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Biomedical subjects

F Dapper

Publications and source records attributed to F Dapper.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

The effects of preoperative aspirin therapy on platelet function in cardiac surgery.

Extracorporeal circulation is known to have profound effects upon platelets. Changes in platelet function were assessed in 20 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) who stopped taking aspirin (100 mg per day) 5-7 days before the operation compared with 20 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) who had never taken anticoagulants or aspirin. Platelet aggregometry was carried out using the turbidimetric technique (inducing agents: adenosine diphosphate (ADP) 1.0 and 2.0 mumol/l; collagen 4 micrograms/ml; epinephrine 25 mumol/l), and maximum aggregation as well as the maximum gradient of aggregation were monitored before, during, and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) until the 1st postoperative (p.o.) day. Until the 1st p.o. day blood loss was significantly higher in the CABG (890 +/- 160 ml) than in the AVR patients (420 +/- 120 ml). A total of 8 units of packed red cells (PRC) were given in the CABG group, whereas no homologous blood was necessary in the AVR patients (P < 0.05). The aggregation variables of the CABG patients were lower than in the AVR patients as early as after the induction of anesthesia (difference in maximum aggregation ranged from 13-29%). During CPB and immediately thereafter, all aggregation variables were significantly reduced in the CABG patients (reduction in maximum aggregation ranged from -32 to -49%) and were significantly different from the platelet aggregation in the AVR patients. Five hours after CPB and on the 1st p.o. day platelet aggregation in the CABG group almost returned to baseline values, however, without reaching the values of the AVR patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Effects of pulsatile and nonpulsatile perfusion mode during extracorporeal circulation--a comparative clinical study.

In a prospective randomized study with 80 male patients scheduled for aorto-coronary bypass grafting we investigated the influence of pulsatile and nonpulsatile perfusion mode on cell count (leukocytes, platelets, hematocrit), concentrations of thromboxane (TXB2), 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha), plasma hemoglobin, PMN-elastase, complement C3a, clotting factor XII, lactate, plasmatic inhibitors (C1-INH, AT-III, alpha 2-antiplasmin), arterio-venous oxygen difference (AVDO2) and hemodynamic parameters. Changes in hematocrit were similar in both groups, whereas plasma hemoglobin concentration was significantly higher with pulsatile perfusion. Platelet count paralleled changes in hematocrit and was not influenced by the perfusion mode. Leukocyte count as well as concentrations of PMN-elastase and C3a showed a strong increase during cardiopulmonary bypass, but there were no significant differences between the two groups. Similar changes of the concentrations of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha were noted irrespective of the perfusion mode applied. The observed alterations in the concentrations of clotting factor XII, alpha 2-antiplasmin, AT-III and C1-INH largely paralleled hematocrit changes in either flow mode. Significant differences between the two groups were found with lactate: with nonpulsatile perfusion there was a slight but continuous increase, while with pulsatile flow lactate levels remained unchanged. There was no evidence for a better oxygen uptake (AVDO2) with pulsatile perfusion. Pulsatile perfusion seems to be advantageous to tissue perfusion, however, at the cost of a higher rate of hemolysis. We cannot confirm further salutary effects of the pulsatile perfusion mode with the 1-pump-system on cellular and humoral blood constituents.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

The role of enoximone in cardiac surgery.

After cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), some patients may require circulatory support. This study examined the role of the phosphodiesterase-III inhibitor, enoximone, in cardiac surgery. Eighty patients selected by chance were allocated randomly to two groups: 40 patients received enoximone 1.0 mg kg-1 approximately 10 min before weaning from CPB and 40 served as a control group. Additional pharmacological therapy (adrenaline, noradrenaline, nitroglycerin) was given, when necessary, by anaesthetists who were not involved in the study. In addition to standard monitoring, skin capillary blood flow was assessed using a laser Doppler technique before, during and after CPB until 2 h after the end of the operation. In the period after bypass, cardiac index was always significantly greater in the enoximone than in the control group. Systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance were less in the enoximone-treated patients, indicating a reduction in right and left ventricular wall stress. Oxygen consumption in the enoximone patients was significantly greater after CPB, whereas intrapulmonary shunting was comparable in the two groups. In comparison with baseline values, skin capillary blood flow in the enoximone patients was always greater than that in the control group. In comparison with the control patients, significantly fewer enoximone patients needed adrenaline, and in a smaller dose, even 2 h after operation, whereas more enoximone patients required noradrenaline therapy for a short period. We conclude that the use of enoximone before weaning from CPB improved overall cardiac function, reduced the need of catecholaminergic inotropic support, and provided increased organ perfusion up to 2 h after operation.

Adult↗

Endothelin plasma levels in old and young patients during open heart surgery: correlations to cardiopulmonary and endocrinology parameters.

We compared endothelin (ET) plasma levels during and after aortocoronary bypass (CPB) grafting in old and young patients. Correlations to cardiopulmonary parameters and catecholamines were tested. The study included 22 patients (11 aged greater than 70 years and 11 aged less than 55 years). Measurements were performed after induction of anesthesia (baseline), before bypass, during bypass, after patients were weaned off bypass, at the end of operation, and after 4-h intensive care (IC) treatment. ET [radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique] and catecholamines [high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique] plasma levels were determined from arterial blood samples; hemodynamics (pulmonary artery catheter), oxygen data, and laser Doppler flow were also monitored. Baseline ET plasma levels were within normal range (young, 3.1 +/- 0.9 pg/ml, old, 4.5 +/- 1.4 pg/ml). Old patients had higher values during the entire investigation period. During CPB ET plasma levels increased to a maximum immediately after patients were weaned off bypass. A significant increase (twofold to baseline) was noted during IC therapy. ET plasma levels did not correlate to catecholamine plasma levels or to hemodynamic or laser Doppler flow parameters. A significant correlation existed between ET plasma levels and oxygen consumption. Monitoring ET plasma levels appears to be of minor value in predicting circulatory changes and assessing surgical stress. Further investigations must elucidate the increase in oxygen consumption and its correlation to ET plasma level.

Aged↗

[Cardiorespiratory and microcirculatory effects following volume replacement using a new hydroxyethyl starch preparation].

Volume therapy is often necessary in cardiac surgery to maintain stable haemodynamics. Various different hydroxyethyl starch (HAES) solutions with different concentrations, mean molecular weights, and degrees of substitution are available for this purpose. In determining the ideal type of volume therapy, not only changes in macrohaemodynamics, but also the influence on microcirculatory blood flow have to be taken into account. The efficacy of a new 10% HAES 130/0.5 solution was studied in cardiac surgery patients in comparison to a standard 10% HAES 200/0.5 preparation. METHODS. In patients scheduled for elective aortocoronary bypass grafting who had a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) of less than 4 mm Hg after induction of anaesthesia, either a new 10% HAES 130/0.5 (n = 15) or a standard 10% HAES 200/0.5 solution (n = 15) was infused to double the reduced PCWP; 15 patients without volume therapy served as controls (n = 15). A two-channel laser Doppler skin blood-flux monitor was used to evaluate microcirculatory alterations. Measurements of laser Doppler flux (LDF) was simultaneously performed at the patient's forehead and forearm before and after volume infusion as well as during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In addition, changes in gross haemodynamics were documented using a pulmonary artery catheter. Plasma viscosity and various laboratory parameters, including calculation of intrapulmonary right-to-left shunting (Qs/Qt), were also measured. RESULTS. Cardiac index (CI) increased in both volume groups (HAES 130: max. +38%; HAES 200: +55%). The increases in PCWP and CI were maintained at 40 min after volume infusion only in the HAES 200 patients. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) decreased most markedly after infusion of HAES 200 (-34%; HAES 130: -18%). No further differences in gross haemodynamics could be seen after CPB. Plasma viscosity and colloid osmotic pressure increased in both HAES groups without significant differences. During the entire investigation period, pulmonary gas exchange (paO2) and Qs/Qt did not differ between the groups. Infusion of both HAES solutions resulted in an increase in LDF that was most pronounced after infusion of HAES 200 (forehead LDF: +81%; HAES 130: +18%) and was evident in the post-bypass period only in these patients (LDF: HAES 200: +82%; HAES 130: -20%; control: -43%). No correlation between LDF values and the other haemodynamic and laboratory parameters could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION. The improvement in macrohaemodynamics was of shorter duration after infusion of the new HAES 130 solution than after standard HAES 200. Volume replacement with HAES 200 resulted in an increase in microcirculatory blood flow that was more pronounced and of longer duration than in the HAES 130 patients. Thus, HAES 130 seems to be less effective than HAES 200 for volume replacement; HAES 200 should be preferred in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Cardiac Surgical Procedures↗

Heparin management during cardiac surgery with respect to various blood-conservation techniques.

BACKGROUND: Various methods to reduce blood consumption are used in cardiac surgery. This study was designed to investigate the influence of various blood-conservation techniques on heparin plasma levels and coagulation variables in the perioperative period. METHODS: Anticoagulation was achieved by application of 300 units/kg bovine heparin before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Ninety patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery were randomly divided into six groups according to different blood-conservation methods: group 1, blood during and after CPB was concentrated by a cell saver (CS); group 2, blood was concentrated by means of a hemofiltration device (HF); group 3, acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) was performed in combination with the CS technique (ANH-CS); group 4, ANH was carried out in combination with an HF during CPB (ANH-HF); group 5, acute plasmapheresis (APP) was performed and a CS was used during CPB (APP-CS); and group 6, APP was used in combination with an HF device (APP-HF). RESULTS: Heparin plasma concentration during CPB did not differ significantly among the six groups, ranging from 1.60 to 2.03 units/ml. Antagonization with protamine sulfate after termination of bypass in a 1:1 ratio decreased heparin concentration almost to baseline values. Fibrinogen concentration and antithrombin-III level were lowest in the CS group but were not decreased critically during the entire investigation period. Activated clotting time differed widely among the patients (range 383 to 807 seconds) and showed no significant correlation to heparin plasma levels. Partial thromboplastin time was higher than 300 seconds during the entire period of CPB, also indicating sufficient anticoagulation. Blood loss until day 1 after surgery was significantly most pronounced in the CS group and least in the APP-HF group. CONCLUSIONS: The blood conservation techniques used in this study were safe with regard to sufficient anticoagulation during CPB. No insufficient antagonization with protamine could be observed in the postbypass period.

Antithrombin III↗

RETRACTED: Six different hemofiltration devices for blood conservation in cardiac surgery.

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor. Reason: By comparing the results of this article with results reported by Berend Fedderson (Hämofiltration als blutsparendes Verfahren in der Herzchirurgie: sechs verschiedene Hämofilter im Vergleich; Niebüll, Germany; http://d-nb.info/930239350), it has been determined that experimental outcomes have been altered. Thus, the research published in this article was misrepresented to The Annals of Thoracic Surgery and the article should be retracted from the scientific record.

Aged↗

Cardiorespiratory responses to hypertonic saline solution in cardiac operations.

Infusion of small volumes of hypertonic saline solution (HS) seems to be of benefit in patients with impaired perfusion. The cardiorespiratory response to a 7.2% NaCl solution prepared in hydroxyethylstarch (HES) solution was investigated prospectively in patients undergoing prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (HS-HES group; n = 15); 6% HES 200/0.5 solution was infused in a control group (HES group; n = 15). Volume was given preoperatively to double low pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (less than 4 mm Hg) within 20 minutes. Hemodynamics, oxygen transport variables, and pulmonary gas exchange were studied before and after infusion as well as before and after CPB. Significantly less HS-HES solution (3.06 +/- 0.2 mL/kg) than 6% HES 200/0.5 solution (10.3 +/- 0.9 mL/kg) was necessary to double baseline pulmonary artery occlusion pressure. Fluid balance during CPB was negative in the HS-HES patients (-0.05 mL/kg.min CPB) and was lowest in this group even 5 hours after CPB. Mean arterial pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, and heart rate were without differences between the groups. Changes in cardiac index (+40%) and total systemic resistance (-25%) were significantly most pronounced in the HS-HES patients, continuing even until the end of operation. Pulmonary gas exchange (arterial oxygen tension, intrapulmonary right-to-left shunting) was least compromised in these patients, particularly after bypass. Oxygen consumption was without difference between the groups; oxygen delivery increased significantly more in the HS-HES patients due to the larger increase in cardiac output.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cardiopulmonary Bypass↗

Pediatric heart transplantation for congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathy.

