RCAAP Repository

FUNDAMENTO: O Brasil carece de registros multicêntricos publicados de síndrome coronariana aguda. OBJETIVO: O Registro Brasileiro de Síndrome Coronariana Aguda é um estudo multicêntrico nacional com objetivo de apresentar dados representativos das características clínicas, e manejo e evolução hospitalares dessa síndrome. MÉTODOS: Participaram 23 hospitais de 14 cidades. Foram elegíveis pacientes que se apresentaram com suspeita de síndrome coronariana aguda nas primeiras 24 horas, com quadro clínico sugestivo, associado a alterações eletrocardiográficas compatíveis e/ou marcadores de necrose. O seguimento foi realizado até o óbito ou a alta hospitalar. RESULTADOS: Entre os anos de 2003 e 2008, foram incluídos 2.693 pacientes com diagnóstico de síndrome coronariana aguda, sendo 864 (32,1%) mulheres. O diagnóstico final foi de angina instável para 1.141 (42,4%) pacientes, com mortalidade de 3,06% deles; de infarto agudo do miocárdio sem supradesnível de ST para 529 (19,6%) pacientes, com mortalidade de 6,8% deles; e de infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnível de ST para 950 (35,3%) pacientes, com mortalidade de 8,1% deles; tiveram diagnóstico não confirmado 73 (2,7%) pacientes, com mortalidade de 1,36% deles. A mortalidade global foi de 5,53%. O modelo de regressão logística múltipla identificou o gênero feminino (OR=1,45), o diabetes melito (OR=1,59), o índice de massa corporal (OR=1,27) e a intervenção coronariana percutânea (OR=0,70) como fatores de risco de óbito, para demografia e intervenções. Um modelo para óbito por complicações maiores identificou choque cardiogênico/Edema Agudo de Pulmão (OR=4,57), reinfarto (OR=3,48), acidente vascular cerebral (OR=21,56), sangramento grave (OR=3,33), parada cardiorrespiratória (OR=40,27) e classe funcional de Killip (OR=3,37). CONCLUSÃO: Os dados do Registro Brasileiro de Síndrome Coronariana Aguda não diferem de outros coletados fora do país. Seus achados poderão ajudar a promover um melhor planejamento e manejo do atendimento da síndrome coronariana aguda a nível público e privado.

FUNDAMENTO: Síndromes coronarianas agudas são a maior causa de mortalidade no mundo. Estímulos externos, também conhecidos como gatilhos, como estado emocional ou atividade física, podem produzir mudanças fisiopatológicas desencadeantes. Dentre os gatilhos estudados, eventos estressantes, como campeonatos de futebol, são controversos na literatura e não há dados efetivos para a população brasileira. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos agudos do estresse ambiental induzido pelos jogos da Copa do Mundo de Futebol no aumento da incidência de doenças cardiovasculares no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foram obtidos dados publicamente disponíveis do Sistema Único de Saúde referentes às internações hospitalares com código internacional de doenças, referentes às síndromes isquêmicas agudas, no período de maio a agosto de 1998 a 2010 (155.992 internações). Restringiu-se a análise aos pacientes maiores que 35 anos e internados por especialidades clínicas. Comparou-se a incidência de infarto e óbito entre os dias sem copa (Grupo I: 144.166; 61,7 ± 12,3 anos; 59,4%masculino), dias de copa sem jogos do Brasil (Grupo II: 9.768; 61,8 ± 12,3 anos; 60,0% masculino) e dias de jogos do Brasil (Grupo III: 2.058; 61,6 ± 12,6 anos; 57,8% masculino). Utilizou-se regressão logística e de Poisson para ajustar por idade, gênero, densidade populacional e número de postos de atendimento. RESULTADOS: Houve aumento da incidência de infarto para jogos de copa do mundo (1,09; IC95% = 1,05-1,15) e do Brasil (1,16; IC95% = 1,06-1,27). Não houve impacto sobre mortalidade - copa (1,00; IC95% = 0,93-1,08) e Brasil (1,04; IC95% = 0,93-1,22). CONCLUSÃO: A copa do mundo e, especialmente, os jogos da seleção brasileira implicam maior incidência de infarto agudo do miocárdio, mas não de mortalidade intra-hospitalar.

