The Use of Intraoperative Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Lung Transplantation: Initial Institutional Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Lung transplantation is the final treatment option for end-stage lung disease, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly being used during lung transplantation. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to review our initial experience with patients who underwent lung transplantation with or without ECMO since the implementation of the lung transplantation program at our center. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected on all patients between December 2016 and December 2018. Patients undergoing ECMO as a bridge to lung transplantation were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 48 lung transplants were performed, and ECMO was used in 29 (60.4%) cases. Twenty (83%) patients were female. The median age was 48.5 (range, 14-64) years. The most common indications were idiopathic interstitial pneumonia in 9 (31%) patients, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 7 (24.1%) patients, and bronchiectasis in 6 (20.7%) patients. Sequential bilateral lung transplantation was performed in all patients. The 30-day mortality was 20.6% (6/29) for patients with ECMO, however, it was 10.5 (2/19) for patients without ECMO (P=0.433). The median length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) was 5 (range, 2-25) days. The ECMO weaning rate was 82.8% (24/29). One-year survival was 62.1% with ECMO versus 78.9% without ECMO, and the 3-year survival was 54.1% versus 65.8%, respectively (P=0.317). CONCLUSIONS: ECMO is indicated for more severe patients who underwent lung transplantation. The use of ECMO provides adjuvant support during surgery and the mortality rate is acceptable. Survival is also as similar as non-ECMO patients. ECMO is appropriate for critically ill patients.

Creating blood conservation for a cardiothoracic surgical hospital: when you have to start from scratch!

BACKGROUND: This improvement report presents a hospital blood-management programme, a hospital-specific model that differs from patient blood managment and was aimed at improving operational standards of transfusion. We identified the challenges of the transfusion process and suggest practical strategies for improving them. The aim of this article was to investigate the effect of the programme on the transfusion of blood components. METHODS: In January 2019, the programme was started to improve the transfusion process. The data before and after the start of the programme were compared. Frequency distribution was obtained for each variable for statistical analysis and the chi-squared test with continuity correction was used to compare these variables for the years 2018 and 2019. RESULTS: Transfusion of total blood components decreased by 23.2%, fresh whole blood by 46.7%, fresh frozen plasma by 38.4%, pooled platelets by 14.0% and red blood cells by 9.66%. Autologous transfusion increased 11.7-fold. The emergency department (76.0%) and intensive care unit transfusion rate (9.26%) decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: This programme is an example for hospitals where patient blood management cannot be applied. The programme can be considered the first step for blood management and may be applied to blood management in institutions worldwide. The difficulty of blood supply and increased cost will increase the importance of hospital blood-management programmes in the coming years.

An Eight-year, Single-center Experience on Ultrasound Assisted Thrombolysis with Moderate-dose, Slow-infusion Regimen in Pulmonary Embolism.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data on moderate-dose with slow-infusion thrombolytic regimen by ultrasound-asssisted-thrombolysis (USAT) in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). AIMS: In this study, our eight-year experience on USAT with moderate-dose, slow-infusion tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) regimen in patients with PE at intermediate-high- and high-risk was presented, and short-, and long-term effectiveness and safety outcomes were evaluated. METHODS: Our study is based on the retrospective evaluation of 225 patients with PE having multiple comorbidities who underwent USAT. RESULTS: High- and intermediate-high-risk were noted in 14.7% and in 85.3% of patients, respectively. Mean t-PA dosage was 35.4±13.3 mg, and the infusion duration was 26.6±7.7 h. Measures of pulmonary artery (PA) obstruction and right ventricle (RV) dysfunction were improved within days (p<0.0001 for all). During the hospital stay, major and minor bleeding and mortality rates were 6.2%, 12.4%, and 6.2%, respectively. Bleeding and unresolved PE accounted for 50% and 42.8% of in-hospital mortality, respectively. Age, rate, and duration of t-PA were not associated with in-hospital major bleeding and mortality. Oxygen saturation exceeded 90% in 91.2% of patients at discharge. During follow-up of median 962 (610-1894) days, high-risk status related to 30-day mortality, whereas age >65 years was associated with long-term mortality. CONCLUSION: Our real-life experience with USAT with moderate-dose, slow-infusion t-PA regimen in patients with PE at high-and intermediate-high risk demonstrated clinically relevant improvements in PA obstructive burden and RV dysfunction. Age, rate or infusion duration of t-PA was not related to major bleeding or mortality risk, whereas unresolved obstruction remained as a lethal issue.

