Gender-related outcomes after open repair of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Female sex has been associated with greater morbidity and mortality for a variety of major cardiovascular procedures. We sought to determine the influence of female sex on early and late outcomes after open descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair. METHODS: We searched our aortic surgery database to identify patients having open DTA or TAAA repair. Logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were used to assess the effect of sex on perioperative and long-term outcomes. RESULTS: From 1997 until 2017, there were 783 patients who underwent DTA or TAAA repair. There were 462 male patients and 321 female patients. Female patients were significantly older (67.6 ± 13.9 years vs 62.6 ± 14.7 years; P < .001), had more chronic pulmonary disease (47.0% vs 35.7%; P = .001) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second <50% (28.3% vs 18.2%; P < .001), and were more likely to have degenerative aneurysms (61.7% vs 41.6%; P < .001). Operative mortality was not different between women and men (5.6% vs 6.2%; P = .536). However, women were more likely to require a tracheostomy after surgery (10.6% vs 5.0%; P = .003) despite a reduced incidence of left recurrent nerve palsy (3.4% vs 7.8%; P = .012). Logistic regression found female sex to be an independent risk factor for a composite of major adverse events (odds ratio, 2.68; confidence interval, 1.41-5.11) and need for tracheostomy (odds ratio, 3.73; confidence interval, 1.53-9.10). Women also had significantly lower 5-year survival. CONCLUSIONS: Women undergoing open DTA or TAAA repair are not at greater risk for operative mortality than their male counterparts are. Reduced preoperative pulmonary function may contribute to an increased risk for respiratory failure in the perioperative period.

Open repair of descending and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms in octogenarians.

OBJECTIVE: Despite improved outcomes for open repair of descending thoracic aneurysm (DTA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA), these operations remain challenging in octogenarians. Patients unsuitable for thoracic endovascular aortic repair require open surgery to avoid catastrophic rupture. We analyzed our results for DTA/TAAA repair in these elderly patients. METHODS: Our institutional aortic database was queried to identify those ≥80 years old and those <80 years old undergoing open DTA/TAAA repair. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to account for confounders and to identify predictors of perioperative and long-term outcomes. RESULTS: From 1997 to 2017, there were 783 patients who underwent open repair of DTA or TAAA; 96 (12.3%) were ≥80 years old. Octogenarians were more likely to be female (P = .018), with chronic pulmonary disease (P = .012), severe peripheral vascular disease (P < .001), and hypertension (P = .025). Degenerative aneurysms were more common among octogenarians (P < .001), whereas chronic and acute dissections were more common among those younger than 80 years (P < .001 for both). Operative mortality was 5.6% and was not negatively affected by advanced age (<80 years, 5.7%; ≥80 years, 5.6%; P = .852). Other than an increased incidence of left recurrent nerve palsy in the younger cohort (<80 years, 6.7%; ≥ 80 years, 1.0%; P = .029), there were no significant differences in the incidence of major postoperative complications. Logistic regression modeling showed that age ≥80 years was not predictive of operative mortality or postoperative complications. A greater percentage of octogenarians had aortic reconstruction with a clamp and sew strategy (85.4% vs 61.6%; P < .001), which led to significantly shorter cross-clamp times in this cohort (26.6 minutes vs 30.7 minutes; P < .004). In octogenarians, the incidence of major postoperative adverse events was associated with extent II aneurysms (odds ratio, 2.6; P < .025). Short- and long-term survival was significantly reduced in octogenarians. CONCLUSIONS: In select octogenarians, open repair of DTA/TAAA can be performed with acceptable risk. A simplified surgical approach may provide the best opportunity for a successful outcome.

Surgery for chronic type B dissection with aneurysmal degeneration.

