Isolated or Combined Ascending Aortic Replacement through a Partial Sternotomy: Early and Midterm Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the in-hospital and midterm outcomes of patients undergoing ascending aortic replacement (AAR) through a partial or a full sternotomy approach through a propensity matching analysis. METHODS: We retrospectively included all patients (n = 167) who underwent elective AAR in our institution between 2013 and 2020. The study population was divided into two groups according to the surgical access (40 patient in the partial sternotomy or "PS" group and 127 in the full sternotomy or "FS" group). Due to the significant differences between the groups, a propensity matching of 1:3 was applied. In-hospital complications, survival, and reoperation at follow-up were investigated. RESULTS: The PS group showed higher cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times than the FS group (94.2 vs. 83 minutes and 164.2 vs. 126.8 minutes, respectively). Moreover, the postoperative ventilation time was significantly higher in the PS group, but it did not affect the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). The incidences of bleeding, stroke, and mortality were comparable between the two groups (11 vs. 3%, 3 vs. 6%, and 5 vs. 3%, respectively). After a median follow-up of 2 ± 1.98 years, the Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant differences between the two groups (log-rank, p = 0.17) in terms of survival. CONCLUSION: The surgical ascending aorta replacement through a partial sternotomy is associated with longer operative times, but this does not affect the early as well as the long-term follow-up.

Two approaches-one phenomenon-thrombocytopenia after surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROPUND AND AIM: Postoperative thrombocytopenia after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and aggravating causes were the aim of this retrospective study. METHODS: Data of all patients treated with SAVR (n = 1068) and TAVR (n = 816) due to severe aortic valve stenosis was collected at our center from 2010 to 2017. Preprocedural and postprocedural values were collected from electronic patient records. RESULTS: There was a significant drop in platelets in both groups, the TAVR group showed overall superior platelet preservation compared to the AVR group (P < .001). In the SAVR subgroup analysis, a significant difference in platelet preservation was observed between the valve types (P < .001), particularly with the Freedom SOLO valve. In the TAVR subgroup analysis, the valve type did not influence platelet count (PLT) reduction (P = .13). In the SAVR subgroup analyses, PLT was found to be worsened with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration. CONCLUSION: Thrombocytopenia frequently occurs after implantation of a biological heart valve prosthesis, with a higher frequency observed in patients after cardiac surgery rather than TAVR. Although some surgical bioprosthetic models are more susceptible to this phenomenon, CPB duration seems to be a major determinant for the development of postoperative thrombocytopenia.

Sutureless Valve Implantation via Mini J-Sternotomy: A Single Center Experience with 2 Years Mean Follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Despite increased operative time, minimally invasive cardiac surgery is associated with a lower morbidity than conventional aortic valve replacement (AVR). On the other hand, sutureless aortic bioprostheses have the potential of simplifying implantation, as it reduces the ischemic time. Our aim was to investigate the outcome of a sutureless AVR through a mini-sternotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since March 2010, a total of 262 patients affected by aortic valve stenosis underwent AVR with a sutureless bioprosthesis (Perceval, Sorin Group, Saluggia, Italy). Of these, 145 patients (mean age 77.8 ± 4.7 years, 80 women) underwent surgical AVR through a mini J-sternotomy. Clinical and echocardiographic data were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients received a size: S(12), M(49), L(67), or XL(17) prostheses, either as isolated (131) or combined procedures (14) including 2 redo patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting via full sternotomy previously. Mean logistic EuroSCORE (I) was 9.9 ± 5.9%, and mean aortic cross-clamp time was 38 ± 12 minutes (35 ± 11 minutes in isolated procedures). Two conversions to full sternotomy were necessary because of bleeding. Thirty-day mortality was 2.1% (all noncardiac deaths); mean hospital stay was 11.6 ± 4.9 days. We recorded 11 pacemaker implantations (7.6%). At follow-up (23.5 ± 14.4 months), five patients were dead (three noncardiac and two cardiac deaths). At echocardiographic control, mean transprosthetic gradients were as follows: 12.8 ± 4.9, 12.5 ± 4.5, 11.8 ± 4.7 mm Hg, postoperatively at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. No paravalvular leaks were recorded. CONCLUSION: The sutureless bioprosthesis shows satisfactory clinical and hemodynamic results. Owing to its simple implantation technique, it represents a good support for minimally invasive access surgery via J-sternotomy.

