Long-term survival and quality of life after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

OBJECTIVES: Long-term data on patient survivors after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support remains limited. This study sought to examine the 5-year survival and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients treated with venoarterial (VA)- or venovenous (VV)-ECMO. METHODS: A single-center retrospective chart review and survival analysis was conducted on all patients who required ECMO from December 2007 to June 2019. Cross-sectional HRQoL assessments were performed using 8 standardized questionnaires among survivors. RESULTS: Records for 370 ECMO patients (288 VA-ECMO, 82 VV-ECMO) were reviewed. Survival at 5 years was 33% (VA-ECMO) and 36% (VV-ECMO). Among patients that survived to 30 days, 5-year survival rates were 73% (VA-ECMO) and 71% (VV-ECMO). Sixty surviving patients (56%) had HRQoL assessments (48 VA-ECMO, 12 VV-ECMO). Median follow-up time was 4.2 (VA-ECMO) and 5.7 years (VV-ECMO). Fourteen (29%) VA-ECMO patients and 9 (75%) VV-ECMO patients reported difficulty with any activity of daily living whereas 13 (27%) VA-ECMO patients and 8 (67%) VV-ECMO patients reported difficulty with any instrumental activity of daily living. Eleven (23%) VA-ECMO patients and 7 (58%) VV-ECMO patients reported a high post-traumatic stress disorder score. Low decision regret scores in both cohorts indicated minimal regret that ECMO was initiated. CONCLUSIONS: Five-year clinical and patient-centered outcomes of patients requiring ECMO support is acceptable in those who survived the initial 30 days. Among ECMO survivors, persistent HRQoL concerns were apparent, highlighting the importance of longer-term postdischarge follow-up.

Delirium definition influences prediction of functional survival in patients one-year postcardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Delirium after cardiac surgery is associated with prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay and elevated rates of mortality. The Society of Thoracic Surgery National Database (STS-ND) includes delirium in routine data collection but restricts its definition to hyperactive symptoms. The objective is to determine whether the Confusion Assessment Method for ICU (CAM-ICU), which includes hypo- and hyperactive symptoms, is associated with improved prediction of poor 1-year functional survival following cardiac surgery. METHODS: Clinical and administrative databases were used to determine the influence of postoperative delirium on 1-year poor functional survival, defined as being institutionalized or deceased at 1 year. Patients experiencing postoperative delirium using the STS-ND definition (2007-2009) were compared with patients with delirium identified by the CAM-ICU (2010-2012). A propensity score match was undertaken, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were generated to determine risk of poor 1-year functional survival. RESULTS: There were 2756 and 2236 patients in the STS-ND and CAM-ICU cohorts, respectively. Propensity matching resulted in a cohort of 1835 patients (82.1% matched). The overall rate of delirium in the matched study population was 7.6% in the STS-ND cohort and 13.0% in the CAM-ICU cohort (P < .001). Delirium in the CAM-ICU cohort was independently associated with poor 1-year functional survival (hazard ratio, 2.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-5.54; P = .02); delirium in the STS-ND cohort was not associated with poor 1-year functional survival (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-1.71; P = .79). CONCLUSIONS: A systematic screening tool identifies postoperative delirium with improved prediction of poor 1-year functional survival following cardiac surgery.

Effect of Continuous Electrocardiogram Monitoring on Detection of Undiagnosed Atrial Fibrillation After Hospitalization for Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) occurring after cardiac surgery is associated with adverse outcomes. Whether POAF persists beyond discharge is not well defined. Objective: To determine whether continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring enhances detection of POAF among cardiac surgical patients during the first 30 days after hospital discharge compared with usual care. Design, Setting, and Participants: This study is an investigator-initiated, open-label, multicenter, randomized clinical trial conducted at 10 Canadian centers. Enrollment spanned from March 2017 to March 2020, with follow-up through September 11, 2020. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, enrollment stopped on July 17, 2020, at which point 85% of the proposed sample size was enrolled. Cardiac surgical patients with CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, age 65-74 years, female sex) score greater than or equal to 4 or greater than or equal to 2 with risk factors for POAF, no history of preoperative AF, and POAF lasting less than 24 hours during hospitalization were enrolled. Interventions: The intervention group underwent continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring with wearable, patch-based monitors for 30 days after randomization. Monitoring was not mandated in the usual care group within 30 days after randomization. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was cumulative AF and/or atrial flutter lasting 6 minutes or longer detected by continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring or by a 12-lead electrocardiogram within 30 days of randomization. Prespecified secondary outcomes included cumulative AF lasting 6 hours or longer and 24 hours or longer within 30 days of randomization, death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, non-central nervous system thromboembolism, major bleeding, and oral anticoagulation prescription. Results: Of the 336 patients randomized (163 patients in the intervention group and 173 patients in the usual care group; mean [SD] age, 67.4 [8.1] years; 73 women [21.7%]; median [interquartile range] CHA2DS2-VASc score, 4.0 [3.0-4.0] points), 307 (91.4%) completed the trial. In the intent-to-treat analysis, the primary end point occurred in 32 patients (19.6%) in the intervention group vs 3 patients (1.7%) in the usual care group (absolute difference, 17.9%; 95% CI, 11.5%-24.3%; P < .001). AF lasting 6 hours or longer was detected in 14 patients (8.6%) in the intervention group vs 0 patients in the usual care group (absolute difference, 8.6%; 95% CI, 4.3%-12.9%; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: In post-cardiac surgical patients at high risk of stroke, no preoperative AF history, and AF lasting less than 24 hours during hospitalization, continuous monitoring revealed a significant increase in the rate of POAF after discharge that would otherwise not be detected by usual care. Studies are needed to examine whether these patients will benefit from oral anticoagulation therapy. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02793895.

Costs of surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation in Ontario, Canada from 2006 to 2017.

BACKGROUND: International guidelines currently recommend concomitant surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with AF undergoing cardiac surgery. However, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed no significant difference in mortality or stroke in patients who underwent surgical AF ablation compared with those who did not (moderate-quality evidence). METHODS: We estimated the Ontario-wide costs of surgical AF ablation between 2006 and 2017 using data from a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs, estimates of case volumes from Ontario Health Insurance Plan fee codes, the ongoing left atrial appendage occlusion study III trial (NCT01561651), institutional costs from large academic centers in Ontario, as well as professional fees based on the Ontario fee schedule. Device costs were obtained from Canadian industry data with expert input. RESULTS: We estimated the average extra cost of surgical AF ablation at $4,287 CAD (95% CI $4,113-4,619) per patient. Procedural costs (equipment costs and physician remuneration) comprise 82.2% of this, while smaller portions relate to the increased need for pacemaker (3.9%) and additional hospital length of stay (13.9%). Approximately 2,391 patients underwent surgical AF ablation between 2006 and 2017, corresponding to an estimated $10.2 million in incremental cost during that time span. CONCLUSION: Ontario taxpayers spend significant financial resources on surgical ablation of AF, a procedure lacking high-quality evidence demonstrating benefit in reducing mortality or stroke. Further large prospective studies examining clinically important outcomes are needed to justify its routine use in patient care and to guide allocation of healthcare funds.

Perspective and practice of surgical atrial fibrillation ablation: an international survey of cardiac surgeons.

AIMS: Despite recommendations stating that surgical atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is reasonable for patients with AF undergoing cardiac surgery for other indications, the clinical impact of this procedure remains unclear. We aimed to describe surgeons' practices and perceptions of this procedure. METHODS AND RESULTS: We built a self-administered survey in collaboration with content and methodology experts. We surveyed 268 cardiac surgeons from 80 centres in 18 countries. The response rate was 76% (n = 204/276), 49% from North America, 39% Europe, and 12% other regions. Respondents performed a median 10 [interquartile range (IQR) 4-30] AF ablation procedures/year, with marked variation in proportions of patients with AF considered for ablation (median 25%, IQR 10-61). 94% and 80% of surgeons respectively, thought symptomatic and asymptomatic patients benefit from ablation. Surgeons estimated the added major complication rate of concomitant AF ablation at 16% [median (IQR) 7-25]. Of participating surgeons, 61% believed that evidence supported surgical AF ablation reducing the incidence of thrombo-embolic complications, and 46% modified anticoagulation decision-making based on whether they performed AF ablation. During coronary artery bypass grafting, isolated pulmonary vein isolation was the most commonly performed lesion set (70%), whereas complete left atrial ablation (46%) and biatrial ablation (44%) were favoured with valve surgery. CONCLUSION: In a multinational group of academic surgeons, surgical AF ablation utilization appears variable, and average case volumes are low. Despite no evidence to that effect, the majority believe that ablation reduces AF-related thrombo-embolic risk of patients. Reported practice patterns suggest clinical equipoise; a definitive trial appears feasible based on respondent willingness to participate.

Long-term non-institutionalized survival and rehospitalization after surgical aortic and mitral valve replacements in a large provincial cardiac surgery centre.

OBJECTIVES: Long-term quality of life following open surgical valve replacement is an increasingly important outcome to patients and their caregivers. This study examines non-institutionalized survival and rehospitalization within our surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) and mitral valve replacement (MVR) populations. METHODS: A retrospective single-centre study of all consecutive open surgical valve replacements between 1995 and 2014 was undertaken. Clinical data were linked to provincial administrative data for 3219 patients who underwent AVR, MVR or double (aortic and mitral) valve replacement with or without concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Non-institutionalized survival and cumulative incidence of rehospitalization was examined up to 15 years. RESULTS: Follow-up was complete for 96.9% of the 2146 patients who underwent AVR ± CABG (66.7% of the overall cohort), 878 who underwent MVR ± CABG (27.3%) and 195 who underwent double (aortic and mitral) valve replacement ± CABG (6.0%) with a median follow-up time of 5.6 years. Overall non-institutionalized survival was 35.4% at 15 years, and the cumulative incidence of rehospitalization was 34.4%, 63.2% and 87.0% at 1, 5 and 15 years, respectively, without significant differences between valve procedure cohorts. Both non-institutionalized survival and cumulative incidence of rehospitalization improved in more recent eras, despite increasing age and comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Non-institutionalized survival and rehospitalization data for up to 15 years suggest good functional outcomes long after surgical AVR and/or MVR. Continued improvements are seen in these metrics over the past 2 decades. This provides a unique insight into the quality of life after surgical valve replacement in the ageing demographics with valvular heart disease.

Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Refractory Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: The State of the Evidence and Framework for Application.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) affects 134 per 100,000 citizens annually. Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), providing mechanical circulatory support, may improve the likelihood of survival among those with refractory OHCA. Compared with in-hospital ECPR candidates, those in the out-of-hospital setting tend to be sudden unexpected arrests in younger and healthier patients. The aims of this review were to summarize, and identify the limitations of, the evidence evaluating ECPR for OHCA, and to provide an approach for ECPR program application. Although there are many descriptions of ECPR-treated cohorts, we identified a paucity of robust data showing ECPR effectiveness compared with conventional resuscitation. However, it is highly likely that ECPR, provided after a prolonged attempt with conventional resuscitation, does benefit select patient populations compared with conventional resuscitation alone. Although reliable data showing the optimal patient selection criteria for ECPR are lacking, most implementations sought young previously healthy patients with rapid high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Carefully planned development of ECPR programs, in high-performing emergency medical systems at experienced extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centres, may be reasonable as part of systematic efforts to determine ECPR effectiveness and globally improve care. Protocol evaluation requires regional-level assessment, examining the incremental benefit of survival compared with standard care, while accounting for resource utilization.

Surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Aims: The aim of this review was to assess the effect of concomitant surgical atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation on postoperative freedom from AF and patient-important outcomes. Methods and results: We searched Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases from inception to May 2016 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating surgical AF ablation using any lesion set vs. no surgical AF ablation in adults with AF undergoing cardiac surgery. We performed screening, risk-of-bias evaluation, and data collection independently and in duplicate. We evaluated risk of bias with the modified Cochrane tool, quality of evidence using GRADE framework, and pooled data with a random-effects model. Of the 23 included studies, only one was considered at low risk of bias. Surgical AF ablation was associated with more freedom from AF at 12 months [relative risk (RR) = 2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.92-2.80; P < 0.001, low quality]. However, no significant difference was seen in mortality (RR = 1.07, 95% CI 0.72-1.52; P = 0.41, moderate quality), stroke (RR = 1.19, 95% CI 0.59-2.39; P = 0.63, moderate quality), or pacemaker implantation (RR = 1.28, 95% CI 0.85-1.95; P = 0.24, high quality). Comparing biatrial and left-sided lesion sets showed no difference in mortality (P-interaction = 0.60) or stroke (P-interaction = 0.12). At 12 months, biatrial procedures led to more freedom from AF (RR = 2.80, 95% CI 2.13-3.68; P < 0.0001) when compared with left-sided ablation (RR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.68-2.39; P < 0.0001) (P-interaction = 0.04) Biatrial procedures appear to increase the risk for pacemaker (RR = 2.68, 95% CI 1.41-5.11; P = 0.002) compared with no ablation while left-sided ablation does not (RR = 1.08, 95% CI 0.67-1.74; P = 0.76) (P-interaction = 0.03). Conclusion: Surgical AF ablation during cardiac surgery improves freedom from AF. However, impact on patient-important outcomes including mortality and stroke has not shown statistical significance in current RCT evidence. Biatrial compared with left-sided lesion sets showed no difference in mortality or stroke but were associated with significantly increased freedom from AF and risk for pacemaker requirement.

Outcomes of octogenarians discharged from the hospital after prolonged intensive care unit length of stay after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Octogenarians offered complex cardiac surgery frequently experience a prolonged intensive care unit length of stay; however, minimal data exist on the outcomes of these patients. We sought to determine the rates and predictors of 1-year noninstitutionalized survival ("functional survival") and rehospitalization for octogenarian patients with prolonged intensive care unit length of stay after cardiac surgery and who were discharged from hospital. METHODS: The outcomes of discharged patients aged 80 years or more who underwent cardiac surgery with prolonged intensive care unit length of stay (≥5 consecutive days) from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2011, were examined retrospectively from linked clinical and administrative provincial databases. Regression analysis was used to determine predictors of 1-year functional survival and rehospitalization after discharge from the hospital. RESULTS: A total of 80 of 683 (11.7%) discharged octogenarian patients had prolonged intensive care unit length of stay. Functional survival at 1 year was 92% and 81% for those with nonprolonged and prolonged intensive care unit lengths of stay, respectively (P < .01). Lack of outpatient physician visits within 30 days of discharge (hazard ratio, 5.18; P < .01) was a significant predictor of poor 1-year functional survival. The 1-year rehospitalization rates were 38% and 48% for those with nonprolonged and prolonged intensive care unit lengths of stay, respectively, with 41% of all rehospitalizations occurring within 30 days of initial discharge. A rural residence (hazard ratio, 1.82; P < .01) and nosocomial pneumonia during patients' operative admissions (hazard ratio, 2.74; P < .01) were associated with rehospitalization within 30 days of discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Octogenarians with prolonged intensive care unit length of stay have acceptable functional survival at 1 year but have high rates of early rehospitalization. Access to health services may influence functional survival and early rehospitalizations. These data suggest that close follow-up of these vulnerable patients after hospital discharge is warranted.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, Pulmonary Embolectomy, and Right Ventricular Assist Device for Massive Pulmonary Embolism.

Consensus regarding the management of massive pulmonary embolism (PE) and persistent shock after thrombolysis is lacking. A 30-year-old man collapsed with massive PE 3 days after an exploratory laparotomy for penetrating trauma, and he remained hypoxic and hypotensive despite thrombolytic therapy. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was instituted as a bridge to surgical embolectomy, and placement of a right ventricular assist device (RVAD) was used to facilitate separation from cardiopulmonary bypass. After 48 hours, the RVAD was removed, and the patient survived to discharge. ECMO and temporary RVAD to support surgical embolectomy are lifesaving therapeutic considerations.

Early Rehospitalization After Prolonged Intensive Care Unit Stay Post Cardiac Surgery: Outcomes and Modifiable Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged intensive care unit length of stay (prICULOS) following cardiac surgery (CS) in older adults is increasingly common but rehospitalization characteristics and outcomes are understudied. We sought to describe the rehospitalization characteristics and subsequent non-institutionalized survival of prICULOS (ICULOS ≥5 days) patients and identify modifiable risk factors to decrease 30-day rehospitalization. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2011 were analyzed utilizing linked clinical and administrative databases. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with 30-day rehospitalization. Out of 9210 consecutive patients discharged from the hospital alive, 596 (6.5%) experienced prICULOS. Cumulative incidence of rehospitalization for the prICULOS cohort at 30 and 365 days was 17.5% and 45.6% versus 11.4% and 28.1% for non-prICULOS (P<0.01). Over 40% of rehospitalizations for the entire cohort occurred within 30 days of discharge costing over $12 million. The most common reasons for rehospitalization were heart failure (in prICULOS) and infection (in non-prICULOS). Rehospitalization within 30 days was associated with a 2.29-fold risk of poor 1-year noninstitutionalized survival for the entire cohort. Potentially modifiable factors affecting 30-day rehospitalization included lack of physician visits within 30 days of discharge (odds ratio 2.11; P=0.01), and preoperative anxiety diagnosis (odds ratio 2.20; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: PrICULOS patients have high rates of rehospitalization that is associated with an increased rate of poor noninstitutionalized survival. Addressing modifiable risk factors including early postdischarge access to physician services, as well as access to mental health services may improve patient outcomes.

Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support in Cardiac Critical Care: A State of the Art Review and Algorithm for Device Selection.

With more than 60 years of continuous development and improvement, a variety of temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices and implantation strategies exist, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. A thorough understanding of each available device is essential for optimizing patient outcomes in a fiscally responsible manner. In this state of the art review we examine the entire range of commonly available peripheral and centrally cannulated temporary MCS devices, including intra-aortic balloon pumps, the Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) family of microaxial pumps, the TandemHeart (CardiacAssist Inc, Pittsburg, PA) pump and percutaneous cannulas, centrally cannulated centrifugal pumps such as the CentriMag (Thoratec Corp, Pleasanton, CA/St Jude Medical, St Paul, MN/Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL) and Rotaflow (Maquet Holding BV & Co KG, Rastatt Germany), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Several factors need detailed consideration when contemplating MCS in any given patient, mandating a balanced, algorithmic approach for these sick patients. In this review we describe our approach to MCS, and emphasize the need for multidisciplinary input to consider patient-related, logistical, and institutional factors. Evidence is summarized and referenced where available, but because of the lack of high-quality evidence, current best practice is described. Future directions for investigation are discussed, which will better define patient and device selection, and optimize MCS-specific patient care protocols.

Current and Future Status of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.

Numerous series, propensity-matched trials, and meta-analyses suggest that appropriate use of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR) for in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) can be lifesaving. Even with an antecedent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) duration in excess of 45 minutes, 30-day survival with favourable neurologic outcome using E-CPR is approximately 35%-45%. Survival may be related to age, duration of CPR, or etiology. Associated complications include sepsis, renal failure, limb and neurologic complications, hemorrhage, and thrombosis. However, methodological biases-including small sample size, selection bias, publication bias, and inability to control for confounders-in these series prevent definitive conclusions. As such, the 2015 American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support guidelines update recommended E-CPR as a Level of Evidence IIb recommendation in appropriate cases. The absence of high-quality evidence presents an opportunity for clinician/scientists to generate practice-defining data through collaborative investigation and prospective trials. A multidisciplinary dialogue is required to standardize the field and promote multicentre investigation of E-CPR with data sharing and the development of a foundation for high-quality trials. The objectives of this review are to (1) provide an overview of the strengths and limitations of currently available studies investigating the use of E-CPR in patients with IHCA and highlight knowledge gaps; (2) create a framework for the standardization of terminology, clinical practice, data collection, and investigation of E-CPR for patients with IHCA that will help ensure congruence in future work in this area; and (3) propose suggestions to guide future research by the cardiovascular community to advance this important field.

Surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects 10% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery and is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality, ischaemic stroke and heart failure. Surgical AF ablation has been shown to significantly improve maintenance of sinus rhythm, however, small to medium size trials conducted to date lack the power required to assess patient-important outcomes such as mortality, stroke, heart failure and health-related quality of life. Moreover, a recent randomised trial (RCT) suggested harm by surgical AF ablation with an almost threefold increase in the requirement for permanent pacemaker postablation. We aim to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate efficacy and safety of surgical AF ablation compared to no surgical ablation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE for RCTs evaluating the use of surgical AF ablation, including any lesion set, versus no surgical AF ablation in adults with AF undergoing any type of cardiac surgery. Outcomes of interest include mortality, embolic events, quality of life, rehospitalisation, freedom from AF and adverse events, including need for pacemaker and worsening heart failure. Independently and in duplicate, reviewers will screen references, assess eligibility of potentially relevant studies using predefined eligibility criteria and collect data using prepiloted forms. We will pool data using a random effects model and present results as relative risk with 95% CIs for dichotomous outcomes and as mean difference with 95% CI for continuous outcomes. We will assess risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration tool, and quality of evidence with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Our results will help guide clinical practice by providing the most comprehensive analysis of risks and benefits associated with the procedure. Our results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42015025988.