Benefit of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in myocardial infarction-induced cardiogenic shock.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is frequently used for emergency support in patients with profound cardiogenic shock (CS) of all etiologies. However, no controlled study investigating ECMO in myocardial infarction (AMI)-induced CS is available. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients experiencing AMI induced CS; ECMO therapy vs. non ECMO therapy. A total of 476 patients with AMI-induced CS were investigated. One hundred twenty-seven patients (26.7%) received emergency veno-arterial ECMO support, 349 patients did not receive ECMO support. Patients were propensity score matched based on relevant clinical and laboratory factors and revealed 127 matched pairs. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 65.0±12.3 years and mean Syntax score was 25.9±7.3 in the full unmatched patient population. Survival at 1, 3 and 5 years after CS was 45.6%, 43.5%, and 41.3% in the ECMO group and 17.4%, 15.8%, and 14.9% in the full unmatched control group (log-rank: P<0.001). After propensity score matching, 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival was 14.4%, 13.5%, and 11.2% in the matched control group (P<0.001). Cox regression analysis identified ECMO support (HR: 2.57; 95% CI: 1.89-3.50; P<0.001) and completeness of revascularization (HR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.74-2.34, P=0.003) to be independent predictors for long term survival. CONCLUSIONS: Extracorporeal life support by ECMO significantly increased survival in patients with AMI-induced CS. ECMO insertion increased survival probability 2.57-fold and should be considered as first line treatment in patients with profound AMI-induced CS.

Second internal thoracic artery versus radial artery in coronary artery bypass grafting: a long-term, propensity score-matched follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The best second arterial conduit for multiple arterial revascularization (MAR) is still a matter of debate. Previous studies on the benefit of either using the radial artery (RA) or the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) in coronary artery bypass grafting are not conclusive. The aim of our study was to compare the perioperative and long-term outcome of either RA or RITA grafts as second conduits for MAR. METHODS AND RESULTS: A consecutive series of 1001 patients undergoing first nonemergent coronary artery bypass grafting receiving either RA or RITA as second graft for MAR between 2001 and 2010 were studied. There were 277 patients receiving a RITA and 724 patients receiving a RA in addition to a left internal thoracic artery (LITA). Concomitant saphenous vein grafts (SVG) were grafted in addition as necessary. Propensity score-matched analysis was performed to compare the 2 groups, bilateral ITA±SVG (BITA±SVG group) and the LITA+RA±SVG group relative to overall survival and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events-free survival. Hazard ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were estimated by COX regression stratified on matched pairs. The incidence of perioperative major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events was significantly lower in the BITA±SVG group (1.4% versus 7.6%, P<0.001). Overall survival (hazard ratio 0.23; 95% confidence interval 0.066-0.81; P=0.022) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events-free survival (hazard ratio 0.18; 95% confidence interval 0.08-0.42; P<0.001) were significantly better in the BITA±SVG group compared to the LITA+RA±SVG group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study provide strong evidence for the superiority of a RITA graft compared to RA as a second conduit in MAR.

Impact of aortic root repair or replacement in severe destructive aortic valve endocarditis with paravalvular abscesses on long-term survival.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical treatment of destructive infective endocarditis consists of extensive debridement followed by root repair or replacement. However, it remains unknown whether 1 is superior to the other. We aimed to analyse whether long-term results were better after root repair or replacement in patients with root endocarditis. METHODS: A total of 148 consecutive patients with root endocarditis treated with surgery from 1997 to 2020 at our department were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups: aortic root repair (n = 85) or root replacement using xenografts or homografts (n = 63). RESULTS: Patients receiving aortic root repair showed significantly better long-term survival compared to patients receiving aortic root replacement (log-rank: P = 0.037). There was no difference in terms of freedom from valvular reoperations among both treatment groups (log-rank: P = 0.58). Patients with aortic root repair showed higher freedom from recurrent endocarditis compared to patients with aortic root replacement (log-rank: P = 0.022). Patients with aortic root repair exhibited higher event-free survival (defined as a combination end point of freedom from death, valvular reoperation or recurrent endocarditis) compared to patients receiving aortic root replacement (log-rank: P = 0.022). Age increased the risk of mortality with 1.7% per year. Multi-variable adjusted statistical analysis revealed improved long-term event-free survival after aortic root repair (hazards ratio: 0.57, 95% confidence interval: 0.39-0.95; P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Aortic root repair and replacement are feasible options for the surgical treatment of root endocarditis and are complementary methods, depending on the extent of infection. Patients with less advanced infection have a more favourable prognosis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: UN4232 382/3.1 (retrospective study).

