Eicosapentaenoic Acid Level Predicts Long-Term Survival and Cardiovascular or Limb Event in Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Objectives: We examined the relationship between plasma eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) level and long-term all-cause death (ACD) and cardiovascular or limb events in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Method: We performed a prospective cohort study on 637 PAD patients. The endpoints were ACD, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), and lower extremity arterial events (LEAEs). Results: The incidences of ACD, MACEs, and LEAEs had correlation with EPA levels (p <0.05). Plasma EPA level had significant positive correlations with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and negative correlation with C-reactive protein (CRP). In Cox stepwise multivariate analysis, lower EPA (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.996, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.993-1.000, p = 0.034), ankle brachial pressure index (ABI), body mass index, serum albumin, eGFR, age, CRP, D-dimer, critical limb ischemia, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease (CVD), and statin were related to ACD (p <0.05); lower EPA (HR: 0.997, 95% CI: 0.994-1.000, p = 0.038), ABI, serum albumin, eGFR, age, diabetes, coronary heart disease, CVD, and statin were related to MACEs (p <0.05); and lower EPA (HR: 0.988, 95% CI: 0.982-0.993, p <0.001), ABI, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were related to LEAEs (p <0.05). Conclusions: Low plasma EPA level was a significant risk factor for ACD, MACEs, and LEAEs in patients with PAD.

Fifteen-year clinical prognosis and cardiovascular or limb event associated with homocysteine levels in peripheral arterial disease.

BACKGROUND: There are limited reports on the relationship between plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels and long-term all-cause death (ACD), cardiovascular events, or limb events in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). We examined the relationship between plasma Hcy levels and 15-year these events in PAD patients. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study in 955 PAD patients. The patients were divided into four groups based on plasma Hcy levels with median (interquartile range). The endpoints were cumulative incidences of ACD, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and MACE plus limb events (MACLE). RESULTS: The incidences of ACD, MACE, and MACLE were correlated with plasma Hcy levels (P < 0.05). In multiple regression analysis, plasma Hcy had positive correlations with C-reactive protein (CRP), men, and critical limb ischemia (CLI) and negative correlations with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05). In Cox multivariate analysis, higher Hcy (HR 1.614, 95 % CI 1.229-2.119, p = 0.001), age, CRP, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), D-dimer, lower body mass index, ankle brachial pressure index (ABI), serum albumin, eGFR, CLI, coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes were related to ACD; higher Hcy (HR 1.242, 95 % CI 1.004-1.535, p = 0.045), age, BNP, lower ABI, serum albumin, diabetes, and CHD were related to MACE; and higher Hcy (HR 1.290, 95 % CI 1.057-1.574, p = 0.012), BNP, lower ABI, serum albumin, CHD, and diabetes were related to MACLE (P < 0.05). Statins improved ACD, MACE, and MACLE (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma Hcy was a risk factor for 15-year ACD, MACE, and MACLE in patients with PAD.

Lipoprotein(a) is a Promising Residual Risk Factor for Long-Term Clinical Prognosis in Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Objectives: We investigated the relationship between plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] level and long-term prognosis, cardiovascular events, or pure leg events (LE) in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled 1104 PAD patients. The endpoints were LE, cerebrovascular- or cardiovascular-related death (CVRD), all-cause death (ACD), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Results: The incidences of LE, CVRD, ACD, and MACE were correlated with Lp(a) level (P<0.05). Lp(a) was positively correlated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and C-reactive protein (CRP) and negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In the Cox multivariate regression analysis, high Lp(a), CRP, age, low ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI), eGFR, albumin, critical limb ischemia (CLI), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), and diabetes were associated with LE; high Lp(a), age, CRP, low ABI, body mass index, eGFR, albumin, CLI, coronary heart disease (CHD), CVD, and diabetes were associated with CVRD; high Lp(a), CRP, age, low ABI, eGFR, albumin, CLI, and CVD were associated with ACD; and high Lp(a), CRP, age, low eGFR, albumin, CLI, CHD, and diabetes were associated with MACE (P<0.05). Statins improved all endpoints (P<0.01). Conclusion: Lp(a) was a significant residual risk factor for LE, CVRD, ACD, and MACE in PAD patients.

