Perioperative management of pulmonary hypertension remains one of the most challenging scenarios during cardiac surgery. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality due to right ventricular failure, arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, and intractable hypoxia. Therefore, this review article is intended toward the anesthetic considerations in the perioperative period, with particular emphasis on the selection of technique and choice of anesthesia with maintenance, anesthetic drugs, and the recent intraoperative recommendations for prevention and treatment of pulmonary hypertensive crisis.

Background: Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) is often complicated by hemodynamic instability, especially in patients with prior left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and appropriate choice of inotrope plays a vital role in perioperative management of these patients. Aim and Objective: To study hemodynamic effects and immediate outcome of prophylactic infusion of levosimendan in patients with the LV dysfunction undergoing OPCAB surgery and whether this strategy helps in successful conduct of OPCAB surgery. Materials and Methods: After Institutional Ethics Committee approval, 60 patients posted for elective OPCAB surgery were randomly divided into two groups (n = 30 each). Patients with the LV ejection fraction <30% were included. Study group was started on injection levosimendan (@ 0.1 μg/kg/min) in the previous night before surgery and continued for 24 h including intraoperative period. Hemodynamic monitoring included heart rate, invasive blood pressure, cardiac index (CI), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), pulse oximetry, and arterial blood gases with serum lactates at as T0 (baseline), T1 (15 min after obtuse marginal and/or PDA anastomoses), T2 (at end of surgery), T3 (6 h after surgery in Intensive Care Unit [ICU]), T4 (12 h after surgery), and T5 (24 h after surgery in ICU). Vasopressor was added to maintain mean arterial pressure >60 mmHg. Chi-square/Fisher's exact/Mid P exact test and Student's t-tests were applied for categorical and continuous data. Results: CI was greater and PCWP reduced significantly in Group L during intraoperative and early postoperative period. Serum lactate concentration was lower in patients pretreated with levosimendan. Incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) (36.6 vs. 6.6%; P = 0.01), low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) (30% vs. 6%; P = 0.02), and acute kidney injury (23.3% vs. 6.7%; P = 0.04) was less in Group L. Three patients (10%) in control group required conversion to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) as compared to none in the study group. There was no difference regarding ICU or hospital stay and mortality in both groups. Conclusion: Preoperative levosimendan helps in successful conduct of OPCAB and reduces the incidence of LCOS, POAF, conversion to CPB, and requirement of intra-aortic balloon pump.

Introduction: Ultrafast tracking of anesthesia (UFTA) is practiced routinely, whereas immediate on-table extubation after off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) grafting surgery has many concerns. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of immediate extubation (IE) versus UFTA. Methods: Sixty patients were enrolled who underwent OPCAB surgery. The two groups IE and UFTA had thirty patients each. Inclusion criteria were patients for OPCAB surgery including left main stenosis. Exclusion criteria were patients with Ejection Fraction(EF) <30%, with unstable hemodynamics, on intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), with renal dysfunction, with associated valvular heart diseases, on inotropes, on temporary pacemaker, with intraoperative conversion to on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), who are chronic smokers, and with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Statistical analysis was done with Minitab 15 software. Descriptive statistics were summarized as mean, standard deviation, and percentage. Student's t-test was used to determine the significance of normally distributed parametric values. Z-test was used for proportion. Statistical significance was accepted at P < 0.05. Results: OT extubation was found to be safe as no patient had reintubation or respiratory insufficiency. None of the patients in either group had postoperative myocardial infarction, stroke, low cardiac output, mediastinitis, and renal failure. Hypothermia, blood transfusion, atrial fibrillation, and re-exploration did not occur. Intensive Care Unit length of stay was similar in the two groups. Discharge day is statistically significant (P = 0.001), with 5.66 days in the IE group and 6.36 days in the UFTA group. Time spent in the operating room at the end of surgery is statistically significant, with 14.03 min in UFTA group and 33.9 min in IE group. Conclusion: IE appears to be safe and effective in OPCAB patients without any major complications. It can be achieved after fulfilling traditional extubation criteria but is confined to highly selective group of patients.

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of two different regimens of milrinone on hemodynamics and oxygen saturation in pediatric patients undergoing Fontan procedure. Design: This was a randomized study. Setting: Cardiac centers. Patients: This study included 116 patients undergoing Fontan procedure. Material and Methods: Group E: Milrinone was started as infusion 0.5 μg/kg/min without a loading dose at the beginning of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) followed by infusion 0.5–0.75 μg/kg/min in the pediatric cardiac surgical intensive care unit (PSICU). Group L: Milrinone was started as a loading dose 50 μg/kg over 10 min before weaning from CPB followed by infusion 0.5–0.75 μg/kg/min in the PSICU. Measurements: Heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, transpulmonary pressure, cardiac index, pharmacological support, lactate level, urine output, oxygen saturation, ICU, and hospital length of stay. Main Results: There were no changes in the heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure (P > 0.05). The increase in the postoperative central venous pressure, transpulmonary pressure and lactate level was lower in Group E than Group L (P < 0.05). The increase in the postoperative cardiac index, oxygen saturation, and urine output was higher in Group E than Group L (P < 0.05). The requirement for pharmacological support was lower in the Group E (P < 0.05). The ICU and hospital length of stay were shorter in the Group E than Group L (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Early use of milrinone during Fontan procedure facilitated the weaning from CPB, decreased the elevation in the central venous pressure, transpulmonary gradient pressure, and the requirement for pharmacological support. Furthermore, it increased the cardiac index and arterial oxygen saturation.

Background: Moderate sedation is required for out-patient transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Our objective was to compare the effect of Ketofol and dexmedetomidine for outpatient procedural sedation in diagnostic TEE with a hypothesis that Ketofol would be as effective as dexmedetomidine. Patients and Methods: Fifty adult patients of age group 18-60 years with atrial septal defect, rheumatic valvular heart disease undergoing diagnostic TEE in the outpatient echocardiography laboratory were randomized into two groups, group D and group KF. GROUP D: Dexmedetomidine infusion -200 μg in 20 ml normal saline. GROUP KF: Ketofol infusion: (ketamine: propofol, 1mg: 3 mg in 20 ml syringe). Loading dose of drug at 1ml/kg/hour IV till Ramsay sedation score (RSS) ≥ 3 achieved followed by maintenance infusion at 0.05 ml/kg/hour till end of procedure. Results: The primary outcome - time to achieve Ramsay sedation score ≥ 3 was significantly lesser with Ketofol as compared to Dexmedetomidine 260[69] seconds vs 460 [137], (p value<0.05).Conclusion: In out-patient setting, ketofol is favourable over dexmedetomidine for sedation regimen for diagnostic TEE as lesser time is taken to achieve optimal sedation with lesser hemodynamic perturbations, post procedure complications and better cardiologist satisfaction.

Introduction: Peri-operative monitoring of coagulation is important to diagnose potential cause of hemorrhage, to manage coagulopathy and guide treatment with blood products in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. This study was done to evaluate usefulness of Thromboelastography (TEG) and routine coagulation tests (RCT) in assessing hemostatic changes and predicting postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: Fifty adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled in this prospective study. Preoperative and post-operative samples were collected for routine coagulation tests and TEG. Regression analysis and test of significance using Pearson's correlation coefficient was performed to assess correlation between routine coagulation tests and corresponding TEG parameters .Regression analysis was done to study relation between blood loss at 24 hours and various coagulation parameters. Results: The Routine coagulation test i.e. PT, INR, APTT showed no significant correlation with corresponding TEG parameters in pre-operative samples. However platelet count significantly correlated (p = 0.004) with MA values in postoperative samples. A significant correlation (p = 0.001) was seen between fibrinogen levels and alpha angles as well as with MA in both baseline preoperative and postoperative samples. TEG parameters R time and MA in postoperative samples were the only parameters that predicted bleeders with fair accuracy. Conclusion: Though the techniques of RCT and TEG are different, a few RCT e.g. platelet count and fibrinogen correlated with corresponding TEG parameters i.e. MA and Alpha angle. TEG parameters (R time and MA in postoperative samples) were able to predict blood loss better than RCT.

Context: Cardiac tamponade (CT) following cardiac surgery is a potentially fatal complication and the cause of surgical reintervention in 0.1%–6% of cases. There are two types of CT: acute, occurring within the first 48 h postoperatively, and subacute or delayed, which occurs more than 48 h postoperatively. The latter does not show specific clinical signs, which makes it more difficult to diagnose. The factors associated with acute CT (aCT) are related to coagulopathy or surgical bleeding, while the variables associated with subacute tamponade have not been well defined. Aims: The primary objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with the development of subacute CT (sCT). Settings and Design: This report describes a case (n = 80) and control (n = 160) study nested in a historic cohort made up of adult patients who underwent any type of urgent or elective cardiac surgery in a tertiary cardiovascular hospital. Methods: The occurrence of sCT was defined as the presence of a compatible clinical picture, pericardial effusion and confirmation of cardiac tamponade during the required emergency intervention at any point between 48 hours and 30 days after surgery. All factors potentially related to the development of sCT were taken into account. Statistical Analysis Used: For the adjusted analysis, a logistical regression was constructed with 55 variables, including pre-, intra-, and post-operative data. Results: The mortality of patients with sCT was 11% versus 0% in the controls. Five variables were identified as independently and significantly associated with the outcome: pre- or post-operative anticoagulation, reintervention in the first 48 h, surgery other than coronary artery bypass graft, and red blood cell transfusion. Conclusions: Our study identified five variables associated with sCT and established that this complication has a high mortality rate. These findings may allow the implementation of standardized follow-up measures for patients identified as higher risk, leading to either early detection or prevention.

