Off-Pump Revascularization in Moderate Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is associated with high mortality and poor outcomes. The surgical management of moderate IMR is still an object of debate. METHODS: Patients with moderate IMR who underwent isolated off pump coronary bypass grafting (OPCAB) with facile stabilization between January 2015 and February 2022 were analyzed. The primary end point was the remaining ischemic mitral regurgitation and echocardiographic findings while the secondary outcomes were defined as mortality, major adverse events and postoperative functional status. RESULTS: Of 541 patients who underwent isolated OPCAB in this period, there were 62 patients among with concomitant moderate IMR. The mean follow-up period was 19.4±21.6 months. The median number of the coronary anastomosis was 4(range.1-6). In 58.06% (n=36), the regurgitation regressed. Left atrial (LA) diameter significantly decreased postoperatively (p= .040). Increased LA diameter was associated with increased major adverse events (p=.010). Rehospitalization rates were higher in low EF. The postoperative poor functional status(NYHA III-IV) was correlated with increased postoperative left ventricular end-systolic diameter (41.75±6.13 v.s. 34.79±6.8 p=.05). Mortality(4.8%, n=3) was associated with elder age and increased preoperative systolic pulmonary artery pressure (p= .050; p= .046 respectively). CONCLUSION: LA diameter, LVESD, mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure, LVEF and age are important predictors for outcomes in IMR. Remaining IMR per se is not directly correlated with increased mortality and MACCE. Facile stabilization technique we use here, is advantegous due to the feasibility of full revascularization of all intended vessels particularly of the inferoposterior wall by providing an excellent vision without compression of the heart.

Approach to red blood cell transfusions in post-operative congenital heart disease surgery patients: when to stop?

BACKGROUND: The best transfusion approach for CHD surgery is controversial. Studies suggest two strategies: liberal (haemoglobin ≤ 9.5 g/dL) and restrictive (waiting for transfusion until haemoglobin ≤ 7.0 g/dL if the patient is stable). Here we compare liberal and restrictive transfusion in post-operative CHD patients in a cardiac intensive care unit. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted on CHD patients who received liberal transfusion (2019-2021, n=53) and restrictive transfusion (2021-2022, n=43). RESULTS: The two groups were similar in terms of age, gender, Paediatric Risk of Mortality-3 score, Paediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2 score, Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 score, cardiopulmonary bypass time, vasoactive inotropic score, total fluid balance, mechanical ventilation duration, length of cardiac intensive care unit stay, and mortality. The liberal transfusion group had a higher pre-operative haemoglobin level than the restrictive group (p < 0.05), with no differences in pre-operative anaemia. Regarding the minimum and maximum post-operative haemoglobin levels during a cardiac intensive care unit stay, the liberal group had higher haemoglobin levels in both cases (p<0.01 and p=0.019, respectively). The number of red blood cell transfusions received by the liberal group was higher than that of the restrictive group (p < 0.001). There were no differences between the two groups regarding lactate levels at the time of and after red blood cell transfusion. The incidence of bleeding, re-operation, acute kidney injury, dialysis, sepsis, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Restrictive transfusion may be preferable over liberal transfusion. Achieving similar outcomes with restrictive transfusions may provide promising evidence for future studies.

Current Strategies for the Management of Anomalous Origin of Coronary Arteries from the Pulmonary Artery.

INTRODUCTION: The coronary arteries, which have to originate from the aorta, may sometimes rise from the pulmonary artery. This study evaluated clinical and diagnostic findings, treatment methods, and follow up of cases with anomalous coronary arteries arising from the pulmonary artery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight patients with the diagnosis of anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) (N = 6) and anomalous right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ARCAPA) (N = 2), between January 2014 and January 2020 from a single center university hospital, were included in the study. Data from patients' demographic characteristics, electrocardiography, echocardiography, angiographic findings, operation, hospitalization, and follow up were evaluated. RESULTS: The study included eight patients (six females and two males) - six patients with ALCAPA and two with ARCAPA. The ages of the patients ranged between 3-135 (average: 53.25) months. The median body weight was calculated as 17.4 kg. Severe mitral valve insufficiency was detected in two patients and two other patients had a moderate degree of mitral insufficiency on echocardiography. Ejection fractions ranged between 16-74%. One patient had perimembranous malalignment large ventricular septal defect with pulmonary stenosis. Operative techniques were Takeuchi procedure (three patients), direct implantation (four patients), and left internal thoracic artery to left main coronary artery bypass (one patient). Mechanical cardiac support was not required in the postoperative period. Mortality did not occur. Mitral insufficiency and ejection fractions improved following correction of the coronary anatomy. CONCLUSION: It is important to diagnose the ALCAPA or ARCAPA, where the coronary artery originates from the pulmonary artery. Patients should be treated before congestive heart failure and fatal complications occur. Surgical correction should be planned regardless of symptom status, even though some of patients reach adulthood with an increased number of collaterals.