Comparison of sequential organ failure assessment score and cardiac surgery score systems for mortality prediction after emergency acute aortic dissection surgery.

BACKGROUND: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is one of the most mortal cardiovascular diseases and requires urgent diagnosis and surgery. The patient's clinical findings, complications, and patient's history are closely related to mortality rates. Cardiac surgery score (CASUS) is a scoring system which is calculated by considering the special pathophysiological conditions of patients undergoing cardiac surgery and predicts post-operative results with high accuracy. METHODS: Following the ethical approval from institutional ethics committee (ID: 2021/7/496), the data of consecutive 50 ATAAD patients who underwent emergent surgery in our hospital between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, were evaluated. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment and CASUS scores were calculated using the worst values of the daily laboratory and neurological status for both in admission to emergency department and during intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up period. The average and the total values of these scores were recorded for pre-operative, post-operative 1st day, and for the categorical data were defined as frequency and percentage. We used the Mann-Whitney U test for the independent continuous data comparisons and Pearson Chi-Square or Fisher exact test for categorical data comparison whole ICU period. Continuous data were presented as median and interquartile ranges (25-75th). RESULTS: The study comprised 50 patients, the rate of death was 34% (n=17). In total group, there were hypertension 72% (n=36), diabetes mellitus 24% (n=12), initial hemoglobin 12.5 g/dL (10.7-14.1, 25-75th), creatinine 1.09 mg/dL (0.85-1.33, 25-75th), and 72% (n=36) of these patients were male. The CASUSmean and SOFAmean scores were higher in the death-group when compared with the group who survived (12.9 [9.5-13.8, 25-75th], 3 [2-5, 25-75th]; 8 [6.1-9.2, 25-75th], 2.6 (2-4.5, 25-75th], p<0.001, respectively]. CASUSmean was independently associated with the 1-month mortality in model 1 (HR 1.25 [1.14-1.37] (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: According to our results increase in CASUS mean was the main predictor of 1 month mortality. When CASUS mean exceeds 8.3 the patient should be followed up more carefully for major adverse events including death.

Pulmonary Endarterectomy in Patients with Antiphospholipid Syndrome-Associated Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by the occurrence of venous and/or arterial thrombosis. Chronic thromboembolism is one of the known established pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension, known as chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary endarterectomy is the treatment of choice for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. The aim of this study is to evalu-ate the efficacy and risk of pulmonary endarterectomy in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome-associated chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed, for patientswho underwent pulmonary endarterectomy between March 2011 and March 2020. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (4 male and 13 female) were identified. Thirteen patients had primary antiphospholipid syndrome and 4 had secondary antiphospholipid syndrome. The mean age was 34.82 ± 10.07 years and the mean time interval between the diagno-sis and surgery was 26.94 ± 17.35 months. Dyspnea on exertion was the main symptom in all patients. Seven patients had previous deep vein thrombosis, 5 patients had a history of recurrent abortions, and 2 patients had hemoptysis. Following surgery, mean pulmo-nary artery pressure decreased from 47.82 ± 13.11 mm Hg to 22.24 ± 4.56 mm Hg (P < .001), and pulmonary vascular resistance improved from 756.50 ± 393.91 dyn/s/cm-5 to 298.31 ±132.84 dyn/s/cm-5 (P < .001). There was no in-hospital mortality with a mean follow-up of 75.29 ± 40.21 months. The functional capacity of all patients improved from 269.46 ±111.7 m to 490 ± 105.34 m on a 6-minute walking test. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary endarterectomy is a safe and curative treatment in patientswith antiphospholipid syndrome-associated chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hyper-tension. It has a favorable outcome by increasing the quality of life. A multidisciplinary experienced chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension team is critical in the management of these unique patients.

