Early and mid-term outcomes of tricuspid valve surgery in patients with functional tricuspid regurgitation induced by atrial fibrillation.

Background: The strategy of treatment for tricuspid regurgitation (TR) induced by atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatment for TR induced by AF. Methods: From 2000 to 2021, a total of 1,301 patients underwent tricuspid valve (TV) surgery. Among them 43 patients who diagnosed as AF induced TR were enrolled. The tricuspid valve-related events (TVRE) included cardiac death, TV reoperation, development of moderate or greater TV disease, congestive heart failure requiring re-admission, and major bleeding or thrombosis. The median follow-up duration was 42.0 months. Results: The interval from diagnosis of AF to more than moderate TR was 61.2 months, and the interval from initial diagnosis of severe TR to surgery was 2.4 months. Concomitant Cox-maze III procedure was performed in 39 patients. The operative mortality occurred in 1 patient, and there was no permanent pacemaker implantation. Overall survival rates at 1- and 5-year were 90.6% and 79.3%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of TVRE at 1- and 5-year were 16.3% and 26.5%, respectively. The cumulative incidences of AF recurrence at 1- and 3-year in the patients with surgical ablation were 29.7% and 67.6%. The TVRE was significantly associated with the longer interval from diagnosis of severe TR to surgery (hazard ratio: 1.023, 95% confidence interval: 1.005-1.042). Conclusions: TV surgery for TR induced by AF showed low surgical mortality and favorable mid-term outcomes. For these patients, early surgery after progress to severe TR can be helpful to decrease the occurrence of TVRE.

Incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury after maze operation in patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common complications after cardiac surgery. While current guidelines indicate that surgical ablation does not increase the risk of renal failure, recent studies have produced conflicting results. This study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of AKI after maze procedure in patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillation, and to elucidate risk factors associated with postoperative AKI. Methods: Between 2011 and 2020, 203 patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillation (61.4±8.7 years, male:female =67:136) who underwent concomitant maze procedure and mitral valve replacement were retrospectively reviewed. Other combined procedures included aortic valve operations (n=64, 31.5%) and tricuspid valve procedures (n=149, 73.4%). The AKI was defined as an increase of serum creatinine level by 1.5 times after surgery based on the RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, and End stage) criteria. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate risk factors associated with postoperative AKI. Results: Postoperative AKI developed in 76 patients (37.4%). The multivariable analysis demonstrated that age [odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.065, 1.025-1.107; P=0.001], cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (1.007, 1.002-1.013; P=0.009) and nadir hematocrit during CPB (0.854, 0.740-0.985; P=0.031) were associated with postoperative AKI. Conclusions: Postoperative AKI occurred in more than one thirds of patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillation who underwent combined mitral valve replacement and maze procedure. Optimization of CPB management might be needed to prevent postoperative AKI after maze procedure.

The Impact of Surgical versus Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement on Postprocedural Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the treatment modality on post-procedural acute kidney injury (AKI) and other clinical outcomes in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease who underwent surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods: A total of 147 patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (stage 3 to 5) who underwent isolated surgical AVR (SAVR group; n=70) or transcatheter AVR (TAVR group; n=77) were retrospectively studied. Postprocedural AKI was defined according to the RIFLE definition (an acronym corresponding to the risk of renal dysfunction, injury to the kidney, failure of kidney function, loss of kidney function, and end-stage kidney disease). Factors associated with postoperative complications and mortality were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazard models. Results: Postprocedural AKI occurred in 17 (24.3%) and 6 (7.8%) patients in the SAVR and TAVR groups, respectively (p=0.006). Multivariable analyses demonstrated that the SAVR group had higher risks of AKI (odds ratio [OR], 5.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.85-17.73; p=0.002) and atrial fibrillation (OR, 16.65; 95% CI, 4.44-62.50; p<0.001), whereas the TAVR group had a higher risk of permanent pacemaker insertion (OR, 5.67; 95% CI, 1.21-26.55; p=0.028). The Cox proportional hazard models showed that the occurrence of AKI, contrary to the treatment modality, was associated with overall survival. Conclusion: In patients with chronic kidney disease, the risk of postprocedural AKI might be higher after SAVR than after TAVR.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Pannus after Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the occurrence rate and risk factors of subaortic pannus (SAP) after bileaflet mechanical aortic valve (AV) replacement. METHODS: Between 1990 and 2014, 862 patients underwent primary AV replacement with bileaflet mechanical prosthesis. SAP was defined as (1) gradual increase in mean pressure gradient through mechanical AV without any evidence of motion limitation of the leaflets on echocardiography and (2) AV mean pressure gradient >40 mm Hg or AV peak velocity >4 m/s on echocardiography, and (3) any visible subaortic tissue ingrowth beneath the mechanical AV on echocardiography or computed tomography. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up durations were 13.8 ± 8.0 and 10.7 ± 7.9 years, respectively. RESULTS: Mean age was 51.1 ± 12.1 years and concomitant surgeries were performed in 503 patients (58.4%). Overall survival at 10 and 20 years was 84.2 and 67.1%, respectively. SAP occurred in 33 patients, and in only 2 patients during the first 10 years after surgery. The cumulative incidence of SAP formation at 10, 20, and 25 years were 0.3, 5.0, and 9.9%, respectively. The Fine and Gray model demonstrated that small prosthetic valve size (hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval, CI] = 0.738 [0.575-0.946]), young age (HR [95% CI] = 0.944 [0.909-0.981]), and concomitant mitral valve replacement (MVR) (HR [95% CI] = 3.863 [1.358-10.988]) were significant risk factors for the SAP formation. CONCLUSIONS: SAP occurred gradually over time with 10- and 20-year cumulative incidence of 0.3 and 5.0%, respectively. Young age, small prosthetic valve size, and concomitant MVR were risk factors for SAP formation. Therefore, we recommend efforts to select large prostheses for young patients requiring concomitant MVR.

