Concomitant Cardiac Procedures Research Articles

Feasibility and clinical outcome after minimally invasive valve-sparing aortic root replacement.

This study aims to examine the feasibility and clinical course after minimally invasive David procedure compared with those via a conventional median sternotomy. One hundred and ninety-two consecutive patients who underwent elective valve-sparing aortic root replacement (David procedure) with or without additional cusp repair for aortic regurgitation ( n = 17, 8.9%), dilatation of the aortic root ( n = 95, 49.5%) or a combination of both pathologies ( n = 80, 41.7%) were included. Patients with systemic disorders, such as Marfan's syndrome, and emergency cases were excluded. Assessment of quality of life was performed by modified Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. To minimize baseline differences, a matched pair analysis was conducted. One hundred and seventeen patients (60.9%) received a minimally invasive hemisternotomy (Group 1), 75 patients a conventional median sternotomy (39.1%, Group 2). Patients of Group 1 were significantly younger (56.5 ± 13.6 vs 64.8 ± 11.6, P < 0.001). Understandably, concomitant cardiac procedures were more frequent in Group 2 ( n = 7 [6.0%] vs n = 48 [64.0%], P < 0.001). In hospital, mortality was 0.9% in Group 1 (1/117) and 2.7% in Group 2 (2/75; P = 0.562). Blood loss was significantly less in Group 1 (542.6 ± 441.8 vs 996.7 ± 822.6 ml, P < 0.001). Duration of mechanical ventilation (10.2 ± 21.8 vs 26.9 ± 109.0 h, P < 0.001) and ICU-stay (1.9 ± 3.6 vs 3.2 ± 5.6 days, P < 0.001) were significantly shorter in the minimally invasive group, but this differences did not remain after matching. According to SF-36 questionnaire, patients in the minimally invasive group tend to have a higher quality of life. Minimally invasive valve-sparing aortic root replacement can be done safely via an upper partial sternotomy in experienced hands even if additional cusp repair is required.

Surgical management of aortic coarctation in adolescents and adults.

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) in adolescents and adults is often complicated by other cardiac or aortic problems and may carry additional surgical difficulties. Limited studies have reported the surgical outcomes of CoA repair in this particular patient population. We reviewed our contemporary experience of open surgical management of CoA in adolescents and adults. From 2008 to 2016, a total of 60 adolescents and adults (mean age, 32years) underwent CoA repair at our centre. Of this cohort, 43 patients only underwent CoA repair (isolated group), while the remaining 17 underwent other concomitant cardiac procedures (concomitant group). Ascending-to-descending aortic bypass was the preferred repair technique in the concomitant group. Aortic valve replacement and a Bentall/David procedure were the two most frequently combined procedures. There were no in-hospital deaths in the isolated group compared with three in the concomitant group (0% vs 17.6%, P = 0.029). The median intensive care unit stay (1 vs 2days, P <0.01) and postoperative hospital stay (6 vs 9days, P <0.01) were significantly longer in the concomitant group. Postoperative respiratory failure occurred more frequently in the concomitant group (0% vs 17.6%, P = 0.029). The isolated group had better overall survival during follow-up ( P = 0.037). The 5-year overall survival rate was 98% in the isolated group and 82% in the concomitant group. Surgical management of coarctation in adolescents and adults can achieve similar satisfactory outcomes as their neonatal counterparts, but the complexity of the concomitant procedures is a risk factor for this particular patient population.

Left-Sided Surgical Ablation for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Who Are Undergoing Concomitant Cardiac Surgical Procedures

