Predictors of operating room extubation in adult cardiac surgery

Operating Room Extubation for Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A National Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database Analysis

BACKGROUND

The utility of operating room extubation (ORE) after cardiac surgery over fast-track extubation (FTE) within 6 hours remains contested. We hypothesized ORE would be associated with equivalent rates of morbidity and mortality, relative to FTE.

METHODS

Patients undergoing nonemergent cardiac surgery were identified in The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database between July 2017 and December 2022. Only procedures with The Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk models were included. Risk-adjusted outcomes of ORE and FTE were compared by observed-to-expected ratios with 95% CIs aggregated over all procedure types, and ORE vs FTE adjusted odds ratios (ORs) specific to each procedure type using multivariable logistic regression. Analyzed outcomes were operative mortality, prolonged length of stay, composite reoperation for bleeding and reintubation, and composite morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

The study population of 669,099 patients across 1069 hospitals included 36,298 ORE patients in 296 hospitals. Risk-adjusted analyses found that ORE was associated with statistically similar or better results across each of the 4 outcomes and procedure subtypes. Notably, rates of postoperative mortality were significantly lower in ORE patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.46-0.65), aortic valve replacement (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.24-0.77), and mitral valve replacement (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.26-0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

Extubation in the OR was safe and effective in a selected patient population and may be associated with superior outcomes in coronary artery bypass, aortic valve replacement, and mitral valve replacement. These national data appear to confirm institutional experiences regarding the potential benefit of OR extubation. Further refinement of optimal populations may justify randomized investigation.

Perioperative Care in Cardiac Surgery: A Joint Consensus Statement by the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Cardiac Society, ERAS International Society, and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs have been shown to lessen surgical insult, promote recovery, and improve postoperative clinical outcomes across a number of specialty operations. A core tenet of ERAS involves the provision of protocolized evidence-based perioperative interventions. Given both the growing enthusiasm for applying ERAS principles to cardiac surgery and the broad scope of relevant interventions, an international, multidisciplinary expert panel was assembled to derive a list of potential program elements, review the literature, and provide a statement regarding clinical practice for each topic area. This article summarizes those consensus statements and their accompanying evidence. These results provide the foundation for best practice for the management of the adult patient undergoing cardiac surgery.

Enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery: A literature review

Enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery (ERACS) represents a constellation of evidence-based peri-operative methods aimed to reduce the physiological and psychological stress patients experience after cardiac surgery, with the primary objective of providing an expedited recovery to pre-operative functional status. The method involves pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative interventions as well as direct patient engagement to be successful. Numerous publications in regard to the benefits of enhanced recovery have been presented, including decreased post-operative complications, shortened length of stay, decreased overall healthcare costs, and higher patient satisfaction. Implementing an ERACS program undeniably requires a culture change, a methodical shift in the approach of these patients that ultimately allows the team to achieve the aforementioned goals; therefore, team-building, planning, and anticipation of obstacles should be expected.

On-table Extubation After Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Observational Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety of "on-table" extubation after minimally-invasive heart valve surgery.

DESIGN

A single-center retrospective observational study.

SETTING

At a tertiary referral academic hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients who underwent nonemergent isolated heart valve surgery through a minithoracotomy approach between January 2016 and August 2021.

INTERVENTION

All patients were treated by 1 of the 6 cardiac anesthesiologists of the hospital. Only some of them practiced "on-table" extubation, and the outcome of patients extubated "on-table" was compared to those extubated in the intensive care unit (ICU).

MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcome was the occurrence of any postoperative respiratory complication during the entire hospital stay. Secondary outcomes included the use of inotropes and vasopressors, de novo atrial fibrillation, and lengths of stay in the ICU and the hospital. A total of 294 patients met inclusion criteria, of whom 186 (63%) were extubated "on-table." Cardiopulmonary bypass duration was significantly longer, and moderate intraoperative hypothermia was significantly more frequent in patients extubated in the ICU. After adjustment for these confounders and for the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II using a multivariate logistic model, no association was found between the extubation strategy and postoperative pulmonary complications (adjusted odds ratio = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.40-1.77; p = 0.64). "On-table" extubation was associated with a lower risk of postoperative pneumonia and fewer vasopressors requirements.

CONCLUSION

"On-table" extubation was not associated with an increased incidence of respiratory complications. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to confirm these results and determine whether "on-table" extubation offers additional benefits.

Delivery exogenous nitric oxide via cardiopulmonary bypass in pediatric cardiac surgery reduces the duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation-A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objectives

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a major part of cardiac surgery that provokes systemic inflammatory reactions, myocardial ischemia, and ischemia and reperfusion damage. The aim of this study is to summarize the available evidence and evaluate whether exogenous nitric oxide administered via CPB circuits can improve recovery after cardiac surgery in children.

Method

A comprehensive search of the PubMed Medline, Ovid, Cochrane Library and Embase databases was conducted in September 2022. Only randomized controlled trials that compared nitro oxide with placebo or standard care were included.

Results

This pooled analysis included 5 RCTs containing 1642 patients. There were significant differences in the duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation between the nitric oxide group and the control group (mean difference -5.645 h; 95% CL = -9.978, -1.313; P = 0.01). Meta-analysis of the length of ICU stay and hospital stay showed no significant differences.

Conclusion

Delivering nitric oxide via CPB in pediatric cardiac surgery has an effect on reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation. Considering the small effect size, we should be cautious and think comprehensively in clinical practice.

Ultra-fast track extubation protocol following cardiovascular surgery: Predictors of failure and outcomes

OBJECTIVES

Identifying independent predictor factors of failure of ultra-fast track (UFT) extubation and to compare in-hospital outcomes with UFT extubation versus fast track (FT) extubation after cardiovascular surgery in adults.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 1498 consecutive patients aged over 18 years-old undergoing cardiovascular surgery at a single institution. Between December 2014 and December 2016, FT extubation was used (N = 713) while, between December 2016 and December 2018, all patients were preoperatively considered suitable for UFT extubation (N = 785). In this instance, a standardized anaesthetic protocol was applied in all cases. The decision to not extubate in the operating room (OR) was based on intraoperative haemodynamic and ventilation.

RESULTS

Extubation in the OR was possible in 699 (89%) patients. Significant independent predictors factors of UFT extubation failure were: preoperative NYHA class III-IV, myocardial infarction within two days prior to surgery, preoperative intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, urgent/emergent surgery, intraoperative transfusion of platelets and intraoperative inotropic and vasopressor support. UFT extubation was associated with lower rates of cardiovascular complications such as congestive cardiac insufficiency (OR: 1,57; 95% CI: 1,13-2,19; p = 0,008) and new-onset postoperatory atrial fibrillation (OR: 1,40; 95% CI: 1,06-1,86; p = 0,020). Patient extubated in the OR presented lower risk of overall complications, shorter intensive care unit stay and higher short-term survival, although, no statistically significance was found when performing the multivariate adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

A routine immediate extubation in the OR following adult cardiovascular surgery is a feasible and safe practice, associated with low cardiovascular morbidity.

Operating Room Versus Intensive Care Unit Extubation Within 6 Hours After On-Pump Cardiac Surgery: Early Results and Hospital Costs

Time-directed extubation (fast-track) protocols may decrease length of stay and cost but data on operating room (OR) extubation is limited. The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of extubation in the OR versus fast-track extubation within 6 hours of leaving the operating room. Patients undergoing nonemergent STS index cases (2011-2021) who were extubated within 6 hours were identified from a regional STS quality collaborative. Patients were stratified by extubation in the OR versus fast track. Propensity score matching (1:n) was performed to balance baseline differences. Of the 24,962 patients, 498 were extubated in the OR. After matching, 487 OR extubation cases and 899 fast track cases were well balanced. The rate of reintubation was higher for patients extubated in the OR [21/487 (4.3%) vs 16/899 (1.8%), P = 0.008] as was the incidence of reoperation for bleeding [12/487 (2.5%) vs 8/899 (0.9%), P = 0.03]. There was no significant difference in the rate of any reoperation [16/487 (3.3%) vs 15/899 (1.6%), P = 0.06] or operative mortality [4/487 (0.8%) vs 6/899 (0.6%), P = 0.7]. OR extubation was associated with shorter hospital length of stay (5.6 vs 6.2 days, P < 0.001) and lower total cost of admission ($29,602 vs $31,565 P < 0.001). OR extubation is associated with a higher postoperative risk of reintubation and reoperation due to bleeding, but lower resource utilization.Future research exploring predictors of extubation readiness may be required prior to widespread adoption of this practice.

