Preoperative Ejection Fraction Research Articles

#1397 Predictive factors for bioprosthetic valve stenosis and prognostic factors for survival following TAVR in hemodialysis patients with severe AS

Abstract Background and Aims Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a promising option for the treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis (AS) in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Although the incidence of bioprosthetic valve deterioration (SVD) after TAVR has been reported to be lower than after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), hemodialysis itself is still associated with a high risk of SVD. Until now, the factors that determine the prognosis of TAVR in hemodialysis patients were unknown. We previously reported that preoperative hypomagnesemia was correlated with an increase in postoperative mean aortic valve pressure gradient (MPG), an index of bioprosthetic valve stenosis as one of the indicators of SVD, in hemodialysis patients (Ren Fail. 2022 Dec;44(1):1083-1089). However, the study had a limited sample size of 24 cases, which raised concerns about statistical power. Therefore, we re-evaluate predictors of SVD and life expectancy in a larger number of post-TAVR hemodialysis patients. Methods From April 2012 to November 2021, all 100 hemodialysis patients treated with TAVR at Osaka University Hospital were included in the analysis. Pre- and post-operative demographic and laboratory data were analyzed by linear mixed-effects model and cox proportional hazards model. Results During the follow-up period (maximum 7 years), 4 out of 100 patients required re-TAVR (valve-in-valve) due to valve stenosis. The MPG increased over time with the lower preoperative serum Mg concentration (linear mixed-effects mode; +1.40 mmHg/year per 1mg/dl lower in Mg, p=0.006). However, serum calcium, phosphate, and intact PTH levels had no significant effect on the increase in MPG. In addition, a higher preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was associated with a lower risk of death in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model (hazard ratio [HR] 0.97 per 1% increase in LVEF; P=0.02). Conclusions Consistent with our previous report, preoperative hypomagnesemia was associated with increased MPG after TAVR. In addition, preoperative low cardiac function (LVEF<40%) may be a risk factor for postoperative mortality in dialysis patients. This was a single-center observational study, and the number of patients was still small, so our data may not be necessarily applicable to every patient. Further research is needed to identify a prognostic predictor of SVD and mortality, that will lead to the prevention of adverse outcomes in hemodialysis patients.

Evaluation of the Patients with Recurrent Angina After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the most common causes of recurrent angina after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and our treatment approaches applied in these patients. We included all patients who underwent CABG, with or without percutaneous coronary intervention after CABG, at our hospital from September 2013 to December 2019. Patients were divided into two groups according to the time of onset of anginal pain after CABG. Forty-five patients (58.16 ± 8.78 years) had recurrent angina in the first postoperative year after CABG and were specified as group I (early recurrence). Group II (late recurrence) comprised 82 patients (58.05 ± 8.95 years) with angina after the first year of CABG. The mean preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction was 53.22 ± 8.87% in group I, and 54.7 ± 8.58% in group II (P=0.38). No significant difference was registered between groups I and II regarding preoperative angiographic findings (P>0.05). Failed grafts were found in 27.7% (n=28/101) of the grafts in group I as compared to 26.8% (n=51/190) in group II (P>0.05). Twenty-four (53.3%) patients were treated medically in group I, compared with 54 (65.8%) patients in group II (P=0.098). There was a need for intervention in 46.6% (n=21) of group I patients, and in 34.1% (n=28) of group II patients. Recurrent angina is a complaint that should not be neglected because most of the patients with recurrent angina are diagnosed with either native coronary or graft pathology in coronary angiography performed.

Improvement in Left Ventricular Function of the Resected Myocardium after Septal Myectomy in Patients with Aortic Valve Replacement

Background: Some surgeons have previously advocated for a more aggressive concomitant septal myectomy to address left ventricular outflow tract obstruction; however, concerns about the surgical complications of post-septal myectomy remain. Here, we aimed to assess the clinical, echocardiographic, and pathological findings following concomitant septal myectomy with surgical aortic valve replacement. Methods: We reviewed 21 patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement and concomitant septal myectomy from April 2014 to September 2019. The global and regional left ventricular ejection fraction changes between the perioperative periods were analyzed using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. The resected myocardium was pathologically assessed. Results: No operative mortality was observed during the study period. Transthoracic echocardiography showed no significant differences in preoperative and postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (68.1 ± 9.9% vs. 68.6 ± 6.0%, p = 0.82) or interventricular septum thickness (11.9 ± 1.4 mm vs. 11.5 ± 1.5 mm, p = 0.23). Interventricular septum thickness at the end-systolic phase, which is the maximum septal wall thickness, was significantly reduced postoperatively (27.7 ± 9.3 mm vs. 22.6 ± 5.5 mm, p < 0.05). The basal, mid, and apical septal areas improved with septal myectomy by 80%, 230%, and 27%, respectively, compared to perioperative echocardiography (basal septal, 80 ± 23%; mid septal, 230 ± 830%; apical septal, 27 ± 350%). Pathological examination of the resected myocardium revealed marked endocardial thickness (mean, 914 µm) with focal fibrosis. Conclusions: In aortic valve stenosis patients with septal hypertrophy, concomitant septal myectomy with surgical aortic valve replacement improved regional myocardial function and eliminated left ventricular outflow tract obstruction by removing thickened endocardium and prominent fibrosis.

Extracorporeal life support after surgical repair for acute type a aortic dissection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in patients after surgical repair for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) has not been well documented. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the outcomes of ECLS after surgery for ATAAD with data published by October 2023 in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) and the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guidelines. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023479955). Twelve observational studies met our eligibility criteria, including 280 patients. Mean age was 55.0 years and women represented 25.3% of the overall population. Although the mean preoperative left ventricle ejection fraction was 59.8%, 60.8% of patients developed left ventricle failure and 34.0% developed biventricular failure. Coronary involvement and malperfusion were found in 37.1% and 25.6%, respectively. Concomitant coronary bypass surgery was performed in 38.5% of patients. Regarding ECLS, retrograde flow (femoral) was present in 39.9% and central cannulation was present in 35.4%. In-hospital mortality was 62.8% and pooled estimate of successful weaning was 50.8%. Neurological complications, bleeding and renal failure were found in 25.9%, 38.7%, and 65.5%, respectively. ECLS after surgical repair for ATAAD remains associated with high rates of in-hospital death and complications, but it still represents a chance of survival in critical situations. ECLS remains a salvage attempt and surgeons should not try to avoid ECLS at all costs after repairing an ATAAD case.

Risk Factors for Delayed Atrioventricular Block after Aortic Valve Surgery: A Retrospective Study

Objective: This study aimed to examine the potential factors that contribute to the occurrence of delayed high-grade atrioventricular block (DHAVB) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 115 patients who underwent TAVR at Jiaozhou Central Hospital of Qingdao Hospital between January 2018, and June 2023. A follow-up period of 30 days post-operation was observed for all patients. The patients were categorized into two groups on the basis of the occurrence of DHAVB: DHAVB group (n = 35) and control group (n = 80). The general clinical data preoperative and postoperative heart disease characteristics of the groups were compared. The risk factors associated with DHAVB after TAVR were analyzed. Results: The mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) level of the DHAVB group significantly increased compared with that of the control group, whereas the heart rate (HR) level significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The average preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly lower in the DHAVB group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The control group exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of preoperative QRS wave broadening, severe calcification of the aortic valve, and right bundle branch block than the control group (p < 0.05). Spearman's correlation and logistic regression analyses identified increased SBP, decreased HR, diminished LVEF, the presence of preoperative and postoperative right bundle branch block, and thickened interventricular septum were as risk factors for DHAVB in patients undergoing TAVR (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Close surveillance of blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac function is recommended for individuals undergoing TAVR. Pre-operative and post-operative electrocardiography and echocardiography are valuable tools in identifying potential risk factors for DHAVB, offering a solid foundation for effective patient prognostic management.

(958) - Impact of Preoperative Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction on Outcomes After Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

(958) - Impact of Preoperative Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction on Outcomes After Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

EARLY OUTCOME OF LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION AFTER CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS SURGERY: A SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE

Patients with ischemic heart disease and low ejection fraction often exhibit improved outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Our study aimed to assess the impact of CABG on left ventricular (LV) systolic function and identify predictors of adverse postoperative outcomes. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study involving 110 CABG patients with a mean age of 56.1 ± 12.2 years and preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) below 50%. Patients were categorized into two groups: group I (n=76, LVEF > 35%) and group II (n=34, LVEF < 35%). In group II, there was a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) (p = 0.05) and Euro SCORE II compared to group I (p < 0.001). However, other clinical predictors showed no significant difference between the two groups. Both groups exhibited a significant improvement in LVEF post-surgery (p = 0.05), with comparable in-hospital mortality rates recorded. The study identified DM, significant diastolic dysfunction, and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) insertion as predictors of in-hospital mortality (p = 0.001, 0.03, and < 0.001, respectively). These findings suggest a noticeable enhancement in LV systolic function post-CABG, contributing to improved survival rates. However, patients with DM, significant diastolic dysfunction, and those requiring IABP insertion during the perioperative period are at higher risk of mortality. Therefore, targeted attention and specialized care are essential for optimizing outcomes in these high-risk patients.

Unraveling the Predictors for Delirium and ICU Stay Duration in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting-A Multicentric Analysis.

Objective: This study assesses predictors for postoperative delirium (POD) and ICU stay durations in HFrEF patients undergoing CABG, focusing on ONCAB versus OPCAB surgical methods. Summary Background Data: In cardiac surgery, especially CABG, POD significantly impacts patient recovery and healthcare resource utilization. With varying incidences based on surgical techniques, this study provides an in-depth analysis of POD in the context of HFrEF patients, a group particularly susceptible to this complication. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 572 patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery with a preoperative ejection fraction under 40% was conducted at four German university hospitals. Patients were categorized into ONCAB and OPCAB groups for comparative analysis. Results: Age and Euro Score II were significant predictors of POD. The ONCAB group showed higher incidences of re-sternotomy (OR: 3.37), ECLS requirement (OR: 2.29), and AKI (OR: 1.49), whereas OPCAB was associated with a lower incidence of delirium. Statistical analysis indicated a significant difference in ICU stay durations between the two groups, influenced by surgical complexity and postoperative complications. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of surgical technique in determining postoperative outcomes in HFrEF patients undergoing CABG. OPCAB may offer advantages in reducing POD incidence. These findings suggest the need for tailored surgical decisions and comprehensive care strategies to enhance patient recovery and optimize healthcare resources.

Tricuspid repair: short and long-term results of suture annuloplasty techniques and rigid and flexible ring annuloplasty techniques

BackgroundFunctional tricuspid regurgitation may arise from left heart valve diseases or other factors. If not addressed concurrently with primary surgical intervention, it may contribute to increased morbidity and mortality rates during the postoperative period. This study investigates the impact of various repair techniques on crucial factors such as systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), tricuspid valve regurgitation, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional capacity class in the postoperative period.Materials and methodsFrom April 2007 to June 2013, 379 adults underwent open-heart surgery for functional tricuspid regurgitation. Patients were categorized into four groups: Group 1 (156) with De Vega suture annuloplasty, Group 2 (60) with Kay suture annuloplasty, Group 3 (122) with Flexible Duran ring annuloplasty, and Group 4 (41) with Semi-Rigid Carpentier-Edwards ring annuloplasty. Demographic, clinical, operative, and postoperative data were recorded over a mean follow-up of 35.6 ± 19.1 months. Postoperative SPAP values, tricuspid regurgitation grades, and NYHA functional capacity classes were compared among the groups.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were observed among the groups regarding age, gender, preoperative disease diagnoses, history of previous cardiac operations, or echocardiographic characteristics such as preoperative ejection fraction, SPAP, and tricuspid regurgitation. Hospital and intensive care unit length of stay and postoperative complications also showed no significant differences. However, patients in Group 3 exhibited longer Cardio-Pulmonary Bypass duration, cross-clamp duration, and higher positive inotrope requirements. While the mortality rate within the first 30 days was higher in Group 1 compared to the other groups (p: 0.011), overall mortality rates did not significantly differ among the groups. Significant regression in functional tricuspid regurgitation and a notable decrease in SPAP values were observed in patients from Group 3 and Group 4 (p: 0.001). Additionally, patients in Group 3 and Group 4 showed a more significant reduction in NYHA functional capacity classification during the postoperative period (p: 0.001).ConclusionAmong the repair techniques, ring annuloplasty demonstrated superiority in reducing SPAP, regressing tricuspid regurgitation, and improving NYHA functional capacity in functional tricuspid regurgitation repairs.

Mortality in patients with normal left ventricular function requiring emergency VA-ECMO for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock due to coronary malperfusion.

To analyze outcomes in patients with normal preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) undergoing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) therapy due to postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS) related to coronary malperfusion. Retrospective single-center analysis in patients with normal preoperative LVEF treated with VA-ECMO for coronary malperfusion-related PCCS between May 1998 and May 2018. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality, which was compared using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of mortality. During the study period, a total of 62,125 patients underwent cardiac surgery at our institution. Amongst them, 59 patients (0.1%) with normal preoperative LVEF required VA-ECMO support due to coronary malperfusion-related PCCS. The mean duration of VA-ECMO support was 6 days (interquartile range 4-7 days). The 30-day mortality was 50.8%. Under VA-ECMO therapy, a complication composite outcome of bleeding, re-exploration for bleeding, acute renal failure, acute liver failure, and sepsis occurred in 51 (86.4%) patients. Independent predictors of 30-day mortality were lactate levels > 9.9 mmol/l before VA-ECMO implantation (odds ratio [OR]: 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-7.0; p = 0.002), delay until revascularization > 278 minutes (OR: 2.9; 95% CI 1.3-6.4; p = 0.008) and peripheral arterial artery disease (OR: 3.3; 95% 1.6-7.5; p = 0.001). Mortality rates are high in patients with normal preoperative LVEF who develop PCCS due to coronary malperfusion. The early implantation of VA-ECMO before the development of profound tissue hypoxia and early coronary revascularization increases the likelihood of survival. Lactate levels are useful to define optimal timing for the VA-ECMO initiation.

(204) Reliability of a Recalled IIEF-5 Score Collected 3 Months Post-Operatively in Assessing Pre-Operative Erectile Function in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy

Abstract Introduction Erectile function (EF) is a major concern for the patients after radical prostatectomy (RP). The precise evaluation of EF before RP is one of the crucial prognostic factors for its recovery after surgery. Due mainly to time constraints, most urologists routinely just ask vaguely a question about EF before surgery. Also, most patients need firstly to have a clear view of their oncologic status and no incontinence before visiting a sexual medicine specialist, usually after three months. So, three months after surgery, are they reliable to report their pre-operative EF? In the literature, there are evaluations one month or six months after surgery with mixed results concerning the reliability, but there is no evaluation of the recalled EF three months after RP. Objective To examine if the recalled pre-operative EF three months after surgery is in agreement with the real-time pre-operative EF collected just before surgery. Methods We recruited consecutive patients who underwent RP and consequently visited our Sexual Rehabilitation after RP Clinic. All patients completed the IIEF-5 questionnaire (the real-time IIEF-5 score), the day before the operation. Three months after RP, they were also asked to recall their preoperative baseline erectile function, completing a second IIEF-5 score (the recalled IIEF-5 score). In both questionnaires, the target period was the last 6 months before surgery. We excluded from the study patients with major psychiatric disorders and drug or alcohol abuse. The collection of the real-time and the recalled IIEF-5 score was conducted from two different investigators. Concerning the severity of erectile dysfunction, patients were divided into five categories according to their IIEF-5 scores: severe (1–7), moderate (8–11), mild to moderate (12–16), mild (17–21), and no ED (22–25). An interrator agreement analysis in distribution was performed using the kappa statistic to determine the degree of agreement between the IIEF-5 scores. Results We collected data from 55 men. The mean (± standard deviation) age and PSA was 67.5 (± 5.8) years and 9.96 (± 7.24) ng/ml. The real-time pre-operative IIEF-5 mean score and the recalled pre-operative IIEF-5 mean score and standard deviation (three months after the operation) was 17.8 (± 6.3). Concerning the different categories of erectile dysfunction, most patients (60%) were classified to no or mild erectile dysfunction for the real-time IIEF-5 score and similar percentage of patients (61.8%) were classified for no or mild erectile dysfunction for the recalled IIEF-5 score. The correlation of real-time and recalled IIEF-5 score was high, as the Pearson correlation co-efficient was 0.885 (p<0.001). Similar correlations were noted in the different questions of IIEF-5, too. The scatterplot created for the real-time IIEF-5 score and the recalled IIEF-5 score depicts nicely the correlation (Figure 1). In addition, the agreement between the categories of erectile dysfunction severity between the two different IIEF-5 questionnaires was substantial (kappa=0.613, p<0.001), as shown vividly in Table 1. Conclusions Patients reliably report their pre-operative EF even three months after radical prostatectomy. This finding may make clinicians use the IIEF-5 questionnaire to evaluate the EF before surgery and therefore, guide treatment appropriately. Disclosure No.

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.

Sex-Specific Prognosis of Left Ventricular Size and Function Following Repair of Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation

BackgroundPrior studies have demonstrated worse long-term outcomes for women after surgery for severe mitral regurgitation (MR). The current Class I indications for surgery for severe degenerative MR use cutoffs of left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) that do not account for known sex-related differences. ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to assess long-term mortality following mitral valve repair in women compared with men on the basis of preoperative left ventricular systolic dimensions and EF. MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent isolated mitral valve repair for degenerative MR at a single institution between 1994 and 2016 were screened. Adjusted HRs for all-cause mortality were compared according to baseline LVESD, LVESD indexed to body surface area (LVESDi), and EF for men and women. ResultsAmong 4,589 patients, 1,825 were women (40%), and after a median follow-up period of 7.2 years, 344 patients (7.5%) had died. The risk for mortality for women increased from the baseline hazard at an LVESD of 3.6 cm, whereas an inflection point for increased risk with LVESD was not evident in men. Regarding LVESDi, the risk for women increased at 1.8 cm/m2 compared with 2.1 cm/m2 in men. For EF, women and men had a similar inflection point (58%); however, mortality was higher for women as EF decreased. ConclusionsAfter mitral valve repair, women have a higher risk for all-cause mortality at lower LVESD and LVESDi and higher EF. These results support consideration of sex-specific thresholds for LVESDi in surgical decision making for patients with severe MR.

Rates and Predictors of Structural Valve Degeneration and Failure of Trifecta Bioprosthetic Valve Over a 5-year Follow-up Period: A Single-center Experience

Abstract Introduction: The Trifecta bioprosthetic valve has been commonly used for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Multiple studies have been done to define the rate of structural valve degeneration (SVD) and failure (SVF), but the outcomes are still debatable. Therefore, we aim to conduct this single-center study to estimate the rate and predictors of SVD/SVF. Methodology: This retrospective observational cohort single-center study was conducted between 2014 and 2019 among Trifecta SAVR patients. Data were patient’s characteristics collected from electronic medical records at baseline and follow-up (3–5 years). Statistical analysis was performed with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 271 eligible patients were identified. Most of our sample were males (57.9%), with a mean age of 71.1 ± 10.6 years. The mean baseline preoperative ejection fraction (EF) was 53.0%, with no change (P = 0.88) in the immediate postoperative EF (53.6%). A most recent follow-up EF revealed a significant increase of EF (55.2%), P = 0.01. Furthermore, there was a significant increase from peak velocity to PVMRE (mean difference [MD] ± standard error of mean (SEM) [0.15 ± 0.04], P &lt; 0.01), an increase in pressure gradient (PGIPE) to PGMRE (MD ± SEM [1.70 ± 0.49], P &lt; 0.01), and a decrease in Doppler velocity index (DVIIPE) to DVIMRE (MD ± SEM [−0.037 ± 0.01], P = 0.01). Regarding the SVF rate, 13 (4.8%) patients had failed valves requiring replacement throughout the study period. Conclusions: Over a 5-year follow-up period, 4.8% had SVF with an SVD of 23.2%, with the majority of SVD not being clinically significant except in six patients. These results corroborate with a previously published study suggesting a bad clinical outcome of Trifecta valve placement.

Severe Refractory Vasoplegic Shock Syndrome after OPCABG Successfully Treated with Hydroxycobalamin: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Vasoplegic shock syndrome (VSS) after an off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCABG) is an extremely rare condition. Inotropic support is usually the first-line therapy, though it can precipitate several complications or be ineffective. We report the first case of severe refractory VSS after OPCABG successfully treated with hydroxycobalamin. A 77-year-old gentleman underwent OPCABG for three vessels coronary artery disease. Preoperative LV ejection fraction was 28%, and the patient before surgery started sacubitril/valsartan titrated, then, at the highest dose. Surgery was uneventful and, by the end of the procedure, TEE showed improved biventricular contractility. The patient was transferred to the ICU without inotropic support, but soon developed hypotension. TEE ruled out pericardial tamponade and confirmed fair contractility. Norepinephrine was titrated to a medium-high dose, vasopressin was started and a Swan-Ganz catheter was placed. SVR was 480 dyn·s·cm-5. Despite aggressive pharmacologic treatment (including methylprednisolone and methylene blue), no improvements were noticed. Ten grams of hydroxycobalamin were administered. One hour later, hemodynamic status re-assessment showed SVR > 800 dyn·s·cm-5. Afterward, vasopressors were gradually reduced. Our case demonstrated the importance of adequate early treatment in VSS after OPCABG. This case report shows, for the first time, that hydroxycobalamin was effectively used to restore homeostasis.

Association of cardiopulmonary bypass with acute kidney injury in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: a retrospective cohort study.

Association of cardiopulmonary bypass with acute kidney injury in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: a retrospective cohort study.

Outcomes of coronary artery bypass surgery using modified del Nido cardioplegia in patients with poor ventricular function

Backgrounddel Nido cardioplegia (DN) has been shown to be safe in adult patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting with normal left ventricular ejection fraction. We sought to determine whether it was also safe in adult patients with diminished left ventricular function.MethodsAll patients with preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 40% undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting between 1/1/2019 and 7/10/2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Off-pump and beating heart cases were excluded. Patients were divided by surgeon preference between conventional cardioplegia (CCP) and DN. Baseline and intraoperative characteristics and short-term postoperative outcomes were compared.ResultsSix surgeons performed 829 isolated coronary artery bypass operations during the study. Two-hundred seventy-two met study criteria. Three surgeons used exclusively CCP for the duration of the study, two used exclusively DN and one switched from CCP to DN mid-way through. Group totals were: CCP n = 181 and DN n = 91. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics including mean left ventricular ejection fraction (CCP 32.5 ± 7.4% vs. DN 33.4 ± 7.29%, p = 0.939). Other than a significant decrease in bypass time for DN (113.20 ± 37.2 vs. 122.43 ± 34.3 min, p = 0.043) there were no intergroup differences in urgency, number of grafts, ischemic time or incidence of blood transfusion. Postoperative outcomes between CCP and DN were similar including incidence of atrial fibrillation (12.2% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.403), intensive care length of stay (3.7 ± 2.3 vs. 4.3 ± 3.7 days, p = 0.886), total length of stay (5.7 ± 3.7 vs. 6.3 ± 4.4 days, p = 0.922) and 30-day mortality (3.85% vs. 1.10%, p = 0.205).ConclusionCompared to conventional cardioplegia, del Nido cardioplegia provides equivalent short-term outcomes in patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting.

Comparison of the effect of surgical versus transcatheter aortic valve replacement on the development of postoperative acute kidney injury.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) frequently occurs after cardiac surgery. Recently, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), a less invasive option for aortic stenosis (AS), has been increasingly performed, particularly in elderly patients. We retrospectively investigated and compared the incidence and risk factors of postoperative AKI in patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and TAVI. This was a retrospective single-center study. Seven days postoperatively, data were obtained from medical records. Patients were classified into SAVR and TAVI groups based on age, according to the policy of the Japanese Circulation Society. A total of 155 patients underwent surgery for AS between January 2020 and December 2021. Variables included age, sex, risk score, preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction, hypertension, and renal dysfunction. AKI was defined in accordance with the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. A total of 33 SAVR and 79 TAVI procedures were included in this study. The incidences of AKI in the SAVR and TAVI groups were 45.5% and 43.0%, respectively. No significant differences existed between the two groups. Weight (p = 0.0392) and pre-renal dysfunction (p = 0.0308) affected the incidence of AKI in the SAVR group, whereas no such variables were identified in the TAVI group. Within the current age-based treatment selection criteria for AS, no significant difference in the incidence of AKI was observed between the two procedures.Although preoperative renal function may be associated with postoperative AKI, further studies are required to select the optimal surgical procedure for patients with renal dysfunction.

