Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Graft Dysfunction Early After Heart Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a prevailing option for the management of severe early graft dysfunction. This systematic review and individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis aims to evaluate (1) mortality, (2) rates of major complications, (3) prognostic factors, and (4) the effect of different VA-ECMO strategies on outcomes in adult heart transplant (HT) recipients supported with VA-ECMO. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a systematic search and included studies of adults (≥18 years) who received VA-ECMO during their index hospitalization after HT and reported on mortality at any timepoint. We pooled data using random effects models. To identify prognostic factors, we analysed IPD using mixed effects logistic regression. We assessed the certainty in the evidence using the GRADE framework. We included 49 observational studies of 1477 patients who received VA-ECMO after HT, of which 15 studies provided IPD for 448 patients. There were no differences in mortality estimates between IPD and non-IPD studies. The short-term (30-day/in-hospital) mortality estimate was 33% (moderate certainty, 95% confidence interval [CI] 28%-39%) and 1-year mortality estimate 50% (moderate certainty, 95% CI 43%-57%). Recipient age (odds ratio 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.04) and prior sternotomy (OR 1.57, 95% CI 0.99-2.49) are associated with increased short-term mortality. There is low certainty evidence that early intraoperative cannulation and peripheral cannulation reduce the risk of short-term death. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of patients who receive VA-ECMO for early graft dysfunction do not survive 30 days or to hospital discharge, and one-half do not survive to 1 year after HT. Improving outcomes will require ongoing research focused on optimizing VA-ECMO strategies and care in the first year after HT.

Effect of a surgical observership on the perceptions and career choices of preclinical medical students: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Medical students are increasingly choosing nonsurgical specialties; observership programs can address factors influencing them toward surgical careers by allowing preclerkship exposure and mentorship, and correcting misconceptions. The aims of this study were to assess the influence of a peer-led observership program at the Université de Montréal on the career choices of preclinical medical students and to determine the factors associated with a positive observership experience. METHODS: We used a quasi-experimental convergent mixed-methods questionnaire design. From Nov. 19 to Dec. 31, 2018, and Mar. 1 to Apr. 4, 2019, all medical students participating in the observership program were eligible for the study; there were no ineligibility criteria. Using a prospective purposive sampling method, we recruited students via the email sent to confirm their observership. In the week after their observership, we invited the students by email to complete a postintervention survey. We used nonparametric tests to evaluate the impact of the observership on participants' career choices and an inductive data-driven thematic analysis to analyze their responses. RESULTS: Of the 204 students who participated, 157 provided consent, of whom 85 (54.1%) completed questionnaires both before and after the observership. The majority of participants were interested in a surgical specialty before (72 [85%]) and after (68 [84%]) the observership. There was no significant change in the students' choices of surgical specialties after the observership. However, most (68 [81%]) reported being more interested in a surgical career as a result of the observership, which allowed them to see that the type of practice they considered was congruent with a surgical career. Their perceptions of the field of surgery became positive, particularly regarding its pace and atmosphere and the humanistic patient-doctor relationship it required. The experience was influenced by surgeons' and teams' attitudes toward students, knowledge-sharing and quality of exposure. Participants mentioned that their willingness to participate was in part responsible for the success of their experience. CONCLUSION: This observership program allowed an early, positive introduction of students to surgery while challenging stereotypes. It provided a better understanding of surgery, enabling participants to consider this field and potentially influencing their residency application.

Coronary endarterectomy in patients with diffuse coronary artery disease: assessment of graft patency with computed tomography angiography.

