[Antithrombotic therapy after surgical mitral valve repair: review of the evidence and updated proposals]

Surgical mitral valve repair (SMVR) is performed with various techniques that involve the implantation of non-biological material, such as the prolene of the suture threads, the polytetrafluoroethylene of the neo-chordae or the prosthetic ring for the remodeling of the valve annulus, whose exposure to the bloodstream is capable of triggering the blood coagulation cascade and consequently the development of thrombotic/thromboembolic events. The indications of the literature on the use of antithrombotic drugs after SMVR are weak and not univocal given the absence of randomized data and the availability of only small observational case series, which are generally contaminated by the lack of homogeneity of the populations examined. Indeed in these studies, patients not only undergoing SMVR, but also transcatheter repair of the mitral valve or surgical implantation of a biological valve prosthesis (not only in the mitral position) are included. In addition, the indication for antithrombotic therapy, and in particular anticoagulation, is often conditioned by the concomitant presence of atrial fibrillation that either preexists or develops postoperatively. In this review, the current evidence regarding antithrombotic therapy in patients undergoing SMVR, both in the presence or absence of atrial fibrillation, is summarized and updated treatment algorithms are proposed.

Intraoperative indocyanine green imaging as an adjunctive technique to reduce any circumflex artery damage during mitral valve surgery: a feasibility study

Iatrogenic injuries to the circumflex coronary artery during mitral valve surgery are probably underestimated (reported rates of 0.3-1.8%). This complication arises from the artery's close proximity to the mitral annulus, particularly at the anterolateral commissure. The study aimed to assess this risk in a patient group prone to such injury. The surgical procedure utilized a minimally invasive approach and indocyanine green-based fluorescence imaging. This technique allows a real-time visualization of the circumflex artery, aiding precise placement of annular sutures and minimizing the risk of injury. The method, applied in 6 patients, integrates preoperative assessments with intraoperative fluorescence imaging, ensuring accurate arterial depiction and preventing iatrogenic damage. The study highlights the safety and efficacy of fluorescence imaging, especially in identifying vessel anomalies, indicating potential applications in various cardiac procedures.

Comparison of 4 mortality scores for surgical repair of type A aortic dissection: a multicentre external validation

OBJECTIVES

In the last decades, 4 different scores for the prediction of mortality following surgery for type A acute aortic dissection (TAAD) were proposed. We aimed to validate these scores in a large external multicentre cohort.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed patients who underwent surgery for TAAD between 2000 and 2020. Patients were enrolled from 10 centres from 2 European countries. Outcomes were the early (30-day and/or in-hospital) and 1-year mortality. Discrimination, calibration and observed/expected (O/E) ratio were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 1895 patients (31.7% females, mean age 63.72 ± 12.8 years) were included in the study. Thirty-day mortality and in-hospital mortality were 21.7% (n = 412) and 22.5% (n = 427) respectively. The German Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection Type A (GERAADA) score shows to have the best discrimination [area under the curve (AUC) 0.671 and 0.672] in predicting as well the early and the 1-year mortality, followed by the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) model 1 (AUC 0.658 and 0.672), the Centofanti (AUC 0.645 and 0.66) and the UK aortic score (AUC 0.549 and 0.563). According to Hosmer-Lemeshow and Brier tests, the IRAD model I and GERAADA, respectively, were well calibrated for the early mortality, while the GERAADA and Centofanti for the 1-year mortality. The O/E analysis showed a marked underestimation for patients labelled as low-risk for UK aortic score and IRAD model I for both outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The GERAADA score showed the best performance in comparison with other scores. However, none of them achieved together a fair discrimination and a good calibration for predicting either the early or the 1-year mortality.

Surgical Treatment of Active Endocarditis Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Onset

BACKGROUND

Despite advanced diagnosis and treatment, infective endocarditis (IE) is a potentially life-threatening condition. The impact of COVID-19 on the diagnosis and outcome of the surgical treatment of IE is uncertain. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of surgically treated IE before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed the data of 535 patients who underwent valve surgical procedures for IE between January 2010 and December 2022 in a single cardiac surgery center. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the date of their operation: before (n = 393) and after (n = 142) COVID-19 onset. In order to balance the groups, inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) calculated from the propensity score (PS) was applied. Weighted univariate logistic regressions were reported for outcomes; weights were derived from IPTW. Interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) according to Linden's method was used to evaluate the changes in the manifestation of IE after 11 March 2020.

RESULTS

Patients from the post-COVID-19 cohort (after 11 March 2020) had a greater number of comorbidities such as diabetes (29.6% vs. 16.3% p = 0.001), hypertension (71.1% vs. 59.5% p = 0.015), and preoperative kidney injury requiring dialysis (9.2% vs. 2.5% p = 0.002), but the median additive and logistic EuroSCORE were not statistically different. In the post-COVID-19 group, we observed a greater prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus-related endocarditis (24.5% vs. 15.4% p = 0.026), a consequent reduction in Staphylococcus non aureus-related endocarditis (12.2% vs. 20.1% p = 0.048), and a decrease in aortic valve replacements (43.0% vs. 53.9%), while the number of mitral valve replacements and repair was greater (21.1% vs. 15.0% and 6.3% vs. 4.3%, respectively). No differences were found in the two groups concerning early death, death, or relapse at 1 year after surgery. Data obtained by multivariable analysis identified preoperative renal dysfunction requiring dialysis as the only common risk factor for early mortality via stratifying by time periods in analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of surgically treated IE significantly increases after the COVID-19 pandemic with a higher incidence of mitral valve involvement with respect to the aortic valve. Although a delay in surgical timing occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, data in terms of mortality and outcomes were largely unaffected.

