Cytokine Profile and Concentrations of Metabolic Hormones in the Blood of Overweight Men with Coronary Arteriosclerosis

Plasma concentrations of cytokines and metabolic hormones and their association with vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques were studied in 36 overweight men (age 40-77 years; BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m²) with coronary atherosclerosis who underwent coronary endarterectomy. According to histological analysis, the patients were divided into two groups: with stable (17 (47.2%) men) and vulnerable (19 (52.8%) men) plaques in the coronary arteries. The plasma levels of cytokines and metabolic hormones were measured by multiplex analysis: C-peptide, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide-1, glucagon, IL-6, insulin, leptin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and TNFα. In overweight patients with vulnerable plaques, the level of glucagon was lower by 4.17 times, GIP - by 2.47 times, and insulin - by 2.1 times. At the same time, the risk of occurrence of a vulnerable plaque increases by 5.4% with a decrease in GIP concentration by 1 pg/ml irrespectively of age, as well as by 3.1% with an increase in insulin concentration by 10 pg/ml, without achieving statistical significance when included in the age model. Overweight men with coronary atherosclerosis and vulnerable plaques have lower levels of insulin, glucagon, and GIP. The levels of GIP and insulin are inversely associated with the risk of having vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque.

[Impairment of cognitive functions in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension before and after surgical treatment]

OBJECTIVE

To study cognitive functions in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) before and in the long-term after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy and to study factors that negatively affect cognitive status.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred and twenty-four patients with CTEPH were examined before and 6 months after surgery with an assessment of cognitive impairment using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify factors affecting the MMSE indicators before and in the long-term postoperative periods.

RESULTS

Initially, patients with CTEPH had a total MMSE score 23.8±1.1. Six months after surgery, the score was 26.1±1.9 (p<0.001). A history of stroke, disability, stress (loss of spouse), and a high Charleson comorbidity index were independent factors affecting MMSE score before surgery. After surgery, the total MMSE score was influenced by a history of stroke, stress (loss of spouse), residual pulmonary hypertension and atrial fibrillation in the early postoperative period.

CONCLUSION

Cognitive impairment in the form of mild dementia was observed in patients with CTEPH before surgery. Six months after the operation, an improvement in cognitive status was revealed, which corresponded to moderate cognitive impairment. At the same time, no complete recovery of cognitive functions was recorded. Patients with CTEPH still experienced the greatest difficulties in the following areas: concentration and counting, memory. A history of stroke, disability, stress (loss of spouse), and a high comorbidity index are associated with a decrease in MMSE scores before surgery. Six months after surgery, MMSE score was affected by a history of stroke, stress (loss of spouse), residual pulmonary hypertension and atrial fibrillation in the early postoperative period.

[Hybrid treatment of Kommerell diverticulum and giant aneurysm of intra-thoracic segment of aberrant left subclavian artery]

Kommerell's diverticulum causes compression of the esophagus, trachea and laryngeal nerve between the aberrant mouth of the left subclavian artery and ascending aorta. This leads to dysphagia or shortness of breath. We describe hybrid treatment of the right aortic arch with Kommerell's diverticulum and giant aneurysm of the aberrant left subclavian artery.

["Guiding lights" for the diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in the flow of patients with pulmonary embolism]

On December 13, 2021, an expert council was held to determine the position of experts of different specialties regarding the reasons for the low level of diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in real clinical practice in a pandemic of a new coronavirus infection and possible ways to improve detection in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) ) in history. The reasons for the low level of diagnosis of CTEPH are the insufficient level of knowledge of specialists, especially primary care physicians; lack of clear regulatory documents and expert centers for the management of this category of patients. Primary diagnosis of CTEPH in a pandemic can be strengthened through the widespread use of telemedicine for consultations of primary care physicians with specialists from expert centers; to maximize the role of echocardiography and computed tomography (CT) as differential diagnostic tools for dyspnea, in particular in patients with COVID-19. To increase the detection rate of CTEPH, diagnostic vigilance is required in patients with risk factors and episodes of venous thromboembolism. To improve the screening of CTEPH, it is necessary to create an algorithm for monitoring patients who have had PE; provide educational activities, including through the media; create materials for patients with accessible information. The regulatory documents should designate the circle of responsible specialists who will be engaged in long-term monitoring of patients with PE. Educational programs are needed for primary care physicians, cardiologists, and other physicians who come into the field of view of patients with CTEPH; introduction of a program to create expert centers for monitoring and managing patients with the possibility of performing ventilation-perfusion lung scintigraphy, cardiopulmonary stress test, CT, right heart catheterization. It seems important to build cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Russia in order to create special protocols, procedures for managing patients with PE and CTEPH.

Single-center register of myocardial revascularization in patients with coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome in the context of COVID-19 pandemic

Aim. To assess the short- and long-term outcomes of myocardial re- vascularization (MR) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Material and methods. In the period from April to August 2020, 550 patients with CAD and ACS were included in the register. Emergency percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (n=499) and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (n=51) were performed. The follow-up period lasted 6 months. The pattern of complications after MR and effects of COVID-19 were analyzed.

Results. The studied cohort is represented by patients with CAD >65 years old. ST segment elevation ACS was detected in 23%, acute myocardial infarction — in 59,1%, in other cases — unstable angina. During hospitalization after MR, atrial fibrillation prevailed among cardiovascular complications (4,7%). During this period, 29 (5,3%) patients was diagnosed with COVID-19. In the short-term period after MR, 3 (0,5%) people died due to COVID-19 complications-. In the long-term period after MR, 4 (0,7%) cases of non-fatal stroke were registered, while repeated MR — in 7,1%. The all-cause mortality rate was 1,3% (n=7), of which 57,1% of patients died due to COVID-19 complications. In the subgroup of patients who underwent CABG, the greatest number of in-hospital complications was noted, where exudative pleurisy, atrial fibrillation and anemia prevailed. Of the patients with COVID-19, pneumonia in the short-and long-term posto perative periods was recorded in 48,3 and 61,3%, respectively. Pneumonia is associated with respiratory failure, cardiac dysfunction, and anemia. The risk of COVID-19 pneumonia during the entire follow-up period was higher in patients with ACS who underwent CABG (odds ratio, 19,4; confidence interval: 13,3-26,1; p<0,001). The overall survival rate was 98,7%.

Conclusion. COVID-19 infection in patients with ACS after MR effects pattern of postoperative complications. The proportion of COVID-19 pneumonia in patients with ACS in hospital, short-  and long-term postoperative periods after MR significantly exceeds that in the general population. The leading factor associated with COVID-19 pneumonia in patients with ACS is on-pump CABG.

Ab ovo: Factors Affecting the Radial Stiffness of Thoracic Aorta Stent-Grafts

The aim of the investigation was to study the factors influencing the radial stiffness of the thoracic aorta stent-grafts with the stent elements made of nitinol tubes by laser cutting and thermal shape setting.

Surface characterization and biological assessment of corrosion-resistant a-C:H:SiOx PACVD coating for Ti-6Al-4V alloy

The paper focuses on the SiO_x-doped amorphous hydrocarbon (a-C:H:SiO_x) coating on the titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy substrate obtained by plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) in a mixture of argon gas and polyphenylmethylsiloxane vapor using a bipolar substrate bias. It is shown that the a-C:H:SiO_x coating deposition results in the formation of a negative surface potential important for application of this coating for medical implants. The a-C:H:SiO_x coatings improve the corrosion resistance of Ti alloy to 0.5 M NaCl solution and phosphate-buffered saline. In particular, the corrosion current density of the a-C:H:SiO_x-coated sample in a 0.5 M NaCl solution at 22 °C decreases from 1∙10^-8 to 1.7∙10^-10 A/cm², that reduces the corrosion rate from 9∙10^-5 to 15∙10^-7 mm/year. The a-C:H:SiO_x coating facilitates the surface endothelization of an implant located in the thoracic aorta of a mini pig, and reduces the risk of thrombosis and implant failure. This effect can be explained by the ability of the a-C:H:SiO_x coating ability to reduce in vitro a 24-hour secretion of pro-inflammatory interleukins (IL-6, IL-12(p70), IL-15, and IL-17) and cytokines (IFN-g and TNF-a) by blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) and elevates the concentration of anti-inflammatory interleukin IL-1Ra. In vitro analysis shows no cytotoxicity of the a-C:H:SiO_x coating for the human blood MNCs, suggesting a promising PACVD on Ti alloys for cardiovascular implants, including pumps for mechanical heart support systems.

[Predictors of neurological complications after cardiac surgical interventions in oldery patients.]

To identify predictors of neurological complications in the hospital period after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 92 patients with coronary heart disease aged 70 years and over were analyzed. Intraoperative monitoring of cerebral oxygenation (rSO2, %) was carried out. At the stage of induction anesthesia, the average level of rSO2 for left and right hemispheres was 64-65% without significant changes during the operation. A decrease in rSO2 during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was associated with increased risk of neurological complications. The risk of neurological complications increase 7-fold and 9-fold with a decrease in rSO2 by 20% or more during CPB relative to baseline for left and right hemispheres, respectively. A history of two or more myocardial infarctions increases 3-fold the risk of neurological complications after CABG.

P2776Radiofrequent pulmonary artery denervation - alternative treatment of residual chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Results of a randomized pilot study

Background/Introduction

Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the gold standard of CTEPH treatment. However, residual CTEPH develops in 10–40% of patients after PEA, which leads to progression of right ventricular insufficiency. Currently, the only way to treat residual CTEPH is PAH-specific drug therapy. However, this treatment is not indicated for all patients because of the arterial hypotension and dyspeptic disorders.

Purpose

To assess the safety and efficacy of radiofrequent pulmonary artery denervation (PADN) in patients with residual CTEPH after PEA.

Methods

In 2015, a randomized pilot study was conducted to evaluate PADN in patients with residual CTEPH (NCT 02745106). 278 patients with CTEPH after PEA were screened. In 62 of them, according to the echocardiography, residual CTEPH (systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) ≥45 mm Hg) was detected. In 50 patients, residual CTEPH was confirmed during right heart catheterization (RHC): mean PAP ≥25 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) >400 dyn s cm–5. Patients were randomized into two groups: 25 in PADN group and 25 in drug therapy group with riociguat. Mean age was 39 years [26; 51]. The mean duration after PEA was 4.5 years [1; 8.5]. The primary end point was PVR in the short-term and long-term follow-up. Secondary end points were: mean PAP, cardiac output, 6-minute walk test (6MWD) and NYHA functional class. All patients were followed up for 12 months after discharge. The PADN procedure was performed using electrophysiological catheter Navistar RMT Thermocool, Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA and non-fluroscopic 3D navigation system.

Results

There was no mortality. In two patients (one in each group) hematoma developed in femoral vein puncture site without any consequences. The mean surgery time was 105 [93; 120] minutes. After 12 months, PVR was significantly lower in the PADN group compared with the drug treatment group (343±149 dyn s cm–5 vs 444±145 dyn s cm–5, respectively; mean difference −101, 95% confidence interval from −193 to −10; p=0.032). The mean PAP was also significantly lower in the PADN group (25.8±7.3 mm Hg vs. 33.8±6.4 mm Hg, p<0.001). We noticed a significant improvement of 6MWD test in PADN group compared with the drug treatment group (470±84 m versus 399±116 m, respectively, p=0.031). In PADN group 1 (4%) patient was hospitalized due to progression of heart failure compared with 7 patients (29%) in the drug treatment group (p=0.049). One patient (4%) in the PADN group and two patients (8%) in the drug treatment group died due to progression of heart failure over the long-term follow-up.

Conclusions

The PADN technique showed its safety and efficacy in the treatment of patients with residual CTEPH and can be used in clinical practice. The obtained first results showed that the proposed PADN, together with optimal medical therapy, can take a place in the treatment of residual CTEPH after PEA.

[Hybrid procedures for aortic arch disease]

Different surgical approaches for aortic arch disease were reviewed in the article. We have also compared various vascular prostheses for aortic replacement.

[Microsurgery of coronary arteries using an operating microscope]

The world experience of coronary artery bypass surgery using an operating microscope is reviewed in the article. Important role of operating microscope and microsurgical techniques for coronary anastomoses formation is shown. High optical magnification provided by operating microscope directly affects the quality of surgical technique and accuracy of coronary anastomoses suturing that affects postoperative graft patency. Thus, the use of operating microscope can affect the results of coronary artery bypass surgery, as shown in several reports.

Radiofrequency Pulmonary Artery Ablation for Treatment of Residual Pulmonary Hypertension After Pulmonary Endarterectomy

OBJECTIVE

to assess the safety and efficiency of radiofrequency pulmonary artery ablation for treatment of residual pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary endarterectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Radiofrequency pulmonary artery denervation (PADN) was performed in 16 patients (10 men, mean age 39 years [26; 51]). Indication for PADN was mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) >25 mm Hg with absence of proximal pulmonary artery lesion according to computer tomography. PADN procedure was performed with nonfluoroscopic 3D navigation system.

RESULTS

After PADN mean PAP decreased from 37.3 mm Hg [29; 38] to 24.6 mm Hg [17; 30] (p=0.01); pulmonary vascular resistance decreased from 672 dyn∙s∙c-5 [387; 566] to 386 dyn∙s∙c-5 [155; 449] (р=0.02); cardiac output increased from 3.4 l/min [3.2; 3.4] to 3.5 l/ min [3.2; 4.0] (p=0.4); 6-minute walk test distance increased from 427 meters [352; 510] to 447 meters [370; 525] (p=0.16), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Initial results allow to assume that radiofrequency pulmonary artery denervation combined with optimal medical therapy may take its rightful place in the treatment of this category of patients.

[Predictors of neurological complications during surgical treatment of the ascending aorta and aortic arch chronic dissection]

AIM

To evaluate the prognostic significance of oxygen supply to the brain in the risk of neurological complications in the early post operative period of surgical treatment of the ascending aorta and aortic arch.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The level of oxygenation (rSO2) in the right and left hemispheres was measured in 68 patients with ascending aorta and aortic arch chronic dissection. Before and in the nearest period after surgery, the patients underwent a clinical/instrumental neurological study.

RESULTS

The incidence of ischemic stroke in the early post operative period was 5.9%, cognitive impairment was recorded in 22% of patients. Among the parameters of oxygen supply to the brain, the dynamics of rSO2 during circulatory arrest had a significant impact on the post operative neurological status. The risk of cognitive impairment, besides the association with the oxygen status of the brain, increased with the age of patients and comorbid pathology.

CONCLUSION

The decrease in rSO2 by ≥30% during surgical treatment of ascending aorta and aortic arch dissection increases the risk of ischemic stroke and cognitive impairment in the early post operative period.

10-YEAR HEART TRANSPLANTATION EXPERIENCE IN NOVOSIBIRSK

Aim:to show the analysis of 10-year heart transplantation experience, the main complications and problems of the heart transplantation evaluation.

 Materials and methods.66 orthotopic heart transplantations were performed in patients with terminal chronic heart failure in our clinic since 2008. The heart failure causes were dilated cardiomyopathy in 46 cases (70%), postinfarction cardiosclerosis in 20 cases (30%). The recipients were 59 men (89%) and 7 women (11%), the average age was 46 ± 10 years. All patients had a severe left heart dilatation and critical left ventricular systolic dysfunction (left ventricular EDV 283 ± 58 ml, left ventricular ejection fraction 17 ± 5%, cardiac index 1.5 ± 0.3 l/min/m2). In some recipients, heart transplantation is performed in the second stage after preliminary implantation of mechanical circulatory support systems (LVAD, BVAD). The fi rst heart transplantations were performed using the biatrial technique (8 cases (12%)), the others were performed using the bicaval technique (58 cases (88%)). After the operation, patients received a three-component immunosuppressive therapy: the inhibitors of calcineurin, mycophenolate and corticosteroids.

Results.54 patients (82%) were discharged from the clinic after heart transplantation. The hospital mortality was 12 recipients (18%). The mortality in the long-term period was 10 recipients (15%). The hospital mortality cases were acute graft dysfunction in 5 cases (42%), infectious-septic complications in 4 cases (33%), massive intraoperative bleeding in 2 cases (17%), and total thrombosis of pulmonary artery in 1 case (8%). The death causes in the long-term period were acute transplant rejection in 4 cases (40%), coronary artery disease of the transplanted heart in 3 cases (30%), Kaposi’s sarcoma in 1 case (10%), lung cancer in 1 case (10%), and viral pneumonia in 1 case (10%).

Conclusion.Over a 10-year period, we have gained a lot of experience in heart transplantation; the procedures complications have been studied; the stages of preservation, harvesting and transportation of the donor heart, operative technique and postoperative treatment of patients have been improved to avoid complications in the early and long-term postoperative period.

[Efficiency of Operation Trombendarterektomy From Pulmonary Artery Branches Depending on the Degree of Pulmonary Hypertension and Duration of Disease]

AIM

to assess effect of thromboendarterectomy from pulmonary artery branches on clinical functional state of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in dependence on degree of pulmonary hypertension and disease duration.

MATERIAL

Patients (n=152) were divided into 3 groups: (1) with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) less or equal 50 mm Hg (n=20), (2) with SPAP>50- less or equal 80mm Hg (n=46), (3) with SPAP >80mm Hg (n=86).

METHODS

Examination included registration of dynamics of general clinical state and character of complaints, six-minute walk test, transthoracic echocardiography with measurement of SPAP and right ventricular ejection fraction, pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy with calculation of index of perfusion deficit.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy from pulmonary artery branches was associated with stable improvement of clinical functional state of patients with CTEPH and regression of symptoms irrespective of preoperative level of pulmonary hypertension.

Change of descending aortic false lumen after repair of type I dissection by De Bakey

Group of authors analyzes the state of thoracoabdominal aorta after reconstruction of ascending and arch of aorta. Currently, there is no single point of view on the amount of interference in the ascending part and the aortic arch in preventing complications of thoracoabdominal aorta. In a group of 46 patients the authors by means of issuing a series of multislice computed tomography, performed at different times after surgery and examine the status thoracoabdominal aorta at different levels. Based on the results of the study revealed that, under the first phase of the surgery department at the ascending aorta and arch over her bundle for DeBakey type I, there is no need to take in a false lumen in the descending thoracic aorta, as it not only does not reduce or slow dilation thoracoabdominal aorta in the long-term, but it is a more rapid increase in comparison with patients with a false lumen was. Saving or suturing the false lumen does not affect the incidence of thrombosis in late postoperative period, and therefore, closure of a false channel in the first phase of intervention is inappropriate.

Hybrid technologies in surgical treatment of patients with concomitant atherosclerotic lesions of carotid and coronary arteries

Cardiovascular diseases, which have their origins in atherosclerosis, are the "leaders" in morbidity and mortality among the population in many countries. Given the increase of elderly people in the population, it is important to choose the best strategy for surgical treatment of patients with combined atherosclerotic lesions of several arteries (coronary arteries, carotid arteries, peripheral arteries of the lower extremities, atherosclerosis visceral branches of the abdominal aorta). Currently, there is yet no common approach to the timing and sequence of revascularization surgery in this group of patients. The rapid development of endovascular techniques enables us to carry out the so-called hybrid procedures in patients with atherosclerotic lesions of several arteries. In this article we analyze different strategies that are used to manage patients with both coronary and carotid arteries atherosclerotic lesions.

Relationship of blood levels of inflammatory and destructive biomarkers in coronary atherosclerosis with long-term results of surgical revascularization

The relationships between blood levels of inflammatory and destructive biomarkers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, soluble CD40 ligand, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, endothelial adhesion molecules, matrix metalloproteinase 3 and 9 and their tissue inhibitor type 1) were studied in men with coronary atherosclerosis before and 5 years after coronary artery bypass surgery. In men with unfavorable course of coronary atherosclerosis in the delayed period, the initial blood levels of C-reactive protein and TNF-α by 1.7 and 3.0 times surpassed those in patients with favorable course of the disease. Associations were revealed between elevated blood content of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p=0.01, odds ratio of 1.33) and IL-8 (p=0.02, odds ratio of 1.02) and deaths in the delayed period; IL-6 (p=0.01, odds ratio of 1.02) and cases of myocardial infarction; C-reactive protein (p=0.02, odds ratio of 1.24) and unfavorable course of the delayed period in general (death, myocardial infarction, worsening of angina pectoris functional class).

[EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT FORMS OF LOCAL HEMOSTATIC MATERIALS BASED ON OXIDIZE CELLULOSE IN THE EXPERIMENT]

The bleeding of intraoperative period is one of the actual problem in surgery. There aren't any universal hemostatic means in spite of large variety of modern hemostatic methods. An experimental research studied the results of hemostatic activity of different forms of materials on the basis of oxidize cellulose (a gauze, a powder) as compared with their foreign analog (a hemostatic gauze "SurgiceI"). Median of hemostasis time consisted of (120 ± 59.9) and (73 ± 46.8) s, in case of application of gauze and powder preparations, respectively. The rate of group using the hemostatic gauze "Surgicel" was (142 ± 77.4) s. The authors made a conclusion on the basis of given research, that the hemostatic material based on oxidize cellulose (the powder form) showed a more expressed hemostatic activity and reliably twice reduced the time of hemostasis as compared with their analog forms of gauze (p < 0.05).

Clinical results of dynamic cardiomyoplasty

Thirty-five cardiomyoplasty procedures were performed in five patients with dilated and 30 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathies. Russian-made cardiomyostimulators (CMS) were implanted in these patients. Twenty-one patients underwent a one-step procedure using a left thoracotomy for cardiomyoplasty, while in 14 patients, a two-step procedure that included a mid-line sternotomy was carried out. During the average follow-up period of 9 +/- 2.1 months, studies were carried out that showed in survivors improved clinical functional status and decreased heart failure symptoms. Evidence of revascularization of the ischemic myocardium from the latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) wrap was obtained by angiography and radioactive scintigraphy. In five patients, the CMS had to be removed due to complications, and in all these patients, their clinical functional status deteriorated following the cessation of cardiomyostimulation.