Hemodynamic Comparison of the On-X and Top Hat Mechanical Aortic Valve Prostheses.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data comparing hemodynamic valve function in mechanical aortic valve prostheses. This study compared the hemodynamic function of 2 commonly used mechanical aortic valve (AV) prostheses, the On-X (Artivion) and Top Hat (CarboMedics Inc) valves. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of 512 patients who underwent AV replacement with the On-X (n = 252; 49%) or Top Hat (n = 260; 51%) mechanical valves between 2011 and 2019. Patients were matched on the basis of selected variables. Echocardiographic data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively over a median follow-up of 1.39 years. RESULTS: A total of 320 patients were matched, 160 patients in each group. Despite being matched for left ventricular outflow tract diameter, patients in the Top Hat group received a greater prevalence of smaller tissue annulus diameter valves (≤21 mm) (83% vs 38%; P < .001). Patients in the On-X group had longer aortic cross-clamp times (78 minutes vs 64 minutes; P < .001) during isolated aortic valve replacement. Discharge echocardiography showed no difference in the AV area index between both groups (1.00 cm2/m2 vs 1.02 cm2/m2; P = .377). During longer-term echocardiographic follow-up, the AV area index remained stable for both valves within their respective tissue annulus diameter groups (P = .060). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference between the 2 valves with respect to the AV area index at discharge, and hemodynamic function was stable during longer-term follow-up. The longer aortic cross-clamp time observed in the On-X group may indicate increased complexity of implantation compared with the Top Hat group.

Diagnosis and surgical management of pericardial constriction after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Previous cardiac surgery is an increasingly common etiology of constrictive pericarditis, but there is a paucity of data on clinical presentation and outcome of surgical treatment. METHODS: We reviewed data of 263 patients who underwent pericardiectomy for postoperative constriction from January 1, 1993, through July 1, 2017. Outcomes of interest were early and late mortality, as well as features of clinical presentation. RESULTS: Median patient age was 64 (56-72) years, and the median interval between previous operation and pericardiectomy was 2.7 years (range, 0-54 years). Previous operations included coronary artery bypass grafting in 114 (43%), valve surgery in 85 (32%), combined coronary artery bypass grafting and valve surgery in 33 (13%), and other procedures in 31 (12%). Common presentations were symptoms of right heart failure in 221 (84%) or dyspnea in 42 (16%). Moderate-to-severe tricuspid valve regurgitation was present in 108 (41%) patients. There were 14 (5.5%) deaths within 30 days postoperatively, and survival at 5 and 10 years postoperatively was 61% and 44%. On multivariate analysis, older age (P = .013), diabetes (P = .019), and nonelective pericardiectomy within 2 years of cardiac surgery (P < .001) were associated with decreased long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS: Pericardial constriction after cardiac surgery can present at any interval postoperatively. Symptoms and signs of right heart failure in patients with previous cardiac surgery should alert physicians to the possibility of pericardial constriction followed by a correct diagnosis. Pericardiectomy performed urgently following cardiac operation has poor long-term outcomes.

The interaction of forced expiratory volume in 1 s and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide with outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVES: Low forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-Pro-BNP) have been individually associated with poor outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We hypothesized a combination of the 2 would provide prognostic indication after TAVR. METHODS: We categorized 871 patients who received TAVR from 2008 to 2018 into 4 groups according to baseline FEV1 (<60% or ≥60% predicted) and NT-Pro-BNP (<1601 or ≥1601 pg/ml): group A (n = 312, high FEV1, low NT-Pro-BNP), group B (n = 275, high FEV1, high NT-Pro-BNP), group C (n = 123 low FEV1, low NT-Pro-BNP) and group D (n = 161, low FEV1, high NT-Pro-BNP). The primary end point was survival at 1 and 5 years. RESULTS: Patients in group A had more severe aortic stenosis and achieved the best long-term survival at 1 [93% (95% CI: 90-96)] and 5 [45.3% (95% CI: 35.4-58)] years. Low FEV1 and high NT-Pro-BNP (group D) patients had more severe symptoms, higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of operative mortality, lower ejection fraction and aortic valve gradient at baseline. Patients in group D had the worst survival at 1 [76% (95% CI: 69-83)] and 5 years [13.1% (95% CI: 7-25)], hazard ratio compared to group A: 2.29 (95% CI: 1.6-3.2, P < 0.001) with 25.7% of patients in New York Heart Association class III-IV. Patients in groups B and C had intermediate outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of FEV1 and NT-Pro-BNP stratifies patients into 4 groups with distinct risk profiles and clinical outcomes. Patients with low FEV1 and high NT-Pro-BNP have increased comorbidities, poor functional outcomes and decreased long-term survival after TAVR.

Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection With Intact Atrial Septum: Early and Midterm Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return with intact atrial septum warrants greater understanding and evaluation in the literature. METHODS: From January 1993 to December 2018, 293 patients with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return underwent surgical repair. Of these, 45 patients (15.3%) had an intact atrial septum. The median age was 36 years (interquartile range, 24-48). Direct reimplantation was used in 17 patients (38%), intracardiac baffling in 15 (33%), and caval division (Warden) technique in 13 (29%). Descriptive statistics were used to assess the data, and Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess survival. RESULTS: Anomalous veins were right-sided in 27 patients (60%), left-sided in 16 patients (36%), and bilateral in 2 patients (4%). The insertion sites were the superior vena cava in 23 patients (51%), innominate vein in 12 (27%), inferior vena cava in 6 (13%), coronary sinus in 2 (4%), right atrium in 1 patient (2%), and unknown in 1 patient (2%). Scimitar syndrome was noted in 8 patients (18%). There was no postoperative mortality or residual defects. Postoperative echocardiography excluded any obstruction of pulmonary or systemic veins. Postoperative complications included atrial fibrillation in 9 patients (20%) and pneumothorax requiring chest tube in 5 patients (11%). Survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 100%, 95%, and 95%, respectively. Two patients underwent pulmonary vein dilation, one at 3 years and the other at 7 years. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical repair of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection with intact atrial septum can be performed with excellent early and midterm outcomes. The overall incidence of midterm systemic or pulmonary vein stenosis is low.

Optimal Management of Mitral Regurgitation Due to Ruptured Mitral Chordae Tendineae in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

There is continued controversy regarding surgical management of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and intrinsic mitral valve disease; some clinicians favor prosthetic replacement as this corrects left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction and valve leakage. In this study, we investigated the management and late outcome of operation for mitral regurgitation (MR) due to ruptured chordae tendineae in patients with HCM. We analyzed 49 consecutive patients with HCM and MR due to ruptured mitral valve chordae. Echocardiograms and operative reports were reviewed to classify valve anatomy and surgical methods. Information on late outcomes was obtained from electronic medical records and follow-up surveys. The mean age of the 36 men and 13 women was 61.9 ± 12.5 years; significant resting or provoked LVOT obstruction was present at the time of surgery in 46 patients. During the index operation, mitral valve repair was performed in 45 patients, and prosthetic replacement was necessary for 4 patients. Concomitant septal myectomy was performed in 46 patients. There were no hospital deaths or deaths within 30 days of operation. Five and ten-year survival estimates (Kaplan-Meier) were 92% and 71%. During follow-up at a median of 7.9 years, 3 patients underwent reoperation for MV replacement, 5 days, 3 years, and 14 years following valve repair. Ruptured mitral chordae may result in severe mitral valve regurgitation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Valvuloplasty at the time of septal myectomy is safe with an acceptably low rate of recurrent MR requiring prosthetic replacement.

Incidence of Reoperation After Surgical Procedure for Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction in Children and Young Adults.