Multi-dimensional evaluation in patients with aortic stenosis who are candidates for cardiac surgery

Abstract Introduction In patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), the presence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction is one of the main predictors of adverse events after valve replacement surgery (SAVR). However, more and more patients are being referred for surgery early on and have preserved systolic function at the time of surgery. Within this category, global longitudinal strain (GLS) has been proposed as a marker of ventricular remodeling after cardiac surgery. Objectives Our study aims to identify the variation of GLS in patients undergoing SAVR and any differences compared to classes of diastolic dysfunction. Materials and methods From June 2020 to October 2022, we analyzed 100 patients with AS with an indication for cardiac surgery treatment admitted to the cardiac surgery department of our AOU. All patients underwent an echocardiogram immediately before surgery and in the early postoperative period (mean 7 days); 52 of them were enrolled for follow-up and repeated an echocardiogram at least 3 months after surgery. In all cases, the GLS of the left ventricle was calculated and patients were divided into four classes by the degree of diastolic dysfunction (0-III) according to the most recent international guidelines; moreover, patients were divided into 2 groups: group A for grades 0-1 of diastolic dysfunction and Group B for grades 2-3. The data were analyzed with SPSS 28 software. Analysis of variance was performed with a t-test and ANOVA test. Results In the final analysis, 100 patients with AS were included, with a mean age of 70.8±8.27, of whom 43 were women (43%) and 57 were men (57%). In 20 patients (20%) ischaemic heart disease with an indication for coronary revascularization was also present. The mean preoperative ejection fraction was 58.98±9.5%. The mean GLS values before surgery were 15.13±4.56% with a reduction immediately post-cardiac surgery of 12.26±3.67%, p&amp;lt;0.0001. GLS values were comparable within the various classes of diastolic dysfunction at preoperative examination (p=0.579) and immediately postoperative (p=0.286). At follow-up, analysis was repeated for 52 patients: an improvement in mean GLS was found: 16.09±3.64%, p&amp;lt;0.0001. The mean GLS in the two groups at follow-up was statistically different: 17.38±3.35% in group A vs 13.44±3.63% in group B, p&amp;lt;0.0001. Conclusions In our case series, patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing SAVR show a significant early reduction in GLS regardless of the degree of diastolic dysfunction, while after at least 3 months of follow-up, they show a great recovery, significantly better in patients with Grades 0 or 1 diastolic dysfunction.GLS at the 3 times

Comparison of flowmeter (transit time flow measurement) values for graft flow in three different surgical methods for isolated coronary artery bypass surgery.

Graft patency is the most important factor in coronary artery bypass surgery. This study aimed to compare the relationship between three different surgical methods and transit time flow measurement (TTFM), which is used to detect technical problems in anastomoses performed during coronary artery bypass graft operations and to correct them if necessary. A total of 110 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass surgery were analysed. Of these patients, 48 were operated on by inducing cardiopulmonary arrest (group 1), 33 were operated on without inducing cardiac arrest (group 2) during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, and 29 underwent surgery on the off-pump beating heart (group 3). TTFMs were performed on all the patients' grafts. Additional surgical intervention requirements, the need for intra-operative and postoperative inotropic support, and all postoperative follow-up data were compared. In total, 110 patients were measured for 301 grafts. Due to insufficient measurements performed on these patients, additional surgical intervention was performed on five grafts in group 1, five grafts in group 2, and seven grafts in group 3. These interventions enabled a normal flow rate to be achieved. The number of grafts that required revision was highest in group 3. There was no difference between the groups in terms of demographic data, EuroSCORE II, preoperative ejection fraction, postoperative complications and mortality rate. TTFM is important for detecting technical problems in grafts. We believe that all surgical methods can be applied more safely by controlling graft flow.