Cardiac Surgery Centers Research Articles

The German CArdioSurgEry Atrial Fibrillation Registry: In-Hospital Outcomes.

The aim of this study was to describe outcomes of patients undergoing surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) as either stand-alone or concomitant cardiosurgical procedures in Germany. Patients with AF undergoing concomitant or stand-alone surgical ablation were included in the registry. Cardiac surgery centers across Germany were invited to participate and sought to enroll 1,000 consecutive patients. Data was obtained through electronic case report forms. The protocol mandated follow-up interviews at 1 year. Between January 2017 and April 2020, 17 centers enrolled 1,000 consecutive patients. Among concomitant surgical patients (n = 899), paroxysmal AF was reported in 55.4% patients. Epicardial radio frequency (RF) bilateral pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with excision of the left atrial appendage (LAA) was the most common operative strategy. In the stand-alone cohort (n = 101), persistent AF forms were reported in 84.1% of patients. Moderate-to-severe symptoms were reported in 85.1%. Sixty-seven patients had previously underwent at least two failed catheter ablative procedures. Thoracoscopic epicardial RF bilateral PVI and completion of a "box-lesion" with LAA closure were frequently preformed. Major cardiac and cerebrovascular complications occurred in 38 patients (4.3%) in the concomitant group. No deaths were reported in the stand-alone group. At discharge, sinus rhythm was achieved in 88.1% of stand-alone and 63.4% concomitant patients. The CArdioSurgEry Atrial Fibrillation registry provides insights into surgical strategies for AF ablation in a considerable cohort across Germany. This in-hospital data demonstrates that concomitant and stand-alone ablation during cardiac surgery is safe and effective with low complication rates.

Sutureless versus transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A multicenter analysis of “real-world” data

BackgroundRecent data suggested that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be indicated also for low-risk patients. However, robust evidence is still lacking, particularly regarding valve performance at follow-up that confers a limitation to its use in young patients. Moreover, a literature gap exists in terms of ‘real-world’ data analysis. The aim of this study is to compare the cost-effectiveness of sutureless aortic valve replacement (SuAVR) versus transfemoral TAVR. MethodsProspectively collected data were retrieved from a centralized database of nine cardiac surgery centers between 2010 and 2018. Follow-up was completed in June 2019. A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed. ResultsPatients in the TAVR group (n=1002) were older and with more comorbidities than SuAVR patients (n=443). The PSM analysis generated 172 pairs. No differences were recorded between groups in 30-day mortality [SuAVR vs TAVR: n=7 (4%) vs n=5 (2.9%); p=0.7] and need for pacemaker implant [n=10 (5.8%) vs n=20 (11.6%); p=0.1], but costs were lower in the SuAVR group (20486.6±4188€ vs 24181.5±3632€; p<0.01). Mean follow-up was 1304±660 days. SuAVR patients had a significantly higher probability of survival than TAVR patients (no. of fatal events: 22 vs 74; p<0.014). Median follow-up was 2231 days and 2394 days in the SuAVR and TAVR group, respectively. ConclusionThe treatment of aortic valve stenosis with surgical sutureless or transcatheter prostheses is safe and effective. By comparing the two approaches, patients who can undergo surgery after heart team evaluation show longer lasting results and a more favorable cost ratio.

The Effect of Human Resource Management Practice on Sharing Tacit Knowledge of Managers an Applied Study on Misan Center for Cardiac Diseases and Surgery

The aim of the research is to identify the impact of human resource management practices used on theexchange of tacit knowledge, which were represented in each of (the practice of recruitment, selection andappointment, training practice, and the practice of motivation). The management of human resources isan effectiveness on which the future strategy of the organization depends, since previous decades, strongcompanies were those companies that possessed machines, technology and materials where the humanelement was insignificant and was treated as machines without taking into account its potential, feelings,development and capabilities, witnessing the economic market An accelerated daily development, and throughthis, the important role played by the human resources department in raising the performance of employeesis evident, as it provides the specialized and efficient human element that affects the organization and itsperformance. The main objective of this research is to indicate the effect of human resource managementpractices on the sharing of implicit knowledge of managers, as well as to explain the importance of implicitknowledge in employee formation in reaching executive positions in a business organization. The topic ofknowledge management has received great attention all over the world by academics, including writers,researchers, and executives from managers and officials, due to the economic and competitive advantagesthis practice achieves, bearing in mind that the most important goal of this research revolves around thebusiness organization. It is one of the most important keys to the success of the organization, and thus itis a source of competitive advantage and its importance is widely accepted at the present time. Therefore,many individuals in executive positions acknowledge that knowledge creation has an important role in theircompanies. The trend towards knowledge management began in the 1990s, when companies are now beingurged to consider knowledge creation as a source of success, because the tremendous benefit that knowledgemanagement promises is innovation.

