Aortic Clamp Time Research Articles

Predictors of short-term mortality after rheumatic heart valve surgery: A single-center retrospective study

BackgroundValve replacement surgeries holds risks of morbidity and mortality. Materials and methodsThe study cohort included 346 patients who underwent different types of valve surgery, excluding redo and Bentall operations. All operations were performed through a median sternotomy using cardiopulmonary bypass. ResultsMean patient age was 51.6 ± 16.1 years, and 51% were male. Approximately 21% had diabetes, and 44.6% were hypertensive. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) was performed in 125 patients (37%), mitral valve replacement (MVR) in 95 (28%), combined AVR and MVR in 42 (13%), AVR plus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 19 (6%), and MVR plus CABG in 32 (10%). Operative mortality was 5.8% (n = 20). In the bivariate-level analysis, older age, operation type, hypertension, emergency surgery, use of a biological valve in the aortic or mitral position, pump time greater than 120 min, and aortic clamp time greater than 60 min were significant predictors of 30-day mortality. Use of medications stratified by duration (less than or more than a month) was also shown to be a predictor of mortality. Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, digoxin, beta-blockers, statins, and loop diuretics was associated with mortality. Older age, emergency/salvage surgery, use of beta-blockers for less than 1 month preoperatively, and use of a biological valve in the aortic position were significant and independent predictors of 30-day mortality. ConclusionAge, emergency valve surgery, use of a biological valve, use of beta-blockers for less than 1 month before surgery, type of surgery, EF<35%, pump time, and cross clamp time were all found to be independent predictors of mortality in patients undergoing valve surgery. Further prospective multicenter studies may be needed to provide a comprehensive assessment of mortality in patients undergoing valve surgery in Jordan.

SURGERY OF TETRALOGY OF FALLOT-15 YEAR EXPERIENCE AT AFIC-NIHD RAWALPINDI

Objective: To compare trans-atrial/Trans-pulmonary and trans-annular/trans-ventricular techniques of surgical correction of tetralogy of fallot.&#x0D; Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: AFIC-NIHD Rawalpindi, from Jan 2005 to Jan 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: Pre-op variables included age, gender, weight, SaO2 and any previous operation (like Modified Blalock Taussig Shunt.) Operative variables were any previous Blalock Taussig Shunts and if present, then their takedown, Cardiopulmonary Bypass Time, Aortic Clamp Time, any Right Ventricle - Pulmonary Artery conduit, Main Pulmonary Artery patch-plasty, Left Pulmonary Artery/ Right Pulmonary Artery patch-plasty, dosage of inotropes and pacing started during weaning off CPB. Post-op variables were mechanical ventilation time (hrs), ventilation time &gt;72 hrs, dosage and duration of inotropes, pacing &gt;24 hrs, renal complications, neurological complications, sepsis, low cardiac output, re-ventilation, tachyarrythmias, any re-opening surgery, mean intensive care unit stay (hrs), overall hospital stay (days) and overall all-cause mortality.&#x0D; Results: A total of 1271 TOF patients were operated. In (38.6%) cases Trans-atrial / Trans-pulmonary approach was used while in 780 (61.3%) correction was done by TAP/TV technique. In both techniques, male patients were 365 (66.4%) vs. 73 (64.1%) females. Mean age was 5 ± 2.3 vs. 4 ± 2.5 years, MPA patch-plasty was 190 ± 5 (38.6%) vs. 780 ± 8 (100%) (p-0.058), RPA/LPA Patch Plasty was 25 ± 6 (5%) vs. 180 ± 10 (23%) (p- 0.025), In ICU, Ventilation hours was 25 ± 8 and 30 ± 12, Ventilation &gt;72 Hrs was 15 (3%) vs. 65 (8.3%) (p-0.015), Inotrope duration &gt;72 Hours was 90 (18.3%) vs. 400 (51.2%) (p-0.338), pacing &gt;24 hours was 30 (6.1%) vs. 150 (19.2%) (p-0.0001), renal complications were 10 (2.3%) vs. 35 (4.4%) (p- 0.285), Neurological complications were 7 (1.4%) vs. 15 (1.9%) (p0.553), Sepsis was 11 (2.2%) vs. 47 (6%) (p-0.33), Low cardiac output was 15 (3%) vs. 66 (8.4%) (p- 1.000), re-ventilation was 10 (2%) vs. 110 (14%) (p- 0.41), Tachy-arrhythmia was 25 (5%) vs. 150 (19.2%) (p- 0.11), re-openings were 19 (3.8%) vs. 65 (8.3%) (p- 0.0003), ICU stay (Hours) was 87 ± 8 vs. 108 ± 10, Mortality was 35 (7.1%) vs. 75 (9.6%) (p-0.094), Mean hospital stay (Days) was 12.2 ± 2.5 vs. 15.8 ± 4.9.&#x0D; Conclusion: Fifteen years’ experience of Tetralogy of fallot corrections at AFIC-NIHD indicates that Trans-atrial / Trans-pulmonary approach is more beneficial to patients due to high survival rate, less morbidity, less hospital stay and an early discharge. This ultimately translates into less financial burden on the patients, hospital, society and the country at large.

