Fast-track anesthesia in lateral mini-thoracotomy for transapical transcatheter valve implantation

Introduction

Aortic valve stenosis is one of the most common heart valve diseases worldwide (1) and has been treated for decades with surgical aortic valve replacement, either conservatively or with a minimally invasive approach (2,3). Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been adopted as an alternative for surgical aortic valve replacement initially in high-risk, then in intermediate-risk and more recently in low-risk patients (4-7). In Germany, the number of TAVI procedures has increased significantly from 2,198 in 2009 to 13,279 in 2018, representing 57.5% of all isolated aortic valve procedures (8). More recently, the adoption of transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) is increasing in very high-risk and redo patients (9). Transfemoral aortic valve implantation (TF-TAVI) is considered the most common TAVI access-route and has become a routine for high-risk patients. Transapical valve implantation (TA-TAVI) is considered an alternative and less common route when trans-vascular routes are inappropriate. TA-TAVI requires surgical access via left lateral mini-thoracotomy and is usually performed under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. This often results in a complicated postoperative course, varying prolonged intubation times, respiratory complications, and increased intensive care and hospital stays.

Therefore, we introduced our fast-track anesthesia using the paravertebral block (PVB) for transapical valve implantation strategy aiming to reduce perioperative complication. Unlike thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA), the PVB technique avoids contralateral sympatholytic symptoms, thereby minimizing hypotension and maintaining blood pressure during the procedure (10,11). This study reports our primary experience on six patients undergoing transapical aortic +/- mitral valve implantation after implementing a multidisciplinary standardized treatment protocol.

We present the following article in accordance with the STROBE reporting checklist (available at https://dx.doi.org/10.21037/jtd-21-751).

Methods

Study design

The study employs a single-center retrospective approach, including high-risk patients undergoing transapical aortic +/- mitral valve implantation in our department between 01/2020 and 01/2021. Patients’ preoperative, operative and postoperative data were recorded in our institutional database. Thereafter, data were retrospectively extracted and evaluated. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (as revised in 2013). The present study obtained IRB approval (Ref# 20-9733-BO). All Patients signed and gave informed consent before taking part of this type of anesthesia and agreed to evaluate their data anonymously.

Study endpoints

Primary endpoint was mainly procedural success of the usage of fast-track anesthesia using PVB strategy for transapical aortic and mitral valve implantation. Secondary endpoints included intraoperative and early postoperative outcomes based on the VARC II criteria which include: function of the implanted valve(s), bleeding complications, vascular complications, myocardial infarction, acute kidney injury, stroke, pacemaker implantation, respiratory or wound complications and mortality.

Preoperative management

Based on the recommendations of an interdisciplinary valve-team involving cardiac surgeons, cardiologists and anesthetists, each patient’s findings, surgical indication, access route, and bail-out strategy were evaluated. Once planned for surgery, a standardized medical regimen was established for all patients. Patients were declared for this type anesthesiologic management one day before the procedure and each of those patients signed written consent. Additionally, patients were requested to fast for at least 6 hours before the procedure to avoid the potential risk of aspiration.

Anesthesiologic management

An ultrasound guided thoracic PVB was performed in the left fourth and sixth paravertebral spaces (T4 & T6) prior to induction of anesthesia. Patients received 0.3 mL/Kg/BW of 3.75 mg/mL Ropivacaine. The multi-injection technique was used to achieve a large spread of the local anesthetic agent. A radial artery and internal jugular central venous catheter were inserted under local anesthesia prior to induction of general anesthesia. No urinary catheter was inserted and an external urine collector was placed. For induction of anesthesia, patients received low–dose intravenous Fentanyl (2 μgs/Kg/BW) and intravenous Etomidate (0.2 mg/Kg/BW), a Gastro-double-lumen laryngeal mask was then inserted. These laryngeal masks have a double orifice, which allows ventilation and insertion of a transesophageal echocardiographic probe (Figures 1,2). Anesthesia was maintained with a volatile anesthetic agent (Sevoflurane with MAC 1%). Patients were initially ventilated via “intermittent positive pressure ventilation” (IPPV) with a tidal volume of 6 mL/Kg/BW and switched after valve implantation to “continues positive airway pressure” (CPAP)–Modus, subsequently the volatile was reduced to MAC-awake with MAC 0.3–0.5% towards the end of the procedure. Intraoperative catecholamines, if required (Norepinephrine), were then reduced by the end of the operation. Volume replacement therapy was carried out using a physiologic crystalloid–infusion (Jonosteril 500–750 mL). Echocardiography was performed pre- and post-intervention to allow step by step evaluation. Laryngeal masks were removed at emergence and patients were successfully transferred awake to the Intensive/Intermediate care unit (ICU/IMC) for monitoring, then subsequently to the normal ward a couple of hours later. Postoperative pain evaluation was carried out, with the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the numerical rating scale (NRS) (12,13), hourly up to 48 hours post operatively.

