Operative Mortality In Patients Research Articles

Predicting operative mortality in patients who undergo elective open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair

BackgroundWe have developed a model aimed at identifying preoperative predictors of operative mortality in patients who undergo elective, open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair. We converted this model into an intuitive nomogram to aid preoperative counseling. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from 2884 elective, open TAAA repairs performed between 1986 and 2023 in a single practice. Using clinical and selected operative variables, we built 4 predictive models: multivariable logistic regression (MLR), random forest, support vector machine, and gradient boosting machine. Each model’s predictive effectiveness was evaluated with the C-statistic. Test C-statistics were computed using an 80:20 cross-validation scheme with 1000 iterations. ResultsOperative death occurred in 200 patients (6.9%). Test set C-statistics showed that the MLR model (median, 0.68; interquartile range [IQR], 0.65-0.71) outperformed the machine learning models (0.61 [IQR, 0.59-0.64] for random forest; 0.61 [IQR, 0.58-0.64] for support vector machine; 0.65 [IQR, 0.62-0.67] for gradient boosting machine). The final MLR model was based on 7 characteristics: increasing age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04/y; P < .001), cerebrovascular disease (OR, 1.54; P = .01), chronic kidney disease (OR, 1.53; P = .008), symptomatic aneurysm (OR, 1.42; P = .02), and Crawford extent I (OR, 0.66; P = .08), extent II (OR, 1.61; P = .01), and extent IV (OR, 0.41; P = .002). We converted this model into a nomogram. ConclusionsUsing institutional data, we evaluated several models to predict operative mortality in elective TAAA repair, using information available to surgeons preoperatively. We then converted the best predictive model, the MLR model, into an intuitive nomogram to aid patient counseling.

Commentator Discussion: Predicting operative mortality in patients who undergo elective, open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Commentator Discussion: Predicting operative mortality in patients who undergo elective, open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Mechanical Circulatory Support During Surgical Revascularization for Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

BackgroundThis study aimed to describe the use of perioperative mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and its impact on outcomes in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy who were undergoing surgical revascularization. MethodsPatients with an ejection fraction <35% who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) from 2015 to 2021 were identified (N = 378). Patients were divided into no MCS, preoperative MCS, and postoperative MCS groups on the basis of timing of MCS initiation, which included intraaortic balloon pump, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or Impella device (Abiomed) use. The primary outcome of interest was operative mortality. ResultsThe median Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality was 2.4%. Sixty-six percent (n = 246) of patients had a previous myocardial infarction, and 61.8% of these patients were within 21 days of CABG. Twenty-one patients (5.6%) presented in cardiogenic shock. The preoperative MCS cohort consisted of 31 patients (8.2%) who underwent CABG a median of 2 days after MCS initiation. Thirty (7.9%) patients required postoperative MCS. Independent risk factors for requiring postoperative MCS included the preoperative ejection fraction (odds ratio, 0.93; P = .01 and the presence of preoperative MCS (odds ratio, 3.06; P = .02). Overall, operative mortality was 3.4%, and 3-year survival was 87.0%. Operative mortality in patients who did and did not receive preoperative MCS was 7.7% and 2.9% (P = .12) with no difference in long-term survival (P = .80), whereas patients requiring postoperative MCS had significantly increased operative (16.7%) and late mortality (63%; P <.01). ConclusionsCABG can be performed safely in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy with selective use of perioperative MCS. Despite advanced disease severity, patients requiring preoperative MCS demonstrate acceptable short- and long-term survival. Patients requiring postoperative MCS have increased postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Unplanned postoperative catheterization during admission for coronary artery bypass grafting is neither cheap nor benign, but may rescue patients

