Routine screening of donor hearts by coronary angiography is feasible.

BACKGROUND: Because of the shortage of donor hearts, the criteria for acceptance have been considerably extended. Meanwhile every fourth heart donor in Europe is over 50 years old. As we have previously demonstrated, transmission of preexisting coronary atherosclerosis (CAS) by means of transplantation is not rare. Transmitted CAS results in a 2- to 3-fold increased risk for early graft failure after heart transplantation (HTX). Nevertheless, in most cases donor angiograms are not considered feasible. METHODS: In May 2003 in the northeast region of the Deutsche Stiftung Organtransplantation (DSO-NO), we introduced the guideline that every donor over 40 years old must be screened by angiography. RESULTS: Up to May 2003, fewer than 5% of donors had been screened by angiography; this situation is the rule in most Eurotransplant regions at present. Since May 2003 in the DSO-NO region, 85% of all donors over 40 years old were screened by angiography. Seventy percent of all donor hospitals--offering 90% of all donors--had an angiography facility. The additional costs of approximately euro 800 per donor angiogram were compensated by fewer fruitless airplane missions when CAS was diagnosed by the surgeon on the spot, which cost on average about euro 5,000 each. In conclusion, from a logistical as well as from a financial point of view, almost comprehensive angiographic donor screening is feasible. It reduces the risk of a recipient suffering from early graft failure.

Does contrast medium administration in organ donors affect early kidney graft function?

Since the upper age for organ donors has been raised, a higher incidence of preexistent organ damage and functional impairment is to be expected. Coronary artery sclerosis increases with age. It can only be diagnosed with certainty by coronary angiography. Since contrast medium administration may cause renal damage when risk factors are present, this study sought to establish whether angiography negatively influenced the early postoperative function of kidney grafts. We compared the clinical courses of 36 recipients of kidneys from donors in whom coronary angiography or levography had been performed with 36 recipients of kidneys from donors who had not been subjected to contrast medium. The results showed that the administration of contrast medium had no influence on renal function at 3 or 6 months after transplantation. In conclusion, fears that donor kidneys might be harmed by contrast medium appeared to therefore be unfounded.

Early and mid-term results of the Shelhigh stentless bioprosthesis in patients with active infective endocarditis.

AIMS: This study investigated the early and mid-term results following valve replacement with the new Shelhigh stentless bioprosthesis made entirely of biological material in patients with active infective endocarditis (AIE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 02/2000 and 12/2004, 164 patients (n = 122 men, mean age 59, 18-85 years) received implantation of an AIE Shelhigh stentless bioprosthesis in the aortic, mitral, tricuspid or pulmonary position. A total of 119 patients (72.6%) had native AIE and 45 (27.4%) prosthetic AIE. A large proportion of the patients reached the operating room in a condition of cardiac decompensation: 37 (22.6%) patients were intubated, 40 (24.4%) had protracted septic shock and 41 (25.0%) required intensive catecholamine treatment. Surgery was regarded as urgent in 94 patients (57.4%) and was performed as an emergency procedure in 70 (42.6%). The mean follow-up time is 1.5 +/- 0.11 years (range, 5 months to 5.2 years). Echocardiographic follow-up examinations were performed early postoperatively and after 12 months. RESULTS: In terms of the operative indication, we found a highly significant difference in the survival rate between patients who were operated on urgently vs in an emergency. In patients who died within 30 days, the main cause of death was septic multiorgan failure (67.6%). Only three patients required reoperation due to reinfection of the Shelhigh bioprostheses; this represents a reinfection rate of 1.8% in relation to the whole cohort. The postoperative echocardiographic examinations showed the Shelhigh valves to have very good hemodynamics without relevant pressure gradients. CONCLUSION: Our experience in the use of Shelhigh bioprostheses in patients with native and prosthetic endocarditis show the early and mid-term results, in particular the low reinfection rate and the good hemodynamics, to be comparable with the results achieved using homografts. Since these prostheses are readily available and their implantation straightforward, they are increasingly being used in patients with endocarditis. These promising results need to verified in the long term.

Orthotopic heart transplantation with concurrent coronary artery bypass grafting or previous stent implantation.

We describe three cases of donor hearts with preexisting coronary artery disease already diagnosed prior to transplantation: two were treated by coronary artery bypass grafting during the transplant procedure and one by angioplasty with stenting during the donor screening angiography. All three donor organs would otherwise have been rejected, depriving potential recipients of organ transplantation. All patients had an uneventful post-operative course with follow-up completed 22, 40 and 43 months after orthotopic transplantation showing patency of the stent and bypass grafts in the early (1 and 9 months) and late (22, 24 and 37 months) coronary angiography. Our results suggest that in this era of acute organ shortage donor hearts requiring bypass or stenting, which form a small but significant donor subgroup, can be used effectively and safely when matched to the recipients' age and medical condition.

Intraoperative radiofrequency maze ablation for atrial fibrillation: the Berlin modification.

BACKGROUND: The Cox-maze procedure combined with an operation for organic heart disease is highly successful in the elimination of chronic atrial fibrillation. However, it prolongs significantly the aortic cross-clamp and operating time. In this study, a simplified left atrial maze procedure, which is a short procedure performed using a surgical radiofrequency ablation probe, is added to elective open heart procedures in patients with atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Forty-eight adults with atrial fibrillation (duration, 6 months to 36 years) underwent elective open heart operations (isolated valve procedures or coronary artery bypass grafting, n = 27 patients; combined procedures, n = 21 patients) combined with intraoperative radiofrequency ablation of the left atrium. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 1 to 11 months (mean, 4 months). Possible predictors for persistent postoperative atrial fibrillation were determined among 40 variables by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Intraoperative radiofrequency ablation prolonged the aortic cross-clamp time for 6 to 14 minutes (mean, 11 minutes). Freedom from atrial fibrillation was 100% intraoperatively, 25% at 1 week after operation (12 of 48 patients), 59% at 1 month postoperatively (16 of 27 patients), 64% at 3 months postoperatively (16 of 25 patients), and 92% at 6 months postoperatively (12 of 13 patients). The only predictor of postoperative atrial fibrillation was the presence of coronary artery disease (odds ratio, 7.5; 80% confidence interval, 2.24-25.13). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative radiofrequency ablation of the left atrium combined with an operation for organic heart disease effectively eliminates atrial fibrillation without significant prolongation of the aortic cross-clamp and operative time. The presence of coronary artery disease decreases the success rate during the first 6 postoperative months.

Transmyocardial laser revascularization in ischemic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: In ischemic cardiomyopathy (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] < or = 30%), myocardial revascularization by coronary artery surgery has better results than heart transplantation, provided there is sufficient ischemic but viable myocardium. The mode of action of transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) is still being debated, but if the procedure induces improved myocardial perfusion it could be a "bridge," or alternative, to heart transplantation. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 194 patients, who underwent TMR between July 1997 and October 1999. Patients with TMR as an adjunct to coronary artery surgery (n = 30) and those who did not provide written consent to the procedure (n = 8) were excluded; 126 patients had normal or moderately reduced left ventricular function, and 30 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (LVEF < or = 30%) were included. RESULTS: After 12 months, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) score dropped significantly from 3.6 (3 to 4) to 2.4 (1 to 4) and maximum work load increased significantly from 58 W (25 to 100 W) to 73 W (25 to 120 W). However, thallium score and LVEF did not improve significantly (27% [15% to 30%] to 32% [15% to 45%]). Prior to the TMR procedure, all 30 patients had a "low risk" or "medium risk" of death according to the Aaronson classification. The 30-day, 1-year, and 2-year survival rates were 83%, 50%, and 47%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that TMR in ischemic cardiomyopathy (LVEF < or = 30%) has a perioperative risk comparable to that for heart transplantation, but there is no improvement of myocardial performance or life expectancy. Therefore, TMR cannot be regarded as a "bridge," or alternative, to transplantation. However, in individual cases with contraindications for transplantation the anti-anginal effect may justify use of the procedure.

Plasmapheresis and cyclophosphamide in the treatment of humoral rejection after heart transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Clinical reports on humoral rejection after heart transplantation showed that these episodes were often more severe than those mediated through T lymphocytes and that the patient's prognosis was significantly worsened. METHODS: To evaluate the impact of plasmapheresis on the course of humoral rejection with hemodynamic compromise (HRHC) episodes, we retrospectively investigated the records of 1,108 heart transplant patients. All patients received triple-drug immunosuppression (cyclosporine a, azathioprine, prednisone) and cytolytic antibodies for induction. Between April 1986 and December 1990, HRHC episodes were treated with cortisone boli and cytolytic antibodies for at least 3 days (Group A). Between January 1991 and April 1999, HRHC episodes were treated with cortisone boli, cytolytic antibodies, and plasmapheresis for at least 3 days (Group B). All patients who survived their first HRHC episode received cyclophosphamide instead of azathioprine as maintenance immunosuppression. RESULTS: Altogether we observed 29 HRHC episodes. In 11 cases, no therapy could be administered or the therapy regimen did not correspond to either Protocol A or B. In the remaining 18 HRHC episodes, 7 episodes in 7 patients were treated without plasmapheresis (Group A), but only 2 patients survived, whereas in 11 HRHC episodes in 6 patients, therapy included plasmapheresis (Group B) and all patients survived (p = 0.002). Four of 6 patients who received cyclophosphamide after their first HRHC episode experienced at least 1 further HRHC episode. CONCLUSIONS: Plasmapheresis seems to improve outcomes in HRHC. However, cyclophosphamide as a maintenance immunosuppressive drug failed to prevent further humoral rejection episodes.

[Long-term follow-up after direct intramyocardial implantation of an internal thoracic artery pedicle (Vineberg operation)]. / Langzeit-Follow-up nach direkter intramyokardialer Implantation eines A. thoracica-interna-Pedikels (Vineberg-Operation).

We report on a patient with coronary artery 3-vessel disease who presented 30 years after a unilateral Vineberg operation with a patent graft. The patient successfully underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. The theoretical basis, operative variations and the results of this historical indirect revascularization procedure are briefly discussed.

Intramyocardial impedance measurements for diagnosis of acute cardiac allograft rejection.

BACKGROUND: Measurements of intramyocardial impedance at high frequencies can indicate alterations in cell membranes and intracellular spaces during acute cardiac allograft rejection. METHODS: Fifteen beagle dogs underwent heterotopic heart transplantation and were immunosuppressed with cyclosporine and methyl prednisolone (MP). Impedance was determined twice daily by means of four screw-in electrodes in the right and left ventricle. Transmyocardial biopsies and the intramyocardial electrogram (IMEG) were performed as reference methods. A total of 23 rejection episodes were induced. When acute rejection was recognized histologically and through IMEG readings, the animals were treated with a bolus of 125 mg of methyl prednisolone over 5 consecutive days. Treatment of rejection was controlled by biopsy and IMEG. RESULTS: All hearts showed a uniform decrease in impedance of about 28.3%+/-5.5% immediately after transplantation, which subsequently reached a stable plateau after 7 to 8 days. Impedance values then remained unchanged as long as rejection was absent. Biopsy findings of grades 1A to 1B (ISHLT) were accompanied by a statistically significant increase in impedance of 12.2%+/-2.5%; of grades 2 to 3A of 19.2%+/-3.2% and of grades 3B to 4 of 27.0%+/-2.9%. Sensitivity was 96%, specificity 91%. Successful treatment of rejection led to a decrease of impedance to the initial levels. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of increase in impedance of high frequencies is a method to stratify acute cardiac allograft rejection into grades like histologically grading. The effectiveness of rejection treatment can also be monitored through impedance measurement. The method is also applicable for telemetric rejection monitoring by means of an implantable device.

Hirudin monitoring using the TAS ecarin clotting time in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability of the TAS/ecarin clotting time (ECT) for on-line monitoring of r-hirudin in cardiovascular surgery with and without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). DESIGN: Samples were spiked with r-hirudin (0 to 5 microg/mL) and calibration curves constructed. Reproducibility was evaluated by measurement of the sample five times at each concentration. The influence of variations in hematocrit, plasma factors, and platelet count on the test results was examined. Samples were obtained from patients during cardiovascular surgery with CPB (n = 8), without CPB (n = 3), and from volunteers (n = 5) and compared with the laboratory reference tests. All tests were performed in duplicate. SETTING: Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin. PARTICIPANTS: Five healthy volunteers and 11 patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The TAS/ECT showed linearity and reliability to an r-hirudin concentration of 5 microg/mL and was not influenced (p < 0.005) by the varying conditions of the in vitro setup. The correlation to the laboratory method was 0.74 for the CPB group and 0.87 for the non-CPB group. CONCLUSIONS: The TAS/ECT is a reliable assay for monitoring r-hirudin at the point of care. With this information, the use of r-hirudin during surgery or angioplasty should become more effective and safer.

Intramyocardial electrogram recordings (IMEG) for diagnosis of cellular and humoral mediated cardiac allograft rejection.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to prove the reliability of intramyocardial electrogram (IMEG) recordings for diagnosis and treatment monitoring of (1) cellular and (2) humoral mediated allograft rejection after heart transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen beagle dogs underwent heterotopic neck-heart transplantation. Eight of them were previously sensitized through several skin transplantations. IMEG recordings were performed daily. Donor-specific antibodies (IgG, IgM) were determinated in serum daily. Transmyocardial biopsies were performed every two days. RESULTS: In the sensitized group (group I) accelerated rejection occurred under triple drug immunosuppression with cyclosporine A, azathioprine, and cortisone on the fifth postoperative day (range: 4th-5th). All episodes were detected through IMEG diagnosis. In each case rejection could be treated successfully. In the cellular mediated group (group II), the average sensitivity for rejection diagnosis of a single lead was 24% for the unipolar and 42% for the bipolar leads. When the voltages of different leads were summed up the sensitivity rose to 36% (3 unipolar), 81% (3 bipolar) and 100% (all leads). During rejection therapy the IMEG recovered within 24-48 hours. CONCLUSION: The IMEG detects cellular and humoral mediated rejection early and with high reliability. The rejection-related changes of grade 2/3a rejection in IMEG seem to follow a Ofocal patternO similar to the histology. Therefore the recording of several, preferably bipolar, electrode configurations appears to enhance diagnostic reliability.

The Cox maze iii procedure: parallel normalization of sinus node dysfunction, improvement of atrial function, and recovery of the cardiac autonomic nervous system.

OBJECTIVE: The Cox maze III procedure includes isolation of the pulmonary veins and multiple incisions in both atria in what corresponds to partial autotransplantation and partial denervation of the heart. The aim of this prospective longitudinal study was to identify physiologic effects of reinnervation on changes in heart rate at rest and in response to various stimulations and on atrial function after the Cox maze III procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Power spectral analysis of heart rate variability, exercise testing, 24-hour Holter monitoring, electrocardiography, and transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography were performed in 30 adult patients after the combined Cox maze III procedure and mitral valve surgery (maze group). They were prospectively followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation. The results were compared with those of 15 heart transplant recipients (transplant group) and normal probands (healthy adults, n = 12). RESULTS: The physiologic effects of denervation with no differences in cardiac autonomic activity between the groups were seen early after the operation. Later, evidence of autonomic reinnervation was observed only in the maze group but not in the transplant group. Inappropriate heart rate responses during physical exercise were clearly evident in both groups after 1 and 3 months, with progressive improvement seen between 6 and 12 months only in the maze group. Left atrial function after the Cox maze procedure improved parallel to the recovery of sinus node function. CONCLUSION: Progressive improvement of sinus node function and atrial contractions with significant functional normalization 1 year after the Cox maze procedure corresponded to functional reinnervation and recovery of the autonomic nervous system.

Ventilatory and diffusion abnormalities in long-term survivors after orthotopic heart transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term development of pulmonary diffusion abnormalities after orthotopic heart transplantation (oHT). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of pulmonary function test results of different patient groups at different time intervals after oHT was performed. PATIENTS: This investigation included 642 patients who had undergone oHT for chronic heart failure. Patients were grouped according to the time elapsed after transplantation (group 1: n = 164; age, 47 +/- 14 years; days after oHT, 324 +/- 101; group 2: n = 100; age, 48 +/- 15 years; days after oHT, 723 +/- 104; group 3: n = 106; age, 52 +/- 12 years; days after oHT, 1,092 +/- 98; group 4: n = 84; age, 51 +/- 13 years; days after oHT, 1,442 +/- 99; group 5: n = 61; age, 50 +/- 14 years; days after oHT, 1,819 +/- 105; group 6: n = 101; age, 53 +/- 12 years; days after oHT, 2,463 +/- 303; and group 7: n = 26; age, 54 +/- 14 years; days after oHT, 3,478 +/- 246). In 56 (group 8) of the 642 patients, follow-up measurements were performed with tests before and at two time points after oHT (6.5 +/- 1.7 and 12.5 +/- 9.3 months). RESULTS: Of all patients, 39% showed restrictive and obstructive abnormalities with no differences between the groups. No significant differences in lung transfer factor for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were observed (61.2 vs 63.7 vs 65.5 vs 65.6 vs 64.5 vs 65.7 vs 67.6% predicted). Differences in transfer coefficient for carbon monoxide (Kco) were significant between group 1 and 4 (58.7 vs 64.1% predicted), and group 1 and 6 (58.7 vs 63.4% predicted). No differences occurred in the rate with which patients exhibited pathologic abnormalities for DLCO and KCO. After oHT, a marked reduction in diffusion capacity occurred in group 8. On follow-up, these measurements were only slightly restored in terms of the predicted DLCO percentage. No such improvement was observed in KCO or in the rate of pathologic changes for both DLCO and KCO. We conclude, therefore, that the impairment of diffusion does not improve even after a significant period has passed after the oHT. Whether this has any effect on symptoms and/or the prognosis for these patients is extremely unclear.