James M. Steven

Arterial and venous contributions to near-infrared cerebral oximetry.

BackgroundCerebral oximetry is a noninvasive bedside technology using near-infrared light to monitor cerebral oxygen saturation (Sco2) in an uncertain mixture of arteries, capillaries, and veins. The present study used frequency domain near-infrared spectroscopy to determine the ratio of arterial and venous blood monitored by cerebral oximetry during normoxia, hypoxia, and hypocapnia. MethodsTwenty anesthetized children aged < 8 yr with congenital heart disease of varying arterial oxygen saturation (Sao2) were studied during cardiac catheterization. Sco2, Sao2, and jugular bulb oxygen saturation (Sjo2) were measured by frequency domain near-infrared spectroscopy and blood oximetry at normocapnia room air, normocapnia 100% inspired O2, and hypocapnia room air. ResultsAmong subject conditions, Sao2 ranged from 68% to 100%, Sjo2 from 27% to 96%, and Sco2 from 29% to 92%. Sco2 was significantly related to Sao2 (y = 0.85 × −17, r = 0.47), Sjo2 (y = 0.77 × +13, r = 0.70), and the combination (Sco2 = 0.46 Sao2 + 0.56 Sjo2 − 17, R = 0.71). The arterial and venous contribution to cerebral oximetry was 16 ± 21% and 84 ± 21%, respectively (where Sco2 = &agr; Sao2 + &bgr; Sjo2 with &agr; and &bgr; being arterial and venous contributions). The contribution was similar among conditions but differed significantly among subjects (range, ≈ 40:60 to ≈ 0:100, arterial:venous). ConclusionsCerebral oximetry monitors an arterial/venous ratio of 16:84, similar in normoxia, hypoxia, and hypocapnia. Because of biologic variation in cerebral arterial/venous ratios, use of a fixed ratio is not a good method to validate the technology.

Risk factors for mortality after the Norwood procedure

OBJECTIVES Recent studies have suggested that survival following the Norwood procedure is influenced by anatomy and is worse for patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), particularly aortic atresia (AA), as compared to other forms of functional single ventricle and systemic outflow tract obstruction. The current study was undertaken to evaluate our recent experience with the Norwood procedure and to evaluate potential predictors of operative and 1-year mortality. METHODS A retrospective study of risk factors for operative and 1-year mortality in 158 patients undergoing the Norwood procedure between January 1, 1998 and June 30, 2001. RESULTS HLHS was present in 102 patients (70 with AA) and other forms of functional single ventricle with systemic outflow tract obstruction in the remaining 56. Operative survival was 77% (122/158), 78% for patients with HLHS and 75% for patients with other diagnoses. Multivariable analysis identified birth weight (odds ratio (OR) 0.18/kg, 95% confidence limit (CL) 0.08-0.42, P<0.001), associated cardiac anomalies (OR 4.45, 95% CL 1.50-13.2, P=0.001), total support time (OR 1.02/min, 95% CL 1.01-1.03, P=0.004), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or ventricular assist device (VAD) support (OR 17.8, 95% CL 4.40-71.0, P<0.001) as predictors of operative mortality. The anatomic diagnosis (HLHS versus non-HLHS) was not a predictor of mortality, P=0.6). The Kaplan-Meier survival estimate at 1 year was 66% (95% CL 58-73%) and was not different for patients with HLHS compared to non-HLHS, P=0.5. For patients who have survived the Norwood procedure, survival to 1 year was 86% (95% CL 78-91%). Presence of an extra-cardiac anomaly or genetic syndrome (OR 2.70, 95% CL 0.98-7.41%, P=0.05) and presence of an additional cardiac defect (OR 3.99, 95% CL 1.67-9.57, P=0.002) were predictors of worse survival in the first year of life. CONCLUSIONS The Norwood procedure is currently being applied to a heterogeneous group of patients. Operative and 1-year survival are equivalent for patients with HLHS and those with other cardiac defects. The presence of additional cardiac or extra-cardiac anomalies are predictors of poor outcome.

Cerebral oxygenation during pediatric cardiac surgery using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest

BackgroundDeep hypothermic circulatory arrest is a widely used technique in pediatric cardiac surgery that carries a risk of neurologic injury. Previous work in neonates identified distinct changes in cerebral oxygenation during surgery. This study sought to determine whether the intraoperative chan

Modified Ultrafiltration Reduces Postoperative Morbidity After Cavopulmonary Connection

BACKGROUND Modified ultrafiltration reduces the deleterious effects of cardiopulmonary bypass in children. Patients undergoing repair of single-ventricle cardiac anomalies may be particularly sensitive to these adverse effects, and benefit from the use of modified ultrafiltration. METHODS From January 1995 to June 1996, 120 consecutive cavopulmonary operations were performed at The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Procedures included lateral tunnel fenestrated Fontan (n = 50), extracardiac Fontan (n = 5), hemi-Fontan (n = 60), and bidirectional Glenn shunt (n = 5). Modified ultrafiltration was performed after cardiopulmonary bypass in 41 patients, and results were compared by t test with a control group of 79 patients in whom modified ultrafiltration was not used. RESULTS There was one death for an operative (30-day) mortality of 0.8%. Age, weight, diagnosis, ischemic arrest time, and cardiopulmonary bypass time were similar between the modified ultrafiltration and control groups. Postoperative blood use, chest tube output, the incidence of pleural and pericardial effusions, and hospital stay were all significantly decreased when modified ultrafiltration was used. CONCLUSIONS By lowering the perioperative morbidity of staged cavopulmonary operations, modified ultrafiltration makes an important contribution to improving outcome after the correction of single-ventricle cardiac anomalies.

Carbon dioxide prevents pulmonary overcirculation in hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Circulatory and metabolic homeostasis in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome is dependent on a delicate balance between systemic and pulmonary blood flow. Hypocarbia can result in a marked decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance accompanied by pulmonary overcirculation, systemic hypotension, metabolic acidosis, and death. This report illustrates that early and precise control of the arterial carbon dioxide tension using inspired carbon dioxide can be effective in preventing or treating instability arising during management of a patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Near-infrared monitoring of the cerebral circulation

Near-infrared spectroscopy is a noninvasive bedside technique for monitoring hemoglobin saturation (HbO2%) in brain vasculature. The method linearly relates the optical signal detected from the surface of the head to HbO2%. To do so, the method relies on constant transcranial optical pathlength and light scattering as well as minimal interference by tissues overlying the brain. This study examined these premises. Optical signals from a dual-wavelength, near-infrared spectrometer were correlated with sagittal sinus HbO2% in 7 anesthetized piglets subjected to 7 different physiological conditions: normoxia, moderate and severe hypoxia, hyperoxia, hypocapnia, hypercapnic hyperoxia, and hypotension. These conditions were induced by varying the inspired O2 concentration (7–100%),k ventilatory rate (5–35 breaths/min), and blood pressure (phlebotomy 20 ml/kg) to force HbO2% over a wide range (5–93%). To evaluate interference by tissues overlying the brain, correlations were repeated after the scalp and skull were rendered ischemic. Transcranial optical pathlength was measured by phase-modulated spectroscopy. Linear relationships between optical signals and sagittal sinus HbO2% were found with correlation coefficients ranging from −0.89 to −0.99 (p<0.05) among animals; however, slope and intercept had coefficients of variability of approximately 15 and 333%, respectively. Almost identical linear expressions were observed whether scalp and skull were ischemic or perfused. Transcranial optical pathlength was constant in each animal, but ranged from 10 to 18 cm among animals. The data indicate that the assumptions underlying near infrared spectroscopy are reasonably accurate in a given animal, but that the constants for transcranial optical pathlength and light scattering are not the same in all animals. Since this variability may give rise to errors in quantifying HbO2% in the clinical setting, further study is recommended before the method can be used to manage patients.

Kinetics of Cerebral Deoxygenation during Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest in Neonates

Brain injury associated with neonatal congenital heart operations performed during deep hypothermia and/or total circulatory arrest is often attributed to cerebral hypoxia. We studied the kinetic changes in cerebrovascular hemoglobin O2 saturation (HbO2%) and total hemoglobin concentration (Hbtotal) in 17 neonates undergoing cardiac surgery as they were cooled to 15 degrees C, underwent total circulatory arrest, and were rewarmed. HbO2% and Hbtotal in brain vasculature were monitored noninvasively by near-infrared spectroscopy. Neonates were cooled over 12 min and rewarmed over 15 min while being perfused using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Total circulatory arrest lasted from 20 to 70 min. We found that HbO2% in brain vasculature increased during the initial 8 min of CPB as nasopharyngeal temperature decreased, and then remained constant until circulatory arrest. After the onset of circulatory arrest, cerebrovascular HbO2% decreased curvilinearly for 40 min; no further hemoglobin desaturation was observed from 40 to 70 min of arrest. The changes in cerebrovascular Hbtotal were quite different from those in HbO2%, as Hbtotal decreased during the initial minute of CPB and circulatory arrest and then remained constant until recirculation. Brain intravascular HbO2% and Hbtotal increased within 3 min after the onset of recirculation to prearrest levels, and during rewarming, HbO2% decreased to normothermic baseline values. The results demonstrate that cerebral oxygenation increased during CPB cooling; O2 was consumed by the neonatal brain during the initial 40 min of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest; and cerebral oxygenation was restored on recirculation. These observations may be important in identifying the etiologies of brain injury during neonatal congenital heart surgery.

Effects of Inspired Hypoxic and Hypercapnic Gas Mixtures on Cerebral Oxygen Saturation in Neonates with Univentricular Heart Defects

Background Neonates with functional single ventricle often require hypoxic or hypercapnic inspired gas mixtures to reduce pulmonary overcirculation and improve systemic perfusion. Although the impact of these treatments on arterial oxygen saturation has been described, the effects on cerebral oxygenation remain uncertain. This study examined the effect of these treatments on cerebral oxygen saturation and systemic hemodynamics. Methods Neonates with single ventricle mechanically ventilated with room air were enrolled in a randomized crossover trial of 17% inspired oxygen or 3% inspired carbon dioxide. Each treatment lasted 10 min, followed by a 10–20-min washout period. Cerebral and arterial oxygen saturation were measured by cerebral and pulse oximetry, respectively. Cerebral oxygen saturation, arterial oxygen saturation, and other physiologic data were continuously recorded. Results Three percent inspired carbon dioxide increased cerebral oxygen saturation (56 ± 13 to 68 ± 13%;P < 0.01), whereas 17% inspired oxygen had no effect (53 ± 13 to 53 ± 14%;P = 0.8). Three percent inspired carbon dioxide increased the mean arterial pressure (45 ± 8 to 50 ± 9 mmHg;P < 0.01), whereas 17% inspired oxygen had no effect. And 3% inspired carbon dioxide decreased arterial p H and increased arterial carbon dioxide and oxygen tensions. Conclusions Inspired 3% carbon dioxide improved cerebral oxygenation and mean arterial pressure. Treatment with 17% inspired oxygen had no effect on either.

Interrupted Aortic Arch Impact of Subaortic Stenosis on Management and Outcome

Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is often related developmentally to subaortic obstruction (SAO). When severe, SAO must be addressed in surgical management of IAA. From 1990 to 1993, 25 neonates presented for initial surgical management of IAA complexes. Associated lesions were ventricular septal defect (VSD) with or without atrial septal defect (19 patients), truncus arteriosus (3 patients), tricuspid atresia with transposition of the great arteries (1 patient), aortic atresia with VSD (1 patient), and d-transposition of the great arteries with VSD (1 patient). Overall hospital mortality was 20% (five deaths). One death was related to sepsis and two to sudden hemodynamic decompensation (a 2-kg premature infant after arch repair and VSD closure and a neonate with IAA-truncus arteriosus after arch repair and truncus repair with aortic root replacement). Two deaths were related to low cardiac output in patients with severe subaortic narrowing (< 3 mm by two-dimensional echocardiography), which was not addressed surgically. Of 10 additional patients judged preoperatively to have severe SAO, 1 underwent resection of the infundibular septum together with VSD closure and arch reconstruction, and 9 underwent a modification of Norwoods operation with arch reconstruction and proximal pulmonary artery to aortic anastomosis (7 with systemic to pulmonary artery shunts and 2 with right ventricle to pulmonary artery outflow tract reconstruction). One patient died 2 months after surgery of staphylococcal sepsis. All 9 others were discharged well. Subaortic narrowing is a physiologically important element of IAA complexes. When SAO is severe, satisfactory initial palliation can be achieved by a modification of Norwoods operation.

Results of Norwood's operation for lesions other than hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Norwoods operation provides satisfactory palliation for neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The dominant physiologic features of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, ductal dependency of the systemic circulation and parallel pulmonary and systemic circulations, are shared by a multitude of other less common congenital heart malformations. Theoretically, these should be equally amenable to palliation by Norwoods operation. Between January 1990 and June 1994, 60 neonates with malformations other than hypoplastic left heart syndrome underwent initial surgical palliation by Norwoods procedure. Diagnoses included single left ventricle with levo-transposition of the great arteries (12); critical aortic stenosis (8); complex double-outlet right ventricle (8); interrupted aortic arch with ventricular septal defect and subaortic stenosis (7); ventricular septal defect, subaortic stenosis, and coarctation of the aorta (7); aortic atresia with large ventricular septal defect (6); tricuspid atresia with transposition of the great arteries (6); heterotaxy syndrome with subaortic obstruction (3); and other (3). There were 10 hospital deaths and 50 survivors (83% survival). After the introduction of inspired carbon dioxide therapy into the postoperative management protocol (1991), 42 of 47 patients survived (89% survival). Mortality was independent of diagnosis and essentially the same as that for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. With minor technical modifications, Norwoods operation provides satisfactory initial palliation for a wide variety of malformations characterized by ductal dependency of the systemic circulation in anticipation of either a Fontan procedure or a biventricular repair.