Pacemaker implantation after concomitant tricuspid valve repair in patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: Results from the Mini-Mitral International Registry.

Objective: Randomized evidence suggests a high risk of pacemaker implantation for patients undergoing mitral valve (MV) surgery with concomitant tricuspid valve repair (cTVR). We investigated the impact of cTVR on outcomes in the Mini-Mitral International Registry. Methods: From 2015 to 2021, 7513 patients underwent minimally invasive MV with or without cTVR in 17 international centers (MV: n = 5609, cTVR: n = 1113). Propensity matching generated 1110 well-balanced pairs. Multivariable analysis was applied. Results: Patients with cTVR were older and had more comorbidities. Propensity matching eliminated most differences except for more TR in patients who underwent cTVR (77.2% vs 22.1% MV, P < .001). Mean matched age was 71 years, and 45% were male. European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II was still 2.68% (interquartile range [IQR], 0.80-2.63) vs 1.9% (IQR, 1.12-3.9) in matched MV (P < .001). MV replacement (30%) and atrial fibrillation surgery (32%) were similar in both groups. Cardiopulmonary bypass (161 minutes [IQR, 133-203] vs MV: 130 minutes [IQR, 103-166]; P < .001) and crossclamp times (93 minutes [IQR, 66-123] vs MV: 83 minutes [IQR, 64-107]; P < .001) were longer with cTVR. Although in-hospital mortality was similar (cTVR: 3.3% vs MV: 2.2%; P = .5), postoperative pacemaker implantations (9% vs MV: 5.8%; P = .02), low cardiac output syndrome (7.7% vs MV: 4.4%; P = .02), and acute kidney injury (13.8% vs MV: 10%; P = .01) were more frequent with cTVR. cTVR eliminated relevant TR in most patients (greater-than-moderate TR: 6.8%). Multivariable analysis identified MV replacement, atrial fibrillation, and cTVR as risk factors of postoperative pacemaker implantation. Conclusions: cTVR in minimally invasive MV surgery is an independent risk factor for pacemaker implantation in this international registry. It is also associated with more bleeding, low output syndrome, and acute kidney injury. It remains unclear whether technical or patient factors (or both) explain these differences.

Outcomes of minimally invasive isolated tricuspid valve repair and replacement through right mini-thoracotomy.

Objective: Isolated tricuspid valve surgery is uncommon and associated with high perioperative morbidity and mortality. We aimed to study the overall outcomes of patients who underwent minimally invasive right thoracotomy tricuspid valve surgery (Mini-TVS), consisting of either tricuspid valve repair (TVre) or replacement (TVR). Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all Mini-TVS procedures (2017-2022), through which we identified isolated tricuspid valve surgeries. We examined in-hospital outcomes, survival analysis over a 4-year period, and competing risk analysis for reoperative surgery. Results: Among a total of 51 patients, the average age was 60 ± 16 years, and 67% (n = 34) were female. Severe tricuspid regurgitation was present in all cases. Infective endocarditis was noted in 7.8% (n = 4), and 24% (n = 12) had preexisting pacemakers. Mini-TVS included TVre in 18 patients (35%) and TVR in 33 patients (65%). The in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were 4% (n = 2) and 6% (n = 3), respectively. At 4 years, the overall TVS survival was 76% (confidence interval, 62-93%), with no significant difference between TVre and TVR (91% vs 69%, P = .16). At follow-up, 3 patients required repeat surgery for recurrent regurgitation after 2.6, 3.3, and 11 months, with a reoperation rate of 7.3% (confidence interval, 2.4-22%) at 2 years. Factors associated with worse overall survival included nonelective surgery, right ventricular dysfunction, serum creatinine >2 g/dL, and concomitant left-sided valve disease. Conclusions: A nonsternotomy minimally invasive approach is a feasible option for high-risk patients. Midterm outcomes were similar in repair or replacement. Patients with right ventricular dysfunction and left-sided disease had worse outcomes.

Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Mortality of Mitral Valve Surgery: A National Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is a common comorbidity of cardiac surgery patients. The goal of this study is to determine if a lower weight achieved through bariatric surgery has any association with mitral valve (MV) replacement or repair surgery mortality. METHODS: This study used a retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample dataset from 2012 to 2020. Adult patients who underwent MV surgery with normal weight following bariatric surgery (n = 1,125) and patients with obesity (n = 48,555) were compared. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: This study included 49,680 patients. The median age was 64 (55 to 71) years, and the majority were female (55%). Bariatric surgery was found to significantly decrease the odds of mortality, even after adjusting for important covariates, indicating a reduction of mortality risk by 54% (adjusted odds ratio = 0.46, p = 0.024). Other significant protective factors include isolated and elective surgery. Significant risk factors were older age, female sex, and diabetes mellitus. Patients who were obese demonstrated longer lengths of stay (LOS), greater transfers to other facilities, and higher hospital costs. CONCLUSIONS: In patients receiving MV surgery, bariatric surgery demonstrated significant survival benefits during hospitalization, in addition to reducing LOS and cost. Our data support prior evidence of bariatric surgery improving cardiovascular outcomes. Therefore, bariatric surgery may be a meaningful method of weight loss to improve surgical patient outcomes in patients with obesity. However, longer-term data are needed.

Predictors of outcomes in patients with obesity following mitral valve surgery.

Objective: Few studies have assessed the outcomes of mitral valve surgery in patients with obesity. We sought to study factors that determine the in-hospital outcomes of this population to help clinicians provide optimal care. Methods: A retrospective analysis of adult patients with obesity who underwent open mitral valve replacement or repair between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2020, was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample. Weighted logistic regression and random forest analyses were performed to assess factors associated with mortality and the interaction of each variable. Results: Of the 48,775 patients with obesity, 34% had morbid obesity (body mass index ≥40), 55% were women, 66% underwent elective surgery, and 55% received isolated open mitral valve replacement or repair. In-hospital mortality was 5.0% (n = 2430). After adjusting for important covariates, a greater risk of mortality was associated with older patients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08-1.43), higher Elixhauser comorbidity score (aOR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.87-2.36), prior valve surgery (aOR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.01-2.63), and more than 2 concomitant procedures (aOR, 2.83; 95% CI, 2.07-3.85). Lower mortality was associated with elective admissions (aOR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.56-0.87) and valve repair (aOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.46-0.73). Machine learning identified several interactions associated with early mortality, such as Elixhauser score, female sex, body mass index ≥40, and kidney failure. Conclusions: The complexity of presentation, comorbidities in older and female patients, and morbid obesity are independently associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients undergoing open mitral valve replacement or repair. Morbid obesity and sex disparity should be recognized in this population, and physicians should consider older patients and females with multiple comorbidities for earlier and more opportune treatment windows.

Neurological outcomes in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: risk factors analysis from the Mini-Mitral International Registry.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the incidence and predictors of stroke after minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (mini-MVS) and to assess the role of preoperative CT scan on surgical management and neurological outcomes in the large cohort of Mini-Mitral International Registry. METHODS: Clinical, operative and in-hospital outcomes in patients undergoing mini-MVS between 2015 and 2021 were collected. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify predictors of stroke. Finally, the impact of preoperative CT scan on surgical management and neurological outcomes was assessed. RESULTS: Data from 7343 patients were collected. The incidence of stroke was 1.3% (n = 95/7343). Stroke was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (11.6% vs 1.5%, P < 0.001) and longer intubation time, ICU and hospital stay (median 26 vs 7 h, 120 vs 24 h and 14 vs 8 days, respectively). On multivariable analysis, age (odds ratio 1.039, 95% confidence interval 1.019-1.060, P < 0.001) and mitral valve replacement (odds ratio 2.167, 95% confidence interval 1.401-3.354, P < 0.001) emerged as independent predictors of stroke. Preoperative CT scan was made in 31.1% of cases. These patients had a higher risk profile and EuroSCORE II (median 1.58 vs 1.1, P < 0.001). CT scan influenced the choice of cannulation site, being ascending aorta (18.5% vs 0.5%, P < 0.001) more frequent in the CT group and femoral artery more frequent in the no CT group (97.8% vs 79.7%, P < 0.001). No difference was found in the incidence of postoperative stroke (CT group 1.5, no CT group 1.4%, P = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: Mini-MVS is associated with a low incidence of stroke, but when it occurs it has an ominous impact on mortality. Preoperative CT scan affected surgical cannulation strategy but did not led to improved neurological outcomes.

