Abstract Background and objectives Postoperative delirium is common in critically ill patients and is known to have several predisposing and precipitating factors. Seasonality affects cognitive function which has a more dysfunctional pattern during winter. We, therefore, aimed to test whether seasonal variation is associated with the occurrence of delirium and hospital Length Of Stay (LOS) in critically ill non-cardiac surgical populations. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of adult patients recovering from non-cardiac surgery at the Cleveland Clinic between March 2013 and March 2018 who stayed in Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) for at least 48 hours and had daily Confusion Assessment Method Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) assessments for delirium. The incidence of delirium and LOS were summarized by season and compared using chi-square test and non-parametric tests, respectively. A logistic regression model was used to assess the association between delirium and LOS with seasons, adjusted for potential confounding variables. Results Among 2300 patients admitted to SICU after non-cardiac surgeries, 1267 (55%) had postoperative delirium. The incidence of delirium was 55% in spring, 54% in summer, 55% in fall and 57% in winter, which was not significantly different over the four seasons (p= 0.69). The median LOS was 12 days (IQR = [8, 19]) overall. There was a significant difference in LOS across the four seasons (p= 0.018). LOS during summer was 12% longer (95% CI: 1.04, 1.21; p= 0.002) than in winter. Conclusions In adult non-cardiac critically ill surgical patients, the incidence of postoperative delirium is not associated with season. Noticeably, LOS was longer in summer than in winter.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of this study was to present the mid-term results of patients who had undergone a carotid-subclavian bypass surgery after a thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) stent-graft implantation with proximal landing at zone 2 of the aorta. Methods: A total of 66 patients had undergone TEVAR and carotid-subclavian bypass between January 2015 and May 2020 at our clinic. Five of these patients were lost to follow-up, so 61 patients were included in this retrospective study. At follow-up visits, patency of the carotid-subclavian bypass grafts was evaluated with physical examination and radiological imaging. Results: The mean follow-up time was 15.11±12.29 months (ranging from 1 to 56 months). There were 3 (4.91%) in-hospital deaths of patients admitted with bilateral lower limb and visceral malperfusion. There were also 2 (3.27%) deaths unrelated to the procedure. Carotid-subclavian graft occlusion occurred in 3 (4.91%) patients. The occlusion was detected with radiological imaging within a period of 12 to 24 months. The graft patency rate was 100% in the first 12 months. The mean graft patency time (survival) was 52.56±2.10 months. Conclusion: Periprocedural carotid-subclavian bypass surgery with synthetic grafts is a recommended procedure with high patency and acceptably low mortality and morbidity rates in TEVAR.

Abstract Background Infraclavicular brachial plexus nerve block is a commonly performed anesthesiology technique in the upper extremity. Local anesthetics may be administered at different temperatures for both neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the temperature of the local anesthetic at the time of administration on the onset and duration of sensory and motor blocks in infraclavicular brachial plexus nerve block. Methods A total of 80 patients undergoing elective upper extremity surgery were randomly assigned to one of the following groups using a computer-based randomization software; low temperature (4 °C) (Group L, n = 26), room temperature (25 °C) (Group R, n = 27) and warmed (37 °C) (Group W, n = 27). A 1:1 mixture of 2% lidocaine and 0.5% bupivacaine was used as local anesthetic. Infraclavicular brachial plexus nerve block was performed under ultrasound guidance in all patients preoperatively. The onset and duration of sensory and motor blocks were recorded. Results Each group had different onset of motor (p< 0.001) and sensory (p< 0.001) blocks. The duration of motor block was similar between groups (p= 221). However, a significant difference was found in the duration of sensory block between group L (399.1 ± 40.8 min) and group R (379.6 ± 27.6 min) (p= 0.043). There was no complication related to nerve block procedure. Conclusions The administration of the local anesthetic at lower temperatures may prolong the onset of both motor and sensory blocks in infraclavicular brachial plexus nerve block.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Há diferentes posições do probe do ultrasom que são utilizadas para a colocação de cateter em veia jugular interna. Além disso, a aproximação da agulha no plano ou fora do plano pode ser usada para o cateterismo. A abordagem transversal clássica no eixo curto é a abordagem mais popular na literatura. Sem seringa é uma nova técnica descrita, realizada com a abordagem oblíqua no eixo longo. Nosso objetivo foi comparar o desempenho dessas duas abordagens. Métodos: Este foi um estudo prospectivo e randômico. No total, 80 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo e divididos em dois grupos denominados Grupo C (abordagem transversal clássica no eixo curto) e Grupo SF (abordagem sem seringa oblíqua no eixo longo) por meio de randomização gerada por computador. O desfecho primário foi o tempo médio para a visibilização do fio-guia na veia jugular interna (tempo de execução). Os desfechos secundários foram o número de passagens da agulha, o número de punções da pele e as complicações entre os dois grupos. Resultados: Os dados demográficos e hemodinâmicos não foram significativamente diferentes. O tempo médio de execução foi de 54,9 ± 19,1 segundos no Grupo C e 43,9 ± 15,8 segundos no Grupo SF. Diferenças significativas foram observadas entre os grupos (p = 0,006). O número médio de passagens da agulha foi de 3,2 (± 2,1) no Grupo C e 2,1 (± 1,6) no Grupo SF. Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os dois grupos (p = 0,002). O número de punções da pele foi de 1,6 (± 0,8) no Grupo C e 1,2 (± 0,5) C no Grupo SF (p = 0,027). Conclusão: A técnica sem seringa apresentou tempo de execução, número de passagens da agulha e número de punções da pele menores. Além disso, essa técnica permite acompanhar o progresso do fio-guia com visibilização ecográfica contínua e o procedimento não precisa de auxílio durante a inserção do cateter. Ou seja, sem seringa é uma técnica eficaz, segura e rápida que pode ser usada para a colocação de cateter em veia jugular interna.

Abstract Background and objectives: There are different ultrasound probe positions used for internal jugular venous catheter placement. Also, in-plane or out of plane needle approach may be used for catheterization. Transverse short-axis classic approach is the most popular performed approach in literature. “Syringe-Free” is a new described technique that is performed with oblique long-axis approach. We aimed to compare performance of these two approaches. Methods: This study was conducted as a prospective and randomized study. 80 patients were included the study and allocated into two groups that were named Group C (transverse short-axis classic approach) and Group SF (oblique long-axis syringe-free approach) by a computer-generated randomization. The primary outcome was mean time that guidewire is seen in the Internal jugular vein (performing time). The secondary outcomes were to compare number of needle pass, number of skin puncture and complications between two groups. Results: Demographic and hemodynamic data were not significantly different. The mean performing time was 54.9 ± 19.1 s in Group C and 43.9 ± 15.8 s in Group SF. Significant differences were found between the groups (p = 0.006). Mean number of needle pass was 3.2 (± 2.1) in Group C and 2.1 (± 1.6) in Group SF. There were statistically significant differences between two groups (p = 0.002). The number of skin puncture was 1.6 (± 0.8) and 1.2 (± 0.5) in Group C and SF, respectively (p = 0.027). Conclusion: “Syringe-Free” technique has lower performing time, number of needle pass and skin puncture. Also, it allows to follow progress of guide-wire under continuous ultrasound visualization and the procedure does not need assistance during catheter insertion. Namely, “Syringe-Free” is effective, safe and fast technique that may be used to place internal jugular venous catheter.

OBJETIVOS: Os vasos das extremidades superiores são frequentemente lesados em razão de acidentes. Nós pesquisamos a funcionalidade dos membros superiores com base nos resultados cirúrgicos, além do acompanhamento de lesões de outros órgãos e tecidos.MÉTODOS: Entre novembro de 2008 e dezembro de 2011, 26 pacientes foram encaminhados ao nosso serviço de emergência em razão de lesões vasculares traumáticas da extremidade superior, sendo avaliados retrospectivamente. O atendimento inicial aos pacientes, assim como os diagnósticos e as variedades de tratamento, foram avaliados. Após a alta hospitalar, os pacientes foram acompanhados pelo eco-Doppler e pelo índice tornozelo-braço.RESULTADOS: O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 33,5±10,8 meses. Durante o seguimento, os índices braquiais direito (1,05±0,09) e esquerdo (1,04±0,08) foram medidos. Na ultrassonografia Doppler, foi observada obstrução arterial em quatro pacientes. Devido à circulação colateral, o índice tornozelo-braço foi próximo do normal nesses pacientes; entretanto, eles apresentavam limitações funcionais dos membros superiores acometidos, para o trabalho diário.CONCLUSÕES: Traumas penetrantes são frequentemente observados em adultos jovens. Esses pacientes devem ser rapidamente tratados para que retornem ao seu trabalho. O planejamento do tratamento deve ser multidisciplinar, para abranger também as lesões de outros órgãos e tecidos. Nosso estudo mostrou que não há correlação entre o índice tornozelo-braço e a funcionalidade da extremidade superior, após cirurgia para o trauma vascular.

OBJECTIVES: Vascular injuries to the upper extremities requiring surgical repair are common after accidents. However, neither postoperative functionality nor hemodynamic status of the extremity are routinely described. We evaluated the postoperative functional and hemodynamic status of patients with vascular traumas in the upper extremities.METHODS: 26 patients who suffered penetrating vascular traumas in the upper extremities from November 2008 to December 2011 were retrospectively evaluated. Data on first approach, surgical technique employed and early postoperative outcomes were recorded. Further data on the post-discharge period, including clinical functional status of the arm, Doppler ultrasonography and brachial-brachial index were also evaluated.RESULTS: Average follow up was 33.5±10.8 months. Right (1.05±0.09) and left (1.04±0.08) brachial indexes were measured during follow up,. Doppler ultrasonography showed arterial occlusion in 4 patients (15%). Near-normal brachial-brachial indexes was observed in all four of these patients with occlusion of one of the upper extremity arteries, even though they exhibited limited arm function for daily work.CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the postoperative outcomes of this small series of patients with penetrating vascular traumas in the upper extremity revealed that 15% of them suffered occlusion of one artery of the upper extremity. Artery occlusion did not correlate with brachial-brachial Doppler index, probably due to rich collateral circulation, but occlusion was associated with an extremity that was dysfunctional for the purposes of daily work. The result of the brachial-brachial index does not therefore correlate with functionality.