Mechanical strain triggers endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition of the endocardium in the immature heart.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EndMT) plays a major role in cardiac fibrosis, including endocardial fibroelastosis but the stimuli are still unknown. We developed an endothelial cell (EC) culture and a whole heart model to test whether mechanical strain triggers TGF-ß-mediated EndMT. METHODS: Isolated ECs were exposed to 10% uniaxial static stretch for 8 h (stretch) and TGF-ß-mediated EndMT was determined using the TGF-ß-inhibitor SB431542 (stretch + TGF-ß-inhibitor), BMP-7 (stretch + BMP-7) or losartan (stretch + losartan), and isolated mature and immature rats were exposed to stretch through a weight on the apex of the left ventricle. Immunohistochemical staining for double-staining with endothelial markers (VE-cadherin, PECAM1) and mesenchymal markers (αSMA) or transcription factors (SLUG/SNAIL) positive nuclei was indicative of EndMT. RESULTS: Stretch-induced EndMT in ECs expressed as double-stained ECs/total ECs (cells: 46 ± 13%; heart: 15.9 ± 2%) compared to controls (cells: 7 ± 2%; heart: 3.1 ± 0.1; p < 0.05), but only immature hearts showed endocardial EndMT. Inhibition of TGF-ß decreased the number of double-stained cells significantly, comparable to controls (cells/heart: control: 7 ± 2%/3.1 ± 0.1%, stretch: 46 ± 13%/15 ± 2%, stretch + BMP-7: 7 ± 2%/2.9 ± 0.1%, stretch + TGF-ß-inhibitor (heart only): 5.2 ± 1.3%, stretch + losartan (heart only): 0.89 ± 0.1%; p < 0.001 versus stretch). CONCLUSIONS: Endocardial EndMT is an age-dependent consequence of increased strain triggered by TGF- ß activation. Local inhibition through either rebalancing TGF-ß/BMP or with losartan was effective to block EndMT. IMPACT: Mechanical strain imposed on the immature LV induces endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) formation through TGF-ß-mediated activation of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in endocardial endothelial cells but has no effect in mature hearts. Local inhibition through either rebalancing the TGF-ß/BMP pathway or with losartan blocks EndMT. Inhibition of endocardial EndMT with clinically applicable treatments may lead to a better outcome for congenital heart defects associated with EFE.

Anatomic Repair of Congenitally Corrected Transposition: Reappraisal of Eligibility Criteria.

Several criteria to identify suitable candidates for anatomic repair in congenitally corrected transposition (cc-TGA) have been proposed. The purpose of this study was to critically re-evaluate adequacy of these recommendations in our patient cohort. All cc-TGA patients undergoing anatomic repair between 2010 and 2019 were reviewed. Evaluated eligibility criteria for repair included age ≤ 15 years, LV mass index ≥ 45-50 g/m2, LV mass/volume ratio > 0.9-1.5 and systolic LV to right ventricle pressure ratio > 70-90% among others. Repair failure was defined as postoperative early mortality or LV dysfunction requiring mechanical circulatory support. Twenty-five patients were included (median [interquartile range] age at surgery 1.8 years [0.7;6.6]; median postoperative follow-up 3.2 years [0.7;6.3]). Median preoperative LV ejection fraction was 60% [56;64], indexed LV mass 48.5 g/m2 [43.7;58.1] and LV mass/volume ratio 1.5 [1.1;1.6], respectively. A total of 12 patients (48%) did not meet at least one of the previously recommended criteria, however, all but two patients (92%) experienced favorable early outcome. Of 7 patients (28%) with indexed LV mass < 45 g/m2, 6 were successfully operated. There were two early repair failures (8%) with LV dysfunction: one patient died and one required mechanical circulatory support but recovered well. Surgery was performed successfully in patients with LV mass and volume Z-scores as low as - 2 and - 2.5, respectively. Anatomic correction for cc-TGA can be performed with excellent early outcome and is feasible even in patients with LV mass below previously recommended cut-offs. The use of LV mass and volume Z-scores might help to refine eligibility criteria.

Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition as Underlying Mechanism for the Formation of Double-Chambered Right Ventricle.

