Vascular Complications and Bleeding After Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Performed Through Open Surgical Access

Major vascular complications (VC) remain frequent after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and may be associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of VC after transfemoral TAVI performed using an exclusive open surgical access strategy. From 2010 to 2014, we included in a monocentric registry all consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI. The procedures were performed with 16Fr to 20Fr sheath systems. VC were evaluated within 30 days and classified as major or minor according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 definition. The study included 396 patients, 218 were women (55%), median age was 85 years (81 to 88), and the median logistic Euroscore was 15.2% (11 to 23). The balloon-expandable SAPIEN XT and the self-expandable Medtronic Core Valve prosthesis were used in 288 (72.7%) and 108 patients (27.3%), respectively. The total length of the procedure was 68 ± 15 minutes including 13 ± 5 minutes for the open surgical access. Major and minor VC were observed in 9 (2.3%) and 16 patients (4%), respectively, whereas life-threatening and major bleeding concerned 18 patients (4.6%). The median duration of hospitalization was 5 days (interquartile range 2 to 7), significantly higher in patients with VC (7 days [5 to 15], p <0.001). Mortality at 1-month and 1-year follow-up (n = 26, 6.6%; and n = 67, 17.2%, respectively) was not related to major or minor VC (p = 0.6). In multivariable analysis, only diabetes (odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 6.1, p = 0.034) and chronic kidney failure (odds ratio 3.0, 95% confidence interval 1.0 to 9.0, p = 0.046) were predictive of VC, whereas body mass index, gender, Euroscore, and lower limb arteriopathy were not. In conclusion, minimal rate of VC and bleeding can be obtained after transfemoral TAVI performed using an exclusive surgical strategy, with a particular advantage observed in high-risk bleeding patients.

Management and outcome of patients supported with Impella 5.0 for refractory cardiogenic shock

Introduction

Cardiogenic shock refractory to standard therapy with inotropes and/or intra-aortic balloon pump is accompanied with an unacceptable high mortality. Percutaneous left ventricular assist devices may provide a survival benefit for these very sick patients. In this study, we describe our experience with the Impella 5.0 device used in the setting of refractory cardiogenic shock.

Methods

In this observational, retrospective, single-center study we included all the consecutive patients supported with Impella 5.0, between May 2008 and December 2013, for refractory cardiogenic shock. Patients’ baseline and procedural characteristics, hemodynamics and outcome to the first 48 h of support, to ICU discharge and day-28 visit were collected.

Results

A total of 40 patients were included in the study. Median age was 57 years and 87.5 % were male. Cardiogenic shock resulted from acute myocardial infarction in 17 patients (43 %), dilated cardiomyopathy in 12 (30 %) and postcardiotomy cardiac failure in 7 (18 %). In 15 patients Impella 5.0 was added to an ECMO to unload the left ventricle. The median SOFA score for the entire cohort prior to circulatory support was 12 [10–14] and the duration of Impella support was 7 [5–10] days. We observed a significant decrease of the inotrope score (10 [1–17] vs. 1 [0–9]; p = 0.04) and the lactate values (3.8 [1.7–5.9] mmol/L vs. 2.5 [1.5–3.4] mmol/L; p = 0.01) after 6 h of support with Impella 5.0. Furthermore, at Impella removal the patients’ left ventricular ejection fraction improved significantly (p < 0.001) when compared to baseline. Cardiac recovery, bridge to left ventricular assist device or heart transplantation was possible in 28 patients (70 %). Twenty-six patients (65 %) survived at day 28. A multivariate analysis showed a higher risk of mortality for patients with acute myocardial infarction (hazard ratio = 4.1 (1.2–14.2); p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Impella 5.0 allowed fast weaning of inotropes and might facilitate myocardial recovery. Despite high severity scores at admission, day-28 mortality rate was better than predicated.

[Description of the two surgical myocardial revascularisation techniques]

A coronary artery bypass involves taking blood vessels from another part of the patient's body to bypass one or several major coronary stenoses. Coronary artery bypass using cardiopulmonary bypass and off-pump coronary artery bypass are the two methods used to revascularise the heart after a myocardial infarction.