Evaluation of Activated Clotting Times With a Heparin Reversal Protocol Designed to Conserve Protamine During Drug Shortages: A Retrospective, Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate a protamine conservation approach to heparin reversal implemented during times of critical shortages. This approach was aimed at maintaining access to cardiac surgical services. SETTING: In-patient hospital setting. PARTICIPANTS: Eight hundred-one cardiac surgical patients>18 years old. INTERVENTIONS: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery who received >30,000 U of heparin were given a single fixed vial protamine dose of 250 mg or a standard 1 mg of protamine to 100 U of heparin ratio-based dose to reverse heparin. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary endpoint was differences in post-reversal activated clotting times between the 2 groups. The secondary endpoint was differences in the number of protamine vials used between the 2 reversal strategies. The first activated clotting times values measured after initial protamine administration were not different between the Low Dose and Conventional Dose groups (122.3 s v 120.6 s, 1.47 s, 99% CI -1.47 to 4.94, p = 0.16). The total amount of protamine administered in the Low Dose group was less than that in the Conventional Dose group (-100.5 mg, 99% CI -110.0 to -91.0, p < 0.0001), as were the number of 250 mg vials used per case (-0.69, 99% CI -0.75 to -0.63, p < 0.0001). The mean initial protamine doses between groups were 250 mg and 352 mg, p < 0.0001. The mean protamine vials used were 1.33 v 2.02, p < 0.0001. When the calculations were based on 50 mg vials, the number of vials used per case in the Low Dose group was even less (-2.16, 99% CI -2.36 to -1.97, p < 0.0001).) CONCLUSIONS: Conservation measures regarding critical medications and supplies during times of shortages can maintain access to important services within a community.

Aortic cross-clamp time correlates with mortality in the mini-mitral international registry.

OBJECTIVES: Minimally invasive access has become the preferred choice in mitral and/or tricuspid valve surgery. Reported outcomes are at least similar to classic sternotomy although aortic cross-clamp times are usually longer. METHODS: We analysed the largest registry of mitral and/or tricuspid valve surgery patients (mini-mitral international registry (MMIR)) for the relationship between aortic cross-clamp times, mortality and other outcomes. From 2015 to 2021, 7513 consecutive patients underwent mini-mitral and/or tricuspid valve surgery in 17 international Heart-Valve-Centres. Data were collected according to Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium (MVARC) definitions and 6878 patients with 1 cross-clamp period were analysed. Uni- and multivariable regression analyses were used to assess outcomes in relation to aortic cross-clamp times. RESULTS: Median age was 65 years (57% male). Median EuroSCORE II was 1.3% (Inpatient Quality Reporting (IQR): 0.80-2.63). Minimally invasive access was either by direct vision (28%), video-assisted (41%) or totally endoscopic/robotic (31%). Femoral cannulation was used in 93%. Three quarters were repairs with 17% additional tricuspid valve surgery and 19% Atrial Fibrillation (AF)-ablation. Cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times were 135 min (IQR: 107-173) and 85 min (IQR: 64-111), respectively. Postoperative events were death (1.6%), stroke (1.2%), bleeding requiring revision (6%), low cardiac output syndrome (3.5%) and acute kidney injury (6.2%, mainly stage I). Statistical analyses identified significant associations between cross-clamp time and mortality, low cardiac output syndrome and acute kidney injury (all P < 0.001). Age, low ejection fraction and emergent surgery were risk factors, but variables of 'increased complexity' (redo, endocarditis, concomitant procedures) were not. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic cross-clamp time is associated with mortality as well as postoperatively impaired cardiac and renal function. Thus, implementing measures to reduce cross-clamp time may improve outcomes.

