Journal of cardiac surgery
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Review Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
The management of temperature during cardiopulmonary bypass: effect on neuropsychological outcome.
Laboratory studies demonstrate that mild degrees of brain cooling (2 degrees C to 5 degrees C) confer substantial protection from ischemic brain injury, and that mild elevation of brain temperature can be markedly deleterious. During hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) patients are made hypothermic and then rewarmed at a time when they are exposed to neurological insults. Our studies show that during rewarming, peak brain temperatures near 39 degrees C often are achieved inadvertently. ⋯ We found patient acceptability and compliance were good. Sensitivity also seemed adequate in that 30% of patients were identified as having deteriorated at 1 week postoperatively compared to preoperatively, a result similar to that reported by others. Clinical trials of the efficacy of mild hypothermia in modulating brain injury in humans are needed before techniques of CPB can be designed to optimize neuroprotection.
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We evaluated cerebral metabolism during retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) and circulatory arrest during profound hypothermia, and also investigated the effects of perfusion pressure on RCP. Twenty-four adult mongrel dogs were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass and cooled to a nasopharyngeal temperature of 20 degrees C. At this temperature, hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA; n = 6), and RCP with a perfusion pressure of 10 mmHg (RCP10; n = 6), 20 mmHg (RCP20; n = 6), and 30 mmHg (RCP30; n = 6) were carried out for 60 minutes. ⋯ In the RCP30 group, the water content of cerebral tissue was significantly higher than in other groups. In the RCP20 group, temperature was maintained in a narrow range, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide excretion could be observed, there was no excess lactate, and ATP and energy charge were significantly higher than in the HCA group. In conclusion, RCP can provide adequate metabolic support for the brain during circulatory arrest, and a perfusion pressure of 20 mmHg is most appropriate for RCP.
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Current surgical techniques in operations on the thoracic aorta frequently require exclusion of the cerebral circulation for varying periods. During these periods, hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA), selective cerebral perfusion (SCP), and retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) can be used for cerebral protection. Hypothermia is the principle component of these methods of protection. ⋯ Present clinical data do not allow separation of its protective effect from that of HCA alone. Recent modifications in the application of HCA include monitoring of cerebral O2 extraction, and selective use of supplemental SCP to limit arrest times to less than 50 minutes, or RCP to prevent embolic strokes, as indicated. These changes appear to have reduced the overall mortality, the severity of embolic strokes, and stroke-related mortality.
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Amrinone and dobutamine compare favorably in the treatment of chronic congestive heart failure. There is increasing evidence that amrinone alone or in combination with a catecholamine may be used with considerable success in treating patients who are difficult to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass or who have a low cardiac output syndrome after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Amrinone increases intramyocardial cyclic adenosine monophosphate and exerts positive inotropic activity in addition to being a potent vasodilator. ⋯ When compared with dobutamine as primary treatment for depressed myocardial function in patients being weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, it was more effective in achieving primary treatment objectives. Patients given dobutamine had a higher incidence of myocardial infarction, ventricular fibrillation, supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, sinus tachycardia, and hypertension compared to those given amrinone. It is concluded that amrinone compares favorably with dobutamine and may even be superior when used as primary treatment for treating myocardial depression in patients having coronary artery surgery supported by cardiopulmonary bypass.
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Traditionally, surgeons have attempted to minimize myocardial ischemic and reperfusion injury during cardiac procedures by optimizing cardioplegic solutions and modifying the conditions of reperfusion. New evidence suggests that in addition to these two strategies, surgeons may be able to induce myocardial resistance to ischemic injury, which permits immediate functional and metabolic recovery after cardiac operations. Although brief episodes of cardiac ischemia may be associated with mechanical and metabolic dysfunction ("stunning"), they have also been shown to protect against damage resulting from a subsequent prolonged ischemic episode. ⋯ Recent studies in surgical models of cardioplegic arrest and reperfusion have suggested that the preconditioned, arrested heart may have an increased tolerance to prolonged ischemia and improved functional recovery after reperfusion. The development of a pharmacological agent that induces the preconditioning effect may revolutionize cardioprotection for cardiac surgery. We will review the characteristics of preconditioning and data supporting the application of this natural protective capacity to reduce ischemic damage during cardiac procedures.