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The expansion in the repertoire of genes linked to thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) has revolutionised our understanding of the disease process. The clinical benefits of such progress are numerous, particularly helping our understanding of non-syndromic hereditary causes of TAA (HTAAD) and further refinement in the subclassification of disease. Furthermore, the understanding of aortic biomechanics and mechanical homeostasis has been significantly informed by the discovery of deleterious mutations and their effect on aortic phenotype. The drawbacks in genetic testing in TAA lie with the inability to translate genotype to accurate prognostication in the risk of thoracic aortic dissection (TAD), which is a life-threatening condition. Under current guidelines, there are no metrics by which those at risk for dissection with normal aortic diameters may undergo preventive surgery. Future research lies with more advanced genetic diagnosis of HTAAD and investigation of the diverse pathways involved in its pathophysiology, which will i) serve to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, ii) improve guidelines for treatment and iii) prevent complications for HTAAD and sporadic aortopathies.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) represent an important therapeutic option for patients progressing to end-stage heart failure. Women have been historically underrepresented in LVAD studies, and have been reported to have worse outcomes despite technological optimisation. We aimed to systematically explore the evidence on sex disparities in the use and outcomes of LVAD implantation. METHODS: A systematic database search with meta-analysis was conducted of comparative original articles of men versus women undergoing LVAD implantation, in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane database and Google Scholar, from inception to July 2022. Primary outcomes were stroke (haemorrhagic and ischaemic) and early/overall mortality. Secondary outcomes were LVAD thrombosis, right VAD implantation, major bleeding, kidney dysfunction, and device/driveline infection. RESULTS: Our search yielded 137 relevant studies, including 22 meeting the inclusion criteria with a total of 53 227 patients (24.2% women). Overall mortality was higher in women (odds ratio [OR] 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.62, p = 0.02), as was overall stroke (OR 1.32, 95%CI 1.06-1.66, p = 0.01), including ischemic (OR 1.80, 95%CI 1.22-2.64, p = 0.003) and haemorrhagic (OR 1.72, 95%CI 1.09-2.70, p = 0.02). Women had more frequent right VAD implantation (OR 2.11, 95%CI 1.24-3.57, p = 0.006) and major bleeding (OR 1.40, 95%CI 1.06-1.85, p = 0.02). Kidney dysfunction, LVAD thrombosis, and device/driveline infections were comparable between sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis suggests that women face a greater risk of adverse events and mortality post-LVAD implantation. Although the mechanisms remain unclear, the difference in outcomes is thought to be multifactorial. Further research, that includes comprehensive pre-operative characteristics and post-operative outcomes, is encouraged.

Objective We reviewed the available literature on patients with coronary artery disease undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with either single (SAG) or multiple arterial grafting (MAG). Methods Original research studies that evaluated the long-term survival of MAG versus SAG were identified, from 1995 to 2022. The median overall survival (OS) and event-free OS were the primary endpoints. Comparison of median OS between the right internal mammary artery (RIMA) and radial artery (RA) as a second arterial conduit was the secondary endpoint. Subgroup analyses were performed regarding patients older than 70 years, with diabetes mellitus, and females. A sensitivity analysis was performed with the leave-one-out method. Results Forty-four studies were included in the qualitative and thirty-nine in the quantitative synthesis. After pooling data from 180 to 459 patients, the MAG group demonstrated a higher OS (HR, 0.589; 95% CI, 0.58–0.60; p p p = 0.009). MAG was also superior to SAG in patients over 70 years, females, and patients with diabetes mellitus. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated a small-size study effect on the female subgroup analysis. Conclusion The present meta-analysis indicates that MAG is associated with enhanced survival outcomes compared to SAG for patients undergoing isolated CABG.

This study aims to identify the clinical utility of targeted-genetic sequencing in a cohort of patients with TAA and establish a new method for regional histological characterisation of TAA disease.Fifty-four patients undergoing surgery for proximal TAA were recruited.connective tissue disease, bicuspid aortic valves, redo surgery. All patients underwent next generation sequencing (NGS) using a custom gene panel containing 63 genes previously associated with TAA on Illumina MiSeqor NextSeq550 platforms. Explanted TAA tissue was obtained en-bloc from 34/54 patients, and complete circumferential strips of TAA tissue processed into whole slides which were subsequently digitalised. Computational pathology methods were employed to quantify elastin, cellularity and collagen in six equally divided regions across the whole aneurysm circumference.Of 54 patients, clearly pathogenic or potentially pathogenic variants were found in 7.4%: namely LOX, PRKG1, TGFBR1 and SMAD3 genes. 55% had at least one variant of unknown significance (VUS) and seven of the VUSs were in genes with a strong disease association (category A) genes, whilst 15 were from moderate risk (category B) genes. Elastin and collagen abundance displayed high regional variation throughout the aneurysm circumference. In patients with60% total elastin, the loss of elastin was more significant on the outer curve (38.0% vs 47.4%, p = 0.0094). The presence of VUS, higher pulse wave velocity and advancing age were predictors of elastin loss (regression analysis: p 0.05).These findings demonstrate the heterogeneity of TAA disease microstructure and the potential link between histological appearance and clinical factors, including genetic variation.

Outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) versus surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with aortic stenosis and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) must be better investigated.A meta-analysis including studies published by January 2022 reporting immediate outcomes (in-hospital death, stroke, acute kidney injury [AKI], major bleeding, new permanent pacemaker implantation [PPI], paravalvular leakage [PVL]), mortality in the follow-up (with Kaplan-Meier curves for reconstruction of individual patient data).Five studies met our eligibility criteria. No statistically significant difference was observed for in-hospital death, stroke, AKI, and PVL. TAVI was associated with lower risk of major bleeding (odds ratio [OR]: 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.12-0.69; p = .025), but higher risk of PPI (OR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.05-3.77; p = .041). In the follow-up, mortality after TAVI was significantly higher in the analysis with the largest samples (HR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01-1.53, p = .043), but no statistically significant difference was observed with risk-adjusted populations (HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.86-1.32, p = .57). Landmark analyses suggested a time-varying risk with TAVI after 10 and 13 months in both largest and risk-adjusted populations (HR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.45-3.12, p .001; HR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.11-2.61, p = .015, respectively).Considering the immediate outcomes and comparable overall survival observed in risk-adjusted populations, TAVI can be used safely in selected BAV patients. However, a time-varying risk is present (favoring SAVR over TAVI at a later timepoint). This finding was likely driven by higher rates of PPI with TAVI.

BACKGROUND: This review aims to systematically evaluate the currently available evidence investigating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the field of cardiac transplantation. Furthermore, based on the challenges identified we aim to provide a series of recommendations and a knowledge base for future research in the field of ML and heart transplantation. METHODS: A systematic database search was conducted of original articles that explored the use of ML and/or AI in heart transplantation in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane database, and Google Scholar, from inception to November 2021. RESULTS: Our search yielded 237 articles, of which 13 studies were included in this review, featuring 463 850 patients. Three main areas of application were identified: (1) ML for predictive modeling of heart transplantation mortality outcomes; (2) ML in graft failure outcomes; (3) ML to aid imaging in heart transplantation. The results of the included studies suggest that AI and ML are more accurate in predicting graft failure and mortality than traditional scoring systems and conventional regression analysis. Major predictors of graft failure and mortality identified in ML models were: length of hospital stay, immunosuppressive regimen, recipient's age, congenital heart disease, and organ ischemia time. Other potential benefits include analyzing initial lab investigations and imaging, assisting a patient with medication adherence, and creating positive behavioral changes to minimize further cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSION: ML demonstrated promising applications for improving heart transplantation outcomes and patient-centered care, nevertheless, there remain important limitations relating to implementing AI into everyday surgical practices.

Background A high proportion of patients undergoing catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) experience recurrence of arrhythmia. This meta-analysis aims to identify pre-ablation serum biomarker(s) associated with arrhythmia recurrence to improve patient selection before CA. Methods A systematic approach following PRISMA reporting guidelines was utilised in libraries (Pubmed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus) and supplemented by scanning through bibliographies of articles. Biomarker levels were compared using a random-effects model and presented as odds ratio (OR). Heterogeneity was examined by meta-regression and subgroup analysis. Results In total, 73 studies were identified after inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Nine out of 22 biomarkers showed association with recurrence of AF after CA. High levels of N-Terminal-pro-B-type-Natriuretic Peptide [OR (95% CI), 3.11 (1.80–5.36)], B-type Natriuretic Peptide [BNP, 2.91 (1.74–4.88)], high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein [2.04 (1.28–3.23)], Carboxy-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I [1.89 (1.16–3.08)] and Interleukin-6 [1.83 (1.18–2.84)] were strongly associated with identifying patients with AF recurrence. Meta-regression highlighted that AF type had a significant impact on BNP levels (heterogeneity R2 = 55%). Subgroup analysis showed that high BNP levels were more strongly associated with AF recurrence in paroxysmal AF (PAF) cohorts compared to the addition of non-PAF patients. Egger’s test ruled out the presence of publication bias from small-study effects. Conclusion Ranking biomarkers based on the strength of association with outcome provides each biomarker relative capacity to predict AF recurrence. This will provide randomised controlled trials, a guide to choosing a priori tool for identifying patients likely to revert to AF, which are required to substantiate these findings. Graphical abstract

Background: Ascending aorta and aortic arch diseases have an increasing interest among cardiovascular specialists regarding diagnosis and management. Innovations in endovascular surgery and evolution of open surgery have extended the indications for treatment in patients previously considered unfit for surgery. The aim of this systematic review of the literature was to present and analyze current cardiovascular guidelines for overlap and differences in their recommendations regarding ascending aorta and aortic arch diseases and the assessment of evidence. Methods: The English medical literature was searched using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from January 2009 to December 2020. Recommendations on selected topics were analyzed, including issues from definitions and diagnosis (imaging and biomarkers) and indications for treatment to management, including surgical techniques, of the most important ascending aorta and aortic arch diseases. Results: The initial search identified 2414 articles. After exclusion of duplicate or inappropriate articles, the final analysis included 5 articles from multidisciplinary, cardiovascular societies published between 2010 and 2019. The definition of non-A-non-B aortic dissection is lacking from most of the guidelines. There is a disagreement regarding the class of recommendation and level of evidence for the diameter of ascending aorta as an indication. The indication for treatment of aortic disease may be individualized in specific cases while the growth rate may also affect the decision making. The role of endovascular techniques has not been established in current guidelines except by 1 society. Supportive evidence level in the management of aortic arch diseases remains limited. Conclusion: In current recommendations of cardiovascular societies, the ascending aorta and aortic arch remain a domain of open surgery despite the introduction of endovascular techniques. Recommendations of the included societies are mostly based on expert opinion, and the role of endovascular techniques has been highlighted only from 1 society. The chronological heterogeneity apparent among guidelines and the inconsistency in evidence level should be also acknowledged. More data are needed to develop more solid recommendations for the ascending aorta and aortic arch diseases.

