Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography-guided transcathetar closure of ruptured noncoronary sinus of valsalva aneurysm

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm accounts for only 1% of congenital cardiac anomalies. Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm can cause aortic insufficiency, coronary artery flow compromise, cardiac arrhythmia, or aneurysm rupture. Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) represents an adjunctive tool to demonstrate the ruptured sinus of Valsalva with better delineation. We present an adult patient with rupture of noncoronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm into the right atrium (RA). 3DTEE accurately delineated the site of rupture into the RA and showed the exact size and shape of the defect, which helped in the successful transcatheter closure of the defect with a duct occluder device.

Patient prosthesis mismatch after aortic valve replacement: An Indian perspective

CONTEXT

Perioperative period.

AIMS

Occurrence of PPM after AVR, factors associated with PPM, impact on mortality.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Teritary Care Referral Cardiac Centre.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of AVR procedures at a single centre over 4 years was conducted. Demographic, echocardiographic and outcome data were collected from institute database. Rahimtoola criteria of indexed effective orifice area (iEOA) were used to stratify patients into PPM categories. Patients with and without PPM were compared for associated factors.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Independent t-test, chi-square test, logistic regression analysis, ROC-AUC, Youden index.

RESULTS

606 patients with complete data were analysed for PPM. The incidence of mild, moderate and severe PPM was 6.1% (37), 2.5% (15) and 0.5% (3) respectively. There was no impact of PPM on all-cause in-hospital mortality. PPM was observed more with Aortic Stenosis (AS) compared to Aortic Regurgitation (AR) as etiology. Aortic annulus indexed to BSA (iAA) had a very good predictive ability for PPM at <16mm/m 2 BSA.

CONCLUSIONS

PPM has lower incidence after AVR in this Indian population and does not increase early mortality. Patients with AS and iAA<16mm/m2BSA should be cautiously dealt with to prevent PPM.

Case report of fatal complication of superior vena cava tear from balloon dilatation of iatrogenic superior vena cava narrowing

The treatment options for superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction depends on the cause and severity of SVC narrowing. It ranges from conservative medical management to more elaborate endovascular and surgical repair of obstruction. There has always been a concern regarding the possibility of rupture of SVC during balloon dilatation, if the obstruction is secondary to the surgical cause. Very few cases are reported in the literature. We report a case of fatal complication of SVC tear in a 2-month-old child who had iatrogenic SVC narrowing.

Propensity-matched analysis of association between preoperative anemia and in-hospital mortality in cardiac surgical patients undergoing valvular heart surgeries

Introduction:

Anaemia is associated with increased post-operative morbidity and mortality. We retrospectively assess the relationship between preoperative anaemia and in-hospital mortality in valvular cardiac surgical population.

Materials and Methods:

Data from consecutive adult patients who underwent valvular repair/replacement at our institute from January 2010 to April 2014 were collected from hospital records. Anaemia was defined according to WHO criteria (hemoglobin <13g/dl for males and <12g/dl for females). 1:1 matching was done for anemic and non-anemic patients based on propensity for potentially confounding variables. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between anaemia and in-hospital mortality. MatchIt package for R software was used for propensity matching and SPSS 16.0.0 was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

2449 patients undergoing valvular surgery with or without coronary artery grafting were included. Anaemia was present in 37.1% (33.91% among males & 40.88% among females). Unadjusted OR for mortality was 1.6 in anemic group (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] – 1.041-2.570; p=0.033). 1:1 matching was done on the basis of propensity score for anaemia (866 pairs). Balancing was confirmed using standardized differences. Anaemia had an OR of 1.8 for mortality (95% CI- 1.042 to 3.094, P=0.035). Hematocrit of < 20 on bypass was associated with higher mortality.

Conclusion:

Preoperative anaemia is an independent risk factor associated with in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing valvular heart surgery.

Evaluation of adjusted central venous blood gases versus arterial blood gases of patients in post-operative paediatric cardiac surgical intensive care unit

Background and Aims:

Central venous catheters are in situ in most of the intensive care unit (ICU) patients, which may be an alternative for determining acid-base status and can reduce complications from prolonged arterial cannulation. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability between adjusted central venous blood gas (aVBG) and arterial blood gas (ABG) samples for pH, partial pressure of carbon-di-oxide (pCO₂), bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), base excess (BE) and lactates in paediatric cardiac surgical ICU.

