Cerebral ischemic lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging are associated with neurocognitive decline after cardiac surgery

Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 regulates neuroinflammation to mediate postoperative cognitive dysfunction in mice

Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) is a rate-limiting enzyme of prostaglandin (PGs) production, mediating perioperative inflammatory response. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying the involvement of PTGS2 in postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (tBCCAO) was performed to induce POCD. The Morris water maze test was used to assess the cognitive function. PTGS2 expression in the hippocampus and plasma was measured. Hippocampal RNA sequencing was performed to determine the pathological basis of POCD. In vivo, the mice were treated with or without a selective PTGS2 inhibitor during the perioperative period. The hippocampi were isolated to detect inflammation and oxidative damage. In vitro, PTGS2 was silenced in BV2 microglial cell lines, and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxidation (OGD/R) was performed. Conditioned medium from BV2 cells was collected to culture HT22 hippocampal neurons. Proinflammatory factors and oxidative damage were detected in BV2 and HT22 cells, respectively. The results indicated that the expression of PTGS2 in the plasma and hippocampal tissue of POCD mice was increased and that hippocampal inflammation is an important biological process in POCD. Inhibition of PTGS2 alleviated hippocampal inflammation, and the Morris water maze test showed improved learning and memory functions that were previously impaired. In addition, the inhibition of PTGS2 prevents OGD/R-induced microglial activation and alleviates neuronal injury. In conclusion, PTGS2 may be a culprit in POCD.

Clinical and subclinical acute brain injury caused by invasive cardiovascular procedures

Over the past 50 years, the number and invasiveness of percutaneous cardiovascular procedures globally have increased substantially. However, cardiovascular interventions are inherently associated with a risk of acute brain injury, both periprocedurally and postprocedurally, which impairs medical outcomes and increases health-care costs. Current international clinical guidelines generally do not cover the area of acute brain injury related to cardiovascular invasive procedures. In this international Consensus Statement, we compile the available knowledge (including data on prevalence, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentation and management) to formulate consensus recommendations on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of acute brain injury caused by cardiovascular interventions. We also identify knowledge gaps and possible future directions in clinical research into acute brain injury related to cardiovascular interventions.

Intraoperative neuromonitoring as an independent predictor for postoperative delirium in ICU following aneurysm clipping

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of significant intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) changes as an independent predictor of postoperative delirium (POD) in patients undergoing aneurysm clipping.

Methods

IONM and clinical data from 273 patients who underwent craniotomy for aneurysm clipping from 2019 until 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Significant IONM changes and POD were respectively evaluated based on visual review of data and clinical documentation. POD was assessed multiple times in the ICU using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC).

Results

Of the 273 patients undergoing craniotomy with IONM, 83 had POD (30.4 %). Significant IONM changes were noted in 42 patients, of which 19 patients had POD (45.2 %). In contrast, 231 patients had no IONM changes during surgery, of which 64 (27.7 %) patients had POD. Multivariable analysis showed that significant IONM changes were associated with POD, OR: 2.09 (95 % CI 1.01-4.43, p-value: 0.046). Additionally, somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) changes were significantly associated with POD (p-value: 0.044).

Conclusion

Significant IONM changes are associated with an increased risk of POD in patients undergoing craniotomy for aneurysm clipping. Our findings offer a strong basis for future research and analysis of EEG and SSEP monitoring to detect and possibly prevent POD.

CO2 field-flooding devices offer potential value for cardiopulmonary bypass procedures for CHD performed via a right-side small incision approach

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to evaluate the value of a CO2 field-flooding device in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgical procedures for congenital heart disease (CHD) performed via a right-side small incision approach.

METHODS

Between April 2022 and December 2023, 234 children with simple CHD who underwent CPB via a right-side small incision approach were separated into a control group (n = 93) without the use of a CO2 field-flooding device and a treatment group (n = 141) in which this device was added to the traditional surgical manual exhaust. Demographic, perioperative, arterial blood gas (ABG), and laboratory test data were then compared between these groups of patients.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) after aorta de-clamping during CPB, and interventions for abnormal ECG after aorta de-clamping during CPB between the control and treatment groups (17(18.3%) vs.14(9.9%), P = 0.048;12(85.7%) vs.7(50%),P = 0.013). The treatment group exhibited a lower pH (7.34 ± 0.07 vs. 7.36 ± 0.06, P = 0.039) and a higher PaCO2 (43.08 ± 7.36 vs. 38.86 ± 5.65 mmHg, P = 0.042) at the time of 30 min after initiation of CPB. A significant reduction in postoperative CK-MB was observed in treatment group (41.20 ± 17.88 vs. 56.57 ± 22.99 U/L, P = 0.002). Lower 3-day postoperative CRP levels were also observed in the treatment group relative to control (5.77 ± 0.48 vs. 9.45 ± 0.98 mg/L, P < 0.001). The S100ß concentration in the relevant patient cohort increased significantly from the time just after induction, intubation, and installation of the right central venous line to the time of admission to CCU (71.61 ± 11.83 vs. 124.04 ± 38.80, P = 0.01) and at the time of 24 h after operation (71.61 ± 11.83 vs. 101.97 ± 30.31, P = 0.01). No differences on S100β serum concentration level were found at the time of installation of the right central venous line between two groups. But there were statistically significant differences in S100β serum concentration level at the time of admission to CCU between control group and treatment group. (161.19 ± 6.62 vs. 86.89 ± 9.69 pg/ml, P = 0.01). Similar results were observed at the time of 24 h after operation. (127.62 ± 19.44 vs. 76.33 ± 10.40, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that the CO2 field-flooding device can safely be used when performing CPB surgical procedures via a right-side small incision approach to treat CHD without hypercapnia. The use of such a CO2 field-flooding device at a flow rate of 5 L/min may help protect against cardiac and nervous system damage in children undergoing CHD surgery.

Clinical Significance of Diffusion-Weighted Brain MRI Lesions After TAVR: Results of a Patient-Level Pooled Analysis

BACKGROUND

Acute brain infarction detected by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) is common after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), but its clinical relevance is uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

The authors investigated the relationship between DW-MRI total lesion number (TLN), individual lesion volume (ILV), and total lesion volume (TLV) and clinical stroke outcomes after TAVR.

METHODS

Patient-level data were pooled from 4 prospective TAVR embolic protection studies, with consistent predischarge DW-MRI acquisition and core laboratory analysis. C-statistic was used to determine the best DW-MRI measure associated with clinical stroke.