Different calcification patterns of tricuspid and bicuspid aortic valves and their clinical impact.

OBJECTIVES: Mechanical strain plays a major role in the development of aortic calcification. We hypothesized that (i) valvular calcifications are most pronounced at the localizations subjected to the highest mechanical strain and (ii) calcification patterns are different in patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves. METHODS: Multislice computed tomography scans of 101 patients with severe aortic stenosis were analysed using a 3-dimensional post-processing software to quantify calcification of tricuspid aortic valves (n = 51) and bicuspid aortic valves (n = 50) after matching. RESULTS: Bicuspid aortic valves exhibited higher calcification volumes and increased calcification of the non-coronary cusp with significantly higher calcification of the free leaflet edge. The non-coronary cusp showed the highest calcium load compared to the other leaflets. Patients with annular calcification above the median had an impaired survival compared to patients with low annular calcification, whereas patients with calcification of the free leaflet edge above the median did not (P = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: Calcification patterns are different in patients with aortic stenosis with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves. Patients with high annular calcification might have an impaired prognosis.

Alternative valve-in-root concepts for redo procedures.

Since aortic root reoperations are challenging procedures, alternative lower-risk procedures should be considered in certain cases. Herein are presented two different approaches to high-risk root reoperations. The first patient, a 59-year-old male who had undergone root replacement 11 years previously with an Edwards Prima stentless valve, presented with severe aortic regurgitation and a heavily calcified aortic root. An open implantation of an Edwards Sapien valve was performed via an aortotomy distal to the calcified aortic root. The second patient, a 60-year-old female, underwent transapical implantation of an Edwards Sapien transcatheter valve for stenosis of the aortic valve in an aortic homograft implanted 11 years previously. The long-term durability of these implants has yet to be evaluated.

A new way to use transit-time flow measurement for coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVES: Transit-time flow measurement is a recognized method for graft evaluation in coronary surgery. However, single flow measurement has been associated with a low specificity for detecting graft dysfunction. The goal of this study was to assess the value of transit-time flow measurement for assessing in situ internal mammary artery grafts during non-existent native coronary circulation and the relevance of collateral blood flow in target vessels. METHODS: Between 2014 and 2018, a total of 134 patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting were evaluated using transit-time flow measurement. We analysed 111 single left internal mammary artery and 57 single right internal mammary artery bypasses. Correlations between coronary relevant parameters were calculated using Spearman's ρ coefficient. Risk factors for decreased flow with an arrested heart (FAH) <30 ml/min and an increased pulsatility index (PI) >3.0 as well as flow reduction >30% were calculated. RESULTS: FAH correlated with the diameter of the target vessel (Spearman's ρ = 0.32; P < 0.001), the amount of blood distribution (Spearman's ρ = 0.34; P < 0.001), the PI (Spearman's ρ = 0.19; P = 0.019) and the degree of stenosis (Spearman's ρ = -0.17; P = 0.042). The percentage of flow change was found to correlate with the PI (Spearman's ρ = -0.47; P < 0.0001), the degree of stenosis (Spearman's ρ = 0.42; P < 0.001), the diameter of the target vessel (Spearman's ρ = -0.22; P = 0.008) and the area of blood distribution (Spearman's ρ = -0.19; P = 0.018). A small blood distribution area was the only risk factor for decreased FAH [odds ratio (OR) 8.43, confidence interval (CI) 95% (3.04-23.41); P < 0.001]. Binary logistic regression identified PI [OR 2.05, CI 95% (1.36-3.10); P = 0.001], FAH [OR 0.98, CI 95% (0.97-0.99); P = 0.005] and degree of stenosis [OR 0.95, CI 95% (0.92-0.99); P = 0.011] as risk factors for decreased flow after cardiopulmonary bypass (<30 ml/min). An increased PI (>3) was mainly influenced by percentage of flow change [OR 0.99, CI 95% (0.98-1.00); P = 0.031]. CONCLUSIONS: FAH and percentage of flow change are related to the dimensions of the target vessel and the degree of stenosis. The addition of flow measurements with the heart arrested provides additional information about the bypass graft, the quality of the anastomosis and the physiology of the coronary circulation.