FUNDAMENTO: O aumento do Volume do Átrio Esquerdo Indexado (VAEi) tem sido associado à Disfunção Diastólica (DD) do Ventrículo Esquerdo (VE), considerado marcador de eventos cardiovasculares (fibrilação atrial, acidente vascular cerebral, insuficiência cardíaca, e óbito). OBJETIVO: Avaliar a relação entre VAEi e diferentes graus de DD em pacientes brasileiros submetidos ao ecocardiograma, estudando os determinantes do aumento do VAEi nesta amostra. MÉTODOS: Selecionamos 500 pacientes ambulatoriais submetidos a ecocardiografia, após exclusão de arritmia, cardiopatia valvar ou congênita, marca-passo permanente ou janela ecocardiográfica inadequada. O VAEi foi obtido pelo método de Simpson; classificou-se a DD segundo diretrizes atuais. Variáveis clínicas e ecocardiográficas foram submetidas a análise multivariada de regressão linear. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 52 ± 15 anos, 53% do sexo masculino, 55% hipertensos, 9% coronariopatas, 8% diabéticos, 24% obesos, 47% com hipertrofia VE, fração de ejeção média do VE: 69,6 ± 7,2%. A prevalência de DD na amostra foi de 33,8% (grau I: 66%, grau II: 29% e grau III: 5%). Houve aumento progressivo das dimensões do VAEi conforme o grau de DD: 21 ± 4 mL/m² (ausente), 26 ± 7 mL/m² (grau I), 33 ± 5 mL/m² (grau II), 50 ± 5 mL/m2 (grau III) (p < 0,001). Os preditores independentes de aumento do VAEi nesta amostra foram idade, massa ventricular esquerda, espessura relativa de parede, fração de ejeção do VE e relação E/e'. CONCLUSÃO: A DD contribui para o remodelamento atrial esquerdo. O aumento do VAEi expressa a gravidade da DD e está associado de forma independente com idade, hipertrofia ventricular esquerda, disfunção sistólica e aumento das pressões de enchimento do VE.

FUNDAMENTO: Tempo porta-balão adequado (< 120 minutos) é a condição necessária para que a eficácia da angioplastia primária no infarto se traduza em efetividade. OBJETIVO: Descrever a efetividade de um protocolo de qualidade assistencial para redução do tempo porta-balão. MÉTODOS: Entre maio de 2010 e agosto de 2012, foram analisados todos os indivíduos que realizaram angioplastia primária em nosso hospital. O momento porta foi registrado eletronicamente, pela retirada de senha para atendimento na emergência, o que antecede o preenchimento da ficha e a triagem. O momento balão foi definido como o início da abertura da artéria (passagem do primeiro dispositivo). Os primeiros 5 meses de monitoramento corresponderam ao período pré-implementação do protocolo. O protocolo se constituiu de definição do fluxo de ações, desde a chegada do paciente ao hospital, a sensibilização da equipe quanto à priorização do tempo e a apresentação periódica de parecer dos resultados e de possíveis inadequações. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 50 indivíduos, divididos em cinco grupos de 10 pacientes sequenciais (um grupo pré e quatro grupos pós-protocolo). O tempo porta-balão referente aos 10 casos registrados antes da implementação do protocolo foi de 200 ± 77 minutos. Após a implementação do protocolo, houve progressiva melhora do tempo porta-balão, para 142 ± 78 minutos nos 10 primeiros pacientes, seguida de 150±50 minutos, 131±37 minutos e, finalmente, 116 ± 29 minutos no três grupos sequenciais de 10 pacientes, respectivamente. Regressão linear entre pacientes sequenciais e tempo porta-balão (r = - 0,41) evidenciou coeficiente de regressão de - 1,74 minutos. CONCLUSÃO: A implementação do protocolo se mostrou efetiva na redução do tempo porta-balão.

