MitraClip® procedure as bridge to left ventricular assist device: Enable extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning and reduce perioperative risk.

Secondary mitral valve regurgitation is a frequent consequence of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with severe heart failure. The management of this disease can be challenging since it often culminates in refractory pulmonary edema and multi-organ failure. We present the case of a 50-year-old male who was admitted in cardiogenic shock following myocardial infarction. After successful revascularization, percutaneous mitral valve repair using the MitraClip® device enabled weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation followed by the implantation of a left ventricular assist device as bridge to transplant.

Acute limb ischemia after femoro-femoral extracorporeal life support implantation: A comparison of surgical, percutaneous, or combined vascular access in 402 patients.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a salvage treatment for acute circulatory failure. Our high-volume tertiary centre performs more than 100 implants annually and provides ECLS-transports. With this study, we aimed to analyze the incidence and risk factors of limb ischemia depending on the vascular access. METHODS: Between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2018, 937 patients received an ECLS. Preoperative, intraoperative, in-hospital and up to 5 years follow-up data were collected. Outcome measures were limb ischemia and survival. RESULTS: In total, 402 femoro-femoral veno-arterial ECLS patients were identified. Mean age was 56 ± 16.7 years, 26.9% were female, 7.9% had a history of peripheral vascular disease. Cannulation was performed percutaneously in 82.1% (n = 330), surgically in 5.7% (n = 23) and combined in 12.2% (n = 49). Mortality was not significantly different between the groups (51.1% percutaneous, 43.5% surgical, 44.9% combined [p = 0.89]). There was no significant difference in limb ischemia either, but a trend toward an increased frequency in the percutaneous group (p = 0.0501). No amputation was necessary. Limb ischemia slightly increased in-hospital mortality (54.6%) but did not affect long-term survival beyond 30 days. Univariate analysis adjusted for cannulation methods revealed younger age and female gender as risk factors of limb ischemia and younger age for limb ischemia after percutaneous cannulation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that percutaneous, surgical, and combined vascular access techniques for ECLS implantation are associated with comparable and low incidence of limb ischemia which slightly increases in-hospital mortality. Special precaution has to be taken in young and female patients.

Late outcome after surgical and topical treatment for Aspergillus mediastinitis after heart transplantation.

The 7-year long-term survival after Aspergillus fumigatus mediastinitis after heart transplantation, an uncommonly described condition, is herein reported. A 66-year-old male developed an infection with A. fumigatus covering the entire thoracic cavity with a fungal turf after orthotopic heart transplantation. Repeated surgical removal of infectious and necrotic tissue together with innovative topical treatment using voriconazole and chlorhexidine combined with systemic antifungal treatment, helped in controlling the infection. Definitive wound closure was achieved by standard sternal refixation and latissimus dorsi muscle flap plasty. Survival after A. fumigatus mediastinitis after heart transplantation was achieved with sequential debridement in combination with topical application of antifungal agents.

Treatment of Advanced Heart Failure-Focus on Transplantation and Durable Mechanical Circulatory Support: What Does the Future Hold?

Heart transplantation (HTx) is the treatment of choice in patients with late-stage advanced heart failure (Advanced HF). Survival rates 1, 5, and 10 years after transplantation are 87%, 77%, and 57%, respectively, and the average life expectancy is 9.16 years. However, because of the donor organ shortage, waiting times often exceed life expectancy, resulting in a waiting list mortality of around 20%. This review aims to provide an overview of current standard, recent advances, and future developments in the treatment of Advanced HF with a focus on long-term mechanical circulatory support and HTx.

