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We introduce a novel approach that involves a single arterial access and low contrast agent volume (SLIM).Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is subject to an ongoing process of refinement and simplification.Between January 2019 and November 2020, a total 888 patients with severe aortic stenosis underwent transfemoral TAVI using balloon-expandable or specific self-expanding devices. The study cohort comprised patients with attempted SLIM approach (n = 291). A matched cohort of patients who were treated in a standard fashion served as control group (n = 291).The SLIM approach was successful in 92.4% of attempted cases. In the SLIM group, utilization of contrast agent (23 [19-37] vs. 75 [52-100] ml; p0.001), rates of any acute kidney injury (5.5% vs. 12.7%; p = 0.002), complications at the secondary access (0.3% vs. 3.1%; p = 0.011) and length of hospital stay (7 [5-8] vs. 7 [6-9]) days; p = 0.039) were significantly reduced. All other procedural outcomes were similar between groups.Initial results of this novel, minimalistic approach demonstrate its feasibility and potential beneficial effects without compromising procedural safety. Further refinement of this approach is warranted.

The most common method of percutaneous closure in transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) employs two obtusely oriented ProGlide devices. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of using a single ProGlide system for primary access site closure in comparison with the double ProGlide approach in an all-comers TAVI population.Between March 2016 and December 2018, a total of 1105 patients underwent transfemoral TAVI for severe aortic stenosis at our center. Application of two ProGlide systems was standard until April 2017 (n = 432), whereas thereafter a single ProGlide system was used (n = 663). A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed to adjust for baseline differences between the two groups, resulting in 327 matched cases. Primary outcomes of interest were main access site-related vascular complications.The mean number of ProGlide devices used per patient was 1.03 (SD 0.2) in the single-ProGlide group versus 2.01 (SD 0.14) in the double-ProGlide group. An additional vascular closure device was required to obtain full hemostasis in 23.2% versus 9.5% of patients (p 0.001) in the two groups, respectively. Technical success of ProGlide usage was similar (94.3% versus 92.1%, p = 0.163). In the matched cohorts, the rates of main access site-related major vascular complications were similar (4.0% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.217).The single-ProGlide technique is feasible, with rates of technical success similar to those of the double-ProGlide technique. Use of this method did not lead to more frequent access site-related complications but was more cost effective than the double-ProGlide approach.

Background This study reports the early- and long-term outcomes of the thoracic endovascular aortic repair using the Chimney-Graft technique (ChTEVAR) for the treatment of aortic arch pathologies. Methods From January 2010 to December 2019, patients who underwent aortic ChTEVAR technique in our institution were included. Early, mid, and long-term outcomes in this group of patients were evaluated. Patient follow-up data were obtained by imaging follow-up that are routinely performed after 3–6 months following initial surgery and then at yearly intervals. Results Aortic arch repair with a ChTEVAR was performed in 54 patients. The 30-day mortality was 18.5% (n = 10). All-cause 30-day mortality was higher in the subgroup of patients operated urgently (33% vs. 14%) without a significant difference (P = 0.141). Permanent neurological deficit (PND) was observed in 15% (8/54 patients); stroke in 11% (6/54), and paraplegia 4% (2/54). During follow-up the primary and primary-assisted chimney-graft patency was 96.8% and 97.8%, respectively. The multivariate analysis identified the age >70 years and the aortic diameter as independent risk factors for elevated mortality during the follow-up (P = 0.015 and 0.001, respectively). The PND was an independent predictor for 30-day mortality (P = 0.014, hazard ratio 13.5, 95% confidence interval 1.7–106.6). Conclusions The ChTEVAR has noninferior results to other open and endovascular aortic arch repair methods with an acceptable long-term survival especially in elective procedures.

