Axillary artery in cardiopulmonary bypass: indications and results.

OBJECTIVES: To determine indications and results of axillary artery cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: From January 2005 through December 2008, axillary artery cannulation was used in 48 patients. Mean age was 62 +/- 11 years and 33 (69%) patients were males. Axillary artery was approached by infraclavicular incision and the cannula introduced in a 8 millimeter Dacron side graft. RESULTS: Indications were calcified aorta (N=18, 38%), aortic dissection (N=15, 31%), ascending and/or aortic arch aneurysm (N=11, 23%) and prior to reoperative median sternotomy (N=4, 8%). Changes in intraoperative planning occurred most often in patients with calcified aorta (100% versus 10%, P<0.0001) than in patients with other indications, which follow their preoperative plan. Cardiopulmonary bypass (deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in 55% and conventional in the remaining) was uneventfully conducted in all patients but one (success rate 98%) due to undiagnosed inominate artery stenosis. Local complication was lymphatic drainage in three (6.2%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Axillary artery is an alternative cannulation site in patients unsuitable to aortic cannulation. The type of indication may determine intraoperative changes in surgical planning.

Results of the establishment of an organizational model in a cardiovascular surgery service.

OBJECTIVE: Increasing complexity of patients referred to cardiac surgery demands more effective heart centers, in order to maintain the same quality. The aim of this study is to examine the short-term effect of adoption of an organizational model on surgical outcomes. METHODS: From January 2006 to June 2007, 367 consecutive adult patients underwent cardiovascular surgery. Pre-, intra- and postoperative data were prospectively collected and transferred to an institutional database. Organizational model was established in August 2006, and based on integrated multiprofessional team work patient-centered, evidence-based medicine with standardized patient care and personal conflict management. The outcomes studied were hospital mortality and combined adverse events (death, stroke, acute myocardial infarction and acute renal failure), by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: After establishment of such model, there was reduction of hospital mortality (from 12% to 3.6%, relative risk= 0.3; P=0.003) and combined events (from 22% to 15%, relative risk=0.68; P=0.11). Operations performed previously to the model were independently associated with higher mortality (OR=2.5; P=0.04), adjusted to preoperative characteristics and Euroscore risk stratification system. Other predictors of mortality were age > 65 years (OR=6.36; 95%CI 2.57 - 17.21; P<0.0001) and cardiopulmonary bypass time > 145 minutes (OR=8.57; 95%CI 3.55 - 21.99; P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Marked improvements in surgical outcomes depend on development of cardiac surgery centers based on organizational models similar to the model proposed in this study.

Artéria axilar na instalação de circulação extracorpórea: indicações e resultados / Axillary artery in cardiopulmonary bypass: indications and results

OBJETIVO: Estudar as indicações e os resultados da artéria axilar na instalação de circulação extracorpórea. MÉTODOS: Entre janeiro de 2005 e dezembro de 2008, a artéria axilar foi utilizada em 48 pacientes submetidos a cirurgia cardiovascular. A idade média foi 62 ± 11 anos e 33 (69 por cento) pacientes eram do sexo masculino. A artéria axilar foi abordada por incisão infraclavicular e a cânula introduzida no tubo de Dacron de 8 milímetros suturado nos bordos da artéria. RESULTADOS: As indicações foram calcificação da aorta (N=18, 38 por cento), dissecção da aorta (N=15, 31 por cento), aneurisma da aorta ascendente e/ou arco aórtico (N=11, 23 por cento) e prévio a reesternotomia (N=4, 8 por cento). A presença de calcificação da aorta levou mais frequentemente à mudança de tática intra-operatória do que as outras indicações (100 por cento versus 10 por cento, P<0,0001) que seguiram o planejamento cirúrgico pré-operatório. A condução da circulação extracorpórea (parada circulatória total em 55 por cento e convencional no restante) transcorreu sem problemas em todos os casos, exceto um (taxa de sucesso de 98 por cento) em decorrência de estenose do tronco braquiocefálico não diagnosticada previamente. Complicação local se limitou a linfocele em três (6,2 por cento) pacientes. CONCLUSÕES: A artéria axilar é uma alternativa à impossibilidade de canulação da aorta ascendente na instalação de circulação extracorpórea. O tipo de indicação do uso da artéria axilar pode determinar mudanças intra-operatórias do planejamento cirúrgico

