The Association between Non-Alcohol Liver Fatty Disease and Coronary Artery Calcification: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.

BACKGROUND: Although prior observational studies have suggested that patients with non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may have a higher risk of coronary artery calcification (CAC), these findings remain controversial. This study aimed to explore the causal association between NAFLD and CAC at genetic level by two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. METHOD: Utilizing summary-level data from multiple large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in European populations, a two-sample MR analysis was initially conducted to explore the potential causal association between NAFLD and CAC. The results of the MR analysis were pooled through random-effect meta-analysis. The inverse variance weighting (IVW) method served as the primary approach for MR analysis. Additionally, the weighted median, MR-Egger and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) methods was applied for sensitivity analysis. Summary-level data on liver fatty content was utilized for validation analysis, while summary-level data on cirrhosis served as positive control, further ensuring the validity and robustness of our findings. Reverse MR analysis was performed to assess the association between CAC and NAFLD, employing instrument variables derived from CAC. RESULTS: The MR analysis indicated that genetically predicted NAFLD had no effects on the risk of CAC (Beta: 0.01, 95% CI: -0.02 to 0.03, P = 0.74). Likewise, the reverse MR analysis found no significant genetic association between CAC and NAFLD (OR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.06, P = 0.88). Validation analysis yielded consistent results, showing no significant association between fatty liver content and CAC. CONCLUSION: Our two-sample MR analysis did not support that there is a causal association between NAFLD and CAC at genetic level. The association between NAFLD and CAC reported in some previous observational studies may rely on NAFLD complicated with metabolic disorders, rather than being directly linked to the hepatic steatosis.

This study used a genetic approach to investigate whether non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) directly causes coronary artery calcification (CAC), finding no evidence of a causal relationship at genetic level. The Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis revealed no genetic association between NAFLD and the risk of developing CAC, as well as no reverse association from CAC to NAFLD. The findings suggest that previous reports association between NAFLD and CAC may be influenced by metabolic disorders rather than a direct connection between the two conditions.

Clinical outcomes of on-pump versus off-pump coronary-artery bypass surgery: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The ongoing debate regarding off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and on-pump CABG has endured for over three decades. Although numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have been reported, new evidence has emerged. Therefore, an updated and comprehensive meta-analysis to guide clinical practice is essential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search for eligible articles published after 2000, reporting RCTs involving at least 100 patients and comparing off-pump CABG with on-pump CABG, was performed throughout the databases including Embase, Ovid Medline, and Web of Science. The primary interested outcomes included the short-term incidence of stroke and long-term mortality. The primary analysis utilized fixed-effect model with the inverse variance method. The Grade of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: After thorough screening, 39 articles were included, consisting of 28 RCTs and involving a total of 16 090 patients. Off-pump CABG significantly reduced the incidence of short-term stroke (1.27 vs. 1.78%, OR: 0.74, P =0.03, high certainty). However, it was observed to be associated with increased mid-term coronary reintervention (2.77 vs. 1.85%, RR: 1.49, P <0.01, high certainty) and long-term mortality (21.8 vs. 21.0%, RR: 1.09, P =0.02, moderate certainty). CONCLUSIONS: Off-pump CABG significantly reduces the short-term incidence of stroke, but it also increases the incidence of mid-term coronary reintervention. Moreover, it may increase long-term mortality.

Partial CArdiac Denervation to Prevent Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (pCAD-POAF): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is commonly seen in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), increasing the risk of morbidity, mortality, and hospital expenses. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of partial cardiac denervation, which is achieved by cutting off the ligament of Marshall and resecting the fat pad along the Waterston groove, on the prevention of POAF after CABG. Patients planned for CABG at our center were screened for eligibility in this study. A total of 430 patients were randomized into the intervention (partial cardiac denervation) group and control group. Intraoperative high-frequency electrical stimulation and further histologic analysis were performed in a certain number of patients to confirm the existence of ganglia. All patients were continuously monitored for the incidence of POAF through an electrophysiologic device until the sixth day postoperatively, and required to complete a 30-day follow-up (12-lead electrocardiogram and echocardiogram assessment) after discharge. The primary end point is the incidence of POAF, whereas the secondary end points are the cost-effectiveness and safety outcomes. In conclusion, this trial will evaluate whether partial cardiac denervation through cutting off the ligament of Marshall and resecting the fat pad along the Waterston groove can reduce the incidence of POAF after CABG. If this procedure is revealed to be effective and safe, it may provide a potential therapeutic approach to prevent POAF in this group of patients.

