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Introduction: Indications for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are constantly expanding, including younger patients. Bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) often occur in this group. In order to achieve optimal treatment results in younger patients, it is necessary to develop an effective method for selecting the size of implanted valves., Aim: To compare the results of TAVI with use of a self-expanding prosthesis in patients with a BAV and a tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) with valve selection based on annular sizing., Material and Methods: The diagnosis of BAV and TAV and measurements (annular sizing) were based on multi-slice computed tomography scans. Eighty-three patients received a self-expanding CoreValve or Evolut R prosthesis. In group I (BAV) there were 21 (25.3%) patients and in group II (TAV) there were 62 (74.7%) patients., Results: The groups did not differ in terms of baseline clinical characteristics. Device success was achieved in 16 (76.2%) and 55 (88.7%) ( p = NS) in group I and II respectively. Composite endpoints: early safety occurred in 5 (23.8%) and 11 (17.7%) patients ( p =NS) in group I and II respectively; clinical efficacy occurred in 10 (47.6%) and 28 (45.2%) patients ( p = NS) in group I and II respectively. 30-day mortality was 4.8% vs 9.7%, 1-year mortality was 28.6% vs 17.7% ( p = NS) in group I and II respectively., Conclusions: TAVI in patients with severe aortic stenosis and BAV is as effective as in patients with TAV using self-expanding prostheses if the valve selection is based on annular sizing., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Termedia Sp. z o. o.)

Competing Interests: Michal Zembala – consultant for Abbott Inc., Boston Scientific.

The qualification of new knowledge is one of the oldest problems in experimental medicine that provides a link between fundamental discovery, hypothesis, 'proof of concept' preclinical studies and development of clinical trials. The biggest challenge in animal models is the proper evaluation of all the aspects that are crucial in specific studied pathologies as well as the prediction of their progression. The aim of this review was to describe and discuss the rat animal model of heart transplant. The rat model of heart transplantation is an excellent yet underestimated method of research of prevention, monitoring and treatment of acute and chronic, immune and nonimmune response to organ transplantation. Despite being a technically and logistically demanding model, it provides a tool for reproducible experiments with longterm animal survival and excellent graft survival., Competing Interests: The authors report no confflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Polish Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons (Polskie Towarzystwo KardioTorakochirurgów) and the editors of the Polish Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (Kardiochirurgia i Torakochirurgia Polska).)

Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Introduction: Cardiocyte myofibrillolysis and interstitial fibrosis belong to histopathological changes in cardiomyopathies, leading to heart failure., Aim: To evaluate these changes in apical resection during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation., Material and Methods: The studied group consisted of 40 patients with cardiomyopathy, and apical samples excised during left ventricular assist device implantation were studied (CM/VAD group, mean: 48.1 ±10 y/o). A control group consisted of 6 apical samples from healthy heart graft donors (mean: 29 ±2.3 years old). Area fraction (AF) was calculated for: fibrosis, cardiocytes with myofibrillolysis (MFL), non-myofibrillolytic cardiocytes (non-MFL)., Results: Single lymphocytes were seen in 18 (45%) cases in the CM/VAD group. Cardiomyopathy grade evaluated semiquantitatively in CM/VAD was: slight (25% of a group), moderate (35.5%), advanced (35.5%). CM/VAD cases showed nearly ten times higher fibrosis than the control group. The MFL cells occupied nearly a five times larger area in CM/VAD than in the control group, whereas non-MFL cells were found in the control group, as a predominant pattern. The linear regression calculated between fibrosis AF and types of cardiocytes indicated the depletion of cardiomyocytes with fibrosis increase. The control group presented insignificant dependency between fibrosis and MFL cells, suggesting the lack of replacement fibrosis. Significant negative dependence between fibrosis and non-MFL cardiocytes suggested remodeling in controls. Correlation analysis showed a strong relation between depletion of normal cardiocytes and progression of fibrosis., Conclusions: Progression of cardiomyopathy and fibrosis depends on the loss of cardiocytes rather than degeneration of these cells., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest.

Introduction: Minimally invasive mitral repair is less traumatic and more acceptable for the patient than traditional surgery. However, it is a challenging procedure that requires effort from all the personnel involved., Aim: To investigate the results of the minimally invasive mitral valve repair learning curve at the institution., Material and Methods: The indication for the surgery was severe mitral regurgitation. Patients with other valvular insufficiency, body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m 2 , ejection fraction (EF) < 45%, aortic dilatation, reoperation, pleural adhesions, coronary artery disease requiring invasive treatment, and pregnant women were disqualified. The patients were assigned to one of three groups regarding their surgery date - group 1 (2012-2013), group 2 (2014-2015) and group 3 (2016-2017). The primary endpoints were death, myocardial infarction, stroke, an reoperation for mitral dysfunction. The investigation was performed to determine preoperative parameters (EuroSCORE, age, sex, BMI, arrhythmias, EF), intraoperative parameters (procedure, cross-clamp, extracorporeal circulation), and postoperative parameters (chest revision, transfusion, drainage, ventilation time, pleurocentesis, hospitalization time)., Results: There were 173 patients in total. One patient from group 1 (0.6% overall) died. No myocardial infarction or stroke was observed in any of the three groups. Chest revision count (5 vs. 1 vs. 1; p = 0.0004), total drainage (797.20 vs. 517.92 vs. 449.69; p = 0.0018) and hospitalization time (7.89 vs. 7.18 vs. 6.73; p = 0.0005) were significantly different among the groups. The ventilation time, transfusion number and pleurocentesis count did not differ significantly., Conclusions: The procedure is safe and ensures optimal perioperative results. The number of complications is low and acceptable., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest.

