Brain Protection During Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass

The effects of pulsatile versus nonpulsatile flow on cerebral pulsatility index, mean flow velocity at the middle cerebral artery, regional cerebral oxygen saturation, cerebral gaseous microemboli counts, and short-term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing congenital heart surgery

Objective

The objective of this retrospective review was to evaluate whether or not pulsatile flow improves cerebral hemodynamics and clinical outcomes in pediatric congenital cardiac surgery patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 284 pediatric patients undergoing congenital cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass support utilizing nonpulsatile (n = 152) or pulsatile (n = 132) flow. Intraoperative cerebral gaseous microemboli counts, pulsatility index, and mean blood flow velocity at the right middle cerebral artery were assessed using transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Clinical outcomes were compared between groups.

Results

Patient demographics and cardiopulmonary bypass characteristics between groups were similar. Although the pulsatility index during aortic crossclamping was consistently higher in the pulsatile group (P < .05), a significant degree of pulsatility was also observed in the nonpulsatile group. No significant differences in mean cerebral blood flow velocity, regional cerebral oxygen saturation, or gaseous microemboli counts were observed between the perfusion modality groups. Clinical outcomes, including intubation duration, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, and mortality within 180 days were similar between groups.

Conclusions

Although the pulsatility index was greater in the pulsatile group, other measures of intraoperative cerebral perfusion and short-term outcomes were similar to the nonpulsatile group. These findings suggest that while pulsatile perfusion represents a safe modality for cardiopulmonary bypass support, its use may not translate into detectably superior clinical outcomes.

ZFP36 protects against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced mitochondrial fragmentation and neuronal apoptosis through inhibiting NOX4-DRP1 pathway

The imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Zinc-finger protein 36 (ZFP36) has been documented to have neuroprotective effects, however, whether ZFP36 is involved in the regulation of neuronal survival during cerebral I/R injury remains unknown. In this study, we found that the transcriptional and translational levels of ZFP36 were increased in immortalized hippocampal HT22 neuronal cells after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) treatment. ZFP36 gene silencing exacerbated OGD/R-induced dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) activity, mitochondrial fragmentation, oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis, whereas ZFP36 overexpression exhibited the opposite effects. Besides, we found that NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) was upregulated by OGD/R, and NOX4 inhibition remarkably attenuated OGD/R-instigated DRP1 activity, mitochondrial fragmentation and neuronal apoptosis. Further study demonstrated that ZFP36 targeted NOX4 mRNA directly by binding to the AU-rich elements (AREs) in the NOX4 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR) and inhibited NOX4 expression. Taken together, our data indicate that ZFP36 protects against OGD/R-induced neuronal injury by inhibiting NOX4-mediated DRP1 activation and excessive mitochondrial fission. Pharmacological targeting of ZFP36 to suppress excessive mitochondrial fission may provide new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of cerebral I/R injury.

Differential expression profiles of circular RNAs in the rat hippocampus after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest

Neurological dysfunction commonly occurs after cardiac surgery with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). The mechanisms underlying DHCA-associated brain injury remain poorly understood. This study determined the changes in expression profiles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the hippocampus in rats that underwent DHCA, with an attempt to explore the potential role of circRNAs in the brain injury associated with DHCA. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to cardiopulmonary bypass with DHCA. Brain injury was evaluated by neurological severity scores and histological as well as transmission electron microscope examinations. The expression profiles of circRNAs in the hippocampal tissues were screened by microarray. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to validate the reliability of the microarray results. Bioinformatic algorithms were applied to construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to explore the potential biological roles of the circRNAs. Out of 14 145 circRNAs screened, 56 were differentially expressed in the hippocampus between the DHCA and sham-operated rats, including 30 upregulated and 26 downregulated circRNAs. The expression changes of six selected circRNAs (upregulated: rno_circRNA_011190, rno_circRNA_012988, rno_circRNA_000544; downregulated: rno_circRNA_010393, rno_circRNA_012043, rno_circRNA_015149) were further confirmed by RT-qPCR. Bioinformatics analysis showed the enrichment of these confirmed circRNAs and their potential target mRNAs in several KEGG pathways including histidine metabolism, adipocytokine signaling, and cAMP signaling. By revealing the change expression profiles of circRNAs in the brain after DHCA, this study indicates possible involvements of these dysregulated circRNAs in brain injury and suggests a potential of targeting circRNAs for prevention and treatment of neurological dysfunction associated with DHCA.

Case Report: Traumatic Stress and Developmental Regression: An Unintended Consequence of Complex Cardiac Care

This brief case report outlines a novel approach to supporting the development of a pediatric complex cardiac care patient. Patient X is a 19-month old patient who spent 5.5 months in hospital and underwent multiple surgeries including heart transplantation. This case report explores the impacts of his condition and care on his development and family functioning within the framework of an integrated care model. This case report is uniquely complimented by outpatient neurodevelopmental follow up, dyadic trauma-informed intervention and use of telemedicine allowing for a deeper understanding of the family adaptation that provide novel insight into long-term trajectory beyond discharge. Throughout care Patient X met criteria for both a traumatic stress disorder and global developmental delay. This case study highlights the threat complex care poses to neurodevelopment, pediatric mental health and family dynamics as well as opportunities for intervention.

