Hedinger Syndrome-Lessons Learnt: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Hedinger syndrome (HS) or carcinoid heart disease (CD) is a rare and challenging manifestation of malignant neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) involving the heart. We aimed to report our experience with surgical strategies and midterm results in HS patients. METHODS: Eleven patients (58 ± 11 (range 41 to 79 years); 5 females) with HS who underwent cardiac surgery in our department between 07/2005 and 05/2023 were analysed. RESULTS: All patients showed a New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III-IV and in all the tricuspid valve (TV) was involved. Four patients received a TV replacement, and three TV reconstruction. Recently, to preserve the geometry and function of the compromised right ventricle (RV), we have applied the TV "bio-prosthesis in native-valve" implantation technique with the preservation of the valve apparatus (tricuspid valve implantation: TVI) in four cases. Concomitant procedures included pulmonary valve replacement in four, pulmonary implantation in one, and aortic valve replacement in three cases. To treat RV failure, we adapted a combined TandemHeart®-CytoSorb® haemoperfusion strategy in Patient #10 and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) support avoidance, after experiencing an ECMO-induced carcinoid-storm-related death in Patient #8. Mortality at 30 days was 18% (2/11). The median follow up was 2 ± 2.1 years (range 1 month to 6 years) with an overall mortality during the follow-up period of 72.7% (8/11). CONCLUSIONS: HS surgery, despite being a high-risk procedure, can efficiently prolong survival, and represents a safe and feasible procedure. However, patient selection seems to be crucial. Further follow up and larger cohorts are needed.

Short-term mechanical support with the Impella 5.x for mitral valve surgery in advanced heart failure-protected cardiac surgery.

Introduction: Surgical treatment of patients with mitral valve regurgitation and advanced heart failure remains challenging. In order to avoid peri-operative low cardiac output, Impella 5.0 or 5.5 (5.x), implanted electively in a one-stage procedure, may serve as a peri-operative short-term mechanical circulatory support system (st-MCS) in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. Methods: Between July 2017 and April 2022, 11 consecutive patients underwent high-risk mitral valve surgery for mitral regurgitation supported with an Impella 5.x system (Abiomed, Inc. Danvers, MA). All patients were discussed in the heart team and were either not eligible for transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) or surgery was considered favorable. In all cases, the indication for Impella 5.x implantation was made during the preoperative planning phase. Results: The mean age at the time of surgery was 61.6 ± 7.7 years. All patients presented with mitral regurgitation due to either ischemic (n = 5) or dilatative (n = 6) cardiomyopathy with a mean ejection fraction of 21 ± 4% (EuroScore II 6.1 ± 2.5). Uneventful mitral valve repair (n = 8) or replacement (n = 3) was performed via median sternotomy (n = 8) or right lateral mini thoracotomy (n = 3). In six patients, concomitant procedures, either tricuspid valve repair, aortic valve replacement or CABG were necessary. The mean duration on Impella support was 8 ± 5 days. All, but one patient, were successfully weaned from st-MCS, with no Impella-related complications. 30-day survival was 90.9%. Conclusion: Protected cardiac surgery with st-MCS using the Impella 5.x is safe and feasible when applied in high-risk mitral valve surgery without st-MCS-related complications, resulting in excellent outcomes. This strategy might offer an alternative and comprehensive approach for the treatment of patients with mitral regurgitation in advanced heart failure, deemed ineligible for TEER or with need of concomitant surgery.

Virtual reality-assisted distraction during transcatheter aortic valve implantation under local anaesthesia: A randomised study.

