A Rare Presentation of Myocardial Bridging With Heart Failure Symptoms.

Myocardial bridging is an under-recognized cause of angina. This congenital anomaly occurs when a segment of the epicardial coronary artery has a short intra-myocardial course. A significant intra-myocardial course may lead to ischemia, causing anginal symptoms. In this case report, we discuss a rare presentation of myocardial bridging with symptoms of heart failure. The pathology led to a marked degree of ventricular dysfunction and a significant drop in cardiac output (CO), and the patient had severe exertional dyspnea and functional limitations. The ischemic workup with diagnostic imaging and angiograms failed to explain the severity of symptoms, which were only evident in hemodynamic studies and cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

Whole Blood del Nido versus Cold Blood Microplegia in Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

Objectives Few studies have evaluated the outcomes of whole blood microplegia in adult cardiac surgery. Our novel protocol includes removing the crystalloid portion and using the Quest Myocardial Protection System (MPS) for the delivery of del Nido additives in whole blood. This study sought to compare early and late clinical outcomes of whole blood del Nido microplegia (BDN) versus cold blood cardioplegia (CBC) following adult cardiac surgery. Materials and Methods A total of 361 patients who underwent cardiac surgery using BDN were compared with a contemporaneous control group of 934 patients receiving CBC. Propensity matching yielded 289 BDN and 289 CBC patients. Chi-square analysis and Fisher's exact test were performed to compare preoperative, operative, and postoperative characteristics on the matched data. Primary outcome was operative mortality, and secondary outcomes included clinical outcomes such as stroke, cardiac arrest, and intra-aortic balloon pump use. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare actuarial survival between the two groups using a log-rank test. Results After matching, preoperative characteristics and surgery type were similar between groups. Cardioplegia type did not affect the primary end point of operative mortality. The rate of postoperative intra-aortic balloon pump was lower in BDN patients compared with CBC patients (0 vs. 2%; p = 0.01). There was no difference in late survival. Conclusion Our novel protocol BDN was comparable with CBC, with similar clinical outcomes and no difference in operative mortality or actuarial survival. Further studies should evaluate the long-term outcomes of this technique.

Long-Term Withdrawal of Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Therapy in a HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device.

A 73-year-old male with end-stage heart failure underwent insertion of the HeartMate 3 (Abbott, North Chicago, IL, USA) device. Systemic anticoagulation and antiplatelets were discontinued for 52 days due to postoperative bleeding. After hemorrhage resolution, we restarted warfarin monotherapy targeting an international normalized ratio of 1.8-2.5. Eight months later, there are no reports of pump thrombosis, thromboembolism, and bleeding.

Outcomes of Minority COVID-19 patients managed with ECMO: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly burdened the global healthcare system since December 2019. Minority populations are found to have a higher incidence of hospitalization and higher mortality when compared to Caucasians. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is reserved for COVID-19 patients who develop respiratory failure refractory to conventional management. To our knowledge, no data has been reported on outcome differences between Minority COVID-19 patients and Caucasian COVID-19 patients managed with ECMO. We aimed to investigate the outcome differences between these two groups. METHODS: Our retrospective cohort study had 23 adults (aged 18 and older) diagnosed with COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction. All patients developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), refractory to conventional treatment, and were managed on ECMO support. The primary outcome of interest was mortality; the secondary outcome was the rate of ECMO-related complications. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate of our study was higher (70%) than other reports of the COVID-19 population on ECMO. Caucasians in our study had more severe respiratory acidosis with carbon dioxide retention and appeared to have a higher mortality rate of 85.7% compared to Minorities (62.5%). No differences in complication rates between these two groups were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Our cohort revealed a high overall mortality rate of COVID-19 patients on ECMO support. The Caucasian group was observed to have higher mortality than the Minority group. The high overall mortality was likely attributed to the Caucasian group, which had more severe respiratory acidosis before ECMO initiation, a known predictor of poor prognosis in ARDS patients. Our cohort's ethnic composition may also partially explain the high mortality rate since COVID-19 Minorities are reported to have worse outcomes than Caucasians. Larger and randomized studies are needed to investigate further the mortality and complication differences between Minority and Caucasian patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and managed by ECMO.

Outcomes of Urgent Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: A Single-Center Experience.

