Less invasive replacement of aortic root, ascending aorta and hemiarch via partial upper sternotomy: a propensity-score matched comparison with full sternotomy.

OBJECTIVES: Less invasive surgery has emerged as an option for aortic pathologies. The current study compared our experience on early postoperative results of patients with aortic surgery between partial upper sternotomy (PUS) and full sternotomy (FS). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the data of patients undergoing aortic root surgery with concomitant ascending aorta and hemiarch replacement. Exclusion criteria were type A aortic dissection and other concomitant major cardiac surgery. After propensity-score matching, we compared the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing surgery with PUS vs FS. RESULTS: 161 patients operated on between January 2013 and September 2022 met the inclusion criteria (PUS: n = 22, FS: n = 139). Propensity score matching yielded 22 pairs with a balanced distribution of propensity scores and covariates between the compared groups. There was no evidence that PUS affects cardiopulmonary bypass [108(67-119) vs 113(87-148) min, p = 0.154; PUS vs FS] and circulatory arrest duration [9(7-10) vs 9(8-13) min, p = 0.264; PUS vs FS]. There was a reduced cross-clamp duration in the PUS group [88(58-96) vs 92(71-122) min, p = 0.032]. Cumulative sum charts (CUSUM) have shown consistently low cross-clamp and circulatory arrest duration for two experienced surgeons who performed 20 of the procedures in the PUS group (10 each). Perioperative mortality and morbidity were low, with no in-hospital mortality in the PUS group [0 vs 1(4.5%), p > 0.999] and absence of strokes in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our initial experience suggests that less invasive aortic root, ascending aorta, and hemiarch replacement via partial upper sternotomy could be performed in our patient cohort as safely as via full sternotomy. Advantages for the patient are reduced surgical trauma, improved cosmetic results, and-presumably-less pain.

A comparative analysis of open heart surgery and minimally invasive cardiac surgery in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Historically, the majority of patients admitted to inpatient exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) have undergone open heart surgery (OHS). However, with advances in minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS), these patient groups are also increasingly referred for inpatient EBCR. Herein, we aimed to compare the progress of these groups during rehabilitation. METHODS: In this prospective, nonrandomized study, 403 inpatient EBCR patients were recruited from December 2022 until September 2023 and stratified into two groups: OHS, and MICS. Participants completed a 3-4-week certified EBCR program. The primary endpoint was defined as a change in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Moreover, a comprehensive panel of quality-of-life (QoL) assessments were performed at admission and discharge. RESULTS: At baseline, patients with OHS were older (66 years [IQR 59 - 72]), more often male (83%), and underwent emergency/urgent procedures more often (20%) than patients with MICS. Furthermore, patients with MICS showed a better 6MWT at admission (426 meters [IQR 336 - 483]) compared to patients with OHS (381 meters [IQR 299 - 453]). While all patients were able to increase the distance in the 6MWT, regression analyses in fully adjusted models showed no difference in improvements between the two groups (ß -5, 95% CI, -26 - 14, p = 0.58). Moreover, during EBCR, we observed significant improvements in all QoL measures in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, improvements in fitness, as assessed by the 6WMT were observed in all groups. Furthermore, multiple QoL measures improved equally across all groups. These encouraging results emphasize the importance of EBCR.

