Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Comparison Of Sternal Pain And Narcotic Requirement After Cardiac Surgery Between New Rigid Closure And Conventional Wire Closure: Follow-Up Results Of 50 Randomizations., Jeevan Kuman, Bs, James T. Diehl, Md, Hitoshi Hirose, Md, Phd

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

To investigate if rigid closure reduces sternal pain.

Presented at Chest 2013.Chicago IL.October 26-31, 2013.

Two-Vessel Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting By Left Thoracotomy In A Complex Redo Case, Shinya Unai, Md, Hitoshi Hirose, Md, Phd, Gary A. Cook, Pa-C, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi, Md, John W..C. Entwistle Iii, Md, Phd

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Introduction:

The left thoracotomy approach is an alternative technique for coronary revascularization to avoid complications associated with re-sternotomy, such as injury to patent grafts, right ventricle, aorta, during re-sternotomy. Situations such as calcification of the ascending aorta and previous mediastinitis favor the use of the left thoracotomy approach. Revascularization of the circumflex territory via a lateral thoracotomy has been reported previously. However, reports of revascularization of the LAD combined with circumflex artery territory via left thoracotomy approach are rare. We successfully performed an off-pump CABG by left thoracotomy in a complex redo case to revascularize the LAD and obtuse marginal …

Case Series On Veno - Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (Vv-Ecmo) As A Bridge To Complete Recovery In Influenza Type A Related Refractory Ards, Renganaden Sooppan, Md, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi, Md, Harrsion Pitcher, Md, Qiong Yang, Md, Michael Baram, Md, Hitoshi Hirose, Md, Phd

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Introduction:

Influenza A sequelae range from mild symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which can be refractory to conventional ventilator therapy. We present a case series of three non-H1N1 Influenza patients with ARDS, who completely recovered after VV-ECMO.

Case Presentation:

In January and February 2013, we experienced three cases of Influenza A induced ARDS that failed conventional ARDS ventilator therapy. All three patients presented with typical flu-like symptoms, which deteriorated over several days, requiring intubation. They were all treated with oseltamivir. They had bilateral chest infiltrates on chest x-rays. After a few days of failing conventional treatment these patients …

Sternal Wound Infection Caused By Mycobacterium Chelonae., Shinya Unai, Joseph Miessau, Pawel Karbowski, Gurjyot Bajwa, Hitoshi Hirose

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Sternal wound infection caused by Mycobacterium chelonae, a member of the rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), is rare and may present without signs and symptoms of systemic infection.

METHODS: We present a patient who had a M. chelonae infection of the sternum following excision of a left atrial myxoma and conducted a review of the literature from 1976 to 2013.

RESULTS: Seventy cases of NTM sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery were identified, including six outbreaks and ten sporadic cases including the present case. Thirty-four cases were isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, 16 cases were isolated valve …

Does Skin Pigmentation Effect Readings Of Cerebral Oximeter Devices While On Cardiopulmonary Support?, Christine Feldmeier, Md, Harrsion Pitcher, Md, Qiong Yang, Md, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi, Md, Hitoshi Hirose, Md, Phd

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Introduction:

Cerebral oximetry is utilized as a non-invasive method to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion. In a review of our clinical experience, it was noted that there were consistent inaccurate values from normal utilizing relative (INVOS, Covidien, Mansfield, MA) cerebral oximetry as opposed to absolute (FORESIGHT, CAS medical, Branford, CT) cerebral oximetry in darker skin patients.

Presented 24th Annual ELSO Conference. Philadelphia, PA. Sep 19-21, 2013.

Proggene: Gene Expression Based Survival Analysis Web Application For Multiple Cancers., Chirayu Pankaj Goswami, Harikrishna Nakshatri

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Identification of prognostic mRNA biomarkers has been done for various cancer types. The data that are published from such studies are archived in public repositories. There are hundreds of such datasets available for multiple cancer types in public repositories. Wealth of such data can be utilized to study prognostic implications of mRNA in different cancers as well as in different populations or subtypes of same cancer.Description: We have created a web application that can be used for studying prognostic implications of mRNA biomarkers in a variety of cancers. We have compiled data from public repositories such as GEO, EBI …

A Cost Reducing Ecmo Model: A Single Institutional Experience., En Yaw Hong, Suzanne Wallace, Amy Tropea, Jaime Byrne, Msn, Rn, Hitoshi Hirose, Md, Phd, Harrsion Pitcher, Md, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi, Md

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Background: The demand for ECMO support has grown. Its provision remains limited due to several factors (high cost, complicated technology, lack of expertise) which increase healthcare cost. Our goal was to assess if an ICU run ECMO model (without continuous bedside perfusion) would decrease costs while maintaining patient safety and outcomes.