BACKGROUND: A minimal approach, using local anaesthesia alone, has been advocated to promote faster transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures in intermediate-risk patients. Pre- and periprocedural anxiety and pain remain a concern. Virtual reality (VR) is a form of non-pharmacological distraction that can potentially modulate pain and anxiety. This randomised study explored whether VR reduces pain and anxiety during TAVR without sedation and compared the effects of VR with those of standard care. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between June 2022 and March 2023, 207 patients underwent transfemoral TAVR (TF-TAVR). Of these, 117 (56.5%) patients were willing to participate in the study and met the educational background and mental status criteria for assessment. Fifty-nine patients underwent TF-TAVR with VR glasses (VR group). Fifty-eight patients underwent standard TF-TAVR without VR (control group; CG). Post-interventional anxiety scores (STAI-S) (31.5 ± 13.4 vs. 38.5 ± 19.2, p = 0.02) and the perceived duration of the procedure (60.1 ± 32.3 vs. 73.0 ± 32.4, p = 0.04) were lower in the VR than in the CG. Procedure time, pain, and anxiety scores (visual analogue scale) were similar between the groups. The complication rate was low and not associated with VR. Post-interventional delirium occurred in nine patients, and was similar between the groups (VR: 4 [6.8%] vs. CG: 5 [8.6%], p = 0.71). No periprocedural strokes were observed. CONCLUSION: VR for TAVR is feasible and safe and expands the non-drug spectrum of therapy for anxiety and pain in patients undergoing TAVR with a minimalistic approach.

Limited versus Radical Resection in Mitral Valve Infective Endocarditis Surgery.

Background: Mitral valve repair is preferred in patients undergoing surgical treatment for infective endocarditis (IE) of the native mitral valve, however, radical resection of infected tissue and patch-plasty might potentially lead to low or non-durable repair. We aimed to compare a limited-resection and non-patch technique with the classic radical-resection technique. Methods: Eligible candidates were patients with definitive IE of the native mitral valve undergoing surgery between January 2013 and December 2018. Patients were classified according to the surgical strategy into two groups: limited- versus radical-resection strategy. Propensity score matching was used. Endpoints were repair rate, all-cause mortality (30-day and 2-year), re-endocarditis and reoperation at q-year follow-up. Results: After propensity score matching, 90 patients were included. Follow-up was 100% complete. Mitral valve repair rate was 84% in the limited-resection versus 18% in the radical-resection strategy, p < 0.001. The 30-day and 2-year mortality were 20% versus 13% (p = 0.396) and 33% versus 27% (p = 0.490) in the limited-resection versus radical-resection strategy, respectively. The incidence of re-endocarditis during the 2-year follow-up was 4% in the limited-resection strategy versus 9% in the radical-resection strategy, p = 0.677. Three patients in the limited-resection strategy underwent reoperation of the mitral valve, while there were none in the radical-resection strategy (p = 0.242). Conclusions: Although mortality in patients with IE of the native mitral valve remains high, the limited-resection and non-patch surgical strategy is associated with a significantly higher repair rates with comparable 30-day and mid-term mortality, risk of re-endocarditis and re-operation compared to the radical-resection strategy.

Effect of intraoperative haemoadsorption therapy on cardiac surgery for active infective endocarditis with confirmed Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia.

OBJECTIVES: Sepsis caused by infective endocarditis (IE), due to Staphylococcus aureus, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Blood purification using haemoadsorption (HA) may attenuate the inflammatory response. We investigated the effect of intraoperative HA on postoperative outcomes in S. aureus IE. METHODS: Patients with confirmed S. aureus IE undergoing cardiac surgery were included in a dual-centre study between January 2015 and March 2022. Patients treated with intraoperative HA (HA group) were compared to patients not treated with HA (control group). The primary outcome was vasoactive-inotropic score within the first 72 h postoperatively and secondary outcomes were sepsis-related mortality (SEPSIS-3 definition) and overall mortality at 30 and 90 days. RESULTS: No differences in baseline characteristics were observed between groups (haemoadsorption group, n = 75, control group, n = 55). Significantly decreased vasoactive-inotropic score was observed in the haemoadsorption group at all time points [6 h: 6.0 (0-17) vs 17 (3-47), P = 0.0014; 12 h: 2 (0-8.3) vs 5.9 (0-37), P = 0.0138; 24 h: 0 (0-5) vs 4.9 (0-23), P = 0.0064; 48 h: 0 (0-2.1) vs 0.1 (0-13), P = 0.0192; 72 h: 0 (0) vs 0 (0-5), P = 0.0014]. Importantly, sepsis-related mortality (8.0% vs 22.8%, P = 0.02) and 30-day (17.3% vs 32.7%, P = 0.03) and 90-day overall mortality (21.3% vs 40%, P = 0.03) were also significantly lower with haemoadsorption. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative HA during cardiac surgery for S. aureus IE was associated with significantly lower postoperative vasopressor and inotropic requirements and resulted in lower sepsis-related and overall 30- and 90-day mortality. In this high-risk population, improved postoperative haemodynamic stabilization by intraoperative HA appears to improve survival and should be further tested in future randomized trials.

Removal of Apixaban during Emergency Cardiac Surgery Using Hemoadsorption with a Porous Polymer Bead Sorbent.

Background: Patients on direct oral anticoagulants are at high risk of perioperative bleeding complications. We analyzed the results of intraoperative hemoadsorption (HA) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery who were also on concurrent therapy with apixaban. Methods: we included 25 consecutive patients on apixaban who underwent cardiac surgery with the use of cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB) at three sites. The first 12 patients underwent surgery without hemoadsorption (controls), while the next 13 consecutive patients were operated with the Cytosorb® (Princeton, NJ, USA) device integrated into the CPB circuit (HA group). The primary outcome was perioperative bleeding assessed by the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) definition and secondary outcomes included 24 h chest-tube-drainage (CTD) and need for 1-deamino-8-d-arginine-vasopressin (desmopressin (DDAVP)) administration to achieve hemostasis. Results: Preoperative mean daily dose of apixaban was higher in the HA group (8.5 ± 2.4 vs. 5.6 ± 2.2 mg, p = 0.005), while time since last apixaban dose was longer in the controls (1.3 ± 0.9 vs. 0.6 ± 1.2 days, p < 0.001). No BARC-4 bleeding events and no repeat-thoracotomies occurred in the HA group compared with 3 and 1, respectively, in the controls. Postoperative 24 h CTD volume was significantly lower in the HA group (510 ± 152 vs. 893 ± 579 mL, p = 0.03) and there was no need for DDAVP compared to controls, who received an average of 10 ± 13.6 mg (p = 0.01). Conclusions: In patients on apixaban undergoing emergent cardiac surgery, the intraoperative use of hemoadsorption was feasible and safe. Compared to patients operated on without hemoadsorption, BARC-4 bleeding complications did not occur and the need for 24 h CTD and DDAVP was significantly lower.

Intraoperative hemoadsorption in high-risk patients with infective endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative sepsis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with infective endocarditis undergoing surgical therapy. Blood purification using hemoadsorption therapy shows promising results in the treatment of sepsis. In this study, the clinical effects of intraoperative hemoadsorption in high-risk patients with infective endocarditis were evaluated. METHODS: Eligible candidates were high-risk patients with infective endocarditis undergoing cardiac surgery between January 2014 and December 2019. Patients with intraoperative hemoadsorption (hemoadsorption) were compared to patients without hemoadsorption (control). The endpoints were the incidence of postoperative sepsis, sepsis-associated death and in-hospital mortality. Additionally, postoperative vasopressor need, systemic vascular resistance indices and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were compared. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, 70 high-risk patients were included. Postoperative sepsis occurred in 14 patients in the hemoadsorption group and in 16 patients in the control group, p = 0.629. Four patients died due to postoperative sepsis in the hemoadsorption group, while 11 postoperative septic patients died in the control group, p = 0.041. In-hospital mortality was 34% in the hemoadsorption group versus 43% in the control group, p = 0.461. On ICU-admission and the first postoperative day, the cumulative vasopressor need was 0.17 versus 0.25 µg/kgBW/min, p = 0.123 and 0.06 versus 0.11 µg/kgBW/min, p = 0.037, and the systemic vascular resistance index was 1448 versus 941 dyn·s·cm-5, p = 0.013 and 1156 versus 858 dyn·s·cm-5, p = 0.110 in the hemoadsorption versus control group, respectively. Postoperative course of SOFA score normalized significantly (p = 0.01) faster in the hemoadsorption group. CONCLUSIONS: In high-risk cardiac surgical patients with infective endocarditis, intraoperative hemoadsorption significantly reduced sepsis-associated mortality. Furthermore, intraoperative hemoadsorption resulted in significant faster recovery of hemodynamics and organ function. Intraoperative hemoadsorption seems to attenuate the severity of postoperative sepsis.

