Transesophageal echocardiography probe induced recurrent VF in a child with severe RV dysfunction: Report of a rare case.

The safety of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probes has been documented in pediatric patients (neonates, infants, and small children even < 2.5 kg). The overall safety profile of TEE probe is quite favorable with a reported incidence of complications of 1%-3%. However, insertion of the TEE probe can induce vagal and sympathetic reflexes such as hypertension or hypotension, nonsustained ventricular and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, or bradyarrhythmias (third degree heart block), and even angina and myocardial infarction. We hereby document a repeated intraoperative ventricular fibrillation precipitated by TEE probe in a 2-year-old, 10 kg pediatric patient diagnosed with ostium secundum-atrial septal defect, supravalvular pulmonary stenosis, and severe right ventricular dysfunction. The international review board approval or waiver and clinical trial registrations are not applicable for this case report publication.

Vasoplegic syndrome after cardiovascular surgery: A review of pathophysiology and outcome-oriented therapeutic management.

BACKGROUND: Vasoplegic syndrome (VPS) is defined as systemic hypotension due to profound vasodilatation and loss of systemic vascular resistance (SVR), despite normal or increased cardiac index, and characterized by inadequate response to standard doses of vasopressors, and increased morbidity and mortality. It occurs in 9%-44% of cardiac surgery patients after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The underlying pathophysiology following CPB consists of resistance to vasopressors (inactivation of Ca2+ voltage gated channels) on the one hand and excessive activation of vasodilators (SIRS, iNOS, and low AVP) on the other. Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I), calcium channel blockers, amiodarone, heparin, low cardiac reserve (EF < 35%), symptomatic congestive heart failure, and diabetes mellitus are the perioperative risk factors for VPS after cardiac surgery in adults. Till date, there is no consensus about the outcome-oriented therapeutic management of VPS. Vasopressors such as norepinephrine (NE; 0.025-0.2 µg/kg/min) and vasopressin (0.06 U/min or 6 U/h median dose) are the first choice for the treatment. The adjuvant therapy (hydrocortisone, calcium, vitamin C, and thiamine) and rescue therapy (methylene blue [MB] and hydroxocobalamin) are also considered when perfusion goals (meanarterial pressure [MAP] > 60-70 mmHg) are not achieved with nor-epinephrine and/or vasopressin. AIMS: The aims of this systematic review are to collect all the clinically relevant data to describe the VPS, its potential risk factors, pathophysiology after CPB, and to assess the efficacy, safety, and outcome of the therapeutic management with catecholamine and non-catecholamine vasopressors employed for refractory vasoplegia after cardiac surgery. Also, to elucidate the current and practical approach for management of VPS after cardiac surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: "PubMed," "Google," and "Medline" weresearched, and over 150 recent relevant articles including RCTs, clinical studies, meta-analysis, reviews, case reports, case series and Cochrane data were analyzed for this systematic review. The filter was applied specificallyusing key words like VPS after cardiac surgery, perioperative VPS following CPB, morbidity, and mortality in VPS after cardiac surgery, vasopressors for VPS that improve outcomes, VPS after valve surgery, VPS after CABG surgery, VPS following complex congenital cardiac anomalies corrective surgery, rescue therapy for VPS, adjuvant therapy for VPS, definition of VPS, outcome in VPS after cardiac surgery, etiopathology of VPS following CPB. This review did not require any ethical approval or consent from the patients. RESULTS: Despite the recent advances in therapy, the mortality remains as high as 30%-50%. NE has been recommended the most frequent used vasopressor for VPS. It restores and maintain the MAP and provides the outcome benefits. Vasopressin rescue therapy is an alternative approach, if catecholamines and fluid infusions fail to improve hemodynamics. It effectively increases vascular tone and lowers CO, and significantly decreases the 30 days mortality. Hence, suggested a first-line vasopressor agent in postcardiac surgery VPS. Terlipressin (1.3µg/kg/h), a longer acting and more specific vasoconstrictor prevents the development of VPS after CPB in patients treated with ACE-I. MB significantly reduces morbidity and mortality of VPS. The Preoperative MB (1%, 2mg/kg/30min, 1h before surgery) administration in high risk (on ACE-I) patients for VPS undergoing CABG surgery, provides 100% protection against VPS, and early of MB significantly reduces operative mortality, and recommended as a rescue therapy for VPS. Hydroxocobalamin (5 g) has been recommended as a rescue agent in VPS refractory to multiple vasopressors. A combination of ascorbic acid (6 g), hydrocortisone (200 mg/day), and thiamine (400 mg/day) as an adjuvant therapy significantly reduces the vasopressors requirement, and provides mortality and morbidity benefits. CONCLUSION: Currently, the VPS is frequently encountered (9%-40%) in cardiac surgical patients with predisposing patient-specific risk factors and combined with inflammatory response to CPB. Multidrug therapy (NE, MB, AVP, ATII, terlipressin, hydroxocobalamin) targeting multiple receptor systems is recommended in refractory VPS. A combination of high dosage of ascorbic acid, hydrocortisone and thiamine has been used successfully as adjunctive therapyto restore the MAP. We also advocate for the early use of multiagent vasopressors therapy and catecholamine sparing adjunctive agents to restore the systemic perfusion pressure with a goal of preventing the progressive refractory VPS.

