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Background The edge-to-edge technique (Alfieri stitch) has been widely adopted in mitral valve but not tricuspid valve (TV) repair. We evaluated long-term clinical and hemodynamic outcomes of tricuspid edge-to-edge repair. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 237 patients (mean age, 58.4 ± 13.9 years) who had undergone tricuspid edge-to-edge repair from January 2001 to March 2019 in our institution. Tricuspid annuloplasty was performed in 175 patients (73.8%) using ring (91 [38.4%]) or suture (84 [35.4%]) annuloplasty. Concomitant procedures were mitral valve replacement (133 [56.1%]), mitral valve repair (52 [21.9%]), aortic valve replacement (41 [17.3%]), and maze operation (138 [58.2%]). Results Postoperative echocardiography revealed mild or less tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in 220 patients (92.8%). Early mortality ( Conclusions Tricuspid edge-to-edge repair showed acceptable long-term clinical and hemodynamic results and is an effective and safe option in TV surgery.

Surgical edge-to-edge repair has been suggested for tricuspid regurgitation (TR) with complex tricuspid valve (TV) pathologies. Nevertheless, the impact of concomitant TAP has not been well established. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of tricuspid edge-to-edge repair according to the implementation of concomitant TAP.A total of 264 patients who underwent tricuspid edge-to-edge repair between January 2001 and December 2020 were enrolled in the study, and 23 patients who had undergone previous TV repair were excluded. The remaining 241 patients were categorized into two groups: TAP (n = 190) and non-TAP (n = 51). Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to adjust the baseline differences between the two groups.Early mortality and morbidity did not differ between the two groups. The mean follow-up duration was 111.5 ± 72.4 months. IPTW-adjusted survival analysis did not reveal a difference between the two groups in late significant tricuspid stenosis (trans-tricuspid pressure gradient ≥5 mmHg) and TV reoperations. However, freedom from overall mortality and late severe TR were significantly higher in the TAP group (p = 0.033 and 0.006, respectively). The sensitivity analysis, including propensity score matching, showed consistent results.The long-term outcomes of surgical tricuspid edge-to-edge repair were better when performed with concomitant TAP.

There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of surgical atrial fibrillation ablation in reducing mortality or thromboembolic events during aortic/mitral valve surgery. We evaluated the association of surgical ablation versus no ablation with risks of all-cause death and ischemic stroke or systemic embolization among patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation undergoing concomitant aortic valve or mitral valve surgery.With the use of administrative healthcare datasets from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database between 2003 and 2018, adult patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing aortic/mitral valve replacement or mitral valve repair were enrolled, and their outcomes were compared according to the performance of concomitant surgical ablation. The primary end points were all-cause death and thromboembolic event of ischemic stroke or systemic embolization.Among 17,247 patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing aortic/mitral valve surgery, 8716 (50.5%) received surgical ablation, whereas 8531 (49.5%) did not. During a median follow-up of 6.7 years (124,842.2 patient-years), death was less in the ablation group than in the no-ablation group (2.7 vs 4.1 patient-years; P .001). The incidence of ischemic stroke or systemic embolization was also lower in the ablation group (0.9 vs 1.3 patient-years; P .001). After adjustment with inverse probability of treatment weighting, surgical ablation was associated with decreased risks of all-cause death (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-0.92), ischemic stroke or systemic embolization (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.71), and hospitalization from heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.96).In patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing aortic/mitral valve surgery, concomitant surgical ablation was significantly associated with lower risks of mortality and thromboembolic events.

