Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: Case Series and Review for Intensive Care Physicians.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with substantial morbidity and early mortality in afflicted adults. Cardiopulmonary complications that occur at increased frequency in SCD such as pulmonary embolism, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and acute chest syndrome can acutely worsen right ventricular function and lead to cardiogenic shock. Mechanical circulatory support including venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) is being increasingly utilized to treat hemodynamic collapse in various patient populations. However, a paucity of literature exists to guide the use of mechanical circulatory support in adults with SCD where disease-related sequela and unique hematologic aspects of this disorder may complicate extracorporeal therapy and must be understood. Here, we review the literature and describe three cases of adult patients with SCD who developed cardiogenic shock from acute decompensated right heart failure and were treated clinically with VA ECMO. Using an in vitro ECMO system, we investigate a potential increased risk of systemic fat emboli in patients with SCD who may be experiencing vaso-occlusive events with bone marrow involvement given the high-volume shunting of blood from venous to arterial systems with VA ECMO. The purpose of this study is to describe available extracorporeal life support experiences, review potential complications, and discuss the special considerations needed to further our understanding of the utility of VA ECMO in those with SCD.

ARISE: First-In-Human Evaluation of a Novel Stent Graft to Treat Ascending Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Operative mortality for type A aortic dissection is still 10-20% at centers of excellence. Additionally, 10-20% are not considered as viable candidates for open surgical repair and not offered life-saving emergency surgery. ARISE is a multicenter investigation evaluating the novel GORE® Ascending Stent Graft (ASG; Flagstaff, AZ). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess early feasibility of using these investigational devices to treat ascending aortic dissection. METHODS: This a prospective, multicenter, non-randomized, single-arm study that enrolls patients at high surgical risk with appropriate anatomical requirements based on computed tomography imaging at 7 of 9 US sites. Devices are delivered transfemorally under fluoroscopic guidance. Primary endpoint is all-cause mortality at 30 days. Secondary endpoints include major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at 30 days, 6 months, and 12 months. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were enrolled with a mean age of 75.7 years (range 47-91) and 11 (57.9%) were female. Ten (52.6%) had DeBakey type I disease, and the rest were type II. Sixteen (84.2%) of the patients were acute. Patients were treated with safe access, (7/19 (36.8%) percutaneous, 10/19 (52.6%) transfemoral, 2/19 (10.5%) iliac conduit), delivery, and deployment completed in all cases. Median procedure time was 154 mins (range 52-392) and median contrast used was 111 mL (range 75-200). MACCE at 30 days occurred in 5 patients including mortality 3/19 (15.8%), disabling stroke in 1/19 (5.3%), and myocardial infarction in 1/19 (5.3%). CONCLUSION: Results from the ARISE early feasibility study of a specific ascending stent graft device to treat ascending aortic dissection are promising.

Emergency and Compassionate Use of a Novel Ascending Endograft for Ascending and Arch Aortic Pathology.

PURPOSE: Patients with complicated ascending aortic pathology, including patients with acute type A aortic dissection may be at extreme risk for open repair. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), infrequently used for the ascending aorta, may be considered an alternative in this setting. We describe early results for emergency and compassionate (E&C) use of a novel endograft, specifically designed for use to treat pathology of the ascending aorta. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case series evaluated 19 patients (mean age, 68.84±13.12 years; 57.9% female) treated with ascending TEVAR for acute and chronic acute (4), subacute (1), or chronic (1) aortic dissection or pseudoaneurysm (13). Six of the 19 patients (31.5%) were treated under compassionate use and 13 patients (68.4%) were treated under the emergency use exemption. Ten patients (52.6%) received additional devices to extend treatment into the arch and descending aorta. RESULTS: Device delivery was achieved in all patients (100%). Thirty-day mortality and stroke occurred in 3 patients (15.8%) and in 1 patient (5.3%), respectively. In 1 patient (5.3%), with an Unanticipated Adverse Device Event, the aorta ruptured when the endograft eroded into the adventitial portion of dissection site at the posterior aspect of the ascending wall. Devices were explanted in 2 patients (10.5%), 353 and 610 days after the index procedure, respectively. Six patients had endoleaks (31.6%), including type I (n=2, 10.5%), type II endoleaks (n=3, 15.8%), and indeterminate endoleak (n=1, 5.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Delivery and deployment of a novel ascending thoracic stent graft with or without an additional branched arch extension is feasible in patients with complex anatomy and pathology, including acute aortic dissection and pseudoaneurysm. Additional experience with this novel device will further refine the patient population most suitable for endovascular ascending aortic repair for these pathologies. CLINICAL IMPACT: This study describes a novel stent graft specifically designed for treatment of ascending aortic pathology, including acute type A dissection. The patients described in this series constituted a group outside the formal US FDA sponsored clinical trial, and were those accepted as part of an emergency and compassionate use basis.

