• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.17-24
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• 2021

Background: Although extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is generally performed percutaneously, the technology is deployed under sedation and necessitates endotracheal intubation. However, in some patients, the use of venoarterial (VA) ECMO without intubation may be beneficial. Herein, we describe our experiences with VA ECMO performed without prior endotracheal intubation. Methods: A total of 783 patients treated with VA ECMO at a single center between January 2013 and July 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. We included patients who underwent successful VA ECMO implementation without prior endotracheal intubation, and excluded those who were younger than 18 years, had ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation status, and had poor quality of the vessels needed for percutaneous cannulation. The primary study outcome was in-hospital survival. Results: In total, 50 patients were included in this study, 94% of whom showed cardiogenic shock. The mean age of the study participants was 56.3±14.5 years. The median VA ECMO support time was 7 days (range, 2-13 days). Twenty-one patients (42%) did not receive ventilator care during the VA ECMO support period, while 29 patients (58%) progressed to intubation after VA ECMO implementation. The rates of survival at discharge and weaning success were 82% (n=41) and 92% (n=46), respectively, and 80% (n=40) of patients presented good Glasgow-Pittsburgh Cerebral Performance Categories scores at discharge. Conclusion: Even in patients with cardiogenic shock, percutaneous VA ECMO can be introduced safely without prior endotracheal intubation by an experienced care team. The application of nonintubated VA ECMO might be a feasible strategy in selected cases.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.55-60
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• 2022

Background: Robot-assisted repair of atrial septal defect (ASD) can be performed under either beating-heart or non-beating-heart conditions. However, the risk of cerebral air embolism (i.e., stroke) is a concern in the beating-heart approach. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of beating- and non-beating-heart approaches in robot-assisted ASD repair. Methods: From 2010 to 2019, a total of 45 patients (mean age, 43.4±14.6 years; range, 19-79 years) underwent ASD repair using the da Vinci robotic surgical system. Twenty-seven of these cases were performed on a beating heart (beating-heart group, n=27) and the other cases were performed on an arrested or fibrillating heart (non-beating-heart group, n=18). Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was achieved via cannulation of the femoral vessels and the right internal jugular vein in all patients. Results: Complete ASD closure was verified using intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in all patients. Conversion to open surgery was not performed in any cases, and there were no major complications. All patients recovered from anesthesia without any immediate postoperative neurologic symptoms. In a subgroup analysis of isolated ASD patch repair (beating-heart group: n=22 vs. non-beating-heart group: n=5), the operation time and CPB time were shorter in the beating-heart group (234±38 vs. 253±29 minutes, p=0.133 and 113±28 vs. 143±29 minutes, p=0.034, respectively). Conclusion: Robot-assisted ASD repair can be safely performed with the beating-heart approach. No additional risk in terms of cerebral embolism was found in the beating-heart group.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.332-339
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• 2022

Purpose: Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been used for more than five decades, its applicability in Bangladeshi children has recently become more common. Therefore, this manuscript aims to describe our experience in performing ERCPs in Bangladeshi children with hepatopancreaticobiliary diseases, focusing on presenting diseases, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy. Methods: Between 2018 and 2021, 20 children underwent 30 ERCP procedures at the Bangladesh Specialized Hospital, Dhaka. A single trained adult gastroenterologist performed all procedures using a therapeutic video duodenoscope. The indications for ERCP, diagnostic findings, therapeutic procedures, and complications were documented. Results: The median age of the study patients was 10 years (range, 1.7-15 years). Successful cannulation of the papilla was achieved in 28 procedures and failed in 2 cases. Repeated ERCP was required in seven patients. Nine patients had biliary indications and 11 had pancreatic indications. Choledocholithiasis was the most common indication for ERCP in patients with biliary disease, while chronic pancreatitis was common among patients with pancreatic indications. Pancreatic divisum was observed in only one patient. Pancreatic and biliary sphincterotomy was performed in 14 and 9 cases, respectively. A single pigtail or straight therapeutic stent was inserted in seven cases and removed in five cases. Stone extraction was performed in six procedures, and balloon dilatation was performed in five procedures. The post-procedural period for these patients was uneventful. Conclusion: We found that ERCP is a practical and successful therapeutic intervention for treating hepatopancreaticobiliary disorders in children when performed by experienced endoscopists.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.406-412
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• 2022