Most High-Intensity Transient Signals Are Not Associated With Specific Surgical Maneuvers

Background:

Mortality after congenital heart defect surgery has dropped dramatically in the last few decades. Current research on long-term outcomes has focused on preventing secondary neurological sequelae, for which embolic burden is suspected. In children, little is known of the correlation between specific surgical maneuvers and embolic burden. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound is highly useful for detecting emboli but has not been widely used with infants and children.

Methods:

Bilateral middle cerebral artery blood flow was continuously monitored from sternal incision to chest closure in 20 infants undergoing congenital heart defect repair or palliative surgery. Embolus counts for specific maneuvers were recorded using widely accepted criteria for identifying emboli via high-intensity transient signals (HITS).

Results:

An average of only 13% of all HITS detected during an operation were correlated with any of the surgical maneuvers of interest. The highest mean number of HITS associated with a specific maneuver occurred during cross-clamp removal. Cross-clamp placement also had elevated HITS counts that significantly differed from other maneuvers.

Conclusions:

In this study of infants undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, the great majority of HITS detected are not definitively associated with a specific subset of surgical maneuvers. Among the measured maneuvers, removal of the aortic cross-clamp was associated with the greatest occurrence of HITS. Future recommended research efforts include identifying and confirming other sources for emboli and longitudinal outcome studies to determine if limiting embolic burden affects long-term neurological outcomes.

To Purge or Not to Purge

To remove gaseous microemboli (GME) using an oxygenator with an integrated arterial filter, it is recommended by some manufacturers to purge the oxygenator as an additional safety feature while on bypass. In this in vitro study, we evaluated whether purging of oxygenators with an integrated arterial filter is efficient in reducing GME. Five different types of commercially available contemporary oxygenators with an integrated arterial filter based on progressive filter filtration (1), cascade filtration (1), screen filtration (2), or self-venting (1) were tested for their efficiency in removing GME while keeping the purge line open or closed. A bubble counter was used for pre- and post-oxygenator GME signaling, from which the filter efficiency was computed. Freshly drawn heparinized porcine blood was used at blood flow rates of 3 and 5 L/min. Three units of each oxygenator were tested with its specific reservoir at a fixed volume level of 1,500 mL. GME load was introduced into the venous line at 1,000 mL air/min. Measurements started as soon as GME were detected by the pre-oxygenator probe and then continued for 1 minute. There was no statistically significant difference in filter efficiency between the purged and non-purged groups for specific oxygenators. At a blood flow of 3 L/min, the average filter efficiency stayed approximately invariable when comparing the non-purged and purged groups, where 89.1-88.2% indicated the largest difference between the groups. At a blood flow rate of 5 L/min, the filter efficiency changed in one screen filter group from an average of 55.7% in the non-purged group to 42.4% in the purged group. Other filter efficiencies at the blood flow rate of 5 L/min for non-purged compared with purged groups were, respectively, 98.0 vs. 98.0% (screen filtration), 88.6 vs. 85.8% (self-venting filtration), 82.8 vs. 75.5% (progressive filter filtration), and 65.4 vs. 65.1% (cascade filtration). Based on these results, purging while confronted with continuous GME challenge did not result in an increased filter efficiency.

Normothermic versus hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass in low-risk paediatric heart surgery: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare normothermic (35°C-36°C) versus hypothermic (28°C) cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in paediatric patients undergoing open heart surgery to test the hypothesis that normothermic CPB perfusion maintains the functional integrity of major organ systems leading to faster recovery.

METHODS

Two single-centre, randomised controlled trials (known as Thermic-1 and Thermic-2, respectively) were carried out to compare the effectiveness and acceptability of normothermic versus hypothermic CPB in children with congenital heart disease undergoing open heart surgery. In both studies, the co-primary clinical outcomes were duration of inotropic support, intubation time and postoperative hospital stay.

RESULTS

In total, 200 participants were recruited; 59 to the Thermic-1 study and 141 to the Thermic-2 study. 98 patients received normothermic CPB and 102 patients received hypothermic CPB. There were no significant differences between the treatment groups for any of the co-primary outcomes: inotrope duration HR=1.01, 95% CI (0.72 to 1.41); intubation time HR=1.14, 95% CI (0.86 to 1.51); postoperative hospital stay HR=1.06, 95% CI (0.80 to 1.40). Differences favouring normothermia were found in urea nitrogen at 2 days geometric mean ratio (GMR)=0.86 95% CI (0.77 to 0.97); serum creatinine at 3 days GMR=0.89, 95% CI (0.81 to 0.98); urinary albumin at 48 hours GMR=0.32, 95% CI (0.14 to 0.74) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin at 4 hours GMR=0.47, 95% CI (0.22 to 1.02), but not at other postoperative time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Normothermic CPB is as safe and effective as hypothermic CPB and can be routinely adopted as a perfusion strategy in low-risk infants and children undergoing open heart surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN93129502.

Direct Splanchnic Perfusion Safely Avoids Deep Hypothermia

Deep hypothermia for the operative correction of congenital cardiac lesions protects hypoperfused organs, mostly because of its effect on lowering metabolic demand and oxygen requirement. Deleterious cerebral and extracranial side effects of deep hypothermia itself calls for a reexamination of the therapeutic value of hypothermia, and has led to the development of alternative perfusion strategies. Here we describe the potential advantages of milder hypothermia over deep hypothermia and our method of a practical and reproducible implementation of multisite perfusion under mild hypothermia (32°C).

In-Vitro Evaluation of Two Types of Neonatal Oxygenators in Handling Gaseous Microemboli and Maintaining Optimal Hemodynamic Stability During Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Objective

Usually only FDA-approved oxygenators are subject of studies by the international scientific community. The objective of this study is to evaluate two types of neonatal membrane oxygenators in terms of transmembrane pressure gradient, hemodynamic energy transmission and gaseous microemboli capture in simulated cardiopulmonary bypass systems.

Methods

We investigated the Braile Infant 1500 (Braile Biomédica, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil), an oxygenator commonly used in Brazilian operating rooms, and compared it to the Dideco Kids D100 (Sorin Group, Arvada, CO, USA), that is an FDA-approved and widely used model in the USA. Cardiopulmonary bypass circuits were primed with lactated Ringer's solution and packed red blood cells (Hematocrit 40%). Trials were conducted at flow rates of 500 ml/min and 700 ml/min at 35ºC and 25ºC. Real-time pressure and flow data were recorded using a custom-based data acquisition system. For gaseous microemboli testing, 5cc of air were manually injected into the venous line. Gaseous microemboli were recorded using the Emboli Detection and Classification Quantifier.

Results

Braile Infant 1500 had a lower pressure drop (P<0.01) and a higher total hemodynamic energy delivered to the pseudopatient (P<0.01). However, there was a higher raw number of gaseous microemboli seen prior to oxygenator at lower temperatures with the Braile oxygenator compared to the Kids D100 (P<0.01).

Conclusion

Braile Infant 1500 oxygenator had a better hemodynamic performance compared to the Dideco Kids D100 oxygenator. Braile had more gaseous microemboli detected at the pre-oxygenator site under hypothermia, but delivered a smaller percentage of air emboli to the pseudopatient than the Dideco oxygenator.

Influence of high-flow modified ultrafiltration on brain oxygenation and perfusion during surgery for children with ventricular septal defects: a pilot study

Background:

Modified ultrafiltration (MUF) can be performed in infants with ventricular septal defects (VSDs) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to reduce haemodilution and its potential adverse effects. High-flow MUF might reduce ultrafiltration duration and hasten the necessary correction of haemodilution during CPB. However, its influence on brain oxygenation remains controversial.

Objective:

This non-randomized, prospective, pilot study aimed to investigate the influence of high-flow MUF on brain oxygenation in infants with VSDs.

Methods:

High-flow MUF (≥20 mL/kg/min) was performed in twenty infants. Brain oxygen saturation (rSO2) and tissue haemoglobin index (tHI) were non-invasively and continuously measured intraoperatively using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Transcranial Doppler non-invasively detected the mean flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery (Vmean).

Results:

rSO2 increased significantly during MUF, as did tHI, Vmean, mean arterial pressure and haematocrit (all p<0.05). No correlation was found between changes in rSO2 and changes in other parameters (all p≥0.05).

Conclusion:

In infants with ventricular septal defects managed with CPB during VSDs repair, high-flow MUF did not reduce brain oxygenation.

In Vitro Evaluation of an Alternative Neonatal Extracorporeal Life Support Circuit on Hemodynamic Performance and Bubble Trap

The objective of this study was to evaluate an alternative neonatal extracorporeal life support (ECLS) circuit with a RotaFlow centrifugal pump and Better-Bladder (BB) for hemodynamic performance and gaseous microemboli (GME) capture in a simulated neonatal ECLS system. The circuit consisted of a Maquet RotaFlow centrifugal pump, a Quadrox-iD Pediatric diffusion membrane oxygenator, 8 Fr arterial cannula, and 10 Fr venous cannula. A "Y" connector was inserted into the venous line to allow for comparison between BB and no BB. The circuit and pseudopatient were primed with lactated Ringer's solution and packed human red blood cells (hematocrit 35%). All hemodynamic trials were conducted at flow rates ranging from 100 to 600 mL/min at 36°C. Real-time pressure and flow data were recorded using a data acquisition system. For GME testing, 0.5 cc of air was injected via syringe into the venous line. GME were detected and characterized with or without the BB using the Emboli Detection and Classification Quantifier (EDAC) System. Trials were conducted at flow rates ranging from 200 to 500 mL/min. The hemodynamic energy data showed that up to 75.2% of the total hemodynamic energy was lost from the circuit. The greatest pressure drops occurred across the arterial cannula and increased with increasing flow rate from 10.1 mm Hg at 100 mL/min to 114.3 mm Hg at 600 mL/min. The EDAC results showed that the BB trapped a significant amount of the GME in the circuit. When the bladder was removed, GME passed through the pump head and the oxygenator to the arterial line. This study showed that a RotaFlow centrifugal pump combined with a BB can help to significantly decrease the number of GME in a neonatal ECLS circuit. Even with this optimized alternative circuit, a large percentage of the total hemodynamic energy was lost. The arterial cannula was the main source of resistance in the circuit.

Strategies for Pharmacological Organoprotection during Extracorporeal Circulation Targeting Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Surgical correction of congenital cardiac malformations or aortocoronary bypass surgery in many cases implies the use of cardiopulmonary-bypass (CPB). However, a possible negative impact of CPB on internal organs such as brain, kidney, lung and liver cannot be neglected. In general, CPB initiates a systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) which is presumably caused by contact of blood components with the surface of CPB tubing. Moreover, during CPB the heart typically undergoes a period of cold ischemia, and the other peripheral organs a global low flow hypoperfusion. As a result, a plethora of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines is released activating different biochemical pathways, which finally may result in the occurrence of microthrombosis, microemboli, in depletion of coagulation factors and haemorrhagic diathesis besides typical ischemia-reperfusion injuries. In our review we will focus on possible pharmacological interventions in patients to decrease negative effects of CPB and to improve post-operative outcome with regard to heart and other organs like brain, kidney, or lung.

