Operating Room-to-ICU Patient Handovers: A Multidisciplinary Human-Centered Design Approach.

BACKGROUND: Patient handovers (handoffs) following surgery have often been characterized by poor teamwork, unclear procedures, unstructured processes, and distractions. A study was conducted to apply a human-centered approach to the redesign of operating room (OR)-to-ICU patient handovers in a broad surgical ICU (SICU) population. This approach entailed (1) the study of existing practices, (2) the redesign of the handover on the basis of the input of hand over participants and evidence in the medical literature, and (3) the study of the effects of this change on processes and communication. METHODS: The Durham [North Carolina] Veterans Affairs Medical Center SICU is an 11-bed mixed surgical specialty unit. To understand the existing process for receiving postoperative patients in the SICU, ethnographic methods-a series of observations, surveys, interviews, and focus groups-were used. The handover process was redesigned to better address providers' work flow, information needs, and expectations, as well as concerns identified in the literature. RESULTS: Technical and communication flaws were uncovered, and the handover was redesigned to address them. For the 49 preintervention and 49 postintervention handovers, the information transfer score and number of interruptions were not significantly different. However, staff workload and team behaviors scores improved significantly, while the hand over duration was not prolonged by the new process. Handover participants were also significantly more satisfied with the new handover method. CONCLUSIONS: An HCD approach led to improvements in the patient handover process from the OR to the ICU in a mixed adult surgical population. Although the specific handover process would unlikely be optimal in another clinical setting if replicated exactly, the HCD foundation behind the redesign process is widely applicable.

Repair of aberrant right subclavian artery entirely via a supraclavicular approach.

An aberrant right subclavian artery is a known arch variant with surgical intervention reserved for those patients presenting symptomatically, those with aneurysmal degeneration particularly of a Kommerell diverticulum, or those with adjacent aortic pathology. Varied surgical approaches have been described, often involving a supraclavicular approach in conjunction with a thoracotomy, or more recently, hybrid endovascular techniques. In the absence of aneurysmal degeneration or associated aortic pathology, surgical repair can be performed safely through a single supraclavicular incision. We present a case of a patient repaired in this fashion.

Surgical correction of aortic valve insufficiency after left ventricular assist device implantation.

OBJECTIVES: New-onset aortic insufficiency (AI) can be encountered after instituting mechanical circulatory support and seems more common and severe with continuous flow (CF) left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) compared with pulsatile devices. Treatment algorithms for de novo, post-LVAD AI have not been well defined. In the present report, we have described 6 patients who underwent aortic valve surgery for new-onset post-LVAD AI. METHODS: From 2005 to 2011, 271 patients underwent LVAD implantation. Of these LVADs, 225 were CF devices (203 HeartMate II devices, Thoratec Corp, Pleasanton, Calif; and 22 HVAD devices, HeartWare Intl, Inc, Framingham, Mass). The patients were examined for new-onset severe AI requiring surgical intervention. RESULTS: During follow-up, 6 CF LVAD patients developed new, severe AI that was accompanied by heart failure. After medical therapy had failed, 4 patients underwent redo sternotomy for aortic valve procedures (1 bioprosthetic valve replacement, 1 Dacron patch closure, and 2 aortic valve repairs), and 2 patients underwent transcatheter aortic valve procedure, with 1 requiring revision by open surgery for aortic valve replacement. Of the 6 patients, 5 experienced significant improvement in functional capacity and symptoms. One patient died postoperatively secondary to multiorgan failure and sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of post-LVAD AI with aortic valve oversewing or leaflet repair or by bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement is effective at restoring functional capacity for CF LVAD patients who develop symptomatic, severe AI and can be performed safely with good results. Various transcatheter approaches to these difficult problems are also available and offer less invasive alternatives to conventional surgery.

Does method of sternal repair influence long-term outcome of postoperative mediastinitis?

