Prognostic Value of APACHE IV Score in Patients Bridged to Heart Transplantation on ECMO.

BACKGROUND: Methods for risk stratification of candidates for heart transplantation (HTx) supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are limited. We evaluated the reliability of the APACHE IV score to identify the risk of mortality in this patient subset in a multicenter study. METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2022, 167 consecutive ECMO patients were bridged to HTx; they were divided into two groups, according to a cutoff value of APACHE IV score, obtained by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for 90-day mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted, and compared through the log-Rank test. Cox regression model was used to estimate which factors were associated with survival. RESULTS: The 90-day mortality prediction of the APACHE IV score showed an area under the curve of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.80-0.94), with a cutoff value of 49 (specificity 91.7%-sensibility 69.6%). 125 patients (74.8%) showed an APACHE IV score value < 49 (Group A), and 42 (25.2%) ≥ 49 (Group B). 90-day mortality was 11.2% in Group A and 76.2% in Group B (p < 0.01). Survival at 1 and 5 years was 85.5%, 77% versus 23.4%, 23.4% (p < 0.01) in Groups A and B. Mortality correlated at univariable analysis with recipient age, body mass index, mechanical ventilation, APACHE IV score, and platelets number. At multivariable analysis only APACHE IV score (HR: 1.07 [1.05-1.09, 95% CI]) independently affected survival. CONCLUSIONS: The APACHE IV score represents a powerful predictor of survival in patients bridged to HTx on ECMO support, and could guide candidacy of patients on ECMO.

Long-term effects of primary graft dysfunction after heart transplantation.

BACKGROUND: We studied the incidence of primary graft dysfunction (PGD), its impact on in-hospital and follow-up outcomes and searched for independent risk factors. METHODS: During an 18-year period, 508 individuals underwent heart transplantation at our institution. Patients were diagnosed with none, mild, moderate or severe PGD according to ISHLT criteria. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (7.5%) met the ISHLT criteria for mild PGD, 92 (18.1%) for moderate PGD and 23 (4.5%) for severe PGD. Patients were classified into none/mild PGD (77.4%) and moderate/severe PGD (22.6%) groups. In-hospital mortality was 12.4% (7.8% for none/mild PGD and 28.7% for moderate/severe PGD; p < .001). Survival at 1, 5, and 15 years was 85.5 ± 1.9% versus 67.2 ± 4.5%, 80 ± 2.2% versus 63.5 ± 4.7%, and 60.4 ± 3.6% versus 45.9 ± 8.4%, respectively (p < .001). Excluding the events occurring during the first month of follow-up, survival was comparable between the two groups (93.1 ± 1.4% vs. 94.7 ± 2.6 at 1 year and 65.6 ± 3.8% vs. 70.4 ± 10.4% at 15 years, respectively; p = .88). Upon multivariate logistic regression analysis preoperative mechanical circulatory support (odds ratio [OR] = 5.86) and preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) (OR = 9.58) were independently associated with moderate/severe PGD. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that PGD is associated with poor in-hospital outcome. The poor outcome does not extend beyond the first month of follow-up, with comparable survival between patients with none/mild PGD and moderate/severe PGD in the short and long-term. Mechanical circulatory support and preoperative IABP were found to be independent risk factors for moderate/severe PGD.

MYLK pathogenic variants aortic disease presentation, pregnancy risk, and characterization of pathogenic missense variants.

PURPOSE: Heritable thoracic aortic disease can result from null variants in MYLK, which encodes myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK). Data on which MYLK missense variants are pathogenic and information to guide aortic disease management are limited. METHODS: Clinical data from 60 cases with MYLK pathogenic variants were analyzed (five null and two missense variants), and the effect of missense variants on kinase activity was assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-three individuals (39%) experienced an aortic event (defined as aneurysm repair or dissection); the majority of these events (87%) were aortic dissections. Aortic diameters were minimally enlarged at the time of dissection in many cases. Time-to-aortic-event curves showed that missense pathogenic variant (PV) carriers have earlier-onset aortic events than null PV carriers. An MYLK missense variant segregated with aortic disease over five generations but decreases MYLK kinase acitivity marginally. Functional Assays fail to identify all pathogenic variants in MYLK. CONCLUSION: These data further define the aortic phenotype associated with MYLK pathogenic variants. Given minimal aortic enlargement before dissection, an alternative approach to guide the timing of aortic repair is proposed based on the probability of a dissection at a given age.

