Concomitant Tricuspid Valve Surgery Is Not Associated With Increased Operative Risk During Robotic Mitral Valve Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of robotic mitral valve surgery with and without concomitant tricuspid valve surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent robotic mitral surgery between March 2010 and September 2022 were included. Patients were grouped according to the presence of concomitant tricuspid interventions. The groups were compared for baseline factors, operative parameters, and early postoperative outcomes. Age- and gender-matched groups were also compared for outcomes. RESULTS: The study included 285 robotic mitral surgery patients. There were 59 patients who underwent concomitant tricuspid interventions. In the concomitant tricuspid surgery group, cardiopulmonary bypass time (150.1 vs 128.4 min, P < 0.001) and cross-clamp time (99.2 vs 82.4 min, P < 0.001) were longer. Prolonged intubation was more frequent in the concomitant tricuspid intervention group (5.2% vs 0.5%, P = 0.029). The groups did not differ in terms of mortality, permanent pacemaker (PPM) requirement, or other morbidities. Perioperative outcomes were similar after matched group analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Operative mortality and early adverse outcomes did not increase with the addition of tricuspid intervention in our cohort of robotic mitral surgery patients. The robotic approach for mitral disease and coexisting tricuspid disease may offer safe results without an increased risk of postoperative PPM requirement.

Preoperative Anemia and Female Gender are Risk Factors for Transfusion in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting with a Restrictive Transfusion Strategy.

Objective: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in cardiac surgery is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Even when using patient blood management methods, blood transfusions may still be needed in cardiac surgery. This study examined the risk factors for blood transfusion in isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery with a restrictive transfusion strategy, along with individualized patient blood management. Methods: We enrolled 198 patients (age, 61.8 ± 9.9 years; 28 females and 170 males) who underwent isolated CABG surgery in a single private hospital using a restrictive transfusion strategy between April 2015 and October 2020. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative parameters were compared between patients with and without RBC transfusions. The risk factors for transfusion and transfusion probability were analyzed. Results: Patients who received RBC transfusions had higher European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation values (13.60 ± 18.27%). Preoperative hematocrit (Hct) [odds ratio (OR)=0.752; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.639-0.884; P=0.001] and female gender (OR=7.874; 95% CI 1.678-36.950; P=0.009) were significant independent risk factors for RBC transfusion in logistic regression analysis. When the preoperative Hct was 30%, the RBC transfusion probability was 61.08% in females and 16.6% in males. Patients who received RBC transfusions had longer intensive care unit (31.40 ± 25.42 hours) and hospital (11.18 ± 6.75 days) stays. Conclusion: Risk factors for RBC transfusion in isolated CABG surgery with a restrictive blood transfusion strategy were preoperative anemia and female gender.

Robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery without aortic cross-clamping: a safe and feasible technique.

Background: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery without aortic cross-clamping. Methods: From January 2010 to September 2022, 28 patients underwent robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery without aortic cross-clamping in our center using DaVinci Robotic Systems. Clinical data during the perioperative period and early outcomes of the patients were recorded. Results: Most patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II and III. Mean age and EuroScore II of the patients were 71.5 ± 13.5 and 8.4 ± 3.7 respectively. The patients underwent either mitral valve replacement (n = 16, 57.1%) or mitral valve repair (n = 12, 42.9%). Concomitant procedures were performed including tricuspid valve repair, tricuspid valve replacement, PFO closure, left atrial appendage ligation, left atrial appendage thrombectomy and cryoablation for atrial fibrillation. Mean CPB times were 140.9 ± 44.6 and mean fibrillatory arrest duration was 76.6 ± 18.4. Mean duration of ICU stay was 32.5 ± 28.8 h and mean duration of hospital stay 9.8 ± 8.3 days. One patient (3.6%) underwent revision due to bleeding. New onset renal failure was observed in one (3.6%) patient and postoperative stroke in one (3.6%) patient. Postoperative early mortality was observed in two (7.1%) patients. Conclusions: Robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery without cross-clamping is a safe and feasible technique in high-risk patients undergoing redo mitral surgery with severe adhesions as well as in primary mitral valve cases that are complicated with ascending aortic calcification.

Robotic mitral valve replacement; results from the world's largest series.

Background: This study evaluates the clinical outcome of patients with robotic mitral valve replacement (MVR). Methods: Between January 2010 and April 2022, 117 consecutive patients underwent robotic MVR with or without additional cardiac procedures. All procedures were completed by a single surgical team with Da Vinci Robotic Systems. Perioperative variables and early clinical outcomes were recorded. Results: Mean age and EuroScore II of the patients were 57.1±12.9 and 5.1±5.7, respectively. Isolated MVR was performed in 55 (47.0%) patients and combined cardiac procedures were performed in 62 (53.0%) patients. Additional procedures included: ablation for atrial fibrillation, tricuspid valve replacement, tricuspid valve repair, left atrial appendix ligation, patent foramen ovale closure, left atrial thrombectomy and septal myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time and cross clamp time were 143±54 and 93±37 minutes, respectively. Mean intensive care unit stay time was 26.5±26.0 hours. Postoperative stroke was observed in one (0.9%) patient and new onset renal failure was observed in two (1.7%) patients. Perioperative and postoperative early mortality was observed in three (2.6%) patients, which was lower than expected. Conclusions: Robotic MVR is feasible and can be performed with good early postoperative outcomes. A majority of the patients require additional cardiac procedures.

Comparison of Pericardiocentesis in Post-Cardiac Surgery and Nonsurgical Patients with Pericardial Tamponade

Abstract Introduction: There are several approaches for pericardiocentesis. However, there is no definite suggestion about puncture location after cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study is to examine whether there is any difference regarding puncture location during pericardiocentesis in postoperative cardiac tamponade comparing to nonsurgical cardiac tamponade. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who had undergone pericardiocentesis from August 2011 to December 2019. Patients were examined in two groups, nonsurgical and postsurgical, based on the etiology of pericardial tamponade. Clinical profiles, echocardiographic findings, and procedural outcomes were identified and compared. Results: Sixty-eight pericardiocenteses were performed in this period. The etiology of pericardial effusion was cardiac surgery in 27 cases and nonsurgical medical conditions in 41 cases. Baseline demographic variables were similar between the surgical and nonsurgical groups. Loculated effusion was more common in the postsurgical group (48.1% vs. 4.9%, P<0.001). Maximal fluid locations were different between the groups; right ventricular location was more common in the nonsurgical group (36.6% vs. 11.1%, P=0.02), while lateral location was more common in the postsurgical group (12.2% vs. 40.7%, P=0.007). Apical drainage was more frequently performed in the postsurgical group compared to the nonsurgical group (77.8% vs. 53.7%, P=0.044). Conclusion: Apical approach as a puncture location can be used more frequently than subxiphoid approach for effusions occurred after cardiac surgery compared to nonsurgical effusions. Procedural success is prominent in this group and can be the first choice of treatment.

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Reduced by Intraoperative and Postoperative Cell Saver System in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative atrial fibrillation is commonly seen after cardiac surgery. One of the contributing factors is mediastinal shed blood and inflammation. Cell salvage techniques can reduce allogenic blood transfusion and reduce inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the reduction of postoperative atrial fibrillation by using the cell-salvage system. METHODS: Patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery (n = 498) were analyzed retrospectively in 2 groups. Postoperative atrial fibrillation group (n = 75) and non-postoperative atrial fibrillation group (n = 423). Preoperative and postoperative demographic and clini- cal data were compared between the 2 groups, respectively. Postoperative atrial fibrillation and possible contributing factors were analyzed with multinomial logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In the postoperative atrial fibrillation group, the patients' age and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (Euroscore) were higher than in the non-postoperative atrial fibrillation group (P = .001 and P = .003, respectively). Postoperative intensive care unit stay and hospital stay were longer in the postoperative atrial fibrillation group than in the non-postoperative atrial fibrillation group (P = .001 and P = .046, respectively). There were no statistical differences in mortality between groups. The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation decreased with the use of cell saver system and low Euroscore. CONCLUSION: The use of a cell salvage device intraoperatively and during the early postoperative period can decrease the incidence of postop- erative atrial fibrillation group.

Robotic-assisted beating heart surgery provides precise repair of periprosthetic mitral valvular leak.

The prosthetic paravalvular leak is a rare but important complication following mitral valve replacement. Determining the location of the leak is almost always dependent on perioperative transoesophageal echocardiography and the considerable expertise of echo operators. Acoustic shadowing due to the prosthetic valve may create another important difficulty. In this report, we present a case with a paravalvular leak diagnosed 1 year after mitral valve replacement. Beating heart surgery and robotic 3D/high-resolution camera provided to localize the direct location of leak coherent with perioperative echocardiography and precise repair. The robotic approach prevented the potential complications of aortic cross-clamp and resternotomy.

Comparison of Pericardiocentesis in Post-Cardiac Surgery and Nonsurgical Patients with Pericardial Tamponade.

INTRODUCTION: There are several approaches for pericardiocentesis. However, there is no definite suggestion about puncture location after cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study is to examine whether there is any difference regarding puncture location during pericardiocentesis in postoperative cardiac tamponade comparing to nonsurgical cardiac tamponade. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients who had undergone pericardiocentesis from August 2011 to December 2019. Patients were examined in two groups, nonsurgical and postsurgical, based on the etiology of pericardial tamponade. Clinical profiles, echocardiographic findings, and procedural outcomes were identified and compared. RESULTS: Sixty-eight pericardiocenteses were performed in this period. The etiology of pericardial effusion was cardiac surgery in 27 cases and nonsurgical medical conditions in 41 cases. Baseline demographic variables were similar between the surgical and nonsurgical groups. Loculated effusion was more common in the postsurgical group (48.1% vs. 4.9%, P<0.001). Maximal fluid locations were different between the groups; right ventricular location was more common in the nonsurgical group (36.6% vs. 11.1%, P=0.02), while lateral location was more common in the postsurgical group (12.2% vs. 40.7%, P=0.007). Apical drainage was more frequently performed in the postsurgical group compared to the nonsurgical group (77.8% vs. 53.7%, P=0.044). CONCLUSION: Apical approach as a puncture location can be used more frequently than subxiphoid approach for effusions occurred after cardiac surgery compared to nonsurgical effusions. Procedural success is prominent in this group and can be the first choice of treatment.

Robotic Mitral Valve Surgery With Intracardiac Ultrasound-Guided Septal Myectomy.

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy requires surgical myectomy when heart failure symptoms persist despite best medical therapy. Minimally invasive myectomy with robotic surgery can be performed in experienced centers, allowing for surgical correction of accompanying mitral valve pathologies. The extent of myectomy is important to relieve left ventricular outflow tract obstruction while care should be taken to prevent iatrogenic ventricular septal defects or heart blocks caused by excessive removal of septal tissue. We report the use of intracardiac ultrasonography during robotic surgery to intraoperatively assess the myocardium before and after myectomy to increase the safety of this procedure.

Robotic mitral valve operations can be safely performed in obese patients.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic cardiac surgery offers mitigated risks for obese patients requiring mitral valve surgery. We aimed to study the safety of robotic mitral surgery in the obese patient population by analyzing the outcomes of mitral surgery patients in our center for robotic cardiac surgery. METHOD: This study retrospectively included 123 consecutive patients who underwent robotic mitral valve operations in a single center for robotic cardiac surgery. Patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 were compared against patients with BMI < 30 for demographic and operative parameters as well as postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Mean BMI was 33.9 ± 2.8 in the obesity group (n = 87) and 25.4 ± 2.7 in the no-obesity group (n = 36). Female gender (80.6% vs. 52.9%, p = .004), diabetes (25.0% vs. 10.3%, p = .036), and hypertension (48.6% vs. 26.4%, p = .018) were more common in patients with obesity. The obesity group was operated with similar cardiopulmonary bypass and total operative times with the no-obesity group. Postoperative drainage and blood transfusion requirements were similar between the groups. Mechanical ventilation times (6.1 ± 2.2 vs. 8.0 ± 4.4 h, p = .003) and intensive care unit stay (20.4 ± 1.6 vs. 29.4 ± 3.7, p = .027) were shorter in the obesity group. Other postoperative outcomes of infection, atrial fibrillation, hospital stay duration, and readmission rates were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: Robotic mitral surgery is safe to perform in obese patients. Obesity should not be a contraindication for robotic mitral surgery as obese patients have outcomes similar to nonobese patients despite increased challenges and risk-factors.

Robotic-assisted cardiac surgery without aortic cross-clamping: A safe alternative approach.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Attempting to place an aortic cross-clamp may complicate surgery and postoperative outcomes in patients who have mediastinal adhesions or in those with extensive aortic calcification. Although right-sided cardiac surgery via thoracotomy is not a new technique in these patients, robotic-assisted intracardiac repair without cross-clamping was not reported in a large group of patients previously. In this study, the safety of robotic-assisted cardiac surgery without aortic cross-clamping was examined. METHODS: From January 2010 to March 2020, 304 patients underwent robotic-assisted cardiac surgery in our center and in 25 of these patients (8.2%) with a mean age of 65.5 ± 20 years myocardial protection was succeeded with moderate hypothermic ventricular fibrillatory arrest. Severe pericardial adhesions or existence of highly calcified ascending aorta were the indications for fibrillatory arrest during robotic assistant surgery. RESULTS: Most patients were in New York Heart Association Class ≥II (88.0%) and the mean logistic Euroscore value was 18.5 ± 22.3. The type of operations were mitral/tricuspid valve repair/replacement, cryoablation, atrial septal defect closure, and pericardiectomy. Cardiopulmonary bypass times were 141.5 ± 47 (minimum 77-maximum 252) min. There was no case of conversion to open thoracotomy or sternotomy. Hemiparesis was observed in one patient. Two patients with 78.2 and 81.9 Euroscore values had mesenteric ischemia and multiorgan failure, respectively, and died at postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-assisted cardiac surgery without cross-clamping may provide reasonable outcomes in patients with severe aortic calcification or mediastinal adhesions undergoing intracardiac repair. These acceptable outcomes may encourage surgeons to perform this approach in appropriate group of patients.

Feasibility of robotic-assisted atrial septal defect repair in a 6-year-old patient.

BACKGROUND: The feasibility, safety and advantages of minimally invasive or robotic repair of atrial septal defect (ASD) in adults were reported previously. However, there is limited data for the application of these systems in paediatric patients. Although current robotic systems still have large instruments for surgical repair in children, some appropriate patients may benefit from this technology. METHOD: A 6-year-old child with ASD underwent robotic assistant repair via Da-Vinci Robotic Systems. Venous cannulation was achieved by internal jugular and femoral veins (10F-14F) and arterial cannulation was performed via femoral artery under transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance (10F). A 3 cm incision was made in the right fourth intercostal space, used for working and the camera port in the same time. The ports were placed considering not to damage the potential developing breast tissue. After the port implantation (8F) and cardiac arrest, the ASD repair was completed with primary closure technique. RESULT: The perioperative period was uneventful and the patient was discharged from hospital 5 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: ASD closure with robotic assistant was achieved in a large enough sized paediatric patient. With the development of thinner and shorter robotic arms, it will be possible to use robotic assistance more common during the repair of congenital heart diseases.

Avoiding Arch Manipulation with Catheterization of Left Subclavian Artery for Endovascular Repair of Distal Descending Aorta: Acibadem Technique.

Although thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is associated with reduced mortality and shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery, the decrease in stroke risk did not reach the desired rates. Aortic arch manipulation is one of the main concerns leading to stroke during TEVAR. Here, we describe a new technique called "Acibadem Technique" to avoid arch and ascending aorta manipulation with catheterization of left subclavian artery for endovascular distal descending aortic repair.

The feasibility of robotic-assisted concomitant procedures during mitral valve operations.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we present our clinical experience and midterm results with the robotic-assisted concomitant procedures during mitral valve operations. METHODS: Between March 2010 and February 2018, a total of 34 patients (8 males, 26 females; mean age 58.3 years; range, 34 to 78 years) who underwent robotic-assisted concomitant procedures during mitral valve surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics of the patients, comorbidities, medical, and surgical histories, operative and laboratory results, electrocardiographic findings, postoperative intensive care unit and ward outcomes, and cardiac follow-up data were recorded. Atrial fibrillation-related medication use, stroke, or other thromboembolic events, and electrocardiographic reports in patients who underwent cryoablation were reviewed at three and 12 months after the operation. RESULTS: A total of 76 robotic-assisted concomitant procedures were performed during mitral valve repair (n=11) or replacement (n=23) in 34 patients. These procedures were cryoablation (n=29), tricuspid valve repair (n=6), tricuspid valve replacement (n=2), left atrial appendage ligation (n=32), atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale closure (n=5), and left atrial thrombectomy (n=2). The mean preoperative EuroSCORE values were 5.1±2.5. The mean duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp was 156±69.4 min and 101±42 min, respectively. Normal sinus rhythm was restored in 85% of the patients (24/28) after cryoablation and two patients (5.8%) had permanent pacemaker within a year during follow-up. There was one (2.9%) mortality in the early postoperative period due to hemorrhage related to the posterior left ventricular wall rupture. No blood product was used in 82.4% of the patients. One patient had a transient cerebral event and symptoms regressed completely within two months. CONCLUSION: Technological improvements and growing experience can decrease the suspects related to prolonged operational duration during robotic-assisted cardiac surgery. Concomitant procedures in addition to mitral valve operations can be performed with low complication rates in centers with experience of robotic surgery.

Hybrid treatment of type B aortic dissection with retrograde extension in a patient with anomalous aortic arch.

Hybrid treatment of aortic arch encompasses a combination of endovascular stenting with surgical revascularization of supraaortic branches. Herein, we report a 53-year-old male case of type B aortic dissection with retrograde extension and anomalous aortic arch. The patient was successfully treated by hybrid treatment using bilateral carotico-subclavian bypass grafting and endovascular stent grafting.

Robotic Septal Myectomy and Mitral Valve Repair for Idiopathic Hypertrophic Subaortic Stenosis With Systolic Anterior Motion.

Combined therapeutic approach with performing mitral valve repair may be necessitated for the treatment of idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) with systolic anterior motion. This report includes operative technique for combined robotic septal myectomy and mitral valve repair. A 45-year-old man with IHSS was admitted to our center for surgical intervention. The transthoracic echocardiography showed typical asymmetric ventricular hypertrophy. Left ventricle posterior wall thickness was 11 mm, and interventricular septum thickness was 21 mm. Mitral valve leaflets were found to be elongated. Mild-to-severe mitral regurgitation was detected with eccentric mitral jet. Aortic peak gradient was 128 mm Hg. Robotic mitral repair and septal myectomy through left atrial exposure was performed. The anterior leaflet was detached, and the septal muscle in a mass of 1 × 0.7 × 0.5 cm was resected. Next, the anterior leaflet was reattached with continuous suture. The plication of the posterior leaflet with transverse incision was performed to diminish the length of posterior leaflet. After the magic suture for posteromedial commissure was performed, a 34 Medtronic Future ring was implanted for mitral annuloplasty. Postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged on the sixth postoperative day. Combined robotic septal myectomy and mitral valve repair for IHSS with systolic anterior motion may be feasible.

Mirror Image Gerbode or Partial Atrioventricular Canal Defect?

Gebode defect, that can accurately be treated surgical repair, is defined as a true communication between left ventricle and right atrium. A 74-year-old woman with a worsening history of ortophnea and peripheral edema was hospitalised. A communication between right atrium and left ventricle was diagnosed using transeusophageal echocardiography. The defect was repaired and mitral valve was replaced with a biologic valve. It would be beter to tailor surgical strategy for each case with atrioventricular canal defect after preoperative transeusophageal echocardiography and peroperative direct sight.

The relationship between epicardial adipose tissue and ST-segment resolution in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

The relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and coronary artery disease has been predominantly demonstrated in the last two decades. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of EAT thickness on ST-segment resolution that reflects myocardial reperfusion in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The present study prospectively included 114 consecutive patients (mean age 54 ± 10 years, range 35-83, 15 women) with first acute STEMI who underwent successful pPCI. ST-segment resolution (ΔSTR) <70 % was accepted as ECG sign of no-reflow phenomenon. The EAT thickness was measured by two-dimensional echocardiography. EAT thickness was increased in patients with no-reflow (3.9 ± 1.7 vs. 5.4 ± 2, p = 0.001). EAT thickness was also found to be inversely correlated with ΔSTR (r = -0.414, p = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that EAT thickness independently predicted no-reflow (OR 1.43, 95 % CI 1.13-1.82, p = 0.003). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy for EAT thickness in predicting no-reflow [area under curve (AUC) = 0.72, 95 % CI 0.63-0.82, p < 0.001]. In conclusion, increased EAT thickness may play an important role in the prediction of no-reflow in STEMI treated with pPCI.