Double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV) is a progressive division of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) often associated with a subaortic ventricular defect (VSD). The septation is caused by a mixture of hypertrophied muscle bundles and fibrous tissue, whereof the latter is of unclear pathogenesis. Our group has previously reported that flow disturbances lead to formation of fibroelastic tissue through a process called endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) but it is unclear whether the same mechanism exists in the RV. Tissue from patients undergoing repair of DCRV was examined to identify the histomorphological substrate of this tissue. Demographic and pre-/post-operative echocardiographic data were collected from nine patients undergoing surgery for DCRV. RVOTO tissue samples were histologically analyzed for myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, elastin content, and active EndMT (immunohistochemical double-staining for endothelial and mesenchymal markers and transcription factors Slug/Snail) and compared to four healthy controls. Indication for surgery were symptoms and progressive RVOT gradients. A highly turbulent flow jet through the RVOTO and VSD was observed in all patients with a preoperative median RVOT peak gradient of 77 mmHg (IQR 55.0-91.5), improved to 6 mmHg (IQR 4.5-17) postoperatively. Histological analysis revealed muscle and thick infiltratively growing fibroelastic tissue. EndMT was confirmed as underlying patho-mechanism of this fibroelastic tissue but the degree of myocardial hypertrophy was not different compared to controls (P = 0.08). This study shows for the first time that an invasive fibroelastic remodeling processes of the endocardium into the underlying myocardium through activation of EndMT contributes to the septation of the RVOT.

Mitochondrial transplantation by intra-arterial injection for acute kidney injury.

Acute kidney injury is a common clinical disorder and one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the postoperative period. In this study, the safety and efficacy of autologous mitochondrial transplantation by intra-arterial injection for renal protection in a swine model of bilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion injury were investigated. Female Yorkshire pigs underwent percutaneous bilateral temporary occlusion of the renal arteries with balloon catheters. Following 60 min of ischemia, the balloon catheters were deflated and animals received either autologous mitochondria suspended in vehicle or vehicle alone, delivered as a single bolus to the renal arteries. The injected mitochondria were rapidly taken up by the kidney and were distributed throughout the tubular epithelium of the cortex and medulla. There were no safety-related issues detected with mitochondrial transplantation. Following 24 h of reperfusion, estimated glomerular filtration rate and urine output were significantly increased while serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were significantly decreased in swine that received mitochondria compared with those that received vehicle. Gross anatomy, histopathological analysis, acute tubular necrosis scoring, and transmission electron microscopy showed that the renal cortex of the vehicle-treated group had extensive coagulative necrosis of primarily proximal tubules, while the mitochondrial transplanted kidney showed only patchy mild acute tubular injury. Renal cortex IL-6 expression was significantly increased in vehicle-treated kidneys compared with the kidneys that received mitochondrial transplantation. These results demonstrate that mitochondrial transplantation by intra-arterial injection provides renal protection from ischemia-reperfusion injury, significantly enhancing renal function and reducing renal damage.

Modified extracardiac Fontan with a fenestrated pericardial patch.

Extracardiac Fontan is a preferred treatment strategy in many centers treating patients with single ventricle physiology, and many of these centers regularly include a fenestration between the extracardiac conduit and the common atrium. Spontaneous closure of the fenestration is a common complication of this technique and is independently associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Recently, we introduced a novel technique for fenestration of the extracardiac conduit wherein a pericardial patch is utilized at the fenestration point with excellent outcomes in the midterm fenestration patency rates, thus reducing the risk of acute post-Fontan complications.

