Evaluation of a Brazilian's cardiovascular anesthesia fellowship by its former trainees / Avaliação do programa de aprimoramento em anestesia cardiovascular por seus ex-estagiários

Abstract Background: After advancement of cardiovascular surgery, there is also exponential development of anesthetic techniques in this field. Patients with increasing clinical complexity challenge cardiac anesthesiologists to keep constantly updated. An evaluation of Brazilian's cardiovascular anesthesia fellowship at Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology has been made and information has been collected to evaluate the fellowship program in cardiovascular anesthesia. Method: Target participants were made up of former fellowships, contacted via e-mail containing an invitation to voluntarily participate. Explanation of the survey's purpose was provided. This communication was signed by the authors and contained a hyperlink to the survey, which was constructed on and hosted on a web platform. The survey was composed of 10 objectives questions designed to describe training and subsequent career. Results: The adjusted survey response rate was 71%. Two-thirds of respondents agreed that fellowship training provided them an advantage in the job market and 93% of respondents currently work with cardiac anesthesia. At least 87% of participants would recommend the course to other anesthesiologists. Conclusion: Fellowship graduates judge their technical training as excellent and incorporated the knowledge acquired in their daily practice. However, there are improvements to be made. We believe this document may be useful as a reference for other institutions to develop their own cardiovascular anesthesia fellowship programs.

Resumo Justificativa: Com o avanço da cirurgia cardiovascular nos últimos anos, houve também um desenvolvimento exponencial das técnicas anestésicas. Pacientes com complexidade clínica crescente desafiam os anestesiologistas cardíacos a se manterem constantemente atualizados. Uma avaliação do programa de aprimoramento em anestesia cardiovascular brasileira do Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia foi feita e informações foram coletadas para avaliar o programa. Método: Os participantes-alvo eram formados por ex-aprimorandos, contatados via e-mail com um convite para participação voluntária. A explicação do objetivo da pesquisa foi fornecida. Essa comunicação foi assinada pelos autores e continha um link para a pesquisa, que foi construída e hospedada em uma plataforma web. A pesquisa foi composta por 10 questões objetivas destinadas a descrever o treinamento e a carreira subsequente. Resultados: A taxa de resposta ajustada para a pesquisa foi de 71%. Dois terços dos entrevistados concordaram que o treinamento do programa lhes proporcionou uma vantagem no mercado de trabalho e 93% dos entrevistados trabalham atualmente com anestesia cardíaca. Pelo menos 87% dos participantes recomendariam o curso a outros anestesiologistas. Conclusão: Os graduados do programa de aprimoramento julgam sua formação técnica como excelente e incorporaram os conhecimentos adquiridos em sua prática diária. No entanto, há melhorias a serem feitas. Acreditamos que este documento possa ser útil como referência para outras instituições desenvolverem seus próprios programas de aprimoramento em anestesia cardiovascular.

[Evaluation of a Brazilian's cardiovascular anesthesia fellowship by its former trainees]. / Avaliação do programa de aprimoramento em anestesia cardiovascular por seus ex­estagiários.

BACKGROUND: After advancement of cardiovascular surgery, there is also exponential development of anesthetic techniques in this field. Patients with increasing clinical complexity challenge cardiac anesthesiologists to keep constantly updated. An evaluation of Brazilian's cardiovascular anesthesia fellowship at Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology has been made and information has been collected to evaluate the fellowship program in cardiovascular anesthesia. METHOD: Target participants were made up of former fellowships, contacted via e-mail containing an invitation to voluntarily participate. Explanation of the survey's purpose was provided. This communication was signed by the authors and contained a hyperlink to the survey, which was constructed on and hosted on a web platform. The survey was composed of 10 objectives questions designed to describe training and subsequent career. RESULTS: The adjusted survey response rate was 71%. Two-thirds of respondents agreed that fellowship training provided them an advantage in the job market and 93% of respondents currently work with cardiac anesthesia. At least 87% of participants would recommend the course to other anesthesiologists. CONCLUSION: Fellowship graduates judge their technical training as excellent and incorporated the knowledge acquired in their daily practice. However, there are improvements to be made. We believe this document may be useful as a reference for other institutions to develop their own cardiovascular anesthesia fellowship programs.

