The impact of on-site cardiac surgical backup on clinical outcomes of acute coronary syndrome-analysis of the ACSIS national registry.

Background: The availability of advanced technologies for mechanical support in hospitals with on-site cardiac surgery (CS), along with the ability to perform urgent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, may result in improved clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the bi-annually Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey (ACSIS) registry from the year 2000 to 2020, performed in hospitals with and without CS. Mortality rates and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) rates are reported. We evaluated two periods of the study-early (2000-2010) vs. late (2011-2020). Propensity score matching was performed to reduce bias between the two groups. Results: The study included 16,979 patients (52.3% in the on-site CS group). Patients in the on-site CS group were more likely to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), (odds ratio [OR], 1.26 [95% CI, 1.18-1.35]; p < 0.001) and CABG [OR, 1.91 (95%CI, 1.63-2.24); P < 0.001], and patients in hospitals without on-site CS had higher 30-day MACCE [OR, 1.17 (95% CI, 1.07-1.27); p < 0.0005]. Overall, there was no difference in 1-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.98 [95% CI, 0.89-1.08]; p = 0.71) between the groups. During the late period of the study, patients in the group without on-site CS had lower 30-day mortality [OR, 0.69 (95% CI, 0.49-0.97); P = 0.04], yet with no difference in 1-year mortality [HR, 0.81 (95% CI, 0.65-1.01); p = 0.07]. Conclusions: The availability of on-site CS resulted in variations in treatment modality, yet it did not affect the clinical outcomes of ACS. A trend to a better short-term outcomes was noted in hospitals without CS during the late period of the study, which warrants further investigation.

Impact of Complete or Incomplete Revascularization for Left Main Coronary Disease: The Extended PRECOMBAT Study.

Background: Whether complete revascularization (CR) or incomplete revascularization (IR) may affect long-term outcomes after PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease is unclear. Objectives: The authors sought to assess the impact of CR or IR on 10-year outcomes after PCI or CABG for LMCA disease. Methods: In the PRECOMBAT (Premier of Randomized Comparison of Bypass Surgery versus Angioplasty Using Sirolimus-Eluting Stent in Patients with Left Main Coronary Artery Disease) 10-year extended study, the authors evaluated the effect of PCI and CABG on long-term outcomes according to completeness of revascularization. The primary outcome was the incidence of major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (composite of mortality from any cause, myocardial infarction, stroke, or ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization). Results: Among 600 randomized patients (PCI, n = 300 and CABG, n = 300), 416 patients (69.3%) had CR and 184 (30.7%) had IR; 68.3% of PCI patients and 70.3% of CABG patients underwent CR, respectively. The 10-year MACCE rates were not significantly different between PCI and CABG among patients with CR (27.8% vs 25.1%, respectively; adjusted HR: 1.19; 95% CI: 0.81-1.73) and among those with IR (31.6% vs 21.3%, respectively; adjusted HR: 1.64; 95% CI: 0.92-2.92) (P for interaction = 0.35). There was also no significant interaction between the status of CR and the relative effect of PCI and CABG on all-cause mortality, serious composite of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke, and repeat revascularization. Conclusions: In this 10-year follow-up of PRECOMBAT, the authors found no significant difference between PCI and CABG in the rates of MACCE and all-cause mortality according to CR or IR status. (Ten-Year Outcomes of PRE-COMBAT Trial [PRECOMBAT], NCT03871127; PREmier of Randomized COMparison of Bypass Surgery Versus AngioplasTy Using Sirolimus-Eluting Stent in Patients With Left Main Coronary Artery Disease [PRECOMBAT], NCT00422968).

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies for Stable Coronary Artery Disease Following the ISCHEMIA Trial.

Until recently, coronary revascularization with coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous coronary intervention has been regarded as the standard choice for stable coronary artery disease (CAD), particularly for patients with a significant burden of ischemia. However, in conjunction with remarkable advances in adjunctive medical therapy and a deeper understanding of its long-term prognosis from recent large-scale clinical trials, including ISCHEMIA (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness With Medical and Invasive Approaches), the approach to stable CAD has changed drastically. Although the updated evidence from recent randomized clinical trials will likely modify the recommendations for future clinical practice guidelines, there are still unresolved and unmet issues in Asia, where prevalence and practice patterns are markedly different from those in Western countries. Herein, the authors discuss perspectives on: 1) assessing the diagnostic probability of patients with stable CAD; 2) application of noninvasive imaging tests; 3) initiation and titration of medical therapy; and 4) evolution of revascularization procedures in the modern era.