Blood perfusion status is important in the prognosis of ventricular aneurysm complicated by ventricular septal rupture.

AIMS: Due to its low incidence, poor prognosis, and high mortality in the acute phase, the long-term prognosis of the left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) complicated by ventricular septal rupture (VSR) has received little attention. This study focus on the long-term prognosis of patients with LVA complicated by relatively stable VSR. METHODS AND RESULTS: Over a decade of retrospection, 68 patients with both LVA and VSR were compared with 136 patients with LVA alone after propensity score matching. Patients with both LVA and VSR were further divided into two groups depending on whether pre-operative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was used (23 pre-operative IABP vs. 45 non-pre-operative IABP). The primary endpoint was defined as major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, a composite endpoint including mortality, myocardial infarction, revascularization, stroke, and heart failure. Patients with both LVA and VSR were generally in a worse condition upon admission compared with those with LVA alone [percentage of patients in New York Heart Association IV: 42.6% (29/68) vs. 11.0% (15/136), P < 0.001]. Both pre-operative and post-operative IABP use rates were significantly higher in patients with both LVA and VSR than in patients with LVA alone [pre-operative IABP use rates: 33.8% (23/68) vs. 0.74% (1/136), P < 0.001 and post-operative IABP use rates: 33.8% (23/68) vs. 10.3% (14/136), P < 0.001]. No significant difference was observed in the primary endpoint between patients with both LVA and VSR and those with LVA alone (log-rank test, P = 0.63, median follow-up time 63 months). We further investigated the effect of pre-operative IABP on the long-term prognosis of patients with both LVA and VSR. Patients who applied pre-operative IABP had a worse long-term prognosis than those who did not (log-rank test, P = 0.0011). CONCLUSIONS: The long-term prognosis of LVA combined with VSR was not inferior than LVA alone after surgery, but poor blood perfusion status was associated with a worse prognosis.

Coronary endarterectomy combined with coronary artery bypass grafting might decrease graft patency: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the graft patency after coronary endarterectomy (CE) combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study aimed to investigate the graft patency after CABG + CE. METHODS: Eligible patients hospitalized at our center during September 2008 and July 2022 with complete follow-up coronary angiographic data available were retrospectively enrolled. The primary end point was the follow-up graft patency of CE targets. Logistic regression was performed to explore the potential predictors of the CE-targeted graft failure. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients (age: 59.4 ± 9.3 years, male: 75.6%) were enrolled, and 560 grafts were anastomosed. CE was performed on 166 sites, including LAD (36.1%), right coronary artery (RCA, 48.2%), left circumflex artery (9.6%), and diagonal branches (6.0%). Postoperative myocardial infarction was observed in 7 (4.4%) of the patients. During a median follow-up of 12.1 months, the CE-targeted graft patency was 69.9%. The CE-targeted graft patency rate was much higher among the LAD-CE patients than the non-LAD-CE patients (80.0% vs. 64.2%, P = 0.032) but lower than non-endarterectomized LAD (80.0% vs. 92.9%, P = 0.013). No difference was observed regarding the graft patency between off-pump and on-pump surgery (P = 0.585). In the logistic regression, RCA-CE was associated with an increased risk of graft failure even after multiple adjustments (odds ratio: 2.35, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-5.28, P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: CABG + CE might be associated with decreased graft patency, especially in those who received RCA-CE, irrespective of surgical technique or antiplatelet/anticoagulation regimen. A multi-center prospective, possibly randomized study with a larger sample size is warranted.

