Direct visualization of postoperative aortobronchial fistula on computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative aortobronchial fistula (ABF) is a rare complication that can occur in 0.3%-5.0% of patients over an extended period of time after thoracic aortic surgery. Direct visualization of the fistula via imaging is rare. AIM: To investigate the relationship between computed tomography (CT) findings and the clinical signs/symptoms of ABF after thoracic aortic surgery. METHODS: Six patients (mean age 71 years, including 4 men and 2 women) with suspected ABF on CT (air around the graft) at our hospital were included in this retrospective study between January 2004 and September 2022. Chest CT findings included direct confirmation of ABF, peri-graft fluid, ring enhancement, dirty fat sign, atelectasis, pulmonary hemorrhage, and bronchodilation, and the clinical course were retrospectively reviewed. The proportion of each type of CT finding was calculated. RESULTS: ABF detection after surgery was found to have a mean and median of 14 and 13 years, respectively. Initial signs and symptoms were asymptomatic in 4 patients, bloody sputum was found in 1 patient, and fever was present in 1 patient. The complications of ABF included graft infection in 2 patients and graft infection with hemoptysis in 2 patients. Of the 6 patients, 3 survived, 2 died, and 1 was lost to follow-up. The locations of the ABFs were as follows: 1 in the ascending aorta; 1 in the aortic arch; 2 in the aortic arch leading to the descending aorta; and 2 in the descending aorta. ABFs were directly confirmed by CT in 4/6 (67%) patients. Peri-graft dirty fat (4/6, 67%) and peri-graft ring enhancement (3/6, 50%) were associated with graft infection, endoleaks and pseudoaneurysms were associated with hemoptysis (2/6, 33%). CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic ABF after thoracic aortic surgery can be confirmed on chest CT. CT is useful for the diagnosis of ABF and its complications.

Single cell RNA-sequencing delineates CD8+ tissue resident memory T cells maintaining rejection in liver transplantation.

Rationale: Understanding the immune mechanisms associated with liver transplantation (LT), particularly the involvement of tissue-resident memory T cells (TRMs), represents a significant challenge. Methods: This study employs a multi-omics approach to analyse liver transplant samples from both human (n = 17) and mouse (n = 16), utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing, bulk RNA sequencing, and immunological techniques. Results: Our findings reveal a comprehensive T cell-centric landscape in LT across human and mouse species, involving 235,116 cells. Notably, we found a substantial increase in CD8+ TRMs within rejected grafts compared to stable ones. The elevated presence of CD8+ TRMs is characterised by a distinct expression profile, featuring upregulation of tissue-residency markers (CD69, CXCR6, CD49A and CD103+/-,), immune checkpoints (PD1, CTLA4, and TIGIT), cytotoxic markers (GZMB and IFNG) and proliferative markers (PCNA and TOP2A) during rejection. Furthermore, there is a high expression of transcription factors such as EOMES and RUNX3. Functional assays and analyses of cellular communication underscore the active role of CD8+ TRMs in interacting with other tissue-resident cells, particularly Kupffer cells, especially during rejection episodes. Conclusions: These insights into the distinctive activation and interaction patterns of CD8+ TRMs suggest their potential utility as biomarkers for graft rejection, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing graft tolerance and improving overall transplant outcomes.

A multicentre clinical trial evaluating the outcomes of two application regimens of a unique keratin-based graft in the treatment of Wagner grade one non-healing diabetic foot ulcers.

Diabetic foot complications that lead to lower extremity amputations pose a significant challenge to the entire global health system. In this multicentre clinical trial, 26 patients with chronic Wagner one diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) were treated with a unique human keratin matrix graft applied either weekly or bi-weekly, in addition to standard of care. The hypothesis was that bi-weekly application would be similar to weekly application. The primary endpoint was complete wound closure by 12 weeks, and secondary endpoints included healing time, percent area reduction and weekly changes in peripheral neuropathy, pain and quality of life. In the intent-to-treat population, 77% (10/13) of DFUs treated with bi-weekly application healed compared with 69% (9/13) treated with weekly application. The mean time to heal within 12 weeks in the bi-weekly group was 61 days and in the weekly group was 54 days. The mean percent area reduction at 12 weeks was 94.7% in the bi-weekly group compared with 84.8% in the weekly group. The number of grafts used in the bi-weekly group was 3.9 compared with 6.2 in the weekly group. The results of this trial confirm our hypothesis that whether bi-weekly or weekly application of the unique keratin matrix graft is used to treat nonhealing indolent DFUs, there is a high rate of complete healing. Based on these results, future studies should be conducted that further investigate the use of this novel human keratin matrix graft for the treatment of chronic DFUs.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a case report.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare condition characterized by air accumulation within the subserosa or submucosa of the gastrointestinal wall. We herein report a case involving a woman in her early 30s who developed PCI after undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The patient had a history of multiple COVID-19 infections. Imaging revealed extensive pneumoperitoneum and mesenteric emphysema; nevertheless, the patient remained clinically stable with a benign abdominal examination. She eventually recovered after 1 month of conservative treatment. We believe the PCI in this case had a multifactorial etiology, potentially involving both HSCT and COVID-19. Raising awareness of PCI may help avoid unnecessary surgical interventions and associated morbidity.