Influence of Microalbuminuria on Long-Term Survival and Cardiovascular or Limb Events in Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between microalbuminuria and long-term life expectancy or limb events in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed in 714 patients with PAD. The primary outcomes were cardiovascular or cerebrovascular death (CCVD) and all-cause death (AD), and secondary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and cardiovascular and/or limb events (CVLE). Results: The 5, 10, and 15 year survival rates were 82.4%, 53.1%, and 33.0%, respectively. The prevalence of patients with increased microalbuminuria was 39.2%. Higher microalbuminuria, age, C-reactive protein (CRP), lower serum albumin, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI), diabetes, cerebral infarction, and coronary heart disease (CHD) were associated with CCVD; higher microalbuminuria, age, CRP, D-dimer, lower serum albumin, eGFR, and critical limb ischemia were related to AD; higher microalbuminuria, age, CRP, lower serum albumin, ABI, diabetes, and CHD were related to MACE; higher microalbuminuria, age, lower ABI, cerebral infarction, and CHD were related to CVLE in Cox multivariate analyses (p<0.05). Statins reduced CCVD, AD, MACE, and CVLE (p<0.001). Conclusion: Higher microalbuminuria was a significant predictor for CCVD, AD, MACE, and CVLE in PAD patients.

Impact of brain natriuretic peptide for predicting long-term life expectancy and cardiovascular or limb events in peripheral arterial disease.

BACKGROUND: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is introduced as a predictor of the degree of ventricular dysfunction and is associated with mortality. There are limited reports on the relationship of BNP with long-term all-cause death (AD) and cardiovascular or limb events in peripheral artery disease (PAD). We examined the relationship between BNP level and these events in PAD patients. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study in 938 PAD patients. The patients were divided into four groups based on BNP levels with median (interquartile range): Q1: ≤20.4; Q2: 20.5-42.8; Q3: 42.9-103.4; and Q4: ≥103.5 pg/mL. The endpoints were AD, freedom from major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and MACE plus limb events (MALE). RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 65 months. There were 383 deaths (40.8%) during follow-up period. AD depended on BNP levels (P<0.01), with 5-year freedom from AD rates of Q1: 94%, Q2: 84%, Q3: 69%, and Q4: 55%. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of freedom from AD, MACE, and MALE had significant differences among Q1- Q4 groups (P<0.001). In multiple regression analysis, BNP had significant negative correlations with eGFR, serum albumin, and BMI and positive correlations with diabetes (P<0.05). In Cox multivariate analysis, higher BNP, age, CRP, D-dimer, lower BMI, ABI, serum albumin, and eGFR were related to AD; and higher BNP, age, lower ABI, serum albumin, CAD, and DM were related to MACE and MALE (P<0.05). Statins improved AD, MACE, and MALE (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: BNP was a promising biomarker for AD, MACE, and MALE in patients with PAD.

High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein, Lipoprotein(a) and Homocysteine are Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease in Japanese Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease.

