Fluid Management in Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy-Analysis of an Experimental Pig Model.

(1) Background: Fluid resuscitation is a necessary part of therapeutic measures to maintain sufficient hemodynamics in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circulation. In a post-hoc analysis, we aimed to investigate the impact of increased volume therapy in veno-arterial ECMO circulation on renal function and organ edema in a large animal model. (2) Methods: ECMO therapy was performed in 12 female pigs (Deutsche Landrasse × Pietrain) for 10 h with subsequent euthanasia. Applicable volume, in regard to the necessary maintenance of hemodynamics, was divided into moderate and extensive volume therapy (MVT/EVT) due to the double quantity of calculated physiologic urine output for the planned study period. Respiratory and hemodynamic data were measured continuously. Additionally, renal function and organ edema were assessed by blood and tissue samples. (3) Results: Four pigs received MVT, and eight pigs received EVT. After 10 h of ECMO circulation, no major differences were seen between the groups in regard to hemodynamic and respiratory data. The relative change in creatinine after 10 h of ECMO support was significantly higher in EVT (1.3 ± 0.3 MVT vs. 1.8 ± 0.5 EVT; p = 0.033). No major differences were evident for lung, heart, liver, and kidney samples in regard to organ edema in comparison of EVT and MVT. Bowel tissue showed a higher percentage of edema in EVT compared to MVT (77 ± 2% MVT vs. 80 ± 3% EVT; p = 0.049). (4) Conclusions: The presented data suggest potential deterioration of renal function and intestinal mucosa function by an increase in tissue edema due to volume overload in ECMO therapy.

Concomitant Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping Significantly Reduces Left Ventricular Pressure during Central Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation-Results from a Large Animal Model.

(1) Introduction: Simultaneous ECMO and IABP therapy is frequently used. Haemodynamic changes responsible for the success of the concomitant mechanical circulatory support system approach are rarely investigated. In a large-animal model, we analysed haemodynamic parameters before and during ECMO therapy, comparing central and peripheral ECMO circulation with and without simultaneous IABP support. (2) Methods: Thirty-three female pigs were divided into five groups: (1) SHAM, (2) (peripheral)ECMO(-)IABP, (3) (p)ECMO(+)IABP, (4) (central)ECMO(-)IABP, and (5) (c)ECMO(+)IABP. Pigs were cannulated in accordance with the group and supported with ECMO (±IABP) for 10 h. Systemic haemodynamics, cardiac index (CI), and coronary and carotid artery blood flow were determined before, directly after, and at five and ten hours on extracorporeal support. Systemic inflammation (IL-6; IL-10; TNFα; IFNγ), immune response (NETs; cf-DNA), and endothelial injury (ET-1) were also measured. (3) Results: IABP support during antegrade ECMO circulation led to a significant reduction of left ventricular pressure in comparison to retrograde flow in (p)ECMO(-)IABP and (p)ECMO(+)IABP. Blood flow in the left anterior coronary and carotid artery was not affected by extracorporeal circulation. (4) Conclusions: Concomitant central ECMO and IABP therapy leads to significant reduction of intracavitary cardiac pressure, reduces cardiac work, and might therefore contribute to improved recovery in ECMO patients.

Monitoring excimer laser-guided cardiac lead extractions by uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopy: A single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Though laser guided extractions of cardiac implantable electronic devices leads have become a routine procedure, the severe complications are associated with a high mortality. Here, we report our single center experience using uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopy for laser lead extraction and compare it to stand-alone laser lead extraction. METHODS: The intraoperative data and postoperative clinical outcomes of patients undergoing laser lead extraction with concomitant thoracoscopy (N = 28) or without (N = 43) in our institution were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Neither the median x-ray time (612.0 s for the thoracoscopy group vs. 495.5 s for the non-thoracoscopy group, p = 0.962), length of the operation (112.5 vs. 100.0 min, p = 0.676) or the median length of hospital stay (9.0 vs. 10.0 days, p = 0.990) differed significantly. The mean intensive care unit stay was longer for patients in the non-thoracoscopy group (0.8 vs. 2.5 days, p = 0.005). The 30-day-mortality in the thoracoscopy group was zero, whereas five patients died in the non-thoracoscopy group. Furthermore, four patients in the non-thoracoscopy group had encountered haemothorax, while none were observed in the thoracoscopy group (p = 0.148). CONCLUSIONS: The adoption of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopy during laser-guided lead extraction of cardiac implantable electronic devices can be considered safe and does not lengthen the operating time or hospital stay. It might be useful in the detection of severe complications and, in experienced hands, possibly allow direct bleeding control.

