LANDMARK comparison of early outcomes of newer-generation Myval transcatheter heart valve series with contemporary valves (Sapien and Evolut) in real-world individuals with severe symptomatic native aortic stenosis: a randomised non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is an established, guideline-endorsed treatment for severe aortic stenosis. Precise sizing of the balloon-expandable Myval transcatheter heart valve (THV) series with the aortic annulus is facilitated by increasing its diameter in 1·5 mm increments, compared with the usual 3 mm increments in valve size. The LANDMARK trial aimed to show non-inferiority of the Myval THV series compared with the contemporary THVs Sapien Series (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) or Evolut Series (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA). METHODS: In this prospective, multinational, randomised, open-label, non-inferiority trial across 31 hospitals in 16 countries (Germany, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Portugal, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Estonia, and Brazil), 768 participants with severe symptomatic native aortic stenosis were randomly assigned (1:1) to the Myval THV or a contemporary THV. Eligibility was primarily decided by the heart team in accordance with 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines. As per the criteria of the third Valve Academic Research Consortium, the primary endpoint at 30 days was a composite of all-cause mortality, all stroke, bleeding (types 3 and 4), acute kidney injury (stages 2-4), major vascular complications, moderate or severe prosthetic valve regurgitation, and conduction system disturbances resulting in a permanent pacemaker implantation. Non-inferiority of the study device was tested in the intention-to-treat population using a non-inferiority margin of 10·44% and assuming an event rate of 26·10%. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04275726, and EudraCT, 2020-000137-40, and is closed to new participants. FINDINGS: Between Jan 6, 2021, and Dec 5, 2023, 768 participants with severe symptomatic native aortic stenosis were randomly assigned, 384 to the Myval THV and 384 to a contemporary THV. 369 (48%) participants had their sex recorded as female, and 399 (52%) as male. The mean age of participants was 80·0 years (SD 5·7) for those treated with the Myval THV and 80·4 years (5·4) for those treated with a contemporary THV. Median Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores were the same in both groups (Myval 2·6% [IQR 1·7-4·0] vs contemporary 2·6% [1·7-4·0]). The primary endpoint showed non-inferiority of the Myval (25%) compared with contemporary THV (27%), with a risk difference of -2·3% (one-sided upper 95% CI 3·8, pnon-inferiority<0·0001). No significant difference was seen in individual components of the primary composite endpoint. INTERPRETATION: In individuals with severe symptomatic native aortic stenosis, the Myval THV met its primary endpoint at 30 days. FUNDING: Meril Life Sciences.

Comparison between OPCABG and CABG Surgical Revascularization Using Transit Time Flow Measurement (TTFM).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the intraoperative quality of coronary anastomoses performed with or without cardiopulmonary bypass using transit time flow measurement (TTFM) parameters. METHODS: We collected data from 588 consecutive patients who underwent surgical revascularization. We retrospectively reviewed data from two groups: 411 with cardiopulmonary bypass (CABG group) and 177 off-pump (OPCABG group). Transit time flow measurement parameters: mean graft flow (MGF), pulsatile index (PI), and diastolic filing (DF) were measured for each graft and patient. RESULTS: Patients in the OPCABG group had higher EuroSCORE compared with the CABG group (3.53 ± 2.32 versus 2.84 ± 2.15, P = .002). Overall comparison of TTFM parameters showed no statistical difference between the two surgical techniques except for PI in circumflex artery territory, which was higher in the OPCABG group for all types of grafts 3.0 ± 4.9 versus 2.4 ± 2.0 in, P = .026. CONCLUSION: The comparison between OPCABG and CABG in this study showed comparable results with both surgical techniques. PI was higher in the OPCABG group in harder-to-reach vessel territories. Measurement of transit time may improve the quality, safety, and efficacy of coronary artery bypass grafting and should be considered as a routine procedure.

Aortic Valve Repair with External Annuloplasty in Bicuspid versus Tricuspid Aortic Valve Patients.

Surgical repair for regurgitant bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is promising but underutilized due to perceived complexities and lack of long-term data. This study evaluated the efficacy of valve-sparing root remodeling (VSRR) or isolated valve repair combined with calibrated external ring annuloplasty in BAV versus tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) patients. All patients operated on for aortic regurgitation and/or aneurysm at our institution between 2014 and 2022 were included and entered into the Aortic Valve Insufficiency and ascending aorta Aneurysm InternATiOnal Registry (AVIATOR). Patients with successful repair at index surgery (100% in the BAV group, 93% in the TAV group, p = 0.044) were included in a systemic follow-up with echocardiography at regular intervals. Among 132 patients, 58 were in the BAV (44%) and 74 in the TAV group (56%). There were no inter-group differences in preoperative patient characteristics, except BAV patients being significantly younger (47 ± 18 y vs. 60 ± 14 y, p < 0.001) and having narrower aortic roots at the level of sinuses (41 ± 6 mm vs. 46 ± 13 mm, p < 0.001) and sinotubular junctions (39 ± 10 mm vs. 42 ± 11, p = 0.032). No perioperative deaths were recorded. At four years, there was no significant difference in terms of overall survival (96.3% BAV vs. 97.2% TAV, p = 0.373), freedom from valve reintervention (85.2% BAV vs. 93.4% TAV, p = 0.905), and freedom from severe aortic regurgitation (94.1% BAV vs. 82.9% TAV, p = 0.222). Surgical repair of BAV combined with extra-aortic annuloplasty can be performed with low perioperative morbidity and mortality and excellent mid-term results which are comparable to TAV repair.

One-Year Outcomes after Myval Implantation in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve Stenosis-A Multicentre Real-World Experience.

BACKGROUND: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) affects approximately 1.5% of the general population and is seen in nearly 50% of candidates for aortic valve replacement (AVR). Despite increasingly utilised transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in aortic stenosis (AS) patients, its use among patients with severe bicuspid AS is limited as BAV is a heterogeneous disease associated with multiple and complex anatomical challenges. AIM: To investigate the one-year outcomes of TAVI using the balloon-expandable Myval transcatheter heart valve (THV) (Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Vapi, India) in patients with severe bicuspid AS. METHODS AND RESULTS: We collected data from consecutive patients with bicuspid AS who underwent TAVI with the Myval THV and had at least one-year follow-up. Baseline characteristics, procedural, and 30-day echocardiographic and clinical outcomes were collected. Sixty-two patients were included in the study. The median age was 72 [66.3, 77.0] years, 45 (72.6%) were males, and the mean STS PROM score was 3.2 ± 2.2%. All TAVI procedures were performed via the transfemoral route. The median follow-up duration was 13.5 [12.2, 18.3] months; all-cause mortality was reported in 7 (11.3%) patients and cardiovascular hospitalisation in 6 (10.6%) patients. All-stroke was reported in 2 (3.2%), permanent pacemaker implantation 5 (8.3%), and myocardial infarction 1 (1.6%) patients. The echocardiographic assessment revealed a mean pressure gradient of 10 [8, 16.5] mmHg, effective orifice area 1.7 [1.4, 1.9] cm2, moderate AR in 1 (2%), mild AR in 14 (27%), and none/trace AR in 37 (71%). In total, 1 patient was diagnosed with valve thrombosis (2.1%), Stage II (moderate) haemodynamic deterioration was seen in 3 (6.4%), and stage III (severe) haemodynamic deterioration in 1 (2.1%) patient. CONCLUSIONS: TAVI with the Myval THV in selected BAV anatomy is associated with favourable one-year hemodynamic and clinical outcomes.

Transcatheter valve-in-valve or valve-in-ring implantation with a novel balloon-expandable device in patients with bioprosthetic left side heart valves failure: 1-year follow-up from a multicenter experience.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic and mitral valve-in-valve (ViV) or valve-in-ring (ViR) implantation into failed bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs) or rings represents an appealing, less invasive, treatment option for patients at high surgical risk. Nowadays, few data have been reported on the use of balloon-expandable Myval (Meril Life Science, Vapi, India) transcatheter heart valve (THV) for the treatment of degenerated BHVs or rings. We aimed at evaluating the early and mid-term clinical outcomes of patients with left side heart bioprosthesis deterioration treated with transcatheter ViV/ViR implantation using Myval THV. METHODS: 97 consecutive patients with symptomatic, severe aortic(n=33) and mitral(n=64) BHVs/ring dysfunction underwent transcatheter aortic ViV and mitral ViV/ViR implantation with Myval THV. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 95 (98%) of the patients. Two cases of acute structural trans-catheter mitral ViV/ViR dysfunction requiring a second THV implantation were reported. At 30-day, a significant reduction in prosthetic trans-valvular pressure gradients and increase in valve areas were seen following both aortic and mitral ViV/ViR implantation. Overall survival at 15 months (IQR 8-21) was 92%. Patients undergoing mitral ViV/ViR had a relatively worse survival compared with those undergoing aortic ViV implantation (89% vs. 97% respectively; HR:2.7,CI:0.33-22.7;p=0.34). At longest follow-up available a significant improvement in NYHA functional class I and II was observed in patients with aortic and mitral ViV/ViR implantation(93.8% and 92.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite high surgical risk, transcatheter ViV/ViR implantation for failed left side heart bioprosthesis can be performed safely using Myval THV with a high success rate and low early and mid-term mortality and morbidity.

[Recovery after long-term pulsatile mechanical circulatory support in patient with chronic heart failure: a case report]. / Oporavak nakon dugotrajne mehanicke cirkulatorne potpore u bolesnika s kronicnim zatajivanjem srca: prikaz bolesnika.

Use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is a part of today's standard therapy in the treatment of end-stage heart failure. In this paper we describe characteristics of Thoratec pVAD device for MCS, implantation techniques, as well as the most important advantages and complications of application of the device. We present a 41-year-old patient with dilatated cardiomyopathy, who was the first recipient ofparacorporeal left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in the Republic of Croatia due to end-stage heart failure. After heart function recovery the patient was successfully weaned from MCS after 130 days of support.

Safety and Efficacy of Myval Implantation in Patients with Severe Bicuspid Aortic Valve Stenosis-A Multicenter Real-World Experience.

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common valvular congenital anomaly and is apparent in nearly 50% of candidates for AV replacement. While transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a recommended treatment for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) at all surgical risk levels, experience with TAVI in severe bicuspid AS is limited. TAVI in BAV is still a challenge due to its association with multiple and complex anatomical considerations. A retrospective study has been conducted to investigate TAVI's procedural and 30-day outcomes using the Myval transcatheter heart valve (THV) (Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. Vapi, Gujarat, India) in patients with severe bicuspid AS. Data were collected on 68 patients with severe bicuspid AS who underwent TAVI with the Myval THV. Baseline characteristics, procedural, 30-day echocardiographic and clinical outcomes were collected. The mean age and STS PROM score were 72.6 ± 9.4 and 3.54 ± 2.1. Procedures were performed via the transfemoral route in 98.5%. Major vascular complications (1.5%) and life-threatening bleeding (1.5%) occurred infrequently. No patient had coronary obstruction, second valve implantation or conversion to surgery. On 30-day echocardiography, the mean transvalvular gradient and effective orifice area were 9.8 ± 4.5 mmHg and 1.8 ± 0.4 cm2, respectively. None/trace aortic regurgitation occurred in 76.5%, mild AR in 20.5% and moderate AR in 3%. The permanent pacemaker implantation rate was 8.5% and 30-day all-cause death occurred in 3.0% of cases. TAVI with the Myval THV in selected BAV anatomy is associated with favorable short-term hemodynamic and clinical outcomes.

Long-term results after reconstructive surgery for aneurysms of the left ventricle.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysms of the left ventricle (LV) present a serious consequence of myocardial infarction, causing mechanical, thromboembolic, and arythmogenic complications. We present our experience in LV remodeling and long-term follow-up results. METHODS: From May 1998 to February 2009, 85 patients with postinfarction LV aneurysm underwent reconstructive procedures. Mean age was 58.7 + or - 8.9 years (range 36-79 years). Average LV ejection fraction was 39.8% + or - 13.1% (range 20%-70%). Mean EuroScore was 6.0 + or - 2.9 (range 3-19) and predictive mortality was 8.2% + or - 11.9% (range 1.6%-85.6%). The majority of patients were in New York Heart Association functional class II (44%) preoperatively and 32% of patients were in New York Heart Association class III or IV. LV reconstruction was performed by using the endoventricular patch technique in 56 patients (66%). In 29 patients (34%) reconstruction was done by linear closure. In 79 patients (93%) concomitant myocardial revascularization was performed. Mitral valve procedures were performed in 11 patients (13%), (repair in 10 patients and replacement in 1). RESULTS: Perioperative mortality was 3.5% (3 patients). Long-term follow-up was completed by means of phone interview with an average duration of 31.6 months (range 3-120 months). There were 9 late deaths (11%) during follow-up. Actuarial survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 91%, 77%, and 68%, respectively. Fifty-nine patients (72%) were in New York Heart Association functional class I and II postoperatively. CONCLUSION: LV remodeling is a safe surgical procedure with low perioperative morbidity and mortality and excellent long-term survival, even in patients with severely reduced systolic function.

The Dark Side of the Heart: Cardiovascular Manifestation of Ochronosis.

Alkaptonuria is rare genetic disorder of tyrosine metabolism manifesting with signs of tissue pigmentation, dark urine, and ochronotic arthropathies. Commonly undiscovered by late adulthood, alkaptonuria can manifest as cardiac ochronosis with cardiovascular disorders such as valvulopathies, but rarely coronary artery disease. This case report describes 2 patients with aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease in whom alkaptonuria was diagnosed during open heart surgery.

Immunoglobulin G4 Inflammatory Aortic Aneurysm Mimicking Acute Aortic Syndrome.

Immunoglobulin-G4-related disease (IgG4RD) is a novel clinical entity characterized by lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates presenting as an excessive fibrosis such as retroperitoneal inflammatory pseudotumor but rarely affecting the heart or the aorta. We describe a case of IgG4RD with multifocal aortic involvement presenting as an acute aortic syndrome.

LANDMARK comparison of early outcomes of newer-generation Myval transcatheter heart valve series with contemporary valves (Sapien and Evolut) in real-world individuals with severe symptomatic native aortic stenosis: a randomised non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is an established, guideline-endorsed treatment for severe aortic stenosis. Precise sizing of the balloon-expandable Myval transcatheter heart valve (THV) series with the aortic annulus is facilitated by increasing its diameter in 1•5 mm increments, compared with the usual 3 mm increments in valve size. The LANDMARK trial aimed to show non-inferiority of the Myval THV series compared with the contemporary THVs Sapien Series (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) or Evolut Series (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA). METHODS In this prospective, multinational, randomised, open-label, non-inferiority trial across 31 hospitals in 16 countries (Germany, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Portugal, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Estonia, and Brazil), 768 participants with severe symptomatic native aortic stenosis were randomly assigned (1:1) to the Myval THV or a contemporary THV. Eligibility was primarily decided by the heart team in accordance with 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines. As per the criteria of the third Valve Academic Research Consortium, the primary endpoint at 30 days was a composite of all-cause mortality, all stroke, bleeding (types 3 and 4), acute kidney injury (stages 2­4), major vascular complications, moderate or severe prosthetic valve regurgitation, and conduction system disturbances resulting in a permanent pacemaker implantation. Non-inferiority of the study device was tested in the intention-to-treat population using a non-inferiority margin of 10•44% and assuming an event rate of 26•10%. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04275726, and EudraCT, 2020-000137-40, and is closed to new participants. FINDINGS Between Jan 6, 2021, and Dec 5, 2023, 768 participants with severe symptomatic native aortic stenosis were randomly assigned, 384 to the Myval THV and 384 to a contemporary THV. 369 (48%) participants had their sex recorded as female, and 399 (52%) as male. The mean age of participants was 80•0 years (SD 5•7) for those treated with the Myval THV and 80•4 years (5•4) for those treated with a contemporary THV. Median Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores were the same in both groups (Myval 2•6% [IQR 1•7­4•0] vs contemporary 2•6% [1•7­4•0]). The primary endpoint showed non-inferiority of the Myval (25%) compared with contemporary THV (27%), with a risk difference of ­2•3% (one-sided upper 95% CI 3•8, pnon-inferiority<0•0001). No significant difference was seen in individual components of the primary composite endpoint. INTERPRETATION In individuals with severe symptomatic native aortic stenosis, the Myval THV met its primary endpoint at 30 days.

