Left-Ventricular Unloading With Impella During Refractory Cardiac Arrest Treated With Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is the implementation of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) during refractory cardiac arrest. The role of left-ventricular (LV) unloading with Impella in addition to VA-ECMO ("ECMELLA") remains unclear during ECPR. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to characterize patients with ECPR receiving LV unloading and to compare in-hospital mortality between ECMELLA and VA-ECMO during ECPR. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and abstract websites of the three largest cardiology societies (American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and European Society of Cardiology). STUDY SELECTION: Observational studies with adult patients with refractory cardiac arrest receiving ECPR with ECMELLA or VA-ECMO until July 2023 according to the Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis checklist. DATA EXTRACTION: Patient and treatment characteristics and in-hospital mortality from 13 study records at 32 hospitals with a total of 1014 ECPR patients. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CI were computed with the Mantel-Haenszel test using a random-effects model. DATA SYNTHESIS: Seven hundred sixty-two patients (75.1%) received VA-ECMO and 252 (24.9%) ECMELLA. Compared with VA-ECMO, the ECMELLA group was comprised of more patients with initial shockable electrocardiogram rhythms (58.6% vs. 49.3%), acute myocardial infarctions (79.7% vs. 51.5%), and percutaneous coronary interventions (79.0% vs. 47.5%). VA-ECMO alone was more frequently used in pulmonary embolism (9.5% vs. 0.7%). Age, rate of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and low-flow times were similar between both groups. ECMELLA support was associated with reduced odds of mortality (OR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.30-0.91]) and higher odds of good neurologic outcome (OR, 2.22 [95% CI, 1.17-4.22]) compared with VA-ECMO support alone. ECMELLA therapy was associated with numerically increased but not significantly higher complication rates. Primary results remained robust in multiple sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: ECMELLA support was predominantly used in patients with acute myocardial infarction and VA-ECMO for pulmonary embolism. ECMELLA support during ECPR might be associated with improved survival and neurologic outcome despite higher complication rates. However, indications and frequency of ECMELLA support varied strongly between institutions. Further scientific evidence is urgently required to elaborate standardized guidelines for the use of LV unloading during ECPR.

Ambulatory Electrocardiography Monitoring for Early Discharge After Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: We sought to compare outcomes after early discharge in patients with and without predischarge diagnosis of arrhythmia following minimally invasive valve surgery (MIVS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed ambulatory electrocardiography (AECG) datasheets and medical records of patients discharged with 14-d AECG monitoring from our facility between October 2019 and March 2022 ≤ 3 d after MIVS. Baseline and clinical characteristics, arrhythmias during AECG monitoring, and 30-d adverse outcomes were reported for the population and stratified by presence or absence of predischarge arrhythmia. RESULTS: Of 41 patients discharged ≤3 d postoperatively of MIVS, 17 (41.5%) experienced predischarge arrhythmias and 24 (58.5%) did not. The population was predominantly male and White with a median age of 62 y [57, 70]. Baseline and clinical characteristics did not differ between subgroups. Most patients (92.7% [n = 38]) experienced one or more tachyarrhythmias during the AECG monitoring period. There were similar proportions of patients experiencing atrial fibrillation in both groups, but patients with predischarge arrhythmias had higher burden of atrial fibrillation on AECG monitoring (27.60% [6.57%, 100%] versus 1.65% [0.76%, 4.32%]; P = 0.004). The predischarge arrhythmia subgroup had higher proportions of patients experiencing nonsustained ventricular tachycardia but lower proportions experiencing supraventricular tachycardia. There were no mortalities within 30 d of surgery. Six (14.6%) patients were readmitted within 30 d with equal proportions of readmissions between subgroups (P = 0.662). CONCLUSIONS: Early discharge timelines and noninvasive monitoring techniques can allow patients to return to their normal activities quicker in the comfort of their own home with no increased risk of morbidity or mortality.

