Update in adult congenital cardiac surgery

Non-invasive imaging prior to percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation

The majority of patients with congenital heart disease who have undergone open heart surgery during childhood are possible candidates for additional transcatheter or surgical interventions. One fifth of these conditions usually involve the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement (PPVR) has been widely established as an alternative, less invasive option to surgical pulmonary valve replacement (SPVR). The variability of RVOT anatomy and size, the relative course of the coronary arteries and the anatomy of the pulmonary artery branches are factors that determine the success of the intervention as well as the complication rates. Careful and reliable pre-interventional imaging warrants the selection of suitable candidates and minimizes the risk of complications. 2D and 3D fluoroscopy have been extensively used during pre- and peri-interventional assessment. Established imaging techniques such as Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) and Computed Tomography (CT), as well as newer techniques, such as fusion imaging, have proved to be efficient and reliable tools during pre-procedural planning in patients assessed for PPVR.

Biofabrication in Congenital Cardiac Surgery: A Plea from the Operating Theatre, Promise from Science

Despite significant advances in numerous fields of biofabrication, clinical application of biomaterials combined with bioactive molecules and/or cells largely remains a promise in an individualized patient settings. Three-dimensional (3D) printing and bioprinting evolved as promising techniques used for tissue-engineering, so that several kinds of tissue can now be printed in layers or as defined structures for replacement and/or reconstruction in regenerative medicine and surgery. Besides technological, practical, ethical and legal challenges to solve, there is also a gap between the research labs and the patients' bedside. Congenital and pediatric cardiac surgery mostly deal with reconstructive patient-scenarios when defects are closed, various segments of the heart are connected, valves are implanted. Currently available biomaterials lack the potential of growth and conduits, valves derange over time surrendering patients to reoperations. Availability of viable, growing biomaterials could cancel reoperations that could entail significant public health benefit and improved quality-of-life. Congenital cardiac surgery is uniquely suited for closing the gap in translational research, rapid application of new techniques, and collaboration between interdisciplinary teams. This article provides a succinct review of the state-of-the art clinical practice and biofabrication strategies used in congenital and pediatric cardiac surgery, and highlights the need and avenues for translational research and collaboration.

Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement in pediatric patients

INTRODUCTION

Right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction is common among individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD). Surgical intervention often carries prohibitive risks due to the need for sequential pulmonary valve (PV) replacements throughout their life in the majority of cases. Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (tPVR) is one of the most exciting recent developments in the treatment of CHD and has evolved to become an attractive alternative to surgery in patients with RVOT dysfunction.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we examine the pathophysiology of RVOT dysfunction, indications for tPVR, and the procedural aspect. Advancements in clinical application and valve technology will also be covered.

EXPERT OPINION

tPVR is widely accepted as an alternative to surgery to address RVOT dysfunction, but still significant numbers of patients with complex RVOT morphology deemed not suitable for tPVR. As the technology continues to evolve, new percutaneous valves will allow such complex RVOT patient to benefit from tPVR.

Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement: Current State of Art

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The past couple of decades have brought tremendous advances to the field of pediatric and adult congenital heart disease (CHD). Percutaneous valve interventions are now a cornerstone of not just the congenital cardiologist treating patients with congenital heart disease, but also-and numerically more importantly-for adult interventional cardiologists treating patients with acquired heart valve disease. Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (tPVR) is one of the most exciting recent developments in the treatment of CHD and has evolved to become an attractive alternative to surgery in patients with right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction. This review aims to summarize (1) the current state of the art for tPVR, (2) the expanding indications, and (3) the technological obstacles to optimizing tPVR.

RECENT FINDINGS

Since its introduction in 2000, more than ten thousands tPVR procedures have been performed worldwide. Although the indications for tPVR have been adapted earlier from those accepted for surgical intervention, they remain incompletely defined. The new imaging modalities give better assessment of cardiac anatomy and function and determine candidacy for the procedure. The procedure has been shown to be feasible and safe when performed in patients who received pulmonary conduit and or bioprosthetic valves between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. Fewer selected patients post trans-annular patch repair for tetralogy of Fallot may also be candidates for this technology. Size restrictions of the currently available valves limit deployment in the majority of patients post trans-annular patch repair. Newer valves and techniques are being developed that may help such patients. Refinements and further developments of this procedure hold promise for the extension of this technology to other patient populations.

Impact of Right-Sided-Catheter-Based Valve Implantation on Decision-Making in Congenital Heart Disease

There is a growing appreciation for the adverse long-term impact of right-sided valvular dysfunction in patients with congenital heart disease. Although right-sided valvular stenosis and/or regurgitation is often better tolerated than left-sided valvular dysfunction in the short and intermediate term, the long-term consequences are numerous and include, but are not limited to, arrhythmias, heart failure, and multi-organ dysfunction. Surgical right-sided valve interventions have been performed for many decades, but the comorbidities associated with multiple surgeries are a concern. Transcatheter right-sided valve replacement is safe and effective and is being performed at an increasing number of centers around the world. It offers an alternative to traditional surgical techniques and may potentially alter the decision making process whereby valvular replacement is performed prior to the development of long-term sequelae of right-sided valvular dysfunction.

[Surgery of grown up congenital heart disease. About 540 cases]

INTRODUCTION

With advances in recent decades in the field of congenital heart disease both for imaging in medical therapy, a large number of heart disease is diagnosed before birth. Many of them benefit from surgery and reach adulthood, they do not require further action. Some of them develop later in their lives other problems requiring reoperation in adulthood. This sparked the birth of a subspecialty within the department of congenital heart disease: GUCH Unit "grown up congenital heart disease". In developing countries, little heart are detected in childhood, a minority of them are operated and very few reach adulthood or with minor heart disease or become advanced enough then inoperable. Only part may still take advantage of surgery at this age. The aim of our study is to describe the spectrum and characteristics of congenital heart disease in adulthood in Algiers a center of cardiovascular surgery.

POPULATION AND METHODS

A retrospective descriptive study of patients aged 15 and above operated for congenital heart defects between 1995 and 2011.

RESULTS

Five hundred and forty patients aged 15 to 76years (29±10 years), including 314 women and 226 men are operated congenital heart defects between 1995 and 2011. The left-right shunts represent two thirds of heart disease, represented mainly (50%) by the atrial septal defect. Barriers to the ejection of the left heart represent one forth of cases with a predominance of subvalvular aortic stenosis. We find the native heart whose survival is considered exceptional in adulthood in the absence of surgery, such as tetralogy of Fallot, aortopulmonary windows wide, double outlet right ventricle and atrioventricular canal that take advantage of always surgery. The results are encouraging with low perioperative mortality (2%).

CONCLUSION

The approach of congenital heart disease in developing countries is different from that of developed countries. Efforts need to be made in early detection and monitoring of congenital heart disease and improve access to surgery centers in close collaboration with pediatricians, cardiologists and obstetricians.

Optimizing care of adults with congenital heart disease in a pediatric cardiovascular ICU using electronic clinical decision support*

OBJECTIVES

The optimal location for postoperative cardiac care of adults with congenital heart disease is controversial. Some congenital heart surgeons operate on these adults in children's hospitals with postoperative care provided by pediatric critical care teams who may be unfamiliar with adult national performance measures. This study tested the hypothesis that Clinical Decision Support tools integrated into the clinical workflow would facilitate improved compliance with The Joint Commission Surgical Care Improvement Project performance measures in adults recovering from cardiac surgery in a children's hospital.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review comparing compliance pre- and post-Clinical Decision Support intervention for Surgical Care Improvement Project measures addressed in the critical care unit: appropriate cessation of prophylactic antibiotics; controlled blood glucose; urinary catheter removal; and reinitiation of preoperative β-blocker when indicated.

SETTING

Cardiovascular ICU in a quaternary care freestanding children's hospital.

PATIENTS

The cohort included 114 adults 18-70 years old recovering from cardiac surgery in our pediatric cardiovascular ICU.

INTERVENTIONS

Clinical Decision Support tools including data-triggered alerts, smart documentation forms, and order sets with conditional logic were integrated into the workflow.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Compliance with antibiotic discontinuation was 100% pre- and postintervention. Compliance rates improved for glucose control (p = 0.007) and urinary catheter removal (p = 0.05). Documentation of β-blocker therapy (nonexistent preintervention) was 100% postintervention. Composite compliance for all measures increased from 53% to 84% (p = 0.002). There were no complications related to institution of the Surgical Care Improvement Project measures. There was no in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Compliance with the national adult postoperative performance measures can be excellent in a children's hospital with the help of Clinical Decision Support tools. This represents an important step toward providing high-quality care to a growing population of adults with congenital heart disease who may receive care in a pediatric center.

The changing epidemiology of congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease is the most common congenital disorder in newborns. Advances in cardiovascular medicine and surgery have enabled most patients to reach adulthood. Unfortunately, prolonged survival has been achieved at a cost, as many patients suffer late complications, of which heart failure and arrhythmias are the most prominent. Accordingly, these patients need frequent follow-up by physicians with specific knowledge in the field of congenital heart disease. However, planning of care for this population is difficult, because the number of patients currently living with congenital heart disease is difficult to measure. Birth prevalence estimates vary widely according to different studies, and survival rates have not been well recorded. Consequently, the prevalence of congenital heart disease is unclear, with estimates exceeding the number of patients currently seen in cardiology clinics. New developments continue to influence the size of the population of patients with congenital heart disease. Prenatal screening has led to increased rates of termination of pregnancy. Improved management of complications has changed the time and mode of death caused by congenital heart disease. Several genetic and environmental factors have been shown to be involved in the etiology of congenital heart disease, although this knowledge has not yet led to the implementation of preventative measures. In this Review, we give an overview of the etiology, birth prevalence, current prevalence, mortality, and complications of congenital heart disease.

Adult congenital heart disease: a 2008 overview

INTRODUCTION

During the past decades, health care of patients born with congenital heart disease (CHD) has improved substantially, leading to a growing population of adult survivors.

SOURCE OF DATA

Using the recently published and relevant data on adult CHD (ACHD), we reviewed the most common congenital heart defects and discussed important related issues.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Adults with CHD most often require specialized medical or surgical care in a tertiary centre. However, this population also need local follow-up; general practitioners and other specialists therefore have to face the complexity of their disease. AREAS OF CONTROVERSIES: Management of pregnancy, non-cardiac surgery, arrhythmias and endocarditis prophylaxis may be challenging in patients with CHD and should be adapted to their condition.

GROWING POINTS

The present article summarizes key clinical information on ACHD for the benefit of physicians who are not specialized in this field. Areas timely for developing research Research efforts and education strategies are greatly needed in order to optimize the care of patients with ACHD.