FUNDAMENTO: Peso ao nascer (PN) é um determinante de risco a médio e longo prazo de fatores de risco cardiovascular. OBJETIVO: Estudar a associação entre peso ao nascer e fatores de risco cardiovascular em adolescentes de Salvador. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal com grupos de comparação por PN. Amostra composta de 250 adolescentes, classificados segundo IMC: normal alto (&gt;p50 e <p85), sobrepeso (&gt;p85 e<p95) e obesidade (&gt;p95). As variáveis de risco para comparação foram: circunferência abdominal, pressão arterial, perfil lipídico, glicemia, insulina sérica, HOMA-RI e síndrome metabólica. Peso de nascimento foi informado pelos pais e classificado como baixo peso (PN < 2.500g), peso normal (2.500g<PN<4.000g) e alto peso (PN &gt; 4.000g). RESULTADOS: Cento e cinquenta e três (61,2%) meninas, idade 13,74 ± 2,03 anos, PN normal 80,8%, baixo PN 8,0% e alto PN 11,2%. Observou-se maior frequência de obesidade (42,9%, p=0,005), PAS e PAD elevadas (42,9%, p=0,000 e 35,7%, p=0,007, respectivamente) e síndrome metabólica (46,4%,p =0,002) no grupo com PN alto em relação ao PN normal. Indivíduos de alto PN apresentaram RP para PAS elevada 3,3(I.C. 95%, 1,7-6,4) e para obesidade 2,6 (I.C. 95%, 1,3-5,2) em relação aos com PN normal. A CA foi 83,3 ± 10,1 [p=0,038] nos adolescentes com alto PN. O perfil lipídico não mostrou diferenças estatisticamente significantes. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados sugerem que obesidade, PAS e PAD elevadas e síndrome metabólica na adolescência têm chance significativa de associar-se a alto peso no nascimento.

FUNDAMENTO: Remodelamento ventricular esquerdo (RVE) após IAM caracteriza fator de mau prognóstico. Há pouca informação na literatura sobre o RVE analisado com ecocardiografia tridimensional (ECO 3D) OBJETIVO: Analisar com ECO 3D as modificações geométricas e volumétricas do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) seis meses após IAM em pacientes submetidos a tratamento primário percutâneo. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo com ECO 3D de 21 indivíduos (16 homens, 56 ± 12 anos), acometidos por IAM com elevação do segmento ST. Foi feita a análise morfofuncional (VE) com ECO 3D (volumes, FEVE, índice de esfericidade 3D) até sete dias e seis meses após o IAM. RVE foi considerado para aumento &gt; 15% do volume diastólico final do VE (VDFVE) após seis meses do IAM, comparado ao VDFVE até sete dias do evento. RESULTADOS: Oito (38%) pacientes apresentaram RVE. Medidas ecocardiográficas (n = 21 pacientes): I- até sete dias do IAM: 1- VDFVE: 92,3 ± 22,3 mL; 2- FEVE: 0,51 ± 0,01; 3- índice de esfericidade: 0,38 ± 0,05; II- após seis meses: 1- VDFVE: 107,3 ± 26,8 mL; 2- FEVE: 0,59 ± 0,01; 3- índice de esfericidade: 0,31 ± 0,05. Coeficiente de correlação (r) entre índice de esfericidade até sete dias do IAM e VDFVE aos seis meses (n = 8) após o IAM: r: 0,74, p = 0,0007; (r) entre índice de esfericidade após seis meses do IAM e VDFVE aos seis meses do IAM: r: 0,85, p < 0,0001. CONCLUSÃO: Nesta série, foi observado RVE em 38% dos pacientes seis meses após IAM. O índice de esfericidade tridimensional foi associado à ocorrência de RVE.

