Resuscitation in near drowning with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

We report a case of near drowning of a 3-year-old girl, who was admitted to our emergency room with a core temperature of 18.4 degrees C. After rewarming on cardiopulmonary bypass and restitution of her circulation, respiratory failure resistant to conventional respiratory therapy prohibited weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. Therefore, we instituted extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Fifteen hours later, she could be weaned from ECMO but required assisted ventilation for another 12 days. Twenty months later there are no neurologic deficits.

Off-pump coronary bypass operations significantly reduce S100 release: an indicator for less cerebral damage?

BACKGROUND: Cardiac operations using extracorporeal circulation bear a risk of cerebral complications. The aim of our study was to investigate if off-pump operations without heart-lung machines can reduce cerebral injury. METHODS: S100, a protein specific for cerebral tissue, was used as a marker for cerebral impairment in 108 randomized patients undergoing coronary bypass operation: 67 patients (group A) were operated on with extracorporeal circulation and cardioplegic cardiac arrest, and 41 patients (group B) underwent off-pump beating heart revascularization. Both groups were similar regarding age, sex, ejection fraction, and number of anastomoses. S100 levels were measured from induction of anesthesia until 24 hours after the operation. RESULTS: Data collection was 100% complete. There was no in-hospital death. Nonfatal myocardial infarctions occurred in 2 patients in group A, and 1 patient in group B required resternotomy for bleeding. There was no neurologic deficit in either group. S100 levels increased only slightly in the off-pump patients (group B), whereas in group A there was a sharp rise in S100 concentration during extracorporeal circulation, only returning to baseline 6 hours after the end of the operation. Peak S100 levels were four times higher in group A than in group B (2.1 microg/L versus 0.5 microg/L; p < 001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that perioperative cerebral impairment is reduced in cardiac operations without the use of extracorporeal circulation. Further large-scale studies are needed to show whether this result is reflected by fewer neurologic deficits.

Closing sounds and related complaints after heart valve replacement with St Jude Medical, Duromedics Edwards, Björk-Shiley Monostrut, and Carbomedics prostheses.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the noise produced and related subjective complaints after implantation of four different mechanical heart valve prostheses and to identify further factors related to the patient and prosthesis that influence noise generation and complaints. DESIGN: Sound pressure was measured 5 and 10 cm and 1 m from the point of maximal impulse on the body surface by a calibrated meter in quiet rooms with either a decibel(A) filter or octave filters. The patients were asked about their complaints and examined physically. SETTING: The measurements were conducted in silent rooms of ear, nose, and throat departments. The patients had been operated on either in a university hospital or a community hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sound pressures of frequency bands and sound pressures measured in dB(A) at various distances. Complaints registerd were: sleep disturbance, disturbance during daytime, "wants a less noisy prosthesis," and "can hear the closing click". PATIENTS: 143 patients after heart valve replacement with St Jude Medical (n = 35), Duromedics Edwards (n = 38), Carbomedics (n = 34) and Björk-Shiley Monostrut (n = 36) prostheses operated on between 1984 and 1988 were matched for valve position, ring size, and body surface area. RESULTS: Duromedics Edwards (33.5 (6) dB(A)) and Björk-Shiley Monostrut valves (31 (4) dB(A)) were significantly louder than St Jude Medical (24 (4) dB(A)) and Carbomedics (25 (6) dB(A)) prostheses (p = 0.0001) (mean (SD)). The louder valves were significantly more often heard by the patients (p = 0.0012) and caused more complaints both during sleep (p = 0.024) and during the daytime (p = 0.07). Patients with these valves were more likely to want a less noisy valve (p = 0.0047). Patients with symptoms were younger, had better hearing, and were more likely to be in sinus rhythm. As well as the type of prostheses, the valve diameter and body height also had an effect on sound emission. CONCLUSIONS: The intensity of the closing click of mechanical valve prostheses was significantly different for various designs. Patient complaints were related to the objectively measured sound pressure. Noise production should be considered when a mechanical valve is selected.

[Noise origin and noise-induced complaints after heart valve replacement with mechanical prostheses]. / Lärmentwicklung und lärmabhängige Beschwerden nach Herzklappenersatz mit mechanischen Prothesen.

143 patients were investigated in order to determine whether there is a difference in the intensity of the closing click between different mechanical heart valve prostheses. 35 had St. Jude Medical (SJM), 38 Duromedics Edwards (DE), 36 Björk Shiley Monostrut (BSM) and 34 had Carbomedics prostheses implanted. Sound pressure level determined at 1 meter distance was significantly higher for the DE 33.5 +/- 6 dB(A) and BSM 31 +/- 4 dB(A) than for the SJM 24 +/- 4 dB(A) and CM 25 +/- 6 dB(A) prostheses (p = 0.0001). Valves developing higher sound pressures were more frequently audible for the patients (p = 0.0012), caused more sleep disturbances (p = 0.024) and more complaints during daytime (p = 0.07). Significantly more patients carrying such valves wished to have a less noisy valve implanted (0.0047). Symptomatic patients wear louder valves, were younger, had better hearing and were more frequently in sinus rhythm. Valve diameter correlated with the developed sound pressure level. 349 patients answered a questionnaire after valve replacement with DE (256) or BSM (93) prostheses. 5% registered their noise-related complaints as being severe, but more than one third wished to have a less noisy valve implanted. The noise created by the closing click of mechanical prostheses causes significant complaints and this factor should be considered when a mechanical valve is selected.

[Diagnosis of lung sarcoidosis in the hospital]. / Zur Problematik der Lungensarkoidosediagnostik im Krankenhaus.

To confirm the diagnosis of sarcoidosis a characteristic X-ray and a positive histologic pattern is essential. In most cases one can get the histology by a rather simple bronchoscopy. In cases of negative bronchoscopic findings one should perform a mediastinoscopy, which can be done by an expert thoracic surgeon almost on outpatient basis. In rare cases the final diagnostic step is the open lung biopsy, preferably done on the right thoracic side, as the lung transplanting surgeons recommend for a possible lung transplant the left side.

[Experiences with PTCA at the Klagenfurt Regional Hospital]. / Erfahrung mit der PTCA am Landeskrankenhaus Klagenfurt.

From October 1986 to July 31th 1990 343 patients had coronary dilatations (PTCA) at the Landeskrankenhaus Klagenfurt. In total 380 stenoses in the coronary vessels were dilated. In 83% of stenoses "complete revascularization" was obtained. Success rate was 90%.

Noise level and perception of the closing click after heart valve replacement with St. Jude Medical and Björk Shiley Monostrut prostheses.

The metallic click generated by the closure of mechanical heart valve prostheses may severely bother patients, but generated sound energy and the extent of complaints after implantation are not known. In 62 patients, after valve replacement with St. Jude Medical (SJM) (n = 35) and Björk Shiley Monostrut (BSM) (n = 27) prostheses, sound energy was recorded with a calibrated noise level analyzer at 5, 10, and 100 cm distance from patients and correlated with their complaints. At a distance of 100 cm, the BSM valves produced a significantly higher sound pressure level, 30.5 +/- 5 db(A), compared to the SJM valves, 24.1 +/- 4 db(A) (p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference at shorter distances. After splitting into frequency bands the highest sound pressure levels were observed in the high frequency ranges (8 to 16 kHz) representing the metallic click. BSM valves produced higher sound levels in all frequency ranges at 1 m distance. Seventy-three percent of all patients were aware of the noise generated by the valve; 20% had disturbed sleep; and 26% preferred a less noisy valve type. Twelve of 27 patients with BSM valves wanted less noisy valves, whereas only 4 of 35 patients with SJM valves wished to have a less noisy valve type (Chi-square p = 0.003). In patients who could hear their valve measured, sound level was higher than in patients who could not. In 9 of 27 patients with BSM (33%), versus 3 of 35 with SJM prostheses (9%), the clicking caused sleep disturbances.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Subjective noise perception and objective measurement of loudness following heart valve replacement with the St. Jude Medical and Duromedics Edwards bileaflet prostheses]. / Subjektive Geräuschempfindung und objektive Lautstärkemessung nach Herzklappenersatz mit St.-Jude-Medical-und Duromedics-Edwards-Doppelflügelprothesen.