An in vitro evaluation of gaseous microemboli handling by contemporary venous reservoirs and oxygenator systems using EDAC

Gaseous microemboli (GME) generated during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) can present a significant risk to patient outcomes, specifically if they are delivered to the cerebral vasculature. A number of GME sources have been identified, leading to improved clinical practice and equipment design to ameliorate the presence and intensity of GME during CPB. Recently, a number of new venous reservoir/oxygenator systems have entered the market, including the Sorin Inspire6 and Inspire8, the Terumo FX15 and FX25 and the Maquet Quadrox-i. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the GME-handling capacity of these contemporary venous reservoirs, oxygenators and complete systems, as well as our currently used Sorin Synthesis, using the EDAC system. The venous reservoir of the Quadrox-i was the most effective in removing all sizes of GME and total GME load, while the Synthesis was the least effective. The FX15 and FX25 were least effective removing small GME, while the FX15 and Quadrox-i were the least effective at removing medium GME. The Quadrox-i was least effective at removing large GME. In terms of complete venous reservoir/oxygenator systems, the Synthesis permitted the greatest amount of GME to pass, while the other systems appeared largely equivalent.

Hippocampal Neuroprotection by Minocycline and Epigallo-Catechin-3-Gallate Against Cardiopulmonary Bypass-Associated Injury

Surgical correction of congenital cardiac malformations mostly implies the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, a possible negative impact of CPB on cerebral structures like the hippocampus cannot be neglected. Therefore, we investigated the effect of CPB on hippocampus CA1 and CA3 regions without or with the addition of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) or minocycline. We studied 42 piglets and divided them into six experimental groups: control without or with EGCG or minocycline, CPB without or with EGCG or minocycline. The piglets underwent 90 minutes CPB and subsequently, a 120-minute recovery and reperfusion phase. Thereafter, histology of the hippocampus was performed and the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content was measured. Histologic evaluation revealed that CPB produced a significant peri-cellular edema in both CA regions. Moreover, we found an increased number of cells stained with markers for hypoxia, apoptosis and nitrosative stress. Most of these alterations were significantly reduced to or near to control levels by application of EGCG or minocycline. ATP content was significantly reduced within the hippocampus after CPB. This reduction could not be antagonized by EGCG or minocycline. In conclusion, CPB had a significant negative impact on the integrity of hippocampal neural cells. This cellular damage could be significantly attenuated by addition of EGCG or minocycline.

Protective effects of pulsatile flow during cardiopulmonary bypass

BACKGROUND

Children with congenital heart disease are often operated at a very young age. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has become indispensable for these sometimes very complex operations, but one cannot neglect a possible negative impact of CPB on organ function. Traditionally, CPB was developed with non-pulsatile flow but there are clinical observations that pulsatile flow might be superior with improved patient outcomes. Therefore, we attempted to elucidate whether CPB with pulsatile flow preserves organ integrity compared with nonpulsatile flow.

METHODS

We studied 27 piglets of 4 weeks age and divided them into 3 experimental groups: control group (no CPB); non-pulsatile and pulsatile-CBP with 90-minutes CPB and 120-minutes recovery and reperfusion. Thereafter, histology of kidney, liver, and hippocampus was performed. Moreover, we measured adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in these organs.

RESULTS

Histologic evaluation revealed that laminar flow produced significant cellular edema in the kidney and hippocampus. Additionally, markers for hypoxia, apoptosis, and nitrosative stress were elevated but predominately in the hippocampus and proximal tubules of the kidney. Most of these alterations were reduced to or near control levels with pulsatile CPB. Moreover, ATP content of all 3 organs examined was higher and kidney and liver enzymes were lower in the pulsatile group compared with the non-pulsatile CPB. With regard to histologic changes, the liver seemed to be a less sensitive organ.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study during pulsatile CPB, organ damage was significantly attenuated as compared with non-pulsatile CPB. Therefore, in pediatric patients pulsatile CPB may improve clinical outcomes.

Changes in cerebral oxygen saturation correlate with S100B in infants undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass

OBJECTIVES

The relationship of cerebral saturation measured by near-infrared spectroscopy with serum biomarker of brain injury S100B was investigated in infants undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Single-center children's hospital.

PATIENTS

Forty infants between 1 and 12 months old weighing greater than or equal to 4 kg with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Serum S100B was measured at eight time points over 72 hours using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Physiologic data including arterial, cerebral, and somatic regional oxygen saturations measured by near-infrared spectroscopy were synchronously recorded at 1-minute intervals from anesthesia induction through 72 postoperative hours. The arterial-cerebral oxygen saturation difference was calculated as the difference between arterial saturation and cerebral regional saturation. Thirty-eight patients, 5.4 ± 2.5 months old, were included in the analysis; two were excluded due to the use of postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Seventeen patients (44.7%) had preoperative cyanosis. S100B increased during cardiopulmonary bypass in all patients, from a median preoperative baseline of mean ± SE: 0.055 ± 0.038 to a peak of 0.610 ± 0.038 ng/mL, p less than 0.0001. Patients without preoperative cyanosis had a higher S100B peak at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass. Although the absolute cerebral regional saturation on cardiopulmonary bypass was not associated with S100B elevation, patients who had arterial-cerebral oxygen saturation difference greater than 50 at any time during cardiopulmonary bypass had a higher S100B peak (mean ± SE: 1.053 ± 0.080 vs 0.504 ± 0.039 ng/mL; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

A wide cerebral arteriovenous difference measured by near-infrared spectroscopy during cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with increased serum S100B in the perioperative period and may be a modifiable risk factor for neurological injury.

Leg ischaemia before circulatory arrest alters brain leucocyte count and respiratory chain redox state

OBJECTIVES

Remote ischaemic preconditioning and its neuroprotective abilities are currently under investigation and the method has shown significant effects in several small and large animal studies. In our previous studies, leucocyte filtration during cardiopulmonary bypass reduced cerebrocortical adherent leucocyte count and mitigated cerebral damage after hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) in piglets. This study aimed to obtain and assess direct visual data of leucocyte behaviour in cerebral vessels after hypothermic circulatory arrest following remote ischaemic preconditioning.

METHODS

Twelve native stock piglets were randomized into a remote ischaemic preconditioning group (n = 6) and a control group (n = 6). The intervention group underwent hind-leg ischaemia, whereas the control group received a sham-treatment before a 60-min period of hypothermic circulatory arrest. An intravital microscope was used to obtain measurements from the cerebrocortical vessel in vivo. It included three sets of filters: a violet filter to visualize microvascular perfusion and vessel diameter, a green filter for visualization of rhodamine-labelled leucocytes and an ultraviolet filter for reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) analysis. The final magnification on the microscope was 400. After the experiment, cerebral and cerebellar biopsies were collected and analysed with transmission electron microscope by a blinded analyst.

RESULTS

In the transmission electron microscope analysis, the entire intervention group had normal, unaffected rough endoplasmic reticulum's in their cerebellar tissue, whereas the control group had a mean score of 1.06 (standard deviation 0.41) (P = 0.026). The measured amount of adherent leucocytes was lower in the remote ischaemic preconditioning group. The difference was statistically significant at 5, 15 and 45 min after circulatory arrest. Statistically significant differences were seen also in the recovery phase at 90 and 120 min after reperfusion. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide autofluorescence had statistically significant differences at 10 min after cooling and at 120 and 180 min after hypothermic circulatory arrest.

CONCLUSIONS

Remote ischaemic preconditioning seems to provide better mitochondrial respiratory chain function as indicated by the higher NADH content. It simultaneously provides a reduction of adherent leucocytes in cerebral vessels after hypothermic circulatory arrest. Additionally, it might provide some degree of cellular organ preservation as implied by the electron microscopy results.

Selective cerebral perfusion with aortic cannulation and short-term hypothermic circulatory arrest in aortic arch reconstruction

BACKGROUND

The deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) technique has been used in aortic arch and isthmus hypoplasia for many years. However, with the demonstration of the deleterious effects of prolonged DHCA, selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) has started to be used in aortic arch repair. For SCP, perfusion via the innominate artery route is generally preferred (either direct innominate artery cannulation or re-routing of the cannula in the aorta is used). Herein, we describe our technique and the result of arch reconstruction in combination with selective cerebral and myocardial perfusion (SCMP) and short-term total circulatory arrest (TCA) (5-10 min) through ascending aortic cannulation.

METHODS

Thirty-seven cases with aortic arch and isthmus hypoplasia accompanying cardiac defects were operated on with SCMP and short TCA in Baskent University Istanbul Research and Training Hospital between January 2007 and Sep 2012. There were 17 cases with ventricular septal defect (VSD)-coarctation with aortic arch hypoplasia (CoAAH), 4 cases of transposition of the great arteries-VSD-CoAAH, 4 cases of Taussing Bing Anomaly-CoAAH, 2 cases complete atrioventricular canal defect-CoAAH, 3 cases single ventricle-CoAAH, 3 cases of type A interruption-VSD, 2 subvalvular aortic stenosis-CoAAH and 2 cases of isolated CoAAH. The aorta was cannulated in the middle of the ascending aorta in all cases. The cross-clamp was applied to the aortic arch distal to either the innominate artery or the left carotid artery. In addition, a side-biting clamp was applied to the descending aorta. The aorta between these two clamps was reconstructed with gluteraldehyde-treated autogeneous pericardium, using SCMP. The proximal arch and distal ascending aorta reconstructions were carried out under short TCA.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 2.5 ± 2 months. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times were 144 ± 58 and 43 ± 27 minutes, respectively. The mean SCMP and descending aorta ischemia times were 22.6 ± 4.8 and 27 ± 6.3 minutes, respectively. Mean TCA time was 7.6 ± 2.1 minutes (min: 4, max 10 min). The mean in-hospital stay time was 8.6 ± 1.9 days. None of the cases operated with this technique had neurological defects. The mortality rate was 2.7% (1 patient).

CONCLUSION

SCMP with aortic cannulation and short TCA (under 10 minutes) in aortic reconstruction is safe and practical in this high-risk patient group.

Handling ability of gaseous microemboli of two pediatric arterial filters in a simulated CPB model

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this experiment was to compare the Sorin KIDS D131 and the Terumo Capiox AF02 pediatric arterial filters in a simulated CPB procedure to determine which filter is the better for clinical use.

METHODS

The experimental circuit was primed with an 800 ml combination of lactated Ringer's solution and human blood (hematocrit (Hct) 30%). The two filters were tested under flow rates of 500, 1000, and 1500 ml/min at room temperature and their purge lines opened and closed as 5cc of air was injected into the circuit.

RESULTS

As the flow rates increased, the number of gaseous microemboli (GME) being returned to the pseudo patient increased for both of the pediatric arterial filters. Having an open purge line increased the number of GME removed from the CPB circuit, caused less of a pressure drop than when closed and increased the total hemodynamic energy loss than when closed. Both of the filters performed and reacted similarly in decreasing GME, hemodynamic energy loss and pressure drop. The only minor difference was that the Capiox AF02 had slightly less stolen blood flow (109.5 ± 1.7 ml/min at 500 ml/min, 114.7 ± 1.1 ml/min at 1000 ml/min and 105.8 ± 4.2 ml/min at 1500ml/min) from the open purge line than the KIDS D131 (119.5 ± 2.5 ml/min at 500 ml/min, 128.3 ± 1.0 ml/min at 1000 ml/min and 126.3 ± 3.1 ml/min at 1500 ml/min).

CONCLUSION

Our study confirmed that both the Sorin KIDS D131 and the Terumo Capiox AF02 were equivalent in their ability to remove significant numbers of GME, the amount of pressure drop and the total hemodynamic energy loss across the arterial filters at the various flow rates. An arterial filter is not an option, but a necessity for removing microemboli delivered to the patient.

Impact of a unique international conference on pediatric mechanical circulatory support and pediatric cardiopulmonary perfusion research

There is no question that the International Conference on Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support Systems and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Perfusion is a unique event that has had a significant impact on the treatment of neonatal, infantile, and pediatric cardiopulmonary patients around the globe since 2005. This annual event will continue as long as there is a need to fill the gap for underserved patient population. It will also continue to recognize promising young investigators based on their full manuscripts for young investigator awards.

Evaluation of four pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass circuits in terms of perfusion quality and capturing gaseous microemboli

This study compared four pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits with four different hollow-fiber membrane oxygenators and their specific reservoirs, Capiox RX15, Quadrox-i pediatric, Quadrox-i pediatric with integrated arterial filter (IAF) and KIDS D101, in a simulated CPB circuit identical to that used in the clinical setting at our institution to test their ability to maintain hemodynamic properties, remove gaseous microemboli (GME), and to test the amount of blood “stolen” by the arterial filter purge line. The circuit was first primed with Ringer’s Lactate solution, then red blood cells were added and the hematocrit was maintained at 30%. A 5-cc bolus of air was injected just proximal to the venous reservoir over a thirty-second interval and GME were monitored using an Emboli Detection and Classification quantifier. Transducers were placed at pre-oxygenator, post-oxygenator and distal arterial line (post-filter) positions. Flow probes were also placed both pre and post filter. The injections were made at three flow rates, hypothermic and normothermic temperatures, and with the purge line in both the opened and closed positions. Six injections were done at each of the 12 experimental conditions. Results demonstrated that GME in the arterial line increased with increasing temperature and flow rate. The Capiox RX15 had the least GME in the arterial line at all experimental conditions. The KIDS D101 had the largest pressure drop and the lowest retention of hemodynamic energy, while the Capiox had the lowest pressure drop. All of the oxygenators had a similar amount of “stolen” blood flow and it was consistently under 10% of the total flow reaching the patient.

Evaluation of Quadrox-i and Capiox FX neonatal oxygenators with integrated arterial filters in eliminating gaseous microemboli and retaining hemodynamic properties during simulated cardiopulmonary bypass

Perfusion quality during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures can contribute to postoperative neurological complications and influence patient recovery and outcome. Gaseous microemboli generated in the circuit and hemodynamic properties of blood reaching the patient can be monitored during CPB to optimize perfusion. Oxygenators that oxygenate the blood during CPB can significantly influence the quality of blood reaching the patient by their manufacturing designs. New hollow-fiber membrane oxygenators are developed with integrated arterial filters to reduce priming volume and eliminate a separate arterial filter in the circuit. To evaluate the performance of these new oxygenators, we used a simulated model to compare the Quadrox-i Neonatal and the Capiox Baby FX05 neonatal oxygenators and to provide a review of these oxygenators with their respective counterparts which have separate arterial filters. We found that microemboli counts for the new Quadrox-i and Capiox FX05 oxygenators are similar in the arterial line, but different across the oxygenator for all experimental conditions. The arterial purge line diverting blood from the patient reduces microemboli count for the Capiox FX05, but is inconsistent for the Quadrox-i Neonatal. While hemodynamic energy delivered to the patient is similar for both oxygenators, shunted blood flow for the Quadrox-i Neonatal oxygenator is three times higher than the Capiox FX05 (103.6 mL/min vs 33.0 mL/min at 400 mL/min and 35°C) (p<0.001).

Neurodevelopment and quality of life for children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: current knowns and unknowns

The aim of this review is to describe the current state of knowledge related to neurodevelopmental outcomes and quality of life for children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and to explore future questions to be answered for this group of children.

