Emergency airway management in a tertiary trauma centre (AIRMAN): a one-year prospective longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: Emergency airway management can be associated with a range of complications including long-term neurologic injury and death. We studied the first-pass success rate with emergency airway management in a tertiary care trauma centre. Secondary outcomes were to identify factors associated with first-pass success and factors associated with adverse events peri-intubation. METHODS: We performed a single-centre, prospective, observational study of patients ≥ 17 yr old who were intubated in the emergency department (ED), surgical intensive care unit (SICU), medical intensive care unit (MICU), and inpatient wards at our institution. Ethics approval was obtained from the local research ethics board. RESULTS: In a seven-month period, there were 416 emergency intubations and a first-pass success rate of 73.1%. The first-pass success rates were 57.5% on the ward, 66.1% in the intensive care units (ICUs) and 84.3% in the ED. Equipment also varied by location; videolaryngoscopy use was 65.1% in the ED and only 10.6% on wards. A multivariate regression model using the least absolute shrinkage and selection algorithm (LASSO) showed that the odds ratios for factors associated with two or more intubation attempts were location (wards, 1.23; MICU, 1.24; SICU, 1.19; reference group, ED), physiologic instability (1.19), an anatomically difficult airway (1.05), hypoxemia (1.98), lack of neuromuscular blocker use (2.28), and intubator inexperience (1.41). CONCLUSIONS: First-pass success rates varied widely between locations within the hospital and were less than those published from similar institutions, except for the ED. We are revamping ICU protocols to improve the first-pass success rate.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: La prise en charge d'urgence des voies aériennes peut être associée à une multitude de complications, y compris des lésions neurologiques à long terme et la mort. Nous avons étudié le taux de réussite à la première tentative lors de la prise en charge d'urgence des voies aériennes dans un centre de traumatologie tertiaire. Les critères d'évaluation secondaires étaient l'identification des facteurs associés à la réussite de la première tentative et des facteurs associés aux événements indésirables péri-intubation. MéTHODE: Nous avons réalisé une étude observationnelle prospective monocentrique sur des patients âgés de 17 ans ou plus qui avaient été intubés à l'urgence, à l'unité de soins intensifs chirurgicaux (USIC), à l'unité de soins intensifs médicaux (USIM) et aux étages dans notre établissement. L'approbation a été obtenue du comité d'éthique de la recherche local. RéSULTATS: Au cours d'une période de sept mois, il y a eu 416 intubations d'urgence et un taux de réussite à la première tentative de 73,1 %. Les taux de réussite à la première tentative étaient de 57,5 % aux étages, de 66,1 % dans les unités de soins intensifs (USI) et de 84,3 % à l'urgence. Le matériel variait également selon l'emplacement; l'utilisation de la vidéolaryngoscopie était de 65,1 % à l'urgence et de seulement 10,6 % aux étages. Un modèle de régression multivariée utilisant l'algorithme LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Algorithm) a montré que les rapports de cotes pour les facteurs associés à deux tentatives d'intubation ou plus étaient l'emplacement (étages, 1,23; USIM, 1,24; USIC, 1,19; groupe de référence, urgence), l'instabilité physiologique (1,19), des voies aériennes présentant des complications anatomiques (1,05), l'hypoxémie (1,98), la non-utilisation de bloqueurs neuromusculaires (2,28) et l'inexpérience de la personne pratiquant l'intubation (1,41). CONCLUSION: Les taux de réussite à la première tentative variaient considérablement d'un emplacement à l'autre au sein de l'hôpital et étaient inférieurs à ceux publiés par des établissements comparables, à l'exception du service des urgences. Nous retravaillons les protocoles des soins intensifs afin d'améliorer le taux de réussite à la première tentative.

