Non-contrast transoesophageal echo-guided transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement: 10-year experience of a renoprotective strategy.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety and long-term outcomes of a renoprotective non-contrast, transoesophageal echocardiography-guided transapical (TA) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) strategy with a balloon-expandable prosthesis, as well as to determine its impact on renal function. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2019, 200 consecutive patients underwent a non-contrast, transoesophageal echocardiography-guided TA TAVR with a balloon-expandable prosthesis. RESULTS: The device success rate was 95.5%. Transoesophageal echocardiography-guided deployment demonstrated a low rate of procedure-related complications: 9.5% of acute kidney injury, 8% postoperative bleeding, 6% low-cardiac output, 4.5% postprocedural aortic regurgitation ≥+2, 4% implantation of permanent pacemaker and 2% stroke. There were no significant differences between preoperative and on discharge estimated glomerular filtration rate (53.9 ± 22.2 vs 54.3 ± 22.9 ml/min/1.73 m2, P = 0.60). Logistic regression analysis confirmed postoperative bleeding as an independent predictor for acute kidney injury (odds ratio (OR) 11.148, 95% confidence interval 3.537-35.140, P < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 7.5%. The mean follow-up was 48.5 ± 39.9 months. Renal function and patient's chronic kidney disease stage did not significantly vary during follow-up. Long-term cumulative survival at 1, 5 and 10 years was 84.2 ± 0.027%, 42.9 ± 0.038% and 32.5 ± 0.044%, respectively. Renal function affected on neither in-hospital mortality nor long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS: Non-contrast, transoesophageal echocardiography-guided TA TAVR is a safe and reproducible technique with a low incidence of periprocedural complications that avoids the use of contrast and mitigates the incidence of acute kidney injury.

Mid-term assessment of structural valve deterioration of perceval S sutureless prosthesis using the last European consensus definition.

OBJECTIVES: Durability of sutureless aortic bioprosthetic valves remains a major issue. The aim of this study was to assess structural valve deterioration (SVD) and bioprosthetic valve failure (BVF) of the Perceval bioprosthesis using the new proposed standardized definitions. METHODS: All patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with sutureless Perceval S prostheses up to September 2016 were included. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was performed. New standardized definitions were used to assess the durability of sutureless bioprosthetic valves. From 2013 to 2016, 214 patients were included. RESULTS: The mean age and EuroSCORE II were 79 years and 2.74. Thirty-day mortality was 0.47%. The survival rate was 96.8%, 88.1% and 85.7% at 1, 3 and 4 years, respectively. The median echocardiographic follow-up was 3.28 years. The mean pressure gradient was 11.3 mmHg. No cases showed evidence of severe SVD, 17 patients had moderate SVD with a mean pressure gradient of 24 mmHg and 8 patients had definite late BVF. The incidence of moderate SVD and BVF at 4 years was 8.8% and 2.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Mid-term follow-up to 6.3 years after aortic valve replacement with the Perceval bioprosthesis documents favourable haemodynamic and clinical outcomes and low rates of SVD and BVF.

