Fragmentación mecánica y trombólisis guiada por catéter en la embolia pulmonar de riesgo intermedio / Mechanical fragmentation and catheter-guided thrombolysis in intermediate risk pulmonary embolism

La tromboembolia pulmonar aguda (TEPA) sigue siendo una importante causa de morbilidad y mortalidad a nivel mundial. Su diagnóstico, estratificación de riesgo y tratamiento precoz son fundamentales, siendo su pilar la anticoagulación. En pacientes de bajo riesgo cardiovascular, el pronóstico es excelente y solo basta con la administración de anticoagulantes. No obstante, debido al pobre pronóstico de los pacientes con riesgo elevado (descompensación hemodinámica), el enfoque terapéutico es más agresivo, utilizándose trombolíticos sistémicos que disminuyen la mortalidad pero incrementan el riesgo de complicaciones hemorrágicas mayores. En el TEPA de riesgo intermedio (evidencia de falla de ventrículo derecho, sin descompensación hemodinámica), la relación riesgo-beneficio del tratamiento con trombolíticos es más equilibrada por lo que la decisión es controvertida. La fragmentación mecánica con trombólisis dirigida por catéter es una alternativa con potenciales beneficios. Presentamos dos casos de TEPA de riesgo intermedio, en los que se realizó fragmentación mecánica y trombólisis dirigida por catéter.

Acute pulmonary thromboembolism remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Its diagnosis, risk stratification and early treatment are essential. The mainstay of treatment is anticoagulation. In patients with low cardiovascular risk, the prognosis is excellent and the treatment consists only of the administration of anticoagulants. Due to the poor prognosis of patients with high risk (hemodynamic decompensation), the approach is more aggressive using systemic thrombolytics, which reduce mortality but increase the risk of major hemorrhagic complications. In the intermediate-risk patients (evidence of right ventricular failure, without hemodynamic decompensation), the risk-benefit relationship of thrombolytic treatment is more balanced, so the choice is controversial. Mechanical fragmentation with catheter-directed thrombolysis is an alternative with potential benefits. We present two cases of intermediate-risk acute pulmonary thromboembolism to whom mechanical fragmentation and catheter-directed thrombolysis was applied.

Monitorizacion del gasto cardiaco con ecocardiografia transtoracica y cateter de Swan Ganz. Estudio comparativo en pacientes en ventilacion mecanica con presión positiva espiratoria final elevada / Cardiac output measured by transthoracic echocardiography and Swan-Ganz catheter. A comparative study in mechanically ventilated patients with high positive end-expiratory pressure

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comparar las medidas de gasto cardiaco por ecocardiografía transtorácica y por catéter arterial pulmonar en pacientes en ventilación mecánica con presión positiva al final de la espiración elevada. Evaluar el efecto de la insuficiencia tricúspide. Métodos: Se estudiaron 16 pacientes en ventilación mecánica. El gasto cardiaco se midió con el catéter arterial pulmonar y por ecocardiografía transtorácica. Las medidas se realizaron en diferentes niveles de presión positiva al final de la espiración (10cmH2O, 15cmH2O, y 20cmH2O). Se evalúo el efecto de la insuficiencia tricúspide sobre la medida de gasto cardiaco. Se estudió el coeficiente de correlación intraclase; el error medio y los límites de concordancia se estudiaron con el diagrama de Bland-Altman. Se calculó el porcentaje de error. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 44 pares de medidas de gasto cardiaco. Se obtuvo un coeficiente de correlación intraclase de 0,908, p < 0,001; el error medio fue 0,44L/min para valores de gasto cardíaco entre 5 a 13L/min. Los límites de concordancia se encontraron entre 3,25L/min y -2,37L/min. Con insuficiencia tricúspide el coeficiente de correlación intraclase fue 0,791, sin insuficiencia tricúspide el coeficiente de correlación intraclase fue 0,935. La presencia de insuficiencia tricúspide aumentó el porcentaje de error de 32 % a 52%. Conclusiones: En pacientes con presión positiva al final de la espiración elevada la medida de gasto cardiaco por ecocardiografía transtorácica es comparable con catéter arterial pulmonar. La presencia de insuficiencia tricúspide influye en el coeficiente de correlación intraclase. En pacientes con presión positiva al final de la espiración elevada, el uso de ecocardiografía transtorácica para medir gasto cardiaco es comparable con las medidas invasivas.