PURPOSE: Open repair of descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) continues to carry a not insignificant operative risk, even in experienced hands. Over the past three decades, there has been considerable improvement in both the mortality and morbidity associated with these procedures. Herein, we describe our operative results and long-term outcomes in patients with chronic type B aortic dissections. METHODS: Review of the aortic surgical database was conducted to identify all consecutive patients who underwent repair of TAAA for chronic type B dissection from May 1997 to March 2018. The primary end point was operative mortality with secondary end points as the composite of major adverse events as well as each of the individual complications. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-three patients met inclusion criteria with 54.9% (84/153) having surgery on an elective basis. The mean age was 58.9 years with a majority of male gender-107/153 (69.9%). Eighty-three (54.2%) of the TAAA were extent I, while 36 (23.5%) were extent II and 34 (22.3%) extent III-IV. Operative mortality was 8.5% (13/153) with eight of the deaths in patients who presented with extent II TAAA. On Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, 87.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 77.9-97.1%) of the elective cohort were alive after 5 years while only 69.9% (CI 55.2-84.6%) of those in need of urgent/emergency intervention survived (p = .039). CONCLUSIONS: In a majority of patients with chronic type B dissections, reproducibly, excellent outcomes can be achieved with relatively low risk of mortality. In the higher risk subsets of patients with extent II TAAA, careful consideration and discussion of expected outcomes will help inform the decision-making process.

A 20-Year Experience With Resection of Primary Cardiac Tumors and Metastatic Tumors of the Heart.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac tumors are uncommon, occurring in less than 1% of the population, and are comprised of numerous tumor types. Management of certain tumors types such as sarcoma have evolved and improved in the recent era. We evaluate the outcomes of patients who underwent resection of benign or malignant cardiac tumors with a focused review of cardiac sarcomas. METHODS: Institutional data were reviewed from 1997 to 2017, and 180 patients who underwent tumor resection were identified. Outcomes and survival were examined based on tumor type. RESULTS: Two-thirds of patients (119 of 180) had benign tumors. Of 61 malignant tumors, 23 were sarcomas, 24 were cavoatrial tumors, and 8 were T4 lung tumors. In the sarcoma group, operative mortality was 2 of 23 (9.1%). Neoadjuvant therapy was administered to 8 of 23 patients (34.8%) with R0 resection achieved in 5 of 8 patients (62.5%). R0 resection was successful in 7 of 15 patients (46.7%) without neoadjuvant therapy. Mean survival with neoadjuvant therapy was 2.76 ± 3.85 years versus 1.28 ± 1.31 years without neoadjuvant therapy (p = 0.428). Mean survival with R0 resection was 2.79 ± 4.23 years compared with 1.64 ± 1.63 years without (p = 0.407). In the T4 lung tumor group, operative mortality was zero and R0 resection was achieved in 6 of 8 (75%). The cavoatrial tumors were mostly renal cell carcinoma resected with a mortality of 4.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac tumors are comprised of diverse tumor types. Indications for, and benefits of, resecting benign tumors and many malignant tumor types are clear, and operative outcomes are generally good. Cardiac sarcomas benefit from neoadjuvant therapy, which improves the rate of complete resection, thus improving survival.

Retrograde Cerebral Perfusion Is Effective for Prolonged Circulatory Arrest in Arch Aneurysm Repair.

BACKGROUND: The optimal brain protection strategy for prolonged periods of circulatory arrest is still controversial. This study evaluated whether retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) provides adequate brain protection for prolonged periods of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). METHODS: From January 1997 to December 2014, 1,043 patients underwent aortic arch operations using RCP and DHCA at 18°C. The DHCA time for 993 patients was 49 minutes or less and the DHCA time for the remaining 50 patients was 50 minutes or more. Propensity matching between the two groups was performed, taking into account the main preoperative and surgical variables and all the preoperative and intraoperative neurologic risk factors. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of operative death and postoperative cerebral complications. RESULTS: In the unmatched population, mortality in the 50 minutes or more vs the 49 minutes or less group was 8% vs 3.8% (p = 0.143), and the stroke rate was 2% vs 1.2% (p = 0.623). Propensity matching resulted in 48 pairs. Operative death and incidence of transient and permanent neurologic deficit were similar and not statistically significant in the matched groups for all comparisons. No difference in the incidence of other major postoperative complications was found between the two groups. Midterm survival was similar. Regression analysis showed DHCA duration was not independently associated with operative death or postoperative neurologic deficits. CONCLUSIONS: RCP is an effective adjunctive cerebral protection strategy for complex aortic arch aneurysm repair with prolonged DHCA and is not associated with increased death or neurologic complications.