BACKGROUND: With a growing population of patients with advanced coronary artery disease (CAD), many of whom have undergone prior percutaneous coronary interventions, coronary endarterectomy (CE) allows for the extension of revascularization in patients with otherwise limited options. Whether adjunctive CE associated with standard surgery, combined with contemporary antiplatelet therapy, improves outcomes remains largely unknown. METHODS: We studied 147 consecutive patients who underwent 154 adjunctive CE procedures for advanced CAD between January 2015 and January 2018. We used computed tomography angiography (CTA) in a subgroup of 32 consecutive patients who underwent CE during coronary artery bypass grafting after June 2016 to assess graft and coronary patency. RESULTS: Patients (mean age 67 ± SD 10 yr) underwent CE of the right (102 patients), the left anterior descending (LAD, 22 patients) and the circumflex (17 patients) coronary arteries. Seven patients (5%) experienced a procedural myocardial infarction and there were no perioperative deaths. Among the 32 patients who underwent CTA 3 months after surgery, the mean patency of the endarterectomized coronary arteries and bypass grafts was 90% and 88%, respectively. All 6 arterial grafts on the LAD artery were patent. The mean survival rate and the mean rate of freedom from major adverse cardiovascular events was 95% ± 2% and 95% ± 6%, respectively. The patency rate was 100 % for patients evaluated at 3-year follow up. CONCLUSION: Coronary endarterectomy offers a surgical option for patients with diffuse CAD who may be unsuitable for coronary bypass alone. Grafts and endarterectomized coronary artery patency remain adequate and explain the excellent patient survival and the freedom rate from major adverse cardiovascular events.

Early and Long-Term Outcomes after Direct Bridge-to-Transplantation with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as direct bridge-to-transplantation (dBTT) remains controversial. We compared the short- and long-term outcomes of adult patients undergoing urgent heart transplantation (HT) with (dBTT) and without (non-BTT) VA-ECMO support at the time of HT. METHODS: Adults who underwent urgent HT in two institutions were assessed (N = 133; dBTT: N = 34 and non-BTT: N = 99). Patient characteristics, donor characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, and overall survival were compared. Mean follow up was 77±38 months and was 100% complete. Mortality predictors were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Before HT, patients with dBTT had higher rates of ischemic cardiomyopathy, acute kidney injury, liver failure, respiratory failure, and longer graft ischemia times. More patients in the dBTT group had complications, such as requiring VA-ECMO postoperatively (dBTT=50% vs. non-BTT=20%, P < 0.01). Hospital deaths (dBTT=23% vs. non-BTT=19%, P = 0.58), one-year (74% vs. 80%) and five-year survival (62% vs. 75%, P = 0.74 for overall survival) were not significantly different. The MELD-XI score and previous cardiac surgery were independent predictors of hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Direct bridge-to-transplantation in patients on VA-ECMO support was not associated with worse long-term outcomes compared with non-VA-ECMO urgent HT, especially in recipients without any associated organ failure and a low MELD-XI score before HT.

Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for heart graft dysfunction in adults: incidence, risk factors and outcomes in a multicentric study.

BACKGROUND: The decision about whether to use venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in patients with cardiac graft dysfunction (GD) is usually made on a case-by-case basis and is guided by the team's experience. We aimed to determine the incidence of VA-ECMO use after heart transplantation (HT), to assess early- and long-term outcomes and to assess risk factors for the need for VA-ECMO and early mortality in these patients. METHODS: We included adults who underwent heart transplantation at 3 cardiac centres who met the most recent International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation definition of graft dysfunction (GD) over a 10-year period. Pre-transplant, intraoperative and posttransplant characteristics of the heart recipients as well as donor characteristics were analyzed and compared among recipients with GD treated with and without VA-ECMO. RESULTS: There were 135 patients with GD in this study, of whom 66 were treated with VA-ECMO and 69 were not. The mean follow-up averaged 81.2 months (standard deviation 36 mo, range 0-184 mo); follow-up was complete in 100% of patients. The overall incidence of GD (30%) and of VA-ECMO use increased over the study period. We did not identify any predictive pre-transplantation factors for VA-ECMO use, but patients who required VA-ECMO had higher serum lactate levels and higher inotropes doses after HT. The overall survival rates were 83% and 42% at 1 year and 78% and 40% at 5 years among patients who received only medical treatment and those who received VA-ECMO, respectively. Delayed initiation of VA-ECMO and postoperative bleeding were strongly associated with increased in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: The incidence of GD increased over the study period, and the need for VA-ECMO among patients with GD remains difficult to predict. In-hospital mortality decreased over time but remained high among patients who required VA-ECMO, especially among patients with delayed initiation of VA-ECMO.

The Department of Surgery of the Université de Montréal, 70th anniversary.

SUMMARY: The Department of Surgery of the Université de Montréal was officially chartered in 1961, but the structure had been in place since since 1951. The department grew as a fusion of hospital-based surgery training programs from the largest French-speaking hospitals in Montreal. Currently 448 professors (135 women and 313 men) teach in the department. The research activity, both clinical and applied, is in strong progression. The Department of Surgery is the largest French and bilingual training centre in Canada and North America. In 2021 the department will celebrate its 70th anniversary. As members, we should be proud of the work achieved by our predecessors and by the current rank of professors, teachers and researchers. The department strives to promote the essential role of and highlight the rewards and benefits of academic surgery.

Current Review of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Use in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Device.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: While use of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction is recommended, their role in patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) remains controversial, especially with continuous flow (CF) devices. RECENT FINDINGS: Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in LVAD patients are frequent and associated with worse outcomes, especially postoperatively. Data on the role of ICDs in LVAD patients are scarce, based on case reports or small retrospective series. While the majority of LVAD patients currently have an ICD, it seems that some might not derive any benefit, with additional risks in terms of inappropriate shocks, psychological distress, and infections. Some CF-LVAD patients are at high risk of VA and hemodynamic collapse; under those circumstances, an ICD might provide benefits. A randomized-controlled trial of routine ICD implantation in CF-LVAD would be needed to clarify their impact on survival in low risk patients.

Association of recreational drug consumption, cardiac toxicity and heart transplantation

Summary: Cardiac toxicity from recreational drug use remains difficult to establish. We report the cases of 3 young patients who were hospitalized for cardiogenic shock. All were bridged to transplantation with implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). They underwent uneventful heart transplantation. The patients did not have any significant personal or family medical history, but all admitted consuming large quantities of recreational drugs daily. Histological examination of the native heart did not show any inflammation or infiltrative myocardial disease. In this series of young patients presenting in cardiogenic shock with minimal histologic findings on examination of the native hearts, the association between cardiac toxicity and active use of recreational drugs remains a strong possibility. The transplant community should be made aware of this possible association in the current era of legalization and social trivialization of drug consumption.

Pregnancy after heart transplantation: a well-thought-out decision? The Quebec provincial experience - a multi-centre cohort study.

Despite reports of successful pregnancies in heart transplant (HTx) recipients, many centers recommend their patients against maternity. We reviewed our provincial experience of pregnancy in HTx recipients by performing charts review of all known gestations following HTx in the province of Quebec (Canada), stratified between planned and unplanned pregnancies. Long-term survival was compared to HTx recipient women of childbearing age who did not become pregnant. Eighteen pregnancies, 56% unplanned, occurred in eight patients, 10.1 (2.6-27.0) years after HTx. Immunosuppression was CNI-based, with a mean dose increase of 48.3% (tacrolimus) and 26.5% (cyclosporine), without rejection. Cardiometabolic complications were high compared to the general Canadian population, including preeclampsia (15.4% vs. 5.5%), hypertension (38.5% vs. 4.6%), and diabetes (15.4% vs. 5.6%). Mean gestational age was 35.1 (23.4-39.6) weeks (72.2% live births; 53.8% prematurity). Mean birthweight was 2418 (660-3612) g. Serum creatinine increased during pregnancy, becoming significant after delivery (P = 0.0239), and returning to preconception level in all but three patients within a year. After 4.6 (1.2-17.2) years of follow-up, two rejection episodes occurred in one patient. Long-term mortality was similar to overall HTx women (Kaplan-Meier; P = 0.8071). Pregnancy in HTx carries high cardiometabolic complications and decreased kidney function, but is feasible with acceptable outcomes and no impact on mother's survival.

