Fate of Abstracts Presented at Annual Meetings of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons from 2015 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) annual meetings provide opportunities to disseminate cardiothoracic research. We assessed rates of publication of STS abstracts as manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals over five years and determined factors associated with successful publication. METHODS: The STS "Annual Meeting Archive" was searched online for abstract books from STS annual meetings from 2015-2019. Abstract books were reviewed for information about presented abstracts. A PubMed and Google search was then performed to identify corresponding peer-reviewed journal publications. RESULTS: A total of 1451 abstracts were presented at STS annual meetings from 2015-2019. Overall publication rate of accepted abstracts as manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals was 1097/1451=75.60%. Most published manuscripts were published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery (750/1097=68.37%). Median duration between abstract presentation and peer-reviewed journal publication was 313[IQR=212.5-458] days. Only 29/1451=2.00% of abstracts won an award, and all 29 of these award-winning abstracts were published as a manuscript. Oral presentation was associated with increased odds of publication compared to poster presentation (OR=1.28[95% CI=1.04-1.71], p=0.021). Median 5-year impact factor of peer-reviewed journals containing these manuscripts was 5.04[IQR=5.04-5.04], and corresponding manuscripts were cited a median of 4[IQR=1-9] times. Overall, 836/1097=76.20% of manuscripts published in peer-reviewed scientific journals had a corresponding North American author. CONCLUSIONS: Annual STS meetings are a forum for the presentation of high-quality research. The rate of publication of accepted STS abstracts as manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals is >75%, comparing favorably with national meetings of other surgical societies, and >2/3 of published manuscripts are published in STS's official journal.

Natural recovery of cardiac allograft diastolic function, a retrospective longitudinal report.

Cardiac allografts suffer diastolic dysfunction early post-heart transplantation (HTx) due to ischemic injury, however the natural course of diastology recovery post HTx remains unknown (Tallaj et al., 2007 [1]). We retrospectively reviewed 60 adult HTx patients between 2015 and 2021 at a single site. Invasive hemodynamics and echocardiograms were obtained at 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-HTx. RA strain by 2D feature tracking was compared to intracardiac pressure measurements. In all patients, we observed normalization of RV and RA filling pressures by post-operative week 12 and recovery of diastolic dysfunction by month 6. There was an inverse correlation between RV end-diastolic pressure and RA contractile (r = -0.192, p < 0.05) and reservoir (r = -0.128, p < 0.05) functions in the allograft. As the post-transplant care paradigm shifts away from invasive procedures, right atrial indices should be included in imaging-based allograft surveillance studies.

Impella 5.5: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature.

OBJECTIVE: Impella 5.5 (Abiomed, Danvers, MA, USA) is a temporary mechanical circulatory support device used for patients in cardiogenic shock. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the device's clinical effectiveness, safety profile, patient outcomes, and relevant procedural considerations. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines using the PubMed/MEDLINE database. The search query included articles available from October 6, 2022, through January 13, 2023. Our initial search identified 75 studies. All records were screened by 2 independent reviewers using the Covidence software for adherence to our inclusion criteria, and 8 retrospective cohort studies were identified as appropriate for inclusion. RESULTS: Across the included studies, the sample size ranged from 4 to 275, with predominantly male cohorts. Indications for Impella support varied, and the duration of support ranged from 9.8 to 70 days. Overall, Impella support appeared to be associated with favorable survival rates and manageable complications in various patient populations. Complications associated with Impella use included bleeding, stroke, and device malfunctions. Two studies compared prolonged and Food and Drug Administration-approved Impella support, showing similar outcomes and adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Impella 5.5 continues to be an attractive option for bridging patients to definitive therapy. Survival during and after Impella 5.5 was favorable for patients regardless of initial indication. However, device use was associated with several important complications, which calls for judicious use and a precontemplated exit strategy. Limitations of this literature review include biases inherent to the retrospective studies included, such as selection and publication bias.

