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Talebzadeh H, Eslamian M, Sheikhbahaei E, Esparham A, Zefreh H, Sarblook P, Firouzfar A. Pain management after thoracotomy with dexamethasone and bupivacaine through a peripleural cather: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Anesthesiol 2024; 24:240. [PMID: 39014323 PMCID: PMC11251116 DOI: 10.1186/s12871-024-02625-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thoracotomy procedures can result in significant pain and cause nausea/vomiting. Glucocorticoids have anti-emetic and analgesic effects due to their anti-inflammatory and nerve-blocking properties. This study investigates the additive effect of local dexamethasone with bupivacaine as sole analgesic medication through a peripleural catheter after thoracotomy. METHOD The study was conducted as a randomized control trial on 82 patients. Participants were allocated to receive either 2.5 mg/kg of bupivacaine plus 0.2 mg/kg of dexamethasone or 2.5 mg/kg of bupivacaine plus the same amount of normal saline as placebo through a 6 French peripleural catheter implemented above the parietal pleura and beneath the musculoskeletal structure of the chest wall. The primary outcome was the severity of pain 24 h after the operation in the visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of nausea/vomiting, opioid consumption for pain control, and incidence of any adverse effects. RESULTS A total of 50 participants were randomized to each group, and the baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. Median of VAS score (6 (3-8) vs. 8 (6-9), p < 0.001), postoperative opioid consumption (9 (36%) vs. 17 (68%) patients, p=0.024), and median length of hospital stay (4 (3-8) vs. 6 (3-12) days, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the dexamethasone group. However, postoperative nausea/vomiting (p=0.26 for nausea and p=0.71 for vomiting) and surgical site infection (p = 0.55) were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION In thoracotomy patients, administering local dexamethasone + bupivacaine through a peripleural catheter can reduce postoperative pain, analgesic consumption, and length of hospital stay. TRIAL REGISTRATION Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20220309054226N1, registration date: 3/21/2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Talebzadeh
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Research Center (ACCRC), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Eslamian
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
- Isfahan surgery department, Alzahra University Hospital, Sofe blvd, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Erfan Sheikhbahaei
- Isfahan Minimally Invasive Surgery and Obesity Research Center, School of Medicine, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ali Esparham
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical since, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Zefreh
- Isfahan Minimally Invasive Surgery and Obesity Research Center, School of Medicine, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Pooria Sarblook
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Firouzfar
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Li J, Dong Y, Guo J, Wang L, Tian J, Wang L, Che G. Thoracoscopic Intercostal Nerve Block with Cocktail Analgesics for Pain Control After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study. J Pain Res 2024; 17:1183-1196. [PMID: 38524689 PMCID: PMC10959176 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s446951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate whether using a cocktail of intercostal nerve blocks (TINB) during thoracoscopic surgery results in better clinical outcomes than patient-controlled analgesia (PCIA). Methods Patients in two medical groups undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for pulmonary nodules in West China Hospital of Sichuan University were collected consecutively between March 2022 and December 2022. The groups were divided into two subgroups based on their analgesic program, which were TINB group and PCIA group. The primary outcome was the visual analogue scale (VAS) of the two groups at different stage after surgery and after discharge. Any analgesic related adverse events (ARAEs) were also recorded. Results A total of 230 patients who underwent VATS were enrolled, in which 113 patients (49.1%) received a cocktail TINB after surgery, and 117 patients (50.9%) received a PCIA. After PSM, 62 patients in each group were selected. The difference of resting VAS (RVAS) and active VAS (AVAS) at different stage during hospitalization was only related to the change of period (p < 0.05, p < 0.05), and the two groups showed no significant differences in RVAS or AVAS during hospitalization (p = 0.271, p = 0.915). However, the rates of dizziness (4.84% vs 25.81%, p = 0.002), nausea and vomiting (0 vs 22.58%, p < 0.05), fatigue (14.52% vs 34.87%, p = 0.012), and insomnia (0 vs 58.06%, p < 0.05) in TINB group were lower than that in PCIA group. Besides, AVAS and RVAS at 7, 14, and 30 days after discharge in TINB group were both significantly lower than that in PCIA group (p < 0.05, p < 0.05). Conclusion Cocktail TINB provided better analgesia after discharge and reduced the incidence of ARAEs in patients undergoing VATS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- West China Clinical Medical College, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingxian Dong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- West China Clinical Medical College, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiawei Guo
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- West China Clinical Medical College, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guowei Che
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- West China Clinical Medical College, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
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Bungart B, Joudeh L, Fettiplace M. Local anesthetic dosing and toxicity of adult truncal catheters: a narrative review of published practice. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2024; 49:209-222. [PMID: 37451826 PMCID: PMC10787820 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2023-104667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/IMPORTANCE Anesthesiologists frequently use truncal catheters for postoperative pain control but with limited characterization of dosing and toxicity. OBJECTIVE We reviewed the published literature to characterize local anesthetic dosing and toxicity of paravertebral and transversus abdominis plane catheters in adults. EVIDENCE REVIEW We searched the literature for bupivacaine or ropivacaine infusions in the paravertebral or transversus abdominis space in humans dosed for 24 hours. We evaluated bolus dosing, infusion dosing and cumulative 24-hour dosing in adults. We also identified cases of local anesthetic systemic toxicity and toxic blood levels. FINDINGS Following screening, we extracted data from 121 and 108 papers for ropivacaine and bupivacaine respectively with a total of 6802 patients. For ropivacaine and bupivacaine, respectively, bolus dose was 1.4 mg/kg (95% CI 0.4 to 3.0, n=2978) and 1.0 mg/kg (95% CI 0.18 to 2.1, n=2724); infusion dose was 0.26 mg/kg/hour (95% CI 0.06 to 0.63, n=3579) and 0.2 mg/kg/hour (95% CI 0.06 to 0.5, n=3199); 24-hour dose was 7.75 mg/kg (95% CI 2.1 to 15.7, n=3579) and 6.0 mg/kg (95% CI 2.1 to 13.6, n=3223). Twenty-four hour doses exceeded the package insert recommended upper limit in 28% (range: 17%-40% based on maximum and minimum patient weights) of ropivacaine infusions and 51% (range: 45%-71%) of bupivacaine infusions. Toxicity occurred in 30 patients and was associated with high 24-hour dose, bilateral catheters, cardiac surgery, cytochrome P-450 inhibitors and hypoalbuminemia. CONCLUSION Practitioners frequently administer ropivacaine and bupivacaine above the package insert limits, at doses associated with toxicity. Patient safety would benefit from more specific recommendations to limit excessive dose and risk of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittani Bungart
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lana Joudeh
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Fettiplace
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Spaans LN, Bousema JE, Meijer P, Bouwman RA(A, van den Broek R, Mourisse J, Dijkgraaf MGW, Verhagen AFTM, van den Broek FJC. Acute pain management after thoracoscopic lung resection: a systematic review and explorative meta-analysis. INTERDISCIPLINARY CARDIOVASCULAR AND THORACIC SURGERY 2023; 36:6978197. [PMID: 36802255 PMCID: PMC9931052 DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivad003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pain after thoracoscopic surgery may increase the incidence of postoperative complications and impair recovery. Guidelines lack consensus regarding postoperative analgesia. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the mean pain scores of different analgesic techniques (thoracic epidural analgesia, continuous or single-shot unilateral regional analgesia and only systemic analgesia) after thoracoscopic anatomical lung resection. METHODS Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched until 1 October 2022. Patients undergoing at least >70% anatomical resections through thoracoscopy reporting postoperative pain scores were included. Due to a high inter-study variability an explorative meta-analysis next to an analytic meta-analysis was performed. The quality of evidence has been evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. RESULTS A total of 51 studies comprising 5573 patients were included. Mean 24, 48 and 72 h pain scores with 95% confidence interval on a 0-10 scale were calculated. Length of hospital