Early and long-term outcomes comparing neonates, infants, and preadolescents requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pediatric patients with severe heart failure steadily increases. Differentiation of outcomes and survival of diverse pediatric groups is of interest for adequate therapy. METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2016, a total of 39 pediatric patients needed veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in our department. Patients were retrospectively divided into three groups: neonates (<30 days), infants (>30 days/<1 year), and toddlers/preadolescents (>1 year). Early outcomes as well as mid- and long-term survival up to 7-year follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: Basic demographics significantly differed in terms of age, height, and weight among the groups in accordance with the intended group categorization (p < 0.05). Survival after 30 days of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation application was equally distributed among the groups, and 44% of all patients survived. In terms of survival to discharge, no significant differences were found among groups. In total, 28% of patients survived up to 7 years. Infants were significantly more likely to undergo elective surgery (p < 0.001) and were predominantly weaned off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, whereas need for urgent surgery (p < 0.001) was significantly higher in neonate group in comparison to other groups. Multinominal logistic regression analysis revealed significantly higher odds for need for re-exposure in infant group in comparison to toddler/preadolescent group as well as for incidence of neurological impairment of toddler/preadolescent group in comparison to neonate group (odds ratio = 14.67, p = 0.009 and odds ratio = 34.67, p = 0.004, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survival estimation analysis revealed no significant differences in terms of mid- and long-term survival among the groups (Breslow p = 0.198 and log-rank p = 0.213, respectively). CONCLUSION: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a lifesaving therapeutic chance for pediatric patients in the setting of either failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass or failed resuscitation from cardiac arrest. A fair part of patients could be saved by using this technology. Survival rate among the groups was similar.

Pediatric patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in heart failure: 30-day outcomes; mid- and long-term survival. A single center experience.

Nowadays, an increasing number of neonatal and pediatric patients with severe heart failure benefits from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. A total of 39 pediatric patients needed venoarterial ECMO (vaECMO) support in our department between January 2008 and December 2016. Patients were retrospectively divided in two groups: 30-day survivor group (17 patients) and 30-day nonsurvivor group (22 patients). Outcome and factors predictive for 30-day mortality and mid- as well as long-term survival up to 7-year follow-up were analyzed by univariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival estimation. Basic demographics and preoperative characteristics did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). 67% of patients were successfully weaned off ECMO and 44% survived 30-day after ECMO application. After 7-year follow-up 28% of pediatric patients were alive. Thirty-day survivors were significantly more likely to undergo elective cardiac surgery (P = 0.001), whereas significantly more 30-day nonsurvivors underwent urgent surgery (P = 0.004). Odds of incidence of catecholamine refractory circulatory failure, failed myocardial recovery, and cerebral edema was significantly higher in 30-day nonsurvivor group (41.6-fold, 16-fold, and 2.5-fold, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survival estimation analysis revealed significant differences in terms of mid- and long-term survival among neonates, infants, toddlers, and preadolescents (Breslow P = 0.037 and Log-Rank P = 0.028, respectively). vaECMO provides an efficient therapy option for life-threatening heart disorders in neonates and pediatric patients being at high risk for myocardial failure leading to circulatory arrest. Urgency of surgery effected on higher mortality, but there was no difference in terms of mortality in 30-day survivor group in comparison to 30-day nonsurvivor group among neonates, infants, toddlers, and preadolescents.

Hyperbaric oxygen in patients with ischemic stroke following cardiac surgery: a retrospective observational trial.

BACKGROUND: Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO2) involves breathing 100% oxygen under elevated ambient pressure in a hyperbaric chamber, thereby dissolving oxygen in the plasma. This results in an increase of arterial partial pressure of oxygen (pO2). Though well established in experimental studies, HBO2 treatment for ischemic stroke is still under discussion. METHODS: From 2002-2014 HBO2 (2.2 bar, 90 minutes one/day; average number per patient: 4.7) was applied in 49 consecutive patients (32 males, 17 females, mean age: 68.8 years, range 31.2 - 83.9) with acute neurological deficit following cardiac surgery (CABG 15; combined surgery 14; valve surgery 11; aneurysm repair 8; malformation 1). Patients' history including TIA or stroke and carotid artery pathology were documented. Both degree and type of neurological deficit was evaluated by a scoring system (0-4) before and after HBO2 treatment. RESULTS: Before HBO2 therapy, the average motor deficit score was 2.45 and the average speech disorder score was 0.55, as compared with an average motor deficit of 1.12 and an average speech disorder of 0.27 afterward (α=0.0001, α=0.009). The majority of patients had an overall improvement of 2 score-points after HBO2 therapy (n=23 patients). Probit analysis showed that for a 50% response/probability (LC50) of having an overall outcome of ≥2 scoring points, an estimate of 4.3 HBO2 therapy sessions is necessary. CONCLUSIONS: HBO22 therapy was associated with significant improvement in patients with acute neurological deficits due to ischemic stroke following cardiac surgery. Though this fact suggests gas embolism as the most likely cause of stroke in this collective, other underlying pathologies cannot be ruled out. Randomized studies are needed for further evaluation.