ObjectiveLiterature describing outcomes of myocardial ischemia after coronary artery bypass grafting is sparse. We hypothesized these patients had more complications and incurred higher costs of care. MethodsUsing adult cardiac surgery data and cardiac catheterization (CathPCI) data from the Virginia Cardiac Services Quality Initiative, we identified patients who underwent unplanned cardiac catheterization after coronary artery bypass grafting from 2018 to 2021. Adult cardiac surgery data were matched to CathPCI data examining earliest in-hospital catheterization. Patients not requiring catheterization served as the control group. ResultsWe identified 10,597 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, of whom 41 of 10,597 underwent unplanned cardiac catheterization. A total of 21 of 41 patients (51%) received percutaneous coronary intervention, most commonly for non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction (n = 7, 33%) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (n = 6, 29%). Postoperative cardiac arrest occurred in 14 patients (40%). In patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, 14 (67%) had a single lesion, 4 (19%) had 2 lesions, and 3 (14%) had 3 lesions. The left anterior descending artery (38%) was the most frequently intervened upon vessel. Patients who underwent catheterization were more likely to require balloon pump support (26% vs 11%), to have prolonged ventilation (57% vs 20%), to have renal failure (17% vs 7.1%), and to undergo reintubation (37% vs 3.8%, all P < .04). There was no statistical difference in operative mortality (4.9% vs 2.3%, P = .2) or failure to rescue (4.9% vs 1.6%, P = .14). Total costs were higher in patients who underwent unplanned catheterization ($81,293 vs $37,011, P < .001). ConclusionsUnplanned catheterization after coronary artery bypass grafting is infrequent but associated with more complications and a higher cost of care. Therefore, determination of an association with operative mortality in patients with suspected ischemia after coronary artery bypass grafting requires additional study.

Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis After Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement

BackgroundProsthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a devastating sequela of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). However, reoperation for post-TAVR PVE is not well described. We investigated the implications of surgically managed PVE after TAVR and SAVR. MethodsReoperations for active PVE after TAVR and SAVR from 2011 to 2021 were queried using The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) database. We identified 6257 patients, consisting of 374 TAVR (6%) and 5883 SAVR recipients (94%). ResultsPost-TAVR case volume increased from 1 in 2011 to 116 in 2020. Compared with SAVR, the TAVR group was associated with older age, more frequent preexisting pacemaker, and fewer aortic root abscesses. Intraoperatively, TAVR patients received less aortic root repair (24.9% vs 34.8%; P < .001) and had shorter cardiopulmonary bypass/aortic cross-clamp times. Among all comers, the operative mortality in patients with previous was 13.6% for TAVR vs 10.8% for SAVR (P = .088). After risk adjustment, previous TAVR itself was not associated with operative mortality (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.72-1.38). In contrast, among 154 post-TAVR and 2232 post-SAVR patients with STS-indexed procedures (SAVR ± coronary artery bypass grafting) with available STS predicted risk of mortality, the mortality was 14.3% and 7.9% (P = .005), with corresponding observed-to-expected mortality ratio of 2.2 and 1.3, respectively. ConclusionsAortic root repair was seen less frequently after TAVR than after SAVR. Furthermore, previous TAVR was not associated with increased operative mortality. In contrast, the post-TAVR setting was associated with higher mortality regarding isolated SAVR or SAVR plus coronary artery bypass grafting.

Predictive value of age, creatinine, and ejection fraction (ACEF) scoring system for operative mortality in patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection.

Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is the most common and fatal type of dissection. An easier-to-use risk stratification may help eliminate bias in patients at high risk of dissection. The age, serum creatinine, and ejection fraction (ACEF) score is a simple risk model developed to predict the mortality risk of elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between preoperative ACEF score and operative mortality in patients with TAAD undergoing emergency surgery. In this retrospective cohort study, 113 patients diagnosed with TAAD between January 2017 and September 2021 were evaluated. The primary endpoint was operative mortality. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed for the ACEF score, ACEF II score, and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II. Univariate and multivariate analyses of operative mortality were performed using the logistic regression model. Operative mortality occurred in 23 (20.4%) patients. The cutoff ACEF score was calculated as 1.1 for predicting operative mortality (area under the curve = 0.712, P value = 0.002, sensitivity = 74.0%, specificity = 67.8%, likelihood ratio = 2.3). Based on the cutoff value, 46 (40.7%) patients had a high ACEF score (ACEF ≥ 1.1) and 67 (59.3%) patients had a low ACEF score (ACEF < 1.1). The high ACEF score was associated with an increased incidence of operative mortality compared with the low ACEF score (37.0% vs. 9.0%; P = 0.001). The ACEF score can be used as a useful and relatively simple tool for risk stratification before TAAD surgery. However, the ACEF score is only indicated for risk assessment and should not affect treatment.

