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Chronic DeBakey III aortic dissection is typically managed with open aortic reconstruction. Thoracic endovascular aortic grafting (TEVAR) has been attempted in patients with chronic DeBakey III with improved outcomes over medical management, however with frequent failures. This study investigates factors associated with positive aortic remodeling from a large aortic center.Three-dimensional reconstructions (M2S, West Lebanon, NH) of computed tomography angiography scans of 48 patients who underwent TEVAR from 2005 to 2015 were analyzed. The dissection was characterized, and measurements were obtained from preoperative and postoperative scans at four time points. Standard univariate Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze continuous and ordinal/nominal data, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was performed.In a multivariate logistic model, having fewer than two visceral vessels off the true lumen was a negative predictor of total thrombosis (odd ratio [OR] 0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.01 to 0.84, p = 0.04). In a logistic model that predicted total thrombosis in zones 3 and 4, maximum diameter 2 cm above the celiac axis was a significant negative predictor (OR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.99, p = 0.05). In a model that predicted failure of the maximum overall diameter of the descending aorta to regress within 1 year after TEVAR, maximum overall diameter preoperatively (OR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.29, p = 0.03) and tear location on the greater curve (OR 18.1, 95% CI: 1.3 to 243, p = 0.03) were significant positive predictors.TEVAR is feasible in chronic dissection but is limited by complex dissection-related anatomy. Increasing number of visceral vessels off the false lumen, maximum preoperative aortic size, and location of the primary tear on the greater curve were associated with poorer remodeling.

Type A aortic dissection is a surgical emergency with mortality approaching 60 % when treated with medical therapy alone. Survival benefit has been consistently demonstrated with emergent surgical repair; however, overall mortality is still reported to be as high as 25 %. Type A aortic dissection most commonly arises from a primary intimal tear just distal to the coronary ostia, followed by primary aortic arch tear. Less commonly, retrograde type A dissection (RTAD) can arise from a primary intimal tear in the descending aorta with retrograde propagation into the ascending aorta. RTAD are categorized as spontaneous or iatrogenic. Spontaneous RTAD account for approximately 10 % of all acute type A dissections. Iatrogenic RTAD have become a topic of increased interest due to their occurrence after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B descending thoracic aortic (DTA) dissections and aneurysms. In addition, open surgical repair of RTAD carries increased perioperative morbidity and mortality due to the necessity of replacing the aortic arch in order to cover the primary dissection flap. Some clinicians have advocated treating RTAD in a similar fashion to type B dissection where the mainstay of treatment is medical management with or without TEVAR. Studies comparing medical and surgical therapies have demonstrated improved medium term outcomes RTAD compared to antegrade dissections. The studies suggest that medical management may be suitable in select patients who have (1) no malperfusion syndromes, (2) false lumen thrombosis, (3) no aneurysmal disease, and (4) no rupture. No long term data is available comparing retrograde versus antegrade aortic dissection, thus, the true natural history is unclear. In this report, we review the current literature on the management strategies of RTAD and provide our institutional approach in treating this complex aortic pathology

Background Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has been utilized as a rescue strategy for patients with cardiac arrest unresponsive to conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Objective We sought to describe our institution's experience with implementation of ECLS for out-of-hospital and emergency department (ED) cardiac arrests. Our primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. Methods Consecutive patients placed on ECLS in the ED or within one hour of admission after out-of-hospital or ED cardiac arrest were enrolled at two urban academic medical centers in the United States from July 2007–April 2014. Results During the study period, 26 patients were included. Average age was 40 ± 15 years, 54% were male, and 42% were white. Initial cardiac rhythms were ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia in 42%. The average time from initial cardiac arrest to initiation of ECLS was 77 ± 51 min (range 12–180 min). ECLS cannulation was unsuccessful in two patients. Eighteen (69%) had complications related to ECLS, most commonly bleeding and ischemic events. Four patients (15%) survived to discharge, three of whom were neurologically intact at 6 months. Conclusion ECLS shows promise as a rescue strategy for refractory out-of-hospital or ED cardiac arrest but is not without challenges. Further investigations are necessary to refine the technique, patient selection, and ancillary therapeutics.

Background Acute type A aortic dissection frequently occurs in patients with normally sized aortic roots. The aim of this investigation was to describe the durability of aortic valve resuspension and root repair with a novel technique of reconstruction in type A dissection. Methods From 1993 to 2013, among 629 patients operated on for acute type A dissection 489 (62% male, median age 62 years (53; 73) underwent aortic valve resuspension and reinforcement of the sinus of Valsalva with a Teflon felt neomedia. The median follow-up time was 4.1 years (1.3; 6.8) (2075 patient-years). Results In-hospital mortality was 11% (56/489). Survival was 69% ± 2%, 50% ± 3%, and 36% ± 5% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Freedom from moderate or severe aortic regurgitation was not influenced by the aortic regurgitation grade at the initial operation ( p = 0.131). Freedom from proximal aortic reoperation was 96% ± 1%, 92% ± 2%, and 89% ± 4% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Seventeen patients (3%) required proximal reoperation: 10 for aortic regurgitation, including 3 with concomitant pseudoaneurysm and 2 with root aneurysm; 6 for pseudoaneurysm; and 1 for graft infection. Conclusions Aortic root neomedia reconstruction and valve resuspension can be successfully performed in the majority of patients with type A dissection. The in-hospital mortality is low, and the results are durable.

At our institution, type I bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients with aortic insufficiency (AI) who are candidates for valve preservation are stratified into two groups by aortic root pathology: nonaneurysmal root undergoing primary cusp repair+subcommissural annuloplasty (repair group) vs aneurysmal root undergoing primary cusp repair+root reimplantation (reimplantation group). We report outcomes of this surgical reconstructive strategy for the repaired type I BAV.A retrospective review was performed of 71 patients with a type I BAV undergoing primary valve repair from 2005 to 2012. The repair group (n=40) underwent annular stabilization by subcommissural annuloplasty, and the reimplantation group (n=31) underwent robust annular stabilization provided by root reimplantation.Preoperative characteristics and root anatomy were similar, except for increased root dimensions in the reimplantation group (p0.001). Mortality, stroke, valve reoperation, and pacemaker requirement were zero in both groups. Postoperative peak (19±10 vs 11±5 mm Hg, p0.001) and mean gradients (10±5 vs 5±3 mm Hg, p0.001) favored root reimplantation. Freedom from AI greater than 1+ was 100% in both groups. Mean follow-up was 40 months in the reimplantation group and 38 months in the repair group. At 5 years, overall survival was 100% in both groups. Freedom from aortic reoperation and AI exceeding 2+ were similar in both groups. Freedom from AI exceeding 1+ was significantly better in the reimplantation group (92%±6% vs 62%±10%, p=0.03). The 2-year peak (14±6 vs 19±9 mm Hg, p=0.009) and mean (7±4 vs 11±5 mm Hg, p=0.001) gradients favored root reimplantation.Root stabilization with the reimplantation technique significantly improves the durability of the repaired type I BAV compared with subcommissural annuloplasty. It also provides improved and sustained valve mobility (transvalvular gradients).

Background— Data on outcomes after Stanford type A aortic dissection in patients with Marfan syndrome are limited. We investigated the primary surgery and long-term results in patients with Marfan syndrome who suffered aortic dissection. Methods and Results— Among 1324 consecutive patients with aortic dissection type A, 74 with Marfan syndrome (58% men; median age, 37 years [first and third quartiles, 29 and 48 years]) underwent surgical repair (85% acute dissections; 68% DeBakey I; 55% composite valved graft, 30% supracoronary ascending replacement, 15% valve-sparing aortic root replacement; 12% total arch replacement; 3% in-hospital mortality) at 2 tertiary centers in the United States and Europe over the past 25 years. The rate of aortic reintervention with resternotomy was 24% (18 of 74) and of descending aorta (thoracic+abdominal) intervention was 30% (22 of 74) at a median follow-up of 8.4 years (first and third quartiles, 2.2 and 12.7 years). Freedom from need for aortic root reoperation in patients who underwent primarily a composite valved graft or valve-sparing aortic root replacement procedure was 95±3%, 88±5%, and 79±5% and in patients who underwent supracoronary ascending replacement was 83±9%, 60±13%, 20±16% at 5, 10, and 20 years. Secondary aortic arch surgery was necessary only in patients with initial hemi-arch replacement. Conclusions— Emergency surgery for type A dissection in patients with Marfan syndrome is associated with low in-hospital mortality. Failure to extend the primary surgery to aortic root or arch repair leads to a highly complex clinical course. Aortic root replacement or repair is highly recommended because supracoronary ascending replacement is associated with a high need (>40%) for root reintervention.

ObjectivesPatients often present for aortic root replacement surgery with concomitant mitral valve pathology. Moderate mitral regurgitation is the point of clinical equipoise where the benefits of intervention compared with observation are currently unknown. This study compares outcomes in patients undergoing aortic root replacement surgery who did or did not receive a mitral valve repair for their preoperative moderate mitral regurgitation.MethodsA total of 1316 patients who underwent aortic root replacement surgery between 2000 and 2011 were evaluated, with 104 patients meeting the inclusion criteria by presenting with moderate preoperative mitral regurgitation. A total of 73 patients (70%) received no mitral intervention, and 31 patients (30%) received a mitral repair. Patients underwent preoperative, postoperative, and greater than 6-month follow-up echocardiograms. Average clinical follow-up was 6.5 years.ResultsThe mitral repair group had increased preoperative New York Heart Association III/IV and heart failure, longer crossclamp times, and more postoperative renal failure (P = .0003, P = .04, P

Objective To determine operative outcomes of right mini-thoracotomy mitral valve surgery utilizing port access technology in first-time and reoperative cardiac surgery patients. Methods From 2002 to 2011, 881 patients underwent minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. Of these, 154 patients had previous cardiac operations via sternotomy (Group 1), of which 18 (12%) had two previous operations. Seven hundred and twenty-seven patients had no previous cardiac operations (Group 2). Results Patient demographics were similar in both groups. In Group 1, 76 (49%) patients had previous coronary artery bypass grafting, 13 (8%) had previous aortic valve surgery, and 57 (37%) had previous mitral valve surgery. Preoperative echo findings for Groups 1 and 2 included severe mitral regurgitation (MR) (88%, n = 135; 94%, n = 687), mitral stenosis (MS) (4%, n = 6; 2%, n = 12), MS + MR (8%, n = 13; 4%, n = 28), and ejection fraction (48%, 56%). Operative procedures in Groups 1 and 2 were MV repair (54%, n = 84; 89%, n = 645) and MV replacement (46%, n = 70; 11%, n = 82). Circulatory management techniques for Groups 1 and 2 included endoballoon (75%, n = 116; 79%, n = 576), Chitwood clamp (8%, n = 12; 20%, n = 147), and fibrillatory arrest (17%, n = 30; 0.5%, n = 4). Perioperative outcomes were: stroke: 2.5%, 1.6%; reoperation for bleeding: 5%, 6%; valvular reoperation rate: 0.6%, 2%; aortic dissection: 2.5%, 1%; and wound infection: 0%, 0%. Transfusion requirement was 49% (n = 76) and 31% (n = 232), respectively. Median hospital stay was seven and seven days, respectively. On postoperative echocardiography, 98% (n = 151) and 99% (n = 718) of patients had zero or trace MR (1+) with 100% freedom from MR > 2+. In-hospital mortality was 3% (n = 5) and 1% (n = 8). Conclusions Operative outcomes with minimally invasive mitral valve surgery utilizing port access technology can be performed safely. Stroke rate was higher in the reoperative cases (p = NS) although similar to reports evaluating redo sternotomy in mitral valve cases. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12293 (J Card Surg 2014;29:343–348)

The current standard for noninvasive imaging of acute rejection consists of X-ray/CT, which derive their contrast from changes in ventilation, inflammation and edema, as well as remodeling during rejection. We propose the use of hyperpolarized [1-13 C] pyruvate MRI-which provides real-time metabolic assessment of tissue-as an early biomarker for tissue rejection. In this preliminary study, we used μCT-derived parameters and HP 13 C MR-derived biomarkers to predict rejection in an orthotopic left lung transplant model in both allogeneic and syngeneic rats. On day 3, the normalized lung density-a parameter that accounts for both lung volume (mL) and density (HU)-was -0.335 (CI: -0.598, -0.073) and - 0.473 (CI: -0.726, -0.220) for the allograft and isograft, respectively (not significant, 0.40). The lactate-to-pyruvate ratios-derived from the HP 13 C MRI-for the allograft and isograft were 0.200 (CI: 0.161, 0.240) and 0.114 (CI: 0.074, 0.153), respectively (significant, 0.020). Both techniques showed tissue rejection on day 7. A separate sub-study revealed CD8+ cells as the primary source of the lactate-to-pyruvate signal. Our study suggests that hyperpolarized (HP) [1-13 C] pyruvate MRI is a promising early biomarker for tissue rejection that provides metabolic assessment in real time based on changes in cellularity and metabolism of lung tissue and the infiltrating inflammatory cells, and may be able to predict tissue rejection earlier than X-ray/CT.

Purpose No recipient risk index for in-hospital mortality of patients bridged to lung transplantation (LTP) using ECMOhas been clinically validated. We queried the UNOS database to generate a novel quantitative recipient risk score. Methods Since 2004 a total of 783 patients in the US were bridged to LTP using ECMO. Patients Results 6 pretransplant recipient specific variables were translated into a 26 point scoring system (Table 1). Derivation and validation cohort scores ranged between 0-22 and 0-24, with ROC areas under the curve of 71% and 75%, respectively (Figure 1A, 1B). In both derivation (Figure 1C) and validation (Figure 1D) cohort, each STABLE point increased the odds of in-hospital mortality by 22% (OR 1.22 [1.14-1.31, p Conclusion The STABLE score is a novel and validated tool for recipient risk stratification of patients on ECMO bridge to LTP. High predictive power of in-hospital mortality may aid clinical decision making and organ allocation.

In addition to ischemia and immunologic factors, immunosuppressive drugs have been suggested as a possible contributing factor to the loss of functional islets after allogeneic islet cell transplantation. Using our previously described islet-kidney (IK) transplantation model in miniature swine, we studied whether an islet-toxic triple-drug immunosuppressive regimen (cyclosporine+azathioprine+prednisone) affects the islet engraftment process and thus long-term islet function.Donor animals underwent partial pancreatectomy, autologous islet preparation, and injection of these islets under the autologous kidney capsule to prepare an IK. Experimental animals received daily triple-drug immunosuppression during the islet engraftment period. Control animals did not receive any immunosuppression during this period. Four to 8 weeks later, these engrafted IK were transplanted across a minor histocompatibility mismatched barrier into pancreatectomized, nephrectomized recipient animals at an islet dose of approximately 4500 islet equivalents/kg recipient weight. Cyclosporine was administered for 12 days to the recipients to induce tolerance of the IK grafts and the animals were followed long-term.Diabetes was corrected by IK transplantation in all pancreatectomized recipients on both the control arm (n=3) and the experimental arm (n=4) of the study and all animals showed normal glucose regulation over the follow-up period. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests performed at 1, 2, and 3 or more months after IK transplantation showed essentially equivalent glycemic control in both control and experimental animals.In this preclinical in vivo large animal model of islet transplantation, the effect of triple-drug immunosuppression on islet function does not negatively affect islet engraftment as assessed by the long-term function of engrafted islets.

OBJECTIVES: Primary cusp repair + aortic root reimplantation in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease presenting with root aneurysm with aortic insufficiency (AI) is an effective surgical treatment. We assessed whether the geometric orientation of the repaired BAV into its reimplanted neoroot affects outcomes—180°/180° orientation was compared with the 150°/210° orientation. METHODS: From 2005 to 2012, 66 BAV repairs were performed. This is a retrospective review of all types of Ib/II BAVAI patients undergoing root reimplantation (n= 26) at two different geometric orientations: 180°/180° (n= 11) vs 150°/210° (n= 15). In the 180°/180° group, reimplantation into the neoroot was such that both conjoint and non-conjoint cusps occupied 180° of the annular circumference. In the 150°/210° group, the repaired valve was configured to the more typical native orientation of a type I BAV: the non-conjoint cusp occupied 150°, and the conjoint cusp occupied 210° of the annular circumference. RESULTS: Preoperative characteristics were similar in both groups. In-hospital mortality, stroke, reoperation, renal failure and pacemaker rates were zero in both groups. No patient left the operating room with >1+ AI and one had a peak gradient >20 mmHg. Transvalvular gradients were higher in the 180°/180° group, but not significant (P> 0.05). M.ean follow-ups for the 180°/180° and 150°/210° group were 48 and 33 months, respectively. Actuarial freedom from AI >2+ at 5 years was 100% in both groups. Freedom from AI >1+ at 5 years was 90 ± 10% in the 150°/210° group and 86 ± 13% in the 180°/180° group (P= 0.71). Freedom from peak gradient >20 mmHg was 80% (n =8 ) in the 180°/180° group and 100% in the 150°/210° group at 1-year follow-up. Transvalvular gradients were higher in the 180°/180° group (16 ± 8 vs 10 ± 4 mmHg, P= 0.02; 9 ± 3 vs 5 ± 3 mmHg, P= 0.01). Five-year actuarial survival and freedom from aortic reoperation have remained at 100% in the entire cohort. CONCLUSION: Cusp repair + root reimplantation for BAV type Ib/II AI can be safely performed at either geometric orientation. Conceptually, 150°/210° orientation respects the natural type I BAV anatomy with regard to cusp surface area and leaflet insertion perimeter. The 180°/180° group may have higher transvalvular gradients and smaller coaptation zones than the 150°/210° group. Further followup may reveal the superiority of one geometric orientation over the other.

Aims Limited data exist on the long-term outcome of patients (pts) with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) refractory to conventional therapies undergoing surgical ablation (SA). We aimed to investigate the long-term survival and VT recurrence in NICM pts with VT refractory to radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) who underwent SA. Methods and results Consecutive pts with NICM and VT refractory to RFCA who underwent SA were included. VT substrate was characterized in the electrophysiology lab and targeted by RFCA. During SA, previous RFCA lesions/scars were identified and targeted with cryoablation (CA; 3 min/lesion; target -150 °C). Follow-up comprised office visits, ICD interrogations and the social security death index. Twenty consecutive patients with NICM who underwent SA (age 53 ± 16 years, 18 males, LVEF 41 ± 20%; dilated CM = 9, arrhythmogenic right ventricular CM = 3, hypertrophic CM = 2, valvular CM = 4, and mixed CM = 2) were studied. Percutaneous mapping/ablation in the electrophysiology lab was performed in 18 and 2 pts had primary SA. During surgery, 4.9 ± 4.0 CA lesions/pt were delivered to the endocardium (2) and epicardium (11) or both (7). VT-free survival was 72.5% at 1 year and over 43 ± 31 months (mos) (range 1-83mos), there was only one arrhythmia-related death. There was a significant reduction in ICD shocks in the 3-mos preceding SA vs. the entire follow-up period (6.6 ± 4.9 vs. 2.3 ± 4.3 shocks/pt, P = 0.001). Conclusion In select pts with NICM and VT refractory to RFCA, SA guided by pre-operative electrophysiological mapping and ablation may be a therapeutic option.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been commercially approved in the United States for the treatment of high-risk and inoperable patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. While TAVR has proven benefits with regard to survival and quality of life in studied populations, the procedure is also associated with several well-described complications including stroke, vascular injury, and paravalvular regurgitation. More infrequent complications are less well described. Here, we report the development of new ventricular septal defects after TAVR in 4 patients with left ventricular outflow tract calcification. We discuss imaging and post-TAVR management of these patients.

In transplantation, there is a critical need for noninvasive biomarker platforms for monitoring immunologic rejection. We hypothesized that transplanted tissues release donor-specific exosomes into recipient circulation and that the quantitation and profiling of donor intra-exosomal cargoes may constitute a biomarker platform for monitoring rejection. Here, we have tested this hypothesis in a human-into-mouse xenogeneic islet transplant model and validated the concept in clinical settings of islet and renal transplantation. In the xenogeneic model, we quantified islet transplant exosomes in recipient blood over long-term follow-up using anti-HLA antibody, which was detectable only in xenoislet recipients of human islets. Transplant islet exosomes were purified using anti-HLA antibody-conjugated beads, and their cargoes contained the islet endocrine hormone markers insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin. Rejection led to a marked decrease in transplant islet exosome signal along with distinct changes in exosomal microRNA and proteomic profiles prior to appearance of hyperglycemia. In the clinical settings of islet and renal transplantation, donor exosomes with respective tissue specificity for islet β cells and renal epithelial cells were reliably characterized in recipient plasma over follow-up periods of up to 5 years. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the biomarker potential of transplant exosome characterization for providing a noninvasive window into the conditional state of transplant tissue.

From the *Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, †Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care; and §Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Address reprint requests to John G. Augoustides, MD, Professor Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Dulles 680, HUP, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 191014. E-mail: yiandoc@hotmail.com © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 1053-0770/2601-0001$36.00/0 http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/j.jvca.2016.04.014

An investigation was made as to whether the preoperative aortic annular diameter affects the durability of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) repair in patients who had undergone concomitant root stabilization with subcommissural annuloplasty (SCA) compared to valve-sparing root reimplantation (VSRR).Among a retrospective review of 74 patients who underwent BAV repair between 2005 and 2012,42 had SCA and 32 had VSRR.The preoperative annulus was similar in the two groups (29 +/- 3 mm for SCA; 30 +/- 4 mm for VSRR, p = 0.3). Postoperative aortic insufficiency (AI) gradeor = 1+ was 100%, but five-year freedom from Al grade1+ was lower in the SCA group (62 +/- 10% versus 92 +/- 6%, p = 0.02). On univariate analysis, a preoperative annulus 28 mm was predictive of recurrent Al grade1+ in the SCA group (odds ratio 17.1, p = 0.05), but not in the VSRR group (3.31, p = 0.1). Consequently, SCA patients were evaluated by annular diameter 28 mm (n = 26) versusor = 27 mm (n = 16). Five-year freedom from AI grade1+ was lower for the 28 mm SCA subgroup (52 +/- 10% versus +/-3 +/- 6%, p = 0.02). Given this difference between the SCA subgroups, Al grade1+ in the 28 mm SCA subgroup was compared to VSRR patients with annulus 28 mm ( 28 mm VSRR subgroup, n = 23). The five-year freedom from AI grade1+ was significantly higher in the 28 mm VSRR subgrou+/- (86 +/- 10% versus 52 +/- 10%, p = 0.02), but similaor = Sr in the 27 27 mor = SCA and 527 mm VSRR subgroups (93 +/- 6% versus 100%, p = 0.4).For BAV patients with a preoperative aortic annulus 28 mm, SCA results in inferior midterm outcomes. VSRR or alternative annular stabilization techniques should be considered

Background There is growing interest in aortic valve-sparing and valve repair operations, but the ideal operation and timing of intervention in these generally younger patients undergoing operations for aortic insufficiency (AI) and dilated ascending aorta remains controversial. Methods Root replacements at a single institution from 2002 to 2014 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were age younger than 70 and presence of moderate or greater aortic insufficiency (AI), with or without aortic aneurysm. Of 1,425 root replacements, 220 patients were considered in the final analysis. Results Moderate AI was present in 87 patients and severe AI in 133 patients. The 30-day mortality was 0% in moderate AI patients and 2% (n = 3) in severe AI patients ( p = 0.3). Freedom from reoperation was 95% at 10 years. Severe preoperative AI was associated with worse long-term survival compared with moderate AI (hazard ratio, 2.6; p = 0.04). Patients undergoing root replacement with moderate AI had similar survival compared with the age- and gender-matched United States population (log-rank p = 0.93), whereas patients with severe AI had significantly worse survival (log-rank p = 0.02). Other multivariable predictors of decreased long-term survival were age (hazard ratio, 1.1; p = 0.01) and preoperative renal failure (hazard ratio, 6.9; p Conclusions Elective root replacement operations in patients younger than 70 are associated with low rates of mortality and reoperation, which should be considered the benchmark operation for aortic valve-sparing or repair operations in similar patients. Worse survival was associated with severe AI and older age, suggesting earlier intervention may be an appropriate therapeutic strategy in selected patients.

Assays for T cell receptor excision circles (TREC) have been utilized in human, primate, and mouse models as a measure of thymic activity, but no comparable assay has been described in artiodactyls. We describe the development of the porcine signal joint (sj) TREC assay, and provide a likely reason for previous difficulties in its identification in artiodactyls.Utilizing the homology between the known genomic sequences in sjTREC in human and mouse, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were derived for the putative porcine sjTREC. Primers from the ψJα side of the sjTREC were derived from the known porcine sequence.The sjTREC in two artiodactyls, swine and sheep, was identified using forward primers from the ψJα region, and reverse primers from the putative δ-rec region. Unlike in the detection of primate TRECs, initially the use of similar primers close to the δ-rec failed to yield the sjTREC product. Marching about 800 basepairs into δ-rec, primers derived from a homology region between human and mouse led to the detection of sjTREC. Comparing sjTREC amongst the species revealed highest homology between the two artiodactyls. A quantitative PCR (QPCR) assay of porcine sjTREC was also developed.Identification and analysis of the sjTREC sequences in two artiodactyls suggested why previous attempts at cloning the pig TREC using known sjTREC sequences were unsuccessful. The development of the porcine signal joint TREC assay should enable a more direct quantification of thymic activity in porcine models of transplant biology.

Described here is a technique of right atrial cannulation to establish cardiopulmonary bypass for repairing descending thoracic/aortic arch aneurysms via left thoracotomy. This technique provides satisfactory venous return and can be used for retrograde cerebral perfusion during aortic surgery. The technique is safe and has been extensively used by the authors. Left thoracotomy or thoraco-abdominal incision is used for the repair of aneurysms of distal aortic arch, descending thoracic aorta (DTA) and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA). Safe and effective cannulation is an integral part of the operative repair. The femoral vein is generally cannulated for venous drain- age during these operations. We describe a technique of cannula- tion of the right atrium via a left thoracotomy. TECHNIQUE Left postero-lateral thoracotomy or thoraco-abdominal incision is made depending on the planned operative repair. The diaphragm is divided from its attachment on the chest wall in a circular fashion in patients with thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms. The pericar- dium in opened vertically posterior to the left phrenic nerve from the level of the left inferior pulmonary vein to the diaphragm. Pericardial stay sutures are applied. Intrapericardial portion of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is exposed. Heparin is administered. Direct cannulation of the aorta is carried out. The heart may need to be retracted cranially using a sponge-on-a-holder to expose the IVC. A 3-0 Prolene pledgetted suture (Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ, USA) is used for placing one diamond-shaped purse-string suture on the posterior aspect of the IVC. Ventilation is occasionally discontinued as the expansion of the contralateral lung may interfere during can- nulation. A right-angled wire-reinforced venous cannula (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) is placed via the IVC purse string, with the tip directed cranially, in such a way that the tip of the single- stage cannula lies in the mid-portion of the right atrium. The purse string is tightened, and the cannula is secured to the snugger with a heavy silk tie (Fig. 1A and B). Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is established. A vent is placed in the left ventricle via the base of the left inferior pulmonary vein. A short segment of bypass tubing can be used to connect the arterial and venous lines using suitable connectors if deep hypo- thermic circulatory arrest (DHTCA) is planned. During circulatory arrest, the patient is placed in the Trendelenburg position, arterial line is clamped and the bridging line opened to establish retro- grade cerebral perfusion at a flow rate of near 1.0 l/min maintain- ing central venous pressure at

Objective. As islet transplantation begins to show promise as a clinical method, there is a critical need for reliable, noninvasive techniques to monitor islet graft survival. Previous work in our laboratory has shown that human islets labeled with a superparamagnetic iron oxide contrast agent and transplanted into mice could be detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The potential translation of these findings to the clinical situation requires validation of our methodology in a non-human primate model, which we have now carried out in baboons (Papio hamadryas) and reported here. Research Design and Methods. For islet labeling, we adapted the Food and Drug Administration-approved superparamagnetic iron oxide contrast agent, Feridex, which is used clinically for liver imaging. After partial pancreatectomy, Feridex-labeled islets were prepared and autotransplanted underneath the renal capsule and into the liver. Longitudinal in vivo MRI at days 1, 3, 8, 16, 23, and 30 after transplantation was performed to track the islet grafts. Results. The renal subcapsular islet graft was easily detectable on T2 * -weighted MR images as a pocket of signal loss disrupting the contour of the kidney at the transplantation site. Islets transplanted in the liver appeared as distinct signal voids dispersed throughout the liver parenchyma. A semiautomated computational analysis of our MRI data established the feasibility of monitoring both the renal and intrahepatic grafts during the studied posttransplantation period. Conclusion. This study establishes a method for the noninvasive, longitudinal detection of pancreatic islets transplanted into non-human primates using a low-field clinical MRI system.

Arch surgery remains undoubtedly among the most technically and strategically challenging endeavors in cardiovascular surgery. Surgical interventions of thoracic aneurysms involving the aortic arch require complete circulatory arrest in deep hypothermia (DHCA) or elaborate cerebral perfusion strategies with varying degrees of hypothermia to achieve satisfactory protection of the brain from ischemic insults, that is, unilateral/bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) and retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP). Despite sophisticated and increasingly individualized surgical approaches for complex aortic pathologies, there remains a lack of consensus regarding the optimal method of cerebral protection and circulatory management during the time of arch exclusion. Many recent studies argue in favor of ACP with various degrees of hypothermic arrest during arch reconstruction and its advantages have been widely demonstrated. In fact ACP with more moderate degrees of hypothermia represents a paradigm shift in the cardiac surgery community and is widely adopted as an emergent strategy; however, many centers continue to report good results using other perfusion strategies. Amidst this important discussion we review currently available surgical strategies of cerebral protection management and compare the results of recent European multicenter and single-center data.

In patients with a bicuspid aortic valve presenting with aortic insufficiency (AI) and root aneurysm, we assessed whether outcomes with primary cusp repair with root reimplantation were equivalent to the gold standard Bentall procedures.From 2002 to 2014, 710 patients with bicuspid aortic valve underwent aortic root procedures. Of these, only patients presenting with noncalcified type I bicuspid aortic valve with AI (n = 165) were included to maintain anatomic and physiologic homogeneity between the groups. Aortic stenosis, endocarditis, redo root, and emergency cases were excluded. Patients undergoing valve-sparing root reimplantation (VSRR group, n = 45) were retrospectively compared with those undergoing Bentall root replacement (Bentall group, n = 120).Patients in the Bentall group were older (52 ± 13 vs 46 ± 12 years; p ≤ 0.01) and had a lower ejection fraction (0.53 ± 0.12 versus 0.58 ± 0.08; p0.01), but left ventricular diastolic diameter was similar (58 ± 10 mm versus 57 ± 9 mm; p = 0.5). Thirty-day and in-hospital mortality was zero; in-hospital stroke rate was 0.8% (n = 1) in the Bentall group (0 in the VSRR group; p = 0.54). Permanent pacemaker rate was 6% (n = 7) in the Bentall group (0 in the VSRR group; p = 0.2). On discharge echocardiography, AI grade ≤ 1+ (100%; p = 1) and transvalvular gradients (mean gradient 7 ± 3 versus 6 ± 3 mm Hg; p = 0.14) were similar. Mean follow-up was 7.5 ± 3.2 and 3.4 ± 2.9 years (p0.001). There were 14 transient ischemic attacks or stroke events in the Bentall group, and none in the VSRR group. One patient in each group exhibited AI ≥ 3+. Five-year actuarial survival (100% versus 98% ± 2%; p = 0.8) and freedom from aortic reoperation (98% ± 2% versus 100%; p = 0.8) were similar.In patients with bicuspid aortic valve AI with root aneurysm, primary cusp repair with root reimplantation achieves equivalent midterm outcomes compared with Bentall root replacement.

Objectives: Little is known regarding the functional outcomes of ECMO survivors and the health-related quality of life comparing Arterio-Venous (AV) versus Veno-Venous (VV) ECMO survivors in the current era. Methods: All adults who underwent AV or VV ECMO from 2007 to 2014 and were subsequently discharged alive at a single institution between were surveyed. The survey included the validated SF-36 and EQ-5D-5L questionnaires, and ECMO related outcomes. Results: We surveyed 64 patients including 44 AV and 20 VV ECMO survivors. Patients were discharged home in 59% of cases and to a rehab or another healthcare facility in 41% of cases. One-year survival was 93%. Responses were obtained from 33 patients (54% response rate), including 21 AV survivors and 12 VV survivors. The average age was 46.2 ± 14.6 years. VV ECMO survivors were supported for a longer period of time compared to AV ECMO survivors (10 ± 8.6 days v. 4.71 ± 5.5 days, p = 0.02). AV ECMO survivors had a significantly higher Mental Composite Summary (MCS) compared to VV ECMO survivors (50.4 ± 8.2 v 43.16 ± 10.9, p=0.04). There were no other significant differences in the SF-36 or the EQ-5D-5L scores (Table 1, Figure 1). Of surveyed patients, 41% continue to work and 32% work at their same pre-ECMO job. Rehospitalization occurred in 59% of patients. Only 34% of surviving patients had living wills, with just two patients requesting no mechanical ventilation or ECMO. Conclusions: Functional outcomes among ECMO survivors are generally high and similar between AV and VV ECMO survivors. VV ECMO survivors demonstrated perhaps some areas of lower health-related quality of life with lower SF-36 scores on the Mental Composite Summary.

BACKGROUND Information regarding the longevity of transplanted pancreatic islet grafts could provide valuable information for treatment options. In our previous studies, we showed that isolated autologous pancreatic islets could be labeled with iron oxide nanoparticles and monitored after transplantation using MRI. Here, we report on in vivo monitoring of a secondary damage that occurs at the later stages because of allogeneic immune rejection. METHODS In the proof-of-principle studies, iron oxide-labeled autologous pancreatic islets were transplanted under the renal capsules of nonhuman primates. To demonstrate acute graft loss, the animals were injected with streptozotocin. Graft monitoring was performed by in vivo MRI. Next, iron oxide-labeled allogeneic islets were transplanted into the liver and monitored by MRI after withdrawal of immunosuppression. RESULTS In autologous model, we observed a pronounced drop in graft volume after streptozotocin challenge as assessed by MRI. In allogeneic model of islet transplantation, there was an initial islet loss after the procedure followed by relative stabilization of the graft volume. After immunosuppression was discontinued, there was a noticeable drop in graft volume that gradually continued during the course of the study. Importantly, the loss of graft volume observed on MR preceded the raise in blood glucose. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that in vivo MRI was able to reveal graft volume loss before any changes in blood glucose that can be measured by standard methods. We believe that these results could provide means for clinicians to follow islet fate noninvasively and longitudinally using clinically relevant scanners.

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) after myocardial infarction (MI) is an uncommon but serious complication. Patients refractory to attempts at medical stabilization and requiring emergency surgery have expected mortality rates greater than 50%. We present three cases of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation bridge to surgical repair in patients with multisystem organ failure who would otherwise require emergent cardiac surgery with associated risk and review the literature for mechanical circulatory support for patients with anterior and posterior post-MI VSD.

From the Divisions of Cardiovascular Surgery and Cardiovascular Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa. Disclosures: Authors have nothing to disclose with regard to commercial support. Received for publication Dec 16, 2015; revisions received Feb 11, 2016; accepted for publicationMarch 14, 2016; available ahead of print May 11, 2016. Address for reprints: Prashanth Vallabhajosyula, MD, MS, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, 6 Silverstein, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (E-mail: prashant. vallabhajosyula@uphs.upenn.edu). J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2016;152:622-3 0022-5223/$36.00 Copyright 2016 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcvs.2016.03.047

Eccentric valve deployment after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been associated with abnormal leaflet shear stresses that may accelerate structural valve deterioration (SVD). This phenomenon has not been studied in patients receiving Sapien 3 prostheses. A retrospective cohort

Background: Patients with a very low ejection fraction (EF) have been excluded from major TAVR trials. As a consequence, the safety and efficacy of TAVR in this cohort remains uncertain. In this study, patients with pre-TAVR EF≤20% were analyzed to determine survival and effects on cardiac

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as an alternative to high-risk surgery in patients with comorbid conditions. The role of TAVR in patients with liver disease has not been examined.We examined the procedural and intermediate to long-term follow-up outcomes of patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis and chronic liver disease, identified by liver biopsy or from a combination of clinical findings. All patients were treated with balloon-expandable transfemoral (TF) or transapical (TA) TAVR between November 2007 and February 2014.A total of 17 of 706 (2.41%) patients treated at our institution with TF [n=14] or TA [n=3] TAVR had chronic liver disease (mean age 77.65±9.06 years, 7 women, mean STS score 8.37, mean Charlson score 5.00, mean MELD score 11.35, Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) Class A [n=11], B [n=6], C [n=0], biopsy proven liver disease [n=5]). Median follow-up was 466 days (range=12-1,403 days). The mean post-procedure length of hospital stay was 5.88±3.08 days. Procedural success was achieved in all cases. In-hospital mortality was 5.88% and 90-day mortality was 17.65%. Safety and efficacy endpoints as defined by the valve academic research consortium (VARC) were significant for one perioperative death from a proximate cardiac cause (post-operative day 14), one death after hospital discharge of unknown cause (post-operative day 12), two late deaths from non-cardiac causes (post-operative days 50 and 487, respectively), and one late death of unknown cause (post-operative day 1,005). There were no life-threatening or major bleeding complications. One patient had an MI, one had a transient ischemic attack, four had transient, Stage I, acute kidney injury and one had transient, Stage II, acute kidney injury.TF and TA TAVR are feasible methods for treating aortic stenosis in patients with chronic liver disease. In patients with mild to moderate chronic liver disease there are acceptable rates of early and late complications, however, outcomes in patients with advanced liver disease (MELD20 or CTP class C) warrant further study.

Valve-sparing root reimplantation (VSRR) in tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) patients is well established, but in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients, it has been less widely adopted. We assessed whether valve type affects midterm outcomes with VSRR.A retrospective review was performed of 186 patients who underwent an aortic valve-sparing root reimplantation operation between 2004 and 2013. Of these, 129 patients underwent elective VSRR with the David V technique. Outcomes were compared in this cohort by valve type: TAV (n = 89) versus BAV (n = 40).Demographics were similar in the 2 groups. BAV patients had a higher degree of aortic insufficiency (AI) at presentation (P .05), and an enlarged preoperative annulus (30 ± 4 vs 28 ± 6 mm, P = .06). All BAV patients required primary leaflet repair (6% in the TAV group; P .01). Postoperative mortality (0), stroke (0% vs 1%), and pacemaker requirement (0% vs 5%) were similar. Postoperative freedom from AI grade ≥2+ was 100% in the entire cohort, and transvalvular gradients were similar. At follow-up, a 1-year echocardiogram showed higher peak and mean transvalvular gradients in the BAV group (P .01). One TAV group patient died from an unknown cause. The 5-year actuarial freedom from aortic valve reoperation was 100% versus 97% ± 3% (P = .6). Three patients in the entire cohort have had AI grade2+ on follow-up (n = 1 in the BAV group; n = 2 in the TAV group).Even though BAV patients present with higher AI grade and require concomitant primary valve repair, the VSRR David V technique offers excellent midterm outcomes with both the BAV and TAV valve types.

Background— Vascular complications after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement are common and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Little is known about the effect of access approach on vascular complications. Methods and Results— Between 2007 and 2013, 331 patients underwent transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement via open surgical (OS) or fully percutaneous (PC) approaches. Patient data and clinical outcomes were collected. Valve Academic Research Consortium–defined vascular complications were noted. Multivariable analysis with propensity matching was performed, and vascular complications, mortality, and length of stay were assessed. One hundred twenty patients were treated with the OS approach and 211 patients via the PC approach. There were fewer major vascular complications (11% versus 20%; P =0.03) and shorter length of stay (7.5 versus 9.9 days; P =0.003) in the PC group when compared with those in the OS group. In multivariable analysis, vascular complications were more likely in women (odds ratio, 2.2; P =0.02) and with increasing differences between sheath outer diameter and minimal artery diameter (overall vascular complications: odds ratio, 1.4; P =0.02 and major vascular complications: odds ratio, 2.0; P P =0.73) but significantly reduced length of stay in the PC group (7.9 versus 10.0 days; P =0.04). Conclusions— Transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement performed via the PC route is associated with similar risk of vascular complications and significantly lower postprocedural length of stay than the OS route. The degree of sheath oversizing with respect to iliofemoral minimal artery diameter and female sex are associated with vascular complications regardless of access approach.

OBJECTIVES: Aortic dissection DeBakey type I and II may require distal reinterventions after initial proximal repair. We evaluated outcomes following open versus endovascular approaches to distal aortic pathologies after surgery for acute dissection. METHODS: One hundred and forty-one consecutive patients underwent 152 distal reinterventions after previous type I or II dissection repair [63 (first quartile, 55; third quartile, 72) years old; initially 86% DeBakey type I; 54% hemiarch, 39% isolated ascending, 7% total arch replacement] at two tertiary centres in the USA and Europe over the last 14 years. Among them, 56 and 85 required reintervention for the aortic arch and the descending aorta, respectively. The median follow-up was 2.1 (first quartile, 0.8; third quartile, 5.8) years (439 patientyears). RESULTS: The median time between acute aortic dissection repair and descending aortic reintervention was longer in the open group (2.7 (first quartile, 0.8; third quartile, 6.7) vs 0.6 (first quartile, 0.1; third quartile, 3.5) years, P< 0.01). There was one irreversible spinal ischaemia in the open and one stroke in the endovascular group. Two patients in the open and none in the endovascular group required re-exploration for bleeding. Two open and 4 endovascular patients required more than 1 distal reintervention (6 vs 8%, P= 1). Descending aortic open-repair patients experienced higher in-hospital mortality (23 vs 0%, P< 0.01) and lower survival at 1 and 5 years (74 ± 8% vs 96 ± 3%, 65 ± 9% vs 92 ± 5%, P< 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular intervention for descending aortic pathologies after DeBakey type I or II dissection surgical repair is associated with lower in-hospital mortality and better survival, and does not raise the likelihood of later reinterventions at the mid-term follow-up.

Data on outcomes of surgery for chronic Stanford type A aortic dissection are limited. We investigated the primary surgery and long-term results in patients with chronic dissection of the native ascending aorta.Between 1993 and 2013, among 696 patients (median age, 61 years [first quartile, 50; third quartile 73 years]; 64% males) who underwent surgery for type A dissection, 67 (10%) had chronic dissection by traditional criteria (14 days). Median follow-up was 4.1 years (first quartile, 1.9; third quartile, 7.3 years; 3,105 patient-years).Patients with chronic dissection more frequently had undergone previous cardiac surgery (37% versus 9%; p0.001) and more frequently had bicuspid aortic valve syndrome (19% versus 7%; p0.001) and larger ascending aortic diameter (6.0 cm [first quartile 5.2; third quartile 7.2 cm] versus 4.9 cm [first quartile, 4.5; third quartile, 5.7 cm]; p0.001). Aortic dissection extended beyond the aortic arch less frequently in chronic dissection patients (27% versus 70%; p0.001). Moderate to severe aortic insufficiency rate was higher in chronic group (65% versus 36%; p0.001); they required aortic root replacement more frequently (42% versus 18%; p0.001) and had lower in-hospital mortality (4.5% versus 13.2%; p = 0.062). Resection of all dissected aortic tissue was achieved in 73% chronic and 30% acute dissection patients. Overall survival was better in the chronic group with 80% ± 5% versus 68% ± 2% at 5 years and 64% ± 13% versus 49% ± 3% at 10 years (log rank p = 0.021).Patients with chronic and acute type A dissection differ substantially in presentation, management, and outcome. Replacement of all dissected aortic tissue can be performed safely in the majority of patients with chronic type A dissection.

Objective Although endovascular repair has been widely adopted for treatment of descending thoracic aortic pathologies, its role in ascending aortic pathologies remains undefined. We reviewed our experience with endovascular repair of ascending aortic pathologies in patients facing high or prohibitive risk with open surgical treatment. Methods From 2007 to 2013, 6 patients (aged 16-90 years) underwent endovascular repair (pseudoaneurysm, n = 4; acute type A aortic dissection, n = 2). Their records were retrospectively reviewed. Results All patients had extensive comorbidities or anatomic features making an open surgical approach high risk. Three cases were done on an emergency basis (aortic dissection, n = 2; ruptured pseudoaneurysm, n = 1). Ascending aortic access was obtained through transapical (n = 4), transfemoral (n = 1), and left common carotid artery (n = 1) approaches. Cook Zenith TX2 (n = 4), Cook EVAR iliac limb (n = 1), and Amplatzer occluder (n = 1) devices were used, with 3 patients requiring more than 1 stent-graft. Stent-graft lengths ranged from 55 to 81 mm; diameters ranged from 22 to 40 mm. Technical success was achieved in 5 cases (83%); 1 patient (type A dissection) had an intraoperative endoleak not amendable to further endovascular repair. In-hospital and 30-day mortalities were zero. One patient sustained a minor stroke, which reversed completely. Stay ranged from 5 to 15 days. On follow-up, 1 patient (type A dissection) had an endoleak at 12 months. Two patients died of nonaortic causes at 6 and 27 months after endovascular repair. Conclusions Endovascular repair of ascending aortic pathology is feasible in patients facing high risk with open surgery, with promising early results. Technical challenges remain in adapting current endovascular technology to ascending aortic pathologies, particularly type A aortic dissection.