Systematic bilateral internal mammary artery grafting: lessons learned from the CATHolic University EXtensive BIMA Grafting Study.

OBJECTIVES: Despite claims of feasibility, to date no study has examined the effect of systematic bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) use in a large cohort of real-world unselected patients. The CATHolic University EXtensive BIMA Grafting Study (CATHEXIS) registry was designed to assess the feasibility and safety of systematic BIMA grafting. METHODS: The CATHEXIS was a single-centre, prospective, observational, propensity-matched study. The study was supposed to include 2 arms of 500 patients each: a prospective arm and a retrospective arm. The prospective arm included almost all patients referred for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at our institution after the start of the CATHEXIS with very few exceptions. BIMA would have been used in all these patients. The retrospective arm included patients submitted to CABG before the start of the CATHEXIS and propensity matched to the prospective group (average BIMA use 50%; the radial artery was extensively used). Safety analyses were scheduled after enrolment of 200, 300 and 400 BIMA patients. RESULTS: After the first 226 patients, the BIMA use percentage was 88.5% (200 of 226). In 178 (89%) patients, mammary arteries were used as Y graft. Postoperative mortality was 2%, and incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction, graft failure and sternal complications were 3.5%, 3% and 5.5%, respectively. No perioperative stroke occurred. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (particularly graft failure and sternal complications) in the BIMA arm were significantly higher than those in the propensity-matched cohort; the study was stopped for safety. CONCLUSIONS: In a real world setting the systematic use of BIMA was associated with a higher incidence of perioperative adverse events (particularly sternal complications). Individualization of the revascularization strategy and use of alternative arterial conduits are probably preferable to systematic use of BIMA.

Retrograde perfusion through superior vena cava reaches the brain during circulatory arrest.

BACKGROUND: The optimal technique for brain perfusion during circulatory arrest remains controversial. Concern exists that retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) via the superior vena cava (SVC) is unable to perfuse the brain. We evaluated whether RCP blood circulates through the brain parenchyma in humans during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). We hypothesized that a significant difference in the levels of S-100ß (a protein with very high neuro-sensitivity) between the blood infused in the SVC and the effluent blood returning in the left carotid artery (CA) during RCP, should be regarded as a sign of the circulation of RCP blood through the brain parenchyma. METHODS: We enrolled 10 non-consecutive patients undergoing elective arch-surgery using DHCA and RCP. Circulating S-100ß levels were measured at baseline and immediately before DHCA. During DHCA and RCP the difference in S-100ß between the SVC and the CA was evaluated after 10 minutes of arrest and immediately before resumption of the circulation. S-100ß levels were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Mean DHCA duration was 22.4±7.9 minutes. Mean S-100ß level at baseline was 92.5±54.9 µg/L. After 10 minutes of DHCA the level of S-100ß in the CA was significantly higher than in the SVC (936.9±326.3 vs. 810.9±307.4 µg/L, P=0.0021). This difference was enhanced at the second DHCA sample (1113.8±334.2 vs. 920.5±340.0 µg/L, P=0.0002). There was a statistically significant correlation between the duration of DHCA and the percent difference in S-100ß level between the SVC and the CA (Pearson's correlation coefficient =0.902). CONCLUSIONS: RCP is able to perfuse the brain parenchyma in humans during DHCA.

Surgical Outcomes of Chronic Descending Dissections: Type I Versus III DeBakey.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the results of open operation for the treatment of descending thoracic aneurysm (DTA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) in patients with DeBakey type I versus type III chronic aortic dissection. METHODS: We reviewed our institutional aortic database and compared the results of open repair in patients with type I versus type III chronic aortic dissection. Between 1997 and 2015, 726 patients underwent open DTA or TAAA repair at our institution. The indication for this procedure was chronic dissection in 243 patients (101 type I and 142 type III). Propensity matching was used to neutralize differences in preoperative risk profile. RESULTS: Operative mortality was 4% (4 of 101) in type I and 9.2% (13 of 142) in type III (p = 0.12). The incidence of major postoperative complications was similar between the two groups. Five-year Kaplan-Meyer survival was similar between the groups (68.3% for type I and 72% for type III patients, p 0.80). Five-year risk of reoperation was 3.5% in type I and 6.6% in type III (p = 0.25). These results were confirmed in 76 propensity-matched pairs. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative and midterm results are similar for patients undergoing open TAAA/DTA repair for chronic type I and III dissection. There was a trend toward increased operative mortality and 5-year risk of reoperation in the type III group, but it did not reach statistical significance.

