Effect of Perioperative Use of Oral Triidothyronine for Infants Undergoing Complex Congenital Cardiac Surgeries Under Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Double?Blinded Randomised Controlled Study

Background: Thyroid hormone metabolism disrupts after cardiopulmonary bypass both in adults and pediatric patients. This is known as Euthyroid sick syndrome, and it is more evident in pediatric patients who were undergoing complex cardiac surgeries compared to adults. This decrease in serum T3 levels increases the incidence of low cardiac output, requirement of inotropes, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Aims and Objectives: The primary objective was to compare the mean Vasoactive?inotropic score (VIS) at 72 hours postoperatively between T3 and Placebo groups. Materials and Methods: One hundred patients were screened, and 88 patients were included in the study. Triidothyronine 1 mic/kg 10 doses 8th hourly was given orally postoperatively to cases and sugar sachets to controls. The blood samples for analysis of FT3, FT4, and TSH were taken every 24 hours postoperatively, and baseline values were taken after induction. Mean VIS scores, ejection Fraction (EF), Left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT VTi), hemodynamics and partial pressure of oxygen/ fraction of inspired oxygen(PaO2/ FiO2) were recorded daily. Results: The Mean VIS scores at 72 Hours postoperatively were significantly less in the T3 group (5.49 ± 6.2) compared to the Placebo group (13.6 ± 11.7).The PaO2/FiO2 ratios were comparatively more in the T3 group than the Placebo group.The serum levels of FT3 FT4 were significantly higher in the T3?supplemented group than the Placebo group.TheVIS scores were significantly lower from48 hours postoperatively in children < 6 months of age. Conclusion: In this study, we observed that supplementing T3 postoperatively decreases the ionotropic requirement from 72 hours postoperatively. This is more useful in children <6 months of age undergoing complex cardiac surgeries.

Role of Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Recurrent Biatrial Myxoma of Uncommon Origin

After surgical excision of myxoma recurrence usually happens adjacent to the initial origin site. We report a case of recurrent myxomas in a young male patient that had biatrial recurrence with one tumor originating very unusually from the base of the anterior mitral leaflet. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was instrumental in localizing the site of the origin of left atrial myxoma from the base of the anterior mitral leaflet and in detecting an additional myxoma attached to the wall of the right atrium.

Comparison between computerized tomography-guided bronchial width measurement versus conventional method for selection of adequate double lumen tube size

Background: Selection of adequate size double lumen tube (DLT) is complicated by marked inter-individual variability in morphology and dimensions of tracheobronchial tree. Computerized tomography (CT)-guided left bronchus width measurement has been used to predict adequate size DLT in European and Singapore population; however, no such data exist for Indian population who are racially different. We compared the effect of DLT size selection based on CT-guided bronchial width measurement to the conventional method of DLT selection on the adequacy of both lungs isolation and on the safety margin of right-sided DLT. Methods: Fifty-five adults scheduled to undergo thoracotomy were enrolled in this prospective observational study. An appropriate size left- or right-sided DLT with outer diameter 0.5–1 mm smaller than the CT-measured bronchial width was selected for the isolation of lungs. Adequacy of separation was checked using fiberoptic bronchoscope. The safety margin of selected right-sided DLT size was calculated from CT-measured right upper lobe bronchus width and diameter of right upper lobe ventilation slot of the DLT. Results: Adequate separation of lungs was achieved in 92.7% of studied population, 90.9% in males, and 95.4% in females. Among these, 54.9% patients required different sized DLT as compared to conventional method. Overall safety of margin of right-sided DLTs was comparable between two methods of DLT selection (median [IQR] 4.8 (3.5–6.8) vs. 6.59 (3.5–7.8), P = 0.317). DLT size with adequate isolation of lung correlated with height, tracheal width (TW) on chest X-ray, and age of the patients. A formula to calculate DLT size based on these variable was derived. Conclusion: CT-measured bronchial width predicts the appropriate DLT size better than conventional method. In the absence of CT scan facility, patient height, age, and chest X-ray TW may be used to predict DLT size with reasonable accuracy.

Role of perioperative echocardiography in repair of incomplete shone complex: A case series

Multilevel obstruction of left-sided heart structures was originally characterized by Shone et al. The formulation of an appropriate operative strategy remains challenging and needs to be individualized for this complex subset of patients. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) not only helps in delineating spatial anatomy but also reveals associated anomalies that help in decision-making regarding operative strategies for these patients. Here, we discuss five such cases of Shone's anomaly presenting at varied age group with different associated anomaly in which intraoperative TEE played a pivotal role in the management.

