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The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is the most widely available mechanical support device, but its use has been disputed in recent decades. Although several efforts have been made to reduce the associated complication rate, contemporary data on this matter is lacking. The present study aims to evaluate the differences in vascular complications between the sheathless and the sheathed IABP implantation technique in cardiac surgery patients. A retrospective multi-center cohort, consisting of patients treated in 8 cardiac surgical centers, was evaluated. Patients who underwent cardiac surgery with peri-operative IABP support were included. Primary outcome was a composite end point of vascular complications. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed, and a multivariable regression model was applied to evaluate predictors of vascular complications. The unmatched cohort consisted of 2,615 patients (sheathless n = 1,414, 54%, sheathed n = 1,201, 46%). A total of 878 patients were matched (n = 439 for both groups). The composite vascular complication end point occurred in 3% of patients in the sheathless group, compared with 8% in the sheathed group (p

Background. Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a well-known complication after aortic valve replacement (AVR). Although some studies have described the incidence of postoperative aortic PVL, there are conflicting data about the predictive factors and a paucity of evidence regarding their time course and impact on survival.Methods. Data were collected from patients who underwent surgical AVR at Circolo Hospital in Varese, Italy from January 2014 to December 2017. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was performed in all patients before hospital discharge. Additionally, a second TTE was obtained during postoperative follow-up in subjects with early aortic PVL.Results. A total of 514 patients were enrolled in the study. At hospital discharge, aortic PVL was present in 60 patients (11.7%); the majority (78.3%) of the PVLs were mild. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified smaller body surface area, female sex, and operating surgeon as the strongest predictors of early aortic PVL. Follow-up TTE was available for 50 patients (83.3%). Median time from the date of surgery to follow-up TTE was 2.2 years (0.4 to 4 years). Most aortic PVLs remained unchanged (50%) or disappeared (36%) over time. Only 2 patients (4%) had a progression of the leak. Overall, mortality was 8.4% (43 of 514). Survival was negatively affected by the presence of residual, mild to moderate, or moderate aortic PVL.Conclusions. Aortic PVL is not uncommon after standard AVR. Operating surgeon, smaller body surface area, and female sex are risk factors for the development of this complication. These leaks are usually mild and generally have a benign course. However, the presence of mild to moderate or more severe aortic PVL may influence postoperative survival. (C) 2020 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Introduction Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a well-recognized complication after mitral valve replacement (MVR). However, there are only a few studies analyzing leak occurrence and postoperative results after surgical MVR. The aim of this study was to assess the rate and determinants of early mitral PVL and to evaluate the impact on survival. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis involving patients who underwent MVR from January 2012 to December 2019 at our Institution. Postoperative transthoracic echocardiography evaluation was done for all subjects before hospital discharge. Multivariable analysis was carried out by constructing a logistic regression model to identify predictors for PVL occurrence. Results Four hundred ninety-four patients were enrolled. Operative mortality was 4.9%. Early mitral PVL was found in 16 patients (3.2%); the majority were mild (75%). Leaks occurred more frequently along the posterior segment of the mitral valve annulus (62.5%). Only one individual with moderate-to-severe PVL underwent reoperation during the same hospital admission. Multivariable analysis revealed that preoperative diagnosis of infective endocarditis was the only factor associated with early leak after MVR (odds ratio: 4.96; 95% confidence interval: 1.45-16.99; p = .011). Overall mortality at follow-up (mean follow-up time: 4.7 [SD: 2.5] years) was 19.6% and favored patients without early mitral PVL. Conclusion The incidence of early PVL after MVR is low. PVL is usually mild and develop more frequently along the posterior segment of the mitral valve annulus. Preoperative diagnosis of infective endocarditis increases the risk of PVL formation.