Methods:

We applied blood gas adjustment rule, that is aVBG pH = venous blood gas (VBG) pH +0.05, aVBG CO₂ = VBG pCO₂ - 5 mm Hg from the prior studies. In this study, we validated this relationship with simultaneous arterial and central venous blood obtained from 30 patients with four blood sample pairs each in paediatric cardiac surgical ICU patients.

Results:

There was a strong correlation (R i.e., Pearson's correlation) between ABG and aVBG for pH = 0.9544, pCO₂ = 0.8738, lactate = 0.9741, HCO₃⁻ = 0.9650 and BE = 0.9778. Intraclass correlation co-efficients (ICCs) for agreement improved after applying the adjustment rule to venous pH (0.7505 to 0.9454) and pCO₂ (0.4354 to 0.741). Bland Altman showed bias (and limits of agreement) for pH: 0.008 (−0.04 to + 0.057), pCO₂: −3.52 (–9.68 to +2.65), lactate: −0.10 (−0.51 to +0.30), HCO₃⁻: −2.3 (–5.11 to +0.50) and BE: −0.80 (−3.09 to +1.49).

Conclusion:

ABG and aVBG samples showed strong correlation, acceptable mean differences and improved agreement (high ICC) after adjusting the VBG. Hence, it can be promising to use trend values of VBG instead of ABG in conjunction with a correction factor under stable haemodynamic conditions.

Pediatric cardiac catheterization procedure with dexmedetomidine sedation: radiographic airway patency assessment

Aims:

The aim of the study was to measure airway patency objectively during dexmedetomidine sedation under radiographic guidance in spontaneously breathing pediatric patients scheduled for cardiac catheterization procedures.

Subjects and Methods:

Thirty-five patients in the age group 5–10 years scheduled for cardiac catheterization procedures were enrolled. All study patients were given loading dose of dexmedetomidine at 1 μg/kg/min for 10 min and then maintenance dose of 1.5 μg/kg/h. Radiographic airway patency was assessed at the start of infusion (0 min) and after 30 min. Antero-posterior (AP) diameters were measured manually at the nasopharyngeal and retroglossal levels. Dynamic change in airway between inspiration and expiration was considered a measure of airway collapsibility. Patients were monitored for hemodynamics, recovery time and complications.

Statistical Analysis:

Student paired t-test was used for data analysis. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Minimum and maximum AP diameters were compared at 0 and 30 min. Nasopharyngeal level showed significant reduction in the minimum (6.27 ± 1.09 vs. 4.26 ± 1.03, P < 0.0001) and maximum (6.51 ± 1.14 vs. 5.99 ± 1.03, P < 0.0001) diameters. Similarly retroglossal level showed significant reduction in the minimum (6.98 ± 1.09 vs. 5.27 ± 1.15, P < 0.0001) and maximum (7.49 ± 1.22 vs. 6.92 ± 1.12, P < 0.0003) diameters. The degree of collapsibility was greater at 30 min than baseline (P < 0.0001). There was a significant decrease in heart rate (P < 0.0001), and the average recovery time was 39.86 ± 12.22 min.

Conclusion:

Even though airway patency was maintained in all children sedated with dexmedetomidine, there were significant reductions in the upper airway dimensions measured, so all precautions to manage the airway failure should be taken.

Transesophageal echocardiography estimation of coronary sinus blood flow for the adequacy of revascularization in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft

Aims and Objectives:

Physiologically coronary sinus (CS) drains the left coronary artery (LCA) territory. Stenosis of the branches of LCA may decrease the coronary sinus blood flow (CSBF). Any intervention that aims at restoring the flow of the stenosed vessel increases coronary artery flow that should consequently increase the CSBF. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the CSBF before and after each branch of LCA to determine the adequacy of surgical revascularization in patients undergoing elective off pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Materials and Methods:

Thirty consecutive patients scheduled for elective OPCAB were enrolled. CSBF was assessed before and after each branch of LCA revascularization using TEE. Left internal mammary artery (LIMA) Doppler was also obtained post LIMA to left anterior descending (LAD) grafting.

Results:

Hemodynamic and echocardiographic variables were compared by means of Student's t-test for paired data before and after revascularization. The CSBF per beat (1.28 ± 0.71), CSBF per minute (92.59 ± 59.32) and total velocity time integral (VTI) (8.93 ± 4.29) before LAD grafting showed statistically significant increase to CSBF per beat (1.70 ± 0.89), CSBF per minute (130.72 ± 74.22) and total VTI (11.96 ± 5.68) after LAD revascularization. The CSBF per beat (1.67 ± 1.03), CSBF per minute (131.91 ± 86.59) and total VTI (11.00 ± 5.53) before obtuse marginal (OM) grafting showed statistically significant increase to CSBF per beat (1.91 ± 1.03), CSBF per min (155.20 ± 88.70) and total VTI (12.09 ± 5.43) after OM revascularization. In 9 patients, color flow Doppler of LIMA could be demonstrated which showed diastolic predominant blood flow after LIMA to LAD grafting.