Hipertermia maligna no Brasil: análise da atividade do hotline em 2009 / Malignant hyperthermia in Brazil: analysis of hotline activity in 2009 / Hipertermia maligna en Brasil: análisis de la actividad del hotline en 2009

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Hipertermia maligna (HM) é doença farmacogenética, com reação hipermetabólica anormal a anestésicos halogenados e/ou relaxantes musculares despolarizantes. Desde 1991 há um serviço hotline de atendimento telefônico para HM no Brasil, disponível 24 horas por dia, em São Paulo. Este artigo analisa a atividade do serviço brasileiro de hotline para HM em 2009. MÉTODOS: Análise prospectiva de todas chamadas telefônicas paria maligna (HM) é doença farmacogenética, com reação hipermetabólica anormal a anestésicos halogenados e/ou relaxantes musculares despolarizantes. Desde 1991 há um serviço hotline de atendimento telefônico para HM no Brasil, disponível 24 horas por dia, em São Paulo. Este art go analisa a at vidade do serviço brasileiro de hotline para HM em 2009a o serviço brasileiro de hotline para HM, de janeiro a dezembro de 2009. RESULTADOS: Foram recebidas 22 ligações; 21 provenientes do Sul-Sudeste do Brasil e uma do Norte. Quinze eram pedidos de informações gerais sobre HM. Sete foram suspeitas de crises agudas de HM, das quais duas não foram consideradas como HM. Nas cinco crises compatíveis com HM, todos os pacientes receberam anestésicos inalatórios halogenados (2 isoflurano, 3 sevoflurano) e um usou também succinilcolina; havia quatro homens e uma mulher, com média de idade de 18 anos (2-27). Problemas descritos nas cinco crises de HM: taquicardia (cinco), aumento do gás carbônico expirado (quatro), hipertermia (três), acidemia (um), rabdomiólise (um) e mioglobinúria (um). Um paciente recebeu dantrolene. Todos os cinco pacientes com crises de HM foram seguidos em unidade de terapia intensiva e recuperaram-se sem sequelas. A suscetibilidade à HM foi posteriormente confirmada em dois pacientes por meio do teste de contratura muscular in vitro. CONCLUSÕES: O número de chamadas por ano no serviço brasileiro de hotline para HM ainda é reduzido. As características das crises foram similares às descritas em outros países. É preciso aumentar o conhecimento sobre HM no Brasil.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a pharmacogenetic disease that causes abnormal hypermetabolic reaction to halogenated anesthetics and/or depolarizing muscle relaxants. In Brazil, there is a hotline telephone service for MH since 1991, available 24 hours a day in São Paulo. This article analyzes the activity of the Brazilian hotline service for MH in 2009. METHODS: Prospective analysis of all phone calls made to the Brazilian hotline service for MH from January to December 2009. RESULTS: Twenty-two phone calls were received: 21 from the South/Southeast region of Brazil and one from the North region. Fifteen calls were requests for general information about MH. Seven were about suspected MH acute episodes, two of which were not considered as MH. In five episodes compatible with MH, all patients received halogenated volatile anesthetics (2, isoflurane; 3, sevoflurane) and one also used succinylcholine; there were four men and one woman, with a mean age of 18 years (2-27). The problems described in the five MH episodes were tachycardia (5), increased expired carbon dioxide (4), hyperthermia (3), acidemia (1), rhabdomyolysis (1), and myoglobinuria (1). One patient received dantrolene. All five patients with MH episodes were follow-up in the intensive care unit and recovered without sequelae. Susceptibility to MH was later confirmed in two patients by in vitro muscle contracture test. CONCLUSIONS: The number of calls per year in the Brazilian hotline service for MH is still low. The characteristics of MH episode were similar to those reported in other countries. The knowledge of MH in Brazil needs to be increased.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La Hipertermia Maligna (HM) es una enfermedad farmacogenética, con una reacción hipermetabólica anormal a los anestésicos halogenados y/o relajantes musculares despolarizantes. Desde 1991 existe un servicio hotline de atención telefónica para la HM en Brasil a disposición las 24 horas del día en São Paulo. Este artículo analiza la actividad del servicio brasileño de hotline para la HM en el 2009. MÉTODOS: Análisis prospectivo de todas las llamadas telefónicas realizadas al servicio brasileño de hotline para la HM, desde enero a diciembre de 2009. RESULTADOS: Se recibieron 22 llamadas; 21 provenientes del Sur y Sudeste de Brasil y una del Norte. Quince eran solicitudes de informaciones generales sobre la HM. Siete fueron sobre sospechas de crisis agudas de HM, de las cuales dos no fueron consideradas como HM. En las cinco crisis compatibles con la HM, todos los pacientes recibieron anestésicos inhalatorios halogenados (2 isoflurano, 3 sevoflurano) y uno también usó succinilcolina. Había cuatro hombres y una mujer, con un promedio de edad de 18 años (2-27). Los problemas descritos en las cinco crisis de HM: taquicardia (cinco), aumento del gas carbónico espirado (cuatro), hipertermia (tres), acidemia (uno), rabdomiólisis (uno) y mioglobinuria (uno). Un paciente recibió dantrolene. Todos los cinco pacientes con crisis de HM recibieron acompañamiento en la unidad de cuidados intensivos y se recuperaron sin secuelas. La susceptibilidad a la HM fue posteriormente confirmada en dos pacientes por medio del test de la contractura muscular in vitro. CONCLUSIONES: El número de llamadas por año al servicio brasileño de hotline para la HM todavía es pequeño. Las características de las crisis fueron similares a las descritas en otros países. Es necesario aumentar el conocimiento que se tiene sobre la HM en Brasil.