Effect of Clinical Guideline Concerning Cardiopulmonary Bypass on Nurses’ Knowledge in Open Heart Surgery Center.

Open-heart surgery is considered a major surgery with potential risks and complications, but it is a lifesavingoperation that can treat a variety of diseases such as heart valve disease, heart birth defects, andcoronary artery disease. A Quasi- experimental design has been used in the existing study to evaluatethe effect of clinical guideline concerning cardiopulmonary bypass on nurses’ knowledge in open heartsurgery center in AL-Najaf AL-Ashraf city at Al-Najaf center for cardiac surgery and trans-cathetertherapy through the period October 1th, 2020 to, April 19th , 2021. The results of the study show there isa high significant effect of the educational program, it also, show that high Significant mean differenceamong study group concerning pre-test and post-test scores at p-value (0.0001). Also, in this study thereis a significant association between posttest knowledge and year of experience as a perfusionists andnumber of training courses at p-value (0.02) and (0.01).The study concluded that educational programcan improve in nurses’ knowledge and to produce perfusionists who are able to successfully apply theirknowledge and skills to improve patients’ outcome. The study recommended a written program forall new nurses working in heart-lung machine department, and improving the expertise of nurses andmedical staff through use the finding of the present study to give care for the patient.

Current Application of NIRS and CPB Initiation Times in German Cardiac Surgery Centers: A Survey

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been widely used in cardiac surgery to monitor cerebral oxygen supply. The initiation and perioperative management of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) constitute critical events in modifying the normal physiology of adequate blood and oxygen supply to the brain. First, little is known about how frequent NIRS is really used. Second, there are varying practices on how to initiate CPB. We therefore conducted a survey in Germany to get an idea of NIRS usage in cardiac surgery for the duration of initiation of CPB protocols. A web-based e-mail survey using commercial SurveyMonkey® (SurveyMonkey, San Mateo, CA) software was conducted in August 2017 including all German cardiac surgery centers. About 75% of the perfusion departments do not use NIRS as a standard monitoring device. It is usually reserved for clinical scenarios where cerebral perfusion might be impaired such as aortic arch surgery or carotid artery stenosis. Only one-third of the departments use a standardized duration of initiation of CPB despite a common belief of potential harm with fast initiation. The usual applied time to initiate CPB ranges from 30 to 120 seconds. Our survey revealed that the NIRS technology is only used in specific types of cardiac surgery to this date. In addition, there is a clear need for scientific studies on how to initiate CPB in the best way for the patient.

Retrospective descriptive study of the first cohort of patients operated for congenital and paediatric heart disease on Reunion Island between 2015 and 2020