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients requiring coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is noticeably high (20%–30%). These patients have inferior perioperative outcome, reduced long-term survival, and high risk of recurrent episodes of angina. To improve perioperative outcome surgical unit defined satisfactory glycemic control is desired during this period. Hence, the aim of our study is to compare the efficacy of glargine insulin combination with continuous human insulin infusion for perioperative glycemic control in patients with diabetes undergoing CABG. Materials and Methods: Fifty Patients, who were posted for off-pump CABG with diabetes mellitus type II, were randomized in two group, Group I normal saline + human insulin infusion during the perioperative period, Group II (glargine group): Glargine + human insulin infusion during perioperative period. Results: During surgery and in the postoperative period, random blood sugar and human insulin requirement are significantly higher in control group than glargine group. Other infection, step-up antibiotics, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and hospital stay were significantly higher in control groups in postoperative period. Conclusion: Our study results suggest that glargine effectively manages blood glucose level with significantly greater control over postoperative morbidity.

Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between maximum clot firmness (MCF) in rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM^®) and postoperative bleeding in patients on clopidogrel after emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Methods: This observational study recruited 60 patients posted for emergency CABG following unsuccessful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) while on 600 mg of clopidogrel. The study population was divided into 2 groups on the basis of their MCF in the extrinsically activated thromboelastometric (EXTEM) component of the (preoperative) ROTEM^® test: patients with MCF <50 mm (n = 16) and those with MCF ≥50 mm (n = 44). Postoperative chest tube drainage amount, need for blood product transfusion, postoperative complications, and duration of mechanical ventilation after CABG were recorded. Results: No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding duration of surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass, and aortic cross-clamp time. Chest tube drainage at 6, 12, and 24 h after Intensive Care Unit admission were significantly higher in the patients with MCF below 50 mm. The need for blood product transfusion was higher in the group with MCF <50 mm. In patients who experienced postoperative bleeding of 1000 mL or more, the ROTEM^® parameters of INTEM (Intrinsically activated thromboelastomery) α and MCF, EXTEM α and MCF, and HEPTEM (INTEM assay performed in the presence of heparinase) MCF (but not FIBTEM (Thromboelastometric assay for the fibrin part of the clot) values) were significantly lower than those with postoperative bleeding <1000 mL (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: When platelet aggregometry is not available, the ROTEM^® test could be useful for the prediction of increased risk bleeding after emergency CABG in patients who have received a loading dose of clopidogrel.

Objectives: To report the epidemiological profile of the patients who underwent extracorporeal life support (ECLS) and then analyze the indications and outcomes of this procedure. Methods: It consisted of a retrospective and descriptive study based on the database from the department of cardiovascular surgery. Setting: University hospital clinic. Patients: One hundred and sixty-one patients have participated in the study. Included were all patients who presented with left-sided heart or biventricular failure. Those who were suffering from either isolate respiratory failure or isolate right ventricle failure were excluded. Interventions: Participants underwent ECLS: central ECLS or peripheral ECLS. Results: The mean age of the patients was 54 years; there were 73% of male patients and the mean duration of ECLS was 5.3 days. There were two types of ECLS: central (71%) and peripheral (29%). Indications for support were dominated by cardiogenic shock in 69%. Bleeding was the most frequent complication (23.5%). The overall in-hospital mortality of patients who underwent ECLS was 60%. Conclusion: The number of ECLS performed increases in proportion to mastery of surgical technique. There is a high rate of mortality and morbidity with ECLS. However, it remains a lifesaving therapy for many clinically urgent situations.

Pregnant women with stenotic degeneration of bioprosthetic cardiac valves may require another valve replacement procedure when their symptoms deteriorate with progression of pregnancy, but fetal mortality is higher with cardiac surgery done on cardiopulmonary bypass. Transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation may help to improve the fetal and maternal outcomes in these situations. Double valve-in-valve implantation is rare and has not been reported in a pregnant patient. We report, for the first time, the case of a pregnant woman with stenotic bioprosthetic valves in the mitral and aortic positions, who underwent a successful concomitant, transcatheter, double valve-in-valve implantation through the left ventricular apical route during the second trimester of her precious pregnancy.

Infective endocarditis (IE) during pregnancy and subsequent cardiac surgery are rare and associated with a high risk of mortality for the mother and fetus. It is difficult to determine the right time for cardiac intervention when IE is diagnosed early in pregnancy. A 33-year-old previously healthy woman in the 11^th week of pregnancy was diagnosed with IE and underwent surgical intervention. The cardiopulmonary bypass settings and the anesthetic drugs were carefully chosen. Although she was in good health, while being discharged, the fetus did not survive. Anesthesiologists prioritizing the mother's survival should aim to improve fetal outcomes in such cases.

Inverted left atrial appendage (LAA) is a rare complication in cardiac surgery. The echocardiographic appearance often leads to misdiagnosis of thrombus or some other cardiac mass. Patients misdiagnosed in this way often undergo unnecessary anticoagulation or surgical treatment. Recently, minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) has become more widespread. However, as the incision for MIMVS through the right thoracotomy is very small, the inverted LAA is not within the surgical field of the cardiac surgeon. We present a case of inverted LAA during MIMVS and provide images from transesophageal echocardiography.

Asymmetrical septal occluder device (ASOD) has made percutaneous closure of ventricular septal defect an easy and effective management option. Although there are reports of aortic and tricuspid valvular regurgitation after deployment of ASOD, only few cases of tricuspid stenosis (TS) has been reported so far in the literature. We report a case of malaligned ASOD that occurred after successful device closure resulting in TS along with mild tricuspid and aortic regurgitation requiring surgical retrieval. Transesophageal echocardiography played crucial role in detecting the cause of tricuspid valve dysfunction besides providing continuous monitoring during the procedure. We intend to emphasize the need of echocardiographic evaluation of the tricuspid valvular apparatus and aortic valve during and after the device deployment even after the successful device closure to prevent this rare complication.

Management of a patient with a giant bulla coming for a nonthoracic surgery is rare, and its anesthetic management is very challenging. It is imperative to isolate only the subsegmental bronchus, in which the bulla communicates to avoid respiratory morbidities such as pneumothorax, emphysema or atelectasis of the surrounding lung parenchyma, and postoperative respiratory failure. Herewith, we want to report the anesthetic challenges of a patient with giant bulla communicating into one of the subsegmental right upper lobe bronchus for splenectomy.

This report describes a patient with severe mitral stenosis who underwent mitral valve replacement. After completion of cardiopulmonary bypass, an unexpected finding of a right atrial mass was noticed on transesophageal echocardiography. The actual finding, possible differential diagnosis, and the management strategy are discussed.

Absent superior vena cava (SVC) is an asymptomatic congenital systemic venous anomaly which is rarely detected and compatible with normal life. Undiagnosed absent SVC may cause problems during cardiac catheterization or cardiac surgery. We present our surgical experience in a patient with tetralogy of Fallot who had undiagnosed absent SVC.

A 74-year-old female underwent an uneventful bilateral thoracoscopic maze procedure for persistent atrial fibrillation with continuous transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) guidance. She presented six weeks later with persistent fever and focal neurological signs. Computed tomography of the thorax revealed air in the posterior LA, raising suspicion for an abscess versus an atrioesophageal fistula (AEF). Before undergoing an exploratory median sternotomy, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed by the surgeon to check for any esophageal pathology. This however, resulted in sudden hemodynamic compromise that required intensive treatment with vasopressors and inotropes. In this case-report, we review the various intraoperative risk factors associated with the development of AEF during cardiac ablation procedures as well as the potential hazards of esophageal instrumentation with TEE, naso- or oro- gastric devices, and/or an EGD when an AEF is suspected.

Persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) with absent right SVC (RSVC) is a rare congenital anomaly. If undetected, the condition may pose difficulties in central venous catheter insertion, pacemaker electrode insertion, and cannulation during cardiopulmonary bypass. We describe a case of persistent LSVC with absent RSVC, who was diagnosed to have bicuspid aortic valve with aortic stenosis.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare syndrome in which phospholipoproteinaceous matter accumulates in the alveoli leading to compromised gas exchange. Whole-lung lavage is considered the gold standard for severe autoimmune PAP and offers favorable long-term outcomes. In this case report, we describe the perioperative management and procedural specifics of a patient undergoing WLL for PAP in which an anesthesiologist serves as the proceduralist and a separate anesthesiologist provides anesthesia care for the patient.

We are presenting a very interesting X-ray image of the calcific aortic valve in a septuagenarian male patient who underwent successful aortic valve replacement.