Assessment of pain and quality of life in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a cohort study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate postoperative pain and quality of life in patients undergoing median sternotomy. METHODS: A cohort study was carried out on a sample of 30 patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery by longitudinal median sternotomy. Patients were interviewed at Intensive Care Unit discharge and hospital discharge, when the Visual Numeric Scale and the Brief Pain Inventory were applied, and 2 weeks after hospital discharge, when the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref questionnaire was administered. The normality of the results was analyzed by the Shapiro-Wilk test, and Wilcoxon Rank Sum and McNemar tests were utilized for the analysis of numerical and categorical variables. For correlation between numerical variables, Spearman's linear correlation test was applied. To compare numerical variables, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied. Differences between groups were considered significant when the p-value was <0.05. RESULTS: Between Intensive Care Unit and hospital discharge, there was a reduction in median pain intensity assessed by the Visual Numeric Scale from 5.0 to 2.0 (p<0.001), as well as in eight Brief Pain Inventory parameters: worst pain intensity in the last 24 h (p=0.001), analgesic relief (p=0.035), and pain felt right now (p=0.009); and in interference in daily activities (p<0.001), mood (p=0.017), ability to walk (p<0.001), relationship with other people (p=0.005), and sleep (p=0.006). Higher pain intensity at Intensive Care Unit discharge was associated with worse performance in the psychological domain of quality of life at out-of-hospital follow-up. CONCLUSION: Proper management of post-sternotomy pain in the Intensive Care Unit may imply better quality of life at out-of-hospital follow-up.

Tricuspid Valve-in-Valve Procedure with An Edwards S3 Valve in a 15-kg Child in Latin America

ABSTRACT A 5-year-old child, weighing 15 kg, with three previous sternotomies, presented with right heart failure due to severe stenosis and regurgitation of the bioprosthetic tricuspid valve. A percutaneous tricuspid valve-in-valve procedure with an Edwards S3 valve was ofered for compassionate use, performed with no complications and with a significant clinical condition improvement.

Total Thoracoscopic Surgery for Late Mitral Paravalvular Leakage Repair in A Beating Heart

Abstract Paravalvular leakage (PVL) after mitral valve replacement is a troublesome complication that may lead to severe symptoms and reoperation. Previous case reports on total thoracoscopic cardiac surgery without aortic cross-clamping for repairing late PVL are rare. We describe a 64-year-old man who had undergone aortic and mitral valve replacement via median sternotomy eight years earlier, and who recently developed cardiac failure due to severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and PVL in the posterior mitral annulus. During total thoracoscopic surgery with using the beating heart technique, direct closure of the PVL was achieved via pledgeted mattress sutures, and tricuspid valvuloplasty was routinely performed to treat TR. This case indicated that total thoracoscopic surgery on a beating heart may be an excellent option for treating PVL concomitant with TR.

Ministernotomy in Aortic Root and Arch Surgery: Early Outcomes

ABSTRACT Introduction: Minimally invasive methods have become more preferred in cardiac surgery today. In this study, the comparative results of patients who underwent an aortic root, arch or hemiarch replacement by ministernotomy and full sternotomy in our clinic are presented. Methods: Between January 2017 and October 2019, a series of operations including aortic root, ascending aorta, and aortic arch replacements were performed on 278 patients. The ministernotomy technique was used in 25 of them. Twenty patients who underwent full sternotomy were selected and matched to this group for comparison. Results: The ministernotomy group had a longer cross-clamping time (128.3±30.8 vs. 104.7±23.4 min, P=0.007) but the total operating time was similar in the two groups (249.76±28.56 vs. 248.25±37.53 min, P=0.879). The number of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions per patient was higher in the full sternotomy group (4.65±3.74 vs. 2.44±1.85 unit, P=0.020). The ministernotomy group had shorter ventilation times (7.60±4.88 vs. 32.30±32.25 h, P<0.001) and shorter ICU stay (1.56±0.58 vs. 3.35±1.46 d, P<0.001). The 30-day mortality was 0% in the ministernotomy group. Conclusion: Early results of our study show that, in combined or isolated aortic root, ascending aorta, and aortic arch surgeries, ministernotomy can be applied with relatively safety and low mortality and morbidity rates.

A Case of Innominate Artery Transection after the Covered Stent Placement for the Recurrent Tracheo-Innominate Artery Fistula / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Tracheo-Innominate artery fistula is a rare but devastating complication after tracheostomy. We report a 17-year old man who underwent the transection of the innominate artery and tracheal patch closure (under partial sternotomy) after the endovascular covered stent placement for the recurrent tracheo-innominate artery fistula. Fortunately, his postoperative course was uneventful without any new neurological, bleeding, or infective complication 34 months after the surgery.

The Results of Rigid Titanium Plate Reinforcement and Only Conventional Wire Methods in Sternal Fixation in Morbidly Obese Patients

ABSTRACT Introduction: In this study, it was aimed to compare the clinical results and complications of rigid titanium plate reinforcement and only conventional wire methods for sternum fixation in morbidly obese patients who underwent sternotomy for open-heart surgery. Methods: The study was planned as a retrospective case-control study. Morbidly obese patients who underwent open-heart surgery with median sternotomy between 2011 and 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of characteristics of the patients (P≥0.05). Sternal dehiscence, sternum revision, wound drainage, and mediastinitis were significantly less common in the titanium plate group (P≤0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of 30-day mortality (P≥0.05). Conclusion: Rigid titanium plate reinforcement application produced more positive clinical results than only conventional wire application. In addition, it was determined that although the rigid titanium plate application prolonged the operation time, it did not make a significant difference in terms of mortality and morbidity compared to the conventional wire applied group.

Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest in Median Sternotomy Hemorrhage During Redo Aortic Surgery

ABSTRACT Introduction: This study summarizes the clinical data of patients who developed sternotomy hemorrhage during redo aortic surgery and analyzes the clinical experience of using hypothermic circulatory arrest. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients who developed sternotomy hemorrhage during redo aortic surgery from May 2018 to August 2021. General anesthesia with single-lumen tracheal intubation was used. Femoral artery, vein, and superior vena cava cannulation were used if cardiopulmonary bypass was required according to the situation, and right superior vein or apical cannulation was selected for left heart drainage. Results: A total of 11 patients were enrolled in this study, comprising nine males and two females, with an average age of 44.3±16.7 years. All cases were successfully completed without cerebrovascular complications or paraplegia. Two patients died during hospitalization, two patients died during the follow-up after discharge, and the remaining patients are recovering well. Conclusion: The femoral-femoral bypass with hypothermic circulatory arrest technique is a safe and reliable method to use in cases of sternotomy hemorrhage during redo aortic surgery.

Does Elective Sternal Plating Combined with Steel Wire Reduce Sternal Complication Rates in Patients with Obesity?

ABSTRACT Introduction: In this study, sternal complication rates of sternal closures with steel wire or steel wire combined with titanium plate in patients with obesity that underwent cardiac surgery were investigated. Methods: The data of 316 patients that underwent cardiac surgery between May 2018 and October 2021 were analyzed retrospectively; 124 patients withbody mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 were divided into group I, patients whose sternotomy was performed with steel wires, and group II, patients whose sternotomy was performed with steel wire combined with titanium plates. Results: A total of 124 patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were divided into group I (n=88 [70.9%]) and group II (n=36 [29.1%]). The rate of male patients was found to be significantly higher in group I, whereas the rate of female patients was significantly higher in group II (P<0.001). BMI values were found to be low in group I and high in group II (P<0.001). The distribution of complications was different in the BMI ≥ 35.00-39.99 kg/m2 and ≥ 40 kg/m2 groups (P=0.003). Development of complications was found to be higher in patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2. Sternal dehiscence was observed in two patients in group I, while no dehiscence was observed in group II. Conclusion: The lower incidence of complications and the absence of non-infectious sternal complications and sternal dehiscence in patients with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 that underwent steel wire combined titanium plate sternal closure strengthened the idea that plate-supported sternal closure can prevent sternal complications in high-risk patients.