Malignant hyperthermia in Brazil: analysis of hotline activity in 2009.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a pharmacogenetic disease that causes abnormal hypermetabolic reaction to halogenated anesthetics and/or depolarizing muscle relaxants. In Brazil, there is a hotline telephone service for MH since 1991, available 24 hours a day in São Paulo. This article analyzes the activity of the Brazilian hotline service for MH in 2009. METHODS: Prospective analysis of all phone calls made to the Brazilian hotline service for MH from January to December 2009. RESULTS: Twenty-two phone calls were received: 21 from the South/Southeast region of Brazil and one from the North region. Fifteen calls were requests for general information about MH. Seven were about suspected MH acute episodes, two of which were not considered as MH. In five episodes compatible with MH, all patients received halogenated volatile anesthetics (2, isoflurane; 3, sevoflurane) and one also used succinylcholine; there were four men and one woman, with a mean age of 18 years (2-27). The problems described in the five MH episodes were tachycardia (5), increased expired carbon dioxide (4), hyperthermia (3), acidemia (1), rhabdomyolysis (1), and myoglobinuria (1). One patient received dantrolene. All five patients with MH episodes were follow-up in the intensive care unit and recovered without sequelae. Susceptibility to MH was later confirmed in two patients by in vitro muscle contracture test. CONCLUSIONS: The number of calls per year in the Brazilian hotline service for MH is still low. The characteristics of MH episode were similar to those reported in other countries. The knowledge of MH in Brazil needs to be increased.

Implante valve-in-valve transcateter em posição aórtica: uma mudança de seleção? / Transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve implantation: a selection change?