An analysis of thelearning curve for robotic-assisted mitral valve repair.

Many cardiac surgeons receive training for sternotomy-based cardiac surgical operations in residency programs and only a few education programs offer training specifically in minimally invasive cardiac surgery. In this report, we aimed to search and analyze the learning curve for robotic-assisted mitral valve (MV) repair in cardiac surgeons. Between January 2010 and July 2019, 60 robotic-assisted isolated MV repair surgeries were performed with DaVinci Robotic Systems in our center. Different kinds of surgical techniques were used. The assessment of the learning curve was based on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and transthoracic aortic clamp (CC) times. There were 23 (38.3%) men and 37 (61.7%) women with a mean age of 48.3 years. The lesions of the MV were posterior leaflet prolapsus (n = 42, 70.0%), anterior leaflet prolapsus (n = 8, 13.3%), Barlow disease (n = 3, 5%), and annular dilatation (n = 7, 11.6%). The patients underwent notochordal implantation (n = 27, 45%), quadrangular or triangular resection (n = 23, 38.3%), isolated ring annuloplasty (n = 7, 11.7%), resection, and leaflet reduction (n = 2, 3.3%) or edge to edge repair (n = 1, 1.7%). The maturation of the learning curve appeared to be about 30 cases. The statistical analysis showed that the mean CPB and CC times for the first 30 cases were greater compared with the 30 after learning curve (155.3 vs. 118.9 min[p = .00], 102.3 vs. 80 min[p = .00], respectively). There was no case of conversion to open surgery. No perioperative mortality was observed. The maturation of the learning curve for robotic-assisted MV repair appeared to be about 30 cases in our group of patients. This study had encouraging results for surgeons who desire to start a robotic mitral surgery program.

Patients Submitted to Myocardial Revascularization with the Use of Bilateral Internal Thoracic Arteries: Diabetics vs. Non-Diabetics.

IntroductionUse of bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) as graft in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is controversial because it is related to higher in-hospital mortality, incidence of sternal wound-related infection, and an increase in surgical time. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate in-hospital mortality and mortality within 30 days from discharge. The secondary objective is to evaluate the occurrence of deep sternal wound infection in a 90-day follow-up.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of the medical records of 152 patients undergoing elective CABG with the use of BITA and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). These patients were divided into two groups, diabetics and non-diabetics. Patients with acute myocardial infarction and concomitant valvular disease were not included in the sample.ResultsPreoperative characteristics did not show significant differences between the groups, which allowed a comparative analysis. The variables electrocardiography time and aortic clamping time were higher in the diabetic group, with a significant statistical difference (P<0.0001). In-hospital mortality occurred in three patients, and there was no mortality up to 30 days in both groups. There was no significant difference in the primary end point between groups (P=0.56). Deep sternal wound infection was present in only one patient and showed no significant difference in the secondary outcome between groups (P=0.40).ConclusionWe did not observe a higher mortality and occurrence of deep sternal wound infection with the use of BITA in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetics, even with greater CPB and aortic clamping times in diabetics.

Early Hospital Outcome of Using Both Internal Mammary Arteries in Cairo University Hospital

Background: Long-Using both mammary arteries in coronary artery bypass surgery has a good term results, but it is not recommended in old patients due to its technical difficulty and increased incidence of sternal wound complications. Several studies declared that bilateral internal mammary arteries (BIMA) grafting has a great benefit in patients aged 50–60 years, but this benefit does not extend to patients aged > 60 years. This study was designed to analyze the early hospital results, and experience in preventing sternal wound complications for BIMA grafting in patients 50–60 years old. Objective: To detect early outcome of using both internal mammary arteries in patients aged 50-60 years in Cairo University Hospital. Patients and Methods: Clinical data and echocardiographic and coronary angiography data of 100 patients who underwent BIMA grafting for coronary artery disease between 2017 and 2019 were analyzed retrospectively to detect the early hospital results. 100 patients aged 50 to 60 years. The operation time, aortic clamp time, and cardiopulmonary bypass time were studied to analyze the operation difficulty. The flow and P.I were studied to analyze the coronary artery graft function. The left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were studied to detect heart function. Results: The operation time, aortic clamp time, and cardiopulmonary bypass time as well as the flow and pulsatility index were recorded. There was no incidence of sternal wound complications or graft occlusion. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in LVEF post-operation. Conclusions: Using both mammary arteries in coronary artery bypass surgery is safe and effective for patients 50– 60 years old similar to younger patients (< 50 years).

