Statin loading before coronary artery bypass grafting: a randomized trial.

AIMS: Evidence suggests that a high-dose statin loading before a percutaneous coronary revascularization improves outcomes in patients receiving long-term statins. This study aimed to analyse the effects of such an additional statin therapy before surgical revascularization. METHODS AND RESULTS: This investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial was conducted from November 2012 to April 2019 at 14 centres in Germany. Adult patients (n = 2635) with a long-term statin treatment (≥30 days) who were scheduled for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were randomly assigned to receive a statin-loading therapy or placebo at 12 and 2 h prior to surgery using a web-based system. The primary outcome of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was a composite consisting of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and a cerebrovascular event occuring within 30 days after surgery. Key secondary endpoints included a composite of cardiac death and MI, myocardial injury, and death within 12 months. Non-statistically relevant differences were found in the modified intention-to-treat analysis (2406 patients; 1203 per group) between the statin (13.9%) and placebo groups (14.9%) for the primary outcome [odds ratio (OR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74-1.18; P = 0.562] or any of its individual components. Secondary endpoints including cardiac death and MI (12.1% vs. 13.5%; OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.69-1.12; P = 0.300), the area under the troponin T-release curve (median 0.398 vs. 0.394 ng/ml, P = 0.333), and death at 12 months (3.1% vs. 2.9%; P = 0.825) were comparable between treatment arms. CONCLUSION: Additional statin loading before CABG failed to reduce the rate of MACCE occuring within 30 days of surgery.

Redo heart transplantation in a high-risk patient due to severe aortic regurgitation and accompanying right ventricular failure after LVAD implantation and temporary RVAD support.

BACKGROUND: We report a 62-year-old patient who received redo-orthotopic heart transplantation due to worsening severe aortic regurgitation after 19 months of continuous flow left ventricular assist device  (LVAD) (cf-LVAD) and temporary right ventricular assist device (RVAD) support for 1 month. CASE REPORT: The patient received a heartware LVAD (heartware ventricular assist device) and annuloplasty of the tricuspid valve due to end-stage heart failure (as a consequence of dilated cardiomyopathy) and severe tricuspid regurgitation in addition to right-sided extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) implantation. Postoperatively due to the inability to wean the implanted ECMO, a temporary RVAD was implanted after which the patient's condition improved so that it had been explanted later and the patient was discharged after 9 months. In immediate postoperative echo, minimal aortic regurgitation was noted but in the follow-up transthoracic echocardiograms, there was a gradual increase in the severity of aortic regurgitation with worsening both right and left ventricular functions. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation was not an option due to unfavorable anatomical issues. That's why the patient was listed for urgent heart transplantation, performed 19 months after the LVAD implantation. The postoperative course was complicated due to acute renal failure. After recompensation, dialysis, and intensive physiotherapy, the patient could be discharged home after 3 months. CONCLUSION: Severe aortic regurgitation is a recognizable complication after cf-LVAD implantation which in our case was managed successfully with orthotopic heart transplantation in this high-risk patient.

Effects of Statins After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Key Patient Populations.

ABSTRACT: Statin therapy after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI) is associated with better short-term and long-term outcomes. It is of interest to identify specific patient populations that may profit from statin therapy. In this retrospective, observational analysis of 2862 patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis after successful transfemoral TAVI, survival during a three-year observation period was characterized by Kaplan-Meier analyses according to statin therapy. Hazard ratios and potential interactions for specific subgroups of patients were determined by Cox regression analyses. At hospital discharge 1761 patients were on low-intensity or moderate-intensity statins, 246 patients were on high-intensity statins, and 855 patients did not take statins. Statin therapy adherence during the first 3 months post-TAVI was 91%. Mortality rates were 18.5%, 12.9%, and 6.9% for patients with no statin, low-intensity or moderate-intensity statins, and high-intensity statins (P < 0.001). Any statin therapy proved to be effective in patients in different classes of age, risk, and manifest cardiovascular disease and was independent of background medication. Statins were of particular benefit in high-risk patients with coronary artery disease [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.57], ejection fraction <40% (HR = 0.64), or low-flow low-gradient aortic stenosis (HR = 0.58) and showed additional benefit even in patients taking renin-angiotensin system blockers (HR = 0.74). Statins also reduced mortality in patients with malignant disease (HR = 0.47). Our analysis confirmed the beneficial effect of statins on survival after TAVI and documented this phenomenon in key patient subsets. The protective effect of statins in our study is consistent with the cardioprotective mechanisms but must be explained by other, yet undetermined pleiotropic effects of statins.