Socioeconomic Status and Access to Care for Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Disease in Universal Health Coverage Models.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common major congenital anomaly, affecting one in every 100 live births. Whereas over 90% of children born with CHD in low- and middle-income countries cannot access the care they need, early detection, advances in management, and financial risk protection have resulted in over 90% of children with CHD in high-income countries surviving into adulthood. Despite the presence of universal health coverage, barriers to accessing high-quality cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular care for CHD remain common. Lower socioeconomic status has been associated with differential access to cardiac care and poorer outcomes across multiple cardiovascular conditions and subspecialties. In this review article, we describe the relationship between socioeconomic status and access to CHD care in countries with universal health coverage models. We further evaluate notable challenges and opportunities to improve equitable, high-quality CHD care in these countries.

Tissue-engineered and autologous pericardium in congenital heart surgery: comparative histopathological study of human vascular explants.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this histological study was to assess the biocompatibility of vascular patches used in the repair of congenital heart defects. METHODS: We examined tissue-engineered bovine (n = 7) and equine (n = 7) patches and autologous human pericardium (n = 7), all explanted due to functional issues or follow-up procedures. Techniques like Movat-Verhoeff, von Kossa and immunohistochemical staining were used to analyse tissue composition, detect calcifications and identify immune cells. A semi-quantitative scoring system was implemented to evaluate the biocompatibility aspects, thrombus formation, extent of pannus, inflammation of pannus, cellular response to patch material, patch degradation, calcification and neoadventitial inflammation. RESULTS: We observed distinct material degradation patterns among types of patches. Bovine patches showed collagen disintegration and exudate accumulation, whereas equine patches displayed edematous swelling and material dissolution. Biocompatibility scores were lower in terms of cellular response, degradation and overall score for human autologous pericardial patches compared to tissue-engineered types. The extent of pannus formation was not influenced by the type of patch. Bovine patches had notable calcifications causing tissue hardening, and foreign body giant cells were more frequently seen in equine patches. Plasma cells were frequently detected in the neointimal tissue of engineered patches. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the superior biocompatibility of human autologous patches and highlight discernible variations in the changes of patch material and the cellular response to patch material between bovine and equine patches. Our approach implements the semi-quantitative scoring of various aspects of biocompatibility, facilitating a comparative quantitative analysis across all types of patches, despite their inherent differences.

Repair of complex transposition of great arteries: What is the best technique to avoid outflow tract obstructions?

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the short-/mid-term outcome of patients with complex dextro (d)-/levo (l)-transposition of the great arteries (TGA), ventricular septal defect and left ventricular outflow tract obstructions. METHODS: A single-centre, retrospective review of all complex dextro-TGA (n = 85) and levo-TGA (n = 22) patients undergoing different surgeries [Arterial switch operation + left ventricular outflow tract obstruction-resection (ASO-R), half-turned truncal switch/Mair (HTTS), Nikaidoh and Rastelli] between May 1990 and September 2022 was performed. Groups were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc pairwise comparison and Kaplan-Meier time-to-event models. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients [ASO-R (n = 20), HTTS (n = 23), Nikaidoh (n = 21), Rastelli (n = 43)] were included, with a median age of 1.0 year (0.5-2.5) and surgical repair median follow-up was 3.8 years (0.3-10.5). Groups did not differ in respect to early postoperative complications/early mortality. Five-year overall survival curves were comparable: ASO-R 78.9% (53.2-91.5), HTTS 75.3% (46.8-89.9), Nikaidoh 85% (60.4-94.9) and Rastelli 83.9% (67.5-92.5), P = 0.9. Highest rates of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reinterventions [33.3% and 32.6% (P = 0.04)] and reoperations [28.6% and 32.6% (P = 0.02)] occurred after Nikaidoh and Rastelli procedures. However, overall freedom from RVOT reinterventions and RVOT reoperations at 5 years did not differ statistically significantly between the groups (ASO-R, HTTS, Nikaidoh and Rastelli): 94.4% (66.6-99.2), 69.1% (25.4-90.5), 67.8% (34-86.9), 64.4% (44.6-78.7), P = 0.2, and 90.0% (65.6-97.4), 91% (50.8-98.7), 65.3% (32.0-85.3) and 67.0% (47.4-80.6), P = 0.3. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical repair of complex dextro-/levo-TGA can be performed with satisfying early/mid-term survival. RVOT reinterventions/reoperations were frequent, with highest rates after Nikaidoh and Rastelli procedures. Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction reoperations were rare with zero events after Nikaidoh and HTTS procedures.

