Racial and Ethnic Variations in Patients Undergoing Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Prior investigations assessing the impact of race/ethnicity on outcomes after mitral valve (MV) surgery have reported conflicting findings. This analysis aimed to examine the association between race/ethnicity and operative presentation and outcomes of patients undergoing MV and tricuspid valve (TV) surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 5984 patients (2730 female, median age 63 y) who underwent MV (n = 4,534, 76%), TV (n = 474, 8%) or both MV and TV (n = 976, 16%) surgery in a statewide collaborative from 2012 to 2021. The influence of race/ethnicity on preoperative characteristics, MV and TV repair rates, and postoperative outcomes was assessed for White (n = 4,244, 71%), Black (n = 1,271, 21%), Hispanic (n = 144, 2%), Asian (n = 171, 3%), and mixed/other race (n = 154, 3%) patients. RESULTS: Black patients, compared to White patients, had higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of morbidity/mortality (24.5% versus 13.1%; P < 0.001) and more comorbid conditions. Compared to White patients, Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to undergo an elective procedure (White 71%, Black 55%, Hispanic 58%; P < 0.001). Degenerative MV disease was more prevalent in White patients (White 62%, Black 41%, Hispanic 43%, Asian 51%, mixed/other 45%; P < 0.05), while rheumatic disease was more prevalent in non-White patients (Asian 28%, Hispanic 26%, mixed/other 25%, Black 17%, White 10%;P < 0.05). After multivariable adjustment, repair rates and adverse postoperative outcomes, including mortality, did not differ by racial/ethnic group. CONCLUSIONS: Patient race/ethnicity is associated with a higher burden of comorbidities at operative presentation and MV disease etiology. Strategies to improve early detection of valvular heart disease and timely referral for surgery may improve outcomes.

The impact of a statewide payment reform on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) utilization and readmissions.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an increasingly used but relatively expensive procedure with substantial associated readmission rates. It is unknown how cost-constrictive payment reform measures, such as Maryland's All Payer Model, impact TAVR utilization given its relative expense. This study investigated the impact of Maryland's All Payer Model on TAVR utilization and readmissions among Maryland Medicare beneficiaries. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental investigation of Maryland Medicare patients undergoing TAVR between 2012 and 2018. New Jersey data were used for comparison. Longitudinal interrupted time series analyses were used to study TAVR utilization and difference-in-differences analyses were used to investigate post-TAVR readmissions. RESULTS: During the first year of payment reform (2014), TAVR utilization among Maryland Medicare beneficiaries dropped by 8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -9.2% to -7.1%; p < 0.001), with no concomitant change in TAVR utilization in New Jersey (0.2%, 95% CI: 0%-1%, p = 0.09). Longitudinally, however, the All Payer Model did not impact TAVR utilization in Maryland compared to New Jersey. Difference-in-differences analyses demonstrated that implementation of the All Payer Model was not associated with significantly greater declines in 30-day post-TAVR readmissions in Maryland versus New Jersey (-2.1%; 95% CI: -5.2% to 0.9%; p =0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Maryland's All Payer Model resulted in an immediate decline in TAVR utilization, likely a result of hospitals adjusting to global budgeting. However, beyond this transition period, this cost-constrictive reform measure did not limit Maryland TAVR utilization. In addition, the All Payer Model did not reduce post-TAVR 30-day readmissions. These findings may help inform expansion of globally budgeted healthcare payment structures.

Tetralogy of Fallot and aortic root dilation: a long-term outlook.

