Right Ventricular Perforation by Fractured Sternal Wires: A Narrative Review.

INTRODUCTION: Migration of a fragmented sternal wire is an unusual and rare phenomenon following cardiovascular surgery. It can present with variable clinical presentations, ranging from incidental findings to hemodynamic instability. Here, we described two cases of fragmented sternal wire migration to the right ventricle. METHODS: Retrospective review of the clinical course of two patients presenting with a fragmented sternal wire embedded in the right ventricle after sternotomy for cardiovascular surgery. We also conducted a literature review to identify similar cases, compared them based on reported clinical variables, and discussed the role of diagnostic imaging and management. RESULTS: We identified 13 patients (11 from the literature), of which 85% were men, and the median age was 64 years; 46% presented with hemorrhagic shock, another 46% had other cardiovascular symptoms, and 8% were asymptomatic. The presentation was bimodal, 54% presented within three weeks of the original sternotomy, while 46% had sternotomy more than a year before. Sternal dehiscence/instability was observed in 61% of cases. Computed tomography scan was the most common diagnostic modality (54%). Two patients did not undergo surgery, and two others died after surgery, while others had a successful surgical repair. CONCLUSION: Migration of a fragmented sternal wire is a phenomenon presented on a dehisced and unstable sternum that can occur days or years after sternotomy. These findings and the associated cardiac injury can be easily missed on computed tomography scan reporting if one is not looking for it. After diagnosis, treatment should be individualized according to the patient's needs.

Timing of coronary artery bypass grafting after myocardial infarction influences late survival.

Objectives: The role of timing of coronary artery bypass grafting after acute myocardial infarction on early and late outcomes remains uncertain. Methods: We reviewed 1631 consecutive adult patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting with information on timing of acute myocardial infarction. Early and late mortality were compared between patients receiving coronary artery bypass grafting within 24 hours after acute myocardial infarction, between 1 and 7 days after acute myocardial infarction, and more than 7 days after acute myocardial infarction. Sensitivity analyses were performed in subgroups of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction or non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and other high-risk groups. Results: A total of 124 patients (5.7%) underwent coronary artery bypass grafting within 24 hours, 972 patients (51.2%) received coronary artery bypass grafting between 1 and 7 days after acute myocardial infarction, and 535 patients (43.2%) underwent coronary artery bypass grafting more than 7 days after acute myocardial infarction. Overall operative mortality was 2.7% with comparable adjusted early mortality among 3 groups. Over a median follow-up of 13.5 years (interquartile range, 8.9-17.1), compared with patients receiving coronary artery bypass grafting between 1 and 7 days after acute myocardial infarction, those receiving coronary artery bypass grafting at 7 days had greater adjusted risk for late overall mortality (hazard ratio, 1.39, 95% CI, 1.16-1.67; P < .001), whereas those receiving coronary artery bypass grafting within 24 hours had comparable risk of late overall mortality (hazard ratio, 1.12, 95% CI, 0.86-1.47; P = .39). Timing of coronary artery bypass grafting was associated with late mortality in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (patients receiving coronary artery bypass grafting at >7 days had a higher risk of late mortality [hazard ratio, 1.38, 95% CI, 1.14-1.67, P < .001] compared with those receiving coronary artery bypass grafting between 1 and 7 days), but not in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Conclusions: Early revascularization through coronary artery bypass grafting within 7 days during the same hospitalization appears beneficial, especially for patients presenting with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Effect of Preoperative Clopidogrel on Outcomes of Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: An STS National Database Analysis.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database to investigate risks and optimal timing for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) after clopidogrel administration. METHODS: Patients were categorized based on clopidogrel use within 5 days and further stratified by days from the last dose (0 to 5 days). Controls were patients who did not receive clopidogrel within 5 days of surgery. The primary outcome was operative mortality, and secondary outcomes included mediastinal reexploration for bleeding and blood product use. RESULTS: Among 148,317 isolated CABG, 19,553 patients (13.2%) received clopidogrel within 5 days. Minimal differences in operative mortality (2.8% vs 2.1%, P < .001), but higher rates of mediastinal reexploration (3.5% vs 2.1%, P < .001) and blood product utilization (72.7% vs 56.8%, P < .001) were observed in the clopidogrel group. The adjusted odds ratio of operative mortality peaked on the day of clopidogrel administration but was comparable to controls thereafter. The odds of reexploration were highest on day 0, decreasing gradually to a plateau after day 3. Patients who underwent operations on day 3 after clopidogrel administration had similar odds of operative mortality and mediastinal reexploration for bleeding and shorter total and preoperative lengths of stay but higher blood product use compared with day 5. CONCLUSIONS: CABG within 5 days from clopidogrel is associated with a modest increase in operative mortality and reexploration for bleeding and a substantial increase in blood product use. Risks decreased with increasing time from discontinuation, plateauing after 3 days from clopidogrel. CABG at 3 days yields comparable outcomes as 5 days, reducing the waiting period.

Restricted cusp motion in newly implanted tricuspid bioprostheses: Incidence, predictors, and impact on survival.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of restricted cusp motion (RCM) at the time of bioprosthetic tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) and analyze associated risk factors and outcomes. METHODS: This study involved adult patients who underwent TVR with a bioprosthesis at our institution between 2012 and 2022. Bioprosthetic cusp motion was analyzed de novo through a detailed review of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE). Two models of porcine valves were implanted: the Medtronic Hancock II bioprosthesis and the St Jude Medical Epic bioprosthesis. RESULTS: Among the 476 patients who met the inclusion criteria, RCM was identified on immediate post-bypass TEE in 150 (31.5%); there was complete immobility of the cusp in 63 patients (13.2%) and limited movement of a cusp in 87 patients (18.3%). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, the Hancock II model (odds ratio [OR], 6.15; P < .001), a larger orifice area (per IQR increase: OR, 1.58; P = .017), a smaller body surface area (per IQR increase: OR, .68; P = .040), and a lower ejection fraction (per IQR increase: OR, .60; P = .033) were independently associated with having RCM. Cox regression adjusting for 15 covariates revealed that RCM at the time of TVR was independently associated with an increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 1.35; P = .049). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a high incidence of RCM in bioprosthetic valves in the tricuspid position detected shortly postimplantation, which was associated with increased late mortality. To reduce the probability of RCM, it is important to select the appropriate prosthesis model and size, particularly in small patients.

Intravascular Ultrasound during Endovascular Intervention for Peripheral Artery Disease, by Severity, Location, Device, and Procedure.

There is limited evidence for the role of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in patients who underwent peripheral vascular intervention (PVI). We conducted retrospective cohort study utilizing the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality National Readmission database to delineate outcomes in IVUS-guided PVI versus non-IVUS-guided PVI. The present study utilized National Readmission database between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019. We identified patients who underwent endovascular intervention for peripheral artery disease using relevant International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Procedural Coding System. The cohort was divided based on the use of IVUS during the procedure. The primary outcome was major amputation at 6 months after index hospitalization. Measured confounders were matched using propensity score inverse probability of treatment weighing method. We further performed a subgroup analysis based on disease severity, location of intervention, device, and procedure. A total of 434,901 hospitalizations were included in the present analysis. PVI with IVUS compared with no IVUS had similar risk of amputation at 6 months (195 of 8,939 [2.17%] vs 10,404 of 384,003 [2.71%]), hazard ratio 0.98, CI 0.77 to 1.25. Further, there was no difference in the rates of secondary outcomes. On subgroup analysis, amputation rates were significantly lower in patients with rest pain, in iliac intervention, or patients who underwent drug-eluting stent implantation with the use of IVUS compared with no IVUS. This nationwide observational study showed that there was no difference in major amputation rates with the use of IVUS in patients who underwent PVI. However, in subgroup of patients with rest pain, iliac intervention or drug-eluting stent implantation IVUS use was associated with significantly lower major amputation rates.

Hemodynamic Comparison of the On-X and Top Hat Mechanical Aortic Valve Prostheses.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data comparing hemodynamic valve function in mechanical aortic valve prostheses. This study compared the hemodynamic function of 2 commonly used mechanical aortic valve (AV) prostheses, the On-X (Artivion) and Top Hat (CarboMedics Inc) valves. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of 512 patients who underwent AV replacement with the On-X (n = 252; 49%) or Top Hat (n = 260; 51%) mechanical valves between 2011 and 2019. Patients were matched on the basis of selected variables. Echocardiographic data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively over a median follow-up of 1.39 years. RESULTS: A total of 320 patients were matched, 160 patients in each group. Despite being matched for left ventricular outflow tract diameter, patients in the Top Hat group received a greater prevalence of smaller tissue annulus diameter valves (≤21 mm) (83% vs 38%; P < .001). Patients in the On-X group had longer aortic cross-clamp times (78 minutes vs 64 minutes; P < .001) during isolated aortic valve replacement. Discharge echocardiography showed no difference in the AV area index between both groups (1.00 cm2/m2 vs 1.02 cm2/m2; P = .377). During longer-term echocardiographic follow-up, the AV area index remained stable for both valves within their respective tissue annulus diameter groups (P = .060). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference between the 2 valves with respect to the AV area index at discharge, and hemodynamic function was stable during longer-term follow-up. The longer aortic cross-clamp time observed in the On-X group may indicate increased complexity of implantation compared with the Top Hat group.

Analysis of Anemia, Transfusions, and CABG Outcomes in The Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Database.

BACKGROUND: This study characterized the association of preoperative anemia and intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion on outcomes of elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: Data from 53,856 patients who underwent CABG included in The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Adult Cardiac Database in 2019 were used. The primary outcome was operative mortality. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications. The association of anemia with outcomes was analyzed with multivariable regression models. The influence of intraoperative RBC transfusion on the effect of preoperative anemia on outcomes was studied using mediation analysis. RESULTS: Anemia was present in 25% of patients. Anemic patients had a higher STS Predicted Risk of Operative Mortality (1.2% vs 0.7%; P < .001). Anemia was associated with operative mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.27; 99.5% CI, 1.00-1.61; P = .047), postoperative RBC transfusion (OR, 2.28; 99.5% CI, 2.12-2.44; P < .001), dialysis (OR, 1.58; 99.5% CI, 1.19-2.11; P < .001), and prolonged intensive care unit and hospital length of stay. Intraoperative RBC transfusion largely mediated the effects of anemia on mortality (76%), intensive care unit stay (99%), and hospital stay, but it only partially mediated the association with dialysis (34.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative anemia is common in patients who undergo CABG and is associated with increased postoperative risks of mortality, complications, and RBC transfusion. However, most of the effect of anemia on mortality is mediated through intraoperative RBC transfusion.

Twenty-year United States national, demographic and regional mortality trends from traumatic thoracic aortic injury, 1999 to 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic Thoracic Aortic Injury (TTAI) is associated with high mortality rates and is the second leading cause of death in traumatic patients. There has been a considerable advancement in the management of TTAI with novel and improved surgical procedures and imaging modalities. The aim of this study was to determine the national demographic and regional trends in mortality associated with TTAI in the United States across twenty years, 1999 to 2019. METHODS: The multiple cause of death data on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC-WONDER) database was utilized to query death certificates for TTAI from 1999 to 2019, in the United States. The International Classification of the Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code S25.0 was used to identify and abstract data for TTAI related deaths. The data was further abstracted based on age, race, gender and Census-Bureau defined regions. The age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) per 100,000 population-year and Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC) with 95 % Confidence Interval were computed. The JoinPoint software was utilized to compute the temporal trends in mortality based on a segmented change and AAPC calculation. RESULTS: A total of 20,842 TTAI associated deaths occurred from 1999 to 2019 corresponding to an AAMR of 0.407(0.401-0.412) per 100,000 population-year. The overall AAMR reduced from 0.759 to 0.223 per 100,000 population-year from 1999 to 2019[average APC -6.5(-7.5; -5.5)]. The reduction was reported in both <45 age group [average APC -6.5(-7.9; -5.1)] and >45 age group [-6.2(-7.3; -5.0)]; among females [average APC -6.1(-7.8; -4.3)] and males [-6.1(-7.2; -5.0)]; among Whites [average APC -6.9(-7.8; -5.9)] and Blacks [-5.0(-7.4; -2.5)]. The reduction in mortality as per the census region was highest in the west followed by Mid-West, North-East and South [average APC -6.8(-8.6; -5.0); -6.2(-8.8; -3.6); -5.7(-7.0; -4.4); -5.5(-7.4; -3.6), respectively]. CONCLUSION: There was a significant decrease in the TTAI associated mortality trends in the United States across 1999-2019 with a consistent decline in all demographic and regional subgroups.

Association of sleep duration with atrial fibrillation/flutter mortality in the United States: a cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association between sleep duration and atrial fibrillation risk is poorly understood, with inconsistent findings reported by several studies. We sought to assess the association between long sleep duration and mortality due to atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL). METHODS: The 2016-2020 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research dataset was used to identify death records secondary to AF/AFL in the United States population. We used the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) dataset of sleep duration at the county level. All counties were grouped into quartiles based on the percentage of their population with long sleep duration (i.e., ≥ 7 h), Q1 being the lowest and Q4 the highest quartile. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) were calculated for each quartile. County Health Rankings for Texas were used to adjust the AAMR for comorbidities using linear regression. RESULTS: Overall, the AAMR for AF/AFL were highest in Q4 (65.9 [95% CI, 65.5-66.2] per 100,000 person-years) and lowest in Q1 (52.3 [95% CI, 52.1-52.5] per 100,000 person-years). The AAMR for AF/AFL increased stepwise from the lowest to highest quartiles of the percentage population with long sleep duration. After adjustment for the county health ranks of Texas, long sleep duration remained associated with a significantly higher AAMR (coefficient 220.6 (95% CI, 21.53-419.72, p-value = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Long sleep duration was associated with higher AF/AFL mortality. Increased focus on risk reduction for AF, public awareness about the importance of optimal sleep duration, and further research to elucidate a potential causal relationship between sleep duration and AF are warranted.

Analysis of Cardiac Computed Tomography Anatomy in Patients With Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation Considered for Transcatheter Intervention.

Background: Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with considerable morbidity/mortality in an elderly population with multiple comorbidities. There is interest in transcatheter interventions to manage severe TR. Understanding complex right heart (RH) geometry and tricuspid valve shape and size has implications for patient/device selection for transcatheter intervention. We characterized RH anatomy by computed tomography in patients with symptomatic severe TR considered for intervention. Methods: The retrospective Mayo Clinic study included 29 patients with an echocardiogram and cardiac computed tomography angiogram considered for intervention of severe TR from March 01, 2016 to December 15, 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups: intervention (surgical or transcatheter; n = 17) and medical management alone (n = 12). Results: Mean age was 83 ± 8 (83% female), 100% had atrial fibrillation, and 62% had chronic kidney disease ≥3a. Ninety-seven percent were symptomatic, 93% had been prescribed loop diuretics, and 24% had device leads. Mean tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was 16.8 ± 4.5 mm, effective regurgitant orifice area was 81 ± 33 mm2, and cardiac index was 2.6 ± 0.6 L/min/m2. Forty-one percent had at least moderate right ventricular (RV) dysfunction with a mean RV systolic pressure of 46 ± 16 mmHg. Patients receiving intervention had significantly larger effective regurgitant orifice area (101 ± 33 vs. 63 ± 22 mm2, p = 0.033), shorter tricuspid leaflet tenting length (6.5 ± 3.0 vs. 8.9 ± 2.7 mm, p = 0.042), and smaller annuloplasty diagnostic perimeter during diastole (120.1 ± 16.6 vs. 131.1 ± 7.4 mm, p = 0.041). Intervention patients tended to have better right ventricular function, smaller RV and inferior vena cava size, and more severe symptoms. The maximal tricuspid annulus diameter in systole and diastole was 51 ± 5 and 53 ± 7 mm, respectively. Conclusions: Severe TR patients referred for transcatheter intervention present with severe RH enlargement with a large proportion having tricuspid annulus dimensions outside the range for current devices available in clinical trials. The presented data have implications for device development/selection and procedural feasibility.

Pulmonary Capillary Recruitment Is Attenuated Post Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

There is limited knowledge of pulmonary physiology and pulmonary function after continuous flow-left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) implantation. Therefore, this study investigated whether CF-LVAD influenced pulmonary circulation by assessing pulmonary capillary blood volume and alveolar-capillary conductance in addition to pulmonary function in patients with heart failure. Seventeen patients with severe heart failure who were scheduled for CF-LVAD implantation (HeartMate II, III, Abbott, Abbott Park, IL or Heart Ware, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) participated in the study. They underwent pulmonary function testing (measures of lung volumes and flow rates) and unique measures of pulmonary physiology using a rebreathe technique that quantified the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and diffusing capacity of the lungs for nitric oxide before and 3 months after CF-LVAD implantation. After CF-LVAD, pulmonary function was not significantly changed (p >0.05). For lung diffusing capacity, alveolar volume (VA) was not changed (p = 0.47), but DLCO was significantly reduced (p = 0.04). After correcting for VA, DLCO/VA showed a trend toward reduction (p = 0.08). For the alveolar-capillary component, capillary blood volume (Vc) was significantly reduced (p = 0.04), and alveolar-capillary membrane conductance trended toward a reduction (p = 0.06). However, alveolar-capillary membrane conductance/Vc was not altered (p = 0.92). In conclusion, soon after CF-LVAD implantation, Vc is reduced likely because of pulmonary capillary derecruitment, which contributes to the decrease in lung diffusing capacity.

A Single-Center Bleeding Comparison of Warfarin Plus Aspirin or Clopidogrel Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Surgical Valve Replacement.

The optimal antithrombotic therapy following combined coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and surgical valve replacement (SVR) surgery remains unclear. The aim of this single-center, retrospective cohort study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) plus either aspirin or clopidogrel in patients following combined CABG and SVR. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of bleeding within six months. The secondary endpoint was the occurrence of CV death, stroke, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), or valve dysfunction. Outcomes were identified by pre-specified ICD codes. A total of 629 patients were included in the analysis, with 583 patients receiving aspirin and 46 patients receiving clopidogrel. Bleeding occurred in 1.7% of patients receiving aspirin and in 0% of patients receiving clopidogrel (p = 0.99). CV death, stroke, ACS, or valve dysfunction occurred in 3.1% of patients receiving aspirin and 4.3% of patients receiving clopidogrel (p = 0.65). In this study, there were no differences in the safety or effectiveness of a VKA plus either aspirin or clopidogrel following combined CABG and SVR.

Artificial Intelligence-Derived Electrocardiogram Assessment of Cardiac Age and Molecular Markers of Senescence in Heart Failure.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain whether heart failure (HF) itself is a senescent phenomenon independent of age, and how this is reflected at a molecular level in the circulating progenitor cell niche, and at a substrate level using a novel electrocardiogram (ECG)-based artificial intelligence platform. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 14, 2016, and October 29, 2020, CD34+ progenitor cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and isolated by magnetic-activated cell sorting from patients of similar age with New York Heart Association functional classes IV (n = 17) and I-II (n = 10) heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and healthy controls (n = 10). CD34+ cellular senescence was quantitated by human telomerase reverse transcriptase expression and telomerase expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) protein expression assayed in plasma. An ECG-based artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm was used to determine cardiac age and difference from chronological age (AI ECG age gap). RESULTS: CD34+ counts and telomerase expression were significantly reduced and AI ECG age gap and SASP expression increased in all HF groups compared with healthy controls. Expression of SASP protein was closely associated with telomerase activity and severity of HF phenotype and inflammation. Telomerase activity was more closely associated with CD34+ cell counts and AI ECG age gap. CONCLUSION: We conclude from this pilot study that HF may promote a senescent phenotype independent of chronological age. We show for the first time that the AI ECG in HF shows a phenotype of cardiac aging beyond chronological age, and appears to be associated with cellular and molecular evidence of senescence.

Interventricular-Septal Output While Supported on Left Ventricular Assist Device Therapy.

The effects of left ventricular unloading on septal function in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have not been well characterized in vivo. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between markers of septal function with echocardiography in relationship to RV dysfunction and late RV failure after LVAD implantation. A retrospective study was conducted of patients supported on centrifugal-flow LVADs implanted over a 10-year period. Echocardiographic data were collected pre-operatively and up to 2 years after implantation. Interventricular septum (IVS) measurements were taken at end-systole and end-diastole. Interventricular-septal output (ISO) was calculated using the formula: (IVSs-IVSd)×heart rate. A total of 110 patients were included. An immediate and sustained reduction in both lateral annulus systolic velocity (RVS') and TAPSE were observed after implant ( p < 0.0001). However, ISO gradually decreased over time ( p < 0.0001). While ISO was not predictive of late RV failure, a decrease in ISO by 25% or greater from pre-implant to hospital discharge was associated with late RV failure (OR 4.8; 95% CI, 1.4-16.5; p = 0.012) even after adjusting for relevant clinical variables ( p ≤ 0.01 for each model). RV function is known to be influenced by mechanical ventricular interdependence and we demonstrate that measurement of ISO may be a useful marker in assessing RV dysfunction and predicting RV failure in patients following LVAD implantation.

The Utility of the Omentum Flap for Complex Intrathoracic Problems.

Introduction: Omentum flap is a viable reconstructive option for complex chest wall and mediastinal reconstruction. The impact of vasoconstrictors and the laminar pattern of blood flow associated with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) on the outcomes of reconstructions has not been thoroughly evaluated. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent chest wall or mediastinal reconstruction using pedicled omentum flaps between 2003 and 2019. Results: Forty patients (60% males) underwent chest wall or mediastinal reconstruction using a pedicled omentum flap at a mean age of 58 years. The median follow-up was 24.3 months. The most common indication was the reconstruction of anterior chest wall/sternal defects (n = 16), followed by coverage of repaired bronchopleural fistula (n = 6), osteoradionecrosis of the anterolateral chest wall (n = 5), reconstruction of anterior/lateral chest wall following oncologic resections (n = 5), coverage of replaced infected LVAD (n = 4), and coverage of exposed/replaced aortic root vascular grafts (n = 4). Vasoconstrictors were used in 26 patients (65%). Eight flaps had partial necrosis, and none of the flaps had complete necrosis. There was no difference in flap complication rates in patients who received vasoconstrictors during the case compared to those who did not (P = 1.0). Thirteen (33%) flaps were skin grafted at a median of 13 days with 100% skin graft viability. Abdominal incisional hernia developed in 8 patients. In patients with LVADs, the omentum remained viable during the follow-up period. Conclusion: The ability of the omentum to easily reach various regions in the chest and the low failure rate make this flap a reliable reconstructive method.

Introduction: Un lambeau péritonéal représente une option reconstructive viable pour les reconstructions complexes de la paroi thoracique et du médiastin. L'impact des vasocontricteurs et l'aspect laminaire du flux sanguin associé aux dispositifs d'assistance du ventricule gauche sur les résultats des reconstructions n'ont pas été pleinement évalués. Méthodes: Une analyse rétrospective a inclus tous les patients ayant subi une reconstruction de la paroi thoracique ou du médiastin au moyen de lambeaux péritonéaux pédiculés entre 2003 et 2019. Résultats: Quarante patients (hommes : 60 %) ont subi une reconstruction de la paroi thoracique ou du médiastin faisant appel à un lambeau péritonéal pédiculé à l'âge moyen de 58 ans. Le suivi médian a été de 24,3 mois. L'indication la plus fréquente était la reconstruction pour manque de la paroi thoracique antérieure/du sternum (n = 16), suivie par la couverture d'une fistule bronchopleurale réparée (n = 6), une ostéoradionécrose de la paroi thoracique antérolatérale (n = 5), une reconstruction de la paroi thoracique antérieure/latérale après résections oncologiques (n = 5), la couverture d'un dispositif d'assistance du ventricule gauche infecté et remplacé (n = 4), la couverture de greffons vasculaires de la racine aortique exposés/remplacés (n = 4). Des vasoconstricteurs ont été utilisés chez 26 patients (65 %). Huit lambeaux ont présenté une nécrose partielle et aucun n'a eu de nécrose complète. Il n'y a pas eu de différence dans les taux de complications des lambeaux chez les patients ayant reçu des vasoconstricteurs pendant l'intervention par rapport à ceux qui n'en ont pas reçu (P = 1,0). Treize lambeaux (33 %) étaient greffés de peau dans un délai médian de 13 jours avec une viabilité de la greffe cutanée de 100 %. Une hernie abdominale post-incision est apparue chez 8 patients. Chez les patients porteurs de dispositif d'assistance du ventricule gauche, le péritoine est resté viable pendant la période de suivi. Conclusion: La capacité du péritoine à atteindre facilement différentes régions thoraciques et le faible taux d'échec font de ce lambeau une méthode reconstructive fiable.

Pulsatile Pressure Delivery of Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices Is Markedly Reduced Relative to Heart Failure Patients.

Although continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs) provide an augmentation in systemic perfusion, there is a scarcity of in vivo data regarding systemic pulsatility on support. Patients supported on CF-LVAD therapy (n = 71) who underwent combined left/right catheterization ramp study were included. Aortic pulsatility was defined by the pulsatile power index (PPI), which was also calculated in a cohort of high-output heart failure (HOHF, n = 66) and standard HF cohort (n = 44). PPI was drastically lower in CF-LVAD-supported patients with median PPI of 0.006 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.002-0.012) compared with PPI in the HF population at 0.09 (IQR, 0.06-0.17) or HOHF population at 0.25 (IQR, 0.13-0.37; p < 0.0001 among groups). With speed augmentation during ramp, PPI values fell quickly in patients with higher PPI at baseline. PPI correlated poorly with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in all groups. In CF-LVAD patients, there was a stronger correlation with LV dP/dt (r = 0.41; p = 0.001) than LVEF (r = 0.21; p = 0.08; pint < 0.001). CF-LVAD support is associated with a dramatic reduction in arterial pulsatility as measured by PPI relative to HOHF and HF cohorts and decreases with speed. Further work is needed to determine the applicability to the next generation of device therapy.

Aortic root replacement in the setting of a mildly dilated nonsyndromic ascending aorta.

OBJECTIVE: There is controversy on how to address mild aortic root dilation during concomitant aortic valve replacement: composite aortic valve conduit replacement or separate ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement. We reviewed our experience to address the issue. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 778 adult nonsyndromic patients with aortic root diameter 55 mm or less who received replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve from January 1994 to June 2017. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the type of aortic root intervention: composite aortic valve conduit replacement in 406 patients (52%) and separate ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement in 372 patients (48%). Propensity matching was used to mitigate differences in baseline patient characteristics and produced 188 matched pairs. RESULTS: Sinus of Valsalva diameter was 43 mm (39-47). Operative mortality occurred in 3 patients (2%) in the composite aortic valve conduit replacement group and in 5 patients (3%) in the separate ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement group (P = .470). Median follow-up was 9.6 years (8.4-10.1). Long-term mortality was similar in the 2 groups (P = .083). Repeat operation was performed in 13 patients (7%) in the composite aortic valve conduit replacement group and in 19 patients (10%) in the separate ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement group (P = .365). Sinus of Valsalva diameter decreased 2 mm (-4-0; median follow-up 41 months) in the propensity-matched separate ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with mild aortic root dilation, separate ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement results in a similar risk of repeat operation and mortality in comparison with composite aortic valve replacement. Separate ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement is not associated with subsequent aortic root dilation on medium-term echocardiography follow-up.