Choice of desflurane or propofol for the maintenance of general anesthesia does not affect the risk of periprocedural myocardial damage in patients undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to reveal whether the occurrence of periprocedural myocardial damage (PMD) decreases in patients who received volatile anesthetics to maintain general anesthesia compared with those who received propofol during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). METHODS: We included one hundred and forty adult patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI under general anesthesia from January 2015 to March 2017 in this single-center retrospective review. We compared the rate of patients who developed PMD between those who received desflurane (Group D, n = 72) and propofol (Group P, n = 68) for anesthetic maintenance. PMD was represented by the peak levels of creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) and troponin I within 72 h following the procedure and defined as an increase >5 times in CK-MB or >15 times in troponin I compared with the institutional upper reference limits. Further analysis was performed to identify the independent predictors of PMD. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the rate of PMD between groups (Group D 72.2% to Group P 70.6%, P = 0.85) or levels of CK-MB (Group D 7.85 [1.3-72.7] ng/mL to Group P 8.45 [1.8-49.7] ng/mL; P = 0.59) and troponin I (Group D 1.061 [0.050-10.8] ng/mL to Group P 1.214 [0.036-29.0] ng/mL; P = 0.97). The risk of PMD was higher in patients with more intraprocedural blood loss (odds ratio 1.49 per 100 mL, P = 0.048) and lower in those with an implanted permanent pacemaker (odds ratio 0.17; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Desflurane does not appear to be more cardioprotective than propofol when used for anesthetic maintenance in patients undergoing transfemoral TAVI.

Perioperative factors related to the severity of vocal cord paralysis after thoracic cardiovascular surgery: A retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: Vocal cord paralysis (VCP) is a rare complication of thoracic cardiovascular surgery. In severe cases, life-threatening airway obstruction may occur. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and severity of VCP among patients who underwent thoracic cardiovascular surgery and to identify possible risk factors. DESIGN: Single-centre retrospective review of adult patients. SETTING: Osaka University Hospital, Suita, Japan, from January 2013 to August 2015. PATIENTS: We included 688 patients in the final analysis. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data were collected from medical records. Patients with preoperative VCP or tracheostomy prior to extubation were excluded. The VCP severity in relation to functional recovery was graded using the following categories: absent; mild, remission at 6 months; moderate, partial or persistent VCP at 6 months; or severe, airway obstruction after extubation requiring reintubation. An otolaryngologist diagnosed all VCP cases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The incidence and severity of VCP after extubation. RESULTS: The incidence (number) of VCP was 4.7% (32), with those of mild, moderate and severe VCP being 1.7% (12), 1.5% (10) and 1.5% (10), respectively. The ICU stay was significantly longer in patients with severe VCP than in patients without VCP [12.5 days (interquartile range 5.5 to 25.5) vs. 3 days (interquartile range 2 to 5), P = 0.0002]. In our multivariable analysis, type 2 diabetes mellitus [odds ratio (OR) 1.853, P = 0.009], intubation period (OR per 24 h 1.136, P = 0.014), ascending aortic arch surgery with brachiocephalic artery reconstruction (OR 8.708, P < 0.001) and ventricular assist device implantation (OR 3.460, P = 0.005) were independent predictors for VCP. CONCLUSION: The identification of these risk factors may facilitate screening for VCP before extubation and possibly help anaesthesia personnel to be prepared to treat VCP-related airway obstruction should it occur.

A longer total duration of rapid ventricular pacing does not increase the risk of postprocedural myocardial injury in patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Rapid ventricular pacing (RVP) is used during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). RVP disturbs myocardial oxygen balance, and when prolonged, it may cause procedure-related myocardial injury (PMI). This study investigated whether a longer duration of RVP increased the occurrence of PMI or worsened long-term mortality after TAVI. We retrospectively analyzed data from 188 patients who underwent TAVI in our institute from January 2013 to July 2015. Myocardial injury was represented by the peak value of creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) within 72 h after the procedure; an increase greater than 5 times the upper reference limit was regarded as PMI. There was no difference in RVP time (RVPT) between patients with and without PMI (median [range]: 57 [9-189] s vs. 54 [0-159] s, p = 0.9). A higher peak CK-MB was significantly correlated with the apical approach for the procedure (p < 0.001) but not with total RVPT (p = 0.22). A subanalysis of 133 patients whose troponin I was tested within 72 h postprocedurally showed no correlation between the peak value and RVPT (p = 0.40). Shortening RVPT did not result in myocardial protection; thus, RVPT during TAVI should be sufficient to optimize valve placement.