Is There Any Role of Pulmonary Endarterectomy in Pulmonary Arterial Hydatidosis?

BACKGROUND: Hydatid cyst is a zoonosis caused by Echinococcus granulosis. Pulmonary artery involvement is a rare condition. The aim of this study was to review the investigators' experience with the surgical treatment of pulmonary arterial hydatidosis. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively for consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) and who had a diagnosis of hydatidosis at or after PEA. RESULTS: A total of 8 patients (2 male and 6 female; mean age, 31.25 ± 13.68 years) with hydatidosis were defined. Only 1 patient presented with hemoptysis, whereas the rest of the patients reported exertional dyspnea as their main symptom. Cardiac hydatidosis associated with pulmonary arterial involvement was noted in 1 patient. The mean time interval for duration of disease was 12 ± 24.29 months before PEA. Mortality was observed in 2 patients as a result of massive hemoptysis in 1 patient and right-sided heart failure in the other. No anaphylactic reaction was observed. Significant difference was detected in mean pulmonary vascular resistance as a decline from 442.38 ± 474.20 dyn/s/cm-5 to 357.25 ± 285.34 dyn/s/cm-5 after PEA (P = .011). Two patients had recurrence of the disease after a median follow-up of 9.1 months All survivors improved to New York Heart Association functional classes I and II. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary arterial hydatidosis may mimic chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and in these patients the diagnosis can be made with PEA. Pulmonary endarterectomy may be a therapeutic option for patients who do not respond to medical therapy if the cystic lesions are surgically accessible. PEA should be performed only in expert centers because of the high risk of perioperative morbidity, mortality, and postoperative recurrence.

Multimodal Approach of Isolated Pulmonary Vasculitis: A Single-Institution Experience.

BACKGROUND: Isolated pulmonary vasculitis (IPV) is a single-organ vasculitis of unknown etiology and may mimic chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The aim of this study was to review our clinical experience with pulmonary endarterectomy in patients with CTEPH secondary to IPV. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively for consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy and had a diagnosis of IPV at or after surgery. RESULTS: We identified 9 patients (6 women; median age, 48 years [range, 23-55]) with IPV. The diagnosis was confirmed after histopathologic examination of all surgical materials. The mean duration of disease before surgery was 88.0 ± 70.2 months. Exercise-induced dyspnea was the presenting symptom in all patients. Pulmonary endarterectomy was bilateral in 6 patients and unilateral in 3. No deaths occurred; however 1 patient had pulmonary artery stenosis, and stent implantation was performed. All patients received immunosuppressive therapies after surgery. Mean pulmonary artery pressure decreased significantly from 30 mm Hg (range, 19-67) to 21 mm Hg (range, 15-49) after surgery (P < .05). Pulmonary vascular resistance also improved significantly from 270 dyn/s/cm-5 (range, 160-1600) to 153 dyn/s/cm-5 (range, 94-548; P < .05). After a median follow-up of 41 months, all but 1 patient had improved to the New York Heart Association functional class I. CONCLUSIONS: IPV can mimic CTEPH, and these patients can be diagnosed with pulmonary endarterectomy. Furthermore surgery has not only diagnostic but also therapeutic value for IPV when stenotic and/or thrombotic lesions are surgically accessible. A multidisciplinary experienced CTEPH team is critical for management of these unique patients.

