Delineating thrombus versus myxoma: Perioperative 3D transesophageal echocardiography to the rescue!

Cardiac masses are a significant cause of patient morbidity and mortality by virtue of their symptoms and surgical removal. Preoperative diagnosis of a cardiac mass is usually based on clinical correlation and transthoracic echocardiography findings. Myxomas are the most common benign cardiac tumors, commonly occurring in the left atrium attached to the interatrial septum near the fossa ovalis. Although, at times atypical location and unusual morphology may pose a diagnostic dilemma with 2D echocardiography. 3D echocardiography with its multifaceted advantages, including multiplanar cropping abilities and superior imaging quality can help distinguish between a clot and a myxoma.

Effect of goal-directed therapy on post-operative neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin profile in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery surgery.

PURPOSE: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is an early biomarker of acute kidney injury (AKI). Goal-directed therapy (GDT) in on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been associated with lower post-operative NGAL levels in recent studies. The present study aimed at comparing plasma (P) and urinary (U)-NGAL levels following the use of GDT versus conventional haemodynamic therapy (CT) in patients undergoing on-pump CABG. METHODS: A prospective randomised controlled study conducted in a single university hospital. A total of 54 patients in the GDT group and 56 patients in CT group after exclusions. RESULTS: U-NGAL was significantly lower immediately post-surgery (T 1) in GDT group (25.11 ± 1.5 versus 27.80 ± 1.7 µg/L; p < 0.001) and at 4 h (T 2) (38.19 ± 23.6 versus 52.30 ± 28.3 µg/L; p = 0.006) and at 24 h post-operatively (T 3) (34.85 ± 14 versus 39.7 ± 11.1 µg/L; p = 0.047). P-NGAL was comparable between groups at T 1 but lower in the GDT group at T 2 (92.81 ± 4.8 versus 94.77 ± 4.5 µg/L; p = 0.03) and T 3 (67.44 ± 3.7 versus 75.96 ± 5.3 µg/L; p < 0.001). U-NGAL levels correlated well with the peak post-operative creatinine as compared to P-NGAL. On-pump patients manifest neutrophil activation, accounting for comparable levels of P-NGAL in the two groups at T 1. GDT-based haemodynamic management resulted in lower U-NGAL levels at T 1, T 2 and T 3 and lower P-NGAL levels at T 2 and T 3. CONCLUSIONS: Haemodynamic optimisation with GDT prevents further renal insult initiated with the inflammatory activation with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), as evidenced by lower post-operative U-NGAL levels.

Comparison of del Nido and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate cardioplegia solutions in pediatric patients undergoing open heart surgery: A prospective randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to compare del Nido (DN) and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) cardioplegia solution in pediatric patients undergoing intracardiac tetralogy of Fallot repair. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients 12 years of age or younger, undergoing intracardiac repair of tetralogy of Fallot were randomized into DN (n = 50) and HTK (n = 50) groups. Cardioplegia strategy consisted of a single dose of DN (20 mL/kg) or HTK (6 mL/kg/min for 6 minutes). Primary outcome was cardiac index (CI). Secondary outcomes were ventricular arrhythmias post cross-clamp release, time to peripheral rewarming, duration of mechanical ventilation, inotropic score, intensive care unit and hospital stay, and serum levels of troponin-I, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Ultrastructural changes in the myocardium were assessed. RESULTS: CI was significantly higher in the DN group compared with the HTK group at 6 (P = .005) and 24 hours (P < .001) after surgery. It was on an average 0.44 L/min/m2 higher in the DN group at any time point (P = .004). Time for complete cessation of electrical activity was longer in the HTK group (P = .01) and more patients in the HTK group had ventricular arrhythmias post cross-clamp release (P = .03). Duration of mechanical ventilation (P = .006), intensive care unit stay (P = .05), and hospital stay (P < .001) were lower in the DN group. Patients in the DN group had lower troponin I levels 24 hours after cardiopulmonary bypass (P < .001). Electron microscopic studies showed more myocardial edema (P = .02) and myofibrillar disarray (P = .04) in the HTK group along with lower glycogen stores (P = .04). DN cardioplegia was more cost-effective than HTK cardioplegia (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: DN cardioplegia was associated with better preservation of CI, less duration of mechanical ventilation, shorter intensive care unit and hospital stays, lower inotropic scores, and less release of troponin-I. Electron microscopy showed less myocardial edema and better preservation of the myofibrillar architecture and glycogen stores in the DN group.

Relationship between perioperative left atrial appendage doppler velocity estimates and new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND: Literature search reveals that postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) occurs in 15%-40% of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients. Although several risk models exist for predicting the development of POAF, few have studied left atrial appendage (LAA) velocity. We hypothesize that an association between LAA velocity and development of POAF exists. DESIGN AND METHODS: Single institution university hospital prospective observational clinical study performed between May 2016 and November 2016 in 96 adult patients undergoing CABG surgery utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Transesophageal echocardiography was performed perioperatively to measure LAA velocity and left atrial (LA) size after anesthetic induction, post-CPB and during the postoperative period before extubation. Student's t-test was used for inter-group comparisons. Data are expressed as mean ± (standard deviation). The value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 95 patients (69 males and 26 females) completed the study and were included in the final analysis. Of these, 21 (22%) (15 males and 5 females) developed POAF. The patient group which developed POAF was compared with the group that did not develop POAF. On comparing mean age of patients in each group (59 years in patients with no POAF and 63.71 years in patients with POAF, P = 0.04). LA volume indexed in POAF group (34.13 ml/m2) compared with that in group with no POAF (34.82 ml/m2) resulted in P = 0.04. Mean LAA velocities (pre-CPB, post-CPB, postoperative Intensive Care Unit) in group with no POAF were 41.06, 56.33, and 60.44 cm/s, respectively, whereas in the other group with POAF the values were 39.68, 55.04, and 58.09 cm/s, respectively. No statistical significance was noted (P > 0.05). Comparison of comorbidities also did not yield any significant results (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Decreasing LAA velocity does not appear to independently predict the development of POAF in patients undergoing CABG surgery with the use of CPB. There is, however, a positive correlation of POAF with age and LA volume.

Pulmonary valve reconstruction during conduit revision: Technique and transesophageal echocardiography imaging.

Transesophageal echocardiography can be a useful adjunct in assessing the quality of repair in patients undergoing novel methods of reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow. We present one such patient here.

Successful surgical osteoplasty of the left main coronary artery with concomitant mitral valve replacement and tricuspid annuloplasty.

A 50-year-old woman with rheumatic heart disease, mitral stenosis, and critical isolated left main ostial stenosis was successfully treated by mitral valve replacement, tricuspid annuloplasty, and surgery of left main osteoplasty and is reported for its rarity. Notable clinical findings included an intermittently irregular pulse, blood pressure of 100/70 mmHg, cardiomegaly, a diastolic precordial thrill, a mid-diastolic murmur without presystolic accentuation that was loudest at the mitral area. Chest radiograph revealed cardiomegaly with a cardiothoracic ratio of 0.7 due to enlarged right atrium, right ventricle with a straightened left heart border and evidence of pulmonary hypertension. The investigation shows that surgical reconstruction of the left main coronary artery is safe and effective for the treatment.

The blalock and taussig shunt revisited.

The systemic to pulmonary artery shunts are done as palliative procedures for cyanotic congenital heart diseases ranging from simple tetralogy of Fallots (TOFs)/pulmonary atresia (PA) to complex univentricular hearts. They allow growth of pulmonary arteries and maintain regulated blood flow to the lungs till a proper age and body weight suitable for definitive corrective repair is reached. We have reviewed the BT shunt with its anaesthtic considerations and management of associated complications.

Bidirectional superior cavopulmonary anastomosis with or without cardiopulmonary bypass: A randomized study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the bidirectional superior cavopulmonary anastomosis (BDG) with or without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: 100 patients undergoing BDG were randomized into two groups: Off-CPB or on-CPB groups. All patients underwent near-infrared spectrophotometry (NIRS) and bispectral index (BIS) monitoring and pre- and postoperative serum 100 beta protein measurements (Sß100) and neuro-cognitive evaluation. Postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) parameters were also studied. RESULTS: The median age of patients in the on-CPB and off-CPB group were 42 and 48 months, respectively (p = 0.11). Median weights in the on-CPB group and off-CPB group were 13.5 (5-50) kg and 15 (7-36) kg, respectively (p = 0.927). There was a significant rise in superior vena cava (SVC) pressure on SVC clamping in the off-CPB group (23.12 ± 6.84 vs 2.98 ± 2.22 mmHg) on-CPB group (p < 0.001). There was a significant fall in NIRS and BIS values from baseline in the off-CPB group during the anastomosis but there was no statistically significant change in serum Sß100from pre-clamp to post-clamp in either group. Inotropic support, duration of ventilation, ICU stay, and hospital stay were significantly less in the off-CPB group (p < 0.001). Assessment of Social Adaptive Functioning revealed no adverse sequelae. There were significant cost savings if surgery was performed off-CPB (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Off CPB-BDG is an economical and safe procedure. Duration of inotropic and mechanical ventilatory support, ICU, and hospital stay is significantly less. We did not observe any early adverse neurologic sequelae in patients undergoing off-CPB BDG.

The role of Rajyoga meditation for modulation of anxiety and serum cortisol in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery: A prospective randomized control study.

INTRODUCTION: Rajyoga meditation is a form of mind body intervention that is promoted by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. This form of meditation can be easily performed without rituals or mantras and can be practiced anywhere at any time. The practice of Rajyoga meditation can have beneficial effects on modulating anxiety and cortisol level in patients undergoing major cardiac surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized control study was carried out in a single tertiary care center. One hundred and fifty patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomized in two groups namely, Group 1 (Rajyoga group) and Group 2 (Control Group). Anxiety was measured on a visual analog scale 1-10 before the start of Rajyoga training or patient counseling (T1), on the morning of the day of surgery (T2), on the 2nd postoperative day (T3), and on the 5th postoperative day (T4). The serum cortisol level was measured in the morning of the day of surgery (T1), on the 2nd postoperative day (T2) and on the 5th postoperative day (T3), respectively. RESULTS: In the study, it was seen that the anxiety level of the patients before the surgery (T1) and on the day of surgery (T2) were comparable between the two groups. However on the 2nd postoperative day (T3), the patients who underwent Rajyoga training had lower anxiety level in comparison to the control group (3.12 ± 1.45 vs. 6.12 ± 0.14, P < 0.05) and on the 5th postoperative day (T4) it was seen that Rajyoga practice had resulted in significant decline in anxiety level (0.69 ± 1.1 vs. 5.6 ± 1.38, P < 0.05). The serum cortisol level was also favorably modulated by the practice of Rajyoga meditation. CONCLUSION: Mindbody intervention is found to effective in reducing the anxiety of the patients and modulating the cortisol level in patients undergoing wellknown stressful surgery like coronary artery bypass surgery.

Serial semi-invasive hemodynamic assessment following pericardiectomy for chronic constrictive pericarditis.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to prospectively investigate the effects of pericardiectomy via median sternotomy on intra- and postoperative hemodynamics by a new semi-invasive device (Flotrac/VigileoTM monitor) using arterial pressure waveform analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients aged 15 to 55 years (mean+SD, 31.73 + 13.53 years), who had undergone total pericardiectomy via median sternotomy underwent serial hemodynamic evaluation. FlotracTM Sensor - derived stroke volume, stroke volume variation, systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), cardiac index and right atrial pressure were measured just before and after pericardiectomy, at 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours and at discharge postoperatively. RESULTS: Majority of patients (73.33%) exhibited statistically significant reduction of right atrial pressure and SVRI along with improvement in cardiac index and oxygen delivery in the immediate and late postoperative period. However, the stroke volume and stroke volume variation did not increase proportionately on completion of surgery. Patients with low cardiac output syndrome exhibited persistently high central venous pressure with reduced cardiac index and echocardiographically abnormal diastolic filling characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that there is early normalization of hemodynamics following pericardiectomy via median sternotomy and the adequacy of pericardiectomy can be accurately assessed by the new semi-invasive arterial pressure waveform analysis device. Stroke volume variation is a non-predictor of fluid requirement during and after pericardiectomy.

Does sleep quality affects the immediate clinical outcome in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: A clinico-biochemical correlation.

OBJECTIVE: Poor sleep quality is emerging as high prevalence among the patients suffering from cardiometabolic disturbances. The vascular polypeptide endothelin 1 (ET-1) is involved in many of the health disorders. However, its potential involvement in patients having poor sleep quality along with cardiovascular problem is limited. The present study was formulated to conduct a prospective analysis of the relationship between ET-1 and in hospital outcome in sleep disorder patients undergoing routine coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: A total of 156 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups based on the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) of ≤5 (Group I, n = 101) or >5 (Group II, n = 55). Blood sample was collected before anesthesia induction (ET-1a) and at 48 h (ET-1b) to analyze the plasma ET-1 and blood sugar level. The patients were monitored for any intraoperative adverse events and postoperative complications during their hospital stay. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in relation to age, sex, incidence of smoking and alcohol consumption. The distribution of comorbid conditions was also similar in both groups. The ET-1 level was higher in Group II than Group I before anesthesia induction as well as 48 h postoperatively (4.5 ± 1.75 vs. 10.61 ± 9.3, P = 0.001; 2.08 ± 1.3 vs. 8.3 ± 9.86, P = 0.0001, respectively). The Group II patients had a longer duration of mechanical ventilation (14.6 ± 12.05 vs. 10.1 ± 8.19, P = 0.001), Intensive Care Unit stay (2.08 ± 0.95 vs. 2.7 ± 1.45, P = 0016) and hospital stay (5.98 ± 1.73 vs. 7.8 ± 3.66, P = 0.0001, respectively). The high number of patients from Group II required inotrope and intra-aortic balloon pump support while compared with Group I (P ≤ 0.05 in each). The overall postoperative complication rate was significantly higher among patients with PSQI of >5 (Group II) except the rate of infection and neurological complications which was similar among both group of patients. The postoperative in hospital mortality was nil in Group I and 3.6% in Group II (P = 0.05). There was a strong relationship between PSQI and ET-1 at both the time points. CONCLUSION: Poor sleep quality associated with a higher incidence of adverse perioperative events in patients undergoing elective CABG. There exists a potential link between poor sleep quality and ET-1 in these groups of patients.

Right-to-left shunting through the unidirectional valved patch after closure of ventricular septal defect.

Postoperative transesophageal echocardiography images of a patient undergoing unidirectional valved patch closure of ventricular septal defect in the setting of severe pulmonary hypertension are presented. The images and videos elegantly demonstrate a functioning valve without any obstruction to the left ventricular outflow.

Diagnostic dilemma: Low oxygen saturation during cardiac surgery.

We report a case of rheumatic heart disease with severe mitral stenosis having cyanosis and low oxygen saturation on pulse oximetry. The findings of clinical examination and low values on pulse oximetry were inconsistent with the findings of normal partial pressure of oxygen and oxygen saturation on arterial blood gas analysis, leading to diagnostic dilemma. In such clinical scenario, the anesthesiologist should be aware and vigilant about the differential diagnosis of low oxygen saturation on pulse oximetry.