Background Data on urgent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as rescue therapy for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) due to severe aortic stenosis (AS) are limited. We sought to investigate the outcomes of patients who underwent urgent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in a single institution. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of 602 patients with a history of heart failure (HF) due to AS who underwent TAVR between April 2012 and July 2017. We stratified patient cohort into urgent (n=139) and elective (n=463) TAVR. Urgent TAVR was defined as patients who were admitted for ADHF and underwent TAVR during the same hospitalization. Patients that underwent urgent TAVR for other reasons were excluded. Results Rates of postoperative intra-aortic balloon pump requirement, atrial fibrillation, dialysis requirement, vascular complications, and stroke were similar between the two groups. Compared with elective TAVR, patients undergoing urgent TAVR had a higher rate of cardiac arrest (5.7% vs 1.3%, p=0.005), longer length of stay (LOS) (11 vs. 5, p<0.001), and significant 30-day mortality (8.6% vs 4.1%, HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.04-4.22). Patients who underwent urgent TAVR were also associated with long-term mortality (Log-rank p = 0.0162). Conclusions In our study, urgent TAVR for ADHF was associated with both short-term and long-term mortality as compared to elective TAVR. Further randomized studies are needed to investigate the appropriate management of this population.

Predictors and outcomes of patient-prosthesis mismatch after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) has been shown to be associated with adverse outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement. There is limited data on its risk and impact after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), especially with the newer generation heart valves. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to investigate the incidence, predictors, and clinical outcomes of PPM after TAVR. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 991 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR procedure at a tertiary referral center, between April 2012 and February 2019. Patients were stratified by the presence or absence of PPM, defined as an effective orifice area/body surface area ratio ≤0.85 cm2 /m2 . Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of PPM. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were used to determine overall 5-year survival. RESULTS: PPM was encountered in 27.6% of patients. In multivariable analysis, age less than 70 years (P = .062), body mass index (BMI) more than 30 (P = .0057), history of atrial fibrillation (P = .0004), black race (P = .0078), and Sapien 3 sizes 20 and 23 mm (P < .0001)emerged as independent predictors of PPM. Sapien 3 valve size 20/23 mm was associated with higher risk of PPM compared to other valve types. Patients with PPM had comparable postoperative outcomes and overall 5-year survival. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications between patient groups. PPM was not associated with worse overall survival (56% for both PPM and no-PPM patients, log-rank P = .80). CONCLUSIONS: Younger age, atrial fibrillation, black race, higher BMI were predictors of PPM. Smaller sizes balloon-expandable valves had a higher risk of PPM.

Alternative Access Versus Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Nonagenarians.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies suggest that alternative access (AA) such as transapical (TA) approach to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is inferior to transfemoral (TF) approach. However, there is a paucity of data characterizing these outcomes, and studies often do not consider transaortic (TAO) and transaxillary (TAX) TAVR approaches. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of nonagenarians undergoing AA-TAVR compared to TF-TAVR. METHODS: A concurrent cohort study of 148 consecutive nonagenarian patients (≥90 years old) undergoing TAVR from April 2012 to July 2017 was carried out. We stratified the patient cohort into two groups based on access approach: TF-TAVR (n = 112); and AA-TAVR (n = 36), which included TA (n = 24), TAX (n = 8), and TAO (n = 4) approaches. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative outcomes and 5-year actuarial survival rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared to TF-TAVR, patients undergoing AA-TAVR were more likely to require blood transfusions (28% vs 69%; P<.001) and readmission (16% vs 58%; P<.001). AA-TAVR also resulted in significantly higher rates of postoperative complications, such as stroke (1% vs 8%; P=.02) and atrial fibrillation (19% vs 36%; P=.03). There was no significant difference in aortic valve gradients (P>.05), operative mortality rate (6% vs 8%; P=.66), or actuarial 5-year survival rate (68% vs 44%, log-rank P=.10). CONCLUSION: There is a higher risk of adverse events following AA-TAVR compared with TF-TAVR. Therefore, TF-TAVR is recommended when feasible, with AA approach as a viable back-up option in nonagenarians.

Successful Coronary Protection during TAVI in Heavily Calcified Aortic Leaflets in Patient with Short and Low Left Coronary System.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement has been recently approved for patients who are high or intermediate risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. The procedure is associated with several known complications including coronary related complications. Coronary obstruction is rare but disastrous complication, and it is associated with a high mortality rate. Coronary protection technique has emerged as a preemptive technique to avoid this complication. We present a case of successful coronary protection during TAVR in severely calcified left cusp in patient with short and low left ostium.