INTRODUÇÃO: A reoperação para substituição de biopróteses aórticas com disfunção é procedimento que envolve considerável risco. Em alguns casos, a mortalidade é elevada e pode contraindicar o procedimento. O implante minimamente invasivo "valve-in-valve" transcateter de valva aórtica parece ser uma alternativa, reduzindo morbimortalidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar esses implantes utilizando a prótese Braile Inovare. MÉTODOS: A prótese Braile Inovare, transcateter, balão expansível foi utilizada em 14 casos. Euroscore médio foi de 42,9%. Todos os pacientes eram portadores de dupla disfunção de bioprótese aórtica. Os procedimentos foram realizados em ambiente cirúrgico híbrido, sob controle ecocardiográfico e fluoroscópico. Por meio de minitoracotomia esquerda, as próteses foram implantadas através do ápice ventricular, sob estimulação ventricular de alta frequência. Foram realizados controles clínicos e ecocardiográficos seriados. O seguimento variou de 1 a 30 meses. RESULTADOS: A correta liberação protética foi possível em todos os casos. Não ocorreu conversão. Não houve mortalidade operatória. A mortalidade em 30 dias foi de 14,3% (dois casos). A fração de ejeção apresentou aumento significativo após o 7º pós-operatório e o gradiente aórtico apresentou redução significativa. A insuficiência aórtica residual não esteve presente. Não ocorreu complicação vascular periférica ou bloqueio atrioventricular total. CONCLUSÕES: O implante "valve-in-valve" de valva aórtica transcateter em biopróteses com disfunção é um procedimento seguro e com morbimortalidade baixa. Essa possibilidade poderá alterar a indicação de seleção de prótese no procedimento inicial, favorecendo próteses biológicas.

OBJECTIVE: Aortic valve replacement for bioprosthesis dysfunction is a procedure involving considerable risk. In some cases, mortality is high and may contraindicate the procedure. Minimally invasive transcatheter aortic "valve-in-valve" implant appears to be an alternative, reducing morbidity and mortality. The objective is to evaluate aortic valve-in-valve procedure using Braile Inovare prosthesis. METHODS: The Braile Inovare prosthesis, transcatheter, expandable balloon, was used in 14 cases. Average EuroSCORE was 42.9%. All patients had double aortic bioprosthesis dysfunction. Procedures were performed in a surgical hybrid environment under echocardiographic and fluoroscopic guidance. Using left minithoracotomy prostheses were implanted through the ventricular apex under high-frequency ventricular pacing. Serial clinical and echocardiographic controls were performed. Follow-up ranged 1-30 months. RESULTS: Correct prosthetic deployment was obtained in all cases. There was no conversion. There was no operative mortality. The 30-day mortality was 14.3% (two cases). Ejection fraction increased significantly after the 7th postoperative day. Aortic gradient significantly reduced. The residual aortic regurgitation was not present. There were no vascular complications or complete atrioventricular block. CONCLUSION: The transcatheter "valve-in-valve" procedure for bioprosthesis dysfunction is safe with low morbidity. This possibility may change prosthesis choice during the first aortic valve replacement, favoring bioprostheses.

Transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve implantation: a selection change?

OBJECTIVE: Aortic valve replacement for bioprosthesis dysfunction is a procedure involving considerable risk. In some cases, mortality is high and may contraindicate the procedure. Minimally invasive transcatheter aortic "valve-in-valve" implant appears to be an alternative, reducing morbidity and mortality. The objective is to evaluate aortic valve-in-valve procedure using Braile Inovare prosthesis. METHODS: The Braile Inovare prosthesis, transcatheter, expandable balloon, was used in 14 cases. Average EuroSCORE was 42.9%. All patients had double aortic bioprosthesis dysfunction. Procedures were performed in a surgical hybrid environment under echocardiographic and fluoroscopic guidance. Using left minithoracotomy prostheses were implanted through the ventricular apex under high-frequency ventricular pacing. Serial clinical and echocardiographic controls were performed. Follow-up ranged 1-30 months. RESULTS: Correct prosthetic deployment was obtained in all cases. There was no conversion. There was no operative mortality. The 30-day mortality was 14.3% (two cases). Ejection fraction increased significantly after the 7th postoperative day. Aortic gradient significantly reduced. The residual aortic regurgitation was not present. There were no vascular complications or complete atrioventricular block. CONCLUSION: The transcatheter "valve-in-valve" procedure for bioprosthesis dysfunction is safe with low morbidity. This possibility may change prosthesis choice during the first aortic valve replacement, favoring bioprostheses.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: results of the current development and implantation of a new Brazilian prosthesis.

