Matthew P. Thomas

Management of acute cardiac failure with mechanical assist: experience with the ABIOMED BVS 5000

BACKGROUND Mechanical circulatory assist industries have developed ventricular assist devices (VAD) for short-, intermediate-, and long-term use. The purpose of this report is to describe the progress made with the ABIOMED Biventricular System (BVS) 5000 (ABIOMED, Inc, Danvers, MA) short-term VAD. METHODS From June 1994 through August 2000, all cardiogenic shock patients who required short-term mechanical assist were supported with the ABIOMED BVS 5000. Insertion criteria included any condition that may potentially result in cardiac recovery. A formal algorithm for timing of insertion was established to standardize implantation criteria. RESULTS A total of 45 patients were supported at Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. There were 26 male and 19 female patients, with a mean age of 57.9 years (range 33 to 80 years). Devices were inserted for postcardiotomy shock in 36 patients (80%) and precardiotomy shock in 9 patients (20%). The average duration of support was 8.3 days (range 1 to 31 days). Overall, there were 22 (49%) patients weaned from support and 14 (31%) discharged from the hospital. For patients in whom the device was implanted in accordance with an established protocol (group A), the wean and discharge rates were 60% and 43%, respectively. The most common morbidities included bleeding and adverse neurologic events. CONCLUSIONS The ABIOMED BVS 5000 VAD continues to be a valuable form of short-term mechanical assist for acute cardiogenic shock. The formation of a uniform VAD insertion algorithm has helped to standardize protocols in management.

Pharmacological Criteria for Ventricular Assist Device Insertion Following Postcardiotomy Shock: Experience with the Abiomed BVS System

Background/Aim:The traditional approach to postcardiotomy shock includes inotropic support followed by the application of an intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP). Consideration toward insertion of a ventricular assist device (VAD) becomes necessary when these maneuvers fail to restore hemodynamic stability. The definition of maximal inotropic support, however, is lacking such that a standard formula for VAD insertion remains problematic. The purpose of this paper is to define the pharmacological thresholds for VAD implantation in the setting of postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. Methods: The medical records of all adult open‐heart operations performed at Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, from 1 July 1996 through 1 July 1999 were reviewed. Specific data were collected on the hernodynamics and inotrope levels upon separation from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The hospital course was reviewed with attention toward documenting hospital mortality. Cardiogenic shock was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 100 mmHg, mean pulmonary artery blood pressure (mPAP) > 25 mmHg, central venous pressure (CVP) > 15 mmHg, and cardiac index (CI) < 2.0 L/min/per m2. lnotrope dosages were defined as low, moderate, and high according to assigned values.* A formula for VAD insertion was established if cardiogenic shock parameters were present in the setting of two or more high dose inotropes. Early VAD insertion was defined as implantation within three hours of the first attempt to wean from CPB. The VAD recipients were divided into two groups. Group A were VADs placed in conjunction with the formula. Group B was VADs placed in violation (excess) of the formula. The results of these two groups were compared.

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in Nonagenarians

As the number of nonagenarians increases yearly in the United States, surgeons will be asked more often to evaluate the possibility of intervention for coronary artery disease in this age group. The purpose of this study is to document experience with patients 90 years of age or older in order to determine whether coronary artery bypass grafting surgery is justified. Eleven patients aged 90 years or more underwent cardiac surgery for symptomatic coronary artery disease refractory to medical management between January 1, 1987, and December 31, 1996. All patients were in NYHA Class IV preoper atively. In-hospital death occurred in two patients (18%). In-hospital morbidity occurred in all patients (100%) including seven cardiac, four respiratory, two neurologic, and one infectious. All survivors left the hospital symptomatically improved. The mean length of stay was 28 days. Four patients died at a mean of 2 years and 2 months post operatively. Five patients remain alive at a mean of 1 year and 7 months. Coronary artery bypass grafting in nonagenarians can be performed successfully in selected cases. However, increased mortality and morbidity rates and length of stay are associated with this age group. For survivors, the quality of life is improved and the projected life expectancy restored.

Coronary artery disease in identical twins

The incidence of coronary artery disease in identical twins is unknown. The knowledge of ischemic heart disease in this patient population is represented by case reports. There is considerable controversy regarding the environmental and genetic factors that play a role in the pathogenesis of this disorder. The natural history of coronary artery disease in an asymptomatic twin with a symptomatic counterpart is unclear. We present a case report and literature review of coronary artery disease in identical twins. On the basis of our patient and the information of other patients, asymptomatic twins of symptomatic counterparts require aggressive assessment and management for occult coronary artery disease.

Aneurysm of Aortocoronary Saphenous Vein Graft

True aneurysms of aortocoronary saphenous vein bypass grafts are a relatively rare complication of bypass surgery, but because the complications of thrombosis, embolization, or rupture are potentially fatal, this condition requires immediate surgical intervention. We describe a 78-year-old man who had undergone coronary bypass 15 years previously and who presented with a saphenous vein graft that was severely degenerated and aneurysmally enlarged throughout its course, measuring as much as 5 to 6 cm in certain locations. Redo coronary artery bypass grafting using the right and left internal thoracic arteries and resection of the aneurysm were performed. We also present a review of the literature regarding diagnosis, management, and treatment of this condition.

Amiodarone-associated hemoptysis.

Amiodarone is a benzofuran derivative with a chemical structure similar to thyroxine. Originally introduced to treat angina pectoris, amiodarone was found to have antiarrhythmic properties, and in 1985, was approved in the United States for treatment of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. It is now used for various ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias refractory to conventional first-line medications, and as a result, side effects have been observed with increased frequency. The most severe and potentially life-threatening of these side effects is the development of pulmonary toxicity. Typically, amiodarone pulmonary toxicity (APT) is manifested by acute pneumonitis and chronic fibrosis. Amiodarone-associated hemoptysis (AAH) is a rare occurrence. The authors describe a case of AAH successfully treated with cessation of drug and steroid therapy.

Complications following Placement or Extraction of Endovascular Pacemaker and Defibrillator Leads— Cardiothoracic Surgical Intervention: Case Reports

Complications related to the insertion or removal of permanent pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators are rare events. However, when adverse events occur, their severity may be life threatening. Rapid recognition of a problem followed by prompt consultation with a cardiothoracic surgeon is necessary to stabilize potentially catastrophic events. The immediate availability of surgical instruments as well as a formalized algorithm for management is necessary to control hemorrhagic situations. Four case reports illustrate these points.

Vascular ring type IIIB1 causing tracheoesophageal compression in an adult: Case report and literature review

Vascular rings are congenital lesions that cause tracheobronchial and esophageal symptoms as a result of compression of these structures. The majority of cases are recognized in infancy, childhood, and occasionally adolescence. Rarely, vascular rings first present in adulthood. The authors present the case of a vascular ring in an elderly woman who complained of dysphagia.