Mehmet Aksüt

Effects of Fentanyl and Morphine on Shivering During Spinal Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Endovenous Ablation of Varicose Veins

Background We sought to investigate the effect of morphine and fentanyl on shivering when used adjunctively with bupivacaine during spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing varicose vein surgery on an outpatient basis. Material/Methods The study included a total of 90 patients, aged 25–45 years, ASA I–II, scheduled to undergo endovenous laser ablation under spinal anesthesia for lower extremity venous insufficiency/varicose vein disease. Patients were randomly allocated into 3 groups: Group M (morphine group) received 5 mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 0.1 mg morphine, Group F (fentanyl group) received 5 mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 25 μg fentanyl, and Group C (control group) received 5 mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + physiologic saline. The level of sensory blockade was assessed with pin-prick test and the level of motor blockade was assessed with Bromage scale at 5-min intervals. Shivering grade and time to first postoperative analgesic requirement was recorded. Results Level and time of sensory block showed a slight but insignificant increase in the Morphine Group and Fentanyl Group. Time of postoperative analgesic requirement was significantly longer in patients who received morphine (p<0.05). Shivering was significantly less common in patients who received morphine and fentanyl than in patients who are in the Control Group (p<0.02). Conclusions Morphine or fentanyl may be used as adjunctives to spinal anesthesia to prevent shivering in patients undergoing venous surgery.

Comparison of TIVA and Desflurane Added to a Subanaesthetic Dose of Propofol in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Evaluation of Haemodynamic and Stress Hormone Changes

Introduction. Increased levels of stress hormones are associated with mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Aim. To compare total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) and desflurane added to a subanaesthetic dose of propofol. Material and Methods. Fifty patients were enrolled in this study. Fentanyl (3–5 mcg/kg/h) was started in both groups. Patients were divided into two groups. The PD group (n = 25) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) desflurane anaesthesia in addition to propofol infusion (2-3 mg/kg/h), while P group (n = 25) received propofol infusion (5-6 mg/kg/h) only. Biochemical data, cortisol, and insulin levels were measured preoperatively (T0), after initiation of CPB but before cross-clamping the aorta (T1), after removal of the cross-clamp (T2), and at the 24th postoperative hour (T3). Results. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure levels were significantly higher in PD group than those in P group in T1 and T2 measurements (p ≤ 0.05). CK-MB showed a significant decrease in group P (p ≤ 0.05). When we compared both groups, cortisol levels were significantly higher in PD group than P group (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion. Stress and haemodynamic responses were better controlled using TIVA than desflurane inhalation added to a subanaesthetic dose of propofol in patients undergoing CABG.

Mechanical Circulatory Support for Right Ventricular Failure: RVADs

Heart failure is the basic and featured pathologic leading cause of death. From a clinical perspective, the most important objectives in caring for heart failure patients are diagnosis of the underlying mechanism and delivery of appropriate, effective treatment. In the majority of cases, the left ventricle is affected but the right ventricle functions normally until the end stage. Right ventricular failure (RVF) results from weakening of the right ventricular structures and/or by an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance. Post-implant RVF, a third type has been recognized in the last two decades. Right ventricular failure results in poor filling of the left ventricle and poor output, often necessitating additional right ventricular support in the form of inotropes or a mechanical right ventricular assist device (RVAD). Temporary mechanical support devices increase pulmonary blood circulation with or without extracorporeal oxygenation to provide adequate cardiac output. The preferred approach is to insert a temporary mechanical support device in percutaneous va-ECCPS configuration for acute RVF in the intensive care unit or in surgical vp-ECCS configuration for post-implant RVF in the operating room. For longer use, right ventricular or biventricular assist devices are used to provide circulatory support. Permanent RVADs provide a parallel or series artificial circulation to substitute for failed ventricles or they take over completely the pump function of a resected heart. Short-term RVADs are extracorporeal or paracorporeal pumps located outside the body, whereas durable RVADs are implanted inside the body. A novel development will be a true artificial heart without a need for anticoagulants; however, heart transplantation is still the gold standard for curative treatment.

Intra-aortic balloon pump experience: a single center study comparing with and without sheath insertion

Introduction: The mechanical circulation support used in treatment of low cardiac output at most is the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). Its usage fields are the complications occurring due to ischemic heart disease, disrupted left ventricle function, and the low cardiac output syndrome occurring during coronary artery by-pass surgery. Methods: During 28 years from 1985 to 2013, IABP support has been implemented to 3135 patients in our cardiac surgery operating theater and intensive care unit. The mean age of the patients was 61.4 ± 13.2 years (16-82). 2506 patients (80%) were the ones whom the cardiac surgery has been implemented. IABP support has been provided for 629 (20%) patients for medical treatment. We utilized IABP most frequently in coronary artery patients (70%). The first choice for placing the balloon catheter is the femoral artery in 3093 cases (98.7%). Results: The most frequently observed balloon complication was the lower extremity ischemia in 383 cases (12.2%).The leg ischemia was statistically significantly more frequent in patients with sheath (P=0.004). The extremity ischemia has developed in 4 of 12 patients with balloon placed from upper extremity. The local bleeding and balloon rupture were more frequent in patients whom the balloon has been placed without sheath. The mortality due to IABP has occurred in only 5 patients. Conclusion: Despite increase in IABP usage frequency rapidly, the complications due to catheter are still seen. We believe that the leg ischemia that is the most frequently seen complication can be prevented via IABP use without sheath.

Outcomes After Surgıcal Resectıon of Prımary Non-Myxoma Cardıac Tumors

Objective Primary cardiac tumors are rare lesions with different histological type. We reviewed our 17 years of experience in the surgical treatment and clinical results of primary non-myxoma cardiac tumors. Methods Between July 2000 and February 2017, 21 patients with primary cardiac tumor were surgically treated in our institution. The tumors were categorized as benign non-myxomas and malignants. Data including the demographic characteristics, details of the tumor histology and grading, cardiac medical and surgical history, surgical procedure of the patients were obtained from the hospital database. Results Eleven patients were diagnosed with benign non-myxoma tumor (male/female:7/4), ranging in age from 10 days to 74 years (mean age 30.9±26.5 years). Papillary fibroelastoma was the most frequent type (63.6%). There were two early deaths in benign group (all were rhabdomyoma), and mortality rate was 18%. The mean follow-up period was 69.3±58.7 months (range, 3 to 178 months). All survivals in benign group were free of tumor-related symptoms and tumor relapses. Ten patients were diagnosed with malignant tumor (sarcoma/lymphoma:8/2, male/female:3/7), ranging in age from 14 years to 73 years (mean age 44.7±18.9 years). Total resection could be done in only three (30%) patients. The mean follow-up period was 18.7±24.8 months (range, 0-78 months). Six patients died in the first 10 months. Conclusion Complete resection of the cardiac tumors, whenever possible, is the main goal of surgery. Surgical resection of benign cardiac tumors is safe, usually curative and provides excellent long-term prognosis. On the contrary, malignant cardiac tumors still remain highly lethal.

Factors associated with early mortality in haemodialysis patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery

Summary Introduction: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) results in higher morbidity and mortality rates in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patient populations than in patients with normal renal function. This study aimed to identify the early results of CABG performed on ESRD patients, and the factors that affected the mortality rates of those patients. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of our hospital database revealed 84 haemodialysis-receiving patients who underwent CABG during the years 2006 to 2012. Mortality was observed in 21 patients (group 1), and this group was compared with the remaining patients (group 2) for peri-operative parameters such as age, EuroSCORE, functional capacity, myocardial infarction, use of inotropes and completeness of revascularisation. Results: The study included 60 male (71.4%) and 24 female patients (28.6%); the participants’ mean age was 59.50 ± 9.93 years. The pre-operative additive EuroSCORE was 7.96 ± 2.88 (range: 2–18). Pre-operative functional capacity was impaired in 35.7% of the patients [New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes III–IV]. Mean age and preoperative EuroSCORE values of group 1 were significantly higher than those of group 2. Impaired functional capacity (NHYA classes III–IV) was also associated with mortality (OR: 3.333; 95% CI: 1.199–9.268). Fifty-four patients (64.3%) underwent on-pump CABG procedures, and 30 (35.7%) underwent off-pump CABG procedures. The study found no statistically significant difference in mortality rates between these two techniques. Mortality occurred in 12 patients (22.2%) in the on-pump group and in nine (30%) in the off-pump group. Complete revascularisation was performed on 46 patients (85.2%) in the on-pump group and seven (23.3%) in the off-pump group (p < 0.001). Conclusion Advanced age, impaired NYHA functional capacity and pre-operative hypertension were determinative for early-term surgical mortality. An on-pump surgical technique is recommended to ensure completeness of revascularisation.