The role of hemoadsorption in cardiac surgery - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal blood purification has been widely used in intensive care medicine, nephrology, toxicology, and other fields. During the last decade, with the emergence of new adsorptive blood purification devices, hemoadsorption has been increasingly applied during CPB in cardiac surgery, for patients at different inflammatory risks, or for postoperative complications. Clinical evidence so far has not provided definite answers concerning this adjunctive treatment. The current systematic review aimed to critically assess the role of perioperative hemoadsorption in cardiac surgery, by summarizing the current knowledge in this clinical setting. METHODS: A literature search of PubMed, Cochrane library, and the database provided by CytoSorbents was conducted on June 1st, 2023. The search terms were chosen by applying neutral search keywords to perform a non-biased systematic search, including language variations of terms "cardiac surgery" and "hemoadsorption". The screening and selection process followed scientific principles (PRISMA statement). Abstracts were considered for inclusion if they were written in English and published within the last ten years. Publications were eligible for assessment if reporting on original data from any type of study (excluding case reports) in which a hemoadsorption device was investigated during or after cardiac surgery. Results were summarized according to sub-fields and presented in a tabular view. RESULTS: The search resulted in 29 publications with a total of 1,057 patients who were treated with hemoadsorption and 988 control patients. Articles were grouped and descriptively analyzed due to the remarkable variability in study designs, however, all reported exclusively on CytoSorb® therapy. A total of 62% (18/29) of the included articles reported on safety and no unanticipated adverse events have been observed. The most frequently reported clinical outcome associated with hemoadsorption was reduced vasopressor demand resulting in better hemodynamic stability. CONCLUSIONS: The role of hemoadsorption in cardiac surgery seems to be justified in selected high-risk cases in infective endocarditis, aortic surgery, heart transplantation, and emergency surgery in patients under antithrombotic therapy, as well as in those who develop a dysregulated inflammatory response, vasoplegia, or septic shock postoperatively. Future large randomized controlled trials are needed to better define proper patient selection, dosing, and timing of the therapy.

External stenting for saphenous vein grafts reduces early postoperative graft failure.

OBJECTIVES: Multiple studies have shown that external stenting (ExSt) mitigates the progression of vein graft disease years after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We used computed tomography to evaluate the effect of ExSt on perioperative vein graft patency. METHODS: This study assessed graft patency rates of saphenous vein grafts (SVG) in consecutive patients with isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) between 2018 and 2021. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to compare the outcomes of supported and non-supported groups at both patient and graft levels, with age, EuroSCORE II, gender, diabetes and arterial grafts as covariates. Subgroup analyses were performed based on different covariates. The goal of the study was to provide valuable insights into the clinical outcomes of SVG in patients having CABG. RESULTS: The study examined a total of 357 patients who met the inclusion criteria and evaluated 572 vein grafts. Of these, 150 patients (205 SVGs) received ExSt, whereas 207 patients (337 SVGs) did not receive ExSt. The study results indicated that the likelihood of overall SVG patency at discharge was higher in the stented group than in the non-stented group, both at the level of the grafts [93.8% vs 87.8%, odds ratio (OR) 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-4.5; P = 0.05] and at the patient level (90.1% vs 83.5%, OR 1.8; 95% CI 0.9-3.6; P = 0.1). It is worth noting that the difference between the stented and non-stented groups was most significant in the subgroup that received 2 arterial grafts (96.5% vs 89.6%, OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.2-8.4; P = 0.02) and in the subgroup with a higher EuroSCORE II (median >1.1) (98.6% vs 88.6%, OR 8.8; 95% CI 1.1-72.7; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The ExSt is associated with improved perioperative SVG patency at both the graft and the patient levels. Moreover, SVGs to the right territory and high-risk patients appear to have an advantage using ExSt.

Indications and outcomes of second aortic procedures after acute type A dissection repair.

OBJECTIVES: Aortic arch or aortic root replacement is not performed in all cases of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAD), and a second aortic procedure will become necessary over time for some patients. Indications and outcomes, of second aortic procedures have not been studied extensively. METHODS: Characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of all patients undergoing surgical repair for type A acute aortic dissection were analysed and patients needing second aortic procedure during follow-up were identified. The latter group was divided in 2 subgroups: on-pump includes patients operated on using cardiopulmonary bypass and off-pump without cardiopulmonary bypass. RESULTS: A total of 638 patients underwent surgery for ATAD; 8% required a second aortic procedure. The most frequent indication for the second aortic procedure was dehiscence of suture lines (44%), followed by arch dilatation (24%). In-hospital mortality was 12%. Isolated ascending aorta replacement at the first surgery was associated with higher incidence of second aortic procedure (P = 0.006). Most patients in the on-pump group underwent a proximal reoperation (75%), with a mortality rate of 14.2%. In-hospital mortality of patients in the off-pump group was 7.7%. Long-term survival analysis showed no difference between groups (P = 0,526), Off-pump patients have greater likelihood of a second intervention during follow-up (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Extended aortic root surgery and customized aortic arch repair in ATAD could be reasonable to reduce the incidence and mortality of high-risk second aortic procedures.