Evaluation of three hollow-fiber membrane oxygenators without integrated arterial filters for neonatal cardiopulmonary bypass

The cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedure has been shown to be a possible cause of postoperative neurological morbidity for various reasons, including: large amounts of gaseous microemboli (GME) reaching the patient and hypoperfusion of the patient due to "stolen" blood flow. This study used a simulated CPB circuit identical to that in a clinical setting to examine three different hollow-fiber membrane oxygenators without intergrated arterial filters - the Capiox RX05, the Quadrox-i neonatal, and the KIDS D100 - to determine their ability to reduce the number of GME delivered to the neonatal patient and their hemodynamic properties in response to varying flow rates, normothermic vs hypothermic conditions, and open vs closed purge line. The circuit was primed with Ringer's Lactate and then human blood with a hematocrit of 30%. Injections of 5cc bolusses of air were injected into the venous line proximal to the venous reservoir over a thirty-second interval. Six injections were done for each oxygenator at each of the eight different experimental conditions for a total of 64 experiments per oxygenator (192 total injections). A flow probe, pressure transducer, and Emboli Detection and Classification (EDAC) quantifier transducer were positioned both upstream and downstream of the oxygenator to measure differences in each parameter. Results demonstrated that the Capiox RX05 is the most effective oxygenator at reducing the number of microemboli that potentially can be delivered to the neonatal patient. In regards to the hemodynamic properties, the Quadrox-i has the most favorable results, with the lowest mean pressure drop and the best energy retention across the oxygenator.

Benefits of pulsatile flow in pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass procedures: from conception to conduction

This review on the benefits of pulsatile flow includes not only experimental and clinical data, but also attempts to further illuminate the major factors as to why this debate has continued during the past 55 years. Every single component of the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuitry is equally important for generating adequate quality of pulsatility, not only the pump. Therefore, translational research is a necessity to select the best components for the circuit. Generation of pulsatile flow depends on an energy gradient; precise quantification in terms of hemodynamic energy levels is, therefore, a necessity, not an option. Comparisons between perfusion modes should be done after these basic steps have been taken. We have also included experimental and clinical data for direct comparisons between the perfusion modes. In addition, we included several suggestions for future clinical trials for other interested investigators.

Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest: Alternative strategies for cerebral perfusion. A review article

Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest is an essential tool in the surgeon’s armamentarium. There are essentially three strategies to address cerebral ischemia during arrest periods. Early surgical case series pioneered the option of complete anoxia with deep hypothermia. Subsequent innovators introduced the concept of retrograde perfusion of the cerebral vessels through the venous system, and others have advocated the use of selective and non-selective antegrade perfusion of the cerebral arteries. Clinical studies assessing outcomes of the three approaches are compromised by small patient numbers, retrospective design and surgeon bias.

In this review, the authors will briefly discuss the conceptual basis of these strategies and the literature comparing these approaches in terms of key neurologic outcomes. The importance of this topic will emphasize the key role the perfusion community plays in establishing guidelines for best practice in circulatory arrest to go forward with education and research in this area.

Improved cerebral oxygen saturation and blood flow pulsatility with pulsatile perfusion during pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass

Brain monitoring techniques near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound were used in pediatric patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass for congenital heart defect (CHD) repair to analyze the effect of pulsatile or nonpulsatile flow on brain protection. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) and cerebrovascular pulsatility index (PI) were measured by NIRS and TCD, respectively, in 111 pediatric patients undergoing bypass for CHD repair randomized to pulsatile (n = 77) or nonpulsatile (n = 34) perfusion. No significant differences in demographic and intraoperative data, including surgical risk stratification, existed between groups. Patients undergoing pulsatile perfusion had numerically lower decreases in rSO2 from baseline for all time points analyzed compared with the nonpulsatile group, with significant ∼12% lower decreases at 40 and 60 min after crossclamp. Patients undergoing pulsatile perfusion had numerically lower decreases in PI from baseline for the majority of time points compared with the nonpulsatile group, with significant ∼30% lower decreases between 5 and 40 min after crossclamp. Pulsatile flow has advantages over nonpulsatile flow as measured by NIRS and TCD, especially at advanced time points, which may improve postoperative neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Artificial organs 2010: a year in review

In this Editor's Review, articles published in 2010 are organized by category and briefly summarized. As the official journal of The International Federation for Artificial Organs, The International Faculty for Artificial Organs, and the International Society for Rotary Blood Pumps, Artificial Organs continues in the original mission of its founders "to foster communications in the field of artificial organs on an international level."Artificial Organs continues to publish developments and clinical applications of artificial organ technologies in this broad and expanding field of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration from all over the world. We take this time also to express our gratitude to our authors for offering their work to this journal. We offer our very special thanks to our reviewers who give so generously of time and expertise to review, critique, and especially provide such meaningful suggestions to the author's work whether eventually accepted or rejected and especially to those whose native tongue is not English. Without these excellent and dedicated reviewers the quality expected from such a journal could not be possible. We also express our special thanks to our Publisher, Wiley-Blackwell, for their expert attention and support in the production and marketing of Artificial Organs. In this Editor's Review, that historically has been widely received by our readership, we aim to provide a brief reflection of the currently available worldwide knowledge that is intended to advance and better human life while providing insight for continued application of technologies and methods of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration. We look forward to recording further advances in the coming years.