Perfusion parameters during cardiopulmonary bypass as a predictor of acute kidney injury after aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major complication after cardiac surgery and significantly affects postoperative mortality and morbidity. This study was conducted to evaluate the association between target pump flow to achieve adequate oxygen delivery (DO2) and postoperative renal function after aortic valve replacement. METHODS: From January 2017 to May 2020, 281 patients (male:female, 160:121; mean age, 68±11 years) who underwent aortic valve replacement were retrospectively reviewed. Target pump flow was calculated based on DO2 level of 280 mL/min/m2. The primary endpoint was postoperative renal dysfunction, defined as the ratio of postoperative peak creatinine level to preoperative value. The ratio of the lowest actual pump flow to the ideal target pump flow, other hemodynamic variables related with cardiopulmonary bypass, intraoperative transfusion, and preoperative characteristics were analyzed to identify factors associated with the primary endpoint using a multivariable linear regression model. RESULTS: Preoperative and peak postoperative creatinine levels were 0.94±0.33 mg/dl and 1.15±0.56 mg/dl, respectively (ratio, 1.22±0.33). The ideal target pump flow was 4.70±0.59 L/min, whereas the lowest actual pump flow was 3.77±0.47 L/min (ratio, 0.81±0.13). The multivariable model showed that the ratio of the lowest pump flow to target pump flow (ß±standard error, -0.405±0.162, P=0.013), as well as sex, stroke history, emergency operation, and transfusion of red blood cells were associated with the primary endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: Low actual nadir pump flow compared to the ideal target pump flow based on DO2 is associated with the risk of AKI after aortic valve replacement.

Suture reduction of the borderline ascending aortic dilatation during aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of simple suture reduction of the ascending aorta (SRA) performed with aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with borderline ascending aortic dilatation (45-50 mm). METHODS: Ninety-eight patients (ascending aortic diameter 47.7±3.4 mm) who underwent concomitant SRA with AVR were enrolled. Median follow-up duration was 83 (IQR 27-173) months. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) follow-up was performed at 71 (47-149) months after surgery (N.=69). At least two CTA scans were performed in 34 patients (interval = 63 [46, 156] months). Early and long-term outcomes were evaluated, and dilatation rate (mm/year) of the repaired aorta was analyzed. Major adverse aortic events (MAEs) were defined as death related to aortic events, including sudden death, aortic rupture or dissection, aortic reoperation and recurrent aortic aneurysm (>45 mm). RESULTS: Early mortality rate was 2.0%. No patients had postoperative complications associated with SRA. A recurrent aortic aneurysm (>45 mm) was found in nine patients, but none of the patients had an ascending aorta diameter >50 mm. A multivariable analysis demonstrated that neither preoperative diameter of the ascending aorta nor bicuspid valve was associated with dilatation of the repaired aorta. Co-existing coronary artery disease was associated with both recurrent aneurysm and increased dilatation rate after SRA. There were two cases of sudden death and no one suffered from aortic dissection, rupture or aortic reoperation. Ten- and 20-year freedom rates from MAE were 90.3% and 79.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant SRA might be a safe and effective surgical alternative to ascending aorta replacement in AVR patients with borderline ascending aortic dilatation regardless of aortic valve pathology.

