Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Complications and Mortality in the Early Postoperative Period After Heart Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak directly impacted heart transplantation (HT) surgery activity. Reallocating resources and converting surgical intensive care units to COVID-19 facilities led to reduced accessibility and quality of health care facilities to heart recipient patients. AIM: To study the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on heart transplantation activity and outcomes in the early postoperative period. METHODS: Retrospective data analysis of patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation in our institution from March 2018 to February 2022. The patient population (N = 281) included 223 (79.4%) men and 58 (20.6%) women. The perioperative data of the prepandemic group, March 2018 to February 2020 (N = 130), and the pandemic group, March 2020 to February 2022 (N = 151), were compared. RESULTS: We found differences in preoperative inotropic support between the groups (N = 43 (33.1%) vs N = 72 (47.7%), P < .05), respectively). The number of urgent HTs increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 51 (39.2%), vs N = 72 (47.7%), P = .155). Analyzed groups did not differ according to renal, pulmonary, or neurology complications. Intensive care unit (ICU) standing time was longer in the pandemic group (6 days [3-12] vs 11 days [5-12], P < .001). CONCLUSION: We found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of end-stage heart failure recipients requiring cardiac support increased. Extended time of ICU standing in the pandemic group may be related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although some efforts have been made to reduce the impact of the pandemic, more research is required.

Post-COVID-19 Era In Heart Transplantation and Its Impact on the Early Postoperative Period After Surgery.

BACKGROUND: End-stage heart failure patients were at increased risk for acquiring COVID-19 infection and progression to severe disease, given multiple health care contacts and underlying health conditions. Understanding the outcomes of such patients will help risk-stratify and guide optimization before heart transplant surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on heart transplantation activity and outcomes in the early postoperative period. METHODS: Retrospective data analysis of patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation in our institution from March 2020 to July 2023. The patient population (N = 208) included 176 (84.6%) men and 32 (15.4%) women. The perioperative data of the pandemic group, March 2020 to February 2022 (N = 151), and the post-pandemic group, March 2022 to July 2023 (N = 57), were compared. RESULTS: The number of patients requiring inotropic support increased during the post-COVID-19 era (N = 48 [84.2%], vs N = 72 [47.7%], P < .001). There were no differences in renal complications. Duration of mechanical ventilation was longer in the post-pandemic group (19 hours [14-24] vs 14 hours [9-28], P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The extended duration of mechanical ventilation in the post-pandemic group may be related to the patient's preoperative condition. The number of heart transplant recipients with end-stage heart failure requiring inotropic support increased in the post-COVID-19 era. Although some efforts have been made to reduce the impact of the pandemic, more research is required.

Proposal for the use of angiotensin II in distributive shock after extracorporeal circulation - position paper of the Section of Intensive Care Medicine and the Section of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology of the Polish Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy.

Angiotensin II (AT) is a potent vasoconstrictor and hypertensive drug that is registered for the treatment of severe hypotension in vasoplegic shock. Growing experience with the use of AT in cardiac surgery allows the first therapeutic algorithms to be created. This paper is a proposal for the use of AT in distributive shock after extracorporeal circulation.

Predictors of renal replacement therapy following isolated coronary artery surgery - a retrospective case controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: Severe acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring postoperative renal replacement therapy (RRT) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rate following cardiac surgery. Our study was aimed to analyze patients requiring postoperative RRT in a population undergoing isolated coronary artery surgery. METHODS: Following exclusions, we analyzed 124,944 consecutive patients in the Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgical Procedures (KROK Registry), scheduled for isolated coronary artery surgery between January 2010 and December 2019. Patients who underwent preoperative chronic dialysis were excluded from the study. Data of patients requiring postoperative RRT and patients without postoperative RRT were compared. RESULTS: In the analyzed population, 1,668 patients (1.3%) developed AKI requiring RRT. In-hospital mortality among patients with and without postoperative RRT were 40.1% and 1.6%, respectively (P<0.001). Patients requiring postoperative RRT had significantly more preoperative co-morbidities and more frequent postoperative complications. Preoperative chronic renal failure and cardiogenic shock were the two most prominent independent risk factors for postoperative RRT in these patients (OR: 5.0, 95%CI: 3.9-6.4, P<0.001 and OR: 3.9, 95%CI: 2.8-5.6, P<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Severe acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring postoperative RRT dramatically increases in-hospital mortality and is associated with the development of serious postoperative complications. The need for postoperative RRT is clearly associated with the presence of preoperative co-morbidities. Preoperative chronic renal failure and cardiogenic shock were particularly related with the development of this complication.

Incidence and Perioperative Risk Factors of Acute Kidney Injury Among Lung Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant burden in an early postoperative period after lung transplantation (LT). The development of severe AKI, including a need for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), is associated with increased mortality among lung transplant recipients. Evaluation of AKI incidence and predictive factors related to the development of severe AKI and with the use of CRRT in the early postoperative period after LT. METHODS: Retrospective study of 73 consecutive patients after LT operated between 2015 and 2018 in our center. We noted the stage of AKI according to KDIGO guidelines in the 7 postoperative days. RESULTS: We noted AKI among 62 lung transplant recipients (84.9%). We recognized the first and second stages of AKI in 21 patients (28.8%) and 19 patients 26%, respectively (group A). We identified severe AKI (group C) in 22 recipients (30.1%), 9 of whom needed CRRT postoperatively. There was a nonsignificant difference between groups in baseline serum creatinine (0.69 ± 0.22 mg/dL vs 0.84 ± 0.34; P = .073). Group C subjects statistically more often suffered from pulmonary hypertension (P < .001) and diabetes (P < .001). In both groups, the duration of the procedure was comparable, but, among patients with severe AKI, procedures were performed more often with the use of extracorporeal circulation (50% vs 68%; P = .194) CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary hypertension and diabetes could be significant risk factors of high-grade AKI development after LT. Identification of factors modifying renal insufficiency development in lung transplant recipients needs further investigations.

Influence of Fluid Therapy on Kidney Function in the Early Postoperative Period After Lung Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative fluid therapy among patients undergoing lung transplantation (LT) has a significant clinical importance, including developing of acute kidney injury (AKI). The presence of AKI in the early postoperative period is associated with increased mortality in lung transplant recipients. Analysis includes the relationship between the volume of infused fluids, the balances of crystalloids and colloids during LT procedure and in the first 24 hours and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values in the following days of the postoperative period. METHODS: Retrospective study of 73 consecutive patients undergoing LT between 2015 and 2018 in our institution. Deterioration of renal function was defined as the change in eGFR that occurred between baseline eGFR and the first and 7 first postoperative days following transplantation. The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula was used to calculate the eGFR value. RESULTS: The greatest decline of eGFR in the early postoperative period was demonstrated on day 7 (ΔeGFR = 75.76 ± 40.08). Increased negative crystalloid balances during the LT procedure were strongly associated to less decrease in eGFR value on the seventh day post-LT (r = -0.997, P < .05). Increased volumes of transfused colloids during LT were correlated to less decline of eGFR value on day 7 (r = -0.3981, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Negative crystalloid balance in the early postoperative period post-LT has a potentially protective effect on kidney function, although fluid balances management should be individually considered for potential clinical benefits. The impact of the fluid administration after LT on the occurrence and recovery of AKI among lung transplant recipients requires further investigation.

[Methodology and safety of transvascular reduction of severe ischaemic mitral insufficiency with MitraClip in high-surgical-risk patients - first three cases in Poland]. / Metodyka i bezpieczenstwo zabiegu przeznaczyniowej redukcji ciezkiej pozawalowej niedomykalnosci mitralnjec metoda MitraClip u 3 chorych wysokiego ryzyka leczenia operacyjnego - pierwsze polskie doswiadczenia.

The authors present the results of minimally invasive transvascular reduction of severe mitral insufficiency in the first three patients with extensive postinfarction cardiac injury treated in Poland. The positive early in-hospital outcomes in the first three patients encourage further implementation of this treatment method in patients with postinfarction cardiomyopathy and high perioperative risk.

Nonstandard usage of a left ventricular assist device in a patient with severe heart failure complicated by pulmonary artery thrombosis - case report.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure complicated by pulmonary embolism is an extremely rare condition described in the literature. We report a case of very young patient with advanced heart failure against the background of dilated cardiomyopathy of unknown etiology with the presence of blood clots in both ventricles. CASE PRESENTATION: The course of treatment was complicated by acute pulmonary embolism. In emergency setting the patient was qualified for combine surgery pulmonary embolization and implantation of a continuous flow pump as a bridge for heart transplantation. The post-operative course is described in detail as well as reimplantation of the pump due to early thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Performed surgical procedures combined with alteration in anticoagulant drugs was sufficient to stabilize the clinical condition.

Procalcitonin Kinetics After Heart Transplantation and as a Marker of Infection in Early Postoperative Course.