OBJECTIVES Although the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been the most widely adopted temporary mechanical support device in cardiac surgical patients, its use has declined. The current study aimed to evaluate the occurrence and predictors of early mortality and complication rates in contemporary cardiac surgery patients supported by an IABP. METHODS A multicentre, retrospective analysis was performed of all consecutive cardiac surgical patients receiving perioperative balloon pump support in 8 centres between January 2010 to December 2019. The primary outcome was early mortality, and secondary outcomes were balloon-associated complications. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was applied to evaluate predictors of the primary outcome. RESULTS The study cohort consisted of 2615 consecutive patients. The median age was 68 years [25th percentile 61, 75th percentile 75 years], with the majority being male (76.9%), and a mean calculated 30-day mortality risk of 10.0%. Early mortality was 12.7% (n = 333), due to cardiac causes (n = 266), neurological causes (=22), balloon-related causes (n = 5) and other causes (n = 40). A composite end point of all vascular complications occurred in 7.2% of patients, and leg ischaemia was observed in 1.3% of patients. The most important predictors of early mortality were peripheral vascular disease [odds ratio (OR) 1.63], postoperative dialysis requirement (OR 10.40) and vascular complications (OR 2.57). CONCLUSIONS The use of the perioperative IABP proved to be safe and demonstrated relatively low complication rates, particularly for leg ischaemia. As such, we believe that specialists should not be held back to use this widely available treatment in high-risk cardiac surgical patients when indicated.

Aims Post-operative atrial fibrillation (POP AF) is frequent in patients who undergo cardiac surgery. However, its prognostic impact in the long-term remains unclear. Methods and results We followed for an average of 10 ± 3 years 1386 patients who underwent a variety of cardiac surgical procedures (cardiac transplantation and surgery for heart failure included) while they were in sinus rhythm. Among 1178 patents without a history of AF, 726 (62%) did not develop AF during the entire duration of the study and 452 (38%) developed new-onset POP AF during the first 30 peri-operative days after heart surgery. Other 125 patients with a positive history of paroxysmal or persistent AF were in sinus rhythm at the time of surgery and 87 of them (70%) developed POP AF. Finally, 83 patients had permanent AF when they underwent surgery. All-cause mortality was the primary outcome of the study. We tested the associations of potential determinants with all-cause mortality using univariable and multivariable statistical analyses by means of Cox proportional hazard models. Overall, 473 patients (34%) died during a long-term follow-up. Compared with patients who never developed AF, neither the patients with new-onset POP AF [adjusted HR = 1.31 (95% CI: 0.90–1.89); P = 0.1609], nor those with history of AF at the time of surgery (adjusted HR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.71–2.49; P = 0.3736) showed a significantly increased risk of mortality (Figure 1). In new-onset POP AF patients, oral anticoagulation was not associated with mortality [adjusted HR = 1.13 (95% CI: 0.83–1.54), P = 0.4299]. Conclusions In this huge prospective cohort of patients who underwent different types of heart surgery, POP AF was not associated with an increased risk of mortality. In this setting, the role of long-term anticoagulation remains unclear.

INTRODUCTION The latest STS guidelines recommend concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation not only during mitral surgery (Class IA) but also during other-than-mitral cardiac surgery procedures (Class IB) in patients with preoperative AF. Conventional Cox-Maze III/IV procedures are performed on both atria (BA), but several studies reported excellent results with left atrial only (LA) ablations: the scope of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of BA vs LA approach. METHODS AND RESULTS Pubmed, Scopus, and WOS were searched from inception to November 2018: 28 studies including 7065 patients and comparing the performance of BA vs LA approaches were identified: of these, 16 (57.1%) enrolled exclusively patients with non-paroxysmal AF forms, 10 (35.7%) focused on mitral surgery as main procedure, and 16 (57.1%) regarded patients undergone Cox-Maze with radiofrequency. The 6- and 12-months prevalence of sinus rhythm were higher in the BA group (OR, 1.37, CI, 1.09-1.73, P = .008 and OR, 1.37, CI, 0.99-1.88, P = .05 respectively). Permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation (OR, 1.85, CI, 1.38-2.49, P

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of deaths worldwide. CVDs have a complex etiology due to the several factors underlying its development including environment, lifestyle, and genetics. Given the role of calcium signal transduction in several CVDs, we investigated via PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs7214723 within the calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase 1 (CAMKK1) gene coding for the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase I. The variant rs7214723 causes E375G substitution within the kinase domain of CAMKK1. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 cardiac patients. RFLP-PCR technique was applied, and statistical analysis was performed to evaluate genotypic and allelic frequencies and to identify an association between SNP and risk of developing specific CVD. Genotype and allele frequencies for rs7214723 were statistically different between cardiopathic and several European reference populations. A logistic regression analysis adjusted for gender, age, diabetes, hypertension, BMI and previous history of malignancy was applied on cardiopathic genotypic data and no association was found between rs7214723 polymorphism and risk of developing specific coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic stenosis (AS). These results suggest the potential role of rs7214723 in CVD susceptibility as a possible genetic biomarker.