Growing evidence indicates the effectiveness of surgical ablation confined to the left atrium, especially with short duration of atrial fibrillation (AF) and smaller left atrial (LA) size. This study examined rhythm status and predictors of failure in this group of patients. Of 800 patients who underwent concomitant surgical ablation (2005 to 2015), 110 had LA-only ablation. Rhythm status was defined according to Heart Rhythm Society guidelines: sinus rhythm (SR) without class I/III antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs). Multivariate analyses examined predictors for SR without AADs. Predictors of failure were also stratified as age 75 years or older, LA size 5 cm or larger, AF duration 5 years or more, and nonparoxysmal AF type for secondary analyses. Mean age was 70.7 ± 9.4 years, mean EuroSCORE II (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) was 4.7 ± 4.3%, mean LA size was 4.4 ± 0.8 cm, median (interquartile range) AF duration was 3.5 months (range, 0.4 to 21 months), 26% of patients were female, 59% had coronary artery bypass graft procedures, 36% had aortic valve procedures, and 25% had mitral valve procedures. SR without AADs at 6, 12, and 24 months was 82% (79 of 96), 87% (78 of 90), and 79% (61 of 77), respectively. The only independent predictor of SR without AADs at 6 months was smaller LA size (odds ratio, 0.35; p= 0.014). Return to SR without AADs at 6, 12, and 24 months was as follows: 92%, 93%, and 91%, respectively, for patients with no traditional predictors of failure (n= 32); 88%, 90%, and 77%, respectively, for one predictor (n= 47); and 66%, 76%, and 70% for two or more predictors (n= 31). LA-only ablation yielded acceptable success rates, primarily in patients with shorter AF duration and smaller LA. However, success was reduced in patients with traditional predictors of failure. Well-designed studies with standardized lesion sets and ablation tools are required to determine whether full Cox maze yields better outcomes in patients with more advanced AF.

Transaortic approach for transcatheter aortic valve replacement with other concomitant cardiac procedures in high-risk patients.

The transaortic (TAo) approach has been proposed as an alternative to the transapical approach and can be used in concomitant procedures. We use the TAo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with other simultaneous cardiac procedures in high-risk patients who needed surgical management. Between September 2013 and September 2015, nine consecutive high-risk patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AR) and combined tricuspid valve disease or coronary artery disease were treated with TAo TAVR and simultaneous tricuspid valve repair or coronary artery bypass grafting. Mean postoperative pressure gradient at discharge was 13.4 ± 3.2 mmHg and AR grade >2/4 was observed in one case (11.1%). New pacemaker implantation was required in one case (11.1%). Device success was achieved in 88.9% (n = 8), 30-day mortality was in 11.1% (n = 1), and intermediate mortality was in 33.3% (n = 3). TAo-TAVR approach offers definitive treatment to high-risk patients with coexisting complex cardiac lesions. Despite the relatively high 30-day and intermediate mortality, it is an option for selected high-risk patients.

Outcomes After Surgical Pulmonary Embolectomy for Acute Pulmonary Embolus: A Multi-Institutional Study

Surgical pulmonary embolectomy (SPE) has been sparingly used for the successful treatment ofmassive and submassive pulmonary emboli. To date, all data regarding SPE have been limited to single-center experiences. The purpose of this study was to document short-term outcomes after SPE for acute pulmonary emboli (PE) at four high-volume institutions. A retrospective review of multiple local Society of Thoracic Surgeons databases of adults undergoing SPE from 1998 to 2014 for acute PE was performed (n= 214). Demographic, operative, and outcomes datawere collected and analyzed. Patients were summarily categorized as having either massive or submassive PEs based on the presence or absence of preoperative vasopressors. A total of 214 patients with acute PE were treated by SPE. The mean age was 56.0 ± 14.5 years, and 92 (43.6%) patients were female. Of those, 176 (82.2%) PEswere submassive and 38 (17.8%) were massive. Fifteen (7.0%) patients underwent concomitant cardiac procedures, with 10 (4.7%) having simultaneous valvular interventions and 5 (2.4%) undergoing concomitant bypass grafting. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was used for all cases. Cardioplegic arrest was used for 80(37.4%) patients. The median CPB and aortic cross clamp times were 71.5 (interquartile range [IQR], 47.0-109.5) and 46.0 (IQR, 26.0-74.5), respectively. Notably, only 25 (11.7%) patients died in the hospital. Mortality was highest among the 28 patients who experienced preoperative cardiac arrest (9, 32.1%) CONCLUSIONS: These data represent the first multicenter experience with SPE for acute pulmonary emboli. Surgical pulmonary embolectomy for acute massive andsubmassive PE is safe and can be performed with acceptable in-hospital outcomes; the procedure should beincluded in the multimodality treatment of life-threatening pulmonary emboli.

