Molecular hydrogen: prospective treatment strategy of kidney damage after cardiac surgery.

Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury is a common post-operative complication, mostly due to increasing oxidative stress. Recently, molecular hydrogen (H2 gas) has also been applied to cardiac surgery due to its ability to reduce oxidative stress. We evaluated the potential effect of H2 application on the kidney in an in vivo model of simulated heart transplantation. Pigs underwent cardiac surgery within 3 h while connected to extracorporeal circulation (ECC) and subsequent 60 min of spontaneous reperfusion of the heart. We used two experimental groups: T-pigs after transplantation and TH-pigs after transplantation treated with 4% H2 mixed with air during inhalation of anesthesia and throughout oxygenation of blood in ECC. The levels of creatinine, urea and phosphorus were measured in plasma. Renal tissue samples were analyzed by Western blot method for protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1), and superoxide dismutase (SOD1). After cardiac surgery, selected plasma biomarkers were elevated. However, H2 therapy was followed by the normalization of all these parameters. Our results suggest activation of Nrf2/Keap1 pathway as well as increased SOD1 protein expression in the group treated with H2. The administration of H2 had a protective effect on the kidneys of pigs after cardiac surgery, especially in terms of normalization of plasma biomarkers to control levels.

Successful support of biventricular heart failure in an adult patient by the Berlin Heart EXCOR system as a bridge to transplant: literature review.

Right heart failure is a huge challenge in left ventricular assist device therapy and its occurrence is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Other options include the use od temporary right ventricular assist device, use of two continous flow biventricular assist devices, use of total artificial heart and the use of paracorporeal biventricular assist devices.In this report we described the successful use of the paracorporeal pulsatile Berlin Heart EXCOR system as a bridge to transplant in a 62 years old patient with end-stage biventricular heart failure (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 22). Keywords: biventricular heart failure, mechanical circulatory support, biventricular assist device, Berlin Heart EXCOR system, heart transplantation.

Adult cardiac surgery report 2021: The annual report from the Registry of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Based on a longtime voluntary registry founded by the Ministry of Healthcare of the Slovak Republic in 2012 and endorsed by the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, well-defined data of all adult cardiac surgery procedures performed during the year 2021 are analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHOD: For this period, data on 947 procedures were submitted to the registry. RESULTS: The unadjusted in-hospital survival rate for the 352 isolated coronary artery bypass grafting procedures including urgent and emergency procedures (relationship on-/off pump 3.8 : 1) was 96.3 %. For 331 isolated heart valve procedures (33 transcatheter interventions), it was 95.5 %. Concerning ventricular assist devices, 19 implantations were registered. In 2021 the number of isolated heart transplantations was 16, which is a decrease by 38.5 % as compared to the previous year. CONCLUSION: These annually registered data are collected from voluntary public reporting and accumulate actual information on nearly all heart procedures carried out in the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases. These data capture advancements in heart medicine and represent the basis for quality management. In addition, the registry demonstrates that the provision of cardiac surgery in Slovakia is up to date, appropriate, and nationwide patient treatment is guaranteed all the time (Tab. 14, Fig. 2, Ref. 5). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: heart valve surgery, outcomes, coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic surgery, heart transplantation.

The efficiency of the preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the setting of postinfarction ventricular septal defect and how to optimize outcomes: A single center case series.

The mortality rate after the development of postinfarction ventricular septal defect remains high despite progress in pharmacologic therapy, invasive cardiology, and surgical techniques. We present a case series of six patients with preoperative venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to reparative surgical repair. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation allows to hemodynamically stabilize the patient, and safely delay the surgery. Delayed surgery might facilitate successful repair by allowing friable tissue to organize, strengthen, and become well-differentiated from surrounding healthy tissue; thus, definite repair can be performed safely. All patients were in cardiogenic shock and would otherwise require emergent cardiac surgery with associated risk. Three patients were discharged, with one hospital mortality of a patient who had a successful bridge to corrective surgery and died due to pulmonary artery rupture after a right ventricular assist device implantation. Two patients died before surgery while they were supported by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to vascular complications. We discuss strategies how to optimize the management and function of the venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to decrease the rate of adverse effects and optimize the outcomes of these patients.

Preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postinfarction ventricular septal defect: Case series of three patients with a literature review.

The mortality rate after the development of postinfarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) remains high, despite progress in pharmacologic therapy, invasive cardiology, and surgical techniques. We present three cases of preoperative venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to reparative surgical repair in patients with cardiogenic shock who would otherwise require emergent cardiac surgery with an associated risk. Two patients were discharged, whereas the third patient died due to pulmonary artery rupture after a right ventricular assist device implantation, despite the fact that he had a successful bridge to reparative surgery and VSD repair. Finally, a review of the current literature concerning the use of preoperative venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to reparative surgery is provided.

Reversible thrombotic mitral valve stenosis after transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR): Is life-long anticoagulation therapy necessary?

We describe a case of reversible thrombotic mitral valve stenosis following a valve-in-ring transcatheter mitral valve replacement. Life-long oral anticoagulation in patients who underwent transcatheter mitral valve replacement might be beneficial.

Transaortic approach for transcatheter aortic valve replacement with other concomitant cardiac procedures in high-risk patients.

INTRODUCTION: The transaortic (TAo) approach has been proposed as an alternative to the transapical approach and can be used in concomitant procedures. We use the TAo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with other simultaneous cardiac procedures in high-risk patients who needed surgical management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2013 and September 2015, nine consecutive high-risk patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AR) and combined tricuspid valve disease or coronary artery disease were treated with TAo TAVR and simultaneous tricuspid valve repair or coronary artery bypass grafting. RESULTS: Mean postoperative pressure gradient at discharge was 13.4 ± 3.2 mmHg and AR grade >2/4 was observed in one case (11.1%). New pacemaker implantation was required in one case (11.1%). Device success was achieved in 88.9% (n = 8), 30-day mortality was in 11.1% (n = 1), and intermediate mortality was in 33.3% (n = 3). CONCLUSION: TAo-TAVR approach offers definitive treatment to high-risk patients with coexisting complex cardiac lesions. Despite the relatively high 30-day and intermediate mortality, it is an option for selected high-risk patients.

Short-term mechanical circulatory support for severe primary graft dysfunction following orthotopic heart transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a devastating complication and the most common cause of early death following a heart transplant. The goal of this study was to report our experience of using mechanical circulatory support to manage severe PGD. METHODS: Following 208 heart transplants performed between January 2007 and May 2017, 14 (6.7%) patients presented with severe PGD. We provided haemodynamic support using the following approaches: a venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device, left ventricular assist device, right ventricular assist device and biventricular assist device. Primary complications included severe PGD, which resulted in hospital deaths and late survival. The mean follow-up was 3.7 ± 2.7 years. RESULTS: Fourteen (6.7%) heart transplant recipients presented with severe PGD. Seven patients received a venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device; 1 patient received a left ventricular assist device; 4 patients received a right ventricular assist device; and 2 patients received a biventricular assist device. Mean device support and explantation times were 4.7 ± 2 and 6.3 ± 2 days, respectively. Weaning with cardiac recovery was successful in 57.1% of the patients. The hospital mortality rate was 50%. Postoperative causes of morbidity included renal failure that necessitated dialysis in 28.5%, surgical re-exploration due to postoperative bleeding in 57.1%, pneumonia in 28.5%, sepsis in 14.2%, sternal wound infection in 14.2% and mediastinitis in 7.1% of the patients, respectively. There were no deaths following hospital discharge or later follow-up appointments. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical support devices such as venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation specifically offer a reliable therapeutic approach. Recognizing the relatively high number of deaths in-hospital, patients who have cardiac recovery and a successful hospital discharge can expect a favourable late outcome.

Iterative Learning of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement in Mitral Valve Annulus Calcification: Management and Prevention of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement Dislocation.

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement using balloon-expandable valves is an emerging technique for the treatment of patients with significant mitral regurgitation who have been judged to be inoperable owing to significant mitral valve annulus calcification. Although initial reports have been promising, there remains a lack of consensus as to how to plan for transcatheter mitral valve replacement deployment in terms of appropriateness, sizing, and positioning to mitigate the risks of valve displacement and paravalvular regurgitation. We describe two cases of transcatheter mitral valve replacement in patients with significant mitral valve annulus calcification. The first was complicated by valve displacement into the left atrium, which was successfully managed by surgical redeployment and fixation. The second case was thereafter performed successfully using iterative learning and the application of specific preprocedural planning techniques acquired from a root cause analysis of the first case. We describe our experience with both cases and the specific planning principles required to prevent transcatheter mitral valve replacement displacement in patients with mitral valve annulus calcification.