Early thrombolysis is associated with decreased operative mortality in postinfarction ventricular septal rupture

Background Post myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture (PMI-VSR) is a dreaded mechanical complication of acute coronary syndromes. Given that surgical mortality approaches 50%, it is pragmatic that the risk factors for mortality and outcomes after surgical correction of PMI- VSR are carefully scrutinized. Methods We performed a single-center, retrospective cohort study of 35 patients presenting for surgical closure of post myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture over six years. We reviewed patient characteristics, clinical, echocardiographic, angiographic and perioperative risk factors which may affect mortality after surgical repair of PMIVSR and 30 day and one year mortality rates of these patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic and cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to identify predictors of operative and overall mortality. Long term survival was presented with Kaplan-Meier Survival Curve. Results Sixteen patients (46%) were in cardiogenic shock. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was done in 22 patients (63%) but did not influence survival. Preoperative thrombolysis was done in 12 patients (34%) out of which 10 (53%) survived Operative mortality was 46% and one-year mortality was 49%. Multivariate analysis identified preoperative thrombolysis: Hazards ratio, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02-0.61; p value of 0.01, as significant independent predictor of survival in PMIVSR cohort. Conclusions Preoperative thrombolysis is associated with decreased odds of operative and overall mortality after surgical repair in PMIVSR patients.

Cardiac output monitoring: Technology and choice

The accurate quantification of cardiac output (CO) is given vital importance in modern medical practice, especially in high-risk surgical and critically ill patients. CO monitoring together with perioperative protocols to guide intravenous fluid therapy and inotropic support with the aim of improving CO and oxygen delivery has shown to improve perioperative outcomes in high-risk surgical patients. Understanding of the underlying principles of CO measuring devices helps in knowing the limitations of their use and allows more effective and safer utilization. At present, no single CO monitoring device can meet all the clinical requirements considering the limitations of diverse CO monitoring techniques. The evidence for the minimally invasive CO monitoring is conflicting; however, different CO monitoring devices may be used during the clinical course of patients as an integrated approach based on their invasiveness and the need for additional hemodynamic data. These devices add numerical trend information for anesthesiologists and intensivists to use in determining the most appropriate management of their patients and at present, do not completely prohibit but do increasingly limit the use of the pulmonary artery catheter.

Traumatic aortic dissection pseudoaneurysm with multiple entry: Role of transesophageal echocardiography

Traumatic aortic dissection following sudden deceleration injury requires urgent treatment as it may result in formation of aneurysm that may expand or rupture leading to catastrophe. Confirmation of diagnosis of aortic dissection often requires contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) or magnetic resonance imaging, which is time-consuming. Often, there is a significant time lag between the CECT chest and surgical intervention. Progression of aortic dissections may be missed on CECT chest, which would be done in the initial hours after injury. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is equally efficient for the diagnosis of aortic dissection. It may also provide additional information that can be very useful for the management. We report the case of a descending thoracic aortic dissection where TEE plays a crucial role during the surgical management of the patient.

Traumatic transection of descending thoracic aorta: A rare cause of pulmonary vein obstruction

Pulmonary vein obstruction is rare condition characterized by challenging diagnosis and unfavorable prognosis at advanced stage. Computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are often essential to reach a final diagnosis. External compression of pulmonary vein resulting from the mass effect of pseudoaneurysm and perianeurysmal hematoma due to aortic transection is extremely rare. We describe a case of traumatic transection of descending thoracic aorta where TEE was instrumental in the diagnosis of left upper pulmonary vein obstruction and help in the modification of the surgical plan.

Tricuspid stenosis: A rare and potential complication of ventricular septal occluder device

Asymmetrical septal occluder device (ASOD) has made percutaneous closure of ventricular septal defect an easy and effective management option. Although there are reports of aortic and tricuspid valvular regurgitation after deployment of ASOD, only few cases of tricuspid stenosis (TS) has been reported so far in the literature. We report a case of malaligned ASOD that occurred after successful device closure resulting in TS along with mild tricuspid and aortic regurgitation requiring surgical retrieval. Transesophageal echocardiography played crucial role in detecting the cause of tricuspid valve dysfunction besides providing continuous monitoring during the procedure. We intend to emphasize the need of echocardiographic evaluation of the tricuspid valvular apparatus and aortic valve during and after the device deployment even after the successful device closure to prevent this rare complication.

Tricuspid valve straddling: An uncommon cause of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in transposition of great artery with ventricular septal defect

Transposition of great arteries (TGA) can be associated with left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. In the presence of ventricular septal defect (VSD), septal leaflet of tricuspid valve may prolapse through perimembranous VSD or rarely tricuspid valve tissue may override to produce LVOT obstruction. Occasionally, this may be mistaken for vegetation due to associated pulmonary valve endocarditis. We report a case of d-TGA with presumptive pulmonary valve endocarditis and LVOT obstruction that was found to be due to tricuspid valve straddling on transesophageal echocardiography, resulting in change in the surgical plan and thus avoiding catastrophe.

Comparative effects of propofol and nitroglycerine on efficacy of rewarming in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objectives: To compare the effects of propofol and nitroglycerine (NTG) on the efficacy of rewarming, extra volume added during cardiopulmonary bypass and extravascular lung water (EVLW) in patients undergoing on‑pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized, blinded trial, twenty adult patients were randomly assigned to receive either NTG infusion (NTG group) or propofol infusion (propofol group) during rewarming. Results: After drop in temperature at the end of surgery and till 24 h were significantly less in propofol group compare to NTG group (P < 0.025). Extra volume added during cardiopulmonary bypass and net crystalloid balance till 24 h was less in the propofol group (P < 0.003). There was no difference in EVLW and postoperative outcome. Conclusions: Propofol use during moderate hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with less after drop in temperature and less requirement of extra fluid during the perioperative period.

Intraoperative localization and monitoring of migrating foreign body using transesophageal echocardiography.

Radiological imaging is often used for the preoperative localization of foreign body following blast injury, but their utility in case of migration during intra‑operative period is limited. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been used for intra‑operative localization and removal of intra‑cardiac foreign body; however, reports for localization of extracardiac migrating foreign body are few. Preoperative radiological imaging, in a victim of factory blast‑injury, suggested foreign body in the posterior mediastinum. However, the intra‑operative TEE showed it in the left atrium, which later migrated into the left ventricle necessitating a change in surgical approach for its removal.

A proposed method to visualize the ductus arteriosus on transesophageal echocardiography.

The ductus arteriosus occupies a uniquely privileged position in the management of heart disease; it initiated not only the surgical management of congenital lesions but also the percutaneous management of this subset. During trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) the ductus is often visualized using ‘high’ parasternal (or the ‘ductal’ view) or suprasternal windows. It is generally agreed that imaging ductus during transesophageal echo (TEE) can be sub-optimal. During TEE imaging, visualization of the ductus arteriosus is obscured by the acoustic impedance offered by the left main bronchus; adjunct techniques such as insertion of a saline filled balloon in this airway have been used. We describe a simple maneuver that allows visualization of the patent ductus arteriosus during TEE imaging without the use of any adjuncts.

Left atrial myxoma, ruptured chordae tendinae causing mitral regurgitation and coronary artery disease.

Mitral regurgitation is uncommon with left atrial myxoma. The echocardiographic assessment of presence of mitral regurgitation and its severity are impaired by the presence of left atrial myxoma. We describe an uncommon association of left atrial myxoma with coronary artery disease and mitral regurgitation. MR was reported as mild on pre‑operative transthoracic echocardiography but found to be severe due to ruptured chordae tendinae during intra‑operative transesophageal echocardiography, which lead to change in the surgical plan to mitral valve replacement in addition to excision of myxoma.

Extradural hematoma following double valve replacement under cardiopulmonary bypass: A rare complication.

The primary mechanisms responsible for acute neurological deterioration following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) include cerebral embolism, cerebral hypoperfusion and/or inflammatory process triggered by CPB. Extradural hematoma (EDH) following CPB is rare but associated with significant mortality and morbidity. We present a case of EDH following double valve replacement in an adolescent boy.

Anesthetic management of patients undergoing extra-anatomic renal bypass surgery for renovascular hypertension.

Renal artery disease is the most common cause for surgically curable form of hypertension. In a small subset of patients with severe aortic disease where the aorta is not suitable for endovascular technique and to provide an arterial inflow, an extra-anatomic renal bypass surgery (EARBS) is an option. Anesthetic management of such procedures has not been described so far in the literature. We retrospectively analyzed the anesthetic techniques used in all patients who underwent EARBS between February 1998 and June 2008 at this institute. We also further analyzed data concerning blood pressure (BP) control and renal function response following surgery as outcome variable measures. A total of 11 patients underwent EARBS during this period. Five received oral clonidine with premedication. During laryngoscopy, esmolol was used in 4 patients, while lignocaine was used in remaining 7 patients. Of 11 patients, 7 showed significant hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation; among these, one had oral clonidine with premedicant, and 6 received lignocaine just before laryngoscopy. Intravenous vasodilators were used to maintain target BP within 20% of baseline during perioperative period. All patients received renal protective measures. During follow-up, 10% were considered cured, 70% had improved BP response, while 20% failed to show improvement in BP response. Renal functions improved in 54.5%, remain unchanged in 36.5%, and worsened in 9% of patients. Use of clonidine during premedication and esmolol before laryngoscopy were beneficial in attenuating hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy, while use of vasodilators to maintain target BP within 20% of baseline, and routine use of renal protective measures appear to be promising in patients undergoing EARBS.

Anesthetic management for surgical repair of Ebstein's anomaly along with coexistent Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in a patient with severe mitral stenosis.

Ebstein's anomaly (EA) is the most common cause of congenital tricuspid regurgitation. The associated anomalies commonly seen are atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale and accessory conduction pathways. Its association with coexisting mitral stenosis (MS) has uncommonly been described. The hemodynamic consequences and anesthetic implications, of a combination of EA and rheumatic MS, have not so far been discussed in the literature. We report successful anesthetic management of a repair of EA and mitral valve replacement in a patient with coexisting Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome.