Risk Calculator to Predict 30-Day Readmission After Coronary Artery Bypass: A Strategic Decision Support Tool.

BACKGROUND: Re-admission is an important source of patient dissatisfaction and increased hospital costs. A simple calculator to determine the probability of re-admission may help guide patient dismissal planning. METHODS: Using the national readmissions database (NRD), we identified admissions for isolated primary coronary artery bypass (CABG) and stratified them according to 30-day readmission. Including pre, intra and postoperative variables, we prepared a logistic regression model to determine the probability for re-admission. The model was tested for reliability with boot-strapping and 10-fold cross-validation. RESULTS: From 135,699 procedures, 19,355 were readmitted at least once within 30days of dismissal. Patients who were readmitted were older (67±10 vs 65 ± 10 years, p<0.01), females (32% vs 24%; p<0.01) and had a higher Elixhauser comorbidity score (1.5±1.4 vs 1.1±1.2; p<0.01). Our final model (c- statistic=0.65) consisted of 16 pre and three postoperative factors. End-stage renal disease (OR 1.79 [1.57-2.04]) and length of stay>9days (OR 1.60 [1.52-1.68]) were most prominent indicators for readmission. Compared to Medicaid beneficiaries, those with private insurance (OR 0.62 [0.57-0.68]) and Medicare (OR 0.85 [0.79-0.92]) coverage were less likely to be readmitted. CONCLUSIONS: Our simple 30-days CABG readmission calculator can be used as a strategic tool to help reduce readmissions after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Relationship between intraoperative serum lactate and hemoglobin levels on postoperative renal function in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We examined the relationship between serum lactate and hemoglobin levels on renal function and postoperative outcome in low-risk elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients. METHODS: Intraoperative hemoglobin and lactate levels were measured in elective isolated CABG patients. Patients with renal dysfunction (baseline creatinine>2 mg/dL) were excluded. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine associations between lactate, hemoglobin, and acute kidney injury (AKI). RESULTS: A total of 375 patients met study requirements, and 56/375 (15%) developed AKI. Of the patients who developed AKI, 43/278 (15.5%) were males, 13/97 (13.4%) females, and 11/44 (25%) African-Americans. Bivariate analysis between AKI and non-AKI subgroups found significant differences in age, race, baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, preoperative hemoglobin, peak serum lactate, initial hemoglobin, and nadir hemoglobin. A high peak Lactate level (odds ratio [OR] 1.44[1.15-1.82]), low hemoglobin (OR 0.69[0.49-0.96]), and African American race (OR 2.26[0.96-5.05]) were independently associated with acute kidney injury. A significant relationship between decreasing intraoperative hemoglobin and increasing intraoperative serum lactate levels was observed exclusively in patients who developed postoperative AKI. Serum creatinine levels peaked, on average, 48 h postoperatively in the AKI subset of patients. CONCLUSION: In this series, 15% of patients who underwent elective cardiopulmonary bypass developed transient acute renal dysfunction. High lactate levels and low hemoglobin levels during cardiopulmonary bypass were associated with an increased risk of kidney injury.