Introduction: Before the operation each cardiosurgery geriatric patient is assessed by the Vulnerable Elders-13 Survey (VES-13) and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) scales., Aim: To compare the applicability of the VES-13 and EuroSCORE scale in the assessment of postoperative risk among operated patients > 60 years old qualified most often for coronary artery bypass grafting., Material and Methods: VES-13 is a questionnaire containing 13 questions, including patient's age and a health self-assessment. The EuroSCORE includes age, sex and cardiological assessment and vascular changes, respiratory diseases, neurological and nephrological disorders. In both scales the risk of death is high when the patient has > 6 points. The study included 100 patients ≥ 60 (60.83 ±6.18) years old who were divided into subgroups with < 6 points and ≥ 6 points., Results: The number of VES-13 points = 3.06 ±2.25, EuroSCORE = 5.50 ±3.19. In patients > 75 years old VES score was 4.32 ±2.6 vs. 2.707 ±2.02 and EuroSCORE 8.09 ±3.02 vs. 4.77 ±2.83. The most frequent postoperative complication was atrial fibrillation. The most frequent complications were the following: death (5%), delirium (3.64%), bleeding (3.54%), stroke (3.54%), renal failure (3.32%), pacemaker implantation (3.28%), difficult healing of the wound (2.64%), intestinal ischemia (2.56%). The correlation between the VES-13 and EuroSCORE was moderate., Conclusions: In cardiosurgery patients who obtained before the operation ≥ 6 points on the VES-13 or EuroSCORE the risk of postoperative complications is high. VES-13 and EuroSCORE cannot be used interchangeably because the correlation is at a medium level., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Introduction: The presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) may increase in-hospital and long-term mortality., Aim: To evaluate the impact of CAD in patients who underwent TAVI., Material and Methods: The study group consisted of the first 142 patients treated with TAVI between 26 November 2008 and 31 December 2015. The patients were divided into two groups: group I comprised 103 (72.5%) patients with CAD, and group II comprised 39 (27.5%) patients without CAD., Results: Group I was characterized by a significantly higher risk according to EuroSCORE - 11.2 ±2.5 vs. 9 ±2.3 in group II ( p < 0.001) and Logistic EuroSCORE - 25.4 ±13.4 vs. 16.3 ±8.7 ( p < 0.001). 30-day mortality was 8 (7.8%) vs. 2 (5.1%) ( p = NS) and 1-year mortality was 22 (21.4%) vs. 6 (15.4%) ( p = NS) in group I and II respectively. The composite endpoint evaluating the efficacy of TAVI was achieved in 82 (79.6%) vs. 31 (79.5%) ( p = NS) in group I and II respectively. The composite endpoint, which involved 30-day observation, occurred in 39 (37.86%) vs. 12 (30.77%) ( p = NS) and the composite endpoint, which involved 1-year evaluation of the clinical efficacy of TAVI, occurred in 48 (57.8%) vs. 13 (48.1%) ( p = NS) in patients with and without CAD respectively., Conclusions: The short- and mid-term outcomes of TAVI patients with CAD, despite higher risk profile, did not differ from the outcomes of treatment in patients without CAD., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Introduction: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting is considered potentially more effective than on-pump surgery in elderly patients., Aim: To compare the early and long-term results of these techniques in patients ≥ 80 years of age with left main coronary artery disease., Material and Methods: All patients ≥ 80 years of age ( N = 3648) who were reported to the Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgery Procedures between 2006 and 2016 and underwent primary, isolated coronary artery bypass surgery were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group A - without significant left main stenosis (LMS) ( n = 2094) and B group - with LMS ≥ 50% ( n = 1524). The groups were compared according to the type of surgery: on-pump (A = 1107 vs. B = 891), off-pump (A = 908 vs. B = 616) and MIDCAB (A = 79 vs. B = 17)., Results: There were significant differences in preoperative status between the groups in the whole cohort, which were not observable after propensity score matching. The in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the LMS group operated on-pump (10.5% vs. 7.0%; p = 0.01) and non-significant in the off-pump group (5.1% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.78), as well as in the MIDCAB subgroup (5.9% vs. 5.1%; p = 0.64). 10-year survival in all subgroups was comparable and remained at a level of 50-60%. The mean entire cohort follow-up was 3.4 ±2.7 vs. 3.7 ±2.8 years ( p = 0.2)., Conclusions: Off-pump coronary bypass grafting may optimize the outcomes in elderly patients with significant left main stenosis. Octogenarians surgically treated for coronary artery disease, despite increased post-operative risks, present encouraging long-term survival., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Introduction: Heart transplant is an accepted treatment modality in end-stage heart failure. The graft coronary artery vasculopathy is a main concern to explain the heterogeneity of the rejection process according to the gender of the donor and recipient., Aim: To assess the severity and type of mechanisms leading to failure of the graft., Material and Methods: Experimental allogenic heart transplantation in the abdomen was performed on Wistar rats depending on the gender of the donor and recipient (F - female; M - male) in four groups (FF, FM, MM MF). The donor heart was implanted in the abdominal cavity of the recipient. Complete time of observation was 10 weeks. Bromodeoxyuridine was administered intraperitoneally to detect proliferating cells., Results: There was 42.5% graft survival in all experiments. The mean time of graft survival was 60 ±18, 54 ±29, 58 ±23 and 64 ±18 days (FF, FM, MM and MF) and no significant difference was found in graft survival time among the four experimental groups ( p = 0.73). None of the heart weight changes reached statistical significance., Conclusions: The use of an animal experimental model helps to understand the mechanisms leading to graft failure and to compare the changes that occur in rats to human hearts. The gender matching affects the survival of the transplanted heart and severity of the graft vasculopathy.

