Custodiol HTK versus Plegisol: in-vitro comparison with the use of immature (H9C2) and mature (HCM) cardiomyocytes cultures.

BACKGROUND: Although cardioplegia is used since the '70s of the last century, debate on cardioprotection during cardio-surgical procedures is still actual. The selection of a particular method depends mainly on the preferences and experience of a specific center or even surgeon. Crystalloid cardioplegia is an aqueous ion solution similar to intracellular (Custodiol HTK) or extracellular (Plegisol) fluid. The potensional clinical advantages of relatively new idea of cardioplegia solution based on intracellular composition (Custodiol HTK) justifies futher research, but only a few used cultured cells in laboratory conditions. METHODS: In this study, the authors sought to compare Custodiol HTK with Plegisol cardioplegia solutions using an in-vitro model simulating cardioplegic arrest. The efficacy of myocardial protection during ischemia was investigated with susceptible indicators like the appearance of the deleterious effect of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress markers. Immersed human cardiomyocytes and rat cardiomyoblasts H9C2 in cardioplegia for 4 h were examined for expression of oxidative stress markers (MnSOD, iNOS, HSP27), cardioplegic solutions cytotoxicity, and peroxidation damage of the cell's lipids and proteins. All tests were performed after 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h of incubation in identical physical and biological conditions, which is difficult to achieve in clinical trials. RESULTS: The lower cytotoxicity index performed on matured cells of human cardiomyocytes and highest dehydrogenase level showed after incubation with Custodiol HTK. This did not apply to tests on immature cells H9C2. Custodiol HTK induced significantly stronger iNOS expression. The decrease of HSP27 concentration has been instantaneous and maintained troughout the study only in both cultures incubated with Custodiol HTK. The other tests: lipid peroxidation, carbonyl groups concentration and MnSOD expression show no clear superiority evidence of used cardioplegic solutions. CONCLUSIONS: Considering proceeded examinations on cultured cardiomyocytes, Custodiol HTK appears to be safer than Plegisol.

The evaluation of annuloplasty in bicuspid aortic valve repair using cardiac magnetic resonance.

BACKGROUND: The incompetent bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) can be replaced or repaired using various surgical techniques. This study sought to assess the efficacy of external annuloplasty and postoperative reverse remodelling using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and compare the results of external and subcommissural annuloplasty. METHODS: Out of a total of 200 BAV repair performed between 2004 and 2018, 21 consecutive patients (median age 54 years) with regurgitation requiring valve repair with annuloplasty without concomitant aortic root surgery were prospectively referred for CMR and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) one year after the operation. Two aortic annulus stabilization techniques were used: external, circumferential annuloplasty (EA), and subcommissural annuloplasty (SCA). RESULTS: 11 patients received EA and 10 patients were treated using SCA. There was no in-hospital mortality and all patients survived the follow-up period (median: 12.6 months (first quartile: 6.6; third quartile: 14.1). CMR showed strong correlation between postoperative aortic recurrent regurgitant fraction and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (r = 0.62; p = 0.003) as well as left ventricular ejection fraction (r = -0.53; p = 0.01). Patients treated with EA as compared with SCA had larger anatomic aortic valve area measured by CMR (3.5 (2.5; 4.0) vs. 2.5 cm2 (2.0; 3.4); p = 0.04). In both EA and SCA group, aortic valve area below 3.5 cm2 correlated with no regurgitation recurrency. EA (vs. SCA) was associated with lower peak transvalvular aortic gradients (10 (6; 17) vs. 21 mmHg (15; 27); p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The repair of the bicuspid aortic valve provides significant postoperative reverse remodelling, provided no recurrent regurgitation and durable reduction annuloplasty can be achieved. EA is associated with lower transvalvular gradients and higher aortic valve area assessed by CMR, compared to SCA.

Morphologic performance analysis of the Relay nonbare stent graft in dissected thoracic aorta.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate morphologic changes in dissected aortas after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with the use of the Relay Nonbare stent graft stent graft by focusing on the geometric stent graft's performance in remodeling aortas. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective three-dimensional computed tomography analysis preoperatively, postoperatively, and 6 months after TEVAR in patients with residual dissection after type A and those with acute and chronic type B dissections at two German centers. RESULTS: Thirty-nine acute and 54 chronic aortic dissections were included. Median follow-up was 200 (interquartile range, 109-617) days. TEVAR induced aortic remodeling in both groups. Complete false lumen thrombosis along the stent graft (postoperative, 73%; follow-up, 84%; P < .0001) led to a decrease in aortic diameter at the middle stent graft level (preoperative, 45.9 mm [38.6-56.6] vs follow-up, 43.6 [37.4-52.4] mm; P = .009). True lumen expansion was observed in both groups and peaked in acute dissections in the distal landing zone (acute, +9.3 mm vs chronic, +5.8 mm; P < .0001). Migration was 2 (0-5) mm, and bird-beak and endoleak type IA rates were 20% and 4%, respectively. There was no retrograde type A dissection. Distal stent graft-induced new entry occurred in 15%; the major risk factor for incidence was the stent graft's wedge apposition angle (odds ratio, 1.365 [confidence interval, 1.115-1.671]; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: TEVAR with the use of the Relay NBS promotes aortic remodeling in acute and chronic dissections, entailing a low risk of migration, type IA endoleaks, and retrograde type A dissections. Wedge apposition was the predominant risk factor for distal stent graft-induced new entry.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm neck remodeling after Anaconda stent graft implantation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to define how the proximal landing zone changes geometrically after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) with the Anaconda (Vascutek, Inchinnan, United Kingdom) stent graft. METHODS: Among 230 patients who underwent Anaconda stent graft implantation between 2005 and 2014, we included 126 with adequate computed tomography (CT) image quality and follow-up. CT analysis entailed the geometric changes in the main body, proximal rings, and proximal landing zone. The median CT follow-up was 2.0 years (345.8 patients-years). RESULTS: The proximal portion of the main body ring system flattened within the first year after EVAR, resulting in an up to 30° increase in the upper ring's angle in 40% patients and up to 40° increase in 24% patients. One year after EVAR, the upper ring angle increase slowed down. Aortic diameter measured at the level of the upper and lower ring expanded by 2 to 4 mm within 1 year, but remained unchanged afterward. The main body migrated continuously down toward the aortic bifurcation, attaining an average 6-mm increase in the distance between the superior mesenteric artery and main body within 4 years. Freedom from endoleak type IA was 95 ± 2% and 93 ± 3% after 1 and 4 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Anaconda main body ring system in its proximal portion flattens within the first year after EVAR, leading to an increase of 2 to 4 mm in the proximal landing zone's aortic diameter. The main body migrates slowly but continuously down toward the aortic bifurcation.

In Vitro Evaluation of Aortic Stent Graft Deployment Accuracy in the Distal Landing Zone.

OBJECTIVES: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair technology focuses on accurately deploying the stent graft in the proximal landing zone in the proximal to distal direction. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the accuracy of stent graft deployment in the distal landing zone. METHODS: It was hypothesised that a reverse implantation mechanism (in a distal to proximal deployment direction, when the operator starts to open the endoprosthesis from distal to proximal), might enhance landing accuracy in the distal LZ. The aim was to investigate this hypothesis by implanting stent grafts into the 3D printed aortas with the currently available deployment mechanism. Based on two human patients' computed tomography angiography scans, two aortas were 3D printed at 1:1 scale: "straight" and "crooked" aortas with distal aortic tortuosity of 1.006 and 1.078, respectively. They were used in order to test three endoprostheses (E-vita THORACIC 3G, Relay Plus, Valiant Captivia) 10 times by implanting them in three ways: proximal landing in the aneurysm, proximal landing in another stent graft, reverse implantation (via simulated antegrade access). The aim was to land just above the target vessel's upper edge. The distance to the target vessel and wedge apposition were assessed under a direct view using caliper. RESULTS: The distance to the target vessel was 3 mm (IQR 0; 8) if the stent graft landed proximally in aneurysm, 2 mm (IQR 0; 5) if it landed proximally in another stent graft, and 0 mm (IQR 0; 0) when reverse implantation was applied. The distance to the target vessel measuring 5 mm or occurred in 45%, 30%, and 0%, respectively. Overall the median wedge apposition after stent graft implantation was 0 mm (IQR 0; 0) in the "straight" versus 18 mm (IQR 15; 20) in the "crooked" aorta (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Reverse stent graft deployment is associated with more accurate landing in the distal landing zone. Distal aortic tortuosity constitutes an important impediment to covering the distal LZ's entire circumference with a stent graft.

The evaluation of the aortic annulus displacement during cardiac cycle using magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: The stress in the ascending aorta results from many biomechanical factors including the geometry of the vessel and its maximum dimensions, arterial blood pressure and longitudinal systolic stretching due to heart motion. The stretching of the ascending aorta resulting from the longitudinal displacement of the aortic annulus during the heart cycle has not been examined in the general population so far. The aim of the study is to evaluate this parameter using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in the general population in all age groups. METHODS: The cardiac magnetic resonance images of 73 patients were evaluated. The maximum distance to which the ventriculo-aortic junction was pulled by the contracting heart (LDAA - longitudinal displacement of the aortic annulus) was measured in the cine coronal sequences. Moreover, the maximum dimensions of the aortic root and the ascending aorta were assessed. RESULTS: The LDAA value was on average 11.6 ± 2.9 mm (range: 3-19 mm; 95% CI: 10.9-12.3 mm) and did not differ between males and females (11.8 ± 2.9 mm vs. 11.2 ± 2.9 mm, p = .408). The diameter of the ascending aorta was 32 ± 6.3 mm (range: 20-57 mm). The maximal dimension of the aortic root was 35 ± 5.1 mm (range: 18-42 mm). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the LDAA and the age of patients (r = -.38, p = .001). There was no significant correlation between the LDAA and aortic root dimension (r = .1, p = .409) and between the LDAA and diameter of the ascending aorta (r = .16, p = .170). CONCLUSIONS: Human aortic root and ascending aorta are significantly stretched during systole and the distance to which the aorta is stretched decreases with age. The measurement of the longitudinal displacement of the aortic annulus using the CMR is feasible and reproducible.

Validation of the GERAADA score to predict 30-day mortality in acute type A aortic dissection in a single high-volume aortic centre.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate employing the German Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection Type A (GERAADA) score to predict 30-day mortality in an aortic centre in the USA. METHODS: Between January 2010 and June 2021, 689 consecutive patients underwent surgery for acute type A dissection at a single institution. Excluded were patients with missing clinical data (N = 4). The GERAADA risk score was retrospectively calculated via a web-based application. Model discrimination power was calculated with c-statistics from logistic regression and reported as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve with 95% confidence intervals. The calibration was measured by calculating the observed versus estimated mortality ratio. The Brier score was used for the overall model evaluation. RESULTS: Included were 685 patients [mean age 60.6 years (SD: 13.5), 64.8% male] who underwent surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. The 30-day mortality rate was 12.0%. The GERAADA score demonstrated very good discrimination power with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.762 (95% confidence interval 0.703-0.821). The entire cohort's observed versus estimated mortality ratio was 0.543 (0.439-0.648), indicating an overestimation of the model-calculated risk. The Brier score was 0.010, thus revealing the model's acceptable overall performance. CONCLUSIONS: The GERAADA score is a practical and easily accessible tool for reliably estimating the 30-day mortality risk of patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. This model may naturally overestimate risk in patients undergoing surgery in experienced aortic centres.

The non to moderately dilated root in acute type A aortic dissection: outcomes of the PENN-BERN registry in young, non-syndromic patients.

OBJECTIVES: There is an ongoing debate regarding whether patients benefit more from root replacement compared to a reconstruction of the sinuses of Valsalva in acute type A aortic dissection (aTAAD). In those with known or suspected connective tissue disorders, root replacement is considered appropriate. However, there are currently no diameter-based guidelines regarding the best approach in patients with minimally to moderately dilated root and no connective tissue disorders. METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2022, a two-centre registry of aTAAD was created. Patients were included based on their age (≤60 years), the absence of root entry and dilatation >50 mm and the absence of syndromic hereditable aortic disease. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the proximal procedure, root reconstruction and root replacement. Propensity score pair matching was performed based on preoperative characteristics. RESULTS: Cumulative incidence of reintervention at 10 years was slightly higher after root reconstruction 13% vs 3.9% in the matched group (P = 0.040). Survival at 10 years was not affected by the procedure independently of the matching 72.1% vs 71.4% (P = 0.2). Uni- and multivariate Cox regressions showed that a root diameter of >40 mm was associated with a hazard ratio of 7.7 (95% confidence interval 2.6-23) and 5.4 (7-17), respectively, for reoperation for aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm. CONCLUSIONS: Rate of reoperation due to proximal pseudoaneurysm and aneurysm could be significantly reduced with a lower threshold of 40 mm to replace the aortic root in aTAAD than in elective cases.