BACKGROUND: Post-sternotomy mediastinitis reduces survival after cardiac surgery, potentially further affected by details of mediastinal vascularized flap reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate survival after different methods for sternal reconstruction in mediastinitis. METHODS: Two hundred twenty-two adult cardiac surgery patients with post-sternotomy mediastinitis were reviewed. After controlling infection, often augmented by negative pressure therapy, muscle flap, omental flap, or secondary closure was performed. Outcomes were reviewed and survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar. In-hospital mortality (15.7%) did not differ between groups. Secondary closure was correlated with negative pressure therapy and reduced length hospital of stay. Recurrent wound complications were more common with muscle flap repair. Survival was unaffected by sternal repair technique. By multivariate analysis, heart failure, sepsis, age, and vascular disease independently predicted mortality, while negative pressure therapy was associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: Choice of sternal repair was unrelated to survival, but mediastinal treatment with negative pressure therapy promotes favorable early and late outcomes.

Impact of oropharyngeal dysphagia on long-term outcomes of lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Lung transplantation, definitive therapy for end-stage lung disease, is limited long-term by allograft dysfunction including bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). Few modifiable risk factors for pulmonary transplant-related mortality are recognized. However, oropharyngeal dysphagia frequently occurs after thoracic surgical procedures, including lung transplantation, and increases morbidity. We evaluated the impact of oropharyngeal dysphagia on survival and BOS after lung transplantation. METHODS: A total of 263 consecutive lung transplant patients were reviewed. Each underwent clinical swallowing evaluation early after surgery; 149 patients underwent additional fiberoptic or videofluoroscopic swallowing evaluation (SE). Results of SE were correlated with BOS, defined by accepted criteria, and mortality using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Cox proportional hazard modeling assessed preoperative and postoperative variables associated with development of BOS and mortality. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 920 ± 560 days. The SE identified tracheal aspiration and (or) laryngeal penetration in 70.5%. Preoperative tobacco abuse, gastroesophageal reflux, and cardiopulmonary bypass independently predicted oropharyngeal dysphagia. Peak FEV(1) (forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration) alone independently predicted BOS (hazard ratio 0.98; confidence interval 0.975 to 0.992, p < 0.0001); oropharyngeal dysphagia was not associated with BOS. Independent predictors of mortality by multivariable analysis were ventilator dependence (p = 0.038) and peak FEV(1) (p < 0.0001); normal SE was associated with improved survival (hazard ratio 0.13; confidence interval 0.03 to 0.54, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Oropharyngeal dysphagia, often overlooked on clinical examination, is common after lung transplantation. Normal deglutition may improve survival after lung transplantation, but oropharyngeal dysphagia does not independently affect BOS. Institution of protocols aimed at identifying previously unrecognized dysphagia may improve results of pulmonary transplantation.

A comprehensive evaluation for aspiration after esophagectomy reduces the incidence of postoperative pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the effect of using a comprehensive swallowing evaluation before starting oral feedings on aspiration detection and pneumonia occurrence after esophagectomy. METHODS: The records of all patients undergoing esophagectomy between January 1996 and June 2009 were reviewed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the effect of preoperative and operative variables on the incidence of aspiration and pneumonia. Separate analyses were performed on patients before (early era, 1996-2002) and after (later era, 2003-2009) a rigorous swallowing evaluation was used routinely before starting oral feedings. RESULTS: During the study period, 799 patients (379 from the early era and 420 from the later era) underwent esophagectomy; 30-day mortality was 3.5% (28 patients). Cervical anastomoses were performed in 76% of patients in the later era compared with 40% of patients in the early era. Overall, 96 (12%) patients had evidence of aspiration postoperatively, and the pneumonia incidence was 14% (113 patients). Age (odds ratio, 1.05 per year; P < .0001) and later era (odds ratio, 1.90; P = .0001) predicted aspiration in all patients in a multivariable model. In the early era, cervical anastomosis and aspiration independently predicted pneumonia. With a comprehensive swallowing evaluation in the later era, the detected incidence of aspiration increased (16% vs 7%, P < .0001), whereas the incidence of pneumonia decreased (11% vs 18%, P = .004) compared with the early era, such that neither anastomotic location nor aspiration predicted pneumonia in the later era. CONCLUSIONS: Esophagectomy is often associated with occult aspiration. A comprehensive swallowing evaluation for aspiration before initiating oral feedings significantly decreases the occurrence of pneumonia.

