Edelman JJ, Kitahara H, Thourani VH
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. 2019 Jul;
PMID: 31277811
Research as the gatekeeper: introduction ofrobotic-assisted surgery into the public sector
McBride KE, Steffens D, Solomon MJ, Anderson T, Young J, Leslie S, Thanigasalam R, Bannon PG
Aust Health Rev 2019 Jul;
PMID: 31306613
Abstract
Within Australia, robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) has largely been undertaken within the private sector, and predominately based within urology. This is rapidly developing, with RAS becoming increasingly prevalent across surgical specialties and within public hospitals. At this point in time there is a need to consider how this generation of the technology can be appropriately and safely introduced into the public health system given its prohibitive costs and lack of high-level long-term evidence.This paper describes a unique approach used to govern the establishment of a new RAS program within a large public tertiary referral hospital in Australia. This included the creation of a comprehensive governance framework that covered research, training and operational components, with research being the ultimate gatekeeper to accessing the technology.Taking this novel approach, both benefits and challenges were encountered. Although initially there was a trade-off of activity to enable time for the research program to be developed, it was found the model strengthened patient safety in introducing the technology, fostered a breadth of surgical speciality involvement, ensured uniformity of data collection and, in the longer term, will enable a significant contribution to be made to the evidence regarding the appropriateness of RAS being used across several surgical specialties.There is potential for this comprehensive governance framework to be transferred to other public hospitals commencing or with existing RAS programs and to be applied to the introduction of other new and expensive surgical technology.RAS is rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly prevalent across surgical specialities in major public hospitals. Consequently, it is important that this new technology is safely and appropriately implemented into the public health system.This article describes the benefits and implementation challenges of a novel RAS approach, including a comprehensive governance framework that covered research, training and operational components, with research being the ultimate gatekeeper to accessing the technology.This comprehensive governance framework can be transferred to other public hospitals introducing, or already using, new and expensive surgical technology.
Valve-in-Valve TAVR: State-of-the-Art Review
Edelman JJ, Khan JM, Rogers T, Shults C, Satler LF, Ben-Dor II, Waksman R, Thourani VH
Innovations (Phila) 2019 Aug;14(4):299-310
PMID: 31328655
Abstract
An increasing number of surgically implanted bioprostheses will require re-intervention for structural valve deterioration. Valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (ViV TAVR) has become an alternative to reoperative surgery, currently approved for high-risk and inoperable patients. Challenges to the technique include higher rates of prosthesis-patient mismatch and coronary obstruction, compared to native valve TAVR. Herein, we review results of ViV TAVR and novel techniques to overcome the aforementioned challenges.
Impact of pulmonary function on pulmonary complications after robotic-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy
Cao C, Louie BE, Melfi F, Veronesi G, Razzak R, Romano G, Novellis P, Ranganath NK, Park BJ
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2019 Jul;
PMID: 31332434
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Percentage-predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and their predicted postoperative (ppo) values are established prognostic factors for postoperative pulmonary complications after thoracotomy. However, their predictive value for minimally invasive pulmonary resections remains controversial. This study assessed the incidence of pulmonary complications after robotic lobectomy for primary lung cancer and analysed the predictive significance of FEV1 and DLCO.
METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent robotic lobectomy from 4 institutions. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed for patients who experienced pulmonary complications versus patients who did not, in relation to FEV1 and DLCO values. To identify thresholds for increased complications, patients were categorized into groups of 10% incremental increases in FEV1 and DLCO, and their ppo values.
RESULTS: From November 2002 to April 2018, 1088 patients underwent robotic lobectomy. Overall, 169 postoperative pulmonary complications occurred in 141 patients. Male gender and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group grade ≥1 were associated with increased pulmonary complications on univariable analysis. Patients who experienced pulmonary complications had increased mortality (2.1% vs 0.2%, P = 0.017) and longer hospitalizations (9 vs 4 days, P < 0.001). Pulmonary complications were associated when FEV1 ≤60% and DLCO ≤50%, and when ppo FEV1 or DLCO was ≤50%; ppo FEV1 ≤50% (P < 0.001) and ppo DLCO ≤50% (P = 0.031) remained statistically significant on multivariable analysis.
CONCLUSIONS: Both FEV1 and DLCO were shown to be significant predictors of pulmonary complications. Furthermore, thresholds of percentage-predicted and ppo FEV1 and DLCO values were identified, below which pulmonary complications occurred significantly more frequently, suggesting their predictive values are particularly useful in patients with poorer pulmonary function.