Propensity score-matched analysis of aortic valve replacement by mini-thoracotomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Although minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) through an anterolateral mini-thoracotomy has been shown to reduce surgical trauma, the technique is utilized only at a few selected heart surgery centers. The study aim was to demonstrate the implementation of a MIAVR program at the Innsbruck Medical University, Austria. METHODS: Between October 2006 and January 2009, a total of 315 patients underwent elective isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR). Of these patients, 87 (27.6%) received MIAVR, while the remainder (n = 228) underwent 'conventional' AVR by full sternotomy. In the MIAVR group, 76 patients (87%) were cannulated via the femoral artery. The mean EuroSCORE was 5.7 +/- 2.2 in the MIAVR group, and 6.7 +/- 2.9 in the AVR group (p < 0.001). Propensity score matching was used to reduce the impact of treatment selection in the comparison of MIAVR with conventional AVR. The propensity score was used to yield two matched groups by means of a 1:1 sample matching. RESULTS: The total operative, cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were significantly longer in the MIAVR group compared to the matched AVR group. The actuarial one-year survival was 96% in the MIAVR group, and 98% in the propensity-matched AVR group (p = 0.57). Reoperation due to bleeding was necessary in 4.6% of the MIAVR group (four patients, three by mini-thoracotomy) compared to 5.7% in the matched AVR group (n = 5; p = 0.38). A total of six MIAVR patients (6.9%) had complications from the cannulated groin, predominantly lymphatic fistula formation. Additionally, there was a trend towards a higher rate of renal insufficiency in the MIAVR group (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: MIAVR can be safely implemented as routine cardiac surgery procedure, although the operative times are significantly longer. The early postoperative outcome was equal to that of the sternotomy approach, but postoperative complications were predominantly associated with femoral cannulation.

[Health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression before and after coronary artery bypass grafting]. / Gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität, Angst und Depression vor und nach einer aortokoronaren Bypass-Operation.

Aim of the study was to assess health-related quality of life as well as anxiety and depression in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). A total of 54 patients answered questionnaires assessing quality of life (SF-36, MacNew), anxiety and depression (STAI, HADS-D) before surgery as well as 4 weeks and 3 months afterwards. Significant improvements in health-related quality of life (MacNew) were identified 3 months after surgery. Whereas preoperative anxiety significantly correlated with health-related quality of life (MacNew) three months after surgery, correlations between preoperative depression and postoperative quality of life were only found for singular scales. Regarding clinical practice providing information about the probable course of quality of life and explaining surgery as a kind of input for the benefit of long-term enhancement seems necessary. Furthermore the assessment of preoperative well-being should be integrated in routine care in order to identify and support patients with higher levels of anxiety and/or depression.

Positive family history of cardiovascular disease and long-term outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting: a genetic paradox?