Long-Term Atrioventricular Block Following Valve Surgery: Electrocardiographic and Surgical Predictors

BACKGROUND

Bradyarrhythmia requiring pacemaker implantation among patients undergoing valve surgery may occur even after several years, with unclear predictors. Our aim was to investigate the incidence of pacemaker implantation at different follow-up times and identify associated predictors.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study evaluating 1046 consecutive patients who underwent valve surgery at the Cardiac Surgery Division of Bologna University Hospital from 2005 to 2010.

RESULTS

During 10 ± 4 years of follow-up, 11.4% of these patients required pacemaker implantation. Interventions on both atrioventricular valves independently predicted long-term pacemaker implantation (SHR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.8, p = 0.014). Preoperative atrioventricular conduction disease strongly predicted long-term atrioventricular block, with right bundle branch block as the major predictor (SHR 7.0, 95% CI 3.9-12.4, p < 0.001), followed by left bundle branch block (SHR 4.9, 95% CI 2.4-10.1, p < 0.001), and left anterior fascicular block (SHR 3.9, 95% CI 1.8-8.3, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing valvular surgery have a continuing risk of atrioventricular block late after surgery until the 12-month follow-up, which was clearly superior to the rate of atrioventricular block observed at long-term. Pre-operative atrioventricular conduction disease and combined surgery on both atrioventricular valves are strong predictors of atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation.

Survival and Recurrence of Endocarditis following Mechanical vs. Biological Aortic Valve Replacement for Endocarditis in Patients Aged 40 to 65 Years: Data from the INFECT-Registry

BACKGROUND

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious disease, and in many cases, surgery is necessary. Whether the type of prosthesis implanted for aortic valve replacement (AVR) for IE impacts patient survival is a matter of debate. The aim of the present study is to quantify differences in long-term survival and recurrence of endocarditis AVR for IE according to prosthesis type among patients aged 40 to 65 years.

METHODS

This was an analysis of the INFECT-REGISTRY. Trends in proportion to the use of mechanical prostheses versus biological ones over time were tested by applying the sieve bootstrapped t-test. Confounders were adjusted using the optimal full-matching propensity score. The difference in overall survival was compared using the Cox model, whereas the differences in recurrence of endocarditis were evaluated using the Gray test.

RESULTS

Overall, 4365 patients were diagnosed and operated on for IE from 2000 to 2021. Of these, 549, aged between 40 and 65 years, underwent AVR. A total of 268 (48.8%) received mechanical prostheses, and 281 (51.2%) received biological ones. A significant trend in the reduction of implantation of mechanical vs. biological prostheses was observed during the study period (p < 0.0001). Long-term survival was significantly higher among patients receiving a mechanical prosthesis than those receiving a biological prosthesis (hazard ratio [HR] 0.546, 95% CI: 0.322-0.926, p = 0.025). Mechanical prostheses were associated with significantly less recurrent endocarditis after AVR than biological prostheses (HR 0.268, 95%CI: 0.077-0.933, p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

The present analysis of the INFECT-REGISTRY shows increased survival and reduced recurrence of endocarditis after a mechanical aortic valve prosthesis implant for IE in middle-aged patients.

Post-Operative Delirium and Cognitive Dysfunction in Aged Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Comparison between Two Blood Oxygenators

In elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery, extracorporeal circulation affects the incidence of post-operative delirium and cognitive impairment with an impact on quality of life and mortality. In this study, a new oxygenator system (RemoweLL 2) was tested against a conventional system to assess its efficacy in reducing the onset of postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction and the levels of serum inflammatory markers. A total of 154 patients (>65 y.o.) undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were enrolled and randomly assigned to oxygenator RemoweLL 2 (n = 81) or to gold standard device Inspire (n = 73) between September 2019 and March 2022. The aims of the study were to assess the incidence of delirium and the cognitive decline by neuropsychiatric tests and the MoCa test intra-hospital and at 6 months after CPB. Inflammation biomarkers in both groups were also evaluated. Before the CPB, the experimental groups were comparable for all variables. After CPB, the incidence of severe post-operative delirium showed a better trend (p = 0.093) in patients assigned to RemoweLL 2 (16.0%) versus Inspire (26.0%). Differences in enolase levels (p = 0.049), white blood cells (p = 0.006), and neutrophils (p = 0.003) in favor of RemoweLL 2 were also found. The use of novel and better construction technologies in CPB oxygenator devices results in measurable better neurocognitive and neurological outcomes in the elderly population undergoing CPB.

Albumin Thiolation and Oxidative Stress Status in Patients with Aortic Valve Stenosis

Recent evidence indicates that reactive oxygen species play an important causative role in the onset and progression of valvular diseases. Here, we analyzed the oxidative modifications of albumin (HSA) occurring on Cysteine 34 and the antioxidant capacity of the serum in 44 patients with severe aortic stenosis (36 patients underwent aortic valve replacement and 8 underwent a second aortic valve substitution due to a degenerated bioprosthetic valve), and in 10 healthy donors (controls). Before surgical intervention, patients showed an increase in the oxidized form of albumin (HSA-Cys), a decrease in the native reduced form (HSA-SH), and a significant reduction in serum free sulfhydryl groups and in the total serum antioxidant activity. Patients undergoing a second valve replacement showed levels of HSA-Cys, free sulfhydryl groups, and total antioxidant activity similar to those of controls. In vitro incubation of whole blood with aspirin (ASA) significantly increased the free sulfhydryl groups, suggesting that the in vivo treatment with ASA may contribute to reducing oxidative stress. We also found that N-acetylcysteine and its amide derivative were able to regenerate HSA-SH. In conclusion, the systemic oxidative stress reflected by high levels of HSA-Cys is increased in patients with aortic valve stenosis. Thiol-disulfide breaking agents regenerate HSA-SH, thus paving the way to the use these compounds to mitigate the oxidative stress occurring in the disease.