Minimally invasive surgical approaches to left main and left anterior descending coronary artery revascularization are superior compared to first- and second-generation drug-eluting stents: a network meta-analysis
Indja B, Woldendorp K, Black D, Bannon PG, Wilson MK, Vallely MP
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2020 Jan;57(1):18-27
PMID: 31219544
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: There are a number of minimally invasive approaches to revascularization of coronary artery disease that involve the left main or proximal left anterior descending artery; however, studies to date provide mixed results.
METHODS: A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed to compare early and late postoperative outcomes between percutaneous coronary intervention with first- and second-generation drug-eluting stents (DESs), off-pump coronary artery bypass and minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) in patients with involvement of left main or left anterior descending disease.
RESULTS: A total of 37 studies with 31 728 patients were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences in early mortality rates, strokes or myocardial infarctions (MIs). The long-term all-cause mortality rate was equivalent between the groups. Patients who had off-pump coronary artery bypass had fewer late MI compared with those who had first-generation DES (DES1) [odds ratio (OR) 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20-0.72] and MIDCAB (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.17-0.97) and reduced late target vessel revascularization compared with DES1 (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.09-0.32) and second-generation DES (DES2) (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.14-0.72). The rate of late major adverse cardiac events was lower with off-pump coronary artery bypass compared with that with DES1 (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.26-0.43) and DES2 (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.45-0.90). The rate of late major adverse cardiac events with MIDCAB was lower than that with DES1 (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.31-0.62) as was that with DES2 compared with DES1 (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.39-0.70).
CONCLUSIONS: Surgical approaches to left main or proximal left anterior descending disease remain superior to first- or second-generation DES in terms of long-term freedom from MI and target vessel revascularization as well as improved overall long-term survival. Conflicting rates of late MI and target vessel revascularization in patients who underwent MIDCAB suggest disease in alternate vessels that may best be approached via hybrid techniques.
Outcomes of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory cardiogenic shock: systematic review and meta-analysis
Wilson-Smith AR, Bogdanova Y, Roydhouse S, Phan K, Tian DH, Yan TD, Loforte A
Ann Cardiothorac Surg 2019 Jan;8(1):1-8
PMID: 30854307
Abstract
Background: Despite advances in management techniques and medical therapy, refractory cardiogenic shock remains a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore the outcomes associated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) use in the setting of refractory cardiogenic shock, stratified per survivorship.
Methods: A literature search was performed using three electronic databases from the date of their inception up to June 2018. The literature search and subsequent data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Digitized survival data were extracted from Kaplan-Meier curves in order to re-create the original patient data using an iterative algorithm and were subsequently aggregated for analysis.
Results: Fifty-two studies were included, with 44 undergoing quantitative analysis. A total of 17,515 patients were identified, with a mean age of 58.4±9.4 years and a mean duration of ECMO support of 5.1±2.6 days; 68.7% of the patients were male. Aggregated survival rates at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years were 36.7%, 34.8%, 33.8% and 29.9%, respectively.
Conclusions: The present systematic review illustrates the expected survival results for VA-ECMO in the intermediate- to long-term. Extended follow-up and standardized reporting measures are urgently needed in order to carry out more definitive subgroup analyses.
Knowledge and attitudes of theatre staff prior to the implementation of robotic-assisted surgery in the public sector
McBride KE, Steffens D, Duncan K, Bannon PG, Solomon MJ
PLoS ONE 2019;14(3):e0213840
PMID: 30870503
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The use of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is becoming increasingly prevalent across a range of surgical specialties within public hospitals around Australia. As a result, it is critical that organisations consider workplace factors such as staff knowledge, attitudes and behaviours prior to the implementation of such new technology. This study aimed to describe the knowledge and attitudes of operating theatre staff from a large public tertiary referral hospital prior to the commencement of an RAS program.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of nursing, medical and support staff working in the operating theatre complex of a large public tertiary referral hospital was completed over a one-week period in June 2016. A 23-item questionnaire was utilised for data collection.
RESULTS: 164 (66%) theatre staff returned the surveys and were included in this study. The majority of medical staff reported being knowledgeable about RAS, whilst the majority of nursing and support staff did not. Overall the theatre staff were neutral about the potential benefits of RAS to patients. The majority of medical staff believed the implementation of RAS will increase the value of staff roles and job satisfaction, while nursing and support staff were uncertain about these benefits. All three staff groups were concerned about the impact of an RAS program on Workplace Health and Safety, and care and handling.
CONCLUSION: Operating theatre staff presented different knowledge and attitudes prior to the introduction of RAS. Whilst theatre staff were more favourable towards RAS than negative, they largely reserved their judgement about the new system prior to their own experiences. Collectively, these findings should be taken into consideration for training and support strategies prior to the implementation of a RAS program.
