Bicaval and standard techniques in orthotopic heart transplantation: medium-term experience in cardiac performance and survival

Perioperative Management of Heart Transplantation: A Clinical Review

In this clinical review, the authors summarize the perioperative management of heart transplant patients with a focus on hemodynamics, immunosuppressive strategies, hemostasis and hemorrage, and the prevention and treatment of infectious complications.

Tricuspid Regurgitation After Heart Transplantation: The Cause or the Result of Graft Dysfunction?

BACKGROUND

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is common following heart transplantation and has been shown to adversely influence patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify causes of progression to moderate-severe TR in the first 2 y after transplantation.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, single-center study of all patients who underwent heart transplantation over a 6-y period. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was performed at month 0, between 6 and 12 mo, and 1-2 y postoperatively to determine the presence and severity of TR.

RESULTS

A total of 163 patients were included, of whom 142 underwent TTE before first endomyocardial biopsy. At month 0, 127 (78%) patients had nil-mild TR before first biopsy, whereas 36 (22%) had moderate-severe TR. In patients with nil-mild TR, 9 (7%) progressed to moderate-severe TR by 6 mo and 1 underwent tricuspid valve (TV) surgery. Of patients with moderate-severe TR before first biopsy, by 2 y, 3 had undergone TV surgery. The use of postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the latter group was significant (78%; P < 0.05) as was rejection profile ( P = 0.02). Patients with late progressive moderate-severe TR had a significantly higher 2-y mortality than those who had moderate-severe TR immediately.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our study has shown that in the 2 main groups of interest (early moderate-severe TR and progression from nil-mild to moderate-severe TR), TR is more likely to be the result of significant underling graft dysfunction rather than the cause of it.

Review of Postoperative Care for Heart Transplant Recipients

The early postoperative management strategies after heart transplantation include optimizing the function of the denervated heart, correcting the causes of hemodynamic instability, and initiating and maintaining immunosuppressive therapy, allograft rejection surveillance, and prophylaxis against infections caused by immunosuppression. The course of postoperative support is influenced by the quality of allograft myocardial protection prior to implantation and reperfusion, donor-recipient heart size matching, surgical technique of orthotopic heart transplantation, and patient factors (eg, preoperative condition, immunologic compatibility, postoperative vasomotor tone, severity and reversibility of pulmonary vascular hypertension, pulmonary function, mediastinal blood loss, and end-organ perfusion). This review provides an overview of the early postoperative care of recipients and includes a brief description of the surgical techniques for orthotopic heart transplantation.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Post-heart Transplant Tricuspid Regurgitation

BACKGROUND

Tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) is a common sequela immediately after heart transplantation, and its occurrence has decreased after the adoption of the bicaval anastomosis technique. However, the fate of the tricuspid valve in patients undergoing heart transplantation using the bicaval technique is uncertain.

METHODS

We identified patients who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation with bicaval technique at our institution between January 2001 and December 2018. Changes in TR on transthoracic echocardiography from the immediately posttransplantation period until 10 y posttransplant were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 475 consecutive patients (mean age, 49.1 ± 12.7 y; 153 females) who underwent heart transplantation and followed-up for a median of 74.0 mo (interquartile range, 39.5-118.1) were examined. The severities of TR immediately after heart transplantation were less than mild in 194 patients (40.8%), mild in 253 patients (53.3%), moderate in 20 patients (4.2%), and severe in 8 patients (1.7%). The rates of significant TR at 1 mo, 1 y, 3 y, and 5 y were 4.6% (22 of 475), 2.0% (9 of 459), 1.6% (6 of 387), and 1.4% (4 of 289), respectively. Generalized mixed-effects model showed that the TR decreased over time within 1 y (odd ratio, 0.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.32; P < 0.001) and increased thereafter (odds ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-1.58; P < 0.001). There were no patients who required surgical tricuspid valve intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing heart transplantation with the bicaval technique, significant TR was less common than the rates reported in previous studies and showed a trend of improvement within a year after surgery.

Adult Renal Transplantation in a Patient 28 Years after Heart Transplantation as a Neonate for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

We present a case of kidney transplantation in a 28-year-old patient who received a heart transplant at 7 weeks of age due to hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The patient's renal insufficiency was the result of chronic immunosuppression and hypertension. The almost 28-year-old graft demonstrated very good function. This patient represents as one of the longest pediatric cardiac graft recipients living without any significant functional limitations.

The Stanford experience of heart transplantation over five decades

AIMS 

Since 1968, heart transplantation has become the definitive treatment for patients with end-stage heart failure. We aimed to summarize our experience in heart transplantation at Stanford University since the first transplantation performed over 50 years ago.

