Valve Repair Surgery Research Articles

Investigation of Risk Factors Related to the Development of Hepatic Dysfunction in Patients with a Low and Moderate Cardiac Risk During Open-Heart Surgeries.

ObjectiveTo determine the possible risk factors associated with hepatic dysfunction during open-heart surgeries.MethodsAfter excluding 71 patients, 307 patients with possible low and moderate cardiac risk who underwent either coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) (n=176) or valve repair surgery (mitral valve, mitral and aortic valves and/or tricuspid valve) (n=131) were investigated prospectively during a 6-month period. Hyperbilirubinemia is defined as an occurrence of a plasma total bilirubin concentration >34 µmol/L (2 mg/dL) in any measurement during the postoperative period; the patients were divided into groups with or without postoperative hyperbilirubinemia. The collected parameters were: alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBil), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and albumin. The parameters were collected preoperatively and postoperatively on days 1, 3 and 7. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risk factors were investigated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for postoperative hyperbilirubinemia.ResultsPostoperative hyperbilirubinemia was observed in 7 of 176 patients (4%) who underwent CABG, and in 11 of 131 patients (8.4%) who underwent valve replacement surgeries. Independent risk factors for early postoperative hyperbilirubinemia were found as: ejection fraction (EF), aortic cross-clamp (ACC) time, intensive care unit stay and extubation time (P<0.001). In comparison to CABG procedures, postoperative hyperbilirubinemia was observed more frequently in patients undergoing valve surgeries (P=0.027).ConclusionLow EF and prolonged ACC time are significant independent risk factors for early postoperative hyperbilirubinemia during open-heart surgeries with cardiopulmonary bypass. Valve surgeries show a higher incidence of hyperbilirubinemia in comparison to CABG.

Early and Late-Term Follow-Up Results of Patients Diagnosed with Aortic Aneurysm or Aortic Dissection with Aortic Regurgitation Undergoing Aortic Valve Repair or Valve-Sparing Aortic Surgery.

IntroductionValve-reimplantation and remodelling techniques used in aortic reconstruction provide successful early, mid, and long-term results. We present our early and late-term experience with 110 patients with aortic regurgitation (AR) who underwent aortic valve repair (AVr) or valve-sparing aortic root surgeries (VSARS) due to aortic dissection or aortic aneurysm.MethodsNine hundred eighty-two patients who underwent aneurysm or dissection surgery and aortic valve surgery between April 1997 and January 2017 were analysed using the patient database. A total of 110 patients with AR who underwent AVr or VSARS due to aortic dissection or aortic aneurysm were included in the study.ResultsIn the postoperative period, a decrease was observed in AR compared to the preoperative period (P<0.001); there was an increase in postoperative ejection fraction (EF) compared to the preoperative values (P<0.005) and a significant decrease in postoperative left ventricle diameters compared to the preoperative values (P<0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed one, two, four, and five-year freedom from moderate-severe AR as 95%, 91%, 87%, and 70%, respectively. Freedom from reoperation in one, two, and five years were 97.9%, 93.6%, and 81%, respectively. Eight patients (7.4%) underwent AVr during follow-up. Out of the remaining 100 patients, 13 (12%) had minimum AR, 52 (48%) had 1st-2nd degree AR, and 35 (32%) had 2nd-3rd degree AR during follow-up.ConclusionFor the purpose of maintaining the native valve tissue, preserving the EF and the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, valve-sparing surgeries should be preferred for appropriate patients.

701. Blood Stream Infection And Risk Of Endocarditis Following Cardiac Valve Repair: A Population-Based Study

BackgroundBloodstream infections (BSIs) confer an increased risk of infective endocarditis (IE) in patients with a prosthetic cardiac valve. This relationship is less well established in patients undergoing valve repair. We conducted a retrospective population-based study to determine the incidence of BSIs following valve repair and identify risk factors associated with the development of IE.MethodsThe Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) data linkage system was used to identify all persons who underwent valve repair in a 7-county region in Southeastern Minnesota between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018. Medical records were screened for the development of a BSI from time of procedure until May 15, 2020. Patients were classified as having BSI only, BSI with IE at outset, or BSI with subsequent development of new IE. IE at outset was defined as cases where IE was diagnosed at the time of initial positive blood culture.ResultsA total of 387 patients underwent valve repair surgery. A total of 31 (8%) patients subsequently developed a BSI, 4% within one year of surgery. Seventeen patients underwent mitral repair with annuloplasty, 9 underwent tricuspid annuloplasty, and 5 had concurrent repairs. Median time to the development of BSI was 338 days. Of the 31 patients with BSI, 4 (13%) had BSI with IE at outset. No patients developed IE subsequent to BSI, Enterococcus spp. was responsible for 3 cases of IE, and MSSA for 1. All cases occurred within one year of surgery. Given the low incidence, statistical analysis of associated risk factors for IE was not feasible. All patients with BSI and IE at outset, however, died by the end of the study period, versus 11/27 in the BSI only group.ConclusionIncidence of BSIs was higher in patients undergoing cardiac valve repair than in the general population. The incidence of IE with a BSI was 13%, which is lower than what has been previously published. It is notable that all cases of IE occurred within one year of surgery. Recognizing that endothelialization of device surfaces occurs, it is tempting to speculate that the risk of IE may be time dependent and may decline over time. Subsequent investigation of this theory is underway.DisclosuresLarry M. Baddour, MD, Boston Scientific (Consultant)

Usage and Results of Levosimendan in Ischemic Mitral Valve Surgery

Objective: Large number of comprehensive studies has been carried out on levosimendan. There are many studies on its use, especially in cardiac dysfunction, ischemic cardiac surgery, and heart transplantation surgery. But, there are limited number of studies regarding its use in mitral valve interventions and ischemic mitral dysfunction combined with coronary artery by-pass surgery (CABG). We aimed to investigate the efficacy of levosimendan usage on patients undergone combined coronary artery by-pass grafting and mitral valve surgery because of ischemic mitral dysfunction.Methods: Subsequent patients, who have undergone concurrent CABG and mitral valve repair surgery by a single surgery team, were retrospectively examined. 36 patients were divided into 2 groups; Group 1 (levosimendan therapy group, n=15) and Group 2 (n=21).Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of preoperative characteristics, echocardiographic data of the patients and preoperative medication. Inotrope therapy was required for 12 patients in Group 1, which was statistically higher than Group 2 (n=5, p=0.001). Moreover, IABP following LCOS utilized six and two patients in group 1 and 2 with a statistically significant difference (p=0.03), espectively.Conclusion: We recommend using levosimendan on selected patients for its several beneficial effects. However, we do not satisfied with the treatment because the pathology of all patients was not related to ischemia, more to the alteration of ventricle anatomy with deterioration of diameters.

Review of transapical off-pump mitral valve intervention with NeoChord implantation.

Mitral valve repair surgery has recently shifted from resection-based techniques to leaflet sparing approaches using synthetic neochordae. This has facilitated the growth of a new strategy of transapical off-pump mitral valve intervention with neochord implantation. Minimally invasive approaches for mitral valve repair with robotic or video-assisted mini-right anterolateral thoracotomy have been developed to mitigate the morbidity associated with conventional median sternotomy. Recently, an alternative, less invasive surgical strategy has emerged. This transapical off-pump technique employs the NeoChord DS1000 (NeoChord, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) system to achieve repair with neochordae via a left minithoracotomy incision. With appropriate patient selection, advanced cardiac imaging, and training in device deployment are important for procedural success. Early results suggest that transapical off-pump mitral valve intervention with NeoChord implantation is a safe procedure with favorable outcomes for select patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation. Continued experience and clinical trials will assess the potential of this minimally invasive strategy, but this technique is likely to become part of the surgical repertoire for managing chronic degenerative mitral valve disease.

Preoperative left ventricular end-systolic dimension predicts occurrence of aortic insufficiency following aortic valve preservation and repair surgery

BackgroundPreoperative left ventricular (LV) end-systolic dimension (LVESD) ≥5.0 cm is a class IIa indication for surgical intervention for aortic insufficiency (AI); however, the effect of LV dilatation on the longevity of the aortic valve (AV) has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to assess the impact of preoperative LV dimension on the long-term outcome of AV preservation surgery. MethodsBetween 2009 and 2019, 256 patients underwent AV preservation surgery at a single center. The median duration of follow-up was 5 years. The primary outcome was the development of >1+ AI at 6 years; secondary outcomes include long-term mortality, freedom from >2+ AI, and freedom from AV reoperation. Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to identify predictors of AV deterioration. ResultsIn-hospital mortality was 0.8%, and mean survival at 8 years was 85.5 ± 3.4%. Mean freedom from >1+ AI at 6 years was 71.1 ± 3.4%. Patients with preoperative indexed LVESD (LVESDi) ≥2.0 cm/m2 were at greater risk of developing >1+ AI at 6 years compared with patients with preoperative LVESDi of 1.5 to 1.9 cm/m2 and ≤1.4 cm/m2 (50.3 ± 0.1% vs 80.9 ± 0.1% vs 92.2 ± 0.1%, respectively; P < .01). On risk-adjusted multivariable analysis, preoperative LVESDi was an independent predictor for recurrence of >1+ AI (hazard ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-3.4). ConclusionsPreoperative LVESDi ≥2 cm/m2 is associated with increased risk of recurrent >1+ AI following AV preservation surgery. Further investigation of the appropriate operative threshold for AI may be warranted.

Use of del Nido Cardioplegia for Adult Heart Surgery: How Long Is Not Too Long?

The most apparent practical advantage of del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) is that it allows the surgeon a longer arrest period before a subsequent dose is needed, as opposed to the conventional St. Thomas' cardioplegia solution where the recommended ischemic time is ∼15-20 minutes. In this study, we explored the incidence of arrhythmia after cross-clamp removal as a surrogate for a safe myocardial ischemic time with the use of DNC in adult heart surgery. A total of 113 patients who had undergone heart valve repair and/or replacement surgery at the National University Hospital, Singapore, were investigated. This single-center retrospective study was conducted on a population where DNC had been used for myocardial protection between January 2017 and April 2019. Cardioplegia ischemic time interval groups were not significant predictors of postoperative arrhythmia, defibrillation, and intraoperative intra-aortic balloon pump usage. Crude comparison of postoperative outcomes showed no significant differences in any other postoperative variables, including mortality and total hospital stay. From the results of the present study, it appears that there is no optimal ischemic time interval for the administration of DNC within a 120-minute time period. It is likely that DNC has a redosing interval of, and may provide adequate myocardial protection, for up to 120 minutes.

Triangular resection versus folding repair for simple posterior mitral leaflet lesions: case-control study.

A triangular resection (TR)/suture of the posterior leaflet lesion is the most common technique in mitral valve repair procedures. However, posterior leaflet motion is restricted after surgical resection in echocardiogram analyses. Although several reports have compared the resection/suture technique and the artificial chorda technique, few reports have compared TR with folding repair (FR). We compared the effectiveness and short-term impact of the TR and non-resection-based FR procedures on patients undergoing mitral valve repair. Mitral valve repair was conducted on 36 patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (MR) through either TR (n=18) or FR (n=18). Echocardiographic data were collected pre- and post-operatively. Routine echocardiographic follow-ups were performed for each patient. Data were analyzed using t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, chi-squared analysis, or Fisher's exact test. P values <0.05 were considered significant. Operative time and length of stay within the intensive care unit and hospital did not significantly differ between the two techniques. Post-operative echocardiographic results showed a significantly larger mitral valve area after FR (P=0.029). The regurgitation regression rate was 94% under mild MR in the FR group (1 case; severe) and 88.8% in the TR group (2 cases; moderate) during the same duration. Both techniques showed comparable outcomes and durability. However, FR is relatively simple and it is possible to re-initiate FR procedures; thus, it may also provide an opportunity for less-experienced surgeons to conduct valve repair surgeries. The study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (study ID: UMIN000039041).

Benefits of robotically-assistedsurgery for complex mitral valve repair.

To determine whether robotic mitral valve repair can be applied to more complex lesions compared with minimally invasive direct mitral valve repair through a right thoracotomy. We enrolled 335 patients over a 9-year period; 95% of the robotic surgeries were performed after experience performing direct mitral valve repair. The mean age in the robotic versus thoracotomy repair groups was 61 ± 14 vs 55 ± 11 years, respectively (P < 0.001); 97% vs 100% of the patients, respectively, had degenerative aetiologies. Repair complexity was simple in 106 (63%) vs 140 (84%), complex in 34 (20%) vs 20 (12%) and most complex in 29 (17%) vs 6 (4%) patients undergoing robotic versus thoracotomy repair, respectively. The average complexity score with robotic repair was significantly higher versus thoracotomy repair (P < 0.001). The robotic group underwent more chordal replacement using polytetrafluoroethylene and less resections. All patients underwent ring annuloplasty. Cross-clamp time did not differ between the groups, and no strokes or deaths occurred. More patients undergoing robotic repair underwent concomitant procedures versus the thoracotomy group (30% vs 14%, respectively; P < 0.001). The overall repair rate was 100%, with no early mortality or strokes in either group. Postoperative mean residual mitral regurgitation was 0.3 in both groups, and the mean pressure gradient through the mitral valve was 2.4 vs 2.7 mmHg (robotic versus thoracotomy repair, respectively; P = 0.031). Robotic surgery can be applied to repair more complex mitral lesions, with excellent early outcomes.

Influence of Internal Thoracic Artery Harvesting on Sternal Osteoblastic Activity and Perfusion.

The purpose of this study was to assess the sternal osteoblastic activity and perfusion in the early period after a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and three-phasic dynamic scintigraphy (3PDS) with 99mTc methylene diphosphonate (MDP). Methods: The study group consisted of 57 male patients that were 57.3 ± 6.6 years of age. Thirty-six of them were randomized into two groups: in group I (n = 18), the internal thoracic artery (ITA) was skeletonized, and in group II (n = 18), the ITA was pedicled. All the patients in groups I and II underwent an off-pump CABG using 1.7 ± 0.3 grafts, including one anastomosis of the ITA to the left anterior descending coronary artery. The control group III (n = 21) consisted of patients that underwent mitral valve repair surgery, in whom the sternotomy without the ITA harvesting was performed. The 3PDS and SPECT of the thorax with 99mTc MDP were performed 2 weeks after surgery. Results: The sternal phosphates uptake in group I was approximately twice as high as in group II and approximately 1.5 times higher than in group III (p < 0.05). The MDP uptake asymmetry after the ITA skeletonization was the same as in the group with both intact ITAs. In contrast, after the pedicled ITA harvesting, the osteoblastic activity of the ipsilateral side of the sternum was lower than in the contralateral one. There was no statistically significant difference in scintillation count in the xiphoid process between groups I and II (p > 0.05); however, we observed a significant difference in the manubrium and body (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The main factor that improved the sternal perfusion after a CABG was the preservation of branches supplying the sternum using the skeletonization technique of ITA harvesting.

Post-surgical outcomes in infective endocarditis patients with liver disease: nationwide propensity-match analysis

Abstract Introduction Surgery remains the definitive treatment for persistent infective endocarditis (IE). Age, renal dysfunction and diabetes mellitus are few amongst the many associated with increased post-surgical mortality. Liver dysfunction is a common entity seen in patients with IE. Data on post-surgical sequelae in patients with IE and liver disease is lacking. Method We performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of all adult (age&amp;gt;18 years) admissions with a discharge diagnosis of acute or sub-acute IE using the 2016 National Inpatient Sample (NIS). IE patients undergoing valve replacement or repair were identified and divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of liver disease. Propensity score matching was performed to control for confounders such as diabetes, age, smoking among others. Odds of in-hospital mortality, cardiogenic shock, and acute kidney injury were calculated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. IE patients without liver disease undergoing valve surgery were selected as the reference population. Results We identified a total of 9,822 IE related admissions in the 2016 NIS. Amongst all IE admissions, 11.7% (n=1,158) had either valve replacement or repair surgery performed. After using propensity scores for 1 to 1 matching 16.8% of patients (n=195) who had concomitant liver disease were compared with 195 patients without liver disease. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with hepatic impairment (14.3% vs 0.51%, p=0.004). Patients with liver disease also had higher odds of concurrent cardiogenic shock (OR=9.35, 95% CI=3.01–29.15, p=0.001), acute kidney injury (OR=2.13, 95% CI=1.15–3.93, p=0.01), and thrombocytopenia (OR=2.29, 95% CI=1.13–4.61, p=0.02). Discussion The presence of liver disease in the setting of IE, in patients undergoing valvular surgery significantly increases the morbidity and mortality post-operatively. Functional status of the liver should be considered in addition to the commonly used tools for cardiac operative risk evaluation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

A RARE PRESENTATION OF GROUP C STREPTOCOCCUS ENDOCARDITIS WITH DIFFUSE SEPTIC EMBOLI

SESSION TITLE: Medical Student/Resident Critical Care Posters SESSION TYPE: Med Student/Res Case Rep Postr PRESENTED ON: October 18-21, 2020 INTRODUCTION: Group C beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GCS) typically causes skin and soft tissue infections, pharyngitis, and wound infections. However, the incidence of bacteremia from GCS has increased significantly over the past decade1. Most cases of GCS bacteremia and complications including endocarditis, meningitis, and septic arthritis occur in older adults with underlying chronic illnesses2. We present the unusual case of GCS endocarditis with diffuse septic emboli causing multi-organ failure in a young female. CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old female with a history of intravenous drug use was admitted with altered mental status after IV drug use. On presentation, patient was afebrile with no leukocytosis, and examination was significant for tachycardia, extreme agitation, hyperalgesia, and hallucinations. Preliminary workup revealed thrombocytopenia, acute kidney injury, acute liver injury, and troponinemia. Chest radiographs showed cardiomegaly with concern for mild pulmonary edema. Toxicology screen was positive for amphetamines and cannabinoids but negative for opioids. Echocardiogram revealed a 1.9cm x 1.8cm echodensity attached to the basal free wall of the right ventricle near the level of the tricuspid valve. Blood cultures were positive for GCS, meeting 2 major Duke criteria for infective endocarditis. Her clinical course was complicated by septic shock and acute hypoxic respiratory failure requiring intubation. Repeat chest imaging revealed diffuse patchy airspace opacities with superimposed interstitial predominance. Computed tomography of the chest showed a bronchovascular distribution of wedge-shaped consolidative opacities scattered diffusely throughout bilateral lungs. Imaging findings also included hepatosplenomegally and evidence of embolization to the kidneys. She showed clinical improvement with intravenous antibiotics and mechanical ventilation and is under evaluation by cardiothoracic surgery for valve repair and vegetation excision. DISCUSSION: Though GCS bacteremia and endocarditis are typically seen in older adults with comorbidities, this case highlights the rapid progression and clinical sequelae of GCS bacteremia in a young female with IV drug use. Tricuspid valve vegetations are commonly seen in IV drug use-associated endocarditis, however a vegetation in the right ventricle arising from the basal free wall is exceedingly rare. The location of the vegetation likely contributed greatly to the rapid showering of emboli and severity of symptoms in this case. CONCLUSIONS: Though GCS is not an organism frequently associated with IV drug use, it should now be considered given the rising incidence of GCS bacteremia and the severity of disease it may cause1. Reference #1: Lother S, Jassal D, Lagacé-Wiens P, Keynan Y. Emerging Group C and Group G Streptococcal Endocarditis: A Canadian Perspective. Int J Infect Dis 2017; 65: 128-132 Reference #2: Berenguer J, Sampedro I, Cercenado E, et. al. Group-C Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal Bacteremia. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 1992; 15(2): 151-155 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Gold Adkins, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Aria Bryan, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Shine Raju, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Pallavi Sharma, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Catalina Teba, source=Web Response

Mitral valve repair versus replacement in patients with rheumatic heart disease.

Rheumatic heart disease remains a major cause of cardiovascular death worldwide. Limited real-world nationwide data are available to compare the long-term outcomes between mitral valve repair and replacement in rheumatic heart disease. We identified adult patients with rheumatic heart disease who underwent mitral valve repair or replacement surgery between 2000 and 2013 from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Outcomes of interest included operation-related complications, all-cause mortality, and mitral valve reoperation rate. Propensity score matching at a 1:1 ratio was conducted to mitigate possible confounding factors. A total of 5086 patients with rheumatic heart disease who underwent mitral valve surgery were identified. Of those, 489 (9.6%) and 4597 (90.4%) underwent mitral valve repair and mitral valve replacement, respectively. After propensity score matching was applied, each group had 467 patients. No difference in risk of in-hospital mortality was observed between groups. With a mean follow-up of 6years, the mitral valve repair group had comparable risks of all-cause mortality with the mitral valve replacement group (33.4% vs 32.5%; hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-1.25). However, higher risks of mitral valve reoperation were observed in the mitral valve repair group (subdistribution hazard ratio, 4.32; 95% confidence interval, 2.02-9.23). Previous percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy was identified as a risk factor of mitral valve reoperation in the repair group. Among patients with rheumatic heart disease, mitral valve repair is not associated with superior long-term outcomes. Patients should be carefully selected for mitral valve repair because of its higher reoperation rate, particularly those with previous percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy.

Acute changes of global and longitudinal right ventricular function: an exploratory analysis in patients undergoing open-chest mitral valve surgery, percutaneous mitral valve repair and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

BackgroundRight ventricular (RV) function is an important prognostic indicator. The acute effects of cardiac interventions or cardiac surgery on global and longitudinal RV function are not entirely understood. In this study, acute changes of RV function during mitral valve surgery (MVS), percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) were investigated employing 3D echocardiography.MethodsTwenty patients scheduled for MVS, 23 patients scheduled for PMVR and 25 patients scheduled for OPCAB were included retrospectively if patients had received 3D transesophageal echocardiography before and immediately after MVS, PMVR or OPCAB, respectively. RV global and longitudinal function was assessed using a 3D multiparameter set consisting of global right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), longitudinal contribution to RVEF (RVEFlong) and free wall longitudinal strain (FWLS).ResultsLongitudinal RV function was significantly depressed immediately after MVS, as reflected by all parameters (RVEFlong: 20 ± 5% vs. 13 ± 6%, p < 0.001, TAPSE: 13.1 ± 5.1 mm vs. 11.0 ± 3.5 mm, p = 0.04 and FWLS: −20.1 ± 7.1% vs. -15.4 ± 5.1%, p < 0.001, respectively). The global RVEF was slightly impaired, but the difference did not reach significance (37 ± 13% vs. 32 ± 9%, p = 0.15). In the PMVR group, both global and longitudinal RV function parameters were unaltered, whereas the OPCAB group showed a slight reduction of RVEFlong only (18 ± 7% vs. 14 ± 5%, p < 0.01). RVEFlong yielded moderate case-to-case but good overall reproducibility.ConclusionsTAPSE, FWLS and RVEFlong reflect the depression of longitudinal compared to global RV function initially after MVS. PMVR alone had no impact, while OPCAB had a slight impact on longitudinal RV function. The prognostic implications of these phenomena remain unclear and require further investigation.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Canadian Cardiac Surgeons Regarding Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Current data on cardiac surgical practices for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are lacking. We hypothesized that cardiac surgeons would consider people living with HIV as candidates for the full scope of cardiac surgery, including heart transplant for these patients. We conducted a prospective survey of 155 cardiac surgeons across Canada to evaluate their current clinical perceptions regarding cardiac surgery in people living with HIV. Specifically, we evaluated their assessment of eligibility toward a wide scope of cardiac surgeries by using representative clinical scenarios. A total of 63 surgeon responses (40.6%) were completed. The majority of surgeons agreed that a 50-year-old man with HIV and no other comorbidities, who had been receiving combination antiretroviral therapy for 5 years with an undetectable viral load since starting therapy and a CD4 count greater than 350 cells/μL, would be a candidate for valve replacement (73%), valve repair surgery (74.6%), or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (79.4%). Few surgeons believed that this patient would be eligible for cardiac transplantation (7.9%) or could be a cardiac transplant donor (1.6%). There was clinical equipoise over the eligibility for ventricular assist device surgery. A majority of cardiac surgeons would perform coronary artery bypass graft surgery or valve surgery on patients with controlled HIV, but most consider HIV status as a prohibitive risk factor for cardiac transplantation. Although this may represent an opportunity for continuing medical education for cardiac surgeons, it also highlights the need for contemporary, high-quality evidence in this patient population.

Mitral valve repair with minimally invasive approaches vs sternotomy: A meta-analysis of early and late results in randomized and matched observational studies.

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) for mitral valve repair (MVRp) has been increasingly used. This study aimed to evaluate the early and late results of MICS for MVRp vs conventional sternotomy. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials or observational studies (with matched populations) comparing MICS and conventional MVRp reporting any of the following outcomes: mortality, MVRp failure, complications, blood transfusion, readmission within 30 days after discharge, long-term reoperation for mitral regurgitation, operative times, mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, or hospital stay. The pooled treatment effects were calculated using a random-effects model. Ten studies involving 6792 patients (MICS: 3396 patients; Conventional: 3296 patients) met the eligibility criteria. In the pooled analysis, MICS significantly reduced the risk for blood transfusion (odds ratio [OR], 0.654; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.462-0.928; P = .017) and readmission within 30 days after discharge (OR, 0.615; 95% 0.456-0.829; P = .001). MICS was associated with a significantly longer cross-clamp time (mean difference 14 minutes; 95% CI, 7.4-21 minutes; P < .001), CPB time (24 minutes; 95% CI, 14-35 minutes; P < .001), and total operative time (36; 95% CI, 15-56 minutes; P < .001), but a significantly shorter ICU stay (-8.5; 95% CI -15; -1.8; P = .013) and hospital stay (-1.3, 95% CI -2.1; -0.45; P = .003). This meta-analysis found no significant difference regarding the risk of in-hospital and long-term mortality, nor complications. Despite longer operative times, MICS for MVRp reduces ICU and hospital stay, as well as readmission rates and the need for transfusion.

Long-term risk of heart failure and mortality following mitral valve surgery in patients with and without right ventricular pacemaker.

Patients undergoing mitral valve surgery are at risk of developing postoperative conduction blocks and have a high incidence of heart failure (HF). Mitral valve surgery often results in reduced left ventricular systolic ejection fraction following surgery and the imposition of dyssynchrony with right ventricular (RV) pacing may further compromise stroke volume. Our aim was to investigate the risks of HF and mortality in patients with vs without RV pacemaker placement (PPM) after mitral valve surgery. Using Danish nationwide databases, we identified all patients undergoing mitral valve repair or replacement surgery between 1997 and 2017, who were free from HF at baseline. The association of PPM implanted within 30 days following surgery with long-term risks of HF and mortality was investigated by multivariable Cox regression models. Of 4072 patients (33% female), 248 (6%) had a PPM implanted at 30-day postsurgery. Patients with PPM were older (68 vs 63 years), had a higher prevalence of concomitant aortic valve surgery (15% vs 11%), ischemic heart disease (13% vs 8%), and atrial fibrillation (19% vs 12%), compared with patients without PPM. Over a median follow-up of 5 years, 68 (27%) vs 825 (22%) patients with vs without PPM developed HF and 74 (30%) vs 1018 (27%) died. In multivariable-adjusted models, the hazard ratios associated with PPM were 1.00 (0.78-1.30), P = .93 for HF, and .96 (0.76-1.21), P = .72 for mortality. Postoperative implantation of a permanent RV pacemaker does not alter the long-term risks of HF and mortality following mitral valve surgery.

Valve Thrombosis Or Hypo-attenuating Leaflet Thickening After Tavr And Savr: Is There A Need For Different Therapeutic Strategies?

Introduction: Transcatheter aortic valve repair (TAVR) and conventional cardiac surgery with valve replacement using sutureless bioprostheses are possible options to treat severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. No definite guidelines exist regarding the postinterventional anticoagulation therapy especially in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Operative consideration in patient with cryoglobulinaemia undergoing cardiac surgery with use of cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract Cryoglobulinaemia can be defined as the presence of single or mixed immunoglobulins in the serum, which precipitate at sub-homeostatic temperatures and redissolve at higher temperatures. This condition in the context of cardiac surgery can precipitate systemic complications secondary to cold agglutination and lead to significant perioperative problems with the cardiopulmonary bypass machine and the extracorporeal circuit. We present a case of a 74-year-old gentleman with cryoglobulinaemia who underwent mitral valve repair and coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The patient was to undergo preoperative plasmapheresis to reduce circulating levels of cryoglobulin and thereby decrease the risk of potential protein agglutination during cardiopulmonary bypass. Operative considerations included the level of systemic temperature required, the temperature of the cardioplegia solution, level of anticoagulation and the speed and timing of rewarming of the patient to normal homeostatic temperatures. The postoperative management also consisted of early plasmapheresis to further reduce the number of cryoglobulins.

Investigating gene-microRNA networks in atrial fibrillation patients with mitral valve regurgitation.

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is predicted to affect around 17.9 million individuals in Europe by 2060. The disease is associated with severe electrical and structural remodelling of the heart, and increased the risk of stroke and heart failure. In order to improve treatment and find new drug targets, the field needs to better comprehend the exact molecular mechanisms in these remodelling processes.ObjectivesThis study aims to identify gene and miRNA networks involved in the remodelling of AF hearts in AF patients with mitral valve regurgitation (MVR).MethodsTotal RNA was extracted from right atrial biopsies from patients undergoing surgery for mitral valve replacement or repair with AF and without history of AF to test for differentially expressed genes and miRNAs using RNA-sequencing and miRNA microarray. In silico predictions were used to construct a mRNA-miRNA network including differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs. Gene and chromosome enrichment analysis were used to identify molecular pathways and high-density AF loci.ResultsWe found 644 genes and 43 miRNAs differentially expressed in AF patients compared to controls. From these lists, we identified 905 pairs of putative miRNA-mRNA interactions, including 37 miRNAs and 295 genes. Of particular note, AF-associated miR-130b-3p, miR-338-5p and miR-208a-3p were differentially expressed in our AF tissue samples. These miRNAs are predicted regulators of several differentially expressed genes associated with cardiac conduction and fibrosis. We identified two high-density AF loci in chromosomes 14q11.2 and 6p21.3.ConclusionsAF in MVR patients is associated with down-regulation of ion channel genes and up-regulation of extracellular matrix genes. Other AF related genes are dysregulated and several are predicted to be targeted by miRNAs. Our novel miRNA-mRNA regulatory network provides new insights into the mechanisms of AF.