Surgical treatment of left ventricular aneurysm in patients with prior myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA): a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of studies examining the treatment of patients with prior myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) and with a concomitant left ventricular aneurysm. Our study aims to illustrate the clinical characteristics and report the mid-term surgical outcomes in this distinct entity. METHODS: Ten patients with MINOCA and left ventricular aneurysm were investigated. The MINOCA was diagnosed according to Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association. The indication for left ventricular reconstruction was as follows: clear evidence of both an aneurysmal and akinetic left ventricle with a history of myocardial infarction accompanied by heart failure symptoms, angina, or ventricular arrhythmias. Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), including death, myocardial infarction, stroke was considered the primary endpoints. RESULTS: The median follow-up for the whole study population was 64.5 months. Seven MINOCA patients developed a left ventricular aneurysm within 4 years and three MINOCA patients were found to have a concomitant left aneurysm at the first admission. Before surgery, no patients were prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Statins, dual antiplatelet therapy, and ß-blockers were prescribed in 2, 5, and 5 patients, respectively. After surgery, no MACCE occurred in the follow-up. There was a significant increase in ejection fraction (EF) in the follow-up (p = 0.0009). CONCLUSIONS: Close monitoring and standard medical treatment are required before a left ventricular aneurysm occurs in MINOCA patients. Left ventricular reconstruction remains a viable option for MINOCA patients with left ventricular aneurysms and mid-term outcomes were satisfying in this distinct entity.

Glycaemic control using mobile-based intervention in patients with diabetes undergoing coronary artery bypass-study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Applying technology through the use of the Internet and mobile phones can help provide education and trained peer support for patients with diabetes after coronary artery bypass (CABG). We are conducting a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of mobile-based coaching intervention in improving risk-factor control and secondary prevention in patients with diabetes after CABG. METHODS: The glycaemic control using miniprogram-based intervention in patients with diabetes undergoing coronary artery bypass to promote self-management (GUIDE ME) study is a multi-centre, randomized controlled trial of mobile intervention versus standard treatment with 6 months follow-up conducted in 2 hospitals in China. The interventions are education and a reminder system based on the WeChat mini-program. Participants in the intervention groups receive 180 videos (including lines) about secondary prevention education for 6 months as well as the standard treatment. Behavioural change techniques, such as prompting barrier identification, motivational skills, and goal setting, are employed. A total sample size of 820 patients would be adequate for the GUIDE ME study. The primary outcome is the change of glycaemic haemoglobin (HbA1c) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include a change in the proportions of patients achieving HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and medication adherence. DISCUSSION: This trial is the first to investigate the efficacy of mobile phone WeChat-based video coaching and medication reminder mini-program system to improve self-management in patients with diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD) after CABG and has the potential to be applied in resource-limited settings across diverse populations. If successful, such mobile intervention could be used and scaled up to improve care for this high-risk group of patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials, NCT04192409 . Registered on December 10, 2019.

Risk Prediction After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Combined With Coronary Endarterectomy.

Coronary endarterectomy (CE) combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is used for complete revascularization of diffusely diseased coronary arteries. Nevertheless, studies reported an increased risk after this procedure. Therefore, risk prediction in these patients is essential. Patients who underwent CABG + CE during September 2008 and July 2022 at our center were retrospectively recruited. A total of 32 characteristics were analyzed. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were used for the feature selection, and multivariable Cox regression was applied to develop a nomogram for risk prediction. The primary outcome was the major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and stroke. A total of 570 patients with 601 CE targets, including left anterior descending (41.4%), right coronary artery (43.9%), left circumflex artery (6.8%), and diagonal branches/intermedius ramidus (8.0%), were enrolled. The mean age was 61.0 ± 8.9 years, and 77.7% were men. A total of 4 features were identified as the predictors of MACCE, including age ≥65 years (hazard ratio [HR] 2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38 to 3.25, p <0.001), left main disease (HR 2.56, 95% CI 1.46 to 4.49, p = 0.001), mitral regurgitation (≥mild, HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.65, p = 0.049), and left anterior descending endarterectomy (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.62, p = 0.018), and a nomogram for the 1- and 3-year MACCE prediction was developed. The model showed relatively good discrimination (C-index 0.68), calibration, and clinical usefulness. In conclusion, the nomogram provides estimation of the 1- and 3-year MACCE risk after CABG + CE.