Prior to 2016, children with acquired or congenital heart disease (CHD) in the French Indian Ocean (Reunion, Mayotte) were systematically transferred to metropolitan France if they required cardiac surgery or interventional cardiac catheterization. This resulted in a difference in care compared to children born in metropolitan France due to the risks of a long air transfer (mortality 2%, morbidity 24%, medico-technical and logistical problems 18%) [1] , the distance from families and the costs of medical evacuations. Since the end of 2015, monthly sessions of CHD surgery have been held with an agreement between the university hospitals of Reunion and Bordeaux with the aim to created the first CHD medical and surgical center in the Indian Ocean. Describe the epidemiological characteristics of the first cohort of children operated for congenital and acquired heart disease in Reunion Island. Evaluate the postoperatives outcomes of CHD surgery in children in Reunion Island. Medical records of patients under 18 years old undergoing open heart surgery at the university hospital of Reunion Island from October 2015 to December 2020 were reviewed. A total of 96 children underwent open heart surgery during the study period. The mean age of the patients was 7.4 years; 16.7% were infants; 11.5% had a genetic or chromosomal syndrome. The sex ratio was 1.1. The main CHD were: atrial septal defects (ASDs) 24% and ventricular septal defects (VSDs) 19.8%. The main acquired heart disease were: rheumatic heart disease 7.3% and endocarditis 5.2%. There was increasing complexity in cases operated upon from predominantly ASDs and VSDs at the beginning to more complex cases like TOFs and AVSD. The median Aristotle score was 6 and 31% had an Aristotle score ≥ 8. One hundred percent patients received reconstructive surgery. CPB was performed in 87.5%. There were major complications in 21 patients with postoperative acute renal failure requiring temporary dialysis (2%), postoperative mechanical circulatory support (3.1%), unplanned reoperation (10.4%), pneumothorax (5.2%), septic shock (2%), haemorrhagic shock (3.1%), ventricular fibrillation (1%). Postoperative sepsis occurred in 28.1%. Prolonged CPB (≥ 120 minutes) was associated with prolonged hospitalization, renal failure, left ventricular dysfunction and infections. The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 12 hours (IQR: 4.75–24). The median length of stay (LOS) in intensive care was 3 days (IQR: 2–4). The median postoperative LOS in hospital was 7 days (IQR: 6–12). Complete repair for 74% and residual lesions for 24%. The overall mortality rate was 2%. The 6-month survival was 97%. The experience in university hospital of Reunion Island has shown that conducting open heart surgery operations at local sites it possible and positively impacts on the ability of local cardiac teams to have hands on training. Evaluation of postoperative morbidity provides important information and should become a focus of quality improvement to continue the development of a pediatric cardiac surgery center in Reunion Island.

Current Application of NIRS and CPB Initiation Times in German Cardiac Surgery Centers: A Survey.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been widely used in cardiac surgery to monitor cerebral oxygen supply. The initiation and perioperative management of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) constitute critical events in modifying the normal physiology of adequate blood and oxygen supply to the brain. First, little is known about how frequent NIRS is really used. Second, there are varying practices on how to initiate CPB. We therefore conducted a survey in Germany to get an idea of NIRS usage in cardiac surgery for the duration of initiation of CPB protocols. A web-based e-mail survey using commercial SurveyMonkey® (SurveyMonkey, San Mateo, CA) software was conducted in August 2017 including all German cardiac surgery centers. About 75% of the perfusion departments do not use NIRS as a standard monitoring device. It is usually reserved for clinical scenarios where cerebral perfusion might be impaired such as aortic arch surgery or carotid artery stenosis. Only one-third of the departments use a standardized duration of initiation of CPB despite a common belief of potential harm with fast initiation. The usual applied time to initiate CPB ranges from 30 to 120 seconds. Our survey revealed that the NIRS technology is only used in specific types of cardiac surgery to this date. In addition, there is a clear need for scientific studies on how to initiate CPB in the best way for the patient.

Mycobacterium chimaera Outbreak Management and Outcomes at a Large Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Center

BackgroundIn 2012, a global outbreak of invasive Mycobacterium chimaera (M. chimaera) infection was identified in patients after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Investigations revealed the source to be heater-cooler unit (HCU) exhaust, with point-source contamination discovered at the LivaNova HCU manufacturing plant (London, UK). We report our experience with affected HCUs at a high-volume pediatric cardiac surgery center in the United States. MethodsA multidisciplinary task force was established for outbreak management, including removing contaminated HCUs from service. Patients identified as exposed to affected HCUs were systematically contacted. A call center was created for patient/family inquiries, and symptomatic patients were assessed using an institutional triage protocol, including laboratory/culture data and infectious diseases consultation. ResultsCardiopulmonary bypass surgeries were performed in 4276 patients (median age: 2.1 years; range: 0-48.4 years) between October 2010 and October 2016. Call center volume was highest in the first 6 weeks after patient notification, totaling 307 calls and yielding 70 clinical patient assessments. Presenting symptoms included fatigue (60%), fever (49%), night sweats (46%), myalgias (34%), and weight loss (24%). Among the 70 assessed patients, echocardiogram (n = 30), cardiac computed tomography (n = 2), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (n = 1), and pulmonary computed tomography (n = 1) did not reveal abnormalities suggestive of active infection. Infectious diseases consultation occurred in 23 (33%) patients. Acid-fast bacilli blood cultures were obtained in 30 patients; all were negative. ConclusionsThrough a highly coordinated outreach effort, no patients have been found to have M. chimaera infection in the 6 years after exposure to contaminated HCUs. Ongoing vigilance for cases that may yet manifest is needed.

