2019 EACTS/EACTA/EBCP guidelines on cardiopulmonary bypass in adult cardiac surgery

Coagulation and Transfusion Updates From 2021

2021 and the COVID 19 pandemic have brought unprecedented blood shortages worldwide. These deficits have propelled national efforts to reduce blood usage, including limiting elective services and accelerating Patient Blood Management (PBM) initiatives. A host of research dedicated to blood usage and management within cardiac surgery has continued to emerge. The intent of this review is to highlight this past year's research pertaining to PBM and COVID-19-related coagulation changes.

Reliability of the Minto model for target-controlled infusion of remifentanil during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass

BACKGROUND

The Minto pharmacokinetic model is used for target-controlled infusion of remifentanil. The reliability of this model has never been evaluated during normothermic cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The aim of this study was to assess the predictive performance of the model during CPB to determine its reliability during cardiac surgery.

METHODS

This was a single-centre observational study. Arterial blood samples were drawn at five time points: T1, after tracheal intubation; T2, immediately before CPB; T3, 10 min after starting CPB; T4, 45 min after starting CPB; T5, 10 min after weaning off CPB. Prediction error (PE) and absolute prediction error (APE) were calculated for each sample and used to determine median prediction error (MDPE) and median absolute prediction error (MDAPE) per patient. Risk factors for APE >30% were assessed using multivariable analysis. Results are presented as medians with inter-quartile ranges.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients with 283 blood samples (110 during CPB) were included. In the pre-CPB period, MDPE and MDAPE were -17.3 [-32.9 to 2.3] and 24.6 [12-37.7]%, whereas during CPB, they were -1.8 [-15.6 to 11.1] and 14.0 [6.74-27.1]%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between measured and predicted remifentanil plasma concentrations during CPB. Age, preoperative albumin concentrations, temperature, and haemodilution were not independently associated with MDAPE >30%.

CONCLUSIONS

The Minto model accurately predicts plasma remifentanil concentrations during cardiac surgery with CPB.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

2017-A03153-50.

Comparison of Post-operative Outcomes Between Direct Axillary Artery Cannulation and Side-Graft Axillary Artery Cannulation in Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

There is a growing perception of using axillary artery cannulation to improve operative outcomes in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Two techniques, direct cannulation or side-graft cannulation, can be used for axillary artery cannulation, but which technique is better is controversial.

Methods

A meta-analysis of comparative studies reporting operative outcomes using direct cannulation vs. side-graft cannulation was performed. We searched the PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Outcomes of interest were neurological dysfunction, cannulation-related complications and early mortality. The fixed effects model was used.

Results

A total of 1,543 patients were included in the final analysis. Direct cannulation was used in 846 patients, and side-graft cannulation was used in 697 patients. Meta-analysis showed a higher occurrence of neurological Complication in direct cannulation group [odds ratio, 1.45, 95% CI (1.00, 2.10), χ² = 4.40, P = 0.05] and a significantly higher incidence of cannulation-related complications in the direct cannulation group [odds ratio, 3.12, 95% CI (1.87, 5.18), χ² = 2.54, P < 0.0001]. The incidence of early mortality did not have a difference [odds ratio, 0.95, 95% CI (0.64, 1.41), χ² = 6.35, P = 0.79].

Conclusions

This study suggests that side-graft axillary artery cannulation is a better strategy as it reduces the incidence of neurological dysfunction and cannulation-related complications.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42022325456.

Guidelines on enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass or off-pump

OBJECTIVE

To provide recommendations for enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery (ERACS) based on a multimodal perioperative medicine approach in adult cardiac surgery patients with the aim of improving patient satisfaction, reducing postoperative mortality and morbidity, and reducing the length of hospital stay.

DESIGN

A consensus committee of 20 experts from the French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine (Société française d'anesthésie et de réanimation, SFAR) and the French Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (Société française de chirurgie thoracique et cardio-vasculaire, SFCTCV) was convened. A formal conflict-of-interest policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. The entire guideline process was conducted independently of any industry funding. The authors were advised to follow the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to guide the assessment of the quality of evidence.

METHODS

Six fields were defined: (1) selection of the patient pathway and its information; (2) preoperative management and rehabilitation; (3) anaesthesia and analgesia for cardiac surgery; (4) surgical strategy for cardiac surgery and bypass management; (5) patient blood management; and (6) postoperative enhanced recovery. For each field, the objective of the recommendations was to answer questions formulated according to the PICO model (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome). Based on these questions, an extensive bibliographic search was carried out and analyses were performed using the GRADE approach. The recommendations were formulated according to the GRADE methodology and then voted on by all the experts according to the GRADE grid method.

RESULTS

The SFAR/SFCTCV guideline panel provided 33 recommendations on the management of patients undergoing cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass or off-pump. After three rounds of voting and several amendments, a strong agreement was reached for the 33 recommendations. Of these recommendations, 10 have a high level of evidence (7 GRADE 1+ and 3 GRADE 1-); 19 have a moderate level of evidence (15 GRADE 2+ and 4 GRADE 2-); and 4 are expert opinions. Finally, no recommendations were provided for 3 questions.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong agreement existed among the experts to provide recommendations to optimise the complete perioperative management of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Meta-Analysis: Shouldn't Prophylactic Corticosteroids be Administered During Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass?

Background

Corticosteroids can effectively inhibit systemic inflammation induced by cardiopulmonary bypass. Recently clinical trials and meta-analyses and current guidelines for cardiac surgery do not support corticosteroids prophylaxis during cardiac surgery because of an increase in myocardial infarction and no benefit for patients. The aim of this study is to determine whether specific corticosteroids dose ranges might provide clinical benefits without increasing myocardial infarction.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Clinical Trials, and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before August 1, 2021.

Results

88 RCTs with 18,416 patients (17,067 adults and 1,349 children) were identified. Relative to placebo and high-dose corticosteroids, low-dose corticosteroids (≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone) during adult cardiac surgery did not increase the risks of myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR]: 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43-2.17; p = 0.93). However, low-dose corticosteroids were associated with lower risks of atrial fibrillation (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.44-0.76; p < 0.0001) and kidney injury (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09-0.96; p = 0.04). Furthermore, low-dose corticosteroids significantly shortened the mechanical ventilation times (mean difference [MD]: -2.74 h, 95% CI: -4.14, -1.33; p = 0.0001), intensive care unit (ICU) stay (MD: -1.48 days, 95% CI: -2.73, -0.22; p = 0.02), and hospital stay (MD: -2.29 days, 95% CI: -4.51, -0.07; p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Low-dose corticosteroids prophylaxis during cardiac surgery provided significant benefits for adult patients, without increasing the risks of myocardial infarction and other complications.

