Sequential composite BIMA grafting for 3v-CAD: factors that predict successful outcome of the one-inflow and two-inflow revascularization techniques.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of one-inflow and two-inflow coronary surgical revascularization techniques inclosing skeletonized double mammary artery (BIMA) as T-graft on outcome is studied. METHODS: Early ad mid-term outcome of complete BIMA revascularization (C-T-BIMA) versus left-sided BIMA with right-sided aorto-coronary bypass (L-T-BIMA + R-CABG) is quantified and analyzed by multivariate logistic regression, Cox-regression, and Kaplan-Meier analysis in a series of 204 consecutive patients treated for triple-vessel coronary disease (3v-CAD). RESULTS: The L-T-BIMA + R-CABG technique (n = 104) enables higher number of total (4.02 ± 0.87 vs. 3.71 ± 0.69, p = 0.015) and right-sided (1.21 ± 0.43 vs. 1.02 ± 0.32, p = 0.001) coronary anastomoses, improves total bypass flow (125.88 ± 92.41 vs. 82.50 ± 49.26 ml, p < 0.0001) and bypass flow/anastomosis (31.83 ± 23.9 vs.22.77 ± 14.23, p = 0.001), and enhances completeness of revascularization (84% vs.69%, p = 0.014) compared to C-T-BIMA strategy (n = 100), respectively. Although the incidence of MACCE was comparable in the two groups (8% vs.1.2%, p = 0.055), the progression of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) was significantly lower after L-T-BIMA + R-CABG, then after C-T-BIMA (47% vs.64%, p = 0.017). The use of C-T-BIMA-technique (HR = 4.2, p = 0.01) and preoperative RCA occlusion (HR = 3.006, p = 0.023) predicted FMR progression, whereas L-T-Graft + R-CABG technique protected against it (X2 = 14.04, p < 0.0001) independent of the anatomic and clinical complexity (Syntax score I: HR = 16.2, p = 0.156, Syntax score II: HR = 1.901, p = 0.751), of early- (0.96% vs.2%, p = 0.617) and mid-term mortality (5.8% vs.4%, p = 0.748) when compared to C-T-BIMA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The two-inflow coronary revascularization by L-T-BIMA + R-CABG better protects against FMR progression without increasing MACCE and mortality. Older patients with RCA occlusion and reduced LV-EF benefit most from the two-inflow L-T-BIMA + R-CABG technique. Younger 3v-CAD patients with normal LV-EF can preferentially be managed with the one-inflow C-T-BIMA; however, long-term outcome remains to be revealed.

Combining Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting with Transapical Aortic Valve Implantation-The Next Level Heart Team Approach.

We present the results of a combined approach for transapical aortic valve replacement and minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (taTAVI-MIDCAB) in patients with combined aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease. BACKGROUND: For patients presenting with aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease, a simultaneous procedure addressing both diseases is recommended to reduce operative risk. In high-risk patients with hostile femoral or coronary axis, taTAVI-MIDCAB can be an alternative minimally invasive approach, offering the benefits of left interior mammary artery to left anterior descending coronary artery (LIMA-LAD) grafting. METHODS: From 2014 to 2022, 10 patients underwent taTAVI-MIDCAB for combined coronary and severe aortic stenosis in the hybrid operation theater at our institution. We assessed perioperative outcomes and follow-up outcomes. RESULTS: The median age was 83 years (81 to 86). The procedure was successfully performed in all patients without conversion to sternotomy. The median length of hospital and intensive care unit stay was 9 days (7 to 16) and 2.5 days (1 to 5), respectively. The median flow over the coronary artery bypass was 31 (22 to 44) mL/min, with a pulsatility index (PI) of 2.4 (2.1 to 3.2). Mild paravalvular leak occurred in 2 patients (10%). There were no neurological events nor acute kidney injury. Pacemaker implantation was required in 1 patient (10%). CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous surgical coronary revascularization and interventional valve implantation in the setting of a hostile femoral and coronary axis appears to be safe and beneficial.

Combined Band and Plate Fixation as a New Individual Option for Patients at Risk of Sternal Complications after Cardiac Surgery: A Single-Center Experience.

