Global Perfusion Practice Survey: Readiness of On-Call and Emergency Operation Rooms.

INTRODUCTION: Perfusion safety in cardiac surgery is vital, and this survey explores perfusion practices, perspectives, and challenges related to it. Specifically, it examines the readiness of on-call and emergency operation rooms for perfusion-related procedures during urgent situations. The aim is to identify gaps and enhance perfusion safety protocols, ultimately improving patient care. METHODS: This was a preliminary survey conducted as an initial exploration before committing to a comprehensive study. The sample size was primarily determined based on a one-month time frame. The survey collected data from 236 healthcare professionals, including cardiac surgeons, perfusionists, and anesthetists, using an online platform. Ethical considerations ensured participant anonymity and voluntary participation. The survey comprised multiple-choice and open-ended questions to gather quantitative and qualitative data. RESULTS: The survey found that 53% preferred a dry circuit ready for emergencies, 19.9% preferred primed circuits, and 19.1% chose not to have a ready pump at all. Various reasons influenced these choices, including caseload variations, response times, historical practices, surgeon preferences, and backup perfusionist availability. Infection risk, concerns about error, and team dynamics were additional factors affecting circuit readiness. CONCLUSION: This survey sheds light on current perfusion practices and challenges, emphasizing the importance of standardized protocols in regards to readiness of on-call and emergency operation rooms. It provides valuable insights for advancing perfusion safety and patient care while contributing to the existing literature on the subject.

Navigating the Challenges in Setting Up a Sustainable Open-Heart Surgery Unit in a Resource-Constrained Environment in Northern Nigeria: Model and Strategies.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass had been unavailable in Northern Nigeria and the federal capital territory of Nigeria regularly. Several attempts in the past at setting up this service in a self-sustaining manner in Northern Nigeria had failed. This paper is a contrasting response to an earlier publication that emphasized the less-than-desirable role played by international cardiac surgery missions in the evolution of a sustainable open-heart surgery program in Nigeria. METHODS: The cardiothoracic unit of Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, was established on March 1, 2021, but could not conduct safe open-heart surgery. The model and strategies employed in commencing open-heart surgeries, including the choice of personnel training within the country and focused collaboration with foreign missions, are discussed. We also report the first seven patients to undergo cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass in our government-run hospital as well as the transition from foreign missions to local team operations. RESULTS: Seven patients were operated on within the first six months of setting up with high levels of skill transfer and local team participation, culminating in one of the operations entirely carried out by the local team of personnel. All outcomes were good at an average of one-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: In resource-constrained government-run hospitals, a functional, safe cardiac surgery unit can be set up by implementing well-planned strategies to mitigate encountered peculiar challenges. Furthermore, with properly harnessed foreign missions, a prior-trained local team of personnel can achieve independence and become a self-sustaining cardiac surgery unit within the shortest possible time.

The Advent of Artificial Intelligence into Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review of Our Understanding.

When faced with questions about artificial intelligence (AI), many surgeons respond with scepticism and rejection. However, in the realm of cardiac surgery, it is imperative that we embrace the potential of AI and adopt a proactive mindset. This systematic review utilizes PubMed® to explore the intersection of AI and cardiac surgery since 2017. AI has found applications in various aspects of cardiac surgery, including teaching aids, diagnostics, predictive outcomes, surgical assistance, and expertise. Nevertheless, challenges such as data computation errors, vulnerabilities to malware, and privacy concerns persist. While AI has limitations, its restricted capabilities without cognitive and emotional intelligence should lead us to cautiously and partially embrace this advancing technology to enhance patient care.