AIM: The goal of the study was to investigate the relationships between coronary artery disease (CAD) and risk factors, including the serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and homocysteine, in Japanese patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). METHODS: Coronary angiography was performed in 451 patients with PAD, among whom the prevalence and clinical characteristics of CAD were analyzed. A multiple logistic analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between CAD and the risk factors. The relationships between the severity of coronary arterial lesions and the risk factors were evaluated using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of CAD (≥70% luminal diameter narrowing or a history of CAD) and coronary artery stenosis (≥50%) was 55.9% and 74.1%, respectively, and the rate of CAD (≥70%) with single-, double- and triple-vessel disease was 25.9%, 13.5% and 10.6%, respectively. The prevalence of diabetes was higher among the patients with CAD than among those without. The serum levels of hs-CRP, Lp(a), and homocysteine were higher in the patients with CAD, whereas the estimated glomerular filtration rates and HDL-cholesterol levels were lower in these patients. According to the multiple logistic analysis, CAD was related to diabetes (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.253; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.137-4.464, p=0.020), hs-CRP (HR: 1.721; 95% CI: 1.030-2.875, p=0.038), Lp(a) (HR: 1.015; 95% CI: 1.001-1.029, p=0.041) and homocysteine (HR: 1.084; 95% CI: 1.012-1.162, p=0.021). Furthermore, diabetes and the D-dimer and LDL-cholesterol levels exhibited significant relationships with the number of stenotic coronary lesions in the stepwise multiple regression analysis (p＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes, hs-CRP, Lp(a), homocysteine and lipid abnormalities are critical risk factors for CAD in Japanese patients with PAD.

A recurrent vagal schwannoma in the middle mediastinum after surgical enucleation.

A 50-year-old man underwent repeat surgery for a benign vagal schwannoma in the middle mediastinum. He had undergone tumor enucleation at another hospital 4 months before presentation. The tumor (99 × 88 × 76 mm) was located in the aortopulmonary window and arose from the left vagus nerve. It had been enucleated, leaving its sheath behind to preserve the nerve. Imaging studies showed tumor regrowth without distant metastasis, and the tumor was extirpated along with the involved nerve during cardiopulmonary bypass. There was no nerve dysfunction, recurrence, or metastasis 6 months after the operation. A benign vagal schwannoma can be excised with nerve transection or enucleated without nerve transection. The present case suggests that a vagal mediastinal schwannoma should be extirpated along with the nerve because insufficient enucleation might lead to tumor regrowth.

A surgical experience of symptomatic sigmoid septum: drastic exacerbation of mitral regurgitation after sufficient ventricular septal myectomy.

A 74-year-old woman presented with progressive dyspnea on exertion. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) demonstrated significant left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction with a pressure gradient of 100 mmHg caused by a sigmoid septum (SS). Mitral regurgitation (MR) of a mild to moderate degree occurred due to systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the anterior mitral leaflet (AML), with no intrinsic mitral valve (MV) abnormality. Myectomy of the hypertrophied septal bulge ameliorated the pressure gradient to 8 mmHg with similar MR. However, just before the sternal closure, hemodynamic status deteriorated drastically to ventricular fibrillation. MR exacerbated to a severe degree with an uncertain etiology; thus, a mechanical prosthetic valve was implanted. The postoperative course was complicated by prolonged mechanical ventilation due to massive pulmonary edema and complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) requiring permanent pacemaker implantation. One year postoperatively, the patient is asymptomatic and TTE revealed no residual pressure gradient with an iatrogenic ventricular septal defect (VSD). This case, the first published surgical experience of SS, may indicate that secondary MR, which is usually relieved by sufficient myectomy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), can exacerbate markedly, and that myectomy might not be advisable in SS. The therapeutic strategy must be considered carefully before embarking on surgical intervention.

Differences in brain natriuretic peptide and other factors between Japanese peripheral arterial disease patients with critical limb ischemia and intermittent claudication.