Urgent Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Complicated by Systemic Inflammatory Response from Fulminant Herpes Zoster Successfully Managed with Adjunct Extracorporeal Hemoadsorption: A Case Report.

Blood purification by hemoadsorption therapy seems to improve outcomes in selected patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Here, we report the successful application of hemoadsorption in the severe systemic inflammatory response during coronary artery bypass surgery in a patient with reactivated herpes zoster.

New 3-zone hybrid graft: First-in-man experience in acute type I dissection.

OBJECTIVE: Acute type I aortic dissection (AAD) represents a surgical emergency with time-dependent evolving complications. Frozen elephant trunk (FET) enables false lumen exclusion downstream but is still debated in AAD due to its greater dimension of surgery. To combine the benefits of fast proximal repair with the FET benefits, a 3-zone hybrid graft was developed consisting of an ascending polyester portion, an arch noncovered stent, and a descending stent graft. Mid-term results of this new technique are presented. METHODS: A total of 6 patients (age mean 69 years) with type I AAD in critical status (Penn classification B n = 5, BC n = 1) were operated between July 2016 and April 2018 using the 3-zone hybrid graft. The device was implanted on the basis of strict compassionate use. Operations were performed under distal hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP). RESULTS: Operative mortality was 17% (n = 1). Mean crossclamp and SACP time were 92 and 34 minutes, respectively, but came down in the last 2 cases to 75/65 crossclamp and 23/24 SACP minutes each. During follow up, mean 19 ± 12 months, one endovascular extension downstream was performed. Imaging control demonstrated no anastomotic-related proximal entry and no true lumen collapse downstream. CONCLUSIONS: The goal to achieve fast and reliable repair of complicated type I AAD down to midthoracic level seems to be achievable. Noncovered stenting of the head vessel's origin does not cause stenosis or obstruction. A multicenter studying of this concept is next.

Mitral surgical redo versus transapical transcatheter mitral valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter methods have been rapidly evolving to provide an alternative less invasive therapeutic option, mainly because redo patients often present with multiple comorbidities and high operative risk. We sought to evaluate and compare our experience with transapical transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TA-TMVR) to conventional redo mitral valve replacement in patients presenting with degenerated biological mitral valve prostheses or failed valve annuloplasty. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Between March 2012 and November 2020, 74 consecutive high-risk patients underwent surgical redo mitral valve replacement (n = 33) or TA-TMVR (n = 41) at our institution. All patients presented with a history of a surgical mitral valve procedure. All transcatheter procedures were performed using the SAPIEN XT/3™ prostheses. Data collection was prospectively according to MVARC criteria. RESULTS: The mean logistic EuroSCORE-II of the whole cohort was 19.9±16.7%, and the median STS-score was 11.1±12.5%. The mean age in the SMVR group was 63.7±12.8 years and in the TMVR group 73.6±9.7 years. Patients undergoing TA-TMVR presented with significantly higher risk scores. Echocardiography at follow up showed no obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract, no paravalvular leakage and excellent transvalvular gradients in both groups (3.9±1.2 mmHg and 4.2±0.8 mmHg in the surgical and transcatheter arm respectively). There was no difference in postoperative major adverse events between the groups with no strokes in the whole cohort. Both methods showed similar survival rates at one year and a 30-day mortality of 15.2% and 9.8% in SAVR and TMVR group, respectively. Despite using contrast dye in the transcatheter group, the rate of postoperative acute kidney failure was similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: Despite several contraindications for surgery, we showed the non-inferiority of TA-TMVR compared to conventional surgical redo procedures in high-risk patients. With its excellent hemodynamic and similar survival rate, TA-TMVR offers a feasible alternative to the conventional surgical redo procedure in selected patients.

A new simplified technique for artificial chordae implantation in mitral valve repair with its early results.

BACKGROUND: Many techniques in mitral valve repair (MVR) have been reported with successful long-term results. The aim of this study is to present our simplified technique in artificial chordae replacement for MVR, and reporting its short-term outcomes. METHODS: We present a prospective single-surgeon experience. A new simplified artificial chordae implantation technique has been used to repair mitral valves. Postoperative echocardiography at 0, 6, then every 12 months is used to control the results. Endpoints involved freedom from mitral regurgitation (MR), reoperation and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). RESULTS: Between 01/2016 and 01/2018, 57 consecutive patients undergo MVR using this technique are evaluated. Mean age was 63.6±10.1 years and 68.4% were male. Mitral valve pathology was mainly degenerative (52, 91.2%) or healed endocarditis (5, 8.8%). Besides chordae replacement (3.6±1.1 per patient), annuloplasty was used in all patients to correct annulus dilation and stabilize the repair. Mean cross-clamping time was 53±13.4 minutes in isolated MVR and 69.4±31.1 minutes in concomitant procedures. Postoperative outcomes reported two mortalities. Discharge echocardiography reported mild MR in 4 patients and the rest of patients had non-to trace regurgitation. Follow-up results within a mean of 19.3±8.5 months reported no significant MR or need for reoperation and three more (non-valve related) mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: Our simplified technique allows to reduce the number of used chordae and re-correction if needed, which consequently reduces cross-clamping and bypass time especially in endoscopic MVR. Good intraoperative and short-term results are reported. These results are still under investigation to prove long-term stability of the repair.

Intraoperative Hemoadsorption in Patients With Native Mitral Valve Infective Endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery in patients with infective endocarditis is associated with high mortality owing to postoperative septic multiorgan failure. Hemoadsorption therapy may improve surgical outcomes by reducing the circulating cytokines. We aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of intraoperative hemoadsorption in patients with mitral valve endocarditis. METHODS: Eligible candidates were patients with infective endocarditis of the native mitral valve undergoing cardiac surgery between January 2014 and July 2018. Patients with intraoperative hemoadsorption (hemoadsorption) were compared with surgery without hemoadsorption (control). The end points were the incidence of postoperative sepsis, sepsis-associated death, and 30-day mortality. Furthermore, postoperative need for epinephrine and norepinephrine and systemic vascular resistance were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 58 consecutive patients were included: 30 in the hemoadsorption group and 28 in the control group. Postoperative sepsis occurred in 5 patients in the hemoadsorption group and in 11 in the control group (P = .05). No sepsis-associated death occurred in the hemoadsorption group, whereas five septic patients in the control group died (P = .02). Thirty-day mortality was 10% in the hemoadsorption group versus 18% in the control group (P = .39). On intensive care unit admission, the cumulative need for epinephrine and norepinephrine was 0.15 versus 0.24 µg/kg body weight/min (P = .01) and the median systemic vascular resistance was 1413 versus 1010 dyn·s·cm-5 (P = .02) in the hemoadsorption versus control group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative hemoadsorption might reduce the incidence of postoperative sepsis and sepsis-related death. In addition, patients with intraoperative hemoadsorption showed greater hemodynamic stability. These data suggest that intraoperative hemoadsorption may improve surgical outcome in patients with mitral valve endocarditis.

