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We report a case of a patient with chest trauma (TT) complicated with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as ventilatory support. Clinical case: A 48-year-old man, with no relevant history, after a high-energy vehicle collision admitted with severe TT. He evolved with respiratory failure that required intubation and connection to mechanical ventilation (MV). He persisted with high ventilatory requirements, requiring rescue ECMO and transfer to our center. He evolved with gasometric and ventilatory improvement that allowed disconnection on the ten day. There were no bleeding or thrombotic complications during ECMO. Discussion: ECMO support is complex, expensive, and is performed in high-risk patients. The use of this resource requires trained health workers. Its use must be highly selective, constituting a valuable support tool in some patients with severe ARDS secondary to TT.

Introduction: Several factors intervene in the evolution of the characteristics of Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), such as demographic changes, surgical technique, and perioperative care. Our objective was to analyze the evolution of the characteristics of coronary artery disease in patients treated with CABG and its immediate results., Methods: In an analytical study, we analyzed a cohort of patients with isolated CABG from January 2006 to December 2008 and from January 2016 to December 2018 in Hospital Clínico Regional Concepción, Chile. After the ethics committee's approval, we reviewed the database and surgical protocols. We used Chi-square and U Mann Whitney tests for statistical analysis (SPSSv25®), considering significant p < 0,05., Results: We analyzed 1,400 isolated CABG, 658 from the first period and 742 from the second, with a mean age of 62.0 ± 8.7 and 64.6 ± 9.3 respectively (p < 0.001). The subgroup with ventricular dysfunction in the second period showed a significant increase in diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and severe ventricular dysfunction. The second group decreased off-pump surgery and increased the use of ≥ 2 arterial grafts (p < 0.05). The Additive EuroSCORE I increased from 3.6 ± 2.5 to 4.4 ± 2.7 (p = 0.001). High-risk subgroup: 137 (20.8%) to 236 (31.8%), p < 0.001. Mortality of 13 (1.98%) and 16 (2.2%) in the first and second group respectively, p = 0.813., Conclusion: There was a significant increase in the estimated surgical risk; however, mortality remained unchanged. The increase in surgical risk is consistent with the increase in mean age and prevalence of comorbidities, as well as the increase in severe ventricular dysfunction in the group ofpatients with ventricular dysfunction and recent AMI in the second period.

Background: Long-term outcomes of Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (OPCAB) as an alternative to the traditional Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) technique with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are not well defined., Aim: To compare 10-year survival of isolated OPCAB versus CABG with CPB., Material and Methods: Analysis of information obtained from databases, clinical records and surgical protocols of patients treated with isolated CABG between January 2006 and November 2008 at a Regional Hospital. Of 658 isolated CABG, 192 (29.2%) were OPCAB and 466 (79.9%) CPB. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was performed to compare both groups. After PSM, two groups of 192 cases were obtained. Mortality data was obtained from the Chilean public identification service. Ten-year survival was calculated and compared with Kaplan-Meier and log-rank methods., Results: Follow-up data was obtained in all cases. No statistically significant differences were found when comparing 10-year survival between OPCAB versus CPB (78.6% and 80.2% respectively, p 0.720). There was also no statistical difference in cardiovascular death free survival (90.1% with CPB versus 89.1% OPCAB, p 0.737). Survival was comparable when analyzing subgroups with diabetes mellitus, left ventricular dysfunction or chronic kidney disease, among others., Conclusions: In our series, OPBAB has a comparable 10-year survival with CABG with CPB.

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the treatment of choice for a broad spectrum of patients with coronary disease., Aim: To describe global survival and factors associated with lower long-term survival in patients operated with isolated CABG., Material and Methods: Analysis of a cohort of patients who underwent CABG between January 2006 and December 2008 at a public hospital. The database and operation records of 1.003 cardiac surgeries were reviewed. Of these, an isolated CABG was performed in 658 patients aged 62 ± 9 years including 516 male (78%). Survival data were obtained from the Chilean Civil Registry Office and a complete ten-year follow up was accomplished. Survival was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test and Cox regression., Results: Operative mortality occurred in 13 patients (2%). Survival at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years was 97, 94, 91 and 76%, respectively. One, 3, 5 and 10-year free of cardiovascular death survival was 98, 97, 95 y 89%, respectively. Factors associated with long-term survival were chronic kidney disease in hemodialysis (Hazard ratio (HR) 7.9; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 4.6-13.6), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR 2.3; 95% CI 1.4-3.7), chronic arterial occlusive disease (HR 2.2; 95% CI 1.4-3.4) and diabetes mellitus (HR 1.9; 95% CI 1.4-2.6). According to EuroSCORE, 10-year survival was 86, 75 and 62% (p < 0.01) in low, medium and high-risk patients, respectively., Conclusions: These patients had a 10-year survival comparable to large international series. Groups associated with lower 10-year survival were identified.