Impact of prophylactic intra-aortic balloon pump on early outcomes in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to analyse whether prophylactic preoperative intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) improves outcomes in hemodynamically stable patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≤30%) undergoing elective myocardial revascularization (CABG) using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Secondary aim was to identify the predictors for low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS). METHODS: Prospectively collected data of 207 consecutive patients with LVEF ≤30% undergoing elective isolated CABG with CPB from 01/2009 to 12/2019, 136 with and 71 patients without IABP, were retrieved retrospectively. Patients with prophylactic IABP were matched 1:1 with patients without IABP by a propensity score matching. Stepwise logistic regression was conducted to identify predictors of postoperative LCOS in the propensity-matched cohort. P value ≤0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Reduced postoperative LCOS (9.9% vs. 26.8%, P = 0.017) was observed in patients receiving prophylactic IABP. Stepwise logistic regression identified preoperative IABP as preventive factor for postoperative LCOS [Odds Ratio (OR) 0.19,95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.06-0.55, P = 0.004]. The need of vasoactive and inotropic support was lower in patients with prophylactic IABP at 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery (12.3 [8.2-18.6] vs. 22.2 [14.4-28.8], P < 0.001, 7.7 [3.3-12.3] vs.16.3 [8.9-27.8], P < 0.001 and 2.4 [0-7] vs. 11.5 [3.1-26], P < 0.001, respectively). The patients in both groups did not differ in terms of in-hospital mortality (7.0% vs. 9.9%, P = 0.763). There were no major IABP-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Elective patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤30% undergoing CABG with CPB and prophylactic IABP insertion had less low cardiac output syndrome and similar in-hospital mortality.

Improved creatinine-based early detection of acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to improve early detection of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) compared to classical clinical scores. METHODS: Data from 7633 patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 2008 and 2018 in our institution were analysed. CSA-AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Cleveland Clinical Score served as the reference with an area under the curve (AUC) 0.65 in our cohort. Based on that, stepwise logistic regression modelling was performed on the training data set including creatinine (Cr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels and deltas (ΔCr, ΔeGFR) at different time points and clinical parameters as preoperative haemoglobin, intraoperative packed red blood cells (units) and cardiopulmonary bypass time (min) to predict CSA-AKI in the early postoperative course. The AUC was determined on the validation data set for each model respectively. RESULTS: Incidence of CSA-AKI in the early postoperative course was 22.4% (n = 1712). The 30-day mortality was 12.5% in the CSA-AKI group (n = 214) and in the no-CSA-AKI group 0.9% (n = 53) (P < 0.001). Logistic regression models based on Cr and its delta gained an AUC of 0.69; 'Model eGFRCKD-EPI' an AUC of 0.73. Finally, 'Model DynaLab' including dynamic laboratory parameters and clinical parameters as haemoglobin, packed red blood cells and cardiopulmonary bypass time improved AUC to 0.84. CONCLUSIONS: Model DynaLab' improves early detection of CSA-AKI within 12 h after surgery. This simple Cr-based framework poses a fundament for further endeavours towards reduction of CSA-AKI incidence and severity.

Neurological symptoms in type A aortic dissections.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Aortic dissection typically presents with severe chest or back pain. Neurological symptoms may occur because of occlusion of supplying vessels or general hypotension. Especially in pain-free dissections diagnosis can be difficult and delayed. The purpose of this study is to analyze the association between type A aortic dissection and neurological symptoms. METHODS: Clinical records of 102 consecutive patients with aortic dissection (63% male, median age 58 years) over 7.5 years were analyzed for medical history, preoperative clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome with main emphasis on neurological symptoms. RESULTS: Thirty patients showed initial neurological symptoms (29%). Only two-thirds of them reported chest pain, and most patients without initial neurological symptoms experienced pain (94%). Neurological symptoms were attributable to ischemic stroke (16%), spinal cord ischemia (1%), ischemic neuropathy (11%), and hypoxic encephalopathy (2%). Other frequent symptoms were syncopes (6%) and seizures (3%). In half of the patients, neurological symptoms were transient. Postoperatively, neurological symptoms were found in 48% of all patients encompassing ischemic stroke (14%), spinal cord ischemia (4%), ischemic neuropathy (3%), hypoxic encephalopathy (8%), nerve compression (7%), and postoperative delirium (15%). Overall mortality was 23% and did not significantly differ between patients with and without initial neurological symptoms or complications. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic dissections might be missed in patients with neurological symptoms but without pain. Neurological findings in elderly hypertensive patients with asymmetrical pulses or cardiac murmur suggest dissection. Especially in patients considered for thrombolytic therapy in acute stroke further diagnostics is essential. Neurological symptoms are not necessarily associated with increased mortality.

Implantation of the Sorin Perceval® sutureless aortic valve: a step by step approach.

