Implications from neurologic assessment of brain protection for total arch replacement from a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to perform a randomized trial of brain protection during total aortic arch replacement and identify the best way to assess brain injury. METHODS: From June 2003 to January 2010, 121 evaluable patients were randomized to retrograde (n = 60) or antegrade (n = 61) brain perfusion during hypothermic circulatory arrest. We assessed the sensitivity of clinical neurologic evaluation, brain imaging, and neurocognitive testing performed preoperatively and 4 to 6 months postoperatively to detect brain injury. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients (24%) experienced neurologic events. Clinical stroke was evident in 1 patient (0.8%), and visual changes were evident in 2 patients; all had brain imaging changes. A total of 14 of 95 patients (15%) undergoing both preoperative and postoperative brain imaging had evidence of new white or gray matter changes; 10 of the 14 patients had neurocognitive testing, but only 2 patients experienced decline. A total of 17 of 96 patients (18%) undergoing both preoperative and postoperative neurocognitive testing manifested declines of 2 or more reliable change indexes; of these 17, 11 had neither imaging changes nor clinical events. Thirty-day mortality was 0.8% (1/121), with no neurologic deaths and a similar prevalence of neurologic events after retrograde and antegrade brain perfusion (22/60, 37% and 15/61, 25%, respectively; P = .2). CONCLUSIONS: Although this randomized clinical trial revealed similar neurologic outcomes after retrograde or antegrade brain perfusion for total aortic arch replacement, clinical examination for postprocedural neurologic events is insensitive, brain imaging detects more events, and neurocognitive testing detects even more. Future neurologic assessments for cardiovascular procedures should include not only clinical examination but also brain imaging studies, neurocognitive testing, and long-term assessment.

Symptom assessment and exercise impairment in surgical decision making in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: Relationship to outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the long-term outcomes in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, in whom the decision regarding surgery (vs conservative management) was based on assessment of symptoms or exercise capacity. METHODS: This was an observational study of 1530 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (aged 50 ± 13 years, 63% were men) with severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (excluding those aged <18 years, with left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, and with left ventricular outflow tract gradient <30 mm Hg). A composite end point of death (excluding noncardiac causes) and/or implantable defibrillator discharge was assessed. RESULTS: Coronary artery disease, family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and syncope were present in 15%, 17%, and 18% of patients, respectively, whereas 73% patients were in New York Heart Association class II or greater. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction, basal septal thickness, and left ventricular outflow tract gradient (resting or provocable) were 62% ± 5%, 2.2 ± 1 cm, and 101 ± 39 mm Hg, respectively. A total of 858 patients (56%) underwent exercise echocardiography, of whom 503 (59%) had exercise capacity impairment. At 8.1 ± 6 years, 990 patients (65%) underwent surgical relief of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and 540 patients (35%) did not. There were 156 events (10%) (134 deaths), with 0% 30-day mortality in the surgical group. On multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis, increasing age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.20), coronary artery disease (HR, 1.68), worse New York Heart Association class (HR, 1.46), and atrial fibrillation (HR, 1.90) predicted higher events, whereas surgery (time-dependent covariate HR, 0.57) was associated with improved event-free survival (all P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, in whom the decision regarding surgery was based on the presence of intractable symptoms and impaired exercise capacity, surgery was associated with significant improvement in long-term composite outcomes.

Appropriate patient selection or health care rationing? Lessons from surgical aortic valve replacement in the Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves I trial.

OBJECTIVES: The study objectives were to (1) compare the safety of high-risk surgical aortic valve replacement in the Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves (PARTNER) I trial with Society of Thoracic Surgeons national benchmarks; (2) reference intermediate-term survival to that of the US population; and (3) identify subsets of patients for whom aortic valve replacement may be futile, with no survival benefit compared with therapy without aortic valve replacement. METHODS: From May 2007 to October 2009, 699 patients with high surgical risk, aged 84 ± 6.3 years, were randomized in PARTNER-IA; 313 patients underwent surgical aortic valve replacement. Median follow-up was 2.8 years. Survival for therapy without aortic valve replacement used 181 PARTNER-IB patients. RESULTS: Operative mortality was 10.5% (expected 9.3%), stroke 2.6% (expected 3.5%), renal failure 5.8% (expected 12%), sternal wound infection 0.64% (expected 0.33%), and prolonged length of stay 26% (expected 18%). However, calibration of observed events in this relatively small sample was poor. Survival at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years was 75%, 68%, 57%, and 44%, respectively, lower than 90%, 81%, 73%, and 65%, respectively, in the US population, but higher than 53%, 32%, 21%, and 14%, respectively, in patients without aortic valve replacement. Risk factors for death included smaller body mass index, lower albumin, history of cancer, and prosthesis-patient mismatch. Within this high-risk aortic valve replacement group, only the 8% of patients with the poorest risk profiles had estimated 1-year survival less than that of similar patients treated without aortic valve replacement. CONCLUSIONS: PARTNER selection criteria for surgical aortic valve replacement, with a few caveats, may be more appropriate, realistic indications for surgery than those of the past, reflecting contemporary surgical management of severe aortic stenosis in high-risk patients at experienced sites.