Background Primary cardiac tumors (PCT) are rare lesions but have the potential to cause significant morbidity if not timely treated. We reviewed our single‐center experience in the surgical treatment of PCT with a focus on the long‐term outcome. Methods From 2001 to 2020, 57 consecutive patients underwent surgical resection of PCT at our Institution. Data including the demographic characteristics, tumor histology, surgical procedure, and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results Mean age at presentation was 63.6 ± 11.2 years, and 33 (57.9%) of the patients were female. A total of 55 (96.5%) subjects were diagnosed with benign cardiac tumor, while the remaining had malignant tumors. The most common histopathological type was myxoma. All patients survived to hospital discharge. Main postoperative complications were: acute kidney injury (n = 3), sepsis (n = 3), and stroke (n = 2). Mean follow‐up time was 9 ± 5.9 years. Long‐term mortality was 22.8% (13/57). No tumor recurrence was observed among survivors. There was a significant relationship between mortality and pathological characteristics of the tumor, and myxomas had higher survival rates. Conclusion Surgical treatment of PCT is a safe and highly effective strategy associated with excellent short‐term outcomes. Long‐term survival remains poor for primary malignant tumors of the heart.

Background: Post-operative (POP) atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequent in patients who undergo cardiac surgery. However, its prognostic impact in the long term remains unclear. Methods: We followed 1386 patients who underwent cardiac surgery for an average of 10 ± 3 years. According to clinical history of AF before and after surgery, four subgroups were identified: (1) patients with no history of AF and without episodes of AF during the first 30 days after surgery (control or Group 1, n = 726), (2) patients with no history of AF before surgery in whom new-onset POP AF was detected during the first 30 days after surgery (new-onset POP AF or Group 2, n = 452), (3) patients with a history of paroxysmal/persistent AF before cardiac surgery (Group 3, n = 125, including 87 POP AF patients and 38 who did not develop POP AF), and (4) patients with permanent AF at the time of cardiac surgery (Group 4, n = 83). All-cause mortality was the primary outcome of the study. We tested the associations of potential determinants with all-cause mortality using univariable and multivariable statistical analyses. Results: Overall, 473 patients (34%) died during follow-up. After adjustment for multiple confounders, new-onset POP AF (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.90–1.89; p = 0.1609), history of paroxysmal/persistent AF before cardiac surgery (HR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.71–2.49; p = 0.3736), and permanent AF (Group 4) (HR = 1.55, 95% CI 0.82–2.95; p = 0.1803) were not associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality when compared with Group 1 (patients with no history of AF and without episodes of AF during the first 30 days after surgery). In new-onset POP AF patients, oral anticoagulation was not associated with mortality (HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.83–1.54; p = 0.4299). Conclusions: In this cohort of patients who underwent different types of heart surgery, POP AF was not associated with an increased risk of mortality. In this setting, the role of long-term anticoagulation remains unclear.

Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is characterized by acute but transient ventricular dysfunction without obstructive coronary artery disease, generally precipitated by emotional and physical triggers. We describe this syndrome in a 76-year-old woman who was admitted with thoracic pain secondary to TC as shown by echocardiographic assessment, with a concurrent diagnosis of giant ascending aortic aneurism. Surgical intervention was delayed to allow ventricular recovery and then to perform ascending aorta replacement. An individualized perioperative approach was applied to avoid a possible TC recurrence with an uneventful postoperative course.

