Maximizing Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery With Enhanced Recovery (ERAS).

We convened a group of cardiac surgeons, intensivists, and anesthesiologists with extensive experience in minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) and perioperative care to identify the essential elements of a MICS program and the relationship with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). The MICS incision should minimize tissue invasion without compromising surgical goals. MICS also requires safe management of hemodynamics and preservation of cardiac function, which we have termed myocardial management. Finally, comprehensive perioperative care through an ERAS program should be provided to allow patients to achieve optimal recovery. Therefore, we propose that MICS requires 3 elements: (1) a less invasive surgical incision (non-full sternotomy), (2) optimized myocardial management, and (3) ERAS. We contend that the full benefit of MICS can be achieved only by also utilizing an ERAS platform.

Efficacy of parasternal peripheral nerve catheters versus no block for median sternotomy: a single-centre retrospective study.

Background: Sternal pain after cardiac surgery results in considerable discomfort. Single-injection parasternal fascial plane blocks have been shown to reduce pain scores and opioid consumption during the first 24 h after surgery, but the efficacy of continuous infusion has not been evaluated. This retrospective cohort study examined the effect of a continuous infusion of local anaesthetic through parasternal catheters on the integrated Pain Intensity and Opioid Consumption (PIOC) score up to 72 h. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing cardiac surgery with median sternotomy at a single academic centre before and after the addition of parasternal nerve catheters to a standard multimodal analgesic protocol. Outcomes included PIOC score, total opioid consumption in oral morphine equivalents, and time-weighted area under the curve pain scores up to 72 h after surgery. Results: Continuous infusion of ropivacaine 0.1% through parasternal catheters resulted in a significant reduction in PIOC scores at 24 h (-62, 95% confidence interval -108 to -16; P<0.01) and 48 h (-50, 95% CI -97 to -2.2; P=0.04) compared with no block. A significant reduction in opioid consumption up to 72 h was the primary factor in reduction of PIOC. Conclusions: This study suggests that continuous infusion of local anaesthetic through parasternal catheters may be a useful addition to a multimodal analgesic protocol in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with sternotomy. Further prospective study is warranted to determine the full benefits of continuous infusion compared with single injection or no block.

Trends in the Management of Anterior Mitral Leaflet Regurgitation.

Importance: The overall prevalence of mitral valve replacement (MVR) or MV repair at the time of cardiac surgery in the setting of isolated anterior mitral leaflet degenerative pathologic status in the US population is unknown. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of MVR and MV repair using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons' Adult Cardiac Surgery Database. Design, Setting, and Participants: In a cross-sectional study, all patients diagnosed with isolated anterior mitral leaflet degenerative regurgitation who underwent either surgical MVR or MV repair between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2022, were identified. Linear regression analysis was used to assess trends over time. Main Outcomes and Measures: Assessment of the trends in MV repair and MVR over time. Results: A total of 16 259 patients (9624 [59.2%] men) were identified, and the median age was 68 (IQR, 58-74) years. A total of 7214 patients (44.4%) had MVR, and 9045 (55.6%) had MV repair. There was a declining trend of MV repair from 58.0% in 2011 to 51.6% in 2022 (P = .05). The MVR group was older (median [IQR] age, 70 [62-77] vs 67 [58-74] years; P < .001) and had more comorbidities. A total of 85.1% of all patients underwent concomitant procedures. In 81.7% of MVR cases, no attempt at MV repair was made. The median (IQR) annual hospital volume was lower with MVR vs MV repair (2.50 [1.50-5.00] vs 4.00 [2.00-7.00]; P < .001). Conventional surgical approaches were most common (91.5%) but with a declining trend (P < .001). Minimally invasive approaches were used in 13.1% (robotic, 4.6%), and with an inclining trend from 5.0% in 2011 to 12.0% in 2022 (P < .001). Annuloplasty was performed in 88.8% of MV repair cases. Its use as a sole mean of MV repair decreased from 48.0% in 2011 to 13.9% in 2022 (P < .001). Repair maneuvers in addition to annuloplasty were neochordae (overall 40.1%, increasing from 22.5% in 2011 to 62.3% in 2022; P < .001), leaflet resection (overall 10.2%, decreasing from 13.1% in 2011 to 7.9% in 2022, P = .002), edge-to-edge MV repair (overall 5.3%, decreasing from 6.9% in 2011 to 4.5% in 2022; P = 0.04), and chordal transfer (overall 2.4%, decreasing from 2.7% in 2011 to 0.7% in 2022; P = .004). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study, MV repair was the preferred option for degenerative mitral valve disease but was only slightly more commonly performed than MVR for isolated anterior leaflet pathologic status. A large proportion of MVR was performed without an MV repair attempt, suggesting reluctance to repair this pathologic condition.