OBJECTIVES: Parental cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a known risk factor for premature CVD. It is unknown whether a positive family history (PFH) affects outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: Data come from a retrospective longitudinal study of CABG patients consecutively recruited from 2001 to 2018 (n = 5389). From this study, 2535 patients with premature CVD undergoing CABG under the age of 60 years and information on parental CVD were identified. The Framingham offspring study criteria were used to identify PFH of CVD. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the effect of PFH on overall and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event-free survival. RESULTS: A total of 273 deaths and 428 major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events occurred during follow-up. PFH of CVD was found in 54.2% of patients (n = 1375). Within these patients, 66.1% had a father who experienced a premature cardiovascular event (n = 909), 27.8% a mother (n = 382) and 6.1% both a mother and a father (n = 84). In the majority of cases, the patient's parent had experienced a cardiac event (85.9%, n = 1181) and 14.1% of patients with PFH reported parental stroke (n = 194). Following CABG, PFH was associated with improved overall [adjusted hazards ratio (HR) 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50-0.90; P = 0.008] and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event-free survival (adjusted HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.68-0.89; P = 0.01). Among the covariates adjusted for age, diabetes, renal insufficiency, peripheral arterial disease, ejection fraction, previous cerebrovascular events and previous mediastinal radiation were all associated with poorer outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although it is well established that a PFH increases the risk of requiring CABG at younger ages, this study shows that, paradoxically, PFH is also protective regarding long-term outcomes. REGISTRATION NUMBER LOCAL IRB: UN4232 297/4.3 (retrospective study).

Endocarditis-related stroke is not a contraindication for early cardiac surgery: an investigation among 440 patients with left-sided endocarditis.

OBJECTIVES: A treatment dilemma arises when surgery is indicated in patients with infective endocarditis (IE) complicated by stroke. Neurologists recommend surgery to be postponed for at least 1 month. This study aims to investigate the neurological complication rate and neurological recovery potential in patients with IE-related stroke. METHODS: A total of 440 consecutive patients with left-sided IE undergoing surgery were investigated. During follow-up, neurological recovery was assessed using the modified Rankin scale and the Barthel index. Mortality was assessed with regression models adjusting for age. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 9.0 years. Patients with previous strokes were more likely to suffer from mitral valve endocarditis (29.5% vs 47.4%, P < 0.001). Symptomatic stroke was found in 135 (30.7%) patients; of them, 42 patients presented with complicated stroke (additional meningitis, haemorrhagic stroke or intracranial abscess). Driven by symptomatic stroke, the age-adjusted hospital mortality risk was 1.4-fold [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74-2.57; P = 0.31] higher and the long-term mortality risk was 1.4-fold higher (95% CI 1.003-2.001; P = 0.048). Hospital mortality was higher in patients with complicated stroke (21.4% vs 9.7%; P = 0.06) only; however, mortality rates were similar comparing uncomplicated stroke versus no stroke. Among patients with complicated ischaemic strokes, the observed risk for intraoperative cerebral haemorrhage was 2.3% only and the increased hospital mortality was not driven by cerebral complications. In the long-term follow-up, full neurological recovery was observed in 84 out of 118 survivors (71.2%), and partial recovery was observed in 32 (27.1%) patients. Neurological recovery was lower in patients with complete middle cerebral artery stroke compared to other localization (52.9% vs 77.6%; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to current clinical practice and neurological recommendations, early surgery in IE is safe and neurological recovery is excellent among patients with IE-related stroke. CLINICAL REGISTRATION NUMBER LOCAL IRB: UN4232 382/3.1 (retrospective study).

Longitudinal change in serum gamma-glutamyltransferase and cardiovascular disease mortality: a prospective population-based study in 76,113 Austrian adults.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of longitudinal change in serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) with mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS AND RESULTS: A population-based cohort of 76,113 Austrian men and women with 455,331 serial GGT measurements was prospectively followed-up for a median of 10.2 years after assessment of longitudinal GGT change during an average period of 6.9 years. Cox proportional hazards regression with time-varying covariates was used to evaluate GGT change as an independent predictor for CVD death. Independently of baseline GGT and other classical CVD risk factors, a pronounced increase in GGT (7-year change >9.2 U/L) was significantly associated with increased total CVD mortality in men (P=0.005); the adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) in comparison to stable GGT (7-year change -0.7 to 1.3 U/L) was 1.40 (1.09 to 1.81). Similarly, total CVD risk was elevated for increasing GGT in women, although effects were less pronounced and statistically significant only in subanalyses regarding coronary heart disease. Age of participants significantly modified the relation between GGT change and CVD mortality, with markedly stronger associations to be observable for younger individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to demonstrate that a longitudinal increase in GGT, independently of baseline GGT and even within its normal range, significantly increases risk of fatal CVD.

Extracorporeal Life Support in Myocardial Infarction-Induced Cardiogenic Shock: Weaning Success.

BACKGROUND: Outcome data of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-induced cardiogenic shock (CS) receiving extracorporeal life support (ECLS) are sparse. METHODS: A consecutive series of 106 patients with AMI-induced CS receiving ECLS was evaluated regarding ECLS weaning success, hospital mortality, and long-term outcome. The Intraaortic Balloon Pump in Cardiogenic Shock II (IABP-SHOCK II) risk score was applied, and multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 58.2 ± 11.2 years, and 78.3% were men. In 34 patients (32.1%), ECLS was implemented during ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. De novo AMI was present in 58 patients (54.7%), and percutaneous coronary intervention complications were causative among 48 patients (45.3%). Multivessel coronary artery disease was diagnosed among 73.6% with mean Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) scores of 30.8 ± 4.8. Actuarial survival was 54.4% at 30 days, 42.2% at 1 year, and 38.0% at 5 years and was significantly higher among patients with low and intermediate IABP-SHOCK II risk scores at ECLS onset (log-rank P = .017). ECLS weaning with curative intention after a mean perfusion time of 6.6 ± 5.1 days was feasible in 51 patients (48.1%) and more likely among patients with complete revascularization (P = .026). Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified complete revascularization (hazard ratio, 2.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 5.1; P = .028) and absence of relevant mitral regurgitation at ECLS discontinuation (hazard ratio, 2.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 6.0; P = .014) to be associated with beneficial long-term survival after ECLS discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency ECLS is a valuable option among patients with AMI-induced CS with low and intermediate IABP-SHOCK II risk scores. ECLS weaning is manageable, but additional revascularization of all nonculprit lesions is mandatory after ECLS implementation.

Long-term clinical outcome and graft patency of radial artery and saphenous vein grafts in multiple arterial revascularization.

OBJECTIVE: The long-term benefits of multiple arterial revascularization (MAR) in coronary artery bypass grafting remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome, graft patency, and need for subsequent target revascularization of radial artery (RA) versus saphenous vein graft in patients undergoing MAR in both patient- and graft-specific analyses. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2016, we followed 1654 patients over a median of 7.4 years in a prospective, longitudinal study. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, graft patency, and need for revascularization were assessed through clinical manifestation, coronary angiography, or coronary computed tomography and analyzed with propensity score-adjusted Cox regression, general estimating equation, and competing risk models. RESULTS: Bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) grafting was performed in 910 patients (55.0%), and 744 patients (45.0%) received a left internal thoracic artery graft together with at least 1 RA graft. Patients receiving BITA, of whom 187 received an additional RA, showed improved survival (hazard ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38-0.86; P = .009), major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.23-0.46; P < .001), and lower need for repeat revascularization (subhzhard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39-0.90; P = .015). In a subgroup of 512 patients, comparing 419 RA with 487 saphenous vein grafts, RA grafting showed a lower risk for graft occlusion (odds ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.47-0.73; P < .001) and target revascularization (subhazard ratio, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.43-0.78; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: MAR with BITA and RA grafting revealed to be the recommended strategy in coronary artery bypass grafting to achieve long-term beneficial results. The use of saphenous vein graft showed less favorable outcomes regarding patency and the need for target-vessel revascularization.

Prospective study of the association of gamma-glutamyltransferase with cancer incidence in women.

Although several epidemiologic studies have shown that gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is associated with cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, its relationship with cancer incidence remains widely unexplored. In experimental models the ability of cellular GGT to modulate crucial redox-sensitive functions has been established, and it may thus play a role in tumor progression. In the present study, we investigated the association of GGT with overall and site-specific cancer incidence in a population-based cohort of 92,843 Austrian women with 349,674 serial GGT measurements, prospectively followed-up for a median of 13.5 years. The relationship between GGT and cancer incidence was analyzed using adjusted Cox regression models with age as underlying time metric with age as underlying time metric including GGT concentrations at baseline and incorporating repeated GGT measurements as a time-dependent variable. During follow-up, 4,884 incidence cancers were observed. Compared to normal low GGT (<17.99 U/L), cancer risk was elevated for all other GGT categories (p for trend < 0.0001), with adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 1.06 (0.99-1.13) for GGT levels between 18.00 and 35.99 U/L (normal high), 1.12 (1.02-1.22) for GGT levels between 36.00 and 71.99 U/L (elevated) and 1.43 (1.28-1.61) for highly elevated GGT (>72.00 U/L). Very similar results were seen when GGT was analyzed as a time-dependent variable. In cancer-site specific models, elevated GGT statistically significantly increased the risk for malignant neoplasms of digestive organs, the respiratory system/intrathoracic organs, breast and female genital organs and lymphoid and haematopoietic cancers (all, p < 0.006). Our study is the first to demonstrate in a large population-based cohort that high GGT levels significantly increased cancer risk in women.

Single time point measurement by C2 or C3 is highly predictive in cyclosporine area under the curve estimation immediately after lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The two h post-dose cyclosporine (CsA) concentration has been advocated as the optimal time point measurement for CsA area under the curve (AUC) estimation after solid organ transplantation. The aim of the study was to investigate whether intensified CsA monitoring is necessary, or if a single time point measurement is accurate to estimate the AUC in the very early period following lung transplantation (LuTX). METHODS: Within the first two wk following transplantation, daily AUCs were calculated by serial CsA measurements at zero, one, two, three, four, and six h (C0-C6) in 12 consecutive lung transplant recipients. Correlation of single CsA measurements and AUC as well as linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the most predictive single CsA blood level regarding the AUC. RESULTS: A total of 606 CsA concentration measurements were performed and the 101 corresponding AUCs were calculated for each patient. Mean AUC was 3443 +/- 1451 microg/L. C0: 361 +/- 118 microg/L, C1: 481 +/- 231 microg/L, C2: 682 +/- 314 microg/L, C3: 715 +/- 347 microg/L, C4: 658 +/- 271 microg/L, C6: 571 +/- 260 microg/L. The correlation of CsA serum levels with AUC was the lowest at trough levels (C0) with a correlation coefficient (r = 0.31) and highest at three h (C3: r = 0.89) and two h (C2: r = 0.88). CONCLUSIONS: Similar to a stable post-transplant period, CsA trough levels turned out to have poor correlation with the corresponding AUC early after LuTX. The highest correlation of C3 with the AUC may be explained by delayed intestinal resorption immediately post-operative, however C2 is a peer parameter. Optimum AUCs and corresponding C2 or C3 levels in the immediate post-operative phase however remain to be determined.

Training models for coronary surgery.

This paper reviews currently used training models for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Training models for CABG are extremely helpful not only for training surgical techniques, but also for the evaluation of new technologies and for research on bypass graft pathophysiology. Wet-lab models serve as training platforms for surgical residents and allow the evaluation of new technology (e.g., robotically enhanced CABG). The right coronary artery to left anterior descending artery model on the slaughterhouse pig heart is easily available, cheap, and effective. In vivo animal models for CABG are much more sophisticated and cost intensive. Pigs and dogs are the most commonly used animals for CABG training. Offpump CABG techniques, totally endoscopic CABG, endoscopic gastroepiploic artery harvesting, and axillocoronary bypass grafting have been evaluated in animal models.

Prehospital management and outcome of avalanche patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a retrospective study in Tyrol, Austria.

AIM: The aim of this study is to describe the prehospital management and outcome of avalanche patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Tyrol, Austria, for the first time since the introduction of international guidelines in 1996. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study involved a retrospective analysis of all avalanche accidents involving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between 1996 and 2009 in Tyrol, Austria. RESULTS: A total of 170 completely buried avalanche patients were included. Twenty-eight victims were declared dead at the scene. Of 34 patients with short burial, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed in 27 (79%); 15 of these patients (56%) were transported to hospital with ongoing CPR and four patients were rewarmed with extracorporeal circulation; no patient survived. Of 108 patients with long burial, 49 patients had patent or unknown airway status; CPR was performed in 25 of these patients (51%) and 14 patients (29%) were transported to hospital. Four patients were rewarmed, but only one patient with witnessed cardiac arrest survived. Since the introduction of guidelines in 1996, there has been a marginally significant increase in the rate of documenting airway assessment, but no change in documenting the duration of burial or CPR. CONCLUSION: CPR is continued to hospital admission in patients with short burial and asphyxial cardiac arrest, but withheld or terminated at the scene in patients with long burial and possible hypothermic cardiac arrest. Insufficient transfer of information from the accident site to the hospital may partially explain the poor outcome of avalanche victims with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treated with emergency cardiac care.

Antithrombin III is associated with acute liver failure in patients with end-stage heart failure undergoing mechanical circulatory support.

OBJECTIVE: There are few data on the role of liver dysfunction in patients with end-stage heart failure supported by mechanical circulatory support. The aim of our study was to investigate predictors for acute liver failure in patients with end-stage heart failure undergoing mechanical circulatory support. METHODS: A consecutive 164 patients with heart failure with New York Heart Association class IV undergoing mechanical circulatory support were investigated for acute liver failure using the King's College criteria. Clinical characteristics of heart failure together with hemodynamic and laboratory values were analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients (27.4%) with heart failure developed subsequent acute liver failure with a hospital mortality of 88.9%. Duration of heart failure, cause, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, use of vasopressors, central venous pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary pulsatility index, cardiac index, and transaminases were not significantly associated with acute liver failure. Repeated decompensation, atrial fibrillation (P < .001) and the use of inotropes (P = .007), mean arterial (P = .005) and pulmonary pressures (P = .042), cholinesterase, international normalized ratio, bilirubin, lactate, and pH (P < .001) were predictive of acute liver failure in univariate analysis only. In multivariable analysis, decreased antithrombin III was the strongest single measurement indicating acute liver failure (relative risk per %, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.93; P = .001) and remained an independent predictor when adjustment for the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was performed (relative risk per %, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-0.99; P = .031). Antithrombin III less than 59.5% was identified as a cutoff value to predict acute liver failure with a corresponding sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 87%. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, decreased antithrombin III activity tends to be superior in predicting acute liver failure compared with traditionally thought predictors. Antithrombin III measurement may help to identify patients more precisely who are developing acute liver failure during mechanical circulatory support.

Characteristics and outcome of patients with hypothermic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Experience from a European trauma center.

BACKGROUND: Aim of the study was to investigate patient characteristics, survival rates and neurological outcome among hypothermic patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) admitted to a trauma center. METHODS: A review of patients with OHCA and a core temperature ≤32°C admitted to a trauma center between 2004 and 2016. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients (mean temperature 25.8°C±3.9°C) were entered in the study, 37 (39%) of them after avalanche burial. 47% showed return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) prior to hospital admission. Survival with Glasgow-Pittsburgh Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) scale 1 or 2 was achieved in 25% of all patients and was higher in non-avalanche than in avalanche cases (35.6% vs 8.1%, p=0.002). Witnessed cardiac arrest was the most powerful predictor of favourable neurological outcome (RR: 10.8; 95% Confidence Interval: 3.2-37.1; Wald: 14.3; p<0.001), whereas ROSC prior to admission and body core temperature were not associated with survival with favourable neurological outcome. Cerebral CT scan pathology within 12h of admission increased the risk for unfavourable neurological outcome 11.7 fold (RR: 11.7; 95% CI: 3.1-47.5; p<0.001). Favourable neurological outcome was associated lower S 100-binding protein (0.69±0.5µg/l vs 5.8±4.9µg/l, p 0.002) and neuron-specific enolase (34.7±14.2µg/l vs 88.4±42.7µg/l, p 0.004) concentrations on intensive care unit (ICU) admission. CONCLUSIONS: Survival with favourable neurological outcome was found in about a third of all hypothermic non-avalanche patients with OHCA admitted to a trauma center.