Figure 1 Double-lumen laryngeal mask: one orifice for ventilation and one for the transesophageal echocardiographic probe.

Figure 2 Intraoperative application of a double-lumen laryngeal mask for ventilation and TOE probe. TOE, transesophageal echocardiography.

Surgical management

All patients underwent surgery via a left lateral mini thoracotomy (5–7 cm). At the lateral wall of the apex a small distance from the coronaries was marked and prepared with four double pledged sutures to protect the implantation site. A temporary pacemaker was attached to the ventricle. Thereafter, for the purpose of contrast injection during valve implantation, a 6F pigtail catheter was placed within the non-coronary sinus over a smooth J-wire via the femoral artery to mark the aortic root. Apical puncture, insertion of a smooth wire through the native valve, then the valve system sheath was then undertaken. The prosthesis was introduced and placed into the correct position (either aortic or mitral) over a stiff wire. Valve implantation was performed under apnea and rapid pacing (180 pbm for aortic valve and 120 pbm for mitral valve). Then, the stiff wire, valve-system, sheath, and the pigtail catheter were then removed. The apical incision was secured by knotting the four sutures. Finally, a 24F drainage was inserted into the left pleura, followed by hemostasis and wound closure.

Echocardiography

Transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) was performed prior to and immediately after valve implantation in all patients. TOE was performed with multiplane sector ultrasound transducers (GE 6Tc-RS, 3.0–8.0. MHz or GE 6VT-D, 3.0–8.0. MHz probes) and GE Vivid S6, GE Vivid S70 ultrasound machines (GE Healthcare GmbH, Solingen, Germany).

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS-software (version 22.0. IBM Crop., Armonk, NY, USA). Continuous data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Categorical data were expressed as frequencies and percentages.

Results

Patient population

Six (3 females and 3 males) patients (mean age 71±6 years, range, 62 to 77 years) with aortic valve stenosis and mitral valve stenosis presented with high-risk profiles (mean Log. EuroSCORE-I 22% & STS-PROM 10% for either aortic and mitral transapical valve implantation. These patients were not eligible for conventional cardiac surgery or trans-vascular transcatheter valve implantation. All patients presented with heart insufficiency (NYHA class III–IV), right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension in their medical history. All patients presented with reduced general condition and two of them had cardiac cachexia, two patients presented with malignancy. Two patients had previous cardiac surgery and three patients required an urgent/emergent intervention. Details of patients’ baseline characteristics are listed in Table 1.

Table 1 Baseline data
Full table

Anesthesiologic outcomes

Table 2 summarizes the anesthesiologic management. All patients received regional anesthesia before induction. The PVB was performed with two separate single shots at the 4^th & 6^th thoracic paravertebral space. Under ultrasound guidance, paravertebral space was identified and blocked in most patients (83.3%). In one patient (16.7%), a block failure was noted, as the paravertebral space was anatomically challenging to identify, and the local anesthetic solution did not spread properly. This patient reported severe pain immediately on arrival to the IMC, which required insertion of a successful second PVB at both levels with 80 mg Ropivacaine.