BACKGROUND: The common causes of subaortic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and membranous/tunnel subaortic stenosis (SAS). Reoperation after corrective surgery may be due to recurrent disease, associated congenital defects, or complications of the initial procedure. This study compares the late outcomes of young patients with HCM and SAS. METHODS: We studied clinical, echocardiographic, and operative data of patients ≤21 years of age at the time of surgery for LVOTO between August 1963 and August 2018. We stratified patients into HCM (n = 152) and congenital SAS (n = 63) groups and compared survival and cumulative incidence of reoperation. RESULTS: At initial repair, patients with HCM were older than patients with SAS (median [interquartile range] age, 15 [10-19] years vs 8 [5-13] years; P < .001), and patients with HCM were more symptomatic with dyspnea (P < .001), chest pain (P = .002), and presyncope/syncope (P = .005). Thirty-day mortality was 1.3% vs 0% for HCM and SAS groups. During a median follow-up of 13.1 years, survival was similar through the first 10 years; but during the second decade, patients with HCM had poorer survival (survival at 20 years, 80% vs 91% for patients with SAS; P = .007). Ten years after repair, reoperation for recurrent LVOTO was performed in 5% of patients with HCM vs 31% in those with SAS (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In this surgical cohort, patients with HCM were more symptomatic preoperatively than those with SAS. Late survival of patients with SAS was superior to that of patients with HCM despite a greater need for reoperation.

Does Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair Mean Less Postoperative Pain?

BACKGROUND: Rapid recovery after minimally invasive mitral valve (MV) repair has been demonstrated in many studies, but the issue of postoperative pain has not been fully elucidated. We evaluated pain scores and medication use in patients undergoing MV repair by minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open sternotomy (OS). METHODS: Between 2008 and 2019, 1332 patients underwent isolated MV repair by OS, and 913 underwent minimally invasive MV repair. After 1:1 propensity score matching, the study included 709 patients in each group. Opioid use was quantified as oral morphine equivalents in milligrams for each hospital day. The highest pain scores were collected from a visual analogue scale at 6-hour intervals. Predictive modeling was employed to compare pain medications and pain scores between the groups. RESULTS: The postoperative median length of stay was 3 (3-4) and 5 (4-5) days for the MIS and OS groups, respectively (P < .001). The predicted geometric mean oral morphine equivalents demonstrated lower opioid use for the MIS group compared with the OS group for the first 4 days. However, the predicted mean pain score was higher in the first 24 hours for the MIS group compared with the OS group (4.7 [4.5-4.8] vs 4.4 [4.3-4.5], respectively, on a visual analogue scale of 0 to 10). CONCLUSIONS: MV repair by MIS methods was associated with decreased opioid use but not with decreased postoperative pain scores. Possible explanations include the difference in incision site pain and subjective differences in postoperative pain expectations.

Apixaban for Anticoagulation After Robotic Mitral Valve Repair.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus regarding postoperative anticoagulation after mitral valve repair (MVRep). We compared the outcomes of post-MVRep anticoagulation with apixaban compared to warfarin. METHODS: We reviewed data of 666 patients who underwent isolated robotic MVRep between January 2008 and October 2019. We excluded patients who had conversion to sternotomy and those discharged without anticoagulation or on clopidogrel (n = 40). Baseline and intraoperative characteristics and antiplatelet/anticoagulation records were collected. In-hospital and post-discharge complications and overall survival were compared. RESULTS: Among the 626 studied patients the median age was 58 years (interquartile range, 51-66), 71% were male, and 1% (n = 9) had atrial fibrillation. Eighty percent (n = 499) were discharged on warfarin and 20% on apixaban (n = 127). Almost all patients (126 of 127, 99%) in the apixaban group were also on aspirin at discharge, whereas in the warfarin group only 79% (n = 395) were also on aspirin at discharge. Baseline characteristics were similar, except that the apixaban group had more female patients (46 of 127, 36% vs 136 of 499, 27%, P = .047). There were no differences in in-hospital complications, including stroke. Readmission rate was higher in the apixaban group (15 of 127, 12% vs 30 of 499, 6%, P = .02), driven mostly by postoperative atrial fibrillation (6 of 127 [5%] vs 5 of 499 [1%], respectively; P = .01). There was no difference in other complications (including bleeding and thromboembolic events), or overall mortality within 3 years. Exclusion of patients who did not receive aspirin at discharge did not affect the results. CONCLUSIONS: Anticoagulation with apixaban after minimally invasive robotic MVRep is safe and has similar rates of bleeding and thromboembolism compared to patients treated with warfarin.

