Kinetic assisted venous drainage for orthotopic heart transplantation in patients under mechanical circulatory support: a double-edged sword.

BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation in patients supported with ventricular assist devices (VADs) entails a high risk of injury at resternotomy. Prior femorofemoral bypass is the preferred approach in these patients, but poor venous drainage may restrict arterial flow rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We compared bypass parameters, transfusion requirements and postoperative outcome in 33 consecutive patients (40.4+/-12.2 years old, 28 men) assisted with the Thoratec paracorporeal VAD (mean duration, 3.0+/-2.96 months) undergoing transplantation using either gravity siphon drainage (GSD, n=16) or kinetic assisted venous drainage (KAVD, n=17). RESULTS: Cannulation technique, perfusion pressure, temperature and duration were similar between groups. There were no significant differences in arterial re-infusion flow rates (GSD, 3.6+/-0.7 vs KAVD, 3.8+/-0.6l/min, p=0.5). KAVD patients had a lower mean S(v)O(2) and a higher desaturation index than GSD patients (69.5+/-4.6 vs 76.1+/-5.4mmHg, p=0.004; and 0.63+/-0.23 vs 0.25+/-0.63, p=0.0001, respectively). Perioperative requirements in fresh frozen plasma and platelet transfusions were significantly higher in KAVD patients. However, there were no differences in postoperative patient outcome. CONCLUSION: Perceived benefits on venous return associated with KAVD do not necessarily translate into improved arterial re-infusion flow rates and should be weighed against the hazards of increased venous air aspiration and blood product requirements.

Clinical and hemodynamic performance of the 19-mm medtronic mosaic bioprosthesis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The Medtronic Mosaic valve (MMV) is a latest generation supra-annular stented porcine valve, which combines a low-profile stent, leaflet fixation at zero pressure in a predilated aortic root, and amino-oleic acid anti-mineralization treatment for improved hemodynamics and durability. A study was conducted to evaluate the clinical and hemodynamic performances of the MMV in patients with a small aortic root (19 mm aortic annulus). METHODS: Between 1998 and 2004, 81 consecutive patients (69 females, 12 males; mean age 78.0 +/- 5.5 years) underwent aortic valve replacement using the 19-mm MMV. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 28 patients (29.2%), and mitral valve surgery in one patient (1.2%). RESULTS: The 30-day mortality rate was 9.9% (eight deaths). Postoperative actuarial survival estimates were 90.1 +/- 3.3%, 78.5 +/- 4.6% and 69.1 +/- 5.5% at one month, one year and two years, respectively. After a mean follow up of 2.7 +/- 1.9 years, no cases of structural dysfunction, non-structural dysfunction or valve thrombosis were noted. Four ischemic cerebral complications (2.0% per patient-year (pt-yr)), five bleeding complications (2.0%/pt-yr) and two prosthetic valve infections (1.0%/pt-yr) were observed. No reoperation on a MMV was performed. Postoperatively, the mean systolic gradient was 23.4 +/- 7.0 mmHg, and the effective orifice area (EOA) 1.06 +/- 0.33 cm2. Valve prosthesis-patient mismatch (VP-PM) was moderate (indexed EOA > 0.65 cm2/m2 and < or = 0.85 cm2/m2) in 40 patients (49.4%), and severe (indexed EOA < or = 0.65 cm2/m2) in 41 (50.6%). CONCLUSION: Although providing acceptable clinical results, implantation of the 19-mm MMV resulted in a high incidence of postoperative VP-PM. Hence, this valve should be reserved for patients in whom the projected indexed EOA calculated preoperatively is deemed acceptable, given the patient's clinical condition.

SynCardia temporary total artificial heart as bridge to transplantation: current results at la pitié hospital.