Characteristics and Survival of Malignant Cardiac Tumors: A 40-Year Analysis of >500 Patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, histopathology, demographics, and survival associated with primary malignant cardiac tumors (PMCTs). METHODS AND RESULTS: We queried the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) 18 registry from the National Cancer Institute for all PMCTs diagnosed from 1973 to 2011. We describe PMCT histopathology and incidence, comparing characteristics and survival of these patients with those of patients with extracardiac malignancies of similar histopathology. From a total of 7 384 580 cases of cancer registered in SEER, we identified 551 PMCTs (0.008%). The incidence of PMCT diagnosis is 34 cases per 100 million persons and has increased over time (25.1 in 1973-1989, 30.2 in 1990-1999, and 46.6 in 2000-2011). Most patients are female (54.1%) and white (78.6%) with median age at diagnosis of 50 years. The most common PMCTs are sarcomas (n=357, 64.8%), followed by lymphomas (n=150, 27%) and mesotheliomas (n=44, 8%). Most patients are diagnosed with tissue sample (96.8%). Although use of chemotherapy is not documented in SEER, 19% of patients received radiation and 44% had surgery. After a median follow-up of 80 months, 413 patients had died. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 46%, 22%, and 17% and have improved over the eras, with 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 32%, 17%, and 14% for 1973 to 1989 and 50%, 24%, and 19% for 2000 to 2011 (P=0.009). Cardiac sarcomas and mesotheliomas are the most lethal PMCTs, with 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates of 47%, 16%, and 11% and of 51%, 26%, and 23% compared with 59%, 41%, and 34% for lymphomas, respectively (log rank test P<0.001). Patients with cardiac lymphomas and sarcomas are younger and have worse survival than patients with extracardiac disease of similar histopathology (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PMCTs are extremely rare and continue to be associated with poor prognosis. Over the past 5 decades, the incidence and survival of patients diagnosed with PMCT appear to have increased. Compared with those with extracardiac cancers of similar histopathology, patients with PMCTs are often younger and have worse survival.

Perioperative mortality is the Achilles heel for cardiac transplantation in adults with congenital heart disease: Evidence from analysis of the UNOS registry.

BACKGROUND: Adults with congenital heart disease may present with end-stage heart failure necessitating orthotopic heart transplant (OHT). We sought to review the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) experience with this unique cohort focusing on surgical outcomes and survival. METHODS: From the UNOS registry, 737 adult congenital heart disease recipients (ACHDR) out of 26,993 OHT patients (2.7%) who underwent OHT were studied to analyze early and late outcomes and compared to non-congenital recipients (NCR) over a 15-year period (2000-2014). RESULTS: More ACHDR underwent OHT in the recent-era (3.1%; 2010-2014) as compared to the initial-era (2.5%; 2000-2004; p = 0.03). ACHDR were more likely female (40% vs. 24%; p < 0.01), younger (35 vs. 53 years; p < 0.01), less likely to have ventricular assist devices (4.2% vs. 19.3%; p < 0.01), more likely to have class-II panel-reactive antibody >10%; p < 0.01, and were listed for a longer time (249 vs. 181 days; p < 0.01). When compared to the NCR in the same period, the ACHDR cohort had longer postoperative length of stay (27 vs. 20 days; p < 0.01), higher operative mortality (11.5% vs. 4.6% p < 0.001), higher incidence of primary graft dysfunction (4.3% vs. 2.6%; p < 0.01), and higher need for dialysis (20% vs. 9%; p < 0.01). Primary graft dysfunction is the most common cause of death in (5.8%) ACHDR. Although short-term survival is poorer, long-term survival of ACHDR was found to be equivalent or better than NCR in long term. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative morbidity and mortality adversely affects short-term survival in ACHDR. ACHDR who survive the first post-transplant year have equivalent or better long-term survival than NCR.

Tissue valves are preferable for patients with end-stage renal disease: an aggregate meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Valve selection in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is uncertain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare clinical outcome in ESRD patients undergoing valve replacement. METHODS: We systematically searched multiple databases (2000-October 2015) to identify original studies comparing adverse events between mechanical and biological valve replacement in ESRD patients. End-points studied were: postoperative mortality, bleeding events, need for re-operation, and late survival. A random-effect inverse-variance weighted analysis was performed; event rates are compared as odds ratio (OR and 95% confidence interval) and hazard ratios (HR) for time-to-event data. Mechanical valve and tissue valve replacement were considered as study and control cohorts, respectively. RESULTS: Fifteen retrospective studies (5523 mechanical and 1600 tissue valve) were included in our meta-analysis. Early mortality was comparable (OR 1.15 [0.77; 1.72]; p = 0.49). The mean follow-up among studies ranged from 1.6-15 years. Bleeding was significantly higher after mechanical valve replacement (OR 2.55 [1.53; 4.26]; p = 0.0003). Structural valve degeneration was present in only 0.6% patients after a tissue valve replacement. Overall survival after valve replacement was poor (median 2.61 years); valve choice did not influence this outcome (pooled HR 0.87 [0.73; 1.04]; p = 0.14). CONCLUSION: Operative mortality in ESRD patients is comparable between mechanical and tissue valve replacement. Major bleeding episodes are significantly higher after mechanical valve replacement but structural degeneration in tissue valves during the follow-up period is low. Based on the findings from this meta-analysis, we would recommend using tissue valves in patients with ESRD.