3D modeling and printing for complex biventricular repair of double outlet right ventricle.

Background: Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) describes a group of congenital heart defects where pulmonary artery and aorta originate completely or predominantly from the right ventricle. The individual anatomy of DORV patients varies widely with multiple subtypes classified. Although the majority of morphologies is suitable for biventricular repair (BVR), complex DORV anatomy can render univentricular palliation (UVP) the only option. Thus, patient-specific decision-making is critical for optimal surgical treatment planning. The evolution of image processing and rapid prototyping techniques facilitate the generation of detailed virtual and physical 3D models of the patient-specific anatomy which can support this important decision process within the Heart Team. Materilas and methods: The individual cardiovascular anatomy of nine patients with complex DORV, in whom surgical decision-making was not straightforward, was reconstructed from either computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging data. 3D reconstructions were used to characterize the morphologic details of DORV, such as size and location of the ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrioventricular valve size, ventricular volumes, relationship between the great arteries and their spatial relation to the VSD, outflow tract obstructions, coronary artery anatomy, etc. Additionally, physical models were generated. Virtual and physical models were used in the preoperative assessment to determine surgical treatment strategy, either BVR vs. UVP. Results: Median age at operation was 13.2 months (IQR: 9.6-24.0). The DORV transposition subtype was present in six patients, three patients had a DORV-ventricular septal defect subtype. Patient-specific reconstruction was feasible for all patients despite heterogeneous image quality. Complex BVR was feasible in 5/9 patients (55%). Reasons for unsuitability for BVR were AV valve chordae interfering with potential intraventricular baffle creation, ventricular hypoplasia and non-committed VSD morphology. Evaluation in particular of qualitative data from 3D models was considered to support comprehension of complex anatomy. Conclusion: Image-based 3D reconstruction of patient-specific intracardiac anatomy provides valuable additional information supporting decision-making processes and surgical planning in complex cardiac malformations. Further prospective studies are required to fully appreciate the benefits of 3D technology.

Mid-term performance of decellularized equine pericardium in congenital heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to report mid-term performance of decellularized equine pericardium used for repair of various congenital heart defects in the pediatric population. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing patch implantation between 2016 - 2020 was performed. Patch quality, surgical handling, hemostasis and early patch-related complications were studied on all patients. Mid-term performance was observed in patients with ≥12 months follow-up and intact patch at discharge (without reoperation/stent implantation). RESULTS: A total of 201 patients with median age of 2.5 years [interquartile range (IQR): 0.6-6.5] underwent 207 procedures at 314 implant locations. The patch was used in following numbers/locations: 171 for pulmonary artery (PA) augmentation, 36 for aortic repair, 35 for septal defect closure, 22 for valvular repair and 50 at other locations. Early/30-day mortality was 6.5%. Early patch-related reoperations/stent implantations occurred in 28 locations (8.9%). No patch-related complications were noted except for bleeding from implant site in three locations (1%). Follow-up ≥ 12 months was available for 132 patients/200 locations. During a median follow-up of 29.7 months [IQR: 20.7-38.3], 53 patch-related reoperations/catheter reinterventions occurred (26.5%) with the majority in PA position (88.7%, 47/53). Overall 12- and 24-months freedom from patch-related reoperation/catheter reintervention per location was 91.5% (95% CI: 86.7%-94.6%) and 85.2% (95% CI: 78.9%-89.6%) respectively. CONCLUSION: Decellularized equine pericardium used for repair of various congenital heart defects showed acceptable mid-term performance. Reoperation/reintervention rates were in a range as observed with other xenogeneic materials previously reported articles, occurring most frequently after PA augmentation.