BACKGROUND: The SynCardia temporary total artificial heart (t-TAH) provides complete circulatory support by replacing both native cardiac ventricles and all cardiac valves. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of demographics, clinical characteristics and survival of patients bridged to transplantation using the SynCardia t-TAH (SynCardia Systems Inc, Tucson, AZ). RESULTS: From 2000 to 2010, the SynCardia t-TAH was implanted in 90 consecutive patients (80 males; mean age, 46 ± 13 years) suffering cardiogenic shock secondary to idiopathic (n = 40, 46%) or ischemic (n = 24, 27%) cardiomyopathy or other causes. Before implantation, 7 (9%) patients had cardiac arrest, 27 (33%) were on ventilator, and 18 (22%) were on extracorporeal life support. Pre-implant creatinine values were 1.7 ± 0.97 mg/dL and total bilirubin levels were 45 ± 32 µmol/L; mean duration of support was 84 ± 102 days. Thirty-five (39%) patients died while on support after a mean of 62 ± 107 days. Actuarial survival on device was 74% ± 5%, 63% ± 6%, and 47% ± 8% at 30, 60, and 180 days after implantation. While on support, 9 (10%) patients suffered stroke, 13 (14%) had mediastinitis, and 35 (39%) required surgical reexploration for bleeding, hematoma, or infection. Multivariate analysis revealed that older recipient age and preoperative mechanical ventilation were risk factors for death while on support. Fifty-five (61%) patients were transplanted after a mean of 97 ± 98 days of support. Actuarial survival rates were 78% ± 6%, 71% ± 6%, and 63% ± 8% at 1, 5, and 8 years after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The SynCardia t-TAH provided acceptable survival to transplantation rates with a remarkably low incidence of neurologic events. Posttransplant survival was similar to that of patients undergoing primary heart transplantation in France.

Correction of anterior mitral prolapse: the parachute technique.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a new surgical technique for the correction of anterior mitral leaflet prolapse. METHODS: From October 2006 to November 2011, 44 consecutive patients (28 males, mean age 55 ± 13 years) underwent mitral valve repair because of anterior mitral leaflet prolapse. Echocardiography was performed to evaluate the distance from the tip of each papillary muscle to the annular plane. A specially designed caliper was used to manufacture a parachute-like device, by looping a 4-0 polytetrafluoroethylene suture between a Dacron strip and Teflon felt pledget, according to the preoperative echocardiographic measurements. This parachute was then used to resuspend the anterior mitral leaflet to the corresponding papillary muscle. Of the 44 patients, 35 (80%) required concomitant posterior leaflet repair. Additional procedures were required in 16 patients (36%). The preoperative logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation was 4.3 ± 6.9. RESULTS: The clinical and echocardiographic follow-up were complete. The total follow-up was 1031 patient-months and averaged 23.4 ± 17.2 months per patient. The overall mortality rate was 4.5% (n = 2). Also, 2 patients (4.5%) with recurrent mitral regurgitation required mitral valve replacement, 1 on the first postoperative day and 1 after 13 months. In the latter patient, histologic analysis showed complete endothelialization of the Dacron strip. At follow-up, all non-reoperated survivors (n = 40) were in New York Heart Association class I, with no regurgitation in 40 patients (93%) and grade 2+ mitral regurgitation in 3 (7%). CONCLUSIONS: This technique offers a simple and reproducible solution for correction of anterior leaflet prolapse. Echocardiography can reliably evaluate the length of the chordae. However, the long-term results must be evaluated and compared with other surgical strategies.

Off-pump replacement of the INCOR implantable axial-flow pump.

Owing to the actual increase of mechanical circulatory support durations, total or partial replacement of ventricular assist devices (VADs) will most certainly have to be performed with increasing frequency. Herein we report the case of a patient in whom an INCOR (Berlin Heart AG, Berlin) implantable axial-flow pump was replaced without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), underscoring some of the unique features provided by this system.

Bioprosthetic replacement of the ascending thoracic aorta: what are the options?

Increasing patient age and improved durability of latest generation bioprostheses have stimulated the use of bioprosthetic devices in the setting of ascending aortic replacement as an alternative to mechanical valved conduits or aortic valve-sparing procedures. We performed an English literature review to assess different surgical options that have been described for bioprosthetic replacement of the ascending aorta. Reported options include: (1) composite valved conduits using a stented bioprosthesis; (2) composite valved conduits using a stentless bioprosthesis; (3) total xenopericardial valved conduits. Composite valved grafts using stented bioprostheses offer a safe and durable option for bioprosthetic replacement of the ascending aorta. Other options are of more recent use and await medium-term results.

Composite freestyle stentless xenograft with Dacron graft extension for ascending aortic replacement.

BACKGROUND: The present study was undertaken to evaluate clinical, hemodynamic, and morphologic results of composite stentless xenograft with polyethylene terephthalate fiber (Dacron; DuPont, Wilmington, DE) graft extension for combined replacement of the aortic valve, root, and ascending aorta. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2008, 55 consecutive patients (33 men, 71 +/- 11 years) underwent ascending aortic replacement using Medtronic Freestyle with Dacron graft extension (DuPont). Indications included aneurysm (n = 31, 56%), dissection (n = 16, 29%), and endocarditis (n = 8, 15%). Associated procedures were performed in 25 patients (46%). Preoperative logistic EuroSCORE averaged 34% +/- 28%. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were 244 +/- 134 minutes and 162 +/- 69 minutes, respectively. RESULTS: Clinical follow-up was 100% complete and averaged 2 +/- 3 years. Early mortality was 0% (n = 0) in patients with a preoperative EuroSCORE of less than 20 (n = 26, mean expected mortality, 13% +/- 5%) and 31% (n = 9) in those with preoperative logistic EuroSCORE of at least 20 (n = 29, mean expected mortality, 52% +/- 28%). One- and 3-year survival rates were 83% +/- 5% and 78% +/- 7%, respectively. No major thromboembolic or spontaneous bleeding events were recorded. One patient (2%) required late reoperation for prosthetic valve endocarditis. Echocardiographic follow-up showed no valve dysfunction and low mean transvalvular gradients (7 +/- 5 mm Hg). A 64-channel computed tomographic scan was performed in 33 patients at 32.4 +/- 34 months and revealed two small pseudoaneurysms in a single patient. CONCLUSIONS: Composite Freestyle with Dacron graft extension appears to be a safe option for bioprosthetic replacement of the aortic root and tubular ascending aorta. However, long-term results using this composite graft will have to be determined.

Outcomes after surgical treatment for type A acute aortic dissection in octogenarians: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Management of octogenarian patients with acute type A acute aortic dissection is controversial. This study analyzed the surgical outcomes to identify patients who should undergo operations. METHODS: Beginning January 2000, we established a registry including all octogenarian patients operated on for type A acute aortic dissection. We evaluated 57 consecutive patients enrolled up to December 2006. Their median age was 82 (range, 80 to 89 years). Compassionate indication operations were attempted in 2 moribund patients and in 5 presenting with shock associated with neurologic symptoms or renal failure, or both. Operations followed the standard procedure recommended in younger patients. Follow-up was 100% complete (mean, 3.9 +/- 2 years; range, 5 months to 8 years). RESULTS: There were 26 (45.6%) in-hospital and 6 late deaths. Multivariate analysis identified compassionate indication (p < or = 0.0001) and total arch replacement (p = 0.0060) as risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Postoperative complications occurred in 36 patients (69.2%) and were associated with a higher mortality (p = 0.0001). Overall survival was 51% at 1 year and 44% at 5 years. Excluding patients with compassionate indication and those who underwent total arch replacement, or both, overall survival was 66% at 1 year and 57% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment for type A acute aortic dissection in octogenarians shows satisfactory midterm results among survivors. However, the high mortality rate imposes a requirement for better perioperative management. Compassionate cases should be managed medically. A less aggressive approach should improve outcomes of surgical treatment.

Low-gradient aortic stenosis: impact of prosthesis-patient mismatch on survival.

AIMS: To assess the prognostic impact of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) in a large consecutive series of patients operated for low-gradient aortic stenosis (AS). METHODS AND RESULTS: Outcomes after surgery for low-gradient AS were prospectively assessed in 152 consecutive patients from seven institutions. There were 113 men (74%); mean age was 72 years (64-76); valve area, 0.7 cm(2) (0.6-0.8); left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction 0.31 (0.25-0.37) and baseline mean transaortic pressure gradient (MPG), 30 mmHg (25-35) Among 139 patients with available prosthetic valve effective orifice area (EOA), PPM (defined by an indexed EOA < or = 0.85 cm(2)/m(2)) was present in 79 patients (57%) and had no significant impact on post-operative mortality. Independent predictors of overall mortality were LV contractile reserve [hazard ratio (HR) 0.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35-0.78; P = 0.002], associated coronary artery bypass grafting (HR 1.87; 95% CI 1.24-2.82; P =0.003), baseline MPG (per 1 mmHg decrease to 10 mmHg; HR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.06; P = 0.021), previous cancer (HR 2.13; 95% CI 1.05-4.29; P = 0.037), and logistic EuroSCORE (per 1% increase; HR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.04; P = 0.040). CONCLUSION In this large multicentre series of patients with low-gradient AS, we found that PPM (moderate in most cases) had no influence on post-operative mortality. Therefore, the performance of more complex interventions in order to avoid moderate PPM may not be justified in the setting of low-gradient AS, because their higher risk probably outweighs the expected benefit.