N-Acetyl Cysteine Therapy Does Not Prevent Renal Failure in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Open-Heart Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Renal dysfunction is a common complication after cardiovascular surgery. Controversial issues have been discussed regarding the role of N-acetyl cysteine in the prevention of postoperative renal dysfunction. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to assess whether N-acetyl cysteine offers any protection against the development of acute renal dysfunction after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched for randomized trials comparing the role of N-acetyl cysteine and placebo in human patients undergoing cardiac surgery. End-points studied were: the incidence of acute renal failure, hemodialysis, early mortality, duration of hospital stay, and maximal change in creatinine values. Dichotomous variables were compared using the risk difference (RD) calculated with inverse weighting; continuous data was pooled as (standardized) mean difference. Results are presented with 95% confidence interval (P < .05 is significant); results are presented within 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Thirteen randomized trials (713 and 707 patients in the N-acetyl cysteine and control groups, respectively) were included in the present analysis; nine dealing with patients at high-risk for acute renal failure. The incidence of postoperative acute renal dysfunction was 23% and 36% in the N-acetyl cysteine and control cohorts, respectively. N-acetyl cysteine therapy did not reduce acute renal dysfunction in the high-risk cohort [RD -0.03 (-0.09 to 0.02); P = .22; I2 = 24%]. Maximal change in creatinine levels after surgery was also comparable [standardized mean difference 0.07 (-0.23, 0.09); P = .39]. Early mortality was 2.9% and 3.7% in the N-acetyl cysteine and control cohorts respectively; [RD 0 (-0.03 to 0.02); P = .63; I2 = 20%]. Hospital stay (mean length of stay 10.4 and 10.1 days in the N-acetyl cysteine and control cohorts, respectively) was also similar in both cohorts [WMD 0.17 (-0.02 to 0.37) days; P = .81]. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic N-acetyl cysteine therapy does not reduce the incidence of renal dysfunction in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Risk assessment and comparative effectiveness of left ventricular assist device and medical management in ambulatory heart failure patients: design and rationale of the ROADMAP clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical circulatory support is now a proven therapy for the treatment of patients with advanced heart failure and cardiogenic shock. The role for this therapy in patients with less severe heart failure is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to examine the impact of mechanically assisted circulation using the HeartMate II left ventricular assist device in patients who meet current US Food and Drug Administration-defined criteria for treatment but are not yet receiving intravenous inotropic therapy. METHODS: This is a prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial of 200 patients treated with either optimal medical management or a mechanical circulatory support device. CLINICAL CONTEXT: This trial will be the first prospective clinical evaluation comparing outcomes of patients with advanced ambulatory heart failure treated with either ongoing medical therapy or a left ventricular assist device. It is anticipated to provide novel insights regarding relative outcomes with each treatment and an understanding of patient and provider acceptance of the ventricular assist device therapy. This trial will also provide information regarding the risk of events in "stable" patients with advanced heart failure and guidance for the optimal timing of left ventricular assist device therapy.

Concomitant septal myectomy in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) are often found to have asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH). With low sensitivity of echocardiography for detecting dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in severe AS, we adopted a routine intraoperative inspection of LVOT strategy for aortic valve replacement (AVR), and performed concomitant septal myectomy (CSM) as necessary. We sought to (1) evaluate surgical outcomes of CSM, (2) suggest preoperative echocardiographic parameters that correlate with findings of ASH, and (3) determine the predictors of CSM. METHODS AND RESULTS: A single surgeon performed AVR for moderate-to-severe AS in 301 patients from 2007 to 2012. CSM was performed in 35 (11.6%) patients, resulting in AVR vs. AVR+CSM groups. Echocardiographic parameters, including the ratio of LVOT to aortic annular diameter (LVOT/AA), were compared. Mortality rate was comparable between groups (P=0.37). There were no postoperative complications related to CSM. The AVR+CSM group had a smaller LVOT/AA ratio (P=0.0012). The predictor of CSM was implanted valve size ≤ 21 mm (odds ratio 3.2, confidence interval 1.54-6.65, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: CSM can be performed safely at the time of AVR. The preoperative echocardiographic LVOT/AA ratio may help in detecting ASH. As an implanted valve size ≤ 21 mm was the only risk factor for CSM, careful assessment of LVOT is important in patients with a small aortic annulus.

Conventional versus minimally invasive aortic valve replacement: pooled analysis of propensity-matched data.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (mAVR) is increasingly preferred over conventional AVR (cAVR). However, data comparing these procedures present conflicting results. Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing clinical results in these cohorts. METHOD: Only randomized controlled trials (RCT) and propensity-matched observational studies (POS) (1998-2013) comparing clinical outcome of patients subjected to mAVR or cAVR were pooled. Continuous data was compared using mean/standardized mean difference (MD/SMD) while categorical results were pooled to obtain an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies (6 RCT and 12 POS) (1973 mAVR patients; 2697 cAVR patients) were analyzed. The mean ischemic time was significantly longer with mAVR (MD 9.42 minutes [4.25-14.59]; p < 0.01). However, early mortality (mAVR [1.8%] and cAVR [3%]) was comparable (OR 0.70 [0.46-1.06]; p = 0.09). Postoperative ventilation time was slightly shorter after mAVR (7.5 vs 11.1 hours; p = 0.07), and hospital discharge was earlier after mAVR (MD -1.05 [-1.64 to -0.46]; p < 0.01). However, mAVR failed to reduce transfusion requirement (OR 0.77 [0.51-1.14]; p = 0.19) or pain scores (SMD -0.25 [-0.65 to 0.13]; p = 0.20). Postoperative atrial fibrillation (p = 0.67) and stroke (p = 0.79) rates were comparable. Pooled rate of conversion to full sternotomy was 2.5%. Cosmetic satisfaction could not be pooled due to reporting heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement can be performed safely despite the longer ischemic time. While minimally invasive surgery does demonstrate some advantages in postoperative recovery, we failed to find any other substantial improvement in outcome over conventional aortic valve replacement.

Levosimendan Reduces Mortality in Adults with Left Ventricular Dysfunction Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Levosimendan is implemented in patients with low cardiac output after cardiac surgery. However, the strength of evidence is limited by randomized controlled trials enrolling a small number of patients. Hence we have conducted a systematic review to determine the role of levosimendan in adult cardiac surgery. METHODS: PUBMED, WoS, Cochrane database, and SCOPUS were systematically queried to identify original English language peer-reviewed literature (inception-October 2014) comparing clinical results of adult cardiac surgery between levosimendan and control. Pooled odds ratio (OR) was calculated using the Peto method; p < 0.05 is significant; results are presented within 95% confidence intervals. Continuous data was compared using standardized mean difference/mean difference. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included in the analysis. Levosimendan reduced early mortality in patients with reduced ejection fraction (5.5% vs. 9.1%) (OR 0.48 [0.23-0.76]; p = 0.004). This result was confirmed using sensitivity analysis. Postoperative acute renal failure was lower with levosimendan therapy (7.4% vs. 11.5%). Intensive care unit stay was shorter in the levosimendan cohort comparable in both groups (standardized mean difference -0.31 [-0.53, -0.09]; p = 0.006; I(2) = 33.6%). Levosimendan-treated patients stayed 1.01 (1.61-0.42) days shorter when compared to control (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis demonstrates that Levosimendan improves clinical outcomes in patients with left ventricular dysfunction undergoing cardiac surgery. Results of the ongoing multicenter randomized controlled trial are awaited to provide more conclusive evidence regarding the benefit of this drug.