Application and development of totally thoracoscopic mitral valve plasty / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Thoracoscopic minimally invasive technology has been used in mitral valve plasty since 1990s. Totally thoracoscopic mitral valve plasty has the advantages of small trauma, beautiful incision and rapid postoperative recovery. It is favored by more and more patients and cardiac surgeons. However, according to the reports, the proportion of totally thoracoscopic mitral valve surgery in China is still low. Mitral valve plasty via the totally thoracoscopic approach is still controversial in terms of population adaptation, perioperative complications and long-term prognosis. In addition, the technical difficulty and the long training cycle of surgeons also limit the popularization of this technology. By summarizing the existing literature, this paper analyzes the application and development of totally thoracoscopic approach in comparison with the traditional median thoracotomy mitral valve plasty.

Subxiphoid and subcostal arch thoracoscopic versus median sternotomy enlarged thymectomy for the treatment of myasthenia gravis complicated with thymoma: A propensity score matching study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To compare clinical effects of enlarged thymectomy for the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG) complicated with thymoma via subxiphoid and subcostal arch thoracoscopic resection versus median sternotomy resection. Methods    We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with MG complicated with thymoma admitted in Tangdu Hospital of the Air Force Military Medical University between December 2011 and December 2021. Patients who underwent subxiphoid and subcostal arch thoracoscopic enlarged thymectomy were allocated to a SR group, and patients who underwent median sternotomy enlarged thymectomy were allocated to a MR group. Perioperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results    A total of 456 patients were collected. There were 51 patients in the MR group, including 30 males and 21 females aged 23-66 (49.5±11.8) years. There were 405 patients in the SR group, among whom 51 patients were matched to the MR group by propensity score matching, including 28 males and 23 females aged 26-70 (47.2±12.2) years. The operations were accomplished successfully in all patients, and no conversion to thoracotomy occurred in the SR group. The SR group had advantages in the operation time, intraoperative blood loss,  chest drainage duration, hospital stay time, patients’ satisfaction level, pain score and complications (all P<0.05). No statistical difference was found in the number of intraoperative lymph node dissection stations, number of intraoperative lymph nodes dissected or remission of MG between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion    Subxiphoid and subcostal arch thoracoscopic enlarged thymectomy and lymphadenectomy is a safe, effective and feasible minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of MG complicated with thymoma.

Bilateral continuous erector spinae plane block for cardiac surgery: case series / Bloqueo bilateral continúo del plano erector de la espina para cirugía cardiaca: serie de casos

Abstract Multimodal analgesia in cardiac surgery sternotomy includes bilateral continuous erector spinae plane block (BC-ESPB). However, the effectiveness of the local anesthetic regimens is still uncertain. The purpose of this study was to assess pain control achieved with a multimodal analgesia regimen including BC-ESPB at the level of T5 with PCA with a 0.125 % bupivacaine infusion and rescue boluses. This is a descriptive case series study which recruited 11 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery through sternotomy in whom multimodal analgesia including BC-ESPB was used, between February and April 2021, at a fourth level institution. All patients reported pain according to the numeric rating scale (NRS) ≤ 3 both at rest and in motion, at extubation and then 4 and 12 hours after surgery. After 24 hours the pain was NRS ≤ 3 in 100 % of the patients at rest and in 63.6 % in motion. At 48 h 81 % of the patients reported pain NRS ≤ 3 at rest and in motion. At 72h all patients reported pain NRS ≤ 3 at rest and 82 % in motion. The average intraoperative use of fentanyl was 2.35 µg/kg and postoperative hydromorphone was 5.3, 4.1 and 3.3 mg at 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. Hence, bilateral ESP block in continuous infusion plus rescue boluses allows for proper control of acute intra and post-operative pain.