Surgical management of cardiac myxomas in elderly patients

Objective: Cardiac myxoma usually presents during early adulthood. There is generally a tendency for prompt surgical resection. However, advanced age of patients presenting with this disease may increase the operative risk due to other cardiac and non-cardiac problems. Therefore, we evaluated elderly patients who underwent surgery for myxoma to review the management of treatment. Methods: Between September 1985 and March 2012, a total of 17 consecutive patients over 65 years of age (5 male, 12 female; mean age: 69.3±3.5 years) who had undergone surgical resection for cardiac myxoma were analyzed retrospectively. Echocardiography had been performed in all patients to diagnose the myxoma and evaluate other cardiac pathologies. Coronary angiography had been performed in all patients except in two cases who underwent emergency surgery. Results: Thirteen patients (76.4%) survived the operation. Two patients who underwent emergency operation died early and four patients died during the follow-up time. Concomitant procedures included coronary artery bypass grafting in two, radiofrequency ablation in one, mitral valve reconstruction in one and femoral embolectomy in one patient. Conclusions: In an era of aging population, myxoma tends to be diagnosed more frequently in elderly and high-risk patients. Complete preoperative assessment of these patients is a more appropriate approach in stable patients than the traditional emergency surgery applied to all cases.

Surgical Removal of Guidewire Entrapped Within Stent Struts During Percutaneous Coronary Angioplasty

There has been a growing trend toward percutaneous coronary angioplasty for complex coronary artery lesions. Stent or guidewire break off or trapping within the coronary artery lumen is a rare complication, but it may have fatal consequences. In such cases, the entrapped device may be removed by either percutaneous route or surgical exploration. Here, we report a patient with guidewire entrapment within the struts of the intracoronary stent during primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty, which necessitated surgical removal and subsequent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Surgical Treatment of Double Valve Endocarditis

BACKGROUND We have retrospectively analyzed the results of the operations made for aortic infective endocarditis with mitral involvement in a single center in 19 years. METHODS From May 1992 to January 2011, we have operated on 72 patients with infective endocarditis of the aortic valve with mitral valve involvement. Fifty-two patients (72.2%) were male and the mean age was 40.5 ± 15.5 (9-73) years. The blood cultures were positive in 33 patients (45.8%) and the most commonly identified microorganism was Streptococcus. Nine patients (12.5%) had prosthetic valve endocarditis. The mean duration of follow-up was 6.8 ± 4.7 (0.1-16.9) years, adding up to a total of 156.1 patient/years. RESULTS A total of 155 procedures were performed on these 72 patients. The most commonly performed procedure was aortic valve replacement, in 63 patients (87.5%). Aortic annular involvement was present in 9 cases (12.5%). In-hospital mortality was seen in 13 patients (18.1%). Postoperatively, 13 (18.1%) patients had low cardiac output, 9 (12.5%) had heart block, and only 1 of them required permanent pacemaker implantation. The actuarial survival rates for 1, 5, and 10 years were 96.4% ± 2.5%, 84.4% ± 5.1%, and 77.4 ± 6.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Double-valve endocarditis is a serious condition and the surgeon must be aware of the high rates of mortality and morbidity in these patients. Although no association was found, heart blocks and septic embolization must be handled with caution. The patients generally do well after surgery, and recurrences and reoperations decrease by the second year after operation.