Thirteen Years of Impactful, Minimally Invasive Coronary Surgery: Short- and Long-Term Results for Single and Multi-Vessel Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Minimally invasive coronary surgery (MICS) via lateral thoracotomy is a less invasive alternative to the traditional median full sternotomy approach for coronary surgery. This study investigates its effectiveness for short- and long-term revascularization in cases of single and multi-vessel diseases. METHODS: A thorough examination was performed on the databases of two cardiac surgery programs, focusing on patients who underwent minimally invasive coronary bypass grafting procedures between 2010 and 2023. The study involved patients who underwent either minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) for the revascularization of left anterior descending (LAD) artery stenosis or minimally invasive multi-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting (MICSCABG). Our assessment criteria included in-hospital mortality, long-term mortality, and freedom from reoperations due to failed aortocoronary bypass grafts post-surgery. Additionally, we evaluated significant in-hospital complications as secondary endpoints. RESULTS: A total of 315 consecutive patients were identified between 2010 and 2023 (MIDCAB 271 vs. MICSCABG 44). Conversion to median sternotomy (MS) occurred in eight patients (2.5%). The 30-day all-cause mortality was 1.3% (n = 4). Postoperative AF was the most common complication postoperatively (n = 26, 8.5%). Five patients were reoperated for bleeding (1.6%), and myocardial infarction (MI) happened in four patients (1.3%). The mean follow-up time was six years (±4 years). All-cause mortality was 10.3% (n = 30), with only five (1.7%) patients having a confirmed cardiac cause. The reoperation rate due to graft failure or the progression of aortocoronary disease was 1.4% (n = 4). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the complexity of the MICS approach, the results of our study support the safety and effectiveness of this procedure with low rates of mortality, morbidity, and conversion for both single and multi-vessel bypass surgeries. These results underscore further the necessity to implement such programs to benefit patients.

Case report of pulmonary vein isolation in situs inversus totalis.

Background: Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare condition, where all the organs in the body are mirrored. Atrial fibrillation occurs in patients with SIT. We describe the case of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in SIT. Case summary: A patient with atrial fibrillation was referred to our hospital due to palpitations. Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation was made by electrocardiogram. The patient reported to have a SIT that was confirmed. Meticulous preparation was done including a three-dimensional model and radiofrequency PVI was performed successfully. No recurrence of atrial fibrillation was detected until last follow-up 2 years after PVI. Discussion: Pulmonary vein isolation in SIT can be performed successfully and with excellent long-term result.

Cardiac Hemangioma in the Left Ventricular Septum.

Background Primary cardiac tumors are an exceedingly rare benign group of tumors that may remain asymptomatic for a prolonged duration or could lead to significant clinical events. Case Presentation A 64-year-old female patient underwent echocardiography prior to elective knee surgery due to the presence of palpitations and dyspnea. This revealed the existence of a mass located on the left side of the interventricular septum, which was resected successfully. Conclusion Surgical resection represents the primary therapeutic approach for the management of cardiac hemangiomas. Failure to perform timely resection may elevate the risk of developing total atrioventricular block and experiencing sudden death.