Long-Term Outcomes after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair Using Chimney Grafts for Aortic Arch Pathologies: 10 Years of Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: This study reports the early- and long-term outcomes of the thoracic endovascular aortic repair using the Chimney-Graft technique (ChTEVAR) for the treatment of aortic arch pathologies. METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2019, patients who underwent aortic ChTEVAR technique in our institution were included. Early, mid, and long-term outcomes in this group of patients were evaluated. Patient follow-up data were obtained by imaging follow-up that are routinely performed after 3-6 months following initial surgery and then at yearly intervals. RESULTS: Aortic arch repair with a ChTEVAR was performed in 54 patients. The 30-day mortality was 18.5% (n = 10). All-cause 30-day mortality was higher in the subgroup of patients operated urgently (33% vs. 14%) without a significant difference (P = 0.141). Permanent neurological deficit (PND) was observed in 15% (8/54 patients); stroke in 11% (6/54), and paraplegia 4% (2/54). During follow-up the primary and primary-assisted chimney-graft patency was 96.8% and 97.8%, respectively. The multivariate analysis identified the age >70 years and the aortic diameter as independent risk factors for elevated mortality during the follow-up (P = 0.015 and 0.001, respectively). The PND was an independent predictor for 30-day mortality (P = 0.014, hazard ratio 13.5, 95% confidence interval 1.7-106.6). CONCLUSIONS: The ChTEVAR has noninferior results to other open and endovascular aortic arch repair methods with an acceptable long-term survival especially in elective procedures.

Preoperative Statin Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation and Renal Failure after Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Performing cardiac surgery in patients with cardiovascular risk factors incorporates a steady risk for the development of postoperative complications. Perioperative statin intake was associated with an improvement of perioperative outcomes in these patients. However, the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery guidelines regarding the perioperative statin treatment were changed recently due to large studies reporting about relevant adverse effects related to statin therapy. METHODS: All relevant databases were searched including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the metaRegister of Controlled Trials. Various registries were screened (National Research Register, the ClinicalTrials.gov, and gray literature) with search on online conference indices of relevant scientific meetings. No language restrictions were applied. RESULTS: We identified 10 randomized controlled studies summarizing 3,468 participants undergoing various kinds of cardiac surgical procedures. All included studies presented with marked differences regarding study design. Pooled analysis indicated that statin pretreatment was associated with a formally reduced incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) (odds ratio [OR] 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-1.00; p = 0.05) but with an increased incidence of renal failure (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01-1.44; p = 0.04) compared with control. Substantial heterogeneity was observed among studies reporting about AF. CONCLUSION: Current but sparse evidence reveals that statin pretreatment is associated with a higher rate of postoperative renal failure compared with control therapy but is ineffective to substantially reduce postoperative AF. Given the relevant heterogeneity among included studies, statin pretreatment cannot be generally recommended.

Rapid Deployment Aortic Valve Replacement with the Perceval S and Intuity Elite.