Surgical treatment of severe aortic stenosis offers good early and long-term results, even in elderly patients. Despite the implementation of percutaneous methods for the very high-risk group, surgical valve replacement remains the gold standard. The advanced age of patients should not be the only indicator limiting the possibility of surgery. In this review we present the most important information on the results of aortic stenosis surgical treatment in the groups of older patients. New methods such as percutaneous and minimally invasive methods of surgery are also discussed. Additionally, the presented information is referred to current guidelines for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis.

Introduction: High pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) candidates is a risk factor of right ventricle failure after the procedure. However, the increase of PVR may be a consequence of the life-threatening deterioration of the left ventricle function. The use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) seems to be the best solution, but it is reimbursed only in active OHT candidates., Aim: We performed a retrospective analysis of MCS effectiveness in maintaining PVR at values accepted for OHT., Material and Methods: Starting from the year 2008 we identified 6 patients (all males, 42.8 ±17 years old) with dilated ( n = 3), ischemic ( n = 2), and restrictive cardiomyopathy ( n = 1) in whom MCS - pulsatile left ventricle assist device (LVAD, n = 4), continuous flow LVAD ( n = 1), and pulsatile biventricular assist device (BIVAD, n = 1) - was used at a time when PVR was unacceptable for OHT, and the reversibility test with nitroprusside was negative. After an average time of support of 261 ±129 days they were all transplanted., Results: Right heart catheterization (RHC) results before MCS implantation were as follows: pulmonary artery systolic, diastolic, and mean pressure (PAPs/d/m) 60 ±20/28 ±7/40 ±11 mm Hg, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) 21 ±7 mm Hg, transpulmonary gradient (TPG) 19 ±7 mm Hg, cardiac output (CO) 3.6 ±0.8 l/min, PVR 5.7 ±2.1 Wood units (WU). Right heart catheterization results during MCS therapy were as follows: PAPs/d/s 27 ±11/12 ±4/17 ±6 mm Hg, PCWP 10 ±4 mm Hg, TPG 7 ±4 mm Hg, CO 5.1 ±0.7 l/min, PVR 1.4 ±0.6 WU. None of the patients experienced right ventricle failure after OHT with only one early loss due to multiorgan failure., Conclusions: Mechanical circulatory support is an effective method of pulmonary hypertension treatment for patients disqualified for OHT due to high PVR.

Introduction: Epiaortic ultrasound scanning (EAS) extended the use of ultrasound to the intraoperative diagnosis of aortic pathology. Surgical palpation of the ascending aorta underestimates the presence and severity of atherosclerotic plaques. Epiaortic ultrasound scanning has been used as an adjunct to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or as a primary direct diagnostic tool for imaging the ascending aorta as well as the aortic arch, which gained prominence as part of a multipronged intraoperative strategy to reduce atherosclerotic emboli., Aim: To compare the epiaortic examination with transthoracic and transesophageal echo (transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and TEE), X-ray, surgical intraoperative palpation, and postoperative neurological status., Material and Methods: The analyzed group consisted of 35 patients (mean age: 81.3 years) treated with aortic valve replacement (AVR), either alone (60%) or combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG; 22.8%) or aortic aneurysm replacement (11.42%). In 2 patients, only CABG was performed because intraoperatively reevaluated strategy. Thierteen patients have got a history of diabetes, 10 chronic renal failure and 3 of cerebral stroke., Results: In more than 80% of patients, positive EAS results had an influence on the choice of aortic clamping site and in 50% of patients on the site of cannulation. Female sex, peripheral vascular disease, history of previous stroke, and calcifications in the ascending aorta in TTE have significant predictive value for recognizing atherosclerotic changes in EAS and the risk of postoperative neurological complications in octogenarians treated with AVR., Conclusions: Epiaortic ultrasound scanning imaging is superior to TTE and manual palpation in the detection and localization of ascending atherosclerosis. This technique should be introduced as a standard perioperative examination in older patients at risk of neurological complications., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest.

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular heart disease in adults in Europe and North America. Management of AS patients depends on accurate diagnosis of the cause and stage of the disease process: the first and definitive therapeutic choice for a growing number of elderly patients with symptomatic AS is surgical treatment. In patients not eligible for surgery, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) constitutes a safe and effective alternative. As an innovative, costly method of treatment, it requires however careful monitoring of its course, documenting its early and long-term results, and assessment of its safety and medical-economic cost-effectiveness. A medical registry seems to be an excellent tool to perform such analysis. The aim of this paper is to present the design and rationale for creation of the first National Cardiac-Cardiac Surgical Registry of Percutaneous Aortic Valve Treatment POL-TAVI, to describe its genesis and to highlight its key assumptions and aims. Despite its recent beginnings, the POL-TAVI Registry has already demonstrated its value and usability in monitoring and assessment of TAVI procedures, leading to further improvement and development of this new method in Poland. It constitutes an important and valuable tool for patients, the medical community and the payer.

Introduction: Surgery is an extreme physiological stress for the elderly. Aging is inevitably associated with irreversible and progressive cellular degeneration. Patients above 75 years of age are characterized by impaired responses to operative stress and a very narrow safety margin., Aim: To evaluate perioperative complications in patients aged ≥ 75 years who underwent cardiac surgery in comparison to outcomes in younger patients., Material and Methods: The study was conducted at the Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze in 2009-2014 after a standard of perioperative care in seniors was implemented to reduce complications, in particular to decrease the duration of mechanical ventilation and reduce postoperative delirium. The study group included 1446 patients., Results: The mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 13.8 h in patients aged ≥ 75 years and did not differ significantly compared to younger patients. In-hospital mortality among seniors was 3.8%, a value significantly higher than that observed among patients younger than 75 years of age. Patients aged ≥ 75 years undergoing cardiac surgery have significantly more concomitant conditions involving other organs, which affects treatment outcomes (duration of hospital stay, mortality)., Conclusions: The implementation of a standard of perioperative care in this age group reduced the duration of mechanical ventilation and lowered the rate of postoperative delirium.

Introduction: Various modifications of standard endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) have been developed to solve the problem of difficult neck anatomy., Aim: The authors propose the implantation of a predeployed extension cuff (kilt) using on-shelf Endurant II elements. In a vast majority of cases, the proposed method provides a solution for the hostile neck problem using standard Endurant II elements available in all centers performing subrenal EVAR procedures., Material and Methods: The early outcomes of kilt implantation were evaluated in 11 patients (three with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms, one symptomatic) in 2 vascular centers in Silesia (Poland). All patients presented with hostile neck anatomy defined as neck length < 10 mm, diameter > 28 mm, angulation > 60°, mural thrombus or calcium > 2 mm in thickness or > 180° circumference., Results: No intraoperative type I endoleak or device migration was observed. Two perioperative deaths occurred in patients in a severe condition with ruptured aneurysms. One case of type III endoleak was managed by the implantation of an additional iliac extension with complete endoleak sealing., Conclusions: The proposed method seems to be effective in early endoleak prevention in patients with hostile neck anatomy undergoing EVAR procedures; however, studies with long-term follow-up are needed.

Introduction: Patients with diabetes have a worse postoperative course and longer length of hospital stay after surgery. A good indicator of proper long-term (3 months) glycemic control is glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ), and fructosamine in the short term (2-3 weeks)., Aim: To determine the degree of glycemic control evaluated preoperatively by HbA 1c and/or fructosamine influence on the postoperative course of patients with diabetes undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 2014-2015., Material and Methods: Before the operation HbA 1c (N < 7.0) and fructosamine (N < 280 µmol/l) were measured and depending on the results the respondents were divided into 4 groups: group I ( n = 46) - normal both parameters; group II ( n = 22) - high both values; group III ( n = 4) - normal fructosamine/HbA 1c high; group IV ( n = 33) - high HbA 1c /fructosamine normal. Statistical analysis was performed using the t -test assuming p < 0.05 to be statistically significant., Results: One hundred and five patients were treated by CABG/OPCAB (39 female, 66 males). The mean age was 65.7 ±7.3, HbA 1c : 7.23 ±1.2%, fructosamine: 261.8 ±43.8. There was no difference in the incidence of other postoperative complications between the two groups., Conclusions: Glycated hemoglobin and fructosamine levels to a similar extent define the risk of perioperative complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. In patients in whom there is a need to quickly compensate for elevated blood glucose consider enabling determination of fructosamine.

Introduction: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) therapy is associated with the improvement of long-term prognosis in patients with end-stage heart failure. For years it has been used as a bridge to transplant. However, more recently it is even being used as a destination therapy. Recently, clinicians have identified common MCS therapy-associated complications: pump thrombosis, bleeding, and hemolysis. These complications are very challenging with regard to both diagnosis and management., Aim: To determine time-dependant changes of selected hemostasis/coagulation parameters in patients with end-stage heart failure treated with MCS and antithrombotic therapy., Material and Methods: Sixteen patients with end-stage heart failure on left ventricular assist device (LVAD) were followed for 6 weeks (six blood samples for each patient). Every week an extended hemostasis panel was assessed, including activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity, factor VIII activity, fibrinogen level, D-dimer, platelet response to arachidonic acid (ASPI test) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP test), thrombin receptor activating peptide-6 (TRAP test) and collagen (COL test)., Results: The study population comprised 16 men. The median time from LVAD implantation was 120 days (100-150 days). During the study period the D-dimer and fibrinogen concentrations were elevated but remained similar throughout all six measurements. Meanwhile factor VIII and vWF activities were elevated in the first two measurements and then subsequently declined. Inhibition of platelet aggregation was greater early after LVAD implantation. During subsequent weeks the inhibition of platelet aggregation was less pronounced. No patient developed any bleeding or thrombo-embolic event during the study period., Conclusions: Patients on MCS therapy demonstrate significant time-dependant changes in hemostasis parameters (both in the coagulation system and platelet aggregation).

Confusion on a somatic basis is a dangerous problem mainly related with aging of the population. Data says that consciousness disorders concern 10-15% of patients in general wards, and up to 50% of patients admitted to geriatric wards. The persistence of the symptoms of confusion results in increase of agitation, disorganization, fear, which increases the risk of self-injuries of patients, it causes the need for parenteral feeding and hydratation, as well as maintaining water balance, and also disturbs cooperation, worsening the course and prognosis of the primary disease. It is believed that consciousness disorders are one of the most difficult diagnostic problems and the most difficult therapy problem among psychotic disorders. So far in Poland there have been no screening evaluation tools to assess the occurrence of confusion on the somatic basis. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Polish translation of the widely used scale to assess consciousness disorders, intended also for middle personnel of health care - Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). Numerous studies over 16 years established the position of CAM as an exceptionally effective standardized diagnostic test, specifying the sensitivity of 94-100%, specificity from 90-95%, positive predictive value of 91-94%, negative predictive value of 90-100%. The questionnaire and instructions of its interpretation have been translated by doctors with active help from the original creators of CAM. Further studies are required in order to validate and determine the effectiveness of the newly formed diagnostic tool.

Despite advances in prevention and treatment of heart transplant rejection, development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) remains the leading factor limiting long-term survival of the graft. Cardiac allograft vasculopathy etiopathogenesis is not fully understood, but a significant role is attributed to endothelial cell damage, caused by immunological and non-immunological mechanisms. Immunological factors include the differences between the recipient's and the donor's HLA systems, the presence of alloreactive antibodies and episodes of acute rejection. Among the non-immunological factors the most important are the age of the donor, ischemia-reperfusion injury and cytomegalovirus infection. The classical cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, obesity and hyperlipidemia) are also important. This study presents an up-to-date overview of current knowledge on the vasculopathy etiopathogenesis and the role played by endothelium and inflammatory processes in CAV, and it also investigates the factors which may serve as risk markers of cardiac allograft vasculopathy.

Introduction: The proportion of valve repair procedures is increasing in experienced centers. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes after aortic valve reconstruction with a novel surgical technique., Material and Methods: The study group consisted of 30 patients (23 male and 7 female) at a mean age of 35 ± 14 years. In patients with aortic root aneurysm the reimplantation or Florida sleeve technique was used. A sub-commissural annuloplasty, plication of the free edge of the cusp, shaving, and commissurotomy were performed. At this stage of surgery aortic repair was then attempted by cusp extension. Since 2013 the strips have been tailored from extracellular matrix., Results: The mean aortic cross-clamp time was 90 ± 32 min. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 126 ± 38 min. There was no in-hospital death. Re-exploration for bleeding was required in 1 patient. During follow-up, 1 patient needed reoperation at 1 year due to endocarditis. All patients remained alive in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I. The echocardiographic findings remained unchanged in all cases during follow-up., Conclusions: Our modification of aortic valve repair results in a good outcome.

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is an umbrella term describing the various technologies used in both short- and long-term management of patients with either end-stage chronic heart failure (HF) or acute HF. Most often, MCS has emerged as a bridge to transplantation, but more recently it is also used as a destination therapy. Mechanical circulatory support includes left ventricular assist device (LVAD) or bi-ventricular assist device (Bi-VAD). Currently, 2- to 3-year survival in carefully selected patients is much better than with medical therapy. However, MCS therapy is hampered by sometimes life-threatening complications including bleeding and device thrombosis. Von Willebrand factor (vWF) has two major functions in haemostasis. First, it plays a crucial role in platelet-subendothelium adhesion and platelet-platelet interactions (aggregation). Second, it is the carrier of factor VIII (FVIII) in plasma. Von Willebrand factor prolongs FVIII half-time by protecting it from proteolytic degradation. It delivers FVIII to the site of vascular injury thus enhancing haemostatic process. On one hand, high plasma levels of vWF have been associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. On the other, defects or deficiencies of vWF underlie the inherited von Willebrand disease or acquired von Willebrand syndrome. Here we review the pathophysiology of thrombosis and bleeding associated with vWF.

Over the last twenty years, minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) has evolved into a safe, well-tolerated and efficient surgical treatment option for aortic valve disease. It has been shown to reduce postoperative morbidity, providing faster recovery and rehabilitation, shorter hospital stay and better cosmetic results compared with conventional surgery. A variety of minimally invasive accesses have been developed and utilized to date. This concise review demonstrates and discusses surgical techniques used in contemporary approaches to MIAVR and presents the most important results of MIAVR procedures.

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty is recommended in patients not suitable for transcatheter aortic valve implantation/aortic valve replacement (TAVI/AVR) or when such interventions are temporarily contraindicated. The number of performed balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) procedures has been increasing in recent years. Valvuloplasty enables the selection of individuals with severe left ventricular dysfunction or with symptoms of uncertain origin resulting from concomitant disorders (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]) who can benefit from destination therapy (AVR/TAVI). Thanks to improved equipment, the number of adverse effects is now lower than it was in the first years after the advent of BAV. Valvuloplasty can be safely performed even in unstable patients, but long-term results remain poor. In view of the limited availability of TAVI in Poland, it is reasonable to qualify patients for BAV more often, as it is a relatively safe procedure improving the clinical condition of patients awaiting AVR/TAVI.

Numerous studies have shown that statin therapy initiated early after heart transplantation improves the short- and long-term prognosis, leading to a reduction in the incidence of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), acute rejection episodes and significantly lowers the incidence of cancer in this patient population. The molecular mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of statins in patients after heart transplantation are complex; the effectiveness of statins is associated not only with their hypolipemic action, but also with their pleiotropic properties. Statins have been shown to exert protective and therapeutic effects against cancer because they act as antiproliferative agents, promoting apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis. Moreover, they reduce the number of circulating monocytes, which inhibits the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, growth factors, adhesion molecules, chemokines, and matrix metalloproteinases, preventing chronic rejection and CAV. For these reasons, statins should be used as part of standard therapy in patients after heart transplantation.

The following paper presents a patient with severe aortic stenosis and severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction with intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation support, who underwent transfemoral aortic valve implantation of a CoreValve prosthesis.

The efficacy of statins in reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with documented coronary artery disease is unquestionable. However, in chronic heart failure (CHF), evidence regarding the beneficial effects of statin therapy remains contradictory. Although numerous retrospective studies have demonstrated improved prognosis in CHF patients treated with statins, two randomized trials, GISSI-HF and CORONA, have not confirmed the benefit of rosuvastatin in this group of patients. The benefits of using statins in CHF probably result mostly from their pleiotropic action, including the improvement of endothelial function, the inhibition of neurohormonal activation, and the reduction of proinflammatory activation. On the other hand, it has been recognized that low cholesterol is associated with worse morbidity and mortality in patients with CHF. It appears that it is necessary to conduct further randomized clinical trials using different kinds of statins in different populations of patients with CHF.

The frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique is a modification of the traditional elephant trunk method, which was introduced by Borst in 1983 in order to treat extensive thoracic aortic aneurysms. The crux of the new method is the different type of aortic prosthesis, consisting of a Dacron part (with or without branches leading to the arterial vessels which exit the aortic arch) and a port for extracorporeal circulation with a self-expanding nitinol stentgraft. This combination enables a complete one-stage treatment of the pathologies within the arch and the proximal segment of the descending aorta; moreover, it facilitates the performance of a two-stage hybrid treatment of extensive thoracic aortic aneurysms involving a significant part of the descending aorta. This article presents the cases of four patients with extensive aortic disease, who were implanted with Thoraflex prostheses (Vascutek, Scotland).

Introduction: The need to indentify patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) at a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) has become increasingly important; therefore, new parameters, such as health-related quality of life (HRQoL), are gaining ground., The Aim of This Study: The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for MACEs, with a special emphasis on HRQoL in chronic non-ischemic heart failure (NIHF) patients., Material and Methods: This prospective study enrolled 271 hospitalized patients with heart failure symptoms (NYHA II and III), without neoplastic disease, diabetes, hepatic cirrhosis or chronic kidney disease, who had been receiving optimal medical treatment. In all the patients, laboratory examinations, electrocardiography, echocardiography, a 6-minute walking test, invasive right heart pressure measurements and coronary angiography were performed. HRQoL assessment was conducted with the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Clinical observation commenced on admission to the hospital and lasted 3 years. Data concerning MACE incidence (death, transplantation, circulatory support, hospitalization) were obtained during outpatient visits., Results: The final analysis enrolled 202 patients, while 17 patients were lost to follow up. The MACE incidence was 42.1%. Major adverse cardiovascular events risk factors in multiple factor analysis were: alkaline phosphatase (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.01; p < 0.05); right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (HR = 1.08; p < 0.001); hsCRP (HR = 1.04; p < 0.05); and the following HRQoL indices: Bodily Pain (HR = 0.98; p < 0.05) and Mental Health (HR = 0.97; p < 0.01)., Conclusions: Low values for HRQoL parameters (Bodily Pain and Mental Health), right ventricular end-diastolic diameter, serum concentration of hsCRP and alkaline phosphatase are prognostic factors in NIHF patients.

Risk stratification in heart failure (HF) patients is an important element for management. There are several risk stratification models that can be used to predict the prognosis of patients with HF, such as Aaronson's scale, CVM-HF (CardioVascular Medicine Heart Failure), the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM) and the Munich score. These models fail to adequately address the impact of multiorgan dysfunction on prognosis. The classical Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score consists of: total bilirubin, INR (international normalized ratio) and creatinine level. There are some modifications of the MELD scale: MELD-XI, which excludes the INR score; the mod-MELD score, in which INR is replaced with albumin levels; and MELD-Na, which consists of the bilirubin and creatinine levels, INR ratio and the sodium level. Therefore, the MELD score systems are markers of multisystem dysfunction (renal, cardiac, hepatic). It is important that they are composed of routinely collected laboratory measures which are easy to use.

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) have become an established therapeutic option for patients with end-stage heart failure. Achieving the potential for recovery of native heart function using VADs is an established form of treatment in a selected group of patients with HF. We report two cases of VAD patients with different types of pump used for mechanical circulatory support, a continuous flow pump (Heart-Ware(®)) and a pulsatile pump (POLVAD MEV(®)), which allow regeneration of the native heart. Patients were qualified as INTERMACS level 3-4 for elective implantation of an LVAD. Implantations were performed without complications. The postoperative course was uncomplicated. In the HeartWare patient the follow-up was complicated by episodes of epistaxis and recurrent GIB as well as driveline infection. The follow-up of the POLVAD MEV patient was uneventful. Recurrent GIB forced us to withdraw aspirin and warfarin therapy and maintain only clopidogrel in the HeartWare patient.. In mid-February 2013 the patient was admitted due to dysfunction of the centrifugal pump with a continuous low-flow alarm and increase power consumption. Under close monitoring of the patient a decision was made to stop the pump immediately and evaluate cardiac function. The serial echocardiography studies showed significant improvement in LVEF up to 45% and no significant valvular pathology. In February 2013 LVAD explant was performed by left thoracotomy without complications. At six-month follow-up the patient was in a good clinical condition, in NYHA class I/II, and on pharmacological treatment.

The Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to assess the long-term results of lung transplantation (LT) in Poland two years after the procedure., Material and Methods: The study included patients who underwent LT between December 2004 and December 2009 in the Silesian Center for Heart Diseases in Zabrze. Various lung functions (forced vital capacity - FVC; forced expiratory volume in 1 second - FEV1), the quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire), the level of perceived dyspnea (Medical Research Council - MRC; basic dyspnea index - BDI), and the patient's mobility (the 6-minute walking test - 6MWT) were assessed before and approximately 24 months after LT. Among 35 patients who underwent LT, 20 patients were referred to our study (mean age: 46.6 ± 9.03 years)., Results: After LT, a statistically significant increase was observed in the distance achieved in the 6MWT (323.8 vs. 505.8 m), FVC (1.64 vs. 2.88 L), and FEV1 (1.37 vs. 2.09 L). An improvement in perceived dyspnea in MRC and BDI questionnaires was observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after LT. The assessment of the quality of life, excluding perceived pain, showed the most significant improvement in the physical cumulative score (PCS; 25 vs. 45 points), especially in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis., Conclusions: Lung transplantation in Poland, in patients who live longer than 2 years after the procedure, significantly improves the mobility, lung function, perceived dyspnea, and the quality of life.

Proliferation signal inhibitors (PSI) are especially beneficial for heart transplant recipients, but are rarely used due to frequent side effects. As they may be caused by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), we performed a prospective cross-sectional pilot study to assess the influence of PSI and/or calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) presence in immunosuppressive protocols of heart transplant recipients on VEGF secretion. All electively screened heart transplant recipients willing to participate were enrolled in the study. The preliminary report was based on the results of the first 89 serum samples. The study group (n = 84) consisted of the PSI group (n = 14) further divided into the PSI + CNI subgroup (n = 10) and PSIw/oCNI subgroup (n = 4) based on concomitant CNI use, and the CNIw/oPSI group (n = 70) receiving CNI without PSI. The control group (n = 5) consisted of patients not requiring immunosuppression. VEGF was present in serum of 70 (83%) study group patients: median (range) 18 (0-316) pg/mL, mean 35 ± 57 pg/mL; in 13 (93%) PSI group patients: 22 (0-110) pg/mL, 28 ± 28 pg/mL, with 19 (8-20) pg/mL, 16 ± 6 pg/mL in the PSI + CNI subgroup, and 29 (0-110) pg/mL, 32 ± 32 pg/mL in the PSIw/oCNI subgroup. In the CNIw/oPSI group VEGF was present in 57 (81%) patients: 16 (0-316) pg/mL, 37 ± 62 pg/mL, and in the control group in 3 (60%) patients: 4 (0-110) pg/mL, 32 ± 48 pg/mL. None of the differences observed between any compared groups and/or subgroups was significant (χ(2) and Mann-Whitney U test). In conclusion, differences of VEGF concentration observed among groups imply the influence of PSI and CNI on VEGF production, but further studies involving higher numbers of participants are needed to prove it.

Antibody mediated rejection (AMR) can significantly influence the results of orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). However, AMR and cellular rejection (CR) coexistence is poorly described. Therefore we performed a prospective pilot study to assess AMR/CR concomitance in endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs) obtained electively in 27 OHT recipients (21 M/6 F, 45.4 ± 14.4 y/o). Biopsy samples were paraffin embedded and processed typically with hematoxylin/eosin staining to assess CR, and, if a sufficient amount of material remained, treated with immunohistochemical methods to localize particles C3d and C4d as markers of antibody dependent complement activation. With this approach 80 EMBs, including 41 (51%) harvested within the first month after OHT, were qualified for the study. Among them 14 (18%) were C3d+, 37 (46%) were C4d+, and 12 (15%) were both C3d and C4d positive. At least one C3d+, C4d+, and C3d/C4d+ EMB was found in 10 (37%), 17 (63%), and 8 (30%) patients, respectively. Among 37 CR0 EMBs C3d was observed in 4 (11%), C4d in 17 (46%), and both C3d/C4d in 3 (8%) cases. Among 28 CR1 EMBs C3d was observed in 3 (11%), C4d in 11 (39%), and C3d/C4d in 3 (11%) cases. Among 15 CR2 EMBs C3d was observed in 7 (47%), C4d in 9 (60%), and C3d/C4d in 6 (40%) cases. Differences in C3d and C3d/C4d occurrence between grouped CR0-1 EMBs and CR2 EMBs (7/65 - 11% vs. 7/15 - 47%; 6/65 - 9% vs. 6/15 - 40%) were significant (p = 0.0035 and p = 0.0091, respectively, χ(2) test). In conclusion, apparently frequent CR and AMR coexistence demonstrated in this preliminary study warrants further investigation in this field.

Introduction: Despite advances in pharmacotherapy, electrotherapy and interventional treatment, chronic heart failure (HF) is still associated with poor long-term outcome., Aim of the Study: To determine the death rate and risk factors in patients with HF of ischemic and non-ischemic etiology in five-year follow-up., Material and Methods: Consecutive patients with chronic systolic HF hospitalized in the period 2006-2008 were analyzed retrospectively. Study exclusion criteria were: infections (< 3 months before hospitalization), hemodynamically significant valve disease, advanced chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis and neoplastic diseases (< 5 years before hospitalization)., Results: The analysis encompassed 266 patients divided into two groups: Group A, with HF of ischemic etiology (n = 157), and Group B, with HF of non-ischemic etiology (n = 109). Mortality was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (49% vs. 28.4%, p = 0.001). The independent risk factors for death in Group A were: New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (HR = 1.81; p < 0.001); concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (HR = 1.01; p < 0.05), fibrinogen (HR = 1.04; p < 0.001) and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (HR = 1.02; p < 0.001); and right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVEDd) (HR = 1.07; p < 0.01). In Group B they were age (HR = 1.07; p < 0.05) and NT-proBNP concentration (HR = 1.03; p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Mortality was significantly lower in Group B than in Group A. The independent risk factors for death in Group B were age and NT-proBNP serum concentration, whilst in Group A they were NYHA class, serum concentrations of hs-CRP, NT-proBNP and fibrinogen, and RVEDd.

Introduction: Despite advances in medicine, chronic heart failure (CHF) still remains a significant clinical problem associated with poor outcome., Aim of the Study: To determine risk factors for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in three-year follow-up in patients with CHF of nonischemic etiology., Material and Methods: The prospective study included consecutive hospitalized patients with stable CHF (LVEDD > 57 mm; LVEF < 40%) and symptom duration > 6 months. Study exclusion criteria were: serious neurological and/or psychiatric diseases, stenoses in epicardial coronary arteries in coronarography, active myocarditis confirmed by myocardial biopsy, diseases of the respiratory system with pulmonary hypertension, presence of heart defects, neoplastic or connective tissue disease, documented infectious diseases at least three months before inclusion in the study, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease (eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m(2)), alcoholism, planned heart transplantation. Depression severity was assessed with the Beck and the Hamilton Scales. Depression was diagnosed based on the ICD-10 criteria. Clinical follow-up began on admission and lasted three years., Results: The analysis encompassed 199 patients aged 49 (41-54), who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Depression was diagnosed in 30% of the patients. Independent factors increasing the risk of MACE (death, transplantation, ventricular assist device, hospitalization) were: depression (HR: 2.26; p < 0.001), E/A index (HR: 1.31; p < 0.01), right ventricular dimension (HR: 1.06; p < 0.01), hsCRP level (HR: 1.06; p < 0.01) and alkaline phosphatase activity in blood serum (HR: 1.01; p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Factors affecting 3-year outcome are: depression, right ventricular dimension, the E/A index, alkaline phosphatase activity and the level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).

Cardiogenic shock (CS) remains the main cause of death in patients with myocardial infarction. Conservative treatment alone does not sufficiently improve prognosis. Mortality in CS can only be significantly reduced with revascularization, both surgical and percutaneous. However some patients present with haemodynamic instability despite optimal medical treatment and complete revascularization, resulting in very high mortality rates. These patients require the implementation of mechanical circulatory support in order to increase systemic blood flow, protect against organ hypoperfusion and protect the myocardium through a decrease in oxygen consumption. In contemporary interventional cardiology it seems that every operator should be aware of all available mechanical circulatory support methods for their patients. This article aims to present the current state of knowledge and technical possibilities in this area.