Unveiling cellular and molecular aspects of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections.

Ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA) remains a significant medical concern, with its asymptomatic nature posing diagnostic and monitoring challenges, thereby increasing the risk of aortic wall dissection and rupture. Current management of aortic repair relies on an aortic diameter threshold. However, this approach underestimates the complexity of aortic wall disease due to important knowledge gaps in understanding its underlying pathologic mechanisms.Since traditional risk factors cannot explain the initiation and progression of ATAA leading to dissection, local vascular factors such as extracellular matrix (ECM) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) might harbor targets for early diagnosis and intervention. Derived from diverse embryonic lineages, VSMCs exhibit varied responses to genetic abnormalities that regulate their contractility. The transition of VSMCs into different phenotypes is an adaptive response to stress stimuli such as hemodynamic changes resulting from cardiovascular disease, aging, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition. Upon longer exposure to stress stimuli, VSMC phenotypic switching can instigate pathologic remodeling that contributes to the pathogenesis of ATAA.This review aims to illuminate the current understanding of cellular and molecular characteristics associated with ATAA and dissection, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced comprehension of the impaired ECM-VSMC network.

First report from the European registry for anomalous aortic origin of coronary artery (EURO-AAOCA).

OBJECTIVES: Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) is a group of rare congenital heart defects with various clinical presentations. The lifetime-risk of an individual living with AAOCA is unknown, and data from multicentre registries are urgently needed to adapt current recommendations and guide optimal patient management. The European AAOCA Registry (EURO-AAOCA) aims to assess differences with regard to AAOCA management between centres. METHODS: EURO-AAOCA is a prospective, multicentre registry including 13 European centres. Herein, we evaluated differences in clinical presentations and management, treatment decisions and surgical outcomes across centres from January 2019 to June 2023. RESULTS: A total of 262 AAOCA patients were included, with a median age of 33 years (12-53) with a bimodal distribution. One hundred thirty-nine (53.1%) were symptomatic, whereas chest pain (n = 74, 53.2%) was the most common complaint, followed by syncope (n = 21, 15.1%). Seven (5%) patients presented with a myocardial infarction, 2 (1.4%) with aborted sudden cardiac death. Right-AAOCA was most frequent (150, 57.5%), followed by left-AAOCA in 51 (19.5%), and circumflex AAOCA in 20 (7.7%). There were significant differences regarding diagnostics between age groups and across centres. Seventy-four (28.2%) patients underwent surgery with no operative deaths; minor postoperative complications occurred in 10 (3.8%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, no uniform agreement exists among European centres with regard to diagnostic protocols and clinical management for AAOCA variants. Although surgery is a safe procedure in AAOCA, future longitudinal outcome data will hopefully shed light on how to best decide towards optimal selection of patients undergoing revascularization versus conservative treatment.

Fresh Frozen Plasma Versus Solvent Detergent Plasma for Cardiopulmonary Bypass Priming in Neonates and Infants Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Compared with fresh frozen plasma (FFP), Omniplasma has been attributed to an increased coagulation potential and an increased fibrinolytic potential. This study aimed to compare Omniplasma and FFP used for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) priming regarding the incidence of postoperative thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications and outcomes in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. DESIGN: A retrospective observational cohort study SETTING: This single-center study was performed at the University Medical Center Groningen. PARTICIPANT: All pediatric patients up to 10 kg undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. INTERVENTIONS: Procedures in which FFP was used for CPB priming were compared with those in which Omniplasma was used. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome parameter was a composite endpoint consisting of the following: (1) pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) mortality, (2) thromboembolic complications, and (3) hemorrhagic complications during PICU stay. The authors included 143 procedures in the analyses, 90 (63%) in the FFP group and 53 (37%) in the Omniplasma group. The occurrence of the combined primary endpoint (FFP 20% v Omniplasma 11%, p = 0.18) and its components did not differ between the used CPB priming agent). Omniplasma for CPB priming was associated with decreased unfractionated heparin administration per kg bodyweight (585 IU v 510 IU, p = 0.03), higher preoperative and postoperative activated clotting times (ACT) discrepancy (90% v 94%, p = 0.03), a lower postoperative ACT value (125 v 118 seconds, p = 0.01), and less red blood cell transfusion per kilogram bodyweight (78 v 55 mL, p = 0.02). However, none of the variables differed statistically significantly in the multivariate logistic regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The authors did not find an association between the plasma used for CPB priming and thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications and death in neonates and infants undergoing cardiac surgery. Omniplasma seems to be safe to use in this population.

Multicentre experience with valve-sparing aortic root replacement by means of combined remodelling and external aortic ring annuloplasty in patients with Marfan syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The most recent valve-sparing root replacement technique combines the advantages of the reimplantation (David) and remodelling (Yacoub) techniques. The aortic root is reconstructed according to the remodelling technique, the aortic valve is repaired according to the principle of effective height, and an external ring provides annular support. The purpose of this study was to evaluate operative and mid-term outcomes using this technique in patients with Marfan syndrome. METHODS: Adult patients with Marfan syndrome who had an indication for aortic root surgery according to European Society of Cardiology guidelines and were operated on using this new root replacement technique were retrospectively evaluated. Follow-up was obtained from standard outpatient visits and included echocardiography. RESULTS: The study group comprised 22 patients (mean age 36 years, 68% males). Mean follow-up was 7.5 years. There were no mortalities. Two patients required aortic valve replacement because of aortic regurgitation. In both patients, the aortic root was severely dilated (≥65 mm) preoperatively, with grade III aortic valve regurgitation and aortic valve cusps that were very fragile. Aortic regurgitation was grade ≤I on follow-up in 18 of the remaining 20 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Valve-sparing root replacement using remodelling combined with aortic-ring annuloplasty is safe in patients with Marfan syndrome. The mid-term outcome is promising in patients undergoing elective valve-sparing root replacement at recommended root diameters. However, in patients with extremely dilated aortic roots and already severe aortic regurgitation, the technique should be used cautiously as aortic cusps are fragile and might not be suitable for durable repair. CLINICAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMCG Research registry #11208.

The Maastricht Acquisition Platform for Studying Mechanisms of Cell-Matrix Crosstalk (MAPEX): An Interdisciplinary and Systems Approach towards Understanding Thoracic Aortic Disease.

Current management guidelines for ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (aTAA) recommend intervention once ascending or sinus diameter reaches 5-5.5 cm or shows a growth rate of >0.5 cm/year estimated from echo/CT/MRI. However, many aTAA dissections (aTAAD) occur in vessels with diameters below the surgical intervention threshold of <55 mm. Moreover, during aTAA repair surgeons observe and experience considerable variations in tissue strength, thickness, and stiffness that appear not fully explained by patient risk factors. To improve the understanding of aTAA pathophysiology, we established a multi-disciplinary research infrastructure: The Maastricht acquisition platform for studying mechanisms of tissue-cell crosstalk (MAPEX). The explicit scientific focus of the platform is on the dynamic interactions between vascular smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix (i.e., cell-matrix crosstalk), which play an essential role in aortic wall mechanical homeostasis. Accordingly, we consider pathophysiological influences of wall shear stress, wall stress, and smooth muscle cell phenotypic diversity and modulation. Co-registrations of hemodynamics and deep phenotyping at the histological and cell biology level are key innovations of our platform and are critical for understanding aneurysm formation and dissection at a fundamental level. The MAPEX platform enables the interpretation of the data in a well-defined clinical context and therefore has real potential for narrowing existing knowledge gaps. A better understanding of aortic mechanical homeostasis and its derangement may ultimately improve diagnostic and prognostic possibilities to identify and treat symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with existing and developing aneurysms.

