Second harvest of Congenital Heart Surgery Database in Türkiye: Current outcomes.

Background: This second harvest of the Congenital Heart Surgery Database intended to compare current results with international databases. Methods: This retrospective study examined a total of 4007 congenital heart surgery procedures from 15 centers in the Congenital Heart Surgery Database between January 2018 and January 2023. International diagnostic and procedural codes were used for data entry. STAT (Society of Thoracic Surgeons and European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery) mortality scores and categories were used for comparison of the data. Surgical priority status was modified from American Society of Anesthesiologist guidelines. Centers that sent more than 5 cases to the database were included to the study. Results: Cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest were performed in 2,983 (74.4%) procedures. General risk factors were present in 22.6% of the patients, such as genetic anomaly, syndrome, or prematurity. Overall, 18.9% of the patients had preoperative risk factors (e.g., mechanical ventilation, renal failure, and sepsis). Of the procedures, 610 (15.2%) were performed on neonates, 1,450 (36.2%) on infants, 1,803 (45%) on children, and 144 (3.6%) on adults. The operative timing was elective in 56.5% of the patients, 34.4% were urgent, 8% were emergent, and 1.1% were rescue procedures. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was used in 163 (4%) patients, with a 34.3% survival rate. Overall mortality in this series was 6.7% (n=271). Risk for mortality was higher in patients with general risk factors, such as prematurity, low birth weight neonates, and heterotaxy syndrome. Mortality for patients with preoperative mechanical ventilation was 17.5%. Pulmonary hypertension and preoperative circulatory shock had 11.6% and 10% mortality rates, respectively. Mortality for patients who had no preoperative risk factor was 3.9%. Neonates had the highest mortality rate (20.5%). Intensive care unit and hospital stay time for neonates (median of 17.8 days and 24.8 days, respectively) were also higher than the other age groups. Infants had 6.2% mortality. Hospital mortality was 2.8% for children and 3.5% for adults. Mortality rate was 2.8% for elective cases. Observed mortality rates were higher than expected in the fourth and fifth categories of the STAT system (observed, 14.8% and 51.9%; expected, 9.9% and 23.1%; respectively). Conclusion: For the first time, outcomes of congenital heart surgery in Türkiye could be compared to the current world experience with this multicenter database study. Increased mortality rate of neonatal and complex heart operations could be delineated as areas that need improvement. The Congenital Heart Surgery Database has great potential for quality improvement of congenital heart surgery in Türkiye. In the long term, participation of more centers in the database may allow more accurate risk adjustment.

Clinical evaluation of two adult oxygenator systems in terms of mortality and major adverse events.

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to examine the effects of two oxygenator systems on major adverse events and mortality. METHODS: A total of 181 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in our clinic were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the oxygenator used: Group M, in which a Medtronic Affinity (Medtronic Operational Headquarters, Minneapolis, MN, USA) oxygenator was used, and Group S, in which a Sorin Inspire (Sorin Group Italia, Mirandola, Italy) oxygenator was used. RESULTS: Group S consisted of 89 patients, whereas Group M included 92 patients. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of age (p = .112), weight (p = .465), body surface area (p = .956), or gender (p = .484). There was no statistically significant difference in hemorrhage on the first or second postoperative day (p = .318 and p = .455, respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed in terms of red blood cell (p = .468), fresh frozen plasma (p = .116), or platelet concentrate transfusion (p = .212). Infections, wound complications, and delayed sternal closure were significantly more common in Group M (p = .006, p = .023, and p = .019, respectively). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenators and intra-aortic balloon pumps were required significantly more frequently in Group S (p = .025 and p = .013, respectively). Major adverse events occurred in 16 (18%) patients in Group S and 14 (15.2%) patients in Group M (p = .382). Mortality was observed in six (6.7%) patients in Group S and three (3.3%) patients in Group M (p = .232). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of length of hospital stay (p = .451). CONCLUSION: The clinical outcomes of the two oxygenator systems, including mortality, major adverse events, hemorrhage, erythrocyte and platelet transfusions, and length of hospital stay, were similar.

Isolated coarctation repair through a left thoracotomy in children.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated aortic coarctation performed through a left thoracotomy resection and end-to-end anastomosis results in low mortality and morbidity rates. Recoarctation and late hypertension are among the most important complications after such repairs. In this study, we reviewed the results of children who underwent left-side thoracotomy to correct an isolated aortic coarctation. METHOD: A consecutive sample of 90 patients who underwent resection and extended end-to-end anastomosis through a left-side thoracotomy in our centre between 2011 and 2021 was retrospectively analysed. The patients' preoperative characteristics, operative data, and post-operative early and long-term results were examined. RESULTS: All patients underwent resection and extended end-to-end anastomosis. A pulmonary artery band was applied simultaneously to three (3.3%) patients, and an aberrant right subclavian artery division was applied to one (1.1%) patient. The mean cross-clamp time was 29.13 ± 6.97 minutes. Two (2.2%) patients required reoperation in the early period. Mortality was observed in one (1.1%) patient in the early period. Eight (8.8%) patients developed recoarctation, of whom four (4.4%) underwent reoperation and four (4.4%) underwent balloon angioplasty. Twenty-two (26.8%) patients received follow-up antihypertensive treatment. The mean follow-up period was 41.3 ± 22.8 months. No mortality was observed in the late period. CONCLUSION: Isolated coarctation is successfully treated with left-side thoracotomy resection and an extended end-to-end anastomosis technique with low mortality, morbidity, and low long-term recoarctation rates. Long-term follow-up is required due to the risks of early and late post-operative recoarctation, which requires reintervention.

Myocardial Protection in Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Del Nido versus Blood Cardioplegia.

INTRODUCTION: Our study aimed to examine the impacts of blood cardioplegia (BC) and del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) solutions - which we used in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) - on early mortality and major adverse events (MAE). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 329 consecutive patients who underwent CABG in our clinic between January 2016 and January 2020. Myocardial infarction, reoperation, cardiac tamponade, stroke, renal failure, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation requirement, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were defined as MAE. The group in which DNC was used was Group D (181 [55%] patients), and the group in which BC was used was Group B (141 [45%] patients). RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups regarding age, weight, body surface area, gender, or European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score (P=0.615, P=0.560, P=0.934, P=0.365, P=0.955, respectively). Although there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of aortic cross-clamping time (P=0.712), cardiopulmonary bypass duration was longer in Group B (P=0.001). Even though the incidence of stroke was higher in Group B (P=0.030), no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups regarding total incidence of MAE, mortality, mechanical ventilation time, length of stay in the intensive care unit, or length of hospital stay (P=0.153, P=0.130, P=0.689, P=0.710, P=0.613, respectively). CONCLUSION: We found no significant difference in MAE, mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, or hospital stay between the DNC and BC groups. We believe that both solutions can be used safely for cardiac protection in the adult patient population.

Myocardial Protection in Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Del Nido versus Blood Cardioplegia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Our study aimed to examine the impacts of blood cardioplegia (BC) and del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) solutions - which we used in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) - on early mortality and major adverse events (MAE). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 329 consecutive patients who underwent CABG in our clinic between January 2016 and January 2020. Myocardial infarction, reoperation, cardiac tamponade, stroke, renal failure, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation requirement, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were defined as MAE. The group in which DNC was used was Group D (181 [55%] patients), and the group in which BC was used was Group B (141 [45%] patients). Results: No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups regarding age, weight, body surface area, gender, or European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score (P=0.615, P=0.560, P=0.934, P=0.365, P=0.955, respectively). Although there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of aortic cross-clamping time (P=0.712), cardiopulmonary bypass duration was longer in Group B (P=0.001). Even though the incidence of stroke was higher in Group B (P=0.030), no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups regarding total incidence of MAE, mortality, mechanical ventilation time, length of stay in the intensive care unit, or length of hospital stay (P=0.153, P=0.130, P=0.689, P=0.710, P=0.613, respectively). Conclusion: We found no significant difference in MAE, mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, or hospital stay between the DNC and BC groups. We believe that both solutions can be used safely for cardiac protection in the adult patient population.

Effect of aortic arch surgery in newborns' cerebral and gastrointestinal hemodynamics: evaluation by Doppler ultrasonography.

AIM: In this study, we investigated changes in newborns' cerebral and intestinal blood flow who had undergone aortic arch surgery. METHOD: This study was carried out prospectively as a preliminary study in patients younger than 30 days at the time of aortic arch reconstruction between 1 August and 1 December, 2019. Cerebral and gastrointestinal hemodynamics were evaluated with Doppler USG before and 7 days after the operation. The middle cerebral artery (MCA) and celiac artery (CA) were used as measurement sites. Patients' peak systolic velocity (PSV), mean systolic velocity (MV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients enrolled in the study. The patients' median weight was 3.2 kg (2.7-4.5 kg), and age was 21 days (7-30 days). Six of them were female. Seven of the patients who underwent arcus reconstruction had an additional ventricular septal defect. The preoperative Doppler USG values of patients' were as follows: for MCA, the mean PSV was 37 ± 12 cm/s, EDV 12 ± 5 cm/s, MV 22 ± 19 cm/s, RI 0.70 ± 0.03, PI 1.24 ± 0.23, and for CA mean PSV was 67 ± 32 cm/s, EDV 29 ± 14 cm/s, MV 24 ± 9 cm/s, RI 0.79 ± 0.27, and PI 1.63 ± 0.89. Doppler USG values of patients' at the postoperative seventh day were as follows: for the MCA, mean PSV 41 ± 13 cm/s, EDV 13 ± 4 cm/s, MV 25 ± 10 cm/s, RI 0.64 ± 0.05, PI 1.23 ± 0.20, and for the CA mean PSV 70.5 ± 34 cm/s, EDV 32 ± 16 cm/s, MV 26 ± 8 cm/s, RI 0.75 ± 0.1, and PI 1.60 ± 0.38. There was a significant decrease in RI of both MCA and CA on the postoperative 7th day compared to the preoperative period (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In newborns, there are significant changes in cerebral and intestinal blood flows after aortic arch surgery. RI decreased significantly, especially in the CA and MCA.

Surgical treatment of Ebstein anomaly in pediatric patients: A 10-year single-center study.

OBJECTIVE: We report the early and long-term results of the strategies and surgical methods used in our center to treat pediatric patients who underwent surgical intervention to correct Ebstein anomaly (EA) in our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our study, a consecutive sample of 29 patients who underwent surgery for EA between February 2011 and February 2020 in our center were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The 29 patients underwent a total of 40 operations. Univentricular repair was performed in 5 (17.2%), 1.5 ventricular repair in 5 (17.2%), and biventricular repair in the remaining 19 (65.5%) patients. Cone reconstruction (CR) was performed in eight (27.5%), non-Cone tricuspid valve (TV) repair technique in five (17.2%), ring annuloplasty in two (6.9%), and TV replacement in two patients (6.9%) who had undergone biventricular repair. In two patients (6.9%), only close an atrial septal defect. Two (6.9%) patients underwent a second operation for advanced tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in the early period. None of the 15 patients who underwent CR and TV plasty had moderate or advanced TR before discharge. Early mortality was seen in 1 (3.4%) patient. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 48.4±27.6 months. Three (10.7%) of the patients who were discharged after their first operation later underwent a second operation for TV regurgitation in the long term. No mortality was observed in any patient during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of EA is difficult, but its overall results are good. The anatomical repair rate is lower in neonatal and infant patients requiring surgery, but most of these patients underwent biventricular repair. Our long-term results demonstrated an acceptable survival rate, low mortality in the early postoperative period, and low incidence of re-intervention and morbidity.

Evaluation of different lead types and implantation techniques in pediatric populations with permanent pacemakers: Single-center with 10 years' experience.

BACKGROUND: Permanent pacemaker (PM) implantation is performed for various indications and by different techniques in children; however, many problems with lead performance are encountered during follow-up. This study aims to evaluate the possible effects of different lead types and implantation techniques on pacing at early and midterm in children with a permanent PM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pediatric patients who underwent permanent PM system implantation at our tertiary cardiac surgery center between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were categorized in the epicardial pacing lead (EP), transvenous pacing lead (TP), and transvenous bipolar lumenless (Select Secure [SS]) lead groups according to the lead implantation technique and lead type with the same manufacturer. Groups were evaluated statistically for demographic features, pacing type and indication for implantation, lead electrical performance, lead failure, complications, and outcome. RESULTS: Over 10 years, 323 lead implantations were performed on 167 patients (96 males, median age 68 months [5 days-18 years]). Of 323 leads, 213 (66%) were EP, 64 (20%) were TP, and 46 (14%) were SS. Of the total, 136 of the leads were implanted in atria, and 187 were implanted in ventricles. Primary pacing indications were postoperative complete atrioventricular (AV) block (n = 95), congenital AV block (n = 71), sinus node dysfunction (n = 13), and acquired complete AV block (n = 1). Additional cardiac diseases were present in 115 patients (69%). No statistically significant difference was observed in gender, syndrome, or pacing indication (P > .05). Atrial and ventricular capture, threshold, sensing, and lead impedance measurements were not significantly different at the initial and follow-up periods (P > .05). The median follow-up duration was 3.3 years (6 months-10 years). Twenty lead failures were determined in 15 patients (EP: 14 lead failures in 10 patients; TP: two lead failures in two patients; and SS: four lead failures in three patients) during follow-up, and no statistically significant difference was found between groups (P = .466). The 5-year lead survival was 98% for TP, 95% for EP, and 90% for SS; the 10-year lead survival was 90% for TP, 70% for EP, and 70% for SS. There was no mortality related to chronic pacing or due to the procedure of implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite improvements in technology, lead failure is still one of the most critical problems during these patients' follow-up. Early to midterm lead survival rates of all three lead types were satisfactory.

Early results of neopulmonary valve creation technique using right atrial appendage tissue.

INTRODUCTION: Various valve repair techniques have been described for prevention of pulmonary insufficiency (PI) during right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction with transannular patch. Herein, we present the early results of an alternative technique of neopulmonary valve reconstruction using right atrial appendage (RAA) tissue. METHODS: Between October 2019 and December 2019, 12 patients with tetralogy of fallot (TOF) (n = 10), TOF-absent pulmonary valve (n = 1) and intact ventricular septum-pulmonary atresia (n = 1) underwent RVOT reconstruction with neopulmonary valve that was created using RAA tissue. Median age and weight of patients were 9.9 months (5 months-14 years) and 9.8 kg (6.2-47), respectively. RESULTS: No mortality or major events developed. Postoperative echocardiography revealed none/trace PI in 11 patients and mild PI in 1 patient. Median right ventricle/left ventricle ratio was 0.46 (0.35-0.65) and RVOT gradient was 20 mm Hg (0-30). Median cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping times were 121 minutes (81-178) and 94 minutes (59-138), respectively. Operative times revealed statistically significant learning curve pattern in terms of cardiopulmonary bypass (r2 = .568; P = .005) and aortic clamping times (r2 = .635; P = .002). Median ventilation time, intensive care unit stay, and the length of hospital stay were 6 hours (2-48), 1 days (1-5), and 7 days (4-10), respectively. Longer perfusion time was not correlated with postoperative times. At median 6 months, echocardiography showed none/trivial PI in 11 patients and mild PI in one patient. CONCLUSION: Early results showed that neopulmonary valve reconstruction using the RAA tissue may provide a reasonable alternative for RVOT reconstruction with transannular patch. But long-term results are needed.

Short- and midterm outcomes of aortic arch reconstruction: Beating heart versus cardiac arrest.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the short- and midterm results of perfusion strategies used for arch reconstruction surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy-three consecutive patients who underwent aortic arch reconstruction surgery for transverse arcus hypoplasia between January 2011 and February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups, as beating heart (BH) group and cardiac arrest (CA) group. RESULTS: The CA group comprised 60 (35%) patients and the remaining 113 (65%) patients were in the BH group. The median age of the patients was 30 (interquartile range: 18-95) days. The incidences of acute renal failure (ARF) and delayed sternal closure were higher in the CA group (p = .05, <.001, respectively). Balloon angioplasty was performed in 5 (2%) patients and reoperation was performed in 11 (6%) patients due to restenosis. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of reoperation or reintervention rates (p = .44 and .34, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Both strategies were associated with satisfactory midterm prevention of reintervention and reoperation. Given the lower incidence of ARF and delayed sternal closure in the postoperative period and similar midterm outcomes, we believe that the BH strategy is preferable.

Parameters affecting pleural drainage and management strategy after Fontan operation.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged pleural drainage is a common complication after undergoing the Fontan procedure. Although various protocols have been described, there is no definitive consensus for how to treat this complication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our primary aim was to determine the effect of the management strategy protocol on the duration of drainage and length of hospital stay. Our secondary aim was to determine the parameters affecting the need for prolonged drainage after the Fontan procedure. Ninety-two consecutive patients who underwent the Fontan procedure were retrospectively analyzed. A protocol-based postoperative management strategy was adopted in July 2018. Group 1 (n = 48) consisted of patients that underwent the procedure before the protocol was implemented. Group 2 (n = 44) consisted of patients that underwent the procedure after the protocol was implemented. RESULTS: The mean age was 5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 4.0-6.9); the mean body weight was 17.3 kg (IQR, 15.1-21.8). Statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of total drainage, duration of pleural drainage, prolonged drainage, and length of hospital stays (LOHS) (P = .05, P = .04, P = .04, P = .04, respectively). The multivariate analysis results showed that the application of the protocol was the only factor impacting prolonged drainage (OR, 2.46, 95% CI lower-upper: 1.03-5.86, P = .04). CONCLUSION: Standardization and strict application of the medical treatment within a specific protocol without being affected by doctor-, nurse-, or patient-based factors increases the success rate of this procedure. After implementing the changes in the medical management strategy, total drainage and duration of pleural drainage and LOHS decreased, and the costs associated with these factors also decreased.

Ultrasonographic postoperative evaluation of diaphragm function of patients with congenital heart defects.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the role of ultrasonography in the postoperative evaluation of diaphragm function in patients with congenital heart defect. METHODS: This prospective study included a total of 360 patients (176 males, 184 females; mean age 2 years; range, 1 month to 8 years) who underwent congenital heart surgery and 44 patients (22 males, 22 females; mean age 1 years; range, 1 month to 4 years) who underwent diaphragm ultrasonography between September 2018 and March 2019. Ultrasonography was performed for the patients who had difficulty in weaning from mechanical ventilation or who were thought to have diaphragm dysfunction due to pathological findings on postoperative chest X-rays. The findings were interpreted as normal, paresis, or paralysis. RESULTS: Diaphragm dysfunction was demonstrated in 23 patients (6.3%), paralysis in 11 patients (3%), and paresis in 12 patients (3.3%). A median sternotomy was performed in 21 patients (91%), and seven of them (30%) were redo cases. Five patients (21%) had single ventricle physiology. Six patients (1.6%) needed an intervention due to diaphragm dysfunction. The interventional procedures were diaphragm plication in three patients (0.8%) and tracheotomy in three patients (0.8%). Three of these patients had a single ventricle and three had biventricular physiology. The median time after surgery for these procedures was 36 days. One patient (0.2%) died in the intensive care unit. The mean length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital was 36±12 and 48±21 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: Diaphragm dysfunction should be kept in mind in patients undergoing congenital heart surgery and in those who need prolonged intubation during the postoperative period. Ultrasonography is a non-invasive diagnostic tool which can be used to identify diaphragm dysfunction and the best course of management of this clinical condition.

Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in postcardiotomy pediatric patients: parameters affecting survival.

AIM: We aimed to investigate the risk factors affecting survival after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use in pediatric postcardiotomy patients. METHODS: One hundred thirty-three consecutive patients who underwent surgery for congenital heart disease who needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: In all, 3,082 patients were operated, of which 140 patients (4.54% of the total number of operations) needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Eighty (60.1%) patients were successfully weaned and 51 (38.3%) patients were discharged. Of the 50 patients discharged during the mean follow-up period of 34.8 (0-192.4) months, 6 (12%) patients died. The extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was instituted in 29 (21.8%) patients for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cardiopulmonary resuscitation, in 44 (33.1%) patients due to the inability to be separated from cardiopulmonary bypass, in 19 (14.3%) patients due to respiratory failure, and in 41 patients due to low cardiac output syndrome. Eighty patients (60.2%) were successfully weaned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. The remaining 53 (39.8%) patients died on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Mortality was observed in 29 (21.8%) of the 80 patients in the successful weaning group, while the remaining 51 (38.3%) patients were discharged from the hospital. Multivariate analysis showed that double-ventricular physiology increased the rate of successful weaning (odds ratio: 3.4, 95% confidence interval lower: 1.5 and upper: 8, p = 0.004) and prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation durations were a risk factor in successful weaning (odds ratio: 0.9, 95% confidence interval lower: 0.8 and upper: 0.9, p = 0.007). The parameters affecting mortality were the presence of syndrome (odds ratio: 3.8, 95% confidence interval lower: 1.0 and upper: 14.9, p = 0.05), single-ventricular physiology (odds ratio: 5.3, 95% confidence interval lower: 1.8 and upper: 15.3, p = 0.002), and the need for a second extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio: 12.9, 95% confidence interval lower: 1.6 and upper: 104.2, p = 0.02). While 1-year survival was 15.2% and 3-year survival was 12.1% in patients with single-ventricular physiology, the respective survival rates were 43.9% and 40.8%. CONCLUSION: Parameters affecting mortality after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in pediatric postcardiotomy patient group were the presence of a syndrome, multiple runs of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and single-ventricular physiology. Timing of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation, appropriate patient selection, appropriate reintervention or reoperation for patients with correctable pathology, the use of an appropriate cannulation strategy in single-ventricle patients, management of shunt flow, and appropriate interventions to reduce the incidence of complications play key roles in improving survival.

Risk Factors for Major Adverse Events after Surgical Closure of Ventricular Septal Defect in Patients Less than 1 Year of Age: A Single-Center Retrospective.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the risk factors that can lead to a complicated course and an increased morbidity in patients < 1 year old after surgical ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure. METHODS: We reviewed a consecutive series of patients who were admitted to our institution for surgical VSD closure who were under one year of age, between 2015 and 2018. Mechanical ventilation (MV) time > 24 hours, intensive care unit (ICU) stay longer than three days, and hospital stay longer than seven days were defined as "prolonged". Unplanned reoperation, complete heart block requiring a permanent pacemaker implantation, sudden circulatory arrest, and death were considered as significant major adverse events (MAE). RESULTS: VSD closure was performed in 185 patients. The median age was five (1-12) months. There was prolonged MV time in 54 (29.2%) patients. Four patients (2.2%) required permanent pacemaker implantation. Hemodynamically significant residual VSD was observed in six (3.2%) patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed in one (0.5%) patient. Small age (< 4 months) (P-value<0.001) and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (P=0.03) were found to delay extubation and to prolong MV time. Low birth weight at the operation was associated with MAE (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Higher body weight during operation had a reducing effect on the MAE frequency and shortened the MV duration, ICU stay, and hospital stay. As a conclusion, for patients who are scheduled to undergo VSD closure, body weight should be taken into consideration.

Risk factors for major adverse events after surgical closure of ventricular septal defect in patients less than 1 year of age: a single-center retrospective

Abstract Objective: To reveal the risk factors that can lead to a complicated course and an increased morbidity in patients < 1 year old after surgical ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure. Methods: We reviewed a consecutive series of patients who were admitted to our institution for surgical VSD closure who were under one year of age, between 2015 and 2018. Mechanical ventilation (MV) time > 24 hours, intensive care unit (ICU) stay longer than three days, and hospital stay longer than seven days were defined as "prolonged". Unplanned reoperation, complete heart block requiring a permanent pacemaker implantation, sudden circulatory arrest, and death were considered as significant major adverse events (MAE). Results: VSD closure was performed in 185 patients. The median age was five (1-12) months. There was prolonged MV time in 54 (29.2%) patients. Four patients (2.2%) required permanent pacemaker implantation. Hemodynamically significant residual VSD was observed in six (3.2%) patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed in one (0.5%) patient. Small age (< 4 months) (P-value<0.001) and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (P=0.03) were found to delay extubation and to prolong MV time. Low birth weight at the operation was associated with MAE (P=0.03). Conclusion: Higher body weight during operation had a reducing effect on the MAE frequency and shortened the MV duration, ICU stay, and hospital stay. As a conclusion, for patients who are scheduled to undergo VSD closure, body weight should be taken into consideration.

Short-term results of flanged Bentall de Bono and valve-sparing David V procedures for the treatment of aortic root aneurysms.

AIM: Even though the Bentall de Bono procedure is widely used for the treatment of aortic root aneurysms, the procedure is under scrutiny nowadays because of complications due to mechanical prosthetic valves and the need for life-long anticoagulation. Due to these complications, aortic valve-sparing operations are being researched. In this study we compared the short-term morbidity and mortality rates of both Bentall de Bono and valve-sparing David V procedures. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated data from 70 patients who had undergone surgery for aortic root aneurysm between April 2009 and June 2013. We had performed the Bentall de Bono procedure on 46 patients and the David V procedure on 24 patients. Mortality rates, cardpulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic cross-clamp durations, postoperative arrhythmias, and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays were compared in this study. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference for mortality rate (p = 0.57), while the CPB time and cross-clamp duration were shorter in the Bentall group. When we compared the length of ICU and hospital stay, we observed that the David group stayed longer in ICU (p = 0.003) but the duration of hospital stay was shorter (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Despite Bentall de Bono being the most commonly used procedure, the short-, mid- and long-term results of both procedures were similar. Spared native aortic valve and lack of anticoagulation usage are notable advantages of the David V procedure.