Due to the advent of interventional therapies for low- and intermediate-risk patients, case complexity has increased in cardiac surgery over the last decades. Despite the surgical progress achieved to keep up with the increase in the number of high-risk patients, the prevention of sternal complications remains a challenge requiring new, individualized sternal closure techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility, as well as the in-hospital and long-term outcomes, of enhanced sternal closure with combined band and plate fixation using the new SternaLock® 360 (SL360) system as an alternative to sternal wiring. From 2020 to 2022, 17 patients underwent enhanced sternal closure using the SL360 at our institution. We analyzed perioperative data, as well as clinical and radiologic follow-up data. The results were as follows: In total, 82% of the patients were treated with the SL360 based on perioperative risk factors, while in 18% of cases, the SL360 was used for secondary closure due to sternal instability. No perioperative complications were observed. We obtained the follow-up data of 82% of the patients (median follow-up time: 141 (47.8 to 511.5) days), showing no surgical revision, no sternal instability, no deep wound infections, and no sternal pain at the follow-up. In one case, a superficial wound infection was treated with antibiotics. In conclusion, enhanced sternal closure with the SL360 is easy to perform, effective, and safe. This system might be considered for both primary and secondary sternal closure in patients at risk of sternal complications.

Outcome of Surgery for Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation Depends on the Type and Timing of the Coronary Revascularization.

OBJECTIVE: Long-term outcomes of mitral valve (MV) repair versus MV replacement for ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) in patients undergoing either prior (PCR) or concomitant coronary revascularization (CCR) by surgery (CABG) or intervention (PCI) are uncertain. METHODS AND RESULTS: Of 446 patients receiving MV surgery for IMR between July 2006 and December 2010, 125 patients-87 CCR (69.1%) and 38 PCR (30.9%)-were eligible for inclusion in the study. Survival was higher in CCR versus PCR at long-term follow-up (78.83% vs. 57.9%, p = 0.016). The incidence of MACCE was lower in the CCR compared to PCR at both hospital discharge (34.11% vs. 63.57%, p = 0.003) and at follow-up (34.11% vs. 65.79%, p = 0.0008). Patients receiving CABG or CABG with PCI in PCR had higher mortality risks after MV surgery than CCR patients (X2 = 6.029, p = 0.014 and X2 = 6.466, p = 0.011, respectively). Whereas in the PCR group, MV repair and MV replacement achieved similar survival probability (X2 = 1.551, p = 0.213), MV repair in the CCR group led to improved survival compared to MV replacement (X2 = 3.921, p = 0.048). In MV replacement, LAD-CABG improved survival compared to LAD-PCI (U = 15,000.00, Z = -2.373 p = 0.018), and a substantial impact of arterial IMA-LAD grafting was revealed in the Cox-regression analysis (HR 0.334, CI: 0.113-0.989, p = 0.048) as opposed to venous-LAD grafting (HR 0.588, CI: 0.166-2.078, p = 0.410). CONCLUSION: Early treatment of IMR concomitant to coronary revascularization enhances long-term survival compared to delayed MV surgery after PCR. MV repair is not superior to MV replacement when performed late after coronary revascularization; however, MV repair leads to better survival than MV replacement when performed concomitantly with CABG with arterial LAD revascularization.

Detrimental consequences after intimal disruption of subclavian artery during transcathether aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: TAVI via the left subclavian artery is considered a bail-out strategy in cases where a transfemoral approach is not feasible. However, since this route is only scarcely used, major complications can arise. We describe such an adverse course and present our proceeding. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old man with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS) was referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) via left subclavian artery. After uneventful deployment of the TAVI prosthesis, consequent valve assessment with transeosophageal echocardiography and angiography showed a highly mobile and tubular structure shifting within the valve. We went for a surgical extraction via sternotomy on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). A 6 cm longish intimal cylinder was hassle-free extracted. 4 days postoperatively the left sided radial pulse was missing. In a subsequent computed tomography angiography (CTA) scan a proximal dissection as well as an intimal flap, causing a subtotal stenosis of the left subclavian artery, was detected. Consecutively the intimal cylinder was removed using a Fogarty-balloon. Pre-discharge control revealed recurrence of peripheral radial pulse and an unimpeded function of the TAVI prosthesis. The patient presented no sequela at discharge. CONCLUSION: Though TAVI is a well-advanced technique complications are not completely avertable. It is thus advisable to have patients discussed in the heart team encompassing all potentially involved specialties.

Differentiated impact of pulmonary hypertension on outcome after left ventricular assist device implantation and tricuspid valve repair.