The performance of heart valve prostheses is generally judged by the rate of valve-related complications and the hemodynamic performance. Patients may be severely bothered by the metallic click generated by the closure of the valve. In 74 patients after valve replacement with Duromedics Edwards (DE) (n = 38) and St. Jude Medical (SJM) (n = 36) prostheses the sound energy was recorded and correlated to the complaints of the patients. At a distance of 10 cm the DE valves produced a significantly higher sound pressure with 47 +/- 7 db(A) compared to the SJM valves with 39.8 +/- 5 db(A) (p = 0.001). The noise level was also different for the valves in aortic or mitral position. After splitting into frequency bands the highest sound pressure was observed in the high frequency ranges (8 to 16 kHz) which represents the metallic click. 65% of patients were aware of the noise generated by the valve, 16% had sleep disturbances and 22% would prefer a more silent valve type. 12 of 38 patients with DE valves and 4 of 36 patients with SJM valves wished to have a less noisy valve type (Chi square p = 0.003). In annoyed patients the valves produced a higher sound amplitude of 49 +/- 8 db(A) as compared to undisturbed patients with 42 +/- 6 db(A) (p = 0.002). The noise level of mechanical heart valves should be considered before selection of a prosthesis, because the metallic click bothers patients and the complaints correlate with measured sound energy.

[Angina pectoris]. / Angina pectoris.

Coronary heart disease has many different clinical courses: it can cause rhythm-disturbances, sudden death, pump-failure, no pain at all (silent ischemia) or typical angina. Heart-pain can occur "on demand" after physical or mental stress with a duration of 3 to 5 minutes with typical location and good response to nitrates. It also can cause atypical forms of angina such as angina on rest, mostly due to coronary spasms. Angina can stable over months and years but can suddenly increase in severity and duration. This form is called unstable angina, which has to be recognized as soon as possible since acute myocardial infarctions evolve rather frequently. Infarction is an irreversible myocardial damage but before it develops many measures can be taken to preserve the jeopardized myocardium. The recognition and differentiation of angina pectoris is therefore of utmost importance.

Fibrin glue coating of e-PTFE prostheses enhances seeding of human endothelial cells.

A laboratory study was undertaken to improve the initial count of endothelial cells (EC) adhering to the wall of e-PTFE prostheses when seeding of human EC is attempted. In our experiments pretreatment of the prosthetic wall with commercially available fibrin glue (Tissucol) improved the reliability of the seeding procedure. The number and the distribution of EC seeded onto fibrin glue presealed e-PTFE prostheses was compared to the number and distribution of EC adhering to blood preclotted grafts 24 hours following the initial seeding procedure. Fibrin glue presealed grafts showed a higher number of initially adhering EC and a more equal distribution over the graft surface when compared to blood pretreated grafts. Our results suggest that the use of fibrin glue enhances the seeding of human EC on e-PTFE grafts.

Effect of experimental cardiopulmonary bypass on systemic and transcardiac thromboxane B2 levels.

Systemic and cardiac metabolism of thromboxane was studied in a canine model (n = 13) of standard cardiopulmonary bypass and surgical cardioplegia. Sterile techniques were applied and no donor blood was used. Systemic samples (thoracic aorta) and transcardiac gradients (coronary sinus - aortic root) were obtained (1) 5 minutes after cannulation, (2) 20 minutes after the onset of partial bypass, (3) 5 seconds after the first administration of cardioplegic solution (CP-1), and (4) 5 seconds after the second administration of cardioplegic solution (CP-2). Cardioplegic doses were administered 30 minutes apart and consisted of 500 ml of hypothermic (8 degrees C), hyperkalemic (25 mEq potassium chloride) solution infused into the aortic root at 60 to 70 mm Hg. Thromboxane B2 was determined by a double-antibody radioimmunoassay (picograms per milliliter +/- standard error of the mean). Onset of partial bypass was followed by a significant rise in systemic arterial thromboxane B2 levels: after cannulation, 115 +/- 21 pg/ml; after the onset of partial bypass, 596 +/- 141 pg/ml; p less than 0.01). Significant transcardiac thromboxane B2 gradients were found during the first and second cardioplegic washouts (CP-1: aortic root 73 +/- 12 pg/ml, coronary sinus 306 +/- 86 pg/ml, p less than 0.01; CP-2: aortic root 65 +/- 11 pg/ml, coronary sinus 355 +/- 98 pg/ml, p less than 0.01). Transcardiac gradients of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha and thromboxane B2 were obtained at CP-1 and CP-2. Gradients of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha were not different from thromboxane B2 gradients during CP-1 but were significantly higher than thromboxane B2 gradients during CP-2. In a subgroup of five dogs, transcardiac thromboxane B2, lactate, and platelet gradients were measured simultaneously. Cardiac thromboxane B2 generation was found only in the presence of cardiac lactate production. Transcardiac platelet gradients were significantly higher at CP-1 (13,900 +/- 3,000/mm3) than at CP-2 (4,000 +/- 1,230/mm3) (p less than 0.05), whereas thromboxane B2 gradients were similar at CP-1 and CP-2. Our study demonstrates that thromboxane B2 is released into the coronary circulation during surgical cardioplegic arrest with anaerobiosis.