Early Hospital Outcome of Using Both Internal Mammary Arteries in Cairo University Hospital

Background: Long-Using both mammary arteries in coronary artery bypass surgery has a good term results, but it is not recommended in old patients due to its technical difficulty and increased incidence of sternal wound complications. Several studies declared that bilateral internal mammary arteries (BIMA) grafting has a great benefit in patients aged 50–60 years, but this benefit does not extend to patients aged > 60 years. This study was designed to analyze the early hospital results, and experience in preventing sternal wound complications for BIMA grafting in patients 50–60 years old. Objective: To detect early outcome of using both internal mammary arteries in patients aged 50-60 years in Cairo University Hospital. Patients and Methods: Clinical data and echocardiographic and coronary angiography data of 100 patients who underwent BIMA grafting for coronary artery disease between 2017 and 2019 were analyzed retrospectively to detect the early hospital results. 100 patients aged 50 to 60 years. The operation time, aortic clamp time, and cardiopulmonary bypass time were studied to analyze the operation difficulty. The flow and P.I were studied to analyze the coronary artery graft function. The left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were studied to detect heart function. Results: The operation time, aortic clamp time, and cardiopulmonary bypass time as well as the flow and pulsatility index were recorded. There was no incidence of sternal wound complications or graft occlusion. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in LVEF post-operation. Conclusions: Using both mammary arteries in coronary artery bypass surgery is safe and effective for patients 50– 60 years old similar to younger patients (< 50 years).

Surgical treatment of sternal osteomyelitis and sternomediastinitis following cardiac surgery

To analyze the incidence of cardiac surgeries and postoperative sternal osteomyelitis/sternomediastinitis, as well as treatment outcomes in these patients. We summarized 171 patients with postoperative sternal osteomyelitis and sternomediastinitis. Organization of the Khabarovsk center for cardiovascular surgery in the Far Eastern Federal District was followed by 7.9- and 24.9-fold increase of the number of cardiac surgeries and CABG in 2005-2019, respectively. As a result, the number of patients with sternal osteomyelitis and sternomediastinitis after cardiac surgery increased from 0.50±0.10 to 1.59±0.17 cases per 100.000 (t=3.01; p<0.01). CPB and aortic clamping time (t=3.97; p<0.01), as well as surgery time (t=2.4; p<0.05) were significant risk factors of early postoperative complications. Two-stage surgical treatment of postoperative sternal osteomyelitis and sternomediastinitis (removal of ligatures and foreign bodies, sternal curettage with removal of sequesters at the first stage; resection of sternum with chest wall repair at the second stage) reduced hospital-stay from 31.9±13.4 to 29.2±10.8 days.

Evaluation of liver function tests after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

Background:Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) may have systemic effects on the body organs as liver. The purpose of present study was to evaluate changes in liver function tests(LFT) after on-pump CABG surgery and risk factors associated with LFT changes.Also, the incidence of acute liver injury after on-pump CABG is determined.Methods:385 patients who underwent on-pump CABG surgery were randomly selected.Preoperative and intraoperative risk factors were obtained from their medical records .Postoperative liver function tests at 24, 48 and 72 hours following surgery and discharge time were compared with the preoperative ones. A univariate linear regression analysis was used to assess the possible relationships between these changes and the preoperative and intraoperative risk factors.Results:Statisitcal analysis revealed direct and significant relationship between LFT changes and pump time, aortic cross-clamp clamp time and use of intra-aortic balloon pump(IABP). Also a medical history of previous myocardia infarction was significantly related to the changes in direct bilirubin in the first 48 hours following surgery.level of preoperative left ventricle ejection fraction,smoking and using opium had significant correlation with postoperative AST changes in different days.In 12.9% of patients, the aminotransferases levels increased to more than three folds over normal upper limit but the probability for incidence of acute ischemic liver injury (transient increase in aminotransferases to over 500IU/L) was 0.77%.Conclusion: Using techniques to reduce clamp and pump time when possible is important during CABG. Probable liver injuries post inserting IABP should be expected for appropriate monitoring and treatment.

