NovoSorb® Biodegradable Temporising Matrix (BTM): What we learned from the first 300 consecutive cases.

INTRODUCTION: Extensive full-thickness soft-tissue defects remain a challenge in reconstructive surgery. NovoSorb® Biodegradable Temporising Matrix (BTM) represents a novel dermal substitute and was evaluated in wounds deriving from different aetiologies and to highlight risk factors for poor take rates. METHODS: All patients treated with BTM at our department between March 2020 and October 2022 were included. Differences in univariate and linear regression models identified predictors and risk factors for take rates of BTM and split-thickness skin grafts (STSG). RESULTS: Three hundred patients (mean age 54.2 ± 20.1 years, 66.3% male, 59.7% burns, 19.7% trauma and 20.6% others) were evaluated. Mean take rates of BTM and STSG after BTM delamination were 82.7 ± 25.2% and 86.0 ± 22.6%, respectively. Multiple regression analyses showed that higher body mass index (BMI, OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.86, -0.01, p = 0.44), prior allograft transplantation (OR 15.12, 95% CI 26.98, -3.31, p = 0.041), longer trauma-to-BTM-application intervals (OR 0.01, 95% CI 0.001, -0.001, p = 0.038), positive wound swabs before BTM (OR 7.15, 95% CI 13.50, -0.80, p = 0.028) and peripheral artery disease (OR 10.80, 95% CI 18.63, -2.96, p = 0.007) were associated with poorer BTM take. Higher BMI (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.76, -0.08, p = 0.026), increasing BTM graft surface areas (OR 0.58, 95% CI -1.00, -0.17, p = 0.005), prior allograft (OR 12.20, 95% CI -21.99, -2.41, p = 0.015) or autograft transplantations (OR 22.42, 95% CI 38.69, -6.14, p = 0.001), tumour as the aetiology of the wound (OR 37.42, 95% CI 57.41, -17.83, p = 0.001), diabetes (OR 6.64, 95% CI 12.80, -0.48, p = 0.035) and impaired kidney function (OR 5.90, 95% CI 10.94, -0.86, p = 0.021) were associated with poorer STSG take after delamination of BTM, whereas higher BTM take rates were associated with better STSG take (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.31,0.50, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Extensive complex wounds of different aetiologies unsuitable for immediate STSG can be successfully reconstructed by means of two-staged BTM application and subsequent skin grafting. Importantly, presence of wound contamination or infection and prior allograft coverage appear to jeopardise good BTM and STSG take.

[The conjoined latissimus dorsi and parascapular free flap for reconstruction of extensive soft tissue defects]. / Die freie kombinierte Musculus latissimus dorsi- und Paraskapular-Lappenplastik zur Rekonstruktion besonders ausgedehnter Weichteildefekte.

OBJECTIVE: Durable and resilient soft tissue reconstruction of vast defects of the extremities or the torso. INDICATIONS: Reconstruction of disproportionately large defects, particularly in cases of simultaneous bone and joint reconstruction. CONTRAINDICATIONS: History of surgery or irradiation of upper back and axilla, impossibility of surgery under lateral positioning; relative contraindications in wheelchair users, hemiplegics, or amputees. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: General anesthesia and lateral positioning. First, the parascapular flap is harvested, with the initial skin incision made medially in order to identify the medial triangular space and the circumflex scapular artery. Flap raising then proceeds from caudal to cranial. Second, the latissimus dorsi is harvested, with the lateral border being dissected free first, before the thoracodorsal vessels are visualized on its undersurface. Flap raising then proceeds from caudal to cranial. Third, the parascapular flap is advanced through the medial triangular space. If the circumflex scapular and thoracodorsal vessels originate separately from the subscapular axis, an in-flap anastomosis is warranted. Subsequent microvascular anastomoses should be performed outside the zone of injury, typically in an end-to-end fashion of the vein and end-to-side fashion of the artery. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Postoperative anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin under anti-Xa monitoring (semitherapeutic in normal-risk and therapeutic in high-risk cases). Hourly clinical assessment of flap perfusion for 5 consecutive days, followed by stepwise relaxation of immobilization and commencement of dangling procedures in cases of lower extremity reconstruction. RESULTS: Between 2013 and 2018, 74 conjoined latissimus dorsi and parascapular flaps were transplanted to cover vast defects of the lower (n = 66) and upper extremity (n = 8). The mean defect size was 723 ± 482 cm2 and the mean flap size was 635 ± 203 cm2. Eight flaps required in-flap anastomoses for separate vascular origins. There was no case of total flap loss.

Acellular Human Placenta Small-Diameter Vessels as a Favorable Source of Super-Microsurgical Vascular Replacements: A Proof of Concept.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the human placenta as a source of blood vessels that can be harvested for vascular graft fabrication in the submillimeter range. Our approach included graft modification to prevent thrombotic events. Submillimeter arterial grafts harvested from the human placenta were decellularized and chemically crosslinked to heparin. Graft performance was evaluated using a microsurgical arteriovenous loop (AVL) model in Lewis rats. Specimens were evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin and CD31 staining of histological sections to analyze host cell immigration and vascular remodeling. Graft patency was determined 3 weeks after implantation using a vascular patency test, histology, and micro-computed tomography. A total of 14 human placenta submillimeter vessel grafts were successfully decellularized and implanted into AVLs in rats. An appropriate inner diameter to graft length ratio of 0.81 ± 0.16 mm to 7.72 ± 3.20 mm was achieved in all animals. Grafts were left in situ for a mean of 24 ± 4 days. Decellularized human placental grafts had an overall patency rate of 71% and elicited no apparent immunological responses. Histological staining revealed host cell immigration into the graft and re-endothelialization of the vessel luminal surface. This study demonstrates that decellularized vascular grafts from the human placenta have the potential to serve as super-microsurgical vascular replacements.

[Increasing Safety in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction - Technique and Technology]. / Erhöhung der Sicherheit in der mikrochirurgischen Brustrekonstruktion ­ Technik und Technologie.

Microsurgical reconstruction has established itself as a standard procedure in breast reconstruction as it permits creation of a natural and aesthetically appealing breast mound, even after modified radical mastectomy and radiation. In the past few decades numerous new free flap donor-sites have been described that permit an individualized approach to reconstruction, thus, resulting in a high level of patient satisfaction. Paralleling these technical innovations, the focus of microsurgical breast reconstruction has shifted from mere "flap success" to "aesthetic outcome", while also taking into account the respective donor-site morbidity. Here, the authors discuss contemporary developments in the field with a particular focus on surgical techniques and technologies that contribute to increasing the safety of microsurgical breast reconstruction.

The Use of Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy on the Medial Thigh Donor Site in Transverse Musculocutaneous Gracilis Flap Breast Reconstruction.

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of closed incision negative pressure therapy (CINPT) on donor site complications and patient perceptions in transverse musculocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap breast reconstruction. Our institution conducted a retrospective cohort study, including all patients with TMG flap breast reconstruction from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2021. Patients were grouped according to conventional wound management or CINPT. Outcomes were surgical site complications, fluid drainage, time to drain removal, and in-hospital stay length. A patient survey was created. A total of 56 patients with 83 TMG flaps were included (control group: 35 patients with 53 TMG flaps; CINPT group: 21 patients with 30 TMG flaps). Patient characteristics were similar in both groups. The flap width was significantly larger in the CINPT group (8.0 cm vs. 7.0 cm, p = 0.013). Surgical site complications were reduced in the CINPT group without statistical difference (30.0% vs. 50.9%, p = 0.064). Fluid drainage and time to drain removal were similar in both groups. The average in-hospital stay was significantly shortened in the CINPT group (10.0 days vs. 13.0 days, p = 0.030). The survey excluded pain, skin irritations, and discomfort during sleep and movement in the CINPT group and showed that the patients felt well protected. This study fails to provide compelling evidence for CINPT to enhance incision healing on the donor site in TMG flap breast reconstruction. There was a trend toward reduced surgical site complications on the donor thigh and the in-hospital stay was shortened. Prophylactic CINPT increases patient comfort and provides a feeling of additional wound protection.

The Free Myocutaneous Tensor Fasciae Latae Flap-A Workhorse Flap for Sternal Defect Reconstruction: A Single-Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) after cardiac surgery pose a significant challenge in reconstructive surgery. In this context, free flaps represent well-established options. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome after free myocutaneous tensor fasciae latae (TFL) flap reconstruction of sternal defects, with a special focus on surgical complications and donor-site morbidity. METHODS: A retrospective chart review focused on patient demographics, operative details, and postoperative complications. Follow-up reexaminations included assessments of the range of motion and muscle strength at the donor-site. Patients completed the Quality of Life 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) as well as the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) questionnaire and evaluated aesthetic and functional outcomes on a 6-point Likert scale. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scales (POSAS) were used to rate scar appearance. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients (mean age: 67 ± 11 years) underwent sternal defect reconstruction with free TFL flaps between January 2010 and March 2021. The mean defect size was 194 ± 43 cm2. The mean operation time was 387 ± 120 min with a flap ischemia time of 63 ± 16 min. Acute microvascular complications due to flap pedicle thromboses occurred in three patients (7%). All flaps could be salvaged without complete flap loss. Partial flap loss of the distal TFL portion was observed in three patients (7%). All three patients required additional reconstruction with pedicled or local flaps. Upon follow-up, the range of motion (hip joint extension/flexion (p = 0.73), abduction/adduction (p = 0.29), and internal/external rotation (p = 0.07)) and muscle strength at the donor-sites did not differ from the contralateral sides (p = 0.25). Patient assessments of aesthetic and functional outcomes, as well as the median SF-36 (physical component summary (44, range of 33 to 57)) and LEFS (54, range if 35 to 65), showed good results with respect to patient comorbidities. The median VSS (3, range of 2 to 7) and POSAS (24, range of 18 to 34) showed satisfactory scar quality and scar appearance. CONCLUSION: The free TFL flap is a reliable, effective, and, therefore, valuable option for the reconstruction of extensive sternal defects in critically ill patients suffering from DSWIs. In addition, the TFL flap shows satisfactory functional and aesthetic results at the donor-site.

The Impact of Indocyanine-Green Fluorescence Angiography on Intraoperative Decision-Making and Postoperative Outcome in Free Flap Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Reliable perfusion of the distal portions of free flaps is decisive for the reconstructive success. Indocyanine green near-infrared video angiography (ICG-NIR-VA) has been adopted for objective assessment of free flap tissue perfusion but is thus far not used on a routine basis. Therefore, we investigated its intraoperative impact on decision-making and postoperative outcome. METHODS: From January 2017 to June 2019, 88 consecutive adipo- or fasciocutaneus free flaps were performed in conjunction with intraoperative ICG-NIR-VA. Free flap tissue perfusion was first assessed clinically and then compared with ICG-NIR-VA findings. Based on the results, the decision for intraoperative trimming of critically perfused flap zones was made. The way of decision-making, flap success, and failure rates as well as intra- and postoperative complication rates were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall free flap success rate was 92.0%. Partial flap necrosis occurred in five cases (5.7%) and total flap necrosis in two cases (2.3%). ICG-NIR-VA aided decision-making and flap design in 34 cases (38.6%) and led to complication-free postoperative courses. When ICG-NIR-VA was relied on (82 out of 88 flaps; 93.2%), there was no unpredicted postoperative tissue necrosis (overestimation). When ICG-NIR-VA was not relied on (6 out of 88 flaps; 6.8%), there were five cases of postoperative partial flap necrosis and one case of uneventful healing (underestimation). The sensitivity of ICG-NIR-VA was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 64.6-100) and the specificity was 98.8% (95% CI: 93.3-100) with a positive predictive value of 87.5% (95% CI: 52.9-99.4) and a negative predictive value of 100% (95% CI: 95.4-100). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative ICG-NIR-VA objectified free flap perfusion and thus refined surgical decision-making on flap design in all cases. It could always predict tissue necrosis and subjectively improved outcomes in free flap surgery at our institution. Furthermore, it could be easily implemented in intraoperative routine, only adding minimal additional operative time.

Chimeric thoracodorsal lymph node flap with a perforator-based fasciocutaneous skin island for treatment of lower extremity lymphedema: A case report.

Free vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is applied more and more in the treatment of lymphedema. A random-pattern skin island with VLNT is of use but can have its limitations in flap inset. We describe an option for free VLNT in the treatment of lower extremity lymphedema. We present the case of a chimeric thoracodorsal lymph node flap (TAP-VLNT) with a thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAP) flap (5 × 9 cm) to the lower leg in a 22-year old female patient with stage 2 lower leg lymphedema caused by severe traumatic skin decollement and postoperative scarring after a car accident. TAP flap enabled tailored and tension-free wound closure at the recipient site after scar release and lymph node flap inset. The anastomosis was performed to the anterior tibial artery. The postoperative course was uneventful with no complications or secondary donor-site lymphedema. Follow-up at 6 months showed reasonable cosmetic and functional outcomes. The circumference reduction rate was up to 11% and the patient reported improved quality of life. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of a more flexible lymph node flap inset and tension-free wound closure by harvesting a thin thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAP) skin island together with a thoracodorsal VLNT as a chimeric flap (TAP-VLNT) for treatment of lower extremity lymphedema. Larger series with longer follow-up data are needed to justify its widespread use and demonstrate long-term results.

[Prophylactic plexus catheter treatment in operations following complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)]. / Prophylaktische Plexuskatheterbehandlung bei operativen Eingriffen nach Komplexem Regionalen Schmerzsyndrom (CRPS).

Background This paper investigates and discusses the effect of perioperative plexus catheter treatment in former CRPS patients. Patients and Methods A retrospective matched-pair analysis was conducted on 10 CRPS patients with comparable injuries, who underwent surgery in the disease-free interval. In 10 cases, the procedure was performed with perioperative plexus catheter treatment (intervention group), whereas 10 patients did not receive perioperative plexus catheter treatment (control group). Results In the intervention group, after a follow-up time of 105 (20-184) days after the last surgical procedure, pain intensity on the visual analogue scale (VAS; 0 to 10) was 6.4 (4-8), fingertip-to-palm distance averaged 3.2 (0-7.6) cm, active range of wrist motion was 47.5 (0-95), and grip strength was 9.2 (2.1-16.6) kg. In the control group, after a follow-up time of 129 (19-410) days since the last surgical procedure, pain intensity on the visual analogue scale was 6 (3-10), fingertip-to-palm distance averaged 2.7 (0-4.5) cm, active range of wrist-motion was 64 (0-125), and grip strength was 12.4 (0.8-23.8) kg. There was no significant difference between the groups. There was no recurrence of CRPS disease in either group after surgery. Conclusion There is no evidence so far for perioperative plexus catheter treatment to prevent recurrence in former CRPS patients.

Local administration of Mitomycin-C-Treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) prolongs allograft survival in vascularized composite allotransplantation.

BACKGROUND: VCA offers a potential treatment for extensive tissue defects. First results of systemic administration of Mitomycin C-treated PBMCs in VCA demonstrated a significant prolongation of allograft survival. The aim of this study is to evaluate if local administration of MMC-PBMCs prolongs allograft survival in allogeneic hind limb transplantations of the rat. METHODS: Sixty allogeneic hind limb transplantations in the rat were performed in six groups. Lewis rats (LEW) were used as hind limb donors and Brown-Norway rats (BN) as recipients. Animals in group A received donor-derived MMC-treated PBMCs locally (i.m.). Group B received no immunosuppressive therapy, group C received a standard immunosuppressive regime consisting of FK506 and Prednisolon, group D (BN to BN) comprised isograft transplantations without immunosuppressive treatment, group E received non-treated PBMCs (i.m.) and group F received phosphate buffered saline (PBS) without cells. The transplanted hind limbs were assessed for color, edema, skin, hair condition, and consistency of the thigh every 8 hours. RESULTS: Rejection in group A was delayed to an average of 7.2 ± 0.6 days. Survival times were significantly prolonged (P < 0.01) compared to control groups B, E, and F (5.5 ± 0.7, 5.8 ± 0.7, and 5.7 ± 0.5 days). Control groups C and D showed no signs of rejection. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study show that local administration of MMC-PBMCs has no side effects and significantly extends allograft survival. Further experiments with MMC-PBMCs treatments repeated at different time-points and being added to low dose immunosuppressive protocols need to be performed to improve experimental and eventually clinical outcome after VCA. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:417-425, 2016.

Indocyanine Green Fluorescence for Free-Flap Perfusion Imaging Revisited: Advanced Decision Making by Virtual Perfusion Reality in Visionsense Fusion Imaging Angiography.

BACKGROUND: Near-infrared indocyanine green video angiography (ICG-NIR-VA) has been introduced for free-flap surgery and may provide intraoperative flap designing as well as postoperative monitoring. Nevertheless, the technique has not been established in clinical routine because of controversy over benefits. Improved technical features of the novel Visionsense ICG-NIR-VA surgery system are promising to revisit the field of application. It features a unique real-time fusion image of simultaneous NIR and white light visualization, with highlighted perfusion, including a color-coded perfusion flow scale for optimized anatomical understanding. METHODS: In a feasibility study, the Visionsense ICG-NIR-VA system was applied during 10 free-flap surgeries in 8 patients at our center. Indications included anterior lateral thigh (ALT) flap (n = 4), latissimus dorsi muscle flap (n = 1), tensor fascia latae flap (n = 1), and two bilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps (n = 4). The system was used intraoperatively and postoperatively to investigate its impact on surgical decision making and to observe perfusion patterns correlated to clinical monitoring. RESULTS: Visionsense ICG-NIR-VA aided assessing free-flap design and perfusion patterns in all cases and correlated with clinical observations. Additional interventions were performed in 2 cases (22%). One venous anastomosis was revised, and 1 flap was redesigned. Indicated by ICG-NIR-VA, 1 ALT flap developed partial flap necrosis (11%). CONCLUSIONS: The Visionsense ICG-NIR-VA system allowed a virtual view of flap perfusion anatomy by fusion imaging in real-time. The system improved decision making for flap design and surgical decisions. Clinical and ICG-NIR-VA parameters correlated. Its future implementation may aid in improving outcomes for free-flap surgery, but additional experience is needed to define its final role.

Renal recovery after conversion to an everolimus-based immunosuppression in early and late heart transplant recipients: a 12-month analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Calcineurin inhibitor-induced nephrotoxicity reduces long-term patient survival after heart transplant. Proliferation signal inhibitors, in combination with or replacing calcineurin inhibitors, may preserve or improve renal function. We evaluated the effect of calcineurin inhibitor-reduction and withdrawal in everolimus-based immunosuppression on renal function after a heart transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with creatinine clearance < 1 mL/s (60 mL/min) were switched from tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil to low-dose tacrolimus/everolimus if their heart transplant was ≤ 1 year ago (group 1, n=13) and to everolimus/mycophenolate mofetil if their heart transplant was > 1 year ago (group 2, n=11). Serum creatinine levels and calculated creatinine clearance were analyzed up to 12 months after conversion. RESULTS: The switch in immunosuppression was associated with a significant decrease/increase of serum creatinine/creatinine clearance in both groups between baseline and month 12 (group 1, creatinine, 221.0 ± 70.7 to 159.1 ± 44.2 µmol/L (2.5 ± 0.8 to 1.8 ± 0.5 mg/dL); creatinine clearance, 0.75 ± 0.45 to 1.01 ± 0.50 mL/s (45.1 ± 26.7 to 60.5 ± 29.7 mL/min) (P < .01 each); group 2, creatinine, 247.5 ± 79.6 to 159.1 ± 44.2 µmol/L (2.8 ± 0.9 to 1.8 ± 0.5 mg/dL), creatinine clearance, 0.57 ± 0.23 to 0.93 ± 0.33 mL/s (34.1 ± 13.8 to 55.7 ± 19.6 mL/min) [P < .05 each]) with no significant group difference in the creatinine and the creatinine clearance levels after switching. No acute rejections or deaths occurred during the 12-month follow-up. Four patients (36.4%) from group 2 and 1 patient (7.7%) from group 1 discontinued everolimus because of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Everolimus allows calcineurin inhibitor-reduction and withdrawal after a heart transplant, resulting in improved renal function. However, adverse effects are common and lead to a high reconversion rate.

Gender-based analysis of outcome after heart transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Gender differences between donors and recipients might have an effect on outcome after heart transplantation. Literature and registries reveal controversial results. We reviewed 1000 heart transplantations at our center focusing on the influence of gender differences on short- and long-term outcome after heart transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 1000 (960 primary and 40 redo-heart transplantations) between August 1981 and July 2008. In contrast to other studies, the data for gender differences (donor gender and recipient gender) were evaluated for recipient survival and survival conditional to early mortality. RESULTS: Female donors are significantly older than male donors (females, 36.5 ± 14.5 years; males, 31.2 ± 13.8 years). One-year survival was significantly inferior in male recipients receiving female donor hearts (mR/fD: 73.7%) compared to females receiving male donor organs (fR/mD: 90.9%) (P = .045). Univariate analysis revealed that, for recipients who survived > 1 year, survival at 10 years was significantly greater for female donors and female recipients (90%) than it was for male donors and male recipients (72%; P = .034). Multivariate analysis showed that the gender combination with female donors and female recipients was an independent indicator for greater long-term survival (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: The gender combination of female donors and male recipients had a greater risk for early mortality after heart transplantation, and the combination of male donors and female recipients resulted in favorable short-term outcomes. In long-term follow-up, recipients of hearts from female donors had better survival, especially female recipients.

ECMO after prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation as a successful bridge to immediate cardiac retransplant in a 6-year-old girl.

Heart failure, life-threatening arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death are common complications in patients with advanced chronic cardiac allograft rejection--the major limiting factor of long-term survival after heart transplant. In patients with sustained cardiorespiratory arrest refractory to cardiopulmonary resuscitation extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy is a therapeutic option. We report the case of a 6-year-old girl with severe chronic allograft vasculopathy who was successfully bridged to cardiac retransplant through extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy after prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Our case demonstrates extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a rescuing therapeutic option in high-risk, bridge-to-transplant patients, with cardiac arrest. Even after prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation, there were no neurologic events, and our patient recovered without any neurologic damage.

Modified implantation technique for the Berlin Heart EXCOR Assist Device in adults.

The Berlin Heart EXCOR ventricular assist device provides pulsatile ventricular assistance. It can be used for univentricular or biventricular support. However, pre-, intra-, and postoperative complications (e.g., bleeding, anastomotic insufficiency) are frequent. We present herein a detailed description of our modified implantation technique in order to facilitate further clinical use of the system.

Interrupted nitinol U-Clips versus standard running suture for the central arterial T-graft anastomosis: a prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVES: Studies carried out to date suggest that the interrupted suture technique using U-Clips for anastomoses in coronary surgery may be superior to the standard running polypropylene suture. The purpose of this study was to compare safety and effectiveness of a central T-graft anastomosis constructed with the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) in situ (to the left anterior descending (LAD)) in which the free right internal thoracic artery (to the circumflex branch of the right coronary artery (RCX)) was implanted (RITA-to-LITA) using either self-closing nitinol U-Clips or simple continuous suture. We hypothesized that internal thoracic arteries could adapt their diameter to the blood flow. METHODS: Thirty patients underwent total arterial revascularization using a T-graft constructed with free LITA in situ to LAD in which the free RITA to the circumflex artery was implanted (central T-graft anastomosis). In all cases, free RITA was used as a sequential graft with two peripheral anastomoses. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: in group A (n=15), central T-graft anastomosis was performed using a standard 8/0 polypropylene running suture. In group B (n=15), central T-graft anastomosis was performed using U-Clips. Intra-operative transit time flow measurements were recorded. Patency control was performed in 30 patients 2 weeks and 6 months postoperatively, using 64-slice computed tomography (CT) angiography. The diameter of the LITA was measured proximal and distal and the diameter of the RITA distal to the central T-graft anastomosis. RESULTS: Perioperative results were similar in the two groups (P=ns). Intra-operative transit time flow measurement showed patent grafts in all patients. There were no hospital deaths. Two weeks postoperatively, all grafts were patent. At 6-month follow-up, one RITA and one LITA (both in group B) were closed distal to the central T-graft anastomosis. There was no death and no re-intervention during follow-up. Statistical analysis showed no significant changes in graft diameters after 2 weeks and 6 months in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The U-Clip anastomosis technique is in our experience safe but not superior to the standard running suture using polypropylene material. Remodeling of the ITA grafts close to the central T-graft anastomosis was neither observed for the standard running suture nor for the U-Clip anastomoses.

Tentacles: a novel device for exposing the heart for the insertion of left apical assist device cannulae.

BACKGROUND: The implantation of ventricular assist devices is a well-established procedure for the treatment of imminent heart failure. The exact positioning of the left ventricular apical inflow cannula is crucial, because inflow restrictions might occur when the cannula is placed too close to the interventricular septum or a papillary muscle. We report a novel technique using the Tentacles 3-point fixation device for the exposure of the left ventricular apex during ventricular fibrillation under cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: We used the Tentacles, a device originally designed for positioning the heart during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, for implantation of a biventricular Berlin Heart Excor in a 64-year-old man. The procedure was successful and echocardiographic examinations documented the exact placement of the left ventricular cannula. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Our new technique ensures a very precise insertion of apical cannulae, because the left ventricular shape and filling are not impaired.