Clinical utility of cerebral angiography in the preoperative assessment of endocarditis.

Cerebral angiography is an invasive procedure utilized without supporting guidelines in preoperative evaluations of infective endocarditis (IE). It is used to identify mycotic intracranial aneurysm, which is suspected to increase the risk of intracranial bleeding during cardiac surgery. Our objectives were to: (1) assess the utility of cerebral angiography by determining which subset of IE patients benefit from its performance; and (2) identify clinical and noninvasive screening tests that can preclude the need for invasive cerebral angiography. Retrospective analysis was performed of all patients treated surgically for IE from 7/2007 to 1/2012 and discharged with medical treatment for IE from 7/2007 to 7/2009 presenting to a large academic center. Of the 151 patients who underwent cerebral angiography, mycotic aneurysm was identified in seven (prevalence=4.6%; 95% CI 2.3-9.3%). Five had viridans group streptococci as the causative IE microorganism (p=0.0017). Noninvasive imaging and particularly absence of intracranial bleed on magnetic resonance imaging conveys a negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.977 (95% CI 0.879-0.996). Absence of a focal neurologic deficit or altered mental status convey a NPV of 0.990 (95% CI 0.945-0.998) and 0.944 (95% CI 0.883-0.974), respectively. Clinical suspicion for mycotic aneurysm and thus utilization of cerebral angiography is likely necessary only in the setting of acute neurologic deficits and when noninvasive imaging demonstrates acute intracranial bleed. A novel association between viridans group streptococci and intracranial mycotic aneurysm is demonstrated.

A comprehensive review of the PARTNER trial.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve replacement was introduced in 2002, but its effectiveness remained to be assessed. METHODS: A prospective, randomized trial (the Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves, or PARTNER) was designed with 2 arms: PARTNER A (n = 699) for high-risk surgical patients (Society of Thoracic Surgeons score >10%, surgeon assessed risk of mortality >15%) and PARTNER B (n = 358, patients inoperable by assessment of 2 surgeons). PARTNER A patients were divided into femoral artery access transcatheter aortic valve replacement or none (n = 207), and then randomized to open aortic valve replacement (n = 351) or device (n = 348). Inclusion criteria included valve area <0.8 cm(2), gradient >40 mm Hg or peak >64 mm Hg, and survival >1 year. The end point of the study was 1-year mortality. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality for PARTNER A was 3.4% for transcatheter aortic valve replacement and 6.5% for aortic valve replacement; 1-year mortality was 24.2% and 26.8%, respectively (P = .001 for noninferiority). The respective prevalence of stroke was 3.8% and 2.1% (P = .2), although for all neurologic events, the difference between transcatheter aortic valve replacement and aortic valve replacement was significant (P = .04), including 4.6% for femoral artery access transcatheter aortic valve replacement versus 1.4% for open aortic valve replacement (P = .05). For PARTNER B--transcatheter aortic valve replacement versus medical treatment-30-day mortality was 5.0% versus 2.8% (P = .41), and at 1 year, mortality was 30.7% versus 50.7% (P < .001), respectively. Hospitalization cost of transcatheter aortic valve replacement for PARTNER B was $78,542, or $50,200 per year of life gained. Analysis of PARTNER A strokes showed that hazard with transcatheter aortic valve replacement peaked early, but thereafter remained constant in relation to aortic valve replacement. Two-year PARTNER A data showed paravalvular regurgitation was associated with increased mortality, even when mild (P < .001). Continued access to transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement (n = 853) showed a mortality of 8.2% and decline in strokes to 2.0%. Of the 1801 Cleveland Clinic patients reviewed to December 2010, 214 (12%) underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement with a mortality of 1%; in 2011, 105 underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement: 34 transapical aortic valve replacement, with no deaths, and 71 femoral artery access aortic valve replacement with 1 death. CONCLUSIONS: The PARTNER A and B trials showed that survival has been remarkably good, but stroke and perivalvular leakage require further device development.

