Impact of donor-to-recipient weight ratio on survival after heart transplantation: analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing Database.

BACKGROUND: Generally accepted donor criteria for heart transplantation limit allografts from donors within approximately 20% to 30% of the recipient's weight. We analyzed the impact of donor-to-recipient weight ratio on survival after heart transplantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Adult heart transplant recipients reported to the United Network for Organ Sharing from 1999 to 2007 were divided into 3 groups based on donor-to-recipient weight ratio: <0.8, 0.8 to 1.2, and >1.2. Kaplan-Meier methodology was used to estimate survival. Propensity-adjusted Cox regression modeling was used to analyze predictors of mortality. A total of 15 284 heart transplant recipients were analyzed; 2078 had weight ratio of <0.8, 9684 had 0.8 to 1.2, and 3522 had >1.2. Kaplan-Meier survival was not statistically different between groups at 5 years (P=0.26). Among patients with weight ratio <0.8, 5-year survival was lower for recipients with high pulmonary vascular resistance (>4 Woods units; P=0.02). Among recipients with high pulmonary vascular resistance, 5-year survival was similar for those with weight ratio 0.8 to 1.2 and >1.2 (P=0.44). Furthermore, male recipients with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance who received hearts from female donors had a significantly worse survival than males who received hearts from male donors (P=0.01). Propensity-adjusted multivariable analysis demonstrated that weight ratio <0.8 did not predict mortality (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.27; P=0.21). Five-year survival after propensity matching was not statistically different between those with weight ratio <0.8 versus >/=0.8 (P=0.37). CONCLUSIONS: Weight ratio did not predict mortality after heart transplantation. However, recipients with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance who received undersized hearts had poor survival. Furthermore, in the setting of high pulmonary vascular resistance, male recipients who received hearts from female donors had worse survival than those who received hearts from male donors. Extending donor criteria to include undersized hearts in select recipients should be considered.

EuroSCORE predicts short- and mid-term mortality in combined aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE) has been studied for its effectiveness in predicting operative mortality, and more recently, long-term mortality in a wide variety of cardiac surgical procedures. Combined coronary artery bypass and aortic valve replacement (AVR-CABG) carries increased perioperative risk, and tends to have higher-risk patients. Performance of the EuroSCORE system in patients undergoing concomitant AVR-CABG has not been well established. Thus, we aimed to analyze the accuracy of both additive and logistic EuroSCOREs in predicting operative and mid-term mortality. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed and calculated EuroSCOREs for all patients who underwent AVR-CABG between January 2000 and December 2004. Patients who had previous cardiac surgery and those undergoing any concomitant procedures were excluded. Areas under the receiver operator curves (ROC) were determined to assess EuroSCORE's accuracy in predicting operative mortality. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression were used to determine mid-term survival, freedom from repeat revascularization, and predictors of these outcomes. RESULTS: There were 233 patients who met study criteria. Mean follow-up period was 2.2 +/- 1.7 years with one patient lost to follow-up. Mean additive and logistic EuroSCOREs were 8.77 and 16.1, respectively, with an observed mortality of 9.44%. The area under the ROC curves for additive EuroSCORE was 0.76 and for logistic EuroSCORE was 0.75. Regression analysis revealed additive EuroSCORE, but not logistic EuroSCORE, to be predictive of mid-term mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Both additive and logistic EuroSCOREs were accurate in predicting operative morality. Only additive EuroSCORE was predictive of mid-term mortality in AVR-CABG patients. EuroSCORE remains a good and well-validated risk stratification model applicable to patients who undergo concomitant AVR-CABG.