OBJECTIVES Our goal was to report the midterm results of hybrid treatment of extensive thoracic aortic aneurysm (ETAA) with the completion of thoracic endovascular aortic repair after proximal ascending-arch graft replacement. METHODS This was a multicentre, observational study. Data were collected prospectively between January 2002 and March 2019 and analysed retrospectively. Inclusion criteria for the final analysis were the treatment of elective or urgent ETAA performed in a single-stage or a planned two-stage approach. Early and late survival rates were the primary outcomes. RESULTS Indications for repair were degenerative ETAA in 27 (64.3%) patients and dissection-related ETAA in 15 (35.7%). The mean aortic diameter was 68 ± 16 mm (interquartile range 60–75). Five (11.9%) patients had a single-stage repair; and 37 underwent a two-stage approach. Three (7.1%) patients died in-hospital. The median follow-up was 49 months (range 0–204). During the follow-up period, 4 (9.5%) patients underwent aortic reintervention after a median of 32 months; however, no aortic rupture of the treated segment occurred. Overall, the estimated survival rate was 85% ± 6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 70.8–93] at 12 and 36 months and 69.5% ± 9% (95% CI 49.7–84) at 60 months. CONCLUSIONS Hybrid repair of ETAA had satisfactory early results in this cohort of patients. At the midterm follow-up, the aneurysm-related mortality rate was acceptable with the reconstruction proving to be durable and safe with few distal aortic events.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this article is to report the mid-term results of ascending thoracic endovascular aortic repair using a custom-made device (CMD). METHODS This was a retrospective study performed at tertiary centres. Nine patients considered unfit for open surgery received elective total endovascular repair of the ascending aorta with a Relay® (Terumo Aortic, Sunrise; FL, USA) CMD: pseudoaneurysn (n = 5), localized dissection (n =3) and contained rupture (n = 1). RESULTS Primary clinical success was achieved in all patients with no major complications and no early conversion to open surgery. All patients were discharged home and independent: median length of stay was 7 days (interquartile range, 6–18). No patient was lost to follow-up at a median 26 months (interquartile range, 12–36). Three patients died 2, 6 and 24 months after intervention; 1 was aorta related (late aorto-atrial fistula due to infection that required open surgery). At the last follow-up available, no endoleaks, migrations, fractures or ruptures were observed in the remaining 6 patients. CONCLUSIONS Ascending thoracic endovascular aortic repair with Terumo Aortic CMDs was technically feasible, effective and safe in very selected lesions. CMDs showed good ascending aorta conformability with different configurations and diameters, and satisfactory mid-term durability as shown by both structural integrity and aortic lesion exclusion.

Introduction: Lactate, a product of anaerobic metabolism, is a biomarker and indicator for tissue hypoperfusion and oxygen debt. An elevated blood lactate level has been associated with poor outcome in many clinical conditions, including cardiac surgery. Nevertheless, debate exists regarding which blood lactate concentration is most indicative of poor outcomes. We evaluate the impact of hyperlactatemia, defined as a peak arterial blood concentration ⩾2.0 mmol/L during cardiopulmonary bypass, on surgical results with a focus on long-term outcome. Methods: We reviewed 1,099 consecutive adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery on pump. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or not of hyperlactatemia. Pre- and intraoperative risk factors for hyperlactatemia were identified, and the postoperative outcome of patients with or without hyperlactatemia was compared. Results: Hyperlactatemia was present in 372 patients (33.8%). Factors independently associated with hyperlactatemia were urgent/emergency procedure, cardiopulmonary bypass duration and aortic cross-clamp time. Patients with hyperlactatemia had significantly higher rate of prolonged mechanical ventilation time, in-hospital stay and requirement of inotropes and intra-aortic balloon pump support (p Conclusion: Hyperlactatemia during cardiopulmonary bypass has a significant association with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Correction of risk factors for hyperlactatemia, together with prompt detection and correction of this condition, may control complications and improve outcome.