Benefits and risks of intermittent bolus erector spinae plane block through a catheter for patients after cardiac surgery through a lateral mini-thoracotomy: A propensity score matched retrospective cohort study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

A lateral mini-thoracotomy approach to cardiac surgery causes severe and complicated postoperative pain compared to the sternotomy approach. In this study we assessed the benefits and risks of intermittent bolus erector spinae plane block (ESPB) via a catheter for patients who underwent cardiac surgery through a lateral mini-thoracotomy.

DESIGN

A propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

452 consecutive patients that underwent cardiac surgery through a lateral mini-thoracotomy from 2018 to 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients who received intermittent bolus ESPB through a catheter for 3 days (ESPB group, n = 93) were compared with patients who did not receive any regional anesthesia (Control group, n = 174) after propensity score matching.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary endpoint was postoperative in-hospital cumulative opioid consumption (calculated as oral morphine milligram equivalents, MME). The secondary outcomes were intraoperative sufentanil doses, therapeutic use of antiemetic, pulmonary infection (assessed using a modified clinical pulmonary infection score, CPIS), durations of ICU and hospital stays, and ESPB related/unrelated complications.

MAIN RESULTS

There is a lower oral MME in the ESPB group, 266 ± 126 mg in the ESPB group vs. 346 ± 105 mg in the control group (95% CI -113 to -46; P < 0.01). Fewer patients received therapeutic antiemetic agents in the ESPB group (30% vs. 42%, odds ratio 0.58; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.99; P = 0.04). The modified CPIS in the ESPB group is lower: 1.4 ± 0.9 vs. 2.0 ± 1.0 (95% CI -0.9 to -0.3; P < 0.01) on postoperative day 1; 1.6 ± 0.9 vs. 2.0 ± 0.9 (95% CI -0.7 to -0.2; P < 0.01) on postoperative day 2. The observed complications associated with ESPB include pneumothorax (1%), staxis around stomas (5%), hypotension (1%), catheter displacement (3%), and catheter obstruction (2%). None of the patients had any adverse outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Intermittent bolus ESPB is relatively safe and correlated with a reduction in the use of opioids and antiemetics for cardiac surgery through a lateral mini-thoracotomy.

The impact of exogenous nitric oxide during cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVES

Cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass frequently provokes a systemic inflammatory response syndrome. This can lead to the development of low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS). Both of these can affect morbidity and mortality. This study is a systematic review of the impact of gaseous nitric oxide (gNO), delivered via the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit during cardiac surgery, on post-operative outcomes. It aims to summarise the evidence available, to assess the effectiveness of gNO via the CPB circuit on outcomes, and highlight areas of further research needed to develop this hypothesis.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library was performed in May 2020. Only randomised control trials (RCTs) were considered.

RESULTS

Three studies were identified with a total of 274 patients. There was variation in the outcomes measures used across the studies. These studies demonstrate there is evidence that this intervention may contribute towards cardioprotection. Significant reductions in cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels and lower vasoactive inotrope scores were seen in intervention groups. A high degree of heterogeneity between the studies exists. Meta-analysis of the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay and length of hospital stay showed no significant differences.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review explored the findings of three pilot RCTs. Overall the hypothesis that NO delivered via the CPB circuit can provide cardioprotection has been supported by this study. There remains a significant gap in the evidence, further high-quality research is required in both the adult and paediatric populations.

Factors Associated With Early Extubation After Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Single-Center Experience

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors associated with early extubation in cardiac surgery patients.

DESIGN

Single center, retrospective.