Table 2 Perioperative anesthesia management
Full table

Perioperative and pain outcomes

Intraoperative and postoperative surgical related outcomes are expressed in Tables 3,4. All procedures were reported as successful. Four patients underwent transapical aortic valve implantation and one patient underwent mitral valve implantation and one patient a dual, aortic and mitral valve implantation. The mean procedural time was 65±8 minutes. Echocardiographic control at the end of procedure reported good position and functioning of the prosthesis with minimal or no paravalvular leakage. All patients were admitted to the ICU/IMC unit awake and in sinus rhythm. Mean postoperative intermediate/intensive-care stay was 13.8±3.2 hours. The pleura drain was removed after 24 hours, and patients were all swiftly mobilized. Postoperative pain evaluation showed that the five other patients needed low dose adjuvant analgesics (opioid or metamizole) within the first eight hours postoperatively. Three patients developed nausea without vomiting after receiving opioid agents within the first 8 hours. For the remaining 48 hours, none of the patients required any further analgesics. Detailed pain scoring and management are reported in Table 5.

Table 3 Intraoperative outcomes
Full table

Table 4 Postoperative outcomes
Full table

Table 5 Postoperative pain management
Full table

Postoperative results reported no incidence of re-intubation, pneumonia, low output syndrome, stroke, dialysis requirement, pacemaker implantation or operative mortality. One patient (16.7%) underwent re-exploration for bleeding on the third postoperative day and developed wound infection three months later.

Discussion

The main findings of this study show: (I) fast-track anesthesia using a PVB is feasible in patients with high-risk profiles undergoing transapical valve implantation. (II) PVB, in addition to double lumen laryngeal mask, provide an alternative strategy to general anesthesia with intubation. (III) Fast recovery with minimum or no operative complications was observed.

The present study describes a series of six patients with severe aortic valve stenosis and in two cases, combined mitral valve lesions with severe stenosis and moderate insufficiency. After implementing of a multidisciplinary, standardized treatment protocol, the indication for transcatheter transapical aortic and mitral valve replacement was established. Such patients are at high-risk for mortality and morbidity and may therefore benefit from fast-track anesthesiologic management. We performed regional anesthesia approach (a PVB) to minimize intra- and postoperative opioid consumption (14). Previous investigators reported that high intraoperative opioid requirements increase readmission risk in patients undergoing ambulatory surgery (15,16).

During general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, there is significant requirement for opioids and muscle relaxants. These may result in a residual neuromuscular blockade, prolonged intubation times, pulmonary complications, impaired wound healing, and a prolonged stay within the intensive care unit (16-19). Thoracic paravertebral blockade (PVB) provides equally effective analgesia compared to thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) for post-thoracotomy pain relief. Moreover, PVB causes fewer complications such as hypotension (10,11). Patients in this series underwent a small left lateral mini thoracotomy for transcatheter transapical aortic and mitral valve implantation. These patients usually exhibit the most unstable hemodynamic changes; hence PVB should be considered an alternative to TEA in such patients (20,21).

The operating room was kept at 23 °C and, a heating blanket was used to maintain normothermia. Regional anesthesia with PVB enables low dose anesthesia with a pre-valve implantation MAC of 1% and post-valve implantation MAC of 0.3–0.5%. This facilitated less hemodynamic instability and low catecholamine requirement (Norepinephrine with 0.2–0.4 mg/h) in these patients. The catecholamine support could be withdrawn with the beginning of CPAP–Modus under the MAC 0.3–0.5% after valve implantation. This approach made it feasible to perform echocardiography under spontaneous assisted ventilation (CPAP), allowing a stable hemodynamic and respiratory state at the end of surgery, similar to the preoperative conditions (without catecholamine support, mechanical ventilation or volume overload).

