Prediction of surgical risk in patients with endocarditis: Comparison of logistic EuroSCORE, EuroSCORE II and APORTEI score / Predicción de riesgo de mortalidad quirúrgica en pacientes con endocarditis infecciosa: comparación entre EuroSCORE logístico, EuroSCORE II y APORTEI score

Objectives: APORTEI score is a new risk prediction model for patients with infective endocarditis. It has been recently validated on a Spanish multicentric national cohort of patients. The aim of the present study is to compare APORTEI performances with logistic EuroSCORE and EuroSCORE II by testing calibration and discrimination on a local sample population underwent cardiac surgery because of endocarditis. Methods: We tested three prediction scores on 111 patients underwent surgery from 2014 to 2020 at our Institution because of infective endocarditis. Area under the curves and Hosmer–Lemeshow test were used to analyze discrimination and calibration respectively of logistic EuroSCORE, EuroSCORE II and APORTEI score. Results: The overall observed one-month mortality rate was 21.6%. The observed-to-expected ratio was 1.27 for logistic EuroSCORE, 3.27 for EuroSCORE II and 0.94 for APORTEI. The area under the curve (AUC) value of APORTEI (0.88±0.05) was significantly higher than that one of logistic EuroSCORE (AUC 0.77±0.05; p 0.0001) and of EuroSCORE II (AUC 0.74±0.05; p 0.0005). Hosmer–Lemeshow test showed better calibration performance of the APORTEI, (logistic EuroSCORE: p 0.19; EuroSCORE II: p 0.11; APORTEI: p 0.56). Conclusion: APORTEI risk score shows significantly higher performances in term of discrimination and calibration compared with both logistic EuroSCORE and EuroSCORE II.(AU)

Objetivos: El APORTEI score es un nuevo sistema de predicción de riesgo para pacientes con endocarditis infecciosa. El mismo ha sido recientemente validado en una cohorte de pacientes procedentes de un estudio nacional multicéntrico español. El objetivo del presente estudio es comparar la discriminación y la calibración del APORTEI score con las del EuroSCORE logístico y del EuroSCORE II analizando una población sometida a cirugía cardiaca por endocarditis infecciosa. Métodos: Analizamos las propiedades de 3 sistemas de predicción de riesgo sobre una población de 111 pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiaca desde 2014 hasta 2020 en un único hospital terciario por endocarditis infecciosa. El área bajo las curvas y la prueba de Hosmer-Lemeshow se usaron para analizar la discriminación y la calibración, respectivamente, del EuroSCORE logístico, del EuroSCORE II y del APORTEI score. Resultados: La mortalidad global observada a un mes fue del 21,6%. La relación mortalidad observada/mortalidad esperada fue de 1,27 para el EuroSCORE logístico, 3,27 para el EuroSCORE II y 0,94 para el APORTEI score. El valor del área bajo la curva (AUC) del APORTEI score (0,88±0,05) fue significativamente mayor que los del EuroSCORE logístico (AUC 0,77±0,05; p 0,0001) y del EuroSCORE II (AUC 0,74±0,05; p 0,0005). La prueba de Hosmer-Lemeshow mostró un mejor rendimiento en cuanto a calibración del APORTEI score, (EuroSCORE logístico: p 0,19; EuroSCORE II: p 0,11; APORTEI score: p 0,56). Conclusión: El sistema de predicción de riesgo APORTEI score muestra un rendimiento significativamente mejor en cuanto a discriminación y calibración en comparación con el EuroSCORE logístico y con el EuroSCORE II.(AU)

Major cardiovascular events at 5 years in surgical versus percutaneous revascularization for left main stem disease: an updated meta-analysis.

The aim of the present study was to analyse the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients undergoing either coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents for left main stem disease. Five manuscripts publishing 5-year results of 4 trials (SYNTAX, PRECOMBAT, NOBLE and EXCEL) were included. Overall meta-analysis with inclusion of the 5-year results from the EXCEL trial using the protocol definition for myocardial infarction showed that CABG is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (risk ratio = 0.74; 95% confidence interval = 0.68-0.80). When the universal definition was used to define myocardial infarction in the EXCEL trial, the analysis demonstrated a larger benefit of coronary surgery in terms of reduction in the risk of MACE (risk ratio = 0.70; 95% confidence interval = 0.63-0.76). Non-significant differences were detected in terms of risk of overall mortality, cardiac mortality or stroke. In conclusion, this meta-analysis shows that CABG significantly reduces the risk of MACE in patients with left main stem disease. The inclusion of the 5-year results of the EXCEL trial using third universal definition amplifies the benefit of CABG over percutaneous coronary intervention.

Prediction of surgical risk in patients with endocarditis: Comparison of logistic EuroSCORE, EuroSCORE II and APORTEI score.

OBJECTIVES: APORTEI score is a new risk prediction model for patients with infective endocarditis. It has been recently validated on a Spanish multicentric national cohort of patients. The aim of the present study is to compare APORTEI performances with logistic EuroSCORE and EuroSCORE II by testing calibration and discrimination on a local sample population underwent cardiac surgery because of endocarditis. METHODS: We tested three prediction scores on 111 patients underwent surgery from 2014 to 2020 at our Institution because of infective endocarditis. Area under the curves and Hosmer-Lemeshow test were used to analyze discrimination and calibration respectively of logistic EuroSCORE, EuroSCORE II and APORTEI score. RESULTS: The overall observed one-month mortality rate was 21.6%. The observed-to-expected ratio was 1.27 for logistic EuroSCORE, 3.27 for EuroSCORE II and 0.94 for APORTEI. The area under the curve (AUC) value of APORTEI (0.88±0.05) was significantly higher than that one of logistic EuroSCORE (AUC 0.77±0.05; p 0.0001) and of EuroSCORE II (AUC 0.74±0.05; p 0.0005). Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed better calibration performance of the APORTEI, (logistic EuroSCORE: p 0.19; EuroSCORE II: p 0.11; APORTEI: p 0.56). CONCLUSION: APORTEI risk score shows significantly higher performances in term of discrimination and calibration compared with both logistic EuroSCORE and EuroSCORE II.

Valoración del documento: "Recomendaciones generales relacionadas con las decisiones éticas difíciles y la adecuación de la intensidad asistencial/ingreso en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos en situaciones excepcionales de crisis" por parte del Consejo Asesor Regional de Ética Asistencial –Dr. D. Juan Gómez Rubí– (carea) / Evaluation of the document: "General recommendations related to difficult ethical decisions and the adequacy of the health care/admission in the Intensive Care Units in exceptional crisis situations" by the Regional Advisory Council of Health Care Ethics. –D. Juan Gómez Rubí- (carea)

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Impact of the time interval between diagnosis and symptoms on survival of surgical patients with left-sided infective endocarditis: A propensity score analysis / Impacto del intervalo de tiempo entre el diagnóstico y los síntomas en la supervivencia a medio plazo de pacientes quirúrgicos con endocarditis infecciosa del lado izquierdo: un análisis con propensity score

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore the impact of the time interval between symptoms and diagnosis on post-operative infective endocarditis (IE) survival. METHODS: From 2014 to 2019, data from 93 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery due to left-sided±right-sided IE were prospectively recorded in our specific electronic database. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to time interval between first clinical symptoms and definitive endocarditis diagnosis: patients with early diagnosis (≤8 days) and patients with late diagnosis (>8 days). Follow-up was 100% complete, and follow-up mean time was 471 days. RESULTS: Among the 93 patients undergoing cardiac surgery due to definite left-sided IE, 48 (51.6%) had early-diagnosed IE whereas 45 (48.4%) presented with a late-diagnosed IE. Unadjusted and propensity score adjusted mid-term survival Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly worse survival of patients belonging to the early-diagnosis group (p .019 and .049 respectively). Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified only one predictor of mid-term mortality: EuroSCORE II (Hazard ratio 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05, p .0008). CONCLUSION: The association in the Kaplan-Meier analysis between "early-diagnosis group" and mortality suggests that this group of patients presents clinical characteristics of severity that, on the one hand, speed up the diagnostic process and on the other, converge in the determination of a higher euroSCORE II value, which is the only independent predictor of mid-term mortality according to our analysis

OBJETIVOS: Nuestro objetivo fue explorar el impacto del intervalo de tiempo entre los síntomas y el diagnóstico en la supervivencia postoperatoria de la endocarditis infecciosa (EI). MÉTODOS: De 2014 a 2019, los datos de 93 pacientes consecutivos intervenidos de cirugía cardíaca por EI definitiva izquierda±derecha se registraron prospectivamente en nuestra base de datos electrónica. Los pacientes se clasificaron en 2 grupos según el intervalo de tiempo entre los primeros síntomas clínicos y el diagnóstico definitivo de endocarditis: pacientes con diagnóstico temprano (≤propensity score: 8 días) y pacientes con diagnóstico tardío (>propensity score: 8 días). El seguimiento fue del 100% completo, y el tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 471 días. RESULTADOS: Entre los 93 pacientes que se sometieron a cirugía por EI definitiva del lado izquierdo, 48 (51,6%) tenían un diagnóstico temprano de EI, mientras que 45 (48,4%) presentaban un diagnóstico tardío de EI. El análisis de Kaplan-Meier no ajustado y el ajustado con propensity score mostró una supervivencia significativamente peor de los pacientes que pertenecen al grupo de diagnóstico temprano (p 0,019 y 0,049, respectivamente). El análisis de regresión de Cox multivariable identificó solo un predictor de mortalidad a medio plazo: EuroSCORE II (razón de riesgo: 1,03; IC 95%: 1,01-1,05; p 0,0008). CONCLUSIÓN: La asociación en el análisis de Kaplan-Meier entre «diagnóstico temprano de EI» y mortalidad sugiere que este grupo de pacientes presenta características clínicas de gravedad que, por un lado aceleran el proceso diagnóstico, y por el otro confluyen en la determinación de un EuroSCORE II más alto, que sí es un predictor independiente de mortalidad

Impact of the time interval between diagnosis and symptoms on survival of surgical patients with left-sided infective endocarditis: A propensity score analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore the impact of the time interval between symptoms and diagnosis on post-operative infective endocarditis (IE) survival. METHODS: From 2014 to 2019, data from 93 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery due to left-sided±right-sided IE were prospectively recorded in our specific electronic database. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to time interval between first clinical symptoms and definitive endocarditis diagnosis: patients with early diagnosis (≤8 days) and patients with late diagnosis (>8 days). Follow-up was 100% complete, and follow-up mean time was 471 days. RESULTS: Among the 93 patients undergoing cardiac surgery due to definite left-sided IE, 48 (51.6%) had early-diagnosed IE whereas 45 (48.4%) presented with a late-diagnosed IE. Unadjusted and propensity score adjusted mid-term survival Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly worse survival of patients belonging to the early-diagnosis group (p .019 and .049 respectively). Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified only one predictor of mid-term mortality: EuroSCORE II (Hazard ratio 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05, p .0008). CONCLUSION: The association in the Kaplan-Meier analysis between "early-diagnosis group" and mortality suggests that this group of patients presents clinical characteristics of severity that, on the one hand, speed up the diagnostic process and on the other, converge in the determination of a higher euroSCORE II value, which is the only independent predictor of mid-term mortality according to our analysis.

Total arterial revascularization strategies: A meta-analysis of propensity score-matched observational studies.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: We explored the current evidence available on total arterial revascularization (TAR) carrying out a meta-analysis of propensity score-matched studies comparing TAR versus non-TAR strategy. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched for propensity score-matched studies comparing TAR vs non-TAR. The generic inverse variance method was used to compute the combined hazard ratio (HR) of long-term mortality. The Der-Simonian and Laird method were used to compute the combined risk ratio (RR) of 30-day mortality, deep sternal wound infection, and reoperation for bleeding. RESULTS: Eighteen TAR vs non-TAR matched populations were included. Meta-analysis showed a significant benefit in terms of long-term survival of the TAR group over the non-TAR group (HR: 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68-0.78). Better long-term survival over non-TAR strategy was confirmed by both subgroups: TAR with the bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) and TAR without BIMA. Meta-regression suggests that TAR may offer a higher protective survival effect in diabetic patients (coefficient: -0.0063; 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.0006), when carried out with BIMA (coefficient: -0.15; 95% CI: -0.27 to -0.03) or using three arterial conduits (coefficient: -0.12; 95% CI: -0.25 to 0.007). A TAR strategy carried out using BIMA, differently from TAR without BIMA, increases the risk of deep sternal infection (RR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.17-1.77). CONCLUSIONS: TAR provides a long-term survival benefit compared with the non-TAR strategy. Also, compared with TAR without BIMA, TAR with BIMA may offer a higher protective long-term survival effect at the expense of a higher risk of sternal deep wound infection.

Early Experience with the Latest-Generation Biological Prosthesis, the Trifecta™ GT.

BACKGROUND: The study aim was to assess the hemodynamic results and implantation technique for the latest-generation St. Jude Medical aortic valve bioprosthesis, the Trifecta™ GT, which was first marketed in 2016. METHODS: The first 100 patients (mean age 74.59 ± 7.41 years) undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the Trifecta GT, whether associated or not with other procedures, were included and assessed. All patients underwent a baseline ultrasound scan prior to hospital discharge to monitor postoperative gradients and the presence of periprosthetic leakage. RESULTS: The predominant valvular heart disease was aortic stenosis (85%). An isolated AVR was required in 43% of patients. The prosthesis sizes used were 19, 21, 23, 25, and 27 mm. The overall hospital mortality was 5%; all deaths occurred in patients with associated surgeries. Peak gradients measured prior to hospital discharge ranged from 17.95 mmHg to 10.95 mmHg for 19 mm and 27 mm prostheses, respectively; mean gradients were 9.94 and 6.18 mmHg for 19 mm and 27 mm prostheses, respectively. Neither implant-related complications nor significant periprosthetic leakages were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Based on experience with patients, the Trifecta GT demonstrated an excellent hemodynamic performance after implantation, which involved a simple and safe technique. Further long-term studies to determine the durability of the prosthesis are required.

mRNA PGC-1α levels in blood samples reliably correlates with its myocardial expression: study in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) is a transcriptional coactivator that has been proposed to play a protective role in mouse models of cardiac ischemia and heart failure, suggesting that PGC-1α could be relevant as a prognostic marker. Our previous studies showed that the estimation of peripheral mRNA PGC-1α expression was feasible and that its induction correlated with the extent of myocardial necrosis and left ventricular remodeling in patients with myocardial infarction. In this study, we sought to determine if the myocardial and peripheral expressions of PGC-1α are well correlated and to analyze the variability of PGC-1α expression depending on the prevalence of some metabolic disorders. METHODS: This was a cohort of 35 consecutive stable heart failure patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent an elective aortic valve replacement surgery. mRNA PGC-1α expression was simultaneously determined from myocardial biopsy specimens and blood samples obtained during surgery by quantitative PCR, and a correlation between samples was made using the Kappa index. Patients were divided into two groups according to the detection of baseline expression levels of PGC-1α in blood samples, and comparisons between both groups were made by chi-square test or unpaired Student's t-test as appropriate. RESULTS: Based on myocardial biopsies, we found that mRNA PGC-1α expression in blood samples showed a statistically significant correlation with myocardial expression (Kappa index 0.66, p<0.001). The presence of higher systemic PGC-1α expression was associated with a greater expression of some target genes such as silent information regulator 2 homolog-1 (x-fold expression in blood samples: 4.43±5.22 vs. 1.09±0.14, p=0.044) and better antioxidant status in these patients (concentration of Trolox: 0.40±0.05 vs. 0.34±0.65, p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with higher peripheral expression also had increased myocardial expression, so we conclude that the non-invasive estimation of mRNA PGC-1α expression from blood samples provides a good approach of the constitutive status of the mitochondrial protection system regulated by PGC-1α and that this could be used as prognostic indicator in cardiovascular disease.

Is off-pump technique a safer procedure for coronary revascularization? A propensity score analysis of 20 years of experience.

OBJECTIVES: We aim to describe our experience in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with or without cardiopulmonary bypass by comparing intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. METHODS: From January 1993 to June 2013, 3097 patients underwent consecutive emergency and scheduled CABG surgery. A total of 1770 patients underwent on-pump CABG (ONCABG) and 1327 off-pump CABG (OPCABG). A propensity score matching was performed to identify appropriate matched-pair patients; univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess significant predictors of hospital and 30-day morbidity and mortality composite end-points. Morbidity composite end-point was defined as any renal, pulmonary, cardiovascular and neurological complication that occurred during hospital stay. We collected all-cause mortality data during the study period. RESULTS: We identified 1004 patients in each group. There were no significant differences in thirty day mortality, 2.8 vs 3.8%, in OPCABG and ONCABG, respectively (P = 0.21). Cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory and renal complications were more frequent in the ONCABG group: 13.9 vs 8.7% (P < 0.001), 3.9 vs 2.2% (P = 0.03), 13.5 vs 7.5% (P < 0.001), 7.1 vs 5.3% (P = 0.095), respectively. The long-term all-cause mortality rate was 12.3 vs 12.9% in the OPCABG versus ONCABG group (P = 0.42), respectively. In both uni- and multivariable analysis preoperative renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ONCABG were independent predictors of mortality and morbidity composite end-points. CONCLUSIONS: OPCABG is associated with less postoperative morbimortality and shorter hospital and intensive care unit length of stay. ONCABG resulted as an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality composite end-point. No statistically significant differences were observed in long-term all-cause mortality between groups.

Artificial chordae in the setting of complex mitral valve repair: early outcomes using the folding leaflet technique.

OBJECTIVES: Neochordal repair is particularly limited in case of large prolapse with absence of a reference point on a nearby segment. Our aim was to overcome these limitations by means of a simple technique: the 'Folding Leaflet'. METHODS: Ninety-six patients underwent this technique between January 2009 and August 2012 from a global mitral valve (MV) repair group of 384 patients. A subgroup of 68 patients with complex lesions, bileaflet, commissural or multisegment prolapse, was selected. These more challenging patients were considered as the study group in order to assess the efficacy of our technique. The neochordae were fixed to the papillary muscle with a simple stitch and then were passed through the free margin of the prolapsing leaflet. Free-edge remodelling was achieved weaving this suture and surpassing the coaptation line. Then, the leaflet was folded and its free margin was temporarily approximated edge-to-edge to the adjacent annulus. This was used as the reference point while the neochordae were tied without the need for adjacent healthy chordae or use of callipers. Complete echocardiographic follow-up was obtained at 6-month intervals. RESULTS: All patients had ≥ 2 prolapsed segments: posterior leaflet (40 patients), anterior leaflet (13 patients) or both leaflets (15 patients). Annuloplasty was routinely used and the mean number of neochordae per patient was 4.1 ± 2.2 (2-13). Mean follow-up was 28 ± 14 months (5-49 months). There was only one in-hospital death. Another patient died by pneumoniae (15th postoperative month). At the first-month follow-up, 51 patients had no mitral regurgitation (MR) and 16 patients had Grade 1 MR. Only 1 patient had more than mild regurgitation at the 6-month follow-up. There was no evidence of Grade 3 or 4 MR in any patient. At the 2-year follow-up, 34 patients remained with no MR or trace MR and 7 patients had Grade 1 MR. CONCLUSIONS: MV repair for complex degenerative MR using this technique of neochordal repair results in excellent early and mid-term outcomes. This technique facilitates the extensive use of neochordae in case of large areas of prolapse.

Cirugía mínimamente invasiva para el recambio valvular aórtico. Una técnica segura y útil más allá de lo estético / Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery. A safe and useful technique beyond the cosmetic benefits

Introducción y objetivos. El objetivo es comparar resultados clínicos intrahospitalarios entre pacientes sometidos a recambio valvular aórtico aislado por abordaje mínimamente invasivo frente a esternotomía estándar. Métodos. Se incluyó a 615 pacientes sometidos a recambio valvular aórtico entre 2005 y 2012, 532 mediante abordaje estándar (grupo E) y 83 mediante miniesternotomía en «J» (grupo M). Resultados. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a edad (69,27 ± 9,31 frente a 69,40 ± 10,24 años) y EuroSCORE logístico (6,27 ± 2,91 frente a 5,64 ± 2,17) entre los grupos E y M. Tampoco en la incidencia de diabetes mellitus, hipercolesterolemia, hipertensión arterial y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica o el tamaño de válvulas implantadas (grupo E frente a grupo M, 21,94 ± 2,04 y 21,79 ± 2,01 mm). Sí las hubo en los tiempos de circulación extracorpórea y de pinzamiento aórtico, mayores en el grupo E: 102,90 ± 41,68 frente a 81,37 ± 25,41 min (p < 0,001) y 77,31 ± 29,20 frente a 63,45 ± 17,71 min (p < 0,001) respectivamente. La mortalidad del grupo E fue del 4,88% (26). En el grupo M no hubo muertes (p < 0,05). No hubo diferencia en las complicaciones hemodinámicas, neurológicas, renales, infecciosas o de herida. Los días de estancia en unidad de cuidados intensivos y de estancia hospitalaria fueron más en el grupo E: 4,17 ± 5,23 frente a 3,22 ± 2,01 días (p = 0,045) y 9,58 ± 7,66 frente a 7,27 ± 3,83 días (p < 0,001). En el grupo E hubo más complicaciones respiratorias postoperatorias, 42 (8,0%) frente a 1 (1,2%) (p < 0,05). Conclusiones. El abordaje mínimamente invasivo presenta resultados al menos equiparables al estándar en cuanto a morbimortalidad y tiempos quirúrgicos, y en nuestra serie ha permitido disminuir significativamente la estancia hospitalaria. Dado que el estudio es retrospectivo, creemos que se debe confirmar estos hallazgos en estudios prospectivos aleatorizado(AU)

Introduction and objectives. The aim of this study was to compare the in-hospital clinical outcomes of minimally invasive, isolated aortic valve replacement vs median sternotomy. Methods. Between 2005 and 2012, 615 patients underwent aortic valve replacement at a single institution, 532 by a median sternotomy (E group) and 83 by a J-shaped ministernotomy (M group). Results. No significant differences were found between the E and M groups in terms of age (69.27 [9.31] years vs 69.40 [10.24] years, respectively), logistic EuroSCORE (6.27 [2.91] vs 5.64 [2.17], respectively), size of implanted valve prosthesis (21.94 [2.04] mm vs 21.79 [2.01] mm, respectively), or the incidence of diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, high blood pressure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 102.90 (41.68) min for the E group vs 81.37 (25.41) min for the M group (P<.001). Mean cross-clamp time was 77.31 (29.20) min vs 63.45 (17.71) min for the S and M groups, respectively (P<.001). Mortality in the E group was 4.88% (26). There were no deaths in the M group (P<.05). The E group was associated with longer intensive care unit and hospital stays: 4.17 (5.23) days vs 3.22 (2.01) days (P=.045) and 9.58 (7.66) days vs 7.27 (3.83) days (P<.001), respectively. E group patients had more postoperative respiratory complications (42 [8%] vs 1 [1.2%]; P<.05). There were no differences when postoperative hemodynamic, neurologic, and renal complications, systemic infection, and wound infection were analyzed. Conclusions. In terms of morbidity, mortality, and operative times, outcomes after minimally invasive surgery for aortic valve replacement are at least comparable to those achieved with median sternotomy. The length of the hospital stay was reduced by minimally invasive surgery in our single-institution experience. The retrospective nature of this study warrants further randomized prospective trials to validate our results(AU)

Impact of increasing degrees of renal impairment on outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting: the off-pump advantage.

OBJECTIVES: Increasing degrees of renal impairment are associated with higher rates of morbimortality after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This incremental risk has not been well studied in off-pump procedures (OPCAB). We assessed its impact on OPCAB and on-pump CABG (ONCAB). METHODS: A total of 1769 patients undergoing primary CABG (January 1995 through June 2011) had complete data on glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). 930 patients had Stage 2 renal insufficiency, 330 Stage 3, 27 Stage 4 and 465 normal renal function (Stage 1). Seventeen patients with end-stage disease (Stage 5) were excluded. The OPCAB technique was selectively used in 350 high-risk patients. Preoperative variables and postoperative outcomes were compared among eGFR subgroups and between matched and unmatched OPCAB vs ONCAB groups. RESULTS: Stages 3-4 patients were older (P < 0.0001), with higher prevalence of diabetes (36.8, 35.0, 39.7 and 74.1%, P < 0.01, 1-4 eGFR groups) peripheral arteriopathy (6.0, 9.0, 15.8 and 29.6%, P < 0.0001) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (GFR-LVEF correlation: Pearson: 0.12, P < 0.0001). On-pump GFR groups had increasingly higher in-hospital mortality (1.0, 1.2, 3.5 and 15.4%, P < 0.0001), but no differences were observed in OPCAB (5.5, 4.8, 5.4 and 7.1%, P = 0.97). Similar trends on in-hospital morbidity were observed in ONCAB vs OPCAB groups: low cardiac output (P < 0.01), pneumonia (P < 0.01) and stroke (P < 0.05). GFR only predicted mortality in ONCAB patients (odds ratio (OR): 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94-0.98; P < 0.01). Patients with higher eGFR stages had statistically more reduced long-term survival, and this pattern was similar in the three treatment groups, also including the OPCAB group, who had the lowest survival in patients with eGFR stage 4. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with low GFR (Stages 3-4) undergoing ONCAB were at increased risk of early morbimortality. In contrast, there were no significant differences in operative morbimortality among eGFR groups in OPCAB patients. This 'off-pump advantage' on early outcomes was not observed at the long-term follow-up.

Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery. A safe and useful technique beyond the cosmetic benefits.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the in-hospital clinical outcomes of minimally invasive, isolated aortic valve replacement vs median sternotomy. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2012, 615 patients underwent aortic valve replacement at a single institution, 532 by a median sternotomy (E group) and 83 by a J-shaped ministernotomy (M group). RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the E and M groups in terms of age (69.27 [9.31] years vs 69.40 [10.24] years, respectively), logistic EuroSCORE (6.27 [2.91] vs 5.64 [2.17], respectively), size of implanted valve prosthesis (21.94 [2.04] mm vs 21.79 [2.01] mm, respectively), or the incidence of diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, high blood pressure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 102.90 (41.68) min for the E group vs 81.37 (25.41) min for the M group (P<.001). Mean cross-clamp time was 77.31 (29.20) min vs 63.45 (17.71) min for the S and M groups, respectively (P<.001). Mortality in the E group was 4.88% (26). There were no deaths in the M group (P<.05). The E group was associated with longer intensive care unit and hospital stays: 4.17 (5.23) days vs 3.22 (2.01) days (P=.045) and 9.58 (7.66) days vs 7.27 (3.83) days (P<.001), respectively. E group patients had more postoperative respiratory complications (42 [8%] vs 1 [1.2%]; P<.05). There were no differences when postoperative hemodynamic, neurologic, and renal complications, systemic infection, and wound infection were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of morbidity, mortality, and operative times, outcomes after minimally invasive surgery for aortic valve replacement are at least comparable to those achieved with median sternotomy. The length of the hospital stay was reduced by minimally invasive surgery in our single-institution experience. The retrospective nature of this study warrants further randomized prospective trials to validate our results.

Resultados a corto y mediano plazo del tratamiento de la obstrucción al tracto de salida del ventrículo izquierdo mediante miectomía videoasistida / Video assisted myectomy for relief of left ventricular tract obstruction in patients with Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Objetivo: Describir nuestra experiencia y evaluar los resultados a corto y mediano plazo de la miecto-mía videoasistida en el tratamiento de la obstrucción del tracto de salida del ventrículo izquierdo (OTSVI) en pacientes con miocardiopatía hipertrófica. Materiales y métodos: 52 pacientes con edad media de 56,2 (rango 12 - 83) y Euroscore de riesgo de 4,1 +/- 1,92 con diagnóstico de OTSVI fueron intervenidos de manera consecutiva en un mismo centro mediante miectomía videoasistida. Se realizó seguimiento clínico y ecocardiográfico con controles al mes y al año del postoperatorio. Resultados: Entre las patologías asociadas encontramos 11 pacientes con valvulopatía aórtica, 2 con valvulopatía mitral, 3 con cardiopatía isquémica, 1 con aneurisma de aorta ascendente y 1 con foramen oval permeable resueltos en el mismo acto quirúrgico. La mortalidad hospitalaria global fue de 5,8 por ciento (3 pacientes). En el momento de la intervención, 8 (15,4 por ciento) se encontraban en clase funcional II de la NYHA, 42 (80,8 por ciento) en clase III y 2 (3,8 por ciento) en clase IV. El gradiente máximo subaórtico disminuyó de 80,7 mmHg +/- 29,43 en el preoperatorio a 19,0 mmHg +/- 15,57 (p<0,001) en el postoperatorio inmediato, manteniéndose en 14,6 mmHg +/- 8,88 al mes (p<0,001 en relación al preoperatorio) y al año en 13,9 mmHg +/- 7,69 (p<0,001 en relación al preoperatorio). Además, se registró una disminución del grosor del tabique interventricular en diástole de 19,4 mm +/- 3,78 en el preoperatorio a 12,9 mm +/- 2,35 (p<0,001) en el postoperatorio. Todos los pacientes se encontraban en clase funcional I-II al final del seguimiento. Conclusión: Los resultados demuestran que la miectomía videoasistida es un tratamiento seguro para la OTSVI con el que se obtienen resultados favorables a corto y mediano plazo, tanto en parámetros clínicos, como ecocardiográficos.

Aim: To report a clinical experience and to evaluate early and mid term results of video assisted myec-tomy for relief of left ventricular tract obstruction (LVOTO) in patients with Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Methods: 52 patients with Obstructive Car-diomyopathy and a mean age 56.2 years (12 - 83) carrying a Euro score risk of 4.1 +/- (SD 1.92), were consecutively operated on in a single center. Relief of LVOTO was performed with video assisted myec-tomy. Clinical and echocardiographic follow up to 1 year postoperatively was carried out. Results: Apart from the Obstructive Cardiomyo-pathy, 11 patients had aortic valve disease, 2 mitral valve disease, 3 ischemic heart disease, 1 an ascending aortic aneurysm and 1 a patent foramen ovale. All these lesions were surgically repaired in the same surgical act. In hospital mortality was 5.8 percent (3 patients). Pre-operatively 15.4 percent of patients were in NYHA Class II, 80.8 per cent in Class III and 3.8 percent in Class IV. After surgery peak sub aortic gradient decreased from 80.7+/-29.43mmHg to 19.0 +/- 15.57 (p<0.001). Corresponding values were 14.6 +/- 8.88 at 1month and 13.9 +/- 7.69 at 1 year post operatively. Interven-tricular septal thickness in diastole decreased from 19.4 +/- 3.78 mm to 12.9 +/- 2.35 mm after surgery (p<0.001). All patients were Class I or II at the end of follow up. Conclusion: Video assisted myectomy is safe and effective for relief of LVOTO in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Good results are maintained one year after surgery.

Stroke after coronary artery bypass grafting: preoperative predictive accuracies of CHADS2 and CHA2DS2VASc stroke risk stratification schemes.

OBJECTIVE: Neurologic events after coronary artery bypass grafting are an infrequent but devastating complication. This study analyzed the preoperative predictive abilities of the CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)VASc stroke scores in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: Included in the study were 2910 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting during a 19-year period. CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)VASc scores were computed for all patients, and outcomes were evaluated in terms of perioperative stroke and compared with 2 specific models for predicting surgical coronary artery bypass grafting stroke (Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group and Multicenter Study of Perioperative Ischemia Research Group). Perioperative stroke discrimination was quantified by computing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Overall, 62 (2.1%) had perioperative strokes. Areas under the curve were 0.71 (95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.78) for CHADS(2), 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.79) for CHA(2)DS(2)VASc, 0.69 (95% confidence interval, 0.61-0.76) for Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group, and 0.73 (95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.80) for Multicenter Study of Perioperative Ischemia Research Group scores. Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group and CHA(2)DS(2)VASc scores were better at discriminating patients with particularly low or high risk of stroke. CONCLUSIONS: CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)VASc scores predicted perioperative coronary artery bypass grafting strokes with discriminatory abilities similar to those of specific predictive surgical coronary artery bypass grafting stroke models. All schemes tested showed similar limitations in discriminating patients with high postoperative stroke risk, with a high proportion being classified as having intermediate stroke risk.