Clinical Outcomes After the Surgical Treatment of Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy With Left Ventricular Apical Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular apical aneurysm (LVAA) is a rare complication of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). This study aimed to illustrate the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of these patients. METHOD: Patients with HOCM and LVAA who underwent modified extended Morrow myectomy and surgical left ventricular reconstruction (SLVR) between October 2012 and March 2021 were retrospectively recruited. Patients with coronary artery disease were excluded. Clinical characteristics were summarised. Time-to-event outcomes were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by a log-rank test. RESULTS: Fifteen eligible patients were identified; the mean age was 39.9±17.2 years and 40.0% of them were female. All patients had dyspnoea, 46.7% presented with syncope and/or chest pain, and 13.3% had a family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The mean LVAA size was 36.9±12.3 mm in length and 28.5±11.3 mm in width. Echocardiography showed LV outflow tract obstruction in seven (46.7%) patients, mid-cavity LV obstruction in 12 (80.0%), while systolic anterior motion (SAM) was seen in seven (46.7%). The symptoms were resolved in all patients postoperatively. During a median follow-up of 22.0 months, one (6.7%) patient had sudden cardiac death, one (6.7%) had a haemorrhagic stroke, and the LVAA recurrence was 40.0%. Subgroup analysis showed that signs of SAM and larger LVAA (≥30 mm) were associated with an increased tendency for a longer hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HOCM and LVAA present with high-risk profiles. Modified extended Morrow myectomy combined with SLVR is useful in relieving the symptoms and improving the prognosis, although there might be recurrent LVAA.

Impact of concomitant mitral valve surgery on the clinical outcomes of patients with moderate functional mitral regurgitation and HFpEF undergoing aortic valve replacement: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) worsens the prognosis of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). While concomitant mitral valve surgery (MVS) is recommended for severe FMR during aortic valve replacement (AVR), the optimal treatment of moderate FMR, especially in those with HFpEF, remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MVS in patients with moderate FMR and HFpEF undergoing AVR. METHODS: A total of 212 consecutive patients (AVR: 34.0%, AVR-MVS: 66.0%) during 2010 and 2019 were enrolled. Survival outcomes were compared. Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance the baseline characteristics. Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test were applied to compare the survival outcomes. The primary endpoint was the overall mortality. RESULTS: The mean age was 58.9 [Formula: see text] 11.9 years, and 27.8% of them were female. During a median follow-up of 16.4 months, AVR-MVS did not reduce the risk of mid-term MACCE (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57-4.17, Plog-rank = 0.396), while it showed a tendency toward higher MACCE risk in the IPTW analysis (HR: 2.62, 95% CI: 0.84-8.16, Plog-rank = 0.096). In addition, AVR-MVS increased the risk of mortality as compared to isolated AVR (0 vs. 10%, Plog-rank = 0.016), which was sustained in the IPTW analysis  (0 vs. 9.9%, Plog-rank<0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with moderate FMR and HFpEF, isolated AVR might be more reasonable than AVR-MVS.

Prognostic value of carbohydrate antigen 125 in patients undergoing surgical left ventricular reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) is a biomarker often used in diagnosis of ovarian tumors. Studies also show that elevated CA125 implicates worse outcomes among patients with heart failure, while latter of which plays an important role in the pathophysiology of left ventricular aneurysm (LVA). However, the prognostic value of CA125 in LVA patients undergoing surgical left ventricular reconstruction (SLVR) remains unclear. METHODS: In this single-centered cohort study, a total of 309 patients with LVA undergoing SLVR were retrospectively recruited. Univariable regression analysis was performed to identify the potential confounders for each outcome, followed by multivariable adjustment to confirm the association between CA125 and outcomes. The primary outcome was the overall mortality, and the secondary outcome was the major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and perioperative outcomes. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was use to find the optimal cut-off value of CA125. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 55 months. The cohort was predominantly male (86.4%), with an average age of 58.6 years. Log (CA125) was associated with overall mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-4.36, P = 0.033), prolonged hospital-stay time (HR:1.07, 95%CI: 1.03-1.12, P = 0.001) and increased risk of postoperative ventricular support (HR: 2.81, 95%CI: 1.10-7.18, P = 0.031) after multivariate adjustment. The optimal cut-off value for the CA125 for all-cause mortality was 13.825 U/ml with the area under curve of 0.675. CONCLUSION: Elevated-CA125 implicates poorer short- and long-term prognosis in LVA patients undergoing SLVR.