METHODS AND RESULTS 

From 6 January 1968 to 30 November 2020, 2671 patients presented to Stanford University for heart transplantation, of which 1958 were adult heart transplantations. Descriptive analyses were performed for patients in 1968-95 (n = 639). Stabilized inverse probability weighting was applied to compare patients in 1996-2006 (n = 356) vs. 2007-19 (n = 515). Follow-up data were updated through 2020. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Prior to weighting, recipients in 2007-19 vs. those in 1996-2006 were older and had heavier burden of chronic diseases. After the application of stabilized inverse probability weighting, the distance organ travelled increased from 84.2 ± 111.1 miles to 159.3 ± 169.9 miles from 1996-2006 to 2007-19. Total allograft ischaemia time also increased over time (199.6 ± 52.7 vs. 225.3 ± 50.0 min). Patients in 2007-19 showed superior survival than those in 1996-2006 with a median survival of 12.1 vs. 11.1 years.

CONCLUSION 

In this half-century retrospective descriptive study from one of the largest heart transplant programmes in the USA, long-term survival after heart transplantation has improved over time despite increased recipient and donor age, worsening comorbidities, increased technical complexity, and prolonged total allograft ischaemia time. Further investigation is warranted to delineate factors associated with the excellent outcomes observed in this study.

Perioperative care of heart transplant recipients undergoing non-cardiac surgery

The life expectancy of patients with end-stage heart disease undergoing Orthotopic Heart Transplantation (OHT) has increased significantly in the recent decades since its original introduction into the medical practice in 1967. Substantial advances in post-operative intensive care, surgical prophylaxis, and anti-rejection drugs have clearly impacted survivability after OHT, therefore the volume of patients presenting for non-cardiac surgical procedures is expected to continue to escalate in the upcoming years. There are a number of caveats associated with this upsurge of post-OHT patients requiring non-cardiac surgery, including presenting to healthcare facilities without the resources and technology necessary to manage potential perioperative complications or that may not be familiar with the care of these patients, facilities in which a cardiac anesthesiologist is not available, patients presenting for emergency procedures and so forth. The perioperative care of patients after OHT introduces several challenges to the anesthesiologist including preoperative risk assessments different to the general population and intraoperative management of a denervated organ with altered response to medications and drug-drug interactions. The present review aims to synopsize current data of patients presenting for non-cardiac surgery after OHT, surgical aspects of the transplant that may impact perioperative care, physiology of the transplanted heart as well as anesthetic considerations.

Edge-to-edge tricuspid valve repair for severe tricuspid regurgitation 20 years after cardiac transplantation

Tricuspid valve regurgitation in orthotopic heart transplant recipients is common. Surgical corrections have been the mainstay of the treatment for diuretic‐refractory heart failure due to severe tricuspid regurgitation. However, post‐transplant patients inherently carry higher surgical risk owing to previous sternotomy and immunocompromised state. We report a case of successful percutaneous edge‐to‐edge tricuspid valve repair for severe tricuspid regurgitation after cardiac transplantation. A 27‐year‐old man with a history of idiopathic restrictive cardiomyopathy status after orthotopic heart transplant presented with severe right‐sided heart failure symptoms. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed bi‐atrial enlargement and moderate‐to‐severe tricuspid regurgitation, and an increase to the severe range with exercise. Percutaneous edge‐to‐edge tricuspid valve repair was performed. The patient's symptoms improved, and follow‐up echocardiogram showed mild tricuspid regurgitation. Percutaneous tricuspid valve repair can be considered as an alternative option to conventional surgery for symptomatic severe tricuspid regurgitation in orthotopic heart transplant recipients with suitable anatomy.

CARDIAC TRANSPLANT -A SINGLE CENTRE RETROSPECTIVE OBSERVATION

Background and Aim: Advances in pharmacological and nonpharmacological management of heart failure shifted the paradigm to transplantation of heart. Currently so many centers are doing heart transplant as the availability of donors and recipients are increasing day by day. The goal of this study is to share our experience in all our heart transplantation procedures. Ours is a tertiary care government multi super Speciality hospital. In our institute we have been doing cardiac surgeries for six years and heart transplants for past three years. In this discussion we share our experience about how we did all the procedures in our center . Method: After getting approval from institutional research committee we analyzed 8 transplants done in our center. The preoperative optimization, monitoring tools, anesthetic technique and post-operative complications and management are discussed . Apart from routine monitors we have used BIS, Cerebral oximetry and cardiac output monitors. Result: Of the eight cases, six are doing well including a (pediatric) 10-year-old recipient. Of the remaining two, one patient died on 3rd Post-Operative Day due to acute kidney injury and the other was death due to acute rejection. Conclusion: The key points we have learnt from our experience are careful selection and preparation of the donor, adequate preload with optimal inotropic support during weaning, minimizing increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and good pain relief are key aspects for successful outcome.

