Coronary endarterectomy in patients with diffuse coronary artery disease: assessment of graft patency with computed tomography angiography.

BACKGROUND: With a growing population of patients with advanced coronary artery disease (CAD), many of whom have undergone prior percutaneous coronary interventions, coronary endarterectomy (CE) allows for the extension of revascularization in patients with otherwise limited options. Whether adjunctive CE associated with standard surgery, combined with contemporary antiplatelet therapy, improves outcomes remains largely unknown. METHODS: We studied 147 consecutive patients who underwent 154 adjunctive CE procedures for advanced CAD between January 2015 and January 2018. We used computed tomography angiography (CTA) in a subgroup of 32 consecutive patients who underwent CE during coronary artery bypass grafting after June 2016 to assess graft and coronary patency. RESULTS: Patients (mean age 67 ± SD 10 yr) underwent CE of the right (102 patients), the left anterior descending (LAD, 22 patients) and the circumflex (17 patients) coronary arteries. Seven patients (5%) experienced a procedural myocardial infarction and there were no perioperative deaths. Among the 32 patients who underwent CTA 3 months after surgery, the mean patency of the endarterectomized coronary arteries and bypass grafts was 90% and 88%, respectively. All 6 arterial grafts on the LAD artery were patent. The mean survival rate and the mean rate of freedom from major adverse cardiovascular events was 95% ± 2% and 95% ± 6%, respectively. The patency rate was 100 % for patients evaluated at 3-year follow up. CONCLUSION: Coronary endarterectomy offers a surgical option for patients with diffuse CAD who may be unsuitable for coronary bypass alone. Grafts and endarterectomized coronary artery patency remain adequate and explain the excellent patient survival and the freedom rate from major adverse cardiovascular events.

Reassessment of kidney function equations in predicting long-term survival in cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for long-term survival in cardiac surgery. The Cockcroft-Gault, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study, CKD Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI), revised Lund-Malmö (LM), and full age spectrum equations are used to estimate glomerular filtration rates (eGFR), but each have advantages and disadvantages. Our objective was to determine which equation better predicts long-term survival. METHODS: Data on 1492 consecutive patients who underwent isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery between September 1996 and December 2008 were prospectively collected. Preoperative and postoperative eGFR were calculated using the five equations and compared using Cox regression analyses and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves at 10 years. RESULTS: In a Cox regression model after correction for significant predictors of long-term mortality, adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for one standard deviation increase in preoperative eGFR were 0.661 (P < .0001), 0.844 (P = .0166), 0.787 (P = .0002), 0.746 (P < .0001), and 0.717 (P < .0001) for the CG, MDRD, CKD-EPI, LM, and FAS equations, respectively. The areas under the time-dependent ROC curve at 10 years also showed that the CG formula has a better predictive value. Postoperative eGFR at discharge were also significant predictors of long-term mortality (HR = 0.603, P < .0001; HR = 0.725, P < .0001; HR = 0.688, P < .0001; HR = 0.673, P < .0001; HR = 0.632, P < .0001 for the CG, MDRD, CKD-EPI, LM, and FAS equations, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The CG formula was shown to better predict survival in cardiac surgery, though the FAS equation has a comparable prognostic value. Additionally, postoperative eGFR at discharge also predicted long-term survival.

Successful implantation of self-expanding valve for a failed stentless prosthesis.

Valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation is currently used for failed bioprosthesis. The use of a transcatheter prosthesis in a regurgitant noncalcified root implanted Medtronic Freestyle prosthesis is particularly challenging. We present a successful transaxillary valve-in-valve implantation of a self-expandable transcatheter aortic valve prosthesis in a failed Freestyle bioprothesis implanted eleven years earlier. Tips and tricks are discussed.

Del Nido cardioplegia in the setting of minimally invasive aortic valve surgery.

