Application of local gentamicin in the treatment of deep sternal wound infection: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: In patients with deep sternal wound infection (DSWI), primary closure of the sternal bone over high negative pressure Redon drains has shown to be a safe and feasible treatment method. Addition of local gentamicin could accelerate healing and improve clinical outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of local gentamicin in the treatment of DSWI. In the treatment group, collagenous carriers containing gentamicin were left between the sternal halves during sternal refixation. In the control group, no local antibiotics were used. Primary outcome was hospital stay. Secondary outcomes were mortality, reoperation, wound sterilization time, time till removal of all drains and duration of intravenous antibiotic treatment. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were included in the trial of which 20 were allocated to the treatment group. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Drains could be removed after a median of 8.5 days in the treatment group and 14.5 days in the control group (P-value: 0.343). Intravenous antibiotics were administered for a median of 23.5 days in the treatment group and 38.5 days in the control group (P-value: 0.343). The median hospital stay was 27 days in the treatment group and 28 days in the control group (P-value: 0.873). Mortality rate was 10% in the treatment group and 9.5% in the control group (P-value: 0,959). No side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This randomized controlled trial showed that addition of local gentamicin in the treatment of DSWI did not result in shorter length of stay. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: 2014-001170-33.

Fibrotic aortic valve disease after radiotherapy: an immunohistochemical study in breast cancer and lymphoma patients.

BACKGROUND: Radiation-associated aortic valve (AV) stenosis is frequently seen as a late sequela after thoracic radiotherapy (RT). Although the clinical relationship between thoracic radiotherapy and valvular dysfunction has been established, the process leading to accelerated aortic valve stenosis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether increased inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrosis, and calcification is present in aortic valves after radiotherapy at the time of aortic valve replacement. METHODS: Stenotic aortic valve specimens from 43 patients were obtained after surgical aortic valve replacement. A total 28 patients had previously undergone radiotherapy for breast cancer or malignant lymphoma. A total 15 patients were included as control. The valve leaflets were assessed by (immuno)histochemistry for inflammatory cell composition (CD3, CD20, CD68, and CD163) and extracellular matrix changes (collagen and calcification). RESULTS: Aortic valve cell density after radiotherapy for lymphoma was markedly decreased when compared with other groups. Irradiated aortic valve show similar (low) degrees of late T and B lymphocyte infiltration as control valves, whereas macrophage marker CD68 was decreased after radiotherapy for breast cancer. Collagen content was increased following radiotherapy. Aortic valves of patients with lymphoma contained significantly less calcified tissue when compared with the other groups. CONCLUSION: High-dose radiation at a young age (patients with lymphoma) results in cell loss and premature fibrotic aortic valve stenosis as opposed to the degenerative calcific stenosis observed in patients with breast cancer. Our findings suggest a possible dose-dependent effect of radiotherapy on aortic valve fibrosis. The active presence of inflammatory cells may be limited to the acute phase after radiotherapy.

Minimal invasive aortic valve replacement: associations of radiological assessments with procedure complexity.

OBJECTIVES: Limited aortic annulus exposure during minimal invasive aortic valve replacement (mini-AVR) proves to be challenging and contributes to procedure complexity, resulting in longer procedure times. New innovations like sutureless valves have been introduced to reduce procedure complexity. Additionally, preoperative imaging could also contribute to reducing procedure times. Therefore, we hypothesize that Computed Tomography (CT)-image based measurements are associated with mini-AVR complexity. METHODS: One hundred patients who underwent a mini-sternotomy and had a preoperative CT scan were included. With a CT-based mini-AVR planning tool, we measured access distance, access angle, annulus dimensions, and calcium volume. The associations of these measurements with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time and aortic cross-clamp (AoX) time were assessed using univariable and multivariable regression models. In the multivariable models, these measurements were adjusted for age and suture technique. RESULTS: In the univariable regression models, calcium volume and annulus dimensions were associated with longer CPB and AoX time. After adjusting for age and suture technique, increasing calcium volume was still associated with longer CPB (adjusted ß-coefficient 0.002, 95%-CI (0.005, 0.019), p-value = 0.002) and AoX time (adjusted ß-coefficient 0.010, 95%-CI (0.004, 0.016), p-value = 0.002). However, after adjusting for these confounders, the association between annulus dimensions and procedure times lost statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Increase in calcium volume are associated with longer CPB and AoX times, with age and sutureless valve implantation as independent confounders. In contrast to previous studies, access angle was not associated with procedure complexity.