Impact of Cancer in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: The use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in cancer survivors and patients with active cancer (AC) in cancer survivors and patients with active cancer (AC) is expanding, suggesting a need to adjust the indications and risk assessment pre-TAVR. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of cancer on peri-procedural complications and survival in a long-term, single-center cohort of patients treated with TAVR. METHODS: Patients treated with TAVR between January 2006 and December 2018 were grouped as follows: controls (patients without cancer), stable cancer (SC), and AC. The primary endpoints were peri-procedural complications and 30-day survival. A secondary endpoint was 10-year survival. RESULTS: A total of 1,088 patients (age 81 ± 5 years, 46.6% men) treated with transfemoral TAVR were selected: 839 controls, 196 SC, and 53 AC. Predominant malignancies were breast, gastrointestinal, and prostate cancer. No differences were observed between patients with cancer and controls regarding peri-procedural complications. Patients with AC had similar 30-day survival compared with controls and SC (94.3% vs. 93.3% vs. 96.9%, p = 0.161), but as expected, reduced 10-year survival. AC was associated with a 1.47 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.87) fold increased risk of all-cause 10-year mortality in multivariable adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS: TAVR should be performed in patients with cancer when indicated, considering that patients with cancer have similar periprocedural complications and short-term survival compared with control patients. However, patients with AC have worse 10-year survival. Future studies are needed to define cancer-specific determinants of worse long-term survival.

Long-Term Outcomes of Coronary Endarterectomy in Patients With Complete Imaging Follow-Up.

Coronary endarterectomy (CEA) within coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is controversially discussed; however, CEA is considered as a last option for severely diseased coronary arteries. We therefore aimed to evaluate outcomes of patients undergoing CABG with CEA. We present a retrospective single surgeon's experience. Between 05/1999 and 12/2017, 426 patients underwent CABG with CEA. Follow-up imaging was proposed to all surviving patients, and only patients accepting were considered for this study. This resulted in a cohort of 112 patients within a mean postoperative interval of 53 ± 49 months. Study endpoints are graft patency, overall survival, and incidence of major-adverse-events. Mean patients' age was 65.5 ± 9.4 years; 90.2% were male. A total of 139 CEAs were performed (24 patients had more than 1 CEA-graft). Most of patients (91.1%) presented with 3-vessel disease. Mean syntax score was 29.8 ± 8.5. Four ± 1.3 grafts were constructed per patient; CEA target coronaries were either totally (31.9%) or subtotally (68.1%) occluded. CEA was performed at LAD- or RCA-territory (42.4% each) or LCX-territory (15.1%). Early postoperative outcomes reported stroke in 2 patients, myocardial infarction in 4 patients with 2 patients dying. Imaging follow-up reported 119 (out of 139) patent vs 20 occluded CEA-grafts (17 venous and 3 arterial). Long-term survival was 77.7% and freedom from major-adverse-events was 63.3% within mean follow-up time of 83 ± 67 months. Although CEA is a complex and second-line procedure, it offers a surgical option to allow myocardial revascularization in patients with diffuse or severe coronary artery disease. Good short- and long-term results can be achieved.

Long-Term Single-Center Outcomes of Patients With Chronic Renal Dialysis Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of dialysis-dependent chronic renal failure (DD-CRF) is growing worldwide. Such patients are exposed to a higher cardiovascular risk because of severe calcification and congestive heart failure caused by volume overload, with poor outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate outcomes of patients with DD-CRF who were undergoing cardiac surgery in a single institution (West German Heart and Vascular Centre Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany). METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 241 consecutive patients who presented with DD-CRF and were undergoing cardiac-surgery between January 2000 and December 2017 was conducted. End points were major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events and long-term survival. Additionally, Cox regression multivariate analysis was performed to detect independent predictors of mortality. Follow-up was 98.3% complete through August 2018. RESULTS: The mean age of the study cohort was 63 ± 12.2 years, and 65.1% of these patients were male. Congestive heart failure (CHF) was present in 41.5% of patients, 30.7% had a previous myocardial infarction, 9.1% had previous cardiac surgery, and 22.4% needed urgent or emergency surgery. These patients underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (44.8%), isolated procedures other than coronary artery bypass grafting (17.8%), or concomitant procedures (37.3%). Early outcomes reported in-hospital mortality in 10.4%, low cardiac output syndrome in 7.1%, and stroke in 2.1% of patients, respectively. Overall mortality was recorded in 61% of patients at last follow-up. Cox regression multivariate analysis reported age 60 years or older (hazard ratio [HR], 2.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.62 to 3.45; P < .001) and CHF (HR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.37 to 2.78; P < .001) as positive predictors of death and subsequent kidney transplantation (HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.59; P < .001) as a negative predictor of death. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac surgery in patients with DD-CRF is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Interestingly, overall mortality was mainly not cardiac related, and older patients or those who presented with CHF had the worst life expectancy. However, subsequent kidney transplantation positively affected long-term survival in these patients.

