Incidence and Predictors of Cerebrovascular Accidents in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair with Mitraclip.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter mitral edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with transcatheter devices has become a mainstay in the minimally invasive treatment of patients with severe mitral regurgitation at increased surgical risk. Despite its apparently favorable risk profile, there is uncertainty on the risk and features of cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) early and long after TMVR. We aimed at appraising incidence and predictors of CVA in patients undergoing TEER. METHODS: We explicitly queried the dataset of an ongoing multicenter prospective observational study dedicated to TEER with MitraClip (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA). Incidence of CVA after TEER was formally appraised, and we explored also potential predictors of such event. Descriptive, bivariate and diagnostic accuracy analyses were performed. RESULTS: Out of 2238 patients undergoing TEER, CVA occurred in 33 (1.47% [95% confidence interval 1.02% to 2.06%]), including 6 (0.27% [0.10% to 0.58%]) inhospital strokes and 27 events after discharge (0.99% [0.66% to 1.44%]) over a median follow-up of of 14 months. Most CVA were major ischemic strokes, during the inhospital phase as well as subsequently. Overall, CVA were more common in patients with atrial fibrillation (p=0.018), renal dysfunction (p=0.032), higher EuroSCORE II (p=0.033), and, as expected, higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (p=0.033), despite the limited prognostic accuracy of such score. Notably, the occurrence of CVA did not confer a significantly increased risk of long-term death (p=0.136) or cardiac death (p=0.397). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CVA in patients undergoing TEER is low, with most events occurring after discharge, and being associated with pre-existing risk features. These findings, while reassuring on the safety of TEER, call for proactive antithrombotic therapy whenever CVA risk is increased before, as well as after such intervention.

Mid-Term Outcomes of Aortic Valve Repair Without Aortic Root Replacement: A Single-Center Experience.

Background Aortic valve (AV) repair is a challenging procedure due to its complexity, lower reproducibility, and steep learning curve. To examine its durability and validity, we investigated mid-term outcomes following AV repair without aortic root replacement. Methods Between March 2007 and May 2018, we retrospectively identified 14 patients who underwent AV repair without aortic root replacement at our institution. We investigated their baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes, including the reoperation rate due to aortic regurgitation (AR) recurrence. Furthermore, we divided them into two groups: those who required reoperation due to AR recurrence (Group R) and those who did not require reoperation (Group F), and statistically compared them. Results The median age was 52.5 years (IQR: 42.0-60.8), with 11 male patients (78.6%). Eight patients (57.1%) had a bicuspid AV. Five cases (35.7%) underwent reoperation due to AR recurrence during a median follow-up period of 5.5 years. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between Group R (n=5, 35.7%) and Group F (n=9, 64.3%), including AR etiology, AV repair procedure, and intraoperative AR grade after the final declamp. All cases in Group R had at least mild to moderate AR on the echocardiogram before discharge. Regarding the AR grade before discharge, Group R had a significantly higher grade than Group F (p = 0.013). Conclusions The indication for AV repair for AR might need to be reassessed due to the considerable mid-term reoperation rate. Cases of AV repair with more than mild AR at discharge should be carefully monitored, as they are likely to require future reoperation for AR.

Mitral valve repair with leaflet resection versus preservation for degenerative posterior leaflet prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: The optimal technique for repairing posterior mitral valve leaflet prolapse remains undetermined. We aimed to compare leaflet resection and neochordae implantation in patients undergoing mitral valve repair for posterior leaflet prolapse, focusing on transmitral pressure gradient and recurrence of mitral regurgitation. METHODS: We enrolled patients undergoing mitral valve repair using either leaflet resection or neochordae implantation for single-segment prolapse of posterior mitral valve leaflet between 2000 and 2021 at our institution. Longitudinal outcomes were evaluated after adjustments with inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting. Repeat echocardiographic measurements (n = 3473, 5.4/patient) of transmitral pressure gradient and significant (moderate or severe) mitral regurgitation recurrence were estimated using nonlinear mixed-effect models. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the size and type of prosthesis. RESULTS: Among 639 patients, leaflet resection was used in 479 (75.0%) and neochordae implantation was used in 160 (25.0%). In the inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting adjusted cohort, the risk of death (P = .623) and mitral valve reoperation (P = .340) did not significantly differ between the 2 groups during a median follow-up of 97.3 months. Echocardiographic data showed comparable mean (at 5 years, 3.8 vs 4.0 mm Hg; P = .442) and peak (9.6 vs 10.4 mm Hg; P = .131) pressure gradients between groups, which persisted in most subgroup analyses. However, neochordae implantation was associated with a higher probability of significant mitral regurgitation recurrence compared with leaflet resection (at 5 years, 16.1% vs 7.0%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Leaflet resection yielded similar clinical outcomes and transmitral pressure gradients compared with neochordae implantation after mitral valve repair, with a lower mitral regurgitation recurrence rate. These findings underscore the need to reassess the efficacy of neochordae implantation relative to leaflet resection.

Remimazolam for simultaneous percutaneous mitral valve clip and percutaneous left atrial appendage closure in an elderly patient with impaired cardiac function: A case report.

Remimazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine sedative with a short half-life and little circulatory depression. The safe use of remimazolam in the anesthetic management of an elderly patient with impaired cardiac function is reported. The patient's hemodynamics remained stable, and the patient was managed without serious complications. Remimazolam may be an option for sedation in elderly patients with reduced cardiac function.

Comparison of Outcomes of Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair Versus Surgical Mitral Valve Repair for Functional Mitral Regurgitation.

AIMS: Patients affected by functional mitral regurgitation represent an increasingly high-risk population. Edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER) has emerged as a promising treatment option for these patients. However, there is limited research on the comparative outcomes of TEER versus surgical mitral valve repair (SMVr). This study seeks to compare the demographics, complications, and outcomes of TEER and SMVr based on a real-world analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the NIS database, from the years 2016 to 2018, a total of 6233 and 2524 patients who underwent SMVr and TEER were selected, respectively. The mean ages of the patients were 65.68 years (SMVr) and 78.40 years (TEER) (p < 0.01). The mortality rate of patients who received SMVr was similar to that of patients who were treated with TEER (1.7% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.603). Patients who underwent SMVr more likely suffered from perioperative complications including cardiogenic shock (2.3% vs. 0.4%, p < 0.001), cardiac arrest (1.7% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.025), and cerebrovascular infarction (0.9% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.013). The average length of hospital stay was longer (8.59 vs. 4.13 days, p < 0.001) for SMVr compared to TEER; however, the average cost of treatment was higher ($218 728.25 vs. $215 071.74, p = 0.031) for TEER compared to SMVr. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that SMVr was associated with worse adjusted cardiogenic shock (OR, 7.347 [95% CI, 3.574-15.105]; p < 0.01) and acute kidney injury (OR, 2.793 [95% CI, 2.356-3.311]; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent TEER demonstrated a notable decrease in postoperative complications and a shorter hospitalization period when compared to those who underwent SMVr.

Left ventricular reverse remodeling after aortic valve replacement or repair in bicuspid aortic valve with moderate or greater aortic regurgitation.

Objective: Bicuspid aortic valve (AV) patients with aortic regurgitation (AR) differ from tricuspid AV patients given younger age, greater left ventricle (LV) compliance, and more prevalent aortic stenosis (AS). Bicuspid AV-specific data to guide timing of AV replacement or repair are lacking. Methods: Adults with bicuspid AV and moderate or greater AR who underwent aortic valve replacement or repair at our center were studied. The presurgical echocardiogram, and echocardiograms within 3 years postoperatively were evaluated for LV geometry/function, and AV function. Semiquantitative AS/AR assessment was performed in all patients with adequate imaging. Results: One hundred thirty-five patients (85% men, aged 44.5 ± 15.9 years) were studied (63% pure AR, 37% mixed AS/AR). Following aortic valve replacement or repair, change in LV end-diastolic dimension and change in LV end-diastolic volume were associated with preoperative LV end-diastolic dimension (ß = 0.62 Δcm/cm; 95% CI, 0.43-0.73 Δcm/cm; P < .001), and LV end-diastolic volume (ß = 0.6 ΔmL/mL; 95% CI, 0.4-0.7 ΔmL/mL; P < .001), respectively, each independent of AR/AS severity (P = not significant). Baseline LV size predicted postoperative normalization (LV end-diastolic dimension: odds ratio, 3.75/cm; 95% CI, 1.61-8.75/cm, LV end-diastolic volume: odds ratio, 1.01/mL; 95% CI, 1.004-1.019/mL, both P values < .01) whereas AR/AS severity did not (P = not significant). Indexed LV end diastolic volume outperformed LV end-diastolic dimension in predicting postoperative LV normalization (area under the curve = 0.74 vs 0.61) with optimal diagnostic cutoffs of 99 mL/m2 and 6.1 cm, respectively. Postoperative indexed LV end diastolic volume dilatation was associated with increased risk of death, transplant/ventricular assist device, ventricular arrhythmia, and reoperation (hazard ratio, 6.1; 95% CI, 1.7-21.5; P < .01). Conclusions: Remodeling extent following surgery in patients with bicuspid AV and AR relates to preoperative LV size independent of valve disease phenotype or severity. Many patients with LV end-diastolic dimension below current surgical thresholds did not normalize LV size. LV volumetric assessment offered superior diagnostic performance for predicting residual LV dilatation, and postoperative indexed LV end diastolic volume dilatation was associated with adverse prognosis.

Robotic Mitral Valve Repair: Impact of Experience on Results and Complex Mitral Disease Treatment.

Background/Objectives: Robotically assisted mitral valve (MV) surgery is the least invasive surgical approach to the MV. The aim of the present study is to report our experience with robotically assisted MV repair, trying to define how experience could impact on postoperative results. Methods: This is a retrospective study on 144 patients who underwent robotic MV repair from November 2011 to March 2023. Patients were divided in two groups: Group 1, including 39 patients (November 2011-January 2013) operated using the Da Vinci Si system, and Group 2, including 105 patients operated (February 2020-March 2023) using the new Da Vinci Xi system. Results: Mean age was 58 ± 10 years. Increased use of external aortic clamp was observed in Group 2. A significant reduction of surgical times was observed: cardiopulmonary bypass time was 155 ± 44 min in Group 1 and 121 ± 36 min in Group 2 (p = 0.002), whereas cross-clamp time was 112 ± 25 min in Group 1 and 68 ± 39 min in Group 2 (p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 0.7%, and 10-year survival was 96 ± 2%. Freedom from reoperation was 100%. A higher percentage of complex and most complex MV repairs were performed in Group 2 (36% in Group 1 vs. 52% in Group 2, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Robotic-assisted MV repair is associated with excellent results. Experience is a key element to overcome the limitations of this technology. Finally, the robotic platform could improve results in difficult MV repair.

The Fate of Mitral Valve Surgery in the Pediatric Age: A 25-Year Single-Center Experience.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the natural history of patients after mitral valve intervention in the pediatric age. Methods: This is a retrospective study including all patients who underwent mitral valve surgery from 1998 to 2022. The patients' surgical reports, postoperative records, and ambulatory visits were reviewed. The endpoints of the study were survival and freedom from mitral valve reoperation. Results: Of the 70 patients included in the cohort, 61 patients (86.7%) had congenital mitral valve disease, of whom 46 patients (75.4%) had a predominantly mitral regurgitation lesion, and 15 patients (24.6%) had a predominantly mitral stenosis. In the mitral regurgitation group, all of the patients underwent valve repair with an operative mortality of one patient (2.1%), and with median follow-up of 4 years (range, 0.5-13 years), there was 4.3% mortality (n = 2) and 71.2% freedom from reoperation. In the mitral stenosis group, 11 patients underwent mitral valve repair, and 4 patients underwent valve replacement. There was an operative mortality of two patients (13.3%). With a 2-year median follow-up (range: 0.1-23 years), there were no additional mortality cases in the mitral stenosis group. All three patients who survived primary mitral valve replacement (100%) and four patients who survived a primary repair (40.0%) underwent reoperation. Conclusions: This study demonstrates encouraging outcomes for mitral valve repair. The mortality of patients with congenital mitral valve disease may also be related to a difficult postoperative course, rather than the MV lesion itself.

When annuloplasty is not enough: a case report of ventricular arrhythmias stepwise abolition after mitral valve re-repair.

Background: Some patients affected by mitral valve (MV) prolapse (MVP) are at higher risk of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), but the underlying pathogenesis, as well as the effects of surgery on VA, remain not fully understood. Mitral valve repair, however, represents a privileged point of view to deepen the understanding of arrhythmogenesis in this context. Hence, we report an interesting case of MV re-repair. Case summary: A 52-year-old man was referred to our institution for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) due to P2 prolapse in the context of myxomatous MV degeneration. Pre-operative imaging showed systolic mitral annular disjunction, left ventricular (LV) wall curling, Pickelhaube's sign, and a prolapsing tricuspid valve (TV) with only mild regurgitation. Twenty-four-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) Holter revealed a significant burden of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), most of them originating from anterior papillary muscle (APM), posterior papillary muscle (PPM), and mitral annulus (MA). Quadrangular resection of P2 and mitral annuloplasty were performed. One year later, relapse of severe MR due to a residual P2M1 prolapse occurred. Twenty-four-hour ECG Holter showed no PVCs from PPM and MA, while those from APM persisted. A central edge-to-edge repair was effectively used to fix the residual prolapse. After 1 year from REDO surgery, a third ECG Holter confirmed the absence of any remaining LV PVCs, but still few ectopic beats originating from TV were recorded. Discussion: Here, we report a case of VA resolution after specific, anatomical triggers addressing surgical gestures. Our experience confirms that MV surgery may have a role in MVP patients' arrhythmias correction.

Aortic valve cusp size and shape in dilated trileaflet aortic roots.

OBJECTIVES: Objective of the study was to quantify the differences in cusp size and shape in patients with normal and dilated trileaflet aortic roots and in dilated roots with or without aortic regurgitation. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of computed tomography studies in patients with normal and dilated trileaflet aortic roots was performed measuring root and cusp dimensions. Normal root size was defined as sinuses of Valsalva diameter < 40 mm, dilated as ≥ 45 mm. Root measurements normalized to basal ring diameter and cusp measurements normalized to geometric height were analyzed to assess the shape. Additionally, comparison of dilated roots with or without aortic regurgitation was made. RESULTS: We analyzed 146 normal and 104 dilated aortic roots and 73 propensity-matched pairs. Dilated roots were larger in all dimensions and had increased ratio between commissural and basal ring diameter (1.58±0.23 vs. 1.11±0.10, p<0.001). Cusps in dilated roots were larger in all measured dimensions and were elongated with increased normalized cusp insertion length (3.64±0.39 vs. 3.26±0.20, p<0.001) and normalized free margin length (2.53±0.30 vs. 2.16±0.19, p<0.001). In patients with dilated root and no cusp prolapse (n = 83), those with moderate or severe aortic regurgitation had larger commissural diameter but similar cusp dimensions compared to those with no or mild aortic regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: The cusps in dilated roots elongate transversely and to a lesser degree radially. Functional aortic regurgitation is caused by extensive commissural dilatation and not by inadequate cusp adaptation.

Mitral valve replacement in young patients: review and current challenges.

Mitral valve repair is the ideal intervention for mitral valve disease with excellent long-term survival comparable to the age-matched general population. When the mitral valve is not repairable, mechanical prostheses may be associated with improved survival as compared with biological prostheses. Newer mechanical and biological valve prostheses have the potential to improve outcomes following mitral valve replacement in young patients. Patients presenting for mitral valve surgery after failed transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve have high rates of postoperative mortality and morbidity, exceeding those seen with reoperative mitral valve surgery, which poses issues in young patients who have a higher cumulative incidence of reintervention.

Patients presenting with mitral valve disease, the most common type of heart valve disease, have a survival advantage when they undergo mitral valve repair as opposed to replacement, and this is particularly true for young patients. When the mitral valve is not repairable, mechanical prostheses (prosthetic implants) may be associated with improved survival as compared with biological prostheses, and this difference is mostly observed until the age of 70 years. Newer techniques of treating mitral valve disease without requiring open heart surgery have not yet been shown to be superior or even equivalent to traditional open heart surgery in the general population. Patients presenting for mitral valve surgery after failure of these newer techniques have high rates of death, exceeding those seen with mitral valve reoperation, which has important implications for young patients with mitral valve disease.

20 Years of triple-valve surgery in the UK: demographic and outcome trends.

OBJECTIVES: To describe evolving demographic trends and early outcomes in patients undergoing triple-valve surgery in the UK between 2000 and 2019. METHODS: We planned a retrospective analysis of national registry data including patients undergoing triple-valve surgery for all aetiologies of disease. We excluded patients in a critical preoperative state and those with missing admission dates. The study cohort was split into 5 consecutive 4-year cohorts (groups A, B, C, D and E). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and secondary outcomes included prolonged admission, re-exploration for bleeding, postoperative stroke and postoperative dialysis. Binary logistic regression models were used to establish independent predictors of mortality, stroke, postoperative dialysis and re-exploration for bleeding in this high-risk cohort. RESULTS: We identified 1750 patients undergoing triple-valve surgery in the UK between 2000 and 2019. Triple valve surgery represents 3.1% of all patients in the dataset. Overall mean age of patients was 68.5 ± 12 years, having increased from 63 ±12 years in group A to 69 ± 12 years in group E (P < 0.001). Overall in-hospital mortality rate was 9%, dropping from 21% in group A to 7% in group E (P < 0.001). Overall rates of re-exploration for bleeding (11%, P = 0.308) and postoperative dialysis (11%, P = 0.066) remained high across the observed time period. Triple valve replacement, redo sternotomy and poor preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction emerged as strong independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Triple-valve surgery remains rare in the UK. Early postoperative outcomes for triple valve surgery have improved over time. Redo sternotomy is a significant predictor of mortality. Attempts should be made to repair the mitral and/or tricuspid valves where technically possible.

Transcatheter Versus Surgical Mitral Valve Interventions in Patients With Prior Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of patients requiring mitral valve (MV) intervention have undergone prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Reoperative heart surgery is associated with increased risk. AIMS: To evaluate the utilization and outcomes of transcatheter versus surgical MV interventions in patients with prior CABG. METHODS: We queried the Nationwide Readmission Database (2016-2021) to identify adults with prior CABG hospitalized for transcatheter or surgical MV intervention. In-hospital outcomes were compared using multivariable regression and propensity-matching analyses. Readmissions were compared using Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: Of 305,625 weighted hospitalizations for MV intervention, 23,506 (7.7%) occurred in patients with prior CABG. From 2016-2021, the use of transcatheter MV interventions increased among patients with prior CABG (72 to 191 for repair and 6 to 45 for replacement per 100,000 hospitalizations, both ptrend<0.001). Compared with surgical MV repair and replacement, transcatheter MV repair and replacement were associated with similar in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20-1.03 for repair; aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.38-1.02 for replacement) and 180-day heart failure readmissions (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.56, 95% CI 0.85-2.87 for repair; aHR 1.15, 95% CI 0.63-2.09 for replacement) and lower stroke, acute kidney injury, permanent pacemaker placement, length of stay, and nonhome discharges, respectively. Vascular complications were higher with transcatheter versus surgical MV replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter MV interventions are increasingly used as the preferred modality of MV intervention in patients with prior CABG and are associated with similar in-hospital mortality and 180-day heart failure readmissions compared with surgical MV interventions.

Innovative Mitral Valve Repair Using a Novel Automated Suturing System: Preliminary Data.

(1) Background and Objectives: Mitral regurgitation is a common valve disease requiring surgical repair. Even with satisfactory results, repair techniques may underlie subjectivity and variability and require long learning curves. A novel approach, the "Roman Arch" technique, may ease the technical burden. This study assessed an automated suturing device's feasibility and time efficiency for a proposed simplified technique. (2) Materials and Methods: Using the MiStitch™ and MiKnot™ devices (LSI Solutions, Inc., Victor, NY, USA), the suture pattern was performed in a cadaver model. Three surgeons with different expertise levels conducted the procedures. Repair and suture placement times were recorded and analyzed. (3) Results: The modified "Roman Arch" repair was completed on all ten human heart specimens with an average total repair time of 3:01 ± 00:59 min and a trend toward reduced times as experience increased. The study confirmed the technical feasibility with 90% of the attempts rated as rather satisfactory or very satisfactory. (4) Conclusions: The MiStitch™ system effectively facilitated the modified "Roman Arch" repair in an ex vivo setting, suggesting its potential to reduce the technical complexity of mitral valve repairs. Further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in clinical practice.

The Role of Microbes in Surgical Decision Making for Infective Endocarditis: Mitral Valve Repair or Replacement?

BACKGROUND: The benefits of mitral repair versus replacement for endocarditis are inconclusive. This study compares outcomes of patients with infective endocarditis undergoing mitral valve repair versus replacement and investigates the impact of microbial etiology. METHODS: All 251 patients undergoing mitral valve surgery for active endocarditis between 2010 and 2023 were enrolled, 180 (71.7%) replacement and 71 (28.3%) repair. To adjust for imbalances, inverse probability of treatment weighting was applied and 187 patients were obtained. RESULTS: The analysis between groups, following the application of inverse probability of treatment weighting, showed no statistically significant differences across all considered outcomes. Early and late death was observed respectively in 6 (8.5%) and 11 (15.5%) patients in the repair group versus 24 (13.3%) and 45 (25.0%) in the replacement group without statistical significance (p = 0.221 and p = 0.446). Relapse occurred in six patients (8.5%) in the repair group after a median time of 4.0 months and in six (3.3%) in the replacement after 6.9 months (p = 0.071). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical strategy in mitral endocarditis has no effect on major postoperative complications, mortality, or medium/long-term survival. Staphylococcus aureus and Coagulase-negative Staphylococci represent a risk for early mortality and relapse. However, mitral valve repair for endocarditis can be pursued when it ensures the complete eradication of all infected tissue, particularly in cases caused by Streptococcus infection, in young patients, and after a minimum of 18 days of antibiotic therapy.

Mitral valve repair with resection and non-resection techniques in Barlow's disease: A multi-center study.

BACKGROUND: Various mitral valve (MV) repair techniques are nowadays in use. Non-resection techniques, that rely exclusively on Gore-Tex® neochords and annuloplasty, have been popularized; however, their efficacy in Barlow's disease, characterized by large myxomatous leaflets, is yet unclear. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing MV repair for Barlow's disease between 2011 and 2019 were selected on the basis of being eligible for resection and non-resection techniques. Study endpoints included overall survival, freedom from MV reintervention and recurrent regurgitation. RESULTS: Of 209 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 135 (65%) underwent MV repair with and 74 (35%) without resection. There was one early reoperation due to residual regurgitation (resection group). Mean clinical follow-up duration was 6.1 (IQR 3.9-8.5) years. At 6 years after surgery, there was no difference in overall survival or freedom from MV reintervention. Mean echocardiographic follow-up (95% complete) duration was 3.5 (IQR 2.3-5.8) years. At 6 years, there was no difference in freedom from recurrent regurgitation rate (86.1%, 95% CI 78.5-93.7% vs. 83.0%, 95% CI 71.6-94.4%, P = 0.20) between the groups. Inverse probability-of-treatment weighting adjusted analysis demonstrated no significant difference between groups (HR 0.535, 95% CI 0.212-1.349, P = 0.20). Uni- and multivariable Cox proportional regression analysis did not demonstrate an effect of valve repair technique on the occurrence of recurrent regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: At mid-term, the clinical and echocardiographic results of valve repair for Barlow's disease were very good and MV reintervention was rarely needed. At this time point, the results of non-resection techniques were comparable to the "gold standard" resection techniques.

Health Technology Assessment of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuit with and without Phosphorylcholine Coating: A Retrospective Study on Safety and Efficiency in Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Phosphorylcholine has emerged as a potential adjunctive agent in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits. Phosphorylcholine serves as a coating for the CPB circuit, potentially enhancing biocompatibility and reducing thrombotic events. However, its impact on specific patient populations and procedural outcomes remains underexplored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analyzed data from 60 patients who underwent cardiac surgery with CPB, comprising 20 cases each of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), mitral valve repair, and aortic valve replacement. The patient cohort was divided into two groups-30 patients whose CPB circuits were coated with phosphorylcholine (phosphorylcholine-coated group) and 30 patients who did not receive phosphorylcholine supplementation or circuit coating. Both groups underwent surgery with identical CPB circuit designs. We assessed the absence of adverse events, safety, and efficacy parameters, including blood loss, clotting, and the structural integrity of the CPB circuit. Additionally, we measured changes in mean albumin levels (g/dL), mean platelet counts (×109/L), and antithrombin III (ATIII) levels before and after CPB. RESULTS: The retrospective analysis revealed an absence of adverse events in both groups. In the phosphorylcholine-coated group compared to the non-phosphorylcholine-coated group, there was a notable difference in the delta change in mean albumin levels (0.87 ± 0.1 vs. 1.65 ± 0.2 g/dL, p-value 0.021), mean platelet counts (42.251 ± 0.121 vs. 54.21 ± 0.194 × 109/L, p-value 0.049), and ATIII levels (16.85 ± 0.2 vs. 31.21 ± 0.3 p-value 0.017). There was a notable reduction in the perioperative consumption of human complex units after CPB (3 vs. 12, p-value 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Both groups, phosphorylcholine and non-phosphorylcholine, demonstrated the absence of adverse events and that the systems are safe for iatrogenic complication. Our findings suggest that the use of phosphorylcholine coating on the CPB circuit, in the absence of supplementary phosphorylcholine, in cardiac surgery is associated with favorable changes in mean albumin levels, mean platelet counts, and ATIII levels. Further research is warranted to elucidate the full extent of phosphorylcholine's impact on patient outcomes and CPB circuit performance.

Comparison of Mitral Valve Repair Versus Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Commissurotomy for Patients With Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Single-Centre Study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy (PMBC) is the standard treatment option for patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS), according to current guidelines. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of rheumatic mitral valve repair (rMVR) and PMBC in this patient population. METHODS: Baseline, clinical, and follow-up data from 703 patients with rheumatic heart disease who underwent PMBC or rMVR at the current centre were collected and analysed. A 1:1 propensity score (PS) matching method was used to balance the differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The primary outcome was mitral valve reoperation, and the secondary outcome was all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Propensity score matching generated 101 patient pairs for comparison. In the matched population, there were no significant differences in the early clinical outcomes between the groups. The median follow-up time was 40.9 months. Overall, patients in the rMVR group had a statistically significantly lower risk of mitral valve reoperation than those in the PMBC group (HR 0.186; 95% CI 0.041-0.835; p=0.028). Regarding all-cause mortality, no statistically significant differences were observed between the rMVR and PMBC groups (HR 4.065; 95% CI 0.454-36.374; p=0.210). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with PMBC, rMVR has more advantages for the correction of valve lesions; therefore, it may offer a better prognosis than PMBC in select patients with rheumatic MS. However, this finding needs to be verified in future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods.