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Background: Quantification of urinary tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IFGBP-7), which is commercially known as NephroCheck™(NC) test have been suggested as promising tools for the early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery involving cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB). Objectives: The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that single value of postoperative NC test performed at 4 hours after surgery can predict AKI in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) surgery. Setting and Design: This prospective single-center study was conducted at the tertiary cardiac center in India from December 2017 to November 2018. Methods: Ninety adult patients of both sex undergoing elective OPCABG were included. Anesthesia was standardized to all patients. Urine samples were collected preoperatively and at 4 hours after surgery for NC test. Urine output, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were also measured. AKI staging was based on kidney disease improving global outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. Statistical Analysis: To assess the predictability of NC test for the primary endpoint, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), was calculated. Results: Thirteen patients developed AKI in the study cohort (14.4%) out of which 7 patients (7.8%) developed stage 2/3 AKI and the remaining stage 1 AKI. Baseline renal parameters were similar between AKI and non-AKI group. The area under curve (AUC) of NC test at 4 hours after surgery was 0.60 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.42-0.77]. Postoperative NC test performed at 4 hours after surgery did not predict AKI in this study population (P = 0.24). There were no significant differences in duration of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care stay and hospital stay between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: NephroCheck™ test performed at 4 hours after surgery did not identify patients at risk for developing AKI following OPCABG surgery.

Massive pulmonary hemorrhage during pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) can be managed by a conservative approach with mechanical ventilatory support, positive end-expiratory pressure, lung isolation, reversal of heparin, and correct of coagulopathy. We present three challenging cases that developed intrapulmonary hemorrhage during/after PTE and managed successfully. The first patient had bleeding from the bronchial artery and right internal mammary collaterals, which was managed by coil-embolization. The second patient had a breach in the blood airway barrier in the right upper lobar segment of the lung, and the repair was done using a surgical absorbable hemostat. The third patient developed reperfusion injury, he was instituted on veno-venous extracorporeal membranous oxygenation, a week later, the patient recovered completely. An algorithm was adopted and modified to our requirements; all the 3 challenging intrapulmonary hemorrhage cases were successfully managed. This algorithm can be used for satisfactory outcomes in patients who suffer intrapulmonary hemorrhage during PTE.

Background: This study was undertaken to determine the effects of dexmedetomidine on pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) undergoing cardiac catheterization with and without a planned intervention during monitored anesthetic care using midazolam and ketamine. Materials and Methods: Children (

Improvement in patient outcomes has become a significant consideration with our limited resources in the surgical setting. The implementation of enhanced recovery pathway protocols has resulted in significant benefits to both the patients and hospitals, such as shorter length of hospital stays, reduction in the rate of complications, and fewer hospital readmissions. An emerging component and a key element for the success of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols has been the concept of goal-directed fluid therapy (GDT). GDT related to ERAS protocols attempts to minimize complications associated with fluid imbalance during surgery. We performed a literature search for articles that included the terms enhanced recovery and GDT. We evaluated methods for appropriate volume status assessment, such as heart rate, blood pressure, end-tidal CO2, central venous pressure, urine output, stroke volume, cardiac output, and their derivatives. Some invasive, minimally invasive, and non-invasive monitors of hemodynamic evaluation are now being used to assess volume status and predict fluid responsiveness and fluid need during various surgical procedures. Regardless of monitoring technique, it is important for the clinician to effectively plan and implement preoperative and intraoperative fluid goals. Excess crystalloid fluid should be avoided. In some low-risk patients undergoing low-risk surgery, a “zero-balance” approach is encouraged. For the majority of patients undergoing major surgery, GDT is recommended. Optimal perioperative fluid management is an important component of the ERAS pathways and it can reduce postoperative complications.

Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols are multimodal perioperative care pathways designed to achieve early recovery in patients after surgical procedures by defining and maintaining preoperative organ function and minimizing the profound stress response following surgery. Enhanced recovery protocols have primarily been studied for major abdominal surgeries, however, the knowledge acquired from studying these protocols has facilitated treating patients in ambulatory settings. The key components of enhanced recovery protocols include preoperative counseling, preoperative nutrition, altering the standard perioperative fasting guidelines, and the value of carbohydrate loading up to 2 hours preoperatively, standardized analgesic, and anesthetic regimens (epidural and nonopioid analgesia) and early mobilization. A PubMed search was performed with the following key words: multimodal analgesia, enhanced recovery, ambulatory care, pain management, and opioids. We discuss the use of enhanced recovery protocols and multimodal pain care plans in the ambulatory setting.

An enhanced recovery pathway is a structured perioperative healthcare program that incorporates evidence-based interventions including protocols and guidelines with the aim of providing standardized care. Enhanced recovery pathways can help maintain operating room safety and efficiency, improve postoperative recovery and a variety of important patient outcomes, and reduce overall costs of patient care following major surgery. Postoperative complications are minimized, which, in part, are attributed to adjustments in fasting and postoperative nutrition, interventions aimed at improving early mobilization, and careful selection of pharmacological agents for anesthesia and analgesia. Major surgery can lead to a variety of physiological stressors including organ dysfunction, and hormonal and neurological disturbances. The current notion of fast-tracking (bypassing phase I recovery level of care) differs from enhanced recovery pathways as the principles of enhanced recovery pathways are often applied to inpatient and complex procedures and span the entire spectrum of patient care. Also, enhanced recovery pathways programs are being used for pediatric patients especially with the hope of minimizing opioid exposure and the quality of recovery. A PubMed literature search was performed for articles that included the terms enhanced recovery pathways to improve surgical outcomes. In this article, we summarized the clinical application of enhanced recovery pathways and highlighted the key elements that characterize implementing an enhanced recovery pathway in surgery.

Background and Aims: Acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiac surgery is a major complication resulting in increased morbidity, mortality and economic burden. This study was designed to determine the benefit of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) supplementation in patients with stable chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OP-CABG). Material and Methods: We prospectively studied 60 non-dialysis CKD patients with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≤60 ml/min/1.73 m2 requiring elective OP-CABG. They were randomly allocatted to one of the two groups. One group received NaHCO3 infusion at 0.5 mmol/kg first hour followed by 0.2 mmol/kg/h till the end of surgery and the other group received 0.9% NaCl. A third group of 30 patients without renal dysfunction undergoing OP-CABG was included. The serum creatinine was estimated prior to surgery, immediately after surgery and on postoperative days 1, 2, 3 and 4. Results: Ten patients (33.3%) in NaCl and 6 (20%) patients each in NaHCO3 and normal groups developed Stage-1 AKI. None of our study patient required renal replacement therapy and no mortality was observed in any of the groups during the perioperative and hospitalization period. Conclusion: Perioperative infusion of NaHCO3 in OP-CABG reduced the incidence of Stage-1 AKI by about 40% when compared to NaCl. The incidence of Stage-I AKI in NaHCO3 group was similar to that in patients with normal renal function undergoing OP-CABG. A larger group of patients may be required to suggest a significance of renal protective benefit of NaHCO3 in patients undergoing OP-CABG.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiac surgery is a major complication resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. In this study, we assessed the usefulness of estimating serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a biomarker in predicting AKI in patients with stable chronic kidney disease (CKD) and undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OP-CABG). Patients and Methods: We prospectively studied sixty nondialysis-dependent CKD patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate

Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is the most commonly used intravenous agent for induction of anesthesia. It is also used for maintenance of anesthesia and sedation in both Intensive Care Units and outpatient procedural settings. Its success in the clinical setting has been a result of its rapid onset, short duration of action, and minimal side effects despite disadvantages associated with its oil emulsion formulation. Early attempts to alter the standard emulsion or to develop new formulations with cyclodextrins and micelles to resolve issues with pain upon injection, the need for antimicrobial agents, and possible hyperlipidemia have mostly failed. With these challenges in the foreground, attention has now shifted to the use of more prodrugs and exogenous alternatives, the success of which is yet to be determined. These new agents must offer significant clinical advantages over the well-entrenched, generic propofol oil emulsion to justify higher costs and to be well received in the increasingly cost-conscious healthcare marketplace.

Despite advances in drug technology and improvements in technology, including peripheral nerve catheters and ultrasound, postoperative pain is still a significant problem in the clinical setting worldwide. Postoperative pain can have a critical negative impact with regard to physiological consequences to the body and therefore, the role of liposomal bupivacaine as an extended release bupivacaine with approximately 72 h of duration may have far-reaching and significant impact in clinical practice. Liposomal bupivacaine has a DepoFoam multivesicular liposome technology with particle suspension in an isotonic aqueous solution and consists of tiny lipid-based particles, which contain discrete water-filled chambers dispersed through a lipid matrix. Other advantages include a reduction in opioid consumption, while not requiring a catheter or any other device, as well as easy dilution with saline. This review summarizes current research with this novel agent in postsurgical pain, and discusses potential roles in chronic pain states. Further studies are warranted for its use in epidural and intrathecal administration. Moreover, this review will explore the expansion of liposomal bupivacaine's current clinical role.