A prospective observational study comparing outcomes before and after the introduction of an intubation protocol during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Orotracheal intubation is a life-saving procedure commonly performed in the Intensive Care unit and Emergency Department as a part of emergency airway management. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our center undertook a prospective observational study to characterize emergency intubation performed in the emergency department and critical care settings at Manitoba's largest tertiary hospital. During this study, a natural experiment emerged when a standardized "COVID-Protected Rapid Sequence Intubation Protocol" was implemented in response to the pandemic. The resultant study aimed to answer the question; in adult ED patients undergoing emergent intubation by EM and CCM teams, does the use of a "COVID-Protected Rapid Sequence Intubation Protocol" impact first-pass success or other intubation-related outcomes? METHODS: A single-center prospective quasi-experimental before and after study was conducted. Data were prospectively collected on consecutive emergent intubations. The primary outcome was the difference in first-pass success rates. Secondary outcomes included best Modified Cormack-Lehane view, hypoxemia, hypotension, esophageal intubation, cannot intubate cannot oxygenate scenarios, CPR post intubation, vasopressors required post intubation, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) mortality, ICU length of stay (LOS), and mechanical ventilation days. RESULTS: Data were collected on 630 patients, 416 in the pre-protocol period and 214 in the post-protocol period. First-pass success rates in the pre-protocol period were found to be 73.1% (n = 304). Following the introduction of the protocol, first-pass success rates increased to 82.2% (n = 176, p = 0.0105). There was a statistically significant difference in Modified Cormack-Lehane view favoring the protocol (p = 0.0191). Esophageal intubation rates were found to be 5.1% pre-protocol introduction versus 0.5% following the introduction of the protocol (p = 0.0172). CONCLUSION: A "COVID-Protected Protocol" implemented by Emergency Medicine and Critical Care teams in response to the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased first-pass success rates and decreases in adverse events.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIFS: L'intubation orotrachéale est une procédure de sauvetage couramment réalisée dans l'unité de soins intensifs et le service des urgences dans le cadre de la gestion des voies aériennes d'urgence. Avant la pandémie de COVID-19, notre centre a entrepris une étude prospective d'observation pour caractériser l'intubation d'urgence effectuée dans le service des urgences et les établissements de soins intensifs du plus grand hôpital tertiaire du Manitoba. Au cours de cette étude, une expérience naturelle est apparue lorsqu'un " protocole d'intubation à séquence rapide protégé contre le COVID " standardisé a été mis en œuvre en réponse à la pandémie. L'étude qui en a résulté visait à répondre à la question suivante : chez les patients adultes des urgences soumis à une intubation urgente par les équipes de médecine d'urgence et de médecine de soins critiques, l'utilisation d'un " protocole d'intubation à séquence rapide protégé par COVID " a-t-elle un impact sur la réussite du premier passage ou sur d'autres résultats liés à l'intubation ? MéTHODE: Une étude prospective quasi-expérimentale avant et après a été menée dans un seul centre. Les données ont été recueillies prospectivement sur des intubations émergentes consécutives. Le résultat principal était la différence entre les taux de réussite au premier passage. Les résultats secondaires comprenaient la meilleure vue de Cormack­Lehane modifiée, l'hypoxémie, l'hypotension, l'intubation œsophagienne, les scénarios d'impossibilité d'intubation et d'oxygénation, la réanimation cardio-pulmonaire après l'intubation, les vasopresseurs nécessaires après l'intubation, la mortalité en unité de soins intensifs (USI), la durée de séjour en USI et les jours de ventilation mécanique. RéSULTATS: Des données ont été recueillies sur 630 patients, 416 dans la période pré-protocole et 214 dans la période post-protocole. Les taux de réussite au premier passage dans la période pré-protocole se sont avérés être de 73,1 % (n = 304). Suite à l'introduction du protocole, les taux de réussite au premier passage ont augmenté à 82,2 % (n = 176, p = 0,0105). Il y avait une différence statistiquement significative dans la vue Cormack­Lehane modifiée en faveur du protocole (p = 0,0191). Les taux d'intubation œsophagienne se sont avérés être de 5,1 % avant l'introduction du protocole contre 0,5 % après l'introduction du protocole (p = 0,0172). CONCLUSION: Un « protocole protégé contre la COVID ¼ mis en œuvre par les équipes de médecine d'urgence et de médecine de soins critiques en réponse à la pandémie de COVID-19 a été associé à une augmentation des taux de réussite du premier passage et à une diminution des événements indésirables.