Total aortic arch replacement with a novel 4-branched frozen elephant trunk prosthesis: Single-center results of the first 100 patients

ObjectiveCombined disease of the aortic arch and the proximal descending aorta remains a surgical challenge. The Thoraflex Hybrid graft (Vascutek, Inchinnan, United Kingdom) consists of a 4-branched graft with a stent graft at the distal end allowing a total aortic arch replacement, including the origins of the supra-aortic vessels combined with endoluminal treatment of the proximal descending aorta. We present the midterm results of our first 100 patients who were treated with this frozen elephant trunk prosthesis. MethodsFrom April 2010 to October 2014, 100 patients (65 men aged 59 ± 14 years) underwent operation (37 acute dissections, 31 chronic dissections, and 32 aneurysms). Fifty-four percent of patients received concomitant cardiac procedures, and 28% were reoperations. ResultsThe perioperative mortality was 7% (n = 7). Midterm survival after a follow-up of 3.1 ± 1.4 years was 81% (n = 81). Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 243 ± 61 minutes, cardiac ischemia time was 101 ± 65 minutes, and circulatory arrest time was 51 ± 20 minutes. Aortic root replacement was performed in 41 patients (n = 41; valve-sparing: 30% [n = 30]). Twenty-two percent of patients underwent secondary aortic reinterventions during follow-up (15% planned second stage operations). Sixty percent of reinterventions were performed via endovascular approach. Acute dissection patients needed significantly fewer reinterventions (n = 3; 8%). ConclusionsThe Thoraflex Hybrid graft adds to the frozen elephant trunk concept for treating aortic arch and descending aortic disease. Implantation of the Thoraflex Hybrid graft resulted in excellent outcomes and beneficial aortic remodeling during follow-up. This graft increases surgeons' armamentarium in the treatment of complex and diverse aortic arch pathology.

Aortic valve replacement with sutureless prosthesis: better than root enlargement to avoid patient-prosthesis mismatch?

Aortic valve replacement in patients with a small aortic annulus may result in patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM). Aortic root enlargement (ARE) can reduce PPM, but leads to extended cardiac ischaemia times. Sutureless valves have the potential to prevent PPM while reducing cardiac ischaemia times. Between January 2007 and December 2011, a total of 128 patients with a small aortic annulus underwent surgery for aortic valve stenosis at our centre. Thirty-six (17% male, n = 6) patients received conventional valve replacement with ARE and 92 (16% male, n = 18) subjects received sutureless valve implantation (Sorin Perceval). We conducted a comparative, retrospective study with follow-up. The sutureless group showed a significantly higher age (79 years) than the ARE patients (62 years, P < 0.001) and received significantly more concomitant cardiac procedures (33%, n = 30 vs 6%, n = 2, P = 0.001). The mean operation, cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times were significantly lower in sutureless patients (147 ± 42, 67 ± 26 and 35 ± 13 min, respectively) than in ARE patients (181 ± 41, 105 ± 29 and 70 ± 19 min, respectively, P < 0.001). The mean postoperative effective orifice area (EOA) indexed to the body surface area was 0.91 ± 0.2 cm(2)/m(2) in ARE patients and 0.83 ± 0.14 cm(2)/m(2) in sutureless patients (P = 0.040). The rate of patients with severe PPM was 6% (n = 2) in ARE patients and 11% (n = 8%) in sutureless patients (not significant, n.s.). The 30-day mortality rates were 2% (n = 2) in sutureless patients and 6% (n = 2) in ARE patients (n.s.). The 1- and 5-year survival rates of the sutureless group were 92 and 54% years, respectively, whereas the 1- and 5-year survival rates of the ARE group were 76% (n.s.). Although the sutureless valve patients received significantly more concomitant procedures, all operation-associated times were significantly shorter. Despite sutureless valve patients being older, the 30-day mortality and survival rates were comparable in the two groups. Since the indexed EOA was only slightly lower and the incidence of severe PPM was not significantly higher in the sutureless valve patients, we conclude that sutureless valve implantation is an alternative to conventional ARE to treat a small aortic annulus and avoid PPM, especially in geriatric patients who benefit from the quick implantation process.

Extraanatomic Bypass to Supraceliac Abdominal Aorta for Complex Thoracic Aortic Obstruction