BACKGROUND: Rapid deployment aortic valve replacement (RDAVR) has emerged as an alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement. This single-center study retrospectively analyzed clinical outcomes and hemodynamic performance of the Perceval S (LivaNova) and Intuity Elite (Edwards LifeSciences) rapid deployment valves (RDVs) in a propensity score matched patient cohort. METHODS: A total of 372 consecutive patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis underwent RDAVR between 2012 and 2018 at our institution. The Intuity Elite (INT group) and Perceval S (PER group) were implanted in 251 and 121 patients, respectively. After 1:1 propensity score matching for relevant preoperative comorbidities, 107 patient pairs were compared with respect to relevant perioperative data including hemodynamic parameter, postoperative pacemaker implantation, and 30-day all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Propensity score matching resulted in balanced characteristics between groups. Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp time did not differ between groups, but more patients in the INT group received coronary artery bypass grafting compared with the PER group (56 vs. 42%; p = 0.055). Thirty-day mortality (4.7 vs. 2.2%) and need for permanent pacemaker implantation (7 versus 4.4%) were comparable between the INT and PER groups for isolated AVR and also for combined procedures, respectively. Cerebrovascular events showed comparable low rates for both RDVs (INT group [1.9%] vs. PER group [2.8%]). Indexed effective orifice area was higher in the INT group (0.90 vs. 0.82 cm2/m2) and coupled to a lower peak (17 ± 7 vs. 22 ± 8) and mean (10 ± 5 vs. 12 ± 4) pressure gradients compared with the PER group. CONCLUSIONS: Our propensity score analysis in AVR patients showed good hemodynamic characteristics with comparable 30-day mortality rate and complications rates for both investigated RDVs.

Comparison of Self-Expanding RDV Perceval S versus TAVI ACURATE neo/TF.

BACKGROUND: Rapid deployment aortic valve replacement (RDAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have emerged as increasingly used alternatives to conventional aortic valve replacement to treat patients at higher surgical risk. Therefore, in this single-center study, we retrospectively compared clinical outcomes and hemodynamic performance of two self-expanding biological prostheses, the sutureless and rapid deployment valve (RDV) Perceval-S (PER) and the transcatheter heart valve (THV) ACURATE neo/TF (NEO) in a 1:1 propensity-score-matching (PSM) patient cohort. METHODS: A total of 332 consecutive patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis underwent either singular RDAVR with PER (119) or TAVI with NEO (213) at our institutions between 2012 and 2017. To compare the unequal patient groups, a 1:1 PSM for preoperative data and comorbidities was conducted. Afterward, 59 patient pairs were compared with regard to relevant hemodynamic parameter, relevant paravalvular leak (PVL), permanent postoperative pacemaker (PPM) implantation rate, and clinical postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Postoperative clinical short-term outcomes presented with slightly higher rates for 30-day all-cause mortality (PER = 5.1% vs. NEO = 1.7%, p = 0.619) and major adverse cardiocerebral event in PER due to cerebrovascular events (transient ischemic attack [TIA]-PER = 3.4% vs. TIA-NEO = 1.7%, p = 0.496 and Stroke-PER = 1.7% vs. Stroke-NEO = 0.0%, p = 1). Moreover, we show comparable PPM rates (PER = 10.2% vs. NEO = 8.5%, p = 0.752). However, higher numbers of PVL (mild-PER = 0.0% vs. NEO = 55.9%, p = 0.001; moderate or higher-PER = 0.0% vs. NEO = 6.8%, p = 0.119) after TAVI with NEO were observed. CONCLUSION: Both self-expanding bioprostheses, the RDV-PER and THV-NEO provide a feasible option in elderly and patients with elevated perioperative risk. However, the discussed PER collective showed more postoperative short-term complications with regard to 30-day all-cause mortality and cerebrovascular events, whereas the NEO showed higher rates of PVL.

