Incidence and Recovery of Vocal Fold Immobility Following Pediatric Cardiac Operations

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 535-541
Author(s):  
Jennifer M. Barr ◽  
Kandice Bowman ◽  
Monica Deshpande ◽  
Elizabeth N. Dewey ◽  
Henry A. Milczuk ◽  
...  

Background: Loss of laryngeal function after congenital cardiac surgery causes morbidity and prolongs hospitalization. Early diagnosis of vocal fold immobility (VFI) and referral to pediatric otolaryngology (pOTO) aids in laryngeal rehabilitation. Understanding the incidence and recovery rates of VFI enables counseling for families of infants undergoing high-risk surgery. Methods: A retrospective chart review from November 2014 to July 2019 of infants postcardiac surgery where the aortic arch or surrounding structures were manipulated and were screened via flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy (FFL) at a single institution was performed. Patients were divided into five surgical categories: Norwood procedure, aortic arch augmentation via median sternotomy, arterial switch operation, coarctation repair via lateral thoracotomy, and cardiac surgeries including ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Patients undergoing isolated PDA ligation were excluded. Results: One hundred ninety-nine qualifying operations occurred during this period; 28 patients did not undergo FFL before discharge and were excluded from the analysis. Immediately following cardiac surgery, 34% (58 of 171 patients) had VFI. Follow-up was completed by 38 of 58 patients with VFI. Complete recovery was demonstrated in 63% (24 of 38) of patients by 6 months and in 86% (33 of 38) within 18 months. The highest risk occurred with the Norwood procedure and arch augmentation via median sternotomy. Conclusions: Infants undergoing surgery involving the aortic arch and surrounding structures have high rates of VFI. Follow-up by pOTO is recommended to optimize laryngeal rehabilitation. Most patients have spontaneous recovery within 18 months of cardiac surgery.

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Amir ◽  
N Soffair ◽  
G Frenkel ◽  
E Bruckheimer ◽  
E Nachum ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Vascular anomalies of the Aortic arch can cause respiratory symptoms in children due to tracheal compression. Treatment consists of division of the vascular rings, nevertheless data regarding mid- term results is scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical results of vascular ring surgery. Methods Between2007–2014, 85 children underwent vascular ring surgery. 51 had Double Aortic Arch (DAA, 60%), 31 Right Arch with Aberrant Subclavian Artery (RAA & ALSA, 36.5%) and 3 had RAA, mirror image branching & left ductus arteriosus (3.5%). Mean age and weight at operation were 12.4±13months and 8.6±4.1 kg respectively. Mid-term follow-up included clinical follow up by a pulmonologist (38 patients, 44.7%) and a telephone questionnaire (71 patients, 83%) performed 57±25.7 months after surgery. Results In most patients, symptomatic relief occurred in less than 6 months (table 1). Mid –term follow up revealed that although most parents described a significant improvement in their child's respiratory symptoms (95%), a significant number of patients described some residual respiratory symptoms (table 2). We did not find any significant association between age at surgery (under 6 month), or vascular ring anatomy (DAA vs. RAA&ASA) and the presence of residual symptoms at follow up Conclusions Surgical division of vascular rings results in a significant clinical improvement within one year, nevertheless many patients remain symptomatic to some degree. We found no association between the age at surgery or anatomic variant to the presence of symptoms in mid- term follow up. Further evaluation whether a more aggressive surgical approach is warranted in order to decrease the incidence long-term symptoms. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


Author(s):  
Iaroslav P. Truba ◽  
Ivan V. Dziuryi ◽  
Roman I. Sekelyk ◽  
Oleksandr S. Golovenko

The problem of the effectiveness of obstruction at the level of the aortic arch is still a matter of discus-sion in the modern literature. Traditionally, by excision of the coarctation part, in the presence of hypoplasia, the incision is extended to a narrowed area and a modification of the classical end-to-end anastomosis is applied in the form of an elongated or expanded variant. Recently, when proximal part is involved in the pathological process, cardiac surgeons have been more likely to use median sternotomy using other types of plastic surgery, including dilation of the narrowed area with a pericardial patch, or pulmonary artery tissue. Accordingly, the analysis of the results of the use of end-to-end anastomosis in young children with aortic arch hypoplasia, especially in view of long-term survival and the level of reoperation, is an important issue of neonatal cardiac surgery. The aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of the use of an extended end-to-end anastomosis after reconstruction of the aortic arch in children under 1 year of age. Materials and methods. The study material included 348 infants who underwent surgical correction of aortic arch hypoplasia through the method of extended end-to-end anastomosis from 2010 to 2020. The operations were performed at the National Amosov Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery of the NAMS of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Children’s Cardiac Center. The study group included only patients with two-ventricular physiology. There were 233 male patients (67%) and 115 female patients (33%). The mean age was 1.07 (0.20; 2.30) months, the mean weight was 3.89 (3.30; 4.90) kg, the mean body surface area was 0.23 (0.20; 0.28) m2. Diagnosis of aortic arch hypoplasia was based on two-dimensional echocardiography. Results. According to echocardiography, after surgery there was a significant decrease in the pressure gradient in the aortic arch from 48.3 ± 20.3 to 16 ± 6.9 (p<0.05), left ventricular PV increased significantly from 61.6 ± 12% to 66.3 ± 6.4% (p> 0.05). The hospital mortality was 1.7% (n = 6). The causes of mortality were not related to the end-to-end aortic arch technique. The duration of follow-up period ranged from 1 month to 9.3 years. Two deaths occurred in the follow-up period. Thirty-two (9.1%) patients developed aortic arch restenosis in the postoperative period. Balloon dilatation of restenosis was performed in 21 patients. Eleven patients underwent repeated aortic arch repair surgery through the median sternotomy. There were no central nervous system complications in the follow-up period. Conclusions. The use of an extended end-to-end anastomosis in the surgical treatment of aortic arch hypoplasia demon strates low hospital mortality and high long-term survival. Indications for the effective use of this type of reconstruction are hypoplasia of the isthmus and distal aortic arch.


2019 ◽  
pp. 014556131987048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca Oliveira Ismael da Costa ◽  
Darlyane de Souza Barros Rodrigues ◽  
Ary Serrano Santos ◽  
Leandro Pernambuco

Objective: This review set out to examine the applicability of transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography (TLUSG) for the assessment of laryngeal function after thyroidectomy. Methods: An integrative review of the literature was performed using Medline/PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO databases. The methodological quality of the studies was analyzed using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies. Results: All 8 included articles investigated laryngeal function with regard to the risk of vocal fold immobility after thyroidectomy. The results regarding the diagnostic power of TLUSG for this assessment are controversial, and there is a tendency to use this examination as a screening procedure for subsequent confirmation by flexible laryngoscopy. Conclusions: Transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography is a viable, noninvasive, and useful tool to assess laryngeal function after thyroidectomy, but current available evidence suggests that it does not replace flexible laryngoscopy for the diagnosis of vocal fold immobility.


2014 ◽  
Vol 78 (8) ◽  
pp. 1316-1319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brent G Nichols ◽  
Jad Jabbour ◽  
David A. Hehir ◽  
Nancy S. Ghanayem ◽  
David Beste ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narin Nard Carmel Neiderman ◽  
Max Chason ◽  
Anat Wengier ◽  
Oshri Wasserzug ◽  
Oren Cavel ◽  
...  

Introduction: Several surgical procedures have been described for the treatment of respiratory distress secondary to vocal fold immobility (VFI), but the contribution of posterior cordotomy (PC) to tracheostomy weaning or prevention has not been studied in depth, particularly in the acute setting. The objective of this study was to show the effectiveness of PC to relieve dyspnea, prevent the need for tracheostomy, and enable decannulation in patients with VFI. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study and reviewed the medical records of all patients whose dyspnea warranted surgical intervention from January 2013 to January 2018. Data were retrieved on epidemiology, etiology, and duration of VFI, tracheostomy dependence, success in decannulation from tracheostomy or respiratory relief, number of procedures until decannulation, and complications. Results: Twelve suitable patients were identified of whom eleven had bilateral VFI and one had unilateral VFI. Five were tracheostomy-dependent. Ten patients underwent unilateral PC, and two patients underwent bilateral PC. All the patients experienced respiratory relief, eleven after a single PC and one after two PCs. All tracheostomy-dependent patients were decannulated. The mean follow-up after PC was 24.55 months during which none of the patients required a re-tracheostomy and three patients required revision of the PC. There were no surgical complications. Postoperatively, eight patients (67%) experienced a breathy voice and three patients (25%) had dysphagia for fluids. No patient had aspiration pneumonia. Conclusions: We conclude that PC is an easy, safe, and effective procedure for tracheostomy weaning and respiratory relief in patients with VFI. A revision PC may be indicated in some patients. A breathy voice is to be expected, and a few patients will experience dysphagia to fluids that may be addressed by instructing the patient to use a fluid thickener and take small sips.


2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 183-183
Author(s):  
Ernesto Fernandez ◽  
Vidit Bhargava ◽  
Erika Mendoza ◽  
Michelle Ramirez ◽  
Sarah Ginsburg ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 559-564
Author(s):  
Nguyen Ly Thinh Truong ◽  
Nguyen Tuan Mai ◽  
Tran Quang Vinh ◽  
Doan Vuong Anh ◽  
Mai Dinh Duyen

Abstract OBJECTIVES The outcomes of the single-stage surgical repair of aortic arch hypoplasia (AAH) and/or coarctation of the aorta (CoA) associated with ventricular septal defect (VSD) remain controversial, especially in a lower middle-income country. This study reports the results of a single-stage repair protocol at our institution for AAH/CoA with VSD using selective cerebral perfusion. METHODS This retrospective study included 100 consecutive patients who underwent single-stage repair via median sternotomy using selective cerebral perfusion for AAH/CoA with VSD from July 2010 to March 2017. RESULTS The patients consisted of 65 males and 35 females. The median age of the patients was 67 days (range 4–2266 days); the median weight was 3.8 kg (range 2.1–15 kg). The average cardiopulmonary bypass time was 132 ± 28 min, the aortic cross-clamp time was 92 ± 23 min and the selective cerebral perfusion time was 33 ± 10 min. The survival rate of all patients was 94.7 ± 2.3%, with an in-hospital mortality of 5% and no late mortality at a median follow-up of 37 months (range 4–96 months). Four patients required reoperation due to recoarctation. The overall event-free survival rate following surgery was 87.1%. The median pressure gradient across the anastomosis at the last follow-up was 8.3 ± 2.8 mmHg. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed proximal aortic arch obstruction as a predictor of mortality (odds ratio = 3.8). The aortic isthmus diameter was identified as a predictor for reintervention by Cox regression (hazard ratio = 6.7). CONCLUSIONS Single-stage repair for AAH/CoA with VSD is safe and feasible in a developing country.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiting Yang ◽  
Xin Jin ◽  
Zhengxia Pan ◽  
Yonggang Li ◽  
Chun Wu

Abstract Objectives Double aortic arch (DAA) is a rare congenital vascular malformation. This study aims to summarize the experience of diagnosis and surgical treatment for congenital double aortic arch. Methods The clinical data of 24 cases with double aortic arch (DAA) from January 2008 to January 2018 in our hospital was reviewed retrospectively. Results A total of 24 cases, including 12 patients with isolated DAA and 12 patients with DAA and associated intracardiac defects were identified. There were 14 males and 10 females, with an average age of 11 months. The associated intracardiac malformations included ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), transposition of the great arteries (TGA), pulmonary stenosis (PS), and patent foramen ovale (PFO). Of the 12 patients with DAA and intracardiac malformations, 7 patients underwent intracardiac repair simultaneously, however, 3 patients underwent isolated double aortic arch correction. One patient with DAA and TGA underwent surgical correction of congenital vascular ring at the first stage, and the arterial switch operation was performed at the second stage. The clinical outcomes of 23 patients were promising, however, in one patient, parents decided not to do the surgery due to personal reasons. The average follow-up time was 35 months. Conclusions Tracheal and esophageal compression are commonly seen in patients with DAA, however could be relieved significantly after surgery. In particular cases, the simultaneous intracardiac defects repair could be performed. Misdiagnosis was easily established with isolated echocardiography. Fortunately, the correct diagnosis of DAA and associated intracardiac defects could be established with the use of combined chest computed tomography.


1993 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-135
Author(s):  
Luo Hong He ◽  
Lee Chuen Neng ◽  
Tan Tiong Tee ◽  
Sim Kwang Wei ◽  
Akihiro Nabuchi ◽  
...  

Between January 1987 and October 1992, 11 neonates and 2 infants (12 males and 1 female) underwent arterial switch operation (ASO). There were 9 simple transpositions of great arteries (TGA), 3 TGA with ventricular septal defect (VSD), and 1 double outlet of right ventricle (Taussig-Bing) with TGA. There were 12 cases of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and 6 cases of atrial septal defect (ASD). Nine patients had Yacoub type A coronary pattern, 3 had type B, and 1 had type D. The neonates' mean age was 15.5 days (one 120 days old and one 22 months old). The average body weight of the neonates was 4.2 kg. The Lecompte maneuver was performed on all patients. The average bypass time was 187.8 min, and mean aortic cross-clamp time was 76.2 min, with a mean circulatory arrest time of 10 min in 6 cases. Early hospital mortality was 15.4% (2 deaths)—1 patient died during operation from myocardial infarction, and another died postoperatively from poor heart function. All survivors experienced early postoperative heart failure and needed temporary inotropic support. One patient was lost to follow-up. The other 10 patients were free from any cardiac symptoms at follow-up, with good left ventricular function. Mild to moderate aortic regurgitation and stenosis and the same in the pulmonary valve were seen on echocardiogram. Seventeen months after ASO, 1 patient required reoperation for severe postoperative pulmonary stenosis. We concluded that ASO can be performed with an acceptable mortality rate in a new unit with no previous experience of such surgery.


2012 ◽  
Vol 126 (9) ◽  
pp. 913-917 ◽  
Author(s):  
J M Bernstein ◽  
S M Jones ◽  
P H Jones

AbstractObjective:We present a case series with airway compromise due to bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis or fixation, treated with unilateral transverse cordotomy.Methods:Of eight consecutive patients with dyspnoea due to bilateral paramedian vocal fold immobility, seven underwent unilateral transverse cordotomy between August 2006 and April 2010 at University Hospital of South Manchester, UK. Airway and voice outcomes were compared before and after surgery.Results:All seven treated cases derived subjective airway function improvement; there was no aspiration. The eighth case had inadequate access. None of the seven treated patients required contralateral cordotomy or permanent tracheostomy. One treated case required a temporary tracheostomy; unilateral transverse cordotomy facilitated eventual decannulation. Two patients died of cancer at five and six weeks, variously. At a mean follow up of 22 months, four cases showed unchanged or slightly worse Voice Symptom Scale and Grade-Roughness-Breathiness-Asthenia-Strain scale scores.Conclusion:In patients with bilateral abductor vocal fold immobility, unilateral transverse cordotomy results in improved dyspnoea with either no voice change or only slight worsening. This is a more conservative procedure than bilateral transverse cordotomy, with the potential for better preservation of voice and breath support.


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