OBJECTIVE: Aortic valve replacement is a routine procedure with acceptable risk, but in some cases, such risk can justify contraindication. Minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation has emerged as an alternative, with lower morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was clinical, safety and efficacy assessment. METHODS: Thirty-three high risk patients underwent transcatheter balloon expandable aortic valve implantation. Mean Logistic EuroScore risk was 39.30% and STS score 30.28%. Eight patients presented with dysfunctional bioprosthesis, remaining ones presented calcified aortic stenosis. Procedures were performed in a hybrid OR under fluoroscopic and echocardiography guidance. Using a left minithoracotomy the prosthesis were implanted trough the ventricular apex under rapid ventricular pacing or hemorrhagic shock. Echocardiographic and angiographic controls were performed. RESULTS: Implant was feasible in 30 cases. Three conversions occured. There was only one case of operative death. Median transvalvular aortic gradient reduced from 43.58 mmHg to 10.54 mmHg. Left ventricular function improved in the first 7 postoperative days. Paravalvular aortic regurgitation was mild and present in 30.30%. One case presented major vascular complication and another one permanent pacemaker implant. One major stroke case occurred. Overall 30-day mortality was 18.18%. CONCLUSION: The transapical implantation of catheter mounted bioprosthesis is a safe procedure with acceptable midterm results. Long term follow-up with increased sample power is mandatory in order to access hemodynamic, life quality and survival.

Implante transcateter de valva aórtica: resultados atuais do desenvolvimento e implante de um nova prótese brasileira / Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: results of the current development and implantation of a new Brazilian prosthesis

OBJETIVO: A troca valvar aórtica é procedimento rotineiro com risco aceitável. Em alguns casos, a mortalidade é elevada, contraindicando o procedimento. O implante minimamente invasivo transcateter de valva aórtica parece ser alternativa, reduzindo a morbimortalidade. A avaliação dos resultados clínicos, segurança e eficácia do procedimento são o objetivo desse estudo. MÉTODOS: Uma prótese transcateter, balão expansível foi utilizada em 33 casos de alto risco. EuroScore médio foi de 39,30% e STS score de 30,28%. Oito pacientes apresentavam disfunção de bioprótese e o restante, estenose aórtica calcificada. Os procedimentos foram realizados em ambiente cirúrgico híbrido, sob controle ecocardiográfico e fluoroscópico. Através de minitoracotomia esquerda, as próteses foram implantadas pelo ápice ventricular, sob estimulação de alta frequência ou choque hemorrágico. Foram realizados controles clínicos e ecocardiográficos. RESULTADOS: A correta liberação da prótese foi possível em 30 casos. Três conversões ocorreram. A mortalidade operatória foi de um caso e a mortalidade em 30 dias, 18,18%. O gradiente médio reduziu de 43,58 para 10,54 mmHg. A fração de ejeção apresentou aumento significativo após o 7º pós-operatório. Insuficiência aórtica residual esteve presente em 30,30% dos pacientes. Ocorreu uma complicação vascular periférica e um caso de bloqueio atrioventricular total. Um paciente apresentou acidente vascular cerebral. A mortalidade em 30 dias foi de 18,18%. CONCLUSÃO: O implante transapical de valva aórtica transcateter é procedimento seguro e com resultados de médio prazo satisfatórios. São necessários estudos de longo prazo com maior poder amostral no intuito de determinar resultado hemodinâmico, qualidade de vida e sobrevida em longo prazo.