Objective: We conducted a thorough literature search on patients with central non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing either extended sleeve lobectomy (ESL) or pneumonectomy (PN). Methods: We identified all original research studies that compared the long-term survival of ESL versus PN from 1990 to 2022. The primary endpoints were the median overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Complications, operative mortality, and the reoperation rate were the secondary endpoints. Regarding the primary endpoints, independent patient data were extracted from the included studies, and pooled Kaplan–Meier curves were constructed. A sensitivity analysis was performed using the leave-one-out method. Results: Nine studies were included in the qualitative and seven in the quantitative synthesis, including 431 patients. Patients in the ESL group demonstrated a significantly higher OS compared with the PN group (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.46–0.87; p = 0.005). In addition, patients undergoing ESL presented a significantly higher DFS compared to the PN group (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.40–0.80; p = 0.004). These findings were further validated with a sensitivity analysis. The most common complications in the ESL group were bronchopleural fistula (4.6%), stricture (3.1%), prolonged air leakage (7.3%), sputum retention (4.6%), pneumonia (7.7%), and pulmonary vein thrombosis (1.5%). ESL was associated with a low reoperation rate (1.5%) and operative mortality (1.2%). Conclusions: The present meta-analysis indicates that ESL is associated with enhanced survival outcomes compared to PN for patients with central NSCLC. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate our findings.

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) on patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The Odds Ratio, Weighted Mean Difference, and 95% Confidence Interval were evaluated by means of the Random-Effects model. Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria, incorporating 939 patients. This study reveals that patients in the HIFU group presented increased median overall survival (OS), along with higher OS at 6 and 12 months after treatment compared with the control group (p

Numerical simulations of blood flow are a valuable tool to investigate the pathophysiology of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (ATAA). To accurately reproduce hemodynamics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models must employ realistic inflow boundary conditions (BCs). However, the limited availability of in vivo velocity measurements still makes researchers resort to idealized BCs. In this study we generated and thoroughly characterized a large dataset of synthetic 4D aortic velocity profiles suitable to be used as BCs for CFD simulations. 4D flow MRI scans of 30 subjects with ATAA were processed to extract cross-sectional planes along the ascending aorta, ensuring spatial alignment among all planes and interpolating all velocity fields to a reference configuration. Velocity profiles of the clinical cohort were extensively characterized by computing flow morphology descriptors of both spatial and temporal features. By exploiting principal component analysis (PCA), a statistical shape model (SSM) of 4D aortic velocity profiles was built and a dataset of 437 synthetic cases with realistic properties was generated. Comparison between clinical and synthetic datasets showed that the synthetic data presented similar characteristics as the clinical population in terms of key morphological parameters. The average velocity profile qualitatively resembled a parabolic-shaped profile, but was quantitatively characterized by more complex flow patterns which an idealized profile would not replicate. Statistically significant correlations were found between PCA principal modes of variation and flow descriptors. We built a data-driven generative model of 4D aortic velocity profiles, suitable to be used in computational studies of blood flow. The proposed software system also allows to map any of the generated velocity profiles to the inlet plane of any virtual subject given its coordinate set., Comment: 21 pages, 5 figures, 2 tables To be submitted to "Computer methods and programs in biomedicine" Scripts: https://github.com/saitta-s/flow4D Synthetic velocity profiles: //doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7251987

The aim of this review is to describe the different statistical methods used in estimating the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the assessment of quality of life (QOL)-related and clinical improvement interventions, along with their implementation in cardiothoracic surgery. A thorough literature search was performed in three databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar) for relevant articles from 1980 to 2022. We included articles that implemented and assessed statistical methods used to estimate the concept of MCID in cardiothoracic surgery. MCID has been successfully implemented in several medical specialties. Anchor-based and distribution-based methods are the most common approaches when evaluating the MCID. Nonetheless, we found only five studies investigating the MCID in the context of cardiothoracic surgery. Four of them used anchor-based approaches, and one used both anchor-based and distribution-based methods. MCID values were very variable depending on the methods applied, as was the clinical context of the study. The variables of interest were certain QOL measuring questionnaires, used as anchors. Multiple anchors and methods were applied, leading to different estimations of MCID. Since cardiothoracic surgery is related to important perioperative morbidity, MCID might represent an important and efficient adjunct tool to interpret clinical outcomes. The need for MCID methodology implementation is even higher in patients with heart failure undergoing cardiac surgery. More studies are needed to validate different MCID methods in this context.

Background: Surgical repair of the mitral valve has long been the established therapy for degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR). Newer transcatheter methods over the last decade, such as the MitraClip, serve to restore mitral function with reduced procedural burden and enhanced recovery. This study aims to compare the shortterm and midterm outcomes of MitraClip insertion with surgical repair for MR. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted for studies comparing outcomes between surgical repair and MitraClip. The initial search returned 1850 titles, from which 12 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria (one randomized controlled trial and 11 retrospective studies). Results: The final analysis comprised 4219 patients (MitraClip 1210; surgery 3009). Operative mortality was not different between the groups (odds ratio [OR] = 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.63−4.23]; p = .317). Length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the MitraClip group (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.882, 95% CI: [0.77–0.99]; p 90%; p

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare biological versus mechanical aortic valve replacement. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases for randomized clinical trials and propensity score-matched studies published by 14 October 2021 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. Individual patient data on overall survival were extracted. One- and two-stage survival analyses and random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. RESULTS A total of 25 studies were identified, incorporating 8721 bioprosthetic and 8962 mechanical valves. In the one-stage meta-analysis, mechanical valves cumulatively demonstrated decreased hazard for mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74–0.84, P 70 years old (HR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.17–1.57, P CONCLUSIONS Survival rates seem to not be influenced by the type of prosthesis in patients 70 years old bioprosthetic valves offer better survival outcomes.

We aim to review the available literature on patients with esophageal cancer treated with robot-assisted (RAME) or video-assisted McKeown's esophagectomy (VAME), to compare the efficacy and safety of the two approaches. Original research studies that evaluated perioperative and oncologic outcomes of RAME versus VAME were identified, from January 1990 to July 2022. The 90-day mortality, the R0 resection rate, the dissected lymph nodes, the perioperative parameters, and the complications were calculated according to a fixed and a random effect model. The Q statistics and I

Background Inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is a risk factor for colorectal cancer [CRC]. The aim of this study is to determine whether stage at diagnosis and survival differ between sporadic, ulcerative colitis [UC]- and Crohn’s disease [CD]-related CRC. Methods The English National Cancer Registry [NCIN], Hospital Episode Statistics [HES] and Office for National Statistics [ONS] datasets between 2000 and 2010 were linked, providing data on comorbidities, stage and date of death. A logistic regression model determined whether IBD was associated with an early [I/II] or late [III/IV] cancer. Cox regression analysis was used to examine survival differences between sporadic, UC- and CD-related cancers. Results A total of 234 009 patients with CRC were included, of whom 985 [0.4%] and 1922 [0.8%] had CD and UC, respectively. UC, but not CD, was associated with an earlier stage compared with sporadic cancers (odds ratio [OR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79 to 0.98, p = 0.02). CD had a significantly worse survival compared with sporadic patients for stage II [HR = 1.71, CI 1.26 to 2.31 p Conclusions Patients with IBD are diagnosed at an earlier stage but tend to have a worse survival compared with sporadic cases of CRC, in particular for nodal disease [stage III].Specifically, patients with CD-related CRC appear to fare worst in terms of survival compared with both the sporadic and UC groups.

There is high demand for minimally invasive mitral valve repair; however, it is unclear whether the minimally invasive approach provides the same performance as conventional sternotomy in a context of complex mitral valve disease. Here, we compared outcomes of minimally invasive and sternotomy procedures for bileaflet and Barlow's mitral valve disease.We performed a pooled meta-analysis of studies reporting early and late follow-up of mitral valve repair for complex mitral valve regurgitation. The primary outcome was moderate mitral valve regurgitation recurrence and need for reoperation. Secondary outcomes included operation time, reopening for bleeding, associated tricuspid procedures, failed repair, and inhospital mortality. Incidence rates were calculated for long-term follow-up. Effect estimates were calculated as incidence rates with 95% confidence intervals. When Kaplan-Meier curves were available, event rates were estimated from the curves with Plot Digitizer software; otherwise, reported event rates were used to calculate incidence rates.Eighteen studies including 1905 patients (654 minimally invasive and 1251 sternotomy) with a mean follow-up of 51.6 months (range, 14 to 138) were meta-analyzed with a random model. There were no significant between-group differences in moderate mitral valve regurgitation recurrence and reoperation (minimally invasive vs sternotomy, 1.7% [95% confidence interval, 1.0% to 2.9%] vs 1.3% [95% confidence interval, 0.9% to 1.8%], P = .22). Patients in the minimally invasive group were exposed to significantly longer cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times (P.01); however, there were no additional between-group differences in secondary outcomes.This meta-analysis has demonstrated that minimally invasive and sternotomy approaches produce comparable results for complex mitral valve repair.

Background/aim We present a novel multi-faceted, internationally adaptable course curriculum blueprint, which provides holistic surgical education at the undergraduate level. Materials and methods The Integrated Generation 4 (iG4) course (Essential Skills in the Management of Surgical Cases - ESMSC Marathon course) curriculum consists of four essential learning components: core skills-based learning, case-based discussions, basic science workshops and soft-skills. These are all clustered in a specialty-led network architecture. Every cluster consists of modules from the four learning cores, while network nodes are modules that are mutually shared by more than one clusters. Results We produced a standardized blueprint of 50 modules based on the 4 learning cores, covering 9 surgical specialties. This resulted in a curriculum map where every module is described using 3 parameters: χ axis (skills component), y axis (knowledge component), z axis (specialty component). Conclusion iG4 proof of concept sets the ground for a novel, reproducible and standardised effort to produce a portfolio of undergraduate surgical skills serving the vision of holistic surgical education.

INTRODUCTION Cor-Knot automated fastener has been used as an adjunct in heart valve surgery to eliminate the need for manual tying during valve implantation. Although reduced operative time and facilitation for minimally invasive surgery are clear benefits, whether their use translates to improved patient outcome remains debatable. This study aims to review the safety and efficacy of automated fasteners in heart valve surgeries. METHOD Specific searches were conducted via online medical databases (Pubmed, Embase, Ovid) between 1950 and June 2019. Longitudinal studies were included that provided operative parameters. RESULTS The initial literature search identified 3773 articles, but only eight met the inclusion criteria and were used for analysis: four studies related to aortic valve replacement (AVR), four related to mitral valve (MV) intervention (total n = 810). The meta-analysis revealed the significantly shorter aortic cross-clamp time in the Cor-knot group compared to manual tying, both in AVR and MV surgeries (P

Development in device technology and the scarcity of donor's hearts have increased the number of patients with advanced heart failure receiving durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as a bridge to transplantation and destination therapy, with improved prognosis compared with guideline-directed medical therapy. We sought to examine the impact of modern durable LVADs on the quality of life (QoL) of the recipients.We carried out a systematic review of articles on QoL following the implantation of third-generation LVADs published between January 2010 and February 2021. Included studies were critically analyzed and evidence synthesis was carried out into a meta-analysis.The systematic search yielded 269 articles, 11 of which met the search predefined criteria. Three of them reported results of randomized trials and eight were retrospective and registry studies. Statistically significant QoL improvement from baseline was observed in all published reports. When using the EuroQol 5L questionnaire (scale 0-100) as a QoL tool 6 months post-LVAD implantation, a meta-analysis of four included studies demonstrated a mean difference increase of 28.9 points (95% confidence interval: 26.71-31.14).Third-generation LVADs confer a significant improvement in QoL and their use can be supported not only for prognosis but also for symptom control. Although methodological limitations should be considered, the available QoL outcomes can be a useful tool in patient selection and the decision-making process.

Objectives: The aim of the study is to compare the safety and efficacy of unilateral anterograde cerebral perfusion (UACP) and bilateral anterograde cerebral perfusion (BACP) for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Methods: A systematic review of the MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases (last search: August 7th, 2021) was performed according to the PRISMA statement. Studies directly comparing UACP versus BACP for ATAAD were included. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed. Results: Eight retrospective cohort studies were identified, incorporating 2416 patients (UACP: 843, BACP: 1573). No statistically significant difference was observed regarding in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR]:1.05 [95% Confidence Interval (95% CI):0.70–1.57]), permanent neurological deficit (PND) (OR: 0.94 [95% CI: 0.52–1.70]), transient neurological deficit (TND) (OR: 1.37 [95% CI: 0.98–1.92]), renal failure (OR: 0.96 [95% CI: 0.70–1.32]), and re-exploration for bleeding (OR: 0.77 [95% CI: 0.48–1.22]). Meta-regression analysis revealed that PND and TND were not influenced by differences in rates of total arch repair, Bentall procedure, and concomitant CABG in UACP and BACP groups. Cardiopulmonary bypass time (Standard Mean Difference [SMD]: −0.11 [95% CI: −0.22, 0.44]), Cross clamp time (SMD: −0.04 [95% CI: −0.38, 0.29]), and hypothermic circulatory arrest time (SMD: −0.12 [95% CI: −0.55, 0.30]) were comparable between UACP and BACP. Intensive care unit stay was shorter in BACP arm (SMD:0.16 [95% CI: 0.01, 0.31]); however, length of hospital stay was shorter in UACP arm (SMD: −0.25 [95% CI: −0.45, −0.06]). Conclusions: UACP and BACP had similar results in terms of in-hospital mortality, PND, TND, renal failure, and re-exploration for bleeding rate in patients with ATAAD. ICU stay was shorter in the BACP arm while LOS was shorter in the UACP arm.

Background Sutureless prostheses may have added benefit when combined with minimal access surgery, although this has not been fully assessed in the literature. This study aims to provide a comparative analysis of the Perceval valve comparing median sternotomy (MS) with mini-sternotomy (MIS). Methods A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted for all isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR), using the Perceval valve, for severe aortic stenosis cases in the period 2014 to 2019. Patients undergoing concomitant valve or revascularisation surgery were excluded. Results A total of 78 patients were included: MS group 41; MIS group 37. Operatively, bypass times were comparable between MS and MIS groups (mean 89.3 vs 83.4, p = 0.307), as were aortic cross clamp times (58.4 vs 55.9, p = 0.434). There were no operative deaths or new onset post-operative neurology. MIS was a predictor of reduced stay in the intensive care unit (coef − 3.25, 95% CI [− 4.93, − 0.59], p = 0.036) and hospital stay overall (p = 0.004). Blood transfusion units were comparable as were the incidence of heart block (n = 5 vs n = 3, p = 0.429) and new onset atrial fibrillation (n = 15 vs n = 9, p = 0.250). Follow-up echocardiography found a significant improvement in effective orifice area, left ventricular dimension and volume indices, and LVEF (p > 0.05) for all patients. Multivariate analysis found mini-sternotomy to be a predictor for reduced LV diastolic volume (coef − 0.35, 95% CI [− 1.02, − 0.05], p = 0.05). Conclusions The combination of minimal access surgery and sutureless AVR may enhance patient recovery and provide early LV remodelling.

Sarcopenia, myosteatosis and visceral obesity (VO) are known to negatively impact on outcomes from colorectal cancer (CRC). Little is known about tumour factors associated with these body composition (BC) phenotypes. We aimed to identify whether histopathological tumour characteristics were associated with various BC phenotypes.A prospectively collected database of patients undergoing surgery for primary CRC at a tertiary referral unit in the United Kingdom was analysed. Sarcopenia, myosteatosis and VO were identified on preoperative CT. Binary logistic regression modelling was performed to determine significant associations between tumour stage, grade and BC phenotype.Final analysis included 795 patients; median age 69, 56% male, 65% were sarcopenic, 72% myosteatotic, 52% VO and 20% had sarcopenic obesity (SO). VO patients were significantly less likely to have advanced T Stage (T3-4) OR0.62(95%CI 0.44-0.86, p = 0.005); nodal metastases OR0.60(95%CI 0.44-0.82, p = 0.001); vascular invasion OR0.63(95%CI 0.46-0.88, p = 0.006) and poor tumour differentiation OR0.49(95%CI 0.28-0.86, p = 0.012). Myosteatotic patients were more likely to have metastatic disease OR2.31(95%CI 1.15-4.63, p = 0.018) but less likely to have poorly differentiated tumours OR0.48(95%CI 0.27-0.86, p = 0.013). SO patients were significantly more likely to have poorly differentiated tumours OR2.01(95%CI 1.04-3.87, p = 0.037).VO predisposes to earlier stage tumours with a less aggressive tumour phenotype. The SO group have adverse tumour characteristics which may be explained by differences in fat distribution. Myosteatosis relates to increased likelihood of distant metastasis that may be related to a systemic inflammatory response, despite the association with better differentiated tumours.

OBJECTIVES This study aims to characterize the material properties of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysmal tissue, using regional biomechanical assessment of both tensile and dissection propagation peel strength. METHODS Thirty-four aneurysm specimens (proximal thoracic aorta) were harvested en-bloc from patients undergoing surgery for aneurysm replacement. Specimens were processed into regional samples of similar shapes covering the whole aneurysm isosurface, according to a structured protocol, in both orientations (longitudinal and circumferential). Thickness mapping, uniaxial tensile and peel tests were conducted, enabling calculation of the following parameters: true stress/strain, tangential modulus, tensile strength, peeling force and dissection energy. Two constitutive material models were used (hyperelastic models of Delfino and Ogden) to fit the data. A circumferential strip of tissue was also obtained for computational histology [regional quantification of (i) elastin, (ii) collagen and (iii) smooth muscle cells]. RESULTS The aortic wall was thinner on the outer curve (2.21, standard deviation (SD) 0.4 mm vs inner curve 2.50, SD 0.12 mm). Advanced patient age and higher pulse wave velocity (externally measured) were predictors of increased aortic wall thickness. Tensile strength was higher in the circumferential versus longitudinal direction when analysed according to anatomical regions. Both peel force (35.5, 22 N/m) and dissection energy (88.5, 69 J/m2) were on average lowest at the outer curve of the aneurysm in the longitudinal orientation. Delfino and Ogden model constants varied throughout anatomical regions, with the outer curve being associated a higher ɑ constant (Delfino) and lower µ1 constant (Ogden) (P 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the outer aortic curve is more prone to dissection propagation and perhaps less prone to rupture than the inner aortic curve. This strengthens the notion of disease heterogeneity in ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms and has implications for the pathogenesis of aortic dissection.

Our aim was to compare the safety and efficacy of proximal repair (PR) versus extensive repair (ER) for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD).A literature search in three databases was performed according to the PRISMA statement. Studies comparing PR versus ER for ATAAD were included. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed.A total of 27 studies incorporating 7113 patients (PR: 5080; ER: 2033) were included. Patients undergoing PR presented decreased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 0.67 [95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 0.53-0.85]; p 0.01) and post-operative bleeding (OR 0.75 [95% CI 0.60-0.95]; p = 0.02) compared to ER. Meta-regression analysis revealed that in-hospital mortality was not influenced by differences regarding the extent of dissection (p = 0.43). Cardiopulmonary bypass time (SMD:-0.93 [95% CI - 1.22, - 0.66]; p 0.01) and length of hospital stay (SMD:-0.19 [95% CI - 0.34, - 0.05]; p = 0.01) were also lower in the PR group, while there was no difference in terms of renal failure and permanent neurological deficit. The ER approach demonstrated a lower post-discharge mortality compared to PR (OR 1.46 [95% CI 1.09, 1.97]; p = 0.01), while the post-discharge reoperation rate was comparable between the two groups. 1 and 3-year overall survival (OS) were comparable between PR and ER (OR 1.05, [95% CI 0.77-1.44]; p = 0.76) and (OR 1.27 [95% CI 0.86-1.86]; p = 0.23), respectively. The 5-year OS (OR 1.67 [95% CI 1.16-2.41]; p = 0.01) was in favor of the PR arm.In patients with ATAAD, PR was associated with lower odds of in-hospital mortality but higher odds of late mortality. ER and PR demonstrated similar post-operative complication and reoperation rates.

Aim To systematically review the simulators that are currently available for cardiothoracic surgical procedures and the validation evidence supporting them. Additionally, to recommend several simulators for training based on analysis of results. Method A systematic literature search of the MEDLINE® (1946 to December 2019) and EMBASE® (1947 to December 2019) databases was performed to identify simulators for basic skills and procedures in cardiothoracic surgery. A selection of keywords and MeSH terms were used to execute the literature search. After identification of relevant articles, data were extracted and analysed. Results Ninety simulators were found in eighty-one articles. Simulators for basic skills (n=24) and coronary artery bypass graft (n=22) were the most commonly described, followed by miscellaneous (n=14), valve surgery (n=13), thoracic lobectomy (n=10), and mechanical circulatory support (n=7). The majority of models were either benchtop (n=42) or hybrid (n=33) modalities. Evidence of validity was demonstrated in 38 (42.2%) simulators. Five (5.6%) simulators had three or more elements of validity established and only one (1.1%) accomplished full validation. Conclusions Five simulators were recommended for supplemental training in cardiothoracic surgery. Low-fidelity models can provide a broad foundation for surgical skills development and high-fidelity simulators can be used for immersive training scenarios and appraisals. These should be utilised in early training, at which point the learning curve of trainees is steepest.

Background: Ethnicity is not incorporated into standardized pre-operative risk-stratification tools for cardiac surgery. This study compared short-term outcomes following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in South Asian and non-Asian patients. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG surgery via sternotomy between the years 2011 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Initially, 1957 patients were identified (799 South-Asian, 40.8%). The patient groups were then propensity matched according to 10 relevant pre-operative covariates (age, body mass index, pulmonary disease, renal failure, smoking, diabetes, ventricular function, renal failure): 675 non-Asian patients were matched against 675 Asian patients. Results: Operative mortality was 1.77% and similar between the two groups (p = 0.447). Multivariate regression analysis found predictors of operative mortality to be pre-operative serum creatinine, age, left ventricular (LV) impairment, and extent of coronary disease. The effect of creatinine on mortality was selective for South-Asian patients (p = 0.015). LV impairment was a predictor of mortality in non-Asian patients, however this effect did not exist in South-Asian patients. Predictors of short-term complications (composite of death, stroke, reoperation, hemofiltration, and pneumonia) were age and creatinine (coefficient 0.002, 95% CI 0.0004–0.004, p = 0.019) in the overall cohort. Subgroup analysis found age to remain a selective negative predictor of complications in South-Asian patients. Cox regression analysis found creatinine, age, and LVEF to influence 10-year survival, whilst ethnicity was not a predictor. Conclusion: This study highlights the cumulative risk associated with ethnicity and renal disease in predicting short-term outcomes following CABG. This warrants further investigations in larger populations, thus guiding pre-operative risk-stratification.

Background: Despite the improvement in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) technology and the advent of third-generation LVADs, hemocompatibility-related events remain a significant issue. Therefore, new pharmacological treatments are necessary to optimize patient management and to further reduce hemocompatibility-related events. The purpose of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the existing data regarding the safety and efficacy of post-implant phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5i) on hemocompatibility-related events. Methods: Among the 258 articles in Pubmed, Scopus, and CENTRAL that were retrieved (1990–2022), 15 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 9 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. The fixed-effects model was used because it is statistically sound for combining a very small number of studies. The primary endpoint of the study was all-cause mortality, whereas the secondary endpoints were ischemic stroke, pump thrombosis, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Results: Mortality was significantly lower in the PDE-5i group vs. the control group (OR: 0.92 [95% CI: 0.85, 0.98]; p = 0.02). The secondary endpoints ischemic stroke (OR: 0.87 [95% CI: 0.78, 0.98]; p = 0.02) and pump thrombosis (OR: 0.90 [95% CI: 0.82, 0.99]; p = 0.04) were also lower in the PDE-5i group. The incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was significantly higher in patients with LVAD receiving PDE-5i (OR: 1.26 [95% CI: 1.11, 1.44]; p < 0.01). In the overall analysis, the heterogeneity of outcomes was low, except for pump thrombosis. Conclusions: The use of PDE-5i post-implant was associated with lower mortality and thrombotic events but with a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) on patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The Odds Ratio, Weighted Mean Difference, and 95% Confidence Interval were evaluated by means of the Random-Effects model.Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria, incorporating 939 patients. This study reveals that patients in the HIFU group presented increased median overall survival (OS), along with higher OS at 6 and 12 months after treatment compared with the control group (p 0.05). Furthermore, patients treated with HIFU in conjunction with chemotherapy presented reduced levels of pain (p 0.05) compared to the traditional treatment group. In addition, HIFU contributed to significant tumor responsiveness, in terms of CA19-9 reduction (p 0.05). Finally, HIFU was a considerably safe treatment modality with a low incidence of complications.These outcomes suggest that HIFU is a feasible and safe treatment modality for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and provides enhanced outcomes regarding survival and quality of life. Given the lack of a significant number of randomized clinical trials, this meta-analysis represents the best currently available evidence. New randomized trials assessing HIFU are necessary to further evaluate their outcomes.

Background The geometrical characterization of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms in clinical practice is limited to diameter measurements. Despite growing interest in hemodynamic assessment, its relationship with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm pathogenesis is poorly understood. This study examines the relationship between geometry of the ventriculo-aortic junction and blood flow patterns in ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm disease. Methods Thirty-three patients with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (exclusions: bicuspid aortic valves, connective tissue disease) underwent 4-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging. After image segmentation, geometrical parameters were measured, including aortic curvature, tortuosity, length, and diameter. A unique angular measurement made by the trajectory of the left ventricular outflow tract axis and the proximal aorta was also conducted. Velocity profiles were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. In addition, 11 patients (33%) underwent wall shear stress mapping of the ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm region using computational fluid dynamics simulation. Results Greater left ventricular outflow tract aortic angles were associated with larger aortic diameters at the levels of the sinus (coefficient = 0.387, P = .014) and ascending aorta (coefficient = 0.284, P = .031). Patients with left ventricular outflow tract aortic angles greater than 60° had marked asymmetric flow acceleration on the outer curvature in the proximal aorta, ascertained from 4-dimensional flow analysis. For patients undergoing computational fluid dynamics assessment, regression analysis found that higher left ventricular outflow tract aortic angles were associated with significantly higher wall shear stress values in the outer curve of the aorta (coefficient 0.07, 95% confidence interval 0.04-0.11, P = .002): Angles greater than 50° yielded time-averaged wall shear stress values greater than 2.5 Pa, exhibiting a linear relationship. Conclusions Our findings strengthen the hypothesis of flow-mediated ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm disease progression and that left ventricular outflow tract aortic angle may be a predictor of disease severity.

Background We sought to determine if a modified technique for ascending aorta replacement with sinotubular junction reduction and stabilization was safe. Methods This technique was performed by suspension of the three commissures, invagination of the aortic Dacron graft and advancing the graft into the ventricles. We included patients with dilatation of the ascending aorta, normal sinuses of Valsalva dimension (25 mm) and with various degree of aortic insufficiency (from grade 1 to 3). Results From April to October 2019, 20 patients were recruited from two centers; mean age was 66.9 ± 12.8 years, 13 were male; grade 1, 2 and 3 was present in 12, 2 and 6 patients, respectively. All patients underwent ascending aorta replacement with modified technique; an additional open subvalvular ring was used in 8 patients with aortic insufficiency ≥ 2; cusps repair was performed in 6 patients (5 plicating central stitches/1 shaving); concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 10 patients. There was no 30-day mortality. One patient was re-explored for bleeding. All patients completed six-month follow-up; at the transthoracic echocardiography, there was no aortic insufficiency ≥ 1 except one patient with aortic insufficiency grade 1 who underwent ascending aorta replacement and subvalvular ring; no patients underwent reintervention. Conclusions This modified technique for ascending aorta replacement and sinotubular junction stabilization was safe. It could be associated with other aortic valve sparing techniques. However, such remodeling approach has to be validated in a larger cohort of patients with longer follow-up.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Although one-year success of arrhythmia surgery for atrial fibrillation (AF) has long been defined as freedom from supraventricular tachyarrhythmia, patient-reported quality of life (QOL) has become increasingly important. Purpose We aimed to analyze current evidence of QOL following both concomitant and stand-alone arrhythmia surgery for AF. Methods Studies reporting on QOL of patients undergoing arrhythmia surgery for AF, stand-alone or concomitant, who provided essential data for the analysis, were included in this systematic review. A meta-analysis was performed on inter-study heterogeneity of changes in QOL in 9 of 12 included studies who used the Short-Form (SF) 36 tool. The metric standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to compare one year outcomes with baseline scores per variable of the SF-36 QOL questionnaire (total patients n = 545). Finally, meta-regression based on rhythm outcome after one year and add-on arrhythmia surgery as covariate were performed. Results QOL scores improved one year after surgical ablation for AF, evaluated by several questionnaires. In standalone arrhythmia procedures, meta-regression showed a significant improvement between the QOL and the procedural effectiveness after one year (Physical Functioning p = 0.015, Role Physical p = 0.006, General Health p = 0.002, Social Functioning p = 0.043. Forest plot Physical Functioning: SMD = 1.105; heterogeneity: I²=90.6%, p Conclusion Arrhythmia surgery for AF improves QOL. Both in standalone and concomitant procedures, the improvement in QOL seems to be related to the procedural effectiveness to maintain sinus rhythm after 12 months. Abstract Figure. SF-36 variable Physical Functioning

In aortic root aneurysms, the challenge of a valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR) procedure is to ensure durable aortic valve function without reintervention. Although the Bentall procedure defers the durability of valve function to the prosthesis, short- and long-term complications tend to be higher. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of VSRR and Bentall procedures in patients with aortic root aneurysms. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed regarding the outcomes of the Bentall procedure compared with those of VSRR from the inception of the 2 procedures until July 2018. Studies with short- and long-term comparative data were included. An initial search yielded 9517 titles. Thirty-four studies were finally included for meta-analysis (all retrospective, non-randomized), comprising 7313 patients (2944 valve-sparing and 4369 Bentall procedures) with no evidence of publication bias. Operative mortality was found to be significantly lower in the VSRR group [odds ratio (OR) 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37–0.70; P 0.05). These findings suggest that VSRR is an appropriate and potentially better treatment option for a root aneurysm when the aortic valve is repairable.

Introduction: The implantation rate of aortic bioprostheses is increasing. Their durability has improved to some extent over the years and they allow for future transcatheter valve-in-valve deploym...

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between biomedical researchers' collaborative and authorship practices and scientific success.DesignLongitudinal quantitative analysis of individual researchers' careers over a nine-year period.SettingA leading biomedical research institution in the United Kingdom.ParticipantsFive hundred and twenty-five biomedical researchers who were in employment on 31 December 2009.Main outcome measuresWe constructed the co-authorship network in which nodes are the researchers, and links are established between any two researchers if they co-authored one or more articles. For each researcher, we recorded the position held in the co-authorship network and in the bylines of all articles published in each three-year interval and calculated the number of citations these articles accrued until January 2013. We estimated maximum likelihood negative binomial panel regression models.ResultsOur analysis suggests that collaboration sustained success, yet excessive co-authorship did not. Last positions in non-alphabetised bylines were beneficial for higher academic ranks but not for junior ones. A professor could witness a 20.57% increase in the expected citation count if last-listed non-alphabetically in one additional publication; yet, a lecturer suffered from a 13.04% reduction. First positions in alphabetised bylines were positively associated with performance for junior academics only. A lecturer could experience a 8.78% increase in the expected citation count if first-listed alphabetically in one additional publication. While junior researchers amplified success when brokering among otherwise disconnected collaborators, senior researchers prospered from socially cohesive networks, rich in third-party relationships.ConclusionsThese results help biomedical scientists shape successful careers and research institutions develop effective assessment and recruitment policies that will ultimately sustain the quality of biomedical research and patient care.