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Lung volume reduction surgery combined with cardiac interventions

Lung volume reduction surgery combined with cardiac interventions Abstract Objective: Postoperative course and functional outcome were evaluated in patients who underwent lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) or in combination with valve replacement (VR), percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), placement of a stent, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: Patients with severe bronchial obstruction and hyperinflation due to pulmonary emphysema were evaluated for lung volume reduction surgery. Cardiac disorders were screened by history and physical examination and assessed by coronary angiography. Nine patients were accepted for LVRS in combination with an intervention for coronary artery disease (CAD). In addition, three patients with valve disease and severe emphysema were accepted for valve replacement (two aortic-, one mitral valve) only in combination with LVRS. Functional results over the first 6 months were analysed. Results: Pulmonary function testing demonstrates a significant improvement in postoperative FEV1 in patients who underwent LVRS combined with an intervention for CAD. This was reflected in reduction of overinflation (residual volume/total lung capacity (RV/TLC)), and improvement in the 12-min walking distance and dyspnea. Median hospital stay was 15 days (10–33). One patient in the CAD group died due to pulmonary edema on day 2 postoperatively. One of the three patients who underwent valve replacement and LVRS died on day 14 postoperatively following intestinal infarction. Both survivors improved in pulmonary function, dyspnea score and exercise capacity. Complications in all 12 patients included pneumothorax (n = 2), hematothorax (n = 1) and urosepsis (n = 1). Conclusion: Functional improvement after LVRS in patients with CAD is equal to patients without CAD. Mortality in patients who underwent LVRS after PTCA or CABG was comparable to patients without CAD. LVRS enables valve replacement in selected patients with severe emphysema otherwise inoperable. Lung volume reduction surgery, Cardiac disease, Outcome 1 Introduction Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) for patients with end-stage emphysema and severe hyperinflation results in decreased dyspnea and improved pulmonary function [1,2]. Most of the patients with end-stage emphysema have a history of smoking and are therefore at increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Previously, we demonstrated that in 15% of patients qualifying for LVRS relevant CAD is present despite any clinical signs for CAD increasing the risk for perioperative complications [3]. In total 12 of 124 patients who underwent LVRS at our institution were treated for both, cardiac disease and emphysema. In this study we retrospectively evaluated the perioperative complications and functional outcome of these 12 patients which were operated in combination with cardiac interventions (PTCA, coronary stenting, CABG, valve replacement (VR)). 2 Patients and methods Until August 1998, 285 patients with severe emphysema were evaluated for LVRS at the University of Zurich. Potential candidates were considered for this type of surgery according to selection and exclusion criteria previously published [2–4]. Briefly, the patient suffers from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with a forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1) ≪35% predicted and static lung volumes demonstrate hyperinflation (RV > 200%, TLC > 130% predicted). Radiological signs of emphysema are present on conventional chest radiograph and emphysema is confirmed on a high resolution CT scan. Exclusion criteria are age over 75 years, PaCO2>55 mmHg, diffusing capacity for carbon oxide (CO) (singlebreath) <20% predicted, bronchiectasis, acute bronchopulmonary infection, neoplastic disease with life expectancy ≪2 years, psychiatric disturbance, previous Q-wave infarction and/or congestive heart failure, mean pulmonary artery pressure ≫35 mmHg. All patients were screened for cardiac disorders by history and physical examination. Routine right heart catheterization was not performed. As we demonstrated in a previous study, only patients with hypercarbia had elevated pulmonary artery pressures [5]. Nine patients who were evaluated for LVRS did not fulfill the study criteria because of relevant, but asymptomatic CAD which was confirmed by coronary angiography. Significant CAD was defined as narrowing of one or more vessels by at least 70% or of the left main coronary artery by at least 50%. These nine patients underwent LVRS in combination with treatment for CAD. In addition, three patients with valvular heart disease and severe emphysema, which were considered inoperable due to their extremely limited pulmonary function, underwent valve replacement in combination with LVRS. 2.1 Patients with CAD Coronary angiography revealed relevant coronary artery disease in nine patients (one female) with a median age of 66 (56–74) years. Three patients had three-vessel disease, four two-vessel-, and two one-vessel disease. One patient with predominantly unilateral diffuse emphysema underwent unilateral lung volume reduction surgery on the right side following coronary artery bypass grafting (×5) in one session. LVRS was performed through the median sternotomy when the patient was still on bypass using ELC45 staplers (Ethicon, Endo-Surgery, Switzerland) buttressed with bovine pericardium (Peri-Strips Dry™, Biovascular INC, Saint Paul MN). In the second patient LVRS was performed bilaterally by video-endoscopic approach six months after CABG (×4). The other patients underwent PTCA (n = 7) and/or placement of a stent (n = 4) 4–6 weeks prior to bilateral thoracoscopic LVRS. The patients received Ticlid® (Ticlopidin) 2 × 250 mg/day and Aspirin 100 mg/day for 4 weeks. The medication was stopped 1 week prior to LVRS. 2.2 Patients with valve disease All three patients (67–70 years) who underwent LVRS in combination with replacement of the mitral or aortic valve were initially not accepted for a cardiac surgical intervention because of severe COPD with emphysema. The rationale for the combined treatment was to improve pulmonary function postoperatively with the aim to faciliate weaning from the respirator [6]. Bilateral LVRS was performed in one patient immediately after aortic valve replacement through the median sternotomy. In the other two patients LVRS was postponed because of intraoperative complications during the cardiac intervention. 