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Patient-centeredness--the idea that care should be designed around patients' needs, preferences, circumstances, and well-being--is a central tenet of health care delivery. For CEOs of health care organizations, patient-centered care is also quickly becoming a business imperative, with payments tied to performance on measures of patient satisfaction and engagement. In A CEO Checklist for High-Value Health Care, we, as executives of eleven leading health care delivery institutions, outlined ten key strategies for reducing costs and waste while improving outcomes. In this article we describe how implementation of these strategies benefits both health care organizations and patients. For example, Kaiser Permanente's Healthy Bones Program resulted in a 30 percent reduction in hip fracture rates for at-risk patients. And at Virginia Mason Health System in Seattle, nurses reorganized care patterns and increased the time they spent on direct patient care to 90 percent. Our experiences show that patient-engaged care can be delivered in ways that simultaneously improve quality and reduce costs.

In the traditional department-based organizational structure of an academic health center, patients can be neglected as a result of fragmented systems of care. Specialty-driven, provider-oriented, economically influenced organizations dominated by research and education missions might, paradoxically, promote too little concern for the patient. All three components (education, research, and patient care) of academic health centers' tripartite mission are sacred, but times have changed. Academic health centers must rethink their traditional approach to achieving their mission. The authors describe the evolution at the Cleveland Clinic of a unique, institute-based reorganization that is focused on integrated disease- and organ-system-based patient care, research, and education. The authors argue that this model better focuses on the patient as well as on the institution's academic charge. It is a concept that should be more widely adopted with deference to individual institutional culture and history.

Objective: Less invasive approaches to mitral valve surgery are increasingly used for improved cosmesis; however, few studies have investigated their effect on outcome. We sought to compare these minimally invasive approaches fairly with conventional full sternotomy by using propensity-matching methods., Methods: From January 1995 to January 2004, 2124 patients underwent isolated mitral valve surgery through a minimally invasive approach, and 1047 underwent isolated mitral valve surgery through a conventional sternotomy. Because there were important differences in patient characteristics, a propensity score based on 42 factors was used to obtain 590 well-matched patient pairs (56% of cases)., Results: In-hospital mortality was similar for propensity-matched patients: 0.17% (1/590) for those undergoing minimally invasive surgery and 0.85% (5/590) for those undergoing conventional surgery (P = .2). Occurrences of stroke (P = .8), renal failure (P > .9), myocardial infarction (P = .7), and infection (P = .8) were also similar. However, 24-hour mediastinal drainage was less after minimally invasive surgery (median, 250 vs 350 mL; P < .0001), and fewer patients received transfusions (30% vs 37%, P = .01). More patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery were extubated in the operating room (18% vs 5.7%, P < .0001), and postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second was higher. Early after operation, pain scores were lower (P < .0001) after minimally invasive surgery., Conclusion: Within that portion of the spectrum of mitral valve surgery in which propensity matching was possible, minimally invasive mitral valve surgery had cosmetic, blood product use, respiratory, and pain advantages over conventional surgery, and no apparent detriments. Mortality and morbidity for robotic and percutaneous procedures should be compared with these minimally invasive outcomes., (Copyright 2010. Published by Mosby, Inc.)

The health of the public depends on a healthy clinical research enterprise, and a healthy clinical research enterprise cannot develop if it is disconnected from the clinical care enterprise. The integration of a robust clinical research enterprise into the U.S. health care system is now, more than ever, a national priority, and a completely new approach is desperately needed.

Objective: Recommendations for aortic valve replacement in severe aortic stenosis are based primarily on the presence of symptoms. However, the onset of symptoms is often insidious, potentially leading to delayed intervention and suboptimal results. Identifying factors that reduce the survival of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement could lead to revised treatment guidelines and improved outcomes., Methods: We conducted a single-center observational clinical study of 3049 patients with aortic stenosis who underwent native aortic valve replacement with a single type of bioprosthesis. The primary end point was all-cause mortality from the date of operation. Multivariable analysis of risk factors for death was performed in the multiphase hazard function domain., Results: The presence of severe left ventricular hypertrophy at operation, which preceded symptoms in 17% of patients, was associated with decreased survival. This effect was magnified by the severity of aortic stenosis (P = .02) and use of small prostheses (P = .01). The presence of left ventricular dysfunction reduced survival (P = .0003). Although older age was a risk factor for death (P < .0001), elderly patients had survival comparable to their age, race, and sex-matched cohorts, whereas younger patients had worse than expected survival that was further diminished with insertion of a small prosthesis (P = .01)., Conclusion: To optimize survival, earlier aortic valve replacement should be considered even in asymptomatic patients before severe left ventricular hypertrophy or dysfunction develops. In younger patients, the largest possible prosthesis should be implanted to minimize residual gradient; in elderly patients, complex operations just to insert larger prostheses should be avoided.

Objective: We sought to evaluate magnesium as a neuroprotectant in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass., Methods: From February 2002 to September 2003, 350 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting, valve surgery, or both were enrolled in a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial to receive either magnesium sulfate to increase plasma levels 1(1/2) to 2 times normal during cardiopulmonary bypass (n = 174) or no intervention (n = 176). Neurologic function, neuropsychologic function, and depression were assessed preoperatively, at 24 and 96 hours after extubation (neurologic) and at 3 months (neuropsychologic, depression). Neurologic scores were analyzed using ordinal longitudinal methods, and neuropsychologic and depression inventory data were summarized by principal component analysis, followed by linear regression analysis using component scores as response variables., Results: Seven (2%) patients had a postoperative stroke, 2 (1%) in the magnesium and 5 (3%) in the placebo group (P = .4). Neurologic score was worse postoperatively in both groups (P < .0001); however, magnesium group patients performed better than placebo group patients (P = .0001), who had prolonged declines in short-term memory and reemergence of primitive reflexes. Three-month neuropsychologic performance and depression inventory score were generally better than preoperatively, with few differences between groups (P > .6); however, older age (P = .0006), previous stroke (P = .003), and lower education level (P = .0007) were associated with worse performance., Conclusions: Magnesium administration is safe and improves short-term postoperative neurologic function after cardiac surgery, particularly in preserving short-term memory and cortical control over brainstem functions. However, by 3 months, other factors and not administration of magnesium influence neuropsychologic and depression inventory performance.

Objective: To compare explantation for structural valve deterioration in nonelderly patients after aortic valve replacement with stented bovine pericardial and cryopreserved allograft valves., Methods: From 1981 to 1985, 478 patients received pericardial prostheses during premarket approval; from 1987 to 2000, 744 patients received cryopreserved allografts. Mean age of patients receiving allografts was 49 +/- 12 years, and that of those receiving pericardial prostheses was 65 +/- 11 years; pericardial valves were used in 138 patients younger than age 60. Mean follow-up was 15 +/- 5.1 years for pericardial valves (4674 patient-years of follow-up) and 5.6 +/- 3.1 years for allografts (3892 patient years of follow-up). Multivariable hazard function methodology, age-group stratification, and propensity matching were used to compare age-specific explantation for structural valve deterioration., Results: Ninety-five pericardial valves and 46 allografts were explanted, and structural valve deterioration was the mechanism of failure in 74% and 59%, respectively. The risk of structural valve deterioration increased with younger age at implantation for both allografts (P = .07) and pericardial valves (P < .0001), with a similar magnitude of effect in patients age 50 years or younger (P = .5), 50 to 60 years (P = .7), and greater than 60 years (P = .9) and in propensity-matched pairs (P = .2). Thus, pericardial valves were as durable as allografts at all adult ages., Conclusions: Structural valve deterioration is the most frequent cause of valve-related reoperation after both pericardial and allograft aortic valve replacement and is similarly age dependent, suggesting that pericardial valves may be appropriate for nonelderly as well as older persons.

Background: It is unknown whether pulmonary vein isolation or a complete Cox-Maze procedure is needed to ablate paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with mitral valve disease. Our objective was to assess the impact of different surgical treatments for this arrhythmia in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery., Methods: From July 1993 to January 2004, 152 patients underwent combined surgical treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and mitral valve disease. Ablation procedures included pulmonary vein isolation alone (n = 31, 20%), pulmonary vein isolation with left atrial connecting lesions (n = 80, 53%), and Cox-Maze (n = 41, 27%). The latter had longer durations of atrial fibrillation than the former (p < 0.0001). Rhythm documented on 1,225 postoperative electrocardiograms was used to estimate prevalence of, and risk factors for, atrial fibrillation across time. Ablation failure was defined as occurrence of atrial fibrillation any time beyond 6 months after operation., Results: Prevalence of postoperative atrial fibrillation peaked at 22% at 2 weeks and declined to 9% at 1 year. Risk factors included older age (p = 0.09), larger left atrium (p = 0.05), and rheumatic (p = 0.003) and degenerative etiologies (p = 0.03). Freedom from ablation failure was 84% at one year. Ablation procedure did not affect prevalence of atrial fibrillation or incidence of ablation failure., Conclusions: Pulmonary vein isolation alone may be adequate treatment for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing mitral valve surgery, particularly when it is of short duration. A randomized trial is necessary to examine this strategy, especially in patients with longer duration of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Partial upper sternotomy results in excellent exposure and a safe conduct of a variety of operations on the aortic valve and ascending aorta. The sternotomy extends into the right fourth intercostal space and is performed through an 8-10 cm long skin incision. The pericardium is open in the midline and aorta and right atrium are cannulated directly. Aortic valve is exposed through the oblique aortotomy, after placement of retraction sutures to the commissures. The aortic valve is excised and annulus meticulously debrided. Aortic valve prosthesis is then inserted into the annulus using a pledgeted non-absorbable suture. The procedure is performed with the usual surgical instrumentation and can therefore be easily adopted. We discuss the indications, surgical technique and results of this technique.

Purpose: Almost 50,000 mitral valve operations are performed annually in the United States, with an increasing number of repairs. Recently, a percutaneous mitral valve repair option that achieves edge-to-edge approximation with a clip has been described in patients with mitral regurgitation., Description: We describe 6 patients from three centers with mitral regurgitation after percutaneous repair who underwent reintervention. During open surgical revision, the clips were uneventfully removed in all patients with no limitation in surgical options. Five patients underwent repair and 1 underwent replacement., Evaluation: After surgical revision, mitral regurgitation was significantly decreased, and all but 1 patient underwent uneventful recovery. One patient developed ilio-femoral deep venous thrombosis that was treated successfully with anticoagulation., Conclusions: Preserving standard of care options is critical with any evolving technology in the event of initial treatment failure. Standard surgical options were preserved in all of the patients who underwent percutaneous mitral valve edge-to-edge repair. Furthermore, a thorough understanding of the clip design, in particular its unlocking mechanism, is essential and facilitates surgical clip removal.

Objectives: The Cox maze procedure is the gold standard for ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery, and new approaches to atrial fibrillation ablation must be compared with it. Therefore, we sought to determine the time-related prevalence of atrial fibrillation and its risk factors after combined Cox maze and mitral valve surgery., Methods: From November 1991 through January 2004, 263 patients (mean left atrial diameter, 5.8 +/- 1.2 cm) underwent combined mitral valve surgery (repair in 71%) and a cut-and-sew Cox maze procedure for atrial fibrillation (permanent, 74%; persistent, 7%; paroxysmal, 16%). Rhythm documented on 2367 postoperative electrocardiograms was used to estimate the prevalence of atrial fibrillation across time., Results: Hospital mortality was 1.9%. Postoperative atrial fibrillation prevalence peaked at 36% at 2 weeks, decreasing to 21% at 5 years. Risk factors for higher postoperative atrial fibrillation prevalence varied with time and included longer duration of preoperative atrial fibrillation (P = .003), larger left atrial diameter (P = .01), older age (P = .0002), and higher left ventricular mass index (P = .02)., Conclusions: In some patients undergoing mitral valve surgery and a Cox maze procedure, atrial fibrillation recurs over time, mandating close, long-term follow-up of heart rhythm. Earlier operation and left atrial size reduction should be considered to improve results in selected patients.

Objective: The left atrial appendage is a frequent source of thromboemboli in patients with atrial fibrillation. Exclusion or excision of the left atrial appendage may reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. We evaluated the ability of a novel device to exclude the left atrial appendage during early and intermediate follow-up periods in a canine model., Methods: Eight mongrel dogs (mean weight 29.1 +/- 4.0 kg) were used in this study. The occlusion device, constructed from 2 stainless steel strips covered with a knit braided polyester fabric, was implanted at the base of the left atrial appendage through a left thoracotomy on a beating heart. Dogs were evaluated at 7 days (n = 2), 30 days (n = 2), and 90 days (n = 4) by epicardial echocardiography, left atrial angiography, histologic inspection, and gross pathology., Results: Device implantation was performed without complications in all animals. Complete exclusion of the left atrial appendage from the circulation was confirmed acutely and chronically by echocardiographic and angiographic evaluations. There was no device migration or damage to adjacent structures., Conclusion: This novel device enables rapid, reliable, and safe exclusion of the left atrial appendage. The device provides a new therapeutic option for reducing the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Myocardial salvage through coronary sinus intervention has been documented. The AutoRetroPerfusion Cannula is a novel device that is able to perfuse the coronary bed retrogradely through the coronary sinus with arterial blood generated from a peripheral artery with no need for a pump. The cannula consists of a distal end that, once secured in the coronary sinus, opens an umbrella-like membrane to create pressure in the coronary sinus, and at the same time has small channels directed backwards to the right atrium to provide pressure relief. The cannula is introduced from the axillary vein under local anesthesia and the proximal end, which consists of a graft, is anastomosed to the axillary artery to start autoperfusion once the distal end is secured in the coronary sinus and the occluding membrane is open. The AutoRetroPerfusion Cannula was tested in the in vitro mock loop under 50-120 mm Hg of proximal pressure and 50, 100, and 150 ml/min of total flow in the cannula. We were able to achieve the nominal design point of 40-80 mm Hg of distal pressure and 50-150 ml/min of distal flow by adjusting the number, diameter, and length of the small backwards channels.

With traditional mitral valve repair techniques, prolapse at a commissure presents a surgical challenge. When commissural prolapse is identified, simple closure of the commissure combined with annuloplasty enables rapid and reliable mitral valve repair.

Background: Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is associated with poor survival and degenerative MR with excellent survival. We hypothesized that in some patients with degenerative MR requiring concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), ischemic disease would dominate prognosis, resulting in survival as poor as in patients with ischemic MR. Thus, we (1) determined survival impact of etiology (degenerative vs ischemic) after combined mitral valve repair and CABG and (2) explored survival differences within etiology groups., Methods: From 1985 to 2003, 710 patients underwent mitral valve repair for degenerative MR and concomitant CABG (two diseases); 400 patients had mitral annuloplasty and CABG for functional ischemic MR (one disease). Patients were propensity-matched on demography, symptoms, comorbidities, coronary artery disease, and left ventricular function. Survival was compared between matched groups and within groups., Results: Compared with patients with degenerative MR, those with ischemic MR had more extensive coronary artery disease, worse ventricular function, more comorbidities, and more symptoms (p < 0.05). Unadjusted 5-year survivals were 64% and 82% for patients with ischemic and degenerative MR, respectively. However, 123 ischemic and degenerative MR matched pairs had equivalently poor 5-year survival (p > 0.9), 66% and 65%, respectively. Among patients with degenerative MR, survival varied widely, depending largely on ischemic burden and extent of left ventricular dysfunction., Conclusions: The large survival discrepancy between patients with ischemic and degenerative MR is attributable to differences in patient profile, particularly extent of ischemic disease and left ventricular dysfunction. Thus, ischemic and degenerative MR patients with equivalent characteristics have equivalently poor survival.

Objectives: In studying cardiac surgical patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation with bipolar radiofrequency, we sought to (1) quantify the time-related prevalence of atrial fibrillation postoperatively and identify its risk factors and (2) determine time-related ablation failure and its risk factors., Methods: From November 2001 to January 2004, 513 patients underwent atrial fibrillation ablation (bipolar radiofrequency alone or with cryothermy) and other cardiac operations. Rhythm documented on 3495 postoperative electrocardiograms was used to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for atrial fibrillation across time. Ablation failure was defined as occurrence of atrial fibrillation any time beyond 6 months after operation., Results: Prevalence of postoperative atrial fibrillation peaked at about 1 month, decreased to 13% at 6 months, and gradually increased thereafter. Risk factors associated with increased prevalence varied by time period and included older age ( P = .004) for early occurrence, lesion set in permanent atrial fibrillation ( P = .02) for late occurrence, and larger left atrial diameter ( P = .02) and permanent atrial fibrillation ( P < .0001) for occurrence across the entire time span. Freedom from ablation failure was 72% at 12 months. Risk factors for ablation failure included lesion set in permanent atrial fibrillation ( P = .001), longer duration of atrial fibrillation ( P = .01), and larger left atrial diameter ( P = .03)., Conclusions: Bipolar radiofrequency enables extension of ablation to most cardiac surgical patients with atrial fibrillation. Recurrence is influenced by the type and duration of atrial fibrillation, choice of lesion set in permanent atrial fibrillation, and left atrial size. Early operation, careful choice of lesion set, and left atrial reduction might enhance results.

Background: Epicardial lead placement for biventricular pacing is often a rescue procedure after failed coronary sinus cannulation. This study aims to determine perioperative and early postoperative outcome of minimally invasive left ventricular lead placement as a management strategy for heart failure, comparing minithoracotomy and endoscopic approaches., Methods: From October 2002 through October 2003, 41 patients underwent minimally invasive left ventricular lead placement, 23 (56%) by minithoracotomy and 18 (44%) endoscopically. Thirty-one (76%) were males, 19 (46%) had previous cardiac surgery, 21 (51%) had ischemic cardiomyopathy, 17 (41%) were in New York Heart Association class III or IV, and 28 (65%) had implantable cardioverter-defibrillators., Results: There were no in-hospital deaths, intraoperative complications, or failures to implant the left ventricular lead. Median operative time was longer for the endoscopic approach (188 minutes) than for minithoracotomy (151 minutes; p = 0.006). Preoperatively, the endoscopic group had more mitral regurgitation (median, 2.5 versus 1.0, respectively; p = 0.009). QRS duration was shorter postoperatively (mean change from preoperative, -32 +/- 24 ms; p < 0.0001); this change was unrelated to surgical approach. Impedance also was less postoperatively (mean change, -490 +/- 300 ohms; p < 0.0001), and the change was unrelated to surgical approach. Changes were greater the larger their preoperative values (p < 0.0001). Threshold increased with follow-up time (adjusted p < 0.0001), but impedance decreased (adjusted p = 0.0009); these trends were similar for both approaches. No changes were evident in left ventricular dimensions., Conclusions: Minimally invasive left ventricular epicardial lead placement is safe and effective, offering selection of the best pacing site with minimal morbidity; it can be considered a primary option for resynchronization therapy.

Background: There is increasing interest in the role of valve repair for patients with isolated severe aortic regurgitation. Those with bicuspid aortic valves are suggested as most suitable for repair. Morphologic features of these valves that suggest feasibility of repair are not well defined., Methods: Perioperative echocardiograms on 132 consecutive patients (mean age 42 +/- 12 years; 94% male), with bicuspid valves and isolated aortic regurgitation undergoing surgery at our institution were reviewed. Seventy-five patients (57%) underwent successful valve repair. Repair was attempted but unsuccessful for another 8 patients (6 intraoperatively and 2 before discharge)., Results: Cusp prolapse was the most common primary mechanism of regurgitation (88 patients [67%]), with 81 patients having primarily eccentrically directed regurgitation. Echocardiographic examination of 72 (55%) had evidence of cusp thickening with 40 (30%) having cusp calcification. By multivariate analysis, an eccentric regurgitant jet direction (odds ratio = 14.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.4 to 59.6), lack of cusp thickening (odds ratio = 5.9 [1.7 to 20]), lack of cusp calcification (odds ratio = 4.2; [1.1 to 16.7]) and the absence of commissural thickening (odds ratio = 4.8 [1.3 to 16.7]) were independently associated with a greater likelihood of successful valve repair. Greater cusp thickening was the only factor associated with attempted but failed repair., Conclusions: Successful repair of regurgitant bicuspid aortic valves was more feasible for those patients with eccentric regurgitant jets, those without cusp or commissural thickening or cusp calcification. Recognition of these features may enhance patient selection and improve procedural outcomes with aortic valve repair.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a frequent complication after heart transplantation. The etiology of TR is multifactorial, but biopsy-induced flail leaflet is one of the most important mechanisms. A 61-year-old woman underwent heart transplant, but experienced several rejection episodes which required multiple surveillance endomyocardial biopsies. At three months after transplant, she required tricuspid valve repair due to symptomatic severe TR. The anterior leaflet was flail, with rupture of primary and secondary chordae. Valve repair was performed with a triple leaflet edge-to-edge technique. The procedure consisted of suture fixation of the prolapsed anterior leaflet joining to the septal and posterior leaflets, and placement of a 30-mm annuloplasty ring. The patient was uneventfully discharged home on day 7 with trivial TR. At a four-years post-transplant evaluation, she was in NYHA functional class I, with preserved ventricular function and trivial TR. She has been followed closely because of post-transplant coronary artery disease.

Background: The importance of moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation in patients presenting for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is controversial. Therefore, we tracked the course of unrepaired moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation after CABG surgery alone, identified factors associated with worsening postoperative ischemic mitral regurgitation, and assessed the impact of unrepaired moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation on survival., Methods: From 1980 to 2000, 467 patients with moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation underwent CABG alone. The course of unrepaired mitral regurgitation was estimated by a longitudinal analysis of 267 follow-up echocardiograms from 156 patients. The survival impact of moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation was determined among propensity-matched patients with and without ischemic mitral regurgitation., Results: Mitral regurgitation was dynamic early postoperatively. Immediately postoperatively, it was absent or mild in 73% and severe in 6%; by 6 weeks, these figures were 40% and 22%, respectively. The course of postoperative mitral regurgitation was not associated with the preoperative extent of coronary artery disease or left ventricular dysfunction. Five-year survival of matched bypass patients without ischemic mitral regurgitation was 85% compared with 73% for patients with moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation (p = 0.003)., Conclusions: Moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation does not reliably resolve with CABG surgery alone and is associated with reduced survival. Therefore, a mitral valve procedure may be warranted for such patients presenting for CABG. A randomized trial comparing strategies of revascularization with mitral valve repair and revascularization alone is required to determine optimal treatment.

Background: We sought to compare saphenous vein and internal thoracic artery graft patency by coronary system., Methods: From 1972 to 1999, 50,278 patients underwent primary coronary surgery; subsequently, 4,333 had angiography of 2,121 internal thoracic artery and 8,733 saphenous vein grafts. Longitudinal analysis was used to model graft occlusion and identify risk factors. Using the model, patency was calculated twice for each graft and compared first as if an internal thoracic artery, and second as if a saphenous vein, were used., Results: Unadjusted 1-, 5-, and 10-year patency was 93%, 88%, and 90% for internal thoracic arteries and 78%, 65%, and 57% for saphenous veins. At 10 years, internal thoracic arteries were more likely than saphenous veins to be patent to left anterior descending in 99.1% of cases, to diagonals in 98.3%, to circumflex in 98.3%, to posterior descending artery in 98.5%, and to right coronary arteries in 82.5%. For right coronary arteries, saphenous vein patency was equivalent to or better than internal thoracic artery patency early after surgery. However, by 10 years, internal thoracic artery patency was better in right coronary arteries with 70% stenosis or greater. At all times after surgery and all levels of clinically important coronary stenosis, internal thoracic artery patency surpassed saphenous vein patency in grafts to the left anterior descending, diagonal, circumflex, and posterior descending arteries., Conclusions: Internal thoracic arteries demonstrate better patency than saphenous veins except when grafting moderately stenosed right coronary arteries. When bypassing right coronary arteries with less than 70% stenosis, saphenous veins may be a better choice.

Background: Annular geometry and motion in functional ischemic mitral regurgitation are incompletely understood. Three-dimensional echocardiography demonstrates saddle-shaped annular geometry, but standard methodology does not enable quantification of annular motion. Therefore, a novel technique using three-dimensional echocardiography and computer software was used to characterize alterations in mitral annular geometry and motion in patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation., Methods: We developed a computer program to reconstruct the mitral annulus based on spatial coordinates from three-dimensional echocardiography. Data were obtained at end-diastole and end-systole in 7 patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation and 5 normal control subjects. Mitral annular motion was quantified by calculating the displacement area of the annulus between end-diastole and end-systole., Results: Comparison of ischemic mitral regurgitation and control patients revealed differences in annular geometry and motion at end-diastole. Annular perimeter was greater in ischemic mitral regurgitation patients (10.7 +/- 0.7 cm versus 8.6 +/- 0.2 cm in control group; p < 0.03), with increased intertrigonal distance in ischemic mitral regurgitation patients (2.8 +/- 0.3 cm versus 2.1 +/- 0.1 cm; p < 0.06). These changes resulted in increased annular orifice area in ischemic mitral regurgitation patients (9.1 +/- 1.2 cm2 versus 5.7 +/- 0.3 cm2; p < 0.03). Ischemic mitral regurgitation patients had altered annular motion, with reduced movement of the posterior annulus (5.4 +/- 0.7 cm2 versus 8.7 +/- 1.1 cm2; p < 0.03)., Conclusions: Computer analysis of data obtained from three-dimensional echocardiography demonstrates altered annular geometry and motion in patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation. Patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation have annular dilatation, with an increase in anterior and posterior annular perimeters; this is accompanied by an increase in the intertrigonal distance and restriction of annular motion.

Background: Risk of repairing aortic dissection after previous cardiovascular surgery has not been described clearly. This study assesses early and late outcomes of such reoperations., Methods: From January 1, 1990, to January 1, 2002, 108 patients with prior cardiovascular surgery (isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, 51%; isolated valve surgery, 21%; aortic aneurysm repair, 24%; and combinations of these in the remainder) underwent reoperation for aortic dissection (emergency operation for acute dissection in 24%). Mean age was 63 +/- 13 years, and 85% were men. The interval since prior surgery ranged from 10 days to 22 years (median, 3.8 years). This was the third operation for 8%. Ascending aortic repair with or without aortic arch or descending aortic repair was performed in 40%, aortic valve replacement (n = 15) or repair (n = 17) with ascending aortic repair in 30%, aortic root replacement with or without aortic arch or descending aortic repair in 30%, and aortic arch with or without descending aortic repair in 1%. Circulatory arrest was used in 78%, with retrograde brain perfusion in 58%., Results: Hospital mortality was 6%, stroke 4%, renal failure 2%, and respiratory failure 7%. Survival at 30 days and 1, 3, 5, and 7 years was 93%, 85%, 74%, 63%, and 53%, respectively. Aortic reoperation was performed in 7 patients, with freedom from this event at 30 days and 1, 3, 5, and 7 years of 98%, 95%, 93%, 91%, and 89%., respectively, Conclusions: Aortic dissection after cardiovascular surgery is rare and can be managed with acceptable operative risks and good long-term survival. Need for subsequent aortic reoperation is uncommon.

Background: To compare survival of patients receiving bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts and single internal thoracic artery grafts more than 20 postoperative years, assess magnitude of benefit, and identify predictors of benefit., Methods: From cohorts of 8123 patients receiving single internal thoracic artery grafts and 2001 receiving bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts during primary isolated bypass operations for multivessel coronary disease between 1971 and 1989, we identified 1152 propensity-matched pairs. Mean follow-up of survivors was 16.5 years, with 51 patients followed for 20 years or more. Hazard function methodology was used to identify risk factors for mortality, compare survival, and assess magnitude of benefit., Results: Comparison of the matched pairs showed survival of the bilateral internal thoracic artery and single internal thoracic artery groups at 7, 10, 15, and 20 years was 89% versus 87%, 81% versus 78%, 67% versus 58%, and 50% versus 37%, respectively (p < 0.0001). Divergence of bilateral internal thoracic artery and single internal thoracic artery hazard function curves continued to widen through 20 postoperative years. At 20 years, bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting was predicted to produce worse survival in 2.8% of patients, a survival advantage of less than 5% in 12.9%, greater than 10% in 52%, and greater than 15% in 7.6%. Combinations of cardiac and noncardiac descriptors were used to define higher and lower risk patient subsets. Advanced age, abnormal left ventricular function and noncardiac risk factors decreased overall survival but the incremental benefit of bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting persisted., Conclusions: Bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting produces improved survival compared with single internal thoracic artery grafting during the second postoperative decade, and the magnitude of that benefit increases through 20 postoperative years.

Objectives: We sought to characterize the temporal return of mitral regurgitation after annuloplasty for functional ischemic mitral regurgitation; to identify its predictors, particularly with respect to annuloplasty type; and to determine whether annuloplasty type influences survival., Methods: From April 1985 through November 2002, 585 patients underwent annuloplasty alone for repair of functional ischemic mitral regurgitation, generally with concomitant coronary revascularization (95%). A flexible band (Cosgrove) was used in 68%, a rigid ring (Carpentier) in 21%, and bovine pericardial annuloplasty (Peri-Guard) in 11%. Six hundred seventy-eight postoperative echocardiograms were available in 422 patients to assess the time course of postoperative mitral regurgitation and its correlates. Most echocardiograms were performed early after the operation (median, 8 days); 17% were performed at 1 year or beyond., Results: During the first 6 months after repair, the proportion of patients with 0 or 1+ mitral regurgitation decreased from 71% to 41%, whereas the proportion with 3+ or 4+ regurgitation increased from 13% to 28% ( P < .0001); the regurgitation grade was stable thereafter. The temporal pattern of development of 3+ or 4+ regurgitation was similar for Cosgrove bands and Carpentier rings (25%) but substantially worse for Peri-Guard annuloplasties (66%). Small annuloplasty size did not influence postoperative regurgitation grade ( P = .2), although Cosgrove bands were used in most patients receiving 26- and 28-mm annuloplasties. Freedom from reoperation was 97% at 5 years. Annuloplasty type was not associated with survival., Conclusions: Although initial mitral valve replacement would eliminate the risk of postoperative mitral regurgitation, this strategy has been associated with reduced survival. Therefore the development of additional techniques is necessary to achieve more secure repair of functional ischemic mitral regurgitation.

Background: We investigated whether axillary/subclavian artery inflow with a side graft decreases the risk of stroke versus cannulation at other sites during hypothermic circulatory arrest., Methods: Between January 1993 and May 2003, 1,352 operations with circulatory arrest were performed for complex adult cardiac problems. A single arterial inflow cannulation site was used in 1,336 operations, and these formed the basis for comparative analyses. Cannulation sites were axillary plus graft in 299 operations, direct cannulation of the aorta in 471, femoral in 375, innominate in 24, and axillary or subclavian without a side graft in 167. Retrograde brain perfusion was used in 933 (69%). A total of 272 (20%) were for emergencies, 432 (32%) were reoperations, and 439 (32%) were for dissections. A total of 617 (46%) had aortic valve replacement and 1,160 (87%) ascending, 415 arch (31%), and 248 descending (18%) aortic replacements. Indications also included arteriosclerosis (n = 301) and calcified aorta (n = 278). Primary comparisons were made by using propensity matching, and, secondarily, risk factors for stroke or hospital mortality were identified by multivariable logistic regression., Results: Stroke occurred in 6.1% of patients (81/1,336): 4.0% (12/299) of those had axillary plus graft and 6.7% who had direct cannulation (69/1,037; p = 0.09; p = 0.05 among propensity-matched pairs). Operative variables associated with stroke included direct aortic cannulation, aortic arteriosclerosis, descending aorta repair, and mitral valve replacement. The risk of hospital mortality was higher (11%; 42/375) for patients who had femoral cannulation than axillary plus graft (7.0%; 21/299; p = 0.06; p = 0.02 among propensity-matched pairs)., Conclusions: Axillary inflow plus graft reduces stroke and is our method of choice for complex cardiac and cardioaortic operations that necessitate circulatory arrest. Retrograde or antegrade perfusion is used selectively.

Background: Flail mitral leaflet (FML) is a common complication of mitral valve prolapse, often leading to severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and left ventricular dysfunction. In the absence of timely surgical correction, survival is significantly impaired. Early recognition of FML and identification of risk factors is important because early intervention increases the chances of survival., Methods: We studied 123 patients undergoing mitral valve surgery for severe MR caused by myxomatous disease. Chart review, echocardiography, and tensile testing were performed., Results: Thirty-eight patients had FML, and 85 patients had non-flail mitral leaflet (non-FML). Patients with FML were younger (53.7 +/- 1.8 vs 59.3 +/- 1.4 years, P =.02), had more severe MR (3.89 +/- 0.04 vs 3.76 +/- 0.04, P =.02), were less likely to be in New York Heart Association class III or IV heart failure (5% vs 20%, P =.037), and were less likely to have bileaflet mitral valve prolapse (5% vs 38%, P <.001) than non-FML patients. Valve tissue from patients with FML had less stiff chordae (23.5 +/- 3.6 vs 59.1 +/- 11.7 Mpa, P =.006) that tended to have a lower failure stress (3.8 +/- 0.9 vs 9.6 +/- 2.2 Mpa, P =.07) and had more extensible leaflets (56.4% +/- 7.9% vs 42.9% +/- 2.7% strain, P =.04) compared with that of non-FML patients., Conclusions: The development of FML may result from intrinsic tissue abnormalities and is associated with a distinct subset of the myxomatous population. Identification of such clinical characteristics in this population and knowledge of an implicit mechanical abnormality of valve tissue may further the argument for early surgical correction.

Background: The elephant trunk procedure is used for extensive aortic aneurysms. We evaluated its safety, newer indications, and influence of second-stage completion on survival., Methods: Records were reviewed for 94 consecutive patients (age 67 +/- 11 years, 47% men) who underwent the procedure between November 1990 and February 2003. The trunk was implanted as an extension of the ascending aorta and arch graft in 83 of 94 (88.3%) patients, distal arch graft in 8 of 94 (8.5%) patients, and in 3 distal to the left subclavian artery (3 of 94 patients [3.2%]). Aortic dissection was present in 37 (39.4%) patients and Marfan syndrome was present in 7 (7.4%). Twenty-three were reoperations (24.5%). In 9 patients, the trunk procedure was adjunctive in preparation for the second operation. In 15 patients, the anastomosis was completed between the left subclavian and common carotid arteries. Coronary artery bypass was performed in 36 (38.4%) and aortic valve operation in 55 (58.5%; 20 root sparing repairs, 16 composite grafts and 19 replacements) patients., Results: There were two early 30-day in-hospital deaths (2.1%) and 5 permanent strokes (5.3%). Eleven died before the second-stage procedure. Forty-seven (57%) underwent second-stage procedures; 40 by thoracotomy and 7 by stent graft insertion, including 2 thoracoabdominal aneurysm repairs with visceral bypasses before stent grafting with 4 early deaths (8.5%). Five-year survival was 34% without a second-stage procedure versus 75% 3-year survival with it., Conclusions: With a current total of 142 elephant trunk procedures, we found it is safe and should be used more with initial cardiac surgery before descending or thoracoabdominal aorta repair.

A variety of techniques have been developed for repair of prolapse of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. At The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, we favor chordal transfer for this entity. In most instances, normal chordae with a strip of leaflet tissue are transferred from the posterior leaflet to the free edge of the unsupported anterior leaflet; the posterior leaflet is repaired in standard fashion employed for quadrangular resection. In selected cases, chordal transfer is accomplished by transfer of secondary anterior leaflet chordae to the unsupported free edge. Because normal chordae are used in both instances, there is no need for measurement of chordae or judgment of their length. With this technique for correction of anterior leaflet prolapse, 5-year freedom from reoperation after mitral valve repair is 96%.

Background: Preoperative atrial fibrillation has been identified as a risk factor for reduced long-term survival after coronary artery bypass grafting. This study sought to determine whether atrial fibrillation is merely a marker for high-risk patients or an independent risk factor for time-related mortality., Methods: From 1972 to 2000, 46,984 patients underwent primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting; 451 (0.96% prevalence) had electrocardiogram-documented preoperative atrial fibrillation (n = 411) or flutter (n = 40). Characteristics of patients with and without atrial fibrillation were contrasted by multivariable logistic regression to form a propensity score. With this, comparable groups with and without atrial fibrillation were formed by pairwise propensity-matching to assess survival., Results: Patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation were older (67 +/- 9.0 versus 59 +/- 9.8 years, p < 0.0001), had more left ventricular dysfunction (66% versus 52%, p < 0.0001) and hypertension (73% versus 59%, p < 0.0001), but less severe angina (39% moderate or severe versus 49%, p < 0.0001). Many of these factors are themselves predictors of increased time-related mortality. In propensity-matched patients, survival at 30 days and at 5 and 10 years for patients with versus without atrial fibrillation was 97% versus 99%, 68% versus 85%, and 42% versus 66%, respectively, a survival difference at 10 years of 24%. Median survival in patients with atrial fibrillation was 8.7 years versus 14 years for those without it., Conclusions: Atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting is a marker for high-risk patients; in addition, atrial fibrillation itself substantially reduces long-term survival. Thus, if patients in atrial fibrillation require surgical revascularization, it is appropriate to consider performing a concomitant surgical ablation procedure.

Background: The axillary artery is our preferred arterial cannulation site when the ascending aorta cannot be cannulated. Previously, we cannulated the artery directly; now we use a side graft. The purposes of this study were to (1) investigate cannulation-related morbidity and (2) determine whether use of a side graft reduces it., Methods: From January 1993 to January 2001, 392 patients underwent 399 axillary artery cannulations. Indications included calcified ascending aorta (129, 32%), ascending aortic aneurysm (115, 29%), type I aortic dissection (85, 21%), cardiac reoperation (70, 18%), and calcified femoral artery (26, 6%). The axillary artery was cannulated directly in 212 (53%) and with a side graft in 187 (47%). Comparisons of cannulation-related morbidity between the direct cannulation and side graft groups were made overall and after both adjusting and matching for propensity score., Results: Cannulation-related morbidity was infrequent, with brachial plexus injury in 7 (1.8%), axillary artery damage in 7 (1.8%), aortic dissection in 3 (0.8%), and arm ischemia in 3 (0.8%). Only 4 of 187 (2.1%) occurred in the side graft group, versus 16 of 212 (7.0%) with direct cannulation (p = 0.03). After propensity adjustment, the odds ratio for reduction of risk of cannulation-related morbidity with use of a side graft was 0.15 (p = 0.002)., Conclusions: Use of the axillary artery as inflow for cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with low morbidity. However, cannulation with a side graft was associated with less cannulation-related morbidity than direct cannulation. Routine use of a side graft is recommended whenever axillary artery cannulation is indicated.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects 30% to 50% of patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. The optimum treatment of AF in these patients is unclear. The purpose of this study was to describe initial clinical experience using a bipolar radiofrequency clamp to facilitate AF ablation in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery., Methods: From November 2001 through March 2003 a bipolar radiofrequency clamp was used to facilitate AF ablation in 108 patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. Preoperative AF was paroxysmal in 25%, persistent in 26%, and permanent in 49% of the patients. All patients underwent bilateral pulmonary vein isolation performed with the bipolar radiofrequency clamp and excision or exclusion of the left atrial appendage. Most patients had connecting lesions between the right and left pulmonary veins and between the left atrial appendage and the left pulmonary veins. Novel statistical methods were used to create a plot of the prevalence of AF versus time after surgery., Results: Mean time required for AF ablation was 17+/-4 minutes (range, 9-28 minutes). All patients left the operating room with sinus rhythm or with atrial or atrioventricular pacing for an underlying nodal rhythm. Perioperative AF was common, affecting 64% of patients. At discharge, 33% of patients were in AF or atrial flutter. By 3 months postoperatively, the predicted prevalence of AF or atrial flutter was 15%. There were no device-related complications., Conclusions: Bipolar radiofrequency facilitates rapid and safe AF ablation in patients with mitral valve disease. Perioperative AF is common and should be treated aggressively. By 3 months postoperatively, 85% of patients are free of AF or atrial flutter. Continued follow-up is necessary to document late results of this strategy.

Objectives: To compare durability of tricuspid valve annuloplasty techniques, identify risk factors for repair failure, and characterize survival, reoperation, and functional class of surviving patients., Methods: From 1990 to 1999, 790 patients (mean age 65 +/- 12 years, 51% New York Heart Association functional class III or IV, and mean right ventricular systolic pressure 56 +/- 18 mm Hg) underwent tricuspid valve annuloplasty for functional regurgitation using 4 techniques: Carpentier-Edwards semi-rigid ring, Cosgrove-Edwards flexible band, De Vega procedure, and customized semicircular Peri-Guard annuloplasty. Of these patients, 89% had concomitant mitral valve surgery. A total of 2245 follow-up transthoracic echocardiograms were retrieved. Tricuspid regurgitation was analyzed, and risk factors for worsening regurgitation were identified, by multivariable ordinal longitudinal methods., Results: Tricuspid regurgitation 1 week after annuloplasty was 3+ or 4+ in 14% of patients. Regurgitation severity was stable across time with the Carpentier-Edwards ring (P =.7), increased slowly with the Cosgrove-Edwards band (P =.05), and rose more rapidly with the De Vega (P =.002) and Peri-Guard (P =.0009) procedures. Risk factors for worsening regurgitation included higher preoperative regurgitation grade, poor left ventricular function, permanent pacemaker, and repair type other than ring annuloplasty. Right ventricular systolic pressure, ring size, preoperative New York Heart Association functional class, and concomitant surgery were not risk factors. Tricuspid reoperation was rare (3% at 8 years), and hospital mortality after reoperation was 37%., Conclusions: Tricuspid valve annuloplasty did not consistently eliminate functional regurgitation, and across time regurgitation increased importantly after Peri-Guard and De Vega annuloplasties. Therefore, these repair techniques should be abandoned, and transtricuspid pacing leads should be replaced with epicardial leads.