Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with dynamic obstruction and high left ventricular outflow gradients associated with paradoxical apical ballooning.

BACKGROUND: Acute left ventricular (LV) apical ballooning with normal coronary angiography occurs rarely in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (OHCM); it may be associated with severe hemodynamic instability. METHODS, RESULTS: We searched for acute LV ballooning with apical hypokinesia/akinesia in databases of two HCM treatment programs. Diagnosis of OHCM was made by conventional criteria of LV hypertrophy in the absence of a clinical cause for hypertrophy and mitral-septal contact. Among 1519 patients, we observed acute LV ballooning in 13 (0.9%), associated with dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction and high gradients, 92 ± 37 mm Hg, 10 female (77%), age 64 ± 7 years, LVEF 31.6 ± 10%. Septal hypertrophy was mild compared to that of the rest of our HCM cohort, 15 vs 20 mm (P < 0.00001). An elongated anterior mitral leaflet or anteriorly displaced papillary muscles occurred in 77%. Course was complicated by cardiogenic shock and heart failure in 5, and refractory heart failure in 1. High-dose beta-blockade was the mainstay of therapy. Three patients required urgent surgical relief of LVOT obstruction, 2 for refractory cardiogenic shock, and one for refractory heart failure. In the three patients, surgery immediately normalized refractory severe LV dysfunction, and immediately reversed cardiogenic shock and heart failure. All have normal LV systolic function at 45-month follow-up, and all have survived. CONCLUSIONS: Acute LV apical ballooning, associated with high dynamic LVOT gradients, may punctuate the course of obstructive HCM. The syndrome is important to recognize on echocardiography because it may be associated with profound reversible LV decompensation.

Mitral Leaflet Shortening as an Ancillary Procedure in Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Mitral leaflet elongation is common in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), contributes to obstructive physiology, and presents a challenge to the dual surgical goals of abolition of outflow gradients and abolition of mitral regurgitation. Anterior leaflet shortening, performed as an ancillary surgical procedure during myectomy, is controversial. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all patients undergoing myectomy from January 2010 to March 2020, with analysis of survival and echocardiographic results. The study compared outcomes of patients treated with myectomy and concomitant mitral leaflet shortening with patients treated with myectomy alone. Over this time, the technique for mitral shortening evolved from anterior leaflet plication to residual leaflet excision (ReLex). RESULTS: Myectomy was performed in 416 patients aged 57.5 ± 13.6 years, and 204 (49%) patients were female. Average follow-up was 5.4 ± 2.8 years. Survival follow-up was complete in 415 patients. Myectomy without valve replacement was performed in 332 patients, of whom 192 had mitral valve shortening (58%). Mitral leaflet plication was performed in 73 patients, ReLex in 151, and both procedures in 32. Hospital mortality for patients undergoing myectomy was 0.7%. At 8 years, cumulative survival was 95% for both the myectomy combined with leaflet shortening group and the myectomy alone group, with no difference in survival between the 2 groups. There was no difference in survival between the anterior leaflet plication and ReLex groups. Echocardiography 2.5 years after surgery showed a decrease in resting and provoked gradients, mitral regurgitation, and left atrial volume and no difference in key variables between patients who underwent ancillary leaflet shortening and patients who underwent myectomy alone. CONCLUSIONS: These results affirm that mitral shortening may be an appropriate surgical judgment for selected patients.