Higher incidence of perivalvular abscess determines perioperative clinical outcome in patients undergoing surgery for prosthetic valve endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery for prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is associated with substantial mortality. We aimed to analyze 30-day and 1-year outcome in patients undergoing surgery for PVE and sought to identify preoperative risk factors for mortality with special regard to perivalvular infection. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of 418 patients undergoing valve surgery for infective endocarditis between January 2009 and July 2018. After 1:1 propensity matching 158 patients (79 PVE/79 NVE) were analyzed with regard to postoperative 30-day and 1-year outcomes. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for mortality. RESULTS: 315 patients (75.4%) underwent surgery for NVE and 103 (24.6%) for PVE. After propensity matching groups were comparable with regard to preoperative characteristics, clinical presentation and microbiological findings, except a higher incidence of perivalvular infection in patients with PVE (51.9%) compared to NVE (26.6%) (p = 0.001), longer cardiopulmonary bypass (166 [76-130] vs. 97 [71-125] min; p < 0.001) and crossclamp time (95 [71-125] vs. 68 [55-85] min; p < 0.001). Matched patients with PVE showed a 4-fold increased 30-day mortality (20.3%) in comparison with NVE patients (5.1%) (p = 0.004) and 2-fold increased 1-year mortality (PVE 29.1% vs. NVE 13.9%; p = 0.020). Multivariable analysis revealed perivalvular abscess, sepsis, preoperative AKI and PVE as independent risk factors for mortality. Patients with perivalvular abscess had a significantly higher 30-day mortality (17.7%) compared to patients without perivalvular abscess (8.0%) (p = 0.003) and a higher rate of perioperative complications (need for postoperative pacemaker implantation, postoperative cerebrovascular events, postoperative AKI). However, perivalvular abscess did not influence 1-year mortality (20.9% vs. 22.3%; p = 0.806), or long-term complications such as readmission rate or relapse of IE. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing surgery for PVE had a significantly higher 30-day and 1-year mortality compared to NVE. After propensity-matching 30-day mortality was still 4-fold increased in PVE compared to NVE. Patients with perivalvular abscess showed a significantly higher 30-day mortality and perioperative complications, whereas perivalvular abscess seems to have no relevant impact on 1-year mortality, the rate of readmission or relapse of IE.

Major Bleeding after Surgical Revascularization with Dual Antiplatelet Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with acute coronary syndrome are treated with dual antiplatelet therapy containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and P2Y12 antagonists. In case of urgent coronary artery bypass grafting this might be associated with increasing risks of bleeding complications. METHODS: Data from 1200 consecutive urgent operations between 2010 and 2018 were obtained from our institutional patient database. For this study off-pump surgery was excluded. The primary composite end point major bleeding consisted of at least one end point: transfusion ≥ 5 packed red blood cells within 24 hours, rethoracotomy due to bleeding, chest tube output >2000 mL within 24 hours. Demographic data, peri-, and postoperative variables and outcomes were compared between patients treated with mono antiplatelet therapy, ASA + clopidogrel (ASA-C) +ticagrelor (ASA-T) or +prasugrel (ASA-P) < 72 hours before surgery. Furthermore, we compared patients with dual antiplatelet therapy with ASA monotherapy. RESULTS: From 1,086 patients, 475 (44%) received dual antiplatelet therapy. Three-hundred seventy-two received ASA-C (77.7%), 72 ASA-T (15%), and 31 ASA-P (6.5%). Major bleeding (44 vs. 23%, p < 0.0001) was more frequently in patients receiving dual therapy with higher rates of massive drainage loss within 24 hours (23 vs. 11%, p < 0.0001) of mass transfusion (34 vs. 16%, p < 0.0001) and rethoracotomy (10 vs. 5%, p = 0.002) when compared with ASA. In this analysis, ASA-T and ASA-P were not associated with higher bleeding complications compared with ASA-C. CONCLUSION: Dual antiplatelet therapy is associated with higher rates of major bleeding. Further studies should examine the difference in the prevalence of major bleeding complications in the different dual antiplatelet therapy regimes in patients requiring urgent surgery.

Levosimendan Reduces Mortality and Low Cardiac Output Syndrome in Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: There has been conflicting evidence concerning the effect of levosimendan on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and conducted this meta-analysis to provide evidence for/against the administration of levosimendan in cardiac surgery patients. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis from literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Only randomized controlled trials comparing the administration of levosimendan in cardiac surgery patients with a control group (other inotrope, standard therapy/placebo, or an intra-aortic balloon pump) were included. In addition, at least one clinical outcome had to be mentioned: mortality, myocardial infarction, low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS), acute kidney injury, renal replacement therapy, atrial fibrillation, prolonged inotropic support, length of intensive care unit, and hospital stay. The pooled treatment effects (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence intervals [CI]) were assessed using a fixed or random effects model. RESULTS: The literature search retrieved 27 randomized, controlled trials involving a total of 3,198 patients. Levosimendan led to a significant reduction in mortality (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.49-0.91; p = 0.0087). Furthermore, the incidence of LCOS (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.42-0.75; p < 0.0001), acute kidney injury (OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.46-0.86; p = 0.0039), and renal replacement therapy (OR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.50-0.98; p = 0.0332) was significantly decreased in the levosimendan group. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis suggests beneficial effects for the prophylactic use of levosimendan in patients with severely impaired left ventricular function undergoing cardiac surgery. The administration of levosimendan was associated with a reduced mortality, less LCOS, and restored adequate organ perfusion reflected in less acute kidney injury.

Treatment of cardiogenic shock in peripartum cardiomyopathy: Case series from a tertiary ECMO center.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) occurs toward the end of pregnancy or in the months after delivery without previously known structural heart disease. Development of therapy-refractory cardiogenic shock is described in the literature with a limited number of overall presented cases in this young patient cohort. To provide differences and key points in the therapy of end-stage PPCM patients, we present a case series of four young women with PPCM referred to our department for potential VA ECMO support.

Single center experience with patients on veno arterial ECMO due to postcardiotomy right ventricular failure.

OBJECTIVES: Right ventricular (RV) failure is associated with poor outcome and increased mortality in cardiac surgery. Aim of our study was to analyze the outcome of veno arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (va ECMO) therapy in patients with isolated RV failure in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) and to evaluate risk factors associated with 30-day-mortality. METHODS: Between August 2006 until August 2016, 64 consecutive patients with va ECMO therapy due to fulminant RV failure in PCS were identified and included in this retrospective observation. Further, outcome data and a comparison of va ECMO survivors and nonsurvivors was conducted. RESULTS: The mean age of the patient cohort was 63 ± 14 years. Patients were treated with va ECMO for 79 ± 61 hours. Twenty-eight patients (44%) were successfully weaned off ECMO support. Overall 30-day-mortality was 88% (56/64). Hemoglobin concentration before ECMO implantation, maximum rise of muscle-brain type creatine kinase during ECMO therapy, as well as lactic acid concentration 24 hours after initiation of va ECMO therapy were predictive for 30-day mortality. CONCLUSION: ECMO therapy in RV failure due to PCS is shown to be associated with an excessive mortality. Regarding our data, va ECMO might only be an appropriate short-term mechanical assist device separating patients form cardiopulmonary bypass with an acceptable weaning rate. Particularly, in case of failed hemodynamic recovery of the right heart on va ECMO, direct RV bypass systems might function as a bailout option. Additionally, cardiac enzymes and lactic acid might provide valuable information in meeting therapy-related decisions.

Impact of Different Aortic Entry Tear Sites on Early Outcomes and Long-Term Survival in Patients with Stanford A Acute Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening emergency. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of three different aortic entry tear sites on early outcomes and long-term survival of patients with Stanford A AAD. METHODS: From January 2006 to April 2015, a total of 240 consecutive patients with diagnosed Stanford A AAD underwent emergent, isolated surgical aortic repair in our center. Patients were divided into three groups comprising isolated ascending aorta, proximal aortic arch, and distal aortic arch entry tear site and were followed up for up to 9 years. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality as well as major cerebrovascular events were significantly different between the three groups (p = 0.007 and p = 0.048, respectively). Overall cumulative short- and long-term survival of all patients revealed significant differences (Log-Rank p = 0.002), whereas survival of all patients free from major cerebrovascular events was similar (Log-Rank p = 0.780). Subgroup analysis of short- and long-term survival of patients showed significant differences in terms of men (Log-Rank p = 0.043), women (Log-Rank p = 0.004), patients over 65 years of age (Log-Rank p = 0.007), and hypertensive patients (Log-Rank p = 0.003). Kaplan-Meier survival estimation plots significantly showed poorest survival for distal aortic arch entry tear site group. CONCLUSION: The location of the primary entry tear in patients with Stanford A AAD significantly influences early outcomes, short- and long-term survival of patients, whereas survival of patients free from major cerebrovascular events showed similar results among the three groups. Distal aortic entry tear site showed poorest outcomes and survival.