Background: Lung cancer is the world's leading cause of cancer death., Aim: To describe the clinical, staging and survival characteristics of lung cancer in a public Chilean regional hospital., Material and Methods: Analysis of a prospective database of a thoracic surgery service, retrieving histologically confirmed lung cancer cases from January 2010 to December 2019 and reviewing their medical records. Cases were re-staged by the TNM-8 system and variables were compared between periods 2010-2014 and 2015-2019., Results: We retrieved 551 lung cancer cases, 333 (60 %) men, with a mean age of 65 years. Distant metastases were found in 72% of cases (excluding lymphatic metastases). Of the non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), 50 (10%) cases were in stage I, 18 (4%) in stage II, 81 (16%) in stage III and 347 (70%) in stage IV. Global five-year survival was 18%, 20% for NSCLC, 71% for excised NSCLC, 8% for non-excised NSCLC, 88% for stage I and 92% for subgroup IA. Resective surgery was performed in 81 (14%) cases. When comparing 2010-2014 and 2015-2019 periods, the frequency of resective surgery increased from 7% to 20%., Conclusions: The diagnosis of lung cancer was frequently made in advanced stages. There was a significant increase in early diagnosis and frequency of surgeries with curative intent in the second observation period.

Prosthetic valve replacement is the standard treatment for aortic valvulopathy. Due to the structural valve deterioration of biological prosthesis and the anticoagulation requirements of mechanical valves, the repair of aortic valve disease is receiving more attention in recent years. The Ozaki technique consists in the reconstruction of a trileaflet valve using autologous pericardium. We report our first two cases of successful reconstruction of the aortic valve using this technique with 12-month echocardiographic and 24-month clinical follow up.

Background: Lungs are the second location in frequency of hydatidosis or cystic echinococcosis., Aim: To characterize the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, findings and treatment of patients hospitalized for a pulmonary hydatid cyst (PHC)., Materials and Methods: Review of databases, medical records, operation notes and death certificates of patients admitted to a Chilean regional hospital with a PHC., Results: Four hundred twenty-nine cases were identified and complete data was obtained from 368 patients aged 34 ± 19 years, 224 (60,9%)men. The most common clinical manifestations were cough in 269 (73%) and chest pain in 217 (59%). The most frequent locations were the right lung in 210 (57%) and lower lobes in 218 (59%). One hundred eighty-seven cysts (51%) were complicated. Conservative surgery (cystectomy) was performed in 308 (84%). Postoperative morbidity was observed in 77 (21%) and mortality in 6 (2%) patients. Recurrence was observed in 28 (8%) patients. There was a significant reduction in morbidity, mortality, reoperations, and postoperative days over time., Conclusions: In these patients, pulmonary hydatidosis was diagnosed mainly during working ages and half of patients had a complicated cyst.

Background: Primary cardiac tumors have a low incidence, and their presentation form and clinical course are not well known., Aim: To describe the characteristics, treatment, follow up and survival of patients with primary cardiac tumors (PCT)., Material and Methods: Review of all surgical procedures for PCT performed between 1984 and 2019 in a regional general hospital. The information was obtained from surgical protocols, surgical and pathology databases, medical records and registries of the Chilean National Identification Service. The clinical features of patients, immediate and long term outcomes are described., Results: Seventy-two surgical procedures for PCT were reviewed. Patients' age was 55 ± 15 years and 60% were women. The most common histological types were myxoma in 49 patients (68%), papillary fibroelastoma in 13 (18%) and sarcoma in 6 (8.3%). Forty-nine (68.1%) were symptomatic and all tumors were found on echocardiography. Fifty-one (71%) were in the left atrium, 10 (14%) in the aortic valve and eight (11%) in the right atrium. The surgical procedures were tumor resection in 48 patients (67%) and resection and repair with patch in 23 (32%). Mean postoperative stay was 6.6 ± 4.4 days, eight patients (11%) had complications and no patient died in the immediate postoperative period. Long term survival was higher in patients with benign PCT as compared with those with malignant tumors., Conclusions: Most PCTs in this group of patients were benign neoplasms and the most common tumors were myxomas. The main diagnostic method is echocardiography and the prognosis of surgical treatment is excellent when the tumors are benign. (Rev Med Chile 2020; 148: 327-335).