Remifentanil pretreatment attenuates brain nerve injury in response to cardiopulmonary bypass by blocking AKT/NRF2 signal pathway

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of remifentanil on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)-induced cerebral nerve injury.

METHODS

After pretreating with remifentanil, or dexmedetomidine (DEX), SD rats were subjected to the CPB for 2 h. The data of body temperature, blood gas and mean arterial pressure (MAP) and hematocrit (HCT) were recorded at different time points. The cerebral tissue water content of rats was determined and immunohistochemical (IHC) and H&E assays on the hippocampal CA1 region of rats was performed. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, soluble protein-100β (S100β) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were analyzed by ELISA, and those of the indexes for oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) were detected by the commercial kits. Morris water maze was used to evaluate the learning and memory abilities. Western blot/qRT-PCR were used to detect the protein/mRNA expressions in hippocampus.

RESULTS

CPB increased the levels/expressions of IL-6, IL-10, S100β, NSE, MDA, cleaved caspase-3, Bax and decreased those of Bcl-2, SOD, p-AKT, HO-1, in serum and parietal cortex tissue, with increased brain water content, lesions in the hippocampal CA1 area, swimming distance, brain nerve injury and decreased escape latency, retention time on platform and times of crossing the platform of rats. The preconditioning of remifentanil or DEX partially attenuated CPB-induced injury and -decreased expressions on p-AKT and HO-1, while further promoting CPB-induced expression of nuclear Nrf2 expression and inhibiting that of cytoplasm Nrf2.

CONCLUSION

This paper demonstrates that remifentanil preconditioning could partially attenuate CPB-induced brain nerve injury of rats.

Comparison of venous pCO2 and exhaust pCO2 for calculating CO2 production during cardiopulmonary bypass

INTRODUCTION

Carbon dioxide production (VCO2i), oxygen consumption and oxygen delivery can be monitored during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) as markers for tissue perfusion. This study examines if inline venous pCO2 (PvCO2) monitoring can be used as an alternative to exhaust gas pCO2 (ExCO2) to calculate VCO2i.

METHODS

PvCO2 and ExCO2 were monitored continuously during 40 elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures. VCO2i was calculated with ExCO2 as well as PvCO2.

RESULTS

Mean PvCO2 was 0.27 mmHg higher than mean ExCO2 (p < .001). The 95% limits of agreement of PvCO2 and ExCO2 were [-2.99, 3.53] mmHg which is within the limits proposed by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 2019. VCO2i was calculated using both PvCO2 and ExCO2 (PvVCO2i; ExVCO2i). A strong linear correlation was found for ExVCO2i and PvVCO2i (R2= .94, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the differences in VCO2i calculation between the two methods are unlikely to be clinically relevant during normothermic CABG procedures. VCO2i can be calculated with either a capnograph or inline venous pCO2 monitoring.

Safe sedation management using volatile anesthetics during cardiopulmonary bypass

Several pieces of evidence suggest that volatile anesthetics (VAs), which were originally used as sedatives, have myocardial protective effects against cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury. In Europe and the United States, the use of VAs during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is widespread, as 2019 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)/European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology/European Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, 2011 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association, and 2017 EACTS guidelines recommend their use in cardiovascular surgery, based on their potential myocardial protective effects. In other countries, including Japan, the use of VAs is gradually increasing. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the risks and possible adverse events associated with VA use during CPB to ensure safe sedation management. Herein, we describe in detail issues such as intraoperative awareness, air pollution, and damage to oxygenators due to VA use and propose precautions.

Inhalational or total intravenous anesthetic for cardiac surgery: does the debate even exist?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Perioperative myocardial injury related to cardiac surgery is associated with organ dysfunction and increased mortality. Volatile anesthetics (VA) have been used during cardiac surgery for decades because of their direct and indirect preconditioning and protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury. The current review provides a summary of the latest literature comparing pharmacological preconditioning and the potential benefits of using VA versus total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) for general anesthesia to improve outcomes after cardiac surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent literature reports lower mortality and better outcomes when VA is used alone or in combination with remote ischemic preconditioning compared with groups receiving TIVA. However, inconsistent research findings over the years have led to continued debate regarding the anesthetic technique considered more favorable for cardiac surgery.

SUMMARY

Research findings regarding the use of volatile anesthetic versus TIVA for better outcomes after cardiac surgery are inconsistent. Variability in timing, duration, dosing, and type of VA as well as surgical and patient-related factors may have influenced these results. Therefore, either technique can reasonably be adopted depending on provider and institutional preference and used safely in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Morbidity and mortality in patients managed with high compared with low blood pressure targets during on-pump cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

Many believe that blood pressure management during cardiac surgery is associated with postoperative outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the impact of high compared with low intraoperative blood pressure targets on postoperative morbidity and mortality in adults undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Our primary objective was to inform the design of a future large RCT.

SOURCE

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and CENTRAL for RCTs comparing high with low intraoperative blood pressure targets in adult patients undergoing any cardiac surgical procedure on CPB. We screened reference lists, grey literature, and conference proceedings.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We included eight RCTs (N =1,116 participants); all examined the effect of blood pressure management only during the CPB. Trial definitions of high compared with low blood pressure varied and, in some, there was a discrepancy between the target and achieved mean arterial pressure. We observed no difference in delirium, cognitive decline, stroke, acute kidney injury, or mortality between high and low blood pressure targets (very-low to low quality evidence). Higher blood pressure targets may have increased the risk of requiring a blood transfusion (three trials; n = 456 participants; relative risk, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 1.9; P = 0.01; moderate quality evidence) but this finding was based on a small number of trials.

CONCLUSION

Individual trial definitions of high and low blood pressure targets varied, limiting inferences. The effect of high (compared with low) blood pressure targets on other morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery remains unclear because of limitations with the body of existing evidence. Research to determine the optimal management of blood pressure during cardiac surgery is required.