INTRODUCTION: Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker of systemic infection. Specificity of PCT is decreased because PCT is also elevated after heart transplantation (HTx). There is no established normal range of serum PCT concentrations after HTx yet. Our aim was to determine the course of PCT concentrations in patients after HTx in the early postoperative period, if we can discriminate postoperative increase in values from infectious complications. RESULTS: Of 39 patients we diagnosed infection in 11. These patients develop acute kidney injury significantly more often than in control group (group C) (5 in infection group [group I] and 2 in group C, P < .05), and 1 patient died within 30 days in group C. Seven patients developed primary graft dysfunction (3/4 + ECMO [extracorporeal membrane oxygenation], respectively, group I/group C) and 2 neurologic disorders in group I. Reoperation due to bleeding was 3 in each group. During the 14 days after HTx, serum PCT concentrations increased with maximum on the second postoperative day (group C: 30.6 ± 15.3 ng/mL; group I: 24.9 ± 44.3 ng/mL). Normal values for PCT were reached on day 8 in group C and 11 in group I. Mean PCT levels were similar: 8.7 ± 5.7 ng/mL vs 11.9 ± 13.1 ng/mL in group I vs group C, respectively. Patients in group I stayed longer in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: Despite increase in serum concentration of PCT in early postoperative course after HTx there is no marker of infection. Trends in PCT serum concentration may be a valuable tool in diagnosis of infection in patients after HTx, but further investigation is needed.

Prognostic Value of Creatinine Concentration and Glomerular Filtration Rate in Acute Kidney Injury Development in the Early Postoperative Period After Heart Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Recipients of nonrenal organ transplants, including the heart, are at risk for developing acute kidney injury (AKI). This situation significantly jeopardized the outcome of patients. The most effective treatment is continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) AIM: The goal of this project is to verify the prognostic value of preoperative serum creatinine concentration and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), calculated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula, to determine the risk of renal failure after grafting RESULTS: In the group of 39 patients, CRRT was needed in 7 patients (17.9%; group K); 32 patients were in the control group (group C). The pretransplant creatinine level in group K was 133.7 ± 31.3 µmol/L and in group C was 160.8 ± 97.6 µmol/L; P = .47. We did not find a difference between groups in GFR: group K 51 ± 6mL/min/1.73 m2 versus group C 43 ± 20 mL/min/1.73 m2; P = .65. Demographic data differed between groups. Patients in group C had significantly more often hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and previous neurologic disorders and were male. Patients with CRRT had longer intensive care unit (ICU) stays after transplantation than the control population: 25 ± 19 versus 12 ± 10 days; P = .02. Other results showed that primary graft dysfunction occurred in 2 patients in group K and 6 in the control group; 1 needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, and he died on the 12th day. The mean duration of renal replacement therapy was 9.8 days. There were 2 neurologic disorders-1 in each group-and 6 reoperations due to bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Developing AKI requiring CRRT after heart transplantation prolonged the length of ICU stays. Preoperative creatinine concentration and glomerular filtration rate do not predict AKI.

Tacrolimus and Mycophenolic Acid Blood Concentration and Cellular Rejection After Heart Transplantation in First Endomyocardial Biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid (MPA) are the most important immunosuppressive drugs in modern heart transplantation. The pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus are best described by a 2-compartment model. MPA has very variable pharmacokinetics. The aim of this research was to compare kinetics of the immunosuppressants' blood levels in a group of patients with and without graft rejection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a retrospective analysis of 39 consecutive adult orthotopic heart transplantations (OHT): 10 (9 men and 1 woman) in group R had graft rejection (ISHLT >2) in the first biopsy and 29 (22 men and 7 women) in group C were without rejection. Ischemic cardiomyopathy occurred in 2 of 7 and nonischemic cardiomyopathy in 8 of 22 (group R and group C, respectively). RESULTS: Patients did not differ between groups except diabetes, which occurred more often in group R. Immunosuppressive drug levels were: group R and group C, respectively, 2.13 ± 0.49 and 2.11 ± 0.72 µg/mL; P = .93 for mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and 9.42 ± 1.76 and 9.63 ± 2.30 ng/mL; P = .75 for tacrolimus. ICU stay was 14 ± 11 vs 15 ± 15 days; P = .76. There were 2 of 6 primary graft failures, 1 of 1 neurologic complications, and 0 of 6 reoperations (P < .05) in group R and group C, respectively. One patient died from group C in 30 days. During the hospital stay the incidence of graft rejection was diagnosed in 20 patients (16men and 4 women) (ISHLT >2 in endomyocardial biopsy) in the study population. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring of tacrolimus concentration in the early post--heart transplant period does not identify patients with rejection in the authors' study. Monitoring concentration of MMF does not identify patients with rejection. Further investigation is needed to evaluate factors responsible for post--heart transplant rejection in the early phase.

Off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery surgery in octogenarians (from the KROK Registry).

BACKGROUND: According to the medical literature, both on-pump and off-pump coronary artery surgery is safe and effective in octogenarians. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to examine the epidemiology, in-hospital outcomes and long-term follow-up results in octogenarians undergoing off-pump and on-pump coronary artery surgery utilizing nationwide registry data. METHODS: All octogenarians (≥ 80 years) enrolled in the Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgical Procedures (KROK Registry), who underwent isolated coronary surgery between January 2006 and September 2017 were identified. Preoperative data, perioperative complications, hospital mortality and long-term mortality were analyzed. Unadjusted and propensity-matched comparisons were performed between octogenarians undergoing off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. RESULTS: Octogenarians accounted for 4.1% of the total population undergoing coronary artery surgery in Poland during the analyzed period (n = 152,631) and this percentage is increasing. Among 6,006 analyzed patients, 2,744 (45.7%) were operated on-pump and 3,262 (54.3%) were operated off-pump. Propensity-matched analysis revealed that patients operated on-pump were more often reoperated due to postoperative bleeding and their in-hospital mortality was higher (6.6% vs 4.5%, p = 0.006 and 8.7% vs 5.8%, p = 0.001, respectively). Long-term all-cause mortality was lower among patients operated off-pump (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: On the basis of our findings we suggest that off pump technique should be considered as perfectly acceptable in octogenarians.

[POL-TAVI First--Polish report on transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) of Edwards-Sapien prosthesis in the first 19 high risk patients with severe aortic stenosis and comorbidities]. / Nasze forum--kardiolodzy i kardiochirurdzy razem Raport POL-TAVI FIRST z zastosowania przezcewnikowej implantacji zastawki aortalnej typu Edwards-Sapien u pierwszych w Polsce 19 chorych z grupy bardzo duzego ryzyka, z ciezka stenoza aortalna i chorobami obciazajacymi rokowanie.

Patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, who from November 2008 to March 2009 were treated with Edwards-Sapien transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) within the POL-TAVI First Polish Registry, were included in the analysis. Nineteen patients aged 78+/-4.8 years with high operation risk and Logistic EuroSCORE 25+/-7.6% were reported (74% were females). In 15 (79%) patients the valve was implanted transapically (TA), in the other four (21%)--via the femoral arterial access (TF). The valve was successfully implanted in 16 (84%) patients, in one patient aortic valvuloplasty alone was performed. During in-hospital period two patients died (one during periprocedural period and another one--two months after the implantation). During the mean follow-up of 5+/-1.5 months (except for one patient who is still in hospital) all patients are in NYHA class I or II. Results of the initial series of 19 TAVI patients in Poland are satisfactory, and the trial will be continued with careful medical and economical analysis.

Myofibrillolysis and fibrosis predicts myocardial insufficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiocyte myofibrillolysis and interstitial fibrosis belong to histopathological changes in cardiomyopathies, leading to heart failure. AIM: To evaluate these changes in apical resection during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The studied group consisted of 40 patients with cardiomyopathy, and apical samples excised during left ventricular assist device implantation were studied (CM/VAD group, mean: 48.1 ±10 y/o). A control group consisted of 6 apical samples from healthy heart graft donors (mean: 29 ±2.3 years old). Area fraction (AF) was calculated for: fibrosis, cardiocytes with myofibrillolysis (MFL), non-myofibrillolytic cardiocytes (non-MFL). RESULTS: Single lymphocytes were seen in 18 (45%) cases in the CM/VAD group. Cardiomyopathy grade evaluated semiquantitatively in CM/VAD was: slight (25% of a group), moderate (35.5%), advanced (35.5%). CM/VAD cases showed nearly ten times higher fibrosis than the control group. The MFL cells occupied nearly a five times larger area in CM/VAD than in the control group, whereas non-MFL cells were found in the control group, as a predominant pattern. The linear regression calculated between fibrosis AF and types of cardiocytes indicated the depletion of cardiomyocytes with fibrosis increase. The control group presented insignificant dependency between fibrosis and MFL cells, suggesting the lack of replacement fibrosis. Significant negative dependence between fibrosis and non-MFL cardiocytes suggested remodeling in controls. Correlation analysis showed a strong relation between depletion of normal cardiocytes and progression of fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Progression of cardiomyopathy and fibrosis depends on the loss of cardiocytes rather than degeneration of these cells.

In-hospital and mid-term outcomes in patients reoperated on due to bleeding following coronary artery surgery (from the KROK Registry).

OBJECTIVES: Surgical re-exploration due to postoperative bleeding that follows coronary artery surgery is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess a relationship between re-exploration, major postoperative complications, in-hospital mortality and mid-term outcomes in patients following coronary surgery, on the basis of nationwide registry data. METHODS: We identified all consecutive patients enrolled in Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgical Procedures (KROK Registry) who underwent isolated coronary surgery between January 2012 and December 2014. Preoperative data, major postoperative complications, hospital mortality and mid-term all-cause mortality were, respectively, analysed. Comparisons were performed in all patients, low-risk patients (EuroSCORE II < 2%, males, aged 60-70 years) and propensity-matched patients. The starting point for follow-up was the date of hospital discharge. RESULTS: Among 41 353 analysed patients, 1406 (3.4%) underwent re-exploration. Reoperated patients had more comorbidities, more frequent major postoperative complications, higher in-hospital mortality (13.2% vs 1.8%, P < 0.001) and higher mid-term mortality in survivors (P < 0.001). In the low-risk population, 3.0% of patients underwent re-exploration. Reoperated low-risk patients and propensity-matched patients also had more frequent major postoperative complications and higher in-hospital mortality, but mid-term mortality in survivors was similar. In a multivariable analysis, re-exploration was an independent predictor of death and all major postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical re-exploration due to postoperative bleeding following coronary artery surgery carries a high risk of perioperative mortality and is linked to major postoperative complications. Among patients who survive to hospital discharge, mid-term mortality is associated primarily with preoperative comorbidities.

Evaluation of thoracic epidural analgesia in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery - a prospective randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Most recent studies tend to confirm the beneficial effect of thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) in cardiac surgery. AIM: To assess whether intensive care unit TEA has an influence on the perioperative course following low-risk coronary artery surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized trial was performed in patients scheduled for low-risk coronary artery surgery. Eighty patients undergoing off-pump or on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery were prospectively randomized to receive either combined general and epidural anesthesia or general anesthesia only. Time of postoperative ventilations and intensive care unit stay was compared between the groups. For all comparisons (p < 0.05) was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The addition of TEA to general anesthesia significantly attenuated the stress response expressed by intraoperative heart rate, systolic blood pressure and cumulative doses of opioids. Time to the return of spontaneous respiration, time to extubation and time of stay in the postoperative care unit were all shorter in the study group, with no difference in hospital stay. Patients with TEA required midazolam less frequently (12.8% vs. 53.8%, p < 0.001). The percentage of patients given morphine in the study group was lower (46.2% vs. 89.7%, p < 0.001) and the mean dose given in patients receiving morphine was also lower (9.3 ±5.3 mg vs. 18.2 ±9.1 mg, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Addition of TEA to general anesthesia shortens the return of respiratory function, duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay in the postoperative period after coronary artery surgery, providing comparable hemodynamic stability to general anesthesia alone.

The use of intraoperative epiaortic ultrasonography in monitoring patients over 75 years old treated with aortic valve replacement.

INTRODUCTION: Epiaortic ultrasound scanning (EAS) extended the use of ultrasound to the intraoperative diagnosis of aortic pathology. Surgical palpation of the ascending aorta underestimates the presence and severity of atherosclerotic plaques. Epiaortic ultrasound scanning has been used as an adjunct to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or as a primary direct diagnostic tool for imaging the ascending aorta as well as the aortic arch, which gained prominence as part of a multipronged intraoperative strategy to reduce atherosclerotic emboli. AIM: To compare the epiaortic examination with transthoracic and transesophageal echo (transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and TEE), X-ray, surgical intraoperative palpation, and postoperative neurological status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analyzed group consisted of 35 patients (mean age: 81.3 years) treated with aortic valve replacement (AVR), either alone (60%) or combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG; 22.8%) or aortic aneurysm replacement (11.42%). In 2 patients, only CABG was performed because intraoperatively reevaluated strategy. Thierteen patients have got a history of diabetes, 10 chronic renal failure and 3 of cerebral stroke. RESULTS: In more than 80% of patients, positive EAS results had an influence on the choice of aortic clamping site and in 50% of patients on the site of cannulation. Female sex, peripheral vascular disease, history of previous stroke, and calcifications in the ascending aorta in TTE have significant predictive value for recognizing atherosclerotic changes in EAS and the risk of postoperative neurological complications in octogenarians treated with AVR. CONCLUSIONS: Epiaortic ultrasound scanning imaging is superior to TTE and manual palpation in the detection and localization of ascending atherosclerosis. This technique should be introduced as a standard perioperative examination in older patients at risk of neurological complications.

Clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of patients with ischemic and nonischemic acute severe heart failure. Analysis of data from the COMMIT­AHF registry.

INTRODUCTION There are limited data on the impact of ischemic etiology on the clinical status and long­term prognosis of patients with acute severe heart failure (HF) not associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics, treatment, and 12­month mortality of patients with acute severe HF not associated with ACS, according to the etiology of HF.  PATIENTS AND METHODS Data from 112 patients with acute severe HF not associated with ACS were analyzed: 61 patients with ischemic HF and 51 patients with nonischemic HF. Acute severe HF was defined as acute HF on admission with at least one of the following characteristics: pulmonary congestion, cardiogenic shock, catecholamine or intraaortic balloon pump support, ultrafiltration, mechanical ventilation, prolonged use of intravenous diuretics, fluid in the body cavities requiring decompression, or multiorgan failure. RESULTS Patients with ischemic HF were older (62 vs 54 years, P = 0.001), predominately male (84% vs 65%, P = 0.02), had more comorbidities, and had lower left ventricular ejection fraction (21% vs 27%, P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in treatment modalities (ie, mechanical ventilation, hemodiafiltration, intraaortic balloon pump, left ventricular assist device, heart transplantation), except for 14 percutaneous coronary interventions in the ischemic group. In­hospital adverse events were similar between the groups. Among 83 discharged patients with available follow­up, death was reported for 15 patients with ischemic and 11 patients with nonischemic HF (34% vs 28%, P = 0.42).  CONCLUSIONS Ischemic HF, accounting for approximately half of the cases of acute severe HF not related to ACS, was not associated with a significantly worse prognosis than nonischemic HF.

Staged hybrid ablation for persistent and longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation effectively restores sinus rhythm in long-term observation.

INTRODUCTION: Hybrid ablation (HABL) of atrial fibrillation combining endoscopic, minimally invasive, closed chest epicardial ablation with endocardial CARTO-guided accuracy was introduced to overcome the limitations of current therapeutic options for patients with persistent (PSAF) and longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the procedural safety and feasibility as well as effectiveness of HABL in patients with PSAF and LSPAF 1 year after the procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is a single-center, prospective clinical registry. From 07/2009 to 12.2014, 90 patients with PSAF (n = 39) and LSPAF (n = 51), at the mean age of 54.8 ±9.8, in mean EHRA class 2.6, underwent HABL. 64.4% of patients had a history of prior cardioversion or catheter ablation. Thirteen patients had LVEF less than 35%. Mean AF duration was 4.5 ±3.7 years. Patients were scheduled for 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up with 7-day Holter monitoring. RESULTS: At 6 months after the procedure 78% (54/69) of patients were in SR. At 12 months after the procedure 86% (59/69) were in SR and 62.3% (43/69) in SR and off class I/III antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs). Only 1% (1/69) of patients required a repeat ablation for atrial flutter. A significant decrease in LA dimension and an increase in LVEF were noted. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of epicardial and endocardial RF ablation should be considered as a treatment option for patients with persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation as it is safe and effective in restoring sinus rhythm.

Emergency HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD) exchange due to pump thrombosis using minimally invasive technique.

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) thrombosis remains a dreadful complication of mechanical circulatory support, with an incidence of 8-12% depending on the pump type and patient's comorbidities. Fibrinolysis may be considered early in pump thrombosis, but when contraindicated a pump exchange remains the only alternative. This short report documents an emergency LVAD exchange in a 55-year-old man who underwent LVAD (HeartWare Inc) implantation in 2013 as a bridge to transplantation. Four months after the initial surgery, he suffered from a hemorrhagic stroke despite properly managed anticoagulation. On February 17th, 2017 he was re-admitted with LVAD pump thrombosis. As fibrinolysis was contraindicated, an emergency pump exchange was performed via a limited thoracic incision in order to minimize surgical trauma, reduce intraoperative complications and facilitate immediate post-operative recovery. This report documents the very first LVAD pump exchange as well as the first one performed via a minimally invasive approach in Poland.