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare cardiac output measurements by transthoracic echocardiography and a pulmonary artery catheter in mechanically ventilated patients with high positive end-expiratory pressure. To evaluate the effect of tricuspid regurgitation. Methods: Sixteen mechanically ventilated patients were studied. Cardiac output was measured by pulmonary artery catheterization and transthoracic echocardiography. Measurements were performed at different levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (10cmH2O, 15cmH2O, and 20cmH2O). The effect of tricuspid regurgitation on cardiac output measurement was evaluated. The intraclass correlation coefficient was studied; the mean error and limits of agreement were studied with the Bland-Altman plot. The error rate was calculated. Results: Forty-four pairs of cardiac output measurements were obtained. An intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.908 was found (p < 0.001). The mean error was 0.44L/min for cardiac output values between 5 and 13L/min. The limits of agreement were 3.25L/min and -2.37L/min. With tricuspid insufficiency, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.791, and without tricuspid insufficiency, 0.935. Tricuspid insufficiency increased the error rate from 32% to 52%. Conclusions: In patients with high positive end-expiratory pressure, cardiac output measurement by transthoracic echocardiography is comparable to that with a pulmonary artery catheter. Tricuspid regurgitation influences the intraclass correlation coefficient. In patients with high positive end-expiratory pressure, the use of transthoracic echocardiography to measure cardiac output is comparable to invasive measures.

Identificação de fatores que alteram a confiabilidade da temperatura axilar em relação à temperatura de cateter de artéria pulmonar / Identification of factors that alter axillary temperature reliability in relation to pulmonary artery catheter temperature / Identificación de factores que alteran la confiabilidad de la temperatura axilar en relación a la temperatura del catéter de la arteria pulmonar

OBJETIVOS: identificar fatores que alteram a confiabilidade da temperatura axilar em relação à temperatura de cateter artéria pulmonar. MÉTODOS: estudo de medidas repetidas utilizando 67 aferições de temperatura axilar coletadas de 24 pacientes internados em centros de terapia intensiva de dois hospitais da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte entre 2017 e 2018. Realizada análise descritiva e regressão linear dos dados. RESULTADOS: foram encontradas acurácia de 0,48 e precisão de 0,47 referentes à temperatura axilar aferida com termômetro digital comparada com a temperatura de cateter de artéria pulmonar. Os fatores que alteram a confiabilidade da temperatura axilar foram o índice de massa corporal e a dose de dobutamina. CONCLUSÃO: os fatores encontrados foram inéditos em relação à alteração da confiabilidade da temperatura axilar e poderão auxiliar enfermeiros na tomada de decisão ao escolherem um método mais preciso para estimativa da temperatura real do corpo. Ainda é necessária a realização de estudos com amostragem maior para avaliação dos fatores intervenientes da confiabilidade de técnicas de temperatura não invasivas, como a temperatura axilar.(AU)

Objectives: to identify factors that alter the reliability of axillary temperature in relation to pulmonary artery catheter temperature. Methods: studying repeated measures using 67 axillary temperature measurements collected from 24 patients admitted to intensive care centers of two hospitals in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte between 2017 and 2018. Descriptive analysis and linear regression of the data were performed. Results: accuracy of 0.48 and precision of 0.47 were found for axillary temperature measured with a digital thermometer compared with pulmonary artery catheter temperature. Factors that change the reliability of axillary temperature were body mass index and dobutamine dose. Conclusion: the found factors were unprecedented in relation to the change in axillary temperature reliability and may help nurses in their decision making by choosing a more accurate method to estimate the actual body temperature. Studies with larger sampling are still necessary to evaluate the intervening factors of the reliability of noninvasive temperature techniques, such as axillary temperature.(AU)