Reoperative repair of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results of reoperation on descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms. METHODS: Sixty-nine consecutive patients undergoing reoperative aneurysm repair (20 descending thoracic and 49 thoracoabdominal) were compared to 602 contemporary primary repairs. Propensity matching was used to reduce observable differences in preoperative characteristics. RESULTS: The reoperation group was younger (60.2 vs 65.3 years, P = 0.005) and less were extent I or II (28.6% vs 76%, P < 0.001). In the reoperation group, 82.6% were repaired with clamp-and-sew, 14.5% circulatory arrest and 2.9% partial bypass versus the primary surgery group 62.1%, 8.1% and 29.7%, respectively (P < 0.001). In the reoperation versus primary surgery group, respectively, spinal drainage was used in 73.9% vs 83.7% (P = 0.05), intercostal reimplantation in 11.6% vs 44.2% (P < 0.001), and cold renal perfusion in 36.2% vs 19.8% (P = 0.001). Operative mortality was comparable (8.7% vs 5.3% primary, P = 0.25) but the reoperative extent I subgroup had higher mortality (20% vs 3.1%; P = 0.04). Incidence of major complications was comparable (stroke 0 vs 0.9%, tracheostomy 5.8% vs 8%, renal failure 7.2% vs 5%, spinal cord injury 4.3% vs 2.7%; P > 0.05 for all variables), with the exception of myocardial infarction (2.9% vs 0.5%, P = 0.028). Five-year survival was 57.6% in reoperations and 58% in the primary surgery group (P = 0.878). No differences in the in-hospital and follow-up outcomes were found in the propensity matched comparison. CONCLUSIONS: Reoperative repair of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms can be safely performed with reasonable in-hospital and follow-up outcomes compared to primary aneurysm repair.

Impact of preoperative pulmonary function on outcomes after open repair of descending and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of preoperative pulmonary function on outcomes after open repair of descending thoracic (DTA) and thoracoabdominal aortic (TAAA) aneurysms. METHODS: The outcomes of patients undergoing open repair of DTA or TAAA were analyzed in relation to the results of preoperative pulmonary function tests. Receiver operating characteristic was adopted to assess the effect of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) on the incidence of mortality. Logistic regression analysis and propensity score matching were used. RESULTS: Between 1997 and 2015, 726 patients underwent open DTA or TAAA repair. Pulmonary function tests were available in 711 (97.9%). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed the cutoff value of FEV1 to be 50%. Propensity score matching led to 149 pairs of patients with FEV1 below and above 50% with only limited residual imbalance. In the matched population operative mortality was 11.4% and 6.0% in patients with FEV1 ≤ 50% and FEV1 ≥ 51%, respectively (P = .10). The incidence of major adverse events was 33.1% in cases with FEV1 ≤ 50% and 19.5% in those with FEV1 ≥ 51% (P = .008). FEV1 ≤ 50% was associated with a 6.99× increase in the risk of major postoperative adverse events at logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative FEV1 < 50% is strongly predictive of increased respiratory failure, tracheostomy, and operative mortality in patients undergoing open DTA/TAAA repair. For these very high-risk patients with either extensive TAAAs or anatomy unsuitable for endovascular repair, medical therapy may offer the best long-term survival.

