HeartMate 3 implantation for dextro-transposition of the great arteries after Mustard procedure: A technique of papillary muscle repositioning.

Systemic right ventricular failure after physiologic repair for dextro-transposition of the great arteries can be managed with durable mechanical circulatory support; however, the right ventricular morphology, such as intervening papillary muscles, presents challenges to inflow cannula positioning. Papillary muscle repositioning is an innovative technique to circumvent obstructive anatomy.

Concomitant aortic valve repair for aortic insufficiency and implantation of left ventricle mechanical support.

BACKGROUND: Moderate to severe aortic valve insufficiency (AI) in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is a significant complication which occurs in up to 10.7% of patients in the INTERMACS database and has profound consequences for survival. Preoperative Impella use is associaed with greater post-LVAD AI. CASE PRESENTATION: 56 y/o Caucasian female with acute exacerbation of chronic congestive heart failure who needed urgent Impella placement followed by elective Heartmate III LVAD. CONCLUSION: Patients who have aortic valve regurgitation at the time of implantation have been handled by several methods, including aortic valve leaflets approximation, to aortic valve replacement or even valve closure. We report a case of geometric ring annuloplasty for repair of a regurgitant aortic valve during destination LVAD implantation.

Heparin-Sparing Anticoagulation Strategies Are Viable Options for Patients on Veno-Venous ECMO.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a rescue therapy for pulmonary failure, has traditionally been limited by anticoagulation requirements. Recent practice has challenged the absolute need for anticoagulation, expanding the role of ECMO to patients with higher bleeding risk. We hypothesize that mortality, bleeding, thrombotic events, and transfusions do not differ between heparin-sparing and full therapeutic anticoagulation strategies in veno-venous (VV) ECMO management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult VV ECMO patients between October 2011 and May 2018 at a single center were reviewed. A heparin-sparing strategy was implemented in October 2014; we compared outcomes in an as-treated fashion. The primary end point was survival. Secondary end points included bleeding, thrombotic complications, and transfusion requirements. RESULTS: Forty VV ECMO patients were included: 17 (147 circuit-days) before and 23 (214 circuit-days) after implementation of a heparin-sparing protocol. Patients treated with heparin-sparing anticoagulation had a lower body mass index (28.5 ± 7.1 versus 38.1 ± 12.4, P = 0.01), more often required inotropic support before ECMO (82 versus 50%, P = 0.05), and had a lower mean activated clotting time (167 ± 15 versus 189 ± 15 s, P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in survival to decannulation (59 versus 83%, P = 0.16) or discharge (50 versus 72%, P = 0.20), bleeding (32 versus 33%, P = 1.0), thromboembolic events (18 versus 39%, P = 0.17), or transfusion requirements (median 1.1 versus 0.9 unit per circuit-day, P = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: Survival, bleeding, thrombotic complications, and transfusion requirements did not differ between heparin-sparing and full therapeutic heparin strategies for management of VV ECMO. VV ECMO can be a safe option in patients with traditional contraindications to anticoagulation.

The Effect of Cardiac Preservation Solutions on Heart Transplant Survival.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist that compare the predominant cardiac preservation solutions (CPSs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The United Network for Organ Sharing database was retrospectively reviewed from January 1, 2004 to March 31, 2018, for donor hearts. Of 34,614 potential donors, 21,908 remained after applying the exclusion criteria. The CPS analyzed included saline, the University of Wisconsin (UW), cardioplegia, Celsior, and Custodiol. The primary endpoints were recipient survival and posttransplant rejection. Logistic and Cox models were used to quantify survival endpoints. RESULTS: Saline was used as the CPS in 2549 patients (12%), UW in 10,549 (48%), cardioplegia in 1307 (6%), Celsior in 5081 (23%), and Custodiol in 2422 (11%). Donor age ranged from 15 to 68 y (mean = 32.0 y, median = 30.0 y), and 71% were male. Adjusted survival probabilities of recipients whose donor hearts were procured with saline was 96% 30 d, 90% 1 y, UW: 97% 30 d, 92% 1 y, cardioplegia: 95% 30 d, 87% 1 y, Celsior: 96% 30 d, 90% 1 y, and Custodiol: 97% 30 d, 92% 1 y. When these comparisons were adjusted for donor age, sex, ethnicity, ischemic time, recipient age, sex, ethnicity, creatinine, ventricular assist device (VAD), length of stay, region and days on waiting list, cardioplegia solution was demonstrated to have a higher risk of death (30 d, 1 y, overall) and posttransplant rejection versus UW (odds ratio 1.70, P = 0.001; odds ratio 1.63, P < 0.001; hazard ratio 1.22, P < 0.001; hazard ratio 1.21, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Cardioplegia solutions for cardiac preservation are associated with a higher mortality in heart transplant recipients.

Brachial plexus paralysis of a dominant arm due to hematoma associated with internal jugular vein cannulation.

Paralysis and sensory loss of a dominant right arm developed as complications of cannulation of the right internal jugular vein (IJV) in a patient undergoing cardiac surgery. This sequela of IJV cannulation has not been previously reported at the time of this writing.

Prognostic Implications of Ambulatory N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Changes in Patients with Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

Data regarding the role of N-terminal Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) in patients with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CFLVAD) is scarce. To evaluate the prognostic implications of measuring both absolute values and changes in NT-pro BNP concentrations in ambulatory patients with a CFLVAD, we performed a retrospective study of 168 consecutive patients who had an LVAD implantation at our institution and survived beyond their index hospitalization. Of these, 127 patients (56.2 ± 12.5 years, 21.2% female) had NT-pro BNP measured at 1 and 3 months postdischarge in ambulatory settings. Compared to the NT-pro BNP concentration at 1 month, 94 patients (74%) had a decline, and 33 patients (26%) had an increase in concentrations, from their 1 month baseline. After a median follow-up of 17 months, a total of 53 (41.7%) adverse events occurred. Of these, 37 (69.8%) were heart failure (HF) hospitalizations, and 16 (30.2%) were deaths. For each 1,000 unit increase in NT-pro BNP concentration at 3 months, there was a 17% increase in the risk of HF hospitalization or death (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04-1.32, p = 0.007). Conversely, each 1000 unit decline during the same time, was associated with an 11% decrease in the risk of HF hospitalization or death (HR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.77-0.98, p = 0.04). In conclusion, in patients with a CFLAD, an increase in NT-pro BNP concentration from 1 to 3 months is associated with an increased risk of HF hospitalization and death. In contrast, a decline is associated with a reduction in the risk of HF hospitalization and death.

Complex lead extraction via subclavian approach using laser technique.

Removal of fully intravascular pacing leads may be cumbersome. Herein, we report a technique that may be used to remove intravascular leads using laser technology through a subclavian approach, and discuss the process of lead removal as well as management of potential bleeding from the surgical site. We also address the advantages and pitfalls of this technique as compared to other surgical options.

Left main coronary artery fistula to the right atrium and superior vena cava: case report and review of the literature.

A unique arteriovenous fistula, originating from the left main coronary artery and branching to drain into the right atrium and superior vena cava is presented with review of the literature.

Insertion of right ventricular assist device and its removal under local anesthesia.

A patient with acute right ventricular infarction was treated with coronary artery bypass grafting. A few days later developed right ventricular failure and required insertion of a right ventricular assist device through a sternotomy approach (TandemHeart, CardiacAssist, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, USA). We herein report a technique in which the removal of the right ventricular assist device is performed under local anesthesia without a sternotomy incision.

Pulmonary embolectomy: recommendation for early surgical intervention.

BACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening disease which often results in death if not diagnosed early and treated aggressively. Despite all efforts at improving outcomes, there is no consensus on the management of acute severe PE. METHODS: From May 2000 to June 2009, 16 consecutive patients underwent surgical pulmonary embolectomy at our institution. Mean age was 45 +/- 17 years (range, 14 to 76) with nine (56%) males and seven (43%) females. Preoperatively, all cases were classified as massive PE; seven (43%) patients were in hemodynamic collapse and emergently underwent operation while receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation. RESULTS: There were nine (56%) urgent/emergent and seven (44%) salvage patients undergoing surgical pulmonary embolectomy. Of nine nonsalvage patients, seven (77%) patients presented with moderate to severe right ventricular (RV) dilation/dysfunction. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 43 +/- 41 minutes (range, 9 to 161). Mean follow-up duration was 48 +/- 38 months (range: 0.3 to 109), with seven in-hospital deaths (43%): mortality was 11% (1/9) in emergent operations and 85% (6/7) in salvage operations. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical pulmonary embolectomy should be considered early in the management of hemodynamically stable patients with PE who show evidence of RV dilation and/or failure, as it is associated with satisfactory outcomes. Conversely, pulmonary embolectomy has dismal results under salvage conditions. Revision of current guidelines for the surgical management of this condition may be warranted.

Unusual modification of the cabrol shunt for control of hemorrhage in acute type a aortic dissection.

A patient with acute Type A dissection required complex root repair with composite graft. She developed life-threatening hemorrhage at the root of the aorta, which could not be controlled with usual measures. A modification of the original Cabrol shunt allowed for successful control of bleeding.

Control of troublesome bleeding during repair of acute type A dissection with use of modified rapid deployment hemostat (MRDH).

Troublesome bleeding occurred in the posterior portion of the proximal anastomosis in an ascending aorta graft, being performed on a patient with acute type A dissection. The suture line was close to the left coronary ostium, and attempts at suturing and other maneuvers failed to control hemorrhage. Modified rapid deployment hemostat (MRDH) was successful in achieving hemostasis. MRDH is a novel hemostatic agent with invaluable use in troublesome bleeding occurring during heart surgery.

Complete vacuum-assisted sternal closure following neonatal cardiac surgery.

Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) has been used with success in the management of adults and children with sternal infections. However, this technique has not been applied previously to neonates requiring delayed sternal closure as the sole modality of therapy. In this article, we describe the management of two newborns with hypoplastic left heart syndrome in whom complete sternal wound healing was accomplished solely by using the VAC system. The implications of this new modality of treatment are discussed.

Modified "sutureless" anastomosis for primary repair of supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

Repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is associated with a risk of recurrent pulmonary venous obstruction. In this article we describe a technique of primary repair using a posterior approach in which a modified sutureless anastomosis is constructed by suturing the left atrium to the posterior pericardium that surrounds the pulmonary venous confluence. This technique avoids trauma to the pulmonary venous wall and minimizes the risk of distortion of the anastomosis, factors that have been implicated in the occurrence of subsequent pulmonary venous obstruction.

Efficacy, feasibility, and pitfalls of transseptal approach in beating-heart mitral valve surgery.

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve surgery can be performed through the trans-atrial or the trans-septal approach. Although the trans-atrial is the preferred method, the trans-septal approach has also been used recently and has a particular value in beating-heart mitral valve surgery. Herein we report our experience with beating-heart mitral valve surgery via trans-septal approach, and discuss its advantages and pitfalls. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2007, 214 patients underwent mitral valve procedures using the beating-heart surgical approach. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-three patients (66.8%) had mitral valve replacement, 68 patients (31.7%) mitral valve repair, and 82 patients (38.3%) concomitant valve procedures. Coronary artery bypass grafting was simultaneously performed in 30 (14%) patients. Thirty-day mortality was 7.4%, reoperation for bleeding 7%, stroke 0.4%, and myocardial infarction 0.4%, and failed mitral valve repair 0.9%. CONCLUSION: Our experience suggests that beating-heart mitral valve surgery is facilitated by using the trans-septal approach.

[Lung transplantation. State of the art]. / Estado actual del trasplante pulmonar.

Lung transplantation is currently considered an established treatment for some advanced lung diseases. The beginning of experimental lung transplantation dates back to the 1940's when the Soviet Vladimir P. Demikhov performed the first lung transplants in animals. Two decades later, James Hardy performed the first lung transplant in humans. Unfortunately, the beginning of clinical lung transplantation was hampered by technical complications and the excessive toxicity of immunosuppressive drugs. Improvement in the surgical technique along with the development of more effective and less toxic immunosuppressive drugs has led to a better outcome in lunt transplant recipients. Donor selection and management before organ procurement play a key role in the receptor's outcome. Due to the shortage of donors, some institutions are using more liberal selection criteria, reporting satisfactory outcomes. The approach of the lung and heart-lung transplant patient is multidisciplinary and includes the cardiothoracic transplant surgeon, pulmonologist, anesthesiologist, and intensivist, among others. Herein, we review some relevant historical aspects and recent advances in the management of lung transplant recipients, including indications and contraindications, evaluation of donors and recipients, surgical techniques and peripost-operative care.

Intravenous thrombolytic therapy for patients with ventricular assist device thrombosis: An attempt to avoid reoperation.

A growing number of patients are undergoing prolonged management of advanced heart failure with the use of continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Subsequently, an increasing number of patients are presenting with complications associated with these devices. Based on an analysis of three major LVAD institutions, the number of patients developing LVAD pump thrombosis may be much higher than originally projected. [1],[2] The management of this highly feared complication continues to be challenging, as the population of LVAD patients is very heterogeneous and heavily burdened with comorbidities. The standard protocol of increasing anticoagulation may fail to achieve successful resolution of thrombus. Difficulty and poor prognosis may make reoperation less than desirable. Here, we present a case of successful thrombolysis following intravenous administration of tissue plasminogen activator in the Intensive Care Unit setting.

Assessing Anticoagulation Practice Patterns in Patients on Durable Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices: An International Survey.

Anticoagulation in mechanical circulatory support (MCS) patients dictated by local practice, and therefore uniform standards for management are lacking. To characterize the worldwide variance in anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy in patients with MCS devices, a 42 item survey was created and distributed electronically in August 2014. The survey assessed the center-perceived thromboembolic risk (minimal, low, moderate, or high) and characterized the antiplatelet and anticoagulant strategies for the Thoratec HeartMate II (HMII) and HeartWare HVAD (HVAD). A total of 83/214 centers (39%) responded: North America (60/152), Europe (18/50), Australia (2/4), and Asia (3/8). Although the most common target international normalized ratio (INR) was 2-3 for both devices, significant variability exists. Anticoagulation intensity tended to be lower with the HMII, with more centers targeting INR values of less than 2.5. Aspirin monotherapy was the most common antiplatelet regimen; however, the HVAD patients were more likely to be on daily aspirin doses over 100 mg. In addition, parenteral bridging was more frequent with the HVAD device. While 43.8% of respondents indicated an increase in the perceived risk of HMII device thrombosis in 2014, intensification of anticoagulation (22%) or antiplatelet (11%) therapy was infrequent. Our findings verify the wide variety of anticoagulation practice patterns between MCS centers.