Purpose: The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases in the pediatric population was not well defined until recently. Our aim was to determine the feasibility, outcomes, and safety of ERCP in a local pediatric population, particularly using standard adult endoscopes and accessories. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka. Pediatric patients (aged <16 years) who underwent ERCP from January 2015 to December 2020 were included in the study. Data, including patient demographics, indications for the procedure, technical details, and associated complications, were collected from the internal database and patient records maintained at the hospital. Results: The study included 62 patients who underwent a total of 98 ERCP procedures. All the procedures were performed by adult gastroenterologists using standard adult endoscopes and accessories. The mean age was 11.01±3.47 years. Pancreatic diseases were the major indications for most of the procedures (n=81, 82.7%), with chronic pancreatitis being the most common. Seventeen procedures (17.3%) were carried out for biliary diseases. Overall cannulation and technical success rates were 87.8% and 85.7%, respectively. Stent placement was the most common therapeutic intervention (n=66; 67.4%). Post-ERCP pancreatitis was the most common complication, occurring in eight patients (8.2%). Conclusion: ERCP can be successfully and safely performed in pediatric populations using standard adult endoscopes and accessories with complications similar to those of adults. Adult ERCP services can be offered to most pediatric patients without additional costs of pediatric endoscopes and accessories.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.42-48
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• 2023

Background: With recent advances in cardiac surgery through minimal access, mini-thoracotomy has emerged as an excellent alternative for cardiac myxoma resection. This study analyzed the surgical results of this approach, focusing on postoperative cerebral embolism and tumor recurrence. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 64 patients (mean age, 56.0±12.1 years; 40 women) who underwent myxoma resection through mini-thoracotomy from October 2008 to July 2020. We conducted femoral cannulation and antegrade cardioplegic arrest in all patients. Patient characteristics and perioperative data, including brain diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) findings, were collected. Medium-term echocardiographic follow-up was performed. Results: Thirteen patients (20.3%) had a history of preoperative stroke, and 7 (11.7%) had dyspnea with New York Heart Association functional class III or IV. Sixty-one cases (95.3%) had myxomas in the left atrium. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac ischemic times were 69.0±28.6 and 34.1±15.0 minutes, respectively. Sternotomy conversion was not performed in any case, and 50 patients (78.1%) were extubated in the operating room. No early mortality or postoperative clinical stroke occurred. Postoperative DWI was performed in 32 (53%) patients, and 7 (22%) showed silent cerebral embolisms. One patient underwent reoperation for tumor recurrence during the study period; in that patient, a genetic study confirmed the Carney complex. Conclusion: Mini-thoracotomy for cardiac myxoma resection showed acceptable clinical and neurological outcomes. In the medium-term echocardiographic follow-up, reliable resection was proven, with few recurrences. This approach is a promising alternative for cardiac myxoma resection.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.246-252
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• 2024

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) is useful for patients with biliary cannulation failure or inaccessible papillae. However, it can lead to serious complications such as bile peritonitis in patients with ascites; therefore, development of a safe method to perform EUS-HGS is important. Herein, we evaluated the safety of EUS-HGS with continuous ascitic fluid drainage in patients with ascites. Methods: Patients with moderate or severe ascites who underwent continuous ascites drainage, which was initiated before EUS-HGS and terminated after the procedure at our institution between April 2015 and December 2022, were included in the study. We evaluated the technical and clinical success rates, EUS-HGS-related complications, and feasibility of re-intervention. Results: Ten patients underwent continuous ascites drainage, which was initiated before EUS-HGS and terminated after completion of the procedure. Median duration of ascites drainage before and after EUS-HGS was 2 and 4 days, respectively. Technical success with EUS-HGS was achieved in all 10 patients (100%). Clinical success with EUS-HGS was achieved in 9 of the 10 patients (90%). No endoscopic complications such as bile peritonitis were observed. Conclusions: In patients with ascites, continuous ascites drainage, which is initiated before EUS-HGS and terminated after completion of the procedure, may prevent complications and allow safe performance of EUS-HGS.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.38 no.5 s.250
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• pp.366-370
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• 2005

