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Biomedical subjects

T Busch

Publications and source records attributed to T Busch.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Incidence and importance of lower extremity nerve lesions after infrainguinal vascular surgical interventions.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of peripheral nerve lesions after arterial vascular surgery of the lower extremity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 436 patients who underwent peripheral vascular surgery from January 1992 until December 1996 underwent a detailed postoperative neurological examination. RESULTS: 147 patients underwent profundaplasty, 140 above-knee femoropopliteal bypasses, 106 below-knee femoropopliteal bypasses and 56 femorotibial bypasses. There were 182 women and 254 men. Peripheral nerve lesions were observed in 11 patients (4%) after primary operations. 166 patients underwent reoperations (38%) and 55 of these developed nerve lesions (33%). CONCLUSIONS: Reoperation carries an 8-fold increased risk of nerve lesions compared with patients undergoing primary surgery. Detailed explanation of the risk of peripheral nerve lesions before vascular surgery of the lower limb is advisable.

Aged↗

Chest re-exploration for complications after lung surgery.

BACKGROUND: Review of the most recent chest re-explorations for lung surgery complications may show methods by which risks can effectively be reduced. METHODS: The data on rethoracotomies following lung surgery over the past 14 years in our department were retrospectively reviewed. The indication, the type of operation, the outcome, and various factors influencing the postoperative mortality were analyzed. From 1983 to 1996, 1960 patients underwent primary thoracotomies for various lung diseases. Among these, 73 (3.7%) patients required re-exploration for various postoperative complications. RESULTS: Mean age was 56.8 years (15-80 years). There were 66 (90.4%) men and 7 (9.6%) women. The most common indication for rethoracotomy was hemorrhage in 38 (52%) patients. The source of bleeding was a mediastinal and/or bronchial blood vessel in 8 patients and an intercostal blood vessel in 6 patients. Six patients had to be reoperated because of hemorrhage from a major artery of the hilus. In 14 cases the postoperative hemothorax occurred without evident surgical origin. Further indications for rethoracotomy were bronchopleural fistula (BPF) in 13 (17.8%) patients, and persistent parenchymal leak in 8 (10.9%) patients. There were 8 additional causes distributed among the remaining 14 (19.3%) patients. The overall mortality rate was 17.8% (13/73), with the highest (38.4%) among BPF patients. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative complications following lung surgery which require rethoracotomy are rare. The most common complication is postoperative bleeding. This is followed by bronchial stump insufficiency which is associated with the highest mortality and morbidity. Our experience shows that the need for re-exploration can hardly be reduced but the indication for re-exploration should be established as early as possible to avoid late complications.

Adolescent↗

Fatal pulmonary embolism after atrial septal defect closure in a paediatric patient.

A four-year-old girl died of massive acute bilateral pulmonary embolism 11 days after direct closure of a secundum atrial septal defect (ASD II), despite postoperative anticoagulation until the patient was ambulatory. An autopsy showed thrombotic deposits on the suture line of the ASD closure, bilateral 90% occlusion of the pulmonary arteries, and haemorrhagic ulcerative ischaemic colitis of the descending colon and the sigmoid.

Anticoagulants↗

Exhaled nitric oxide does not provide a marker of vascular endothelial function in healthy humans.

In the lung, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) has been found in both alveolar epithelial and vascular endothelial cells. Nitric oxide (NO) in the exhaled air stemming from the lower respiratory tract has been claimed to represent a marker of the vascular endothelial NO production. Experimental evidence for this concept, however, is lacking. We compared, in eight healthy volunteers, effects on exhaled NO of epithelial NOS inhibition by N (G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) inhalation (6 mg/kg over 15 min) with those of endothelial NOS inhibition by L-NMMA infusion (25 microgram/kg/min for 30 min). We also measured blood pressure, heart rate, and L-NMMA plasma concentration. The major new findings were that L-NMMA inhalation which did not have any detectable effect on hemodynamics and L-NMMA plasma concentration, decreased the pulmonary exhaled NO by almost 40%. In contrast, L-NMMA infusion that inhibited endothelial NOS, as evidenced by an increase in blood pressure and a decrease in heart rate, had only a barely detectable effect on exhaled NO (-11 +/- 4% from baseline). Pulmonary exhaled NO is mostly of epithelial rather than endothelial origin, and does not provide a marker for vascular endothelial NO production and/or endothelial function in healthy humans.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Childhood asthma: exhaled nitric oxide in relation to clinical symptoms.

Bronchial asthma is associated with increased levels of exhaled nitric oxide which are suppressible by glucocorticosteroid inhalation. Children with bronchial asthma were studied to elucidate the relation between endogenous NO release and recent symptoms of bronchial obstruction. Twenty-five children with atopic asthma and 11 healthy control subjects were enrolled and exhaled NO was studied using chemiluminescence analysis. The subjects breathed purified air (<0.5 parts per billion (ppb) NO) exclusively through their mouths. Orally expired NO was measured during continuous nasal aspiration (1.3 L x min(-1)) to remove nasally produced NO. Nasal NO concentration was determined within the aspirated gas. Orally expired NO concentration was 2.5+/-0.3 ppb (mean +/-SEM) in healthy control subjects, 3.19+/-0.88 ppb (NS) in symptom-free children, and 8.28+/-0.81 ppb (p< or =0.01) in children with bronchial asthma who had had recent symptoms of bronchial obstruction. Similarly, in the subgroup of children treated regularly with inhaled glucocorticosteroids those with recent symptoms had significantly higher orally exhaled NO concentrations than healthy control subjects (9.5+/-1.5 ppb, p<0.05). The nasal NO concentration was 152.8+/-12.7 ppb in healthy control subjects and not significantly different in asthmatic children. In this group of asthmatic children, recent symptoms of bronchial obstruction were linked to significantly higher concentrations of NO in orally exhaled gas and to increased oral NO excretion rates. If substantiated by further studies, measurement of orally exhaled NO during nasal aspiration may become useful to monitor disease control in asthmatic children.

Asthma↗

Fluctuations of inspired concentrations of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide during mechanical ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) is a very reactive agent with potentially toxic oxidation products such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Therefore, during NO inhalation a constant inspired concentration and accurate measurement of NO and NO2 concentrations are essential. The objective of this study was to test the NO concentrations at various positions along the inspiratory limb of the breathing circuit using a recently developed system to administer NO in phase with inspiratory flow during mechanical ventilation (Servo 300 NO-A, Siemens, Sweden). Furthermore, we tested whether an active heating system would interfere with inspired NO concentrations. RESULTS: A sharp decline in the NO concentration was found between the respirator's inspiratory outlet and more distal points along the inspiratory limb of the circuit. This finding was most evident when an active heating system was mounted between those points. CONCLUSIONS: The concentrations of NO and NO2 should be measured as near to the patient as possible, as significant fluctuations of these concentrations might be found along the inspiratory limb of the respiratory circuit especially when an active heating system is used.

Journal Article↗

Heart transplantation after successful donor postpartum pulmonary embolectomy.

A fulminant pulmonary embolism can be treated surgically if thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated. A 31-year-old woman developed a fulminant pulmonary embolism after right-sided deep venous thrombosis 1 day after undergoing a cesarean section. A pulmonary embolectomy with cardiopulmonary bypass was performed, but the patient was brain-dead. After 2 days of echocardiographic observation, her heart was explanted for a 61-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy. His right heart data were unremarkable, and he remains well 16 months after transplantation. Despite the sudden strain on the right ventricle that occurs with a pulmonary embolism, such a heart may be transplanted successfully after a pulmonary embolectomy.

Adult↗

Coronary artery bypass procedures in septuagenarians are justified. Short and long-term results.

BACKGROUND: Elective coronary artery bypass surgery can be performed with low operative mortality. There is a controversial discussion whether short-term and long-term results of CABG justify this procedure in elderly patients. METHODS: To add to this discussion, we evaluated retrospectively, the clinical profile, operative technique, short- and long-term results of 1127 patients over 70 years of age who underwent myocardial revascularization between January 1985 and December 1996. RESULTS: Mean age of the cohort was 73.9 years and it rose continuously. In 1996, septuagenarians represented 21.5% of our coronary patients, in comparison to 6.4% in 1985. Analysis of risk factors showed an increasing prevalence of renal failure, obesity, hyperuricemia and a history of smoking. Preoperatively, 87% of our patients were in NYHA-class III or IV, and thus operated to relieve severe symptoms. The percentage of emergent operations decreased over the observed period by 10.3%. The internal mammary artery was used with rising frequency (44.8% in 1985-1992 vs 61.5% in 1993-1996). The number of simultaneous valve replacements increased, too. Postoperatively, we noted a rising incidence of respiratory failure (17.1%) and neurological disorders (13.7%). On the other hand, the need for intra-aortic balloon pumping and hemofiltration declined by 6.6% and 2.9%, respectively. Perioperative mortality (< or =24 hrs) was 3.65%, hospital mortality (< or =30 days) was 9.64%. The actuarial survival (standard error) at 1 year was 82% (+/-4.3%), and 65.7% (+/-3.8%) at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that coronary artery bypass grafting can be performed in septuagenarians at an acceptable risk. Since the large majority of patients improve symptomatically, surgery is a recommendable option for a growing number of elderly patients suffering from severe angina.

Aged↗

Mitral valve replacement through dilated aortic annulus in Marfan's syndrome.

A 30-year-old man presented with severe aortic regurgitation due to an ascending aortic aneurysm and mitral valve insufficiency in conjunction with active endocarditis. He underwent combined aortic root replacement by a composite graft and mechanical mitral valve replacement. After excision of the aortic valve cusps the mitral valve was approached through the extremely dilated aortic annulus. This technique is seldom used. Mitral valve replacement through the aortic root can be advantageous in selected patients to minimize trauma and reduce myocardial ischemic time.

Adult↗

Development of cardiovascular procedures before abdominal aortic aneurysm repair over 16 years.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative screening, interventional and surgical therapy of cardiovascular diseases are of pivotal importance for a successful outcome after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery. METHODS: In a retrospective study all patients who underwent surgery for AAA were reevaluated for preoperative diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for cardiovascular diseases. Two study periods 1980-1989 and 1990-1996 were defined. Of 603 patients operated upon because of AAA between 1980 and 1996, 449 were operated on an elective basis and 154 as an emergency. Preoperative diagnostic studies for coronary artery disease (CAD) were performed in electively operated patients only and were positive in 76.8% (1980-1989: 76.1%, 1990-1996: 77.5%). Coronary angiography was performed in 108 patients (29.6%). Medical therapy of CAD declined by 2.3%, interventional procedures by 18.8%. In contrast, myocardial revascularization with subsequent aneurysm resection increased by 26. 6% and 12 patients (16%) required urgent simultaneous cardiac and aortic surgery. Early mortality after AAA surgery dropped from 4.2% to 2.9%, the frequency of primary cardiac failure as the cause of death was reduced from 33.3% to 22.2% (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 42.6% more cardiac surgical procedures were performed before AAA surgery since 1990 compared with the period 1980-1989. In contrast, the number of interventional procedures fell by 18.8%. Surgical therapy of cardiac disease reduces early mortality after elective AAA surgery.

Aged↗

Incarcerated postraumatic intercostal lung hernia. Case report and review of the literature.

Traumatic lung hernia is a rare diagnosis. A 52-year-old female motorvehicle passenger was admitted as a trauma patient after a motorvehicle accident. She was found to have an incarcerated lung hernia. Size of the hernia, incarceration and respiratory insufficiency mandated immediate surgical intervention with reposition, drainage and stabilisation of the chest wall. The postoperative course was uneventful. The management of the patient is discussed and the available literature reviewed.

Female↗

Pulmonary vein injury through repetitive clip friction: an unusual cause of hemothorax.

Massive hemothorax developed in a 58-year-old man 12 hours after a left pneumonectomy. The source of bleeding was a tear in the pulmonary vein stump caused by a titanium clip that had been used during mediastinal lymphadenectomy. Postoperatively, the clip progressively sawed through the vascular wall of the pulmonary vein due to friction during the cardiac cycle.

Hemothorax↗

Exhaled nitric oxide in preterm infants.

Nitric oxide (NO) is detectable in the exhaled gas of adults during spontaneous respiration and, according to current knowledge, mainly originates from the paranasal sinuses. We studied total NO excretion rates by chemiluminescence in preterm infants whose paranasal sinuses are known to be only partially pneumatized. NO excretion was 7.15 +/- 1.13 nl/min (mean +/- SD, range 6.33-9.36 nl/min) measured from spontaneously exhaled nasal gas (n = 6) and 0.3 +/- 0.05 nl/min (range 0.26-0.36 nl/min) measured from the lower airways in intubated individuals (n = 3). These values are considerably lower than those reported for older children and adults. Body weight-related amounts of NO excretion, however, seem comparable between infants and adults.

Body Weight↗

Resection for CMV ileitis in a patient supported by a left-ventricular assist device.

We describe a patient requiring a HeartMate 1000 IP left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) due to cardiogenic shock. After prolonged gastrointestinal bleeding without identifying the source of bleeding technetium scintigraphy pointed to the right lower abdomen. The patient underwent a laparotomy and inflamed ileum was resected. Pathologic examination revealed cytomegalovirus ileitis. This was treated with ganciclovir and acyclovir. The patient is now (14 months later) awaiting heart transplantation since she could not be weaned from LVAD. The diagnostic and management problems are discussed as well as the relevance for future transplantation.

Adult↗

Low nitric oxide concentrations in exhaled gas and nasal airways of mammals without paranasal sinuses.