Aortic Valve Plasty during Correction of Combined Mitral-Aortic Valve Diseases

The aim. To study the experience of valve-preserving operations on the aortic valve combined with plasty of the left atrium in patients with atriomegaly (the first clinical experience).&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study included 1890 patients with combined mitral-aortic valve diseases (CMAVD) who were undergoing surgical treatment at the National Amosov Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine in the period from 01/01/2006 to 01/01/2020. Of these, 156 (8.3%) underwent reconstructive intervention on the aortic valve during mitral valve replacement (MVR).&#x0D; Valve sparing procedures performed: - aortic valvotomy (93 patients); - aortic valvotomy + debridgment (30 patients); - aortic valvotomy + leaflet plication (4 patients); - removal of vegetation from the aortic valve (7 patients); - applying a patch of autopericardium on a leaflet (7 patients); - carpentier aortic valve annuloplication (2 patients); - aortic valve debridgment (12 patients); - aortic valve decalcification + Morrow operation (1 patient).&#x0D; All operations were performed under conditions of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and moderate hypothermia (28-32 °C). Myocardial protection was carried out mainly by means of ante-retrograde pharmaco-cold cardioplegia with Custodiol solution in combination with external cooling of the heart.&#x0D; The time of aortic clamping was 82.4 ± 12.1 minutes, and the time of CPB was 117.5 ± 21.5 minutes. In 689 (78.4%) operated patients, blood loss was within 450 ml. In 29 (18.6%) patients, donor blood components were not used at the hospital stage.&#x0D; Conclusions. On the basis of the clinical experience gained, it seems appropriate to recommend reconstructive interventions on aortic valve with moderate changes in it in order to avoid traumatic two-valve prosthetics in the correction of combined mitral-aortic defects and to improve the survival rates and stability of good results.

Comparison of On-Pump and Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting. Our experience of participation in the international study

&#x0D; Aim. To present our experience in the international, multicenter, randomized clinical trial CORONARY (CABG Off or On Pump Revascularization Study) in which on-pump and off-pump CABG was compared.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Eleven patients who signed informed consent and matched at least 1 inclusion criterion according to the CORONARY study protocol were randomized in Institute site. All the patients completed the EuroQol-5D questionnaire and underwent neurocognitive tests (MOCA, DSS, Trial Making test).&#x0D; Results. The mean age of the enrolled patients was 62.9 ± 6.2 years. All the patients (100%) had myocardial infarction (MI) in anamnesis, 4 (36.35%) patients had cerebrovascular disease (CVD), 5 (45.4%) patients had chronic kidney disease (CKD), and 4 (36.35%) had diabetes mellitus (DM). The average number of hemodynamically marked coronary artery stenoses was 2.45 ± 0.78, the left main lesion was diagnosed in 2 (18.18%) cases. The severity of the patients’ condition according to the ES II scale averaged 4.9 ± 1.23%. Five (45.5%) patients underwent on-pump CABG, and offpump CABG was performed in 6 (54.5%) cases. The average on-pump time was 122.8 ± 23.5 minutes; the aortic clamp time was 68.4 ± 9.6 minutes. The average number of grafts was 3.5 ± 0.78. In the postoperative period, paroxysm of atrial fibrillation occurred in 4 (36.35%) patients. One (9.09%) patient had fatal ischemic stroke on day 5 after CABG. The patients were discharged on average within 8.5 ± 2.7 days. According to the study protocol, the condition of patients was monitored annually by telephone; 8 (72.7%) patients completed all visits. In 1 (9.09%) patient with recurrence of angina pectoris in 4 years after CABG we performed repeat CABG.&#x0D; Conclusions. According to the Institute experience of participation in the CORONARY study, there was 1 (9.09%) death due fatal ischemic stroke in the on-pump CABG group. One (9.09%) patient from the off-pump CABG group had repeated CABG. These results of small studies are generating debates in terms of the effectiveness of CABG technique. In multicenter CORONARY trial the rate of mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, kidney failure, repeated revascularization of myocardium during 5 years of follow-up was similar in on-pump and off-pump CABG patients groups.

Patient characteristics and surgical variables associated with intraoperative reduced right ventricular function.

Perioperative right ventricular function is a significant predictor of patient outcomes after cardiac surgery. This prospective study aimed to identify perioperative factors associated with reduced intraoperative right ventricular function. Right ventricular function was assessed at the beginning and end of surgery by standardized transesophageal echocardiographic measurements, including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, peak systolic longitudinal right ventricular strain, and fractional area change, in 109 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery at Cleveland Clinic. Associations between right ventricular function and 33 patient characteristics and perioperative factors were analyzed by random forest machine learning. The relative importance of each variable in predicting right ventricular function at the end of surgery was determined. Longer aortic clamp duration and lower baseline right ventricular function were highly important variables for predicting worse right ventricular function measured by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, right ventricular strain, and fractional area change at the end of surgery. For example, right ventricular function after longer aortic clamp times of 100-120minutes was worse (median [Q1, Q3] tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion 1.0 [0.9, 1.1] cm) compared with right ventricular function after shorter aortic clamp times of 50 to 70minutes (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion 1.5 [1.3, 1.7]; P=.001). Right ventricular strain at the end of surgery was reduced in patients with worse baseline right ventricular function compared with those with higher baseline right ventricular function (end of surgery right ventricular strain in lowest quartile -13.7 [-16.6, -12.4]% vs highest quartile -17.7 [-18.6, -15.3]% of baseline right ventricular function; P=.043). Intraoperative decline in right ventricular function is associated with longer aortic clamp time and worse baseline right ventricular function. Efforts to optimize these factors, including better myocardial protection strategies, may improve perioperative right ventricular function.