Contrast Echocardiography for the Detection of a Giant Right Coronary Artery Aneurysm: A Useful Diagnostic Tool

Coronary artery aneurysm is an uncommon condition defined as abnormal dilatation of the coronary artery. We report the case of a man admitted to the Emergency Department for suspected intestinal obstruction. At abdominal/thoracic Computed Tomography (CT) it was reported a suspected pericardial cyst. Contrast echocardiography showed a clear pattern of blood flow inside the mass with a probable origin at a very limited region where it was also possible to sample an ECG-synchronized system-diastolic Pulse-Wave (PW)-Doppler pattern, typical for a coronary artery flow. Our suspicion of a giant coronary artery aneurysm was then confirmed by coronary CT and coronary angiography. The patient was transferred to a Cardiac Surgery center where he underwent surgical treatment for the aneurysm. Most coronary aneurysms are clinically silent and are often incidentally detected. Coronary angiography is the ‘‘gold standard’’ for diagnosis and evaluation of coronary artery aneurysms. Among non-invasive diagnostic techniques, Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography is the best method for coronary artery anatomy and coronary abnormalities. However, echocardiography with the use of a contrast agent, a cost-effective non-radiation nature, and a widespread use method, maybe a reliable method to detect and characterize the masses, allowing a differential diagnosis. Learning objective 1. Recognition and evaluation of cardiac masses require first-line imaging methods such as echocardiography. 2. The use of additional non-invasive (cardiac CT or MRI) and/or invasive imaging methods are often required. 3. Contrast echocardiography may be helpful, as second-line imaging methods, to better characterize the mass and approach the correct diagnosis.

Treating Children With Advanced Rheumatic Heart Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa: The NGO EMERGENCY's Project at the Salam Centre for Cardiac Surgery in Sudan

Rheumatic heart disease is endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa and while efforts are under way to boost prophylaxis and early diagnosis, access to cardiac surgery is rarely affordable. In this article, we report on a humanitarian project by the NGO EMERGENCY, to build and run the Salam Centre for Cardiac Surgery in Sudan. This hospital is a center of excellence offering free-of-charge, high-quality treatment to patients needing open-heart surgery for advanced rheumatic and congenital heart disease. Since it opened in 2007, more than 8,000 patients have undergone surgery there; most of them Sudanese, but ~20% were admitted from other countries, an example of inter-African cooperation. The program is not limited to surgical procedures. It guarantees long-term follow-up and anticoagulant treatment, where necessary. By way of example, we report clinical features and outcome data for the pediatric cohort: 1,318 children under the age of 15, operated on for advanced rheumatic heart disease between 2007 and 2019. The overall 5-year survival rate was 85.0% (95% CI 82.7–87.3). The outcomes for patients with mitral valves repaired and with mitral valves replaced are not statistically different. Nevertheless, observing the trend of patients undergoing valve repair, a better outcome for this category might be assumed. RHD in children is an indicator of poor socio-economic conditions and an inadequate health system, which clearly will not be cured by cardiac surgery alone. Nevertheless, the results achieved by EMERGENCY, with the crucial involvement and participation of the Sudanese government over the years, show that building a hospital, introducing free cardiac surgery, and offering long-term post-operative care may help spread belief in positive change in the future.

Organization of Cardiosurgical Care for Children with Congenital Heart Diseases in Children Under One Year with Determination of Risk Factors of Surgical Treatment