A seven-year single-center experience on AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy in patients with pulmonary embolism at high risk and intermediate-high risk.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Angiojet Rheolytic thrombectomy (ART) has been utilized as a catheter-based treatment in acute pulmonary embolism (PE). In this study based on our seven-year experience on ART in patients with PE, we evaluated efficacy and safety outcomes of ART. METHODS: Our study is based on retrospective evaluation of 56 patients with high- and intermediate-high-risk PE, age (62 years; interquartile-range (IQR): 50-73) who underwent ART. RESULTS: High- and intermediate-high-risk were noted in 21.4 % and in 78.6 % of patients, respectively. ART duration was 304(IQR: 246-468) seconds. Measures of obstruction, right to left ventricle diameter ratio (RV/LV ratio), right to left atrial diameter ratio and pulmonary arterial pressures were improved (p<0.001 for all). During hospital stay, acute renal failure, major and minor bleeding, and mortality rates were 37.5%, 7.1%, 12.5%, and 8.9%, respectively. Aging related to post-procedural nephropathy while high-risk status was associated with in-hospital mortality (p=0.006) and long-term mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The ART resulted in significant and clinically relevant improvements in the pulmonary arterial thrombotic burden, RV strain and hemodynamics in patients with PE at high- and intermediate-high-risk. Aging increased the risk of post-procedural nephropathy whereas baseline high-risk status predicted in-hospital and long-term mortality.

Is Vasoactive-Inotropic Score a Predictor for Mortality and Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery?

Abstract Introduction: We aimed to investigate whether vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) is a predictor for early postoperative morbidity and mortality. Methods: This study was planned as a prospective cohort study, between Nov 20 2018 and May 15 2019, including a total of 290 patients aged 20 years or older who underwent elective on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Patients' demographic data, aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times, European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) score, cardiac ejection fraction (EF), VIS, intubation duration, and intensive care unit length of stay were recorded. Postoperative mortality and morbidity were recorded. Hourly doses of inotropes for VIS were recorded for each patient, and VIS was calculated. Results: Among the cases, 222 (77%) were male and 68 (23%) were female. The mean age of our patients was 62.5 years (37-86). Combined morbidity and mortality rates of our patients were 23.8%. An optimal cutoff point for VIS of 5.5 could predict combined morbidity and mortality with 90% sensitivity and 88% specificity. Low EF, prolonged operation time, high EuroSCORE, and high VIS are independent factors in the early postoperative period for the development of combined morbidity and mortality in patients who underwent elective CABG. Conclusion: VIS is the most critical and EuroSCORE is the second most important scoring systems. They independently predict combined morbidity and mortality in undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery.

Delayed chest closure for oversized lung allograft in lung transplantation: a retrospective analysis from turkey

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the delayed chest closure (DCC) results in patients who underwent lung transplantation. Methods: Sixty patients were evaluated retrospectively. Only bilateral lung transplantations and DCC for oversized lung allograft (OLA) were included in the study. Six patients who underwent single lung transplantation, four patients who underwent lobar transplantation, two patients who underwent retransplantation, and four patients who underwent DCC due to bleeding risk were excluded from the study. Forty-four patients were divided into groups as primary chest closure (PCC) (n=28) and DCC (n=16). Demographics, donor characteristics, and operative features and outcomes of the patients were compared. Results: The mean age was 44.5 years. There was no significant difference between the demographics of the groups (P>0.05). The donor/recipient predicted total lung capacity ratio was significantly higher in the DCC group than in the PCC group (1.06 vs. 0.96, P=0.008). Extubation time (4.3 vs. 3.1 days, P=0.002) and intensive care unit length of stay (7.6 vs. 5.2 days, P=0.016) were significantly higher in the DCC group than in the PCC group. In the DCC group, postoperative wound infection was significantly higher than in the PCC group (18.6% vs. 0%, P=0.19). Median survival was 14 months in all patients and there was no significant difference in survival between the groups (16 vs. 13 months, P=0.300). Conclusion: DCC is a safe and effective method for the management of OLA in lung transplantation.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in-hospital cardiac arrest due to acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation on survival and neurological outcomes in in-hospital cardiac arrest patients. METHODS: Between January 2018 and December 2020, a total of 22 patients (17 males, 5 females; mean age: 52.8±9.0 years; range, 32 to 70 years) treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation using veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for in-hospital cardiac arrest after acute coronary syndrome were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups as those weaned (n=13) and non-weaned (n=9) from the veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Demographic data of the patients, heart rhythms at the beginning of conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the angiographic and interventional results, survival and neurological outcomes of the patients before and after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation were recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of comorbidity and baseline laboratory test values. The underlying rhythm was ventricular fibrillation in 92% of the patients in the weaned group and there was no cardiac rhythm in 67% of the patients in the non-weaned group (p=0.125). The recovery in the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly evident in the weaned group (36.5±12.7% vs. 21.1±7.4%, respectively; p=0.004). The overall wean rate from veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was 59.1%; however, the discharge rate from hospital of survivors without any neurological sequelae was 36.4%. CONCLUSION: In-hospital cardiac arrest is a critical emergency situation requiring instantly life-saving interventions through conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation. If it fails, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be initiated, regardless the underlying etiology or rhythm disturbances. An effective conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation is mandatory to prevent brain and body hypoperfusion.