Balloon-expanding transcatheter aortic valve implantation for degenerated Mitroflow bioprostheses: clinical and echocardiographic long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyse the risks associated with valve-in-valve procedures for treating structural valve deterioration in Mitroflow bioprostheses, as well as to determine the impact of the original Mitroflow size on the patients' long-term outcomes. METHODS: Between January 2012 and September 2019, 21 patients (61.9% males; mean age 82.4 ± 5.4 years) were treated for Mitroflow deterioration with valve-in-valve procedures (12 transapical and 9 transfemoral). RESULTS: Mean EuroSCORE I and EuroSCORE II were 28.2% ± 13.6% and 10.5% ± 6.1%, respectively. Six patients presented an indexed aortic root diameter <14 mm/m2 and 7 patients a diameter of sinus of Valsalva <30 mm. Implanted transcatheter valve sizes were 20 mm in 6 cases, 23 mm in 14 cases and 26 mm in 1 patient. A Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 complication occurred in 23.8% of cases, including 3 coronary occlusions. In-hospital mortality was 9.5%. The 20 mm transcatheter valves presented significantly higher postoperative peak and mean aortic gradients than other sizes (54.1 ± 11.3 mmHg vs 29.9 ± 9.6 mmHg, P = 0.003; and 29.3 ± 7.7 mmHg vs 17.4 ± 5.9 mmHg, P = 0.015, respectively). There were 12 cases of patient-prosthesis mismatch (57.1%) and 3 cases (14.3%) of severe patient-prosthesis mismatch. Cumulative survival was 85.7% ± 7.6% at 1 year, 74.3% ± 10% at 2 years and 37.1% ± 14.1% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Valve-in-valve procedures with balloon-expandable transcatheter valves associate a high risk of coronary occlusion in patients with indexed aortic root diameter <14 mm/m2 and low coronary ostia <12 mm. Valve-in valve procedures with 20 mm balloon-expandable transcatheter valves in ≤21 mm Mitroflow bioprosthesis leave significant residual transvalvular gradients that might obscure patients' long-term outcomes.

The "Auto-sliding Graft" Aortic Wrapping Technique.

We describe the "auto-sliding graft" technique, a different anastomotic option for reconstructive prosthetic procedures on the ascending aorta especially in patients at risk of circulatory arrest with mild aortic dilatation. This simple technique provides not only an important hemostatic reinforcement for the distal aortic graft anastomosis but also a protective effect on the native ascending aorta beyond the suture line.

Efficacy and safety of transcatheter valve-in-valve replacement for Mitroflow bioprosthetic valve dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: Bioprostheses with pericardial leaflets mounted externally on the stent pose a high risk for valve-in-valve (ViV) procedures. This study analyzed the efficacy and safety of ViV procedures for treating structural valve deterioration (SVD) in Mitroflow bioprostheses. METHODS: Between January 2012 and August 2017, 11 patients (mean age 80.3 ± 5.6 years) were treated for SVD of Mitroflow bioprostheses with transcatheter ViV procedures (six transapical [TA] and five transfemoral [TF]) using balloon expandable bioprostheses. RESULTS: All patients but one were in NYHA class III-IV. Mean STS PROM, euroSCORE I, and euroSCORE II were 8 ± 6.5%, 27.8 ± 11.5%, and 12 ± 5.9%, respectively. Two patients had a "porcelain aorta." The size of implanted valves were 23 mm in 10 cases and 26 mm in one case. One patient suffered a coronary occlusion during a TF approach. The mean volume of contrast used in TF implants was 163 ± 69.8 mL. No contrast media were used in TA procedures. There was one in-hospital death (10%). At 1 year of follow-up, peak and mean aortic gradients were 25.5 ± 5.8 mmHg and 15.5 ± 5.7 mmHg, respectively. One patient had mild paravalvular regurgitation. Cumulative survival was 90.9% at 1 year, 70.7% at 2 years, and 53% at 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: ViV procedures with balloon-expandable aortic valves provide good hemodynamic and clinical mid-term results for treating patients with a degenerated Mitroflow aortic bioprosthesis. Special care must be taken in small aortic roots, when the stented valve is in the supra-annular position to avoid coronary ostial obstruction.

Evolution of conservative treatment of acute traumatic aortic injuries: lights and shadows.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to compare early and long-term results in terms of survival and aortic complications for traumatic aortic injuries depending on the initial management strategy. METHODS: From January 1980 to January 2017, 101 patients with aortic injuries were divided into 3 groups according to management strategy at admission: 60 patients, conservative management; 26 patients, open surgery and 15 patients, endovascular repair. The groups were similar in terms of gender and trauma severity scores. RESULTS: All but 1 aortic-related complications and aortic-related mortality occurred in the conservative group (11.6% conservative vs 2.4% in both surgical and endovascular groups, P = 0.091). Total follow-up was 1109.27 patient-years. Survival in the conservative, surgical and endovascular group was 71.7%, 80.8% and 79.4% at 1 year, 68.2%, 80.8% and 79.4% at 5 years and 63.9%, 72.7% and 79.4% at 10 years, respectively (log-rank = 0.218). The rate of aortic-related complications was 58.3% in the conservative cohort. Cox regression identified the following risk factors for aortic-related complications: aortic injuries grade >I [odds ratio (OR), 3.05; P = 0.021], Trauma Injury Severity Score >50% (OR 1.21; P = 0.042) and the decade of treatment (OR 0.49; P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Minimal aortic injuries seem to be an amenable target for medical management, but patients remain at risk of developing aortic-related complications. Close, long-term imaging surveillance is mandatory to detect such complications at an early stage.