Background Rapid deployment aortic valve replacement (RDAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have emerged as increasingly used alternatives to conventional aortic valve replacement to treat patients at higher surgical risk. Therefore, in this single-center study, we retrospectively compared clinical outcomes and hemodynamic performance of two self-expanding biological prostheses, the sutureless and rapid deployment valve (RDV) Perceval-S (PER) and the transcatheter heart valve (THV) ACURATE neo/TF (NEO) in a 1:1 propensity-score-matching (PSM) patient cohort. Methods A total of 332 consecutive patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis underwent either singular RDAVR with PER (119) or TAVI with NEO (213) at our institutions between 2012 and 2017. To compare the unequal patient groups, a 1:1 PSM for preoperative data and comorbidities was conducted. Afterward, 59 patient pairs were compared with regard to relevant hemodynamic parameter, relevant paravalvular leak (PVL), permanent postoperative pacemaker (PPM) implantation rate, and clinical postoperative outcomes. Results Postoperative clinical short-term outcomes presented with slightly higher rates for 30-day all-cause mortality (PER = 5.1% vs. NEO = 1.7%, p = 0.619) and major adverse cardiocerebral event in PER due to cerebrovascular events (transient ischemic attack [TIA]-PER = 3.4% vs. TIA-NEO = 1.7%, p = 0.496 and Stroke-PER = 1.7% vs. Stroke-NEO = 0.0%, p = 1). Moreover, we show comparable PPM rates (PER = 10.2% vs. NEO = 8.5%, p = 0.752). However, higher numbers of PVL (mild—PER = 0.0% vs. NEO = 55.9%, p = 0.001; moderate or higher—PER = 0.0% vs. NEO = 6.8%, p = 0.119) after TAVI with NEO were observed. Conclusion Both self-expanding bioprostheses, the RDV-PER and THV-NEO provide a feasible option in elderly and patients with elevated perioperative risk. However, the discussed PER collective showed more postoperative short-term complications with regard to 30-day all-cause mortality and cerebrovascular events, whereas the NEO showed higher rates of PVL.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this was to analyse current outcomes in patients referred to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for acute coronary syndromes (ACSs), including ST-elevation or non-ST-elevation ACS (non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) or unstable angina. METHODS Patients (n = 2432) undergoing CABG for ACS between January 2010 and December 2017 were prospectively entered into a surgical myocardial infarction registry in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Key end points were in-hospital all-cause mortality (IHM) and major adverse cardio-cerebral events (MACCE). Predictors for IHM and MACCE were analysed by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Patients (78% males) were referred for CABG for unstable angina (25%), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (50%), and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (25%). The mean patient age was 68 ± 11 years, logistic EuroSCORE was 19 ± 18% and three-vessel and left main stem diseases were diagnosed in 81% and 45% of patients, respectively. On-pump CABG with cardiac arrest or beating heart was performed in 92% and 2%, respectively, with only 6% off-pump surgery and 6% multiple arterial revascularization (3.1 ± 1.0 grafts, 93% left internal thoracic artery). Emergency CABG was performed in 23% of patients (42% in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction; P CONCLUSIONS Surgical myocardial revascularization in patients with ACS is still linked to substantial in-hospital mortality. Emergency CABG for patients with ACS was associated with poorer outcomes.

Background The frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique is increasingly used for the treatment of acute and chronic aortic arch disease. This study reports our single center experience with the FET technique in patients with complex aortic disease. Methods Between 2009 and 2019, 111 consecutive patients underwent aortic arch surgery in our institution using the FET technique for acute type A dissection (AAD group; n=75) or non-acute type A dissection (non-AAD group; n=36; 10 patients with chronic type A dissection; 26 patients with aneurysm), respectively. Relevant perioperative data, including 30-day mortality and neurological complications, were retrospectively obtained from our electronic patient's records, including follow-up (FU) data of outpatient clinical visits and computed tomography (CT). Results Thirty-day mortality in the entire FET cohort was 16.2% (AAD 18.7% vs. non-AAD 11.1%; n=0.414). Severe brain injury was the leading cause of death in AAD patients (12.0% vs. 0% non-AAD; P=0.030). Overall permanent stroke and spinal cord injury was 12.6% and 3.6%. Four patients in the AAD group developed paraplegia and permanent stroke rate was significantly higher in AAD compared to non-AAD patients (17.3% vs. 2.8%; P=0.034). One, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 78.7%±4.0%, 72.2%±4.8%, and 64.3%±6.8% for the total cohort; survival at 1-, 3- and 5-year was 76.7%±5.0%, 71.0%±6.1%, and 64.5%±8.3% for the AAD cohort compared to 83.1%±6.3%, 75.0%±7.9% and 66.7% for non-AAD patients (P=0.579), respectively. Conclusions Our single-center experience confirms good early and mid-term survival after the FET procedure in patients presenting with AAD, CAD and aneurysm. Future efforts should focus on reduction of severe neurological complication.