Management of Traumatic Coronary Artery Injuries: Advantages of Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass.

Coronary artery injuries are rare but highly lethal. Debate exists as to the best treatment for this complex set of injuries, with historical treatment favoring arterial ligation. Although conventional coronary artery bypass grafting using cardiopulmonary bypass has been used somewhat successfully, enthusiasm for off-pump CABG (OPCAB) has grown more recently. We report two unique cases of left anterior descending coronary arterial injuries managed successfully with OPCAB.

Assessing oropharyngeal dysphagia after lung transplantation: altered swallowing mechanisms and increased morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux is associated with lung transplantation (LT) and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, limiting allograft functional longevity. LT patients may also develop post-operative oropharyngeal dysphagia, exposing the allograft to further risk. However, the magnitude of this problem is unknown. We examined LT recipients post-operatively for swallowing disorders and correlated findings with pre- and post-operative variables. METHODS: Two hundred sixty-three LT patients (January 2001 to July 2005) at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. Each underwent clinical swallowing assessment. Provocative swallowing evaluation (SE) was performed in 149 patients (Group 1); 114 patients did not receive formal SE (Group 2). SE studies were considered positive with laryngeal penetration (PEN) or tracheal aspiration (ASP) of thin liquids. Groups were compared with respect to pre-, peri- and post-operative variables using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests. RESULTS: After LT, 56.7% of patients underwent post-operative SE (mean 19 +/- 20 days), most of whom (87.9%) had fiber-optic endoscopic studies. SE was positive for PEN or ASP in 70.5% (n = 105). Aspiration occurred in 63.8% (n = 67) of positive SEs; 77.6% (n = 52) of ASP assessments were clinically silent. Pre-operative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and post-operative complications, including vocal cord paresis, pleural processes, venous thromboses and severe rejection episodes, were more common among Group 1. Group 2 had a significantly reduced hospital length of stay (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Prospective SE identified strikingly high rates of dysphagia after LT. Because many of these deficits are silent, aggressive pulmonary toilet is especially important after post-operative LT. Pre-operative SE may clarify those at increased risk for new-onset oropharyngeal dysphagia after LT.

Pulmonary segmentectomy by thoracotomy or thoracoscopy: reduced hospital length of stay with a minimally-invasive approach.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have discouraged limited pulmonary resection for primary lung cancer, but pulmonary segmentectomy has advantages for some patients. Furthermore, while thoracoscopic lobectomy has been increasingly applied with well-demonstrated advantages compared with thoracotomy, few data exist regarding thoracoscopic approaches to pulmonary segmentectomy. This study compares thoracoscopic segmentectomy (TS) with open segmentectomy (OS). METHODS: This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data for 77 consecutive segmentectomy patients treated between 2000 and 2006 at a single center. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables for patients undergoing TS (n = 48) were compared with those undergoing OS (n = 29). Student's t tests were used for continuous data and Fisher's exact tests for dichotomous data. RESULTS: Baseline demographics were similar between groups. Indications for pulmonary resection included non-small cell lung cancer (n = 39), metastatic disease (n = 30), and other diagnoses (n = 8). All common segmentectomies were represented. No thoracoscopic cases required conversion to open procedures. Operative times, estimated blood loss, and chest tube duration were similar between groups. Outcomes were similar except that hospital length of stay was significantly less among TS patients (length of stay 6.8 +/- 6 days OS versus 4.3 +/- 3 days TS; p = 0.03). Thirty-day mortality was 6.9% (2 of 29) for the OS group compared with 0% for the TS group. Long-term survival rates were significantly better in the TS group (p = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic segmentectomy is a safe and feasible procedure, comparing favorably with OS by reducing hospital length of stay. For experienced thoracoscopic surgeons, TS appears to be a sound option for lung-sparing, anatomic pulmonary resections.