Early Results of Robotically Assisted Congenital Cardiac Surgery: Analysis of 242 Patients

Robotic surgery is an alternative to traditional and minimally invasive cardiac procedures. The adaption of robotics in congenital cardiac surgery has remained limited, however. We analyzed the early outcomes of our single-center experience in robotically assisted congenital cardiac surgery. From May 2013 to February 2020, 242 robotic operations were done for secundum atrial septal defects (74.7%), sinus venous atrial septal defects (16.1%), partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections (10.7%), widely patent foramen ovale (3.7%), ostium primum defects (2.5%), unroofed coronary sinus (1.2%), partial atrioventricular canal defects (2.5%), residual septal defects after failed percutaneous closure (1.2%), ventricular septal defect (0.4%), cor triatriatum sinister (0.4%), subvalvular aortic stenosis (0.4%), common atrium (0.4%), and double-chambered right ventricle (0.4%) using the da Vinci system. There was no mortality. Mean age was 30.9 ± 12.1 years, and 132 (54.5%) patients were female. Thirty (12.3%) patients were pediatric (median, 16 years; range, 12-17 years). Mean cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping times were 89.5 ± 30.0 and 44.9 ± 22.3 minutes, respectively. We noted a steady decrease in operation times during the first year. Conversion to larger thoracic incisions was needed in 2 (0.8%) patients. The postoperative rates of stroke, cardiac events, pulmonary complications, and reexploration were 0.4%, 2.4%, 4.1%, and 0.8%, respectively. Mean hospital stay was 3.5 ± 1.1 days. Robotic technology can be utilized to perform suitable congenital cardiac procedures safely and effectively. With acceptable complication rates, robotic surgery can be an alternative to traditional, minimally invasive, and endoscopic approaches in adolescent and adult patients.

Surgical revascularization for acute coronary syndromes: a report from the North Rhine-Westphalia surgical myocardial infarction registry.

The aim of this was to analyse current outcomes in patients referred to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for acute coronary syndromes (ACSs), including ST-elevation or non-ST-elevation ACS (non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) or unstable angina. Patients (n = 2432) undergoing CABG for ACS between January 2010 and December 2017 were prospectively entered into a surgical myocardial infarction registry in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Key end points were in-hospital all-cause mortality (IHM) and major adverse cardio-cerebral events (MACCE). Predictors for IHM and MACCE were analysed by multivariable logistic regression. Patients (78% males) were referred for CABG for unstable angina (25%), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (50%), and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (25%). The mean patient age was 68 ± 11 years, logistic EuroSCORE was 19 ± 18% and three-vessel and left main stem diseases were diagnosed in 81% and 45% of patients, respectively. On-pump CABG with cardiac arrest or beating heart was performed in 92% and 2%, respectively, with only 6% off-pump surgery and 6% multiple arterial revascularization (3.1 ± 1.0 grafts, 93% left internal thoracic artery). Emergency CABG was performed in 23% of patients (42% in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction; P < 0.001). The total IHM and MACCE rates were 8.1% and 17.5% and were highest in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with 12.6% and 28.5%, respectively (P < 0.001). Key predictors for IHM and MACCE were female gender, elevated troponin, left ventricular ejection fraction, inotropic support, logistic EuroSCORE, cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamp time and the need for emergency CABG. Surgical myocardial revascularization in patients with ACS is still linked to substantial in-hospital mortality. Emergency CABG for patients with ACS was associated with poorer outcomes.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between robotic and thoracoscopic mitral valve repair.