Complications and Mortality after CABG Surgery in Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a complex, high-tech surgical intervention. Its success depends not only on the skill and experience of the surgeon but equally on the coherence of work and professionalism of all services involved in the operation. Severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction after heart surgery is one of the main causes of cardiogenic shock, which is characterized by a local transient reduction of myocardial contractility (“stunned” myocardium) and/or significant cell damage caused by ischemia. In this state, systemic metabolic disorders often occur: increased concentration of free fatty acids, lactic acidosis, hypoxemia, and increased catecholamine content. General approaches to determining the risk of CABG surgery have not been definitively established. In addition, the data concerning the choice of optimal tactics in patients with a reduced ejection fraction (EF) are still limited. Relatively high early operative mortality in patients with reduced left ventricular EF requires further serious study.&#x0D; The aim. To determine the dominant complications and causes of fatal cases in patients with reduced LV contractility after CABG surgery.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study included 210 patients with EF of 35% or less, who underwent CABG at the National Amosov Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery in the period from 01/01/2015 to 12/31/2021. Among them were 190 men (90.5%) and 20 women (9.5%). The age of the patients ranged from 29 to 83 years (61.1±8.9). Most patients underwent revascularization of three or more arteries.&#x0D; Results and discussion. In the group of patients with EF 35-30% in the postoperative period, acute heart failure (HF) occurred in 5 (3.8%) cases, respiratory failure (RF) was observed in 3 (2.3%) cases, renal failure in 3 (2.3%) cases, central nervous system (CNS) complications in 5 (3.8%). At the same time, along with the decrease in EF, the frequency of postoperative complications increased. In patients with EF below 24%, the frequency of postoperative complications increased significantly: acute HF was noted in 3 (15%) cases, RF in 5 (25%) cases, renal failure in 2 (10%) cases, CNS complications were noted in 0 (0%) cases. The duration of artificial lung ventilation increased significantly to 24.9±27.7 hours, the length of stay in the intensive care unit increased to 12.8±8 days, and the total length of stay of the patient in the hospital to 20.2±11.7 days.&#x0D; Conclusion. Based on the data we received, we concluded that: in patients with reduced LV myocardial contractility, such complications as HF, RF and renal failure, CNS complications most often occur; in addition, their frequency is higher than that in patients with preserved EF and increases with its decrease; one of the most frequent and life-threatening complications in this group of patients was acute HF; the use of intra-aortic balloon pump allows to avoid or improve treatment of HF and, at the same time, to increase survival in patients with reduced LV contractility.

A Novel Inflammation-Based Risk Score Predicts Mortality in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Surgery: The Additive Anti-inflammatory Action for Aortopathy and Arteriopathy Score.

ObjectiveTo develop an inflammation-based risk stratification tool for operative mortality in patients with acute type A aortic dissection.MethodsBetween January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2021, 3124 patients from Beijing Anzhen Hospital were included for derivation, 571 patients from the same hospital were included for internal validation, and 1319 patients from other 12 hospitals were included for external validation. The primary outcome was operative mortality according to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons criteria. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were used to identify clinical risk factors. A model was developed using different machine learning algorithms. The performance of the model was determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for discrimination, calibration curves, and Brier score for calibration. The final model (5A score) was tested with respect to the existing clinical scores.ResultsExtreme gradient boosting was selected for model training (5A score) using 12 variables for prediction—the ratio of platelet to leukocyte count, creatinine level, age, hemoglobin level, prior cardiac surgery, extent of dissection extension, cerebral perfusion, aortic regurgitation, sex, pericardial effusion, shock, and coronary perfusion—which yields the highest AUC (0.873 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.845-0.901]). The AUC of 5A score was 0.875 (95% CI 0.814-0.936), 0.845 (95% CI 0.811-0.878), and 0.852 (95% CI 0.821-0.883) in the internal, external, and total cohort, respectively, which outperformed the best existing risk score (German Registry for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection score AUC 0.709 [95% CI 0.669-0.749]).ConclusionThe 5A score is a novel, internally and externally validated inflammation-based tool for risk stratification of patients before surgical repair, potentially advancing individualized treatment.Trial Registrationclinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT04918108

