, the S100 levels were lower in the isoflurane group only at 24 h postaortic cross clamp. It was concluded that maximum rise in S100β levels occurs immediately after CPB with a gradual decline in next 24 h. The rise in S100β levels is significantly less in patients administered sevoflurane in comparison to isoflurane or TIVA. Hemodynamic parameters had no influence on the S100β levels during the first 24 h after surgery.
TL;DR: It is confirmed that SAM after a repair of a degenerative MV is common and a simple two-step conservative management method is validated that allows to clearly identify those few patients who require immediate surgical revision.
Abstract: Low cardiac output syndrome and hypotension are dreadful consequences of systolic anterior motion (SAM) after a mitral valve (MV) repair. The management of SAM in the operating room remains controversial. We validate a recently suggested two-step management method and classification of this complication. This was a teaching hospital-based observational study. We validated a novel two-step conservative management method, consisting in intravascular volume expansion and discontinuation of inotropic drugs (step 1), and increasing the afterload by ascending aorta manual compression while administering esmolol e.v. (step 2). We also validate a novel classification of SAM: easy-to-revert (responding to step 1), difficult-to-revert (responding to step 2), or persistent. Fifty patients had an easy-to-revert while 26 had a difficult-to-revert SAM; 4 patients had a persistent condition (promptly diagnosed through our decisional algorithm) and underwent an immediate second pump run to repeat the mitral repair surgery. We confirmed that SAM after a repair of a degenerative MV is common and validated a simple two-step conservative management method that allows to clearly identify those few patients who require immediate surgical revision.
TL;DR: Absence of elevation of cystatin C levels in this study suggests the lack of potential of the IABP to cause renal dysfunction in patients who received elective IABPs therapy preoperatively, suggesting absence of renal injury after the use of IABp.
Abstract: Renal dysfunction is known to occur during cardiac surgery. A few factors such as perioperative hypotension, use of potential nephrotoxic therapeutic agents, radio opaque contrast media in the recent past, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and cardiopulmonary bypass have been blamed as the contributing factors to the causation of postoperative renal dysfunction in cardiac surgical patients. At times, in patients with renal failure and low cardiac output status, one may face the dilemma if the use of IABP is safe. We undertook this prospective observational study to determine the degree of possible renal injury when IABP is used by measuring serial values of serum creatinine and Cystatin C. Elective patients scheduled for off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery requiring preoperative use of IABP were included in this study. Cystatin C and serum creatinine levels were checked at fixed intervals after institution of IABP. Twenty-two patients were eligible for enrolment to the study. There was no significant change in the values of serum creatinine; from the basal value of 1.10 ± 0.233 to 0.98 ± 0.363 mg /dL (P value >0.05). Cystatin C levels significantly decreased from the basal level of 0.98 ± 0.29 to 0.89 ± 0.23 (P value <0.05). Contrary to the belief, Cystatin C, the early indicator of renal dysfunction decreases suggesting absence of renal injury after the use of IABP. Absence of elevation of cystatin C levels in our study suggests the lack of potential of the IABP to cause renal dysfunction in patients who received elective IABP therapy preoperatively.
TL;DR: Evidence-based medicine seems to be one of the best ways to practice medicine when someone encounters it for the first time, but in actual practice one encounters many problems in finding and applying evidence.
Abstract: Evidence-based medicine seems to be one of the best ways to practice medicine when someone encounters it for the first time. EBM combines the physicians’ knowledge and experiences with the current best evidence, to achieve the best results in the treatment of every patient. Also randomized controlled trials (RCTs) seem to be one of the best study types, which can give us the best evidence in the treatment of patients. Their design limits the possibility of bias, unreliable, unethical false results. Unfortunately in actual practice one encounters many problems in finding and applying evidence as mentioned by Kapoor. Your search for evidence about a specific situation may have no results at all or you may find one or two RCTs with poor design and insufficient sample size. Also you may not be able to use the evidence for your own patients because of the difference in age, race, and psychological or social and economical variations. In the other words, evidence that someone can rely on and apply for the treatment of patients is not always available.