Conclusion:

Demonstration of CSBF was simple and monitoring the trend of CSBF values before and after each graft of LCA territory will guide to determine the adequacy of surgical revascularization.

Weight-for-age standard score - distribution and effect on in-hospital mortality: A retrospective analysis in pediatric cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE

To study the distribution of weight for age standard score (Z score) in pediatric cardiac surgery and its effect on in-hospital mortality.

INTRODUCTION

WHO recommends Standard Score (Z score) to quantify and describe anthropometric data. The distribution of weight for age Z score and its effect on mortality in congenital heart surgery has not been studied.

METHODS

All patients of younger than 5 years who underwent cardiac surgery from July 2007 to June 2013, under single surgical unit at our institute were enrolled. Z score for weight for age was calculated. Patients were classified according to Z score and mortality across the classes was compared. Discrimination and calibration of the for Z score model was assessed. Improvement in predictability of mortality after addition of Z score to Aristotle Comprehensive Complexity (ACC) score was analyzed.

RESULTS

The median Z score was -3.2 (Interquartile range -4.24 to -1.91] with weight (mean±SD) of 8.4 ± 3.38 kg. Overall mortality was 11.5%. 71% and 52.59% of patients had Z score < -2 and < -3 respectively. Lower Z score classes were associated with progressively increasing mortality. Z score as continuous variable was associated with O.R. of 0.622 (95% CI- 0.527 to 0.733, P < 0.0001) for in-hospital mortality and remained significant predictor even after adjusting for age, gender, bypass duration and ACC score. Addition of Z score to ACC score improved its predictability for in-hosptial mortality (δC - 0.0661 [95% CI - 0.017 to 0.0595, P = 0.0169], IDI- 3.83% [95% CI - 0.017 to 0.0595, P = 0.00042]).

CONCLUSION

Z scores were lower in our cohort and were associated with in-hospital mortality. Addition of Z score to ACC score significantly improves predictive ability for in-hospital mortality.

Predicting mortality after congenital heart surgeries: evaluation of the Aristotle and Risk Adjustement in Congenital Heart Surgery-1 risk prediction scoring systems: a retrospective single center analysis of 1150 patients

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To validate Aristotle basic complexity and Aristotle comprehensive complexity (ABC and ACC) and risk adjustment in congenital heart surgery-1 (RACHS-1) prediction models for in hospital mortality after surgery for congenital heart disease in a single surgical unit.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients younger than 18 years, who had undergone surgery for congenital heart diseases from July 2007 to July 2013 were enrolled. Scoring for ABC and ACC scoring and assigning to RACHS-1 categories were done retrospectively from retrieved case files. Discriminative power of scoring systems was assessed with area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating curves (ROC). Calibration (test for goodness of fit of the model) was measured with Hosmer-Lemeshow modification of χ2 test. Net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were applied to assess reclassification.

RESULTS

A total of 1150 cases were assessed with an all-cause in-hospital mortality rate of 7.91%. When modeled for multivariate regression analysis, the ABC (χ2 = 8.24, P = 0.08), ACC (χ2 = 4.17 , P = 0.57) and RACHS-1 (χ2 = 2.13 , P = 0.14) scores showed good overall performance. The AUC was 0.677 with 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.61-0.73 for ABC score, 0.704 (95% CI: 0.64-0.76) for ACC score and for RACHS-1 it was 0.607 (95%CI: 0.55-0.66). ACC had an improved predictability in comparison to RACHS-1 and ABC on analysis with NRI and IDI.

CONCLUSIONS

ACC predicted mortality better than ABC and RCAHS-1 models. A national database will help in developing predictive models unique to our populations, till then, ACC scoring model can be used to analyze individual performances and compare with other institutes.

A comparative study of pharmacological myocardial protection between sevoflurane and desflurane at anaesthestic doses in patients undergoing off pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Perioperative myocardial ischaemia (PMI) is one of the known complications during off pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgeries. The length of hospital stay is considerably prolonged in patients with PMI. Myocardial protection is an area which is being widely researched currently to prevent or reduce the incidence of PMI. Over the last decade it has become clear that volatile anaesthetic agents are protective in the setting of PMI and reperfusion. Hence, we planned to study the effect of two different volatile anaesthetics as myocardial protective agents in OPCAB surgery.