Factors predictive for early and late mortality after surgical repair for Stanford A acute aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate independent risk factors predictive for mortality of patients with Stanford A acute aortic dissection. METHODS: From January 2006 to March 2015, a total of 240 consecutive patients diagnosed with acute Stanford A acute aortic dissection underwent surgical aortic repair in our center. After analysis of pre- and perioperative variables, univariate logistic and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed for mortality of patients. Subsequently, Kaplan-Meier estimation analysis of short- and long-term survival of these variables was carried out. RESULTS: Primary entry tear in descending aorta (odds ratio = 4.71, p = 0.021), preoperative international normalized ratio higher than 1.2 (odds ratio = 7.36, p = 0.001), additional coronary artery bypass grafting (odds ratio = 3.39, p = 0.003), cannulation in ascending aorta (odds ratio = 3.22, p = 0.005), preoperative neurological coma (odds ratio = 3.30, p = 0.003), and reduced perfusion (odds ratio = 2.91, p = 0.006) as well as prolonged reperfusion time (odds ratio = 3.36, p = 0.002) showed to be independent predictors for early mortality as well as for late mortality (hazard ratio of all variables p < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival estimation analysis with up to 9-year-follow-up in terms of these risk factors showed significantly poorer short- and long-term survival (log-rank and Breslow test all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that early and late mortality of patients with Stanford A acute aortic dissection surgery was significantly influenced by preoperative and perioperative variables as independent predictors especially of variables displaying coronary, cerebral, and visceral malperfusion. Also, short- and long-term survival of patients was significantly poorer in terms of these risk factors.

Managing Traps and Pitfalls During Initial Steps of an ECMO Retrieval Program Using a Miniaturized Portable System: What Have We Learned From the First Two Years?

The aim of this study was to provide early and mid-term results of the newly established extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) retrieval service in a tertiary cardiothoracic center using the miniaturized portable Cardiohelp System (Maquet, Rastatt, Germany). A particular attention was paid to organizational and logistic specifics as well as challenges and pitfalls associated with initial phase of the program. From January 2015 until January 2017 a heterogenic group of 28 consecutive patients underwent ECMO implantation in distant hospitals for acute cardiac, pulmonary or combined failure as a bridge-to-decision and were subsequently transported to our institution. Each cannulation was performed bedside on intensive care units (ICU) using the Seldinger's technique. Early outcomes and mid-term overall survival with up to two-year follow-up along with the impact of ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on outcome were presented. Also, changes in hemodynamics and tissue perfusion factors 24 h after ECMO implantation were evaluated. ECMO implantations were performed in 15 distant departments with the median distance of 23(10;40) (maximum 60) km. A total of 15 patients (54%) were cannulated under CPR with the median duration of 30(20;110) (maximum 180) min. After 24 h of support there were significant improvements in SvO2 (P = 0.021), mean arterial pressure (P = 0.027), FiO2 (P = 0.001), lactate (P = 0.001), and pH (P < 0.001). The mean ECMO support duration was 96 ± 100 (maximum 384) hours, whereas 11 patients (40%) were weaned off support and discharged from hospital. Overall cumulative survival in patients without the need for CPR was 61.5% at one week and 38.5% at 1 month, 6 month, and 1 year, whereas patients requiring CPR survived in 40% at one week, and 33.3% at 1 month, 6 month, and 1 year (Log-Rank (Mantel-Cox) P = 0.374, Breslow (Generalized Wilcoxon) P = 0.162). Our initial experience shows that launching new ECMO retrieval programs in centers with sufficient ICU capacities and local ECMO experience can be feasible and associated with acceptable "real world" results despite the initial learning curve. Rapid logistical organization and team flexibility are the key points to ensure comparable survival of patients requiring prolonged CPR.

Statin Therapy in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates whether preoperative statin therapy improves clinical outcomes in patients referred to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: A total of 1,151 patients undergoing CABG for ACS were prospectively entered into the North-Rhine-Westphalia surgical myocardial infarction registry and subdivided into two groups according to their preoperative statin status (statin naive vs. statin group). A logistic regression model was employed to analyze the impact of a statin therapy and dose for the endpoints in-hospital mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). RESULTS: Demographics, pre- and intraoperative data of the statin-naive group (n = 208; 18%) and statin-treated group (n = 943, 82%) did not differ. In-hospital mortality (12.6 vs. 6.3%, p = 0.002) and MACE rates (22.1 vs. 9.7%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in statin naive when compared with statin-treated patients with ACS, respectively. Mevalonic acid revealed that both low- and high-dose statin treatment was associated to a reduction in in-hospital mortality and MACE, without a dose-dependent statin effect. CONCLUSION: Statin therapy in patients with ACS undergoing CABG reduces in a dose-independent manner in-hospital mortality and MACE.

Buckberg versus Calafiore Cardioplegia in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Choice of cardioplegic solution plays a pivotal role in special subgroups of patients referred for on-pump cardiac surgery. This retrospective analysis aimed to assess the impact of intermittent warm (Calafiore, Cala) versus intermittent cold blood cardioplegia (Buckberg, Buck) in patients referred to coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery due to acute coronary syndromes (ACS). METHODS: From 2008 to 2015, all consecutive patients undergoing urgent on-pump CABG surgery due to ACS (n = 950) were retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative cardiac arrest was achieved using Buck (n = 273) or Cala (n = 677). Patients were compared regarding clinical outcomes and perioperative myocardial injury (PMI). Propensity score matching was performed to control for differences in preoperative patient characteristics. RESULTS: Prevalences of left main stenosis >50%, COPD, and advanced New York Heart Association (NYHA) class were higher for intermittent warm blood cardioplegia (IWC)-patients while more Buck-patients had preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and redo procedures. Buck-patients needed more intraoperative defibrillations and showed longer cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic clamping times. 30-day all-cause mortality (10.6 versus 9.3%), major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (52.7 versus 48.6%), and PMI (50.5 versus 55.7%; all p > 0.05) rates were comparable for Buck- and Cala-patients. Propensity score matching resulted in equal group sizes (n = 212 each) and balanced distribution of preoperative covariates. Although more Buck-patients still needed inotropic support >24 hours postoperatively (25.7 versus 14.7%; p = 0.005) compared with Cala-group, outcome variables of interest did not differ between treatment groups (30-day mortality: 7.5 versus 9.0%; MACE: 49.5 versus 40.6%; PMI: 48.1 versus 37.3%; all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Buckberg and Calafiore cardioplegia offer comparable myocardial protection and similar postoperative results in patients undergoing CABG surgery due to ACS.

Impact of age on early outcomes and long-term survival of patients undergoing aortic repair with Stanford A dissection.

OBJECTIVES: Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening emergency, typically occurring in older patients and requiring immediate surgical repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate early outcome and short- and long-term survival of patients under and above 65 years of age. METHODS: Two hundred and forty patients with Stanford A AAD underwent aortic surgical repair from January 2006 to April 2015 in our center. After statistical analysis and logistic regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival estimation was performed, with up to 9-year follow-up, comprising patients under and above 65 years of age. RESULTS: The proportion of patients above 65 years of age suffering from Stanford A AAD was 50% (n=120). The group of patients above 65 years of age compared to the group under 65 years of age showed statistically significant differences in terms of higher odds ratios (OR) for hypertension (p=0.012), peripheral vascular disease (p=0.026) and tachyarrhythmia absoluta (p=0.004). Patients over 65 years of age also showed significantly poorer short- and long-term survival. Our subgroup analysis revealed that male patients (Breslow p=0.001, Log-Rank p=0.001) and patients suffering with hypertension (Breslow p=0.003, Log-Rank p=0.001) were reasonable for these results whereas younger and older female patients showed similar short- and long-term outcome (Breslow p=0.926, Log-Rank p=0.724). After stratifying all patients into 4 age groups (<45; 55-65; 65-75; >75years), short-term survival of the patients appeared to be significantly poorer with increasing age (Breslow p=0.026, Log-Rank p=0.008) whereas long-term survival of patients free from cerebrovascular events (Breslow p=0.0494, Log-Rank p=0.489) remained similar. CONCLUSIONS: All patients referred to our hospital for repair of Stanford A AAD with higher age had poorer short- and long-term survival, caused by male patients and patients suffering from hypertension, whereas survival of women and survival free from cerebrovascular events of the entire patient cohort was similar, irrespective of age.

Impact of hypertension on early outcomes and long-term survival of patients undergoing aortic repair with Stanford A dissection.

INTRODUCTION: Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening emergency, typically occurring in hypertensive patients, requiring immediate surgical repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate early outcomes and long-term survival of hypertensive patients in comparison to normotensive patients suffering from Stanford A AAD. METHODS: In our center, 240 patients with Stanford A AAD underwent aortic surgical repair from January 2006 to April 2015. After statistical and logistic regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival estimation was performed, with up to 9-year follow-up. RESULTS: The proportion of hypertensive patients suffering from Stanford A AAD was 75.4% (n=181). There were only few statistically significant differences in terms of basic demographics, comorbidities, preoperative baseline and clinical characteristics of hypertensive patients in comparison to normotensive patients. Hypertensive patients were significantly older (p=0.008), more frequently received hemi-arch repair (p=0.028) and selective brain perfusion (p=0.001). Our study showed similar statistical results in terms of 30-day mortality (p=0.196), long-term overall cumulative survival of patients (Log-Rank p=0.506) and survival of patients free from cerebrovascular events (Log-Rank p=0.186). Furthermore, subgroup analysis for long-term survival in terms of men (Log-Rank p=0.853), women (Log-Rank p=0.227), patients under and above 65 years of age (Log-Rank p=0.188 and Log-Rank p=0.602, respectively) and patients undergoing one of the three types of aortic repair surgery showed similar results for normotensive and hypertensive patient groups. Subgroup analysis for long-term survival of patients free from cerebrovascular events for women, patients under 65 years of age and patients undergoing aortic arch repair showed significant differences between the two groups in favor of hypertensive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertensive patients suffering from Stanford A AAD were older, more frequently received hemi-arch replacement and were not associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality and poorer long-term survival compared to normotensive patients.

Outcome after coronary bypass grafting for coronary complications following coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND: Coronary complications during coronary angiography or intervention (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]) are uncommon. However, PCI-related coronary artery perforation, dissection, or acute occlusion frequently result in myocardial ischemia followed by hemodynamic instability and need of urgent coronary artery bypass grafting (coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]). This single-center study aimed to investigate clinical outcomes of patients undergoing urgent CABG after life-threatening PCI complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were retrospectively obtained using our institutional patient database. All patients admitted for urgent CABG following PCI-related complications from April 2010 to June 2015 were included into this study. Univariate analysis was performed to identify possible predictors for cardiac mortality. RESULTS: From a total of 821 urgent CABG patients, 52 patients (6.3%, 66.4 ± 9.4 years) underwent CABG for coronary complication following PCI. Logistic EuroSCORE was 21.8 ± 15.0%. At admission, 22 of 52 (42%) presented in cardiogenic shock, and 24 of 52 (46%) had significant electrocardiogram alterations indicating ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Surgical revascularization was performed by targeting the injured coronary vessel with additional revascularization of other compromised vessels as indicated (mean number of grafts 2.4 ± 0.8). In-hospital cardiac mortality of the patient cohort was 13.5% (7/52) with 15.4% (8/52) in-hospital all-cause mortality. Preoperative resuscitation, cardiogenic shock, and STEMI were predictors for in-hospital cardiac mortality (P < 0.05) in univariate analysis. In contrast, noncardiac comorbidities, type of PCI complication, and localization of the culprit lesion were not associated to increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Emergent or urgent CABG for treatment of acute coronary complications following PCI is feasible and has acceptable clinical results that worsen in the presence of STEMI, cardiogenic shock, or resuscitation. Because preoperative status is crucial for clinical outcomes in these patients, immediate transfer to cardiac surgery is necessary.