Bicaval vs biatrial anastomosis techniques in orthotopic heart transplantation: An updated analysis of the UNOS database

BACKGROUND

Despite the significant increase in the number of orthotopic heart transplants (OHT) performed yearly using the bicaval anastomosis technique, the impact on long-term outcomes remains a topic of debate. We analyzed the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database in search of the latest insight.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of the UNOS database from 2006 to 2016 to identify first-time OHT recipients. Patients were primarily stratified according to anastomosis technique: bicaval vs biatrial. Baseline characteristics and clinical status were recorded. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included need for permanent pacemaker (PPM), and length of hospital stay (LOS). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare survival between the two groups. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to conduct multivariable analysis. Statistical significance established at P < .0001.

RESULTS

A total of 26 990 patients were identified. Of those who met the inclusion criteria (21 597), 16 573 (77%) underwent bicaval anastomosis. There were no major differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The bicaval anastomosis technique was not associated with increased survival during the study period (hazard ratio: 0.97; P = .3557), but the bicaval group required postoperative PPM less often (2.51% vs 5.79%, P < .0001) and was associated with shorter LOS on multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of either bicaval or biatrial anastomosis during OHT offers comparable survival advantage. Nonetheless, bicaval anastomosis is associated with less need for postoperative PPM and slightly shorter LOS.

Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation After Heart Transplantation: A Single-Center 10-year Experience

Background

Tricuspid valve regurgitation may affect the outcomes after heart transplantation. There is a paucity of data reporting the outcomes of heart transplants in our region. The objectives of this study were to report the occurrence of tricuspid regurgitation after heart transplantation, its course, and its effect on survival.

Methods

From 2009 to 2019, 30 patients had heart transplantation at our cardiac center. Their age was 36.73 ± 13.5 years, and 25 (83.33%) were males. Indications for transplantation were dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 21; 72.41%), ischemic cardiomyopathy (n = 8; 26.67%) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n = 1; 3.45%). Cardiopulmonary bypass time was 157.24 ± 34.6 min, and ischemic time was 138 ± 73.56 min. All patients had orthotopic heart transplantation with a bi-caval technique.

Results

Eleven patients had severe tricuspid regurgitation postoperatively (37%). The degree of tricuspid regurgitation decreased significantly after 6 months (p = 0.011) and remained stationary during the follow-up. Pre-transplant dilated cardiomyopathy was significantly associated with severe tricuspid regurgitation post-transplant (p = 0.017). The mean follow-up was 39.43 ± 50.57 months. Survival at 10 years was 90% in patients with less than moderate tricuspid regurgitation postoperatively compared to 43% for patients with moderate and severe tricuspid regurgitation (log-rank p = 0.0498).

Conclusion

Tricuspid regurgitation is a common problem after heart transplantation. Despite the improvement of the degree of tricuspid regurgitation after 6 months, survival was negatively affected by postoperative moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation. Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy may benefit from concomitant tricuspid valve repair at the time of heart transplantation. Further larger studies are warranted.

Modified Bicaval Technique in Orthotopic Heart Transplantation - Comparison With Conventional Bicaval Technique

BACKGROUND

Orthotopic heart transplantation (HT) is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage heart failure (HF). The bicaval technique was introduced as a safe alternative minimizing modification of atrial geometry. The modification of bicaval anastomosis is suggested to compensate for caliber mismatch and small donor. The present study was performed to compare these 2 techniques in terms of postoperative CT scan and clinical outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Retrospectively, 158 consecutive patients with end-stage HF underwent orthotopic HT between January 2009 and June 2013 were analyzed. Of these, we excluded 3 patients with total HT. The study group was divided into modified technique (n=37) or conventional technique (n=118). A total of 113 patients (modified: n=29, conventional: n=84) were examined with cardiac CT. Discrepancy in the size of the vena cava compared with that of the anastomosis site was assessed. There was no significant difference in the complication and survival rates. There was 1 incident of moderate-to-severe tricuspid valve regurgitation in the modified group (n=1, 2.7%). Both the SVC ratio (1.07±0.13 vs. 1.28±0.32, P=0.001) and IVC ratio (1.06±0.07 vs. 1.13±0.19, P=0.009) were higher in the conventional group, which meant more stenotic imaging findings were observed in the conventional group.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthotopic HT with modified bicaval anastomosis is an attractive alternative with easy orientation and equivocal outcomes.

Changes in patient characteristics following cardiac transplantation: the Montreal Heart Institute experience

BACKGROUND

Heart transplantation is no longer considered an experimental operation, but rather a standard treatment; nevertheless the context has changed substantially in recent years owing to donor shortage. The aim of this study was to review the heart transplant experience focusing on very long-term survival (≥ 20 years) and to compare the initial results with the current era.

METHODS

From April 1983 through April 1995, 156 consecutive patients underwent heart transplantation. Patients who survived 20 years or longer (group 1) were compared with patients who died within 20 years after surgery (group 2). To compare patient characteristics with the current era, we evaluated our recent 5-year experience (group 3; patients who underwent transplantation between 2010 and 2015), focusing on differences in terms of donor and recipient characteristics.

