Lesión carotídea arteriosclerótica en pacientes con cirugía coronaria / Carotid atherosclerotic lesion in patients with coronary surgery

Introducción: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares isquémicas constituyen la primera causa de muerte en el mundo desarrollado o en vías de serlo, por encima de las oncológicas, de los accidentes del tránsito y de las enfermedades vásculo-cerebrales. El diagnóstico temprano de una lesión coronaria permite lograr la prevención del ataque isquémico agudo, y realizar el tratamiento revascularizador oportuno con evaluación de riesgo quirúrgico, que permita obtener cifras de morbimortalidad aceptables. Objetivo: Describir las características ultrasonográficas de las arterias carotídeas como riesgo de accidente cerebro-vascular en pacientes con revascularización miocárdica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y longitudinal en 208 pacientes revascularizados del sector coronario, con estudio ultrasonográfico prequirúrgico de las arterias carotídeas como método predictivo de enfermedad vásculo-cerebral isquémica. Resultados: En 20 pacientes se presentaron síntomas cerebrales que se clasificaron en menores y mayores. Existió preponderancia de los menores y, entre ellos, de la agitación. Se evaluaron los factores de riesgo primarios y en las características de las placas ateroescleróticas se destacó el grado de irregularidad. Conclusiones: El estudio ultrasonográfico del árbol arterial carotídeo debe formar parte esencial del estudio predictivo del paciente que va a ser sometido a una revascularización coronaria(AU)

Introduction: Ischemic cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the developed world or in the process of becoming so, above oncological ones, traffic accidents and vascular-cerebral diseases. The early diagnosis of a coronary lesion allows to achieve the prevention of acute ischemic attack, and to perform the appropriate revascularization treatment with surgical risk assessment, which allows to obtain acceptable morbidity and mortality figures. Objective: To describe the ultrasonographic characteristics of carotid arteries as a risk of stroke in patients with myocardial revascularization. Methods: An observational, descriptive and longitudinal study was conducted in 208 coronary sector´s revascularized patients, with pre-surgical ultrasonographic study of the carotid arteries as a predictive method of ischemic cerebral vascular disease. Results: In 20 patients there were brain symptoms that were classified into minor and major. There was a predominance of minors and, among them, of agitation. The primary risk factors were evaluated and the degree of irregularity was highlighted in the characteristics of the atherosclerotic plaques. Conclusions: The ultrasonographic study of the carotid arterial tree should be an essential part of the predictive study of the patient who is undergoing coronary revascularization(AU)

Viabilidade miocárdica na prática clínica / Assessing myocardial viability in clinical practice

Embora a avaliação da viabilidade miocárdica seja comum na prática do cardiologista, muitos médicos têm dúvidas a respeito dos resultados dos métodos diagnósticos. A medicina nuclear tem papel importante nos estudos de viabilidade, mas os laudos precisam ser interpretados num contexto clínico e fisiopatológico. Este artigo teve o objetivo de revisar a origem e a evolução do conceito da viabilidade miocárdica. São expostos os métodos diagnósticos com ênfase na medicina nuclear com uma explicação funcional sobre cada tipo de exame. A partir disso, são mostradas imagens como exemplos e é proposta uma maneira de atuar nesses casos baseada na clínica, na porcentagem de miocárdio acometido e na topografia das lesões coronarianas (proximais ou distais). (AU)

Although assessing myocardial viability is a common cardiology practice, many physicians question the results of diagnostic methods. Nuclear medicine plays an important role in viability studies, but the reports require interpretation in a clinical and pathophysiological context. this article was aimed at reviewing the origin and evolution of myocardial viability. Here we present diagnostic methods by emphasizing nuclear medicine and provide a functional explanation of each test type using example images. We also propose how to act in these cases based on clinic examination findings, the percentage of affected myocardium, and coronary lesion topography (proximal or distal).(AU)