Functional recovery in a cohort of ECMO and non-ECMO acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors.

BACKGROUND: The mortality benefit of VV-ECMO in ARDS has been extensively studied, but the impact on long-term functional outcomes of survivors is poorly defined. We aimed to assess the association between ECMO and functional outcomes in a contemporaneous cohort of survivors of ARDS. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective cohort study of ARDS survivors who presented to follow-up clinic. The primary outcome was FVC% predicted. Univariate and multivariate regression models were used to evaluate the impact of ECMO on the primary outcome. RESULTS: This study enrolled 110 survivors of ARDS, 34 of whom were managed using ECMO. The ECMO cohort was younger (35 [28, 50] vs. 51 [44, 61] years old, p < 0.01), less likely to have COVID-19 (58% vs. 96%, p < 0.01), more severely ill based on the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (7 [5, 9] vs. 4 [3, 6], p < 0.01), dynamic lung compliance (15 mL/cmH20 [11, 20] vs. 27 mL/cmH20 [23, 35], p < 0.01), oxygenation index (26 [22, 33] vs. 9 [6, 11], p < 0.01), and their need for rescue modes of ventilation. ECMO patients had significantly longer lengths of hospitalization (46 [27, 62] vs. 16 [12, 31] days, p < 0.01) ICU stay (29 [19, 43] vs. 10 [5, 17] days, p < 0.01), and duration of mechanical ventilation (24 [14, 42] vs. 10 [7, 17] days, p < 0.01). Functional outcomes were similar in ECMO and non-ECMO patients. ECMO did not predict changes in lung function when adjusting for age, SOFA, COVID-19 status, or length of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in the FVC% predicted, or other markers of pulmonary, neurocognitive, or psychiatric functional recovery outcomes, when comparing a contemporaneous clinic-based cohort of survivors of ARDS managed with ECMO to those without ECMO.

Impact of Preoperative Hematocrit, Body Mass Index, and Red Cell Mass on Allogeneic Blood Product Usage in Adult Cardiac Surgical Patients: Report From a Statewide Quality Initiative.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims were to evaluate current blood transfusion practice in cardiac surgical patients and to explore associations between preoperative anemia, body mass index (BMI), red blood cell (RBC) mass, and allogeneic transfusion. DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective study. SETTING: Academic and non-academic centers. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: After Institutional Review Board approval, 26,499 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting ± valve replacement/repair between 2011 and 2019 were included from the Maryland Cardiac Surgery Quality Initiative database. Patients were stratified into BMI categories (<25, 25 to <30, and ≥30 kg/m2), and a multivariable logistic regression model was fit to determine if preoperative hematocrit, BMI, and RBC mass were associated independently with allogeneic transfusion. RESULTS: Preoperative anemia was found in 55.4%, and any transfusion was administered to 49.3% of the entire cohort. Females and older patients had lower BMI and RBC mass. Increased RBC and cryoprecipitate transfusions occurred more frequently after surgery in the lower BMI group. After adjustments, increased transfusion was associated with a BMI <25 relative to a BMI ≥30 at an odds ratio (OR) of 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.39). For each 1% increase in preoperative hematocrit, transfusion was decreased by 9% (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.90-0.92). For every 500 mL increase in RBC mass, there was a 43% reduction of transfusion (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.55-0.58). CONCLUSIONS: Transfusion probability modeling based on calculated RBC mass eliminated sex differences in transfusion risk based on preoperative hematocrit, and may better delineate which patients may benefit from more rigorous perioperative blood conservation strategy.

