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Aim: The aim was to use a propensity score-based analysis to determine the impact of peripheral artery disease (PAD) on early outcomes after coronary artery bypass surgery grafting (CABG) in patients with PAD.Method: We conducted a multicentre retrospective analysis of 11,311 consecutive patients who underwent CABG between 1997 and 2017. Patients with previous or concomitant vascular surgery were excluded. The main endpoints were death, stroke, and limb ischaemia requiring percutaneous or surgical revascularisation. Subgroup analyses were performed to test the interaction of PAD with concomitant factors.Results: There was no difference in mortality in patients with and without PAD (p=0.06 and p=0.179, respectively). Patients with PAD had a greater incidence of stroke (p=0.04), acute kidney disease (p=0.003), and limb ischaemia requiring interventions (p<0.001) than those without PAD. The use of off-pump or no-touch aortic techniques did not influence the effect of PAD on the outcomes. Early mortality rate increased in patients with PAD when associated with long cardiopulmonary bypass, cross-clamp times (both p<0.001), and postoperative low cardiac output (p=0.01).Conclusions: The presence of PAD is associated, independently of other factors, with greater incidence of stroke, acute kidney disease, and limb ischaemia following CABG, irrespective of the technique employed. Operative mortality was greater in patients with PAD only when associated with long cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times, and low cardiac output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Myocardial protection is crucial in cardiac surgery: quantification is often difficult as there is a significant mismatch between body weight and heart weight as per geometric remodeling. This study has the objective to compare two groups of patients on the administration of myocardial protection in valvular pathologies: the first group has indexed the administration with left ventricular mass index; the second has indexed it on the body weight or on the body surface area. The primary endpoint of double-blind case-control study is to detect the difference in incidence in terms of post-operative low cardiac output syndrome. Methods: A single-center double-blind case-control study in a specialized regional tertiary cardiac surgery center in Italy. Between March 2017 and September 2018, 200 adults (100 per Group A vs. Group B) were scheduled for elective procedures: Group A (50 aortic valve replacement-50 mitral valve repair in minimally invasive cardiac surgery) used blood cardioplegic solution with Saint Thomas I solution, with calculation of left ventricular mass index with echocardiographic measures (Formula Group A); Group B (50 aortic valve replacement-50 mitral valve repair in minimally invasive cardiac surgery) used blood cardioplegic solution with Saint Thomas I solution, with calculation indexed on the body surface area, Du Bois Method (Formula Group B). Results: A statistically significant difference was found for Student's t-test in patients who used myocardial indexed protection on left ventricular mass index versus control: aortic valve replacement procedures in aortic valve stenosis—ejection fraction (24 hours, p-value = 0.046), TnT (24 hours, p-value = 0.047), stroke volume shift (24 hours, p-value = 0.043), and infusion of epinephrine after cardiopulmonary bypass (p-value = 0.033); aortic valve replacement procedures in aortic valve insufficiency—ejection fraction (24 hours, p-value = 0.044), TnT (24 hours, p-value = 0.047), stroke volume shift (24 hours, p-value = 0.046), and infusion of Epinephrine after cardiopulmonary bypass (p-value = 0.029). No statistically significant differences in patients undergoing mitral valve repair surgery. Conclusion: The study group in the aortic valve surgery that administered myocardial protection indexed for the left ventricular mass index and showed a statistically significant lower incidence for post-operative low cardiac output syndrome compared to the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitral valve surgery (MVS) is evolving. Compared to standard sternotomy (S-MVS), minimally invasive method (Mini-MVS) has been increasingly adopted in the last years with encouraging results for both repairs and replacements. We evaluated trends of surgical approaches and operative outcomes in a multicenter study involving 10 cardiac surgical centers in Italy. Patients who received isolated mitral valve surgery, including only a concomitant tricuspid valve repair, from January 2011 up to December 2017. Minimally invasive approach (right anterior mini-thoracotomy) and standard sternotomy was performed in 2602 and 1947 patients, respectively. Stratifying by surgery, 1493 patients per group were paired using a propensity matching procedure. The minimally invasive approach has been progressively more frequent over the years (from 27.5% in 2011 to 71.7% in 2017). Compared to S-MVS, Mini-MVS patients were younger with less preoperative comorbidities and less frequently operated for valve replacement or in association with tricuspid repair. The 30-day mortality was lower in the Mini-MVS (overall 1.2% vs 2.7%; p < 0.001) as well as the incidence of most postoperative complications. Subjects paired by propensity score had similar 30-day mortality (1.9% vs 1.8%, p = 0.786) but lower blood transfusion and permanent pace-maker insertion. Cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp time, initially longer in the Mini-MVS patients, became shorter in recent years for the minimally invasive approach. In a large multi-institutional recent cohort, minimally invasive mitral valve surgery has drastically increased being the preferred technique and appears to be safe with procedural duration shorter than the beginning. • Minimally invasive approach in mitral valve surgery has been increasingly adopted. • In a large national cohort, the approach is preferred for repairs and replacements. • The approach appears safe with low mortality rates and few major complications. • Cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp time became shorter in recent years. • Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery may be considered standard technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The increase of the anti-inflammatory CD163highHLA-DRlow blood monocyte subset is one of the mechanisms dampening inflammation during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. We evaluated the effect of two different anesthetic protocols, intravenous Propofol infusion or Sevoflurane-gas administration, on the perioperative frequency of this subset. Methods: Blood from patients (Propofol = 11, Sevoflurane = 13) undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery was drawn preoperatively (T1), before declamping (T2), at 6 (T3), 24 (T4), 48 (T5), and 72 hours (T6) after declamping. C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, and lactate dehydrogenase were measured. A hemolytic index, as C-reactive protein/haptoglobin ratio, was introduced. Monocyte expression of HLA-DR, CD163, and the CD163highHLA-DRlow subset fraction was quantified by flow cytometry. Baseline-referred variations of plasmatic and cellular data at T2 were normalized for clamping times. Subsequent time-point variations were normalized for the final cardiopulmonary bypass times. Results: Variations of hemolytic index and lactate dehydrogenase were higher with Propofol at T3 (p = 0.004 and p = 0.02, respectively) when compared with Sevoflurane. At T2, the down-modulation of CD163 was higher with Propofol (p = 0.005). Starting from T3, the up-regulatory trend of CD163 was basically higher with Propofol, although not significantly. Propofol induced higher increments of HLA-DR low fractions, at T2 (p = 0.04) and, to a lesser extent, at T4 (p = 0.06). Starting from T3, the CD163highHLA-DRlow subset variations were higher with Propofol, especially at T4 and T6. Conclusion: Propofol seems to induce a higher postoperative fraction of the CD163highHLA-DRlow monocyte subset. This could represent either a compensatory mechanism dampening the higher inflammatory condition observed with Propofol at T2 or a consequence of a higher postoperative Propofol-induced hemolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at