Robotic vs. minimally invasive mitral valve repair: A 5-year comparison of surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive mitral valve repair (MVr) is commonly performed. Data on the outcomes of robotic MVr versus nonrobotic minimally invasive MVr are lacking. We sought to compare the short-term and mid-term outcomes of robotic and nonrobotic MVr. METHODS: We reviewed all patients who underwent robotic MVr (n = 424) or nonrobotic MVr via right mini-thoracotomy (n = 86) at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, from January 2015 to February 2020. Data on baseline and operative characteristics, operative and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Patients were matched 1:1 using propensity scores. RESULTS: Sixty-nine matched pairs were included in the study. The median age was 59 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 54-69) and 75% (n = 103) were male. Baseline characteristics were similar after matching. Robotic and nonrobotic MVr had similar operative characteristics, except that robotic had longer cross-clamp times (57 [48-67] vs. 47 [37-58] min, p < .001) and more P2 resections (83% vs. 68%, p = .05) compared to nonrobotic MVr. There was no difference in operative outcomes between groups. Hospital stay was shorter after robotic MVr (4 [3-4] vs. 4 [4-6] days, p = .003). After a median follow-up of 3.3 years (IQR, 2.1-4.5), there was no mortality in either group, and there was no difference in freedom from mitral valve reoperations between robotic and nonrobotic MVr (5 years: 97.1% vs. 95.7%, p = .63). Follow-up echocardiogram analysis predicted excellent freedom from recurrent moderate-or-severe mitral regurgitation at 3 years after robotic and nonrobotic MVr (90% vs. 92%, p = .18, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Both short-term and mid-term outcomes of robotic and nonrobotic minimally invasive mitral repair surgery are comparable.

Prosthesis choice for tricuspid valve replacement: Comparison of clinical and echocardiographic outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: There is limited evidence evaluating valve function and right heart remodeling after tricuspid valve replacement (TVR), as well as whether the choice of prosthesis has an impact on these outcomes. METHODS: We reviewed 1043 consecutive adult patients who underwent first-time TVR; 33% had previous aortic and/or mitral valve operations. Severe tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) was the indication for surgery in 94% patients. A mechanical valve was used in 149 (14%) patients and a bioprosthetic valve in 894 (86%). Concomitant major cardiac procedures were performed in 57% of patients. RESULTS: The median age of the cohort was 68.8 (range, 25-94) years, and 57% were female. Overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 50% and 31%, respectively. Adjusted survival and cumulative incidence of reoperation after TVR were similar in patients with bioprosthetic and mechanical valves. Overall, right ventricular (RV) function and dilation improved postoperatively with the estimated proportion of patients with moderate or greater RV systolic dysfunction/dilatation decreasing by around 20% at 3 years follow-up. After adjusting for preoperative degree of dysfunction/dilatation, valve type had no effect on late improvement in RV function and dilation. Bioprosthetic TVR was associated with greater rates of recurrence of moderate or greater TR over late follow-up. Overall, a slight decline in tricuspid valve gradients was observed over time. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical and bioprosthetic valves provide comparable survival, incidence of reoperation, and recovery of RV systolic function and size after TVR. Bioprosthetic valves develop significant TR over time, and mechanical valves may have an advantage for younger patients and those needing anticoagulation.

Operative management of cardiac papillary fibroelastomas.