Dilation of the sinus of Valsalva (SoV) has been increasingly observed after repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). We estimate the prevalence of SoV dilation in adults with repaired TOF and analyze possible factors related to aortic disease. Adults with TOF [n = 109, median age 33.2 years (range 18.1 to 69.5)] evaluated at Johns Hopkins Hospital from 2001 to 2009 were reviewed in an observational retrospective cohort study. Median follow-up was 27.3 (range 0.1-48.8) years. SoV dilation was defined as >95 % confidence interval adjusted for age and body surface area (z-score > 2). The prevalence of SoV dilation was 51 % compared with that of a normal population with a mean z-score of 2.03. Maximal aortic diameters were ≥ 4 cm in 39 % (42 of 109), ≥ 4.5 cm in 21 % (23 of 109), ≥ 5 cm in 8 % (9 of 109), and ≥ 5.5 cm in 2 % (2 of 109). There was no aortic dissection or death due contributable to aortic disease. Aortic valve replacement was performed in 1.8 % and aortic root or ascending aorta (AA) replacement surgery in 2.8 % of patients. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, aortic regurgitation (AR) [odds ratio (OR) = 3.09, p = 0.005], residual ventricular septal defect (VSD) (OR = 4.14, p < 0.02), and TOF with pulmonary atresia (TOF/PA) (OR = 6.75, p = 0.03) were associated with increased odds of dilated aortic root. SoV dilation after TOF repair is common and persists with aging. AR, residual VSD, and TOF/PA are associated with increased odds of dilation. AA evaluation beyond the SoV is important. Indexed values are imperative to avoid bias on the basis of age and body surface area.

Impact of intraoperative blood products, fluid administration, and persistent hypothermia on bleeding leading to reexploration after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Risk factors for severe postoperative bleeding after cardiac surgery remain multiple and incompletely elucidated. We evaluated the impact of intraoperative blood product transfusions, intravenous fluid administration, and persistently low core body temperature (CBT) at intensive care unit arrival on risk of perioperative bleeding leading to reexploration. METHODS: We retrospectively queried our tertiary care center's Society of Thoracic Surgeons Institutional Database for all index, on-pump, adult cardiac surgery patients between July 2016 and September 2022. Intraoperative fluid (crystalloid and colloid) and blood product administrations, as well as perioperative CBT data, were harvested from electronic medical records. Linear and nonlinear mixed models, treating surgeon as a random effect to account for inter-surgeon practice differences, were used to assess the association between above factors and reexploration for bleeding. RESULTS: Of 4037 patients, 151 (3.7%) underwent reexploration for bleeding. Reexplored patients experienced remarkably greater postoperative morbidity (23% vs 6%, P < .001) and 30-day mortality (14% vs 2%, P < .001). In linear models, progressively increasing IV crystalloid administration (adjusted odds ratio, 1.11, 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.19) and decreasing CBT on intensive care unit arrival (adjusted odds ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.37) were associated with greater risk of bleeding leading to reexploration. Nonlinear analysis revealed increasing risk after ∼6 L of crystalloid administration and a U-shaped relationship between CBT and reexploration risk. Intraoperative blood product transfusion of any kind was not associated with reexploration. CONCLUSIONS: We found evidence of both dilution- and hypothermia-related effects associated with perioperative bleeding leading to reexploration in cardiac surgery. Interventions targeting modification of such risk factors may decrease the rate this complication.

Impact of the viral respiratory season on postoperative outcomes in children undergoing cardiac surgery.

To compare postoperative outcomes in children undergoing cardiac surgery during the viral respiratory season and nonviral season at our institution. This was a retrospective cohort study and secondary matched case-control analysis. The setting was an urban academic tertiary-care children's hospital. The study was comprised of all patients <18 years of age who underwent cardiac surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital from October 2002 through September 2007. Patients were stratified by season of surgery, complexity of cardiac disease, and presence or absence of viral respiratory infection. Measurements included patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes. The primary outcome was postoperative length of stay (LOS). A total of 744 patients were included in the analysis. There was no difference in baseline characteristics or outcomes, specifically, no difference in postoperative LOS, intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, and mortality, among patients by seasons of surgery. Patients with viral respiratory illness were more likely to have longer postoperative LOS (p < 0.01) and ICU LOS (p < 0.01) compared with matched controls. We identified no difference in postoperative outcomes based on season in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Children with viral respiratory infection have significantly worse outcomes than matched controls, strengthening the call for universal administration of influenza vaccination and palivizumab to appropriate groups. Preoperative testing for respiratory viruses should be considered during the winter months for children undergoing elective cardiac surgery.

