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Introduction: Despite increasing implementation of sophisticated and logistically challenging techniques to support patients in life-threatening conditions in the last years, there were no devoted education centres, especially in coronavirus pandemic. Aim: To assess the value of gaining evidence-based knowledge and improving the skills of physicians by means of simulation techniques in the safe use of extracorporeal technologies to support patients in the life-threatening conditions. Material and methods: In 2019, the National Education Centre for Artificial Life Support and Patient Safety and the frame program of the course of “Artificial Life Support with ECMO”. was created. In years 2019-2023, we managed to organise 34 such courses for 405 physicians, which were additionally endorsed by ELSO (Extracorporeal Life Support Organisation). The physicians’ cognitive, behavioural, and technical skills were evaluated before and after the courses. Results: The participants’ gender was well balanced (54% men and 46% women). Most of them (mainly at the age between 31–40 years) presented more than 5 years of clinical experience, predominantly in anaesthesiology and intensive care (63%). Of note, 54% of them had no experience with ECMO application. In all detailed aspects of cognitive, behavioural, and technical assessment and knowledge scores, significant improvement was observed after the course. Conclusions: The development of a simulation-based education centre was found to be an invaluable achievement that enabled not only successful standardised training and testing of novel or previously accepted procedures, but also the upgrading of technical skills, even in the challenging COVID-19 pandemic period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The background of this review is a description of the case of a 28-year-old man with an extremely rare cardiac solitary fibrous tumor (SFT). Although this tumor was removed surgically and in the 6-month follow-up examination no relapse was noted, recurrence was observed and confirmed in the magnetic resonance imaging 4 months later. SFT prevalence, symptoms and signs, treatment options and prognosis are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The role of immune system activation in development and progression of atherosclerotic plaques has been postulated. Previous studies on inflammation have focused on the severity of coronary disease, the risk of acute coronary syndrome, and the prediction of outcomes based on hematological indices obtained from whole blood count analysis. Aim: To analyze simple data of the whole blood count in relation to the location of calcified atherosclerotic lesions in patients treated with coronary rotational atherectomy (RA). Material and methods: Eighty-one patients (57 (70%) males, mean (SD) age of 70.4 ±8 years) who underwent RA were enrolled in the study. The study group was divided into two subgroups depending on the proximal (group 1) and non-proximal (group 2) location of the culprit lesions in coronary arteries. The angiographic results were compared with demographic and clinical data and whole blood count analysis. Results: The multivariable analysis revealed the predictive value of low neutrophil (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.58–0.97, p = 0.030) and lymphocyte counts (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.11–0.68, p = 0.005) for the proximal location of the culprit lesions. In the ROC analysis, combined neutrophil and lymphocyte counts showed the best prediction of proximal location, with the area under the curve of 0.747 (p < 0.001), yielding a sensitivity of 79.07% and specificity of 73.68%. Conclusions: The lower neutrophil and lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood count analysis may be more representative of proximal calcified coronary lesions. The relationship between neutrophil and lymphocyte blood count and calcific atherosclerotic plaque location can indicate the inflammatory background of epicardial atheroma formation and distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Data regarding patients with a previous medical record of immunosuppression treatment who have undergone transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are limited and extremely inconclusive. Available studies are mostly short term observations; thus there is a lack of evidence on efficacy and safety of TAVI in this specific group of patients. Aim: To compare the in-hospital and long-term outcomes between patients with or without a medical history of immunosuppressive treatment undergoing TAVI for aortic valve stenosis (AS). Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective registry-based analysis including patients undergoing TAVI for AS at 5 centres between January 2009 and August 2017. The primary endpoint was long-term all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints comprised major vascular complications, life-threatening or disabling bleeding, stroke and new pacemaker implantation. Results: Of 1451 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI, two propensity-matched groups including 25 patients with a history of immunosuppression and 75 patients without it were analysed. No differences between groups in all-cause mortality were found in a median follow-up time of 2.7 years following TAVI (p = 0.465; HR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.30-1.77). The rate of major vascular complications (4.0% vs. 5.3%) was similar in the two groups (p = 1.000). There were no statistically significant differences in the composite endpoint combining life-threatening or disabling bleeding, major vascular complications, stroke and new pacemaker implantation (40.0% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.218). Conclusions: Patients who had undergone TAVI for AS had similar long-term mortality regardless of whether they had a previous medical record of immunosuppression. Procedural complication rates were comparable between the groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intraoperative myocardial protection during aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis (AS) is of paramount importance for outcomes. The dose of cardioplegia is usually calculated with reference to body mass. Aim: To assess whether such a strategy should be applied to all AS patients undergoing AVR. Material and methods: The study included 94 patients who underwent elective isolated AVR in cardiopulmonary bypass with cold cardioplegic arrest, with a mean age of 65.4 ±7.8 years. They were divided into two subgroup: A with an infusion of high (above median) and subgroup B with a low (below median) volume of cardioplegia indexed for left ventricular mass (LVM). Their doses were referred to the maximal postoperative release of cardiac troponin I (cTnI max). Eventually, it was examined whether the extent of intraoperative myocardial injury translated into long-term survival stratified according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The mean volume of cardioplegia was 1381 ±279 ml (4.9 ±1.6 ml/g of LV myocardium). cTnI max was much higher in group A than in group B (medians: 14.918 vs. 9.876 µg/l; p = 0.005). Moreover, a negative correlation between the index cardioplegia volume and cTnI max (r = 0.345) was noted. The five-year probability of survival in subgroup A (95.7%) was significantly better than that in subgroup B individuals (82.6%, p = 0.044). Conclusions: Calculating cardioplegic doses during AVR solely based on body mass may be suboptimal and have a significant impact on postoperative outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The ministernotomy approach with sutureless aortic bioprosthesis may provide an attractive and safe option for aortic valve disease patients. Aim: To assess the early and mid-term outcomes of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (miniAVR) with sutureless vs. standard prostheses. Material and methods: The study involved 76 consecutive patients (51 males and 25 females) with mean age of 63.2 years who were treated with miniAVR between 2015 and 2022. They were divided into 2 subgroups: group I (n = 40) subjects with sutureless bioprostheses and group II (n = 36) with standard prostheses implanted. Early and mid-term outcomes were evaluated. A probability of survival was estimated by means of the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: No conversion to complete sternotomy was necessary. The median (minimum; maximum) aorta cross clamping and cardio-pulmonary bypass times were 49 (27; 84) and 70 (40; 188) minutes in group I whereas 69 (50; 103) and 95 (69; 170) minutes in group II, respectively (p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 5.0% (n = 2) and 2.8% (n = 1) in group I vs. II, respectively (ns). Permanent ICD implantation was performed in 8 (20.0%) in group I and in 3 (8.3%) subjects in group II. In the discharge echocardiography, the function of all prostheses was correct. Five-year probability of survival was much lower in group I (0.75 ±0.10) than in group II (0.94 ±0.04). No wound infection or sternum instability was noted. Conclusions: Intraoperative advantages of miniAVR procedures for aortic valve patients with sutureless bioprostheses do not translate directly into improved early and middle-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iatrogenic coronary artery dissection extending to the ascending aorta is a rare complication of percutaneous coronary interventions. Coronary stent implantation is usually sufficient to control the injury. In this report we describe an unusual case of spontaneous resolution of both left main coronary artery and aortic wall dissection. The patient was not operated on due to the location of the initial tear in the distal part of the left main coronary artery. Moreover, in computed tomography (CT) thrombus formation in the false lumen of the dissected aorta was seen. The in-hospital course was uneventful. The last follow-up CT showed complete resolution of dissection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is claimed to be a useful marker to predict long-term risk for major adverse cardiac effects (MACE) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Aim: To explore the