2.3 Surgical technique Our standard procedure is lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) performed bilaterally by video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT), as described previously (2]. Briefly, three 11.5 mm trocars are placed in the 7th or 8th ICS and a 5.5-mm trocar in the 4th ICS. A 10-mm, 25° angled thoracoscope is used. The resection is aimed at the most destroyed tissues previously identified by CT scans and perfusion scintigraphy. In cases with upper lobe predominance or a diffuse type, 20–30% of the lung volume is resected from the apical upper lobe in the shape of an inverted ‘hockey stick’. In the other cases the resection is aimed at the most destroyed areas. Two chest tubes on each side are connected to a chest tube drainage system with Heimlich valves or suction of 10 to 20 cm H2O. In the patients who underwent CABG or valve replacement combined with LVRS in one operation, LVRS was performed through the median sternotomy when the patient was still on bypass. The resection was performed using an Endolinear cutter (ELC45 Ethicon, Endo-Surgery, Switzerland) buttressed with bovine pericardium (Peri-Strips Dry™, Biovascular INC, Saint Paul MN). 2.4 Functional assessment Lung volumes were measured in a standardized manner (Sensor Medics 66200 Autobox; Yorba Linda, CA) [7]. Results were expressed as the best values after inhalation of two puffs of salbutamol. Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide was measured by the single breath technique (66200/Sensor Medics). Reference values were according to the European community for steel and coal [8]. Exercise capacity was assessed by the 12-min walking test. The patients walked along the same hospital hallway without oxygen supplementation encouraged by a technician [9]. 2.5 Statistical analysis Data analysis was performed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) with planned comparison using a commercially available program (STATISTICA for Windows, Version 4.5). Continuous data are given as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Demographic parameters are given as median and range. P-Values less than 0.05 were considered significant. 3 Results 3.1 Lung volume reduction surgery and coronary artery disease The results of pulmonary function testing of the nine CAD patients pre- and postoperatively, at 3 and 6 months after LVRS are summarized in Table 1 . We find an improvement in FEV1 over the first six months following LVRS in patients who underwent an intervention for CAD in combination with LVRS (Fig. 1) . Furthermore, a reduction of pulmonary overinflation as assessed by the RV/TLC ratio is observed. Diffusing capacitiy for carbon monoxide remained unchanged. MRC was significantly lower in both postoperative follow-up examinations. The outcome of 12-min walking distance (WD) was slightly improved but not significantly different from preoperative values. Table 1 Open in new tabDownload slide Postoperative pulmonary function, exercise capacity (12-min WD (m)), and modified medical council dyspnoe score (MRC) in patients with CAD and before valve replacement over the first 6 months postoperatively Table 1 Open in new tabDownload slide Postoperative pulmonary function, exercise capacity (12-min WD (m)), and modified medical council dyspnoe score (MRC) in patients with CAD and before valve replacement over the first 6 months postoperatively Fig. 1 Open in new tabDownload slide Respiratory function (FEV1 (L), RV/TLC, DLCO (%)), modified medical research council dyspnoe score (MRC), and exercise capacity (12-min WD (m)) preoperatively and over the first 6 months postoperatively. In the patients with CAD: pre: n = 9; post: n = 6; at 3 months: n = 5; and at 6 months: n = 6, and patients without CAD (mean±SEM). Fig. 1 Open in new tabDownload slide Respiratory function (FEV1 (L), RV/TLC, DLCO (%)), modified medical research council dyspnoe score (MRC), and exercise capacity (12-min WD (m)) preoperatively and over the first 6 months postoperatively. In the patients with CAD: pre: n = 9; post: n = 6; at 3 months: n = 5; and at 6 months: n = 6, and patients without CAD (mean±SEM). 3.2 Lung volume reduction surgery and valve replacement All three patients who underwent LVRS in combination with replacement of the mitral- or aortic valve were treated outside the prospective LVRS protocol, and therefore did not meet all criteria to qualify for LVRS according to our study protocol. 3.2.1 Patient 1 In a 73-year-old female with known COPD and emphysema (FEV1 0.8 l, 42% predicted, TLC 5.45 l, 110% predicted, RV 3.5L, 165% predicted) a severe aortic valve stenosis (mean gradient 85 mmHg) was diagnosed. She suffered from severe dyspnea during normal daily activity and severe orthopnea at night. Combined aortic valve replacement and bilateral lung volume reduction surgery was performed in the same session via median sternotomy. Postoperatively, severe pulmonary arterial hypertension developed and was treated with NO inhalation. The patient was weaned from the respirator and extubated on the 12th postoperative day. Antibiotic therapy was required for a unilateral pneumonia and the patient was leaving the hospital on day 28 postoperatively. In the 3 months follow-up examination bronchial obstruction had decreased as well as pulmonary hyperinflation (FEV1 0.88L, 44% predicted, TLC 4.72 l, 95% predicted, RV 2.7 l, 128% predicted). 3.2.2 Patient 2 A 67-year-old female with biventricular cardiac insufficiency (NYHA 3-4), mitral valve stenosis and a mild aortic valve insufficiency was refused in 1994 for mitral valve replacement because of severe COPD (FEV1 0.84L, 36% predicted, RV/TLC ratio 0.75, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) 39% predicted). The patient was a heavy smoker for 25 years and was on long-term oxygen therapy since the beginning of 1996. She suffered from severe dyspnoea (Medial research council (MRC) dyspnea score: 4), and was very limited in her exercise capacity (12-min walking distance 540 m). A combined mitral valve replacement and lung volume reduction surgery in the same session was planned. After valve replacement, however, a type A dissection occured. LVRS was postponed and performed 3 days later which faciliated successful weaning fom the respirator. The late postoperative course was further complicated by urosepsis and the patient was discharged from the hospital on day 37 postoperatively. Three months after the operation, dyspnea and exercise capacity were markedly improved (MRC: 1; 12-min walking distance 675 m), and lung function showed less obstruction (FEV1 1.47 l, 67% predicted) and overinflation (RV/TLC 0.54). DLCO revealed a slight improvement to 49% predicted. Long-term oxygen therapy was no longer necessary. One year after the operation the patient was in good general