Orthotopic heart transplantation has become an accepted therapy for adult patients with end-stage heart disease. In newborns and infants, this procedure is still controversial because of the unknown long-term results and the lack of donor organs. Since March 1988, we have performed orthotopic heart transplantation in 11 infants and children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (n = 6), cardiomyopathy (n = 4), or congenital endocardial fibroelastosis (n = 1). The smallest infant was 3 days old and weighed 2,650 g. Four of 15 potential donors had to be refused for various medical reasons, and 4 were transferred to our hospital for organ retrieval. Seven hearts were procured remotely. We accepted weight mismatches up to 105% between donor and recipient. There were three perioperative deaths, two in patients 5 and 17 days old with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and 1 in a 2-year-old patient with a dilated cardiomyopathy. All 3 patients had drug-resistant right heart failure. A 2-year-old girl with a dilated cardiomyopathy died 2 months after transplantation owing to severe pulmonary embolism originating from the superior vena cava. The remaining 7 patients are alive and well between 1 month and 31 months after transplantation. Angiographic follow-up has not revealed signs of graft atherosclerosis at 2 years.

Cardiomyopathy, Dilated↗

Does the technique of cardiopulmonary bypass affect lung water content?

Several efforts have been made to improve the technique of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), including the use of pulsatile flow and the modification of cannulation technique. The present study focused upon extravascular lung water (EVLW) in 60 aortocoronary bypass patients subjected to four different perfusion techniques during CPB: group 1 (n = 15): non-pulsatile flow and standard cannulation; group 2 (n = 15); pulsatile flow and standard cannulation; group 3 (n = 15): nonpulsatile flow and monoatrial cannulation (i.e., always "partial" bypass during CPB); group 4 (n = 15): pulsatile flow and monoatrial cannulation. EVLW content was measured using the double-indicator dilution technique with indocyanine green; in addition, various hemodynamic and laboratory variables were measured. Lung water content rose above normal values (mean: 5.79 +/- 0.33 ml/kg) only in the groups submitted to the standard cannulation technique, irrespective of whether the perfusion flow was pulsatile or not (group 1: + 27.4%; group 2: + 25.5%). Pulmonary gas exchange, too, was compromised only in these patients (PaO2 in group 1 -19% and in group 2 -17%; Qs/Qt in group 1 + 36 rel. % and in group 2 + 29 rel. %), whereas all patients with monoatrial cannulation and partial bypass throughout the CPB period showed no rise in EVLW content or Qs/Qt and no drop in PaO2. From the results of this study we conclude that pulsatile perfusion during open heart surgical procedure has no advantages in regard to lung water content. Monoatrial cannulation with partial bypass at all times during CPB, however, seems to be beneficial, probably owing to the maintenance of pulmonary circulation during the bypass period.

Aged↗

RETRACTED: Does the preparation of heparin influence anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass?

Various preparations of heparin from different manufacturers are commercially available. The influence of bovine lung heparin (BLH) and porcine mucosal heparin (PMH) on anticoagulation and heparin plasma concentration was investigated in four groups of 10 patients undergoing elective aortocoronary bypass grafting either after single dose or repetitive dose (after 60 minutes) of one of these heparin preparations. Heparin plasma concentration increased significantly after injection of heparin (BLH: minimum, 1.67 U/mL; maximum, 2.10 U/mL; PMH: minimum, 1.69 U/mL; maximum, 2.15 U/mL). Sixty minutes after the initial dose, heparin plasma levels were higher in the patients who received PMH. Supplemental heparin doses 60 minutes after the loading dose increased plasma heparin concentration only with porcine mucosal heparin. Elimination of heparin in the urine was not different among the groups. Fibrinogen and antithrombin III concentrations, as well as activated clotting time (ACT; always greater than 400 seconds) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT; always greater than 300 seconds), did not differ among the groups, indicating effective anticoagulation during the bypass period with both types of heparin. It can be concluded that sufficient anticoagulation can be achieved with either kind of heparin. PMH seems to be longer acting and a repeat dose in these patients seems to be necessary only if cardiopulmonary bypass lasts longer than 90 minutes.

Aged↗

Factors determining ventricular fibrillation after induced cardiac arrest.

Ventricular fibrillation following release of the aortic cross clamp is not uncommon. In 38 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement we investigated if this disturbance of rhythm is due to perioperative myocardial ischemia or due to deterioration of myocardial function prior to surgery. In all cases hypothermic cardioplegic arrest (Bretschneider) was used. The mean duration of ischemia was 49.39 +/- 10.46 minutes. After release of the aortic cross clamp in 17 of 38 patients ventricular fibrillation occurred. To find out which factors are responsible for the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation we performed a statistical analysis. Thereby we found out that the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation did not correlate with ischemia, the maximal level of myocardium-bound creatine kinase, the NYHA stage, or the left ventricular end diastolic pressure. The left-ventricular concentration of noradrenaline determined just before release of the aortic cross clamp showed a significant negative correlation with the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation. From our results we conclude that ischemic injury was not the determining factor for the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation in our study. We suggest that the significant correlation with reduced myocardial noradrenaline content demonstrates that myocardial deterioration prior to surgery is the determining factor for the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation.