Less Is More? Combined Approaches to Improve Mortality and Morbidity after Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, one of the main goals of aortic valve surgery is to reduce the biological impact, mortality, and complications. It is well-known that long operative times in terms of the extracorporeal circulation, but above all, of the aortic cross-clamp time (ACC), represent a risk factor for mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. In order to shorten the aortic cross-clamp time, many technological improvements, such as sutureless prostheses, have been introduced, but their actual effectiveness has not been proven yet. The aim of this study was to assess the 30-day outcomes of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement surgery, focusing on the ACC length.

METHODS

All 3139 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement between January 2013 and July 2022 at our institution were enrolled. The data were retrospectively collected and the baseline characteristics and intraoperative variables were recorded. In order to adjust the results according to the differences in the baseline characteristics, propensity score matching was performed and four groups of 351 patients were obtained based on the first, second, third, and fourth quartile of the ACC time.

RESULTS

The patient population included 132 redo surgeries (9.4%) and 61 cases of active endocarditis (4.3%), with an overall median EuroSCORE II of 1.8 (IQR 1.2-3.1). An increase across the groups was observed in terms of the acute kidney failure (p < 0.001) incidence, the number of blood transfusions (p = 0.022), prolonged hospital stays (p < 0.001), the and respiratory failure (p < 0.001) incidence. A p of < 0.1 was found for the 30-day mortality (p = 0.079). The predictors of an early 30-day mortality were standard full sternotomy (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.14-5.40, p = 0.022), EuroSCORE II (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.05-1.16, p < 0.001), and a trend for a longer ACC time (Q4 vs. Q1: OR 2.62, 95% CI 0.89-7.68, p = 0.080).

CONCLUSIONS

Shortening the operative times resulted in marked improvements of the patients' outcomes. The combined use of minimally invasive approaches and sutureless aortic valve prostheses allows for a lower 30-day events rate. New technologies should be assessed to obtain the best results with the least risk.

Neurological outcomes in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: risk factors analysis from the Mini-Mitral International Registry

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine the incidence and predictors of stroke after minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (mini-MVS) and to assess the role of preoperative CT scan on surgical management and neurological outcomes in the large cohort of Mini-Mitral International Registry.

METHODS

Clinical, operative and in-hospital outcomes in patients undergoing mini-MVS between 2015 and 2021 were collected. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify predictors of stroke. Finally, the impact of preoperative CT scan on surgical management and neurological outcomes was assessed.

RESULTS

Data from 7343 patients were collected. The incidence of stroke was 1.3% (n = 95/7343). Stroke was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (11.6% vs 1.5%, P < 0.001) and longer intubation time, ICU and hospital stay (median 26 vs 7 h, 120 vs 24 h and 14 vs 8 days, respectively). On multivariable analysis, age (odds ratio 1.039, 95% confidence interval 1.019-1.060, P < 0.001) and mitral valve replacement (odds ratio 2.167, 95% confidence interval 1.401-3.354, P < 0.001) emerged as independent predictors of stroke. Preoperative CT scan was made in 31.1% of cases. These patients had a higher risk profile and EuroSCORE II (median 1.58 vs 1.1, P < 0.001). CT scan influenced the choice of cannulation site, being ascending aorta (18.5% vs 0.5%, P < 0.001) more frequent in the CT group and femoral artery more frequent in the no CT group (97.8% vs 79.7%, P < 0.001). No difference was found in the incidence of postoperative stroke (CT group 1.5, no CT group 1.4%, P = 0.7).

CONCLUSIONS

Mini-MVS is associated with a low incidence of stroke, but when it occurs it has an ominous impact on mortality. Preoperative CT scan affected surgical cannulation strategy but did not led to improved neurological outcomes.

Pacemaker after Sutureless and Rapid-Deployment Prostheses: A Progress Report from the SURD-IR

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the need for postoperative permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) following sutureless and rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement (SuRD-AVR) in the context of a progress report from a large multicenter international registry (SURD-IR).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 4,166 patients who underwent SuRD-AVR between 2008 and 2019. The primary outcome was the need for PPI before discharge. The study population was analyzed separately according to the implanted prostheses (Su cohort and RD cohort). Each cohort was divided into two groups based on the operation date: an early group ("EG" = 2008-2016) and a late group ("LG" = 2017-2019).

RESULTS

The rate of PPI decreased significantly in the Su cohort over time (EG = 10.8% vs LG = 6.3%, p < 0.001). In the Su cohort, a decrease in age, risk profile, and incidence of bicuspid aortic valve, increased use of anterior right thoracotomy, reduction of cardiopulmonary bypass time and of associated procedures, and more frequent use of smaller prostheses were observed over time. In the RD cohort, the rate of PPI was stable over time (EG = 8.8% vs LG = 9.3%, p = 0.8). In this cohort, a younger age, lower risk profile, and higher incidence of concomitant septal myectomy were observed over time.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis showed a significant decrease in the PPI rate in patients who underwent Su-AVR over time. Patient selection as well as surgical improvements and a more accurate sizing could be correlated with this phenomenon. The RD cohort revealed no significant differences either in patient's characteristics or in PPI rate between the two time periods.

