Comparison of the function and structural integrity of cryopreserved pulmonary homografts versus decellularized pulmonary homografts after 180 days implantation in the juvenile ovine model.

Homograft availability and durability remain big challenges. Increasing the post-mortem ischaemic harvesting time beyond 24 h increases the potential donor pool. Cryopreservation, routinely used to preserve homografts, damages the extracellular matrix (ECM), contributing to valve degeneration. Decellularization might preserve the ECM, promoting host-cell infiltration and contributing towards better clinical outcomes. This study compared the performance of cryopreserved versus decellularized pulmonary homografts in the right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT) of a juvenile ovine model. Homografts (n = 10) were harvested from juvenile sheep, subjected to 48 h post-mortem cold ischaemia, cryopreserved or decellularized and implanted in the RVOT of juvenile sheep for 180 days. Valve performance was monitored echocardiographically. Explanted leaflet and wall tissue evaluated histologically, on electron microscopical appearance, mechanical properties and calcium content. In both groups the annulus diameter increased. Cryopreserved homografts developed significant (¾) pulmonary regurgitation, with trivial regurgitation (») in the decellularized group. Macroscopically, explanted cryopreserved valve leaflets retracted and thickened while decellularized leaflets remained thin and pliable with good coaptation. Cryopreserved leaflets and walls demonstrated loss of interstitial cells with collapsed collagen, and decellularized scaffolds extensive, uniform ingrowth of host-cells with an intact collagen network. Calcific deposits were shown only in leaflets and walls of cryopreserved explants. Young fibroblasts, with vacuoles and rough endoplasmic reticulum in the cytoplasm, repopulated the leaflets and walls of decellularized scaffolds. Young's modulus of wall tissue in both groups increased significantly. Cryopreserved valves deteriorate over time due to loss of cellularity and calcification, while decellularized scaffolds demonstrated host-cell repopulation, structural maintenance, tissue remodelling and growth potential.

Hybrid approach for percutaneous mitral valve repair (MitraClip®) followed by minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) in a patient with a high risk constellation.

BACKGROUND: We present a 76-year-old poly-morbid male patient suffering from severe ischemic mitral valve regurgitation. A hybrid approach was suggested by the heart team to treat his multifaceted cardiac pathologies. METHODS: At first percutaneous mitral valve repair with the mitraclip device was performed to reduce surgical risk. This was then followed by minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB). RESULTS: At day 20 Post mitraclip intervention the patient suffered gastrointestinal bleeding which needed argon plasma coagulation (APC)-therapy and multiple blood transfusions. Stage II of the hybrid procedure was executed on post-intervention day 34 by minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) to left anterior descending artery (LAD). Seven days later the patient was discharged. Up to two years of follow-up, the patient is in stable condition, without recurrent cardiac symptoms. CONCLUSION: Hybrid approach of percutaneous mitral valve repair followed by MIDCAB is an effective minimally invasive treatment for severe ischemic mitral valve regurgitation and coronary artery disease.

Surgical revision after percutaneous mitral valve repair by edge-to-edge device in high-risk patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients scheduled for surgery after unsuccessful MitraClip® intervention present increasingly with multiple comorbidities, and they are often referred to the heart team to suggest the most appropriate intervention. The publication of successful results of initial patient cohorts treated with the MitraClip device has resulted in recruitment of more seriously ill patients, who otherwise would have been denied catheter-based/surgical treatment. There has been increasingly reports on conventional surgery after failed mitral valve repair with the MitraClip device. However, data on such procedures remain scarce and mostly focused on individual case studies. The inevitable increase in use of MitraClip, however, will raise the number of patients in need of surgery post MitraClip, making it imperative for surgeons to understand challenges and outcome data related with surgery in this patient cohort. We present our long-term institutional experience with surgery after MitraClip intervention in highest risk patients. METHODS: Eighteen patients underwent surgery of the mitral valve at our Institution between January 2015 and June 2020. These patients developed recurrent mitral regurgitation grade more than 2° at various intervals after MitraClip. Mitral valve repair was performed where possible and gross examination Valve/MitraClip were intra-operatively documented. Implanted MitraClip devices were analyzed histopathologically to evaluate the healing process and rule out inflammation. Regular patient follow-up was performed. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 74 (±9 years) and MitraClip implantation was performed at various tertiary institutions. Sixteen out of eighteen (16/18) patients received mitral valve replacement, whereas the remaining two patients received mitral valve repair and extracorporal membrane oxygenation, respectively. Four patients died of sepsis and intractable multi organ failure in-hospital. The remaining patients were discharged alive out of hospital to different rehabilitation centers. Follow-up was complete in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery is demanding when patients require surgery for persistent or recurrent mitral regurgitation after MitraClip therapy and can be successfully implemented as a possible therapy option for selective cases as an interdisciplinary approach despite calculated high perioperative mortality risk. These patients should not be denied surgery outright.

Cadaver donation: structural integrity of pulmonary homografts harvested 48 h post mortem in the juvenile ovine model.

Cryopreserved pulmonary homograft (CPH) implantation remains the gold standard for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Harvesting homografts < 24-h post mortem is the international norm, thereby largely excluding cadaveric donors. This study examines the structural integrity and stability of ovine pulmonary homografts harvested after a 48-h post mortem period, cryopreserved and then implanted for up to 180 days. Fifteen ovine pulmonary homografts were harvested 48-h post mortem and cryopreserved. Five CPH served as a control group (group 1; n = 5). CPH were implanted in the RVOT of juvenile sheep and explanted after 14 days (group 2; n = 5) and 180 days (group 3; n = 5). Leaflet integrity was evaluated by strength analysis, using tensile strength (TS), Young's modulus (YM) and thermal denaturation temperature (Td), and morphology, including haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Picrosirius red staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and von Kossa stains. Echocardiography confirmed normal function in all implants. In explants, no reduction in TS, YM or Td could be demonstrated and H&E showed mostly acellular leaflet tissue with no difference on Picrosirius red. TEM demonstrated consistent collagen disruption after cryopreservation in all three groups, with no morphological deterioration during the study period. von Kossa stains showed mild calcification in group 3. No deterioration of structural integrity could be demonstrated using strength or morphological evaluations between the controls and implant groups over the study period. Extending the post mortem harvesting time of homografts beyond 24 h did not appear to negatively affect the long-term performance of such transplanted valves in this study.

Are Sutureless Aortic Valves Suitable for Severe High-Risk Patients Suffering from Active Infective Aortic Valve Endocarditis?

BACKGROUND Sutureless aortic valves were introduced to facilitate minimally invasive aortic valve surgery. Since sutureless aortic valves are a feasible procedure, we evaluated if any benefits could be identified in severe high-risk patients with active infective endocarditis of the aortic valve. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between April 2014 and April 2015, a total of 42 patients received a sutureless Perceval® aortic valve (Sorin Biomedica Cardio Srl, Saluggia, Italy) for different indications. Nine of these patients (median age 71 years, range 47-83 years) suffered from active infective endocarditis, including four patients with prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis. Five patients underwent prior cardiac surgery, including transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The median EuroSCORE II was 29.5% (range 16.8-87.7%). Post-operatively, data regarding mortality, operative results, and early operative morbidity were collected. RESULTS There were no cases of 30-day mortality. Four patients needed abscess closure with pericardium. Three patients underwent left atrial appendix closure: one left ventricular thrombectomy, one bypass grafting, and one arch replacement. Median aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass time was 35 minutes (range 26-88 minutes) and 52 minutes (range 40-133 minutes), respectively. The median intubation time was 14 hours (range 1-9 hours). In these high-risk patients, no postoperative morbidity was found except for one re-intubation due to extensive delirium and one re-exploration. No pacemaker implantation was needed. Echocardiographic evaluation showed no central or para-valvular regurgitation, and a median discharge mean gradient of 5.5 mm Hg (range 2.5-10.0 mm Hg). CONCLUSIONS Sutureless aortic valve replacement in very high-risk patients suffering from active infection endocarditis seems to be an option with limited morbidity and appropriate echocardiographic results, however, further studies are needed.

Initial Experience with Aortic Valve Replacement via a Minimally Invasive Approach: A Comparison of Stented, Stentless and Sutureless Valves.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of MIS-AVR among 3 different types of biological heart valves. MATERIAL AND METHODS Complete data were obtained from 79 patients who underwent MIS-AVR between January 2010 and June 2015. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 27 patients (group A) received Medtronic 3f® (Medtronic Inc., Fridley, MN, USA), 36 patients (group B) received DokimosPlus® (LabCor Laboratórios Ltda., Belo Horizonte, Brazil) and 16 patients (group C) received Perceval® (Sorin Biomedica Cardio S.r.l., Saluggia VC, Italy) valves. Operative and postoperative parameters such as duration of operation, bypass time, duration of ventilation, morbidity, and mortality were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Hemodynamic assessment with transthoracic echocardiography was performed before discharge. RESULTS The EuroSCORE II ranged between 0.67 and 6.94 with no significant difference between the groups. The median operative time was 166 min (range 90-230 min) in total, with significantly shorter times in group C (120 min [range 90-200]). The median total ventilation time was significantly lower in group C and significantly higher in group A. Hemodynamic evaluation demonstrated a mean maximal velocity (vmax) over the aortic valve of 2.3 m/s (range 0.9-4.3 m/s) with average mean and peak pressure gradient values of 10 mmHg (range 3-24 mmHg) and 20 mmHg (range 5-42 mmHg), respectively. Group A showed the highest values for vmax (H>5.99). No significant difference was found regarding duration of hospitalization. Mortality was 3%. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, all 3 valves showed good perioperative results, satisfying hemodynamic performance, and low complication rates.

Repair or Replacement for Isolated Tricuspid Valve Pathology? Insights from a Surgical Analysis on Long-Term Survival.

BACKGROUND Long-term follow-up data concerning isolated tricuspid valve pathology after replacement or reconstruction is limited. Current American Heart Association guidelines equally recommend repair and replacement when surgical intervention is indicated. Our aim was to investigate and compare operative mortality and long-term survival in patients undergoing isolated tricuspid valve repair surgery versus replacement. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between 1995 and 2011, 109 consecutive patients underwent surgical correction of tricuspid valve pathology at our institution for varying structural pathologies. A total of 41 (37.6%) patients underwent tricuspid annuloplasty/repair (TAP) with or without ring implantation, while 68 (62.3%) patients received tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) of whom 36 (53%) were mechanical and 32 (47%) were biological prostheses. RESULTS Early survival at 30 days after surgery was 97.6% in the TAP group and 91.1% in the TVR group. After 6 months, 89.1% in the TAP group and 87.8% in the TVR group were alive. In terms of long-term survival, there was no further mortality observed after one year post surgery in both groups (Log Rank p=0.919, Breslow p=0.834, Tarone-Ware p=0.880) in the Kaplan-Meier Survival analysis. The 1-, 5-, and 8-year survival rates were 85.8% for TAP and 87.8% for TVR group. CONCLUSIONS Surgical repair of the tricuspid valve does not show survival benefit when compared to replacement. Hence valve replacement should be considered generously in patients with reasonable suspicion that regurgitation after repair will reoccur.

Impedimetric Analysis of the Effect of Decellularized Porcine Heart Scaffold on Human Fibrosarcoma, Endothelial, and Cardiomyocyte Cell Lines.

BACKGROUND Experiments on porcine heart scaffold represent significant assays in development of immunoneutral materials for cardiac surgery. Characterization of cell-cell and cell-scaffold interactions is essential to understand the homing process of cardiac cells into the scaffolds. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the present study, the highly sensitive and real-time impedimetric technique of xCELLigence SP was used to monitor cell adhesion, which is the key process of recellularization in heart scaffolds. Our objectives were: (i) to characterize the effect of decellularized porcine heart scaffold on cell adhesion of human cardiovascular cells potentially used in the recellularization process; and (ii) to investigate cell-extracellular matrix element interactions for building artificial multi-layer systems, applied as cellular models of recellularization experiments. Human fibrosarcoma, endothelial, and cardiomyocyte cells were investigated and the effect of decellularized porcine heart scaffold (HS) and fibronectin on cell adhesion was examined. Adhesion was quantified as slope of curves. RESULTS Heart scaffold had neutral effect on cardiomyocytes as well as on endothelial cells. Adhesion of cardiomyocytes was increased by fibronectin (1.480±0.021) compared to control (0.745±0.029). The combination of fibronectin and HS induced stronger adhesion of cardiomyocytes (2.407±0.634) than fibronectin alone. Endothelial and fibrosarcoma cells showed similarly strong adhesion profiles with marked enhancer effect by fibronectin. CONCLUSIONS Decellularized porcine HS does not inhibit adhesion of human cardiovascular cells at the cell biological level, while fibronectin has strong cell adhesion-inducer effect, as well as an enhancer effect on activity of HS. Consequently, decellularized porcine hearts could be used as scaffolds for recellularization with cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells with fibronectin acting as a regulator, leading to construction of working bioartificial hearts.

