Case report: Inferior vena-cava right atrial anastomotic stenosis after bicaval orthotopic heart transplantation

Usefulness of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Diagnosing the Cause of Circulatory Collapse During Reoperation for an Inferior Vena Cava-Left Atrium Shunt After Atrial Septal Defect Closure: A Case Report

Iatrogenic inferior vena cava (IVC)-left atrium (LA) shunt is a rare complication in atrial septal defect (ASD) surgery, caused by mistaking the Eustachian valve for the lower margin of the ASD. In this report, we describe the case of a 45-year-old woman who experienced circulatory collapse at termination of cardiopulmonary bypass during surgical IVC-LA shunt repair. Transesophageal echocardiography helped identify stenosis between the IVC and the right atrium, caused by a residual original incorrectly placed ASD patch. Removal of most of the patch led to improvement in circulatory failure.

Modified autotransplantation technique for surgical resection of complex pericardial synovial sarcoma

Technical details for complex cardiac tumor resection are sparse. We describe the operative technique of modified autotransplantation for resection of a complex pericardial synovial sarcoma in a 63-year-old, Caucasian female. Surgical exposure demonstrated tumor origin at the superior cavoatrial junction and invasion of the aorta, main pulmonary artery, superior pulmonary veins, and left atrial roof. Full macroscopic surgical resection was achieved. The patient received adjuvant radiation for microscopic positive margins and remains alive and with no tumor progression at one year postoperatively. We conclude that modified autotransplantation is a challenging but effective surgical technique when performed with careful patient selection and availability of skilled, cardiothoracic surgeons at a cardiac center of excellence.

Transgastric Abdominal Ultrasonography in Anesthesia and Critical Care: Review and Proposed Approach

The use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the operating room and intensive care unit can provide invaluable information on cardiac as well as abdominal organ structures and function. This approach may be particularly useful when the transabdominal ultrasound examination is not possible during intraoperative procedures or for anatomical reasons. This review explores the role of transgastric abdominal ultrasonography (TGAUS) in perioperative medicine. We describe several reported applications using 10 views that can be used in the diagnosis of relevant abdominal conditions associated with organ dysfunction and hemodynamic instability in the operating room and the intensive care unit.

Obstruction of the inferior vena cava following bicaval orthotopic heart transplantation: a case series

BACKGROUND

Inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction is a rare complication of orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) and is unique to bicaval surgical technique. The clinical significance, diagnosis, complications, and management of post-operative IVC anastomotic obstruction have not been adequately described.

CASE SUMMARY

Two patients with end-stage heart failure presented for bicaval OHT. Post-operative course was complicated with shock refractory to fluid resuscitation and inotropic/vasopressor support. Obstruction at the IVC-right atrial (RA) anastomosis was diagnosed on transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE), prompting emergent reoperation. In both cases, a large donor Eustachian valve was found to be restricting flow across the IVC-RA anastomosis. Resection of the valve resulted in relief of obstruction across the anastomosis and subsequent improvement in haemodynamics and clinical outcome.

DISCUSSION

Presumably rare, we present two cases of IVC obstruction post-bicaval OHT. Inferior vena cava obstruction is an under-recognized cause of refractory hypotension and shock in the post-operative setting. Prompt recognition using TOE is crucial for immediate surgical correction and prevention of multi-organ failure. Obstruction can be caused by a thickened Eustachian valve caught in the suture line at the IVC anastomosis, which would require surgical resection.

IVC Stent to Improve Ventricular Assist Device Filling Following Pediatric Cardiac Transplant

Poor ventricular assist device filling is often seen in patients supported with the Berlin Heart Excor. Caval stenosis is an uncommon complication following the bicaval approach to orthotopic heart transplantation. We report the case of a five-year-old female patient post heart transplantation whose poor right ventricular assist device filling immediately resolved following management of caval stenosis.