Transfusion of Blood Products in the Postoperative of Cardiac Surgery

Abstract Background: The indiscriminate use of blood transfusion in surgery has been associated with increased risk of infection and increased length of hospital stay. Objective: To identify the average amount of bleeding and rates of transfusion of blood products in the postoperative period of patients undergoing cardiac surgery in a cardiology center. Methods: Medical records of patients who underwent myocardial revascularization surgery and/or heart valve replacement with use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were analyzed. Perioperative data such as CPB time, hematocrit and hemoglobin values were collected after surgery. The amount of bleeding (mL), blood transfusion (IU), clinical complications and time of hospitalization were also recorded. The correlation between bleeding in the postoperative period and blood transfusion was performed using the Spearman correlation. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 423 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (51.5%) or heart valve replacement (33.6%) were included. During the first 24 hours, the average bleeding volume was 353.3 ± 268.3 mL. Transfusion of blood products was required in 40.1% of cases, most frequently (70.6%) in the immediate postoperative period. Red blood cell concentrate was the most frequently used product (22.9% and 60%). Conclusion: The occurrence of bleeding in the cases was low, and when transfusion of blood components was indicated, red blood cell concentrates were the most widely used component. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Risk Score for Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Abstract Background Prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) after cardiac surgery imposes a significant burden on the patient in terms of morbidity and financial hospital costs. Objective To develop a risk score model to predict prolonged MV in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Methods This was a historical cohort study of 4165 adult patients undergoing CABG between January 1996 and December 2016. MV for periods ≥ 12 hours was considered prolonged. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between risk predictors and prolonged MV. The variables were scored according to the odds ratio. To build the risk score, the database was randomly divided into 2 parts: development data set (2/3) with 2746 patients and internal validation data set (1/3) with 1419 patients. The final score was validated in the total database and the model's accuracy was tested by performance statistics. Significance was established at p < 0.05. Results Prolonged MV was observed in 783 (18.8%) patients. Predictors of risk were age ≥ 65 years, urgent/emergency surgery, body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiopulmonary bypass time ≥ 120 minutes. The area under the ROC curve was 0.66 (95% CI, 0.64-0.68; p<0.001), the Hosmer-Lemeshow chi-square test was χ2: 3.38 (p=0.642), and Pearson's correlation was r = 0.99 (p<0.001), indicating the model's satisfactory ability to predict the occurrence of prolonged MV. Conclusion Selected variables allowed the construction of a simplified risk score for daily practice, which may classify the patients as having low, moderate, high, and very high risk. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0

Recurrencia clínica en pacientes con puentes secuenciales en cirugía de revascularización coronaria / Clinical recurrence in patients with sequential bridges in coronary artery bypass grafting

Resumen Objetivo: Comparar las tasas de recurrencia de revascularización coronaria (cirugía o intervención coronaria percutánea), nuevo evento isquémico o muerte en pacientes con puentes secuenciales y con puentes simples. Método: Cohortes ambispectivas de pacientes sometidos a cirugía de revascularización coronaria secuencial (n = 111) o simple (n = 145) entre el 1 de enero de 2013 y el 31 de diciembre de 2017. Pacientes mayores de 18 años en un primer procedimiento de revascularización, con circulación extracorpórea. Para el seguimiento se realizó revisión del expediente o comunicación telefónica hasta el 9 de febrero de 2019. Se investigaron los siguientes desenlaces: reintervención por isquemia coronaria, nuevo evento isquémico documentado o muerte atribuida a cardiopatía isquémica; también se obtuvieron curvas de sobrevida. Resultados: La proporción de recurrencia según la técnica quirúrgica no fue estadísticamente diferente: secuencial 6.5% (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 2.6-12.6%) contra simple 4.8% (IC95%: 2-9.7%; p = 0.60; análisis bayesiano BF10 = 0.37; evidencia moderada a no diferencia), todos por nuevo evento isquémico y un fallecimiento por grupo. No hubo diferencias en el tiempo de seguimiento: secuencial 59 meses (IC95%: 56-62) y simple 66 meses (IC95%: 64-68). No encontramos diferencia en las tasas de incidencia de recurrencia: secuencial 1.99 eventos/103 meses-paciente contra simple 1.47 (hazard ratio: 1.34; IC95%: 0.47-3.8; p = 0.58). El tiempo promedio de pinzamiento y de circulación extracorpórea por puente fue menor en el grupo de puentes combinados (41.44 minutos de circulación extracorpórea y 24.69 minutos de pinzamiento/puente) que en el de puentes simples (43 minutos en circulación extracorpórea y 26.4 minutos de pinzamiento/puente) cuando se ajusta al promedio de puentes colocados (simples 2.7 y secuencial 3.25; p < 0.001); sin embargo, no se encontró significancia estadística (p = 0.7). Conclusión: Ambos procedimientos tuvieron una baja incidencia de recurrencia de eventos clínicos, sin diferencias entre las técnicas quirúrgicas.

