Outcome comparison of different approaches to aortic root aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of aortic root aneurysm remains challenging for both cardiac surgeons and cardiologists. AIMS: This study aimed to assess and compare the long-term outcomes of different approaches to aortic root replacement (ARR). METHODS: All elective patients operated for aortic root aneurysm with or without aortic regurgitation at our institution over a 10-year period were included. We excluded patients with any degree of aortic stenosis and with active endocarditis. We assessed mortality, freedom from reoperation, freedom from aortic valve regurgitation, and the rate of hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications. RESULTS: Two hundred and four patients underwent elective aortic root replacement: 107 (53%) valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR), 35 (17%) mechanical Bentall procedure (MB), and 62 (30%) Bio-Bentall procedure (BB). Early mortality for VSARR, BB, and MB group was 2.8%, 4.8%, and 0%, respectively (P = 0.40). Estimated 5-year survival was: 90.2% vs. 78.4% vs. 94.2%, respectively (P = 0.12), 5-year freedom from reoperation: 97.8%, 96.6%, and 96.8%, respectively (P = 0.99). Estimat-ed 5-year freedom from complications was: 94.2%, 83.1% and 57.3% in the VSARR, BB and MB group, respectively (P <0.001). On last follow-up echocardiography, 90.5%, 98.4%, and 97.1% (P = 0.08) of patients were free from aortic regurgitation grade 2 or higher. The median (IQR) aortic valve peak gradient was 9 (6-12) mm Hg, 12 (10-18) mm Hg and 16 (14-22) mm Hg, respectively (P <0.001). Complications were predicted by mechanical Bentall (hazard ratio, 6.70 [2.54-17.63]; P <0.001). CONCLUSION: With the same mortality, freedom from reoperation, and a minimal late complication rate in comparison with mechanical Bentall and Bio-Bentall, VSARR might be the preferred approach to aortic root aneurysm.

Open aortic arch surgery: 10 years' single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Open aortic arch surgery is a complex cardiac surgical procedure. AIM: We reviewed the 10-year outcomes of elective aortic arch aneurysm surgery in a single cardiac surgical center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis includes all patients who underwent elective aortic arch surgery at our institution between January 2010 and December 2020. The study population was divided into group A consisting of patients operated on during the first 5 years, and group B, including patients operated on during the subsequent 5 years. The groups were compared with regard to baseline characteristics, scope of the surgery, operative and postoperative data as well as morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Eighty-six elective aortic arch procedures were performed during the analyzed period, including 25 (29%) patients in group A and 61 (71%) patients in group B. The hemiarch procedure was more frequently performed in group A (17 patients, 68%) in comparison to group B (21 patients, 34%) (p = 0.008). Stroke was recorded in 6 (20%) patients from group A and 5 (8.2%) patients from group B (p = 0.002). Five-year survival was 60 ±9.8% for group A, and 81 ±6.2% for group B (log-rank test, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: After completion of the learning curve, open aortic arch surgery is associated with acceptable early mortality, low incidence of stroke, and a high 5-year survival rate.

The Role of Deep Hypothermia in Cardiac Surgery.

Hypothermia is defined as a decrease in body core temperature to below 35 °C. In cardiac surgery, four stages of hypothermia are distinguished: mild, moderate, deep, and profound. The organ protection offered by deep hypothermia (DH) enables safe circulatory arrest as a prerequisite to carrying out cardiac surgical intervention. In adult cardiac surgery, DH is mainly used in aortic arch surgery, surgical treatment of pulmonary embolism, and acute type-A aortic dissection interventions. In surgery treating congenital defects, DH is used to assist aortic arch reconstructions, hypoplastic left heart syndrome interventions, and for multi-stage treatment of infants with a single heart ventricle during the neonatal period. However, it should be noted that a safe duration of circulatory arrest in DH for the central nervous system is 30 to 40 min at most and should not be exceeded to prevent severe neurological adverse events. Personalized therapy for the patient and adequate blood temperature monitoring, glycemia, hematocrit, pH, and cerebral oxygenation is a prerequisite and indispensable part of DH.