A novel transit-time flow metric, diastolic resistance index, detects subcritical anastomotic stenosis in coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objective: Transit time flow measurement (TTFM) can detect critical anastomotic stenosis during coronary artery bypass grafting. However, the identification of subcritical stenosis remains challenging. We hypothesized that diastolic resistance index (DRI), a novel TTFM metric, is more effective in evaluating subcritical stenosis than the currently available TTFM metrics. DRI is used to measure changes in the diastolic versus systolic resistance of distal anastomosis. Methods: A total of 123 coronary bypass anastomoses in 35 patients were prospectively analyzed. During coronary artery bypass grafting, the mean graft flow (Qmean), pulsatility index, and diastolic filling were obtained. DRI was calculated using the intraoperative recordings of TTFM and arterial pressure. Postoperatively, stenosis of anastomoses was categorized into successful (<50%), subcritical (50%-74%), and critical (≥75%) via multidetector computed tomography scan. Results: In total, 93 (76%), 13 (10%), and 17 (14%) anastomoses were graded as successful, subcritical, and critical, respectively. DRI and diastolic filling could distinguish subcritical from successful anastomoses (P < .01 and < .01, respectively), whereas Qmean and pulsatility index could not (P = .12 and .39, respectively). The receiver operating characteristic curves were established to evaluate the diagnostic ability for detecting ≥50% stenosis. In left anterior descending artery grafting (n = 55), DRI had the highest area under the curve (0.91), followed by diastolic filling (0.87), Qmean (0.74), and pulsatility index (0.65). Conclusions: DRI and diastolic filling had a reliable diagnostic ability for detecting ≥50% stenosis during coronary artery bypass grafting. In left anterior descending artery grafting, DRI had a more satisfactory detection capability than other TTFM metrics.

1-Year Patency of Biorestorative Polymeric Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts in an Ovine Model.

Many attempts have been made to inhibit or counteract saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure modes; however, only external support for SVGs has gained momentum in clinical utility. This study revealed the feasibility of implantation, and showed good patency out to 12 months of the novel biorestorative graft, in a challenging ovine coronary artery bypass graft model. This finding could trigger the first-in-man trial of using the novel material instead of SVG. We believe that, eventually, this novel biorestorative bypass graft can be one of the options for coronary artery bypass graft patients who have difficulty harvesting SVG.

Stentless percutaneous coronary intervention with directional coronary atherectomy and drug-coated balloon angioplasty in worsening angina patients with metal allergies.

Metal allergy is a concern in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation because of its potential association with poor cardiovascular outcomes, such as stent thrombosis and recurrent in-stent restenosis requiring revascularization. Although stentless PCI with drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty is theoretically useful for patients with metal allergies, DCB angioplasty alone for huge plaques in large vessels may yield inadequate luminal enlargement and coronary deep dissection, leading to insufficient results. Directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) is effective to reduce plaque volume. However, the efficacy of DCA followed by DCB (DCA/DCB) angioplasty in patients with metal allergies has never been described. We present two cases wherein stentless PCI with DCA/DCB angioplasty was an alternative revascularization strategy for patients with metal allergy and concomitant worsening angina pectoris involving proximal left anterior descending artery stenoses. Preoperative evaluation using coronary computed tomography angiography in Case 1 and intravascular ultrasound in Case 2 was useful to determine the possible use of the DCA/DCB procedure for huge plaques in large vessels. Learning objective: Revascularization for patients with metal allergy with worsening angina pectoris due to stenoses of the proximal main arteries is often challenging because of the necessity to avoid stent implantation. As stentless percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is theoretically useful in such settings, PCI with directional coronary atherectomy (DCA)/drug-coated balloon angioplasty can be one of the treatable strategies. Preoperative evaluation of plaque morphology for the suitability of DCA procedure is important.

Robotic advanced hybrid coronary revascularization: Outcomes with two internal thoracic artery grafts and stents.

Objective: Advanced hybrid coronary revascularization is the integration of sternal-sparing multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. We sought to review our advanced hybrid coronary revascularization experience over an 8.5-year period using robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass with bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts and percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: From August 2013 to February 2022, 664 patients underwent robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass at our institution. Of the 293 patients who underwent totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass assigned to a hybrid revascularization strategy, 156 patients received bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts and are the subject of this review. Patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents before or after totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass. We reviewed early and midterm outcomes (up to 8 years) in this cohort of patients with intent-to-treat advanced hybrid coronary revascularization. Results: The mean age of patients was 65 ± 10 years. The mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality was 1.26 ± 1.56. Triple-vessel disease occurred in 94% of patients, and 17% of patients had 70% or more left-main disease. The mean operative time was 311 ± 54 minutes, and the mean hospital length of stay was 2.7 ± 1.1 days. All patients had bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts; the total number of grafts was 334. Eight seven percentage of patients had totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass ×2, and 13% of patients had totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass ×3. One patient received totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass ×4. The mean number of grafts per patient was 2.14 ± 0.4, and the mean number of vessels stented was 1.23 ± 0.5. There were no conversions, perioperative stroke, or myocardial infarction. Early mortality occurred in 2 patients. Early graft patency was 98% (209/214 grafts); left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending patency was 100% (66/66 grafts). At 8-year follow-up in 155 patients (mean 39 ± 26 months), all-cause and cardiac-related mortality were 11.6% and 3.9%, respectively. Freedom from major adverse cardiac/cerebrovascular events including repeat revascularization was 94%. Conclusions: In patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, integrating robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass with bilateral internal thoracic artery and percutaneous coronary intervention resulted in excellent early and midterm outcomes. Further studies are warranted.

10-Year Temporal Trends of In-Hospital Mortality and Emergency Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Background: The mortality rate of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has improved dramatically because of reperfusion therapy during the last 40 years; however, recent temporal trends for AMI have not been fully clarified in Japan. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the temporary trend in in-hospital mortality and treatment of AMI for the last decade in the Tokyo Metropolitan area. Methods: We enrolled 30,553 patients from the Tokyo Cardiovascular Care Unit Network Registry, diagnosed with AMI from 2007 to 2016, as part of an ongoing, multicenter, cohort study. We analyzed the temporal trends in basic characteristics, treatment, and in-hospital mortality of AMI. Results: The overall emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) rate significantly increased (P < 0.001). In particular, it remarkably increased in patients older than 80 years of age (58.3% to 70.3%, P < 0.001) and patients with Killip III or IV (Killip III, 46.9% to 65.7%; Killip IV, 65.2% to 76.6%, P < 0.001 for both). The crude and age-adjusted in-hospital mortality remained low (5.2% to 8.2% and 3.4% to 5.5%, respectively) and significantly decreased during the decade (P < 0.001). The in-hospital mortality remarkably decreased in patients older than 80 years of age (17.3% to 12.7%, P < 0.001) and in those with cardiogenic shock (38.5% to 27.3%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: This large cohort study from Tokyo revealed that in-hospital mortality of AMI significantly decreased with the increase in emergency percutaneous coronary intervention rate over the decade, particularly for high-risk patients such as older patients and those with cardiogenic shock.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: Present Status and Future Perspectives.

For several decades, coronary artery bypass grafting has been regarded as the standard choice of revascularization for significant left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. However, in conjunction with remarkable advancement of device technology and adjunctive pharmacology, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) offers a more expeditious approach with rapid recovery and is a safe and effective alternative in appropriately selected patients with LMCA disease. Several landmark randomized clinical trials showed that PCI with drug-eluting stents for LMCA disease is a safe option with similar long-term survival rates to coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, especially in those with low and intermediate anatomic risk. Although it is expected that the updated evidence from recent randomized clinical trials will determine the next guidelines for the foreseeable future, there are still unresolved and unmet issues of LMCA revascularization and PCI strategy. This paper provides a comprehensive review on the evolution and an update on the management of LMCA disease.

Prognostic Value of Sex After Revascularization for Left Main Coronary Disease: Extended PRECOMBAT Study.

Background: Female subjects have poorer outcomes in left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease compared with male subjects. However, limited information is available on the long-term prognostic impact of sex and sex-treatment interactions in patients with LMCA disease undergoing coronary revascularization. Objectives: The goal of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of sex and related differential outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in LMCA disease. Methods: The extended PRECOMBAT (Premier of Randomized Comparison of Bypass Surgery versus Angioplasty Using Sirolimus-Eluting Stent in Patients with Left Main Coronary Artery Disease) trial evaluated the >10-year clinical outcomes in patients with LMCA disease randomized to undergo PCI with drug-eluting stents (n = 300) or CABG (n = 300). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization) at 10 years. Results: Of the 600 patients, 459 (76.5%) were male. The 10-year rates of MACCE were similar between male and female subjects in the overall cohort (27.3% vs 27.0%; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70-1.59), the PCI arm (30.6% vs 27.1%; aHR: 1.19; 95% CI: 0.69-2.05), and the CABG arm (24.0% vs 26.9%; aHR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.53-1.62). The 10-year risks for MACCE did not significantly differ between PCI and CABG in both male (aHR: 1.37; 95% CI: 0.95-1.97) and female (aHR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.56-2.07) subjects. There was no significant sex-treatment interaction regarding the adjusted risk of MACCE at 10 years (P for interaction = 0.52). Conclusions: In this 10-year follow-up of the PRECOMBAT trial, there was no sex-related impact on the long-term risk of MACCE after PCI and CABG for LMCA disease. (Ten-Year Outcomes of PRECOMBAT Trial; NCT03871127).

Graft flow evaluation with intraoperative transit-time flow measurement in off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objective: We aimed to compare transit-time flow measurement (TTFM) parameters for on-pump (ONCAB) and off-pump (OPCAB) coronary artery bypass procedures. Methods: The database of the Registry for Quality AssESsmenT with Ultrasound Imaging and TTFM in Cardiac Bypass Surgery (REQUEST) study was retrospectively reviewed. Only single grafts were included (ie, no sequential or Y/T grafts). Primary end points were mean graft flow (MGF), pulsatility index (PI), diastolic fraction (DF), and backflow (BF). Unadjusted and propensity score-matching comparisons were performed. Results: Of 1016 patients in the REQUEST registry, 846 had at least 1 graft for which TTFM was performed. Of these, 512 patients (60.6%) underwent ONCAB and 334 (39.4%) OPCAB procedures. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) during measurements was higher in the OPCAB group. After propensity score-matching, 312 well balanced pairs were left. In these matched patients, MGF was higher for the ONCAB versus the OPCAB group (32 vs 28 mL/min, respectively, for all grafts [P < .001]; 30 vs 27 mL/min for arterial grafts [P = .002]; and 35 vs 31 mL/min for venous grafts [P = .006], respectively). PI was lower in the ONCAB group (2.1 vs 2.3, for all grafts; P < .001). Diastolic fraction was slightly lower in the ONCAB group (65% vs 67.5%; P < .001). The backflow was also lower in the ONCAB group (0.6 vs 1.3; P < .001) with trends similar to MGF and PI for venous and arterial grafts. There were 21 (3.3%) revisions in the OPCAB group and 14 (2.1%) in the ONCAB group (P = .198). Conclusions: ONCAB surgery was associated with higher MGF and lower PI values, especially in venous grafts. Different TTFM cutoff values for ONCAB versus OPCAB surgery might be considered.

Impact of the no-touch harvesting technique on the vessel diameter of saphenous vein grafts for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objectives: To explore the impact of the no-touch harvesting technique on the vessel diameter of saphenous vein grafts. Methods: This retrospective, single-center study enrolled 166 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting using saphenous vein grafts. Saphenous vein grafts were harvested conventionally in 83 patients (conventional group) and using the no-touch technique in 83 patients (no-touch group). We analyzed graft patency and the vessel diameters of saphenous vein grafts in the pre- and postoperative states. The diameter mismatch between the saphenous vein grafts and the coronary artery at the anastomotic site was also measured; preoperative diameter was measured using ultrasound imaging, and the postoperative diameter was measured using electrocardiogram-gated enhanced computed tomography. Results: A total of 135 saphenous vein grafts (66 and 69 grafts in the conventional and no-touch groups, respectively) were evaluated for postoperative patency. Graft patency was equivalent in the 2 groups (conventional, 96.9% vs no-touch, 100%; P = .24). A detailed evaluation was performed in 109 saphenous vein grafts (52 and 57 grafts in the conventional and no-touch groups, respectively). Saphenous vein graft diameter was significantly distended in the conventional group (preoperative, 2.6 ± 0.7 mm vs postoperative, 3.4 ± 0.5 mm; P < .0001). However, saphenous vein graft diameter did not change in the no-touch group (preoperative, 2.9 ± 0.4 mm vs postoperative 2.8 ± 0.4 mm, P = .33). The diameter mismatch was significantly smaller in the no-touch group (conventional 1.4 ± 0.6 mm vs no-touch 1.0 ± 0.4 mm, P < .0001). Conclusions: The no-touch technique avoids the expansion of graft diameter and diameter mismatch between the saphenous vein grafts and coronary artery.

Parsimonious machine learning models to predict resource use in cardiac surgery across a statewide collaborative.

Objective: We sought to several develop parsimonious machine learning models to predict resource utilization and clinical outcomes following cardiac operations using only preoperative factors. Methods: All patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve operations were identified in the 2015-2021 University of California Cardiac Surgery Consortium repository. The primary end point of the study was length of stay (LOS). Secondary endpoints included 30-day mortality, acute kidney injury, reoperation, postoperative blood transfusion and duration of intensive care unit admission (ICU LOS). Linear regression, gradient boosted machines, random forest, extreme gradient boosting predictive models were developed. The coefficient of determination and area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) were used to compare models. Important predictors of increased resource use were identified using SHapley summary plots. Results: Compared with all other modeling strategies, gradient boosted machines demonstrated the greatest performance in the prediction of LOS (coefficient of determination, 0.42), ICU LOS (coefficient of determination, 0.23) and 30-day mortality (AUC, 0.69). Advancing age, reduced hematocrit, and multiple-valve procedures were associated with increased LOS and ICU LOS. Furthermore, the gradient boosted machine model best predicted acute kidney injury (AUC, 0.76), whereas random forest exhibited greatest discrimination in the prediction of postoperative transfusion (AUC, 0.73). We observed no difference in performance between modeling strategies for reoperation (AUC, 0.80). Conclusions: Our findings affirm the utility of machine learning in the estimation of resource use and clinical outcomes following cardiac operations. We identified several risk factors associated with increased resource use, which may be used to guide case scheduling in times of limited hospital capacity.

Occurrence rate and fate of competitive flow of the left internal thoracic artery used in Y-composite grafts.

Objectives: We evaluated the occurrence rate of competitive flow and the fate of grafts of left internal thoracic artery (LITA)-to-left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) anastomosis after coronary artery bypass grafting with Y-composite grafts using early and 1-year angiography. Methods: From 2008 to 2017, 923 patients underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting using Y-composite grafting based on the in situ LITA. Early postoperative angiography was performed for all patients. One-year angiography (mean, 13.2 ± 3.1 months) was performed for 86.7% (800 of 923) of patients. Results: The early occlusion rate of LITA with Y-composite graft (CompLITA) to LAD was 0.7%. Among 917 patent CompLITA-LAD grafts, competitive flow was observed in 39 patients (4.3%). Multivariable analysis showed that the degree of LAD stenosis (odds ratio, 0.897; 95% CI, 0.875-0.920; P < .001) and 3-vessel disease (odds ratio, 5.632; 95% CI, 1.168-27.155; P = .031) were factors associated with the occurrence of competitive flow of CompLITA-LAD grafts. The receiver operating characteristics curve determined that the cutoff degree of LAD stenosis was 82.5% (sensitivity 82.1% and specificity 85.2%). The failure rate of CompLITA-LAD grafts seen on 1-year angiography was 58.3% in patients with competitive flow. Among patients with competitive flow, left main coronary artery disease was a protective factor (odds ratio, 0.055; 95% CI, 0.009-0.337; P = .002) against graft failure of the CompLITA-LAD seen on 1-year angiography. Conclusions: In CompLITA-LAD, the degree of LAD stenosis and combined 3-vessel disease were associated with the occurrence of competitive flow. CompLITA-LAD grafts with early competitive flow showed a high 1-year graft failure rate of 58%.

Acute kidney injury following cardiopulmonary bypass in Jamaica.

Objectives: The study objectives were to describe the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of acute kidney injury after cardiopulmonary bypass in Jamaica. Method: We performed a review of the medical records of adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with no prior dialysis requirement undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Mona, between January 1, 2016, and June 30, 2019. Demographic, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were abstracted. Acute kidney injury was defined using Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. The primary outcomes were acute kidney injury incidence and all-cause 30-day mortality. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional analyses were used to examine the association between the acute kidney injury risk factors and the primary outcome. Results: Data for 210 patients (58% men, mean age 58.1 ± 12.9 years) were analyzed. Acute kidney injury occurred in 80 patients (38.1%), 44% with Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes I, 33% with Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes II, and 24% with Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes III. From multivariable logistic regression models, European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.39 per unit), bypass time (odds ratio, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-2.67 per hour), perioperative red cell transfusion (odds ratio, 3.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-6.76), and postoperative neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (odds ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-2.68 per 10-unit difference) were positively associated with acute kidney injury. Acute kidney injury resulted in greater median hospital stay (18 vs 11 days, P < .001) and intensive care unit stay (5 vs 3 days, P < .001), and an 8-fold increase in 30-day mortality (hazard ratio, 8.15; 95% confidence interval, 2.76-24.06, P < .001). Conclusions: Acute kidney injury after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery occurs frequently in Jamaica and results in poor short-term outcomes. Further studies coupled with quality interventions to reduce the mortality of those with acute kidney injury are needed in the Caribbean.

Mitral valve surgery after failed transcatheter edge-to-edge repair.

Objective: Mitral valve operations for failed transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) are increasing. This study investigated the indications, surgical procedures, and outcomes after surgery for failed TEER. Methods: We analyzed records of patients who underwent mitral valve operations after TEER between January 2013 and September 2021. Patient characteristics, clip number and location, indications, timing, surgery type, and outcomes were evaluated. Results: A total of 41 patients (median age, 77 years; 14 women; median Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality score, 9.4% [5.6%-12.6%]; and previous cardiac surgery in 21 patients) underwent mitral valve surgery at a median of 8 months (range, 4-16 months) after TEER. One clip was implanted in 24 patients and 2 or more in 17 patients. Indications for surgery were severe mitral regurgitation in 33, severe mitral stenosis in 1 patient, and both in 7 patients. Operations were performed via sternotomy in 37 patients and lateral thoracotomy in 4 patients. The mitral valve was replaced in all patients (bioprosthesis in 35 patients and a mechanical valve in 6 patients). Concomitant procedures were performed in 30 patients. Operative mortality was 5% (observed to expected ratio, 0.53) and did not differ for primary procedures versus reoperations. Echocardiographic follow-up demonstrated no or trivial mitral regurgitation in 34 patients, mild mitral regurgitation in 5 patients, and moderate perivalvular mitral regurgitation in 1 patient with severe mitral annular calcification. At a median follow-up of 1.5 years (interquartile range, 4.7 months-2.7 years), the actuarial survival was 79%. Conclusions: Mitral valve replacement can be performed safely after failed TEER with operative mortality lower than expected even in high-risk patients.

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting with ultrasonically skeletonized internal thoracic artery.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive cardiac surgery coronary artery bypass grafting using an ultrasonically skeletonized internal thoracic artery in the authors' initial experience. Methods: From February 2012 to May 2021, 247 consecutive patients who underwent minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting using an ultrasonically skeletonized internal thoracic artery were reviewed retrospectively. Internal thoracic arteries were harvested in a full skeletonized fashion using an ultrasonic scalpel via left minithoracotomy. Bilateral internal thoracic arteries were used in 108 patients, and the internal thoracic arteries as in situ grafts were used in 393 anastomoses. Total arterial revascularization was performed in 126 patients, and 142 patients underwent aortic nontouch minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting. Results: The patients' mean (range) age was 65.9 ± 11.5 (30-90) years. The mean (range) number of anastomoses performed was 2.6 ± 1.1 (1-6). Forty-six patients (18.6%) had 4 grafts, 94 patients (38.1%) had 3 grafts, and 60 patients (24.3%) had 2 grafts. Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting was completed without conversion to sternotomy in all patients. Cardiopulmonary bypass was performed in 3 patients (1.2%), reinterventions due to bleeding were performed in 7 patients (2.8%), and chest wound infections were observed in 5 patients (2.0%). There was 1 (0.4%) mortality. Conclusions: Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting using an ultrasonically skeletonized internal thoracic artery is feasible and has shown good perioperative outcomes. This approach has the potential for further optimization with revascularization strategies.

Staged versus concomitant transcatheter aortic valve replacement and percutaneous coronary intervention: A national analysis.

Objective: Although patients with significant coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis have traditionally undergone open valve replacement and bypass grafting, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are increasingly considered. Because of the lack of data regarding timing of PCI/TAVR, in the present study we evaluated associations of staged and concomitant PCI/TAVR on outcomes in a nationally representative cohort. Methods: Adults who underwent TAVR and PCI were identified using the 2016 to 2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database. If PCI/TAVR occurred on the same day, patients were considered Concomitant and otherwise considered Staged. Staged were further classified as Early-Staged if both occurred in the same hospitalization or Late-Staged if TAVR ensued PCI in a subsequent hospitalization. Multivariable regression models were developed to evaluate the association of TAVR timing on outcomes. The primary end point was in-hospital mortality whereas perioperative complications including acute kidney injury and hospitalization costs were secondarily considered. Results: Of an estimated 5843 patients, 843 (14.4%) were Concomitant and 745 (12.7%) and 4255 (72.8%) were Early-Staged and Late-Staged, respectively. Although age and TAVR access were similar, Concomitant had a lower proportion of chronic kidney disease and more commonly underwent single-vessel PCI. Staged showed similar risk-adjusted mortality but greater odds of acute kidney injury (Early-Staged adjusted odds ratio: 2.68; 95% CI, 1.57-4.55 and Late-Staged: 1.97; 95% CI, 1.29-2.99) compared with Concomitant. Although post-TAVR hospitalization duration was similar, total length of stay and costs were increased in Staged. Conclusions: Concomitant PCI/TAVR was associated with similar rates of in-hospital mortality but reduced rates of acute kidney injury and lower resource utilization. While evaluating patient-specific factors, concomitant PCI/TAVR might be reasonable in select individuals.

Defining value in cardiac surgery: A contemporary analysis of cost variation across the United States.

Objective: Isolated coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic valve replacement are common cardiac operations performed in the United States and serve as platforms for benchmarking. The present national study characterized hospital-level variation in costs and value for coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic valve replacement. Methods: Adults undergoing elective, isolated coronary artery bypass grafting or aortic valve replacement were identified in the 2016-2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Center quality was defined by the proportion of patients without an adverse outcome (death, stroke, respiratory failure, pneumonia, sepsis, acute kidney injury, and reoperation). High-value hospitals were defined as those with observed-to-expected ratios less than 1 for costs and greater than 1 for quality, whereas the converse defined low-value centers. Results: Of 318,194 patients meeting study criteria, 71.9% underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting and 28.1% underwent aortic valve replacement. Variation in hospital-level costs was evident, with median center-level cost of $36,400 (interquartile range, 29,500-46,700) for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting and $38,400 (interquartile range, 32,300-47,700) for aortic valve replacement. Observed-to-expected ratios for quality ranged from 0.2 to 10.9 for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting and 0.1 to 11.7 for isolated aortic valve replacement. Hospital factors, including volume and quality, contributed to approximately 9.9% and 11.2% of initial cost variation for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic valve replacement. High-value centers had greater cardiac surgery operative volume and were more commonly teaching hospitals compared to low-value centers, but had similar patient risk profiles. Conclusions: Significant variation in hospital costs, quality, and value exists for 2 common cardiac operations. Center volume was associated with value and partly accounts for variation in costs. Our findings suggest the need for value-based care paradigms to reduce expenditures and optimize outcomes.

Coronary artery disease in adults with anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery.

Objectives: This study sought to characterize coronary artery disease (CAD) among adults diagnosed with an anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA). We hypothesized that coronaries with anomalous origins have more severe CAD stenosis than coronaries with normal origins. Methods: This single-center study of 763 adults with AAOCA consisted of 620 patients from our cardiac catheterization database (1958-2009) and 273 patients from electronic medical records query (2010-2021). Within left main, anterior descending, circumflex, and right coronary arteries, the CAD stenosis severity, assessed by invasive or computer tomography angiography, was modeled with coronary-level variables (presence of an anomalous origin) and patient-level variables (age, sex, comorbidities, and which of the four coronaries was anomalous). Results: Of the 763 patients, 472 (60%) had obstructive CAD, of whom, 142/472 (30%) had obstructive CAD only in the anomalous coronary. Multivariable modeling showed similar CAD stenosis severity between coronaries with anomalous versus normal origins (P = .8). Compared with AAOCA of other coronaries, the anomalous circumflex was diagnosed at older ages (59.7 ± 11.1 vs 54.3 ± 15.8 years, P < .0001) and was associated with increased stenosis in all coronaries (odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.2-3.4, P < .0001). Conclusions: Among adults diagnosed with AAOCA, the anomalous origin did not appear to increase the severity of CAD within the anomalous coronary. In contrast to the circumflex, AAOCA of the other vessels may contribute a greater ischemic burden when they present symptomatically at younger ages with less CAD. Future research should investigate the interaction between AAOCA, CAD, and ischemic risk to guide interventions.