Measures to Increase Use of Multiple Arterial Grafts for Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

BACKGROUND: Use of multiple arterial grafts (MAGs) provides superior patency and long-term survival benefit compared with venous grafts during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, MAGs are used infrequently for CABG. We hypothesized that specific measures introduced at our institution would lead to an increase in the use of MAGs. STUDY DESIGN: Use of MAGs before and after introduction of bundled measures was compared. Measures included increased education in arterial graft harvesting, inclusion as a quality metric, and hiring of surgeon champions. Patients younger than 70 years who underwent first time, isolated CABG using at least 1 arterial graft were included. Number and type of grafts used were compared between time periods using chi-square test. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications. Complications were compared between time periods, as well as between MAG and non-MAG recipients before and after propensity score matching using Fisher exact test and univariate logistic regression. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine patient characteristics associated with MAG use. RESULTS: There were 2,169 patients included from 2012 to 2019. MAG use increased significantly after introduction of measures (21.1% to 41.9%; p < 0.001). Radial artery use with an internal mammary artery (0.3% to 16%; p < 0.001) and the use of triple arterial grafts increased significantly (0% to 2.4%; p < 0.001). MAG use in the entire cohort was associated with decreased 30-day mortality and postoperative cardiac arrest that was not significant after propensity matching. CONCLUSIONS: A programmatic emphasis on the use of MAGs for CABG is an effective method to increase its use.

Mitigating the Risk: Transfusion or Reoperation for Bleeding After Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have established morbidity associated with bleeding after cardiac surgery. Although reoperation has been implicated as the marker for this morbidity, there remains limited understanding regarding relative morbidities of reoperation and substantial transfusion. METHODS: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Maryland Adult Cardiac Surgery Database (July 2011-September 2018) was reviewed (N = 23,240). Substantial transfusion was defined as requiring greater than the reoperation group median red blood cells (5 units) and non-red blood cells (4 units). Patients were stratified into 4 subgroups: group 1, no reoperation without substantial transfusion (n = 22,365); group 2, reoperation without substantial transfusion (n = 351); group 3, no reoperation with substantial transfusion (n = 350); and group 4, reoperation with substantial transfusion (n = 167). Operative morbidity and mortality were compared. RESULTS: Reoperation patients were older with a higher STS predicted risk of mortality (1.8% vs 1.2%, P < .001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that group 4 increased the odds of renal failure (odds ratio [OR] 7.36, P < .001), stroke (OR 3.24, P = .002), and operative mortality (OR 8.68, P < .001) compared with group 1. Both group 2 and group 3 increased the odds of mortality and renal failure compared with group 1. However, group 3 had greater risk for renal failure (OR 3.48, P < .001) and mortality (OR 2.91, P < .001) than group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Although reoperation for bleeding is associated with morbidity after cardiac surgery, substantial transfusion without reoperation appears to increase morbidity compared with a limited-transfusion reoperative approach. Better timing for reoperation and guided transfusion approaches may mitigate morbidity compared with substantial transfusion alone.

Management of the aortic arch in patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to develop strategies for management of the aortic arch in patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) through a review of our clinical experience with these patients and a comparison with our experience in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS). METHODS: We reviewed hospital and follow-up records of 79 patients with LDS and compared them with 256 patients with MFS who served as reference controls. RESULTS: In the LDS group, 16% of patients presented initially with acute aortic dissection (AAD) (67% type A, 33% type B) or developed AAD during follow-up, compared with 10% of patients with MFS (95% type A, 5% type B). There was no difference between patients with LDS or MFS in need for subsequent arch interventions after aortic root surgery (46% vs 50%, P = 1.0). Among the patients who never had AAD, the need for arch repair at initial root surgery was greater in patients with LDS (5% vs 0.4%, P = .04), as was the need for any subsequent aortic surgery (12% vs 1.3%, P = .0004). Late mortality in patients with LDS after arch repair was greater than in those patients who had no arch intervention (33% vs 6%, P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of dissection, patients with LDS have a greater rate of arch intervention after root surgery than patients with MFS. After a dissection, arch reintervention rates are similar in the 2 groups. Arch intervention portends greater late mortality in LDS.

Cardiovascular operations for Loeys-Dietz syndrome: Intermediate-term results.