Postcardiac Surgery Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Patients on Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) use and complications (euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis [eDKA] rate, mortality, infection, hospital, and cardiovascular intensive care unit [CVICU] length of stay [LOS]) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING: At an academic university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: SGLT2i use versus no SGLT2i use. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The authors evaluated patients undergoing cardiac surgery within 24 hours of hospital admission (between February 2, 2019 to May 26, 2022) for SGLT2i prevalence and eDKA frequency. The outcomes were compared using Wilcoxon rank sum and chi-square testing as appropriate. The cohort included 1,654 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, of whom 53 (3.2%) were prescribed an SGLT2i before surgery; 8 (15.1%) of 53 had eDKA. The authors found no differences between patients with and without SGLT2i use in hospital LOS (median [IQR]: 4.5 [3.5-6.3] v 4.4 [3.4-5.6] days, p = 0.46) or CVICU LOS (median [IQR]: 1.2 [1.0-2.2] v 1.1 [1.0-1.9] days, p = 0.22), 30-day mortality (1.9% v 0.7%, p = 0.31), or sternal infections (0.0% v 0.3%, p = 0.69). Among patients prescribed an SGLT2i, those with and without eDKA had similar hospital LOS (5.1 [4.0-5.8] v 4.4 [3.4-6.3], p = 0.76); however, CVICU LOS was longer in patients with eDKA (2.2 [1.5-2.9] v 1.2 [0.9-2.0], p = 0.042). Mortality (0.0% v 2.2%, p = 0.67) and wound infections (0.0% v 0.0%, p > 0.99) were similarly rare. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative eDKA occurred in 15% of patients on an SGLT2i prior to cardiac surgery, and was associated with longer CVICU LOS. Future studies into SGLT2i management perioperatively are important.

Risk-related clinical outcomes after minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: insights from the Mini-Mitral International Registry.

OBJECTIVES: With the popularization of catheter-based mitral valve procedures, evaluating risk-specific differentiated clinical outcomes after contemporary mitral valve surgery is crucial. In this study, we assessed the operative results of minimally invasive mitral valve operations across different patient risk profiles and evaluated the value of EuroSCORE (ES) II predicted risk of mortality model for risk prediction, in the large cohort of Mini-Mitral International Registry (MMIR). METHODS: The MMIR database was used to analyse mini-mitral operations between 2015 and 2021. Patients were categorized as low (<4%), intermediate (4% to <8%), high (8% to <12%) and extreme risk (≥12%) according to ES II. The observed-to-expected mortality ratio was calculated for each risk group. RESULTS: A total of 6541 patients were included in the analysis. Of those, 5546 (84.8%) were classified as low risk, 615 (9.4%) as intermediate risk, 191 (2.9%) as high risk and 189 (2.9%) as extreme risk. Overall operative mortality and stroke rates were 1.7% and 1.4%, respectively, and were significantly associated with patient's risk. The observed mortality was significantly lower than expected-according to the ES II-in all risk categories (observed-to-expected ratio < 1). CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides an international contemporary benchmark for operative outcomes after minimally invasive mitral surgery. Operative results were excellent in low-, intermediate- and high-risk patients, but were less satisfactory in extreme risk. The ES II model overestimated the in-hospital mortality. We believe that findings from the MMIR may assist surgeons and cardiologists in clinical decision-making and treatment allocation for patients with mitral valve disease.

Isolated Tricuspid Valve Repair Versus Replacement: Predictors of Mortality on the National Level.

OBJECTIVE: Isolated tricuspid valve surgery (TVR) is rarely performed, and literature reports are confined to small sample sizes and old studies. Thus, the advantage of repair over replacement could not be determined. We aimed to evaluate repair and replacement outcomes along with predictors of mortality for TVR on a national level. METHODS: All adult patients (18+ years old) who underwent TVR from 2011 to 2020 were identified using the National Inpatient Sample dataset. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included complications, length of stay (LOS), hospitalization cost, and discharge disposition. RESULTS: Over a 10-year period, 37,931 patients had TVR and predominantly underwent repair (n = 25,027, 66.0%). In comparison with patients who underwent tricuspid replacement, more patients with a history of liver disease and pulmonary hypertension presented for repair surgery, and fewer patients had endocarditis and rheumatic valve disease (P < 0.001). The repair group had less mortality, less stroke, shorter LOS, and reduced cost, while the replacement group had fewer myocardial infarctions (P < 0.05). However, the outcomes were not different for cardiac arrest, wound complications, or bleeding. After excluding congenital TV disease and adjusting for relevant factors, TV repair was associated with a reduced in-hospital mortality by 28% (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.72, P = 0.011). Older age increased mortality risk by 3-fold, prior stroke by 2-fold, and liver diseases by 5-fold (P < 0.001). Patients undergoing TVR in recent years had a better chance of survival (aOR = 0.92, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: TV repair has better outcomes than replacement does. Patient comorbidities and late presentation play an independently significant role in determining outcomes.

Surgical versus transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Impact of patient-prosthesis mismatch on outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The hemodynamics of most prosthetic valves are often inferior to that of the normal native valve, and a significant proportion of patients undergoing surgical (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have high residual transaortic pressure gradients due to prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM). As the experience with TAVR has increased and long-term outcomes are reported, a close look at the PPM literature is required in light of new evidence. METHODS: For this review, we searched the Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases from 2000 to 2022. Articles reporting PPM as an outcome following aortic valve replacements were identified and reviewed. RESULTS: The impact of PPM on clinical outcomes in aortic valve replacement has not been clear as multiple studies failed to report PPM incidence. However, the PPM outcomes after SAVR vary more widely than after TAVR, ranging from 8% to 80% in SAVR and from 24% to 35% in TAVR. Incidence of severe PPM following redo SAVR ranges from 2% to 9% and following valve-in-valve TAVR is from 14% to 33%, however, while PPM is higher in valve-in-valve TAVR, patients had better survival rates. CONCLUSIONS: The gap between valve performance and clinical outcomes in SAVR and TAVR could be reduced by carefully selecting patients for either treatment option. Understanding predictors of PPM can add to the safety, effectiveness, and increased survival benefit of both SAVR and TAVR.

Size does matter: Yet BMI extremes are manageable in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

The obesity paradox has been recently challenged in the literature to spotlight a vague and ill-defined relationship between obesity extremes and cardiac morbidity and mortality. Patient size and incision size both remain important determinants of outcomes. Today, with obesity rates rising around the world, extremely obese patients require experienced teams and substantially improved care.

Current Surgical Risk Scores Overestimate Risk in Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement.

OBJECTIVE: Risk-scoring systems for surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) were largely derived from sternotomy cases. We evaluated the accuracy of current risk scores in predicting outcomes after minimally invasive AVR (mini-AVR). Because transcatheter AVR (TAVR) is being considered for use in low-risk patients with aortic stenosis, accurate mini-AVR risk assessment is necessary. METHODS: We reviewed 1,018 consecutive isolated mini-AVR cases (2009 to 2015). After excluding patients with Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality (STS-PROM) scores ≥4, we calculated each patient's European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II, TAVR Risk Score (TAVR-RS), and age, creatinine, and ejection fraction score (ACEF). We compared all 4 scores' accuracy in predicting mini-AVR 30-day mortality by computing each score's observed-to-expected mortality ratio (O:E). Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves tested discrimination, and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit tested calibration. RESULTS: Among 941 patients (mean age, 72 ± 12 years), 6 deaths occurred within 30 days (actual mortality rate, 0.6%). All 4 scoring systems overpredicted expected mortality after mini-AVR: ACEF (1.4%), EuroSCORE II (1.9%), STS-PROM (2.0%), and TAVR-RS (2.1%). STS-PROM best estimated risk for patients with STS-PROM scores 0 to <1 (0.6 O:E), ACEF for patients with STS-PROM scores 2 to <3 (0.6 O:E), and TAVR-RS for patients with STS-PROM scores 3 to <4 (0.7 O:E). ROC curves showed only fair discrimination and calibration across all risk scores. CONCLUSIONS: In low-risk patients who underwent mini-AVR, current surgical scoring systems overpredicted mortality 2-to-3-fold. Alternative dedicated scoring systems for mini-AVR are needed for more accurate outcomes assessment.