Clinical Outcomes of Synchronous Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy with Coronary Artery Revascularization.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data about the results of simultaneous coronary revascularization, either with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and cholecystectomy operations. Here we present clinical outcomes of the patients who underwent simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and coronary revascularization at the same session. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included a total of 19 patients who underwent simultaneous LC and CABG or PCI. Thirteen of them had been hospitalized because of acute cholecystitis prior to coronary angiography. Simultaneous CABG and LC were performed in 10 patients (group I). LC was performed immediately after CABG surgery at the same session. PCI (group II) was performed in 9 patients. In the PCI group, LC was performed under general anesthesia 2 or 3 days after PCI. RESULTS: No mortality was seen after the procedures. In the CABG group, the mean number of bypass grafts was 3.4 ± 1.9. The mean extracorporeal circulation and the total operation times were 95 ± 13.5 minutes and 259 ± 18.9 minutes, respectively; the mean intubation duration was 17 ± 4.8 hours. In the PCI group, the mean number of stents per patient was 2.1 ± 0.7; LC was performed 2 or 3 days after the PCI without the cessation of clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid. The mean operation times for LC were 56.5 ± 15.6 minutes and 51.3 ± 17.6 minutes in the CABG and PCI groups, respectively (P = .86). In the CABG group, the mean durations of ICU and hospital stays were 3.1 ± 1.4 and 14.2 ± 3.7 days, respectively. In the PCI group, the mean durations of ICU stay and hospitalization were 1.7 ± 0.4 and 7.4 ± 2.2 days, respectively. Significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of the intubation time, duration of ICU stay, and hospitalization periods (P =.001, P =.0001, and P =.001, respectively). No intra-abdominal complications or bleeding was encountered in any group. Postoperative complications of the abdominal wall or mediastinitis were not seen in the setting of concomitant procedures in the CABG group. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous CABG or PCI with LC may be performed safely in patients with cholecystitis. The durations of postcholecystectomy ICU stay and the intubation time were significantly lower in the PCI group. According to our results, PCI may be the first choice of revascularization procedure in selected patients requiring cholecystectomy prior to discharge.

Are perioperative near-infrared spectroscopy values correlated with clinical and biochemical parameters in cyanotic and acyanotic infants following corrective cardiac surgery?

BACKGROUND: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a useful non-invasive tool for monitoring infants undergoing cardiac surgery. In this study, we aimed to determine the NIRS values in cyanotic and acyanotic patients who underwent corrective cardiac surgery for congenital heart diseases. METHODS: Thirty consecutive infants who were operated on with the diagnosis of ventricular septal defect (n=15) and tetralogy of Fallot (n=15) were evaluated retrospectively. A definitive repair of the underlying cardiac pathology was achieved in all cases. A total of six measurements of cerebral and renal NIRS were performed at different stages of the perioperative period. The laboratory data, mean urine output and serum lactate levels were evaluated along with NIRS values in each group. RESULTS: The NIRS values differ in both groups, even after the corrective surgical procedure is performed. The recovery of renal NIRS values is delayed in the cyanotic patients. CONCLUSION: Even though definitive surgical repair is performed in cyanotic infants, recovery of the renal vasculature may be delayed by up to two days, which is suggestive of a vulnerable period for renal dysfunction.

Correlation between cerebral-renal near-infrared spectroscopy and ipsilateral renal perfusion parameters as clinical outcome predictors after open heart surgery in neonates and infants.