Comparison of the Effects of Full Median Sternotomy vs. Mini-Incision on Postoperative Pain in Cardiac Surgery: A Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: It is not yet clear whether cardiac surgery by mini-incision (minimally invasive cardiac surgery [MICS]) is overall less painful than the conventional approach by full sternotomy (FS). A meta-analysis is necessary to investigate polled results on this topic. METHODS: PubMed®/MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (or LILACS), and Scientific Electronic Library Online (or SciELO) were searched for all clinical trials, reported until 2022, comparing FS with MICS in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), mitral valve surgery (MVS), and aortic valve replacement (AVR), and postoperative pain outcome was analyzed. Main summary measures were the method of standardized mean differences (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and P-values (considered statistically significant when < 0.05). RESULTS: In AVR, the general estimate of postoperative pain effect favored MICS (SMD 0.87 [95% CI 0.04 to 1.71], P=0.04). However, in the sensitivity analysis, there was no difference between the groups (SMD 0.70 [95% CI -0.69 to 2.09], P=0.32). For MVS, it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis with the included studies, because they had different methodologies. In CABG, the general estimate of the effect of postoperative pain did not favor any of the approaches (SMD -0.40 [95% CI -1.07 to 0.26], P=0.23), which was confirmed by sensitivity analysis (SMD -0.02 [95% CI -0.71 to 0.67], P=0.95). CONCLUSION: MICS was not globally less painful than the FS approach. It seems that postoperative pain is more related to the degree of tissue retraction than to the size of the incision.

Global Cardiac Surgery in Brazil: A Call to Action.

Global Cardiac Surgery is an innovative initiative with a focus on improving health outcomes and achieving healthcare equity for individuals worldwide affected by cardiac surgical conditions or in need of cardiac surgical care. Considering the existing disparities in access to cardiac surgery and the substantial burden of cardiac conditions amenable to surgical procedures in Brazil, it is imperative to support and scale Global Cardiac Surgery initiatives and leave no Brazilian patient behind. Here, we advocate for national initiatives within this field and highlight opportunities and challenges to support their development.

Is Incentive Spirometry Superior to Standard Care in Postoperative Cardiac Surgery on Clinical Outcomes and Length of Hospital and Intensive Care Unit Stay? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac surgery is a frequent surgical procedure and may present a high risk of complications. Among the prophylactic strategies studied to decrease the rates of negative outcomes, respiratory care seems to reduce pulmonary complications. Incentive spirometry (IS) is a low-cost, respiratory exercise technique, used for the prevention and treatment of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC). The aim of this review was to evaluate whether IS is superior to respiratory care, mobilization exercises, and noninvasive ventilation on PPC, and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Systematic review. Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (or MEDLINE®), Embase®, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (or CENTRAL), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (or PEDro), Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (or CINAHL®), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (or LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (or SciELO), Allied, Scopus®, and OpenGrey databases, clinical trial registration sites, conferences, congresses, and symposiums were searched. RESULTS: Twenty-one randomized trials and one quasi-randomized trial (1,677 participants) were included. For partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), IS was inferior to respiratory care (mean difference [MD] -4.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] -8.32 to -0.63). Flow-oriented IS was inferior to respiratory care on PaO2 (MD -4.53; 95% CI -8.88 to -0.18). However, compared to respiratory care, flow-oriented IS was superior on recovery vital capacity. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis revealed that IS was not superior to standard respiratory care for PPCs and clinical outcomes, therefore its use should not be widely recommended until further studies with high quality be performed to ensure this clinical guidance.

Vasculitis and cerebral hemorrhage due to Streptococcus gordonii infectious endocarditis: A case report.

Infective endocarditis is an infection of the heart with systemic consequences, both infectious and non-infectious. Infective endocarditis can affect several systems, one of which is the central nervous system. The most common form of presentation is ischemic stroke; however, intracranial hemorrhage can occur due to immune-mediated damage to the vessel wall. The former further complicates cardiac surgical procedures when necessary. We present here the case of a 21-year-old male patient, with no personal medical history, who presented with intracranial hemorrhage due to a vasculitis phenomenon, caused by Streptococcus gordonii infective endocarditis. The patient underwent emergency drainage of the intracranial hemorrhage and minimally invasive valve surgery in 17 days, with satisfactory postoperative recovery and follow-up.