Since the introduction of the sutureless Perceval® (Sorin Group, Saluggia, Italy) in Europe after CE mark in 2012, the "sutureless approach" is becoming more and more popular. Sutureless implantation in general is easy, fast and safe, but bears several potential pitfalls. This might result in inferior functional results affecting also clinical outcomes. In our center, more than 300 implant procedures have been performed up to date by mainly two senior surgeons. The technique is in the process of spreading to all surgeons performing aortic valve procedures. Proctored activities are completed at our and other institutions, and wetlab activities are conducted in collaboration with the manufacturer's research and development laboratory. This article was written to give a step-by-step advice for surgeons who want to start a sutureless program or even have made limited experience with this approach wanting to reconfirm their technique. The focus is kept on surgical aspects regarding indication, access, intra-operative exposure and implantation of the prosthesis.

Efficacy of sutureless aortic valves in minimally invasive cardiac surgery: an evolution of the surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: Sutureless aortic valve prostheses have the potential of shortening surgical time, but if this results in improved clinical outcome remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of patients undergoing conventional vs. minimally invasive AVR, with either a stented or sutureless bioprosthesis. METHODS: From 2007 to 2015, 627 patients underwent elective isolated AVR and were divided into three groups: patients who underwent sutureless-AVR via J sternotomy (group A, N.=206) and patients who underwent stented-AVR via J sternotomy (group B, N.=247) or full-sternotomy (group C, N.=174). RESULTS: Patients in group A were significantly older than groups B and C (77±5 vs. 74±7 and 70±8 years; P<0.001). Aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were shorter in group A than in groups B and C. As expected, aortic cross-clamp time was prolonged in group B as compared to groups A and C (60±18 vs. 36±10 and 54±16 min; P<0.001). After multivariate adjustment, minimally invasive AVR resulted in significantly fewer postoperative complications in terms of drainage bleeding and the need for blood transfusions (385±287 vs. 500±338 mL, P=0.006; and 1.3±2.1 vs. 1.8±2.6 IU, P=0.001, respectively). No differences in postoperative outcomes were observed among groups. CONCLUSIONS: The minimally invasive approach confers a protective effect against bleeding complications, but it is time-consuming. The use of sutureless valves is associated with significantly shorter surgical times compared with stented bioprostheses. In addition, no differences in mortality were observed among groups, and patients who received a sutureless valve, though significantly older, showed a better clinical outcome than patients who received a stented valve.

Active clearance of chest drainage catheters reduces retained blood.

OBJECTIVE: Chest tubes are used to clear blood from around the heart and lungs after heart surgery, but they can be obstructed by a blood clot, leading to retained blood syndrome (RBS). We sought to examine the frequency of RBS and associated morbidity, and to determine the influence of a preventative active chest tube clearance (ATC) protocol on these outcomes. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team developed a simple protocol to institute ATC to preventatively clear chest tubes of clot during the first 24 hours after heart surgery. An extensive educational in-service was performed before universal implementation (phase 1). We retrospectively compared data collected prospectively from 1849 patients before universal implementation (phase 0) with data from 256 patients collected prospectively after universal implementation (phase 2), and then used propensity matching for outcomes assessment. RESULTS: In propensity-matched patients, 19.9% of patients had interventions for RBS (phase 0). After the implementation of ATC (phase 2), the percent of patients with interventions for RBS was reduced to 11.3%, representing a 43% reduction in RBS (P = .0087). These patients had a 33% reduced incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation from 30% (78 out of 256) in phase 0 to 20% (52 out of 256) in phase 2. (P = .013). CONCLUSIONS: ATC is associated with a reduced need for interventions for RBS and postoperative atrial fibrillation. Our findings underscore the importance of maintaining chest tube patency in the early hours after cardiac surgery.

A Retrospective Study to Evaluate Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Patients Undergoing Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Grafting.

Bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) grafting may be associated with a higher risk of postoperative deep sternal wound infection than monolateral internal thoracic artery grafting due to a limited blood supply to the thoracic chest wall. Because preliminary studies suggest negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) may reduce the risk of infection, a retrospective chart review of 129 patients who underwent BITA between February 2003 and October 2014 was conducted. Of those, 21 patients received NPWT for 5 days immediately following surgery and the incisions of 108 patients were covered with a conventional gauze dressing. Patient demographic and history variables as well as surgical procedure and outcome variables were abstracted. Outcome variables assessed included infection, need for transfusion, and length of hospital stay. The NPWT group was significantly younger (average age 55.9 ± 7.6 versus 60 ± 10.5 years, P = 0.049), had fewer urgent/emergent surgeries (4 [19%] versus 36 [33.3%], P = 0.247), and had significantly lower surgical risk scores (2.0 ± 2.3 versus 3.8 ± 2.8, P = 0.010). The rate of deep sternal wound infections was lower in the NPWT than in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (0% versus 5.6%, P = 0.336). Sternal instability was noted in 4 control patients, requiring wound re-exploration versus 0 in the NPWT group (3.7% versus 0%, P = 0.487). One (1) patient in the NPWT group had postoperative bleeding that required removal of the device. The rates of re-thoracotomy due to bleeding were 9.3% in the control compared to 4.8% in the NPWT group (P = 0.435), which translated into a greater need for blood transfusions (1.77 ± 3.4 units versus 0.3 3± 0.7 units, P = 0.056) and larger chest drainage volume (997.8 ± 710 mL versus 591.2 ± 346 mL, P = 0.012) in the control group. Hospital stay was longer in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (12 ± 8.8 days versus 9.4 ± 4.2 days, P = 0.184). These preliminary results are encouraging, and prospective, randomized, controlled clinical studies to compare the efficacy, effectiveness, and costeffectiveness of NPWT to other wound management modalities following cardiac surgery are warranted.

Clinical Outcome and Cost Analysis of Sutureless Versus Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

Surgical sutureless and interventional transcatheter aortic valve prostheses are nowadays extensively adopted in high-risk elderly patients. An explorative analysis was carried out to compare the clinical outcome and costs associated to these approaches. Since 2010, a total of 626 patients were distributed between transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI; n = 364) and sutureless (n = 262) groups. Patients of both groups were not comparable for clinical and surgical characteristics, but many patients were in a "gray zone"; therefore, a retrospective propensity score analysis was possible and performed. For the matched pair samples, postoperative, follow-up clinical data, and costs data were obtained. In-hospital death occurred in 5 patients in sutureless group and 3 patients in TAVI group (p = 0.36). Blood transfusions were higher in sutureless group (2.1 ± 2.3 vs 0.4 ± 1.0 U). TAVI group had a shorter intensive care unit and hospital stay (2.2 ± 2.7 vs 3.2 ± 3.5 days, p = 0.037; 12 ± 6 vs 14 ± 6 days, p = 0.017). No differences in postoperative neurologic (p = 0.361), renal (p = 0.106), or respiratory (p = 0.391) complications were observed between groups. At follow-up (24.5 ± 13.8 months), 1 patient in sutureless group and 7 patients in TAVI group died (p = 0.032). Paravalvular leakage occurred more frequently in patients in TAVI group (35 [34%] vs 7 [6.9%]; p <0.001) with an impact on follow-up survival rate. The costs associated to the 2 procedures are similar when the cost of the device was excluded (p = 0.217). When included, the sutureless approach resulted a cost saving (€22,451 vs €33,877, p <0.001). In conclusion, the patients in the "gray zone" record a satisfying clinical outcome after sutureless surgery and TAVI. Patients in the sutureless group endure more hospital complications, but TAVI entails a higher follow-up mortality. On the costs aspects, TAVI technologies are more expensive, and it reflects on higher overall hospital costs.

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with Perceval valves: first clinical experience.

AIM: Although minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) has been shown to cause less morbidity than conventional surgery, it has not yet received broad application. The purpose of this study was to evaluate sutureless implantation using the Perceval S aortic valve bioprosthesis (Sorin Group, Saluggia, Italy) via ministernotomy. METHODS: Seventy-two patients (43 women, 29 men; mean age 77.4 ±â€Š5.3 years) with isolated aortic valve stenosis (mean gradient of 52 ±â€Š14 mmHg) underwent aortic valve implantation with the sutureless Perceval S bioprosthesis, following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), aortic cross-clamping (ACC), cardioplegic arrest and removal of the calcified native valve. The mean logistic EuroSCORE was 9.7 ±â€Š6.2%. RESULTS: The prosthetic valve was successfully deployed in all patients. Thirty-day mortality was 1.4% (n = 1). Mean CBP, ACC, and implantation times were 68 ±â€Š18, 40 ±â€Š13 and 8.9 ±â€Š4 min, respectively. Perioperative echocardiography revealed significant paravalvular leakage in one patient. Postoperative mean gradient was 11.6 ±â€Š5.1 mmHg. At a mean follow-up of 13 ±â€Š6.7 months, no significant paravalvular leakage or valvular regurgitation was observed, and no migration or dislodgement of the prosthesis occurred. CONCLUSION: This study shows that sutureless implantation of the Perceval S aortic valve bioprosthesis provides a simple and reproducible alternative for MIAVR. As the valve does not need to be sutured, it may also result in reduced ACC and CPB times. This self-anchoring valve may also allow the application of MIAVR to a broader spectrum of patients. This new technology needs a long-term follow-up.