Background: Congenital heart defects are represented by numerous nosological forms. Today is known to be more than 90 variants of congenital heart defects (СHD) and their combinations. In the structure of the CHD 1st place occupies the defect of the interstitial septum, which according to various authors is 30-50% of all congenital defects of the heart, 2nd place - open arterial duct (10%), defect of the interstitial artery, interstitial defect, tetrad Fallo, transposition of main vessels, atrioventricular communication do not exceed 5-7% of each defect. The share of the remaining congenital malformations of the heart is less than 1-2%. Aim: To study the factors of the condition and organization of cardiac surgery to children with congenital heart defects Center for Perinatology and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery. Methods: From November 20, 2011 to December 29, 2018, the Center for Perinatology and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery treated 1,098 children aged 1 year, 175 of whom were newborns (15.9%). Of the last 27 were restricted to conservative treatment. Eight (29.6%) of these patients died from hypoxia and / or cardiac insufficiency, which were incompatible with life, as well as from congenital pathology of other organs and systems. In the remaining 148 (81.7%) cases, various surgical interventions were performed. Results: The comparison of the risk group shows that there was no difference between them in the structure of the main critical CHD. He drew attention to the fact that the increase in the number of risk factors (RF) was associated with an increase in the number of obstructive lesions of the left ventricle and aortic arch. The difference between the groups RF (0) -RF (3), RF (0) -RF (4), RF (2) -RF (3) and RF (2) -RF (4) according to the number of these patients was reliable (r) <0.05). Thus, this pathology was the most dangerous in relation to the accompanying problem. As the number of risk factors increased naturally, the number of patients in the corresponding groups decreased, and the level of mortality increased. Considering all the variants of the outcome (recurrence of postoperative complications, lethality), the most weighted isolated risk factors were “artificial ventilation”, “ intrauterine infection” and “Inconsistency”, with the exception of the 2nd, 2nd and 3rd versions, respectively. 5- 9.9 times. The most dangerous in this aspect are “Syndromes”, “GIEP”. Conclusion: Risk factors are predictors of specific postoperative complications: outbreaks of encephalopathy occur in cerebral complications in 5.4% of newborns, intrauterine infection, 30%, and 30% of coronary heart disease. Assessment of the significance of the origin of non-surgical factors determines the most “weak link”, and proves the necessity of the mandatory use of algorithms and protocols of individual congenital anomalies of congenital heart disease and congenital heart disease.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Italian Humanitarian Congenital Cardiac Surgery Activity: What No One Tells You.

More than 4 millions of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are waiting for cardiac surgery around the world. Few of these patients are treated only thanks to the support of many non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Starting in December 2019, the so-called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly become a worldwide pandemic and has dramatically impacted on all the international humanitarian activities for congenital heart disease. We analyzed data from all the Italian congenital cardiac surgery centers with the aim to quantify the impact of the pandemic on their charities. Fifteen Italian centers participated in the study and contributed to data collection. We analyzed and compared data regarding humanitarian activities carried out abroad and on site from two periods: year 2019 (pre-COVID-19) and year 2020 (COVID-19 pandemic). In 2019, 53 international missions were carried out by Italian congenital cardiac surgeons, resulting in the treatment of 471 CHD patients. In the same period 11 Italian cardiac centers operated on 251 foreign patients in Italy. In 2020, the pandemic led to a reduction of this activity by 96% for the surgery performed overseas and 86% for the interventions carried out in Italy. In conclusion our study shows the important quantitative impact of the pandemic on the Italian humanitarian cardiac surgical activity overseas and in Italy. This shocking result highlights the failure of the systems adopted so far to solve the problem of CHD in developing countries.

The relationship between diabetes and surgical site infection following coronary artery bypass graft surgery in current-era models of care

Although diabetes is a recognized risk factor for postoperative infections, the seminal Portland Diabetic Project studies in cardiac surgery demonstrated intravenous insulin infusions following open-cardiac surgery achieved near normal glycaemia and decreased deep sternal wound infection to similar rates to those without diabetes. We sought to examine a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABGS) to evaluate the relationship between diabetes, hyperglycaemia and risk of surgical site infection (SSI) in current-era models of care. Consecutive patients who underwent CABGS between 2016 and 2018 were identified through a state-wide data repository for healthcare-associated infections. Clinical characteristics and records of postoperative SSIs were obtained from individual chart review. Type 2 diabetes (T2D), perioperative glycaemia and other clinical characteristics were analysed in relation to the development of SSI. Of the 953 patients evaluated, 11% developed SSIs a median eight days post CABGS, with few cases of deep SSIs (<1%). T2D was evident in 41% and more prevalent in those who developed SSIs (51%). On multivariate analysis T2D was not significantly associated with development of SSI (odds ratio (OR) 1.35; P=0.174) but body mass index (BMI) remained a significant risk factor (OR 1.07, P<0.001). In patients with T2D, perioperative glycaemia was not significantly associated with SSI. In a specialist cardiac surgery centre using perioperative intravenous insulin infusions and antibiotic prophylaxis, deep SSIs were uncommon; however, approximately one in 10 patients developed superficial SSIs. T2D was not independently associated with SSI yet BMI was independently associated with SSI post CABGS.

