Search Results (82)

Background: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a neurocognitive syndrome affecting patients undergoing surgery. It is a frequent complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and is associated with higher morbidity, mortality and treatment costs. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between gaseous microemboli (GME) load during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and subsequent POD in patients undergoing CABG. Methods: In total, 102 patients undergoing elective on-pump CABG were evaluated in this observational study. An ultrasonic microbubble counter, with probes placed on the arterial and venous lines, was used during CPB to evaluate the GME load for each patient. During the first postoperative week, the patients were examined for the presence of POD. Results: Patients diagnosed with POD had higher number of bubbles in the arterial CPB line (5382.8 (4127.8–6637.8) vs. 2389.4 (2033.9–2745.0), p < 0.001), higher volume of bubbles in both the venous (24.2 µL (16.8–31.6) vs. 12.4 µL (9.7–15.1), p = 0.004) and arterial lines (1.82 µL (1.43–2.21) vs. 0.29 µL (0.22–0.36), p < 0.001), lower quality factor (QF) values (p = 0.039), a lower venoarterial reduction in bubble number (83.0% (77.8–88.1) vs. 92.4% (90.9–93.8), p = 0.001) and a lower venoarterial reduction in bubble volume (88.8% (85.4–92.2) vs. 96.3% (95.2–97.3), p < 0.001) compared to the patients without POD. Older age (p = 0.005), a lower reduction in bubble volume (p < 0.001) and lower QF values (p = 0.004) were significant independent predictors of POD. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a strong association between GME and the occurrence of POD, which entails that all available actions should be implemented to prevent their generation and facilitate the elimination of GME from the CPB circuit. Full article

Background/Objectives: Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are rare vascular anomalies characterized by direct connections between arteries and veins, bypassing the capillary network. This study aimed to identify potential genetic factors contributing to the development of sporadic bAVMs. Methods: Three patients (AVM1–3) from Kazakhstan who underwent microsurgical resection at the National Centre for Neurosurgery (NCN) in Astana, Kazakhstan, were analyzed. Brain AVMs were diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Genomic DNA was isolated from whole venous blood samples, and whole-exome sequencing was performed on the NovaSeq 6000 platform (Illumina). Variants were filtered according to standard bioinformatics protocols, and candidate gene prioritization was conducted using the ToppGene tool. Results: In silico analysis further revealed candidate genes likely associated with lesion development, including COL3A1, CTNNB1, LAMA1, NPHP3, SLIT2, SLIT3, SMO, MAPK3, LRRK2, TTN, ERBB2, PARD3, and OBSL1. It is essential to focus on the genetic variants affecting the following prioritized genes: ERBB2, SLIT3, SMO, MAPK3, and TTN. Mutations in these genes were predicted to be “damaging”. Most of these genes are involved in signaling pathways that control vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Conclusions: Defects in genes associated with ciliary structure and function may be critical to the pathogenesis of brain AVMs. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular underpinnings of bAVM development, emphasizing key biological pathways and potential candidate genes. Further research is needed to establish robust correlations between specific genetic mutations and clinical phenotypes, which could ultimately inform the development of improved diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic approaches. Full article

