Long-term discontinuation of warfarin in a patient with HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device without thromboembolic events.

The gold standard therapy for end-stage heart failure is cardiac transplantation. However, in the face of a donor shortage, a mechanical assist device such as the left ventricular assist device HeartMate 3 (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA) serves as bridging therapy to transplantation and/or destination therapy. Current guidelines recommend anticoagulation with a vitamin K antagonist in combination with low-dose aspirin. We herein report a challenging anticoagulation regimen in a patient with a HeartMate 3 in whom systemic anticoagulation with warfarin was not feasible for 4 years because of low compatibility and a rare X-factor deficiency. This is a rare hematological disorder, estimated to affect approximately 1 in every 500,000 to 1,000,000 people in the general population. The patient finally received a modified anticoagulation regimen involving the combination of rivaroxaban and clopidogrel without warfarin. Under this regimen, the patient remained free of thromboembolic complications for 4 years with in situ placement of the left ventricular assist device. This case illustrates that under specific circumstances, long-term absence of warfarin therapy is feasible in patients with a HeartMate 3.

Less invasive replacement of aortic root, ascending aorta and hemiarch via partial upper sternotomy: a propensity-score-matched comparison with full sternotomy.

OBJECTIVES: Less invasive surgery has emerged as an option for aortic pathologies. The current study compared our experience on early postoperative results of patients with aortic surgery between partial upper sternotomy (PUS) and full sternotomy (FS). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the data of patients undergoing aortic root surgery with concomitant ascending aorta and hemiarch replacement. Exclusion criteria were type A aortic dissection and other concomitant major cardiac surgery. After propensity score matching, we compared the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing surgery with PUS versus FS. RESULTS: A total of 161 patients operated on between January 2013 and September 2022 met the inclusion criteria (PUS: n = 22, FS: n = 139). Propensity score matching yielded 22 pairs with a balanced distribution of propensity scores and covariates between the compared groups. There was no evidence that PUS affects cardiopulmonary bypass [108 (67-119) vs 113 (87-148) min, P = 0.154; PUS vs FS] and circulatory arrest duration [9 (7-10) vs 9 (8-13) min, P = 0.264; PUS vs FS]. There was a reduced cross-clamp duration in the PUS group [88 (58-96) vs 92 (71-122) min, P = 0.032]. Cumulative sum charts have shown consistently low cross-clamp and circulatory arrest duration for 2 experienced surgeons who performed 20 of the procedures in the PUS group (10 each). Perioperative mortality and morbidity were low, with no in-hospital mortality in the PUS group [0 vs 1(4.5%), P > 0.999] and absence of strokes in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our initial experience suggests that less invasive aortic root, ascending aorta and hemiarch replacement via PUS could be performed in our patient cohort as safely as via full sternotomy. Advantages for the patient are reduced surgical trauma, improved cosmetic results and-presumably-less pain.

Beyond Conventional Operations: Embracing the Era of Contemporary Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery.

Over the past two decades, minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has gained a significant place due to the emergence of innovative tools and improvements in surgical techniques, offering comparable efficacy and safety to traditional surgical methods. This review provides an overview of the history of MICS, its current state, and its prospects and highlights its advantages and limitations. Additionally, we highlight the growing trends and potential pathways for the expansion of MICS, underscoring the crucial role of technological advancements in shaping the future of this field. Recognizing the challenges, we strive to pave the way for further breakthroughs in minimally invasive cardiac procedures.

Right Axillary Artery Cannulation for Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Postcardiotomy Patients: A Single-Center Experience.