RESULTS

A total of 495 of 603 patients undergoing TAVR completed the predischarge DW-MRI. At 30 days, the rate of clinical ischemic stroke was 6.9%. Acute ischemic brain injury was seen in 85% of patients with 5.5 ± 7.3 discrete lesions per patient, mean ILV of 78.2 ± 257.1 mm3, and mean TLV of 555 ± 1,039 mm3. The C-statistic was 0.84 for TLV, 0.81 for number of lesions, and 0.82 for maximum ILV in predicting ischemic stroke. On the basis of the TLV cutpoint as defined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC), patients with a TLV >500 mm3 (vs TLV ≤500 mm3) had more ischemic stroke (18.2% vs 2.3%; P < 0.0001), more disabling strokes (8.8% vs 0.9%; P < 0.0001), and less complete stroke recovery (44% vs 62.5%; P = 0.001) at 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms that the number, size, and total volume of acute brain infarction defined by DW-MRI are each associated with clinical ischemic strokes, disabling strokes, and worse stroke recovery in patients undergoing TAVR and may have value as surrogate outcomes in stroke prevention trials. (A Prospective, Randomized Evaluation of the TriGuard™ HDH Embolic Deflection Device During TAVI [DEFLECT III]; NCT02070731) (A Study to Evaluate the Neuro-embolic Consequences of TAVR [NeuroTAVR]; NCT02073864) (The REFLECT Trial: Cerebral Protection to Reduce Cerebral Embolic Lesions After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation [REFLECT I]; NCT02536196) (The REFLECT Trial: Cerebral Protection to Reduce Cerebral Embolic Lesions After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation [REFLECT II]; NCT02536196).

Use of intracranial compliance to assist arterial blood pressure adjustment in critical patients: Short report and review of the literature

Background

Blood pressure management is extremely important to prevent cerebral hypoxia and influence the outcome of critically ill patients. In medicine, precise instruments are essential to increase patient safety in the intensive care unit (ICU), including intracranial compliance (ICC) monitoring. A new technology developed by Brain4care, makes it possible to analyze the waveform of intracranial pressure (ICP) non-invasively associated with ICC, and this instrument was used in the patient for monitoring.

Case Description

A 40-year-old male underwent aortic endocarditis surgery involving 182-min extracorporeal circulation and 9-min aortic clamping. Post-surgery, he exhibited a seizure bilateral mydriasis, followed by isochoric pupils and rapid foot movements. Neuroprotection measures were applied in the ICU, with noninvasive ICC monitoring initiated to assess intervention effectiveness.

Conclusion

The non-invasive measurement of ICP can help clinical decision-making regarding the optimization of adapted protocols for neuroprotection in the ICU.

Prospective evaluation of upper extremity access and total transfemoral approach during fenestrated and branched endovascular repair

OBJECTIVE

Total transfemoral (TF) access has been increasingly used during fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR). However, it is unclear whether the potential decrease in the risk of cerebrovascular events is offset by increased procedural difficulties and other complications. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of FB-EVAR using a TF vs upper extremity (UE) approach for target artery incorporation.

METHODS

We analyzed the clinical data of consecutive patients enrolled in a prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial in two centers to investigate the use of FB-EVAR for treatment of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (CAAA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) between 2013 and 2022. Patients were classified into TF or UE access group with a subset analysis of patients treated using designs with directional branches. End points were technical success, procedural metrics, 30-day cerebrovascular events defined as stroke or transient ischemic attack, and any major adverse events (MAEs).

RESULTS

There were 541 patients (70% males; mean age, 74 ± 8 years) treated by FB-EVAR with 2107 renal-mesenteric TAs incorporated. TF was used in175 patients (32%) and UE in 366 patients (68%) including 146 (83%) TF and 314 (86%) UE access patients who had four or more TAs incorporated. The use of a TF approach increased from 8% between 2013 and 2017 to 31% between 2018 and 2020 and 96% between 2021 and 2022. Compared with UE access patients, TF access patients were more likely to have CAAAs (37% vs 24%; P = .002) as opposed to TAAAs. Technical success rate was 96% in both groups (P = .96). The use of the TF approach was associated with reduced fluoroscopy time and procedural time (each P < .05). The 30-day mortality rate was 0.6% for TF and 1.4% for UE (P = .67). There was no early cerebrovascular event in the TF group, but the incidence was 2.7% for UE patients (P = .035). The incidence of MAEs was also lower in the TF group (9% vs 18%; P = .006). Among 237 patients treated using devices with directional branches, there were no significant differences in outcomes except for a reduced procedural time for TF compared with UE access patients (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

TF access was associated with a decreased incidence of early cerebrovascular events and MAEs compared with UE access for target artery incorporation. Procedural time was decreased in TF access patients irrespective of the type of stent graft design.

Intraoperative EEG-based monitors: are we looking under the lamppost?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

While electroencephalogram (EEG)-based depth of anesthesia monitors have been in use clinically for decades, there is still a major debate concerning their efficacy for detecting awareness under anesthesia (AUA). Further utilization of these monitors has also been discussed vividly, for example, reduction of postoperative delirium (POD).It seems that with regard to reducing AUA and POD, these monitors might be applicable, under specific anesthetic protocols. But in other settings, such monitoring might be less contributive and may have a 'built-it glass ceiling'.Recent advances in other venues of electrophysiological monitoring might have a strong theoretical rationale, and early supporting results, to offer a breakthrough out of this metaphorical glass ceiling. The purpose of this review is to present this possibility.

RECENT FINDINGS

Following previous findings, it might be concluded that for some anesthesia protocols, the prevailing depth of anesthesia monitors may prevent incidences of AUA and POD. However, in other settings, which may involve other anesthesia protocols, or specifically for POD - other perioperative causes, they may not. Attention-related processes measured by easy-to-use real-time electrophysiological markers are becoming feasible, also under anesthesia, and might be applicable for more comprehensive prevention of AUA, POD and possibly other perioperative complications.

SUMMARY

Attention-related monitoring might have a strong theoretical basis for the prevention of AUA, POD, and potentially other distressing postoperative outcomes, such as stroke and postoperative neurocognitive disorder. There seems to be already some initial supporting evidence in this regard.

Role of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring to Predict Postoperative Delirium in Cardiovascular Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative delirium (POD) can occur in up to 50% of older patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery, resulting in hospitalization and significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine whether intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) modalities can be used to predict delirium in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery.

DESIGN

Adult patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery with IONM between 2019 and 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Delirium was assessed multiple times using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC). Patients with an ICDSC score ≥4 were considered to have POD. Significant IONM changes were evaluated based on a visual review of electroencephalography (EEG) and somatosensory evoked potentials data and documentation of significant changes during surgery.

SETTING

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients 18 years old and older undergoing cardiovascular surgery with IONM monitoring.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of the 578 patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery with IONM, 126 had POD (21.8%). Significant IONM changes were noted in 134 patients, of whom 49 patients had delirium (36.6%). In contrast, 444 patients had no IONM changes during surgery, of whom 77 (17.3%) patients had POD. Upon multivariate analysis, IONM changes were associated with POD (odds ratio 2.12; 95% CI 1.31-3.44; p < 0.001). Additionally, baseline EEG abnormalities were associated with POD (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Significant IONM changes are associated with an increased risk of POD in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. These findings offer a basis for future research and analysis of EEG and somatosensory evoked potential monitoring to predict, detect, and prevent POD.