Navigating the challenges of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: a risk analysis and learning curve evaluation.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to report the risk and learning curve analysis of a minimally invasive mitral valve surgery program performed through a right mini-thoracotomy at a single institution. METHODS: From January 2013 through December 2019, 266 consecutive patients underwent minimally invasive mitral valve surgery in our department and were included in the current study. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used for the adverse event outcome. Distribution over time of perioperative complications, defined as clinical endpoints in the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) consensus document, as well as CUSUM charts for assessment of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamping duration over time, has been performed for learning curve assessment. RESULTS: Overall incidences of postoperative stroke (1.1%), myocardial infarction (1.1%), and thirty-day mortality (1.5%) were low. The mitral valve reconstruction rate in our series was 95%. Multivariable analysis revealed that concomitant tricuspid valve surgery (OR 4.44; 95%CI 1.61-11.80; p = 0.003) was significantly associated with adverse event outcomes. Despite a trend towards adverse event outcomes in patients with preexisting active mitral valve endocarditis (OR 2.69; 95%CI 0.81-7.87; p = 0.082), mitral valve pathology did not significantly impact postoperative morbidity and mortality. Distribution over time of perioperative complications, defined as clinical endpoints in the VARC-2 consensus document, showed a trend towards an improved complication rate after the initial 65-100 procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Mitral valve surgery via right-sided mini-thoracotomy can be implemented safely with low perioperative morbidity and mortality rates. Careful patient selection regarding isolated mitral valve surgery in the presence of degenerative mitral valve disease may represent a significant safety issue during the learning curve. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The cantonal ethics commission of Zurich approved the study (registration ID 2020-00752, date of approval 24 April 2020).

Prosthesis-Patient Mismatch after Aortic Valve Replacement with the Mosaic Ultra Bioprosthesis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported high rates of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the Mosaic prosthesis. This work assesses the incidence of PPM after AVR with a modified version of the Mosaic prosthesis, the Mosaic Ultra. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the data of 532 patients who underwent AVR with implantation of the Mosaic Ultra prosthesis in the period 2007-2016 in our institution. Patients were classified according to their indexed effective orifice area (EOAi) to severe (EOAi < 0.65 cm2/m2), moderate (EOAi 0.65-0.85 cm2/m2), and absent/mild PPM (EOAi > 0.85 cm2/m2). In-hospital postoperative outcomes and the impact of PPM on mean transvalvular pressure gradient after stratification by prosthesis size were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 3 (0.6%) patients had severe, 92 (17.3%) moderate, and 437 (82.1%) absent/mild PPM. There was a significant difference in PPM proportions (moderate/severe vs absent/mild PPM) across different prosthesis sizes overall (p < 0.0001), observing gradually increasing rates of PPM with decreasing prosthesis sizes. Patients with moderate/severe PPM had higher mean transvalvular pressure gradients (19 [13-25] vs 13 [10-17] mm Hg, p < 0.0001) than patients with absent/mild PPM. There was a significant difference in mean transvalvular pressure gradient between the different aortic valve prosthesis sizes overall (p < 0.0001), observing gradually increasing gradients with decreasing prosthesis sizes. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing AVR with the smaller sized (19, 21, and 23 mm) Mosaic Ultra aortic valve prostheses exhibit a higher risk for moderate/severe PPM and higher mean aortic transvalvular pressure gradients than patients receiving the larger sized (25, 27, and 29 mm) prostheses.

Beyond Conventional Operations: Embracing the Era of Contemporary Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery.

Over the past two decades, minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has gained a significant place due to the emergence of innovative tools and improvements in surgical techniques, offering comparable efficacy and safety to traditional surgical methods. This review provides an overview of the history of MICS, its current state, and its prospects and highlights its advantages and limitations. Additionally, we highlight the growing trends and potential pathways for the expansion of MICS, underscoring the crucial role of technological advancements in shaping the future of this field. Recognizing the challenges, we strive to pave the way for further breakthroughs in minimally invasive cardiac procedures.

Conversion from off-pump to on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: impact of surgeon and anaesthetist experience.

