Hybrid total arterial minimally invasive off-pump coronary revascularization and percutaneous coronary intervention strategy for multivessel coronary artery disease: a cohort study with a median 11-year follow-up.

Background: Hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) is a treatment approach that combines the benefits of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) techniques such as minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) or minimally invasive multivessel CABG (MICS-CABG) with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for carefully selected patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (MV CAD). The extant body of research primarily concentrates on the comparison of outcomes between HCR and CABG or PCI. Furthermore, HCR is defined primarily as MIDCAB and PCI. Given the various criteria for HCR identified in the current body of literature, as well as several hybrid revascularization techniques, our primary goal was to analyse the characteristics and track the development of HCR patients operated on in our centre (Robert Bosch Hospital) over both short and long periods of time. Additionally, we sought to validate the practical challenges that arise during the implementation of an HCR methodology. Methods: This cohort study included 138 patients with MV CAD who had an HCR approach in conjunction with isolated total arterial off-pump MICS-CABG or MIDCAB between 2007 and 2018 at Robert Bosch Hospital in Stuttgart. Data on major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE), defined as all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization and stroke were gathered through a questionnaire. Long-term follow-up, with a mean duration of 8.7±0.3 years and a median duration of 11 years, was available for a significant majority of the patients (92.8%, n=128). Results: The average age was 69.6±11.2 years, with 79% being male. The mean European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score I additive (EuroSCORE I) additive was 7.6±10.2 and the mean SYNergy between PCI with TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) Score I was 22.9±9.4. A total of 97 MIDCAB surgeries and 41 MICS-CABG procedures were performed without any instances of conversion to sternotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). A total of 70 patients, or 50.7% of the sample, received the planned PCI treatment. This percentage was substantially lower in the subgroup with chronic CAD, with just 27, equivalent to 39.1%. The observed 30-day death rate was 2.1% (3/138). During follow-up, 3 myocardial infarctions, 18 PCI repeats, no CABG, and 4 strokes occurred. From 128 followed-up patients, 28 died (21.9%), 7 of which were heart deaths (5.5%). Total MACCE was 36.7%. The survival rates at 3 and 5 years were 92% and 85% respectively. Patients who didn't get the planned PCI had a mean survival rate of 6.8-9.1 years, while those with completed hybrid treatment had a higher mean survival rate of 8.4-10.2 years. Conclusions: In selected individuals with MVCAD, current evidence suggests that HCR is a safe and effective coronary artery revascularization approach. After coronary bypass surgery, the attention going forward needs to be devoted toward the organization of the PCI step in the treatment process.

Minimally invasive strategies of surgical coronary artery revascularization for the aging population.

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of elderly or frail patients with severe coronary disease, who are not suitable for interventional coronary revascularization, necessitates the exploration of alternative treatment options. A less invasive approach, such as minimally-invasive off-pump coronary-artery-bypass (MICS-CABG) grafting through mini-thoracotomy, which avoids both extracorporeal circulation and sternotomy, may be more appropriate for this patient population. This study, a retrospective, monocentric analysis, aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of these patients. METHODS: The study included 172 patients aged 80 years or older, who underwent MICS-CABG between 2007 and 2018. The patients underwent single, double, or triple-vessel revascularization using the left internal thoracic artery, and in some cases, the radial artery or saphenous vein. Follow-up, mean duration of 50.4±30.8 months, was available for 163 patients (94.7%). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 83.2±3.0 years, 77.3% of them were male. The EuroSCORE I additive was 11.0±12.1. There were no conversions to sternotomy or cardiopulmonary-bypass. The postoperative 30-day mortality rate was 2.9%, with 5 deaths. The in-hospital rate of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events was 4.7% (perioperative myocardial infarction 1.2%, perioperative stroke 2.3%, repeat revascularization 1.2%). Acute renal kidney injury, (stage 3 KDOQI or more), occurred in 5 patients (2.9%) and new-onset atrial fibrillation in 6 patients (3.5%). The 1-, 3-, 5- and 8-year actuarial survival rate of the 30-day survivors was 97%, 82%, 73%, and 42%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MICS-CABG grafting is associated with excellent early and long-term outcomes in eligible octogenarians.

A propensity matched comparison of robotic vs. traditional minimal access approach for mitral valve repair with concomitant cryoablation.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs frequently in patients with mitral valve disease. Results of cryoablation concomitant with either minimally invasive video-assisted [minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS)] or with robotic-assisted (RMV) mitral valve surgery have previously been separately reported. However, there are up-to-date no studies comparing the two procedures in terms of safety, efficacy, and mid-term follow-up. Methods: Between January 2017 and March 2022, 294 patients underwent MIMVS, and 187 patients underwent RMV at our institution. After 1:1 propensity score matching using 22 preoperative variables, the study included 104 patients. Group 1 (MIMVS) included 52 patients operated on between 2017-2022 using a minimally invasive video-assisted right-sided mini-thoracotomy. Group 2 (RMV) included 52 patients operated on between 2019-2021 using a robotic-assisted approach. Early and mid-term outcomes were assessed, including maintenance of sinus rhythm. Follow-up was 100% complete at a median follow-up of 2 years. Results: For the entire propensity matched cohort, the median EuroSCORE II was 3.14 [interquartile range (IQR), 1.93-4.99], the median age was 68 (IQR, 61-74) years, and two thirds of the patients were male. Most (72.1%) underwent mitral valve surgery, and 26.9% had an additional tricuspid procedure. Only four patients underwent mitral valve replacement (3.8%). The majority (87.5%) received a left-sided atrial Maze and 12.5% a bi-atrial Maze. The left atrial appendage was occluded in 72.1% cases. Overall, there were no significant differences between the two propensity matched groups in baseline demographics or intra-operative characteristics. Similarly, there were no significant differences in the post-operative short and mid-term outcomes between the two groups. There were no in-hospital or 30-day deaths. At the mid-term survival was similar between groups, log-rank test P=0.056. Maintenance of sinus rhythm at follow-up was 76%. Conclusions: Mitral or double valve repair with concomitant cryoablation can be safely performed with either a MIMVS or RMV approach. Both methods demonstrated outstanding early and mid-term outcomes.

Transcatheter mitral valve implantation versus conventional redo surgery for degenerated mitral valve prostheses and rings in a multicenter registry.

OBJECTIVES: Degeneration of mitral prostheses/rings may be treated by redo surgery, and, recently, by transcatheter valve-in-valve/ring implantation. This multicenter registry presents results of transcatheter valve-in-valve and repeat surgery for prostheses/rings degeneration. METHODS: Data provided by 10 German heart centers underwent propensity score-matched retrospective analysis. The primary endpoint was 30-day/midterm mortality. Perioperative outcome was assessed according to the Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria. Further, the influence of moderate or greater tricuspid regurgitation (TR) on 30-day/midterm mortality was analyzed. RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2019, 273 patients (79 transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve [TM-ViV] and 194 redo mitral valve replacement [Re-MVR]) underwent repeat procedure for mitral prosthesis/ring degeneration. Propensity score matching distinguished 79 patient pairs. European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II-predicted risk was 15.7 ± 13.7% in the TM-ViV group and 15.0% ± 12.7% in the Re-MVR group (P = .5336). TM-ViV patients were older (74.73 vs 72.2 years; P = .0030) and had higher incidence of atrial fibrillation (54 vs 40 patients; P = .0233). Severe TR incidence was similar (17.95% in TM-ViV vs 14.10%; P = .1741). Sixty-eight TM-ViV patients previously underwent mitral valve replacement, whereas 41 Re-MVR patients underwent valve repair (P < .0001). Stenosis was the leading degeneration mechanism in 42 TM-ViV versus 22 Re-MVR patients (P < .0005). The 30-day/midterm mortality did not differ between groups. Moderate or greater TR was a predictor of total (odds ratio [OR], 4.36; P = .0011), 30-day (OR, 3.76; P = .0180), and midterm mortality (OR, 4.30; P = .0378), irrespective of group. CONCLUSIONS: In both groups, observed mortality was less than predicted. Redo surgery enabled treatment of concomitant conditions, such as atrial fibrillation or TR. TR was shown to be a predictor of total, 30-day, and midterm mortality in both groups.

Implantation of leadless pacing systems in patients early after tricuspid valve surgery: A feasible option.

BACKGROUND: After tricuspid valve (TV) surgery due to tricuspid regurgitation (TR), patients needing a permanent pacemaker often receive an epicardial lead implantation. This may result in delayed recovery from open-chest surgery and increased postoperative risk. Leadless pacemaker (LPM) implantation may represent a valuable option. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 14 consecutive patients underwent LPM implantation (Micra Transcatheter Pacing System, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) early after TV surgery. The pacing indication in those patients was atrial fibrillation with a slow atrio-ventricular (AV) conduction or atrial fibrillation and a concomitant AV block III. Three patients already had a pacemaker prior to surgery, which was explanted during TV repair. Three patients received a valve replacement with a bioprosthesis, while the remaining eight patients received a TV repair. All procedural data and device measurements during and after LPM implantation were recorded. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed prior and post LPM implantation, showing no changes in TV or bioprosthesis performance. The device measurements were within an adequate range: threshold: 0.83 ± 0.34 V @ 0.24 ± 0 ms, impedance: 480 ± 58.88 ohm, and R-wave: 10.10 ± 3.60 mV. LPM implantation was successful in all patients with a mean procedural time of 32 ± 11.8 minutes, fluoroscopy time of 3.71 ± 3.15 minutes, and dose-area product of 536.67 ± 811.26 cGy/m2 . CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of an LPM early after TV surgery is a feasible option. LPM implantation does not affect TV or bioprosthesis performance in transthoracic echocardiography.

Cardiogenic Shock Due to Leaflet Migration of On-X Aortic Mechanical Prosthesis.

Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition requiring fast and efficient diagnostic and therapeutic measures. In this case, the history of several cardiac surgeries hindered finding the correct diagnosis initially. After an ultima ratio cardiac redo operation the underlying cause was found intraoperatively: a defective mechanical valve prosthesis with migration of one of the two leaflets. Strikingly, this happened with a contemporary On-X prosthesis only 4 years after implantation. Timely echocardiography is of utmost importance in patients with prosthetic heart valves presenting in heart failure.

Off-pump versus on-pump redo coronary artery bypass grafting: A propensity score analysis of long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: Redo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with an increased early mortality reported up to 16%. The aim of this study was to analyze the early and long-term results after redo CABG with special focus on the feasibility and safety of the off-pump technique in the setting of a high-volume off-pump CABG center. METHODS: From January 2006 to June 2015, isolated redo CABG was performed in 304 patients (179 = on-pump redo CABG, 125 = off-pump redo CABG). We used propensity score matching with 14 preoperative variables to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics between the on-pump redo CABG and the off-pump redo CABG groups. After 1:1 matching we selected 108 pairs for each group. Mean follow-up rate was 4.01 years. RESULTS: The final sample was 83.9% men (n = 225) with a mean age of 69.77 ± 8 years. After propensity score matching there was a significant difference in the total number of grafts performed in favor of on-pump redo CABG (P = .011), whereas 66.7% (72 out of 108) of off-pump redo CABG patients received total arterial grafts. Off-pump redo CABG patients had a lower rate of postoperative renal failure necessitating dialysis (4.6% vs 0%; P = .06), required less recovery time in the intensive care unit (1.33 ± 1.03 days vs 4.4 ± 7.98 days; P < .001) and were discharged more quickly (10.08 ± 5.35 days vs 14.1 ± 10.6 days; P = .001). Off-pump redo CABG led to better long-term survival (log-rank test, P = .086). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, patients undergoing off-pump redo CABG had fewer postoperative complications, achieved faster recovery, and had better long-term survival. Hence, off-pump redo CABG is safe and feasible.

Total arterial myocardial revascularization using bilateral internal mammary arteries and the role of postoperative sternal stabilization to reduce wound infections in a large cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Total arterial myocardial revascularization using bilateral internal mammary arteries shows improved results for mortality, long-term survival and superior graft patency. It has become the standard technique according to recent guidelines. However, these patients may have an increased risk of developing sternal wound infections, especially obese patients or those with diabetes. One reason for the wound complications may be early sternum instability. This situation could be avoided by using a thorax support vest (e.g. Posthorax® vest). This retrospective study compared the wound complications after bilateral internal mammary artery grafting including the use of a Posthorax vest. METHODS: Between April 2015 and May 2017, 1613 patients received total arterial myocardial revascularization using bilateral internal mammary artery via a median sternotomy. The Posthorax support vest was used from the second postoperative day. We compared those patients with 1667 patients operated on via the same access in the preceding 26 months. The end points were the incidence of wound infections, when the wound infection occurred and how many wound revisions were needed until wound closure. RESULTS: The demographic data of both groups were similar. A significant advantage for the use of a thorax support vest could be seen regarding the incidence of wound infections (P = 0.036) and the length of hospital stay when a wound complication did occur (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: As seen in this retrospective study, the early perioperative use of a thorax stabilization vest, such as the Posthorax vest, can reduce the incidence of sternal wound complications significantly. Furthermore, when a wound infection occurred, and the patient returned to the hospital for wound revision, patients who were given the Posthorax vest postoperatively had a significantly shorter length of stay until wound closure.

Combined David and Frozen Elephant Trunk Procedure in Acute Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Valve sparing aortic root repair by reimplantation (David procedure) is an established technique in acute aortic dissection Stanford type A involving the aortic root. In DeBakey type I dissection, aortic arch replacement using the frozen elephant trunk (FET) was introduced to promote aortic remodeling of the downstream aorta. The combination of these two complex procedures represents a challenging surgical strategy and was considered too risky so far. METHODS: All patients with acute aortic dissection DeBakey type I undergoing valve sparing aortic root repair by reimplantation technique of David combined with extended aortic repair using the FET at our center between October 2009 and December 2016 were evaluated. Outcomes are compared with patients who underwent prosthetic aortic root replacement and FET for aortic dissection in the same timeframe. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients received combined David and FET procedure, while 20 patients received prosthetic aortic root replacement and FET procedure. Thirty-day mortality was 10.7% (n = 3) for the David group and 20% (n = 4) for the root replacement group (p = 0.43). Postoperative echocardiographic control revealed an excellent aortic valve function with regurgitation grade 0° or maximum grade I° and a mean gradient of 4.3 ± 2.1 mm Hg in all patients in the David group versus 7.2 ± 2.4 mm Hg in the aortic root replacement group, p = 0.003. Computed tomography angiography scan showed positive aortic remodeling in all but three patients (91.9%). Mid-term follow-up survival was 82.1% in the David group and 68.4% in the root replacement group, p = 0.28. There was no need for reintervention at the root or descending aorta. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous application of the David and FET procedure in patients with acute aortic dissection is safe and feasible in experienced hands as compared with standard aortic root replacement plus FET. The mid-term outcomes are encouraging and noninferior to conventional surgery results.

One-stage hybrid aortic repair using the frozen elephant trunk in acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: The extent of emergent surgery for acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection is discussed controversial. The frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique in addition to ascending and arch repair promotes aortic remodelling in the descending aorta and thus may provide superior long-term results in terms of less secondary re-interventions and reduced mortality linked to the downstream aorta. METHODS: Between October 2009 and December 2016, a total of 72 patients underwent emergent hybrid aortic repair using the FET for acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection at our centre. Data were analysed from our prospectively collected database and clinical and imaging mid-term follow-up was obtained. RESULTS: Implant success was 98.6% with an overall 30-day-mortality of 15.3%. New postoperative stroke was seen in 2.8%, new spinal cord injury in 4.2%. In follow-up (mean 37.8±21.2 months) cumulative survival was 75.0% with freedom from distal reintervention in 96.7% and aortic remodelling rate in the descending aorta in 96.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid aortic repair using the FET in acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection does not elevate the perioperative risk of mortality and provides excellent aortic remodelling with low distal re-intervention rate in mid-term follow-up.

Minimally Invasive Access Aortic Arch Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Median sternotomy is still the standard approach for aortic arch surgery. Minimally invasive techniques promise faster recovery with shorter hospital stay due to thoracic stability, reduced pain, and superior cosmetic results. However, safety is a concern in complex aortic surgery. The aim of our study was to demonstrate that aortic arch surgery via partial upper sternotomy is viable, safe, and equivalent to standard procedure both in terms of its safety and the risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events. METHODS: We interrogated our prospectively collected database and identified a total of 21 nonemergent patients operated on at our center between October 2008 and February 2015. Indication for operation was aneurysmatic disease in 18 and aortic dissection in 3 patients. Data were analyzed for in-hospital mortality, stroke, bleeding complications, and acute kidney injury. RESULTS: Mean ± standard deviation age of patients was 69.3 ± 14.4 years, 57.1% were female, and mean ± standard deviation logistic EuroSCORE was 17.0 ± 7.2%. Surgery on the aortic arch comprised proximal arch in 9, hemiarch in 9, and total arch replacement plus frozen elephant trunk in 3 patients. Concomitant procedures included aortic root repair in 10, aortic root replacement in 2, and aortic valve replacement in 3 patients. We lost one patient because of septic shock, no stroke occurred, but a transient neurologic deficit in three and a postoperative delirium in four patients. Re-exploration for bleeding was necessary in two patients, and one patient had acute kidney injury. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive aortic arch surgery via partial upper sternotomy does not increase the risk of morbidity or mortality. Thus, in experienced hands, it is viable, safe, and therefore favorable and as a result should be offered to more patients.

Feasibility and clinical outcome after minimally invasive valve-sparing aortic root replacement.

Objectives: This study aims to examine the feasibility and clinical course after minimally invasive David procedure compared with those via a conventional median sternotomy. Methods: One hundred and ninety-two consecutive patients who underwent elective valve-sparing aortic root replacement (David procedure) with or without additional cusp repair for aortic regurgitation ( n = 17, 8.9%), dilatation of the aortic root ( n = 95, 49.5%) or a combination of both pathologies ( n = 80, 41.7%) were included. Patients with systemic disorders, such as Marfan's syndrome, and emergency cases were excluded. Assessment of quality of life was performed by modified Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. To minimize baseline differences, a matched pair analysis was conducted. Results: One hundred and seventeen patients (60.9%) received a minimally invasive hemisternotomy (Group 1), 75 patients a conventional median sternotomy (39.1%, Group 2). Patients of Group 1 were significantly younger (56.5 ± 13.6 vs 64.8 ± 11.6, P < 0.001). Understandably, concomitant cardiac procedures were more frequent in Group 2 ( n = 7 [6.0%] vs n = 48 [64.0%], P < 0.001). In hospital, mortality was 0.9% in Group 1 (1/117) and 2.7% in Group 2 (2/75; P = 0.562). Blood loss was significantly less in Group 1 (542.6 ± 441.8 vs 996.7 ± 822.6 ml, P < 0.001). Duration of mechanical ventilation (10.2 ± 21.8 vs 26.9 ± 109.0 h, P < 0.001) and ICU-stay (1.9 ± 3.6 vs 3.2 ± 5.6 days, P < 0.001) were significantly shorter in the minimally invasive group, but this differences did not remain after matching. According to SF-36 questionnaire, patients in the minimally invasive group tend to have a higher quality of life. Conclusions: Minimally invasive valve-sparing aortic root replacement can be done safely via an upper partial sternotomy in experienced hands even if additional cusp repair is required.

Minimally Invasive Extracorporeal Bypass in Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Operations: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MECC) is predominantly used in coronary operations. Data supporting the benefits of MECC in minimally invasive valve operations are still absent. METHODS: Patients undergoing either isolated minimally invasive mitral or aortic valve procedures were prospectively randomized to a minimally invasive group (MECC; n = 101) or a conventional extracorporeal circulation group (CECC; n = 99). The procedural and postoperative outcomes were compared, including the levels of inflammation factors (procalcitonin, interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, and IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], and interferon-gamma [IFN-γ]). RESULTS: The demographics were comparable between the groups regarding age (MECC versus CECC, 70.5 ± 10.2 years versus 73.1 ± 8.9 years; P = 0.086), left ventricular function (59.2% ± 13.4% versus 62.1% ± 14.0%; p = 0.302), EuroSCORE (7.4% ± 7.9% versus 6.8% ± 4.0%; p = 0.256), and other comorbidities. Hospital mortality (n = 1 versus n = 3; p = 0.339) and other complications were similar. However, hemoglobin level (111.9 ± 19.0 g/L versus 103.8 ± 14.6 g/L; p = 0.001), the number of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) (1.1 ± 1.9 versus 1.7 ± 1.8; p = 0.003), the levels of ILs (IL-6, 194.0 ± 131.8 pg/mL versus 289.2 ± 62.5 pg/mL; p = 0.020; IL-8, 38.1 ± 27.3 pg/mL versus 45.8 ± 43.4 pg/mL; p = 0.012; IL-10, 29.0 ± 123.9 pg/mL versus 49.9 ± 85.6 pg/mL; p = 0.012), TNF-α (3.8 ± 6.7 ng/mL versus 10.8 ± 47.7 ng/mL; p = 0.049), and IFN-γ (1.9 ± 1.9 pg/mL versus 4.5 ± 2.7 pg/mL; p = 0.027) were in favor of patients in the MECC group. Additionally, those patients had shorter postoperative ventilation time (7.7 ± 8.4 hours versus 9.3 ± 12.9 hours; p = 0.010) and intensive care unit (ICU) stay (1.2 ± 1.2 days versus 2.2 ± 3.8 days; p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: The intraprocedural data were excellent and comparable in the groups, but postoperative outcomes were better in the MECC group. Thus MECC is preferable to CECC even for minimally invasive valve procedures. These findings strongly support a combined strategy of minimally invasive valve operations and minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation.

Complex Cusp Repair in Patients Undergoing the David Procedure: Is It Worth It?

BACKGROUND: Valve-sparing aortic root replacement has already proven its excellent long-term results, with low valve-related complications comparable with conventional aortic valve replacement. The aim of this study was to investigate whether additional expanded cusp repair is an alternative with comparable results. METHODS: Data of 192 elective patients undergoing valve-sparing aortic root replacement were prospectively recorded: 58 patients (30.2%) received an isolated aortic root replacement (group I, isolated David), and 134 patients (69.8%) received additional cusp repair (group II, complex David), such as plication of the free margin (n = 77), decalcification (n = 45), or pericardial patch (n = 39). Cumulative follow-up was 480 patient-years, with a mean of 2.5 ± 1.5 years. RESULTS: Mean age was 60 years, and 76.6% were men. In hospital mortality was 3.4% in group I and 0.0% in group II. Freedom from cardiac death at 5 years (by Kaplan-Meier estimation) was 83% vs 98% (p = 0.058). Freedom from moderate or severe aortic insufficiency at 5 years was 100% in group I vs 93% (95% confidence interval, 86% to 97%) in group II (p = 0.110). Seven patients required reoperation for aortic insufficiency or stenosis: repeat repair (n = 3), Ross procedure (n = 2), and biologicical aortic valve replacement (n = 2). Freedom from reoperation at 5 years was 96% (95% confidence interval, 76% to 99%) in group I vs 89% (95% confidence interval, 71% to 96%) in group II (p = 0.305). CONCLUSIONS: Overall survival and freedom from reoperation after valve-sparing aortic root replacement, even with additional complex cusp repair, provides excellent midterm results. Low risk of valve-related complications and absence of anticoagulation therapy are distinctive advantages of this complex procedure.

Results and Quality of Life after Minimally Invasive Ross Procedure.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Based on superior long-term results, an increasing interest in the Ross procedure for young adult patients can be observed. After the first publication of this challenging procedure through a minimally invasive access, this operation has become an alternative to conventional sternotomy at the authors' department. This analysis compares the results and quality of life of the conventional and the minimally invasive Ross procedures. METHODS: By April 2013, a total of 136 patients had undergone the Ross procedure at the authors' institution. Preoperative parameters did not differ between the conventional group (C-group; n = 58; mean age 49 years) and the minimally invasive group (M-group; n = 78; mean age 50 years). Only the aortic cross-clamp time was longer for the M-group (151 versus 140 min). RESULTS: One C-group patient died on the day of operation. Consecutively, survival was 99% for the follow up period of 1,093 ± 601 days. Valve-related reoperations were necessary for four patients. One C-group patient developed a distal pulmonary stenosis due to fibrotic scar tissue. Two M-group patients showed fistulas after early endocarditis, but the native valves could be preserved in these cases. One C-group patient with recurrent severe aortic regurgitation showed holes in two of three cusps. The SF-36 questionnaire detected better physical parameters (physical function, physical role function) for patients after minimally invasive access. CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive Ross procedure allows the same excellent clinical outcome as the conventional technique. However, the physical quality of life is better with the minimally invasive procedure, in addition to an improved cosmetic result.

Clinical outcome and quality of life after reoperative CABG: off-pump versus on-pump - observational pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In high-risk patients, doomed for reoperation the adverse effects of CBP may be more striking. We evaluated the results of reoperative CABG (redo-CABG) by either off-pump (OPCAB) or on-pump (ONCAB). Clinical endpoints were perioperative myocardial infarction, mortality, survival and as the most striking difference between prior studies the quality of life (QoL). METHODS: We performed a prospective, non-randomized assessment for patients who underwent redo-CABG by redo-OPCAB (n=40) or redo-ONCAB (n=40) at our institution between January 2007 and December 2010. For evaluation of QoL the SF-36 health survey was used with self-administered assessment. RESULTS: During follow-up 37 of 40 patients were alive in the redo-OPCAB group versus 32 of 40 patients in the redo-ONCAB group (p<0.05). The shorter operation time, less blood loss, fewer perioperative myocardial infarctions, the higher rate of totally arterial revascularisation and shorter intensive care stay were the significantly beneficial differences for patients in the redo-OPCAB group (p<0.05). The 3-year survival rate was higher in the redo-OPCAB group with 81 ± 12% versus 63 ± 9%in the redo-ONCAB group. The quality of life survey did not reveal any significant differences between both groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, with our present retrospective study, we could demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the redo-OPCAB technique with even higher 3-year survival rate. Both techniques seem to have similar impact on the outcome of patients.

Quality of life after aortic root surgery: reimplantation technique versus composite replacement.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies indicate the safety of the aortic valve reimplantation technique (David operation) in the long-term follow-up. The aim of this study was to compare the results of the David operation with those of the aortic composite replacement procedure, with the focus on quality of life (QoL). METHODS: Within a 6-year period, 143 patients received either an aortic composite replacement (composite group, n = 67) or the David-I operation (David group, n = 76). The QoL of 108 patients (87% of the living patients) was evaluated postoperatively by the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. A subgroup analysis of QoL excluded patients with aortic stenosis and type A acute aortic dissection. RESULTS: Hospital survival rates (89.6% versus 97.4%, p = 0.102), as well as actuarial 1-year survival rate (86.6% versus 91.9%) and 3-year survival rate (81.1% versus 91.9%) proved more successful among the David group. Incidences of serious adverse events during the follow-up period (10.8% versus 28.3%, p = 0.008) were higher for patients of the composite group. The QoL was found to be compromised for patients of the composite group, in relation to all criteria outlined in the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. Subgroup analysis without patients with dissection and aortic stenosis demonstrated a significantly better postoperative QoL for patients of the David group. Patients belonging to the composite group were more frequently compromised by prosthetic valve noise (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the superiority of the aortic valve reimplantation compared with the aortic composite replacement, regarding both clinical outcome and postoperative QoL.

Exogenous surfactant in ischemia/reperfusion: effects on endogenous surfactant pools.

BACKGROUND: Pre-ischemic surfactant treatment attenuates ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. In this study we investigate whether exogenous surfactant acts by influencing endogenous intra-alveolar and intracellular surfactant pools and subtype composition. METHODS: Rat lungs from control with (C + S) or without (C - S) surfactant treatment and I/R with (I/R + S) or without (I/R - S) surfactant treatment were analyzed. In I/R groups, lungs underwent ischemic storage for 4 hours at 4 degrees C and reperfusion for 60 minutes. The ultrastructure of intra-alveolar and intracellular surfactant forms fixed in their natural localization and microorganization was investigated by light- and electron-microscopic stereology. RESULTS: Only slight differences in alveolar epithelial Type II cell number or volume and lamellar body parameters were observed. Intra-alveolar surfactant volume was significantly enhanced in C + S and I/R + S. I/R increased inactivated surfactant forms (unilamellar vesicles) in untreated [mean (SD): C - S: 26.0% (8.0%) vs I/R - S: 64.8% (5.5%); p < 0.01], but not in surfactant-treated rats [I/R + S: 23.5% (11.5%); p < 0.01 vs I/R - S]. The increase in unilamellar vesicles was closely correlated with intra-alveolar edema and decreased perfusate oxygenation. CONCLUSIONS: Attenuation of I/R injury by pre-ischemic exogenous surfactant treatment is mainly based on stabilizing and increasing the active endogenous intra-alveolar surfactant pool.

Exogenous surfactant application in a rat lung ischemia reperfusion injury model: effects on edema formation and alveolar type II cells.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic exogenous surfactant therapy is a promising way to attenuate the ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury associated with lung transplantation and thereby to decrease the clinical occurrence of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, there is little information on the mode by which exogenous surfactant attenuates I/R injury of the lung. We hypothesized that exogenous surfactant may act by limiting pulmonary edema formation and by enhancing alveolar type II cell and lamellar body preservation. Therefore, we investigated the effect of exogenous surfactant therapy on the formation of pulmonary edema in different lung compartments and on the ultrastructure of the surfactant producing alveolar epithelial type II cells. METHODS: Rats were randomly assigned to a control, Celsior (CE) or Celsior + surfactant (CE+S) group (n = 5 each). In both Celsior groups, the lungs were flush-perfused with Celsior and subsequently exposed to 4 h of extracorporeal ischemia at 4 degrees C and 50 min of reperfusion at 37 degrees C. The CE+S group received an intratracheal bolus of a modified natural bovine surfactant at a dosage of 50 mg/kg body weight before flush perfusion. After reperfusion (Celsior groups) or immediately after sacrifice (Control), the lungs were fixed by vascular perfusion and processed for light and electron microscopy. Stereology was used to quantify edematous changes as well as alterations of the alveolar epithelial type II cells. RESULTS: Surfactant treatment decreased the intraalveolar edema formation (mean (coefficient of variation): CE: 160 mm3 (0.61) vs. CE+S: 4 mm3 (0.75); p < 0.05) and the development of atelectases (CE: 342 mm3 (0.90) vs. CE+S: 0 mm3; p < 0.05) but led to a higher degree of peribronchovascular edema (CE: 89 mm3 (0.39) vs. CE+S: 268 mm3 (0.43); p < 0.05). Alveolar type II cells were similarly swollen in CE (423 microm3(0.10)) and CE+S (481 microm3(0.10)) compared with controls (323 microm3(0.07); p < 0.05 vs. CE and CE+S). The number of lamellar bodies was increased and the mean lamellar body volume was decreased in both CE groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intratracheal surfactant application before I/R significantly reduces the intraalveolar edema formation and development of atelectases but leads to an increased development of peribronchovascular edema. Morphological changes of alveolar type II cells due to I/R are not affected by surfactant treatment. The beneficial effects of exogenous surfactant therapy are related to the intraalveolar activity of the exogenous surfactant.

Bilateral lung transplantation from a donor with fume poisoning.

Organ transplantation is limited by a worldwide organ scarcity. Heart and lung transplantation are particularly affected by this limitation. Consequently, there is increasing interest in transplantation of organs from marginal donors. We report a patient who underwent successful bilateral lung transplantation from a donor with fume poisoning and subsequent resuscitation.