Late graft failure in heart transplant recipients: incidence, risk factors and clinical outcomes.

AIM: To analyse the incidence, risk factors and clinical outcomes of late graft failure after heart transplantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted an observational, single-centre study based on 547 patients who underwent cardiac transplantation from 1991 to 2014 and who survived the in-hospital postoperative period. Late graft failure was defined as the first hospitalization due to this condition after discharge. Over a mean follow-up of 8.4 ± 6 years, 178 (32.5%) patients were hospitalized due to late graft failure [incidence rate: 3.6 cases per 100 patient-years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.1-4.2]. Pre-transplant diabetes, higher pre-transplant transpulmonary pressure gradient and lower donor-recipient weight ratio were independently associated with higher risk of graft failure. Cardiac allograft vasculopathy, cellular rejection grade ≥1R, and antibody-mediated rejection grade ≥1 were detected in 50.6%, 44.9% and 19.2% patients, respectively, admitted due to graft failure. Left ventricular ejection fraction was ≥50% in 60.1% of these patients. Re-transplant free survival 1, 5, 10 and 15 years after the diagnosis of late graft failure was 72.2%, 38.4%, 18.4%, and 7.5%, respectively; the incidence rate of re-hospitalization due to decompensated heart failure was 40.9 episodes per 100 patient-years (95% CI 36.6-46.1). The need for inotropes, the presence of cardiac allograft vasculopathy, higher creatinine serum levels, lower ejection fraction and lower sodium serum levels were independent predictors of worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Late graft failure is frequent after heart transplantation, as it is associated with poor outcomes. Rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy are the most frequent underlying causes.

Valor pronóstico del índice de riesgo nutricional en receptores de trasplante cardiaco / Prognostic value of the nutritional risk index in heart transplant recipients

Introducción y objetivos: Analizar el impacto del estado nutricional preoperatorio, evaluado mediante el índice de riesgo nutricional (IRN), en el pronóstico tras el trasplante cardiaco (TxC). Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de 574 pacientes que recibieron un TxC entre 1991 y 2014 en un centro. El IRN preoperatorio se calculó como 1,519 × albúmina (g/l) + 41,7 × (peso real [kg] / peso ideal [kg]). La asociación entre IRN preoperatorio y eventos clínicos posoperatorios se analizó mediante modelos multivariables de regresión logística y regresión de Cox. Resultados: El IRN preoperatorio medio de la población del estudio era de 100,9 ± 9,9. Según este parámetro, las prevalencias de riesgo nutricional grave (IRN < 83,5), moderado (83,5 ≤ IRN < 97,5) y leve (97,5 ≤ IRN < 100) antes del TxC eran el 5, el 22 y el 10% respectivamente. Las tasas de mortalidad a 1 año tras el TxC en estas 4 categorías fueron del 18,2, el 25,3, el 7,9 y el 10,2% (p < 0,001) respectivamente. El IRN preoperatorio resultó predictor independiente de menor riesgo de infección posoperatoria (odds ratio ajustada [ORa] = 0,97; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%], 0,95-1,00; p = 0,027) y ventilación mecánica prolongada posoperatoria (ORa = 0,96; IC95%, 0,94-0,98; p = 0,001). Los pacientes con riesgo nutricional moderado a grave mostraron mayor mortalidad a 1 año tras el TxC (hazard ratio ajustada = 1,55; IC95%, 1,22-1,97; p < 0,001). Conclusiones: Los pacientes desnutridos tienen mayor riesgo de complicaciones posoperatorias y muerte tras el TxC. La determinación del IRN podría facilitar la identificación de candidatos a TxC que se beneficien de intervenciones nutricionales en espera del órgano (AU)