Surgery for Infective Endocarditis: Outcomes and Predictors of Mortality in 360 Consecutive Patients.

BACKGROUND A retrospective analysis was conducted of the early and long-term outcomes after surgery for infective endocarditis (IE). MATERIAL AND METHODS We included 360 patients with IE operated upon between 1993 and 2012. The primary endpoint was overall cumulative postoperative survival at 30 days. Secondary endpoints were early postoperative outcomes and complication rates. Factors associated with 30-day mortality were analyzed. RESULTS Mean age was 58.7±14.7 years and 26.9% (n=97) were female. The mean follow-up was 4.41±4.53 years. Postoperative survival was 81.7% at 30 days, 69.4% at 1 year, 63.3% at 5 years, and 63.3% at 10 years. Non-survivors were significantly older (p=0.014), with higher NYHA Class (p=0.002), had higher rates of preoperative diabetes mellitus (p=0.005), renal failure (p=0.001), and hepatic disease (p=0.002). Furthermore, non-survivors had higher baseline alanine aminotransferase (ALT, p=0.048), aspartate transaminase (AST, p=0.027), bilirubin (p=0.013), white cell count (WCC, p=0.034), and CRP (p=0.049). Factors associated with 30-day mortality were longer duration of surgery, CPB, and aortic cross-clamping times (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p=0.003, respectively), as well as higher RBC, FFP, and platelet transfusion requirements (p<0.001, p=0.005, and p<0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed liver cirrhosis (OR 4.583, 95-CI: 1.096-19.170, p=0.037) and longer CPB time (OR 1.025, 95-CI 1.008-1.042, p=0.004) as independent predictors of 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS Surgical treatment of IE shows satisfactory early, midterm, and long-term results. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed cirrhosis and longer CPB time as independent predictors of 30-day mortality.

Rapid molecular diagnosis of infective aortic valve endocarditis caused by Coxiella burnetii.

We describe a case of Q-fever endocarditis with severe destruction of the aortic valve with perivalvular abscess formation and cardiac failure. The patient needed urgent operative treatment and postoperative critical care. All specimens sent for microbiological examination were negative. Molecular analysis, including fluorescence in situ hybridization of aortic valve tissue combined with PCR and sequencing, led to the correct diagnosis and to appropriate anti-infective treatment. The patient subsequently recovered from complex cardiovascular surgery. This is the first report on Q-fever endocarditis that was rapidly diagnosed using these methods.

A Perceval Valve in Active Infective Bioprosthetic Valve Endocarditis: Case Report.

The case is presented of a 72-year-old male patient suffering from active infective aortic prosthetic endocarditis two months after emergency surgery with aortic valve implantation, and who underwent aortic arch reconstruction using a Dacron patch, due to the spontaneous post-procedural migration of a transcatheter-implanted aortic valve. The heart team considered transcatheter valve implantation (TAVI) due to the increased operative risk demonstrated by a EuroSCORE II of 10.9%, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (GOLD 3), cirrhosis (Child-B), esophageal varicose stage 2, chronic renal failure stage 3, and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Subsequently, the EuroSCORE II was extremely high (76%) due to active infective prosthetic endocarditis and the aortic arch reoperation. A sutureless aortic valve was implanted and a pericardial patch repair of the aortic ascending and arch completed. Sternal re-stabilization was required postoperatively. The patient was discharged home after 42 days, and no recurrent endocarditis was diagnosed during follow up.

Gender-Based Long-Term Surgical Outcome in Patients with Active Infective Aortic Valve Endocarditis.

BACKGROUND The aim of this observational, single-center study was to evaluate the impact of gender on surgical outcome in patients with active infective endocarditis (AIE) of the aortic valve. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between October 1994 and January 2011, 755 patients (558 men and 297 women) underwent surgery for AIE at the Leipzig Heart Center, Germany, according to the modified Duke criteria. Data were collected before surgery and as the study was ongoing. Gender influence on survival was evaluated (Kaplan-Meier curves). Cox proportional models were used to evaluate gender differences in relation to early mortality (within 30 days) and late mortality (up to 10 years). RESULTS The early mortality rate was 15.0% among men and 23.0% among women, which was statistically significant different (p=0.01). In male patients, variables associated with overall mortality were age (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.43-1.86; p<0.001), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.48-2.75; p<0.001), preoperative low ejection fraction (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99; p=0.002), previous cardiac surgery (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.22-2.13; p=0.001), preoperative ventilation (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.14-2.75; p=0.012), preoperative dialysis (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.20-2.98; p=0.006), NYHA Class IV (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.12-2.15; p=0.008), and involvement of multiple valves (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.24-2.19; p=0.001) had a statistically significant influence on the late mortality. Focus identification (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.08-2.77; p=0.023), involvement of multiple valves (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.02-2.26; p=0.040), preoperative dialysis (OR 3.65, 95% CI 1.96-6.77; p<0.001), and age (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.28-1.82; p<0.004) were predictive risk factors for late mortality in women with AIE (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.5-8.4; p<0.004). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated distinct gender-based differences in risk of mortality in patients with AIE (who were undergoing surgical treatment) with different early and long-term outcomes.

Autocrine control of angiogenesis by endogenous acetylcholine in an in vitro model using human endothelial cells: evidence for an autocrine cholinergic system in endothelial cells.

We wanted to elucidate whether acetylcholine as the endogenous ligand at cholinoceptors (ChRs) may have effects on angiogenesis and whether they are transduced through muscarinic or nicotinic ChRs. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured until confluence and thereafter seeded in Matrigel in vitro angiogenesis assays for 18 hours. During the entire cell culture and angiogenesis period, cells were treated with vehicle, eserine (1 µM), in the absence or presence of additional atropine (1 µM) or mecamylamine (1 µM). Finally, the resulting angiogenetic network was investigated histologically. Eserine significantly enhanced acetylcholine formation. When acetylcholine acted through muscarinic ChRs (eserine + mecamylamine), we observed enhanced complexity of the angiogenic network pattern with increased tube length and cell number. In contrast, when acting through nicotinic ChRs (eserine + atropine), we found reduced complexity of pattern with less branches, shorter tubes, and reduced cell number. If acting on both types of ChRs (eserine alone), there were only very small effects. Using α-bungarotoxin, lobeline, and dihydro-ß-erythroidine, we also could show that these effects to various degrees involve α7, α3/ß2, and α4/ß2 n-ChRs. In conclusion, our results support the hypothesis that human umbilical vein endothelial cells possess an autocrine nonneuronal cholinergic system regulating angiogenesic branch formation through the partially opposing effects of n-ChRs and m-ChRs.

Does prolonged post-mortem cold ischemic harvesting time influence cryopreserved pulmonary homograft tissue integrity?

This study investigated cryopreserved pulmonary homograft (CPA) structural integrity after prolonged cold ischemic harvesting times in a juvenile sheep model. Three groups with different post-mortem cold ischemic harvesting times were studied, i.e. Group 1 (24 h, n = 10); group 2 (48 h, n = 10); group 3 (72 h, n = 10). In each group, 5 CPAs were studied in vitro after cryopreservation and thawing. The other 5 CPAs were implanted in juvenile sheep for a minimum of 180 days. Serology samples were obtained and echocardiography was performed before euthanasia. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), von Kossa, Picrosirius red, α-actin, immunohistochemistry [von Willebrand factor (vWF), CD4, CD31 and CD34] and calcium content analyses were performed on explanted CPAs. The in vitro and in vivo studies failed to demonstrate any change in tensile strength, Young's Modulus and thermal denaturation (Td) results between the groups. SEM demonstrated a reduction in endothelial cells (50 % at 24 h, 60.9 % at 48 h and 40.9 % at 72 h), but H&E could not demonstrate autolysis in any CPA in vitro. All cultures were negative. In the explanted groups, IgE, IgM and IgG results were inconclusive. Echocardiography demonstrated normal valve function in all groups. H&E and Picrosirius red staining confirmed tissue integrity. vWF, CD31 and CD34 staining confirmed a monolayer of endothelial cells in all explanted valves. Calcium content of explanted CPA leaflets was similar. This experimental study supports the concept of prolonging the cold ischemic harvesting time of cryopreserved homografts to reduce homograft shortage.

Longevity after aortic root replacement: is the mechanically valved conduit really the gold standard for quinquagenarians?

BACKGROUND: The choice of the best conduit for root/ascending disease and its impact on longevity remain controversial in quinquagenarians. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 205 patients (men=155) between 50 and 60 years (mean, 55.7 ± 2.9 years) received either a stentless porcine xenoroot (n=78) or a mechanically valved composite prosthesis (n=127) between February 1998 and July 2011. Of these, 166 patients underwent root replacement for aneurysmal disease (porcine: 39% [n=65]; mechanical: 61% [n=101]; P=0.5), 25 for acute type A aortic dissection (porcine: 32% [n=8]; mechanical: 68% [n=17]; P=0.51), and 14 for endocarditis/iatrogenic injury involving the aortic root (6.4% [n=5] versus 7.1% [n=9]; P=1.0). The predominant aortic valve pathology was stenosis in 19% (n=38), regurgitation in 50% (n=102), combined valvular dysfunction in 26% (n=54), and normal aortic valve function in 5% (n=11). Concomitant procedures included coronary artery bypass grafting (13%), mitral valve repair (7%), and partial/complete arch replacement (12%/4%), with no significant differences between porcine and mechanical root replacement. Overall hospital mortality was 7.3%, with no difference between the 2 types of valve prostheses (7.7% for porcine and 7.1% for mechanical root replacement; P=1.0). Follow-up averaged 5.4 ± 3.7 years (1096 patient-years) and was 100% complete. Freedom from aorta-related reoperation at 12 years was not statistically different between the groups (porcine: 94.9% versus mechanical: 96.1%; P=0.73). Survival was equivalent between both groups, with a 5-year survival of 86 ± 3% (porcine: 88 ± 4%; mechanical: 85 ± 3%; P=0.96) and a 10-year survival of 76% (porcine: 80 ± 7%; mechanical: 75 ± 5%; P=0.84). The linearized mortality rate was 3.1%/patient-year (porcine: 2.9%/patient-year; mechanical: 3.2%/patient-year). CONCLUSIONS: In quinquagenerians, long-term survival after stentless porcine xenograft aortic root replacement is equivalent to that after a mechanical Bentall procedure. These results bring into question the predominance of mechanical composite conduits for root replacement in quinquagenerians, particularly in the current era of transcatheter valve-in-valve procedures for structural valve deterioration.

Use of incisional negative pressure wound therapy on closed median sternal incisions after cardiothoracic surgery: clinical evidence and consensus recommendations.

Negative pressure wound therapy is a concept introduced initially to assist in the treatment of chronic open wounds. Recently, there has been growing interest in using the technique on closed incisions after surgery to prevent potentially severe surgical site infections and other wound complications in high-risk patients. Negative pressure wound therapy uses a negative pressure unit and specific dressings that help to hold the incision edges together, redistribute lateral tension, reduce edema, stimulate perfusion, and protect the surgical site from external infectious sources. Randomized, controlled studies of negative pressure wound therapy for closed incisions in orthopedic settings (which also is a clean surgical procedure in absence of an open fracture) have shown the technology can reduce the risk of wound infection, wound dehiscence, and seroma, and there is accumulating evidence that it also improves wound outcomes after cardiothoracic surgery. Identifying at-risk individuals for whom prophylactic use of negative pressure wound therapy would be most cost-effective remains a challenge; however, several risk-stratification systems have been proposed and should be evaluated more fully. The recent availability of a single-use, closed incision management system offers surgeons a convenient and practical means of delivering negative pressure wound therapy to their high-risk patients, with excellent wound outcomes reported to date. Although larger, randomized, controlled studies will help to clarify the precise role and benefits of such a system in cardiothoracic surgery, limited initial evidence from clinical studies and from the authors' own experiences appears promising. In light of the growing interest in this technology among cardiothoracic surgeons, a consensus meeting, which was attended by a group of international experts, was held to review existing evidence for negative pressure wound therapy in the prevention of wound complications after surgery and to provide recommendations on the optimal use of negative pressure wound therapy on closed median sternal incisions after cardiothoracic surgery.

Body mass index affects connexin43 remodeling in patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Increased body mass index (BMI) is often found to be a risk factor for cardiac disease. However, it is unclear whether BMI also affects the gap junction remodeling process in atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of the study was to see if BMI can influence the connexin43 (Cx43) distribution in patients with sinus rhythm (SR) and AF. METHODS: We investigated a total of 51 white Caucasian patients of both gender (mean age: 69 years, 30% diabetes mellitus, ejection fraction [EF] > 50%) with SR or AF, with either BMI < 27 or ≥ 27 undergoing cardiac surgery for mitral valve repair, aortic valve repair, or coronary heart disease. We obtained human right atrial tissue for immunohistochemistry and investigated the CX43-positive polar and lateral membrane length in the different BMI (BMI < 27, BMI ≥ 27) and rhythm groups (SR or AF). RESULTS: In lean SR patients, Cx43 (BMI < 27) was found mainly at the cell poles while only 2% of the lateral membrane stained positive for Cx43. In obese SR patients (BMI > 27), 6.7 ± 0.7% of the lateral membrane was positive (p < 0.05). In AF generally, there was significantly more lateral Cx43 staining, which was significantly enhanced in obese AF patients. In lean AF patients, lateral Cx43 positivity increased to 14 ± 1% (p < 0.05), while in BMI > 27 AF patients, this was significantly enhanced to 22 ± 2% (p < 0.05). The BMI effect was independent from left atrial diameter, EF, and comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced BMI is associated with increased remodeling effects of AF on irregular Cx43 distribution.

Daptomycin for the treatment of infective endocarditis: results from a European registry.

OBJECTIVES: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a complex infection associated with high mortality. Daptomycin, a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic highly active against Gram-positive bacteria, has recently been incorporated into IE treatment guidelines. This retrospective analysis provides insights into the use of daptomycin in IE in the European Cubicin(®) Outcomes Registry Experience (EU-CORE(SM)) between 2006 and 2010. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred and seventy-eight (10%) of 3621 enrolled patients received daptomycin for treatment of IE. Two hundred and fifty-nine (69%) had left-sided IE (LIE) and 182 patients (48%) underwent concomitant surgery. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently identified pathogen (n=92; methicillin susceptible, n=50) and daptomycin was used empirically in 134 patients. Among cases of second-line therapy (n=312), the most common reason for switching to daptomycin was failure of the previous regimen (including glycopeptides and penicillins). Daptomycin was administered at 6 mg/kg in 224 patients and at ≥ 8 mg/kg in 72 patients. Clinical success rates were 80% overall, 91% for right-sided IE (RIE) and 76% for LIE, with similar rates seen for infections caused by methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (84%) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (81%). The clinical success rate in patients treated with ≥ 8 mg/kg daptomycin was 90% [n=72 (RIE, 91%; LIE, 89%)]. No new safety signals were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with IE registered in EU-CORE, daptomycin was most frequently used as second-line treatment after treatment failure. The majority of patients had LIE and most commonly received daptomycin for the treatment of staphylococcal infections. Clinical success was high in this difficult-to-treat population. The role of doses ≥ 8 mg/kg per day in the empirical treatment of IE deserves further investigation.

Thoracoscopic confirmation of correct seating of minimaly-invasive rapid-deployment aortic bioprosthesis.

There is a growing interest in minimally invasive access for aortic valve surgery. The upper hemi-sternotomy provides good aortic valve exposure, with numerous possible advantages. Nevertheless, some surgeons remain skeptical about limited access surgery because it is technically more demanding. Sutureless and rapid-deployment bioprostheses could alleviate these concerns by improving ease of implantation. We herein describe the use of video-assisted visualization to verify the position of the balloon-expandable frame during rapid aortic valve deployment. Sutureless and rapid-deployment bioprostheses improve implantation and make it easy to increase minimally invasive access for aortic valve surgery.