increased risk of neuropsychological impairments, but few studies are available on the nonlinguistic neuropsychological abilities of children with CHD. We conducted neuropsychological evaluations using the NEPSY II on a cohort of 17 school-age Italian children with diagnoses of Class 1 CHD, no genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, and normal intelligence scores, and we compared them with 34 matched controls. Children with CHD in this study had undergone at least one cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass support. We found that children with CHD scored significantly lower than their matched controls on memory and learning domain tasks, and they displayed subtle attention/executive dysfunctions and deficits in sensorimotor skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is no consensus on which lung-protective strategies should be used in cardiac surgery patients. Sparse and small randomized clinical and animal trials suggest that maintaining mechanical ventilation during cardiopulmonary bypass is protective on the lungs. Unfortunately, such evidence is weak as it comes from surrogate and minor clinical endpoints mainly limited to elective coronary surgery. According to the available data in the academic literature, an unquestionable standardized strategy of lung protection during cardiopulmonary bypass cannot be recommended. The purpose of the CPBVENT study is to investigate the effectiveness of different strategies of mechanical ventilation during cardiopulmonary bypass on postoperative pulmonary function and complications.Methods/design: The CPBVENT study is a single-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. We are going to enroll 870 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with planned use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients will be randomized into three groups: (1) no mechanical ventilation during cardiopulmonary bypass, (2) continuous positive airway pressure of 5 cmH2O during cardiopulmonary bypass, (3) respiratory rate of 5 acts/min with a tidal volume of 2-3 ml/Kg of ideal body weight and positive end-expiratory pressure of 3-5 cmH2O during cardiopulmonary bypass. The primary endpoint will be the incidence of a PaO2/FiO2 ratio <200 until the time of discharge from the intensive care unit. The secondary endpoints will be the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and 30-day mortality. Patients will be followed-up for 12 months after the date of randomization.Discussion: The CPBVENT trial will establish whether, and how, different ventilator strategies during cardiopulmonary bypass will have an impact on postoperative pulmonary complications and outcomes of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02090205 . Registered on 8 March 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to ascertain if a score, directly derived from CPB records, could correlate to major postoperative outcomes. Methods: An additive score (QualyP Score) was created from 10 parameters: peak lactate value during CPB, peak VCO2i, lowest DO2i/VCO2i, peak respiratory quotient, CPB time, cross-clamp time, lowest CPB temperature, circulatory arrest, ultrafiltration during CPB, number of packed red cells transfused intraoperatively. The PerfSCORE was calculated, as well. Multivariable logistic regression models were built to detect the independent predictors of: peak lactate >3 mmol/L during the first three postoperative days; the incidence of acute kidney injury network (AKIN) 1-2-3; respiratory insufficiency; mortality. Results: The mean score was 4.8±2.6 (0-10). A QualyP Score ≥1 was predictive of postoperative acidosis (OR=1.595). A score ≥2 was predictive of AKIN 2 (OR=1.268) and respiratory insufficiency (OR=1.526). A score ≥5 was predictive of AKIN 3 (OR=1.848) and mortality (OR=1.497). Conclusions: QualyP Score may help to provide a quality marker of perfusion, emphasizing the need for goal-directed perfusion strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a retrospective analysis of clinical results from using the new Sorin Inspire 6 oxygenator from medical technology company Sorin Group, based on its ability to limit hemodilution, red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rate and postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) rate. Findings discussed include Inspire 6 oxygenator to allow significant hemodilution containment during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), reducing RBC transfusions and postoperative AKi risks.

In emergency cases, rapid extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) device initialization is able to drastically reduce the incidence of patient morbidity and/or mortality. Pre-assembled and ready-to-use ECMO circuits might save up to 30-60 critical minutes in patient management.Six ECMO circuits (Oxygenator D905 EOS with REVOLUTION™ pump and Sorin PTS) were assembled in the operating room in standard conditions and then placed at 37°C for 35 days in order to evaluate possible contamination and ingrowth of micro-organisms. Every 7 days after ECMO circuit assembly and wet-priming, samples of priming fluid were analyzed to verify the presence/absence of possible common contaminants (Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus and fungi). Moreover, two supplementary circuits, used as positive controls, were deliberately inoculated with a known concentration of a Escherichia coli strain and prime samplings carried out at different time-points to determine bacterial growth rate.Sterility was maintained in the ECMO circuits for up to 35 days. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cardiopulmonary bypass ( CPB) has a risk of cerebral injury, with an important role of gaseous micro-emboli ( GME) coming from the CPB circuit. Pulsatile perfusion is supposed to perform specific conditions for supplementary GME activity. We aimed to determine whether pulsatile CPB augments production and delivery of GME and evaluate the role of different events in GME activity during either type of perfusion. Twenty-four patients who underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery at the University of Verona were divided equally into two groups-pulsatile perfusion ( PP) group and nonpulsatile perfusion ( NP) group. The circuit included a Jostra HL-20 roller pump set in pulsatile or nonpulsatile mode, an open Sorin Synthesis membrane oxygenator with integrated screen-type arterial filter, and phosphorylcholine-coated tubes. Hemodynamic flow evaluation was performed in terms of energy equivalent pressure and surplus hemodynamic energy ( SHE). GME were counted by means of a GAMPT BCC200 bubble counter (GAMPT, Zappendorf, Germany) with two probes placed at postpump and postarterial filter positions. Results were evaluated in terms of GME number, GME volume, number of over-ranged GME from both probes, and series of filtering indexes. In PP mode, the pump produced and delivered along the circuit significantly higher amounts of SHE than in NP mode. At the venous postpump site, GME number was significantly higher during PP but no difference was found in terms of GME volume or number of over-ranged bubbles. No significant difference in GME number, GME volume, or number of over-ranges was found at the postarterial filter site. Filtering indexes were similar between the two groups. Neither type of perfusion was shown to contribute to excessive GME production during the most important perfusionist manipulation. Pulsatility leads to GME increment by splitting and size diminishing of the existing bubbles but not by additional gas production. PP augmented GME number at the venous postpump site, while mean volume remained comparable with NP. Sorin Synthesis oxygenator showed high efficacy in GME removal during either type of perfusion. Supplementary GME production and delivery during typical perfusionist manipulations did not depend on perfusion type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports a study which compares the effects of the external source of carbon dioxide (CO2) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass. The results revealed the relationship between CO2 and the NIRS value. The studies indicated that it is important to introduce a correcting tool when an inadequate NIRS value occurs although the arterial line is accurately positioned.

