Atrioventricular valve surgery in patients with univentricular heart and two separate atrioventricular valves.

OBJECTIVES: Atrioventricular valve regurgitation in patients with univentricular heart is a well-known risk factor for adverse outcomes and atrioventricular valve repair remains a particular surgical challenge. METHODS: We reviewed all surgical atrioventricular valve procedures in patients with univentricular heart and two separate atrioventricular valves who underwent surgical palliation. Endpoints of the study were reoperation-free survival and cumulative incidence of reoperation. RESULTS: Between 1994 and 2021, 202 patients with univentricular heart and two separate atrioventricular valve morphology underwent surgical palliation, with 15.8% (32/202) requiring atrioventricular valve surgery. Primary diagnoses were double inlet left ventricle (n = 14, 43.8%), double outlet right ventricle (n = 7, 21.9%), and congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (n = 7, 21.9%). Median weight at valve surgery was 10.6 kg (interquartile range, 7.9-18.9). Isolated left or right atrioventricular valve surgery was required in nine (28.1%) and 22 patients (68.8%), respectively. Concomitant left and right atrioventricular valve surgery was performed in one patient (3.1%). Closure of the left valve was conducted in four patients (12.5%) and closure of the right valve in three (9.4%). Operative and late mortality were 3.1% and 9.7%, respectively. Reoperation-free survival and cumulative incidence of reoperation at 10 years after surgery were 62.3% (standard error of the mean: 6.9) and 30.9% (standard error of the mean: 9.6), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with univentricular heart and two separate atrioventricular valves, surgical intervention on these valves is required in a minority of patients and is associated with low mortality but high incidence of reoperation.

Longitudinal analysis of systemic ventricular function and atrioventricular valve function after the Norwood procedure.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate longitudinal systemic ventricular function and atrioventricular valve regurgitation in patients after the neonatal Norwood procedure. METHODS: Serial postoperative echocardiographic images before Fontan completion were assessed in neonates who underwent the Norwood procedure between 2001 and 2020. Ventricular function and atrioventricular valve regurgitation were compared between patients with modified Blalock-Taussig shunt and right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit. RESULTS: A total of 335 patients were identified including 273 hypoplastic left heart syndrome and 62 of its variants. Median age at Norwood was 8 (7-12) days. Modified Blalock-Taussig shunt was performed in 171 patients and the right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit in 164 patients. Longitudinal ventricular function and atrioventricular valve regurgitation were evaluated using a total of 4352 echocardiograms. After the Norwood procedure, ventricular function was initially worse (1-30 days) but thereafter better (30 days to stage II) in the right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit group (P < 0.001). After stage II, the ventricular function was inferior in the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery conduit group (P < 0.001). Atrioventricular valve regurgitation between the Norwood procedure and stage II was more frequent in the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt group (P < 0.001). After stage II, there was no significant difference in atrioventricular valve regurgitation between the groups (P = 0.171). CONCLUSIONS: The effect of shunt type on haemodynamics after the Norwood procedure seems to vary according to the stage of palliation. After the Norwood, the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt is associated with poorer ventricular function and worse atrioventricular valve regurgitation compared to right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit. Whereas, after stage II, modified Blalock-Taussig shunt is associated with better ventricular function and comparable atrioventricular valve regurgitation, compared to the right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit.

Comparison of ductus stent versus surgical systemic-to-pulmonary shunt as initial palliation in patients with univentricular heart.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to compare infants with univentricular hearts who underwent an initial ductus stenting to those receiving a surgical systemic-to-pulmonary shunt (SPS). METHODS: All infants with univentricular heart and ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow who underwent initial palliation with either a ductus stenting or a surgical SPS between 2009 and 2022 were reviewed. Outcomes were compared after ductus stenting or SPS including survival, probability of re-interventions and the probability to reach stage II palliations. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were evaluated, including 49 ductus stenting and 81 SPSs. The most frequent primary diagnosis was tricuspid atresia in 27, followed by pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum in 19 patients. There was comparable hospital mortality (2.0% stent vs 3.7% surgery, P = 0.91) between the groups, but shorter intensive care unit stay (median 1 vs 7 days, P < 0.01) and shorter hospital stay (median 7 vs 17 days, P < 0.01) were observed in patients with initial ductus stenting, compared to those with SPS. However, acute procedure-related complications were more frequently observed in patients with ductus stenting, compared with those with SPS (20.4 vs 6.2%, P = 0.01), and 10 patients needed a shunt procedure after the initial ductus stent. The cumulative incidence of reaching stage II was similar between ductus stenting and SPS (88.0 vs 90.6% at 12 months, P = 0.735). Pulmonary artery (PA) index (median 194 vs 219 mm2/m2, P = 0.93) at stage II was similar between patients with ductus stenting and SPS. However, the ratio of the left to the right PA index [0.69 (0.45-0.95) vs 0.86 (0.51-0.84), P = 0.015] was higher in patients who reached stage II with surgical shunt physiology, compared with patients with ductus stent physiology. CONCLUSIONS: After initial ductus stenting in infants with univentricular heart, survival is comparable and post-procedural recovery shorter, but more acute stent dysfunctions and lower development of left PA are observed, compared to acute shunt dysfunctions. The less invasive procedure and shorter hospital stay are at the expense of more stent reinterventions.

Impact of early postoperative haemodynamic and laboratory parameters on outcome after the Fontan procedure.

OBJECTIVE: To identify early postoperative haemodynamic and laboratory parameters predicting outcomes following total cavopulmonary connection. METHODS: Patients who underwent total cavopulmonary connection between 2012 and 2021 were evaluated. Serial values of mean pulmonary artery pressure, mean arterial pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation, and lactate levels were collected. The influence of these variables on morbidities was analyzed. Cut-off values were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 249 patients were included. All patients had previous bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt. Median age and weight at total cavopulmonary connection were 2.2 (1.8-2.7) years and 11.7 (10.7-13.4) kg, respectively. All patients were extubated in the ICU at a median of 3 (2-5) hours after ICU admission. Postoperative pulmonary artery pressure, around 12 hours after extubation, was significantly associated with chest tube drainage (p = 0.048), chylothorax (p = 0.021), ascites (p = 0.016), and adverse events (p = 0.028). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a cut-off value of 13-15 mmHg for chest tube drainage and chylothorax and 17 mmHg for ascites and adverse events. Mean arterial pressure 1 hour after extubation was associated with prolonged chest tube drainage (p = 0.015) and adverse events (p = 0.008). Peripheral oxygen saturation 6 hours after extubation (p = 0.003) was associated with chest tube duration and peripheral oxygen saturation 1 hour after extubation (p < 0.001) was associated with ascites. Lactate levels on 2nd postoperative day (p = 0.022) were associated with ascites and lactate levels on 1st postoperative day (p = 0.009) were associated with adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Higher pulmonary artery pressure, lower mean arterial pressure, lower peripheral oxygen saturation, and higher lactate in early postoperative period, around 12 hours after extubation, predicted in-hospital and post-discharge adverse events following total cavopulmonary connection.

Long-Term Survival Is Superior in Patients With Pulsatile Pulmonary Flow After the Björk Procedure.

Background: This study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes and hemodynamic variables late after the Björk procedure, regarding the pulmonary flow pattern. Methods: Patients who survived more than 15 years after the Björk procedure were included and then divided into two groups according to their pulmonary flow pattern by pulsed-wave Doppler assessment of echocardiography: patients with pulsatile systolic pulmonary flow (Group P) and those without (Group N). Results: A total of 43 patients were identified, of whom 13 patients were divided into Group P and 30 in Group N. Median age at the Björk procedure was 5.7 (2.1-7.3) years, and median follow-up was 32 (28-36) years. Survival after 15 years was higher in Group P, compared with Group N (100% vs 76% at 30 years, P = .045). Cardiac catheterization data demonstrated higher cardiac index in Group P patients compared with Group N patients (3.5 vs 2.8 L/m2, P = .014). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study revealed that Group P patients had higher right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (96 vs 57 mL/m2, P = .005), higher end-systolic volume index (49 vs 30 mL/m2, P = .013) and higher right ventricular stroke volume index (48 vs 25 mL/m2, P < .001), compared with Group N patients. Exercise capacity tests demonstrated that Group P patients showed a higher percent predicted peak oxygen consumption, compared with Group N patients (73 vs 58%, P < .001). Conclusions: Late after the Björk procedure, patients with a pulsatile systolic pulmonary flow had a larger right ventricle and better exercise capacity compared with those without pulsatile systolic pulmonary flow.

Brady-arrhythmias requiring permanent pacemaker implantation during and after staged Fontan palliation.

BACKGROUND: Brady-arrhythmia requiring pacemaker implantation remains one of the Fontan-specific complications before and after total cavopulmonary connection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 620 patients who underwent total cavopulmonary connection between 1994 and 2021 was performed to evaluate the incidence of brady-arrhythmia and the outcomes after pacemaker implantation. Factors associated with the onset of brady-arrhythmia were identified. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients presented with brady-arrhythmia and required pacemaker implantation. Diagnosis included 16 sinus node dysfunctions, 29 atrioventricular blocks, and 7 junctional escape rhythms. Pacemaker implantation was performed before total cavopulmonary connection (n = 16), concomitant with total cavopulmonary connection (n = 8), or after total cavopulmonary connection (n = 28, median 1.8 years post-operatively). Freedom from pacemaker implantation following total cavopulmonary connection at 10 years was 92%. Twelve patients needed revision of electrodes due to lead dysfunction (n = 9), infections (n = 2), or dislocation (n = 1). Lead energy thresholds were stable, and freedom from pacemaker lead revision at 10 years after total cavopulmonary connection was 78%. Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (odds ratio: 6.6, confidence interval: 2.0-21.5, p = 0.002) was identified as a factor associated with pacemaker implantation before total cavopulmonary connection. Pacemaker rhythms for Fontan circulation were not a risk factor for survival (p = 0.226), protein-losing enteropathy/plastic bronchitis (p = 0.973), or thromboembolic complications (p = 0.424). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort of patients following total cavopulmonary connection, freedom from pacemaker implantation at 10 years was 92% and stable atrial and ventricular lead energy thresholds were observed. Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries was at increased risk for pacemaker implantation before total cavopulmonary connection. Having a pacemaker in the Fontan circulation had no adverse effect on survival, protein-losing enteropathy/plastic bronchitis, or thromboembolic complications.

Impact of aortopulmonary collaterals on adverse events after total cavopulmonary connection.

OBJECTIVES: Effects of aortopulmonary collaterals (APCs) on outcomes after the total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) are unclear. This study evaluated the incidence of APCs before and after TCPC and analysed the impacts of APCs on adverse outcomes. METHODS: A total of 585 patients, who underwent TCPC from 1994 to 2020 and whose preoperative angiographies were available, were included. Pre-TCPC angiograms in all patients were used for the detection of APCs, and post-TCPC angiograms were evaluated in selected patients. Late adverse events included late death, protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) and plastic bronchitis (PB). RESULTS: The median age at TCPC was 2.3 (1.8-3.4) years with a body weight of 12 (11-14) kg. APCs were found in 210 patients (36%) before TCPC and in 81 (14%) after TCPC. The closure of APCs was performed in 59 patients (10%) before TCPC, in 25 (4.2%) at TCPC and in 59 (10%) after TCPC. The occurrences of APCs before and after TCPC were not associated with short-term or mid-term mortality. The APCs before TCPC were associated with chylothorax (P = 0.025), prolonged chest tube duration (P = 0.021) and PB (P = 0.008). The APCs after TCPC were associated with PLE (P < 0.001) and PB (P < 0.001). With APCs following TCPC, freedom from PLE and PB was lower than without (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: APCs before TCPC were associated with chylothorax, prolonged chest tube duration and PB. APCs after TCPC were associated with both PLE and PB. The presence of APCs might affect the lymph drainage system and increase the incidence of chylothorax, PLE and PB.

Mid-term results following pulmonary artery patch augmentation in congenital heart disease.

Background: Treatment of pulmonary artery (PA) stenosis in congenital heart disease is associated with adverse outcomes. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to compare outcomes after surgical patch augmentation of PA stenosis in patients with biventricular congenital heart disease using different patch materials. Methods: We identified all patients from our institutional congenital heart disease database who underwent patch augmentation for PA stenosis on the main pulmonary artery (MPA) or PA branches between 2012 and 2018. Patch materials used were glutaraldehyde fixated autologous pericardium (AP), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), equine pericardium (EP), and bovine pericardium (BP). The primary study endpoint was the composite of catheter-based re-intervention or re-operation to relieve recurrent stenosis at the site of prior implanted patch material. Results: A total of 156 patients (median age, 5 months, range, 0-85 months; median weight, 6.2 kg, range, 2.8-15.0 kg) underwent patch augmentation using 163 patches (ePTFE =99, 61%; EP =34, 21%; AP =25, 15%; BP =5, 3%). Overall, 131 (84%) patients underwent patch augmentation at the MPA, and 25 (16%) patients underwent patch augmentation at one or both PA branches. Over a mean follow-up period of 4±2 years, 30 patients (19%) reached the study endpoint. Freedom from primary endpoint was 92%±3% for the MPA and 25%±9% for PA branches at 5 years, respectively (P<0.001). Comparison of patch materials revealed similar re-intervention rates between ePTFE, AP, and EP. In contrast, outcomes were significantly decreased following the usage of BP when compared to other materials (ePTFE vs. BP, P=0.01; EP vs. BP, P=0.005). In the multivariable analysis, lower weight at index operation, patch augmentation of PA branches, and usage of BP were independently associated with re-intervention. Conclusions: Patch augmentation of the MPA was associated with acceptable outcomes, while patch augmentation of PA branch stenosis remained independently associated with re-intervention. None of the used patch materials demonstrated superiority; however, BP had a higher rate of re-interventions.

Impact of calorie intake and weight gain after Norwood procedure on the outcome of stage II palliation.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the impact of caloric intake and weight-for-age-Z-score after the Norwood procedure on the outcome of bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt. METHODS: A total of 153 neonates who underwent the Norwood procedure between 2012 and 2020 were surveyed. Postoperative daily caloric intake and weight-for-age-Z-score up to five months were calculated, and their impact on outcome after bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt was analysed. RESULTS: Median age and weight at the Norwood procedure were 9 days and 3.2 kg, respectively. Modified Blalock-Taussig shunt was used in 95 patients and right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit in 58. Postoperatively, total caloric intake gradually increased, whereas weight-for-age-Z-score constantly decreased. Early and inter-stage mortality before stage II correlated with low caloric intake. Older age (p = 0.023) at Norwood, lower weight (p < 0.001) at Norwood, and longer intubation (p = 0.004) were correlated with low weight-for-age-Z-score (< -3.0) at 2 months of age. Patients with weight-for-age-Z-score < -3.0 at 2 months of age had lower survival after stage II compared to those with weight-for-age-Z-score of -3.0 or more (85.3 versus 92.9% at 3 years after stage II, p = 0.017). There was no difference between inter-stage weight gain and survival after bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt between the shunt types. CONCLUSION: Weight-for-age-Z-score decreased continuously throughout the first 5 months after the Norwood procedure. Age and weight at Norwood and intubation time were associated with weight gain. Inter-stage low weight gain (Z-score < -3) was a risk for survival after stage II.

Impact of home monitoring program on interstage mortality after the Norwood procedure.

Objective: While early outcome after the Norwood operation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome has improved, interstage mortality until bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS) remains a concern. Our aim was to institute a home monitoring program to (HMP) decrease interstage mortality. Methods: Among 264 patients who survived Norwood procedure and were discharged before BCPS, 80 patients were included in the HMP and compared to the remaining 184 patients regarding interstage mortality. In patients with HMP, events during the interstage period were evaluated. Results: Interstage mortality was 8% (n = 21), and was significantly lower in patients with HMP (2.5%, n = 2), compared to those without (10.3%, n = 19, p = 0.031). Patients with interstage mortality had significantly lower birth weight (p < 0.001) compared to those without. Lower birth weight (p < 0.001), extra corporeal membrane oxygenation support (p = 0.002), and lack of HMP (p = 0.048) were risk factors for interstage mortality. Most frequent event during home monitoring was low saturation (<70%) in 14 patients (18%), followed by infection in 6 (7.5%), stagnated weight gain in 5 (6.3%), hypoxic shock in 3 (3.8%) and arrhythmias in 2 (2.5%). An unexpected readmission was needed in 24 patients (30%). In those patients, age (p = 0.001) and weight at BCPS (p = 0.007) were significantly lower compared to those without readmission, but the survival after BCPS was comparable between the groups. Conclusions: Interstage HMP permits timely intervention and led to an important decrease in interstage mortality. One-third of the patients with home monitoring program needed re-admission and demonstrated the need for earlier stage 2 palliation.

Tachyarrhythmia after the total cavopulmonary connection: incidence, prognosis, and risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence and outcomes regarding tachyarrhythmia in patients after total cavopulmonary connection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 620 patients who underwent total cavopulmonary connection between 1994 and 2021 at our institution was performed. Incidence of tachyarrhythmia was depicted, and results after onset of tachyarrhythmia were evaluated. Factors associated with the onset of tachyarrhythmia were identified. RESULTS: A total of 52 (8%) patients presented with tachyarrhythmia that required medical therapy. Onset during hospital stay was observed in 27 patients, and onset after hospital discharge was observed in 32 patients. Freedom from late tachyarrhythmia following total cavopulmonary connection at 5, 10, and 15 years was 97, 95, and 91%, respectively. The most prevalent late tachyarrhythmia was atrial flutter (50%), followed by supraventricular tachycardia (25%) and ventricular tachycardia (25%). Direct current cardioversion was required in 12 patients, and 7 patients underwent electrophysiological study. Freedom from Fontan circulatory failure after onset of tachyarrhythmia at 10 and 15 years was 78% and 49%, respectively. Freedom from occurrence of decreased ventricular systolic function after the onset of tachyarrhythmia at 5 years was 85%. Independent factors associated with late tachyarrhythmia were dominant right ventricle (hazard ratio, 2.52, p = 0.02) and weight at total cavopulmonary connection (hazard ratio, 1.03 per kilogram; p = 0.04). Type of total cavopulmonary connection at total cavopulmonary connection was not identified as risk. CONCLUSIONS: In our large cohort of 620 patients following total cavopulmonary connection, the incidence of late tachyarrhythmia was low. Patients with dominant right ventricle and late total cavopulmonary connection were at increased risk for late tachyarrhythmia following total cavopulmonary connection.

Development of Weight and Height Age z-Score after Total Cavopulmonary Connection.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze somatic growth of patients after total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) as well as to identify factors influencing postoperative catch-up growth. METHODS: A total of 309 patients undergoing TCPC at 4 years old or less between 1994 and 2021 were included. Weight for age z-score (WAZ) and height for age-z-score (HAZ) at TCPC and at postoperative time between 1 and 3 years were calculated. Factors influencing somatic growth were analyzed. RESULTS: Most frequent diagnosis and initial palliation were hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) (34%) and the Norwood procedure (51%), respectively. Median age and weight at TCPC were 2.0 (IQR: 1.7-2.5) years and 11.3 (10.5-12.7) kg, respectively. Median 519 days after TCPC, a significant increase in WAZ (-0.4 to -0.2, p < 0.001) was observed, but not in HAZ (-0.6 to -0.6, p = 0.38). Older age at TCPC (p < 0.001, odds ratio [OR]: 2.6) and HLHS (p = 0.007, OR: 2.2) were risks for low WAZ after TCPC. Older age at TCPC (p = 0.009, OR: 1.9) and previous Norwood procedure (p = 0.021, OR: 2.0) were risks for low HAZ after TCPC. Previous bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS) was a protective factor for both WAZ (p = 0.012, OR: 0.06) and HAZ (p = 0.028, OR: 0.30) at TCPC. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing TCPC at the age of 4 years or less, a significant catch-up growth was observed in WAZ after TCPC, but not in HAZ. Previous BCPS resulted to be a protective factor for a better somatic development at TCPC. HLHSs undergoing Norwood were considered as risks for somatic development after TCPC.

Composite haemangioendothelioma in the heart: a case report.

Background: Primary cardiac neoplasm is rare and generally benign. Epithelioid haemangioendothelioma, a potentially malignant tumour of vascular origin, has been occasionally described in the heart. Composite haemangioendothelioma, characterized by a heterogeneous architecture of vascular components and usually located in soft tissue of the extremities, has only been reported twice in the heart. We herein report another case of this extremely uncommon cardiac tumour. Case summary: Comprehensive cardiac examination of a 59-year-old female patient with palpitations and personal history of Hodgkin's lymphoma and chest radiation revealed a mass in the left atrium. After surgical resection, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis identified a composite haemangioendothelioma. After two years, repeated imaging revealed neither signs of local relapse nor metastasis. Conclusions: Composite haemangioendothelioma, a very uncommon form of potentially malignant vascular tumour, can also be encountered in the heart. In this present case, the outcome was favourable two years after surgical resection without adjuvant therapy.

Protein-Losing Enteropathy and Plastic Bronchitis Following the Total Cavopulmonary Connections.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate incidence, outcomes, and predictors of protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) and plastic bronchitis (PB) in a cohort of total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC). METHODS: We included 620 consecutive patients undergoing TCPC between 1994 and 2021. Prevalence and predictors for onset of PLE/PB were evaluated. Death and heart transplantation after onset of PLE/PB were examined. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients presented with PLE/PB (31 with PLE, 15 with PB, and 5 developed both PLE and PB). Their median age at TCPC was 2.2 (interquartile ranges [IQRs], 1.7-3.7) years, and time period to onset for PLE was 2.6 (IQR: 1.0-6.6) years and for PB was 1.1 (IQR: 0.3-4.1) years after TCPC. Independent factors for developing PLE/PB were dominant right ventricle (RV, hazard ratio [HR], 2.243; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.129-4.458, P = .021) and prolonged pleural effusion after TCPC (HR, 2.101; 95% CI, 1.090-4.049, P = .027). In PLE/PB population, freedom from death or transplantation after PLE/PB diagnosis at 5 and 10 years were 88.7% and 76.4%, respectively. Eleven surgical interventions were performed in 10 patients, comprising atrioventricular valve repairs (n = 4), Fontan pathway revisions (n = 2), pacemaker implantation (n = 2), secondary fenestration (n = 1), diaphragm plication (n = 1), and ventricular assist device implantation (n = 1). In nine patients, a recovery from PLE with the resolution of PLE symptoms and normal protein levels was achieved. Eight patients died and the remaining continued to have challenging protein loss. CONCLUSIONS: Protein-losing enteropathy and PB remain severe complications in the cohort of TCPC. Patients with dominant RV, and prolonged pleural effusions, were at risk for PLE/PB.

Severe structural valve deterioration after TAVR with ACURATE Neo: report of two cases.

Structural valve deterioration (SVD) of transcatheter implanted aortic valve (TAVR) prostheses leading to prosthesis dysfunction is an uncommon yet increasingly described complication. Literature is scarce on specific mechanisms and clinical presentation of SVD after TAVR, notably on self-expanding valve ACURATE Neo. We report on two cases with severe bioprosthetic failure after ACURATE Neo implantation due to leaflet disruption, and we treated them with surgical aortic valve replacement. Based on the literature, we further discuss the incidence of SVD after TAVR, the durability of ACURATE NEO, and the modes of failure of biological valve prostheses.

Minimal-Invasive Mitral Valve Repair after Breast Augmentation.

Minimal-invasive mitral valve surgery after breast augmentation is an ongoing interdisciplinary challenge. Notably, the perioperative explantation of the breast implant, as reported in most cases, is of questionable benefit. We herein report on successful minimal-invasive mitral valve repair after subpectoral breast augmentation with perioperative preservation of the breast implant in situ.

Longitudinal analysis of systemic ventricular function and atrioventricular valve function after the Fontan procedure.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the longitudinal change of systemic ventricular function and atrioventricular valve (AVV) regurgitation after total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC). METHODS: In 620 patients who underwent TCPC between 1994 and 2021, 4219 longitudinal echocardiographic examinations of systemic ventricular function and AVV regurgitation were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The most frequent primary diagnosis was hypoplastic left heart syndrome in 172, followed by single ventricle in 131, tricuspid atresia in 95 and double inlet left ventricle (LV) in 91 patients. Dominant right ventricle (RV) was observed in 329 (53%) and dominant LV in 291 (47%). The median age at TCPC was 2.3 (1.8-3.4) years. Transplant-free survival at 5, 10 and 15 years after TCPC was 96.3%, 94.7% and 93.6%, respectively, in patients with dominant RV and 97.3%, 94.6% and 94.6%, respectively, in those with dominant LV (P = 0.987). Longitudinal analysis of systemic ventricular function was similar in both groups during the first 10 years postoperatively. Thereafter, systemic ventricular function worsened significantly in patients with dominant RV, compared with those with dominant LV (15 years: P = 0.007, 20 years: P = 0.03). AVV regurgitation was more frequent after TCPC in patients with dominant RV compared with those with dominant LV (P < 0.001 at 3 months, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years and 15 years, P = 0.023 at 20 years). There was a significant correlation between postoperative systemic ventricular dysfunction and AVV regurgitation (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There were no transplant-free survival difference and no difference in ventricular function between dominant RV and dominant LV for the first 10 years after TCPC. Thereafter, ventricular function in dominant RV was inferior to that in dominant LV. The degree of AVV regurgitation was significantly higher in dominant RV, compared with dominant LV, and it was positively associated with ventricular dysfunction, especially in dominant RV.

Changes in pulmonary artery index and its relation to outcome after stage II palliation in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to prove if pulmonary artery (PA) size influences survival and if an additional aortopulmonary shunt (APS) promotes left PA growth after bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS) in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. METHODS: The medical records of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who underwent Norwood procedure and BCPS between 2007 and 2020 were reviewed. Right, left and total (right + left) PA indices were calculated according to Nakata and colleagues. RESULTS: A total of 158 patients were included in this study. The median age at Norwood and BCPS was 8 (7-11) days and 3.6 (3.1-4.6) months, respectively. There were 7 hospital deaths and 12 late deaths. Survival after BCPS was 90.3% at 1 year and 86.2% at 2 years. Total, right and left PA indices were 238 (195-316), 136 (101-185) and 102 (75-130) mm2/m2 at the time of BCPS, and they were 237 (198-284), 151 (123-186) and 86 (69-108) mm2/m2 at the time of Fontan. Left PA index decreased significantly between the time of BCPS and Fontan (P < 0.01). Nine patients needed partial takedown and additional APS due to failing BCPS, but the additional APS did not promote the PA growth significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative PA index did not affect the mortality after BCPS. The partial takedown and additional APS for failing BCPS were unable to improve left PA size.

Long-Term Follow-Up after Mycobacterium Chimaera Infection Following Cardiac Surgery: Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Disseminated Mycobacterium chimaera (M. chimaera) infection following cardiac surgery has been associated with a high mortality. The long-term impact of surgery and the appropriate surgical approach are still matters of debate. METHODS: From 2015 to 2019, seven patients with M. chimaera infection following cardiac surgery were isolated. RESULTS: The median incubation time was 30 months (IQR 18-38). Echocardiography was unremarkable in three patients (43%). We decided to redo cardiac surgery in all patients and explanted all previously implanted prosthetic material. All explant cultures yielded M. chimaera. One patient (14%) died in-hospital seven months after the redo surgery. After a median follow-up of 59.6 months (IQR 39.1-69.6), we observed three infection relapses among the survivors (43%), presumably due to concomitant extracardiac infection and recurrent cardiac implant infection. CONCLUSIONS: M. chimaera infection following cardiac surgery is associated with a delayed and unspecific clinical presentation. Echocardiogaphy has a limited sensitivity for prosthetic valve infection with M. chimaera, and negative findings should not preclude the surgical decision. The extraction of all previously implanted material is crucial to achieving the source control, as the re-implantation of prosthetic material as well as uncontrolled extracardiac infection at the time of the redo cardiac surgery appear to be key factors for persisting/relapsing infection.

Impact of pulsatile pulmonary blood flow on cardiopulmonary exercise performance after the Fontan procedure.

Objective: To evaluate the exercise capacity in patients following Fontan-Kreutzer, Fontan-Björk, and total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC). Methods: Patients who performed exercise capacity tests at least once after the Fontan procedure between 1979 and 2007 were included. Patients after Fontan-Björk procedure were divided into 2 groups according to the pulmonary blood flow (PBF) pattern: patients with pulsatile PBF and those without. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2) was measured and percent-predicted VO2 was calculated. Results: A total of 227 patients were nominated. The types of Fontan procedure included Fontan-Kreutzer in 48 (21.1%) patients, Fontan-Björk in 38 (16.7%); 11 (4.8%) with pulsatile PBF and 27 (11.9%) without pulsatile PBF; and TCPC in 141 (62.1%). Median age at the Fontan procedure was 4.5 years (interquartile range, 2.1-8.2 years). A total of 978 cardiopulmonary exercise tests were performed at median follow-up of 17.7 years (interquartile range, 11.3-23.4 years) postoperatively. Analysis using linear mixed-effects models demonstrated that percent-predicted VO2 was greater in patients with pulsatile PBF after Fontan-Björk compared with patients after other types of Fontan procedure (P < .001). The same results were obtained when the longitudinal percent predicted VO2 was performed using only patients with tricuspid atresia and double inlet left ventricle (P < .001). Conclusions: Among long-term survivors after various types of Fontan procedures, patients with pulsatile PBF after the Fontan-Björk procedure demonstrated better exercise performance compared to those after TCPC, those after the Fontan-Kreutzer procedure, and those after the Fontan-Björk procedure with non-pulsatile PBF. The results implicate the importance of pulsatile PBF to maintain the Fontan circulation.