A Comparison of the Catheter-Based Transapical and Surgical Treatment Modalities for Mitral Paravalvular Leak.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of studies where the outcomes of mitral paravalvular leak treatment were compared between surgery and catheter-based closure. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of re-do surgery with transapical catheter-based paravalvular leak closure. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study at a single institution; 76 patients were included. According to the treatment, two groups were formed: the "Surgical" group (49 patients after re-do surgery) and the "Catheter" group (27 patients after transapical catheter-based treatment). RESULTS: In-hospital myocardial infarction occurred in 9 (18%) cases in the "Surgical" group and none in the "Catheter" group, p = 0.018. Procedure-related life-threatening bleeding occurred in 9 (18%) patients in the "Surgical" group and none in the "Catheter" group, p = 0.018. Nine (18%) patients died in 30 days in the "Surgical" group, and none died in the "Catheter" group, p = 0.039. A mean follow-up was 3.3 years. No difference was found between the groups by the degree of residual paravalvular regurgitation either at discharge or at follow-up. During the follow-up, 19 (39%) patients died in the "Surgical" group and 2 (7%) among the "Catheter" patients. CONCLUSIONS: Transapical catheter-based closure of mitral paravalvular leak seems to be a safer treatment procedure than conventional re-do surgery, and the effectiveness of these procedures does not differ.

Hand Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: Surgical and Oncological Outcomes from a Single Tertiary Referral Centre.

The aim of this study was to report overall experience, perioperative and long-term survival results in a single tertiary referral center in Lithuania with hand assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) for colorectal cancer. A prospectively maintained database included 467 patients who underwent HALS for left-sided colon and rectal cancer, from April 2006 to October 2016. All those operations were performed by three consultant surgeons and nine surgical residents, in all cases assisted by one of the same consultant surgeons. There were 230 (49.25%) females, with an average age of 64 ± 9.7 years (range, 26-91 years). The procedures performed included 170 (36.4%) anterior rectal resections with partial mesorectal excision, 160 (34.26%) sigmoid colectomies, 81 (17.35%) left hemicolectomies, 45 (9.64%) low anterior rectal resections with total mesorectal excision, and 11 (2.25%) other procedures. Stage I colorectal cancer was found in 140 (29.98%) patients, 139 (29.76%) stage II, 152 (32.55%) stage III and 36 (7.71%) stage IV. There were five conversions to open surgery (1.1%). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.9 ± 3.4 days (range, 1-30 days). In total, 33 (7.06%) patients developed postoperative complications. The most common complications were small bowel obstruction (n = 6), anastomotic leakage (n = 5), intraabdominal abscess (n = 4) and dysuria (n = 4). There were two postoperative deaths (0.43%). Overall, 5-year survival for all TNM stages was 85.7%, 93.2% for stage I, 88.5% for stage II and 76.3% for stage III. Hand assisted colorectal surgery for left-sided colon and rectal cancer in a single tertiary referral center was feasible and safe, having all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, with good perioperative parameters, adequate oncological quality and excellent survival.

Technical Recommendations for Real-Time Echocardiography and Fluoroscopy Imaging Fusion in Catheter-Based Mitral Valve Paravalvular Leak and Other Procedures.

Widespread catheter-based interventions for structural heart disease have overtaken the treatment of paravalvular leaks (PVL). Multimodality imaging techniques play a crucial role in accurate diagnosis, procedure planning and performance. However, PVL closure is often technically challenging due to the complex anatomy of the defects and their relation to surrounding anatomical structures. The application of echocardiography and fluoroscopy imaging fusion (EFF) may simplify challenging imaginative three-dimensional reconstruction of the intracardiac anatomy and facilitate the procedure. To master new technology, personnel must make cognitive changes, overcome a learning curve, and obtain adequate theoretical knowledge. Main aim of this manuscript is to present basic recommendations for EFF application in practice, alongside, each scenario is supported by technically challenging clinical examples. We may conclude that our manuscript may provide useful information for physicians on EEF application in clinical practice.

Randomized Pilot Trial on Optimal Treatment Strategy, Myocardial Changes, and Prognosis of Patients with Myocardial Infarction with Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA).

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) remains an unresolved challenge. Many different diagnostic approaches are often required to diagnose, confirm, and evaluate MINOCA. The prevalence can be as high as 13% of all acute myocardial infarction patients, indicating that this condition is not rare. At this time, there have been no completed randomized clinical trials involving MINOCA patients, and a better understanding of the mechanisms and management of these patients is important. This exploratory analysis seeks to find possible etiologic factors, the value of novel biomarkers, and the effect of different treatment strategies in patients with MINOCA. METHODS: This prospective randomized pilot trial will include 150 patients with MINOCA. A thorough clinical, laboratory, and imaging evaluation will be performed, including novel biomarkers and modern imaging techniques (heart magnetic resonance imaging and noninvasive testing). The duration of the enrollment is 18 months, and duration of the follow-up is 12 months from the enrollment of the first patient. RESULTS: The trial is registered under www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04538924. The study is currently recruiting participants. CONCLUSIONS: Because MINOCA is not a benign disease, the results of the current investigation could inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and enhance the understanding of MINOCA patients.

Review of New Clinical Aspects of Cardiac Pathology in Patients with COVID-19 Infection.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: COVID-19 disease is a huge burden for society and healthcare specialists. As more information is gathered about this new disease, it becomes clear that it affects not only respiratory, but also cardiovascular system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of this review is to analyse the information about myocardial injury caused by COVID-19 and overview treatment options for these patients in publications which were published in the last 5 years. The data for this overview were collected in the PubMed database. Full-text articles were used for analysis when their title, summary, or keywords matched the purpose of the review. Only publications published in English that appeared in the last 5 years were analysed. For the analysis 14 publications were selected and analysed. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 infection could mimic ST-elevation myocardial infarction and it is crucial to differentiate the main cause and choose the appropriate treatment. Cardiovascular complications are related with poorer prognosis and higher mortality. This should be thoroughly considered by the healthcare specialists in order to choose appropriate treatment strategy. Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) due to plaque rupture should receive dual antiplatelet therapy and full-dose anticoagulation if it is not contraindicated. Therefore, priority should be given to the acute coronary syndrome given the low evidence of new antiviral treatment effectiveness. Number of agents which are under investigation for COVID-19 may have interactions with oral antiplatelet drugs. Selected patients could receive immunosuppressive treatment as well as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to recovery.

Comparison of early postoperative results between conventional and transapical mitral valve repair.

INTRODUCTION: Conventional mitral valve repair (CMVR) is well-established, safe and effective treatment for degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR). Transapical off-pump implantation of artificial chordae (TA) has been introduced into practice and gained interest among surgeons. However, there are no publications comparing the results between TA and CMVR. AIM: To compare early postoperative outcomes of CMVR with TA in patients with degenerative MR. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 169 patients who underwent mitral valve repair between 2011 and 2018 were included in this analysis. Patients were divided into two groups: the TA group, n = 78 and CMVR group, n = 91. The groups were compared for early postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Patients in the TA group were younger, 54.2 ±11.1 vs. 59.5 ±12.8 years (p = 0.005). Patients in the CMVR group had more complicated postoperative course with higher incidence of blood transfusion (42.9% vs. 7.8%, p = 0.001), atrial fibrillation (25.3% vs. 11.7%, p = 0.031), renal insufficiency (15.4% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.007) and stroke (2.1% vs. 0%). In the early postoperative period, one patient died in the TA group, and there were no deaths in the CMVR group (p = 0.277). Residual moderate to severe mitral regurgitation was present in nine (11.5%) TA patients, while none of the patients in the CMVR group had moderate or a higher degree of residual regurgitation (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Off-pump transapical MV repair is a feasible and safe procedure with low postoperative morbidity rates. Higher rates of mitral regurgitation reoccurrence would require a careful and thorough selection of the patients suitable for the TA approach.

Retrospective analysis of single-center early and midterm results of transapical catheter-based mitral paravalvular leak closure with a purpose-specific device.

INTRODUCTION: Due to the recent lack of definitions to establish the severity of paravalvular leak (PVL) and endpoints for its treatment, the effectiveness and safety of a new device for PVL closure have not been comprehensively analyzed. AIM: To analyze a single center's experience of mitral PVL closure in a surgical transapical catheter-based fashion with a purpose-specific device. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients following transapical catheter-based mitral PVL closure with a purpose-specific device. Data were analyzed at baseline, perioperatively, at discharge, at six months and annually after the procedure. RESULTS: Nineteen patients underwent surgical transapical catheter-based mitral PVL closure with the Occlutech PLD Occluder. Mean follow-up time was 20 ±7 (range: 9-33) months. The patients' mean age was 64 ±7 years, and 11 (58%) were male. Technical, device and individual patient success at follow-up was achieved in 18 (95%), 16 (84%) and 16 (84%) patients respectively. Median intensive therapy unit stay was one day (1-4) and mean hospital stay was 11 ±4 days. A reduction of paravalvular regurgitation to a mild or lesser degree was achieved in 18 (95%) patients. There were no strokes or myocardial infarctions at follow-up. There were no deaths at 30 days after the procedure. One (5%) patient expired due to progression of heart failure 12 months after surgery. None of the patients required immediate conversion to full sternotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical transapical catheter-based mitral PVL closure with the Occlutech PLD Occluder is a safe and clinically effective treatment.

Anesthetic Management and Procedural Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Transapical Implantation of Artificial Chordae to Correct Mitral Regurgitation: Case Series of 76 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Transapical implantation of artificial chordae using the NeoChord system (NeoChord Inc, Minneapolis, MN) is an emerging beating-heart technique for correction of mitral regurgitation (MR) through a minimally invasive left minithoracotomy. The purpose of the study was to describe the anesthetic management and procedural success of patients undergoing this procedure. METHODS: All patients (n = 76) who underwent mitral valve repair with the NeoChord system in our institution from December 2011 to December 2016 were included in this observational prospective study. Balanced anesthesia with a combination of fentanyl, propofol, and sevoflurane was used in all patients. Each patient's core temperature was maintained at >36°C whenever possible. Two- and 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography was used in all patients to navigate the device to the posterior mitral valve leaflet (68 of 76 patients), anterior mitral valve leaflet (3 of 76 patients), or both leaflets (5 of 76 patients). After effective leaflet capture, the artificial chordae were deployed. Position and function of the artificial chordae were assessed by evaluating the degree of MR when the neochordae were tensed. After surgery, all patients were transferred to the intensive care unit. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 60 ± 13 years (range, 33-87 years), and the male/female ratio was 52/24. Most patients had severe MR (grade 4+ in 25 [33%] patients, grade 3+ in 51 [67%] patients). The average preoperative EuroSCORE II was 1.23% ± 1.16% (range, 0.46%-4.23%). The median duration of the procedure was 120 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 115-145 minutes). After the procedure, 42 (56%) patients had trivial MR, 27 (36%) had grade 1+ MR, 4 (5%) had grade 2+ MR, and 2 (3%) had >2+ MR. One patient underwent conversion to conventional mitral valve repair due to perforation of the posterior mitral valve leaflet. The whole procedure was well tolerated by the patients, with hemodynamics remaining stable in the majority of the cases. Only 20 (26%) patients needed low-dose inotropic support perioperatively. All patients had an uneventful postoperative course. The median time to extubation was 4 hours (IQR, 2.6-6), and the length of intensive care unit stay was 22 hours (IQR, 21-24). Five (6.6%) patients required allogeneic blood products. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesia for transapical NeoChord implantation can be safely performed under beating-heart conditions, with low perioperative morbidity and rare blood transfusions. Transesophageal echocardiography is crucial for the guidance, safety, and effectiveness of the procedure.

Long-term results of minimally invasive stand-alone bi-atrial surgical ablation with a bipolar ablation device for persistent and longstanding persistent AF: a single-center case series of 91 patients.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgical treatment of lone atrial fibrillation (AF) is an alternative for AF that is refractory to medical treatment. We present long-term results of standalone surgical ablation of AF using a bipolar ablation device in 91 consecutive patients. METHODS: This was an observational, retrospective study of 91 patients (77 % males; mean age, 53 ± 10 years [range, 23-75 years]) who underwent minimally invasive standalone surgical ablation of persistent and longstanding persistent AF using a bipolar ablation device from 2008 to 2014. Mean follow-up was 60 ± 21 months. The absence of arrhythmia was confirmed at 3, 6, and 12 months, and annually thereafter, with 24-hour Holter monitoring. RESULTS: The mean duration of preoperative AF was 6.5 ± 5.4 years. Persistent AF was present in 86 % of patients and longstanding persistent AF in 14 %. Mean left atrial diameter was 4.3 ± 0.8 cm. There were two postoperative strokes (2 %) and three conversions to median sternotomy (3 %). Permanent pacemakers were implanted in six (7 %) patients. There were no intra- or postoperative deaths. At 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years postoperatively, freedom from AF was 59, 45, 41, 38, and 38 % of patients, respectively. The failure to achieve pulmonary vein isolation was the only independent predictor of long-term recurrence of AF (HR -3 [95 % CI 1,858 to 8,586], p = 0,001). There was a tendency towards higher rates of SR at long term follow up in patients with pulmonary vein isolation if division of ligament of Marshall was performed (HR - 2 [95 % CI 0.987 to 4,202], p = 0,067). CONCLUSIONS: In the present series, the efficacy of epicardial surgical ablation was similar to that reported previously. The rate of arrhythmia recurrence increased over time. Achieving pulmonary vein isolation is essential to AF elimination. The division of ligament of Marshall could contribute to improved rates of SR restoration in patients with persistent or long-standing persistent AF if PVI is achieved.