condition with FEV1 of 53% predicted, RV/TLC ratio 0.50, and a 12-min walking distance of 808 m. 3.2.3 Patient 3 A 68-year-old previous heavy smoker suffered from COPD with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and severe bullous emphysema. Furthermore a combined aortic valve disorder with dominant stenosis (mean gradient 35 mmHg) was known. Since pulmonary emboli were suspected, the patient received coumarine since year one. FEV1 was 1.3 l (47% pred.). After several hospitalisations for pulmonary decompensation a simultanous valve replacement and LVRS was planned. Due to accidental perforation of the left ventricle during the aortic valve replacement, bilateral LVRS was performed by video-assisted thoracoscopies (VATS) 10 days after the cardiac intervention. At this time point a pulmonary infection with a multiresistant Pseudomonas was diagnosed. After a prolonged weaning period and slow improvement of the lung function the patient developed severe pneumonia. In the later postoperative course infectious parameters increased. On the 15th postoperative day the patient died from multi-organ failure following intestinal infarction. 3.2.4 Morbidity and mortality One patient in the group with CAD died after development of pulmonary edema on day 2 postoperatively and one patient after valve replacement and LVRS died because of intestinal infarction on day 14 postoperatively (Table 2 ). Table 2 Open in new tabDownload slide Coronary angiography findings, hemodynamic data, and symptoms in candidates for LVRS with significant lesions. Table 2 Open in new tabDownload slide Coronary angiography findings, hemodynamic data, and symptoms in candidates for LVRS with significant lesions. Postoperative complications after LVRS following a cardiac intervention include late pneumothorax (n = 2), hematothorax (n = 1) and urosepsis (n = 1). 3.2.5 Drainage time and hospital stay In the 12 patients with combined intervention median drainage time was 11.5 days (range 5–30 days). The median hospital stay was 15 days (range 10–33 days). In contrast, the two surviving patients after valve replacement were hospitalised longer, for 28 and 37 days respectively. 4 Discussion In this study we retrospectively evaluated the functional outcome of patients who underwent LVRS in combination with valve replacement, PTCA, placement of a coronary stent, or CABG. We found that LVRS can be performed safely in selected patients who were previously treated for CAD. The functional outcome in these patients is equal to LVRS patients without CAD over the first 6 months (Fig. 1). In addition, we could demonstrate that LVRS enables valve replacement in selected patients with severe COPD and emphysema who were previously considered to be inoperable. At the University of Zurich the LVRS program has been started in early 1994. All patients were included in a prospective study. Nearly 300 patients have been evaluated and 124 underwent surgery for emphysema. LVRS at our institution is mainly performed bilateral in one session by a video-thoracoscopic approach. Smoking is the main risk factor for emphysema as well as for coronary artery disease. Therefore, in these patients additional risk factors as CAD have to be excluded. Exercise testing, however, in COPD patients is often not possible due to severe pulmonary limitation. In a previous prospective study we could demonstrate that clinically silent, but relevant CAD is a frequent finding in emphysema patients, otherwise qualifying for LVRS [3]. We found that in 15% of LVRS candidates at least one relevant coronary artery stenosis (≫70% or a 50% stenosis of the left main coronary artery) is present. After treatment of CAD with PTCA, stent, or CABG, LVRS can be performed safely with a low mortality and morbidity similar to the group of patients without CAD. When LVRS was performed on a patient while on cardiopulmonary bypass, buttressing with bovine pericardial strips was always used with the aim to prevent bleeding in the fragile lung tissue of the emphysematous lung. The improvement in pulmonary function and exercise performance was identical in the nine CAD patients as compared to patients without CAD. These data suggest that a combination of both interventions is feasible. However, in our experience it seems to be favourable to select the patients carefully and to operate preferentially on patients which are more likely to improve functionally after LVRS (e.g. heterogenous emphysema with good target areas) [10]. The rationale for LVRS in patients with valvular heart disease was different [6]. The combined procedure was only performed when the patient was severely limited preoperatively and unable to maintain even everyday acivities after failure of all conservative treatment modalities. Basically, the patients were considered inoperable for valve replacement due to their respiratory insufficiency resulting from severe COPD with emphysema. LVRS was performed with the aim to improve pulmonary function to faciliate postoperative weaning from the respirator. The intraoperative course of two of the described patients during the cardiac intervention was complicated and LVRS was postponed and performed 3 and 10 days later under more stable conditions. Two patients after valve replacement and LVRS showed equal or even improved pulmonary function and exercise performance 3–6 months postoperatively (Fig. 2). Fig. 2 Open in new tabDownload slide Individual pulmonary functional parameters (FEV1 (L), RV/TLC) and exercise capacity (12-min WD (m)) of the three patients before and after valve replacement in comparison to patients without cardiac disease (mean±SEM). Fig. 2 Open in new tabDownload slide Individual pulmonary functional parameters (FEV1 (L), RV/TLC) and exercise capacity (12-min WD (m)) of the three patients before and after valve replacement in comparison to patients without cardiac disease (mean±SEM). Since bilateral procedures offer more functional improvement [11], unilateral LVRS is performed only in patients with severe emphysematous destruction predominantly on one side. All patients with CAD or valve replacement were heavy smokers with the exception of one CAD patient with diffuse unilateral emphysema. A bilateral approach was favoured to achive maximal respiratory benefit in these high risk patients. A unilateral approach was not due to intraoperative complications in our patients. Postoperative pulmonary improvement in patients who underwent CABG or valve replacement are even more impressive since it has been demonstrated in previous studies that in patients with normal preoperative respiratory function who undergo cardiac surgery (CABG or valve replacement) FEV1 and FVC decrease postoperatively by at