Endoaortic balloon occlusion versus transthoracic cross-clamp for totally endoscopic robotic mitral valve surgery: a retrospective cohort study.

Endoaortic balloon occlusion (EABO) and transthoracic cross-clamping have been shown to have comparable safety profiles for aortic occlusion in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS). However, few studies have focused exclusively on the totally endoscopic robotic approach. We sought to compare outcomes for patients undergoing totally endoscopic robotic mitral valve surgery with aortic occlusion via EABO and transthoracic clamping after a period where EABO was unavailable required us to use the transthoracic clamp. Retrospective review identified 113 patients who underwent robotic mitral valve surgery at our facility between 2019 and 2021 with EABO (n = 71) or transthoracic clamping (n = 42). Relevant data were extracted and compared. Preoperative characteristics were similar other than a higher rate of coronary artery disease [EABO: 69.0% (49/71) vs clamp: 45.2% (19/42), p = .02] and chronic lung disease [EABO: 38.0% (27/71) vs clamp: 9.5% (4/42), p < .01] in the EABO group. Median percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass time, operative time, and cross-clamp time were comparable. Similar rates of postoperative bleeding complications were observed, and no aortic complications were observed. One patient in each group underwent conversion to an open approach. 30-day mortality and readmission rates were comparable. EABO and transthoracic clamp were associated with similar bleeding and aortic outcomes, and mortality and readmission rates were comparable at thirty days postoperatively. Our findings support the comparable safety of the two techniques, which is well documented in studies encompassing all MIMVS techniques, within the specific context of the totally endoscopic robotic approach.

Feasibility of Robotic Mitral Valve Repair Using Barbed Nonabsorbable Sutures: A Preliminary Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: Barbed nonabsorbable sutures have been widely adopted for tissue closure in noncardiac robotic surgery to improve intraoperative efficiency. Here, we examine the profile in robotic mitral valve repair (rMVR), which utilized barbed nonabsorbable sutures. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe clinical outcomes for rMVR with barbed nonabsorbable sutures. METHODS: A retrospective review identified 90 patients who underwent rMVR using barbed nonabsorbable sutures at our center between 2019 and 2021. The primary outcome measure was dehiscence, while other relevant outcomes included 30-day readmission and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: In addition to fixation of the mitral annuloplasty band, barbed nonabsorbable sutures were employed commonly in concomitant pericardiectomy closure (100.0%, 90 of 90), atriotomy closure (100.0%, 90 of 90), and left atrial appendage closure (if eligible; 98.8%, 83 of 84). One patient who underwent mitral valve annuloplasty using only barbed nonabsorbable suture required reoperation for annuloplasty ring dehiscence. Immediate postoperative ring dehiscence was not observed in any patients after the routine reinforcement of barbed nonabsorbable sutures with everting pledgeted polyester sutures, and no additional patients required reoperation for suture-related complications. Clinical signs of dehiscence were not observed after pericardiectomy, atriotomy, or left atrial appendage closure with barbed nonabsorbable sutures. The 30-day readmission rate was 3.3% (3 of 90), and 30-day mortality was 0% (0 of 90). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest the initial feasibility of barbed nonabsorbable sutures in robotic cardiac surgery, specifically within rMVR. Further research is necessary to explore the long-term safety and efficacy profile of such approach.

A New Frontier: No Working Port for Robotic Mitral Valve Repair.

A 61-year-old male presented via referral for mitral regurgitation and was deemed an appropriate robotic surgery candidate for complex mitral valve repair with the maze procedure and patent foramen ovale and left atrial appendage closures, using all percutaneous cannulation. We report upon the first case in the literature that describes the use of only 4 robotic ports, with no working port used.

Feasibility of Postoperative Day One or Day Two Discharge After Robotic Cardiac Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The robotic platform reduces the invasiveness of cardiac surgical procedures, thus facilitating earlier discharge in select patients. We sought to evaluate the characteristics, perioperative management, and early outcomes of patients who underwent postoperative day 1 or 2 (POD1-2) discharge after robotic cardiac surgery at our institution. METHODS: Retrospective review of 169 patients who underwent robotic cardiac surgery at our facility between 2019 and 2021 identified 57 patients discharged early on POD1 (n = 19) or POD2 (n = 38) and 112 patients who underwent standard discharge (POD3 or later). Relevant data were extracted and compared. RESULTS: In the early discharge group, median patient age was 62 [IQR: 55, 66] (IQR = interquartile range) years, and 70.2% (40/57) were male. Median Society of Thoracic Surgeons predictive risk of mortality score was 0.36 [IQR: 0.25, 0.56] %. The most common procedures performed were mitral valve repair [66.6%, (38/57)], atrial mass resection [10.5% (6/57)], and coronary artery bypass grafting [10.5% (6/57)]. The only significant differences between the POD1 and POD2 groups were shorter operative time, higher rate of in-operating room extubation, and shorter ICU length of stay in the POD1 group. Lower in-hospital morbidity and comparable 30-day mortality and readmission rates were observed between the early and standard discharge groups. CONCLUSIONS: POD1-2 discharge after various robotic cardiac operations afforded lower morbidity and similar 30-day readmission and mortality rates compared to discharge on POD3 or later. Our findings support the feasibility of POD1-2 discharge after robotic cardiac surgery for patients with low preoperative risk, an uncomplicated postoperative course, and appropriate postoperative management protocols.

An alternate approach: Percutaneous axillary cannulation for minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous axillary artery cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) offers a novel alternate approach to mechanical circulatory support for patients with contraindications to femoral perfusion. To our knowledge, this has not yet been reported in minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). AIM: We aim to highlight our experience using percutaneous axillary artery cannulation to safely facilitate CPB for minimally invasive cardiac surgery MICS. METHODS: Four patients who underwent robotic cardiac surgery utilizing the axillary artery for percutaneous cannulation between November 2019 and August 2021 at a single center were identified and included in the analysis. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed to support this case series. RESULTS: There were no perioperative hematomas, brachial plexus injuries, or neurovascular injuries. Within 30-days postoperatively there was no mortality, vessel injury, stroke, new onset atrial fibrillation, or other life-threatening bleeding. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous cannulation of the axillary artery is a novel and promising CPB modality for robotic cardiac surgery in patients with extensive peripheral and aortic atherosclerotic disease.

Routine endoscopic robotic cardiac tumor resection using an 8-mm working port and percutaneous cannulation.

OBJECTIVE: Prior studies have demonstrated robotic excision of cardiac tumors as a safe and effective treatment option. The procedure is performed with five incisions: three robotic arm ports, one atrial retractor port, and one working port. We report our unique initial experience in robotic tumor removal. To our knowledge, this is one of the first reports demonstrating cardiac myxoma and fibroelastoma removal with use of exclusively 8-mm ports. METHODS: All data for robotic cardiac tumor resection at our institution from June 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected; 18 cases were included, including 13 cardiac myxomas and five fibroelastomas. Baseline demographics, intraoperative characteristics, and surgical outcomes were recorded. Descriptive statistics were calculated; continuous variables were reported as median [interquartile range], and categorical variables were reported as percentages. RESULTS: Median patient age was 64 [55, 70] years old. The cohort consisted of primarily female (67%) and white (83%) patients. Median body mass index was 26.3 [23.0, 31.5] kg/m2 . 11% of patients were current tobacco users and 50% had hypertension. All patients underwent myxoma or fibroelastoma removal with the use of five 8-mm robotic ports. Each patient underwent percutaneous cannulation via the femoral arteries. Aortic occlusion was achieved via an endoaortic balloon (67%) or transthoracic cross-clamp (33%). Cross-clamp time was 30 [26, 41] minutes. Concomitant procedures performed during myxoma removal included patent foramen ovale closure (28%), mitral valve repair (8%), left atrial appendage closure (8%), Cox-maze procedure (6%), and coronary artery bypass grafting (6%). All cardiac tumors were packaged with use of the endo-bag and subsequently removed through the working port. Maximal myxoma and fibroelastoma diameters were 2.5 [1.7, 3.5] and 0.6 [0.4, 0.7] cm, respectively. Procedural cardiopulmonary bypass time was 77 [65, 84] minutes. No intraoperative mortality, reoperation for bleeding, or postoperative cardiac issues were recorded. One in-hospital mortality occurred as the result of a thrombotic event in the context of a hypercoagulable state unrelated to the patient's operation. No other mortalities were observed at 30 days. Hospital length of stay was 4.5 [3.0, 7.8] days. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the robotic platform facilitated safe and effective cardiac tumor excision. Our results highlight the efficacy of 8-mm port sizing and the concurrent use of other minimally invasive techniques, including percutaneous cannulation, in this patient population. In general, patients prefer the least invasive treatment option available. Our findings emphasize the importance of training cardiac surgeons to perform robotic procedures using the least invasive means possible to provide patients with various options for their treatment.

External iliac vein aneurysm treated via balloon-assisted aneurysmorrhaphy with a contemporary review of the literature.

Isolated external iliac vein aneurysm is exceedingly rare, not well-described in the literature, and presents several potential surgical approaches. Herein, we describe the case of a 72-year-old woman who presented with incidentally found 4.3 cm × 3.4 cm × 5.6 cm right external iliac vein aneurysm after undergoing magnetic resonance imaging for orthopedic work-up. She was treated via parallel supra- and infra-inguinal incisions and novel combination of primary aneurysmorrhaphy with intraluminal balloon mandrel-assisted closure. The patient was discharged on postoperative day two, and 6-month follow-up ultrasound showed a normal caliber vessel with normal compressibility, suggesting this technique is safe and effective for appropriately selected patients.

Bronchial artery revascularization in lung transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Bronchial artery revascularization (BAR) during lung transplantation has been hypothesized to improve early tracheal healing and delay the onset of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). We aimed to assess the outcomes of BAR after lung transplantation. Methods: Electronic search in Ovid Medline, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR) databases was performed to identify all relevant studies published about lung transplantation with BAR. Studies discussing lung transplantation utilizing BAR were included while those without outcome data such as BOS and survival were excluded. Cohort-level data were extracted and pooled for analysis. A binary outcome meta-analysis of proportions with logit transformation was conducted. Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used for risk of bias assessment. Results: Seven studies were selected for the analysis comprising 143 patients. Mean patient age was 47 (95% CI: 40-55) years. Sixty-one percent (48-72%) were male. Seventy-three percent (65-79%) of patients underwent double lung transplant while 27% (21-25%) underwent single lung transplant. In patients with postoperative angiography, successful BAR was demonstrated in 93% (82-97%) of all assessed conduits. The 30-day/in-hospital mortality was 6% (3-11%). Seventy-nine percent (63-89%) of patients were free from rejection at three months. Eighty-three percent (29-98%) of patients were free from signs of airway ischemia at three and six months. Pooled survival at one year and five years was 87% (78-92%) and 71% (46-87%), respectively, with a mean follow-up time of 21 (3-38) months. Pooled freedom from bronchiolitis obliterans was 86% (77-91%) at two years. Conclusions: While this systematic review and meta-analysis is limited by the available surgeons, institutions, and papers discussing a highly specialized technique, it does show that BAR is a viable technique to minimize BOS and early anastomotic intervention following lung transplantation.

Use of Percutaneous Cannulation in Robotic Mitral Valve Surgery.

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has evolved in its practice over the past several years. Percutaneous cannulation is a technique that can be used during MICS to facilitate cardiopulmonary bypass. This manuscript describes the stepwise approach to percutaneous cannulation and decannulation in robotic mitral valve surgery.

Extracorporeal life support and cardiopulmonary bypass for central airway surgery: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Major airway surgery can pose a complex problem to perioperative central airway management. Adjuncts to advanced ventilation strategies have included cardiopulmonary bypass, veno-arterial, or veno-venous extracorporeal life support. We performed a systematic review to assess the existing evidence utilizing these strategies. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted to identify studies written in English reporting the use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) during central airway surgery. Thirty-six articles consisting of 78 patients were selected and patient-level data were analyzed. RESULTS: Median patient age was 47 [IQR: 34-53] and 59.0% (46/78) were male. Indications for surgery included central airway or mediastinal cancer in 57.7% (45/78), lesion or injury in 15.4% (12/78), and stenosis in 12.8% (10/78). Support was initiated pre-operatively in 9.9% (7/71) and at the time of induction in 55.3% (42/76). It was most commonly used at the time of tracheal resection/repair [93.2% (68/73)], intubation of the tracheal stump [94.4% (68/72)], and re-anastomosis [94.2% (65/69)]; 13.7% (10/73) patients were supported post-operatively. The most commonly performed surgery was tracheal repair or resection in 70.3% (52/74). Median hospital stay was 12 [8, 25] days and in-hospital mortality was 7.9% (6/76). There was no significant difference in survival between the three groups (p = .54). CONCLUSIONS: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation offers versatility in timing, surgical approach, and ECLS runtime that makes it a viable addition to the surgical armamentarium for treating complex central airway pathologies.

Outcomes of percutaneous temporary biventricular mechanical support: a systematic review.

Percutaneous biventricular assist devices (BiVAD) are a recently developed treatment option for severe cardiogenic shock. This systematic review sought to identify indications and outcomes of patients placed on percutaneous BiVAD support. An electronic search was performed to identify all appropriate studies utilizing a percutaneous BiVAD configuration. Fifteen studies comprising of 20 patients were identified. Individual patient survival and outcomes data were combined for statistical analysis. All 20 patients were supported with a microaxial LVAD, 12/20 (60%) of those patients were supported with a microaxial (RMA) right ventricular assist device (RVAD), and the remaining 8/20 (40%) patients were supported with a centrifugal extracorporeal RVAD (RCF). All patients presented with cardiogenic shock, and of these, 12/20 (60%) presented with a non-ischemic etiology vs 8/20 (40%) with ischemic disease. For the RMA group, RVAD support was significantly longer [RMA 5 (IQR 4-7) days vs RCF 1 (IQR 1-2) days, p = 0.03]. Intravascular hemolysis post-BiVAD occurred in three patients (27.3%) [RMA 3 (33.3%) vs RCF 0 (0%), p = 0.94]. Five patients received a durable left ventricular assist device, one patient received a total artificial heart, and one patient underwent a heart transplantation. Estimated 30-day mortality was 15.0%, and 78.6% were discharged alive. Both strategies for percutaneous BiVAD support appear to be viable options for severe cardiogenic shock.

Evaluation of Endovascular Intervention for Tracheo-Innominate Artery Fistula: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: While the standard of care for suspected tracheo-innominate artery fistula (TIF) necessitates sternotomy, perioperative mortality remains high. Endovascular interventions have been attempted, but reports have been anecdotal. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the outcomes of endovascular management of TIF by pooling the existing evidence. METHODS: An electronic database search of Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register was performed to identify all studies examining endovascular treatment of TIF. Patients greater than 14 years of age who underwent endovascular intervention for TIF were included. 25 studies consisting of 27 patients met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: 48.1% (13/27) of patients were male and median age was 39.0 [IQR 16.0, 47.5] years. Tracheostomy was present in 96.3% (26/27) of cases. Median duration from tracheostomy to TIF presentation was 2.2 months [0.5, 42.5]. On presentation, 84.6% (22/26) had tracheal hemorrhage, and 22.8% (6/27) were hemodynamically unstable. 96.3% (26/27) underwent covered stent graft placement while 1 patient (3.8%) had coil embolization. 18.5% (5/27) of patients required repeat endovascular intervention for recurrent bleeding, while 11.1% (3/27) required rescue sternotomy. Median hospital length of stay was 30 days [16.0, 46.5], and overall mortality was 29.6% (8/27) with a median follow-up time of 5 months [1.2, 11.5]. CONCLUSION: While uncommon, endovascular treatment of TIF may be a feasible alternative to sternotomy. The approach may be useful in those who are unable to undergo surgery or are likely to have adhesions from prior chest operations.

Driveline damage and repair in continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices: A systematic review.

With mounting time on continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) support, patients occasionally sustain damage to the device driveline. Outcomes associated with external and internal driveline damage and repair are currently not well documented. We sought to evaluate the outcomes of driveline damage and its repair. Electronic search was performed to identify all relevant studies published over the past 20 years. Fifteen studies were selected for analysis comprising of 55 patients with CF-LVAD dysfunction due to driveline damage. Demographic and perioperative variables along with outcomes including survival rates were extracted and pooled for the systematic review. Most patients (53/55) were supported on HeartMate II LVAD (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL). Internal damage was more commonly reported than external damage [69.1% (38/55) vs. 30.9% (17/55), P = .01]. Median time to driveline damage was 1.9 years [IQR 1.0, 2.5]. Most patients presented with a CF-LVAD alarm [94.5% (52/55)] and patients with internal driveline damage had a significantly higher rate of alarm activation compared to that observed for those with external damage [38/38 (100%) vs. 14/17 (82.4%), P = .04]. Patients with internal driveline dysfunction were more likely to experience component wear compared to those with external driveline dysfunction [10/38 (26.3%) vs. 0/17 (0%), P = .05]; 14.5% of patients (8/55) underwent external repair of the driveline, 5.5% (3/55) were treated with rescue tape, and 5.5% (3/55) were placed on an ungrounded cable, indicating a short-to-shield event had occurred. A total of 49.1% of patients (27/55) underwent CF-LVAD exchange, 5.5% (3/55) were weaned off the CF-LVAD to explant, and 5.5% (3/55) underwent emergent heart transplantation. The median length of hospital stay was 12 days [IQR 7, 12] and 30-day mortality rate was 14.5% (8/55). Driveline damage was more commonly reported at an internal location and despite being a well-recognized complication, mortality still appears high.

Right atrial versus right ventricular HeartWare HVAD position in patients on biventricular HeartWare HVAD support: A systematic review.

In patients with biventricular heart failure or refractory right heart failure following HeartWare HVAD placement, off-label placement of a right-sided HeartWare HVAD has been described both in the right ventricular (RV) and right atrial (RA) positions. We sought to evaluate and compare the outcomes of right-sided HeartWare HVAD using the RA versus RV approach. An electronic search was performed in the English literature to identify all reports of left- and right-heart support with HeartWare HVAD. Of the 1,288 articles identified, 13 articles with 56 cases met inclusion criteria. Patient-level data were extracted and analyzed. The median patient age was 52 years (IQR 33.0-59.0) and 40/50 (80.0%) were male. Overall, 21/56 patients (37.5%) had RA HVAD, while 35/56 (62.5%) had RV HVAD. Most underwent concomitant HVAD placement [RA: 17/21 (81.0%) vs. RV: 31/35 (88.6%), P = .69]. In those who did not, the median time between left and right HVAD was 10 days (IQR 7-14) for RA HVAD and 12 days (IQR 8-30) for RV HVAD (P = .77). The median time of support was 351 days (IQR 136-626) for RA HVAD compared to 135 days (IQR 61-244) for RV HVAD (P = .02). Pump thrombosis occurred at a similar rate [RA: 3/10 (30.0%) vs. RV: 6/20 (30.0%), P = 1], as did GI bleeding [RA: 10/35 (28.6%) vs. RV: 5/21 (23.8%), P = .94] during the follow-up time period. Kaplan-Meier analysis when censored for transplant showed higher survival with RA HVAD compared to RV HVAD (P = .036), with an estimated survival at 1 year of 91.7% (95% CI 77.3-100.0) in RA HVAD versus 66.2% (95% CI 48.9-89.6) for RV HVAD. RA HVAD appears to be a viable option for durable right-sided support with outcomes at least comparable to RV HVAD.