[Anesthetic Management of Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in a Patient with Adrenal Pheochromocytoma].

A 64-year-old male patient with pheochromocytoma underwent an off-pump coronary artery bypass graft- ing. Determination of order of surgeries, preoperative medical management and intraoperative hemodynamic management are important in these cases. Al- though bolus administration of phenylephrine showed poor response, the surgery was uneventful and the patient remained hemodynamically stable throughout the procedure and perioperative period.

[Comparison of Aortic Valve Replacement Combined with Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Combined with Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting].

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the perioperative management of aortic valve replacement combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (AVR+CABG) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation combined with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (TAVI+OPCAB). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who had undergone either AVR+CABG or TAVI+OPCAB for AS and CAD in Osaka Univer- sity Medical Hospital from January to October, 2014. RESULTS: AVR+CABG was performed in 11 pa- tients (group A) and TAVI+OPCAB was performed in 4 patients (group T) in this period. The patients in group T was significantly older than the patients in group A. There were no significant differences in other background factors. Procedure time and postoperative mechanical ventilation time were shorter in group T than in group A. Postoperative recovery was signifi- cantly faster in group T than in group A. CONCLUSIONS: TAVI+OPCAB is less invasive than AVR+CABG and an effective treatment for high risk patient with AS and CAD.

[Massive Air Inflow into the Left Ventricle Detected by Transesophageal Echocardiography during Rastelli Coduit Re-replacement].

We present a case of massive air inflow into the left ventricle from the right ventricle through a small intraventricular shunt detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). This case suggests that TEE plays an important role in the right ventricle-pulmo- nary artery conduit re-replacement.

Unexpected bioprosthetic mitral valve thrombus during left ventricular assist device implantation.

Acute bioprosthetic valve thrombosis can occur after surgery and sometimes cause hemodynamic instability and cardiogenic shock. Risk factors for bioprosthetic valve thrombosis are hypercoagulability, atrial fibrillation, atrial dilatation, low cardiac function, and lack of anticoagulation therapy. The authors present a case of severe mitral stenosis due to bioprosthetic valve thrombus. The patient was diagnosed with dilated-phase hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and underwent mitral valve replacement. He required venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) due to extremely low cardiac output and was scheduled for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Transesophageal echocardiographic examination before LVAD implantation revealed severe mitral stenosis due to bioprosthetic mitral valve thrombus, which was not detected by transthoracic echocardiography in the intensive care unit and contributed to the low cardiac function. The thrombus was removed through an unscheduled left atriotomy before LVAD implantation. The possibility of bioprosthetic valve thrombosis must be considered when the patient is dependent on VA-ECMO support. Early transesophageal echocardiographic examination of the bioprosthetic valve may be helpful and contribute to surgical decision-making.

Right ventricular functional assessment by three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography is useful for withdrawal from a right ventricular assist device: a case report.

Right ventricular assist device (RVAD) implantation is one type of surgical treatment used for right heart failure. It is important to assess right ventricular (RV) function precisely when RVAD withdrawal is considered. Although assessment of RV function is difficult due to its complicated shape and contraction pattern, the volumetric analysis method of three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been developed and is useful for this task. We report the case of a 79-year-old man who successfully underwent RVAD withdrawal and evaluation using 3D TEE. 3D TEE had an important role in determining the timing of withdrawal from RVAD in this case.

Risk of Hematoma in Patients With a Bleeding Risk Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery With a Paravertebral Catheter.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the risk of hematoma associated with thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Single university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 141 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery with TPVB to relieve postoperative pain. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Three patients were excluded and of the remaining 138, TPVB was performed in 135, ages 11 to 96 years, who either had a clotting abnormality or were on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy. No paravertebral, epidural, or spinal hematoma was detected, and only 1 case of superficial bleeding was observed. The frequency of hematoma associated with TPVB in patients with a risk of bleeding undergoing cardiovascular surgery was calculated as 0% (95% confidence interval 0-2.7). CONCLUSION: Hematoma did not occur in patients at risk of bleeding who underwent cardiovascular surgery with TPVB for postoperative pain management. However, the risk and benefit in each case still must be considered carefully to determine whether TPVB is indicated.