RESULTS

Group 1 (n = 46, 30%) included younger patients (38 ± 11 v. 48 ± 8 yr, p = 0.001), a higher proportion of female recipients (28% v. 8%, p = 0.001) and a lower prevalence of ischemic heart disease (42% v. 65%, p = 0.001) than group 2 (n = 110, 70%). Patients in group 3 (n = 54) were older (52 ± 12 v. 38 ± 11 yr, p = 0.001), sicker (rate of hospital admission at transplantation 48% v. 20%, p = 0.001) and transplanted with organs from older donors (42 ± 15 v. 29 ± 11 yr, p = 0.001) than those in group 1.

CONCLUSION

Very long-term survival ( ≥ 20 yr) was observed in 30% of patients transplanted during the first decade of our experience. This outcome will be difficult to duplicate in the current era considering our present population of older and sicker patients transplanted with organs from older donors.

Anesthetic Considerations in Transplant Recipients for Nontransplant Surgery

As solid organ transplantation increases and patient survival improves, it will become more common for these patients to present for nontransplant surgery. Recipients may present with medical problems unique to the transplant, and important considerations are necessary to keep the transplanted organ functioning. A comprehensive preoperative examination with specific focus on graft functioning is required, and the anesthesiologist needs pay close attention to considerations of immunosuppressive regimens, blood product administration, and the risk benefits of invasive monitoring in these immunosuppressed patients. This article reviews the posttransplant physiology and anesthetic considerations for patients after solid organ transplantation.

Tricuspid valve regurgitation after heart transplantation

Tricuspid valve regurgitation (TVR) in the orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) recipient is quite common and has varied clinical sequelae. In its severest forms, it can lead to right-sided failure symptoms indistinguishable from that seen in native heart TVR disease. While certain implantation techniques are widely recognized to reduce the risk of TVR in the cardiac allograft, concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty, while having advocates, is not currently accepted as a routinely established adjunct. Decisions to surgically correct TVR in the OHT recipient must be made carefully, as certain clinical scenarios have high risk of failure. Like in the native heart, anatomic etiologies typically have the greatest chances for success compared to functional etiologies. While repair options have been utilized, there is emerging data to support replacement as the more durable option. While mechanical prostheses are impractical in the heart transplant recipient, biologic valves offer the advantage of continued access to the right ventricle for biopsies in addition to acceptable durability in the low pressure system of the right side.

Heart transplantation

Heart failure remains a major global problem with approximately 6 million individuals suffering from heart failure in the United States alone. The surgical technique of heart transplantation, popularized by Dr. Norman Shumway, has led to its success and currently remains the best treatment options for patients with end-stage. However, with the continued limitation of donor organs and the rapid development of ventricular assist device technology, the number of patients bridged to transplant with mechanical circulatory support has increased significantly. This has created some new technical challenges for heart transplantation. Therefore, it is now important to be familiar with multiple new technical challenges associated with the surgical techniques of heart transplantation with an ultimate goal in reducing donor heart ischemic time, recipient cardiopulmonary bypass time and post-operative complications. In this review, we described our technique of heart transplantation including the timing of the operation, recipient cardiectomy and donor heart implantation.

Heart transplantation: challenges facing the field

There has been significant progress in the field of heart transplantation over the last 45 years. The 1-yr survival rates following heart transplantation have improved from 30% in the 1970s to almost 90% in the 2000s. However, there has been little change in long-term outcomes. This is mainly due to chronic rejection, malignancy, and the detrimental side effects of chronic immunosuppression. In addition, over the last decade, new challenges have arisen such as increasingly complicated recipients and antibody-mediated rejection. Most, if not all, of these obstacles to long-term survival could be prevented or ameliorated by the induction of transplant tolerance wherein the recipient's immune system is persuaded not to mount a damaging immune response against donor antigens, thus eliminating the need for chronic immunosuppression. However, the heart, as opposed to other allografts like kidneys, appears to be a tolerance-resistant organ. Understanding why organs like kidneys and livers are prone to tolerance induction, whereas others like hearts and lungs are tolerance-resistant, could aid in our attempts to achieve long-term, immunosuppression-free survival in human heart transplant recipients. It could also advance the field of pig-to-human xenotransplantation, which, if successful, would eliminate the organ shortage problem. Of course, there are alternative futures to the field of heart transplantation that may include the application of total mechanical support, stem cells, or bioengineered whole organs. Which modality will be the first to reach the ultimate goal of achieving unlimited, long-term, circulatory support with minimal risk to longevity or lifestyle is unknown, but significant progress in being made in each of these areas.

Long-term mortality in adult orthotopic heart transplant recipients

Heart transplantation is now regarded as the treatment of choice for end-stage heart failure. To improve long-term results of the heart transplantation, we analyzed causes of death relative to time after transplantation. A total of 201 consecutive patients, 154 (76.6%) males, aged ≥ 17 yr underwent heart transplantation between November 1992 and December 2008. Mean ages of recipients and donors were 42.8 ± 12.4 and 29.8 ± 9.6 yr, respectively. The bicaval anastomosis technique was used since 1999. Mean follow up duration was 6.5 ± 4.4 yr. Two patients (1%) died in-hospital due to sepsis caused by infection. Late death occurred in 39 patients (19.4%) with the most common cause being sepsis due to infection. The 1-, 5-, and 10-yr survival rates in these patients were 95.5% ± 1.5%, 86.9% ± 2.6%, and 73.5% ± 4.1%, respectively. The surgical results of heart transplantation in adults were excellent, with late mortality due primarily to infection, malignancy, and rejection. Cardiac deaths related to cardiac allograft vasculopathy were very rare.

Long-term pulmonary vascular reactivity after orthotopic heart transplantation by the biatrial versus the bicaval technique

INTRODUCTION

Advantages of the bicaval versus the biatrial technique have been reported, emphasizing atrial electrical stability and less tricuspid regurgitation.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the impact of the surgical technique on long-term pulmonary pressures, contractility, and graft valvular behavior after heart transplantation.

METHODS

Among 400 orthotopic heart transplantation recipients from 1985 to 2010, we selected 30 consecutive patients who had survived beyond 3 years. The biatrial versus bicaval surgical technique groups included 15 patients each. Their preoperative clinical characteristics were similar. None of the patients displayed a pulmonary vascular resistance or pulmonary artery pressure over 6U Wood or 60 mm Hg, respectively. We evaluated invasive hemodynamic parameters during routine endomyocardial biopsies. Two-dimensional echocardiographic parameters were obtained from routine examinations.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences regarding right atrial pressure, systolic pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, cardiac index, systolic blood pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction, and mitral regurgitation (P > .05). Tricuspid regurgitation increased significantly over the 3 years of observation only among the biatrial group (P = .0212). In both groups, the right atrial pressure, pulmonary wedge capillary pressure, transpulmonary gradient, and pulmonary vascular resistance decreased significantly (P < .05) from the pre- to the postoperative examination. In both groups cardiac index and systemic blood pressure increased significantly after transplantation (P < .05). Comparative analysis of the groups only showed significant differences regarding right atrial pressure and degree of tricuspid regurgitation; the bicaval group showing the best performance.

CONCLUSIONS

Both surgical techniques ensure adequate left ventricular function in the long term; however, the bicaval technique provided better trends in hemodynamic performance, as well as a lower incidence and severity of tricuspid valve dysfunction.

Tricuspid regurgitation after orthotopic heart transplantation

BACKGROUND

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a relatively common abnormality in normal adults as well as after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). A few studies have shown reduction in the incidence of TR after OHT by total bicaval surgical anastomosis technique. Other studies reported no significant difference in the rates of TR between the standard and bicaval techniques.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate and compare the degree of TR after OHT by standard and bicaval anastomosis techniques.

METHOD

Echocardiograms from the first 56 consecutive patients that had the total bicaval surgical technique performed were retrospectively reviewed and compared with the last 57 consecutive patients who had the standard biatrial technique performed. Patients with adequate two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiograms were included.

RESULTS

No statistical difference was observed for each grade of TR at both early and late time points. No significant difference was observed between the TR velocities of both biatrial and bicaval anastomosis patients at different periods.

CONCLUSION

There appears to be no difference between the TR severity and TR velocity at early and late time points regardless of anastomotic technique.

Hemodynamic and echocardiographic evaluation of orthotopic heart transplantation with the modified bicaval anastomosis technique

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic and echocardiographic function of hearts transplanted with the modified bicaval anastomosis technique (mBCAT).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty consecutive patients (14 males, 6 females, age range 14-61 [41.3 +/-11.5 years]) were evaluated 3.4 +/-2.2 years after heart transplantation using the mBCAT. All patients were in status I on the waiting list, and 18 (90%) had had a left ventricular assist device. The donor age was 39 +/-12 years. Triple immunosuppressive regimen and cardiac biopsy were routinely performed. There was no hospital mortality. One death occurred 4.2 years after the operation because of bone marrow dysplasia and infection. The 8-year survival was 89% (95% confidence interval: 0.43-0.98). All the hemodynamic variables returned to the normal range. Low right atrial pressure (3.2 +/-1.5 mmHg) and low pulmonary wedge pressure (6.7 +/-2.1 mmHg) were associated with an excellent cardiac index (3.9 +/-0.7 L . min(-1) . m(-2)). Echocardiography revealed an excellent late peak velocity (52 +/-19 cm/s) and an E/A ratio (1.4 +/-0.6) of tricuspid flow. The grade (0-4) of tricuspid regurgitation averaged 1.5 +/-0.8.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemodynamic and echocardiographic results for mBCAT were excellent. The 8-year survival was 89% with all surviving patients in New York Heart Association class I. The mBCAT is easy to perform and further facilitates cardiac transplantation.

