The incidence and effect of resternotomy following cardiac surgery on morbidity and mortality: a 1-year national audit on behalf of the Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Critical Care.

Over 30,000 adult cardiac operations are carried out in the UK annually. A small number of these patients need to return to theatre in the first few days after the initial surgery, but the exact proportion is unknown. The majority of these resternotomies are for bleeding or cardiac tamponade. The Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Critical Care carried out a 1-year national audit of resternotomy in 2018. Twenty-three of the 35 centres that were eligible participated. The overall resternotomy rate (95%CI) within the period of admission for the initial operation in these centres was 3.6% (3.37-3.85). The rate varied between centres from 0.69% to 7.6%. Of the 849 patients who required resternotomy, 127 subsequently died, giving a mortality rate (95%CI) of 15.0% (12.7-17.5). In patients who underwent resternotomy, the median (IQR [range]) length of stay on ICU was 5 (2-10 [0-335]) days, and time to tracheal extubation was 20 (12-48 [0-2880]) hours. A total of 89.3% of patients who underwent resternotomy were transfused red cells, with a median (IQR [range]) of 4 (2-7 [1-1144]) units of red blood cells. The rate (95%CI) of needing renal replacement therapy was 23.4% (20.6-26.5). This UK-wide audit has demonstrated that resternotomy after cardiac surgery is associated with prolonged intensive care stay, high rates of blood transfusion, renal replacement therapy and very high mortality. Further research into this area is required to try to improve patient care and outcomes in patients who require resternotomy in the first 24 h after cardiac surgery.

Impact of surgical technique and analgesia on clinical outcomes after lung transplantation: A STROBE-compliant cohort study.

There is paucity of data on the impact of surgical incision and analgesia on relevant outcomes.A retrospective STROBE-compliant cohort study was performed between July 2007 and August 2017 of patients undergoing lung transplantation. Gender, age, indication for lung transplantation, and the 3 types of surgical access (Thoracotomy (T), Sternotomy (S), and Clamshell (C)) were used, as well as 2 analgesic techniques: epidural and intravenous opioids. Outcome variables were: pain scores; postoperative hemorrhage in the first 24 hours, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of stay at intensive care unit (ICU).Three hundred forty-one patients were identified. Thoracotomy was associated with higher pain scores than Sternotomy (OR 1.66, 95% CI: 1.01; 2.74, P: .045) and no differences were found between Clamshell and Sternotomy incision. The median blood loss was 800 mL [interquartile range (IQR): 500; 1238], thoracotomy patients had 500 mL [325; 818] (P < .001). Median durations of mechanical ventilation in Thoracotomy, Sternotomy, and Clamshell groups were 19 [11; 37] hours, 34 [IQR 16; 57.5] hours, and 27 [IQR 15; 50.5] hours respectively. Thoracotomy group were discharged earlier from ICU (P < .001).Thoracotomy access produces less postoperative hemorrhage, duration of mechanical ventilation, and lower length of stay in ICU, but higher pain scores and need for epidural analgesia.

Reasons for Conversion and Adverse Intraoperative Events in Robotically Enhanced Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Revascularization.

OBJECTIVE: The transition from sternotomy access to minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting is associated with steep learning curves. This study reports the reasons for sternotomy conversions from robotically enhanced minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (RE-MIDCAB) and describes potential risk reduction strategies. METHODS: The perioperative data of 759 RE-MIDCAB patients (mean age 65.9 ± 10 years, 25.5% female, 30.2% multivessel disease) operated between July 1, 2002 and November 30, 2018 were reviewed for the reasons of conversion and adverse intraoperative events. Hybrid revascularization was planned in 204 (26.9%) patients. RESULTS: Sternotomy conversion occurred in 30 (4.0%) patients. Lung adhesions and unsuccessful single-lung ventilation prohibited safe RE-MIDCAB internal thoracic artery (ITA) harvesting in 11 (36.7%) and 1 (3.3%) patients, respectively. ITA dysfunction (n = 11, 36.7%) and inadequate target vessel visualization (n = 3, 10.0%) were among the anatomical reasons for conversions. Adverse intraoperative events included ventricle perforation (n = 1, 3.3%) and sustained ventricular arrhythmia (n = 1, 3.3%). The in-hospital mortality and mean length of hospitalization for sternotomy conversion were 3.3% (n = 1 of 30) and 13.4 ± 14.5 days, respectively. Perioperative morbidities included pneumonia (n = 4, 13.3%). Premorbid renal dysfunction predicted sternotomy conversion at the 5% level of significance. CONCLUSIONS: RE-MIDCAB provides an attractive surgical platform for primary- or hybrid coronary artery procedures. The progressive increase in patient risk profiles, strict quality control, and focus on clinical governance require awareness of reasons that potentially contribute RE-MIDCAB to sternotomy conversion to ensure safe and sustainable programs.

Penetrating injury to the cardiac box.

BACKGROUND: A penetrating injury to the "cardiac box" is thought to be predictive of an injury to the heart; however, there is very little evidence available to support this association. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between penetrating trauma to the cardiac box and a clinically significant injury. METHODS: All patients presenting to a Level I trauma center from January 2009 to June 2015 who sustained a penetrating injury isolated to the thorax were retrospectively identified. Patients were categorized according to the location of injury: within or outside the historical cardiac box. Patients with concurrent injuries both inside and outside the cardiac box were excluded. Clinical demographics, injuries, procedures, and outcomes were compared. RESULTS: During this 7-year period, 330 patients (92% male; median age, 28 years) sustained penetrating injuries isolated to the thorax: 138 (42%) within the cardiac box and 192 (58%) outside the cardiac box. By mechanism, 105 (76%) were stab wounds (SW) and 33 (24%) were gunshot wounds (GSW) inside the cardiac box, and 125 (65%) SW and 67 (35%) GSW outside the cardiac box. The overall rate of thoracotomy or sternotomy (35/138 [25.4%] vs. 15/192 [7.8%], p < 0.001) and the incidence of cardiac injury (18/138 [13%] vs. 5/192 [2.6%], p < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with penetrating trauma within the cardiac box. This was, however, dependent on mechanism with SW demonstrating a higher incidence of cardiac injury (15/105 [14.3%] vs. 3/125 [2.4%], p = 0.001) and GSW showing no significant difference (3/33 [9.1%] vs. 2/67 [3%], p = 0.328]. There was no difference in overall mortality (9/138 [6.5%] vs. 6/192 [3.1%], p = 0.144). CONCLUSION: The role of the cardiac box in the clinical evaluation of a patient with a penetrating injury to the thorax has remained unclear. In this analysis, mechanism is important. Stab wounds to the cardiac box were associated with a higher risk of cardiac injury. However, for GSW, injury to the cardiac box was not associated with a higher incidence of injury. The diagnostic interaction between clinical examination and ultrasound, for the diagnosis of clinically significant cardiac injuries, warrants further investigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, Level IV, Therapeutic V.

Sternotomy for Hemorrhage Control in Trauma.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the injuries, mechanisms, and outcomes in trauma patients undergoing sternotomy for hemorrhage control (SHC). The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of mortality for SHC and provide a descriptive analysis of the use of SHC in trauma. We hypothesize blunt trauma is associated with higher mortality compared with penetrating trauma among trauma patients requiring SHC. METHODS: The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2013-2016) database was queried for adult patients undergoing SHC within 24 h of admission. Patients with blunt and penetrating trauma were compared using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U-test. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the risk of mortality. RESULTS: Of 584 patients undergoing SHC, 322 (55.1%) were involved in penetrating trauma, and 69 (11.8%) were involved in blunt. The blunt trauma group had a higher median injury severity score (31.5 versus 25.0; P < 0.001) compared with the penetrating group. The median time to hemorrhage control was longer in those with blunt compared with penetrating trauma (84.6 versus 49.8 min; P < 0.001). The mortality rate was higher in patients with blunt compared with penetrating trauma (29.0% versus 12.7%; P < 0.001). However, after adjusting for covariates, there was no difference in risk of mortality between blunt and penetrating trauma (P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Trauma patients requiring SHC after blunt trauma had a higher mortality rate than those in penetrating trauma. After adjusting for predictors of mortality, there was no difference in risk of mortality despite nearly double the time to hemorrhage control in patients presenting after blunt trauma.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma.

Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), caused by an ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma, is uncommon. In the past, when the adenoma was not accessible from the neck, median sternotomy was advocated for safe and successful parathyroidectomy. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS) parathyroidectomy represents a modern alternative approach to this problem. Methods: Information on patients undergoing VATS was obtained from a specific database, including clinical presentation, biochemistry, preoperative imaging, surgical approach and patient outcomes. A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to draw comparisons with other publications. Results: Over a 2-year period, nine patients underwent VATS parathyroidectomy for sporadic PHPT. Five patients had persistent PHPT following previous unsuccessful parathyroidectomy via cervicotomy, and four had had no previous parathyroid surgery. The median duration of surgery was 90 (range 60-160) min. Eight patients were cured biochemically, with no major complications. One patient required conversion to a median sternotomy for removal of a thymoma that had resulted in false-positive preoperative imaging. Conclusion: With appropriate preoperative imaging, multidisciplinary input and expertise, VATS parathyroidectomy is an effective, safe and well tolerated approach to ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma.

Antecedentes: El hiperparatiroidismo primario (primary hyperparathyroidism, pHPT) causado por un adenoma paratiroideo ectópico mediastínico es infrecuente. Hace años, cuando un adenoma no era accesible por vía cervical se propugnaba una esternotomía media para efectuar una paratiroidectomía segura y con éxito. La paratiroidectomía por cirugía toracoscópica asistida por video (video­assisted thoracoscopic surgical, VATS) es una alternativa moderna para el abordaje de esta patología. Métodos: La información de los pacientes tratados con VATS se obtuvo de una base de datos específica, incluyendo presentación clínica, bioquímica, radiología preoperatoria, abordaje quirúrgico y resultados de los pacientes. Se efectuó una revisión extensa de la literatura para efectuar comparaciones con otras publicaciones. Resultados: Durante un periodo de 2 años, 9 pacientes fueron tratados mediante paratiroidectomía por VATS debido a un pHPT esporádico, de los cuales 5 presentaban pHPT persistente después del fracaso de una paratiroidectomía por cervicotomía, mientras que los 4 restantes no habían sido operados previamente de cirugía paratiroidea. El tiempo medio operatorio fue de 101 minutos (rango 60­160). Ocho pacientes se curaron bioquímicamente, sin ninguna complicación mayor. Un paciente precisó conversión a una esternotomía media para extirpar un timoma que había sido un falso positivo en la radiología preoperatoria. Conclusión: La paratiroidectomía por VATS es una intervención efectiva, segura y bien tolerada para la extirpación de un adenoma ectópico mediastínico, siempre y cuando se disponga de radiología preoperatoria adecuada, equipo multidisciplinar y experiencia.

Reabsorbable Pins can Reinforce an Early Sternal Stability After Median Sternotomy in Young Children with Congenital Heart Disease.

We evaluated the efficacy of bioresorbable sternal reinforcement device (poly-L-lactide sternal pins) on sternal healing after median sternotomy in young children (with body weight less than 10 kg) with congenital heart disease (CHD). Data from 85 patients, who underwent CHD surgery through median sternotomy from October 2016 to May 2018, were collected and analyzed. Sternal pins were utilized in 85 patients (10 mm × 1 mm × 1 mm for patients with body weights less than 5 kg and 15 mm × 2 mm × 2 mm for those weighing between 5 and 10 kg) in addition to sternum closure with Ethicon PDSTMII running sutures (Group A), while 84 patients received the Ethicon sternal closure (Group B) with no pins. The occurrence of sternal dehiscence, anterior-posterior displacement, and high-low displacement was evaluated by physical examination and three-dimensional computed tomography at one month postoperatively. No anterior-posterior sternal displacement (0%) was observed in Group A, while 10 anterior-posterior displacements (11.9%) were observed in Group B (P < 0.01). The number of sternal caudal-cranial displacements in Groups A and B was 4 (4.71%) and 5 (5.35%), respectively (P = 0.870). While no sternal dehiscence (0%) was observed in Group A, 7 out of 84 patients (8.33%) in Group B exhibited obvious sternal dehiscence (P < 0.01). The bioresorbable poly-L-lactide sternal pins reduced an anterior-posterior sternal displacement and sternal dehiscence, which was accompanied by a significant improvement of an early sternal fixation.

Predictors of the need for an extracervical approach to intrathoracic goitre.

Background: Sternotomy and lateral thoracotomy are required infrequently to remove an intrathoracic goitre (ITG). As few studies have explored the need for an extracervical approach (ECA), the aim of this study was to examine this in a large cohort of patients. Methods: A prospective database of all patients who had surgery for ITG between 2004 and 2016 was interrogated. Patient demographics, preoperative characteristics and type of operation were analysed to identify factors associated with an ECA. Results: Of 237 patients who had surgery for ITG, 29 (12·2 per cent) required an ECA. ITGs below the aortic arch (odds ratio (OR) 10·84; P = 0·004), those with an iceberg shape (OR 59·30; P < 0·001) and revisional surgery (OR 4·83; P = 0·022) were significant preoperative predictors of an ECA. Conclusion: The extent of intrathoracic extension in relation to the aortic arch, iceberg goitre shape and revisional surgery were independent risk factors for ECA. Careful preoperative assessment should take these factors into consideration when determining the optimal surgical approach to ITG.

The effect of local anesthetic continuous wound infusion for the prevention of postoperative pneumonia after on-pump cardiac surgery with sternotomy: the STERNOCAT randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Postoperative pain after cardiac surgery, exacerbated by cough and sternal mobilization, limits clearance of bronchopulmonary secretions and may predispose to postoperative pneumonia. In this study, we tested the ability of local anesthetic continuous wound infusion to prevent pneumonia after cardiac surgery with sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) owing to better analgesia and bronchopulmonary drainage. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in five academic centers, patients undergoing cardiac surgery with sternotomy and CPB were enrolled from February 2012 until November 2014, and were followed over 30 days. Patients were assigned to a 48-h infusion (10 ml h-1) of L-bupivacaine (12.5 mg h-1) or placebo (saline) via a pre-sternal multiperforated catheter. Anesthesia and analgesia protocols were standardized. The primary end point was the incidence of pneumonia during the study period, i.e., until hospital discharge or 30 days. We hypothesized a 30% reduction in the incidence of pneumonia. RESULTS: Among 1493 randomized patients, 1439 completed the trial. Pneumonia occurred in 36/746 patients (4.9%) in the L-bupivacaine group and in 42/739 patients (5.7%) in the placebo group (absolute risk difference taking into account center and baseline risk of postoperative pneumonia, - 1.3% [95% CI - 3.4; 0.8] P = 0.22). In the predefined subgroup of patients at high risk, L-bupivacaine decreased the incidence of pneumonia (absolute risk difference, - 5.6% [95% CI - 10.0; - 1.1], P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: After cardiac surgery with sternotomy, continuous wound infusion of L-bupivacaine failed to decrease the incidence of pneumonia. These findings do not support the use of local anesthetic continuous wound infusion in this indication. Further study should investigate its effect in high-risk patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT Number: 2011-003292-10; Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01648777.

Reason and Timing for Conversion to Sternotomy in Robotic-Assisted Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Patient Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Conversion to sternotomy is a primary bailout method for robotically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. The aims of this study were to identify the primary reasons for conversion from robotically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting to sternotomy and to evaluate the in-hospital outcomes in such patients. METHODS: Prospectively collected data from February 2004 to April 2017 were reviewed for 72 patients (56 men; mean age = 63.8 years) who required conversion to sternotomy during a robotically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting procedure with planned endoscopic left internal thoracic artery harvest and anastomosis to the left anterior descending on the beating heart. RESULTS: The overall rate of conversion was 12.4% (72/581). Conversions occurred either during attempted endoscopic left internal thoracic artery harvest (31.9%), during endoscopic left anterior descending isolation (40.3%), during manual isolation and anastomosis of the left anterior descending (19.4%), or after anastomosis due to unsatisfactory flow (8.3%). Overall, the most common reason for conversion was an intramyocardial left anterior descending (43.1%). The median stay in the intensive care unit was 1 day (range = 0-20) and the median hospital length of stay was 5 days (range = 3-43). In-hospital complications included new atrial fibrillation (16.7%), need for blood transfusion (20.8%), mediastinitis (4.2%), postoperative myocardial infarction (2.8%), exploration for bleeding (2.8%), and 1 in-hospital death. CONCLUSIONS: The reasons for conversion were primarily related to anatomical factors that created difficulties for endoscopic left internal thoracic artery harvesting and left anterior descending identification. Patients who required conversion to sternotomy from robotically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting demonstrated acceptable outcomes and low complication rates.

Minimally Invasive Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: A Comparative Study.

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is now a routine therapy for advanced heart failure. Minimally invasive approach via thoracotomy for LVAD implantation is getting popular due to its potential advantage over the conventional sternotomy approach in terms of reduced risk at re-operation due to sternal sparing. We compared the approaches (thoracotomy and sternotomy) to determine the superiority. Minimally invasive approach involved fitting of the LVAD inflow cannula into left ventricle apex via left anterior thoracotomy and anastomosis of outflow graft to ascending aorta via right anterior thoracotomy. In the sternotomy approach, both the procedures were performed via sternotomy. Outcomes in patients after LVAD implantation were compared depending on these approaches for the surgery. Two hundred and five continuous flow LVAD implantations performed between July 2006 and June 2015 at a single center were divided based on surgical approach, that is, sternotomy (n = 180) and thoracotomy (n = 25) groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in relation to patient demographics, preoperative hemodynamic parameters, laboratory markers, or risk factors. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of postoperative hemodynamic parameters, laboratory markers, bleeding and requirement of blood products, intensive care unit, and hospital stay or complications of LVAD surgery. There were no significant differences in terms of long-term survival (Log-Rank P = 0.953), however, thoracotomy, compared to sternotomy approach, incurred significantly less requirement of temporary right ventricular assist (4 vs. 19.4%, P = 0.041). Minimally invasive bilateral thoracotomy approach for LVAD implantation in addition to benefits of sternal sparing avoids dilatation of right ventricle and reduces chances of right ventricular failure requiring temporary right ventricular assist.

Efficacy of Aortic Valve Replacement through Full Sternotomy and Minimal Invasion (Ministernotomy).

Background: new minimally invasive sternotomy (mini-sternotomy) procedures have improved the treatment outcome and reduced the incidence of perioperative complications leading to improved patient satisfaction and a reduced cost of aortic valve replacement in comparison to the conventional median sternotomy (full sternotomy). The aim of this study is to compare and gain new insights into operative and early postoperative outcomes, long-term postoperative results, and 5-year survival rates after aortic valve replacement through a ministernotomy and full sternotomy. Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent an isolated replacement of the aortic valve via a full sternotomy or ministernotomy from 2011 to 2016. From 2011 to 2016, 426 cardiac interventions were performed, 70 of which (16.4%) were of the ministernotomy and 356 (83.6%) of the full sternotomy. Through propensity score matching, 70 patients who underwent the ministernotomy (ministernotomy group) were compared with 70 patients who underwent the full sternotomy (control group). Results: in the propensity matching cohort, no statistical difference in operative time was noted (p = 0.856). The ministernotomy had longer cross clamp (88.7 ± 20.7 vs. 80.3 ± 24.6 min, p = 0.007) and bypass (144.0 ± 29.9 vs. 132.9 ± 44.9 min, p = 0.049) times, less ventilation time (9.7 ± 1.7 vs. 11.7 ± 1.4 h, p < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (18.3 ± 1.9 vs. 21.9 ± 1.9 days, p = 0.012), less 24-h chest tube drainage (256.2 ± 28.6 vs. 407.3 ± 40.37 mL, p < 0.001), fewer corrections of coagulopathy (p < 0.001), fewer patients receiving catecholamine (5.71 vs. 30.0%, p < 0.001) and better cosmetic results (p < 0.001). Moreover, the number of patients without complaints at 1 year after the operation was significantly greater in the ministernotomy group (p = 0.002), and no significant differences in the 5-year survival between the groups were observed. In the overall cohort, the ministernotomy had longer cross clamp times (88.7 ± 20.7 vs. 79.9 ± 24.8 min, p < 0.001), longer operative times (263.5 ± 62.0 vs. 246.7 ± 74.2 min, p = 0.037) and bypass times (144.0 ± 29.9 vs. 132.7 ± 44.5 min, p = 0.026), lower incidence of 30-day mortality (1(1.4) vs. 13(3.7), p = 0.022), shorter hospital stays post-surgery p = 0.025, less 24-h chest tube drainage, p < 0.001, and fewer corrections of coagulopathy (p < 0.001). Conclusions: the ministernotomy has a number of advantages compared with the full sternotomy and thus could be a better approach for aortic valve replacement.

[Treatment of Sternal Osteomyelitis after Median Sternotomy in 130 Patients with Pedicled Myocutaneous Latissimus Flap]. / Therapie der Sternumosteomyelitis nach medianer Sternotomie bei 130 Patienten mittels gestielter myokutaner Latissimuslappenplastik.

BACKGROUND: After median sternotomy in cardiac surgery, deep sternal wound infections develop in 0.8 - 8% of patients, resulting in prolonged hospital stay and increased morbidity and mortality. Our treatment strategy combines radical surgical debridement, removal of extraneous material and reconstruction of large and deep defects by a pedicled M. latissimus dorsi flap. With retrospective analysis of patient characteristics and pre- und perioperative data we could identify risk factors in regard to proper wound healing and bleeding complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patient characteristics (age, BMI, gender), medical history (diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive lung disease, renal insufficiency and pre- and perioperative data (anticoagulation, bacterial colonization during reconstruction) were collected for 130 patients treated by latissimus flap to cover sternal wounds between 2009 and 2015. RESULTS: The mean age was 68.72 ± 9.53 years; 37% of patients were female. The in-hospital mortality was 3.8%. Reoperation rate because of wound healing problems was 21.5%; bleeding complications leading to reoperation occurred in 10.8% of all patients. At the point of reconstruction, Staphylococcus (S.) aureus and S. epidermidis were detected most frequently. Age over 80 (p = 0.04), female sex (p = 0.002), detection of fecal bacteria (p = 0.006), or multiresistant bacteria (p = 0.007) and Klebsiellae were regarded as significant risk factors for wound healing problems leading to reoperation after flap surgery. High dose therapy with danaparoid/fondaparinux was a significant risk factor for bleeding complications needing reoperation. CONCLUSION: The pedicled latissimus flap has to be considered as the preferred method in large sternal wounds to achieve sufficient defect filling. The risk of wound healing disruption is significantly influenced by bacteria detected in the sternal wound at the point of reconstructive surgery.

Physiologic effects of delayed sternal closure following stage 1 palliation.

BACKGROUND: Following stage 1 palliation, delayed sternal closure may be used as a technique to enhance thoracic compliance but may also prolong the length of stay and increase the risk of infection. METHODS: We reviewed all neonates undergoing stage 1 palliation at our institution between 2010 and 2017 to describe the effects of delayed sternal closure. RESULTS: During the study period, 193 patients underwent stage 1 palliation, of whom 12 died before an attempt at sternal closure. Among the 25 patients who underwent primary sternal closure, 4 (16%) had sternal reopening within 24 hours. Among the 156 infants who underwent delayed sternal closure at 4 [3,6] days post-operatively, 11 (7.1%) had one or more failed attempts at sternal closure. Patients undergoing primary sternal closure had a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit length of stay. Patients who failed delayed sternal closure had a longer aortic cross-clamp time (123±42 versus 99±35 minutes, p=0.029) and circulatory arrest time (39±28 versus 19±17 minutes, p=0.0009) than those who did not fail. Failure of delayed sternal closure was also closely associated with Technical Performance Score: 1.3% of patients with a score of 1 failed sternal closure compared with 18.9% of patients with a score of 3 (p=0.0028). Among the haemodynamic and ventilatory parameters studied, only superior caval vein saturation following sternal closure was different between patients who did and did not fail sternal closure (30±7 versus 42±10%, p=0.002). All patients who failed sternal closure did so within 24 hours owing to hypoxaemia, hypercarbia, or haemodynamic impairment. CONCLUSION: When performed according to our current clinical practice, sternal closure causes transient and mild changes in haemodynamic and ventilatory parameters. Monitoring of SvO2 following sternal closure may permit early identification of patients at risk for failure.

Mini Right Anterior Thoracotomy Approach Versus Sternotomy for Resection of Intracardiac Myxoma.

OBJECTIVE: The standard approach in treating cardiac myxoma is the median full sternotomy. After recent advances in surgical techniques, the mini right anterior thoracotomy has emerged as an alternative method. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study to compare the clinical outcomes of the mini right anterior thoracotomy approach with those of the sternotomy approach for resection of cardiac myxoma at the Montreal Heart Institute. There were 20 patients treated using a mini right anterior thoracotomy (4-5 cm) and 23 patients were treated using a median sternotomy. RESULTS: No early mortalities were found in either group. Although the cardiopulmonary bypass time and aorta cross-clamp time were not significantly different between the two groups (64.3 mn ± 18 and 37.2 mn ± 15 vs 54.3 mn ± 25 and 37.20 mn ± 2), preoperative blood loss (106 mn ± 95 vs 338 mn ± 270) was significantly less in the mini right anterior thoracotomy group. The intensive care unit and hospital stay (1.65 days ± 1.2 and 5.70 days ± 3) were shorter with the mini right anterior thoracotomy approach. CONCLUSIONS: A minimally invasive surgery through mini right anterior thoracotomy is a good alternative technique for treating cardiac myxoma. Despite the small size of the experience, there is a clear diminution in preoperative blood loss and an interesting trend toward a shorter intensive care unit and hospital stay.

Minimally Invasive Versus Full-Sternotomy Septal Myectomy for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: Septal myectomy remains the criterion standard for the treatment of patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy refractory to medical therapy. There have been few reports of minimally invasive approaches. This study compared a minimally invasive septal myectomy performed at our institution with the traditional full-sternotomy approach. METHODS: Patients receiving a stand-alone septal myectomy were retrospectively reviewed from November 1999 to December 2016 (N = 120). Patients were stratified by surgical approach: traditional full sternotomy (n = 34) and ministernotomy (n = 86). Preoperative and perioperative variables were compared as well as follow-up symptomatic and echocardiographic outcomes. RESULTS: Both groups had a significant decrease in New York Heart Association class heart failure symptoms (P < 0.001). At a mean ± SD follow-up time of 2.0 ± 3.4 years, postoperative New York Heart Association class distribution was similar between ministernotomy and full sternotomy (P = 0.684). Follow-up resting left ventricular outflow tract gradient was also similar between ministernotomy and full sternotomy (11 mm Hg ± 15 vs 9 mm Hg ± 13, P = 0.381). Perioperatively, ministernotomy was not significantly different from full sternotomy in median cardiopulmonary bypass time (81 minutes vs 78 minutes, P = 0.101) but had a slightly longer median cross-clamp time (39 minutes vs 35 minutes, P = 0.017). Major complications were similar in the two groups. There was one 30-day mortality in the full-sternotomy group, but no in-hospital deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Septal myectomy performed using a minimally invasive approach has similar outcomes to the criterion standard operation done through a full sternotomy. It represents a feasible option for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy unresponsive to medications.

A Novel Approach Using Computed Tomography Angiograms to Predict Sternotomy or Complicated Anastomosis in Patients Undergoing Robotically Assisted Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass.

OBJECTIVE: Robotically assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass is an alternative to sternotomy-based surgery in properly selected patients. Identifying the left anterior descending artery when it is deep in the epicardial fat can be particularly challenging through a 5- to 6-cm mini-thoracotomy incision. The objective of this study was to evaluate a technique for predicting conversion to sternotomy or complicated left anterior descending artery anastomosis using preoperative cardiac-gated computed tomography angiograms. METHODS: Retrospective review of 75 patients who underwent robotically assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass for whom a preoperative computed tomography angiogram was available. The distance from the left anterior descending artery to the myocardium was measured on a standardized "5-chamber" axial computed tomography view. The relative risk of sternotomy or complicated anastomosis was compared between patients whose left anterior descending artery was resting directly on the myocardium (left anterior descending artery to the myocardium distance = 0 mm) with those whose left anterior descending artery was resting above (left anterior descending artery to the myocardium distance > 0 mm). RESULTS: The average left anterior descending artery to the myocardium distance was 3.2 ± 2.6 mm (range = 0-11.5 mm). Fourteen patients (18.7%) had an left anterior descending artery to the myocardium distance of 0 mm. Of the entire group of 75 patients, 6 (8.0%) required conversion to sternotomy. Four others (5.3%) were reported to have a complication with the anastomosis intraoperatively. For patients with left anterior descending artery to the myocardium distance of 0 mm, the relative risk of sternotomy or complicated anastomosis was 18.0 (95% confidence interval = 4.3-75.6, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, patients with left anterior descending artery to the myocardium distance of 0 mm were at significantly higher risk of either conversion to sternotomy or technically challenging anastomosis, with 8 (57.1%) of 14 patients in this group experiencing either end point. This novel measurement may be useful to identify patients who may have anatomy, which is not well suited to the robotically assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass approach.

Clinical outcomes of different surgical approaches for proximal descending thoracic aneurysm involving the distal arch.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of different approaches to patients with proximal descending thoracic aneurysm (DTA) involving the distal arch. METHODS: From January 2002 to December 2016, 229 consecutive patients with proximal descending aorta aneurysm involving the distal arch underwent surgery using different approaches: total arch and DTA replacement via sternotomy (TAR group; n = 98), hemiarch and DTA replacement via thoracotomy (DTR group; n = 84), or hybrid arch repair (HAR group; n = 47). We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of the 3 groups with a mean follow-up duration of 60.2 months. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate was 3.1% (3/98) in the TAR group, 11.9% (10/84) in the DTR group, and 4.3% (2/47) in the HAR group (P = .04). The TAR group had a lower incidence of stroke (3.1%, 3/98) compared with the DTR (13.1%, 11/84) and HAR (10.6%, 5/47) groups (P = .03). The overall survival rate at 10 years was 82.8% ± 5.6% for the TAR group, 61.0% ± 8.6% for the DTR group, and 55.9% ± 9.0% for the HAR group (vs DTR [P = .03] and HAR [P < .01]). The freedom from composite of aortic events at 10 years was 75.6% ± 8.1% in the TAR group, 43.6% ± 14.9% in the DTR group, and 31.1% ± 11.5% in the HAR group (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The sternotomy approach showed better outcomes in terms of operative mortality, stroke, and long-term survival compared with the thoracotomy or hybrid approaches. This study suggests that the sternotomy approach is the superior option for patients with proximal descending aneurysm involving the distal arch.

Comparing robotic and trans-sternal thymectomy for early-stage thymoma: a propensity score-matching study.

OBJECTIVES: Minimally invasive techniques seem to be promising alternatives to open approaches in the surgical treatment of early-stage thymoma, although there are controversies because of lack of data on long-term results. The aim of the study was to evaluate the surgical and oncological results after robotic thymectomy for early-stage thymoma compared to median sternotomy. METHODS: Between 1982 and 2017, 164 patients with early-stage thymoma (Masaoka I and II) were operated on by median sternotomy (108 patients) or the robotic approach (56 patients). Duration of surgery, amount of blood loss, complications, duration of chest drainage, postoperative hospital stay, oncological results and total costs were retrospectively evaluated. Data were analysed also after propensity score matching. RESULTS: Compared to the trans-sternal group, robotic thymectomy had significantly longer average operative times (P < 0.001) but less intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.01), less perioperative complications (P = 0.03), shorter time to chest drainage removal and hospital discharge (P < 0.001). The median expense for the trans-sternal approach was significantly higher than the cost of the robotic procedure (P < 0.001), mainly due to longer hospitalization. From an oncological point of view, there were no differences in thymoma recurrence, although follow-up of the trans-sternal group was significantly longer (P < 0.001). Data were confirmed after propensity score matching. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic thymectomy for early-stage thymoma is a technically safe and feasible procedure with low complication rate and shorter hospital stay compared to the trans-sternal approach. Cost analysis revealed lower expenses for the robotic procedure due to the reduced hospital stay. The oncological outcomes seemed comparable, but longer follow-up is needed.

Reasons for conversion and adverse intraoperative events in Endoscopic Port Access™ atrioventricular valve surgery and minimally invasive aortic valve surgery.

OBJECTIVES: This study reports the factors that contribute to sternotomy conversions (SCs) and adverse intraoperative events in minimally invasive aortic valve surgery (MI-AVS) and minimally invasive Endoscopic Port Access™ atrioventricular valve surgery (MI-PAS). METHODS: In total, 3780 consecutive patients with either aortic valve disease or atrioventricular valve disease underwent minimally invasive valve surgery (MIVS) at our institution between 1 February 1997 and 31 March 2016. MI-AVS was performed in 908 patients (mean age 69.2 ± 11.3 years, 45.2% women, 6.2% redo cardiac surgery) and MI-PAS in 2872 patients (mean age 64.1 ± 13.3 years, 46.7% women, 12.2% redo cardiac surgery). RESULTS: A cumulative total of 4415 MIVS procedures (MI-AVS = 908, MI-PAS = 3507) included 1537 valve replacements (MI-AVS = 896, MI-PAS = 641) and 2878 isolated or combined valve repairs (MI-AVS = 12, MI-PAS = 2866). SC was required in 3.0% (n = 114 of 3780) of MIVS patients, which occurred in 3.1% (n = 28 of 908) of MI-AVS patients and 3.0% (n = 86 of 2872) of MI-PAS patients, respectively. Reasons for SC in MI-AVS included inadequate visualization (n = 4, 0.4%) and arterial cannulation difficulty (n = 7, 0.8%). For MI-PAS, SC was required in 54 (2.5%) isolated mitral valve procedures (n = 2183). Factors that contributed to SC in MI-PAS included lung adhesions (n = 35, 1.2%), inadequate visualization (n = 2, 0.1%), ventricular bleeding (n = 3, 0.1%) and atrioventricular dehiscence (n = 5, 0.2%). Neurological deficit occurred in 1 (0.1%) and 3 (3.5%) MI-AVS and MI-PAS conversions, respectively. No operative or 30-day mortalities were observed in MI-AVS conversions (n = 28). The 30-day mortality associated with SC in MI-PAS (n = 86) was 10.5% (n = 9). CONCLUSIONS: MIVS is increasingly being recognized as the 'gold-standard' for surgical valve interventions in the context of rapidly expanding catheter-based technology and increasing patient expectations. Surgeons need to be aware of factors that contribute to SC and adverse intraoperative outcomes to ensure that patients enjoy the maximum potential benefit of MIVS and to apply effective risk reduction strategies that encourage safer and sustainable MIVS programmes.