Normalizing Anti-Thrombin III for heparin management during routine cardiopulmonary bypass for congenital cardiothoracic surgery: A single institution practice review

INTRODUCTION

Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the use of recombinant Anti-Thrombin III (AT-III) administration during neonatal and pediatric short- and long-term mechanical support for the replacement of acquired deficiencies. Recombinant AT-III (Thrombate) administration is an FDA licensed drug indicated primarily for patients with hereditary deficiency to treat and prevent thromboembolism and secondarily to prevent peri-operative and peri-partum thromboembolism. Herein we propose further use of Thrombate for primary AT-III deficiency of the newborn as well as for acquired dilution and consumption secondary to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

METHODOLOGY

All patients undergoing CPB obtain a preoperative AT-III level. Patients with identified deficiencies are normalized in the OR using recombinant AT-III as a patient load, in the CPB prime, or both. Patient baseline Heparin Dose Response (HDR) is assessed using the Heparin Management System (HMS) before being exposed to AT-III. If a patient load of AT-III is given, a second HDR is obtained and this AT-III Corrected HDR is used as the primary goal during CPB. Once CPB is initiated, an AT-III level is obtained with the first patient blood analysis. A subtherapeutic level results in an additional dose of AT-III. During the rewarm period, a final AT-III level is obtained and AT-III treated once again if subtherapeutic. A retrospective, matched analysis review of practice analyzing two groups, a Study Group (Repeat HDR, May 2022 onward) and Matched Group (Without Repeat HDR, July 2019 to April 2022), for age (D), weight (Kg) and operation was conducted. The focus of the study was to determine any change in heparin sensitivity identified post AT-III patient bolus load in the HDR (U/mL), Slope (U/mL/s), ACT (s), and total amount of heparin on CPB (U) and protamine (mg) used in each group.

RESULTS

No significance was seen in Baseline AT-III (%), post heparin load HDR (U/mL), first CPB ACT (s), first CPB HDR (U/mL), or total CPB heparin (u/Kg) between the two groups. Statistical significance was seen in Baseline ACT (s), Baseline HDR (U/mL), Baseline Slope (U/mL/s), Post Heparin Load ACT (s), first CPB AT-III (%), and Protamine (mg/Kg) (p < .05). No statistical significance was seen in the Study Intragroup between pre versus post AT-III patient load baseline sample in ACT (s), however significance was seen in HDR (U/mL) and Slope (U/mL/s) (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of AT-III monitoring and therapy before and during CPB in conjunction with the HMS allows patients to maintain a steady state of anticoagulation with overall less need for excessive heparin replacement and potentially thrombin activation. The result is obtaining a steady state of anticoagulation, a reduced fluctuation in the heparin and ACT levels and a potential for lower co-morbidities associated with prolonged CPB times.

UK Trainee Cardiothoracic Surgeons' Perceptions of Public Outcome Reporting in Surgery: A Mixed-Methods Study

Background Since 2004, the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland has reported outcomes of named surgeons. In 2013, the National Health Service England published outcome data for 10 specialties, including cardiothoracic surgery. Before this, no consistent and major stakeholder feedback had occurred. This is the first study to assess UK trainee cardiothoracic surgeons' perceptions of public outcome reporting (POR) in surgery. Methodology In this study, first, an online survey was sent to all trainee cardiothoracic surgeons (n = 257) in the UK. The survey had a response rate of 17%. Second, 10 semi-structured, one-to-one interviews were conducted with trainee cardiothoracic surgeons who had completed the survey. Results The majority of respondents opposed the public release of surgeon-specific mortality data in adult cardiac surgery. It is believed to be associated with several consequences, including risk aversion, 'gaming', and detriments to the training and development of surgeons. Despite this, the majority of respondents favoured the POR of alternative outcome measures, including unit mortality, which provides a better indicator for the overall quality of care provided to patients. Conclusions Trainee cardiothoracic surgeons accept and approve of POR. However, policymakers should refine the current strategy if they are to receive full support from the future of the specialty.

Pulmonary Vein Stenosis: Moving From Past Pessimism to Future Optimism

Pulmonary Vein Stenosis (PVS) is a rare disease with a prevalence of around 1. 7 cases per 100,000 children under 2 years old. Treatment options for this disease have not provided great results and pathophysiology of this condition is still poorly understood. Here, we will review the history of PVS including diagnostic tools and treatments, the current management approach, and what the future holds for this devastating disease.

Biatrial connection of partial anomalous pulmonary venous return

We describe an extremely rare case of partial anomalous pulmonary venous return in a 3-year-old boy with an abnormal connection between the right upper pulmonary vein and the right middle pulmonary vein, which created biatrial communication hemodynamically. Patch closure on the orifice of the right upper pulmonary vein was performed to avoid distortion or kinking of the right pulmonary veins and the connection.