Donor hypernatremia and smoking addiction contribute to primary graft failure in heart transplantation

INTRODUCTION: Primary graft failure (PGF) is an important contributor to early mortality, accounting for 41% of deaths within the first 30 days after heart transplantation (HT). Donor hypernatremia has been associated with PGF development. However, controversial data exist regarding the impact of sodium deregulation in patient survival after HT. This study aimed to assess the influence of donor hypernatremia on PGF development and to determine the serum sodium level threshold to assist in decision-making for organ procurement. METHODS: The medical record from 200 HT patients and organ donors were retrospectively assessed and categorized by PGF occurrence. Donor sodium leve were compared and cut-off points obtained by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A multiple logistic regression model was applied to assess the effects of factors and covariates that influence PGF development. RESULTS: Sodium levels of donors were significantly higher in recipients who developed PGF than those who did not develop PGF (162 vs. 153 mmol/L, p = 0.001). The sodium cut-off value determined by the ROC curve was 159 mmol/L. The group who received organs from donors with a serum sodium concentration >/=159 mmol/L had a higher incidence of PGF (63.3% vs 32.4%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, donor sodium levels >/=159 mmol/L increased the likelihood of recipients developing PGF by 3.4 times. It is also observed that the incidence of donor smoking addiction was significantly higher in the PGF group (28.6% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.004) and donor smoking addiction increased the risk of developing PGF by 2.8 times. CONCLUSION: Smoking addiction and the application of suboptimal organs from donors with hypernatremia contribute to primary graft failure in heart transplantation. (AU)

Donor hypernatremia and smoking addiction contribute to primary graft failure in heart transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Primary graft failure (PGF) is an important contributor to early mortality, accounting for 41% of deaths within the first 30 days after heart transplantation (HT). Donor hypernatremia has been associated with PGF development. However, controversial data exist regarding the impact of sodium deregulation in patient survival after HT. This study aimed to assess the influence of donor hypernatremia on PGF development and to determine the serum sodium level threshold to assist in decision-making for organ procurement. METHODS: The medical record from 200 HT patients and organ donors were retrospectively assessed and categorized by PGF occurrence. Donor sodium levels were compared and cut-off points obtained by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A multiple logistic regression model was applied to assess the effects of factors and covariates that influence PGF development. RESULTS: Sodium levels of donors were significantly higher in recipients who developed PGF than those who did not develop PGF (162 vs. 153 mmol/L, P = .001). The sodium cut-off value determined by the ROC curve was 159 mmol/L. The group who received organs from donors with a serum sodium concentration ≥159 mmol/L had a higher incidence of PGF (63.3% vs 32.4%, P < .001). Furthermore, donor sodium levels ≥159 mmol/L increased the likelihood of recipients developing PGF by 3.4 times. It is also observed that the incidence of donor smoking addiction was significantly higher in the PGF group (28.6% vs. 11.5%, P = .004) and donor smoking addiction increased the risk of developing PGF by 2.8 times. CONCLUSION: Smoking addiction and the application of suboptimal organs from donors with hypernatremia contribute to primary graft failure in heart transplantation.

Intragraft vasculitis and gene expression analysis: Association with acute rejection and prediction of mortality in long -term heart transplantation

INTRODUCTION: Vasculitis entails heterogeneous origins; it starts with an inflammatory process that leads to small vessels' necrosis, hemorrhage, ischemic lesion, and may further result in occlusion of the vascular lumen. Vasculitis' contribution to allograft rejection is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the incidence of vasculitis in the early stages of heart transplantation as well as to assess the intragraft genes' expression associated with vascular function and subsequently verify the way in which it affects the outcome of the allograft. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 300 archives paraffin embedded endomyocardial biopsies from 63 heart allograft recipients were assessed. Cellular rejection and vasculitis were diagnosed through histological analysis, and antibody mediated rejection was performed with immunohistochemical C4d staining. The transcripts of ICAM, VCAM, VEGF, CCL2, IFNG, TGFB, TNF, ADIPOR1, and ADIPOR2 genes were examined through quantitative real -time polymerase chain reaction using B2M for normalization. RESULTS: We observed a higher prevalence of severe vasculitis in the early period of post transplant, and recovery was observed to take place around one year post the transplant. Additionally, vasculitis was found to be directly associated with acute cellular rejection and antibody -mediated rejection. The intense C4d capillary positivity predicts higher long -term cardiovascular disease mortality. In comparison to the vasculitis free group, the group with severe vasculitis displayed reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, and an up -regulation of VCAM and IFNG associated to the down -regulation of VEGF, ADIPOR1, and ADIPOR2. CONCLUSION: The vasculitis associated with the presence of C4d and the change of intragraft gene expression profile may contribute to poor allograft outcomes.