Dynamics of the surgical microbiota along the cardiothoracic surgery pathway

Human skin associated microbiota are increasingly described by culture-independent methods that showed an unexpected diversity with variation correlated with several pathologies. A role of microbiota disequilibrium in infection occurrence is hypothesized, particularly in surgical site infections. We study the diversities of operative site microbiota and its dynamics during surgical pathway of patients undergoing coronary-artery by-pass graft (CABG). Pre-, per-, and post-operative samples were collected from 25 patients: skin before the surgery, superficially and deeply during the intervention, and healing tissues. Bacterial diversity was assessed by DNA fingerprint using 16S rRNA gene PCR and Temporal Temperature Gel Electrophoresis (TTGE). The diversity of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) at the surgical site was analyzed according to the stage of surgery. From all patients and samples, we identified 147 different OTUs belonging to the 6 phyla Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, and Fusobacteria. High variations were observed among patients but common themes can be observed. The Firmicutes dominated quantitatively but were largely encompassed by the Proteobacteria regarding the OTUs diversity. The genera Propionibacterium and Staphylococcus predominated on the preoperative skin, whereas very diverse Proteobacteria appeared selected in peri-operative samples. The resilience in scar skin was partial with depletion in Actinobacteria and Firmicutes and increase of Gram-negative bacteria. Finally, the thoracic operative site presents an unexpected bacterial diversity, which is partially common to skin microbiota but presents particular dynamics. We described a complex bacterial community that gathers pathobionts and bacteria deemed to be environmental, opportunistic pathogens and non-pathogenic bacteria. These data stress to consider surgical microbiota as a “pathobiome” rather than a reservoir of individual potential pathogens.

Local carotid atherosclerotic plaque proteins for the identification of circulating biomarkers in coronary patients

OBJECTIVE

To identify circulating biomarkers that originate from atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques and that could predict future cardiovascular events.

METHODS

After a protein enrichment step (combinatorial peptide ligand library approach), we performed a two-dimensional electrophoresis comparative analysis on human carotid plaque protein extracts (fibrotic and hemorrhagic atherosclerotic plaques). In silico analysis of the biological processes was applied on proteomic data. Luminex xMAP assays were used to quantify inflammatory components in carotid plaques. The systemic quantification of proteins originating from vulnerable plaques in blood samples from patients with stable and unstable coronary disease was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 118 proteins are differentially expressed in fibrotic and hemorrhagic plaques, and allowed the identification of three biological processes related to atherosclerosis (platelet degranulation, vascular autophagy and negative regulation of fibrinolysis). The multiplex assays revealed an increasing expression of VEGF, IL-6, IL-8, IP-10 and RANTES in hemorrhagic as compared to fibrotic plaques (p<0.05). Measurement of protein expressions in plasmas from patients with stable and unstable coronary disease identified a combination of biomarkers, including proteins of the smooth muscle cell integrity (Calponin-1), oxidative stress (DJ-1) and inflammation (IL-8), that allows the accurate classification of patients at risk (p=0.0006).

CONCLUSION

Using tissue protein enrichment technology, we validated proteins that are differentially expressed in hemorrhagic plaques as potential circulating biomarkers of coronary patients. Combinations of such circulating biomarkers could be used to stratify coronary patients.

Right coronary cusp perforation after mitral valve replacement

Secondary to leaflet injury, which is a well-known technical mistake, aortic regurgitation can occur during mitral valve replacement or repair. In most cases, the left or the non-coronary cusps are affected. For the first time, we report the case of a patient who had severe aortic regurgitation due to right coronary cusp perforation after mitral valve replacement. This complication was not identified until reoperation. Had transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) been used during the first procedure, a delayed reoperation could have been avoided. During mitral surgery, every aortic cusp is at risk and peroperative TOE should be a mandatory procedure.

Registry of transcatheter aortic-valve implantation in high-risk patients

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic-valve implantation (TAVI) is an emerging intervention for the treatment of high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis and coexisting illnesses. We report the results of a prospective multicenter study of the French national transcatheter aortic-valve implantation registry, FRANCE 2.

METHODS

All TAVIs performed in France, as listed in the FRANCE 2 registry, were prospectively included in the study. The primary end point was death from any cause.

RESULTS

A total of 3195 patients were enrolled between January 2010 and October 2011 at 34 centers. The mean (±SD) age was 82.7±7.2 years; 49% of the patients were women. All patients were highly symptomatic and were at high surgical risk for aortic-valve replacement. Edwards SAPIEN and Medtronic CoreValve devices were implanted in 66.9% and 33.1% of patients, respectively. Approaches were either transarterial (transfemoral, 74.6%; subclavian, 5.8%; and other, 1.8%) or transapical (17.8%). The procedural success rate was 96.9%. Rates of death at 30 days and 1 year were 9.7% and 24.0%, respectively. At 1 year, the incidence of stroke was 4.1%, and the incidence of periprosthetic aortic regurgitation was 64.5%. In a multivariate model, a higher logistic risk score on the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE), New York Heart Association functional class III or IV symptoms, the use of a transapical TAVI approach, and a higher amount of periprosthetic regurgitation were significantly associated with reduced survival.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective registry study reflected real-life TAVI experience in high-risk elderly patients with aortic stenosis, in whom TAVI appeared to be a reasonable option. (Funded by Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic.).

Fatal systemic nocardia infection revealed by cardiac tamponade

We report the case of a 50-year-old man admitted for cardiac tamponade. He was diagnosed with acute pneumonia. He had no previous medical history, but exhibited a body mass index of 41. Two days before admission, he complained of chest pain irradiating to the neck lateral side. Massive cardiac tamponade developed over 48 hours. There was no obvious cause for immunodepression. Pericardial puncture was ineffective, due to obesity and fluid high viscosity. Surgery was undertaken (Marfan intervention). Pericardial fluid was found to be purulent; direct examination revealed nocardia as bacteria with typical filamentous, branching rods. Despite adapted antibiotic treatment the patient died within a few hours. Acute pericarditis due to Nocardia is discussed.

Supravalvular aortic stenosis of the diffuse type: 29 years follow-up after aortic endarterectomy and symmetric enlargement of the ascending aorta and of the three coronary sinuses

Supravalvular aortic stenosis is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by variable amounts of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction distal to the aortic valve. Macroscopically, it is categorized into three morphologic subtypes: membranous, hourglass, and diffuse. The diffuse type is the most rare, and its surgical repair is the most challenging due to variable length of ascending aorta hypoplasia. Surgical treatment options of supravalvular aortic stenosis are well established for the membranous and hourglass type, whereas they are challenging and less well defined for the diffuse type. We present a case of long-term follow-up (29 years) after a very complex surgical repair of supravalvular aortic stenosis of the diffuse type, with focus on technical aspects. To our knowledge, the present case represents one of the longest follow-up routines in the English language literature of surgical treatment of supravalvular aortic stenosis.

Les anévrismes des artères digestives. À propos d'un cas clinique de localisation anévrismale multiple et revue de la littérature

Visceral artery aneurysms constitute a rare vascular disease, with a risk of rupture associated to a high mortality. Often asymptomatic, they are discovered following a routine radiological examination. We present the case of a 71-year-old patient with multiple aneurysms involving the celiac trunk, the splenic artery, and the common hepatic artery. The surgical treatment consisted of an aortohepatic bypass using polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis, after exclusion of all the aneurysms. The angiography and postoperative angioscan demonstrated the perfect patency of the prosthesis, totally excluding the aneurysms. Given the variety of presentations and the absence of precise predictive factors, there is no therapeutic consensus so far. Surgery is the first therapeutic choice. Endovascular treatment by angioembolization must be reserved for particular conditions. The purpose of this article is to propose the best therapeutic approach on the basis of evidence in the literature.

[Detection and surgical treatment of induced ventricular tachycardia in postinfarction left ventricular aneurysm]

A clinical case of a patient aged 56 years with postinfarction left ventricular aneurysm not complicated with ventricular tachyarrhythmias is presented electrophysiological investigation. Left ventricular aneurysmectomy supplemented with endocardial cryodestruction was carried out. At electrophysiological investigation after surgery ventricular tachycardia could not be induced. In 2 years postoperatively no ventricular tachyarrhythmias were noted. The condition of the patient is satisfactory, corresponds to NYHA class I.

Recurrence of postoperative aortic fistulas: is there an ideal method of prevention? A case report

There are very few cases in English literature of recurrent postoperative aortic fistulas (RPAFs). These are neo-communications between the aortic bloodstream and the lumen of contiguous organs which occur after unpredictable periods from surgical treatment of a previous fistula. The supradiaphragmatic aorta may fistulize into the airways, pulmonary circulation, oesophagus, and cardiac chambers; the infradiaphragmatic aorta into the intestine, stomach, and vena cava. According to the etiology, aortic fistulas are categorized as postoperative (or secondary) and spontaneous (or primary), and RPAF may be considered a subgroup of secondary fistulas. They may recur even more times in the same patient, hence the role of prevention is of the utmost importance. The simultaneous respect of different surgical principles is crucial to make the risk of recurrence less likely. Surgical treatment represents a real challenge due to the emergency conditions and redo nature of operations. Mortality rate is very high. In this article, we describe a case of recurrent aorto-duodenal communication, we discuss the principles of prevention both for the supra and infradiaphragmatic aorta, we introduce some modifications to the classic categorization and we present the first RPAF literature review.

Internal thoracic arterial grafts evaluation by multislice CT scan: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The internal thoracic artery (ITA) has a better long-term patency than saphenous veins, and anastomosis between ITA and the left anterior descending artery (LAD) represents the "gold-standard" of surgical myocardial revascularization. The aim of this study is to evaluate the multidetector multislice CT Scan (MCTS) as a means of postoperative evaluation of ITA coronary artery bypass grafts.

METHODS

Twenty-eight patients having been operated on for coronary artery bypass with ITA during a 6-months period, benefited, 7 days after surgery, from a patency and anastomotic site control of ITA with a MCTS associated with cardiac gating (Light Speed, General Electric, USA).

RESULTS

Internal thoracic artery bypasses are visualized perfectly on all their courses, with possibility of 3D reconstructions, showing the relationship between cardiac cavities and the arterial bypasses. The anastomotic site on the LAD was, in selected cases, perfectly visualized. Sequential bypasses with left ITA are well visualized as well as T or Y right-to-left ITA grafts. However, surgical clips create some image artefacts.

CONCLUSIONS

The postoperative control of ITAs are possible by MCTS with a satisfactory resolution. This makes it possible to check the patency of ITAs, their course on the heart surface, and the location and quality of anastomosis with a noninvasive reproductive method.