Ketamine an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocking agent and a dissociative anesthetic with neurostimulatory side effects. In recent years, multiple research trials as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest the usefulness of ketamine as a strong analgesic used in subanesthetic intravenous doses, and also as a sedative. In addition, ketamine was noted to possess properties of anti-tolerance, anti-hyperalgesia and anti-allodynia most likely secondary to inhibition of the NMDA receptors. Tolerance, hyperalgesia and allodynia phenomena are the main components of opioid resistance, and pathological pain is often seen in the clinical conditions involving neuropathic pain, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, and central sensitization with allodynia or hyperalgesia. All these conditions are challenging to treat. In low doses, ketamine does not have major adverse dysphoric effects and also has the favorable effects of reduced incidence of opioid-induced nausea and vomiting. Therefore, ketamine can be a useful adjunct for pain control after surgery. Additional studies are required to determine the role of ketamine in the immediate postoperative period after surgical interventions known to produce severe pain and in the prevention and treatment of chronic pain.

During current medical care, perioperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become a vital component of patient management, especially in cardiac operating rooms and in critical care medicine. Information derived from echocardiography has an important bearing on the patient′s outcome. The Indian Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Anaesthesiologists (IACTA) has promoted the use of TEE during routine clinical care of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. An important mission of IACTA is to oversee training and certify anesthesiologists in the perioperative and intensive care use of TEE. The provision of "Fellowship" is by way of conducting IACTA - TEE fellowship (F-TEE) examination. This has been done annually for the past 7 years using well-established curriculums by accredited national and international societies. Now, with the transformation and reconstitution of IACTA education and research cell into the newly formed Indian College of Cardiac Anaesthesia, F-TEE is bound to meet international standards. To ensure that the examinations are conducted in a transparent and foolproof manner, the guideline committee (formulated in 2010) of IACTA has taken the onus of formulating the guidelines for the same. These guidelines have been formally reviewed and updated since 2010 and are detailed here to serve as a guide to both the examinee and examiner ensuring standardization, efficiency, and competency of the IACTA F-TEE certification process.

Background: Living liver donation is becoming a more common means to treat patients with liver failure because of a shortage of cadaveric organs and tissues. There is a potential for morbidity and mortality, however, in patients who donate a portion of their liver. The purpose of this study is to identify anesthetic complications and morbidity resulting from living liver donor surgery. Patients and Methods: The anesthetic records of all patients who donated a segment of their liver between January 1997 and January 2006 at University of Minnesota Medical Center-Fairview were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical and anesthesia time, blood loss, hospitalization length, complications, morbidity, and mortality were recorded. Data were reported as absolute values, mean ± SD, or percentage. Significance (P < 0.05) was determined using Student′s paired t tests. Results: Seventy-four patients (34 male, 40 female, mean age = 35.5 ± 9.8 years) donated a portion of their liver and were reviewed in the study. Fifty-seven patients (77%) donated the right hepatic lobe, while 17 (23%) donated a left hepatic segment. The average surgical time for all patients was 7.8 ± 1.5 hours, the anesthesia time was 9.0 ± 1.3 hours, and the blood loss was 423 ± 253 ml. Forty-six patients (62.2%) received autologous blood either from a cell saver or at the end of surgery following acute, normovolemic hemodilution, but none required an allogenic transfusion. Two patients were admitted to the intensive care unit due to respiratory depression. Both patients donated their right hepatic lobe. One required reintubation in the recovery room and remained intubated overnight. The other was extubated but required observation in the intensive care unit for a low respiratory rate. Twelve patients (16.2%) had complaints of nausea, and two reported nausea with vomiting during their hospital stay. There were four patients who developed complications related to positioning during the surgery: Two patients complained of numbness and tingling in the hands which resolved within two days, one patient reported a blister on the hand, and one patient complained of right elbow pain that resolved quickly. Postoperative hospitalization averaged 7.4 ± 1.5 days. There was no patient mortality. Discussion: Living liver donation can be performed with low morbidity. However, postoperative respiratory depression is a concern and is perhaps due to altered metabolism of administered narcotics and anesthetic agents.