Background: Antegrade root cardioplegia remains the most popular strategy for myocardial protection during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) performed with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic cross clamp. In patients with depressed left ventricular function, however, especially if associated with severe multiple coronary stenosis, increased pharmacological and/or mechanical support in the early post-CPB period is often required to support left ventricular recovery. In this study, we analyzed the results of a myocardial protection strategy that includes selective infusion of cardioplegia through each venous graft followed by warm reperfusion distal to each coronary anastomosis until complete removal of the aortic clamp (total antegrade cardioplegia infusion and warm reperfusion = TAWR) to improve early postoperative recovery in patients with depressed left ventricular function undergoing multi-vessel CABG. Methods: Out of 97 patients undergoing CABG using the TAWR strategy for myocardial protection, 32 patients presented with depressed left ventricle function (EF < 40%) and multi-vessel coronary diseases requiring ≥2 vein grafts and were enrolled as Group A. Combined primary outcomes and postoperative early and late left ventricle recovery (including spontaneous rhythm recovery, inotropic support and postoperative troponin release) were analyzed and compared with those of 32 matched patients operated on using standard antegrade root cardioplegia and limited warm reperfusion through LIMA graft (SAWR) enrolled as Group B. Results: Two patient died in hospital (in-hospital mortality 3.1%) with no statistical differences between the two groups. In Group A 27 patients (90%) had spontaneous recovery of idiopathic rhythm compared to 17 (53%) in group B (p = 0.001). Early inotropic support was required in nine patients (28%) of group A and seventeen patients (53%) of group B (p = 0.041). Furthermore, in eight patients (25%) of group A and seventeen (53%) of group B (p = 0.039) inotropic support was continued for >48 h. Conclusions: The TAWR strategy seems to significantly improve early postoperative cardiac recovery in patients with left ventricle depression undergoing multi-vessel CABG, when compared with SAWR strategy and could therefore be considered the strategy of choice in this subset of patients. Full article

Background: The HeartMate 3 (HM3) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has demonstrated improved clinical outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure (HF). However, the influence of underlying HF etiology—ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) versus dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)—on post-implantation outcomes remains insufficiently characterized. Objectives: This paper aims to evaluate early postoperative outcomes following HM3 LVAD implantation in patients with ICM versus DCM and to identify the preoperative hemodynamic and clinical predictors of early mortality and hemodynamic instability. Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center cohort study of 30 patients who underwent HM3 LVAD implantation between 2017 and 2024. Patients were stratified by HF etiology (ICM, n = 17; DCM, n = 13), and preoperative clinical, echocardiographic, and right heart catheterization data were analyzed. The primary endpoint was 30-day postoperative survival. Secondary endpoints included postoperative hemodynamic stability and the need for vasopressor support. Results: Non-survivors (n = 13) demonstrated elevated central venous pressure (>16.5 mmHg), mean right ventricular pressure (>31.5 mmHg), and pulmonary vascular resistance (>7.5 Wood units), in addition to higher preoperative creatinine levels and longer cardiopulmonary bypass times. Vasopressor requirement postoperatively was associated with elevated pre-implant systolic pulmonary artery pressure. Conclusions: Preoperative right-sided pressures and renal dysfunction are strong predictors of early mortality following HM3 LVAD implantation. Patients with ICM exhibit greater early left ventricular recovery compared to those with DCM. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive and personalized preoperative risk stratification—particularly in patients with DCM and pulmonary hypertension—to optimize postoperative outcomes and guide patient selection for durable LVAD support. Full article