least 10% over several months [12]. Our experience with surgical treatment for empysema and cardiac valve disorder demonstrates that combined interventions can be performed successfully in selected patients. The morbidity and mortality are acceptable. However, this surgical concept can only be recommended for centers with a large experience in postoperative management of patients with severe emphysema. Appendix A Conference discussion Dr H. Toomes (Gerlingen, Germany): I want to ask about your strategy once more. Do you always plan to make the operations, lung and cardiac, simultaneously? Or why don't you do it simultaneously? Dr Schmid: I think this is risk stratifying. In the valve patient, it was always planned to perform LVRS through the median sternotomy in the same session at the end of the procedure when the patient was still on bypass. We used buttressing of the staple line in all cases to prevent parenchymal haemorrhage, and we did not have any bleeding problems. On two occasions, during the cardiac intervention severe intraoperative complications occurred, which prolonged bypass time, and we had to delay the lung volume reduction procedure. One patient we tried to wean from the respirator, but it was impossible. Lung volume reduction surgery was performed and 10 days later we could extubate the patient. This case was published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery in 1998. Dr F. Venuta (Rome, Italy): I did not understand which procedures you did first in the series of patients that you treated at the same time with cardiac procedure and lung volume reduction. I mean, did you do the lung volume reduction before putting the patient on bypass, or after? Dr Schimd: After the cardiac operation, but still on bypass. Dr Venuta: So you reversed heparin and then you did the lung volume reduction? Dr Schmid: No, we performed LVRS. When the patient was, as I just mentioned, still on bypass. Dr T. Dosios (Athens, Greece): I understood that all your patients had coronary arteriogram done before the operation. Is it correct? Dr Schmid: In the very initial experience of lung volume reduction surgery, we performed it in all patients. Evaluating our data, we found that it is only indicated when you have clinical suspicion, or certain risk factors, except smoking of course. In general, we do now perform LVRS without coronary angiography. Dr P. Baptista (Carnaxide, Portugal): From what I understood in the beginning, you did coronary angiograms in all patients proposed to lung reduction. And then you said you only did it when there was suspicion of cardiac pathology. Why not do just stress efforts in every patient, which is something we can do very easily? Dr Schmid: The emphysema patients usually can not perform ergometry because of their pulmonary limitation. Therefore, if there is any clinical suspicion for coronary heart disease we liberally perform angiography. References [1] Cooper J.D. , Patterson G.A. , Sundaresan R.S. , Trulock E.P. , Yusen R.D. , Pohl M.S. , Lefrak S.S. . Results of 150 consecutive bilateral lung volume reduction procedures in patients with severe emphysema , J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg , 1996 , vol. 112 (pg. 1319 - 1330 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat [2] Binggisser R. , Zollinger A. , Hauser M. , Bloch K.E. , Russi E.W. , Weder W. . Bilateral lung volume reduction surgery for diffuse pulmonary emphysema by video-assisted thoracoscopy , J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg , 1996 , vol. 97 (pg. 875 - 882 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS WorldCat [3] Turnheer R. , Muntwhyler J. , Stammberger U. , Bloch K.E. , Zollinger A. , Weder W. , Russi E.W. . Coronary artery disease in patients undergoing lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema , Chest , 1997 , vol. 112 (pg. 122 - 128 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat [4] Russi E.W. , Stammberger U. , Weder W. . Lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema , Eur Resp J , 1997 , vol. 19 (pg. 208 - 218 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS WorldCat [5] Thurnheer R. , Bingisser R. , Stammberger U. , et al. Effect of lung volume reduction surgery on pulmonary hemodynamics in severe pulmonary emphysema , Eur J Cardiothorac Surg , 1998 , vol. 13 (pg. 253 - 258 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat [6] Schmid R.A. , Vogt P. , Stocker R. , Zalunardo M. , Russi E.W. , Weder W. . Lung volume reduction surgery for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation after a complex cardiac operation , J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg , 1997 , vol. 115 (pg. 236 - 237 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS WorldCat [7] Quanjer P.H. , Tammeling G.J. , Cotes J.E. , Pedersen O.F. , Peslin R. , Yernault J.C. . Lung volumes and forced ventilatory flows , Report working party standardization of lung function tests, European community for steel and coal. Official statement of the European respiratory society. Eur Respir J , 1993 , vol. 16 Suppl 6 (pg. 5 - 40 ) WorldCat [8] Cotes J.E. , Chinn D.J. , Quanjer P.H. , Roca J. , Yernault J.C. . , Report working party. standartization of lung function tests. European community for steel and coal. Official statement of the European respirastory society: lung volumes and forced respiratory flows. Eur Respir J , 1993 , vol. 16 Suppl 3 (pg. 41 - 52 ) [9] McGavin C.R. , Gupta S.P. , McHardy G.J. . Twelve-minute walking test for assessing disability in chronic bronchitis , Br Med J , 1976 , vol. 1 (pg. 822 - 823 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat [10] Weder W. , Thurnheer R. , Stammberger U. , Burge M. , Russi E.W. , Bloch K.E. . Radiologic emphysema morphology is associated with outcome after surgical lung volume reduction , Ann Thorac Surg , 1997 , vol. 64 2 (pg. 313 - 320 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat [11] McKenna R.J. Jr , Brenner M. , Fischel R.J. , Gelb A.F. . Should volume reduction for emphysema be unilateral or bilateral? , J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg , 1996 , vol. 112 (pg. 1331 - 1339 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat [12] Dubois P. , Dubois G. , Delwiche J.P. , Schoevaerdts J.C. , Kremer R. . Lung function and cardiac surgery , Acta Cardiol , 1991 , vol. 4 (pg. 439 - 451 ) WorldCat © 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. Elsevier Science B.V. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Oxford University Press

Lung volume reduction surgery combined with cardiac interventions

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Oxford University Press
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© 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
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1010-7940
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Abstract

Abstract Objective: Postoperative course and functional outcome were evaluated in patients who underwent lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) or in combination with valve replacement (VR), percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), placement of a stent, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: Patients with severe bronchial obstruction and hyperinflation due to pulmonary emphysema were evaluated for lung volume reduction surgery. Cardiac disorders were screened by history and physical examination and assessed by coronary angiography. Nine patients were accepted for LVRS in combination with an intervention for coronary artery disease (CAD). In addition, three patients with valve disease and severe emphysema were accepted for valve replacement (two aortic-, one mitral valve) only in combination with LVRS. Functional results over the first 6 months were analysed. Results: Pulmonary function testing demonstrates a significant improvement in postoperative FEV1 in patients who underwent LVRS combined with an intervention for CAD. This was reflected in reduction of overinflation (residual volume/total lung capacity (RV/TLC)), and improvement in the 12-min walking distance and dyspnea. Median hospital stay was 15 days (10–33). One patient in the CAD group died due to pulmonary edema on day 2 postoperatively. One of the three patients who underwent valve replacement and LVRS died on day 14 postoperatively following intestinal infarction. Both survivors improved in pulmonary function, dyspnea score and exercise capacity. Complications in all 12 patients included pneumothorax (n = 2), hematothorax (n = 1) and urosepsis (n = 1). Conclusion: Functional improvement after LVRS in patients with CAD is equal to patients without CAD. Mortality in patients who underwent LVRS after PTCA or CABG was comparable to patients without CAD. LVRS enables valve replacement in selected patients with severe emphysema otherwise inoperable. Lung volume reduction surgery, Cardiac disease, Outcome 1 Introduction Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) for patients with end-stage emphysema and severe hyperinflation results in decreased dyspnea and improved pulmonary function [1,2]. Most of the patients with end-stage emphysema have a history of smoking and are therefore at increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Previously, we demonstrated that in 15% of patients qualifying for LVRS relevant CAD is present despite any clinical signs for CAD increasing the risk for perioperative complications [3]. In total 12 of 124 patients who underwent LVRS at our institution were treated for both, cardiac disease and emphysema. In this study we retrospectively evaluated the perioperative complications and functional outcome of these 12 patients which were operated in combination with cardiac interventions (PTCA, coronary stenting, CABG, valve replacement (VR)). 2 Patients and methods Until August 1998, 285 patients with severe emphysema were evaluated for LVRS at the University of Zurich. Potential candidates were considered for this type of surgery according to selection and exclusion criteria previously published [2–4]. Briefly, the patient suffers from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with a forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1) ≪35% predicted and static lung volumes demonstrate hyperinflation (RV > 200%, TLC > 130% predicted). Radiological signs of emphysema are present on conventional chest radiograph and emphysema is confirmed on a high resolution CT scan. Exclusion criteria are age over 75 years, PaCO2>55 mmHg, diffusing capacity for carbon oxide (CO) (singlebreath) <20% predicted, bronchiectasis, acute bronchopulmonary infection, neoplastic disease with life expectancy ≪2 years, psychiatric disturbance, previous Q-wave infarction and/or congestive heart failure, mean pulmonary artery pressure ≫35 mmHg. All patients were screened for cardiac disorders by history and physical examination. Routine right heart catheterization was not performed. As we demonstrated in a previous study, only patients with hypercarbia had elevated pulmonary artery pressures [5]. Nine patients who were evaluated for LVRS did not fulfill the study criteria because of relevant, but asymptomatic CAD which was confirmed by coronary angiography. Significant CAD was defined as narrowing of one or more vessels by at least 70% or of the left main coronary artery by at least 50%. These nine patients underwent LVRS in combination with treatment for CAD. In addition, three patients with valvular heart disease and severe emphysema, which were considered inoperable due to their extremely limited pulmonary function, underwent valve replacement in combination with LVRS. 2.1 Patients with CAD Coronary angiography revealed relevant coronary artery disease in nine patients (one female) with a median age of 66 (56–74) years. Three patients had three-vessel disease, four two-vessel-, and two one-vessel disease. One patient with predominantly unilateral diffuse emphysema underwent unilateral lung volume reduction surgery on the right side following coronary artery bypass grafting (×5) in one session. LVRS was performed through the median sternotomy when the patient was still on bypass using ELC45 staplers (Ethicon, Endo-Surgery, Switzerland) buttressed with bovine pericardium (Peri-Strips Dry™, Biovascular INC, Saint Paul MN). In the second patient LVRS was performed bilaterally by video-endoscopic approach six months after CABG (×4). The other patients underwent PTCA (n = 7) and/or placement of a stent (n = 4) 4–6 weeks prior to bilateral thoracoscopic LVRS. The patients received Ticlid® (Ticlopidin) 2 × 250 mg/day and Aspirin 100 mg/day for 4 weeks. The medication was stopped 1 week prior to LVRS. 2.2 Patients with valve disease All three patients (67–70 years) who underwent LVRS in combination with replacement of the mitral or aortic valve were initially not accepted for a cardiac surgical intervention because of severe COPD with emphysema. The rationale for the combined treatment was to improve pulmonary function postoperatively with the aim to faciliate weaning from the respirator [6]. Bilateral LVRS was performed in one patient immediately after aortic valve replacement through the median sternotomy. In the other two patients LVRS was postponed because of intraoperative complications during the cardiac intervention. 2.3 Surgical technique Our standard procedure is lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) performed bilaterally by video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT), as described previously (2]. Briefly, three 11.5 mm trocars are placed in the 7th or 8th ICS and a 5.5-mm trocar in the 4th ICS. A 10-mm, 25° angled thoracoscope is used. The resection is aimed at the most destroyed tissues previously identified by CT scans and perfusion scintigraphy. In cases with upper lobe predominance or a diffuse type, 20–30% of the lung volume is resected from the apical upper lobe in the shape of an inverted ‘hockey stick’. In the other cases the resection is aimed at the most destroyed areas. Two chest tubes on each side are connected to a chest tube drainage system with Heimlich valves or suction of 10 to 20 cm H2O. In the patients who underwent CABG or valve replacement combined with LVRS in one operation, LVRS was performed through the median sternotomy when the patient was still on bypass. The resection was performed using an Endolinear cutter (ELC45 Ethicon, Endo-Surgery, Switzerland) buttressed with bovine pericardium (Peri-Strips Dry™, Biovascular INC, Saint Paul MN). 2.4 Functional assessment Lung volumes were measured in a standardized manner (Sensor Medics 66200 Autobox; Yorba Linda, CA) [7]. Results were expressed as the best values after inhalation of two puffs of salbutamol. Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide was measured by the single breath technique (66200/Sensor Medics). Reference values were according to the European community for steel and coal [8]. Exercise capacity was assessed by the 12-min walking test. The patients walked along the same hospital hallway without oxygen supplementation encouraged by a technician [9]. 2.5 Statistical analysis Data analysis was performed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) with planned comparison using a commercially available program (STATISTICA for Windows, Version 4.5). Continuous data are given as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Demographic parameters are given as median and range. P-Values less than 0.05 were considered significant. 3 Results 3.1 Lung volume reduction surgery and coronary artery disease The results of pulmonary function testing of the nine CAD patients pre- and postoperatively, at 3 and 6 months after LVRS are summarized in Table 1 . We find an improvement in FEV1 over the first six months following LVRS in patients who underwent an intervention for CAD in combination with LVRS (Fig. 1) . Furthermore, a reduction of pulmonary overinflation as assessed by the RV/TLC ratio is observed. Diffusing capacitiy for carbon monoxide remained unchanged. MRC was significantly lower in both postoperative follow-up examinations. The outcome of 12-min walking distance (WD) was slightly improved but not significantly different from preoperative values. Table 1 Open in new tabDownload slide Postoperative pulmonary function, exercise capacity (12-min WD (m)), and modified medical council dyspnoe score (MRC) in patients with CAD and before valve replacement over the first 6 months postoperatively Table 1 Open in new tabDownload slide Postoperative pulmonary function, exercise capacity (12-min WD (m)), and modified medical council dyspnoe score (MRC) in patients with CAD and before valve replacement over the first 6 months postoperatively Fig. 1 Open in new tabDownload slide Respiratory function (FEV1 (L), RV/TLC, DLCO (%)), modified medical research council dyspnoe score (MRC), and exercise capacity (12-min WD (m)) preoperatively and over the first 6 months postoperatively. In the patients with CAD: pre: n = 9; post: n = 6; at 3 months: n = 5; and at 6 months: n = 6, and patients without CAD (mean±SEM). Fig. 1 Open in new tabDownload slide Respiratory function (FEV1 (L), RV/TLC, DLCO (%)), modified medical research council dyspnoe score (MRC), and exercise capacity (12-min WD (m)) preoperatively and over the first 6 months postoperatively. In the patients with CAD: pre: n = 9; post: n = 6; at 3 months: n = 5; and at 6 months: n = 6, and patients without CAD (mean±SEM). 3.2 Lung volume reduction surgery and valve replacement All three patients who underwent LVRS in combination with replacement of the mitral- or aortic valve were treated outside the prospective LVRS protocol, and therefore did not meet all criteria to qualify for LVRS according to our study protocol. 3.2.1 Patient 1 In a 73-year-old female with known COPD and emphysema (FEV1 0.8 l, 42% predicted, TLC 5.45 l, 110% predicted, RV 3.5L, 165% predicted) a severe aortic valve stenosis (mean gradient 85 mmHg) was diagnosed. She suffered from severe dyspnea during normal daily activity and severe orthopnea at night. Combined aortic valve replacement and bilateral lung volume reduction surgery was performed in the same session via median sternotomy. Postoperatively, severe pulmonary arterial hypertension developed and was treated with NO inhalation. The patient was weaned from the respirator and extubated on the 12th postoperative day. Antibiotic therapy was required for a unilateral pneumonia and the patient was leaving the hospital on day 28 postoperatively. In the 3 months follow-up examination bronchial obstruction had decreased as well as pulmonary hyperinflation (FEV1 0.88L, 44% predicted, TLC 4.72 l, 95% predicted, RV 2.7 l, 128% predicted). 3.2.2 Patient 2 A 67-year-old female with biventricular cardiac insufficiency (NYHA 3-4), mitral valve stenosis and a mild aortic valve insufficiency was refused in 1994 for mitral valve replacement because of severe COPD (FEV1 0.84L, 36% predicted, RV/TLC ratio 0.75, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) 39% predicted). The patient was a heavy smoker for 25 years and was on long-term oxygen therapy since the beginning of 1996. She suffered from severe dyspnoea (Medial research council (MRC) dyspnea score: 4), and was very limited in her exercise capacity (12-min walking distance 540 m). A combined mitral valve replacement and lung volume reduction surgery in the same session was planned. After valve replacement, however, a type A dissection occured. LVRS was postponed and performed 3 days later which faciliated successful weaning fom the respirator. The late postoperative course was further complicated by urosepsis and the patient was discharged from the hospital on day 37 postoperatively. Three months after the operation, dyspnea and exercise capacity were markedly improved (MRC: 1; 12-min walking distance 675 m), and lung function showed less obstruction (FEV1 1.47 l, 67% predicted) and overinflation (RV/TLC 0.54). DLCO revealed a slight improvement to 49% predicted. Long-term oxygen therapy was no longer necessary. One year after the operation the patient was in good general condition with FEV1 of 53% predicted, RV/TLC ratio 0.50, and a 12-min walking distance of 808 m. 3.2.3 Patient 3 A 68-year-old previous heavy smoker suffered from COPD with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and severe bullous emphysema. Furthermore a combined aortic valve disorder with dominant stenosis (mean gradient 35 mmHg) was known. Since pulmonary emboli were suspected, the patient received coumarine since year one. FEV1 was 1.3 l (47% pred.). After several hospitalisations for pulmonary decompensation a simultanous valve replacement and LVRS was planned. Due to accidental perforation of the left ventricle during the aortic valve replacement, bilateral LVRS was performed by video-assisted thoracoscopies (VATS) 10 days after the cardiac intervention. At this time point a pulmonary infection with a multiresistant Pseudomonas was diagnosed. After a prolonged weaning period and slow improvement of the lung function the patient developed severe pneumonia. In the later postoperative course infectious parameters increased. On the 15th postoperative day the patient died from multi-organ failure following intestinal infarction. 3.2.4 Morbidity and mortality One patient in the group with CAD died after development of pulmonary edema on day 2 postoperatively and one patient after valve replacement and LVRS died because of intestinal infarction on day 14 postoperatively (Table 2 ). Table 2 Open in new tabDownload slide Coronary angiography findings, hemodynamic data, and symptoms in candidates for LVRS with significant lesions. Table 2 Open in new tabDownload slide Coronary angiography findings, hemodynamic data, and symptoms in candidates for LVRS with significant lesions. Postoperative complications after LVRS following a cardiac intervention include late pneumothorax (n = 2), hematothorax (n = 1) and urosepsis (n = 1). 3.2.5 Drainage time and hospital stay In the 12 patients with combined intervention median drainage time was 11.5 days (range 5–30 days). The median hospital stay was 15 days (range 10–33 days). In contrast, the two surviving patients after valve replacement were hospitalised longer, for 28 and 37 days respectively. 4 Discussion In this study we retrospectively evaluated the functional outcome of patients who underwent LVRS in combination with valve replacement, PTCA, placement of a coronary stent, or CABG. We found that LVRS can be performed safely in selected patients who were previously treated for CAD. The functional outcome in these patients is equal to LVRS patients without CAD over the first 6 months (Fig. 1). In addition, we could demonstrate that LVRS enables valve replacement in selected patients with severe COPD and emphysema who were previously considered to be inoperable. At the University of Zurich the LVRS program has been started in early 1994. All patients were included in a prospective study. Nearly 300 patients have been evaluated and 124 underwent surgery for emphysema. LVRS at our institution is mainly performed bilateral in one session by a video-thoracoscopic approach. Smoking is the main risk factor for emphysema as well as for coronary artery disease. Therefore, in these patients additional risk factors as CAD have to be excluded. Exercise testing, however, in COPD patients is often not possible due to severe pulmonary limitation. In a previous prospective study we could demonstrate that clinically silent, but relevant CAD is a frequent finding in emphysema patients, otherwise qualifying for LVRS [3]. We found that in 15% of LVRS candidates at least one relevant coronary artery stenosis (≫70% or a 50% stenosis of the left main coronary artery) is present. After treatment of CAD with PTCA, stent, or CABG, LVRS can be performed safely with a low mortality and morbidity similar to the group of patients without CAD. When LVRS was performed on a patient while on cardiopulmonary bypass, buttressing with bovine pericardial strips was always used with the aim to prevent bleeding in the fragile lung tissue of the emphysematous lung. The improvement in pulmonary function and exercise performance was identical in the nine CAD patients as compared to patients without CAD. These data suggest that a combination of both interventions is feasible. However, in our experience it seems to be favourable to select the patients carefully and to operate preferentially on patients which are more likely to improve functionally after LVRS (e.g. heterogenous emphysema with good target areas) [10]. The rationale for LVRS in patients with valvular heart disease was different [6]. The combined procedure was only performed when the patient was severely limited preoperatively and unable to maintain even everyday acivities after failure of all conservative treatment modalities. Basically, the patients were considered inoperable for valve replacement due to their respiratory insufficiency resulting from severe COPD with emphysema. LVRS was performed with the aim to improve pulmonary function to faciliate postoperative weaning from the respirator. The intraoperative course of two of the described patients during the cardiac intervention was complicated and LVRS was postponed and performed 3 and 10 days later under more stable conditions. Two patients after valve replacement and LVRS showed equal or even improved pulmonary function and exercise performance 3–6 months postoperatively (Fig. 2). Fig. 2 Open in new tabDownload slide Individual pulmonary functional parameters (FEV1 (L), RV/TLC) and exercise capacity (12-min WD (m)) of the three patients before and after valve replacement in comparison to patients without cardiac disease (mean±SEM). Fig. 2 Open in new tabDownload slide Individual pulmonary functional parameters (FEV1 (L), RV/TLC) and exercise capacity (12-min WD (m)) of the three patients before and after valve replacement in comparison to patients without cardiac disease (mean±SEM). Since bilateral procedures offer more functional improvement [11], unilateral LVRS is performed only in patients with severe emphysematous destruction predominantly on one side. All patients with CAD or valve replacement were heavy smokers with the exception of one CAD patient with diffuse unilateral emphysema. A bilateral approach was favoured to achive maximal respiratory benefit in these high risk patients. A unilateral approach was not due to intraoperative complications in our patients. Postoperative pulmonary improvement in patients who underwent CABG or valve replacement are even more impressive since it has been demonstrated in previous studies that in patients with normal preoperative respiratory function who undergo cardiac surgery (CABG or valve replacement) FEV1 and FVC decrease postoperatively