Cell saving systems are commonly used during cardiac operations to improve hemoglobin levels and to reduce blood product requirements. We analyzed the effects of residual pump blood salvage through a cell saver on coagulation and fibrinolysis activation and on postoperative hemoglobin levels. Thirty-four elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients were randomized. In 17 patients, residual cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit blood was transfused after the cell saving procedure (cell salvage group). In the other 17 patients, residual CPB circuit blood was discarded (control group). Activation of the coagulative, fibrinolytic and inflammatory systems was evaluated pre-operatively (Pre), 2 hours after the termination of CPB (T0) and 24 hours postoperatively (T1), measuring prothrombin fragment 1.2 (PF 1.2), plasmin-anti-plasmin (PAP), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The cell salvage group of patients had a significant improvement in hemoglobin levels after processed blood infusion (2.7 ± 1.7 g/dL vs 1.2 ± 1.1 g/dL; p=0.003). PF1.2 levels were significantly higher after infusion (T0: 1175 ± 770 pmol/L vs 730 ± 237 pmol/L; p=0.037; T1: 331 ± 235 pmol/L vs 174 ± 134 pmol/L; p=0.026). Also, PAP levels were higher in the cell salvage group, although not significantly (T0: 253 ± 251 ng/mL vs 168 ± 96 ng/mL; p: NS; T1: 95 ± 60 ng/mL vs 53 ± 32 ng/mL; p: NS). No differences were found for PAI-1, IL-6, heparin levels or for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. The cell salvage group of patients had increased chest tube drainage (749 ± 320 vs 592 ± 264; p: NS) and fresh frozen plasma transfusion rate (5 (29%) pts vs 0 pts; p<0.04). Pump blood salvage with a cell saving system improved postoperative hemoglobin levels, but induced a strong thrombin generation, fibrinolysis activation and lower fibrinolysis inhibition. These conditions could generate a consumption coagulopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the prevalence of asymptomatic carotid artery disease in patients scheduled for valvular cardiac surgery. Preoperative screening of the carotid arteries was performed. Among 1012 patients scheduled for valvular cardiac surgery, 267 (26.4%) had carotid stenosis graded >50%; 37 had carotid stenosis >70% and underwent combined valvular surgery and carotid endarterectomy (CEA); and 230 (86%) had carotid stenosis >50% to ≤69% and received valvular cardiac surgery under hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. Operative mortality and the rate of perioperative adverse neurological events were comparable among the groups. During 6.8 years of follow-up, patients with carotid stenosis not exceeding 69% at the time of surgery had CEA more frequently (P < .05) and stroke/transient ischemic attack ([TIA] P < .05) versus patients treated with combined surgery. The prevalence of asymptomatic carotid stenosis is not negligible in patients undergoing isolated valvular surgery. Combined valvular and carotid surgery is safe and reduces the incidence of CEA and stroke/TIA during follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

During cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), red blood cell transfusions may be required to correct dilutional anemia. The decision-making process for transfusions is usually based on the level of hemoglobin.This study investigates the hypothesis that oxygen-derived variables (mixed venous oxygen saturation, SvO2, and oxygen extraction rate, O2ER) may be more reliable predictors of the efficacy of the transfusion.Thirty-six patients for 41 transfusion episodes during CPB were retrospectively analyzed. For each patient, oxygen-derived variables, including SvO2 and O2ER, were measured before and after the transfusion. No changes in pump flow were allowed between the two measurements. The efficacy of transfusion was defined as an increase in SvO2 of at least 5%.We identified 11 transfusion episodes leading to an efficacious SvO2 increase. Factors associated with the efficacy of the transfusion were a low SvO2 and a high O2ER. No association was found with hemoglobin values, unless for a trend for efficacy of transfusion in patients with very low (<6 g/dL) hemoglobin values. Cut-off values of 68% for SvO2 and 39% for O2ER were predictive for the efficacy of red blood cell transfusions, with a high accuracy (c-statistics 0.856 and 0.848, respectively) and negative and positive predictive values exceeding 82%. In conclusion, SvO2 and O2ER are better than the hemoglobin value for guiding the decision-making process of red blood cell transfusions to correct hemodilutional anemia during CPB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Non-invasive cerebral monitoring with the INVOS cerebral oximeter is an accepted good indicator of cerebral metabolism. In recent years, it has been used in the monitoring of patients who underwent cardiac surgery. Herein, we describe the INVOS trend during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in a cohort of patients operated in our institution for congenital heart disease.Patients and methods: Between December 2009 and March 2010, 40 patients (mean age 8.4 years; range 11 days-60 years) underwent cardiac surgical procedures using CPB. Values of INVOS cerebral parameter, pH, oxygen saturation, and CO2 level were collected pre CPB, during cooling, re-warming and weaning, and post CPB. INVOS parameters were evaluated according to CPB priming, age and preoperative oxygen saturation.Results: Patients were divided according to CPB priming (haematic vs clear), age (≤1 vs >1 year of age) and oxygen saturation (≤92% vs >92%). During the operations, the trend demonstrated a reduction in INVOS value at the institution of CPB and a further reduction during the cooling phase in all groups.This has been correlated to the loss of pulsatile flow. However, the value recovered during re-warming, weaning and CPB discontinuation. Cyanotic patients presented a lower cerebral oximetry compared to acyanotic patients during the whole CPB period. Between age and priming groups, we noticed a statistical difference in cerebral oximetry, with a lower value in the younger patients and in the haematic priming group. This might be interrelated because all patients younger than 1 year old always received haematic CPB priming. Conclusions: We demonstrated that cerebral oximetry decreases with the loss of pulsatile flow regardless of the mean arterial pressure and, furthermore, is not directly related to the haematocrit value in patients with reduced pulmonary blood flow. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: Phentolamine administration during open-heart surgery shortens the cooling and rewarming phases of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and hastens weaning from mechanical ventilation and extubation. Data on the effects of phentolamine on cerebral circulation and function in this setting are lacking. This study reports the cerebral effects of phentolamine using blood S100B protein levels and the middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA PI).Methods: Sixty pediatric patients undergoing congenital heart disease repair were randomly assigned to receive either phentolamine 0.2 mg kg(-1) i.v. (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) before the cooling and rewarming phases of CPB. Samples for S100B measurement were collected at seven predetermined time-points before, during and after surgery. MCA PI values were recorded at the same times as sampling.Results: S100B blood levels were higher in the phentolamine-treated group than in controls after rewarming (3.53 +/- 1.88 vs 1.58 +/- 0.53 microg l(-1); p < 0.001), remained persistently higher at the end of surgery (2.95 +/- 0.91 vs 0.79 +/- 0.21 microg l(-1); p < 0.001) and returned to normal ranges 12 h later than in the placebo group (p > 0.05). MCA PI values were also significantly higher at the end of surgery in the phentolamine-treated group (1.83 +/- 0.50 vs 1.22 +/- 0.34; p < 0.01). Cooling and rewarming times were shorter in the phentolamine-treated group (p < 0.01, for all).Conclusion: Despite improved peripheral vasodilatation and perfusion, phentolamine administration in pediatric open-heart surgery is correlated with increased cerebrovascular resistance and brain damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Body mass index (BMI), age, left atrium (LA) dimension and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) have been linked to post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to better define the role of these risk factors.Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated 249 patients (without prior atrial dysrhythmia) undergoing cardiac or aortic surgery. Prior to surgery, the following data were collected: age, BMI, LA diameter, LA area, LVEF, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), creatinine and the presence of arterial hypertension (AH) and diabetes. Intraoperative data such as operation time, total clamp time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and presence of pericardial/pleural effusion were also collected. Only patients without pre- and post-surgery prophylactic anti-arrhythmic therapy were included.Results: Patients with (N = 127, 51%) and without POAF (N = 122, 49%) were compared. No difference was observed for sex, LA diameter, LA area, LVEF, TSH, diabetes and use of ACE inhibitors or statins prior to intervention. Moreover, no difference was observed in terms of operation time, total clamp time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and presence of pericardial/pleural effusion. However, patients with POAF were older (70.6 ± 10.7 vs. 60.4 ± 16.4 years, p = 0.001), had higher BMI (26.8 ± 4.5 vs. 24.9 ± 3.6 kg/m2, p = 0.001), higher baseline creatinine (1.06 ± 0.91 vs. 0.88 ± 0.32 mg/dL, p = 0.038) and a higher frequency of arterial hypertension (73.2% vs. 50%, p = 0.001) and Bentall procedure (24.4% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.023). Multivariate analysis showed that the only independent predictors of POAF were age (OR = 1.05, 95%CI 1.02-1.07, p = 0.001) and BMI (OR = 1.11 95%CI 1.03-1.2,p = 0.006).Conclusions: These findings suggest that advanced age and a higher BMI are strong risk factors for POAF in patients without previous AF even in the presence of comparable LA dimensions and LVEF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Minimization of bleeding to reduce the use of blood products is of utmost importance in cardiac surgery. Statins are known for their pleiotropic effects beyond lipid-lowering properties, and the use of atorvastatin preoperatively is associated with reduced risk of bleeding and blood product use after coronary surgery. However, no studies have investigated if this beneficial effect also extends to aortic valve surgery., Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 1145 consecutive patients undergoing elective primary isolated aortic valve replacement meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected from January 2009 to December 2017 (547 in the atorvastatin group, 598 in the control group). Postoperative bleeding, blood product use, and complications were monitored during hospitalization., Results: Postoperative bleeding was significantly lower in the atorvastatin group compared with the controls in the first 12 h after surgery (372 ± 137 vs 561 ± 219 ml; P = 0.001) and considering overall bleeding (678 ± 387 vs 981 ± 345 ml, P = 0.001). A total of 32.3% of controls and 26.3% of atorvastatin users received packed red blood cells (P = 0.027), and major surgical complications were similar between the groups. Postoperative length of stay was shorter in the atorvastatin group with an average reduction of 1 day of hospitalization (6.0 ± 1.4 vs 6.9 ± 2.1 days; P = 0.001). Postoperative bleeding among the atorvastatin-treated patients was significantly greater in those taking lower doses compared to those taking higher doses of atorvastatin with a 20% between-group difference (P = 0.001)., Conclusions: Preoperative treatment with atorvastatin might reduce postoperative bleeding and transfusion of packed red blood cells in patients undergoing elective isolated aortic valve replacement. This result might translate into faster recovery after surgery and reduced hospitalization costs., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Cardiac surgery induces a systemic inflammatory reaction that has been associated with postoperative mortality and morbidity. Many studies have characterized this reaction through laboratory biomarkers while clinical studies generally are lacking. This study aimed to assess the incidence of postoperative systemic inflammation after cardiac surgery, and the association of postoperative systemic inflammation with preoperative patients' characteristics and postoperative outcomes., Design: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Analysis of the overall population and of propensity-matched subgroups., Setting: Cardiac surgery intensive care unit., Patients: Adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) between June 2016 and June 2017., Interventions: Mixed cardiac surgery operations on CPB., Measurements and Main Results: During the study period, 502 patients underwent cardiac surgery with CPB. One hundred forty-two patients (28.3%) fulfilled SIRS criteria at 24 hours. After performing a multivariate analysis to adjust for the procedure type and preoperative systemic inflammatory reaction syndrome (SIRS) parameters, the occurrence of SIRS was associated inversely with age and extracardiac arteriopathy, and it was associated positively with preoperative white blood cell count. Vasopressors were used more frequently in SIRS patients who further experienced longer mechanical ventilation time and length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). The incidence of a composite outcome including death, transient ischemic attack/stroke, renal replacement therapy, bleeding, postoperative intra-aortic balloon pump insertion, and a length of stay in ICU >96 hours was more frequent in SIRS-positive patients. There was no difference between overall and matched subgroups for in-hospital mortality., Conclusion: In this retrospective study, the clinical signs of SIRS were detected in a substantial percentage of patients who underwent cardiac surgery. The postoperative SIRS criteria were associated with a more complicated postoperative course and higher postoperative morbidity., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Lung dysfunction commonly occurs after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Randomized evidence suggests that the presence of expiratory flow limitation (EFL) in major abdominal surgery is associated with postoperative pulmonary complications. Appropriate lung recruitment and a correctly set positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) level may prevent EFL. According to the available data in the literature, an adequate ventilation strategy during cardiac surgery is not provided. The aim of this study is to assess whether a mechanical ventilation strategy based on optimal lung recruitment with a best PEEP before and after CPB and with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) during CPB would reduce the incidence of respiratory complications after cardiac surgery.Methods/design: This will be a single-center, single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Using a 2-by-2 factorial design, high-risk adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery will be randomly assigned to receive either a best PEEP (calculated with a PEEP test) or zero PEEP before and after CPB and CPAP (equal to the best PEEP) or no ventilation (patient disconnected from the circuit) during CPB. The primary endpoint will be a composite endpoint of the incidence of EFL after the weaning from CPB and postoperative pulmonary complications.Discussion: This study will help to establish a correct ventilatory strategy before, after, and during CPB. The main purpose is to establish if a ventilation based on a simple and feasible respiratory test may preserve lung function in cardiac surgery.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02633423 . Registered on 6 December 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The only curative treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). PEA requires cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) which is associated with a high acute kidney injury (AKI) risk. Circulating endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels are elevated in CTEPH, and ET-1 plays a pivotal role in AKI. Because AKI is burdened by high morbidity and mortality, we aimed to evaluate the association between preoperative ET-1 and the risk to develop AKI in CTEPH individuals who undergo PEA. We also evaluated the association of AKI and ET-1 with kidney function and mortality at 1 year after PEA., Methods: In 385 consecutive patients diagnosed with CTEPH who underwent PEA at the Foundation IRCC Policlinico San Matteo (Pavia, Italy) from January 2009 to April 2015, we assessed preoperative circulating ET-1 by ELISA and identified presence of AKI based on 2012 KDIGO criteria., Results: AKI occurred in 26.5% of the 347 patients included in the analysis, and was independently associated with preoperative ET-1 (p = 0.008), body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.022), male gender (p = 0.005) and duration of CPB (p = 0.002). At 1-year post PEA, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) significantly improved in patients who did not develop AKI [ΔeGFR 5.6 ml/min/1.73 m 2 (95% CI 3.6-7.6), p < 0.001] but not in those with perioperative AKI. AKI (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), preoperative eGFR (p < 0.001) and systemic hypertension diagnosis (p = 0.015) were independently associated with 1-year ΔeGFR. Neither perioperative AKI nor preoperative ET-1 was associated with 1-year survival., Conclusion: Perioperative AKI is associated with higher preoperative circulating ET-1 and it negatively influences long-term kidney function in patients with CTEPH who undergo PEA.

Background: A sutureless aortic valve can be inserted through a right anterior minithoracotomy (RAMT) with consistent decreased cross-clamping time and ease of insertion. We report the experience of RAMT implantation of the 3f Enable (Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, Minn) self-expanding sutureless bioprosthesis, performed in 2 European cardiac surgery centers., Method: From September 2012 to April 2014, a total of 71 patients with severe aortic stenosis were selected to receive an aortic valve replacement via RAMT using the sutureless valve. Hemodynamic parameters and clinical outcome were assessed at discharge and up to 16 months postoperatively., Results: All the patients received the prosthesis with success. One conversion to median sternotomy was necessary, owing to severe pleural adhesions. Overall in-hospital mortality was 2.8%. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamping time were, respectively, 91 ± 29 minutes and 66 ± 19 minutes. Reclamping was necessary in 4 cases (5.6%). Early incidences of grade I or lower paravalvular leakages and pacemaker implantation were, respectively, 4.2% and 5.6%. No paravalvular leakage greater than grade I was registered. The mean follow-up time was 8.1 months; the mean transvalvular gradient was, at discharge and at 6-12 months, respectively, 10.7 ± 4.3 mm Hg and 9.6 ± 3.1 mm Hg. The degree of regurgitation remained stable in all cases. Freedom from all-cause and valve-related mortality was 97% and 99%, respectively, at 1 year., Conclusions: Aortic valve replacement via RAMT with the 3f Enable valve is a reproducible procedure, as it provides satisfactory hemodynamics, and a low valve-related complication rate. Greater experience is needed to compare the performance of the 3f Enable valve with that of other sutureless valves implanted via the same RAMT procedure., (Copyright © 2015 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Triple valve surgery (TVS) is still a challenge for surgeons because of prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and myocardial ischaemic times. The reported operative mortality rate for TVS ranges between 2.5 and 25%; long-term survival is also diminished, with reported survival rates at 5 and 10 years of 75-82 and 61-75%, respectively. The objective of our study is to define early and late clinical outcomes, reporting the initial experience in the treatment of triple valve disease through a minimally invasive approach., Methods: A retrospective, observational, cohort study was undertaken of prospectively collected data on 106 patients who underwent TVS at our institution between October 2001 and June 2013. A total of 101 procedures were done through the standard median sternotomy; however, in 5 patients, the surgical procedure was carried out through a right minithoracotomy. Univariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of early and late survival., Results: The in-hospital mortality rate was 5.6% (6 of 107 patients). Predictors of early mortality were: previous cardiac surgery [odds ratio (OR) 4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-5.2, P = 0.04], preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.8-1.1, P = 0.003), prolonged CPB time (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.04, P = 0.01) and postoperative pulmonary complications (OR 8, 95% CI 5.8-41, P = 0.0001). Five- and 10-year survival rates were 85 ± 3 and 65 ± 9%, respectively. In univariate analysis, diabetes [hazard ratio (HR) 2.5, 95% CI 1-6.2, P = 0.045], preoperative dialysis (HR 3, 95% CI 2-4.7, P = 0.001), unstable angina (HR 4.8, 95% CI 1-18, P = 0.03), preoperative LVEF (HR 0.9, 95% CI 0.8-1.1, P = 0.02), concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.5-5.7, P = 0.006), prolonged CPB time (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.13, P = 0.006), postoperative pacemaker (PMK) implantation (HR 6.2, 95% CI 1.3-18, P = 0.01) and postoperative pulmonary complications (HR 3.3, 95% CI 2.1-7.3, P = 0.002) were found to be significant predictors of late mortality following TVS. The freedom rates from valve-related complications and reoperation at 10 years were 95 ± 2 and 97 ± 2%, respectively. The 10-year freedom rates from thromboembolism and anticoagulation-related haemorrhage were 88 ± 5 and 88 ± 4%, respectively., Conclusions: TVS offers encouraging short-term and long-term patient survival; these good results after TVS in patients with advanced valvular heart disease justify aggressive surgical therapy in these patients. TVS with a minimally invasive approach is feasible and could be another treatment option., (© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study presents a review of our experience with minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) in patients with a previous cardiac procedure performed through a sternotomy over a 10-year period., Methods: From November 2003 to August 2013, 173 patients (age 61.3 ± 12.4 years) underwent reoperative MIMVS through a right minithoracotomy. Previous operations were coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 49; 28.6%), a mitral valve procedure (n = 120; 70.1%), an aortic valve procedure (n = 32; 18.7%), and other operations (n = 14; 8.1%). The mean euroSCORE was 11.2 ± 3.8. The time to redo surgery was 6.9 ± 4.2 years., Results: Procedures were performed with central aortic cannulation in 55 patients (31.7%) and peripheral cannulation in 118 (68.3%). A transthoracic clamp was used in 58 patients (33.5%), an endoaortic balloon in 72 (41.6%), hypothermic ventricular fibrillation in 23 (13.2%), and beating heart in 20 (11.5%). Mean cardiopulmonary bypass and crossclamp times were 160 ± 58 minutes and 82 ± 49 minutes, respectively. Mitral repair was performed in 53 patients (30.6%). Forty-three patients (24.7%) had an additional cardiac procedure. Conversion to sternotomy was necessary in 2 patients (1.1%) and reoperation for bleeding in 11 patients (6.3%). Thirty-day mortality was 4.1% (n = 7). Major morbidities included stroke (n = 11; 6%) and new-onset dialysis requirement (n = 4; 2.3%). The mean blood transfusion requirement was 1.4 ± 1.1 units. Mean follow-up was 3.3 ± 2.6 years. Survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 93.1% ± 1.9%, 87.5% ± 2.7%, and 79.7% ± 3.8%, respectively., Conclusions: Reoperative mitral valve surgery can be safely performed through a right minithoracotomy with good early and late outcomes. The avoidance of extensive surgical dissection, optimal valve exposure, and low blood transfusion are the main advantages of this technique., (Copyright © 2014 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery is a complication influencing postoperative outcome. Preoperative hemoglobin is a predictor of postoperative AKI. We aimed to identify preoperative predictors of Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) and to develop a new