OBJECTIVE: Papillary fibroelastomas are associated with an increased risk of embolic strokes. Excision of papillary fibroelastomas may be the primary indication for surgery (primary) or performed during other cardiac operations (secondary). The present study summarizes our experience with primary and secondary fibroelastoma surgery. METHODS: We analyzed the medical records of patients who underwent surgical excision of papillary fibroelastoma between January 1998 and February 2020. Patient characteristics, indications for operation, tumor size and location, and operative and long-term outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Among the 294 patients (median age: 66 years, 62% female), papillary fibroelastoma was the primary indication for surgery in 136 patients (46%), and 51% of patients had a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack. When papillary fibroelastoma was a secondary indication for surgery (158 patients, 54%), the lesion was identified preoperatively in 39%. Papillary fibroelastomas were located most commonly on the aortic valve and least commonly in the right side of the heart. For valvular papillary fibroelastoma resected from a normal valve, valve shave was sufficient in 96% (196/205). Operative mortality was low in both groups (primary, 0% vs secondary, 2.5%, P = .13), and early neurologic events occurred in 1.3%. Recurrence rate was 15.8% at 10 years. The estimated survival for patients with primary papillary fibroelastoma at 10 years was 78.4%, whereas for secondary papillary fibroelastoma removal it was 53.6% (log rank, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Resection of papillary fibroelastomas can be performed safely, with preservation of the native valve, and with low rates of neurologic events. Operative and long-term outcomes after fibroelastoma resection are excellent.

Early and Late Outcomes of the Warden and Modified Warden Procedure.

BACKGROUND: Operative repair of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) remains challenging due to risks of sinus node dysfunction, baffle obstruction, and superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction. METHODS: Traditional or modified Warden procedures were performed in 75 of 318 consecutive patients (24%) with PAPVC repaired surgically at our institution during 1993 to 2021. Clinical characteristics, echocardiography data, operative details, and early and late outcomes were collected. Cumulative incidence of reintervention and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis are reported. RESULTS: Median age was 39 years (interquartile range, 21-57 years). Fifty-nine (79%) had normal sinus rhythm preoperatively. Seventeen (23%) had intact atrial septa. Traditional and modified Warden procedures were performed in 15 (20%) and 60 (80%), respectively. Frequent concomitant procedures included 15 (20%) tricuspid valve repairs and 12 (16%) atrial fibrillation procedures. There were no early deaths. Postoperative complications included atrial fibrillation in 17 (23%), sinus node dysfunction in 15 (20%), pneumothorax in 3 (4%), pleural effusion in 2 (3%), and pacemaker implantation in 1 (1%). At hospital discharge, sinus node dysfunction persisted in 8 (11%). Over a median follow-up of 6 years (interquartile range, 4-10 years), baffle obstruction developed in 1 patient and SVC obstruction developed in 7. None required reoperation and 6 were treated with SVC stents. At 1, 5, and 10 years, the cumulative incidence of reintervention was 5%, 7%, and 14%, and survival was 99%, 94%, and 94%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional and modified Warden procedures can be performed with satisfactory early and late survival. Persistent sinus node dysfunction and need for permanent pacing are low. Late SVC obstruction is uncommon and can often be managed nonoperatively.

Outcomes and risk factors of late failure of valve-sparing aortic root replacement.