Prevalence and risk factors for tricuspid valve regurgitation after pediatric heart transplantation

BACKGROUND

Risk factors for tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after adult orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) have been reported, although there are no pediatric data.

METHODS

This study was a single-center retrospective analysis of patients <or= 18 years of age who underwent OHT from January 1990 to December 2004. The impact of TR was evaluated with respect to outcomes (graft failure, etc.).

RESULTS

Echocardiograms were available for 99 patients (105 grafts with 6 re-transplants) at a median age of 4.5 years (range 18 days to 17.1 years): 51 (49%) were male; 46 (44%) were transplanted for congenital heart disease; and 76 (72%) had a biatrial anastomosis. Significant TR developed in 30 grafts (29.5%) within a median duration after OHT of 1.2 years (range 0 day to 8.2 years); persistent significant TR until last follow-up was present in 21 grafts (20%). Graft failure (death or need for retransplantation) occurred in 41 grafts (39%), including 14 of 21 grafts (67%) with significant TR. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, freedom from significant TR (95% confidence interval [CI]) at 1, 5 and 10 years was 91.0% (83.4% to 95.2%), 70.2% (55.4% to 80.9%) and 61.5% (39.2% to 77.6%), respectively. No risk factors were identified. Development of significant TR was highly associated with graft failure (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant TR occurs with comparable frequency in pediatric and adult OHT populations; risk factors identified in adults were not present in our pediatric population. Development of significant TR in pediatric heart transplant recipients is highly associated with graft failure.

Outcomes in bicaval versus biatrial techniques in heart transplantation: an analysis of the UNOS database

BACKGROUND

Despite 40 years of heart transplantation, the optimal atrial anastomotic technique remains unclear. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database provides a unique and novel opportunity to address this question by examining survival in a large cohort of patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). We hypothesized that, when examining the issue on a large scale, no difference in survival would exist between techniques.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed first-time adult OHT in the UNOS database to identify 14,418 patients undergoing OHT between the years 1999 and 2005. Primary stratification was between those who underwent bicaval vs biatrial techniques. Baseline demographic and clinical factors were also recorded. The primary end-point was mortality from all causes during the study period. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay (LOS), and need for permanent pacemaker placement (PP). Post-transplant survival was compared between groups using a Cox proportional hazard regression model.

RESULTS

Of the 11,931 patients who met inclusion criteria between 1999 and 2005, 5,207 (44%) underwent the bicaval anastomotic technique. Bicaval and biatrial groups were well matched for gender, donor age, ischemic time, pulmonary vascular resistance, transpulmonary gradient, cardiac index, body mass index and pre-operative creatinine. Technique was not associated with survival during the study period (hazard ratio 1.06, p = 0.31). On multivariate analysis, age, gender, donor age and ischemic time were independent predictors of mortality. The bicaval technique was associated with less need for post-operative PP (2.0% vs 5.3%, p < 0.001) and shorter LOS (19 vs 21 days, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the single largest series examining bicaval vs biatrial anastamotic techniques for OHT. We found no difference in survival between the two groups, although the bicaval technique was associated with shorter LOS and pacemaker placement. Both techniques lead to equivalent survival in OHT.

Surgery-related complications in cardiac transplantation patients

OBJECTIVE

The surgical techniques was first described by Lower and Shumway for cardiac transplantation have not changed for many years; they are still being commonly used worldwide despite recently presented alternatives. We sought to evaluate the surgical complications among our cardiac transplantation patients in whom we performed the standard technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The standard biatrial anastomosis technique was used in 13 patients who have a mean follow-up of 18.6 (1 to 38) months. During the follow-up, echocardiographic assessment was performed to evaluate left and right atrial diameters, tricuspid and mitral valve regurgitation, interatrial septum, and suture lines. Elecotrocardiograms were evaluated for arryhthmia and pacemaker requirements in the midterm.

RESULTS

The mean left and right atrial diameters were measured as 40.5 (32 to 57) x 66.6 (48 to 78) and 37.9 (32 to 43) x 56.3 (48 to 69) mm, respectively. The jet area was calculated at less than 5 cm(2) for mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation, which can be defined as "mild" regurgitation. There was no increase in the degree of regurgitation of both atrioventricular valves during the follow-up period. In one patient, a thrombus was detected in the suture line; there was a nonsignificant left to right shunt in another patient. A temporary pacemaker was indicated in two patients. Atrial fibrillation was detected in three patients, who responded to medical therapy. During the follow-up atrial fibrillation developed in one patient.

CONCLUSION

The cardiac transplantation operation using the standard technique may result in atrial dysfuntion due to deformation of atrial integrity and geometry. However, when we evaluated our results, we concluded that the standard surgical technique was a safe, simple, effective, and feasible method.

Orthotopic heart transplantation through minimally invasive approach

Minimal access approaches are a trend in cardiothoracic surgery. Gained experience in these minimally invasive techniques have allowed its application to more complicated procedures, such as heart transplantation. Both classic and bicaval techniques of cardiac transplant were performed through a partial lower sternotomy in 10 end-stage heart failure patients with no previous cardiac surgery. The procedure was considered safe with adequate exposure, minimal postoperative pain medication requirements, acceptable operative times, and good long-term outcome.

Donor Tricuspid Annuloplasty During Orthotopic Heart Transplantation: Long-Term Results of a Prospective Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Development of tricuspid regurgitation after orthotopic heart transplantation can cause heart failure along with renal and hepatic impairment and portends a poor prognosis. If tricuspid regurgitation causes significant symptoms, tricuspid valve repair or replacement is often required. This study was designed to study the effects of prophylactic tricuspid valve annuloplasty (TVA) during orthotopic heart transplantation on long-term survival, renal function, and amount of tricuspid regurgitation.

METHODS

Between April 1997 and March 1998, 60 patients (aged 18 to 70 years; 22 female) randomly received either standard bicaval orthotopic heart transplantation (group STD; n = 30) or bicaval orthotopic heart transplantation with DeVega TVA (group TVA; n = 30). Tricuspid valve annuloplasty was performed on the donor heart before implantation using pledgeted 2-0 polypropylene and sized to an annulus of 29 mm. Echocardiographic measurements, laboratory values, and hemodynamics were obtained prospectively and reviewed by an independent data analyst.

RESULTS

Follow-up of patients as of December 2003 was complete. Although there was a perioperative mortality advantage in group TVA, there was no difference between groups in long-term survival. At the end of the study, however, there was a statistical difference (group STD versus group TVA, p < 0.05) with regard to cardiac mortality (7 of 30 versus 3 of 30), average amount of tricuspid regurgitation (1.5 +/- 1.3 versus 0.5 +/- 0.4), percentage of patients with 2+ or greater tricuspid regurgitation (34% versus 0%), serum creatinine (2.9 +/- 2.0 versus 1.8 +/- 0.7), and difference in serum creatinine over baseline (2.0 +/- 2.1 versus 0.7 +/- 0.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic DeVega TVA of the donor heart is durable and decreases the incidence of cardiac-related mortality and tricuspid regurgitation after orthotopic heart transplantation. In addition, there is improved protection of renal function. Considering the ease and safety of TVA and its advantages, it should be performed as a routine adjunct to orthotopic heart transplantation.

Orthotopic cardiac transplantation: comparison of outcome using biatrial, bicaval, and total techniques

BACKGROUND

For more than 35 years, the biatrial technique of performing orthotopic cardiac transplantation has been the gold standard, and involves anastomoses of donor and recipient atrial cuffs. More recently, however, bicaval and total techniques have been devised in an attempt to improve cardiac anatomy, physiology, and postoperative outcome. A bicaval approach preserves the donor atria and combines the standard left atrial anastomosis with a separate bicaval anastomosis. Total orthotopic heart transplantation involves complete excision of the recipient atria with separate bicaval end-to-end anastomoses, as well as pulmonary venous anastomoses. The aim of this study was to conduct a literature review of studies that compared the three surgical techniques (biatrial, bicaval, and total) for performing orthotopic cardiac transplantation. Numerous outcome variables were evaluated, and included post-transplant survival, atrial dimensions, atrioventricular valvular insufficiency, arrhythmias, pacing requirements, vasopressor requirements, and hospital stay.

METHODS

We conducted a Medline (Pubmed) search using the terms "biatrial and cardiac transplantation,""bicaval and cardiac transplantation," and "total technique and cardiac transplantation," which yielded 192 entries: 39 of these were studies that compared surgical techniques and were included in the review.

RESULTS

There was overwhelming evidence that the bicaval technique provided anatomic and functional advantages, with improvements in post-transplant survival, atrial geometry, and hemodynamics, as well as decreased valvular insufficiency, arrhythmias, pacing requirements, vasopressor requirements, and hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

The bicaval technique was superior to both biatrial and total techniques for numerous outcome variables. To further elucidate this issue, a prospective randomized trial comparing the three techniques, with long-term follow-up, is warranted.

Tricuspid annuloplasty significantly reduces early tricuspid regurgitation after biatrial heart transplantation

BACKGROUND

The incidence of tricuspid annuloplasty (TR) observed early after cardiac biatrial implantation is unpredictable and in our experience not infrequently problematic. Although the bicaval method of implant may reduce the incidence of TR, its benefit has not been conclusively documented.

METHODS

In an attempt to reduce the incidence of TR observed early after cardiac transplantation, 25 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac transplantation received donor heart tricuspid annuloplasty (TA) with either a DeVega or Ring technique. Early transthoracic echocardiograms were analyzed and compared with an immediately prior and consecutive cohort of 25 patients undergoing transplantation without TA. The biatrial technique of cardiac transplantation with a Cabrol modification was used for donor heart implant in both groups. Echocardiograms obtained 5 days after cardiac transplantation were reviewed in blinded fashion. TR was scored 0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, and 3 = severe.

RESULTS

Donor and recipient characteristics were not different between groups. No hospital deaths occurred in either group. Patients undergoing transplantation without TA had a higher TR score, 1.3 (range 0-3), than did patients with TA, 0.7 (range 0-1.5, p = 0.002). Moderate or severe TR was present in 8 of 25 patients without TA compared with 0 of 25 patients with TA (p = 0.004). No patients required permanent pacemaker.

CONCLUSIONS

TA can significantly reduce the incidence of early postoperative TR after biatrial cardiac transplant without adding to the complexity of operation.

Cardiac transplantation

Cardiac transplantation is a proven, accepted mode of therapy for selected patients with end-stage heart failure, but the inadequate number of suitable donor hearts available ultimately limits its application. This chapter reviews adult cardiac transplantation, with an emphasis on the anesthetic considerations of the heart transplant operation itself.

Biatrial or Bicaval Technique for Orthotopic Heart Transplantation: Which Is Better?

BACKGROUND

Orthotopic heart transplantation was done by the biatrial technique initially and the bicaval technique has become popular recently.

AIMS

This study aims to determine if bicaval technique is advantageous.

METHODS

Consecutive transplants performed between 1996 and 2001 were divided into two groups-37 patients done by bicaval and 38 by biatrial technique. Data accumulation was by retrospective study of patient charts.

RESULTS

Both groups had similar preoperative variables. There were no differences in low cardiac output (18.9% versus 26.3%, p = 0.62), intraaortic balloon pump insertion (16.2% versus 15.7%, p = 1.0), re-exploration (13.5% versus 18.4%, p = 0.79) and perioperative mortality (5.4% versus 7.9%, p = 1.0) in the bicaval versus biatrial groups. Temporary (13.5% versus 39.4%, p = 0.15) and permanent pacing (0 versus 3 patients) tended to be less frequent and central venous pressure measured at 1-week was lower in the bicaval group (mean 13.8 +/- 6cm versus 14.9 +/- 5.4cm, p = 0.42), but not attaining statistical significance. Severe tricuspid regurgitation was seen in one bicaval versus five biatrial patients at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Though bicaval group tended to require less pacing, had less tricuspid regurgitation and had lower central venous pressures, these did not attain statistical significance. There were otherwise no obvious differences in outcome. SHORT ABSTRACT: Seventy five consecutive orthotopic heart transplantations done during the period 1996-2001 by bicaval or biatrial surgical technique were compared. There was no difference in low cardiac output, intraaortic balloon pump insertion and mortality but the bicaval patients tended to have less pacing and diuretic requirements and lower central venous pressures, though not attaining statistical significance.

A one-year comparison of prophylactic donor tricuspid annuloplasty in heart transplantation

BACKGROUND

The bicaval technique for orthotopic heart transplantation decreases the incidence of tricuspid valve regurgitation when compared with the standard biatrial technique. This study was designed to study the effects of prophylactic tricuspid valve annuloplasty during bicaval orthotopic heart transplantation on survival, renal function, and amount of tricuspid valve regurgitation.

METHODS

Between April 1997 and March 1998, 60 patients (age 18 to 70 years, 22 women) randomly received either bicaval orthotopic heart transplantation (n = 30) or bicaval orthotopic heart transplantation with DeVega tricuspid valve annuloplasty (n = 30). Tricuspid valve annuloplasty was performed on the donor heart before implantation using pledgeted 2-0 polypropylene suture and sized to an annulus of 29 mm. Echocardiographic variables, laboratory values, and hemodynamics were obtained prospectively and reviewed by an independent data analyst.

RESULTS

Intraoperatively, the group undergoing tricuspid valve annuloplasty had a shorter reperfusion time (46 +/- 29 minutes versus 65 +/- 48 minutes; p < 0.05) and higher mean pulmonary artery to central venous pressure difference (11.8 +/- 3.7 mm Hg versus 15.3 +/- 4.1 mm Hg; p = 0.001). Additional differences between the two groups included early mortality from donor dysfunction (4 of 30 patients versus 0 of 30 patients; p < 0.05), amount of tricuspid valve regurgitation at 1 year (1.3 +/- 1.0 versus 0.2 +/- 0.3; p < 0.05), and percentage of patients with 2+ or greater tricuspid valve regurgitation (34% versus 0%; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Tricuspid valve annuloplasty of the donor heart before bicaval orthotopic heart transplantation improves immediate donor heart function as demonstrated by better right ventricular performance, lower perioperative mortality, and shorter reperfusion times. At 1 year, there is less tricuspid valve regurgitation but no difference in renal function. Considering the ease and safety of tricuspid valve annuloplasty and its advantages, it should be performed as a routine adjunct with bicaval orthotopic heart transplantation.