Analysis of Variance↗

Influence of hypertonic volume replacement on the microcirculation in cardiac surgery.

We have studied the effects of two types of volume replacement on the microcirculation in an open, controlled study in 45 patients undergoing aorto-coronary bypass grafting whose pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) was less than 5 mm Hg. Hypertonic saline prepared in hydroxyethylstarch solution (HS-HES, n = 15) and 6% HES 200/0.5 solution (6% HES; n = 15) were infused randomly before operation in order to double the PCWP. Patients not given an infusion served as controls (n = 15). Skin microcirculatory blood flow was investigated by laser Doppler flow (LDF) measured simultaneously at the forearm and forehead before and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Less HS-HES (3.8 (SD 0.3) ml kg-1) than 6% HES-solution (9.7 (1.5) ml kg-1) was necessary to double baseline PCWP. There were no differences in heart rate and mean arterial pressure (MAP) between the groups. Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in both volume groups (HS-HES max. +54%; 6% HES max. +30%). Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) decreased after infusion of HS-HES (-30%) and after 6% HES(-19%) and remained almost unchanged in the control group. Plasma viscosity decreased after infusion of HS-HES and increased slightly in control patients (+4%). In comparison with the 6% HES and particularly with the control group, LDF was significantly greater after infusion of HS-HES (forearm +80%; forehead +28%). LDF during CPB and thereafter was always greater than baseline values in the HS-HES group, whereas after bypass LDF was reduced in the 6% HES (-5%) and particularly in the control patients (-30%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

The role of pericardiectomy in pericardial disorders.

Pericardiectomy today is an accepted therapeutic concept in patients with different pericardial disorders. The postoperative outcome of patients is mainly influenced by two factors. First, diagnosis has to be established early to avoid myocardial deterioration and secondary organ failure, especially of liver and kidneys. Second, the whole accessible surface of atria and ventricles has to be freed from diseased and calcified pericardium. To achieve this, we prefer a total median sternotomy for the surgical approach. In selected cases of acute pericardial effusion or as a palliative procedure, a small infrasternal incision or anterolateral thoracotomy is used for pericardiocentesis and creation of a pericardio-pulmonary window. Between January 1969 and March 1990 we treated 187 patients with different pericardial disorders. Mortality was 4.8% overall, and was especially low (2.8%) among the 106 patients with acute and chronic pericardial effusion. Out of 67 patients with constrictive pericarditis, four died during hospital stay (5.9%). The prognosis is still poor for patients with primary or secondary malignant pericardial tumours, in whom surgery is mostly restricted to palliative resection, and a special group with constrictive and mostly calcified epicarditis, for whom no surgical option is available.

Cardiac Tamponade↗

Blood conservation techniques and platelet function in cardiac surgery.

Postoperative alterations in platelet function induced by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are of importance. The effect on platelet aggregation of three different techniques for reducing blood consumption was studied in 30 patients undergoing elective aortocoronary bypass grafting from the beginning of anesthesia until the 1st postoperative day. The patients were randomly divided into three groups, in which 1) a cell separator was used during and after CPB; 2) a hemofiltration device was used; and 3) high-dose aprotinin was used in order to reduce the need of homologous blood. A fourth group undergoing neurosurgery procedures served as a control. Platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (concentration 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, and 2.0 microM), collagen (4 microliters/ml), and epinephrine (25 microM) was determined by the turbidimetric method. Platelet aggregation was not significantly changed in the control group, indicating that the operation itself did not impair platelet function. At the end of the operation (after retransfusion of the salvaged pump blood), the maximum aggregation and maximum gradient of aggregation induced by all three inductors were most reduced (significantly) in the cell-separator patients. On the 1st postoperative day, platelet aggregation in the hemofiltration patients and the patients treated with aprotinin had normalized. Aggregation of patients pretreated with high-dose aprotinin was not different from that of the hemofiltration patients throughout the investigation. Blood loss was significantly highest in the cell-separator group (770 +/- 400 ml on the 1st postoperative day) but was not different between the hemofiltration (390 +/- 230 ml) and the aprotinin-treated patients (260 +/- 160 ml).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

RETRACTED: Acute preoperative plasmapheresis and established blood conservation techniques.