OBJECTIVE: Retention of the native aortic valve when performing aortic root surgery for aneurysmal disease has become a more common priority. We reviewed our experience in valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) to evaluate the long-term outcomes and the risk factors for reoperation. METHODS: From January 1994 through June 2017, 342 patients (mean age 47.8 ± 15.5 years, 253 [74%] male) underwent VSARR. The most common etiologies were connective tissue disease (n = 143, 42%) followed by degenerative aortic aneurysm (n = 131, 38%). Aortic regurgitation (moderate or greater) was present in 35% (n = 119). RESULTS: Reimplantation technique was used in 90% patients (n = 308). Valsalva graft was used in 38% patients (n = 131) and additional cusp repair was done in 15% (n = 50). Operative mortality was 1% (n = 5). The median follow-up time was 8.79 years (interquartile range, 4.08-13.51). The cumulative incidence of reoperation (while accounting for the competing risk of death) was 8.4%, 12.8%, and 17.1% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. There were no differences in survival and incidence of reoperation between root reimplantation and remodeling. Larger preoperative annulus diameter was associated with greater risk of reoperation (hazard ratio, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.19, P = .01). The estimated probability of developing severe aortic regurgitation after VSARR was 8% at 10 years postoperatively. Operative mortality, residual aortic regurgitation at dismissal, and survival improved in recent times with more experience. CONCLUSIONS: VSARR is a viable and safe option with good long-term outcomes and low rates of late aortic valve replacement. Dilated annulus preoperatively was associated with early repair failure.

Is there referral bias in outcomes of septal myectomy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

PURPOSE: To determine the potential impact of referral bias on short- and long-term outcomes following septal myectomy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: We reviewed 2303 adult patients who underwent transaortic septal myectomy for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from January 1993 to April 2016. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to their permanent address: local (state) residents (n = 324), regional (surrounding 5 states) patients (n = 515), and national (outside 5 states) patients (n = 1464). RESULTS: Patient groups were similar for age, sex, preoperative New York Heart Association class, and left ventricular ejection fraction. Local patients had increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus (13%, 11%, 8%; P = .006), coronary artery disease (25%, 21%, 19%; P = .031), severe chronic lung disease (2.3%, 1.9%, 0.4%; P < .001), and atrial fibrillation (24%, 18%, 19%; P = .045) when compared with regional and national patients. Echocardiographic features did not differ between the 3 groups, including prevalence of moderate or greater mitral regurgitation (59%, 61%, 56%; P = .161). Local and regional patients were more likely to undergo concomitant procedures than national patients (P < .001). Mitral valve surgery was performed in 9.6% of the patients, more commonly in local and regional patients (12%, 12%, 8%; P = .018). There were 11 operative deaths (0.5%), and early mortality was similar among the groups. Geographic origin did not impact overall late survival. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with distant referrals, local patients who undergo septal myectomy at our institution have more comorbid conditions, and require more concomitant surgical procedures. Despite these differences, referral patterns did not impact early or late outcomes following transaortic septal myectomy.

Natural History and Outcomes of Nonreplaced Aortic Sinuses in Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valves.

BACKGROUND: Enlargement of the sinus of Valsalva (SOV) is common in patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs), and management at the time of aortic valve replacement (AVR) and concomitant ascending aorta replacement/repair is controversial. METHODS: Between January 2000 and July 2017, 400 patients with BAVs underwent AVR and concomitant ascending aorta repair (graft replacement, 79%; aortoplasty, 21%). To assess the impact of the initial SOV dimension on future dilatation and outcomes, patients were stratified into 2 groups: SOV of less than 40 mm (SOV<40 mm) (n = 209) and SOV of 40 mm or larger (SOV≥40 mm) (n = 191). RESULTS: Patients with SOV≥40 mm were older and more often male. At a median follow-up of 8.1 years (interquartile range, 7.4-9.1 years), 6 patients underwent reoperations on the ascending or sinus portion of the aorta due to aneurysmal dilatation, and enlargement of the sinus was the primary indication for operation in 1 patient. Adjusted analysis showed that baseline SOV and SOV dimension over time were not associated with late outcomes. A gradual increase in SOV diameter over time was identified (P = .004). Patients with smaller baseline SOV diameters showed an initial early decrease in diameter, followed by gradual increase, whereas those with larger baseline diameters had a stable early phase, followed by gradual dilatation. CONCLUSIONS: Ascending aorta replacement may lead to an initial remodeling/stabilizing effect on the spared bicuspid aortic root, which is more pronounced in patients with lower SOV diameters. In addition, our data demonstrate that the retained aortic sinuses enlarge slowly, and within the limited follow-up of our study, SOV diameter was not a risk factor for survival or reoperation.

Peripartum Antibiotics Exposure and the Risk of Autoimmune and Autism Disorders in the Offspring.

Background As the use of antibiotics during the peripartum period increases, the incidence of autoimmune disorders and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is also increasing. In this study, we aim to assess if antibiotic exposure during the peripartum period affects the incidence of autoimmune diseases and ASD in the offspring. Methods We identified children (< 18 years of age) born in Olmsted County from January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2012. Offspring with celiac disease (CD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or ASD diagnoses were matched to two controls on birth date, index date, mother's age at delivery, and sex. Data from the mother's medical records were retrieved to determine peripartum antibiotics use. Results A total of 242 cases and 484 matched controls were included in this study. Median age at the last follow-up was 11.3 years (range: 0.5-14.9), 73% were males in both groups. Odds of CD diagnosis was not statistically different between vaginal delivery with antibiotics compared with vaginal delivery with no antibiotics (odds ratio [OR] = 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32-1.85), similarly in IBD (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 0.53-10.98) and ASD (OR = 1.00, 95% CI:0.55-1.79). Preeclampsia or eclampsia was associated with offspring CD (OR = 3.20, 95% CI: 1.05-9.78). Smoking history and diabetes mellitus were associated with offspring ASD (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.22-2.77 and OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.03-3.91, respectively). Conclusion In this cohort, we found no statistically significant association between peripartum antibiotics exposure and the development of CD, IBD, or ASD.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve Repair: Causes of Valve Failure and Long-Term Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Repair of bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs) for aortic regurgitation (AR) has favorable outcomes, but the impact of natural disease progression on durability of repair is uncertain. We evaluated causes of reoperation and compared outcomes of BAV repair to those of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR). METHODS: Between January 1993 and December 2016, 113 patients had BAV repair at our institution for significant AR. Operative notes and pathology reports were studied to identify late causes of repair failure. For comparison with AVR, we utilized propensity score weighting with the score derived from preoperative and operative characteristics using gradient boosting machine model. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients had late AVR after initial repair. Causes of late valve dysfunction included calcification or fibrosis of the cusps (68%), concomitant replacement addressing moderate degree of aortic valve disease to avoid future operation (20%), and cusp prolapse (12%). Pathological evaluation of these excised valves reported calcification and fibrosis in 88% of the valves. Ten-year survival of patients undergoing BAV repair was 91% compared with 90% for patients undergoing AVR with a mechanical valve and 79% for AVR with a bioprosthesis (P = .6). Incidence of reoperation after AVR with a bioprosthesis was similar to risk after repair whereas AVR with mechanical valve showed significant advantage. CONCLUSIONS: Disease progression with calcification or fibrosis is the most common cause of valve failure after initial repair of BAV. Clinical outcomes of BAV repair for severe AR appear superior to AVR with bioprosthesis.

Open hemiarch versus clamped ascending aorta replacement for aortopathy during initial bicuspid aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: There is controversy regarding the extent of aortic resection necessary in patients with aortopathy related to bicuspid aortic valve disease. To address this issue, we reviewed our experience in patients undergoing ascending aorta replacement during bicuspid aortic valve replacement. METHODS: We reviewed 702 patients who underwent ascending aorta replacement at the time of initial nonemergent native bicuspid aortic valve replacement at our institution between January 2000 and June 2017. Treatment cohorts included an open hemiarch replacement group (n = 225; 32%) and a clamped ascending aorta replacement group (n = 477; 68%). RESULTS: Median patient age was 60 years (interquartile range [IQR], 51-67 years), female sex was present in 113 patients (16%), ejection fraction was 62% (IQR, 56%-66%), and aortic arch diameter was 33 mm (IQR, 29-36 mm). Cardiopulmonary bypass time was longer in the hemiarch replacement group (188 minutes vs 97 minutes; P < .001). Procedure-related complications (36%) and mortality (<1%) were similar in the 2 groups; however, the hemiarch group had an increased odds of blood transfusion (odds ratio, 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-2.28; P = .006). The median duration of follow-up was 6.0 years (95% CI, 5.3-6.8 years). Overall survival was 94 ± 1% at 5 years and 80 ± 2% at 10 years. Multivariable analysis demonstrated similar survival in the 2 groups (hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.51-1.33; P = .439). No repeat aortic arch operations were done for aortopathy over the duration of clinical follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with patients in the clamped ascending aorta replacement group, patients in the hemi-arch replacement group had longer cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times, along with an increased risk of blood transfusion, but similar freedom from repeat aortic arch operation and survival. We identified no advantage of performing hemiarch replacement in the absence of aortic arch dilation.