The standard surgical treatment of coarctation of the aorta is through a left posterolateral thoracotomy. However, when a concomitant cardiac procedure is required or the conventional approach is not possible or is hazardous, extraanatomic bypass to the supraceliac abdominal aorta may be advantageous. We discuss our technique and report the long-term results. Between January 1986 and January 2015, 25 patients (16 males, 9 females) underwent extraanatomic bypass to the supraceliac abdominal aorta for various lesions of the arch and the descending thoracic aorta. Extraanatomic bypass to the supraceliac abdominal aorta was performed for patients in whom balloon dilatation was not feasible due to associated arch hypoplasia (n = 9), long-segment thoracic aorta narrowing due to nonspecific aortoarteritis (n = 3), or isolated long-segment coarctation of the aorta (n = 3). Patients who needed concomitant cardiac procedures, such as aortic valve replacement (n = 4), ascending aortic aneurysm repair (n = 2), or coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 1), and in whom balloon dilatation had failed, also underwent extraanatomic bypass to the supraceliac abdominal aorta. Extraanatomic bypass was also performed in 3 patients with recurrent coarctation after surgical repair and in whom balloon dilation was not feasible or unsuccessful. There were no early or late deaths. The peak-to-peak gradients between the upper limb and the lower limb decreased from 59.3 ± 16.3 mm Hg to 2.0 ± 2.8 mm Hg (p < 0.0001). The mean follow-up was 96.6 ± 92.6 months (range, 1 to 240 months; median, 54 months). Doppler interrogation of the lower limb arterial system after a mean follow-up of 86.4 ± 85.2 months showed an unobstructed flow pattern. The ankle-brachial pressure index improved from a preoperative value of 0.60 ± 0.07 to 1.04 ± 0.11 (p < 0.0001). Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly compared with preoperative values (153.9 ± 18.9 vs 122.8 ± 10.2, p < 0.0001). Three patients continued to receive antihypertensive medication due to persistent mild hypertension. Extraanatomic bypass to the supraceliac abdominal aorta provides effective palliation for complex aortic obstructions. It is easy and quick to perform, avoids fatal complications, and is well tolerated in all age groups.

The sutureless aortic valve at 1 year: A large multicenter cohort study

ObjectiveSutureless aortic valve replacement (AVR) offers an alternative to standard AVR in aortic stenosis. This prospective, single-arm study aimed to demonstrate safety and effectiveness of a bovine pericardial sutureless aortic valve at 1 year. MethodsFrom February 2010 to September 2013, 658 patients (mean age 78.3 ± 5.6 years; 40.0% octogenarian; 64.4% female; mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 7.2 ± 7.4) underwent sutureless AVR in 25 European centers. Concomitant cardiac procedures were performed in 29.5% and minimally invasive cardiac surgery in 33.3%. ResultsOne-year site-reported event rates were 8.1% for all-cause mortality, 4.5% for cardiac mortality, 3.0% for stroke, 1.9% for valve-related reoperation, 1.4% for endocarditis, and 0.6% for major paravalvular leak. No valve thrombosis, migration, or structural valve deterioration occurred. New York Heart Association class improved at least 1 level in 77.5% and remained stable (70.4% New York Heart Association class I or II at 1 year). Mean effective orifice area was 1.5 ± 0.4 cm2; pressure gradient was 9.2 ± 5.0 mm Hg. Left ventricular mass decreased from 138.5 g/m2 before surgery to 115.3 g/m2 at 1 year (P < .001). Echocardiographic core laboratory findings confirmed that paravalvular leak was rare and remained stable during follow-up. ConclusionsThe Perceval sutureless valve resulted in low 1-year event rates in intermediate-risk patients undergoing AVR. New York Heart Association class improved in more than three-quarters of patients and remained stable. These data support the safety and efficacy to 1 year of the Perceval sutureless valve in this intermediate-risk population.

Ventricular septal defect from blunt cardiac injury: A case report and meta-analysis of 64 patients from 61 reviews

A 36-year-old male motorcyclist involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) with loss of consciousness and sustained multiple orthopedic injuries and a traumatic ventricular septal defect (VSD) which was hemodynamically stable. He then underwent emergency orthopedic surgery and was discharged after 5 weeks to rehabilitation. Subsequently, 6 months later, he underwent an elective repair of a 1.5 cm apical septal defect with uneventful recovery. A meta-analysis of 61 other reports of traumatic VSD revealed MVA as the most common etiology in 57.8%, predominantly males in 85.5% and younger age group <30 years in 87.5%. The midmuscular septum was involved in 43.6%, and patch closure was used in the majority of patients performed through a right or left ventriculotomy. Operative mortality was zero with elective versus 27.3% for emergency repairs, which also had a 27.3% VSD recurrence. 28.6% of the patients required concomitant cardiac surgical procedures while two patients (4.1%) both with perimembranous VSD required a permanent pacemaker. Less invasive transcatheter closure was successfully deployed in three patients without any complications, and it is an alternative in patients with a suitable anatomy and no associated cardiac injuries requiring surgery. Conservative therapy as a mainstay of treatment should be reserved for asymptomatic small defects with hemodynamically insignificant shunts.