possible dependence on MPV and postoperative PCI risk in patients with complex coronary artery disease undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in off-pump technique (OPCAB). Material and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 236 consecutive patients (180 (76%) males and 56 (24%) women) referred for surgery due to complex coronary artery disease between 2015 and 2016 in our department. The mean 5.1 ±0.8 year follow-up included profound analysis of MACE events including acute coronary syndromes and percutaneous interventions. Results: The 5 ±1 year follow-up was completed by 213 (90%) patients with 2 (1%) deaths within the first year after surgery. In logistic univariate and multivariate model regression analysis two parameters were found significant, i.e. preoperative white blood cells and postoperative MVP, for PCI risk in long-term follow-up. The odds ratio values for postoperative MPV were 1.78 (95% CI, p = 0.0036) and 1.76 (95% CI, p = 0.005) in univariate and multivariate models with cutoff point > 8.7, sensitivity 45.65%, specificity 78.72%. Conclusions: MPV can be regarded as a simple marker of PCI risk following OPCAB procedures. The preoperative MPV indicates the individual tendency for worse prognosis more than procedure dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) although minimally invasive is still accompanied by changes in blood morphological parameters, some of them linked to unfavorable outcomes. Aim: To find any association between changes in blood morphology reflecting an inflammatory response and acute kidney injury (AKI). Material and methods: This study involved 176 consecutive transfemoral TAVI patients with a mean age of 78.4 ±7.0 years. Serum creatinine concentration (CREA) and blood morphology were analyzed in the blood samples taken before the procedure, then approximately 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the procedure, and lastly at the time of discharge. Post-procedural maximal or minimal values (max/min) and max/min-to-bs ratio of the laboratory parameters were also calculated. Results: Leucocyte (WBC) and neutrophil (NEUT) counts increased significantly after the procedure whereas lymphocyte (LYMPH) counts declined markedly, reaching the highest or lowest values 24 hours after the procedure. A significant increase in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was observed. Platelet count (PLT) dropped to a minimum at 72 hours after TAVI but at discharge did not return to the admission level. TAVI was associated with a marked increase in CREA with a peak at 48 hours after the procedure (135.7 ±75.9 µM/l). Patients with AKI (n = 65; 36.9%) presented more pronounced variations in relative changes in counts of all blood morphological parameters. A positive moderate (r = 0.412) correlation between maximal NLR and relative CREA changes was noted. Conclusions: TAVI is associated with significant changes in blood morphological parameters that reflect an inflammatory response. They are more pronounced among subjects with post-procedural AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Severe heart failure decompensation requires circulatory mechanical support in emergency situations. Polish paracorporeal pulsatile pumps, POLVAD-MEV, are designed for biventricular end-stage heart dysfunction. Aim: To evaluate long-term POLVAD-MEV therapy by multiple pump exchange in patients on a transplant list. Material and methods: There were 3 patients in INTERMACS level 1 referred for emergency POLVAD-MED implantation due to acute heart failure deterioration. The paracorporeal pulsatile mechanical support was applied due to severe biventricular dysfunction. Results: They were supported by paracorporeal biventricular POLVAD-MEV pumps for 438, 473 and 394 days until heart transplantation. During the hospitalisation the pumps required multiple pumps exchanges within 29 ±10 (4-49) day intervals. Conclusions: POLVAD-MEV paracorporeal pulsatile pumps present a safe option for long-term circulatory support in a selected group of patients. Therapy requires pump exchange but enables survival while awaiting a heart transplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) performed in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may complicate the postoperative course and has a negative impact on outcome. In some cases, postoperative AKI develops in spite of normal baseline creatinine concentration and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Aim: To examine whether there is any association between the preoperative blood morphology and incidence of postoperative AKI. Material and methods: The study involved 62 consecutive patients with the mean age of 64.0 ±7.4 years who underwent CABG in CPB. Before surgery, blood morphology and biochemistry were analyzed. Patients with eGFR below 60 ml/min/ 1.73 m2 were excluded. After the operation, parameters of renal function were checked systematically. Acute kidney injury was defined according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) classification. Results: Twenty-one (33.9%) patients presented AKI (group AKI), although in the majority