Anesthetic management in lung transplantation: Our single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to discuss our anesthesia management strategies, experiences, and outcomes in patients undergoing lung transplantation. METHODS: Between December 2016 and December 2018, a total of 53 patients (43 males, 10 females; mean age: 46.1±13 years; range, 14 to 64 years) undergoing lung transplantation in our center were included. The anesthesia technique, patients" characteristics, and perioperative clinical and follow-up data were recorded. The stage of lung disease was assessed using the New York Heart Association functional classification. RESULTS: Two patients underwent single lung transplantation, while 51 patients underwent double lung transplantation. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was the most common indication in 41.5% of the patients. All patients had end-stage lung disease (Class IV) and 79% were oxygen-dependent. The extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was given to 32 patients. CONCLUSION: The anesthetic management of lung transplantation is challenging, either due to the deterioration of the recipient"s physical performance and the complexity of the surgical techniques used. In general, a kind of mechanical support may be needed and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is the first choice in the majority of patients. A close communication should be maintained between the surgeons, perfusion technicians, and anesthesiologists to ensure an optimal multidisciplinary approach and to achieve successful outcomes.

Follow-up strategy with long-term veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for complicated severe acute respiratory distress related to COVID-19 and recovery of the lungs.

Novel coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected all over the world, leading to viral pneumonia-complicating severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and death. Although there is no proven definitive treatment yet, physicians use some assistive methods based on the previous epidemic viral acute respiratory distress syndrome experiences. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is one of them. In this report, we present one of the longest survived extracorporeal membrane oxygenation case (71 days) with COVID-19 infection and the pathology of the infected lung, with our veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation strategy.

Is Vasoactive-Inotropic Score a Predictor for Mortality and Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery?

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate whether vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) is a predictor for early postoperative morbidity and mortality. METHODS: This study was planned as a prospective cohort study, between Nov 20 2018 and May 15 2019, including a total of 290 patients aged 20 years or older who underwent elective on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Patients' demographic data, aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times, European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) score, cardiac ejection fraction (EF), VIS, intubation duration, and intensive care unit length of stay were recorded. Postoperative mortality and morbidity were recorded. Hourly doses of inotropes for VIS were recorded for each patient, and VIS was calculated. RESULTS: Among the cases, 222 (77%) were male and 68 (23%) were female. The mean age of our patients was 62.5 years (37-86). Combined morbidity and mortality rates of our patients were 23.8%. An optimal cutoff point for VIS of 5.5 could predict combined morbidity and mortality with 90% sensitivity and 88% specificity. Low EF, prolonged operation time, high EuroSCORE, and high VIS are independent factors in the early postoperative period for the development of combined morbidity and mortality in patients who underwent elective CABG. CONCLUSION: VIS is the most critical and EuroSCORE is the second most important scoring systems. They independently predict combined morbidity and mortality in undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery.

