Sex-based differences in concomitant tricuspid repair during degenerative mitral surgery.

BACKGROUND: Females with mitral valve disease have higher rates of tricuspid regurgitation(TR) than males. While tricuspid valve repair(TVr) decreases progression of TR, we hypothesize that there may be sex-based differences in concomitant TVr at the time of mitral surgery. METHODS: Adults undergoing mitral surgery for degenerative disease with moderate or worse preoperative TR at a high-volume center from 2014-2023 were identified. Patients with previous tricuspid intervention were excluded. A multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of concomitant TVr. To evaluate the clinical impact of not performing TVr, a competing risk model compared development of severe TR or valve-related reoperation by sex among patients without TVr. RESULTS: Most included patients were female (55%, n=214/388) and the median age was 73(Q1-Q3:65-79). There was no difference in the rate of severe TR by sex (female:28%; male:26%, p=0.63). The unadjusted rate of concomitant TVr was 57% for females and 73% for males(p<0.001). Overall, females had 52% lower adjusted odds of TVr (ORadj:0.48, 95%CI 0.29-0.81, p=0.006), including a lower adjusted rate for moderate (47% (95%CI 45%-49%) vs 66% (95%CI 64%-69%)) and for severe TR (83% (95%CI 81%-86 vs 92% (95%CI 90%-93%) Among those without TVr, 12% of females and 0% of males had severe TR or required valve-related reoperation at four years (p<0.001) CONCLUSIONS: Females with moderate or severe TR undergoing mitral surgery for degenerative disease were less likely to receive concomitant TVr and more likely to develop severe TR or need valve-related reoperation. Evaluation of sex-based treatment differences is imperative to improve outcomes for females.

Does Sustained Reduction of Functional Mitral Regurgitation Impact Survival?

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is associated with increased mortality and has been considered a marker for advanced heart disease, yet the value of mitral valve repair (MVr) in this population remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the impact of reducing FMR burden through surgical MVr on survival. Patients with severe FMR who underwent MVr with an undersized, complete, rigid, annuloplasty between 2004 and 2017 were assessed (n = 201). Patients were categorized based on grade of recurrent FMR (0-4). Time-to-event Kaplan-Meier estimations of freedom from death or reoperation were performed using the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards models evaluated all-cause mortality and reported in hazards ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Patients were categorized by postoperative recurrent FMR: 45% (91/201) of patients had grade 0, 29% (58/201) grade 1, 20% (40/201) grade 2, 2% (4/201) grade 3%, and 4% (8/201) grade 4. The cumulative incidence of reoperation with death as a competing risk was higher in patients with grades ≥3 recurrent FMR compared to grades ≤2 (44.6% vs 14.6%, subhazard ratio 3.69 [95% CI, 1.17-11.6]; P = 0.026). Overall freedom from death or reoperation was superior for recurrent FMR grades ≤2 compared to grades ≥3 (log-rank P < 0.001). Increasing recurrent FMR grade was independently associated with mortality (HR 1.30 [95% CI, 1.07-1.59] P = 0.009). Reduced postoperative FMR grade resulted in an incrementally lower risk of death or reoperation after MVr. These results suggest that achieving a durable reduction in FMR burden improves long-term survival.

Evidence-based opioid prescribing guidelines after lung resection: a prospective, multicenter analysis.

Background: Opioid prescribing guidelines have significantly decreased overprescribing and post-discharge use after cardiac surgery; however, limited recommendations exist for general thoracic surgery patients, a similarly high-risk population. We examined opioid prescribing and patient-reported use to develop evidence-based, opioid prescribing guidelines after lung cancer resection. Methods: This prospective, statewide, quality improvement study was conducted between January 2020 to March 2021 and included patients undergoing surgical resection of a primary lung cancer across 11 institutions. Patient-reported outcomes at 1-month follow-up were linked with clinical data and Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS) database records to characterize prescribing patterns and post-discharge use. The primary outcome was quantity of opioid used after discharge; secondary outcomes included quantity of opioid prescribed at discharge and patient-reported pain scores. Opioid quantities are reported in number of 5-mg oxycodone tablets (mean ± standard deviation). Results: Of the 602 patients identified, 429 met inclusion criteria. Questionnaire response rate was 65.0%. At discharge, 83.4% of patients were provided a prescription for opioids of mean size 20.5±13.1 pills, while patients reported using 8.2±13.0 pills after discharge (P<0.001), including 43.7% who used none. Those not taking opioids on the calendar day prior to discharge (32.4%) used fewer pills (4.4±8.1 vs. 11.7±14.9, P<0.001). Refill rate was 21.5% for patients provided a prescription at discharge, while 12.5% of patients not prescribed opioids at discharge required a new prescription before follow-up. Pain scores were 2.4±2.5 for incision site and 3.0±2.8 for overall pain (scale 0-10). Conclusions: Patient-reported post-discharge opioid use, surgical approach, and in-hospital opioid use before discharge should be used to inform prescribing recommendations after lung resection.

Implementation and Effectiveness of Opioid Prescribing Guidelines After Hiatal Hernia Repair.

INTRODUCTION: We defined institutional opioid prescribing patterns, established prescribing guidelines, and evaluated the adherence to and effectiveness of these guidelines in association with opioid prescribing after hiatal hernia repair (HHR). METHODS: A retrospective chart review was completed for patients who underwent transthoracic (open) or laparoscopic HHR between January and December 2016. Patient-reported opioid use after surgery was used to establish prescribing recommendations. Guideline efficacy was then evaluated among patients undergoing HHR after implementation (August 2018 to June 2019). Data are reported in oral morphine equivalents (OMEs). RESULTS: The initial cohort included n = 87 patients (35 open; 52 laparoscopic) with a 68% survey response rate. For open repair, median prescription size was 338 mg OME (interquartile range [IQR] 250-420) with patient-reported use of 215 mg OME (IQR 78-308) (P = 0.002). Similarly, median prescription size was 270 mg OME (IQR 200-319) with patient-reported use of 100 mg OME (IQR 4-239) (P < 0.001) for laparoscopic repair. Opioid prescribing guidelines were defined as the 66th percentile of patient-reported opioid use. Postguideline implementation cohort included n = 108 patients (36 open; 72 laparoscopic). Median prescription amount decreased by 54% for open and 43% laparoscopic repair, with no detectable change in the overall refill rate after guideline implementation. Patient education, opioid storage, and disposal practices were also characterized. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based opioid prescribing guidelines can be successfully implemented for open and laparoscopic HHR with a high rate of compliance and without an associated increase in opioid refills.

Demographics of Current and Aspiring Integrated Six-year Cardiothoracic Surgery Trainees.

BACKGROUND: The integrated 6-year thoracic surgery (I-6) residency model was developed in part to promote early interest in cardiothoracic surgery in diverse trainees. To determine gaps in and opportunities for recruitment of women and minority groups in the pipeline for I-6 residency, we quantified rates of progression at each training level and trends over time. METHODS: We obtained 2015 to 2019 medical student, I-6 applicant, and I-6 resident gender and race/ethnicity demographic data from the American Association of Medical Colleges and Electronic Residency Application Service public databases and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Data Resource Books. We performed χ2, Fisher exact, and Cochran-Armitage tests for trend to compare 2015 and 2019. RESULTS: Our cross-sectional analysis found increased representation of women and all non-White races/ethnicities, except Native American, at each training level from 2015 to 2019 (P < .001 for all). The greatest trends in increases were seen in the proportions of women (28% vs 22%, P = .46) and Asian/Pacific Islander (25% vs 15%, P = .08) applicants. There was also an increase in the proportions of women (28% vs 24%, P = .024) and White (61% vs 58%, P = .007) I-6 residents, with a trend for Asian/Pacific Islanders (20% vs 17%, P = .08). The proportions of Hispanic (5%) and Black/African American (2%) I-6 residents in 2019 remained low. CONCLUSIONS: I-6 residency matriculation is not representative of medical student demographics and spotlights a need to foster early interest in cardiothoracic surgery among all groups underrepresented in medicine while ensuring that we mitigate bias in residency recruitment.

Surgical outcomes of patients at prohibitive risk who are reconsidered for surgery.

Objectives: Transcatheter treatment of advanced mitral and tricuspid valve disease is largely limited to patients at prohibitive surgical risk, although many are not candidates for transcatheter treatment. Here, we describe surgical outcomes of patients at prohibitive risk who were ineligible for transcatheter therapies to guide surgeons in management of this unique population. Methods: Patients at prohibitive risk, defined per surgeon or cardiologist discretion, who were initially referred for a transcatheter mitral or tricuspid intervention in a multidisciplinary atrioventricular valve clinic, were identified from 2019 to 2022. Preoperative risk, operative outcomes, and long-term mortality were evaluated. Results: A total of 337 patients at prohibitive risk were referred for evaluation in a multidisciplinary atrioventricular valve clinic. Of those, 161 underwent transcatheter therapy, 130 patients underwent continued medical management, and 45 were reevaluated and had high-risk surgery. Among surgical patients, 51% were women with a median age of 76 years (quartile 1-quartile 3, 65-81 years). Most patients presented in heart failure (83%; n = 37 out of 45), and 73% were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV. Most patients (94%; n = 43) had a mitral valve intervention, of whom 56% (24 out of 43) had a mitral valve replacement. The 30-day mortality rate was 4% (2 out of 45) and major morbidity occurred in 33% (15 out of 45). By Kaplan-Meier analysis, 1-year survival was 86% ± 9%. Conclusions: Select patients at prohibitive risk who were ineligible for transcatheter mitral or tricuspid valve intervention underwent surgery with overall low operative mortality and excellent 1-year survival. Patients a prohibitive risk whose anatomy is not amenable to transcatheter devices should be reconsidered for surgery.

The utilization of educational resources published by the Thoracic Surgery Residents Association.

Objective: The Thoracic Surgery Residents Association (TSRA) is a trainee-led cardiothoracic surgery organization in North America that has published a multitude of educational resources. However, the utilization of these resources remains unknown. Methods: Surveys were constructed, pilot-tested, and emailed to 527 current cardiothoracic trainees (12 questions) and 780 former trainees who graduated between 2012 and 2019 (16 questions). The surveys assessed the utilization of TSRA educational resources in preparing for clinical practice as well as in-training and American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) certification examinations. Results: A total of 143 (27%) current trainees and 180 (23%) recent graduates responded. A higher proportion of recent graduates compared with current trainees identified as male (84% vs 66%; P = .001) and graduated from 2- or 3-year traditional training programs (81% vs 41%; P < .001), compared with integrated 6-year (8% vs 49%; P < .001) or 4 + 3 (11% vs 10%; P = .82) pathways. Current trainees most commonly used TSRA resources to prepare for the in-training exam (75%) and operations (73%). Recent graduates most commonly used them to prepare for Oral and/or Written Board Exams (92%) and the in-training exam (89%). Among recent graduates who passed the ABTS Oral Board Exam on the first attempt, 82% (97/118) used TSRA resources to prepare, versus only 48% (25/52) of recent graduates who passed after multiple attempts, failed, have not taken the exam, or preferred not to answer (P < .001). Conclusions: Current cardiothoracic trainees and recent graduates have utilized TSRA educational resources extensively, including to prepare for in-training and ABTS Board examinations.

Surgical strategy and outcomes for atrial functional mitral regurgitation: All functional mitral regurgitation is not the same!

OBJECTIVE: Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is a cardiac pathology that causes the mitral valve to malfunction, leading to mitral regurgitation (MR). The optimal strategy for FMR remains unclear, and FMR outcomes are poor. All etiologies of FMR might not be the same, and subdividing patients with FMR caused by atrial (AFMR) versus ventricular FMR pathology might be important. Herein, we present outcomes of patients with AFMR to define this "new" population. METHODS: Data of patients who underwent mitral valve repair for MR from 2000 to 2020 were reviewed. Patients with degenerative/myxomatous disease, ejection fraction <50% (ventricular FMR), and miscellaneous etiologies including endocarditis and rheumatic disease were excluded to isolate a population of "pure" AFMR patients. Descriptive characteristics and outcomes data were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 123 total AFMR patients, mean preoperative left atrial dimensions were enlarged to 4.9 (95% CI, 4.7-5.0) cm, whereas mean preoperative left ventricular diastolic dimensions remained near normal at 5.0 (95% CI, 4.9-5.2) cm. Preoperative atrial fibrillation was noted in 61% (74/123). Echocardiogram was performed in 58% (71/123) of patients at a median of 569 (interquartile range, 75-1782) days after surgery. Of those, 72% (51/71) had trivial or no MR, 22% (16/71) mild, and only 6% (4/71) moderate or greater MR. Only 1.6% (2/123) required redo mitral valve reoperation. Estimated 5-year survival was 74%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AFMR do well after mitral valve repair using an annuloplasty ring, with low rates of reoperation, mortality, and recurrence of MR. Mitral annuloplasty should be considered the surgical therapy of choice for AFMR.

Advancing Quality Metrics for Durable Left Ventricular Assist Device Implant: Analysis of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Intermacs Database.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation are at risk for death and postoperative adverse outcomes. Interhospital variability and concordance of quality metrics were assessed using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (Intermacs). METHODS: A total of 22 173 patients underwent primary, durable LVAD implantation across 160 hospitals from 2012 to 2020, excluding hospitals performing <10 implant procedures. Observed and risk-adjusted operative mortality rates were calculated for each hospital. Outcomes included operative and 90-day mortality, a composite of adverse events (operative mortality, bleeding, stroke, device malfunction, renal dysfunction, respiratory failure), and secondarily failure to rescue. Rates are presented as median (interquartile range [IQR]). Hospital performance was evaluated using observed-to-expected (O/E) ratios for mortality and the composite outcome. RESULTS: Interhospital variability existed in observed (median, 7.2% [IQR, 5.1%-9.6%]) mortality. The rates of adverse events varied across hospitals: major bleeding, 15.6% (IQR, 11.4%-22.4%); stroke, 3.1% (IQR, 1.6%-4.7%); device malfunction, 2.4% (IQR, 0.8%-3.7%); respiratory failure, 10.5% (IQR, 4.6%-15.7%); and renal dysfunction, 6.4% (IQR, 3.2%-9.6%). The O/E ratio for operative mortality varied from 0.0 to 6.1, whereas the O/E ratio for the composite outcome varied from 0.28 to 1.99. Hospital operative mortality O/E ratios were more closely correlated with the 90-day mortality O/E ratio (r = 0.74) than with the composite O/E ratio (r = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: This study reported substantial interhospital variability in performance for hospitals implanting durable LVADs. These findings support the need to (1) report hospital-level performance (mortality, composite) and (2) undertake benchmarking activities to reduce unwarranted variability in outcomes.

Ultrasonic Emulsification of Severe Mitral Annular Calcification During Mitral Valve Replacement.

PURPOSE: Severe mitral annular calcification (MAC) increases surgical complexity and is independently associated with increased operative mortality for mitral valve replacement (MVR). Recently we adopted ultrasonic emulsification/aspiration for annular decalcification to address these risks and describe our early experience with this new technology. DESCRIPTION: Excluding previous mitral valve surgery or endocarditis, 179 patients with MAC underwent MVR at a single institution between January 2015 and March 2020. Of these, 15 consecutive patients with severe MAC (≥50% of the annulus) underwent annular decalcification with ultrasonic emulsification/aspiration as an adjunct treatment during MVR from April 2019 to March 2020. EVALUATION: Mean patient age was 68 ± 12 years, and 72% (n = 128) were female. Mean preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction was 60% ± 11%, and mean mitral valve gradient was 9.1 ± 4.4 mm Hg. Concomitant procedures included antiarrhythmia (n = 52), aortic valve replacement (n = 32), and coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 20). There were no operative deaths or strokes in the group undergoing ultrasonic emulsification and aspiration. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ultrasonic emulsification and aspiration in severe MAC patients may help mitigate the risks of MVR and facilitate operative success in this challenging, high-risk population.

Rheumatic mitral valve repair or replacement in the valve-in-valve era.

OBJECTIVE: For degenerative mitral disease, repair is superior to replacement; however, the best operative strategy for rheumatic mitral disease remains unclear. We evaluated the association between decision-making in choosing repair versus replacement and outcomes across 2 decades of rheumatic mitral surgery. METHODS: Patients undergoing isolated, first-time rheumatic mitral surgery were identified. Era 1 (1997-2008) and Era 2 (2009-2018) were distinguished by intraoperative assessment of anterior leaflet mobility/calcification (Era 2) in deciding between mitral repair versus replacement. Primary outcome was a composite of death, reoperation, and severe valve dysfunction. RESULTS: Among 180 patients, age was 59 ± 14 years, and ejection fraction was 58% ± 10%. A higher proportion in Era 1 (n = 56) compared with Era 2 (n = 124) had preoperative atrial fibrillation (68% vs 46%; P = .006); the groups were otherwise similar. Primary indication was mitral stenosis in 69% (124 out of 180; pure = 35, mixed = 89) and did not differ by era (P = .67). During Era 1, 70% (39 out of 56) underwent repair, compared with 33% (41 out of 124) during Era 2 (P < .001). Freedom from death, reoperation, or severe valve dysfunction at 5 years was higher in Era 2 (72% ± 9%) than Era 1 (54% ± 13%; P = .04). Five-year survival was higher in Era 2 than Era 1, but did not differ between repair versus replacement. Five-year cumulative incidence of reoperation with death as a competing risk did not differ by era, but was higher after repair than replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Careful assessment of anterior leaflet mobility/calcification to determine mitral repair or replacement was associated with improved outcomes. This decision-making strategy may alter the threshold for rheumatic mitral replacement in the current valve-in-valve era.