Does off-pump coronary artery bypass confer any advantage in patients with end-stage renal failure? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are often excluded from trials comparing off and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Thus data in this cohort is limited to small retrospective studies. Hence we compared the adverse clinical events and outcome in patients with ESRD undergoing off (OPCABG) and on-pump surgery (ONCABG). METHODS: Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched (inception - June 2013) to identify studies comparing clinical results of OPCABG and ONCABG in dialysis dependent patients. A random effect inverse variance weighted meta-analysis was conducted. Results are presented as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals; p<0.05 is significant. RESULT: Ten retrospective studies (2762 OPCABG and 11310 ONCABG) fulfilled criteria and were pooled. Patients undergoing off-pump surgery were less than 100 in most of the articles. Early mortality [OPCABG (8.4%); ONCABG (10.4%)] was comparable [RR 0.80(0.51-1.17); p=0.35; I(2)=30%]. Re-exploration for bleeding [RR 0.81(0.47-1.39); p=0.44] and blood transfusion [RR 0.79(0.57-1.08); p=0.14] were also comparable. While patients undergoing off-pump surgery were extubated earlier (p<0.01), other post-operative events like stroke (p=0.34) and atrial fibrillation (p=0.10) were similar. Mid-term survival (three to five years) was also comparable. CONCLUSION: Patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting demonstrate comparable results irrespective of method. While available data is limited to retrospective studies, we failed to demonstrate any significant advantage for performing OPCABG in this group of patients.

Cardiac fibrosis in end-stage human heart failure and the cardiac natriuretic peptide guanylyl cyclase system: regulation and therapeutic implications.

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support has been used in the treatment of end-stage heart failure (HF), however use of anti-fibrotic co-therapies may improve prognosis. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) possess anti-fibrotic properties through their receptors, GC-A/GC-B/NPR-C. We sought to evaluate cardiac fibrosis and the endogenous NP system in end-stage HF with and without LVAD therapy and to assess the anti-fibrotic actions of the dual GC-A/-B activator CD-NP in vitro. Collagen (Col) protein content was assessed by Picrosirius Red staining and NPs, NP receptors, and Col I mRNA expression were determined by qPCR in LV tissue from patients in end-stage HF (n=13), after LVAD support (n=5) and in normal subjects (n=6). Col I mRNA and protein levels in cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) pretreated with CD-NP were compared to those of BNP or CNP pretreatment. The LV in end-stage HF was characterized by higher Col I mRNA expression and Col protein deposition compared to normal which was sustained after LVAD support. ANP and BNP mRNA expressions were higher while CNP was lower in end-stage HF LV. GC-A expression did not change while GC-B and NPR-C increased compared to normal LV. The changes in NP system expression were not reversed after LVAD support. In vitro, CD-NP reduced Col I production stimulated by TGF-beta 1 greater than BNP or CNP in CFs. We conclude that the failing LV is characterized by increased fibrosis and reduced CNP gene expression. LVAD support did not reverse Col deposition nor restore CNP production, suggesting a therapeutic opportunity for CD-NP.

Cardiovascular implantable electronic device infections in left ventricular assist device recipients.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have concomitant cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). However, clinical presentation and outcome of CIED infection in the setting of LVAD has not been previously described. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 247 patients who underwent LVAD implantation at Mayo Clinic campuses in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida, from January 2005 to December 2011. Demographic and clinical data of patients who met criteria for CIED infection were extracted. RESULTS: Of 247 patients with LVADs, 215 (87%) had CIED at the time of LVAD implantation and six (2.8%) subsequently developed CIED infections. Three patients developed CIED lead-related endocarditis and the other three had pocket infection. All three instances of CIED pocket infection were preceded by device generator exchange, whereas all three patients with CIED lead-related endocarditis had prior LVAD-related infections. Causative pathogens included Pseudomonas aeruginos (1), coagulase-negative staphylococci (2), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (1), a gram-positive bacillus (1), and culture negative (2). All patients underwent complete CIED removal along with antimicrobial therapy. The three patients with CIED lead-related endocarditis and prior LVAD infections received chronic suppressive antibiotic therapy, and one patient had LVAD exchange. All but one remained alive at the last follow-up with a median duration of 15 months (7-46 months) from the time of CIED infection. CONCLUSION: Patients who are receiving LVAD therapy and develop CIED infection should be managed with complete CIED removal. Chronic suppressive antibiotic therapy is warranted in cases that have concomitant LVAD infection.

Application of lidocaine jelly on chest tubes to reduce pain caused by drainage catheter after coronary artery bypass surgery.

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of lidocaine jelly application to chest tubes on the intensity and duration of overall pain, chest tube site pain and the required analgesics for postoperative pain relief in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients. For patients in group L, we applied sterile 2% lidocaine jelly on the chest tubes just before insertion, and for patients in group C, we applied normal saline. Overall visual analogue scale (VAS), maximal pain area with their VAS were documented postoperatively, and the frequency that button of patient-controlled analgesia was pressed (FPB) and total fentanyl consumption were assessed. The number of patients who complained that tube site was the most painful site was significantly higher in group C than in group L (85% vs. 30% at extubation, P<0.001). The overall VAS score was significantly higher in group C than in group L (39.14±12.49 vs. 27.74±13.76 at extubation, P=0.006). After all of the tubes were removed, the VAS score decreased more in group C (5.74±4.77, P<0.001) than in group L (3.05±2.48, P<0.001). FPB and total fentanyl consumption were significantly higher in group C than in group L (73.00, 59.00-78.00 vs. 34.00, 31.00-39.25, P<0.001; 2,214.65±37.01 vs. 1,720.19±361.63, P<0.001, respectively). Lidocaine jelly application is a very simple way to reduce postoperative pain by reducing chest tube site pain after CABG. (Clinical Trials Registry No. ACTRN 12611001215910).

Coronary artery bypass grafting versus drug-eluting stents in patients with end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment for multivessel coronary artery disease in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is unresolved. AIM OF STUDY: Compare clinical adverse events after percutaneous intervention with drug-eluting stents (DESs) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with ESRD. METHODS: MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for appropriate studies published in the English language (between January 2000 and August 2013). The pooled odds ratio (OR) was estimated by the Peto method with a random effect model. Data are presented with 95% confidence interval; p<0.05 is significant. RESULTS: Five observational studies (12,035 DES patients; 6317 CABG) with a follow-up period of 27.4 ± 6.3 months were included. Early mortality (CABG 8% and DES 2.6%) was less in the DES cohort (OR 0.29 [0.14-0.59]; p=0.0006; I(2)=18%). Repeat intervention (DES 29% and CABG 12%) was more likely in the DES cohort (OR 3.72 [2.24-6.18]: p<0.0001). Late mortality (27.4 ± 7.3 months) was comparable in both cohorts (OR 0.72 [0.40-1.29]; p=0.27). While DES cohort (32%) patients suffered a slightly higher incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) as compared to CABG (25%), this was not significant (1.35 [0.72-2.53]; p=0.35; I(2)=30%). CONCLUSION: Data regarding this topic are limited to small retrospective studies. Early mortality is lower with DESs compared with coronary artery bypass in patients with ESRD. Rate of reintervention is significantly higher in the DES cohort. At a mean pooled follow-up of two years, both mortality and MACCE are comparable in both cohorts.

Statin therapy improves long-term survival in non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy: a pooled analysis of 4500 patients.

Statin therapy has demonstrated a beneficial effect in patients with chronic heart failure. While the majority of patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy are prescribed these drugs, studies have demonstrated that less than one fifth of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy are on regular statin therapy. We have performed a meta-analysis of 4500 patients from six studies (four randomised controlled trials). Our results demonstrate that statin therapy significantly improves long-term survival in patients with non-ischaemic heart failure {Hazard ratio for mortality 0.45 (0.33-0.62); p<0.0001; I(2)=41%; p-value for heterogeneity=0.13}.