Antegrade delivery of stent grafts to treat complex thoracic aortic disease.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic aortic disease involving the aortic arch presents a challenge to cardiovascular surgeons. The purpose of this study was to establish the safety and efficacy of antegrade delivery techniques of aortic stent grafting for the treatment of high-risk, complex thoracic aortic disease. METHODS: From April 2007 to December 2009, 38 patients underwent stent graft repair of complex thoracic aortic diseases not otherwise amenable to standard retrograde delivery. Chart review, query of the Social Security Death Index, and three-dimensional analysis of computed tomography was performed. Indications were elective (n = 17), urgent (n = 11), or emergent (n = 10). Causes included coarctation (n = 1), acute aortic dissection (n = 4), traumatic transection (n = 2), and aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm (n = 31), of which 6 were ruptured. Sites of delivery included axillary (n = 4), ascending aorta (n = 18), and direct aortic placement (frozen elephant trunk, n = 16). Eleven were performed off-pump, 4 were performed on pump with a beating heart, 3 with cardiac arrest, and 20 under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Delivery was facilitated by transesophageal echocardiography alone (n = 14), or with fluoroscopy (n = 24). All devices used were commercially available (TAG, 18; Talent, 1; TX2, 19). Concomitant procedures were performed in 26 patients including 17 ascending repairs, 16 coronary artery bypass graftings, and 4 aortic valve replacements. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 97% (37 of 38 patients). Hospital mortality was 10% (n = 4), and serious complications included stroke (n = 4), paraparesis (transient n = 3, persistent n = 1), renal failure (n = 4), and respiratory failure (n = 12). Mean length of hospital stay was 14.7 days (range, 4 to 36 days), and 6.7 days (range, 1 to 20 days) in the intensive care unit. Overall survival was 74% at median follow-up of 1.2 + or - 0.8 years. Ten endoleaks in 9 patients (8 type II, 2 type I) required 3 late reinterventions. CONCLUSIONS: Antegrade delivery of commercially available stent grafts to treat high-risk, complex thoracic aortic diseases is feasible with a high rate of technical success and good intermediate-term outcomes. Further evaluation of these alternative stent graft delivery techniques is warranted.

Lessons learned from balloon aortic valvuloplasty experience from the pre-transcatheter aortic valve implantation era.

BACKGROUND: Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) has been used as a bridge to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in high-risk patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). Such patients are now being referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We sought to study the indications and outcomes of BAV in patients with severe AS in the pre-TAVI era. METHODS: We analyzed consecutive patients with severe AS undergoing BAV from 1990 to 2005. In these patients with no immediate surgical option, BAV was attempted to temporarily improve hemodynamics, with a goal to improve general health of the patient, and ultimately AVR. RESULTS: A total of 99 BAVs (eight repeats, one second repeat) were performed in 90 consecutive patients. Baseline ejection fraction was ≤25% in 36 (36%) patients. The 30-day mortality rate was 17% (n = 17). Of the 99 patients, 27 (30%) underwent AVR. Average follow-up of patients with and without AVR was 55 ± 57 months and 16 ± 23 months, respectively. The 6-month and 1-year survival rates in patients who underwent AVR were 81% and 78%, respectively, versus 57% and 44% in patients who did not undergo AVR (P = 0.024). CONCLUSION: BAV can be used successfully to clinically improve the health of some nonsurgical patients with severe symptomatic AS, and a proportion of these patients improve to a point where AVR can be performed. Bridging to TAVI will provide further options to high-risk patients who cannot be bridged to conventional AVR. The role of BAV in bridging to TAVI merits further study.