STUDY REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42020177376); registered: 5 July 2020.

Cardiac Surgery Associated AKI Prevention Strategies and Medical Treatment for CSA-AKI

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common after cardiac surgery. To date, there are no specific pharmacological therapies. In this review, we summarise the existing evidence for prevention and management of cardiac surgery-associated AKI and outline areas for future research. Preoperatively, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers should be withheld and nephrotoxins should be avoided to reduce the risk. Intraoperative strategies include goal-directed therapy with individualised blood pressure management and administration of balanced fluids, the use of circuits with biocompatible coatings, application of minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation, and lung protective ventilation. Postoperative management should be in accordance with current KDIGO AKI recommendations.

The multivariable prognostic models for severe complications after heart valve surgery

Background

To provide multivariable prognostic models for severe complications prediction after heart valve surgery, including low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS), acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis (AKI-rH) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).

Methods

We developed multivariate logistic regression models to predict severe complications after heart valve surgery using 930 patients collected retrospectively from the first affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from January 2014 to December 2015. The validation was conducted using a retrospective dataset of 713 patients from the same hospital from January 2016 to March 2017. We considered two kinds of prognostic models: the PRF models which were built by using the preoperative risk factors only, and the PIRF models which were built by using both of the preoperative and intraoperative risk factors. The least absolute shrinkage selector operator was used for developing the models. We assessed and compared the discriminative abilities for both of the PRF and PIRF models via the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

Compared with the PRF models, the PIRF modes selected additional intraoperative factors, such as auxiliary cardiopulmonary bypass time and combined tricuspid valve replacement. Area under the ROC curves (AUCs) of PRF models for predicting LCOS, AKI-rH and MODS are 0.565 (0.466, 0.664), 0.688 (0.62, 0.757) and 0.657 (0.563, 0.751), respectively. As a comparison, the AUCs of the PIRF models for predicting LOCS, AKI-rH and MODS are 0.821 (0.747, 0.896), 0.78 (0.717, 0.843) and 0.774 (0.7, 0.847), respectively.

Conclusions

Adding the intraoperative factors can increase the predictive power of the prognostic models for severe complications prediction after heart valve surgery.

Performance of Lactate and CO2-Derived Parameters in Predicting Major Postoperative Complications After Cardiac Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Protocol of a Diagnostic Accuracy Study

Background: CO2-derived parameters are increasingly used to identify either low-flow status or anaerobic metabolism in shock resuscitation. However, the performance of CO2-derived parameters in cardiac surgical patients is poorly understood. This study aims to compare the performance of lactate and CO2-derived parameters in predicting major postoperative complications after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: This is a prospective, single-center, diagnostic accuracy study. All patients who receive elective cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass will be screened for study eligibility. Blood samples will be taken for the calculation of CO2-derived parameters, including the venous-arterial difference in CO2 partial pressure (PCO2 gap), venous-arterial difference in CO2 content to arterial-venous O2 content ratio (Cv-aCO2/Ca-vO2), and venous-arterial difference in CO2 partial pressure to arterial-venous O2 content ratio (Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2) at ICU admission, and 3, 6, and 12 h later. Baseline, perioperative data will be collected daily for 7 days; patients will be followed up for 28 days to collect outcome data. The primary endpoint is the occurrence of major postoperative complications. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis will be carried out to assess the predictive performance of lactate and CO2-derived parameters. The performance of the ROC curves will be compared. Discussion: The performance of lactate and CO2-derived parameters in predicting major postoperative complications will be investigated in the non-sepsis population, which has not been extensively investigated. Our study will compare the two surrogates of respiratory quotient directly, which is an important strength. Trial Registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR2000029365. Registered January 26th, 2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=48744.

Albumin in adult cardiac surgery: a narrative review

PURPOSE

Intravascular fluids are a necessary and universal component of cardiac surgical patient care. Both crystalloids and colloids are used to maintain or restore circulating plasma volume and ensure adequate organ perfusion. In Canada, human albumin solution (5% or 25% concentration) is a colloid commonly used for this purpose. In this narrative review, we discuss albumin supply in Canada, explore the perceived advantages of albumin, and describe the clinical literature supporting and refuting albumin use over other fluids in the adult cardiac surgical population.

SOURCE

We conducted a targeted search of PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Search terms included albumin, colloid, cardiac surgery, bleeding, hemorrhage, transfusion, and cardiopulmonary bypass.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Albumin is produced from fractionated human plasma and imported into Canada from international suppliers at a cost of approximately $21 million CAD per annum. While it is widely used in cardiac surgical patients across the country, it is approximately 30-times more expensive than equivalent doses of balanced crystalloid solutions, with wide inter-institutional variability in use and no clear association with improved outcomes. There is a general lack of high-quality evidence for the superiority of albumin over crystalloids in this patient population, and conflicting evidence regarding safety.

CONCLUSIONS

In cardiac surgical patients, albumin is widely utilized despite a lack of high- quality evidence supporting its efficacy or safety. A well-designed randomized controlled trial is needed to clarify the role of albumin in cardiac surgical patients.

Management algorithms and artificial intelligence systems for cardiopulmonary bypass

This article introduces management algorithms to support operators in choosing the best strategy for metabolic management during cardiopulmonary bypass using artificial intelligence systems. We developed algorithms for the identification of the optimal way for assessing metabolic parameters. Different management algorithms for extracorporeal procedures interfaced with metabolic monitoring systems already exist on the market and are applied in clinical practice. These algorithms could provide guidance for selecting the best metabolic strategy with the aim at reducing human error and optimizing management.

Volatile Versus Intravenous Anesthetics in Cardiac Anesthesia: a Narrative Review

Purpose of the Review

The present review addresses clinicians and gives an overview about the experimental rationale for pharmacological conditioning associated with volatile anesthetics, opioids, and propofol; the current clinical data; and the technical considerations regarding the clinical routine in cardiac anesthesia.

Recent Findings

Volatile anesthetics have been standard of care for general anesthesia for cardiac surgery, especially while using cardiopulmonary bypass. The 2019 published MYRIAD trial was not able to show a difference in mortality or cardiac biomarkers for volatile anesthetics compared to total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), raising the question of equivalence with respect to patient outcome.