Open repair of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms in patients with preoperative renal failure.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate surgical outcomes in open repair of thoracoabdominal aortic (TAAA) and descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (DTA) in patients with preoperative renal failure (PRF). METHODS: Our database was examined for all patients undergoing open TAAA/DTA repair. Patients with a creatinine greater than or equal to 1.5 gm/dl or on haemodialysis were defined as having PRF and were compared to those having normal preoperative renal function. Logistic and Cox regression analysis were used to identify independent determinants of in-hospital outcomes and long-term survival. RESULTS: From 1997 to 2015, 711 patients underwent open TAAA/DTA repair. Two hundred and two were categorized as having PRF, of which, 22 where on preoperative haemodialysis. PRF patients had significantly worse comorbidities; smoking (95.5% vs 69.0%; P < 0.001), chronic pulmonary disease (65.8% vs 29.7%; P < 0.001), peripheral vascular disease (44.1% vs 19.4%; P < 0.001) and diabetes (16.3% vs 6.7%; vs P < 0.001). Operative mortality (OM) was seven-times higher in patients with PRF (14.2 vs 2.2%; P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that PRF was a predictor of OM [odds ratio (OR): 4.91; confidence interval (CI): 2.01-11.97; P < 0.001] and major adverse events (OR: 2.05; CI: 1.21-3.46; P = 0.007). Kaplan-Meier 5-years survival was significantly lower in PRF patients (45.0% vs 69.8%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PRF predicts higher OM and major adverse events incidence following open TAAA/DTA repair. Long-term survival is negatively impacted. Strategies for improving preoperative and intraoperative renal function may lead to better outcomes.

Contemporary prevalence, in-hospital outcomes, and prognostic determinants of triple valve surgery: National database review involving 5,234 patients.

BACKGROUND: Triple valve surgery (TVS) remains a challenging procedure with limited existing literature. We aim to evaluate the prevalence, in-hospital outcomes, and prognostic determinants of TVS in the current era. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2003 to 2012 and included all patients who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) combined with mitral valve replacement (MVR) or repair (MVRep) and tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) or repair (TVRep). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of in-hospital mortality and propensity score matching was adopted to compare groups receiving different operations. RESULTS: Overall, 5234 patients were included. In-hospital mortality was 13.9%. Major adverse events occurred in 42.9% of the cases (44.9%, 40.3%, 44.4% and 74.2% in the AVR + MVR + TVR, AVR + MVR + TVRep, AVR + MVRep + TVRep and AVR + MVRep + TVR groups respectively, p < 0.05 for all intergroup comparisons). In-hospital mortality in the AVR + MVR + TVR, AVR + MVR + TVRep, AVR + MVRep + TVRep and AVR + MVRep + TVR groups was 19.9%, 13.3%, 12.9% and 0% respectively (p < 0.05 for all intergroup comparisons). At regression analysis, age, reoperation, and urgent/emergent operation were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Patients submitted to tricuspid valve repair and mitral and tricuspid repair had a 62% and 63% mortality risk reduction (OR:0.380, CI:0.19-0.76 p = 0.006 and OR:0.37, CI:0.18-0.78 p = 0.009 respectively). In the propensity matched comparisons, in-hospital mortality was statistically similar (p = 0.08 for AVR + MVR + TVR vs. AVR + MVR + TVRep comparison and p = 0.06 for AVR + MVR + TVR vs. AVR + MVRep + TVRep comparison). CONCLUSIONS: TVS is associated with significant in-hospital mortality and morbidity. The use of valve repair strategies for the mitral and tricuspid valves can positively impact postoperative outcomes.

Biological solutions to aortic root replacement: valve-sparing versus bioprosthetic conduit‡.