Sex-Related Differences After Proximal Aortic Surgery: Outcome Analysis of 1773 Consecutive Patients

BackgroundGuidelines on the management of aortic aneurysm disease do not account for sex differences regarding surgical procedures on the proximal aorta, although faster aneurysm growth, increased rupture risk, and higher postoperative mortality have been found in women. We therefore analyzed outcome differences between men and women receiving operations on the proximal aorta. MethodsA total of 1773 patients underwent nonemergency surgical procedures on the aortic valve (AV) and proximal aorta at our institution between 2000 and 2018. Of these, 772 patients (21.8% women) received a Bentall procedure, 349 (20.3% women) had AV-sparing root replacement, and 652 (31.1% women) underwent AV and supracommissural ascending aorta replacement. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and midterm survival. ResultsWhen assessing sex-related differences within the entire group of patients that received an operation on the proximal aorta, women were found to be older, had a lower body mass index, and were smokers less often. Despite shorter procedural times, median ventilation times and intensive care unit length of stay were longer in women. In-house mortality was also higher in women (3.6% vs 0.9%, P < .001). Multivariable logistic regression revealed age (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% CI, 1.4-2.3 per 5 years added; P < .001), female sex (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.2-5.8; P = .02), and urgent surgery (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.2-7.3; P = .01) as independent risk factors for in-house death. Midterm survival was lower for women in the entire cohort (P = .02) and particularly within the Bentall subgroup (P = .004). ConclusionsFemale sex is an independent risk factor for operative mortality in patients undergoing proximal aortic surgery but is currently not addressed in guidelines. More research should focus on etiology and prevention of these worse outcomes in female patients.

Surgical treatment of post-infarction papillary muscle rupture: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Papillary muscle rupture (PMR) is a rare but potentially fatal complication following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Surgical treatment is considered the standard of care. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the early outcomes after surgical correction of post-AMI PMR. Electronic databases were searched from January 1990 to December 2020. Studies reporting patients undergoing mitral valve surgery for post-AMI PMR were analysed. The primary outcome assessed was operative mortality. Differences were expressed as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) to assess the relationships between predefined surgical variables and clinical prognosis. A total of 1,851 adult patients, from 12 observational studies, were identified. Operative mortality was 21%. Meta-analysis revealed reduced operative risk in patients undergoing mitral valve repair (MVr) as compared to replacement (MVR) (RR, 0.33; 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.79; P=0.01), and an increased risk of operative mortality in patients with complete PMR (RR, 2.54; 95% CI: 1.12 to 5.74; P=0.03). No significant differences in terms of operative mortality were observed between patients with or without pre/peri-operative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support and between subjects who underwent mitral valve surgery with or without concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Mitral valve surgery for post-AMI PMR carries a high operative mortality. Patients with complete PMR and subjects undergoing MVR have increased risks of operative mortality. The preoperative use of IABP and concomitant CABG seem not to influence the early postoperative course in this context.

Postinduction therapy pulmonary function retesting is necessary before surgical resection for non–small cell lung cancer

ObjectivePretreatment-predicted postoperative diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) has been associated with operative mortality in patients who receive induction therapy for resectable non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is unknown whether a reduction in pulmonary function after induction therapy and before surgery affects the risk of morbidity or mortality. We sought to determine the relationship between induction therapy and perioperative outcomes as a function of postinduction pulmonary status in patients who underwent surgical resection for NSCLC. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data for 1001 patients with pathologic stage I, II, or III NSCLC who received induction therapy before lung resection. Pulmonary function was defined according to American College of Surgeons Oncology Group major criteria: DLCO ≥50% = normal; DLCO <50% = impaired. Patients were categorized into 5 subgroups according to combined pre- and postinduction DLCO status: normal-normal, normal-impaired, impaired-normal, impaired-impaired, and preinduction only (without postinduction pulmonary function test measurements). Multivariable logistic regression was used to quantify the relationship between DLCO categories and dichotomous end points. ResultsIn multivariable analysis, normal-impaired DLCO status was associated with an increased risk of respiratory complications (odds ratio, 2.29 [95% CI, 1.12-4.49]; P = .02) and in-hospital complications (odds ratio, 2.83 [95% CI, 1.55-5.26]; P < .001). Type of neoadjuvant therapy was not associated with an increased risk of complications, compared with conventional chemotherapy. ConclusionsReduced postinduction DLCO might predict perioperative outcomes. The use of repeat pulmonary function testing might identify patients at higher risk of morbidity or mortality.

MISSED DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE TYPE A AORTIC DISSECTION TREATED AS NON-ST ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION: A TEACHABLE MOMENT

TOPIC: Cardiovascular Disease TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life threatening emergency, with a mortality rate of 1% to 2% per hour during the first 24 to 48 hours, reaching 75% at 2 weeks and 91% at 1 year, if left untreated. CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year-old male, nonsmoker with a history of untreated hypertension (HTN), presented with sudden onset, severe, non-radiating, "twisting" mid-sternal chest pain. Initial vital signs showed an elevated blood pressure (BP) to 210/132 mmHg in both arms, heart rate 85 beats/minute, afebrile and arterial saturation of 100% on room air. He was in severe distress due to chest pain and sweating profusely. The cardiac examination did not reveal a murmur, rub or gallop, his radial pulse was regular, and equal bilaterally. Electrocardiogram (EKG) showed sinus rhythm with T-wave inversions in inferior and lateral leads. Initial work up was significant for an elevated creatine kinase (CK) 636 U/L (normal range < 200 U/L). Chest X-ray did not reveal cardiomegaly, mediastinal widening or infiltrates. CT aortic dissection including iliac arteries - chest, abdomen and pelvis with and without contrast was read as negative for dissection, aneurysm, pulmonary embolism or pericardial effusion. Subsequent labs were significant for up trending CK of 751 U/L (normal range < 200 U/L) and Troponin 0.42 ng/ml (normal range < 0.10 ng/ml). In view of rising cardiac biomarkers, dual anti-platelets and anticoagulants for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were started. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was ordered which was performed 12 hours later and showed dissection flap in proximal ascending aorta, moderate eccentric aortic regurgitation, and bicuspid aortic valve. DISCUSSION: Some reports of CT scanning in acute dissection have reported sensitivities close to 100%, but false negative scans are well recognized. True sensitivity is likely lower at 94% to 100% and specificity around 77% to 100%. False negative results can be secondary to a reader's error or a true false negative image. Second imaging tests are frequently obtained in cases of suspected aortic dissection, with transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography being the most commonly used modality. Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) has become commonplace in many critical care settings, studies have shown good sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of ATAAD [5]. This may allow the treating clinician to diagnose an acute aortic dissection at the point of care, avoiding the clinical and time dissociation inherent to consultative echocardiography. Intimal flap visualization has a sensitivity of 67-80% and a specificity of 99 - 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Our case is a reminder that the sensitivity of CTA to rule out acute aortic syndrome is not 100% and second diagnostic modality should be used if clinical suspicion is high. The pre-test probability of a diagnosis should dictate the type of imaging/testing warranted and its urgency. REFERENCE #1: Afifi RO, Sandhu HK, Leake SS, et al.: Determinants of Operative Mortality in Patients With Ruptured Acute Type A Aortic Dissection. Ann Thorac Surg. 2016, 101:64-71. 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2015.07.007 REFERENCE #2: Abbas A, Brown IW, Peebles CR, Harden SP, Shambrook JS: The role of multidetector-row CT in the diagnosis, classification and management of acute aortic syndrome. Br J Radiol. 2014, 87:20140354. 10.1259/bjr.20140354 REFERENCE #3: Wang Y, Yu H, Cao Y, Wan Z: Early Screening for Aortic Dissection With Point-of-Care Ultrasound by Emergency Physicians: A Prospective Pilot Study. J Ultrasound Med. 2020, 39:1309-15. 10.1002/jum.15223 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by SYED ABBAS, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Syeda Hamadani, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Seth Koenig, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria Removed 05/16/2021 by Seth Koenig, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Seth Koenig, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria Removed 05/16/2021 by Seth Koenig, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Abeer Zeeshan, source=Web Response