OBJECTIVE: Aortic valve replacement is a routine procedure with acceptable risk, but in some cases, such risk can justify contraindication. Minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation has emerged as an alternative, with lower morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was clinical, safety and efficacy assessment. METHODS: Thirty-three high risk patients underwent transcatheter balloon expandable aortic valve implantation. Mean Logistic EuroScore risk was 39.30% and STS score 30.28%. Eight patients presented with dysfunctional bioprosthesis, remaining ones presented calcified aortic stenosis. Procedures were performed in a hybrid OR under fluoroscopic and echocardiography guidance. Using a left minithoracotomy the prosthesis were implanted trough the ventricular apex under rapid ventricular pacing or hemorrhagic shock. Echocardiographic and angiographic controls were performed. RESULTS: Implant was feasible in 30 cases. Three conversions occured. There was only one case of operative death. Median transvalvular aortic gradient reduced from 43.58 mmHg to 10.54 mmHg. Left ventricular function improved in the first 7 postoperative days. Paravalvular aortic regurgitation was mild and present in 30.30%. One case presented major vascular complication and another one permanent pacemaker implant. One major stroke case occurred. Overall 30-day mortality was 18.18%. CONCLUSION: The transapical implantation of catheter mounted bioprosthesis is a safe procedure with acceptable midterm results. Long term follow-up with increased sample power is mandatory in order to access hemodynamic, life quality and survival.

Transapical aortic valve implantation: results of a Brazilian prosthesis.

OBJECTIVE: The aortic valve replacement is a routine procedure with acceptable risk, but in some cases, such a risk can justify contraindication. The minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation has been viable, with lower morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to develop a national catheter-mounted aortic bioprosthesis for the aortic position implant. METHODS: After animal studies, 14 patients with high EuroSCORE underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Median Logistic EuroSCORE was 43.7%. Four patients presented with dysfunctional bioprosthesis, remaining ones presented calcified aortic stenosis. All patients presented symptoms. Procedures were performed in a hybrid OR under fluoroscopic and echocardiography guidance. Using a left minithoracotomy the prosthesis was implanted through the ventricular apex under ventricular pacing or hemorrhagic shock, after aortic valvoplasty. Echocardiograph and angiograph controls were performed, and the patients were referred to ICU. RESULTS: Implant was feasible in 13 cases. There were no intra-operative deaths. Median peak transvalvular aortic gradient reduced to 25.0 mmHg, and left ventricular function improved in the first seven post-operative days. Paravalvular aortic regurgitation was mild and present in 71%. No definitive pacemaker was needed. There was no peripheral vascular complication. Overall mortality was 42%. CONCLUSION: The transapical implantation of cathetermounted bioprosthesis was a feasible procedure. Long term follow-up is mandatory in order to access efficacy and indications.

Implante transapical de valva aórtica: resultados de uma nova prótese brasileira / Transapical aortic valve implantation: results of a brazilian prosthesis