Off-pump coronary bypass surgery adversely affects alveolar gas exchange.

While the introduction of off-pump myocardial revascularization (OPCAB) has initially shown promise in reducing respiratory complications inherent to conventional coronary surgery, it has failed to eradicate them. Our study focused on quantifying the lactate release from the lungs and the dysfunction at the level of the alveolar-capillary membrane precipitated by OPCAB at different time points after the insult. Furthermore, we aimed to determine the impact of pulmonary lactate production on systemic lactic acid concentrations. The study was conducted in a prospective observational fashion. Forty consecutive patients undergoing OPCAB were analyzed. The mean patient age was 60 +/- 10 years. The mean EUROScore was 3.8 +/- 2.9. The alveolar-arterial O2 gradient increased from 19 [range 9 to 30] to 26 [range 20 to 34] kPa (P < 0.001) and remained elevated up to 6 hours after surgery. It rapidly declined again by 18 hours postoperatively. The observed increase in the pulmonary lactate release (PLR) from a baseline value of 0.022 [range -0.074 to 0.066] to 0.089 [range 0.016 to 0.209] mmol/min/m2 at six hours postoperatively did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.105). The systemic arterial lactate (Ls) concentration increased from 0.94 [range 0.78 to 1.06] to 1.39 [range 0.97 to 2.81] mmol/L (P < 0.001). The venoarterial pCO2 difference showed no significant change in comparison to baseline values. The mortality in the studied group was 2.5% (1/40). The pulmonary lactate production showed a statistically significant correlation with the systemic lactate concentration (R = 0.46; P = 0.003). Pulmonary injury following off pump myocardial revascularization was evidenced by a prompt increase in the alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient. The alveolar-arterial O2 gradient correlated with the duration of mechanical ventilation.

Topical use of antifibrinolytic agents reduces postoperative bleeding: a double-blind, prospective, randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative bleeding is still one of the most common complications of cardiac surgery. Antifibrinolytic agents successfully reduce bleeding, but there are controversies concerning adverse effects after their systemic use. By topical application of antifibrinolytic agents in pericardial cavity, most of these effects are avoided. We compared the effects of topically applied aprotinin, tranexamic acid and placebo on postoperative bleeding and transfusion requirements. METHODS: In this single-center prospective, randomized, double-blind trial, 300 adult cardiac patients were randomized into three groups to receive one million IU of aprotinin (AP group), 2.5g of tranexamic acid (TA group) or placebo (PL group) topically before sternal closure. Groups were comparable with respect to all preoperative and intraoperative variables. Postoperative bleeding, transfusion requirements and hematologic parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Postoperative bleeding within first 12-h period (AP group 433+/-294 [350; 360]ml, TA group 391+/-255 [350; 305]ml, PL group 613+/-505 [525; 348]ml), as well as cumulative blood loss within 24h (AP group 726+/-432 [640; 525]ml, TA group 633+/-343 [545; 335]ml, PL group 903+/-733 [800; 445]ml), showed statistically significant inter-group differences (both p<0.001). Bleeding rates values were significantly higher in placebo group compared to the groups treated with antifibrinolytic agents (AP and TA groups) concerning both variables. Although TA group showed the lowest values, no statistical differences between TA and AP groups were found. Inter-group difference of blood product requirements was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Topical use of either tranexamic acid or aprotinin efficiently reduces postoperative bleeding. TA seems to be at least as potent as aprotinin, but potentially safer and with better cost-effectiveness ratio.