Transferring Surgical Expertise: Analyzing the Learning Curve of Robotic Cardiac Surgery Operative Time Reduction When Surgeon Moves from One Experienced Center to Another.

BACKGROUND: Robotically assisted cardiac surgery is performed in a team setting and is well known to be associated with learning curves. Surgeon and operative team learning curves are distinct entities, with total operative time representing the entire operative team (surgery, anesthesia, nursing, and perfusion) and cross-clamp time representing mainly the surgical team. Little is known about how a team learning curve evolves when an experienced surgeon transitions from one surgical center to another. This study investigates the dynamics of the team learning curve expressed as total operative time in the case of a surgeon with previous experience transitioning to a new team. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on robotic cardiac surgeries performed by a surgeon who transitioned from one experienced surgical center to another. Operative time data were collected and categorized to assess the evolution of the learning curve. Statistical analysis, including learning curve modeling and linear regression analysis, was used to evaluate changes in total time in the operating room per case. RESULTS: 103 cases were included in Weill Cornell Medicine (2019-2023). The median patient age was 63 years, 68% were males, 90.3% of cases were repaired for degenerative mitral valve disease, and the median body mass index was 23.87. Operative time (ORT) decreased from a median of 5.00 h [95%CI: 4.76, 6.00] in the first 30 cases to 4.83 [95%CI: 4.10, 5.27] thereafter, with the apparent curve plateauing indicative of the adaptation period to the new surgical environment (p = 0.01). Subgroup analysis among mitral cases (n = 93) showed a decrease in ORT from 5.00 [95%CI: 4.71, 5.98] in the first 26 cases to 4.83 [95%CI: 4.14, 5.30] (p = 0.045). There was no difference between the initial 30 cases and subsequent cases regarding cardiopulmonary bypass time, myocardial ischemia time, reoperation for bleeding, prolonged ventilation, reintubation, renal failure, need for an intra-aortic balloon pump, readmission to the ICU, reoperation for valvular dysfunction within 30 days, pneumonia, and deep venous thrombosis. Multivariate significant predictors of longer operative time were the first 30 cases, resection-based repairs, and MAZE as a concomitant procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Total operative time can be expected to decrease after about 30 cases when an experienced robotic surgeon moves between centers. Complications and cross-clamp times are less susceptible to a learning curve phenomenon in such a circumstance, as these depend primarily on the operating surgeon's level of experience. Understanding these dynamics can inform the planning and management of surgical transitions, ensuring optimal patient care and continued improvement in surgical outcomes.

Surgically Resected Cardiac Angiosarcoma: Survival Analysis from the National Cancer Database.

Angiosarcoma is a rare type of soft-tissue sarcoma arising from endothelial cells. It is considered 'high-grade' by definition, reflecting its aggressive behavior. We sought to investigate the role of surgery in cardiac angiosarcoma, identify late mortality predictors, and identify interactions with other modalities in its treatment using a national dataset. The 2004-2017 National Cancer Database was reviewed for patients with primary cardiac angiosarcoma. Late mortality predictors were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis. Surgery in primary cardiac angiosarcoma was performed in 130 patients (median age 50.5 years; female sex 36.9%). The median follow up was 72.02 months, with a median overall survival (OS) of 14.32 months. In patients treated with surgery in combination with other modalities compared with those treated with surgery alone, median OSs were 17.28 and 2.88 months, respectively (log-rank = 0.018). Older patients (age > 57 years) experienced lower OS compared to those with an age < 57 (log-rank = 0.012). This may be partially explained by the difference in treatment strategies among age groups: those with increasing age, less surgery (p = 0.037), and less chemotherapy (p < 0.001) were chosen. With multivariable Cox regression analysis, age and race other than white or black were identified to be significant independent predictors of late mortality. Cardiac angiosarcoma has poor overall survival, and our findings should further encourage the use of surgery in combination with other therapeutic modalities in treating such an aggressive disease whenever possible.