International Survey on Calcium Use when Weaning from Cardiopulmonary Bypass

The objective: to evaluate the international practice of using calcium salts when weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass after cardiac surgery in adult patients.Design: a multiple-choice survey about the current practice of calcium salts use when weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass based on the SurveyMonkey platform.Participants: cardiac surgical hospitals around the world.Estimation and main results. Totally 112 emails were sent to Russian and foreign centers inviting them to participate in the survey. 100 centers from 32 countries replied to this request. Generally, the majority of centers (88%) administer calcium salts during surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, and in 71 (71%) centers out of 100, calcium salts are used to improve hemodynamics. Among 88 centers that use calcium salts during surgery, 66% (58/88) of respondents use calcium chloride, 22% (19/88) use calcium gluconate, and 12% (11/88) use both drugs. Most centers (55 (77%) out of 71) use doses of 5 to 15 mg/kg as a bolus or infusion for 1 min.Conclusion: Our survey shows that the majority of cardiac surgery centers use calcium in adult cardiac surgery patients especially during weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. There is variability in the type of drug, dose, and route of administration.

Surgical results of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary endarterectomy in our recently developed program.

Background In this case series, we aimed to present our diagnostic workup, surgical management, and results of the patients who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy. Methods In this case series, a total of 26 patients (8 males, 18 females; median age: 58 years; range, 34 to 67 years) who were evaluated by a multidisciplinary team and were diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy in our clinic between November 2015 and December 2019 were included. Pulmonary endarterectomy procedure was performed in all cases under cardiopulmonary bypass and total circulatory arrest. The results of the procedures were analyzed retrospectively. Results Perioperative complications were observed in seven patients (26.9%) and in-hospital mortality rate caused by perioperative complications was 15.38%. At one-year of postoperative follow-up, the mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure decreased from 78±22 mmHg to 41±20 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance decreased from 698±10 dyn·s·cm-5 to 235±10 dyn·s·cm-5, 6-min walk distance increased from 345±10 m to 460±10 m and, arterial oxygen saturation increased from 85±3.5% to 95±4%. New York Heart Association functional class improvement from Class III-IV to Class I-II was observed in most patients, and one-year mortality rate was 19.23%. Conclusion We suggest that patients diagnosed chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension should be referred to cardiac surgery centers for pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, early before irreversible arteriopathy occurs.

An original method of pericardium closure after coronary artery bypass grafting

Different cardiac surgery centres have different views regarding pericardial suturing. However, there is limited scientific evidence confirming the advantage of one method over another, which disallows us from forming a general opinion regarding specialists. Here, we describe several well-known methods of suturing the pericardium and preventing traumatisation of coronary bypass grafts and analyse their weaknesses. An original technique of opening and suturing the pericardium is proposed to restore the physiological distinction between the pericardial cavity and the anterior mediastinum during coronary artery bypass grafting without the risk of compromising the functioning coronary bypass grafts and narrow mediastinal syndrome.The proposed method of suturing the pericardium received a patent for invention, No. 2733505, dated 2 October, 2020. In the A.N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center for Cardiovascular Surgery (Moscow, Russian Federation), this technique of suturing the pericardium has been routinely used since 2006. More than 2,000 intraoperative shunt scans have been performed in our department since 2009; all these scans were performed after the pericardium was closed, proving that the fear of compromising the shunts during pericardial suturing is unsupported.Received 17 December 2020. Revised 13 January 2021. Accepted 18 January 2021.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.Author contributionsConception and study design: G.G. Kvaratskheliya, E.P. GolubevData collection and analysis: U.S. Avkhadov, R.M. IbragimovDrafting the article: G.G. Kvaratskheliya, E.P. GolubevCritical revision of the article: E.U. Asymbekova, B.E. Rustamov, L.S. Shakhnazaryan, Yu.I. BuziashviliFinal approval of the version to be published: G.G. Kvaratskheliya, E.P. Golubev, U.S. Avkhadov, R.M. Ibragimov, B.E. Rustamov, E.U. Asymbekova, L.S. Shakhnazaryan, Yu.I. Buziashvili

Role of Concomitant Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Valve Surgery for Infective Endocarditis.