Background/Objectives: Peripheral prosthetic vascular graft infection represents a very serious complication after lower limb revascularization, with amputation and mortality rates up to 70% and 30%, respectively. This study was designed to determine the incidence of prosthetic graft infection, amputation, and mortality rate in our institution, analyzing different types of treatment. Methods: A retrospective cohort single institution review of peripheral prosthetic bypass grafts evaluated patient demographics, comorbidities, indications, location of bypass, type of prosthetic material, and case urgency and evaluated the incidence of graft infections, amputations, and mortality. Results: Between January 2016 and December 2021, a total of 516 bypasses were recorded (318 male, 198 female, mean age 74.2): 320 bypasses in venous material and 196 prosthetic bypasses using Dacron or PTFE. Among patients with a prosthetic bypass, 16 (8.2%) presented a graft infection at a mean follow-up of 39 months. Thirteen other patients who submitted to prosthetic peripheral bypass in other centers presented to our institution with a graft infection, so a total of 29 infected grafts were treated. Infected grafts were removed in 20 patients (68.9%), while a conservative treatment was helpful in nine cases (31.1%). The germs involved were Gram-negative in 27.6% and Gram-positive in 41.4%. During follow-up, we recorded five deaths (17.2%) and six amputations (20.7%) directly after bypass excision; another two amputations (6.9%) occurred after failure of the new bypass replacing the prosthesis removed. Conclusions: Redo-bypass, active infection at the time of bypass, and advanced gangrene were associated with a higher risk for prosthetic graft infection and major extremity amputation. Complete graft removal and replacement by venous material or Omniflow II represents the typical treatment. However, aggressive local treatment including drainage, debridement, vacuum-assisted closure therapy application, and muscle transposition seem to be a better solution in selected patients without the need for graft removal and with rates of limb salvage superior to those obtained with excisional therapy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) exhibit a complex vasculature characterized by a locally occurring tangled nidus connecting the arterial and venous system bypassing the capillary network. Clinically available imaging modalities may not give sufficient spatial or temporal resolution. Adequate 3D models of large vascular areas and a detailed blood flow analysis of the nidus including the surrounding vessels are not available yet. Methods: Three representative AVM cases containing multimodal image data (3D rotational angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, magnetic resonance venography, and phase-contrast quantitative magnetic resonance imaging) are investigated. Image segmentation results in partial 3D models of the different vascular segments, which are merged into large-scale neurovascular models. Subsequently, image-based blood flow simulations are conducted based on the segmented models using patient-specific flow measurements as boundary conditions. Results: The segmentation results provide comprehensive 3D models of the overall arteriovenous morphology including realistic nidus vessels. The qualitative results of the hemodynamic simulations show realistic flow behavior in the complex vasculature. Feeding arteries exhibit increased wall shear stress (WSS) and higher flow velocities in two cases compared to contralateral vessels. In addition, feeding arteries are exposed to higher overall WSS with increased value variation between individual vessels (20.1 Pa ± 17.3 Pa) compared to the draining veins having a 62% lower WSS (8.9 Pa ± 5.9 Pa). Blood flow distribution is dragged towards the dominating circulation side feeding the nidus for all the cases quantified by the volume flow direction changes in the posterior communicating arteries. Conclusions: This multimodal study demonstrates the feasibility of the presented workflow to acquire detailed blood flow predictions in large-scale AVM models based on complex image data. The hemodynamic models serve as a base for endovascular treatment modeling influencing flow patterns in distally located vasculatures. Full article

Vascular steal refers to the diversion of blood flow between collateral vessels that share a common inflow restricted by arterial stenosis. Blood is diverted from the high-pressure to the low-pressure, low-resistance system. Vascular steal is associated with anatomical bypass or vasodilation in the collateral network and is called “the arterial steal”. However, we have demonstrated that in the presence of an outflow gradient (e.g., intra-extracranial), blood is shunted to a lower pressure system, a phenomenon we term “venous steal”. Using Thevenin’s equivalent, we generalized the concept of venous steal to apply it to any region of the vascular system with increased outflow pressure. Both arterial steal, caused by increased collateral network conductivity, and venous steal, resulting from lower collateral outflow pressure, reduce compartment perfusion. This occurs indirectly by increasing flow and the pressure gradient across the arterial stenosis, lowering the segmental compartment perfusion pressure—the difference between post-stenotic (inflow) and compartmental (outflow) pressures. Venous steal diverts blood flow from compartments with elevated pressure, such as intracranial, subendocardial, the ischemic core, and regions of focal edema due to inflammation, trauma, or external compression. In shock and low-flow states, it contributes to regional blood flow maldistribution. Treatment of venous steal addresses inflow stenosis, increased compartmental pressure and systemic loading conditions (arterial and venous pressure) to reverse venous steal malperfusion in the ischemic regions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) (PNOAF) is the most common complication after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), and its incidence has been reported as up to 50% in studies. In this study, we investigated whether there was a relationship between PNOAF and the neutrophil percentage to albumin ratio (NPAR) levels after on-pump CABG. Methods: A total of 454 patients who underwent CABG were included in the study. NPAR was calculated by dividing the neutrophil count by the albumin value. Results: It was determined that 93 patients developed PNOAF (20.4%). When the patient groups that developed and did not develop PNOAF were compared in terms of laboratory findings, C-reactive protein (CRP) values (4.0 mg/L (2.8–7.9) vs. 2.9 mg/L (1.1–6.7), <0.001), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (2.2 (1.2–4.2) vs. 1.4 (0.7–3.1), <0.001), platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio (112 (72–177) vs. 92 (69–122), <0.001) and NPAR (2.29 (1.68–3.8) vs. 1.09 (0.79–1.81), <0.001), were found to be statistically significantly higher in the group that developed PNOAF. ROC analysis showed that the cut-off value for NPAR for the development of PNOAF was 1.86 with 78% sensitivity and 72% specificity (area under the ROC curve = 0.778, 95% CI (0.728–0.828), p < 0.001). Conclusions: NPAR, which can be detected by a simple venous blood test, has shown a strong predictive value for PNOAF in patients with CABG. Full article