Background: The lack of depth perception is a significant challenge in two-dimensional (2D) video- assisted/directed minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). Accordingly, restoration of stereoscopic vision is potentially beneficial, and we present a single center experience of a three-dimensional (3D) endoscope system in cardiac surgery without robotic assistance. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the initial 40 consecutive patients who received totally endoscopic mitral valve (MV) repair using a 3D endoscope system between September 2017 and April 2019. The preoperative characteristics, operative data, and immediate postoperative outcomes, including echocardiographic results, were investigated. Results: In all the patients (n=40, 100%), successful MV repair using the standard repair techniques was achieved regardless of the location of the MV lesion as follows: anterior leaflet (n=8, 20.0%), posterior leaflet (n=15, 37.5%), and both leaflets (n=17, 42.5%). Concomitant tricuspid ring annuloplasty (n=9, 22.5%) and atrial fibrillation ablation (n=7, 17.5%) were performed. There was no mortality. One reoperation for bleeding occurred. One patient had a sternotomy conversion due to aortic dissection immediately after declamping. Postoperative mitral regurgitation (MR) grades were none or trace in 38 patients (95.0%) and mild in 2 patients (5.0%) on predischarge echocardiography. Conclusions: Totally endoscopic MV repair using a 3D endoscope system is technically feasible and safe on the basis of this initial experience.

Little is known regarding the effects of early showers after cardiac surgery. We evaluated the influence of early showers on postoperative wound complications following cardiac surgery.This was a prospective observational study of 100 cardiac surgery patients (mean age, 63.0±13.5 years) who underwent early postoperative showers from September 2020 to March 2021 at our institution. Postoperative showers were initiated after the drain was removed. Postoperative wound complications were examined and patient satisfaction was evaluated using questionnaires.Surgery was performed through sternotomy in 48 patients (48.0%) and through minimally invasive approaches (right or left mini-thoracotomy) in 52 patients (52.0%). The mean time from surgery to shower was 6.0±1.4 days. No wound dehiscence, superficial wound infection, or deep wound infection was observed. Questionnaires showed that more than 50% of patients thought they were not allowed to shower until more than 2 weeks after the operation. Patient satisfaction score was 7.4±2.3 out of 10 for early showers after cardiac surgery.Our study suggests that postoperative early showers after cardiac surgery are not associated with an increased risk of wound complications. Patient satisfaction was also high. Early postoperative showering can be considered after cardiac surgery.

A prosthesis with a self-expanding nitinol frame firmly incorporates into the aortic wall and thus is difficult to explant. We introduce a novel technique that simplifies explantation.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early amiodarone-based pharmacological cardioversion for postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) following off-pump coronary bypass grafting (OPCAB). Methods A total of 507 patients who underwent OPCAB between 2015 and 2017 were categorized into POAF (n=94) and no-POAF (n=413) groups. Patients in the POAF group were treated according to the following institutional protocol: 150 mg loading dose of intravenous amiodarone, followed by oral administration with sequential maintenance doses at 600, 400, and 200 mg per day. If sinus rhythm was restored before discharge, patients were discharged without amiodarone or anticoagulants, except for dual antiplatelets. Results Before discharge at index hospitalization, 97.8% of POAF patients had restored sinus rhythm. Independent risk factors for POAF were age, unstable angina, prior percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, and left atrial diameter. The mean follow-up duration was 41.1±12.8 months. Freedom from overall mortality and composite events, including mortality, major bleeding requiring admission and cerebrovascular events, were similar between the 2 groups. Results were consistent after propensity-score matching. Conclusions Amiodarone-based rapid pharmacological cardioversion of POAF resulted in a high sinus rhythm conversion rate (97.9%). Rate of late adverse cardiovascular events including stroke, were low even without anticoagulation. As optimal treatment and anticoagulation guidelines for POAF after OPCAB have not yet been established, amiodarone-based treatment protocols may be considered as a useful option.