Outcomes of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement in patients with obese body mass indices.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive heart valve surgery has previously been shown to be safe and feasible in obese patients. Within this population, we investigated the effect of obesity class on the patient outcomes of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (mini-AVR). METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with obese body mass indices (BMIs) who underwent mini-AVR between 2012 and 2020. Patients were stratified into three groups according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adult obesity classifications: Class I (BMI: 30.0-<35.0), Class II (BMI: 35.0-<40.0), and Class III (BMI ≥ 40.0). The primary outcomes were postoperative length of stay (LOS), 30-day mortality, and direct cost. RESULTS: Among 206 obese patients who underwent mini-AVR, LOS (Class I 5 [3-7] vs. Class II 6 [5-7] vs. Class III 6 [5-7] days; p = .056), postoperative 30-day mortality (Class I 2.44% [n = 3] vs. Class II 4.44% [n = 2] vs. Class III 7.89% [n = 3]; p = .200), and costs (Class I $24,118 [$20,237-$29.591] vs. Class II $22,215 [$18,492-$28,975] vs. Class III $24,810 [$20,245-$32,942] USD; p = .683) did not differ between obesity class cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Mini-AVR is safe and feasible to perform for obese patients regardless of their obesity class. Patients with obesity should be afforded the option of minimally invasive aortic valve surgery regardless of their obesity class.

Impact of risk factors on in-hospital mortality for octogenarians undergoing cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Octogenarians undergoing cardiac surgery have higher mortality than their younger counterparts. OBJECTIVES: To determine if various risk factors have the same effect on mortality in octogenarians as in younger patients. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample data set from 2004 to 2014 was queried to select patients aged 65 years and older who underwent either coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valvular heart surgery (VHS), or both (CABG + VHS) within 10 days of hospital admission. The patients were divided into two groups 65-79 years and 80 years and greater. Hospital mortality, patient demographics, comorbidities, and type of hospital admission was evaluated and compared using χ2 and multivariable logistic regressions. RESULTS: About 397,713 patients were identified including 86,345 (21.7%) aged 80 and above. Octogenarians had higher in-hospital mortality for all procedures: CABG (4.94% vs. 2.39%, p < .001), VHS (5.49% vs. 4.08%, p < .001), and CABG + VHS (7.59% vs. 5.95%, p < .001), and this relationship persisted when gender, race, comorbidities, and type of hospital admission were controlled for: CABG (odds ratio [OR] = 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62-1.81); VHS (OR = 1.18; 95% CI 1.11-1.27); and CABH + VHS (OR = 1.17; 95%CI 1.10-1.26). Female gender, renal, or heart failure, nonelective admission, and CABG + VHS were associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality. Octogenarians had higher rates of these factors (p < .001). The effect size of renal and heart failure and type of surgery was smaller for octogenarians. CONCLUSIONS: Octogenarians undergoing cardiac surgery have higher rates of nonelective admissions, renal and heart failure, and female gender, which are most strongly associated with in-hospital mortality. Differing effect sizes suggest that certain risk factors, such as renal and heart failure, contribute more to mortality in younger patients.

Surgical pericardial drainage procedures have a limited diagnostic sensitivity.

PURPOSE: Cardiothoracic surgeons are frequently called upon to perform surgical pericardial drainage procedures (pericardial window) for pericardial effusions. These procedures have therapeutic value, but the diagnostic value of such procedures is debated. We set out to determine the sensitivity of pericardial drainage to detect the disease when cytology, microbiology, and pathology are evaluated. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent pericardial windows from 1 July 2011 to 1 January 2018 at a single academic institution was conducted. All patients who had undergone a recent trauma or cardiac procedure were excluded. Cytology, microbiology, and pathology were examined. The charts were then carefully reviewed to determine if a clinical diagnosis was reached. Sensitivity was then calculated for all diseases and for those that should have been able to be detected. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-two patients who had undergone a pericardial drainage procedure were identified; 49 patients were excluded for recent cardiac procedure or trauma. Of the 113 patients who met our inclusion criteria, 56 patients (49.6%) were female with a mean age of 59.7 ± 15.1 years. A diagnosis based on the pathology, microbiology, or cytology was obtained for 27 patients. The most common pathologies detected were adenocarcinoma (11), bacteremia (9), and small cell lung cancer (3); 56 patients had underlying pathologies that would have been possible to detect with either pathology, microbiology, or cytology. The most common detectable diagnoses were adenocarcinoma (20), bacteremia (12), and lymphoma (7). The most common undetectable diagnoses were idiopathic (17), cardiorenal fluid overload (17), and viral (11). The sensitivity of a pericardial drainage procedure for detecting disease was 0.24 for all cases, and 0.48 when restricted to cases where a detectable disease was present. CONCLUSION: Cytology, microbiology, and pathology for pericardial drainage procedures were unable to detect a diagnosis for 76% of all cases and greater than 50% of cases with the theoretically detectable disease. Pericardial drainage procedures have a clear therapeutic value, but they have limited diagnostic utility.