To compare the clinical outcomes and hospital cost of robotic versus thoracoscopic approaches to mitral valve plasty (MVP). We retrospectively analyzed patients who received minimal invasive MVP between 2007 January and 2020 January at our department. The basic characteristics, echocardiography, surgical data, postoperative adverse events and hospital cost of the patients were collected. The primary outcomes of this study were direct hospital cost and 30-day outcomes, including the operative time, complications, and length of hospital stay. A total of 234 patients received minimally invasive MVP by using robotic (n=121) and thoracoscopic (n=113) technique respectively. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 0.9% (n=2), with no significant difference between two groups. The cardiopulmonary bypass time and aorta clamping time in thoracoscopic group were longer than that in robotic group (153.2±25.6 vs. 123.8±34.9 min and 111.8±23.0 vs. 84.9±24.3 min, P<0.001). The intraoperative blood transfusion rate (52.2% vs. 64.5%) and ICU time (2.8±2.3 vs. 3.6±2.7 days, all P<0.05) of the thoracoscopic group were lower than those in the robotic group. The adjusted hospital and operating room cost of the thoracoscopic group were significant lower ($18,208.4±$4,429.1 vs. $35,674.3±$4,936.1 and $9,038.3±$2,171.7 vs. $18,655.1±$2,558.3, all P<0.001). Both robotic and thoracoscopic approach for MVP are safe and reliable. Robotic technique has shorter operation time, while thoracoscopic technique has more advantages in blood transfusion rate, postoperative ventilation time, ICU duration and hospitalization expenses.

Radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation for the prevention of new-onset atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting

Aim. To evaluate the in-hospital results of the epicardial bipolar radiofrequency ablation of the pulmonary vein in the prevention of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in a pilot randomised multi-centre controlled Pulmonary Vein Ablation (PULVAB).Methods. The pilot study was conducted for the organisation of a multi-centre randomised PULVAB trial. We enrolled 63 CAD patients without a history of AF. The inclusion criterion was CAD demanding CABG; the exclusion criteria were as follows: AF history, antiarrhythmic therapy in anamnesis, significant heart valve disease, severe renal failure and decompensating diabetes mellitus. The patients were randomised into 2 groups. Group I comprised 34 patients who underwent CABG alone, and Group II had 29 patients who underwent CABG combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as the initial tool for POAF prevention. All the procedures were performed by a single surgical team using standardised anaesthetic and perfusion support.Results. There was no in-hospital mortality in either group. There were differences in the duration of the intervention, cardiopulmonary bypass time and the aorta clamping time between groups (p &gt; 0.05). A higher incidence of POAF was observed (11 %–32.4 %) in the isolated CABG group than in the CABG combined with PULVAB group (6 %–20.7 %), although the difference was not significant (p = 0.29). In most cases (91 %), AF occurred on the second to third postoperative day, irrespective of the observation group.Conclusion. The combination of CABG and RFA does not complicate the operation and does not increase the duration of the surgery or time of cardiopulmonary bypass. There were no significant differences in the postoperative course or the incidence and structure of complications between the groups. This may indicate the safety of our method. The positive tendency of POAF-cases decrease after preventive epicardial RFA observed in the present study allows us to continue the PULVAB study to gain more statistically significant results.Clin.Trials.gov Identifier: NCT03857711 Received 20 February 2020. Revised 29 June 2020. Accepted 2 July 2020. Funding: The study did not have sponsorship. Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest. Author contributionsConception and design: A.Sh. Revishvili, V.A. PopovData collection and analysis: M.M. Anishchenko, E.S. Malyshenko, N.V. PopovaStatistical analysis: M.M. AnishchenkoDrafting the article: G.P. Plotnikov, M.M. AnishchenkoCritical revision of the article: A.Sh. Revishvili, V.A. PopovFinal approval of the version to be published: A.Sh. Revishvili, V.A. Popov, E.S. Malyshenko, G.P. Plotnikov, M.M. Anishchenko, N.V. Popova

Early results of neopulmonary valve creation technique using right atrial appendage tissue.

Various valve repair techniques have been described for prevention of pulmonary insufficiency (PI) during right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction with transannular patch. Herein, we present the early results of an alternative technique of neopulmonary valve reconstruction using right atrial appendage (RAA) tissue. Between October 2019 and December 2019, 12 patients with tetralogy of fallot (TOF) (n = 10), TOF-absent pulmonary valve (n = 1) and intact ventricular septum-pulmonary atresia (n = 1) underwent RVOT reconstruction with neopulmonary valve that was created using RAA tissue. Median age and weight of patients were 9.9 months (5 months-14 years) and 9.8 kg (6.2-47), respectively. No mortality or major events developed. Postoperative echocardiography revealed none/trace PI in 11 patients and mild PI in 1 patient. Median right ventricle/left ventricle ratio was 0.46 (0.35-0.65) and RVOT gradient was 20 mm Hg (0-30). Median cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping times were 121 minutes (81-178) and 94 minutes (59-138), respectively. Operative times revealed statistically significant learning curve pattern in terms of cardiopulmonary bypass (r2 = .568; P = .005) and aortic clamping times (r2 = .635; P = .002). Median ventilation time, intensive care unit stay, and the length of hospital stay were 6 hours (2-48), 1 days (1-5), and 7 days (4-10), respectively. Longer perfusion time was not correlated with postoperative times. At median 6 months, echocardiography showed none/trivial PI in 11 patients and mild PI in one patient. Early results showed that neopulmonary valve reconstruction using the RAA tissue may provide a reasonable alternative for RVOT reconstruction with transannular patch. But long-term results are needed.

Коррекция дефицита антитромбина в периоперационном периоде у кардиохирургических пациентов

Введение: В качестве антикоагулянта у пациентов с сочетанием порока митрального клапана (МК) и ишемической болезнью сердца (ИБС) в периоперационном периоде используется гепарин. Терапевтическая активность гепарина зависит от уровня активности антитромбина (АТ). Дефицит АТ увеличивает риск тромбоза. Цель исследования: оценить эффективность и безопасность препаратной коррекции дефицита АТ в интраоперационном периоде у пациентов с сочетанием по рока МК и ИБС. Материалы и методы: Обследовано 30 доноров и 46 пациентов с ИБС и патологией МК. Измерение аналитов проводили на 3 этапах: до кожного разреза, после ушивания операционной раны, через 24 ч после начала операции. В зависимости от уровня активности АТ (cut-off 60%) пациенты с этапа 2 были разделены на 2 группы. Пациенты обеих групп получали лечение в соответствии со стандартным анестезиологическим протоколом, пациентам группы 2 дополнительно для коррекции дефицита АТ вводили препарат Антитромбин- III (Бакстер АГ, Австрия). Результаты: Не обнаружено разницы между группами по объему послеоперационной кровопотери, продолжительности искусственной вентиляции легких и времени пребывания в отделении реанимации и интенсивной терапии. Более низкая активность АТ в группе 2 сохранялась на всех этапах исследования. При нормировании снижения уровня АТ в группе 2 обнаружена более выраженная динамика. Аналогичные результаты получены для этапов 2 и 3 при нормировании восстановления активности АТ. Обнаружена умеренная отрицательная корреляция снижения активности АТ и времени пережатия аорты, уровня Д-димера и активности АТ на этапе окончания операции. Заключение: Исходная активность АТ у всех обследованных пациентов была ниже, чем в группе доноров. У пациентов с исходно низким уровнем АТ документирована более выраженная динамика его снижения. Восстановление активности АТ после препаратной коррекции его дефицита происходило значимо эффективнее. Пациентам с сочетанием порока МК и ИБС рекомендуется интраоперационная коррекция Антитромбином при снижении активности &lt; 60% к моменту окончания операции. Применение препарата безопасно и не ведет к увеличению кровопотери. Background: Heparin is used as an anticoagulant perioperatively in patients with combined cardiac pathology. The heparin therapeutic activity depends on the level of antithrombin (AT) activity. AT defi ciency increases the risk of thrombosis. Objectives: to access the effectiveness and safety of drug correction of AT defi ciency in the intraoperative period in patients with combined mitral valve defect (MVD) and ischemic heart disease (IHD). Patients/Methods: 30 healthy blood donors and 46 patients with IHD and MVD were examined. The analytes were measured at 3 stages: before the skin incision, after suturing the operating wound, and 24 hours after the start of the operation. Depending on the AT activity at the second stage (cut-off 60%) patients were divided into 2 groups. All patients received treatment according to the standard anesthetic protocol; group 2 patients were given Antithrombin III (Baxter AG, Austria) to correct AT defi ciency. Results: There was no difference between the groups in the postoperative blood loss, duration of ventilation and ICU stay. The lower activity of AT in group 2 patients remained at all study stages. When the decrease in AT level was rationed, more pronounced dynamics was found in group 2. Similar results were found at stages 2 and 3 after the AT activity restoration also was rationed. Moderate negative correlation at the stage 2 was found between the drop of AT activity and the time of aortic clamping, and between the D-dimer level and AT activity. Conclusions: The initial AT activity in all examined patients was lower than in the blood donor group. In patients with an initially low AT level a more pronounced dynamic of its decrease was documented. Recovery of AT activity was significantly more effective after drug correction of its defi ciency. For patients with MVD and IHD combination intraoperative correction with Antithrombin is recommended if the activity decreases by &lt; 60% by the end of the operation. The use of the drug is safe and does not lead to increased blood loss.

Continuous cerebral and myocardial selective perfusion in neonatal aortic arch surgery.