The purpose of this study is to report our experience with del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) in the setting of minimally invasive aortic valve surgery. Forty-six consecutive patients underwent minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (AVR) through a "J" ministernotomy: twenty-five patients received the DNC (Group 1) and 21 patients received standard blood cardioplegia (SBC) (Group 2). The rate of ventricular fibrillation at unclamping was significantly lower in the DNC group (12% vs 52%, p=0.004), as well as postoperative creatinine kinase-MB (CK-MB) values (11.4±5.2 vs 17.7±6.9 µg/L, p=0.004). There were no deaths, myocardial infarctions or major complications in either group. Less postoperative use of intravenous insulin (28% vs 81%, p<0.001) was registered in the DNC group. In conclusion, the DNC is easy to use and safe during minimally invasive AVR, providing a myocardial protection at least equivalent to our SBC, improved surgical efficiency, minimal cost and less blood glucose perturbations.

Morphological and Clinical Findings of Explanted Carpentier-Edwards Perimount Pericardial Valve in the Aortic Position.

BACKGROUND: Freedom from structural valve deterioration (SVD) at 15 years with the Carpentier-Edwards (CE) Perimount pericardial valve in the aortic position was 60% in patients aged <60 years compared to 90% and 99% in patients aged 60-70 years and >70 years, respectively. The study aim was to focus on the causes of SVD requiring valve explant according to three different age groups: <60 years, 60-70 years, and >70 years. The short- and longterm clinical results of the patient cohort, followed for 25 years, are presented. METHODS: A retrospective review was made of 89 patients among 2,405 who had undergone elective aortic valve replacement (AVR) with CE pericardial valves between November 1981 and March 2011, and in whom the prosthesis explant was secondary to degeneration of the valve. RESULTS: Patients aged >70 years experienced more late complications such as endocarditis (p = 0.02) and mortality (p = 0.02). Following surgery for prosthesis explant and replacement, 39 of the 89 patients (44%) died. The average time to postoperative mortality in that population was 2.8 ± 3.6 years. On combining all causes of SVD, earlier dysfunction was noted in patients aged >60 years, and late dysfunction in patients aged <60 years (p = 0.003). However, there was no significant difference between groups in the process of degeneration (either calcification, pannus, tear, thrombus, endocarditis) (p = NS). No predictors were found of early and late dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Patients aged >60 years in whom a CE Perimount valve was implanted in the aortic position were more prone to early degeneration of their valve and related mortality. However, no predictors were found of early degeneration of the valve in that patient population.

Impact of coronary artery disease on left ventricular ejection fraction recovery following transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to assess if the presence and severity of CAD is associated with decreased LVEF recovery after TAVI. BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are common findings in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The impact of CAD on LVEF recovery after TAVI has not been specifically evaluated. METHODS: All patients with LVEF≤50% who underwent TAVI between March 2006 and May 2012 were included in the study. The presence and severity of coronary artery disease was measured using the Duke Myocardial Jeopardy Score (DMJS). A DMJS = 0 corresponds to patients without CAD or complete revascularization and a DMJS > 0 to those with incomplete revascularization. LVEF recovery was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography, measuring the change in LVEF from baseline to 3-months post-TAVI. Myocardial viability was evaluated in a subgroup of patients using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging pre-TAVI. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were included in the study. Twenty-eight patients (50%) had a DMJS > 0. At 3 months, patients with incomplete revascularization (DMJS > 0) demonstrated less LVEF recovery post-TAVI (2.0 ± 9.2% versus 11.7 ± 8.9% if DMJS = 0; P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, DMJS and presence of significant delayed-enhancement were found to be independent predictors of LVEF recovery. Patients with incomplete revascularization exhibited a worse prognosis with higher mortality at 30-days (22.2% versus 0% if DMJS = 0; P = 0.010) and 1-year (25.9% versus 3.5% if DMJS = 0; P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates an independent association between incomplete revascularization and decreased LVEF recovery in patients with left ventricular dysfunction undergoing TAVI for severe aortic stenosis.

Hybrid treatment of a complex aortic arch aneurysm with an aberrant left vertebral artery.

We report a case of an elderly male with significant comorbidities and a dominant aberrant left vertebral artery originating on an aneurysmal aortic arch. The patient underwent a successful staged hybrid procedure with aortic arch debranching and left vertebral artery transposition onto the left common carotid artery, followed by endovascular aneurysmal repair.

Growth Differentiation Factor-15 as a Predictor of Functional Capacity, Frailty, and Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients With Aortic Stenosis and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction.

In aortic stenosis (AS), left ventricular (LV) remodeling often occurs before symptom onset, and early intervention may be beneficial. Risk stratification remains challenging and identification of biomarkers may be useful. We evaluated the association between growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) and known markers of poor prognosis in AS. Baseline plasma GDF-15 and sST2 levels were measured in 70 patients with moderate-severe AS (aortic valve area <1.5 cm2) and preserved LV ejection fraction (>45%). Patients were categorized into "low GDF-15" versus "high GDF-15" and "low sST2" versus "high sST2" groups. Groups were compared for differences in cardiovascular risk factors, 6-minute walk test, 5 m gait speed, cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), and echocardiographic parameters. Overall, 44% of patients were deemed asymptomatic by New York Heart Association class, 61% had severe AS (aortic valve area <1 cm2) and all patients had preserved LV ejection fraction. GDF-15 levels were not predictive of AS severity. However, high GDF-15 (>1,050 pg/ml) was associated with LV dysfunction as shown by lower indexed stroke volume (p <0.01), worse LV global longitudinal strain (p = 0.04), greater mean E/e' (p = 0.02) and indexed left atrial volume (p <0.01). It was also associated with decreased functional capacity with shorter 6-minute walk test (p = 0.01) and slower 5 m gait speed (p = 0.02). Associations between sST2 levels and markers of poor prognosis were less compelling. In this study of patients with moderate to severe AS, elevated GDF-15 levels are associated with impaired functional capacity, poorer performance on fragility testing, and LV dysfunction. In conclusion, GDF-15 may integrate these markers of adverse outcomes into a single biomarker of poor prognosis.

Rationale and Design of the Randomized Bayesian Multicenter COME-TAVI Trial in Patients With a New Onset Left Bundle Branch Block.

Patients with new-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are at risk of developing delayed high-degree atrioventricular block. Management of new-onset LBBB post-TAVI remains controversial. In the Comparison of a Clinical Monitoring Strategy Versus Electrophysiology-Guided Algorithmic Approach in Patients With a New LBBB After TAVI (COME-TAVI) trial, consenting patients with new-onset LBBB that persists on day 2 after TAVI, meeting exclusion/inclusion criteria, are randomized to an electrophysiological study (EPS)-guided approach or 30-day electrocardiographic monitoring. In the EPS-guided approach, patients with a His to ventricle (HV) interval ≥ 65 ms undergo permanent pacemaker implantation. Patients randomized to noninvasive monitoring receive a wearable continuous electrocardiographic recording and transmitting device for 30 days. Follow-up will be performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary endpoint is a composite outcome designed to capture net clinical benefit. The endpoint incorporates major consequences of both strategies in patients with new-onset LBBB after TAVI, as follows: (i) sudden cardiac death; (ii) syncope; (iii) atrioventricular conduction disorder requiring a pacemaker (for a class I or IIa indication); and (iv) complications related to the pacemaker or EPS. The trial incorporates a Bayesian design with a noninformative prior, outcome-adaptive randomization (initially 1:1), and 2 prespecified interim analyses once 25% and 50% of the anticipated number of primary endpoints are reached. The trial is event-driven, with an anticipated upper limit of 452 patients required to reach 77 primary outcome events over 12 months of follow-up. In summary, the aim of this Bayesian multicentre randomized trial is to compare 2 management strategies in patients with new-onset LBBB post-TAVI-an EPS-guided approach vs noninvasive 30-day monitoring. Trial registration number: NCT03303612.

Les patients chez qui un bloc de branche gauche (BBG) est récemment apparu à la suite de l'implantation valvulaire aortique par cathéter (IVAC) présentent un risque de bloc auriculoventriculaire de haut degré tardif. La prise en charge d'un BBG récemment apparu après une IVAC demeure controversée. Dans le cadre de l'essai COME-TAVI (Comparison of a ClinicalMonitoring Strategy VersusElectrophysiology-Guided Algorithmic Approach in Patients With a New LBBB AfterTAVI, ou comparaison d'une stratégie de surveillance clinique, par rapport à une approche guidée par étude électrophysiologique et fondée sur un algorithme, chez des patients présentant un BBG d'apparition récente à la suite d'une IVAC), des patients qui présentent un BBG d'apparition récente persistant le 2e jour après une IVAC, qui répondent aux critères d'admissibilité et qui ont donné leur consentement sont répartis aléatoirement pour être suivis à l'aide d'une approche guidée par une étude électrophysiologique (EEP) ou faire l'objet d'une surveillance électrocardiographique d'une durée de 30 jours. Un stimulateur cardiaque est implanté chez les patients du groupe de l'EEP dont l'intervalle HV (temps de conduction dans le tronc du faisceau de His jusqu'aux ventricules) est ≥ 65 ms. Les patients du groupe de surveillance non invasive reçoivent un dispositif portable d'enregistrement et de transmission continue de données électrocardiographiques pour une période de 30 jours. Le suivi sera réalisé aux 3e, 6e et 12e mois. Le critère d'évaluation principal est un paramètre composite conçu afin de saisir le bienfait clinique net. Il comprend les conséquences majeures des deux stratégies chez les patients présentant un BBG d'apparition récente après une IVAC, comme suit : (i) mort subite d'origine cardiaque; (ii) syncope; (iii) trouble de la conduction auriculoventriculaire nécessitant la pose d'un stimulateur cardiaque (pour une indication de classe I ou IIa); et (iv) complications relatives au stimulateur cardiaque ou à l'EEP. L'essai intègre une conception bayésienne avec une répartition aléatoire (dans un rapport initial de 1:1) antérieure non informative adaptée aux résultats et deux analyses intermédiaires définies au préalable lorsque 25 % et 50 % du nombre anticipé des critères d'évaluation principaux seront atteints. L'essai est axé sur les événements, et la limite supérieure anticipée pour atteindre 77 événements relatifs aux critères d'évaluation principaux sur 12 mois de suivi est de 452 patients. En résumé, l'objectif de cet essai bayésien multicentrique à répartition aléatoire est de comparer deux stratégies de prise en charge de patients présentant un BBG d'apparition récente après une IVAC, soit une approche guidée par une EEP, par rapport à une surveillance non invasive de 30 jours. Trial registration number: NCT03303612.

Retrospective cohort analysis of 926 tricuspid valve surgeries: clinical and hemodynamic outcomes with propensity score analysis.

BACKGROUND: The objectives were to describe morbidity and mortality after tricuspid valve (TV) surgery, to compare outcomes after repair versus replacement, and to assess risk factors for mortality and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) recurrence. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study including 926 consecutive cases of TV surgery (792 repairs and 134 replacements) performed at the Montreal Heart Institute was conducted. Median follow-up was 4.3 years (4,657 patient-years). Median age was 62 years (interquartile range 53-69 years), and 72% of patients were women. RESULTS: Operative mortality was 14% (128 patients: 1977-1998 20%, 1999-2008 7%, P < .001). Independent risk factors for operative mortality in the 1999 to 2008 period were hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 6.03, P = .02), daily furosemide dose (by 10 mg) (OR 1.06, P = .05), weight (by 10 kg) (OR 0.36, P < .01), and cardiopulmonary bypass time (by 10 minutes) (OR 1.29, P < .001). Ten-year survival was 49% ± 2% and 38 ± 5% in the repair and replacement groups, respectively (P = .012). At discharge, severity of TR was ≥3/4 in 13% and 2% of patients in the repair and replacement groups, respectively (P = .01). Propensity score analysis showed that tricuspid repair was associated with higher rates of TR ≥3/4 at follow-up compared with replacement (hazard ratio 2.15, P = .02). Forty-eight reoperations (7% of patients at risk) were performed during follow-up (repair group, 6%; replacement group, 15%; P = .01). At last follow-up, New York Heart Association functional class was improved compared with baseline in both groups (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Tricuspid valve surgery is associated with substantial early and late mortalities but with significant functional improvement. Replacement is more effective in early and late corrections of regurgitation, but it does not translate into better survival outcomes.

Characterization of hsp27 kinases activated by elevated aortic pressure in heart.

Chronic hemodynamic overload results in left ventricular hypertrophy, fibroblast proliferation, and interstitial fibrosis. The small heat shock protein hsp27 has been shown to be cardioprotective and this requires a phosphorylatable form of this protein. To further understand the regulation of hsp27 in heart in response to stress, we investigated the ability of elevated aortic pressure to activate hsp27-kinase activities. Isolated hearts were subjected to retrograde perfusion and then snap frozen. Hsp27-kinase activity was measured in vitro as hsp27 phosphorylation. Immune complex assays revealed that MK2 activity was low in non-perfused hearts and increased following crystalline perfusion at 60 or 120 mmHg. Hsp27-kinase activities were further studied following ion-exchange chromatography. Anion exchange chromatography on Mono Q revealed 2 peaks (b and c) of hsp27-kinase activity. A third peak a was detected upon chromatography of the Mono Q flow-through fractions on the cation exchange resin, Mono S. The hsp27-kinase activity underlying peaks a and c increased as perfusion pressure was increased from 40 to 120 mmHg. In contrast, peak b increased over pressures 60-100 mmHg but was decreased at 120 mmHg. Peaks a, b, and c contained MK2 immunoreactivity, whereas MK3 and MK5 immunoreactivity was detected in peak a. p38 MAPK and phospho-p38 MAPK were also detected in peaks b and c but absent from peak a. Hsp27-kinase activity in peaks b and c (120 mmHg) eluted from a Superose 12 gel filtration column with an apparent molecular mass of 50 kDa. Hence, peaks b and c were not a result of MK2 forming complexes. In-gel hsp27-kinase assays revealed a single 49-kDa renaturable hsp27-kinase activity in peaks b and c at 60 mmHg, whereas several hsp27-kinases (p43, p49, p54, p66) were detected in peaks b and c from hearts perfused at 120 mmHg. Thus, multiple hsp27-kinases were activated in response to elevated aortic pressure in isolated, perfused rat hearts and hence may be implicated in regulating the cardioprotective effects of hsp27 and thus may represent targets for cardioprotective therapy.

The benefits of cognitive training after a coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Cognitive deficits are frequent after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) in the elderly population. In fact, memory and attention deficits can persist several months after the surgery. Recent studies with healthy older adults have shown that memory and attention can be improved through cognitive training programs. The present study examined whether memory training (method of loci and story generation) and attentional training (dual-task computerized training) could improve cognitive functions in patients aged 65 years and older who underwent CABG surgery. Participants (n = 51) were assigned to one of three groups: (1) control group (tested at 1, 3 and 6 months after the surgery), (2) attention training followed by memory training, (3) memory training followed by attention training (groups 2 and 3: tested at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after the surgery). The trainings took place between the 6th and 10th week following the surgery. The three groups were compared before and after each training program using attention and memory tests and neuropsychological tests. The results showed that attention and memory trainings lead to significant improvement in the cognitive domain that was trained. It thus seems that cognitive training can be a promising tool to enhance cognitive functions after a CABG surgery.

Triple-valve surgery: clinical results of a three-decade experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Triple-valve disease is a challenge that surgeons face periodically, yet the clinical benefits of triple-valve surgery, in relation to the high operative risk, are not well known. The study aims were to describe the early and late mortality associated with triple-valve surgery, to assess the risk factors, and describe the long-term outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 178 consecutive triple-valve surgeries performed at the Montreal Heart Institute between 1977 and 2008 was performed. The median follow up was 5.0 years (inter-quartile range: 1.6 to 9.4 years). RESULTS: Among 170 patients (122 females, 48 males; mean age 60 +/- 11 years), the preoperative NYHA functional class was > or = III/IV in 93% of cases; 61% of the patients had undergone previous cardiac surgery. The operative mortality was 12% between 1999 and 2008, and 25% between 1977 and 1998 (p = 0.033). Independent risk factors between 1999 and 2008 period included tricuspid regurgitation severity (OR = 13.71; p = 0.03) and the presence of a right intraventricular pacemaker lead (OR = 11.25; p = 0.039). Survival rates at five and 10 years were 61 +/- 4% and 38 +/- 5%, respectively. A lower left ventricular ejection fraction at discharge was associated with a poor late survival, independent of patient age and gender (OR = 0.95; p = 0.035). Twenty-three patients (18%) required reoperation during the follow up period, at which time the NYHA functional class was improved compared to baseline (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although triple-valve surgery is associated with substantial operative mortality, this situation has improved significantly over the years. Currently, survivors experience a significant improvement in their cardiac functional capacity, justifying the continued use of triple-valve procedures, though preferably earlier during the course of the disease.

The relationship between cerebral oxygen saturation changes and postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rSO(2)) in the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. DESIGN: A prospective study. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 61 patients (84% male) with a mean age of 70.39 ± 4.69 on a waiting list for CABG surgery were enrolled in the study. INTERVENTION: A complete neurocognitive evaluation was performed 1 day before surgery as well as 4 to 7 days and 1 month after surgery. During surgery, rSO(2) was monitored continuously. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: POCD was defined as a reduction of 1 standard deviation on 2 or more neuropsychologic indices. Forty-six patients (80.7%) developed early POCD, and 23 (38.3%) showed late POCD. Patients whose rSO(2) decreased to less than 50% during the surgery experienced more POCD 4 to 7 days after surgery (p = 0.04). In addition, a decrease of more than 30% from the patient's baseline rSO(2) was associated with POCD 1 month after surgery (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative cerebral oxygen desaturation is associated with early and late POCD in elderly patients. Cerebral oximetry is a promising tool in the prediction of subtle neuropsychologic deficits and further studies are needed.

Del Nido cardioplegia versus blood cardioplegia in adult aortic root surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Del Nido cardioplegia solution offers prolonged cardiac protection with single-dose administration; this is particularly interesting for aortic root surgery. However, there is a scarcity of data supporting its safety in adults undergoing complex cardiac surgery, such as aortic root repair. We hypothesized that del Nido cardioplegia solution and blood cardioplegia solution provide equivalent safety during aortic root surgery. METHODS: Between January 2015 and June 2018, 283 consecutive patients undergoing the Ross procedure (204) and valve-sparing operation (79) with del Nido cardioplegia solution or blood cardioplegia solution were 1:1 propensity matched (110 aortic root surgery), and outcomes were compared. Clinical patient characteristics and data were extracted from our local database for valve-sparing operations and for Ross procedures. RESULTS: Preoperative characteristics were similar between del Nido cardioplegia solution and blood cardioplegia solution after propensity matching (mean age, 48.6 ± 1.5 years). Median postoperative creatine kinase MB isotype did not differ between del Nido cardioplegia solution and blood cardioplegia solution (48.9 [14.9-300] µg/L vs 51.2 [12.4-116] µg/L for blood cardioplegia solution [P = .1]), but there was a trend toward higher troponin T levels with del Nido cardioplegia solution (748 [221-5834] ng/L vs 710 [212-3332] ng/L for blood cardioplegia solution [P = .07]). In patients with myocardial ischemia longer than 180 minutes, median creatine kinase MB isotype was higher in del Nido cardioplegia solution (75.1 [59.3-300] µg/L than in blood cardioplegia solution 60.5 [16.5-116] µg/L [P = .01]). Aortic crossclamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were shorter with del Nido cardioplegia solution (163 ± 5 vs 181 ± 5 minutes, P = .01 and 145 ± 4 vs 161 ± 4 minutes, respectively, P = .006). Return to spontaneous rhythm was more frequent in the del Nido cardioplegia solution group (52% [29/55] vs 27% [15/55], P = .006). There was no difference in inotropic or vasoactive agent use (P = .8). Postoperative left ventricle ejection fraction was similar (0.54 ± 0.09 vs 0.55 ± 0.08 for del Nido cardioplegia solution and blood cardioplegia solution, respectively; P = .4). There was no difference between groups for perioperative mortality and postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Del Nido cardioplegia solution can be used as an alternative to blood cardioplegia solution in adults undergoing complex aortic root surgery, providing comparable clinical outcomes and improved surgical workflow. However, del Nido cardioplegia solution seems to be associated with increased myocardial injury, especially with extended myocardial ischemic times, but this finding did not translate into adverse clinical events. Caution is warranted in adopting this cardioplegic solution in aortic interventions requiring long ischemic times, and further study is required to establish its exact role in complex cardiac surgery.

Use of Mobile-Based Application for Collection of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Cardiac Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Application-based (app) technology has been studied for patient engagement and collecting patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in several surgical specialties with limited research in cardiac surgery. The aim of study was to determine the effectiveness of app-based technology for collecting PROs, improving the patient experience, and reducing health services utilization in a cardiac surgery center. METHODS: Patients accessed an interactive app via smartphones. Patients were guided from 4 weeks preoperative to 4 weeks postoperative via reminders, tasks, PRO surveys, and evidence-based education. In the postoperative period, patients were engaged with daily health surveys to track warning signs and recovery milestones. Based on the patient's signs and symptoms, the app escalated lower risk issues to self-care education or higher risk issues to the care team (e.g., phone call to a nurse). RESULTS: Sixty-six percent of patients (730 of 1,108) activated their app account. Two hundred seventy-seven patients completed an end-of-program feedback survey, with 94% of patients recommending the app and 98% of patients finding the app was helpful in recovery. Patients also reported using the app to avoid unnecessary health services utilization, with 45% of patients using the app to avoid at least 1 phone call and 28% of patients using the app to avoid at least 1 hospital visit. CONCLUSIONS: App-based technology for patient engagement is an effective modality to enhance the patient experience, better understand the trajectory of recovery, and reduce unnecessary health services utilization in cardiac surgery.

Implementing Machine Learning in Interventional Cardiology: The Benefits Are Worth the Trouble.

Driven by recent innovations and technological progress, the increasing quality and amount of biomedical data coupled with the advances in computing power allowed for much progress in artificial intelligence (AI) approaches for health and biomedical research. In interventional cardiology, the hope is for AI to provide automated analysis and deeper interpretation of data from electrocardiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and electronic health records, among others. Furthermore, high-performance predictive models supporting decision-making hold the potential to improve safety, diagnostic and prognostic prediction in patients undergoing interventional cardiology procedures. These applications include robotic-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention procedures and automatic assessment of coronary stenosis during diagnostic coronary angiograms. Machine learning (ML) has been used in these innovations that have improved the field of interventional cardiology, and more recently, deep Learning (DL) has emerged as one of the most successful branches of ML in many applications. It remains to be seen if DL approaches will have a major impact on current and future practice. DL-based predictive systems also have several limitations, including lack of interpretability and lack of generalizability due to cohort heterogeneity and low sample sizes. There are also challenges for the clinical implementation of these systems, such as ethical limits and data privacy. This review is intended to bring the attention of health practitioners and interventional cardiologists to the broad and helpful applications of ML and DL algorithms to date in the field. Their implementation challenges in daily practice and future applications in the field of interventional cardiology are also discussed.

Standardizing Postoperative Complications-Validating the Clavien-Dindo Complications Classification in Cardiac Surgery.

Cardiac surgery lacks a method for quantifying postoperative morbidities. The Clavien-Dindo Complications Classification (CDCC) and the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) were successfully implemented as outcome reporting methods in other surgical specialties. This study aims to validate these complication scales in cardiac surgery. Between 2010 and 2019, we prospectively collected data on 41,218 adult patients (73% men, mean age 67 ± 11 years) undergoing cardiac surgery at 6 university hospitals. Complications were graded using the CDCC based on the complication's treatment invasiveness with adaptations for common treatments in cardiac surgery. CCI were calculated, representing multiple complications on a scale of 0 (no complication) to 100 (death). Associations with predictors of poor outcome were assessed using mixed-effects models accounting for center as a random effect. CDCC grade was 0 in 23.0%, I in 11.4%, II in 35.3%, IIIa in 6.4%, IIIb in 2.6%, IVa in 16.1%, IVb in 2.1%, and V in 3.1%. Median CCI was 23 (9, 40). A change from lowest to highest observed CDCC grade was associated with an increase in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons mortality score from 1.1% to 4.7%, surgery duration from 177 to 233 minutes, and hospital stay from 5.2 to 17 days (all P < 0.0001). The CCI also increased with greater procedure complexity (P < 0.0001). Increase in CDCC/CCI is associated with greater comorbidities, surgery durations, lengths of stay, and procedure complexity, accurately reflecting the nuances of the adult cardiac surgery postoperative course. These have great potential for uniform outcome reporting and quality improvement initiatives.

Long-term results following concomitant radiofrequency modified maze ablation for atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF STUDY: This study evaluated the long-term outcome of linear, endocardial, radiofrequency (RF) atrial ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) concomitantly to open-heart procedures for acquired cardiac organic disease. METHODS: A saline-irrigated "pen-like" RF ablation catheter (Cardioblate(®), Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) was used to perform endocardial lines of conduction block in 293 patients with AF who underwent open-heart procedures between September 2000 and February 2008. RESULTS: Patients (age of 65 ± 11 years) underwent left atrial ablation for permanent (44%), paroxysmal (51%), or undetermined (4.4%) AF. Maintenance in sinus rhythm (SR) at discharge and at the end of follow-up (average 3.3 ± 1.2 years) was observed in 52% and 71% of patients, respectively. Preoperative type or duration of AF did not influence the results (p = NS). Multivariate analysis with a logistic regression model showed left atrial diameter and increasing age were independent predictors of recurrent AF. In this study, return to SR did not influence survival. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that concomitant intraoperative RF ablation is an effective technique to restore long-term SR after cardiac surgery in patients with preoperative AF but does not influence long-term survival.

Late echocardiographic and clinical outcomes after mitral valve repair for degenerative disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Mitral valve repair is the procedure of choice for severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR). The objective of this study was to review prospectively gathered echocardiographic and clinical results with mitral valve repair for degenerative disease. METHODS: Between May 1995 and July 2004, 403 patients underwent mitral valve repair for degenerative disease (mean age 63 +/- 12 years, 72% males). Concomitant procedures included CABG (29%), radiofrequency left-sided maze procedure (8%), aortic valve replacement (6%), and tricuspid valve repair (4%). RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality was 0.4% for patients with isolated mitral valve repair and 5.1% for patients with mitral valve repair and concomitant procedure (p = 0.003). Five-year survival was higher for isolated mitral valve repair compared to mitral valve repair with a combined procedure (92 +/- 2% vs. 76 +/- 5%; p < 0.001). Pulmonary artery pressure and left atrial and left ventricular end-diastolic diameters were significantly improved following mitral valve repair (all p