OBJETIVO: A troca valvar aórtica é procedimento rotineiro com risco aceitável. Em alguns casos, a mortalidade é elevada, levando à contraindicação do procedimento, apesar dos sintomas. O implante minimamente invasivo transcateter de valva aórtica parece ser uma alternativa, reduzindo a morbi-mortalidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi o desenvolvimento e implante de nova prótese para implante transcateter. MÉTODOS: Após desenvolvimento em animais, uma prótese transcateter, balão-expansível foi utilizada em 14 casos de alto risco. O EuroSCORE médio foi de 43,7 por cento. Quatro pacientes apresentavam disfunção de biopróteses e o restante, estenose aórtica calcificada. Todos os pacientes eram sintomáticos. Os procedimentos foram realizados em ambiente cirúrgico híbrido, sob controle ecocardiográfico e fluoroscópico. Com o uso de minitoracotomia esquerda, as próteses foram implantadas através do ápice ventricular, sob estimulação ventricular de alta frequência ou choque hemorrágico controlado, após valvoplastia aórtica. Foram realizados controles clínicos e ecocardiográficos seriados. RESULTADOS: A correta liberação da prótese foi possível em 13 casos. Uma conversão ocorreu. Não houve mortalidade operatória. O gradiente de pico médio pós-implante foi de 25 mmHg. A fração de ejeção apresentou aumento significativo após o 7º pós-operatório. Insuficiência aórtica residual não significativa esteve presente em 71 por cento dos casos, nenhuma significativa. Não ocorreu complicação vascular periférica. Não houve necessidade de marcapasso definitivo. Um caso de acidente vascular cerebral ocorreu. A mortalidade geral foi de 42 por cento. CONCLUSÃO: O implante transapical de valva aórtica transcateter é um procedimento possível com esta nova prótese. O comportamento hemodinâmico foi satisfatório. São necessários estudos de longo prazo e com maior poder amostral, no intuito de determinar a real eficácia e indicação do procedimento alternativo.

OBJECTIVE: The aortic valve replacement is a routine procedure with acceptable risk, but in some cases, such a risk can justify contraindication. The minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation has been viable, with lower morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to develop a national catheter-mounted aortic bioprosthesis for the aortic position implant. METHODS: After animal studies, 14 patients with high EuroSCORE underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Median Logistic EuroSCORE was 43.7 percent. Four patients presented with dysfunctional bioprosthesis, remaining ones presented calcified aortic stenosis. All patients presented symptoms. Procedures were performed in a hybrid OR under fluoroscopic and echocardiography guidance. Using a left minithoracotomy the prosthesis was implanted through the ventricular apex under ventricular pacing or hemorrhagic shock, after aortic valvoplasty. Echocardiograph and angiograph controls were performed, and the patients were referred to ICU. RESULTS: Implant was feasible in 13 cases. There were no intra-operative deaths. Median peak transvalvular aortic gradient reduced to 25.0 mmHg, and left ventricular function improved in the first seven post-operative days. Paravalvular aortic regurgitation was mild and present in 71 percent. No definitive pacemaker was needed. There was no peripheral vascular complication. Overall mortality was 42 percent. CONCLUSION: The transapical implantation of cathetermounted bioprosthesis was a feasible procedure. Long term follow-up is mandatory in order to access efficacy and indications.

Off-pump transapical balloon-expandable aortic valve endoprosthesis implantation.

OBJECTIVE: The aortic valve replacement is a routine procedure, and involves replacement of the native valve/prosthesis. In most of the patients who undergo such procedure the risk is acceptable, but in some cases, such risk can justify contraindication. The minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been shown to be viable, with lower morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to develop a catheter-mounted aortic bioprosthesis for implantation without CPB. METHODS: After developing in animals, three patients with high EuroSCORE underwent implantation. Case 1: patients with bioprosthesis dysfunction; Case 2: severe aortic stenosis; Case 3: dysfunction of aortic bioprosthesis. After minithoracotomy and under echocardiographic and fluoroscopic control, a balloon catheter was placed on aortic position and inflated. After, a second balloon with valved endoprosthesis was positioned and released under high ventricular rate. Echocardiographic and angiographic controls were performed and the patients were referred to ICU. RESULTS: In the first case, implantation without CPB was possible with appropriate results. The patient evolved with improvement of ventricular function. After, this patient developed bronchopneumonia, tracheoesophageal fistula and died due to mediastinitis. Autopsy confirmed proper valve positioning and leaflets preservation. The second case showed the device migration after inflation of the balloon, with the need for urgent median sternotomy, CPB and conventional valve replacement. This patient evolved well and was discharged from the ICU on the 14th postoperative day without complications. This patient developed respiratory infection, septic shock and died on the 60th postoperative day. The patient from the third case underwent successful implantation. CONCLUSION: The off-pump transapical implantation of catheter-mounted bioprosthesis was shown to be a feasible procedure. Technical details and learning curve require further discussion.