OBJECTIVES: Early experience with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) suggested an aggressive aortopathy with high risk of aneurysm dissection and rupture at young ages and at smaller aortic diameters than in other connective tissue disorders. We reviewed our experience with LDS to re-examine our indications and outcomes of surgical management. METHODS: We reviewed all patients with a diagnosis of LDS who underwent cardiovascular surgery at our institution. The primary endpoint was mortality, and secondary endpoints included postoperative complications and need for reintervention. RESULTS: Seventy-nine operated patients with LDS were identified. Mean age at first operation was 25 years, 39 (49%) were female, and 38 (48%) were children (age <18 years). Six (8%) patients presented with acute dissection. Five (6%) patients had a bicuspid aortic valve, and all presented with an ascending aortic aneurysm with a mean root diameter of 3.5cm. Twenty (25%) patients had a previous sternotomy. Sixty-five (82%) patients underwent aortic root replacement, of whom 52 underwent a valve-sparing operation and 4 had concomitant arch replacement. Mean aortic root diameter in this group was 4.2 cm. Nine (11%) patients underwent aortic arch replacement, 2 (3%) had isolated ascending aorta replacement, and 3 (4%) underwent open thoracoabdominal repair. There were 2 (3%) operative and 8 late deaths. Nineteen patients underwent subsequent operations for late aneurysm and/or dissection. Mean follow-up was 6 years (range 0-24 years). Kaplan-Meier survival was 88% at 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Growing experience with LDS has confirmed early impressions of its aggressive nature and proclivity toward aortic catastrophe. Surgical outcomes are favorable, but reintervention rates are high. Meticulous follow-up with cardiovascular surveillance imaging remain important for management, particularly as clinical LDS subtypes are characterized and more tailored treatment is developed.

Aortic valve replacement and concomitant mitral valve regurgitation in the elderly: impact on survival and functional outcome.

BACKGROUND: The impact of mitral regurgitation (MR) on elderly patients (> or = 70 years) undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) is not clearly defined. This study investigates the long-term effects of preoperative, moderate MR on survival and functional outcome in elderly AVR patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective review identified 408 consecutive elderly patients who underwent isolated AVR from January 1983 to February 2004. The pathologic etiology of MR was determined on preoperative echocardiogram, and patients were stratified into no/mild MR (Group I; n = 338) versus moderate MR (Group II; n = 70). Follow-up was 95.1% complete. Functional outcome was evaluated using the Short Form-12 questionnaire. On univariate analysis, Groups I and II differed in incidence of previous myocardial infarction (13.9% versus 28.6%; P = 0.004), hyperlipidemia (18.7% versus 33.3%; P = 0.009), and congestive heart failure (50.0% versus 70.0%; P = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, moderate MR was an independent risk factor impacting long-term survival (P = 0.04). Actuarial survival at 1, 5, and 10 years for Group I was 93.8%, 73.3%, and 40.1% versus 92.3%, 58.2%, and 14.6% for Group II (P = 0.04). Available postoperative echocardiograms for Group II (n = 37) demonstrated improvement in MR in 81.8% of functional MR patients. However, MR persisted or worsened in 65.4% of patients with intrinsic mitral valve disease (myxomatous, calcific, or ischemic MR). Functional outcomes showed 77% of Group I versus 78.6% of Group II rated their health as good to excellent post-AVR. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate MR is an independent risk factor impacting long-term survival in elderly patients undergoing AVR. Therefore, patients with intrinsic mitral valve disease should be considered for concomitant MV surgery.

Delayed Sternal Closure in Infant Heart Surgery-The Importance of Where and When: An Analysis of the STS Congenital Heart Surgery Database.