Simplified Tool for Sizing in Minimally Invasive Mitral Annuloplasty: A Homemade Technique

Currently, minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has been developing and has been largely approved for mitral valve surgery. The more development of MICS, the more the entire surgical setup needs to be appropriate. We developed a homemade tool for mitral annular sizing that is simple and fits the mini surgical access. It is a plastic-based foldable paper that can be easily inserted through the minithoracotomy, using a surgical forceps.

Aortic Cross-Clamp Time Correlates with Mortality in the Mini-Mitral International Registry

OBJECTIVES

Minimally invasive access has become the preferred choice in mitral and/or tricuspid valve surgery (MVR±TVR). Reported outcomes are at least similar to classic sternotomy although aortic cross-clamp times are usually longer.

METHODS

We analyzed the largest registry of MVR±TVR patients (MMIR) for the relationship between aortic cross-clamp times, mortality and other outcomes. From 2015-2021, 7,513 consecutive patients underwent mini-MVR±TVR in 17 international Heart-Valve-Centres. Data were collected according to MVARC definitions and 6878 patients with one cross-clamp period were analysed. Uni- and multivariable regression analyses were used to assess outcomes in relation to aortic cross-clamp times.

RESULTS

Median age was 65 years (57% male). Median EuroSCORE II was 1.3% (IQR: 0.80-2.63). Minimally invasive access was either by direct vision (28%), video-assisted (41%) or totally endoscopic/robotic (31%). Femoral cannulation was used in 93%. Three quarters were repairs with 17% additional TVR and 19% AF-ablation. Cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times were 135 min (IQR : 107-173) and 85 min (IQR : 64-111), respectively. Postoperative events were death (1.6%), stroke (1.2%), bleeding requiring revision (6%), low cardiac output syndrome (3.5%) and acute kidney injury (6.2%, mainly stage I). Statistical analyses identified significant associations between cross-clamp time and mortality, low cardiac output syndrome and acute kidney injury (all p < 0.001). Age, low ejection fraction and emergent surgery were risk factors, but variables of "increased complexity" (redo, endocarditis, concomitant procedures) were not.

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic cross-clamp time is associated with mortality as well as postoperatively impaired cardiac and renal function. Thus, implementing measures to reduce cross-clamp time may improve outcomes.

Cardiac Surgery in Nonagenarians Following the TAVI/TMVI Era: A Multicenter 23-Year Comparative Analysis

Background: Studies reporting on the outcome of 90-year-old patients undergoing cardiac surgery are scant in literature; and currently, those regarding the implementation of trans-catheter techniques number even fewer. Methods: We compared patients aged >89 years operated on between 1998 and 2008 at 8 Italian cardiac surgery centers, with patients of the same age operated on between 2009 and 2021. All of the patients were operated on with “open” surgery, with the exclusion of percutaneous valve repair/implantation procedures. Results: The patients of the two groups (group 98-08—127 patients, and group 09-21—101 patients) had comparable preoperative risk factors in terms of the LogEuroSCORE (98-08: 21.3 ± 6.1 vs. 09-21: 20.9 ± 11.1, p = 0.12). There was a considerable difference in the type of surgery (isolated valve, isolated coronary, and combined surgery, 46.5, 38.5, and 15% vs. 52, 13, and 35% in 98-08 and 09-21, respectively, p = 0.01). Analogous operating durations were recorded (cross-clamp time: 98-08: 46 ± 28 min vs. 09-21: 51 ± 28 min, p = 0.06). The number of packed bypasses was lower in 09-21 (1.3 ± 0.6 vs. 2.4 ± 1.2, p = 0.001). In the postoperative period, there was a statistically significant difference in the 30-day survival in favor of the “more recent” patients (98-08: 17 deaths (13.4%) versus 09-21: 6(5.9%); p = 0.001), also confirmed in the subgroups (12.2% vs. 0% in isolated coronary surgery, p < 0.001; and 12.3% vs. 0% in isolated valve surgery, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Accurate pre-, intra-, and post-operative evaluation/management to reduce biological impacts facilitate significant improvements in the outcomes in nonagenarian patients when compared to the results recorded in previous years.

Risk-related clinical outcomes after minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: insights from the mini-mitral international registry (MMIR)

OBJECTIVE

With the popularization of catheter-based mitral valve procedures, evaluating risk-specific differentiated clinical outcomes after contemporary mitral valve surgery is crucial. In this study, we assessed the operative results of minimally invasive mitral valve operations across different patient risk profiles and evaluated the value of EuroSCORE II predicted risk of mortality model for risk prediction, in the large cohort of Mini-Mitral International Registry (MMIR).

METHODS

The MMIR database was used to analyze mini-mitral operations between 2015 and 2021. Patients were categorized as low- (<4%), intermediate- (4% to < 8%), high- (8% to < 12%) and extreme risk (≥12%) according to EuroSCORE II. The observed to expected (O: E) mortality ratio was calculated for each risk group.

RESULTS

A total of 6541 patients were included in the analysis. Of those, 5546 (84.8%) were classified as low risk, 615 (9.4%) as intermediate risk, 191 (2.9%) as high risk and 189 (2.9%) as extreme risk. Overall operative mortality and stroke rates were 1.7% and 1.4%, respectively, and were significantly associated with patient's risk. The observed mortality was significantly lower than expected -according to the EuroSCORE II- in all risk categories (O: E ratio < 1).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides an international contemporary benchmark for operative outcomes after minimally invasive mitral surgery. Operative results were excellent in low-, intermediate- and high risk patients, but were less satisfactory in extreme risk. The EuroSCORE II model overestimated the in-hospital mortality. We believe findings from the MMIR may assist surgeons and cardiologists in clinical decision-making and treatment allocation for patients with mitral valve disease.

