A personalized aortic valve replacement using computed tomography-guided aortic valve neocuspidization. Analysis of mid-term results compared to standard Ozaki technique.

BACKGROUND: The original Ozaki technique involves sizing the neovalve cusps during cross-clamp. It leads to prolonging the ischemic time compared to standard surgical AVR. Measurements taken on the collapsed Aortic Root (AR) may also be inaccurate. We use preoperative Computed Tomography (CT) to perform more accurate sizing in physiological conditions and shorten the ischemic time. This study analyzes the results of the CT-guided Aortic Valve Neocuspidization (AVNeo) compared with the Ozaki technique. METHODS: The validity of the concept was evaluated ex vivo. Experimental valves underwent geometric, CT, and hydrodynamic controls. In the clinical phase of the study, we prospectively analyzed patients who received CT-guided AVNeo (N â€‹= â€‹7, Group 1). The control group enrolled patients who were operated on after the standard AVNeo technique (N â€‹= â€‹15, Group 2). RESULTS: In Group 1, Aortic Cross-Clamp (70.3 â€‹± â€‹17.0 vs. 91 â€‹± â€‹21.3 â€‹min, ρ â€‹= â€‹0.026) and Bypass times (92.9 â€‹± â€‹21.0 vs. 123 â€‹± â€‹24.8 â€‹min, ρ â€‹= â€‹0.011) were significantly shorter. At discharge, the peak (11.7 â€‹± â€‹2.75 vs. 15.4 â€‹± â€‹4.66 â€‹mm Hg, ρ â€‹= â€‹0.032) and mean Aortic Valve (AV) gradient (6.29 â€‹± â€‹1.25 vs. 7.87 â€‹± â€‹2.33 â€‹mm Hg, ρ â€‹= â€‹0.052) were lower in Group 1. Only one patient in Group 2 had Aortic Insufficiency (AI) greater than mild. The mean follow-up was 49.6 â€‹± â€‹6.9 months in both groups. There were no late deaths or any valve-related events detected in any patient. EchoCG revealed that peak (10.0 â€‹± â€‹2.65 vs. 12.6 â€‹± â€‹4.05 â€‹mm Hg, ρ â€‹= â€‹0.090) and mean AV gradient (5.14 â€‹± â€‹1.35 vs. 6.73 â€‹± â€‹2.25 â€‹mm Hg, ρ â€‹= â€‹0.054) also were lower in Group 1. AI indexes were stable in both Groups. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided AVNeo is an example of personalized medicine in the surgical treatment of heart valve pathology. It allows the development of a biological AV that adapts to the patient's anatomy, shortens ischemic time, and results in better hemodynamics. A more significant number of clinical observations and longer follow-up are warranted to prove the viability of the concept.

Combined ethanol and radiofrequency ablation for the elimination of focal atrial tachycardia originating from the Marshall bundle.

Introduction and importance: Atrial tachycardias (AT) originating from the Marshall bundle (MB) are rare and present significant challenges in diagnosis and management. The authors present the case of a 29-year-old male with recurrent AT successfully treated with a combined ethanol and radiofrequency ablation approach. This case highlights the effectiveness of this dual ablation strategy in resolving AT originating from the MB, contributing valuable insights into managing complex AT cases. Case presentation: A 29-year-old male with recurrent, symptomatic palpitations was initially suspected of orthodromic atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia, but an initial electrophysiological study (EPS) failed to induce arrhythmia. Subsequent spontaneous episodes led to a detailed EPS, revealing automatic AT originating presumably from an epicardial focus on the posterior wall of the left atrium (LA). Detailed mapping identified the earliest activation at the vein of Marshall (VoM) ostium within the coronary sinus (CS). Suspecting the involvement of MB structures, VoM ethanol ablation was performed. Complete arrhythmia elimination was achieved with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) at the VoM ostium within the CS, with no recurrence. Discussion: Most cases in the literature are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) or AT within AF, typically involving re-entry mechanisms. The given case is unique as it presents a highly probable VoM origin of automatic AT with no concomitant AF. The VoM's anatomical and electrophysiological properties make it a potential source of refractory AT. In this case, ethanol ablation supplemented by targeted, limited RFA emerged as an effective strategy, highlighting the importance of comprehensive mapping and tailored ablation approaches in managing complex atrial arrhythmias. Conclusion: The potential implications for clinical practice include recognizing the VoM as a critical target in refractory AT cases and adopting a combined ablation strategy to improve patient outcomes in similarly challenging scenarios.

Computed tomography-guided aortic valve neocuspidization: details of preoperative assessment and surgical technique.

The original Ozaki technique involves sizing and trimming the neovalve cusps during cross-clamp. It leads to prolongation of the ischaemic time, as compared to standard aortic valve replacement. We use preoperative computed tomography scanning of the patient's aortic root to develop personalized templates for each leaflet. With this method, autopericardial implants are prepared before the initiation of the bypass. It permits maximally adopting the procedure to the patient's individual anatomy and to shorten the cross-clamp time. We present a case of a computed tomography-guided aortic valve neocuspidization and concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting with excellent short-term results. We discuss the feasibility and technical details of the novel technique.

Internal mammary artery with side-branch.

We present the case of a 72-year-old man who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting of 4 coronary arteries with exclusive use of the left internal mammary artery with a side-branch (mediastinal artery). Before discharge from the hospital, contrast computed tomography angiography confirmed the patency of all 4 coronary grafts. Use of the mediastinal artery side-branch of the internal mammary artery allowed grafting of 4 coronary arteries using only one internal thoracic artery.

Is surgery the gold standard in the treatment of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

OBJECTIVES: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a complex and relatively common genetic cardiac disease and has been the subject of intensive scrutiny and investigation for over 40 years. The aim of this non-randomized cohort study was to compare subjective and objective outcomes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients undergoing drug therapy, surgical myotomy-myectomy, dual-chamber pacing and alcohol septal ablation. METHODS: We examined 194 patients: 103 with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and 91 with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. All the patients with a non-obstructive form were on drug therapy. Ninety-one consecutive patients with drug-refractory obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were treated invasively. Dual-chamber pacemaker implantation was performed for 49 patients with previous positive temporary pacing test (Group 1). In 28 patients with massive left ventricle hypertrophy and obliteration of its cavities, extensive myotomy-myectomy was performed (Group 2). In 14 patients with midventricular obstruction and appropriate coronary anatomy, alcohol septal ablation was performed (Group 3). RESULTS: The peak left ventricle outflow tract gradient was 84.1 ± 15.2 mmHg in Group 1, 113.3 ± 14.9 mmHg in Group 2 and 97.5 ± 8.9 mmHg in Group 3. Dual-chamber pacing in Group 1 with optimal atrio-ventricular delay (85-180 ms for atrium pacing and 45-120 ms for atrial sensing) leads to dramatic decreases in left ventricle outflow tract gradient to 17.6 ± 11.8 mmHg and degree of mitral regurgitation. After extensive myectomy in Group 2, we observed a reduction of left ventricle outflow tract gradient to 17.3 ± 10.2 mmHg. Septal alcohol ablation in Group 3 leads to a left ventricle outflow tract gradient decrease from 97.5 ± 8.9 to 25.3 ± 5.8 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical myectomy, dual-chamber pacing and alcohol septal ablation are equally effective in reducing obstruction in case of correct indications. Dual-chamber pacing is indicated in functional reversible states characterized by excitation delay. Alcohol septal ablation is preferable in cases with midventricular obstruction and appropriate coronary anatomy. Surgical methods are indicated in anatomical irreversible changes and remain the gold standard for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treatment.