[History of anti-embolic protection in cardiac surgery]

The review is devoted to history of anti-embolic protection system, in particular protection against cerebral embolism, in cardiac surgery and endovascular surgery. Cerebral embolism is a common and dangerous complication in cardiovascular surgery, leading to disability of patients and significantly impairing treatment outcomes. Prevention of embolic complications is an urgent task in correction of heart valve disease in cardiac and endovascular surgery.

Changes in Cognitive Functions after Carotid Endarterectomy and Carotid Stenting: A Decade-Apart Comparison

BACKGROUND

This study investigates changes in cognitive function in patients with severe carotid stenosis who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid stenting (CAS) over two decades.

METHODS

We compared cognitive function within 30 days after the procedure in 267 patients (first 100 each for CEA and CAS in two periods: 2008-2012 and 2018-2022) in a single institution. Assessments used Adenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Speech Fluency Test (SFT), and Clock Drawing Test (CDT), conducted before and 30 ± 2 days after surgery.

RESULTS

Patients (mean age 67.2 years, 70%+ carotid stenosis) exhibited different cognitive changes over periods. In 2008-2012, significant declines in MMSE (CEA, p = 0.049) and CDT (CAS, p = 0.015) were observed among asymptomatic patients. On the contrary, in 2018-2022, improvements were observed in ACE-R and MMSE for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients undergoing CEA and CAS.

CONCLUSION

Over a decade, advances in interventional techniques and patient management have reduced risks of cognitive decline in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis and also have improved cognitive functions in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.

Surgical and percutaneous left atrial appendage intervention: silent cerebral embolism considerations

OBJECTIVES

Left atrial appendage intervention is an alternative to oral anticoagulation for thromboprophylaxis in atrial fibrillation. The aim of our study was to compare the incidence of silent cerebral embolisms after surgical and percutaneous intervention and to identify the risk factors for procedure-related silent cerebral embolisms after intervention.

METHODS

This prospective observational study included consecutive atrial fibrillation patients from 2 independent cohorts (left atrial appendage excision (LAAE) cohort and left atrial appendage occlusion cohort) between September 2018 and December 2020. All patients underwent cerebral magnetic resonance imaging before and after the procedure. Silent cerebral embolism was defined as new focal hyperintense lesions detected only on postprocedural sequence.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients from the LAAE cohort and 42 patients from the occlusion cohort were enrolled. A significantly lower incidence of silent cerebral embolism was observed in the LAAE cohort as compared with occlusion (6.3% vs 54.8%, P < 0.001). In the left atrial appendage occlusion cohort, patients who developed silent cerebral embolism after the procedure had significantly higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores [odds ratio (OR) 2.172; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.149-4.104; P = 0.017], longer occlusion placement time (OR 1.067; 95% CI 1.018-1.118; P = 0.006) and lower peak activated clotting time level after transseptal puncture (OR 0.976; 95% CI 0.954-0.998; P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of procedure-related silent cerebral embolism was strikingly lower in patients with LAAE than in patients with occlusion. More cardiovascular comorbidities, longer occlusion placement time and lower activated clotting time level were significantly associated with the development of procedure-related silent cerebral embolism.

Cerebral Embolic Risk in Coronary and Structural Heart Interventions: Clinical Evidence

Surgical and endovascular procedures for coronary and structural heart interventions carry a meaningful risk of acute stroke with greatly increased likelihood of disability and long-term neurocognitive sequelae. In the last decade, transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures have focused our attention on a spectrum of procedure-related neurologic injuries that have led to various efforts to prevent ischemic injury with the use of embolic protection devices. As the number of patients undergoing surgical and transcatheter cardiac procedures in the United States continues to increase, the risk of iatrogenic brain injury is concerning, particularly in patient populations already at increased risk of thromboembolism and cognitive decline. In this study, we reviewed the current estimates of the incidence of iatrogenic cerebral embolization and ischemic infarction after surgical and percutaneous transcatheter interventions for coronary artery disease, stenotic aortic and mitral valves, atrial fibrillation, left atrial appendage and patent foramen ovale closure. Our findings show that every year in the United States, nearly 2 million patients undergo coronary and structural heart interventions, with approximately 8000 at risk of experiencing a symptomatic stroke and 330,225 (95% CI, 249,948-430,377) at the risk of ischemic brain injury after the procedure. Given the increased use of surgical and endovascular cardiac procedures in clinical practice, the risk of iatrogenic cerebral embolism is significant and demands careful consideration through neurologic and cognitive assessments and appropriate risk mitigation.

Thromboelastography 6s for assessment of platelet function during coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms

OBJECTIVES

Methods for assessing platelet function in patients with neurovascular disease remain controversial and poorly studied. This study aimed to assess associations between thromboelastography 6s (TEG6s) measurements and postoperative ischemic complications in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) treated by coil embolization.

METHODS

Eighty-four patients with UIAs taking a combined aspirin and clopidogrel protocol were retrospectively reviewed from January 2021 to May 2022. Blood samples were obtained for TEG6s to assess platelet function on the day of coil embolization. To identify acute ischemic complications, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was performed within 24 h after coil embolization. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify potential risk factors for postoperative positive DWI (DWI (+)) lesions.

RESULTS

Forty-three of the 84 patients (51%) with DWI (+) lesions were identified. Compared with patients without DWI (+) lesions, Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet-fibrin clot strength (MA_ADP) was significantly higher (53.6 mm [Interquartile range (IQR): 48.3-58.3 mm] vs 46.7 mm [IQR: 36.8-52.2 mm]; p=0.001) and ADP inhibition rate (ADP%) was significantly lower (19% [IQR: 11-31%] vs 31% [IQR: 21-44%]; p=0.001) in DWI (+) patients. Multivariate analysis identified MA_ADP, ADP%, and procedure time as significant independent predictors of subsequent DWI (+) lesions (odds ratios: 1.07, 0.96, and 1.02, respectively). Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, MA_ADP >50.9 mm and ADP% <28.8% were associated with postoperative DWI (+) lesions in patients undergoing coil embolization for UIAs.

CONCLUSIONS

MA_ADP and ADP% as assessed by TEG6s can offer reliable parameters to predict postoperative ischemic complications after coil embolization of UIAs. Lower MA_ADP values and higher ADP% may decrease the risk of postoperative ischemic complications.

The Intersection of Aging and Lung Transplantation: its Impact on Transplant Evaluation, Outcomes, and Clinical Care

Purpose

Older adults (age ≥ 65 years) are the fastest growing age group undergoing lung transplantation. Further, international consensus document for the selection of lung transplant candidates no longer suggest a fixed upper age limit. Although carefully selected older adults can derive great benefit, understanding which older adults will do well after transplant with improved survival and health-related qualiy of life is key to informed decision-making. Herein, we review the epidemiology of aging in lung transplantation and its impact on outcomes, highlight selected physiological measures that may be informative when evaluating and managing older lung transplant patients, and identify directions for future research.

Recent Findings

In general, listing and transplanting older, sicker patients has contributed to worse clinical outcomes and greater healthcare use. Emerging evidence suggest that measures of physiological age, such as frailty, body composition, and neurocognitive and psychosocial function, may better identify risk for poor transplant outcomes than chronlogical age.

Summary

The evidence base to inform transplant decision-making and improvements in care for older adults is small but growing. Multipronged efforts at the intersection of aging and lung transplantation are needed to improve the clinical and patient centered outcomes for this large and growing cohort of patients. Future research should focus on identifying novel and ideally modifiable risk factors for poor outcomes specific to older adults, better approaches to measuring physiological aging (e.g., frailty, body composition, neurocognitive and psychosocial function), and the underlying mechanisms of physiological aging. Finally, interventions that can improve clinical and patient centered outcomes for older adults are needed.

Silent Brain Infarction, Delirium, and Cognition in Three Invasive Cardiovascular Procedures: a Systematic Review

Silent brain infarctions (SBIs) are brain lesions noted on neuroimaging that are not associated with clinical symptoms. SBIs are associated with a number of vascular risk factors and are common following invasive cardiovascular procedures such as atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Although not eliciting signs of clinical stroke, SBIs are associated with increased frailty, and motor and mood features. Less is known, however, about the relationship between SBI, cognition, and delirium following invasive cardiac procedures and most investigations into these relationships have been reported in large-scale epidemiological studies. In the current paper, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate evidence of a relationship between SBI, delirium, and cognitive decline following CABG, AF ablation, and TAVR. Twenty studies met inclusion criteria. In general, our review identified conflicting results for each cardiac procedure, with some studies suggesting a relationship between SBI, cognitive impairment, and delirium, whereas others showed no relationship between SBI, cognitive impairment, and delirium. Potential reasons for this discrepancy as well as suggestions for future research are discussed.

Asymptomatic Stroke in the Setting of Percutaneous Non-Coronary Intervention Procedures

Advancements in clinical management, pharmacological therapy and interventional procedures have strongly improved the survival rate for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Nevertheless, the patients affected by CVDs are more often elderly and present several comorbidities such as atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, heart failure, and chronic coronary syndrome. Standard treatments are frequently not available for “frail patients”, in particular due to high surgical risk or drug interaction. In the past decades, novel less-invasive procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), MitraClip or left atrial appendage occlusion have been proposed to treat CVD patients who are not candidates for standard procedures. These procedures have been confirmed to be effective and safe compared to conventional surgery, and symptomatic thromboembolic stroke represents a rare complication. However, while the peri-procedural risk of symptomatic stroke is low, several studies highlight the presence of a high number of silent ischemic brain lesions occurring mainly in areas with a low clinical impact. The silent brain damage could cause neuropsychological deficits or worse, a preexisting dementia, suggesting the need to systematically evaluate the impact of these procedures on neurological function.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Cerebral Micro-embolizations During Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery

The role of aortic clamping techniques on the occurrence of neurological complications after right mini-thoracotomy mitral valve surgery is still debated. Brain injuries can occur also as silent cerebral micro-embolizations (SCM), which have been linked to significant deficits in physical and cognitive functions. Aims of this study are to evaluate the overall rate of SCM and to compare endoaortic clamp (EAC) with trans-thoracic clamp (TTC). Patients enrolled underwent a pre-operative, a post-operative, and a follow-up MRI. Forty-three patients were enrolled; EAC was adopted in 21 patients, TTC in 22 patients. Post-operative SCM were reported in 12 cases (27.9%). No differences between the 2 groups were highlighted (23.8% SCM in the EAC group versus 31.8% in the TTC). MRI analysis showed post-operative SCM in nearly 30% of selected patients after right mini-thoracotomy mitral valve surgery. Subgroup analysis on different types of aortic clamping showed comparable results. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The rate of SCM reported in the present study on patients undergoing minimally invasive MVS and RAP is consistent with data in the literature on patients undergoing cardiac surgery through median sternotomy and antegrade arterial perfusion. Moreover, no differences were reported between EAC and TTC: both the aortic clamping techniques are safe, and the choice of the surgical setting to adopt can be really done according to the patient's characteristics.

Neurological Complications of Cardiac Procedures

Neurological complications after cardiac surgery and percutaneous cardiac interventions are not uncommon. These include periprocedural stroke, postoperative cognitive dysfunction after cardiac surgery, contrast-induced encephalopathy after percutaneous interventions, and seizures. In this article, we review the incidence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of these complications. Improved understanding of these complications could lead to their prevention, faster detection, and facilitation of diagnostic workup and appropriate treatment.

The Anaortic Technique with Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Grafting - Filling the Gap in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has consolidated its role as the most effective procedure for treating patients with advanced atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, reducing the long-term risk of myocardial infarction and death compared to other therapies and relieving angina. Despite the recognized benefits afforded by surgical myocardial revascularization, a subset of higher-risk patients bears a more elevated risk of perioperative stroke. Stroke remains the drawback of conventional CABG and has been strongly linked to aortic manipulation (cannulation, cross-clamping, and side-biting clamping for the performance of proximal aortic anastomoses) and the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Adoption of off-pump CABG (OPCAB) is demonstrated to lower the risk of perioperative stroke, as well as reducing the risk of short-term mortality, renal failure, atrial fibrillation, bleeding, and length of intensive care unit stay. However, increased risk persists owing to the need for the tangential ascending aorta clamping to construct the proximal anastomosis. The concept of anaortic (aorta no-touch) OPCAB (anOPCAB) stems from eliminating ascending aorta manipulation, virtually abolishing the risk of embolism caused by aortic wall debris into the brain circulation. The adoption of anOPCAB has been shown to further decrease the risk of postoperative stroke, especially in higher-risk patients, entailing a step forward and a refinement of outcomes provided by the primeval OPCAB technique. Therefore, anOPCAB has been the recommended technique in patients with cerebrovascular disease and/or calcification or atheromatous plaque in the ascending aorta and should be preferred in patients with high-risk factors for neurological damage and stroke.