SETTING

Tertiary university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

The study comprised 8,872 adult patients who underwent cardiothoracic surgery from 2011-2019.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of the 8,872 patients, 2,950 (33%) were extubated within six hours after surgery. Early extubated patients were younger, had a higher body mass index (BMI), were more likely to be male, and were fast-track designated. These patients more frequently underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft, isolated valve, or adult congenital surgeries than did late extubated patients. Early extubated patients had a greater incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and anxiety and a higher left ventricular ejection fraction. They also were less likely to have difficult intubation or require mechanical circulatory support, reintubation, or readmission. Analysis of the 8,872 patients showed that male sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.222, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.096-1.363), a BMI >30 kg/m² (OR 1.702, 95% CI 1.475-1.965), undergoing isolated valve surgery (OR 1.187, 95% CI 1.060-1.328), and having a fast-track designation (OR 1.455, 95% CI 1.208-1.751) and CAD (OR 1.122, 95% CI 1.005-1.253) were associated with early extubation. Data on intensive care unit (ICU) admission after surgery were available only from 2014-2018. Within this subgroup of 5,977 patients, variables associated with early extubation included male sex (OR 1.356, 95% CI 1.193-1.541), BMI >30 kg/m² (OR 1.267, 95% CI 1.084-1.480), daytime admission to the ICU (OR 1.712, 95% CI 1.527-1.919), and fast-track designation (OR 1.423, 95% CI 1.123-1.802).

CONCLUSIONS

Male sex; a BMI >30 kg/m²; undergoing isolated valve surgery; and having a fast-track designation, CAD, and daytime admission to the ICU are associated with early extubation.

Extubation in the Operating Room After Transapical Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Safely Improves Time-Related Outcomes and Lowers Costs: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The experience of safe extubation in the operating room (OR) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedure remains not well established. The authors conducted this study to assess the effect of OR extubation in comparison with extubation in the intensive care unit (ICU) on the outcomes and cost in patients undergoing transapical-TAVI.

DESIGN

A propensity score-matched analysis.

SETTING

A single major urban teaching and university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 266 patients undergoing transapical TAVI under general anesthesia between June 2015 and March 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

Propensity matching on pre- and intraoperative variables was used to identify 99 patients undergoing extubation in the OR versus 72 undergoing extubation in the ICU for outcome analysis.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

After matching, extubation in the OR showed significant reductions of length of stay (LOS) in ICU (38.8 ± 17.4 v 58.0 ± 70.0 h, difference -19.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] -35.7 to -2.7, p = 0.009) and postoperative LOS in hospital (7.1 ± 3.9 v 10.1 ± 4.6 d, difference -3.0, 95% CI -4.3 to -1.7, p < 0.0001) compared with ICU extubation, but did not significantly affect the composite incidence of any postoperative complications (46.5% [46 of 99] v 52.8% [38 of 72], difference -6.3%, 95% CI -21.5 to 8.9, p = 0.415). Also, extubation in the OR led to significant reduction of total hospital cost compared with extubation in the ICU (¥303.5 ± 17.3 v ¥329.9 ± 52.3 thousand, difference -26.2, 95% CI -38.8 to -13.7, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study provided evidence that extubation in the OR could be performed safely without increases in morbidity, mortality, or reintubation rate and could provide cost-effective outcome benefits in patients undergoing transapical-TAVI.

Association of earlier extubation and postoperative delirium after coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJECTIVES

Earlier extubation after cardiac surgery is reported to have benefits on length of stay and complication rates, but the influence on postoperative delirium remains unclear. We sought to determine the effect of earlier extubation on delirium after coronary artery bypass grafting.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective review of consecutive isolated coronary artery bypass grafting patients from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2015, was conducted. Baseline demographic characteristics, preoperative comorbidities, intraoperative data, and postoperative data were collected. A multivariable logistic regression was performed with analysis limited to extubation within the first 24 hours postoperatively.

RESULTS

We identified 2561 eligible patients. Delirium occurred in 13.9% (n = 357). Duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation was associated with higher delirium rates following adjustment, particularly after 12 to 24 hours (hourly odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.19; P < .001). No association was observed during the time period from 0 to 12 hours (hourly odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.06; P = .218). Major adverse events were associated with duration of ventilation after 0 to 12 hours (hourly odds ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.14; P < .002) but not after 12 to 24 hours (hourly odds ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.96-1.14; P = .316). The overall rate of reintubation was 2.9% (n = 73).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that delirium rates increase with lengthier postoperative ventilation times. This study provides the basis for consideration of the appropriate selection of earlier extubation to minimize delirium in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.