Arterial and venous graft spasm can occur during harvesting or immediately after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), leading to increased perioperative morbidity and affecting graft patency rates. Bypass grafts harvested from diabetic patients are particularly prone to spasm. This study aimed to elucidate the functional characteristics of human bypass grafts for the internal mammary artery (IMA) and saphenous vein (SV), from both diabetic and non-diabetic patients, and to determine how diabetes affected their responses to spasmogenic and relaxant agents. SV and IMA graft rings isolated from diabetic and non-diabetic patients during CABG were placed in an isolated organ bath system. Contractions to potassium chloride (10–100 mM) and phenylephrine (10⁻⁸–10⁻⁴ M) were evaluated, and relaxation responses to acetylcholine (10⁻⁹–10⁻⁴ M) and sodium nitroprusside (10⁻⁸–10⁻⁴ M) were assessed to evaluate endothelial and smooth muscle function, respectively. We observed increased responses to phenylephrine, an alpha-1 adrenoceptor agonist, in both IMAs and SVs, as well as an increased responses to potassium chloride, a non-receptor agonist, in SVs in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients. We did not observe any deterioration in endothelium-dependent relaxations in either SV or IMA grafts under diabetic conditions. This study is the first to demonstrate that diabetes exacerbates potassium chloride-induced contractions in human SV grafts. Understanding the differences in potassium chloride-induced contraction profiles between arterial and venous grafts is essential in optimizing graft spasm management and improving the patency rates of bypass grafts. Full article

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a condition with limited large-scale data on the short- and long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in HFpEF patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 and identify sex-specific risk factors and predictors of MACCEs in this population. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed HFpEF patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 from the 2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) using ICD-10 codes. Patients hospitalized with HFpEF and SARS-CoV-2 were categorized by age (18–44, 45–64, ≥65 years). Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders, with the statistical significance set at a two-tailed p-value < 0.05. Results: Among 109,750 HFpEF patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2, 31,960 (29.1%) experienced MACCEs. Males experienced a higher rate of MACCEs than females (31.1% vs. 27.5%, OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.12–1.28, p < 0.001). Adjusted analysis revealed that elderly patients (≥65 years, OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.33–1.62) compared with the 45–64 age group and males (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.12–1.28, p < 0.001) had a higher risk of MACCEs. Key predictors included prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG; OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.02–1.30), cancer (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.08–1.42), and chronic kidney disease (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.08–1.23). Subgroup analysis identified additional sex-specific risk factors. In males, hyperlipidemia, obesity, tobacco use disorder, prior stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), prior venous thromboembolism (VTE), alcohol abuse, depression, and valvular disease were significant predictors of MACCEs. In females, hyperlipidemia, tobacco use disorder, prior stroke/TIA, prior VTE, and depression were significant predictors. Conclusions: HFpEF patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 have a high risk of MACCEs, with male sex, older age, prior CABG, cancer, and chronic kidney disease as key risk factors. This study provides the first large-scale analysis of sex-specific predictors of MACCEs in HFpEF patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2. These findings underscore the need for focused research and clinical gender-based strategies to mitigate cardiovascular risks in this unique and high-risk population. Full article

Background: Patients with no-option chronic limb-threatening ischemia (NoCLTI), lacking suitable distal arteries for conventional revascularization, face major limb amputation. The 1-year mortality rate after major amputation is 48.3%, increasing to 70.9% in 3 years. Open deep venous arterialization (DVA) offers a promising alternative for limb salvage, achievable through open, endovascular, or hybrid approaches. We aim to provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to performing open DVA in NoCLTI patients, addressing preoperative and postoperative considerations as well as the technical details of the procedure. Methods: Patient selection for open DVA focuses on individuals with NoCLTI at high risk for amputation. Preoperative assessments include evaluating risk factors, determining limb threat severity using the Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) score, and mapping anatomical patterns via the Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS). The procedure involves identifying the target artery using Doppler ultrasound, performing microdissection to expose the artery and vein, ligating proximal vein branches, and creating a side-to-side anastomosis. Venous valves are disrupted with a valvulotome to allow antegrade flow. A proximal bypass graft may be applied if necessary. Results: Postoperatively, patients are monitored for 2–4 days with frequent Doppler assessments. Anticoagulation therapy begins with a heparin drip, transitioning to oral agents and/or dual antiplatelet therapy. Wound care includes deferred debridement for 2–4 weeks and may involve negative-pressure therapy. Follow-up involves weekly visits for the first month, and then at 3 months, and every 6 months thereafter, with surveillance using transcutaneous oxygen measurement, the toe–brachial index, and arterial duplex ultrasound. Conclusions: Open DVA represents a viable limb salvage option for patients with NoCLTI, potentially avoiding major amputations and improving quality of life. Success depends on careful patient selection, a meticulous surgical technique, and comprehensive postoperative care. Full article

Background and Objective: Effective cerebral perfusion monitoring is essential in aortic arch surgery, particularly when employing the Kazui technique under moderate hypothermia. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides real-time regional oxygen saturation (rSO₂) measurements, while the continuous monitoring of venous drainage flow and oxygen extraction ratio (ERiO₂) delivers additional insights into cerebral oxygenation and metabolic balance. This study investigates the correlation between NIRS-derived rSO₂, venous drainage flow, and ERiO₂ during selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP) to better understand their interplay and clinical significance. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 10 patients undergoing aortic arch surgery with the Kazui technique, including 4 patients with type I A dissections and 6 with aortic arch aneurysms. Bilateral NIRS (Masimo system) was used to measure rSO₂, while venous drainage flow and ERiO₂ were continuously monitored using the Landing system. Intraoperative parameters such as cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, cooling and rewarming duration, venous return flow, and perfusion delivery rates were collected and analyzed. The correlations between rSO₂, venous drainage flow, and ERiO₂ were statistically evaluated. Results: The mean CPB time was 182 ± 15 min, with a mean cross-clamp time of 98 ± 12 min. Cooling to 20 °C was achieved in 29 ± 3 min, followed by a controlled rewarming phase of 10 ± 1.5 min. The venous return flow averaged 570 ± 25 mL/min, while the perfusion delivery rates exceeded 600 ± 30 mL/min. Bilateral NIRS monitoring revealed stable rSO2 values averaging 65 ± 5%, while ERiO2 averaged 28 ± 4%. A strong correlation (r = 0.91, p < 0.01) was observed between rSO₂ and ERiO₂, with venous drainage flow playing a critical role in maintaining this relationship. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a robust correlation between NIRS-derived rSO₂, continuous venous drainage flow, and ERiO₂ during SACP in aortic arch surgery. Full article