Comparing industry compensation of cardiothoracic surgeons and interventional cardiologists.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare payment trends between cardiothoracic surgeons and interventional cardiologists using the Open Payments website made available for the public by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were extracted from the second release of the Open Payments database, which includes payments made between August 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014. Total payments to individual physicians were aggregated based on specialty, region of the country, and payment type. The Gini index was calculated for each specialty to measure income disparity. A Gini index of 1 indicates all the payments went to one individual, whereas a Gini index of 0 indicates all individuals received equal payments. RESULTS: During the study period of interest, data were made available for 3587 (80%) cardiothoracic surgeons compared with 2957 (99%) interventional cardiologists. Mean total payments to cardiothoracic surgeons were $7770 (standard deviation, $52,608) compared with a mean of $15,221 (standard deviation, $98,828) for interventional cardiologists. The median total payments to cardiothoracic surgeons was $1050 (interquartile range, $233-$3612) compared with $1851 (interquartile range, $607-$5462) for interventional cardiologists. The overall Gini index was 0.932, whereas the Gini index was 0.862 for interventional cardiologists and 0.860 for cardiothoracic surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons received payments from drug and device manufacturers. The mean total payments to interventional cardiologists were higher than any other specialty. However, like cardiothoracic surgery, they were among the most equitably distributed compared with other specialties.

Surgical Treatment of an Isolated Metastatic Myocardial Neuroendocrine Tumor.

We describe a patient diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor of the small intestine metastatic to the heart who underwent successful cardiac metastasectomy. The tumor was located on the right ventricle free wall, obstructing the right ventricular outflow tract. There was no valvular involvement.

Improvement in blood glucose control in patients with diabetes after implantation of left ventricular assist devices.

Some reports suggest that the course of diabetes mellitus (DM) in heart failure (HF) may improve after implantation of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The objective of our study was to explore longitudinal changes in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) in patients with diabetes mellitus with advanced HF post-LVAD implantation. We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients who received LVADs at our institution between 2002 and 2012 and selected those who 1) survived posthospital discharge and 2) had DM. We collected data on HbA1C before and after implantation of LVADs, daily doses of insulin, and antidiabetic drugs. Comparisons were done using Student's t-test. A total of 50 patients met the inclusion criteria. HbA1C was 7.6 ± 1.6 before LVAD, 5.7 ± 0.9 within 3 months after the LVAD implant (p = 0.0001), 6.1 ± 1.0 (p = 0.004 in comparison with pre-LVAD level) in 3-6 months after the implant, 6.3 ± 1.0 (p = 0.01) in 6-9 months, and 5.3 ± 0.1 in 9-12 months (p = 0.002). There were no significant changes in body mass index. Favorable changes in clinical course of diabetes in patients with HF occur after the implantation of LVADs, persist for at least 1 year after the implant, and are likely associated with improved hemodynamics and metabolism after normalization of cardiac output.

Centrimag right ventricular support after tricuspid valvectomy for endocarditis.

Recurrent endocarditis of a bioprosthetic tricuspid valve is a challenging condition, which sometimes requires complete valvectomy. We report a case in which a right ventricular assist device, a Thoratec Centrimag Blood Pump (Thoratec Corp., Pleasanton, CA), was successfully used for temporary hemodynamic support to protect the right ventricle until the new tricuspid bioprosthesis could be safely implanted.

Reconstruction of pulmonary venous conduit with CorMatrix in lung transplant.

Anomalous pulmonary vein anatomy is infrequently encountered during reconstructive lung surgery, especially lung transplantation. Complications of pulmonary venous anastomosis carry high morbidity and mortality. We report a case of anomalous pulmonary vein reconstruction with a decellularized porcine small intestinal submucosa-derived extracellular matrix during bilateral lung transplantation in an 18-year-old woman with cystic fibrosis.

Orthotopic heart transplantation in patients with persistent left superior vena cava and agenesis of left brachiocephalic vein.

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is an infrequent abnormality. Anatomical variations can be unexpectedly identified during cardiac procedures. Modifications of surgical techniques become a must during these operations, especially during orthotopic heart transplantation. We present two cases of patients with PLSVC and discuss the anatomy, embryology, diagnosis, and modifications in transplant techniques.