Background: In general, cardiac surgery has been performed via median sternotomy. During the past decade, improvements in endoscopic equipment and operative techniques have resulted in development of minimally invasive cardiac operation using small incisions. With the advent of a voice controlled camera-holding robotic arm (AESOP 3000, Automated Endoscope System for Optimal Positioning), cardiac surgery entered the robotic age. Material and Method: Between April 2004 and December 2004, a total of seventy eight patients underwent robotic cardiac surgery, of whom sixty four patients underwent robot-assisted minimally invasive cardiac surgery via 5cm right lateral minithoracotomy using voice controlled robotic arm, femoral vessels cannulation, percutaneous internal jugular cannulation, transthoracic aortic cross clamp. Other fourteen patients underwent MIDCAB via internal mammary artery harvesting using AESOP. Result: Robotic cardiac surgery were mitral valve repair in 37 cases, mitral valve replacement in 10 cases, aortic valve replacement in 1 case, MIDCAB in 14 cases, ASD operation in 9 cases, and isolated Maze procedure in 1 case. In mitral operation, mean CPB time was $165.3\pm43.1$ minutes and mean ACC time was $110.4\pm48.2$ minutes. Median length of hospital stay was 6 days (range 3 to 30) in mitral operation, 4 days (range 2 to 7) in MIDCAB, and 4 days (range 2 to 6) in ASD operation. For complications, 3 patients were required by reoperation for bleeding. There was no hospital mortality. Conclusion: Our experience of robot cardiac surgery suggests that many cardiovascular surgeons will be able to perform minimally invasive cardiac operations through small incisions with robot-assisted video-direction. Well-designed studies and close long-term follow-up will be required to analyze the benefits of robot-assisted operation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.329-335
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• 2002

Background: The surgical technique for biventricular assist device(BVAD) implantation has mainly consisted of cannulation procedures. A median sternotomy has been the technique of choice as it gives a surgeon an excellent exposure of the heart. However, considering that most patients require a future sternotomy or already have a previous sternotomy, sternotomy-related complication remains a major concern in BVAD implantation. Based on this consideration as well as the clinical experiences of conventional heart surgery, the authors have hypothesized that the cardiac chambers for BVAD cannulation can be approached from the right side of the heart. The purpose of this studs to develop a novel surgical technique of right thoracotomy for BVAD implantation in an animals study. Material and Method: For last two years, 16 (11 calves, 3 canines, and 2 sheep) out of 30 experimental animals with AnyHeart implantation underwent a right thoracotomy. The device was used as an implantable BVAD in 14 animals, a wearable BVAD in 1, and an implantable LVAD in 1. The chest cavity was entered through the 4th intercostal space or the 5th periosteal bed. As for the BVAD use, a right inflow cannula was inserted into the right atrial free wall and a right outflow cannula was grafted onto the main pulmonary artery. A left inflow cannula was inserted into the interatrial groove and a left outflow cannula was grafted on the innominate artery of the ascending aorta. The connecting tubes were brought out through the thoracotomy wound and connected to the pump located in the subcutaneous pocket at the right flank. Result: Except for the 5 animals for a lilting test or during the early learning curve, all recovered smoothly from the procedures. The inflow drainage allowed the pump output 6.5 L/min at the maximum with 3-3.5 L/min in an average. Of the survivors, there noted no procedure-related mortality or morbidity. Necropsy findings demonstrated the well-positioned cannula tips in the each cardiac chamber

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.38 no.7 s.252
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• pp.489-495
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• 2005

In the surgical treatment of aortic dissection, aortic arch replacement under total circulatory arrest is often performed after careful inspection to determine the severity of disease progression. Under circulatory arrest, antegrade or retrograde cerebral perfusion is required for brain protection. Recently, antegrade cerebral perfusion has been used more, because of the limitation of retrograde cerebral perfusion. This study is to compare these two methods especially in the respect to neurological complications. Material and Method: Forty patients with aortic dissection involving aortic arch from May 2000 to May 2004 were enrolled in this study, and the methods of operation, clinical recovery, and neurological complications were retrospectively reviewed. Result: In the ACP (antegrade cerebral perfusion) group, axillary artery cannulation was performed in 10 out of 15 cases. In the RCP (retrograde cerebral perfusion) group, femoral artery Cannulation was performed in 24 out of 25 cases. The average esophageal and rectal temperature under total circulatory arrest was $17.2^{\circ}C\;and\;22.8^{\circ}C$ in the group A, and $16.0^{\circ}C\;and\;19.7^{\circ}C$ in the group B, respectively. Higher temperature in the ACP group may have brought the shorter operation and cardiopulmonary bypass time. However, the length of period for postoperative clinical recovery and admission duration did not show any statistically significant differences. Eleven out of the total 15 cases in the ACP group and thirteen out of the total 25 cases in the RCP group showed neurological complication but did not show statistically significant difference. In each group, there were 5 cases with permanent neurological complications. All 5 cases in the ACP group showed some improvements that enabled routine exercise. However all 5 cases in RCP group did not show significant improvements. Conclusion: The Antegrade, cerebral perfusion, which maintains orthordromic circulation, brings moderate degree of hypothermia and, therefore, shortens the operation time and cardiopulmonary bypass time. We concluded that Antegrade cerebral perfusion is safe and can be used widely under total circulatory arrest.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.7
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• pp.917-925
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• 2014

An accurate feed formulation is essential for optimizing feed efficiency and minimizing feed cost for swine and poultry production. Because energy and amino acid (AA) account for the major cost of swine and poultry diets, a precise determination of the availability of energy and AA in feedstuffs is essential for accurate diet formulations. Therefore, the methodology for determining the availability of energy and AA should be carefully selected. The total collection and index methods are 2 major procedures for estimating the availability of energy and AA in feedstuffs for swine and poultry diets. The total collection method is based on the laborious production of quantitative records of feed intake and output, whereas the index method can avoid the laborious work, but greatly relies on accurate chemical analysis of index compound. The direct method, in which the test feedstuff in a diet is the sole source of the component of interest, is widely used to determine the digestibility of nutritional components in feedstuffs. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to formulate a basal diet and a test diet in which a portion of the basal diet is replaced by the feed ingredient to be tested because of poor palatability and low level of the interested component in the test ingredients. For the digestibility of AA, due to the confounding effect on AA composition of protein in feces by microorganisms in the hind gut, ileal digestibility rather than fecal digestibility has been preferred as the reliable method for estimating AA digestibility. Depending on the contribution of ileal endogenous AA losses in the ileal digestibility calculation, ileal digestibility estimates can be expressed as apparent, standardized, and true ileal digestibility, and are usually determined using the ileal cannulation method for pigs and the slaughter method for poultry. Among these digestibility estimates, the standardized ileal AA digestibility that corrects apparent ileal digestibility for basal endogenous AA losses, provides appropriate information for the formulation of swine and poultry diets. The total quantity of energy in feedstuffs can be partitioned into different components including gross energy (GE), digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and net energy based on the consideration of sequential energy losses during digestion and metabolism from GE in feeds. For swine, the total collection method is suggested for determining DE and ME in feedstuffs whereas for poultry the classical ME assay and the precision-fed method are applicable. Further investigation for the utilization of ME may be conducted by measuring either heat production or energy retention using indirect calorimetry or comparative slaughter method, respectively. This review provides information on the methodology used to determine accurate estimates of AA and energy availability for formulating swine and poultry diets.