Citations

Background Assessment of gastric conduit perfusion during esophagectomy is crucial to determine its viability and identify the optimal site for anastomosis. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging is commonly used for this purpose, but it is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to ICG, iodine, or shellfish. Oxygen saturation endoscopic imaging (OXEI) is a newer, non-pharmacologic technique for assessing perfusion. We report our experience with OXEI in 3 esophagectomy patients who had contraindications to ICG. Methods All 3 patients underwent robot-assisted esophagectomies. None of the conduits had ischemic areas identified by white light. Using a 5 mm laparoscopic specialized camera (ELUXEO Vision, FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corp., USA), OXEI was deployed for intracorporeal assessment of gastric conduit perfusion after pull-up into the chest. Postoperative outcomes including anastomotic leaks and complications were recorded. Results In two patients, OXEI revealed ischemic zones, which were resected to ensure optimal conduit viability. In the remaining patient, OXEI indicated robust vascularity throughout the conduit. All three patients experienced uneventful postoperative courses and were discharged within 10 days. There were no instances of anastomotic leaks or other major complications. Conclusion In our experience, OXEI is a viable method for intraoperative assessment of gastric conduit perfusion in patients with contraindications to ICG. Prospective studies are needed to validate its efficacy in preventing anastomotic complications and to compare it with other methods of perfusion assessment including gross visual and ICG dye in a larger patient population.

Abstract Quadricuspid aortic valve is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly with an incidence of 0.008% to 0.043%. Its clinical course varies depending on cusp anatomy, function, and associated cardiac malformations. It frequently progresses to aortic valve regurgitation that may require surgical valve replacement. Detection has shifted from incidental discovery during autopsies or cardiac surgeries in the early 20th century to various cardiac imaging methods in recent decades. In addition to contributing to the literature, this report supports the use of transesophageal echocardiography more liberally to detect aortic valve abnormalities. The case presents a 48-year-old female patient with an incidentally discovered quadricuspid aortic valve.

Abstract Backgound Infections of the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) driveline are a dreaded complication that results in high mortality and morbidity. Method We retrospectively reviewed five consecutive patients with severe continuous‐flow LVAD (HVAD, Heartmate 2, and Heartmate 3) driveline infection. These infections, which developed on an average of 960.4 ± 843.9 days after LVAD placement, were refractory to systemic antibiotics and local wound care. All were treated with extensive surgical debridement, local installation of absorbable antibiotic‐loaded calcium sulfate beads (vancomycin and tobramycin), primary wound closure, and 6 weeks of systemic antibiotics after surgery. Results Four patients had resolution of DLI, and one had a recurrent infection at another part of the driveline 7 months after the complete resolution of the previous site. This patient was successfully treated with debridement and bead placements. Three patients still have their LVADs, while two received orthotopic heart transplants. At the time of the transplant, there was no evidence of gross infection of the LVAD drivelines or pumps. At the average follow‐up time of 425.8 ± 151 days, no patients have an active infection. Conclusion Treatment of LVAD driveline infection with absorbable antibiotic beads with primary wound closure is a viable option and merits further investigation.

Abstract A 64-year-old man with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and a small patent foramen ovale with right-to-left shunting underwent bilateral lung transplant without closure of the patent foramen ovale. Postoperatively, the patient remained persistently hypoxemic with partial response to high-flow oxygen. Investigations revealed the presence of a large patent foramen ovale with right-to-left shunting on echocardiography and a shunt fraction of 21% on cardiac catheterization. Two months after the lung transplantation, primary surgical repair of the patent foramen ovale was performed with immediate improvement in oxygenation. Three years postoperatively, the patient remained oxygen independent.

AbstractTracheobronchial stenosis (TBS) in adults derives from congenital and acquired conditions, including prolonged mechanical intubation, expiratory central airway collapse, infectious or inflammatory disease, and malignancy. The most common clinical presentation is shortness of breath, recurrent infections, and chronic cough. TBS is usually diagnosed via computed tomography or bronchoscopy, with the latter doubling as a therapeutic tool. We present a case of an atypical fibrotic bridge connecting the walls of the distal trachea and fibrotic bronchial stenosis treated with electrocautery knife and balloon dilation, in an adult patient with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Abstract Bronchopleural fistulas (BPFs) are a dreaded complication following pulmonary surgery. Endobronchial valves (EVs), with endobronchial sealant (ES), instilled with robotic bronchoscopy (RB), allow occlusion of BPF, avoiding surgery. The patient was a 71-year-old woman with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis who underwent bilateral lung transplantation and wedge resection of the right middle lobe and left lingula. A BPF was discovered on postoperative day (POD) 21. Conservative measures with chest tubes failed, and robotic-assisted bronchoscopy aided in reaching the bronchial segment and instilling ES, and EV was deployed with the conventional bronchoscope. The pneumothorax was cleared 12 days later, and on POD 56, she was discharged. The RB procedure was successful, with no pneumothorax or BPF symptoms after a median follow-up of POD 284. Robotic endobronchial closure of BPF with EV and ES is an effective treatment option avoiding invasive surgeries.

Abstract Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become an indispensable part of cardiac surgery, but its potential for assessing coronary anatomy and blood flow remains underutilised. This case report presents a case of acute iatrogenic left main coronary artery obstruction following re-operative aortic valve replacement that was promptly diagnosed by intraoperative TEE and managed successfully by Bentall operation. We also emphasise the technique of TEE for coronary evaluation, its caveats and its clinical application during cardiac surgery.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection exposes patients with heart failure to a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. In LVAD patients, one of the key problems that can lead to life-threatening low-flow or pump malfunction due to thrombus development in the inflow cannula, device body, or outflow graft, implicating hemodynamic instability, hemolysis, renal or hepatic failure, or cerebral or peripheral thromboembolism. [Endothelial protein C receptor and thrombomodulin levels are elevated along with procoagulants such as factor VIII, P-selectin, and von Willebrand factor and downregulated along with thrombomodulin as a result of the cytokine storm released by endothelial and immune cells. In general ,](#ref-0013) LVAD thrombosis has been found to occur in 2–13% of adult patients who use current continuous-flow devices. However, LVAD thrombosis due to COVID-19 is underreported and a few cases presented. We present a case of accelerated LVAD outflow thrombosis in the setting of COVID-19 infection with multiorgan failure.