Influence of coronary artery obstruction on cardiac prostaglandin metabolism during experimental cardioplegic arrest.

In order to test the influence of coronary artery obstruction on cardiac prostaglandin metabolism during surgically induced cardioplegia (CP), we have measured transcardiac veno-arterial gradients of prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 (TXA A2) during experimental canine cardiopulmonary bypass. Cardiac arrest was induced by infusion of 500 ml of hypothermic (8 degrees C), hyperkalemic (25 meq) crystalloid CP solution into the aortic root with (group I) and without (group II) occlusion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). After 30 minutes of cardioplegic arrest the LAD occlusion in group I was released and a second set of CP infusion was applied in both groups. Transcardiac gradients were obtained 5 seconds after onset of the first and second CP washouts. Significant prostacyclin and TXA A2 gradients were observed at both times. Prostacyclin gradients did not differ between group I and group II. In contrast, TXA A2 gradients were significantly higher during the second CP washout in group I as compared to the unoccluded group (group I 918 +/- 221, group II 244 +/- 144 pg/ml, p less than 0.05). The results of our study suggest that cardiac TXA A2 metabolism during cardioplegic arrest is increased distal to a coronary artery obstruction. Cardiac TXA A2 production might contribute to the increased ischemic myocardial injury observed in this setting.

Cardiac prostacyclin kinetics during cardiopulmonary bypass.

We have investigated the response of systemic and myocardial prostacyclin metabolism to cardiopulmonary bypass and 30 minutes of hypothermic (22 degrees C), hyperkalemic (25 mEq K+) surgical cardioplegia. Thirteen adult mongrel dogs of either sex (range 21 to 36 kg) underwent sterile cardiopulmonary bypass without donor blood. Prostacyclin levels were obtained after cannulation, 20 minutes after onset of partial bypass, and 5 seconds after the onset of cardioplegia 1 (CP-1) and cardioplegia 2 (CP-2, 30 minutes later). Samples were drawn from the thoracic aorta, the aortic root below cross-clamping, and the coronary sinus. The stable metabolite of prostacyclin, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was measured by double-antibody radioimmunoassay (pg/ml; values +/- standard error of the mean). We found that the onset of partial bypass is associated with significant increase in the systemic production of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (122 +/- 33 versus 518 +/- 187; p less than 0.05), which persists throughout the experiment. A small but significant positive cardiac gradient of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha is found after cannulation (aortic root 122 +/- 33, coronary sinus 202 +/- 57, p less than 0.05). This gradient is more pronounced during partial bypass (aortic root 518 +/- 187, coronary sinus 686 +/- 186 p less than 0.05), when significant cardiac lactate extraction (p less than 0.005) is observed. After cross-clamping, a significantly increased gradient of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha is found during CP-1 (aortic root 74 +/- 10, coronary sinus 264 +/- 46, p less than 0.05 versus cannulation) in the presence of significant cardiac lactate production (p less than 0.005). A further significant increase in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production is noted during the CP-2 infusion (aortic root 73 +/- 10, coronary sinus 483 +/- 83; p less than 0.01 versus CP-1), which is inversely related to cardiac oxygen uptake and endocardial/epicardial flow ratio. Our data demonstrate significant production of prostacyclin in the systemic and cardiac circulations during cardiopulmonary bypass and surgical cardioplegia. They further indicate that both ischemic and nonischemic stimuli regulate prostacyclin metabolism during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Angioplasty in stenosis of the innominate artery.