Carotid Stenosis in Cardiac Surgery-No Difference in Postoperative Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Debate over revascularization of asymptomatic carotid stenosis before cardiac surgery is ongoing. In this study, we analyze cardiac surgery outcomes in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis at a single hospital. METHODS: In this study, 1,781 patients underwent cardiac surgery from January 2012 to June 2013; 1,357 with preoperative screening carotid duplex were included. Patient demographics, comorbidities, degree of stenosis, postoperative complications, and mortality were evaluated. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Asymptomatic stenosis was found in 403/1,357 patients (29.7%; 355 moderate and 48 severe). Patients with stenosis, compared with those without, were older (71.7 ± 11 vs. 66.3 ± 12 years; p < 0.01). Females were more likely to have stenosis (odd ratio, = 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-2.2); however, patients were predominantly male in both groups. There were no significant differences in the rates of mortality and postoperative complications, including stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). Postoperative TIA occurred in 3/1,357(0.2%); only one had moderate stenosis. Inhospital stroke occurred in 21/1,357 (1.5%) patients; stroke rates were 2.3% (8/355) with moderate stenosis and 2.1% (1/48) severe stenosis. There were 59/1,357 (4.3%) deaths; patients with stenosis had a mortality rate of 4.2% (17/403); however, no postoperative stroke lead to death. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, gender, race, comorbidities, and postoperative complications did not show an impact of carotid stenosis on postoperative mortality and development of stroke after cardiac surgery. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis undergoing cardiac surgery are not at increased risk of postoperative complications and mortality; thus, prophylactic carotid revascularization may not be indicated.

Femoral cannulation: a safe vascular access option for cardiopulmonary bypass in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Femoral cannulation during cardiopulmonary bypass has become a common approach for many cardiac procedures and serves as an important access option, especially during minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Opponents, however, argue that there is significant risk, including site-specific and overall morbidity, which makes the use of this modality dangerous compared to conventional aortoatrial cannulation techniques. We analyzed our institutional experience to elucidate the safety and efficacy of femoral cannulation. All data were collected from a single hospital's cardiac surgery database. A total of 346 cardiac surgeries were evaluated from September 2012 to September 2013, of which 85/346 (24.6%) utilized a minimally invasive approach. Of the 346 operations performed, 72/346 (20.8%) utilized femoral cannulation while 274/346 (79.2%) used aortoatrial cannulation. Stroke occurred in 1/72 (1.39%) after femoral cannulation, specifically, in a conventional sternotomy patient, while it occurred in 6/274 (2.19%) [p=0.67] after aortoatrial cannulation. When comparing postoperative complications between the femoral cannulation and aortoatrial cannulation groups, the rates of atrial fibrillation [10/72 (13.9%) versus 46/274 (16.8%), p=0.55], renal failure [2/72 (2.78%) versus 11/274 (4.01%), p=0.62], prolonged ventilation time [4/72 (5.56%) versus 27/274 (9.85%), p=0.26] and re-operation for bleeding [3/72 (4.17%) versus 13/274 (4.74%), p=0.84] showed no significant difference. Selective femoral cannulation provides a safe alternative to aortoatrial cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass and is especially important when performing minimally invasive cardiac surgery. When comparing aortoatrial and femoral cannulation, we found no significant difference in the postoperative complication rates and overall mortality.