Drug-eluting stents versus coronary artery bypass grafting in diabetic patients with multi-vessel disease: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Data comparing long-term results after percutaneous intervention with drug-eluting stents (DES/PCI) and coronary artery grafting (CABG) in diabetic patients (pts) with multi-vessel disease is conflicting. We have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to help answer this issue. METHODS: MEDLINE, WoS, and Scopus were systematically analysed to yield observational studies (OBS) or randomised controlled trials (RCT) fulfilling search criteria. Odds ratio (OR) for studied end-points were obtained with inverse variance random effects analysis. Results are presented with 95% confidence intervals with significance at p<0.05. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies (5 RCT; 9 OBS) including more than 5000 pts were selected for review. Early/30-day was lower in the DES/PCI cohort [OR 0.49(0.27, 0.88); p=0.02; I(2)=0%]. Post-procedural stroke was higher in the CABG (1.8%) cohort compared to DES/PCI (0.17%; p<0.01). A pooled analysis of RCT demonstrated that stroke rate was similar in both cohorts at the end of one year [OR 0.84(0.19, 3.74); p=0.82; I(2) =67%]. During a follow-up of three to five years, repeat intervention was much higher in the DES/PCI cohort [OR 3.02(2.13, 4.28; p<0.01]. The odds of suffering an adverse cardiovascular /cerebrovascular event were 1.71 (1.27, 2.3) times higher in the DES/PCI cohort compared to CABG. CONCLUSION: In diabetic patients with multivessel disease, early mortality is lower in the DES/PCI cohort. While peri-procedural stroke rates are lower with PCI, they are, however, comparable at the end of one year. Use of drug-eluting stents leads to a higher rate of re-intervention and major cardiovascular/cerebrovascular events at three to five years.

Cardiac transplantation after bridged therapy with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac transplantation is an effective surgical therapy for end-stage heart failure. Patients (pts) may need to be bridged with a continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) while on the transplant list as logistic factors like organ availability are unknown. Cardiac transplantation post-LVAD can be a surgically challenging procedure and outcome in these pts is perceived to be poorer based on experience with earlier generation pulsatile flow pumps. Data from a single institution comparing these pts with those undergoing direct transplantation in the present era of continuous flow device therapy are limited. AIM: Evaluate results of cardiac transplantation in pts bridged with a CF-LVAD (BTx) and compare outcomes with pts undergoing direct transplantation (Tx) in a single institution. RESULTS: From June 2007 till January 2012, 106 pts underwent cardiac transplantation. Among these, 37 (35%) pts (51±11 years; 85% male) were bridged with a CF-LVAD (BTx), while 70 (65%) comprised the Tx group (53±12 years; 72% males). The median duration of LVAD support was 227 (153,327) days. During the period of LVAD support, 10/37 (27%) pts were upgraded to status 1A and all were successfully transplanted. Median hospital stay in the BTx (14 days) was slightly longer than the Tx group (12 days) but not statistically significant (p=0.21). In-hospital mortality in the BTx (5%) and Tx (1%) were comparable (p=0.25). Estimated late survival in the BTx cohort was 94±7, 90±10 and 83±16% at the end of one, two and three years, respectively which was comparable to 97±4%, 93±6% and 89±9% for the Tx group (p=0.50). CONCLUSION: Cardiac transplantation after LVAD implant can be performed with excellent results. Patients can be supported on the left ventricular assist device even for periods close to a year with good outcome after cardiac transplantation.

Hepatic and renal function with successful long-term support on a continuous flow left ventricular assist device.