CeRebrUm and CardIac Protection with ALlopurinol in Neonates with Critical Congenital Heart Disease Requiring Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CRUCIAL): study protocol of a phase III, randomized, quadruple-blinded, placebo-controlled, Dutch multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND: Neonates with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are at risk of brain injury that may result in adverse neurodevelopment. To date, no therapy is available to improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of CCHD neonates. Allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, prevents the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, thereby limiting cell damage during reperfusion and reoxygenation to the brain and heart. Animal and neonatal studies suggest that allopurinol reduces hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and is cardioprotective and safe. This trial aims to test the hypothesis that allopurinol administration in CCHD neonates will result in a 20% reduction in moderate to severe ischemic and hemorrhagic brain injury. METHODS: This is a phase III, randomized, quadruple-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Neonates with a prenatal or postnatal CCHD diagnosis requiring cardiac surgery with CPB in the first 4 weeks after birth are eligible to participate. Allopurinol or mannitol-placebo will be administered intravenously in 2 doses early postnatally in neonates diagnosed antenatally and 3 doses perioperatively of 20 mg/kg each in all neonates. The primary outcome is a composite endpoint of moderate/severe ischemic or hemorrhagic brain injury on early postoperative MRI, being too unstable for postoperative MRI, or mortality within 1 month following CPB. A total of 236 patients (n = 188 with prenatal diagnosis) is required to demonstrate a reduction of the primary outcome incidence by 20% in the prenatal group and by 9% in the postnatal group (power 80%; overall type 1 error controlled at 5%, two-sided), including 1 interim analysis at n = 118 (n = 94 with prenatal diagnosis) with the option to stop early for efficacy. Secondary outcomes include preoperative and postoperative brain injury severity, white matter injury volume (MRI), and cardiac function (echocardiography); postnatal and postoperative seizure activity (aEEG) and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (NIRS); neurodevelopment at 3 months (general movements); motor, cognitive, and language development and quality of life at 24 months; and safety and cost-effectiveness of allopurinol. DISCUSSION: This trial will investigate whether allopurinol administered directly after birth and around cardiac surgery reduces moderate/severe ischemic and hemorrhagic brain injury and improves cardiac function and neurodevelopmental outcome in CCHD neonates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT 2017-004596-31. Registered on November 14, 2017. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04217421. Registered on January 3, 2020.

Cerebrovascular Autoregulation in Preterm Infants During and After Surgical Ligation of the Ductus Arteriosus, a Comparison Between Two Surgical Approaches.

Objective: During ligation of the ductus arteriosus, cerebrovascular autoregulation (CAR) may deteriorate. It is unknown whether different surgical approaches affect changes in CAR differently. The objective of this study was to compare the potential change in CAR in preterm infants during and after ligation comparing two surgical approaches: sternotomy and posterolateral thoracotomy. Design: This was an observational cohort pilot study. Setting: Level III NICU. Patients: Preterm infants (GA < 32 weeks) requiring ductal ligation were eligible for inclusion. Interventions: Halfway the study period, our standard surgical approach changed from a posterolateral thoracotomy to sternotomy. We analyzed dynamic CAR, using an index of autoregulation (COx) correlating cerebral tissue oxygen saturation and invasive arterial blood pressure measurements, before, during, and after ligation, in relation to the two approaches. Measurements and Main Results: Of nine infants, four were approached by thoracotomy and five by sternotomy. Median GA was 26 (range: 24.9-27.9) weeks, median birth weight (BW) was 800 (640-960) grams, and median post-natal age (PNA) was 18 (15-30) days, without differences between groups. COx worsened significantly more during and after thoracotomy from baseline (Δρ from baseline: during surgery: Δ + 0.32, at 4 h: Δ + 0.36, at 8 h: Δ + 0.32, at 12 h: Δ + 0.31) as compared with sternotomy patients (Δρ from baseline: during surgery: Δ + 0.20, at 4 h: Δ + 0.05, at 8 h: Δ + 0.15, at 12 h: Δ + 0.11) (F = 6.50; p = 0.038). Conclusions: In preterm infants, CAR reduced significantly during and up to 12 h after ductal ligation in all infants, but more evident during and after posterolateral thoracotomy as compared with sternotomy. These results need to be confirmed in a larger population.

A homozygous variant in growth and differentiation factor 2 (GDF2) may cause lymphatic dysplasia with hydrothorax and nonimmune hydrops fetalis.

The etiology of nonimmune hydrops fetalis is extensive and includes genetic disorders. We describe a term-born female neonate with late onset extensive nonimmune hydrops, that is, polyhydramnios, edema, and congenital bilateral chylothorax. This newborn was successfully treated with repetitive thoracocentesis, total parenteral feeding, octreotide intravenously and finally surgical pleurodesis and corticosteroids. A genetic cause seemed plausible as the maternal history revealed a fatal nonimmune hydrops fetalis. A homozygous truncating variant in GDF2 (c.451C>T, p.(Arg151*)) was detected with exome sequencing. Genetic analysis of tissue obtained from the deceased fetal sibling revealed the same homozygous variant. The parents and two healthy siblings were heterozygous for the GDF2 variant. Skin and lung biopsies in the index patient, as well as the revised lung biopsy of the deceased fetal sibling, showed lymphatic dysplasia and lymphangiectasia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an association between a homozygous variant in GDF2 with lymphatic dysplasia, hydrothorax and nonimmune hydrops fetalis.

Mechanical Mitral Valve Replacement: A Multicenter Study of Outcomes With Use of 15- to 17-mm Prostheses.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate early and mid-term outcomes (mortality and prosthetic valve reintervention) after mitral valve replacement with 15- to 17-mm mechanical prostheses. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was performed among patients who underwent mitral valve replacement with a 15- to 17-mm mechanical prosthesis at 6 congenital cardiac centers: 5 in The Netherlands and 1 in the United States. Baseline, operative, and follow-up data were evaluated. RESULTS: Mitral valve replacement was performed in 61 infants (15 mm, n = 17 [28%]; 16 mm, n = 18 [29%]; 17 mm, n = 26 [43%]), of whom 27 (47%) were admitted to the intensive care unit before surgery and 22 (39%) required ventilator support. Median age at surgery was 5.9 months (interquartile range [IQR] 3.2-17.4), and median weight was 5.7 kg (IQR, 4.5-8.8). There were 13 in-hospital deaths (21%) and 8 late deaths (17%, among 48 hospital survivors). Major adverse events occurred in 34 (56%). Median follow-up was 4.0 years (IQR, 0.4-12.5) First prosthetic valve replacement (n = 27 [44%]) occurred at a median of 3.7 years (IQR, 1.9-6.8). Prosthetic valve endocarditis was not reported, and there was no mortality related to prosthesis replacement. Other reinterventions included permanent pacemaker implantation (n = 9 [15%]), subaortic stenosis resection (n = 4 [7%]), aortic valve repair (n = 3 [5%], and aortic valve replacement (n = 6 [10%]). CONCLUSIONS: Mitral valve replacement with 15- to 17-mm mechanical prostheses is an important alternative to save critically ill neonates and infants in whom the mitral valve cannot be repaired. Prosthesis replacement for outgrowth can be carried out with low risk.

Mitral Valve Replacement With the 15-mm Mechanical Valve: A 20-Year Multicenter Experience.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate early and long-term outcomes (mortality and prosthetic valve replacement) after mitral valve replacement with the 15-mm St Jude Medical prosthesis (St Jude Medical, St Paul, MN). METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was performed among patients who underwent mitral valve replacement with a 15-mm St Jude Medical Masters prosthesis at 4 congenital cardiac centers in The Netherlands. Operative results were evaluated and echocardiographic data studied at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 years after surgery. RESULTS: Surgery was performed in 17 infants. Ten patients (59%) were treated in the intensive care unit before surgery; 8 (47%) were on ventilator support. Median age at surgery was 3.2 months (interquartile range [IQR], 1.2-5.6), and median weight was 5.2 kg (IQR 3.9-5.7). There was 1 early cardiac death and 1 late noncardiac death. Median follow-up time was 9.6 years (IQR, 2.4-13.2), including 8 patients with a follow-up more than 10 years. The first prosthetic valve explantation (n = 11) occurred at a median of 2.9 years (IQR, 2.0-5.4). Other reinterventions were permanent pacemaker implantation (n = 3), subaortic stenosis resection (n = 2), and paravalvular leak repair (n = 1). Prosthetic valve gradients increased from a mean of 5.0 mm Hg (at discharge) to a mean of 14.3 mm Hg (at 5-year follow-up). CONCLUSIONS: Mitral valve replacement with the 15-mm prosthesis can safely be performed in infants and even in neonates. Median freedom from prosthesis replacement for outgrowth is 3.5 years. Thromboembolic complications were rare.

Late management of the aortic root after repair of tetralogy of Fallot: A European multicentre study.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the indications, type, and outcomes of reoperations on the aortic root after repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). METHODS: Eleven centers belonging to the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association contributed to the data collection process. We included 36 patients who underwent surgical procedures on the aortic root, including surgery on the aortic valve and ascending aorta, between January 1975 and December 2017. Original diagnoses included TOF-pulmonary stenosis (n = 18) and TOF-pulmonary atresia (n = 18). The main indications for reoperation were aortic insufficiency (n = 19, 53%), aortic insufficiency and dilatation of the ascending aorta (n = 10, 28%), aortic root dilatation (n = 4, 11%), and ascending aorta dilatation (n = 3, 8%). RESULTS: The median age at reoperation was 30.4 years (interquartile range 20.3-45.3 years), and mechanical aortic valve replacement was the most common procedure performed. Five patients died early after reoperation (14%), and larger ascending aorta diameters were associated with early mortality (P = .04). The median age at the last follow-up was 41.4 years (interquartile range 24.5-51.6 years). Late death occurred in five patients (5/31, 16%). Most survivors (15/26, 58%) were asymptomatic at the last clinical examination (New York Heart Association, NYHA class I). The remaining patients were NYHA class II (n = 7) and III (n = 3). The most common symptoms were fatigue (n = 5), dyspnea (n = 4), and exercise intolerance (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS: Reoperations on the aortic root are infrequent but may become necessary late after TOF repair. The main indications for reoperation are aortic insufficiency, either isolated or associated with a dilatation of the ascending aorta. The surgical risk at reoperation was high and the presence of ascending aorta dilation is related to higher mortality.

Thoracotomy Versus Sternotomy for Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure in Preterm Neonates.

BACKGROUND: To date, a posterolateral thoracotomy approach is considered the gold standard for surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), also in preterm neonates. However, a posterolateral thoracotomy approach can induce post-thoracotomy lung injury of the immature and vulnerable lungs of preterm neonates. Therefore, this study aims to compare a posterolateral thoracotomy and median sternotomy for surgical closure of PDA in preterm neonates. METHODS: Between September 2010 and November 2014, both surgical approaches were used to treat a symptomatic PDA in very and extremely preterm neonates. The hospital records of all these neonates were retrospectively reviewed to assess all-cause mortality and postoperative morbidity in both groups. RESULTS: Despite comparable preoperative patient profiles, the postoperative pulmonary complication rate was significantly lower in the median sternotomy group (52.9% vs 94.7%; P = .006). Moreover, significantly lower mean airway pressures (MAPs) were seen in the median sternotomy group directly after surgery (ΔMAP median [interquartile range], 0.00 [2.13] vs 0.80 [1.67] cmH2O; P = .025). Postoperative blood transfusion (median [interquartile range], 20 [14] vs 17 [16] mL; P = .661) rates did not differ between both approaches. In addition, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated no statistically significant differences between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, a median sternotomy approach for surgical PDA closure is at least noninferior to a posterolateral thoracotomy approach. Given the lower postoperative pulmonary complication rate and lower postoperative MAPs directly after surgery, the median sternotomy approach may be considered superior for preterm neonates with immature and vulnerable lungs.

A stented bovine pericardial prosthesis in the pulmonary position.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary valve replacement is very common among patients with congenital heart disease. The Carpentier Edwards Perimount valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, Calif), which was originally designed for the aortic position is among the most implanted valves. We aim to describe the follow-up of this valve in the pulmonary position. METHODS: Patients with a Perimount valve implanted between 2003 and 2013 in the University Medical Center Groningen were followed for the primary end point reintervention, defined as surgical or transcatheter valve replacement. Secondary end point was the occurrence of valve failure, defined as significant valvular regurgitation or stenosis. Explanted valves were histologically examined. RESULTS: Forty-five patients (median age at operation 27.8 years, 55.6% women) had a mean follow-up duration of 5.8 ± 3.3 years. There were 7 reinterventions (5 surgical and 2 transcatheter). Freedom from reintervention was respectively 95% ± 4% and 83% ± 8% at 5- and 10- years of follow-up. Freedom from valve failure was 75% ± 4% at 2 years, 65% ± 8% at 5 years of follow-up and 57% ± 10% at 10 years of follow-up. Morphology evaluation (n = 4) showed stiffened valves in the open position, with extensive fibrous tissue overgrowth on the leaflets and a variable proliferation of myofibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: The Perimount valve has adequate function in the pulmonary valve position at 5 years of follow-up, although after 10 years of follow-up valve failure and reinterventions are common. Explanted valves show retraction and stiffening of the leaflets due to a fibrotic layer on both sides of the leaflet.

Resection of Kommerell Diverticulum and Reimplantation of Aberrant Left Subclavian Artery in Right Aortic Arch Vascular Ring.

A right aortic arch vascular ring consists of an anomalous aortic arch course with a ligamentum arteriosum and an aberrant left subclavian artery arising from a Kommerell diverticulum. Division of the ligamentum arteriosum is required for the relief of symptoms in these patients. However, to prevent recurrent symptoms, resection of the Kommerell diverticulum and reimplantation of the subclavian artery to the left carotid artery is advocated. Here we describe our standardized surgical approach to this pathology.

Acute Type A Dissection 18 Years After a Ross Operation: The Old Prejudice.

An acute aortic dissection of the pulmonary autograft with a free rupture of the neoaortic wall is a rare complication after a Ross procedure. In this case, the intimal tear was localized in the noncoronary sinus of the pulmonary autograft and the neoaortic wall was ruptured in the involved sinus area. The dissection was contained in the pulmonary autograft. This report describes a successful aortic root replacement of a patient with the clinical symptoms of an acute aortic type A dissection with a free rupture of the neoaortic wall.

Ross-Konno for Interrupted Aortic Arch: Simplified Arch Reconstruction Using Swing-Back Technique.

In neonates with interrupted aortic arch and severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction full relief of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and adequate aortic arch repair is required. It has been shown that neonatal Ross-Konno provides adequate and durable relieve of left ventricular outflow tract gradient. Additional aortic arch repair using the swing-back technique provides a simplified reconstruction of the arch with a tension-free, direct anastomosis. We describe the technique and results of our experience in 3 neonates.

Does sinus rhythm conversion after cardiac surgery affect postoperative health- related quality of life?

BACKGROUND: We investigated the impact and the predictive value of sinus rhythm at 12 months (SR12) on subscales of three different HrQoL questionnaires: SF-36., EuroQoL and MFI 20. METHODS: Data of 125 cardiac surgery patients with pre-operative AF from our previous randomized trial were used. Based on their rhythm outcome patients were divided in two groups: SR12 or AF at 12 months follow up (non-SR12). All questionnaires were self-administered pre-operatively and at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Synus rhytm at 12 months was predictive of improvement of SF36- mental score (MS, p = 0.021), Euro-QoL-MS (p = 0.009), VAS (p = 0.006), and MFI 20-MS (p = 0.009). We failed to find any significant interactions between SR12 and any of the other significant risk factors: age <65 years, paroxysmal type of AF and preoperative AF duration <12 months. In contrast, SR12 was not significant in predicting physical score (PS) subscales of any of the questionnaires (all, p > 0.05) which were predicted by age <65 years (SF36-PS, p = 0.029) by paroxysmal type of AF and age <65 years (Euro-QoL-PS, p = 0.017 and p = 0.04, respectively) and by AF duration <12 months, paroxysmal type of AF and age < 65 years (MFI 20-PS, p = 0.019, p = 0.020 and p = 0.015, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Specific mental-related HrQoL scales are much more sensitive to sinus rhythm conversion. Sinus rithm mantainance shows significant effects on mental scores independently of other cofactors. Successful conversion to sinus rhythm after surgical ablation during cardiac surgery does not significantly affect phisical health related quality of life during 1 year follow up.

Maintenance of sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion for recurrent atrial fibrillation following mitral valve surgery with or without associated radiofrequency ablation.

BACKGROUND: This study reports the outcomes of patients who underwent electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation recurrence following mitral valve surgery and associated radiofrequency ablation compared to those who did not undergo concomitant atrial fibrillation ablation. METHODS: The population consisted of 116 patients with persistent/long-standing persistent AF who underwent mitral valve surgery with (Group A, n=54) or without (Group B, n=62) associated radiofrequency ablation between January 2007 and January 2011 at three institutions and who subsequently underwent cardioversion for persistent atrial fibrillation within 12 months of their initial procedure. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 30.7±9.4 months. Of the 104 patients with acute restoration of SR 42 (40.3%) had AF recurrence. The average time to recurrence after cardioversion was 7.3±4.2 days. Recurrence was significantly lower in patients undergoing ablation surgery (21.4%) than in those undergoing no ablation surgery (78.6%, p<0.001). Non-performed ablation procedure (p<0.001), time from surgery≥88 days and left atrial dimensions≥45.5 mm before cardioversion (both, p=0.005) were multivariable predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence. In Group B the use of amiodarone was inversely correlated with recurrence of AF (p<0.001). This correlation was not significant (r=-0.02, p=0.85) in Group A. CONCLUSIONS: Electrical cardioversion for recurrent AF showed better results and stable recovery of sinus rhythm in patients undergoing concomitant surgical ablation during mitral valve surgery. This might be attributable to substrate modification caused by surgical lesions. Amiodarone improved the ECV-success rate only in patients with no associate ablation. Further larger randomized studies are necessary to confirm our findings.

8 years' experience with robotic thymectomy for thymomas.

BACKGROUND: The accuracy of a three-dimensional robotic-assisted videothoracoscopic approach may favor a radical resection of thymomas. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of the robotic approach by reporting 8 years experience in a single referral center of surgical treatment of thymomas. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients who underwent a thymectomy from April 2004 to April 2012. We analyzed the procedure time, morbidity, mortality, conversions, hospitalization, freedom from recurrence, time to progression, and overall survival. RESULTS: From 2004 until 2012, a total of 138 robotic procedures for mediastinal tumors were performed in our center, of which 37 patients with a mean age of 57.3 years underwent a thymectomy for a thymoma. Histological analysis revealed four type A thymomas (10.8 %), seven type AB thymomas (18.9 %), seven type B1 thymomas (18.9 %), fourteen type B2 thymomas (37.8 %), four type B3 thymomas (10.8 %), and one thymus carcinoma (2.7 %). The Masaoka­Koga stages were as follows: stage I in twenty patients (54 %), stage IIA in five patients (13.5 %), stage IIB in eight patients (21.6 %), stage III in three patients (8.1 %), and stage IVa in one patient (2.7 %). The mean overall procedure time was 149 min (range 88­353). No surgical mortality was reported, and there were no peri-operative complications. No conversions were needed for surgical complications. In three cases, a conversion to sternotomy was preferred by the surgeon because tumor invasion in greater vessels was suspected. Two patients (5.4 %) suffered from a myasthenic crisis postoperatively and required prolonged mechanical ventilation. One patient (2.7 %) underwent a procedure for a thoracic herniation 6 months following thymectomy. The median hospitalization was 3 days. The follow-up analysis showed an overall survival of 100 % and tumor recurrence in one patient (2.7 %). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic thymectomies are safe in patients with early-stage thymomas. Robotic surgery may also be feasible for some selected advanced thymomas.