Early to midterm survival of patients with deep sternal wound infection managed with laparoscopically harvested omentum.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal management of deep sternal wound infection (DWSI) remains controversial. Our objective was to evaluate outcomes of patients with DSWI managed with transposition of laparoscopically harvested omentum (LHO). METHODS: Between 2000 and 2020, a total of 38,623 adult patients who underwent full median sternotomy for cardiac surgery were analyzed retrospectively at our institution. DSWI occurred in 455 (1.2%), of whom 364 (93.2%) were managed with pectoralis myocutaneous flap (PMF) and 33 (7.2%) with LHO. Univariate and multivariate analysis models were used to determine predictors of cumulative late mortality and adjusted survival curves were generated. RESULTS: Among patients who received LHO, average age was 65.7 ± 9.7 years and a larger proportion of patients were male. A majority of patients (88%) had coronary bypass surgery, with bilateral internal mammary arteries use in only 21.2%. Mean length of stay (LOS) was 58.90 days and early hospital mortality occurred in 4 patients (12.1%). Patients who received LHO compared to only PMF had larger body mass index and had more heart failure. Furthermore, the hospital LOS was also significantly prolonged in the LHO group (58.9 vs. 27.4 days, p = .002), with a slightly higher in-hospital mortality (12.1% vs. 3.3%, p = .03). Late survival for LHO patients at 5 and 10 years was 71.9% and 44.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Use of LHO is a safe and viable alternative to traditional myocutaneous flaps to manage complex DSWI. Early and late survival were favorable in this high-risk population.

Role of Antitroponin Antibodies and Macrotroponin in the Clinical Interpretation of Cardiac Troponin.

Cardiac troponin is extensively used as a biomarker in modern medicine due to its diagnostic capability for myocardial injury, as well as its predictive and prognostic value for cardiac diseases. However, heterophile antibodies, antitroponin antibodies, and macrotroponin complexes can be observed both in seemingly healthy individuals and patients with cardiac diseases, potentially leading to false positive or disproportionate elevation of cTn (cardiac troponin) assay results and introducing discrepancies in clinical interpretations with impact on medical management. In this review article, we describe the possible mechanisms of cTn release and the sources of variations in the assessment of circulating cTn levels. We also explore the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying antitroponin antibody development and discuss the influence exerted by macrotroponin complexes on the results of immunoassays. Additionally, we explore approaches to detect these complexes by presenting various clinical scenarios encountered in routine clinical practice. Finally, unsolved questions about the development, prevalence, and clinical significance of cardiac autoantibodies are discussed.

Managing the challenge of a small aortic annulus in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: Small aortic annulus (SAA) poses a challenge in the management of patients with severe aortic stenosis requiring aortic valve replacement - both surgical and transcatheter - since it has been associated with worse clinical outcomes. AREAS COVERED: This review aims to comprehensively summarize the available evidence regarding the management of aortic stenosis in patients with SAA and discuss the current controversies as well as future perspectives in this field. EXPERT OPINION: It is paramount to agree in a common definition for diagnosing and properly treating SAA patients, and for that purpose, multidetector computer tomography is essential. The results of recent trials led to the expansion of transcatheter aortic valve replacement among patients of all the surgical-risk spectrum, and the choice of treatment (transcatheter, surgical) should be based on patient comorbidities, anatomical characteristics, and patient preferences.

Angina in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients with angina undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe aortic stenosis. METHODS: A total of 1687 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR at our center were included and classified according to patient-reported angina symptoms prior to the TAVR procedure. Baseline, procedural and follow-up data were collected in a dedicated database. RESULTS: A total of 497 patients (29%) had angina prior to the TAVR procedure. Patients with angina at baseline showed a worse New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (NYHA class> II: 69% vs 63%; P=.017), a higher rate of coronary artery disease (74% vs 56%; P <.001), and a lower rate of complete revascularization (70% vs 79%; P <.001). Angina at baseline had no impact on all-cause mortality (HR, 1.02; 95%CI, 0.71-1.48; P=.898) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 1.2; 95%CI, 0.69-2.11; P=.517) at 1 year. However, persistent angina at 30 days post-TAVR was associated with increased all-cause mortality (HR, 4.86; 95%CI, 1.71-13.8; P=.003) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 20.7; 95%CI, 3.50-122.6; P=.001) at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: More than one-fourth of patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR had angina prior to the procedure. Angina at baseline did not appear to be a sign of a more advanced valvular disease and had no prognostic impact; however, persistent angina at 30 days post-TAVR was associated with worse clinical outcomes.

Incidence, Predictors, and Prognostic Impact of Bleeding Events After TAVR According to VARC-3 Criteria.

BACKGROUND: The updated Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC) definition for bleeding events after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) lacks of clinical validation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of bleeding events following TAVR as defined by recent VARC-3 criteria. METHODS: A total of 2,384 consecutive patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR were included. Early (at index hospitalization) and late (after hospital discharge) bleeding complications were defined according to VARC-3 criteria as type 1, 2, 3, or 4. Baseline, procedural, and follow-up (24 [IQR: 12-43] months) data were prospectively collected. RESULTS: Bleeding events occurred in 761 patients (31.9%): types 1, 2, 3, and 4 in 169 (22.2%), 399 (52.4%), 149 (19.6%), and 44 (5.8%) patients, respectively. The primary vascular access site and gastrointestinal locations were the most common bleeding sources among early and late bleeding events, respectively. Female sex, thoracotomy access, larger (14-F) sheath use, and dual antiplatelet therapy determined an increased risk of early bleeding events (P < 0.02 for all). The use of the radial artery for secondary access was associated with a significant risk reduction of early bleeding (P < 0.001). Type 2 and type 3 events were associated with an increased mortality risk at 30-day (HR: 2.94 [95% CI: 1.43-6.03; P = 0.003] and HR: 4.91 [95% CI: 2.19-11.03; P < 0.001], respectively) and 1-year (HR: 1.86 [95% CI: 1.28-2.69; P = 0.001] and HR: 2.28 [95% CI: 1.41-3.66; P = 0.001], respectively) follow-up. A similar prognostic pattern was observed when applying VARC-2 criteria but with a much lower global incidence of early bleeding events (19% vs 27%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Bleeding events after TAVR were associated with poorer short- and long-term survival. The magnitude of this correlation was proportional to bleeding severity defined according to VARC-3 criteria. Further studies on bleeding prevention following TAVR are warranted to improve procedural safety and patient prognosis.

Risk factors of mortality after surgical correction of ventricular septal defect following myocardial infarction: Retrospective analysis and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Rupture of the ventricular septum following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is an uncommon but serious complication, usually leading to congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shock. Surgical repair is the only definitive treatment for this condition. METHODS: We review our experience of surgical repair of post-infarction ventricular septal defects (VSDs), analyze the associated risk factors and outcomes, and do a complete review of the literature. A retrospective study was performed on 34 consecutive patients who had undergone surgical repair for VSDs following AMI from December 1991 to July 2014. Preoperative, clinical and echocardiographic variables were studied by uni-and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Mortality was analyzed for the entire group of patients. Mean age was 69 ± 7 years with 44% women. VSDs were anterior in 11 (32%) and posterior in 23 (68%) patients. A majority, 24 (71%) patients were in cardiogenic shock. Median interval from myocardial infarction to VSDs repair was 7 days. The 30 days operative mortality was 65%. Mortality within the posterior VSDs group was 74% and the anterior VSDs group was 46% (P=0.14). Concomitant coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) did not influence early or late survival. Multivariate analysis identified older age (HR=1.11, P=0.0001) and shorter time between AMI and surgery (HR=0.90, P=0.015) as independent predictors of 30-day and long-term mortality. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, surgical repair of post-AMI VSDs carries a high operative mortality. An algorithm of treatment for the management of these patients is suggested.