Preoperative Pulmonary Artery Pressure Research Articles

Late tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular remodeling after tricuspid annuloplasty.

The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the influence of preoperative right ventricular (RV) and tricuspid valve (TV) remodeling on the fate of tricuspid annuloplasty (TA) and right ventricle. From May 2009 to December 2015, 423 patients who had undergone TA for functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) were included in the study. Residual and recurrent TR were defined as moderate or more TR at discharge and follow-up, respectively. RV remodeling was defined as RV dysfunction and/or dilation. Residual TR after TA was recorded in 54 patients (13%). Five-year freedom from TR recurrence was 81% ± 3% in patients without residual TR and 41 ± 8 in patients with residual TR (P < .001). In patients without residual TR, the following risk factors for recurrent TR and late RV remodeling were identified: preoperative systolic pulmonary artery pressure, preoperative RV remodeling, severe preoperative TR or less than severe TR but with TV apparatus remodeling, and etiology of mitral regurgitation. Cox analysis with time-dependent variables confirmed TR recurrence (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.1) and late RV remodeling (HR: 6.5) as risk factors for lower survival. No protective effect of either flexible band or rigid ring TA compared with DeVega procedure was found. Similarly, preoperative atrial fibrillation and pacemaker dependency, late failure of mitral valve surgery did not affect the fate of TR. Prophylactic TA should be encouraged among surgeons. TA at the time of left-sided valve surgery should take into consideration not only annular size, but also tethering severity and RV remodeling.

The Effect of Perioperative Administration of Treprostinil in Infants with Non-restrictive Ventricular Septal Defect and Severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

This study investigated the efficacy and safety of intravenous treprostinil during the perioperative period in infants with non-restrictive ventricular septal defect (VSD) and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) undergoing surgical VSD repair. This was a retrospective study. There were 79 infants with non-restrictive VSD and severe PAH receiving surgical treatment from January to December 2019 in our cardiac center. The patients were divided into the treprostinil group and control group according to whether intravenous treprostinil was used during the perioperative period. There were no significant differences in the preoperative characteristics, including age, sex, weight, ventricular size, or preoperative pulmonary artery pressure, between the two groups. Although the pulmonary artery pressure in both groups was significantly lower postoperatively than preoperatively, the postoperative pulmonary artery systolic pressure was significantly lower in group T than in group C. The postoperative mechanical ventilation time, ICU stay, and hospital stay in group T were shorter than those in group C. Treprostinil can be used effectively and safely to reduce the perioperative pulmonary artery pressure in infants with non-restrictive VSD and severe PAH undergoing surgical VSD repair.

Edge-to-Edge Mitral Repair Associated With Septal Myectomy in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy

To assess the long-term clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of the edge-to-edge mitral repair added to septal myectomy in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. This is a single-center study of 26 patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (septal thickness 17 ± 3 mm, resting left ventricular outflow tract gradient 63 ± 20 mm Hg, MR ≥ 2+/4+) who underwent an EE mitral procedure combined with ventricular septal myectomy. The EE procedure was used to treat MR due to systolic anterior motion in 19 patients (73%) and to posterior leaflet prolapse/flail in 7 (27%). Hospital mortality was 4%. Follow-up was 100% complete (median 6.5 years; interquartile range, 2.7 to 9). Freedom from cardiac death was 88% ± 8.4% at 8 years. The 8-year cumulative incidence function of reoperation with death as competing risk was 7.7% ± 5.2%. At 8 years, the cumulative incidence function of recurrence of MR 3+ or greater with death as competing risk was 7.9% ± 5.3%. Residual MR at discharge (hazard ratio 8.3; 95% confidence interval, 2.1 to 32.6; P= .002) and preoperative systolic pulmonary artery pressure (hazard ratio 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 1.1; P= .005) were identified as predictors of MR recurrence. At the last follow-up, 92% of patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I-II, and 72% were in sinus rhythm. The last echocardiographic follow-up showed a median resting left ventricular outflow tract gradient of 9 mm Hg (interquartile range, 7 to 12; P < .001 vs preoperative). In hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy patients, when septal thickness was considered inadequate to allow a safe and effective myectomy, the edge-to-edge technique provided a simple, quick, and effective solution by abolishing at the same time residual gradient and systolic anterior motion-related MR. Organic mitral valve lesions such as prolapse and flail could be addressed as well, whenever indicated. Satisfactory clinical and echocardiographic results were maintained at long-term follow-up.

Operative Results of Mitral Valve Repair and Replacement in Chronic Ischaemic Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Ischaemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) carries significant morbidity and mortality. Surgical management includes coronary artery bypass surgery alone or concomitant with mitral valve repair or replacement. There is ongoing debate regarding the appropriate approach to the mitral valve in relation to long-term outcomes. This review examines our early and late follow-up, with operative and echocardiographic outcomes for mitral valve repair and mitral replacement for chronic IMR. A retrospective review was performed on prospectively collected data of 119 consecutive patients who either underwent mitral repair (n=101) or mitral replacement (n=18) for chronic IMR at Prince Henry and The Prince of Wales hospitals in Sydney between 1999-2016. All patients had pre and postoperative transthoracic echocardiograms. Follow-up echocardiographic data was obtained from the most recent clinical appointment. Follow-up mortality outcomes were obtained with ethics approval from the Australian National Death Index (NDI). There was no statistical difference between cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, cross-clamp time, time spent in intensive care unit (ICU) and time to discharge between cohorts. The replacement cohort was noted to have higher preoperative pulmonary artery (PA) pressures and a higher severity of IMR. Seven (7) deaths were in the mitral valve (MV) repair group within 30 days (6.9%) and three deaths in the MV replacement group within 30 days (16.7%). Echocardiographic follow-up was complete in 78% of the MV repair cohort at an average of 4.06±2.66 years, and 73% complete in the MV replacement cohort at an average of 6.09±4.3 years. Three (3) patients had prior MV repair before MV replacement early at days zero and 17, and late at 8 years respectively. Follow-up echocardiography showed mitral regurgitation (MR) in the mitral valve repair cohort as ≤ mild in 83.5% and ≤ trivial in 35.6%. In the MV replacement cohort MR ≤ mild in 100% and ≤ trivial in 82% with no moderate or severe MR. Preoperative tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and a flexible annuloplasty were predictive of an MR grade > mild in the repair cohort at discharge. Five-year (5-year) survival for the repair cohort was 85% with a mean follow-up time of 7.1±3.83 years. For the replacement cohort, five-year survival was 77.8% with a mean follow-up time of 5.35±1.54 years. Mitral valve repair and replacement for chronic IMR has acceptable mortality, reintervention rates and excellent postoperative echocardiographic degrees of IMR in this cohort. Further evaluation is required into quality of life post intervention for IMR and of preoperative predictive factors of significant MR postoperatively to help guide the appropriate choice of treatment. The presence of preoperative tricuspid regurgitation of moderate grade or higher, and the use of a flexible annuloplasty may indicate patients more likely to have a higher grade of MR at follow-up following mitral valve repair in patients with IMR.

P37 Long-term outcomes of patients at risks for Fontan operation: role of temporary fenestration

Abstract Purpose Whereas fenestration at Fontan operation was reported to be effective for smooth initiation to Fontan circulation, subsequently developed aortopulmonary collateral arteries under the presence of remaining hypoxia were a matter of concern.So as our institutional policy, it is closed as much and early as possible (temporary fenestration). This study aimed to reveal long-term outcomes for patients at riskswho underwent Fontan operation with temporary fenestration. Methods Of 107 patients undergoing Fontan operation from 1995 to 2004, 79 patients (73.8%) were free from any risks (NR group) and 28 patients (26.2%) had risks for Fontan operation (R group). Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, heterotaxy syndrome with obstructive total anomalous of pulmonary venous connection, and individual cases with high preoperative pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), systemic ventricular end diastolic pressure (SVEDP) or low ejection fraction (SVEF) were defined as a risk for Fontan completion.Age at Fontan operation was older in R group (6.6 vs 2.3years-old, p = 0.0004). Preoperative PAP (12.8 vs 11.3mmHg, p = 0.03) and SVEDP (8.8 vs 7.1mmHg, p = 0.02) were higher and SVEF (53.7 vs 60.0%, p = 0.002) was lower in R group. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was not different. Fenestration was created in all patients in R group, then it was closed at the mean duration of 2.9 years after Fontan operation. Results Freedom from death or protein-losing enteropathy rate at 5, 10, and 15 years after Fontan operation were 97, 96, and 93% in NR group and 96, 93, and 86% in R group (log-rank: p = 0.20). Fifty-one patients (64.6%) in NR group and 17 patients (60.7%) in R group underwent serial catheter examinations at 5, 10, and 15 years after Fontan operation and exercise capacity testing at 15 years after Fontan operation (Figure). In R group, arterial oxygen saturation was lower and PVR was higher even after close of fenestration (Figure). In addition, 12 patients (71%) in R group developed significant veno-venous collaterals, which were defined by more than 3mm in diameter of collateral veins or a condition where pulmonary veins were contrasted in venography. On the contrary, cardiac index (CI), SVEDP, and PAP were not different and no significant difference on peak oxygen uptake and anaerobic threshold were observed between in 2 groups. Conclusions Although the mild cyanosis remained due to the development of veno-venous collaterals after the closure of temporary fenestration, CI, SVEDP and PAP well maintained in patients at risk for Fontan operation. These results might to lead acceptable life prognosis and freedom fromprotein-losing enteropathy rate for patients at risk for Fontan operation. Abstract P37 Figure

Clinical and Operative Determinants of Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery

Introduction: Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Objectives: We aimed to identify potentially modifiable risk factors for CSA-AKI. Methods: This was asingle-center retrospective cohort study of 495 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. AKI was diagnosed and staged using full KDIGO criteria incorporating baseline serum creatinine (SC) levels and correction of postoperative SC levels for fluid balance. We examined the association of routinely available clinical and laboratory data with AKI using multivariate logistic regression modeling. Results: A total of 103 (20.8%) patients developed AKI: 16 (15.5%) patients were diagnosed with AKI upon hospital admission, and 87 (84.5%) patients were diagnosed with CSA-AKI. Correction of SC levels for fluid balance increased the number of AKI cases to 104 (21.0%), with 6 patients categorized to different AKI stages. Univariate logistic regression analysis identified five preoperative (age, sex, diabetes mellitus, preoperative systolic pulmonary arterial pressure [PSPAP], acute decompensated heart failure) and five intraoperative predictors of AKI (age, sex, red blood cell [RBC] volume transfused, use of minimally invasive surgery, duration of cardiopulmonary bypass). When all preoperative and intraoperative variables were incorporated into one model, six predictors remained significant (age, sex, use of minimally invasive surgery, RBC volume transfused, PSPAP, duration of cardiopulmonary bypass). Model discrimination performance showed an area under the curve of 0.69 for the model including only preoperative variables, 0.76 for the model including only intraoperative variables, and 0.77 for the model including all preoperative and intraoperative variables. Conclusions: Use of minimally invasive surgery and therapies mitigating PSPAP and intraoperative blood loss may offer protection against CSA-AKI.

An Experience on Normothermic Beating Heart Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy

Objective: To study the outcome of normothermic beating heart pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) performed in patients with chronic pulmonary thromboembolism. Methodology: A retrospective analysis of 15 patients who underwent PTE under normothermic beating heart cardio-pulmonary bypass from July 2009 to September 2018 was done. The patients were followed up with clinical assessment, transthoracic echocardiography and computerized tomographicangiography (CTA) for 1 month to 82 months. Results: Data were analysed for 15 consecutive patients. Mean age of the patients was 35.28 years and 10 patients were male. Pre-operatively 6 (40%) patients presented with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II dyspnoea on exertion symptomatology, 7 (47%) were in NHYA class III, and 2 (13%) were in NYHA class IV. The preoperative and postoperative mean pulmonary artery pressures (mPAP) (mmHg) were 36.50 ± 11.3 and 20.21 ± 7.19, the systolic PAPs (mmHg) were 73.35 ± 14.12 and 35.21 ± 7.89 and the diastolic PAPs (mmHg) were 19.28 ± 8.60 and 12.85 ± 7.26 respectively. 2 (13%) patients had Jamieson’s type I and 12 (87%) had Jamieson type II disease. One patient (7%) expired on 9th postoperative day. All the patients had improved pulmonary gas exchange and did not require oxygen supplementation from 5th postoperative day; symptoms improved to NYHA class I & II in 12 (80%) & 3 (20%) of patients respectively. There was no reperfusion pulmonary edema or any neurologic complications. Postoperative echocardiogram showed improved right ventricular function and Computerised Tomographic Angiogram showed completeness of the procedure. Conclusion: Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy under normothermic beating heart cardiopulmonary bypass has good immediate postoperative results with significant progressive improvement in hemodynamics and quality of life during the course of follow-up. The results were not only comparable to those of the procedure done under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest by other centres but also without its associated adverse events. This technique requires more expertise but gives equivalent good results in immediate and short- to mid-term follow-up with less morbidity than the standard procedure, but it requires long-term follow-up to substantiate the evidence.

Effect of Septoplasty on Cardiopulmonary Functions in the Patients With Nasal Obstruction.

In this study, the authors aimed to investigate whether septoplasty has an effect on cardiopulmonary functions in the patients with nasal obstruction. A total of 53 patients with nasal obstruction due to septum deviation were included in the study. All the patients were performed septoplasty operation. Echocardiography and spirometric analysis were performed to assess cardiopulmonary functions before and after the operation (6 months postoperatively). The same evaluation was done for the degree of nasal obstruction by visual analogue scale. The preoperative and postoperative values were compared with each other. Of the total 53 patients, 44 were males (83%) and 9 were female (17%). The mean age was 31.71 ± 9.46. The preoperative and postoperative mean right ventricular volumes were 2.0736 and 2.0906, respectively. The preoperative and postoperative mean left ventricular volumes were 4.4264 and 4.3528, respectively. The preoperative and postoperative mean cardiac septal thicknesses were 0.9642 and 0.9358, respectively. The mean value of preoperative cardiac posterior wall thicknesses was 0.8849, whereas the postoperative value was measured as 0.8340. The preoperative and postoperative mean pulmonary artery pressures were 27.8302 mmHg and 23.6415, respectively, and this was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The preoperative and postoperative mean forced vital capacities (FVC) were 4.3221 and 4.5564, respectively, and this was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The preoperative and postoperative mean 1st second forced expiratory volumes (FEV1) were 3.6698 and 3.8085, respectively, and this was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The mean value of preoperative FEV1/FVC was 84.9811, whereas postoperative mean value was measured as 83.8019 and this was statistically significant (P < 0.001). In this study, the authors observed that septoplasty has positive effect on cardiopulmonary functions in the patients with nasal obstruction due to nasal septum deviation. The authors also claim that septoplasty may be a preventive procedure for future pathologies of cardiopulmonary functions.

Sick Sinus Syndrome After the Maze Procedure Performed Concomitantly With Mitral Valve Surgery.

BackgroundTo characterize the development of sick sinus syndrome (SSS) after the additive maze procedure (MP) during mitral valve surgery.Methods and ResultsFollow‐up data (median, 3.6 years) of 750 patients with a prevalence of rheumatic cause of 57.6% were analyzed. SSS occurred in 35 patients with a time‐dependent increase: the incidence rates at 1, 2, and 4 years after surgery were 2.9%, 3.7%, and 4.3%, respectively. The additive MP showed higher risks of SSS development (hazard ratio, 7.44; 95% confidence interval, 3.45–16.05; P<0.001) and pacemaker implantation (hazard ratio, 3.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.95–6.67; P<0.001). Patients who developed SSS showed higher 4‐year rates of clinical events (death, stroke, and hospital admission) (67.5±8.5% versus 33.0±1.9%; P<0.001). After adjustment for age and preoperative peak systolic pulmonary artery pressure, the lesion extent (biatrial versus left atrial MP), not the underlying cause (rheumatic versus nonrheumatic), was independently associated with SSS development (hazard ratio, 3.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–11.86; P=0.037). The adverse effect of the biatrial MP was confirmed in patients with trivial or mild preoperative tricuspid regurgitation showing higher SSS incidence (4.6±1.4% versus 1.0±0.7%; P=0.023), not in those with moderate‐to‐severe tricuspid regurgitation (6.8±1.7% versus 3.8±3.8%; P=0.337). Recurrence of atrial fibrillation was not associated with the lesion extent of the MP.ConclusionsAfter the additive MP, the ongoing risk of SSS development should be acknowledged irrespective of the underlying cause. Considering additive risk of biatrial MP with similar atrial fibrillation recurrence rate, minimizing lesion extent is warranted.

The heart catheter table is not the operating table : Intraindividual comparison of pulmonary artery pressures

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery need extensive and invasive monitoring, which needs to be individually adapted for each patient and requires a diligent risk-benefit analysis. The use of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) seems to be justifiable in certain cases; therefore, the preoperative diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension represents an indication for perioperative monitoring with PAC in the S3 guidelines of the German Society for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI). In many cases, however, this preoperative diagnosis cannot be confirmed intraoperatively. We wanted to find out whether this is just an impression or whether there actually are significant differences between preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative pulmonary artery pressures. After obtaining ethical approval, we retrospectively compared the pulmonary pressures of cardiac surgery patients with an elevated pulmonary pressure during preoperative right heart catheterization with those obtained intraoperatively and postoperatively by means of a PAC. All patients with apreoperatively documented pulmonary artery pressure of 40mmHg or above and an intraoperative use of a PAC during a4-year period were included. Exclusion criteria were intracardiac shunts, cardiogenic shock, emergency procedures, pulmonary hypertension of non-cardiac origin and atime span of more than 1year between right heart catheterization and surgery. We included 90patients. In the whole group and in the subgroups (according to diagnosis, time elapsed between heart catheterization and operation and pulmonary pressure), there were significant differences between preoperative and intraoperative pulmonary and systemic pressures. Systemic and pulmonary artery pressures were significantly higher during preoperative catheterization than intraoperatively. The systemic systolic pressure/systolic pulmonary pressure ratio, however, remained constant. The intraoperative and postoperative systemic and pulmonary artery pressures showed no significant differences. As anormal ejection fraction does not exclude heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and as we did not have any information on this condition, we did not group the patients according to the ejection fraction. An elevated pulmonary pressure obtained preoperatively during right heart catheterization is not indicative of an elevated pulmonary pressure either intraoperatively or postoperatively. There are various explanations for the differences (e.g., different physiological and pathophysiological settings, such as sedation with potential hypercapnia versus anesthesia with vasodilation when measured; newly prescribed medication coming into effect between the right heart catheterization and surgery; intraoperative positioning). Even though the inherent risks of aPAC seem to be low, we recommend refraining from using aPAC in patients with aonce documented elevated pulmonary pressure by default. As an alternative we suggest estimating the pulmonary pressure by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as an aid to decide whether the patient will benefit from the use of aPAC. Especially if it is not possible to identify tricuspid valve regurgitation for determining the peak gradient, it is helpful to check for additional signs of pulmonary hypertension. But we also have to bear in mind that in the postoperative period only aPAC can provide continuous measurement of pulmonary pressure.

Lung volume reduction surgery in selected patients with emphysema and pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is considered a contraindication for lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS). Because, it has been reported that endobronchial lung volume reduction may have a beneficial effect without increased mortality in patients with emphysema and PH, we evaluated its effect on PH in patients undergoing LVRS. From January 2014 until June 2016, 119 LVRSs were performed at Zurich University Hospital. PH was a contraindication for patients with homogeneous emphysema but was acceptable for those with heterogeneous emphysema. Thirty patients underwent echocardiography before and after LVRS, 10 of whom had preoperative systolic pulmonary artery pressures >35 mmHg and 20 of whom had normal systolic pulmonary artery pressure. The effect of LVRS on pulmonary artery pressure, lung function and survival was analysed. Ninety-day mortality for all 30 patients was 0, and the postoperative course did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. In patients with PH, the median systolic pulmonary artery pressure decreased from 41 mmHg [interquartile range (IQR) 39-47] to 37 mmHg (IQR 36-38, P = 0.04). These patients had an improvement of forced expiratory volume in 1 s from the median 27% predicted (IQR 23-34) to 33% (IQR 28-40, P = 0.007) 3 months postoperatively. If further confirmed in other cohorts, mild to moderate PH may no longer be considered a contraindication for LVRS in patients with heterogeneous emphysema.

Pulmonary arterial resistance and compliance in preterm infants

BackgroundPreterm birth is known to be associated with an increased risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension, although how preterm birth influences pulmonary hemodynamics has not been fully understood. Pulmonary arterial resistance (Rp) and compliance (Cp) are important factors to assess the pulmonary circulation. The purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between Rp and Cp in preterm infants. MethodsWe performed cardiac catheterization in 96 infants (50 males) with ventricular septal defect, and compared pulmonary hemodynamic parameters including Rp and Cp between preterm and full-term infants. ResultsThirteen infants were preterm. There were no significant differences in sex, age, preoperative pulmonary arterial pressure, preoperative pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio, and preoperative Rp between the 2 groups. However, preoperative Cp and resistor-capacitor (RC) time in preterm infants were significantly lower than those in full-term infants (2.1 vs 2.8mL/mmHg/m2 and 0.31 vs 0.36s, respectively; p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Postoperative systolic and mean pulmonary arterial pressures were higher in preterm infants than those in full-term infants (29 vs 25mmHg and 18 vs 14mmHg, respectively; both p<0.01). It was also observed that postoperative Cp was lower in preterm infants, although postoperative Rp remained unchanged. ConclusionsWe demonstrated that preterm infants with pulmonary arterial hypertension had lower Cp than full-term infants, causing a modest increase in pulmonary arterial pressure. It is important to consider the unique pulmonary vasculature characterized by lower Cp, when managing preterm infants with congenital heart disease.

Predicting long-term mortality after Fontan procedures: A risk score based on 6707 patients from 28 studies.

Reported long-term outcome measures vary greatly between studies in Fontan patients making comprehensive appraisal of mortality hazard challenging. We sought to create a clinical risk score to assist monitoring of Fontan patients in the outpatient setting. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate risk factors for long-term (beyond the first postoperative year) mortality in Fontan patients. Studies were eligible for inclusion if ≥90 patients were included or ≥20 long-term mortalities we reported. Risk factors for long-term mortality were determined. The pooled hazard ratios were used to create components of a clinical score for long-term mortality using meta-analysis techniques. Twenty-eight studies were included. The total number of patients was 6707 with an average follow-up of 8.23 ± 5.42 years. There were 1000 deaths. Thirty-five risk factors for late mortality were identified and classified into 9 categories and their relative hazards were used to derive the initial components of a weighted, practical and clinically based Fontan risk score (ranging from 0 to 100). The final score included 8 risk factors: anatomic risk factors, elevated preoperative pulmonary artery pressure, atriopulmonary Fontan, heart failure symptoms, arrhythmia, moderate/severe ventricular dysfunction or atrioventricular valve regurgitation, protein losing enteropathy, and end organ disease (cirrhosis or renal insufficiency). In patients with Fontan circulation, the influence of readily available risk factors can be quantified in an integer score to predict long-term mortality. Prospective validation and refinement of this risk score will be undertaken.

The role of preoperative sildenafil therapy in controlling of postoperative pulmonary hypertension in children with ventricular septal defects.

Introduction: Most of the ventricular septal defects (VSD) are complicated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) which is the major cause of pulmonary hypertensive crisis and right ventricular failure. Methods: We reviewed clinical outcomes of 63 infants who underwent cardiac surgery and were divided into three groups. Control group (n=20) did not received sildenafil while group A (n = 22) received drug (0.3 mg/kg) before and after surgery. Group B (n=21) received drug at the initiation of surgery. Demographic data, preoperative and postoperative variables were compared among the patients. Results: Patients in the group A had lower preoperative pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) compared to other groups (P < 0.001). Also, patients in control group had longer cardiopulmonary bypass time (P < 0.05). Postoperative PAP in patients of group A and B decreased significantly compared to control group (P < 0.001). Also, pre- and postoperative PVR (pulmonary vascular resistance) showed a significant decrease in group A compared with control and group B (P < 0.001). The intubation time in patients of the control group was significantly more prolonged compared with patients of group A and B (P < 0.001). Moreover, the length of ICU stay was significantly longer in patients of control group compared with group A and B (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Preoperative sildenafil therapy seems to be effective and safe to prevent postoperative PAH and pulmonary hypertensive crisis in children with ventricular septal defects and has a positive impact on postoperative care.

High recurrence of atrial fibrillation in patients with high tissue atrial natriuretic peptide and amyloid levels after concomitant maze and mitral valve surgery

BackgroundHemodynamic burden is thought to play a role in valvular atrial fibrillation (AF), but the detailed pathophysiology is unclear. We hypothesized that atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) tissue levels and amyloid deposits in the left atrial appendage (LAA) were associated with the pre-operative hemodynamic status and post-operative rhythm outcome in patients undergoing a concomitant mitral valve and maze surgery. MethodsWe quantified the fibrosis, atrial amyloid deposits, ANP tissue levels, and multiple biomarker proteins (Western blot) in LAA tissues taken from 26 patients (53.8% male, 58.4±9.7 years) who underwent concomitant maze and mitral valve surgery. The histologic and biochemical results were compared with the pre-operative pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and post-operative rhythm outcome. ResultsThe ANP tissue level was positively correlated with the atrial amyloid deposit areas (R=0.880, p<0.001), but not with the degree of fibrosis. The pre-operative systolic PAP negatively correlated with both the ANP tissue expression level (R=−0.467, p=0.019) and atrial amyloid deposit area (R=−0.589, p=0.008). The angiotensin II tissue expression level was significantly higher in tissues without ANP expression than in those with expression (p=0.003). AF recurrence after the maze operation was significantly lower in patients without than in those with ANP expression (log rank p=0.031, HR 3.779, 95% CI 1.163–12.277, p=0.027). ConclusionsA lower ANP atrial tissue expression and amyloid deposits were correlated with a high pre-operative hemodynamic loading, and those patients had a paradoxically lower AF recurrence after relief of the hemodynamic burden by concomitant maze and mitral valve surgery.

Prevalence of Coronary Artery to Pulmonary Artery Collaterals in Patients with Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: Retrospective Analysis from a Single Center.

Our aim was to determine the prevalence of coronary artery - pulmonary artery collaterals in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) by retrospectively evaluating coronary angiograms of eligible consecutive patients who had undergone pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). We also aimed to evaluate predictors and potential clinical associates of these collaterals. Coronary angiograms of 83 consecutive CTEPH patients who had undergone coronary angiography before PEA operation between January 1, 2012 and June 1, 2015 were retrospectively evaluated for presence of coronary artery - pulmonary artery collaterals. Medical records of all patients were also retrospectively reviewed for demographic information, cardiovascular risk factors, preoperative right heart catheterization reports, operation reports, and follow-up data. Data of CTEPH patients with coronary artery - pulmonary artery collaterals were compared with data of CTEPH patients without such collaterals. There were 15 patients (18.1%) with definite and 4 patients (4.8%) with probable coronary artery - pulmonary artery collaterals among the study population. CTEPH patients with collaterals had higher preoperative pulmonary artery pressures, higher pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and lower cardiac index values compared with CTEPH patients without collaterals. However, CTEPH patients with collaterals displayed higher amount of reduction in PVR after PEA compared with patients without collaterals. There were no significant differences between groups regarding incidence of reperfusion injury or mortality. Prevalence of coronary artery - pulmonary artery collaterals seems to be increased in our CTEPH patients compared with the general population. The presence of coronary artery - pulmonary artery collaterals is often combined with proximal disease with the possibility of increased reduction of PVR after PEA operation.

The impact of concomitant pulmonary hypertension on early and late outcomes following surgery for mitral stenosis

ObjectivesTo provide initial evidence on the management of mitral stenosis and pulmonary hypertension (PH) based on short-term and long-term outcomes following mitral valve surgery. MethodsConsecutive patients with mitral stenosis (n = 317) who had undergone mitral valve surgery between 1992 and 2014 with recorded pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) data were reviewed. PH severity, based on systolic PAP, was categorized as mild (35 to 44 mm Hg), moderate (45 to 59 mm Hg), or severe (>60 mm Hg). Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and long-term survival. ResultsThere were no significant between-group differences in age or preoperative comorbidities. Mitral valve surgery included mitral valve replacement (78%) and repair (22%). The severe PH group had more mitral valve replacement (81%; P = .04), severe tricuspid valve regurgitation (31%; P = .003), right heart failure (17%; P = .02), and concomitant tricuspid valve procedures (46%; P < .001). For severe PH, 30-day mortality was 9%, with no significant group differences. Ten- and 12-year survival were significantly worse in the moderate–severe PH group (58% and 51%, respectively) compared with the normal PAP–mild PH group (83% and 79%, respectively) with a hazard ratio of 2.98 (95% confidence interval, 1.55-5.75; P = .001). Ten-year survival after mitral valve surgery for mitral stenosis was inversely associated with preoperative PAP. ConclusionsMitral valve surgery can be performed with acceptable 30-day mortality for patients with mitral stenosis and moderate to severe PH, but long-term survival is impaired by moderate to severe PH. Patients with mitral stenosis and mild PH (systolic PAP 35-44 mm Hg) should be considered for mitral valve surgery.

Inflammation and congenital heart disease associated pulmonary hypertension.

Increased blood flow may trigger pulmonary arterial wall inflammation, which may influence progression of pulmonary artery hypertension in patients with congenital heart disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between preoperative inflammation markers and pulmonary arterial hypertension. A total of 201 patients with pulmonary hypertension were enrolled in this study retrospectively; they had undergone open heart surgery between January 2012 and December 2013. Patients' preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, red blood cell distribution width, pulmonary pressures, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Patient age, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, red blood cell distribution width, and CRP were found to be significantly correlated with both preoperative peak and mean pulmonary artery pressures. These data were entered into a linear logistic regression analysis. Patient age, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, and CRP were found to be independently correlated with peak pulmonary pressure (P &lt; .001, P &lt; .001, and P = .004) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (P &lt; .001, P &lt; .001, and P = .001), whereas preoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure was found to be independently correlated with intensive care unit stay (P &lt; .001). No parameter was found to be significantly correlated with extubation time and mortality. Eighteen patients had experienced pulmonary hypertensive crisis; in this subgroup, patients' mean pulmonary artery pressure and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio were found to be significant (P = .047, P = .003). Preoperative inflammation markers may be correlated with the progression of pulmonary hypertensive disease, but further studies with larger sample size are needed to determine the predictive role of these markers for postoperative outcomes.

Coronary Bypass Surgery in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension: Assessment of Early and Long Term Results.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of preoperative pulmonary hypertension (PH) on early and long term results in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery and the effects of coronary bypass surgery on PH. Among 2325 patients who underwent elective isolated coronary artery bypass surgery between March 2003 and March 2012, 287 patients with high preoperative pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) ≥30 mmHg were examined. Patients' data were obtained by retrospective examination of our clinic's database. 69 patients who had complete parameters included in the study. There was no increase in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification 84% of cases. Preoperative and postoperative values of the mean ejection fraction and mean PAP of patients was respectively 45.28 ± 9.67 (25-65), 46.03 ±12.4 (20-65) (p = 0.447), 36.67 ± 6.81 (30-60) mmHg, 37.81 ± 10.07 (20-70) mmHg (p = 0.378). The late mortality of cases was 5.79%. In our study, during 33.9 ± 17 (9-100) months follow up period, life expectancy was calculated as 94.7 months. Preoperative evaluation of these patients for appropriate medical treatment at peroperative and postoperative period, coronary bypass can be performed with low morbidity and mortality rates. In the late period after surgical revascularization PH showed no significant change and had no adverse effect on quality of life.

Tricuspid valve replacement: 25-year-experience at the Royal Adelaide Hospital

Background: Patients requiring tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) often present with advanced symptoms and cardiac dysfunction. TVR is still an uncommon procedure but is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to review our 25-year-experience with TVR and compare the pre-operative and early post-operative results with the available literature. Methods: A retrospective chart review was undertaken of all patients undergoing TVR between 1988 and 2013 at the D’Arcy Sutherland Cardiothoracic Surgical Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital. Patient demographics, pre-operative clinical status, operative details, post-operative morbidity and 30-day mortality were analysed. A literature review was conducted using PubMed. Search terms included “tricuspid valve replacement” and “tricuspid valve surgery”, alone and in combination. Full text English publications regarding isolated TVR as well as TVR combined with other procedures were included. Reports describing tricuspid valve repair were not included in this review. Results: Between 1988 and 2013, 25 patients underwent tricuspid valve replacement at the D’Arcy Sutherland Cardiothoracic Surgical Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital. The mean age was 55.9 ± 18 years, and 64% were female. Pre-operative New York Heart Association functional class were II (n=2, 8%), III (n=14, 56%) and IV (n=9, 36%). Aetiology for tricuspid dysfunction was rheumatic (44%), infective endocarditis (24%), carcinoid (8%), iatrogenic (8%), trauma (4%), dilated cardiomyopathy (4%) and pulmonary hypertension (4%). Pre-operative echocardiogram showed severe tricuspid stenosis in 16% (n=4) and severe tricuspid regurgitation in the remainder (n=21, 84%). Tricuspid leaflet morphology was deemed primary (n=11, 44%) or functional (n=14, 56%). Pre-operative right ventricular systolic function was normal (36%), mild impairment (20%), moderate impairment (24%), or severe impairment (16%). Left ventricular systolic function was normal in 23 cases, and moderately impaired in 2 cases (mean LVEF 60.8%). Pre-operative right heart dilatation was mild (24%), moderate (20%) or severe (48%). Mean pre-operative systolic pulmonary artery pressure was 46.3 ± 16.2 mmHg and mean pre-operative pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was 19.25 ± 7.4 mmHg. Seven patients (28%) had previous cardiac surgery. Three patients underwent isolated minimally invasive TVR via mini-thoracotomy, while the remaining 22 patients underwent TVR via median sternotomy, 7 patients as an isolated procedure and 15 patients combined with another procedure. Five patients underwent surgery as an emergency operation. Mean aortic cross clamp time was 78.3 minutes. Three cases were done with no aortic cross clamp. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 122 min. A tissue prosthesis was used in 22 cases, and a mechanical prosthesis was used in 3 cases. Post-operative morbidity included pacemaker insertion (28%), pneumonia (40%), acute kidney injury requiring dialysis (48%), bleeding requiring return to theatre (8%), and stroke (8%). Thirty-day mortality was 32% (n= 8). Conclusion: Tricuspid valve replacement is rare but the procedure is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The decision to operate can be challenging. Careful pre-operative assessment is crucial. Aetiology, clinical presentation and right heart and pulmonary vascular haemodynamics are major determinants of the outcome.