Safe Landing: Feasibility and Safety of Operating Room Extubation in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Valve Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to explore key safety outcomes after operating room (OR) extubation in minimally invasive cardiac valve surgery. DESIGN: Single-center retrospective chart review. SETTING: Academic medical center in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing valvular surgery via thoracotomy (November 2017-October 2022) at a single institution. INTERVENTIONS: The OR extubation protocol was implemented on August 20, 2020. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Delirium rates, reintubation rates, and intubation duration were compared before and after OR extubation protocol implementation. Logistic regression identified patient perioperative characteristics associated with unsuccessful OR extubation. Among 312 patients, 254 were extubated in the intensive care unit (ICU) and 58 in the OR. Preoperative demographics were comparable except for the Charlson Comorbidity Index (median: 2.0 ICU extubation v 1.5 OR extubation). Interrupted time series analysis showed no change in postoperative delirium post-OR extubation implementation, with a trend toward decreasing delirium (risk ratio = 0.37, CI: 0.13-1.10, p = 0.07). The postimplementation era also had a lower median intubation duration (8 hours v 13 hours, p < 0.001) without increasing reintubation rates (1.7% v 7.9%, p = 0.159). Increased bypass length (odds ratio = 0.99, CI: 0.98-0.99, p < 0.001), intraoperative morphine milligram equivalents (odds ratio = 0.99, CI: 0.99-1.0, p = 0.009), and preoperative Charlson Comorbidity Index above 3 (odds ratio = 0.42, CI: 0.19-0.95, p = 0.037) were associated with decreased odds of OR extubation. CONCLUSIONS: OR extubation was not associated with increased postoperative delirium or reintubation rates but did decrease intubation duration. Successful OR extubation relies upon the consideration of various patient perioperative characteristics.

Robotic Totally Endoscopic Off-Pump Unroofing of Myocardial Bridge: Early Experience and Midterm Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Myocardial bridging (MB) occurs when a coronary artery, commonly the left anterior descending (LAD), has an intramyocardial course. In symptomatic patients who fail medical therapy, surgical unroofing can provide symptomatic relief by improving coronary blood flow. We present a series of patients undergoing robotic totally endoscopic beating-heart MB unroofing. METHODS: There were 34 patients with an LAD-MB who failed medical therapy and underwent robotic totally endoscopic, off-pump unroofing between January 2017 and October 2023. Patients were evaluated by a multidisciplinary team and underwent provocative coronary angiography to confirm hemodynamic significance. We reviewed perioperative outcomes and contacted patients for midterm follow-up, including completion of a modified Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ). RESULTS: The mean age was 48 ± 8 years, and 56% were female patients. One patient had prior septal myectomy via sternotomy. All patients had significant dobutamine Pd/Pa reduction on preoperative coronary angiography. One patient had atrial fibrillation and underwent concomitant ablation with left atrial appendage ligation. The mean procedure time was 140 ± 69 min. All were completed totally endoscopically off-pump without intraoperative conversions. The mean MB length was 4.5 ± 1.4 cm, and the mean depth was 1.6 ± 0.9 cm. Of the patients, 76% were extubated in the operating room. The mean intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were 0.97 ± 0.58 and 1.73 ± 1.1 days, respectively. There were no mortalities or strokes. There was 1 postoperative take-back for bleeding. At midterm follow-up (19 ± 14 months), 28 patients completed the SAQ; 86% reported "much less angina" during activity compared with before surgery, and 93% reported taking no antianginal medication since surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In appropriate patients with hemodynamically significant LAD-MB who fail medical therapy, robotic beating-heart unroofing is possible with good outcomes. Further studies are warranted.

Renal Outcome in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Total Coronary Revascularization via Anterior Minithoracotomy Compared to Full Median Sternotomy Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Objective: Renal dysfunction and acute renal failure after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are among the main causes of increased mortality and morbidity. A sternum-sparing concept of minimally invasive total coronary revascularization via anterior minithoracotomy (TCRAT) was introduced with promising early and midterm outcomes in multivessel coronary artery disease. There are limited data regarding renal complications in patients undergoing the TCRAT technique. The present study analyzed renal outcomes in TCRAT compared to CABG via full median sternotomy (FS). Methods: We analyzed the records of 227 consecutive TCRAT patients (from September 2021 to June 2023) and 228 consecutive FS patients (from January 2017 to December 2018) who underwent nonemergent CABG. Following propensity score matching, preoperative baseline characteristics-including age, sex, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, left ventricular ejection fraction, EuroSCORE II, preoperative serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum urea, and pre-existing chronic renal insufficiency-were comparable between the TCRAT (n = 170) and the FS group (n = 170). The examined postoperative renal parameters and complications were serum creatinine, eGFR, and serum urea on the first postoperative day. Moreover, serum creatinine, eGFR and serum urea at the time of discharge, postoperative ARF, and hemodialysis were investigated. Additionally, the duration of operation, CPB time, aortic cross-clamp time, ICU and hospital stay, ECMO support, rethoracotomy and in-hospital mortality were analyzed. The parameters were compared between groups using a Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The duration of operation (332 ± 66 vs. 257 ± 61 min; p < 0.05), CPB time (161 ± 40 vs. 116 ± 38 min; p < 0.05), and aortic cross-clamp time (100 ± 31 vs. 76 ± 26; p < 0.05) were longer in the TCRAT group. ICU (1.8 ± 2.2 vs. 2.9 ± 3.6 days; p < 0.05) and hospital (10.4 ± 7.6 vs. 12.4 ± 7.5 days; p < 0.05) stays were shorter in the TCRAT group. There were no differences between groups with regard to the renal parameters examined. Conclusions: Despite a prolonged duration of operation, CPB time, and aortic cross-clamp time when using the TCRAT technique, no increase in renal complications were found. In addition, ICU and hospital stays in the TCRAT group were shorter compared to CABG via full median sternotomy.

Efficacy and Outcomes of Para-Annular Plication in Mitral Valve Repair via Right Mini-Thoracotomy.

PURPOSE: We aim to assess the efficacy and safety of left atrial plication (LAP), particularly para-annular plication, using a right mini-thoracotomy approach. METHODS: Among 90 mitral valve repair (MVr) procedures performed at our institution between 2016 and 2023, 16 left atrial plication cases for left atrial enlargement (diameter: >50 mm) were assessed; nine cases underwent median sternotomy (conventional) (Group C), and seven cases underwent minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) (Group M). The surgical protocol involved mitral valve repair via a right-sided left atrial approach, incorporating para-annular plication to suture the posterior wall. The mean follow-up duration was 3.3±2.4 years. RESULTS: Mortality within 30 days of surgery or during hospitalization did not occur. Postoperative complications included one case in each group that required reoperation for hemorrhage originating extraneously in the left atrium. Postoperative echocardiographic assessments revealed a comparable reduction in left atrial diameter (C/M: 80.3±7.0/80.7±14.6%; p=0.94), left atrial volume index (55.6±19.3/68.3±34.1%; p=0.36), and aorto-mitral angle (AMA) enlargement (113.8±7.3/107.5±12.2%; p=0.22). The three-year survival rate (88.9%/75.0%; p=0.33) was comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: The synergistic utilization of left atrial plication with para-annular plication via right mini-thoracotomy can enhance the postoperative outcomes of mitral valve repair.

Totally three-dimensional endoscopic mitral valve replacement in a patient with situs inversus totalis.

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) with dextrocardia is a rare congenital anomaly that poses a surgical challenge. This case report presents the first known case of a totally 3D endoscopic mitral valve replacement (MVR), which was performed in a 75-year-old woman with SIT and severe functional mitral regurgitation. Despite the anatomical complexity, the procedure was successfully completed using a simplified three-port system and a 3D endoscope by requiring careful preoperative planning and intraoperative adaptation to the mirrored anatomy of SIT. This case report demonstrates the feasibility and potential benefits of totally endoscopic MVR in patients withSIT.

Minimally invasive valve-sparing aortic root replacement via an upper mini-sternotomy in a young adult with Marfan syndrome.

We describe an upper mini-sternotomy for valve-sparing aortic root replacement in a teenager.

The Impact of Preoperative Combined Pectoserratus and/or Interpectoral Plane (Pectoralis Type II) Blocks on Opioid Consumption, Pain, and Overall Benefit of Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, and Triple-blinded Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Acute postoperative pain remains a major obstacle in minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). Evidence of the analgesic benefit of chest wall blocks is limited. This study was designed to assess the influence of combined pectoserratus plane block plus interpectoral plane block (PSPB + IPPB) on postoperative pain and the overall benefit of analgesia compared with placebo. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, triple-blinded study was conducted. SETTING: The setting was the operating room and intensive care unit of a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 60 patients undergoing elective right-lateral MICS were enrolled. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to preoperative PSPB + IPPB with 30 mL of ropivacaine 0.5% or saline. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary endpoint was total intravenous morphine milligram equivalents administered in the first 24 hours after extubation. Secondary endpoints included the Overall Benefit of Analgesia Score (OBAS) at 24 hours after extubation and repeated Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Values for intravenous morphine milligram equivalents administered in the first 24 hours after extubation were significantly lower (median [interquartile range]: 4.2 mg [2.1 - 7.9] v 8.3 mg [4.2 - 15.7], p = 0.025; mean difference: 6.7 mg [0.94 - 12 mg], p = 0.024, Cohen's d: 0.64 [0.09 - 1.2]). Moreover, OBAS at 24 hours and VAS after extubation were significantly lower (4.0 [3.0 - 6.0] v 7.0 [3.0 - 9.0], p = 0.043; 0.0 cm [0.0 - 2.0] v 1.5 cm [0.3 - 3.0], p = 0.030). VAS did not differ between groups at later points. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative PSPB + IPPB reduced 24-hour postextubation opioid consumption, pain at extubation, and OBAS. Given its low risk and expedient placement, it could be a helpful addition to MICS protocols. Future studies should evaluate these findings in multicenter settings and further elucidate the optimal timing of block placement.

Longitudinal valvotomy of anterior leaflet for endoscopic transmitral myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

Transmitral myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is compatible with minimally invasive surgery compared with traditional transaortic access. It has often been performed in conjunction with mitral valve replacement or temporary detachment of the anterior leaflet from its annulus. We present a novel approach: longitudinal incision at the midline of the anterior mitral leaflet for septal myectomy. The procedure is ideally conducted endoscopically or robotically through the right chest. Cardiopulmonary bypass is established in the usual manner. After cardioplegic arrest, the mitral valve is exposed, and the anterior mitral leaflet is incised longitudinally at the midline. Both parts of the leaflet are tentatively fixed to the atrial wall with sutures to keep them open. Using the look-up mode of a 30° scope, the right cusp of the aortic valve is observed. Myectomy is initiated close to the aortic annulus using the pure-cut mode of electrocautery and scissors, then extended apically as necessary. After myectomy, the anterior leaflet is reapproximated with interrupted sutures. This technique is simpler than the detachment of the anterior leaflet and does not require patch materials that could lead to durability issues for the reconstruction of the anterior leaflet.

Feasibility of deescalating postoperative care in enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery.

Introduction: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) prioritizes faster functional recovery after major surgery. An important aspect of postoperative ERAS is decreasing morbidity and immobility, which can result from prolonged critical care. Using current clinical data, our aim was to analyze whether a six-hour monitoring period after Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) might be sufficient to recognize major postoperative complications in a future Fast Track pathway. Additionally, we sought to investigate whether it could be possible to deescalate the setting of postoperative monitoring. Methods: 358 patients received MICS and were deemed suitable for an ERAS protocol between 01/2021 and 03/2023 at our institution. Of these, 297 patients could be successfully extubated on-table, were transferred to IMC or ICU in stable condition and therefore served as study cohort. Outcomes of interest were incidence and timing of Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE; death, myocardial infarction requiring revascularization, stroke), bleeding requiring reexploration and Fast Track-associated complications (reintubation and readmission to ICU). Results: Patients' median age was 63 years (IQR 55-70) and 65% were male. 189 (64%) patients received anterolateral mini-thoracotomy, primarily for mitral and/or tricuspid valve surgery (n = 177). 108 (36%) patients had partial upper sternotomy, primarily for aortic valve repair/replacement (n = 79) and aortic surgery (n = 17). 90% of patients were normotensive without need for vasopressors within 6 h postoperatively, 82% of patients were transferred to the general ward on postoperative day 1 (POD). Two (0.7%) MACE events occurred, as well as 4 (1.3%) postoperative bleeding events requiring reexploration. Of these complications, only one event occurred before transfer to the ward - all others took place on or after POD 1. There was one instance of reintubation and two of readmission to ICU. Conclusions: If MICS patients can be successfully extubated on-table and are hemodynamically stable, major postoperative complications were rare in our single-center experience and primarily occurred after transfer to the ward. Therefore, in well selected MICS patients with uncomplicated intraoperative course, monitoring for six hours, possibly outside of an ICU, followed by transfer to the ward appears to be a feasible theoretical concept without negative impact on patient safety.

Long-term outcomes of minimally invasive concomitant mitral and tricuspid valve surgery with surgical ablation.

OBJECTIVES: We compared the outcomes of a right mini-thoracotomy (RMT) versus those of a sternotomy for concomitant mitral and tricuspid valve surgery and surgical ablation. METHODS: We analysed patients who underwent concomitant mitral and tricuspid valve surgery and surgical ablation at a single institution (mean follow-up: 7 years) after propensity score matching. The primary and secondary outcomes were all-cause death, composite major adverse events (including stroke, reoperation, readmission, permanent pacemaker insertion) and recurrence of atrial fibrillation (A-fib). A subgroup analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 797 procedures (mean age: 61.6 years; RMT: 45.2%; female: 66.5%; mitral valve repair: 33.6%) were done; 267 pairs were matched. The 5- and 10-year overall survival in the matched cohort was 92.7% and 86.9% for the RMT group and 92.1% and 83.1% for the sternotomy group (P = 0.879). Significant differences were not observed in major adverse events (P = 0.273; hazard ratio: 0.76) and A-fib recurrence (P = 0.080; hazard ratio: 0.72). The RMT group had lower rates of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome (P = 0.019) and acute renal failure (P = 0.003). Atrial fibrillation high-risk factors (including long-standing A-fib, enlarged left atrium, old age) exhibited significant interactions (P for interaction = 0.002) with the approach regarding A-fib recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, an RMT exhibited no significant differences in long-term outcomes compared to a sternotomy, but it could remain a clinically reasonable option. Patients with a high risk of A-fib may have favourable ablation outcomes with a sternotomy.

Sternum-sparing multivessel coronary surgery as a routine procedure: Midterm results of total coronary revascularization via left anterior thoracotomy.

Objective: A sternum-sparing approach of minimally invasive total coronary revascularization via left anterior thoracotomy demonstrated promising early outcomes in unselected patients with coronary artery multivessel disease. Follow-up data are still missing. Methods: From November 2019 to September 2023, coronary artery bypass grafting via left anterior minithoracotomy on cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic cardiac arrest was performed as a routine procedure in 392 consecutive, nonemergency patients (345 men; 67.0 ± 9.9 years; range, 32-88 years). All patients had multivessel coronary artery disease (77.6% 3-vessel-disease, 22.4% 2-vessel-disease, and 32.9% left main stenosis). Patients at old age (older than a 80 years, 12.5%), with severe left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction <30%, 7.9%), diabetes mellitus (34.9%), massive obesity (body mass index > 35, 8.9%), and chronic lung disease (17.1%) were included. Mean European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II score was 2.9 ± 2.8. Mean midterm follow-up (100%) was 15.2 ± 10.7 months (range, 0.1-39.5 months). Results: Left internal thoracic artery (99.0%), radial artery (70.4%), and saphenous vein grafts (57.4%) were used, and 70.4% of patients received at least 2 arterial grafts. A total of 3.0 ± 0.8 anastomoses (range, 2-5 anastomoses) per patient were performed to revascularize the territories of left anterior descending (98.7%), circumflex (91.6%), and right coronary (70.9%) artery. Complete anatomical revascularization was achieved in 95.1%. At follow-up, all-cause-mortality, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and stroke was 3.1%, 1.5%, 5.4%, and 0.7%, respectively. Overall major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events rate was 8.7%. Conclusions: This is the first report of midterm follow-up after routine sternum-sparing total coronary revascularization via left anterior thoracotomy for multivessel coronary artery disease with a high rate of multiple arterial grafting and complete anatomical revascularization. Outcome was favorable and similar to that of contemporary conventional coronary artery bypass grafting.

Initial experience and favorable outcomes on cannulation strategies and surgical platform construction in fully video-assisted thoracoscopic cardiac surgery.

Background: Minimally invasive cardiac surgery offers numerous advantages that patients and surgeons desire. This surgical platform encompasses cannulation strategies for cardiopulmonary bypass, optimal surgical access points, and high-quality visualization techniques. Traditional peripheral cannulation methods, though convenient, possess inherent limitations and carry the potential for complications such as retrograde dissection, stroke, or neurologic sequelae. Conversely, central cannulation may be ideally suited to circumvent the disadvantages above. Fully video-assisted thoracoscopy cardiac surgery represents a state-of-the-art platform, offering surgeons an unparalleled surgical view. This analysis aimed to delineate the efficacy and safety of transthoracic central cannulation strategies and the surgical platform during fully video-assisted thoracoscopy cardiac surgery. Methods: Between October 2022 and February 2024, we identified a cohort of 85 consecutive patients with cardiopulmonary bypass undergoing fully video-assisted thoracoscopy cardiac surgery at our institutions. The patients' mean age was 41.09 ± 14.01 years, ranging from 18 to 75 years. The mean weight was 64.34 ± 10.59 kg (ranging from 49 to 103 kg). Congenital heart disease repair accounted for the highest proportion, with 43 cases (50.59%). Mitral valve surgery and left atrium Myxoma resections accounted for 29.41%. Specifically, this included 14 mitral valve repairs, five mitral valve replacements, and six left atrium myxoma resections. Aortic valve replacements constitute 20% of all cases. Results: A total of 85 adult patients underwent fully video-assisted thoracoscopy cardiac surgery. The average CPB time was 83.26 ± 28.26 min, while the aortic cross-clamp time averaged 51.87 ± 23.91 min. The total operation time (skin to skin) averaged 173.8 ± 37.08 min. The mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 5.58 ± 3.43 h, ICU stay was 20.04 ± 2.83 h (ranging from 15.5 to 34 h), and postoperative hospital stay was 5.55 ± 0.87 days. No patients required conversion to thoracotomy and unplanned reoperations due to various reasons. There were no in-hospital deaths, strokes, myocardial infarctions, aortic dissections, or renal failure. No patient developed wound soft tissue infection. Conclusions: Fully video-assisted thoracoscopy cardiac surgery utilizing central cannulation strategies is a reliable, cost-effective platform with a low risk of complications and a potential solution for patients facing contraindications for peripheral cannulation.

Case Report: Persistent residual shunt after a first percutaneous PFO closure followed by minimally invasive surgical failure: third time is a charm.

Background: Even though the optimal management of a moderate or large residual shunt following patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is open to question, recent data confirmed that it is associated with an increased risk of stroke recurrence. Case summary: A 48-year-old woman, a migraineur with visual aura, was diagnosed with a PFO associated with a huge multifenestrated atrial septal aneurysm (mfASA) and a moderate right-to-left shunt, detectable only after a Valsalva maneuver on contrast-transthoracic echocardiography. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a 1-mm silent white matter lesion in the right frontal lobe. Although the indication was not supported by guidelines, a transcatheter PFO closure was performed at another center with implantation of a large, equally sized, double-disc device (Figulla UNI 33/33 mm). At 6-month follow-up, a 2D/3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) color Doppler showed incorrect orientation of the device, which was not parallel to the interatrial septum, with two discs failing to capture the aortic muscular rim and partially protruding in the right atrium; furthermore, a 4 mm × 7 mm ASA fenestration was documented with a residual bidirectional shunt. Thereafter, the same team performed a minimally invasive cardiac surgery under femoro-femoral cardiopulmonary bypass; however, the procedure proved ineffective and was complicated by postoperative pericarditis with pericardial effusion, requiring further rehospitalization 1 month later due to persistent pericarditis, bilateral pleuritis, phrenic nerve palsy, and atrial flutter, which was treated with amiodarone. The patient asked for a second opinion, and our multidisciplinary heart team decided to offer a percutaneous redo intervention. An uneventful implantation of a regular PFO occluder (Figulla Flex II 16/18 mm) across the septal defect was performed successfully. Twelve-month follow-up with 2D TTE color Doppler and contrast transcranial Doppler showed correct position and good interaction between the two devices, with no residual shunt. Discussion: In addition to the incorrect indication for PFO closure and the failure of minimally invasive surgery, the procedural mishap in this case could have been due to the inappropriate implantation of the first large device within the tunnel. It would have been better to deploy the same large device in the most central fenestration, covering the PFO and a greater part of the remaining mfASA at the same time.

Different approach, similar outcomes: the impact of surgical access routes in minimally invasive cardiac surgery on enhanced recovery after surgery.

Objectives: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a growing phenomenon in all surgical disciplines and aims to achieve a faster functional recovery after major operations. Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) therefore integrates well into core ERAS values. Surgical access routes in MICS include right anterolateral mini-thoracotomy (MT) as well as partial upper mini-sternotomy (PS). We seek to compare outcomes in these two cohorts, both of which were enrolled in an ERAS scheme. Methods: 358 consecutive patients underwent MICS and perioperative ERAS at our institution between 01/2021 and 03/2023. Patients age >80 years, with BMI > 35 kg/m², LVEF ≤ 35%, endocarditis or stroke with residuum were excluded. Retrospective cohort analysis and statistical testing was performed on the remaining 291 patients. The primary endpoint was successful ERAS, secondary endpoints were the occurrence of major bleeding, ERAS-associated complications (reintubation, return to ICU) as well as access-related complications (wound infection, pleural and pericardial effusions). Results: 170 (59%) patients received MT for mitral and/or tricuspid valve surgery (n = 162), closure of atrial septal defect (n = 4) or resection of left atrial tumor (n = 4). The remaining 121 (41%) patients had PS for aortic valve repair/replacement (n = 83) or aortic root/ascending surgery (n = 22) or both (n = 16). MT patients' median age was 63 years (IQR 56-71) and 65% were male, PS patients' median age was 63 years (IQR 51-69) and 74% were male. 251 (MT 88%, PS 83%, p = 0.73) patients passed through the ERAS program successfully. There were three instances of reintubation (2 MT, 1 PS), and three instances of readmission to ICU (2 MT, 1 PS). Bleeding requiring reexploration occurred six times (3 MT, 3 PS). There was one death (PS), one stroke (MT), and one myocardial infarction requiring revascularization (MT). There were no significant differences in any of the post-operative outcomes recorded, except for the incidence of pericardial effusions (MT 0%, PS 3%, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Despite different surgical access routes and underlying pathologies, results in both the MT and the PS cohort were generally comparable for the recorded outcomes. ERAS remains safe and feasible in these patient groups.

Robot-Assisted MIDCAB Using Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery: A Propensity Score-Matched Study With OPCAB Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Robot-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (RA-MIDCAB) is an attractive strategy for coronary revascularization. Growing evidence supports the use of total arterial grafting in coronary surgery. We evaluated total arterial left-sided coronary revascularization with bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) using RA-MIDCAB and compared it with a propensity score-matched (PSM) off-pump CAB (OPCAB) surgery population. METHODS: We retrospectively included all isolated OPCAB and RA-MIDCAB surgery using BITA without saphenous vein graft from January 1, 2015, to October 31, 2022. We analyzed all our RA-MIDCAB patients and performed PSM to compare them with our OPCAB population. Primary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and mortality. Secondary outcomes were surgical parameters, length of hospital stay, and learning curve. RESULTS: We included 601 OPCAB and 77 RA-MIDCAB procedures, which resulted in 2 cohorts of 54 patients after PSM. Mortality and MACCE survival analysis showed no significant difference. There was less blood transfusion in the RA-MIDCAB (16.7%) compared with the OPCAB group (38.9%; P = 0.02). We observed fewer intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (24.1% vs 96.6%), shorter ICU stay (0.78 ± 1.7 vs 1.91 ± 1.01 days), and shorter hospital stay (6.78 ± 2.4 vs 8.01 ± 2.5 days) in the RA-MIDCAB versus OPCAB group (P < 0.01). Surgery time decreased from 400.0 ± 70.8 to 325.0 ± 38.0 min with more experience in RA-MIDCAB BITA harvesting (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This is a first publication of 77 consecutive RA-MIDCAB BITA harvesting for left coronary artery system revascularization. This technique is safe in terms of MACCE and mortality. Additional advantages are shorter length of hospital stay, fewer ICU admissions, and less blood transfusion.

Anesthesia for Minimal Invasive Cardiac Surgery: The Bonn Heart Center Protocol.

The development and adoption of minimally invasive techniques has revolutionized various surgical disciplines and has also been introduced into cardiac surgery, offering patients less invasive options with reduced trauma and faster recovery time compared to traditional open-heart procedures with sternotomy. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the anesthesiologic management for minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS), focusing on preoperative assessment, intraoperative anesthesia techniques, and postoperative care protocols. Anesthesia induction and airway management strategies are tailored to each patient's needs, with meticulous attention to maintaining hemodynamic stability and ensuring adequate ventilation. Intraoperative monitoring, including transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), processed EEG monitoring, and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), facilitates real-time assessment of cardiac and cerebral perfusion, as well as function, optimizing patient safety and improving outcomes. The peripheral cannulation techniques for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) initiation are described, highlighting the importance of cannula placement to minimize tissue as well as vessel trauma and optimize perfusion. This article also discusses specific MICS procedures, detailing anesthetic considerations and surgical techniques. The perioperative care of patients undergoing MICS requires a multidisciplinary approach including surgeons, perfusionists, and anesthesiologists adhering to standardized treatment protocols and pathways. By leveraging advanced monitoring techniques and tailored anesthetic protocols, clinicians can optimize patient outcomes and promote early extubation and enhanced recovery.

Reliability of EuroSCORE II on Prediction of Thirty-Day Mortality and Long-Term Results in Patients Treated with Sutureless Valves.

Background: EuroSCORE II (ES2) is a reliable tool for preoperative cardiac surgery mortality risk prediction; however, a patient's age, a surgical procedure's weight and the new devices available may cause its accuracy to drift. We sought to investigate ES2 performance related to the surgical risk and late mortality estimation in patients who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) with sutureless valves. Methods: Between 2012 and 2021, a total of 1126 patients with isolated aortic stenosis who underwent surgical AVR by means of sutureless valves were retrospectively collected from six European centers. Patients were stratified into three groups according to the EuroSCORE II risk classes (ES2 < 4%, ES2 4-8% and ES2 > 8%). The accuracy of ES2 in estimating mortality risk was assessed using the standardized mortality ratio (O/E ratio), ROC curves (AUC) and Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) test for goodness-of-fit. Results: The overall observed mortality was 3.0% (predicted mortality ES2: 5.39%) with an observed/expected (O/E) ratio of 0.64 (confidential interval (CI): 0.49-0.89). In our population, ES2 showed a moderate discriminating power (AUC 0.65, 95%CI 0.56-0.72, p < 0.001; HL p = 0.798). Good accuracy was found in patients with ES2 < 4% (O/E ratio 0.54, 95%CI 0.23-1.20, AUC 0.75, p < 0.001, HL p = 0.999) and for patients with an age < 75 years (O/E ratio 0.98, 95%CI 0.45-1.96, AUC 0.76, p = 0.004, HL p = 0.762). Moderate discrimination was observed for ES2 in the estimation of long-term risk of mortality (AUC 0.64, 95%CI: 0.60-0.68, p < 0.001). Conclusions: EuroSCORE II showed good accuracy in patients with an age < 75 years and patients with ES2 < 4%, while overestimating risk in the other subgroups. A recalibration of the model should be taken into account based on the complexity of actual patients and impact of new technologies.

Clipless internal mammary artery harvesting for minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting using the shear-tip harmonic scalpel.

Background: The internal mammary artery (IMA) is the most commonly used graft in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) because of its superior long-term patency rate. However, its small diameter poses challenges in handling, and any vascular damage that may occur during harvesting can significantly affect surgical outcomes. The primary focus during IMA harvesting is to ensure safe and effective hemostasis without direct vascular injury, while ensuring secure and reliable ligation of the vascular branches. Various methods using multiple surgical instruments have been used for this purpose. Unlike traditional instruments, the shear-tip Harmonic scalpel offers more precise vessel branching control, while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. In this study, we assessed the utility of the shear-tip Harmonic scalpel in patients undergoing minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICABG). Methods: From April 2019 to May 2023, a total of 40 patients underwent MICABG. The IMA was harvested using the shear-tip Harmonic scalpel with a clipless skeletonized technique. In this cohort, 5 patients underwent complete endoscopic harvesting, while 34 patients underwent direct visualization harvesting through minimal thoracotomy. Graft patency was assessed by measuring a Doppler flowmeter in the bypass conduit. Results: Successful graft patency was achieved in all patients. The mean duration of IMA harvesting was 87 min. In total, 38 of the 40 patients underwent MICABG without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass, ensuring a stable procedure. There were no graft-related events or complications observed in any of the patients, and all were discharged without any issues. During a median follow-up period of 15.2 months, only one patient experienced graft occlusion necessitating intervention. Conclusions: The utilization of shear-tip Harmonic scalpel for IMA harvesting in MICABG is feasible and yields stable early results.

Multimodality Cardiovascular Imaging for Totally Video-Guided Thorascopic Cardiac Surgery.

Totally video-guided thorascopic cardiac surgery (TVTCS) represents one of the most minimally invasive access routes to the heart. Its feasibility and safety can be guaranteed by an experienced surgeon with skilled operative techniques under the guidance of a video signal via thoracoscopy and the imaging from transesophageal echocardiography. At present, this surgical approach has been applied for atrioventricular valve disease, atrial septum defects plus and partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, cardiac tumors, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, aortic valve disease, and atrial fibrillation. Multimodality cardiovascular imaging, including echocardiography, X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cardiac catheterization, provides morphologic characteristics and function status of the cardiovascular system and a comprehensive view of the target anatomy. In this review, the benefits of multimodality cardiovascular imaging are summarized for the clinical practice of TVTCS, including the preoperative preparation, intraoperative guidance and postoperative supervision. The disease categories are also individually reviewed on the basis of multimodality cardiovascular imaging, to ensure the feasibility and safety for TVTCS. Cardiovascular imaging technologies not only confirm who is a candidate for this surgical technique, but also provide technical support during the procedure and for postop follow to assess the clinical outcomes. Multimodality cardiovascular imaging is instrumental to provide the requirements to solve the problems for conduction of TVTCS; and to provide individualized protocols with high-resolution and real-time dynamic imaging fusion.

Minimally Invasive Approach versus Sternotomy for Cardiac Surgery in Jehovah's Witness Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) compared with the sternotomy approach for Jehovah's Witness (JW) patients who cannot receive blood transfusions DESIGN: This was a retrospective observational study. SETTING: The study was conducted at a specialized cardiovascular intervention and surgery institute. PARTICIPANTS: The study cohort comprised JW patients undergoing cardiac surgery between September 2016 and July 2022. INTERVENTIONS: None MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients (n = 63) were divided into MICS (n = 19) and sternotomy (n = 44) groups, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. There was no difference in types of operation except coronary bypass grafting (n = 1 [5.3%] in the MICS group v n = 20 [45.5%] in the sternotomy group; p = 0.005). There were no between-group differences in early mortality and morbidities. Overall survival did not differ significantly during the follow-up period (mean, 43.9 ± 24.4 months). The amount of chest tube drainage was significantly lower in the MICS group on the first postoperative day (mean, 224.0 ± 122.7 mL v 334.0 ± 187.0 mL in the sternotomy group; p = 0.022). The mean hemoglobin level was significantly higher in the MICS group on the day of operation (11.7 ± 1.3 mg/dL v 10.6 ± 2.0 mg/dL in the sternotomy group; p = 0.042) and the first postoperative day (12.3 ± 1.8 mg/dL v 11.2 ± 1.9 mg/dL; p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: MICS for JW patients showed favorable early outcomes and mid-term survival compared to conventional sternotomy. MICS may be a viable option for JW patients who decline blood transfusions.