Analysis of respiratory complications after minimally invasive esophagectomy: preliminary observation of persistent aspiration risk.

Minimally invasive (MI) esophageal resection (ER) has the theoretical advantage of reduced postoperative complications compared with standard ER. However, the impact of MIER on rates and severity of pulmonary complications is unclear. Four patients underwent laparoscopic gastroesophageal mobilization and resection followed by gastric pull-up and cervical esophageal anastomosis (MIER). Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) assessed pharyngolaryngeal function postoperatively. All postoperative complications were documented. Each MIER was completed successfully without intraoperative complications. Mean operative time was 4.3 +/- 2 h. Postoperatively, VFSS detected laryngeal penetration, vocal cord paralysis, and/or aspiration in three patients, two of whom experienced severe respiratory complications. MIER patients are susceptible to aspiration, likely due to transient denervation of the pharynx and laryngeal structures. Following MIER, aggressive pulmonary toilet and aspiration precautions are emphasized to reduce pulmonary complications. Furthermore, serial evaluation of deglutition is encouraged to guide the safe and appropriate resumption of oral feeding.

Respiratory complications after esophagectomy.

Pulmonary complications are the major source of morbidity and mortality after esophageal resection, and numerous studies have identified various associated with these complications. This article discusses preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors affecting pulmonary complications and strategies to reduce these complications after esophagectomy.

Prolonged low-volume resuscitation with HBOC-201 in a large-animal survival model of controlled hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Military guidelines call for two 500-mL boluses of Hextend for resuscitation in far-forward environments. This study compared a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC-201; Hemopure) to Hextend when used to treat hemorrhagic shock in situations of delayed definitive care military operations. METHODS: Yorkshire swine (55-65 kg) were hemorrhaged to a mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) of 30 mmHg. Hypotension was maintained for 45 minutes followed by resuscitation with either Hextend (HEX) (n = 8) or HBOC-201 (HBOC) (n = 8). Over 8 hours, animals received up to 1,000 mL of either fluid in an effort to sustain an MAP of 60 mmHg. At the end of 8 hours, HEX animals received 2 L of lactated Ringer's solution followed by shed blood. HBOC animals received 4 L of lactated Ringer's solution only. Animals were killed and necropsied on postprocedure day 5. Hemodynamic data were collected during shock and resuscitation. Complete blood counts, amylase, lactate, coagulation studies, and renal and liver function were measured throughout the experiment. RESULTS: Equivalent volumes were hemorrhaged from each group (HBOC, 44.3 +/- 2.2 mL/kg; HEX, 47.4 +/- 3.0 mL/kg). The HBOC group achieved the goal MAP (HBOC, 60.0 +/- 2.3 mmHg; HEX, 46.4 +/- 2.3 mmHg; p < 0.01) and required less volume during the initial 8 hours (HBOC, 12.4 +/- 1.4 mL/kg; HEX, 17.3 +/- 0.3 mL/kg; p < 0.01). The HBOC group had lower SvO2 (HBOC, 46.3 +/- 2.4%; HEX, 50.7 +/- 2.5%; p = 0.12) and cardiac output (HBOC, 5.8 +/- 0.4 L/min; HEX, 7.2 +/- 0.6 L/min; p = 0.05), but higher systemic vascular resistance (HBOC, 821.4 +/- 110.7 dynes . s . cm-5; HEX, 489.6 +/- 40.6 dynes . s . cm-5; p = 0.01). Base excess, pH, lactate, and urine output did not differ between groups. HEX group survival was 50% (four of eight) versus 88% for the HBOC group (seven of eight). All animals survived the initial 8 hours. Animals surviving 5 days displayed no clinical or laboratory evidence of organ dysfunction in either group. CONCLUSION: HBOC-201 more effectively restored and maintained perfusion pressures with lower volumes, and allowed for improved survival. These data suggest that hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers are superior to the current standard of care for resuscitation in far-forward military operations.

Controversial issues regarding the use of induction chemotherapy for lung cancer.

Induction chemotherapy has been proven to improve survival in patients with Stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer, and is under investigation for early stage disease. Controversy still exists regarding the choice of chemotherapy regimens, patient selection, and inclusion of radiation therapy.

Contemporary assessment of laryngotracheal trauma.

OBJECTIVES: Laryngotracheal trauma is a rare and potentially deadly spectrum of injuries. We sought to characterize the contemporary mechanisms, diagnostic modalities, and outcomes common in laryngotracheal trauma today. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all laryngotracheal trauma cases at 2 major metropolitan hospitals between 1996 and 2004, detailing mechanisms, associated injuries, diagnostic modalities, and outcomes of laryngotracheal trauma. RESULTS: We identified 71 patients with a mean age of 32.8 +/- 13.3 years (range, 15-71 years). In our series penetrating trauma was the cause in 73.2% of patients; however, blunt trauma had a significantly higher mortality (63.2% vs 13.5%, respectively; P < .0001). Blunt mechanisms involved older patients (38.5 +/- 15.2 years vs 30.1 +/- 11.9 years, P = .017), and these patients were more likely to require emergency airways than those with penetrating trauma (78.9% vs 46.2%, P = .017). The requirement of an emergency airway was an independent predictor of mortality (P = .0066). CONCLUSION: Laryngotracheal trauma is a deadly spectrum of injuries with a mortality of 26.8%. Blunt mechanisms are decreasing in frequency. This might reflect improvements in automobile safety. Additionally, violent crime is on the increase, producing penetrating injuries with increasing frequency. The most fundamental intervention for patients with laryngotracheal injury is airway control. Either routine intubation or a tracheostomy can secure the airway. Blunt trauma and the requirement of an emergency airway are independent predictors of mortality. Laryngotracheal trauma requires prompt recognition, airway protection, and skillful management to lessen the mortality of this deadly spectrum of injuries.

Reducing hospital morbidity and mortality following esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Esophagogastrectomy (EG) is a formidable operation with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Risk factor analyses have been performed, but few studies have produced strategies that have improved operative results. This study was performed in order to identify prognostic variables that might be used to develop a strategy for optimizing outcomes after EG. METHODS: The records of all patients (n = 379) who underwent EG patients at a tertiary medical center between 1996 and 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-day morbidity and mortality were determined, and multivariable logistical regression analysis assessed the effect of preoperative and postoperative variables on early mortality. RESULTS: Operations included Ivor Lewis (n = 179), transhiatal (n = 130), and other approaches (n = 70). Operative mortality was 5.8%; 64% experienced complications, including respiratory complications (28.5%), anastamotic strictures (25%), and leak (14%). Increasing age, anastomotic leak, Charlson comorbidity index 3, worse swallowing scores, and pneumonia were associated with increased risk of mortality by univariate analysis. However, only age (p = 0.002) and pneumonia (p = 0.0008) were independently associated with mortality by multivariable analysis. Pneumonia was associated with a 20% incidence of death. Patients with pneumonia had significantly worse deglutition and anastomotic integrity on barium esophagogram compared with patients without pneumonia (p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney rank sum test). CONCLUSIONS: Morbidity and mortality of EG are significant, but most complications, including anastomotic leak, are not independent predictors of mortality. The most important complication after EG is pneumonia. Strategies to decrease postoperative mortality should include careful assessment of swallowing abnormalities and predisposition to aspiration by cineradiography or fiberoptic endoscopy. After EG, acceptable pharyngeal function and airway protection should be verified before resuming oral intake.