Aortic root remodeling after surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection using different anastomosis techniques.

Background: After surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection (aTAAD), remodeling of the residual aortic segments is the key outcome parameter associated with late reoperation or aorta-related adverse events. In this study, we analyzed the surgical outcomes of aTAAD using either a telescopic or continuous anastomosis technique, focusing on their impact on aortic root remodeling during the longitudinal follow-up. Methods: Between 2012 and 2018, 112 surgical repairs of aTAAD with ascending aorta replacement and without aortic arch or aortic root replacement were performed. The medical records were reviewed retrospectively, and early and late outcomes were compared between the telescopic and continuous anastomosis techniques. The generalized estimating equation method was used to analyze the effects of different anastomosis techniques on serial aortic root remodeling. Results: The telescopic anastomosis technique was used in 46 cases (41.1%), and the conventional continuous anastomosis technique was used in 66 cases (58.9%). There were no differences in in-hospital mortality or the incidence of major complications between the groups. The telescopic anastomosis group demonstrated stable postoperative regression of the aortic root diameter during follow-up. In contrast, the continuous anastomosis group showed a progressive dilatation of the aortic root. There was a trend toward better aortic root adverse event-free survival rates in the telescopic anastomosis group (P = .081). Conclusions: The telescopic anastomosis technique is a safe alternative to the continuous anastomosis technique in the surgical repair of aTAAD, with comparable early results. In addition, telescopic anastomosis was associated with beneficial aortic root remodeling in the medium term compared with continuous anastomosis.

Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists Mitigate Mitral Regurgitation-Induced Myocardial Dysfunction.

Mitral regurgitation (MR), the disruption of the mitral valve, contributes to heart failure (HF). Under conditions of volume overload, excess mineralocorticoids promote cardiac fibrosis. The mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic and a guideline-recommended therapy for HF, but whether it can ameliorate degenerative MR remains unknown. Herein, we investigate the efficacy of spironolactone in improving cardiac remodeling in MR-induced HF compared with that of a loop diuretic, furosemide. Using a novel and mini-invasive technique, we established a rat model of MR. We treated the rats with spironolactone or furosemide for twelve weeks. The levels of cardiac fibrosis, apoptosis, and stress-associated proteins were then measured. In parallel, we compared the cardiac remodeling of 165 patients with degenerative MR receiving either spironolactone or furosemide. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and at six months. In MR rats treated with spironolactone, left ventricular function-especially when strained-and the pressure volume relationship significantly improved compared to those of rats treated with furosemide. Spironolactone treatment demonstrated significant attenuation of cardiac fibrosis and apoptosis in left ventricular tissue compared to furosemide. Further, spironolactone suppressed the expression of apoptosis-, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4)- and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-associated proteins. Similarly, compared with MR patients receiving furosemide those prescribed spironolactone demonstrated a trend toward reduction in MR severity and showed improvement in left ventricular function. Collectively, MR-induced cardiovascular dysfunction, including fibrosis and apoptosis, was effectively attenuated by spironolactone treatment. Our findings suggest a potential therapeutic option for degenerative MR-induced HF.

Safety Time and Optimal Temperature of Unilateral Antegrade Cerebral Perfusion in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: A Single-Center 15-Year Experience.

Background: The optimal level of hypothermia and safe time of unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (uACP) in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair remain controversial. Objectives: To analyze the association of uACP time and circulatory arrest temperature with surgical outcomes of ATAAD. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 263 patients who had undergone ATAAD repair between 2006 and 2020 using uACP. The patients were stratified by three chronologically equivalent periods (period 1, 2006 to 2010; period 2, 2011 to 2015; period 3, 2016 to 2020) to demonstrate the decade-long evolution of surgical strategy and outcomes. Results: The mean age of the patients was 59.4 ± 12.5 years, and 68.8% were male. The hospital mortality rates were 15.1%, 12.9%, and 11.0% from period 1 to 3 (p = 0.740). The median circulatory arrest temperatures were 20, 23, and 25 °C (p < 0.001), respectively, and the median uACP times were 72, 59, and 41 minutes (p < 0.001). The incidence rates of postoperative permanent neurologic deficits were 13.2%, 10.9%, and 18.3% (p = 0.312), and those of transient neurologic deficits were 9.4%, 10.9%, and 11.9% (p = 0.936), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that uACP time ≥ 60 minutes was an independent predictor of hospital mortality rather than postoperative stroke. ROC curve analysis estimated an optimal cutoff value of 52 minutes of uACP time when the circulatory arrest temperature was ≥ 25 °C to predict hospital mortality (area under the curve: 0.72). Conclusions: Unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion time was associated with hospital mortality after ATAAD surgery. A safe threshold of 50 to 60 minutes of uACP should be considered.

Outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection operations performed by early-career cardiovascular surgeons.

Objective: Surgical outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection have been recognized to be associated with the surgical volume of individual hospitals and surgeons. In this study, we aimed to investigate the results and learning curves of acute type A aortic dissection operations performed by early-career cardiovascular surgeons. Methods: A total of 248 surgical repairs of acute type A aortic dissections were conducted at a tertiary medical center between 2010 and 2018. By using the cumulative sum test, cardiovascular surgeons in their early career were identified, and their performances were assessed. The outcomes of patients who were operated by early-career cardiovascular surgeons were compared with those by experienced or senior surgeons. Results: During the study period, 202 (81.5%) of the 248 acute type A aortic dissection operations were performed primarily by the 4 newly appointed attending cardiovascular surgeons. In cumulative sum curves, all surgeons exhibited a steady performance throughout the study period. On the basis of our institutional result of acute type A aortic dissection operation, early career was defined as performing fewer than 32 acute type A aortic dissection operations. The 30-day mortality rates of acute type A aortic dissection operations performed by early-career surgeons were equivalent to those performed by experienced/senior surgeons (10.9% vs 12.5%, P = .844). There was also no difference in mid-term overall survival and aortic event-free survival between the 2 groups (P = .638 and P = .574, respectively). Conclusions: In a center with a well-established program, cardiovascular surgeons could accomplish surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection with adequate early- and mid-term results from the initiation of their careers.

Simultaneous Thrombolysis and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Acute Massive Pulmonary Emboli.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used in patients with circulatory collapse or extremely unstable hemodynamics caused by acute massive pulmonary embolism (PE). The effectiveness of simultaneous thrombolytic therapy has been rarely investigated in these patients after being stabilized with ECMO. METHODS: From January 2008 to December 2018 consecutive patients with acute massive PE requiring ECMO supported in a tertiary medical center were included for retrospective analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen patients with PE underwent ECMO implantation and received subsequent thrombolytic therapy as a definite treatment for PE. All patients survived their ECMO courses to a successful decannulation, with a mean ECMO support duration of 6.23 ± 4.69 days. Eleven patients (84.62%) survived to hospital discharge. All survivors were alive during follow-up, although 2 patients (18.2%) had permanent dysfunctional neurologic complications. Major bleeding complications occurred in 4 patients (30.77%), whereas no patient had intracranial hemorrhage. Systemic thrombolysis showed comparable outcomes of catheter-directed thrombolysis in our patients who underwent ECMO. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombolysis-based therapeutic strategy under ECMO could be a relatively safe and effective definitive treatment for patients with acute massive PE, even for those who were resuscitated. Bleeding complications remain a major concern and should be monitored and managed immediately.

Post-Coronary Artery Bypass Medications in Dialysis Patients: Do We Need to Change Strategies?

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is frequently performed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) together with severe coronary artery disease, after which, patients with ESRD have higher surgical risk and poorer long-term outcomes. We report our experience in patients with ESRD who survived in CABG and identify predictors of long-term outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 93 consecutive patients with ESRD who survived to discharge after isolated CABG between January 2005 and December 2016 at our institution. Long-term outcomes, including all-cause mortality after discharge, readmission due to major adverse cardiac events, and reintervention, were evaluated. Predictors affecting long-term outcomes were also analyzed. RESULTS: The rates of freedom from all-cause mortality after discharge in 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 92.1, 81.3, 71.9, and 34.9%, respectively. The rates of freedom from readmission due to major adverse cardiac events in 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 90.7, 79.1, 69.9, and 55.6%, respectively. The rates of freedom from reintervention in 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 95.3, 86.5, 79.0, and 66.6%, respectively. Postoperative ß-blocker and statin use significantly improved overall long-term survival (ß-blocker, p = 0.013; statin, p = 0.009). After case-control matching, patients who received statins showed better long-term survival than those without statins. The comparison of long-term survival between patients with and without ß-blockers showed no significant difference after matching. CONCLUSIONS: After CABG, dialysis patients who survived to discharge had acceptable long-term overall survival. Post-CABG statin use in dialysis patients is a predictor of better long-term survival.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass Time Predicts Early Postoperative Enterobacteriaceae Bloodstream Infection.