OBJECTIVES: Intraoperative conversion from off-pump to on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of surgeon and anaesthetist experience on the conversion rate. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the data of all patients who underwent planned off-pump CABG in a single centre in 2007-2021, some of whom were non-electively converted to on-pump. Surgeon and anaesthetist experience were assessed by the number of off-pump bypass procedures per year. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the impact of surgeon and anaesthetist experience on conversion rate. RESULTS: A total of 2742 patients met the inclusion criteria. Ninety-four (3.4%) patients underwent non-elective conversion to on-pump surgery. Converted patients had significantly higher mortality [11 (11.7%) vs 35 (1.3%), P < 0.0001] in comparison to non-converted patients. Anaesthetist experience was found to be a risk factor for conversion (P = 0.011). Surgeon experience did not significantly affect conversion rate (P = 0.51). Other risk factors for conversion were female gender [odds ratio 2.65 (95% confidence interval 1.65-4.26), P = 0.0001] and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% [odds ratio 1.91 (95% confidence interval 1.05-3.49), P = 0.040]. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion from off-pump to on-pump CABG is associated with worse postoperative outcomes. Limited experience of anaesthetists in off-pump bypass surgery is associated with a higher conversion rate.

Dismal prognosis of patients with operative indication without surgical intervention in active left-sided infective endocarditis.

Introduction: Around 25% of patients with left-sided infective endocarditis and operative indication do not undergo surgery. Baseline characteristics and outcomes are underreported. This study describes characteristics and outcomes of surgical candidates with surgical intervention or medical treatment only. Methods: Retrospective analysis of ongoing collected data from a single-center from an observational cohort of patients with infective endocarditis (ENVALVE). Kaplan-Meier estimates for survival was calculated. Factors associated with survival were assessed using a bivariable Cox model. To adjust for confounding by indication, uni- and multivariable logistic regression for the propensity to receive surgery were adjusted. Results: From January 2018 and December 2021, 154 patients were analyzed: 116 underwent surgery and 38 received medical treatment only. Surgical candidates without surgery were older (70 vs. 62 years, p = 0.001). They had higher preoperative risk profile (EuroSCORE II 14% (7.2-28.6) vs. 5.8% (2.5-20.3), p = 0.002) and more comorbidities. One patient was lost-to-follow-up. Survival analysis revealed a significant higher one-year survival rate among patients following surgery (83.7% vs. 15.3% in the non-surgical group; log-rank test <0.0001). In the final multivariable adjusted model, surgery was less likely among patients with liver cirrhosis [OR = 0.03 (95% CI 0.00-0.30)] and with hemodialysis [OR = 0.014 (95% CI 0.00-0.47)]. Conclusion: Patients with left-sided infective endocarditis who do not undergo surgery despite an operative indication are older, have more comorbidities and therefore higher preoperative risk profile and a low 1-year survival. The role of the Endocarditis Team may be particularly important for the decision-making process in this specific group.

Isolated Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery in Octogenarians: Perioperative Outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the feasibility, safety, and excellent outcomes of mitral valve surgery through a right mini-thoracotomy, there is data paucity about its use in octogenarians. In this study, we assess the outcomes of mitral valve surgery via right mini-thoracotomy in octogenarians. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the in-hospital perioperative data of 38 octogenarian patients with severe mitral regurgitation undergoing isolated mitral valve surgery via right mini-thoracotomy from 2013 to 2021 in our institution. RESULTS: The median patient age was 82 (81-83) years, and the median EuroSCORE II was 3.1% (2.3-4.9). A total of 19 (50%) patients underwent mitral valve repair. The median cardiopulmonary bypass duration was 78 (54-100) min and the median aortic cross-clamping duration was 57 (40-70) min. Two (5.3%) patients were converted to sternotomy, 1 (2.6%) underwent renal replacement therapy, 5 (13.2%) underwent reexploration for bleeding or tamponade, and 12 (31.6%) underwent permanent pacemaker implantation. The surgical repair success rate was 89.5%, with 2 (10.5%) patients requiring reoperation due to repair failure. No other patients required reoperation on the mitral valve. The median intensive care unit stay was 1 (1-2) day, and the median postoperative stay was 9.5 (8-14) days. There was no perioperative stroke or death. CONCLUSION: Despite a relatively increased risk of pacemaker implantation and reexploration for bleeding, our data support the feasibility of mitral valve surgery via a right mini-thoracotomy in octogenarians, with short ischemic times, low overall in-hospital morbidity, and no mortality. Preferring replacement in mitral diseases with a high risk for repair failure could minimize reoperations in this high-risk subgroup.