10. Hybrid aortic surgery our early experience

We report our early experience of hybrid aortic arch and descending thoracic aortic surgery with/without concomitant cardiac procedures. Between December 2010 and October 2012, 7 patients underwent hybrid aortic surgery with 4 patients requiring concomitant cardiac procedures (AVR-1, CABG-2 and ascending aortic replacement + CABG-1). There were 6 males :1 female patient. The operations were performed electively in 5 patients, and as an emergency in 2 patients. All patients underwent relocation of innominate and right carotid arteries to the proximal ascending aorta using a 4 side armed Dacron graft, either as a patch or a tube graft. The left subclavian artery was closed in all cases either surgically or percutaneously with an amplatz vascular occlusion device. Following relocation of the head and neck vessels, the aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta were stented with either a Medtronic Thoracic Valiant Aortic Stent (4 cases) or the Jotec Open E Vita Stent (3 cases). The procedures were carried out as a one stage operation in 6 cases and as a 2 stage operation in 1 case. Morbidities include acute renal failure (1 patient) and left hemiplegia (1 patient). None developed paraplegia. 1 patient died 2 weeks postoperatively from perforated duodenal ulcers. This technique enables endovascular stenting of the aortic arch and descending thoracic aneurysms with concomitant cardiac procedures. The relocation of the carotid arteries prior to endovascular stenting of the arch may protect against cerebral embolisation from atheroma dislodged during antegrade deployment of the endovascular stent. This technique also allows antegrade cerebral and coronary perfusion during circulatory arrest. Hybrid aortic surgery is a feasible alternative treatment for patients with extensive aortic arch and descending thoracic aneurysms with concomitant cardiac pathologies.

Redo aortic valve surgery versus transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation for failing surgical bioprosthetic valves: consecutive patients in a single-center setting.

Due to a considerable rise in bioprosthetic as opposed to mechanical valve implantations, an increase of patients presenting with failing bioprosthetic surgical valves in need of a reoperation is to be expected. Redo surgery may pose a high-risk procedure. Transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve implantation is an innovative, less-invasive treatment alternative for these patients. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the outcome of consecutive patients after a valve-in-valve TAVI [transcatheter aortic valve-in-surgical aortic valve (TAV-in-SAV)] as compared to a standard reoperation [surgical aortic valve redo-operation (SAV-in-SAV)] has not yet been performed. The goal of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes after TAV-in-SAV and SAV-in-SAV in a single center setting. All SAV-in-SAV and TAV-in-SAV patients from January 2001 to October 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with previous mechanical or transcatheter valves, active endocarditis and concomitant cardiac procedures were excluded. Patient characteristics, preoperative data, post-procedural complications, and 30-day mortality were collected from a designated database. Mean values ± SD were calculated for all continuous variables. Counts and percentages were calculated for categorical variables. The Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to compare categorical variables. Continuous variables were compared using the t-test for independent samples. A 2-sided P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 102 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 50 patients (49%) underwent a transcatheter valve-in-valve procedure, while 52 patients (51%) underwent redo-surgery. Patients in the TAV-in-SAV group were significantly older, had a higher mean logistic EuroSCORE and exhibited a lower mean left ventricular ejection fraction than patients in the SAV-in-SAV group (78.1±6.7 vs. 66.2±13.1, P<0.001; 27.4±18.7 vs. 14.4±10, P<0.001; and 49.8±13.1 vs. 56.7±15.8, P=0.019 respectively). Postoperative pacemaker implantation and chest tube output were higher in the SAV-in-SAV group compared to the TAV-in-SAV group [11 (21%) vs. 3 (6%), P=0.042 and 0.9±1.0 vs. 0.6±0.9, P=0.047, respectively]. There was no significant difference in myocardial infarction, stroke or dialysis postoperatively. Thirty-day mortality was not significantly different between the two groups [TAV-in-SAV2 (4%) vs. SAV-in-SAV0, P=0.238]. Kaplan-Meier (KM) 1-year survival was significantly lower in the TAV-in-SAV group than in the SAV-in-SAV group (83% vs. 96%, P<0.001). The present investigation shows that both groups, irrespective of different baseline comorbidities, show very good early clinical outcomes. While redo surgery is still the standard of care, a subgroup of patients may profit from the transcatheter valve-in-valve procedure.

