Coronary Bypass Graft Pseudoaneurysm Successfully Treated by PTFE-Covered Jostent GraftMaster.

A 60-year-old male presented 12 months after CABG surgery with a large pulsatile sternal mass. CT scan of the chest demonstrated a pseudoaneurysm originating from the mid saphenous vein graft to the PDA measuring 7.7 x 7.2 x 6.0 cm. After a multidisciplinary consultation, a decision was made to place a Jostent GraftMaster to completely seal the communication of the extravasation.

Coronary Artery Disease Complexity on the Outcomes of a Staged Approach of PCI Followed by Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: A staged approach of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) followed by minimally invasive valve surgery (MIVS) is an alternative to the combined coronary artery bypass graft and valve surgery for patients with concomitant coronary artery (CAD) and valvular heart disease. We sought to evaluate the impact of the complexity of CAD, as assessed by the Syntax score, on the outcomes of the staged approach. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 138 patients who underwent PCI and MIVS at our institution between January 2009 and June 2013. The baseline Syntax score was calculated, and the patients were divided into two groups: low risk (Syntax scores, 0-22) or intermediate-high risk (>22). RESULTS: There were 125 patients with low (mean ± standard deviation, 8 ± 5) and 13 with intermediate-high (mean ± standard deviation, 26 ± 4) Syntax scores. Baseline, PCI, and operative characteristics were similar between the groups, except for an observed higher incidence of peripheral arterial disease, multivessel coronary disease, mitral valve replacement, and a higher predicted The Society of Thoracic Surgeons mortality risk score in the intermediate-high Syntax group. The short-term postoperative complications, 30-day mortality, and 3-year survival (84% vs 77%) were similar between the groups. Patients in the intermediate-high-risk group had a higher incidence of repeat target vessel revascularization during follow-up (0.8% vs 16.7%). CONCLUSIONS: A staged approach of PCI followed by MIVS is a safe and feasible alternative for patients with valvular heart disease and concomitant CAD. However, it may confer an increased incidence of repeat target vessel revascularization in patients with intermediate- to high-complexity CAD.

Completeness of revascularization and its impact on the outcomes of a staged approach of percutaneous coronary intervention followed by minimally invasive valve surgery for patients with concomitant coronary artery and valvular heart disease.

BACKGROUND: A staged approach of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) followed by minimally invasive valve surgery (MIVS) is an alternative to the conventional combined coronary artery bypass and valve surgery for patients with concomitant coronary artery and valve disease. Limited data exist on degree of the completeness of revascularization achieved with this approach and its impact on outcomes. METHODS: A total of 138 patients, who underwent a staged approach between January 2009 and June 2013, were retrospectively evaluated. Coronary angiograms were reviewed by two cardiologists blinded to outcomes and were then categorized into two groups: complete or incomplete revascularization, which was defined as ≥1 major epicardial coronary arteries of at least 2.0 mm diameter with ≥70% untreated obstruction after the index PCI and before MIVS. RESULTS: Complete and incomplete revascularization was achieved in 105 (76%) and 33 (24%) patients, respectively. The patients with incomplete revascularization had a lower ejection fraction, a higher STS score, and more prior myocardial infarctions and multi-vessel coronary artery disease. There were no differences in the post-operative complications, 30-day mortality, or 3-year survival (84 vs. 83%, P = 0.68). After a median follow-up of 29 months, incompletely revascularized patients had a higher incidence of acute coronary syndrome (2.9 vs. 12.9%, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing a staged approach of PCI followed by MIVS, incomplete revascularization did not significantly impact the short or mid-term survival, but was associated with an increased incidence of acute coronary syndrome at follow-up. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Contrast-induced nephropathy in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Contrast Induced Nephropathy (CIN) is a feared complication of numerous radiological procedures that expose patients to contrast media. The most notorious of these procedures is percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Not only is this a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, but it also adds to increased costs in high risk patients undergoing PCI. It is thought to result from direct cytotoxicity and hemodynamic challenge to renal tissue. CIN is defined as an increase in serum creatinine by either ≥0.5 mg/dL or by ≥25% from baseline within the first 2-3 days after contrast administration, after other causes of renal impairment have been excluded. The incidence is considerably higher in diabetics, elderly and patients with pre-existing renal disease when compared to the general population. The nephrotoxic potential of various contrast agents must be evaluated completely, with prevention as the mainstay of focus as no effective treatment exists. The purpose of this article is to examine the pathophysiology, risk factors, and clinical course of CIN, as well as the most recent studies dealing with its prevention and potential therapeutic interventions, especially during PCI. The role of gadolinium as an alternative to iodinated contrast is also discussed.

Predictive model of blood transfusion during CABG surgery in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine predictors of need for transfusion of blood and blood products and create a clinical predictive model to reduce indiscriminate use of blood products during surgery. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 485 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery from January 2004 to December 2004 at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Independent predictors associated with transfusion were identified and a clinical prediction model developed. RESULTS: The transfusion rate was 37.1%. A predictive model was created based on the presence of pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, low ejection fraction and recent/ongoing myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: The study identifies some predictors of need for blood transfusion in patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting. However, prospective studies with a larger sample of patients are needed to determine other predictors and their applicability in patient selection across institutions.

Chylopericardium--a rare complication after ventricular septal defect repair.

Chylopericardium is a rare complication of cardiac surgery. It may be caused by a lesion in the thoracic duct or its tributaries or by thrombosis in the confluence of the jugular and left subclavian veins, obstructing the drainage of the thoracic duct. The treatment may be conservative or surgical, depending on the duration and on the volume of the effusion. We report the case of a 1 1/2 year-old male, who, in the late postoperative period of VSD repair, was hospitalized with low-grade fever and breathlessness for one week due to the presence of chylopericardium. The clinical findings and treatment performed are discussed.