stay, postoperative nausea and vomiting, additional opioids and the use of rescue analgesia were analysed as secondary outcomes. A common-effect size was estimated with an extreme high heterogeneity for which pooling of the studies was not appropriate. An exploratory meta-analysis demonstrated acceptable mean pain scores of Numeric Rating Scale <4 for all analgesic techniques. CONCLUSIONS This extensive literature review and attempt to pool mean pain scores for meta-analysis demonstrates that unilateral regional analgesia is gaining popularity over thoracic epidural analgesia in thoracoscopic anatomical lung resection, despite great heterogeneity and limitations of current studies precluding such recommendations. PROSPERO REGISTRATION ID number 205311.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa N Spaans
- Department of Surgery, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, Netherlands
| | - Jelle E Bousema
- Department of Surgery, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, Netherlands
| | - Patrick Meijer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, Netherlands
| | - R A (Arthur) Bouwman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Renee van den Broek
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Jo Mourisse
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Marcel G W Dijkgraaf
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ad F T M Verhagen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Frank J C van den Broek
- Corresponding author. Department of Surgery, Máxima MC, PO Box 7777, 5500 MB Veldhoven, Netherlands. Tel: +31-040-8888550; e-mail: (F.J.C. van den Broek)
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Spaans LN, Dijkgraaf MGW, Meijer P, Mourisse J, Bouwman RA, Verhagen AFTM, van den Broek FJC. Optimal postoperative pain management after VATS lung resection by thoracic epidural analgesia, continuous paravertebral block or single-shot intercostal nerve block (OPtriAL): study protocol of a three-arm multicentre randomised controlled trial. BMC Surg 2022; 22:330. [PMID: 36058900 PMCID: PMC9441091 DOI: 10.1186/s12893-022-01765-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adequate pain control after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lung resection is important to improve postoperative mobilisation, recovery, and to prevent pulmonary complications. So far, no consensus exists on optimal postoperative pain management after VATS anatomic lung resection. Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) is the reference standard for postoperative pain management following VATS. Although the analgesic effect of TEA is clear, it is associated with patient immobilisation, bladder dysfunction and hypotension which may result in delayed recovery and longer hospitalisation. These disadvantages of TEA initiated the development of unilateral regional techniques for pain management. The most frequently used techniques are continuous paravertebral block (PVB) and single-shot intercostal nerve block (ICNB). We hypothesize that using either PVB or ICNB is non-inferior to TEA regarding postoperative pain and superior regarding quality of recovery (QoR). Signifying faster postoperative mobilisation, reduced morbidity and shorter hospitalisation, these techniques may therefore reduce health care costs and improve patient satisfaction. METHODS This multi-centre randomised study is a three-arm clinical trial comparing PVB, ICNB and TEA in a 1:1:1 ratio for pain (non-inferiority) and QoR (superiority) in 450 adult patients undergoing VATS anatomic lung resection. Patients will not be eligible for inclusion in case of contraindications for TEA, PVB or ICNB, chronic opioid use or if the lung surgeon estimates a high probability that the operation will be performed by thoracotomy. PRIMARY OUTCOMES (1) the proportion of pain scores ≥ 4 as assessed by the numerical rating scale (NRS) measured during postoperative days (POD) 0-2; and (2) the QoR measured with the QoR-15 questionnaire on POD 1 and 2. Secondary outcome measures are cumulative use of opioids and analgesics, postoperative complications, hospitalisation, patient satisfaction and degree of mobility. DISCUSSION The results of this trial will impact international guidelines with respect to perioperative care optimization after anatomic lung resection performed through VATS, and will determine the most cost-effective pain strategy and may reduce variability in postoperative pain management. Trial registration The trial is registered at the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR) on February 1st, 2021 (NL9243). The NTR is no longer available since June 24th, 2022 and therefore a revised protocol has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on August 5th, 2022 (NCT05491239). PROTOCOL VERSION version 3 (date 06-05-2022), ethical approval through an amendment (see ethical proof in the Study protocol proof).
