Extended septal myectomy for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and its impact on mitral valve function.

AIMS: Septal myectomy is the treatment of choice for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Around 30-60% of patients with HOCM have a secondary mitral valve regurgitation due to systolic anterior motion (SAM). We report our experience with extended septal myectomy and its impact on the incidence of concomitant mitral valve procedures. METHODS: This is a retrospective study on 84 patients who underwent SM from January 2008 to February 2022. Surgical procedure was performed according to the concept of 'extended myectomy' described by Messmer in 1994. Follow-up outcomes in terms of survival, hospital admissions for heart failure or MV disease, cardiac reoperations, and pacemaker (PMK) implantation were recorded. RESULTS: Mean age was 61 ±â€Š15 years. Mitral valve surgery was performed in seven cases (8%); particularly only one patient without degenerative mitral valve disease underwent mitral valve surgery, with a plicature of the posterior leaflet. In-hospital mortality was 5%. Mitral valve regurgitation greater than mild was present in four patients (5%) at discharge. Twelve-year survival was 78 ±â€Š22%. Cumulative incidence of rehospitalization for heart failure and rehospitalization for mitral valve disease was 10 ±â€Š4 and 2.5 ±â€Š2.5%, respectively. PMK implantation was 5% at discharge, with a cumulative incidence of 15 ±â€Š7%. Freedom from cardiac reoperations was 100%. CONCLUSION: Septal myectomy for HOCM is associated with good outcomes. Although concomitant surgery on the mitral valve to address SAM and associated regurgitation has been advocated, these procedures were needed in our practice only in patients with intrinsic mitral valve disease. Adequate myectomy addresses the underlying pathophysiology in most patients.

Long-term mitral valve repair outcomes and hospital volume: 15 years' analysis of an administrative dataset.

BACKGROUND: Procedural volume has been documented as an important contributor to operative outcomes for most complex surgical procedures. Mitral valve repair (MVRep) has been associated with excellent results, and it is increasingly adopted in many cardiac surgical centers. We sought to investigate if procedural volume is associated with better clinical long-term outcomes after MVRep. METHODS: We analyzed the 10-year outcomes after MVRep by procedural volume for each cardiac surgery center in an Italian Region, Lazio, during the last 15 years, using a regional administrative dataset. RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2020, 4961 patients were treated in seven cardiac surgery centers for an isolated mitral valve surgery (2677 underwent MVRep). At multivariate analysis, mitral valve replacement (MVR) (vs. MVRep) resulted one of the independent predictors of 30-day mortality [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.40; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.96-5.90; P  < 0.0001]. Notably, a clear association between hospital volume of mitral valve surgery (>40 per year) and high rate of MVRep (>50%) was found. At 10 years, the incidence of mortality and the rate of death and rehospitalization for heart failure after MVRep were significantly lower in high-volume vs. low-volume hospitals. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that hospital volume is associated with a high rate of MVRep and long-term benefits in terms of mortality and recurrence of heart failure.

Aortic Valve Replacement: Understanding Predictors for the Optimal Ministernotomy Approach.

INTRODUCTION: The most common minimally invasive approach for aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the partial upper mini-sternotomy. The aim of this study is to understand which preoperative computed tomography (CT) features are predictive of longer operations in terms of cardio-pulmonary bypass timesand cross-clamp times. METHODS: From 2011 to 2022, we retrospectively selected 246 patients which underwent isolated AVR and had a preoperative ECG-gated CT scan. On these patients, we analysed the baseline anthropometric characteristics and the following CT scan parameters: aortic annular dimensions, valve calcium score, ascending aorta length, ascending aorta inclination and aorta-sternum distance. RESULTS: We identified augmented body surface area (>1.9 m2), augmented annular diameter (>23 mm), high calcium score (>2500 Agatson score) and increased aorta-sternum distance (>30 mm) as independent predictors of elongated operation times (more than two-fold). CONCLUSIONS: Identifying the preoperative predictive factors of longer operations can help surgeons select cases suitable for minimally invasive approaches, especially in a teaching context.

Panoramic on Epigenetics in Coronary Artery Disease and the Approach of Personalized Medicine.