Delayed Chest Closure for Oversized Lung Allograft in Lung Transplantation: a Retrospective Analysis from Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the delayed chest closure (DCC) results in patients who underwent lung transplantation. METHODS: Sixty patients were evaluated retrospectively. Only bilateral lung transplantations and DCC for oversized lung allograft (OLA) were included in the study. Six patients who underwent single lung transplantation, four patients who underwent lobar transplantation, two patients who underwent retransplantation, and four patients who underwent DCC due to bleeding risk were excluded from the study. Forty-four patients were divided into groups as primary chest closure (PCC) (n=28) and DCC (n=16). Demographics, donor characteristics, and operative features and outcomes of the patients were compared. RESULTS: The mean age was 44.5 years. There was no significant difference between the demographics of the groups (P>0.05). The donor/recipient predicted total lung capacity ratio was significantly higher in the DCC group than in the PCC group (1.06 vs. 0.96, P=0.008). Extubation time (4.3 vs. 3.1 days, P=0.002) and intensive care unit length of stay (7.6 vs. 5.2 days, P=0.016) were significantly higher in the DCC group than in the PCC group. In the DCC group, postoperative wound infection was significantly higher than in the PCC group (18.6% vs. 0%, P=0.19). Median survival was 14 months in all patients and there was no significant difference in survival between the groups (16 vs. 13 months, P=0.300). CONCLUSION: DCC is a safe and effective method for the management of OLA in lung transplantation.

Outcomes of Pulmonary Endarterectomy Operation Concomitant with Cardiac Procedures.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the results of pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) performed simultaneously with additional cardiac procedures in a single tertiary-level center. METHODS: Data of patients who underwent PEA with additional cardiac procedures for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in our clinic were retrospectively reviewed using patient records. RESULTS: Between March 2011 and April 2019, 56 patients underwent PEA with additional cardiac surgery. The most common additional procedure was coronary artery bypass grafting (21 patients; 38%). The median intensive care unit and hospital stays were 4 (3-6) days and 10 (8-14) days. Mortality was recorded in six patients (11%). In multivariate analysis, only preoperative pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (p = 0.02; odds ratio [OR]: 1.003) and cardiopulmonary bypass duration (p = 0.02; OR: 1.028) were associated with mortality. When the cutoff value of 1000 dyn.s.cm-5 was taken in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, preoperative PVR predicted mortality with 83% sensitivity and 94% specificity (area under curve = 0.89; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: PEA for CTEPH may be performed safely with other cardiac operations. This type of surgery is a complex procedure that should be performed only in expert centers. Patients with high preoperative PVR are at increased risk of perioperative complications.

The role of intraoperative pulmonary arterial catheterization data in determining the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate predictive factors of identification of the need of patients for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support during lung transplantation. METHODS: A total of 63 patients (49 males, 14 females, mean age: 44.9±14.4 years; range, 14 to 64 years) who underwent lung transplantation in our institution between December 2016 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics and perioperative clinical data of patients were recorded. After induction and pulmonary artery catheterization, cardiac output, mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, cardiac index, pulmonary vascular resistance, systemic vascular resistance, and right atrial pressure were measured using the thermodilution technique. RESULTS: Thirty-three of the patients received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support during surgery. The right atrial pressure (p<0.001), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (p<0.002), mean pulmonary artery pressure (p<0.001), and pulmonary vascular resistance (p<0.001) were statistically significantly higher in the patients who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support intraoperatively. The systemic vascular resistance (p<0.032) was statistically significantly lower in the patients who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support intraoperatively. A mean pulmonary artery pressure of >39 mmHg (p<0.02) and a right atrial pressure of >12 mmHg (p<0.047) were independent risk factors for ECMO support intraoperatively during lung transplantation. CONCLUSION: Predicting the need of intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support is of utmost importance in timing the need for mechanical support, protecting the new graft from high mechanical ventilator pressures, and adequately maintaining hemodynamic stability.