Background and Objectives: To analyze the patient outcome and complication rate of axillary artery cannulation for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in patients who could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass after cardiothoracic surgery. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the data of 179 patients who were supported with VA-ECMO with femoral-axillary access (FA VA-ECMO) after cardiothoracic surgery between January 2014 and January 2019 in our department. Patients requiring central aortic cannulation and patients with respiratory failure requiring veno-venous ECMO were excluded. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and 1-year survival rate of patients who were weaned from VA-ECMO support. Secondary outcomes were cannulation-related complications at the axillary site, VA-ECMO-related complications, and systemic complications. Results: In our cohort, 60 (33.5%) patients were female. Mean age was 67.0 ± 10.9 years. Overall, 78 (43.5%) patients were operated upon electively, 37 (20.7%) patients underwent urgent surgery, and 64 (35.8%) patients underwent emergency surgical treatment. Sixty-seven patients (37.4%) were resuscitated preoperatively. The mean duration of VA-ECMO support was 8.4 ± 5.1 days. Weaning from VA-ECMO was successful in 87 (48.6%) patients; 62 (34.6%) patients survived the hospital stay. The 1-year survival rate was 74%. Subclavian bleeding occurred in 24 (13.4%) patients, femoral bleeding in 4 (2.2%) patients, ischemia of the upper limb in 11 (6.1%) patients, intracerebral bleeding in 9 (5%) patients, and stroke in 19 (10.6%) patients. Conclusions: In patients with acute LV dysfunction after cardiothoracic surgery who cannot be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass, right axillary artery cannulation is a safe and reliable method for VA-ECMO support with an acceptable complication rate.

Myocardial Function after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Preoperative Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction-The Role of the Left Ventricular Longitudinal Strain.

Background and Objectives: The role of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on postoperative left ventricular (LV) function in patients with preoperatively preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is still being discussed and only a few studies address this question. This study aimed to assess LV function after CABG in patients with preoperatively preserved LVEF using left ventricular longitudinal strain assessed by 2D speckle tracking imaging (STI). Materials and Methods: Fifty-nine consecutive adult patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) referred for a first-time elective CABG surgery were enrolled in the final analysis of this prospective single-center clinical study. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), with conventional measures and STI measures, was performed within 1 week before CABG as well as 4 months after surgery. Patients were divided into groups based on their preoperative global longitudinal strain (GLS) value. Differences in systolic and diastolic parameters between groups were analyzed. Results: Preoperative GLS was reduced (GLS < -17%) in 39% of the patients. Parameters of systolic LV function were significantly reduced in this group of patients compared to the patient group with GLS% ≥ -17%. In both groups, 4 months after CABG there was a decline in LVEF but statistically significant only in the group with GLS% ≥ -17% (p = 0.035). In patients with reduced GLS, there was a statistically significant postoperative improvement (p = 0.004). In patients with preoperative normal GLS, there was not a significant change in any strain parameters after CABG. There was an improvement in diastolic function parameters measured by Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) in both groups. Conclusions: There is improvement in LV systolic and diastolic function after CABG in patients with preserved preoperative LVEF measured by STI and TDI. GLS might be more sensitive and effective than LVEF for monitoring improvements in myocardial function after CABG surgery in patients with preserved LVEF.

Hospital incidence, mortality, and gender disparities in patients treated for type A aortic dissections in Switzerland - a secondary data analysis of Swiss DRG statistics.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: The incidence of type A aortic dissection (TAAD) has increased in several countries in recent decades, but epidemiological data for Switzerland are lacking. Furthermore, there are conflicting data regarding a gender-disparity with higher type A aortic dissection mortality in women. This study analysed sex-specific hospital incidence and in-hospital mortality rates of TAAD in Switzerland. METHODS: This study is a secondary data analysis of case-related hospital discharge data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office for 2009-2018. Cases that were hospitalised and surgically treated for type A aortic dissection were included in this analysis. Standardised incidence rates were calculated using the European standard population in 2013. All-cause in-hospital mortality rates were calculated as raw values and standardised for age, sex, and the van Walraven comorbidity score. RESULTS: A total of 2117 participants were included in this study, of whom 67.1% were male. The age-standardised cumulative hospital incidence for type A aortic dissection treatment was 3.5 per 100,000 (95% CI: 3.3-3.7) for men and 1.7 (1.6-1.8) per 100,000 for women (p <0.001). The incidence rates increased in both sexes during the observed decade. The adjusted mortality rates for treatment of TAAD decreased from 27.6% (26.7-28.5%) in 2009 to 18.5% (17.9-19.1%) in 2018 in women, and they decreased from 19.0% (18.4-19.6%) to 12.3% (11.9-12.7%) in the same period in men. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that female sex was significantly associated with higher mortality, with an odds ratio of 1.39 (1.07-1.79) (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Hospital incidence rates for the treatment of type A aortic dissection increased in both sexes over the observed decade. The mortality rate was significantly higher in women than it was in men, but it decreased in both sexes. TAAD remains a cardiovascular emergency with a high mortality rate even after emergency surgery.