Silent brain infarcts and early cognitive outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Silent brain infarcts (SBIs) are frequently identified after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), when patients are screened with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI). Outside the cardiac literature, SBIs have been correlated with progressive cognitive dysfunction; however, their prognostic utility after TAVI remains uncertain. This study's main goals were to explore (i) the incidence of and potential risk factors for SBI after TAVI; and (ii) the effect of SBI on early post-procedural cognitive dysfunction (PCD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

A systematic literature review was performed to identify all publications reporting SBI incidence, as detected by DW-MRI after TAVI. Silent brain infarct incidence, baseline characteristics, and the incidence of early PCD were evaluated via meta-analysis and meta-regression models. We identified 39 relevant studies encapsulating 2408 patients. Out of 2171 patients who underwent post-procedural DW-MRI, 1601 were found to have at least one new SBI (pooled effect size 0.76, 95% CI: 0.72-0.81). The incidence of reported stroke with focal neurological deficits was 3%. Meta-regression noted that diabetes, chronic renal disease, 3-Tesla MRI, and pre-dilation were associated with increased SBI risk. The prevalence of early PCD increased during follow-up, from 16% at 10.0 ± 6.3 days to 26% at 6.1 ± 1.7 months and meta-regression suggested an association between the mean number of new SBI and incidence of PCD. The use of cerebral embolic protection devices (CEPDs) appeared to decrease the volume of SBI, but not their overall incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Silent brain infarcts are common after TAVI; and diabetes, kidney disease, and pre-dilation increase overall SBI risk. While higher numbers of new SBIs appear to adversely affect early neurocognitive outcomes, long-term follow-up studies remain necessary as TAVI expands to low-risk patient populations. The use of CEPD did not result in a significant decrease in the occurrence of SBI.

Cerebral embolic protection during transcatheter aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND

It is controversial that cerebral embolic protection devices (CEPDs) reduce clinical stroke during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Herein, we investigated the impact of CEPDs on in-hospital clinical stroke using a nationally representative sample.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, 109,240 patients who underwent TAVR between 2017 and 2018 were included. They were categorized into 2 groups according to usage of CEPDs; the CEPD and non-CEPD groups. After propensity score matching, 3805 pairs were acquired. Our main outcome was in-hospital clinical stroke. Other outcomes were in-hospital mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI), AKI leading to hemodialysis, bleeding requiring transfusion, overall bleeding complications, infectious complications, length of stay, and total cost. In-hospital clinical stroke did not significantly differ between the 2 groups (0.7% versus 1.1%, p = 0.449). The CEPD group was associated with a significantly lower in-hospital mortality (0.5% versus 1.4%, p = 0.029) and reduced total cost ($49,047 ± 19,666 versus $50,051 ± 23,190, p < 0.001), compared with the non-CEPD group, whereas there were no significant differences in the other outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

By using the NIS database with a large number of cases, TAVR with CEPDs was not associated with a lower incidence of in-hospital clinical stroke compared with no use of CEPDs after matching.

Perioperative Neurological Evaluation and Management to Lower the Risk of Acute Stroke in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac, Nonneurological Surgery: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

Perioperative stroke is a potentially devastating complication in patients undergoing noncardiac, nonneurological surgery. This scientific statement summarizes established risk factors for perioperative stroke, preoperative and intraoperative strategies to mitigate the risk of stroke, suggestions for postoperative assessments, and treatment approaches for minimizing permanent neurological dysfunction in patients who experience a perioperative stroke. The first section focuses on preoperative optimization, including the role of preoperative carotid revascularization in patients with high-grade carotid stenosis and delaying surgery in patients with recent strokes. The second section reviews intraoperative strategies to reduce the risk of stroke, focusing on blood pressure control, perioperative goal-directed therapy, blood transfusion, and anesthetic technique. Finally, this statement presents strategies for the evaluation and treatment of patients with suspected postoperative strokes and, in particular, highlights the value of rapid recognition of strokes and the early use of intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical embolectomy in appropriate patients.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Silent Brain Infarction After On-Pump Cardiac Surgery: A Meta-analysis and Meta-regression of 29 Prospective Cohort Studies

BACKGROUND

Silent brain infarction (SBI) happens at a considerable rate after on-pump cardiac surgery. Though termed silent, SBI is related to unfavorable clinical outcomes including higher incidence of future stroke and neurocognitive impairment in the general population. The risk factors of SBI have not been fully identified in both individual studies and several meta-analyses addressing the topic. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to conduct meta-regression analysis for the first time to explore risk factors for SBI after on-pump cardiac surgery.

METHODS

This meta-analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Medline, Embase, Central, Web of Science, and Wiley databases were searched for relevant studies. Preoperative patient baseline characteristics and intraoperative surgical parameters were extracted from included studies. For meta-regression, a P value of less than 0.1 was considered statistically significant in both univariable and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine studies with 1478 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The summarized SBI rate after on-pump cardiac surgery was 37% (95% CI 0.27-0.47, P < 0.0001). Heterogeneity between studies was significant (I2 = 94.9%, P < 0.0001). In multivariable meta-regression, we found that age (coefficient 0.014, 95% CI 0.001-0.029, P = 0.043), diabetes (coefficient 0.006, 95% CI - 0.001 to 0.013, P = 0.075), and proportion of CABG (coefficient - 0.001, 95% CI - 0.003 to 0.0003, P = 0.096) were significantly associated with SBI incidence.

CONCLUSION

From the meta-regression, we concluded that advanced age and diabetes were related to increased SBI incidence after on-pump cardiac surgery, while CABG procedure alone was associated with less SBI onset. Studies with more accurate diagnoses of SBI are required to add more conclusive evidence to the field.

Brain Injury After Transcatheter Replacement of Bicuspid Versus Tricuspid Aortic Valves

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients are undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), but the risk of brain injury in diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) is currently unknown.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate the risk of brain injury in BAV patients following TAVR.

METHODS

A total of 204 consecutive severe aortic stenosis patients who underwent TAVR were enrolled. A total of 83 (40.7%) patients were BAV patients, and the other 121 patients were tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) patients. All patients received DW-MRI at baseline, and after TAVR.

RESULTS

Median ages (76 years [interquartile range (IQR): 71 to 81 years] vs. 79 years [IQR: 74 to 83 years]; p = 0.004) and Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores (4.87 [IQR: 3.72 to 8.54] vs. 6.38 [IQR: 3.96 to 9.50]; p = 0.044) of the BAV and TAV patients were significantly different, while the overt stroke rates (2.4% vs. 1.7%; p = 0.704) were comparable between the 2 groups. BAV patients were associated with higher number of new lesions (4.0 [IQR: 1.0 to 8.0] vs. 2.0 [IQR: 1.0 to 5.0]; p = 0.008), total lesion volume (290 mm³ [IQR: 70 to 930 mm³] vs. 140 mm³ [IQR: 35 to 480 mm³]; p = 0.008), and the volume per lesion (70.0 mm³ [IQR: 45.0 to 115.0 mm³] vs. 57.5 mm³ [IQR: 24.5 to 93.0 mm³]; p = 0.037) in DW-MRI. Moreover, the proportion of patients with lesions larger than 1 cm³ (28.6% vs. 10.9%; p = 0.005) was higher in BAV patients than in TAV patients.

