ECPELLA as the bridge to surgery in patients with cardiogenic shock due to post-infarct papillary muscle rupture: management of mechanical circulatory support during operation.

Papillary muscle rupture is a fatal complication with a high operative mortality. Most patients experience cardiogenic shock and hypoxia due to pulmonary edema caused by severe mitral regurgitation. Although preoperative stabilization using a mechanical assist device potentially improves surgical outcomes, an appropriate strategy has not yet been established. ECPELLA, combining venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and Impella, has the potential to stabilize preoperative status and improve outcome in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock due to papillary muscle rupture. Herein, we present 3 cases involving the efficacy of ECPELLA and our tips of surgical and ECPELLA management in patients with papillary muscle rupture.

[Result of Surgical Treatment for Active Infective Endocarditis at the Aortic Position].

Herein, we retrospectively review our experience with surgical treatment of active aortic valve infective endocarditis, particularly aortic annular abscess, and central nervous system complications. From 2012 to 2021, 46 consecutive patients underwent surgery during the active phase of infective endocarditis, 25 of which were performed at the aortic position. One patient died early (<30 days) due to low output syndrome and another 2 patients who were never discharged died because of general prostration. The actuarial survival rate was 84% at 1 year, and 80% at 3 and 5 years. Eleven patients [6 native valve endocarditis (NVE), 5 prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE)] had valve annular abscess requiring removal of the infected tissue and reconstruction of a definite anatomic continuity, and aortic valve replacement was subsequently performed in 7 patients and aortic root replacement in 4 patients. Direct closure was performed in 4 patients with partial annulus defects, and reconstruction with an autologous nor bovine pericardium patch was performed in 6 patients with large annulus defects. Preoperative imaging revealed acute cerebral embolism in 10 patients. In eight cases, surgery was performed within 7 days after diagnosis of cerebral embolism. No patient had abnormal postoperative neurological findings. There were no reoperations and no recurrence of infective endocarditis.

Hemodynamic and clinical performance of the 25-mm Medtronic Mosaic porcine bioprosthesis in the mitral position.

The 25-mm Medtronic Mosaic porcine bioprosthesis (MB25) is the smallest bioprosthesis that has been approved for use in the mitral position in Japan. Various studies have reported satisfactory hemodynamic performance and good long-term outcomes of the Medtronic Mosaic porcine bioprosthesis. However, the hemodynamic and clinical performances of the MB25 in the mitral position remain unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the hemodynamic and clinical performance of the MB25 in mitral valve replacement (MVR). Twenty patients who underwent MVR using the MB25 between February 2013 and April 2018 were studied. We evaluated the hemodynamic performance of the MB25, cardiac chamber size, cardiac function, and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) using echocardiography during follow-up. The study outcomes were major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and all-cause mortality. Sixteen patients (80%) had a patient prosthesis mismatch defined as an index effective orifice area of ≤ 1.2 cm2/m2. The left atrial dimension was significantly reduced after surgery (p = 0.0282). The mean pressure gradients (MPG) in the mitral position were 5.5 ± 1.7 mmHg at discharge and 4.2 ± 1.3 mmHg at 1 year postoperatively. The MPG in the mitral position significantly decreased during the follow-up period (p = 0.0489). Systolic PAP significantly improved postoperatively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 87, 79, and 70%, respectively. No cardiac death occurred. There were no MACEs or reports of structural valve degeneration during the follow-up period. The hemodynamic and clinical performances of the MB25 in the mitral position were satisfactory as the smallest biological mitral valve. The MB25 is a reasonable option for MVR to reduce the surgical difficulty in high-risk patients with an advanced age, a small body size or MAC and when recurrent MVR or complex procedures are performed.

Right-parasternal approach for aortic valve replacement and ascending aortic repair after ante-thoracic route gastric tube reconstruction.

Due to the limitations of surgical incisions and approaches brought on by the presence of gastric tube (GT), open heart surgery following ante-thoracic route GT reconstruction remains challenging. A-73-year-old man, who had a history of esophageal resection and ante-thoracic route GT reconstruction required aortic valve replacement (AVR) concomitant with ascending aortic repair (AAR) for aortic stenosis and dilated ascending aorta. We performed open heart surgery via a right-parasternal approach to avoid injury to the GT and nutrient arteries. This approach provided a good operative field, similar to median sternotomy. To our knowledge, this is the first case of AVR concomitant with AAR after ante-thoracic route GT reconstruction via a right-parasternal approach. We consider that the right-parasternal approach is reasonable for patients with ante-thoracic route GT reconstruction.

Hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening after Perceval sutureless bioprosthesis implantation.

Modern multi-slice computed tomography (CT) has increased the detection of hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening (HALT). Furthermore, HALT's impact on transcatheter or surgical biological aortic valve (AV) prostheses has attracted attention. However, few reports on HALT in sutureless bioprostheses exist. Herein, we report a case of early structural valve deterioration due to HALT after AV replacement (AVR) with a Perceval bioprosthesis, which improved after anticoagulation therapy. A 79-year-old man admitted to our hospital with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) during hemodialysis was also diagnosed with AV stenosis and, coronary artery disease, and PAF. He underwent AVR, coronary artery bypass grafting, and left atrial appendage resection. Although the postoperative course was uneventful with dual antiplatelet therapy, postoperative enhanced CT revealed HALT with reduced leaflet motion, and echocardiography showed an increased transvalvular pressure gradient. After using warfarin with target prothrombin time-international normalized ratio of 2-2.5 and/or heparin with target activated partial thromboplastin time of 45-60 s, the HALT disappeared with an improved transvalvular pressure gradient without any thromboembolic events.

Impact of the Trifecta bioprosthetic valve in patients with low-flow severe aortic stenosis.

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valve disorder in advanced age. Previous reports have shown that low-flow status of the left ventricle is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality after surgery. The Trifecta bioprosthesis has recently shown favorable hemodynamic performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Trifecta bioprosthesis, which has a large effective orifice area, in patients with low-flow severe AS who have a poor prognosis. We retrospectively evaluated 94 consecutive patients with severe AS who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR). Patients were divided into two groups according to the stroke volume index (SVI): low-flow (LF) group (SVI < 35 ml/m2, n = 22) and normal-flow (NF) group (SVI ≥ 35 ml/m2, n = 72). Patients' characteristics and early and mid-term results were compared between the two groups. There were no differences in patients' characteristics, except for systolic blood pressure (LF:NF = 120:138 mmHg, p < 0.01) and the rate of atrial fibrillation between the groups. A preoperative echocardiogram showed that the pressure gradient was higher in the NF group than in the LF group, but aortic valve area was similar. The Trifecta bioprosthesis size was similar in both groups. The operative outcomes were not different between the groups. Severe patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) (< 0.65 cm2/m2) was not observed in either of the groups. There were no significant differences in mid-term results between the two groups. The favorable hemodynamic performance of the Trifecta bioprosthesis appears to have the similar outcomes in the LF and NF groups. AVR with the Trifecta bioprosthesis should be considered for avoidance of PPM, particularly in AS patients with LV dysfunction.

Evaluation of hemodynamics after mitral valve replacement with the St Jude Medical Epic bioprosthesis: a Japanese single-center experience.

To assess the early hemodynamics after mitral valve replacement (MVR) using the St Jude Medical (SJM) Epic bioprosthesis. MVR was performed using the SJM Epic bioprosthesis in 35 patients from June 2018 to April 2020; three patients were excluded because the postoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) data were unavailable. Data from postoperative TTE at 1 week and 3 months after the procedure were reviewed. The mean mitral pressure gradient (mMPG) was calculated using a continuous wave Doppler method. Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) was calculated using a pulse wave Doppler method. The effective orifice area (EOA) was measured from pressure half time. There were 12 men (37.5%) and 20 women (62.5%) with a mean age of 75.9 years (61-88 years). The mean body surface area was 1.51 ± 0.22 cm2. The 25 mm and 27 mm valves were used in more than 50% of cases. The mMPG was 4.9 ± 1.7 mmHg and 5.4 ± 1.6 mmHg at 1 week and 3 months after surgery, respectively. EOA was 2.18 ± 0.50 cm2 and 2.31 ± 0.59 cm2 at 1 week and 3 months after surgery, respectively. The peak velocity of the LVOT (n = 22) was 103.3 ± 21.3 cm/s and 106.8 ± 27.4 cm/s at 1 week and 3 months after surgery, respectively. No findings suggested paravalvular regurgitation and LVOT obstruction. Using the SJM Epic bioprosthesis in MVR resulted in satisfactory hemodynamics in the early postoperative period, even with small valve sizes. Further accumulation of cases and evidence, including mid- to long-term results, is required in the future.

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery in a patient with osteopetrosis and symptomatic mitral regurgitation.

Osteopetrosis is a rare hereditary bone development disorder caused by osteoclast dysfunction, which increases bone density. Although few studies have investigated cardiovascular disease in osteopetrosis, sternotomy outcomes in this condition are unclear. We report the case of a patient with osteopetrosis and severe mitral regurgitation. A 63-year-old woman with exertional dyspnea had regurgitant systolic murmur audible at the apex. Transthoracic echocardiography showed severe mitral regurgitation due to posterior leaflet prolapse on the anterolateral side. Radiological findings revealed increased bone density (consistent with osteopetrosis). Considering risks in median sternotomy, we performed minimally invasive cardiac surgery through right minithoracotomy for mitral regurgitation. Preoperative imaging showed sclerotic rib changes; nevertheless, sufficient surgical views obtained involved the intercostal space. No residual mitral regurgitation was observed, and the postoperative course was good. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report on minimally invasive cardiac surgery for mitral regurgitation with osteopetrosis.

A lost suture needle in the left ventricle 4 years after cardiac surgery.

We present an unusual case of a patient with a lost suture needle in the left ventricle, 4 years after cardiac surgery. We show the temporal image comparison using computed tomography as well as the macro and pathological findings of the suture needle and myocardium.

Short-segment coronary artery bypass grafting using radial artery to repair bilateral coronary ostial aneurysms after aortic root replacement in a patient with Marfan syndrome.

Coronary ostial aneurysm is a complication of aortic root replacement, particularly in Marfan syndrome. Reconstructing the coronary artery is an important problem during reoperation. Herein, we report a case of coronary artery bypass grafting using radial artery to repair bilateral coronary ostial aneurysms after aortic root replacement in a patient with Marfan syndrome.

Clinical outcome of cardiac surgery in patients with remitted or active hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common primary cancers worldwide. HCC has unique characteristics such as co-existing chronic liver damage and a high recurrence rate. A negative impact on the surgical outcome due to these backgrounds could be expected. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of cardiac surgery in these patients. METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2019, 16 patients with remitted cancer and 5 patients with active HCC who underwent open heart surgery were studied. The clinical data were retrospectively evaluated from hospital records. Follow-up information was collected via telephone interviews. RESULTS: The major cause of HCC was viral hepatitis. Eighteen patients (86%) were classified as having Child-Pugh class A cirrhosis. The mean model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was 7.2 ± 5.2. There was no 30-day mortality. During follow-up, 11 patients died due to HCC. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 80.0, 42.5, and 22.3%, respectively. A univariate analysis identified a higher preoperative MELD score and lower serum cholinesterase levels as prognostic factors for long-term survival. CONCLUSION: We could safely perform cardiac surgery in selected patients with remitted and active HCC. The postoperative life expectancy of these patients was limited but acceptable.

Multimodal imaging of cardiac-calcified amorphous tumor.

Cardiac-calcified amorphous tumor (CAT) is a rare non-neoplastic tumor and its origin and pathogenesis are still unclear. In addition, it is difficult to clinically diagnose as cardiac CAT without pathological findings. We present a case of a 78-year-male diagnosed with cardiac CAT after surgical resection. We could evaluate tumor aspects by multimodal imaging including echocardiography, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance image, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/CT before surgery.

Aortic valve replacement with or without concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting in very elderly patients aged 85 years and older.

Degenerative aortic stenosis is the most common structural heart valve disease affecting the aging population. Catheter-based heart valve interventions are less invasive and very useful for very elderly patients. However, we often consider open heart surgery for these patients because of anatomical reasons and co-existing cardiac diseases, i.e., severe coronary artery disease. We aimed to analyze the outcomes of very elderly patients aged ≥ 85 years undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) with or without coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Twenty-nine very elderly patients aged ≥ 85 years who underwent AVR with CABG (n = 11, Group AC) or isolated AVR (n = 18, Group A) were examined. The overall mean age of the patients was 87.2 ± 2.6 (range 85-94) years. The estimated operative mortality rate, calculated using the Japan score, EuroSCORE II, and STS risk score, was 5.72%-10.88% in Group AC and 5.63%-8.30% in Group A. Aortic cross-clamp time (126.5 ± 29.0 vs. 96.9 ± 29.2 min, p = 0.016) was significantly longer in Group AC than in Group A. Although the major morbidity rate was higher in Group AC than in Group A (36% vs. 6%, p = 0.0336), the length of intensive care unit stay and hospital stay was comparable between both groups. There was no 30-day and hospital mortality in both groups. Eleven patients died during follow-up (senility, 5; cerebrovascular events, 2; renal failure, 1; unknown, 3). There were no significant differences in survival rates during follow-up (log-rank p value = 0.1051). The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-year survival rates were 91%, 80%, 69%, 69% and 69%, respectively, in Group AC and 94%, 94%, 94%, 94% and 88%, respectively, in Group A. In conclusion, AVR with or without CABG could be safely performed in carefully selected very elderly patients with acceptable early- and long-term results. AVR with CABG in very elderly patients aged ≥ 85 offers similar results to isolated AVR in terms of 30-day mortality, hospital mortality, and long-term survival.

Left ventricular apical pseudoaneurysm with aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis.

We report an 83-year-old man with a mycotic left ventricular apical pseudoaneurysm and aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Enterococcus spp. Mycotic left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is very rare and is associated with a high risk of rupture. Here, we report the clinical presentation, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of a case of mycotic left ventricular pseudoaneurysm to raise awareness regarding this unusual and potentially fatal complication.

Activation of the AKT Pathway in the Ascending Aorta With Bicuspid Aortic Valve.

BACKGROUND: Dilatation of the ascending aorta affects those patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), even after valvular surgery, possibly due to tissue fragility. The goal of the study was the molecular characterization of aorta with BAV compared to that with normal tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). Methods and Results: The subjects were patients who underwent surgery for aortic valve stenosis in 2013 and 2014. Nine patients with BAV and 13 with TAV were examined. There was no difference in the clinical characteristics or grade of aortic valve stenosis, but the diameters of the ascending aorta were significantly higher in the BAV group. The ascending aortic specimens were subjected to transcriptome analyses, which revealed the changes in receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathway-related genes between TAV and BAV samples. Immunohistochemical study revealed higher staining of phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) in the media of the ascending aorta in the BAV group, regardless of the size of ascending aorta, whereas total AKT did not show such a difference. Immunofluorescence staining revealed the AKT activation was mainly in the medial vascular smooth muscle cells. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the RTK-AKT pathway in the medial layer of the ascending aorta is activated in aortae with BAV. Activation of this pathway may be associated with fragility and dilatation of the ascending aorta with BAV.

Aortic Valve Replacement in Dextrocardia and Anomalous Origin of the Coronary Artery.

Situs inversus totalis and anomalous origin of the left coronary artery are rare conditions. An 87-year-old woman with both conditions presented to the authors' hospital with symptomatic aortic stenosis. She underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG; saphenous vein graft to the left main trunk). The operator mainly stood on the left side of the patient and performed surgery without difficulty. Both, AVR and CABG were successfully performed despite these two rare conditions. Open-heart surgery in a very elderly patient with both of these rare conditions has not previously been reported.

Novel properties of γ-glutamyltransferase from Pseudomonas syringae with ß-aspartyltransferase activity.

OBJECTIVES: Gene cloning, purification, and characterization of γ-glutamyltransferase from Pseudomonas syringae (PsGGT) were performed in Escherichia coli. RESULTS: PsGGT was partially purified to 13-fold, with a specific activity of 0.92 U/mg. The molecule is presumed to be a heterodimeric consisting of large (37 kDa) and small (21 kDa) subunits. The optimal pH and temperature for hydrolytic activity were 8 and 37 °C, and those for transfer activity were 9 and 50 °C, respectively. PsGGT could transfer ß-aspartyl moiety from asparagine to hydroxylamine and the γ-glutamyl moiety from glutamine to hydroxylamine. CONCLUSION: PsGGT demonstrated novel functionality on both γ-glutamyltransferase and ß-aspartyltransferase.