The ABLATE Trial: Safety and Efficacy of Cox Maze-IV Using a Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation System

The Cox Maze-IV procedure (CMP-IV) has replaced the Cox Maze-III procedure as the most common approach for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). The Food and Drug Administration-regulated AtriCure Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation of Permanent Atrial Fibrillation (ABLATE) trial sought to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the CMP-IV performed with the Synergy ablation system (AtriCure, Inc, Cincinnati, OH). Fifty-five patients (aged 70.5 ± 9.3 years), 92.7% of whom had nonparoxysmal AF, underwent CMP-IV to terminate AF during a concomitant cardiac surgical procedure. Lesions were created using the AtriCure Synergy bipolar radiofrequency ablation system. All patients were seen for follow-up visits after 30 days, 3 months, and 6 months, with 24-hour Holter monitoring at 6 months. Late evaluation was performed by 48-hour Holter monitoring at an average of 21 months. The primary efficacy endpoint, absence of AF(30 seconds or less) at 6-month follow-up off antiarrhythmic medications (Heart Rhythm Society definition), indicated 76% (38 of 50) were AF free (95% confidence interval: 62.6% to 85.7%). The primary safety endpoint, the rate of major adverse events within 30 days, was 9.1% (5 of 55; 95% confidence interval: 3.9% to 19.6%), with 3.6% mortality (2 of 55). Secondary efficacy endpoints included being AF free with antiarrhythmic drugs (6 months, 84%; 21 months, 75%), successful pulmonary vein isolation (100%), and AF burden at 6 and 21 months. The results, together with those for the secondary safety endpoint (6-month major adverse events), demonstrated that the Synergy system performs comparably to the cut-and-sew Cox Maze-III procedure. The CMP-IV using the AtriCure Synergy system was safe and effective for cardiac surgical patients who had persistent and longstanding persistent AF.

National Analysis of Short-Term Outcomes After Pulmonary Resections on Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Pulmonary resections using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are infrequently performed. Their short-term outcomes are not well described. We queried the National Inpatient Sample over a 10-year period (2001 to 2011) to more clearly delineate the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing pulmonary resections on CPB. We identified all patients 18 years and older who underwent pulmonary lobectomy (LB) or pneumonectomy (PN) on CPB; lung transplantations were excluded. We then grouped these patients based on the setting in which bypass was used: LB/PN with planned CPB (group 1), LB/PN with concomitant on-pump cardiac procedure (group 2), or LB/PN requiring CPB secondary to injury (group 3). Demographic data and inhospital outcomes were obtained for each patient. In all, 843 patients underwent LB or PN on CPB during the study period. Lobectomies were the most commonly performed procedure overall. Inhospital mortality for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 22% (n = 58), 16% (n = 61), and 57% (n = 115), respectively. Complications were prevalent across all groups. Routine discharge was achieved by fewer than half of all patients: 48% of group 1 (n = 128); 34% of group 2 (n = 129); and 18% of group 3 (n = 36). Pneumonectomy (odds ratio 2.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.00 to 7.53, p = 0.049) as well as using CPB either as part of a combined cardiac surgery (odds ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval: 0.39 to 5.59, p = 0.002) or because of injury (odds ratio 6.52, 95% confidence interval: 2.13 to 19.99, p = 0.002) were found to be significant multivariate predictors of short-term mortality. Pulmonary resections on CPB carry considerable short-term mortality and morbidity, but some risk can be partially mitigated when bypass is planned preoperatively.

The impact of age and severity of comorbid illness on outcomes after isolated aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis.

ObjectivesThis study examines outcomes in a national sample of patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis, with particular focus on advanced-age patients and those with extreme severity of comorbid illness (SOI).MethodsData were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and included all patients undergoing AVRs performed from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008. Patients with major concomitant cardiac procedures, as well as those aged, 20 years, and those with infective endocarditis or aortic insufficiency without aortic stenosis, were excluded from analysis. The analysis included 13,497 patients. Patients were stratified by age and further stratified by All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Group SOI into mild/moderate, major, and extreme subgroups.ResultsOverall in-hospital mortality was 2.96% (n=399); in-hospital mortality for the ≥80-year-old group (n=139, 4.78%) was significantly higher than the 20- to 49-year-old (n=9, 0.84%, P<0.001) or 50- to 79-year-old (n=251, 2.64%, P<0.001) groups. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the extreme SOI group (n=296, 15.33%) than in the minor/moderate (n=22, 0.35%, P<0.001) and major SOI groups (n=81, 1.51%, P<0.001). Median in-hospital costs in the mild/moderate, major, and extreme SOI strata were $29,202.08, $36,035.13, and $57,572.92, respectively.ConclusionIn the minor, moderate, and major SOI groups, in-hospital mortality and costs are low regardless of age; these groups represent >85% of patients undergoing isolated AVR for aortic stenosis. Conversely, in patients classified as having extreme SOI, surgical therapy is associated with exceedingly high inpatient mortality, low home discharge rates, and high resource utilization, particularly in the advanced age group.

Surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation as a concomitant cardiac surgery procedure. A single-centre study with 1-year follow-up

IntroductionSurgical ablation procedures have been shown to be effective in treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), but convincing evidence showing relationship between clinical confounders, surgical technique and intermediate-to-long term outcomes is still lacking. Therefore we conducted a retrospective single-centre database study to identify predictors of sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance at 12 months after surgery with insights into standard medical care provided by general practitioners and/or outpatient cardiologists in the setting of a newly introduced method. MethodsData from consecutive 376 patients, who underwent heart surgery which included surgical left atrial (LA) ablation for AF between July 2006 and December 2010, were collected. Primary outcome was maintenance of SR at 12 months. A stepwise backward multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of the primary outcome. ResultsRF ablation was performed in 210 patients and 166 patients underwent cryoablation. In 273 subjects the 12-month follow-up data were available. The success rate in maintaining the sinus rhythm 1 year after surgery was 48.9% (63.1% for cryoablation, and 37.8% for RF (p<0.0001)). None of the patients underwent repeated ablation procedure within the 12-month follow-up period. Paroxysmal AF, mitral valve surgery, and smaller LA diameter were associated with the primary endpoint; cryoablation was superior to RF ablation. Nevertheless, prescription rate of amiodarone/propafenone in patients with documented sinus rhythm at 12-month follow-up was 36.0%. ConclusionsUsing multivariate analysis of retrospective data we identified clinical confounders and technical aspects associated with better outcomes after surgical ablation for AF.

(542) - The Impact of Perioperative Bleeding on Long-Term Outcomes of Mechanical Circulatory Support

s S203 since April 2010. ECMO may be instituted a priori or upon hemodynamic (or other) indication, which we aim to avoid if possible. Here we identify risk factors for intraoperative indication ECMO and compare results with those patients transplanted without ECMO support. Methods: Patients transplanted between April 2010 and February 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients requiring intraoperative indication ECMO formed Group A, patients transplanted off-pump formed Group B. Patients with preoperative ECMO, idiopathic pulmonary artery hypertension or requiring a concomitant cardiac procedure, where intraoperative ECMO was employed a priori, were excluded. Results: Among 481 patients undergoing bilateral sequential lung transplantation, 67 (14%, Group A) underwent intraoperative indication ECMO implant and 328 (68%) patients (Group B) did not. Eighty-six (18%) patients, where ECMO was used a priori, were excluded from the study. Among group A patients, decision for using ECMO was set at clamping of the first (mostly right) pulmonary artery in 37 (55%) patients and later during the procedure in the remaining 30 (45%) patients. Veno-arterial ECMO was used in all 67 patients and was implanted emergently in only 10 (15%) of these. At multivariate analysis, pulmonary fibrosis (OR 2.5, 95%CI: 1.3-4.7, p= 0.004) and preoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure greater than 24mmHg (OR 2.3, 95%CI: 1.3-4.1, p= 0.005) were identified as risk factors for intraoperative indication ECMO. Postoperatively, more Group A than B patients showed primary graft dysfunction (35%vs.12%, p< 0.01), required revision for bleeding (13%vs.4%, p< 0.01), required intermittent dialysis (19%vs.4%, p< 0.01), or died in-hospital (13%vs.3%, p< 0.01). In Group A and B patients, at 1and 3-year follow-up, overall survival (%) was 82±5vs.92±1 and 73±6vs.78±3, respectively (p= 0.32). Conclusion: Pulmonary fibrosis and secondary pulmonary artery hypertension are predictors for the need of intraoperative indication ECMO. Of interest, 68% of the patients can safely be transplanted off-pump with excellent results and a further 18% may be assigned to an a priori ECMO cohort.