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of pulmonary hypertension (PH) on short-term survival after LVAD implantation with or without tricuspid annuloplasty valve repair (TVr) performed to treat regurgitation and avoid RV-failure post-LVAD insertion. Data of 24 patients receiving LVAD-implantation are assessed and compared. The primary outcome is in-hospital survival. Of 24 patients studied, 17 (70.8%) survived hospital stay: age (62.2 ± 12.3 vs 66.1 ± 8.5 years), preoperative LV-EF (15.9 ± 5.3% vs 13.6 ± 3.8%) vs. non-survivors, respectively. Survivors received preoperatively Impella (35.3% vs 0%, p = 0.037), had shorter intubation time (3.3 ± 3.5 vs 11.4 ± 11.1 days, p = 0.0053) and ICU stay (12.4 ± 9.8 vs 34.3 ± 34 days, p = 0.01) versus non-survivors. Non-survivors had more severe PH (37.0 ± 9.6 vs 29.8 ± 12.2 mmHg, p = 0.044) than survivors. Linear regression analysis revealed that cardiac operations performed concomitant with LVAD implantation increased mortality in patients with severe PH (p = 0.04), whereas isolated TVr performed concomitant with LVAD implantation did not increase mortality neither in the entire patient cohort (p = 0.569) nor in patients with severe PH (p = 0.433). LVAD with TVr improved survival in patients suffering from severe PH (vs. moderate PH), however this difference did not reach the level of significance due to the small number of patients (p = 0.08). LVAD-implantation alone improved survival of patients suffering from moderate PH (p = 0.045, vs. severe PH). Surgical correction of tricuspid regurgitation concomitant or before LVAD implantation improves early survival in patients suffering from severe PH when compared to LVAD implantation alone. Patients suffering from severe PH tend to benefit more from TVr than those suffering from moderate PH.

Impact of the underlying aortic pathology on postimplantation syndrome after endovascular thoracic aortic repair.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the treatment option of choice for almost all pathologies of the descending thoracic aorta. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of aortic pathology on the occurrence of postimplantation syndrome (PIS) after TEVAR. METHODS: Seventy-four patients undergoing TEVAR for aortic dissection (TAD, 25), aortic aneurysm (TAA, 26), and aortic rupture or perforated ulcer (TAR/PAU, 23) were included in this retrospective study. The clinical outcome measures were persistent inflammation at hospital discharge and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: PIS was assessed in 22.97% of all patients, predominantly in the TAD group (P=0.03). CRP increased after TEVAR (156.6±94.5, P<0.001; 108.1±57.7, P<0.01 and 117.8±70.4, P<0.05) vs. baseline (58.1±77.5, 31.94±52.1 and 31.9±52.1 mg/L, in TAD, TAA and TAR/PAU, respectively) and this increase was more accentuated in TAD group (P<0.05). Stent-length was similar in all groups (P=0.226) but correlated with postoperative CRP only in TAD (R=0.576, P=0.013). Fresh parietal thrombus correlated with CRP (R=0.4507, P=0.0005) and is (OR=1.0883, P=0.0001), together with the pathology of aortic dissection (OR=6.2268, P=0.0288), a predictor of PIS after TEVAR. Whereas mortality (5.4%) did not correlate with PIS (P=0.38) either with aortic pathology (P=0.225), hospital stay after TEVAR was significantly prolonged by PIS (P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Aortic dissection is associated with more inflammation after TEVAR than aortic aneurysm, rupture or perforated ulcer, with the amount of fresh parietal thrombus playing the most significant role in the occurrence of PIS. Importantly, PIS prolongs hospital stay but not mortality after TEVAR.

Minimal Extracorporeal Circulation and Microplegia in the Setting of Urgent Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Background: We aimed to analyse the performance of minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) concomitantly with Microplegia, in patients with recent myocardial infarction (MI) undergoing urgent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Methods: We included patients with a recent MI (≤7 days) undergoing isolated CABG surgery using MiECC. The primary endpoint was a major cardiovascular or cerebrovascular event (MACCE). In a secondary analysis, we compared our institutional Microplegia concept with the use of a crystalloid single-shot cardioplegic solution. Results: In total, 139 patients (mean ± standard deviation (SD) age 66 ± 10 years) underwent urgent CABG surgery using Microplegia; 55% (n = 77) of the patients had an acute MI within 1−7 days preoperatively; 20% (n = 28) had an acute MI within 6−24 h; and 24% (n = 34) had an acute MI within <6 h preoperatively. The number of distal anastomoses was a geometric mean of 4 (95% confidence interval 3−4). The MACCE and in-hospital mortality were 7% (n = 10) and 1% (n = 2), respectively. The results were confirmed in a secondary analysis comparing Microplegia with crystalloid cardioplegic solution (n = 271). Conclusion: The use of MiECC with Microplegia in urgent CABG surgery is feasible and safe and provides a straight-forward intraoperative setting. Therefore, it can also be considered to retain the benefits of MiECC in urgent CABG surgery.