OBJECTIVES: Valve-sparing operations and root replacement with a biologic composite conduit are viable options in aortic root aneurysm. This study was conceived to compare the early and mid-term results of these 2 procedures. METHODS: From September 2002 to November 2015, 749 consecutive patients underwent either a valve-sparing operation or a root replacement with a biologic composite conduit at 2 institutions. Propensity score matching was used to compare similar cohorts of patients in the overall population and in the ≤ 55 and ≥ 65-year age groups. RESULTS: Overall operative mortality was 0.4%, mean age 57.4 ± 14.3 years, 84.6% were male. Individuals in the biologic composite conduit group were older and had worse preoperative risk profiles [chronic pulmonary disease (5.5% vs 0.9%; P = 0.001), diabetes (6.4% vs 1.5%; P = 0.001) and NYHA > 2 (25.2% vs 5.2%; P < 0.001)]. Mean follow-up was 27.5 ± 28.4 months. In the unmatched population, there was no difference in in-hospital deaths (0 in the valve-sparing versus 3 in the biologic composite conduit group; P = 0.12). These findings were confirmed in the propensity-matched populations. During follow-up, more patients in the biologic composite conduit group underwent reoperation on the aortic valve (2.6% vs 1.5%; P = 0.026) resulting in a freedom from reoperation of 97.4% vs 98.5%, respectively. Separate analysis for patients stratified by age revealed no difference in outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In case of aortic root aneurysm, both valve-sparing operations and root replacement with a biologic composite conduit provide excellent outcomes. However, at mid-term follow-up the use of biologic composite conduit is associated with a higher risk of reoperation.

Contemporary results of hemiarch replacement.

OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to report on early and midterm outcomes of hemiarch replacement performed in a high-volume centre. METHODS: We extrapolated hemiarch replacements from our institutional aortic database. We also analysed the impact of aortic disease (dissection vs aneurysm) on the outcomes of de novo hemiarch replacement. RESULTS: A total of 756 patients underwent hemiarch replacement between 1997 and 2016. After elimination of cases involving the aortic root/valve and redo cases, we identified 426 cases of de novo -isolated hemiarch replacement (369 aneurysms and 57 dissections). Overall operative mortality was 3.1% (13 of 426). The most frequent complications were respiratory failure requiring tracheostomy (11 of 426, 2.6%) and renal failure requiring dialysis (7 of 426, 1.6%). On regression analysis, previous myocardial infarction was the only independent predictor of major adverse events (odds ratio 3.14; 95% confidence interval 1.36-7.22; P = 0.007). Operative mortality was 5.3% (3 of 57) for dissections and 2.7% (10 of 369) for aneurysms ( P = 0.29). The postoperative need for tracheostomy and for new dialysis was more frequent in the dissection group (4 of 57 vs 7 of 369; P = 0.02 and 3 of 57 vs 4 of 369; P = 0.02, respectively). At 5 years, the overall survival rate was 72.5% (95% confidence interval 66.4-78.6%), and there was no difference in survival and risk of reoperation between the 2 groups ( P = 0.97). CONCLUSIONS: In high-volume centres, aortic hemiarch replacement can be performed with excellent results. The aortic disease only partially affects the early and midterm outcomes.

Incidence, risk factors, and prognostic impact of re-exploration for bleeding after cardiac surgery: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative re-exploration for bleeding (RB) is a frequent complication following cardiac surgery. We aim to assess incidence, risk factors, and prognostic significance of RB in a large cohort of cardiac patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed prospectively collected data for all patients who underwent cardiac surgery at our institution from 2007 to 2015. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of RB and specific outcomes. Propensity matching using a 1:1-ratio compared outcomes of patients who had RB with patients who did not. RESULTS: During the study period, 7381 patients underwent cardiac operations. Of them, 189 (2.6%) underwent RB. RB was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (Odds Ratio (OR):2.62 Confidence Interval (CI):1.38-4.96; p = 0.003), major adverse events (OR:3.94, CI:2.79-5.62; p < 0.001), gastrointestinal events (OR:3.54 CI:1.73-7.24), renal failure (OR:2.44, CI:1.23-4.82), prolonged ventilation (OR:3.83, CI:2.60-5.62, p < 0.001), and sepsis (OR:2.50, CI:1.03-6.04, p = 0.043). Preoperative shock (OR:3.68, CI:1.66-8.13; p = 0.001), congestive heart failure (OR:1.70 CI:1.24-2.32; p = 0.001), and urgent and emergent status (OR:2.27, CI:1.65-3.12 and OR:3.57, CI:1.89-6.75; p < 0.001 for both) were predictors of RB operative mortality. Operative mortality, incidence of major adverse events, gastrointestinal events, and respiratory failure were all significantly higher in the propensity matched RB group (p = 0.050, p < 0.001, p = 0.046, and p < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: RB significantly increases in-hospital mortality and morbidity after cardiac surgery.