FUNDAMENTO: Medidas ainda hoje utilizadas como referência na ressonância magnética cardíaca foram obtidas principalmente de estudos realizados em populações norte-americanas e europeias. OBJETIVO: Obter medidas do diâmetro diastólico, diâmetro sistólico, volume diastólico final, volume sistólico final, fração de ejeção e massa miocárdica dos ventrículos esquerdo e direito em brasileiros. MÉTODOS: Foram submetidos à ressonância magnética cardíaca, utilizando técnica de precessão livre em estado de equilíbrio, 54 homens e 53 mulheres, com idade média de 43,4 ± 13,1 anos, assintomáticos, sem cardiopatias. RESULTADOS: As médias e os desvios padrão dos parâmetros do ventrículo esquerdo foram: diâmetro diastólico = 4,8 ± 0,5 cm; diâmetro sistólico = 3,0 ± 0,6 cm; volume diastólico final = 128,4 ± 29,6 mL; volume sistólico final = 45,2 ± 16,6 mL; fração de ejeção = 65,5 ± 6,3%; massa = 95,2 ± 30,8 g. Para o ventrículo direito, foram: diâmetro diastólico = 3,9 ± 1,3 cm; diâmetro sistólico = 2,5 ± 0,5 cm; volume diastólico final = 126,5 ± 30,7 mL; volume sistólico final = 53,6 ± 18,4 mL; fração de ejeção = 58,3 ± 8,0% e massa = 26,1 ± 6,1 g. As massas e os volumes foram significativamente maiores nos homens, exceto para o volume sistólico final do ventrículo esquerdo. A fração de ejeção do ventrículo direito foi significativamente maior nas mulheres. Houve correlação significativa e inversa do volume sistólico do volume direito com o aumento da idade. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo descreveu, pela primeira vez, medidas cardíacas obtidas pela ressonância magnética cardíaca em brasileiros assintomáticos, sem cardiopatias, mostrando diferenças de acordo com o gênero e a idade.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effects of Bretschneider’s histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution and cold blood cardioplegia on systemic endothelial functions. Methods: A total of 50 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass surgery between March 2018 and May 2018 were randomly divided into two groups - group 1 (Bretschneider’s HTK solution, n=25) and group 2 (cold blood cardioplegia, n=25). Data related to the indicators of endothelial dysfunction were recorded. Flow-mediated dilation was measured together with the assessment of the values of endothelin-1, von Willebrand factor, and asymmetric dimethylarginine to identify endothelial dysfunction. Then, the two groups were compared regarding these values. Results: The most significant result of our study was that the endothelin-1 level was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (P<0.001). The value of flow-mediated dilation was found to increase to a lesser degree on the postoperative days compared to the value at the day of admission in group 1 (P=0.002 and P=0.030, respectively). Conclusion: Cardiopulmonary bypass leads to endothelial dysfunction. Our results revealed that Bretschneider’s HTK solution causes less severe endothelial injury than cold blood cardioplegia.

Abstract Objective: To review the currently available literature to define the role of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with connective tissue disorders (CTD). Methods: A comprehensive electronic database search was performed in PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Google scholar, and OVID to identify all the articles that reported on outcomes of utilizing TEVAR in patients with CTD during elective and emergency settings. The search was not limited to time or language of the published study. Results: All the relevant studies have been summarized in its correspondence section. The outcomes were analyzed in narrative format. The role of TEVAR has been elaborated as per each study. Currently, there is limited large cohort size studies outlining the use of TEVAR in patients with CTD. The use of endovascular repair in patients with CTD is limited due to progressive aortic dilatations and high possibility of further reinterventions at later stage of life. Conclusion: Open repair remains the gold standard method of intervention in young patients with progressive CTD, especially in the setting of acute type A aortic dissection. However, TEVAR can be sought as a reliable alternative in emergency setting of diseases involving the descending thoracic aorta; yet the long-term data needs to be published to support such practice.

Abstract The microscope-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a special technique of direct myocardial revascularization by the operating microscope using special equipment and atraumatic sutures. This method allows to complete elimination of technical errors during the performance of distal anastomoses and can be used to improve the outcomes and quality of conventional technique of operations. This article focuses on a detailed description of the technique for performing a distal anastomosis using a microsurgical technique and an operating microscope. Immediate results of operations are also reported. The data obtained suggest that microscope-assisted CABG is a safe, effective and reproducible procedure.

Abstract Objective: To compare the efficacy of blind axillary vein puncture utilizing the new surface landmarks for the subclavian method. Methods: This prospective and randomized study was performed at two cardiology medical centers in East China. Five hundred thirty-eight patients indicated to undergo left-sided pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation were enrolled, 272 patients under the axillary access and 266 patients under the subclavian approach. A new superficial landmark was used for the axillary venous approach, whereas conventional landmarks were used for the subclavian venous approach. We measured lead placement time and X-ray time from vein puncture until all leads were placed in superior vena cava. Meanwhile, the rate of success of lead placement and the type and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics or number of leads implanted. There were high success rates for both strategies (98.6% [494/501] vs. 98.4% [479/487], P=0.752) and similar complication rates (14% [38/272] vs. 15% [40/266], P=0.702). Six cases in the control group developed subclavian venous crush syndrome and five had pneumothorax, while neither pneumothorax nor subclavian venous crush syndrome was observed in the experimental group. Conclusion: We have developed a new blind approach to cannulate the axillary vein, which is as effective as the subclavian access, safer than that, and also allows to get this vein without the guidance of fluoroscopy, contrast, or echography.

Abstract Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a clinical condition mostly found in premature newborns. Among several medical, surgical and interventional treatment options, extrapleural ligation through a left minithoracotomy is recognized as a safe, efficient and less expensive technique. In fact, it requires short surgical times, grants good exposure of the duct and nearby structures (e.g., thoracic duct, left recurrent laryngeal nerve), and avoids pleural space opening and subsequent pulmonary complications in preterm patients. This approach seems ideal due to its lower costs, especially in developing countries with a high birth rate and limited resources.

Abstract In December 2019, a striking appearance of new cases of viral pneumonia in Wuhan led to the detection of a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2). By analyzing patients with severe manifestations, it became apparent that 20 to 35% of patients who died had preexisting cardiovascular disease. This finding warrants the important need to discuss the influence of SARS-CoV2 infection on the cardiovascular system and hemodynamics in the context of clinical management, particularly during mechanical ventilation. The SARS-CoV2 enters human cells through the spike protein binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is important to cardiovascular modulation and endothelial signaling. As ACE2 is highly expressed in lung tissue, patients have been progressing to acute respiratory injury at an alarming frequency during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Moreover, COVID-19 leads to high D-dimer levels and prothrombin time, which indicates a substantial coagulation disorder. It seems that an overwhelming inflammatory and thrombogenic condition is responsible for a mismatching of ventilation and perfusion, with a somewhat near-normal static lung compliance, which describes two types of pulmonary conditions. As such, positive pressure during invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) must be applied with caution. The authors of this review appeal to the necessity of paying closer attention to assess microhemodynamic repercussion, by monitoring central venous oxygen saturation during strategies of IMV. It is well known that a severe respiratory infection and a scattered inflammatory process can cause non-ischemic myocardial injury, including progression to myocarditis. Early strategies that guide clinical decisions can be lifesaving and prevent extended myocardial damage. Moreover, cardiopulmonary failure refractory to standard treatment may necessitate the use of extreme therapeutic strategies, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Abstract Objective: To determine the association between the preoperative level of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and in-hospital mortality in patients who underwent valvular heart surgery in our center in a retrospective cohort. Methods: In this retrospective consecutive cohort study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were referred to our center for elective valvular surgery were enrolled and followed up. The endpoint of this study was in-hospital mortality. Based on the level of HbA1c, patients were dichotomized around a level of 7% into two groups: exposed patients with HbA1c ≥ 7% and unexposed patients with HbA1c < 7%. Then, the study variables were compared between the two groups. Results: Two hundred twenty-four diabetic patients who were candidates for valvular surgery were enrolled; 106 patients (47.3%) had HbA1c < 7%, and 118 patients (52.6%) had HbA1c ≥ 7%. The duration of diabetes was higher in patients with HbA1c ≥ 7% (P=0.007). Thirteen (5.8%) patients died during hospital admission, of which nine patients were in the high HbA1c group. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding in-hospital mortality (P=0.899). Both the unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models showed that HbA1c was not a predictor for in-hospital mortality (P=0.227 and P=0.388, respectively) Conclusion: This study showed no association between preoperative HbA1c levels and in-hospital mortality in candidates for valvular heart surgery.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether sufentanil can reduce emergence delirium in children undergoing transthoracic device closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD) after sevoflurane-based cardiac anesthesia. Methods: From February 2019 to May 2019, 68 children who underwent transthoracic device closure of VSD at our center were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into two groups: 36 patients in group S, who were given sufentanil and sevoflurane-based cardiac anesthesia, and 32 patients in group F, who were given fentanyl and sevoflurane-based cardiac anesthesia. The following clinical data were recorded: age, sex, body weight, operation time, and bispectral index (BIS). After the children were sent to the intensive care unit (ICU), pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) and face, legs, activity, cry, consolability (FLACC) scale scores were also assessed. The incidence of adverse reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and dizziness, was recorded. Results: There was no significant difference in age, sex, body weight, operation time or BIS value between the two groups. Extubation time (min), PEAD score and FLACC scale score in group S were significantly better than those in group F (P<0.05). No serious anesthesia or drug-related side effects occurred. Conclusions: Sufentanil can be safely used in sevoflurane-based fast-track cardiac anesthesia for transthoracic device closure of VSD in children. Compared to fentanyl, sufentanil is more effective in reducing postoperative emergence delirium, with lower analgesia scores and greater comfort.

