Impact of Prosthesis-Patient Mismatch After Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Reconstructed Time-to-Event Data of 122 989 Patients With 592 952 Patient-Years.

BACKGROUND: It remains controversial whether prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) impacts long-term outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement. We aimed to evaluate the association of PPM with mortality, rehospitalizations, and aortic valve reinterventions. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis of reconstructed time-to-event data of studies published by March 2023 (according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Sixty-five studies met our eligibility criteria and included 122 989 patients (any PPM: 68 332 patients, 55.6%). At 25 years of follow-up, the survival rates were 11.8% and 20.6% in patients with and without any PPM, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 1.16 [95% CI, 1.13-1.18], P<0.001). At 20 years of follow-up, the survival rates were 19.5%, 12.1%, and 8.8% in patients with no, moderate, and severe PPM, respectively (moderate versus no PPM: HR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.06-1.11], P<0.001; severe versus no PPM: HR, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.24-1.35], P<0.001). PPM was associated with higher risk of cardiac death, heart failure-related hospitalizations, and aortic valve reinterventions over time (P<0.001). Statistically significant associations between PPM and worse survival were observed regardless of valve type (bioprosthetic versus mechanical valves), contemporary PPM definitions unadjusted and adjusted for body mass index, and PPM quantification method (in vitro, in vivo, Doppler echocardiography). Our meta-regression analysis revealed that populations with more women tend to have higher HRs for all-cause death associated with PPM. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that any degree of PPM is associated with poorer long-term outcomes following surgical aortic valve replacement and provide support for implementation of preventive strategies to avoid PPM after surgical aortic valve replacement.

Comparison between conventional open-heart valve surgery and minimally invasive valve replacement surgery regarding the length of hospital stay and usage of blood derivates: insights from a single-centre, single-surgeon study conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Aim To analyse the correlation between different surgical methodologies employed in valve diseases treatment and their subsequent impact on the duration of hospitalization. Methods This retrospective study conducted at the Clinical Centre of the University of Sarajevo analysed medical records of 163 valve disease patients treated between January 2019 and November 2022. The patients were divided into two groups: 77 had openheart valve surgery and 86 underwent minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). Results The mean duration of the surgical procedures was 3.9±1.3 hours, with conventional open-heart surgery requiring an average of 3.6±1.1 hours and minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) procedure 4.2±1.5 hours. No substantial disparities were found in the total length of hospitalization between the two groups, as both conventional (8.2±4.5 days) and MICS (8.7±7.0 days) demonstrated similar duration. Similarly, the total duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay displayed similarity, with conventional surgery patients staying an average of 3.9±2.8 days and MICS patients of 4.2±4.1 days. The pattern of blood transfusion and fresh-frozen plasma usage revealed higher rates in the conventional valve surgery group comparing to the MICS group. Conclusion Minimally invasive valve surgery, despite slightly longer operative times, resulted in lower blood transfusion requirements and comparable hospitalization and ICU stay.

Using machine learning to predict five-year transplant-free survival among infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a congenital malformation commonly treated with palliative surgery and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Risk stratification models have often relied upon traditional survival analyses or outcomes data failing to extend beyond infancy. Individualized prediction of transplant-free survival (TFS) employing machine learning (ML) based analyses of outcomes beyond infancy may provide further valuable insight for families and healthcare providers along the course of a staged palliation. Data from both the Pediatric Heart Network (PHN) Single Ventricle Reconstruction (SVR) trial and Extension study (SVR II), which extended cohort follow up for five years was used to develop ML-driven models predicting TFS. Models incrementally incorporated features corresponding to successive phases of care, from pre-Stage 1 palliation (S1P) through the stage 2 palliation (S2P) hospitalization. Models trained with features from Pre-S1P, S1P operation, and S1P hospitalization all demonstrated time-dependent area under the curves (td-AUC) beyond 0.70 through 5 years following S1P, with a model incorporating features through S1P hospitalization demonstrating particularly robust performance (td-AUC 0.838 (95% CI 0.836-0.840)). Machine learning may offer a clinically useful alternative means of providing individualized survival probability predictions, years following the staged surgical palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Long-term sex-based outcomes after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection: Meta-analysis of reconstructed time-to-event data.

BACKGROUND: The influence of sex on outcomes of surgery for acute type A aortic dissection remains incompletely characterized. We sought to evaluate post-procedural survival in the follow-up of females versus males. METHODS: We carried out a systematic review with meta-analysis of Kaplan-Meier-derived time-to-event data from studies published by June 2023 in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and CENTRAL/CCTR (Cochrane Controlled Trials Register). RESULTS: Twelve studies met our eligibility criteria, including 11,696 patients (3753 females; 7943 males). The mean age ranged from 41.2 to 72.6 years with low prevalence of bicuspid aortic valve (ranging from 0.0% to 12.0%) and connective tissue disorders (ranging from 0.8% to 7.3%). We found a considerable prevalence of coronary artery disease (ranging from 12.1% to 21.1%) and malperfusion (ranging from 20.0% to 46.3%). At 10 years, females undergoing surgery had a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality compared with males (HR 1.25, 95%CI 1.14-1.38, P â€‹< â€‹0.001). CONCLUSION: In the follow-up of patients undergoing surgery for type A aortic dissection, females presented poorer overall survival in comparison with males.

Long-Term Outcomes of Valve-in-Valve Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Versus Redo Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: Meta-Analysis of Kaplan-Meier-Derived Data.

Valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (ViV-TAVI) in patients with failed bioprostheses arose as an alternative to redo surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). To evaluate all-cause mortality in ViV-TAVI versus redo-SAVR, we performed a study-level meta-analysis of reconstructed time-to-event data from Kaplan-Meier curves of nonrandomized studies published by August 2023. A total of 16 studies met our eligibility criteria, with a total of 4,373 patients (2,204 patients underwent ViV-TAVI and 2,169 patients underwent redo-SAVR). Pooling all the studies, ViV-TAVI showed a lower risk of all-cause mortality in the first 6 months (hazard ratio [HR] 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46 to 0.73, p <0.001), with an HR reversal after this time point favoring redo-SAVR (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.58 to 2.33, p <0.001). Pooling only the matched populations (which represented 64.6% of the overall population), ViV-TAVI showed a lower risk of all-cause mortality in the first 6 months (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.73, p <0.001], with a reversal after 6 months favoring redo-SAVR (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.93, p <0.001). The meta-regression analyses revealed a modulating effect of the following covariates: age, coronary artery disease, history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and implanted valves <25 mm. In conclusion, ViV-TAVI is associated with better survival immediately after the procedure than redo-SAVR; however, this primary advantage reverses over time, and redo-SAVR seems to offer better survival at a later stage. Because these results are pooled data from observational studies, they should be interpreted with caution, and randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Five Year Results of Endovascular versus Medical Therapy in Acute Type B Aortic Intramural Haematoma: Meta-Analysis of Reconstructed Time to Event Data.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes in the follow up of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) vs. medical therapy in patients with acute type B aortic intramural haematoma (IMH). DATA SOURCES: The following sources were searched for articles meeting the inclusion criteria and published by July 2023: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL/CCTR (Cochrane Controlled Trials Register). REVIEW METHODS: This systematic review with pooled meta-analysis of time to event data followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines, and its protocol was registered on the public platform PROSPERO (CRD42023456222). The following were analysed: overall survival (all cause mortality), aortic related mortality, and restricted mean survival time. Certainty of evidence was evaluated through the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) tool. RESULTS: Eight studies met the eligibility criteria, including 1 015 patients (440 in the TEVAR group and 575 in the medical therapy group). All studies were observational, and the pooled cohort had a median follow up of 5.1 years. Compared with patients who received medical therapy alone, those who underwent TEVAR had a statistically significantly lower risk of all cause death (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.30 - 0.65; p < .001; GRADE certainty: low), lower risk of aortic related death (HR 0.04, 95% CI 0.01 - 0.31; p = .002; GRADE certainty: low) and lifetime gain (restricted mean survival time was overall 201 days longer with TEVAR; p < .001). CONCLUSION: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair may be associated with lower risk of all cause and aortic related death compared with medical therapy in patients with acute type B IMH; however, the underlying data are not strong enough to draw robust clinical conclusions. Randomised controlled trials with large sample sizes and longer follow up are warranted to elucidate this question.

Compensation based on work relative value unit for cardiovascular surgeons in Iran: A mixed method study.

BACKGROUND: Work relative value unit (wRVU) is a tool for assessing surgeons' performance, compensation, and productivity. It appears that wRVU for cardiovascular procedures does not consider complexity and its value for lengthy operations is low. The aim of the study is to determine wRVU for cardiovascular procedures in Iran according to the proposed approach. MATTERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted as a mixed method in teaching hospitals in Tabriz in the period of September 2020 to December 2021. According to Hospital Information System and expert opinions, six procedures in cardiovascular surgery were included in the study. They were compared with 18 procedures in neurosurgery, orthopedics, and otorhinolaryngology in terms of the operation time and wRVU/min. Then, we calculated new wRVUs for the selected procedures based on surgeons' opinions, time measurements, and anesthetists' points of view by content analysis in qualitative and statistical analysis in quantitative parts. RESULTS: Among the six cardiac procedures, the wRVU for five was under-estimated. The wRVU/min value ranged from 0/28 to 1/15 in the studied procedures. Findings demonstrate no significant relationship between the length of operations and the wRVU announced by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (P value >0/05). Compared to studied procedures in four specialties, thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair has the longest surgery time at 417 minutes. According to anesthesiologists, cardiovascular; orthopedics; ear, nose, and tongue; and neurosurgery specialties obtained 4/2, 2/9, 2/8, and 4, respectively, in terms of surgery duration, complexity, risk, and physical effort. CONCLUSION: Despite policymakers' attempts to bring justice to payments, it seems that there has been little progress in paying cardiovascular surgeons. Improper payment to cardiovascular surgeons will affect the future of the workforce in this specialty. Today, the need to reconsider the wRVUs in heart specialty is felt more than before.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for hyperacute, acute, subacute and chronic type B aortic dissection: Meta-analysis of reconstructed time-to-event data.

Since the optimal timing for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in the context of type B aortic dissections (TBAD) remains an open question, we performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to evaluate outcomes of TEVAR according to the phases of TBAD - hyperacute, acute, subacute and chronic. We carried out a pooled meta-analysis of time-to-event data extracted from studies published by June 2023 for the following outcomes: all-cause mortality, aortic-related mortality, and late aortic reinterventions. Thirteen studies met our eligibility criteria, comprising 4,793 patients (10.3 % hyperacute, 51.9 % acute, 25.9 % subacute, 11.9 % chronic). Considering the overall population, we observed a statistically significant difference between the groups (Log-rank test, P < 0.0001) and the main differences were found in the following comparisons: hyperacute versus acute (HR 1.61; 95 %CI 1.21-2.13; P = 0.001); hyperacute versus chronic (HR 1.70; 95 %CI 1.17-2.46; P = 0.005); subacute versus acute (HR 0.78; 95 %CI 0.63-0.98; P = 0.032). Considering the population with uncomplicated TBAD, we also observed a statistically significant difference for all-cause death between the groups (Log-rank test, P < 0.0001) and the main differences were found in the comparisons for subacute versus acute (HR 0.72; 95 %CI 0.58-0.88; P = 0.002). Furthermore, we observed statistically significant differences between the groups for aortic-related death (Log-rank test, P < 0.0001) and late aortic reintervention (Log-rank test, P < 0.0001), all favoring mostly the subacute phase as the optimal timing for TEVAR. In conclusion, there seems to be a timing-specific difference in the outcomes of TEVAR for TBAD pointing to the subacute phase as the optimal timing to achieve better long-term outcomes.

Delirium and pain in patients in the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery: prevalence and associated risk factors / Delirium e dor em pacientes no pós-operatório imediato de cirurgia cardíaca: prevalência e fatores de risco associados

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Delirium is an acute mental status change, with fluctuating course and high incidence in cardiac surgery (CS) post-operative (PO) period. Delirium can lead to short and long-term consequences. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of delirium and pain and their risk factors on the 1st PO day after CS. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analytical research. To determine the presence of PO delirium, the Confusion Assessment Method modified for Intensive Care Unit setting (CAM-ICU) and the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) were used. PO pain was analyzed using the Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS) and the presence of neuropathic components was analyzed using the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) scale. After bedside analysis, patients were divided into Delirium (D) and Without Delirium (WD) groups. RESULTS: The total number of patients was 79. The prevalence of delirium was 16.5% (95% CI = 9.06 - 26.49%) and the mean number of comorbidities in the preoperative period was a significant risk factor for the occurrence of delirium (D =4.15±2.37 versus WD=2.96±1.78, p: 0.04). Another significant risk factor was the group older than 65 years of age, with the occurrence of delirium 1.45 times higher (PR=1.12-1.88, p: 0.0014). Regarding pain evaluation, 72.15% (95% CI 60.93 - 81.65%) reported it in the 1st PO day. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of delirium was similar to previous studies. The number of previous comorbidities and advanced age were risk factors for delirium. Pain was present predominantly over the sternotomy incision region.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Delirium é uma alteração aguda do estado mental, com curso flutuante e alta incidência no pós-operatório (PO) de cirurgia cardíaca (CC). O delirium pode levar a consequências a curto e longo prazo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de delirium e dor e seus fatores de risco no 1º dia PO após CC. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal analítico. Para determinar delirium no PO, foram utilizados o Confusion Assessment Method modificado para ambiente de Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (CAM-UTI) e a Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS). A dor PO foi analisada por meio da Escala Analógica Visual (EAV) e a presença de componentes neuropáticos foi analisada por meio da Escala de Avaliação de Sintomas e Sinais Neuropáticos de Leeds (LANSS). Após análise, os pacientes foram divididos nos grupos Delirium (D) e Sem Delirium (SD). RESULTADOS: Foram estudados 79 pacientes. A prevalência de delirium foi de 16,5% (IC 95%=9,06-26,49%) e o número médio de comorbidades no pré-operatório foi um fator de risco significativo para a ocorrência de delirium (D=4,15±2,37 versus SD=2,96±1,78, p: 0,04). Outro fator de risco foi o grupo com mais de 65 anos, com ocorrência de delirium 1,45 vezes maior (RP=1,12-1,88, p: 0,0014). Em relação à avaliação da dor, 72,15% (IC 95% 60,93-81,65%) a relataram no 1º dia PO. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de delirium foi semelhante à de estudos anteriores. O número de comorbidades prévias e a idade avançada foram fatores de risco para delirium. A dor estava presente predominantemente na região da incisão da esternotomia.

Midterm Survival of Low-Risk Patients Treated With Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: Meta-Analysis of Reconstructed Time-to-Event Data.

Background We performed a meta-analysis of reconstructed time-to-event data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and propensity-score matched (PSM) studies comparing transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement (TAVR versus SAVR) to evaluate midterm outcomes in patients considered low risk for SAVR. Methods and Results Study-level meta-analysis of reconstructed time-to-event data from Kaplan-Meier curves of RCTs and PSM studies published by December 31, 2022 was conducted. Eight studies (3 RCTs, 5 PSM studies) met our eligibility criteria and included 5444 patients; 2639 patients underwent TAVR, and 2805 patients underwent SAVR. TAVR showed a higher risk of all-cause mortality at 8 years of follow-up (hazard ratio [HR] 1.22, [95% CI, 1.03-1.43], P=0.018). Up to 2 years of follow-up, TAVR was not inferior to SAVR (HR, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.89-1.31], P=0.448); however, we observed a statistically significant difference after 2 years with higher mortality with TAVR (HR, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.14-2.00]; P=0.004). This difference was driven by PSM studies; our sensitivity analysis showed a statistically significant difference between TAVR and SAVR when we included only PSM studies (HR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.16-1.72], P=0.001) but no statistically significant difference when we included only RCTs (HR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.69-1.16], P=0.398). Conclusions In comparison with TAVR, SAVR appeared to be associated with improved survival beyond 2 years in low-risk patients. However, the survival benefit of SAVR was observed only in PSM studies and not in RCTs. The addition of data from ongoing RCTs as well as longer follow-up in previous RCTs will help to confirm if there is a difference in mid- and long-term survival between TAVR versus SAVR in the low-risk population.

Safety and care of no fasting prior to catheterization laboratory procedures: a non-inferiority randomized control trial protocol (SCOFF trial).

Aims: Cardiac catheterization procedures are typically performed with local anaesthetic and proceduralist guided sedation. Various fasting regimens are routinely implemented prior to these procedures, noting the absence of prospective evidence, aiming to reduce aspiration risk. However, there are additional risks from fasting including patient discomfort, intravascular volume depletion, stimulus for neuro-cardiogenic syncope, glycaemic outcomes, and unnecessary fasting for delayed/cancelled procedures. Methods and results: This is an investigator-initiated, multicentre, randomized trial with a prospective, open-label, blinded endpoint (PROBE) assessment based in New South Wales, Australia. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to fasting (6 h solid food and 2 h clear liquids) or to no fasting requirements. The primary outcome will be a composite of hypotension, hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia, and aspiration pneumonia. Secondary outcomes will include patient satisfaction, contrast-induced nephropathy, new intensive care admission, new non-invasive or invasive ventilation requirement post procedure, and 30-day mortality and readmission. Conclusions: This is a pragmatic and clinically relevant randomised trial designed to compare fasting verse no fasting prior to cardiac catheterisation procedures. Routine fasting may not reduce peri-procedural adverse events in this setting.

Late Survival After Valve-in-Valve Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With Balloon- Versus Self-Expandable Valves: Meta-Analysis of Reconstructed Time-to-Event Data.

Valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with failed bioprostheses arose as an alternative to redo surgical aortic valve replacement. There is an increasing interest in exploring the differences between self-expanding valves (SEVs) and balloon-expandable valves (BEVs). Our study aimed to evaluate the all-cause mortality in ViV-TAVI with SEV versus BEV in patients with failed bioprostheses. We performed a study-level meta-analysis of reconstructed time-to-event data from Kaplan-Meier curves of studies published by March 30, 2023. A total of 5 studies met our eligibility criteria and included 1,454 patients who underwent ViV-TAVI (862 with SEV and 592 with BEV). Almost all BEVs were iterations of the Edwards BEVs (SAPIEN, SAPIEN XT, and SAPIEN 3) and almost all SEVs were iterations of the Medtronic SEVs (CoreValve/Evolut). During the first year after ViV-TAVI, 67 deaths (11.8%) occurred in patients treated with BEV compared with 92 deaths (11.1%) in patients treated with SEV (hazard ratio 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.66 to 1.27, p = 0.632). At 8 years of follow-up, the all-cause death was not statistically significantly different between the groups, with mortality rates of 65.4% in the group treated BEV and 58.8% in the group treated with SEV (hazard ratio 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.75 to 1.09, p = 0.302). The restricted mean survival time was overall 0.25 years greater with SEV than BEV, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.278), which indicates no lifetime gain or loss with SEV in comparison with BEV. There seems to be no difference in terms of all-cause death in ViV-TAVI with SEV versus BEV. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate our results.

Long-Term Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Aortic Root Replacement With Mechanical Versus Bioprosthetic Valves: Meta-Analysis of Reconstructed Time-to-Event Data.

Background An aspect not so clear in the scenario of aortic surgery is how patients fare after composite aortic valve graft replacement (CAVGR) depending on the type of valve (bioprosthetic versus mechanical). We performed a study to evaluate the long-term outcomes of both strategies comparatively. Methods and Results Pooled meta-analysis of Kaplan-Meier-derived time-to-event data from studies with follow-up for overall survival (all-cause death), event-free survival (composite end point of cardiac death, valve-related complications, stroke, bleeding, embolic events, and/or endocarditis), and freedom from reintervention. Twenty-three studies met our eligibility criteria, including 11 428 patients (3786 patients with mechanical valves and 7642 patients with bioprosthetic valve). The overall population was mostly composed of men (mean age, 45.5-75.6 years). In comparison with patients who underwent CAVGR with bioprosthetic valves, patients undergoing CAVGR with mechanical valves presented no statistically significant difference in the risk of all-cause death in the first 30 days after the procedure (hazard ratio [HR], 1.24 [95% CI, 0.95-1.60]; P=0.109), but they had a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality after the 30-day time point (HR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.81-0.99]; P=0.039) and lower risk of reintervention (HR, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.24-0.45]; P<0.001). Despite its increased risk for the composite end point in the first 6 years of follow-up (HR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.09-1.82]; P=0.009), CAVGR with mechanical valves is associated with a lower risk for the composite end point after the 6-year time point (HR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.31-0.67]; P<0.001). Conclusions CAVGR with mechanical valves is associated with better long-term outcomes in comparison with CAVGR with bioprosthetic valves.

Parasternal intercostal plane block catheters for cardiac surgery: a retrospective, propensity weighted, cohort study.

Aim: Anesthesia for cardiac surgery has evolved toward fast-track recovery strategies incorporating non opioid analgesics and regional anesthesia. Materials & methods: This retrospective cohort study compared opioid consumption, pain scores and length of stay in patients who underwent cardiac surgery via median sternotomy and did or did not receive preoperative parasternal intercostal plane block catheters with postoperative ropivacaine infusions. Results: Postoperative opioid consumption and postoperative pain scores did not differ. Blocks were associated with decreased intraoperative opioids and reduced length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital. Conclusion: Parasternal intercostal plane block catheters were not associated with decreased postoperative opioid consumption or pain scores, but were associated with reduced intraoperative opioids and length of stay.

Long-term outcomes of valve-sparing aortic root versus composite aortic valve graft replacement for aortic root aneurysm: Meta-analysis of reconstructed time-to-event data.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) versus composite aortic valve graft replacement (CAVGR) for aortic root aneurysms. METHODS: Meta-analysis of Kaplan-Meier-derived time-to-event data from studies with follow-up including propensity-score matching or propensity-score adjustment. RESULTS: Six studies met our eligibility criteria, comprising 3215 patients (1770 patients treated with VSARR and 1445 patients with CAVGR). We observed a statistically significant difference for overall survival favoring VSARR (HR 0.63, 95%CI 0.49-0.82, P â€‹= â€‹0.001), but no statistically significant difference in the risk of reoperation (HR 0.77, 95%CI 0.51-1.14, P â€‹= â€‹0.187) in the overall follow-up. Landmark analyses revealed that, in the first 10 years after the procedure, reoperation rates were comparable between VSARR and CAVGR (HR 0.96, 95%CI 0.62-1.48, p â€‹= â€‹0.861), but the results beyond 10 years showed improved rates of freedom from reoperation in patients undergoing VSARR (HR 0.10, 95%CI 0.01-0.78; p â€‹= â€‹0.027). CONCLUSION: VSARR seems to confer better long-term survival and lower risk of reoperation in the follow-up of patients treated for aortic root aneurysm when compared with CAVGR.

Preparation for cardiac procedures: a cross-sectional study identifying gaps between outpatients' views and experiences of patient-centred care.

BACKGROUND: To examine and identify gaps in care perceived as essential by patients; this study examined outpatients': 1) views on what characterises essential care and 2) experiences of care received, in relation to cardiac catheterisation and subsequent cardiovascular procedures. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Surveys were posted to outpatients who had undergone elective cardiac catheterisation in the prior six months at an Australian hospital. Participants completed a 65-item survey to determine: a) aspects of care they perceive as essential to patients receiving care for a cardiac condition (Important Care Survey); or b) their actual care received (Actual Care Survey). Numbers and percentages were used to calculate the most frequently identified essential care items; and the experiences of care received. Items rated as either 'Essential'/'Very important' by at least 80% of participants were determined. A gap in patient-centred care was identified as being any item that was endorsed as essential/very important by 80% or more of participants but reported as received by less than 80% of participants. RESULTS: Of 582 eligible patients, 264 (45%) returned a completed survey. 43/65 items were endorsed by > 80% of participants as essential. Of those, for 22 items, <80% reported the care as received. Gaps were identified in relation to GP consultation (1 item), preparation (1 item) subsequent decision making for treatment (1 item), prognosis (6 items) and post-treatment follow-up (1 item). CONCLUSIONS: Areas were identified where actual care fell short of patients' perceptions of essential care.

Midterm Outcomes of Endovascular vs. Medical Therapy for Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection: Meta-Analysis of Reconstructed Time to Event Data.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) vs. medical therapy in uncomplicated type B aortic dissections (TBAD). DATA SOURCES: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, SciELO, LILACS, CENTRAL/CCTR, Google Scholar, and reference lists of relevant articles. REVIEW METHODS: This was a pooled meta-analysis of time to event data extracted from studies published by December 2022 for the following outcomes: all cause mortality, aortic related mortality, and late aortic interventions. Certainty of evidence was evaluated through the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) tool. RESULTS: Ten studies met the eligibility criteria (eight observational; two randomised trials), comprising 17 906 patients (2 332 patients in the TEVAR groups and 15 574 patients in the medical therapy group). Compared with patients who received medical therapy, patients who underwent TEVAR had a statistically significantly lower risk of all cause death (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.72 - 0.87, p < .001; GRADE certainty: low) and lower risk of aortic related death (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.30 - 0.62, p < .001; GRADE certainty: low) without statistically significant difference in the risk of late aortic interventions (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.88 - 1.26, p = .56; GRADE certainty: low). In the subgroup analyses, TEVAR was associated with lower risk of all cause death when randomised controlled trials only were pooled (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.23 - 0.83, p = .012; GRADE certainty: moderate), younger patients only (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.47 - 0.67, p < .001; GRADE certainty: low), Western populations only (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77 - 0.93, p = .001; GRADE certainty: low) and non-Western populations only (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.35 - 0.62, p < .001; GRADE certainty: low). For all cause mortality and aortic related mortality, restricted mean survival time was overall 396 days and 398 days longer with TEVAR (p < .001), respectively, which means that TEVAR was associated with lifetime gain. CONCLUSION: TEVAR may be associated with better midterm survival and lower risk of aortic related death in the follow up of patients treated for uncomplicated TBAD compared with medical therapy; however, randomised controlled trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow up are still warranted.

Inhaled Epoprostenol Compared With Nitric Oxide for Right Ventricular Support After Major Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular failure (RVF) is a leading driver of morbidity and death after major cardiac surgery for advanced heart failure, including orthotopic heart transplantation and left ventricular assist device implantation. Inhaled pulmonary-selective vasodilators, such as inhaled epoprostenol (iEPO) and nitric oxide (iNO), are essential therapeutics for the prevention and medical management of postoperative RVF. However, there is limited evidence from clinical trials to guide agent selection despite the significant cost considerations of iNO therapy. METHODS: In this double-blind trial, participants were stratified by assigned surgery and key preoperative prognostic features, then randomized to continuously receive either iEPO or iNO beginning at the time of separation from cardiopulmonary bypass with the continuation of treatment into the intensive care unit stay. The primary outcome was the composite RVF rate after both operations, defined after transplantation by the initiation of mechanical circulatory support for isolated RVF, and defined after left ventricular assist device implantation by moderate or severe right heart failure according to criteria from the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support. An equivalence margin of 15 percentage points was prespecified for between-group RVF risk difference. Secondary postoperative outcomes were assessed for treatment differences and included: mechanical ventilation duration; hospital and intensive care unit length of stay during the index hospitalization; acute kidney injury development including renal replacement therapy initiation; and death at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: Of 231 randomized participants who met eligibility at the time of surgery, 120 received iEPO, and 111 received iNO. Primary outcome occurred in 30 participants (25.0%) in the iEPO group and 25 participants (22.5%) in the iNO group, for a risk difference of 2.5 percentage points (two one-sided test 90% CI, -6.6% to 11.6%) in support of equivalence. There were no significant between-group differences for any of the measured postoperative secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients undergoing major cardiac surgery for advanced heart failure, inhaled pulmonary-selective vasodilator treatment using iEPO was associated with similar risks for RVF development and development of other postoperative secondary outcomes compared with treatment using iNO. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT03081052.

Impact of Paravalvular Leak on Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Meta-Analysis of Kaplan-Meier-derived Individual Patient Data.

Background: Paravalvular leak (PVL) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is frequent and the impact of mild PVL on outcomes remains uncertain. Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of PVL on TAVI outcomes. Methods: To analyze late outcomes of patients after TAVI according to the presence and severity of PVL, PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google Scholar were searched for studies that reported rates of all-cause mortality/survival and/or rehospitalization and/or cardiovascular mortality accompanied by at least one Kaplan-Meier curve for any of these outcomes. We adopted a 2-stage approach to reconstruct individual patient data based on the published Kaplan-Meier graphs. Results: Thirty-eight studies with Kaplan-Meier curves met our eligibility criteria including over 25,000 patients. Patients with any degree of PVL after TAVI had a significantly higher risk of overall mortality (hazard ratio (HR), 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.43-1.61; p < 0.001), rehospitalization (HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.54-2.12; p < 0.001), and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.33-1.75; p < 0.001) over time. These findings remained consistent when we stratified the results for the methods of assessment of PVL (i.e., echocardiography vs. angiography) and PVL severity. Both moderate/severe PVL and mild PVL were associated with increased risk of overall mortality (p < 0.001), rehospitalization (p < 0.001), and cardiovascular mortality (p < 0.001) during follow-up. Conclusions: Patients with PVL, even if mild, experience higher risk of all-cause mortality, rehospitalization, and cardiovascular mortality following TAVI. These findings provide support to the implementation of procedural strategies to prevent any degree of PVL at the time of TAVI.