Non-A non-B acute aortic dissection with entry tear in the aortic arch.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to describe the outcomes of the latest treatment options of acute non-A non-B aortic dissection involving an entry tear in the aortic arch. METHODS: Included were patients who presented between January 2001 and February 2020 with a non-A non-B aortic dissection involving the aortic arch but not the ascending aorta and with the most proximal entry tear located within the aortic arch between the innominate and left subclavian artery. Clinical data and operative details were retrieved from medical histories and surgical protocols. Preoperative, postoperative and follow-up computed tomography angiography scans were analysed. RESULTS: We analysed a total of 39 patients [median age 62 (52; 67) years, men 76.9%] with non-A non-B arch entry aortic dissections type. They underwent 15 thoracic endovascular aortic repairs, 20 frozen elephant trunk implantations, 1 hybrid arch replacement, or 1 conventional arch replacement. Two patients were managed conservatively. Twelve (31%) patients underwent emergent intervention, 12 (31%) were treated invasively within 2 weeks. Another 2 (5%) and 9 (23%) patients were treated 2 and 4 weeks after dissection occurred, respectively. Six (15%) patients presented with an impending aortic rupture, while 19 (49%) had at least one malperfused organ. Four patients (27%) died after thoracic endovascular aortic repair; the 30-day mortality following frozen elephant trunk was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: Non-A non-B acute aortic dissection reveals a frequently complicated course requiring emergency intervention. The majority of patients required aortic arch repair within the first 2 weeks. Total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk technique seems to be low procedural mortality, and may become the treatment of choice in arch entry non-A non-B aortic dissection.

Early aortic growth in acute descending aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: Acute aortic dissection leads to the destabilization of the aortic wall, followed by an immediate increase in aortic diameter. It remains unclear how the aortic diameter changes during the dissection's acute and subacute phases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in aortic geometry within 30 days after the onset of a descending aortic dissection. METHODS: Patients with acute type B and non-A non-B dissection who had at least 2 computed tomography angiography scans obtained within 30 days after the onset of dissection were evaluated. Exclusion criteria were a thrombosed false lumen, connective tissue disorders and endovascular or open aortic repair performed prior to the second computed tomography angiography. RESULTS: Among 190 patients with acute aortic dissection, 42 patients met our inclusion criteria. Their aortic geometry was analysed according to the computed tomography angiography scans obtained between 0-3 (N = 35), 4-7 (N = 9) and 8-30 (N = 12) days after the dissection onset. The highest aortic diameter growth rate was observed in the first quartile of the thoracic aorta and measured 0.66 (0.06; 1.03), 0.29 (-0.01; 0.41) and 0.06 (-0.13; 0.26) mm/day at 0-3, 4-7 and 8-30 days after the dissection, respectively. Proximal entry location (P = 0.037) and entry located at the arch concavity (P = 0.008) were associated with a higher aortic diameter increase. CONCLUSIONS: Early rapid growth occurs during the first week after the descending aortic dissection-most intensely over the first 3 days, and this is associated with the location of the dissection's entry.

Bicuspid aortic valve repair: outcomes after 17 years of experience.