Modified implantation height of the Sapien3™ transcatheter heart valve.

Objectives: During transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), ideal positioning is crucial. The latest-generation balloon expandable Sapien3™ transcatheter heart valve (THV) comes with a marker, which is recommended to be exactly centered at the aortic annular level. We aimed to evaluate a higher "aortic" marker positioning.Material and methods: A total of 119 high-risk patients presenting with aortic stenosis were treated with the Sapien3™ THV. After having placed the THV more "aortic", clinical and hemodynamic data, especially postoperative pacemaker implantation and paravalvular leakages, were evaluated at 30-days according to VARC-2.Results: The Sapien3™ THV was implanted in 92 patients via the transapical, in 13 patients via the transaortic and in 14 patients via the tranfemoral access. Mean age was 80.6 ± 5.7 years. Aortic valve area increased significantly (0.9 ± 0.3 vs. 1.80 ± 0.35cm2, p < .0001) and mean pressure gradients decreased from 41.0 ± 15.0 to 10.4 ± 3.5 mmHg (p < .0001). The majority of patients showed no or mild paravalvular aortic regurgitation (99.1%, 112/113), confirmed by transthoracic echocardiography at 30-days: PVL was absent or trace in 91.2% (103/113), mild in 7.9% (9/113) and moderate in 0.9% (1/113), whereas no patient developed severe PVL. Thirty days mortality was 5.0% (6/119). All patients (n = 113) were in NYHA functional class I or II at 30 days and three patients (2.5%) needed pacemaker implantation.Conclusions: In conclusion, a modified higher "aortic" implantation of the Sapien3™ THV holds promise to further reduce paravalvular leakage as well as permanent pacemaker implantation in TAVI. This trial showed an extremely low postoperative pacemaker implantation rate of 2.5%.

Hedinger syndrome: first experience and two-year follow-up in patients with carcinoid heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Carcinoid heart disease (CHD) (Hedinger syndrome) is a rare manifestation, it has been described in up to 60% of patients with both neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and carcinoid syndrome (CS) which, typically inducing right heart-sided abnormalities. METHODS: Between 07/15 and 10/18, six patients (mean age 63±12 years; 3 females) presented with manifested (NYHA III-IV) Hedinger syndrome's related valvular(s) lesion and were operated at our center. Clinical data, adverse events and patient outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: The tricuspid valve was involved in all patients. Tricuspid valve repair was possible in four patients and two needed replacement. In two patients, operation was performed on beating heart without cross-clamping. Concomitant pulmonary valve replacement in two patients and aortic valve replacement in another two patients. A mean cross-clamp time of 61±50 minutes was observed. One patient with severely impaired right ventricular function needed ECMO support, and died 3 days later due to neuroendocrine enzyme storm. At 13 months, one patient developed severe tricuspid stenosis and underwent re-operation with replacement. Another patient died 18 months after surgery related to the underlying tumour. At mean of 30 months follow-up, four patients were alive and asymptotic. CONCLUSIONS: Hedinger syndrome is a challenging entity in cardiac surgery characterized by aggressive valve lesions combined with metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasia affecting the systemic circulation. We advise a multidisciplinary collaboration to early diagnose cardiac involvement to offer an early and proper treatment regime.