Comparison of Outcomes and Discharge Location After Transcatheter vs. Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement With Prior Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Background: Published trials have shown that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a safe alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) after prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, differences in morbidity and discharge location between the 2 procedures are less thoroughly characterized. Methods: From January 1, 2006 to January 7, 2020, 1059 patients with severe aortic stenosis after CABG underwent either SAVR (n = 315/30%), transfemoral TAVR (TF-TAVR) (n = 575/54%), or alternative access TAVR (n = 169/16%) at a single, tertiary care, academic institution. Propensity-weighted matching was used to compare morbidity, mortality, length of postprocedure stay, and nonhome discharge between TF-TAVR (effective n = 163) and SAVR (effective n = 163) groups. Results: Among propensity-weighted groups, the TF-TAVR group experienced fewer transfusions than the SAVR group (effective n = 16 [9.5%] vs. 132 [81%]; p < 0 .0001), less new-onset atrial fibrillation (effective n = 5.1 [3.1%] vs. 43 [27%]; p = 0.009), and less prolonged mechanical ventilation >24 â€‹hours (effective n = 0.41 [0.25%] vs. 30 [18%]; p <0.0001). Permanent pacemaker implant was 9.3% (effective n = 13) after TF-TAVR vs. 5.5% (effective n = 7.9; p = 0.2) after SAVR, stroke 0.41% (effective n = 0.67) vs. 2.1% (effective n = 3.5; p = 0.2), and operative mortality 0.5% (effective n = 0.8) vs. 1.7% (effective n = 2.8; p = 0.8). The TF-TAVR group had shorter postprocedure lengths of stay (2.0 vs. 7.6 days; p < 0.0001). Discharge home was more common after TF-TAVR than SAVR (effective n = 156 [95%] vs. 118 [73%]; p = 0.01). Conclusions: For patients developing severe aortic stenosis after CABG, TF-TAVR rather than SAVR should be strongly considered because of lower morbidity, shorter length of stay, and greater likelihood of home discharge.

Primary Cardiac Schwannoma: A Meta-Analysis of Individual Case Reports.

Primary cardiac schwannoma (PCS) is a neurogenic tumor that arises from Schwann cells. Malignant schwannoma (MSh) is an aggressive cancer comprising 2% of all sarcomas. Information on the proper management of these tumors is limited. Four databases were searched for case reports/series of PCS. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included therapeutic strategies and the corresponding outcomes. Among 439 potentially eligible studies, 53 met the inclusion criteria. The patients included had 43.72 ± 17.76 years and 28.3% were males. Over 50% of patients had MSh, with 9.4% also demonstrating metastases. Schwannoma commonly occurs in the atria (66.0%). Left-sided PCS were more common than right-sided ones. Surgery was performed in almost 90% of the cases; chemotherapy and radiotherapy were used in 16.9% and 15.1% of cases, respectively. Compared to benign cases, MSh occurs at a younger age and is commonly located on the left side. OS of the entire cohort at 1 and 3 years were 60.7%, and 54.0%, respectively. Females and males OS were similar up to 2 years follow-up. Surgery was associated with higher OS (p < 0.01). Surgery is the primary treatment option for both benign and malignant cases and was the only factor associated with a relative improvement in survival.

Lung Cancer as a Leading Cause among Paraneoplastic Non-Bacterial Thrombotic Endocarditis: A Meta-Analysis of Individual Patients' Data.

Hypercoagulability is strongly associated with cancer and may result in non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE). The aim of our meta-analysis was to explore the demographics and characteristics of this condition in cancer. Databases were systematically searched. The outcomes were to identify the annual trend in premortem diagnosis among the entire cohort and different subgroups and to identify differences in characteristics and survival in the considered population. A total of 121 studies with 144 patients were included. The proportion of marantic endocarditis associated with lung cancer was 0.29 (95% CI, 0.21-0.37; p < 0.001), that associated with pancreatic cancer was 0.19 (95% CI, 0.13-0.27; p < 0.001), that associated with advanced cancer stage (metastasis) was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.61-0.76; p < 0.001), and that associated with adenocarcinoma was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.56-0.72; p < 0.001). Median and 6-month overall survival (OS) were 1.3 months and 32.3%, respectively, with 6-month OS of 20.8% vs. 37.0% in lung vs. other cancers, respectively (p = 0.06) and 42.9% vs. 31.1% among those who underwent intervention vs. those who did not (p = 0.07). Cases discovered in recent years had better survival (HR = 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96-0.99; p = 0.003). While cancer-associated NBTE is a rare entity, lung cancers were the most common tumor site and are frequently associated with more advanced and metastatic cancer stages. The prognosis is dismal, especially among lung cancers.