Objetivos: identificar los factores que alteran la fiabilidad de la temperatura axilar en relación con la temperatura del catéter de la arteria pulmonar. Métodos: estudio de mediciones repetidas utilizando 67 mediciones de temperatura axilar de 24 pacientes ingresados en centros de cuidados intensivos de dos hospitales de la región metropolitana de Belo Horizonte entre 2017 y 2018. Análisis descriptivo y regresión lineal de los datos. Resultados: se encontró precisión de 0,48 y precisión de 0,47 para la temperatura axilar medida con termómetro digital en comparación a la temperatura del catéter de la arteria pulmonar. Los factores que alteran la fiabilidad de la temperatura axilar fueron el índice de masa corporal y la dosis de dobutamina. Conclusión: los factores encontrados no tienen precedentes en relación con la alteración en la confiabilidad de la temperatura axilar y pueden ayudar a los enfermeros en la toma de decisiones al elegir un método más preciso para estimar la temperatura corporal real. Son necesarios estudios con muestras más amplias para evaluar los factores que intervienen en la fiabilidad de las técnicas de temperatura no invasivas, como la temperatura axilar.(AU)

Anesthetic considerations for a patient with situs inversus totalis undergoing cardiac surgery: A case report

A 58-year-old male patient with situs inversus totalis, a rare congenital malformation characterized by all asymmetric organs being formed as the mirror images of their normal morphologies, underwent mitral valve repair due to mitral valve prolapse. This case was reported to suggest that anesthesiologists should thoroughly understand the anatomy of these types of patients before providing cardiac anesthesia that often requires advanced monitoring and rely on their accurate interpretation. Accordingly, a few key points will be discussed with emphasis on reversing lead placement during electrocardiogram monitoring, using the left internal jugular vein for pulmonary artery catheterization, and firmly comprehending mirror image heart morphology to better conduct transesophageal echocardiography.

A double-knotted pulmonary artery catheter with large loop in the right internal jugular vein: A case report / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Knotting of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) is a rare, but well-known complication of pulmonary artery (PA) catheterization. We report a case of a double-knotted PAC with a large loop in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing liver transplantation, which has been rarely reported in the literature. A PAC was advanced under pressure wave form guidance. PAC insertion was repeatedly attempted and the PAC was inserted 80 cm deep even though PAC should be normally inserted 45 to 55 cm deep. However, since no wave change was observed, we began deflating and pulling the balloon. At the 30-cm mark, the PAC could no longer be pulled. Fluoroscopy confirmed knotting of the PAC after surgery (The loop-formed PAC was shown in right internal jugular vein); thus, it was removed. For safe PA catheterization, deep insertion or repeated attempts should be avoided when the catheter cannot be easily inserted into the pulmonary artery. If possible, the insertion of PACs can be performed more safely by monitoring the movement of the catheter under fluoroscopy or transesophageal echocardiography.

Cuidado sistematizado: protocolo de colocación y cuidados del paciente con cateter de Swan Ganz / Systemized care: protocol placement and patient care with Swan Ganz catheter

En las unidades de cuidados criticos la utilizacion del cateter Swan Ganz permite monitorizar parametros hemodinamicos fundamentales para el control del paciente critico, para el diagnostico y tratamiento de aquellos que hemodinamicamente estan inestables, donde el cuidado de enfermeria es primordial no solo en los procedimientos de preparación de materiales a utilizar, asistencia en la colocación, sino tambien en el mantenimiento, cuidados y finalmente retirada del mismo..

Cateterismo cardíaco direito por acesso venoso antecubital guiado por ultrassonografia / Right heart catheterization through ultrasound-guided antecubital vein approach

Introdução: As complicações no cateterismo cardíaco direito estão quase sempre relacionadas ao local de acesso. As veias do antebraço podem ser um alvo para reduzir tais complicações durante o procedimento. No entanto, dados relativos à ampla aplicação desta técnica são escassos. Métodos: Série de casos que relata nossas primeiras experiências com o cateterismo cardíaco direito por acesso venoso antecubital. Resultados: Tentamos realizar o cateterismo cardíaco direito em 20 pacientes com abordagem antecubital em janeiro de 2016. A abordagem antecubital foi bem-sucedida em 19 casos (95,0%). Todos os acessos venosos foram obtidos guiados por ultrassonografia. Os cateterismos cardíacos direito e esquerdo foram realizados simultaneamente em 12 casos (60,0%). O cateterismo cardíaco esquerdo foi realizado através da artéria radial direita em 11 casos (91,7%), e da artéria braquial direita em 1 caso (8,3%). O acesso antecubital foi obtido pela veia basílica em 18 (94,7%) casos, e pela veia cefálica em 1 (5,3%) caso. Conclusões: O cateterismo cardíaco direito através das veias da prega antecubital parece ser viável e seguro. Outros estudos controlados são necessários para estabelecer o melhor local de acesso para realizar o cateterismo cardíaco direito