The effects of the employment of physical therapists and occupational therapists on the gait function of adult day service users after 1 year.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the presence or absence of physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) in an adult day service on the users' gait function, and to generalize the format of an effective service aimed at the preventing the exacerbation of the gait function and at promoting self-reliance in activities and participation. METHODS: The study population included 830 elderly day service users (mean age, 83.7±6.8 years; male, n=252; female, n=578) in Japan. Their normal gait speed was measured at the baseline and at 1 year. The sex, age, level of nursing care, and number of adult day service users were assessed at the baseline. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: (1) those who used services that employed PTs or OTs (the PTOT group) and (2) those who used services that did not employ PTs or OTs (the control group). We performed a univariate analysis to confirm the absence of differences between the groups in terms of all their baseline variables. Next, we performed a repeated measures analysis of variance using the presence or absence of PT or OT and time as factors. We subsequently performed a univariate analysis to examine the difference in the gait speed of the groups, as well as the differences in the gait speed between the groups at the baseline and at 1 year. RESULTS: Although the repeated measures analysis of variance did not show that time had a significant effect on the gait speed, it showed the significant effects of the presence or absence of PTs or OTs as well as the interaction between time and group. Intragroup comparisons showed a significant difference between the gait speed at baseline and that at 1 year in the PTOT group. However, there was also a significant difference in the baseline and 1-year gait speeds of the control group. The intergroup comparisons did not show a significant difference in the gait speed at baseline, but did show a significant difference in the gait speed at 1 year. CONCLUSION: The employment of PTs and OTs in adult day service controlled the exacerbation of the gait function. The gait speed in elderly individuals who require long-term care is associated with the activities of daily living and mortality rates; thus, the results of the present study indicate the need for the employment of rehabilitation specialists in adult day services.

Paravertebral block decreases opioid administration without causing hypotension during transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Paravertebral block (PVB) is feasible for postoperative analgesia in patients who undergo cardiac surgery with unilateral thoracotomy. Postoperative continuous PVB is as effective as thoracic epidural anesthesia and is less likely to cause hypotension. However, the intraoperative utility and safety of PVB remains unclear. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the efficacy and hemodynamic influence of intraoperative paravertebral bolus injection during cardiac surgery. We retrospectively compared intraoperative medication use and blood pressure measurements between patients who underwent transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TA-TAVI) with (PVB group, n = 46) or without (non-PVB group, n = 15) intraoperative PVB. Remifentanil administration was lower by more than 40 % in the PVB group compared with that in the non-PVB group (728 ± 319 µg vs. 1240 ± 488 µg, P < 0.001). The average and variability of intraoperative blood pressure showed no significant differences between groups. The duration of hypotension (blood pressure less than 80 % of baseline) was 25.1 ± 21.5 % and 25.4 ± 18.1 % of the entire anesthesia time in the non-PVB and PVB groups, respectively (P = 0.74). The use of inotropic and vasopressor agents was comparable between groups. Intraoperative paravertebral bolus injection decreased remifentanil administration without causing hypotension during TA-TAVI in hemodynamically unstable patients. This result suggests the intraoperative utility of PVB in cardiac surgery.

[Anesthesia for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation and Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in a Patient with Total Occlusion of Right Common Carotid Artery].

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a novel treatment option for inoperative high-risk pa- tients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). However, there is a risk of cerebral ischemia by the two times of rapid ventricular pacing (RVP) procedure during valvulo- plasty and prosthesis implantation. An 86-year-old man was diagnosed with old myocardial infarction and severe AS, and was scheduled to undergo TAVI and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). He had the risk of cerebral ischemia due to total occlu- sion of the right common carotid artery, and was monitored with bilateral bispectral index (BIS) and cerebral regional saturation of oxygen (rSO2). In order to maintain his cerebral blood flow, we used low dose catecholamine during OPCAB. During prosthesis implantation, RVP was performed as quickly as pos- sible to maintain cerebral perfusion. Hemodynamics of the patient was restored with no reduction of either bilateral BIS or rSO2 values after RVP. He did not develop neurological complications and was discharged on postoperative day 15. Rapid ventricular pacing followed by unstable hemo- dynamics during valvuloplasty and prosthesis implan- tation is challenging to the anesthesiologists.

[Anesthetic Management for Heart-Lung Transplantation Report of 2 Cases from Japan].

Heart and lung transplantation (HLT) is the surgical procedure for congenital heart disease and cardiomy- opathy with pulmonary hypertension. HLT is rare in the world and has been performed only twice until October, 2014 at our hospital in Japan. We report the anesthetic management for HLT.