OBJECTIVES: To determine indications and results of axillary artery cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: From January 2005 through December 2008, axillary artery cannulation was used in 48 patients. Mean age was 62 ± 11 years and 33 (69 percent) patients were males. Axillary artery was approached by infraclavicular incision and the cannula introduced in a 8 millimeter Dacron side graft. RESULTS: Indications were calcified aorta (N=18, 38 percent), aortic dissection (N=15, 31 percent), ascending and/or aortic arch aneurysm (N=11, 23 percent) and prior to reoperative median sternotomy (N=4, 8 percent). Changes in intraoperative planning occurred most often in patients with calcified aorta (100 percent versus 10 percent, P<0.0001) than in patients with other indications, which follow their preoperative plan. Cardiopulmonary bypass (deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in 55 percent and conventional in the remaining) was uneventfully conducted in all patients but one (success rate 98 percent) due to undiagnosed inominate artery stenosis. Local complication was lymphatic drainage in three (6.2 percent) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Axillary artery is an alternative cannulation site in patients unsuitable to aortic cannulation. The type of indication may determine intraoperative changes in surgical planning

Resultados da implementação de modelo organizacional de um serviço de cirurgia cardiovascular / Results of the establishment of an organizational model in a cardiovascular surgery service

OBJETIVO: A crescente complexidade de pacientes encaminhados a cirurgia cardíaca exige maior eficiência dos serviços que prestam assistência, no sentido de manter a mesma qualidade. O objetivo é examinar o impacto, em curto prazo, da adoção de um modelo organizacional nos resultados cirúrgicos. MÉTODOS: No período entre janeiro de 2006 a junho de 2007, 367 pacientes adultos consecutivos foram submetidos à cirurgia cardiovascular. Os dados pré, intra e pós-operatórios foram colhidos prospectivamente e armazenados em um banco de dados institucional. Modelo organizacional foi implementado em agosto de 2006 e se baseou em trabalho multiprofissional integrado centralizado no paciente, medicina baseada em evidências com condutas padronizadas e resolução de conflitos interpessoais. Os desfechos estudados foram mortalidade hospitalar e eventos combinados (óbito, acidente vascular cerebral, infarto agudo do miocárdio e insuficiência renal aguda), por meio de regressão logística multivariada. RESULTADOS: Após a adoção do modelo, houve redução da mortalidade hospitalar (de 12 por cento para 3,6 por cento, risco relativo= 0,3; P=0,003) e de eventos combinados (de 22 por cento para 15 por cento, risco relativo= 0,68; P=0,11). Operações realizadas anteriormente à implementação do modelo estiveram associadas independentemente com maior mortalidade (OR=2,5; P=0,04), ajustada para características préoperatórias e complexidade pelo EuroSCORE. Outros preditores de mortalidade foram idade > 65 anos (OR=6,36; IC95 por cento 2,57 - 17,21; P<0,0001) e o tempo de circulação extracorpórea > 145 minutos (OR=8,57; IC95 por cento 3,55 - 21,99; P<0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: A rápida melhora dos resultados cirúrgicos depende da composição de serviços de cirurgia cardíaca embasados em modelos organizacionais semelhantes ao proposto.

OBJECTIVE: Increasing complexity of patients referred to cardiac surgery demands more effective heart centers, in order to maintain the same quality. The aim of this study is to examine the short-term effect of adoption of an organizational model on surgical outcomes. METHODS: From January 2006 to June 2007, 367 consecutive adult patients underwent cardiovascular surgery. Pre-, intra- and postoperative data were prospectively collected and transferred to an institutional database. Organizational model was established in August 2006, and based on integrated multiprofessional team work patient-centered, evidence-based medicine with standardized patient care and personal conflict management. The outcomes studied were hospital mortality and combined adverse events (death, stroke, acute myocardial infarction and acute renal failure), by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: After establishment of such model, there was reduction of hospital mortality (from 12 percent to 3.6 percent, relative risk= 0.3; P=0.003) and combined events (from 22 percent to 15 percent, relative risk=0.68; P=0.11). Operations performed previously to the model were independently associated with higher mortality (OR=2.5; P=0.04), adjusted to preoperative characteristics and Euroscore risk stratification system. Other predictors of mortality were age > 65 years (OR=6.36; 95 percentCI 2.57 - 17.21; P<0.0001) and cardiopulmonary bypass time > 145 minutes (OR=8.57; 95 percentCI 3.55 - 21.99; P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Marked improvements in surgical outcomes depend on development of cardiac surgery centers based on organizational models similar to the model proposed in this study.