Surgical ventricular restoration versus cardiac transplantation: a comparison of cost, outcomes, and survival.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac transplantation is the accepted standard treatment for end-stage heart disease but is donor limited. Surgical ventricular remodeling is an established treatment for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. We sought to compare charges, outcomes, and survival in patients undergoing surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) versus cardiac transplantation (CTx). METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively analyzed hospital charges, length of stay (LOS), and survival for 69 SVR and 53 CTx patients at our institution between January 2002 and June 2005. We also compared New York Heart Association (NYHA) status and Kaplan-Meier survival of our SVR patients with CTx patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy from the International Society of Heart & Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) registry. Median total LOS (12 days vs. 17 days, P = .01) and median postoperative LOS (10 days vs. 15 days, P = .02) were shorter for SVR patients than our CTx patients. Median total hospital charges ($45,506 vs. $137,679, P < .0001) and median total drug charges ($2,625 vs. $15,930, P < .0001) were lower for SVR patients. Significant improvements in ejection fraction were seen after both SVR (27% vs. 37%; P < .0001) and CTx (14% vs. 62%, P < .0001). Furthermore, 91% (49/54) of surviving SVR patients, 98% (44/45) of surviving CTx patients, and 91% of ISHLT CTx patients improved to NYHA Class I/II at follow-up. Survival did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: SVR patients demonstrate cost-effective clinical improvements that lead to good overall survival. SVR is an excellent surgical option for CHF patients who are not transplant candidates, and should be considered for ischemic cardiomyopathy patients who qualify for transplantation. This strategy may help relieve donor shortage and improve allocation of donor organs.

Outcomes following surgical ventricular restoration for patients with clinically advanced congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association Class IV).

BACKGROUND: It has been well documented that survival in patients with advanced congestive heart failure (CHF) receiving medical therapy is worse with advancing stages of disease (New York Heart Association [NYHA] IV versus NYHA III). However, such comparisons are rare in the surgical treatments for CHF. Surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) is an accepted therapy for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy after anterior wall myocardial infarction. We evaluated the impact of advanced stage of CHF (NYHA IV) on survival after SVR. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective review was conducted of SVR patients at our institution between January 2002 and December 2005. Seventy-eight patients underwent SVR during the study period; 34 patients were NYHA IV and 44 patients were NYHA II/III before surgery. NYHA IV patients had significantly worse preoperative ejection fraction (EF), left ventricular end systolic volume index (LVESVI), and stroke volume index (SVI). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in EF and LVESVI after SVR, and there were no differences between the groups with regard to postoperative EF, LVESVI, or SVI. There were 3 operative deaths in each group (P = 1.00). Sixty-five percent (P < .0001) of NYHA IV patients and 82% (P < .0001) of NYHA II/III patients improved to NYHA class I or II at follow-up. NYHA IV patients trended toward reduced Kaplan-Meier survival at 32 months (68% versus 88%, P = .08), although NYHA IV was not a significant predictor of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: NYHA IV patients demonstrate similar improvements in cardiac function with acceptable, although decreased, survival after SVR when compared with those with less severe clinical disease. These outcomes are superior to those reported for medical management, indicating that patients with clinically advanced CHF who are appropriate candidates should be considered for SVR irrespective of preoperative NYHA class.

Outcomes following surgical ventricular restoration in elderly patients with congestive heart failure.

Despite the well described benefits of surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, the effects of advanced age on outcomes following this procedure have not been well documented. The authors compared outcomes in 69 consecutive patients 65 years and older (n=27) and younger than 65 years (n=42) to determine the utility of SVR in an elderly population with end-stage heart failure. Patients 65 years and older demonstrated significant improvements in ejection fraction (P=.01) and left ventricular end-systolic volume index (P=.07) following SVR, which were similar to the improvements seen in patients younger than 65 years. Sixty percent (15 of 25) of patients 65 years and older in preoperative New York Heart Association class III/IV improved to class I/II at follow-up (P<.0001). Actuarial survival was 68.8% at 2.5 years. Like their younger counterparts, elderly patients demonstrate significant improvements in ventricular function and NYHA class with acceptable survival following SVR.

Aortic root replacement in 372 Marfan patients: evolution of operative repair over 30 years.