Global Cardiac Surgery in Brazil: A Call to Action

ABSTRACT Global Cardiac Surgery is an innovative initiative with a focus on improving health outcomes and achieving healthcare equity for individuals worldwide affected by cardiac surgical conditions or in need of cardiac surgical care. Considering the existing disparities in access to cardiac surgery and the substantial burden of cardiac conditions amenable to surgical procedures in Brazil, it is imperative to support and scale Global Cardiac Surgery initiatives and leave no Brazilian patient behind. Here, we advocate for national initiatives within this field and highlight opportunities and challenges to support their development.

Is Incentive Spirometry Superior to Standard Care in Postoperative Cardiac Surgery on Clinical Outcomes and Length of Hospital and Intensive Care Unit Stay? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cardiac surgery is a frequent surgical procedure and may present a high risk of complications. Among the prophylactic strategies studied to decrease the rates of negative outcomes, respiratory care seems to reduce pulmonary complications. Incentive spirometry (IS) is a low-cost, respiratory exercise technique, used for the prevention and treatment of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC). The aim of this review was to evaluate whether IS is superior to respiratory care, mobilization exercises, and noninvasive ventilation on PPC, and clinical outcomes. Methods: Systematic review. Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (or MEDLINE®), Embase®, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (or CENTRAL), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (or PEDro), Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (or CINAHL®), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (or LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (or SciELO), Allied, Scopus®, and OpenGrey databases, clinical trial registration sites, conferences, congresses, and symposiums were searched. Results: Twenty-one randomized trials and one quasi-randomized trial (1,677 participants) were included. For partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), IS was inferior to respiratory care (mean difference [MD] -4.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] -8.32 to -0.63). Flow-oriented IS was inferior to respiratory care on PaO2 (MD -4.53; 95% CI -8.88 to -0.18). However, compared to respiratory care, flow-oriented IS was superior on recovery vital capacity. Conclusions: This meta-analysis revealed that IS was not superior to standard respiratory care for PPCs and clinical outcomes, therefore its use should not be widely recommended until further studies with high quality be performed to ensure this clinical guidance.

Comparison of the Effects of Full Median Sternotomy vs. Mini-Incision on Postoperative Pain in Cardiac Surgery: A Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: It is not yet clear whether cardiac surgery by mini-incision (minimally invasive cardiac surgery [MICS]) is overall less painful than the conventional approach by full sternotomy (FS). A meta-analysis is necessary to investigate polled results on this topic. Methods: PubMed®/MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (or LILACS), and Scientific Electronic Library Online (or SciELO) were searched for all clinical trials, reported until 2022, comparing FS with MICS in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), mitral valve surgery (MVS), and aortic valve replacement (AVR), and postoperative pain outcome was analyzed. Main summary measures were the method of standardized mean differences (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and P-values (considered statistically significant when < 0.05). Results: In AVR, the general estimate of postoperative pain effect favored MICS (SMD 0.87 [95% CI 0.04 to 1.71], P=0.04). However, in the sensitivity analysis, there was no difference between the groups (SMD 0.70 [95% CI -0.69 to 2.09], P=0.32). For MVS, it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis with the included studies, because they had different methodologies. In CABG, the general estimate of the effect of postoperative pain did not favor any of the approaches (SMD -0.40 [95% CI -1.07 to 0.26], P=0.23), which was confirmed by sensitivity analysis (SMD -0.02 [95% CI -0.71 to 0.67], P=0.95). Conclusion: MICS was not globally less painful than the FS approach. It seems that postoperative pain is more related to the degree of tissue retraction than to the size of the incision.

Global Perfusion Practice Survey: Readiness of On-Call and Emergency Operation Rooms

ABSTRACT Introduction: Perfusion safety in cardiac surgery is vital, and this survey explores perfusion practices, perspectives, and challenges related to it. Specifically, it examines the readiness of on-call and emergency operation rooms for perfusion-related procedures during urgent situations. The aim is to identify gaps and enhance perfusion safety protocols, ultimately improving patient care. Methods: This was a preliminary survey conducted as an initial exploration before committing to a comprehensive study. The sample size was primarily determined based on a one-month time frame. The survey collected data from 236 healthcare professionals, including cardiac surgeons, perfusionists, and anesthetists, using an online platform. Ethical considerations ensured participant anonymity and voluntary participation. The survey comprised multiple-choice and open-ended questions to gather quantitative and qualitative data. Results: The survey found that 53% preferred a dry circuit ready for emergencies, 19.9% preferred primed circuits, and 19.1% chose not to have a ready pump at all. Various reasons influenced these choices, including caseload variations, response times, historical practices, surgeon preferences, and backup perfusionist availability. Infection risk, concerns about error, and team dynamics were additional factors affecting circuit readiness. Conclusion: This survey sheds light on current perfusion practices and challenges, emphasizing the importance of standardized protocols in regards to readiness of on-call and emergency operation rooms. It provides valuable insights for advancing perfusion safety and patient care while contributing to the existing literature on the subject.

Navigating the Challenges in Setting Up a Sustainable Open-Heart Surgery Unit in a Resource-Constrained Environment in Northern Nigeria: Model and Strategies

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass had been unavailable in Northern Nigeria and the federal capital territory of Nigeria regularly. Several attempts in the past at setting up this service in a self-sustaining manner in Northern Nigeria had failed. This paper is a contrasting response to an earlier publication that emphasized the less-than-desirable role played by international cardiac surgery missions in the evolution of a sustainable open-heart surgery program in Nigeria. Methods: The cardiothoracic unit of Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, was established on March 1, 2021, but could not conduct safe open-heart surgery. The model and strategies employed in commencing open-heart surgeries, including the choice of personnel training within the country and focused collaboration with foreign missions, are discussed. We also report the first seven patients to undergo cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass in our government-run hospital as well as the transition from foreign missions to local team operations. Results: Seven patients were operated on within the first six months of setting up with high levels of skill transfer and local team participation, culminating in one of the operations entirely carried out by the local team of personnel. All outcomes were good at an average of one-year follow-up. Conclusion: In resource-constrained government-run hospitals, a functional, safe cardiac surgery unit can be set up by implementing well-planned strategies to mitigate encountered peculiar challenges. Furthermore, with properly harnessed foreign missions, a prior-trained local team of personnel can achieve independence and become a self-sustaining cardiac surgery unit within the shortest possible time.

The Advent of Artificial Intelligence into Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review of Our Understanding

ABSTRACT When faced with questions about artificial intelligence (AI), many surgeons respond with scepticism and rejection. However, in the realm of cardiac surgery, it is imperative that we embrace the potential of AI and adopt a proactive mindset. This systematic review utilizes PubMed® to explore the intersection of AI and cardiac surgery since 2017. AI has found applications in various aspects of cardiac surgery, including teaching aids, diagnostics, predictive outcomes, surgical assistance, and expertise. Nevertheless, challenges such as data computation errors, vulnerabilities to malware, and privacy concerns persist. While AI has limitations, its restricted capabilities without cognitive and emotional intelligence should lead us to cautiously and partially embrace this advancing technology to enhance patient care.

Cirugía coronaria sin circulación extracorpórea / Coronary artery revascularization performed without extracorporeal circulation

La cirugía de revascularización coronaria (CABG) es el estándar de tratamiento para la revascularización de la enfermedad de la arteria coronaria izquierda y/o de tres vasos. La cirugía coronaria sin bomba (OPCAB) evita el uso de derivación cardiopulmonar y puede mejorar los resultados a largo plazo al reducir las tasas de lesión miocárdica perioperatoria, accidente cerebrovascular (ACV), deterioro neurocognitivo y mortalidad de causa cardiaca. En la actualidad, se han llevado a cabo diversos ensayos clínicos desde la popularización del OPCAB en la década de los 90. Sin embargo, hasta el momento no se ha demostrado ningún beneficio del OPCAB en comparación con la cirugía tradicional a pesar de las reducciones favorables a corto plazo en los requerimientos de transfusión y otras complicaciones postoperatorias. Además, OPCAB se asocia con una revascularización miocárdica menos eficaz y no previene por completo las complicaciones tradicionalmente asociadas con la circulación extracorpórea (CEC). Este artículo revisa la evidencia actual de OPCAB en comparación con CABG tradicional en cuanto a los resultados clínicos a corto y largo plazo. Se analizan los resultados de la cirugía coronaria sin circulación extracorpórea (CEC) , comparándola con la cirugía convencional (con CEC). La revascularización coronaria sin CEC presenta resultados similares a la convencional, siempre que se cumplan determinadas condiciones en la selección de los pacientes. Una de ellas, muy importante, es la mayor experiencia del cirujano con el procedimiento.