Recurrent ventricular arrhythmia after coronary artery bypass grafting treated with radiofrequency catheter ablation.

A 63-year-old diabetic woman was emergently submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting in the setting of acute myocardial infarction. Recurrent, drug-refractory episodes of ventricular arrhythmia occurred for 2 weeks postoperatively, despite no documentation of ongoing myocardial ischemia and optimum medical treatment. Ventricular arrhythmia was initiated by premature ventricular contractions originating from the Purkinje system within the infarct border zone. Radiofrequency catheter ablation was performed at sites where Purkinje potentials were recorded, leading to arrhythmia cessation. A week later, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator was inserted and she was discharged home a few days later. At 15-month follow-up, there were no further episodes of arrhythmia and ventricular function had improved.

Involução de artérias colaterais aneurismáticas após a correção da coarctação da aorta / Involution of aneurysmal collateral arteries after correction of aortic coarctation

Paciente de 47 anos de idade, com diagnóstico de coarctação da aorta, foi submetido ao implante de tubo extra-anatômico por toracotomia esquerda. Dez anos após o procedimento, o paciente retorna com hipertensão arterial de difícil controle relacionada a coarctação da aorta residual, obstrução do tubo e múltiplos aneurismas de artérias colaterais entre a artéria subclávia e a aorta. O paciente foi submetido então a correção extra-anatômica entre a aorta ascendente e a descendente por esternotomia mediana, com auxílio de circulação extracorpórea convencional. Sua recuperação pós-operatória foi boa, e houve involução completa de todas as artérias colaterais aneurismáticas após a operação.

A 47 year-old man with aortic coarctation had undergone extra-anatomic bypass through a left thoracotomy. He presented 10 years later with uncontrolled arterial hypertension due to residual aortic coarctation, graft obstruction and multiple collateral artery aneurysms between the subclavian artery and the aorta. He underwent extra-anatomic correction between the ascending aorta to descending aorta through a median sternotomy with the aid of conventional cardiopulmonary bypass. His postoperative recovery was unremarkable, and there was complete involution of all aneurysmal collateral arteries after the operation.

Use of centrifugal pump and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as cardiopulmonary support in pediatric cardiovascular surgery.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a well-documented resuscitation method in patients with severe hemodynamic and/or respiratory impairment. OBJECTIVE: To describe several aspects related to the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a pediatric heart center and determine its immediate and late outcomes. METHODS: Between October 2005 and January 2007, 10 patients who were submitted to pediatric cardiac surgery underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation implant. Median age was 58.5 days (40% neonates) and median body weight was 3.9 kg. Circulatory assistance was initiated aiming at the recovery and the weaning protocols followed daily clinical and echocardiographic criteria. Support was discontinued when transplant was contraindicated, when the patient was unable to recover or when survival was considered to be limited by a multidisciplinary team. RESULTS: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was employed after corrective or palliative heart surgery in 80% and preoperatively in the remaining ones. It was most often indicated for irresponsive hemodynamic instability (40%), post-cardiotomy shock (20%) and post-cardiac arrest (20%). The mean duration on support was 58 +/- 37 hours. Weaning was successfully in 50% of the cases and 30% were discharged home. Actuarial survival was 40%, 30% and 20% at 30 days, 3 months and 24 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an effective and useful tool for the resuscitation of patients presenting severe hemodynamic and/or respiratory failure in the perioperative period of pediatric cardiovascular surgery.

