Mid-Term Outcome after Extracorporeal Life Support in Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock: Recovery and Quality of Life.

Background: Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) therapy for refractory postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (rPCS) is associated with high early mortality rates. This study aimed to identify negative predictors of mid-term survival and to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and recovery of the survivors. Methods: Between 2017 and 2020, 142 consecutive patients received ECLS therapy following cardiac surgery. The median age was 66.0 [57.0-73.0] years, 67.6% were male and the median EuroSCORE II was 10.5% [4.2-21.3]. In 48 patients, HRQoL was examined using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and the modified Rankin-Scale (mRS) at a median follow-up time of 2.2 [1.9-3.2] years. Results: Estimated survival rates at 3, 12, 24 and 36 months were 47%, 46%, 43% and 43% (SE: 4%). Multivariable Cox Proportional Hazard regression analysis revealed preoperative EuroSCORE II (p = 0.013), impaired renal function (p = 0.010), cardiopulmonary bypass duration (p = 0.015) and pre-ECLS lactate levels (p = 0.004) as independent predictors of mid-term mortality. At the time of follow-up, 83.3% of the survivors were free of moderate to severe disability (mRS < 3). SF-36 analysis showed a physical component summary of 45.5 ± 10.2 and a mental component summary of 50.6 ± 12.5. Conclusions: Considering the disease to be treated, ECLS for rPCS is associated with acceptable mid-term survival, health-related quality of life and functional status. Preoperative EuroSCORE II, impaired renal function, cardiopulmonary bypass duration and lactate levels prior to ECLS implantation were identified as negative predictors and should be included in the decision-making process.

Aortic arch blood flow measurements as a predictor of successful ECMO weaning in cardiogenic shock.

Objective: Acute cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition with mortality rates of up to 50%. If conventional therapy fails, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) therapy has emerged to a promising alternative for temporary cardiac and respiratory support in specialized centers. However, it is only a bridge to recovery, final decision, heart transplantation or the permanent implantation of a left ventricular assist device. Therefore, the identification of the optimum weaning time point is challenging, and standardized weaning protocols are rare. Methods: In this explorative pilot study, we evaluated the potential benefit of blood flow measurements in the aortic arch using an ultrasonic cardiac output monitor (USCOM) for the primary endpoint of successful VA-ECMO weaning. 12 patients under VA-ECMO therapy for acute cardiogenic shock and a hemodynamic condition which qualified for a stepwise weaning process were included in this study. Main exclusion criterion was the presence of additional venting therapy for left ventricular unloading, e.g. Impella. Statistical comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney test and corrected for multiple testing by the Holm-Sidak method. Results: Peak velocity of flow in the aortic arch showed a positive correlation with weaning success independent of ECMO flow (weaning success vs. failure: 0.75 vs. 0.35 m/s (low ECMO support), p = 0.049), whereas we identified only a trend for mean pressure gradient, minute distance and stroke volume index. Conclusion: We hypothesize, that USCOM might provide an additive benefit to conventional strategies in its ability to predict successful VA-ECMO weaning and prevent pulmonary congestion. Larger upcoming trials are required to address this relevant topic and provide standardized treatment protocols for optimized weaning in the future.

Suture-based vs. pure plug-based vascular closure devices for VA-ECMO decannulation-A retrospective observational study.

Background: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a valuable treatment option for patients in cardiogenic shock, but complications during decannulation may worsen the overall outcome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of suture-based to pure plug-based vascular closure devices for VA-ECMO decannulation. Methods: In this retrospective study, the procedural outcome of 33 patients with suture-based Perclose ProGlide closure devices was compared to 38 patients with MANTA plug-based closure devices. Results: Rate of technically correct placement of closure devices was 88% in the suture-based group and 97% in the plug-based group (p = 0.27). There was a significant reduction of severe bleeding events during VA-ECMO decannulation in plug-based versus suture-based systems (3% vs. 21%, p = 0.04). Ischemic complications occurred in 6% with suture-based and 5% with plug-based device (p = 1.00). Pseudoaneurysm formation was detected in 3% in both groups (p = 1.00). No switch to vascular surgery due to bleeding after decannulation was necessary in both groups. Conclusion: Based on our retrospective analysis, we propose that plug-based vascular closure should be the preferred option for VA-ECMO decannulation. This hypothesis should be further tested in a randomized trial.

Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Patients Undergoing Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Background: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious, immune-mediated adverse drug reaction to unfractionated heparin (UFH) affecting also patients undergoing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Although the association between VA-ECMO support and the development of thrombocytopenia has long been known and discussed, HIT as one underlying cause is still insufficiently understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to further investigate the epidemiology, mortality, diagnosis, and clinical management of HIT occurring in VA-ECMO patients treated with UFH. Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center study including adult patients (≥18 years) with VA-ECMO support in the cardiac intensive care unit (ICU) of the University Hospital of Munich (LMU) between January 2013 and May 2022, excluding patients with a known history of HIT upon admission. Differences in baseline characteristics and clinical outcome between excluded HIT (positive anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin antibody test but negative functional assay) and confirmed HIT (positive anti-PF4/heparin antibody test and positive functional assay) VA-ECMO patients as well as diagnosis and clinical management of HIT were analysed. Results: Among the 373 patients included, anti-PF4/heparin antibodies were detected in 53/373 (14.2%) patients. Functional HIT testing confirmed HIT in 13 cases (3.5%) and excluded HIT in 40 cases (10.7%), corresponding to a prevalence of confirmed HIT of 13/373 (3.5%) [1.6, 5.3] and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 24.5% for the antibody screening test. The platelet course including platelet recovery following argatroban initiation was similar between all groups. One-month mortality in patients with excluded HIT was 14/40 (35%) and 3-month mortality 17/40 (43%), compared to 5/13 (38%) (p > 0.999), and 6/13 (46%) (p > 0.999) in patients with confirmed HIT. Neurological outcome in both groups measured by the cerebral performance category of survivors on hospital discharge was similar, as well as adverse events during VA-ECMO therapy. Conclusions: With a prevalence of 3.5%, HIT is a non-frequent complication in patients on VA-ECMO and was not associated with a higher mortality rate. HIT was ultimately excluded by functional essay in 75% of VA-ECMO patients with clinical suspicion of HIT and positive anti-PF4/heparin antibody test. Argatroban seems to be an appropriate and safe therapeutic option for confirmed HIT-positive patients on VA-ECMO support.

Four decades of experience of prosthetic valve endocarditis reflect a high variety of diverse pathogens.

Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) remains a serious condition with a high mortality rate. Precise identification of the PVE-associated pathogen/s and their virulence is essential for successful therapy and patient survival. The commonly described PVE-associated pathogens are staphylococci, streptococci, and enterococci, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most frequently diagnosed species. Furthermore, multi-drug resistance pathogens are increasing in prevalence and continue to pose new challenges mandating a personalized approach. Blood cultures in combination with echocardiography are the most common methods to diagnose PVE, often being the only indication, it exists. In many cases, the diagnostic strategy recommended in the clinical guidelines does not identify the precise microbial agent, and frequently, false-negative blood cultures are reported. Despite the fact that blood culture findings are not always a good indicator of the actual PVE agent in the valve tissue, only a minority of re-operated prostheses are subjected to microbiological diagnostic evaluation. In this review, we focus on the diversity and the complete spectrum of PVE-associated bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens in blood and prosthetic heart valve, their possible virulence potential, and their challenges in making a microbial diagnosis. We are curious to understand if the unacceptable high mortality of PVE is associated with the high number of negative microbial findings in connection with a possible PVE. Herein, we discuss the possibilities and limits of the diagnostic methods conventionally used and make recommendations for enhanced pathogen identification. We also show possible virulence factors of the most common PVE-associated pathogens and their clinical effects. Based on blood culture, molecular biological diagnostics, and specific valve examination, better derivations for the antibiotic therapy as well as possible preventive intervention can be established in the future.

Venting during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest contribute pre-dominantly to mortality in acute cardiovascular care. Here, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has emerged as an established therapeutic option for patients suffering from these life-threatening entities. VA-ECMO provides temporary circulatory support until causative treatments are effective and enables recovery or serves as a bridging strategy to surgical ventricular assist devices, heart transplantation or decision-making. However, in-hospital mortality rate in this treatment population is still around 60%. In the recently published ARREST trial, VA-ECMO treatment lowered mortality rate in patients with ongoing cardiac arrest due to therapy refractory ventricular fibrillation compared to standard advanced cardiac life support in selected patients. Whether VA-ECMO can reduce mortality compared to standard of care in cardiogenic shock has to be evaluated in the ongoing prospective randomized studies EURO-SHOCK (NCT03813134) and ECLS-SHOCK (NCT03637205). As an innate drawback of VA-ECMO treatment, the retrograde aortic flow could lead to an elevation of left ventricular (LV) afterload, increase in LV filling pressure, mitral regurgitation, and elevated left atrial pressure. This may compromise myocardial function and recovery, pulmonary hemodynamics-possibly with concomitant pulmonary congestion and even lung failure-and contribute to poor outcomes in a relevant proportion of treated patients. To overcome these detrimental effects, a multitude of venting strategies are currently engaged for both preventive and emergent unloading. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and structured synopsis of existing venting modalities and their specific hemodynamic characteristics. We discuss in detail the available data on outcome categories and complication rates related to the respective venting option.

Hemoadsorption in the critically ill-Final results of the International CytoSorb Registry.

The aim of the current paper is to summarize the results of the International CytoSorb Registry. Data were collected on patients of the intensive care unit. The primary endpoint was actual in-hospital mortality compared to the mortality predicted by APACHE II score. The main secondary endpoints were SOFA scores, inflammatory biomarkers and overall evaluation of the general condition. 1434 patients were enrolled. Indications for hemoadsorption were sepsis/septic shock (N = 936); cardiac surgery perioperatively (N = 172); cardiac surgery postoperatively (N = 67) and "other" reasons (N = 259). APACHE-II-predicted mortality was 62.0±24.8%, whereas observed hospital mortality was 50.1%. Overall SOFA scores did not change but cardiovascular and pulmonary SOFA scores decreased by 0.4 [-0.5;-0.3] and -0.2 [-0.3;-0.2] points, respectively. Serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels showed significant reduction: -15.4 [-19.6;-11.17] ng/mL; -17,52 [-70;44] mg/L, respectively. In the septic cohort PCT and IL-6 also showed significant reduction: -18.2 [-23.6;-12.8] ng/mL; -2.6 [-3.0;-2.2] pg/mL, respectively. Evaluation of the overall effect: minimal improvement (22%), much improvement (22%) and very much improvement (10%), no change observed (30%) and deterioration (4%). There was no significant difference in the primary outcome of mortality, but there were improvements in cardiovascular and pulmonary SOFA scores and a reduction in PCT, CRP and IL-6 levels. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02312024 (retrospectively registered).

Clinical Results and Quality of Life after Nonelective Cardiac Surgery in Octogenarians.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the short-term and mid-term outcomes as well as the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of octogenarians undergoing elective and urgent cardiac surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified 688 consecutive octogenarians who underwent cardiac surgery at our center between January 2012 and December 2019. A propensity score matching was performed which resulted in the formation of 80 matched pairs. The patients were interviewed and the Short Form-36 survey was used to assess the HRQOL of survivors. Multivariable analysis incorporated binary logistic regression using a forward stepwise (conditional) model. RESULTS: The median age of the matched cohort was 82 years (p = 0.937), among whom, 38.8% of patients were female (p = 0.196). The median EuroSCORE II of the matched cohort was 19.4% (10.1-39.1%). The duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation was found to be independently associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 1.01 [95% confidence interval: 1.0-1.02], p = 0.038). The survival rates at 1, 2, and 5 years was 75.0, 72.0, and 46.0%, respectively. There was no difference in the total survival between the groups (p = 0.080). The physical health summary score was 41 (30-51) for the elective patients and 42 (35-49) for the nonelective octogenarians (p = 0.581). The median mental health summary scores were 56 (48-60) and 58 (52-60), respectively (p = 0.351). CONCLUSION: Cardiac surgery can be performed in octogenarians with good results and survivors enjoy a good quality of life; however, the indication for surgery or especially for escalation of therapy should always be made prudently, reserved, and in consideration of patient expectations.

Dual ProGlide versus ProGlide and FemoSeal for vascular access haemostasis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: Large-bore arteriotomy for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) requires percutaneous vascular closure devices, but real-world data comparing different closure strategies are limited. AIMS: We sought to compare a dual ProGlide strategy vs a combination of one ProGlide and one FemoSeal for vascular closure after TAVI. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 874 propensity score-matched patients undergoing TAVI at the Munich University Hospital from August 2018 to October 2020. From August 2018 to August 2019, a dual ProGlide strategy was used for vascular closure. From October 2019 to October 2020, a combination of one ProGlide and one FemoSeal was used. The primary endpoint was defined as access-related major vascular complications or bleeding ≥Type 2 according to Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 criteria. RESULTS: Patients in the dual ProGlide group (n=437) had a higher incidence of the primary endpoint than patients treated with one ProGlide and one FemoSeal (n=437; 11.4% vs 3.0%; p<0.001). Furthermore, they had a higher rate of closure device failure (2.7% vs 0.9%; p=0.044) and more often required unplanned surgery or endovascular treatment (3.9% vs 0.9%; p=0.004). The incidence of death did not differ significantly between groups (3.4% vs 1.6%; p=0.08). CONCLUSIONS: A combined ProGlide and FemoSeal strategy might have the potential to reduce access-related vascular complications following TAVI.

Health-Related Quality of Life following Surgery for Native and Prosthetic Valve Infective Endocarditis.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients following surgery for infective native valve endocarditis (NVE) and prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). METHODS: We retrospectively identified 633 consecutive patients who had undergone surgery for infective endocarditis at our center between January 2005 and October 2018. The patients were interviewed, and the SF-36 survey was used to assess the HRQOL of survivors. Propensity score matching (2:1) was performed with data from a German reference population. Multivariable analysis incorporated binary logistic regression using a forward stepwise (conditional) model. RESULTS: The median age of the cohort was 67 (55-74) years, and 75.6% were male. Operative mortality was 13.7% in the NVE group and 21.6% in the PVE group (p = 0.010). The overall survival at 1 year was 88.0% and was comparable between the groups. The physical health summary scores were 49 (40-55) for the NVE patients and 45 (37-52) for the PVE patients (p = 0.043). The median mental health summary scores were 52 (35-57) and 49 (41-56), respectively (p = 0.961). On comparison of the HRQOL to the reference population, the physical health summary scores were comparable. However, significant differences were observed with regard to the mental health summary scores (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that there are significant differences in the various domains of HRQOL, not only between NVE and PVE patients, but also in comparison to healthy individuals. In addition to preoperative health status, it is important to consider the patient's expectations regarding surgery. Further prospective studies are required.

Surgery for Aortic Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis in the Transcatheter Era.

Objectives: As surgical experience with infective endocarditis following transcatheter aortic valve replacement is scarce, this study compared the perioperative and short-term outcomes of patients suffering from endocarditis following surgical aortic valve replacement and transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Methods: Between January 2013 and December 2020, 468 consecutive patients were admitted to our center for surgery for IE. Among them, 98 were operated on for endocarditis following surgical aortic valve replacement and 22 for endocarditis following transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Results: The median EuroSCORE II (52.1 (40.6-62.0) v/s 45.4 (32.6-58.1), p = 0.207) and STS-PROM (1.8 (1.6-2.1) v/s 1.9 (1.4-2.2), p = 0.622) were comparable. Endocarditis following transcatheter aortic valve replacement accounted for 13.7% of the aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis between 2013 and 2015; this increased to 26.9% in the years 2019 and 2020.Concomitant procedures were performed in 35 patients (29.2%). The operative mortality was 26.5% in the endocarditis following surgical aortic valve replacement group and 9.1% in the endocarditis following transcatheter aortic valve replacement group (p = 0.098). Upon follow-up, survival at 6 months was found to be 98% in the group with endocarditis following surgical aortic valve replacement and 89% in the group with endocarditis following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (p = 0.081). Conclusions: Patients suffering from endocarditis following surgical aortic valve replacement and transcatheter aortic valve replacement present with comparable risk profiles and can be surgically treated with comparable results. Surgery as a curative option should not be rejected even in this intermediate-risk cohort.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement with the Self-Expandable Core Valve Evolut Prosthesis Using the Cusp-Overlap vs. Tricusp-View.

Despite the rapid increase in experience and technological improvement, the incidence of conduction disturbances in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the self-expandable CoreValve Evolut valve remains high. Recently, a cusp-overlap view (COP) implantation technique has been proposed for TAVR with self-expandable valves offering an improved visualization during valve expansion compared to the three-cusp view (TCV). This study aims to systematically analyze procedural outcomes of TAVR patients treated with the CoreValve Evolut valve using a COP compared to TCV in a high-volume center. The primary endpoint was technical success according the 2021 VARC-3 criteria. A total of 122 consecutive patients (61 pts. TCV: April 2019 to November 2020; 61 pts. COP: December 2020 to October 2021) that underwent TAVR with the CoreValve Evolut prosthesis were included in this analysis. Although there was no difference in the primary endpoint technical success between TCV and COP patients (93.4% vs. 90.2%, OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.16, 2.4, p = 0.51), we observed a significantly lower risk for permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) among COP patients (TCV: 27.9% vs. COP: 13.1%, OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.15, 0.97, p = 0.047). Implantation of the CoreValve Evolut prosthesis using the COP might help to reduce the rate of PPI following TAVR.

Surgery for infective endocarditis following low-intermediate risk transcatheter aortic valve replacement-a multicentre experience.

OBJECTIVES: With the expansion of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) into intermediate and low risk, the number of TAVR procedures is bound to rise and along with it the number of cases of infective endocarditis following TAVR (TIE). The aim of this study was to review a multicentre experience of patients undergoing surgical intervention for TIE and to analyse the underlying indications and operative results. METHODS: We retrospectively identified and analysed 69 patients who underwent cardiac surgery due to TIE at 9 cardiac surgical departments across Germany. The primary outcome was operative mortality, 6-month and 1-year survival. RESULTS: Median age was 78 years (72-81) and 48(69.6%) were male. The median time to surgical aortic valve replacement was 14 months (5-24) after TAVR, with 32 patients (46.4%) being diagnosed with early TIE. Cardiac reoperations were performed in 17% of patients and 33% underwent concomitant mitral valve surgery. The main causative organisms were: Enterococcus faecalis (31.9%), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (26.1%), Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (15.9%) and viridians group streptococci (14.5%). Extracorporeal life support was required in 2 patients (2.9%) for a median duration of 3 days. Postoperative adverse cerebrovascular events were observed in 13 patients (18.9%). Postoperatively, 9 patients (13.0%) required a pacemaker and 33 patients (47.8%) needed temporary renal replacement therapy. Survival to discharge was 88.4% and survival at 6 months and 1 year was found to be 68% and 53%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that TIE can be treated according to the guidelines for prosthetic valve endocarditis, namely with early surgery. Surgery for TIE is associated with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. Surgery should be discussed liberally as a treatment option in patients with TIE by the 'endocarditis team' in referral centres.

Wearable cardioverter defibrillator multicentre experience in a large cardiac surgery cohort at transient risk of sudden cardiac death.

OBJECTIVES: The wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is an established, safe, effective solution, protecting patients at risk of sudden cardiac death. We specifically investigated WCD use in cardiac surgery patients since data for this patient group are rare. METHODS: Retrospective data analysis in 10 German cardiac surgery centres was performed. Cardiac surgery patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% or after implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) explantation who received WCD between 2010 and 2020 were assessed using LifeVest Network data. RESULTS: A total of 1168 patients with a median age of 66 years [interquartile range (IQR) 57-73] were enrolled; 87% were male. Clinical indications included coronary artery bypass grafting (43%), valve surgery (16%), combined coronary artery bypass graft/valve surgery (15%), ICD explantation (24%) and miscellaneous (2%). The median wear time of WCD was 23.4 h/day (IQR 21.7-23.8). A total of 106 patients (9.1%) exhibited ventricular tachycardia. A total of 93.2% of episodes occurred within the first 3 months. Eighteen patients (1.5%) received 26 adequate shocks. The inadequate shock rate was low (8 patients, 0.7%). LVEF improved from a median of 28% (IQR 22-32%) before WCD prescription to 35% (IQR 28-42%) during follow-up. Excluding ICD explant patients, 37% of patients received an ICD. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of sudden cardiac death is substantial within the first 3 months after cardiac surgery. Patients were protected effectively by WCD. Due to significant LVEF improvement, the majority did not require ICD implantation after WCD use. Compliance was high despite sternotomy. This multicentre experience confirms existing data regarding effectiveness, safety and compliance. Therefore, WCD should be considered in cardiac surgery patients with severely reduced LVEF.

Impact of Preoperative Functional Status on Quality of Life after Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: With increasing importance, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become a crucial outcome measure of cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the dynamics of HRQoL change within 12 months after surgery and to identify predictors of deterioration in physical and mental health. METHODS: The cohort of this prospective study included 164 consecutive patients who underwent elective surgery. HRQoL was assessed on the basis of the Short-Form 36 questionnaire at three different times: upon admission and at 3 and 12 months after surgery. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was used to determine whether the surgery resulted in deterioration of HRQoL. RESULTS: In general, physical and mental health status improved within the first year after cardiac surgery. However, after 12 months, 7.9 and 21.2% of patients had clinically significant poorer physical (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores, based on the MCID approach. The results of multivariate analysis identified preoperative health status, age < 70 years, coronary artery bypass grafting, and a previous neurological event as predictors of deterioration in postoperative HRQoL. The greatest risks for deterioration were higher preoperative PCS and MCS scores. CONCLUSION: Although we were able to demonstrate a general improvement in the HRQoL following cardiac surgery, in one-fifth of patients, there was no recovery of mental health status even after 1 year. As this effect is mainly determined by preoperative functional status, HRQoL should be an integral part of medical consultation, especially in younger patients with a positive perception of quality of life.

Thrombotic microangiopathy following aortic surgery with hypothermic circulatory arrest: a single-centre experience of an underestimated cause of acute renal failure.

OBJECTIVES: Acute kidney injury (AKI) following surgery involving the heart-lung-machine is associated with high mortality and morbidity. In addition to the known mechanisms, thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) triggered by the dysregulation of complement activation was recently described as another pathophysiological pathway for AKI following aortic surgery. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse incidence, predictors and outcome in these patients. METHODS: Between January 2018 and September 2019, consecutive patients undergoing aortic surgery requiring hypothermic circulatory arrest were retrospectively reviewed. If suspected, diagnostic algorithm was initiated to identify a TMA and its risk factors, and postoperative outcome parameters were comparably investigated. RESULTS: The incidence of TMA in the analysed cohort (n = 247) was 4.5%. Multivariable logistic regression indicated female gender {odds ratio (OR) 4.905 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.234-19.495], P = 0.024} and aortic valve replacement [OR 8.886 (95% CI 1.030-76.660), P = 0.047] as independent predictors of TMA, while cardiopulmonary bypass, X-clamp and hypothermic circulatory arrest times showed no statistically significance. TMA resulted in postoperative AKI (82%), neurological disorders (73%) and thrombocytopaenia [31 (interquartile range 25-42) G/l], corresponding to the diagnostic criteria. Operative mortality and morbidity were equal to patients without postoperative TMA, despite a higher incidence of re-exploration for bleeding (27 vs 6%; P = 0.027). After 6 months, survival, laboratory parameters and need for dialysis were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: TMA is a potential differential diagnosis for the cause of AKI following aortic surgery regardless of the hypothermic circulatory arrest time. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment resulted in a comparable outcome concerning mortality and renal function.

Routine Stent Bridging to the Supraaortic Vessels in Aortic Arch Replacement: 10-Year-Experience.

BACKGROUND: The supraaortic vessel anastomosis stent bridging (SAVSTEB) technique simplifies the reattachment of the supraaortic vessels in aortic arch surgery; however, follow-up data are limited. The study aimed to investigate the stent-related performance and complications. METHODS: Between February 2009 and September 2020, 112 patients underwent total arch replacement with a tetrabranched graft and using the SAVSTEB technique. Mean age was 59.3±12.7 years, and male gender prevailed. Nineteen percent of these patients had acute aortic dissection extending into the supraaortic vessels, 12% had chronically dissected vessels, and 70% had unaffected vessels. The left subclavian artery, left common carotid artery, and innominate artery were bridged in 88%, 75%, and 2%, respectively, and an aberrant right subclavian artery was bridged in 2%. RESULTS: Total stent experience was 341 stent-years, and stent patency was found in 98%. Technical success was achieved in all but 1 case. One percent of patients had major stent thrombosis requiring reintervention. Minor stent thrombosis was found in 2%. No endoleak was found, and the number of new-onset dissections distal to the stent was 4%. Freedom from stent-related events was estimated at 89.1% ± 0.5% at 3 years. The stroke rate was 10%, with the highest incidence among nondissected vessels. The vertebral artery was overstented in 15%, and 2% of these cases were associated radiographically with stroke. CONCLUSIONS: SAVSTEB is a comparatively simple, safe, and efficacious technique to create the anastomosis between tetrabranched arch grafts and the supraaortic arteries in the short and intermediate term. Bleeding from the anastomoses, kinking, and scar-associated stenosis are negligible; however, vertebral overstenting remains a critical technical issue.

Mortality in Cardiogenic Shock Patients Is Predicted by Pao2/Fio2 (Horowitz Index) Measured on ICU After Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Implantation.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment in patients with severe cardiogenic shock can cause or aggravate acute lung injury. In our retrospective analysis, we aimed at identifying markers for acute lung injury after arrival on ICU, which predict mortality of those patients. DESIGN: Observational, monocentric, retrospective analysis. SETTING: Cardiac ICU of Ludwig Maximilian University Hospital, Munich, Germany. PATIENTS: Two-hundred eleven patients undergoing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment for severe cardiogenic shock were included into this analysis. Patients who died within 24 hours after venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation implantation were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: To determine lung injury, we investigated the influence of Pao2/Fio2 ratio (Horowitz index). The lowest Horowitz index was measured on ICU 6-12 hours after venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation implantation. An optimal cutoff value of less than 126 for Horowitz index to predict mortality was identified via receiver operating characteristic analysis (area under the curve, 0.62). Patients with Horowitz index less than 126 had a 30-day mortality rate of 67.5% compared to 37.5% with a Horowitz index greater than or equal to 126 (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified Horowitz index less than 126 as an independent risk factor of ICU mortality (odds ratio, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.8-7.3; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this hypothesis-generating analysis, a Horowitz index less than 126 is associated with increased mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, which may serve as a threshold for further therapeutic interventions.

Time is of the essence: where can we improve care in acute aortic dissection?

OBJECTIVES: In acute aortic dissection type A various components of the diagnostic and logistic pathways may affect the time to definitive treatment. This study aimed to characterize these components and to identify factors delaying the optimal management within our institutional referral network. METHODS: Between January 2017 and January 2020, 96 consecutive patients with classical aortic dissection type A were admitted (28%) or referred (72%) to our tertiary care centre and analysed retrospectively. Data are presented as medians (25th-75th quartile). RESULTS: Median age was 66 years (56-74), 63% were male. Most of the patients were primarily admitted to a cardiology department (40%), whereas about a fourth were admitted to departments for internal medicine (26%) and general surgery (27%). The median interval from the onset of symptoms to hospital admission was 2.1 (1-4.4) h. From admission to confirmed diagnosis it took 2.1 (0.6-9.5) h and the median interval from confirmed diagnosis to admission at our specialized tertiary care aortic centre was 1.5 (0.9-2.4) h. Following admission to our centre, 1.1 (0.5-1.9) h passed until the induction of anaesthesia and 0.8 (0.0-1.1) h until the start of surgery. The total interval from the onset of symptoms to the start of surgery was 7.6 h (5.1-12.3). CONCLUSIONS: The marked variability of the time from symptoms to diagnosis at any medical facility demonstrates the importance of awareness in the optimization of the treatment of acute aortic dissection type A.

Impact of Operative Timing in Infective Endocarditis with Cerebral Embolism-The Risk of Intermediate Deterioration.

Cerebral embolism due to infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The optimal time-interval between symptomatic stroke and cardiac surgery remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze the patients' outcomes and define the potential risk factors with regard to surgical timing for IE patients with preoperative symptomatic cerebral embolism (CE). A total of 119 IE patients with CE were identified and analyzed with regard to operative timing: early (1-7 days), intermediate (8-21 days), and late (>22 days). The preoperative patient data, comorbidities and previous cardiac surgical procedures were analyzed to identify potential predictors and independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Actuarial survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. In-hospital mortality for the entire study cohort was 15.1% (n = 18), and in comparison, between groups was found to be highest in the intermediate surgical group (25.7%). Univariate analysis identified preoperative mechanical ventilation dependent respiratory insufficiency (p = 0.006), preoperative renal insufficiency (p = 0.019), age (p = 0.002), large vegetations (p = 0.018) as well as intermediate (p = 0.026), and late (p = 0.041) surgery as predictors of in-hospital mortality. The presence of large vegetations (>8 mm) (p = 0.019) and increased age (p = 0.037)-but not operative timing-were identified as independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality. In the presence of large vegetations (>8 mm), cardiac surgery should be performed early and independently from the entity of cerebral embolic stroke. Postponing surgery to achieve clinical stabilization and better postoperative outcomes of IE patients with CE is reasonable, however, worsening of the disease process with deterioration and resulting heart failure during the first 3 weeks after CE results in a significantly higher in-hospital mortality and inferior long-term survival.