OPERATIVE MORTALITY OF CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING IN PATIENTS WITH LOW SERUM ALBUMIN AFTER NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of operative mortality in patients who had low serum albumin on admission and were undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) after nutritional support at a tertiary care cardiac center in Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted at an adult cardiac surgery department of the largest tertiary care cardiac center in Karachi, Pakistan. Patients who had undergone isolated CABG during January to December 2019 admitted with low serum albumin (less than 3.5mg/dl) and received nutritional treatment before surgery were included in the study. Patients were monitored for a month to measure the 30 day mortality. Results: There were 82.4% male patients and the mean age was 55.49±8.52 years. Preoperative mean serum haemoglobin, serum creatinine, and serum albumin levels were 12.225±1.19 mg/dl, 1.05±0.21 mg/dl, and 2.825±0.39 mg/dl respectively. Postoperative mortality was recorded in 1.7% of the total patients. Conclusion: In patients with low serum albumin levels and had undergone isolated CABG after nutritional pre-treatment, mortality was mainly associated with peri-operative myocardial infarction. While, the incidence of delayed wound healing and atrial fibrillation were found to be high in these patients.

High-Risk Committee for Cardiac Surgery Decision-Making: Results From 110 Consecutive Patients

This study evaluated our institutional experience in forming a surgeon-based committee to discuss and provide consensus opinion on high-risk cardiac surgical cases. The committee consisted of 4 surgeons with at least 1 senior surgeon at any given time with a rotating schedule. Patients with a Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality above specified thresholds were mandated for referral to the committee in addition to patients referred at the discretion of the surgeon. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to model survival. A total of 110 consecutive patients were reviewed by the committee. The most common procedure types for referral were isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (47.3%; n= 52) and coronary artery bypass grafting with concomitant aortic valve replacement (19.1%; n= 21). The overall median Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality for referred patients was 5.35% (interquartile range, 4.07%-7.89%). After group discussion, a total of 62 patients were recommended to proceed with surgery (56.4%). Reasons for declining surgery included consensus that an intervention was not indicated (39.6%; n= 19), that an alternative, nonsurgical procedure was recommended (29.2%; n= 14), that there was continued medical management and reevaluation (18.8%; n= 9), and that the patient was deemed at too high a risk for surgery (12.5%; n= 6). Operative mortality in patients proceeding with surgery was 4.6% (n= 2), with an observed-to-expected mortality of 0.86. The 6-month survival after surgery was 92.2%. Implementation of a surgeon-based committee to discuss high-risk cases provided a unified voice to referring physicians and facilitated consensus decision-making with acceptable clinical outcomes in a challenging patient cohort.

Multicenter Analysis of Truncal Valve Management and Outcomes in Children with Truncus Arteriosus.

Truncal valve management in patients with truncus arteriosus is a clinical challenge, and indications for truncal valve intervention have not been defined. We sought to evaluate truncal valve dysfunction and primary valve intervention in patients with truncus arteriosus and determine risk factors for later truncal valve intervention. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children who underwent truncus arteriosus repair at 15 centers between 2009 and 2016. Multivariable competing risk analysis was performed to determine risk factors for later truncal valve intervention. We reviewed 252 patients. Forty-two patients (17%) underwent truncal valve intervention during their initial surgery. Postoperative extracorporeal support, CPR, and operative mortality for patients who underwent truncal valve interventions were statistically similar to the rest of the cohort. Truncal valve interventions were performed in 5 of 64 patients with mild insufficiency; 5 of 16 patients with mild-to-moderate insufficiency; 17 of 35 patients with moderate insufficiency; 5 of 9 patients with moderate-to-severe insufficiency; and all 10 patients with severe insufficiency. Twenty patients (8%) underwent later truncal valve intervention, five of whom had no truncal valve intervention during initial surgical repair. Multivariable analysis revealed truncal valve intervention during initial repair (HR 11.5; 95% CI 2.5, 53.2) and moderate or greater truncal insufficiency prior to initial repair (HR 4.0; 95% CI 1.1, 14.5) to be independently associated with later truncal valve intervention. In conclusion, in a multicenter cohort of children with truncus arteriosus, 17% had truncal valve intervention during initial surgical repair. For patients in whom variable truncal valve insufficiency is present and primary intervention was not performed, late interventions were uncommon. Conservative surgical approach to truncal valve management may be justifiable.

Impact of suprarenal neck angulation on endovascular aneurysm repair outcomes

BackgroundHostile infrarenal proximal neck (β) anatomy of abdominal aortic aneurysm has been associated with increased risk of aneurysm-related complications after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). However, there is a paucity of literature addressing the suprarenal angle (α). The aim of this study was to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes after EVAR in patients with severe suprarenal neck angulation (α >60 degrees). MethodsA retrospective review of the medical records of 561 patients who underwent EVAR between January 2005 and December 2017 was performed. The main exclusion criteria were preoperative aneurysm rupture and fenestrated or branched endograft placement. High-resolution computed tomography images of 452 patients were available. Patients were grouped into angulated (α >60 degrees) and nonangulated (α ≤60 degrees) groups. The primary end point was freedom from type IA endoleak. Secondary end points included 30-day mortality, long-term survival, primary clinical success, and freedom from aneurysm rupture and graft migration. Primary clinical success was defined according to Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines as clinical success without the need for an additional or secondary surgical or endovascular procedure. ResultsOf 452 patients, 45 (10%) were included in the angulated group (α >60 degrees). Median follow-up time was 34 months (interquartile range, 14-56 months). Compared with patients in the nonangulated group, those in the angulated group had larger neck diameter at the level of the renal arteries (mean [standard deviation], 25.6 [3.8] mm vs 24.6 [3.4] mm; P = .06) and increased β angle (mean [standard deviation], 50.5 [22.9] degrees vs 41.6 [23.9] degrees; P = .01). The 3-year freedom from type IA endoleak estimate was 80.2% for the angulated group compared with 97.8% for the nonangulated group (P < .001). The angulated group showed significantly higher 30-day mortality (11.1% vs 0.25%; P < .001).The 3-year results showed that patients in the nonangulated group had higher rates of primary clinical success (90.2% vs 67.1%; P < .001), freedom from rupture (99% vs 97.1%; P = .02), freedom from migration (100% vs 92.4%; P < .001), and long-term survival (91.6% vs 75.8%; P = .006) compared with those in the angulated group. After adjustment for age, sex, neck diameter, and β angle, severe suprarenal neck angulation was associated with higher odds of type IA endoleak (adjusted hazard ratio, 8.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.9-27), loss of primary clinical success (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.8; 95% CI, 2.6-8.9), and 30-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 52.5; 95% CI, 5.3-514) compared with α ≤60 degrees (all P < .001). ConclusionsThis is the first report to show a significant increase in operative mortality in patients undergoing EVAR with severely angulated suprarenal neck. Patients who survive the operation are at increased risk of secondary interventions. These findings suggest that EVAR should be used with caution in patients with severe α angulation and underpin the role of close follow-up in this particular population.

A Risk Management Strategy for Managing Critical Human Resource Changes in a Pediatric Heart Program

BackgroundRelocation, recruitment, or retirement of critical team members may lead to changes in the expertise pool that could threaten patient outcomes in a pediatric heart program. We developed a quality initiative aimed at risk management that uses risk-stratified case complexity and outcomes to guide a program during critical fluxes in the expert staff. The Ramp Down/Up protocol is a systematic, voluntary reduction in the complexity of cases performed, followed by a transparent and intentional escalation of case complexity. MethodsInstitutional Ethics Review Board approval for this quality initiative was obtained. Patient/caregiver consent for quality data collection is obtained at the time of hospital admission. Every surgical patient having their index cardiac surgical procedure at the Izaak Walton Killam (IWK) from January 1, 2003, to December 2015 is included. The Ramp Down/Up protocol evolved to have to 4 critical elements: (1) a trigger and a reduction in case complexity; (2) an external/objective expert observer; (3) an escalation in case complexity; and (4) data (qualitative and quantitative) collection and analysis. ResultsThe Ramp Down/Up protocol was used 3 times over a 12-year period to address critical expert human resource challenges. The protocol was used for variable duration (3.5-9 months). Patient operative mortality was benchmarked to the Congenital Cardiac Surgery database, and outcomes were stable during and after protocol employment. ConclusionsA quality initiative aimed at risk management has allowed 1 pediatric heart team to ensure that patient outcomes were maintained during critical human resource changes.