We describe a successful percutaneous transluminal dilatation (PTD) of an innominate artery stenosis in a 40-year-old patient with aortic arch syndrome. Five years earlier both a left central carotid artery occlusion and an innominate and left subclavian artery stenosis were treated by grafting from the aorta to the distal vessels. At recurrence of the neurological symptoms, reocclusion of the graft to the innominate artery and subtotal stenosis of the left carotid anastomosis were noted. To prevent the hazards of a reoperation, the innominate artery stenosis was dilated by means of PTD via the right brachial artery. Success of the procedure was demonstrated by Doppler sonography and angiography. It appears that PTD serves as an excellent method of treating stenoses of the aortic arch branches in aortic arch syndrome.

[Transluminal dilatation of innominate stenosis in aortic arch syndrome]. / Transluminale Dilatation einer Anonymastenose bei Aortenbogensyndrom.

Successful percutaneous transluminal dilatation of an anonyma stenosis is reported. The patient was a 40 year-old male with the aortic arch syndrome. Five years before an occlusion of the central carotid artery, as well as anonyma and left subclavian stenoses were treated by means of vascular grafts. On recurrence of the neurological symptoms, reocclusion of the right graft to the anonyma artery and subtotal stenosis of the left carotid bifurcation was noted. The anonyma stenosis was dilated by means of PTD. Haemodynamic success was demonstrated by Doppler sonography.

Chronic vascular disease of the upper extremity: radiologic and clinical features.

The major chronic vascular diseases of the upper extremity are (1) subclavian artery occlusions, (2) thoracic outlet syndrome, and (3) angiospastic disease of the hand. Central subclavian artery lesions ease of the hand. Central subclavian artery lesions can have either hemodynamic consequences (subclavian steal syndrome) or, by peripheral embolization, can provoke ischemic symptoms of the hand. Costoclavicular narrowing can cause functional or fixed stenosis of the subclavian artery and can also involve the vein or brachial plexus. Symptoms due to pressure on the brachial plexus are most frequent, but embolization to the peripheral vessels may also occur. Angiospastic disease, the most frequent lesion of upper extremity vessels, comprises three types: Raynaud's disease, in which there are intermittent attacks of coldness and discoloration without evidence of occlusion on the angiogram; asphyxia manus et digitorum in which the attacks are also intermittent but there is morphologic evidence of occlusion; and digitus moriens or mortuus, in which there is a painful, permanent discoloration. All investigations of chronic vascular disease of the upper extremity should begin with arch aortography and then proceed to a selective catheterization of the vessels that are presumed to be involved.

[Aneurysmal dilatation of the bulb of the azygos vein. Radiological and clinical value]. / Aneurysmatische Erweiterung des Bulbus der Vena azygos. Radiologische und klinische Wertigkeit.

An aneurysm of the vena azygos should be taken into consideration when establishing the differential diagnosis of a tumor in the area of the right tracheobronchial angle or of an enlargement of the right upper mediastinum. Bilateral pelvic phlebography with demonstration of the retroperitoneal venous system and the azygos venous system is the only purposeful examination. Tentative diagnosis is made on the basis of the X-ray (radioscopy and general X-ray of the chest) and is supplemented by X-rays of the patient in a recumbent position (Valsalva- and Müller-test) and appropriate tomography. The most frequent cause of the azygos aneurysm in our patients was aplasia of the inferior vena cava. One patient presented an infrahepatic interruption of the inferior vena cava with azygos continuation. Phlebography of the inferior vena cava should always be performed in cases of azygos aneurysm. An abnormality of the inferior vena cava may be missing; in such cases the existence of a cardiac defect, abnormal emptying of pulmonary veins or hepatic cirrhosis should be taken into consideration. The enlargement of the azygotic arch may also occur during pregnancy. Thus an azygos aneurysm is frequently but not necessarily associated with enlargement of the azygotic arch. We saw one patient among our cases who presented aplasia of the inferior vena cava without any dilatation of the azygotic arch.