Vascular Access in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease Undergoing TAVR: The Hostile Registry

BACKGROUND

The optimal access route in patients with severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains undetermined.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to compare clinical outcomes with transfemoral access (TFA), transthoracic access (TTA), and nonthoracic transalternative access (TAA) in TAVR patients with severe PAD.

METHODS

Patients with PAD and hostile femoral access (TFA impossible, or possible only after percutaneous treatment) undergoing TAVR at 28 international centers were included in this registry. The primary endpoint was the propensity-adjusted risk of 30-day major adverse events (MAE) defined as the composite of all-cause mortality, stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), or main access site-related Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 major vascular complications. Outcomes were also stratified according to the severity of PAD using a novel risk score (Hostile score).

RESULTS

Among the 1,707 patients included in the registry, 518 (30.3%) underwent TAVR with TFA after percutaneous treatment, 642 (37.6%) with TTA, and 547 (32.0%) with TAA (mostly transaxillary). Compared with TTA, both TFA (adjusted HR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.45-0.75) and TAA (adjusted HR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.47-0.78) were associated with lower 30-day rates of MAE, driven by fewer access site-related complications. Composite risks at 1 year were also lower with TFA and TAA compared with TTA. TFA compared with TAA was associated with lower 1-year risk of stroke/TIA (adjusted HR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.24-0.98), a finding confined to patients with low Hostile scores (P_interaction = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with PAD undergoing TAVR, both TFA and TAA were associated with lower 30-day and 1-year rates of MAE compared with TTA, but 1-year stroke/TIA rates were higher with TAA compared with TFA.

431 LONG-TERM ATRIO-VENTRICULAR BLOCK FOLLOWING VALVE SURGERY: ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC AND SURGICAL PREDICTORS

Background

Bradyarrhythmias requiring pacemaker implantation (PM) in patients undergoing valve surgery may occur even after several years. The incidence of PM implantation after valve surgery and its predictors are unclear.

Methods

A retrospective, monocentric, cohort study was conducted. Consecutive patients undergoing valve surgery at the Division of Cardiac Surgery at the Bologna University Hospital from 2005 to 2010 were enrolled. The primary endpoint of the study was to evaluate the incidence of PM implantation in patients undergoing valve surgery, at different follow-up times, and to evaluate the predictors of PM implantation.

Results

We included 1046 patients (61.8% male, median age 63 years). Of these 735 (70%) reached a 10 year of follow-up and 11.4% required PM implantation. In single valve surgery, mitral interventions had a higher incidence of PM implantation compared to aortic ones, albeit not significantly different (11% vs 8.1%, HR 1.2, IC 95% 0.6-2.1, p=0.590). Among combined surgery, interventions on both atrioventricular valves doubled the risk compared to those performed on aortic and mitral valves (23.1% vs 12%). Moreover, interventions involving both atrioventricular valves independently predicted PM implantation in the long term (HR 2.0, IC 95% 1.1-3.7, p=0.022). Preoperative atrioventricular conduction disease strongly predicted long-term atrio-ventricular block: right bundle branch block with or without left anterior fascicular block (LAFB) was the major predictor (HR 7.2, IC 95% 2.8-19, p&lt;0.001, HR 6.8, IC 95% 3.9-11.7, p&lt;0.001 respectively), followed by left bundle branch block (HR 5.1, IC 95% 2.6-10.3, p&lt;0.001), LAFB (HR 4.2, IC 95% 1.9-8.9, p&lt;0.001) and a non-specific ventricular conduction delay (HR=3.3, IC 95% 1.3-8.4, p=0.012). Age was also predictive, PM implantation probability increasing at each year-age increase (HR 1.02, IC 95% 1.01-1.04, p=0.022)

Conclusions

Patients undergoing valvular surgery have a continuing risk of atrioventricular block requiring PM therapy late after surgery; combined surgery on atrio-ventricular valves carries the highest risk, while preoperative atrioventricular conduction disease have different risks of AVB at long-term.

Sutureless and Rapid Deployment Versus Sutured Aortic Valve Replacement: a Propensity Matched Comparison from the Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry

OBJECTIVE

To compare procedural and in-hospital outcomes of patients undergoing sutureless (Perceval, Livanova PLC, London, UK) and rapid deployment (Intuity Elite, Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, USA) aortic valve replacement (group 1) versus sutured aortic valve replacement (group 2).

METHODS

Patients receiving isolated aortic valve replacement between 2014 and 2020 were analysed using data from the Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry. Patients in group 1 and group 2 were propensity-score matched in a 1:1 ratio.

RESULTS

A total of 7708 patients were included in the study. After matching, 2 groups of 2643 each were created. Patients in group 1 were more likely to undergo minimally invasive approaches and were associated with shorter operative times when compared with group 2. Overall in-hospital mortality was similar between groups. While an increased risk of stroke was observed in group 1 in the first study period (2014-2016) (relative risk 3.76, p < 0.001), no difference was found in more recent year period (relative risk 1.66, p = 0.08)(p for heterogeneity 0.003). Group 1 was associated with reduced rates of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome, atrial fibrillation and mild aortic regurgitation. New pacemaker implant was three-fold higher in group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed significant differences in procedural and clinical outcomes between the study groups. These results suggest that sutureless and rapid deployment aortic valve replacement should be considered as part of a comprehensive valve program. The knowledge of the respective post-aortic valve replacement benefits for different valve technologies may result in patient-tailored valve selection with improved clinical outcomes.