The objective of this clinical study is to determine whether correlation exists among cerebral and renal near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurements, renal Doppler ultrasonography parameters (resistive index, peak systolic velocity), and early postoperative clinical outcomes following cardiac surgery in neonates and infants. Thirty-seven patients undergoing surgery for congenital heart defects with an age of less than 3 months, all of whom were in the high-risk group according to Aristotle Basic Complexity risk stratification score, were enrolled in our study. Cerebral, renal NIRS values and renal Doppler ultrasonography measurements were recorded for each patient at the 4th postoperative hour. The renal resistive indices were calculated for each case, and the patients were divided into two groups according to renal resistive index (RI) values. Group I included the patients with a RI of greater than 0.8 (n = 25) and Group II included the patients with a RI of less than 0.8 (n = 12). The postoperative outcome parameters were compared in between two groups. Group I (RI >0.8) had lower postoperative mean urine output than Group II (RI <0.8) (P = 0.041). The lactate levels were significantly higher in Group I (P = 0.049), as well. The postoperative intensive care unit and hospital stay of Group I was significantly higher than Group II (P = 0.048). Both cerebral and renal NIRS values and the assessment of renal RI as well as peak systolic values can be used in order to predict the early clinical outcome in cardiac surgery patients in early infantile and neonatal period.

Implantation of looped epicardial cardioverter defibrillator coil on the surface of the right ventricular outflow tract.

BACKGROUND: We present the early results of looped epicardial cardioverter defibrillator coil implantation on the anterior surface of right ventricular outflow tract in infants and children. METHODS: Patients with a surgical history of an epicardial implantable cardioverter defibrillator system between 2013 and 2014 were included in the study. Patient age, gender, body weight, indications for a cardioverter defibrillator system implantation, defibrillation threshold values, and defibrillation therapies were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: There were eight patients with a mean age of 4.4 ± 2.9 years and a mean body weight of 19.5 ± 11.7 kg. Five of the patients had been diagnosed with long QT syndrome, one patient had been diagnosed with genetic channelopathy and noncompaction of the left ventricle, and two patients had been diagnosed with univentricle physiology. The implantable cardioverter defibrillator system was composed of pace-sense leads, an abdominal active can, and a defibrillation coil placed below the pulmonary valve annulus on the anterior surface of the heart. The mean defibrillation threshold was 6.6 ± 2.3 joules. There were four appropriate therapies in two patients in a mean follow-up of 9 ± 6.5 months. CONCLUSION: The significantly low defibrillation thresholds with the defibrillation coils located below the pulmonary valve annulus are encouraging. However, a larger patient series will be necessary to evaluate the safety and reliability of this technique.

Impact of pulsatile perfusion on clinical outcomes of neonates and infants with complex pathologies undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass procedures.

The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the pulsatile perfusion mode in pediatric patients who had complex cardiac pathologies according to Jenkins stratifications (category 4) undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass procedures (CPB). Patients with transposition of great arteries (TGA) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) were included in this clinical study. Eighty-nine consecutive pediatric patients undergoing open heart surgery for repair of TGA-VSD were prospectively entered into the study and were randomly assigned to either the pulsatile perfusion group (Group P, n = 58) or the nonpulsatile perfusion group (Group NP, n = 31). There were no differences between groups in terms of demographical and intraoperative parameters. The pulsatile group needed significantly less inotropic support (P < 0.05) and had lower lactate levels (P < 0.001), higher urine output (P < 0.01), and higher albumin levels (P < 0.05). In addition, the pulsatile group had less ICU (P < 0.01) and hospital stays (P < 0.001). We conclude that the use of pulsatile flow is a better option and should be considered for repair of the complex congenital heart defects.

Predictors of extubation in the operating room after pediatric cardiac surgery: A single-center retrospective study.

Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of our on-table extubation strategy in patients with congenital heart disease. Methods: Between April 2021 and November 2022, a total of 114 pediatric patients (58 males, 56 females; median age: 25.3 months; range, 57.5 to 4.4 months) who were operated for congenital heart diseases were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were evaluated according to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (STS-EACTS) scoring system. Perioperative patient data were analyzed and correlated with the extubation status. Results: Overall, 56% of the patients were extubated in the operating room. There was an association between fluid balance per unit body surface area, longer cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times and on-table extubation. Lactate value prior to extubation, STS-EACTS mortality category, estimated mortality, and estimated morbidity were statistically significant with regards to the achievability of extubation. Multivariate analysis revealed lactate value prior to extubation and estimated postoperative length of hospital stay to be significant factors affecting on-table extubation. There was a significant correlation between decreased length of intensive care unit and hospital stay and on-table extubation. Conclusion: The outcomes of our on-table extubation strategy for patients with congenital heart disease reveal the feasibility of this approach. Higher lactate and fluid balance/body surface area levels, longer cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass durations, increased surgical complexity are indicators of a failure to perform on-table extubation. This strategy is also associated with shorter intensive care unit and hospital length of stays as an additional clinical benefit.