BACKGROUND: Delayed sternal closure (DSC) is commonly used to optimize hemodynamic stability after neonatal and infant heart surgery. We hypothesized that duration of sternum left open (SLO) was associated with rate of infection complications, and that location of sternal closure may mitigate infection risk. METHODS: Infants (age ≤365 days) undergoing index operations with cardiopulmonary bypass and DSC at STS Congenital Heart Surgery Database centers (from 2007 to 2013) with adequate data quality were included. Primary outcome was occurrence of infection complication, defined as one or more of the following: endocarditis, pneumonia, wound infection, wound dehiscence, sepsis, or mediastinitis. Multivariable regression models were fit to assess association of infection complication with: duration of SLO (days), location of DSC procedure (operating room versus elsewhere), and patient and procedural factors. RESULTS: Of 6,127 index operations with SLO at 100 centers, median age and weight were 8 days (IQR, 5-24) and 3.3 kg (IQR, 2.9-3.8); 66% of operations were STAT morbidity category 4 or 5. At least one infection complication occurred in 18.7%, compared with 6.6% among potentially eligible neonates and infants without SLO. Duration of SLO (median, 3 days; IQR, 2-5) was associated with an increased rate of infection complications (p < 0.001). Location of DSC procedure was operating room (16%), intensive care unit (67%), or other (17%). Location of DSC was not associated with rate of infection complications (p = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS: Rate of occurrence of infectious complications is high among infants with sternum left open following cardiac surgery. Longer duration of SLO is associated with increased infection complications.

The History of Heart Surgery at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Johns Hopkins has made many lasting contributions to cardiac surgery, including the discovery of heparin and the Blalock-Taussig Shunt, which represents the dawn of modern cardiac surgery. Equally important, Johns Hopkins has trained some of the world's leaders in academic cardiac surgery, and is committed to training the future leaders in our specialty.

Mechanical heart valves: 50 years of evolution.

The past 50 years have witnessed remarkable progress in the development of safe, hemodynamically favorable mechanical heart valves. Starr-Edwards aortic and mitral ball valves introduced in the mid-1960s, continue to be used successfully worldwide. More than 100,000 Omniscience and Omnicarbon tilting-disc valves have been implanted since 1978 with essentially no mechanical failure; similar results have been obtained with more than 300,000 Hall-Kaster and Medtronic-Hall tilting-disc valves over the past 25 years. Pyrolytic carbon, originally used to encapsulate nuclear fuel rods, has been adapted for the fabrication of discs, leaflets and the housings for more than 2 million mechanical valves. The St. Jude bileaflet valves, totally fabricated from pyrolytic carbon, have remained virtually unchanged in design since their introduction in 1977. More than 1.3 million of these valves have been implanted worldwide with virtually no reported failures of the carbon leaflets or housings. Similarly, pyrolytic carbon bileaflet Carbomedics valves have been implanted in more than 500,000 patients since 1986. Now, 50 years after Dr Gibbon's seminal achievement, patients with debilitating valve disease can have elective valve replacement (mechanical or tissue) with an operative mortality approaching 1% to 2% and a low lifetime complication rate.

Cardiac valve replacement in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.

BACKGROUND: Valve replacement in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients is being performed with increasing frequency, but the early and late results in these immunocompromised patients are not known. METHODS: A 10-year retrospective clinical review was undertaken; patients and their physicians were contacted for follow-up clinical status. RESULTS: Twenty-two HIV-infected patients underwent valve replacement between 1990 and 1999, with no operative or hospital deaths. Mean patient age was 37.6 years; 15 were men. Indications for operation were heart failure in 59% (13/22) and sepsis in 91% (20/22). There were 12 aortic valve replacements, seven mitral valve replacements, and three double valve replacements. Mechanical valves were used in 11, bioprostheses in seven, and homografts in four. Follow-up information was available in 20 of 22 patients (84%). At mean follow-up of 5 years, there were 10 late deaths, due to: intracerebral hemorrhage (2), heart failure (2), unknown cause (2), renal failure (1), AIDS (1), sepsis (1) and endocarditis (1). Of the 20 patients with active preoperative endocarditis, 4 (20%) developed recurrent endocarditis; freedom from recurrent endocarditis was 83% at 1 year. Intravenous drug abuse was reported in 16 patients; survival among these patients was 94% at 1 month and 50% at 5 years. Recurrent endocarditis was only seen in patients with continued intravenous drug abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Valve replacement in HIV-infected patients has low operative risk, but late results are poor when HIV infection is associated with intravenous drug abuse, probably due to immunocompromise and continued high-risk behavior.

Aortic root replacement in 271 Marfan patients: a 24-year experience.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of composite graft repair of aortic root aneurysm by Hugh Bentall in 1968 promised Marfan patients the choice for a normal life expectancy. We performed our first Bentall composite graft procedure in 1976 and herein report our 24-year experience with 271 Marfan patients. METHODS: Between September 1976 and August 2000, 232 Marfan patients had a composite graft replacement of the aortic root, 15 patients received a homograft, and 24 had a valve-sparing procedure. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-five Marfan patients underwent elective aortic root replacement with no 30-day mortality. Two early deaths occurred among 36 patients who underwent urgent or emergent operation. Eighty-three percent of patients in this series are currently alive. The actuarial freedom from thromboembolism, endocarditis, and reoperation on the residual aorta 20 years postoperatively was 93%, 90%, and 74%. Twenty-four patients have undergone valve-sparing procedures with encouraging results. CONCLUSIONS: Elective aortic root replacement for Marfan patients can be performed with low operative risk. Elective repair before the aortic root reaches 6 cm in diameter is recommended to minimize risk of dissection and rupture.

Surgery for aortic root aneurysm in children: a 21-year experience in 50 patients.

BACKGROUND: Ascending aortic aneurysms are unusual in children and have received little attention to develop guidelines for management. This study reviewed our experience with 50 children who have undergone aortic root replacement for ascending aortic aneurysm. METHODS: A retrospective clinical review was conducted using hospital charts and office records. Patients or their physicians were contacted for follow-up and recent echocardiograms were obtained and reviewed. RESULTS: There was no operative or hospital mortality. Twenty-six children had aortic root replacement with a composite graft, 10 patients had replacement with a homograft aortic root, and 14 patients had a David II valve-sparing procedure. Factors related to late morbidity and mortality were analyzed. Long-term results were excellent in the 26 children receiving a composite graft. Twenty-three of these children were New York Heart Association class I (19) or II (4) at study closure. There were 3 late deaths (11, 16, and 17 years postoperative). Seven of 10 children receiving a homograft aortic root are long-term survivors and all 14 children having a valve-sparing procedure are alive. Generally, late results with the David II remodeling procedure have been good although 3 patients developed late aortic insufficiency and two required valve replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic root replacement in children with aneurysms has low operative risk and good long-term results. Composite grafts in particular carry a low risk of endocarditis, thromboembolism, and hemorrhagic events. Homografts are suitable for small patients but lack durability. Late results with the David II remodeling valve-sparing procedure in children have been compromised by late root dilatation.

Society of Thoracic Surgeons Risk Score predicts hospital charges and resource use after aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted mortality risk score on resource use has not been previously studied. We hypothesize that increasing Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk scores in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement are associated with greater hospital charges. METHODS: Clinical and financial data for patients undergoing aortic valve replacement at The Johns Hopkins Hospital over a 10-year period (January 2000 to December 2009) were reviewed. The current Society of Thoracic Surgeons formula (v2.61) for in-hospital mortality was used for all patients. After stratification into risk quartiles, index admission hospital charges were compared across risk strata with rank-sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Linear regression and Spearman's coefficient assessed correlation and goodness of fit. Multivariable analysis assessed relative contributions of individual variables on overall charges. RESULTS: A total of 553 patients underwent aortic valve replacement during the study period. Average predicted mortality was 2.9% (±3.4) and actual mortality was 3.4% for aortic valve replacement. Median charges were greater in the upper quartile of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (quartiles 1-3, $39,949 [interquartile range, 32,708-51,323] vs quartile 4, $62,301 [interquartile range, 45,952-97,103], P < .01]. On univariate linear regression, there was a positive correlation between Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score and log-transformed charges (coefficient, 0.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.07; P < .01). Spearman's correlation R-value was 0.51. This positive correlation persisted in risk-adjusted multivariable linear regression. Each 1% increase in Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score was associated with an added $3000 in hospital charges. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to show that increasing Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score predicts greater charges after aortic valve replacement. As competing therapies, such as percutaneous valve replacement, emerge to treat high-risk patients, these results serve as a benchmark to compare resource use.

Valve-sparing aortic root replacement in children: intermediate-term results.

Valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR) is an attractive option for aortic aneurysm in children with low-operative risk, but mid- and late-term results are not yet known. Between 1997 and 2009, 56 children (mean age 11.5 years) underwent VSRR at our institution. Twenty-six (46.4%) had Marfan syndrome and 24 (42.8%) had Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Mean preoperative max sinus diameter was 4.2±0.8 cm (Z-score 7.7±2.9). Five (8.9%) had >2+ aortic insufficiency (AI). Two (3.6%) underwent David I reimplantation with a straight-tube, 12 (21.4%) had a Yacoub remodeling procedure, and 42 (75.0%) had reimplantation using a Valsalva-graft. There were one (1.8%) operative and three (5.4%) late deaths. One patient required reoperation for bleeding and one required late repair of a distal pseudoaneurysm. Mean follow-up was 5.2 years (range 0-12 years). No patients suffered thromboembolic events or had endocarditis. Of the 12 remodeling patients, four (33.3%) developed >2+ AI and required aortic valve repair or replacement. No patient developed >2+ AI after reimplantation. VSRR in children is a safe alternative to aortic root replacement with mechanical or biological prostheses. In this particular group of patients with connective tissue disorders and proclivity toward annular dilation and late AI, reimplantation is superior to remodeling.

Valve-sparing aortic root replacement in Loeys-Dietz syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a recently recognized aggressive aortic disorder characterized by root aneurysm, arterial tortuosity, hypertelorism, and bifid uvula or cleft palate. The results of prophylactic root replacement using valve-sparing procedures (valve-sparing root replacement [VSRR]) in patients with LDS is not known. METHODS: We reviewed all patients with clinical and genetic (transforming growth factor-ß receptor mutations) evidence of LDS who underwent VSRR at our institution. Echocardiographic and clinical data were obtained from hospital and follow-up clinic records. RESULTS: From 2002 to 2009, 31 patients with a firm diagnosis of LDS underwent VSRR for aortic root aneurysm. Mean age was 15 years, and 24 (77%) were children. One (3%) patient had a bicuspid aortic valve. Preoperative sinus diameter was 3.9±0.8 cm (z score 7.0±2.9) and 2 (6%) had greater than 2+ aortic insufficiency. Thirty patients (97%) underwent reimplantation procedures using a Valsalva graft. There were no operative deaths. Mean follow-up was 3.6 years (range, 0 to 7 years). One patient required late repair of a pseudoaneurysm at the distal aortic anastomosis, and 1 had a conversion to a David reimplantation procedure after a Florida sleeve operation. No patient suffered thromboembolism or endocarditis, and 1 (3%) patient experienced greater than 2+ late aortic insufficiency. No patient required late aortic valve repair or replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Loeys-Dietz syndrome is an aggressive aortic aneurysm syndrome that can be addressed by prophylactic aortic root replacement with low operative risk. Valve-sparing procedures have encouraging early and midterm results, similar to those in Marfan syndrome, and are an attractive option for young patients.

Inspiring medical students to pursue surgical careers: outcomes from our cardiothoracic surgery research program.

BACKGROUND: The past several years have witnessed a dramatic decline in the number of general surgery residents pursuing cardiothoracic surgery residency training. We believe that attracting individuals to pursue surgical careers should begin during the formative years of medical education. We implemented a program to introduce first-year medical students to cardiothoracic surgery and laboratory research. METHODS: In 2003, we began a program providing an introduction to cardiothoracic laboratory research and surgery for medical students. Students are competitively selected for our three-part 8-week summer program. First, students are paired with a cardiothoracic surgery attending for shadowing in clinic and the operating room. Second, students actively participate in large-animal operations in the laboratory. Finally, students complete a clinical research project under the direction of a laboratory resident and faculty mentor. These projects are the students' own. They are responsible for presenting their findings to the division of cardiac surgery at the end of the program. RESULTS: Since 2003, 18 students have completed the program. Each one has completed a project, collectively resulting in 39 peer-reviewed manuscripts. One student has published 28 peer-reviewed manuscripts. Of 10 students eligible for residency, 8 have applied in general surgery or surgical subspecialty (3 general, 2 plastic, 2 cardiothoracic, and 1 neurosurgery). CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a program to introduce medical students to clinical and laboratory surgery has been successful, as measured by academic productivity. Eighty percent of eligible students entered a surgical field. Programs like these serve to stimulate interest in our specialty.