METHODS

A total of 40 patients were enrolled for the study; Group A (sevoflurane, n = 20) and Group B (desflurane, n = 20). All patients had a baseline measurement of Trop-T, creatine phosphokinase-MB (CPKMB) and myocardial performance index (MPI) pre-operatively, which was repeated 4 h after the surgery. Chi-square/Fisher test was used to find the significance of the differences between the two agents.

RESULTS

Patients were comparable in demographic, baseline, biochemical and echo criteria. Post-operative CPKMB levels (desflurane - 30.85 ± 2.69 u/L; sevoflurane - 29.05 ± 5.26 u/L, P = 0.7) and number of Trop-T positive patients (Sevoflurane - 9; desflurane - 6, P ≥ 0.05) were comparable. Post-operative MPI indicated decreased left ventricular function in sevoflurane group as compared to desflurane group (P ≤ 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Desflurane exerts better cardioprotective effect than sevoflurane as indicated by better MPI in OPCAB surgeries.

Role of perioperative transesophageal echocardiography in the management of adolescent truncus arteriosus: rare case report

Truncus arteriosus (TA) is a rare congenital heart disease defined as a single arterial vessel arising from the heart that gives origin to the systemic, pulmonary and coronary circulations. The truncal valve in majority of the cases is tricuspid though quadricuspid and bicuspid valves have been reported. Patients with TA typically have a large nonrestrictive sub truncal ventricular septal defect. Survival of these infants beyond 1-year is uncommon. Here, we report a unique case of 12-year-old female patient with persistent TA who underwent surgical repair by using transesophageal echocardiography as a monitoring device during the perioperative management.

Evaluation of continuous non-invasive arterial pressure monitoring during induction of general anaesthesia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Background and Aims:

Continuous arterial pressure monitoring is essential in cardiac surgical patients during induction of general anaesthesia (GA). Continuous non-invasive arterial pressure (CNAP) monitoring is fast gaining importance due to complications associated with the invasive arterial monitoring. Recently, a new continuous non-invasive arterial pressure device (CNAP™) has been validated perioperatively in non-cardiac surgeries. The aim of our study is to compare and assess the performance of CNAP during GA with invasive arterial pressure (IAP) in patients undergoing cardiac surgeries.

Methods:

Sixty patients undergoing cardiac surgery were included. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) data were recorded every minute for 20 min simultaneously for both IAP and CNAP™. Statistical analysis was performed using mountain plot and Bland Altman plots for assessing limits of agreement and bias (accuracy) calculation. Totally 1200 pairs of data were analysed.

Results:

The CNAP™ systolic, diastolic and MAP bias was 5.98 mm Hg, −3.72 mm Hg, and − 0.02 mm Hg respectively. Percentage within limits of agreement was 96.0%, 95.2% and 95.7% for systolic, diastolic and MAP. The mountain plot showed similar results as the Bland Altman plots.

Conclusion:

We conclude CNAP™ provides real-time estimates of arterial pressure comparable to IAP during induction of GA for cardiac surgery. We recommend CNAP can be used as an alternative to IAP in situations such as cardiac patients coming for non-cardiac surgeries, cardiac catheterization procedures, positive Allen's test, inability to cannulate radial artery and vascular diseases, where continuous blood pressure monitoring is required.

Comparison of left internal mammary artery diameter before and after left stellate ganglion block

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Left internal mammary artery (LIMA) is the preferred arterial conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting. Various pharmacological agents are known to increase LIMA blood flow. Sympathetic blockade mediated by stellate ganglion block (SGB) has been used to provide vasodilatation in the upper extremities and in the treatment of refractory angina. We investigated effect of left stellate ganglion block (LSGB) on LIMA diameter.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 30 diagnosed patients of triple vessel coronary artery disease, LSGB was given under fluoroscopic guidance by C6 transverse process approach using 10 ml of 1% lignocaine. LIMA diameter was measured before and 20 min after the block at 2 nd , 3 rd , 4 th and at 5 th rib level. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded before and 20 min after the block.

RESULTS

The LIMA diameter increased significantly at 2 nd (2.56 ± 0.39 vs. 2.99 ± 0.40; P < 0.0001), 3 rd (2.46 ± 0.38 vs. 2.90 ± 0.40; P < 0.0001), 4 th (2.39 ± 0.38 vs. 2.84 ± 0.41; P < 0.0001) and 5 th rib level (2.35 ± 0.38 vs. 2.78 ± 0.40; P < 0.0001). No statistically significant change occurred in HR, SBP, DBP and MAP before and 20 min after LSGB.