[Anesthetic Management for Removal of Right Atrial Tumor: 2 Case Reports].

Primary cardiac tumors are extremely rare. We experienced the management of anesthesia for removal of right atrial tumors in two cases. The removal of cardiac tumors is associated with various risks such as embolism, obstructive symptoms of organs and ar- rhythmia. It is necessary to predict such risks from the characteristics of the tumor and to make plans for safe anesthetic management.

Pain Management With Bilateral Continuous Thoracic Paravertebral Block in a Patient With Fontan-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Hepatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: We report a case of perioperative management of a single-ventricle patient with Fontan-associated liver disease undergoing hepatectomy. CASE REPORT: A 12-year-old boy with Fontan circulation was scheduled for partial hepatectomy to remove a liver mass in segment 6. He received stent implantation to relieve conduit stenosis 6 months before the operation. The operation was performed under general anesthesia and with a bilateral thoracic paravertebral block (PVB). A continuous paravertebral infusion of levobupivacaine was administered via right and left catheters postoperatively. He was hemodynamically stable throughout the perioperative period, extubated soon after surgery, and had an uncomplicated postoperative course. CONCLUSIONS: An analgesic regimen including thoracic PVB resulted in a rapid recovery without opioid-related side effects and early reinitiation of anticoagulation therapy. Our case illustrates the effective application of thoracic PVB in congenital heart disease patients for non-cardiac-related surgery.

[Anesthetic Management of a Patient with Quasi-moyamoya Disease Undergoing Total Thyroidectomy for Graves' Disease].

Quasi-moyamoya disease defined as moyamoya disease combined with autoimmune diseases such as Graves' disease is rare. We report anesthetic management of a patient with quasi-moyamoya disease undergoing total thyroidectomy for Graves' disease resistant to medical therapy. This disease is characterized by the aggravation of cerebral ischemic symptoms with hyperthyroidism. We, therefore, applied steroid pulse therapy before the operation to induce temporal normalization of the thyroid function, and could perform safe anesthetic management of this patient with quasi-moyamoya disease.

Intraoperative Right Ventricular Fractional Area Change Is a Good Indicator of Right Ventricular Contractility: A Retrospective Comparison Using Two- and Three-Dimensional Echocardiography.

OBJECTIVE: Intraoperative two-dimensional echocardiography is technically challenging, given the unique geometry of the right ventricle (RV). It was hypothesized that the RV fractional area change (RVFAC) could be used as a simple method to evaluate RV function during surgery. Therefore, the correlation between the intraoperative RVFAC and the true right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), as measured using newly developed three-dimensional (3D) analysis software, was evaluated. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who underwent cardiac surgery with transesophageal echocardiography monitoring between March 2014 and June 2014. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Sixty-two patients were included in this study. After the exclusion of poor imaging data and patients with arrhythmias, 54 data sets were analyzed. RVFAC was measured by one anesthesiologist during surgery, and full-volume 3D echocardiographic data were recorded simultaneously. The 3D data were analyzed postoperatively using off-line 3D analysis software by a second anesthesiologist, who was blinded to the RVFAC results. The mean RVFAC was 38.8% ± 8.7%, the mean RVEF was 41.4% ± 8.3%, and there was a good correlation between the RVFAC and the RVEF (r(2) = 0.638; p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The RVFAC was well-correlated with the RVEF calculated using 3D echocardiography; therefore, RVFAC provides a simple and useful method for anesthesiologists to evaluate intraoperative RV function.

Anesthesia for aortic reconstruction in a child with PHACE syndrome.

PHACE syndrome is a neurocutaneous syndrome characterized by the association of large cutaneous hemangiomas and the cardiac and cerebral vascular anomalies. We report a 6-year-old female with PHACE syndrome presented with left facial hemangiomas, cystic lesion in the cerebral posterior fossa, coarctation of the aorta, aplasia of the left vertebral artery and stenosis of the left internal carotid artery. Surgical repair of the aorta with left heart bypass under beating heart was scheduled. We monitored regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) with infrared spectroscopy in order to detect cerebral hypoperfusion. A decrease of rSO2 ipsilateral to the cerebrovascular anomalies occurred during anastomosis of the aorta, which was treated by reducing the flow rate of left heart bypass and by increasing the inhalational oxygen concentration. As children with PHACE syndrome are frequently accompanied with cerebrovascular anomalies and at a risk of cerebral hypoperfusion, prevention of cerebral hypoperfusion is crucially important during general anesthesia.