Amplificação dos genes que codificam a endotelina-1 e seus receptores em valvas mitrais reumáticas / Amplification of the genes that codify endothelin-1 and its receptors in rheumatic mitral valves

FUNDAMENTO: As cardiopatias são doenças de alta prevalência, sendo a cardite reumática uma doença de grande relevância em países em desenvolvimento. As alterações em câmaras cardíacas esquerdas se associam à disfunção endotelial, com aumento dos níveis de endotelina-1 (ET-1) e consequências sobre a circulação pulmonar, muitas vezes determinando a hipertensão pulmonar (HP). No entanto, a presença de ET-1 e seus receptores na própria valva mitral, promovendo alterações vasculares pulmonares e aumentando a deformação valvar reumática, ainda é um assunto não abordado na literatura. OBJETIVO: Determinar, mediante técnicas moleculares, a expressão dos genes da endotelina e dos seus receptores em valvas mitrais reumáticas. MÉTODOS: 27 pacientes submetidos à troca valvar mitral tiveram seu tecido valvar analisado, a fim de determinar a presença de genes de ET-1 e seus receptores A e B. Foram feitas análises histológica e molecular das valvas (divididas em fragmentos M1, M2 e M3) e colhidos dados clínicos e epidemiológicos dos pacientes. Foram divididos em três grupos: valvopatia mitral, mitroaórtica e pacientes reoperados. RESULTADOS: O estudo mostrou a manifestação do gene da ET-1 em 40,7 por cento dos espécimes e de seu receptor A em todas as amostras, com manifestação minoritária do gene do receptor B (22,2 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: Todos os pacientes expressaram a presença do gene do receptor A. Não houve diferença estatística quanto à gravidade da doença, expressa em classe funcional, e aos subgrupos estudados (valvopatas mitrais, mitroaórticos e pacientes reoperados), ou quanto à expressão dos genes da ET-1 e seus receptores entre os subgrupos estudados (valvopatas mitrais, mitroaórticos e pacientes reoperados).

BACKGROUND: Cardiopathies are high prevalence conditions. Among them, rheumatic carditis is of high relevance in developing countries. Left cardiac chamber changes are associated to endothelial dysfunction and ET-1 levels increase. Pulmonary circulation is then affected, and not seldom leading to pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, the presence of ET-1 and its receptors in the mitral valve itself - promoting pulmonary vascular changes, with increased rheumatic valvular deformation - has not been discussed in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression of endothelin gene and its receptors in rheumatic mitral valves through techniques of molecular genetics. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients submitted to mitral valve replacement had their valvular tissue examined to determine the presence of ET-1 genes and their A and B receptors. Histological and molecular analysis of the valves was performed (divided into M1, M2 and M3 fragments), with patients' clinical and epidemiological data collected. Patients were divided into 3 groups (mitral valvopathy, mitroaortic valvopathy, and reoperation patients). RESULTS: The study showed endothelin-1 gene expression in 40.7 percent specimens and A receptor in all samples; receptor gene B had lower expression (22.2 percent). CONCLUSION: All patients showed A receptor gene expression. No statistically significant difference was observed in regard to condition severity, expressed according to functional class, and subgroups (mitral valvopathy, mitroaortic valvopathy, and reoperation patients).

Amplification of the genes that codify endothelin-1 and its receptors in rheumatic mitral valves.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopathies are high prevalence conditions. Among them, rheumatic carditis is of high relevance in developing countries. Left cardiac chamber changes are associated to endothelial dysfunction and ET-1 levels increase. Pulmonary circulation is then affected, and not seldom leading to pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, the presence of ET-1 and its receptors in the mitral valve itself--promoting pulmonary vascular changes, with increased rheumatic valvular deformation--has not been discussed in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression of endothelin gene and its receptors in rheumatic mitral valves through techniques of molecular genetics. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients submitted to mitral valve replacement had their valvular tissue examined to determine the presence of ET-1 genes and their A and B receptors. Histological and molecular analysis of the valves was performed (divided into M1, M2 and M3 fragments), with patients' clinical and epidemiological data collected. Patients were divided into 3 groups (mitral valvopathy, mitroaortic valvopathy, and reoperation patients). RESULTS: The study showed endothelin-1 gene expression in 40.7% specimens and A receptor in all samples; receptor gene B had lower expression (22.2%). CONCLUSION: All patients showed A receptor gene expression. No statistically significant difference was observed in regard to condition severity, expressed according to functional class, and subgroups (mitral valvopathy, mitroaortic valvopathy, and reoperation patients).

Axillary artery in cardiopulmonary bypass: indications and results.

OBJECTIVES: To determine indications and results of axillary artery cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: From January 2005 through December 2008, axillary artery cannulation was used in 48 patients. Mean age was 62 +/- 11 years and 33 (69%) patients were males. Axillary artery was approached by infraclavicular incision and the cannula introduced in a 8 millimeter Dacron side graft. RESULTS: Indications were calcified aorta (N=18, 38%), aortic dissection (N=15, 31%), ascending and/or aortic arch aneurysm (N=11, 23%) and prior to reoperative median sternotomy (N=4, 8%). Changes in intraoperative planning occurred most often in patients with calcified aorta (100% versus 10%, P<0.0001) than in patients with other indications, which follow their preoperative plan. Cardiopulmonary bypass (deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in 55% and conventional in the remaining) was uneventfully conducted in all patients but one (success rate 98%) due to undiagnosed inominate artery stenosis. Local complication was lymphatic drainage in three (6.2%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Axillary artery is an alternative cannulation site in patients unsuitable to aortic cannulation. The type of indication may determine intraoperative changes in surgical planning.

Results of the establishment of an organizational model in a cardiovascular surgery service.

OBJECTIVE: Increasing complexity of patients referred to cardiac surgery demands more effective heart centers, in order to maintain the same quality. The aim of this study is to examine the short-term effect of adoption of an organizational model on surgical outcomes. METHODS: From January 2006 to June 2007, 367 consecutive adult patients underwent cardiovascular surgery. Pre-, intra- and postoperative data were prospectively collected and transferred to an institutional database. Organizational model was established in August 2006, and based on integrated multiprofessional team work patient-centered, evidence-based medicine with standardized patient care and personal conflict management. The outcomes studied were hospital mortality and combined adverse events (death, stroke, acute myocardial infarction and acute renal failure), by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: After establishment of such model, there was reduction of hospital mortality (from 12% to 3.6%, relative risk= 0.3; P=0.003) and combined events (from 22% to 15%, relative risk=0.68; P=0.11). Operations performed previously to the model were independently associated with higher mortality (OR=2.5; P=0.04), adjusted to preoperative characteristics and Euroscore risk stratification system. Other predictors of mortality were age > 65 years (OR=6.36; 95%CI 2.57 - 17.21; P<0.0001) and cardiopulmonary bypass time > 145 minutes (OR=8.57; 95%CI 3.55 - 21.99; P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Marked improvements in surgical outcomes depend on development of cardiac surgery centers based on organizational models similar to the model proposed in this study.

Artéria axilar na instalação de circulação extracorpórea: indicações e resultados / Axillary artery in cardiopulmonary bypass: indications and results

OBJETIVO: Estudar as indicações e os resultados da artéria axilar na instalação de circulação extracorpórea. MÉTODOS: Entre janeiro de 2005 e dezembro de 2008, a artéria axilar foi utilizada em 48 pacientes submetidos a cirurgia cardiovascular. A idade média foi 62 ± 11 anos e 33 (69 por cento) pacientes eram do sexo masculino. A artéria axilar foi abordada por incisão infraclavicular e a cânula introduzida no tubo de Dacron de 8 milímetros suturado nos bordos da artéria. RESULTADOS: As indicações foram calcificação da aorta (N=18, 38 por cento), dissecção da aorta (N=15, 31 por cento), aneurisma da aorta ascendente e/ou arco aórtico (N=11, 23 por cento) e prévio a reesternotomia (N=4, 8 por cento). A presença de calcificação da aorta levou mais frequentemente à mudança de tática intra-operatória do que as outras indicações (100 por cento versus 10 por cento, P<0,0001) que seguiram o planejamento cirúrgico pré-operatório. A condução da circulação extracorpórea (parada circulatória total em 55 por cento e convencional no restante) transcorreu sem problemas em todos os casos, exceto um (taxa de sucesso de 98 por cento) em decorrência de estenose do tronco braquiocefálico não diagnosticada previamente. Complicação local se limitou a linfocele em três (6,2 por cento) pacientes. CONCLUSÕES: A artéria axilar é uma alternativa à impossibilidade de canulação da aorta ascendente na instalação de circulação extracorpórea. O tipo de indicação do uso da artéria axilar pode determinar mudanças intra-operatórias do planejamento cirúrgico

OBJECTIVES: To determine indications and results of axillary artery cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: From January 2005 through December 2008, axillary artery cannulation was used in 48 patients. Mean age was 62 ± 11 years and 33 (69 percent) patients were males. Axillary artery was approached by infraclavicular incision and the cannula introduced in a 8 millimeter Dacron side graft. RESULTS: Indications were calcified aorta (N=18, 38 percent), aortic dissection (N=15, 31 percent), ascending and/or aortic arch aneurysm (N=11, 23 percent) and prior to reoperative median sternotomy (N=4, 8 percent). Changes in intraoperative planning occurred most often in patients with calcified aorta (100 percent versus 10 percent, P<0.0001) than in patients with other indications, which follow their preoperative plan. Cardiopulmonary bypass (deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in 55 percent and conventional in the remaining) was uneventfully conducted in all patients but one (success rate 98 percent) due to undiagnosed inominate artery stenosis. Local complication was lymphatic drainage in three (6.2 percent) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Axillary artery is an alternative cannulation site in patients unsuitable to aortic cannulation. The type of indication may determine intraoperative changes in surgical planning

Resultados da implementação de modelo organizacional de um serviço de cirurgia cardiovascular / Results of the establishment of an organizational model in a cardiovascular surgery service

OBJETIVO: A crescente complexidade de pacientes encaminhados a cirurgia cardíaca exige maior eficiência dos serviços que prestam assistência, no sentido de manter a mesma qualidade. O objetivo é examinar o impacto, em curto prazo, da adoção de um modelo organizacional nos resultados cirúrgicos. MÉTODOS: No período entre janeiro de 2006 a junho de 2007, 367 pacientes adultos consecutivos foram submetidos à cirurgia cardiovascular. Os dados pré, intra e pós-operatórios foram colhidos prospectivamente e armazenados em um banco de dados institucional. Modelo organizacional foi implementado em agosto de 2006 e se baseou em trabalho multiprofissional integrado centralizado no paciente, medicina baseada em evidências com condutas padronizadas e resolução de conflitos interpessoais. Os desfechos estudados foram mortalidade hospitalar e eventos combinados (óbito, acidente vascular cerebral, infarto agudo do miocárdio e insuficiência renal aguda), por meio de regressão logística multivariada. RESULTADOS: Após a adoção do modelo, houve redução da mortalidade hospitalar (de 12 por cento para 3,6 por cento, risco relativo= 0,3; P=0,003) e de eventos combinados (de 22 por cento para 15 por cento, risco relativo= 0,68; P=0,11). Operações realizadas anteriormente à implementação do modelo estiveram associadas independentemente com maior mortalidade (OR=2,5; P=0,04), ajustada para características préoperatórias e complexidade pelo EuroSCORE. Outros preditores de mortalidade foram idade > 65 anos (OR=6,36; IC95 por cento 2,57 - 17,21; P<0,0001) e o tempo de circulação extracorpórea > 145 minutos (OR=8,57; IC95 por cento 3,55 - 21,99; P<0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: A rápida melhora dos resultados cirúrgicos depende da composição de serviços de cirurgia cardíaca embasados em modelos organizacionais semelhantes ao proposto.

OBJECTIVE: Increasing complexity of patients referred to cardiac surgery demands more effective heart centers, in order to maintain the same quality. The aim of this study is to examine the short-term effect of adoption of an organizational model on surgical outcomes. METHODS: From January 2006 to June 2007, 367 consecutive adult patients underwent cardiovascular surgery. Pre-, intra- and postoperative data were prospectively collected and transferred to an institutional database. Organizational model was established in August 2006, and based on integrated multiprofessional team work patient-centered, evidence-based medicine with standardized patient care and personal conflict management. The outcomes studied were hospital mortality and combined adverse events (death, stroke, acute myocardial infarction and acute renal failure), by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: After establishment of such model, there was reduction of hospital mortality (from 12 percent to 3.6 percent, relative risk= 0.3; P=0.003) and combined events (from 22 percent to 15 percent, relative risk=0.68; P=0.11). Operations performed previously to the model were independently associated with higher mortality (OR=2.5; P=0.04), adjusted to preoperative characteristics and Euroscore risk stratification system. Other predictors of mortality were age > 65 years (OR=6.36; 95 percentCI 2.57 - 17.21; P<0.0001) and cardiopulmonary bypass time > 145 minutes (OR=8.57; 95 percentCI 3.55 - 21.99; P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Marked improvements in surgical outcomes depend on development of cardiac surgery centers based on organizational models similar to the model proposed in this study.