Endoscopic radial artery harvesting reduces postoperative pain and neurologic complications.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic radial artery harvest provides better cosmetic result without compromising the quality of the graft. We sought to compare postoperative harvesting site neurologic and vascular outcome. METHODS: From 10/2002 until 10/2004, 50 patients were randomized to have their radial artery harvested for coronary bypass either endoscopically (group A, n = 25) or conventionally (group B, n = 25). Radial arteries were preoperatively evaluated by Doppler echocardiography. Neurologic and functional status was assessed by a self reporting questionnaire with a semiquantitative (1-5) scale. Vascular status of the forearm was assessed by control echocardiography. RESULTS: At an average follow-up of 37 +/- 7 months, patients undergoing endoscopic radial artery harvesting had less overall neurologic complications (11 versus 17 patients, P = .023) and they were less severe (0.8 +/- 1.1 versus 2.2 +/- 1.2; P < .001). Ulnar flow increase was similar among the groups: 13.1 +/- 5.43 cm/s in group A versus 15.9 +/- 4.9 cm/s in group B (P = .147) as well as ulnar artery diameter increase 0.29 +/- 0.16 mm in group A versus 0.29 +/- 0.26 cm in group B (P = .914). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic radial artery is safe and does not compromise graft quality or forearm and hand circulation postoperatively. Along with providing a better cosmetic result, endoscopic artery harvesting reduces postoperative harvesting site pain and neurologic complications.

Successful treatment of annular rupture during transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Annular rupture presents a rare but potentially fatal complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Although it can be subtle and subclinical in presentation, most severe forms present with hemodynamic instability and represent true emergencies requiring a more invasive treatment, even conventional surgery. We present a case of successful treatment of annular rupture by left ventricular outflow tract patch and surgical aortic valve replacement.

Isolated Tricuspid Valve Libman-Sacks Endocarditis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Secondary Antiphospholipid Syndrome.

Libman-Sacks endocarditis, one of the most prevalent cardiac presentations of systemic lupus erythematosus, typically affects the aortic or mitral valve; tricuspid valve involvement is highly unusual. Secondary antiphospholipid syndrome increases the frequency and severity of cardiac valvular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus. We present the case of a 47-year-old woman with lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome whose massive tricuspid regurgitation was caused by Libman-Sacks endocarditis isolated to the tricuspid valve. In addition, we discuss this rare case in the context of the relevant medical literature.

Staged initial percutaneous coronary intervention followed by valve surgery ("hybrid approach") for patients with complex coronary and valve disease.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to determine if a "hybrid" approach to the treatment of complex combined coronary and valve disease is superior to the results predicted by a Society of Thoracic Surgeons' (STS) algorithm with conventional coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)/valve surgery in high-risk patients. BACKGROUND: With advancements in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs), some patients requiring coronary revascularization and valve surgery may benefit from a hybrid approach involving initial planned PCI followed by valve surgery, rather than conventional CABG/valve surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 26 consecutive patients with coronary artery and valve disease who underwent planned initial PCI followed by valve surgery during the same hospital stay between September 1997 and August 2003. We calculated the predicted mortality at the time of PCI and compared it with the observed mortality. RESULTS: There were 12 male and 14 female patients with a median age of 72 years (range 53 to 91 years). Balloon angioplasty was performed in all patients, followed by stenting in 22 (85%) patients. Within a median of 5 days (range 0 to 14 days), 15 patients (58%) underwent primary and 11 patients (42%) underwent re-operative valve surgery. Operative mortality was 1 of 26 patients (3.8%), dramatically lower than the STS-predicted mortality of 22%. Median blood loss was 900 ml, and 22 patients (85%) required blood transfusions. Survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 78%, 56%, and 44%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid initial PCI followed by staged valve surgery represents an excellent alternative to conventional CABG/valve surgery in some high-risk patients, particularly those who present in shock after myocardial infarction. Lower mortality rates come at the cost of more bleeding and transfusion requirements.

Neopterin kinetics after cardiac surgery with or without cardiopulmonary bypass.

Cardiac surgery (CS) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces systemic inflammatory response by activating plasma proteins and blood cells. Activated monocytes/macrophages produce inflammatory marker neopterin (NP). The aim was to explore the NP kinetics in first 24 hours after CS according to the CPB use. Significant difference between groups was found for NP levels 12 and 24 hrs after CS, being higher in on-pump group. Strong association was found between NP levels 12 hrs after CS and the length of ICU stay for on-pump group (r=0.744, p<0.001). Strong association was found between preoperative NP levels and the length of ICU stay for those on-pump patients with elevated preoperative NP (r=0.855, p=0.001; linear regression equation y=0.50x-5.14, p<0.001). Preoperative NP levels higher than 10 nmol/L in on-pump group could predict prolonged ICU stay and outpoint patients at higher risk for developing postoperative complications and, therefore, help to determine the necessary therapeutic interventions.

Early and late results of isolated and combined heart valve surgery in patients > or =80 years of age.

We present a series of 405 consecutive patients aged > or =80 years who underwent isolated or combined valve surgery over a 5-year period. Our results demonstrate that valve surgery in the elderly can be performed with acceptable early mortality, good late survival, and excellent late functional outcome.

Modern surgical treatment of massive pulmonary embolism: results in 47 consecutive patients after rapid diagnosis and aggressive surgical approach.

OBJECTIVES: This study retrospectively reviews an aggressive multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of massive pulmonary embolism, centering on rapid diagnosis with contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest to define the location and degree of clot burden and transthoracic echocardiography to document right ventricular strain followed by immediate surgical intervention when appropriate. METHODS: Between October 1999 through February 2004, 47 patients (30 men and 17 women; median age, 58 years; age range, 24-86 years) underwent emergency surgical embolectomy for massive central pulmonary embolism. The indications for surgical intervention were (1) contraindications to thrombolysis (21/47 [45%]), (2) failed medical treatment (5/47 [10%]), and (3) right ventricular dysfunction (15/47 [32%]). Preoperatively, 12 (26%) of 47 patients were in cardiogenic shock, and 6 (11%) of 47 were in cardiac arrest. RESULTS: There were 3 (6%) operative deaths, 2 with preoperative cardiac arrest; 2 of these 3 patients required a right ventricular assist device. In 38 (81%) patients a caval filter was placed intraoperatively. Median length of stay was 11 days (range, 3-75 days). Median follow-up was 27 months (range, 2-50 months); follow-up was 100% complete in surviving patients. There were 6 (12%) late deaths, 5 of which were from metastatic cancer. Actuarial survival at 1 and 3 years' follow-up was 86% and 83%, respectively. CONCLUSION: An aggressive approach to large pulmonary embolus, including rapid diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention, has improved results with surgical embolectomy. We now perform surgical pulmonary embolectomy not only in patients with large central clot burden and hemodynamic compromise but also in hemodynamically stable patients with right ventricular dysfunction documented by means of echocardiography.