The results of coronary artery revascularization performed without extracorporeal circulation (off pump) are compared to those of the traditional ("on pump") procedure. Compliance with selective conditions are required to obtain similar results. The most important being the experience of the surgeon performing the off pump procedure.

Fatores de Risco para Infecção da Ferida Operatória em Pacientes Submetidos à Cirurgia Cardíaca Pediátrica / Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection in Patients Undergoing Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Resumo Fundamento A infecção do sítio cirúrgico (ISC) é uma importante complicação no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca pediátrica associada ao aumento da morbimortalidade. Objetivos Identificar fatores de risco para a ISC após cirurgias cardíacas para correção de malformações congênitas. Métodos Este estudo caso-controle incluiu 189 pacientes com um ano completo e 19 anos e 11 meses, submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca em hospital universitário terciário de cardiologia de janeiro de 2011 a dezembro de 2018. Foi realizado registro e análise de dados pré, intra e pós-operatórios. Para cada caso foram selecionados dois controles, conforme o diagnóstico da cardiopatia e cirurgia realizada em um intervalo de até 30 dias para minimizar diferenças pré e/ou intraoperatórias. Para a análise dos fatores de risco foi utilizado o modelo de regressão binária logística. Significância estatística definida como valor de p<0,05. Resultados O estudo incluiu 66 casos e 123 controles. A incidência de ISC variou de 2% a 3,8%. Fatores de risco identificados: faixa etária de lactentes (OR 3,19, IC 95% 1,26 - 8,66, p=0,014), síndrome genética (OR 6,20, IC 95% 1,70 - 21,65, p=0,004), RACHS-1 categorias 3 e 4 (OR 8,40, IC 95% 3,30 - 21,34, p<0,001), o valor da proteína C reativa (PCR) de 48 horas pós-operatórias foi demonstrado como fator protetor para esta infecção (OR 0,85, IC 95% 0,73 - 0,98, p=0,023). Conclusão Os fatores de risco identificados não são variáveis modificáveis. Vigilância e medidas preventivas contínuas são fundamentais para reduzir a infecção. O papel do PCR elevado no pós-operatório foi fator protetor e precisa ser melhor estudado.

Abstract Background Surgical site infection is an important complication after pediatric cardiac surgery, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Objectives We sought to identify risk factors for surgical site infection after pediatric cardiac surgeries. Methods A case-control study included patients aged between 1 year and 19 years and 11 months of age, submitted to cardiac surgery performed at a tertiary cardiac center from January 1 st , 2011, through December 31, 2018. Charts were reviewed for pre-, intra, and postoperative variables. We identified two randomly selected control patients with the same pathophysiological diagnosis and underwent surgery within thirty days of each index case. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. Results Sixty-six cases and 123 controls were included. Surgical site infection incidence ranged from 2% to 3.8%. The following risk factors were identified: Infant age (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.26 to 8.66, p=0.014), presence of genetic syndrome (OR 6.20, CI 95% 1.70 to 21.65, p=0.004), categories 3 and 4 of RACHS-1 (OR 8.40, CI 95% 3.30 to 21.34, p<0.001), 48 h C-reactive protein level range was detected as a protective factor for this infection (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.98, p=0.023). Conclusions The risk factors defined in this study could not be modified. Therefore, additional surveillance and new preventive strategies need to be implemented to reduce the incidence of surgical site infection. The increased CRP in the postoperative period was a protective factor that needs further understanding.

Adverse events in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery in a pediatric intensive care unit: the contribution of the VIS score and the RACHS-1 / Eventos adversos em pós-operatório cardíaco em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica: a contribuição do escore VIS e do RACHS-1

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the occurrence of adverse events in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery in a pediatric intensive care unit and to find any patient characteristics that can predict such events. Methods: This was a historical cohort study of patients recovering in the pediatric intensive care unit for the first 7 days after cardiac surgery between April and December 2019, by reviewing the medical records. The following were reviewed: demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics; patient severity scores; and selected adverse events, grouped into device-related, surgical, and nonsurgical. Results: A total of 238 medical records were included. At least one adverse event occurred in 110 postoperative patients (46.2%). The total number of adverse events was 193 (81%). Vascular catheters were the most common cause, followed by cardiac arrest, bleeding, and surgical reexploration. In the univariate analysis, the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS), Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) score, age, Pediatric Index of Mortality (PIM-2), cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping duration were significantly associated with adverse events. In the multivariate analysis, VIS ≥ 20 (OR 2.90; p = 0.004) and RACHS-1 ≥ 3 (OR 2.11; p = 0.019) were significant predictors, while age and delayed sternal closure showed only trends toward significance. To predict the occurrence of adverse events from VIS and RACHS-1, the area under the curve was 0.73 (95%CI 0.66 - 0.79). Conclusion: Adverse events were quite frequent in children after cardiac surgery, especially those related to devices. The VIS and RACHS-1, used together, predicted the occurrence of adverse events well in this pediatric sample.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a ocorrência de eventos adversos em pós-operatório cardíaco em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica e estabelecer eventuais associações das características dos pacientes e a possibilidade de predizer tais eventos. Métodos: Coorte histórica de 7 dias de pós-operatório cardíaco, de abril a dezembro de 2019, por revisão de prontuários de pacientes com recuperação em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica. Foram revisados: características demográficas e clínico-laboratoriais, escores de gravidade dos pacientes e eventos adversos selecionados agrupados em: relacionados a dispositivos, a aspectos cirúrgicos e a aspectos não cirúrgicos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 238 prontuários. Ocorreu pelo menos um evento adverso em 110 pós-operatórios (46,2 %). O número total de eventos adversos foi 193 (81%), sendo mais frequente a complicação com cateteres vasculares, seguida de parada cardíaca, sangramento e reexploração cirúrgica. Na análise univariada, escore vasoativo-inotrópico (VIS- vasoactive-inotropic score), Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) score, idade, Pediatric Index of Mortality (PIM-2), tempo de circulação extracorpórea e de clampeamento aórtico foram estatisticamente significantes com eventos adversos. Na análise multivariável, VIS ≥ 20 (OR 2,90; p = 0,004) e RACHS-1 ≥ 3 (OR 2,11; p = 0,019) mostraram-se relevantes e com significância estatística, enquanto idade e fechamento tardio do esterno possuíam apenas tendência a essa associação. Considerando a previsão de ocorrência de eventos adversos a partir dos valores de escore vasoativo-inotrópico e de RACHS-1, a área sob a curva mostrou valor de 0,73 (IC95% 0,66 - 0,79). Conclusão: A frequência de eventos adversos foi expressiva e aqueles relacionados a dispositivos foram os mais frequentes. O VIS e o RACHS-1, utilizados em conjunto, foram capazes de predizer a ocorrência de eventos adversos nesta amostra pediátrica.

[Analysis of cardiac surgeries and operative mortality at the National Cardiovascular Institute during 2022]. / Análisis de las cirugías cardíacas y mortalidad operatoria en el Instituto Nacional Cardiovascular durante el 2022.

Objective: To describe cardiac surgeries, their approaches, and determine operative mortality according to the type of surgery and the main complications recorded within 30 days postoperatively, performed at the National Cardiovascular Institute of Peru. Materials and methods: A descriptive study was conducted on all patients over 18 years of age who underwent cardiovascular surgery at the National Cardiovascular Institute "Carlos Alberto Peschiera Carrillo". Results: During the year 2022, a total of 503 cardiac surgeries were performed. Of the patients undergoing surgery, 63.6% (320) were males. Isolated valvular surgery, primarily aortic or mitral valve replacement, was the most frequent surgical procedure, with 136 surgeries (27.0%). This was followed by myocardial revascularization surgery with 110 procedures (21.9%). Throughout the year, there were 23 deaths, resulting in an overall mortality rate of 4.5%. The mortality rate for elective surgeries was 2.8%, while for emergency surgeries, it was 14.3%. The most common complication was paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (14.0%), followed by surgical site infection with 52 cases (10.3%). Conclusions: Valvular surgery, whether isolated or combined with other procedures, was the most frequently performed. The obtained mortality rate is considered acceptable for a reference center.

Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Report from a Public Reference Hospital in Northeastern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing worldwide number of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) demands greater attention from health professionals. The purpose of this report is to describe the clinical demographic profile, frequency, and invasive treatment status of adults with CHD in a public reference hospital in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study including 704 patients attended between August 2016 and August 2020. Data were collected from virtual database. RESULTS: Patients' age varied from 17 to 81 years (mean 32±14; median 27 years); 294 (41.8%) patients were male, and 410 (58,2%) were female; 230 (32,7%) had diagnosis from age 18 and up. Cardiac complexity categories were "simple defects" (134 [19%] patients), "moderate complexity" (503 [71.5%]), and "great complexity" (67 [9.5%]). Atrial septal defect (ASD) was diagnosed in 216 (30.7%) patients, ventricular septal defect (VSD) in 101 (14.3%), tetralogy of Fallot in 93 (13.2%), and other CHD in 294 (41.8%). New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classes were I (401 [57%]), II (203 [28.8%]), III (76 [10.8%]), and IV (24 [3.4%]). Complications were arrhythmias (173 [24%]) and severe pulmonary hypertension (69 [9.8%]). Invasive treatments were corrective surgery (364 (51.6%]), reoperation (28 [4.0%]), palliation (11 [1.6%]), interventional catheterization (12 [1.7%]), surgery plus interventional catheterization (5 [0.7%]), and preoperation (91 [12.9%]). Treatment was not required in 102 (14,5%) patients, and 91 (12.9%) were inoperable. CONCLUSION: The leading diagnosis was ASD. Frequency of unrepaired patients was high, mainly ASD, due to late diagnosis, which favored complications and denotes a matter of great concern.

Predictors of Mid-Term AVNeo Insufficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular heart disease and the most common indication for aortic valve replacement in adults. Aortic valve neocuspidization (AVNeo) with fixed autologous pericardium, also known as the Ozaki procedure, is a possible alternative treatment of AS. Autopericardial valves save the dynamics and physiological anatomy of the aortic root, however, the service life of autopericardial leaflets is limited. There is no data about factors that may influence the development of AVNeo insufficiency. Here, we assessed the effect of autopericardial leaflet symmetry on the development of aortic insufficiency after Ozaki procedure. METHODS: This study included 381 patients with AS who underwent Ozaki procedure. Patients were divided into group 1 (171 patients with symmetric aortic root) and group 2 (210 patients with asymmetric aortic root). RESULTS: The maximum observation period was up to 65 months. Sixteen cases of aortic insufficiency were detected in group 1, and 33 cases were detected in group 2. Based on the results of Cox regression, the predictors of aortic insufficiency in the late postoperative period are age and asymmetry of neocusps. According to results of Kaplan-Meier analysis, insufficiency of AVNeo in the maximum follow-up period after surgical correction of AS for group 1 patients was significantly lower than for group 2 patients (P=0.006). CONCLUSION: Asymmetric neocusps increase the risk of aortic insufficiency in the mid-term period after Ozaki procedure. And the older the patients at the time of surgery, the less likely they develop AVNeo insufficiency.