risk-scoring system including hemoglobin to better stratify the risk of events., Methods: We evaluated 3288 consecutive patients of the Regional Cardiac Surgery Registry of Puglia operated in 2011-2012. Chronic dialysis and renal transplantation patients were excluded. Primary outcome was post-operative RRT incidence., Results: The study sample was divided in two cohorts: 1642 patients (70 RRT) operated during the year 2011 as derivation cohort and 1646 patients (69 RRT) of the year 2012 as validation. In a multivariable logistic regression model using a stepwise method, six preoperative risk factors were associated with RRT in the derivation cohort: creatinine clearance, preoperative hemoglobin, neurological dysfunction, left ventricular ejection fraction, urgency and combined procedures (discrimination c-index 0.844 and 0.818 in the validation cohort). Scoring system included risk factors obtained from derivation cohort adjusting their relative weight with updated rounded coefficients in the validation cohort: creatinine clearance<50ml/min (1 point), hemoglobin≤12.5g/dl (1 point), left ventricular ejection fraction≤30% (1 point), urgent operation (1 point), emergency-salvage surgery (2 points), and combined procedures (1 point). In both cohorts, outcomes were strongly correlated with score points., Conclusions: Our simple bedside prognostic score demonstrates good performance in predicting RRT. Hemoglobin plays an important role and future studies will clarify if preoperative anemia correction will lead to decreased RRT risk., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of fenoldopam mesylate (dose 0.2 µg/kg/min) in reducing the occurrence of hyperlactataemia (i.e. peak level of blood lactate >2.0 mM/l) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in paediatric cardiac surgery. Hyperlactataemia occurring during CPB for paediatric cardiac surgery is considered an early biomarker of an increased risk of poor outcome., Methods: This was a dose/effectiveness clinical study applying Simon's two-stage optimal design with 5% type I error rate and 90% statistical power. Following parents' written informed consent, 53 children undergoing elective cardiac surgery with CPB between March 2009 and February 2012 were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were children weighing 3-15 kg scheduled for elective cardiac surgery and with expected CPB time of 60-180 min. Patients requiring surgery with total circulatory arrest were excluded. All patients received fenoldopam infusion at a dose of 0.2 µg/kg/min from the beginning of surgery until the end of CPB., Results: The primary end-point was the evaluation of response to fenoldopam, i.e., blood lactate levels ≤2.0 mM/l. A total of 53 children, median age 5.7 months (range 11 days to 48 months) were enrolled. In the first stage, 18 of 19 (95%) children achieved normalization of lactate values. Then the study was continued to stage II by enrolling an additional 34 patients. At study conclusion, 96.2% of patients showed normalized lactate values. Fenoldopam infusion was well tolerated in all patients. No adverse events were observed., Conclusions: In this study, fenoldopam at a dose of 0.2 µg/kg/min was well tolerated in paediatric patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with CPB. In 96.2% of patients, infusion of fenoldopam was associated with intraoperative blood lactate <2.0 mM/l., (© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has a risk of embolic injury with an important role of gaseous micro-bubbles (GMBs), coming from CPB-circuit. Pulsatile perfusion (PP) can provide specific conditions for supplementary GMB-activity with respect to non-pulsatile (NP). We aimed to test GMB-filtering properties of three modern oxygenators under pulsatile and non-pulsatile conditions., Methods: Seventy-eight patients undergoing on-pump myocardial revascularization were randomized prospectively into three equal groups according to the oxygenator model used during CPB. Terumo Capiox-FX25, Sorin Synthesis or Maquet Quadrox-i-Adult membrane oxygenators were tested. Each group was divided equally to undergo PP or NP. GMBs were counted by means of a GAMPT-BCC200 bubble-counter with two probes placed at preoxygenator and arterial post-filter positions. Results were evaluated in terms of GMB-volume, GMB-number, amount of large over-ranged GMBs, a series of filtering indices and major neurological outcomes., Results: PP decreased GMB-filtering properties of the tested oxygenators. Those with integrated filters (CAPIOX-FX25 and SYNTHESIS) did not show significant differences between perfusion groups, while QUADROX-i oxygenator with external arterial filter showed significantly higher GMB-volume (P < 0.001), GMB-number (P < 0.001) and amount of over-ranged bubbles (P < 0.001) detected in arterial line during PP. Despite the differences in filtering capacity of all circuits with both types of perfusion, no important differences in clinical outcomes and major neurological events were observed., Conclusions: Pulsatile flow decreases gaseous micro-bubble filtering properties of oxygenators without integrated arterial filters during CPB. PP requires specially designed circuit components to avoid the risk of additional GMB delivery.

Aortic false aneurysm is a rare complication after cardiac surgery. In recent years, improved results have been reported in regard to the surgical management of these high-risk lesions. We retrospectively examined 28 consecutive cases (in 27 patients) of postsurgical aortic false aneurysm diagnosed at our institution from May 1999 through December 2011. Twenty-four patients underwent reoperation. Cardiopulmonary bypass was instituted before sternotomy in 15 patients (63%). Isolated repair of the aortic false aneurysm was performed in 15 patients. Four patients (including one who had already undergone repeat false-aneurysm repair) declined surgery in favor of clinical monitoring. Eleven patients were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. In the other 16, the main cause was infection in 7, and previous operation for acute aortic dissection in 9. The in-hospital mortality rate was 16.6% (4 patients, 3 of whom had infective false aneurysms). Relevant postoperative sequelae were noted in 7 patients (29%). The cumulative 1-year and 5-year survival rates were 83% and 62%, respectively. The 4 patients who did not undergo reoperation were alive at a median interval of 23 months (range, 9-37 mo). Two underwent imaging evaluations; in one, computed tomography revealed an 8-mm increase of the false aneurysm's maximal diameter at 34 months. Aortic false aneurysm can develop silently. Surgical procedures should be proposed even to asymptomatic patients because of the unpredictable evolution of the condition. Radical aortic-graft replacement should be chosen rather than simple repair, because recurrent false aneurysm is possible.

