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Objectives: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) is increasingly used due to its beneficial outcomes and results compared with conventional CPR. Data after eCPR for acute kidney injury (AKI) are lacking. We sought to investigate factors predicting AKI in patients who underwent eCPR. Methods: From January 2016 until December 2020, patients who underwent eCPR at our institution were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups: patients who developed AKI ( n = 60) and patients who did not develop AKI ( n = 35) and analyzed for outcome parameters. Results: Overall, 63% of patients suffered AKI after eCPR and 45% of patients who developed AKI needed subsequent dialysis. Patients who developed AKI showed higher values of creatinine (1.1 mg/dL vs 1.5 mg/dL, p ⩽ 0.01), urea (34 mg/dL vs 42 mg/dL, p = 0.04), CK (creatine kinase) (923 U/L vs 1707 U/L, p = 0.07) on admission, and CK after 24 hours of ECMO support (1705 U/L vs 4430 U/L, p = 0.01). ECMO explantation was significantly more often performed in patients who suffered AKI (24% vs 48%, p = 0.01). In-hospital mortality (86% vs 70%; p = 0.07) did not differ significantly. Conclusion: Patients after eCPR are at high risk for AKI, comparable to those after conventional CPR. Baseline urea levels predict the development of AKI during the hospital stay.

Objectives Simultaneous mechanical circulatory support (MCS) with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is common in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS). This study aimed to analyse the effect of concomitant ECMO and IABP therapy on the short-term outcomes of patients with PCS. Methods Between March 2006 and March 2017, 172 consecutive patients with central (c) or peripheral (p) veno-arterial ECMO therapy due to PCS were identified at the current institution and included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into ECMO+IABP and ECMO alone groups. Further, the impact of ECMO flow direction was analysed for the groups. Results A total of 129 patients received ECMO+IABP support and 43 patients were treated with ECMO alone. Median ECMO duration did not differ between the groups (68 [34; 95] hours ECMO+IABP vs 44 [20; 103] hours ECMO; p=0.151). However, a trend toward a higher weaning rate was evident in ECMO+IABP patients (75 [58%] ECMO+IABP vs 18 [42%] ECMO; p=0.078). Concomitant IABP support with either cECMO (73% [n=24] cECMO+IABP vs 50% [n=11] ECMO; p=0.098) or pECMO (57% [n=55] ECMO+IABP vs 33% [n=7] ECMO; p=0.056) was also associated with a trend toward a higher weaning rate off ECMO. In-hospital mortality did not differ between the groups. Conclusion This analysis found that, independent of ECMO type, additional IABP support might increase ECMO weaning; however, it did not influence survival in PCS patients. Larger studies are necessary to further analyse the impact of this concomitant MSC therapy on clinical outcomes.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with excellent results in patients with severe aortic stenosis. In highly calcified aortic anuli with increased risk of annulus rupture and in favor of the supra-annular design, self-expandable prostheses are frequently used. In this regard, we aimed to perform a comparative analysis of clinical and 30-day outcomes after TAVR using the self-expanding CoreValve® Evolut R or ACURATE neo™ prosthesis. Methods: Out of 343 consecutive patients treated with either CoreValve® Evolut R or ACURATE neo™ from January 2014 to December 2017, 76 patients were assigned each per group after 1:1 propensity score matching in regard of preoperative characteristics. Pre- and periprocedural outcomes were retrospectively collected and assessed. Outcomes at 30 days are reported according to the established Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC-2) criteria. Results: Device success and 30-day survival accounted for 93.4% ( n = 71), respectively 97.4% ( n = 74) in both groups (p = 1.00). No statistically significant differences regarding clinical parameters were observed. The combined safety endpoint at 30 days was comparable (84.2% ( n = 64) CoreValve® vs 85.5% ( n = 65) ACURATE neo™; p = 0.848). Except a trend toward higher stroke (p = 0.08) and pacemaker (p = 0.07) rate in the CoreValve® group, major vascular complications, incidence of life-threatening or disabling bleeding, and incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury were comparable. Postoperative hemodynamic parameters showed no significant differences between the implanted valves. Conclusion: Both self-expandable prostheses showed good postoperative hemodynamic performance with a low incidence of severe paravalvular leakage, all- cause mortality, and comparable clinical outcomes.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) plays an important role as a life-saving tool for patients with therapy-refractory cardio-respiratory failure. Especially, for rare and infrequent indications, scientific data is scarce. The conducted paper focuses primarily on our institutional experience with a 19-year-old patient suffering an acute chest syndrome, a pathognomonic pulmonary condition presented by patients with sickle cell disease. After implementation of awake ECMO therapy, the patient was successfully weaned off support and discharged home 22 days after initiation of the extracorporeal circulation. In addition to limited data and current literature, further and larger data sets are necessary to determine the outcome after ECMO therapy for this rare indication.

Background: Gender is known to influence the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of the coronary vascular disease. Data on gender-related differences in patients with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock is lacking in current literature. We aimed to analyze the impact of gender on intraoperative and short-term outcomes of vaECMO patients after coronary surgery and postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. Methods: Between 2006 and 2017, a total of 92 patients with PCS after CABG underwent vaECMO-implantation at our institution. After a 1:1 propensity score match (PSM) for relevant preoperative data, we identified a cohort of 32 patients, 16 males, and 16 females. Periprocedural and short-term outcome data were analyzed with respect to sex differences. Results: The mean age was 64 ± 11 years, and 79% ( n = 73) were male patients. Clinical outcomes showed a 30-day all-cause mortality of 64% ( n = 59). After PSM, male patients showed a significantly smaller number of arterial grafts (0.4 ± 0.53 male vs 1.1 ± 0.7 female; p = 0.037). Thirty-day all-cause mortality did not differ between the groups (56% male vs 75% female; p = 0.262). In general, short-term outcome data were comparable without significant differences for the matched groups. Conclusion: Gender has no impact on patients with vaECMO therapy due to PCS in isolated coronary surgery.

Objectives Central or peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (va ECMO) is widely used in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS). Available data suggest controversial results for both types. Our aim was to investigate PCS patients treated with either peripheral (pECMO) or central ECMO (cECMO) concerning their outcome. Methods Between April 2006 and October 2016, 156 consecutive patients with va ECMO therapy due to PCS were identified and included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into cECMO and pECMO groups. Statistical analysis of risk factors concerning 30-day mortality of the mentioned patient cohort was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics. Results Fifty-six patients received cECMO and 100 patients were treated with pECMO due to PCS. In the group of cECMO peripheral vascular disease was significantly more present (cECMO 19 [34%] vs pECMO 14 [14%]; P < .01). On-site ECMO complications occurred significantly more frequent in patients treated with cECMO (cECMO 44 [79%] vs pECMO 54 [54%] g/dL; P < 0.01). More often cECMO patients required a second look operation due to mediastinal bleeding (cECMO 52 [93%] vs pECMO 61 [61%] g/dL; P < .01). Thirty-day mortality was comparable with nearly 70% in both cohorts (cECMO 39 [70%] vs pECMO 69 [69%]; P = .93). Conclusion Patients supported by cECMO or pECMO due to refractory PCS did not show significant differences in 30-day mortality, despite a lower incidence of on-site ECMO complications and re-exploration in pECMO patients. PCS itself is associated with high mortality and peripheral cannulation might help to save resources compared with central cannulation.

Background The role of conventional surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is increasingly questioned since the indication for transcatheter aortic valve implantations (TAVIs) is currently extended. While the number of patients referred to SAVR decreases, it is unclear if SAVR should be performed by junior resident surgeons in the course of a heart surgeons training. Methods Patients with isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) were analyzed with respect to the surgeon's qualification. AVR performed by resident surgeons was compared with AVR by senior surgeons. The collective was analyzed with respect to clinical short-term outcomes comparing full sternotomy (FS) with minimally invasive surgery and ministernotomy (MS) with right anterior thoracotomy (RAT) after a 1:1 propensity score matching. Results The 30-day all-cause mortality was 2.3 and 3.4% for resident versus senior AVR groups, cerebrovascular event rates were 1.1 versus 2.6%, and no cases of significant paravalvular leak were detected. Clinical short-term outcomes between FS and minimally invasive access, as well after MS and RAT were comparable. Conclusion Our current data show feasibility and safety of conventional SAVR procedure performed by resident surgeons in the era of TAVI. Minimally invasive surgery should be trained and performed in higher volumes early in the educational process as it is a safe treatment option.

Background Revascularization strategies might be limited in patients with lack of sufficient bypass graft material and increased risk of wound healing disturbances. In this regard, we present first results of patients treated with left internal mammary artery (LIMA) as T-graft with itself due to left-sided double-vessel disease, elevated risk of wound healing infection, and lack of graft material. Methods Eighteen patients were retrospectively analyzed in this study. All patients received LIMA grafting, and additional T-graft with itself during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. The investigation was focused on intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. Results LIMA-LIMA T-graft was performed in a total of 18 patients. Mean Fowler score accounted for 18.2 ± 2.9. Severe vein varicosis was present in 9 patients, and 38.9% of patients had lacking venous graft material due to prior vein stripping. A total of 2.5 ± 0.5 distal anastomoses were performed. Mean flow of LIMA—left anterior descending anastomosis was 41.72 ± 12.11 mL/min with a mean pulsatility index (PI) of 1.01 ± 0.21. Mean flow of subsequent T-graft accounted for 26.31 ± 4.22 mL/min with a mean PI of 1.59 ± 0.47. Median hospital stay was 7(6.75;8) days. No incidence of postoperative wound healing disorders was observed and all patients were discharged off hospital. Conclusions LIMA as T-graft with itself to treat left-sided double-vessel disease is feasible and safe in patients with missing bypass graft material and increased risk of deep sternal wound infection. Further prospective studies are necessary to confirm our results.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with excellent results in patients with severe aortic stenosis. In highly calcified aortic anuli with increased risk of annulus rupture and in favor of the supra-annular design, self-expandable prostheses are frequently used. In this regard, we aimed to perform a comparative analysis of clinical and 30-day outcomes after TAVR using the self-expanding CoreValveOut of 343 consecutive patients treated with either CoreValveDevice success and 30-day survival accounted for 93.4% (Both self-expandable prostheses showed good postoperative hemodynamic performance with a low incidence of severe paravalvular leakage, all- cause mortality, and comparable clinical outcomes.

Background Prognosis of patients with end-stage heart failure is known to be impacted by the aetiology of heart failure (HF). Ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are the most frequent pathologies necessitating ventricular assist device (VAD) support in these patients. However, the specific impact of ICM and DCM in clinical outcomes after VAD implantation remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse clinical differences in ICM and DCM patients after LVAD surgery from the current institution. Methods All consecutive patients from the LVAD centre were included in this retrospective study. To analyse specific differences in in-hospital outcomes, patients were divided into two groups: ICM and DCM. Long-term follow-up was calculated by Kaplan-Meier estimation of survival. Results Between January 2010 and July 2020, 60 consecutive patients underwent LVAD implantation at the institution: 36 patients (60%) were supported due to end-stage ICM and 24 patients (40%) in regard of therapy-refractory DCM. Baseline characteristics showed no between-group differences. The ICM patients showed a clear trend to higher amount of additional cardiac procedures during VAD surgery (36% ICM vs. 12% DCM; p=0.052). In-hospital mortality was comparable between ICM and DCM patients (36% ICM vs. 21% DCM; p=0.206). A trend towards higher frequency of pump thrombosis was seen in DCM patients (p=0.080). Long-term survival was comparable between the groups. Conclusion The aetiology of heart failure did not impact short-term or long-term clinical outcomes after VAD surgery. Multicentre registry data are necessary to substantiate these findings.

Objectives: Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening emergency, typically occurring in older patients and requiring immediate surgical repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate early outcome and short- and long-term survival of patients under and above 65 years of age. Methods: Two hundred and forty patients with Stanford A AAD underwent aortic surgical repair from January 2006 to April 2015 in our center. After statistical analysis and logistic regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival estimation was performed, with up to 9-year follow-up, comprising patients under and above 65 years of age. Results: The proportion of patients above 65 years of age suffering from Stanford A AAD was 50% (n=120). The group of patients above 65 years of age compared to the group under 65 years of age showed statistically significant differences in terms of higher odds ratios (OR) for hypertension (p=0.012), peripheral vascular disease (p=0.026) and tachyarrhythmia absoluta (p=0.004). Patients over 65 years of age also showed significantly poorer short- and long-term survival. Our subgroup analysis revealed that male patients (Breslow p=0.001, Log-Rank p=0.001) and patients suffering with hypertension (Breslow p=0.003, Log-Rank p=0.001) were reasonable for these results whereas younger and older female patients showed similar short- and long-term outcome (Breslow p=0.926, Log-Rank p=0.724). After stratifying all patients into 4 age groups (75years), short-term survival of the patients appeared to be significantly poorer with increasing age (Breslow p=0.026, Log-Rank p=0.008) whereas long-term survival of patients free from cerebrovascular events (Breslow p=0.0494, Log-Rank p=0.489) remained similar. Conclusions: All patients referred to our hospital for repair of Stanford A AAD with higher age had poorer short- and long-term survival, caused by male patients and patients suffering from hypertension, whereas survival of women and survival free from cerebrovascular events of the entire patient cohort was similar, irrespective of age.

Background: Application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pediatric patients with severe heart failure steadily increases. Differentiation of outcomes and survival of diverse pediatric groups is of interest for adequate therapy. Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2016, a total of 39 pediatric patients needed veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in our department. Patients were retrospectively divided into three groups: neonates (30 days/1 year). Early outcomes as well as mid- and long-term survival up to 7-year follow-up were analyzed. Results: Basic demographics significantly differed in terms of age, height, and weight among the groups in accordance with the intended group categorization (p Conclusion: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a lifesaving therapeutic chance for pediatric patients in the setting of either failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass or failed resuscitation from cardiac arrest. A fair part of patients could be saved by using this technology. Survival rate among the groups was similar.

Background: Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening emergency associated with major morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of three different surgical approaches in patients with Stanford A AAD. Methods: From January 2006 to March 2015 a total of 240 consecutive patients with diagnosed Stanford A AAD underwent elective, isolated surgical aortic repair in our centre. Patients were divided into three groups according to the extent of surgical repair: isolated replacement of the ascending aorta, hemiarch replacement and total arch replacement. Patients were followed up for up to 9 years. After univariate analysis multinomial logistic regression was performed for subgroup analysis. Baseline characteristics and endpoints as well as long-term survival were analysed. Results: There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups in terms of demographics and preoperative baseline and clinical characteristics. Incidence of in-hospital stroke ( p = 0.034), need for reopening due to bleeding ( p = 0.031) and in-hospital mortality ( p = 0.017) increased significantly with the extent of the surgical approach. There was no statistical difference in terms of long-term survival ( p = 0.166) among the three groups. Applying multinomial logistic regression for subgroup analysis significantly higher odds for stroke ( p = 0.023), reopening for bleeding ( p = 0.010) and in-hospital mortality ( p = 0.009) for the arch surgery group in comparison to the ascending aorta surgery group as well as significantly higher odds for stroke ( p = 0.029) for the total arch surgery group in comparison to the hemiarch surgery group were identified. Conclusions: With Stanford A AAD the incidence of perioperative complications increased significantly with the extent of the surgical approach. Subgroup analysis and long-term follow up in patients undergoing isolated ascending or hemiarch surgery showed a lower incidence of cerebrovascular events compared with surgery for total arch replacement.

Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with poorer outcomes after aortic valve replacement (AVR). For high-risk patients with complex CAD, combined transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) plus off-pump/minimally-invasive coronary artery bypass (OPCAB/MIDCAB) has been proposed. Methods A prospective registry analysis was performed to compare the characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing TAVR+OP/MIDCAB with those undergoing TAVR plus percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and surgical AVR plus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) between 2008 and 2015 at a single site in Germany. Results 464 patients underwent SAVR+CABG, 50 underwent TAVR+OP/MIDCAB, and 112 underwent TAVR+PCI. The mean ages (p

Aortic valve stenosis is the most common valvular heart disease, with surgical aortic valve replacement being the therapeutic gold standard in the past. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has developed to be a valid therapy option for patients with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis and high surgical risk, as it is deemed to be less invasive and traumatic. Since the first implantation in 2002, rapid developments took place in recent years, not only in regard to technical aspects—new devices and new access sites—but also in indications and patient selection. Currently, it is conflicting if TAVI should also be a therapy option for intermediate- and low-risk patients. However, complications such as paravalvular leakage, stroke, and bleeding events need to be kept in mind and should be addressed in further progressions.

Background Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MECC) technology was applied predominantly in coronary surgery. Data regarding the application of MECC in minimally invasive valve surgery are missing largely. Patients and Methods Patients undergoing isolated minimally invasive mitral or aortic valve procedures were allocated either to conventional extracorporeal circulation (CECC) group ( n = 63) or MECC group ( n = 105), and their prospectively generated data were analyzed. Results Demographic data were comparable between the groups regarding age (CECC vs. MECC: 71.0 ± 7.5 vs. 66.2 ± 10.1 years, p = 0.091) and logistic EuroSCORE I (6.2 ± 2.5 vs. 5.4 ± 3.0, p = 0.707). Hospital mortality was one patient in each group (1.6 vs. 1.0%, p = 0.688). The levels of leukocytes were lower in the MECC group (11.6 ± 3.2 vs. 9.4 ± 4.3 10 9 /L, p = 0.040). Levels of platelets (137.2 ± 45.5 vs. 152.4 ± 50.3 10 9 /L, p = 0.015) and hemoglobin (103.3 ± 11.3 vs. 107.3 ± 14.7 g/L, p = 0.017) were higher in the MECC group. Renal function was better preserved (creatinine: 1.1 ± 0.4 vs. 0.9 ± 0.2 mg/dL, p = 0.019). We were able to validate shorter time of postoperative ventilation (9.5 ± 15.1 vs. 6.3 ± 3.4 h, p = 0.054) as well as significantly shorter intensive care unit (ICU) stay (1.8 ± 1.3 vs. 1.2 ± 1.0 d, p = 0.005) for MECC patients. The course of C-reactive protein did not differ between the groups. Conclusion We were able to prove the feasibility of MECC even in minimally invasive performed mitral and aortic valve procedures. In addition, the use of MECC provides decreased platelet consumption and less hemodilution. The use of MECC in these selected patients lead to a shorter ventilation time and ICU stay.

Objectives Significant coronary artery disease (CAD) is common among patients evaluated for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Only little data exist on outcome of patients undergoing concomitant off-pump coronary revascularization and TAVI. The goal of this study was to analyse the impact of concomitant off-pump revascularization on early clinical outcome and 2-year follow-up of patients undergoing TAVI. Methods A total of 70 patients with significant CAD and aortic valve stenosis were included between January 2011 and January 2016. Decision to perform concomitant off-pump coronary revascularization and TAVI was made by the interdisciplinary heart team according to the SYNTAX score. Prospectively assigned data were analysed retrospectively and follow-up was performed up to 2 years. Results Mean age was 82.2 ± 4.0 years and 43 (61.4%) patients were male. Mean logistic European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation and Society of Thoracic Surgeons European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation score were 35.9 ± 21.9% and 12.2 ± 7.9%, respectively. SYNTAX score was 29.0 ± 12.9. Access site for TAVI was transapical in 60.0% and transaortic in 40.0%. Procedural success was 94.3%. Eighty percent of the patients had none or trace paravalvular leakage after TAVI. Severe complications requiring consecutive surgical aortic valve replacement occurred in 2 patients (2.9%). The use of cardiopulmonary bypass due to haemodynamic instability or conversion to surgical aortic valve replacement was necessary in 7 patients (10.0%). Stroke occurred in 1 patient (1.4%). Re-exploration for bleeding was necessary in 6 patients (8.6%). Thirty-day mortality was 14.3%. Two-year survival was 68.4% (95% confidence interval: 55.7-81.1%). Conclusions Simultaneously performed complete off-pump coronary revascularization is a feasible and valid option in patients with significant CAD undergoing TAVI.

Background Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has proven to be a valid option for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at high perioperative risk, particularly in patients with previous cardiac surgery. Several patients with previous mitral valve surgery were reported to have been successfully treated with TAVI. Case presentation Two patients, one with mechanical and one with biological mitral valve prosthesis, presented with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. After discussion among our multidisciplinary heart team transapical approach and a JenaValve™ prosthesis was used for TAVI. Main reasons were to decrease the perioperative risk, avoid a re-opening of the chest via median sternotomy, and discuss the possible superiority of the JenaValve™ device due to its design. The patients were successfully treated and discharged on the 11th and 14th post-operative day, respectively. Echocardiographic follow up before discharge and up to 2.8 years post-operatively showed excellent results. Conclusions In conclusion, TAVI in patients with preexisting mitral prostheses-mechanical or biological-is feasible, safe, and effective and offers a valid alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement in this particular re-operation scenario. The JenaValve™ device does not interact with the mitral prosthesis and offers therefore due to its unique design a potential advantage.

The case is reported of a symptomatic elderly patient with severe mitral regurgitation, severe aortic valve stenosis, and coronary heart disease. The coronary artery disease had been interventionally treated four years previously with stent implantation into the right coronary artery. Published studies have shown that a combination of mitral and aortic valve surgery is associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality and morbidity, particularly in elderly patients. In the present patient, both valvular malformations were successfully treated with a single-step interdisciplinary approach, namely an initial surgical mitral valve replacement followed by transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MECC) is predominantly used in coronary operations. Data supporting the benefits of MECC in minimally invasive valve operations are still absent. Methods Patients undergoing either isolated minimally invasive mitral or aortic valve procedures were prospectively randomized to a minimally invasive group (MECC; n = 101) or a conventional extracorporeal circulation group (CECC; n = 99). The procedural and postoperative outcomes were compared, including the levels of inflammation factors (procalcitonin, interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, and IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], and interferon-gamma [IFN-γ]). Results The demographics were comparable between the groups regarding age (MECC versus CECC, 70.5 ± 10.2 years versus 73.1 ± 8.9 years; P = 0.086), left ventricular function (59.2% ± 13.4% versus 62.1% ± 14.0%; p = 0.302), EuroSCORE (7.4% ± 7.9% versus 6.8% ± 4.0%; p = 0.256), and other comorbidities. Hospital mortality (n = 1 versus n = 3; p = 0.339) and other complications were similar. However, hemoglobin level (111.9 ± 19.0 g/L versus 103.8 ± 14.6 g/L; p = 0.001), the number of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) (1.1 ± 1.9 versus 1.7 ± 1.8; p = 0.003), the levels of ILs (IL-6, 194.0 ± 131.8 pg/mL versus 289.2 ± 62.5 pg/mL; p = 0.020; IL-8, 38.1 ± 27.3 pg/mL versus 45.8 ± 43.4 pg/mL; p = 0.012; IL-10, 29.0 ± 123.9 pg/mL versus 49.9 ± 85.6 pg/mL; p = 0.012), TNF-α (3.8 ± 6.7 ng/mL versus 10.8 ± 47.7 ng/mL; p = 0.049), and IFN-γ (1.9 ± 1.9 pg/mL versus 4.5 ± 2.7 pg/mL; p = 0.027) were in favor of patients in the MECC group. Additionally, those patients had shorter postoperative ventilation time (7.7 ± 8.4 hours versus 9.3 ± 12.9 hours; p = 0.010) and intensive care unit (ICU) stay (1.2 ± 1.2 days versus 2.2 ± 3.8 days; p = 0.047). Conclusions The intraprocedural data were excellent and comparable in the groups, but postoperative outcomes were better in the MECC group. Thus MECC is preferable to CECC even for minimally invasive valve procedures. These findings strongly support a combined strategy of minimally invasive valve operations and minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation.

The Ross procedure has gained increasing interest for therapy of aortic valve pathologies in young adults because of excellent long-term results. This case report describes the first published experiences of the Ross procedure performed through a minimally invasive access in two consecutive patients. The limited access is associated with only a slightly prolonged aortic cross-clamp time. Consequently, a minimal access method does not result in an increased risk for patients.