Objective Patients with acute coronary syndrome are treated with dual antiplatelet therapy containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and P2Y12 antagonists. In case of urgent coronary artery bypass grafting this might be associated with increasing risks of bleeding complications. Methods Data from 1200 consecutive urgent operations between 2010 and 2018 were obtained from our institutional patient database. For this study off-pump surgery was excluded. The primary composite end point major bleeding consisted of at least one end point: transfusion ≥ 5 packed red blood cells within 24 hours, rethoracotomy due to bleeding, chest tube output >2000 mL within 24 hours. Demographic data, peri-, and postoperative variables and outcomes were compared between patients treated with mono antiplatelet therapy, ASA + clopidogrel (ASA-C) +ticagrelor (ASA-T) or +prasugrel (ASA-P) Results From 1,086 patients, 475 (44%) received dual antiplatelet therapy. Three-hundred seventy-two received ASA-C (77.7%), 72 ASA-T (15%), and 31 ASA-P (6.5%). Major bleeding (44 vs. 23%, p Conclusion Dual antiplatelet therapy is associated with higher rates of major bleeding. Further studies should examine the difference in the prevalence of major bleeding complications in the different dual antiplatelet therapy regimes in patients requiring urgent surgery.

Background Performing cardiac surgery in patients with cardiovascular risk factors incorporates a steady risk for the development of postoperative complications. Perioperative statin intake was associated with an improvement of perioperative outcomes in these patients. However, the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery guidelines regarding the perioperative statin treatment were changed recently due to large studies reporting about relevant adverse effects related to statin therapy. Methods All relevant databases were searched including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the metaRegister of Controlled Trials. Various registries were screened (National Research Register, the ClinicalTrials.gov, and gray literature) with search on online conference indices of relevant scientific meetings. No language restrictions were applied. Results We identified 10 randomized controlled studies summarizing 3,468 participants undergoing various kinds of cardiac surgical procedures. All included studies presented with marked differences regarding study design. Pooled analysis indicated that statin pretreatment was associated with a formally reduced incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) (odds ratio [OR] 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39–1.00; p = 0.05) but with an increased incidence of renal failure (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01–1.44; p = 0.04) compared with control. Substantial heterogeneity was observed among studies reporting about AF. Conclusion Current but sparse evidence reveals that statin pretreatment is associated with a higher rate of postoperative renal failure compared with control therapy but is ineffective to substantially reduce postoperative AF. Given the relevant heterogeneity among included studies, statin pretreatment cannot be generally recommended.

No consensus has yet been reached regarding the optimal treatment of patients with thromboangiitis obliterans (TO) and chronic limb ischemia. In the present study, we aimed to summarize the results on endovascular treatment of such patients.We performed a meta-analysis using the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. The eligible studies had been reported up to December 2021 and had evaluated endovascular angioplasty to treat patients with TO and chronic limb ischemia. The early (mortality and technical success) and late (primary/secondary patency and limb salvage) outcomes were evaluated. StatsDirect (StatsDirect Ltd, Merseyside, UK) was used for the statistical analysis.Overall, 15 eligible studies were included (only endovascular in 11 studies and both endovascular and open repair in 4 studies). Among 601 patients, 402 endovascular procedures (416 limbs) were recorded (angioplasty plus stenting for 7.2% and angioplasty plus thrombolysis for 3.7%). The clinical presentation was intermittent claudication (stage II-III) for 7.9% of the patients and critical ischemia (stage IV-VI) for 92.1% of the patients. Most of the patients had had lesions below the knee, and five had had upper extremity lesions. The pooled technical success rate was 86% (range, 81.1%-90.3%), with no in-hospital mortality. The other complications included perforations (1.9%), wound complications (2.2%), and distal embolism (0.2%). Primary patency was 65.7% (range, 52.7%-77.6%) at 12 months and 50.7% (range, 23.3%-77.9%) at 36 months. Secondary patency was 76.2% (range, 57.5%-90.8%) at 12 months and 64.5% (range, 32.3%-90.6%) at 36 months. The limb salvage rate was 94.1% (range, 90.7%-96.7%) at 12 months and 89.1% (range, 80.6%-95.4%) at 36 months.Endovascular angioplasty for patients with TO and chronic limb ischemia was associated with optimal safety and low complication rates. The technical success and late outcomes were acceptable.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplant patients are at high risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related mortality. However, limited data are available on longer-term clinical, functional, and mental health outcomes in patients who survive COVID-19.METHODS: We analyzed data from adult kidney transplant patients in the European Renal Association COVID-19 Database who presented with COVID-19 between February 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021.RESULTS: We included 912 patients with a mean age of 56.7 (±13.7) y. 26.4% were not hospitalized, 57.5% were hospitalized without need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and 16.1% were hospitalized and admitted to the ICU. At 3 mo follow-up survival was 82.3% overall, and 98.8%, 84.2%, and 49.0%, respectively, in each group. At 3 mo follow-up biopsy-proven acute rejection, need for renal replacement therapy, and graft failure occurred in the overall group in 0.8%, 2.6%, and 1.8% respectively, and in 2.1%, 10.6%, and 10.6% of ICU-admitted patients, respectively. Of the surviving patients, 83.3% and 94.4% reached their pre-COVID-19 physician-reported functional and mental health status, respectively, within 3 mo. Of patients who had not yet reached their prior functional and mental health status, their treating physicians expected that 79.6% and 80.0%, respectively, still would do so within the coming year. ICU admission was independently associated with a low likelihood to reach prior functional and mental health status.CONCLUSIONS: In kidney transplant recipients alive at 3-mo follow-up, clinical, physician-reported functional, and mental health recovery was good for both nonhospitalized and hospitalized patients. Recovery was, however, less favorable for patients who had been admitted to the ICU.

Objectives Little data exist regarding the potential of external stents to mitigate long-term disease progression in saphenous vein grafts. We investigated the effect of external stents on the progression of saphenous vein graft disease. Methods A total of 184 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, using an internal thoracic artery graft and at least 2 additional saphenous vein grafts, were enrolled in 14 European centers. One saphenous vein graft was randomized to an external stent, and 1 nonstented saphenous vein graft served as the control. The primary end point was the saphenous vein graft Fitzgibbon patency scale assessed by angiography, and the secondary end point was saphenous vein graft intimal hyperplasia assessed by intravascular ultrasound in a prespecified subgroup at 2 years. Results Angiography was completed in 128 patients and intravascular ultrasound in the entire prespecified cohort (n = 51) at 2 years. Overall patency rates were similar between stented and nonstented saphenous vein grafts (78.3% vs 82.2%, P = .43). However, the Fitzgibbon patency scale was significantly improved in stented versus nonstented saphenous vein grafts, with Fitzgibbon patency scale I, II, and III rates of 66.7% versus 54.9%, 27.8% versus 34.3%, and 5.5% versus 10.8%, respectively (odds ratio, 2.02; P = .03). Fitzgibbon patency scale was inversely related to saphenous vein graft minimal lumen diameter, with Fitzgibbon patency scale I, II, and III saphenous vein grafts having an average minimal lumen diameter of 2.62 mm, 1.98 mm, and 1.32 mm, respectively (P < .05). Externally stented saphenous vein grafts also showed significant reductions in mean intimal hyperplasia area (22.5%; P < .001) and thickness (23.5%; P < .001). Conclusions Two years after coronary artery bypass grafting, external stenting improves Fitzgibbon patency scales of saphenous vein grafts and significantly reduces intimal hyperplasia area and thickness. Whether this will eventually lead to improved long-term patency is still unknown.

A 69-year-old female living donor kidney transplant recipient presented with right facial painful edema. The patient's body mass index was 14 (kilograms per meter squared), and her creatinine clearance was 15 mL/min. A computed tomography detected a subcutaneous mass under the nasolabial fold in contact with the maxillary bone. A biopsy from an ipsilateral oral mucosal ulcer returned the diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus-positive mucocutaneous ulcer. Within 2 weeks, the lesion perforated the tissue. The mass and the affected bone were removed, and histopathology detected inflammation with many microorganisms. The opportunistic pathogen Streptococcus anginosus was isolated from wound cultures. Immunosuppressives were restricted, antibiotics were administered, and the patient started hemodialysis. Rituximab was applied for the lymphoproliferative disease. The lesion healed, allowing for surgical restoration. Two years later, the patient has remained free of local pathology and with improved nutritional and functional status. Epstein-Barr virus-positive muco cutaneous ulcers should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oral and facial lesions of immunocompromised patients and may be complicated with bacterial infections.

Background There has been conflicting evidence concerning the effect of levosimendan on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and conducted this meta-analysis to provide evidence for/against the administration of levosimendan in cardiac surgery patients. Methods We performed a meta-analysis from literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Only randomized controlled trials comparing the administration of levosimendan in cardiac surgery patients with a control group (other inotrope, standard therapy/placebo, or an intra-aortic balloon pump) were included. In addition, at least one clinical outcome had to be mentioned: mortality, myocardial infarction, low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS), acute kidney injury, renal replacement therapy, atrial fibrillation, prolonged inotropic support, length of intensive care unit, and hospital stay. The pooled treatment effects (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence intervals [CI]) were assessed using a fixed or random effects model. Results The literature search retrieved 27 randomized, controlled trials involving a total of 3,198 patients. Levosimendan led to a significant reduction in mortality (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.49–0.91; p = 0.0087). Furthermore, the incidence of LCOS (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.42–0.75; p Conclusion Our meta-analysis suggests beneficial effects for the prophylactic use of levosimendan in patients with severely impaired left ventricular function undergoing cardiac surgery. The administration of levosimendan was associated with a reduced mortality, less LCOS, and restored adequate organ perfusion reflected in less acute kidney injury.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) occurs toward the end of pregnancy or in the months after delivery without previously known structural heart disease. Development of therapy-refractory cardiogenic shock is described in the literature with a limited number of overall presented cases in this young patient cohort. To provide differences and key points in the therapy of end-stage PPCM patients, we present a case series of four young women with PPCM referred to our department for potential VA ECMO support.

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

BACKGROUND: There has been an increasing incidence of right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE) due to the global rise of intravenous drug use (IVDU) and an increasing number of implantable cardiac electronic devices and central venous catheters. Our aim was to investigate differences in the clinical presentation, microbiological findings and prognosis of patients undergoing surgery for RSIE compared to left-sided infective endocarditis (LSIE). METHODS: Relevant clinical data of all 432 consecutive patients undergoing valve surgery for infective endocarditis (IE) at our institution between January 2009 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Acquired data included patients’ demographic and preoperative comorbidities, manifestation of IE according to the recently modified Duke Criteria, perioperative data and relevant clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 403 patients (93.3%) underwent surgery for LSIE and twenty-nine patients (6.7%) for RSIE. Eleven patients with RSIE (37.9%) showed a concomitant left-sided infection. Compared to LSIE, RSIE patients were significantly younger [47.5 (40.4–69.3) vs. 65.1 (53.7–74.6); P=0.008] and presented with less comorbidities such as hypertension (41.4% vs. 65.3%; P=0.010) and coronary artery disease (6.9% vs. 29.0%; P=0.010). Rates of IVDU (34.5% vs. 4.5%; P

Management of acute abdomen (AA) differs due to the heterogeneity of underlying pathophysiology. Complications of AA and its overall outcome after cardiac surgery are known to be associated with poor results. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate risk factors for AA in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Between December 2011 and December 2014, a total of 131 patients with AA after cardiac surgery were identified and retrospectively analyzed using our institutional database. Statistical analysis of risk factors concerning in-hospital mortality of mentioned patient cohort was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics. Overall in-hospital mortality was 54.2% (71/131). Analyzing in-hospital non-survivors (NS) versus in-hospital survivors (S) peripheral artery disease (28.2% vs. 11.7%; p = 0.03), the need for assist device therapy (33.8% vs. 16.7%; p = 0.03) and the requirement of hemodialysis (67.6% vs. 23.3%; p

PURPOSE: To compare the long-term outcomes of corneal cross-linking (CXL) for the treatment of keratoconus using two different techniques for epithelial removal: transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy (t-PTK) and mechanical epithelial debridement. METHODS: In this prospective, comparative, interventional case series, 26 patients (30 eyes) with progressive keratoconus underwent CXL treatment. Fifteen eyes (13 patients) underwent epithelial removal with t-PTK (Cretan protocol) and 15 eyes (13 patients) underwent mechanical epithelial debridement (Dresden protocol) during CXL. Visual, refractive, and keratometric outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years postoperatively. RESULTS: No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed in any of the patients. In the Cretan protocol group, mean uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) visual acuity improved from 0.99 ± 0.42 and 0.33 ± 0.28 logMAR preoperatively to 0.75 ± 0.32 ( P = .018) and 0.21 ± 0.16 ( P = .024) logMAR at 4 years postoperatively, respectively. In the Dresden protocol group, mean UDVA improved from 0.83 ± 0.47 logMAR preoperatively to 0.63 ± 0.40 logMAR ( P = .033) at 4 years postoperatively, whereas mean CDVA did not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement postoperatively ( P > .05). In the Cretan protocol group, mean corneal astigmatism improved from −6.19 ± 4.54 diopters (D) preoperatively to −4.68 ± 3.10 D ( P = .041) at last follow-up, whereas in the Dresden protocol group there was no statistically significant difference postoperatively ( P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Epithelial removal with t-PTK during CXL (Cretan protocol) resulted in better visual, refractive, and keratometric outcomes compared with mechanical epithelial debridement over a long-term follow-up. [ J Refract Surg . 2019;35(10):650–655.]

Background Coronary artery bypass grafting has remained an important treatment option for acute coronary syndromes, particularly in patients (1) with ongoing ischemia and large areas of jeopardized myocardium, if percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) cannot be performed; (2) following successful PCI of the culprit lesion with further indication for coronary artery bypass grafting; and (3) where PCI is incomplete, not sufficient, or failed. Methods and Results We aimed to analyze coronary artery bypass grafting outcome following prior PCI in acute coronary syndromes from the North‐Rhine‐Westphalia surgical myocardial infarction registry comprising 2616 patients. Primary end points were in‐hospital all‐cause mortality and major adverse cardio‐cerebral event. Patients were 68±11 years of age, had 3‐vessel and left main‐stem disease in 80.4% and 45.3%, presenting a logistic EuroSCORE of 15.1% in unstable angina, 20.3% in non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction, and 23.5% in ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction. A history of PCI was present in 36.2% and PCI was performed within 24 hours before surgery in 5.2% in unstable angina, 5.9% in non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction, and 16.1% in ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction. PCI failed in 5.3% in unstable angina, 6.8% in non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction and 17.2% in ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction, and 28.8% of patients presented with cardiogenic shock. In‐hospital mortality without PCI was 7.4%, but increased to 8.7% with prior PCI >24 hours, 14.5% with prior PCI P 24 hours, 25.6% with prior PCI P =0.014). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed prior PCI ( P =0.039), as well as failed PCI ( P =0.001) to be predictors for in‐hospital all‐cause mortality and major adverse cardio‐cerebral event. Conclusions In the current PCI era, immediately prior or failed PCI before coronary artery bypass grafting in acute coronary syndromes is associated with high perioperative risk, cardiogenic shock, and increased morbidity and mortality.

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hardships for patients and their care-partners. Empowering patients and their care-partners, including family members or friends involved in their care, may help minimize burden and consequences of CKD-related symptoms to enable life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and re-engagement in life, including emphasis on patients being in control. The World Kidney Day (WKD) Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of "Living Well with Kidney Disease" in an effort to increase education and awareness on the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess and address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care or to support labeling claims for medicines and devices. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care-partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities including during pandemics. In the overall wellness program for kidney disease patients, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Early detection with prolonged course of wellness despite kidney disease, after effective secondary and tertiary prevention programs, should be promoted. WKD 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures throughout populations, professionals, and policy makers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.Vivre avec l’insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC) représente un fardeau pour les patients et leurs partenaires soignants, dont leurs familles et amis. Une façon d’alléger ce fardeau et de réduire les conséquences des symptômes de l’IRC sur la participation à la vie serait de favoriser une plus grande autonomie des patients et de leurs partenaires soignants. Pour ce faire, l’accent mis sur le bien vivre avec la maladie et sur la participation à la vie doit être élargi en privilégiant notamment de mettre les patients en contrôle. Pour accroître l’éducation et la sensibilisation sur la responsabilisation des patients et, ultimement, encourager leur participation à la vie, le Comité directeur bipartite de la Journée Mondiale du Rein (JMR) a déclaré 2021 l’année du « bien vivre avec une maladie rénale ». Une stratégie qui nécessite l’élaboration et la mise en œuvre de mesures validées des résultats signalés par le patient afin d’aborder la participation à la vie dans les soins courants. Cette stratégie pourrait être appuyée par les organismes de réglementation comme mesure de qualité des soins ou pour appuyer les demandes relatives à l’étiquetage des médicaments et des dispositifs. Les organismes subventionnaires pourraient quant à eux établir des appels d’offres à objectifs de recherche définis afin de répondre aux priorités des patients. Les patients et leurs partenaires soignants devraient se sentir soutenus, même en contexte de pandémie, par des efforts concertés des communautés de soins en santé rénale. Dans le cadre du program de bien-être global destiné aux patients atteints d’une néphropathie, il convient de réitérer la prévention. À la suite de programs efficaces de prévention secondaire et tertiaire, il convient également de promouvoir une détection précoce avec une évolution prolongée du bien-être malgré une maladie rénale. La JMR 2021 continue d’appeler à une plus grande sensibilisation des populations, des professionnels et des décideurs quant à l’importance de mesures préventives applicables tant dans les pays développés que dans les pays en développement.

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) via right lateral mini thoracotomy is the gold standard treatment approach for mitral and tricuspid valve disorders. Other selected procedures (e.g. transapical aortic valve implantation, MIDCAB) require a left lateral mini thoracotomy for surgical access. Advantages of MICS over complete sternotomy are well known, but access-related complications post MICS, such as pulmonary herniation, are often underestimated/overlooked. In males, a pulmonary herniation in the proximity of the former thoracotomy is often clinically visible, especially when the intrathoracic pressure rises (e.g. during coughing). In females, clinical symptoms may be hidden by the breast and patients often have unspecific complaints or occasional pain when coughing, making identification of a lung herniation more difficult. Chest computed tomography is the diagnostic tool of choice for pulmonary herniations. Using a series of 20 patients with pulmonary herniation post MICS, we report our findings in diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, requiring lifelong anticoagulation or interventional, transseptal left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder implantation to minimize stroke risk. Incomplete LAA closure post implantation is a frequent observation. Incomplete LAA occlusion after transseptal occluder implantation necessitates anticoagulation in cases of persistent AF to minimze risk of embolism and/or apoplexy. Patients with contraindications to lifelong anticoagulation therapy are challenging to treat and alternative options are needed. We present a case of a patient with persistent AF who underwent frustraneous LAA occluder implantation. The patient’s anatomy necessitated surgical closure of the LAA, which was accomplished with an LAA clip 4 weeks after implantation. The patient was discharged in excellent clinical status 5 days after the surgery. No further complications were observed within the following year.

Background Rapid deployment aortic valve replacement (RDAVR) has emerged as an alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement. This single-center study retrospectively analyzed clinical outcomes and hemodynamic performance of the Perceval S (LivaNova) and Intuity Elite (Edwards LifeSciences) rapid deployment valves (RDVs) in a propensity score matched patient cohort. Methods A total of 372 consecutive patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis underwent RDAVR between 2012 and 2018 at our institution. The Intuity Elite (INT group) and Perceval S (PER group) were implanted in 251 and 121 patients, respectively. After 1:1 propensity score matching for relevant preoperative comorbidities, 107 patient pairs were compared with respect to relevant perioperative data including hemodynamic parameter, postoperative pacemaker implantation, and 30-day all-cause mortality. Results Propensity score matching resulted in balanced characteristics between groups. Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp time did not differ between groups, but more patients in the INT group received coronary artery bypass grafting compared with the PER group (56 vs. 42%; p = 0.055). Thirty-day mortality (4.7 vs. 2.2%) and need for permanent pacemaker implantation (7 versus 4.4%) were comparable between the INT and PER groups for isolated AVR and also for combined procedures, respectively. Cerebrovascular events showed comparable low rates for both RDVs (INT group [1.9%] vs. PER group [2.8%]). Indexed effective orifice area was higher in the INT group (0.90 vs. 0.82 cm2/m2) and coupled to a lower peak (17 ± 7 vs. 22 ± 8) and mean (10 ± 5 vs. 12 ± 4) pressure gradients compared with the PER group. Conclusions Our propensity score analysis in AVR patients showed good hemodynamic characteristics with comparable 30-day mortality rate and complications rates for both investigated RDVs.

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine whether raised preoperative serum creatinine affected the long-term outcome in patients undergoing surgical aortic repair for Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods: A total of 240 patients diagnosed with Stanford A AAD underwent surgical repair from January 2006 to April 2015. A propensity score matching was applied, resulting in 73 pairs consisting of one group with normal and one group with preoperative elevated creatinine levels. The cohorts were well balanced for baseline and preoperative clinical characteristics. Both groups were compared regarding their early postoperative variables, as well as estimated survival with up to 9-year follow up. Also, the impact of acute postoperative kidney injury and its severity on long-term survival was analyzed. Results: The proportion of patients suffering Stanford A AAD with raised creatinine levels was 31.3% ( n = 75). After propensity matching, there were no statistically significant differences regarding demographics, comorbidities, preoperative baseline and clinical characteristics. Postoperatively matched patients with elevated creatinine had longer intensive care unit ( p < 0.001) and total hospital stay ( p = 0.002), prolonged intubation times ( p = 0.014), higher need for hemofiltration ( p < 0.001), higher incidence of temporary neurological disorders ( p = 0.16), infection ( p = 0.005), and trend toward higher incidence of sepsis ( p = 0.097). However, there were no significant differences regarding 30-day mortality (20.5% versus 20.5%, p = 1.000) and long-term overall survival. Further, neither the incidence nor the different stages of acute kidney injury according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network showed any statistically significant differences in terms of long-term survival for both groups [log rank p = 0.636, Breslow (generalized Wilcoxon) p = 0.470, Tarone–Ware p = 0.558]. Conclusions: Patients with elevated creatinine levels undergoing surgical repair for Stanford A AAD demonstrate higher rate of early postoperative complications. However, 30-day mortality and long-term survival in this patient cohort is not significantly impaired.

Introduction: Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening emergency, typically occurring in hypertensive patients, requiring immediate surgical repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate early outcomes and long-term survival of hypertensive patients in comparison to normotensive patients suffering from Stanford A AAD. Methods: In our center, 240 patients with Stanford A AAD underwent aortic surgical repair from January 2006 to April 2015. After statistical and logistic regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival estimation was performed, with up to 9-year follow-up. Results: The proportion of hypertensive patients suffering from Stanford A AAD was 75.4% (n=181). There were only few statistically significant differences in terms of basic demographics, comorbidities, preoperative baseline and clinical characteristics of hypertensive patients in comparison to normotensive patients. Hypertensive patients were significantly older (p=0.008), more frequently received hemi-arch repair (p=0.028) and selective brain perfusion (p=0.001). Our study showed similar statistical results in terms of 30-day mortality (p=0.196), long-term overall cumulative survival of patients (Log-Rank p=0.506) and survival of patients free from cerebrovascular events (Log-Rank p=0.186). Furthermore, subgroup analysis for long-term survival in terms of men (Log-Rank p=0.853), women (Log-Rank p=0.227), patients under and above 65 years of age (Log-Rank p=0.188 and Log-Rank p=0.602, respectively) and patients undergoing one of the three types of aortic repair surgery showed similar results for normotensive and hypertensive patient groups. Subgroup analysis for long-term survival of patients free from cerebrovascular events for women, patients under 65 years of age and patients undergoing aortic arch repair showed significant differences between the two groups in favor of hypertensive patients. Conclusions: Hypertensive patients suffering from Stanford A AAD were older, more frequently received hemi-arch replacement and were not associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality and poorer long-term survival compared to normotensive patients.

Background Early studies have demonstrated that endovenous therapy for varicose veins is associated with a faster recovery and lower complication rates compared with conventional therapy. More than one million procedures have been performed worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine long-term efficacy of currently available endovenous therapy methods for varicose veins compared with conventional surgery (saphenofemoral ligation and stripping of great saphenous vein [GSV] with or without multiple avulsions) in management of GSV-related varicose veins. Methods In July 2017, we searched MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science without date or language restriction for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Bibliographies of included studies were also searched for additional studies. RCTs comparing conventional surgery and endovenous therapy for treating lower extremity varicose veins with 5 years or more of follow-up were selected. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two review authors, and any disagreements were resolved by consensus or by arbitration of a third author. Cochrane RevMan 5 was used for analysis. Results At time of data extraction, long-term follow-up was available for endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. Included in the review were nine RCTs. The RCTs included 2185 legs; however, only 1352 legs were followed up for 5 years (61.9%). There was no statically significant difference in recurrence rate in comparing EVLT with conventional surgery in treating GSV incompetence (36.6% vs 33.3%, respectively; pooled risk ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-2.37; P = .3). Also, no significant difference was determined for recurrence rate in comparing RFA with surgery or EVLT. Conclusions Although the analysis showed that EVLT and RFA are as effective as conventional surgery in treating saphenous venous insufficiency, the number of patients available for analysis was too small for definitive conclusions to be drawn.

Background Choice of cardioplegic solution plays a pivotal role in special subgroups of patients referred for on-pump cardiac surgery. This retrospective analysis aimed to assess the impact of intermittent warm (Calafiore, Cala) versus intermittent cold blood cardioplegia (Buckberg, Buck) in patients referred to coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery due to acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Methods From 2008 to 2015, all consecutive patients undergoing urgent on-pump CABG surgery due to ACS (n = 950) were retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative cardiac arrest was achieved using Buck (n = 273) or Cala (n = 677). Patients were compared regarding clinical outcomes and perioperative myocardial injury (PMI). Propensity score matching was performed to control for differences in preoperative patient characteristics. Results Prevalences of left main stenosis >50%, COPD, and advanced New York Heart Association (NYHA) class were higher for intermittent warm blood cardioplegia (IWC)-patients while more Buck-patients had preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and redo procedures. Buck-patients needed more intraoperative defibrillations and showed longer cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic clamping times. 30-day all-cause mortality (10.6 versus 9.3%), major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (52.7 versus 48.6%), and PMI (50.5 versus 55.7%; all p > 0.05) rates were comparable for Buck- and Cala-patients. Propensity score matching resulted in equal group sizes (n = 212 each) and balanced distribution of preoperative covariates. Although more Buck-patients still needed inotropic support >24 hours postoperatively (25.7 versus 14.7%; p = 0.005) compared with Cala-group, outcome variables of interest did not differ between treatment groups (30-day mortality: 7.5 versus 9.0%; MACE: 49.5 versus 40.6%; PMI: 48.1 versus 37.3%; all p > 0.05). Conclusion Buckberg and Calafiore cardioplegia offer comparable myocardial protection and similar postoperative results in patients undergoing CABG surgery due to ACS.