Abstract Objective: To describe insulin use and postoperative glucose control in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods: We examined 2,390 patients with and without diabetes enrolled in the Contemporary Analysis of Perioperative Cardiovascular Surgical Care (CAPS-Care) Study who underwent CABG surgery (01/2004 - 06/2005) to describe postoperative insulin use, variation in insulin use across different hospitals, and associated in-hospital complications and clinical outcomes. Logistic regression was used to assess the adjusted relationship between insulin use and clinical outcomes. Results: Overall, insulin was used in 82% (n=1,959) of patients, including 95% (n=1,203) with diabetes (n=1,258) and 67% (n=756) without diabetes (n=1,132). Continuous insulin was used in 35.5% of patients in the operating room and in 56% in the intensive care unit. Continuous insulin use varied significantly among centers from 8-100% in patients with diabetes. When compared with all patients not receiving insulin, insulin use in patients without diabetes was associated with a higher rate of death or major complication (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-2.04; P=0.003). In patients with diabetes, insulin use was not associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes (adjusted OR=1.01; 95% CI 0.52-1.98; P=0.98). Conclusion: The postoperative use of insulin is high among CABG patients in the United States of America. Insulin use in patients without diabetes was associated with worse clinical outcomes compared to patients (both with and without diabetes) who did not receive insulin. Further investigation is needed to determine the optimal use of postoperative insulin after CABG.

Abstract Objective: To examine the results of various myocardial revascularization techniques in pediatric patients to better understand the strategies for surgical treatment of coronary artery pathologies. Methods: We analyzed 61 publications dedicated to the indications, methods, and results of coronary bypass surgery in children. Due to the small size of this cohort, case reports are also included in our review. Results: The main indications for coronary bypass grafting in children are Kawasaki disease, myocardial revascularization as a necessary procedure during the congenital cardiac surgery, to manage intraoperative iatrogenic damage to coronary arteries, and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The use of internal thoracic arteries as conduits for coronary bypass grafting in children with Kawasaki disease showed significantly better results in long-term functionality compared to autovenous conduits (87% and 44%, respectively, P<0.001). Acute and late coronary events after arterial switch operation for the transposition of the great arteries, anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery, and left main coronary artery atresia are the main congenital heart diseases where surgical correction involves interventions on the coronary arteries. Conclusion: The internal thoracic artery is a reliable and durable conduit that demonstrates proven growth potential in children.