Evaluation of Stress Levels of Trainee Cardiac Surgery Residents during Training Interventions Using Physiological Stress Parameters.

BACKGROUND: This study analysed the psychological and psycho-emotional stress in cardiac surgery. Using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, it is possible to record intraoperative objective stress responses in surgeons. The aim of the study was to assess with the help of HRV parameters the postulated increased stress levels of cardiac surgeons in training compared to experienced senior cardiothoracic surgeons in exactly the same work situation in order to make qualification-differentiated statements about physiological stress during surgical interventions. METHODS: During surgical teaching procedures, long-term ECG data (n = 15 each) for two operating residents and their assisting senior physicians were recorded. Time and frequency domain HRV parameters were analysed. RESULTS: The time-related parasympathetic-dominated HRV parameters RMSSD (19.5 ms vs. 28.1 ms), NN50 (297.67 vs. 693.40), and cardiac interval mean RR (692.8 ms vs. 737.3 ms) indicate a higher stress level in the operating residents compared to the experienced surgeons. The higher stress index (11.61 vs. 8.86) confirms this. CONCLUSION: Compared to experienced surgeons, operating residents showed lower parasympathetic activity and higher stress levels during cardiac surgery training procedures.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Current Report From the North-Rhine Westphalia Surgical Myocardial Infarction Registry.

Background Coronary artery bypass grafting has remained an important treatment option for acute coronary syndromes, particularly in patients (1) with ongoing ischemia and large areas of jeopardized myocardium, if percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) cannot be performed; (2) following successful PCI of the culprit lesion with further indication for coronary artery bypass grafting; and (3) where PCI is incomplete, not sufficient, or failed. Methods and Results We aimed to analyze coronary artery bypass grafting outcome following prior PCI in acute coronary syndromes from the North-Rhine-Westphalia surgical myocardial infarction registry comprising 2616 patients. Primary end points were in-hospital all-cause mortality and major adverse cardio-cerebral event. Patients were 68±11 years of age, had 3-vessel and left main-stem disease in 80.4% and 45.3%, presenting a logistic EuroSCORE of 15.1% in unstable angina, 20.3% in non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, and 23.5% in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. A history of PCI was present in 36.2% and PCI was performed within 24 hours before surgery in 5.2% in unstable angina, 5.9% in non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, and 16.1% in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. PCI failed in 5.3% in unstable angina, 6.8% in non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and 17.2% in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, and 28.8% of patients presented with cardiogenic shock. In-hospital mortality without PCI was 7.4%, but increased to 8.7% with prior PCI >24 hours, 14.5% with prior PCI <24 hours, and 14.1% with failed PCI (P<0.003). The in-hospital major adverse cardio-cerebral event rate was 16.4% without PCI, but 17.4% with prior PCI >24 hours, 25.6% with prior PCI <24 hours, and 41.3% with failed PCI (P=0.014). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed prior PCI (P=0.039), as well as failed PCI (P=0.001) to be predictors for in-hospital all-cause mortality and major adverse cardio-cerebral event. Conclusions In the current PCI era, immediately prior or failed PCI before coronary artery bypass grafting in acute coronary syndromes is associated with high perioperative risk, cardiogenic shock, and increased morbidity and mortality.

Case series of late complications after transcatheter mitral annuloplasty using Cardioband and surgical treatment options.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of functional mitral regurgitation using transcatheter techniques such as the Cardioband annuloplasty device (Edwards Lifesciences) has gained wide acceptance in the recent years. However, complications of such devices are rarely reported. METHODS: Here, we present a case series involving two patients with dislocation of the Cardioband device and discuss the surgical management. RESULTS: In the former the valve was re-repaired by surgical implantation of an annuloplasty ring, and in the latter the valve had to be replaced due to severe damage of the mitral valve annulus. Both patients had an uncomplicated course and were discharged to rehabilitation Center. CONCLUSION: Dislocation of the Cardioband devices can be successfully managed by surgical approaches. Depending on the extent of damage to the mitral valve annulus, the valve could be re-repaired or should be repalced.

Preoperative Statin Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation and Renal Failure after Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Performing cardiac surgery in patients with cardiovascular risk factors incorporates a steady risk for the development of postoperative complications. Perioperative statin intake was associated with an improvement of perioperative outcomes in these patients. However, the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery guidelines regarding the perioperative statin treatment were changed recently due to large studies reporting about relevant adverse effects related to statin therapy. METHODS: All relevant databases were searched including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the metaRegister of Controlled Trials. Various registries were screened (National Research Register, the ClinicalTrials.gov, and gray literature) with search on online conference indices of relevant scientific meetings. No language restrictions were applied. RESULTS: We identified 10 randomized controlled studies summarizing 3,468 participants undergoing various kinds of cardiac surgical procedures. All included studies presented with marked differences regarding study design. Pooled analysis indicated that statin pretreatment was associated with a formally reduced incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) (odds ratio [OR] 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-1.00; p = 0.05) but with an increased incidence of renal failure (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01-1.44; p = 0.04) compared with control. Substantial heterogeneity was observed among studies reporting about AF. CONCLUSION: Current but sparse evidence reveals that statin pretreatment is associated with a higher rate of postoperative renal failure compared with control therapy but is ineffective to substantially reduce postoperative AF. Given the relevant heterogeneity among included studies, statin pretreatment cannot be generally recommended.

Surgical revascularization for acute coronary syndromes: a report from the North Rhine-Westphalia surgical myocardial infarction registry.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this was to analyse current outcomes in patients referred to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for acute coronary syndromes (ACSs), including ST-elevation or non-ST-elevation ACS (non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) or unstable angina. METHODS: Patients (n = 2432) undergoing CABG for ACS between January 2010 and December 2017 were prospectively entered into a surgical myocardial infarction registry in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Key end points were in-hospital all-cause mortality (IHM) and major adverse cardio-cerebral events (MACCE). Predictors for IHM and MACCE were analysed by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Patients (78% males) were referred for CABG for unstable angina (25%), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (50%), and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (25%). The mean patient age was 68 ± 11 years, logistic EuroSCORE was 19 ± 18% and three-vessel and left main stem diseases were diagnosed in 81% and 45% of patients, respectively. On-pump CABG with cardiac arrest or beating heart was performed in 92% and 2%, respectively, with only 6% off-pump surgery and 6% multiple arterial revascularization (3.1 ± 1.0 grafts, 93% left internal thoracic artery). Emergency CABG was performed in 23% of patients (42% in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction; P < 0.001). The total IHM and MACCE rates were 8.1% and 17.5% and were highest in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with 12.6% and 28.5%, respectively (P < 0.001). Key predictors for IHM and MACCE were female gender, elevated troponin, left ventricular ejection fraction, inotropic support, logistic EuroSCORE, cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamp time and the need for emergency CABG. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical myocardial revascularization in patients with ACS is still linked to substantial in-hospital mortality. Emergency CABG for patients with ACS was associated with poorer outcomes.

In vitro hemo- and cytocompatibility of bacterial nanocelluose small diameter vascular grafts: Impact of fabrication and surface characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: There is an increasing need for small diameter vascular grafts with superior host hemo- and cytocompatibilities, such as low activation of platelets and leukocytes. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether the preparation of bacterial nanocellulose grafts with different inner surfaces has an impact on in vitro host cytocompatibility. METHODS: We have synthesized five different grafts in a bioreactor, namely open interface surface (OIS), inverted (INV), partially air dried (PAD), surface formed in air contact (SAC) and standard (STD) that were characterized by a different surface roughness. The grafts (length 55 mm, inner diameter 5 mm) were attached to heparinized polyvinyl chloride tubes, loaded with human blood and rotated at 37°C for 4 hours. Then, blood was analyzed for frequencies of cellular fractions, oxidative products, soluble complement and thrombin factors. The results were compared to clinically approved grafts made of polyethylene terephthalate and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Additionally, blood platelets were labelled with 111Indium-oxine to visualize the distribution of adherent platelets in the loop by scintigraphy. RESULTS: SAC nanocellulose grafts with the lowest surface roughness exhibited superior performance with <10% leukocyte and <50% thrombocyte loss in contrast to other grafts that exhibited >65% leukocyte and >90% thrombocyte loss. Of note, SAC nanocellulose grafts showed lowest radioactivity with scintigraphy analyses, indicating reduced platelet adhesion. Although the levels of reactive oxygen species and cell free DNA did not differ significantly, the levels of thrombin-antithrombin complexes were lowest in SAC grafts. However, all nanocellulose grafts exhibited enhanced complement activation. CONCLUSION: The systematic variation of the inner surfaces of BNC vascular grafts significantly improves biocompatibility. Especially, SAC grafts exhibited the lowest loss of platelets as well as leukocytes and additionally significantly diminished activation of the coagulation system. Further animal studies are needed to study in vivo biocompatibilities.

Timely extracorporeal membrane oxygenation assist reduces mortality after bypass surgery in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are at high risk when undergoing emergency coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)-surgery. Their outcome remains poor despite increased use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We investigated the impact of timing for perioperative ECMO-support in these patients. METHODS: In this retrospective double-center study, we evaluated 201 patients with AMI undergoing CABG, dividing them into the following groups: No-ECMO (n = 101), preoperative ECMO (pre-ECMO, n = 6), intraoperative ECMO (ECC-ECMO, n = 67), and postoperative ECMO (post-ECMO, n = 27). We evaluated the impact of ECMO timing on postoperative mortality, organ function, and length of stay, comparing these to predicted outcome using different risk-scores. RESULTS: Post-ECMO patients showed lowest 30-day-survival (40.7%), while earlier ECMO-start was associated with better outcome (50.7% in extracorporeal circulation [ECC]-ECMO and 66.7% in pre-ECMO patients). On admission, only pre-ECMO and ECC-ECMO patients showed higher surgery- and intensive-care-unit (ICU)-related risk-scores. In pre- and ECC-ECMO patients, the first significant increase in lactate-levels (>4 mmol/L) was observed preoperatively, while this occurred 1 hour postoperatively in post-ECMO patients. Bilirubin was increased in all patients, decreasing after 3 and 12 days in pre- and ECC-ECMO patients, respectively, but only after 18 days in post-ECMO patients. Multiple ICU risk-scores did not discriminate survival-probability correctly. Only the ECMO-related survival after veno-arterial-ECMO-score correctly predicted the significantly lower survival in post-ECMO patients. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that timely ECMO-support is associated with earlier bilirubin-downtrend and higher survival in patients with AMI after CABG. Lactate-increase greater than 4 mmol/L seems to be a helpful threshold to trigger the timely onset of ECMO-therapy, providing better survival.

Surgical Management of Iatrogenic Left Ventricle Perforation by Chest Tube Insertion.

Chest tube thoracostomy is a standard procedure in every intensive care unit. Although it is regarded as a safe procedure in experienced hands, rare complications do occur. This report describes iatrogenic perforation of the left ventricle after placement of an intercostal catheter and the successful surgical management of this injury. Various operative situations that may arise in relation to iatrogenic perforation of the left ventricle are also discussed, as well as steps to manage this potentially life-threatening complication.

Early Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Myocardial Revascularization for Acute Coronary Syndromes Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock: A Report From the North-Rhine-Westphalia Surgical Myocardial Infarction Registry.

Background Coronary artery bypass grafting for acute coronary syndrome complicated by cardiogenic shock ( CS ) is associated with a high mortality. This registry study aimed to distinguish between early surgical outcomes of CS patients with non- ST -segment-elevation myocardial infarction ( NSTEMI ) and ST -segment-elevation myocardial infarction ( STEMI ). Methods and Results Patients with NSTEMI (n=1218) or STEMI (n=618) referred for coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled in a prospective multicenter registry between 2010 and 2017. CS was present in 227 NSTEMI (18.6%) and 243 STEMI patients (39.3%). Key clinical end points were in-hospital mortality ( IHM ) and major adverse cardiocerebral events ( MACCEs ). Predictors for IHM and MACCEs were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. STEMI patients with CS were younger, had a lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus and multivessel disease, and exhibited higher myocardial injury (troponin 9±17 versus 3±6 ng/mL) before surgery compared with patients with NSTEMI ( P<0.05). Emergency coronary artery bypass grafting was performed more often in STEMI (58%) versus NSTEMI (40%; P=0.002). On-pump surgery with cardioplegia was the preferred surgical technique in CS . IHM and MACCE rates were 24% and 49% in STEMI patients with CS and were higher compared with NSTEMI ( IHM 15% versus MACCE 34%; P<0.001). Predictors for IHM and MACCE in CS were a reduced ejection fraction and a higher European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score. Conclusions Surgical revascularization in NSTEMI and STEMI patients with CS is associated with a substantial but not prohibitive IHM and MACCE rate. Worse early outcomes were found for patients with STEMI complicated by CS compared with NSTEMI patients.

Late Onset Valve Dislocation of the Edwards Intuity Rapid-Deployment Bioprosthesis.

Over the last decade, aortic valve replacement with rapid-deployment biologic bioprostheses has become a common alternative to the use of mechanical or biologic stented valves for high-risk patients. A 63-year-old patient underwent uncomplicated valve replacement with the Edwards Intuity valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA). Two months postoperatively, the patient had progressive dyspnea. Echocardiography showed a dislocated aortic valve reaching into the left ventricular outflow tract and impairing the anterior mitral valve leaflet. Both valves were replaced by a conventional stented bioprosthesis. This case report describes the first case of valve migration for the Edwards Intuity Elite rapid-deployment aortic valve and discusses possible explanations.

Preoperative intraaortic balloon pump before urgent coronary bypass grafting.

Background Urgent or emergency coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with acute coronary syndrome is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We investigated the effects of preoperative intraaortic balloon pump support in this high-risk patient cohort. Methods Our institutional database was retrospectively reviewed for patients with acute coronary syndrome and an urgent or emergency indication for coronary artery bypass from April 2010 to December 2016. Data of 1066 patients were analyzed. We assessed the impact of preoperative intraaortic balloon pump therapy on postoperative mortality and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and performed propensity-score matching. Results Intraaortic balloon pump support was implemented in 223 (20.9%) patients: 55 (5.2%) preoperatively and 168 (15.8%) intra- or postoperatively. Overall hospital mortality was 8.8%. Patients with a preoperative intraaortic balloon pump had increased mortality (11/55, 20%) compared to controls ( p = 0.006). After propensity-score matching, all-cause mortality (20.0% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.834), cardiac mortality (18.2% vs. 14.5%, p = 0.651), and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (29.1% vs. 27.3%, p = 0.855) were comparable between groups. Conclusions Preoperative intraaortic balloon pump support does not confer any additional clinical benefit on patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting for acute coronary syndrome.

Buckberg versus Calafiore Cardioplegia in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Choice of cardioplegic solution plays a pivotal role in special subgroups of patients referred for on-pump cardiac surgery. This retrospective analysis aimed to assess the impact of intermittent warm (Calafiore, Cala) versus intermittent cold blood cardioplegia (Buckberg, Buck) in patients referred to coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery due to acute coronary syndromes (ACS). METHODS: From 2008 to 2015, all consecutive patients undergoing urgent on-pump CABG surgery due to ACS (n = 950) were retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative cardiac arrest was achieved using Buck (n = 273) or Cala (n = 677). Patients were compared regarding clinical outcomes and perioperative myocardial injury (PMI). Propensity score matching was performed to control for differences in preoperative patient characteristics. RESULTS: Prevalences of left main stenosis >50%, COPD, and advanced New York Heart Association (NYHA) class were higher for intermittent warm blood cardioplegia (IWC)-patients while more Buck-patients had preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and redo procedures. Buck-patients needed more intraoperative defibrillations and showed longer cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic clamping times. 30-day all-cause mortality (10.6 versus 9.3%), major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (52.7 versus 48.6%), and PMI (50.5 versus 55.7%; all p > 0.05) rates were comparable for Buck- and Cala-patients. Propensity score matching resulted in equal group sizes (n = 212 each) and balanced distribution of preoperative covariates. Although more Buck-patients still needed inotropic support >24 hours postoperatively (25.7 versus 14.7%; p = 0.005) compared with Cala-group, outcome variables of interest did not differ between treatment groups (30-day mortality: 7.5 versus 9.0%; MACE: 49.5 versus 40.6%; PMI: 48.1 versus 37.3%; all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Buckberg and Calafiore cardioplegia offer comparable myocardial protection and similar postoperative results in patients undergoing CABG surgery due to ACS.

Statin Therapy in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates whether preoperative statin therapy improves clinical outcomes in patients referred to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: A total of 1,151 patients undergoing CABG for ACS were prospectively entered into the North-Rhine-Westphalia surgical myocardial infarction registry and subdivided into two groups according to their preoperative statin status (statin naive vs. statin group). A logistic regression model was employed to analyze the impact of a statin therapy and dose for the endpoints in-hospital mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). RESULTS: Demographics, pre- and intraoperative data of the statin-naive group (n = 208; 18%) and statin-treated group (n = 943, 82%) did not differ. In-hospital mortality (12.6 vs. 6.3%, p = 0.002) and MACE rates (22.1 vs. 9.7%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in statin naive when compared with statin-treated patients with ACS, respectively. Mevalonic acid revealed that both low- and high-dose statin treatment was associated to a reduction in in-hospital mortality and MACE, without a dose-dependent statin effect. CONCLUSION: Statin therapy in patients with ACS undergoing CABG reduces in a dose-independent manner in-hospital mortality and MACE.

Left ventricular thrombus formation in patients undergoing femoral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

INTRODUCTION: Profoundly impaired left ventricular (LV) function in patients undergoing femoral veno-arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can result in intra-cardiac stasis and thrombus formation. There have been several attempts to improve LV unloading in patients with peripheral VA-ECMO, either by improving contractility or by venting the LV. METHODS: Data from all patients who underwent femoral VA-ECMO between 2007 and 2015 due to cardiogenic decompensation were retrospectively analysed regarding intra-cardiac thrombus formation. RESULTS: In total, 11 of 281 patients (3.91%) with femoral VA-ECMO developed an intra- or extra-cardiac thrombus despite adequate anticoagulation therapy. None of the patients survived this serious complication. CONCLUSION: Management strategies for patients with femoral VA-ECMO support and severely impaired LV function must be reassessed to avoid insufficient LV unloading at an early stage of ECMO therapy. Early LV decompression should be considered in patients with insufficient unloading of the LV to prevent intra-cardiac thrombus formation.

Lactate and lactate clearance as valuable tool to evaluate ECMO therapy in cardiogenic shock.

PURPOSE: ECMO support is an ultimate ratio therapy for patients in refractory cardiogenic shock and is linked to high mortality. We assessed the dynamic characteristics of lactate during ECMO therapy and its predictive role on 30-day mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected in all patients receiving ECMO support longer than 48h for cardiogenic shock from 01/2008 to 12/2016. Blood lactate was recorded before ECMO implantation, at prespecified timepoints during ECMO support, 1h and 6h post-ECMO as well as peak lactate during ECMO and peak within 24h after ECMO support. Statistical analysis included t-test and ROC-curves to identify cut-off levels for lactate levels to predict 30-day mortality. RESULTS: 139 patients underwent ECMO therapy longer than 48h for refractory cardiogenic shock resulting in a 30-day mortality of 68%. Lactate before ECMO and peak lactate level during ECMO support showed no significant connection to mortality, while lactate and lactate clearance at 24h were predictive for 30-day mortality with cut-off values of 2.15mmol/l and 0.687 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic course of lactate during ECMO therapy is a valuable tool to assess effective circulatory support and is superior to single lactate measurements as a predictive marker for 30-day mortality.

Outcome after coronary bypass grafting for coronary complications following coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND: Coronary complications during coronary angiography or intervention (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]) are uncommon. However, PCI-related coronary artery perforation, dissection, or acute occlusion frequently result in myocardial ischemia followed by hemodynamic instability and need of urgent coronary artery bypass grafting (coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]). This single-center study aimed to investigate clinical outcomes of patients undergoing urgent CABG after life-threatening PCI complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were retrospectively obtained using our institutional patient database. All patients admitted for urgent CABG following PCI-related complications from April 2010 to June 2015 were included into this study. Univariate analysis was performed to identify possible predictors for cardiac mortality. RESULTS: From a total of 821 urgent CABG patients, 52 patients (6.3%, 66.4 ± 9.4 years) underwent CABG for coronary complication following PCI. Logistic EuroSCORE was 21.8 ± 15.0%. At admission, 22 of 52 (42%) presented in cardiogenic shock, and 24 of 52 (46%) had significant electrocardiogram alterations indicating ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Surgical revascularization was performed by targeting the injured coronary vessel with additional revascularization of other compromised vessels as indicated (mean number of grafts 2.4 ± 0.8). In-hospital cardiac mortality of the patient cohort was 13.5% (7/52) with 15.4% (8/52) in-hospital all-cause mortality. Preoperative resuscitation, cardiogenic shock, and STEMI were predictors for in-hospital cardiac mortality (P < 0.05) in univariate analysis. In contrast, noncardiac comorbidities, type of PCI complication, and localization of the culprit lesion were not associated to increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Emergent or urgent CABG for treatment of acute coronary complications following PCI is feasible and has acceptable clinical results that worsen in the presence of STEMI, cardiogenic shock, or resuscitation. Because preoperative status is crucial for clinical outcomes in these patients, immediate transfer to cardiac surgery is necessary.

Impact of gender on long-term outcomes after surgical repair for acute Stanford A aortic dissection: a propensity score matched analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Previous research suggests that female gender is associated with increased mortality rates after surgery for Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD). However, women with AAD usually present with different clinical symptoms that may bias outcomes. Moreover, there is a lack of long-term results regarding overall mortality and freedom from major cerebrovascular events. We analysed the impact of gender on long-term outcomes after surgery for Stanford A AAD by comparing genders with similar risk profiles using propensity score matching. METHODS: A total of 240 patients operated for Stanford A AAD were included in this study. To control for selection bias and other confounders, propensity score matching was applied to gender groups. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, the gender groups were well balanced in terms of risk profiles. There were no statistically significant differences regarding duration of cardiopulmonary bypass ( P = 0.165) and duration of aortic cross-clamp time ( P = 0.111). Female patients received less fresh frozen plasma ( P = 0.021), had shorter stays in the intensive care unit ( P = 0.031), lower incidence of temporary neurological dysfunction ( P < 0.001) and lower incidence of dialysis ( P = 0.008). There were no significant differences regarding intraoperative mortality ( P = 1.000), 30-day mortality ( P = 0.271), long-term overall cumulative survival ( P = 0.954) and long-term freedom from cerebrovascular events ( P = 0.235) with up to a 9-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Considering patients with similar risk profiles, female gender per se is not associated with worse long-term survival and freedom from stroke after surgical aortic repair. Moreover, female patients might even benefit from a smoother early postoperative course and lower incidence of early postoperative complications.