Abstract Objective: To compare the recurrence rates of revascularization (redo CABG or PCI), new ischemic event or death in patients with simple grafts and patients with sequential grafts. Method: Study design is an ambispective cohort of patients that underwent CABG by sequential grafting (n = 111) or simple grafting (n = 145) between January 1st, 2013 and December 31st, 2017. Patients had to be 18 years old at the time of surgery, undergoing their first on-pump CABG. The clinical record of every patient was carefully reviewed and patients who had incomplete follow-up in external consultation were contacted by telephone in order to obtain data about ischemia related reintervention (CABG or PCI), new documented ischemic event or death caused by coronary artery disease, Kaplan-Meier estimators were calculated. Results: The proportion of recurrence depending on technique was not statistically different: sequential (6.5% [CI95% 2.6-12.6%] versus simple 4.8% [CI95% 2-9.7%], p = 0.60, Bayesian analysis BF10 = 0.37; moderate evidence to no difference), each one related to new ischemic event and one death per group. There were no differences in follow-up time (sequential 59m [CI95% 56-62] simple 66m [CI95% 64-68]). No difference was found regarding recurrence incidence rates; sequential 1.99 events x 103 months-patient, versus simple 1.47 (HR=1.34; CI95% 0.47-3.8, p = 0.58). Pump and cross-clamping times were lower for sequential technique (41.44 min; 24.69 min respectively) versus simple technique (43 min; 26.4 min respectively) with a p = 0.7 after adjusting to mean grafts per surgery (2.7 simple; 3.25 sequential, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both techniques had a low incidence of clinical recurrence, without significant differences between procedures.

Beneficios perioperatorios por condicionamiento isquémico a distancia en la revascularización coronaria / Perioperative benefits of distant ischemic conditioning in coronary revascularization

Introducción: Una serie de breves periodos de isquemias a distancia pueden limitar el daño miocárdico producido por la isquemia/reperfusión. Objetivo: Analizar las diferencias entre los dos grupos (control y estudio) teniendo en cuanta el consumo de inotrópicos y/o vasopresores durante los períodos intra y posoperatorio, así como, incidencia de eventos adversos cardiacos mayores y mortalidad en el postoperatorio. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental, explicativo, comparativo con control histórico, en dos grupos de 247 pacientes, propuestos para revascularización coronaria. Se colocó un torniquete en el brazo derecho, en el grupo estudio, alternando 3 insuflaciones con 3 desinsuflaciones con una presión de 200 mmHg, manteniéndola 5 min cada una. Este proceder se realizó previo, durante y después del evento isquémico mayor, provocado por el pinzamiento de la arteria coronaria. Resultados: Se logró una disminución significativa del consumo de drogas inotrópicas y vasoactivas. Se comprobó además, la disminución en la incidencia de bajo gasto cardiaco reversible, fibrilación ventricular, nuevo infarto agudo de miocardio. Conclusiones: El condicionamiento isquémico a distancia es una importante herramienta a tener en cuenta para la protección cardiaca perioperatoria en la revascularización coronaria(AU)