Abstract Objective: To compare immediate postoperative results in patients receiving heparin-albumin-coated and non-coated circuits. Methods: A total of 241 patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery were divided into two groups: those receiving heparin-coated circuits (Bioline®, Maquet Cardiopulmonary AG., Hirrlingen, Germany) and those receiving non-coated circuits (Maquet Cardiopulmonary AG., Hirrlingen, Germany). Results: Activated clotting times (ACT) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were significantly shorter in the heparin-albumin-coated group than in the non-coated group (355.64±34.12 vs. 560.38±90.20, respectively, P=0.001). In-hospital mortality and postoperative stroke rates and lengths of intensive care unit stay were similar between the groups; in contrast, in the heparin-albumin-coated group, patients had significantly better outcomes for hospital stay, drainage, and need for erythrocyte transfusion. Conclusion: Heparin-coated circuits and reduced level of systemic heparinization with 300 seconds of target ACT level in cardiac surgery under CPB are safe and result in a very satisfactory clinical course.

Abstract Objective: Our goal was to compare the operative and postoperative effects of del Nido cardioplegia (DN group) and blood cardioplegia (BC group) performed in cardiac surgery. Methods: A total of 83 patients were included, separated into DN group and BC group. The operative and postoperative effects of the two groups were compared for the first 24 hours until extubation. The operative and postoperative complete blood count (CBC), biochemical values and clinical parameters were compared. Results: The first control activated clotting time (ACT) levels in DN group patients were lower (P=0.003) during the operation. The amount of cardioplegia in DN group were lower than that in BC group (P=0.001). The pump outflow and postoperative lactate level of DN group were lower than those of BC group (P=0.005, P=0.018, respectively), as well as the amounts of NaHCO3 (P=0.006) and KCl (P=0.001) used during the operation. The same occurred with the first monocytes (Mo) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) levels in the postoperative intensive care unit (P=0.006, P=0.002). However, the first glucose level and the eosinophil (Eo) level were higher in DN group (P=0.011, P=0.047, respectively). Conclusion: In the operative evaluation, the amount of cardioplegia, the first ACT levels, the pump outflow lactate level and the amounts of NaHCO3 and KCl in DN group were lower. In postoperative evaluation, measured level of lactate, Mo and MCV in DN group were all lower; their glucose and Eo levels were higher.

Abstract Objective: To compare peripheral and central cannulation techniques in cardiac reoperation. Methods: This retrospective study included 258 patients undergoing cardiac reoperation between January 2013 and July 2018. Patients were divided into two groups according to the cannulation type. The first group included 145 (56.2%) patients operated with standard central cannulation through aorta and right atrium or bicaval cannulation. In this group, cardiopulmonary bypass was instituted after sternotomy. The second group consisted of 113 (43.8%) patients operated with peripheral cannulation through femoral artery, vein, and internal jugular vein. In this group, cardiopulmonary bypass was started before sternotomy and after systemic heparinisation. The two groups’ operative complications and postoperative outcomes were compared. Results: Procedure-related injury was higher in the central cannulation group than in the peripheral cannulation group (8.3% vs. 1.8%, respectively, P=0.038). Cardiopulmonary bypass time was shorter in the central cannulation group (P=0.008) and total operation time was similar between the groups (P=0.115). Postoperative red blood cell requirement was higher with central cannulation (P=0.004). Operative mortality (2.8% vs. 0, P=0.186), hospital mortality (4.3% vs. 2.7%, P=0.523), and one-year survival rate (90.3% vs. 94.7%, P=0.202) were similar between the groups. Conclusion: Peripheral cannulation reduces cardiac injury and blood transfusion in cardiac reoperation. The cannulation type does not affect postoperative complication, mortality, and one-year survival.