Summary

Reviewing the literature, the scientific foundation for the belief of clinically relevant conditioning by uninterrupted administration of a volatile anesthetic is weak. TIVA can also be performed safely in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Challenges in Patient Blood Management for Cardiac Surgery: A Narrative Review

About 15 years ago, Patient Blood Management (PBM) emerged as a new paradigm in perioperative medicine and rapidly found support of all major medical societies and government bodies. Blood products are precious, scarce and expensive and their use is frequently associated with adverse short- and long-term outcomes. Recommendations and guidelines on the topic are published in an increasing rate. The concept aims at using an evidence-based approach to rationalize transfusion practices by optimizing the patient's red blood cell mass in the pre-, intra- and postoperative periods. However, elegant as a concept, the implementation of a PBM program on an institutional level or even in a single surgical discipline like cardiac surgery, can be easier said than done. Many barriers, such as dogmatic ideas, logistics and lack of support from the medical and administrative departments need to be overcome and each center must find solutions to their specific problems. In this paper we present a narrative overview of the challenges and updated recommendations for the implementation of a PBM program in cardiac surgery.

Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia-Current Strategies for Enhanced Recovery after Cardiac Surgery

With the advent of fast-track pathways after cardiac surgery, there has been a renewed interest in regional anesthesia due to its opioid-sparing effect. This paradigm shift, looking to improve resource allocation efficiency and hasten postoperative extubation and mobilization, has been pursued by nearly every specialty area in surgery. Safety concerns regarding the use of classical neuraxial techniques in anticoagulated patients have tempered the application of regional anesthesia in cardiac surgery. Recently described ultrasound-guided thoracic wall blocks have emerged as valuable alternatives to epidurals and landmark-driven paravertebral and intercostal blocks. These novel procedures enable safe, effective, opioid-free pain control. Although experience within this field is still at an early stage, available evidence indicates that their use is poised to grow and may become integral to enhanced recovery pathways for cardiac surgery patients.

Volatile and Intravenous Anesthetics for Brain Protection in Cardiac Surgery: Does the Choice of Anesthesia Matter?

Postoperative neurologic complications have a significant effect on morbidity, mortality, and long-term disability in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The etiology of brain injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is multifactorial and remains unclear. There are several perioperative causative factors for neurologic complications, including microembolization, hypoperfusion, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Despite technologic advances and the development of new anesthetic drugs, there remains a high rate of postoperative neurologic complications. Moreover, despite the strong evidence that volatile anesthesia exerts cardioprotective effects in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, the neuroprotective effects of volatile agents remain unclear. Several studies have reported an association of using volatile anesthetics with improvement of biochemical markers of brain injury and postoperative neurocognitive function. However, there is a need for additional studies to define the optimal anesthetic drug for protecting the brain in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Diaphragm Dysfunction After Cardiac Surgery: Reappraisal

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to re-investigate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of postoperative diaphragmatic dysfunction (DD) with actual cardiac surgery procedures.

DESIGN

Single-center, retrospective, observational study based on a prospectively collected database.

SETTING

Tertiary care cardiac surgery center.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients who underwent cardiac surgery between January 2016 and September 2019.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The DD group included patients with clinically perceptible diaphragmatic paralysis, which was confirmed by chest ultrasound (amplitude of the diaphragm movement in time-motion mode at rest, after a sniff test). The primary endpoint was the incidence of DD. Among 3,577 patients included, the authors found 272 cases of DD (7.6%). Individuals with DD had more arterial hypertension (64.3% v 52.6%; p < 0.0001), higher body mass index (BMI) (28 [25-30] kg/m²v 26 [24-29] kg/m²; p < 0.0002), and higher incidence of coronary bypass grafting (CABG) (58.8% v 46.6%; p = 0.0001). DD was associated with more postoperative pneumonia (23.9% v 8.7%; p < 0.0001), reintubation (8.8% v 2.9%; p < 0.0001), tracheotomy (3.3% v 0.3%; p < 0.0001), noninvasive ventilation (45.6% v 5.4%; p < 0.0001), duration of mechanical ventilation (five [four-11] hours v four [three-six] hours; p < 0.0001), and intensive care unit and hospital stays (14 [11-17] days v 13 [11-16] days; p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, DD was associated with CABG (odds ratio [OR] 1.9 [1.5-2.6]; p = 0.0001), arterial hypertension (OR 1.4 [1.1-1.9]; p = 0.008), and BMI (OR per point 1.04 [1.01-1.07] kg/m²; p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of symptomatic DD after cardiac surgery was 7.6%, leading to respiratory complications and increased ICU stay. CABG was the principal factor associated with DD.

Role of Anaesthetic Choice in Improving Outcome after Cardiac Surgery

Clinical background

Volatile anaesthetics (VAs) have been shown to protect cardiomyocytes against ischaemia and reperfusion injury in cardiac surgery.

Clinical problems

VAs have been shown in multiple trials and meta-analyses to be associated with better outcomes when compared to intravenous anaesthesia in cardiac surgery. However, recent data from a large randomised controlled trial do not confirm the superiority of VA as compared to total intravenous anaesthesia in this population.

Review objectives

This mini review presents the VA cardioprotective effects, their clinical use in cardiac surgery and the most recent evidence that compares VA to intravenous anaesthesia for reducing perioperative morbidity. At present, there is no clear superiority of VA over intravenous anaesthesia in improving the outcome after cardiac surgery.

American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology: Development of Standards and Guidelines for Pediatric and Congenital Perfusion Practice (2019)

The development of standards and guidelines by professional societies offers clinicians guidance toward providing evidence-based care. The ultimate goals of standards and guidelines are to standardize care and improve patient safety and outcomes while also minimizing risk. The American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology (AmSECT) currently offers perfusionists several clinical resources, primarily the Standards and Guidelines for Perfusion Practice; however, no document exists specific to pediatric perfusion. Historically, the development of a pediatric-specific document has been limited by available scientific evidence because of smaller patient populations, sample sizes, and variable techniques among congenital perfusionists. In the current setting of evolving clinical practices and increasingly complex cardiac operations, a subcommittee of pediatric perfusionists developed the Standards and Guidelines for Pediatric and Congenital Perfusion Practice. The development process included a comprehensive literature review for supporting evidence to justify new recommendations or updates to the existing AmSECT Adult Standards and Guidelines document. Multiple revisions incorporating feedback from the community led to a finalized document accepted by the AmSECT member and made available electronically in May 2019. The Standards and Guidelines for Pediatric and Congenital Perfusion Practice is an essential tool for pediatric perfusionists, serves as the backbone for institutionally based protocols, promotes improved decision-making, and identifies opportunities for future research and collaboration with other disciplines. The purpose of this article is to summarize the process of development, the content, and recommended utilization of AmSECT's Standards and Guidelines for Pediatric and Congenital Perfusion Practice. AmSECT recommends adoption of the Standards and Guidelines for Pediatric and Congenital Perfusion Practice to reduce practice variation and enhance clinical safety.

Minimum Alveolar Concentration of Sevoflurane as a Single Hypnotic Agent to Maintain BIS Below 50 in Patients During Normothermic Cardiopulmonary Bypass

OBJECTIVES

Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of volatile anesthetic agents to maintain bispectral index (BIS) below 50 in 50% of patients was defined as MACBIS50. The primary objective of this study was to determine the minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane as a single hypnotic agent to maintain BIS below 50 in patients during normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass.

DESIGN

Prospective and observational study.

SETTING

Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology, Brazil.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighteen consecutive patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) under general anesthesia, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classes III and IV, between the ages of 40 and 70, were included in the study.

METHODS

All patients underwent inhalation induction with facial mask using sevoflurane (Cristália) in 100% oxygen, pancuronium (Cristália) 0.1 mg/kg, and sufentanil (Cristália) 0.5 µg/kg intravenously (IV) administered. A single bolus dose of sufentanil, 1.0 µg/kg IV, was administered before surgical incision. MACBIS50 was calculated using the midpoint concentration of patients involving a crossover (BIS < or ≥50) according to Dixon's Up-and-Down method. The Up-and-Down sequence also was analyzed by probit test that enabled the authors to obtain the effective dose 50 (ED50) and effective dose 95 (ED95) of sevoflurane to maintain a BIS value <50, with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the mean.

RESULTS

A total of 15 patients were analyzed in this study. MACBIS50 of sevoflurane as a single hypnotic agent was 0.82% (95% CI 0.47-1.16) in patients aged 40 to 70 undergoing CABG during normothermic CPB. The ED50 and ED95 of sevoflurane to maintain a BIS value <50 for the same context were 0.73% (95% CI 0.45-1.00) and 1.39 (95% CI 0.42-2.37) by means of probit analysis, respectively.

CONCLUSION

MACBIS50 of sevoflurane as a single hypnotic agent was 0.82% in patients undergoing CABG during normothermic CPB.

American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology: Development of Standards and Guidelines for Pediatric and Congenital Perfusion Practice (2019)

The development of standards and guidelines by professional societies offers clinicians guidance toward providing evidence-based care. The ultimate goals of standards and guidelines are to standardize care and improve patient safety and outcomes while also minimizing risk. The American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology (AmSECT) currently offers perfusionists several clinical resources, primarily the Standards and Guidelines for Perfusion Practice; however, no document exists specific to pediatric perfusion. Historically, the development of a pediatric-specific document has been limited by available scientific evidence due to smaller patient populations, sample sizes, and variable techniques among congenital perfusionists. In the current setting of evolving clinical practices and increasingly complex cardiac operations, a subcommittee of pediatric perfusionists developed the Standards and Guidelines for Pediatric and Congenital Perfusion Practice. The development process included a comprehensive literature review for supporting evidence to justify new recommendations or updates to the existing AmSECT Adult Standards and Guidelines document. Multiple revisions incorporating feedback from the community led to a finalized document accepted by the AmSECT membership and made available electronically in May 2019. The Standards and Guidelines for Pediatric and Congenital Perfusion Practice is an essential tool for pediatric perfusionists and serves as the backbone for institutionally based protocols, promotes improved decision-making, and identifies opportunities for future research and collaboration with other disciplines. The purpose of this manuscript is to summarize the process of development, the content, and recommended utilization of AmSECT's Standards and Guidelines for Pediatric and Congenital Perfusion Practice.

Efficacy and safety of corticosteroids prophylaxis in cardiac surgery: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although corticosteroid prophylaxis in adult cardiac surgery has been studied extensively for 40 years, its role remains controversial, and the optimal dose remains uncertain. The objective of this meta-analysis was to estimate the clinical benefits and risks of corticosteroid use in cardiopulmonary bypass.

METHODS

We will search Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, Clinical Trials, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for relevant clinical trials published in any language before August 1, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interest which meet inclusion criteria published or unpublished will be included. We will divide the included studies into child and adult groups for analysis. If sufficient data are available, the included trials will be divided into 4 subgroups: ≤20 mg/kg (low dose), 20-40 mg/kg (slightly high dose), 40-100 mg/kg (high dose), and >100 mg/kg (ultra high dose) based on the equivalent hydrocortisone dose. INPLASY registration number: INPLASY2020100044.

RESULTS

The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

CONCLUSION

This study will compare the efficacy of tprophylactic corticosteroids for adults and children undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. Due to the nature of the disease and intervention methods, randomized controlled trials may be inadequate, and we will carefully consider inclusion in high-quality, non-randomized controlled trials, but this may result in high heterogeneity and affect the reliability of the results.

Conventional Ultrafiltration During Elective Cardiac Surgery and Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury

OBJECTIVE

Conventional ultrafiltration (CUF) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) serves to hemoconcentrate blood volume to avoid allogeneic blood transfusions. Previous studies have determined CUF volumes as a continuous variable are associated with postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery, but optimal weight-indexed volumes that predict AKI have not been described.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

Single-center university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1,641 consecutive patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery between June 2013 and December 2015.

INTERVENTIONS

The CUF volume was removed during CPB in all participants as part of routine practice. The authors investigated the association of dichotomized weight-indexed CUF volume removal with postoperative AKI development to provide pragmatic guidance for clinical practice at the authors' institution.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Primary outcomes of postoperative AKI were defined by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes staging criteria and dichotomized, weight-indexed CUF volumes (mL/kg) were defined by (1) extreme quartiles (<Q1 v >Q3) and (2) Youden's criterion that best predicted AKI development. Multivariate logistic regression models were developed to test the association of these dichotomized indices with AKI status. Postoperative AKI occurred in 827 patients (50.4%). Higher CUF volumes were associated with AKI development by quartiles (CUF >Q₃ = 32.6 v CUF < Q₁ = 10.4 mL/kg; odds ratio [OR] = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.19-2.3) and Youden's criterion (CUF ≥ 32.9 v CUF <32.9 mL/kg; OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.21-2.13). Despite similar intraoperative nadir hematocrits among groups (p = 0.8), higher CUF volumes were associated with more allogeneic blood transfusions (p = 0.002) and longer lengths of stay (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Removal of weight-indexed CUF volumes > 32 mL/kg increased the risk for postoperative AKI development. Importantly, CUF volume removal of any amount did not mitigate allogeneic blood transfusion during elective cardiac surgery. Prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.

Brain Protection in Aortic Arch Surgery: An Evolving Field

Despite advances in cardiac surgery and anesthesia, the rates of brain injury remain high in aortic arch surgery requiring circulatory arrest. The mechanisms of brain injury, including permanent and temporary neurologic dysfunction, are multifactorial, but intraoperative brain ischemia is likely a major contributor. Maintaining optimal cerebral perfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest is the key component of intraoperative management for aortic arch surgery. Various brain monitoring modalities provide different information to improve cerebral protection. Electroencephalography gives crucial data to ensure minimal cerebral metabolism during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, transcranial Doppler directly measures cerebral arterial blood flow, and near-infrared spectroscopy monitors regional cerebral oxygen saturation. Various brain protection techniques, including hypothermia, cerebral perfusion, pharmacologic protection, and blood gas management, have been used during interruption of systemic circulation, but the optimal strategy remains elusive. Although deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion have their merits, there have been increasing reports about the use of antegrade cerebral perfusion, obviating the need for deep hypothermia. With controversy and variability of surgical practices, moderate hypothermia, when combined with unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion, is considered safe for brain protection in aortic arch surgery performed with circulatory arrest. The neurologic outcomes of brain protection in aortic arch surgery largely depend on the following three major components: cerebral temperature, circulatory arrest time, and cerebral perfusion during circulatory arrest. The optimal brain protection strategy should be individualized based on comprehensive monitoring and stems from well-executed techniques that balance the major components contributing to brain injury.

Adult cardiopulmonary bypass in Australian and New Zealand public hospitals: A survey of practice

A telephone survey of cardiac anaesthetists and perfusionists at the 29 public hospitals providing adult cardiac surgical services in Australia and New Zealand was carried out between December 2019 and January 2020. The aim was to investigate current practice with regard to selected contentious elements of anaesthetic and perfusion management during cardiopulmonary bypass; primarily relating to bypass circuit priming, blood conservation methods and point-of-care coagulation testing. There was a 100% response rate. The average number of adult public cardiopulmonary bypass cases per hospital was 508 (160-1400). For cardiopulmonary bypass cases, ten hospitals (34%) routinely used a cell saver and the remainder used a cell saver selectively. Residual blood remaining in the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit was processed using a cell saver routinely in four hospitals (14%) and selectively in 23 (79%). Acute normovolaemic haemodilution was rarely used. Retrograde autologous priming was used routinely in seven hospitals (24%) and selectively in 16 (55%). All hospitals had access to point-of-care coagulation testing. The majority of hospitals targeted an activated clotting time of 480 s (range 400-500 s) prior to commencing cardiopulmonary bypass. There was marked geographic variation in access to fibrinogen concentrate. The cardiopulmonary bypass circuit prime solution was primarily a balanced crystalloid in most hospitals; however, there was significant variation regarding the addition of human albumin, mannitol, sodium bicarbonate and other medications. Many of the interventions examined were used on a case-by-case basis. These findings support the need for further research to define more evidence-based practice of these interventions.

Survey of the Routine Practice Limits for Physiologic and Technical Parameters Managed by Clinical Perfusionists during Adult Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a highly technical clinical discipline with a recognized variability in practice. Professional standards and guidelines documents help direct clinical practice and reduce variability, but these guidelines are necessarily vague and fall short of providing specific objective recommendations of clinical practice metrics. If clinical practice metrics were known, they would be informative when writing departmental policy manuals, structuring quality improvement initiatives, describing product R&D specifications, and designing educational assessment rubrics. Therefore, to address this gap, we conducted a national survey of clinical practice with the purpose of producing a benchmark of the typical variability of specific technical parameters that are commonly managed during adult CPB procedures. A pool of expert clinical perfusionists collaborated to compile a data set of normal ranges for 41 individual physiologic and technical parameters (pressures, flows, saturation, times, solutions, and temperatures) that are commonly managed during adult CPB procedures. Results were collected using an online survey application. Respondent demographics and measures of central tendency with descriptive quartile statistics and confidence intervals for each parameter are presented. Of the 335 people who participated in the survey, 315 met the inclusion criteria. The geographic demographics of the respondents were representative of the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion's distribution of certified clinical perfusionists. Of the 41 parameters investigated, there were 13 hemodynamic parameters, 13 normal flow rates and technical circuit parameters, 10 blood gasses and hematocrit parameters, and five parameters of patient temperatures. The data presented here are informative and provide a consensus-based objective assessment of the standard practice for adult CPB as reported by practicing clinical perfusionists. Based on these survey data, we have identified the typical clinical limits for the 41 parameters that are managed during adult CPB. This information may be incorporated into guiding documents to support the work of clinicians, researchers, and educators.

The Year in Cardiothoracic Critical Care: Selected Highlights from 2019

In 2019, cardiothoracic and vascular critical care remained an important focus and subspecialty. This article continues the annual series to review relevant contributions in postoperative critical care that may affect the cardiac anesthesiologist. Herein, the pertinent literature published in 2019 is explored and organized by organ system.

Multicenter International Survey on Cardiopulmonary Bypass Perfusion Practices in Adult Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVES

To assess current practice in adult cardiac surgery during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) across European and non-European countries.

DESIGN

International, multicenter, web-based survey including 28 multiple choice questions addressing hemodynamic and tissue oxygenation parameters, organ protection measures, and the monitoring and usage of anesthetic drugs as part of the anesthetic and perfusion practice during CPB.

SETTING

Online survey endorsed by the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists.