Geographic variation in malignant cardiac tumors and their outcomes: SEER database analysis.

Introduction: Primary malignant cardiac tumors (PMCTs) are rare. Geographical distribution has been demonstrated to affect cancer outcomes, making the reduction of geographical inequalities a major priority for cancer control agencies. Geographic survival disparities have not been reported previously for PMCT and the aim of this study is to compare the prevalence and the long-term survival rate with respect to the geographic location of PMCTs using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) research plus data 17 registries between 2000 and 2019. Methods: The SEER database was queried to identify geographic variation among PMCTs. We classified the included states into 4 geographical regions (Midwest, Northeast, South and West regions) based on the U.S. Census Bureau-designated regions and divisions. Different demographic and clinical variables were analyzed and compared between the four groups. Kaplan Meier curves and Cox regression were used for survival assessment. Results: A total of 563 patients were included in our analysis. The median age was 53 years (inter-quartile range (IQR): 38 - 68 years) and included 26, 90, 101, and 346 patients from the Midwest, Northeast, South, and West regions respectively. Sarcoma represented 65.6% of the cases, followed by hematological tumors (26.2%), while mesothelioma accounted for 2.1%. Treatment analysis showed no significant differences between different regions. Median overall survival was 11, 21, 13, and 11 months for Midwest, Northeast, South and West regions respectively and 5-year overall survival was 22.2%, 25.4%, 14.9%, and 17.6% respectively. On multivariate Cox regression, significant independent predictors of late overall mortality among the entire cohort included age (Hazard Ratio [HR] 1.028), year of diagnosis (HR 0.967), sarcoma (HR 3.36), surgery (HR 0.63) and chemotherapy (HR 0.56). Conclusion: Primary malignant cardiac tumors are rare and associated with poor prognosis. Sarcoma is the most common pathological type. Younger age, recent era diagnosis, surgical resection, and chemotherapy were the independent predictors of better survival. While univariate analysis revealed that patients in the South areas had a worse survival trend compared to other areas, geographic disparity in survival was nullified in multivariate analysis.

Comparison of meta-analytical estimates of outcomes after Alfieri or neochordal repair in isolated anterior mitral prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: Repair of the isolated degenerative anterior mitral leaflet has been considered more challenging and associated with compromised durability compared with isolated posterior leaflet in major series. Implantation of neochordae or Alfieri edge-to-edge is the most employed repair technique for isolated anterior repair currently, but little data exist comparing their relative durability. We sought to investigate this issue with this meta-analysis. METHODS: A literature search was performed (Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase and The Cochrane Library). The primary outcome was the incidence rate (IR) of reoperation, the secondary outcomes were recurrent moderately severe/severe mitral regurgitation (MR), in-hospital/30-day reoperation and mortality and follow-up mortality. A random-effect model was used. Leave-one-out, subgroup analysis (Alfieri versus neochordae) and meta-regression were done. RESULTS: Seventeen studies (including 1358 patients) were included. At a weighted mean follow-up of 5.56 ± 3.31 years, the IR for reoperation was 14.45 event per 1000 person-year and significantly lower in Alfieri than neochordae repair (9.40 vs 18.61, P = 0.04) on subgroup analysis. The IR of follow-up moderately severe/severe MR was 19.89 event per 1000 person-year and significantly lower in Alfieri than neochordae repair (10.68 and 28.63, P = 0.01). In a sensitivity analysis comparing homogenous studies, a significant difference in the recurrence of regurgitation in favour of the Alfieri approach remained. There were no differences in operative outcomes or survival. There were significant associations between increased incidence of late reoperation and New York Heart Association class III/IV and associated coronary artery bypass graft procedure for whole cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Alfieri repair may be associated with a lower incidence of recurrent MR compared with neochordae-based repair in the setting of isolated degenerative anterior mitral pathology. This is the first such meta-analysis and further inquiry into this area is needed.

Feasibility and Safety of Impella-Assisted High-Risk PCI Before TAVR in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis.

Background: There are limited data on the feasibility of Impella-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods: To assess the feasibility of the Impella-assisted PCI in patients with severe symptomatic AS, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records to identify patients who were electively admitted for Impella-assisted PCI with a subsequent TAVR at Weill Cornell Medical Center from 2016 to 2021. Results: During the study period, 15 patients were identified to be eligible for the study, but the Impella failed to cross the aortic valve in 1 patient despite a concomitant balloon aortic valvuloplasty requiring a switch to an intra-aortic balloon pump to assist PCI. A total of 14 patients underwent successful PCI with the Impella CP and were included in the analysis. The median age was 89 years, and women accounted for 43% of the cohort. The median aortic valve area and mean gradient were 0.85 cm2 and 40 mm Hg, respectively, with a median left ventricular ejection fraction of 51%. The median SYNTAX score was 13. The left main stent was placed in 6 patients (43%), with a rotational atherectomy performed in 10 patients (71%). The balloon aortic valvuloplasty was performed in 2 patients before Impella placement. The TAVR was performed in all 14 patients on a median post-Impella-assisted PCI day of 25. No procedural complications were noted post-TAVR with no in-hospital or 30-day death. Conclusions: In this single-center study of patients with severe AS, the elective Impella-assisted high-risk PCI was feasible and safe before TAVR in selected patients.

Combined minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum and robotically assisted mitral valve repair: A case report and considerations.

INTRODUCTION: Severe pectus excavatum (PE) is considered a relative contraindication to robotic cardiac surgery and information is lacking on surgical solutions to allow for a robotic approach in this setting. OBJECTIVE: We present a case of concomitant minimally invasive treatment of severe PE with initial pectus correction with Nuss bar insertion followed by robotically assisted mitral valve repair. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team planned and executed the operation. Thoracoscopic assessment at the onset of the case demonstrated mediastinal exposure was inadequate for robotic repar without PE correction. Forced sternal elevation demonstrated sternal laxity sufficient to provide adequate exposure. Nuss bars were placed and robotic repair proceeded uneventfully. RESULTS: The patient underwent successful concomitant minimally invasive PE and robotically assisted mitral repair. CONCLUSION: Successful combined minimally invasive pectus repair and robotic mitral valve can be achieved if sufficient chest wall laxity is present on forced sternal elevation and access sites are planned properly in a multidisciplinary approach.

Outcomes of Octogenarians with Primary Malignant Cardiac Tumors: National Cancer Database Analysis.

Data concerning age-related populations affected with primary malignant cardiac tumors (PMCTs) are still scarce. The aim of the current study was to analyze mortality differences amongst different age groups of patients with PMCTs, as reported by the National Cancer Database (NCDB). The NCDB was retrospectively reviewed for PMCTs from 2004 to 2017. The primary outcome was late mortality differences amongst different age categories (octogenarian, septuagenarian, younger age), while secondary outcomes included differences in treatment patterns and perioperative (30-day) mortality. A total of 736 patients were included, including 72 (9.8%) septuagenarians and 44 (5.98%) octogenarians. Angiosarcoma was the most prevalent PMCT. Surgery was performed in 432 (58.7%) patients (60.3%, 55.6%, and 40.9% in younger age, septuagenarian, and octogenarian, respectively, p = 0.04), with a corresponding 30-day mortality of 9.0% (7.0, 15.0, and 38.9% respectively, p < 0.001) and a median overall survival of 15.7 months (18.1, 8.7, and 4.5 months respectively). Using multivariable Cox regression, independent predictors of late mortality included octogenarian, governmental insurance, CDCC grade II/III, earlier year of diagnosis, angiosarcoma, stage III/IV, and absence of surgery/chemotherapy. With increasing age, patients presented a more significant comorbidity burden compared to younger ones and were treated more conservatively. Early and late survival outcomes progressively declined with advanced age.

Sex-Related Factors in Valvular Heart Disease: JACC Focus Seminar 5/7.