Resumen En cirugía cardiaca mediante esternotomía, la analgesia multimodal incluye el bloqueo bilateral continuo del plano erector de la espina (BBC-ESP). Sin embargo, existe incertidumbre sobre la efectividad de los esquemas de dosificación del anestésico local. Se busca evaluar el control del dolor proporcionado por un esquema de analgesia multimodal que incluye el BBC-ESP a la altura de T5 con ACP de bupivacaína 0,125 % en infusión y bolos de rescate. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, serie de casos. Se reclutaron 11 pacientes adultos sometidos a cirugía cardiaca mediante esternotomía en quienes se usó analgesia multimodal que incluía BBC-ESP entre febrero y abril del 2021, en una institución de cuarto nivel. Todos los pacientes refirieron dolor, según la escala numérica (EN) ≤ 3 tanto en reposo como en movimiento, a la extubación, a las 4 y a las 12 horas. A las 24 horas el dolor fue EN ≤ 3 en el 100 % de los pacientes en reposo y en el 63,6 % en movimiento. A las 48 h el 81 % de los pacientes refirieron dolor EN ≤ 3 en reposo y en movimiento. A las 72 h todos los pacientes presentaron dolor EN ≤ 3 en reposo y 82 % en movimiento. El consumo intraoperatorio promedio de fentanilo fue de 2,35 ug/kg y de hidromorfona posoperatoria de 5,3, 4,1 y 3,3 mg a las 24, 48 y 72 horas. Así, el BBC-ESP en infusión continua más bolos de rescate permiten el control del dolor agudo intra y posoperatorio.

Tips and Tricks in Transaortic TAVR

ABSTRACT Transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is currently the standard catheter-based treatment of severe aortic stenosis patients. Being the transfemoral route not feasible, other access sites could be chosen. Transaortic TAVR via either a J mini-sternotomy or a right anterolateral mini-thoracotomy is a good option for patients having tricky thoracoabdominal aorta. Some tips and tricks may help in getting a fast and safe transaortic procedure.

Pectoral?Intercostal Fascial Plane Block in Chronic Post?Sternotomy Pain

Persistent poststernotomy pain (PSP) is a well?known entity following cardiac surgery done with midline strenotomy. The severity of pain is usually mild to moderate in the majority of the patients. However, a small percentage of patients develop severe and persistent pain and need aggressive treatment. Our patient, a 63?year?old lady developed chronic severe parasternal pain following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. As multiple medications did not relieve her pain effectively, we did an ultrasound?guided pectoral?intercostal fascial plane block to which she responded with excellent and long?lasting pain relief. This is the first such case report of the use of this novel block technique for treating PSP.

Goitre plongeant Particularités cliniques et thérapeutiques / Sub-sternal goitre: Clinical and therapeutic features

Etudier les caractéristiques cliniques, radiologiques et thérapeutiques des goitres plongeants et établir un arbre décisionnel de prise en charge Méthodes: Nous rapportons une étude rétrospective portant sur 67 cas de goitre plongeant colligés sur une période de 27 ans entre 1990 et 2016. Résultats: L'âge moyen des patients était de 53 ± 15,1 ans et le sex-ratio de 0,24. La tuméfaction basicervicale antérieure était le motif de consultation le plus fréquent, rapportée dans 82% des cas associée à des signes de compression dans 31% des cas. Une paralysie récurrentielle unilatérale a été objectivée dans quatre cas. Une radiographie de thorax a montré une opacité médiastinale dans 75% des cas et une déviation trachéale dans 85% des cas. Un scanner cervico-thoracique pratiquée dans 73% des cas a confirmé le diagnostic en objectivant cinq prolongements dépassant la crosse de l'aorte. Le traitement chirurgical était mené par voie cervicale dans 99% des patients et une sternotomie a été réalisée devant l'échec d'extraction par cervicotomie. Une paralysie récurrentielle postopératoire a été observée dans un cas et l'hypoparathyroïdie définitive a été rapportée chez six malades avec un recul moyen de trois ans. Conclusion: Les goitres plongeants sont devenus rares en Tunisie du fait de la prise en charge plus précoce des nodules thyroïdiens. Le scanner cervico-thoracique représente le gold standard pour l'étude et la confirmation du diagnostic du goitre plongeant ainsi que pour l'attitude thérapeutique. L'indication chirurgicale est toujours impérative devant le risque vital qu'il pose.