Proposal of a novel MELD exception point system for hepatocellular carcinoma based on tumor characteristics and dynamics.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients listed with exception points for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been more likely to be transplanted than those listed for chronic liver failure (LF) based on the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. The aim of this study was to determine outcomes in the 5-year experience of a scoring system designed to reflect heterogeneity of tumor load of patients listed for HCC. METHODS: A novel MELD exception point system based on size and number of HCC was implemented in July 2009. This system allows stratification of patients based on risk of dropping out from the waiting list according to Milan criteria. LF patients were listed according to biological MELD sodium score; HCC patients were reassigned points every three months upon repeat imaging. RESULTS: Among 624 patients listed for liver transplant (LT), 505 were eligible. 94 (18.6%) were assigned MELD HCC points. Only 24.7% required changes in allocated points over time. Transplantation rates (HCC 83% vs. LF 73%, p=0.04) and waiting time in days (HCC 258 vs. LF 325; p=0.07) were similar. The method of competing risk analysis revealed that HCC patients were more likely to be transplanted than LF during the 5-year period preceding implementation, whereas transplant rates became equivalent for HCC and non-HCC in 2009-2014. One- and two-year survivals were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that a novel MELD point system for HCC, taking into account dynamics in tumor size and number, allows for equitable liver allocation without compromising graft and patient survival. LAY SUMMARY: It has historically been difficult to achieve equitable liver allocation for liver cancer and chronic liver failure with the allocation systems currently in place in many countries worldwide. We designed a new system to help improve access to organs for liver failure patients in Québec, Canada. Our 5-year experience demonstrates that this unique system renders access to transplant similar for both liver cancer and liver failure indications.

Tackling the Issue of High Postoperative Pacemaker Implantation Rates in Sutureless Aortic Valve Replacement: Should Balloon Inflation be Removed from the Implantation Method of the Perceval Prosthesis?

BACKGROUND: Sutureless aortic valve replacement (AVR) is an emerging alternative to standard AVR in elderly and high-risk patients. This procedure is associated with a high rate of postoperative permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI). The study aim was to assess the impact on the rate of PPI of implanting the Perceval prosthesis without using balloon inflation. METHODS: A total of 159 patients who underwent sutureless AVR using the Perceval prosthesis was included. Balloon inflation was used in 132 patients (Balloon group) and not used in the remaining 27 (No-Balloon group). Clinical, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in PPI rate between the two groups (26% for Balloon group versus 22% in No-Balloon group; p = 0.700). Balloon inflation had no significant impact on the incidence of paravalvular leaks (p = 0.839), or on the need to return to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) intraoperatively due to paravalvular leak or unsatisfactory deployment (p >0.999). Mean and peak transaortic pressure gradients were similar between the two groups (p = 0.417 and p = 0.522, respectively). Cross-clamp and CPB times were shorter in the No-Balloon group (49.6 ± 15.9 min versus 61.1 ± 25.6 min and 64.1 ± 26.3 min versus 79.6 ± 35.4 min, respectively; p = 0.027 and p = 0.012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The two groups had similar postoperative PPI rates. Implanting the Perceval prosthesis without balloon inflation is safe and had no impact on paravalvular leaks, intraoperative complications or hemodynamic results. Reductions in aortic cross-clamp time and CPB time were observed when the balloon was not used.

Association between CK-MB Area Under the Curve and Tranexamic Acid Utilization in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

Myonecrosis after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is associated with excess mortality. Tranexamic acid (TA), an anti-fibrinolytic agent, has been shown to reduce peri-operative blood loss without increasing the risk of myocardial infarction (MI); however, no large study has examined the association between TA treatment and post-CABG myonecrosis. In the MC-1 to Eliminate Necrosis and Damage in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery II trial, inverse probability weighting of the propensity to receive TA was used to test for differences among the 656 patients receiving and 770 patients not receiving TA. The primary outcome was creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) area under the curve (AUC) through 24 h. The secondary outcome was 30-day cardiovascular death or MI. Patients who received TA were more frequently female, had a previous MI, heart failure, low molecular weight heparin therapy, on-pump CABG, valvular surgery, and saphenous vein or radial grafts. The median 24-h CK-MB AUC was higher in TA-treated patients [301.9 (IQR 196.7-495.6) vs 253.5 (153.4-432.5) ng h/mL, p < 0.001]. No differences in the 30-day incidence of cardiovascular death or MI were observed (8.7 vs 8.3%, adjusted OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.67-1.45, p = 0.948). In patients undergoing CABG, TA use was associated with a higher risk of myonecrosis; however, no differences were observed in death or MI. Future larger studies should be directed at examining the pathophysiology of TA myonecrosis, and its association with subsequent clinical outcomes.

Del Nido cardioplegia in the setting of minimally invasive aortic valve surgery.

The purpose of this study is to report our experience with del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) in the setting of minimally invasive aortic valve surgery. Forty-six consecutive patients underwent minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (AVR) through a "J" ministernotomy: twenty-five patients received the DNC (Group 1) and 21 patients received standard blood cardioplegia (SBC) (Group 2). The rate of ventricular fibrillation at unclamping was significantly lower in the DNC group (12% vs 52%, p=0.004), as well as postoperative creatinine kinase-MB (CK-MB) values (11.4±5.2 vs 17.7±6.9 µg/L, p=0.004). There were no deaths, myocardial infarctions or major complications in either group. Less postoperative use of intravenous insulin (28% vs 81%, p<0.001) was registered in the DNC group. In conclusion, the DNC is easy to use and safe during minimally invasive AVR, providing a myocardial protection at least equivalent to our SBC, improved surgical efficiency, minimal cost and less blood glucose perturbations.

Experience with the SynCardia total artificial heart in a Canadian centre.

BACKGROUND: The SynCardia total artificial heart (TAH) provides complete circulatory support by replacing both native ventricles. Accepted indications include bridge to transplantation and destination therapy. We review our experience with TAH implantation during a period when axial flow pump became available. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the demographics, clinical characteristics and survival of all patients receiving the TAH. RESULTS: From September 2004 to November 2016, 13 patients (12 men, mean age 45 ± 13 yr) received the TAH for refractory cardiogenic shock secondary to idiopathic (56%) or ischemic (17%) cardiomyopathy and to other various causes (33%). Before implantation, mean ejection fraction was 14% ± 4%, 7 (54%) patients had previous cardiac surgery, 4 (31%) were on mechanical ventilation, and 3 (23%) patients were on dialysis. The mean duration of TAH support was 46 ± 40 days. Three (23%) patients died while on support after a mean of 15 days. Actuarial survival on support was 77% ± 12% at 30 days after implantation. Complications on support included stroke (n = 1, 8%), acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring prolonged intubation (n = 5, 38%) and acute renal failure requiring temporary dialysis (n = 5, 38%). Ten (77%) patients survived to be transplanted after a mean of 52 ± 42 days of support. Actuarial survival rates after transplant were 67% ± 16% at 1 month and 56% ± 17% at 1 year after transplantation. CONCLUSION: The TAH provides an alternative with low incidence of neurologic events in extremely fragile and complex patients waiting for heart transplantation. Complex and unusual anatomic conditions explained the current use of TAH.

CONTEXTE: Le cœur artificiel total (CAT) SynCardia offre un soutien circulatoire complet en remplaçant les 2 ventricules naturels. Parmi ses indications acceptées, mentionnons la transition pré-greffe et l'assistance permanente. Nous passons ici en revue notre expérience en matière d'implantation de CAT à partir de l'avènement des pompes à flux axial. MÉTHODES: Nous avons analysé de manière rétrospective les caractéristiques démographiques et cliniques et la survie de tous les patients ayant reçu un CAT. RÉSULTATS: De septembre 2004 à novembre 2016, 13 patients (12 hommes, âge moyen 45 ± 13 ans) ont reçu le CAT pour un choc cardiogénique réfractaire dû à la cardiomyopathie idiopathique (50 %) ou ischémique (17 %) ou à d'autres causes (33 %). Avant l'implantation, la fraction d'éjection était en moyenne de 14 % ± 4 %, 7 patients (54 %) avaient déjà subi une chirurgie cardiaque, 4 (31 %) étaient sous ventilation mécanique et 3 (23 %) étaient dialysés. La durée moyenne du soutien par CAT a été de 46 ± 40 jours. Trois patients (23 %) sont décédés malgré l'implantation du dispositif après une moyenne d'utilisation de 15 jours. La survie actuarielle pendant l'utilisation du dispositif a été de 77 % ± 12 % 30 jours suivant l'implantation. Les complications ont inclus : accident vasculaire cérébral (n = 1, 8 %), syndrome de détresse respiratoire aigüe nécessitant une intubation prolongée (n = 5, 38 %) et insuffisance rénale aigüe nécessitant une dialyse temporaire (n = 5, 38 %). Dix patients (77 %) ont survécu jusqu'à leur greffe après une moyenne d'utilisation de 52 ± 42 jours. Les taux de survie actuarielle après la greffe ont été de 67 % ± 16 % après 1 mois et de 56 % ± 17 % après 1 an suivant la greffe. CONCLUSION: Le CAT est une solution de rechange qui s'accompagne d'une incidence faible de complications neurologiques chez des patients à l'état extrêmement fragile et complexe en attente d'une greffe cardiaque. Des complications anatomiques inhabituelles ont expliqué l'utilisation du CAT.

Changes in patient characteristics following cardiac transplantation: the Montreal Heart Institute experience.

BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation is no longer considered an experimental operation, but rather a standard treatment; nevertheless the context has changed substantially in recent years owing to donor shortage. The aim of this study was to review the heart transplant experience focusing on very long-term survival (≥ 20 years) and to compare the initial results with the current era. METHODS: From April 1983 through April 1995, 156 consecutive patients underwent heart transplantation. Patients who survived 20 years or longer (group 1) were compared with patients who died within 20 years after surgery (group 2). To compare patient characteristics with the current era, we evaluated our recent 5-year experience (group 3; patients who underwent transplantation between 2010 and 2015), focusing on differences in terms of donor and recipient characteristics. RESULTS: Group 1 (n = 46, 30%) included younger patients (38 ± 11 v. 48 ± 8 yr, p = 0.001), a higher proportion of female recipients (28% v. 8%, p = 0.001) and a lower prevalence of ischemic heart disease (42% v. 65%, p = 0.001) than group 2 (n = 110, 70%). Patients in group 3 (n = 54) were older (52 ± 12 v. 38 ± 11 yr, p = 0.001), sicker (rate of hospital admission at transplantation 48% v. 20%, p = 0.001) and transplanted with organs from older donors (42 ± 15 v. 29 ± 11 yr, p = 0.001) than those in group 1. CONCLUSION: Very long-term survival ( ≥ 20 yr) was observed in 30% of patients transplanted during the first decade of our experience. This outcome will be difficult to duplicate in the current era considering our present population of older and sicker patients transplanted with organs from older donors.

CONTEXTE: De nos jours, la transplantation cardiaque n'est plus considérée comme une intervention expérimentale, mais bien comme une opération standard; mais le contexte a substantiellement changé ces dernières années en raison d'une pénurie de donneurs. Cette étude avait pour but de faire le point sur la situation de la greffe cardiaque, et plus particulièrement sur la survie à très long terme (≥ 20 ans), et de la comparer aux résultats initiaux. MÉTHODES: Entre avril 1983 et avril 1995, 156 patients consécutifs ont subi une greffe cardiaque. Les patients qui ont survécu 20 ans ou plus (groupe 1) ont été comparés aux patients décédés moins de 20 ans après l'intervention (groupe 2). Pour comparer les caractéristiques des premiers patients à celles des cas plus récents, nous avons fait un bilan des 5 années allant de 2010 à 2015 (groupe 3), en portant attention aux différences quant aux caractéristiques des donneurs et des receveurs. RÉSULTATS: Le groupe 1 (n = 46, 30 %) incluait des patients plus jeunes (38 ± 11 ans c. 48 ± 8 ans, p = 0,001), une proportion plus élevée de femmes (28 % c. 8 %, p = 0,001) et la prévalence de maladie cardiaque ischémique y était moindre (42 % c. 65 %, p = 0,001) comparativement au groupe 2 (n = 110, 70 %). Les patients du groupe 3 (n = 54) étaient plus âgés (52 ± 12 ans c. 38 ± 11 ans, p = 0,001), plus malades (taux d'hospitalisation au moment de la transplantation 48 % c. 20 %, p = 0,001) et ont reçu le cœur de donneurs plus âgés (42 ± 15 ans c. 29 ± 11 ans, p = 0,001) que ceux du groupe 1. CONCLUSION: Une survie à très long terme (≥ 20 ans) a été observée chez 30 % des patients ayant reçu leur greffe au cours de la première décennie de notre expérience. Ce résultat sera difficile à reproduire de nos jours étant donné que notre population actuelle est constituée de receveurs plus âgés et plus malades, qui reçoivent le cœur de donneurs plus âgés.

Characterization of the pH and Temperature in the Rabbit, Pig, and Monkey Eye: Key Parameters for the Development of Long-Acting Delivery Ocular Strategies.

Many long-acting delivery strategies for ocular indications rely on pH- and/or temperature-driven release of the therapeutic agent and degradation of the drug carrier. Yet, these physiological parameters are poorly characterized in ocular animal models. These strategies aim at reducing the frequency of dosing, which is of particular interest for the treatment of chronic disorders affecting the posterior segment of the eye, such as macular degeneration that warrants monthly or every other month intravitreal injections. We used anesthetized white New Zealand rabbits, Yucatan mini pigs, and cynomolgus monkeys to characterize pH and temperature in several vitreous locations and the central aqueous location. We also established post mortem pH changes in the vitreous. Our data showed regional and species differences, which need to be factored into strategies for developing biodegradable long-acting delivery systems.

Morphological and Clinical Findings of Explanted Carpentier-Edwards Perimount Pericardial Valve in the Aortic Position.

BACKGROUND: Freedom from structural valve deterioration (SVD) at 15 years with the Carpentier-Edwards (CE) Perimount pericardial valve in the aortic position was 60% in patients aged <60 years compared to 90% and 99% in patients aged 60-70 years and >70 years, respectively. The study aim was to focus on the causes of SVD requiring valve explant according to three different age groups: <60 years, 60-70 years, and >70 years. The short- and longterm clinical results of the patient cohort, followed for 25 years, are presented. METHODS: A retrospective review was made of 89 patients among 2,405 who had undergone elective aortic valve replacement (AVR) with CE pericardial valves between November 1981 and March 2011, and in whom the prosthesis explant was secondary to degeneration of the valve. RESULTS: Patients aged >70 years experienced more late complications such as endocarditis (p = 0.02) and mortality (p = 0.02). Following surgery for prosthesis explant and replacement, 39 of the 89 patients (44%) died. The average time to postoperative mortality in that population was 2.8 ± 3.6 years. On combining all causes of SVD, earlier dysfunction was noted in patients aged >60 years, and late dysfunction in patients aged <60 years (p = 0.003). However, there was no significant difference between groups in the process of degeneration (either calcification, pannus, tear, thrombus, endocarditis) (p = NS). No predictors were found of early and late dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Patients aged >60 years in whom a CE Perimount valve was implanted in the aortic position were more prone to early degeneration of their valve and related mortality. However, no predictors were found of early degeneration of the valve in that patient population.

Preliminary experience with combined inhaled milrinone and prostacyclin in cardiac surgical patients with pulmonary hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the effects of combined inhaled prostacyclin and milrinone to reduce the severity of pulmonary hypertension when administered prior to cardiopulmonary bypass. DESIGN: Retrospective case control analysis of high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery. SETTING: Single cardiac center. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty one adult cardiac surgical patients with pulmonary hypertension, 40 of whom received inhalation therapy. INTERVENTION: Inhaled milrinone and inhaled prostacyclin were administered before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Administration of both inhaled prostacyclin and milrinone was associated with reductions in central venous pressure, and mean pulmonary artery pressure, increases in cardiac index, heart rate, and the mean arterial-to-mean pulmonary artery pressure ratio (p < 0.05), with no significant change in mean arterial pressure. The rate of difficult and complex separation from CPB was 51% in the inhaled group and 70% in the control group (p = 0.1638). Postoperative vasoactive requirement was reduced at 12 hours (35.9 v 73.7% p<0.01) and 24 hours (25.6 v 57.9% p<0.05) postoperatively in the combined inhaled agent group. Hospital length of stay and mortality were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: Preemptive treatment of pulmonary hypertension with a combination of inhaled prostacyclin and milrinone before CPB was associated with a reduction in the severity of pulmonary hypertension. In addition, a significant reduction in vasoactive support in the intensive care unit during the first 24 hours after cardiac surgery was observed. The impact of this strategy on postoperative survival needs to be determined.

Prevalence of and risk factors for persistent postoperative nonanginal pain after cardiac surgery: a 2-year prospective multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Persistent postoperative pain continues to be an underrecognized complication. We examined the prevalence of and risk factors for this type of pain after cardiac surgery. METHODS: We enrolled patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting or valve replacement, or both, from Feb. 8, 2005, to Sept. 1, 2009. Validated measures were used to assess (a) preoperative anxiety and depression, tendency to catastrophize in the face of pain, health-related quality of life and presence of persistent pain; (b) pain intensity and interference in the first postoperative week; and (c) presence and intensity of persistent postoperative pain at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. The primary outcome was the presence of persistent postoperative pain during 24 months of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 1247 patients completed the preoperative assessment. Follow-up retention rates at 3 and 24 months were 84% and 78%, respectively. The prevalence of persistent postoperative pain decreased significantly over time, from 40.1% at 3 months to 22.1% at 6 months, 16.5% at 12 months and 9.5% at 24 months; the pain was rated as moderate to severe in 3.6% at 24 months. Acute postoperative pain predicted both the presence and severity of persistent postoperative pain. The more intense the pain during the first week after surgery and the more it interfered with functioning, the more likely the patients were to report persistent postoperative pain. Pre-existing persistent pain and increased preoperative anxiety also predicted the presence of persistent postoperative pain. INTERPRETATION: Persistent postoperative pain of nonanginal origin after cardiac surgery affected a substantial proportion of the study population. Future research is needed to determine whether interventions to modify certain risk factors, such as preoperative anxiety and the severity of pain before and immediately after surgery, may help to minimize or prevent persistent postoperative pain.

Long-term evolution, secular trends, and risk factors of renal dysfunction following cardiac transplantation.

Recent reports suggest that individuals who underwent heart transplantation in the last decade have improved post-transplant kidney function. The objectives of this retrospective study were to describe the incidence and to identify fixed and time-dependent predictors of renal dysfunction in cardiac recipients transplanted over a 25-year period (1983-2008). To illustrate temporal trends, patients (n = 306) were divided into five groups based on year of transplantation. The primary endpoint was the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at year 1. Secondary endpoints were time to moderate (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) ) and severe renal dysfunction (eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m(2) ). Risk factor analyses relied on multivariable regression models. Kidney function was mildly impaired before transplant (median eGFR=61.0 ml/min/1.73 m(2) ), improved at discharge (eGFR=72.3 ml/min/1.73 m(2) ; P < 0.001), decreased considerably in the first year (eGFR = 54.7 ml/min/1.73 m(2) ; P < 0.001), and deteriorated less rapidly thereafter. At year 1, 2004-2008 recipients exhibited a higher eGFR compared with all other patients (P < 0.001). Factors independently associated with eGFR at year 1 and with moderate and severe renal dysfunction included age, gender, pretransplant eGFR, blood pressure, glycemia, and use of prednisone (P < 0.05). In summary, kidney function worsens constantly up to two decades after cardiac transplantation, with the greatest decline occurring in the first year. Corticosteroid minimization and treatment of modifiable risk factors (hypertension, diabetes) may minimize renal deterioration.