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Affiliation(s)
- L. N. Spaans
- Department of Surgery, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M. G. W. Dijkgraaf
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P. Meijer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - J. Mourisse
- Department of Anesthesiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R. A. Bouwman
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - A. F. T. M. Verhagen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Hamilton C, Alfille P, Mountjoy J, Bao X. Regional anesthesia and acute perioperative pain management in thoracic surgery: a narrative review. J Thorac Dis 2022; 14:2276-2296. [PMID: 35813725 PMCID: PMC9264080 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-21-1740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective Thoracic surgery causes significant pain which can negatively affect pulmonary function and increase risk of postoperative complications. Effective analgesia is important to reduce splinting and atelectasis. Systemic opioids and thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) have been used for decades and are effective at treating acute post-thoracotomy pain, although both have risks and adverse effects. The advancement of thoracoscopic surgery, a focus on multimodal and opioid-sparing analgesics, and the development of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques have greatly expanded the options for acute pain management after thoracic surgery. Despite the expansion of surgical techniques and analgesic approaches, there is no clear optimal approach to pain management. This review aims to summarize the body of literature regarding systemic and regional anesthetic techniques for thoracic surgery in both thoracotomy and minimally invasive approaches, with a goal of providing a foundation for providers to make individualized decisions for patients depending on surgical approach and patient factors, and to discuss avenues for future research. Methods We searched PubMed and Google Scholar databases from inception to May 2021 using the terms “thoracic surgery”, “thoracic surgery AND pain management”, “thoracic surgery AND analgesia”, “thoracic surgery AND regional anesthesia”, “thoracic surgery AND epidural”. We considered articles written in English and available to the reader. Key Content and Findings There is a wide variety of strategies for treating acute pain after thoracic surgery, including multimodal opioid and non-opioid systemic analgesics, regional anesthesia including TEA and paravertebral blocks (PVB), and a recent expansion in the use of novel fascial plane blocks especially for thoracoscopy. The body of literature on the effectiveness of different approaches for thoracotomy and thoracoscopy is a rapidly expanding field and area of active debate. Conclusions The optimal analgesic approach for thoracic surgery may depend on patient factors, surgical factors, and institutional factors. Although TEA may provide optimal analgesia after thoracotomy, PVB and emerging fascial plane blocks may offer effective alternatives. A tailored approach using multimodal systemic therapies and regional anesthesia is important, and future studies comparing techniques are necessary to further investigate the optimal approach to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Hamilton
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul Alfille
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeremi Mountjoy
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaodong Bao
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Tan JW, Mohamed JS, Tam JKC. Incorporation of an intercostal catheter into a multimodal analgesic strategy for uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a feasibility study. J Cardiothorac Surg 2021; 16:210. [PMID: 34332605 PMCID: PMC8325303 DOI: 10.1186/s13019-021-01590-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Well-controlled postoperative pain is essential for early recovery after uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (UVATS). Conventional analgesia like opioids and thoracic epidural anaesthesia have been associated with hypotension and urinary retention. Intercostal catheters are a regional analgesic alternative that can be inserted during UVATS to avoid these adverse effects.
This feasibility study aims to evaluate the postoperative pain scores and analgesic requirements with incorporation of an intercostal catheter into a multimodal analgesic strategy for UVATS. Methods In this observational study, 26 consecutive patients who underwent UVATS were administered a multilevel intercostal block and oral paracetamol. All of these patients received 0.2% ropivacaine continuously at 4 ml/h via an intercostal catheter at the level of the incision. Rescue analgesia including etoricoxib, gabapentin and opioids were prescribed using a pain ladder approach. Postoperative pain scores and analgesic usage were assessed. The secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, days to ambulation and length of stay. Results No technical difficulties were encountered during placement of the intercostal catheter. There was only one case of peri-catheter leakage. Mean pain score was 0.31 (range 0–2) on post-operative day 1 and was 0.00 by post-operative day 5. 16 patients (61.6%) required only oral rescue analgesia. The number of patients who required rescue non-opioids only increased from 1 in the first 7 months to 8 in the next 7 months. There were no cases of hypotension or urinary retention. Median time to ambulation was 1 day (range 1–2). Mean post-operative length of stay was 4.17 ± 2.50 days. Conclusions Incorporation of an intercostal catheter into a multimodal analgesia strategy for UVATS is feasible and may provide adequate pain control with decreased opioid usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wei Tan
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, National University Heart Centre, National University Health Systems, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jameelah Sheik Mohamed
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - John Kit Chung Tam
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, National University Heart Centre, National University Health Systems, Singapore, Singapore. .,Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
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