Background: Complications in right heart catheterization are almost all access-site related. Forearm veins may be a target to reduce access-site complications during the procedure. However, data regarding wide application of this technique is scarce. Methods: This is a case-series that reports our first experiences in right heart catheterization through the antecubital approach. Results: We attempted to perform right heart catheterization in 20 patients using antecubital approach on January 2016. The antecubital approach was successful in 19 (95.0%) cases. All venous access were obtained with ultrasound guidance. Simultaneous right and left heart catheterization was performed in 12 cases (60.0%). Left heart catheterization was performed through right radial artery in 11 cases (91.7%) and through the right brachial artery in 1 case (8.3%). Antecubital access was obtained through the basilic vein in 18 (94.7%) cases and through the cephalic vein in 1 (5.3%) case. Conclusions: Right heart catheterization through the antecubital fossa veins appears to be feasible and safe. Further controlled studies are required to establish the best access site to perform right heart catheterization

Right ventricle perforation after Swan-Ganz catheterization in a patient undergoing CABG surgery: A case report

We report an extremely rare case of right ventricle perforation by a Swan-Ganz catheter during open heart surgery. Even when pulmonary artery catheters are inserted with the utmost care, serious complications such as hematoma formation, pneumothorax, hemothorax, perforation of the cardiac chambers, and rupture of the pulmonary artery may occur. We present a case of primary closure of a right ventricle perforation discovered during coronary artery bypass graft surgery. In this case, the Swan-Ganz catheter was found penetrating the anterior wall of the right ventricle during the surgery. The location of the Swan-Ganz catheter, the stiffness of the catheter caused by hypothermia, and excessive surgical manipulation were supposed to be the etiologies. Therefore, the location of the Swan-Ganz catheter and increased stiffness from hypothermia should be taken into consideration during heart surgery.

Noninvasive estimation of left atrial pressure with transesophageal echocardiography.

Background: The pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) has historically been used to measure cardiac filling pressures of which pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) has been used as a surrogate of left atrial pressure (LAP) and left ventricular end‑diastolic pressure. Increasingly, the use of the PAC has been questioned in the perioperative period with multiple large studies unable to clearly demonstrate benefit in any group of patients, resulting in a declining use in the perioperative period. Alternative methods for the noninvasive estimation of left‑sided filling pressures are required. Echocardiography has been used to provide noninvasive estimation of PCWP and LAP, based on evaluating mitral inflow velocity with the E and A waves and looking at movement of the mitral annulus with tissue Doppler (e’). Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between PCWP and E/e’ in cardiac surgical patients with transesophageal echocardiography (TOE). Design: A prospective observational study. Setting: Cardiac surgical patients in a single quaternary referral university teaching hospital. Methods: The ratio of mitral inflow velocity (E wave) to mitral annular tissue velocity (e’) (the E/e’ ratio) and PCWP of 91 patients undergoing general anesthesia and cardiac surgery were simultaneously recorded, with the use of TOE and a PAC. Results: The correlation between E/e’ and PCWP was modest with a Spearman rank correlation coefficient of 0.29 (P = 0.005). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for using E/e’ to predict elevated PCWP (≥18 mmHg) was 0.6825 (95% confidence interval: 0.57–0.80), indicating some predictive utility. The optimum threshold value of E/e’ was 10 which had 71% sensitivity and 60% specificity to predict a PCWP ≥18 mmHg. Conclusions: Noninvasive measurements of E/e’ in general cardiac surgical patients have only a modest correlation and does not reliably estimate PCWP.

Índice cardíaco medido por catéter de Swan-Ganz comparado con el ecocardiograma transtorácico / Cardiac index measured by Swan-Ganz catheter compared to transthoracic echocardiogram

Introducción: el catéter de Swan-Ganz sigue siendo el estándar de oro para la valoración hemodinámica. Las técnicas más nuevas ofrecen alternativas menos invasivas. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar el cálculo del índice cardíaco mediante ecocardiograma transtorácico frente a la medición del mismo con el catéter de Swan-Ganz. Materiales y métodos: estudio prospectivo, observacional y comparativo, de pacientes mayores de 18 años, ingresados al área de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín, durante un año. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años en shock con monitoreo hemodinámico utilizando catéter de Swan- Ganz y que contaban con ventanas ecocardiográficas adecuadas; en total 13 pacientes en ese período de tiempo. Criterios de exclusión: pacientes sin ventanas ecocardiográficas adecuadas o monitoreo sin catéter de Swan-Ganz. El análisis de comparación de los promedios se realizó mediante la prueba de la t de Student y para la correlación entre las técnicas se utilizó el coeficiente de Pearson. Resultados: fueron 13 pacientes, con promedio de edad de 57 años, siendo el diagnóstico principal sepsis. La comparación de los promedios de los valores aplicando la prueba de la t de Student, se obtuvo un valor de 0,220 p = 0,829. El índice de correlación de Pearson entre las dos técnicas fue de 0,94 p < 0,001. Conclusiones: el índice cardíaco estimado por ecocardiografía se correlacionó fuertemente con la medición del índice cardíaco mediante el catéter de Swan-Ganz; las diferencias entre los promedios de las dos mediciones no se mostraron diferentes estadísticamente.

Introduction: the Swan Ganz catheter remains the gold standard for hemodynamic evaluation. Newer techniques offer less invasive alternatives. The objective of this study is to compare the calculated cardiac index versus echocardiogram by measuring the same with the Swan Ganz catheter. Materials and methods: prospective, observational and comparative study of patients over 18 years old admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Carlos Andrade Marin Hospital, for one year. Patients older than 18 were included in shock with hemodynamic monitoring using Swan Ganz catheter and had adequate echocardiographic windows, a total of 13 patients at that time. Exclusion criteria: patients without proper monitoring without echocardiographic windows or Swan Ganz catheter. The comparison analysis of the means was performed by Student t test, and for correlation between techniques, the Pearson coeffcient was used. Results: there were 13 patients with a mean age of 57, the main diagnosis was sepsis. Comparison of the averages of the test values using the Student t value 0.220 P = 0.829 was obtained. The Pearson correlation index between the two techniques was 0.94 p <0.001. Conclusions: echocardiography estimated cardiac index was strongly correlated with cardiac index measurement by Swan Ganz catheter, the differences between the averages of the two measurements did not show statistical difference.

Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava Detected Incidentally after Pulmonary Artery Catheterization / 대한중환자의학회지

We present a case of pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) placement through the right internal jugular vein, bridging vein and coronary sinus in a patient with previously unrecognized persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) and diminutive right superior vena cava. A 61-year-old male patient was scheduled for mitral valve repair for regurgitation. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography revealed dilated coronary sinus, but no further evaluations were performed. During advancement of the PAC, right ventricular and pulmonary arterial pressure tracing was observed at 50 and 60 cm, respectively. Transesophageal echocardiography ruled out intracardiac knotting and revealed the presence of the PAC in the LSVC, entering the right ventricle from the coronary sinus. Diminutive right superior vena cava was observed after sternotomy. The PAC was left in place for 2 days postoperatively without any complications. This case emphasizes that the possibility of LSVC and associated anomalies should always be ruled out in patients with dilated coronary sinus.

Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava Detected Incidentally after Pulmonary Artery Catheterization / 대한구급학회지

We present a case of pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) placement through the right internal jugular vein, bridging vein and coronary sinus in a patient with previously unrecognized persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) and diminutive right superior vena cava. A 61-year-old male patient was scheduled for mitral valve repair for regurgitation. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography revealed dilated coronary sinus, but no further evaluations were performed. During advancement of the PAC, right ventricular and pulmonary arterial pressure tracing was observed at 50 and 60 cm, respectively. Transesophageal echocardiography ruled out intracardiac knotting and revealed the presence of the PAC in the LSVC, entering the right ventricle from the coronary sinus. Diminutive right superior vena cava was observed after sternotomy. The PAC was left in place for 2 days postoperatively without any complications. This case emphasizes that the possibility of LSVC and associated anomalies should always be ruled out in patients with dilated coronary sinus.

Efficacy of Goal-Directed Therapy Using Bioreactance Cardiac Output Monitoring after Valvular Heart Surgery

PURPOSE: We compared the efficacy of postoperative hemodynamic goal-directed therapy (GDT) using a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) and bioreactance-based noninvasive cardiac output monitoring (NICOM) in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing valvular heart surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty eight patients were randomized into two groups of GDT with common goals to maintain a mean arterial pressure of 60-80 mm Hg and cardiac index > or =2 L/min/m2: the PAC group (n=29), based on pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and the NICOM group (n=29), based on changes in stroke volume index after passive leg raising. The primary efficacy variable was length of hospital stay. Secondary efficacy variables included resource utilization including vasopressor and inotropic requirement, fluid balance, and major morbidity endpoints. RESULTS: Patient characteristics and operative data were similar between the groups, except that significantly more patients underwent double valve replacement in the NICOM group. The lengths of hospital stay were not different between the two groups (12.2+/-4.8 days vs. 10.8+/-4.0 days, p=0.239). Numbers of patients requiring epinephrine (5 vs. 0, p=0.019) and ventilator care >24 h (6 vs. 1, p=0.044) were significantly higher in the PAC group. The PAC group also required significantly larger amounts of colloid (1652+/-519 mL vs. 11430+/-463 mL, p=0.004). CONCLUSION: NICOM-based postoperative hemodynamic GDT showed promising results in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing valvular heart surgery in terms of resource utilization.

Impacto en el diagnóstico y tratamiento del monitoreo hemodinámico con catéter de Swan Ganz en el paciente grave inestable / Impact of hemodynamic monitoring with Swan-Ganz catheter in the diagnosis and treatment in unstable seriously ill patients

FUNDAMENTO: el catéter de la arteria pulmonar o de Swan Ganz es un método técnico de diagnóstico y se desarrolla en los laboratorios de fisiología y hemodinámica, en el mismo se perfeccionó a punto de proporcionarle un recurso incuestionable para el control y seguimiento por el anestesiólogo en el período perioperatorio de pacientes de cirugía de alto riesgo. OBJETIVO: evaluar la repercusión del monitoreo hemodinámico invasivo con catéter de Swan Ganz. MÉTODO: se realizó un estudio prospectivo descriptivo en la sala de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Universitario Manuel Ascunce Domenech desde enero de 1992 a enero de 2014. Se estudió un universo de 500 pacientes, con edad comprendida entre 15 y 70 años y con diagnóstico de inestabilidad hemodinámica de origen cardiogénico 298 pacientes y no cardiogénico 202. RESULTADOS: su uso motivó cambios en el diagnóstico o adición de otro en 317 pacientes 63,4 %. En relación al tratamiento se realizaron cambios o modificaciones en 450 pacientes en total, lo que significó un 90 %. CONCLUSIONES: el uso racional y bien discutido del catéter de Swan Ganz resultó de suma utilidad para el manejo de pacientes graves con inestabilidad hemodinámica, lo que permitió una mejor interpretación de estados fisiopatológicos confusos y modalidades terapéuticas oportunas y de difícil decisión.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the repercussion of the invasive hemodynamic monitoring with Swan-Ganz catheter; to show the benefits and repercussions of its hemodynamic use in the diagnosis and treatment of unstable seriously ill patients in the first 72 hours of evolution. METHOD: a prospective, descriptive study was conducted in the Intensive Care room of the Manuel Ascunce Domenech Teaching Hospital from January, 1992 to January 2014. A universe of 500 patients aged 15-70 years old was studied; 298 of them were diagnosed with hemodynamic instability of a cardiogenic origin and 202 with hemodynamic instability of a non-cardiogenic origin. RESULTS: its use motivated changes in the diagnosis, or the addition of another diagnosis, in 317 patients 63, 4 %. Regarding the treatment, changes or modifications were made in a total of 450 patients, which represented a 90 %. CONCLUSIONS: the rational and well-discussed use of the Swan-Ganz catheter was very useful for the handling of very ill patients with hemodynamic instability difficult to handle. This allowed a better interpretation of confusing physiopathological conditions, as well as applying opportune therapeutic methods and of difficult decision.

Monitorização hemodinâmica em unidade de terapia intensiva: uma perspectiva do Brasil / Hemodynamic monitoring in the intensive care unit: a Brazilian perspective

Objetivo: No Brasil, não há dados sobre as preferências do intensivista em relação aos métodos de monitorização hemodinâmica. Este estudo procurou identificar os métodos utilizados por intensivistas nacionais, as variáveis hemodinâmicas por eles consideradas importantes, as diferenças regionais, as razões para escolha de um determinado método, o emprego de protocolos e treinamento continuado. Métodos: Intensivistas nacionais foram convidados a responder um questionário em formato eletrônico durante três eventos de medicina intensiva e, posteriormente, por meio do portal da Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, entre março e outubro de 2009. Foram pesquisados dados demográficos e aspectos relacionados às preferências do entrevistado em relação à monitorização hemodinâmica. Resultados: Responderam ao questionário 211 profissionais. Nos hospitais privados, foi evidenciada maior disponibilidade de recursos de monitorização hemodinâmica do que nas instituições públicas. O cateter de artéria pulmonar foi considerado o mais fidedigno por 56,9%, seguido do ecocardiograma, com 22,3%. O débito cardíaco foi considerado a variável mais importante. Outras variáveis também julgadas relevantes foram débito cardíaco, saturação de oxigênio venoso misto/saturação de oxigênio venoso central, pressão ...

Objective: In Brazil, there are no data on the preferences of intensivists regarding hemodynamic monitoring methods. The present study aimed to identify the methods used by national intensivists, the hemodynamic variables they consider important, the regional differences, the reasons for choosing a particular method, and the use of protocols and continued training. Methods: National intensivists were invited to answer an electronic questionnaire during three intensive care events and later, through the Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira portal, between March and October 2009. Demographic data and aspects related to the respondent preferences regarding hemodynamic monitoring were researched. Results: In total, 211 professionals answered the questionnaire. Private hospitals showed higher availability of resources for hemodynamic monitoring than did public institutions. The pulmonary artery catheter was considered the most trusted by 56.9% of the respondents, followed by echocardiograms, at 22.3%. Cardiac output was considered the most important variable. Other variables also considered relevant were mixed/central venous oxygen saturation, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, and right ventricular end-diastolic volume. Echocardiography was the most used method (64.5%), followed by pulmonary artery catheter (49.3%). Only half of respondents used treatment protocols, and 25% worked in continuing education programs in hemodynamic monitoring. ...

Severe tracheobronchial compression in a patient with Turner's syndrome undergoing repair of a complex aorto-subclavian aneurysm: Anesthesia perspectives.

We present a case of severe tracheobronchial compression from a complex aorto‑subclavian aneurysm in a patient with Turner’s syndrome undergoing open surgical repair. Significant airway compression is a challenging situation and requires careful preoperative preparation, maintenance of spontaneous breathing when possible, and consideration of having an alternative source of oxygenation and circulation established prior to induction of general anesthesia. Cardiopulmonary monitoring is essential for safe general anesthesia and diagnosis of unexpected intraoperative events.

Comparison between continuous non-invasive estimated cardiac output by pulse wave transit time and thermodilution method.

Aims and Objectives: Cardiac output (CO) measurement is essential for many therapeutic decisions in anesthesia and critical care. Most available non‑invasive CO measuring methods have an invasive component. We investigate “pulse wave transit time” (estimated continuous cardiac output [esCCO]) a method of CO measurement that has no invasive component to its use. Materials and Methods: After institutional ethical committee approval, 14 adult (21–85 years) patients undergoing surgery and requiring pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) for measuring CO, were included. Postoperatively CO readings were taken simultaneously with thermodilution (TD) via PAC and esCCO, whenever a change in CO was expected due to therapeutic interventions. Both monitoring methods were continued until patients’ discharge from the Intensive Care Unit and observer recording values using TD method was blinded to values measured by esCCO system. Results: Three hundred and one readings were obtained simultaneously from both methods. Correlation and concordance between the two methods was derived using Bland‑Altman analysis. Measured values showed significant correlation between esCCO and TD (r = 0.6, P < 0.001, 95% confidence limits of 0.51-0.68). Mean and (standard deviation) for bias and precision were 0.13 (2.27) L/min and 6.56 (2.19) L/min, respectively. The 95% confidence interval for bias was ‑ 4.32 to 4.58 L/min and for precision 2.27 to10.85 L/min. Conclusions: Although, esCCO is the only true non‑invasive continuous CO monitor available and even though its values change proportionately to TD method (gold standard) with the present degree of error its utility for clinical/therapeutic decision‑making is questionable.