OBJECTIVES: This study presents the results of 17 years of experience with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) repair and the analysis of factors associated with repair failure and early echocardiographic outcome. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2020, a total of 206 patients [mean age: 44.5 ± 15.2 years; 152 males (74%)] with BAV insufficiency with or without aortic dilatation underwent elective aortic valve repair performed by a single surgeon with a mean follow-up of 5 ± 3.5 years. The transthoracic echocardiography examinations were reported. RESULTS: There were no deaths during the hospital stay, and all but 1 patient survived the follow-up period (99.5%). Overall, 10 patients (5%) developed severe insufficiency and 2 (1%) developed aortic dilatation requiring reoperation. Freedom from reoperation at 7 years reached 91.8%. Type 2 BAV configuration [hazard ratio (HR) 3.9; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-60; P = 0.049], no sinotubular junction remodelling (HR 7; 95% CI: 1.7-23; P = 0.005), no circumferential annuloplasty (HR 3.9; 95% CI: 1.01-64; P = 0.047) and leaflet resection (HR 5.7; 95% CI 1.2-13. P = 0.017) have been identified as a risk factor of redo operation. Parameters of the postoperative left ventricle reverse remodelling improved significantly early after the operation and later at 2 years evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The repair of BAV offers good short- and mid-term results providing a significant reverse left ventricular remodelling. Type 0 BAV preoperative configuration, circumferential annuloplasty and sinotubular junction remodelling are associated with better repair durability.

Can a trainee perform endovascular aortic repair as effectively and safely as an experienced specialist?

OBJECTIVES: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is a technically demanding procedure usually carried out by highly experienced surgeons. However, in this era of modern endovascular surgery with growing numbers of patients qualifying for the procedure, the need to enhance surgical training has emerged. Our aim was to compare the technical results of EVAR in patients operated on by trainees to that of those operated on by an endovascular expert. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2018, a total of 119 patients diagnosed with an abdominal aorta disease requiring EVAR were admitted to our clinic. Overall, we included 96 patients who underwent preoperative and postoperative computed tomography angiography and EVAR performed either by an endovascular expert (N = 51) or a trainee (N = 45). RESULTS: We detected no difference in the baseline characteristics, indication for EVAR and preoperative anatomy between patients operated on by trainees and our endovascular expert. We noted the same incidence of endoleak type Ia occurrence (n = 2 vs n = 2, P = 1.00), reintervention rate (n = 0 vs n = 0, P = 1.00) and in-hospital mortality (n = 0 vs n = 1, P = 1.00) for operations done by trainees and the expert, respectively. There was no difference in X-ray doses or time between the 2 groups. Despite longer median operation times [112 (first quartile: 84; third quartile: 129) vs 89 (75-104) min; P = 0.03] and in-hospital stays [10 (8-13) vs 8 (7-10) days, P = 0.007] of the patients operated on by trainees, the overall clinical success of EVAR was satisfactory in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: An EVAR planned and performed by a trainee need not raise the cumulative risk of the procedure. Trainees who have undergone both mind and hand skills training can therefore carry out EVAR under the supervision of an experienced specialist as effectively and safely as experts do.

Evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of maximal aortic diameter, length and volume for prediction of aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE: Management of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) comprises regular diameter follow-up until the indication criterion for prophylactic surgery is reached. However, this approach is unable to predict the majority of acute type A aortic dissections (ATAADs). The current study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ascending aortic diameter, length and volume for occurrence of ATAAD. METHODS: This two-centre observational cohort study retrospectively screened 477 consecutive patients who presented with ATAAD between 2009 and 2018. Of those, 25 (5.2%) underwent CT angiography (CTA) within 2 years before dissection onset. Aortic diameter, length and volume of these patients ('pre-ATAAD') were compared with those of TAA controls (n=75). Receiver operating curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the three different measurements. RESULTS: 96% of patients with pre-ATAAD did not meet the surgical diameter threshold of 55 mm before dissection onset. Maximal aortic diameters (45 (40-49) mm vs 46 (44-49) mm, p=0.075) and volume (126 (95-157) cm3 vs 124 (102-136) cm3, p=0.909) were comparable between patients with pre-ATAAD and TAA controls. Conversely, ascending aortic length (84±9 mm vs 90±16 mm, p=0.031) was significantly larger in patients with pre-ATAAD. All three parameters had an area under the curve of >0.800. At the 55 mm cut-off point, the maximal diameter yielded a positive predictive value (PPV) of 20%. While maintaining same specificity levels, measurements of aortic volume and length showed superior diagnostic accuracy (PPV 55% and 70%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Measurements of aortic volume and length have superior diagnostic accuracy compared with the maximal diameter and could improve the timely identification of patients at risk for ATAAD.