INTRODUCTION: Data regarding the long-term clinical effects of a continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) on hepato-renal function is limited. Hence our aim was to assess changes in hepato-renal function over a one-year period in patients supported on a CF-LVAD. METHODS: During the study period 126 patients underwent CF-LVAD implant. Changes in hepato-renal laboratory parameters were studied in 61/126 patients successfully supported on a CF-LVAD for period of one year. A separate cohort of a high-risk group (HCrB) of patients (56/126) with a serum creat>1.9 mg/dL (168 µmol/L) (75th percentile) or a serum bil>1.5 mg/dL (25.65 µmol/L) (75th percentile) was created. Changes in serum creatinine and bilirubin were analysed at regular intervals for this group along with the need for renal replacement therapy. RESULTS: Baseline creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) for the entire cohort was 1.4[1.2,1.9 mg/dL] [123.7(106,168) µmol/L) and 27[20,39.5 mg/dL] [9.6(7.1,14.1) mmol/L] respectively. After an initial reduction at the end of one month [1(0.8,1.2) mg/dL; 88(70,105) µmol/L] (p<0.0001), a gradual increase was noted over the study period to reach (1.25[1.1,1.5] mg/dL; 106(97.2,132.6) µmol/L] (p=0.0003). The serum bilirubin normalised from a [1(0.7,1.55) mg/dL] [17(18.8,25.7) µmol/L) to 0.9(0.6,1.2)mg/dL [15.4(10.2,20.5) µmol/L] (p=0.0005) and continued to decline over one year. Improvement in the synthetic function of the liver was demonstrated by a rise in the serum albumin levels to reach 4.3[4.1,4.5] [43(41,45) gm/L] at the end of one year (p<0.0001). The baseline serum creatinine and bilirubin for the high-risk cohort (HCrB) was 1.9(1.3,2.4) mg/dL [168(115,212) µmol/L] and 1.7(1.00,2.4) mg/dL [29(17.1,68.4) µmol/L] respectively. The high-risk cohort (HCrB) demonstrated a trend towards higher 30-day mortality (p=0.06). While the need for temporary renal replacement therapy was higher in this cohort (16% vs. 4%; p=0.03), only 3% need it permanently. A significant reduction in creatinine was apparent at the end of one month [1.1(0.8,1.4) mg/dL; 97(70.7,123.7) µmol/L] (p<0.0001) and then remained stable at [1.3(1.1,1.5) mg/dL; 115(97,132.6) µmol/L]. Bilirubin demonstrated a 30% decline over one month and then remained low at [0.7(0.5,0.8) mg/dL; 62(44,70) µmol/L] p=0.0005 compared to the pre-operative baseline. CONCLUSION: Hepato-renal function demonstrates early improvement and then remains stable in the majority of patients on continuous flow left ventricular assist device support for one year. High-risk patients demonstrate a higher 30-day mortality and temporary need for renal replacement therapy. Yet even in this cohort, improvement is present over a period of one year on the device, with a minimal need for permanent haemodialysis.

Multiple arterial grafts improve late survival of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: analysis of 8622 patients with multivessel disease.

BACKGROUND: Use of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) in multivessel coronary artery disease improves survival after coronary artery bypass graft surgery; however, the survival benefit of multiple arterial (MultArt) grafts is debated. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed 8622 Mayo Clinic patients who had isolated primary coronary artery bypass graft surgery for multivessel coronary artery disease from 1993 to 2009. Patients were stratified by number of arterial grafts into the LIMA plus saphenous veins (LIMA/SV) group (n=7435) or the MultArt group (n=1187). Propensity score analysis matched 1153 patients. Operative mortality was 0.8% (n=10) in the MultArt and 2.1% (n=154) in the LIMA/SV (P=0.005) group, which was not statistically different (P=0.996) in multivariate analysis or the propensity-matched analysis (P=0.818). Late survival was greater for MultArt versus LIMA/SV (10- and 15-year survival rates were 84% and 71% versus 61% and 36%, respectively [P<0.001], in unmatched groups and 83% and 70% versus 80% and 60%, respectively [P=0.0025], in matched groups). MultArt subgroups with bilateral internal mammary artery/SV (n=589) and bilateral internal mammary artery only (n=271) had improved 15-year survival (86% and 76%; 82% and 75% at 10 and 15 years [P<0.001]), and patients with bilateral internal mammary artery/radial artery (n=147) and LIMA/radial artery (n=169) had greater 10-year survival (84% and 78%; P<0.001) versus LIMA/SV. In multivariate analysis, MultArt grafts remained a strong independent predictor of survival (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-0.94; P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery with LIMA to left anterior descending artery, arterial grafting of the non-left anterior descending vessels conferred a survival advantage at 15 years compared with SV grafting. It is still unproven whether these results apply to higher-risk subgroups of patients.