P43 CARDIAC SURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH MARFAN SYNDROME: 20–YEAR SINGLE–CENTER EXPERIENCE

Marfan syndrome is a connective tissue disease whose most fearsome complications are proximal thoracic aorta enlargement and dissection. Nonetheless, cardiac surgery has proven to be able to considerably extend average life expectancy up to approximately 70 years1. The aim of our study was to analyze which procedures had been performed on these patients. From 2000 to 2020 we retrospectively enrolled 89 consecutive patients undergoing a first–time surgical operation at our department. Overall, aortic root surgery represented the most frequent procedure (82 patients, 92.2%), with valve–sparing operation being the preferred one (53 patients, 59.6%). On the other hand, 29 patients (32.6%) underwent Bentall–De Bono procedure. Consequently, we compared these 2 groups of patients. In emergent operation, typically type A aortic dissection, Bentall–De Bono procedure was preferred in almost all cases (p–value 0.031). Few patients required the replacement of part or all of the arch, respectively 3 and 6, with no statistical difference between the two groups. However, while 2 valve–sparing patients required a mitral valve repair, 8 patients who underwent aortic root replacement had also their mitral valve replaced. Considering mean age (average 34.68 years), predictably almost all Bentall–De Bono patients had both their aortic and mitral valve replaced with a mechanical prosthesis (respectively 27 and 7 out of 29 and 8). Although there was no significant difference, replacement of the aortic root with a composite graft required less cross–clamp time, being also different the complexity of the technique. ICU stay was significantly different, since patients who had their aortic valve spared needed intensive assistance for an average of just 1.57 days, while the other group for 6.03 days (p–value 0.037). Similarly, but non significantly, hospital stay differed (13.91 and 18.17 days). Only 2 patients died during hospital recovery, both part of the Bentall–De Bono group (p–value 0.055). During the follow–up period (average 89.39 months), 6 patients died, 2 of them for noncardiac related causes, and 9 (11.3%) required another operation. In conclusion, Marfan syndrome is characterized by a dangerous proximal aorta involvement, which in some cases may be life–threatening if left untreated. Fortunately, surgery has significantly improved life quality and expectancy of these patients, who must be adequately diagnosed and then monitored by their referral centers.

A rescue transcatheter solution for early sutureless basal ring infolding

We report the case of an 83-year-old woman treated with a "rescue" valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation because of an early basal ring partial collapse of a sutureless valve, probably due to septal hypertrophy.

Sutureless versus rapid deployment aortic valve replacement: results from a multicentric registry

BACKGROUND

To compare clinical and hemodynamic in-hospital outcomes of patients undergoing sutureless versus rapid deployment aortic valve replacement (SURD-AVR) in the large population of the Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry (SURD-IR).

METHODS

We examined 4695 patients who underwent isolated or combined SURD-AVR. The "sutureless" Perceval valve was used in 3133 patients and the "rapid deployment" Intuity in 1562. Potential confounding factors were addressed by the use of propensity score matching. After matching, 2 well-balanced cohorts of 823 pairs (isolated SURD-AVR) and 467 pairs (combined SURD-AVR) were created.

RESULTS

Patients who received Perceval and Intuity valves showed similar in-hospital mortality and rate of major postoperative complications. Perceval was associated shorter cross clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass time. In the isolated SURD-AVR group, patients receiving Perceval were more likely to undergo anterior right thoracotomy incision. Postoperative transvalvular gradients were significantly lower for the Intuity valve compared to those of the Perceval valve, either in isolated and combined SURD-AVR. The Intuity valve was associated with a lower rate of postoperative mild aortic regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm the safety and efficacy of SURD-AVR regardless of the valve type. The Perceval valve was associated with reduced operative times and increased anterior right thoracotomy incision. The Intuity valve showed superior hemodynamic outcomes and a lower incidence of postoperative mild aortic regurgitation.

Minimally invasive access type related to outcomes of sutureless and rapid deployment valves

OBJECTIVES

Minimally invasive surgical techniques with optimal outcomes are of paramount importance. Sutureless and rapid deployment aortic valves are increasingly implanted via minimally invasive approaches. We aimed to analyse the procedural outcomes of a full sternotomy (FS) compared with those of minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) and further assess MICS, namely ministernotomy (MS) and anterior right thoracotomy (ART).

METHODS

We selected all isolated aortic valve replacements in the Sutureless and Rapid Deployment Aortic Valve Replacement International Registry (SURD-IR, n = 2257) and performed propensity score matching to compare aortic valve replacement through FS or MICS (n = 508/group) as well as through MS and ART accesses (n = 569/group).

RESULTS

Postoperative mortality was 1.6% in FS and MICS patients who had a mean logistic EuroSCORE of 11%. Cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) times were shorter in the FS group than in the MICS group (mean difference 3.2 and 9.2 min; P < 0.001). Patients undergoing FS had a higher rate of acute kidney injury (5.6% vs 2.8%; P = 0.012). Direct comparison of MS and ART revealed longer mean cross-clamp and CPB times (12 and 16.7 min) in the ART group (P < 0.001). The postoperative outcome revealed a higher stroke rate (3.2% vs 1.2%; P = 0.043) as well as a longer postoperative intensive care unit [2 (1-3) vs 1 (1-3) days; P = 0.009] and hospital stay [11 (8-16) vs 8 (7-12) days; P < 0.001] in the MS group than in the ART group.

CONCLUSIONS

According to this non-randomized international registry, FS resulted in a higher rate of acute kidney injury. The ART access showed a lower stroke rate than MS and a shorter hospital stay than all other accesses. All these findings may be related to underlying patient risk factors.