of them (n = 16) it was temporary and medical management was enough to cure AKI. Only in 1 (1.6%) case was renal replacement therapy necessary. In group AKI, patients' preoperative hemoglobin concentration (8.46 ±0.72 mM/l), red blood cell count (4.51 ±0.39 × 1012/l) and hematocrit (0.40 ±0.04) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in group C (9.07 ±0.57 mM/l; 4.78 ±0.36 × 1012/l; 0.43 ±0.03, respectively). Interestingly, the baseline parameters of renal function were comparable between groups. Conclusions: Hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell counts close to the lower limit of the normal range may enable identification of patients at risk of AKI early after CABG in CPB among individuals with normal preoperative biochemical parameters of renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of people waiting for a kidney or liver transplant is growing systematically. Due to the latest advances in transplantation, persons after irreversible cardiac arrest and confirmation of death have become potential organ donors. It is estimated that they may increase the number of donations by more than 40%. However, without good organization and communication between pre-hospital care providers, emergency departments, intensive care units and transplantation units, it is almost impossible to save the organs of potential donors in good condition. Various systems, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), supporting perfusion of organs for transplantation play a key role. In 2016 the "ECMO for Greater Poland" program was established. Although its main goal is to improve the survival rate of patients suffering from life-threatening cardiopulmonary conditions, one of its branches aims to increase the donation rate in patients with irreversible cardiac arrest. In this review, the role of ECMO in the latter group as the potential organ donors is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) with a mechanical prosthesis is not free from late complications. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of subclinical hemolysis after AVR with On-X prostheses and assess its impact on long-term outcomes. Material and methods: The prospective study included 84 consecutive patients aged 58.3 ±10.3 years who underwent AVR. They were retrospectively split into group H (n = 12; 14.3%) with prosthesis-related subclinical hemolysis and a control group (C; n = 72; 85.7%). All operations were performed via median sternotomy using cardio-pulmonary bypass. At the end of follow-up, echocardiography was carried out and blood samples for morphology and biochemistry (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bilirubin, haptoglobin) were taken. Results: The rate of subclinical hemolysis in patients with properly working prostheses was 14.3% and it was the highest (33.3%) for the smallest valves. Although an improvement in functional status was noted in both groups, it was less evident in group H than in group C (p = 0.007). At the end of follow-up, 97.2% in group C and 75.0% in group H were found in NYHA classes I and II. Patients in group H had significantly lower hemoglobin, hematocrit, and haptoglobin and higher LDH activity than group C subjects. In group H, systolic gradients of On-X valves were higher whereas effective orifice area was smaller than in group C. Conclusions: Our study proved that prosthesis-induced subclinical hemolysis is seen even after implantation of the latest generation mechanical prostheses, particularly of small diameter, and its degree may impact late outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Transapical aortic valve implantation (TA-AVI) has been widely introduced for treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis in the last decade. Here we report our first clinical experience with 10 patients using the second-generation transapical Symetis Acurate TA aortic valve designed for transapical implantation. Aim: To evaluate the results of transapical access in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) among patients with unsuitable vascular access. Material and methods: All patients had been assessed by a local heart team and were disqualified from surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) and the transfemoral TAVI approach. Mean age was 75.4 ±3.9 years (range: 68-80), with 20% being female. Logistic EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) and STS (Society of Thoracic Surgeons) were 15.4 ±8.9% and 20.5 ±4.5%, respectively. Results: All implantations were performed successfully in the intra-annular and subcoronary position. There were no conversions to surgical AVR. All patients survived 30-day follow-up. No strokes or transient ischemic attacks were reported. There was no need for pacemaker implantation and none of the patients demonstrated moderate or significant paravalvular leakage. The mean aortic gradients improved significantly from a baseline of 57.0 ±19.2 mm Hg to a 30-day value of 14.2 ±4.1 mm Hg. Conclusions: Our initial clinical results indicate satisfactory functionality in patients after trans-apical implantation of the Symetis Acurate aortic valve. The procedure of implantation seems to be straightforward and may be considered in patients in whom a transfemoral approach is not a good option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The best techniques for reduction of femoral access site complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remain the object of research. Aim: We report on a single center's experience with TAVI performed via the femoral access site. Material and methods: Between September 2010 and September 2015, 152 consecutive patients underwent TAVI in our department. Of them, 101 patients with CoreValve implantation from the femoral access site were included in the analysis. The femoral artery anatomy-tailored approach was introduced in 2013 in order to reduce the rate of access-site complications. Patients were assigned to percutaneous puncture or surgical cut-down depending on the femoral artery anatomy assessed in computed tomography. The study patients were divided into two subgroups: group A - patients treated before January 2013, before introduction of the tailored approach program (n = 34); and group B - patients treated between January 2013 and April 2015 (n = 67). Results: The access site complication rate significantly decreased from 35.3% in group A (n = 12) to 7.5% in group B (n = 5) (p = 0.0012). Both minor and major access site complications were more frequent in group A (p = 0.04 and 0.016, respectively). In-hospital mortality was 8.8% (n = 3) in group A and 1.5% (n = 1) in group B (p = 0.1). Conclusions: The femoral artery anatomy-tailored approach significantly reduces the incidence of access site complications in TAVI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Coronary allograft vasculopathy can cause as many deaths as infections or rejection episodes within 3 years following heart transplantation. Aim: To compare the aspirin resistance rate in an allograft heart transplantation population and in a control group by laboratory tests including the Aspirin-Resistant Patients Identification Test (ASPItest). Material and methods: A total of 24 heart recipients (20 men and 4 women) at a mean age of 48 ±13 years who underwent routine clinical follow-up were consecutively enrolled in group 1. The control group consisted of 24 patients (19 men and 5 women) at a mean age of 64 ±7 years waiting for coronary artery bypass grafting in our department. All patients were treated with a standard dose of 75 mg aspirin (ASA) daily. Results: Aspirin resistance was evaluated by the Multiplate platelet function test. The ASPItest revealed a mean value of 27 ±22 U in the transplant group. Results above 30 U were obtained in 8 (34%) patients, with a mean value of 50.3 ±20.6 U, indicating aspirin resistance. In the control group ASPItest results above 30 U were obtained in 5 (20%) patients, with a mean value of 43.3 ±6.4 U. Conclusions: There is a high incidence (34% vs. 20%, NS) of ASA resistance in heart transplantation recipients and in the general population, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive aspergillosis is becoming increasingly prevalent, especially following transplantation. Invasive aspergillosis is associated with mortality. Successful therapy is related to early diagnosis and proper therapy. We present the case of a 61-year-old man suffering from invasive aspergillosis 2 months following heart transplantation. He was suffering from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and he underwent ortho-tropic heart transplantation. He was readmitted to the Department of Cardiology 69 days following transplantation due to symptoms of productive cough for 5 days. It was accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, and fever up to 39°C. He was slightly cyanotic and confused on physical examination. The patient's status deteriorated within the following 2 days. On bronchoscopic specimen examinations Aspergillus mould filaments were detected and the serum galactomannan index was 12.162. His blood saturation decreased to 85%. C-reactive protein serum level increased to 273 mg/l. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit and intubated due to severe respiratory insufficiency. Computed tomography revealed massive, mostly homogeneous consolidation. The patient was treated with 200 mg of voriconazole and 50 mg of caspofun-gin daily. Caspofungin therapy was continued for 23 days and voriconazole was administered parenterally for 62 days. Voriconazole therapy was continued orally for 9 months. During combined antifungal therapy, the galactomannan serum index constantly decreased from 12.1 to 0.33 (end-point of caspofungin therapy) and to 0.23 (end-point of voriconazole parenteral administration). His immunosuppressive therapy was limited to calcineurin inhibitor (tacrolimus) monotherapy. Post-treatment imaging 9 months after diagnosis confirmed the efficacy of therapy as a lack of pulmonary infiltration associated with left apical peribronchial scarring as a result of treatment. The present case proved the efficiency of combined (voriconazole and caspofungin) antibiotic therapy in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Computed tomography findings followed by the serum galactomannan index are useful tools for early diagnosis. Additional modification of the immunosuppressive regimen can be performed safely in the early postoperative period in case of severe infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening clinical entity that requires emergent treatment. A variety of therapeutic methods have been applied. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to study the efficacy of emergent surgical pericardiotomy in both the relief of cardiac tamponade and in the prevention of recurrence of pericardial effusion. Material and methods: This study involved 90 consecutive patients (58 males and 32 females) with a mean age of 57.4 ± 14.1 years, who underwent emergent pericardiotomy in the years 2006 to 2011 due to symptomatic primary cardiac tamponade. At the end of the follow-up period all living subjects had control echocardiographic examination. Survival analysis was performed with the use of the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The mean duration time of surgery was 14.2 ± 4.5 minutes. All patients survived surgery but one died during inhospital stay. During the post-discharge follow-up period (median 49 months) 32 patients died for any reason. One-year and four-year probability of survival was 0.68 ± 0.05 and 0.64 ± 0.05, respectively. Malignancy diagnosis was associated with significant negative impact on survival. One-year and fouryear probability of survival was 0.56 ± 0.06 and 0.53 ± 0.06 for cancer patients while it was 0.93 ± 0.05 and 0.89 ± 0.06 for the others, respectively. In two cases, only cancer patients, reintervention due to effusion recurrence was necessary. Conclusions: Pericardiotomy, although invasive, is a safe method to relieve cardiac tamponade. It is also very efficient in the prevention of recurrence of pericardial effusion, even in cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Monitoring the central nervous system during aortic dissection repair may improve the understanding of the intraoperative changes related to its bioactivity. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of deep hypothermia on intraoperative brain bioactivity measured by the compressed spectral array (CSA) method and to assess the influence of the operations on postoperative cognitive function. Material and methods: The study enrolled 40 patients (31 men and 9 women) at the mean age of 60.2 ± 8.6 years, diagnosed with acute aortic dissection. They underwent emergency operations in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). During the operations, brain bioactivity was monitored with the compressed spectral array method. Results: There were no intraoperative deaths. Electrocerebral silence during DHCA was observed in 31 patients (74%). The lowest activity was observed during DHCA: it was 0.01 ± 0.05 nW in the left hemisphere and 0.01 ± 0.03 nW in the right hemisphere. The postoperative results of neurological tests deteriorated statistically significantly (26.9 ± 1.7 points vs. 22.0 ± 1.7 points; p < 0.001), especially among patients who exhibited brain activity during DHCA. Conclusions: The compressed spectral array method is clinically useful in monitoring brain bioactivity during emergency operations of acute aortic dissections. Electrocerebral silence occurs in 75% of patients during DHCA. The cognitive function of patients deteriorates significantly after operations with DHCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) may have an impact on the outcomes of patients (pts) after aortic valve replacement (AVR) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze survival after simultaneous AVR and CABG with respect to CAD severity. Material and methods: The study involved 143 consecutive pts (40 women and 103 men) with a mean age of 65.1 ± 7.7 years treated between 2006 and 2009. The indication for surgery was aortic stenosis accompanied by left main or threevessel disease (group A; n = 43) and by single- or two-vessel disease (group B; n = 100). In-hospital and late mortality were analyzed. Post-discharge survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Moreover, selected preoperative clinical and echocardiographic data as well as intraoperative variables were compared between the groups. Results: In-hospital mortality was 4.7% in group A and 3.0% in group B (NS). The 12-month and 48-month survival probability rates were 0.88 ± 0.05 and 0.83 ± 0.06 in group A, and 0.97 ± 0.01 and 0.92 ± 0.03 in group B, respectively (p < 0.05). Patients in group A and B differed (p < 0.05) with respect to the preoperative prevalence of arterial hypertension (65.1% vs. 42.0%) and atrial fibrillation (18.6% vs. 6.0%) as well as with regard to the rate of complete revascularization (20.9% vs. 85.0%, group A and B, respectively). Conclusions: Coronary artery disease severity impacts longterm survival after combined AVR and CABG. Patients with left main or three-vessel disease more often undergo incomplete surgical revascularization, and this fact may be one of the predictors of an unfavorable outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]