by at least 10% over several months [12]. Our experience with surgical treatment for empysema and cardiac valve disorder demonstrates that combined interventions can be performed successfully in selected patients. The morbidity and mortality are acceptable. However, this surgical concept can only be recommended for centers with a large experience in postoperative management of patients with severe emphysema. Appendix A Conference discussion Dr H. Toomes (Gerlingen, Germany): I want to ask about your strategy once more. Do you always plan to make the operations, lung and cardiac, simultaneously? Or why don't you do it simultaneously? Dr Schmid: I think this is risk stratifying. In the valve patient, it was always planned to perform LVRS through the median sternotomy in the same session at the end of the procedure when the patient was still on bypass. We used buttressing of the staple line in all cases to prevent parenchymal haemorrhage, and we did not have any bleeding problems. On two occasions, during the cardiac intervention severe intraoperative complications occurred, which prolonged bypass time, and we had to delay the lung volume reduction procedure. One patient we tried to wean from the respirator, but it was impossible. Lung volume reduction surgery was performed and 10 days later we could extubate the patient. This case was published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery in 1998. Dr F. Venuta (Rome, Italy): I did not understand which procedures you did first in the series of patients that you treated at the same time with cardiac procedure and lung volume reduction. I mean, did you do the lung volume reduction before putting the patient on bypass, or after? Dr Schimd: After the cardiac operation, but still on bypass. Dr Venuta: So you reversed heparin and then you did the lung volume reduction? Dr Schmid: No, we performed LVRS. When the patient was, as I just mentioned, still on bypass. Dr T. Dosios (Athens, Greece): I understood that all your patients had coronary arteriogram done before the operation. Is it correct? Dr Schmid: In the very initial experience of lung volume reduction surgery, we performed it in all patients. Evaluating our data, we found that it is only indicated when you have clinical suspicion, or certain risk factors, except smoking of course. In general, we do now perform LVRS without coronary angiography. Dr P. Baptista (Carnaxide, Portugal): From what I understood in the beginning, you did coronary angiograms in all patients proposed to lung reduction. And then you said you only did it when there was suspicion of cardiac pathology. Why not do just stress efforts in every patient, which is something we can do very easily? Dr Schmid: The emphysema patients usually can not perform ergometry because of their pulmonary limitation. Therefore, if there is any clinical suspicion for coronary heart disease we liberally perform angiography. References [1] Cooper J.D. , Patterson G.A. , Sundaresan R.S. , Trulock E.P. , Yusen R.D. , Pohl M.S. , Lefrak S.S. . Results of 150 consecutive bilateral lung volume reduction procedures in patients with severe emphysema , J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg , 1996 , vol. 112 (pg. 1319 - 1330 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat [2] Binggisser R. , Zollinger A. , Hauser M. , Bloch K.E. , Russi E.W. , Weder W. . Bilateral lung volume reduction surgery for diffuse pulmonary emphysema by video-assisted thoracoscopy , J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg , 1996 , vol. 97 (pg. 875 - 882 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS WorldCat [3] Turnheer R. , Muntwhyler J. , Stammberger U. , Bloch K.E. , Zollinger A. , Weder W. , Russi E.W. . Coronary artery disease in patients undergoing lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema , Chest , 1997 , vol. 112 (pg. 122 - 128 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat [4] Russi E.W. , Stammberger U. , Weder W. . Lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema , Eur Resp J , 1997 , vol. 19 (pg. 208 - 218 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS WorldCat [5] Thurnheer R. , Bingisser R. , Stammberger U. , et al. Effect of lung volume reduction surgery on pulmonary hemodynamics in severe pulmonary emphysema , Eur J Cardiothorac Surg , 1998 , vol. 13 (pg. 253 - 258 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat [6] Schmid R.A. , Vogt P. , Stocker R. , Zalunardo M. , Russi E.W. , Weder W. . Lung volume reduction surgery for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation after a complex cardiac operation , J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg , 1997 , vol. 115 (pg. 236 - 237 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS WorldCat [7] Quanjer P.H. , Tammeling G.J. , Cotes J.E. , Pedersen O.F. , Peslin R. , Yernault J.C. . Lung volumes and forced ventilatory flows , Report working party standardization of lung function tests, European community for steel and coal. Official statement of the European respiratory society. Eur Respir J , 1993 , vol. 16 Suppl 6 (pg. 5 - 40 ) WorldCat [8] Cotes J.E. , Chinn D.J. , Quanjer P.H. , Roca J. , Yernault J.C. . , Report working party. standartization of lung function tests. European community for steel and coal. Official statement of the European respirastory society: lung volumes and forced respiratory flows. Eur Respir J , 1993 , vol. 16 Suppl 3 (pg. 41 - 52 ) [9] McGavin C.R. , Gupta S.P. , McHardy G.J. . Twelve-minute walking test for assessing disability in chronic bronchitis , Br Med J , 1976 , vol. 1 (pg. 822 - 823 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat [10] Weder W. , Thurnheer R. , Stammberger U. , Burge M. , Russi E.W. , Bloch K.E. . Radiologic emphysema morphology is associated with outcome after surgical lung volume reduction , Ann Thorac Surg , 1997 , vol. 64 2 (pg. 313 - 320 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat [11] McKenna R.J. Jr , Brenner M. , Fischel R.J. , Gelb A.F. . Should volume reduction for emphysema be unilateral or bilateral? , J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg , 1996 , vol. 112 (pg. 1331 - 1339 ) Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat [12] Dubois P. , Dubois G. , Delwiche J.P. , Schoevaerdts J.C. , Kremer R. . Lung function and cardiac surgery , Acta Cardiol , 1991 , vol. 4 (pg. 439 - 451 ) WorldCat © 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. Elsevier Science B.V.

Journal

European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery – Oxford University Press

Published: May 1, 1999

Keywords: Lung volume reduction surgery Cardiac disease Outcome

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