Open surgery versus TEVAR in complicated type B acute aortic syndromes: outcomes of a single referral center

Background

While patients with uncomplicated acute Type B aortic syndromes (ATBAS) are usually managed with optimal medical therapy, complicated ATBAS require a quick intervention to prevent life-threatening complications. If anatomical features are favorable, TEVAR is the preferred treatment option. Nevertheless, open surgery still plays a significant role in selected cases. The optimal approach to complicated ATBAS remains matter of debate.

Purpose

We retrospectively evaluated our seventeen-years' experience as regional referral center for acute aortic syndromes to analyze the outcomes of TEVAR and open surgery in cases of complicated ATBAS.

Methods

Between January 2000 and December 2016, 199 patients with ATBAS were referred to our hospital: 133 aortic dissections, 53 intramural hematomas, 13 penetrating ulcers. All patients were evaluated by a multidisciplinary aortic team. 113 patients (56.8%) received the optimal medical therapy being uncomplicated, while 86 (43.2%) patients admitted with or developing a complicated form of ATBAS underwent TEVAR or open surgery during the same hospital admission. Open surgical repair was performed in cases of unsuitable anatomy for TEVAR, retrograde involvement of the arch, ascending aorta ectasia or aneurysm. In-hospital outcomes, long term survival and freedom from reoperation were analyzed and compared between the groups.

Results

No differences were observed in terms of in-hospital mortality between uncomplicated and complicated ATBAS (13.3% versus 14.0% respectively [p=0.890]). Complicated ATBAS were treated for unstable anatomical evolution (34 patients), refractory pain or uncontrollable hypertension (19 patients), visceral or peripheral malperfusion (18 patients) or impending rupture in 15 patients. Sixty-eight patients (79%) underwent TEVAR while 18 underwent open surgery (16 frozen elephant trunk [FET] and 2 descending thoracic aorta replacement). Operative timing from the onset of symptoms did not differ between two groups (9+10 (TEVAR) versus 14+16 (Open) days [p=0.233]). In-hospital mortality was 13.2% in TEVAR group versus 16.7% in open surgery (p=0.709). Postoperative myocardial infarction, visceral and peripheral ischemia and neurological outcomes were similar in two groups (p&gt;0.05), but acute kidney injury was higher in open surgery cohort (p=0.027). One, 5 and 10-years survival of uncomplicated ATBAS (medical therapy) were 75%, 58%, 34% vs. 76%, 65%, 58% in TEVAR and 83%, 76%, 76% in open surgery groups (Log rank p=0.329). Comparing TEVAR and open surgery, freedom from endovascular reoperation at 1 and 5 years was 86%, 78% vs. 66%, 60% respectively (Log rank p=0.091).

Conclusions

Surgical treatment options (open and TEVAR) modify the natural history of complicated acute type B aortic syndromes. Open surgery represents a good option in selected cases with in-hospital and long-term survival at least comparable to TEVAR.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with sutureless and rapid deployment valves: a report from an international registry (Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry)†

OBJECTIVES

The impact of sutureless and rapid deployment (SURD) valves on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MI-AVR) has still to be defined. The aim of this study was to assess clinical characteristics and in-hospital results of patients receiving SURD-AVR through less invasive approaches in the large population of the Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry (SURD-IR).

METHODS

Of the 1935 patients who received primary isolated SURD-AVR between 2009 and 2018, a total of 1418 (73.3%) underwent MI interventions and were included in this analysis. SURD-AVR was performed using upper ministernotomy in 56.4% (n = 800) of cases and anterior right thoracotomy in 43.6% (n = 618). Perceval S was implanted in 1011 (71.3%) patients and Edwards Intuity or Intuity Elite in 407 (28.7%) patients.

RESULTS

Overall in-hospital mortality and stroke rates were 1.7% and 2%, respectively. A definitive pacemaker implantation was reported in 9% of cases and significantly decreased over the observational period, from 20.6% to 5.6% (P = 0.002). The Perceval valve was associated with shorter operative times and was more frequently implanted in patients receiving anterior right thoracotomy incision. The Intuity valve was preferred in younger patients and revealed superior postoperative haemodynamic results.

CONCLUSIONS

SURD-AVR was largely performed through less invasive approaches and can be considered as a primary indication in MI surgery. In the SURD-IR cohort, MI SURD-AVR using both Perceval and Intuity valves appeared a safe and reproducible procedure associated with promising early results.

Operative outcome of patients at low, intermediate, high and 'very high' surgical risk undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement with sutureless and rapid deployment prostheses: results of the SURD-IR registry

OBJECTIVES

The ideal strategy for the treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis in patients of varying risk categories has become a debated topic in the last years: should the transcatheter or surgical approach be adopted? The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of low-, intermediate-, high- and very high-risk patients undergoing sutureless, rapid deployment aortic valve replacement.

METHODS

From 2007 to 2017, data on a total of 3651 patients were collected from the Sutureless and Rapid Deployment Aortic Valve Replacement International Registry (SURD-IR). Of these, 2057 patients who underwent primary isolated aortic valve replacement were considered for this analysis and classified as being at low (EuroSCORE <5; n = 500), intermediate (EuroSCORE 5-10; n = 901), high (EuroSCORE 11-20; n = 500) and very high (EuroSCORE >20; n = 156) preoperative risk.

RESULTS

Overall, a less invasive approach was used in 74.1% of patients and represented the most frequent (>50%) approach in all risk categories. The Perceval prosthesis was used more frequently than other devices, especially in patients at high and very high risk. Hospital mortality was 1.6%, 0.8%, 1.9% and 2.7% in low-, intermediate-, high- and very high-risk patients, respectively, with no significant differences among subgroups. Similarly, postoperative complication rates were similar across the different risk categories.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical aortic valve replacement using sutureless, rapid deployment biological valve prostheses is associated with excellent results and represents a safe and effective treatment option for patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. This seems to be particularly true in patients with a higher risk profile.