Routine Extubation in the Operating Room After Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of fast-track extubation in the intensive care unit (ICU) after cardiac surgery are well established. Although extubation in the operating room (OR) is safe in carefully selected patients, widespread use of this strategy in cardiac surgery remains unproven. This study was designed to evaluate perioperative outcomes with OR vs ICU extubation in patients undergoing nonemergency, isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) data for all single-center patients who underwent nonemergency isolated CABG over a 6-year interval were analyzed. Perioperative morbidity and mortality with ICU vs OR extubation were compared. RESULTS: Between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2022, 1397 patients underwent nonemergency, isolated CABG; 891 (63.8%) of these patients were extubated in the ICU, and 506 (36.2%) were extubated in the OR. Propensity matching resulted in 414 pairs. In the propensity-matched cohort, there were no differences between the 2 groups in incidence of reintubation, reoperation for bleeding, total operative time, stroke or transient ischemic attack, renal failure, or 30-day mortality. OR-extubated patients had shorter ICU hours (14 hours vs 20 hours; P < .0001), shorter postoperative hospital length of stay (3 days vs 5 days; P < .0001), a greater likelihood of being discharged directly to home (97.3% vs 89.9%; P < .0001), and a lower 30-day readmission rate (1.7% vs 4.1%; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Routine extubation in the OR is a feasible and safe strategy for a broad spectrum of patients after nonemergency CABG, with no increase in perioperative morbidity or mortality. Wider adoption of routine OR extubation for nonemergency CABG is indicated.

Histopathology of the Mitral Valve Residual Leaflet in Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve (MV) elongation is a primary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) phenotype and contributes to obstruction. The residual MV leaflet that protrudes past the coaptation point is especially susceptible to flow-drag and systolic anterior motion. Histopathological features of MVs in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (OHCM), and of residual leaflets specifically, are unknown. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to characterize gross, structural, and cellular histopathologic features of MV residual leaflets in OHCM. On a cellular-level, we assessed for developmental dysregulation of epicardium-derived cell (EPDC) differentiation, adaptive endocardial-to-mesenchymal transition and valvular interstitial cell proliferation, and genetically-driven persistence of cardiomyocytes in the valve. METHODS: Structural and immunohistochemical staining were performed on 22 residual leaflets excised as ancillary procedures during myectomy, and compared with 11 control leaflets from deceased patients with normal hearts. Structural components were assessed with hematoxylin and eosin, trichrome, and elastic stains. We stained for EPDCs, EPDC paracrine signaling, valvular interstitial cells, endocardial-to-mesenchymal transition, and cardiomyocytes. RESULTS: The residual leaflet was always at A2 segment and attached by slack, elongated and curlicued, myxoid chords. MV residual leaflets in OHCM were structurally disorganized, with expanded spongiosa and increased, fragmented elastic fibers compared with control leading edges. The internal collagenous fibrosa was attenuated and there was collagenous tissue overlying valve surfaces in HCM, with an overall trend toward decreased leaflet thickness (1.09 vs 1.47 mm, P = 0.08). No markers of primary cellular processes were identified. CONCLUSIONS: MV residual leaflets in HCM were characterized by histologic findings that were likely secondary to chronic hemodynamic stress and may further increase susceptibility to systolic anterior motion.

Apical Aneurysms and Mid-Left Ventricular Obstruction in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Apical left ventricular (LV) aneurysms in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are associated with adverse outcomes. The reported frequency of mid-LV obstruction has varied from 36% to 90%. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to ascertain the frequency of mid-LV obstruction in HCM apical aneurysms. METHODS: The authors analyzed echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance examinations of patients with aneurysms from 3 dedicated programs and compared them with 63 normal controls and 47 controls with apical-mid HCM who did not have aneurysms (22 with increased LV systolic velocities). RESULTS: There were 108 patients with a mean age of 57.4 ± 13.5 years; 40 (37%) were women. A total of 103 aneurysm patients (95%) had mid-LV obstruction with mid-LV complete systolic emptying. Of the patients with obstruction, 84% had a midsystolic Doppler signal void, a marker of complete flow cessation, but only 19% had Doppler systolic gradients ≥30 mm Hg. Five patients (5%) had relative hypokinesia in mid-LV without obstruction. Aneurysm size is not bimodal but appears distributed by power law, with large aneurysms decidedly less common. Comparing mid-LV obstruction aneurysm patients with all control groups, the short-axis (SAX) systolic areas were smaller (P < 0.007), the percent SAX area change was greater (P < 0.005), the papillary muscle (PM) areas were larger (P < 0.003), and the diastolic PM areas/SAX diastolic areas were greater (P < 0.005). Patients with aneurysms had 22% greater SAX PM areas compared with those with elevated LV velocities but no aneurysms (median: 3.00 cm2 [IQR: 2.38-3.70 cm2] vs 2.45 [IQR: 1.81-2.95 cm2]; P = 0.004). Complete emptying occurs circumferentially around central PMs that contribute to obstruction. Late gadolinium enhancement was always brightest and the most transmural apical of, or at the level of, complete emptying. CONCLUSIONS: The great majority (95%) of patients in the continuum of apical aneurysms have associated mid-LV obstruction. Further research to investigate obstruction as a contributing cause to apical aneurysms is warranted.