Perfusion practices and education of perfusionists for open heart surgery in Turkey--current practices and future suggestions.

Our objective is to compare our current findings with the findings of our former study in 2004 and to make new suggestions for the development of cardiovascular perfusion in Turkey according to the results of the survey in 2011.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease: lessons learnt from the large Turkish Nationwide Registry (THALES).

Pulmonary hypertension is a group of diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (APAH-CHD), characterized by progressive deterioration in pulmonary hemodynamics associated with substantial morbidity and mortality risk. THALES is a national multicenter, prospective observational registry, providing data on patients with APAH-CHD. The study comprised APAH-CHD patients (>3 months of age) with confirmed diagnosis of right heart catheterization or echocardiographic findings. Initial and follow-up data were collected via regular hospital visits. Descriptive statistics are used for definitive purposes. Overall, 1034 patients aged 3 months-79 years (median 11.2 [Q1-Q3: 2.2-24.3] years) with APAH-CHD were enrolled at 61 centers, 50.3% being retrospectively enrolled. Most had either Eisenmenger's syndrome (49.2%) or systemic-to-pulmonary shunts (42.7%). Patients were mostly in functional class I-II at the time of diagnosis (46.6%). Mean 6-min walk distance (6MWD) was 369 ± 120 m. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 54.7 ± 22.2 mmHg for the whole group, and was highest in patients with Eisenmenger's syndrome. Targeted therapies were noted in 398 (38.5%) patients (monotherapy in 80.4%). Follow-up data were available in 506 patients. Survival at 140 months was 79% and was associated with baseline 6MWD >440 m (p = 0.009), brain natriuretic peptide level < 300 ng/L (p < 0.001). Follow-up 6MWD >165 m (p < 0.0001), brain natriuretic peptide level <300 ng/L (p = 0.031), and targeted therapies (p = 0.004) were also predictive of survival. THALES is the largest registry dedicated to APAH-CHD to date and provides important contributions on demographics, clinical characteristics, and gaps in disease management.

Evaluation of perfusion modes on vital organ recovery and thyroid hormone homeostasis in pediatric patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

The objectives of this study were: (i) to evaluate the effects of perfusion modes (pulsatile vs. nonpulsatile) on vital organs recovery and (ii) to investigate the influences of two different perfusion modes on the homeostasis of thyroid hormones in pediatric patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures. Two hundred and eighty-nine consecutive pediatric patients undergoing open heart surgery for repair of congenital heart disease were prospectively entered into the study and were randomly assigned to two groups: the pulsatile perfusion group (Group P, n = 208) and the nonpulsatile perfusion group (Group NP, n = 81). All patients received identical surgical, perfusional, and postoperative care. Study parameters included total drainage, mean urine output in the intensive care unit (ICU), intubation time, duration of ICU and hospital stay, the need for inotropic support, pre- and postoperative enzyme levels (ALT [alanine aminotransaminase] and AST [aspartate aminotransaminase]), c-reactive protein, lactate, albumin, blood count (leukocytes, hematocrit, platelets), creatinine levels, and thyroid hormones (thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH], FT(3) [free triiodothyronine], FT(4) [free thyroxine]). All patients survived the perioperative and postoperative periods. There were no statistically significant differences in either preoperative or operative parameters between the two groups. Group P, compared to Group NP, required significantly less inotropic support, had a shorter intubation period, higher urine output in ICU, and shorter duration of ICU and hospital stay. Lower lactate levels and higher albumin levels were observed in Group P and there were no significant differences in creatinine, enzyme levels, blood counts, or drainage amounts between two groups. TSH, Total T(3) , Total T(4) , and FT(3) , FT(4) levels were markedly reduced versus their preoperative values in both groups. FT(3) and FT(4) levels were reduced significantly further in the nonpulsatile group both during CPB and at 72 h postoperation. The results of this study confirm our opinion that pulsatile perfusion leads to better vital organ recovery and clinical outcomes in the early postoperative period as compared to nonpulsatile perfusion in pediatric patients undergoing CPB cardiac surgery. The plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones are dramatically reduced during and after CPB, but pulsatile perfusion seems to have a protective effect of thyroid hormone homeostasis compared to nonpulsatile perfusion.

Cardiac surgery of premature and low birthweight newborns: is a change of fate possible?

