Respiratory and Thoracics Flashcards

1
Q

Anterior Mediastinal Mass (AMM)

Background

Considerations

Goals & Conflicts

A

Anterior Mediastinal Mass (AMM)

Background

The anterior mediastinal space is bordered by the sternum anteriorly, the middle mediastinum comprising the heart & great vessels posteriorly, the thoracic inlet superiorly, & the diaphragm inferiorly

The most frequent causes of AMMs are:

Lymphoma

Thymoma

Germ cell tumours

Metastatic lesions

Bronchogenic masses

Thyroid mass

Considerations

Risk of cardiopulmonary collapse upon induction of anesthesia:

Tracheobronchial obstruction, dynamic hyperinflation

RVOT obstruction, cardiac chamber compression

Possible SVC syndrome:

Airway edema & potential for difficult intubation

↑ intracranial pressure

Unreliable upper extremity IVs

Underlying etiology & comorbid disease:

Cancer 4 M’s (mass effects, metastases, medications, metabolic abnormalities)

Myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert, thyroid, lymphoma

Pericardial/pleural effusions

Need for preoperative risk stratification based on symptoms & CT findings:

​Low risk: asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, without postural symptoms or radiographic evidence of significant compression of structures

Intermediate risk: mild to moderate postural symptoms, tracheal compression < 50%

High risk: severe postural symptoms, stridor, cyanosis, tracheal compression > 50% or tracheal compression with associated bronchial compression, pericardial effusion or SVC syndrome

Considerations of surgical procedures (e.g., mediastinoscopy) & feasibility of performance under local/sedation

Goals & Conflicts

Multidisciplinary optimization & planning:

Optimize medically prior to procedure (steroids, radiation, chemotherapy)

Perform procedures/biopsies under local if possible

Guide approach by CT findings (> 50% tracheobronchial obstruction) & positional symptoms (supine dyspnea, pre-syncope)

Cautious approach to general anesthesia, if it is necessary:

Maintain spontaneous ventilation & awake during ETT placement distal to obstruction

Avoid positive pressure ventilation & muscle paralysis if possible

Planning for intraoperative crisis:

Preoperative cardiopulmonary bypass

Invasive monitors & lines, lower extremity IVs

Rigid bronchoscopy & thoracic surgeon immediately available during anesthetic induction

Stretcher immediately available for repositioning: prone, decubitus

Complications: complete airway obstruction with dynamic hyperinflation, cardiac arrest from obstructive shock, hemorrhage from SVC syndrome, cardiac tamponade

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2
Q

Asthma

Considerations

Goals & Conflicts

Severe Asthma Exacerbation Treatment Options

A

Asthma

Considerations

Risk of perioperative respiratory complications:

Bronchospasm, mucous plugging, pneumothorax, atelectasis, pneumonia

Possible pulmonary hypertension & RV failure

Need for preoperative optimization:

Treatment of bronchospasm, infection, atelectasis

Avoidance of triggers & exacerbating factors:

Avoid general anesthesia, endotracheal intubation, histamine releasing medications, light anesthesia

Medication management:

Continue usual inhalers pre-operatively

Stress dose steroids if recent high dose steroid use

Goals & Conflicts

Assess preoperative respiratory function for stability:

Stable symptoms (sputum, bronchospasm), PFTs, imaging, ABG

Assess for pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale

Medical optimization: bronchodilators, glucocorticoids, antibiotics, BiPAP

Anesthetic management principles:

Avoid airway instrumentation

Blunt airway reflexes: deep anesthesia, topical local anesthetics, opioids

Bronchodilation: avoid histamine releasing medications (e.g., morphine), use ketamine, volatiles, MgSO4, salbutamol, ipratropium, epinephrine

Permissive hypercapnia: ↓ respiratory rate, ↑ expiratory time, adequate tidal volumes

Monitor intrinsic PEEP, presence of dynamic hyperinflation & pulmonary tamponade

Postoperative monitoring for bronchospasm, respiratory failure

Severe Asthma Exacerbation Treatment Options

Salbutamol 2.5-5mg via nebulizer q20 minutes

Ipratropium 500mcg via nebulizer q20 minutes

Corticosteroids:

Prednisone PO 40-60mg single dose

Methylprednisolone 60-80mg IV q6-12h

Epinephrine if anaphylaxis suspected or severe asthma refractory to standard therapy:

Dose is 0.3-0.5mg IM/SC or 10-50 mcg IV bolus, followed by infusion @ 2-10 mcg/min

Magnesium for life-threatening exacerbation: 2g IV over 20 min

Heliox & humidified O2 (conflicting studies)

Anesthetics:

Ketamine

Propofol

Volatiles all are bronchodilators but sevoflurane is likely best choice

Leukotriene receptor antagonists (only PO available in Canada)

Always consider noninvasive PPV as rescue before intubation

If intubation & ventilation:

Use permissive hypercapnia

Use low respiratory rates: start at 10-12 breaths/minute but may need lower rates

Use prolonged expiratory time (e.g. I:E ratios 1:3, 1:4, or even 1:5)

Tidal volume 6-8cc/kg

FiO2 to achieve PaO2 >60mm Hg

ECMO as last resort

Asthma Severity Based on Airflow Obstruction

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3
Q

Bronchiectasis

Considerations

Goals & Conflicts

A

Bronchiectasis

Considerations

Etiology & co-existing disease: cystic fibrosis, COPD, TB, congenital

Risk of postoperative pulmonary complications:

Mixed restrictive & obstructive lung disease

Risk of intraoperative bronchospasm, pneumothorax, pulmonary tamponade

Recurrent pulmonary infections, mucus plugging

Hypoxemia, hypercarbia, V/Q mismatch

Pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale

Potential need for lung isolation due to massive hemoptysis & active bronchial infection

Medications including need for steroid replacement

Goals & Conflicts

Maintain integrity of healthy lung in setting of infection & hemorrhage with lung isolation

Preoperative optimization of infection & bronchospasm with antibiotics, steroids, bronchodilators

Optimize intraoperative ventilation to avoid barotrauma, dynamic hyperinflation, pulmonary tamponade

Arrange for possibility of postoperative ventilation, high acuity care

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4
Q

Bronchopleural Fistula (BPF)

Considerations

Goals & Conflicts

A

Bronchopleural Fistula (BPF)

Considerations

Etiology of BPF & associated urgency:

Trauma, empyema/abscess, bullous disease, post lung resection, carcinoma

Comorbid disease:

Chronic obstructive lung disease, malignancy, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias

Absolute indication for lung separation:

Pathophysiological impact of positive pressure ventilation

Ineffective ventilation (with chest tube in place)

Tension pneumothorax (without chest tube in place)

Systemic air embolus

Protection of healthy lung from soiling

Repeat thoracotomy considerations:

Hemorrhage

Sepsis, septic shock

Postoperative analgesia

Postoperative ICU disposition for PPV

Goals & Conflicts

Need for lung isolation prior to PPV in order to prevent pathophysiological complications as outlined above

Balanced with possible full stomach, difficult airway, hemodynamic instability, limited functional reserve

Rapid sequence lung isolation techniques:

Regional anesthesia

Awake fibreoptic intubation: single lumen ETT +/- bronchial blocker, double lumen ETT prior to GA

Asleep intubation with spontaneous ventilation prior to isolation

Modified RSI with no or limited PPV prior to lung isolation

Double lumen ETT preferred to bronchial blocker to support suctioning, optimal ventilation & isolation

Need for resuscitation & stabilization prior to OR:

Fluids, vasopressors, antibiotics, chest tube placement

If no chest tube in place prior to OR, thoracic surgeon must be immediately available to place a chest tube

Intraoperative goals:

Lung protective ventilation

Restrictive fluid strategy

Maintenance of normothermia & normal metabolics

Optimization to facilitate postoperative extubation:

Resuscitation

Bronchial suctioning

Bronchodilators

Extubation to BiPAP

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5
Q

Bullous Lung Disease

Considerations

Goals & Conflicts

A

Bullous Lung Disease

Considerations

Etiology with associated considerations:

Chronic obstructive lung disease, congenital, carcinoma, infection/abscess

Absolute indication for lung isolation due to pathophysiological sequelae:

Bronchopleural fistula, infection/sepsis, obstructive lung physiology causing airspace expansion during PPV with risk of pneumothorax, restrictive lung physiology & mass effect

Patient co-morbidities & limited physiological reserve

Need for pre-op assessment as per 3-legged stool approach:

​Respiratory mechanics

Gas exchange

Cardio-respiratory interaction

Goals & Conflicts

Patients may present for non-thoracic surgery with lung cysts, blebs, bullae

Use local & regional techniques if feasible

Maintain spontaneous ventilation if feasible with supraglottic device or ETT

If PPV required then employ lung isolation

Lung isolation techniques:

Options: double lumen ETT, bronchial blocker, endobronchial tube

In a patient with marginal lung function, consider lobar/segmental isolation with a bronchial blocker

Avoid PPV prior to lung isolation:

RSI

Awake fiberoptic intubation

Inhalational induction

Have a surgeon skilled in chest tube placement immediately available if the need arises, but do not place prophylactic chest tube

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6
Q

Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD)

Considerations

Goals & Conflicts

A

Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD)

Considerations

High risk of perioperative pulmonary complications including respiratory failure

Physiological changes:

Mechanical: bronchospasm, mucous plugging, obstructive physiology, bullous disease, pneumothorax, pulmonary tamponade, chronic hypoxemia/hypercarbia

Cardiovascular: pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale

Etiology & associated co-morbid disease:

Smoking, coronary artery disease, hypertension, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis

↑ sensitivity to respiratory depressant effects of anesthetic agents

Medications including recent steroid use

Goals & Conflicts

Optimization prior to elective procedures:

Treat bronchospasm, atelectasis, infection, pulmonary edema

Risk stratify, assess for cor pulmonale

Intraoperative goals of care:

Regional/neuraxial anesthesia preferred to GA

Multimodal analgesia, limit sedative analgesics

Lung protective ventilation balanced with obstructive lung ventilation strategies:

​Prevent dynamic hyperinflation & barotrauma:

​Long I:E, low peak pressure, low tidal volume, slow rate, permissive hypercapnea

Maintain normothermia, normal metabolics

Postoperative disposition including need for PPV & ICU

Stress dose steroids if indicated

COPD Severity Based on Airflow Obstruction

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7
Q

Cystic Fibrosis

Considerations

Goals & Conflicts

Pregnancy

A

Cystic Fibrosis

Considerations

High risk for perioperative pulmonary complications

Pathophysiologic sequelae:

Pulmonary: mucous plugging, chronic pneumonia, bronchiectasis & hemoptysis, bronchospasm, pneumothorax, mixed restrictive & obstructive lung physiology, bullous disease, hypoxemia/hypercarbia

Cardiovascular: pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale

Extra-pulmonary disease:

Anemia of chronic disease

GERD, sinusitis

Hepatic: abnormal transaminases, cirrhosis, portal hypertension, coagulopathy

Pancreatic insufficiency & diabetes

Chronic malnutrition, cachexia, deconditioning

CF-related medications: oxygen, bronchodilators, mucolytics, antibiotics, steroids, insulin, pancreatic enzymes

Goals & Conflicts

Preoperative optimization in collaboration with respiratory medicine

Avoidance of GA if feasible

Intraoperative management principles:

Lung protective ventilation

Aggressive pulmonary toilet, bronchodilation, hydration

Avoid prolonged ventilation

Multimodal analgesia with limited sedating analgesics

Avoid exacerbation of pulmonary hypertension

Postoperative high acuity setting with aggressive respiratory therapy

Verify normal coagulation parameters prior to neuraxial/regional

Pregnancy

Very high risk patient & ↑ risk of low birth weight babies & pre-term delivery:

Vaginal delivery:

Ensure monitored setting, consider invasive monitoring if significant cardiorespiratory dysfunction

Epidural is an excellent choice to reduce hyperventilation & stress, but titrate carefully to T10 to prevent respiratory muscle weakness

Cesarean delivery:

Epidural preferred:

Careful titration of epidural to avoid high block

GA is acceptable but remember goals:

Prevent perioperative bronchospasm

Frequent suctioning for pulmonary toilet

Appropriate ventilatory settings, especially to avoid air trapping/pneumothorax

Post-op monitoring in HAU/ICU, chest physiotherapy, pulmonary optimization

NIPPV to treat respiratory failure

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8
Q

Esophagectomy

Considerations

Goals & Conflicts

A

Esophagectomy

Considerations

High risk for postoperative morbidity & mortality

Identify surgical approach & associated considerations

Possible need for lung isolation

Comorbid disease processes:

Full stomach & high risk for aspiration

Malnourishment, deconditioning, anemia, coagulopathy

Smoker, chronic obstructive lung disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus

Cancer 4M’s:

​Mass effects, medications, metastases, metabolic abnormalities

Prolonged surgery with severe hemodynamic insults:

Need for invasive monitors & access

Lung protective ventilation

Maintenance of anastamotic integrity:

Thoracic epidural anesthesia

Judicious fluid administration & vasopressor usage

Optimize oxygen delivery

Goals & Conflicts

Preoperative:

Assessment of 4M’s

Optimization of comorbidities

Planning for postoperative care

Intraoperative:

Aspiration prophylaxis

RSI due to high risk of aspiration

Thoracic epidural

Arterial & central venous access, large bore IV access

Lung isolation & lung protective ventilation

Planning for repositioning

Preparations for severe hemodynamic instability especially during blunt mediastinal dissection

Restrictive fluid strategy with vasopressors PRN to treat epidural-related vasoplegia

Surgical approach:

Ivor Lewis: laparotomy, right thoracotomy

Transhiatal: laparotomy, left neck

Three hole

Left thoracoabdominal

Laparoscopic/thoracoscopic

Surgical considerations:

Prolonged surgery

Need for one lung ventilation

Intraoperative repositioning

Hemodynamic instability: intrathoracic dissection, supraventricular arrhythmias

No vascular access left neck

Postoperative:

Greatest mortality risk of all thoracic surgery

Attempt postoperative extubation & plan for high acuity stay

Monitor for: aspiration pneumonia, respiratory failure, anastamotic dehiscence with empyema, mediastinitis, septic shock, arrhythmias, CHF

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9
Q

Lung Cancer

Considerations (4Ms)

A

Lung Cancer

Considerations

Potentially compromised respiratory function with risk of perioperative respiratory complications

4M’s:

M ass effects: obstructive pneumonia, lung abscess, SVC syndrome, tracheobronchial distortion, Pancoast’s syndrome, recurrent laryngeal nerve or phrenic nerve paresis, chest wall or mediastinal extension

M etabolic effects: Lambert–Eaton syndrome, hypercalcemia, hyponatremia, Cushing’s syndrome

M etastases: particularly to brain, bone, liver, & adrenal

M edications: chemotherapy agents, pulmonary toxicity (bleomycin, mitomycin), cardiac toxicity (doxorubicin), renal toxicity (cisplatin)

Need for lung resection, mediastinoscopy/bronchoscopy, non-thoracic surgery

Comorbidities including smoking, chronic obstructive lung disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension

Management of cancer pain with multimodal approach

Goals of care & DNR status

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10
Q

Massive Hemoptysis

Considerations

Goals

Management

A

Massive Hemoptysis

Considerations

Emergency, full stomach, limited time to optimize

Etiology of hemorrhage & patient comorbidities:

Infection (tuberculosis), bronchiectasis, malignancy, arteriovenous malformation, pulmonary artery catheter, trauma

Difficult airway & requirement for rapid lung isolation to prevent contralateral contamination & asphyxia

Facilitation of subsequent definitive treatment: bronchial artery embolization, lung resection

Resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock

Goals

Prompt mobilization of resources (OR, surgeon, interventional radiology) & effective communication between various parties

Rapid management: airway protection, resuscitation & stabilization, localization of bleeding site, & administration of specific therapy

Rapid isolation of non-bleeding lung (double lumen tube vs bronchial blocker vs endobronchial intubation; bleeding lung down)

↓ bleeding: bleeding lung up after selective bronchial intubation (↓ effective pulmonary artery pressure on that side), CPAP to bleeding lung (for tamponade effect), reversal of anticoagulation

Optimization of oxygenation & ventilation to both lungs (good lung down, CPAP to bleeding lung)

Management

Mobilize resources, call thoracic surgery

Monitors, large IVs x2, 100% O2

Lateral position with bleeding side down

Call for blood, resuscitate if hemodynamically unstable, correct coagulopathy

Secure airway if problems with gas exchange:

Best done in the OR with thoracic surgeon/rigid bronchoscope available

Awake intubation vs RSI

Double lumen tube vs single lumen tube endobronchially or with bronchial blocker

High frequency jet ventilation may be life saving

Suction, suction, suction

Once isolated, CPAP to bleeding side may help tamponade the bleeding site

May need to urgently go to OR for rigid bronchoscopy or thoracotomy

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11
Q

Mediastinoscopy

Considerations

Goals

Conflicts

Complications

A

Mediastinoscopy

Considerations

Limited access to airway

Indication for procedure: lung cancer staging, biopsy of anterior mediastinal mass & associated patient comorbidities

Surgical approach: cervical vs anterior (Chamberlain)

Potentially life threatening complications: hemorrhage, pneumothorax, airway disruption, stroke

Monitoring: perfusion monitoring of right arm, consider lower extremity IV, BP monitoring left arm (avoid fictitious BP)

Need for quiet surgical field & airway control

Goals

Optimize surgical conditions: deep anesthesia, paralysis

Safe care of anterior mediastinal mass

Preparation for transfusion: large bore IV, cross match, consider lower extremity IV

Conflicts

Deep anesthesia +/- paralysis vs anterior mediastinal mass

Cerebrovascular disease & innominate compression

Contraindications:

Previous mediastinoscopy or surgery in anterior mediastinum

Relative: SVC syndrome, tracheal deviation, thoracic aortic aneurysm, radiation

Complications

Hemorrhage (aorta, superior vena cava, pulmonary artery ) → may need urgent/emergent thoracotomy

Innominate artery compression → stroke

Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury

Phrenic nerve injury

Tracheal injury

Pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum

Chylothorax

Esophageal injury

Venous air embolism

Bradycardia, arrhythmias

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12
Q

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Considerations

Goals

Conflicts

Risk score

Severity Score

A

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Considerations

Potentially difficult BMV & intubation

↑ sensitivity to sedatives/hypnotics

Potential for cardiorespiratory changes:

Hypoxia, hypercarbia (chronic)

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome

Polycythemia

Pulmonary hypertension, RV hypertrophy, RV dysfunction

Comorbid disease:

Obesity, diabetes, coronary artery disease, congenital syndromes affecting the airway

↑ risk of perioperative complications → require intensified monitoring:

Obstruction with induction

Apnea & desaturation in PACU

Goals

Safe establishment of airway

Minimize risk of postoperative respiratory depression:

Minimize long acting narcotics (systemic & neuraxial) due to patient sensitivity & risk of opioid-induced upper airway obstruction

Provide monitoring adequate to decrease morbidity from postoperative apnea

Conflicts

Aspiration risk (RSI) vs. OSA (difficult airway)

Desire to minimize narcotic use vs. contraindication/inability for regional

STOP-BANG Questionnaire: ≥3 features indicates high risk of OSA

S noring

T ired excessively

O bserved apneas

P ressure (hypertension)

B MI > 35

A ge > 50

N eck circumference > 40 cm

G ender = male

Apnea Hypopnea Index & Severity of OSA

Mild = 5-15

Moderate = 15-30

Severe = >30

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13
Q

Pneumonectomy

Considerations

Goals

Conflicts

Cardiac Herniation

A

Pneumonectomy

Considerations

Determine physiological suitability for procedure by assessing predicted postpneumonectomy pulmonary function:

ppoFEV1 > 40%

ppoDLCO > 40%

VO2 max > 15 mL/kg/min (> 4 METS)

Consider V/Q scanning for all pneumonectomies &/or if ppoFEV1 < 40%

Assess & optimize cardiorespiratory comorbidities:

Coronary artery disease & arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation)

Smoking, chronic obstructive lung disease

Pulmonary hypertension

4M’s of lung malignancies (mass effects, metastases, medications, metabolic abnormalities)

Method of lung isolation as determined by:

Type of resection: right vs left, sleeve

Patient factors: difficult airway, anatomical distortion

Management of hypoxemia during one lung ventilation

Perioperative management to avoid acute lung injury:

Fluid restriction (< 20cc/kg first 24 hours)

Lung protective ventilation with open lung techniques (tidal volume 4-6cc/kg, peak pressure < 40 cmH2O, plateau pressure < 30 cmH2O, PEEP/FiO2 for oxygen saturation > 90%)

Postoperative pain management strategies: thoracic epidural, paravertebral block

Postoperative complications:

Acute lung injury/respiratory failure (aka post-pneumonectomy pulmonary edema)

Cardiac herniation (see below)

Arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation

Myocardial ischemia

Bronchopleural fistula

Signs & symptoms: fever, productive cough, hemoptysis, subcutaneous emphysema, & persistent air leak from a chest tube

Hemorrhage

Pulmonary embolism

Myocardial infarction

Goals

Determine suitability for resection with “3-legged stool” approach:

​Respiratory mechanics, gas exchange, cardio-respiratory interaction

Preoperative optimization: smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, treatment of lung infections & bronchospasm

Pristine intraoperative management: thoracic epidural, fluid restriction, lung protective ventilation, avoidance of hypothermia

Conflicts

Requirement for curative treatment vs predicted inability to tolerate lung resection

Lung protective ventilation vs contraindication to hypercarbia (pulmonary hypertension, intracranial hypertension, cardiac ischemia)

Fluid restriction vs chronic kidney disease

Need for thoracic epidural but requirement for full anticoagulation (mechanical heart valve, severe CHADS2, DVT/PE)

Cardiac Herniation

Emergent OR required

Occurs after chest closure due to pressure difference between the two hemithoraces; if a pericardial defect is present, this pressure difference may result in the heart being extruded through the defect

The patient should NOT be placed on the operative side in the dependent position after a pneumonectomy because of the risk of cardiac herniation

Mortality > 50%

Pathophysiology:

Right pneumonectomy: impaired venous return (obstructive shock) → tachycardia, ↑ CVP, hypotension, shock, acute SVC syndrome

Left pneumonectomy: myocardial compression → MI, arrhythmias, LVOT obstruction

Differential diagnosis:

Massive intrathoracic hemorrhage, pulmonary embolism, mediastinal shift

Management principles:

Definitive management is operative repair → notify surgeon immediately & prepare OR

100% O2

Support with vasopressors & inotropes

Check chest tube & ensure not on suction (as this would suck the heart further into the empty hemithorax)

Inject air into chest tube to reduce herniation

Position with the operative side up to minimize cardiac compression

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14
Q

Post Lung Transplant Patient

Considerations

Goals/Conflicts

A

Post Lung Transplant Patient

Considerations

Allograft physiology:

Heterogeneous compliance, impaired cough, disrupted lymphatics

Need for differential lung ventilation if single lung transplant

Extrapulmonary features of underlying disease requiring transplant (e.g., sarcoidosis, cystic fibrosis):

Pulmonary hypertension, RV failure

Complications:

Allograft rejection

Vascular & bronchial anastamotic complications

Immunosuppression:

Strict aseptic techniques, watch for infection

Side effects: hematologic, renal, hepatic

Goals/Conflicts

Assess allograft function, anastamotic integrity, end-organ function

Employ regional/neuraxial anesthesia if feasible

If endotracheal intubation & PPV are required:

Consider differential lung ventilation

Lung protective ventilation to allograft & CPAP with 100% oxygen to native lung

Restrictive fluid strategy

Strict aseptic technique, avoidance of manipulation of airways, prophylactic antibiotics

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15
Q

Pulmonary Embolism

Considerations

Management

A

Pulmonary Embolism

Considerations

Acute life threatening hypoxemia, RV failure, cardiogenic shock, PEA arrest

Hemodynamic goals:

Support RV filling/contractility, minimize pulmonary vascular resistance, maintain preload

High risk of cardiac collapse upon initiation of PPV

Life saving maneuvers: thrombolysis, thrombectomy, inotropes, pulmonary vasodilators

Perioperative bridging of anticoagulation, always consider IVC filter

Management

Admission to monitored setting

O2 supplementation as required

Consultation with ICU/respirology

Start anticoagulation immediately (IV heparin, low molecular weight heparin)

If anticoagulation contraindicated → consider IVC filter (controversial)

Hemodynamic instability: similar to treatments of pulmonary hypertension:

Vasopressors to maintain RV perfusion

Intravascular fluid therapy as per CVP, PAC, TEE

Cautious especially with RV dysfunction: only 500-1000 cc at a time

Inotropes if RV dysfunction: dobutamine, epinephrine

Inodilators: milrinone

Pulmonary artery dilators: nitric oxide, epoprostenol (flolan)

Intubation & ventilation:

Avoid if possible

If necessary:

Very high risk for cardiac collapse

Ensure pre-induction arterial line/central line if possible

Have vasopressors in-line

Titrated induction with avoidance of hypoxemia/hypercarbia (bag mask once not breathing)

Avoid high intrathoracic pressures, hypercarbia & hypoxemia

Thrombolytic therapy:

Indications:

Shock: sBP <90 or ↓ sBP of 40 from baseline

Cardiac arrest

Severe hypoxemia

RV dysfunction

Patent foramen ovale

Dose: tPA 100mg IV over 2 hours

Embolectomy:

Catheter embolectomy

Surgical embolectomy

ECMO if all else fails

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16
Q

Restrictive Lung Disease

Considerations

Goals

A

Restrictive Lung Disease

Considerations

Potential difficult BMV & rapid desaturation (↓ FRC)

Altered respiratory physiology:

Hypoxemia (V/Q mismatch)

↓ compliance & risk of barotrauma → pneumothorax

Pulmonary hypertension & cor pulmonale

↑ risk of perioperative respiratory complications:

Pneumonia, pneumothorax, respiratory depression (sensitive to opioids), respiratory failure

Higher risk if VC < 15 ml/kg, FVC <50% or 500cc, or pCO2 >45 cmH2O

Cancel elective procedures if there is an acute & reversible process

Management may include the use of high performance ventilator, using small tidal volumes with rapid rates, may require post op ventilation & ICU care

Co-morbid disease/etiology:

Autoimmune disease, connective tissue disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, malignancy, obesity, neuromuscular, drug effects

Medications:

Steroids, immunosuppressives, oxygen, pulmonary hypertension treatments

History of bleomycin, amiodarone use

Goals

Preoperative optimization (limited)

Minimally invasive (local anesthetic or regional) or maximum support (slow wean)

Lung protective ventilation:

​Low tidal volume, fast respiratory rate, inverse ratio, pressure control, PEEP

Minimize exposure to oxygen if previous bleomycin use

Avoid precipitants of pulmonary hypertension (hypercarbia, hypoxia, acidosis, pain)

Excellent pain management to minimize risk of postoperative respiratory failure

17
Q

Cigarette Smoking

Considerations

Goals

A

Cigarette Smoking

Considerations

Limited respiratory reserve

Methemoglobinemia, carboxyhemoglobinemia, nicotinic induced tachycardia & increased MVO2

↑ risk perioperative respiratory complications:

Atelectesis

Hypoxemia

Bronchospasm

Associated diseases:

Chronic obstructive lung disease

Coronary artery disease

Reactive airways

Lung cancer

Goals

Education regarding benefits of pre-operative smoking cessation when possible

Expect improved oxygen delivery by 24-48 hrs, ↑ mucous production & ↑ expectoration from 2 days to 4 weeks, improved postoperative infection rate due to improved tissue oxygenation, reduced risk of pulmonary complications after 8 weeks

18
Q

Thymectomy

Considerations

Goals & Conflicts

A

Thymectomy

Considerations

Indication usually Myasthenia Gravis

Risks: aspiration, perioperative respiratory failure, cholinergic or myasthenic crises

Treatments: immune suppression, plasmapheresis, pyridostigmine

Altered response to neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBs):

​Sensitive to NdMR (nondepolarizing muscle relaxants) and resistant to succinylcholine

Anterior mediastinal mass

Postoperative analgesia for median sternotomy

Potential need for lung isolation to improve surgical exposure

Goals/Conflicts

Preoperative assessment & optimization of myasthenia gravis patients: preoperative plasmapheresis, multidisciplinary discussion

Minimize risk of aspiration

Minimize risk of perioperative respiratory failure (judicious use of NMBs & opioids; epidural analgesia)

Minimize risk of myasthenic or cholinergic crisis

Discuss surgical approach with surgeon & need for lung isolation