Acute Kidney Injury After Neonatal Aortic Arch Surgery: Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest Versus Moderate Hypothermia With Distal Aortic Perfusion.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication observed after neonatal aortic arch repair. We studied its incidence after procedures carried out using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) versus moderate hypothermia with distal aortic perfusion (MHDP), usually through the common femoral artery. In both groups, continuous regional cerebral perfusion (RCP) was used during the time required for aortic arch repair. METHODS: A total of 125 neonates underwent aortic arch repair. Between 2007 and 2012, DHCA with RCP was used in 51 neonates. From 2013 to 2019, MHDP with RCP was performed on 74 newborns. Operative complexity was similar in both periods. Acute kidney injury was defined as a significant elevation of serum creatinine and was classified according to the neonatal modified n-KDIGO (neonatal Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) stages 1 to 3 (Kidney Disease Improving: Global Outcomes). RESULTS: Acute kidney injury was observed in a total of 68 patients (68/125: 54.4%). In the majority (44/68: 64.7%), n-KDIGO stage 1 occurred. Stage 2 (n = 14) and stage 3 (n = 10) were observed more frequently after DHCA versus MHDP: 29.4% (15/51) versus 12.2% (9/74), P = .02. At cardiopulmonary bypass end, lactate levels were significantly higher (P = .001) after DHCA: 3.4 (2.9-4.3) mmol/L compared to 2.7 (2.3-3.7) mmol/L after MHDP. Early mortality was 12% (15/125) in the entire cohort. It was 17.6% (9/51) after DHCA versus 8.1% (6/74) after MHDP, however not statistically significant (P = .16). CONCLUSION: Mild (stage 1) AKI occurred frequently after neonatal aortic arch repair. The use of MHDP was associated with a significantly lower incidence of moderate (stage 2) and severe (stage 3) AKI forms.

Pulmonary artery augmentation using decellularized equine pericardium (Matrix Patch™): initial single-centre experience.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to report our initial experience when using Matrix Patch™ a cell-free equine-derived pericardium for the augmentation of branch pulmonary arteries (PAs) in children. METHODS: Between September 2016 and September 2019, Matrix Patch was used for the augmentation of branch PAs in 96 patients and implanted in 147 separate locations. The median age at implantation was 3.2 years (interquartile range: 0.9-8.4), and 33% of patients were infants. The patch was used mainly in redo surgeries (89.6%). Intra-procedural feasibility and reinterventions were analysed. Primary end points were death or patch-related reoperation/stent implantation. Explanted patches were stained for recellularization/calcification, or to reveal proliferation/inflammation. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients, who received patches in 119 separate locations, were followed within a median of 20 months (interquartile range: 10.2-30.2). Patients with early reoperation/stent implantation were excluded from follow-up. No patch-related death was noted. Survival at last follow-up was 88% (95% CI: 78.8-93.7%). Overall probability of freedom from reoperation/stent implantation per location, 12 and 24 months after initial surgery was 85.8% (95% CI: 76.2-91.7%) and 78.7 (95% CI: 65.9-87.2%), respectively. At 20 months, superficial proliferation with discrete macrophage activity was seen in explants; however, no signs of calcification are observed. CONCLUSIONS: The initial experience with the Matrix Patch in PAs showed comparable results to other xenogeneic patch materials. Long-term follow-up data are needed to prove the desired durability of the patch in different locations.

Vitamin D assessment in perioperative medicine and critical care : A prospective observational pilot study.