Aortic Root Reconstruction with TachoSil Fibrin Sealant Patch in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

PURPOSE: We propose a novel technique for reconstruction of the dissected aortic root with the use of TachoSil fibrin sealant patch. METHODS: Patients with acute type A aortic dissection involving the aortic root were included. Appropriately prepared TachoSil fibrin sealant patch was placed between the dissected layers of the aortic root to achieve their durable fusion. Thus, the false lumen was eliminated, and the anatomical and functional structure of the aortic wall was restored. RESULTS: In all, 13 patients mean aged 57 ± 10.3 years underwent surgery for acute type A aortic dissection with the use of TachoSil fibrin sealant patch. All patients survived the surgery. The mean follow-up time was 30.8 ± 16.4 months. Follow-up computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans confirmed no aortic root dissection in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: This technique ensures durable restoration of the aortic wall structure, eliminates the secondary aortic valve regurgitation, and allows for the preservation of patients' native aortic valve.

Comparison of bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve repair.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) repair. METHODS: We assessed mortality, freedom from reoperation and the rate of aortic valve regurgitation recurrence. Mortality in both groups was compared with expected survival, and risk factors for reoperation were identified. RESULTS: From January 2010 to April 2020, a total of 368 elective aortic valve repair procedures were performed, including 223 (60.6%) in patients with TAV. The perioperative mortality was 0.7% in the BAV group and 3.6% in the TAV group (P = 0.079). Estimated survival at 5 years in the BAV versus TAV group was 97 ± 3% vs 80 ± 6%, respectively (P < 0.001). Freedom from reoperation at 5 years in the TAV versus BAV group was 96 ± 3% vs 93 ± 4%, respectively (P = 0.28). Grade 2 or more aortic valve regurgitation was noted in 9.9% of BAV patients and 11% of TAV patients (P = 0.66). Reoperation was predicted by cusp perforation [hazard ratio 15.86 (4.44-56.61); P < 0.001], the use of pericardial patch [hazard ratio 8.58 (1.96-37.53); P = 0.004] and aortic valve annulus diameter >27.5 mm [hazard ratio 3.07 (0.99-9.58); P = 0.053]. CONCLUSIONS: BAV repair is as durable as TAV repair. BAV is not a predictor of a higher rate of reoperations. BAV repair yields survival comparable to expected. Cusp perforation, aortic valve annulus diameter >27.5 mm and the use of pericardial patch adversely impact long-term outcome of aortic valve repair.

Permanent pacemaker implantation after cardiac surgery: Optimization of the decision making process.

BACKGROUND: Conduction disturbances necessitating permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation after cardiac surgery occur in 1% to 5% of patients. Previous studies have reported a low rate of late PPM dependency, but there is lack of evidence that it might be related to implantation timing. In this study, we sought to determine whether PPM implantation timing and specific conduction disturbances as indications for PPM implantation are associated with late pacemaker dependency and recovery of atrioventricular (AV) conduction. METHODS: Patients with a PPM implanted after cardiac surgery were followed in an outpatient clinic. Two outcomes were assessed: AV conduction recovery and PPM dependency, defined as the absence of intrinsic rhythm on sensing test in VVI mode at 40 bpm. RESULTS: Of 15,092 patients operated between September 2008 and March 2019, 185 (1.2%) underwent PPM implantation. One hundred seventy-seven of these patients met the criteria for inclusion into this study. Follow-up data were available in 145 patients (82%). Implantation was performed at ≤6 days after surgery in 58 patients (40%) and at >6 days after surgery in 87 patients (60%). The median time from implantation to last follow-up was 890 days (range, 416-1998 days). At follow-up, 81 (56%) patients were not PPM dependent. Multivariable analysis showed that PPM implantation at ≤6 days after surgery is a predictor of being not PPM dependent (odds ratio [OR], 5.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.43-12.04; P < .001) and of AV conduction recovery (OR, 4.96; 95% CI, 2.26-10.91; P < .001). Sinus node dysfunction as indication for PPM implantation was predictive of being not PPM dependent (OR, 6.59; 95% CI, 1.67-26.06; P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend implanting a PPM on postoperative day 7 to prevent unnecessary implantations and avoid prolonged hospitalization.

Aneurysm of the aortic root and valve­sparing aortic root replacement: long-term outcomes from a single Polish center.

BACKGROUND: Valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) techniques are an alternative to the classic Bentall procedure when aortic root aneurysm is not accompanied by aortic valve stenosis, and the regurgitant aortic valve is amenable to repair. AIMS: The aim of the study was to assess long -term outcomes of valve sparing aortic root replacement using the David technique and the Yacoub technique. METHODS: A total of 101 consecutive, elective VSARR procedures were performed from January 2010 to April 2020 including 52 David procedures (51.5%) and 49 Yacoub procedures (48.5%). We analyzed mortality, freedom from reoperation, and freedom from aortic valve regurgitation. The analysis was performed for the entire study cohort and for 2 subgroups: the David technique and the Yacoub technique. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age was 50.2 (16.1) years; 90 (89.1%) patients were male. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) EuroScore II was 3.7 (2.7‒5.8). At 1, 5, and 8 years after surgery, survival (SE) was 98% (3%), 91.8% (8%), and 91.8% (8%), respectively, whereas freedom from reoperation (SE) was 100%, 97% (3%), and 97% (3%), respectively. Follow­up echocardiography performed at a median (IQR) of 18.7 (2.5‒36.7) months postsurgery revealed freedom from aortic valve regurgitation in 90.8% of patients. No significant differences in mortality, freedom from reoperation, and freedom from aortic valve regurgitation were noted between the David and Yacoub subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: VSARR is a safe and effective surgical technique in patients with aortic root aneurysm, as the associated mortality, reoperation rate, and aortic valve regurgitation recurrence are low.

Quality of life in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting with bilateral internal thoracic artery versus single internal thoracic artery.

INTRODUCTION: The left internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending artery graft is recognized as the gold standard for coronary revascularization. We compared quality of life (QoL) in patients who received bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITA) and those with a single internal thoracic artery (SITA) graft. AIM: To assess QoL during a 10-year follow-up in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with BITA vs. SITA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We recruited 300 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease who underwent CABG from January 2005 to October 2010. Mean duration (standard deviation - SD) of follow-up was 3568 ±409 days. QoL was measured subjectively using a Likert scale and objectively by the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Patients were interviewed by telephone. RESULTS: BITA patients reported marked improvement and improvement more often than SITA patients (58% vs. 43.3%, p = 0.02). Marked deterioration was noted by 2% of BITA patients and 3.3% of SITA patients (p = 0.03). Summarized results of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire showed significantly better QoL in the BITA group (median: 15.0) vs. SITA group (median: 14.75) (p = 0.02). There were more angina-free patients in the BITA group (84%) compared to SITA patients (72.7%) (p = 0.006). QoL did not correlate with patients' body mass index (p = 0.10) or residence status (p = 0.51), but there was a weak negative correlation between QoL and patients' age (r = -0.14, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical coronary revascularization using BITA improves QoL, particularly when measured by a Likert scale.

Long-term outcomes of aortic valve repair in over 500 consecutive patients: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Over the last years, aortic valve repair has evolved from being a random and irreproducible procedure to a standardized technique yielding durable long­term results. AIMS: The aim of the study was to assess long­term outcomes of aortic valve repair and aortic valve sparing procedures. METHODS: We analyzed the outcomes of all consecutive patients who underwent aortic valve repair and/ or aortic valve sparing root replacement till the end of 2019. We assessed mortality, freedom from reoperation, and freedom from at least moderate aortic valve regurgitation. RESULTS: A total of 504 patients underwent aortic valve repair and/or aortic valve sparing root replacement over 17 years, including 452 (89.7%) elective and 52 (10.3%) emergency surgeries for acute type A aortic dissections. Median (interquartile range) age was 59 (35-66) years, 72.4% were male. Median follow­up time was 35 months. Estimated 5­year survival was 83%, and 10­year survival was 73%. In 452 patients after elective surgery, the estimated actuarial 5­year and 10­year survival was 86% and 75%, respectively. In patients after emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection, actuarial 5­year survival was 62%, and 10­year survival was 62%. Estimated 5- and 10­year freedom from reoperation was 96% and 87%, respectively. The comparison of both subgroups did not reveal differences (P = 0.42). Freedom from at least moderate aortic valve regurgitation was confirmed in 86.6% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic valve repair is a durable and effective surgical procedure associated with low early and late mortality. Aortic valve reconstruction in patients with acute type A aortic dissection yields good long­term results.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy combined with coronary artery bypass grafting in ischaemic heart failure patients: long-term results of the RESCUE study.

OBJECTIVES: Totally epicardial cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a novel treatment modality for patients with heart failure (HF) and systolic dyssynchrony undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In this study, we have prospectively evaluated the long-term outcomes of totally epicardial CRT. METHODS: Between September 2007 and June 2009, one hundred and seventy-eight patients were randomly assigned to the CABG alone group (n = 87) and CABG with concomitant epicardial CRT implantation (n = 91). The primary end-point of the study was all-cause mortality in the two groups between the day of surgery and 13 August 2013 (common closing date). The secondary outcomes included mode of death, adverse cardiac events and lead performance. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 55 ± 10.7 months. According to per-protocol analysis with treatment as a time-dependent variable to account for conversion from CABG to CABG + CRT, there were 24 deaths (35.8%) in the CABG group and 17 deaths (15.3%) in the CABG + CRT group. When compared with CABG alone, concomitant CRT was associated with reduced risk of both all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23-0.84, P = 0.012] and cardiac death (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.21-0.72, P = 0.002). Eleven (12.6%) sudden deaths were observed in the CABG group in comparison with 4 (4.4%) in the CABG + CRT group (P = 0.048). Hospital readmission was required for 9 (9.9%) patients in CABG + CRT group and for 25 (28.7%) patients in the CABG group (P = 0.001). There were 4 (1.5%) epicardial lead failures. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that the procedure of CABG and totally epicardial CRT system implantation is safe and significantly improves the survival of patients with HF and dyssynchrony during long-term follow-up. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT 00846001 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

A novel peritoneum derived vascular prosthesis formed on a latex catheter in an SDF-1 chemokine enriched environment: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Although saphenous vein grafts are widely used conduits for coronary artery bypass graft surgery, their clinical value remains limited due to high failure rates. The aim of the study was to evaluate feasibility, safety, and biocompatibility of peritoneal derived vascular grafts (PDVG) formed on a silicone-coated, latex, Foley catheter in a stromal cell-derived factor (SDF-1)- enriched environment. METHODS: Foley catheters were implanted into the parietal wall of 8 sheep. After 21 days the peritoneal cavity was re-opened and the newly formed tissue fragments were harvested. The animals were randomly assigned into: (1) study group in which conduits were incubated in a solution containing SDF-1, (2) control group without SDF-1 incubation. Left carotid arteries were accessed and "end-to-side" anastomoses were performed. Biological materials for histological examination were taken at 4, 7, 10, and 14 days. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The study proved safety, feasibility, and biocompatibility of PDVG formed on the basis of a silicone-coated, latex catheter in an SDF-1 chemokine-enriched environment. These biological grafts effectively integrated with the native high-pressure arterial environment in an ovine model and provided favorable vascular profile. The potential clinical value of this technology needs to be further elucidated in long-term preclinical and clinical studies.

Perioperative blood pressure variability in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: its magnitude and determinants.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the magnitude and determinants of perioperative blood pressure (BP) variability in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with the use of extracorporeal circulation (ECC). METHODS: Two hundred patients were enrolled, 41 women (21%) and 159 men (79%), aged 6 1± 8 years. A direct method of intraoperative BP measurement was used with a cannula placed in the radial artery, and BP was recorded at intervals of 5 min at three stages of the CABG: from cannula placement to the start of ECC, during ECC, and post-ECC until the transfer of patient to the postoperative room. BP variability was assessed using coefficient of variation (in percentage) for systolic, diastolic, mean, and pulse pressures. Impact of sex, age, and comorbidities was determined. RESULTS: Greater changes in BP during CABG were observed in diastolic BP (4/19%) than in systolic BP (11/15%) and the greatest BP variability was associated with pulse pressure (20/72%). The greatest variability of BP parameters was found during ECC (15/72%). Higher BP lability was found in women (13/83%), younger patients (11/78%), and those without diabetes (11/78%), hypertension (11/82%), or obesity (11/71%), and smoking habit increased the variability during CABG (11/89%). All trends were similar for all types of BP. CONCLUSION: Special attention in perioperative anesthetic management should be given not only to elder patients with many comorbid conditions, but also to younger and healthier participants because the latter are characterized by greater variations of BP during CABG.

Effect of gender on efficacy of preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump in high risk patients undergoing surgical coronary revascularisation.

BACKGROUND: There is no strong evidence supporting the use of preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This issue has only been investigated in small studies which analysed the general population of patients, without focusing on specific subgroups, including gender. AIM: We sought to determine if there is any benefit from preoperative IABP in high-risk patients undergoing CABG with the analysis of its determinants including gender. METHODS: We randomly assigned 502 high-risk patients (351 men, 151 women) to the group receiving preoperative IABP support or to the control group with no preoperative IABP. Primary end-point was a major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular event (MACCE), defined as death from any cause, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident or repeat revascularisation within 30 days post-surgery. RESULTS: A significant reduction of MACCE rate in patients with the preoperative IABP counterpulsation in comparison to controls was noticed in the total population of high risk patients (p=0.001) and in the female subgroup (p=0.005). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, the hazard ratio for MACCE was 0.7 (p=0.005) in the total population; 0.6 (p=0.01) for females and 0.8 (p=0.1) for males. CONCLUSIONS: There is a beneficial effect of preoperative IABP use in high-risk patients undergoing CABG, particularly in women and patients with co-morbidities (diabetes, obesity, and peripheral vascular disease).

Coronary artery bypass grafting with concomitant cardiac resynchronisation therapy in patients with ischaemic heart failure and left ventricular dyssynchrony.

OBJECTIVE: We have tested the hypothesis that epicardial implantation of cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) system during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may be an additional treatment method, which can decrease the mortality and improve left ventricle (LV) systolic function in patients with ischaemic heart failure (HF) and LV dyssynchrony. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-eight consecutive patients with severe ischaemic HF and LV dyssynchrony were enrolled in two groups: CABG alone (n=87) and epicardial CRT implantation during CABG (n=91). The primary end point of the study was the comparison of mortality between two groups at 18 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (26.1%) in the CABG group died at 18 months of follow-up compared with nine (10%) in CABG+CRT group (log-rank test, p=0.006). The Cox regression analysis revealed that LV dyssynchrony (hazard ratio (HR) 2.634 (1.206-5.751), p=0.015) was the independent predictor of all-cause death and HF hospitalisation. LV systolic function, dyssynchrony signs and quality of life did not change significantly post-CABG compared to pre-CABG data in CABG group patients. On the contrary, echocardiography revealed an improved LV ejection fraction (42±1.9 vs 28±2.7; p<0.001), smaller LV end-systolic volume (120±57.5 vs 164±61.4; p=0.04) and improved LV synchrony in the CABG+CRT group compared with the CABG group. In the CABG+CRT group, more patients improved by two NYHA classes (NYHA, New York Heart Association; 49 vs 0; p=0.028), had a longer 6-min-walk test distance (452±65 vs 289±72; p<0.001) and a better quality of life (22.9±5 vs 46.4±11; p<0.001) compared with the CABG group. CONCLUSION: For majority of the patients with ischaemic HF and evidence of LV dyssynchrony, CABG neither eliminates dyssynchrony nor improves systolic function. Epicardial implantation of a CRT system concomitant with CABG facilitates patient management in the early postoperative period, improves LV systolic function and quality of life and is associated with low mortality at 18 months of follow-up.

Comparison of thin-strut cobalt-chromium stents and stainless steel stents in a porcine model of neointimal hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: The high radial force and durability of cobalt-chromium alloy enable the construction of low-profile stents with thin struts, which improves their elasticity and may play a key role in reducing the incidence of neointimal hyperplasia as well as allow faster endothelialization. The aim of this study was to compare cobalt-chromium (CoCr) and stainless steel (SS) coronary stents in a pig model of neointimal hyperplasia. MATERIAL/METHODS: Eighteen stents were implanted into the coronary arteries of nine pigs. Control coronarography was performed 28 days after stent implantation. The animals were then sacrificed, their hearts explanted, and the coronary arteries isolated for further histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Quantitative coronary angiography and histomorphometric analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between the two groups of stents. However, there was a trend toward greater late lumen loss (p=0.09) and neointimal area in the CoCr stents (p=0.08). The qualitative histopathology of the CoCr stents revealed findings typical of bare metal stents reviewed in the literature and approved for use in clinical practice. No signs of stent thrombosis, necrosis, or fibrin deposits were observed nor signs of excessive inflammatory reaction. Endothelialization was complete within 28 days. CONCLUSIONS: Despite thinner struts, CoCr stents have no advantage over stainless steel stents in terms of neointimal hyperplasia inhibition. However, their positive safety results together with their high radial strength, low profile, and excellent elasticity can ensure their usage, especially in lesions of complex morphology.