Numerous sex-based differences are observed across the spectrum of valvular heart disease, starting with pathophysiology and progression of disease, moving on to compensation and comorbidities (both cardiovascular such as coronary artery disease and noncardiovascular such as frailty), assessment of severity and hemodynamics including timing of intervention, and procedural risks/benefits and outcomes. The aortic valve is perhaps best understood with sex differences in both pathologic changes and response to volume and pressure overload, yet large gaps in our understanding still exist. Studies of other valve diseases have focused on differences in prevalence, presentation, and outcomes for surgical or transcatheter therapies. Defining sex-specific responses to valvular heart disease may improve disease recognition, define treatment strategies, and improve outcomes.

Mitral and tricuspid repair in an adult achondroplastic patient.

Achondroplasia is a rare genetic disorder with multiple anatomic abnormalities making surgery, and anesthesia more challenging. The reported cases of cardiac interventions in this population are few, and to the best of our knowledge, only 16 cases are documented. Herein, we represent the first case of mitral and tricuspid repair in one of these patients, which performed without the need for specific equipment with a smooth postoperative course.

A conservative screening algorithm to determine candidacy for robotic mitral valve surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Patient selection for robotically assisted mitral valve repair remains controversial. We assessed outcomes of a conservative screening algorithm developed to select patients with degenerative mitral valve disease for robotic surgery. METHODS: From January 2014 to January 2019, a screening algorithm that included transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography scanning was rigorously applied by 3 surgeons to assess candidacy of 1000 consecutive patients with isolated degenerative mitral valve disease (age 58 ± 11 years, 67% male) for robotic surgery. Screening results and hospital outcomes of those selected for robotic versus sternotomy approaches were compared. RESULTS: With application of the screening algorithm, 605 patients were selected for robotic surgery. Common reasons for sternotomy (n = 395) were aortoiliac atherosclerosis (n = 74/292, 25%), femoral artery diameter <7 mm (n = 60/292, 20%), mitral annular calcification (n = 83/390, 21%), aortic regurgitation (n = 100/391, 26%), and reduced left ventricular function (n = 126/391, 32%). Mitral valve repair was accomplished in 996. Compared with sternotomy, patients undergoing robotic surgery had less new-onset atrial fibrillation (n = 144/582, 25% vs n = 125/373, 34%; P = .002), fewer red blood cell transfusions (n = 61/601, 10% vs 69/395, 17%; P < .001), and shorter hospital stay (5.2 ± 2.9 days vs 5.9 ± 2.1 days; P < .001). No hospital deaths occurred, and occurrence of postoperative stroke in the robotic (n = 3/605, 0.50%) and sternotomy (n = 4/395, 1.0%; P = .3) groups was similar. CONCLUSIONS: This conservative screening algorithm qualified 60% of patients with isolated degenerative mitral valve disease for robotic surgery. Outcomes were comparable with those obtained with sternotomy, validating this as an approach to select patients for robotic mitral valve surgery.

Cardiac Surgery Outcomes in an Epicenter of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

As New York State quickly became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, innovative strategies to provide care for the COVID-19 negative patients with urgent or immediately life threatening cardiovascular conditions became imperative. To date, there has not been a focused analysis of patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we seek to summarize the selection, screening, exposure/conversion, and recovery of patients undergoing cardiac surgery during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained institutional database for patients undergoing urgent or emergency cardiac surgery from March 16, 2020 to May 15, 2020, encompassing the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. All patients were operated on in a single institution in New York City. Preoperative demographics, imaging studies, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcomes were reviewed. Between March 16, 2020 and May 15, 2020, a total of 54 adult patients underwent cardiac surgery. Five patients required reoperative sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass was utilized in 81% of cases. Median age was 64.3 (56.0; 75.3) years. Two patients converted to COVID-19 positive during the admission. There was one operative mortality (1.9%) associated with an acute perioperative COVID-19 infection. Median length of hospital stay was 5 days (4.0; 8.0) and 46 patients were discharged to home. There was 100% postoperative follow up and no patient had COVID-19 conversion following discharge. The delivery of cardiac surgical care was safely maintained in the midst of a global pandemic. The outcomes demonstrated herein suggest that with proper infection control, isolation, and patient selection, results similar to those observed in non-COVID series can be replicated.