BACKGROUND: There is controversy about the impact of acute illness on vitamin D levels. This study was carried out to assess the influence of perioperative fluid loading on 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. The study evaluated the clinical utility of a commonly available chemiluminescence assay (ECLIA, IDS-iSYS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in the diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency in this setting. METHODS: In this prospective observational pilot study in adult patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), blood samples drawn at preoperative baseline (t1), after weaning from CPB (t2), on intensive care unit (ICU) admission (t3) and on the first (t4) and second (t5) postoperative days were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients (130 samples) were included in this study. Fluid loading by CPB led to a median reduction of 25(OH)D by -22.6% (range -54.5% to -19.5%) between t1 and t2. Cohen's kappa (κ) for method agreement for vitamin D deficiency (tested cut-off values 20 ng/ml and 12 ng/ml), was κ = 0.291 (p < 0.001) and κ = 0.469 (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean difference between measurements by ECLIA and LC-MS/MS was 4.8 ng/ml (±5.7), Pearson's r for correlation was 0.73 (p < 0.001). The biologically inactive C3-epimer did not contribute to 25(OH)D levels assessed by LC-MS/MS. CONCLUSION: The 25(OH)D measurements by chemiluminescence assays can noticeably deviate from those measured by LC-MS/MS, which can be considered the unequivocal gold standard. These assays may still be acceptably reliable in the screening for vitamin D deficiency, especially in the setting of low vitamin D levels. Stricter definitions, e.g. serum 25(OH)D levels lower than 12 ng/ml, may be used to diagnose deficiency with low false positive rate. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00009216, German Clinical Trials Registry ( www.drks.de ).

An updated meta-analysis of MitraClip versus surgery for mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Although studies demonstrate its feasibility, there is ongoing debate on the short and long-term outcomes of MitraClip versus surgical repair or mitral valve replacement (MVR). The objective of this meta-analysis is to compare the safety, morbidity, mortality and long-term function following MitraClip compared to MVR. METHODS: Articles were searched in PubMed and Cochrane databases for studies comparing outcomes of MitraClip and surgery on December 1, 2019. Eligible prospective, retrospective, randomized and non-randomized studies were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of nine studies (n=1,873, MitraClip =533, MVR =644) were eligible for review. At baseline, MitraClip patients had more comorbidities than MVR patients, including myocardial infarction (P<0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P=0.022) and chronic kidney disease (P<0.001). MitraClip was associated with shorter length of stay (-3.86 days; 95% CI, -4.73 to -2.99; P<0.01) with a similar safety profile. Residual moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation was more frequent in MitraClip at discharge (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.39-5.69; P<0.01) and at five years (OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.54-3.94; P<0.01), and there was a higher need for reoperation on the MitraClip group at latest follow-up (OR, 5.28; 95% CI, 3.43-8.11; P<0.01). The overall mortality was comparable between the two groups (HR, 2.06; 95% CI, 0.98-4.29; P=0.06) for a mean follow-up of 4.8 years. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to surgery, MitraClip demonstrates a similar safety profile and shorter length of stay in high-risk patients, at the expense of increased residual mitral regurgitation and higher reoperation rate. Despite this, long term mortality appears comparable between the two techniques, suggesting that a patient-tailored approach will lead to optimal results.

Subcoronary Ross/Ross-Konno operation in children and young adults: initial single-centre experience.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the outcome after modified subcoronary Ross/Ross-Konno operation in children and young adults. METHODS: Between January 2013 and January 2019, a total of 50 patients with median age of 6.3 years (range 0.02-36.5 years, 58% males), including 10 infants (20%), received modified subcoronary Ross/Ross-Konno operation at our institution. Survival, morbidity, reinterventions, aortic valve function and aortic root dimensions were analysed. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 31.2 months (range 14.4-51 months), there were 1 early death and 1 late death, both in the infant group. The overall survival at 5 years after the operation was 95%. Two patients needed aortic valve replacement, 11 and 15 months after their Ross operation. At 5 years, freedoms from reoperation on the autograft and on the right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit were 94% and 97%, respectively. Freedom from aortic valve regurgitation greater than mild was 97% at 5 years. Median dimensions of the aortic root at all levels remained in normal range at last visit. Forty-four patients (95%) were in New York Heart Association class I with normal left ventricular function. CONCLUSIONS: The initial experience with the subcoronary Ross/Ross-Konno operation in children and young adults showed excellent outcome. The mortality and morbidity among infants remain significant. The described technique is reproducible and might be advantageous in situations when prosthetic supporting techniques interfere with somatic growth.

Autogenous mitochondria transplantation for treatment of right heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular hypertrophy and failure are major causes of cardiac morbidity and mortality. A key event in the progression to right ventricular hypertrophy and failure is cardiomyocyte apoptosis due to mitochondrial dysfunction. We sought to determine whether localized intramyocardial injection of autologous mitochondria from healthy muscle treats heart failure. METHODS: Mitochondria transplanted from different sources were initially tested in cultured hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. A right ventricular hypertrophy/right ventricular failure model created through banding of the pulmonary artery in immature piglets was used for treatment with autologous mitochondria (pulmonary artery banded mitochondria injected/treated n = 6) from calf muscle, versus vehicle (pulmonary artery banded vehicle injected/treated n = 6) injected into the right ventricular free-wall, and compared with sham-operated controls (sham, n = 6). Animals were followed for 8 weeks by echocardiography (free-wall thickness, contractility), and dp/dt max was measured concomitantly with cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, and apoptosis at study end point. RESULTS: Internalization of mitochondria and adenosine triphosphate levels did not depend on the source of mitochondria. At 4 weeks, banded animals showed right ventricular hypertrophy (sham: 0.28 ± 0.01 cm vs pulmonary artery banding: 0.4 ± 0.02 cm wall thickness; P = .001), which further increased in pulmonary artery banded mitochondria injected/treated but declined in pulmonary artery banded vehicle injected/treated (0.47 ± 0.02 cm vs 0.348 ± 0.03 cm; P = .01). Baseline contractility was not different but was significantly reduced in pulmonary artery banded vehicle injected/treated compared with pulmonary artery banded mitochondria injected/treated and so was dp/dtmax. There was a significant difference in apoptotic cardiomyocyte loss and fibrosis in sham versus hypertrophied hearts with most apoptosis in pulmonary artery banded vehicle injected/treated hearts (sham: 1 ± 0.4 vs calf muscle vs vehicle: 13 ± 1.7; P = .001 and vs pulmonary artery banded mitochondria injected/treated: 8 ± 1.9, P = .01; pulmonary artery banded vehicle injected/treated vs pulmonary artery banded mitochondria injected/treated, P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: Mitochondrial transplantation allows for prolonged physiologic adaptation of the pressure-loaded right ventricular and preservation of contractility by reducing apoptotic cardiomyocyte loss.

Fast-track extubation after cardiac surgery in infants: Tug-of-war between performance and reimbursement?

OBJECTIVES: To compare the safety and resource-efficacy of the fast-track (FT) concept (extubation ≤8 hours after surgery) versus the conventional approach (non-FT, >8 hours postoperatively) in infants undergoing open-heart surgery. METHODS: Infants <7 kg operated on cardiopulmonary bypass between 2014 and 2018 were analyzed. Propensity score matching (1:1) was performed for group comparison (FT vs non-FT). Intensive care unit (ICU) personnel use and unit performance were evaluated. Postoperative outcome and reimbursement based on German diagnosis-related groups were compared. RESULTS: Of 717 infants (median age: 4 months, Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery mortality score: 0.1-4), FT extubation was achieved in 182 infants (25%). After matching, 123 pairs (FT vs non-FT) were formed without significant differences in baseline characteristics. FT versus non-FT showed a significantly shorter ICU stay (in days): 1.8 (0.9-2.8) versus 4.2 (1.9-6.4), P < .01, and postoperative length of stay (in days): 7 (6-10) versus 10 (7-15.5), P < .01; significantly lower postoperative transfusion rates: 61.3% versus 77%, P < .01; and tendency toward lower early mortality: 0% versus 2.8%, P = .08. Reintubation rate did not differ between the groups (P = .7). Despite a decrease in personnel capacity (2014 vs 2018), the unit performance was maintained. The mean case-mix-index of FT versus non-FT was 8.56 ± 6.08 versus 11.77 ± 12.10 (P < .01), resulting in 27% less reimbursement in the FT group. CONCLUSIONS: FT concept can be performed safely and resource-effectively in infants undergoing open-heart surgery. Since German diagnosis-related group systems reimburse costs, not performance, there is little incentive to avoid prolonged mechanical ventilation. Greater ICU turnover rates and excellent postoperative outcomes are not rewarded adequately.