Spontaneous bag mask ventilation for establishing cardiopulmonary bypass via mid-sternotomy in patients with severe tracheal stenosis: A series of three patients.

In patients with critical tracheal stenosis, particularly involving the lower part of trachea, a highly experienced team of anesthesiologists to tackle the difficulties of securing and maintaining the ventilation, cardiac surgeon who can swiftly establish cardiopulmonary bypass, an experienced surgeon for tracheal reconstruction are a prerequisite for managing these highly complex cases. The present paper describes three patients suffering from severe tracheal narrowing wherein spontaneous bag-mask ventilation was used for establishing cardiopulmonary bypass via mid-sternotomy as a rare life-saving procedure for urgent tracheal reconstructive surgery. A highly experienced team of anesthesiologists to tackle the difficulties of securing and maintaining the ventilation, cardiac surgeon who can swiftly establish CPB, and an experienced surgeon for tracheal reconstruction are a prerequisite for managing these highly complex cases. The present paper describes three patients suffering from severe tracheal narrowing wherein spontaneous bag-mask ventilation was used for establishing CPB via mid-sternotomy as a rare life-saving procedure for urgent tracheal reconstructive surgery.

Perioperative management of a patient with double orifice mitral valve with supramitral ring with subaortic membrane with ventricular septal defect and severe pulmonary hypertension: Report of a rare case.

Double-orifice mitral valve (DOMV) is an unusual congenital anomaly characterized by a mitral valve with a single fibrous annulus with two orifices or rarely two orifices with two separate mitral annuli opening into the left ventricle. We present a first report of a patient with a DOMV with supramitral ring (SMR), subaortic membrane (SAM), a large ventricular septal defect (VSD) with more than 50% aortic override, and severe pulmonary arterial hypertrophy (PAH). This patient underwent excision of the SAM, and SMR, with closure of the VSD together under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However postoperatively, the patient developed an irreversible fatal pulmonary hypertensive crisis (PHC), immediately after transferring the patient to the cardiac intensive care unit from the operating room (OR). The PHC was refractory to intravenous and inhaled milrinone and nitroglycerine and intravenous adrenaline, dobutamine, norepinephrine, vasopressin, patent foramen oval (PFO), and CPB support. The management of DOMV and perioperative pulmonary hypertension is discussed.

A new right atrial mass following cardiopulmonary bypass mimicking a thrombus.

This report describes a patient with severe mitral stenosis who underwent mitral valve replacement. After completion of cardiopulmonary bypass, an unexpected finding of a right atrial mass was noticed on transesophageal echocardiography. The actual finding, possible differential diagnosis, and the management strategy are discussed.

Comparison of hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and intubation with Truview PCD™, McGrath® and Macintosh laryngoscope in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: A randomized prospective study.

CONTEXT: We hypothesized that reduced oropharyngolaryngeal stimulation with video laryngoscopes would attenuate hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation. AIM: Comparison of hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation with video laryngoscopes and Macintosh (MC) laryngoscope. SETTING AND DESIGN: Superspecialty tertiary care public hospital; prospective, randomized control study. METHODS: Sixty adult patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were randomly allocated to three groups of 20 each: MC, McGrath (MG), and Truview™. Hemodynamic parameters were serially recorded before and after intubation. Laryngoscopic grade, laryngoscopy, and tracheal intubation time, ST segment changes, and intra-/post-operative complications were also recorded and compared between groups. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: SPSS version 17 was used, and appropriate tests applied. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Heart rate and diastolic arterial pressure increased at 0 and 1 min of intubation in all the three groups (P < 0.05) while mean arterial pressure increased at 0 min in the MG and TV groups and at 1 min in all three groups (P < 0.05). A significant increase in systolic arterial pressure was only observed in TV group at 1 min (P < 0.05). These hemodynamic parameters returned to baseline by 3 min of intubation in all the groups. The intergroup comparisons of all hemodynamic parameters were not significant at any time of observation. Highest intubation difficulty score was observed with MC (2.16 ± 1.86) as compared with MG (0.55 ± 0.88) and TV (0.42 ± 0.83) groups (P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively). However, duration of laryngoscopy and intubation was significantly less in MC (36.68 ± 16.15 s) as compared with MG (75.25 ± 30.94 s) and TV (60.47 ± 27.45 s) groups (P = 0.000 and 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Video laryngoscopes did not demonstrate any advantage in terms of hemodynamic response in patients with normal airway undergoing CABG.

Where does the pulmonary artery catheter float: transesophageal echocardiography evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary artery (PA) catheter provides a variety of cardiac and hemodynamic parameters. In majority of the patients, the catheter tends to float in the right pulmonary artery (RPA) than the left pulmonary artery (LPA). We evaluated the location of PA catheter with the help of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to know the incidence of its localization. Three views were utilized for this purpose; midesophageal ascending aorta (AA) short-axis view, modified mid esophageal aortic valve long-axis view, and modified bicaval view. METHODS: We enrolled 135 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery where both the PA catheter and TEE were to be used; for this prospective observational study. PA catheter was visualized by TEE in the above mentioned views and the degree of clarity of visualization by three views was also noted. Position of the PA catheter was further confirmed by a postoperative chest radiograph. RESULTS: One patient was excluded from the data analysis. PA catheter was visualized in RPA in 129 patients (96%) and in LPA in 4 patients (3%). In 1 patient, the catheter was visualized in main PA in the chest radiograph. The midesophageal AA short-axis, modified aortic valve long-axis, and modified bicaval view provided good visualization in 51.45%, 57.4%, and 62.3% patients respectively. Taken together, PA catheter visualization was good in 128 (95.5%) patients. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the PA catheter has a high probability of entering the RPA as compared to LPA (96% vs. 3%) and TEE provides good visualization of the catheter in RPA.

Perioperative management of a patient with Dandy Walker malformation with tetralogy of Fallot undergoing total correction and fresh homologous pericardial pulmonary valve conduit implantation: Report of a rare case.

Perioperative management of a patient with Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM) with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), patent ductus arteriosus, and pulmonary artery stenosis is a great challenge to the anesthesiologist. Anesthetic management in such patients can trigger tet spells that might rapidly increase intracranial pressure (ICP), conning and even death. The increase in ICP can precipitate tet spells and further brain hypoxia. To avoid an increase in ICP during TOF corrective surgery ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt should be performed before cardiac surgery. We present the first case report of a 11-month-old male baby afflicted with DWM and TOF who underwent successful TOF total corrective surgery and fresh autologous pericardial pulmonary valve conduit implantation under cardiopulmonary bypass after 1 week of VP shunt insertion.

Management of iatrogenic RV injury - RV packing and CPB through PTFE graft attached to femoral artery.

Cardiac injuries during repeat sternotomy are rare. While undergoing debridement for chronic osteomyelitis (post arterial septal defect closure), a 4-year-old girl sustained significant right ventricular (RV) injury. Bleeding from the RV was controlled by packing the injury site, which helped in maintaining stable hemodynamics till arrangements were made for instituting cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Since the femoral artery was very small and unsuitable for direct cannulation, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft sutured end-to-side to the femoral artery was used for establishing CPB. The injury was successfully repaired.

Entrapped Catheter across the Fossa Ovalis in an Adult with Pulmonary Stenosis - A Case Report of Surgical Relief.

Percutaneous pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty as a procedure of choice in adults has been established since the last three decades. Even though the complications are rare, they are scarcely reported in the literature. We report such a case in an adult female patient of severe pulmonary valular stenosis in whom, entrapped catheter across the fossa ovalis was noted in chest x-ray and echocardiogram following unsuccessful percutaneous pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty. Our case emphasizes this rare complication and its successful surgical outcome.

Dysphagia Lusoria with atrial septal defect: Simultaneous repair through midline.

An aberrant right subclavian artery from the descending aorta is almost always reported as an isolated anomaly. We present the case of a four-year-old child with an anomalous origin of the right subclavian artery from the descending aorta, associated with an ostium secundum atrial septal defect. The patient underwent simultaneous repair of both the anomalies through median sternotomy, with implantation of the subclavian artery into the right common carotid artery. We believe that median sternotomy is the optimal surgical approach for the management of these lesions. Other operative approaches are also discussed.

Healed perivalvular abscess: Incidental finding on transesophageal echocardiography [corrected].

A 36-year-old male patient presented with the complaints of palpitations and breathlessness. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed a bicuspid aortic valve; severe aortic regurgitation with dilated left ventricle (LV) and mild LV systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction 50%). He was scheduled to undergo aortic valve replacement. History was not suggestive of infective endocarditis (IE). Preoperative TTE did not demonstrate any aortic perivalvular abscess. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examination using the mid-esophageal (ME) long-axis view, showed an abscess cavity affecting the aortic valve, which initially was assumed to be a dissection flap, but later confirmed to be an abscess cavity by color Doppler examination. The ME aortic valve short-axis view showed two abscesses; one was at the junction of the non-coronary and left coronary commissure and the other one above the right coronary cusp. Intraoperatively, these findings were confirmed by the surgeons. The case report demonstrates the superiority of TEE over TTE in diagnosing perivalvular abscesses.

Mediastinitis following pediatric cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Mediastinitis following pediatric cardiac surgery is associated with significantly high morbidity and mortality. METHOD: In our review, 21 studies from 1986 to 2011 (12 retrospective studies, eight prospective studies, and a multi-institutional study) including 44,693 pediatric cardiac patients were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Younger age, malnutrition, preoperative respiratory tract infection, high American anesthesiology score, longer duration of surgery, prolonged ventilation, and ICU stay were definite risk factors for mediastinitis. Early primary closure over drains, vacuum-assisted closure, muscle flap, and omental flap remain the most frequently performed treatments for post-sternotomy mediastinitis. Vacuum-assisted closure has emerged as the technique of choice in recent years.

Single stage repair of tetralogy of fallot associated with left pulmonary artery sling and tracheal stenosis.

We report a rare case of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with left pulmonary artery (LPA) sling with tracheal stenosis. The patient underwent successful surgery in one stage involving intracardiac repair of TOF, LPA reimplantation and resection of tracheal stenosis with end-to-end anastomosis.

Incidence and implications of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing valvular heart surgery: the Indian scenario.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the incidence and implications of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients above 40 years presenting for valve surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2009 and December 2010, coronary angiography (CAG) was performed in all such patients ( n = 140). RESULTS: Coronaries were normal in 119 (Group I), and diseased in 21 (Group II). In Group II, 11 patients were < 50 years, 3 were between 51 and 60 years and 7 were > 61 years. In 8 of these, only valve replacement was performed. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and aortic valve replacement was performed in 10, CABG and mitral valve replacement in 2 and CABG with mitral and aortic valve replacement in one. The number of vessels grafted in these 13 patients was 1.54 ± 0.66. Hypertension and diabetes were significant ( P < 0.05) in this group. The mortality was significant in Group II (11 vs. 6, P < 0.05). Six patients died in Group II, 5 had severe aortic stenosis and severe left ventricular hypertrophy; the sixth patient had severe mitral stenosis and was in CHF. The predominant cause of death was congestive heart failure (CHF). CONCLUSIONS: Fifteen percentage of these patients had CAD. CAG should be performed routinely in these patients while presenting for valve surgery. Combined CABG and valve replacement carries high mortality (28.5%), especially in patients with aortic stenosis. The study suggests that the cardio-protective measures should be applied more rigorously in this subset of patients.

Anesthetic management of a child with nephrotic syndrome undergoing open heart surgery: report of a rare case.

The congenital nephrotic syndrome (NS) in infancy and childhood is an important entity but combination with acyanotic congenital heart disease is uncommon. Anesthesia in such cases is challenging because of associated problems like hypo-protienemia, anti-thrombin III deficiency, edema, hyperlipidemia, coagulopathy, cardiomyopathy, immunodeficiency, increased lung water etc. We describe anesthetic management of a patient with childhood NS and sinus venosus atrial septal defect (ASD) undergoing open heart surgery. We also suggest guidelines for safe conduct of anesthesia and CPB in such patients.

Congenital lobar emphysema: pitfalls and management.

Congenital lobar emphysema is a rare entity presenting in the first month of life. It appears with varying degrees of respiratory distress, clinical and radiological evidence of over-aeration of the upper and middle lobes, mediastinal shift and hypoxia. Its early recognition and surgical intervention can be life-saving. Even today, despite advanced diagnostic techniques, pitfalls in diagnosis and management are not uncommon and the condition may be mistaken for pneumothorax or pneumonia. This report elucidates the anesthetic management of three such cases with a review of literature.