Introduction: A series of brief distant ischemia periods can limit myocardial damage produced by ischemia or reperfusion. Objective: To analyze the differences between the two groups (control and study) taking into account the consumption of inotropics and/or vasopressors during the intraoperative and postoperative periods, as well as the incidence of major cardiac adverse events and mortality in the postoperative period. Methods: A quasiexperimental, explanatory and comparative study with historical control was conducted on two groups of 247 patients proposed for coronary revascularization. A tourniquet was placed to the right arm, in the study group, alternating three insufflations with three dessufflations with a pressure of 200 mmHg, keeping each for five minutes. This procedure was performed before, during and after the major ischemic event, caused by pinching of the coronary artery. Results: A significant decrease in the consumption of inotropic and vasoactive drugs was achieved. The decrease in the incidence of low reversible cardiac output, ventricular fibrillation, and new acute myocardial infarction was also proven. Conclusions: Distant ischemic conditioning is an important tool to be taken into account for perioperative cardiac protection in coronary revascularization(AU)

Procedimentos cardiovasculares híbridos / Hybrid cardiovascular procedures

O desenvolvimento das salas cirúrgicas híbridas permitiu que operações de abordagem cirúrgica convencional pudessem ser realizadas e complementadas com a abordagem percutânea e endovascular, criando uma nova forma de tratar os pacientes por meio de cirurgias híbridas. Os procedimentos híbridos permitem que cirurgiões e cardiologistas intervencionistas possam associar suas expertises para tratar, da melhor forma possível, os pacientes com doenças cada vez mais complexas e avançadas, com melhores resultados, reduzindo a morbidade e mortalidade perioperatória e permitindo recuperação mais rápida

The development of hybrid operating rooms allowed that conventional surgical approach operations could be performed and complemented with the percutaneous and endovascular approach, creating a new way of treating patients through hybrid surgeries. Hybrid procedures allow surgeons and interventional cardiologists to combine their expertise to best treat patients with increasingly complex and advanced diseases, with better outcomes, reducing perioperative morbidity and mortality and allowing faster recovery

Cirugía coronaria sin circulación extracorpórea: comparación con cirugía de revascularización miocárdica convencional con método Propensity Score Matching / Coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass: Propensity Score matched comparison with conventional surgery

INTRODUCCIÓN: La cirugía sin circulación extracorpórea (CEC) es una variante de la técnica convencional. Existe controversia sobre sus beneficios, seguridad y resultados a largo plazo. OBJETIVO: Describir resultados inmediatos y alejados (a 5 años) de cirugía sin CEC y compararlos a cirugía con CEC. MATERIALES y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo-analítico, con revisión de base de datos del equipo, protocolos quirúrgicos, fichas clínicas, seguimiento clínico y/o entrevista telefónica y en registro civil de pacientes operados entre enero de 2006 y diciembre de 2008. Total 658 cirugías coronarias aisladas, 466 (70,8%) con CEC y 192 (29,2%) sin CEC. Se realizó técnica de Propensity Score Matching para identificar grupos de pacientes similares y comparar resultados entre ambas técnicas. RECSULTADOS: Mortalidad operatoria en 1,0% en el grupo sin CEC y 2,1% en el grupo con CEC (p = 0,411). En seguimiento alejado: Supervivencia a 1, 3 y 5 años de 97,4%, 95,3% y 92,2% respectivamente sin CEC vs 97,9%, 96,3% y 92,7% respectivamente con CEC (p = 0,824). Mayor-Adverse-Cardiac-and-Cerebrovascular-Events (MACCE) 28 (17,3%) sin CEC vs 26 (16,0%) (p = 0,71). Infarto agudo al miocardio (IAM) 3 (1,9%) sin CEC vs 6 (3,7%) (p = 0,33), accidente vascular encefálico (AVE) 6 (3,7%) sin CEC vs 3 (1,9%) (p = 0,3) y reintervención 4 (2,5%) sin CEC vs 3 (1,9%) (p = 0,703). Recurrencia de angina 9 (5,6%) sin CEC vs 10 (6,2%) (p = 0,813). CONCLUSIONES: En nuestra serie de paciente ambas técnicas fueron comparables en resultados inmediatos y alejados.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) without extracorporeal circulation (off pump) is a technical alternative to conventional surgery. There is ongoing controversy about its benefits, safety and results. AIM: To describe immediate and late results of off pump CABG and compare it with conventional surgery. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Descriptive-analytic, study with review of surgical protocols, clinical charts, civil registry for survival and telephonic follow up of patient who underwent CABG in our center between January 2006 and December 2008. In total 658 isolated CABG cases, 466 (70.8%) on pump and 192 (29.2%) off pump. A Propensity Score Matching was used to match off pump CABG patients with those undergoing On Pump CABG. RESULTS: Mortality was 1.0% in off pump and 2.1% in on pump patients (p = 0.411). At follow up: 1.3 and 5 year survival was 97.4%, 95.3% and 92.2% respectively in off pump patients and 97.9%, 96.3% and 92.7% respectively in On Pump patients (p = 0.824). Mayor-adverse-Cardiac-and-Cerebrovascular-events (MACCE) in 28 (17.3%) off pump vs 26 (16.0%) (p = 0.71) on pump, myocardial infarction in 3 (1.9%) off pump vs 6 (3.7%) on pump (p = 0.33), stroke in 6 (3.7%) off pump vs 3 (1.9%) on pump (p = 0.3) and coronary reintervention in 4 (2.5%) off pump vs 3 (1.9%) on pump patients (p = 0.703). Recurrence of angina in 9 (5.6%) off pump vs 10 (6.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience both techniques had similar results.

Impact of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting on Muscle Mass Reduction on the 7th Postoperative Day

Ischemic heart failure is a chronic and degenerative disease with high morbidity and mortality in the world. Coronary artery bypass grafting is indicated as elective treatment and may cause a catabolic state that depletes energy reserves. Data on body composition evaluation in the postoperative period of major cardiac surgery are limited. Objective: To evaluate the influence of elective coronary artery bypass grafting on body composition on the seventh postoperative day of patients with ischemic heart failure. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in which eighteen volunteers with New York Heart Association Class II and III heart failure underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. The energy and protein reserves of the participants were evaluated by anthropometry in the preoperative and on the seventh postoperative day. Paired t-Test or Mann-Whitney test was used if applicable. A significance level was considered at p value < 0.05. Results: A significant loss of muscle mass was observed through the reduction of arm muscle circumference after surgery (4.2%, p 0.007). Major surgery causes hypermetabolic state and systemic inflammatory stimulus, due to the release of hormones and cytokines that may justify the observed loss of muscle mass. Conclusion: Coronary artery bypass grafting had an impact on muscle mass reduction seven days after surgery in patients with ischemic heart failure

Protección miocárdica por condicionamiento isquémico a distancia en la revascularización coronaria / Myocardial protection by ischemic remote conditioning in coronary revascularization

Introducción: Una serie de breves períodos de isquemias a distancia, previo al evento isquémico mayor, pueden limitar el daño miocárdico producido por la isquemia/reperfusión. Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad del condicionamiento isquémico a distancia, en pacientes programados para procedimientos quirúrgicos de revascularización coronaria. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental, explicativo, comparativo con control histórico, en dos grupos de 247 pacientes, propuestos para revascularización coronaria. Se colocó un torniquete en el brazo derecho, en el grupo estudio, alternando 3 insuflaciones con 3 desinsuflaciones con una presión de 200 mmHg, manteniéndola 5 min cada una. Este proceder se realizó previo, durante y después del evento isquémico mayor, provocado por el pinzamiento de la arteria coronaria. Resultados: Se logró una disminución significativa de los parámetros enzimáticos. No se encontraron diferencias significativas (p>0,05) según un conjunto de variables que representan el estado inicial de los pacientes(AU)

Introduction: A series of short periods of distant ischemia, prior to the major ischemic event, can limit the myocardial damage produced by ischemia or reperfusion. Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of remote ischemic conditioning in patients scheduled for surgical procedures of coronary revascularization. Methods: A quasi-experimental, explanatory, comparative study with historical control was conducted in two groups of 247 patients proposed for coronary revascularization. A tourniquet was placed in the right arm in the study group, alternating 3 insufflations with 3 dessufflations with a pressure of 200 mmHg, keeping each for 5 minutes. This procedure was performed before, during and after the major ischemic event, caused by the impingement of the coronary artery. Results: A significant decrease in enzymatic parameters was achieved. No significant differences were found (p>0.05) according to a set of variables that represent the initial state of the patients(AU)

Critical analysis of the classic indications for myocardial revascularization

SUMMARY Treatment of stable coronary artery disease (CAD) relies on improved prognosis and relief of symptoms. National and international guidelines on CAD support the indication of revascularization in patients with limiting symptoms and refractory to optimal medical treatment, as well as in clinical situations where there is a prognostic benefit of interventional treatment. Most of the studies that support the guidelines for indication of revascularization date back to the 1980s and1990s of the last century. Recent studies have revisited the theme and brought a new breath. The present review provides a critical analysis of classic indications for revascularization, reviewing evidence from the studies of the 1970s to the recent controversial ORBITA study.

RESUMO O tratamento da doença arterial coronariana estável (DAC) se baseia na melhora do prognóstico e alívio de sintomas. Diretrizes nacionais e internacionais sobre a DAC respaldam a indicação de revascularização em pacientes com sintomas limitantes e refratários ao tratamento medicamentoso, bem como em situações clínicas nas quais há benefício prognóstico do tratamento intervencionista. Grande parte dos estudos que norteiam as diretrizes de indicação de revascularização data das décadas de 1980 e 1990. Estudos recentes têm revisitado o tema e trazido novo fôlego. A presente revisão faz uma análise crítica das indicações clássicas de revascularização, revisando a evidência desde os estudos da década de 1970 ao recente e polêmico estudo Orbita.

Behavior of pulmonary function after discharge in patients submitted to myocardial revascularization / Comportamento da função pulmonar após a alta em pacientes submetidos à revascularização do miocárdio

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a type of surgery where there is a compromise in one or more coronary arteries, with the objective of restoring function to the areas that have been compromised in the heart, possibly leading to respiratory compromise and postoperative complications. The return time of the pulmonary function to the preoperative condition is still indeterminate in the literature. Objective: To describe the behavior of pulmonary function after hospital discharge in patients submitted to CABG. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study. Only patients undergoing MRI, whose lung function was evaluated preoperatively, at hospital discharge and 30 days after surgery, were evaluated. This evaluation consisted of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and expiratory (MEP), vital capacity (VC) and expiratory flow peak (EFP). Results: A total of 30 patients were evaluated, of which 18 (60%) were males, mean age 62 ± 9 years. A reduction in lung function from preoperative time to hospital discharge was observed in all variables. There was improvement in MIP (88 ± 9 vs 109 ± 5, p < 0.001), MEP (67 ± 10 for 90 ± 8, p < 0.001) and EFP (310 ± 59 for 390 ± 32, p < 0.001), high for review. At the time of the review, no variables returned to their preoperative value: MIP (116 ± 5 for 109 ± 5, p = 0.43), MEP (111 ± 8 for 90 ± 8, p < 0.001), VC (45 ± 12 for 39 ± 7, p = 0.33) and EFP (430 ± 40 for 390 ± 32, p < 0.001). Conclusion: It is concluded that MRI surgery reduces lung function and is not reestablished after 30 days of the procedure. Being the expiratory muscular force and the peak of expiratory flow the most affected

Correlação entre aterosclerose carotídea e disfunção ventricular esquerda ao ecocardiograma / Correlation between carotid atherosclerosis and left ventricular dysfunction at echocardiography

As doenças cardiovasculares são a maior causa de morbimortalidade no mundo. A prevenção primária, por meio do diagnóstico precoce, é necessária para possibilitar o tratamento adequado e controlar a evolução da doença, reduzindo a mortalidade e os gastos em saúde pública. Correlacionar aterosclerose em artéria carótida (avaliada pelo Eco Doppler) e disfunção ventricular esquerda (avaliada pelo ecocardiograma), além de correlacionar tais achados com o risco cardiovascular dos pacientes estudados. Método: Foram analisados 286 prontuários de pacientes que realizaram os exames Eco Doppler carotídeo e ecocardiograma transtorácico. Os dados analisados foram: presença de placa aterosclerótica e grau de estenose, fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo e presença de alterações contráteis difusas ou segmentares do ventrículo esquerdo. Resultados: Dos 238 laudos de Eco Doppler carotídeo, 18 tinham estenose maior que 70% em artéria carótida e 14 destes apresentavam alteração contrátil do ventrículo esquerdo (p = 0,045). Dos pacientes que tinham risco cardiovascular muito alto, 61 apresentavam estenose em artéria carótida (p < 0,001); 51 pacientes com risco cardiovascular muito alto apresentavam alteração contrátil (p < 0,001). Dos 266 laudos de ecocardiograma, 37 registravam fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo reduzida. Desses, 25 tinham risco cardiovascular muito alto (p < 0,001). Conclusão: Houve relação positiva entre estenose de artéria carótida, redução da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo e alteração contrátil do ventrículo esquerdo (difusa ou segmentar) com risco cardiovascular muito alto. Também foi possível correlacionar a estenose carotídea com alteração contrátil, apesar deste estudo não demonstrar correlação entre estenose carotídea e redução da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Primary prevention, through early diagnosis, is necessary to enable proper treatment and control disease progression, reducing mortality and public health expenditures. Objective: Correlate carotid artery atherosclerosis (evaluated by Doppler echocardiography) and left ventricular dysfunction (evaluated by echocardiography) and to correlate the findings with the patients' cardiovascular risk. Method: A total of 286 medical records of patients who underwent carotid Doppler echocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography were analyzed. The data analyzed were: presence of atherosclerotic plaque and degree of stenosis, left ventricular ejection fraction and presence of diffuse or segmental left ventricular contractile disorders. Results: Of the 238 reports of carotid Doppler echocardiography, 18 had stenosis greater than 70% in the carotid artery and 14 of those had left ventricular contractile disorders (p = 0.045). Of the patients with very high cardiovascular risk, 61 had carotid artery stenosis (p < 0.001); 51 patients with very high cardiovascular risk had contractile disorders (p < 0.001). Of the 266 echocardiography reports, 37 had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Of these, 25 had very high cardiovascular risk (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There was a positive relationship between carotid artery stenosis, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular (diffuse or segmental) contractile disorder with very high cardiovascular risk. It was also possible to correlate carotid stenosis with contractile disorder, although this study did not demonstrate any correlation between carotid stenosis and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction

Impact of complications of myocardial revascularization surgery on expenses during Hospital Stay / Impacto das complicações da cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio nas despesas durante internação hospitalar

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an important treatment option for obstructive coronary artery disease, but it represents a high expense for paying sources.The complications of CABG impose an additional expense to the procedure that is not yet clearly established. Objective: To determine the economic impact of postoperative complications of CABG during hospitalization in a hospital of the unified health system (SUS). Methods: This is an observational study involving 240 patients undergoing isolated CABG in a reference hospital in cardiology in 2013. Patients aged over 30 years with proven coronary artery disease and indication to perform CRVM were included. Patients who performed CRVM associated with other procedures were excluded. Results: The average cost of hospitalization was R$ 22,647.24 (SD = R$ 28,105.66). In 97 patients who presented some complication the average cost was R$ 35,400.28 (SD = R$ 40,509.47), and in the 143 patients without complications the average cost was R$ 13,996.57 (SD = R$ 5,800.61) (p < 0.001). Expenditures ranged from R$ 17,344.37 in patients with one complication up to R$ 104,596.52 in patients with five complications (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The occurrence of complications during hospitalization for CABG dignificantly increases the costs of the procedure, but the magnitude of this increase depends on the type of complication developed, and higher expenses related to cardiovascular complications, infections and bleeding. With this information, managers can improve the allocation of resources to health

Comparações e correlações da intensidade da dor e da força muscular periférica e respiratória no pré e pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca / Comparisons and correlations of pain intensity and respiratory and peripheral muscle strength in the pre- and postoperative periods of cardiac surgery