Association of earlier extubation and postoperative delirium after coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVES: Earlier extubation after cardiac surgery is reported to have benefits on length of stay and complication rates, but the influence on postoperative delirium remains unclear. We sought to determine the effect of earlier extubation on delirium after coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review of consecutive isolated coronary artery bypass grafting patients from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2015, was conducted. Baseline demographic characteristics, preoperative comorbidities, intraoperative data, and postoperative data were collected. A multivariable logistic regression was performed with analysis limited to extubation within the first 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: We identified 2561 eligible patients. Delirium occurred in 13.9% (n = 357). Duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation was associated with higher delirium rates following adjustment, particularly after 12 to 24 hours (hourly odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.19; P < .001). No association was observed during the time period from 0 to 12 hours (hourly odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.06; P = .218). Major adverse events were associated with duration of ventilation after 0 to 12 hours (hourly odds ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.14; P < .002) but not after 12 to 24 hours (hourly odds ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.96-1.14; P = .316). The overall rate of reintubation was 2.9% (n = 73). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that delirium rates increase with lengthier postoperative ventilation times. This study provides the basis for consideration of the appropriate selection of earlier extubation to minimize delirium in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Perioperative Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Receiving a Direct Oral Anticoagulant.

IMPORTANCE: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who use a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) and request elective surgery or procedure present a common clinical situation yet perioperative management is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety of a standardized perioperative DOAC management strategy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The Perioperative Anticoagulation Use for Surgery Evaluation (PAUSE) cohort study conducted at 23 clinical centers in Canada, the United States, and Europe enrolled and screened patients from August 1, 2014, through July 31, 2018. Participants (n = 3007) had AF; were 18 years of age or older; were long-term users of apixaban, dabigatran etexilate, or rivaroxaban; were scheduled for an elective surgery or procedure; and could adhere to the DOAC therapy interruption protocol. INTERVENTIONS: A simple standardized perioperative DOAC therapy interruption and resumption strategy based on DOAC pharmacokinetic properties, procedure-associated bleeding risk, and creatinine clearance levels. The DOAC regimens were omitted for 1 day before a low-bleeding-risk procedure and 2 days before a high-bleeding-risk procedure. The DOAC regimens were resumed 1 day after a low-bleeding-risk procedure and 2 to 3 days after a high-bleeding-risk procedure. Follow-up of patients occurred for 30 days after the operation. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Major bleeding and arterial thromboembolism (ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, and transient ischemic attack) and the proportion of patients with an undetectable or minimal residual anticoagulant level (<50 ng/mL) at the time of the procedure. RESULTS: The 3007 patients with AF (mean [SD] age of 72.5 [9.39] years; 1988 men [66.1%]) comprised 1257 (41.8%) in the apixaban cohort, 668 (22.2%) in the dabigatran cohort, and 1082 (36.0%) in the rivaroxaban cohort; 1007 patients (33.5%) had a high-bleeding-risk procedure. The 30-day postoperative rate of major bleeding was 1.35% (95% CI, 0%-2.00%) in the apixaban cohort, 0.90% (95% CI, 0%-1.73%) in the dabigatran cohort, and 1.85% (95% CI, 0%-2.65%) in the rivaroxaban cohort. The rate of arterial thromboembolism was 0.16% (95% CI, 0%-0.48%) in the apixaban cohort, 0.60% (95% CI, 0%-1.33%) in the dabigatran cohort, and 0.37% (95% CI, 0%-0.82%) in the rivaroxaban cohort. In patients with a high-bleeding-risk procedure, the rates of major bleeding were 2.96% (95% CI, 0%-4.68%) in the apixaban cohort and 2.95% (95% CI, 0%-4.76%) in the rivaroxaban cohort. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this study, patients with AF who had DOAC therapy interruption for elective surgery or procedure, a perioperative management strategy without heparin bridging or coagulation function testing was associated with low rates of major bleeding and arterial thromboembolism.

Hemodynamic effects of low-dose bupivacaine spinal anesthesia for cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Spinal anesthesia is the most common technique for cesarean section. The conventional local anesthetic dose has been decreasing over time to 8-12.5 mg of bupivacaine. Lower doses of bupivacaine may be associated with reduced incidence of hypotension and other complications. This low dose also may be associated with improved maternal cardiac index (CI). We hypothesized that low dose spinal anesthesia using 4.5 mg bupivacaine would result in improved maternal CI when compared with conventional dose (9 mg) intrathecal bupivacaine. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial included all healthy parturients presenting for elective cesarean section. In addition to standard monitors, an arterial line was placed for pulse contour cardiac output measurement. Due to limited data on maternal cardiac output during cesarean section, we had to power our study on recovery room length of stay. Secondary outcomes included the change in maternal CI, fluid administration, vasopressor usage, maternal satisfaction, and adequacy of surgical blockade and recovery time from motor and sensory blockade. RESULTS: The low dose group had significantly faster motor recovery times (132 [122-144] versus. 54 [48-66] min conventional versus. low-dose, respectively, P < 0.01), and a shorter recovery room stay (92 ± 21 vs 70 ± 11 min, conventional vs. low-dose, respectively, P < 0.01, 95% CI -35 to -10 min). There was no difference in CI between the conventional dose and low dose spinal groups. Both groups had a drop in CI with spinal anesthesia. The low-dose group demonstrated equivalent surgical anesthesia and block onset times compared to the conventional group. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose spinal anesthesia provides adequate surgical anesthesia, improved recovery time, but no difference in maternal cardiac index when compared to conventional dose spinal anesthesia.NCT02046697.

The Perioperative Anticoagulant Use for Surgery Evaluation (PAUSE) Study for Patients on a Direct Oral Anticoagulant Who Need an Elective Surgery or Procedure: Design and Rationale.

Background The perioperative management of patients who take a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) for atrial fibrillation and require treatment interruption for an elective surgery/procedure is a common clinical scenario for which best practices are uncertain. The Perioperative Anticoagulant Use for Surgery Evaluation (PAUSE) study is designed to address this unmet clinical need. We discuss the rationale for the PAUSE design and analysis plan as well as the rationale supporting the perioperative DOAC protocol. Methods PAUSE is a prospective study with three parallel cohorts, one for each DOAC, to assess a standardized but patient-specific perioperative management protocol for DOAC-treated patients with atrial fibrillation. The perioperative protocol accounts for DOAC type, patient's renal function and surgery/procedure-related bleeding risk. The primary study aim is to demonstrate the safety of the PAUSE protocol for the perioperative management of each DOAC. The secondary aim is to determine the effect of the pre-procedure interruption on residual anticoagulation when measured by the dilute thrombin time for dabigatran and anti-factor Xa levels for rivaroxaban and apixaban. The study hypothesis is that the perioperative management protocol for each DOAC is safe for patient care, defined by expected risks for major bleeding of 1% (80% power to exclude 2%), and for arterial thromboembolism of 0.5% (80% power to exclude 1.5%) in each DOAC group. Conclusion The PAUSE study has the potential to establish a standard-of-care approach for the perioperative management of DOAC-treated patients. The PAUSE management protocol is designed to be easily applied in clinical practice, as it is standardized and also patient specific.

Perioperative implications of thoracic decortications: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: An increasing number of thoracic decortications have been performed in Manitoba, from five in 2007 to 45 in 2014. The primary objective of this study was to define the epidemiology of decortications in Manitoba. The secondary objective was to compare patients who underwent decortication due to primary infectious vs non-infectious etiology with respect to their perioperative outcomes. METHODS: Data for this cohort study were extracted from consecutive charts of all adult patients who underwent a decortication in Manitoba from 2007-2014 inclusive. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-two patients underwent a decortication. The most frequent disease processes resulting in a decortication were pneumonia (60%), trauma (13%), malignancy (8%), and procedural complications (5%). The number of decortications due to complications of pneumonia rose at the greatest rate, from three cases in 2007 to 29 cases in 2014. Performing a decortication for an infectious vs a non-infectious etiology was associated with a higher rate of the composite postoperative outcome of myocardial infarction, acute kidney injury, need of vasopressors for > 12 hr, and mechanical ventilation for > 48 hr (44.4% vs 24.2%, respectively; relative risk, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 2.9; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: There has been a ninefold increase in decortications over an eight-year period. Potential causes include an increase in the incidence of pneumonia, increased organism virulence, host changes, and changes in practice patterns. Patients undergoing decortication for infectious causes had an increased risk for adverse perioperative outcomes. Anesthesiologists need to be aware of the high perioperative morbidity of these patients and the potential need for postoperative admission to an intensive care unit.

High Spinal Anesthesia Enhances Anti-Inflammatory Responses in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery and Aortic Valve Replacement: Randomized Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery induces many physiologic changes including major inflammatory and sympathetic nervous system responses. Here, we conducted a single-centre pilot study to generate hypotheses on the potential immune impact of adding high spinal anaesthesia to general anaesthesia during cardiac surgery in adults. We hypothesized that this strategy, previously shown to blunt the sympathetic response and improve pain management, could reduce the undesirable systemic inflammatory responses caused by cardiac surgery. METHODS: This prospective randomized unblinded pilot study was conducted on 14 patients undergoing cardiac surgery for coronary artery bypass grafting and/or aortic valve replacement secondary to severe aortic stenosis. The primary outcome measures examined longitudinally were serum pro-inflammatory (IL-6, IL-1b, CCL2), anti-inflammatory (IL-10, TNF-RII, IL-1Ra), acute phase protein (CRP, PTX3) and cardiovascular risk (sST2) biomarkers. RESULTS: The kinetics of pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarker was determined following surgery. All pro-inflammatory and acute phase reactant biomarker responses induced by surgical stress were indistinguishable in intensity and duration between control groups and those who also received high spinal anaesthesia. Conversely, IL-10 levels were markedly elevated in both intensity and duration in the group receiving high spinal anesthesia (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: This hypothesis generating pilot study suggests that high spinal anesthesia can alter the net inflammatory response that results from cardiac surgery. In appropriately selected populations, this may add incremental benefit by dampening the net systemic inflammatory response during the week following surgery. Larger population studies, powered to assess immune, physiologic and clinical outcomes in both acute and longer term settings, will be required to better assess potential benefits of incorporating high spinal anesthesia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00348920.

General intensive care for patients with traumatic brain injury: An update.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a growing epidemic throughout the world and may present as major global burden in 2020. Some intensive care units throughout the world still have no access to specialized monitoring methods, equipments and other technologies related to intensive care management of these patients; therefore, this review is meant for providing generalized supportive measurement to this subgroup of patients so that evidence based management could minimize or prevent the secondary brain injury. METHODS: Therefore, we have included the PubMed search for the relevant clinical trials and reviews (from 1 January 2007 to 31 March 2013), which specifically discussed about the topic. RESULTS: General supportive measures are equally important to prevent and minimize the effects of secondary brain injury and therefore, have a substantial impact on the outcome in patients with TBI. The important considerations for general supportive intensive care unit care remain the prompt reorganization and treatment of hypoxemia, hypotension and hypercarbia. Evidences are found to be either against or weak regarding the use of routine hyperventilation therapy, tight control blood sugar regime, use of colloids and late as well as parenteral nutrition therapy in patients with severe TBI. CONCLUSION: There is also a need to develop some evidence based protocols for the health-care sectors, in which there is still lack of specific management related to monitoring methods, equipments and other technical resources. Optimization of physiological parameters, understanding of basic neurocritical care knowledge as well as incorporation of newer guidelines would certainly improve the outcome of the TBI patients.

Specific intensive care management of patients with traumatic brain injury: Present and future.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global problem and affects approximately 10 million peoples annually; therefore has a substantial impact on the health-care system throughout the world. In this article, we have summarized various aspects of specific intensive care management in patients with TBI including the emerging evidence mainly after the Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF) 2007 and also highlighted the scope of the future therapies. This review has involved the relevant clinical trials and reviews (from 1 January 2007 to 31 March 2013), which specifically discussed about the topic. Though, BTF guideline based management strategies could provide standardized protocols for the management of patients with TBI and have some promising effects on mortality and morbidity; there is still need of inclusion of many suggestions based on various published after 2007. The main focus of majority of these trials remained to prevent or to treat the secondary brain injury. The future therapy will be directed to treat injured neurons and may benefit the outcome. There is also urgent need to develop some good prognostic indicators as well.

Pre-hospital and initial management of head injury patients: An update.

BACKGROUND: Most of the bad outcomes in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are related to the presence of a high incidence of pre-hospital secondary brain insults. Therefore, knowledge of these variables and timely management of the disease at the pre-hospital period can significantly improve the outcome and decrease the mortality. The Brain Trauma Foundation guideline on "Prehospital Management" published in 2008 could provide the standardized protocols for the management of patients with TBI; however, this guideline has included the relevant papers up to 2006. METHODS: A PubMed search for relevant clinical trials and reviews (from 1 January 2007 to 31 March 2013), which specifically discussed about the topic, was conducted. RESULTS: Based on the evidence, majority of the management strategies comprise of rapid correction of hypoxemia and hypotension, the two most important predictors for mortality. However, there is still a need to define the goals for the management of hypotension and inclusion of newer difficult airway carts as well as proper monitoring devices for ensuring better intubation and ventilatory management. Isotonic saline should be used as the first choice for fluid resuscitation. The pre-hospital hypothermia has more adverse effects; therefore, this should be avoided. CONCLUSION: Most of the management trials published after 2007 have focused mainly on the treatment as well as the prevention strategies for secondary brain injury. The results of these trials would be certainly adopted by new standardized guidelines and therefore may have a substantial impact on the pre-hospital management in patients with TBI.

Thoracic epidural analgesia improves pulmonary function in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

PURPOSE: Pulmonary dysfunction commonly occurs following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, increasing morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) would improve pulmonary function and would decrease complications in patients undergoing CABG surgery. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted with Ethics Board approval. Fifty patients, undergoing CABG surgery, were randomized to the epidural group or to the patient-controlled analgesia morphine group. Patients in the epidural group received a high, thoracic epidural, preoperatively. Intraoperatively, 0.75% ropivacaine was infused, followed postoperatively, by 0.2% ropivacaine for 48 hr. Outcome measurements included: visual analogue pain scores; spirometry; atelectasis scores on chest radiographs; and the incidence of atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were enrolled in each group. Patients in the epidural group had significantly less pain on the operative day, and for the subsequent two days. Compared to baseline, the forced expiratory volume in one second was significantly higher in the epidural group, on the first and second postoperative days (43.7 +/- 12.2% vs 36.4 +/- 12.0%, p < 0.002, and 43.3 +/- 12.5% vs 38.4 +/- 11.0%, p <0.05). There was significantly more atelectasis in the control group, four hours postoperatively (p < 0.04); however, on the third, postoperative day, the groups were similar with regards to this outcome. The incidence of atrial fibrillation was similar in both groups, and there were no complications related to the epidural. CONCLUSIONS: High TEA decreases postoperative pain and atelectasis and improves pulmonary function in patients undergoing CABG surgery. Our results support the use of TEA in this group of patients.

Postoperative pulmonary function in coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients undergoing early tracheal extubation: a comparison between short-term mechanical ventilation and early extubation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a short period of mechanical ventilation (3 hours) versus immediate extubation (within 1 hour of surgery) on pulmonary function, gas exchange, and pulmonary complications after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-five patients undergoing CABG surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized into 2 groups. Patients in group I were extubated as soon as possible after surgery. Patients in group II were ventilated for a minimum of 3 hours after surgery. Patients in both groups were extubated only after achieving predetermined extubation criteria. Patients who did not meet the criteria for extubation within the predetermined set time limit (90 minutes in group I and 6 hours in group II) were withdrawn from the study. Pulmonary function tests (vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, total lung capacity, functional residual capacity), arterial blood gases, and chest radiographs were done preoperatively and postoperatively. Pulmonary complications were recorded. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Demographic data were similar between groups. The mean time to extubation in group I was 45.7 plus minus 27.6 minutes and in group II was 201.4 plus minus 21 minutes (p < 0.01). Two patients in group I and 1 patient in group II did not meet the extubation criteria within the predetermined set time limit and were excluded from the study. In both groups, there was a significant decline in pulmonary function but no differences between groups at 24 or 72 hours after surgery. There were no differences between groups in blood gases, atelectasis scores, or pulmonary complications. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that extending mechanical ventilation after CABG surgery does not affect pulmonary function. Provided that routine extubation criteria are met, patients can be safely extubated early (within 1 hour) after major cardiac surgery without concerns of further pulmonary derangement.