CONCLUSIONS

LSGB significantly increased the LIMA diameter. The LSGB can be considered as an alternative to topical and systemic vasodilators for reducing vasospasm of LIMA.

Repair of recurrent pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa: role of transesophageal echocardiography

Pseudoaneurysm of mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa (P-MAIVF) is a rare cardiac surgical condition. P-MAIVF commonly occurs as a complication of aortic and mitral valve replacement surgeries. The surgical trauma during replacement of the valves weakens the avascular mitral and aortic intervalvular area. We present a case of P-MAIVF recurrence 5 years after a primary repair. Congestive cardiac failure was the presenting feature with mitral and aortic regurgitation. In view of the recurrence, the surgical team planned for a double valve replacement. The sewing rings of the two prosthetic-valves were interposed to close the mouth of the pseudoaneurysm and to provide mechanical reinforcement of the MAIVF. Intra-operative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) helped in delineating the anatomy, extent of the lesion, rupture of one of the pseudoaneurysm into left atrium and severity of the valvular regurgitation. Post-procedure TEE confirmed complete obliteration of the pseudoaneurysm and prosthetic valve function.

Efficacy of perioperative pregabalin in acute and chronic post-operative pain after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trial

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the efficacy of perioperative pregabalin on acute and chronic post-operative pain after off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients undergoing elective OPCAB surgery were randomized to pregabalin and control groups. Pregabalin group received 150 mg pregabalin 2 h prior to induction of anesthesia and 75 mg twice daily for 2 post-operative days whereas the control group received placebo at similar timings; pregabalin and placebo were administered by an anesthesiologist blinded to the drugs. Pain scores (visual analogue scale [VAS]) and sedation scores were observed at 0, 4, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after extubation. Time to extubation, tramadol consumption and side-effects were noted. VAS score was analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test. The analysis of variance test for repeated measures was used for comparison of the means of continuous variables. Group comparisons were made using the Chi-square-test.

RESULTS

Pain-scores at 6, 12, 24 and 36 h from extubation at rest and at deep breath were less in pregabalin treated patients ( P < 0.05). Tramadol consumption was reduced by 60% in pregabalin group ( P < 0.001). Extent of sedation, extubation times and incidence of nausea were comparable. The effect on chronic post-operative pain was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative pregabalin reduced pain scores at rest and deep breath and reduced consumption of tramadol in the post-operative period without delaying extubation and causing excessive sedation.

Comparative study between dexmedetomidine and fentanyl for sedation during mechanical ventilation in post-operative paediatric cardiac surgical patients

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of sedation and time taken for extubation using dexmedetomidine and fentanyl sedation in post-operative paediatric cardiac surgical patients.

METHODS

A prospective randomized double-blind study involving 60 children undergoing open heart surgery was conducted. The patients were divided into two groups, each involving 30 patients. One group received fentanyl at 1 μg/kg/h (Group A) and the other received dexmedetomidine at 0.5 μg/kg/h (Group B) for post-operative sedation with intermittent rescue fentanyl 0.5 μg/kg bolus in either group as per requirement during suctioning. The efficacy of sedation was assessed using the Ramsay sedation score, paediatric intensive care unit sedation score and the tracheal suction score. The time taken for extubation from the stoppage of infusion was noted.

RESULTS

Haemodynamic parameters between the two groups were comparable. All sedation scores were comparable in the fentanyl and dexmedetomidine groups. Average time (in minutes) required for extubation was 131.0 (±51.06 SD) in the dexmedetomidine group compared with 373.0 (±121.4 SD) in the fentanyl group. The difference in mean time for extubation was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Dexmedetomidine facilitates adequate sedation for mechanical ventilation and also early extubation as compared with fentanyl.

Anesthetic implications of total anomalous systemic venous connection to left atrium with left isomerism

Total anomalous systemic venous connection (TASVC) to the left atrium (LA) is a rare congenital anomaly. An 11-year-old girl presented with complaints of palpitations and cyanosis. TASVC with left isomerism and noncompaction of LV was diagnosed after contrast echocardiogram and computed tomography angiogram. The knowledge of anatomy and pathophysiology is essential for the successful management of these cases. Anesthetic concerns in this case were polycythemia, paradoxical embolism and rhythm abnormalities. The patient was successfully operated by rerouting the systemic venous connection to the right atrium.