Outcomes of intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation versus cardiopulmonary bypass for lung transplantation

The study objective was to compare the outcomes of intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation versus cardiopulmonary bypass support in lung transplantation. We performed a retrospective cohort study from a prospective database of adult lung transplantations performed at the University of Toronto from 2007 to 2013. Among 673 lung transplantations performed in the study period, 267 (39.7%) required cardiopulmonary support. There were 39 cases of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (2012-2013) and 228 cases of cardiopulmonary bypass (2007-2013). Patients who were bridged with extracorporeal life support, underwent a concomitant cardiac procedure, received a combined liver or hearttransplant, were colonized with Burkholderia cenocepacia, or required emergency cannulation for cardiopulmonary support were excluded. Finally, 33 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cases were matched with 66 cases of cardiopulmonary bypass according to age (±10 years), lung transplantation indication, and procedure type (bilateral vs single lung transplantation). Recipient factors such as body mass index and gender were not different between extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and cardiopulmonary bypass groups. Furthermore, donor variables were similar, including age, body mass index, last PaO2/FiO2 ratio, smoking history, positive airway cultures, and donor type (brain death and donation after cardiac death). Early outcomes, such as mechanical ventilation requirement, length of intensive care unit stay, and length of hospital stay, significantly favored extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (median 3 vs 7.5 days, P=.005; 5 vs 9.5 days, P=.026; 19 vs 27 days, P=.029, respectively). Perioperative blood product transfusion requirement was lower in the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation group. The 90-day mortality for the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation group was 6% versus 15% for cardiopulmonary bypass (P=.32). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may be considered as the first choice of intraoperative cardiorespiratory support for lung transplantation.

Midterm follow up in patients with reduction ascending aortoplasty.

BackgroundThe reduction ascending aortoplasty in patients with an aortic ectasia/dilatation is a common procedure during concomitant cardiac operations. Aim of the follow up study was the evaluation of possible re-dilatation and complications.MethodsFrom 1998 to 2010 124 patients (69% male; mean age 66.6 ± 12 ys) with ectasia of the ascending aortic who had no further indication for an aortic replacement, were included. The mean preoperative diameter of the ascending aorta was 4.2 ± 0.6 cm. The patients risk profile was moderate (mean EF 51% ± 11%, Euroscore 4.2 ± 2.1). To treat the dilatation of the ascending aorta, a longitudinal incision was performed and a strip of the aortic wall was resected. A reduction aortoplasty was carried out with a double-layered suture line using a 4/0 Prolene mattress suture with an additional 4/0 Prolene running suture. A follow up (rate 95%) was performed by echocardiography- and clinical examination.ResultsAll patients underwent reduction aortoplasty associated with a primary cardiac surgical procedure (AVR 63%, CABG 13%, other or combination 24%). The intrahospital mortality rate was 4%. Four aortic bleeding complications occurred. After a mean postoperative period of 57 ± 39 months, the ascending aortic diameter (3.6 ± 0.6 cm) was still significantly (P < 0.01) reduced. No postoperative aortic-related complications including aortic rupture, dissection and reoperation were observed. In 4 patients, the ascending aorta had re-dilated to the preoperative diameter.ConclusionReduction ascending aortoplasty without external wrapping is a safe procedure with acceptable midterm results in patients with asymptomatic dilatations and concomitant cardiac surgical procedures.

Surgical Repair of Cor Triatriatum Sinister: The Mayo Clinic 50-Year Experience

Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital cardiac defect in which the atrium is divided into 2 chambers by a membrane causing obstruction to the blood flow in either the left atrium (cor triatriatum sinister) or the right atrium (cor triatriatum dexter) eventually leading to cardiac failure. We sought to review our surgical experience with cor triatriatum sinister. Twenty-five patients underwent surgical correction of cor triatriatum between May 1960 and September 2012. There were 11 males and 14 females with a mean age of 27.4 years (age range, 1 day to 73 years). All patients underwent excision of cor triatriatum membrane using cardiopulmonary bypass. Twenty patients (80%) required concomitant cardiac surgical procedures. There was no early mortality. None of the patients had any residual atrial obstruction. Two infants who had concomitant repair of complex congenital anomalies died at 2 and 5 months postoperatively after discharge from hospital. Kaplan-Meier survival at 10 years was 83%. All patients were in New York Heart Association class I or II at a mean follow-up of 12.8 years (maximum 44 years). Surgical repair of cor triatriatum provides satisfactory early and long-term survival with low risk for additional intervention. Cor triatriatum with complex congenital anomalies may be associated with adverse outcome.