Background: It is current practice to perform concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with infective endocarditis (IE) who have relevant coronary artery disease (CAD). However, CABG may add complexity to the operation. We aimed to investigate the impact of concomitant CABG on perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for IE. Methods: We retrospectively used data of surgically treated IE patients between 1994 and 2018 in six German cardiac surgery centers. We performed inverse probability weighting (IPW), multivariable adjustment, chi-square analysis, and Kaplan–Meier survival estimates. Results: CAD was reported in 1242/4917 (25%) patients. Among them, 527 received concomitant CABG. After adjustment for basal characteristics between CABG and no-CABG patients using IPW, concomitant CABG was associated with higher postoperative stroke (26% vs. 21%, p = 0.003) and a trend towards higher postoperative hemodialysis (29% vs. 25%, p = 0.052). Thirty-day mortality was similar in both groups (24% vs. 23%, p = 0.370). Multivariate Cox regression analysis after IPW showed that CABG was not associated with better long-term survival (HR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.82–1.23, p = 0.998). Conclusion: In endocarditis patients with CAD, adding CABG to valve surgery may be associated with a higher likelihood of postoperative stroke without adding long-term survival benefits. Therefore, in the absence of critical CAD, concomitant CABG may be omitted without impacting outcome. The results are limited due to a lack of data on the severity of CAD, and therefore there is a need for a randomized trial.

Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Cardiac Surgical Education in North America.

We report the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on cardiac surgery trainee education in North America. A survey was sent to participating academic adult cardiac surgery centers in North America. Data regarding the effect of COVID-19 on cardiac surgery training were analyzed. Responses were received from 53 academic institutions with diverse geographic distribution. Cardiac surgery trainee re-deployment to alternative clinical duties peaked at the height of the pandemic. We stratified institutions based on high (n = 20) and low burden (n = 33) of patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The majority of institutions have converted didactics (high burden 90% vs low burden 73%) and interviews for jobs/fellowships (high burden 75% vs low burden 73%) from in-person to virtual. Institutions were mixed in preference for administration of the licensing examination, with the most common preference for examinations to be held remotely on normal timeline (high burden 45% vs low burden 30%) or in person with more than 3-month delay (high burden 20% vs low burden 33%). Despite the challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic on trainee clinical experience, re-deployment, and decreased operative volume, institutions expected their trainees to graduate on schedule (high burden 95% vs low burden 91%). Our study demonstrates that actions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to disruptions in cardiac surgery training with transition of didactics and interviews virtually and re-deployment to alternative duties. Despite this, institutions remain optimistic that their trainees will graduate on schedule.

Training in cardiothoracic surgery: Another victim of COVID-19 pandemic.

Training in cardiothoracic surgery: Another victim of COVID-19 pandemic.

Robotic mitral valve operations can be safely performed in obese patients.

Robotic cardiac surgery offers mitigated risks for obese patients requiring mitral valve surgery. We aimed to study the safety of robotic mitral surgery in the obese patient population by analyzing the outcomes of mitral surgery patients in our center for robotic cardiac surgery. This study retrospectively included 123 consecutive patients who underwent robotic mitral valve operations in a single center for robotic cardiac surgery. Patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 were compared against patients with BMI < 30 for demographic and operative parameters as well as postoperative outcomes. Mean BMI was 33.9 ± 2.8 in the obesity group (n = 87) and 25.4 ± 2.7 in the no-obesity group (n = 36). Female gender (80.6% vs. 52.9%, p = .004), diabetes (25.0% vs. 10.3%, p = .036), and hypertension (48.6% vs. 26.4%, p = .018) were more common in patients with obesity. The obesity group was operated with similar cardiopulmonary bypass and total operative times with the no-obesity group. Postoperative drainage and blood transfusion requirements were similar between the groups. Mechanical ventilation times (6.1 ± 2.2 vs. 8.0 ± 4.4 h, p = .003) and intensive care unit stay (20.4 ± 1.6 vs. 29.4 ± 3.7, p = .027) were shorter in the obesity group. Other postoperative outcomes of infection, atrial fibrillation, hospital stay duration, and readmission rates were similar between the groups. Robotic mitral surgery is safe to perform in obese patients. Obesity should not be a contraindication for robotic mitral surgery as obese patients have outcomes similar to nonobese patients despite increased challenges and risk-factors.