Low birthweight (LBW) continues to be a high-risk factor in surgery for congenital heart disease. This risk is particularly very high in very low birthweight infants under 1500g and extremely LBW infants under 1000g. From January 2005 to December 2008, 33 consecutive LBW neonates underwent cardiac surgery in our clinic in keeping with the criteria for choice of surgery. Their weight range was between 800 and 1900g. Nine of them were under 1000g. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was used in 17 patients (39.5%) and pulsatile perfusion mode was applied to patients in the CPB group. The same surgical team operated to achieve palliation (8 patients, 24.2%) or full repair (25 patients, 75.8%). Median gestational age was 36 weeks with 12 (36.4%) premature babies (≤37 weeks). Median age at operation was 5 days. Pathologies were single ventricle (n=3), pulmonary atresia-ventricular septal defect (n=3), aortic coarctation (n=10), aorticopulmonary window and interrupted aortic arch combination (n=6), patent arterial duct (n=11), critical aortic stenosis (n=8), and tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia (n=2). One infant had VATER syndrome. Selective cerebral perfusion technique was used in complex arch pathologies for cerebral protection. Median follow-up was 14 months. There were four early postoperative deaths. None of the cases showed a need for early reoperation. The acceptable early- and midterm mortality rates in this group suggest that these operations can be successfully performed. There is a need for further multicenter studies to evaluate these high-risk groups.

[Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: the first applications and early results in Turkey]. / Transkateter aort kapak yerlestirme: Türkiye'deki ilk uygulamalar ve erken sonuçlar.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the first applications and results of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in Turkey, which is a new technology for the treatment of aortic valve stenosis. STUDY DESIGN: We performed TAVI in eight severely symptomatic patients (5 women, 3 men; mean age 81.6 ± 6.7 years; range 71 to 95 years) between May 1 and December 31, 2009. All the patients had severe aortic stenosis (mean valve area 0.6 cm², systolic peak/mean gradients 80.5 ± 22.1/50.0 ± 16.1 mmHg). Two patients had severe coronary artery disease that required intervention during TAVI. All the patients presented a high surgical risk (EuroSCORE 31.1 ± 9.8 and STS score 12.8 ± 7.9). The Edwards Sapien bioprosthetic valve was implanted through the transfemoral approach in seven patients, and transapical approach in one patient. RESULTS: All prosthetic valves were of appropriate size, were implanted in appropriate locations, and functioned perfectly. Two patients with severe coronary stenosis underwent successful simultaneous percutaneous coronary intervention before TAVI. Following TAVI, the mean aortic valve area increased to 1.5 ± 0.1 cm² (p < 0.01), and systolic/mean gradients decreased to 27.6 ± 9.6/14.6 ± 5.8 mmHg (p < 0.01). One patient underwent permanent pacemaker implantation due to persistent atrioventricular block, and two patients had transient atrioventricular block. Two patients died; one on the first day following transapical implantation, and the other after six months of implantation. The mean NYHA functional class decreased from preoperative 3.8 ± 0.3, to 1.1 ± 0.3 after a mean follow-up of 3.5 ± 2.5 months (range 1 to 8 months) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Early results of TAVI are successful in patients with inoperable aortic valve stenosis due to high surgical risk. The results of randomized studies with longer follow-up will clarify widespread use of this technique.

Recurrent thrombotic RCA occlusions due to exaggerated stent protrusion into the aorta.

We report a case with exaggerated stent protrusion from the right coronary ostium into the aorta leading to recurrent inferoposterior and right ventricular myocardial infarctions due to stent thrombosis, which were treated successfully with fibrinolysis. The stent was removed via transverse aortotomy and two bypass grafts were performed. Stents protruding from the aorta may not only cause technical difficulties but also carry a high risk of thrombosis.

Clinical outcomes of pulsatile and non-pulsatile mode of perfusion.

A longstanding debate remains over whether or not pulsatile flow provides better perfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This paper provides a guide for clinical investigation, as well as current laboratory and clinical evidence concerning pulsatile and non-pulsatile perfusion. This evidence is in the form of in vitro and in vivo experiments and clinical trials. We review the literature and provide personal experience from the Pediatric Cardiac Research Laboratories at the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. Pulsatility is emerging as the preferred perfusion method for CPB. Clinical evidence show better cardiac, renal, and pulmonary outcomes in patients receiving pulsatile perfusion. Furthermore, better cytokine, endothelin, and hormone levels and a higher respiratory index are shown in pulsatile perfusion modes compared with non-pulsatile perfusion modes. In recent years, evidence has amounted that supports a shift toward pulsatility in these procedures over non-pulsatility. Currently, more evaluation of circuit components and patient outcomes is needed.