Objective: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) via the right axillary artery (RAA) has become an alternative perfusion strategy, especially in complex aortic procedures. This study delineates our technique and outcome with direct axillary cannulation utilizing the Seldinger technique, which we adopted as the standard perfusion strategy in the sternum-sparing minimally invasive total coronary revascularization via left anterior thoracotomy (TCRAT) using CPB. Methods: From November 2019 to December 2023, a total of 413 consecutive patients underwent nonemergent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) via left anterior minithoracotomy on CPB with peripheral cannulation via the RAA and cardioplegic cardiac arrest, using this technique as a default strategy in the daily routine. All patients had multivessel coronary artery disease. The primary outcome was intraoperative cannulation-related complications (bleeding, revision, ischemia, wound healing complications). The secondary outcome was cannulation-related events during follow-up (blood pressure differences, incidence of brachial plexus injury, clinical signs of circulatory problems of arm and hand, re-interventions). Mean midterm follow-up was 18.7 ± 12.3 [1.1–51.2] months. During follow-up, 16 patients died. Overall, a total of 397 patients (344 male; 67.6 ± 9.7 [32–88]) were included for follow-up (100%). Results: The RAA was successfully cannulated in 100% of patients. A cannula size of 16 Fr was used in 34.6%, 18 Fr in 63.9% and 20 Fr in 1.5% of all patients. There was no intraoperative bleeding complication. In two patients, intraoperative revision of the RAA was required, necessitating a venous patch repair. At follow-up, there were no differences between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure or the pressure gradients between the right and left arm. Transient numbness of the right hand was observed in two patients. Permanent numbness was not observed. No patient needed further intervention or surgical revision of the RAA. Conclusions: The right axillary cannulation is feasible and safe in terms of vascular injury and brachial plexus injury with excellent in-hospital and follow-up outcome. Full article

Background: Renal cell carcinoma tends to invade venous structures, frequently extending beyond the inferior vena cava and into the heart itself, such as into the right atrium or right ventricle. Resection of tumor burden, particularly tumor thrombus, often requires cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA), which is not feasible for all patients. Methods: Described in this study is a novel, minimally invasive endovascular approach involving endovascular thrombectomy as a viable approach in these select patients. Results: There were no surgical complications, shorter operating times, less blood loss and an average length of stay of 5.5 days in the four patients undergoing this procedure. Conclusions: We demonstrate that this technique can eliminate the need for cardiac bypass and deep hypothermic cardiac arrest and its associated risks, thereby making surgery safer and more accessible for patients with advanced kidney cancers with an inferior vena cava tumor thrombus. Furthermore, it allows for this life-saving surgery to be carried out in medical centers or hospitals where cardiac surgery is unavailable, or when cardiopulmonary bypass is medically contraindicated. Full article

Bisphenols may negatively impact human health. In this study, we propose the use of HPLC–FLD for the simultaneous determination of bisphenols in pericardial fluid samples collected from patients with coronary artery disease undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. For sample preparation, a fast, simple, and ”green” DLLME method was used, achieving mean recovery values in the range of 62%–98% with relative standard deviations between 2% and 6% for all analytes. Quantitative analysis of bisphenols in the samples was then performed by LC–MS/MS on a triple quadrupole (QqQ) mass spectrometer and electrospray ionization (ESI-/ESI+) was applied in the negative and positive ion modes, respectively. The LODs and LOQs ranged from 0.04 ng/mL to 0.37 ng/mL and 0.12 ng/mL to 1.11 ng/mL, respectively. Pericardial fluid was collected from patients with coronary artery disease during coronary artery bypass surgery. Bisphenol residues were identified and quantified in samples from 19 patients. The procedure was successfully applied to the biomonitoring of free forms of 14 bisphenols in pericardial fluid. After statistical examination of the relationships between the selected variables, a strongly positive correlation was found between creatinine kinase and troponin I, as well as the number of venous anastomoses, circulation time, and clamp cap time. Full article