The Optimal Angle of Head Rotation for Internal Jugular Cannulation as Determined by Ultrasound Evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the degree of head rotation that creates the maximal anatomic separation between the right internal jugular vein and the carotid artery. DESIGN: Single-center prospective, observational cohort study. SETTING: University medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty patients aged>21 years and undergoing cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: An ultrasound machine equipped with a digital caliper was used to determine the relational anatomy of the internal jugular vein and the carotid artery, with patients in the Trendelenburg position at head angles of -15°, 0°,+15°,+30°,+45°,+60°,+75°, and+90°. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: When examining the percentage of the internal jugular vein vertical diameter that is not overlapped by the carotid artery (vertically unencumbered), there was a difference between the head angle groups (p<0.01). Unencumbered vertical distance was different between+75° versus 0°, and+75° versus+15°. At+75°, 60.3%±5.3% of the internal jugular vein was unencumbered vertically, whereas at 0°, it was 37.2%±3.9%, and at+15° it was 40.3%±3.8%. Only 72% of the patients were able to position their head at+75°, and 54% of the subjects were able to position their head at+90°. CONCLUSION: The authors found the internal jugular vein becomes more vertically separated from the carotid artery at more extreme angles of contralateral head rotation.

Does arterial cannulation site for aortic dissection repair impact surgical outcomes?

Background: Establishing cardiopulmonary bypass remains critical to the successful repair of an acute type A aortic dissection. A recent trend away from femoral arterial cannulation has occurred in part due to concerns of stroke risk from retrograde perfusion to the brain. The purpose of this study was to determine if arterial cannulation site for aortic dissection repair impacts surgical outcomes. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School from January 1st, 2011 to March 8th, 2021. Of the 135 patients included, 98 (73%) underwent femoral arterial cannulation, 21 (16%) axillary artery cannulation, and 16 (12%) direct aorta cannulation. The study variables included demographic data, cannulation site, and complications. Results: The mean age was 63.6±14 years, with no difference between the femoral, axillary, and direct cannulation groups. Eighty-four patients (62%) were male, with similar percentages amongst each group. The rates of bleeding, stroke, and mortality specifically due to the arterial cannulation did not significantly differ based on cannulation site. None of the patients had strokes that were attributable to cannulation type. No patients died as a direct complication of arterial access. The overall in-hospital mortality was 22%, similar between groups. Conclusions: This study found no statistically significant different in rates of stroke or other complications based on cannulation site. Femoral arterial cannulation thus remains a safe and efficient choice for arterial cannulation in the repair of acute type A aortic dissection.

Minimally invasive approach associated with lower resource utilization after aortic and mitral valve surgery.

Objective: To investigate the effect of minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) on resource utilization, cost, and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing left-heart valve operations. Methods: Data were retrospectively reviewed for patients undergoing single-valve surgery (eg, aortic valve replacement, mitral valve replacement, or mitral valve repair) at a single center from 2018 to 2021, stratified by surgical approach: MICS vs full sternotomy (FS). Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were compared. Primary outcome was high resource utilization, defined as direct procedure cost higher than the third quartile or either postoperative LOS ≥7 days or 30-day readmission. Secondary outcomes were direct cost, length of stay, 30-day readmission, in-hospital and 30-day mortality, and major morbidity. Multiple regression analysis was conducted, controlling for baseline characteristics, operative approach, valve operation, and lead surgeon to assess high resource utilization. Results: MICS was correlated with a significantly lower rate of high resource utilization (MICS, 31.25% [n = 115] vs FS 61.29% [n = 76]; P < .001). Median postoperative length of stay (MICS, 4 days [range, 3-6 days] vs FS, 6 days [range, 4 to 9 days]; P < .001) and direct cost (MICS, $22,900 [$19,500-$28,600] vs FS, $31,900 [$25,900-$50,000]; P < .001) were lower in the MICS group. FS patients were more likely to experience postoperative atrial fibrillation (P = .040) and renal failure (P = .027). Other outcomes did not differ between groups. Controlling for stratified Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality, cardiac valve operation, and lead surgeon, FS demonstrated increased likelihood of high resource utilization (P < .001). Conclusions: MICS for left-heart valve pathology demonstrated improved postoperative outcomes and resource utilization.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 contributes to apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells during aortic dissection.

Background: Tearing of inner layer of aorta causes aortic dissection (AD), a severe disease with high morbidity and mortality. The pathological development of AD partially results from apoptotic death of aortic endothelial cells (AECs), the trigger and the molecular regulation of which remain largely unknown. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) was initially detected in the brain as a proline-directed serine/threonine protein kinase regulating neuronal cell cycle re-entry and arrest. The abnormal expression of CDK5 leads to apoptotic cell death following abortive cell cycle re-entry in some neuronal diseases. Although physiological and pathological roles of CDK5 have been widely investigated, the expression and function of CDK5 in AD have not been reported. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to discuss the expression and function of CDK5 in AD. Methods: Gene expression profiles were compared between AD tissues and normal aortic tissues using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database with bioinformatic tools. Different cell types were isolated from the digested AD and normal aortic specimens by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Gene expression in cells was quantified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Endothelial cells purified by FACS were transfected in vivo with plasmids. Cell growth was analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated digoxigenin-dUTP nick-end labeling assay. Results: Analysis of gene profiles from AD tissues and normal aortic tissues using GEO database showed significant higher expression of CDK5 and its downstream regulated genes, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cyclin B1, and B-cell lymphoma 2, which are regulators for cell cycle and apoptosis. Analysis of purified cells from AD and normal aortic specimens further confirmed this result and showed that the major source of CDK5 was endothelial cells. Depletion of CDK5 inhibited apoptosis of AECs, while the expression of CDK5 promoted apoptosis of AECs. Conclusions: CDK5 induces apoptosis of AECs to promote AD. CDK5 appears to be a promising novel target for preventing AD.

Risk of Stroke with Impella Placement Is Not Associated with Access Vessel.

Objective: The Impella heart pump is an intravascular microaxial device that provides short-term mechanical circulatory support and can be placed through the femoral, axillary, or central vessels. One of the most feared complications is stroke. It is unclear if patient stroke risk varies based on access vessel. Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent Impella placement at an academic institution from January 1, 2007, through September 15, 2018, was performed. Four groups were compared: (1) minimally invasive Impella (femoral or axillary access), (2) minimally invasive Impella upgraded to another minimally invasive Impella, (3) minimally invasive Impella upgraded to a central Impella (ascending aorta), and (4) central Impella. Patient charts were reviewed to identify baseline characteristics. Outcome measures included length of stay, stroke, and mortality. Results: A total of 349 patients (or 407 Impellas) were identified, and the majority of the devices were inserted through a minimally invasive approach (n = 248, 60.9%), while the remainder were implanted via central access (n = 159, 39.1%). Minimally invasive Impellas were upgraded in 44 patients. The risk of stroke for the entire cohort was 10.3% (n = 36), with no difference observed in any particular group. Overall mortality was 44.4% (n = 155). Of the patients who initially received a minimally invasive Impella, those who were upgraded had higher rates of mortality (56.8% vs 39.4%, P = 0.03), postoperative dialysis (50.0% vs 27.4%, P < 0.01), and sepsis (43.2% vs 20.0%, P < 0.01). Conclusions: This study found no statistically significant difference in rates of postoperative stroke based on initial access vessel.

Is cardiopulmonary bypass standby still required for laser lead extractions?

OBJECTIVE: Over the last two decades there has been an increase in the number of cardiac implantable electronic devices and consequently, there has also been an increased need for lead extractions. Fibrotic attachments develop between the lead and the venous and cardiac structures that may require the use of a laser to mobilize the lead. Cardiothoracic surgeons (CTS) have traditionally provided backup for surgical emergencies for these extractions. This study evaluates the surgical outcomes of patients undergoing transvenous laser lead extractions (TLE) and determines if CTS are still needed for backup. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing laser lead extractions at a single academic center. Lead extractions using only laser sheaths were analyzed. The clinical characteristics, complications, and mortality of the patients were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-one patients underwent TLEs from January 1st, 2014 to December 31st, 2018. The majority were male (N = 80, 66.1%), and the average age was 66.48 ± 14 years. The indication for removal was either laser lead malfunction or infection. A total of 30 patients (24.8%) had complications postoperatively including wound hematomas, superficial infections, and arrhythmias. The average length of stay was 9 ± 12 for all the patients in the study. 2 patients (1.6%) had injuries that required emergency surgical repair with injuries to the posterior superior vena cava and right ventricle. Both patients survived the initial injury with one patient was discharged home on day 4 and the other succumbing to his injuries on postoperative day 20. CONCLUSION: Although the incidence of surgical emergencies is rare the morbidity and mortality for TLE require that surgical backup be available.

Migrating Foreign Body in the Heart.

Foreign bodies in the heart are a rare condition and an exact mechanism for this occurrence has not been well described. These objects can reach the heart by direct penetration due to local trauma or through intravenous migration or may remain in the heart after medical procedures. The most common foreign bodies that reach the heart are bullets and shrapnel. The purpose of this study is to review a case where a patient injected himself with recreational drugs. The needle subsequently dislodged from the syringe and migrated into the heart.

Single center first year experience and outcomes with Impella 5.5 left ventricular assist device.

BACKGROUND: The Impella 5.5® was approved by the FDA for use for mechanical circulatory support up to 14 days in late 2019 at limited centers in the United States. Our single center's experience with Impella 5.5® can expand the overall understanding for achieving successful patient outcomes as well as provide support for the expansion of its FDA-approved use. METHODS: This study is an IRB-approved single-center retrospective cohort analysis of hospitalized adult patient characteristics and outcomes in cases where the Impella 5.5® was utilized for mechanical circulatory support. RESULTS: A total of 26 implanted Impella 5.5® devices were identified in 24 hospitalized patients at our institution from January 2020 to January 2021. The overall survival rate during index hospitalization was 75%. Eleven Impella 5.5® devices were identified in 10 patients with an average device implantation greater than 14 days. Average device implantation for this subgroup was 27 days with a range of 15-80 days. Survival rate for Impella 5.5® use greater than 14 days was 67%. In the entire cohort and subgroup of device implantation > 14 days, evidence of end organ damage improved with Impella 5.5® use. Complications in our cohort and subgroup of device implantation > 14 days were similar to previously reported complication incidence of axillary inserted LVAD devices. CONCLUSIONS: Our institution's experience with the Impella 5.5® has been strongly positive with favorable outcomes and helps to establish the Impella 5.5® as a viable option for mechanical circulatory support beyond 14 days.

Early Discharge After Minimally Invasive Aortic and Mitral Valve Surgery.

BACKGROUND: We investigated patient outcomes in relation to their postoperative length of stay after minimally invasive valve surgery. METHODS: All adults who survived elective, uncomplicated minimally invasive aortic or mitral valve surgery at a single center between 2012 and 2019 were classified by postoperative length of stay: early discharge (≤3 days) or late discharge (>3 days). The trend in early discharge was investigated over the study period, predictors of early discharge were identified using multivariate logistic regression modeling, and 1:1 propensity score matching was used to determine which patients in the late-discharge cohort had similar health to patients discharged early. Adjusted outcomes of 30-day mortality, readmission, and direct costs were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 1262 consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive valve surgery, 618 were elective and uncomplicated, 25% (n = 162) of whom were discharged early. The proportion of early-discharge patients increased over time (P for trend < .05). A history of congestive heart failure, stroke, or smoking and higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons predictive risk of mortality score negatively predicted early discharge (P < .05). Propensity score matching identified 101 (22%) late-discharge patients comparable with early-discharge patients. Adjusted 30-day mortality and readmission rates were comparable between cohorts. The median direct costs per patient ($20,046 vs $22,124, P < .05) were significantly lower in the early-discharge cohort. CONCLUSIONS: In well-selected patients early discharge after minimally invasive valve surgery was associated with lower costs but comparable postoperative outcomes. About one-fifth of patients who remain in the hospital beyond postoperative day 3 may be candidates for earlier discharge.

Femoral arterial cannulation remains a safe and reliable option for aortic dissection repair.