Analysis of UNOS: Berlin Heart Bridge-to-Transplant in Acquired versus Congenital Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated long-term survival in pediatric patients bridged-to-transplant with Berlin Heart, comparing those with congenital heart disease (CHD) to those with acquired heart disease (AHD). METHODS: The United Network for Organ Sharing Database was queried for patients (<18years) who received a heart transplant in the United States and were preoperatively supported with Berlin Heart. Patients were stratified by AHD versus CHD diagnosis. Univariable and multivariable analysis was performed to assess baseline characteristics and post-transplant survival. RESULTS: This cohort included 806 patients (n=573 AHD, n=233 CHD). CHD and AHD patients were of similar size (weight[kg], 12.8±9.27 versus 15.3±13.6, p=0.107) and most were aged<1 year (34.9%, n=281) or 1-5 years (45.3%, n=365). Ventricular assist device configuration differed between CHD and AHD patients-70.4%[n=164] versus 75%[n=430] were supported with left ventricular assist device, 9.9%[n=23] versus 0.7%[n=4] were supported with right ventricular assist device, and 19.7%[n=46] versus 24.3%[n=139] were supported with biventricular assist device (p<0.001). CHD patients were more often male (57.1%[n=133] versus 46.9%[n=269], p=0.011) and had worse estimated 5-year post-transplant survival at 74.3%(95% CI=67.5%-81.7%) compared to 85.8%(95% CI=82.5%-89.2%) in patients with AHD. However, for patients who survived the first year post-transplant, post-transplant survival was similar between groups (p>0.05 at 2-,3-,4-, and 5-years). In multivariable analysis, CHD diagnosis was significantly associated with an increased risk for mortality (HR=1.645, 95% CI=1.075-2.487, p=0.021). CONCLUSIONS: After controlling for demographic variations and pretransplant risk factors, patients with CHD bridged-to-transplant with Berlin Heart had worse long-term survival than patients with AHD bridged-to-transplant with Berlin Heart.

Paediatric donor lung preservation using Paragonix BAROguard.

Paediatric lung transplantation is a lifesaving option in selected patients with end-stage lung disease. Favourable long-term outcomes are limited by impaired mucus clearance, increased risk of infection resulting from immunosuppression, and chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Organ preservation techniques play an important role in the quality of donated organs. Barotrauma to donated lungs may arise from a combination of excessive recruitment manoeuvres and altitude change during air transportation. The Paragonix BAROguard Donor Lung Preservation System is an FDA-approved advanced organ recovery system that maintains continuous airway pressure of 15 cm of water during transportation of the donated lung(s) to the recipient. The Paragonix LUNGguard monitors temperature during transportation of donor lung(s), while the new BAROguard monitors both temperature and pressure during transportation of donor lung(s). In this publication, we present technical aspects of advanced preservation of paediatric donor lungs using the Paragonix BAROguard Donor Lung Preservation System.

Outcomes of Neonatal Cardiac Surgery: A European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association Study.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated outcomes of neonatal cardiac surgery at hospitals affiliated with the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association (ECHSA). METHODS: All patients ≤30 days of life undergoing a cardiac surgical procedure during a 10-year period between January 2013 and December 2022 were selected from the ECHSA Congenital Database. Reoperations during the same hospitalization, percutaneous procedures, and noncardiac surgical procedures were excluded. We identified 12 benchmark operations. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and in-hospital mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent factors associated with higher mortality. Mortality between the first 5 years and second 5 years was also compared. RESULTS: The overall number of neonatal operations from 2013 to 2022 was 30,931, and 22,763 patients met the inclusion criteria of the study. The 4 most common procedures were arterial switch operation (3520 of 22,763 [15.5%]), aortic coarctation repair (3204 of 22,763 [14.1%]), shunt procedure (2351 of 22,763 [10.3%]), and Norwood operation (2115 of 22,763 [9.23%]). The 30-day mortality rate was as follows: overall population, 5.9% (1342 of 22,763); arterial switch, 3.13% (110 of 3520); Norwood operation, 16.0% (339 of 2115); and hybrid operation, 15.4% (94 of 609). In-hospital mortality rate was as follows: overall population, 9.1% (2074 of 22,763); arterial switch, 4.12% (145 of 3520); Norwood operation, 24.7% (523 of 2115); and hybrid operation, 30.5% (186 of 609). Multivariable analysis revealed that major factors impacting mortality were high-risk procedures (adjusted odds ratio, 2.74; 95% CI, 2.33-3.23; P < .001), and the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (11.8; 95% CI, 9.9-14; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal cardiac surgery continues to pose a significant challenge, with notable mortality, particularly for neonates with functionally univentricular physiology. These data can serve as important benchmarks across Europe and offer insights regarding opportunities for improvement.

Longitudinal Cognitive and Motor Delay after Pediatric Heart Transplantation and Associated Survival.

BACKGROUND: We investigated factors associated with the longitudinal presence of neurodevelopmental delays in pediatric heart transplant (HTx) recipients. METHODS: The United Network for Organ Sharing Registry was queried for patients <18 years who received a first-time isolated HTx between March 2008 and December 2022. Two patient cohorts were developed, those with/without: 1) definitive motor delay (MD) and 2) definitive cognitive delay (CD). RESULTS: A total of 3847(n=3267[no MD], n=580[definitive MD]) and 3446(n=2689[no CD], n=757[definitive CD]) patients were included across MD and CD cohorts, respectively. Cohorts shared 3189 patients. Compared to intracohort non-delayed patients, definitive MD and CD cohorts each independently had higher rates of congenital heart disease, ventilator support at transplant, and stroke prior to discharge (p<0.001 for all). Patients with a definitive delay at follow-up had worse longitudinal survival, with hazard ratios of 2.82(95% CI: 2.32-3.44, p<0.001) and 1.67(95% CI: 1.32-2.05, p<0.001) for MD and CD cohorts, respectively. Both stroke prior to discharge and symptomatic cerebrovascular disease at listing were predictors of CD and MD at follow-up. Definitive MD and CD cohorts each independently had higher rates of stroke prior to discharge (MD cohort, 57/580=9.8% versus 48/3267=1.5%; CD cohort, 53/757=7.0% versus 42/2689=1.6%, p<0.001 for both), and symptomatic cerebrovascular disease at listing was a predictor of CD and MD at follow-up (CD cohort, OR=4.16[95% CI: 2.62-6.58]; MD cohort, OR=3.30[95% CI: 2.06-5.22]. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MD and/or CD following HTx share several characteristics (including increased stroke prior to discharge) and have decreased longitudinal survival compared to their non-delayed counterparts.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Neonates and Infants With Coarctation.

BACKGROUND: Although coarctation of the aorta without concomitant intracardiac pathology is relatively common, there is lack of guidance regarding aspects of its management in neonates and infants. METHODS: A panel of experienced congenital cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, and intensivists was created, and key questions related to the management of isolated coarctation in neonates and infants were formed using the PICO (Patients/Population, Intervention, Comparison/Control, Outcome) Framework. A literature search was then performed for each question. Practice guidelines were developed with classification of recommendation and level of evidence using a modified Delphi method. RESULTS: For neonates and infants with isolated coarctation, surgery is indicated in the absence of obvious surgical contraindications. For patients with risk factors for surgery, medical management before intervention is reasonable. For those stable off prostaglandin E1, the threshold for intervention remains unclear. Thoracotomy is indicated when arch hypoplasia is not present. Sternotomy is preferable when arch hypoplasia is present that cannot be adequately addressed through a thoracotomy. Sternotomy may also be considered in the presence of a bovine aortic arch. Antegrade cerebral perfusion may be reasonable when the repair is performed through a sternotomy. Extended end-to-end, arch advancement, and patch augmentation are all reasonable techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery remains the standard of care for the management of isolated coarctation in neonates and infants. Depending on degree and location, arch hypoplasia may require a sternotomy approach as opposed to a thoracotomy approach. Significant opportunities remain to better delineate management in these patients.

Comprehensive Approach to the Management of Patients With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Analysis of 100 Consecutive Neonates.

BACKGROUND: We report our comprehensive approach to the management of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and describe our outcomes in 100 consecutive neonates. METHODS: We stratified 100 consecutive neonates (January 1, 2015 to September 1, 2023, inclusive) into 3 pathways. Pathway 1: 77 of 100 (77%) were standard risk and underwent an initial Norwood Stage 1. Pathway 2: 10 of 100 (10%) were high-risk with noncardiac risk factors and underwent an initial Hybrid Stage 1. Pathway 3: 13 of 100 (13%) were high-risk with cardiac risk factors: 10 underwent an initial Hybrid Stage 1 + Ventricular Assist Device insertion (HYBRID+VAD), and 3 were supported with prostaglandin as a planned bridge to primary cardiac transplantation. RESULTS: The overall 1-year mortality for the entire cohort of 100 patients was 9% (9 of 100). Pathway 1: Operative Mortality in Pathway 1 for the initial Norwood Stage 1 was 2.6% (2 of 77). Of the 75 survivors of Norwood Stage 1, 72 underwent successful Glenn, 2 underwent successful biventricular repair, and 1 underwent successful cardiac transplantation. Pathway 2: Operative Mortality in Pathway 2 for the initial Hybrid Stage 1 without VAD was 10% (1 of 10). Of 9 survivors of Hybrid Stage 1, 4 underwent successful cardiac transplantation, 1 died while awaiting cardiac transplantation, 3 underwent Comprehensive Stage 2 (with 1 Operative Mortality after Comprehensive Stage 2), and 1 underwent successful biventricular repair. Pathway 3: Of 10 patients supported with initial HYBRID+VAD in Pathway 3, 7 (70%) underwent successful cardiac transplantation and are alive today, and 3 (30%) died on VAD while awaiting transplantation. Median VAD support time was 134 days (range, 56-226 days). Of 3 patients who were bridged to transplant with prostaglandin, 2 underwent successful transplantation and 1 died while awaiting transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive approach to the management of patients with HLHS is associated with an Operative Mortality after Norwood of 2.6% (2 of 77) and an overall 1-year mortality of 9% (9 of 100). Ten patients (10%) were stabilized with HYBRID+VAD while awaiting transplantation. VAD facilitates survival on the waiting list during prolonged waiting times.

Analysis of UNOS: Pediatric Heart Transplantation Over 36 Years and Contemporary Volume-Outcome Relationship.

BACKGROUND: This study examines 36 years of national pediatric heart transplantation data to (1) identify trends in transplant volume, centers, and 1-year graft survival and (2) assess how center transplant volume affects outcomes over a contemporary 11-year period. METHODS: Study investigators utilized the United Network for Organ Sharing database and performed a retrospective review of pediatric patients (aged <18 years) who underwent heart transplantation between January 1, 1987 and December 31, 2022, inclusive. Trend analyses included the whole cohort, whereas volume-outcome analyses included a contemporary cohort (January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2022) to account for the temporal changes observed in transplant survival. Highest-volume centers were defined by the number of heart transplantations performed per center per year. RESULTS: Over 36 years, 11,828 pediatric heart transplantations were performed. Transplant volume steadily rose, the number of centers remained stable, and 1-year graft survival improved significantly. In the contemporary era (2012-2022), 89 centers conducted 4959 pediatric heart transplantations. The top 15% high-volume centers (13 centers) accounted for 48.3% (n = 2393) of transplantations, with an average of 16.7 ± 3.8 transplantations per center annually, compared with 3.9 ± 3.1 for lower-volume centers (P < .001). Despite performing transplantations in higher-risk patients, high-volume centers achieved similar postoperative outcomes and improved long-term survival compared with low-volume centers. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of US pediatric heart transplant centers has remained stable, pediatric heart transplant volume has steadily increased, as has 1-year graft survival. In a contemporary cohort, the top 15th percentile highest-volume centers accounted for 48.3% of US pediatric heart transplants and performed transplantations in higher-risk patients with similar postoperative outcomes and improved longitudinal survival.

What is the weakest point of a secured aortic cannula in central extracorporeal membrane oxygenation?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare techniques for securing the aortic extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannula, using in vitro models. METHODS: Two models were studied: a tissue model using porcine aortas and a stand model replacing the aorta with a metal stand to study the system independent of the tissue. Interventions in each model were divided into three experimental groups: Group 1 (3-0 Prolene® + 20-French Medtronic Arterial Cannula EOPA™), Group 2 (4-0 Prolene® + 16-French Medtronic Arterial Cannula DLP Pediatric), and Group 3 (5-0 Prolene® + 8-French Medtronic Arterial Cannula DLP Pediatric). In separate experiments, both gradual and rapid forces were applied to the cannulas, starting with 9.8 Newtons and increasing exponentially if the cannula remained secured. Additionally, the method of securing the tourniquet and the number of ties securing the tourniquet to the cannula were evaluated. RESULTS: In the tissue model, even with a minimum force of 9.8 Newtons, the suture pulled through the aortic tissue, leaving sutures and ties intact. In the stand model, two purse-string sutures secured by two ligaclips held the cannula reliably and withstood higher total force. Dislodgement was prevented at forces close to 60 Newtons with only two hemostatic clips included in cannulation. CONCLUSIONS: The weakest part of the aortic ECMO cannulation system using in vitro experiments was the tissue. Assuming that these experiments translate in vivo, it is therefore critical to prevent any pull on the cannulas by securing ECMO cannulas and ECMO tubing to both the patient and the patient's bed. Sutures with a larger diameter withstand more force. Two medium hemostatic clips can secure Prolene® sutures within snares as safely as a mosquito hemostat. Two polypropylene purse-string sutures secured by two hemostatic clips were most reliable at greater forces. The rationale for publishing our experiments in this manuscript is to (1) communicate our quantification of possible contributing factors to this rare and likely catastrophic complication of unintended decannulation, (2) increase awareness about this potential complication, and (3) increase vigilance to assure prevention of this dreaded complication.

Combined en bloc heart and liver organ procurement.

A combined heart+liver transplant is the only option for survival in some patients with end-stage combined cardiac and hepatic disease. These patients may suffer from congenital or acquired cardiac disease. The potential aetiologies of the associated hepatic disease are heterogeneous and include systemic disease that impacts the liver as well as venous congestion in patients with functionally univentricular circulation. In the latter scenario, patients with functionally univentricular circulation often require complex cardiac reconstruction in the setting of a cardiac transplant after staged palliation. During cardiac procurement, our approach is to dissect the entire ascending aorta and aortic arch in continuity; the entire superior caval vein and innominate vein in continuity; and the pulmonary arteries from hilum to hilum if the donor is not a candidate for recovery of the lungs. The cardiac and abdominal organ procurement teams work in parallel during dissection and combined en bloc cardio-hepatectomy. This technique minimizes exposure of both organs to cold ischaemia. This video tutorial demonstrates the key steps for combined en bloc heart+liver organ procurement.

Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm: Three Case Reports and Literature Review.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm rupture (SOVAR) into the right cardiac chambers is an uncommon complication with unusual presentation, high morbidity and mortality, and unique hemodynamics as well as cardiac imaging findings. Here, we present three SOVAR cases (two with rupture into the right atrium and one with rupture into the right ventricle) that were initially confused for ventricular septal defects and describe their initial presentation, cardiac imaging studies, invasive hemodynamics, as well as treatment options. Some of the unique findings of SOVAR patients include an acute presentation, often with hemodynamic decompensation, the presence of a continuous murmur on examination, and also hemodynamics that include wide pulse pressure and right heart volume overload.

The safe addition of nitric oxide to the sweep gas of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit in a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit.

Background: Nitric Oxide (NO) is a naturally occurring modulator of inflammation found in the human body. Several studies in the pediatric cardiothoracic surgery literature have demonstrated some beneficial clinical effects when NO is added to the sweep gas of the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit.Purpose: Our primary aim was to determine the safety of incorporating nitric oxide into the oxygenator sweep gas of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuit. Secondarily, we looked at important clinical outcomes, such as survival, blood product utilization, and common complications related to ECMO.Methods: We performed a single center, retrospective review of all patients at our institution who received ECMO between January 1, 2017 and March 31, 2023. We began additing NO to the ECMO sweep gas in 2019. Results: There were no instances of clinically significant methemoglobinemia with the addition of NO to the sweep gas (0% vs 0%, p = 1). The median daily methemoglobin level was higher in those who received NO via the sweep gas when compared to those who did not (1.6 vs 1.1, p = <0.001). Conclusions: The addition of NO to the sweep gas of the ECMO circuit is safe.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Cerebral Palsy in Children With Congenital Heart Disease Based on Risk of Surgical Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) have a higher prevalence of motor impairment secondary to brain injury, resulting in cerebral palsy (CP). The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of CP in CHD in a single-center cohort, stratify risk based on surgical mortality using Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (STAT) categories and identify risk factors. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients registered in the University of Florida (UF) Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery database from 2006 to 2017 with a diagnosis of CHD who continued follow-up for more than two years at UF. RESULTS: A total of 701 children with CHD met inclusion criteria. Children identified to have CP were 54 (7.7%). Most common presentation was spastic hemiplegic CP with a Gross Motor Function Classification System of level 2. Analysis of surgical and intensive care factors between the two groups showed that children with CHD and CP had longer time from admission to surgery (P = 0.003), higher STAT categories 4 and 5 (P = 0.038), and higher frequency of brain injury and seizures (P < 0.001). Developmental disabilities and rehabilitation needs were significantly greater for children with CHD and CP when compared with those with CHD alone (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, 7.7% children with CHD develop CP; this is significantly higher than the 2010 US population estimate of 0.3%. Our study suggests higher STAT categories, brain injury, and seizures are associated with developing CP in children with CHD.

15-Year Analysis of Surgical Approaches and Outcomes for Coarctation in 132 Neonates and Infants.

A variety of surgical approaches exist to treat aortic coarctation in neonates and infants. Our institutional approach is designed to match the surgical approach to the individual anatomy of the patient. The objective of this study is to evaluate operative characteristics and outcomes of all neonates and infants who underwent surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta or hypoplastic aortic arch at University of Florida from 2006 to 2021, inclusive, either in isolation or with concomitant repair of atrial septal defect (ASD) and/or ventricular septal defect (VSD). A retrospective review was performed of 132 patients aged 0-1 year who underwent surgical repair of aortic coarctation or hypoplastic aortic arch between 2006 and 2021, inclusive, either in isolation or with concomitant repair of ASD and/or VSD. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach: Group 1 = Median Sternotomy and Group 2 = Left Lateral Thoracotomy. Continuous variables are presented as median (minimum-maximum); categorical variables are presented as N (%). The most common operative technique in Group 1 was end-to-side reconstruction with ligation of the aortic isthmus. The most common operative technique in Group 2 was extended end-to-end repair. Operative Mortality was one patient (1/132 = 0.76%). Transcatheter intervention for recurrent coarctation was performed in seven patients (7/132 = 5.3%). Surgical re-intervention for recurrent coarctation was performed in three patients (3/132 = 2.3%). From these data, one can conclude that a strategy of matching the surgical approach to the anatomy of neonates and infants who underwent surgical repair of aortic coarctation or hypoplastic aortic arch, either in isolation or with concomitant repair of ASD and/or VSD, is associated with less than 1% Operative Mortality and less than 3% recurrent coarctation requiring reoperation.

A single-institutional experience with 36 children less than 5 kilograms supported with the Berlin Heart: Comparison of congenital versus acquired heart disease.

OBJECTIVES: We reviewed outcomes in all 36 consecutive children <5 kg supported with the Berlin Heart pulsatile ventricular assist device at the University of Florida, comparing those with acquired heart disease (n = 8) to those with congenital heart disease (CHD) (n = 28). METHODS: The primary outcome was mortality. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank tests were used to assess group differences in long-term survival after ventricular assist device insertion. T-tests using estimated survival proportions were used to compare groups at specific time points. RESULTS: Of 82 patients supported with the Berlin Heart at our institution, 49 (49/82 = 59.76%) weighed <10 kg and 36 (36/82 = 43.90%) weighed <5 kg. Of 36 patients <5 kg, 26 (26/36 = 72.22%) were successfully bridged to transplantation. (The duration of support with ventricular assist device for these 36 patients <5 kg was [days]: median = 109, range = 4-305.) Eight out of 36 patients <5 kg had acquired heart disease, and all eight [8/8 = 100%] were successfully bridged to transplantation. (The duration of support with ventricular assist device for these 8 patients <5 kg with acquired heart disease was [days]: median = 50, range = 9-130.) Twenty-eight of 36 patients <5 kg had congenital heart disease. Eighteen of these 28 [64.3%] were successfully bridged to transplantation. (The duration of support with ventricular assist device for these 28 patients <5 kg with congenital heart disease was [days]: median = 136, range = 4-305.) For all 36 patients who weighed <5 kg: 1-year survival estimate after ventricular assist device insertion = 62.7% (95% confidence interval = 48.5-81.2%) and 5-year survival estimate after ventricular assist device insertion = 58.5% (95% confidence interval = 43.8-78.3%). One-year survival after ventricular assist device insertion = 87.5% (95% confidence interval = 67.3-99.9%) in acquired heart disease and 55.6% (95% confidence interval = 39.5-78.2%) in CHD, P = 0.036. Five-year survival after ventricular assist device insertion = 87.5% (95% confidence interval = 67.3-99.9%) in acquired heart disease and 48.6% (95% confidence interval = 31.6-74.8%) in CHD, P = 0.014. CONCLUSION: Pulsatile ventricular assist device facilitates bridge to transplantation in neonates and infants weighing <5 kg; however, survival after ventricular assist device insertion in these small patients is less in those with CHD in comparison to those with acquired heart disease.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation neck cannulation in an infant.

In this video tutorial, we present neck cannulation for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using a crescent right atrial double lumen cannula in a 4-kg baby.

Epstein Barr virus-directed T-cell therapy for refractory EBV-PTLD in a toddler post Orthotopic heart transplantation.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous herpes type virus that is associated with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Usual management includes reduction or cessation of immunosuppression and in some cases chemotherapy including rituximab. However, limited therapies are available if PTLD is refractory to rituximab. Several clinical trials have investigated the use of EBV-directed T cells in rituximab-refractory patients; however, data regarding response is scarce and inconclusive. Herein, we describe a patient with EBV-PTLD refractory to rituximab after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) requiring EBV-directed T-cell therapy. This article aims to highlight the unique and aggressive clinical presentation and progression of PTLD with utilization of EBV-directed T-cell therapy for management and associated pitfalls.

Comparison of different porcine models simulating myocardial cold ischemia of pediatric donor hearts.

BACKGROUND: Our team previously identified a stem cell-derived cardioprotective additive that can be added to standard cardioplegia to extend myocardial viability during prolonged myocardial cold ischemic time (CIT) in rodent models. The purpose of this study was to utilize a porcine model to compare in-vivo versus ex-vivo porcine simulation of CIT that accompanies cardiac transplantation in humans, in order to determine an optimal method for translation of our studies to larger animals. METHODS: Eight 39-55 kg Yorkshire X pigs were randomly assigned to either in-vivo or ex-vivo simulation. After administration of general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation, baseline measurement of left ventricular performance was obtained via transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). After midline sternotomy and heparin administration, the aorta was cross-clamped and two liters of HTK-Custodiol were introduced via the aortic root. The in-vivo method utilized cold ischemic heart storage in the chest cavity while supporting the experimental animal with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The ex-vivo method involved standard cardiac procurement, cold ischemic storage outside of the body, and subsequent cardiac reperfusion utilizing cardiac reanimation in a Langendorff heart perfusion mode. After CIT, measurements of post-ischemic left ventricular performance were obtained via echocardiography. Results are presented as: Mean ± Standard Deviation (Median, Minimum-Maximum). RESULTS: Weight (kilograms) was similar in the in-vivo group and the ex-vivo group: 44 ± 1.8 (44, 42-46) versus 44 ± 5.1 (43.5, 39-51), respectively. Cold ischemic time (minutes) was longer in the ex-vivo group: 360 ± 0 (360, 360-360) versus 141 ± 26.7 (149, 102-163). Temperature (degrees Celsius) was colder in the ex-vivo group: 8 ± 0 (8, 8-8) versus 16.5 ± 4.2 (16, 12-16).In the in-vivo group, baseline ejection fraction and ejection fraction after CIT were: 48.25% ± 14.95% (48.5%, 33%-63%) and 41.25% ± 22.32% (41.5%, 20%-62%), respectively. In the ex-vivo group, baseline ejection fraction and ejection fraction after CIT were: 56.4% ± 5.9% (57%, 50%-67%) and 60.4% ± 7.7% (61.5%, 51.9%-67%), respectively. CONCLUSION: The ex-vivo technique is suitable to evaluate cardioplegia additives that may substantially extend myocardial tolerance to cold ischemia.