Method: We performed a retrospective review that analyzed the cost and safety benefits of a newly implemented ICU-run ECMO unit from 2011-2012. The program consisted of a dedicated ICU involving multidisciplinary providers (ICU RN, mid-level providers and intensivists). In year one, we introduced an education platform, new technology and …

The Impact Of A New Ecmo Program On Clinical Outcomes Of Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated By Cardiogenic Shock., Shinya Unai, Md, Harrsion Pitcher, Md, Qiong Yang, Md, Nicholas Ruggiero, Md, Hitoshi Hirose, Md, Phd, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi, Md

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Objective:

To investigate if a new ECMO program will improve the outcome of patients who had acute myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock.

Presented 24th Annual ELSO Conference. Philadelphia, PA. Sep 19-21, 2013.

Mrsa Sepsis And Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome During Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (Ecmo)., Philip Hsiao, Bs, Joseph Miessau, Bs, Harrsion Pitcher, Md, Qiong Yang, Md, Michael Baram, Md, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi, Md, Hitoshi Hirose, Md, Phd

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Presentation:

A 39 year old female African American presented with respiratory distress two days after ERCP for pancreatitis.

The patient quickly deteriorated, required intubation, and developed severe hypotension requiring vasopressors.

VA-ECMO was initiated for ARDS and SIRS due to on-going pancreatitis.

Pre ECMO ABG: PH 7.01, PaCO2 70, PaO2 70 with FiO2 100% with PEEP 15

Profound hypotension, required 2 pressors

Preliminary results of cultures were negative at the time of ECMO placement.

Presented 24th Annual ELSO Conference. Philadelphia, PA. Sep 19-21, 2013.

Left Ventricular Thrombus Found In A Patient With Ards And Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy Requiring Veno-Arterial Ecmo., Shreya Gupta, Bs, Joseph Miessau, Ms, Harrsion Pitcher, Md, Michael Baram, Md, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi, Md, Hitoshi Hirose, Md, Phd

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Presentation:

68 year-old male with a history of acute leukemia with complete remission after bone marrow transplant 4 months ago, coronary disease s/p LAD stents about 14 years ago with no chronic anti-platelet medication, and repeated episode of DVT despite appropriate anti-coagulation, presented with viral pneumonia (rhinovirus).

Antithrombin Iii Deficiency In A Patient Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation., Jonathan R. Sarik, Md, Shinya Unai, Md, Harrsion Pitcher, Md, Qiong Yang, Md, Hitoshi Hirose, Md, Phd, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi, Md

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Introduction:

Antithrombin or antithrombin III (ATIII) is a vitamin K-independent, natural anticoagulant that is the major inhibitor of thrombin. With the binding of heparin, a conformational change in antithrombin occurs that increases the inactivation of thrombin by antithrombin by 4000-fold. Antithrombin deficiency can be hereditary or acquired; the acquired form is frequently encountered in patients requiring mechanical circulatory support.

Formulation of clots within the circuit of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-threatening emergency and requires emergent intervention. Decreased ATIII is associated with a hypercoagulable state, which can lead to dangerous complications for patients requiring mechanical circulatory support.

We Came, We Saw, We Cannulated?, Hitoshi Hirose, Md, Phd, Kumar Gaurav, Md, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi, Md, Vanjul Agarwal, Md, Roselle Almeida, Md, Andrew Toscano, Md, Urvashi Vaid, Md, Ms, Bharat K. Awsare, M.D., Fccp, Michael Baram, Md

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Introduction: Despite advances in management of patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), mortality due to ARDS still remains high. In patients with refractory gas-exchange abnormalities, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is considered as salvage therapy that aims to decrease ventilator induced lung injury and provide lung rest. injury and provide lung rest.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with ARDS from October 2010 to September 2012. The aim of the study was to describe the population of patients placed on ECMO for ARDS in our institution. All patients placed on ARDSnet protocol were identified in the …

Failure Patterns In Resected Pancreas Adenocarcinoma: Lack Of Predicted Benefit To Smad4 Expression., Jordan M. Winter, Laura H. Tang, David S. Klimstra, Weiguo Liu, Irena Linkov, Murray F. Brennan, Michael I. DʼAngelica, Ronald P. Dematteo, Yuman Fong, William R. Jarnagin, Eileen M. OʼReilly, Peter J. Allen

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether SMAD4 expression is associated with recurrence pattern after resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA).