Guidelines for the Use of Transesophageal Echocardiography to Assist with Surgical Decision-Making in the Operating Room: A Surgery-Based Approach: From the American Society of Echocardiography in Collaboration with the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography is a standard diagnostic and monitoring tool employed in the management of patients undergoing an entire spectrum of cardiac surgical procedures, ranging from "routine" surgical coronary revascularization to complex valve repair, combined procedures, and organ transplantation. Utilizing a protocol as a starting point for imaging in all procedures and all patients enables standardization of image acquisition, reduction in variability in quality of imaging and reporting, and ultimately better patient care. Clear communication of the echocardiographic findings to the surgical team, as well as understanding the impact of new findings on the surgical plan, are paramount. Equally important is the need for complete understanding of the technical steps of the surgical procedures being performed and the complications that may occur, in order to direct the postprocedure evaluation toward aspects directly related to the surgical procedure and to provide pertinent echocardiographic information. The rationale for this document is to outline a systematic approach describing how to apply the existing guidelines to questions on cardiac structure and function specific to the intraoperative environment in open, minimally invasive, or hybrid cardiac surgery procedures.

A Rare Case of Stenosis at the Inferior Vena Cava to Right Atrium Anastomosis After Bicaval Orthotopic Heart Transplantation

Stenosis at either the superior or inferior caval anastomosis is a rare complication of orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) and is unique to the bicaval surgical technique. The severity of stenosis dictates the degree of clinical significance, varying from asymptomatic to congestive end-organ injury and hemodynamic instability from impaired preload. Due to differences in the anatomic location of organ congestion, the clinical presentation also depends on which of the 2 anastomoses is involved. In this article, the authors describe a case of stenosis at the inferior vena cava to right atrium anastomosis, which was diagnosed intraoperatively during OHT after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. Transesophageal echocardiography provided an accurate and timely diagnosis of this complication, which allowed for immediate surgical correction. Surprisingly, a large, native Eustachian valve was found to be obstructing the anastomosis. Resection of the valve relieved the previously significant narrowing across the anastomosis. This case highlights the importance of thorough intraoperative transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of graft anastomoses during OHT, as well as an understanding on the part of the echocardiographer of the specific surgical techniques employed during OHT.

Inferior vena cava stenosis after heart transplant: a rare cause of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning failure

INTRODUCTION

The discontinuation of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) is a critical step in patient recovery. To reduce risks, weaning trials must be performed to buttress this important decision. However, a successful weaning trial does not preclude the possibility of complications.

CASE REPORT

Here, we report a case of sudden multiple organ failure in a heart transplant patient, occurring after a successful ECMO weaning trial. We finally diagnosed a rare post-surgical complication of bicaval orthotopic heart transplantation, a severe stenosis of the inferior vena cava (IVC) that had been masked by the post-operative ECMO.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our case report should serve as a cautionary tale: it may be of interest to add a search for complications at the vascular anastomoses to the weaning trial procedure and to keep an eye out for them in the following days.

Interventional catheterisation of stenotic or occluded systemic veins in children with or without congenital heart diseases: early results and intermediate follow-up

AIMS

Limited data exists on midterm results concerning paediatric interventions on stenotic or occluded systemic veins following indwelling lines, cardiac surgery, or catheterisations. The purpose of this study was to report our acute and intermediate results concerning patients with (Group A) and without (Group B) congenital heart diseases (CHD) over a 10-year period.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From January 2000 to December 2010, 32 patients (23 in Group A and nine in Group B, respectively) underwent 39 interventional catheterisations aimed to dilate or recanalise occluded iliofemoral veins, inferior or superior venae cavae. Initial and follow-up catheterisation data were reviewed retrospectively. Midterm results were evaluated by means of echography, angiography, and CT scan in all 15 and 17 patients, respectively. Median age and weight of all patients at catheterisation were five years (range 0.1-18) and 15 kg (range 2-60), respectively. Fifty-two stents were implanted in 29 patients (32 vessels). In 25 patients 28 vessels were occluded and required recanalisation. There were no major complications. In all but three patients it was possible to treat the lesion. There were two procedural complications (5.1%): one acute stent occlusion and one local dissection. At a median follow-up of 2.5 years (range 1-10) we observed six complications of stenting (11.5%): two fractures, two occlusions and two restenoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventional catheterisation of stenotic or occluded systemic veins grants good immediate results at a low rate of complication. Stent dilatation or recanalisation may open the vessel for use during future procedures. However, long-term results are yet to be established.