Embolic stroke secondary to cardiac tumors is uncommon. However, 25-30% of cardiac tumors may cause systemic emboli. We report a 29-year-old male consulting for a sudden episode of aphasia and right hemiparesis, compatible with infarct of the left middle cerebral artery territory. Transthoracic echocardiography reported an ovoid tumor of 8 × 7 × 7 mm in relation to the sub valvular apparatus of the mitral valve. After neurologic stabilization, surgical treatment was performed. Approached by median sternotomy and in cardiopulmonary bypass, the mitral valve was explored. A macroscopic tumor consistent with a papillary fibroelastoma curled in sub valvular chordae was found. It was deployed and resected from its base, while the anterior mitral leaflet was preserved intact. Histopathological examination confirmed the intraoperative macroscopic diagnosis. The patient recovered uneventfully postoperatively and was discharged on the fifth day after surgery. He currently is in functional capacity I without cardiovascular symptoms at five years follow-up.

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the best treatment for a large group of patients with coronary artery disease., Aim: To describe early and late results of patients treated with CABG at our Center., Patients and Methods: Revision of data bases, surgical protocols and clinical registers of patients operated between January 2006 and December 2008., Results: Of 1.003 cardiac surgeries performed during the period, 658 corresponded to isolated CABG (78% in men). The median age of patients was 62 years. Left common coronary artery lesions was found in 135 cases (20%), 555 patients (84%) had hypertension and 231 (35%) were diabetics. Four-hundred thirty (65%) had stable angina and 211 (32%) had a recent myocardial infarction. Twenty-two had left ventricular ejection fraction < 30%. In 248 (38%), a low Additive EuroSCORE risk was found. Emergency surgery was required in 36 (6%) patients. Use of extracorporeal circulation was required in 466 patients (71%). Within 30 days of surgery, complications were recorded in 105 patients (16%) (15 (2%) stroke, 14 (2%) myocardial infarction, 7 (1%) mediastinitis, and in 14 (2%) a reoperation for bleeding). Thirteen patients died (2%). Among the 303 patients with stable angina and preserved left ventricular function, two died (0,7%). Survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 97,4%, 93,8% y 90,9% respectively. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at five years occurred in 20%, stroke in 4%, myocardial infarction in 3% and reintervention in 2%. Seven percent of patients had recurrence of angina., Conclusions: We describe a heterogeneous series of patients. The immediate and late results are comparable with international communications.

Background: Thymectomy improves clinical outcomes and decreases the need for medical treatment in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG)., Aim: To describe the immediate and long-term results of extended transsternal thymectomy (ETT) in patients with MG., Material and Methods: A review of databases, surgical protocols, clinical records and interviews of patients subjected to extended transsternal thymectomy for MG between 1990 and 2016. Perioperative clinical characteristics, anticholinesterase treatment, immediate and remote surgical results were analyzed and patients were followed from one to 10years., Results: We studied 58 patients aged 35 ± 14years (72%) women. In the preoperative period, according to Osserman classification, nine patients (15,5%) were in grade I, eight (13,8%) in grade IIA 8 and 40 (69%) in grade IIB. The pathological study of the surgical piece showed thymic hyperplasia in 39 cases (67,2%). Four patients had postoperative complications but none died. In the Follow-up at 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10years the Masaoka palliation rate was 71.7, 77.5, 67.7, 70.0 and 70,6% respectively. The figures for remission rate were 13.0, 15.0,19.4, 35.0 and 35,3% respectively. The figures for Zielinski positive results were 79.6, 87.5, 87.1, 90.0 and 82,4% respectively. The DeFilippi score improved by 80.4, 87.5, 87.1, 90.0 and 82.4% respectively. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Post-Intervention State improved by 67.4, 77.5, 77.5, 75.0 and 70,6% respectively. Mean Myasthenia Gravis Activities of daily living (MGADL) and Myasthenia Gravis Quality of life scale 15 (MGQOL 15) were 1.65 and 6.31 respectively., Conclusions: In selected patients with MG, extended transsternal thymectomy in MG has good immediate and long-term results.

Background: Trauma is the leading cause of death in young patients and thoracic trauma (TT) is responsible for 25-35% of trauma deaths., Aim: To describe and compare features, trauma severity indexes and morbidity of patients admitted for TT in the past three decades., Material and Methods: Review of a TT database, operative notes and medical records of patients. These were separated by decade of admission (1981-1990, 1991-2000, 2001-2010). TT characteristics were compared. Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T) and Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS) were calculated., Results: A total of 3,068 TT were reviewed. In the 1981-1990 period, 604 cases of TT were registered (19.7%), in the 1991-2000 period, 1,070 cases (34.9%) and in the 2001-2010 period, 1,394 cases (45.4%) (p < 0.05). The ages of patients in each of these periods were 34.9 ± 15.5, 33.9 ± 16.2 and 35.7 ± 18.2 years respectively (p < 0.05). The proportion of patients aged 65 years or more were 6.6, 7.7 and 10.1% respectively, the proportion of females was 6.1, 9.4 and 12.0%, respectively. The causing agents per decade were knife wounds in 51.5, 61.1 and 60.0% of cases respectively, firearms in 2.5, 3.3 and 5.0% of cases respectively, multiple trauma in 13.9, 14.5 and 9.0% respectively and morbidity in 18.7, 19.7 and 11.7%, respectively. The ISS per decade was 11.9 ± 6.5, 12.9 ± 6.9 and 10.4 ± 6.8 respectively. No significant difference were found in mortality (1.5, 3.0, 2.0% respectively) or TRISS score (2.7, 3.2 and 3.8% respectively)., Conclusions: An increase in the number of hospital admission for TT has occurred in the last three decades, with an increase in the proportion of admissions of subjects aged 65 years or more, females and with firearm injuries.

Background: Coronary artery bypass graft surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is an alternative technique for myocardial revascularization., Aim: To report the early results and 4 years follow up of the first 220 cases operated with this technique., Patients and Methods: Descriptive study of 220 patients aged 60.6 ± 8.8 years (171 men) undergoing off-pump coronary surgery between 2004 and 2008. One hundred seventy six (80%) patients had hypertension, 59 (26.8%) had diabetes, 86 (39%) dyslipidemia and 85 (38.6%) were smokers. One hundred forty one patients (64.1%) had stable angina. Fifty four (24.5%) had a recent infarction (< 90 days) and 46 (20.9%) had a previous angioplasty. Ejection fraction was < 30% in 9 (4.1%), 30% - 50% in 57 (25.9%) and > 50% in 154 (70%). Additive and logistic EuroSCORE were 3.32 and 3.55% respectively. We studied the complications and mortality at 30 days. Long term follow up (late mortality and major cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction (MI) stroke and re-intervention were assessed using data of medical records and National Identification Registry Service until June 30, 2011., Results: A total of 481 bypasses were performed (2.27 bypasses l patient). There were 4 (1.8%) conversions and no incomplete revascularization. Post-Operative complications occurred in 42 patients. Eight neurological (five strokes), five renal (two required dialysis), 16 cardiovascular (four myocardial infarctions), 15 surgical and 11 infections. Three patients died (1.36%). After a follow up of 4.26 ± 1.02 years, overall survival was 92.3%, and survival free of myocardial infarction, stroke or re - intervention was 96.8%, 96.8% and 95.9% respectively., Conclusions: Off-pump coronary surgery in selected patients has immediate and late results comparable to traditional surgery.

Doege-Potter syndrome is characterized for hypoglycemia associated with solitary pleural fibrous tumors. We report a 38-year-old woman with a history of weight loss, malaise and edema. After an episode of symptomatic hypoglycemia, she was admitted to the hospital, where she had new episodes of hypoglycemia. A Chest X ray and scan showed a right pleural tumor that was surgically excised. After surgery the episodes of hypoglycemia subsided. The pathological study of the tumor revealed a solitary fibrous pleural tumor. After 15 months of follow up, the patient is symptom free and without evidence of tumor relapse.

We describe a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), refractory to treatment with conventional mechanical ventilation. The hemodynamic parameters showed severe pulmonary hypertension with increased intrapulmonary shunt. Inhaled nitric oxide was administered and we observed a diminishing in pulmonary hypertension and intrapulmonary shunt with an important increase of oxygen exchange. We reviewed the literature and make a suggestion concerning use of inhaled nitric oxide in patients with ARDS.