Predictors of early mortality after lung transplantation for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Lung transplantation remains an important therapeutic option for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), yet short-term survival is the poorest among the major diagnostic categories. We sought to develop a prediction model for 90-day mortality using the United Network for Organ Sharing database for adults with IPAH transplanted between 2005 and 2021. Variables with a p value ≤ 0.1 on univariate testing were included in multivariable analysis to derive the best subset model. The cohort comprised 693 subjects, of whom 71 died (10.2%) within 90 days of transplant. Significant independent predictors of early mortality were: extracorporeal circulatory support and/or mechanical ventilation at transplant (OR: 3; CI: 1.4-5), pulmonary artery diastolic pressure (OR: 1.3 per 10 mmHg; CI: 1.07-1.56), forced expiratory volume in the first second percent predicted (OR: 0.8 per 10%; CI: 0.7-0.94), recipient total bilirubin >2 mg/dL (OR: 3; CI: 1.4-7.2) and ischemic time >6 h (OR: 1.7, CI: 1.01-2.86). The predictive model was able to distinguish 25% of the cohort with a mortality of ≥20% from 49% with a mortality of ≤5%. We conclude that recipient variables associated with increasing severity of pulmonary vascular disease, including pretransplant advanced life support, and prolonged ischemic time are important risk factors for 90-day mortality after lung transplant for IPAH.

Increasing Adoption of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion in Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

BACKGROUND: Recent randomized trial data showed fewer strokes with left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) after cardiac surgery in patients with atrial fibrillation. This study developed a quality initiative to increase LAAO adoption. METHODS: Among 11,099 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) between January 2019 and March 2021 at 33 hospitals in Michigan, those patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent first-time, on-pump CABG were eligible (n = 1241). A goal LAAO rate of 75% was selected as a quality improvement target through a statewide collaborative. An interrupted time series analysis evaluated the change in LAAO rate before implementation (January to December 2019) vs after implementation (January 2020 to March 2021). RESULTS: Implementation of the quality metric improved the LAAO rate from 61% (357 of 581) before implementation to 79% (520 of 660) after implementation (P < .001). Compared with patients who did not undergo concomitant LAAO, patients who underwent LAAO (71%; 877 of 1241) were older, more frequently male, and had a lower The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality score (2.9% ± 3.5% vs 3.7% ± 5.7%; P = .003), whereas other baseline characteristics, including CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke or transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, age 65-74 years, female sex category) scores, were similar. Mean bypass and cross-clamp times were 7 and 6 minutes longer, respectively, in the LAAO group among patients who did not undergo concomitant ablation. Operative mortality, major morbidity, blood product administration, and thromboembolic events were similar between the groups. Interrupted time series analysis showed a significant increase in LAAO rate after implementation (P = .009). CONCLUSIONS: LAAO in patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent isolated CABG did not add operative risk vs isolated CABG without LAAO. A statewide quality improvement initiative was successful in increasing the rate of concomitant LAAO and could be further evaluated as a potential quality metric in cardiac surgery.

Pulmonary, circulatory and renal considerations in the early postoperative management of the lung transplant recipient.

Lung transplantation volumes and survival rates continue to increase worldwide. Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are common early postoperative complications that significantly affect short-term mortality and long-term outcomes. These conditions share overlapping risk factors and are driven, in part, by circulatory derangements. The prevalence of severe PGD is up to 20% and is the leading cause of early death. Patients with pulmonary hypertension are at a higher risk. Prevention and management are based on principles learned from acute lung injury of other causes. Targeting the lowest effective cardiac filling pressure will reduce alveolar edema formation in the setting of increased pulmonary capillary permeability. AKI is reported in up to one-half of lung transplant recipients and is strongly associated with one-year mortality as well as long-term chronic kidney disease. Optimization of renal perfusion is critical to reduce the incidence and severity of AKI. In this review, we highlight key early post-transplant pulmonary, circulatory, and renal perturbations and our center's management approach.

Differential Transcriptomic Signatures of Small Airway Cell Cultures Derived from IPF and COVID-19-Induced Exacerbation of Interstitial Lung Disease.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a pathological condition wherein lung injury precipitates the deposition of scar tissue, ultimately leading to a decline in pulmonary function. Existing research indicates a notable exacerbation in the clinical prognosis of IPF patients following infection with COVID-19. This investigation employed bulk RNA-sequencing methodologies to describe the transcriptomic profiles of small airway cell cultures derived from IPF and post-COVID fibrosis patients. Differential gene expression analysis unveiled heightened activation of pathways associated with microtubule assembly and interferon signaling in IPF cell cultures. Conversely, post-COVID fibrosis cell cultures exhibited distinctive characteristics, including the upregulation of pathways linked to extracellular matrix remodeling, immune system response, and TGF-ß1 signaling. Notably, BMP signaling levels were elevated in cell cultures derived from IPF patients compared to non-IPF control and post-COVID fibrosis samples. These findings underscore the molecular distinctions between IPF and post-COVID fibrosis, particularly in the context of signaling pathways associated with each condition. A better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms holds the promise of identifying potential therapeutic targets for future interventions in these diseases.

Long-term outcomes of etiology specific annuloplasty ring repair of ischemic mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Reductive annuloplasty repair of ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is associated with high rates of recurrent MR, which may be improved with etiology-specific annuloplasty rings. METHODS: From October 2005 to May 2015, 128 consecutive patients underwent repair of IMR with the GeoForm ring. Clinical data was extracted from our local Society of Thoracic Surgeons database and electronic medical records. Mortality data was obtained from the Michigan State Social Security Death Index. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 65±11 years with mean pre-op left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30%±10% and MR grade of 3.1±0.9 (0-4+). Thirty-day mortality was 4.7%, rate of renal failure 7.9%, rate of atrial fibrillation 27.3%, and no strokes were observed. Of the surviving patients, 89% (109/122) had a follow-up echocardiogram beyond 1 month with a mean echocardiographic follow-up of 59±39 months. LVEF improved from 30%±10% to 38%±14%, P<0.001) while end-diastolic (5.9±0.0 to 5.3±0.9 cm, P<0.001) and end-systolic (5.0±1.0 to 4.4±1.1 cm, P<0.001) left ventricular (LV) diameters decreased, as compared to pre-operative values. Seven patients were found to have recurrent moderate or greater IMR in follow-up to 10 years with three being due to ring dehiscence. One-, 5-, and 10-year freedom from recurrent moderate or severe IMR was 98%, 94%, and 80% respectively. One-, 5-, and 10-year survival was 91%, 77%, and 44%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, etiology-specific ring repair of IMR was associated with low rates of recurrent MR on long-term follow-up, coupled with significant LV reverse remodeling and improvement in ejection fraction.

Aortic Valve Replacement in the Moderately Elevated Risk Patient: A Population-Based Analysis of Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: As transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) therapy transitions from inoperable or high-risk patients to those considered moderate risk, a contemporary evaluation of AVR in this latter group is warranted. METHODS: Using the Michigan Cardiothoracic Surgical Quality Collaborative Database, we analyzed outcomes and identified predictors of a composite end point (30-day death, stroke, and dialysis) for 2,979 patients (2007 to 2015) undergoing AVR (n = 1,196) or AVR and coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 1,783) with a preoperative The Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality (PROM) of 4% to 8% (mean, 5.5%; interquartile range, 4.5% to 6.3%). RESULTS: The 30-day mortality was 3.9%. Independent predictors of death included stage 4 chronic kidney disease and the presence of pulmonary hypertension (both p < 0.05), but not year of procedure, despite a significant trend in decreased PROM during the study period (p = 0.003). Morbidity included stroke in 2.3%, and renal failure, defined as Acute Kidney Injury Network stage 1 to 3, in 43.7%, although only 5.4% required dialysis. Prolonged ventilator support was required by 21.0%. After a mean length of stay of 10 days (interquartile range 6 to 11 days), 36.4% were discharged to extended care facilities. Independent predictors of the composite outcome included the Society of Thoracic Surgeons PROM (p < 0.001 for trend) and pulmonary hypertension (p < 0.001). Compared with those presenting with pure aortic stenosis, mixed aortic stenosis and aortic insufficiency was independently protective of the composite outcome (odds ratio, 0.58; p < 0.001), whereas pure aortic insufficiency was not (odds ratio, 0.87; p = 0.58). The composite end point frequency was not significantly different in the 17 hospitals developing TAVR programs (TAVR 9.6% vs non-TAVR 9.6%, p = 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: This population-based contemporary assessment suggests moderate-risk patients undergoing AVR experience favorable outcomes. Although increasing PROM is important in preoperative evaluation of risk, preexisting pulmonary hypertension and indication for operation are among other factors that should be considered as TAVR expands into this group of patients.

Aortic valve replacement in octogenarians with prior cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been advocated for very elderly patients with aortic stenosis, and prior cardiac surgery as a less invasive treatment option. Although surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) is safe and effective in selected elderly patients, the perioperative and mid-term outcomes of AVR in very elderly with prior cardiac surgery are unknown. METHODS: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Database at our center enrolled 3,735 patients after AVR since 1997. In this time interval, we identified 61 patients 80 years and older who underwent AVR for severe AS or failed aortic bioprosthesis after having prior cardiac surgery. All clinical parameters were derived from the STS database. Follow-up mortality was assessed using the Social Security Death Index. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 83 ± 2 years, 77% were male, and 75% underwent an isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) as their first cardiac procedure. The mean ejection fraction was 0.53 ± 0.13. The CABG was performed concurrently in 49% of patients at the time of redo sternotomy and AVR. Stented bioprosthesis was implanted in 61% of patients and stentless in 39%. Perioperative mortality was 1.6% (1 of 61). One, 3, 5, and 7 year survival rates were 85%, 69%, 63%, and 43%, respectively. Patients with AVR only had similar survival to patients who underwent concomitant AVR and CABG. Type of aortic prosthesis did not influence postoperative survival. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients over the age of 80 with history of prior cardiac surgery, AVR can be performed safely with very good mid-term outcomes. Age alone should not be exclusion criteria for surgical AVR in octogenarians with prior cardiac surgery.

Five-year real world outcomes of GeoForm ring implantation in patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Reductive ring annuloplasty represents the current standard surgical therapy for ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR); however, the clinical results have been suboptimal. Etiology-specific prostheses such as the GeoForm annuloplasty ring have been designed to better address the annular and subvalvular perturbations associated with IMR. However, clinical experience is limited, and mid-term results are lacking. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical outcomes of 86 patients who had undergone implantation of a GeoForm ring at our center from 2005 to 2011. Perioperative mortality and clinical parameters were derived from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons database. Follow-up survival was assessed using the Social Security Death Index. Surviving patients were interviewed by telephone for valve-specific follow-up data and to complete the Medical Outcomes Study, short-form, 36-item, quality-of-life questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean grade of IMR preoperatively was 3.1±0.8 (range, 1-4+), 0.2±0.4 in the immediate postoperative period, and 0.7±0.7 at the last mean follow-up point of 41 months; only 2 patients developed ≥2+IMR during the follow-up period, for a 5-year freedom from recurrent 2+ IMR of 86%. The mean left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters decreased from before to after surgery from 6.0±0.0 cm to 5.3±09 cm and 5.0±0.9 cm to 4.3±1.1 cm, respectively (P<.001). Perioperative mortality was 5.8% (5 of 86), and 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival was 87%, 81%, and 75%, respectively. At the last follow-up point, 80% of patients were in New York Heart Association class I and II, and their quality of life was equal to, or better than, age-matched controls from the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of the GeoForm ring offers very good control of IMR, with low rate of recurrent IMR at mid-term follow-up. The use of this prosthesis was associated with good perioperative mortality, mid-term survival, and quality of life.

Stentless root bioprosthesis for repair of acute type A aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE: The superior hemodynamics and excellent long-term clinical performance of stentless xenografts are well described. However, the early and midterm clinical outcomes of stentless valves in patients with acute type A dissection are widely unknown. The current study evaluated the early and midterm clinical outcomes of stentless bioprosthesis for repair of acute type A aortic dissection. METHODS: Between May 2005 and December 2009, 24 of 80 patients underwent root replacement using the Medtronic Freestyle xenograft (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, Minn) at the Meijer Heart Center. Prospective data collection was used for retrospective review. Univariate comparisons of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were performed between patients who underwent stentless root bioprosthesis for the correction of acute type A aortic dissection (n = 24). RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 57 years, with 15 patients aged less than 65 years. Axillary and femoral artery cannulation were used in 16 patients (67%) and 7 patients (29%), respectively. Median crossclamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 198 minutes (92-480 minutes) and 288 minutes (109-588 minutes), respectively. Median circulatory arrest time was 28 minutes (24-50 minutes). Operative mortality rate was 25%. Actuarial 5-year survival was 62.5%. No patients required redo aortic root replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Stentless valve implantation can be accomplished with satisfactory early and midterm clinical outcomes and is a valuable option in patients with acute aortic dissection who require root replacement.

Differences in clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of intraoperative versus spontaneous acute type A aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: The clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients who had intraoperative aortic dissection (IAD) have not been thoroughly investigated. This study compared early and late clinical outcomes in patients with IAD vs spontaneous (non-IAD) acute type A aortic dissection. METHODS: Between January 1, 2000, and July 1, 2008, 251 patients from 4 academic medical centers underwent repair of acute type A aortic dissection; of those, 11 had IAD. The mean age was 72 ± 9 years for patients experiencing IAD and 59 ± 13 years for those with non-IAD (p = 0.001). Patients with IAD were more likely to have coronary artery disease (p = 0.003) and a history of arrhythmia (p = 0.038). Rates for major morbidity, operative mortality, and 5-year actuarial survival were compared between groups. RESULTS: Operative mortality was not adversely influenced by IAD (27% IAD vs 17% non-IAD, p = 0.42). There were no differences in the rates of reoperation for bleeding (10% IAD vs 20% non-IAD, p = 0.69), stroke (18% IAD vs 18% non-IAD, p ≥ 0.99), or acute renal failure (9% IAD vs 22% non-IAD, p = 0.47) between the two groups. Actuarial 5-year survival was 64% for IAD patients vs 73% for non-IAD patients (p = 0.33). CONCLUSIONS: IAD does not adversely influence early outcomes and actuarial 5-year survival of patients with type A dissection.

Robotic excision of aortic valve papillary fibroelastoma and concomitant maze procedure.

Cardiothoracic surgeons have utilized the surgical robot to provide a minimally invasive approach to a number of intracardiac operations, including tumor resection, valve repair, and ablation of atrial arrhythmia. We report the case of a 58 year-old woman who was found to have a mobile mass on her aortic valve during evaluation of atrial fibrillation. Both of these conditions were addressed when she underwent a combined robotic biatrial Maze procedure and excision of the mass, which proved to be a papillary fibroelastoma of the aortic valve.