AIM: The goal of this study was to analyze differences in risk factors, including the level of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the distribution of lesions, between cases of critical limb ischemia (CLI) and intermittent claudication (IC) among patients with peripheral arterial disease. METHODS: Risk factors and clinical characteristics were prospectively investigated in 817 consecutive patients, including 185 patients with CLI and 632 patients with IC. RESULTS: The patients in the CLI group were older than those in the IC group (p＜0.001). The prevalence of diabetes and cerebral infarction and the proportion of women were higher in the CLI group (p＜0.05). The plasma BNP levels in the CLI group were higher than those observed in the IC group (333±538 vs. 136±354 pg/mL, p＜0.001). In contrast, the levels of homocysteine and fibrinogen were higher and the levels of albumin and the estimated glomerular filtration rate were lower in the CLI group (p＜0.05). According to a multiple logistic analysis, the BNP level, diabetes, female gender, the albumin level, body mass index (BMI) and ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) were associated with CLI (p＜0.05). Aortoiliac artery lesions were less common, whereas femoropopliteal and below-the-knee (BK) lesions were more common, in the CLI group (p＜0.05). The number of affected BK arteries was also higher in the CLI group (p＜0.001). Correlations were found between the presence of aortoiliac lesions and smoking and a low HDL cholesterol level, while femoropopliteal lesions were found to correlate with age, BMI and hypertension and BK lesions were found to correlate with diabetes, age, female gender and BMI (p＜0.05). The plasma BNP level correlated with the number of affected BK arteries (p＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A high BNP level, diabetes, female gender, a low albumin level, ABI and BMI are risk factors for CLI. In this study, differences in the levels of anatomical lesions and correlated risk factors were found between the CLI and IC groups.

Colder is better during hypothermic circulatory arrest for acute type A aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence, on early postoperative outcomes, of temperature during hypothermic circulatory arrest in emergent surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. DESIGN: Hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) with antegrade cerebral perfusion was performed in 63 patients who underwent emergent surgery for acute type A aortic dissection between 2000 and 2009. Patients were retrospectively separated in two groups: ( 1 ) deep HCA, lowest nasopharyngeal temperature < 17 °C (n = 29; 46%) and ( 2 ) moderate HCA, lowest nasopharyngeal temperature ≥ 17 °C (n = 34; 54%). RESULTS: Hospital mortality reached 27%. The nasopharyngeal temperature did not influence postoperative mortality or neurological outcome. Patients with deep HCA had significantly lower rate of infection (33% vs. 69%; p = 0.009) and shorter median intensive care unit length of stay (4 days ( 17 ) vs. 15.5 days ( 26 ) p = 0.017). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the lowest nasopharyngeal temperature was the only significant variable associated with intensive care unit length of stay (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Patients suffering from acute type A aortic dissection might benefit from colder hypothermia during circulatory arrest.

A successful surgical repair of pulmonary stenosis caused by isolated pulmonary Takayasu's arteritis.

A 48-year-old man underwent surgery to treat pulmonary stenoses of unknown origin. The right main pulmonary artery was severely stenotic, and the orifice of the left pulmonary artery was focally constricted. The patient was nearly asymptomatic, despite marked pulmonary hypertension and right heart strain. The pressure gradients beyond the stenotic regions were 88 mmHg bilaterally. The cause of the stenoses could not be established before operation. The right main pulmonary artery and ascending aorta were successfully replaced. It was suspected that the ascending aorta was involved because it was markedly thickened and adhered tightly to the right pulmonary artery. It was therefore also replaced. However, only the transected right pulmonary artery showed histological evidence consistent with a diagnosis of Takayasu's arteritis. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was completely free of symptoms six months after the operation. To our knowledge, this is the thirteenth surgically treated case of isolated pulmonary Takayasu's arteritis to be reported.

Prevalence and risk factors for cerebral infarction and carotid artery stenosis in peripheral arterial disease.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to examine the prevalence and risk factors for cerebral infarction (CI) and carotid artery stenosis (CAS) in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) compared with normal controls. METHOD: A cross-sectional analysis was performed in 857 subjects (PAD: 543, controls: 314). CI and lacunar infarction (LI) were evaluated using brain computed tomography. Intima-media thickening (IMT) and CAS were measured with ultrasound. RESULTS: The prevalences of CI and LI were higher in patients with PAD than in controls (15.0% vs. 9.8%, 41.0% vs. 13.4%, respectively, p < 0.05). In multiple logistic analysis, CI was associated with diabetes mellitus, low HDL cholesterol and CAS ≥ 70% (p < 0.05). LI was associated with age, PAD, diabetes mellitus, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (p < 0.05). The prevalences of CAS ≥ 70% and CAS ≥ 50% were higher in patients with PAD than in controls (5.2% vs. 0.6%, 17.6% vs. 3.8%, respectively, p < 0.01). Mean and max IMT differed significantly between the two groups (PAD vs. controls: 1.01 ± 0.45 vs. 0.90 ± 0.28, 2.67 ± 2.00 vs. 1.73 ± 1.05 mm, respectively, p < 0.001). CAS ≥ 70% correlated with high LDL cholesterol, and CAS ≥ 50% with age and PAD. IMT was positively correlated with PAD, high LDL cholesterol, age, and hypertension (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalences of CI and CAS were markedly higher in patients with PAD than in controls, indicating that PAD is a meaningful risk factor for CI, LI, and CAS. This suggests that screening for CI and CAS is important for managements in PAD, as with screening for PAD in patients with stroke.

Risk factors for hospital death after surgery for type A aortic dissection.

This study was undertaken to identify perioperative risk factors for hospital death in patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. Between 2000 and 2009, 101 consecutive patients underwent emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. Four patients died before institution of cardiopulmonary bypass or completion of the procedure. In the remaining 97 (68 men; mean age, 63.4±16.7 years), proximal repair was performed using ascending aortic replacement with valve re-suspension in 52 (53.6%) and composite valve graft replacement in 44 (45.4%). Distal repair required hemi- or total arch replacement in 42 (43.3%) patients. Overall hospital mortality reached 25.8% (25/97 patients). Logistic regression analysis revealed that advanced age, location of an intimal tear in the arch or more distally, and preoperative coronary malperfusion were significant independent risk factors for hospital death. No procedure-related variables were significant risk factors. Current hospital mortality in patients undergoing emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection remains high, but seems to be mainly determined by preoperative variables. More aggressive proximal or distal repairs were not associated with increased mortality.

Sex-related differences in Japanese patients with peripheral arterial disease.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the study was to examine possible sex-related differences in the clinical characteristics and risk factors in Japanese patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). METHODS: Sex-related differences in clinical profiles, risk factors and treatments were examined in 730 consecutive patients with PAD (148 women (20.3%) and 582 men (79.7%)). RESULTS: The mean age of the women was higher than that of the men (73.6 ± 11.2 vs. 70.9 ± 9.1 years old, p = 0.002) and the proportion of subjects aged ≥ 75 years old was also higher in women (P=0.005). Women more frequently had critical limb ischemia (P < 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (P = 0.026), but less frequent smoking and alcohol intake, compared to men (P< 0.001). Total cholesterol (P < 0.001) and LDL cholesterol (P = 0.014) were higher in women. Fontaine stages were correlated with age, diabetes, cerebral infarction and women (p < 0.001). The prevalence of iliac artery lesions was higher in men (p< 0.001), whereas that for below the knee lesions was higher in women (p < 0.001). The number of affected below the knee arteries was also higher in women than in men (p < 0.001). The prevalence of medical treatment was higher in women (P = 0.009) and major amputation tended to be higher in women (p = 0.056). CONCLUSIONS: Women had more severe symptomatic states and uncontrolled risk factors. The prevalence of iliac artery lesions was lower, but below the knee lesions were more severe in women.

Temporary right ventricular support with Impella Recover RD axial flow pump.

Post-cardiotomy right ventricular failure is a serious complication that frequently results in adverse outcomes. We reviewed our experience with the Impella Recover RD (Impella Cardiosystems GMbH, Aachen, Germany). From January 2007 to December 2007, 7 patients (5 males, 54 +7 years old) had this device implanted for temporary support after heart transplantation in 4, after repeat mitral valve replacement in 2, and with a left ventricular assist device in 1. Devices were implanted during initial operation (n =5) or shortly thereafter (n =2). Six patients underwent implantation without cardiopulmonary bypass. Effective support with pump flows of 4.0-4.5 L x min(-1) and adequate unloading (central venous pressure decreased from 15.3 +/- 1.4 to 9.4 +/- 1.2 mm Hg) was achieved in all patients. Patients were assisted for a mean duration of 4.9 +/- 4.5 days. Three patients could be weaned after 7.0 +/- 5.6 days of support and underwent device explantation without cardiopulmonary bypass. One of these patients died of recurrent right ventricular failure, 2 remained stable but died later of sepsis. The patient with a left ventricular assist device was switched to an alternative device for prolonged support. Two patients experienced pump dysfunction. Our preliminary experience shows that the Impella Recover RD is an effective device that can be easily implanted and explanted. However, its mechanical reliability needs to be improved.

Single-centre experience with the Thoratec paracorporeal ventricular assist device for patients with primary cardiac failure.

BACKGROUND: Temporary mechanical circulatory support may be indicated in some patients with cardiac failure refractory to conventional therapy, as a bridge to myocardial recovery or transplantation. AIMS: To evaluate outcomes in cardiogenic shock patients managed by the primary use of a paracorporeal ventricular assist device (p-VAD). METHODS: We did a retrospective analysis of demographics, clinical characteristics and survival of patients assisted with a Thoratec p-VAD. RESULTS: p-VADs were used in 84 patients with cardiogenic shock secondary to acute myocardial infarction (35%), idiopathic (31%) or ischaemic (12%) cardiomyopathy, myocarditis or other causes (23%). Before implantation, 23% had cardiac arrest, 38% were on a ventilator and 31% were on an intra-aortic balloon pump. Cardiac index was 1.6+/-0.5 L/min/m(2) and total bilirubin levels were 39+/-59 micromol/L. During support, 29 patients (35%) died in the intensive care unit and seven (10%) died after leaving. Forty-seven patients (56%) were weaned or transplanted, with one still under support. Despite significantly more advanced preoperative end-organ dysfunction, survival rates were similar in patients with biventricular devices (74%) and those undergoing isolated left ventricular support (24%) (63% versus 45%, respectively; p=0.2). Actuarial survival estimates after transplantation were 78.7+/-6.3%, 73.4+/-6.9% and 62.6+/-8.3% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience validates the use of p-VAD as a primary device to support patients with cardiogenic shock. In contrast to short-term devices, p-VADs provide immediate ventricular unloading and pulsatile perfusion in a single procedure. Biventricular support should be used liberally in patients with end-organ dysfunction.

Composite freestyle stentless xenograft with Dacron graft extension for ascending aortic replacement.

BACKGROUND: The present study was undertaken to evaluate clinical, hemodynamic, and morphologic results of composite stentless xenograft with polyethylene terephthalate fiber (Dacron; DuPont, Wilmington, DE) graft extension for combined replacement of the aortic valve, root, and ascending aorta. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2008, 55 consecutive patients (33 men, 71 +/- 11 years) underwent ascending aortic replacement using Medtronic Freestyle with Dacron graft extension (DuPont). Indications included aneurysm (n = 31, 56%), dissection (n = 16, 29%), and endocarditis (n = 8, 15%). Associated procedures were performed in 25 patients (46%). Preoperative logistic EuroSCORE averaged 34% +/- 28%. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were 244 +/- 134 minutes and 162 +/- 69 minutes, respectively. RESULTS: Clinical follow-up was 100% complete and averaged 2 +/- 3 years. Early mortality was 0% (n = 0) in patients with a preoperative EuroSCORE of less than 20 (n = 26, mean expected mortality, 13% +/- 5%) and 31% (n = 9) in those with preoperative logistic EuroSCORE of at least 20 (n = 29, mean expected mortality, 52% +/- 28%). One- and 3-year survival rates were 83% +/- 5% and 78% +/- 7%, respectively. No major thromboembolic or spontaneous bleeding events were recorded. One patient (2%) required late reoperation for prosthetic valve endocarditis. Echocardiographic follow-up showed no valve dysfunction and low mean transvalvular gradients (7 +/- 5 mm Hg). A 64-channel computed tomographic scan was performed in 33 patients at 32.4 +/- 34 months and revealed two small pseudoaneurysms in a single patient. CONCLUSIONS: Composite Freestyle with Dacron graft extension appears to be a safe option for bioprosthetic replacement of the aortic root and tubular ascending aorta. However, long-term results using this composite graft will have to be determined.

Off-pump replacement of the INCOR implantable axial-flow pump.

Owing to the actual increase of mechanical circulatory support durations, total or partial replacement of ventricular assist devices (VADs) will most certainly have to be performed with increasing frequency. Herein we report the case of a patient in whom an INCOR (Berlin Heart AG, Berlin) implantable axial-flow pump was replaced without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), underscoring some of the unique features provided by this system.

Impact of preoperative hemodynamic support on early outcome in patients assisted with paracorporeal Thoratec ventricular assist device.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical circulatory support has become a well-established procedure for some patients with cardiogenic shock. However, patient selection and timing of implantation remains critical. This retrospective study was undertaken to identify preoperative predictors of survival in ICU of patients requiring mechanical circulatory support. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2006, 71 patients (61 men, 10 women, aged 41.6+/-12.2 years) with primary cardiogenic shock were assisted using the paracorporeal Thoratec VAD. Twenty-seven (38%) patients needed preoperative mechanical ventilation. Preoperative IV hemodynamic drug support included dobutamine in 63 (89%), vasopressors (adrenaline, noradrenaline or dopamine > or =5 microg/kg min) in 47 (66%), and intraaortic balloon counter-pulsation in 22 (31%) patients. Mean preoperative blood creatinine and total bilirubin levels were 162.2+/-72.4 micromol/l and 36.4+/-53.9 micromol/l, respectively. RESULTS: Fifty-six (79%) patients required biventricular and 15 (21%) left ventricular support. Patients were assisted for a mean duration of 73.1+/-93.6 days (extremes, 1-480 days). Twenty-five patients (35%) died while on support. Among these, 18 patients (25%) never recovered sufficiently to allow dismissal from ICU, and died after a mean of 15.4+/-14.3 days. Logistic regression identified preoperative IV adrenaline as sole predictor for ICU death (OR, 5.48; 95% CI, 1.45-20.7, p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: The need for preoperative IV adrenaline therapy appeared to be the sole independent risk factor for death in ICU in patients assisted with the Thoratec paracorporeal VAD. This suggests that, besides hemodynamic and metabolic consequences of cardiogenic shock, preoperative activation of the inflammatory cascade could influence the prognosis of patients undergoing mechanical circulatory support.

Computer-assisted coronary surgery: lessons from an initial experience.

Robotic-enhanced coronary surgery has been performed on sixty consecutive unselected patients (60.8+/-12 years) requiring CABG only. Nine had single-vessel (LAD), 13 double-vessel, and 38 triple-vessel disease. Since the endostabilizer was made available in the autumn of 2002 only, the first 47 patients were proposed to have closed chest LIMA dissection only. This was achieved successfully in all but one patient. In addition, 12 distal anastomosis have been performed after full sternotomy with the robot. Every other anastomosis has been hand sewn. The last 13 patients were TECAB candidates. After successful LIMA harvesting, LIMA to LAD suture has been attempted in totally closed chest on the beating heart: it has been successful in two only, the remaining lesions (a total of three) being dilated and stented the day after surgery. In the other 11 patients, the coronary anastomosis was hand sewn after full sternotomy. This suggests that the difficulties in anastomosing small vessels with a standard suture technique jeopardizes the reproducibility of the technique and that further technological developments are needed, to make robotic surgery safe and attractive for the patients.