Epigenetic modifications play a fundamental role in the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). This panoramic review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in CAD pathogenesis and highlights the potential implications for personalized medicine approaches. Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes that do not influence alterations in the DNA sequence of the genome. It has been shown that epigenetic processes, including DNA/histone methylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation, play an important role. Additionally, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs are also involved in epigenetics, regulating gene expression patterns in response to various environmental factors and lifestyle choices. In the context of CAD, epigenetic alterations contribute to the dysregulation of genes involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and vascular function. These epigenetic changes can occur during early developmental stages and persist throughout life, predisposing individuals to an increased risk of CAD. Furthermore, in recent years, the concept of personalized medicine has gained significant attention. Personalized medicine aims to tailor medical interventions based on an individual's unique genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. In the context of CAD, understanding the interplay between genetic variants and epigenetic modifications holds promise for the development of more precise diagnostic tools, risk stratification models, and targeted therapies. This review summarizes the current knowledge of epigenetic mechanisms in CAD and discusses the fundamental principles of personalized medicine.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with age ≤70 years: experience from two leading structural heart disease centers.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is emerging as an appealing management strategy for patients with severe aortic stenosis at intermediate, high or exceedingly high risk, but its risk-benefit profile in younger patients is less certain. We aimed to explore the outlook of patients aged 70 years or less and undergoing TAVI at 2 high-volume Italian institutions. METHODS: We retrospectively collected baseline, imaging, procedural and outcome features of patients with age ≤70 years in whom TAVI was attempted at participating centers between 2012 and 2021. Non-parametric tests and bootstrap resampling were used for inferential purposes. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients were included, out of >3000 screened with heart team involvement and >1500 receiving TAVI. Most common or relevant indications for TAVI reduced life expectancy (e.g. cardiogenic shock or severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, morbid obesity, active or recent extra-cardiac cancer, porcelain aorta, neurologic disability, cirrhosis, or prior surgical aortic valve replacement, as well as extreme cachexia, and Hutchinson-Gilford progeria. At least two contemporary high-risk features were present in most cases. Transapical access was used in 5 (12.8%) cases, and a sheathless approach in 15 (38.5%). A variety of devices were used, including both balloon- and self-expandable devices. Clinical outcomes were satisfactory, despite the high-risk profile, at both short- and mid-term, with no in-hospital death, and 5.1% (95% confidence interval 0-12.8%) mortality at a median follow-up of 15 months (minimum 1; maximum 85). Notably, no case of significant valve deterioration requiring reintervention occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In carefully selected patients with 70 years or less of age and prohibitive risk for surgery or reduced life expectancy, TAVI represents a safe option with a favorable mid-term survival and low rate of adverse events.

3D mitral annulus echocardiography assessment in patients affected by degenerative mitral regurgitation who underwent mitral valve repair with flexible band.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative mitral valve (MV) regurgitation (DMR) shows significative mitral annulus (MA) alterations; mitral valve repair (MVR) seeks to restore annular geometry and function, and the current use of flexible band seams to respect most annular mobility reducing parietal stress. Parameters of MV geometry obtained by 3D transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TTE) analysis are crucial for surgical planning and postoperative success. The aim of this study was to assess, by means of a dedicated software, the variations of MA geometry and function in patients affected by DMR compared to controls and after MVR with flexible band. METHODS: We enrolled 32 patients (cases) with severe DMR who underwent MVR using flexible band; we compare this group with 20 controls. The TEE with 3D MV images acquisition was performed in both groups and then analyzed in postprocessing by using a dedicated software. RESULTS: There were no anthropometrics differences between cases and controls, both presented normal left ventricular ejection fraction. DMR group showed a significant increase of annulus dimensional parameters (p = .001) and alteration of nonplanarity comparing to controls (p < .05). The annuloplasty with flexible band induces a considerable reduction of MV dimensions comparing to preoperative data and restores physiological mobility and nonplanarity. There were no statistical differences between postoperative DMR and controls data, except for nonplanarity parameters (p ~.05), maybe influenced by hemodynamic settings. CONCLUSIONS: MVR with annuloplasty using flexible band appears able to reinstate a more physiological anatomic conformation of the MA, without compromising its dynamic properties.

Surgical Management of Acute Myocardial Infarction Caused by Intramural Anomalous Left Coronary Artery in a Young Female Athlete.

In the complex spectrum of coronary anomalies, the origin of the left coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva with intramural course could represent a catastrophic life-threatening condition leading to extensive myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death, especially in young athletes. We report the case of a young female athlete with anomalous left coronary artery from the opposite sinus who survived a major non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction during the eighth kilometer of a running race. It was successfully treated by creating a neo-ostium of the left coronary artery in the left sinus at the point at which the artery left the aortic wall.

Observed versus predicted mortality after isolated tricuspid valve surgery.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study is to analyse the performances of Clinical Risk Score (CRS) and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE)-II in isolated tricuspid surgery. METHODS: Three hundred and eighty-three patients (54 ± 16 year; 54% female) were enrolled. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the true positive fraction of test results and the false-positive fraction for a procedure. RESULTS: Considering the 30-day mortality the area under the curve was 0.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50-0.72) for EuroSCORE II and 0.7 (95% CI 0.56-0.84) for CRS-score. The ratio of expected/observed mortality showed underestimation when considering EuroSCORE-II (min. 0.46-max. 0.6). At multivariate analysis, the CRS score (p = .005) was predictor of late cardiac death. CONCLUSION: We suggest using both scores to obtain a range of expected mortality. CRS to speculate on late survival.

Single access transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation for challenging iliofemoral route.

BACKGROUND: Optimal access for transcatheter aortic valve implantation is still a matter of debate. A tailored approach for patient anatomy is mandatory to reduce vascular complications and improve outcomes. AIMS: To optimize surgical technique in challenge scenario. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Here, we present a case of transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement performed using single arterial access. RESULTS: A 92 years old patients affected by severe aortic stenosis showed no secondary arterial access. A single access approach was performed using the aortic valve calcification and the inferior margin of the second rib as lankdmarks for valve implantation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Alternative options for TAVR are mandatory to deal with complex cases. The described technique is a simple and reproducible approach.

Prediction of mortality in isolated tricuspid surgery.

BACKGROUND: Isolated tricuspid surgery is a rarely performed procedure considered at high risk for mortality. Preoperative risk estimation is still a s missing process and currently used risk score system are not validated for this procedures. AIM: To discuss the external validation of the EuroSCORE II and STS-TVS score in the setting of isolated tricuspid valve surgery. DISCUSSION: The stratification of the patient profile and risk estimation are still lacking in isolated tricuspid surgery. MELD Score, EuroSCORE II and STS-TVS score may help in the preoperative evaluation. Recently a dedicated score called TRI-SCORE has been introduced. We believe that the combination of these scores may determine a range of expected mortality rate and it could be an interesting approach to define the preoperative risk-profile of a patient planned for isolated tricuspid disease. Conclusion Further studies are needed to define the optimal risk stratification of patient affected by isolated tricuspid disease.

Transoesophageal echocardiography-guided 'primary' valve-in-valve technique in cardiogenic shock: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation inside a previously implanted bioprosthesis is an alternative treatment for patients with degenerated surgical aortic bioprosthesis (AB) at high surgical risk. Pre-operative computed tomography (CT) scan provides essential information to the procedure planning, although in case of acute presentation it is not always feasible. CASE SUMMARY: A 32-year-old man with history of surgical treatment of aortic coarctation and Bio-Bentall procedure was transferred to our department in cardiogenic shock with a suspected diagnosis of acute myocarditis. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed a severely impaired biventricular function and AB degeneration causing severe stenosis. It was decided to undertake an urgent trans-apical valve-in-valve (ViV) procedure. Due to haemodynamic instability, a preoperative CT scan was not performed and transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) was the main intraprocedural guiding imaging technique. Neither intraprocedural nor periprocedural complications occurred. Serial post-procedural TTE exams showed good functioning of the bioprosthesis and progressive improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction. Patient was discharged from the hospital 8 days after the intervention. DISCUSSION: A patient with cardiogenic shock due to severe degeneration of the AB was treated with urgent transapical ViV procedure. In this case, where urgent ViV technique was needed, TOE appeared to be a crucial alternative to CT scan and allowed us to perform a successful procedure.

Robotic transareolar mitral valve repair.

In recent years, the treatment of mitral valve disease with robotic surgery has been increasingly successful, having produced excellent postoperative results and significant cost-savings. However, minimal  experience exists with robotic mitral valve repair using transareolar access. We demonstrate mitral valve repair using the DaVinci Robot Xi through a transareolar approach, showing the technical details of our surgical technique.

Minimally invasive transatrial repair of posterior left ventricular aneurysm.

Left ventricular aneurysms (LVA) are a complication of myocardial infarction, that rarely involve the posterior wall; surgical repair of posterior LVA poses a technical challenge when associated with concomitant mitral regurgitation. We describe a minimally invasive treatment of ischemic MR and concomitant patch exclusion of posterior LVA through a right minithoracotomy. Using a transatrial approach, the aneurysm is closed with a "U" shaped dacron patch, whose base is anchored to the mitral annulus. Two patients were operated by this method with excellent results.

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome and Severe Aortic Stenosis: A New Hope for Treatment.

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome is an autosomal dominant, rare, fatal pediatric segmental premature aging disease. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases constitute the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Patients with the syndrome and severe aortic valve stenosis have been described in the literature, and for all of them a strategy of conservative management has been followed. We describe the first successful treatment of a 23-year-old Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome patient with severe aortic stenosis who underwent transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Minimally invasive implantation of a Sapien 3 Ultra Valve in a degenerated tricuspid bioprosthesis.

Surgical management of patients affected by structural valve deterioration of bioprostheses in tricuspid valve position represents a challenge. Furthermore, transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation (TVIVI) recently emerged as an interesting option in high-risk surgical patients. When surgery is performed, replacement of the dysfunctional tricuspid bioprosthesis could be a difficult procedure due to the risk of heart rupture during the prosthesis removal. Herein we report the case of a 52-year-old female patient in which a transcatheter TVIVI was successfully performed under direct vision as a bailout strategy due to the impossibility of bioprosthesis removal.

Minimally invasive treatment of multiple valve disease: A modified approach through a right lateral minithoracotomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Today there is little experience with minimally invasive treatment of multiple valve disease and no standard techniques have been provided yet. We report our early experience with combined aortic and mitral valve surgery with or without tricuspid surgery through a right lateral minithoracotomy (RmT), describing the technical aspects of our approach. METHODS: From April 2017 to April 2019 thirty patients with mitro-aortic valve disease or with triple valve pathology underwent surgery through a 3 to 4 cm lateral RmT into the third intercostal space. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established through femoral vessels cannulation. Surgery on the mitral valve (MV) was performed first and sutures put into the mitral annulus. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) was performed next. Then, the selected ring or prosthetic valve was implanted in a mitral position throughout previously placed sutures. Finally, if required, tricuspid valve surgery was performed. RESULTS: In combined with AVR, MV replacement was performed in 20 patients (66%), and MV repair in 10 patients (34%). Concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty was performed in five patients (17%). There was no conversion to full sternotomy. Postoperatively, one patient died. Postoperative echocardiography showed no perivalvular leakage in aortic or in the mitral position. No residual mitral regurgitation was observed in patients who underwent MV repair. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive surgery of double and triple valve disease is feasible. Our approach through a lateral RmT allows optimal visualization of the aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves, simplifies the surgical procedure and allows excellent results also in complex MV repair procedures.

A Modified Transatrial Approach for Repair of Postinfarction Ventricular Septal Defect.

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a life-threatening complication of myocardial infarction. Surgical repair is generally performed through a left/right ventriculotomy. To avoid complications associated with ventriculotomy, a right transatrial approach has been proposed. We describe a modified transatrial approach through the left atrium for basal-inferior VSD. After left atriotomy, mitral valve is detached from the annulus to expose the defect, which is closed with a pericardial patch. Two patients were operated by this method. In both cases venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with a ventricular vent was utilized to unload the left ventricle. Echocardiography revealed no residual shunt in both cases.