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a força da musculatura respiratória e periférica após cirurgia cardíaca, e comparar as modificações nestas variáveis no terceiro e no sexto dias pós-operatórios. Métodos: Recrutaram-se 46 pacientes, dos quais 29 eram homens, com média de idade de 60,50 anos (DP = 9,20). Foram submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio 36 pacientes, cinco pacientes foram submetidos à substituição de válvula aórtica, e outros cinco à substituição da válvula mitral. Resultados: Observaram-se redução significante da força da musculatura respiratória e periférica, e significante aumento da intensidade da dor no terceiro e no sexto dias pós-operatórios (p < 0,05), exceto para a variável pressão inspiratória máxima. No sexto dia pós-operatório, os valores da pressão inspiratória máxima já tinham nível similar aos do período pré-operatório e aos valores previstos (p > 0,05). Ocorreu associação entre a força da musculatura periférica, especificamente entre a pressão expiratória máxima no pré-operatório (rs = 0,383; p = 0,009), no terceiro dia pós-operatório (rs = 0,468; p = 0,001) e no sexto dia pós-operatório (rs = 0,311; p = 0,037). Os tamanhos de efeitos foram coerentes em nível moderado à grande para força muscular respiratória, escores segundo a escala Medical Research Council e a Escala Visual Analógica, em particular entre a avaliação pré-operatória e a do sexto dia pós-operatório. Conclusão: Após cirurgia cardíaca, ocorre diminuição da força muscular respiratória e periférica. Além disto, a pressão expiratória máxima é a variável mais associada com a força muscular periférica. Essas variáveis, especialmente a força muscular respiratória e periférica, devem ser consideradas pelos profissionais que atuam no ambiente de terapia intensiva.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate respiratory and peripheral muscle strength after cardiac surgery. Additionally, we compared the changes in these variables on the third and sixth postoperative days. Methods: Forty-six patients were recruited, including 17 women and 29 men, with a mean age of 60.50 years (SD = 9.20). Myocardial revascularization surgery was performed in 36 patients, replacement of the aortic valve in 5 patients, and replacement of the mitral valve in 5 patients. Results: A significant reduction in respiratory and peripheral muscle strength and a significant increase in pain intensity were observed on the third and sixth postoperative days (p < 0.05), except for the variable maximal inspiratory pressure; on the sixth postoperative day, maximal inspiratory pressure values were already similar to the preoperative and predicted values (p > 0.05). There was an association between peripheral muscle strength, specifically between maximal expiratory pressure preoperatively (rs = 0.383; p = 0.009), on the third postoperative day (rs = 0.468; p = 0.001) and on the sixth postoperative day (rs = 0.311; p = 0.037). The effect sizes were consistently moderate-to-large for respiratory muscle strength, the Medical Research Council scale and the visual analog scale, in particular between preoperative assessment and the sixth postoperative day. Conclusion: There is a decrease in respiratory and peripheral muscle strength after cardiac surgery. In addition, maximal expiratory pressure is the variable that is most associated with peripheral muscle strength. These variables, especially respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, should be considered by professionals working in the intensive care setting.

Does moderate coronary stenosis affect the fate of the left internal thoracic artery graft?

Abstract Introduction: In this study we try to observe the fate of the left internal thoracic artery grafts that were bypassed to left anterior descending artery with moderate stenosis identified with fractional flow reserve (FFR) technique. Doppler ultrasonography was chosen as a noninvasive screening method. Methods: A total of 30 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting depending on results of the fractional flow reserve between January 2007 and January 2012, were subjected to transthoracic color Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation irrespective of the presence of symptoms, and the presence of a systolic-diastolic flow pattern was investigated using the supraclavicular approach. Results: The left internal thoracic artery graft was found to be functional in 63.3% of patients within a mean period of 35.1±19.7 months between coronary bypass and color Doppler ultrasonography. This period was found to be 29.4±19.6 months in the functional graft group, and 44.7±16.6 months in the dysfunctional graft group (P=0.046). Preoperative complaints of angina were reported to fall from 88.9% to 16.7% in the functional graft group, when compared to the postoperative period (P<0.001), but fell from 90.9% to 36.4% in the dysfunctional graft group (P=0.034). Conclusion: Functional left internal thoracic artery graft rates of the study population were found to be lower than the studies reported in the literature.