Background: We conducted a retrospective study of cyanotic and acyanotic patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass to determine the effect of tranexamic acid on blood loss and blood products administered during the operation in pediatric cardiac surgery., Methods: From January 2008 to December 2011, during 2 different periods, a total of 231 pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (123 cyanotic, 108 acyanotic) were included in this study. A total of 104 patients were in the antifibrinolytic group and exclusively treated with tranexamic acid that was given as a bolus of 20 mg/kg(-1) after anesthetic induction and 20 mg/kg(-1) after protamine. The other 127 patients were in the control group. We analyzed intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of tranexamic acid administration., Results: There were no differences in mortality or operative time, but blood loss in 48 hours was greater in the control group (p=0.0012). A significant difference was found in the amount of intraoperative erythrocyte concentrate transfused (140±55 vs 170±78 mL, p=0.0011) but not in number. The number and amount of erythrocyte concentrate transfused in the first 48 postoperative hours were also greater in the control group (45 vs 77 patients, p=0.012; 100±40 vs 120±55 mL, p=0.0022). There were not many differences in the effect of tranexamic acid between the cyanotic and acyanotic subgroup., Conclusions: This retrospective study provides evidence that tranexamic acid may be used in the field of congenital cardiac surgery effectively., (Copyright © 2012 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In this study we monitored renal, hepatic and muscular oxygen saturations by near-infrared spectroscopy and we evaluated the correlation with variables that could affect tissue oxygenation in 16 paediatric patients during surgical heart procedure. We considered the following phases: 1) basal time (after induction of anaesthesia and before median sternotomy), 2) before starting cardiopulmonary bypass, 3) 15 min after starting it, 4) at half time, 5) 15 min before the end, 6) at the end, 7) 15 min after the end, and 8) 10 min before paediatric intensive care unit admission. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation, serum lactate, haemoglobin, blood gas analysis, and rectal temperature were registered. We found a decrease of all monitored regional saturations (rSO(2)) (cerebral P = 0.006, hepatic P = 0.005) before starting the bypass. After this time, cerebral saturation gradually increased without reaching the basal value; renal and liver saturations increased after starting bypass; muscular rSO(2) increased in the second half (P = 0.005). A statistically significative inverse correlation between cerebral rSO(2) and pH was observed. In conclusion, during paediatric heart surgery a vulnerable period was identified. We underline the necessity to monitor this phase.

Pulmonary hypertension associated with pediatric congenital heart defects is a major cause of postoperative morbidity and death. Sildenafil has been combined with inhaled nitric oxide to treat pulmonary hypertension. We retrospectively studied the pre- and postoperative effects of oral sildenafil as monotherapy in children with pulmonary hypertension who underwent surgery to correct congenital cardiac defects. From September 2005 through November 2009, 38 children with moderate-to-severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (pulmonary arterial/aortic pressure ratio, >0.7) underwent cardiac surgery at our institution. Fifteen patients were given sildenafil (0.35 mg/kg, every 4 hr) orally or through nasogastric tubes 1 week before and 1 week after surgery. Twenty-three patients of comparable medical status were given sildenafil only upon the institution of cardiopulmonary bypass and for 1 week after surgery. Postoperatively, the 15 patients who were given preoperative sildenafil had significantly lower mean pulmonary arterial pressures (25.6 ± 3.1 vs. 30.4 ± 5.7 mmHg; P = 0.005) and pulmonary arterial/aortic pressure ratios (0.35 ± 0.05 vs. 0.42 ± 0.07; P = 0.002) than did the other 23 patients. The preoperative therapy also shortened cardiopulmonary bypass time, mechanical ventilation time, and lengths of intensive care unit and hospital stays. No sildenafil-related hypertensive crises or sequelae occurred. As monotherapy, oral sildenafil in low doses appears to control pulmonary hypertension safely and effectively in children undergoing operations to correct congenital heart defects, particularly when it is given both preoperatively and postoperatively. Further study is warranted.

Background: Severe atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta is a challenging issue potentially affecting indications for surgery, operative choices, and patients' outcome. No standard treatment has emerged to date, and uncertainties persist about criteria for selecting patients and procedures., Methods: Replacement of the atherosclerotic ascending aorta was performed in 64 patients at time of either aortic (n = 49), mitral (n = 21), or tricuspid (n = 7) valve surgery. Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 53 patients, and the majority of patients underwent combined procedures (n = 49). Mean age was 72.0 +/- 7.6 years. The expected operative mortality, by logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation, was 29.0% accounting for ascending aortic replacement and 13.1% disregarding it. Circulatory arrest under deep hypothermia, eventually combined with either retrograde or antegrade brain perfusion, was required in 61 cases., Results: Early death, stroke, and myocardial infarction rates were 10.9%, 6.3%, and 7.8%, respectively. Factors univariately associated with early deaths were preoperative renal failure requiring dialysis (p = 0.001) and longer cardiopulmonary bypass (p = 0.001) and cardioplegia (p = 0.008) times. Cumulative survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 86% +/- 4%, 74% +/- 6%, and 68% +/- 8%, respectively., Conclusions: Replacement of the atherosclerotic ascending aorta can be carried out at acceptable mortality rates despite the high rates of preoperative comorbidity and the significant incidence of postoperative complications., (2010 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The aim of left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) surgery is to eliminate the diskinetic portion of the left ventricle and to restore the patient's clinical condition. This can be obtained with two surgical procedures: linear repair and endoventricular patch technique. We investigated early- and long-term results in patients who underwent both procedures. From January 1980 to December 2004, 158 patients underwent surgical repair of LVA: 86 had linear repair and 72 patch repair. Operative mortality was 6.9%, with no differences between the two groups. Logistic regression revealed older age, higher left ventricular end-diastolic volume, and an ejection fraction (EF) less than 30% as independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality; the type of operation "per se" did not influence the early mortality. At the follow-up extending up to 25 years, there was no statistically significant difference in survival between the two study groups, as well as in New York Heart Association and Canadian Cardiovascular Society classes. Cox regression revealed older age, EF less than 30%, urgent operation, and a history of cerebrovascular accident as independent risk factors for late mortality: the type of operation did not influence mortality at follow-up. We conclude that aneurysm resection associated with myocardial revascularization is the best treatment for LVA. The choice of the technique should be tailored on an individual basis, according to aneurism location, extension, residual ventricular function, and septal involvement.

Severe hemodilutional anemia on cardiopulmonary bypass increases morbidity and mortality after coronary surgery. The present study focuses on the lowest hematocrit values during extracorporeal circulation and on allogenic blood transfusions as mortality and morbidity risk factors. The records of 1,766 consecutive adult patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery at 3 institutions have been analyzed retrospectively for in-hospital mortality and adverse outcomes. Clinical data were from the Italian National Cardioanesthesia Database. Multivariate analysis and analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves were applied. The lowest hematocrit value on cardiopulmonary bypass was an independent risk factor for postoperative low-output syndrome and renal failure. The hematocrit cutoff values were similar for renal failure (23%) and low-output syndrome (24%). Blood transfusions were significantly associated with both renal failure and low-output syndrome. The risk of renal failure doubled when the nadir-on-cardiopulmonary-bypass hematocrit occurred in transfused patients. Anemia upon cardiopulmonary bypass was not associated with death. Our findings confirm that both severe anemia and blood transfusions were significantly associated with renal failure and low-output syndrome.

Objectives: The aim of this report is to describe the rationale of our surgical approach, to explore the best management for complete atrioventricular septal defect associated with the tetralogy of Fallot (CAVSD-TOF), and to present our outcome in relation to the previously reported series., Materials and Methods: Between January 1990 and January 2002, 17 consecutive children with CAVSD-TOF underwent complete correction. Nine patients (53%) underwent previous palliation. Mean age at repair was 2.9 +/- 1.9 years. Mean gradient across the right ventricular outflow tract was 63 +/- 16 mmHg. All children underwent closure of septal defect with a one-patch technique, employing autologous pericardial patch. Maximal tissue was preserved for LAVV reconstruction by making these incisions along the RV aspect of the ventricular septal crest. LAVV annuloplasty was performed in 10 (59%) patients. Six patients (35%) required a transannular patch., Results: Three (17.6%) hospital deaths occurred in this series. Causes of death included progressive heart failure in two patients and multiple organ failure in the other patient. Two patients required mediastinal exploration due to significant bleeding. Dysrhythmias were identified in 4 of 11 patients undergoing a right ventriculotomy versus none of the patients undergoing a transatrial transpulmonary approach (p = ns). The mean intensive care unit stay was 3.2 +/- 2.4 days. Two patients required late reoperation due to severe LAVV regurgitation at 8.5 and 21 months, respectively, after the intracardiac complete repair. The mean follow-up time was 36 +/- 34 months. All patients survived and are in NYHA functional class I or II. The LAVV regurgitation grade at follow-up was significantly lower than soon after operation, 1.1 +/- 0.4 versus 1.7 +/- 0.5 (p = 0.002). At follow-up, the mean gradient across the right ventricular outflow tract was 17 +/- 6 mmHg, significantly lower than preoperatively (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Complete repair in patients with CAVSD-TOF seems to offer acceptable early and mid-term outcome in terms of mortality, morbidity, and reoperation rate. Palliation prior to complete repair may be reserved in specific cases presenting small pulmonary arteries or severely cyanotic neonates. The RVOT should be managed in the same fashion as for isolated TOF; however, a transatrial transpulmonary approach is our approach of choice.

Background: We retrospectively analyzed the hospital mortality and neurologic outcome after surgery on the thoracic aorta with the aid of antegrade selective cerebral perfusion to determine a predictive risk model., Methods: Between October 1995 and May 2002, 462 patients (mean age 62.7 +/- 11.7 years) underwent surgery on the thoracic aorta using antegrade selective cerebral perfusion. The indication for surgery was acute type A dissection in 132 patients (28.6%), degenerative aneurysm in 258 (55.8%), and post-dissection aneurysm in 72 (15.6%). One hundred and forty-one patients (30.5%) were operated on urgently; concomitant procedures were performed in 190 patients (41.1%). The mean cerebral perfusion time was 63 +/- 39 min. Predictors of hospital mortality and neurologic outcome were identified by univariate and multivariate analysis of the preoperative and intraoperative variables., Results: The hospital mortality rate was 10.2%. Stepwise logistic regression identified an urgency status (odds ratio--OR 5.2, p = 0.001), a history of a central neurologic event (OR 4.1, p = 0.007) and coronary artery bypass graft (OR 3.2, p = 0.039) as being independent determinants for hospital mortality. The transient neurologic dysfunction rate was 6.2%. An urgency status (OR 3.4, p = 0.003) and a history of a central neurologic event (OR 5.1, p = 0.002) were independent determinants of transient neurologic dysfunction. An urgency status (OR 6.0, p = 0.011) was the only independent determinant for permanent neurologic dysfunction (3.8%). A cerebral perfusion time > 90 min was not associated with an increased risk of hospital mortality and permanent or transient neurologic dysfunction., Conclusions: Antegrade selective cerebral perfusion proved to be a safe method of brain protection allowing complex aortic repair to be performed with encouraging results in terms of hospital mortality and neurologic outcome.

Background: To describe our experience in the treatment of high risk coronary artery bypass patients and compare patients assigned to on-pump or off-pump surgery., Methods: During a 42-month period 306 high risk (Euroscore > 5) coronary artery bypass patients were consecutively treated at our institution. On the basis of the coronary anatomy and possibility of achieving a complete revascularization, 197 patients were assigned to off-pump and 109 to on-pump operation. Overall mortality was 6.2% (19 of 306 patients)., Results: Although patients treated off-pump had a better cardiac status, no clinical advantages related to the avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass were found in the overall population. Off-pump patients had more early and late cardiac complications, whereas patients operated on-pump exhibited an higher incidence of postoperative systemic organ dysfunction. Off-pump surgery improved in-hospital outcome only in the subset of patients at highest risk., Conclusions: Avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass does not confer significant clinical advantages in all high risk coronary patients; instead, there are particular subsets of patients in whom beating heart surgery can be particularly indicated and others for whom on-pump revascularization appears a better solution. Adaptation of the operation to the single patient is probably the way to improve outcome.

Background: A retrospective study of 444 patients undergoing urgent and emergent coronary artery bypass grafting for acute coronary insufficiency was performed to identify the risk factors for hospital death specifically associated with the clinical severity of the acute coronary insufficiency syndrome., Methods: The patients were divided into three groups-urgent, emergent A, and emergent B-on the basis of the evolution of the clinical pattern of the acute coronary insufficiency syndrome on full medical treatment. The three categories were defined as follows: urgent (257 patients), surgical revascularization could be delayed for 24 to 36 hours after surgical consultation because of adequate control of ischemia; emergent A (127 patients), prompt myocardial revascularization was required because medical treatment achieved only transient regression of an unrelenting ischemic pattern; and emergent B (60 patients), prompt myocardial revascularization was required because the acute coronary insufficiency was entirely refractory to medical treatment., Results: Mortality rates were 7.4% for the urgent group, 13.4% for the emergent A group, and 31.7% for the emergent B group. Multivariate analysis identified the following as risk factors for hospital mortality: ejection fraction (p = 0.023) and aortic cross-clamp time (p = 0.10) for the urgent group; aortic cross-clamp time (p = 0.017), ejection fraction (p = 0.03), and nonuse of blood cardioplegia (p = 0.04) for the emergent A group; and cardiogenic shock (p = 0.00), preoperative ischemic interval (p = 0.00), aortic cross-clamp time (p = 0.018), and nonuse of blood cardioplegia (p = 0.012) for the emergent B group., Conclusions: A more exact definition of patient risk can be achieved when predictive outcome models are constructed using the risk factors specifically related to each level of clinical severity of the ischemic syndrome.

A set of 13 extensively used hemodynamic, ventilatory and gas analysis variables are measured (on-line or off-line) on 200 patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) during the 6 h immediately following cardiac surgery. In order to identify both low- and high-risk patterns, a clustering method is applied to these data at three equidistant observation times. Application of the divergence criterion allows a quantitative evaluation of the diversity between the clusters identified, showing that the two patterns are really distinct in the 13-D space. The same criterion is then used to find possible subsets of variables capable of maintaining, in time, an effective separation power. The latter always include the cardiac index (CI), representative of cardiac performance, and two indices related to respiratory efficiency and metabolic rate, i.e., the carbon dioxide production index (VCO2I) and the arterio-venous oxygen difference (avO2D).