Hematologic complications of open heart surgery

Coronary artery bypass grafting under cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient with beta-thalassemia: report of a case

We performed successful coronary artery bypass grafting under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in a man with beta-thalassemia. Cardiopulmonary bypass for patients with hemoglobin disorders occasionally results in fatal hematologic complications. However, taking careful precautions such as transfusing stored autologous blood and administering haptoglobin may eliminate the need for allotransfusion, and prevent severe or persistent hemolysis and other complications. This case shows that cardiac surgery can be performed safely under CPB in patients with beta-thalassemia.

Haemoglobin H disease and cardiac surgery

The management of two patients with haemoglobin H disease, who underwent open-heart surgery, is described and the problems that relate to anaesthesia in the presence of this condition are discussed.

[Bleeding after extracorporeal circulation and epsilon-aminocaproic acid]

In order to assess the efficacy of epsilon aminocaproic acid in reducing bleeding after extracorporeal circulation for aorto-coronary bypass grafting, a double blind study was carried out in 57 patients. The efficiency of epsilon aminocaproic acid was assessed by the fibrinolytic activity as measured by a Von Kaulla test one hour after injection of protamine, by the amount of blood transfusions required and by the measurement of blood losses between the end of the injection of protamine and transfer of the patient to the intensive care unit, and then during the first 24 h following operation. No significant difference (p less than 0.05) between the group of treated patients and the group with placebo could be found concerning the postoperative bleeding, the amount of blood transfusions necessary and the occurrence of fibrinolysis. It was therefore concluded that there was no reason to routinely use epsilon aminocaproic acid after aorto-coronary bypass grafting.

Current management of patients after cardiopulmonary bypass

The postoperative management of cardiac surgical patients is reviewed with particular reference to some of the recent advances and current controversies. It is emphasised that there has been a marked decrease in the incidence of many of the major problems associated with cardiopulmonary bypass and that, in the majority of cases, cardiac surgery is now a routine procedure associated with a very low morbidity and mortality.

Anesthesia and postoperative care for cardiac operations

Almost three decades have passed since the establishment of open-heart surgery, and in such a short life span the specialty has established itself scientifically and reached a certain maturity. New techniques, better understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiac problems, and the effective use of new drugs constantly improve the results of operation. Greater experience in anesthetic management and improved postoperative care will contribute much to the success of this youngest surgical specialty. This review outlines the current principles of anesthesia and postoperative care of patients undergoing cardiac operations. Preanesthetic evaluation provides guidance for anesthetic management, supportive techniques, and postoperative care. During operations, light anesthesia is usually sufficient for patients with cardiac disease and minimizes myocardial depression. Monitoring must provide data on the physiological changes that are taking place from moment to moment during and after operations. Perfusion produces a highly abnormal state, and the severity of complications varies with its duration. Introduction of new drugs has also facilitated hemodynamic management during and after operations. Postoperative care is based on careful observation of the patient and early detection of trends, both of which lead to preventive rather than curative treatment wheneven possible.

Spontaneous closure of paravalvular leak after mitral valve replacement

Complications after prosthetic valve replacement may be multiple. In biologic valves, valve detachment and cusp perforation may occur. If this is of significant magnitude, reoperation may be required. This report describes recurrent mitral regurgitation after mitral valve replacement with a Hancock porcine xenograft. The regurgitation subsided spontaneously three months later. We felt that a paravalvular leak closed, with progressive fibrosis and tightening of the annulus. Functional results in this patient were excellent.