Survival and Left Ventricular Function Changes in Fulminant Versus Nonfulminant Acute Myocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports have suggested that despite their dramatic presentation, patients with fulminant myocarditis (FM) might have better outcome than those with acute nonfulminant myocarditis (NFM). In this retrospective study, we report outcome and changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in a large cohort of patients with FM compared with patients with NFM. METHODS: The study population consists of 187 consecutive patients admitted between May 2001 and November 2016 with a diagnosis of acute myocarditis (onset of symptoms <1 month) of whom 55 required inotropes and/or mechanical circulatory support (FM) and the remaining 132 were hemodynamically stable (NFM). We also performed a subanalysis in 130 adult patients with acute viral myocarditis and viral prodrome within 2 weeks from the onset, which includes 34 with FM and 96 with NFM. Patients with giant-cell myocarditis, eosinophilic myocarditis, or cardiac sarcoidosis and those <15 years of age were excluded from the subanalysis. RESULTS: In the whole population (n=187), the rate of in-hospital death or heart transplantation was 25.5% versus 0% in FM versus NFM, respectively (P<0.0001). Long-term heart transplantation-free survival at 9 years was lower in FM than NFM (64.5% versus 100%, log-rank P<0.0001). Despite greater improvement in LVEF during hospitalization in FM versus NFM forms (median, 32% [interquartile range, 20%-40%] versus 3% [0%-10%], respectively; P<0.0001), the proportion of patients with LVEF <55% at last follow-up was higher in FM versus NFM (29% versus 9%; relative risk, 3.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-7.64, P=0.003). Similar results for survival and changes in LVEF in FM versus NFM were observed in the subgroup (n=130) with viral myocarditis. None of the patients with NFM and LVEF ≥55% at discharge had a significant decrease in LVEF at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with FM have an increased mortality and need for heart transplantation compared with those with NFM. From a functional viewpoint, patients with FM have a more severely impaired LVEF at admission that, despite steep improvement during hospitalization, remains lower than that in patients with NFM at long-term follow-up. These findings also hold true when only the viral forms are considered and are different from previous studies showing better prognosis in FM.

Mid-term survival after continuous-flow left ventricular assist device versus heart transplantation.

There is a paucity of data about mid-term outcome of patients with advanced heart failure (HF) treated with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in Europe, where donor shortage and their aging limit the availability and the probability of success of heart transplantation (HTx). The aim of this study is to compare Italian single-centre mid-term outcome in prospective patients treated with LVAD vs. HTx. We evaluated 213 consecutive patients with advanced HF who underwent continuous-flow LVAD implant or HTx from 1/2006 to 2/2012, with complete follow-up at 1 year (3/2013). We compared outcome in patients who received a LVAD (n = 49) with those who underwent HTx (n = 164) and in matched groups of 39 LVAD and 39 HTx patients. Patients that were treated with LVAD had a worse risk profile in comparison with HTx patients. Kaplan-Meier survival curves estimated a one-year survival of 75.5 % in LVAD vs. 82.3 % in HTx patients, a difference that was non-statistically significant [hazard ratio (HR) 1.46; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.74-2.86; p = 0.27 for LVAD vs. HTx]. After group matching 1-year survival was similar between LVAD (76.9 %) and HTx (79.5 %; HR 1.15; 95 % CI 0.44-2.98; p = 0.78). Concordant data was observed at 2-year follow-up. Patients treated with LVAD as bridge-to-transplant indication (n = 22) showed a non significant better outcome compared with HTx with a 95.5 and 90.9 % survival, at 1- and 2-year follow-up, respectively. Despite worse preoperative conditions, survival is not significantly lower after LVAD than after HTx at 2-year follow-up. Given the scarce number of donors for HTx, LVAD therapy represents a valid option, potentially affecting the current allocation strategy of heart donors also in Europe.

Histological findings following use of CoSeal in a patient with a left ventricular assist device.