BACKGROUND: We reviewed the evolution of practice and late results of aortic root replacement (ARR) in Marfan syndrome patients at our institution. METHODS: A retrospective clinical review of Marfan patients undergoing ARR at our institution was performed. Follow-up data were obtained from hospital and office records and from telephone contact with patients or their physicians. RESULTS: Between September 1976 and September 2006, 372 Marfan syndrome patients underwent ARR: 269 had a Bentall composite graft, 85 had valve-sparing ARR, 16 had ARR with homografts, and 2 had ARR with porcine xenografts. In the first 24 years of the study, 85% received a Bentall graft; during the last 8 years, 61% had a valve-sparing procedure. There was no operative or hospital mortality among the 327 patients who underwent elective repair; there were 2 deaths among the 45 patients (4.4%) who underwent emergent or urgent operative repair. There were 74 late deaths (70 Bentalls, 2 homograft, and 2 valve-sparing ARRs). The most frequent causes of late death were dissection or rupture of the residual aorta (10 of 74) and arrhythmia (9 of 74). Of the 85 patients who had a valve-sparing procedure, 40 had a David II remodeling operation; there was 1 late death in this group, and 5 patients required late aortic valve replacement for aortic insufficiency. A David I reimplantation procedure using the De Paulis Valsalva graft has been used exclusively since May 2002. All 44 patients in this last group have 0 to 1+ aortic insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic surgical replacement of the ascending aorta in patients with Marfan syndrome has low operative risk and can prevent aortic catastrophe in most patients. Valve-sparing procedures, particularly using the reimplantation technique with the Valsalva graft, show promise but have not yet proven as durable as the Bentall.

Inspiring medical students to pursue surgical careers: outcomes from our cardiothoracic surgery research program.

BACKGROUND: The past several years have witnessed a dramatic decline in the number of general surgery residents pursuing cardiothoracic surgery residency training. We believe that attracting individuals to pursue surgical careers should begin during the formative years of medical education. We implemented a program to introduce first-year medical students to cardiothoracic surgery and laboratory research. METHODS: In 2003, we began a program providing an introduction to cardiothoracic laboratory research and surgery for medical students. Students are competitively selected for our three-part 8-week summer program. First, students are paired with a cardiothoracic surgery attending for shadowing in clinic and the operating room. Second, students actively participate in large-animal operations in the laboratory. Finally, students complete a clinical research project under the direction of a laboratory resident and faculty mentor. These projects are the students' own. They are responsible for presenting their findings to the division of cardiac surgery at the end of the program. RESULTS: Since 2003, 18 students have completed the program. Each one has completed a project, collectively resulting in 39 peer-reviewed manuscripts. One student has published 28 peer-reviewed manuscripts. Of 10 students eligible for residency, 8 have applied in general surgery or surgical subspecialty (3 general, 2 plastic, 2 cardiothoracic, and 1 neurosurgery). CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a program to introduce medical students to clinical and laboratory surgery has been successful, as measured by academic productivity. Eighty percent of eligible students entered a surgical field. Programs like these serve to stimulate interest in our specialty.

Alpha II-spectrin breakdown products serve as novel markers of brain injury severity in a canine model of hypothermic circulatory arrest.

BACKGROUND: The development of specific biomarkers to aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of neuronal injury is of paramount importance in cardiac surgery. Alpha II-spectrin is a structural protein abundant in neurons of the central nervous system and cleaved into signature fragments by proteases involved in necrotic and apoptotic cell death. We measured cerebrospinal fluid alpha II-spectrin breakdown products (alphaII-SBDPs) in a canine model of hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) and cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Canine subjects were exposed to either 1 hour of HCA (n = 8; mean lowest tympanic temperature 18.0 +/- 1.2 degrees C) or standard cardiopulmonary bypass (n = 7). Cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected before treatment and 8 and 24 hours after treatment. Using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting, SBDPs were isolated and compared between groups using computer-assisted densitometric scanning. Necrotic versus apoptotic cell death was indexed by measuring calpain and caspase-3 cleaved alphaII-SBDPs (SBDP 145+150 and SBDP 120, respectively). RESULTS: Animals undergoing HCA demonstrated mild patterns of histologic cellular injury and clinically detectable neurologic dysfunction. Calpain-produced alphaII-SBDPs (150 kDa+145 kDa bands-necrosis) 8 hours after HCA were significantly increased (p = 0.02) as compared with levels before HCA, and remained elevated at 24 hours after HCA. In contrast, caspase-3 alphaII-SBDP (120 kDa band-apoptosis) was not significantly increased. Animals receiving cardiopulmonary bypass did not demonstrate clinical or histologic evidence of injury, with no increases in necrotic or apoptotic cellular markers. CONCLUSIONS: We report the use of alphaII-SBDPs as markers of neurologic injury after cardiac surgery. Our analysis demonstrates that calpain- and caspase-produced alphaII-SBDPs may be an important and novel marker of neurologic injury after HCA.

Outcomes in bicaval versus biatrial techniques in heart transplantation: an analysis of the UNOS database.

