Starting Pediatric VAD Program: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities; A Case Series of a Single Center.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of heart failure is constantly increasing in both children and adults. End-stage heart failure in children unresponsive to medical therapy has limited treatment options. Surgical options include heart transplantation or implantation of durable ventricular assist devices (VADs). To start the VAD program, it was necessary to train core team members, invite experienced proctors and adjust the organizational approach. METHODS: We present our first seven pediatric patients who underwent a VAD implantation with primary indication end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy. RESULTS: The median age on implant was four and a half years and the median duration of VAD support was 39 days with long term survival achieved in three patients. The causes of death were multiorgan failure, thromboembolic events, sepsis, and low cardiac output syndrome. Ischemic stroke was the reason for successful neurointervention during VAD support in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: To establish a VAD program, numerous specialties must be included with adequate training and learning for all team members.

COMBINED USE OF VIDEOLARYNGOSCOPE AND BONFILS INTUBATION ENDOSCOPE AS RESCUE OPTION FOR DIFFICULT AIRWAY MANAGEMENT: A CASE REPORT.

Difficult airway management poses a great challenge for clinicians, especially if it is unanticipated. Numerous guidelines and a wide array of devices constitute the anesthesiologist's armamentarium for managing the airway. When the use of individual devices fails, the use of combination techniques is advised. We present a case of difficult intubation in a 50-year-old male patient scheduled for aortic valve replacement. He had no prior history of difficult airway management, and no abnormalities were detected on preoperative airway assessment. Body mass index was 29 kg/m2. After the separate use of direct laryngoscopy, videolaryngoscopy and a BONFILS intubation endoscope (BIE) had failed, we resorted to a combination technique, combining videolaryngoscopy and BIE. While the videolaryngoscope provided the space needed for BIE and visual guidance through copious secretions, the BIE served as a stylet for endotracheal tube guidance, leading to successful intubation. Since the technique requires costly equipment, experience in handling it and at least two operators, it is more appropriate as a rescue measure than an elective procedure. Given the potentially disastrous outcomes of failed intubation, mastering advanced airway management techniques remains of vital importance, and the combination technique is one of them.

Preoperative Anaesthesiologic Evaluation of Patient with Known Allergy.

Anaphylaxis is an unanticipated systemic hypersensitivity reaction which can produce deleterious effects, even death, if not treated promptly. Preventive approach implies taking a thorough anamnesis with the emphasis on previously diagnosed allergies. If an allergic reaction occurred during previous surgery, a detailed documentation of administered anaesthetic agents and drugs would be crucial for the following anaesthesiologic management. Preoperative planning and avoiding cross-reactivity with drugs commonly used during anaesthesia are the key points to prevent an anaphylaxis. In case of emergency surgery when the exact identification of allergens is not possible, premedication prophylaxis should be considered. General measures for prevention of anaphylaxis could be undertaken as well, such as the choice of anaesthesiologic drugs and techniques in the operating theatre adequately equipped for the management of predictable anaphylaxis.

Influence of intraoperative cerebral oximetry monitoring on neurocognitive function after coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomized, prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative cognitive decline is common after cardiac surgery, but it is often unrecognized at the time of hospital discharge. However, it has a great impact on patient's quality of life. Cerebral oximetry with the INVOS (IN Vivo Optical Spectroscopy) system provides the possibility of non-invasive, continuous measurement of regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2), which can improve patients' outcome. The aim of this study was to examine whether cerebral oximetry can decrease the incidence of cognitive decline after coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: We have performed a prospective, randomized study with 200 patients enrolled. Patients were divided into INVOS interventional group and CONTROL group without monitoring of cerebral oximetry. A standardized interventional protocol was performed in the INVOS group to maintain rSO2 above 80% of the patient's baseline value or above 50% of the absolute value. Cognitive evaluation was performed in all patients before and 7 days after surgery. Logistic regression was used to reveal predictors of cognitive decline. RESULTS: The incidence of cognitive decline 7 days after surgery was significantly lower (P = 0.002) in the INVOS interventional group (28%) than in the CONTROL group (52%). Intraoperative use of INVOS monitoring was associated with lower incidence of cognitive decline (odds ratio 0.21). In addition, predictors of cognitive decline revealed by multivariate logistic regression were older age, higher EuroSCORE and SAPS II (Simplified Acute Physiology Score) values, lower educational level and persistence of preoperative atrial fibrillation. Patients with prolonged rSO2 desaturation, defined as rSO2 area under the curve (AUC) of more than 150 min% for desaturation below 20% of baseline or AUC of more than 50 min% for desaturation below 50% absolute value, had an increased risk of cognitive decline. CONCLUSION: Postoperative cognitive outcome was significantly better in patients with intraoperative cerebral oximetry monitoring. Prolonged rSO2 desaturation is a predictor of cognitive decline and has to be avoided.

Atrial apoptosis and fibrosis adversely affect atrial conduit, reservoir and contractile functions.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic atrial volume overload and atrial fibrillation (AF) induce structural changes within atrial myocardium. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adverse cellular remodelling on echocardiographic strain rate (SR) deformation indices of atrial contractile, conduit and reservoir functions. METHODS: Forty-four consecutive patients with organic mitral regurgitation were analysed. Twenty-eight patients had long-standing persistent AF (AF group), while 16 were in normal sinus rhythm (NSR group). Left atrial (LA) samples were harvested from all the patients for histological analysis. Postoperative echocardiographic data acquisition was performed exclusively during organized atrial electrical activity in order to assess the contractile reserve of patients from both groups. RESULTS: Fibrotic atria had inferior conduit (SR-E: r = -0.36, P = 0.017), reservoir (SR-S: r = -0.31, P = 0.041) and contractile functions (SR-A: r = -0.33, P = 0.027). Analogously, atria with greater apoptotic burdens showed a negative correlation with multiple indices of left atrial functions (SR-E: r = -0.38, P = 0.010; SR-S: r = -0.33, P = 0.028; SR-A: r = -0.28, P = 0.067). The efficiency of atrial contractility was significantly reduced among AF-group patients after conversion to sinus rhythm, when compared with patients in the NSR group (LA active emptying fraction: 20 ± 12 vs 30 ± 10%, P = 0.004; SR-A: 1.1 ± 1.0 vs 2.8 ± 1.9 s(-1), P < 0.001). Superior strain-rate indices of atrial conduit and reservoir functions were noted in the NSR group (SR-E: 3.5 ± 2.3 vs 1.3 ± 1.0 s(-1), P < 0.001; LA expansion index: 86 ± 31 vs 60 ± 42%, P = 0.004). Fibrosis was evident in 7.2 [3.3;9.4]% of the LA tissue sample in the AF group, while it accounted for 3.4 [1.2;8.1]% of atrial tissue in the NSR group (P = 0.054). Apoptosis was documented in 13 (46%) patients in the AF group, whereas none of the patients in the NSR group exhibited signs of programmed cell death (P = 0.001). Myocyte degeneration was more prevalent in the AF group (odds ratio: 7.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.3-36.7, P = 0.021). Age showed a positive correlation with worsening degrees of atrial fibrosis and apoptosis (r = 0.41, P = 0.006; r = 0.49, P = 0.001, respectively). Multiple regression analysis identified SR-S (ß = -1.263, P = 0.036) and age (ß = 0.144, P = 0.057) as independent predictors of fibrosis. Independent determinants of apoptosis were preoperative AF (ß = 4.539, P = 0.007), age (ß = 0.188, P = 0.009) and SR-S (ß = -1.780, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Atria exhibiting greater fibrotic and apoptotic burdens had impaired conduit, reservoir and contractile function, as evaluated by deformation imaging. Among patients with chronic LA volume overload, exposure to long-standing persistent AF induced more pronounced degrees of adverse atrial cellular remodelling. Strain-rate descriptors of atrial reservoir function harboured potential to predict atrial fibrosis and apoptosis.

The relationship between prolonged cerebral oxygen desaturation and postoperative outcome in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

58 patients who underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery were evaluated for changes in regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) measured by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). If rSO2 during the operation fell to more than 20% under the baseline, standardized interventions were undertaken to maintain rSO2. Despite those interventions, in some cases we observed inability to maintain rSO2 above this threshold. Therefore we divided patients in two subgroups: 1. without prolonged rSO2 desaturation; 2. with prolonged rSO2 desaturation (area under the curve >150 min% for rSO2<20% of baseline and >50 min% for rSO2<50% of absolute value). The data were analyzed to determine whether there were major differences in outcome of these two groups. 18 out of 58 patients (31%) had prolonged rSO2 desaturation during operation. There was significantly higher number of diabetic patients in group with prolonged rSO2 desaturation (p=0.02). Intraoperative data revealed significantly more blood consumption during cardiopulmonary bypass (p=0.007) and the need for inotropes (p=0.04) in desaturation group. Three patients in prolonged desaturation group and no one in another group had stroke, coma or stupor (p=0.03). Logistic regression analysis revealed diabetes mellitus and age as predictors for prolonged rSO2 desaturation. We concluded that prolonged intraoperative rSO2 desaturation is significantly associated with worse neurological outcome in patients - nonresponders to standardized interventions for prevention of rSO2 desaturation.

[European Resuscitation Council guidelines for resuscitation 2010]. / Smjernice za reanimaciju europskog vijeca za reanimatologiju 2010. godine.

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT: All rescuers trained or not, should provide chest compressions to victims of cardiac arrest. The aim should be to push to a depth of at least 5 cm at a rate of at least 100 compressions per minute, to allow full chest recoil, and to minimise interruptions in chest compressions. Trained rescuers should also provide ventilations with a compression-ventilation ratio of 30:2. ELECTRICAL THERAPIES: Much greater emphasis on minimising the duration of the pre-shock and post-shock pauses; the continuation of compressions during charging of the defibrillator is recommended. Further development of AED programmes is encouraged. ADULT ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT: Increased emphasis on high-quality chest compressions throughout any ALS intervention paused briefly only to enable specific interventions. Removal of the recommendation for a pre-specified period of cardiopulmonary resuscitation before out-of-hospital defibrillation following cardiac arrest unwitnessed by the EMS. The role of precordial thump is de-emphasized. Delivery of drugs via a tracheal tube is no longer recommended, drugs should be given by the intraosseous (IO) route. Atropine is no longer recommended for routine use in asystole or pulseless electrical activity. Reduced emphasis on early tracheal intubation unless achieved by highly skilled individuals with minimal interruptions in chest compressions. Increased emphasis on the use of capnography. Recognition of potential harm caused by hyperoxaemia. Revision of the recommendation of glucose control. Use of therapeutic hypothermia to include comatose survivors of cardiac arrest associated initially with shockable rhythms, as well as non-shockable rhythms, with a lower level of evidence acknowledged for the latter. INITIAL MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROMES: The term non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction-acute coronary syndrome (non-STEMI-ACS) has been introduced for both NSTEMI and unstable angina pectoris. Primary PCI (PPCI) is the preferred reperfusion strategy provided it is performed in a timely manner by an experienced team. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided, as well as routine use of intravenous beta-blockers; oxygen is to be given only to those patients with hypoxaemia, breathlessness or pulmonary congestion. PAEDIATRIC LIFE SUPPORT: The decision to begin resuscitation must be taken in less than 10 seconds. Lay rescuers should be taught to use a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 ventilations, rescuers with a duty to respond should learn and use a 15:2 ratio; however, they can use the 30:2 compression-ventilation ratio if they are alone. Ventilation remains a very important component of resuscitation in asphyxial arrest. The emphasis is on achieving quality compressions with the rate of at least 100 but not greater than 120 per minute, with minimal interruptions. AEDs are safe and successful when used in children older than 1 year. A single shock strategy using a non-escalating dose of 4 J/kg is recommended for defibrillation in children. Cuffed tubes can be used safely in infants and young children. Monitoring exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2), ideally by capnography, is recommended during resuscitation. RESUSCITATION OF BABIES AT BIRTH: For uncompromised babies, a delay in cord clamping of at least one minute from the complete delivery is now recommended. For term infants, air should be used fro resuscitation at birth. For preterm babies less than 32 weeks gestation blended oxygen and air should be given judiciously and its use guided by pulse oximetry. Preterm babies of less than 28 weeks gestation should be completely covered in a plastic wrap up to their necks, without drying, immediately after birth. The recommended compression: ventilation ratio remains at 3:1 for newborn resuscitation. Attempts to aspirate meconium from the nose and mouth of the unborn baby, while the head is still on the perineum, are not recommended. If adrenaline is given the n the intravenous route is recommended using a dose of 10-30 microg/kg. Newly born infants born at term or near-term with moderate to severe hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy should be treated with therapeutic hypothermia. PRINCIPLES OF EDUCATION IN RESUSCITATION: The aim is to ensure that learners acquire and retain skill and knowledge that will enable them to act correctly in actual cardiac arrest and improve patient outcome. Short video/computer self-instruction courses, with minimal or no instructor coaching, combined with hands-on practice can be considered as an effective alternative to instructor-led basic life support (BLS and AED) courses. Ideally all citizens should be trained in standard CPR that includes compressions and ventilations. Basic and advanced life support knowledge and skills deteriorate in as little as three to six months. CPR prompt or feedback devices improve CPR skill acquisition and retention.

Health related quality of life following cardiac surgery--correlation with EuroSCORE.

OBJECTIVE: To explore differences in the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients before and after cardiac surgery, to compare the results with norms of Croatian population and to correlate the results with values of EuroSCORE. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study with repeated measurements using the Short Form SF-36 health survey before surgery and 1 year after discharge, to assess changes in quality of life. RESULTS: A total number of 111 patients were included in the study. Seventy-one patients (64%) responded to second measurement of HRQOL 1 year after surgery. The mean age was 61 years, patients were predominantly male and the majority of patients were admitted for coronary artery bypass graft. The prevalence of comorbidity was relatively high. Preoperative mean values of study population were statistically lower than those representing Croatian general population in five out of eight health domains: physical functioning (p<0.001), role physical (p<0.001), bodily pain (p<0.001), social functioning (p<0.001) and mental health (p<0.001). Data show significant improvement 1 year after discharge in four out of eight health domains: physical functioning (p=0.02), role physical (p<0.001), social functioning (p=0.004) and mental health (p=0.03). A subgroup of 30 patients with EuroSCORE > or =6 shows postdischarge improvements in the majority of scales: role physical (p<0.001), bodily pain (p<0.001), vitality (p=0.03), social functioning (p=0.01), role emotional (p=0.03) and mental health (p=0.002), and group with EuroSCORE <6 shows postdischarge improvement only in one health domain - role physical (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The health status of patients one year after hospital discharge shows a statistically significant improvement in half of the domains of physical and mental health compared with presurgery status. The high-risk group of patients (EuroSCORE > or =6) were likely to have significant improvement in greater number of health domains following surgery than the low- and medium-risk group (EuroSCORE <6).

[European Resuscitation Council guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 2005]. / Smjernice iz kardiopulmonalne reanimacije Europskog vijeca za reanimatologiju 2005.

ADULT BASIC LIFE SUPPORT: The ratio of compressions to ventilations is 30:2 for all adult victims of cardiac arrest. AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATION: A single defibrillatory shock is delivered, immediately followed by two minutes of uninterrupted CPR. ADULT ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT: In out-of-hospital cardiac arrest attended, but unwitnessed, by healthcare professionals equipped with manual defibrillators, give CPR for 2 minutes before defibrillation. The recommended initial energy for biphasic defibrillators is 150-200 J, for second and subsequent shocks is 150-360 J. The recommended energy when using a monophasic defibrillator is 360 J for both the initial and subsequent shocks. Rhythm checks must be brief, and pulse cheks undertaken only if an organised rhythm is observed. Adrenaline is given 1 mg i.v. as soon as intravenous access is obtained, and repeated every 3-5 min thereafter until return of spontaneous circulation is achieved. Consider thrombolytic therapy when cardiac arrest is thought to be due to proven or suspected pulmonary embolus. Unconscious adult patinets, with spontaneous circulation, after out-of-hospital VF cardiac arrest should be cooled to 32-34 degrees C for 12-24 hours. PAEDIATRIC BASIC LIFE SUPPORT: Lay rescuers or lone rescuers witnessing paediatric cardiac arrest will start with 5 rescue breaths and continue with the 30:2 ratio as thaught in adult BLS. Two or more rescuers with a duty to respond will use the 15:2 ration in a child up to the onset of puberty. PAEDIATRIC ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT: When using a manual defibrillator, a dose of 4 J/kg (biphasic or monophasic waveform) should be used for the first and subsequent shocks. Adrenaline iv. or i.o. should be given at the dose of 10 microg/kg (0.01 mg/kg) and repeated every 3-5 minutes. NEONATAL LIFE SUPPORT: Protect the newborn from heat loss. Standard resuscitation in delivery room should be made with 100% oxygen. Suctioning meconium from the baby's nose and mouth before delivery of the baby's chest (intrapartum suctioning) is not useful and no longer recommended.