Early Outcomes for Surgical Minimally Invasive SAPIEN 3 Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Limited surgical options are available for patients with extensive mitral annular calcification. Several reports have shown the feasibility of surgical mitral valve replacement (MVR) using a transcatheter aortic valve in the mitral position (MVR-TAVR). This study reviewed 30-day and 1-year outcomes of a minimally invasive approach for MVR-TAVR. METHODS: Between 2017 and 2019, 16 patients underwent MVR-TAVR under direct vision. Primary end points included overall survival, technical success, and effectiveness. Secondary end points included valve and cardiac hemodynamics postoperatively and during follow up. RESULTS: The 16 patients (69% female) were 53 to 88 years of age (average, 77 ± 9 years). Comorbidities on presentation were as follows: 31% (5 of 16) were reoperative procedures; 13% (3 of 16) of patients had right ventricular dysfunction, 31% (5 of 16) had severe pulmonary hypertension, and 20% (3 of 16) had chronic kidney disease. Isolated MVR-TAVR was performed on 69% (11 of 16) of patients, with a cross-clamp (58%; 7 of 12) or on a fibrillating heart (42%; 5 of 12), whereas concomitant MVR-TAVR was performed in 31% (5 of 16) of patients with a cross-clamp. At follow-up, the estimated 30-day mortality rate was 12.5%, and the 1-year mortality rate was 36.2%. A moderate postoperative paravalvular leak (PVL) was evident immediately in 1 patient, and a severe PVL was noted after 30-day follow-up in another. In addition, 1 patient had mild left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and another had moderate mitral valve stenosis. At 1-year follow-up, there were no changes in the mild PVL and moderate stenosis identified postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Minithoracotomy MVR-TAVR is an acceptable alternative to conventional and transcatheter MVR in patients with mitral valve disease and extensive mitral annular calcification.

Review of cerebral perfusion strategies for aortic surgery with application for minimally invasive approaches.

Aortic arch and hemiarch surgery necessitate the temporary interruption of blood perfusion to the brain. Despite its complexity, hemiarch and ascending aortic surgery can be performed via a minimally invasive approach. Due to the higher risk of neurological injury during a circulatory arrest, several techniques were developed to further protect the brain during this surgery. We searched the Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases and identified articles reporting outcomes of antegrade and retrograde cerebral perfusion strategies. Herein, we outline surgical approaches, intra-operative technical considerations, and clinical outcomes of hemiarch and ascending aortic surgery. Hemiarch and ascending aortic surgery is associated with a higher risk of mortality and morbidity. Attention to the optimal approach and cerebral protection strategy has been shown to significantly affect outcomes and mitigate risk.

Cardiac surgery in the time of the novel coronavirus: Why we should think to a new normal.

On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak a pandemic. At the time of writing, 24 May 2020 more than 5 million individuals have been tested positive and the death toll was over 330 000 deaths worldwide. The initial data pointed out the tight bond between cardiovascular diseases and worse health outcomes in COVID19-patients. Epidemiologically speaking, there is an overlap between the age-groups more affected by COVID-related death and the age-groups in which Cardiac Surgery has its usual base of patients. The Cardiac Surgery Departments have to think to a new normal: since the virus will remain endemic in the society, dedicated pathways or even dedicated Teams are pivotal to treat safely the patients, in respect of the safety of the health care workers. Moreover, we need a keen eye on deciding which pathologies have to be treated with priority: Coronary artery Disease showed a higher mortality rate in patients affected by COVID19, but it is, however, reasonable to think that all the cardiac pathologies affecting the lung circulation-such as symptomatic severe mitral diseases or aortic stenosis-might deserve a priority access to treatment, to increase the survival rate in case of an acquired-Coronavirus infection later on.