Temporary epicardial pacemaker wires: significance of position and electrode type.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pacing and sensing properties of different temporary epicardial pacemaker electrodes after cardiac surgery depending on position at the heart and time after surgery. METHODS: From September 2009 to October 2010, 60 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were prospectively randomized into two groups: group O: Osypka-electrodes (n = 30), group M: Medtronic-electrodes (n = 30). In position 1, the bipolar electrodes were inserted onto the anterior wall of the right ventricle and at the right atrial auricle, in position 2, onto the diaphragmal wall of the right ventricle and at the aortic aspect of the superior vena cava medial close to the atrium. Sensing values and pacing thresholds were measured for all electrodes during surgery, on day 1 and every second day up to day 10 after surgery. RESULTS: In both groups, pacing thresholds (both positions) were higher during surgery (ventricle 3.1 ± 0.6 V, atrium 3.1 ± 0.3 V) than at day 1 (ventricle 2.4 ± 0.7 V, atrium 2.4 ± 0.3 V) and increased during the perioperative course until day 10 (ventricle 4.7 ± 1.0 V, atrium 4.9 ± 1.1 V, p = 0.04, p = 0.02). P and R wave amplitudes did not change over time (atrium 5.1 ± 0.1 mV initially, 4.2 ± 0.1 mV at removal (p = ns); ventricle 10.4 ± 0.2 mV vs. 10.1 ± 0.25 mV). Group M had better median pacing thresholds compared with group O (atrium: 2.9 ± 0.6 V vs. 3.9 ± 0.7 V, p = 0.04 and ventricle: 2.6 ± 0.6 V vs. 3.9 ± 0.6 V, p = 0.045). Atrial position 1 was superior to position 2 concerning pacing thresholds of Medtronic electrodes (2.1 ± 0.3 mV vs. 3.4 ± 0.4 mV, p = 0.02). Osypka-electrodes were easier to handle due to their more pliable texture. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Up to postoperative day 10, adequate pacing and sensing performance was achieved by both electrode types in each position. 2. Medtronic electrodes had better pacing thresholds in atrium and ventricle after day 5. 3. Positioning of pacemaker electrodes does not alter functionality. 4. Handling of Osypka electrodes was easier than that of Medtronic electrodes.

A Descriptive Analysis of Hybrid Cannulated Extracorporeal Life Support.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is pivotal for sustaining the function of failing hearts and lungs, and its utilization has risen. In cases where conventional cannulation strategies prove ineffective for providing adequate ECLS support, the implementation of an enhanced system with a third cannula may become necessary. Hybrid ECLS may be warranted in situations characterized by severe hypoxemia of the upper extremity, left ventricular congestion, and dilatation. Additionally, it may also be considered for patients requiring respiratory support or experiencing hemodynamic instability. METHOD: All hybrid ECLS cases of adults at the University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, between January 2007 and December 2019 with initial triple cannulation were included. Data were collected via a retrospective review of patient records and direct export of the clinical information system. RESULTS: 28 out of 903 ECLS cases were initially hybrid cannulated (3.1%). The median age was 57 (48.2 to 60.8) years, and the sex was equally distributed. The in-hospital mortality of hybrid ECLS was high (67.9%). In-hospital mortality rates differ depending on the indication (ARDS: 36.4%, refractory cardiogenic shock: 88.9%, cardiopulmonary resuscitation: 100%, post-cardiotomy: 100%, others: 75%). Survivors exhibited a lower SAPS II level compared with non-survivors (20.0 (12.0 to 65.0) vs. 55.0 (45.0 to 73.0)), and the allogenic transfusion of platelet concentrate was observed to be less frequent for survivors (0.0 (0.0) vs. 1.8 (2.5) units). CONCLUSION: The in-hospital mortality rate for hybrid ECLS was high. Different indications showed varying mortality rates, with survivors having lower SAPS II scores and requiring fewer platelet concentrate transfusions. These findings highlight the complexities of hybrid ECLS outcomes in different clinical scenarios and underline the importance of rigorous patient selection.

Predicting Survival for Veno-Arterial ECMO Using Conditional Inference Trees-A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite increasing use and understanding of the process, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) therapy is still associated with considerable mortality. Personalized and quick survival predictions using machine learning methods can assist in clinical decision making before ECMO insertion. METHODS: This is a multicenter study to develop and validate an easy-to-use prognostic model to predict in-hospital mortality of VA-ECMO therapy, using unbiased recursive partitioning with conditional inference trees. We compared two sets with different numbers of variables (small and comprehensive), all of which were available just before ECMO initiation. The area under the curve (AUC), the cross-validated Brier score, and the error rate were applied to assess model performance. Data were collected retrospectively between 2007 and 2019. RESULTS: 837 patients were eligible for this study; 679 patients in the derivation cohort (median (IQR) age 60 (49 to 69) years; 187 (28%) female patients) and a total of 158 patients in two external validation cohorts (median (IQR) age 57 (49 to 65) and 70 (63 to 76) years). For the small data set, the model showed a cross-validated error rate of 35.79% and an AUC of 0.70 (95% confidence interval from 0.66 to 0.74). In the comprehensive data set, the error rate was the same with a value of 35.35%, with an AUC of 0.71 (95% confidence interval from 0.67 to 0.75). The mean Brier scores of the two models were 0.210 (small data set) and 0.211 (comprehensive data set). External validation showed an error rate of 43% and AUC of 0.60 (95% confidence interval from 0.52 to 0.69) using the small tree and an error rate of 35% with an AUC of 0.63 (95% confidence interval from 0.54 to 0.72) using the comprehensive tree. There were large differences between the two validation sets. CONCLUSIONS: Conditional inference trees are able to augment prognostic clinical decision making for patients undergoing ECMO treatment. They may provide a degree of accuracy in mortality prediction and prognostic stratification using readily available variables.

Predictors associated with mortality of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy.

Background: The use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) has rapidly increased in recent years. Today, applications of V-V ECMO include a variety of clinical conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), bridge to lung transplantation and primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation. The purpose of the present study was to investigate in-hospital mortality of adult patients undergoing V-V ECMO therapy and to determine independent predictors associated with mortality. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the University Hospital Zurich, a designated ECMO center in Switzerland. Data was analyzed of all adult V-V ECMO cases from 2007 to 2019. Results: In total, 221 patients required V-V ECMO support (median age 50 years, 38.9% female). In-hospital mortality was 37.6% and did not statistically vary significantly between indications (P=0.61): 25.0% (1/4) for primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation, 29.4% (5/17) for bridge to lung transplantation, 36.2% (50/138) for ARDS and 43.5% (27/62) for other pulmonary disease indications. Cubic spline interpolation showed no effect of time on mortality over the study period of 13 years. Multiple logistic regression modelling identified significant predictor variables associated with mortality: age [odds ratio (OR), 1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.07; P=0.001], newly detected liver failure (OR, 4.83; 95% CI: 1.27-20.3; P=0.02), red blood cell transfusion (OR, 1.91; 95% CI: 1.39-2.74; P<0.001) and platelet concentrate transfusion (OR, 1.93; 95% CI: 1.28-3.15; P=0.004). Conclusions: In-hospital mortality of patients receiving V-V ECMO therapy remains relatively high. Patients' outcomes have not improved significantly in the observed period. We identified age, newly detected liver failure, red blood cell transfusion and platelet concentrate transfusion as independent predictors associated with in-hospital mortality. Incorporating such mortality predictors into decision making with regards to V-V ECMO use may increase its effectiveness and safety and may translate into better outcomes.

Aortic wrapping is life-saving in high-risk acute aortic dissection and intramural haematoma.

Aortic wrapping is a controversial repair in patients presenting with acute type A aortic dissection or intramural haematoma, but this method may be a potential alternative to medical treatment or conventional repair in patients aged >80 years and in those presenting with prohibitive co-morbidities such as stroke, circulatory collapse, full oral anticoagulation with the last generation drugs. We report on 5 high-risk and/or patients over 80 years who received external aortic wrapping with or without cardiopulmonary bypass during the last 18 months. All survived the procedure and could be extubated early postoperatively. No patient remained on the intensive care longer than 2 days and all were discharged without additional complications. Postoperative radiological control was acceptable and no patient had any new aortic event up to 18 months postoperatively.

Initiation of an inter-hospital extracorporeal membrane oxygenation transfer programme for critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019: bringing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support to peripheral hospitals.

OBJECTIVES: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a resource-intensive, highly specialized and expensive therapy that is often reserved for high-volume centres. In recent years, we established an inter-hospital ECMO transfer programme that enables ECMO implants in peripheral hospitals. During the pandemic, the programme was expanded to include ECMO support in selected critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: This retrospective single-centre study reports the technical details and challenges encountered during our initial experience with ECMO implants in peripheral hospitals for patients with COVID-19. RESULTS: During March and April 2020, our team at the University Hospital of Zurich performed 3 out-of-centre ECMO implants at different peripheral hospitals. The implants were performed without any complications. The patients were transported by ambulance or helicopter. Good preparation and selection of the required supplies are the keys to success. The implant should be performed by a well-trained, seasoned ECMO team, because options are limited in most peripheral hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: Out-of-centre ECMO implants in well-selected patients with COVID-19 is feasible and safe if a well-established organization is available and if the implantation is done by an experienced and regularly trained team.

An innovative cold storage system for donor heart transportation-lessons learned from the first experience in Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: The current standard for donor heart preservation consists of cold organ storage in three sequential plastic bags. This technique can cause freezing injuries of the donor heart as the temperature inside the transport box is not monitored routinely. The SherpaPak™ Cardiac Transport System (CTS) (Paragonix Technologies, Cambridge, MA, USA) aims to resolve this problem by maintaining a controlled preservation temperature between 4 and 8 °C. This study reports the first single-centre experience in Switzerland with this innovative single-use disposable device. METHODS: Between May and December 2020, four heart procurements using SherpaPak™ CTS were performed at our heart centre. Donor heart preservation fluid and ambient temperature were monitored using the InTempConnect® application (Onset Computer Corporation, Bourne, MA, USA). All patient data were collected retrospectively from the local hospital patient data capture system. RESULTS: Four recipients of a donor heart preserved with SherpaPak™ CTS were included in this study (3 male, 1 female). Mean transport distance was 86 km (range, 45-276 km). Mean storage time in the cooler was 73.5±19.33 minutes. Mean cold ischemic time was 199.25±11.67 minutes. The device kept the average organ temperature between 5.2 and 8.8 °C and hereby reached the recommended temperature range of 5-10 °C. Modifications of the procurement and storage process provided an optimization of the temperature course in the transportation box. There were no incidents during the transport. Organs transported with this novel storage system showed normal function after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The SherpaPak™ CTS provides constant organ temperatures during transportation, prevents freezing injury and ensures mechanical protection of the graft. KEYWORDS: Heart transplantation; organ procurement; cold storage; hypothermic injury; graft transport.

Pulsatile arterial blood pressure mimicking aortic valve opening during continuous-flow LVAD support: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) have become a common treatment option in advanced heart failure. Lack of aortic valve opening during left ventricular unloading is a common complication and associated with a worse outcome. Maintaining a minimum pulse pressure is an important goal during the early postoperative period after LVAD implantation since it is commonly seen as secure sign of aortic valve opening. AIMS/OBJECTIVE: We report a case of an LVAD-supported patient with early permanent closure of the aortic valve despite a pulse pressure > 15 mmHg at all times following LVAD implantation. We demonstrate how careful assessment of the invasive arterial blood pressure curve can indicate aortic valve closure irrespective of pulsatile blood flow. METHOD: A 69-year old male patient with terminal ischemic cardiomyopathy was referred for long-term mechanical circulatory support. Due to mild aortic regurgitation both an aortic bioprosthesis and a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device were implanted. Postoperative echocardiography documented a patent aortic bioprosthesis and an acceptable residual systolic left ventricular contractility. During invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring repetitive transient slight blood pressure decreases followed by slight blood pressure increases coincided with programmed LVAD flushing cycles. Permanent pulsatile flow with a pulse pressure of ≥15 mmHg conveyed systolic opening of the aortic valve. Echocardiography, however, proved early permanent aortic valve closure. In retrospect, transformation of the automated LVAD flushing cycles into visible changes of the arterial blood pressure curve during invasive blood pressure monitoring is indicative of ejection of the complete cardiac output through LVAD itself, and therefore an early clinical sign of aortic valve closure. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: We present this interesting didactic case to highlight caveats during the early postoperative period after LVAD implantation. Moreover, this case demonstrates that careful and differentiated observation of the arterial blood pressure waveform provides crucial information in this unique and growing patient population of continuous-flow LVAD support.

Short- and long-term outcomes in octogenarians after coronary artery bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Coronary artery surgery in octogenarians is carried out with an increasing frequency. We tried to determine short- and long-term outcomes and quality of life after coronary artery surgery in this patient group. METHODS: From 3312 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in two centres in the years 2004-06, 240 (7.2%) were older than 80 years (mean age 82.3 years, 57.1% male). The octogenarians were analysed regarding perioperative major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), late mortality and health-related quality of life (SF-12 questionnaire) and compared with 376 younger patients (mean age 66.8 years, 61.4% male) using propensity score matching. The mean follow-up time of 30-day survivors was 53 months, and follow-up completeness was 97.1%. RESULTS: The octogenarians' 30-day mortality rate was 6.8% (vs 1.6% in the younger group). In the multivariate analysis, age was a risk factor for early death [odds ratio (OR) 4.28, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.59-11.53] and perioperative MACCE (OR 2.78, 95% CI:1.44-5.37). One-year and 3-year survivals were 94.5 and 81.4% in the octogenarians and 98 and 91.3% in the younger group. Four years after surgery, 95.2% of the octogenarians lived alone, with a partner or with relatives, and only 4.0% required permanent nursing care. 83.9% of the octogenarians would recommend surgery to their friends and relatives for relief of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Octogenarians can undergo CABG surgery with an acceptable risk of early death. Though late mortality is high, late quality of life is comparable with that of younger patients.