The Role of Microbes in Surgical Decision Making for Infective Endocarditis: Mitral Valve Repair or Replacement?

BACKGROUND: The benefits of mitral repair versus replacement for endocarditis are inconclusive. This study compares outcomes of patients with infective endocarditis undergoing mitral valve repair versus replacement and investigates the impact of microbial etiology. METHODS: All 251 patients undergoing mitral valve surgery for active endocarditis between 2010 and 2023 were enrolled, 180 (71.7%) replacement and 71 (28.3%) repair. To adjust for imbalances, inverse probability of treatment weighting was applied and 187 patients were obtained. RESULTS: The analysis between groups, following the application of inverse probability of treatment weighting, showed no statistically significant differences across all considered outcomes. Early and late death was observed respectively in 6 (8.5%) and 11 (15.5%) patients in the repair group versus 24 (13.3%) and 45 (25.0%) in the replacement group without statistical significance (p = 0.221 and p = 0.446). Relapse occurred in six patients (8.5%) in the repair group after a median time of 4.0 months and in six (3.3%) in the replacement after 6.9 months (p = 0.071). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical strategy in mitral endocarditis has no effect on major postoperative complications, mortality, or medium/long-term survival. Staphylococcus aureus and Coagulase-negative Staphylococci represent a risk for early mortality and relapse. However, mitral valve repair for endocarditis can be pursued when it ensures the complete eradication of all infected tissue, particularly in cases caused by Streptococcus infection, in young patients, and after a minimum of 18 days of antibiotic therapy.

Intraoperative indocyanine green imaging as an adjunctive technique to reduce any circumflex artery damage during mitral valve surgery: a feasibility study.

Iatrogenic injuries to the circumflex coronary artery during mitral valve surgery are probably underestimated (reported rates of 0.3-1.8%). This complication arises from the artery's close proximity to the mitral annulus, particularly at the anterolateral commissure. The study aimed to assess this risk in a patient group prone to such injury. The surgical procedure utilized a minimally invasive approach and indocyanine green-based fluorescence imaging. This technique allows a real-time visualization of the circumflex artery, aiding precise placement of annular sutures and minimizing the risk of injury. The method, applied in 6 patients, integrates preoperative assessments with intraoperative fluorescence imaging, ensuring accurate arterial depiction and preventing iatrogenic damage. The study highlights the safety and efficacy of fluorescence imaging, especially in identifying vessel anomalies, indicating potential applications in various cardiac procedures.

Surgical Treatment of Active Endocarditis Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Onset.

BACKGROUND: Despite advanced diagnosis and treatment, infective endocarditis (IE) is a potentially life-threatening condition. The impact of COVID-19 on the diagnosis and outcome of the surgical treatment of IE is uncertain. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of surgically treated IE before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed the data of 535 patients who underwent valve surgical procedures for IE between January 2010 and December 2022 in a single cardiac surgery center. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the date of their operation: before (n = 393) and after (n = 142) COVID-19 onset. In order to balance the groups, inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) calculated from the propensity score (PS) was applied. Weighted univariate logistic regressions were reported for outcomes; weights were derived from IPTW. Interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) according to Linden's method was used to evaluate the changes in the manifestation of IE after 11 March 2020. RESULTS: Patients from the post-COVID-19 cohort (after 11 March 2020) had a greater number of comorbidities such as diabetes (29.6% vs. 16.3% p = 0.001), hypertension (71.1% vs. 59.5% p = 0.015), and preoperative kidney injury requiring dialysis (9.2% vs. 2.5% p = 0.002), but the median additive and logistic EuroSCORE were not statistically different. In the post-COVID-19 group, we observed a greater prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus-related endocarditis (24.5% vs. 15.4% p = 0.026), a consequent reduction in Staphylococcus non aureus-related endocarditis (12.2% vs. 20.1% p = 0.048), and a decrease in aortic valve replacements (43.0% vs. 53.9%), while the number of mitral valve replacements and repair was greater (21.1% vs. 15.0% and 6.3% vs. 4.3%, respectively). No differences were found in the two groups concerning early death, death, or relapse at 1 year after surgery. Data obtained by multivariable analysis identified preoperative renal dysfunction requiring dialysis as the only common risk factor for early mortality via stratifying by time periods in analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of surgically treated IE significantly increases after the COVID-19 pandemic with a higher incidence of mitral valve involvement with respect to the aortic valve. Although a delay in surgical timing occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, data in terms of mortality and outcomes were largely unaffected.

Distal stent graft-induced new entry (dSINE) after frozen elephant trunk: a scoping review.

Background: The introduction of hybrid total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique has improved the field of aortic surgery by allowing single-stage treatment of complex aortic pathologies. Although FET has been associated with favorable aortic remodeling, it is also associated with the potential development of distal stent graft-induced new entries (dSINEs). The aim of our review is to collect data about the incidence and the supposed conditions for the occurrence of dSINE after total hybrid arch replacement with FET technique. Methods: The literature review was performed using PubMed databases from inception to January 2022. A descriptive approach to detect and display supposed risk factors and predictors for dSINE occurrence has been adopted. Results: Eight studies summarized the state-of-the-art of dSINE in a total number of 544 FET procedures performed to treat acute and chronic aortic dissections. The scoping review showed dSINEs occurrence in 69 patients (12.7%). The mean time between surgery and the diagnosis ranged from 12.6 to 30.6 months. Most patients that developed dSINE received endovascular treatment, whereas a couple of them needed open surgery. According to our experience, from January 2007 to December 2021, in 225 FET procedures a total of 54 cases of dSINE, both with Thoraflex and E-vita grafts have been detected. The mean time between the surgical procedure and the diagnosis was 27.2±33.6 months. Conclusions: dSINEs are frequent complications after FET. Although not emergent, they require proper treatment. Due to dSINE's asymptomatic nature and potential harm, a rigorous follow-up including angio-computed tomography (CT) should be planned.

Truly form-factor-free industrially scalable system integration for electronic textile architectures with multifunctional fiber devices.

An integrated textile electronic system is reported here, enabling a truly free form factor system via textile manufacturing integration of fiber-based electronic components. Intelligent and smart systems require freedom of form factor, unrestricted design, and unlimited scale. Initial attempts to develop conductive fibers and textile electronics failed to achieve reliable integration and performance required for industrial-scale manufacturing of technical textiles by standard weaving technologies. Here, we present a textile electronic system with functional one-dimensional devices, including fiber photodetectors (as an input device), fiber supercapacitors (as an energy storage device), fiber field-effect transistors (as an electronic driving device), and fiber quantum dot light-emitting diodes (as an output device). As a proof of concept applicable to smart homes, a textile electronic system composed of multiple functional fiber components is demonstrated, enabling luminance modulation and letter indication depending on sunlight intensity.

Aortic tissue pathology in reoperative post-dissection repair following prior use of BioGlue.

AIM: The benefits of BioGlue as a surgical adjunct in aortic procedures have been demonstrated in several studies, but limited information is available regarding the associated histopathological findings of aortic tissue at the time of reoperation. The objective of this study was to assess, at reoperation, the histopathological characteristics of aortic tissue which has had BioGlue applied during a previous surgery. METHODS: This prospective, single-center, single-arm study enrolled patients who were undergoing aortic reoperation and who had BioGlue used during previous aortic surgery. Histopathological assessment of aortic specimens obtained intraoperatively was performed on tissue that would have been removed independent of subject participation in the study. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients were enrolled and based on gross assessment, excessive amounts of BioGlue had been applied during the initial surgery in 36.4% of cases. The samples with the greatest amount of residual BioGlue demonstrated moderate to marked inflammatory responses, while the remaining samples demonstrated minimal to moderate inflammatory responses. Calcification of residual BioGlue was noted in 4 cases. Substantial medial degeneration was associated with suture line dehiscence in 4 cases, some of which had a large quantity of residual BioGlue. No evidence of suture degradation was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Cases with surgical anastomosis dehiscence were associated with substantial medial degeneration. While no histologic findings directly linked BioGlue to these degenerative changes, a contributory role cannot be excluded. Following the manufacturer's instructions for appropriate application of BioGlue is crucial to prevent potential complications.

Aortic root aneurysm in a patient with Aarskog-Scott syndrome.

We present the case of a 69 years old man affected by Aarskog-Scott syndrome. He came to our attention for an aneurysm of the aortic root, with almost moderate aortic regurgitation; moderate mitral regurgitation was discovered during preoperative assessment. We performed a modified Bentall's procedure and mitral valve repair. A patent foramen ovale was closed. Aarskog-Scott syndrome is a complex developmental disorder, characterized by X-linked recessive hereditariness short stature, craniofacial abnormalities, hyperextension of the proximal interphalangeal joints, and genital malformations. Diagnosis is still a challenge, in light of various clinical pictures and features in common with other syndromes (i.e., Noonan, SHORT, and Robinow syndromes). It has been longly debated if cardiac surveillance is needed among the affected patients; it should be probably undertaken, in view of the higher incidence of congenital heart disease. Moreover, the presence of extremely flexible joints suggests the coexistence of a connective tissue disorder.

Therapeutic alternatives in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: from pulmonary endarterectomy to balloon pulmonary angioplasty to medical therapy. State of the art from a multidisciplinary team.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare disease with a very complex pathophysiology differing from other causes of pulmonary hypertension (PH). It is an infrequent consequence of acute pulmonary embolism that is frequently misdiagnosed. Pathogenesis has been related to coagulation abnormalities, infection or inflammation, although these disturbances can be absent in many cases. The hallmarks of CTEPH are thrombotic occlusion of pulmonary vessels, variable degree of ventricular dysfunction and secondary microvascular arteriopathy. The definition of CTEPH also includes an increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure of more than 25 mmHg with a normal pulmonary capillary wedge of less than 15 mmHg. It is classified as World Health Organization group 4 PH, and is the only type that can be surgically cured by pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). This operation needs to be carried out by a team with strong expertise, from the diagnostic and decisional pathway to the operation itself. However, because the disease has a very heterogeneous phenotype in terms of anatomy, degree of PH and the lack of a standard patient profile, not all cases of CTEPH can be treated by PEA. As a result, PH-directed medical therapy traditionally used for the other types of PH has been proposed and is utilized in CTEPH patients. Since 2015, we have been witnessing the rebirth of balloon pulmonary angioplasty, a technique first performed in 2001 but has since fallen out fashion due to major complications. The refinement of such techniques has allowed its safe utilization as a salvage therapy in inoperable patients. In the present keynote lecture, we will describe these therapeutic approaches and results.

Frozen Elephant Trunk in Right Aberrant Subclavian Artery.

Aberrant right subclavian artery is a relatively rare congenital anomaly of the aortic arch. A 74-year-old woman was referred to our cardiac surgery department for chest pain. Computed tomography angiography scan showed an acute aortic dissection and revealed an aberrant right subclavian artery routed behind the trachea. We performed supracoronary ascending aorta and total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk technique. The aberrant right subclavian artery was then anastomosed termino-terminal to one branch of the Thoraflex (Vascutek, Glasgow, Scotland) arch graft. Postoperative computed tomography scan indicated a successful reconstruction of the aortic arch, proving the open stent-grafting technique as a useful and effective approach for aortic disease with aberrant right subclavian artery.

The Triple-Layer Patch Technique for Postinfarction Ventricular Septal Rupture.

Postinfarction ventricular septal rupture (VSR) represents a well-known mechanical complication of myocardial infarction, determining cardiogenic shock with high mortality rates. Surgical correction requires significant expertise to avoid cardiac rupture, uncontrollable bleeding, residual shunts, heart failure, and death. In the last year, we observed a substantial increase of VSR at our hospital, related to the delayed presentation of people with acute chest pain to the emergency departments during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We discuss our innovative triple-layer patch technique in a recent consecutive series of 8 patients. This technique proved effective in all patients, with no residual shunt or cardiac rupture.

Postinfarction posterobasal ventricular septal defect closure with a triple-layer patch.

We present the case of a 65-year-old patient who developed a large posterobasal ventricular septal defect resulting from an extensive acute myocardial infarction involving the inferior and basal septum and wall. We repaired the interventricular lesion by verticalizing the cardiac apex to perform a left posterobasal ventriculotomy. We removed a great part of the residual infarcted tissue, leaving the residual scar in place. Our technique first involved creating a double-layer patch comprising heterologous pericardium and a non-collagen-impregnated Sauvage Dacron patch, fixed with single pledgeted U-stitches from the right side of the anterior septum; then we applied a third layer of heterologous pericardium on the left side of the septum in order to have only a pericardial surface in contact with blood on both ventricular sides. A running suture was used to complete the procedure from the middle to the posterior rim of the ventricular septal defect.  The final triple-layer patch allowed us to obtain a complete and durable closure of the defect. The subsequent closure of the left ventriculotomy was performed with a similar bilayer pericardium-Dacron patch (always leaving pericardium on the internal surface). This technique proved effective, guaranteeing resistance to suture stress, less risk of leakage, and reduced thrombogenicity.

Warm blood cardioplegia versus cold crystalloid cardioplegia for myocardial protection during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

We retrospectively analyzed early results of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery using two different types of cardioplegia for myocardial protection: antegrade intermittent warm blood or cold crystalloid cardioplegia. From January 2015 to October 2016, 330 consecutive patients underwent isolated on-pump CABG. Cardiac arrest was obtained with use of warm blood cardioplegia (WBC group, n = 297) or cold crystalloid cardioplegia (CCC group, n = 33), according to the choice of the surgeon. Euroscore II and preoperative characteristics were similar in both groups, except for the creatinine clearance, slightly lower in WBC group (77.33 ± 27.86 mL/min versus 88.77 ± 51.02 mL/min) (P < 0.05). Complete revascularization was achieved in both groups. In-hospital mortality was 2.0% (n = 6) in WBC group, absent in CCC group. The required mean number of cardioplegia's doses per patient was higher in WBC group (2.3 ± 0.8) versus CCC group (2.0 ± 0.7) (P = 0.045), despite a lower number of distal coronary artery anastomoses (2.7 ± 0.8 versus 3.2 ± 0.9) (P = 0.0001). Cardiopulmonary and aortic cross-clamp times were similar in both groups. The incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction (WBC group 3.4% versus CCC group 3.0%) and low cardiac output syndrome (4.4% versus 3.0%) were similar in both groups. As compared with WBC group, in CCC group CK-MB/CK ratio >10% was lower during each time points of evaluation, with a statistical significant difference at time 0 (4% ± 1.6% versus 5% ± 2.5%) (P = 0.021). In presence of complete revascularization, despite the value of CK-MB/CK ratio >10% was less in the CCC group, clinical results were not affected by both types of cardioplegia adopted to myocardial protection. As compared with cold crystalloid, warm blood cardioplegia requires a shorter interval of administration to achieve better myocardial protection.