Decision support in surgical management of ischemic cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES: The surgical approach to ischemic cardiomyopathy maximizing survival remains a dilemma, with decisions complicated by secondary mitral regurgitation, ventricular remodeling, and heart failure. As a component of decision support, we sought to develop prediction models for comparing survival after coronary artery bypass grafting alone, coronary artery bypass grafting plus mitral valve anuloplasty, coronary artery bypass grafting plus surgical ventricular restoration, and listing for cardiac transplantation. METHODS: From 1997 to 2007, 1468 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction <30%) underwent coronary artery bypass grafting alone (n = 386), coronary artery bypass grafting plus mitral valve anuloplasty (n = 212), coronary artery bypass grafting plus surgical ventricular restoration (n = 360), or listing for cardiac transplantation (n = 510). Mean follow-up was 3.8 +/- 2.8 years, with 5577 patient-years of data available for analysis. Risk factors were identified for early and late mortality by using 80% training and 20% validation sets. Outcomes were calculated for each applicable strategy to identify which maximized predicted 5-year survival. Models were programmed as a strategic decision-support tool. RESULTS: One-, 5-, and 9-year survival were as follows, respectively: coronary artery bypass grafting, 92%, 72%, and 53%; coronary artery bypass grafting plus mitral valve anuloplasty, 88%, 57%, and 34%; coronary artery bypass grafting plus surgical ventricular restoration, 94%, 76%, and 55%; and listing for cardiac transplantation, 79%, 66%, and 54%. Risk factors included older age, higher New York Heart Association class, lower ejection fraction, longer interval from myocardial infarction to operation, and numerous comorbidities. Predicted and observed survivals in validation groups were similar (P > .1). Patient-specific simultaneous solutions of applicable models revealed therapy potentially providing maximum survival benefit. Coronary artery bypass grafting alone and listing for cardiac transplantation often maximized 5-year survival; only 15% of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting plus mitral valve anuloplasty were predicted to fare best with this therapy. CONCLUSION: Validated prediction models can aid surgeons in recommending personalized treatment plans that maximize short- and long-term survival for ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Adverse events during reoperative cardiac surgery: frequency, characterization, and rescue.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) determine frequency of occurrence and risk factors for intraoperative adverse events (IAE) during reoperative cardiac surgery, (2) characterize them with respect to structure injured, timing, and use of preventive strategies, and (3) identify the impact on outcome in terms of successful and unsuccessful rescue and cost. METHODS: Operative notes of 1847 patients undergoing reoperative cardiac surgery were reviewed to identify and characterize documented intraoperative adverse events. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify risk factors for intraoperative adverse events and outcomes. Expected versus observed poor outcomes (stroke, myocardial infarction, death) was used to measure rescue. RESULTS: Among 127 patients, 145 (7%) intraoperative adverse events occurred. These included injuries to bypass grafts (n = 47), heart (n = 38), and great vessels (n = 28) and ischemia without graft injury (n = 22). Most occurred on opening (n = 34, 23%) and during prebypass dissection (n = 57, 39%). Risk incremented as reoperations increased. Seventy-seven patients experienced 1 or more lapses in preventive strategies. Patients with intraoperative adverse events had a greater number of poor outcomes (n = 24 [19%] vs n = 107 [6.2%]; P < .0001) and incurred higher direct technical intraoperative and postoperative costs (ratio 1.3). Twelve patients with intraoperative adverse events were predicted to have poor outcomes versus 24 who did (P < .0001), indicating 12 "failures to rescue." CONCLUSIONS: Adverse events still occur regularly during cardiac reoperation, are related to complexity of the procedure, and occur particularly during dissection and often when preventive strategies have not been used. Compensatory rescue measures are not always successful. Adverse events lead to poor patient outcome and higher cost.

The impact of left ventricular reconstruction on survival in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: Left ventricular reconstruction (LVR) is performed to improve the morphologic structure and function of the heart in patients with heart failure. This procedure has been performed at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation since 1997. We assessed mortality, functional status, and predictors of outcome in these patients. METHODS: Data were extracted from multiple prospectively acquired datasets on demographic, clinical, and operative details of 220 consecutive patients who underwent LVR between July 1997 and July 2003, where the indication for surgery was heart failure (of whom 66% had New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III or IV symptoms). Mortality, functional status, and postoperative complications were ascertained by reference to the clinical record, social security death index, and by phone contact. Mean preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 21.5+/-7.3% and mean left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was 6.4+/-1.0 cm. The mean age was 61.4+/-9.0 years and 80% were male. The majority (86%) of patients underwent concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting and 49% underwent mitral valve surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality was 1% and survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 92%, 90%, and 80%, respectively. Of the survivors for whom data on NYHA functional class were available, 85% were in NYHA functional class I or II. Mortality was predicted by reduced preoperative ejection fraction <20% (unadjusted hazard ratio 1.53, p = 0.02), body mass index < or = 24 kg/m2 (unadjusted hazard ratio 1.69, p = 0.01), QRS duration > or = 130 ms (unadjusted hazard ratio 1.66, p = 0.01) and the requirement for renal replacement therapy postoperatively (unadjusted hazard ratio 3.85, p < 0.01). Mean LVEF improved to 24.7+/-8.86% (p < 0.01) and left ventricular volumes were also significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients with heart failure, LVR, in conjunction with revascularization and valve surgery, is associated with excellent survival, improved symptoms, and improved LVEF and left ventricular dimensions.

Tracheostomy after cardiovascular surgery: an assessment of long-term outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain long-term survival, identify risk factors for death, and document complications of tracheostomy after cardiovascular surgery. METHODS: Between January 1, 1998, and September 1, 2001, 188 (1.4%) of 13,191 patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery had tracheostomy for respiratory failure 5 to 79 days (median, 14 days) after surgery. Factors associated with mortality were identified in the hazard function domain, and mode of death and complications of tracheostomy were determined by follow-up. RESULTS: Survival was 75%, 50%, and 31% at 30 days, 3 months, and 2 years, respectively. The most important risk factors for death were older age (P = .004) and variables representing deteriorating hemodynamic (P < .0001), respiratory (P < .0001), and renal (P = .0001) function between the index cardiovascular operation and tracheostomy. The mode of death was isolated respiratory failure in only 21 (16%) of 130 patients, but multisystem organ failure in 71 (55%). Follow-up of 58 survivors identified voice complaints in 13 (24%), tracheal stenosis in 5 (9.2%), and permanent tracheostomy in 3 (6%). CONCLUSIONS: Only one third of patients undergoing tracheostomy after cardiovascular surgery survive, because it is used primarily in those with deteriorating function of multiple organ systems. Although tracheostomy may enhance patient comfort and simplify nursing care, selection algorithms need to be developed if survival is the goal of the intervention.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American Association for Thoracic Surgery off-pump training program.

BACKGROUND: Opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills in new technology are limited for cardiothoracic surgeons after completion of residency. In 2000 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American Association for Thoracic Surgery Joint Committee for New Technology Assessment accepted an educational grant from the Foundation for Advanced Medical Education to implement and test an instructional program for practicing cardiothoracic surgeons in off-pump coronary bypass surgery. METHODS: Twenty-four surgeons were selected for participation. Instruction was provided in three phases: (1) a preliminary video illustrating the techniques; (2) 2-day training sessions at two separate locations linked by videoconference; and (3) visits by trainees to observe preceptor surgeons at their institutions, followed by visits of preceptor surgeons to the institutions of the trainees. Evaluation of the program was made by review of trainee case lists in the year after completion of the program and by written surveys completed by trainees and preceptors. RESULTS: Seventeen surgeons completed all phases of the program. Most of them reported frequently utilizing off-pump bypass surgery in practice with good results. Two surgeons dropped out of the program before the first phase, and 5 surgeons did not complete all preceptor visits. Most survey respondents commented that the program met or exceeded their expectations. CONCLUSIONS: Some trainees were unable to complete proctor visits because of professional responsibilities at home or because of difficulty in advanced scheduling of procedures. More rigorous selection and stronger administrative controls might have reduced program dropouts. The instructional model worked extremely well for properly selected and motivated surgeons.

Constrictive pericarditis: etiology and cause-specific survival after pericardiectomy.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the association of etiology of constrictive pericarditis (CP), pericardial calcification (CA), and other clinical variables with long-term survival after pericardiectomy. BACKGROUND: Constrictive pericarditis is the result of a spectrum of primary cardiac and noncardiac conditions. Few data exist on the cause-specific survival after pericardiectomy. The impact of CA on survival is unclear. METHODS: A total of 163 patients who underwent pericardiectomy for CP over a 24-year period at a single surgical center were studied. Constrictive pericarditis was confirmed by the surgical report. Vital status was obtained from the Social Security Death Index. RESULTS: Etiology of CP was idiopathic in 75 patients (46%), prior cardiac surgery in 60 patients (37%), radiation treatment in 15 patients (9%), and miscellaneous in 13 patients (8%). Median follow-up among survivors was 6.9 years (range 0.8 to 24.5 years), during which time there were 61 deaths. Perioperative mortality was 6%. Idiopathic CP had the best prognosis (7-year Kaplan-Meier survival: 88%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 76% to 94%) followed by postsurgical (66%, 95% CI 52% to 78%) and postradiation CP (27%, 95% CI 9% to 58%). In bootstrap-validated proportional hazards analyses, predictors of poor overall survival were prior radiation, worse renal function, higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PAP), abnormal left ventricular (LV) systolic function, lower serum sodium level, and older age. Pericardial calcification had no impact on survival. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term survival after pericardiectomy for CP is related to underlying etiology, LV systolic function, renal function, serum sodium, and PAP. The relatively good survival with idiopathic CP emphasizes the safety of pericardiectomy in this subgroup.

Association between CK-MB elevation after percutaneous or surgical revascularization and three-year mortality.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to assess the long-term impact of creatine kinase-MB isoform (CK-MB) elevation after percutaneous or surgical revascularization. BACKGROUND: The long-term impact of CK-MB elevation after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is not as well characterized as that following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: The three-year cumulative survival of consecutive patients who underwent their first percutaneous or surgical revascularization procedure between January 1, 1995 and August 31, 2000 and had CK-MB determination was assessed using the Social Security Death Index. RESULTS: The 3,812 patients undergoing CABG had a less favorable coronary risk profile than the 3,573 patients undergoing PCI. The incidence of CK-MB elevation above normal range was 90% and 38% for the CABG and PCI groups (p < 0.001). In 6% and 5%, respectively, the elevation surpassed 10x the upper limit of normal (ULN). At an average follow-up of three years, there were 712 deaths, 83 of which occurred within 30 days of procedure. The cumulative survival was 92% and 90% for CABG and PCI, respectively (p = 0.003). Chronic renal insufficiency (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 3.8, [95% confidence interval 3.1 to 4.6]), age (HR 1.5 per decade [1.3 to 1.6]), ejection fraction <40% (HR 1.3 [1.1 to 1.5] and PCI (HR 1.6 [1.3 to 1.9]) were the main predictors of increased mortality. Creatine kinase-MB isoform elevation only above 10 x ULN was independently predictive of mortality in the CABG (HR 1.3 [1.1 to 1.5]) and PCI (HR 1.1 [1.0 to 1.2]) groups, p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Creatine kinase MB isoform elevation after revascularization is very common, particularly in CABG patients. When extensive, it is independently correlated with increased mortality over a three-year period. Identification and aggressive management of patients with high levels of CK-MB after revascularization may improve their outcome.

Does off-pump coronary surgery reduce morbidity and mortality?

OBJECTIVE: To compare hospital outcomes of on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS: From 1997 to 2000, primary coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 481 patients off pump and in 3231 patients on pump. Hospital outcomes were compared between propensity-matched pairs of 406 on-pump and 406 off-pump patients. The 2 groups were similar in age (P =.9), left ventricular function (P =.7), extent of coronary artery disease (P =.5), carotid artery disease (P =.4), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P =.5). However, off-pump patients had more previous strokes (P =.05) and peripheral vascular disease (P =.02); on-pump patients had a higher preoperative New York Heart Association class (P =.01). RESULTS: In the matched pairs the mean number of bypass grafts was 2.8 +/- 1.0 in off-pump patients and 3.5 +/- 1.1 in on-pump patients (P <.001). Fewer grafts were performed to the circumflex (P <.001) and right coronary (P =.006) artery systems in the off-pump patients. Postoperative mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, and reoperation for bleeding were similar in the 2 groups. There was more encephalopathy (P =.02), sternal wound infection (P =.04), red blood cell use (P =.002), and renal failure requiring dialysis (P =.03) in the on-pump patients. CONCLUSIONS: Both off- and on-pump procedures produced excellent early clinical results with low mortality. An advantage of an off-pump operation was less postoperative morbidity; however, less complete revascularization introduced uncertainty about late results. A disadvantage of on-pump bypass was higher morbidity that seemed attributable to cardiopulmonary bypass.