[Update Valvular Heart Disease: Heart Team Decision-Making Based on Patient Examples]. / Update valvuläre Herzkrankheiten: Entscheidungen im interdisziplinären Herzteam anhand von Beispielen.

INTRODUCTION: In Europe, mitral regurgitation and aortic stenosis are the most common valve lesions requiring interventions. In advanced stages, these valve pathologies affect patients' quality of life and prognosis. The prevalence of mitral regurgitation and aortic stenosis is increasing with age. In view of an aging population and the comorbidities associated with age, these valve defects represent an increasing challenge to health care providers. Nowadays, surgical as well as catheter-based treatment options are available to treat affected patients. Therapeutic strategies suitable to the individual patient should be discussed in interdisciplinary heart teams. The aim of the present article is to give an overview of possible guideline-conform heart team decisions based on patient examples.

Thrombocytopenia after Implantation of the Perceval, Intuity, and Sapien Aortic Valve Prostheses.

BACKGROUND: An increased incidence of thrombocytopenia was reported after implantation of the LivaNova Perceval and the Edwards Sapien aortic valve bioprostheses. Aim of this study is to assess the perioperative platelet count and bleeding complications in three different types of aortic valve bioprostheses intended for high-risk patients, the sutureless LivaNova Perceval, the rapid deployment Edwards Intuity, and the transcatheter Edwards Sapien. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the perioperative data of patients receiving the Perceval, Intuity, and Sapien aortic valve bioprosthesis. The platelet count was collected preoperatively, at nadir postoperatively, and at discharge. The bioprostheses were compared for between-group differences in platelet count and postoperative bleeding complications. RESULTS: Overall, 37 patients received the Perceval, 42 the Intuity, and 58 the Sapien bioprosthesis. There was no significant between-group difference in the preoperative platelet count [Perceval 203(178-246)G/l, Intuity 214(190-232)G/l, Sapien 201(178-275)G/l, p = 0.800]. There was a significant between-group difference in the postoperative platelet count, both at nadir value [Perceval 57(37-80)G/l, Intuity 91(73-109)G/l, Sapien 126(105-170)G/l, p < 0.0001] and at discharge [Perceval 150(83-257)G/l, Intuity 239(200-343)G/l, Sapien 232(179-284)G/l, p = 0.001]. There was no significant between-group difference regarding red blood cell transfusions (p = 0.242), platelet transfusions (p = 0.656), and rethoracotomy for bleeding (p = 0.847). CONCLUSION: We found a significant platelet count reduction in all three bioprostheses which was more marked in the Perceval group. The platelet count reduction was transient and fully recovered in the Intuity and Sapien groups, whereas the Perceval group showed only a partial platelet count recovery. However, bleeding complications were not different between the three bioprostheses.

[Recommendations of the S3 Guideline "Use of Extracorporeal Circulation (ECLS/ ECMO) for Cardiac and Circulatory Failure" of the Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany]. / Empfehlungen der S3-Leitlinie (AWMF) "Einsatz der extrakorporalen Zirkulation (ECLS/ECMO) bei Herz- und Kreislaufversagen".

In recent years, the use of mechanical support for patients with cardiac or circulatory failure has continuously increased, leading to 3,000 ECLS/ECMO (extracorporeal life support/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) implantations annually in Germany. Due to the lack of guidelines, there is an urgent need for evidence-based recommendations addressing the central aspects of ECLS/ECMO therapy. In July 2015, the generation of a guideline level S3 according to the standards of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) was announced by the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (GSTCVS). In a well-structured consensus process, involving experts from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, delegated by 16 scientific societies and the patients' representation, the guideline "Use of extracorporeal circulation (ECLS/ECMO) for cardiac and circulatory failure" was created under guidance of the GSTCVS, and published in February 2021. The guideline focuses on clinical aspects of initiation, continuation, weaning and aftercare, herein also addressing structural and economic issues. This article presents an overview on the methodology as well as the final recommendations.

Hospital incidence, mortality, and gender disparities in patients treated for type A aortic dissections in Switzerland - a secondary data analysis of Swiss DRG statistics.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: The incidence of type A aortic dissection (TAAD) has increased in several countries in recent decades, but epidemiological data for Switzerland are lacking. Furthermore, there are conflicting data regarding a gender-disparity with higher type A aortic dissection mortality in women. This study analysed sex-specific hospital incidence and in-hospital mortality rates of TAAD in Switzerland. METHODS: This study is a secondary data analysis of case-related hospital discharge data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office for 2009-2018. Cases that were hospitalised and surgically treated for type A aortic dissection were included in this analysis. Standardised incidence rates were calculated using the European standard population in 2013. All-cause in-hospital mortality rates were calculated as raw values and standardised for age, sex, and the van Walraven comorbidity score. RESULTS: A total of 2117 participants were included in this study, of whom 67.1% were male. The age-standardised cumulative hospital incidence for type A aortic dissection treatment was 3.5 per 100,000 (95% CI: 3.3-3.7) for men and 1.7 (1.6-1.8) per 100,000 for women (p <0.001). The incidence rates increased in both sexes during the observed decade. The adjusted mortality rates for treatment of TAAD decreased from 27.6% (26.7-28.5%) in 2009 to 18.5% (17.9-19.1%) in 2018 in women, and they decreased from 19.0% (18.4-19.6%) to 12.3% (11.9-12.7%) in the same period in men. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that female sex was significantly associated with higher mortality, with an odds ratio of 1.39 (1.07-1.79) (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Hospital incidence rates for the treatment of type A aortic dissection increased in both sexes over the observed decade. The mortality rate was significantly higher in women than it was in men, but it decreased in both sexes. TAAD remains a cardiovascular emergency with a high mortality rate even after emergency surgery.

Transseptal versus left atrial approach for mitral valve surgery: postoperative need for pacemaker.

OBJECTIVES: Concerns exist about higher rates of pacemaker implantation using the extended superior transseptal approach for mitral valve surgery. This study aims to compare the extended superior transseptal and the left atrial approach regarding the need for pacemaker implantation after mitral valve surgery. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the data of patients undergoing mitral valve surgery through either a sternotomy and transseptal approach or a mini-thoracotomy and left atrial approach in a single centre in the period January 2010 to May 2021. The primary outcome was the evaluation of the postoperative pacemaker implantation rate. RESULTS: Overall, 677 patients were included, 333 with transseptal and 344 with left atrial approach, and 58 (8.6%) patients underwent pacemaker implantation postoperatively. There was no significant difference in the rate of pacemaker implantation between the 2 groups [overall: 34 (10.2%) vs 24 (7%), P = 0.133; for sinus node dysfunction: 12 (3.6%) vs 9 (2.6%), P = 0.459; for high-degree atrioventricular block: 22 (6.6%) vs 15 (4.4%), P = 0.199; transseptal vs left atrial approach, respectively]. A subgroup analysis of the relative effect of transseptal versus left atrial approach on the rate of postoperative pacemaker implantation revealed mitral replacement as a statistically significant confounder (P = 0.019). The exclusion of patients undergoing concomitant cardiac procedures did not lead to a statistically significant difference in the pacemaker implantation rate between the 2 approaches. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of the data of these patients shows no significant difference in the rate of permanent pacemaker implantation between the extended superior transseptal and the left atrial approach for mitral valve surgery.