Intragraft vasculitis and gene expression analysis: Association with acute rejection and prediction of mortality in long-term heart transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Vasculitis entails heterogeneous origins; it starts with an inflammatory process that leads to small vessels' necrosis, hemorrhage, and ischemic lesion, and may further result in occlusion of the vascular lumen. Vasculitis' contribution to allograft rejection is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the incidence of vasculitis in the early stages of heart transplantation as well as to assess the intragraft genes' expression associated with vascular function and subsequently to verify the way in which it affects the outcome of the allograft. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 300 archive paraffin-embedded endomyocardial biopsies from 63 heart allograft recipients were assessed. Cellular rejection and vasculitis were diagnosed through histological analysis, and antibody-mediated rejection was performed with immunohistochemical C4d staining. The transcripts of ICAM, VCAM, VEGF, CCL2, IFNG, TGFB, TNF, ADIPOR1, and ADIPOR2 genes were examined through quantitative polymerase chain reaction using B2M for normalization. RESULTS: We observed a higher prevalence of severe vasculitis in the early period of post-transplant, and recovery was observed to take place around 1 year post-transplant. Additionally, vasculitis was found to be directly associated with acute cellular rejection and antibody-mediated rejection. The intense C4d capillary positivity predicts higher long-term cardiovascular disease mortality. In comparison with the vasculitis-free group, the group with severe vasculitis displayed reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and an upregulation of VCAM and IFNG associated with the downregulation of VEGF, ADIPOR1, and ADIPOR2. CONCLUSION: The vasculitis associated with the presence of C4d and the change in intragraft gene expression profile may contribute to poor allograft outcomes.

Down regulation of protective genes is associated with cellular and antibody-mediated rejection.

Despite advances in immunosuppressive therapy, rejection still remains the main obstacle to a successful transplant. This study aims to explore the gene expression profile of the rejection process in order to decrease the number of unnecessary endomyocardial biopsies in stable patients. METHODS: A total of 300 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) endomyocardial biopsies sampled from 63 heart allograft recipients were included in this study. Acute cellular rejection (ACR) and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) were diagnosed by histological analysis and immunohistochemical C4d staining, respectively. Analysis of gene expression was performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The samples were grouped according to the ISHLT rejection classification, aiming the statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the HMOX1, AIF1, and CCL2 transcript over the post-transplantation period in non-rejection group (P<.001). Furthermore, the ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, BCL2L1, and VEGFA protective genes were significantly downregulated in the ACR group (P<.05). ADIPOR2, BCL2L1, IL6, and NOS2 genes were also significantly downregulated in the AMR group than in the non-rejection group (P<.05). CONCLUSION: The downregulations of the protective genes contribute to the allograft rejection, and the archived FFPE samples are useful for the gene expression analysis aiming the allograft rejection surveillance.

Down regulation of protective genes is associated with cellular and antibody- mediated rejection

Despite advances in immunosuppressive therapy, rejection still remains the main obstacleto a successful transplant. This study aims to explore the gene expression profileof the rejection process in order to decrease the number of unnecessary endomyocardialbiopsies in stable patients. Methods: A total of 300 formalin- fixed and paraffin- embedded (FFPE) endomyocardialbiopsies sampled from 63 heart allograft recipients were included in this study. Acute cellular rejection (ACR) and antibody- mediated rejection (AMR) were diagnosedby histological analysis and immunohistochemical C4d staining, respectively. Analysisof gene expression was performed by quantitative real- time polymerase chain reaction.The samples were grouped according to the ISHLT rejection classification, aimingthe statistical analysis. Results: There was a significant decrease in the HMOX1, AIF1, and CCL2 transcriptover the post- transplantation period in non- rejection group (P<.001). Furthermore, the ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, BCL2L1, and VEGFA protective genes were significantly downregulatedin the ACR group (P<.05). ADIPOR2, BCL2L1, IL6, and NOS2 genes were alsosignificantly downregulated in the AMR group than in the non- rejection group (P<.05). Conclusion: The downregulations of the protective genes contribute to the allograftrejection, and the archived FFPE samples are useful for the gene expression analysisaiming the allograft rejection surveillance.

Tratamento híbrido das doenças do arco aórtico / Hybrid treatment of aortic arch disease

Introdução: O manejo das doenças da aorta torácica que envolvem a aorta ascendente, arco aórtico e aorta torácica descendente constituem um desafio técnico e é uma área em constante desenvolvimento e inovação. Objetivo: Analisar os resultados iniciais e a médio prazo do tratamento híbrido das doenças do arco aórtico. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de procedimentos realizados no período de janeiro de 2010 a dezembro de 2012, em que foram analisados o sucesso técnico e terapêutico, a morbimortalidade, os desfechos neurológicos, a taxa de vazamentos e de reintervenções. Resultados: Em um total de 95 pacientes tratados por doenças da aorta torácica no período, 18 realizaram o tratamento híbrido e adentraram neste estudo. A idade média foi de 62,3 anos. O sexo masculino esteve presente em 66,7%. O sucesso técnico e terapêutico foi de 94,5% obe 83,3%, respectivamente. A mortalidade perioperatória foi de 11,1%. Não houve óbito durante o acompanhamento de 1 ano. A taxa de reintervenção foi de 16,6%, devido a 2 casos de endoleak tipo Ia e um caso de endoleak tipo 2. Não foi observada oclusão dos enxertos anatômicos ou extra-anatômicos durante o período de seguimento. Conclusão: O tratamento híbrido das doenças do arco aórtico demonstrou ser uma alternativa viável à cirurgia convencional. As taxas de sucesso terapêutico e de reintervenções demonstram a necessidade do seguimento clínico rigoroso desses pacientes a longo prazo. .

Introduction: The management of thoracic aortic disease involving the ascending aorta, aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta are technically challenging and is an area in constant development and innovation. Objective: To analyze early and midterm results of hybrid treatment of arch aortic disease. Methods: Retrospective study of procedures performed from January 2010 to December 2012. The end points were the technical success, therapeutic success, morbidity and mortality, neurologic outcomes, the rate of endoleaks and reinterventions. Results: A total of 95 patients treated for thoracic aortic diseases in this period, 18 underwent hybrid treatment and entered in this study. The average ages were 62.3 years. The male was present in 66.7%. The technical and therapeutic success was 94.5% e 83.3%. The perioperative mortality rate of 11.1%. There is any death during one-year follow- up. The reoperation rates were 16.6% due 2 cases of endoleak Ia and one case of endoleak II. There is any occlusion of anatomic or extra anatomic bypass during follow up. Conclusion: In our study, the hybrid treatment of aortic arch disease proved to be a feasible alternative of conventional surgery. The therapeutic success rates and re- interventions obtained demonstrate the necessity of thorough clinical follow-up of these patients in a long time. .

Clinical evaluation of the Spiral Pump® after improvements to the original project in patients submitted to cardiac surgeries with cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to present the results from Spiral Pump clinical trial after design modifications performed at its previous project. This pump applies axial end centrifugal hydraulic effects for blood pumping during cardiopulmonary bypass for patients under cardiac surgery. METHODS: This study was performed in 52 patients (51% males), between 20 to 80 (67±14.4) years old weighing 53 to 102 (71.7±12.6) kg, mostly under myocardial revascularization surgery (34.6%) and valvular surgery (32.8%). Besides the routine evaluation of the data observed in these cases, we monitored pump rotational speed, blood flow, cardiopulmonary bypass duration, urine free hemoglobin for blood cell trauma analysis (+ to 4+), lactate desidrogenase (UI/L), fibrinogen level (mg/dL) and platelet count (nº/mm3). RESULTS: Besides maintaining appropriate blood pressure and metabolic parameters it was also observed that the Free Hemoglobin levels remained normal, with a slight increase after 90 minutes of cardiopulmonary bypass. The Lactate Dehydrogenase showed an increase, with medians varying between 550-770 IU/L, whereas the decrease in Fibrinogen showed medians of 130-100 mg/dl. The number of platelets showed a slight decrease with the medians ranging from 240,000 to 200,000/mm3. No difficulty was observed during perfusion terminations, nor were there any immediate deaths, and all patients except one, were discharged in good condition. CONCLUSION: The Spiral Pump, as blood propeller during cardiopulmonary bypass, demonstrated to be reliable and safe, comprising in a good option as original and national product for this kind of application.

Clinical evaluation of the Spiral Pump® after improvements to the original project in patients submitted to cardiac surgeries with cardiopulmonary bypass / Avaliação clínica da bomba espiral (Spiral Pump®) após aperfeiçoamentos introduzidos ao projeto original em pacientes submetidos a cirurgias cardíacas com circulação extracorpórea

Objective: The objective of this paper is to present the results from Spiral Pump clinical trial after design modifications performed at its previous project. This pump applies axial end centrifugal hydraulic effects for blood pumping during cardiopulmonary bypass for patients under cardiac surgery. Methods: This study was performed in 52 patients (51% males), between 20 to 80 (67±14.4) years old weighing 53 to 102 (71.7±12.6) kg, mostly under myocardial revascularization surgery (34.6%) and valvular surgery (32.8%). Besides the routine evaluation of the data observed in these cases, we monitored pump rotational speed, blood flow, cardiopulmonary bypass duration, urine free hemoglobin for blood cell trauma analysis (+ to 4+), lactate desidrogenase (UI/L), fibrinogen level (mg/dL) and platelet count (nº/mm3). Results: Besides maintaining appropriate blood pressure and metabolic parameters it was also observed that the Free Hemoglobin levels remained normal, with a slight increase after 90 minutes of cardiopulmonary bypass. The Lactate Dehydrogenase showed an increase, with medians varying between 550-770 IU/L, whereas the decrease in Fibrinogen showed medians of 130-100 mg/dl. The number of platelets showed a slight decrease with the medians ranging from 240,000 to 200,000/mm3. No difficulty was observed during perfusion terminations, nor were there any immediate deaths, and all patients except one, were discharged in good condition. CONCLUSION: The Spiral Pump, as blood propeller during cardiopulmonary bypass, demonstrated to be reliable and safe, comprising in a good option as original and national product for this kind of application. .

Objetivos: Apresentar resultados da aplicação da bomba espiral que emprega efeitos hidráulicos centrífugo e axial de bombeamento como elemento propulsor do circuito de circulação extracorpórea em pacientes submetidos a cirurgias cardíacas após modificações introduzidas no design do projeto original. Métodos: O estudo foi realizado em 52 pacientes (51% masculinos), com idade entre 20 a 80 (67±14,4) anos, peso 53 a 102 (71,7±12,6) kg, submetidos na maioria a cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (34,6%) e Orovalvar (32,8%). Além das avaliações rotineiras, foram registrados rotação, tempo de CEC e para análise do impacto traumático à crase sanguínea, hemoglobina livre na urina (+ a 4+), desidrogenase láctica, fibrinogênio (mg/dL) e contagem de plaquetas (nº/mm3). Resultados: Observou-se a manutenção de parâmetros pressóricos e metabólicos adequados. Quanto aos marcadores de danos à crase sanguínea, as alterações estiveram proporcionais ao tempo maior de circulação extracorpórea. Os níveis de Hemoglobina Livre permaneceram com valores normais, com ligeiro aumento a partir dos 90 minutos de circulação extracorpórea. A Desidrogenase Láctica mostrou aumento, variando as medianas entre 550 a 770 UI/L enquanto o Fibrinogênio mostrou queda das medianas de 130 a 100 mg/dl. O número de plaquetas mostrou ligeira queda das medianas variando entre 240.000 a 200.000/mm3. Não ocorreram dificuldades de saída de perfusão, não se observou óbito imediato e todos os pacientes, exceto 1, obtiveram alta hospitalar. Conclusão: A bomba espiral aplicada como bomba propulsora de sangue durante cirurgia cardíaca se mostrou confiável e segura, não causou impacto traumático ...

Complicações agudas e crônicas do paciente transplantado do coração / Complications of acute and chronic of heart transplantation patient

Este artigo aborda dados clínicos-cirúrgicos que potencialmentepodem complicar o pós-operatório imediato e tardiodo transplante cardíaco. A seleção do paciente tem importanteimpacto na evolução imediata e pode trazer consequências acurto e a longo prazo e na sobrevida. A seleção adequada dodoador/receptor pode impactar a função do enxerto e fatorescomo urgências, presença de comorbidade e condições clínicasdo receptor são dados importantes para obtenção de bonsresultados. O tempo de isquemia é outra importante variávele é fundamental uma boa logística para que tudo corra bem. Aseleção do doador, suas comorbidades, proteção miocárdica etipo de técnica cirúrgica empregada podem ter influência noperíodo pós-transplante. Complicações pós-operatórias, taiscomo falência primária do enxerto, disfunção do ventrículodireito ou esquerdo, infecções incluindo mediastinite, derramespericárdios podem ser fatores que influenciam os resultadosnos primeiros períodos após o procedimento. As complicaçõesa longo prazo muito se relacionam à terapia imunossupressivaobjetivando minimizar o risco de rejeição, assim como acomorbilidade associada com os efeitos adversos que estasterapias podem causar. Eventuais complicações neurológicas,doença vascular do enxerto, malignidade, doenças renais,diabete mellitus, hipertensão, osteoporose e necessidade deretransplante estão citados no texto, além de recomendaçõesquanto à gravidez, contracepção e disfunção erétil parapacientes transplantados.

This article deals with surgical issues that may potentiallycomplicate the immediate post-heat transplant period. Thepatient selection has a very important impact in the immediatepost-operative recovery of the patient and some have consequencesin the outcomes and survival. Size discrepanciesin the donor-recipient can impair in the graft function, andfactors like urgency of the procedure, presence of comorbiddiseases and the adequacy of physical reserves in therecipient’s ability are important to obtain successful results.The ischemic time is another important variable and a goodlogistic is relevant for the things to go well. The donorselection, his comorbidites, myocardical preservation andsurgical techniques could influence the post-heart transplant.Postoperative complication like primary graft failure and rigthor left ventricular dysfuntion, sternal wound infection andpericardial effusion may cause delay in the convalescence.The long-term complications are related with the immunosuppressivetherapy to minimizing the risk of rejection, long-termmorbility associated with the adverse effects of these drugs.Eventual neurological complications cardiac allograf vasculopathy,malignancies, chronic kidney diseases, diabetesmellitus, hypertension, bone diseases and retransplantationare mentioned in the text. Also warnings about pregnancy,contraception, erectide dysfunction are presente.

Effects of skeletonized versus pedicled radial artery on postoperative graft patency and flow.

BACKGROUND: Radial artery (RA) was the second arterial graft introduced in clinical practice for myocardial revascularization. The skeletonization technique of the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) may actually change the graft's flow capacity with potential advantages. This leads to the assumption that the behavior of the RA, as a coronary graft, is similar to that of the LITA, when skeletonized. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated 'free' aortic-coronary radial artery (RA) grafts, whether skeletonized or with adjacent tissues. METHODS: A prospective randomized study comparing 40 patients distributed into two groups was conducted. In group I, we used skeletonized radial arteries (20 patients), and in group II, we used radial arteries with adjacent tissues (20 patients). After the surgical procedure, patients underwent flow velocity measurements. RESULTS: The main surgical variables were: RA internal diameter, RA length, and free blood flow in the radial artery. The mean RA graft diameters as calculated using quantitative angiography in the immediate postoperative period were similar, as well as the flow velocity measurement variables. On the other hand, coronary cineangiography showed the presence of occlusion in one RA graft and stenosis in five RA grafts in GII, while GI presented stenosis in only one RA graft (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: These results show that the morphological and pathological features, as well as the hemodynamic performance of the free radial artery grafts, whether prepared in a skeletonized manner or with adjacent tissues, are similar. However, a larger number of non-obstructive lesions may be observed when RA is prepared with adjacent tissues.

Efeitos da Esqueletização em Comparação com a Manutenção do Pedículo da Artéria Radial sobre a Patência e Fluxo Pós-Operatórios do Enxerto / Effects of Skeletonized versus Pedicled Radial Artery on Postoperative Graft Patency and Flow

Fundamento: O enxerto de artéria radial (AR) foi o segundo enxerto arterial a ser introduzido na prática clínica para revascularização miocárdica. A técnica de esqueletização da artéria torácica interna esquerda (ATIE) pode, de fato, alterar a capacidade de fluxo do enxerto com potenciais vantagens, o que leva à suposição de que o comportamento da AR, como enxerto coronariano, seja semelhante ao da ATIE esqueletizada. Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou enxertos aortocoronários "livres" de AR, quer esqueletizados, quer com tecidos adjacentes. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo randomizado comparando 40 pacientes distribuídos em dois grupos. No grupo I, foram utilizadas artérias radiais esqueletizadas (20 pacientes), e no grupo II, artérias radiais com tecidos adjacentes (20 pacientes). Após o procedimento cirúrgico, os pacientes foram submetidos a medidas da velocidade de fluxo. Resultados: As principais variáveis cirúrgicas foram: diâmetro interno, comprimento e fluxo sanguíneo livre da AR. Os diâmetros médios dos enxertos de AR calculados através de angiografia quantitativa no pós-operatório imediato foram semelhantes, assim como as variáveis de medidas de velocidade de fluxo. Por outro lado, a cinecoronariografia mostrou a presença de oclusão em um enxerto de AR e estenose em cinco enxertos de AR no GII, enquanto que apenas um caso de estenose em um enxerto de AR no GI (p = 0,045). Conclusão: Os resultados mostram que tanto as características morfológicas e anatomopatológicas quanto o desempenho hemodinâmico dos enxertos livres de artéria radial, quer preparados de forma esqueletizada ou com tecidos adjacentes, são semelhantes. Entretanto, pode-se observar um maior número de lesões não obstrutivas quando a AR ...

Background: Radial artery (RA) was the second arterial graft introduced in clinical practice for myocardial revascularization. The skeletonization technique of the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) may actually change the graft's flow capacity with potential advantages. This leads to the assumption that the behavior of the RA, as a coronary graft, is similar to that of the LITA, when skeletonized. Objective: This study evaluated 'free' aortic-coronary radial artery (RA) grafts, whether skeletonized or with adjacent tissues. Methods: A prospective randomized study comparing 40 patients distributed into two groups was conducted. In group I, we used skeletonized radial arteries (20 patients), and in group II, we used radial arteries with adjacent tissues (20 patients). After the surgical procedure, patients underwent flow velocity measurements. Results: The main surgical variables were: RA internal diameter, RA length, and free blood flow in the radial artery. The mean RA graft diameters as calculated using quantitative angiography in the immediate postoperative period were similar, as well as the flow velocity measurement variables. On the other hand, coronary cineangiography showed the presence of occlusion in one RA graft and stenosis in five RA grafts in GII, while GI presented stenosis in only one RA graft (p = 0.045). Conclusion: These results show that the morphological and pathological features, as well as the hemodynamic performance of the free radial artery grafts, whether prepared in a skeletonized manner or with adjacent tissues, are similar. However, a larger number of non-obstructive lesions may be observed when RA is prepared with adjacent tissues. .

Hybrid treatment of aortic arch disease.

INTRODUCTION: The management of thoracic aortic disease involving the ascending aorta, aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta are technically challenging and is an area in constant development and innovation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze early and midterm results of hybrid treatment of arch aortic disease. METHODS: Retrospective study of procedures performed from January 2010 to December 2012. The end points were the technical success, therapeutic success, morbidity and mortality, neurologic outcomes, the rate of endoleaks and reinterventions. RESULTS: A total of 95 patients treated for thoracic aortic diseases in this period, 18 underwent hybrid treatment and entered in this study. The average ages were 62.3 years. The male was present in 66.7%. The technical and therapeutic success was 94.5% e 83.3%. The perioperative mortality rate of 11.1%. There is any death during one-year follow- up. The reoperation rates were 16.6% due 2 cases of endoleak Ia and one case of endoleak II. There is any occlusion of anatomic or extra anatomic bypass during follow up. CONCLUSION: In our study, the hybrid treatment of aortic arch disease proved to be a feasible alternative of conventional surgery. The therapeutic success rates and re- interventions obtained demonstrate the necessity of thorough clinical follow-up of these patients in a long time.

Myocardial protection with prophylactic oral metoprolol during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: evaluation by troponin I / Proteção cardíaca com uso profilático de betabloqueador oral em cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica: avaliação pela troponina I

INTRODUCTION: Biochemical markers of myocardial injury are frequently altered after cardiac surgery. So far there is no evidence whether oral beta-blockers may reduce myocardial injury after coronary artery bypass grafting. OBJECTIVE: To determine if oral administration of prophylactic metoprolol reduces the release of cardiac troponin I in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, not complicated by new Q waves. METHODS: A prospective randomized study, including 68 patients, divided in 2 groups: Group A (n=33, control) and B (n=35, beta-blockers). In group B, metoprolol tartrate was administered 200 mg/day. The myocardial injury was assessed by troponin I with 1 hour and 12 hours after coronary artery bypass grafting. RESULTS: No significant difference between groups regarding pre-surgical, surgical, complication in intensive care (15% versus 14%, P=0.92) and the total number of hospital events (21% versus 14%, P=0.45) was observed. The median value of troponin I with 12 hours in the study population was 3.3 ng/ml and was lower in group B than in group A (2.5 ng/ml versus 3.7 ng/ml, P<0,05). In the multivariate analysis, the variables that have shown to be independent predictors of troponin I release after 12 hours were: no beta-blockers administration and number of vessels treated. CONCLUSION: The results of this study in uncomplicated coronary artery bypass grafting, comparing the postoperative release of troponin I at 12 hours between the control group and who used oral prophylactic metoprolol for at least 72 hours, allow to conclude that there was less myocardial injury in the betablocker group, giving some degree of myocardial protection.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os marcadores bioquímicos de lesão miocárdica estão frequentemente alterados após cirurgia cardíaca. Até o momento não existem evidências de que o betabloqueador oral possa reduzir a lesão miocárdica após cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica. OBJETIVO: Determinar se a administração oral profilática de metoprolol reduz a liberação de troponina cardíaca I na cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica isolada não complicada por novas ondas Q. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, randomizado, incluindo 68 pacientes divididos em 2 grupos: Grupo A (n=33, controle) e B (n=35, betabloqueador). No grupo B, o tartarato de metoprolol foi administrado na dose de 200 mg/dia. A lesão miocárdica foi avaliada pela troponina I com 1 hora e 12 horas após a cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica. RESULTADOS: Não foi observada diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto às variáveis pré-cirúrgicas, cirúrgicas, incidência de complicações na terapia intensiva (15% versus 14%; P=0,92) e o número total de eventos hospitalares (21% versus 14%; P=0,45). O valor da mediana da troponina I com 12 horas na população estudada foi de 3,3 ng/ml e foi menor no grupo B do que no grupo A (2,5 ng/ml versus 3,7 ng/ml; P<0,05). Na análise multivariada, as variáveis que demonstraram serem preditoras independentes da liberação de troponina cardíaca I com 12 horas foram: não uso de betabloqueadores e número de vasos tratados. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados desta investigação na cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica isolada, não complicada, comparando a liberação pós-operatória de troponina cardíaca I com 12 horas entre os grupos controle e o que usou metoprolol oral profilático por pelo menos 72 horas, permitem concluir que houve menor lesão miocárdica no grupo betabloqueador, conferindo algum grau de proteção miocárdica.

In vivo evaluation of centrifugal blood pump for cardiopulmonary bypass-Spiral Pump.

The Spiral Pump (SP), a centrifugal blood pump for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), has been developed at the Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology/Adib Jatene Foundation laboratories, with support from Sintegra Company (Pompeia, Brazil). The SP is a disposable pump with an internal rotor-a conically shaped fuse with double entrance threads. This rotor is supported by two ball bearings, attached to a stainless steel shaft fixed to the housing base. Worm gears provide axial motion to the blood column, and the rotational motion of the conically shaped impeller generates a centrifugal pumping effect, improving pump efficiency without increasing hemolysis. In vitro tests were performed to evaluate the SP's hydrodynamic performance, and in vivo experiments were performed to evaluate hemodynamic impact during usual CPB. A commercially available centrifugal blood pump was used as reference. In vivo experiments were conducted in six male pigs weighing between 60 and 90 kg, placed on CPB for 6 h each. Blood samples were collected just before CPB (T0) and after every hour of CPB (T1-T6) for hemolysis determination and laboratory tests (hematological and biochemical). Values of blood pressure, mean flow, pump rotational speed, and corporeal temperature were recorded. Also, ergonomic conditions were recorded: presence of noise, difficulty in removing air bubbles, trouble in installing the pump in the drive module (console), and difficulties in mounting the CPB circuit. Comparing the laboratory and hemolysis results for the SP with those of the reference pump, we can conclude that there is no significant difference between the two devices. In addition, reports made by medical staff and perfusionists described a close similarity between the two devices. During in vivo experiments, the SP maintained blood flow and pressure at physiological levels, consistent with those applied in cardiac surgery with CPB, without presenting any malfunction. Also, the SP needed lower rotational speed to obtain average blood flow and pressure, compared with the reference pump.

Myocardial protection with prophylactic oral metoprolol during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: evaluation by troponin I.

INTRODUCTION: Biochemical markers of myocardial injury are frequently altered after cardiac surgery. So far there is no evidence whether oral beta-blockers may reduce myocardial injury after coronary artery bypass grafting. OBJECTIVE: To determine if oral administration of prophylactic metoprolol reduces the release of cardiac troponin I in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, not complicated by new Q waves. METHODS: A prospective randomized study, including 68 patients, divided in 2 groups: Group A (n=33, control) and B (n=35, beta-blockers). In group B, metoprolol tartrate was administered 200 mg/day. The myocardial injury was assessed by troponin I with 1 hour and 12 hours after coronary artery bypass grafting. RESULTS: No significant difference between groups regarding pre-surgical, surgical, complication in intensive care (15% versus 14%, P=0.92) and the total number of hospital events (21% versus 14%, P=0.45) was observed. The median value of troponin I with 12 hours in the study population was 3.3 ng/ml and was lower in group B than in group A (2.5 ng/ml versus 3.7 ng/ml, P<0,05). In the multivariate analysis, the variables that have shown to be independent predictors of troponin I release after 12 hours were: no beta-blockers administration and number of vessels treated. CONCLUSION: The results of this study in uncomplicated coronary artery bypass grafting, comparing the postoperative release of troponin I at 12 hours between the control group and who used oral prophylactic metoprolol for at least 72 hours, allow to conclude that there was less myocardial injury in the betablocker group, giving some degree of myocardial protection.

Assistência circulatória na insuficiência cardíaca refratária: estado atual das suas indicações e resultados / Circulatory assistance on the refractory cardiac insufficiency: present status of its indications and results

Objetivo: O artigo busca apresentar o cenário atual da terapêutica assistência mecânica circulatória por meio da aplicação de dispositivos artificiais cardíacos aos pacientes portadores de estados avançados de insuficiência cardíaca, por vários tipos de indicações. Métodos: Metodologia descritiva abordando aspectos como remodelamento cardíaco reverso obtido, tipos de dispositivos e das aplicações e desenvolvimento dos modelos, desmame e eventuais aplicações decorrentes e cuidados especiais em pacientes portadores. Resultados: São disponibilizados os resultados do último registro INTERMACS (2012) que listam 4533 pacientes que receberam implante de dispositivos de assitência circulatória no período entre junho 2006 e junho 2011 nos EUA e dados da experiência nacional. Conclusões: Tendo em vista a experiência internacional, observa-se que a aplicação desta modalidade vem aumentando significativamente, consolidando-se como terapêutica coadjuvante no tratamento da insuficiência cardíaca terminal.

This paper describes present stage of the mechanical circulatory assistance by the application of artificial devices in patients with advanced stages of cardiac insufficiency with different treatment indication. Methods: A descriptive methodology was approaching aspects like reverse cardiac remodeling, types of devices and its applications, outcomes and development of the models, the wear and caution with this kind of patient. Results: The last INTERMACS (2012) results are stabilished for 4533 patients who received a ventricular assist device (VAD) implant between June, 2006 to June, 2011 in the USA, and some aspects and experiences in Brazil. Conclusion: We are seen that the international experience regarding the application of this kind of therapeutics is showing a vigorous growth and consolidating like a coadjuvant therapy in the treatment of the cardiac insufficiency.