Treatment of Moderate Functional Mitral Regurgitation during Aortic Valve Replacement: A Cohort Study.

Background: Treatment of moderate functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) during aortic valve replacement (AVR) is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different surgical strategies in patients with moderate FMR undergoing AVR. Methods: A total of 468 patients with moderate FMR undergoing AVR from January 2010 to December 2019 were retrospectively studied comparing 3 different surgical strategies, namely isolated AVR, AVR + mitral valve repair (MVr) and AVR + mitral valve replacement (MVR). Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test, followed by inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis to adjust the between-group imbalances. The primary outcome was overall mortality. Results: Patients underwent isolated AVR (35.3%), AVR + MVr (30.3%), or AVR + MVR (34.4%). The median follow-up was 27.1 months. AVR + MVR was associated with better improvement of FMR during the early and follow-up period compared to isolated AVR and AVR + MVr (p < 0.001). Compared to isolated AVR, AVR + MVR increased the risk of mid-term mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-4.48, p = 0.046), which was sustained in the IPTW analysis (HR: 4.15, 95% CI: 1.69-10.15, p = 0.002). In contrast, AVR + MVr showed only a tendency to increase the risk of follow-up mortality (HR: 1.63, 95% CI: 0.72-3.67, p = 0.239), which was more apparent in the IPTW analysis (HR: 2.54, 95% CI: 0.98-6.56, p = 0.054). Conclusions: In patients with severe aortic valve disease and moderate FMR, isolated AVR might be more reasonable than AVR + MVr or AVR + MVR.

Iron Deficiency Might Impair the Recovery of Left Ventricular Function after Surgical Revascularization in Diabetic Patients: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Iron deficiency (ID) is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies affecting public health. Studies show that ID affects the prognosis of patients with heart disease, including heart failure, coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. However, there is limited information regarding the impact of ID on patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of preoperative ID on the prognosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: In the Glycemic control using mobile-based intervention in patients with diabetes undergoing coronary artery bypass to promote self-management (GUIDEME) study, patients with T2DM undergoing CABG were prospectively recruited. In this study, only those patients with preoperative iron metabolism results were enrolled. Patients were grouped based on the presence of preoperative ID. The primary endpoint was defined as the significant improvement of follow-up ejection fraction (EF) compared to postoperative levels (classified according to the 75th percentile of the change, and defined as an improvement of greater than or equal to 5%). Univariable logistic regression was performed to explore the potential confounders, followed by multiple adjustment. Results: A total of 302 patients were enrolled. No deaths were observed during the study period. A higher incidence of the primary endpoint was observed in the ID group (25.4% vs 12.9%, p = 0.015). The postoperative and follow-up EF were similar beween the two groups. In the regression analysis, ID was noticed to be a strong predictor against the significant improvement of EF in both univariable (odds ratio [OR]: 0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22-0.86, p = 0.017) and multivariable (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.24-0.98, p = 0.043) logistic regression. In the subgroup analysis, ID was a predictor of significant improvement of EF in age ≤ 60 years, male, EF ≤ 60%, and on-pump CABG patients. Conclusions: In T2DM patients undergoing CABG, ID might negatively affect the early recovery of left ventricular systolic function in terms of recovery of EF 3-6 months after surgery, especially in patients age ≤ 60 years, males, EF ≤ 60% and in those undergoing on-pump CABG.

Is 3-6 months anticoagulation with warfarin necessary after left ventricular thrombectomy with left ventricular aneurysm surgery?

OBJECTIVES: No recommendation exists on the optimal antithrombotic therapy after left ventricular thrombus (LVT) resection in the current guidelines. The study aimed to investigate the role of prophylactic anticoagulation with warfarin for 3-6 months in LVT recurrence and other clinical outcomes after LVT resection and left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) surgery. METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing LVT resection together with LVA surgery in our institution between 2010.1.1 and 2021.4.1 were included in the study. Individuals included were divided into two groups based on whether warfarin was administered at discharge. Patients with warfarin were matched to their counterparts without warfarin based on the baseline characteristics via propensity score matching (PSM) at the ratio of 1:1. The primary outcome was LVT recurrence. The secondary outcomes were major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) and the composite endpoint of LVT recurrence and MACCEs. RESULTS: After PSM, a total of 118 patients were included in the study, among whom 59 received warfarin therapy at discharge and 59 didn't. During the median follow-up of 56.5 months, 21 out of 118 patients had LVT recurrence and the recurrence rate was 17.8% There was no systemic embolism resulting from the recurrent LVT. Kaplan-Meir analysis showed no significant difference in LVT recurrence (p = .86), MACCEs (p = .48) and the composite endpoint of LVT recurrence, and MACCEs (p = .89). Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that history of PCI (hazard ratio [HR] 2.778, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.087-7.100, p = .033) and LVA surgical strategy of linear suture (HR 8.768, 95% CI 1.139-67.517, p = .037) were independent risk factors of LVT recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic anticoagulation with warfarin for 3-6 months may be unnecessary with no benefit in terms of LVT recurrence and other clinical outcomes.

Surgical treatment of patients with aortic valve disease complicated with moderate functional mitral regurgitation and heart failure with midrange ejection fraction: a cohort study.

Background: Controversies exist on the treatment of moderate functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) in patients with severe aortic valve disease undergoing the aortic valve replacement (AVR). While a substantial proportion of these patients can be complicated with heart failure with midrange ejection fraction (HFmrEF), established studies show that the latter might compromise the patient outcome. This study was aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of concomitant mitral valve surgery during AVR in patients with severe aortic valve disease followed by moderate FMR and HFmrEF. Methods: A total of 78 consecutive patients were retrospectively recruited. Patients were divided into control (isolated AVR) and treatment (AVR + mitral valve surgery) groups. Follow-up outcomes were compared by Kaplan-Meier method, followed by multiple adjustment with inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis. The primary outcome was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Results: Thirty-six patients received isolated AVR, while 42 received AVR with mitral valve repair or replacement. The median follow-up time was 28.7 months. Unadjusted analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the rate of MACCE between the two groups [hazard ratio (HR): 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48-2.69, Plogrank=0.770], which was sustained in IPTW analysis (HR: 1.64, 95% CI: 0.59-4.55, Plogrank=0.342). In addition, while concomitant mitral valve surgery improved follow-up FMR more completely (P=0.026) in the IPTW analysis, the ejection fraction was comparable between the two groups (P=0.276). Furthermore, IPTW analysis also showed that mitral valve surgery was associated with the increased risk of postoperative acute kidney injury (P=0.007). Conclusions: In patients with aortic valve disease followed by moderate FMR and HFmrEF, mitral valve surgery concomitant to AVR may not bring extra benefit in the MACCE-free survival and the improvement of HFmrEF. However, while concomitant mitral valve surgery has priority on the complete improvement of FMR, it might increase the risk of postoperative acute kidney injury.

Effect of ß-blocker on patients with moderate functional mitral regurgitation undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement.

AIMS: The optimal treatment for severe aortic valve disease complicated with moderate function mitral regurgitation (FMR) remains controversial. Although isolated surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is reasonable, previous studies also show that moderate FMR might deteriorate after surgical treatment and result in poorer prognosis. Because the left ventricular remodelling plays a critical role in the development of FMR, these patients might potentially benefit from the administration of ß-blocker (BB). Unfortunately, relevant clinical evidence is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the impact of post-operative administration of BB on the outcomes of moderate FMR patients undergoing isolated SAVR. METHODS: In this single-centre cohort study, patients who underwent isolated SAVR and complicated with pre-operative moderate FMR during 2010 and 2019 at our centre were retrospectively recruited. Patients were divided into two groups according to postoperative administration of BB (BB group vs. control group). The cumulative survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and tested by the log-rank test, followed by inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis to further control the between-group imbalances. The primary outcome was the major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), a composite endpoint of all-cause death, repeat heart valve surgery, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure. RESULTS: A total of 165 patients were enrolled, 57 (34.6%) of whom were female, and the mean age was 59.2 ± 12.2 years. Eighty (48.5%) patients received post-operative BB therapy. The median follow-up time was 18.4 months. The administration of BB was not associated with lower risk of MACCE [hazard ratio (HR): 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29-1.62, P = 0.388] or all-cause death (HR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.30-0.56, P = 0.967). In the IPTW dataset, the total number of patients were 326.89, and the outcomes regarding the risk of MACCE (HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.31-1.97, P = 0.607) and all-cause death (HR: 1.33, 95% CI:0.35-5.05, P = 0.674) were in line with the unmatched analysis. The follow-up echocardiographic results were available for 72.2% of the overall cohort, and the use of BB was observed to be associated with higher improvement rate of follow-up FMR according to the IPTW analysis (92.2% vs. 98.3%, P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of BB after SAVR was not associated with lower risk of MACCE for patients of severe aortic valve disease complicated with moderate FMR, but was potentially beneficial for improving FMR.

Long-Term Outcomes of Left Ventricular Restoration in Patients Ineligible for Concomitant Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of severe coronary artery disease (CAD) patients undergoing left ventricular restoration (LVR) and ineligible for concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is unclear. This study illustrates the clinical characteristics and the long-term survival of these patients in a retrospective cohort. METHODS: From January 1999 to March 2021, a total of 78 patients underwent surgical left ventricular restoration without concomitant CABG at our center. The primary endpoint was the major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to calculate survival, and compared by log-rank test, followed by multiple adjustments using Cox regression. RESULTS: The mean age was 55.3 ± 11.4 years. There were 76 (97.4%) true and 2 (2.6%) pseudo-aneurysms. Forty-six (59.0%) patients presented NYHA functional class III or IV. The mean EuroSCORE was 10.6 ± 3.2. Concomitant surgeries included mitral valve repair (N = 3), mitral valve replacement (N = 2), tricuspid valve repair (N = 2), ventricular septal defect closure (N = 18), maze procedure (N = 1), and appendage ligation (N = 1). Reoperation for bleeding was performed in one patient (1.3%). Prolonged ventilation was observed in 21 (26.9%) patients. Fourteen (17.9%) patients presented with low cardiac output and were supported with IABP. Operative death occurred in one (1.3%) patient. The median duration of echocardiographic follow-up was 53 months (interquartile range, 81.5) and was obtained in 46 (59.0%) patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improved from 41.1% ± 10.5% to 45.6% ± 7.9% (P < 0.001), and the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) fell from 57.8 ± 6.6 mm to 52.0 ± 6.2 mm (P < 0.001). The median patient follow-up time was 79.5 months (interquartile range, 53.5). Overall, 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 98.7%, 95.5% and 82.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe CAD and ineligible for concomitant CABG are in critical condition, and LVR could be a reliable approach to improving cardiac function with satisfactory early and long-term outcomes.

A Meta-Analysis of Early, Mid-term and Long-Term Mortality of On-Pump vs. Off-Pump in Redo Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

We aimed to compare the early, mid-term, and long-term mortality between on-pump vs. off-pump redo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We conducted a systematic search for studies comparing clinical outcomes of patients who underwent on-pump vs. off-pump redo CABG. We pooled the relevant studies quantitatively to compare the early (perioperative period, whether in hospital or within 30 days after discharge), mid-term (≥1 year and <5 years), and long-term (≥5 year) mortality of on-pump vs. off-pump redo CABG. A random-effect model was applied when there was high heterogeneity (I2 > 50%) between studies. Otherwise, a fixed-effect model was utilized. After systematic literature searching, 22 studies incorporating 5,197 individuals (3,215 in the on-pump group and 1,982 in the off-pump group) were identified. A pooled analysis demonstrated that compared with off-pump redo CABG, on-pump redo CABG was associated with higher early mortality (OR 2.11, 95%CI: 1.54-2.89, P < 0.00001). However, no significant difference was noted in mid-term mortality (OR 1.12, 95%CI: 0.57-2.22, P = 0.74) and long-term mortality (OR 1.12, 95%CI: 0.41-3.02, P = 0.83) between the two groups. In addition, the complete revascularization rate was higher in the on-pump group than the off-pump group (OR 2.61, 95%CI: 1.22-5.60, P = 0.01). In conclusion, the off-pump technique is a safe and efficient alternative to the on-pump technique, with early survival advantage and similar long-term mortality to the on-pump technique in the setting of redo CABG, especially in high-risk patients. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42021244721.