Biomedical Applications of Photo- and Sono-Activated Rose Bengal: A Review.

Objective: The aim of this review is to discuss and compare the extensive range of biomedical applications of photo- and sono-activated Rose Bengal (RB). Background data: RB is a xanthene dye that due to its interesting photo- and sono-sensitive properties is gaining attention in the scientific field. Methods: This study is a literature review using the database PubMed. Results: As a photosensitizer, RB converts the triplet oxygen molecule into reactive oxygen species after irradiation with green light (532 nm). This mechanism allows for the use of photo-activated RB in photochemical tissue bonding, photodynamic therapy, antimicrobial therapy and cancer treatment, photothrombotic animal models, and other applications, including tissue engineering and treatment of tauopathies. As a sono-sensitive compound, RB is applied for sonodynamic therapy, cancer treatment, and antimicrobial therapy. Conclusions: This review outlines the versatility and effectiveness of photo- and sono-activated RB in numerous biomedical applications.

Feasibility of mapping and cannulation of the porcine epicardial lymphatic system for sampling and decompression in heart failure research.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The cardiac lymphatic system drains excess fluid from the cardiac interstitium. Any impairment or dysfunction of the lymph structures can result in the accumulation of interstitial fluid, and may lead to edema and eventually cardiac dysfunction. Lymph originates directly from the interstitium and carries real-time information about the metabolic state of cells in specific regions of the heart. The detailed anatomy of the epicardial lymphatic system in individuals is broadly unknown. Generally, the epicardial lymphatic system is not taken into consideration during heart surgery. This study investigates the feasibility of detailed mapping and cannulation of the porcine epicardial lymphatic system for use in preservation of explanted hearts and heart failure studies in pigs and humans. METHODS: The anatomy of the epicardial lymphatic systems of forty pig hearts was studied and documented. Using a 27 G needle, India ink was introduced directly into the epicardial lymphatic vessels in order to visualise them. Based on the anatomical findings thus obtained, two cannulation regions for the left and right principal trunks were identified. These regions were cannulated with a 26 G intravenous Venflon cannula-over-needle, and a Galeo Hydro Guide F014 wire was used to verify that the lumen was patent. RESULTS: The main epicardial lymphatic collectors were found to follow the main coronary arteries. Most of the lymph vessels drained into the left ventricular trunk, which evacuates fluid from the left heart and also partially from the right heart. The right trunk was often found to drain into the left trunk anterior basally. Right heart drainage was highly variable compared to the left. In addition, the overall cannulation success rate of the selected cannulation sites was only 57%. CONSLUSIONS: Mapping of the porcine epicardial lymphatic anatomy is feasible. The right ventricular drainage system had a higher degree of variability than the left, and the right cardiac lymph system was found to be partially cleared through the left lymphatic trunk. To improve cannulation success rate, we proposed two sites for cannulation based on these findings and the use of Venflon cannulas (26 G) for cannulation and lymph collection. This method might be helpful for future studies that focus on biochemical sample analysis and decompression. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: Real-time biochemical assessment and decompression of lymph may contribute to the understanding of heart failure and eventually result in preventive measures. First its relevance should be established by additional research in both arrested and working porcine hearts. Imaging and mapping of the epicardial lymphatics may enable sampling and drainage and contribute to the prevention or treatment of heart failure. We envision that this approach may be considered in patients with a high risk of postoperative left and right heart failure during open-heart surgery.

Aortic coarctation repair through left thoracotomy: results in the modern era.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is often possible through left thoracotomy and without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Recent studies reporting the outcome after CoA repair through left thoracotomy are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the results of CoA repair through left thoracotomy in children who were operated on in our centre over the past 21 years. METHODS: From January 1995 to December 2016, 292 patients younger than 18 years underwent primary CoA repair through left thoracotomy at our 2 institutions. Peri- and postoperative data and follow-up data collected from our hospital and the referring hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Median age at operation was 64 days (range 2 days-17 years). Most patients underwent the resection of the CoA followed by an (extended) end-to-end anastomosis (93%). Six patients died perioperatively and 2 more patients died during the follow-up, of which 7 patients had other major comorbidities. Actuarial survival was 97% at 5 years, 96% at 10 years and 96% at 15 years. Second arch interventions due to recoarctation were performed in 9.9% (n = 29) of patients, consisting of balloon dilatation in all but 2 patients. Recoarctation occurred significantly more often after initial repair in the neonatal period (21%) and could occur as late as 14 years after initial surgery. There were 7 re-recoarctations, and 14% of patients were on hypertensive medication during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Repair of CoA through left thoracotomy is a safe procedure with low rates of mortality. The long-term follow-up is necessary due to the significant risk of recoarctation requiring reintervention.

A computed tomography-based planning tool for predicting difficulty of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVES: Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement has proven its value over the last decade by its significant advancement and reduction in mortality, morbidity and admission time. However, minimally invasive aortic valve replacement is associated with some on-site difficulties such as limited aortic annulus exposure. Currently, computed tomography scans are used to evaluate the anatomical relationship among the intercostal spaces, ascending aorta and aortic valve prior to surgery. We hypothesized that quantitative measurements of access distance and access angle are associated with outcome and access difficulty. METHODS: We introduce a novel minimally invasive aortic valve replacement planning prototype that allows automatic measurements of access angle, access distance and aortic annulus dimensions. The prototype visualizes these measurements on the chest cage as ISO contours. The association of these measures with outcome parameters such as extracorporeal circulation time, aortic cross-clamping time and access difficulty score was assessed. We included 14 patients who received a new valve by ministernotomy. RESULTS: The mean access angle was 40.3 ± 5.1°. It was strongly associated with aortic cross-clamping time (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.60, P = 0.02) and access difficulty score (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient = 0.57, P = 0.03). Access angles were significantly different between easy and difficult access groups (P = 0.03). There was no significant association between access distance and outcome parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Access angle is strongly associated with procedure complexity. The automated presentation of this measure suggests added value of the prototype in clinical practice.

Totally thoracoscopic ablation for atrial fibrillation: a systematic safety analysis.

Aims: Thoracoscopic surgical ablation has evolved into a successful strategy for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) refractory to other therapy. More widespread referral is limited by the lack of information on potential complications. Our aim was to systematically evaluate 30-day complications of totally thoracoscopic surgical ablation. Methods and results: We retrospectively studied consecutive patients undergoing totally thoracoscopic surgical ablation at a referral centre in the Netherlands (2007-2016). Patients received pulmonary vein isolation, with additional lesion lines as needed, and left atrial appendage exclusion. The primary outcomes were freedom from any complications and freedom from irreversible complications at 30-days. Secondary outcomes included intra- and post-operative complications according to severity. Included were 558 patients with median age 62 years (interquartile range 56-68 years), 70% male and 53% with a previous failed catheter ablation. The cohort consisted of 43% paroxysmal AF, 47% persistent AF, and 10% long-standing persistent AF. Freedom from any 30-day complication was 88.2%, and from complications with life-long affecting consequences 97.5%. The intra-operative complication rate was 2.3% with no strokes or death observed. The median hospital length of stay was 4 days. The percentage of patients with major and minor complications at 30-days was 3.2% and 8.1%, respectively, with one patient dying of an ischaemic stroke. The only patient groups with excess complications were women aged ≥70 years and patients with a history of congestive heart failure. Conclusions: Totally thoracoscopic ablation is associated with a low complication rate in a referral centre and may be a useful alternative to other rhythm control strategies.

Infective Endocarditis of the Aortic Valve with Anterior Mitral Valve Leaflet Aneurysm.

Mitral valve leaflet aneurysm is a rare and potentially devastating complication of aortic valve endocarditis. We report the case of a 48-year-old man who had endocarditis of the native aortic valve and a concomitant aneurysm of the anterior mitral valve leaflet. Severe mitral regurgitation occurred after the aneurysm perforated. The patient showed no signs of heart failure and completed a 6-week regimen of antibiotic therapy before undergoing successful aortic and mitral valve replacement. In addition to the patient's case, we review the relevant medical literature.

Diagnostic evaluation and treatment strategy in patients with suspected prosthetic heart valve dysfunction: The incremental value of MDCT.

BACKGROUND: In patients with suspected prosthetic heart valve (PHV) dysfunction, routine evaluation echocardiography and fluoroscopy may provide unsatisfactory results for identifying the cause of dysfunction. This study assessed the value of MDCT as a routine, complementary imaging modality in suspected PHV-dysfunction for diagnosing the cause of PHV dysfunction and proposing a treatment strategy. METHODS: Patients with suspected PHV dysfunction were prospectively recruited. All patients underwent routine diagnostic work-up (TTE, TEE ± fluoroscopy) and additional MDCT imaging. An expert panel reviewed all cases and assessed the diagnosis and treatment strategy, first based on routine evaluation only, second with additional MDCT information. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were included with suspected PHV obstruction (n = 30) and PHV regurgitation (n = 12). The addition of MDCT showed incremental value to routine evaluation in 26/30 (87%) cases for detecting the specific cause of PHV obstruction and in 7/12 (58%) regurgitation cases for assessment of complications and surgical planning. The addition of MDCT resulted in treatment strategy change in 8/30 (27%) patients with suspected obstruction and 3/12 (25%) patients with regurgitation. CONCLUSION: In addition to echocardiography and fluoroscopy, MDCT may identify the cause of PHV dysfunction and alter the treatment strategy.

Coronary artery bypass grafting-related bleeding complications in patients treated with dual antiplatelet treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between the timing of either ticagrelor or clopidogrel discontinuation and bleeding-related complications in patients undergoing isolated on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: Between January 2012 and December 2014, 705 consecutive patients underwent isolated on-pump CABG at our institution. Of these, 626 were eligible for this study. Surgery under acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was performed in 404 patients (ASA group) and 222 patients underwent surgery under dual antiplatelet treatment (DAPT). Patients exposed to DAPT were stratified into the following groups: ticagrelor within 72 h prior to surgery (Group T ≤ 72, n = 63); ticagrelor within 72-120 h prior to surgery (Group T72-120, n = 21); clopidogrel within 120 h prior to surgery (Group C ≤ 120, n = 125); clopidogrel within 120-168 h prior to surgery (Group C120-168, n = 13). RESULTS: Transfusion requirements in Group T ≤ 72 (72.1 vs 41.3%, P < 0.001) and Group C ≤ 120 (71.2 vs 41.3%, P < 0.001) were significantly higher compared with the ASA group. Multivariable analysis, comparing Group C ≤ 120, C120-168, T ≤ 72 and T72-120 with the ASA group, revealed Group C ≤ 120 and Group T ≤ 72 as predictors of bleeding-related complications. No increased incidence of bleeding-related complications was seen when ticagrelor was discontinued >72 h or clopidogrel >120 h prior to surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Ticagrelor discontinuation >72 h and clopidogrel discontinuation >120 h prior to surgery were not associated with an increased risk of bleeding-related complications. Based on these findings, a period of ticagrelor discontinuation shorter than advised by current international guidelines might be justifiable.

Management of large mediastinal masses: surgical and anesthesiological considerations.

Large mediastinal masses are rare, and encompass a wide variety of diseases. Regardless of the diagnosis, all large mediastinal masses may cause compression or invasion of vital structures, resulting in respiratory insufficiency or hemodynamic decompensation. Detailed preoperative preparation is a prerequisite for favorable surgical outcomes and should include preoperative multimodality imaging, with emphasis on vascular anatomy and invasive characteristics of the tumor. A multidisciplinary team should decide whether neoadjuvant therapy can be beneficial. Furthermore, the anesthesiologist has to evaluate the risk of intraoperative mediastinal mass syndrome (MMS). With adequate preoperative team planning, a safe anesthesiological and surgical strategy can be accomplished.

Defining post-sternotomy mediastinitis for clinical evidence-based studies.

BACKGROUND: Considerable advances have already been made in the treatment of deep thoracic wound infections following a median sternotomy for cardiac surgery. Further improvement in diagnosis, treatment, and outcome will require a targeted approach by multidisciplinary teams. Clear communication and synergy between the various clinical and supportive disciplines would assist in removing the last barriers to standardized evidence-based studies and the development of improved evidence-based guidelines. METHODS: An extensive literature search without language restrictions was carried out on PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, and Web of Science, covering the period 1988 to week 16, 2014, and a manual search of the reference lists was performed regarding all possible definitions and classifications of post-sternotomy mediastinitis. Two hundred and eighteen papers describing post-sternotomy infections in a multitude of terms were identified, and the strengths and weaknesses of the most popular definitions and terms relating specifically to post-sternotomy infections were examined. RESULTS: This study revealed that clinicians use a multitude of terms to describe post-sternotomy infections without defining the condition under treatment. Occasionally, older epidemiological (surveillance) definitions were used. It also shows that supportive disciplines have their own definitions, or interpretations of existing definitions, to describe these infections. CONCLUSION: The outcome of this study is that clinicians have adopted no single definition, which is essential for further improvement for evidence-based studies. We suggest that it is possible to adopt a single term for thoracic infection after a sternotomy (and only sternotomy), and propose a clinical definition for this purpose.

Baseline MDCT findings after prosthetic heart valve implantation provide important complementary information to echocardiography for follow-up purposes.

OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have proposed additional multidetector-row CT (MDCT) for prosthetic heart valve (PHV) dysfunction. References to discriminate physiological from pathological conditions early after implantation are lacking. We present baseline MDCT findings of PHVs 6 weeks post implantation. METHODS: Patients were prospectively enrolled and TTE was performed according to clinical guidelines. 256-MDCT images were systematically assessed for leaflet excursions, image quality, valve-related artefacts, and pathological and additional findings. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were included comprising 33 mechanical and 16 biological PHVs. Overall, MDCT image quality was good and relevant regions remained reliably assessable despite mild-moderate PHV-artefacts. MDCT detected three unexpected valve-related pathology cases: (1) prominent subprosthetic tissue, (2) pseudoaneurysm and (3) extensive pseudoaneurysms and valve dehiscence. The latter patient required valve surgery to be redone. TTE only showed trace periprosthetic regurgitation, and no abnormalities in the other cases. Additional findings were: tilted aortic PHV position (n = 3), pericardial haematoma (n = 3) and pericardial effusion (n = 3). Periaortic induration was present in 33/40 (83 %) aortic valve patients. CONCLUSIONS: MDCT allowed evaluation of relevant PHV regions in all valves, revealed baseline postsurgical findings and, despite normal TTE findings, detected three cases of unexpected, clinically relevant pathology. KEY POINTS: • Postoperative MDCT presents baseline morphology relevant for prosthetic valve follow-up. • 83 % of patients show periaortic induration 6 weeks after aortic valve replacement. • MDCT detected three cases of clinically relevant pathology not found with TTE. • Valve dehiscence detection by MDCT required redo valve surgery in one patient. • MDCT is a suitable and complementary imaging tool for follow-up purposes.

Continuous Postoperative Pericardial Flushing: A Pilot Study on Safety, Feasibility, and Effect on Blood Loss.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged or excessive blood loss is a common complication after cardiac surgery. Blood remnants and clots, remaining in the pericardial space in spite of chest tube drainage, induce high fibrinolytic activity that may contribute to bleeding complications. Continuous postoperative pericardial flushing (CPPF) with an irrigation solution may reduce blood loss by preventing the accumulation of clots. In this pilot study, the safety and feasibility of CPPF were evaluated and the effect on blood loss and other related complications was investigated. METHODS: Between November 2011 and April 2012 twenty-one adult patients undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) received CPPF from sternal closure up to 12 h postoperative. With an inflow Redivac drain that was inserted through one of the chest tube incision holes, an irrigation solution (NaCl 0.9% at 38 °C) was delivered to the pericardial cavity using a volume controlled flushing system. Safety aspects, feasibility issues and complications were registered. The mean actual blood loss in the CPPF group was compared to the mean of a retrospective group (n = 126). RESULTS: CPPF was successfully completed in 20 (95.2%) patients, and no method related complications were observed. Feasibility was good in this experimental setting. Patients receiving CPPF showed a 30% (P = 0.038) decrease in mean actual blood loss 12 h postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: CPPF after cardiac surgery was found to be safe and feasible in this experimental setting. The clinically relevant effect on blood loss needs to be confirmed in a randomized clinical trial.

Nutrition before and during Surgery and the Inflammatory Response of the Heart: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Major surgery induces a long fasting time and provokes an inflammatory response which increases the risk of infections. Nutrition given before and during surgery can avoid fasting and has been shown to increase the arginine/asymmetric dimetlhylarginine ratio, a marker of nitric oxide availability, in cardiac tissue and increased concentrations of branched chain amino acids in blood plasma. However, the effect of this new nutritional strategy on organ inflammatory response is unknown. Therefore, we studied the effect of nutrition before and during cardiac surgery on myocardial inflammatory response. In this trial, 32 patients were randomised between enteral, parenteral, and no nutrition supplementation (control) from 2 days before, during, up to 2 days after coronary artery bypass grafting. Both solutions included proteins or amino acids, glucose, vitamins, and minerals. Myocardial atrial tissue was sampled before and after revascularization and was analysed immunohistochemically, subdivided into cardiomyocytic, fatty, and fibrotic areas. Inflammatory cells, especially leukocytes, were present in cardiac tissue in all study groups. No significant differences were found in the myocardial inflammatory response between the enteral, parenteral, and control groups. In conclusion, nutrition given before and during surgery neither stimulates nor diminishes the myocardial inflammatory response in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. The trial was registered in Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR2183.

Laser-assisted vascular welding: optimization of acute and post-hydration welding strength.

BACKGROUND: Liquid solder laser-assisted vascular welding using biocompatible polymeric scaffolds (ssLAVW) is a novel technique for vascular anastomoses. Although ssLAVW has pronounced advantages over conventional suturing, drawbacks include low welding strength and extensive thermal damage. AIM: To determine optimal ssLAVW parameters for maximum welding strength and minimal thermal damage. METHODS: Substudy 1 compared breaking strength (BS) of aortic strips welded with electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold, 670-nm laser, 50-s single-spot continuous lasing (SSCL), and semi-solid solder (48% bovine serum albumin (BSA)/0.5% methylene blue (MB)/3% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC)). Substudy 2 compared the semi-solid solder to 48% BSA/0.5% MB/0.38% genipin and 48% BSA/0.5% MB/3% HPMC/0.38% genipin solder. Substudy 3 compared SSCL to single-spot pulsed lasing (SSPL). RESULTS: PCL-ssLAVW yielded an acute BS of 248.0 ± 54.0 N/cm2 and remained stable up to 7d of hydration. PLGA-ssLAVW obtained higher acute BS (408.6 ± 78.8 N/cm2) but revealed structural defects and a BS of 109.4 ± 42.6 N/cm2 after 14 d of hydration. The addition of HPMC and genipin improved the 14-d BS of PLGA-sLAVW (223.9 ± 19.1 N/cm2). Thermal damage was reduced with SSPL compared with SSCL. CONCLUSIONS: PCL-ssLAVW yielded lower but more stable welds than PLGA-ssLAVW. The addition of HPMC and genipin to the solder increased the post-hydration BS of PLGA-ssLAVW. SSPL regimen reduced thermal damage. PLGA-ssLAVW using 48% BSA/0.5% MB/3% HPMC/0.38% genipin solder and SSPL constitutes the most optimal welding modality. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: Surgical patients requiring vascular anastomoses may benefit from the advantages that ssLAVW potentially offers over conventional sutures (gold standard). These include no needle trauma and remnant suture materials in the patient, reduction of foreign body reaction, immediate liquid-tight sealing, and the possibility of a faster and easier procedure for minimally invasive and endoscopic anastomotic techniques.

Long-term follow-up of tracheoplasty using autologous pericardial patch and strips of costal cartilage.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate long-term results of tracheoplasty using autologous pericardial patch and strips of costal cartilage for relieving severe long-segment tracheal stenosis. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively by clinical chart review. Between 1995 and 2013, 21 patients underwent tracheoplasty. Follow-up was performed by outpatient chart review; otherwise, referring physicians and parents were contacted and asked to fill in a questionnaire. RESULTS: Median age at the time of operation was 0.9 (range 0.5-44) years. Aetiology of tracheal stenosis was double aortic arch in 9 patients, right arch with a left ductus in 3, innominate artery compression in 1 patient, complete tracheal rings in 7, 3 of whom with pulmonary artery sling and 2 with agenesis of one lung, and other causes in 1 patient. Previous surgery was performed in 6 (29%) patients. Patch tracheoplasty was performed using autologous pericardial patch and external stenting using costal cartilage. Major complications were mediastinitis and patch dehiscence in 2 patients, 2 patients needed tracheal cannula and 1 patient had stent implantation. Three (14%) patients died in the late postoperative period: 1 patient died of sepsis, 1 had patch dehiscence and 1 erosion of tracheal stent and consequently intractable bleeding. Follow-up was 6.1±2.7 years (0.75-10 years). At follow-up, 2 (11%) patients were still symptomatic, 4 (22%) had occasionally mild symptoms and 12 (67%) were free of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment for severe tracheal stenosis remains challenging. With tracheoplasty using autologous pericardial patch and strips of costal cartilage, long and narrow tracheal stenosis can be repaired. There are no limitations as to the length and location and severity of the stenosis. Tracheoplasty is associated with a high complication rate. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory to ensure favourable long-term outcomes.

Valve-sparing aortic root replacement†.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate our results of valve-sparing aortic root replacement and associated (multiple) valve repair. METHODS: From September 2003 to September 2013, 97 patients had valve-sparing aortic root replacement procedures. Patient records and preoperative, postoperative and recent echocardiograms were reviewed. Median age was 40.3 (range: 13.4-68.6) years and 67 (69.1%) were male. Seven (7.2%) patients were younger than 18 years, the youngest being 13.4 years. Fifty-four (55.7%) had Marfan syndrome, 2 (2.1%) other fibrous tissue diseases, 15 (15.5%) bicuspid aortic valve and 3 (3.1%) had earlier Fallot repair. The reimplantation technique was used in all, with a straight vascular prosthesis in 11 (26-34 mm) and the Valsalva prosthesis in 86 (26-32 mm). Concomitant aortic valve repair was performed in 43 (44.3%), mitral valve repair in 10 (10.3%), tricuspid valve repair in 5 (5.2%) and aortic arch replacement in 3 (3.1%). RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 4.2 ± 2.4 years. Follow-up was complete in all. One 14-year old patient died 1.3 years post-surgery presumably of ventricular arrhythmia. One patient underwent reoperation for aneurysm of the proximal right coronary artery after 4.9 years and 4 patients required aortic valve replacement, 3 of which because of endocarditis after 0.1, 0.8 and 1.3 years and 1 because of cusp prolapse after 3.8 years. No thrombo-embolic complications occurred. Mortality, root reoperation and aortic regurgitation were absent in 88.0 ± 0.5% at 5-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Results of valve-sparing root replacement are good, even in association with a high incidence of concomitant valve repair. Valve-sparing aortic root replacement can be performed at a very young age as long as an adult size prosthesis can be implanted.