BACKGROUND: The optimal cannulation site for repair of type A aortic dissection remains controversial. The concern for Malperfusion syndrome has initiated a national trend away from femoral cannulation to axillary artery and direct ascending aortic cannulation. The purpose of this study was to report a single center experience with femoral artery cannulation for the repair of a type A dissection. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 52 patients who underwent surgical repair for a type A dissection between January 1st, 2012 and June 30th, 2019 at a single institution. Of the 52 patients analyzed, 35 (67.3%) underwent femoral artery, 11 (21.2%) direct ascending aortic, and 6 (11%) axillary artery cannulation for arterial access. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was used in all the patients. Rates of postoperative complication and mortality were reported. RESULTS: The mortality and bleeding rates for all the patients undergoing repair of the type A dissection repairs were 27% (14/52) and 19% (10/52), respectively. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established in 100% of the patients that had femoral arterial cannulation. There were no complications specifically related to femoral arterial cannulation nor the axillary or direct aortic approach. Specifically, there was no episodes of malperfusion syndrome, bleeding, or injury with femoral artery cannulation. Bleeding rates were higher in cases that proceeded with a femoral (13%) versus alternate (6%) approach however; neither of the bleeding was related to the cannulation site. None of the mortalities identified were directly attributable to the cannulation approach in each case. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the recent shift away from femoral cannulation, the results of the study show that femoral artery cannulation is safe and produces excellent results for establishing cardiopulmonary bypass. The concerns for malperfusion syndrome related to femoral cannulation were not seen.

Case report: surgical resection of right ventricular cardiac fibroma in an adult patient.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac fibromas are rare benign cardiac neoplasms, most frequently occurring in the pediatric population; with very rare cases identified in adults. The tumors are comprised of spindled cells with myofibroblastic ultrastructural features embedded in generally collagenous and elastic stroma. The tumors are intramural in the ventricles, most commonly the left ventricle. Clinical symptoms vary by location and size of tumor and some are asymptomatic. Surgical resection is curative, but rare cases require cardiac transplantation. CASE PRESENTATION: We report an asymptomatic, large, right ventricular fibroma in a 64-year-old woman. The patient underwent open incisional tumor biopsy via lower hemi-sternotomy, followed by complete tumor resection via full sternotomy a week later after confirming the tumor is benign. The tumor was resected using cardiopulmonary bypass, and the defect of right ventricular free wall was repaired using a prosthetic double-patch technique. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged to home on day 4 post-complete tumor resection. CONCLUSION: This report expands the existing literature for better comprehension and detection of cardiac fibroma patients and also highlights the various imaging modalities, surgical management, and histological analysis.

Early Outcomes of the First 200 US Patients Treated with Impella 5.5: A Novel Temporary Left Ventricular Assist Device.

OBJECTIVE: To report the initial clinical experience with the Impella 5.5® with SmartAssist®, a temporary left ventricular assist device that provides up to 6.2 L/min forward flow, with recent FDA approval for up to 14 days. METHODS: From October 2019 to March 2020, 200 patients at 42 US centers received the Impella 5.5 and entered into the IQ registry, a manufacturer-maintained quality database that captures limited baseline/procedural characteristics and outcomes through device explant. Post hoc subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the role of baseline and procedural characteristics on survival, defined as successful device weaning or bridge to durable therapy. RESULTS: Median patient age was 62 years (range, 13 to 83 years); 83.4% were male. The device was most commonly used for cardiomyopathy (45.0%), acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS; 29.0%), and post cardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS; 16.5%). Median duration of support was 10.0 days (range, 0.001 to 64.4 days). Through device explant, overall survival was 74.0%, with survival of 80.0%, 67.2%, 57.6%, and 94.7% in cardiomyopathy, AMICS, PCCS, and others (comprising high-risk revascularization, coronary artery bypass graft, electrophysiology/ablation, and myocarditis), respectively. Patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and Impella support (35 patients, 17.5%) had significantly lower survival (51.4% vs 78.8%, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In the first 200 US patients treated with the Impella 5.5, we observed overall survival to explant of 74%. Survival outcomes were improved compared to historic rates observed with cardiogenic shock, particularly PCCS. Prospective studies assessing comparative performance of this device to conventional strategies are warranted in future.