The analgesic effect of regional anesthesia and the absence of muscle relaxation that a larynx mask affords, provide a positive postoperative benefit on lung function. Patients required no oxygen support and no SpO₂ desaturation or pneumonia was reported. The avoidance of muscle relaxation reduces the rate of postoperative pulmonary complications (22); in addition to minimizing mechanical ventilation time, maintaining spontaneous breathing positively affects right ventricular function, especially in this patient collective, who presented with pulmonary hypertension. The ICU/IMC course for all patients was uneventful, and patients were quickly mobilized and discharged to the normal ward. Postoperative pain evaluation was carried out using a numeric rating scale and a visual analogue scale from 0 to 10 (12,13). One patient reported scores of 10 on immediate arrival to the IMC, secondary to ineffective PVB placement due to anatomical difficulty. This patient required repeated PVB at both levels with 80 mg Ropivacaine, thereafter no further pain was reported. Other patients received adjuvant analgesics during the first eight postoperative hours, thereafter, they no pain was reported. Otherwise, three patients developed nausea as a side effect of opioid consumption.

One patient (16.7%) who had mitral valve implantation underwent re-exploration for bleeding on the third postoperative day secondary to a coagulopathy caused by excessive heparinization because of a previous mechanical aortic valve. The patient was discharged seven days later but developed a superficial wound infection three months post discharge. No incidence of re-intubation, atelectasis/pneumonia, low output syndrome, stroke, dialysis, pacemaker implantation or operative mortality was reported.

The study indicates that fast–track anesthesia is an essential component within a multidisciplinary setting to optimize the care for high-risk patients and minimize the risk of intra- and postoperative complications. These data support the need for a multidisciplinary standardized treatment protocol for multi-morbid patients with aortic and mitral stenosis where a trans-vascular approach is not eligible. Nevertheless, a simplified regimen using the PVB has been deemed appropriate in the management of thoracic surgery in several studies (10,11,22,23). PVB is advantageous over thoracic epidural block due to the unilateral nature of the block allowing greater hemodynamic stability, a lack of urinary retention, nausea and vomiting (24). Hence, a multimodal analgesia approach including regional anesthetic techniques for thoracic surgery in the case of transcatheter transapical valve implantation may reduce the likelihood of the development of postoperative respiratory, hemodynamic complications and reduce opioid requirements.

Limitation

The present study was performed at single tertiary care medical center. However, it represents our preliminary results of fast-track anesthesia on a high-risk group of patients undergoing this specific cardiac surgical procedure. Another limitation is the small patient cohort and the absence of data on a control group treated with general anesthesia including, intubation and muscle relaxation.

Conclusions

Paravertebral blockade as part of fast-track anesthesia management during a lateral mini thoracotomy for transapical aortic and mitral valve replacement in high-risk patients is a possible approach to avoid endotracheal intubation and the use of muscle relaxant. Fast recovery times with fewer pulmonary complications were observed. These promising results could encourage further consideration of this approach in such cardiac surgery patients.

Acknowledgments

The authors are sincerely grateful to Andreas Sander (Institute of Quality Controlling, West German Heart and Vascular Centre Essen) for this effort and support in data acquisition to finish this work.

Funding: None.

Footnote

Reporting Checklist: The authors have completed the STROBE reporting checklist. Available at https://dx.doi.org/10.21037/jtd-21-751

Data Sharing Statement: Available at https://dx.doi.org/10.21037/jtd-21-751

Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://dx.doi.org/10.21037/jtd-21-751). Thorsten Brenner reports receiving honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing or educational events from CSL Behring GmbH, Schöchl medical education GmbH, Biotest AG, Baxter Deutschland GmbH, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH, Astellas Pharma GmbH, B. Braun Melsungen AG, MSD Sharp & Dohme GmbH. As well as participation on a Data Safety Monitoring Board or Advisory Board from Baxter Deutschland GmbH. Besides, research funding from Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Dietmar Hopp Stiftung, Stiftung Universitätsmedizin Essen. Heidelberger Stiftung Chirurgie, Innovationsfonds des Gemeinsamen Bundesausschusses (G-BA). The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Ethical Statement: The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (as revised in 2013). The present study obtained IRB approval (Ref# 20-9733-BO). All Patients signed and gave informed consent before taking part of this type of anesthesia and agreed to evaluate their data anonymously.

Open Access Statement: This is an Open Access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), which permits the non-commercial replication and distribution of the article with the strict proviso that no changes or edits are made and the original work is properly cited (including links to both the formal publication through the relevant DOI and the license). See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.

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