Risk Factors For Operative Mortality Research Articles

Preoperative risk-factors for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax surgery in Japan: a nationwide database study.

We aimed to identify preoperative risk factors for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax surgery. The National Clinical Database of Japan, with six annual datasets from 2014 to 2019, was used. All patients who underwent surgery for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax were included, excluding those < 15years old and those with incomplete data. The effects of preoperative risk factors were analyzed for operative mortality (mortality during hospitalization or within 30days, regardless of hospitalization status), 30-day mortality, and postoperative respiratory morbidities. Of the 18,309 patients enrolled in the study, operative mortality, 30-day mortality, and postoperative respiratory morbidities were observed in 654 (3.6%), 343 (1.9%), and 2258 (12.3%) patients, respectively. Increasing age, male sex, body mass index < 18.5 or > 30, performance status > 2, emergent surgery, interstitial pneumonia, and diabetes in preoperative co-morbidity, tumors, and other diseases in underlying lung disease were significant risk factors for operative mortality. Those for 30-day mortality included autoimmune disease instead of male sex and diabetes, while those for postoperative respiratory morbidities included lymphangiomyomatosis instead of a body mass index > 30. We identified many preoperative risk factors for operative mortality, 30-day mortality, and postoperative respiratory morbidities in secondary spontaneous pneumothorax surgery. These findings will assist in selecting appropriate surgical candidates.

Recent outcomes of surgical redo aortic valve replacement in prosthetic valve failure.

As redo surgical aortic valve replacement(AVR) is relatively high risk, valve-in-valve transcatheter AVR has emerged as an alternative for failed prostheses. However, the majority of studies are outdated. This study assessed the current clinical outcomes of redo AVR. This study enrolled 324 patients who underwent redo AVR due to prosthetic valve failure from 2010 to 2021 in four tertiary centers. The primary outcome was operative mortality. The secondary outcomes were overall survival, cardiac death, and aortic valve-related events. Logistic regression analysis, clustered Cox proportional hazards models, and competing risk analysis were used to evaluate the independent risk factors. Redo AVR was performed in 242 patients without endocarditis and 82 patients with endocarditis. Overall operative mortality was 4.6% (15 deaths). Excluding patients with endocarditis, the operative mortality of redo AVR decreased to 2.5%. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that endocarditis (HR 3.990, P=0.014), longer cardiopulmonary bypass time (HR 1.006, P=0.037) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HR 0.956, P=0.034) were risk factors of operative mortality. Endocarditis and lower LVEF were independent predictors of overall survival. The relatively high risk of redo AVR was due to reoperation for prosthetic valve endocarditis. The outcomes of redo AVR for non-endocarditis are excellent. Our findings suggest that patients without endocarditis, especially with acceptable LVEF, can be treated safely with redo AVR.

Prognostic Factors for Morbidity and Mortality in Redux Valve Surgery

Objectives: Redux valve surgery is increasingly common in Algeria, and the aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for hospital morbidity and mortality in this type of surgery. Method :49 patients with a mean age of 51 years (20-67 years) and a sex ratio of 0.88 underwent redux valve surgery between January 2015 and december 2019. 79%), and in almost half of the cases (46%) the first operation was performed in our department; the most frequent reasons for repeat operations were mitral plasty dysfunction, expression of new valve damage and removal of mechanical prostheses due to infective endocarditis. The Euroscore was used to predict operative risk. Results: 80% of our patients were classified in the moderate risk group (score 3-5) with an expected mortality of between 2.90 and 2.94%. Our results show a mortality rate of 2.56% for these patients. The study of post-operative results revealed a number of cardiac complications (28.5% low output and 37% rhythm disorders), infectious complications (8% mediastinitis) and neurological complications (6%). The risk factors for operative mortality were multiple valve procedures (p=0.03), persistent atrial fibrillation or fibrillation that appeared postoperatively (p=0.05) and age over 70 (p=0.04). Conclusion: Valvular redux surgery with a single-valve procedure has an operative morbi-mortality, actuarial survival and post-operative functional benefit that are entirely comparable to those of a primary intervention; whereas in redux surgery with a multi-valvular procedure, the operative morbi-mortality is significantly higher, but the actuarial survival and functional benefit are comparable to those of a primary intervention

Is Tricuspid Lesion a Predictor of mortality Risk in Surgical Mitral Valve Replacement ?

Tricuspid insufficiency is frequently found in patients with left heart valve disease, especially mitral valve disease. Our study included 214 patients with mitral stenosis associated or not with a lesion of the tricuspid valve. The aim of our work is to show that grade II-III tricuspid insufficiency is a risk factor for mitral valve replacement mortality in mitral stenosis. A total of 214 patients underwent surgery in our department, 115 with isolated mitral stenosis (MR), and 99 with associated grade II-III tricuspid insufficiency. Any associated aortic or other lesions were excluded from the study. The study of operative mortality focused solely on MR pure or associated with tricuspid insufficiency. A statistical study was carried out using the kh2 test (p=0.05), and revealed that grade II to III tricuspid insufficiency was a statistically significant risk factor for operative mortality. We compare our results with those found in the literature.

What Determines Outcomes in Multivalve Reoperations? Effect of Patient and Surgical Complexity

Patient characteristics, risks, and outcomes associated with reoperative multivalve cardiac surgery are poorly characterized. Effect of patient variables and surgical components of each reoperation were evaluated with regard to operative mortality. From January 2008 to January 2022, 2324 patients with previous cardiac surgery underwent 2352 reoperations involving repair or replacement of multiple cardiac valves at Cleveland Clinic. Mean age was 66±14years. Number of surgical components representing surgical complexity (valve procedures, aortic surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting, and atrial fibrillation procedures) ranged from 2 to 6. Random forest for imbalanced data was used to identify risk factors for operative mortality. Surgery was elective in 1327 (56%), urgent in 1006 (43%), and emergency in 19 (0.8%). First-time reoperations were performed in 1796 (76%) and 556 (24%) had 2 or more previous operations. Isolated multivalve operations comprised 54% (1265) of cases; 1087 incorporated additional surgical components. Two valves were operated on in 80% (1889) of cases, 3 in 20% (461), and 4 in 0.09% (2). Operative mortality was 4.2% (98 out of 2352), with 1.7% (12 out of 704) for elective, isolated multivalve reoperations. For each added surgical component, operative mortality incrementally increased, from 2.4% for 2 components (24 out of 1009) to 17% for ≥5 (5 out of 30). Predictors of operative mortality included coronary artery bypass grafting, surgical urgency, cardiac, renal dysfunction, peripheral artery disease, New York Heart Association functional class, and anemia. Elective, isolated reoperative multivalve surgery can be performed with low mortality. Surgical complexity coupled with key physiologic factors can be used to inform surgical risk and decision making.

Association Between Interstitial Lung Disease and Outcomes After Lung Cancer Resection

BackgroundPrior studies have noted that patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) possess an increased incidence of lung cancer and risk of postoperative respiratory failure and death. We sought to understand the impact of ILD on national-scale outcomes of lung resection. MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis using The Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database was conducted of patients who underwent a pulmonary resection for non-small cell lung cancer between 2009 and 2019. Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were compared between patients with and without ILD (defined as interstitial fibrosis based on clinical, radiographic, or pathologic evidence). Multivariable logistic regression models identified risk factors associated with postoperative mortality, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and composite morbidity and mortality. ResultsILD was documented in 1.5% (1873 of 128,723) of patients who underwent a pulmonary resection for non-small cell lung cancer. Patients with ILD were more likely to smoke (90% vs 85%, P < .001), have pulmonary hypertension (6% vs 1.7%, P < .001), impaired diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide (diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide 40%-75%: 64% vs 51%; diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide <40%: 11% vs 4%, P < .001), and undergo more sublobar resections (34% vs 23%, P < .001) compared with patients without ILD. Patients with ILD had increased postoperative mortality (5.1% vs 1.2%, P < .001), acute respiratory distress syndrome (1.9% vs 0.5%, P < .001), and composite morbidity and mortality (13.2% vs 7.4%, P < .001). ILD remained a strong predictor of mortality (odds ratio, 3.94; 95% CI, 3.09-5.01; P < .001), even when adjusted for patient comorbidities, pulmonary function, extent of resection, and center volume effects. ConclusionsILD is a risk factor for operative mortality and morbidity after lung cancer resection, even in patients with normal pulmonary function.

Night-time surgery for type a aortic dissection: Immediate or delaying?

This study aims to investigate whether surgery performed during night compared with daytime were associated with an increased risk of operative mortality of type A aortic dissection (TAAD) patients. A total of 2015 TAAD patients who underwent surgical repair were collected from two cardiovascular centers from Jan 2015 to Jan 2021. According to the start time of surgery, patients were divided into daytime group (06:01 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) and night-time group (06:01 p.m. to 06:00 a.m.), and retrospective analyses were performed between them. The operative mortality of night-time group (12.2%, 43/352) was dramatically higher than daytime group (6.9%, 115/1663; p = 0.001). There was significant difference between night-time and daytime groups in terms of 30-days mortality (5.8% vs 10.8%; p = 0.001) and in-hospital mortality (3.5% vs 6.0%; p = 0.03). The night-time group had a longer duration of intensive care unit stay (4 vs two; days; p < 0.001) and ventilation support (34 vs 19; hours; p < 0.001), compared with daytime group. The risk factors for operative mortality were night-time surgery (odds ratio [OR], 1.545; p = 0.027), age (odds ratio, 1.152; p < 0.001), total arch replacement (OR, 2.265; p < 0.001) and previous aortic surgery (OR, 2.376; p = 0.003). Night-time surgical repair may be associated with higher operative mortality of patients with TAAD. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to offer emergency surgery at night-time for such patients who were more likely to present disastrous complications with delayed surgical intervention, as outcomes indicate acceptable operative mortality.

Essential risk factors for operative mortality in elderly esophageal cancer patients registered in the National Clinical Database of Japan.

With the aging of society and increasingly longer of life expectancy, elderly patients with esophageal cancer are more commonly encountered. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for operative mortality after esophagectomy in elderly patients. We used data from the National Clinical Database of Japan. After cleaning the data, 10,633 records obtained from 861 hospitals were analyzed. A risk model for operative mortality was developed using risk factors from the entire study population. Then, odds ratios (OR) were compared between age categories using this risk model. In this study, 1959 (18.4%) patients were ≥ 75years (defined as "elderly" in this study). Eighteen variables, including T4b, N2-N3, and M1 in the TNM classification, were included in the risk model for operative mortality. The ORs increased in age categories < 65, 65-74, and ≥ 75years for N2-N3 (1.172, 1.200, and 1.588, respectively), and M1 (2.189, 3.164, and 4.430, respectively). Based on these results, we also focused on residual tumors, which are caused by extensive tumor development. The operative mortality in the elderly group with residual tumors increased to more than twice than that in the non-elderly groups (15.9 vs. 5.5 or 6.5%) and was much higher than that in elderly patients without residual tumors (15.9 vs. 4.6%). We should carefully select the treatment for elderly patients with highly advanced tumors, which result in N2-N3 and M1, to avoid unfavorable short-term outcomes. In addition, R0 resection is important in preventing operative mortality among elderly patients.

Is coronary artery transfer still the jugular for the arterial switch operation?

The outcomes of the arterial switch operation have improved over a period of time with the elimination of coronary artery anatomy as a risk factor for operative mortality in some series. However, cumulatively, when all the series published so far are analyzed, two coronary variations, namely the single sinus coronary artery origin and the intramural type, persist as risk factors for an adverse operative outcome.

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.

Poor long-term outcomes of intravenous drug users with infectious endocarditis

ObjectivesThe optimal management of active endocarditis in intravenous (IV) drug users is still lacking. MethodsFrom the years 1997 to 2017, 536 patients with active infectious endocarditis were surgically treated, including 83 (15%) with IV drug use (IVDU) and 453 (85%) without IV drug use (non-IVDU). Initial data were obtained from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database and supplemented with chart review and national death index data. ResultsThe IVDU group was significantly younger (43 vs 56 years old) than the non-IVDU group and had greater rates of psychiatric disorders, drug use, and tricuspid valve endocarditis (28% vs 8.6%). Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus were significantly more common in the non-IVDU group. Perioperative complications and operative mortality (7.2% vs 7.9%) were similar. IVDU was not a significant risk factor for operative mortality. Kaplan–Meier survival was significantly lower in the IVDU group (5-year survival, 46% vs 67%). Significant risk factors for long-time mortality included IV drug use (hazard ratio [HR], 1.92), age ≥65 years (HR, 1.78), congestive heart failure (HR, 1.87), and enterococcus endocarditis (HR, 1.54). The 5-year rate of reoperation was similar between IVDU and non-IVDU groups (2.4% vs 2.7%). ConclusionsIVDU is a significant risk factor for long-term mortality. A multidisciplinary approach was preferred for IVDU patients to treat both endocarditis and substance use disorder and improve long-term survival.

Contemporary surgical management of complete atrioventricular septal defect with tetralogy of Fallot in Japan.

Complete atrioventricular septal defect with tetralogy of Fallot is a rare and complex heart disease. This study aimed to describe contemporary management approaches for this heart disease and the outcomes. Data were obtained from 46 domestic institutions in the Japan Cardiovascular Database (2011-2018). Patients with a fundamental diagnosis of complete atrioventricular septal defect with tetralogy of Fallot, without other complex heart diseases, were included. The primary outcome was operative mortality (30-day or in-hospital mortality). A total of 119 patients underwent initial surgery for a complete atrioventricular septal defect with tetralogy of Fallot during this study period. Primary repair was performed in 40 (34%) patients (primary repair group), and palliative procedure was performed in 79 (66%) patients as part of a planned staged approach (staged group). Forty institutions (87%) experienced at least one case of staged repair. No institution experienced more than or equal to two cases/year on average during the study period. Overall, 11 operative mortalities occurred (9.2%). Operative mortality rates in the primary and staged groups were comparable (p = 0.5). Preoperative catecholamine use, repeat palliative surgeries, and emergency admission were significant risk factors for operative mortality in multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 8.58, [0-0.11]; 12.65, [1.28-125.15]; 8.64, [1.87-39.32, respectively]). Staged approach for complete atrioventricular septal defect with tetralogy of Fallot was the preferred option. The outcomes of this complex disease were favorable for patients in centers with low cases of complete atrioventricular septal defect with tetralogy of Fallot.

Outcomes Following Aortic Valve Replacement in Children With Conotruncal Anomalies.

Conotruncal anomalies can develop aortopathy and/or aortic valve (AV) disease and AV replacement (AVR) is occasionally needed. We report long-term results and examine factors affecting survival following AVR in this group. We queried the Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium (PCCC, US database for interventions for congenital heart diseases) to identify patients with repaired conotruncal anomalies and AVR. Long-term outcomes were provided by the PCCC, the US National Death Index, and Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. Competing risks analysis examined outcomes following AVR (death/transplantation, reoperation) and multivariable regression analysis assessed significant factors. One hundred six children with repaired conotruncal anomalies underwent AVR (1982-2003). Underlying anomaly was truncus (n = 40), d-transposition (n = 22), type-B interrupted arch (n = 16), double-outlet right ventricle (n = 12), pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (n = 9), tetralogy of Fallot (n = 6), corrected transposition (n = 1). 18 (17%) had prior aortic valvuloplasty (surgical = 12, percutaneous = 6). Median age at AVR was 6.9 years (interquartile range = 2.5-12.4). AV pathophysiology was regurgitation (n = 83, 78%), stenosis (n = 9, 9%), and mixed (n = 14, 15%). AVR type was mechanical (n = 72, 68%), homograft (n = 21, 20%), and Ross (n = 13, 12%). Operative mortality was 13(12%). Infant age at AVR was risk factor (odds ratio = 55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6-539, P = .0006). On competing risks analysis, five years after AVR, 6% died or received transplantation, 20% had reoperation. Twenty-five years transplant-free survival was 53%. Factors associated with death after hospital discharge included mitral surgery (hazards ratio [HR] = 11, 95% CI = 3-39, P = .0002), underlying defect (HR = 2, 95% CI = 1-5, P = .446). Twenty years transplant-free survival in conotruncal anomalies group was inferior to matched children undergoing AVR for congenital non-conotruncal disease (61% vs 82%, P = .0012). Long-term survival following AVR in children with conotruncal anomalies is inferior to that of isolated congenital AV disease and is linked to an underlying cardiac defect. Although valve type was not associated with survival, infant age was a risk factor for operative mortality. Continuous attrition and high reoperation warrant vigilant monitoring.

Long-term outcomes after aortic root replacement for patients with Marfan syndrome.

BackgroundA diversity of surgical strategies are used to treat Marfan syndrome patients with aortic disease. We sought to evaluate the long-term efficiency of aortic root replacement (ARR) for patients with Marfan syndrome.MethodsData were collected from 131 patients with Marfan syndrome and aortic disease who underwent ARR in our center. We retrospectively analyzed the long-term outcomes of these patients, among whom 68 had been diagnosed with aortic aneurysm (AA) and had undergone ARR. The remaining 63 patients had aortic dissection (AD); of these, 35 underwent ARR for limited ascending AD, while the others underwent ARR and total arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk (FET). Risk factors for survival and reoperation were identified.ResultsThe operative mortality rate was 4.58%. Age >40 years was the sole risk factor for operative mortality. During follow-up, 12 deaths occurred. Patients aged <25 years and female patients were more prone to late death than were other patients. Indications for reoperation were noted in 22 patients, and the risk factors were age <30 years and female sex. At 5 years, the survival rate was 92.96%, and the freedom from reoperation rate was 88.36%. At 10 years, the survival rate was 85.25%, and the freedom from reoperation rate was 71.75%. The survival and freedom from reoperation rates were significantly higher in patients with AD than in those with AA. Specifically, chronic AD was a greater risk factor for late survival than was acute AD in patients with Marfan syndrome.ConclusionsFor patients with Marfan syndrome and aortic disease, ARR can be safely performed and results in low operative mortality and favorable long-term survival. Young and female patients have a higher risk for late death and reoperation. To prevent AD, surgical intervention should be promptly implemented following the diagnosis of aortic sinus dilation.

Surgical treatment of infective endocarditis at comprehensive versus primary valve centers

BackgroundA recent expert consensus statement proposed designation of comprehensive and primary valve centers, with a recommendation that comprehensive centers house surgical skill and resources to treat patients with infective endocarditis (IE). We sought to compare outcomes of patients who underwent valve surgery for IE at comprehensive versus primary valve centers within a large health care system. MethodsWe reviewed 513 consecutive patients who underwent IE surgery at 8 hospitals (2 comprehensive and 6 primary valve centers) from 2014 to 2020. Outcomes from comprehensive and primary valve centers were compared after propensity score matching on the basis of patient characteristics, valve involvement, valve type, and IE treatment status. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for operative mortality. ResultsPropensity score matching generated comparable groups with similar mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons/Gaca IE risk scores among comprehensive and primary valve center cohorts. Comprehensive valve centers were more likely to perform the Bentall procedure (60.4% vs 21.7%; P < .01) when aortic root abscess was present and mitral valve repair (50.4% vs 26.3%; P < .01) in cases of mitral valve involvement. Operative mortality was significantly lower at comprehensive valve centers (6.2% vs 13.0%; P = .04), and multivariate logistic regression suggested that surgery at comprehensive valve centers was protective against operative mortality (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.88; P = .02). Similar findings were present in a sensitivity analysis limited to patients with active IE only. ConclusionsAn increased risk for operative mortality was associated with surgery performed at primary valve centers compared with comprehensive valve centers. Referral or transfer of patients with IE and surgical indications to comprehensive valve centers should be considered.

Aortic valve endocarditis in patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves

ObjectiveTo determine the long-term survival and rate of reoperation after surgical treatment of infective endocarditis (IE) in patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and patients with a tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). MethodsBetween 1997 and 2017, 210 patients underwent surgical treatment for native aortic valve endocarditis, including 51 patients with BAV (24%) and 159 patients with TAV (76%). Data were obtained from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons data warehouse and hospital medical record review, supplemented with surveys and national death index data for more complete follow-up. ResultsCompared with the TAV IE group, the BAV IE group was significantly younger (42 years vs 54 years) and had lower incidence rates of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure (CHF). There were no significant between-group differences in postoperative stroke, sepsis, pacemaker requirement, or in-hospital mortality (2.0% vs 4.4%). Liver disease was a risk factor for operative mortality (odds ratio [OR], 13; 95% CI, 3.3-30; P = .0002). The 10-year survival rate was 64% for the BAV group versus 46% for the TAV group (P = .0191). Significant risk factors for long-term mortality were intravenous drug use (hazard ratio [HR], 4.5; P < .0001), preoperative renal failure requiring dialysis (HR, 4.13; P < .0001), CHF (HR, 1.7; P = .04), and liver disease (HR, 2.6; P = .02). The HR for BAV was 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3-1.4). The 10-year postoperative cumulative incidence of reoperation was significantly higher in the BAV patients compared with the TAV patients (5.7% vs 4.5%; P = .045) with an HR of 2.4 (95% CI, 0.8-7.1; P = .11) for BAV. ConclusionsBAV patients develop IE requiring surgery at a younger age than TAV patients, but have significantly better long-term survival. Early detection of BAV is important to prevent IE and provide aggressive surgical treatment should IE occur.

Differences among sexes in presentation and outcomes in acute type A aortic dissection repair.

Female sex is a known risk factor in most cardiac surgery, including coronary and valve surgery, but unknown in acute type A aortic dissection repair. From 1996 to 2018, 650 patients underwent acute type A aortic dissection repair; 206 (32%) were female, and 444 (68%) were male. Data were collected through the Cardiac Surgery Data Warehouse, medical record review, and National Death Index database. Compared with men, women were significantly older (65 vs 57years, P<.0001). The proportion of women and men inverted with increasing age, with 23% of patients aged less than 50years and 65% of patients aged 80years or older being female. Women had significantly less chronic renal failure (2.0% vs 5.4%, P=.04), acute myocardial infarction (1.0% vs 3.8%, P=.04), and severe aortic insufficiency. Women underwent significantly fewer aortic root replacements with similar aortic arch procedures, shorter cardiopulmonary bypass times (211 vs 229minutes, P=.0001), and aortic crossclamp times (132 vs 164minutes, P<.0001), but required more intraoperative blood transfusion (4 vs 3 units) compared with men. Women had significantly lower operative mortality (4.9% vs 9.5%, P=.04), especially in those aged more than 70years (4.4% vs 16%, P=.02). The significant risk factors for operative mortality were male sex (odds ratio, 2.2), chronic renal failure (odds ratio, 3.4), and cardiogenic shock (odds ratio, 6.8). The 10-year survival was similar between sexes. Physicians and women should be cognizant of the risk of acute type A aortic dissection later in life in women. Surgeons should strongly consider operations for acute type A aortic dissection in women, especially in patients aged 70years or more.

Midterm outcomes of the Potts shunt for pediatric pulmonary hypertension, with comparison to lung transplant

ObjectiveFor children with severe pulmonary hypertension, addition of Potts shunt to a comprehensive palliation strategy might improve the outcomes afforded by medications and delay lung transplantation. MethodsA prospective analysis was conducted of all children undergoing Potts shunt (first performed in 2013) or bilateral lung transplant for pulmonary hypertension from 1995 to present. ResultsA total of 23 children underwent Potts shunt (20 surgical, 3 transcatheter), and 31 children underwent lung transplant. All children with Potts shunt had suprasystemic right ventricle pressures despite maximal medical treatment. In the majority of patients, the Potts shunt was performed through a left thoracotomy approach (90%, 18/20), by direct anastomosis (65%, 13/20), and without the use of extracorporeal support (65%, 13/20). Perioperative outcomes after Potts shunt were superior to lung transplant including mechanical ventilation time (1.3 vs 10.2 days, P = .019), median hospital length of stay (9.8 vs 34 days, P = .012), and overall complication rate (35% [7/20] vs 81% [25/31], P = .003). Risk factors for operative mortality after Potts shunt (20%, 4/20; compared with 6%, 2/31 for lung transplant, P = .195) included preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and significant right ventricle dysfunction. In midterm follow-up (median 1.8, maximum 6.1 years), patients with Potts shunt had durable equalization of right ventricle/left ventricle pressures and improved functional status. There was no significant survival difference in patients with Potts shunt and patients with lung transplant (P = .258). ConclusionsPotts shunt is an effective palliation for children with suprasystemic pulmonary hypertension that may become part of a strategy to maximize longevity and functional status for these challenging patients.

Evaluation of postoperative outcomes of valve reoperation: a retrospective study.

The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of operative death and postoperative complications between primary and reoperation valve surgeries and to identify independent risk factors for these events among valve-reoperation patients. Between 2013 and 2015, 54269 patients who underwent valve surgery were retrospectively analyzed using the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database. They were divided into the primary (group P; n = 49833) and reoperation (group R; n = 4436) surgery groups. Among the reoperation patients, we conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify risk factors for the incidences of operative mortality and postoperative complications. Then, we also conducted propensity score matched analyses to compare the incidences of these 2 outcomes for primary versus reoperation procedures separately for patients with and without infective endocarditis (IE). Incidences of postoperative mortality (4.6% vs 9.1%; P < 0.001) and any complications (36.6% vs 41.4%; P < 0.001) were higher in the reoperation group. For patients undergoing reoperation, strong risk factors for operative mortality included urgency status, ejection fraction <30%, IE, dialysis, chronic kidney disease, New York Heart Association class 3/4, concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting and aorta procedure, tricuspid valve surgery only, multivalve surgery and age. In the propensity score matched cohort, the relative odds of operative mortality were 1.53 (95% confidence interval: 1.26-1.86, P < 0.001) among patients with IE and were 1.58 (95% confidence interval: 1.18-2.13, P < 0.002) among those without. Outcomes for reoperation were significantly worse than those for primary surgery. At the primary operation, the risk of reoperation should be considered and when considering the indications for reoperation, the preoperative state, surgical timing and intervention method should be considered.

The Evolving Surgical Burden of Fontan Failure: An Analysis of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database

Fontan failure often requires surgical therapy in the form of Fontan revision or heart transplantation. We sought to characterize national trends in the surgical burden of Fontan failure and identify risk factors for adverse outcomes. Fontan patients undergoing Fontan revision or transplantation from January 2010 to June 2018 were included. We evaluated baseline characteristics and outcomes and used multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for operative mortality and composite mortality and major morbidity. A total of 1135 patients underwent Fontan revision (n= 598) or transplantation (n= 537) at 100 centers. Transplantations increased from 34 in 2010 to 76 in 2017, largely owing to an increase in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) (18 in 2010 to 49 in 2017), while Fontan revision decreased (75 in 2010 to 49 in 2017). Transplantation patients were younger (median 14 years of age vs 18 years of age; P < .001), more often had preoperative risk factors (66% vs 40%; P < .001), and more often had HLHS (51% vs 15%; P < .001). Operative mortality and composite major morbidity and mortality were 7.6% and 35% for transplantation and 7.1% and 22% for Fontan revision, respectively. Multivariable risk factors for mortality included older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.08/y; P= .007), presence of preoperative risk factors(OR, 3.33; P= .002), and concomitant pulmonary artery reconstruction (OR, 2.7; P= .029) for Fontan revision but only older age (OR, 1.06/y; P= .020) for transplantation. Both transplantation and Fontan revision are associated with high morbidity and mortality. There has been evolution of practices in surgical therapy for Fontan failure, perhaps related to rising prevalence of HLHS staged palliation.