Remplacement valvulaire mitral par homogreffe

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2002), 57(7), 459-62

The total homograft replacement of the left AV valve and subvalvular apparatus constitutes a delicate operation, which may prove beneficial in young patients with extensive bacterial endocarditis. The ... [more ▼]

The total homograft replacement of the left AV valve and subvalvular apparatus constitutes a delicate operation, which may prove beneficial in young patients with extensive bacterial endocarditis. The case of a staphylococcal endocarditis in a young drug addicted patient, operated three years previously of mitral valve repair for the same pathology, is presented. In addition to the complete excision of infected tissues and valvular substitution with biological material, this technique has the advantage of avoiding long term anticoagulation. The history, technical key points, and current indications of mitral homograft in the surgery of the left atrio-ventricular valves are reviewed. [less ▲]

Levels of inflammatory markers in the blood processed by autotransfusion devices during cardiac surgery associated with cardiopulmonary bypass circuit

in Perfusion (2002), 17(2), 117-123

Intraoperative blood salvage devices allowing a reinfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) after processing of shed blood and stagnant blood in the mediastinal cavity are more and more used to reduce homologous ... [more ▼]

Intraoperative blood salvage devices allowing a reinfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) after processing of shed blood and stagnant blood in the mediastinal cavity are more and more used to reduce homologous blood requirements in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). As the proinflammatory activity of the shed blood also contributes to morbidity during CPB, we conducted a prospective study in order to examine the quality of autologous blood before and after processing with five different devices [BRAT2, Sequestra, Compact Advanced, Cell Saver 5 (CS5), Continuous Autologous Transfusion System (CATS)]. All systems resulted in an excellent haemoconcentration, ranging from 53.7% (Compact) to 68.9% (CATS). The concentrations and elimination rates of several inflammatory markers [IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-8, TNFalpha, myeloperoxidase (MPO), elastase] were examined. Except for the Sequestra, an important increase in concentration of IL-1beta (between 30% and 220%) has been observed after processing with each device. In contrast, the attenuation rate of IL-6 and TNFalpha (95%) was optimal for all investigated blood salvages systems. Regarding IL-8, only the CATS and CS5 systems were able to attenuate this biological parameter with an excellent efficacy. The rate of attenuation in MPO and elastase, as markers of leukocyte activation, was higher than 80% for all devices. In conclusion, the different RBC washing systems tested in this study resulted in a significant attenuation of the inflammatory response. Increased levels of IL-1beta after processing remained, however, unclear. According to the type of protocol, based on inlet haematocrit, fill and wash speeds, and wash volumes, small variations in reducing the inflammatory response have been observed from one device to another. [less ▲]

Principes et intérêts du simulateur en anesthésie-réanimation

in Praticien en Anesthésie Réanimation (Le) (2001), 5(4), 225

Sma Circuits Reduce Platelet Consumption and Platelet Factor Release During Cardiac Surgery

in Annals of Thoracic Surgery (2000), 70(6), 2075-81

BACKGROUND: Platelet count and function are particularly damaged by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This study evaluated the effects of a novel CPB circuit in terms of platelet count and activation, and ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: Platelet count and function are particularly damaged by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This study evaluated the effects of a novel CPB circuit in terms of platelet count and activation, and postoperative need for blood products. METHODS: One hundred patients undergoing coronary grafting were randomized in two groups: control group (n = 50) and test group (n = 50, surface modifying additives circuit, SMA group). Blood samples were taken before, during, and after CPB. Postoperative blood loss, number of transfused blood products, and postoperative variables were recorded. RESULTS: The platelet count decreased less in the SMA group compared to the control group (end of CPB: respectively, 165 +/- 9 x 10(3)/mm3 vs 137 +/- 8 x 10(3)/mm3; p < 0.01). This was paralleled by a reduction in beta-thromboglobulin plasma levels in the SMA group. There was a trend to decreased blood loss in the SMA group, but the difference was significant only in patients taking aspirin preoperatively (p < 0.05). In the SMA group nearly 50% less fresh frozen plasma and platelet units were administered (p < 0.01). No operative deaths were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of circuits with surface additives is clinically safe, preserves platelet levels, and attenuates platelet activation. This may lead to a reduced need for blood products. [less ▲]

La commission d'hemovigilance du CHU.

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2000), 55(9), 878-80

As suggested by the National Blood Council, a Hemovigilance Committee was set up in the University Hospital of Liege in 1995. A multidisciplinary discussion takes place on any action aiming at the ... [more ▼]

As suggested by the National Blood Council, a Hemovigilance Committee was set up in the University Hospital of Liege in 1995. A multidisciplinary discussion takes place on any action aiming at the improvement of transfusion safety, and the follow-up of its implementation. The first issue to be discussed was the set up of a detailed documentation of all blood transfusions. The data are now recorded on a single document allowing proper identification of people and products involved, and of the eventual incidents. This document has lead to a better transfusion safety and to an improved administrative management of blood transfusion. The Commission has been coordinating two multi-centric studies analyzing the consumption of fresh blood products and the incidence of transfusion reactions. Among blood-saving policies, autologous transfusion and volume reduction of samples drawn for laboratory purposes have been discussed. Other measures were taken to improve the labeling of samples for cross-mach and to actively follow-up transfusion reactions. By its actions and advises, the Commission aims to direct strategies towards a safe and rational use of blood products. [less ▲]

Chirurgie vasculaire chez l'octogénaire

in Revue Médicale de Liège (1998), 53(3), 149-57

The prevalence of peripheral vascular disease increases with aging of the population. About 8% of the octogenarians present significant carotid artery stenosis, about 4% have an abdominal aortic anneurysm ... [more ▼]

The prevalence of peripheral vascular disease increases with aging of the population. About 8% of the octogenarians present significant carotid artery stenosis, about 4% have an abdominal aortic anneurysm of 40 mm or more, and 6% suffer critical limb ischemia. Carotid endarterectomy in octogenarians is a valuable tool for stroke prevention, only if the combined perioperative stroke-mortality rate is lower than 3%. Operating an abdominal aneurysm of 50 mm or more in octogenarians is characterized by an operative mortality that is higher compared to that observed in a younger patient group (4.7% vs 2.7%). Aneurysm-surgery remains nevertheless justified, since it is the only way to prevent the evolution to rupture, that is almost fatal. Limb salvage surgery should always be considered for an 80-years patient with critical limb ischemia, since readaptation after major limb-amputation is not evident for octogenarians. An extensive review of literature is presented concerning vascular aging and results of carotid surgery, aneurysm repair and lower limb revascularization in octogenarians. The authors report their own recent experience with carotid surgery and aneurysm repair in patients aged 80 years or older. [less ▲]

Anaesthesia for thoracoscopic surgery

in Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology (1997), 10

Les anesthésiques

in Revue Médicale de Liège (1996), 51(1), 129-32

Anaesthesia for cardiac surgery

in Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology (1996), 9

Comparison of serum CK-MB and troponin concentrations after coronary bypass surgery

Conference (1995, October 14)