Long-term outcomes of rigid ring versus De Vega annuloplasty for functional tricuspid regurgitation: A propensity score-matching analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to compare the outcomes of rigid ring versus De Vega annuloplasty for the treatment of functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR). METHODS: From 2003 to 2017, De Vega annuloplasty (group D) was used in 231 patients, and rigid ring annuloplasty (group R) was used in 204 patients for the treatment of functional TR during left-sided valve surgery. A propensity score-matching analysis was used to pair group D (n = 109) with group R (n = 109). The primary outcomes were long-term overall survival and cardiac death, and the secondary outcomes were tricuspid valve-related events and TR recurrence (TR moderate or severe). The follow-up data were complete in 99.6% (447 out of 449) of the patients with a follow-up duration of 102 months. RESULTS: There were no differences in the overall survival and cardiac death between the propensity score-matched groups (P = .793 and P = .175, respectively) up to 14 years after surgery. Tricuspid valve-related events, including cardiac death, permanent pacemaker implantation, thromboembolism, bleeding and tricuspid valve reoperation were also similar between the 2 matched groups during the follow-up (P > .999). However, cumulative incidence of TR recurrence was significantly higher in group R than in group D (P = .007). Multivariate analysis indicated the annuloplasty method (De Vega) and preoperative TR grade as risk factors for late TR recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In functional TR, annuloplasty methods did not influence long-term overall survival, cardiac mortality, and tricuspid valve-related events. However, rigid ring annuloplasty showed less late TR recurrence. Rigid ring annuloplasty can be considered for the treatment of functional TR in terms of its better durability.

Effect of Perioperative Subglottic Secretion Drainage on Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia After Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective, Before-and-After Study.

OBJECTIVES: Although postoperative subglottic secretion drainage prevents ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) after cardiac surgery, its role during the perioperative period is unclear. For the present study, the effect of subglottic secretion drainage during and after cardiac surgery on postoperative VAP was investigated. DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center, before-and-after study. SETTING: Perioperative care of cardiac surgical patients in a tertiary university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery from January 2013-December 2018. INTERVENTIONS: Conventional and subglottic suctioning endotracheal tubes were used in the control and intervention groups before and after a change in institutional policy, respectively. In the intervention group, subglottic secretion drainage was performed continuously during surgery and intermittently after surgery. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The risk of postoperative VAP, identified by the National Healthcare Safety Network surveillance definition algorithm, was compared by weighted logistic regression. Logistic regression analyses, with propensity score matching and inverse probability weighting, also were performed. A total of 2,576 patients were analyzed (control [n = 2108]; intervention [n = 468]). Postoperative VAP occurred less frequently in the intervention group (1/468 [0.2%]) compared with the control group (30/2,108 [1.4%]). In the multivariate weighted logistic regression analysis, the risk of VAP after cardiac surgery was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (odds ratio 0.29; 95% confidence interval 0.14-0.58). Similar results were obtained in multivariate analyses after propensity score matching (odds ratio 0.04; 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.14) and inverse probability weighting (odds ratio 0.16; 95% confidence interval 0.05-0.42). CONCLUSIONS: Routine perioperative subglottic secretion drainage using subglottic suctioning endotracheal tubes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery was associated with a reduction in the risk of VAP after surgery.

Equivalent 10-year angiographic and long-term clinical outcomes with saphenous vein composite grafts and arterial composite grafts.

OBJECTIVES: We compared 10-year graft patency rates and long-term clinical outcomes after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting using the saphenous vein composite grafts based on the left internal thoracic artery with those using total arterial composite grafts. METHODS: A total of 483 patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting using composite grafts based on the left internal thoracic artery were included. The saphenous vein was used as a second (connected to the left internal thoracic artery; n = 63) or a third (connected to the second arterial graft; n = 40) composite graft in 103 patients (SV group); total arterial composite grafting was performed in 380 patients (ART group). A propensity score-matched analysis was used to match the SV group to the ART group (n = 103 patients in each). The median follow-up duration was 128 (97-139) months. RESULTS: There were no differences in operative mortality and postoperative complication rates between the 2 matched groups. Propensity score-matched analyses showed no differences in the overall survival and freedom from cardiac death rates between the 2 groups (P = .369 and P = .206, respectively) up to 12 years after surgery. Freedom rates from reintervention and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events were also similar between the 2 matched groups (P = .695 and P = .758, respectively) up to 12 years after surgery. Generalized mixed-effects models showed that the 2 matched groups demonstrated no differences in overall and composite graft patency rates during 10 years after surgery (P = .568 and P = .702, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The saphenous vein composite grafts were equivalent to arterial composite grafts in terms of 10-year graft patency and long-term clinical outcomes.

Optimal Tricuspid Annular Size for Tricuspid Annuloplasty in Patients with Less-Than-Moderate Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the association between tricuspid annular dilatation and the development of moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Additionally, we determined the optimal tricuspid annular dilatation threshold to use as an indicator for tricuspid annuloplasty in patients with less-than-moderate functional TR (FTR). METHODS: Between August 2007 and December 2014, 227 patients with less-than-moderate TR underwent mitral valve surgery without a tricuspid valve (TV) procedure. The TV annular diameter was measured via transthoracic echocardiography. The TV annular index (TVAI) was calculated as the TV annular diameter divided by the body surface area. The mean duration of echocardiographic follow-up was 42.0 months (interquartile range, 9.3-66.6 months). RESULTS: Eight patients (3.5%) developed moderate or severe TR. The rate of freedom from development of moderate or severe TR at 5 years was 96.2%. TV annular diameter, left atrial diameter, preoperative atrial fibrillation, and TVAI were found to be associated with the development of moderate or severe TR in the univariate analysis. A cut-off TVAI value of 19.8 mm/m2 was found to predict the development of moderate or severe TR, and a significant difference was observed in the development of TR of this severity based on this cut-off (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The progression of TR was not infrequent in patients with untreated lessthan- moderate FTR. An aggressive treatment approach can be helpful to prevent the progression of FTR for patients with risk factors, especially TVAI greater than 19.8 mm/m2.

Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery In Situ Versus Y-Composite Graftings: Long-term Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: We compared 10-year graft patency rates and long-term clinical outcomes after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting using bilateral internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) as in situ grafts with those using bilateral ITAs as Y-composite grafts. METHODS: Of 509 patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting using bilateral ITAs, bilateral ITAs were used as in situ grafts in 172 patients (group I) and as Y-composite grafts in 337 patients (group Y). A propensity score-matched analysis was used to match group I patients (n = 153) with group Y patients (n = 153). Ten-year angiographic patency rates and long-term clinical outcomes were compared. The follow-up data were complete in 99.2% of patients (505/509) with a median follow-up duration of 175 months. RESULTS: Ten-year overall patency rates and patency rates for distal anastomoses using bilateral ITAs were 87.5% (356/407) and 89.2% (297/333), respectively, in the propensity score-matched groups. No differences in overall patency rates (groups I vs Y, 84.9% vs 89.5%, P = .277) and bilateral ITA patency rates (groups I vs Y, 86.5% vs 91.1%, P = .282) were found between the propensity score-matched groups. There were no differences in the overall survival and cumulative incidence of cardiac death between the propensity score-matched groups (P = .312 and P = .812, respectively) up to 15 years after surgery. Cumulative incidences of target vessel revascularization (P = .606), reintervention (P = .849), and major adverse cardiac events (P = .672) were also similar between the propensity score-matched groups up to 15 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting using bilateral ITAs as in situ versus Y-composite grafts demonstrated no differences in terms of 10-year patency rates and long-term clinical outcomes between the groups.

Thoracic Scoliosis in Patients with Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax.

BACKGROUND: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) affects patients without clinically apparent lung disorder found in tall and thin young male. Scoliosis refers to curves exceeding 10° Cobb angle observed through chest X-ray and affects 2% to 4% of adolescents. Both conditions are commonly encountered in primary health care setting. The aim of this study is to access the correlation of thoracic scoliosis and PSP in adolescent. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients diagnosed for PSP in Konyang University Hospital between January 2010 and March 2017. Chest X-rays of 222 patients and 155 normal control (NC) cases were reviewed to measure the Cobb angle. Greater than 10° of Cobb angle is diagnosed as scoliosis. RESULTS: Scoliosis in patient with PSP has higher incidence than that of NC group (p<0.001). Median value of Cobb angle is 12.9° in PSP group and 14.7° in NC group. Directional relationship between scoliosis and pneumothorax in PSP group is also observed; 40.5% cases are ipsilateral and 59.5% are contralateral. CONCLUSION: PSP patients tend to have thoracic scoliosis more commonly compared with normal healthy adolescent. Scoliosis may contribute to heterogeneity of alveolar pressure which exacerbates subpleural bleb formation that can cause pneumothorax. The causal relationship is unclear and further studies are needed in the future.

Unusual Pseudoaneurysm of the Dorsalis Pedis Artery after an Iatrogenic Injury.

Aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm of the dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) are rare vascular entities. Pseudoaneurysms of the DPA are commonly due to blunt trauma, sharp penetrating injury, fracture, or iatrogenic injury. Herein, we report the case of a patient with a rare iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm that occurred after blood sampling. The diagnosis was suspected based on palpitation of a pulsatile mass on the dorsal foot and confirmed by color Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography angiography. Surgical treatment was successfully performed by reconstruction with an autologous venous graft. The patient recovered well, with no ischemic complications.

Analysis of Sternal Fixation Results According to Plate Type in Sternal Fracture.

BACKGROUND: Sternal fractures are relatively rare, and caused mainly by blunt anterior chest wall trauma. In most cases, sternal fractures are treated conservatively. However, if the patient exhibits problematic symptoms such as intractable chest wall pain or bony crepitus due to sternal instability, surgical correction is indicated. But no consensus exists regarding the most appropriate surgical method. We analyzed the results of surgical fixation in cases of sternal fracture in order to identify which surgical method led to the best outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with sternal fractures from December 2008 to December 2011, and found 19 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the sternum with a longitudinal plate (L-group) or a T-shaped plate (T-group). We investigated patients' characteristics, clinical details regarding each case of chest trauma, the presence of other associated injuries, the type of open reduction and fixation, whether a combined operation was performed, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Of the 19 patients, 10 patients (52.6%) were male, and their average age was 56.8 years (range, 32 to 82 years). Seven patients (36.8%) had isolated sternal fractures, while 12 (63.2%) had other associated injuries. Seven patients (36.8%) were in the L-group and 12 patients (63.2%) were in the T-group. Three patients in the L-group (42.9%) showed a loosening of the fixation. In all patients in the T-group, the fracture exhibited stable alignment. CONCLUSION: Open reduction and internal fixation with a T-shaped plate in sternal fractures is a safer and more efficient treatment method than treatment with a longitudinal plate, especially in patients with a severely displaced sternum or anterior flail chest, than a longitudinal plate.

Surgical Treatment of Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation Using a T-plate.

A 22-year-old man was hospitalized with a sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) dislocation caused by a traffic accident. Surgical reduction and fixation of the SCJ were performed using a T-plate. SCJ dislocation is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all dislocations, and is usually treated conservatively, although severe cases may require surgery. Surgery typically involves joint reduction and fixation using an autologous tendon graft, but this has disadvantages such as the requirement for additional surgery to obtain autologous tissue and an extended operative time. To overcome these issues, here, we performed a simple SCJ reduction and fixation using a T-plate and achieved good results.

Cicatricial Fibromatosis Diagnosis after Suspected Local Recurrence at the Bronchial Stump Following Lobectomy for Lung Cancer.

A mass excision surrounding the bronchial stump was performed to exclude malignancy in a 42-year-old man who had undergone a right lower lobectomy for lung cancer. The mass was identified as a cicatricial fibroma. Cicatricial fibromatosis, which is desmoid fibromatosis that arises in a surgical scar, is a well-known clinical condition. It consists of histologically benign neoplasms. Their occurrence after thoracic surgery is extremely rare. Biopsy or excision of suspicious lesions is very important for diagnosis. R0 resection remains the principal outcome for intra-thoracic desmoid fibromatosis. We report that a cicatricial fibromatosis in the subcarinal space was removed after suspicion of local recurrence at the bronchial stump follwing lobectomy for lung cancer.

Copy number variations of chromosome 17p13.1 might be linked to high risk of lung cancer in heavy smokers.

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Smoking is known as the strongest single factor in the development of lung cancer. However, there are inherited genetic factors that cause different responses to cigarette smoking exposure among individuals. We tried to identify these differences in heavy smokers by examining copy number variations (CNVs) between lung cancer patients and healthy controls. Analysis by array comparative genomic hybridization which was tested with 20-person training set (10 lung cancer patients, 10 healthy controls) showed 26 significant (adjusted P < 0.05) clones with either copy number gains or losses. Three genes, KCTD11, FGF11, and PTPRH on chromosomal regions 17p13.1 (KCTD11 and FGF11) and 19q13.42 (PTPRH), were selected (adjusted P < 0.001) and tested by real-time quantitative PCR with 34 healthy controls and 54 lung cancer patients. KCTD11 on the chromosomal region 17p13.1 showed significant high odds ratio (OR = 16.0) in heavy smokers, implying that this is a susceptibility region for lung cancer in this group. Therefore, CNVs of 17p13.1 is a promising candidate to identify individuals with a high genetic risk for the development of lung cancer.