Outcomes of Tricuspid Valve Operation at the Time of Pericardiectomy for Constrictive Pericarditis.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to determine the outcome effect of concomitant tricuspid valve operation for regurgitation during pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis. METHODS: This cohort study included 310 patients with mild or greater tricuspid valve regurgitation who underwent pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis from 2000 to 2016 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Patients were divided into 2 treatment groups: tricuspid valve operation (n = 68) and no tricuspid operation (n = 242). Survival analysis, proportional odds models, and landmark analysis were carried out to estimate the treatment effects of tricuspid valve operation. RESULTS: Tricuspid valve regurgitation was graded mild in 203 (65%) patients, moderate in 69 (22%), and severe in 38 (12%). Tricuspid valve operation included repair in 54 patients (17%) and replacement in 14 (5%). Mechanical circulatory support was used more commonly in the intervention group (15% vs 5%; P = .009), but rates of stroke (3% vs 2%; P = .210) and mortality (9% vs 6%; P = .422) were similar. Tricuspid valve intervention resulted in a reduced risk of long-term mortality (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38 to 1.21; P = .192), less than moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation at follow-up (odds ratio vs moderate or severe, 0.093; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.19), and less than moderate right ventricular enlargement at follow-up (odds ratio vs moderate or severe, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.35 to 1.24). Remnant severe right ventricular dysfunction resulted in increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio vs none or trivial, 4.87; 95% CI, 1.10 to 21.65; P = .037). CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant tricuspid valve operation for regurgitation can be performed without increased operative mortality during pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis. Operation appears protective against long-term mortality, residual tricuspid regurgitation, and right ventricular enlargement.

Does Referral Bias Impact Outcomes of Surgery for Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease?

BACKGROUND: Geographic origin is cited as a possible factor influencing outcomes of operation for repair or replacement of degenerative mitral valve (MV) disease. Our study aimed to identify the potential impact of referral bias on clinical outcomes of MV surgery. METHODS: We analyzed clinical and echocardiographic information of 2353 patients undergoing primary or secondary MV surgery for degenerative MV disease. Patients were grouped as local (in-state), regional (5 surrounding states), or national referrals. RESULTS: The number of patients (local, 827; regional, 809; national, 717) and median follow-up time (9.1 years) were similar between geographic groups. More comorbidities were found in the local patient group. Overall operative risk was 0.7% and was greater in local and regional patients compared with national patients (0.7% and 1.1% vs 0.1%, P = .05). Valve repair was performed in 97% of isolated MV surgeries, and repair rate was similar in the 3 geographic groups. The 3 groups had similar incidences of major morbidity, but local and regional groups had higher 30-day readmissions. In univariate analysis, survival was improved in national and regional patients compared with local patients; however in multivariable analysis this difference was no longer significant. CONCLUSIONS: There were important variations in baseline demographic and clinical characteristics between referral groups; local and regional patients presented with more comorbid conditions compared with national referrals. Aside from a small difference in perioperative mortality, early outcomes were generally similar. Late survival, however, was superior in national patients, and this referral bias is explained by fewer associated medical illnesses.