Wellness and burnout in cardiac surgery: not black and white.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite a growing emphasis on burnout in medicine, there remains a paucity of data in cardiac surgery. Herein, we summarize recent data on cardiac surgeon well being and identify factors for consideration in future burnout inquiries and management. RECENT FINDINGS: Overall, 70-90% of cardiothoracic surgeons report job satisfaction in the United States. However, 35-60% still endorse burnout symptoms, and the specialty reports some of the highest rates of depression (35-40%) and suicidal ideation (7%). Such negative experiences are greater among early-stage and female surgeons and may be addressed through targeted, program-specific wellness policies. Canada's single-payer healthcare system might exacerbate surgeon burnout due to lower financial compensation and job autonomy. SUMMARY: Cardiothoracic surgeons appear simultaneously burnt out and professionally fulfilled. They report a high incidence of depression and clock in the most hours, yet the majority would choose this specialty again. These findings reveal a more nuanced state of well being than previously appreciated and speak to ambiguities in how burnout is conceived and measured. A broader examination across surgical and social contexts highlights the hierarchical nature of burnout factors and potential ways forward. Collectively, these insights can inform assessments of burnout in Canadian cardiac surgery that remain absent to date.

2023 Update on equity, diversity, and inclusion in Canadian cardiac surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite efforts to diversify the medical field, cardiac surgery remains amongst the least diverse specialties. Specifically, the percentage of women and racial minorities has remained low in past few decades. This may impact prospective trainee recruitment and surgical care. This paper highlights recent efforts that aim to promote diversity and inclusion of the Canadian cardiac surgical workforce. RECENT FINDINGS: Formal programs have been established to support students at different stages of training. In 2022, the Canadian Society for Cardiac Surgery has released an equity, diversity, and inclusion statement to summarize the current state and the strategic goals to accomplish a more just working environment. At the local level, the University of Toronto Next Surgeon high school pilot program, provided low-income, women, and racial minority students mentorship and experiential exposure to our field. Also, the University of Toronto, scholarships funded summer research with cardiac surgeons for women, as well as Black and Indigenous medical students. SUMMARY: Tangible efforts that target high school, undergraduate, and medical students are underway to promote equity and diversity of cardiac surgeons in Canada. Future studies that evaluate the gaps and identify bottlenecks could better guide interventions at institutions across the country.

Racial and ethnic differences in aortic stenosis: the tip of the iceberg.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is a lack of data on the epidemiology and management of severe aortic stenosis (AS) in diverse populations. We summarize the contemporary literature on the racial and ethnic differences in AS prevalence, treatment and outcomes and discuss possible explanations for these disparities to inform future research and improve the delivery of care to under-represented patient groups. RECENT FINDINGS: African American (AA) patients have significantly less prevalence of severe AS than White patients whereas paradoxically having higher traditional risk factors for severe AS. Non-White patients have less referral for aortic valve replacement (AVR) after adjusting for clinical and echocardiographic parameters. Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are both underutilized in non-White patients. Differences in race and ethnicity have not shown to result in worse in-hospital and long-term survival outcomes after either SAVR or TAVR. SUMMARY: Much research is warranted to explore the epidemiology, true prevalence and treatment outcomes of severe AS in diverse populations. Greater inclusion of non-White ethnic groups in the primary analysis of prospective trials is needed. Lastly, further research is warranted to explore the complex causes of racial and ethnic disparities in utilization of surgical and transcatheter interventions.

Engaging medical students in cardiac surgery: a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic prohibited Canadian medical students from in-person observerships. This may be particularly detrimental to under-represented groups that may consider surgical subspecialties. To address the unprecedented need for alternative surgical career exploration and diversity within the profession, The University of Toronto Cardiac Surgery Interest Group and Division of Cardiac Surgery collaborated on virtual experiential programming. RECENT FINDINGS: Medical students were invited to virtual (1) observerships of a cardiac bypass case, (2) mentorship sessions with surgeons, (3) resident teaching sessions, (4) multidisciplinary case-based Heart Team discussions to further their understanding of the scope of Cardiac surgery, and (5) a virtual coronary anastomosis training program. Additionally, a comprehensive virtual program was spearheaded to increase interest in Cardiac surgery among low-income Black high school students. SUMMARY: Trainee response to the virtual education, mentorship, and skill acquisition was positive. Trainees reported high levels of interest in the profession, particularly among females and under-represented minorities, supporting the principles of equity diversity, and inclusion in Cardiac surgery.

Routine left atrial appendage occlusion in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a narrative review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: New evidence suggests a greater prevalence of protracted postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) than previously recognized. The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the most common source of embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. In this review, we ask whether there is evidence to support routine LAA occlusion (LAAO) in patients without preexisting atrial fibrillation undergoing cardiac surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Overall, available studies are small, inconsistent and have varying proportions of patients with and without preexisting atrial fibrillation. There is considerable discrepancy with respect to the efficacy of LAAO in reducing the risk of POAF-related stroke. Only one study reported a lower rate of stroke in the LAAO group compared with no LAAO. Two studies included a subgroup analysis of patients that developed POAF and report a significantly higher rate of stroke in patients that developed POAF and did not undergo LAAO. There are three clinical trials ongoing that are investigating prophylactic LAAO in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: ATLAS, LAA-CLOSURE and LAACS-2. SUMMARY: There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend routine addition of LAAO to lower the risk of postoperative stroke. Ongoing clinical trials will provide important insight into the role of routine LAAO in all patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

The anatomy of enjoyment: the flow experience and cardiac surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In a time of record levels of physician burnout coupled with a global pandemic, protecting physician wellness is critical. The experience of cognitive flow has been found to enhance both wellness and performance. Although flow has been vastly explored in other fields including elite sport, it has not been deeply investigated or applied in cardiac surgery. Here we discuss flow and flow-promoting techniques employed in other fields that may be beneficial within cardiac surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Flow is a prevalent experience among surgeons, amplified during operations. Possible strategies to cultivate flow may be separated into individual skills training, such as mindfulness practice and stress management, institutional changes, such as ensuring adequate resources and protected spaces, and strategies targeting the intersectionality of individuals and systems, such as how workplace culture shapes an individual's experience. These techniques may be applicable within cardiac surgery, especially in training. SUMMARY: Flow has been identified as a key component of a happy and meaningful life, and a potential protector against burnout. Harnessing the benefits of flow may help promote flourishing, particularly in demanding fields, such as cardiac surgery.

Cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac surgery associated pulmonary hypertension: The need for proactivity and reactivity.

Pulmonary hypertension remains an important postcardiac surgical problem requiring prompt identification and management. In this edition of the Journal of Cardiac Surgery, Fayad and colleagues provide a detailed review of this topic, including epidemiology, mechanistic underpinnings, and available treatment options. In addition to responding to postoperative pulmonary hypertension, however, proactive measures including optimal timing of intervention are paramount to preventing the development of pulmonary hypertension and its associated complications.

Complete transcatheter versus complete surgical management for combined aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease: A false dichotomy?

Coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis often occur concomitantly owing to their shared risk factor profile. While standard management of these patients has been through surgical methods including surgical aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting, recent studies have investigated the potential role of complete transcatheter management (i.e., transcatheter aortic valve implantation and percutaneous coronary intervention) for these patients. In this editorial, we discuss the growing body of evidence suggesting long-term risks of transcatheter interventions despite their short-term benefits and also look to the future of hybrid approaches for multifaceted structural heart pathologies.

Stuck between a rock and a hard place: The clinical conundrum of managing cardiac surgical patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Deferring nonemergent cardiac surgery became the strategy of choice for several international healthcare systems afflicted by high case burdens of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) to both conserve valuable healthcare resources and protect patients from possible exposure. Missing from the available dataset to help guide policy development has been a clear understanding of the extent to which COVID-19 infection modulates cardiac surgery outcomes. In their investigation, Bonalumi et al. uncovered an inpatient COVID-19 positivity rate of almost 10 times higher than that of the general Italian population, as well as a mortality rate over 20 times higher amongst cardiac surgery patients with perioperative COVID-19 infection compared to those COVID-negative. While the summation of available evidence points to the serious consideration cardiac surgeons must give to delaying surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic, recognition must be given to the risks that postponing cardiac surgery may have on patient outcomes. Emerging data is beginning to demonstrate the efficacy of vaccination in preventing postoperative COVID-19 infection and morbidity.

Aortic valve neocuspidization and its technical nuance.

Aortic valve neocuspidization or Ozaki procedure represents an advanced surgical strategy for the management of patients with aortic valvulopathy. It has been shown to have clinical and hemodynamic outcomes that compare favorably with aortic valve replacement as it restores physiological aortic valve function and left ventricular remodeling. There are, however, a new set of issues including structural valve deterioration, leaflet tear/perforation, and need for reoperation. A keen understanding of the technical nuances involved with the Ozaki procedure may help in reducing the incidence of such adverse outcomes.

A survey of cardiac surgeons to evaluate the use of sutureless aortic valve replacement in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Sutureless aortic valve replacement (SuAVR) is gaining popularity for the treatment of aortic stenosis. We aimed to describe Canadian cardiac surgeons' practice patterns and perceptions regarding SuAVR. METHODS: Content experts (clinicians and methodologists) developed the survey. Domains in the questionnaire include: respondent characteristics, factors influencing the decision to implant a SuAVR, barriers to SuAVR use, and interest in participating in a trial. RESULTS: A total of 66 cardiac surgeons (median duration of practice: 15 years; range 8-20 years) from 18 hospitals across Canada responded to the survey for a response rate of 84%. Surgeons reported that the following patient characteristics increased the likelihood they would choose SuAVR: hostile root (73%), small annular size (55%), high Society of Thoracic Surgery risk score (42%), older age (40%), to support minimally invasive surgery (25%) and redo-operation (23%). The following patient characteristics made surgeons less likely to pursue SuAVR: young age (73%), low STS score (40%), and large annular size (30%). Reported barriers to SuAVR use included: cost (33%), permanent pacemaker risk (27%) and uncertain durability (12%). Of respondents, 73% were interested in participating in a randomized controlled trial comparing SuAVR with transcatheter aortic valve replacement. CONCLUSIONS: The primary reasons for surgeons selecting SuAVR were high surgical risk and anatomical challenges. Cost is a primary factor limiting SuAVR use.

The cardiac surgeon's guide to artificial intelligence.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Artificial intelligence is the ability for machines to perform intelligent tasks. Artificial intelligence is already penetrating many aspects of medicine including cardiac surgery. Here, we offer a platform introduction to artificial intelligence for cardiac surgeons to understand the implementations of this transformative tool. RECENT FINDINGS: Artificial intelligence has contributed greatly to the automation of cardiac imaging, including echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, cardiac MRI and most recently, in radiomics. There are also several artificial intelligence based clinical prediction tools that predict complex outcomes after cardiac surgery. Waveform analysis, specifically, automated electrocardiogram analysis, has seen significant strides with promise in wearables and remote monitoring. Experimentally, artificial intelligence has also entered the operating room in the form of augmented reality and automated robotic surgery. SUMMARY: Artificial intelligence has many potential exciting applications in cardiac surgery. It can streamline physician workload and help make medicine more human again by placing the physician back at the bedside. Here, we offer cardiac surgeons an introduction to this transformative tool so that they may actively participate in creating clinically relevant implementations to improve our practice.

Mitral valve surgery for rheumatic heart disease: replace, repair, retrain?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) affects over 30 million people worldwide. Substantial variation exists in the surgical treatment of patients with RHD. Here, we aim to review the surgical techniques to treat RHD with a focus on rheumatic mitral valve (MV) repair. We introduce novel educational paradigms to embrace repair-oriented techniques in cardiac centers. RECENT FINDINGS: Due to the low prevalence of RHD in high-income countries, limited expertise in MV surgery for RHD, technical complexity of MV repair for RHD and concerns about durability, most surgeons elect for MV replacement. However, in some series, MV repair is associated with improved outcomes, fewer reinterventions, and avoidance of anticoagulation-related complications. In low- and middle-income countries, the RHD burden is large and MV repair is more commonly performed due to high rates of loss-to-follow-up and barriers associated with anticoagulation, international normalized ratio monitoring, and risk of reintervention. SUMMARY: Increased consideration for MV repair in the setting of RHD may be warranted, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. We suggest some avenues for increased exposure and training in rheumatic valve surgery through international bilateral partnership models in endemic regions, visiting surgeons from endemic regions, simulation training, and courses by professional societies.

Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA): a review of pathophysiology and management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) (≥ 50% stenosis) accounts for 5-8% of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) presentations. The demographic characteristics, risk factors, and management of patients with MINOCA differ from those with atherosclerotic ACS. The objective of this review is to provide a contemporary understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of MINOCA. RECENT FINDINGS: MINOCA is increasingly being recognized as an important and distinct cause of myocardial infarction among patients presenting with ACS. The predominant pathophysiologic mechanisms of MINOCA include both coronary (epicardial vasospasm, coronary microvascular disorder, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, coronary thrombus/embolism) and noncoronary (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, myocarditis) pathologies. Coronary imaging with intravascular ultrasound and optical coherent tomography, coronary physiology testing, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging offers important investigative modalities to facilitate diagnosis for appropriate management of MINOCA patients. SUMMARY: MINOCA is an important cause of ACS observed in certain patients with unique challenges for diagnosis and management. A high index of suspicion and a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation are critical for early recognition and successful management.

Surgical repair of ischemic mitral regurgitation: one ring does not fit all.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The review summarizes the key parameters that can aid in determining the optimal treatment of ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR). RECENT FINDINGS: Left ventricular (LV) and mitral valve (MV) parameters are important for surgical planning and risk stratification in IMR. Although LV dimensions is one of the main parameters used in the guidelines, volumes more accurately depict LV remodelling. Furthermore, wall motion abnormalities and wall motion score index can also be useful for surgical planning in treatment of IMR. Viability is best measured with cardiac magnetic resonance, but it is not feasible in certain centres. In contrast, measurement of strain with echocardiography is an emerging and feasible tool for estimating viability. MV leaflet tethering and pattern measured with echocardiography are also useful for MV surgery. Anterior leaflet excursion angle can identify patients in whom undersized ring annuloplasty is potentially unsuitable. SUMMARY: Treatment of IMR relies on accurate parameters that can determine the optimal surgical approach. In some patients, lack of viable myocardium suggests inadequacy of revascularization and thus, an adjunctive left ventricular reconstruction may be necessary. Degree and pattern of MV leaflet tethering can indicate whether ring annuloplasty, which is the most common repair technique, is sufficient or an adjunctive sub-valvular intervention is beneficial.

Resurgence of the edge-to-edge repair of the mitral valve.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide a critical review of the application and outcomes of surgical edge-to-edge (E2E) or Alfieri repair for mitral valvulopathy. RECENT FINDINGS: The E2E repair is a surgical technique to address mitral regurgitation, particularly suited when the responsible mechanism is bileaflet prolapse combined with enlarged annular area. It can also be used for a range of mitral valve pathologies. Surgically, the technique has been employed as a bailout for unsuccessful repair including residual mitral regurgitation because of systolic anterior motion (SAM). E2E repair should be accompanied by a ring annuloplasty for long-term repair durability. The simplicity of this approach makes it an ideal strategy during minimally-invasive mitral valve repair. It may also be performed via a transaortic approach at the time of aortic valve surgery to address less-than-severe mitral regurgitation or to address residual SAM following myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. We review the surgical indication, potential complications including risk of mitral stenosis and the long-term outcomes of E2E repair. SUMMARY: The E2E surgical repair is a simple and effective surgical strategy to address a wide range of mitral regurgitation. This is an important technique in the surgical armamentarium especially in cases of minimally-invasive mitral valve surgery.

Antithrombotic therapy after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: current perspective.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has expanded as a treatment option for severe aortic stenosis throughout the surgical risk spectrum. Decreasing procedural risk and inclusion of lower risk population has shifted the focus to optimization of postprocedural management and balancing the thrombotic and bleeding complications. In this review, we outline various patient and procedure related factors affecting choice of antithrombotic therapy post TAVR and provide an update of recent development in this area. RECENT FINDINGS: Multiple studies have confirmed the high incidence of both ischemic and bleeding complications in the early to midterm post-TAVR. In addition, new data has emerged for the role of high resolution computed tomography to detect decreased leaflet mobility and leaflet micro thrombi associated with implications for bioprosthetic valve dysfunction and cerebrovascular events post TAVR. Randomized clinical trials have reported increased bleeding with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and oral anticoagulation (OAC) plus antiplatelet therapy. These findings suggest that aspirin monotherapy or OAC monotherapy likely provides the appropriate balance for antithrombotic protection and risk of bleeding. SUMMARY: Majority of patients undergoing TAVR have multiple comorbidities and are at increased risk of ischemic and bleeding complications. In the absence of robust clinical evidence, there is significant variability among guideline recommendations and antithrombotic therapy post TAVR across institutions. The available evidence confirms a high rate of bleeding with more potent and prolonged antithrombotic regimens without a documented benefit for clinical endpoints. The authors favor a conservative anti thrombotic approach and suggest monotherapy with aspirin or systemic anticoagulation based upon an individual's risk of thromboembolic complications. DAPT is reserved for patients with recent stenting and OAC plus aspirin is prescribed for patients with established CAD in the post TAVR setting.

Human cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury: Blunted stress response with age.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Autophagy is a cytoprotective recycling mechanism, capable of digesting dysfunctional cellular components, and this process is associated with pro-survival outcomes. Autophagy may decline in the aging myocardium, thereby contributing to cardiac dysfunction. However, it remains to be established how autophagy responds to ischemia-reperfusion stress with age. METHODS: Samples from the right atrium were collected from young (≤50 years; n = 5) and aged (≥70 years; n = 11) patients before and immediately following cardioplegic arrest during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, a model of human ischemia-reperfusion injury. RESULTS: Mitochondrial content, as assessed by a cohort of mitochondrial markers, exhibited an overall decrease in the aging myocardium (p = 0.01). In response to IR, COX-I (0.63 vs. 0.91, p = 0.01) increased in young, but not in aged patients (interaction effect p = 0.08). Reductions in LC3-I (0.48 vs. 0.28, p = 0.02) along with declines in TFEB and TFE3 (0.63 vs. 0.20, p = 0.05; 0.71 vs. 0.20, p = 0.01) were observed with age suggesting an impairment in the aged myocardium. Aged patients also displayed an inability to mount an appropriate response to IR compared to their young counterparts, specifically, increases in v-ATPase and NIX (1.06 vs 0.69, p = .01; 1.15 vs 0.69, p = .001) were not seen in the aged. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate a reduced cardiac mitochondrial content and a blunted mitochondrial response to ischemia with age, accompanied by a possible impairment in mitophagy. These findings support an age-associated inability of the atrial myocardium to mount appropriate adaptive responses to stress.

Outcomes of sutureless aortic valve replacement versus conventional aortic valve replacement and transcatheter aortic valve replacement, updated systematic review, and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sutureless aortic valve replacement (SuAVR) is an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This study compares the effectiveness of SuAVR to SAVR and TAVR. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to July 2021 for studies evaluating SuAVR, SAVR, and TAVR in adults with aortic stenosis. We performed screening, full-text assessment, data collection, and risk of bias evaluation independently and in duplicate. We evaluated risk of bias using by Cochrane and CLARITY's tools, and certainty in evidence using the GRADE framework. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: We identified one randomized and 78 observational studies (n = 60,689; SuAVR vs. SAVR = 39,171, vs. TAVR = 21,518). All studies were at high or unclear risk of bias, with very-low certainty in effect estimates. Compared to TAVR, SuAVR demonstrates no significant difference in mortality at 30-days (odds ratio [OR]: 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI: 0.85, 1.16], I2 = 0%), but decreased odds at 2-years (OR: 0.39, 95% CI [0.17, 0.88], I2 = 0%). SuAVR also reduced odds of mild paravalvular regurgitation (OR: 0.11, 95% CI [0.06, 0.21], I2 = 50%). Compared to SAVR, SuAVR was associated with a similar mortality at 30-days (OR: 0.99, 95% CI [0.85, 1.16], I2 = 0%) and 2-years (OR: 0.99, 95% CI [0.43-2.30], I2 = 7%). SuAVR significantly increased odds of permanent pacemaker implantation (OR: 2.5, 95% CI [2.25, 2.77], I2 = 0%). Pooled effect estimates were consistent with results from the randomized trial comparing SuAVR and SAVR. CONCLUSION: Based on very-low quality evidence, SuAVR is associated with similar short- and midterm outcomes compared to TAVR and SAVR. Comparative randomized data with long-term follow-up are required to clarify the role of SuAVR.

Ticagrelor use and practice patterns among Canadian cardiac surgeons.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The P2Y12 platelet receptor inhibitor ticagrelor is widely used in patients following acute coronary syndromes or in those who have received coronary stents. Bentracimab is a monoclonal antibody-based reversal agent that is being formally evaluated in a Phase 3 clinical trial. Here, we probe the knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns of cardiac surgeons regarding their perioperative management of ticagrelor and potential application of a ticagrelor reversal agent. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed by a working group of cardiac surgeons to inquire into participants' practices and beliefs regarding ticagrelor and disseminated to practicing, Canadian-trained cardiac surgeons. RESULTS: A total of 70 Canadian-trained cardiac surgeons participated. Bleeding risk was identified as the most significant consideration when surgically revascularizing ticagrelor-treated patients (90%). There is variability in the duration of withholding ticagrelor before coronary artery bypass graft procedure in a stable patient; 44.3% wait 3 days and 32.9% wait 4 days or longer. Currently, 15.7% of cardiac surgeons prophylactically give platelet transfusions and fresh frozen plasma intraoperatively following protamine infusion in patients who have recently received ticagrelor. Interestingly, 47.1% of surveyed surgeons were aware of a reversal agent for ticagrelor, 91.4% of cardiac surgeons would consider utilizing a ticagrelor reversal agent if available, and 51.4% acknowledged that the introduction of such an agent would be a major advance in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: The present survey identified ticagrelor-related bleeding as a major concern for cardiac surgeons. Surgeons recognized the significant unmet need that a ticagrelor reversal agent would address.