Implante transapical de endoprótese valvada balão-expansível em posição aórtica sem circulação extracorpórea / Off-pump transapical balloon-expandable aortic valve endoprosthesis implantation

OBJETIVO: A troca valvar aórtica é procedimento rotineiro, envolve substituição da valva nativa/prótese. Na maioria destes pacientes o risco é aceitável, porém, em alguns casos, o risco predito pode justificar contra-indicação. O implante de valva aórtica minimamente invasivo transcateter e sem circulação extracorpórea (CEC) tem se mostrado viável, com menor morbi-mortalidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver bioprótese aórtica, montada em cateter, para implante sem CEC. MÉTODOS: Após desenvolvimento em animais, três pacientes com EuroSCORE elevado foram submetidos ao implante. Caso 1: portador de bioprótese com disfunção; Caso 2: estenose aórtica grave; Caso 3: disfunção de bioprótese aórtica. Após minitoracotomia e sob controle ecocardiográfico e fluoroscópico, cateter-balão foi posicionado sobre posição aórtica e insuflado. Após, segundo cateter-balão, com endoprótese valvada, foi posicionado e liberado sob alta frequência ventricular. Controles angiográficos e ecocardiográficos foram realizados e pacientes encaminhados para UTI. RESULTADOS: No primeiro caso foi possível implante sem CEC com resultados adequados. Evoluiu com melhora da função ventricular. Cursou com broncopneumonia, fístula traqueo-esofágica e óbito por mediastinite. Necropsia confirmou bom posicionamento valvar e preservação dos folhetos. O segundo caso apresentou migração do dispositivo após insuflação do balão, necessidade de esternotomia mediana de urgência, CEC e troca valvar convencional. O paciente evoluiu bem, recebendo alta da UTI 14 dias após procedimento e sem complicações. Cursou com infecção respiratória, choque séptico e óbito no 60º pós-operatório. O terceiro caso foi submetido a implante com sucesso. CONCLUSÃO: O implante de bioprótese transapical montada em cateter sem CEC mostrou ser procedimento factível. Detalhes técnicos e a curva de aprendizado demandam discussão.

OBJECTIVE: The aortic valve replacement is a routine procedure, and involves replacement of the native valve/prosthesis. In most of the patients who undergo such procedure the risk is acceptable, but in some cases, such risk can justify contraindication. The minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been shown to be viable, with lower morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to develop a catheter-mounted aortic bioprosthesis for implantation without CPB. METHODS: After developing in animals, three patients with high EuroSCORE underwent implantation. Case 1: patients with bioprosthesis dysfunction; Case 2: severe aortic stenosis; Case 3: dysfunction of aortic bioprosthesis. After minithoracotomy and under echocardiographic and fluoroscopic control, a balloon catheter was placed on aortic position and inflated. After, a second balloon with valved endoprosthesis was positioned and released under high ventricular rate. Echocardiographic and angiographic controls were performed and the patients were referred to ICU. RESULTS: In the first case, implantation without CPB was possible with appropriate results. The patient evolved with improvement of ventricular function. After, this patient developed bronchopneumonia, tracheoesophageal fistula and died due to mediastinitis. Autopsy confirmed proper valve positioning and leaflets preservation. The second case showed the device migration after inflation of the balloon, with the need for urgent median sternotomy, CPB and conventional valve replacement. This patient evolved well and was discharged from the ICU on the 14th postoperative day without complications. This patient developed respiratory infection, septic shock and died on the 60th postoperative day. The patient from the third case underwent successful implantation. CONCLUSION: The off-pump transapical implantation of catheter-mounted bioprosthesis was shown to be a feasible ...