PARTICIPANTS

Representatives of anesthesiology departments in European and non-European adult cardiac surgical centers.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The survey was distributed via e-mail to European Association of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists members (n = 797) and kept open for 1 month. The response rate was 34% (n = 271). After exclusion of responses from the same centers and of incomplete answers, data from 202 cardiac centers in 56 countries, of which 67% of centers were university hospitals, were analyzed. Optimization of pump flows and tissue oxygenation parameters during CPB were applied by the majority of centers, with target flow rates of >2.2 L/min/m² in 93% (n = 187) of centers and mean arterial blood pressures between 51 and 90 mmHg in 85% (n = 172). Hemoglobin transfusion triggers were either individualized or between 7 and 8 g/dL in 92% (n = 186) of centers. Mixed venous oxyhemoglobin saturations were assessed routinely in 59% (n = 120) and lactate in 88% (n = 178) of cardiac surgery units. Noninvasive cerebral saturation monitoring was used in a subgroup of patients or routinely in 84% (n = 169) of sites, and depth-of-anesthesia monitoring was used routinely in 53% (n = 106). Transesophageal echocardiography and pulmonary artery catheters were used routinely or in subgroups of patients in 97% (n = 195) and 71% (n = 153) of centers, respectively. The preferred site for temperature monitoring was the nasopharynx in 66% (n = 134) of centers. Anesthetic techniques were variable, with 26% of centers (n = 52) using low-tidal-volume ventilation and 28% (n = 57) using continuous positive airway pressure during CPB. Volatile agents were used routinely as the only agent during CPB in 36% sites (n = 73) and propofol in 47% (n = 95). Other drugs routinely administered included magnesium in 45% (n = 91), steroids in 18% (n = 37), tranexamic acid in 88% (n = 177), and aprotinin in 15% (n = 30) of the centers.

CONCLUSION

This international CPB survey revealed that techniques for optimization of pump flow and oxygenation during CPB usually were applied. Furthermore, cerebral and hemodynamic monitoring devices were frequently used during CPB. However, most CPB-related anesthetic techniques and medications were more variable. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to assess anesthetic techniques and organ protection.

Total Intravenous Anesthesia was Associated With Better Survival Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Retrospective Cohort Study With 3-Year Follow-Up in South Korea

OBJECTIVE

The authors aimed to investigate if the anesthetic technique was associated with 3-year all-cause mortality after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

DESIGN

Population-based cohort study.

SETTING

Cohort data obtained from the National Health Insurance Service database in South Korea.

PARTICIPANTS

All adult patients diagnosed with ischemic heart disease who underwent isolated CABG between January 2012 and December 2015.

EXPOSURES

The authors divided the cohort into the following 2 groups: the total intravenous anesthesia group using propofol (TIVA group) and the volatile anesthesia group.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary study endpoint was 3-year all-cause mortality. The authors enrolled 10,440 patients from 91 hospitals; among them, 3,967 patients were in the TIVA group and 6,473 were in the volatile anesthesia group. After propensity score matching, the authors included 5,656 patients (2,828 patients per group) in the final analysis. The 3-year all-cause mortality rates in the TIVA and volatile anesthesia groups were 15.3% (434/2,828) and 18.3% (518/2,828), respectively. The risk of 3-year all-cause mortality was 16% lower in the TIVA group than in the volatile anesthesia group (hazard ratio: 0.84, 95% confidence interval: 0.75-0.94; p = 0.002). Similar results were observed for 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year all-cause mortality after CABG.

CONCLUSION

Compared with volatile anesthesia, propofol-based TIVA was associated with decreased 3-year all-cause mortality in patients undergoing CABG. This was the first study to suggest that TIVA might be associated with an increase in survival at 3-year follow-up after CABG, and further studies are needed to confirm the optimal anesthetic choice for CABG.

Therapeutic potential of fibrinogen γ-chain peptide-coated, ADP-encapsulated liposomes as a haemostatic adjuvant for post-cardiopulmonary bypass coagulopathy

Fibrinogen γ-chain peptide-coated, adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP)-encapsulated liposomes (H12-ADP-liposomes) are a potent haemostatic adjuvant to promote platelet thrombi. These liposomes are lipid particles coated with specific binding sites for platelet GPIIb/IIIa and encapsulating ADP. They work at bleeding sites, facilitating haemostasis by promoting aggregation of activated platelets and releasing ADP to strongly activate platelets. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of H12-ADP-liposomes on post-cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) coagulopathy in a preclinical setting. We created a post-CPB coagulopathy model using male New Zealand White rabbits (body weight, 3 kg). One hour after CPB, subject rabbits were intravenously administered H12-ADP-liposomes with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) collected from donor rabbits (H12-ADP-liposome/PRP group, n = 8) or PRP alone (PRP group, n = 8). Ear bleeding time was greatly reduced for the H12-ADP-liposome/PRP group (263 ± 111 s) compared with the PRP group (441 ± 108 s, p < 0.001). Electron microscopy showed platelet thrombus containing liposomes at the bleeding site in the H12-ADP-liposome/PRP group. However, such liposome-involved platelet thrombi were not observed in the end organs after H12-ADP-liposome administration. These findings suggest that H12-ADP-liposomes could help effectively and safely consolidate platelet haemostasis in post-CPB coagulopathy and may have potential for reducing bleeding complications after cardiovascular surgery with CPB.

Effect of Intraoperative Dexamethasone on Major Complications and Mortality Among Infants Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: The DECISION Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Corticosteroids are widely used in pediatric cardiac surgery to blunt systemic inflammatory response and to reduce complications; nevertheless, their clinical efficacy is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether intraoperative administration of dexamethasone is more effective than placebo for reducing major complications and mortality during pediatric cardiac surgery.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The Intraoperative Dexamethasone in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery was an investigator-initiated, double-blind, multicenter randomized trial that involved 4 centers in China, Brazil, and Russia. A total of 394 infants younger than 12 months, undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled from December 2015 to October 2018, with follow-up completed in November 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

The dexamethasone group (n = 194) received 1 mg/kg of dexamethasone; the control group (n = 200) received an equivolume of 0.9% sodium chloride intravenously after anesthesia induction.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary end point was a composite of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, acute kidney injury, prolonged mechanical ventilation, or neurological complications within 30 days after surgery. There were 17 secondary end points, including the individual components of the primary end point, and duration of mechanical ventilation, inotropic index, intensive care unit stay, readmission to intensive care unit, and length of hospitalization.

