Journal of Cardiac Surgery最新文献

Background: Postinfarct ventricular septal defect (PIVSD) is a serious complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Transcatheter closure is a potential alternative to surgical closure for PIVSD patients.

Objective: This meta-analysis compares the clinical outcomes of transcatheter closure versus surgical closure for PIVSD.

Methods: A systemic search of PubMed and Embase until January 2023 identified studies comparing transcatheter versus surgical PIVSD closure. Primary outcomes included short-term mortality. Short-term mortality referred to the number of in-hospital or 30-day deaths. Secondary outcomes comprised residual shunt/reintervention incidence, difference in time from AMI or PIVSD diagnosis to intervention, the presence of cardiogenic shock, incidence of perioperative mechanical support, PIVSD size difference, and overall mortality at follow-up.

Results: Seven studies comprising 603 patients were included. Short-term mortality (OR, 1.30; 95% CI [0.90, 1.89]; p = 0.17; I²  = 3.0%) did not significantly differ between the two groups. The incidence of residual shunt/reintervention (OR, 3.56; CI, 1.33–9.59; p = 0.01; I²  = 63.0%) and PIVSD size (mean difference, −3.94 mm; CI [−6.90, −0.99]; p = 0.09; I²  = 83.0%) were significantly different; however, the other secondary outcomes were not significantly different.

Conclusion: Transcatheter and surgical closure demonstrate similar short-term mortality. Despite a higher incidence of residual shunt or reintervention in transcatheter closure, it may be a viable option in patients with small size of PIVSD.

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is commonly associated with mitral valve pathology. A large majority of patients with HCM have elongated anterior and posterior mitral leaflets. There remains debate regarding the necessity and role of concomitant mitral valve surgery at the time of septal myectomy. We aimed to describe the characteristics and share our surgical experiences with this specific group of patients.

Methods: This retrospective single-center study investigates adult patients with HCM, with or without elongated mitral valve leaflets (MVLs), who underwent elective septal myectomy with or without concomitant mitral valve intervention, between January 1, 2016, and June 30, 2020. Clinical data were obtained from institutional medical records as well as the Society of Thoracic Surgeons data registry. The clinical characteristics and in-hospital surgical outcomes were compared between patients with an elongated MVL and those without.

Results: In total, 379 patients underwent septal myectomy, and 22 patients with intrinsic mitral valve disease were excluded. In addition, 23 patients were excluded due to missing data. Of the remaining 334 patients, 131 (39.2%) had elongated MVL and concomitant MVL plication. Patients with elongated MVL had higher rates of preoperative mitral valve systolic anterior motion (SAM) (94.7% vs. 86.7%, p = 0.019) and higher preoperative provoked left ventricular outflow tract gradient (LVOTG) (134.5 mmHg versus 125.3 mmHg, p = 0.046). Post septal myectomy and mitral valve plication, they had lower rates of postoperative residual mitral regurgitation (3.8% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.006), comparable rates of residual SAM (28.2% vs. 31.5%, p = 0.524), postoperative provoked LVOTG (15.4 mmHg vs. 14.0 mmHg, p = 0.317), 30-day major adverse cardiopulmonary events (2.3% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.409), and mortality (0% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.255).

Conclusions: Elongated MVLs contribute more significantly to dynamic LVOT obstruction, as evidenced during provocative testing. Concomitant mitral valve intervention during septal myectomy can be performed safely and may provide an effective strategy to resolve SAM and stress-induced LVOTG.

Objective: The lung is a target organ of diabetes mellitus (DM) via glycation of pulmonary elastin and collagen. In addition, hyperglycemia facilitates hypercapnic respiratory failure, which is instead mitigated by low-carbohydrate high-lipid (LC-HL) nutrition. We sought to determine the association between diabetes and severe respiratory failure (SRF, i.e., need of reintubationtracheostomy) after open aortic arch replacement (AAR).

Methods: Machine learning algorithms were evaluated for precision and recall (F2 score) and for clinical applicability to predict SRF. Conditional regression evaluated independent predictors of SRF after 1:2 propensity-score matching.

Results: Information on diabetic status was available in 1275 patients undergoing AAR (1997–2023). Although support vector machine presented the highest F2 score (F2 = 0.337), conditional inference trees provided the most clinically applicable algorithm: diabetes was the best predictor of SRF, which occurred in 20/150 diabetics (13.3%) vs. 40/1125 nondiabetics (3.6%) (p < 0.01). In diabetics, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was the next best predictor of SRF, which occurred in 8/20 diabetics with LVEF ≤ 30% (40%) vs. 12/130 diabetics with LVEF >30% (9.2%) (p = 0.02). In nondiabetics, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was the next best predictor of respiratory failure, which occurred in 14/177 nondiabetics with COPD (7.9%) vs. 26/948 nondiabetics without COPD (2.7%) (p = 0.01). In the matched sample, diabetes was independently able to predict SRF (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.10 | 4.42).

Conclusions: DM was the best predictor of SRF after AAR. Strict glycemic control and LC-HL nutrition should be evaluated as measures to reduce postoperative SRF in diabetic patients.

Objective: Calafiore and modified del Nido cardioplegic solutions are currently being used during coronary artery bypass surgery. This study aims to compare myocardial ischemic stress associated with both solutions by studying the changes in cardiac metabolites during cardioplegic ischemic arrest and early reperfusion.

Methods: Biopsy specimens were taken from the left ventricles of 20 patients undergoing routine coronary artery bypass grafting using Calafiore or modified del Nido cardioplegic solutions. Biopsies were taken immediately after the beginning of extracorporeal circulation (basal biopsy), 30 min after application of the aortic cross-clamp (ischemic biopsy), and 20 min following the removal of aortic cross-clamp (reperfusion biopsy) and were analyzed for their amino acid and lactic acid contents using amino acid analyzer and appropriate kits. Peripheral blood samples were also collected for the determination of blood concentrations of cardiac proteins (CK-MB and troponin I) using an immunofluorescence scanner.

Results: Both CK-MB and troponin I increased significantly 12 h postoperatively and were associated with an increase in myocardial lactic acid, but there were no significant differences in markers of myocardial injury between the two groups. Comparison of amino acid concentrations between the two groups according to sampling time showed that glutamic acid concentrations were significantly lower in the Calafiore cardioplegia group compared to the del Nido cardioplegia group, but there were no other significant differences in markers of metabolic stress (taurine and alanine/glutamate ratio) between the two groups. Moreover, there were no significant differences in changes in amino acid concentrations regardless of the type of cardioplegic solution used.

Conclusions: Cardioplegic ischemic arrest and early reperfusion are associated with a rise in myocardial metabolic stress. Both Calafiore and modified del Nido cardioplegic solutions are effective in attenuating myocardial substrate derangements and confer equal myocardial protection during routine coronary artery bypass surgery.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06287372

Background. Despite the guideline recommendation, implementation of the Cox-maze (CM) IV procedure has been variable and current data are limited. Methods. We reviewed patients with concomitant CM IV procedure (05/2019−05/2020). The primary endpoints of the study were the success rate of surgical ablation and continuity of sinus rhythm (SR) 1 year after surgery. Secondary endpoints included permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation, postoperative mortality, and identification of predictors for postoperative SR. Results. The concomitant CM IV procedure was performed in 92 patients. Indications were persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in 40 patients (43.5%), paroxysmal AF in 36 (39.1%), and long-standing persistent AF in 16 (17.4%). At hospital discharge, SR was achieved in 49 patients (63.6%) and PPM implantation was necessary in 12 patients (13%). At 1 year after surgical ablation, SR was seen in 31 patients (59.6%) and PPM implantation was required in six further patients (6.5%). Patients with long-standing persistent AF were significantly less likely to achieve SR (odds ratio (OR): 0.18, p = 0.003), and postoperative mortality was significantly increased in this subgroup (hazard ratio (HR): 5.4, p = 0.02). In patients with enlarged left atrial (LA) diameter, the probability of achieving SR was significantly decreased (OR: 0.48, p = 0.045). Need for postoperative dialysis (HR: 12.9, p = 0.02) and prolonged stay in the intensive care unit (HR: 2.2, p = 0.01) were independently associated with increased mortality after CM IV. Conclusions. The cryothermal CM IV procedure has an overall 1-year success rate of 60% with increased rates of PPM implantation. Patients with long-standing persistent AF and increased LA diameter were significantly less likely to achieve SR.

Aim. The present study sought to evaluate the cardiovascular morphology and associated anomalies in patients with interrupted aortic arch (IAA) on CT angiography. Materials and Methods. A retrospective review of our departmental database was conducted to identify patients diagnosed with IAA on CT angiography between January 2014 and September 2022. The demographic information, anatomic characteristics, and associated cardiovascular abnormalities in patients with IAA were assessed. The morphological types of IAA were described in accordance with Celoria–Patton classification. Results. IAA was seen in 49 patients (32 males and 17 females; mean age: 15.9 months). The most common type of IAA based on the site of interruption was type A seen in 27/49 (55.1%) patients, while type B was observed in 22/49 (44.9%) patients. No patient of type C IAA was encountered in the current series. The most commonly associated cardiovascular anomaly was patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) seen in 45/49 (91.8%) patients. Atrial septal defect was seen in 15/49 (30.6%) patients, while 39/49 (79.6%) patients had a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Common arterial trunk was the most common abnormal ventriculo-arterial connection seen in 13/49 (26.5%) patients. Aorto-pulmonary window was associated with 7/49 (14.3%) patients. Conclusion. IAA is a rare congenital heart defect associated with an array of cardiovascular anomalies, most common being PDA and VSD. CT angiography is useful not only in diagnosing and characterizing the IAA but also in identifying associated anomalies which may have a bearing on the clinical presentation, prognosis, and surgical management.

Aims. We described our advancement in the field of robotic cardiac surgery, particularly in the context of coronary revascularization. We will outline how the application of the Da Vinci® X Surgical System in coronary surgery is safe, feasible, and reproducible after an adequate familiarization with the docking system, that could come from a previous mitral valve robotic program, and after a sufficient learning time period. Methods. Between February 2021 and December 2023, a cohort of 33 patients underwent coronary artery revascularization surgery, involving robotic harvesting of the left mammary artery and off-pump hand-direct bypass to the left descending coronary artery or marginal coronary artery. In cases of hybrid revascularization, percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent placement was performed either before or after surgery. Results. There were no mortalities within 30 days and at 1 year of follow-up after surgery. Notably, 70% of patients were extubated in the operating room immediately following the surgical procedure. The median postoperative mechanical ventilation time was 0 [0–4] hours, and the median length of stay in the intensive care unit was 21 [20–48] hours. A progressive reduction of the console and instrumental Da Vinci® X Surgical System was underling after the 21^st patient. Conclusion. The promising outcomes observed in this series highlight that robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass represents a well-established technique that could be reproducible, especially when integrated into a hybrid strategy. Initiating a program in robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass surgery can be effectively attained in particularly when a well-established background in Da Vinci® X Surgical System utilization is achieved.

Background. Advancing age is a nonmodifiable risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease. Furthermore, patients >65 years old are considered at high risk for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The aim of this study was to investigate whether there were any differences in clinical outcomes for patients with a mean age ≥65 undergoing CABG on or off pump. Methods. Systematic searches were conducted in EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). The key search terms used were “cardiopulmonary bypass” OR “On pump” AND “off pump” OR “beating heart” AND “coronary artery bypass grafting” OR “CABG” AND “age.” This was followed by a meta-analysis assessing the primary outcomes mortality, myocardial infarction, renal failure, and stroke in the short—(30 days) and midterm (12–44 months) and repeat revascularisation at midterm follow up. Secondary outcomes investigated included postoperative atrial fibrillation, number of units of blood transfused, ventilation time, length of intensive care unit stay, and length of hospital stay. Results. 14 studies involving 10,260 participants, 5,141 of whom had on-pump CABG and 5,119 of whom had off-pump CABG were identified. There was a significantly greater need for repeat revascularisation in the off-pump group (risk ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 2.01, I² = 0%, p = 0.02) at midterm follow up. The off-pump group also had a shorter hospital stay. All other comparisons were insignificant. Conclusion. A number of different factors contribute to whether the increased need for repeat revascularisation for off-pump patients is truly clinically significant. This requires further investigation in meta-analysis based on longer-term trials in patients with a mean age ≥65. Otherwise, the similarity in clinical outcomes for patients in this age group suggests the choice to carry out CABG on or off pump should continue to be at the surgeon’s discretion.

Background. Efforts to expand the heart donor pool have included the use of extended criteria donors (e.g., advanced age or comorbid conditions). Another potential avenue is donor hearts with pre-existing coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods. A retrospective cohort study was performed using the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database between 10/1/1987 and 12/3/2020. Postoperative complications, graft failure, and survival were examined between recipients of donor hearts with abnormal (CAD donor) versus normal (non-CAD donor) coronary angiogram. Analysis was performed in unmatched cohorts as well as after propensity score matching. Results. A total of 12,230 heart transplant recipients were identified, of which 940 (7.6%) had an abnormal donor coronary angiogram. There were no differences between CAD and non-CAD donor groups in acute rejection, stroke, or dialysis prior to discharge or treatment for rejection <1 year. However, the CAD donor group had a greater pacemaker incidence (5.2% vs. 3.6%, P = 0.02). After matching, 785 patients were in each group and there were no differences in perioperative outcomes or treatment for rejection <1 year. There was no difference in 10-year freedom from graft failure (53.1% vs. 54.6%, log rank = 1.03, and P = 0.31) or cumulative survival (54.7% vs. 55.8%, log rank = 0.63, and P = 0.43) between the matched CAD and non-CAD donor groups. Conclusion. The presence of CAD may not be a contraindication to transplantation. Carefully selected donor hearts with CAD may have equivalent postoperative and long-term outcomes to donor hearts without CAD. Further study in this area may expand the pool of donors.

Objectives. Aortic arch replacement is a major surgical intervention. This meta-analysis aims to combine the international literature on the branch-first technique to describe its outcomes and offer a comparison to the standard techniques. Methods. PubMed and Cochrane were searched for studies on the branch-first technique in aortic arch surgery including those comparing this technique with the conventional ones. Mortality, neurological complications, bleeding, and renal replacement therapy were the major endpoints of interest. Subgroup analysis was performed for both single- and double-armed studies. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were used as summary estimates. The random-effects model was used for all outcomes. Results. Ten studies from three countries with a total of 498 patients were included. Proportional analysis of the branch-first technique estimated mortality of (3%, 95% CI [0.02–0.05]), neurological complications of (8%, 95% CI [0.03–0.13]), re-exploration for bleeding of (9%, 95% CI [0.05–0.13]), and renal replacement therapy of (9%, 95% CI [0.05–0.12]). This meta-analysis revealed no significant differences between the branch-first technique and the conventional technique in mortality (5% vs. 15%, OR = 0.32, 95% CI [0.08–1.18], p = 0.09, I2 = 40%), neurological complications (10% vs. 16%, OR = 0.53, 95% CI [0.24–1.21], p = 0.13, I2 = 0%), or renal replacement therapy (12% vs. 14%, OR = 0.72, 95% CI [0.33–1.59], p = 0.41, I2 = 0%). Conclusions. Branch-first technique provides a promising alternative approach in aortic arch surgery with no different surgical risks and potentially reduced operative complexity. Randomised controlled trials are needed to further investigate the safety and advantages of this technique.