TL;DR: A case where extracorporeal membrane oxygenator was utilized as a means of ventricular support during this critical postoperative period resulting in a favorable outcome is described.
Abstract: Anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a congenital acyanotic heart disease where the left coronary artery (LCA) arises from the pulmonary artery This results in the LCA receiving blood supply from the low-pressure right ventricle having minimal extractable oxygen The oxygen delivery to the left ventricle (LV) is severely hampered causing severe hypoxic LV dysfunction early in life Early surgery prior to serious, irreversible LV dysfunction is the key to survival Children with ALCAPA usually present in their first few weeks of life, with severe LV dysfunction After surgical correction of the defect, the myocardium may not recover early from the presurgery myocardial dysfunction We describe a case where extracorporeal membrane oxygenator was utilized as a means of ventricular support during this critical postoperative period resulting in a favorable outcome
TL;DR: It is concluded that TEA does not affect tissue oxygenation despite a decrease in arterial pressures and cardiac output, and oxygen transport parameters were measured for 30 minute prior to administration of general anesthesia.
Abstract: To evaluate the effect of thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) on tissue oxygen delivery and utilization in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary referral heart hospital. A total of 25 patients undergoing elective off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery were enrolled in this study. All patients received thoracic epidural catheter in the most prominent inter-vertebral space between C7 and T3 on the day before operation. On the day of surgery, an arterial catheter and Swan Ganz catheter (capable of measuring cardiac index) was inserted. After administering full dose of local anesthetic in the epidural space, serial hemodynamic and oxygen transport parameters were measured for 30 minute prior to administration of general anesthesia, with which the study was culminated. A significant decrease in oxygen delivery index with insignificant changes in oxygen extraction and consumption indices was observed. We conclude that TEA does not affect tissue oxygenation despite a decrease in arterial pressures and cardiac output.
TL;DR: A comparison of intraatrial electrocardiography versus Peres' formula for central venous catheter placement using the ECG-guided Cavafix-Certodyn SD catheter and the results suggest that the former is superior to the latter.
Abstract: 1. von Hellerstein HK, Pritchard WH, Lewis RL. Recording of intracavity potentials through a single-lumen saline filled cardiac catheter. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1949;71:58-60. 2. Gebhard RE, Szmuk P, Pivalizza EG, Melnikov V, Vogt C, Warters RD. The accuracy of electrocardiogram-controlled central line placement. Anesth Analg. 2007;104:65-70. 3. Joshi AM, Bhosale GP, Parikh GP, Shah VR. Optimal positioning of right-sided internal jugular venous catheters: Comparison of intraatrial electrocardiography versus Peres' formula. Indian J Crit Care Med 2008;12:10-4. 4. Corsten SA, van Dijk B, Bakker NC, de Lange JJ, Scheffer GJ. Central venous catheter placement using the ECG-guided Cavafix-Certodyn SD catheter. J Clin Anesth 1994;6:469 -72. 5. Ehrenwerth J, Sefert HA. Electrical and fire safety. In: Barash PG, Cullen BF, Stoelting RK, editors. Clinical anesthesia. 5th ed. New york: Lippincott Williams and Witkins; 2006.p.162-3.
TL;DR: This study shows that the administered as a single dose at induction of ketamine does not result in better oxygenation after cardiopulmonary bypass.
Abstract: Cardiopulmonary bypass is known to elicit systemic inflammatory response syndrome and organ dysfunction. This can result in pulmonary dysfunction and deterioration of oxygenation after cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass. Previous studies have reported varying results on anti-inflammatory strategies and oxygenation after cardiopulmonary bypass. Ketamine administered as a single dose at induction has been shown to reduce the pro-inflammatory serum markers in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Therefore we investigated if ketamine can result in better oxygenation in these patients. This was a prospective randomized blinded study. Eighty consecutive adult patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting under cardiopulmonary bypass were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups. Patients in ketamine group received 1mg/kg of ketamine intravenously at induction of anesthesia. Control group patients received an equal volume of saline. All patients received standard anesthesia, operative and postoperative care.Paired t test and independent sample t test were used to compare the inter-group and between group oxygenation indices respectively. Oxygenation index and duration of ventilation were analyzed. Deterioration of oxygenation index was noted in both the groups after cardiopulmonary bypass. However, there was no significant difference in the oxygenation index at various time points after cardiopulmonary bypass or the duration of ventilation between the two groups. This study shows that the administered as a single dose at induction does not result in better oxygenation after cardiopulmonary bypass.
TL;DR: In the last decade, a number of high-profile studies and guidelines brought about pathbreaking amends in the way Anaesthesiology and Critical Care are practiced but a number were found to be wanting after being initially accepted with much fanfare.
Abstract: In the last decade, a number of high-profile studies and guidelines brought about pathbreaking amends in the way Anaesthesiology and Critical Care are practiced. These studies and practice guidelines were supported by large randomized-controlled trials (RCT) and meta-analyses, considered as “gold standard” in EBM. However, a number of them were found to be wanting after being initially accepted with much fanfare. The “Surviving Sepsis Guidelines – 2004,”[6] “Tight Glucose Control” regime[7] and studies on the efficacy and anti-inflammatory effects of Aprotinin[8] are some of the prominent ones that were soon found to be flawed.
TL;DR: TEE confirmed the empty status of the heart with adequate venous return and absence of aortic regurgitation after establishing CPB using TEE and hitherto unreported ductal flow was detected and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was diagnosed in this patient.
Abstract: venous obstruction. After induction of general anesthesia, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe was inserted. TEE confirmed the diagnosis made earlier. Further, a restrictive fleshy membrane in the left atrium (cor triatriatum) contributing to pulmonary vein stenosis was observed. Surgery commenced via mid-sternotomy. Total body heparinisation was achieved with 6000 IU of heparin; the resultant activated clotting time was 450 s. The pulmonary artery (PA) pressure measured via a fine needle inserted in the main pulmonary artery revealed supra-systemic PA pressure. The systemic pressure was 73/56 and mean 63 mmHg, while the PA pressure was 98/60 mmHg. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was instituted without events after cannulation of ascending aorta and cannulation of superior and inferior vena cavae. It is our institution policy to confirm the empty status of the heart with adequate venous return and absence of aortic regurgitation after establishing CPB using TEE. During such routine examination in this patient, hitherto unreported ductal flow was detected and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was diagnosed [Video 1]. PDA was visualized in the upper esophageal view. As the tee probe is withdrawn gradually from the mid-esophageal position, just beyond A 15-year-old African girl, weighing 27 kilos, with a height of 148 cm was admitted to the hospital for repair of pulmonary venous obstruction and cor triatriatum. She was comfortable at rest, but had severe limitation of activities beyond those of daily living. Pulse oximetry on room air was 92%, which improved to 95% with oxygen.
TL;DR: Many risk factors, including female gender, uncontrolled hypertension, atrial fibrillation, myocardial ischemia, diabetes mellitus, renal insufficiency and echo findings (left ventricular hypertrophy, impairment of diastolic dysfunction, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction) may precipitate overt systolic and diastolics heart failure.
Abstract: Many risk factors, including female gender, uncontrolled hypertension, atrial fibrillation, myocardial ischemia, diabetes mellitus, renal insufficiency and echo findings (left ventricular hypertrophy, impairment of diastolic dysfunction, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF),[3] may precipitate overt systolic and diastolic heart failure.[4,5] However, uncontrolled hypertension is involved in more than 50% of cases of acute DHF.
TL;DR: A case of CLQTS, who after successful resuscitation from SCA, underwent ICD placement at the authors' center, and is reported to have had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placed at the center.
Abstract: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in children is a rare, but catastrophic event. Children with cardiac pathology at particular risk include those with congenital long QT syndrome (CLQTS) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. CLQTS is a genetic disorder of the cardiac ion channels and is associated with significant risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmias and SCA. For symptomatic, untreated patients, the mortality rate is approximately 20% for the first year and 50% at ten years. Use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is recommended for the prevention of SCA in this patient population. We report a case of CLQTS, who after successful resuscitation from SCA, underwent ICD placement at our center.