RESULTS

All of the 394 patients randomized (median age, 6 months; 47.2% boys) completed the trial. The primary end point occurred in 74 patients (38.1%) in the dexamethasone group vs 91 patients (45.5%) in the control group (absolute risk reduction, 7.4%; 95% CI, -0.8% to 15.3%; hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.10; P = .20). Of the 17 prespecified secondary end points, none showed a statistically significant difference between groups. Infections occurred in 4 patients (2.0%) in the dexamethasone group vs 3 patients (1.5%) in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among infants younger than 12 months undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, intraoperative administration of dexamethasone, compared with placebo, did not significantly reduce major complications and mortality at 30 days. However, the study may have been underpowered to detect a clinically important difference.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02615262.

Will high-dose heparin affect blood loss and inflammatory response in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass?

INTRODUCTION

We performed a randomized study to investigate if a high versus a standard dose of heparin dose during cardiopulmonary bypass could affect intra- and post-operative bleeding and reduce the inflammatory response.

METHODS

A total of 30 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting were randomized into high or standard dose of heparin during cardiopulmonary bypass. Blood loss was documented peri- and post-operatively, and interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C3 were measured in conjunction with cardiopulmonary bypass.

RESULTS

Data from 29 patients were analyzed after exclusion of one patient. The mean initial bolus and total heparin doses were 43,000 ± 5,800 IU versus 35,000 ± 4,100 IU, (p < 0.001), and 58,000 ± 9,500 IU versus 45,000 ± 7,900 IU, (p < 0.001) in the intervention and the control group, respectively. The median intra-operative bleeding was 150 mL (interquartile range 100-325) in the control versus 225 mL (IQR 200-350) in the intervention group, p = 0.15. The median chest tube blood loss 12 hour post-operatively was 300 mL (interquartile range 250-385) in the control versus 450 mL (IQR 315-505) in the intervention group, p = 0.029. There was no significant difference between the control group and the intervention group during cardiopulmonary bypass for the measured inflammatory markers interleukin-6 (p = 0.98), tumor necrosis factor-α (p = 0.72), or C3 (p = 0.13).

CONCLUSION

This small study showed a small increase of post-operative bleeding associated with higher heparin dosage in conjunction with cardiopulmonary bypass but did not demonstrate an effect of heparin on the inflammatory response to cardiopulmonary bypass.

The predictive value of procalcitonin in ventilator-associated pneumonia after cardiac valve replacement

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of procalcitonin (PCT) in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) after cardiac valve replacement. A total of 80 patients who underwent cardiac valve replacement in our department were enrolled in this study. Of these patients,40 were diagnosed with VAP and assigned to the observation group, while the other 40 patients not diagnosed with VAP were assigned to the control group. The changes in serum PCT, white blood cell count and C-reactive protein (CRP) were observed before each operation (T0), on the first day after the operation (T1), the second day after the operation (T2) and the third day after the operation (T3). After the operation, the serum PCT in the observation group was significantly higher than those at different time points after the operation, and also significantly higher than those in the control group (p < .05). In the control group, PCT was significantly higher after the operation than before the operation (p < .05), but the differences among the different postoperative time points were not statistically significant (p > .05). In the two groups, the white blood cell count and CRP were significantly higher after the operation than before the operation (p < .05), but the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (p > .05). Serum PCT is an early, sensitive and highly specific high-risk monitoring index and has an early prediction value for VAP after cardiac valve replacement.

Clinical and Technical Limitations of Cerebral and Somatic Near-Infrared Spectroscopy as an Oxygenation Monitor

Cerebral and somatic near-infrared spectroscopy monitors are commonly used to detect tissue oxygenation in various circumstances. This form of monitoring is based on tissue infrared absorption and can be influenced by several physiological and non-physiological factors that can induce error in the interpretation. This narrative review explores those clinical and technical limitations and proposes solutions and alternatives in order to avoid some of those pitfalls.

Volatile Anesthesia Versus Total Intravenous Anesthesia During Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Narrative Review on the Technical Challenges and Considerations

The Mortality in Cardiac Surgery Randomized Controlled Trial of Volatile Anesthetics (MYRIAD) demonstrated that cardiac surgery with either volatile anesthesia or intravenous anesthesia techniques can be comparable with respect to morbidity and mortality. Maintaining anesthesia during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with either approach requires appreciation of the nuances that are unique to each. This narrative review addresses these technical challenges and other considerations.

In Vivo Protamine Titration Using Activated Coagulation Time to Neutralize Heparin Anticoagulation in Cardiac Surgery: Proof of Concept

OBJECTIVE

In vivo protamine titration (IVPT) is based on the observation of a plateau on the decay curve of the celite activated clotting times (ACTs) during protamine infusion for heparin reversal. The aim of the present study was to determine the optimal protamine/heparin ratio to reverse anticoagulation using IVPT curves.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized study.

SETTING

Tertiary care university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

The study comprised 138 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass.

INTERVENTIONS

The control group was given a protamine infusion of 1.3 mg per 1 mg (100 U) of heparin over 21 minutes. ACT was measured every 3 minutes. In the test group, the protamine dose was prepared using the same ratio as for the control group, and ACT values were measured every 3 minutes until a plateau was reached (2 consecutive ACT values <160 s), at which time the protamine infusion was stopped. The protamine/heparin ratio, blood losses, transfusions, and heparin concentrations were recorded.

RESULTS

The protamine dose was lower in the test group (456.00 ± 105.66 mg [control group] v 295.25 ± 100.60 mg [test group]; p < 0.0001). The mean protamine/heparin ratios were 1.30 ± 0.10 (control group) and 0.81 ± 0.22 (test group) (p < 0.0001). Heparin concentrations were greater in the test group 15 minutes (0.10 [0-0.2] U/mL v 0 [0-0.1] U/mL; p = < 0.0001) and 3 hours (0 [0-0.1] U/mL v 0 [0-0] U/mL; p = 0.0002) after protamine infusion. There was no difference in the blood losses and transfusion requirements.

CONCLUSIONS

IVPT is safe and efficient in this low-risk population.