Role of Cardiac Anesthesiologists in Intraoperative Enhanced Recovery After Cardiac Surgery (ERACS) Protocol: A Retrospective Single-Center Study Analyzing Preliminary Results of a Yearlong ERACS Protocol Implementation.

INTRODUCTION: Enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery (ERACS) has been gaining rapid acceptance after multiple studies have demonstrated promising results in improved outcomes of enhanced recovery after surgery in other surgical fields (eg, colorectal, orthopedic, thoracic, etc). Cardiac surgery has several unique challenges, including sternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass and associated coagulopathy, blood transfusion, and postoperative intensive care requirement. Nonetheless, selective cardiac surgical patients can still benefit from ERACS. Guidelines for perioperative care in cardiac surgery, previously published by the ERACS Society, are weighted heavily in preoperative and postoperative management without much focus on intraoperative care provided by anesthesiologists. To address this gap and to explore anesthesiology's contribution in achieving ERACS, the study authors' cardiac anesthesiology division, in collaboration with cardiac surgery, introduced the ERACS protocol in their institution in February 2020. METHODS: The cardiac anesthesiology division, in collaboration with cardiac surgery, introduced the ERACS protocol consisting of multimodal opioid-sparing analgesia, including the introduction of regional blocks, hemostasis management protocol, reversal of neuromuscular blockade, and administration of antiemetics in the authors' institution in February 2020. They have conducted a retrospective chart review study comparing patients who have received ERACS measures with a similar historic cohort who underwent cardiac surgery prior to initiation of an ERACS protocol. The primary outcomes of the study were to determine patients' time to extubation, postoperative opioid consumption, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), and incidence of postoperative complications (eg, postoperative nausea vomiting [PONV], bleeding, ICU readmission, delirium. RESULTS: The ERACS patients showed reduced opioid consumption (intraoperative fentanyl; postoperative fentanyl, as well as oxycodone, in the first 6 hours postoperatively), lesser mechanical ventilation (2.5 hours less), shorter ICU stays (5 hours less), shorter hospital LOS (1 day), and lesser incidence of PONV. None of the ERACS patients required blood transfusion. The study authors performed an anonymous survey among the anesthesiologists and ICU providers to assess providers' satisfaction, which showed 92% of survey takers agreed that the ERACS protocol should be continued for future cardiac patients, and 61% of survey takers reported superior pain control in ERACS group of patients while managing those patients. DISCUSSION: The ERACS is achievable after the careful implementation of a series of measures. It does not signify only fast-track extubation and opioid-sparing analgesia, and must be implemented in the entire perioperative period beginning from preoperative clinic to postoperative rehabilitation. Cardiac anesthesiologists play a vital role in execution of intraoperative ERACS measures. Both providers and patients themselves are key stakeholders. A larger randomized prospective trial is warranted to solidify the inference.

Spinal Cord Infarction With Prolonged Femoral Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