Background Colonic self-expanding metallic stenting (SEMS) is widely used for the treatment of malignant colonic obstruction as a bridge to elective surgery. However, the effects of colonic stenting on long-term oncologic outcomes are debatable. This study aimed to compare the long-term oncologic outcomes of preoperative SEMS insertion with those of immediate surgery in patients with obstructing left-sided colorectal cancer. Methods A cohort of consecutive patients who underwent radical surgery for obstructing left-sided colorectal cancer between 2004 and 2011 in five tertiary referral hospitals were analyzed. Long-term survivals were analyzed and adjusted using the inverse probability of treatment weighting method, based on propensity scores, to reduce selection bias. Results One hundred and nine patients underwent immediate surgery, and 226 underwent stent insertion before surgery. Disease-free survival did not differ significantly in both the unadjusted population (hazard ratio [HR] 1.063, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.730–1.548; Log-rank, p = 0.746) and the adjusted population (HR 0.122, 95% CI 0.920–1.987; Log-rank, p = 0.122). Overall survival also did not differ significantly in both the unadjusted population (HR 0.871, 95% CI 0.568–1.334; Log-rank, p = 0.526) and the adjusted population (HR 1.023, 95% CI 0.665–1.572; Log-rank, p = 0.916). Defunctioning stoma formation was less in the SEMS insertion group than immediate surgery group (adjusted, 14.6% vs. 41.3%, p Conclusion The ‘bridge to surgery’ strategy using metallic stents was oncologically comparable to immediate surgery in patients with malignant left-sided colorectal obstruction.

We describe a patient presenting with acute heart failure due to obliteration of the bilateral coronary arteries and pulmonary arteries with Takayasu's arteritis who was undergoing surgical correction. The diseased vessels provoked chest pain and severe dyspnea. Urgent surgical correction successfully resolved heart failure by coronary artery bypass graft using bilateral in situ internal thoracic arteries and by patch winding of the left pulmonary artery. Surgically relieving obliterated vessels with Takayasu's arteritis is an effective therapy for a patient presenting with severe heart failure.

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of off-pump coronary bypass grafting over the on-pump technique in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). To further reduce the risk of acute kidney injury and the need for renal replacement therapy, even in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, we adopted protocol-based perioperative management for patients with CKD. Methods: From December 2012 to March 2015, 265 patients underwent isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. To analyze renal function in a stable condition, we excluded 12 dialysis-dependent end stage renal failure and 10 emergency or urgent cases. Among the remaining 243 patients, 208 patients had normal kidney function (normal group), and 35 patients had CKD (CKD group). Minimizing contrast exposure, ensuring adequate hydration, using strict drug dosage adjustment, and optimizing hemodynamic status were key elements of the protocol for the CKD group. Results: The risk of acute kidney injury was about ×3 higher in the CKD group than in the normal group (p=0.01). Estimated glomerular filtration rates and serum creatinine levels deteriorated until the third postoperative day in the CKD group. However, by adopting protocol-based perioperative management, this transient renal dysfunction recovered to preoperative levels by the fifth postoperative day without requiring renal replacement therapy in all cases. Conclusion: Off-pump coronary bypass surgery combined with this protocol-based perioperative management strategy in patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD could mostly be performed without renal replacement therapy.

Background Although the strongest benefit of a concomitant Maze procedure during mitral valve repair is the obviation of the need for anticoagulation therapy, the risk of thromboembolism without anticoagulation therapy has not been evaluated. Methods A total of 362 consecutive patients (aged 52.2 ± 13.8 years, 180 females) who underwent the Maze procedure combined with mitral valve repair between 1997 and 2012 were evaluated. Anticoagulation therapy was discontinued after 6 months if synchronous atrial contraction was maintained in the absence of further risks of thromboembolism. Results The median follow-up period was 5.4 years (interquartile range, 2.9 to 9.6 years). Late atrial fibrillation (AF) occurred in 62 patients (17.1%). The 5-year freedom from AF off anti-arrhythmic drugs was 82.6% ± 2.3%. In 96 patients (26.5%), warfarin was administered in the late period (>6 months), and of them, 54 patients (14.9%) were maintained with warfarin therapy until the end of the follow-up. Patients receiving warfarin therapy were older ( p = 0.030), had longer AF duration ( p = 0.012), and had rheumatic valvulopathy more frequently ( p = 0.003) compared with those not receiving warfarin. Overall, patients were followed up off the warfarin therapy for 1,577 patient-years, during which there were 4 cases of stroke or transient ischemic accident and 21 late deaths. The linearized rates of thromboembolic event and death without warfarin therapy were 0.06% and 0.12% per patient-year, respectively, and these rates were not significantly different from those receiving warfarin therapy. Conclusions Adopting appropriate selection criteria for discontinuing anticoagulation therapy, the majority of patients receiving concomitant mitral repair and the Maze procedure can discontinue warfarin with excellent long-term safety profiles.

We report the case of a 37-year-old man who suffered from biventricular failure due to left isomerism, inferior vena cava interruption with azygos vein continuation, bilateral superior vena cava, double outlet of right ventricle, complete atrioventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, and isolated dextrocardia. Heart transplantation in patients with systemic venous anomalies often requires the correction and reconstruction of the upper & lower venous drainage. We present a case of heart transplantation in a patient with left isomerism, highlighting technical modifications to the procedure, including the unifocalization of the caval veins and reconstruction with patch augmentation.

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has recently attracted interest as a treatment for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the outcomes of this procedure in post-surgical settings have not yet been characterized. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of ECMO in patients with severe postoperative ARDS. Methods: From January 2007 to December 2012, a total of 69 patients (aged 58.3±11.5 years, 23 females) who underwent venovenous ECMO to treat severe postoperative ARDS were reviewed. Of these patients, 22 (31.9%) had undergone cardiothoracic surgery, 32 (46.4%) had undergone liver transplantation, and 15 (21.7%) had undergone other procedures. Results: Thirty-four patients (49.3%) were successfully weaned from ECMO, while the other 35 patients (50.7%) died on ECMO support. Among the 34 patients who were successfully weaned from ECMO, 21 patients (30.4%) eventually died before discharge from the hospital, resulting in 13 hospital survivors (18.8%). Multivariable analysis showed that the duration of pre-ECMO ventilation was a significant independent predictor of death (odds ratio [OR], 2.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29 to 3.90; p=0.004), whereas the concomitant use of continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD) was associated with improved survival (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.97; p=0.038). Conclusion: Although the overall survival rate of patients treated with ECMO for postoperative ARDS was unfavorable, ECMO offered an invaluable opportunity for survival to patients who would not have been expected to survive using conventional therapy. CVVHD may be beneficial in improving the outcomes of such patients, whereas a prolonged duration of pre-ECMO ventilator support was associated with poor survival.

Interventional device closure has emerged as a less invasive alternative to surgery in the management of paravalvular leakage. However, this procedure involves various problems such as a high probability of residual leakage or hemolysis. Here, we report a case of residual paravalvular leakage despite two attempts at interventional closure in a patient with a history of four previous mitral valve replacements. The fifth operation for the primary repair of paravalvular leakage was performed successfully. Careful evaluation before the procedure and specially designed devices are essential for the interventional treatment of paravalvular leakage. Surgery can be performed adequately in the management of paravalvular leakage even in high-risk patients.

Objective Although the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in shock patients is increasing worldwide, studies concerning this treatment for adult septic shock are limited. This study aimed to analyze the outcome of venoarterial ECMO in adult patients with septic shock refractory to conventional treatment. Methods A total of 71 consecutive patients who presented with septic shock and underwent venoarterial ECMO were reviewed. Clinical parameters were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. Weaning and survival outcomes of these patients were compared with the control group of 253 patients who received venoarterial ECMO for cardiogenic shock. Results The mean age was 56.0 ± 12.3 years. Of the 71 septic shock patients, 11 (15.5%) were successfully weaned from ECMO after a median of 7.9 [interquartile range (IQR), 6.3-10.2] days, 5 of whom (7.0%) survived to discharge. Pre- and 6 hours post-procedural lactate levels were significantly higher in the nonsurvivors (11.6 [IQR, 7.5-15.0] vs 5.8 [IQR, 4.3-5.9], P = .036; 15.0 [IQR, 11.1-15.0] vs 5.2 [IQR, 4.7-5.4], P = .002). Rates of successful weaning from venoarterial ECMO (15.5% vs 45.5%), and of survival up to hospital discharge (7.0% vs 28.9%) were significantly lower in septic shock than in cardiogenic shock patients (n = 253; P Conclusions Outcomes of ECMO in refractory septic shock patients were poor with a very low probability of survival. This finding raises questions concerning the utility of applying ECMO for medically refractory septic shock. Elevated arterial lactate levels pre- and post-ECMO were associated with risk of in-hospital death. Further large-scale studies are needed to validate the results of this study.

BACKGROUND: The clinical benefit of concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation at the time of aortic valve replacement (AVR) is uncertain. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 124 patients with AF who underwent AVR with (n=50) or without (n=74) a concomitant maze procedure, between 2000 and 2011, were evaluated. There were no significant differences in early postoperative outcomes. During a median clinical follow-up of 18.1 months (interquartile range: 6.9-47.8 months), 19 late deaths (15.3%) and 33 valve-related complications (26.6%) occurred, but the differences between groups were not statistically significant. Major event-free survival at 5 years was 60.9±9.9% vs. 57.0±10.3% (P=0.41). After adjustment, the maze group demonstrated similar risks for major adverse cardiac events (hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-2.49; P=0.67). However, the rate of sinus rhythm restoration at 4 years was significantly higher in the maze group (80.6% vs. 3.6%, P

Background: Sternal wound complications could increase the hospital cost while decreasing the satisfaction of surgery. Furthermore, it can potentially also lead to life-threatening mediastinitis especially after coronary artery bypass grafting using bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA). Skill levels of suture technique vary among surgeons and may contribute to an increased wound complication rate. Thus, standardization of surgical wound closure could potentially decrease the surgeon factor. The aim of the study is to compare the wound complication rate between non-invasive surgical skin closure devices (zip surgical skin closure device, Zipline Medical, Campbell, CA, USA) and conventional suture closure. Methods: Three hundred seventy-nine patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) using BITAs at our institution between 2016 and 2018 were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups; the Zipline group (zip-group, N=100), and conventional group (con-group, N=279). Following propensity score matching, 95 con-group patients were matched to 169 zip-group patients. Results: The average age and history of cancer were significantly higher in the zip-group (P=0.021 and P=0.023, respectively). However, after propensity score matching, no differences were observed in the demographic data between the groups. In total patients (unmatched), although there was no significant difference in the incidence of deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) between the two groups (zip vs . con, 0% vs . 1.1%, P=0.569), the incidence of post-operative superficial sternal wound infection (SSWI) or dehiscence was significantly higher in the con-group than in the zip-group (1.0% vs . 7.9%, P=0.013). The results were consistent in the matched patients. (DSWI: 0% vs . 0.6%, P>0.999; SSWI or dehiscence: 1.1% vs . 7.1%, P=0.036). Multivariable analysis revealed use of the zip surgical skin closure device showed a preventive effect against wound complications [odds ratio (OR): 0.128, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.017–0.976, P=0.029]. Conclusions: Zip surgical skin closure devices could decrease superficial wound complication rates compared to conventional suture techniques in OPCAB using BITAs.

Background The early effect of pulmonary regurgitation (PR) on both ventricular volume and function has not been well established in children. We evaluated the early effect of PR on both ventricular volume and function in young children. Methods Among patients who underwent total repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect between January 2007 and December 2008, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) was performed in 12 patients at a median interval of 15.6 months (6–22 months). Valveless right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction was performed in five patients (valveless group) and RVOT reconstruction using valved conduit in seven patients (valve group). Age and weight at operation, and the interval between the operation and CMRI were not different between the groups. Results We observed a higher pulmonary regurgitant fraction (p = 0.003), a higher right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI) (p = 0.003), a higher right ventricular end-systolic volume index (p = 0.003), a higher left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (p = 0.010), a higher left ventricular end-systolic volume index (p = 0.018), and a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; p = 0.048) in the valveless group. Right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) was not different between two groups. The RVEDVI was negatively correlated with RVEF (rho = −0.601, p = 0.039) and LVEF (rho = −0.580, p = 0.048). Conclusions Both ventricular volumes increased and left ventricular function was compromised, but right ventricular function was preserved early after the exposure to PR in children. Right ventricular volume was associated with both ventricular functions. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12065 (J Card Surg 2013;28:168–173)

Background: With growing attention to the aortopathy associated with aortic valve diseases, the number of candidates for accompanying ascending aorta and/or root replacement is increasing among the patients who require aortic valve replacement (AVR). However, such procedures have been considered more risky than AVR alone. This study aimed to compare the surgical outcome of isolated AVR and AVR combined with aortic procedures. Materials and Methods: A total of 86 patients who underwent elective AVR between 2004 and June 2010 were divided into two groups: complex AVR (n=50, AVR with ascending aorta replacement in 24 and the Bentall procedure in 26) and simple AVR (n=36). Preoperative characteristics, surgical data, intra- and postoperative allogenic blood transfusion requirement, the postoperative clinical course, and major complications were retrospectively reviewed and compared. Results: The preoperative mean logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (%) did not differ between the groups: 11.0±7.8% in the complex AVR group and 12.3±8.0% in the simple AVR group. Although complex AVR required longer cardiopulmonary bypass (152.4±52.6 minutes vs. 109.7±22.7 minutes, p=0.001), the quantity of allogenic blood products did not differ (13.4±14.7 units vs. 13.9±11.2 units). There was no mortality, mechanical circulatory support, stroke, or renal failure requiring hemodialysis/filtration. No difference was found in the incidence of bleeding (40% vs. 33.3%) which was defined as red blood cell transfusion ≥5 units, reoperation, or intentional delayed closure. The incidence of mediastinitis (2.0% vs. 0%), ventilator ≥24 hours (4.0% vs. 2.8%), atrial fibrillation (18.0% vs. 25.0%), mean intensive care unit stay (34.5 hours vs. 38.8 hours), and median hospital stay (8 days vs. 7 days) did not differ, either. Conclusion: AVR combined with additional aortic or root replacement showed an excellent outcome and recovery course equivalent to that after isolated AVR.

A fast response analyzer for measuring carbon dioxide concentration has been developed for transient characteristic and researches tested on internal combustion engine. The analyzer uses the well known NDIR(Non-Dispersive Infrared) method with miniaturized detection system, giving a time constant of approximately 30 microsecond, and sampling module consists of capillary tube. Since the transit time and the time constant of the sampling system depend on the sampling conditions, it is necessary to investigate the characteristics of sampling system before applied to exhaust gas measurement in engine. A unique method was designed to study the influence of the diameter of transfer sample line and operating conditions of the FRNDIR on transit time and time constant. A database of transit time and time constant was built up for different measured and simulated pressure conditions. The database can be used for correcting eventual concentration measurement.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) can be a crucial therapeutic modality for pediatric patients with congenital heart disease, Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome and cardiomyopathy. Because transvenous implantation of ICD is mostly unfeasible for pediatric patients due to anatomical and technical limitations, epicardial patch type or subcutaneous type ICD have been used. Implantation of these alternative ICDs, however, was reported to be frequently associated with significant complications. We report a case of successful intrapericardial implantation of a single coil-type ICD through the transverse sinus in a 27 month-old child weighing lesser than 10 kg, and it was inferred from this experience that this alternative technique may decrease complications and morbidities after ICD implantation in children.

Objectives The ideal cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) strategy during open surgical repair of the descending thoracic aorta (DTA) or thoracoabdominal aorta (TAA) is controversial. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) and non-deep hypothermic beating heart CPB (non-DHCA) for DTA or TAA replacement. Methods From January 1994 to August 2011, 259 patients underwent DTA or TAA replacement. Of these, 212, who were judged to be suitable for both DHCA (n = 79) and non-DHCA (n = 109), were analysed. In-hospital outcomes were compared using propensity scores and inverse-probability-weighting adjustment based on 20 preoperative variables to reduce treatment selection bias. Results Early mortality was 12.7% in the DHCA group and 7.5% in the non-DHCA group (P = 0.23). Major adverse outcomes included stroke in 13 patients (6.1%), paraplegia in 10 (4.7%), low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) in 17 (8.0%) and multiorgan failure in 12 (5.7%). After adjustment, patients who underwent DHCA were at a risk of death (odds ratio (OR), 1.86; P = 0.18) and permanent neurological injury (OR, 1.06; P = 0.90) similar to that of those who underwent non-DHCA, but at greater risk of LCOS (OR, 3.85; P = 0.012). Furthermore, prolonged ventilator support (>24 h) was more frequent with DHCA than with non-DHCA (OR, 2.33; P = 0.004). Conclusions Compared with non-DHCA, DHCA was associated with greater risk of postoperative LCOS and prolonged ventilator support. Therefore, non-DHCA seems to be a more appropriate option than DHCA for open DTA/TAA repair whenever the aortic anatomy lends itself to this approach.

Background Surgical repair of a descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (DTA/TAAA) involving the distal arch is challenging and requires either deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) or crossclamping of the distal arch. The aim of this study was to compare these 2 techniques in the treatment of DTA/TAAA involving the distal arch. Methods From 1994 to 2012, 298 patients underwent open repair of DTA/TAAA through a left thoracotomy. One hundred seventy-four patients with distal arch involvement who were suitable for either DHCA (n = 81) or arch clamping (AC; n = 93), were analyzed. In-hospital outcomes were compared using propensity scores and inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting adjustment to reduce treatment selection bias. Results Early mortality was 11.1% in the DHCA group and 8.6% in the AC group ( P = .58). Major adverse outcomes included stroke in 16 patients (9.2%), low cardiac output syndrome in 15 (8.6%), paraplegia in 10 (5.7%), and multiorgan failure in 10 (5.7%). After adjustment, patients who underwent DHCA were at similar risk of death (odds ratio [OR], 1.14; P = .80) and permanent neurologic injury (OR, 0.95; P = .92) to those who underwent AC. Although prolonged ventilator support (>24 hours) was more frequent with DHCA than with AC (OR, 2.60; P = .003), DHCA showed a tendency to lower the risk of paraplegia (OR, 0.15; P = .057). Conclusions Compared with AC, DHCA did not increase postoperative mortality and morbidity, except for prolonged ventilator support. However, DHCA may offer superior spinal cord protection to AC during repair of DTA/TAAA involving the distal arch.

Background: To determine the predictors of clinical outcomes following surgical descending thoracic aortic (DTA) repair. Methods: We identified 103 patients (23 females; mean age, 64.1±12.3 years) who underwent DTA replacement from 1999 to 2011 using either deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (44%) or partial cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB, 56%). Results: The early mortality rate was 4.9% (n=5). Early major complications occurred in 21 patients (20.3%), which included newly required hemodialysis (9.7%), low cardiac output syndrome (6.8%), pneumonia (7.8%), stroke (6.8%), and multi-organ failure (3.9%). None experienced paraplegia. During a median follow-up of 56.3 months (inter-quartile range, 23.1 to 85.1 months), there were 17 late deaths and one aortic reoperation. Overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 80.9%±4.3% and 71.7%±5.9%, respectively. Reoperation-free survival at 5 and 10 years was 77.3%±4.8% and 70.2%±5.8%. Multivariable analysis revealed that age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 1.15; p＜0.001) and left ventricle (LV) function (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.96; p＜0.003) were significant and independent predictors of long-term mortality. CPB strategy, however, was not significantly related to mortality (p=0.49). Conclusion: Surgical DTA repair was practicable in terms of acceptable perioperative mortality/morbidity as well as favorable long-term survival. Age and LV function were risk factors for long-term mortality, irrespective of the CPB strategy.