Plasmapheresis performed weeks before an operation producing autologous plasma has proved to be of benefit in elective operations. First experiences in acute plasmapheresis, which is performed immediately before the operation, have been reported recently. When acute plasmapheresis is used in cardiac operations, however, it must be viewed in connection with other techniques for reducing blood consumption such as the Cell Saver (CS) and ultrafiltration devices. In 60 patients undergoing elective aortocoronary bypass grafting, acute plasmapheresis was performed, producing either platelet-poor plasma or platelet-rich plasma, in combination with either the Cell Saver or hemofiltration. Fluid balance during cardiopulmonary bypass was significantly lower in the hemofiltration patients. Postoperatively, none of these patients received donor blood, whereas 4 patients of the Cell-Saver groups needed packed red blood cells. AT-III, fibrinogen, the number of platelets, albumin, total protein, and colloid osmotic pressure were less compromised when hemofiltration was used in combination with acute plasmapheresis in contrast to combination with the Cell-Saver technique. Plasma hemoglobin was without differences during the investigation period, and polymorphonuclear elastase was less increased when platelet-rich plasma was produced preoperatively. On the first postoperative day, most of the differences between the groups had already disappeared. We conclude that when acute plasmapheresis is used in cardiac operations, discarding of plasma by the Cell Saver should be avoided and ultrafiltration devices should replace centrifugation techniques for blood conservation.

Blood Coagulation Factors↗

Acute plasmapheresis during cardiac surgery: volume replacement by crystalloids versus colloids.

Acute plasmapheresis (APP) is an additional tool for blood conservation during cardiac surgery. In a randomized study of 60 aortocoronary bypass patients undergoing APP, the influence of replacement of the withdrawn autologous plasma (10 mL/kg) by either colloids (low molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch solution [6% HES 200/0.5]) or crystalloids (Ringer's solution) was investigated. APP was performed by means of a centrifugation technique producing platelet-poor plasma. During and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), either a cell saver (CS) or a hemofiltration (HF) device was also used for blood concentration. Almost three times as much crystalloid as HES solution was necessary for replacement of autologous plasma. Fluid balance during CPB was significantly more positive in the crystalloid patients, particularly when a CS was used. Blood loss was highest in the crystalloid patients in whom a CS was used in addition to APP, and these were the only patients who needed packed red cells. The platelet count, AT-III and fibrinogen plasma concentrations, colloid osmotic pressure, albumin, and total protein were significantly less compromised in the patients with colloid volume replacement. These parameters were closest to control values in patients receiving colloid replacement and HF. It is concluded that colloid is preferred for replacement of autologous plasma withdrawn by APP, and HF is superior to the CS when the combined technique for blood conservation is used.

Coronary Artery Bypass↗

Transcranial Doppler sonography and somatosensory evoked potential monitoring in carotid surgery.

Ninety-seven patients undergoing 103 carotid operations were studied intraoperatively using somatosensory evoked potentials after median nerve stimulation (SEP) and transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD). SEP were recorded from the scalp (C3'-Fz or C4'-Fz) and from the second cervical vertebra. The amplitude of the primary cortical response (N20P25) was measured peak-to-peak. Central conduction time (CCT) resulted from the difference between the first negative cortical (N20) and cervical (N14) response. TCD was performed using a pulsed 2-MHz-Doppler device to record the mean blood flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery (Vm-MCA) transtemporally. TCD and SEP variables were registered prior to and after carotid clamping, at short intervals during the clamping period, and after declamping. Critical SEP alterations (N20P25 less than 50% and/or CCT greater than 20% compared to the preceding values) were regarded as significant indicators of cerebral ischaemia, and selective intraluminal shunting was generally based on SEP criteria. The incidence of critical SEP changes was compared to Vm-MCA reductions greater than 60% using the Chi2-test. With SEP always recordable, additional TCD monitoring was possible in only 78 patients in our series for technical or anatomical reasons. Vm-MCA reductions greater than 60% were associated with critical SEP alterations in six cases. In five patients, Vm-MCA was reduced greater than 60% without relevant SEP changes, whereas one patient with critical SEP findings had only a minor Vm-MCA reduction (33%). In the remaining 66 cases, carotid clamping was tolerated without critical SEP changes associated with Vm-MCA reductions not exceeding 60%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blood Flow Velocity↗