Impact of Microbiological Organism Type on Surgically Managed Endocarditis

This study describes the impact of organism and valve type on surgically managed infective endocarditis (IE) from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) database. We developed a risk model for surgically managed endocarditis that includes the microbiological organism. The STS database was queried for adult patients with surgically managed endocarditis from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2016. Outcomes were compared based on (1) causative microbiological organism, (2) valve type (native vs prosthetic), and (3) endocarditis on the right (tricuspid) vs left (mitral, aortic) sides. Univariate and risk adjusted models were developed with odds ratios for mortality for each organism type referenced against Streptococcus. The study population included 21,388 operations (93%) for left-sided IE and 1698 (7%) for right-sided IE. Streptococcus (28%) and Staphylococcus (27%) were the most common infecting organisms, followed by Enterococcus (11%). After multivariate adjustment, microbiological organism type was significantly associated with operative mortality for patients with left-sided endocarditis, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.9 for fungal, 1.4 for Staphylococcus, and 1.3 for culture-negative vs Streptococcus. For right-sided endocarditis, there were no differences in outcomes by organism type. Left-sided prosthetic valve endocarditis had a higher operative mortality than left-sided native valve endocarditis (12% vs 8%, P < .001). In contrast, surgery for right-sided endocarditis carried lower operative mortality, with no mortality difference between prosthetic valve endocarditis and native valve endocarditis (5% vs 4%, P= .6). Organism type influences the operative mortality for left-sided endocarditis. Surgery for left-sided and prosthetic valve endocarditis is associated with higher operative mortality. Risk adjustment for operative outcomes in endocarditis may need to account for microbiological organism type.

Metabolic syndrome increases operative mortality in patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting: a retrospective observational study

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a prevalent risk factor for coronary artery disease progression. Past studies have shown that MetS and its components tends to increase mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), but data on the impact of MetS on postoperative outcome in patients with a left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) < 50% are still lacking.MethodsOut of 2300 patients who underwent CABG between 2008 and 2018 in our center, 190 patients were identified as having impaired LV systolic function (EF < 50%). The patients were divided into two groups: those with MetS (n = 87, 45.8%) and those without MetS (n = 103, 54.2%). The influence of MetS on postoperative mortality and major complications was investigated.ResultsPostoperative mortality occurred in 12.6% of patients with MetS and in 3.9% of patients without MetS (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that patients with MetS had a significantly greater risk of mortality compared with patients without MetS (relative risk 7.23, p < 0.05). After adjustment for other risk factors, the risk of mortality was increased 6.47-fold [95% confidence interval (CI):1.25–33.6; p < 0.05] in patients with MetS and diabetes and 5.4-fold (95% CI: 1.12–29.7; p < 0.05) in patients with MetS and without diabetes, whereas it was not significantly increased in patients with diabetes and without MetS.ConclusionsMetS is an important predictor of increased mortality in patients with LVEF<50% who undergo CABG. The components of MetS have synergistic effect in postoperative mortality. Multifactorial intervention in MetS is required to improve surgical efficacy in these patients.

Previous Cardiac Surgery: a Predictor of Mortality in Aortic Valve Replacement?

IntroductionPrevious cardiac surgery (PCS) is a risk factor for operative mortality in pa-tients undergoing reoperative aortic valve replacement (AVR) and may be influenced by the volume of patients in each center. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of AVR in patients with previous cardiac surgery in a low volume cardiac center (400 cases per year).MethodsBetween January 2006 and December 2016, 854 patients underwent isolated AVR surgery at our institution. Of these, 70 had PCS. Propensity match (PM) was per-formed to balance basal covariates. Operative mortality and survival were the primary outcomes.ResultsThe PCS and first-time surgery (FTS) groups had significant differences in base-line characteristics (PCS group were older, higher incidence of hypertension, endocarditis, NYHA III/IV, lower LVEF, higher creatinine and higher EuroSCORE). In the unmatched population, patients with PCS had higher operative mortality (17.1% vs. 4.6%, P=0.001). In the PM groups, this difference was not significant (12.5% and 3.6%, P=0.08). The only independent predictors for operative mortality found in the PCS group were age and fe-male gender. Age and diabetes were identified as the only independent predictors of sur-vival.ConclusionPCS was not a predictor for operative mortality nor long-term survival in pa-tients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement.