The outcome of patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy and consecutive implantation of a left ventricular assist device.

OBJECTIVES: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a form of systolic heart failure occurring toward the end of pregnancy or in the period after delivery. Lack of myocardial recovery or therapy-refractory cardiogenic shock are rare complications and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) systems might be used as a life-saving option. The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes of PPCM patients supported with LVAD, registered in the European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS). METHODS: All patients registered in EUROMACS with a primary diagnosis of PPCM were included in this study. Demographic, preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative, and follow-up data were collected and patients analysed concerning their outcome after initiation of LVAD therapy. RESULTS: Between May 2011 and September 2018, 16 patients with PPCM and consecutive LVAD implantation were enrolled into EUROMACS. The median age of the patient population was 31 (26;41) years with a mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LV-EF) of 15% ± 6%. In-hospital mortality after LVAD implantation was 6% (n = 1). One-year mortality accounted for 13% (n = 2). Six patients (40%) were transplanted with a median support time of 769 (193;1529) days. Weaning of LVAD support due to ventricular recovery was feasible in 3 (20%) patients. CONCLUSION: In patients with severe PPCM, LVAD therapy is associated with considerably low in-hospital mortality, potentially allowing bridging to heart transplantation, or left ventricular recovery. Therefore, durable mechanical support should be considered as a treatment option in this, by nature, young and often otherwise healthy patient population.

Higher incidence of perivalvular abscess determines perioperative clinical outcome in patients undergoing surgery for prosthetic valve endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery for prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is associated with substantial mortality. We aimed to analyze 30-day and 1-year outcome in patients undergoing surgery for PVE and sought to identify preoperative risk factors for mortality with special regard to perivalvular infection. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of 418 patients undergoing valve surgery for infective endocarditis between January 2009 and July 2018. After 1:1 propensity matching 158 patients (79 PVE/79 NVE) were analyzed with regard to postoperative 30-day and 1-year outcomes. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for mortality. RESULTS: 315 patients (75.4%) underwent surgery for NVE and 103 (24.6%) for PVE. After propensity matching groups were comparable with regard to preoperative characteristics, clinical presentation and microbiological findings, except a higher incidence of perivalvular infection in patients with PVE (51.9%) compared to NVE (26.6%) (p = 0.001), longer cardiopulmonary bypass (166 [76-130] vs. 97 [71-125] min; p < 0.001) and crossclamp time (95 [71-125] vs. 68 [55-85] min; p < 0.001). Matched patients with PVE showed a 4-fold increased 30-day mortality (20.3%) in comparison with NVE patients (5.1%) (p = 0.004) and 2-fold increased 1-year mortality (PVE 29.1% vs. NVE 13.9%; p = 0.020). Multivariable analysis revealed perivalvular abscess, sepsis, preoperative AKI and PVE as independent risk factors for mortality. Patients with perivalvular abscess had a significantly higher 30-day mortality (17.7%) compared to patients without perivalvular abscess (8.0%) (p = 0.003) and a higher rate of perioperative complications (need for postoperative pacemaker implantation, postoperative cerebrovascular events, postoperative AKI). However, perivalvular abscess did not influence 1-year mortality (20.9% vs. 22.3%; p = 0.806), or long-term complications such as readmission rate or relapse of IE. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing surgery for PVE had a significantly higher 30-day and 1-year mortality compared to NVE. After propensity-matching 30-day mortality was still 4-fold increased in PVE compared to NVE. Patients with perivalvular abscess showed a significantly higher 30-day mortality and perioperative complications, whereas perivalvular abscess seems to have no relevant impact on 1-year mortality, the rate of readmission or relapse of IE.

Single center experience with patients on veno arterial ECMO due to postcardiotomy right ventricular failure.

OBJECTIVES: Right ventricular (RV) failure is associated with poor outcome and increased mortality in cardiac surgery. Aim of our study was to analyze the outcome of veno arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (va ECMO) therapy in patients with isolated RV failure in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) and to evaluate risk factors associated with 30-day-mortality. METHODS: Between August 2006 until August 2016, 64 consecutive patients with va ECMO therapy due to fulminant RV failure in PCS were identified and included in this retrospective observation. Further, outcome data and a comparison of va ECMO survivors and nonsurvivors was conducted. RESULTS: The mean age of the patient cohort was 63 ± 14 years. Patients were treated with va ECMO for 79 ± 61 hours. Twenty-eight patients (44%) were successfully weaned off ECMO support. Overall 30-day-mortality was 88% (56/64). Hemoglobin concentration before ECMO implantation, maximum rise of muscle-brain type creatine kinase during ECMO therapy, as well as lactic acid concentration 24 hours after initiation of va ECMO therapy were predictive for 30-day mortality. CONCLUSION: ECMO therapy in RV failure due to PCS is shown to be associated with an excessive mortality. Regarding our data, va ECMO might only be an appropriate short-term mechanical assist device separating patients form cardiopulmonary bypass with an acceptable weaning rate. Particularly, in case of failed hemodynamic recovery of the right heart on va ECMO, direct RV bypass systems might function as a bailout option. Additionally, cardiac enzymes and lactic acid might provide valuable information in meeting therapy-related decisions.

Prediction of survival on the waiting list for heart transplantation and of posttransplant nonadherence-Results of a prospective longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Only a few previous studies have focused on the interaction between pretransplant psychological variables, survival on the waiting list, and adherence to therapy after heart transplantation (HTx). METHODS: This work combined two studies: Study 1 monitored survival of patients on a HTx waiting list (n = 50) and study 2 examined barriers to adherence after HTx (subgroup of n = 20). All patients were evaluated immediately after listing for HTx (T0). Those in study 2 were also evaluated immediately after HTx (T1) and after 6 months (T2). Psychosocial functioning was measured by the Transplant Evaluation Rating Scale (TERS), and depression and anxiety by Patient Health Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Barriers to immunosuppressive adherence post-HTx were measured by the Medication Experience Scale for Immunosuppressants (MESI). RESULTS: According to the TERS classification of Rothenhäusler et al, patients were divided into three groups in study 1. Compared with inconspicuous patients (n = 23) and risk patients (n = 21), high-risk patients (n = 6) demonstrated a higher mortality (log-rank test of trend, P = 0.002). In study 2, there was a strong correlation between the TERS (T0) and the MESI (T2) (r = 0.84, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The TERS may serve as a predictor of survival on the waiting list. There is need for further longitudinal data with larger sample sizes.

Managing Traps and Pitfalls During Initial Steps of an ECMO Retrieval Program Using a Miniaturized Portable System: What Have We Learned From the First Two Years?

The aim of this study was to provide early and mid-term results of the newly established extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) retrieval service in a tertiary cardiothoracic center using the miniaturized portable Cardiohelp System (Maquet, Rastatt, Germany). A particular attention was paid to organizational and logistic specifics as well as challenges and pitfalls associated with initial phase of the program. From January 2015 until January 2017 a heterogenic group of 28 consecutive patients underwent ECMO implantation in distant hospitals for acute cardiac, pulmonary or combined failure as a bridge-to-decision and were subsequently transported to our institution. Each cannulation was performed bedside on intensive care units (ICU) using the Seldinger's technique. Early outcomes and mid-term overall survival with up to two-year follow-up along with the impact of ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on outcome were presented. Also, changes in hemodynamics and tissue perfusion factors 24 h after ECMO implantation were evaluated. ECMO implantations were performed in 15 distant departments with the median distance of 23(10;40) (maximum 60) km. A total of 15 patients (54%) were cannulated under CPR with the median duration of 30(20;110) (maximum 180) min. After 24 h of support there were significant improvements in SvO2 (P = 0.021), mean arterial pressure (P = 0.027), FiO2 (P = 0.001), lactate (P = 0.001), and pH (P < 0.001). The mean ECMO support duration was 96 ± 100 (maximum 384) hours, whereas 11 patients (40%) were weaned off support and discharged from hospital. Overall cumulative survival in patients without the need for CPR was 61.5% at one week and 38.5% at 1 month, 6 month, and 1 year, whereas patients requiring CPR survived in 40% at one week, and 33.3% at 1 month, 6 month, and 1 year (Log-Rank (Mantel-Cox) P = 0.374, Breslow (Generalized Wilcoxon) P = 0.162). Our initial experience shows that launching new ECMO retrieval programs in centers with sufficient ICU capacities and local ECMO experience can be feasible and associated with acceptable "real world" results despite the initial learning curve. Rapid logistical organization and team flexibility are the key points to ensure comparable survival of patients requiring prolonged CPR.

Impact of age on early outcomes and long-term survival of patients undergoing aortic repair with Stanford A dissection.

OBJECTIVES: Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening emergency, typically occurring in older patients and requiring immediate surgical repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate early outcome and short- and long-term survival of patients under and above 65 years of age. METHODS: Two hundred and forty patients with Stanford A AAD underwent aortic surgical repair from January 2006 to April 2015 in our center. After statistical analysis and logistic regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival estimation was performed, with up to 9-year follow-up, comprising patients under and above 65 years of age. RESULTS: The proportion of patients above 65 years of age suffering from Stanford A AAD was 50% (n=120). The group of patients above 65 years of age compared to the group under 65 years of age showed statistically significant differences in terms of higher odds ratios (OR) for hypertension (p=0.012), peripheral vascular disease (p=0.026) and tachyarrhythmia absoluta (p=0.004). Patients over 65 years of age also showed significantly poorer short- and long-term survival. Our subgroup analysis revealed that male patients (Breslow p=0.001, Log-Rank p=0.001) and patients suffering with hypertension (Breslow p=0.003, Log-Rank p=0.001) were reasonable for these results whereas younger and older female patients showed similar short- and long-term outcome (Breslow p=0.926, Log-Rank p=0.724). After stratifying all patients into 4 age groups (<45; 55-65; 65-75; >75years), short-term survival of the patients appeared to be significantly poorer with increasing age (Breslow p=0.026, Log-Rank p=0.008) whereas long-term survival of patients free from cerebrovascular events (Breslow p=0.0494, Log-Rank p=0.489) remained similar. CONCLUSIONS: All patients referred to our hospital for repair of Stanford A AAD with higher age had poorer short- and long-term survival, caused by male patients and patients suffering from hypertension, whereas survival of women and survival free from cerebrovascular events of the entire patient cohort was similar, irrespective of age.

Effect of donor cardiac arrest and arrest duration on outcomes of lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available about lung transplantation (LTx) from donors suffering cardiac arrest (CA) prior to actual donation. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of LTx performed between January 2007 and September 2012 was done with the focus on CA in donors. The recipients were grouped depending on the history of donor CA and CA duration (downtime) as: No cardiac arrest ("NoCA"), CA downtime less than 20 min ("CA < 20"), and CA downtime equal to or more than 20 min ("CA > 20"). Early and mid-term outcomes after LTx were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: A total of 237 LTx were performed during the study period. One hundred eighty-eight patients received organs from "NoCA" donors, 25 from "CA < 20" donors, and 24 patients from "CA > 20" donors. There was a trend toward better overall cumulative survival in both CA groups (log rank p = 0.076) whereas the survival in the "CA > 20" group was significantly better than in the "NoCA" group in the subgroup analysis (log rank p = 0.045). Freedom from bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) also increased with increase in CA duration, although it did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Transplantation of lungs from donors with a history of CA is safe and feasible. Longer duration of cardiac arrest may improve the outcomes after the LTx in terms of survival and freedom from BOS.

Rapid Deployment Valve Implantation using the EDWARDS Intuity Valve System: A Word of Caution regarding Sizing in Calcified Sinotubular Junctions.

In aortic valve replacement, severe calcification of the sinotubular junction is a limitation in the application of the rapid deployment Edwards Intuity valve system. This is illustrated by a case presentation in which discrepancies of shape and diameter between sizer and valve mounted on the deployment system resulted in discarding the prosthesis and performing a biocomposite root replacement instead. Modification of the valve sizer will allow for safer sizing because the sizing process will mimic the implantation process more accurately.

Intraoperative stress in cardiac surgery: attendings versus residents.

BACKGROUND: Performing cardiac surgery is associated with stress for surgeons. We investigated stress levels of experienced surgeons and trainees during coronary artery bypass graft teaching procedures. METHODS: We assessed heart rate (HR) and sympathovagal balance (SVB) of experienced surgeons (attendings; n = 7) and residents enrolled in a training program (residents; n = 3) using a one-lead electrocardiogram during a total of 109 elective isolated coronary artery bypass graft procedures. We measured HR and SVB for baseline values at rest and at prespecified phases during the procedure in the role as primary surgeons (n = 10) and assistants (n = 9). RESULTS: All participants were healthy men with a mean age of 41.4 ± 4.3 y. For patients operated on during this study, demographic and intraoperative data were homogeneous. Compared with rest, mean HR and SVB for the whole procedure were higher for surgeons and assistants, with significant differences for HR values (surgeons, 83.7 ± 8.8 beats/min [bpm]; assistants, 85.4 ± 12.7 bpm, P < 0.05 versus 62.3 ± 5.1 bpm). Courses of HR and SVB were comparable for attending and resident groups but values were higher throughout for attendings compared with residents in their role as surgeons during the total procedure, and as assistants during cardiopulmonary bypass. Mean HR and SVB values of attendings assisting the procedure were higher compared with those of residents performing the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical experience is not associated with reduced stress levels. Supervising a teaching case in cardiac surgery can be linked with more stress compared with the resident performing the procedure.

The impact of moderate-to-end-stage renal failure on outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Currently, established renal failure is a well-recognized risk factor for operative mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The authors aimed to establish the relative impact of dialysis-dependent renal failure (DRF) and nondialysis-dependent renal failure (NDRF) on early and late outcome after CABG surgery. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: A single teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: The authors analyzed prospectively collected data from 2,960 adult patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery between 1998 and 2006 at the authors' institution, according to whether they had preoperative NDRF based on preoperative creatinine >2.5 mg/dL, DRF, or neither (controls). INTERVENTIONS: CABG surgery. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Outcome measures included hospital mortality, postoperative complications, length of stay, and survival. Hospital mortality was 1.8% (n = 52). Patients in the NDRF and DRF groups had a significantly increased mortality (8.3%, n = 13) compared with the control group (1.4%, n = 39), and both NDRF (odds ratio [OR] = 6.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.3-16.5; p < 0.001) and DRF (OR = 4.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-10.0; p = 0.004) were found to be independent predictors of operative mortality. The overall mean follow-up was 3.9 +/- 2.5 years. Multivariate analysis revealed DRF (OR = 5.1) to be an independent predictor of late mortality after cardiac surgery, whereas NDRF was not found to be an independent predictor of late mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative renal failure is an independent risk factor for adverse early and late outcomes after CABG surgery. NDRF is associated with increased hospital mortality and major morbidity compared with patients with lesser degrees of renal dysfunction, but also compared with DRF patients.

Excellent results of cardiac surgery in patients with previous kidney transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with a kidney allograft are at high risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases that may require surgical intervention. Little is known about the outcome of cardiac surgery in these patients. DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING: A university hospital (single institution). PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine patients with a kidney allograft who underwent cardiac surgery between January 1998 and December 2006. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Main outcome measures were hospital mortality, postoperative complications, allograft function, and late survival. Twenty-nine patients (mean age, 53 +/- 14 years; 18 (62%) male; 22 preserved allograft function, 2 acute failure, and 5 chronic failure) were identified. Hospital mortality was 3.4% (n = 1). Temporary allograft dysfunction determined by a >30% increase of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen was noticed in 5 (23%) patients with preserved allograft and recovered before discharge. Two patients required postoperative dialysis (1 temporary and 1 permanent). Six (21%) other major complications occurred and included respiratory failure (n = 4, 14%) and sepsis (n = 2, 7%). One- and 5-year survival was 89% +/- 6% and 50% +/- 14%, respectively. Four of 9 patients who died during follow-up had chronic allograft failure. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac surgery can be performed safely in kidney transplant recipients with low mortality and acceptable morbidities. Allograft dysfunction is a common finding, but it is transient with early functional recovery. Late survival of kidney recipients with chronic allograft failure undergoing cardiac procedures is limited when compared with that of the general cardiac surgery population. The present data suggest that these patients should be considered for cardiac surgery in reference centers with expertise in complex cardiac procedures and perioperative management of these highly specific patients.

Epidemiology of deep sternal wound infection in cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and predictors of deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) in a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The early and late outcomes of patients with this complication also were analyzed. DESIGN: A retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery using a computerized database based on the New York State Department of Health registry. Data collection was performed prospectively. SETTING: A university hospital (single institution). PARTICIPANTS: Five thousand seven hundred ninety-eight patients who underwent cardiac surgery between January 1998 and December 2005 including isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) (n = 2,749, 47%), single- or multiple-valve surgery (n = 1,280, 22%), combined valve and CABG procedures (n = 934, 16%), and surgery involving the ascending aorta or the aortic arch (n = 835, 15%). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The overall incidence of DSWI was 1.8% (n = 106). The highest rate of DSWI occurred after combined valve/CABG surgery (2.4%, n = 22) and aortic procedures (2.4%, n = 19). Multivariate analysis revealed 11 predictors of DSWI: obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2), previous myocardial infarction (OR = 2.1), diabetes (OR = 1.7), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 2.3), preoperative length of stay >3 days (OR = 1.9), aortic calcification (OR = 2.7), aortic surgery (OR = 2.4), combined valve/CABG procedures (OR = 1.9), cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR = 1.8), re-exploration for bleeding (OR = 6.3), and respiratory failure (OR = 3.2). The mortality rate was 14.2% (n = 15) versus 3.6% (n = 205) in the control group (p < 0.001). One- and 5-year survival after DSWI were significantly decreased (72.4% +/- 4.4% and 55.8% +/- 5.6% v 93.8% +/- 0.3% and 82.0% +/- 0.6%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: DSWI remains a rare but devastating complication and is associated with significant comorbidity, increased hospital mortality, and reduced long-term survival.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients with right-sided endocarditis undergoing cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: There has been an increasing incidence of right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE) due to the global rise of intravenous drug use (IVDU) and an increasing number of implantable cardiac electronic devices and central venous catheters. Our aim was to investigate differences in the clinical presentation, microbiological findings and prognosis of patients undergoing surgery for RSIE compared to left-sided infective endocarditis (LSIE). METHODS: Relevant clinical data of all 432 consecutive patients undergoing valve surgery for infective endocarditis (IE) at our institution between January 2009 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Acquired data included patients' demographic and preoperative comorbidities, manifestation of IE according to the recently modified Duke Criteria, perioperative data and relevant clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 403 patients (93.3%) underwent surgery for LSIE and twenty-nine patients (6.7%) for RSIE. Eleven patients with RSIE (37.9%) showed a concomitant left-sided infection. Compared to LSIE, RSIE patients were significantly younger [47.5 (40.4-69.3) vs. 65.1 (53.7-74.6); P=0.008] and presented with less comorbidities such as hypertension (41.4% vs. 65.3%; P=0.010) and coronary artery disease (6.9% vs. 29.0%; P=0.010). Rates of IVDU (34.5% vs. 4.5%; P<0.001), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (10.3% vs. 1.7%; P=0.023) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (24.1% vs. 5.2%; P=0.001) were greater in RSIE. The proportion of Staphylococcus aureus IE was significantly higher in RSIE compared to LSIE (37.9% vs. 21.1%; P=0.035). 30-day mortality was 6.9% after surgery for RSIE compared to 14.6% after operation for LSIE (P=0.372). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing surgery for RSIE compared to LSIE presented with a higher rate of pulmonary septic emboli, more Staphylococcus aureus infections and larger vegetations. Larger multicenter prospective trials are needed to provide more reliable data on the clinical profile of these patients, in order to determine optimal surgical management.

Incidence, imaging analysis, and early and late outcomes of stroke after cardiac valve operation.

The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence, topography, and mechanisms of stroke, independent predictors, and late outcome after cardiac valve operations. We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data from 2,808 patients (mean age 63 +/- 15 years, n = 1,610, 55% men) who underwent valve surgery with or without concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting from January 1998 to December 2006. Stroke was defined as any new permanent focal neurologic deficit. Overall incidence of stroke was 2.2% (n = 63) and decreased during the study period from 3.3% (1998 to 2002) to 1.3% (2003 to 2006; p = 0.001). The highest stroke rate was observed after double aortic/mitral valve replacement (5.4%) and valve/coronary artery bypass grafting procedures (3.6%). Brain imaging was positive in 74% (n = 43 of 58) and showed ischemic stroke in all patients and hemorrhagic conversion in 28%. Distribution of acute stroke was large territory embolic artery (n = 33, 77%), watershed (n = 7, 16%), and mixed pattern (n = 3, 7%). Multivariate analysis revealed calcified ascending aorta (odds ratio [OR] 2.7), female gender (OR 2.6), ejection fraction <30% (OR 2.3), diabetes (OR 2.2), age >70 years (OR 2.0), and cardiopulmonary bypass time >120 minutes (OR 3.7) as predictors of stroke. Hospital mortality was 24% and 4.6% in patients with and without stroke, respectively. Survival of stroke patients was 78% and 54% at 1 year and 5 years, respectively, and was significantly decreased compared with patients without stroke. Valve pathology including endocarditis did not influence the incidence of stroke. Intraoperative epiaortic scanning may contribute in decreasing the incidence of this complication and may be warranted in all patients undergoing valvular surgery. In conclusion, stroke after valvular surgery is associated with an increased hospital mortality and morbidity and decreased long-term survival.

Predictors and early and late outcomes of respiratory failure in contemporary cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory failure (RF) is a serious complication following heart surgery. The profile of patients referred for cardiac surgery has changed during the last decade, making prior investigations of RF after cardiac surgery less relevant to the current population. This study was designed to analyze the incidence, predictors of RF, and early and late outcomes following this complication in a large contemporary cardiac surgery population. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data from the New York State Department of Health database including 5,798 patients undergoing cardiac surgery between January 1998 and December 2005. Patients with RF (intubation time > or = 72 h) were compared to patients without RF. RESULTS: The incidence of RF was 9.1% (n = 529). The highest incidence of RF was observed following combined valve/coronary artery bypass graft (14.8%) and aortic procedures (13.5%). Multivariate analysis revealed preoperative and operative predictors of RF such as renal failure (odds ratio [OR], 2.3), aortic procedures (OR, 2.6), hemodynamic instability (OR, 3.2), and intraaortic balloon pump (OR, 2.6). The mortality rate following RF was 15.5% (n = 82), compared to 2.4% (n = 126) in the no-RF group (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed significantly poorer survival among RF patients (p < 0.001) compared to the no-RF group. CONCLUSION: RF remains a serious and common complication following cardiac surgery, particularly in patients undergoing complex procedures. RF is associated with significant comorbidity, increased hospital mortality, and reduced long-term survival. Future research efforts should focus on a more precise identification of patients at risk and the development of new treatment modalities that would potentially prevent the occurrence of this complication.

Prosthesis type has minimal impact on survival after valve surgery in patients with moderate to end-stage renal failure.

BACKGROUND: Few previous studies have reported on the outcome of patients with renal failure (RF) undergoing valvular surgery, particularly with regard to choice of valve prosthesis. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data from 155 patients with RF (mean age 62 +/- 14, 42% female) who underwent left-sided valve surgery from January 1998 to December 2006. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (non-dialysis-dependent renal failure (NDRF); creatinine >2.5 mg/dl; n = 47, 40%) and Group 2 (renal failure dialysis (DRF); n = 108, 60%). Mechanical valves were implanted in 50 (32%) patients and bioprostheses in 63 (41%). Isolated mitral valve reconstruction was performed in 27% (n = 42) of patients. Outcome measures included hospital mortality, major postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, discharge planning and late survival. RESULTS: The overall hospital mortality was 19.3% (n = 30) and was not different between Groups 1 (23%) and 2 (18%). Ejection fraction, peripheral vascular disease, aortic valve replacement and reoperation were independent predictors of hospital mortality. One- and five-year survival rates were 74.4 +/- 7.8% and 53.1 +/- 10.1% in Group 1 and 75.8 +/- 4.6% and 49.1 +/- 7.1% in Group 2 (P = ns), respectively. According to the type of prostheses, hospital mortality and freedom from reoperation were similar in patients with mechanical and biological valves. Five-year survival rate was 51 +/- 10.7 for biological valves versus 55 +/- 8.4 for mechanical valves (P = ns). CONCLUSIONS: Hospital mortality and morbidity remain high in patients with RF undergoing valvular surgery and it is not different in NDRF and DRF patients. This study suggests that the type of valve prosthesis does not appear to have an impact on early and late survival but is limited by sample size. It may be that bioprostheses should be more widely used in patients with RF requiring valve replacement.

Predicting postoperative renal failure requiring dialysis, and an analysis of long-term outcome in patients undergoing valve surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Previous studies have been unable to identify independent valve-related risk factors for the occurrence of renal failure requiring dialysis (RF-D) in patients undergoing valve surgery. The study aim was to determine the incidence and predictors of renal failure in these patients, and to create a model based on these risk factors that could serve as a tool to predict this complication. METHODS: Between January 1998 and December 2006, a total of 2,690 consecutive patients (1,546 males, 1,144 females; mean age 64 +/- 15 years) underwent valve or combined valve/coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery at the authors' institution. The main outcome investigated was postoperative RF-D; other postoperative parameters investigated included hospital mortality, major morbidity, length of hospital stay, discharge condition and late survival. RESULTS: RF-D occurred in 70 patients (2.6%). Multivariate analysis revealed preoperative renal failure (creatinine >2.5 mg/dl) (OR = 4.3), endocarditis (OR = 3.0), congestive heart failure (OR = 2.4), reoperation (OR = 2.3), diabetes (OR = 3.1) and cardiopulmonary bypass time >180 min (OR = 1.7) as independent predictors for postoperative RF-D. Hospital mortality among patients with RF-D was 50% (n = 35) compared to a mortality rate of 3.2% (n = 87) in patients without this complication (p <0.001). The long-term survival of discharged patients with RF-D was significantly decreased compared to those without RF-D. A logistic equation which included the coefficients of the regression analysis was generated to calculate an individual patient's risk for the development of renal failure. The predictive accuracy of the model and validation was measured (ROC area under the curve = 0.750). CONCLUSION: Renal failure requiring dialysis is a well-known complication, particularly in patients undergoing complex valve operations, such as surgery for endocarditis and double-valve procedures. The poor long-term survival of patients with RF-D underlines the need to direct more resources towards the prevention and treatment of this complication in valve surgery patients.

Clopidogrel treatment before coronary artery bypass graft surgery increases postoperative morbidity and blood product requirements.

OBJECTIVES: An increasing number of patients are referred for coronary artery bypass graft surgery while treated with clopidogrel. This agent inhibits the platelet P2Y12 adenosine-5'-diphosphate (ADP) receptor, which results in an inhibition of platelet aggregation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of preoperative clopidogrel treatment on postoperative bleeding, mortality, and morbidity in patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: University hospital (single institution). PARTICIPANTS: One hundred forty-four patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Seventy-two patients who received clopidogrel during the preoperative period formed the study group. Seventy-two patients (matched based on age, sex, and preoperative risk profile) served as the control group. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Clopidogrel-treated patients received significantly more platelet (4.4 +/- 5.7 v 1.3 +/- 3.2 U, p < 0.001) and red blood cell (5.1 +/- 4.2 v 2.6 +/- 2.6 U, p < 0.001) transfusions compared with the control group. All-cause mortality and morbidity were significantly higher in clopidogrel-treated patients (n = 7, 9% v n = 1, 1%; p = 0.031). In addition, the lengths of stay in the intensive care unit and the hospital were significantly longer in these patients (2.5 +/- 2.7 v 1.4 +/- 0.9 days, p = 0.002; 9.9 +/- 11 v 6 +/- 2.5 days, p = 0.003). Despite an increased morbidity in the clopidogrel group, the midterm survival was similar between the 2 groups (1-year and 5-year survival 97% +/- 2% and 95.7% +/- 3% v 100% +/- 0% and 87% +/- 10%, respectively; p = 0.885). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative clopidogrel is associated with increased transfusion requirement after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The present data suggest that all-cause mortality and major morbidity may also increase in these patients. In clopidogrel-treated patients, coronary artery bypass graft surgery should be delayed in the absence of specific medical indications as recommended by recent American Heart Association guidelines.

Predictors and early and late outcomes of dialysis-dependent patients in contemporary cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence and predictors of renal failure requiring dialysis (RF-D) in a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The authors also analyzed early and late outcome of patients with this complication. DESIGN: A retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery using a computerized database based on the New York State Department of Health registry. Data collection was performed prospectively. SETTING: A university hospital (single institution). PARTICIPANTS: Six thousand four hundred forty-nine patients who underwent cardiac surgery between January 1998 and December 2006 including isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (n = 2,819, 44%), single- or multiple-valve surgery (n = 1,378, 21%), combined valve and CABG procedures (n = 1,032, 16%), and surgery involving the ascending aorta or the aortic arch (n = 1,220, 19%). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The incidence of RF-D was 2.2% (n = 139). The incidence per type of procedure was as follows: CABG surgery (0.8%), valve/CABG surgery (2.7%), valve surgery (2.9%), and aortic surgery (4%) (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed preoperative renal dysfunction (odds ratio [OR] = 5.5), hemodynamic instability (OR = 5.2), diabetes (OR = 2.6), aortic surgery (OR = 2.2), congestive heart failure (CHF) (OR = 2.1), peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (OR = 1.9), and reoperation (OR = 1.8) as independent predictors of RF-D. The hospital mortality after RF-D was 36.7% (n = 51) compared with 2.9% (n = 180) in the control group (p < 0.001). Long-term survival after RF-D was significantly decreased (1-year and 5-year survival 48.5% +/- 6.1% and 28.7% +/- 7.2% v 94.5% +/- 0.3% and 83.5% +/- 0.6% in the control group, p < 0.001). Hypertension, CHF, and PVD were independent predictors of late mortality. CONCLUSION: The authors observed an increase in the overall incidence of RF-D compared with previous studies, probably related to an increased prevalence of patients undergoing more complex procedures with a worsening risk profile. Postoperative RF-D was not only associated with increased hospital mortality and morbidity, but also with a significant reduction of long-term survival in discharged patients. Seven independent predictors of RF-D were identified. Future research efforts should focus on a more precise identification of patients at risk and the development of new treatment modalities, which would potentially prevent the occurrence of this complication.

Quadruple valve surgery in carcinoid heart disease.

We describe a 42-year-old male with primary carcinoid tumor of the ileum, secondary liver metastases, and subsequent severe carcinoid heart disease with quadruple valve involvement. The patient underwent tricuspid and pulmonic bioprosthetic valve replacement, mitral and aortic valve reconstruction. Transthoracic echocardiography at 25 months showed competent mitral and aortic valves with only mild regurgitation. Valve reconstruction is rarely performed in patients with carcinoid heart disease. However, in selected cases it is a valuable alternative technique with good mid-term outcome.