To investigate whether relevant levels of nasal nitric oxide (NO) are produced in the absence of paranasal sinuses, we studied 17 healthy baboons, mammals without any paranasal sinuses. The animals were anesthetized with ketamine hydrochloride and breathed spontaneously. While the baboons breathed through a face mask (mouths closed) connected to a respirator, NO concentrations in exhaled gas were sampled from the expiratory limb and analyzed by chemiluminescence. While the animals were breathing ambient air, nasal gas was sampled via a thin plastic tube and analyzed for NO concentrations by chemiluminescence. Mean NO concentration in the exhaled gas was 1.00 +/- 0.59 parts/billion, and NO release was 4.28 +/- 2.72 nl/min. A NO concentration of 4.79 +/- 2.08 parts/billion was found in the nasal gas (NO release: 7.18 +/- 3.13 nl/min). An age-dependent increase in nasal NO levels was not observed. Exhaled and nasal NO concentrations in baboons were markedly lower than in mammals with paranasal sinuses, suggesting that paranasal sinuses might be an anatomic requirement for production of relevant nasal NO levels.

Animals↗

Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: a complication after extracorporal circulation.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) describes a defect of the optic nerve leading to irreversible loss of vision in most cases. Pathophysiology of this disease is manifold and has been discussed as a posthemorrhagic complication as well as a neurological complication after operations with cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: On the basis of two cases, the clinical picture is described in relation to the available literature. Preoperative risk factors, operative data, cardiopulmonary-bypass, postoperative complications and clinical symptoms are discussed together with ophthalmologic findings in order to elucidate the pathophysiology of this process. RESULTS: There is no reliable and effective treatment of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Neither corticosteroids, osmotic diuretics, hemodilution nor surgical decompression of the optic nerve have proved successful. Hence, measures to avoid ischemic optic neuropathy have priority. The following risk factors were determined: History of glaucoma or other ophthalmological problems, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass-time and myocardial ischemia, general oedema during cardiopulmonary bypass, excessive hemodilution with low hemoglobin and hematocrit, hypo- or hypertension, systemic hypothermia, need for vasoactive medication. CONCLUSIONS: Influenced by a variety of factors, pathophysiological microvascular changes provoke anterior ischemic neuropathy with sudden painless loss of vision, irreversible in most cases. Since therapeutic trials have failed, prevention of possible causes is the only way to avoid this rare but severe complication of cardiac surgery.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Vascular complications related to intraaortic balloon counterpulsation: an analysis of ten years experience.

We have performed a retrospective review of our experience with the intraaortic balloon counterpulsation pump (IABP) during the last decade, to identify aspects of risk factors, complications, and management that affect peripheral vascular morbidity and mortality. Data from 472 patients who had the IABP inserted during the ten-year period from December 1985 to December 1995 were retrospectively reviewed. Risk factors, implantation techniques, complications, and significant variables were evaluated. One hundred forty-five vascular complications needed surgical therapy in 116 patients. Mean age was 62.2 +/- 12.9 years. There were 84 (72.5%) men and 32 (27.5%) women. Mortality rate was 28.3% (n = 181). The mortality for patients with ischemic vascular complications was significantly higher than in patients who did not suffer any vascular complication (59.6% vs 30.1%, p = 0.0001). Complications included acute limb arterial occlusion in 99 cases (68.3%), compartment syndrome in 27 (18.6%), groin hematoma in 15 (10.3%), and persistent lymph fistula in 4 (2.8%). Of these, 97 (76.9%) occurred during IABP therapy and 29 (23.1%) after IABP explantation. Thromboembolectomy was required for 61 (42.2%) of the ischemic limbs. Associated procedures were 24 (16.5%) profundaplasties, 10 (7%) infrainguinal bypasses (5 (3.4%) femoropopliteal supragenicular, 3 (2.2%) femoropopliteal infragenicular, and 2 (1.4%) infrapopliteal), 26 (17.9%) fasciotomies, and 5 (3.4%) amputations. A history of peripheral vascular disease (31 patients [43.6%] with vs 95 [23.6%] without, p < 0.05) and the presence of diabetes mellitus (70 patients [49.2%] with vs 56 [16.9%] without) increased the risk of limb ischemia significantly. Female sex, insertion of IABP by percutaneous technique, and direct removal with groin compression were associated with higher ischemic complication rates, the differences however were not significant. Itis concluded that 1. Limb ischemia remains the primary complication after IABP insertion; 2. Femoral artery thromboembolectomy is usually sufficient for revascularisation; 3. Adequate implantation and surgical explantation techniques are essential to reduce the IABP-related morbidity; 4. Identification of subclinical disease may aid in the management of subsequent acute limb ischemia; 5. The presence of peripheral vascular disease and diabetes mellitus are associated with higher ischemic complication rates.

Aged↗