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with an expandable bioprosthesis after LVAD implantation as redo surgery.

Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is currently implanted not only as a bridge to transplant or recovery but also as destination therapy. One factor, affecting the device performance and treatment adequacy negatively is the development of aortic valve insufficiency (AI) after the implantation. Herein, we introduce a minimally invasive partial sternotomy aortic valve replacement with an expandable bio-prosthesis in a 74-year-old LVAD patient with severe AI.

Aortic Valve Neocuspidization Using Xenologous Pericardium Versus Bioprosthetic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS) with small aortic root is associated with a higher rate of prosthesis-patient mismatch and suboptimal clinical outcomes. Aortic valve neocuspidization using xenologous pericardium (xAVNeo) has shown a favorable hemodynamic performance. The aim was to compare 6-year clinical outcomes of xAVNeo with SAVR. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2018, 412 patients with severe AS and small aortic root received either xAVNeo (n = 114) or bioprosthesis (n = 298). After propensity matching the cohort included 222 patients. The primary endpoints were early mortality, 6-year mortality, and freedom from reoperation. Mean follow-up averaged 3.4 ± 3.1 years and was 95% complete. RESULTS: Early mortality was 8.1% for the SAVR group versus 9.9% for the xAVNeo group (odds ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.51-2.89). The estimated survival probabilities at 6 years for the SAVR and xAVNeo cohorts were 89.9% and 88.8%, respectively (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-2.34). Progressive degeneration of the neocusps resulted in a mean gradient increase from 6.1 ± 2.3 mm Hg to 22.7 ± 11.5 mm Hg (P < .0001); cusp sclerosis was the most common indication for reoperation in the xAVNeo group with a linearized rate of 1.92% versus 0.26% per patient-year (rate ratio, 7.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-333.7). The freedom from reoperation was 84.8% at 6 years, inferior to that of the SAVR group (100%). CONCLUSIONS: Early clinical outcomes and 6-year survival rates after xAVNeo and SAVR were comparable. However xAVNeo using bovine pericardium was associated with a higher rate of structural valve deterioration and inferior freedom from reoperation when compared with SAVR.

Mitral Valve Surgery via Upper Ministernotomy: Single-Centre Experience in More than 400 Patients.

Background: Minimally invasive mitral valve (MV) surgery has emerged as an alternative to conventional sternotomy aiming to decrease surgical trauma. The aim of the study was to describe our experience with minimally invasive MV surgery through partial upper sternotomy (PUS) regarding short- and long-term outcomes. Methods: From January 2004 through March 2014, 419 patients with a median age of 58.9 years (interquartile range 18.7; 31.7% females) underwent isolated primary MV surgery using PUS. Myxomatous degenerative MV disease was the predominant pathology (77%). The patients' mean EuroSCORE II risk profile was 3.9 ± 3.6%. Results: Mitral valve repair was performed in 384 patients (91.6%) and replacement in 35 patients (8.4%). Thirty-day mortality was 3.1%. In total, 29 (6.9%) deaths occurred during the follow-up. The overall estimated survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 93.1 ± 1.3%, 87.1 ± 1.9%, and 81.1 ± 3.4%. Reoperation was necessary in 14 (3.3%) patients. The overall freedom from MV reoperation at 1, 5, and 10 years was 98.2 ± 0.7%, 96.1 ± 1.2%, and 86.7 ± 6.7% and the overall freedom from recurrent MV regurgitation > grade 2 in repaired valves at 1, 5, and 10 years was 98.8 ± 0.6%, 98.8 ± 0.6%, and 94.6 ± 3.3%. Conclusions: Minimally invasive MV surgery via PUS can be performed with particularly good early and late results. Thus, the PUS approach with the use of standard surgical instruments and cannulation techniques can be a valuable option for the MV surgery either in patients contraindicated or not suitable to minithoracotomy.

Reoperative Aortic Arch Surgery under Mild Systemic Hypothermia: Two-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the indications, surgical strategies, and outcomes after reoperative aortic arch surgery performed generally under mild hypothermia. METHODS: Ninety consecutive patients (60 males, mean age, 55 ± 16 years) underwent open reoperative aortic arch surgery after previous cardiac aortic surgery. The indications included chronic-progressive arch aneurysm (55.5%), chronic aortic dissection (17.8%), contained arch rupture (16.7%), and graft infection (10%). The reoperation was performed through a repeat sternotomy (96%) or clamshell thoracotomy (4%) using antegrade cerebral perfusion under mild systemic hypothermia (28.9 ± 2.5°C) in all except three patients. RESULTS: The surgery comprised hemiarch or total arch replacement in 41 (46%) and 49 (54%) patients, respectively. The distal extension included classic or frozen elephant trunk technique, each in 12 patients, and total descending aorta replacement in 4 patients. Operative mortality was 6 (6.7%) among all patients, with age identified as the only independent predictor of operative mortality (p = 0.05). Permanent and transient neurologic deficits occurred in 1% and 9% of the patients, respectively. Estimated survival at 8 years was 59 ± 8% with advanced heart failure predictive for late mortality (p = 0.014). Freedom from second reoperation or intervention on the aorta was 78 ± 6% at 8 years, with most of these events occurring downstream in patients with chronic degenerative aneurysms. CONCLUSION: Aortic arch reoperations performed using antegrade cerebral perfusion under mild systemic hypothermia offer favorable operative outcomes with an exceptionally low rate of neurologic morbidity without any difference between hemiarch and complex arch procedures.

Quality of Life Following Urgent LVAD Implantation for ECMO Therapy in Cardiogenic Shock: A Long-Term Follow-Up.

Background and Objectives: Over the past decade, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has developed into a mainstream treatment for refractory cardiogenic shock (CS) to maximal conservative management. Successful weaning of VA-ECMO may not be possible, and bridging with further mechanical circulatory support (MCS), such as urgent implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), may represent the only means to sustain the patient haemodynamically. In the recovery phase, many survivors are not suitably prepared physically or psychologically for the novel issues encountered during daily life with an LVAD. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of our institutional database between 2012 and 2019 was performed to identify patients treated with VA-ECMO for CS who underwent urgent LVAD implantation whilst on MCS. Post-cardiotomy cases were excluded. QoL was assessed prospectively during a routine follow-up visit using the EuroQol-5 dimensions-5 level (EQ-5D-5L) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) surveys. Results: Among 126 in-hospital survivors of VA-ECMO therapy due to cardiogenic shock without prior cardiac surgery, 31 (24.6%) urgent LVAD recipients were identified. In 11 (36.7%) cases, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed (median 10, range 1-60 min) before initiation of VA-ECMO, and in 5 (16.7%) cases, MCS was established under CPR. Mean age at LVAD implantation was 51.7 (+/-14) years and surgery was performed after a mean 12.1 (+/-8) days of VA-ECMO support. During follow-up of 46.9 (+/-25.5) months, there were 10 deaths after 20.4 (+/-12.1) months of LVAD support. Analysis of QoL questionnaires returned a mean EQ-5D-5L score of 66% (+/-21) of societal valuation for Germany and a mean PHQ-9 score of 5.7 (+/-5) corresponding to mild depression severity. When compared with 49 elective LVAD recipients without prior VA-ECMO therapy, there was no significant difference in QoL results. Conclusions: Patients requiring urgent LVAD implantation under VA-ECMO support due to CS are associated with comparable quality of life without a significant difference from elective LVAD recipients. Close follow-up is required to oversee patient rehabilitation after successful initial treatment.

An Incomplete Form of Shone's Complex With Double Orifice Mitral Valve.

We present the case of an adult male patient with an incomplete form of Shone's complex associated with bicuspid aortic valve and a double orifice mitral valve. Intraoperative inspection of the mitral valve showed double orifice configuration with a small, rudimentary left-sided mitral valve and a large, dominant, right-sided parachute mitral valve with Barlow-type of degeneration. The patient underwent reconstruction of both valves through a minimally invasive incision. At one year echocardiographic control both valves function normally.

Homograft Treatment for Infected Frozen Elephant Trunk Prosthesis.

A 46-year-old male received total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk for acute non-A/non-B aortic dissection. Two months later, he underwent emergency reoperation for contained rupture of the left common carotid ostium at its insertion on the aortic arch. Three months after the reoperation, he developed tracheoesophageal fistula and infection of the prosthesis in the region of the aortic arch and the proximal descending aorta. Second reoperation was performed with replacement of the aorta with a composite of three aortic homografts, and the fistula was permanently closed with a direct suture and intercostal muscle flap.

Minimally Invasive Aortic Arch Repair: Technical Considerations and Mid-Term Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Reports of minimal invasive aortic arch surgery are scarce. We reviewed our experience with minimal access aortic arch surgery performed through an upper mini-sternotomy, with emphasis on details of operative technique and early and mid-term outcomes. METHODS: The medical records of 123 adult patients (mean age 66 ± 12 years), who underwent primary elective minimal access aortic arch surgery in two aortic referral centers, were reviewed. The most common indication was degenerative aortic arch aneurysm in 92 (75%) patients. Standard operative and organ protection techniques used in all patients were upper mini-sternotomy, uninterrupted antegrade cerebral perfusion, and moderate systemic hypothermia (27.4 ± 1°C). RESULTS: Sixty-eight (55%) patients received partial aortic arch replacement; the remaining 55 (45%) patients received total arch replacement, further extended with either a frozen elephant trunk in 43 (35%) patients or a conventional elephant trunk procedure in nine (7%) patients. No conversion to full sternotomy was required. New permanent renal failure occurred in one (0.8%) patient, stroke in two (1.6%), and spinal cord injury in four (3.3%) patients. Early mortality was observed in four (3.3%) patients. At five years, survival was 80 ± 6% and freedom from reoperation was 96 ± 3%. CONCLUSION: Minimal invasive aortic arch repair through an upper mini-sternotomy can be safely performed, with early and mid-term outcomes well comparable to series performed through a standard median sternotomy.

Single-Stage Treatment of Extensive Aortic Pathology Using the Frozen Elephant Trunk Procedure.

BACKGROUND: Extensive pathology involving the aortic arch and descending aorta traditionally has been treated with two open procedures. We report our institutional experience with a single stage frozen elephant trunk procedure for treatment of extensive aortic pathology. METHODS: Between June 2018 and October 2019, nine patients (eight males, 89%, mean age 61 ± 6 years) with extensive aortic pathology were operated using the frozen elephant trunk procedure. Five (56%) patients underwent primary operation for chronic arch and proximal descending aneurysm in two (22%) patients, chronic type B aortic dissection in two (22%) patients and penetrating aortic ulcer in one (11%) patient. The other four (44%) patients received reoperative surgery for chronic post-dissection aneurysms. For organ protection during the aortic arch procedure, we used selective antegrade cerebral perfusion and mild systemic hypothermia at 28°C. RESULTS: Early mortality was not observed. A single (11%) patient developed focal stroke. Unilateral vocal cord palsy was present in two (22%) patients. Spinal cord injury was not observed. Reexploration for bleeding was required in two (22%) patients. Prolonged ventilation, liver and kidney failure as well as cardiac morbidity were not observed. Two patients (22%) with anticipated Endoleak type Ib received TEVAR extension at follow up. Mid-term mortality was observed in two (22%) patients, due to pneumonia. CONCLUSION: The frozen elephant trunk procedure can be used for a single-stage treatment of patients with extensive aortic pathology, due to chronic degenerative aneurysms or post-dissection aneurysms involving the aortic arch and the descending aorta, with acceptable mortality and morbidity.

Outcomes with Ventricular Assist Device Therapy for Advanced Heart Failure in North Macedonia: First Annual Report

INTRODUCTION: Mechanical circulatory support by a continuous-flow ventricular assist device (VAD) improves survival and quality of life in selected patients with advanced heart failure. Developing countries have been struggling to construct a contemporary and effective health care system to manage advanced heart failure. This observation represents the first annual report on clinical outcomes with VAD for patients with advanced heart failure in the Republic of North Macedonia. METHODS: Data from all patients with VAD implantations between November 2018 and December 2019 were collected. The etiology of the heart failure was dilated cardiomyopathy in 4 patients (57%), ischemic cardiomyopathy in 2 (28%), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 1 (14%). The primary outcome was survival; secondary outcomes included adverse events defined according to the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support. RESULTS: A total of 7 patients (85% males, median age 56 years) received a VAD; 5 of them received left VAD, and the remaining 2 received biventricular VAD. There were no deaths. Observed morbidity during a mean follow-up of 216 days included 3 bleeding events in 1 patient, 2 patients with superficial driveline infection, and 1 minor stroke and a pump thrombosis, which were treated with VAD exchange. Significant improvement in quality of life, as assessed by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and the Functional Independence Measure™ instrument, was seen with all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate a successful initiation of the VAD program in the Republic of North Macedonia. Proper training of a dedicated HF team supports the reproducibility of this treatment in developing countries.

Results of frozen elephant trunk from the international E-vita Open registry.

BACKGROUND: Over the years, frozen elephant trunk (FET) has become the treatment of choice for multisegmental thoracic aortic disease. This multicenter study presents the evolution of FET results using the E-vita Open hybrid graft with respect to institutional experience and time. METHODS: The data of International E-vita Open registry were studied according to the institutional experience of the participating centers (high- versus low-volume centers) and according to the evolution of FET treatment during time (1st period, 2005-2011 versus 2nd period, 2012-2018). Overall, 1,165 patients were enrolled in the study with a wide variety of multisegmental thoracic aortic pathologies and aortic emergencies. Participating centers determined their own surgical protocol. RESULTS: The overall 30-day mortality was 12%. Short- and long-term survival were higher in high- versus low-volume centers (P=0.048 and P=0.013, respectively). In the 2nd time period, cerebral complications were reduced significantly (P=0.015). Incidence of permanent spinal cord-related symptoms was reduced to 3% in the 2nd time period, but did not reach statistical significance. Hypothermic circulatory arrest time (P<0.001) and incidence of postoperative temporary renal replacement therapy (P=0.008) were significantly reduced in the 2nd time period. Ten-year survival and freedom from aortic-related death rates were 46.6% and 85.7%, respectively, for the entire group. The freedom from distal aortic re-interventions for a new or progressive residual aortic disease was 76.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Evolution of FET arch repair techniques with the E-vita Open graft and increasing institutional experience were associated with improved results. Progression of residual aortic disease makes close follow-up with aortic imaging mandatory in such patients.

Aortic Valve Repair for Aortic Insufficiency or Dilatation: Technical Evolution and Long-term Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve repair (AVR) is an attractive alternative to valve replacement for the treatment of aortic valve insufficiency. Here we report on the midterm outcomes after AVR for aortic valve insufficiency with an emphasis on durability of repair. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2017, 560 consecutive patients (mean age, 57 ± 16 years) underwent various AVR procedures on tricuspid (n = 415, 74%) and bicuspid (n = 145, 26%) aortic valves. In 313 patients (56%) the David procedure was performed, whereas in 247 patients (44%) cusp repair without aortic root procedure was conducted. Concomitant procedures were coronary artery bypass grafting in 82 patients (15%) and mitral valve repair in 47 patients (8%). Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was complete in 97% of patients. Mean follow-up was 6.3 ± 4.6 years. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality was 1.4% (n = 8). Late mortality was observed in 132 patients with cardiovascular events accounting for mortality in 13 patients: Survival at 10 years was 70%. Reoperation on the aortic valve was performed on 39 patients for recurrent insufficiency, isolated in 25, or combined with valve stenosis in 5 patients; endocarditis accounted for reoperation in 9 patients (0.2% per patient-year). Freedom from reoperation was 88% at 10 years. Cumulative linearized incidence of all valve-related complications was 2% per patient per year. CONCLUSIONS: AVR for insufficiency is a durable procedure with low valve-related morbidity and mortality in the midterm.

Single-Stage Treatment of Aneurysm of the Distal Aortic Arch and Proximal Descending Aorta Using the Frozen Elephant Trunk Procedure. Case Report.

Aneurysms of the thoracic aorta involving the distal arch and the proximal descending aorta have traditionally been treated with two open procedures. During the first stage, the aortic arch pathology has been addressed through a median sternotomy. Several weeks or months later, a second stage followed and included completing the repair of the descending aorta through a lateral thoracotomy.We, herein, report a single stage repair of an aneurysm involving the distal aortic arch and the proximal descending aorta using the frozen elephant trunk operative technique. Vascular hybrid stent graft prosthesis, specifically designed for treatment of extensive aortic aneurysms, has been used to replace the arch component and exclude the descending aorta component of the aneurysm through a median sternotomy, using bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion and mild systemic hypothermia for intraoperative organ protection.