The improvement of life expectancy created more surgical candidates with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and age >80. Therefore, the main objective of this observational, retrospective single-centre study is to compare the long-term survival of octogenarians that have undergone surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) to the survival of the general population of the same age and to establish whether any perioperative characteristics can anticipate a poor long-term result, limiting the prognostic advantage of the procedure at this age. From 2000 to 2014, 264 octogenarians underwent AVR at our institution. Perioperative data were retrieved from our institutional database and patients were followed up by telephonic interviews. The follow-up ranged between 2 months and 14.9 years (mean 4.1 ± 3.1 years) and the completeness was 99.2 %. Logistic multivariate analysis and Cox regression were respectively applied to identify the risk factors of in-hospital mortality and follow-up survival. Our patient population ages ranged between 80 and 88 years. Isolated AVR (I-AVR) was performed in 136 patients (51.5 %) whereas combined AVR (C-AVR) in 128 patients (48.5 %). Elective procedures were 93.1 %. Logistic EuroSCORE was 15.4 ± 10.6. In-hospital mortality was 4.5 %. Predictive factors of in-hospital mortality were the non-elective priority of the procedure (OR 5.7, CI 1.28-25.7, p = 0.02), cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR 1.02, CI 1.01-1.03, p = 0.004) and age (OR 1.36, CI 1.01-1.84, p = 0.04). Follow-up survival at 1, 4, 8 and 12 years was 93.4 % ± 1.6 %, 72.1 % ± 3.3 %, 39.1 % ± 4.8 % and 20.1 % ± 5.7 %, respectively. The long-term survival of these patients was not statistically different from the survival of an age/gender-matched general population living in the same geographic region (p = 0.52). Predictive factors of poor long-term survival were diabetes mellitus (HR 1.55, CI 1.01-2.46, p = 0.05), preoperative creatinine >200 μmol/L (HR 2.07, CI 1.21-3.53, p = 0.007) and preoperative atrial fibrillation (HR 1.79, CI 1.14-2.80, p = 0.01). In our experience, AVR can be safely performed in octogenarians. After a successful operation, the survival of these patients returns similar to the general population. Nevertheless, the preoperative presence of major comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, renal dysfunction and atrial fibrillation significantly impact on long-term results.

The aim of this study was to present our experience with the management of isolated left vertebral artery during hybrid aortic arch repairs with thoracic endovascular aortic repair completion.This is a single-center, observational, cohort study. Between January 2007 and December 2018, 9 patients (4.5%) of 200 who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair were identified with isolated left vertebral artery. The isolated left vertebral artery was the dominant vertebral artery in 4 cases and entered the Circle of Willis to form the basilar artery in all cases. Isolated left vertebral artery transposition was performed in 2 patients during open ascending/arch repair before thoracic endovascular aortic repair completion. In 4 patients, isolated left vertebral artery transposition was performed concomitant with carotid-subclavian bypass during thoracic endovascular aortic repair completion ("zone 2" thoracic endovascular aortic repair). Primary outcomes were early (30 days) and late survival, freedom from aortic-related mortality, and isolated left vertebral artery patency.Primary technical success was achieved in all cases. Isolated left vertebral artery-related complication occurred in 1 patient (Horner syndrome). Immediate thrombosis, vagus/recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, lymphocele, and chylothorax were never observed. Postoperative cerebrovascular accident or spinal cord injury was not observed. Median follow-up was 15 months (range, 3-72). We did not observe aortic-related mortality during the follow-up. Aortic-related intervention was never required. Both isolated left vertebral artery and carotid-subclavian bypass are still patent in all patients with no sign of anastomotic pseudoaneurysm or stenosis.Although isolated left vertebral artery is not a frequent occurrence, it is not so rare. It may pose additional difficulties during hybrid aortic arch surgical repairs, but isolated left vertebral artery transposition was feasible, safe, and a durable reconstruction.

Background— The present study was aimed at determining the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) on postoperative bioprosthetic structural valve degeneration. Methods and Results— Twelve Italian centers participated in the study. Patient data refer to bioprosthetic implantations performed from November 1988 to December 2009, which resulted in 6184 patients (mean age 71.3±5.4 years, 60.1% male) being enrolled. Of these patients, 1731 (27.9%) had type 2 DM. The propensity score–matching algorithm successfully matched 1113 patients with type 2 DM with the same number of no-DM patients. The postmatching standard differences were less than 0.1 for each of the covariates, and 64.2% of DM patients were matched. The early (30 days) mortality rate was 7.8% (n=87) versus 2.9% (n=33) in patients with or without type 2 DM ( P P Conclusions— Patients with type 2 DM undergoing bioprosthetic valve implantation are at high risk of early and long-term mortality, as well as of structural valve degeneration.

Pyoderma gangrenosum is an uncommon, idiopathic, chronic ulcerative inflammatory skin disease characterized by a rapidly progressive necrosis of the wound edges, and mimics a postoperative infection. Few cases have been reported after cardiothoracic surgery. We present a case of a pyoderma gangrenosum occurring after coronary artery bypass graft.