BACKGROUND: SMAD4 expression status has been reported to be associated with patterns of failure in PDA, but studies have not examined recurrence patterns after resection.

METHODS: A tissue microarray was constructed including 127 patients with resected PDA and either short-term (<12 >months) or long-term (>30 months) survival. SMAD4 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and categorized as present or lost in tumor cells. Conventional pathologic features (lymph node metastases, positive resection margin, poor grade, and tumor size) were recorded, and disease-specific outcomes …

Altered Drainage Patterns In Patients With Melanoma And Previous Axillary Dissection., Caitlyn M. Johnson, Charles Intenzo, Michael Mastrangelo, Kendra Feeney, Adam C. Berger

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

The incidence of melanoma is increasing rapidly in the United States. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is an important diagnostic tool in the treatment and staging of melanoma. However, many patients with melanoma will have had lymph node surgery for previous melanoma or breast cancer. We set out to examine alterations in drainage patterns in patients with previous axillary dissection for breast cancer. We reviewed four patients with truncal and/or extremity melanomas and examined their lymphoscintigraphy and drainage patterns. Three patients with truncal melanoma mapped to cervical lymph nodes and a fourth patient with an arm melanoma mapped to her previously …

An Old Problem With A New Therapy: Gastrointestinal Bleeding In Ventricular Assist Device Patients And Deep Overtube-Assisted Enteroscopy., Konrad Sarosiek, Linda J Bogar, Mitchell I Conn, Brendan O'Hare, Hitoshi Hirose, Md, Phd, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi, Md

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Conventional algorithms for diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients with nonpulsatile ventricular assist devices (VADs) may take days to perform while patients require transfusions. We developed a new algorithm based on deep overtube-assisted enteroscopy (DOAE) to facilitate a rapid diagnosis and treatment. From 2004 to 2012, 84 patients who underwent VAD placement in our institution, were evaluated for episodes of GIB. Our new algorithm for the management of GIB using DOAE was evaluated by dividing the episodes into three groups: group A (traditional management without enteroscopy), group B (traditional management with enteroscopy performed >24 hours after presentation), …

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation For Bridge To Decision And To Recovery., Hitoshi Hirose, Md, Phd, Shingeki Tabaka, Md, James Diehl, Md, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi, Md

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Extracorporeal life support has advanced from its humble beginnings over 3 decades ago, with the first description of its success in a patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), going as far back as 1971. The indications for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy include refractory respiratory and/or cardiac failure, and ECMO is now being increasingly used in adult patients. In this case report, we present a patient who had traveled from India to the United States, where she developed acute decompensated biventricular failure and shock, requiring ECMO placement as a bridge to a decision. During her first few days on …

Completely Steroid-Free Immunosuppression In Liver Transplantation: A Randomized Study., Carlo B. Ramirez, Md, Cataldo Doria, Md, Phd, Adam M. Frank, Md, Stephen T. Armenti, Ignazio R. Marino, Md

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Corticosteroids (CS) have been standard immunosuppression to prevent and treat rejection. However, CS are associated with increased risk of infection, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and accelerated hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence post-orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). This study assesses the safety and efficacy of CS-free immunosuppressive regimen in adult OLT.

METHODS: A two-yr, prospective, randomized study of CS with delayed withdrawal (CS) or CS-free regimen with basiliximab, tacrolimus, and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) was performed in 39 patients (CS=20; CS-free=19). CS group received intra-operative methylprednisolone weaned by six months. HCV patients had HCV PCR pre-OLT and 0.5, one, three, and …

Preparation And Technical Considerations For Percutaneous Cannulation For Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation., Kathleen Lamb, Hitoshi Hirose, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: The most frequent limb complications from peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) are limb ischemia and localized bleeding. To minimize these risks, perfusion of the distal limb with peripheral percutaneous cannulation was done.

TECHNIQUE: Percutaneous cannulation with a distal perfusion port was performed in all patients. During the VA-ECMO, distal limb perfusion was monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy to assess tissue oxygenation. At the decannulation, patch angioplasty was performed to prevent the development of narrowing of the artery at the cannulation site.

CONCLUSIONS: Using our standard technique, we have not experienced any limb loss related to ischemia or bleeding.

Management Of Upper Aerodigestive Tract Bleeding On Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation., Hitoshi Hirose, Md, Phd

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Introduction: Bleeding complications on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are often encountered. In a review of our own series, it was found that upper aero digestive tract bleeding was common and management was often difficult. We propose an algorithm to help manage upper aero digestive tract bleeding in the anticoagulated, ECMO patient.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of the patients who underwent veno-venous or veno-arterial ECMO at our institution between July 2010 and July 2012. The patients that had upper aero digestive tract bleeding that required an otolaryngology consultation were identified. They were further investigated to determine location …

Management Of Upper Aerodigestive Tract Bleeding In Patients On Ecmo., Hitoshi Hirose, Md, Phd, Meredith Harrison, Md, Adam I. Baker, Md, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi, Md

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Introduction: Bleeding complications on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) are often encountered. In a review of our own series, it was found that upper aero digestive tract bleeding was common and management was often difficult. We propose an algorithm to help manage upper aero digestive tract bleeding in the anticoagulated, ECMO patient. Hypothesis: Once an ECMO patient fails conservative management for upper aero digestive bleeding, more aggressive measures will prove successful, which will provide benefit to the patient. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of the patients who underwent venovenous or veno-arterial ECMO at our institution between July 2010 and …

Major Perioperative Morbidity Does Not Affect Long-Term Survival In Patients Undergoing Esophagectomy For Cancer Of The Esophagus Or Gastroesophageal Junction., Brent T Xia, Ernest L Rosato, Karen A Chojnacki, Albert G. Crawford, Benny Weksler, Adam C. Berger

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of cancer of the esophagus/GE junction is dramatically increasing but continues to have a dismal prognosis. Esophagectomy provides the best opportunity for long-term cure but is hampered by increased rates of perioperative morbidity. We reviewed our large institutional experience to evaluate the impact of postoperative complications on the long-term survival of patients undergoing resection for curative intent.

METHODS: We identified 237 patients who underwent esophagogastrectomy, with curative intent, for cancer between 1994 and 2008. Complications were graded using the previously published Clavien scale. Survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier methodology and survival curves were compared using log-rank tests. …

Assessment Of Nutritional Adequacy In Patients On Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation., Hitoshi Hirose, Md, Phd, Joseph Miessau, Pa-C, Evanthia Foliou, Rd, Pawel Karbowski, Pa-C, Ms, Melanie K. Sion, Md, Christine Feldmeier, Md

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Introduction: Nutrition is a key element of recovery from the state of critical illness. Little is known about nutritional adequacy in patients supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for severe cardio-respiratory dysfunction. A study was performed whether or not early nutrition support improve outcomes of the patients on ECMO.

Methods: A retrospective IRB approved review was conducted of all patients supported on ECMO from 7/10 to 6/12. The patients were divided into 2 groups, survivors and non-survivors. Age, sex, preoperative comorbidities, type and duration of ECMO, day to initiation and goal feeding, caloric intake, weekly biomarkers (pre-albumin, albumin, …

Extracorporeal Membranous Oxygenation Mimics Aortic Dissection On Cat Scan., Philip Batista, Nicholas C. Cavarocchi, Hitoshi Hirose

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

A 66 year-old female presented with refractory acute congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was placed via femoral cannulation for salvage and stabilized. CAT scan of the chest performed as a part of heart transplant work-up, demonstrated an unequal distribution of intravenous contrast in the aortic arch (Figure 1). Radiologist’s preliminary reading was of “aortic dissection” while in fact this is truly “normal ECMO flow”.

Targeted Therapies In The Treatment Of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma., Zhengyu Wei, Cataldo Doria, Yuan Liu

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death. It has been a major worldwide health problem with more new cases being diagnosed each year. The current available therapies for patients with advanced HCC are extremely limited. Therefore, it is of great clinical interests to develop more effective therapies for systemic treatment of advanced HCC. Several promising target-based drugs have been tested in a number of clinical trials. One breakthrough of these efforts is the approved clinical use of sorafenib in patients with advanced HCC. Targeted therapies are becoming an attractive option …