BACKGROUND: A bloodstream infection in patients undergoing cardiovascular operations is crucial because it can result in significantly worse outcomes. However, microbiological patterns have rarely been investigated in these patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 1,041 adult patients who underwent cardiovascular operations using cardiopulmonary bypass from January 2013 to December 2017 at the National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan. The microbiological pattern and associated variables were analyzed in patients with early postoperative primary bloodstream infection. RESULTS: Primary bloodstream infection developed in 28 patients (2.7%) within 7 days after cardiovascular operations using cardiopulmonary bypass. In patients with early primary bloodstream infection, 36 microorganisms were isolated, and a gram-negative bacillus was identified to be the predominant pathogen (28 of 36 [77.8%]). The most common microorganisms comprised the Enterobacter (n = 8) and Acinetobacter (n = 7) species, and 16 of the 28 gram-negative bacilli belonged to the Enterobacteriaceae family. Compared with those without postoperative bloodstream infection, patients with Enterobacteriaceae family-related early postoperative bloodstream infections had a significantly longer cardiopulmonary bypass time and also worse early and late survival rates. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with early primary bloodstream infection after cardiovascular operations using cardiopulmonary bypass were infected with gram-negative bacilli, and the Enterobacteriaceae family was the most common microorganism observed. Endogenous bacterial translocation after prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass is a possible mechanism of Enterobacteriaceae family-related early primary bloodstream infection in these patients. Prophylactic use of an antibiotic regimen with broader gram-negative bacteria coverage in cardiovascular surgical patients with prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass should be considered.

Exendin-4 improves cardiovascular function and survival in flow-induced pulmonary hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: Systemic left-to-right shunting causes pulmonary arteriopathy, leading to progressive cardiopulmonary failure and a poor prognosis. In this study, we examined the extraglycemic effect of a synthetic glucagon-like peptide, exendin-4, on pulmonary arteriopathy regression and cardiopulmonary function in nondiabetic rats. METHODS: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was induced by monocrotaline (60 mg/kg, subcutaneous) injection followed by the creation of an aortocaval fistula. After 4 weeks, exendin-4 (1 µg/kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally for 3 consecutive weeks, followed by an assessment of cardiopulmonary function, pulmonary artery vasoreactivity, tissue and blood biochemistry, and lung histology. RESULTS: Exendin-4 significantly reduced right ventricle mass and pulmonary artery pressure, which improved right ventricle function and the survival rate in rats with PH. Tissue and blood interleukin-1ß levels decreased, whereas pulmonary artery cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels were restored by exendin-4. Smooth muscle-myosin heavy chain-II and α-smooth muscle actin protein levels increased in the pulmonary arteries of exendin-4-treated rats. Histology showed that exendin-4 decreased the main and intra-acinar pulmonary artery medial thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Exendin-4 treatment improved pulmonary artery function in flow-induced PH via its direct vasoactive properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation. Mitigation of pulmonary arteriopathy further potentiated right ventricle performance and reduced overall mortality. These responses were associated with suppressed expression and activity of interleukin-1ß and its downstream signaling molecules. Glucagon-like peptide analogs may possess pleiotropic therapeutic potential in flow-induced PH.

High-dose calcineurin inhibitor-free everolimus as a maintenance regimen for heart transplantation may be a risk factor for Pneumocystis pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Everolimus reduces the incidence of cardiac-allograft vasculopathy (CAV) and is less renally toxic than are calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). We evaluated the safety of CNI-free everolimus for post-heart transplant (HTx) patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 36 consecutive patients who had undergone an HTx between January 2006 and December 2013 in National Cheng Kung University Hospital. All patients initially had been treated with the standard tacrolimus regimen. The Study group-12 patients with CAV, renal impairment, or a history of malignancy-were switched from tacrolimus to everolimus. The Control group consisted of 19 patients who remained on the standard regimen. The target everolimus trough concentration was 8-14 ng/mL. The primary outcome was survival, and the secondary outcomes were bacterial, viral, fungal, and other infections; Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP); and rejection (≥2R). RESULTS: During a 53.3±25.6-month follow-up, the survival rate, rejection rate, and number of infections, except for PJP, were not significantly different between the two groups. In the Study group, 6 patients were diagnosed with PJP 33±18.2 months after switching. None of the Control group patients were diagnosed with PJP during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A high-dose CNI-free everolimus maintenance regimen might yield a higher incidence of post-transplantation PJP.

Postoperative Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the use of postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in acute type A aortic dissection (aTAAD). We identified aTAAD surgical patients at risk of ECMO implantation postoperatively and analyzed the prognosis of these patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 162 consecutive aTAAD patients undergoing operations from January 2008 to December 2015. Patient data were analyzed for risk factors leading to an ECMO requirement. Short-term and long-term outcomes in patients who did and did not require ECMO were compared. RESULTS: Postoperative ECMO was required in 20 patients (12.3%), and in-hospital mortality was higher in the ECMO group (65.0% vs 8.5%, p < 0.001). Factors predicting postoperative ECMO were preoperative hemodynamic instability (p = 0.049), aortic cross-clamp time (p = 0.036), and postoperative peak creatinine kinase-MB (p = 0.002). ECMO survivors presented at a younger age (p = 0.036) and had a less postoperative blood transfusion (p = 0.034) than ECMO nonsurvivors. The postdischarge survival rate was equivalent in patients with or without ECMO support. CONCLUSIONS: Although postoperative ECMO is an important predictor of in-hospital death, this pilot study showed that aTAAD patients supported with postoperative ECMO who survive to hospital discharge have a long-term survival comparable to patients who did not receive ECMO.

Exendin-4, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue, accelerates diabetic wound healing.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes disregulates inflammatory responses and impairs vascular function in wounds. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (Glp-1R) agonists are hypoglycemic agents with pleiotropic vascular protective and anti-inflammatory effects. The therapeutic potential of a Glp-1 analogue in a diabetic rat model of excisional wound injury was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Excisional wounds were created on the dorsum of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, which received placebo or Glp-1 analogue exendin-4 (Ex4; 0.5 µg/kg/d, i.p.) for 2 wk. The final-to-initial wound area ratio was measured for 14 d. Levels of superoxide anions and proinflammatory cytokines in the wound were determined. Angiogenesis was assessed using the Matrigel assay. Expression levels of proangiogenic factors and extracellular matrix proteins were measured. RESULTS: Ex4 restored wound closure in diabetic rats and significantly suppressed the generation of superoxide anions and interleukin-6 in wounds. The number of circulating endothelial progenitor (CD34+/KDR+) cells increased significantly in Ex4-treated diabetic rats, which also showed increased capillary tube formation. Protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and transforming growth factor-ß were increased in diabetic rats receiving Ex4 therapy. Ex4-enhanced vascularity, dermal regeneration, and epidermal regeneration, while it decreased hemorrhaging and increased the number of proliferative cells in the dermis. CONCLUSIONS: Ex4 accelerated excisional wound healing in subjects with diabetes. Glp-1R activation attenuates inflammatory response and enhances angiogenesis during the early proliferation phase of wound healing in diabetic subjects, while it enhances transforming growth factor-ß/matrix metalloproteinase-mediated regeneration during the maturation phase. These results suggest that Ex4 could be used as a standard hypoglycemic agent in diabetic patients with wound injury.

Role of Left Atrial Reservoir Strain Rate in Left Atrial Remodeling in Severe Mitral Regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Impaired left atrial (LA) reservoir deformation has been found to be associated with poor functional capacity and outcomes in severe chronic mitral regurgitation (MR). Among patients with primary MR (valve incompetence due to mitral valve pathology), we focus on Carpentier II classification (prolapse or flail mitral valve) and aim to investigate determinants for decreased LA reservoir deformation and its impact on LA remodeling in severe MR. METHODS: Among 159 consecutive patients with severe chronic Carpentier II MR (left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 60%), 55 underwent follow-up echocardiography, which was compared with their baseline study. We used the change of LA volume index as the rapidity of LA remodeling, LA eccentricity index as LA sphericity, and peak LA reservoir strain as well as reservoir strain rate (LASRR) derived from two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography as LA reservoir function. RESULTS: Older age, elongated left atrium, increased LA volume index, as well as reduced left ventricular global longitudinal strain and LA ejection fraction all linked to a poor baseline LASRR (all p < 0.001). A second echocardiography during a mean follow-up of 15.3 ± 8.3 months revealed an enlarged left atrium (increased interval change of LA volume index; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, only the difference between the baseline and follow-up LASRR values (Δ: LASRR; odds ratio (OR) 0.037, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.003-0.496, p = 0.013) predicted accelerated LA remodeling. A poor baseline LASRR was significantly associated with its profound deterioration during the follow-up period (ß: = -0.424, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: In severe chronic Carpentier II MR, a reduced follow-up LASRR predicted future accelerated LA remodeling. Patients with a poor baseline LASRR are at a higher risk of its deterioration.

Obscured hemorrhagic pancreatitis after orthotopic heart transplantation complicated with acute right heart failure and hepatic dysfunction: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatitis is a serious complication after cardiac surgery and can lead to significant morbidities and mortality. The incidence of pancreatitis is even higher in patients undergoing heart transplantation than in those undergoing other cardiac surgeries. Nevertheless, the clinical presentations of pancreatitis are frequently atypical in these patients. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a heart recipient who was complicated with acute right heart failure initially after orthotopic heart transplantation and developed devastating unanticipated hemorrhagic pancreatitis 1 month after the transplantation. This crypto-symptomatic pancreatitis was not diagnosed until massive internal bleeding and hemorrhagic shock occurred, because the typical presentations of acute pancreatitis were masked by the intra-abdominal manifestations caused by right heart failure and congestive liver dysfunction. The patient underwent a successful transarterial embolization. CONCLUSIONS: The causes of pancreatitis after heart transplantation include low cardiac output, immunosuppressant use and cytomegalovirus infection. The typical symptoms of pancreatitis might be not apparent in patients after heart transplantation because of their immunosuppressive status. Furthermore, in patients complicated with right heart failure after transplantation, the manifestation of pancreatitis could be even more obscure. The prompt diagnosis is highly depended on the clinician's astuteness.