Mid-term outcomes of coronary endarterectomy combined with coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term outcome of coronary endarterectomy (CE) combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and explore the potential risk factors for adverse events. METHODS: A total of 208 consecutive patients underwent CE between 2008 and 2018 in our centre, of which 198 were included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary end point was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to evaluate event-free survival, whereas subgroup analysis and Cox regression were used to explore risk factors for the outcomes. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 34.7 months. CE + CABG was performed mainly on the left anterior descending artery (42.3%) or right coronary artery (42.3%). Both operative mortality and incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction were 1.5%. The overall survival at 3 and 5 years was 98.0% and 95.9%, whereas the MACCE-free survival was 93.7% and 89.4%, respectively. No significant difference in the incidence of MACCE was observed between on-pump and off-pump CE (P = 0.256) or between left anterior descending artery and non-left anterior descending artery endarterectomy (P = 0.540). Advanced age (>65 years) was associated with a higher risk of MACCE both in univariate [hazard ratio (HR) 3.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37-9.62; P = 0.010] and multivariate analysis (HR 3.59, 95% CI 1.32-9.77; P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: When performed by experienced surgeons, CE + CABG could be an acceptable approach to achieve complete revascularization of diffusely diseased coronary arteries with satisfactory outcomes, although advanced age might increase the risk of MACCE.

Comparison of dual antiplatelet therapies after coronary endarterectomy combined with coronary artery bypass grafting: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Coronary endarterectomy (CE) combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can be the only option for complete revascularization in some patients with diffuse coronary artery disease. Unfortunately, CE can cause the lack of endothelium, resulting in increased risk of thrombotic events. Therefore, antithrombotic therapy is very important after surgery. However, there's no consistent protocol exists till now. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of dual antiplatelet therapies (DAPT) including aspirin plus clopidogrel (AC) or ticagrelor (AT) after CE + CABG. METHOD: A total of 137 continuous patients (mean age 60.0 ± 9.0 years) underwent CE + CABG from January 2016 to July 2018 in our center, and patients who received dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after surgery (n = 121) were included in this study. All of the patients received aspirin 100 mg daily therapy after surgery, and 67 of the patients received extra clopidogrel 75 mg (AC) daily therapy, whereas 54 received extra ticagrelor 90 mg (AT) twice daily. All patients continued aspirin monotherapy after 1 year. Occurrence of ischemic events and bleeding events between two groups were compared. Kaplan-Meier survival was used to compare freedom from major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) between two groups, and log-rank test was used to confirm statistical difference. RESULTS: Follow-up was completed by 99.2%, and median follow-up time was 30.0(22.5, 35.2) months. No operative death was observed, while perioperative myocardial infarction was observed in 2(1.7%) patients (AC 1.5% vs. AT 1.9%, p = ns). One patient in AC group suffered from cardiac tamponade. During the follow-up period, no death was observed. Ischemic events including nonfatal myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization and ischemic stroke were observed in 6(5.0%) patients (AC 4.5% vs. AT 5.6%, p = ns). Overt bleeding had occurred in 3(2.5%) patients (AC 3.0% vs. AT 1.9%, p = ns). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that MACCE-free survival of the two groups at 3 years was 97.0% in the AC group versus 94.1% in the AT group (p = ns). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing CE + CABG, DAPT therapy can be effective and safe with comparable results between AC and AT therapy in terms of ischemic and bleeding events. Further studies are needed.