Adhesions are a formidable challenge in patients undergoing reoperative cardiac surgery, particularly in those supported by an intracorporeal left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and undergoing heart transplantation. This report describes the pathological findings following the clinical use of a surgical sealant (CoSeal, Baxter Healthcare, Fremont, CA), in a patient who underwent LVAD implantation. On the treated surfaces, a minimal amount of adhesions were observed, whereas in untreated surfaces adhesions were present.

Cardiac Surgery in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis (CASTER) Study: Early and Long-Term Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) undergoing cardiac surgery (CS) face perioperative high mortality and morbidity, but extensive studies on this topic are lacking. METHODS: All adult patients with LC undergoing a CS procedure between 2000 and 2017 at 10 Italian Institutions were included in this retrospective cohort study. LC was classified according to preoperative Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Early-term and medium-term outcomes analysis was performed in the overall population and according to CTP classes. RESULTS: The study population included 144 patients (mean age 66 ± 9 years, 69% male). Ninety-eight, 20, and 26 patients were in CTP class A, in early CTP class B (MELD score <12), or advanced CTP class B (MELD score >12), respectively. The main LC etiologies were viral (43%) and alcoholic (36%). Liver-related clinical presentation (ascites, esophageal varices, and encephalopathy) and laboratory values (estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum albumin, and bilirubin, platelet count) significantly worsened across the CTP classes (P = .001). Coronary artery bypass grafting or valve surgery (87% bioprosthesis) were performed in 36% and 50%, respectively. Postoperative complications (especially acute kidney injury, liver complication, and length of stay) significantly worsened in advanced CTP class B (P = .001). Notably, observed mortality was 3-fold or 4-fold higher than the EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) II-predicted mortality, in the overall population, and in the subgroups. At Kaplan-Meier analysis, 1-year and 5-year cumulative survival in the overall population was 82% ± 3% and 77% ± 4%, respectively. The 5-year survival in CTP class A, early CTP class B, and advanced CTP class B was 72% ± 5%, 68% ± 11%, and 61% ± 10%, respectively (P = .238). CONCLUSIONS: CS outcomes in patients with LC are significantly affected in relation to the extent of preoperative liver dysfunction, but in early CTP classes, medium-term survival is acceptable. Further analysis are needed to better estimate the preoperative risk stratification of these patients.

Cardiovascular implantable electronic device therapy in patients with left ventricular assist devices: insights from TRAViATA.

BACKGROUND: There is conflicting observational data on the survival benefit cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) in patients with LVADs. METHODS: Patients in whom an LVAD was implanted between January 2008 and April 2017 in the multinational Trans-Atlantic Registry on VAD and Transplant (TRAViATA) registry were separated into four groups based on the presence of CIED prior to LVAD implantation: none (n = 146), implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) (n = 239), cardiac resynchronization without defibrillator (CRT-P) (n = 28), and CRT with defibrillator (CRT-D) (n = 111). RESULTS: A total of 524 patients (age 52 years ±12, 84.4% male) were followed for 354 (interquartile range: 166-701) days. After multivariable adjustment, there were no differences in survival across the groups. In comparison to no device, only CRT-D was associated with late right ventricular failure (RVF) (hazard ratio 2.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42-5.72, p = 0.003). There was no difference in risk of early RVF across the groups or risk of ICD shocks between those with ICD and CRT-D. CONCLUSION: In a multinational registry of patients with LVADs, there were no differences in survival with respect to CIED subtype. However, patients with a pre-existing CRT-D had a higher likelihood of late RVF suggesting significant long-term morbidity in those with devices capable of LV­lead pacing post LVAD implantation.

Outcome of patients on heart transplant list treated with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device: Insights from the TRans-Atlantic registry on VAd and TrAnsplant (TRAViATA).

BACKGROUND: Geographic variations in management and outcomes of individuals supported by continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVAD) between the United States (US) and Europe (EU) is largely unknown. METHODS: We created a retrospective, multinational registry of 524 patients who received a CF-LVAD (either HVAD or Heartmate II) between January 2008 and April 2017. Follow up spanned from date of CF-LVAD implant to post-HTx period with a median follow up of 44.8 months. RESULTS: The cohort included 299 (57.1%) EU and 225 (42.9%) US patients. Although the US cohort was significantly older with a higher prevalence of comorbidities, survival was similar between the cohorts (US 63.1%, EU 68.4% at 5 years, unadjusted log-rank test p = 0.43).Multivariate analyses suggested that older age, higher body mass index, elevated creatinine, use of temporary mechanical circulatory support prior CF-LVAD, and implantation of HVAD were associated with increased mortality. Among CF-LVAD patients undergoing HTx, the median time on CF-LVAD support was shorter in the US, meanwhile US donors were younger. Finally, the pattern of adverse events (stroke, gastrointestinal bleedings, late right ventricular failure, and driveline infection) during support differed significantly between US and EU. CONCLUSIONS: Although waitlisted patients in the US on CF-LVAD have higher risk comorbid conditions, the overall outcome is similar in US and EU. Geographic variations with regards to donor characteristics, duration of CF-LVAD support prior to transplant, and adverse events on support can explain the disparity in the utilization of mechanical bridge to transplant strategy between US and EU.

Cavernous hemangioma replacing the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve.

Heart valve hemangioma is a rare finding. Here, we report a case of a hemangioma completely replacing the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve. Preoperative imaging studies and operative anatomy are described.

Long-term results of lung cancer after heart transplantation: single center 20-year experience.

OBJECTIVE: The present study analyses, long-term lung cancer survival rate in the Niguarda heart transplant population and the results of surgical treatments. METHODS: From November 1985 to December 2006, 786 heart transplants were performed in our Center; we underwent a retrospective review of patients developing primary lung cancer. RESULTS: Among 660 heart transplant recipients valuable in this study, 22 (3.3%) developed a primary lung cancer (20 male, 91%), their mean age at time of heart transplant was 54.5+/-5.2 years (range, 42-65). The mean time from transplantation to lung cancer diagnosis was 73.7+/-30 months. Eleven patients (50%) were in stage IIIB or higher at the time of presentation. The 5-year survival rate of the entire study population was 21.4%, with a median survival time (MST) of 10.1 months. Ten patients underwent surgical resection (9 lobectomies and 1 wedge resection) and demonstrated improved long-term survival with 5-year survival of 56% and MST 70.4 months, compared to patients who did not undergo any surgical procedure, all of whom died during follow-up, with 1-year survival of 33%. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term results following lung cancer surgery in heart transplant recipients are satisfactory when performed at the early stage of the disease. Preventive computed tomography screen should be considered as a routine method for early diagnosis in this group of high-risk patients.

Prevention of limb ischemia and edema during peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a mechanical circulatory support indicated for the advanced treatment of refractory heart failure. The cannulation of the femoral vessels may be complicated by distal limb ischemia by arterial hypoperfusion and severe edema by venous obstruction. We describe a modified cannulation technique in order to prevent ischemia and edema of the inferior limb during VA-ECMO.

Initial results of clinical trial with a new left ventricular assist device (LVAD) providing synchronous pulsatile flow.

OBJECTIVES: A multicentric European Clinical Study is ongoing to evaluate safety and efficacy of a new pulsatile implantable LVAD (BestBeat), smaller and lighter than similar devices, capable of providing synchronous and counterpulsating flow with respect to the LV of end-stage heart failure patients. Preliminary clinical results are reported. METHODS: The new BestBeat LVAD was used, consisting of an implantable pulsatile blood pump, electromechanically driven by a ball screw mechanism, and a wearable electronic controller and power sources. The clinical trial was conducted at 5 european centers. Adult patients affected by CHF in NYHA Class IV despite optimized medical treatment were enrolled. The primary study endpoint was survival at 90 days. Further study endpoints were maintenance of adequate LVAD pump flow and a minimum rate of adverse events during support. RESULTS: As of June 2008, 6 patients received the implant. Cumulative support time was 3.7 years, median support time 176 days. All patients who completed the study survived except for one, who died after 48 days, due to combined infection and cerebrovascular accident. Another two patients died: one from intracranial bleeding 113 days after implant, and one from septic shock after 123 days. Hemodynamic improvement with CI>2.0 l/min/m2 and recovery of end-organ function expressed by consistent improvement of BUN, creatinine and bilirubin were reached in all patients. No device failure was observed. There was no bleeding requiring re-exploration, no hemolysis and only two device-related infections (both in one patient). Neurologic events were reported, the most serious ones occurring in patients with pre-implant respiratory and kidney failure. Three patients were discharged home. Two patients were successfully transplanted, one after 6 months and one after 13 months on device. CONCLUSIONS: Good performance and efficacy of the device were observed; the endpoints of the study were achieved, and its safety was consistent with expectations. The ongoing study will allow further conclusions to be drawn.

Mycotic coronary aneurysms.

: Mycotic coronary aneurysm is a rare infective disease of arterial vessel walls. Their development could be linked to the presence of an infective endocarditis or could represent a primary infection at the site of an implanted intracoronary stent. Bacterial agents, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, are the most common etiological agents. Due to an aspecific clinical presentation and examination, diagnosis could be challenging. Multiple imaging techniques (both invasive and noninvasive) are often required to reach the final diagnosis. Prognosis is characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates and, in fact, a tempestive treatment is required, although, to date, scanty data concerning the optimal treatment choice are present in literature.

Safety of centrifugal left ventricular assist device in patients previously treated with MitraClip system.

INTRODUCTION: No data regarding the safety of continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) implantation in patients with previous MitraClip have been reported. Thus, it remains unknown whether an initial treatment strategy with MitraClip therapy might complicate future heart failure management in patients who are also considered for CF-LVAD. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 6 patients (median age of 62 years; 2 women) who had been treated with MitraClip, that were eventually implanted with a CF-LVAD (all Heartware HVAD) in 3 hospitals between 2013 and 2018. RESULTS: Patients were treated in 4 cases with 2 clips, and in 2 cases with 1 clip. Median time from MitraClip implantation to CF-LVAD implant was 282 days (interquartile range 67 to 493), and median time on CF-LVAD support was 401 days (interquartile range 105 to 492 days). Two patients underwent a heart transplant, 3 patients died on support, and 1 is alive on support. In all cases, there was a reduction of functional mitral regurgitation without MitraClip-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this small case series, implantation of a CF-LVAD appears safe in patients with a previously positioned MitraClip system, at least, with 1 or 2 clips in place, with no need for additional mitral valve surgery.

Evolut R implantation via the brachial artery.

Transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation is an established therapy to treat elderly patients affected by severe aortic stenosis, who are considered to be at high or extreme risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. The transfemoral approach is contraindicated in patients with severe peripheral artery disease, small vessel size or severe tortuosity. In these patients, other vascular access routes such as transapical, subclavian or direct-aortic access may be considered. We describe the first case of a Medtronic Evolut R (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) implantation made through the brachial artery in a 75-year-old patient affected by severe aortic stenosis.

Portico Sheathless Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation via Distal Axillary Artery.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has been designed to treat older patients affected by severe aortic stenosis who are considered high-risk surgical candidates because of multiple comorbidities. The least invasive approach for transcatheter aortic valves implantation should be considered the transfemoral retrograde route, because it is minimally invasive and is feasible with local anesthesia and mild sedation. Despite significant technical improvements in recent years, the transfemoral approach is contraindicated in cases of severe peripheral artery disease. We describe the first case of a Portico transcatheter aortic valve implantation system (St. Jude Medical, Minneapolis, MN) made through the distal axillary artery in a 90-year-old patient affected by severe aortic stenosis.

[Acute aortic dissection type A: from the past to the present]. / Dissezione acuta dell'aorta di tipo A: uno sguardo al presente, imparando dal passato.

Acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) is a disease that has a catastrophic impact on a patient's life. Although refinements in perioperative and surgical care have translated into improved outcomes for patients affected by AADA, hospital mortality after surgery still remains very high, ranging from 15% to 30%. The management of AADA is complex and dictated by the modality of presentation, extent and location of the disease. Attempts to formulate consensus statements and relevant guidelines have identified significant gaps in the AADA knowledge with reference to pathogenesis, appropriate management and configuration for clinical services. Several international registries have been created to generate an evidence base that can address current and future management. In this context, the extensive use of surgical/hybrid approaches in treating AADA should be encouraged as well as more extensive interventions to replace the entire dissected aortic root and aortic arch tissues. In addition, the excellent outcome results recently achieved by high-volume surgical centers with focused expertise in AADA pointed out the need for regionalized super-centers offering specific multidisciplinary aortic surgery programs with dedicated high-specialized surgeons.