Emprego do suporte cardiopulmonar com bomba centrífuga e oxigenador de membrana em cirurgia cardiovascular pediátrica / Use of centrifugal pump and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as cardiopulmonary support in pediatric cardiovascular surgery

FUNDAMENTO: O suporte cardiopulmonar com oxigenador de membrana é um método de ressuscitação de distúrbios hemodinâmicos, pulmonares ou ambos, consagrado em centros internacionais. OBJETIVOS: Descrever diversos aspectos relacionados ao suporte cardiopulmonar com oxigenador de membrana em um serviço de cirurgia cardiovascular nacional e determinar seus resultados imediatos e tardios. MÉTODOS: Entre outubro de 2005 e janeiro de 2007, 10 pacientes foram submetidos a suporte circulatório e/ou respiratório em candidatos ou submetidos a cirurgia cardiovascular pediátrica, com idade mediana de 58,5 dias (40 por cento de neonatos) e peso mediano de 3,9 kg. O suporte foi mantido com a intenção de recuperação e desmame, de acordo com critérios clínicos e ecocardiográficos diários. O suporte foi descontinuado nos pacientes sem indicação de transplante, com incapacidade de recuperação e com sobrevida limitada, de acordo com julgamento multidisciplinar. RESULTADOS: O suporte circulatório foi utilizado no pós-operatório de operações corretivas ou paliativas em 80 por cento e no pré-operatório no restante. Instabilidade hemodinâmica grave irresponsiva (40 por cento), falência miocárdica na saída de circulação extracorpórea (20 por cento) e parada cardíaca no pós-operatório (20 por cento) foram as indicações mais freqüentes. O tempo médio de permanência em suporte circulatório foi de 58 ± 37 horas. O suporte foi retirado com sucesso em 50 por cento e 30 por cento obtiveram alta hospitalar. A sobrevida atuarial foi de 40 por cento, 30 por cento e 20 por cento aos 30 dias, 3 meses e 24 meses, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: O suporte cardiopulmonar com oxigenador de membrana foi um método eficaz e útil na ressuscitação de distúrbios cardiovasculares e pulmonares graves no perioperatório de cirurgia cardiovascular pediátrica.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a well-documented resuscitation method in patients with severe hemodynamic and/or respiratory impairment. OBJECTIVE: To describe several aspects related to the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a pediatric heart center and determine its immediate and late outcomes. METHODS: Between October 2005 and January 2007, 10 patients who were submitted to pediatric cardiac surgery underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation implant. Median age was 58.5 days (40 percent neonates) and median body weight was 3.9 kg. Circulatory assistance was initiated aiming at the recovery and the weaning protocols followed daily clinical and echocardiographic criteria. Support was discontinued when transplant was contraindicated, when the patient was unable to recover or when survival was considered to be limited by a multidisciplinary team. RESULTS: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was employed after corrective or palliative heart surgery in 80 percent and preoperatively in the remaining ones. It was most often indicated for irresponsive hemodynamic instability (40 percent), post-cardiotomy shock (20 percent) and post-cardiac arrest (20 percent). The mean duration on support was 58 ± 37 hours. Weaning was successfully in 50 percent of the cases and 30 percent were discharged home. Actuarial survival was 40 percent, 30 percent and 20 percent at 30 days, 3 months and 24 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an effective and useful tool for the resuscitation of patients presenting severe hemodynamic and/or respiratory failure in the perioperative period of pediatric cardiovascular surgery.

Involution of aneurysmal collateral arteries after correction of aortic coarctation.

A 47 year-old man with aortic coarctation had undergone extra-anatomic bypass through a left thoracotomy. He presented 10 years later with uncontrolled arterial hypertension due to residual aortic coarctation, graft obstruction and multiple collateral artery aneurysms between the subclavian artery and the aorta. He underwent extra-anatomic correction between the ascending aorta to descending aorta through a median sternotomy with the aid of conventional cardiopulmonary bypass. His postoperative recovery was unremarkable, and there was complete involution of all aneurysmal collateral arteries after the operation.

Combined complex open heart surgery and infra-renal aortic aneurysm repair.

The optimal management of patients with combined ischemic and/or valvular heart disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm is still a matter of debate. A 60-year-old woman presented with a large infra-renal aortic aneurysm. Preoperative workup revealed ischemic cardiomyopathy and aortic regurgitation. She was submitted to one-stage aneurysm repair and complex heart surgery. Postoperatively, she developed mediastinal bleeding, transient renal dysfunction, pulmonary edema and superficial wound infection. She was discharged home about a month later without residual problems.