Review of skin grafting in equine wounds: indications and techniques.

Skin grafting is a simple technique that can be performed by equine practitioners to improve cosmetic outcomes in wounds with large skin defects that would not heal functionally or cosmetically with standard wound therapy interventions. Successful skin grafting is not difficult but relies upon appropriate preparation of the wound bed and effective immobilisation of the grafted area after skin graft placement. Prior to grafting, the wound bed should be treated with a moist wound healing dressing to prepare the granulation tissue bed to receive the graft. For best results, skin grafts should be placed in wounds free of infection with healthy granulation tissue, and motion should be reduced in the graft region in the early postoperative period. When successful, skin grafts cover granulation tissue and encourage wound contraction and epithelialisation while decreasing exuberant granulation tissue resulting in a more cosmetic result. This review will advance practitioners' understanding of skin grafting in horses, including graft classification and techniques, donor site selection, recipient site preparation, postoperative management strategies to optimise graft retention and ongoing research in this field.

Indications and Evolution of the Butterfly Graft in Nasal Valve Repair.

Persistent nasal airway obstruction from inadequately addressed nasal valve compromise is common. Many techniques exist to perform nasal valve repair. Historically, spreader grafts are the most commonly used, despite a relative lack of evidence demonstrating its superiority over other methods. The butterfly graft is an alternative method of nasal valve repair and detailed surgical description from over 20 years of innovation follows in this section. There is growing evidence to suggest that the butterfly graft may be superior to spreader grafts with similar acceptability of the esthetic outcomes.

Urinary CXCL-10, a prognostic biomarker for kidney graft injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The challenges of long-term graft survival and the side effects of current immunosuppressive therapies in kidney transplantation highlight the need for improved drugs with fewer adverse effects. Biomarkers play a crucial role in quickly detecting post-transplant complications, with new biomarkers showing promise for ongoing monitoring of disease and potentially reducing the need for unnecessary invasive biopsies. The chemokines such as C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), are particularly promising protein biomarkers for acute renal rejection, with urine samples being a desirable source for biomarkers. The aim of this review is to analyze the literature on the potential role of urinary CXCL10 protein in predicting kidney graft injuries. The results of this study demonstrate that evaluating urinary CXCL10 levels is more successful in identifying post-transplant injuries compared to assessing the CXCL10/Cr ratio.

Efficacy analysis of endovascular treatment for ruptured internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm hemorrhage in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and complications of endovascular treatment for hemorrhage caused by ruptured internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysms following radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed NPC patients who underwent endovascular treatment for ruptured internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm hemorrhage after radiotherapy at Zhongshan People's Hospital from January 2016 to December 2022. The study aims to assess the postoperative hemostasis rate, postoperative rebleeding rate, complication rate, and 1-year postoperative survival rate. Results: During the study period, 36 patients underwent endovascular treatment, of which 24 patients underwent embolization of the internal carotid artery and 12 patients underwent stenting of the internal carotid artery. The procedure success rate was 100%. The rebleeding rate at 1 year after the procedure was 5.6% (2/36, one patient with stent placement and one patient with coil embolization), and the complication rate was 11.1% (4/36, four patients with coil embolization patients). Two patients developed large-area cerebral infarction after the procedure, and two patients had different degrees of neurological impairment after the procedure. The 1-year survival rate was 91.7% (33/36). Conclusion: Ruptured internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm hemorrhage after radiotherapy is rare but life-threatening. Endovascular treatment with coil occlusion or stenting reconstruction of the internal carotid artery provides immediate hemostasis and elimination of the pseudoaneurysm with a low rate of recurrence, which may be effective in reducing patient mortality.