CONCLUSIONS

BAV patients may encounter more severe brain injuries not only due to greater number of lesions, but also due to larger lesion size in the early phase after TAVR. (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Single Center Registry in Chinese Population [TORCH]; NCT02803294).

A randomized trial comparing axillary versus innominate artery cannulation for aortic arch surgery

BACKGROUND

Cerebral protection remains the cornerstone of successful aortic surgery; however, there is no consensus as to the optimal strategy.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the safety and efficacy of innominate to axillary artery cannulation for delivering antegrade cerebral protection during proximal aortic arch surgery.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial (The Aortic Surgery Cerebral Protection Evaluation CardioLink-3 Trial, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02554032), conducted across 6 Canadian centers between January 2015 and June 2018, allocated 111 individuals to innominate or axillary artery cannulation. The primary safety outcome was neuroprotection per the appearance of new severe ischemic lesions on the postoperative diffusion-weighted-magnetic resonance imaging. The primary efficacy outcome was the difference in total operative time. Secondary outcomes included 30-day all-cause mortality and postoperative stroke.

RESULTS

One hundred two individuals (mean age, 63 ± 11 years) were in the primary safety per-protocol analysis. Baseline characteristics between the groups were similar. New severe ischemic lesions occurred in 19 participants (38.8%) in the axillary versus 18 (34%) in the innominate group (P for noninferiority = .0009). Total operative times were comparable (median, 293 minutes; interquartile range, 222-411 minutes) for axillary versus (298 minutes; interquartile range, 231-368 minutes) for innominate (P for superiority = .47). Stroke/transient ischemic attack occurred in 4 (7.1%) participants in the axillary versus 2 (3.6%) in the innominate group (P = .43). Thirty-day mortality, seizures, delirium, and duration of mechanical ventilation were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging assessments indicate that antegrade cerebral protection with innominate cannulation is safe and affords similar neuroprotection to axillary cannulation during aortic surgery, although the burden of new neurological lesions is high in both groups.

Silent Brain Infarcts Following Cardiac Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Silent brain infarcts (SBI) are increasingly being recognized as an important complication of cardiac procedures as well as a potential surrogate marker for studies on brain injury. The extent of subclinical brain injury is poorly defined.

Methods and Results

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis utilizing studies of SBIs and focal neurologic deficits following cardiac procedures. Our final analysis included 42 studies with 49 separate intervention groups for a total of 2632 patients. The prevalence of SBIs following transcatheter aortic valve implantation was 0.71 (95% CI 0.64‐0.77); following aortic valve replacement 0.44 (95% CI 0.31‐0.57); in a mixed cardiothoracic surgery group 0.39 (95% CI 0.28‐0.49); coronary artery bypass graft 0.25 (95% CI 0.15‐0.35); percutaneous coronary intervention 0.14 (95% CI 0.10‐0.19); and off‐pump coronary artery bypass 0.14 (0.00‐0.58). The risk ratio of focal neurologic deficits to SBI in aortic valve replacement was 0.22 (95% CI 0.15‐0.32); in off‐pump coronary artery bypass 0.21 (95% CI 0.02‐2.04); with mixed cardiothoracic surgery 0.15 (95% CI 0.07‐0.33); coronary artery bypass graft 0.10 (95% CI 0.05‐0.18); transcatheter aortic valve implantation 0.10 (95% CI 0.07‐0.14); and percutaneous coronary intervention 0.06 (95% CI 0.03‐0.14). The mean number of SBIs per patient was significantly higher in the transcatheter aortic valve implantation group (4.58 ± 2.09) compared with both the aortic valve replacement group (2.16 ± 1.62, P=0.03) and the percutaneous coronary intervention group (1.88 ± 1.02, P=0.03).

Conclusions

SBIs are a very common complication following cardiac procedures, particularly those involving the aortic valve. The high frequency of SBIs compared with strokes highlights the importance of recording this surrogate measure in cardiac interventional studies. We suggest that further work is required to standardize reporting in order to facilitate the use of SBIs as a routine outcome measure.

Brain Protection in the Endo-Management of Proximal Aortic Aneurysms

Neurological brain injury (NBI) remains the most feared complication following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), and can manifest as clinically overt stroke and/or more covert injury, detected only on explicit neuropsychological testing. Microembolic signals (MES) detected on transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring of the cerebral arteries during TEVAR and the high prevalence and incidence of new ischaemic infarcts on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) suggests procedure-related solid and gaseous cerebral microembolisation to be an important cause of NBI. Any intervention that can reduce the embolic burden during TEVAR may, therefore, help mitigate the risk of stroke and the covert impact of ischaemic infarcts to the function of the brain. This perspective article provides an understanding of the mechanism of stroke and reviews the available evidence regarding potential neuroprotective strategies that target high-risk procedural steps of TEVAR to reduce periprocedural cerebral embolisation.

Incidence and Distribution of Cerebral Embolism After Cardiac Surgery According to the Systemic Perfusion Strategy - A Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a major concern in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, so we investigated the incidence and risk factors of cerebral embolism according to the systemic perfusion strategy under thorough imaging assessment.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between November 2011 and May 2015, 315 cardiac surgery patients who underwent preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) as a routine evaluation were enrolled. The incidence and distribution of cerebral embolism were analyzed with routine postoperative brain diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) examination. Anterograde perfusion was used in 103 patients (group A), and retrograde perfusion was performed in 212 patients (group R). Operative deaths, incidence of clinical stroke (group A: 0%, group R: 0.5%, P=0.77), and rate of cerebral embolism (group A: 35.9%, group R: 26.4%, P=0.08) were comparable. The median number of new embolic lesions detected by MRI per patient (group A: 2, group R: 2, P=0.16), maximal diameter of the lesion (group A: 6.5 mm, group R: 6.0 mm, P=0.97), and anatomic distribution of the lesion were similar between groups. In the multivariate analysis, hypertension, emergency status, atherosclerosis grade 3 or 4 (intimal thickening >4 mm), and cardiopulmonary bypass time were independent risk factors for postoperative cerebral embolism, but retrograde perfusion was not.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of postoperative DW-MRI, retrograde perfusion itself might not increase the incidence of postoperative cerebral embolism in properly selected cardiac surgery patients undergoing routine preoperative CTA examination.

Compound K attenuated hepatectomy-induced post-operative cognitive dysfunction in aged mice via LXRα activation

AIMS

Post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) occurs after major surgery in elderly patients and affects the quality of patients' lives. The present study aims to explore the protective effects and possible mechanisms of compound K in old mice with POCD caused by partial hepatectomy.

METHODS

Sixteen month-old mice were administered different doses of compound K from the 8th day to 14th day after partial hepatectomy. Cognitive function was subsequently measured with a Morris water-maze (MWM) test. Serum inflammatory cytokine levels were measured by magnetic bead panel; levels of cytokines in the hippocampus were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. The mRNA levels of target genes were measured using real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Compared with the model group, MWM scores were significantly attenuated at days 10 and 14 post-surgery in mice receiving compound K (10, 30 mg/kg) in a dose-dependent manner. Both systemic and local cytokine levels were reduced after treatment of compound K. The alterations in serum lipids were independent of the attenuation of POCD syndrome. An inhibitor of liver X receptor-α (LXRα), GGPP, reversed the effects of compound K.

CONCLUSIONS

The results provide evidence for an alleviation of POCD by compound K via local inflammation inhibition in hippocampus tissue; furthermore, the data suggests the mechanism involves the LXRα pathway. The present study supports further evaluation of compound K as a potential effective modulator for POCD.

Silent Cerebral Infarcts Following Left-Sided Accessory Pathway Ablation in Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome: A Preliminary Report

Background

Catheter ablation is a routine procedure in patients with WPW syndrome. Silent cerebral infarcts (SCI) detected in magnetic resonance imaging may be a complication of the ablation procedure, but it is well documented only in atrial fibrillation ablation. Ablation of left-sided accessory pathways (L-AP) has a similar target area, but WPW patients differ from those with atrial fibrillation, due to lower initial risk of cerebral embolic events. The aim of this study was to determine whether the ablation of left-sided accessory pathways carries the risk of SCI.

Material/Methods

Twenty consecutive patients with overt L-AP referred for RF ablation in our center were included in the study. An irrigated ablation catheter was used in 8 patients, and a non-irrigated ablation catheter was used in 12 patients. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was performed pre-procedurally and on the next day after the ablation in all patients.

Results

Ablation procedures were completed without complications and there were no neurological symptoms following the procedure, although in 2 patients (10%), post-procedural diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance revealed new acute silent cerebral infarcts. Both patients with new cerebral lesions were female, and a non-irrigated catheter was used in both cases.

Conclusions

This is the first study documenting the presence of silent cerebral infarcts after WPW ablation. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the risk of silent cerebral infarcts associated with L-AP ablation.

Silent brain infarcts on diffusion-weighted imaging after carotid revascularisation: A surrogate outcome measure for procedural stroke? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim

To investigate whether lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI+) after carotid artery stenting (CAS) or endarterectomy (CEA) might provide a surrogate outcome measure for procedural stroke.

Materials and Methods

Systematic MedLine® database search with selection of all studies published up to the end of 2016 in which DWI scans were obtained before and within seven days after CAS or CEA. The correlation between the underlying log odds of stroke and of DWI+ across all treatment groups (i.e. CAS or CEA groups) from included studies was estimated using a bivariate random effects logistic regression model. Relative risks of DWI+ and stroke in studies comparing CAS vs. CEA were estimated using fixed-effect Mantel-Haenszel models.

Results

We included data of 4871 CAS and 2099 CEA procedures (85 studies). Across all treatment groups (CAS and CEA), the log odds for DWI+ was significantly associated with the log odds for clinically manifest stroke (correlation coefficient 0.61 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.87), p = 0.0012). Across all carotid artery stenting groups, the correlation coefficient was 0.19 (p = 0.074). There were too few CEA groups to reliably estimate a correlation coefficient in this subset alone. In 19 studies comparing CAS vs. CEA, the relative risks (95% confidence intervals) of DWI+ and stroke were 3.83 (3.17-4.63, p < 0.00001) and 2.38 (1.44-3.94, p = 0.0007), respectively.

Discussion

This systematic meta-analysis demonstrates a correlation between the occurrence of silent brain infarcts on diffusion-weighted imaging and the risk of clinically manifest stroke in carotid revascularisation procedures.

Conclusion

Our findings strengthen the evidence base for the use of DWI as a surrogate outcome measure for procedural stroke in carotid revascularisation procedures. Further randomised studies comparing treatment effects on DWI lesions and clinical stroke are needed to fully establish surrogacy.

Neural network imaging to characterize brain injury in cardiac procedures: the emerging utility of connectomics

Cognitive dysfunction is a poorly understood but potentially devastating complication of cardiac surgery. Clinically meaningful assessment of cognitive changes after surgery is problematic because of the absence of a means to obtain reproducible, objective, and quantitative measures of the neural disturbances that cause altered brain function. By using both structural and functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging data to construct a map of the inter-regional connections within the brain, connectomics has the potential to increase the specificity and sensitivity of perioperative neurological assessment, permitting rational individualized assessment and improvement of surgical techniques.

The Role of Cerebral Embolic Protection Devices During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is the therapy of choice for patients with severe aortic stenosis who have prohibitive or high surgical risk. However, the benefit of TAVR is attenuated by the occurrence of major disabling stroke which is associated with increased mortality and early-reduced quality of life. Despite advances in TAVR technology, stroke remains a serious complication that is associated with significant negative outcomes. The majority of these occur in the acute phase following TAVR where cerebral embolic events are frequent. Cerebral embolic protection devices (CEPD) have been developed to minimize the risk of peri-procedural ischemic stroke during TAVR. CEPD have the potential to reduce intraprocedural burden of new silent ischemic injury. In this review we outline the etiology and incidence of stroke in TAVR population, and systematically review current evidence for cerebral embolic protection devices.

The influence of carbon dioxide field flooding in mitral valve operations with cardiopulmonary bypass on S100ß level in blood plasma in the aging brain

Introduction

The risk of air microembolism during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is high and influences the postoperative outcome, especially in elderly patients. The use of carbon dioxide (CO₂) atmosphere during cardiac surgery may reduce the risk of cerebral air microembolism. The aim of our study was to assess the influence of CO₂ field flooding on microembolism-induced brain damage assessed by the level of S100ß protein, regarded as a marker of brain damage.

Materials and methods

A group of 100 patients undergoing planned mitral valve operation through median sternotomy using standard CPB was recruited for the study. Echocardiography was performed prior to and after the CPB. CO₂ insufflation at 6 L/minute was conducted in the study group. Blood samples for S100ß protein analysis were collected after induction of anesthesia, 2 hours after aorta de-clamping, and 24 hours after operation.

Results

The S100ß level in blood plasma did not differ significantly between the study and the control group (0.13±0.08 µg/L, 1.12±0.59 µg/L, and 0.26±0.23 µg/L and 0.18±0.19 µg/L, 1.31±0.62 µg/L, and 0.23±0.12 µg/L, P=0.7, 0.14, and 0.78). The mean increase of the S100ß concentration was 13% lower in the group with CO₂ protection than in the control group (0.988 µg/L vs 1.125 µg/L), although statistically insignificant. Tricuspid valve annuloplasties (TVAs) had significant impact on the increase in S100ß concentration in the treatment group after 24 hours (TVA [−] 0.21±0.09 vs TVA [+] 0.42±0.42, P=0.05). In patients <60 years, there were significant differences in the S100ß level 2 and 24 hours after the procedure (1.59±0.682 µg/L vs 1.223±0.571 µg/L, P=0.048, and 0.363±0.318 µg/L vs 0.229±0.105 µg/L, P=0.036) as compared with younger patients.

Conclusion

The increase in S100ß concentration was lower in the group with CO₂ protection than in the control group. Age and an addition of TVA significantly influenced the level of S100ß concentration in the tests performed 2 hours after aortic clamp release.

Cerebrovascular Events After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as an alternative less invasive treatment for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Despite the technological development and knowledge improvement in recent years, neurological complications remain a concern, especially with the expansion of the technique toward younger and lower risk patients. Clinical cerebrovascular events have an important impact on patients' morbidity and mortality with a multifactorial origin. While cerebral microembolizations during TAVI is a universal phenomenon and embolic protection devices have been developed in an attempt to reduce them, their clinical utility remains unclear. We review the current evidence on cerebrovascular events associated with TAVI and potential preventive strategies.

Rationale and design for the detection and neurological impact of cerebrovascular events in non-cardiac surgery patients cohort evaluation (NeuroVISION) study: a prospective international cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Covert stroke after non-cardiac surgery may have substantial impact on duration and quality of life. In non-surgical patients, covert stroke is more common than overt stroke and is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Little is known about covert stroke after non-cardiac surgery.NeuroVISION is a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study that will characterise the association between perioperative acute covert stroke and postoperative cognitive function.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

We are recruiting study participants from 12 tertiary care hospitals in 10 countries on 5 continents.

PARTICIPANTS

We are enrolling patients ≥65 years of age, requiring hospital admission after non-cardiac surgery, who have an anticipated length of hospital stay of at least 2 days after elective non-cardiac surgery that occurs under general or neuraxial anaesthesia.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Patients are recruited before elective non-cardiac surgery, and their cognitive function is measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) instrument. After surgery, a brain MRI study is performed between postoperative days 2 and 9 to determine the presence of acute brain infarction. One year after surgery, the MoCA is used to assess postoperative cognitive function. Physicians and patients are blinded to the MRI study results until after the last patient follow-up visit to reduce outcome ascertainment bias.We will undertake a multivariable logistic regression analysis in which the dependent variable is the change in cognitive function 1 year after surgery, and the independent variables are acute perioperative covert stroke as well as other clinical variables that are associated with cognitive dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

The NeuroVISION study will characterise the epidemiology of covert stroke and its clinical consequences. This will be the largest and the most comprehensive study of perioperative stroke after non-cardiac surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01980511; Pre-results.

Cerebral Protection During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

The use of embolic protection devices (EPD) may theoretically reduce the occurrence of cerebral embolic lesions during transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Available evidence from single studies is inconclusive. The aim of the present meta‐analysis was to assess the safety and efficacy profile of current EPD.

Methods and Results

Major medical databases were searched up to December 2017 for studies that evaluated patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation with or without EPD. End points of interest were 30‐day mortality, 30‐day stroke, the total number of new lesions, the ischemic volume per lesion, and the total volume of lesions. Eight studies involving 1285 patients were included. The EPD delivery success rate was reported in all studies and was achieved in 94.5% of patients. The use of EPD was not associated with significant differences in terms of 30‐day mortality (odds ratio 0.43 [0.18–1.05], P=0.3) but it was associated with a lower rate of 30‐day stroke (odds ratio 0.55 [0.31–0.98], P=0.04). No differences were detected with respect to the number of new lesions (standardized mean difference −0.19 [−0.71 to 0.34], P=0.49). The use of EPD was associated with a significantly smaller ischemic volume per lesion (standardized mean difference, −0.52 [−0.85 to −0.20], P=0.002) and smaller total volume of lesions (standardized mean difference, −0.23 [−0.42 to −0.03], P=0.02).

Conclusions

The use of EPD is not associated with a reduced rate of mortality and new ischemic cerebral lesions. The use of EPD during transcatheter aortic valve implantation seems to be associated with a lower 30‐day stroke rate, although this result is driven by a single nonrandomized study. The use of EPD is associated with a smaller volume of ischemic lesions, and smaller total volume of ischemic lesions.

Cerebral embolization, silent cerebral infarction and neurocognitive decline after thoracic endovascular aortic repair

Background

Silent cerebral infarction is brain injury detected incidentally on imaging; it can be associated with cognitive decline and future stroke. This study investigated cerebral embolization, silent cerebral infarction and neurocognitive decline following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).

Methods

Patients undergoing elective or emergency TEVAR at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust between January 2012 and April 2015 were recruited. Aortic atheroma graded from 1 (normal) to 5 (mobile atheroma) was evaluated by preoperative CT. Patients underwent intraoperative transcranial Doppler imaging (TCD), preoperative and postoperative cerebral MRI, and neurocognitive assessment.

Results

Fifty-two patients underwent TEVAR. Higher rates of TCD-detected embolization were observed with greater aortic atheroma (median 207 for grade 4–5 versus 100 for grade 1–3; P = 0·042), more proximal landing zones (median 450 for zone 0–1 versus 72 for zone 3–4; P = 0·001), and during stent-graft deployment and contrast injection (P = 0·001). In univariable analysis, left subclavian artery bypass (β coefficient 0·423, s.e. 132·62, P = 0·005), proximal landing zone 0–1 (β coefficient 0·504, s.e. 170·57, P = 0·001) and arch hybrid procedure (β coefficient 0·514, s.e. 182·96, P &lt; 0·001) were predictors of cerebral emboli. Cerebral infarction was detected in 25 of 31 patients (81 per cent) who underwent MRI: 21 (68 per cent) silent and four (13 per cent) clinical strokes. Neurocognitive decline was seen in six of seven domains assessed in 15 patients with silent cerebral infarction, with age a significant predictor of decline.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a high rate of cerebral embolization and neurocognitive decline affecting patients following TEVAR. Brain injury after TEVAR is more common than previously recognized, with cerebral infarction in more than 80 per cent of patients.

Safety and Efficacy of Protected Cardiac Intervention: Clinical Evidence for Sentinel Cerebral Embolic Protection

Stroke is a well-documented potential risk of structural cardiac interventions. As a result of the far-reaching burden of stroke on patients, caregivers and the healthcare system, new medical interventions and therapies are being developed to help mitigate this risk. One such intervention is the recently FDA-cleared Sentinel™ Cerebral Protection System (Sentinel; Claret Medical, Santa Rosa, CA, USA) designed to capture and remove debris dislodged during transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures. In the SENTINEL IDE Study, and in a more recent all-comers trial, Sentinel significantly reduced periprocedural strokes by 63 and 70 % respectively. In this paper, we review the growing body of evidence supporting the use of Sentinel in transcatheter aortic valve replacement and other endovascular procedures.