BACKGROUND: Despite 40 years of heart transplantation, the optimal atrial anastomotic technique remains unclear. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database provides a unique and novel opportunity to address this question by examining survival in a large cohort of patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). We hypothesized that, when examining the issue on a large scale, no difference in survival would exist between techniques. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed first-time adult OHT in the UNOS database to identify 14,418 patients undergoing OHT between the years 1999 and 2005. Primary stratification was between those who underwent bicaval vs biatrial techniques. Baseline demographic and clinical factors were also recorded. The primary end-point was mortality from all causes during the study period. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay (LOS), and need for permanent pacemaker placement (PP). Post-transplant survival was compared between groups using a Cox proportional hazard regression model. RESULTS: Of the 11,931 patients who met inclusion criteria between 1999 and 2005, 5,207 (44%) underwent the bicaval anastomotic technique. Bicaval and biatrial groups were well matched for gender, donor age, ischemic time, pulmonary vascular resistance, transpulmonary gradient, cardiac index, body mass index and pre-operative creatinine. Technique was not associated with survival during the study period (hazard ratio 1.06, p = 0.31). On multivariate analysis, age, gender, donor age and ischemic time were independent predictors of mortality. The bicaval technique was associated with less need for post-operative PP (2.0% vs 5.3%, p < 0.001) and shorter LOS (19 vs 21 days, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the single largest series examining bicaval vs biatrial anastamotic techniques for OHT. We found no difference in survival between the two groups, although the bicaval technique was associated with shorter LOS and pacemaker placement. Both techniques lead to equivalent survival in OHT.

Outcomes in patients older than 60 years of age undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation: an analysis of the UNOS database.

BACKGROUND: Patients 60 years and older have traditionally not been considered candidates for orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). Recent studies have shown equivalent survival between older and younger patients, leading many to question this traditional ethos. As these studies may lack significant power to draw meaningful conclusions, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database provides a unique opportunity to examine the effects of age on OHT. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the UNOS dataset to identify 14,401 first-time OHT recipients between the years 1999 and 2006. Stratification was by age into those >or=60 years and younger patients aged 18 to 59 years. Baseline demographic and clinical factors were recorded. The primary end-point was all-cause mortality during the study period. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay (LOS), post-operative stroke, post-operative infections, acute renal failure (ARF) and rejection within 1 year of transplant. Post-transplant survival was modeled using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between groups using Cox proportional hazard regression. RESULTS: Of the 14,401 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 30% (n = 4,273) were >or=60 years of age. The elderly group had higher serum creatinine levels (1.5 vs 1.3, p < 0.001), longer waitlist times (255 vs 212 days, p < 0.001), and were more likely to have hypertension (HTN; 46% vs 37%, p < 0.001) or diabetes mellitus (DM; 25% vs 20%, p < 0.001). Survival at 30 days, 1 year and 5 years was 94%, 87% and 75% for the young group, and 93%, 84% and 69% for the older group (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed age >or=60 years, donor age, ischemic time, creatinine, HTN and DM to be independent predictors of mortality. Older patients had more infections (26% vs 23%, p < 0.001), ARF (9% vs 7%, p < 0.001) and longer LOS (21 vs 19 days, p < 0.001), but had lower rates of rejection (34% vs 43%, p < 0.001) as compared with younger recipients. CONCLUSIONS: The UNOS database has provided a large multi-institutional sample examining OHT in the elderly. Although our analysis shows lower survival in patients >or=60 years of age, the cumulative 5-year survival in these patients of close to 70% is acceptable. OHT should not be restricted based on age, as encouraging long-term results exist.

Impact of septal myocardial infarction on outcomes after surgical ventricular restoration.

BACKGROUND: Surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) is classically performed in heart failure patients with anteroseptal infarction. It is unknown how the extent of septal myocardial infarction (SMI) affects prognosis. We reviewed our experience to evaluate the impact of the extent of SMI on outcomes after SVR. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed SVR patients from January 2002 to December 2005. Patients were stratified based on the extent of SMI assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative findings; SMI was graded as less than 50%, 50% to 74%, and 75% or greater of the length or height, or both, of the septum. Follow-up was 100%. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients underwent SVR. Twenty-eight patients had less than 50%, 30 patients had 50% to 74%, and 20 patients had 75% or greater involvement of the length or height, or both, of the septum. Patients with 75% or greater involvement had a significantly lower ejection fraction and larger left ventricular volumes preoperatively by magnetic resonance imaging. All patients with 75% or greater involvement were New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV preoperatively, and 50% (10 of 20) had significant mitral regurgitation requiring a concomitant mitral valve procedure. Operative mortality was similar between groups. Cardiac function improved and was similar among the three groups postoperatively. The PR intervals on electrocardiography were similar among the three groups, but did show trends toward longer duration for those with more extensive SMI. Preoperative mean QRS duration was significantly longer for patients with 75% or greater SMI. Three-year Kaplan-Meier survival was also similar among groups; 75% or greater involvement was not a predictor of mortality on Cox regression (odds ratio = 1.4; 95% confidence interval: 0.3 to 7.0; p = 0.6). Three quarters (15 of 20) of patients with 75% or greater involvement of the septum improved to NYHA class I/II at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study has evaluated the impact of the extent of SMI on SVR outcomes. These data demonstrate similar survival and significant functional and clinical improvement after SVR regardless of the extent of SMI.

Optimal timing of coronary artery bypass after acute myocardial infarction: a review of California discharge data.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal timing for coronary artery bypass grafting after acute myocardial infarction is not well established. The California Discharge Database facilitates the study of this issue by providing data from a large patient cohort free of institutional bias. We examine the timing of coronary artery bypass grafting after acute myocardial infarction on short-term outcomes. METHODS: We reviewed California Discharge Data to identify 40,159 patients who were hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (day 0) and underwent subsequent coronary artery bypass grafting. Patients were stratified by the timing of coronary artery bypass grafting to "early" (days 0-2) and "late" groups (day 3 or later). The primary outcome variable was all-cause hospital mortality. Multiple logistic and linear regression and propensity analyses assessed the risk of adverse events, controlling for factors associated with preoperative clinical acuity, including the Charlson Comorbidity Index, shock, mechanical ventilation, and the use of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. RESULTS: Of 9476 patients identified, 4676 (49%) were in the early coronary artery bypass grafting group and 4800 (51%) were in the late coronary artery bypass grafting group. A total of 444 patients (4.7%) died during hospitalization, with a peak mortality rate of 8.2% among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting on day 0, declining to a nadir of 3.0% among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting on day 3. The mean time to coronary artery bypass grafting was 3.2 days. Patients undergoing early coronary artery bypass grafting experienced a higher mortality rate than those undergoing late coronary artery bypass grafting (5.6% vs 3.8%, P < .001). Early coronary artery bypass grafting was an independent predictor of mortality after controlling for clinical acuity and on propensity analysis (odds ratio 1.43, P = .003). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting within 2 days of hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction experienced higher mortality rates than those undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting 3 or more days after acute myocardial infarction, independently of clinical acuity. This suggests that coronary artery bypass grafting may best be deferred for 3 or more days after admission for acute myocardial infarction in nonurgent cases.

The impact of surgical ventricular restoration on mitral valve regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of functional mitral regurgitation (MR) in ischemic cardiomyopathy is controversial. Surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) decreases left ventricular volume and may improve MR severity. We assessed the impact of SVR on the degree of MR. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with ejection fractions (EF) < 0.35 who underwent SVR with coronary artery bypass grafting (SVR+CABG) over a 3-year period. Patients with concomitant mitral valve procedures were excluded. Patients with EF < 0.35 who had CABG alone during the same time period served as control. Mitral regurgitation was graded 0 to 4+ by echocardiogram and ventriculogram. Outcomes included survival, MR grade, and cardiac function. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients received SVR+CABG: 3% (1 of 39) had 4+, 10% (4 of 39) had 3+, 51% (20 of 39) had 2+, and 36% (14 of 39) had 0 to 1+ MR. Thirty-five patients with a similar MR distribution underwent CABG alone. Operative mortality was 2.6% for SVR+CABG and 5.7% for CABG patients (p = 0.62). At follow-up, MR grade decreased by 57% (2.24 +/- 0.5 to 1.24 +/- 0.9, p < 0.001) for the SVR+CABG group compared to 12% (2.25 +/- 0.5 to 2.00 +/- 0.9, p = 0.27) for the CABG alone group. SVR+CABG patients had significantly less MR than CABG patients at follow-up (1.24 +/- 0.9 vs 2.00 +/- 0.9, p = 0.007), with 15 patients improving to 0 to 1+ MR postoperatively versus 6 patients in the CABG cohort (p = 0.02). Improvement in postoperative EF was significantly greater after SVR+CABG (0.13% vs 7%, p = 0.04). Three-year survival was 85% for SVR+CABG and 72% for CABG patients (p = 0.39). CONCLUSIONS: SVR+CABG demonstrated greater reduction in MR severity at follow-up than CABG alone. Decreased left ventricular volumes and improved papillary muscle orientation likely contribute to decreased MR after SVR.

Coronary artery bypass grafting with or without surgical ventricular restoration: a comparison.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an effective treatment for ischemic cardiomyopathy. However, patients with ventricular enlargement are known to have inferior outcomes. We assessed whether surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) with CABG (SVR + CABG) leads to improved outcomes versus CABG alone for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and ventricular enlargement. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study comparing patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and ejection fraction less than 0.35 who underwent SVR + CABG versus CABG alone from June 2002 to December 2005. Patients who underwent SVR + CABG were compared with control patients who met criteria for SVR + CABG by ventriculogram or echocardiogram but received CABG alone. End points included survival, rehospitalization for heart failure, and New York Heart Association class. RESULTS: During the study period 120 patients underwent SVR + CABG (n = 62) versus CABG alone (n = 58). Patients in the SVR + CABG group were younger (60 versus 64 years; p = 0.04) and more likely to be New York Heart Association class III or IV preoperatively (98% versus 86%; p = 0.01). Operative mortality was similar between groups (6.4% versus 5.2%; p = 1.00). Ejection fraction was similar preoperatively (0.22 versus 0.24; p = 0.31) and postoperatively (0.34 versus 00.32; p = 0.40). The SVR + CABG patients experienced fewer rehospitalizations for heart failure (24% [13 of 54] versus 55% [24 of 44]; p = 0.006) but had similar 4-year survival (p = 0.60). At follow-up, 80% (50 of 62) of SVR + CABG versus 57% (27 of 47) of CABG alone patients improved to New York Heart Association class I or II (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and ventricular enlargement experience similar early survival after SVR + CABG or CABG alone. However, SVR + CABG resulted in fewer rehospitalizations and better improvements in New York Heart Association class. Surgical ventricular restoration with CABG should be offered to eligible patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and ventricular enlargement.

Aortic root operations for Marfan syndrome: a comparison of the Bentall and valve-sparing procedures.

BACKGROUND: We compared results of the Bentall procedure with valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR) for aortic root aneurysm in Marfan syndrome. METHODS: Marfan syndrome patients who had the Bentall procedure or VSRR at our institution between April 1997 and September 2006 were identified. Follow-up information was obtained from hospital charts and contact with patients or their physicians. Kaplan-Meier survival and propensity score analyses were performed. RESULTS: One hundred forty Marfan syndrome patients had either the Bentall procedure (n = 56) or VSRR (n = 84; 40 remodeling and 44 reimplantation). Bentall patients were older than VSRR patients (38 versus 29 years; p = 0.0001) and had more aortic dissections (16% versus 1%; p = 0.0012); more urgent/emergent surgery (20% versus 2%; p = 0.0008); larger preoperative sinus diameter (5.7 versus 5.1 cm; p = 0.0004); and more preoperative 3+/4+ aortic insufficiency (59% versus 10%; p < 0.0001). There were no operative deaths. Postoperatively, 9% Bentall patients (5 of 56) and 1% of VSRR patients (1 of 84) suffered thromboembolic events (p = 0.03). Two percent (1 of 56) of Bentall patients required reoperation on the aortic root versus 6% of VSRR patients (5 of 84; p = 0.40). Eight-year freedom from aortic valve replacement was 90% for VSRR patients. Eight-year survival was 90% for Bentall and 100% for VSRR patients (p = 0.01). Propensity-adjusted regression showed that the Bentall procedure did not predict mortality (p = 1.00) and did not protect from reoperation (odds ratio = 0.28; 95% confidence interval: 0.01 to 4.33; p = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: The Bentall procedure and VSRR have similar operative results in Marfan syndrome. The procedures are distinguished by higher rates of thromboembolism among Bentall patients and higher rates of reoperation among VSRR patients. Lower late survival among Bentall patients probably reflects the preferential use of the Bentall procedure for higher risk patients.

Impact of lateral wall myocardial infarction on outcomes after surgical ventricular restoration.

BACKGROUND: Surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) attempts to reverse negative ventricular remodeling after anterior myocardial infarction (MI). However, the impact of lateral wall MI (LMI) on SVR outcomes is unknown. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed SVR patients between January 2002 and December 2005. Patients were grouped into those with and without LMI. Lateral wall myocardial infarction patients were further subdivided into those with anterior-lateral and anterior-inferior-lateral MI. Extent of LMI was assessed intraoperatively as less than 25%, 25% to 49%, 50% to 75%, and more than 75% of the lateral wall. Follow-up was 100%. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients underwent SVR; all had anterior MI. Forty-one percent (32 of 78) had LMI; 19% (6 of 32) had anterior-lateral MI; and 81% (26 of 32) had anterior-inferior-lateral MI. The remaining 59% (46 of 78) comprised the no-LMI group. Among LMI patients, 6% (2 of 32) had more than 75% involvement of the lateral wall. Lateral wall myocardial infarction patients were more likely to be New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV preoperatively. There were 2 operative deaths in the LMI group. Surgical ventricular restoration significantly improved ejection fraction and end-systolic volume index for patients with and without LMI. Sixty-three percent of patients (20 of 32) with LMI and 83% of patients (38 of 46) without LMI improved to NYHA class I/II at follow-up. Three-year Kaplan-Meier survival for LMI patients was 67%, which trended toward a decreased survival versus patients without LMI (85%; p = 0.18). Three-year Kaplan-Meier survival for anterior-lateral MI patients was 100%, and for anterior-inferior-lateral MI patients, it was 60%. Lateral wall myocardial infarction involving >50% of the lateral wall was a significant predictor of mortality (odds ratio = 8.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.3 to 54.1, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac function is improved after SVR for patients with and without LMI. However, anterior-inferior-lateral MI and LMI involving 50% or more of the lateral wall may predict mortality. Our results should prompt further investigation to determine the role of SVR for patients with LMI.

Impact of bilateral versus single lung transplantation on survival in recipients 60 years of age and older: analysis of United Network for Organ Sharing database.

OBJECTIVE: Lung transplantation has been increasingly applied to patients over the age of 60 years. Importantly, the procedure of choice, single versus bilateral lung transplantation, remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine short- and midterm outcomes in this age group with particular attention to procedure type. METHODS: All first lung transplant recipients, 60 years of age or older, reported to the United Network for Organ Sharing from 1998 to 2004 were divided into two groups: bilateral and single lung transplantation. A retrospective review of pertinent baseline characteristics, clinical parameters, and outcomes was performed. Kaplan-Meier methodology was used to estimate and Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to compare posttransplant survival between these groups. Additionally, propensity scores analysis was performed. RESULTS: During the study period, 1656 lung transplant recipients were 60 years of age or older (mean 62.7 +/- 2.4 years, median 62 years). Of these, 364 (28%) had bilateral and 1292 (78%) had single lung transplantation. Survival was not statistically different between the two groups. In the multivariate analysis, bilateral versus single lung transplantation was not a predictor of mortality. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and a donor tobacco history of more than 20 pack-years were significantly associated with mortality (P = .003, CI 1.12-1.76; and P = .006, CI 1.09-1.63; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The survival of lung transplant recipients 60 years of age or older who underwent bilateral versus single lung transplantation is comparable. These data suggest that type of procedure is not a predictor of mortality in this age group. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and donor cigarette use of more than 20 pack-years were independently associated with mortality.

Influence of pretransplant panel-reactive antibody on outcomes in 8,160 heart transplant recipients in recent era.

BACKGROUND: Panel-reactive antibody (PRA) screening to detect HLA antibodies is an important part of evaluation for potential heart transplant recipients. We sought to determine how different levels of PRA affect outcomes in heart transplantation. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of using data reported to the United Network for Organ Sharing/Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (UNOS/OPTN) registry from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2004, was performed. The association between PRA at transplant and primary end points, allograft and patient survival, as well as a secondary end point, rejection within 1 year, was analyzed. RESULTS: Pretransplant PRA was reported for 8,160 (79.4%) of the 10,279 first heart transplant recipients during the study period. Panel-reactive antibody was 0% in 6,481 (79.4%) patients (group 1), 1% to 10% in 930 (11.4%) patients (group 2), 11% to 25% in 309 (3.8%) patients (group 3), and greater than 25% in 440 (5.4%) patients (group 4). Actuarial survival was significantly different among the four groups by Kaplan-Meier method (p < 0.001). Furthermore, using PRA cutoffs of 0%, 10%, or 25%, the group with lower PRA had significantly better patient and allograft survival. Cox proportional hazard modeling revealed increasing PRA as a significant predictor of mortality (p < 0.001). However, when each group (2, 3, and 4) was compared with group 1 (PRA 0%), only group 4 (PRA > 25%) had worse survival on multivariate analysis. Patients with PRA greater than 25% confirmed by the flow cytometric technique had the worst overall survival. Rejection rate within 1 year after transplantation also significantly increased with increasing PRA. Propensity-matched patients demonstrated similar results. CONCLUSIONS: This large series of patients from the United Network for Organ Sharing database has demonstrated that elevated PRA remains a significant risk factor in a recent cohort of heart transplant recipients. Patients with PRA greater than 25% are at a particularly high risk.

Early surgical experience with Loeys-Dietz: a new syndrome of aggressive thoracic aortic aneurysm disease.

BACKGROUND: Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a recently described genetic aortic aneurysm syndrome resulting from mutations in receptors for the cytokine transforming growth factor-beta. Phenotypic features include a bifid uvula, hypertelorism, cleft palate, and generalized arterial tortuosity, but risk of thoracic aortic rupture and dissection is the principle focus of management and exceeds that of most known connective tissue disorders. Our surgical experience with LDS was reviewed to assess outcomes and develop guidelines for management of this aggressive disease. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all LDS patients from two institutions and obtained follow-up data from medical records and patient contacts. RESULTS: Clinical criteria and genotyping were used to identify 71 patients. Before surgical intervention, 6 patients (9%) died from aneurysm rupture or dissection, which occurred in several patients with aortic diameters of less than 4.5 cm and as early as 6 months of age. Thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery was performed in 14 children and 7 adults. Operations included valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR) in 13, Bentall procedure in 5, arch replacement in 2, and VSRR with arch replacement in 1. There were no deaths at the primary operation, although 3 patients died 2, 5, and 11 years after surgery from rupture of the descending thoracic (n = 2) or abdominal aorta (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: LDS is an aggressive aortic aneurysm disease with a propensity toward rupture and dissection at a younger age and smaller aortic diameters than in other connective tissue disorders, particularly in the ascending aorta. Early recognition of the phenotype, prophylactic intervention, and meticulous surveillance of the distal aorta and vascular tree are warranted for optimal management.

Two thousand Blalock-Taussig shunts: a six-decade experience.

BACKGROUND: The Blalock-Taussig shunt (BTS) remains valuable for palliation of congenital heart disease, but its role has evolved. We reviewed our total institutional experience with BTS to examine changes in its use and outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing BTS at our institution from November 1944 to May 2006. Hospital records and autopsy records were evaluated to determine patient demographics, diagnoses, operative data, hospital complications, and long-term outcomes. RESULTS: During the last 62 years, 2,016 BTS were performed by 28 surgeons on 1,880 patients from 35 countries. Classic BTS were performed in 75% (1,503 of 2,016 BTS). Diagnosis was tetralogy of Fallot in 72% (1,294 of 1,802), although diagnoses were imprecise in the early part of the series. Overall operative mortality was 14% (227 of 1,574). On follow-up, 32% of tetralogy of Fallot patients (411 of 1,294 patients) underwent subsequent total correction at our institution, and an additional 116 patients for whom follow-up was available had total correction of tetralogy of Fallot at other institutions, a combined total correction of tetralogy of Fallot rate of 41%. Of patients with complex congenital heart defects, 26% (106 of 404 patients) had subsequent cavopulmonary connection or atrial or arterial switch procedures. A comparison of the first and second halves of the series revealed several trends: decreasing mean annual number of BTS (66/year versus 9/year, respectively), decreasing operative mortality (16% versus 9%), and increasing proportion of single-ventricle diagnoses (5% versus 34%). CONCLUSIONS: Evolution of the BTS has seen a decrease in overall use, particularly in tetralogy of Fallot, but greater application to single-ventricle cardiac lesions and improved operative survival.