Posterior Left pericardiotomy for the prevention of postoperative Atrial fibrillation after Cardiac Surgery (PALACS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication following cardiac surgery. POAF is associated with increased morbidity and hospital costs. We herein describe the protocol for a randomized controlled trial to determine if performing a posterior left pericardiotomy prevents POAF after cardiac surgery. METHODS/DESIGN: All patients submitted to cardiac surgery at our institution will be screened for inclusion into the study. The study will consist of two parallel arms with random allocation between groups to either receive a posterior left pericardiotomy or serve as a control. Masking will be done in a single-blinded fashion to the patient. Patients will be continuously monitored postoperatively for the occurrence of atrial fibrillation until discharge. At the follow-up clinic visit (15-30 days after surgery), the primary endpoint (atrial fibrillation) and other secondary endpoints, such as pleural or pericardial effusion, will be assessed. A total sample size of 350 subjects will be recruited. DISCUSSION: POAF is associated with increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stay, and increased costs after cardiac surgery. Several strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of POAF have been investigated, including beta-blockers, amiodarone, and statins, all with suboptimal results. Posterior left pericardiotomy has been associated with a reduction of POAF in previous series. However, these studies had limited sample sizes and suboptimal methodology, so that the efficacy of posterior pericardiotomy in preventing POAF remains to be definitively proven. Our randomized trial aims to determine the effect of a posterior left pericardiotomy on the incidence of POAF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02875405 , protocol record 1502015867. Registered on July 2016.

Reoperative Aortic Valve Replacement in a Previous Biologic Composite Valve Graft.

Structural valve deterioration with biologic composite valve grafts previously required reoperative aortic root replacement. We present a technique for avoiding repeated root replacement. Exposure is by a transverse incision through the Dacron graft. The valve is disassembled within the graft, and a new prosthesis is implanted. We used this technique in 11 patients with good success.

Open repair of ruptured descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of the open repair of ruptured thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. METHODS: From January 1997, a total of 100 consecutive open repairs of ruptured thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms were performed (43 thoracic and 57 thoracoabdominal). These patients were compared with contemporary cases that underwent repair of corresponding intact aneurysms. Propensity matching analysis was used to neutralize the differences in baseline characteristics. RESULTS: Patients with ruptured aneurysm had a significantly worse baseline clinical profile. The surgical strategy adopted was similar in intact and ruptured aneurysms, with the exception of lower use of spinal drainage, intercostal reimplantation, and associated procedures in those with rupture (P < .001 for all comparisons). In the unmatched population, in-hospital mortality was 14% in the rupture group, and 4.2% in the intact group (P = .01). The incidence of postoperative myocardial infarction, need for tracheostomy, and need for dialysis was 3%, 19%, and 11% in the rupture, and 0.8%, 5.7%, and 4.2% in the intact series (P ≤ .01 for all variables). Five-year survival was 47.5% for the rupture, and 59.5% for the intact series (P < .001). In the matched population, no differences in postoperative and long-term outcome were found between the rupture and intact cases. Logistic regression analysis showed that female gender, urgent/emergent operation, and preoperative hemodialysis, but not ruptured aneurysm, were predictive of in-hospital major adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Open repair of ruptured thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms can be performed with a gratifying rate of success. For patients with similar preoperative comorbidities, postoperative survival is not affected by the presence of a ruptured aneurysm.

Contemporary outcomes of surgery for aortic root aneurysms: A propensity-matched comparison of valve-sparing and composite valve graft replacement.

OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to give an overview of the current state of the art of the surgical treatment of aortic root pathologies in a high-volume center. METHODS: From May 1997 to January 2014, aortic root replacement was performed in 890 consecutive patients; 289 received a mechanical composite valved graft, 421 received a biologic composite valved graft, and 180 received a valve-sparing reconstruction. Propensity matching analysis was used to neutralize the differences in baseline characteristics between patients assigned to the different procedures. RESULTS: Operative mortality was 0.2% (0% in the valve-sparing reconstruction group); the incidence of major postoperative complications was less than 0.5%. Predictors of adverse in-hospital outcome were age, nonelective operation, renal status, reoperation, New York Heart Association class, ejection fraction, and concomitant procedures. Five-year survival was 89.4%. Previous myocardial infarction, preoperative renal status, redo operation, and concomitant procedures were significantly associated with follow-up death. In the propensity-matched groups, the type of operation performed did not affect in-hospital and late outcome. Aortic reintervention rates at 5 years were 0% for the mechanical composite valved graft group, 2.4% for the biologic composite valved graft group, and 7.3% for the valve-sparing reconstruction series. CONCLUSIONS: In the current era, aortic root replacement can be performed with low perioperative risk in high-volume aortic centers. The type of operation performed does not affect early or late survival. Although the mechanical composite valved graft remains the gold standard for durability, the biologic composite valved graft and valve-sparing reconstruction are excellent options for those who cannot take or want to avoid long-term anticoagulation.

Outcomes of Open Repair of Mycotic Descending Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short- and intermediate-term outcomes of open repair of mycotic thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms. Contemporary surgical and perioperative techniques were utilized. METHODS: From November 1997 to May 2014, 14 consecutive patients underwent open repair of descending thoracic (n = 9, 64.3%) and thoracoabdominal (n = 5, 35.7%) mycotic aortic aneurysms. All procedures were performed through the left side of the chest. Infected tissue was completely debrided and excised. Aortic continuity was restored in situ with a Dacron prosthesis (Macquet Corp, Oakland, NJ). Soft tissue coverage of the prosthesis was performed when anatomy and patient condition permitted. Perioperative outcomes, intermediate-term survival, and reinfection rates were examined. RESULTS: All patients presented with either aneurysm-related symptoms or a clinical picture of sepsis. Diagnosis was confirmed utilizing computed tomography imaging. Mean age was 66 ± 13 years, 8 patients (57.1%) were male, and mean aneurysm size was 5.9 ± 1.3 cm. All patients were hypertensive, 3 (21.4%) had prior coronary revascularization, 7 (50%) had chronic pulmonary disease, 5 (35.7%) had diabetes mellitus, and 2 (14.3%) had end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. Twelve patients (85.7%) had aneurysm-related pain, and 9 (64.3%) of them had contained rupture. Mean time from onset of illness to surgery was 36 days (range, 0 to 153). On preoperative blood cultures, 4 (28.6%) grew Staphylococcus aureus, 4 (28.6%) grew gram negative organisms, 2 (14.3%) grew mycobacterium, and 4 cultures (28.6%) had negative results. Empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics were initiated on all patients and adjusted based on final cultures. A majority of patients underwent repair utilizing a clamp-and-sew technique (n = 10, 71.4%); the remainder (n = 4, 28.6%) required repair under profound hypothermic circulatory arrest. After radical debridement of the infected tissue, grafts were placed in the normal anatomic position; 6 (42.9%) patients had additional soft tissue coverage, 5 (35.7%) utilizing an omental flap and 1 (7.1%), a serratus muscle flap. There was 1 in-hospital death (7.1%) secondary to ischemic bowel. Four patients (28.6%) required tracheostomy, and 1 (7.1%) had recurrent nerve injury. None of the patients incurred spinal cord injury, stroke, or new onset renal failure requiring dialysis. After surgery, all patients were given 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics. Lifelong suppression therapy was maintained with oral antibiotics. There were no episodes of prosthetic graft infection on follow-up. Univariate analysis revealed that New York Heart Association functional class, diabetes, and preoperative renal dysfunction were preoperative risk factors for major adverse events. Mean follow-up time was 26.5 months (median 8.2; range, 1 to 142). Actuarial 5-year survival was 71%. CONCLUSIONS: Open repair of mycotic descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms remains the gold standard of therapy. Aggressive intraoperative debridement with in situ prosthetic reconstruction permits a high rate of success in this very high risk cohort of patients. Lifelong antibiotic suppression therapy may prevent late prosthetic graft infection.