Evaluation of perfusion modes on vital organ recovery and thyroid hormone homeostasis in pediatric patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass

The objectives of this study were: (i) to evaluate the effects of perfusion modes (pulsatile vs. nonpulsatile) on vital organs recovery and (ii) to investigate the influences of two different perfusion modes on the homeostasis of thyroid hormones in pediatric patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures. Two hundred and eighty-nine consecutive pediatric patients undergoing open heart surgery for repair of congenital heart disease were prospectively entered into the study and were randomly assigned to two groups: the pulsatile perfusion group (Group P, n = 208) and the nonpulsatile perfusion group (Group NP, n = 81). All patients received identical surgical, perfusional, and postoperative care. Study parameters included total drainage, mean urine output in the intensive care unit (ICU), intubation time, duration of ICU and hospital stay, the need for inotropic support, pre- and postoperative enzyme levels (ALT [alanine aminotransaminase] and AST [aspartate aminotransaminase]), c-reactive protein, lactate, albumin, blood count (leukocytes, hematocrit, platelets), creatinine levels, and thyroid hormones (thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH], FT(3) [free triiodothyronine], FT(4) [free thyroxine]). All patients survived the perioperative and postoperative periods. There were no statistically significant differences in either preoperative or operative parameters between the two groups. Group P, compared to Group NP, required significantly less inotropic support, had a shorter intubation period, higher urine output in ICU, and shorter duration of ICU and hospital stay. Lower lactate levels and higher albumin levels were observed in Group P and there were no significant differences in creatinine, enzyme levels, blood counts, or drainage amounts between two groups. TSH, Total T(3) , Total T(4) , and FT(3) , FT(4) levels were markedly reduced versus their preoperative values in both groups. FT(3) and FT(4) levels were reduced significantly further in the nonpulsatile group both during CPB and at 72 h postoperation. The results of this study confirm our opinion that pulsatile perfusion leads to better vital organ recovery and clinical outcomes in the early postoperative period as compared to nonpulsatile perfusion in pediatric patients undergoing CPB cardiac surgery. The plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones are dramatically reduced during and after CPB, but pulsatile perfusion seems to have a protective effect of thyroid hormone homeostasis compared to nonpulsatile perfusion.

Evaluation of HL-20 roller pump and Rotaflow centrifugal pump on perfusion quality and gaseous microemboli delivery

The purpose of this study was to compare the HL-20 roller pump (Jostra USA, Austin, TX, USA) and Rotaflow centrifugal pump (Jostra USA) on hemodynamic energy production and gaseous microemboli (GME) delivery in a simulated neonatal cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit under nonpulsatile perfusion. This study employed a simulated model of the pediatric CPB including a Jostra HL-20 heart-lung machine (or a Rotaflow centrifugal pump), a Capiox BabyRX05 oxygenator (Terumo Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), a Capiox pediatric arterial filter (Terumo Corporation), and ¼-inch tubing. The total volume of the experimental system was 700mL (500mL for the circuit and 200mL for the pseudo neonatal patient). The hematocrit was maintained at 30% using human blood. At the beginning of each trial, a 5mL bolus of air was injected into the venous line. Both GME data and pressure values were recorded at postpump and postoxygenator sites. All the experiments were conducted under nonpulsatile perfusion at three flow rates (500, 750, and 1000mL/min) and three blood temperatures (35, 30, and 25°C). As n=6 for each setup, a total of 108 trials were done. The total number of GME increased as temperature decreased from 35°C to 25°C in the trials using the HL-20 roller pump while the opposite effect occurred when using the Rotaflow centrifugal pump. At a given temperature, total GME counts increased with increasing flow rates for both pumps. Results indicated the Rotaflow centrifugal pump delivered significantly fewer microemboli compared to the HL-20 roller pump, especially under high flow rates. Less than 10% of total microemboli were larger than 40µm in size and the majority of GME were in the 0-20µm class in all trials. Postpump total hemodynamic energy (THE) increased with increasing flow rates and decreasing temperatures in both circuits using these two pumps. The HL-20 roller pump delivered more THE than the Rotaflow centrifugal pump at all tested flow rates and temperature conditions. Results suggest the HL-20 roller pump delivers more GME than the Rotaflow centrifugal pump but produces more hemodynamic energy under nonpulsatile perfusion mode.

Evaluation of the Quadrox-I neonatal oxygenator with an integrated arterial filter

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) can be a potential cause of morbidity in patients for several reasons, including significantly higher gaseous microemboli (GME) formation than extracorporeal life support (ECLS) and physiological circulation, diverted blood flow from the patient via an open purge line of the arterial filter, and pressure drop across the oxygenator that is used in the circuit. Using a combined oxygenator and arterial filter may minimize these harmful factors and can effectively reduce the chances for postoperative morbidity. This study investigated the new QUADROX-i Neonatal Oxygenator (D-72145, Maquet, Hirrlingen, Germany) with an integrated arterial filter in terms of the hemodynamic properties and ability to clear GME in response to hypothermic versus normothermic conditions, open versus closed arterial filter purge line, and varying flow rates in a simulated CPB circuit identical to that of the clinical setting. A flow probe, pressure transducer, and Emboli Detection and Classification (EDAC) quantifier transducer were placed upstream and downstream to the oxygenator to measure changes in each parameter. The circuit was primed with fresh human blood with an hematocrit (Hct) of 26% diluted with Ringer’s lactate solution. Five milliliters of air were injected proximal to the venous cardiotomy reservoir, under non-pulsatile perfusion, with flow rates of 500 ml/min, 750 ml/min, and 1000 ml/min. A total of 8 air bolus injections were made at each individual set of conditions for a total of 96 injections. Results showed that the QUADROX-i Neonatal Oxygenator with an integrated filter has excellent hemodynamic properties with extremely low pressure drops and blood flow diverted from the patient, as well as high rates of GME capturing. The arterial filter purge line has a significant effect on the degree of blood flow diverted from the patient (p < 0.001), but does not affect pressure drop across the oxygenator.