Introduction and objectives: To study the prognostic impact of preoperative nutritional status, as assessed through the nutritional risk index (NRI), on postoperative outcomes after heart transplantation (HT). Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center study of 574 patients who underwent HT from 1991 to 2014. Preoperative NRI was calculated as 1.519 × serum albumin (g/L) + 41.7 × (body weight [kg] / ideal body weight [kg]). The association between preoperative NRI and postoperative outcomes was analyzed by means of multivariable logistic regression and multivariable Cox regression. Results: Mean NRI before HT was 100.9 ± 9.9. According to this parameter, the prevalence of severe nutritional risk (NRI < 83.5), moderate nutritional risk (83.5 ≤ NRI < 97.5), and mild nutritional risk (97.5 ≤ NRI < 100) was 5%, 22%, and 10%, respectively. One year post-transplant mortality rates in these 4 categories were 18.2%, 25.3%, 7.9% and 10.2% (P < .001), respectively. The NRI was independently associated with a lower risk of postoperative infection (adjusted OR, 0.97; 95%CI, 0.95-1.00; P = .027) and prolonged postoperative ventilator support (adjusted OR, 0.96; 95%CI, 0.94-0.98; P = .001). Patients at moderate or severe nutritional risk had significantly higher 1-year post-HT mortality (adjusted HR, 1.55; 95%CI, 1.22-1.97; P < .001). Conclusions: Malnourished patients have a higher risk of postoperative complications and mortality after HT. Preoperative NRI determination may help to identify HT candidates who might benefit from nutritional intervention (AU)

Extensa familia con síndrome de Marfan en la que se demuestra la patogenicidad de una variante «sinónima» (p. Ile2118=) en el gen de la fibrilina 1 / A large family with Marfan syndrome demonstrating the pathogenicity of a «synonymous» variant (p. ile2118=) in the fibrillin-1 gene

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Prognostic Value of the Nutritional Risk Index in Heart Transplant Recipients.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To study the prognostic impact of preoperative nutritional status, as assessed through the nutritional risk index (NRI), on postoperative outcomes after heart transplantation (HT). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, single-center study of 574 patients who underwent HT from 1991 to 2014. Preoperative NRI was calculated as 1.519 × serum albumin (g/L) + 41.7 × (body weight [kg] / ideal body weight [kg]). The association between preoperative NRI and postoperative outcomes was analyzed by means of multivariable logistic regression and multivariable Cox regression. RESULTS: Mean NRI before HT was 100.9 ± 9.9. According to this parameter, the prevalence of severe nutritional risk (NRI < 83.5), moderate nutritional risk (83.5 ≤ NRI < 97.5), and mild nutritional risk (97.5 ≤ NRI < 100) was 5%, 22%, and 10%, respectively. One year post-transplant mortality rates in these 4 categories were 18.2%, 25.3%, 7.9% and 10.2% (P < .001), respectively. The NRI was independently associated with a lower risk of postoperative infection (adjusted OR, 0.97; 95%CI, 0.95-1.00; P = .027) and prolonged postoperative ventilator support (adjusted OR, 0.96; 95%CI, 0.94-0.98; P = .001). Patients at moderate or severe nutritional risk had significantly higher 1-year post-HT mortality (adjusted HR, 1.55; 95%CI, 1.22-1.97; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Malnourished patients have a higher risk of postoperative complications and mortality after HT. Preoperative NRI determination may help to identify HT candidates who might benefit from nutritional intervention.

Estado serológico frente a Toxoplasma gondii en receptores de trasplante cardiaco: ¿un factor pronóstico independiente? / Toxoplasma gondii serostatus in heart transplant recipients: is it an independent prognostic factor?

Introducción y objetivos: Analizar la influencia pronóstica del estado serológico frente a Toxoplasma gondii en receptores de trasplante cardiaco (TC). Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo unicéntrico con 657 receptores de TC entre 1991 y 2015. Mediante dos modelos multivariantes de Cox se comparó la supervivencia y la incidencia de episodios clínicos adversos de los receptores seropositivos (n = 481) y los receptores seronegativos (n = 176) frente a T. gondii. El modelo 1 incluyó edad y sexo, y el modelo 2 incluyó otros factores de confusión potenciales. Resultados: Con una mediana de seguimiento de 2.903 días (rango intercuartílico: 898-4.757), fallecieron 250 pacientes seropositivos (52%) y 72 receptores seronegativos (41%) frente a T. gondii. Los pacientes seropositivos presentaron mayor mortalidad no ajustada tras el TC (hazard ratio[HR] = 1,31; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%], 1,00-1,70). Tras el ajuste multivariante, este efecto perdió su significación estadística (modelo 1: HR = 1,09; IC95%, 0,83-1,43; modelo 2: HR = 1,12; IC95%, 0,85-1,47). La seropositividad frente a T. gondii del receptor se asoció de modo independiente con mayor riesgo de rechazo agudo (modelo 1: HR = 1,36; IC95%, 1,06-1,74; modelo 2: HR = 1,29; IC95%, 1,01-1,66). Los modelos multivariantes no pusieron de manifiesto una influencia significativa del estado serológico frente a T. gondii del receptor sobre la incidencia de infección, neoplasias, enfermedad vascular del injerto o el desenlace combinado muerte cardiaca o retrasplante. Tampoco se observó una influencia pronóstica significativa de la concordancia donante-receptor respecto al estado serológico frente a T. gondii. Conclusiones: El presente estudio no ha puesto de manifiesto un efecto pronóstico independiente del estado serológico frente a T. gondii en los receptores de TC (AU)

Introduction and objectives: To assess the potential association between recipient Toxoplasma gondii serostatus and outcomes after heart transplant (HT). Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center study of 657 HT recipients from 1991 to 2015. Survival and the incidence of adverse clinical events of T. gondii-seropositive (n = 481) vs T. gondii-seronegative (n = 176) recipients were compared by means of 2 different multivariable Cox regression models. Model 1 included solely age and sex, and model 2 included other potential confounders. Results: Over a median follow-up of 2903 days (interquartile range: 898-4757), 250 seropositive recipients (52%) and 72 seronegative recipients (41%) died. Univariable analysis showed increased posttransplant mortality among T. gondii-seropositive recipients (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.31; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1,00-1.70). After multivariable adjustment, the statistical significance of this association was lost (model 1: HR = 1.09; 95%CI, 0.83-1.43; model 2:HR = 1.12; 95%CI, 0.85-1.47). Recipient T. gondii seropositivity was independently associated with an increased risk of acute rejection (model 1: HR = 1.36; 95%CI, 1.06-1.74; model 2: HR = 1.29; 95%CI, 1.01-1.66). Multivariable models showed no statistically significant impact of recipient T. gondii serostatus on the incidence of infection, malignancy, coronary allograft vasculopathy, or the composite outcome of cardiac death or retransplant. No significant association was found between donor-recipient T. gondii serostatus matching and posttransplant outcome. Conclusions: In this study, recipient T. gondii serostatus was not an independent predictor of long-term post-HT outcome (AU)

Toxoplasma Gondii Serostatus in Heart Transplant Recipients: Is It an Independent Prognostic Factor?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the potential association between recipient Toxoplasma gondii serostatus and outcomes after heart transplant (HT). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single-center study of 657 HT recipients from 1991 to 2015. Survival and the incidence of adverse clinical events of T. gondii-seropositive (n = 481) vs T. gondii-seronegative (n = 176) recipients were compared by means of 2 different multivariable Cox regression models. Model 1 included solely age and sex, and model 2 included other potential confounders. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 2903 days (interquartile range: 898-4757), 250 seropositive recipients (52%) and 72 seronegative recipients (41%) died. Univariable analysis showed increased posttransplant mortality among T. gondii-seropositive recipients (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.31; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1,00-1.70). After multivariable adjustment, the statistical significance of this association was lost (model 1: HR = 1.09; 95%CI, 0.83-1.43; model 2:HR = 1.12; 95%CI, 0.85-1.47). Recipient T. gondii seropositivity was independently associated with an increased risk of acute rejection (model 1: HR = 1.36; 95%CI, 1.06-1.74; model 2: HR = 1.29; 95%CI, 1.01-1.66). Multivariable models showed no statistically significant impact of recipient T. gondii serostatus on the incidence of infection, malignancy, coronary allograft vasculopathy, or the composite outcome of cardiac death or retransplant. No significant association was found between donor-recipient T. gondii serostatus matching and posttransplant outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, recipient T. gondii serostatus was not an independent predictor of long-term post-HT outcome.

Long-Term Outcomes and Durability of the Mitroflow Aortic Bioprosthesis.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to determine the incidence and causes of structural valve deterioration (SVD) among all models of Mitroflow bioprostheses (A12/LX/DL), as well as to define their long-term clinical and hemodynamic performance. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively reviewed a series of 1023 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with Mitroflow bioprostheses between 2001 and 2014. A small aortic root was found in 22.4% of patients. There were two cases of severe patient-prosthesis mismatch. Only 31 patients developed SVD. The rate of incidence was 8.1 cases per 1000 patient-years. Cumulative incidence of SVD was 1.4% and 3% at five and 10 years, respectively. Freedom from SVD was 97.4% and 88.2% at five and 10 years, respectively. Anticalcification phospholipid reduction treatment (PRT) for model DL was a protective factor for SVD. Multivariable analysis confirmed age <70 years and use of 19 mm valve as independent predictors of SVD. Cumulative survival was 76.6% at five years and 42.3% at 10 years (mean follow-up 3.8 ± 3.1 years). In multivariable analysis, neither the use of small aortic prosthesis (p = 0.18) nor the occurrence of SVD (p = 0.85) was found to be independent predictors of long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS: Mitroflow valves demonstrate an acceptable rate of SVD and satisfactory long-term hemodynamic performance, particularly in patients with small aortic roots, age >70 years, and cases with severe left ventricular hypertrophy. PRT might contribute to improved long-term durability. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12726 (J Card Surg 2016;31:264-273).

Post-introduction observation of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in Galicia (Spain).

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation constitutes an example of a technology introduced into the Galician Health Care System basket and subjected to a post-introduction observational study after coverage. This paper aims to describe the process and results of this experience, illustrating the main challenges and opportunities in using these studies for supporting decision making. METHODS: The study protocol was developed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of experts from the Galician HTA Agency (avalia-t), interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. Together they agreed on the information that was relevant and feasible for collection, and planned the study design, data collection and analysis of results. RESULTS: During the 1-year recruitment period, 94 patients underwent percutaneous aortic valve replacement in the three authorized centres. Implantation rate and prosthesis models differed substantially across the centres. Overall, procedural success rate was 96.8% and hospital mortality was 7.4%. Complications during post-surgical admission were recorded in 40.4% of patients. Moderate residual aortic regurgitation was observed in 10% of patients, and the procedure was associated with a stroke rate of 3.3% at 30 days and 5.3% at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Post-introduction observation has made it feasible to determine the use of this procedure within the SERGAS context and has enabled the assessment of performance in real-life conditions. The proposed strategic actions and interventions have been drawn up based upon the collective judgement of a group of experienced professionals, and have served to establish recommendations on further research that would be required to optimize health benefits.

Venous thromboembolism in heart transplant recipients: incidence, recurrence and predisposing factors.

BACKGROUND: A high frequency of venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been observed after lung, kidney, and liver transplantation. However, data about the incidence of this complication among heart transplant (HT) recipients are lacking. METHODS: We analyzed the incidence, recurrence, and predisposing factors of VTE in a single-center cohort of 635 patients who underwent HT from April 1991 to April 2013. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) were considered as VTE episodes. RESULTS: During a median post-transplant follow-up of 8.4 years, 62 VTE episodes occurred in 54 patients (8.5%). Incidence rates of VTE, DVT, and PE were, respectively, 12.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.7-16.3), 8.4 (95% CI, 6.0-11.4), and 7.0 (95% CI 4.8-9.7) episodes per 1,000 patient-years. Incidence rates of VTE during the first post-transplant year and beyond were, respectively, 45.1 (95% CI, 28.9-67.1) and 8.7 (95% CI 6.2-11.2) episodes per 1,000 patient-years. The incidence rate of VTE recurrence after a first VTE episode was 30.5 (95% CI, 13.2-60.2) episodes per 1,000 patient-years. By means of multivariable Cox regression, chronic renal dysfunction, older age, obesity, and the use of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors were identified as independent risk factors for VTE among HT recipients. CONCLUSIONS: VTE is a frequent complication after HT, mainly during the first post-operative year. In view of a high recurrence rate, long-term anti-coagulation should be considered in HT recipients who experience a first VTE episode.

The CarboMedics supra-annular Top Hat valve improves long-term left ventricular mass regression.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to identify potential differences in hemodynamic performance between the supra-annular CarboMedics Top Hat valve and the intra-annular CarboMedics standard valve in terms of the long-term left ventricular mass reduction and transvalvular gradients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a series of 186 consecutive patients who had undergone aortic valve replacement with a small size mechanical prosthesis at our institution from 2003 to 2013, receiving either a CarboMedics Top Hat valve (53 patients, valve size, 21 mm in 52.8% and 23 mm in 47.2%) or a CarboMedics standard prosthesis (133 patients, valve size, 19 mm in 14.3% and 21 mm in 85.7%). RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality was 9.4% and 11.3% in the Top Hat and standard groups, respectively (P = .71). The mean percentage of left ventricular mass reduction was greater in the Top Hat group (33% ± 15.8% vs 20.1% ± 16.6%, P < .001). The mean postoperative peak aortic gradient was lower in the Top Hat group (19.9 ± 8.9 vs 29.6 ± 8.6 mm Hg; P < .001). Spearman analysis showed a positive correlation between the indexed effective orifice area and the percentage of left ventricular mass reduction (Rho = +0.65, P = .02). The survival in the Top Hat group was 79.7% and 71.7% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. In the standard group, survival was 66.8% and 61.5% at 5 and 10 years, respectively (log-rank test, 0.19). Cox regression demonstrated severe myocardial hypertrophy (hazard ratio, 2.559; 95% confidence interval, 1.095-5.981) as one of the independent predictors of survival. CONCLUSIONS: The Top Hat valve surpasses hemodynamically the intra-annular valve. We suggest the supra-annular Top Hat prosthesis can be especially recommended for patients with a small aortic root and severe myocardial hypertrophy.

Predictors of outcome and different management of aortobronchial and aortoesophageal fistulas.

OBJECTIVE: Aortoesophageal and aortobronchial fistulas are uncommon but life-threatening conditions. The present study aimed to identify potential differences in outcomes, depending on the etiology, type, and management of the fistulas, and to determine mortality predictors. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a series of 26 consecutive patients with thoracic aorta fistulas admitted to our institution from 1998 to 2013 (18 aortobronchial, 7 aortoesophageal, and 1 combined fistula). RESULTS: The mean age was 61.5 ± 13.4 years, with 22 men. Management was thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in 8, open repair in 7, and conservative in 11. The TEVAR and nonoperative patients were significantly older and presented with more comorbidities. Shock developed in 15 patients and sepsis in 9. The most common radiologic findings were intramural hematoma (65.4%), pseudoaneurysm (53.8%), and bronchial compression (46.20%). Active contrast extravasation (23.1%) and ectopic gas (19.2%) were associated with a worse prognosis. In-hospital mortality was 100% in the conservative group, 37.5% in the TEVAR group, and 14.3% in the open repair group (P = .04). Septic shock was the most common cause of death. The risk factors for in-hospital mortality were hemodynamic instability on admission (P = .02), sepsis (P = .04), and conservative management (P < .001). The overall long-term survival in surgical patients at 1 and 5 years was 66% and 58.7%, respectively. Infectious and malignant etiologies resulted in the worst prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes are ultimately conditioned by the etiology of the fistula. Both open and endovascular management of aortic fistulas can prevent death by exsanguination; however, patients remain at high risk of infectious complications. Failure to treat the underlying cause will result in poor midterm outcomes.

Minimal traumatic aortic injuries: meaning and natural history.

OBJECTIVE Minimal aortic injuries (MAIs) are being recognized more frequently due to the increasing use of high-resolution diagnostic techniques. The objective of this case series review was to report the clinical and radiological characteristics and outcomes of a series of patients with MAI. METHODS From January 2000 to December 2011, 54 major blunt trauma patients were admitted to our institution with traumatic aortic injuries. Nine of them presented with MAI, whereas the remaining 45 patients suffered a significant aortic injury (SAI). RESULTS MAIs accounted for 17% of the overall traumatic aortic injuries in our series. Major trauma patients with MAI and SAI were similar regarding the presence of severe associated non-aortic injuries and the expected mortality calculated by injury severity score, revised trauma score and trauma injury severity score. There were no statistically significant differences in in-hospital mortality between MAI (22.2%) and SAI (30.2%). No death in the MAI group was aortic related, whereas five deaths in the SAI group were caused by an aortic complication. The survival of MAI patients was 77.8% at 1 and 5 years. There was no late mortality among MAI patients. The survival of SAI patients was 69.7% at 1 year and 63.6% at 5 and 10 years. None of the seven surviving patients with MAI presented a progression of the aortic injury. In six patients, the intimal tear completely healed in imaging controls, whereas one patient developed a small saccular pseudoaneurysm. CONCLUSIONS Blunt traumas presenting MAI are as severe as traumas that associate SAI and present similar in-hospital mortality. In contrast to SAI traumas, in-hospital mortality due to MAI is not usually related to the aortic injury, so these injuries are more amenable to a conservative management. It is mandatory to perform a close imaging surveillance to detect early any potential adverse evolution of an MAI. Nevertheless, a balance must be struck between a close serial imaging surveillance and the potentially detrimental effects of obtaining high-resolution additional images.

Traumatic aortic injuries associated with major visceral vascular injuries in major blunt trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to report the clinical and radiological characteristics and outcomes of a series of acute traumatic aortic injuries (ATAIs) with associated injury to major aortic abdominal visceral branches (MAAVBs). METHODS: From January 2000 to August 2011, 10 consecutive major blunt trauma patients with associated ATAI and injury to MAAVBs (group A) and 42 major blunt trauma patients presenting only an ATAI without MAAVB injuries (group B) were admitted to our institution. RESULTS: Overall in-hospital mortality was 32.7%. In-hospital mortality in group A was 40% and in group B it was 31% (p = 0.86). Observed in-hospital mortality was slightly lower than the expected in-hospital mortality in both groups. Mean peak creatine phosphokinase was significantly higher in group A than in group B patients (23,008 ± 33,400 vs. 3,970 ± 3,495 IU/L; p < 0.001). Acute renal injury occurred in 50% of group A and in 26.2% of group B patients. Hemodiafiltration was required in 30% of group A and in 9.5% of group B patients. Median follow-up time was 64 months (range = 1-130 months). Group A survival was 60% at 1, 5 and 10 years. Group B survival was 69% at 1 year and 63.3% at 5 and 10 years (p = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Aortic injuries associated with MAAVB injuries in major trauma patients seem to present in a different clinical scenario. These patients present increased risk of rhabdomyolysis, visceral ischemia, and acute renal failure, as well as higher in-hospital mortality. A multidisciplinary approach combining endovascular and open surgical techniques for a staged treatment of these life-threatening aortic and MAAVB injuries is mandatory in this critical subset of trauma patients.