Low-Dose vs Standard Warfarin After Mechanical Mitral Valve Replacement: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend a target international normalized ratio (INR) range of 2.5 to 3.5 in patients with a mechanical mitral prosthesis. The Prospective Randomized On-X Anticoagulation Clinical Trial (PROACT) Mitral randomized controlled noninferiority trial assessed safety and efficacy of warfarin at doses lower than currently recommended in patients with an On-X (Artivion, Inc) mechanical mitral valve. METHODS: After On-X mechanical mitral valve replacement, followed by at least 3 months of standard anticoagulation, 401 patients at 44 North American centers were randomized to low-dose warfarin (target INR, 2.0-2.5) or standard-dose warfarin (target INR, 2.5-3.5). All patients were prescribed aspirin, 81 mg daily, and encouraged to use home INR testing. The primary end point was the sum of the linearized rates of thromboembolism, valve thrombosis, and bleeding events. The design was based on an expected 7.3% event rate and 1.5% noninferiority margin. RESULTS: Mean patient follow-up was 4.1 years. Mean INR was 2.47 and 2.92 (P <.001) in the low-dose and standard-dose warfarin groups, respectively. Primary end point rates were 11.9% per patient-year in the low-dose group and 12.0% per patient-year in the standard-dose group (difference, -0.07%; 95% CI, -3.40% to 3.26%). The CI >1.5%, thus noninferiority was not achieved. Rates (percentage per patient-year) of the individual components of the primary end point were 2.3% vs 2.5% for thromboembolism, 0.5% vs 0.5% for valve thrombosis, and 9.13% vs 9.04% for bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with standard-dose warfarin, low-dose warfarin did not achieve noninferiority for the composite primary end point. (PROACT Clinicaltrials.gov number, NCT00291525).

Mitral annular calcification in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Changes in mitral valve anatomy contribute to left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is common among patients with HCM but its implications are currently unknown. METHODS: We tested the hypothesis that echocardiographic MAC would be associated with anterior displacement of the mitral valve and LVOTO in a cohort of 304 patients with HCM aged ≥ 60 years (mean [SD] age 71.6 [7.7] years, 52% women). RESULTS: MAC was present in 141 (46%) patients. The mean (SD) MAC offset distance was 9.8 (4.8) mm. A higher proportion of those with MAC compared to those without MAC had SAM (84.2 vs. 63.8%, p < 0.001) and LVOTO (80.9 vs. 57.9%, p < 0.001). In patients with MAC, the septal-mitral valve distance was shorter compared to those without (19.4 [4.0] vs 21.5 [4.9] mm, p < 0.001). The mitral valve position ratio was greater in those with MAC compared to those without (1.00 [0.79, 1.22] vs. 0.86 [0.67, 1.05], p < 0.001) denoting greater anterior displacement, especially in those with MAC and LVOTO. After multivariable adjustment, MAC offset distance was associated with LVOTO (OR 1.16 [95% CI 1.07, 1.28] per mm, p = 0.001). Over a median follow-up of 2.7 years, 42 (29.8%) patients with MAC underwent surgery to relieve LVOTO, with no deaths. CONCLUSION: This study adds MAC to the known geometrical alterations of the mitral valve that predispose to LVOTO and suggests that surgical relief of LVOTO in the presence of MAC is safe when performed by an experienced surgeon.

WITHDRAWN: Low-Dose Versus Standard Warfarin After Mechanical Mitral Valve Replacement: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

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Reversal of acute systolic dysfunction and cardiogenic shock in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by surgical relief of obstruction.

A 70-year-old male with known hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and latent obstruction presented with new onset of cardiogenic shock. He had a new resting left ventricular (LV) outflow gradient of 90 mmHg, and new severe LV systolic dysfunction. Because of rapid deterioration despite medical management he was urgently sent for surgical relief of obstruction, which immediately reversed both the LV dysfunction and shock. A second patient, a 58-year-old male also with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and latent obstruction presented with collapse, cardiogenic shock, 135 mmHg resting LV outflow gradient and new severe LV systolic dysfunction. His profound shock was irreversible with pharmacologic management, but surgical relief of obstruction reversed both his LV dysfunction and shock. Echocardiography plays a pivotal role in the management of these acutely ill patients.

Three-Dimensional Imaging and Dynamic Modeling of Systolic Anterior Motion of the Mitral Valve.

Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is often caused by systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve caused by the interplay between increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and an abnormal mitral valve anatomy and geometry. Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic imaging of the mitral valve has revolutionized the practice of cardiology, paving the way for new methods to see and treat valvular heart disease. Here we present the novel and incremental value of 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) of SAM visualization. This review first provides step-by-step instructions on acquiring and optimizing 3D TEE imaging of SAM. It then describes the unique and novel findings using standard 3D TEE rendering as well as dynamic mitral valve modeling of SAM from 3D data sets, which can provide a more detailed visualization of SAM features. The findings include double-orifice LVOT caused by the residual leaflet, the dolphin smile phenomenon, and delineation of SAM width. Finally, the review discusses the essential role of 3D TEE imaging for preprocedural assessment and intraprocedural guidance of surgical and novel percutaneous treatments of SAM.

Syndrome of Reversible Cardiogenic Shock and Left Ventricular Ballooning in Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Background Cardiogenic shock from most causes has unfavorable prognosis. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can uncommonly present with apical ballooning and shock in association with sudden development of severe and unrelenting left ventricular (LV) outflow obstruction. Typical HCM phenotypic features of mild septal thickening, outflow gradients, and distinctive mitral abnormalities differentiate these patients from others with Takotsubo syndrome, who have normal mitral valves and no outflow obstruction. Methods and Results We analyzed 8 patients from our 4 HCM centers with obstructive HCM and abrupt presentation of cardiogenic shock with LV ballooning, and 6 cases reported in literature. Of 14 patients, 10 (71%) were women, aged 66±9 years, presenting with acute symptoms: LV ballooning; depressed ejection fraction (25±5%); refractory systemic hypotension; marked LV outflow tract obstruction (peak gradient, 94±28 mm Hg); and elevated troponin, but absence of atherosclerotic coronary disease. Shock was managed with intravenous administration of phenylephrine (n=6), norepinephrine (n=6), ß-blocker (n=7), and vasopressin (n=1). Mechanical circulatory support was required in 8, including intra-aortic balloon pump (n=4), venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n=3), and Impella and Tandem Heart in 1 each. In refractory shock, urgent relief of obstruction by myectomy was performed in 5, and alcohol ablation in 1. All patients survived their critical illness, with full recovery of systolic function. Conclusions When cardiogenic shock and LV ballooning occur in obstructive HCM, they are marked by distinctive anatomic and physiologic features. Relief of obstruction with targeted pharmacotherapy, mechanical circulatory support, and myectomy, when necessary for refractory shock, may lead to survival and normalization of systolic function.

Cardiac AA amyloidosis in a patient with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Cardiac amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is rare. We present the case of a 72-year-old woman with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and biopsy-proven renal AA amyloidosis whose dyspnea and exercise intolerance had worsened over the previous year. Her AA amyloidosis was suspected to be secondary to chronic diverticulitis for which she had undergone hemicolectomy and sigmoidectomy 3 years prior. Echocardiographic findings were consistent with worsening left ventricular outflow tract obstruction at rest. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed patchy areas of midwall late gadolinium enhancement. Right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy did not reveal amyloid deposition, and cardiac technetium-99m pyrophosphate scintigraphy did not suggest transthyretin amyloidosis. The patient underwent septal myectomy with resection of an accessory papillary muscle. Pathological examination of the myectomy specimen was consistent with HCM. In addition, there was a thick layer of diffuse endocardial and vascular amyloid deposition that was identified as AA type by laser-microdissection with liquid chromatography-coupled tandem-mass spectrometry. This case report highlights the presence of 2 distinct disease processes occurring simultaneously and the importance of tissue diagnosis of AA amyloidosis, a condition that is not commonly associated with HCM.

Distinctive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Anatomy and Obstructive Physiology in Patients Admitted With Takotsubo Syndrome.

Clinical spectrum of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) has been expanded to include patients with mild or no thickening of the left ventricle (LV), who nevertheless have outflow tract obstruction at rest or after exercise, due to systolic anterior motion (SAM) and ventricular septal contact, with mitral valve elongation and papillary muscles anomalies. Apical ballooning mimicking a takotsubo syndrome (TS) wall motion pattern can occur in HC with mild septal thickening when latent obstruction becomes unrelenting. To define the prevalence of anatomic abnormalities characteristic of HC in patients diagnosed with TS, we analyzed echocardiograms of 44 unselected TS patients, age 67±12 years, 95% women including studies performed before the event (n = 11, median 515 days) and after recovery of left ventricular function (n = 33, median 92 days, interquartile range = 29 to 327) and compared the findings to 60 age and sexed matched controls. Analysis of echocardiograms was blinded to event timing, and patient vs. control status. During the ballooning event, 13 patients (30%) had SAM including 9 with LV outflow obstruction, peak gradients 71±40 mmHg, as well as: ventricular septal thickening (16 ± 4 mm), elongated anterior leaflets (30 ± 3mm), and increased mitral coaptation to posterior wall distance (17 ± 5 mm), consistent with diagnosis of the HC phenotype. Compared to 31 TS patients without SAM, study patients with SAM had longer anterior leaflets (30 ± 3 vs 26 ± 4 mm, p = 0.006), thicker septum (16 ± 4 vs 12 ± 3 mm), increased coaptation to posterior wall distance (17 ± 5 vs 14 ± 4 mm, p < 0.04) and reduced distance from coaptation to septum (19 ± 5 vs 27 ± 5, p < 0.001). In the 13 patients with SAM, morphologic characteristics of HC persisted after normalization of LV function. In conclusion, a subset of patients experiencing TS events demonstrates a constellation of morphologic abnormalities characteristic of HC that persist after recovery of LV wall motion. These findings suggest that dynamic outflow obstruction may cause apical ballooning in susceptible patients.

Impact of early and delayed stroke on in-hospital and long-term mortality after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting.

Stroke after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an infrequent, yet devastating complication with increased morbidity and mortality. We sought to determine risk factors for early (intraoperatively to 24 hours) and delayed (>24 hours to discharge) stroke and to identify their impact on long-term mortality after CABG. We studied 4,140 consecutive patients who underwent isolated CABG from 1992 to 2003. Long-term survival data (mean follow-up 7.4 years) were obtained from the National Death Index. Independent predictors for stroke and in-hospital mortality were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis including all available preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risk factors. Independent predictors for long-term mortality were determined by multivariate Cox regression analysis. One hundred two patients (2.5%) developed early stroke and 36 patients (0.9%) delayed stroke. Independent predictors for early stroke were age, recent myocardial infarction, smoking, femoral vascular disease, body mass index, reoperation for bleeding, postoperative sepsis and/or endocarditis, and respiratory failure, whereas those for delayed stroke were female gender, white race, preoperative renal failure, respiratory failure, and postoperative renal failure. Early stroke was an independent predictor for in-hospital (odds ratio 3.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.56 to 7.80, p = 0.002) and long-term (hazard ratio 1.70, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.21, p <0.001) mortalities. Delayed stroke was not an independent predictor for in-hospital (odds ratio 0.90, 95% CI 0.23 to 3.51, p = 0.878) or long-term (hazard ratio 0.66, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.17, p = 0.156) mortality. In conclusion, risk factors for early in-hospital stroke differ from those of delayed in-hospital stroke after CABG. Early stroke is an independent predictor for in-hospital and long-term mortalities, suggesting the need for a more frequent follow-up and appropriate pharmacologic therapy after discharge.

Independent predictors for early and long-term mortality after heart valve surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Patients with heart valve surgery may have a periprocedural mortality extending up to one year after surgery. The study aim was to determine independent predictors for in-hospital and long-term mortality after heart valve surgery. METHODS: A total of 1,376 consecutive patients who underwent isolated or combined heart valve surgery at a single institution was studied. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors for in-hospital mortality. Long-term survival data (mean follow up 5.6 years) were obtained from the National Death Index. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors for long-term mortality. All available preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative risk factors were included in these analyses. RESULTS: The mean EuroSCORE was 6.2 +/- 3.7. There were 86 (6.3%) in-hospital and 550 (40.0%) late deaths. Eleven independent predictors were determined for in-hospital mortality, and 13 for long-term mortality. There were six common independent predictors (preoperative dialysis, total bypass time, intraoperative stroke, postoperative sepsis and/or endocarditis, renal and respiratory failure). Unique independent predictors for in-hospital mortality included intra-aortic balloon pump, preoperative endocarditis, intravenous use of nitroglycerine, bleeding requiring reoperation and gastrointestinal complications. The model for in-hospital mortality showed acceptable calibration (Lemeshow-Hosmer, p = 0.629) and excellent discriminatory ability (C statistic 0.88). Unique independent predictors for long-term mortality included age, ejection fraction, stroke prior to surgery, hemodynamic instability, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and deep sternal wound infection. CONCLUSION: Independent predictors were determined for early and long-term mortality after heart valve surgery. The prevention of postoperative complications may be a key element for increased early and long-term survival in these patients.

Intraoperative Two- and Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in Combined Myectomy-Mitral Operations for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Transesophageal echocardiography is essential in guiding the surgical approach for patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Septal hypertrophy, elongated mitral valve leaflets, and abnormalities of the subvalvular apparatus are prominent features, all of which may contribute to left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Surgery aims to alleviate the obstruction via an extended myectomy, often with an intervention on the mitral valve and subvalvular apparatus. The goal of intraoperative echocardiography is to assess the anatomic pathology and pathophysiology in order to achieve a safe intraoperative course and a successful repair. This guide summarizes the systematic evaluation of these patients to determine the best surgical plan.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Using the Radial Artery, Right Internal Thoracic Artery, or Saphenous Vein as the Second Conduit.

BACKGROUND: It is not clear whether radial artery (RA), right internal thoracic artery (RITA), or saphenous vein (SV) is the preferred second bypass graft during coronary artery bypass graft surgery using the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) in patients aged less or greater than 70 years. METHODS: Late survival data were collected for 13,324 consecutive, isolated, primary coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients from three hospitals. Cox regression analysis was performed on all patients grouped by age. RESULTS: Adjusted Cox regression showed overall better RA versus SV survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.82, p < 0.001) and no difference in RITA versus SV survival (HR 0.95, p = 0.35). However, the survival benefit of RA versus SV was seen only in patients aged less than 70 years (HR 0.77, p < 0.001); and RITA patients aged less than 70 years also had a survival benefit compared with SV (HR 0.86, p = 0.03). There was no difference in survival for RA versus RITA across all ages. CONCLUSIONS: For patients aged less than 70 years, the optimal grafting strategy is using either RA or RITA as the second preferred graft. In patients aged 70 years or more, RA and RITA grafting should be used selectively. Multiple arterial grafting using either RA or RITA should be more widely utilized during coronary artery bypass graft surgery for patients less than 70 years of age.

The impact of preoperative thrombolysis on long-term survival after coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is frequently used after thrombolytic therapy. However, there is little information regarding long-term survival in this setting. The purpose of the present study was to compare the long-term survival of patients subjected to CABG after thrombolysis to those without thrombolysis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 3760 consecutive patients with isolated CABG between 1992 and 2002. CABG patients without thrombolysis were compared with those who were treated with thrombolysis within 7 days before CABG. Groups were compared by Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan-Meier survival plots. The propensity for thrombolysis was determined by logistic regression analysis, and each patient with thrombolysis was then matched to 5 patients without thrombolysis. One hundred ninety-six patients (5.2%) were treated with thrombolysis. Patients with thrombolysis were more likely to be male, younger, and with higher rates of unstable angina, emergency operation, recent or transmural myocardial infarction, preoperative intraaortic balloon pump, hemodynamic instability, shock, intravenous nitroglycerine, left-ventricular hypertrophy, sustained ventricular arrhythmia, and higher EuroSCORE. There were no differences in early outcome between matched groups, but the 5-year actuarial survival was higher in patients with thrombolysis (90.3+/-2.2% versus 78.5+/-1.6%; P=0.0007). After adjustment for all factors, the hazard ratio of long-term mortality for patients with thrombolysis was 0.54 (95% CI, 0.36 to 0.81; P=0.003) and, if deaths during the first 12 months were excluded, 0.46 (95% CI, 0.27 to 0.76; P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Patients subjected to CABG within 7 days after thrombolysis demonstrated increased long-term survival.

Resection, Plication, Release--the RPR procedure for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: The surgical management of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction secondary to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has classically consisted of a septal myectomy. To address inconsistent results the extended myectomy or resection (R) and papillary muscle release (R) have been described. Our group introduced a novel addition to the surgical management consisting of an anterior mitral leaflet plication (P). We call the procedure resection - plication- release for repair of complex HCM pathology - the RPR operation. We investigated the mid-term results of all our patients undergoing surgical management for simple and complex HCM pathology. METHODS: Forty-two patients have undergone surgery for HCM at our hospital center since we began to look critically at the pathophysiology. Patients received either an extended myectomy alone, a myectomy plus either papillary muscle release or mitral leaflet plication, or the total RPR procedure. Pre and post-operative transesophageal echocardiograms were obtained in all patients to assess LVOT gradient, adequacy of resection and degree of mitral insufficiency. Subsequently, all patients had a trans-thoracic echocardiogram at a mean follow-up period of 3.4 +/- 3.1 years (range, 0.5 to 7). RESULTS: Twenty-one patients underwent the full RPR procedure; thirteen received portions of the procedure and only seven underwent myectomy alone (including three with concomitant mitral valve replacement (MVR) for insufficiency unrelated to their obstructive pathology). One patient had an isolated MVR as primary therapy for HCM management. The average age was 56 +/-14 years. The preoperative LVOT obstruction gradient was 137 +/- 45 mm Hg and reduced to 10 +/- 17 mm Hg post-operatively. All patients had mitral insufficiency pre-operatively, grade 3.1 on average (scale 0-4), and reduced post-operatively to trivial, grade 0.2. During the follow-up period, LVOT gradient remained low at 6 +/- 14 mm Hg, and mitral insufficiency remained trivial, grade 0.4 (All p values <0.0001). There were no hospital deaths and overall, no need for reoperations. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients often present with wide anatomic variation. When these variations are understood, the operative approach should be directed to correct or ameliorate those specific aspects, termed simple or complex pathophysiology. Durable long-term results can be achieved in all patients when the mitral valve pathology is appreciated and appropriately repaired, along with a properly located and adequately sized septal myectomy.