The mid-term effect of left ventricular assist devices on renal functions.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to investigate the mid-term effects of left ventricular assist devices on kidney functions. METHODS: Between January 2015 and December 2017, a total of 61 patients (53 males, 8 females; mean age 46.4±11.2 years; range, 20 to 67 years) who underwent left ventricular assist device implantation were retrospectively analyzed. Glomerular filtration rate was evaluated preoperatively and at 24 and 48 h, at one week, and at one, three, and six months postoperatively. According to the preoperative glomerular filtration rates, the patients were divided into three groups: glomerular filtration rates ?60 mL/min/1.73 m2 ( Group 1 ), g lomerular f iltration rates 61-90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (Group 2), and glomerular filtration rates >90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (Group 3). RESULTS: In all groups, the glomerular filtration rate significantly increased at one week and one month postoperatively, compared to preoperative values (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). However, the glomerular filtration values at six months significantly decreased, compared to the values at one week and one month postoperatively (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The most significant drop to preoperative values was observed in Group 3 (p=0.02) at three months and it dropped below the preoperative level at six months (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that left ventricular assist devices can significantly increase the glomerular filtration rate in short-term, irrespective of baseline values. However, this improvement may recede later, particularly in patients with normal renal functions, and it may even disappear following the third postoperative month.

Combined Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Lung Resection in Patients with Lung Cancer Accompanied by Coronary Artery Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Optimal surgical approach for the treatment of resectable lung cancer accompanied by coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a contentious issue. In this study, we present our cases that were operated simultaneously for concurrent lung cancer and CAD. METHODS: Simultaneous off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCABG) and lung resection were performed on 10 patients in our clinic due to lung cancer accompanied by CAD. Demographic features of patients, operation data and postoperative results were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 63.3 years (range 55-74). All patients were male. Six cases of squamous cell carcinoma, three of adenocarcinoma and one case of large cell carcinoma were diagnosed. Six patients had single-vessel CAD and 4 had two-vessel CAD. Three patients underwent OPCABG at first and then lung resection. The types of resections were one right pneumonectomy, three right upper lobectomies, one right lower lobectomy, three left upper lobectomies, and two left lower lobectomies. Reoperation was performed in one patient due to hemorrhage. One patient developed intraoperative contralateral tension pneumothorax. One patient died due to acute respiratory distress syndrome at the early postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous surgery is a safe and reliable option in the treatment of selected patients with concurrent CAD and operable lung cancer.

Combined off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and lung resection in patients with lung cancer accompanied by coronary artery disease

Abstract Introduction: Optimal surgical approach for the treatment of resectable lung cancer accompanied by coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a contentious issue. In this study, we present our cases that were operated simultaneously for concurrent lung cancer and CAD. Methods: Simultaneous off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCABG) and lung resection were performed on 10 patients in our clinic due to lung cancer accompanied by CAD. Demographic features of patients, operation data and postoperative results were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Mean patient age was 63.3 years (range 55-74). All patients were male. Six cases of squamous cell carcinoma, three of adenocarcinoma and one case of large cell carcinoma were diagnosed. Six patients had single-vessel CAD and 4 had two-vessel CAD. Three patients underwent OPCABG at first and then lung resection. The types of resections were one right pneumonectomy, three right upper lobectomies, one right lower lobectomy, three left upper lobectomies, and two left lower lobectomies. Reoperation was performed in one patient due to hemorrhage. One patient developed intraoperative contralateral tension pneumothorax. One patient died due to acute respiratory distress syndrome at the early postoperative period. Conclusion: Simultaneous surgery is a safe and reliable option in the treatment of selected patients with concurrent CAD and operable lung cancer.