Del Nido cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery: Clinical outcomes in a single center all-comer study.

INTRODUCTION: The use of Del Nido Cardioplegia (DNC) has been extended in the latest years from pediatrics to adult cardiac surgery with encouraging results. We sought to investigate clinical and biochemical outcomes in adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery with different degrees of complexity who received DNC for myocardial protection. METHODS: Data on one-thousand patients were retrospectively collected from 2020 to 2022. The only exclusion criteria was off-pump adult cardiac surgery. Surgical procedures weight was categorized according EuroSCORE II in six groups: Single-CABG(G1), isolated non-CABG(mitral) (G2), isolated non-CABG(aortic) (G3), isolated non-CABG(any) (G4), 2-procedures(G5), 3/more-procedures(G6). Primary endpoint was to identify a binomial correlation between hs-TnT/CK-MB and the cross-clamp time (X-Clamp). A secondary endpoint was the comparison between the treatment groups of the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) and the need of mechanical circulatory support (MCS). RESULTS: A linear correlation was identified between hs-TnT and X-clamp in the overall population (rho:0.447, p< .001) and in the treatment groups (G1:rho=0.357, p< .001/G2:rho=0.455, p< .001/G3:rho=0.307, p= .001/G4:rho=0.165, p= .257/G5:rho=0.157, p= .031/G6:rho=0.226, p= .015). Similarly, a linear correlation between CK-MB and X-clamp in the overall population (rho=0.457, p< .001) and treatment group (G1:rho=0.282, p< .001/G2:rho=0.287, p= .025/G3:rho=0.211, p= .009/G4:rho=0.0878, p= .548/G5:rho=0.309, p< .001/G6: rho=0.212, p= .024) was identified. As regard for the secondary endpoint, no differences were reported between the treatment groups in terms of VIS and MCS (VIS G1:7; G2:4; G3:7; G4:7, G5:5.5, G6:6, p-value= .691) (MCS G1: 4.5%; G2:4.8%; G3:3.3%; G4:3.1%; G5:1.4%; G6:5.3%; p-value= .372). CONCLUSIONS: Del Nido Cardioplegia is a safe and useful tool in adult cardiac surgery allowing operators to achieve a stable and durable cardioplegic arrest. Despite accounting with different types of surgery, the six subgroups of our study population showed similar perioperative results.

Left Atrium Volume Reduction Procedure Concomitant With Cox-Maze Ablation in Patients Undergoing Mitral Valve Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical and Rhythm Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The management of an enlarged left atrium (LA) in mitral valve (MV) disease with atrial fibrillation (AF) is still being debated. It has been postulated that a reduction in LA size may improve patient outcomes. This meta-analysis aimed to assess rhythm and clinical outcomes of combined surgical AF treatment with or without LA volume reduction (LAVR) in patients undergoing MV surgery. METHODS: A systematic review was performed and all available literature to May 2022 was included. The primary endpoint was analysis of early and late mortality and rhythm outcomes. Secondary outcomes included early and late cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and permanent pacemaker implantation. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 2,808 potentially relevant articles, and 19 papers were eventually included. The pooled estimated rate of 30-day mortality was 3.76% (95% CI 2.52-5.56). The incidence rate of late mortality and late cardiac-related mortality was 1.75%/year (95% CI 0.63-4.84) and 1.04%/year (95% CI 0.31-3.53), respectively. At subgroup analysis when comparing the surgical procedure with and without AF ablation, the ablation subgroup showed a significantly lower rate of postoperative CVA (p<0.0001) and higher restoration to sinus rhythm at discharge (p=0.0124), with only a trend of lower AF recurrence at 1 year (p=0.0608). At univariable meta-regression, reintervention was significantly associated with higher late mortality (p=0.0033). CONCLUSION: In enlarged LA undergoing MV surgery, LAVR combined with AF ablation showed a trend of improved rhythm outcomes when compared with AF ablation without LAVR. Each LAVR technique has its advantages and disadvantages, which must be managed accordingly.

Lead-related infective endocarditis with vegetations: Prevalence and impact of pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing transvenous lead extraction.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence and impact of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with lead-related infective endocarditis undergoing transvenous lead extraction (TLE) are unknown. METHODS: Twenty-five consecutive patients with vegetations ≥10 mm at transoesophageal echocardiography were prospectively studied. Contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) was performed before (pre-TLE) and after (post-TLE) the lead extraction procedure. RESULTS: Pre-TLE CT identified 18 patients (72%) with subclinical PE. The size of vegetations in patients with PE did not differ significantly from those without (median 20.0 mm [interquartile range: 13.0-30.0] vs. 14.0 mm [6.0-18.0], p = 0.116). Complete TLE success was achieved in all patients with 3 (2-3) leads extracted per procedure. There were no postprocedure complications related to the presence of PE and no differences in terms of fluoroscopy time and need for advanced tools. In the group of positive pre-TLE CT, post-TLE scan confirmed the presence of silent PE in 14 patients (78%). There were no patients with new PE formation. Large vegetations (≥20 mm) tended to increase the risk of post-TLE subclinical PE (odds ratio 5.99 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93-38.6], p = 0.059). During a median 19.4 months follow-up, no re-infection of the implanted system was reported. Survival rates in patients with and without post-TLE PE were similar (hazard ratio: 1.11 [95% CI: 0.18-6.67], p = 0.909). CONCLUSION: Subclinical PE detected by CT was common in patients undergoing TLE with lead-related infective endocarditis and vegetations but was not associated with the complexity of the procedure or adverse outcomes. TLE procedure seems safe and feasible even in patients with large vegetations.

Hybrid transvenous and surgical approach for the extraction of coronary sinus leads: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Transvenous lead extraction is the standard therapy for cardiac device-related infection. In some patients, however, a hybrid surgical and transvenous approach may be necessary. METHODS AND RESULTS: We present three cases who underwent transvenous lead extraction for an infected CRT-D system. In all cases the CS lead could not be retrieved transvenously due to extensive fibrosis. The lead was successfully extracted through left minithoracotomy in two patients and midline sternotomy in one patient. CONCLUSION: In cases where the coronary sinus lead shows severe fibrosis, a transvenous approach can be used to free the proximal part of the lead, while the distal adhesions can be removed surgically through a limited thoracic incision.

The management of secondary mitral regurgitation in patients with heart failure: a joint position statement from the Heart Failure Association (HFA), European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), and European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) of the ESC.

Secondary (or functional) mitral regurgitation (SMR) occurs frequently in chronic heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, resulting from LV remodelling that prevents coaptation of the valve leaflets. Secondary mitral regurgitation contributes to progression of the symptoms and signs of HF and confers worse prognosis. The management of HF patients with SMR is complex and requires timely referral to a multidisciplinary Heart Team. Optimization of pharmacological and device therapy according to guideline recommendations is crucial. Further management requires careful clinical and imaging assessment, addressing the anatomical and functional features of the mitral valve and left ventricle, overall HF status, and relevant comorbidities. Evidence concerning surgical correction of SMR is sparse and it is doubtful whether this approach improves prognosis. Transcatheter repair has emerged as a promising alternative, but the conflicting results of current randomized trials require careful interpretation. This collaborative position statement, developed by four key associations of the European Society of Cardiology-the Heart Failure Association (HFA), European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), and European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)-presents an updated practical approach to the evaluation and management of patients with HF and SMR based upon a Heart Team approach.

A multicentre roadmap to restart elective cardiac surgery after COVID-19 peak in an Italian epicenter.

BACKGROUND: During the Italian Phase-2 of the coronavirus pandemic, it was possible to restart elective surgeries. Because hospitals were still burdened with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, it was focal to design a separate "clean path" for the surgical candidates and determine the possible effects of major surgery on previously infected patients. METHODS: From May to July 2020 (postpandemic peak), 259 consecutive patients were scheduled for elective cardiac surgery in three different centers. Our original roadmap with four screening steps included: a short item questionnaire (STEP-1), nasopharyngeal swab (NP) (STEP-2), computed tomography (CT)-scan using COVID-19 reporting and data system (CO-RADS) scoring (STEP-3), and final NP swab before discharge (STEP-4). RESULTS: Two patients (0.8%) resulted positive at STEP-2: one patient was discharged home for quarantine, the other performed a CT-scan (CO-RADS: <2), and underwent surgery for unstable angina. Chest-CT was positive in 6.3% (15/237) with mean CO-RADS of 2.93 ± 0.8. Mild-moderate lung inflammation (CO-RADS: 2-4) did not delay surgery. Perioperative mortality was 1.15% (3/259), and cumulative incidence of pulmonary complications was 14.6%. At multivariable analysis, only age and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time were independently related to pulmonary complications composite outcome (age >75 years: odds ratio [OR]: 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25-5.57; p = 0.011; CPB >90 min. OR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.84-10.16; p = 0.001). At 30 days, no periprocedural contagion and rehospitalization for COVID-19 infections were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Our structured roadmap supports the safe restarting of an elective cardiac surgery list after a peak of a still ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in an epicenter area. Mild to moderate CT residuals of coronavirus pneumonia do not justify elective cardiac surgery procrastination.

Is the Freedom SOLO Stentless Bioprosthesis a Useful Tool for Patients with Aortic Endocarditis and Aortic Annular Destruction?

BACKGROUND: The Freedom SOLO (FS) stentless bovine-pericardial prosthesis with a supra-annular implantation technique can be a viable option for patients with endocarditic annular destruction. We assessed early- and long-term outcomes following the use of this prosthesis in extensive aortic valve endocarditis. METHODS: From 2006 to 2016, 59 patients with extensive aortic endocarditis underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) with FS (cumulative follow-up 263 patients-years) in three European centers; all patients presented annular tissue infection, while 54.3% of patients had annular abscess. RESULTS: Mean age was 66 ± 11 years and mean EuroSCORE I was 30.3% (standard deviation: 24.1%). In our series, 30.5% of patients had prosthetic valve endocarditis. Early mortality was 15.2% (nine patients). Estimated overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 68.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 62.8-75.0%) and 59.1% (95% CI: 66.8-81.2%), respectively. At 10-year survival, freedom from valve-related death was 83.7% (95% CI: 80.9-86.5%). No structural valve deterioration was reported in this series. Five patients (8.5%) had recurrent endocarditis during follow-up and two of them underwent reoperation. Survival freedom from reoperation and endocarditis at 10-year follow-up was 88.0% (CI: 80.4-95.6%) and 86.7% (CI: 80.5-92.9%), respectively. CONCLUSION: FS stentless bioprosthesis is a valuable and simple option to achieve AVR in patients with extensive aortic annulus endocarditis. Although in this group of complex patients, early mortality remains considerably high, late survival outcomes are comparable to the more technically demanding homografts and conventional stentless bioprostheses, with low rates of endocarditis recurrence.

Hybrid Minimally Invasive Approach for Transvenous Lead Extraction: A Feasible Technique in High-Risk Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the overall safety, transvenous lead extraction (TLE) remains a challenging procedure with inherent risks, where surgery can still be required in elective cases. In this study, we report our experience with a minimally invasive "hybrid" approach, defined as a procedure performed by an electrophysiologist with the support of a cardiac surgeon in the same operative session. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reported 12 cases of planned hybrid lead extraction; minithoracotomy and thoracoscopy were performed on 10 (83%) and 2 (17%) patients, respectively. A total of 25 leads out of 27 (median lead age 19 years) were successfully extracted with laser, mechanical or combined transvenous sheath. In 3 patients, the direct monitoring of vascular and myocardial integrity allowed for prompt treatment of potential vascular injury during the lead extraction maneuvers. Mean in-hospital stay was 4 ± 2 days. There were no major intraoperative complications and no deaths occurred after 30 days' follow-up. CONCLUSION: The hybrid approach, with minithoracotomy or thoracoscopy, is feasible and it might increase the safety in the most challenging TLE procedures: the minimally invasive surgical intervention allows for continuous monitoring of the critical cardiac structures and prompt treatment of potential complications.

Total arterial grafting is associated with improved clinical outcomes compared to conventional myocardial revascularization at 10 years follow-up.

The use of arterial conduits is associated with incremental benefits when compared to conventional CABG surgery, albeit there is a paucity of data regarding the long-term outcomes of either techniques. Among 973 consecutive patients undergoing CABG, a propensity-match study was performed to compare total arterial revascularization technique (G1) with a conventional approach (LITA on LAD plus additional SVGs, G2). The study population was propensity-matched based on preoperative characteristics (age, sex, risk factors). Mean number of grafted vessels (G1 = 2.39 ± 0.55 vs G2 = 2.37 ± 0.7; p = 0.79) and aortic cross-clamp time (G1 = 36 ± 6 vs G2 = 35 ± 6 min; p = 0.31) were similar while CPB time was significantly longer in Group 2 (G1 = 50 ± 7 vs G2 = 70 ± 8 min; p = 0.03). Hospital mortality (G1 = 0.6 % vs G2 = 1.3 %; p = 0.41) and overall incidence of postoperative complications were also comparable. Cox regression analysis depicted conventional CABG as an independent predictor for MACCEs (HR = 4.53, CI 95 % = 2-10.28; p < 0.001). Median follow-up time was 112 months: actuarial survival free from cardiac death (G1 = 100 % vs G2 = 95 ± 2.1 %; p = 0.046) and MACCEs (G1 = 97.3 ± 1.5 % vs G2 = 79.4 ± 3.8 %; p < 0.001) was significantly improved in patients undergoing total arterial grafting. Total arterial myocardial revascularization is associated with significantly improved outcomes at 10 years follow-up in terms of cardiac-related mortality and overall event-free survival.

Endoscopic saphenous vein and radial harvest: state-of-the-art.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Over the past decade, there has been an increased adoption of minimally invasive techniques for saphenous vein and radial artery procurement during coronary artery bypass surgery, albeit concerns have been raised about the potential detrimental effects of the endoscopic approach when compared with the conventional 'open' technique. The aim of the present review is to analyse the current available techniques and evidence about the impact of an endoscopic approach on conduit quality and clinical outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: At present, the available techniques for endoscopic vessel harvesting can be based on a sealed or non-sealed concept, for both saphenous vein and radial artery procurement. Despite the proven advantages of a minimally invasive approach in terms of reduced incidence of wound complications, pain reduction and improved cosmetic results, some studies questioned the impact of this technique in terms of potential graft damage, thus impairing the longevity of the graft itself. SUMMARY: Endoscopic conduit harvesting can be performed safely and effectively with the currently available techniques, albeit a careful knowledge of the pitfalls of each technique is mandatory. Since there is ample evidence in literature that a minimally invasive approach for saphenous vein and radial artery procurement is not associated with an increased risk of graft damage and related failure in the mid-long term, the endoscopic technique should be adopted as the approach of choice for saphenous vein and radial artery harvesting in coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Platelet activation after sorin freedom solo valve implantation: a comparative study with Carpentier-Edwards Perimount Magna.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: As platelet activation is known to be a side effect of cardiac surgery, recent analyses have been conducted to identify the association between thrombocytopenia and aortic valve replacement (AVR) using a bioprosthesis. The type of bioprosthesis has been indicated as an independent risk factor for a lower postoperative platelet count, an association which has been mainly observed with the Sorin Freedom Solo valve. The study aim was to analyze platelet activation after AVR with two different bioprostheses, the Sorin Freedom SOLO (FS) and the Carpentier-Edwards Magna (CE). METHODS: Thirty-eight consecutive patients undergoing aortic valve surgery were enrolled prospectively and assigned to either the FS group (n = 18) or the CE group (n = 20) according to their clinical evaluation. Five patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were included as a control group. Clinical biochemical parameters (von Willebrand factor (vWF), prothrombin fragments 1+2 (F1+2), P-selectin, and beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG)) were assessed preoperatively (TO), and at 1 h (T1), 48 h (T2) and seven days (T3) postoperatively. RESULTS: The two groups differed in terms of age (FS 77.3 +/- 7.0 years; CE 65.4 +/- 8.4 years; p < 0.05). Intraoperatively, parameters such as CPB time (FS 106.8 +/- 25.5 min; CE 108.2 +/- 23.4 min, p = NS) and aortic cross-clamp time (FS 78.1 +/- 22.8 min; CE 80.7 +/- 19.4 min, p = NS) were comparable. The platelet count was significantly reduced after FS implantation compared to the other groups. Factors involving platelet activation and blood coagulation activation assessed by means of prothrombin F1+2 (FS: TO = 0.48; T1 = 0.66; T2 = 0.46; T3 = 0.52 nmol/ml versus CE: T0 = 0.38; T1 = 0.68; T2 = 0.41; T3 = 0.49 nmol/ml); P-selectin (FS: T0 = 89.6; T1= 130.4; T2 = 92.6; T3 = 94.3 ng/ml versus CE: T0 = 81.4; T1 = 115.9; T2 = 92.2; T3 = 85.7 ng/ml); and beta-TG (FS: T0 = 6.7; T1 = 17.6; T2 = 8.6; T3 = 7.7 ng/ml versus CE: T0 = 7.1; T1 = 15.6; T2 = 9,1; T3 = 7.5 ng/ml) were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: The previously described phenomenon of enhanced platelet reduction shortly after valve implantation in the FS group compared to another bioprosthesis is likely to be confirmed, but platelet activation should not be considered as the underlying mechanism. Superior (but not significant) preoperative values of biochemical parameters were found in FS versus CE patients, influencing postoperative levels without any variation in the trend pattern. The type of bioprosthesis implanted appeared not to influence platelet and blood coagulation activation.

Impact of coronary-subclavian steal after surgical myocardial revascularization with internal thoracic artery in chronic hemodialysis patients: A meta-analysis.

Patients in hemodialysis with an arm arteriovenous fistula undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with an internal thoracic artery have been reported to suffer from coronary-subclavian steal (CSS) during dialysis session. However, its occurrence is still debated. A systematic literature review was performed to identify all studies investigating the occurrence of a CSS event in this subset of patients. The primary endpoint was the analysis of CSS and the following early and late survival outcomes. Independent determinants of CSS and the impact of the distance between the arteriovenous fistula (upper arm vs forearm) and the ipsilateral internal thoracic artery graft on CSS events and mortality were studied. Early and late survival outcomes were analyzed by comparing ipsilateral versus contralateral arteriovenous fistula. Of the 1,383 retrieved articles, 10 were included (n = 643 patients). The pooled event rate of CSS was 6.46% [95%CI=2.10-18.15], while of symptomatic CSS incidence was 3.99% [95%CI=0.95-15.25]. No survival differences were noted when comparing ipsilateral to contralateral arteriovenous fistula-internal thoracic artery combinations. On meta-regression, the upper arm was associated with more CSS events, while the forearm to lower late mortality rates. Independently from arteriovenous fistula-internal thoracic artery combination, CSS was not associated to higher mortality rates. Particular attention is warranted when selecting the type of conduits for CABG in patients with an arteriovenous fistula or if highly expected to need one in the near future after surgery. A contralateral arteriovenous fistula-internal thoracic artery combination is preferable. If this is not possible, a forearm arteriovenous fistula position should be preferred.

Hybrid strategies for stand-alone surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been reported as a major cause of cardiac morbidity and mortality, and significantly reduces the quality of life in symptomatic patients. Current guidelines recommend antiarrhythmic drugs and catheter ablation (CA) as first-line therapy. Despite CA showed to be associated with lower incidence of peri-procedural complications, rhythm outcomes are far from optimal. Indeed, patients undergoing CA frequently require multiple AF ablation procedures, especially in those with persistent and long-standing persistent AF. While surgical ablation can provide transmural lesions, surgical invasiveness has limited the widespread use of this approach due to the increased perioperative complications. The development of minimally invasive thoracoscopic approaches has renewed the interest towards surgical ablation, thus favoring more simplified ablation sets. Therefore, the concept of "hybrid" ablation has emerged in order to theoretically enhance advantages of both minimally invasive and CA procedures while seeking to improve rhythm outcomes and reduce invasiveness and incidence of perioperative complications. On one hand, it provides the effectiveness of a surgical ablation, on the other, electrical mapping during CA can identify and treat any ablation gap or provide additional ablation lines, thus improving the chance of a stable sinus rhythm restoration at long-term follow-up. Three main thoracoscopic strategies are currently available. All of them can be performed in conjunction with the "catheter ablation procedure": the "Fusion" technique, the bipolar clamp technique, and the most recent "convergent" technique. CA can be performed either simultaneously or with a staged approach after a blanking period in order to allow the ablation lesion to stabilize. Excellent results of the hybrid procedures have been reported in terms of rhythm outcomes and incidence of perioperative complications. This narrative review aims to discuss the rationale behind the concept of hybrid ablation for the treatment of AF regarding different available strategies, results and expert opinions.

Heart Transplantation Following Fontan Failure: Long-Term Survival Analysis.

Objectives: Fontan circulation presents significant challenges for patients with congenital heart disease, often necessitating heart transplantation (HTX) due to deteriorating functionality across multiple organ systems. However, the impact of prior Fontan palliation on HTX outcomes remains poorly understood, with early mortality rates suggesting a heightened risk. The aim of our study is to evaluate the long-term results after heart transplantation in patients with univentricular congenital heart disease previously palliated with Fontan circulation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent HTX for congenital heart disease. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the pre-HTX circulation pathway: the Failing Fontan Group (FFG) and the Biventricular Congenital Group (BCG). Data were collected from patients between 1987 and 2018. Early and late outcomes, including survival rates, were assessed and critically analyzed. Results: Of the 66 patients, 29 (43%) had a failing Fontan palliation (FFG), and 37 had biventricular congenital diseases (BCG) before heart transplantation. Early mortality (30-day) was not statistically different between the two group. The overall survival rate was 82.6 ± 13.9% at 1 year, 79.0 ± 14.9% at 5 years, 67.2 ± 17.6% at 10 years and 63.2 ± 18.2 ± at 15 years for the FFG, and 86.1 ±11.4% at 1 year, 79.5 ± 13.7% at 5 years, 75.7 ± 14.9% at 10 years, 75.7 ± 14.9% at 15 years for the BCG, with no statistically significant difference (Mantel Cox p value: 0.69, 0.89, 0.52 and 0.39, respectively). Regarding Cox-regression analysis, the long-term survival rate was not affected either by previous Fontan surgery or by the era of heart transplantation (before vs. after the year 2000). Conclusions: Although heart transplantation after Fontan palliation showed a higher risk in the early post-operative period, the medium- and long-term survival rates are comparable with biventricular circulation patients. Despite the failing Fontan patients being a challenging set of candidates for transplantation, it is a reasonable option in their treatment.