Background— Atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass graft surgery is a difficult problem and a continuing source of morbidity and mortality. However, the prognostic implications of postoperative AF are still in dispute. Our aim was to ascertain the impact of AF after coronary artery bypass graft on postoperative survival and to assess its prognostic role in cause-specific mortality. Methods and Results— We conducted a prospective observational study of 1832 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft between January 2000 and December 2005 at 2 cardiac surgery centers in northern Italy. Patients affected by postoperative AF were identified and followed up until death or study end (April 30, 2007). A total of 570 patients (31%) developed AF after coronary surgery. Patients affected by postoperative AF experienced a longer hospital stay (7 days [25th to 75th percentile, 7 to 10 days] versus 7 days [25th to 75th percentile, 6 to 8 days]; P P P P =0.001) when also accounting for the prescription of warfarin at discharge. With Cox regression, patients with AF were shown to be at higher risk of dying from embolism (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.78 to 10.52) but not from other causes. Conclusions— Postoperative AF affects early and late mortality after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Patients affected by AF are at higher risk of fatal embolic events. Careful postoperative surveillance with a specific antiarrhythmic and antithrombotic prophylaxis, aimed at reducing AF and its complications, is recommended.

Background Recent evidence supports the important role of inflammation in atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and there is growing evidence that statin has cardiac antiarrhythmic effects. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of preoperative statins in preventing AF after CABG in a longitudinal observational study. Methods Over a two-year period, 405 consecutive patients underwent isolated CABG procedures. Univariate analysis was performed exploring the relationship regarding statin use and AF development. A propensity score for treatment with statins was obtained from core patient characteristics. The role of statin therapy on postoperative AF was assessed by means of a conditional logistic model, while stratifying on the quintiles of the propensity score. All analysis was performed retrospectively. Results Postoperative AF occurred in 29.5% of the patients with preoperative statin therapy compared with 40.9% of those patients without it ( p = 0.021). No statistical differences among development of AF and type, dose, or duration of preoperative statin therapy were observed. Preoperative statins were associated with a 42% reduction in risk of AF development after CABG surgery (odds ratio [OR] 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37 to 0.91, p = 0.017, while stratifying on the propensity score). No different effect of statins on AF was observed with respect to age groups (≤ 70 and >70 years) (interaction p = 0.711). Conclusions Preoperative statins may reduce postoperative AF after CABG. Patients undergoing elective revascularization may benefit from a preventive statin approach.

BACKGROUND Stentless valves have been demonstrated excellent hemodynamic performances favoring the recovery of left ventricular function and the ventricular hypertrophy regression. The aim of the study was to evaluate the early hemodynamic performance of the Shelhigh SuperStentless aortic valve (AV). METHODS Between July 2003 and June 2005, 35 patients (18 females; age 70.8 +/- 11.7 years, range: 22-85) underwent AV replacement with the Shelhigh SuperStentless bioprostheses. Most recurrent etiology was senile degeneration in 25 (71%) patients and 24 (69%) were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III or IV. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in nine patients (25.7%) and mitral valve surgery in two patients (5.7%). Doppler echocardiography was performed before surgery, at six-month and one-year follow-up. RESULTS There were no hospital deaths and no valve-related perioperative complications. During one-year follow-up, no endocarditis or thromboembolic events were registered, no cases of structural dysfunction or valve thrombosis were noted. Mean and peak transvalvular gradients significantly decrease after AV replacement, with an evident reduction to approximately 50% of the preoperative values at six months. A 20% reduction was also observed for left ventricular mass (LVM) index at six months, with a further regression at one year. Correspondingly, significant increases in effective orifice area (EOA) and indexed EOA were determined after surgery (0.87 +/- 0.14 versus 1.84 +/- 0.29 cm2 and 0.54 +/- 0.19 versus 1.05 +/- 0.20 cm2/m2, respectively). Valve prosthesis-patient mismatch was moderate in five patients and severe in one case. CONCLUSIONS Shelhigh SuperStentless AV provided good and encouraging hemodynamic results. Long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate late hemodynamic performance and durability of this stentless bioprosthesis.