The Six Cases of Redo Cardiac Surgery via Partial Lower Hemi-sternotomy / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

In poststernotomy redo cardiac surgery, injury to cardiac structures during sternal division can lead to untoward results in the operation. These days, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) such as the right anterolateral thoracotomy approach is becoming popular. By using MICS technique in redo cardiac surgery, it may be possible to reduce the risk of injury to the vital structures because of avoiding full sternotomy with the reduction of the dissection area. Six redo cardiac surgery cases in which innominate vein or bypass graft was in close contact with the sternum were is considered difficult to perform via the right thoracotomy approach. We report the cases in which operations were safely conducted through the lower hemi-sternotomy.

Early clinical results of totally thoracoscopic repeat mitral valve surgery under hypothermic ventricular fibrillation / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes of a totally thoracoscopic repeat mitral valve surgery under hypothermic ventricular fibrillation with those of a conventional median sternotomy approach for repeat mitral valve surgery and to explore the safety of the totally thoracoscopic repeat mitral valve surgery under hypothermic ventricular fibrillation.Methods:Patients requiring repeat mitral valve surgery admitted by the same surgeon at Cardiovascular Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2018 to January 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. The patients were divided into the totally thoracoscopic group under hypothermic ventricular fibrillation and the conventional median sternotomy group according to the procedure, and the preoperative baseline data and perioperative outcomes were collected and statistically analyzed using SPSS 22.0.Results:A total of 91 patients matched the criteria for study enrollment, 25 in the totally thoracoscopic group and 66 in the median sternotomy group. There was no statistical difference in the preoperative baseline data between the two groups. The totally thoracoscopic group has advantages in mitral valvuloplasty rate(32.0% vs. 7.6%, P=0.008), transfusion rate(72.0% vs. 98.5%, P<0.001), mechanical ventilation time [(19.0±27.8)h vs.(43.3±58.3)h, P=0.009], chest drainage tube time [(2.2±1.9)days vs.(3.7±2.4)days, P=0.004], postoperative chest drainage volume [(489.6±319.1)ml vs.(913.6±568.4)ml, P=0.001], postoperative discharge time[(8.0±2.7)days vs.(13.9±12.8)days, P=0.026]. The totally thoracoscopic group had a longer cardiopulmonary bypass time [(180.8±41.7)min vs.(143.2±39.7)min, P<0.001], and it had an intraoperative ventricular fibrillation time of(100.2±42.5)min. There were no statistically significant differences in the postoperative complication rate(12.0% vs. 21.2%, P=0.481) and mortality(4.0% vs. 4.5%, P=1.000) between the two groups. Conclusion:The totally thoracoscopic approach has the characteristics of less invasion and faster recovery compared with the median sternotomy approach. Hypothermic ventricular fibrillation simplifies the procedure at the ascending aorta while reducing myocardial injury than conventional occlusion of the ascending aorta. Totally thoracoscopic mitral valve surgery under hypothermic ventricular fibrillation is a safe minimally invasive technique.

Traversing the Learning Curve Associated with a New Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement Service

Abstract Objective: Isolated aortic valve replacement is a safe and frequently performed cardiac surgical procedure. Although minimal access approaches including right anterior thoracotomy and partial sternotomy have been adopted by some surgeons in recent years, concerns about additional procedural morbidity and mortality during the early phase of the learning curve persist. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the learning curve on outcomes for a single surgeon implementing a new minimal access aortic valve replacement service. Methods: Ninety-three patients undergoing minimal access aortic valve replacement performed by a single surgeon in our institution between October 2014 and March 2019 were analysed. Patients were divided into tertiles according to procedure order. Endpoints included peri-operative mortality and post-operative complications, and these were compared across tertiles to assess the impact of the learning curve on procedural outcomes. Results: Overall in-hospital mortality was 2.15% (n=2). Despite significantly longer cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp duration in the early tertile, there was no significant difference in the rate of post-operative complications, post-operative length of stay or in-hospital mortality between tertiles. Conclusions: Although our results have demonstrated a significant learning curve effect associated with the introduction of this minimally invasive approach to aortic valve replacement, as demonstrated by the significant reduction in cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp duration over time, our findings suggest that a minimal access aortic valve replacement service can be safely commenced by an experienced surgeon without concerns about the learning curve significantly affecting post-operative morbidity and mortality.

Hemodynamically unstable non-compressible penetrating torso trauma: a practical surgical approach / Guía práctica para el abordaje quirúrgico del trauma penetrante del torso en paciente hemodinámicamente inestable

Abstract Penetrating torso trauma is the second leading cause of death following head injury. Traffic accidents, falls and overall blunt trauma are the most common mechanism of injuries in developed countries; whereas, penetrating trauma which includes gunshot and stabs wounds is more prevalent in developing countries due to ongoing violence and social unrest. Penetrating chest and abdominal trauma have high mortality rates at the scene of the incident when important structures such as the heart, great vessels, or liver are involved. Current controversies surround the optimal surgical approach of these cases including the use of an endovascular device such as the Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) and the timing of additional imaging aids. This article aims to shed light on this subject based on the experience earned during the past 30 years in trauma critical care management of the severely injured patient. We have found that prioritizing the fact that the patient is hemodynamically unstable and obtaining early open or endovascular occlusion of the aorta to gain ground on avoiding the development of the lethal diamond is of utmost importance. Damage control surgery starts with choosing the right surgery of the right cavity in the right patient. For this purpose, we present a practical and simple guide on how to perform the surgical approach to penetrating torso trauma in a hemodynamically unstable patient.

Resumen El trauma penetrante del torso representa la segunda causa de muerte de origen traumático después del trauma craneoencefálico. En países desarrollados existe mayor prevalencia de trauma cerrado, asociado principalmente a accidentes de tránsito o caídas de grandes alturas. Mientas, que en países en vía de desarrollo el trauma penetrante es más prevalente con heridas por arma de fuego o por arma blanca asociado a la violencia y las desigualdades sociales. El trauma penetrante torácico y abdominal pueden presentar altas tasas de mortalidad en la escena del trauma si se comprometen estructuras importantes como el corazón, los grandes vasos o el hígado. Actualmente, existen controversias sobre el adecuado abordaje quirúrgico con la implementación o no de dispositivos endovasculares como el balón de resucitación endovascular de oclusión aórtica (Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Oclussion of the Aorta - REBOA) y la realización de ayudas imagenológicas. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar el conocimiento sobre este tema, basado en la experiencia adquirida durante los últimos 30 años con el manejo del trauma, cirugía general y cuidado crítico. Sostenemos que en un paciente hemodinámicamente inestable se debe realizar una temprana oclusión aórtica endovascular o abierta con el objetivo de evitar el desarrollo o propagación del rombo de la muerte. Con este propósito, presentamos una guía práctica y sencilla sobre el abordaje quirúrgico del paciente hemodinámicamente inestable con trauma penetrante del torso.

Damage control in penetrating cardiac trauma / El control de daños en el trauma cardíaco penetrante

Abstract Definitive management of hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating cardiac injuries remains controversial between those who propose aggressive invasive care versus those who opt for a less invasive or non-operative approach. This controversy even extends to cases of hemodynamically unstable patients in which damage control surgery is thought to be useful and effective. The aim of this article is to delineate our experience in the surgical management of penetrating cardiac injuries via the creation of a clear and practical algorithm that includes basic principles of damage control surgery. We recommend that all patients with precordial penetrating injuries undergo trans-thoracic ultrasound screening as an integral component of their initial evaluation. In those patients who arrive hemodynamically stable but have a positive ultrasound, a pericardial window with lavage and drainage should follow. We want to emphasize the importance of the pericardial lavage and drainage in the surgical management algorithm of these patients. Before this concept, all positive pericardial windows ended up in an open chest exploration. With the coming of the pericardial lavage and drainage procedure, the reported literature and our experience have shown that 25% of positive pericardial windows do not benefit and/or require further invasive procedures. However, in hemodynamically unstable patients, damage control surgery may still be required to control ongoing bleeding. For this purpose, we propose a surgical management algorithm that includes all of these essential clinical aspects in the care of these patients.

Resumen El manejo definitivo de los pacientes hemodinámicamente estables con heridas cardíacas penetrantes continúa siendo controversial con abordajes invasivos versus manejos conservadores. Estas posiciones contrarias se extienden hasta aquellos casos de pacientes hemodinámicamente inestables donde se ha descrito y considerado la cirugía de control de daños como un procedimiento útil y efectivo. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar la experiencia en el manejo quirúrgico de heridas cardíacas penetrantes con la creación de un algoritmo práctico que incluye los principios básicos del control de daños. Se recomienda que a todos los pacientes con heridas precordiales penetrantes se les debe realizar un ultrasonido torácico como componente integral de la evaluación inicial. Aquellos que presenten un ultrasonido torácico positivo y se encuentren hemodinámicamente estables se les debe realizar una ventana pericárdica con posterior lavado. Se ha demostrado que el 25% de las ventanas pericárdicas positivas no se benefician ni requieren de posteriores abordajes quirúrgicos invasivos. Antes de este concepto, todos los pacientes con ventana pericárdica positiva terminaban en una exploración abierta del tórax y del pericárdico. Los pacientes hemodinámicamente inestables requieren de una cirugía de control de daños para un adecuado y oportuno control del sangrado. Con este propósito, se propone un algoritmo de manejo quirúrgico que incluye todos estos aspectos esenciales en el abordaje de este grupo de pacientes.

Damage control surgery for thoracic outlet vascular injuries: the new resuscitative median sternotomy plus REBOA / Cirugía de control de daños para lesiones del opérculo torácico: nuevo abordaje mediante esternotomía mediana y REBOA

Abstract Thoracic vascular trauma is associated with high mortality and is the second most common cause of death in patients with trauma following head injuries. Less than 25% of patients with a thoracic vascular injury arrive alive to the hospital and more than 50% die within the first 24 hours. Thoracic trauma with the involvement of the great vessels is a surgical challenge due to the complex and restricted anatomy of these structures and its association with adjacent organ damage. This article aims to delineate the experience obtained in the surgical management of thoracic vascular injuries via the creation of a practical algorithm that includes basic principles of damage control surgery. We have been able to show that the early application of a resuscitative median sternotomy together with a zone 1 resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in hemodynamically unstable patients with thoracic outlet vascular injuries improves survival by providing rapid stabilization of central aortic pressure and serving as a bridge to hemorrhage control. Damage control surgery principles should also be implemented when indicated, followed by definitive repair once the correction of the lethal diamond has been achieved. To this end, we have developed a six-step management algorithm that illustrates the surgical care of patients with thoracic outlet vascular injuries according to the American Association of the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) classification.

Resumen El trauma vascular torácico está asociado con una alta mortalidad y es la segunda causa más común de muerte en pacientes con trauma después del trauma craneoencefálico. Se estima que menos del 25% de los pacientes con una lesión vascular torácica alcanzan a llegar con vida para recibir atención hospitalaria y más del 50% fallecen en las primeras 24 horas. El trauma torácico penetrante con compromiso de los grandes vasos es un problema quirúrgico dado a su severidad y la asociación con lesiones a órganos adyacentes. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar la experiencia en el manejo quirúrgico de las lesiones del opérculo torácico con la creación de un algoritmo de manejo quirúrgico en seis pasos prácticos de seguir basados en la clasificación de la AAST. que incluye los principios básicos del control de daños. La esternotomía mediana de resucitación junto con la colocación de un balón de resucitación de oclusión aortica (Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta - REBOA) en zona 1 permiten un control primario de la hemorragia y mejoran la sobrevida de los pacientes con trauma del opérculo torácico e inestabilidad hemodinámica.