OBJECTIVES: There have been sporadic reports of ischemic spinal cord injury (SCI) during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support. The authors observed a troubling pattern of this catastrophic complication and evaluated the potential mechanisms of SCI related to ECMO. DESIGN: This study was a case series. SETTING: This study was performed at a single institution in a University setting. PARTICIPANTS: Patients requiring prolonged VA-ECMO were included. INTERVENTIONS: No interventions were done. This was an observational study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Four hypotheses of etiology were considered: (1) hypercoagulable state/thromboembolism, (2) regional hypoxia/hypocarbia, (3) hyperperfusion and spinal cord edema, and (4) mechanical coverage of spinal arteries. The SCI involved the lower thoracic (T7-T12 level) spinal cord to the cauda equina in all patients. Seven out of 132 (5.3%) patients with prolonged VA-ECMO support developed SCI. The median time from ECMO cannulation to SCI was 7 (range: 6-17) days.There was no evidence of embolic SCI or extended regional hypoxia or hypocarbia. A unilateral, internal iliac artery was covered by the arterial cannula in 6/7 86%) patients, but flow into the internal iliac was demonstrated on imaging in all available patients. The median total flow (ECMO + intrinsic cardiac output) was 8.5 L/min (LPM), and indexed flow was 4.1 LPM/m2. The median central venous oxygen saturation was 88%, and intracranial pressure was measured at 30 mmHg in one patient, suggestive of hyperperfusion and spinal cord edema. CONCLUSIONS: An SCI is a serious complication of extended peripheral VA-ECMO support. Its etiology remains uncertain, but the authors' preliminary data suggested that spinal cord edema from hyperperfusion or venous congestion could contribute.

Rationale and design of a randomized trial evaluating an external support device for saphenous vein coronary grafts.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the most common revascularization approach for the treatment of multi-vessel coronary artery disease. While the internal mammary artery is nearly universally used to bypass the left anterior descending coronary artery, autologous saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) are still the most frequently used conduits to grafts the remaining coronary artery targets. Long-term failure of these grafts, however, continues to limit the benefits of surgery. METHODS: The Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network trial of the safety and effectiveness of a Venous External Support (VEST) device is a randomized, multicenter, within-patient trial comparing VEST-supported versus unsupported saphenous vein grafts in patients undergoing CABG. Key inclusion criteria are the need for CABG with a planned internal mammary artery to the left anterior descending and two or more saphenous vein grafts to other coronary arteries. The primary efficacy endpoint of the trial is SVG intimal hyperplasia (plaque + media) area assessed by intravascular ultrasound at 12 months post randomization. Occluded grafts are accounted for in the analysis of the primary endpoint. Secondary confirmatory endpoints are lumen diameter uniformity and graft failure (>50% stenosis) assessed by coronary angiography at 12 months. The safety endpoints are the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events and hospitalization within 5 years from randomization. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the VEST trial will determine whether the VEST device can safely limit SVG intimal hyperplasia in patients undergoing CABG as treatment for coronary atherosclerotic disease.

Outcomes of endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms with the GORE thoracic branch endoprosthesis for left subclavian artery preservation.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair has emerged as the dominant paradigm for treatment of patients with descending thoracic aortic aneurysms. For aneurysms involving the aortic arch in the region of the left subclavian artery (LSA), branch vessel preservation to maintain blood flow to the LSA is recommended. Branched aortic endografts are an alternative to surgical revascularization of the LSA. METHODS: Across 34 investigative sites, 84 patients with zone 2 aneurysms were enrolled in a nonrandomized, prospective study of a single branched aortic endograft. The thoracic branch endoprosthesis device allows for graft placement proximal to the LSA and incorporates a single side branch for left subclavian perfusion. RESULTS: More than one-half of the patients were male (63%). Their average age was 70 ± 11 years. The aneurysm morphology was fusiform in 43 and saccular in 41 patients. The mean aneurysm diameter at screening was 56.2 mm. The mean follow-up was 30 months (range, 2.6-50.7 months). Reported here are the patient outcomes at 1 and 12 months. Predefined technical success with implantation of the device in landing zone 2 was achieved in 92% of patients (n = 77). There were no cases of aortic rupture, lesion-related mortality, or new-onset renal failure. There was no perioperative (30-day) mortality. A single case each of permanent paraplegia and paraparesis occurred. Three patients experienced a procedure-related stroke. Through 12 months, four patients died; none of the deaths were adjudicated as related to the device or procedure. One aortic reintervention was required. A single case of aortic enlargement (core laboratory) was reported at 6 months. Type I (n = 3) and III (n = 5) endoleaks occurred in 9.8% of patients, of which one (type III) required reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this device study in patients with zone 2 aneurysms demonstrate that early safety and efficacy outcomes are maintained up to 12 months after the endovascular procedure with low mortality and reintervention rates and an acceptable frequency of procedural complications, including neurologic complications.

Peripheral cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation yields superior neurologic outcomes in adult patients who experienced cardiac arrest following cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for refractory cardiac arrest has improved mortality in post-cardiac surgery patients; however, loss of neurologic function remains one of the main and devastating complications. We reviewed our experience with ECPR and investigated the effect of cannulation strategy on neurologic outcome in adult patients who experienced cardiac arrest following cardiac surgery that was managed with ECPR. METHODS: Patients were categorized by central versus percutaneous peripheral VA-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannulation strategy. We reviewed patient records and evaluated in-hospital mortality, cause of death, and neurologic status 72 hours after cannulation. RESULTS: From January 2010 to September 2019, 44 patients underwent post-cardiac surgery ECPR for cardiac arrest. Twenty-six patients received central cannulation; 18 patients received peripheral cannulation. Mean post-operative day of the cardiac arrest was 3 and 9 days (p = 0.006), and mean time between initiation of CPR and ECMO was 40 ± 24 and 28 ± 22 minutes for central and peripheral cannulation, respectively. After 72 hours of VA-ECMO support, 30% of centrally cannulated patients versus 72% of peripherally cannulated patients attained cerebral performance status 1-2 (p = 0.01). Anoxic brain injury was the cause of death in 26.9% of centrally cannulated and 11.1% of peripherally cannulated patients. Survival to discharge was 31% and 39% for central and peripheral cannulation, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral VA-ECMO allows for continuous CPR and systemic perfusion while obtaining vascular access. Compared to central cannulation, a peripheral cannulation strategy is associated with improved neurologic outcomes and decreased likelihood of anoxic brain death.

Hematologic evaluation of intraoperative autologous blood collection and allogeneic transfusion in cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Acute normovolemic hemodilution is recommended as a technique to reduce allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in cardiac surgery, but its efficacy to reduce non-RBC transfusion has not been consistently demonstrated. We hypothesized that intraoperative large-volume autologous whole blood (AWB) collection and reinfusion improves viscoelastic coagulation parameters. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Prospective observational study of cardiac surgery patients at the University of Maryland Medical Center between December 2017 and August 2019. Rotational thromboelastometry parameters were compared between AWB and control groups (n = 25 in each group) at three time points: T1, baseline; T2, on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) after the cross-clamp removal; and T3, 30-60 minutes after protamine administration. The study's primary outcomes were whole blood viscoelastic coagulation parameters that included EXTEM clotting time (CT), FIBTEM amplitude at 10 minutes, and EXTEM amplitude at 10 minutes (EXTEM-A10 ). Chest tube drainage and allogeneic transfusion were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Reinfusion of AWB after CPB resulted in a significantly shorter EXTEM CT; mean difference, -11.4 seconds (-21.4 to -1.4; P = .03). It also resulted in a greater percentage increase in EXTEM A10 from T2 to T3; mean difference, 7.8% (95% CI, 1.1%-14.5%; P = .02). Statistical significance was not found in 24-hour chest tube drainage. CONCLUSION: Large-volume AWB collection and reinfusion are feasible in selected cardiac surgical patients, and may be associated with prohemostatic effects according to thromboelastometry, warranting further investigation with a prospective randomized study.

The learning curve of robotic coronary arterial bypass surgery: A report from the STS database.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data to inform minimum case requirements for training in robotically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (RA-CABG). Current recommendations rely on nonclinical endpoints and expert opinion. OBJECTIVES: To determine the minimum number of RA-CABG procedures required to achieve stable clinical outcomes. METHODS: We included isolated RA-CABG in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) registry performed between 2014 and 2019 by surgeons without prior RA-CABG experience. Outcomes were approach conversion, reoperation, major morbidity or mortality, and procedural success. Case sequence number was used as a continuous variable in logistic regression with restricted cubic splines with fixed effects. Outcomes were compared between operations performed earlier versus later in case sequences using unadjusted and adjusted metrics. RESULTS: There were 1195 cases performed by 114 surgeons. A visual inflection point occurs by a surgeon's 10th procedure for approach conversion, major morbidity or mortality, and overall procedural success after which outcomes stabilize. There was a significant decrease in the rate of approach conversion (7.7% and 2.5%), reoperation (18.9% and 10.8%), and major morbidity or mortality (21.7% and 12.9%), as well as an increase in the rate of procedural success (72.9% and 85.3%) with increasing experience between groups. In a multivariable logistic regression model, case sequences of >10 were an independent predictor of decreased approach conversion (odds ratio [OR]: 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09-0.84) and increased rate procedural success (OR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.00-3.84). CONCLUSIONS: The learning curve for RA-CABG is initially steep, but stable clinical outcomes are achieved after the 10th procedure.

Type B Aortic Dissection Complicated by Intimo-Intimal Intussusception and Extensive Intimal Denuding: Case Report with Long-term Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Acute aortic dissection rarely results in circumferential dissections of the aortic intima that may lead to intimo-intimal intussusception (IIS) with complete separation from the aortic wall. Circumferential dissection may then result in distal embolization of the involved intima and media, adding considerable complexity to the management of such cases. Despite the severity of this complication, the natural history of aortic disease following extensive intimal denuding and IIS is not well documented in the literature. Here we present a case with long-term follow-up of type B aortic dissection (TBAD) complicated by IIS and embolization of the intima into the distal aorta following thoracic endovascular aortic repair. METHODS: Medical records and imaging studies were retrospectively reviewed with the approval of the Institutional Review Board. A single patient underwent repair of a TBAD that was complicated by IIS, with follow-up for 6 years. Aortic recovery was monitored with serial computerized tomography scans. RESULTS: During endovascular stent deployment, the patient's dissection progressed circumferentially, leading to distal embolization of the intima and aortic occlusion. An open transabdominal aortic exploration was performed to extract the embolized intima. Despite this severe aortic structural disruption, the patient recovered well postoperatively and exhibited favorable aortic remodeling over long-term follow-up. The denuded aorta did not rupture or develop progressive worsening aneurysmal dilation and the diameter of the involved aortic segment remained stable during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Acute TBADs can progress to circumferential intimal separation and IIS when managed with endovascular stenting and balloon dilation. Continued endovascular management once IIS has occurred may lead to further intimal damage, resulting in distal embolization of the intima and aortic occlusion. Thus, IIS may require conversion to open repair. However, in the event that loss of the aortic intima does occur following IIS, it is possible for the denuded aorta to recover well and remain stable with favorable remodeling over long-term follow-up.

Impact of intraoperative high-volume autologous blood collection on allogeneic transfusion during and after cardiac surgery: a propensity score matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative use of allogeneic blood products is associated with higher morbidity, mortality, and hospital costs after cardiac surgery. Blood conservation techniques such as acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) report variable success. We hypothesized that large-volume ANH with limited hemodilution would reduce allogeneic blood transfusion compared to the standard practice. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study of cardiac surgery patients at the University of Maryland Medical Center between January 2014 and September 2017. Using the institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeons database 91 autologous and 981 control patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic valve replacement, or both were identified. After propensity matching of 13 preoperative characteristics, 84 autologous and 84 control patients were evaluated. Our primary endpoint was avoidance of blood transfusion during index hospitalization, and secondary endpoints were postoperative bleeding and major adverse outcomes. RESULTS: The median harvest volumes in the ANH and control groups were 1100 mL and 400 mL, respectively. Of the ANH group, 25% received any transfusion versus 45.2% of the control group after propensity score matching (p < 0.006). When controlling for preoperative platelet count, the transfusion rate ratios for ANH were 0.58 (95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.88) for RBCs and 0.63 (0.44-0.89) for non-RBC components, which were both found to be statistically significant. There was no difference found in major adverse events. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that large-volume ANH is beneficial in reducing both RBC and non-RBC component usage in cardiac surgery. A further prospective validation is warranted.

A Deep Proteome Analysis Identifies the Complete Secretome as the Functional Unit of Human Cardiac Progenitor Cells.

RATIONALE: Cardiac progenitor cells are an attractive cell type for tissue regeneration, but their mechanism for myocardial remodeling is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: This investigation determines how chronological age influences the phenotypic characteristics and the secretome of human cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs), and their potential to recover injured myocardium. METHODS AND RESULTS: Adult (aCPCs) and neonatal (nCPCs) cells were derived from patients aged >40 years or <1 month, respectively, and their functional potential was determined in a rodent myocardial infarction model. A more robust in vitro proliferative capacity of nCPCs, compared with aCPCs, correlated with significantly greater myocardial recovery mediated by nCPCs in vivo. Strikingly, a single injection of nCPC-derived total conditioned media was significantly more effective than nCPCs, aCPC-derived TCM, or nCPC-derived exosomes in recovering cardiac function, stimulating neovascularization, and promoting myocardial remodeling. High-resolution accurate mass spectrometry with reverse phase liquid chromatography fractionation and mass spectrometry was used to identify proteins in the secretome of aCPCs and nCPCs, and the literature-based networking software identified specific pathways affected by the secretome of CPCs in the setting of myocardial infarction. Examining the TCM, we quantified changes in the expression pattern of 804 proteins in nCPC-derived TCM and 513 proteins in aCPC-derived TCM. The literature-based proteomic network analysis identified that 46 and 6 canonical signaling pathways were significantly targeted by nCPC-derived TCM and aCPC-derived TCM, respectively. One leading candidate pathway is heat-shock factor-1, potentially affecting 8 identified pathways for nCPC-derived TCM but none for aCPC-derived TCM. To validate this prediction, we demonstrated that the modulation of heat-shock factor-1 by knockdown in nCPCs or overexpression in aCPCs significantly altered the quality of their secretome. CONCLUSIONS: A deep proteomic analysis revealed both detailed and global mechanisms underlying the chronological age-based differences in the ability of CPCs to promote myocardial recovery via the components of their secretome.

Early Treatment at a Referral Center Improves Outcomes for Patients with Acute Vascular Disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute vascular disease frequently need specialized management that may require transfer to a vascular referral center. Although transfer may be medically necessary, it can delay definitive care and is an indicator of incorrect triage to the initial hospital. Regionalization of acute vascular care could improve patient triage and subsequent outcomes. To evaluate the potential benefit from regionalization, we analyzed outcomes of patients treated for acute vascular disease at vascular referral centers. METHODS: Using a statewide database capturing all inpatient admissions in Maryland during 2013-2015, patients undergoing noncardiac vascular procedures on an acute basis were identified. Patients admitted to a vascular referral center were stratified by admission status as direct or transfer. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality, and the secondary outcome was resource use. Patient groups were compared by univariable analyses, and the effect of admission status on mortality was assessed by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 4,873 patients with acute vascular disease managed at vascular referral centers, 2,713 (56%) were admitted directly, whereas 2,160 (44%) were transferred. Transfers to referral centers accounted for 71% of all interhospital transfers. The transfer-group patients were older, had more comorbidities, and higher illness severities. Patients who were transferred had higher mortality (14% vs. 9%, P < 0.0001), longer hospital lengths of stay, greater critical care-resource utilization, and higher costs. After adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and illness severity, transfer status was independently associated with higher inpatient mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Primary treatment at a referral center is independently associated with improved outcomes for patients with acute vascular disease. Direct admission or earlier triage to a specialty center may improve patient and system outcomes and could be facilitated by standardization and regionalization of complex acute vascular care.

Evolution of lesion-specific management of blunt thoracic aortic injury.

Developments in diagnosis and treatment have transformed the management of blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAIs). For patients in stable condition, treatment practice has shifted from early open repair to nonoperative management for low-grade lesions and routine delayed endovascular repair for more significant injuries. However, effective therapy depends on accurate staging of injury grade and stability to select patients for appropriate management. Recent developments in BTAI risk stratification enable lesion-specific management tailored to the patient and aortic lesion. This review summarizes advances in lesion assessment and treatment and proposes an integrated scheme for the modern management of BTAI.

Practice patterns and clinical outcomes after hybrid coronary revascularization in the United States: an analysis from the society of thoracic surgeons adult cardiac database.

BACKGROUND: Hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) involves a combination of surgical and percutaneous techniques, which in selected patients may present an alternative to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients were included who underwent HCR (staged/concurrent) or isolated CABG in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database (July 2011 to March 2013). HCR represented 0.48% (n=950; staged=809, concurrent=141) of the total CABG volume (n=198,622) during the study period, and was performed in one-third of participating centers (n=361). Patients who underwent HCR had higher cardiovascular risk profiles in comparison with patients undergoing CABG. In comparison with CABG, median sternotomy (98.5% for CABG, 61.1% for staged HCR, and 52.5% for concurrent HCR), direct vision harvesting (98.9%, 66.0%, and 68.1%) and cardiopulmonary bypass (83.4%, 45%, and 36.9%) were less frequently used for staged and concurrent HCR, whereas robotic assistance (0.7%, 33.0%, and 30.5%) was more common. After adjustment, no differences were observed for the composite of in-hospital mortality and major morbidity (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-1.16; P=0.53 for staged HCR, and odds ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-1.56; P=0.80 for concurrent HCR in comparison with CABG). There was no statistically significant association between operative mortality and either treatment group (odds ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-1.30; P=0.29 for staged HCR, and odds ratio, 2.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-5.17; P=0.053 for concurrent HCR in comparison with CABG). CONCLUSION: HCR, either as a staged or concurrent procedure, is performed in one-third of US hospitals and is reserved for a highly selected patient population. Although HCR may appear to be an equally safe alternative for CABG surgery, further randomized study is warranted.

A new aortic injury score predicts early rupture more accurately than clinical assessment.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal timing for repair of a high-grade blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) is uncertain. Delayed repair is common and associated with improved outcomes, but some lesions may rupture during observation. To determine optimal patient selection for appropriate management, we developed a pilot clinical risk score to evaluate aortic stability and predict rupture. METHODS: Patients presenting in stable condition with Society for Vascular Surgery grade III or IV BTAI diagnosed on computed tomography (CT) were retrospectively reviewed. To determine clinical and radiographic factors associated with aortic rupture, patients progressing to aortic rupture (defined by contrast extravasation on CT or on operative or autopsy findings) were compared with those who had no intervention ≤48 hours of admission. A model targeting 100% sensitivity for rupture was generated and internally validated by bootstrap analysis. Clinical utility was tested by comparison with clinical assessment by surgeons experienced in BTAI management who were provided with CT images and clinical data but were blinded to outcome. RESULTS: The derivation cohort included 18 patients whose aorta ruptured and 31 with stable BTAI. There was no difference in age, gender, injury mechanism, nonchest injury severity, blood pressure, or Glasgow Coma Scale on admission between patient groups. As dichotomous factors, admission lactate >4 mM, posterior mediastinal hematoma >10 mm, and lesion/normal aortic diameter ratio >1.4 on the admission CT were independently associated with aortic rupture. The model had an area under the receiver operator curve of .97, and in the presence of any two factors, was 100% sensitive and 84% specific for predicting aortic rupture. No aortic lesions ruptured in patients with fewer than two factors. In contrast, clinical assessment had lower accuracy (65% vs 90% total accuracy, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: This novel risk score can be applied on admission using clinically relevant factors that incorporate patient physiology, size of the aortic lesion, and extent of the mediastinal hematoma. The model reliably identifies and distinguishes patients with high-grade BTAI who are at risk for early rupture from those with stable lesions. Although preliminary, because it is more accurate than clinical assessment alone, the score may improve patient selection for emergency or delayed intervention.