BACKGROUND Zofenopril has beneficial effects in acute myocardial infarction, and improves the functional recovery after ischemia and reperfusion. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective effects of zofenopril, when added to a standard cardioplegic solution or when orally administered as pretreatment. METHODS A Langendorff model for isolated rat hearts was employed: three groups of eight hearts each were used, respectively, with plain St. Thomas cardioplegia as control (group A and C), and the same solution added with 12.5 mg of zofenopril (group B). The third group (C) was pretreated for 7days with oral administration of zofenopril (6.5 mg/day). The hearts had a baseline perfusion for 30 minutes with Krebs-Henseleit solution at 37 degrees C, cardioplegia administration for 3 minutes, then 30 minutes of ischemia without any perfusion, and finally 30 minutes of reperfusion with Krebs-Henseleit solution at 37 degrees C. RESULTS Left ventricle developed pressure was significantly higher in the reperfusion period only in the pretreated group (group C) with respect to groups A and B (p = 0.016). Similar results were obtained regarding dP/dt curves (p = 0.020). No differences were demonstrated between groups for cellular viability expressed as creatine phospho-kinase (p = ns) and lactate dehydrogenase release (p = ns). CONCLUSIONS Zofenopril as oral pretreatment showed protective effects in an isolated model of cardioplegic arrest, although improvements in myocardial viability (enzymatic release) could not be demonstrated. Further experimental and clinical evaluations are necessary to assess the direct cardioprotective effect of zofenopril, modifying the length of treatment and the dosage of the drug.

Background Reduction ascending aortoplasty is an alternative procedure to the replacement of the ascending aorta in case of ascending aorta aneurysm without aortic root involvement. This study was designed to evaluate the midterm follow-up of aortoplasty and to determine predictors of redilatation. Methods From January 1, 1998, to April 30, 2005, 68 patients with dilatation of the ascending aorta underwent unsupported reduction aortoplasty in combination with other cardiac procedures. All patients underwent associated surgical procedures. Sixty patients (88.2%) underwent associated aortic valve replacement. Cumulative follow-up time was 191.4 patient-years and was 100% complete. Median follow-up time was 2.5 years, and mean follow-up time was 2.9 ± 1.7 years (range, 0.4 to 6.3 years). Results The overall perioperative mortality rate was 1.5%. Overall survival estimates at 3 and 6 years were 93.3% ± 4.5% and 89.3% ± 5.9%, respectively. The actuarial freedom from cardiac-related death at 3 and 6 years was 100% and 95.7% ± 4.3%, respectively. Ascending aorta redilatation occurred in 5 patients (7.5%). The actuarial freedom from redilatation at 3 and 6 years was 97.7% ± 2.3% and 79.8% ± 8.4%, respectively. The actuarial freedom from reoperation at 3 and 6 years was 100% and 86.3% ± 7.5%, respectively. Only preoperative diameter was a significant predictor of redilatation using multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis. Conclusions Unsupported reduction aortoplasty is a safe and effective technique with low mortality, low morbidity, and rare late complications for selected chronic aneurysm of the ascending aorta with diameter less than 55 mm.

Background Postoperative atrial fibrillation is common after coronary surgery. The cellular condition of atrial myocytes might play a part in the postoperative development of atrial fibrillation. Our study aimed to investigate whether patients in whom postoperative atrial fibrillation develops show pre-existent alterations in histopathology of the right atrium and how such changes are expressed in relation to the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods Seventy patients undergoing elective coronary revascularization were prospectively randomized to on-pump conventional surgery (conventional coronary artery bypass grafting, n=35) or off-pump surgery on the beating heart (off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, n=35). Samples from the right atrial appendage were immediately collected after opening the pericardium. In the on-pump group samples were also taken after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. Focusing on degenerative alterations, histology was studied by means of light microscopy and for confirmation of particular findings by means of electronic microscopy. Results Twenty-two (31%) patients had postoperative atrial fibrillation, with the rate not being different between the off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and conventional coronary artery bypass grafting groups ( P = .797). Left atrial enlargement and inotropic requirement were related to atrial fibrillation. Interstitial fibrosis, vacuolization, and nuclear derangement of myocytes were the histologic abnormalities associated with the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation. However, in multivariate analysis fibrosis was confounded by myocyte vacuolization ( P = .002) and nuclear derangement ( P = .016), representing independent atrial fibrillation predictors. As expected, the conventional coronary artery bypass grafting and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting groups showed similar histology, but more importantly, no atrial changes were detected in relation to cardiopulmonary bypass exposure in the conventional coronary artery bypass grafting group. Atrial histology showed degenerative changes that correlated with advanced age and left atrial enlargement. Conclusions Our study supports the contention that atrial fibrillation after coronary surgery is associated with pre-existing histopathologic changes of the right atrium. Patients randomly allocated to off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting procedures showed a similar rate of atrial fibrillation and a similar relationship to atrial histology as did those exposed to cardiopulmonary bypass. Cardiopulmonary bypass did not cause additional changes in tested histology variables.

The incidence of heart valve disease associated with aortic coarctation is 40% in patients30 years and 27% in younger patients. This report describes the case of a 41-year-old man, admitted for severe mitral and tricuspid valve incompetence, causing impairment of left ventricular function and pulmonary hypertension. During hospitalization an occasional finding of aortic coarctation was diagnosed. The optimal management of aortic coarctation associated with atrioventricular valve regurgitation remains a matter of debate. In this report the proper decision-making and the management are discussed.

The aneurysm of an aortocoronary saphenous vein graft is a rare but potentially fatal complication of coronary artery bypass grafting. This case came to our observation after a single episode of hypotension, followed by dyspnea in a man previously operated on for coronary artery bypass grafting. A para-hilar mass was found on routine roentgenogram. The spiral computed tomographic scan was suggestive for aortic pseudoaneurysm. The correct diagnosis was obtained by cardiac catheterization showing a giant graft aneurysm determining compression and fistulous communication into the right atrium. The difficult diagnosis and the surgical treatment are discussed.

We describe a case of impending paradoxical embolism of a 22 cm long thromboembolus, straddling over a patent foramen ovale, detected by transthoracic and transesophageal echo 11 days after a coronary artery bypass operation. The patient underwent successful emergency removal of the clot and closure of the patent foramen ovale. A vena cava filter was placed because of new thrombi detected in deep veins of the legs.(J Card Surg 2003;18:167-169)

Objective Rupture of ventricular free wall (VFWR) may complicate acute myocardial infarction and accounts for high mortality. Surgical repair is the only therapeutic option. A review of our surgical experience is presented. Methods Seventeen patients (11 men, mean age 68 years) underwent surgery for VFWR. Patch covering technique was used in 13 patients, infarctectomy with patch reconstruction in three patients, direct suture without patch in one patient. Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in eleven patients. Results Hospital mortality was 17.6% (three patients). Three patients died of cancer during the follow-up. The remaining 11 patients are in good condition after a mean follow-up of 45.8 months (range 7.5-84.2). Conclusions Postinfarction rupture of ventricular free wall treated surgically gives excellent long-term results. Our first choice for repair is the covering technique with a large pericardial patch anchored with biological glue and epicardial sutures.

We evaluated myocardial release of cardiac troponin I (cTnl) in patients treated with conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), which employs extra-corporeal circulation, and different kinds of minimal invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICABG), a surgical technique where the operation is performed without extra-corporeal circulation. Furthermore, we evaluated the usefulness of serum cTnl measurement to detect perioperative myocardial infarction (PMI) after coronary artery bypass surgery. Thirty-one patients were included: sixteen underwent CABG, fifteen underwent different MICABG and five patients had PMI. Blood specimens for cTnl measurements were collected up to 72 hours after opening the graft. Aortic cross-clamping time was a minor determinant of myocardial damage; on the other side, the trauma during surgery correlated with the number of involved arteries and with the manoeuvre employed to obtain heart dislocation, and appeared a more important determinant of myocardial damage. In patients with PMI, the cumulative release of cTnl was higher than in patients free from PMI; however, only after 24-72 hours we observed significant differences in serum cTnl values, because the increased perioperative values of cTnl complicated the interpretation of the myocardial status and a single cut-off could not be used to exclude PMI.

Adult cardiovascular surgery entails, in many cases, the use of some kind of prosthesis. Among the potential complications, prosthetic device infection is one of the most devastating in incidence, as well as in prognosis and damage to surrounding tissues.The most common bacterial agents in vascular and cardiac prosthetic device infections are Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis among gram-positive bacteria and Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa among gram-negative bacteria.The alternative modalities of treatment for prosthetic device infection encompass partial or total explantation of the prosthesis and its replacement with an infection-resistant graft (e.g., homologous tissue, autologous tissue, or synthetic prosthesis bonded with antibiotics).