Surgical Coronary Revascularization Research Articles

Effect of Patient-Reported Preprocedural Physical and Mental Health on 10-Year Mortality After Percutaneous or Surgical Coronary Revascularization.

Clinical and anatomical characteristics are often considered key factors in deciding between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with complex coronary artery disease (CAD) such as left-main CAD or 3-vessel disease. However, little is known about the interaction between self-reported preprocedural physical/mental health and clinical outcomes after revascularization. This subgroup analysis of the SYNTAXES trial (SYNTAX Extended Survival), which is the extended follow-up of the randomized SYNTAX trial (Synergy Between PCI With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) comparing PCI with CABG in patients with left-main CAD or 3-vessel disease, stratified patients by terciles of Physical (PCS) or Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores derived from the preprocedural 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, with higher PCS and MCS scores representing better physical and mental health, respectively. The primary end point was all-cause death at 10 years. A total of 1656 patients with preprocedural 36-Item Short Form Health Survey data were included in the present study. Both higher PCS and MCS were independently associated with lower 10-year mortality (10-point increase in PCS adjusted hazard ratio, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.73-0.97]; P=0.021; in MCS adjusted hazard ratio, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.76-0.95]; P=0.005). A significant survival benefit with CABG over PCI was observed in the highest PCS (>45.5) and MCS (>52.3) terciles with significant treatment-by-subgroup interactions (PCS Pinteraction=0.033, MCS Pinteraction=0.015). In patients with both high PCS (>45.5) and MCS (>52.3), 10-year mortality was significantly higher with PCI compared with CABG (30.5% versus 12.2%; hazard ratio, 2.87 [95% CI, 1.55-5.30]; P=0.001), whereas among those with low PCS (≤45.5) or low MCS (≤52.3), there were no significant differences in 10-year mortality between PCI and CABG, resulting in a significant treatment-by-subgroup interaction (Pinteraction=0.002). Among patients with left-main CAD or 3-vessel disease, patient-reported preprocedural physical and mental health status was strongly associated with long-term mortality and modified the relative treatment effects of PCI versus CABG. Patients with the best physical and mental health had better 10-year survival with CABG compared with PCI. Assessment of self-reported physical and mental health is important when selecting the optimal revascularization strategy. URL: https://www. gov; SYNTAXES Unique identifier: NCT03417050. URL: https://www. gov; SYNTAX Unique identifier: NCT00114972.

Prevalence and outcomes of peripheral artery disease in a real-world cohort of patients with acute coronary syndrome: insights from the prospective SPUM registry

Abstract Background Despite substantial improvement in secondary preventive therapy, the burden of recurrent cardiovascular (CV) events remains high. Peripheral artery disease (PAD), is a potential marker of increased residual ischemic risk in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients suggesting greater net clinical benefit from intensified individualized therapy. Purpose We aimed to assess the prevalence and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in 4'787 patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in the Swiss prospective multicenter SPUM study. Methods PAD was defined according to international guidelines. The composite primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), i.e., stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) and death at 1 year. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the risk associated with PAD and outcomes. Results Out of 4'787 ACS patients, 285 patients (6.0%) had PAD. These patients were older (70.1±10.6 vs 63.3±12.4, p<0.001), presented all traditional CV risk factors (all p<0.001) and were more likely to have a complex history of CV disease, such as previous MI (24.3% vs 11.4%, p<0.001), prior percutaneous (32.3% vs 13.8%, p<0.001) or surgical (12.6% vs 3.5%, p<0.001) coronary revascularization. PAD-patients presented also higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers, such as hs-CRP, and GRACE 2.0 score (all p<0.001). At 1 year, patients with PAD had a higher rate of MACCE compared to those presenting without PAD. Rates of the individual components of the primary endpoint and CV-death were all significantly higher in patients with PAD (all p<0.001), except for a numerical increase in MI (5.3% vs 3.3%, p=0.060). This enhanced risk persisted after adjustment for differences in baseline characteristics, with a 53% (Adj. HR 1.53, CI95% 1.14–2.08, p=0.005) increase in MACCE. In spite of high-intensity anti-thrombotic therapy, PAD patients presented the same rate (Adj. HR 1.03, CI95% 0.68–1.54, p=0.901) of major bleeding events at 1 year. Conclusions Among a real-world cohort of ACS patients, the coexistence of PAD, a very-high CV risk phenotype, is associated with significantly increased rates of MACCE, but no difference in major bleeding events. These observations might help clinicians to further stratify this very-high risk population and to identify patients who may derive the greatest benefit from more intense secondary prevention therapies. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Robotic Coronary Revascularization is Feasible and Safe: 10-year Single-Center Experience.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the outcomes of patients undergoing robotic surgical coronary revascularization whether total endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) or robotic-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (RA-MIDCAB) in our center. This is a retrospective single-center study. It was conducted in the heart hospital at Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. We retrospectively studied all cases that had single grafts, left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery through a minimally invasive approach, either TECAB grafting or RA-MIDCAB grafting operations between February 2009 and December 2020. Both procedures were performed with the assistance of the da Vinci robotic system. In TECAB, the robotic system was used to harvest LIMA and perform the anastomosis with LAD. Whereas in RA-MIDCAB, LIMA was harvested by the robotic system but the anastomosis of LIMA to LAD was performed under direct vision through a small anterior thoracotomy incision. Seventy-one patients' files from the medical records department were reviewed. Preoperative data included age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), cardiac risk factors, Euro score, presentation, and the results of the cardiac investigations. The intraoperative data were the type of procedure, operative time, and whether the procedure was completed as planned or converted to thoracotomy or sternotomy. The postoperative data included the length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, 3-month clinic follow-up, and the need for repeat coronary angiography or revascularization. We found that our patients' ages ranged from 31 to 70 years. The majority were males, with 64 (90.14%) patients. Thirty-one (44.93%) patients were found to have a BMI of 25-29.9 Kg/m2. Forty-seven (66.2%) patients were hypertensive and 37 (52.11%) were diabetic. Dyslipidemia was reported in 35 (50%) patients. TECAB was the primary procedure in 47 (66.2%) patients and the rest underwent RA-MIDCAB. Only 7 (10.14%) patients underwent a planned hybrid procedure. The procedure was completed as planned in 52 (73.2%) patients. The mean operative time was 355.9 ± 95.79 min. Fourteen (19.72%) TECAB procedures were converted to MIDCAB, whereas 5 (7.04%) required sternotomy. Thirteen (18.3%) patients were extubated on the table, 47 (66%) patients were extubated in <24 h, and 7 (9.8%) patients were extubated after 24 h of the procedure. Forty-two (59%) patients stayed only 24 h in ICU and 24 (33.8%) spent more than 24 h. Blood transfusion was required in 8 (11.2%) patients. Only 2 (2.8%) patients experienced bleeding after the surgery. Postoperative infection was observed in 3 (4.29%) patients. No new cerebrovascular accident was detected among the patients after the procedure. Median postoperative hospital stay was 5 days, interquartile range 2, range (2-39). During the 3-month postoperative follow-up, we found that three unplanned coronary angiographies were required for repeat intervention, one of them for LIMA-LAD anastomosis. No redo surgery was performed. Thirty-day mortality was reported in two patients only. From our experience over more than 10 years in robotic cardiac surgery in Qatar, we believe that robotic coronary revascularization is safe and feasible in selected patients mainly with single vessel coronary artery disease but should be performed in specialized centers and by robotic-trained surgeons.

Females have an increased risk of short-term mortality after cardiac surgery compared to males: Insights from a national database.

Female sex is considered a risk factor for mortality and morbidity following cardiac surgery. This study is the first to review the UK adult cardiac surgery national database to compare outcomes following surgical coronary revascularisation and valvular procedures between females and males. Using data from National Adult Cardiac Surgery Audit, we identified all elective and urgent, isolated coronary artery by-pass grafting (CABG), aortic valve replacement (AVR) and mitral valve replacement/repair (MVR) procedures from 2010 to 2018. We compared baseline data, operative data and outcomes of mortality, stroke, renal failure, deep sternal wound infection, return to theater for bleeding, and length of hospital stay. Multivariable mixed-effect logistical/linear regression models were used to assess relationships between sex and outcomes, adjusting for baseline characteristics. Females, compared to males, had greater odds of experiencing 30-day mortality (CABGodd ratio [OR] 1.76, confidence interval [CI] 1.47-2.09, p < .001; AVR OR 1.59, CI 1.27-1.99, p < .001; MVR OR 1.37, CI 1.09-1.71, p = .006). After CABG, females also had higher rates of postoperative dialysis (OR 1.31, CI 1.12-1.52, p < .001), deep sternal wound infections (OR 1.43, CI 1.11-1.83, p = .005) and longer length of hospital stay (β 1.2, CI 1.0-1.4, p < .001) compared to males. Female sex was protective against returning to theater for postoperative bleeding following CABG (OR 0.76, CI 0.65-0.87, p < .001) and AVR (OR 0.72, CI 0.61-0.84, p < .001). Females in the United Kingdom have an increased risk of short-term mortality after cardiac surgery compared to males. This highlights the need to focus on the understanding of the causes behind these disparities and implementation of strategies to improve outcomes in females.

Predictors of vein graft disease progression between one week and one year after surgical coronary revascularization: Impact of secondary prevention medications.

This study aimed to detect the predictors of vein graft disease (VGD) progression between 1 week and 1 year after surgery and to evaluate the impact of secondary prevention medications. A total of 218 consecutive patients underwent surgical coronary revascularization were evaluated by coronary computed tomography angiography both at 1-week and 1-year follow-up. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the predictors of VGD progression. A risk score (0-4) was set up to evaluate implementation result of secondary prevention measures according to 1-year follow-up result. Association between VGD progression and the risk score was assessed. VGD progression occurred in 11.3% of saphenous vein grafts (SVG) and 22.1% of patients. At the patient level, poor vein graft (odds ratio [OR] = 4.25), noncontrolled hyperlipidemia (OR = 3.01), and diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR = 2.96) were predictors, while diameter of SVG (mm, OR = 0.35) was protective factor. At the graft level, DM (OR = 3.52), noncontrolled hyperlipidemia (OR = 2.33), and peripheral artery disease (PAD) (OR = 2.20) were predictors, while number of SVGs (OR = 0.63), diameter of SVG (mm, OR = 0.39), and mean graft flow >25 ml/min (OR = 0.35) were protective factors. VGD progression was significantly associated with the risk score at both the patient (OR = 1.52) and the graft level (OR = 1.38). Poor vein graft, noncontrolled hyperlipidemia and DM were predictors of VGD progression between 1 week and 1 year after surgery at the patient level, while larger SVG diameter was a protective factor. DM, PAD and noncontrolled hyperlipidemia were predictors at the graft level, while a number of SVGs, larger SVG diameter, and mean graft flow >25 ml/min were protective factors. Implementation failure of secondary prevention medications was associated with VGD progression from as early as 1 year after surgery.

Surgical coronary revascularization in patients with COVID-19; complications and outcomes: A retrospective cohort study.

Background and AimsCoronary artery disease is high‐risk comorbidity of COVID‐19 infection. Nonelective coronary artery revascularization in COVID‐19 patients carries substantial risk. Therefore, it is essential to understand the risk factors and outcomes fully. This study aims to evaluate the prognosis of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery in patients with COVID‐19.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study assesses 171 patients who underwent urgent and emergent CABG in Tehran Heart Center from March 2020 to September 2021. The patients were allocated to cases and controls based on COVID‐19 infection status. Demographic and clinical features, alongside the complications and outcomes, were compared between the two groups.ResultsAccording to diagnostic criteria, 62 patients were diagnosed with COVID‐19 (Case) and 109 patients had no COVID diagnosis (Control). Regarding the demographics and risk factors, hypertension was more prevalent among patients with COVID‐19 (64.5% compared to 43.1% p= 0.007). Length of hospital stay, ventilation time, and intensive care unit (ICU) stay time were significantly higher in patients infected with COVID‐19. Postoperative complications, including stroke, atrial fibrillation, pleural effusion, blood transfusion, and Inotrope use, were significantly higher in the case group. Mortality rates were also higher in COVID‐19 patients with an odds ratio of 1.53; however, this difference is not statistically significant (p: 0.44, 95% CI = 0.50–4.01).ConclusionCOVID‐19 is associated with a significantly higher hospital stay, ventilation time, and ICU stay. Mortality rates are also higher, albeit insignificantly. Various postoperative complications are also higher with COVID‐19.

436 Pre-cabg Assessment Of Coronary Stenosis With FFRCT Predicts Future Graft Failure. Implications For Planning Of Invasive Treatment Of CAD

Introduction: Objectives To evaluate, whether a pre-CABG coronary computed tomography based FFR (FFR-CT) result at the site of a future anastomosis would predict the graft failure in patients undergoing CABG. Background Functional guidance of surgical coronary revascularization remains debatable. Recently FFR-CT is recognized as suitable for the diagnosis of vessel-specific ischemia.

Triiodothyronine improves contractile recovery of human atrial trabeculae after hypoxia/reoxygenation

BackgroundIn patients undergoing interventional or surgical coronary revascularization, subclinical hypothyroidism is common and associated with worse outcome, including the need for postoperative inotropic support. In isolated rat hearts with global ischemia/reperfusion, exogenous triiodothyronine (T3) reduces infarct size. Aim of this study was, to investigate whether or not exogenous T3 protects human myocardium from ischemia/reperfusion injury. MethodsRight atrial trabeculae from patients undergoing routine coronary artery bypass grafting were isolated and transferred to Tyrode's buffer. Electrically initiated (1 Hz) contractile stress (mN/mm2) was recorded for 10 min at baseline (95% O2/ 5% CO2, glucose). Sixty min hypoxia were induced by changing buffer gas and increasing stimulation rate (95% N2/ 5% CO2, choline chloride, 3 Hz) before return to reoxygenation for 30 min. T3 (500 μg/l) vs. NaOH (solvent control) was administered A) throughout (n = 11 vs. n = 9) or B) only 15 min before and during reoxygenation (n = 12 vs. n = 13). Western blot analyses of established cardioprotective signaling proteins were performed. ResultsAt baseline, contractile stress was comparable. T3 improved the cumulative recovery of contractile stress during reoxygenation from 41 ± 16 with NaOH to 55 ± 11% of baseline with T3, when given continuously in A or from 52 ± 13 with NaOH to 63 ± 11% of baseline with T3 when given just before and during reoxygenation in B. The ratio of mitochondrial complex I matrix arm to membrane NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunits (NDUF)V2 to NDUFA9 was reduced, reflecting increased complex I activity. ConclusionT3 increases contractile recovery of human right atrial trabeculae from hypoxia/reoxygenation.

Impact of preprocedural biological markers on 10-year mortality in the SYNTAXES trial.

Creatinine clearance (CrCl) is an independent determinant of mortality in predictive models of revascularisation outcomes for complex coronary artery disease. This study aimed to investigate the impact of preprocedural biological markers on 10-year mortality following coronary revascularisation. The SYNTAX Extended Survival (SYNTAXES) study evaluated the 10-year vital status follow-up of 1,800 patients with de novo three-vessel (3VD) and/or left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) randomised to include percutaneous or surgical coronary revascularisation. The associations between mortality and preprocedural C-reactive protein (CRP), haemoglobin, HbA1c, CrCl, fasting triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were analysed. Out of 1,800 patients, 460 patients died before the 10-year follow-up. CRP, HbA1c and CrCl with threshold values of ≥2 mg/L, ≥6% (42 mmol/mol) and <60 ml/min, respectively, were associated with 10-year all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.35 [1.01-1.82], 1.51 [1.16-1.95], and 1.46 [1.07-2.00], respectively). There was no significant interaction between the biological markers on all-cause mortality and the type of revascularisation. Preprocedural lipid markers were not significantly associated with 10-year all-cause death, but the non-use of statins was a determinant factor of worse prognosis (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.68 [1.26-2.25]). Preprocedural biomarkers, such as CRP and HbA1c, are associated with long-term mortality post revascularisation, regardless of the revascularisation technique. Conventional lipidic biomarkers associated with high-risk of cardiovascular events seem to be effectively mitigated by the long-term use of statins, whereas the non-use of statins was a factor of a worse prognosis, emphasising the importance of pharmacological treatment. SYNTAXES ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03417050. SYNTAX ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00114972.

Outcomes of Coronary Artery Disease Patients with Severe Left Ventricular Dysfunction Undergoing Surgical Management.

Surgical revascularization by coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the gold standard treatment for coronary artery disease. But, in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (ischemic cardiomyopathy), the result of CABG is different from those with normal left ventricular function. The coronary artery disease pattern in the Indian subconti-nent is different from the western world, due to the diffuse nature of coronary involvement, the smaller size of native vessels, increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus and other risk factors, and more prevalence of severe left ventricular dysfunction. Most of the studies regarding the surgical outcomes in ischemic cardiomyopathy come from western countries. This study attempts to assess the outcomes of surgical management of ischemic cardiomyopathy in the Indian subcontinent. A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram. The data of CAD pa-tients, who underwent surgical coronary revascularization for severe LV dysfunction from January 2010 to December 2014, were collected from the hospital records and through tele-phonic interviews in a structured study proforma. A total of 146 patients satisfied the criteria and were followed up for a period of 5 years. The mean age of the study population was 55.6 (8.8) years. Male preponderance was observed (94.52%; N = 138). CABG alone was done in 62.3% (N = 91) of the study partici-pants. CABG with linear plication was done in 23.3% (N = 34), CABG with MV repair in 7.5% (N = 11), and CABG with DORS in 6.8% (N = 10). The majority of patients (N = 54, 37%) received 4 grafts. Thirty-day mortality observed in the study population was 11 (7.5%). The causes documented were cardiac causes in 9 (82%), cerebrovascular events in one (9%), and septicemia in one (9%). The mean of 5-year survival of the study population was 94.2 (3.5) months with 95% CI 87.32, 101.13. There was a substantial improvement in the degree of mitral regurgitation. Ejection fraction (EF) also showed improvement. The mean preoperative EF was 29.51 (4.84%) and that of post-op was 39.92 (9.0%). Despite the challenges of diffusely diseased coronary arteries, severe LV dysfunction, addressing associated significant MR and ventricular aneurysms, the outcome of surgical management of CAD with severe LV dysfunction, in the Indian population can be done with acceptable results. Randomized control studies in this subset can provide more solid evidence in this regard.

Influence of cholesterol level on long-term survival and cardiac events after surgical coronary revascularization

ObjectiveStatins have been shown to delay the inevitable progression of atherosclerosis in native coronaries and saphenous vein grafts, thereby reducing ischemic events after surgical coronary revascularization. However, there is significant controversy as to whether titrating statin therapy to concrete cholesterol targets is appropriate. MethodsA single-center retrospective analysis of 309 consecutive patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft in 2007 and 2008 was performed. Measurements of lipid profile subcomponents, namely total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides, in mmol/L, were obtained by retrospective review of electronic health records. The primary end point was cardiac death. The secondary end point was the composite of cardiac events, including cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, hospitalization for unstable angina, and target lesion revascularization. Database lock date was August 15, 2020. ResultsThe median follow-up duration was 12.5 years. Cardiac death occurred in 6.8% of the cohort. Cardiac events occurred in 21.7% of the cohort. New-onset myocardial infarction occurred in 8.7% (n = 27), of which 48.1% (n = 13) underwent repeat revascularization. A 2-level nested Cox proportional hazards regression model was constructed to determine whether cholesterol target attainment was independently associated with cardiac events. After risk adjustment, LDL-C, non–HDL-C, total cholesterol (TC), and TC/HDL-C ratio were independently associated with cardiac death. In receiver operating characteristics analyses, the optimal cut-off values for non–HDL-C, LDL-C, and TC/HDL-C ratio were 3.2 mmol/L, 2.3 mmol/L, and 3.5, respectively. ConclusionsExposure to elevated LDL-C and non–HDL-C cholesterol levels independently predicted long-term cardiac death after coronary artery bypass graft.

Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Patients With Acute Ischaemic Ventricular Septal Defect and Cardiogenic Shock

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) associated with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock is a time critical and challenging management dilemma, with a mortality rate approaching 90%. We describe a case of inferior STEMI complicated by an ischaemic VSD and cardiogenic shock successfully stabilised with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as a bridge to surgical repair and coronary revascularisation.

Avoiding Adverse Outcomes While Changing Anastomotic Technique in Totally Endoscopic Robotic Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Totally endoscopic robotic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB) is arguably the least invasive method of surgical coronary revascularization. The robotic approach is technically demanding, but it facilitates sternal-sparing use of bilateral internal mammary arteries to perform multiarterial grafting of up to 4 vessels through 4 to 5 ports and can be performed both with and without cardiopulmonary bypass. Although it is elegant, the procedure is technically demanding and requires surgeons to learn a new approach to all phases of the procedure.

Surgical outcomes of post-infarct ventricular septal defect repair: Insights from the UK national adult cardiac surgery audit database.

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is becoming a progressively less frequent mechanical complication of myocardial infarction (MI). However, this event is still associated with high operative mortality. We aimed to describe the trends and the risk factors associated with surgical VSD repair outcomes and to provide a clinical benchmark for percutaneous VSD closure strategies. Using the UK National Adult Cardiac Surgery Audit database, we identified 1010 patients undergoing surgical VSD repair from 1996 to 2018. The primary outcome was operative mortality. Mixed-model, multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors associated with operative mortality taking into account the variation related to the centre, the surgeon and the year of the operation. Both the number of surgical VSD repair and the mortality rate did not change significantly over the 23-year timeframe. Operative mortality was 38.9% overall and was higher when patients were operated within the first 6 h (75%) or the first 24 h (61.3%) from the index MI. Risk factors associated with higher odds of mortality were early surgery, older age, cardiogenic shock, renal failure, previous percutaneous coronary intervention and urgent/emergent operations. Moreover, the mortality rate was similar among patients undergoing isolated VSD repair and VSD repaired combined with surgical coronary revascularization alone or with concomitant mitral valve procedures. Post MI VSD remains a dreaded mechanical complication characterized by high surgical operative mortality. A delayed operation, whenever possible, appears to be the most beneficial strategy to reduce mortality.

TCT-244 Impact of Patient-Reported Preprocedural Physical and Mental Health on 10-Year Mortality After Percutaneous or Surgical Coronary Revascularization

TCT-244 Impact of Patient-Reported Preprocedural Physical and Mental Health on 10-Year Mortality After Percutaneous or Surgical Coronary Revascularization

Multi-arterial Coronary Grafting

Arterial conduits, especially internal thoracic arteries (ITAs), are rarely affected by intimal hyperplasia or atherosclerosis, major contributors to early and late vein graft failure. Improved survival and freedom from reintervention with multi-arterial grafting (MAG) are reported in large observational studies, particularly when more than one anatomically important coronary territory is supplied. Several grafting configurations are possible depending on conduit and target characteristics, with the left ITA to the left anterior descending (LITA-LAD) typically being the cornerstone around which the rest of the conduits are constructed. The right ITA (RITA) or radial artery (RA) is used to bypass the second most important target after the LAD. The fundamentals of MAG depend on thorough preoperative evaluation, meticulous surgical technique and intraoperative flow assessment. Pitfalls to avoid include tension in short conduits or kinks in longer ones, poor ITA inflow, competitive native and graft flow, flow imbalance between segments of a composite graft, and sequentially grafting deep intramyocardial targets. Versatility and flexibility are critical in mitigating difficulties or potential complications in MAG. Refinements in complex bilateral ITA (BITA) and RA grafting require a deliberate iterative process that ideally incorporates dedicated training and mentorship by experienced MAG surgeons. Arterial conduits, especially internal thoracic arteries (ITAs), are rarely affected by intimal hyperplasia or atherosclerosis, major contributors to early and late vein graft failure. Improved survival and freedom from reintervention with multi-arterial grafting (MAG) are reported in large observational studies, particularly when more than one anatomically important coronary territory is supplied. Several grafting configurations are possible depending on conduit and target characteristics, with the left ITA to the left anterior descending (LITA-LAD) typically being the cornerstone around which the rest of the conduits are constructed. The right ITA (RITA) or radial artery (RA) is used to bypass the second most important target after the LAD. The fundamentals of MAG depend on thorough preoperative evaluation, meticulous surgical technique and intraoperative flow assessment. Pitfalls to avoid include tension in short conduits or kinks in longer ones, poor ITA inflow, competitive native and graft flow, flow imbalance between segments of a composite graft, and sequentially grafting deep intramyocardial targets. Versatility and flexibility are critical in mitigating difficulties or potential complications in MAG. Refinements in complex bilateral ITA (BITA) and RA grafting require a deliberate iterative process that ideally incorporates dedicated training and mentorship by experienced MAG surgeons. Corrigendum: Multi-arterial Coronary GraftingOperative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryVol. 27Issue 4PreviewThe authors regret that in the article “Multi-arterial Coronary Grafting” by Rami Akhrass and Faisal G. Bakaeen in the Summer 2022 issue (27(2):126-146, 2022; https://doi.org/10.1053/j.optechstcvs.2021.09.001 ), (Figures 2 and 10) included an error with the course of the right internal thoracic artery (RITA). The corrected figures are included on the next 2 pages. Figure 2 was used as the cover image for the issue. In both Figures 2 and 10, the RITA should be anterior to the superior vena cava and posterior to the pulmonary artery. Full-Text PDF Commentary: Multiple Arterial Grafting for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Choosing the Right Conduits for The Right Vessels for The Right PatientsOperative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryVol. 27Issue 2PreviewDespite the known increased patency of arterial versus saphenous vein graft (SVG) conduits for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery, a recent Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS) national database study showed that while a single internal thoracic artery (SITA) graft was used in 89.4% of CABG patients, only 10.6% received multiple arterial grafts (MAG) and only 4.9% had bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts (BITA).1 What are the factors that have discouraged surgeons from embracing MAG and BITA grafting? In a 2018 national survey from the United Kingdom, almost one third of surgeons cited the lack of evidence in favor of MAG and BITA as a limiting factor for not adopting these techniques in their practices. Full-Text PDF Commentary: Time to Set New Standards for Coronary Bypass Surgery?Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryVol. 27Issue 2PreviewAsk any cardiac surgeon who started their training in 90s, and you'll find that many of them, at some point, must have thought that surgical coronary revascularization was ill-fated. Especially in the mid 2000s, when drug-eluting stents appeared on the market and furtherly improved the outcomes of percutaneous revascularization1... God knew what would come next! History - and clinical trials - proved them wrong: almost 20 years later, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is still the most common procedure in adult cardiac surgery and remains the gold standard for treatment of complex triple vessel disease and left main disease, particularly in younger patients and in case of diabetes or reduced left ventricular function. Full-Text PDF

Robotic off-pump totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass in the current era: report of 544 patients.

Robotic off-pump totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) is the least invasive form of surgical coronary revascularization. It has proved to be highly effective and safe. Its benefits are well-established and include fewer complications, shorter hospital stay and quicker return to normal activities. TECAB has undergone 2 decades of technological advancement to include multivessel grafting, a beating-heart approach and successful completion in multiple patient groups in experienced hands. The aim of this report was to examine outcomes of robotic off-pump TECAB at our institution over 7 years. Data from 544 patients undergoing TECAB between July 2013 and August 2020 were retrospectively examined. The C-Port Flex-A distal anastomotic device was used for the majority of grafts (70%). Yearly follow-up was conducted. Angiographic early patency data were reviewed for patients undergoing hybrid revascularization. The mean age was 66 years, with 1.7% mean STS risk. Fifty-six percentage had multivessel TECAB. There was 1 conversion to sternotomy, and 46% extubation in the Operating Room (OR). Mortality was 0.9%. Early graft patency was 97%. At mid-term follow-up at 38 months, cardiac mortality was 2.7% and freedom from major adverse cardiac events was 92.5%. We conclude that robotic beating-heart TECAB in the current era is safe and effective with excellent outcomes and comparable early angiographic patency to standard coronary artery bypass grafting surgery when performed frequently by an experienced team. This procedure was completed in our hands both with and without an anastomotic device. Longer-term studies are warranted.

Five-Year Outcomes After Hybrid Coronary Revascularization: A Single Center Experience.

Hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) combines both surgical and percutaneous coronary revascularization procedures. It offers a minimally invasive strategy for multivessel coronary artery disease and combines the advantages of both. However, quantitative long-term patency and clinical outcomes remain understudied. The objective of this study was to assess clinical outcomes and graft and stent patency at 5-year follow-up. From January 2004 to January 2015, 120 patients were enrolled in this study. They underwent robotically assisted minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting of left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to the left descending artery (LAD) and percutaneous coronary intervention of non-LAD vessels. Primary outcome was graft (LITA-LAD) patency determined at 5 years of follow-up, assessed by computed tomography angiography and rest and stress myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS-MIBI). Secondary outcomes were stent patency and major adverse major cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Also, freedom from recurrence of angina was assessed. At follow-up, 18 of 120 patients (15%) had died (in 5 patients the cause of death was cardiovascular). Among survivors, follow-up was achieved in 83 of 102 (81%). In 76 of 83 patients (92%) there was a patent LITA-LAD graft and in 75 of 83 (90%) a patent stent was demonstrated. MACCE occurred in 36 of 120 patients (30%). Freedom from recurrence of angina occurred in 92 of 120 patients (77%). HCR is a safe and a promising procedure. It provides a minimally invasive approach and results in complete revascularization with good 5-year patency and clinical outcomes.

Racial Disparities in Acute Coronary Syndrome Management Within a Universal Healthcare Context: Insights From the AMI-OPTIMA Trial

BackgroundAlthough prior studies have demonstrated racial disparities regarding acute coronary syndrome (ACS) care within private or mixed healthcare systems, few researchers have explored such disparities within universal healthcare systems. We aimed to evaluate the quality and outcomes of in-hospital ACS management for White patients vs patients of colour, within a universal healthcare context. MethodsWe performed a post hoc analysis of the Acute Myocardial Infarction - Knowledge Translation to Optimize Adherence to Evidence-Based Therapy study, a cluster-randomized trial evaluating a knowledge-translation intervention at 24 hospitals in Quebec, Canada (years: 2009 and 2012). The primary endpoint was coronary catheterization. The secondary endpoints included in-hospital mortality, percutaneous and surgical coronary revascularization, major bleeding, total stroke, and discharge prescription of evidence-based medical therapy. ResultsOf 3444 included patients, 2738 were White, and 706 were people of colour. The mean age was 68.2 years (33.3% women) among White patients and 69.5 years (36.0% women) among patients of colour. Patients of colour were less likely to undergo in-hospital coronary catheterization than were White patients (74.5% vs 80.3%, P = 0.001). This difference was attenuated after adjusting for patient-level characteristics (odds ratio 0.89; 95% confidence interval 0.73-1.09), and it was eliminated after adjusting for hospital-level characteristics (odds ratio 1.04; 95% confidence interval 0.73-1.49). ConclusionsRacial disparity in coronary catheterization for ACS persists within a universal healthcare context. Patients’ comorbidities and hospital-level factors may be partially responsible for this inequality. Future research on cardiovascular healthcare in patients with diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds in universal healthcare systems is needed to remediate racial inequality in ACS management.

Coronary artery bypass grafting under sole Impella 5.0 support for patients with severely depressed left ventricular function

Selection of the ideal surgical procedure for coronary revascularization in patients with severe cardiac dysfunction at times may represent a challenge. In recent years, with the advent of surgical large microaxial pumps, e.g., Impella 5.0 (Abiomed Inc., Boston, USA), specific support and effective unloading of the left ventricle has become available. In the interventional field, good results have been achieved with smaller microaxial pumps in the setting of so-called protected percutaneous coronary intervention. In this study, we would like to share our early experience with surgical coronary revascularization under the sole support of Impella 5.0, omitting the use of heart–lung machine in three cases of severe cardiac dysfunction due to complex ischemic heart disease. Effective circulatory support intraoperatively and postoperatively speaks in favor of this technique in selected patients.