To assess the feasibility and early outcome of continuous cerebral and myocardial selective perfusion (CCMSP) during aortic arch surgery in neonates. We performed a single-center retrospective study between 2008 and 2019 on neonates who underwent aortic arch surgery with or without associated heart lesion repair. CCMSP with moderate hypothermia levels (28°C) was achieved using selective brachiocephalic artery and ascending aorta cannulation. Target rates of cerebral and myocardial perfusion were 25 to 35 mL/kg/min and 150 ml/m2/min. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) variables and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Overall, 69 neonates underwent either isolated aortic arch repair (n = 31) or aortic arch repair with ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure (n = 38). Age and weight medians were 8 [6 to 15] days and 3.4 [2.9-3.5] kg, respectively. Mean CPB and aortic clamping times were 134 ± 47 and 26 ± 5 minutes for isolated aortic arch repair, and 159 ± 47 and 75 ± 30 minutes for aortoplasty accompanied by VSD closure. Mean CCMSP time was 52 ± 21 minutes with cerebral rate of 32.6 ± 10 mL·kg-1 ·min-1 . Overall in hospital survival was 98.5% (68/69). Major complications were: postoperative cardiac failure requiring mechanical support followed by stroke (n = 1; 1.44%) and transient renal failure requiring dialysis (n = 2; 2.89%). Neither myocardial nor digestive complication occurred. CCMSP is a safe and reproducible strategy for cerebral, myocardial and visceral protection in neonatal aortic arch repair, with or without VSD closure, resulting in low complication and mortality.

Impact of additional annuloplasty on tricuspid valve and cardiac functions after atrial septal defect closure in adults.

Surgical indications for moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) during atrial septal defect (ASD) closure are still unclear. Additional tricuspid valve annuloplasty (TVP) can be beneficial to avoid postoperative persistent TR. Therefore, we compared the results of surgical ASD closure with or without additional TVP in patients who presented with moderate-to-severe TR. Between November 2009 and June 2016, 103 patients with ASD and moderate-to-severe TR underwent surgical ASD closure without (n = 76, group 1) and with additional TVP (n = 27, group 2). Clinical outcomes and echocardiographic data were analyzed. There was no mortality. Postoperative outcomes were similar despite significantly longer aortic clamping time in group 2 (P = .003). Mean TR grade, right atrial diameter, right ventricular end-diastolic diameter, pulmonary artery pressure, and Qp/Qs ratio decreased significantly in both groups (P < .05). Mean follow-up time was 5.3 months (range: 1 month-6.2 years) in group 1 and 6.1 months (range: 1 month-4.1 years) in group 2 (P = .66). Echocardiography results showed significant decrease in TR grade in both groups (P = .93). The incidence of persistent moderate to severe TR was higher in isolated ASD closure group (14.4% vs 3.7%, P = .086). Additional TVP provided greater regression in TR grade (-1.49 ± 0.9 vs -1.89 ± 0.8, P = .041). Despite TVP being associated with longer ischemic time, postoperative outcomes were comparable to ASD closure alone. Both approach demonstrated an effective decrease in TR, but TVP provided greater regression and lower incidence of persistent TR. Therefore, additional TVP should be considered in patients undergoing ASD closure with moderate-to-severe TR.

Early clinical outcomes of thoracoscopic mitral valvuloplasty: a clinical experience of 100 consecutive cases.

We reported our experience of 100 consecutive cases of thoracoscopic mitral valvuloplasty in the early period. Between September 2017 and December 2019, 100 consecutive cases (aged 49.2±14.7 years; 56% male) of thoracoscopic mitral valvuloplasty had been completed in our institution. The safety and feasibility of this technique was evaluated by its early clinical outcomes. Mitral valve (MV) repair was performed by means of Carpentier techniques, including leaflet folding in 5 cases, cleft suture in 10, commissuroplasty in 15 including 2 commissurotomy, edge to edge in 1, artificial chordae implantation in 76 cases with an average of 2.5±1.6 (1 to 4) pairs, and prosthetic annuloplasty in all cases. Intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed no mitral regurgitation (MR) in 95 cases and a mild in 2 cases with all coaptation length more than 5 mm. The rest 3 cases with moderate or more MR were successfully reconstructed during a second pump-run. The average cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was 164.4±51.0 min and aortic clamping time was 119.7±39.1 min, and the latest 10 cases were 140.2±45.3 and 96.3±25.4 min, respectively (P<0.05). There was only one operative death from avulsion of left atrial suture after operation and 2 intraoperative re-exploration through a conversion to sternotomy for bleeding. Severe MR was observed in 2 patients 3 months after operation, and MV replacement (MVR) was performed through median sternotomy. Totally thoracoscopic mitral valvuloplasty was technically feasible, safe, effective, and reproducible in clinical practice after crossing the learning curve.