Mitigating the risk of inflammatory type primary graft dysfunction by applying an integrated approach to assess, modify and match risk factors in lung transplantation.

Long-term outcome following lung transplantation remains one of the poorest of all solid organ transplants with a 1- and 5-year survival of 85% and 59% respectively for adult lung transplant recipients and with 50% of patients developing chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) in the first 5 years following transplant. Reducing the risk of inflammatory type primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is vital for improving both short-term survival following lung transplantation and long-term outcome due to the association of early inflammatory-mediated damage to the allograft and the risk of CLAD. PGD has a multifactorial aetiology and high-grade inflammatory-type PGD is the result of cumulative insults that may be incurred in one or more of the three variables of the transplantation continuum: the donor lungs, the recipient and intraoperative process. We set out a conceptual framework which uses a fully integrated approach to this transplant continuum to attempt to identify and, where possible, modify specific donor, recipient and intraoperative PGD risk with the goal of reducing inflammatory-type PGD risk for an individual recipient. We also consider the concept and risk-benefit of matching lung allografts and recipients on the basis of donor and recipient PGD-risk compatibility. The use of ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) and the extended preservation of lung allografts on EVLP will be explored as safe, non-injurious EVLP may enable extensive inflammatory testing of specific donor lungs and has the potential to provide a platform for targeted therapeutic interventions on lung allografts.

Uniform graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis using post-transplantation cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and cyclosporine following peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from matched and haploidentical donors for transfusion-dependent thalassemia: a retrospective report from the BMF-WG of Hunan province, China.

BACKGROUND: Although the survival of patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TD-TM) is reportedly inferior after haploidentical transplantation, the heterogeneity of transplantation approaches in studies suggests the need to assess the effect of one given conditioning regimen on matched and haploidentical transplantation outcomes. OBJECTIVE: A novel PTCy-based approach for patients with TD-TM undergoing haploidentical HSCT was reported in our prior study. We aimed to retrospectively evaluate the real-world efficacy and safety of GvHD prophylaxis in patients with TD-TM after HSCT from matched donors and haploidentical donors (HIDs). STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective multicenter study. Of 238 patients with TD-TM who underwent HSCT, 160 underwent peripheral blood HSCT, using uniform GvHD prophylaxis with PTCy, methotrexate, and cyclosporine, at member centers of the Bone Marrow Failure Working Group of Hunan Province between 2019 and 2023. RESULTS: The median age of the cohort was 6 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 6-7 years) at transplantation. Of 160 donors, 99 (61.9%) were haploidentical family members, and the others were matched donors (13 matched siblings, 48 matched or mismatched unrelated donors). The engraftment rate was 98.8% (95% CI: 96.1%-97.7%). HSCT from HIDs had a lower risk of mixed chimerism (HR 0·078, p=0.022). Within 100 days after transplantation, 31 patients (19.6%, 95% CI: 14.0%-26.3%) had grade II-IV acute GvHD, 9 of whom had grade III-IV acute GvHD (5.7%, 95% CI: 2.9%-10.1%). HIDs were significantly associated with a higher risk of grade II-IV acute GvHD (HR 3.973, p = 0.009). Nineteen patients (11.9%, 95% CI: 7.6%-17.6%) developed late acute GvHD after a median of 516 days (95% CI: 407-709 days). Twenty-six patients (16.5%, 95% CI: 11.3%-22.8%) exhibited any one of the diagnostic, distinctive, or atypical features of chronic GvHD according to the 2014 NIH criteria after a median of 690 days (95% CI: 496-902 days). Among these, 7 had NIH-defined chronic GvHD, 14 had only one distinctive sign with no histological evidence, and 5 had only atypical chronic GvHD signs. Of the 26 patients, 5 were classified as having overlap syndrome. Of 21 patients who were classified as having NIH-defined and potential chronic GvHD, 3 had moderate chronic GvHD, whereas 1 had severe chronic GvHD. Logistic regression analyses identified that grade II-IV acute GvHD independently predicted subsequent chronic GVHD (HR 3.920, p=0.006). The rates of chronic GvHD were similar between the matched and HID groups. Thalassemia-free survival (TFS) and event-free survival (EFS) were 97.5% (95% CI: 94.2%-99.2%) and 90.6% (95% CI: 85.4%-94.4%), respectively, after a median of 690 days (95% CI: 496-902 days). TFS rates were similar between the matched and HID groups (p = 0.549). The EFS rate was significantly higher in the matched group than in the HID group (p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that when PTCy-based uniform GVHD prophylaxis is administered, HSCT from matched donors and HIDs results in a low incidence of severe GVHD and treatment-related mortality with satisfactory survival.

Allogeneic amnion transplantation for the management of cutaneous graft-versus-host disease with associated ulcers: A promising therapeutic strategy.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is the cornerstone treatment for various hematopoietic disorders, but its utility is often compromised by chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD), affecting skin integrity and leading to ulcer formations. Traditional treatments, including systemic and topical therapies, frequently fail in severe cases. This study retrospectively examines three patients with therapy-resistant ulcers due to cGvHD post-alloSCT treated at the University Hospital of Regensburg in 2023. We evaluated the therapeutic impact of human amniotic membrane (hAM) transplantation-a novel approach utilizing hAM's anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-fibrotic properties for wound healing. Surgical debridement was followed by hAM application and routine follow-up. HAM transplantation led to complete wound closure in two out of three patients and a significant reduction in local pain and infection rates. The treatment alleviated the need for regular dressing changes within three months in two patients, demonstrating the hAM's efficacy in fostering rapid and sustained healing. The utilization of hAM represents a promising alternative for the management of refractory skin ulcers in cGvHD patients, particularly when conventional methods are inadequate.

Long-term results and patient-reported outcomes after vascularized fibular graft use in the treatment of post-traumatic bone defects of femur shaft and tibia: A retrospective cohort and cross-sectional survey study.

OBJECTIVES: Post-traumatic critical-sized bone defects pose a reconstructive challenge for reconstructive surgeons. The vascularized fibula graft is a well-described treatment for osseous defects of the femur and tibia. This study aimed to assess long-term patient-reported quality of life, the success-, and complication rates in lower extremity reconstruction with vascularized fibula grafts. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 29 patients who underwent fibula graft reconstruction for critical-sized bone defects after post-traumatic tibial and femoral bone loss between 1990 and 2021 was included. To assess the health-related quality of life and return to work and satisfaction, a cross-sectional survey was performed using the short-form-36, lower extremity functional scale, and a self-made questionnaire including the DN4, satisfaction, and subjective ankle function. RESULTS: The median bone defect size was 8 cm (IQR 9-7 cm). The mental component scores were comparable to the Dutch population norm, whereas the impaired physical function scores were associated with pain (r 0.849, p < 0.001). Neuropathic symptoms were reported in 7 out of 19 patients, and 11 out of 19 patients returned to normal daily activity. All respondents reported positive or neutral scores on overall satisfaction with the recovery. Bone healing was uneventful in 19 out of 29 patients. Union was achieved in 25 out of 29 patients. Persistent nonunion was observed in 4 patients, leading to amputation in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: Vascularized fibula graft use led to high union rates and limb salvage in patients with post-traumatic segmental bone loss of the tibia and femur. Patient satisfaction with the overall recovery was positive; however, functional outcomes remained impaired.

Evaluation of properties for Carbothane™ 3575A-based electrospun vascular grafts in vitro and in vivo.

Bioengineered vascular grafts have emerged as a promising alternative to the treatment of damaged or occlusive vessels. It is thought that polyurethane-based scaffolds possess suitable hemocompatibility and biomechanics comparable to those of normal blood vessels. In this study, we investigated the properties of electrospun scaffolds comprising various blends of biostable polycarbonate-based polyurethane (Carbothane™ 3575A) and gelatin. Scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, infra-red spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, stress-loading tests, and interactions with primary human cells and blood. Data from in vitro experiments demonstrated that a scaffold produced from a blend of 5% Carbothane™ 3575A and 10% gelatin has proven to be a suitable material for fabricating a small-diameter vascular graft. A comparative in vivo study of such vascular grafts and ePTFE grafts implanted in the abdominal aorta of Wistar rats was performed. The data of intravital study and histological examination indicated that Carbothane-based electrospun grafts outclass ePTFE grafts and represent a promising device for preclinical studies to satisfy vascular surgery needs.

Vascularized hemi-hamate graft: Anatomic description of a novel pedicled osteo-chondro-ligamentous flap for proximal scaphoid reconstruction.

Scaphoid proximal pole destruction remains a surgical challenge owing to its high propensity for nonunion and osteonecrosis. The hemi-hamate graft has shown promising results in addressing this issue. However, long-term results of non-vascularized composite grafts remain uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a vascularized hemi-hamate osteo-chondro-ligamentous pedicled flap for the reconstruction of the proximal pole of the scaphoid. Thirty fresh cadaveric wrists were used to harvest the hamate proximal pole on the dorsal intercarpal arch. A loss of substance of the scaphoid proximal pole was simulated and the hamate flap was transferred. In 15 wrists, a canulated screw osteosynthesis was performed to assess donor site morbidity and carpus stability on post-osteosynthesis dynamic radiographs. This study suggests that the proximal hamate can be harvested pedicled on the dorsal intercarpal arch. The pedicle (average pedicle diameter 0.9 mm, mean length 31.5 mm) allowed tension-free graft placement in all dissections, except for one. The morphology of the graft was very similar to that of the scaphoid proximal pole and the palmar capito-hamate ligament allowed scapholunate ligament reconstruction in all dissections. This is the first study that describes the use of a pedicled flap to fully reconstruct the complex osteo-chondro-ligamentous anatomy of the scaphoid proximal pole. This vascularized hemi-hamate flap could facilitate better long-term preservation of cartilage biomechanical properties compared to non-vascularized grafts. Donor site morbidity requires further investigation before recommending clinical use.

[Recto-colic graft-versus-host disease (GVH). Diagnostic and prognostic criteria in a cohort of patients from Amiens university hospital]. / Maladie du greffon contre l'hôte (GVH) recto-colique. Critères diagnostiques et pronostiques sur une cohorte de patients du CHU d'Amiens.

INTRODUCTION: Recto-colic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a frequent and serious complication of hematopoietic stem cell allogeneic transplantation, which is sometimes difficult to diagnose. The aim of our study was to identify histological diagnostic and prognostic criteria for recto-colic GVH. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients allografted at Amiens university hospital from 2012 to 2017 were retrieved. Those who had a recto-colic biopsy were included and divided into two groups (final diagnosis of GVH and non-GVH), then biopsies were reviewed by 2 pathologists. RESULTS: One hundred and nineteen patients were included. Sixty-seven were allocated to the GVH group and 52 to the non-GVH group. In the GVH group, we observed a significantly greater number of apoptotic bodies (AB) on standard HES staining and with the anti-Caspase 3 immunohistochemistry, cryptolytic AB abscesses, atrophy, regenerative glands and glands lined with eosinophilic cells (P<0.001). Anti-Caspase 3 immunohistochemistry revealed more AB than standard HES staining (P<0.005). But to differentiate GVH cases from non-GVH cases, we obtained a threshold value of 3.5 AB per 10 contiguous crypts on standard HE staining and with the anti-Caspase 3 immunohistochemistry. From 4 AB per 10 contiguous crypts, on HES staining and anti-Caspase 3 immunostaining, the diagnosis of GVH became consistent. No non-GVH case had more than 6 AB per 10 contiguous crypts. GVH patients with more than 8 AB per 10 contiguous crypts had a worse prognosis (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: We confirm the value of AB and their counting in the diagnosis of GVH, with a diagnostic threshold of 4 AB and a prognostic threshold of 8 AB. Glands lined with eosinophilic cells could be an additional diagnostic criterion in favor of GVH to be confirmed by further studies.

Volumetric Changes in Free Gingival Graft and Gingival Unit Graft Treatments Evaluated using an Indirect Digital Method.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical one-dimensional changes such as root surface coverage, decrease seen in the amount of gingival recession and keratinised gingival width (KGW) obtained throughout a 6-month follow-up period following the treatment of Cairo class II gingival recession with free gingival graft (FGG) and gingival unit graft (GUG). Three-dimensional changes in gingival volume and thickness were also compared digitally using an indirect method. METHODS: A total of 20 patients with localised Cairo class II gingival recession were randomly separated into two groups; 10 patients were treated with FGG and 10 patients treated with GUG. Preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively, the initial position of the gingiva and KGW were recorded for all the patients and plaster models were formed from the obtained impressions with the traditional method. The plaster models were transferred to a digital environment by scanning with a model scanner. Using a software program, changes in gingival papillary height and gingival volume and thickness were compared between the groups and according to the baseline values from The Standard Tessellation Language (STL) files obtained. RESULTS: Compared to the baseline values, a significant increase was determined in the KGW, and a significant decrease in pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and gingiva recession depth in all the groups (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of the changes in mean gingiva thickness, gingiva volume, and mean vertical papillary height (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The study results showed that GUG treatment for Cairo class II localised gingival recession is an effective method in respect of increasing gingiva volume and thickness, increasing KGW, coverage of the root surface, and forming tissue contours that allow the patient to easily maintain oral hygiene. However, there was not seen to be any adventage of GUG and FGG over each other.

Comparative outcomes between cryopreserved cadaveric saphenous vein and spliced autogenous vein for infrainguinal bypass.

OBJECTIVE: Cryopreserved greater saphenous vein (CV) and spliced autogenous veins (SV) serve as alternative conduits for lower extremity revascularization when a single-segment autogenous saphenous vein is not available. This study compares the outcomes of infrainguinal bypasses using CV and two-segment SV as conduits. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of data on all lower extremity bypasses performed using CV or SV at our institution. Patients undergoing revascularization for atherosclerotic occlusive disease were included in the statistical analysis, while those with primary acute embolic and/or traumatic causes were excluded. Primary outcomes included limb loss. Secondary outcomes included primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency at one and 3 years. RESULTS: 56 patients were included in the analysis, 25 had CV bypass and 31 had SV. The groups did not significantly differ in demographics and comorbidities except for age (mean age 68 CV vs 62 SV, p = .03), and prior coronary artery bypass graft (32% CV vs 6.5% SV, p = .01). There was no statistically significant difference between CV and SV at one- and three-years in limb salvage (54.4% CV vs 61.7% SV, p = .96 and 48.3% CV vs 50.2% SV, p = .94), and bypass abandonment (44.2% CV vs 61.7% SV, p = .83 and 44.2% CV vs 44% SV, p = .85). Despite lower one and 3-year primary patency for CV compared to SV (33.3% CV vs 54.9% SV, p = .29, and 27.7% CV vs 48% SV, p = .27), the difference was statistically not significant. CV and SV had also similar one and 3-year primary assisted (41.8% CV vs 57.8% SV, p = .72 and 41.8% CV vs 44.9% SV, p = .71), and secondary patency (43.9% CV vs 61.7% SV, p = .8 and 43.9% CV vs 44% SV, p = .88), with no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: In patients for whom single-segment autologous saphenous vein bypass is not an option, CV and SV show comparable limb salvage up to 3 years. SV may be a more durable option with higher patency, this was however not statistically significant in our cohort likely due to sample size.

Circulating factors, in both donor and ex-vivo heart perfusion, correlate with heart recovery in a pig model of DCD.

BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation with donation after circulatory death and ex-situ heart perfusion offers excellent outcomes and increased transplantation rates. However, improved graft evaluation techniques are required to ensure effective utilization of grafts. Therefore, we investigated circulating factors, both in-situ and ex-situ, as potential biomarkers for cardiac graft quality. METHODS: Circulatory death was simulated in anesthetized male pigs with warm ischemic durations of 0, 10, 20, or 30 min. Hearts were explanted and underwent ex-situ perfusion for 3h in an unloaded mode, followed by left ventricular loading for 1h, to evaluate cardiac recovery (outcomes). Multiple donor blood and ex-situ perfusate samples were used for biomarker evaluation with either standard biochemical techniques or nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS: Circulating adrenaline, both in the donor and at 10 min ex-situ heart perfusion, negatively correlated with cardiac recovery (p <0.05 for all). We identified several new potential biomarkers for cardiac graft quality that can be measured rapidly and simultaneously with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. At multiple timepoints during unloaded ex-situ heart perfusion, perfusate levels of acetone, betaine, creatine, creatinine, fumarate, hypoxanthine, lactate, pyruvate and succinate (p <0.05 for all) significantly correlated with outcomes; the optimal timepoint being 60 min. CONCLUSIONS: In heart donation after circulatory death, circulating adrenaline levels are valuable for cardiac graft evaluation. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is of particular interest, as it measures multiple metabolites in a short timeframe. Improved biomarkers may allow more precision and therefore better support clinical decisions about transplantation suitability.