AVR in patients with anomalous course of the circumflex artery without prosthetic downsizing

An anomalous origin of the left circumflex coronary artery that arises as a side branch of the right coronary artery and encircles the aortic annulus is usually an incidental finding. However, in patients undergoing aortic valve/root procedures, its existence can significantly complicate the surgical treatment. We report our operative strategy with three different prostheses without valve downsizing.

Sutureless and rapid deployment implantation in bicuspid aortic valve: results from the sutureless and rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement international registry

Background

Benefits of sutureless and rapid deployment (SURD) bioprostheses in bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) are controversial. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) for BAV from the Sutureless and Rapid-Deployment Aortic Valve Replacement International Registry (SURD-IR).

Methods

Of the 4,636 patients who received primary isolated SURD-AVR between 2007 and 2018, 191 (4.1%) BAV patients underwent AVR with SURD valve.

Results

Overall 30-day mortality was 1.6%. The Intuity valve was implanted in 53.9% of cases, whereas the Perceval was implanted in 46.1%. Rate of stroke for isolated AVR was 4.2%. No case of endocarditis, thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, valve dislocation or structural valve deterioration was reported in the early phase. Rate of pacemaker implantation and moderate-severe aortic regurgitation (AR) were 7.9% and 3.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

BAV is not considered a contraindication for the implantation of SURD valves. However, detailed information of aortic root geometry as well as the knowledge of some technical considerations are mandatory for a good outcome.

Subacute pericardial abscess after aortic valve replacement: a case report

Background

Purulent pericarditis is an infectious disease, frequently caused by gram-positive bacteria, that is rarely observed in healthy individuals, and is often associated with predisposing conditions.

Case presentation

Here, we present the case of an Escherichia coli post-surgical localized purulent pericarditis complicated by transient constrictive pericarditis and its diagnostic and therapeutic management.

Conclusions

Our case report focuses on the importance of imaging-guided treatment of purulent pericardial diseases, in particular on the emerging role of 18 F-labelled 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in pericardial diseases and on the management of transient constrictive pericarditis, often seen after thoracic surgery.

Current trends of sutureless and rapid deployment valves: an 11-year experience from the Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry

OBJECTIVES

Current evidence on sutureless and rapid deployment aortic valve replacement (SURD-AVR) is limited and does not allow for the assessment of the clinical impact and the evolution of procedural and clinical outcomes of this new valve technology. The Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry (SURD-IR) represents a unique opportunity to evaluate the current trends and outcomes of SURD-AVR interventions.

METHODS

Data from 3682 patients enrolled between 2007 and 2018 were analysed. Patients were divided according to the date of surgery into 6 equal groups and by the type of intervention: isolated SURD-AVR (n = 2472) and combined SURD-AVR (n = 1086).

RESULTS

Across the 11-year study period, significant changes occurred in patient characteristics including a decrease in age and in estimated surgical risk. Less invasive approaches for isolated SURD-AVR increased considerably from 49.4% to 85.5%. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 1.6% and 3.9% in isolated and combined procedures, respectively, with no change over time. The rate of perioperative stroke decreased significantly (from 4% to 0.5%), as did the rates of postoperative pacemaker implantation (from 12.8% to 5.9%) and aortic regurgitation (from 17.8% to 2.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current trends and results of SURD-AVR interventions. The most notable changes over time were the increasing implantation of SURD valves in a younger population, with more frequent utilization of less invasive techniques. SURD-AVR demonstrated remarkable improvements in clinical outcomes with a significant reduction in the rates of stroke, pacemaker implantation and postoperative aortic regurgitation.

Images in cardiovascular medicine voluminous left main stem to pulmonary artery fistula: A conservative approach

The presence of a coronary arteriovenous fistula is almost rare in the adult population, even rare when associated with aortic valve insufficiency. Management and treatment options can vary and depend on a single patient. In our case, a large fistula with a rounded origin started from the roof of the left main stem, just attached to the wall of the aortic root, and finished with a very narrowed end in the pulmonary trunk. Due to its anatomical position and to the potential complications related to a proximal surgical closure as well as the incidental discovery in adult age (without signs or symptoms until the operation), we decided to have a conservative approach, leaving untouched the fistula. No intraoperative, perioperative, and follow-up signs of myocardial ischemia were observed.

Primary malignant pericardial tumour in Lynch syndrome

BACKGROUND

This case represents the first report of malignant primary cardiac tumour in a patient with Lynch Syndrome associated with MSH2 pathogenic variant.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 57-year-old woman with previous ovarian cystadenocarcinoma was admitted to the emergency room for hematic pericardial effusion. Multimodal diagnostic imaging revealed two solid pericardial vascularized masses. After pericardiectomy, the final histological diagnosis was poorly differentiated pleomorphic sarcomatoid carcinoma. During follow-up she developed an ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma. Genetic analysis identified an MSH2 pathogenic variant.

CONCLUSION

This case contributes to expand the tumour spectrum of Lynch syndrome, suggesting that MSH2 pathogenic variants cause a more complex multi-tumour cancer syndrome than the classic Lynch Syndrome. In MSH2 variant carriers, symptoms such as dyspnoea and chest discomfort might alert for rare tumours and a focused cardiac evaluation should be considered.

Minimally Invasive Redo Aortic Valve Replacement: Results From a Multicentric Registry (SURD-IR)

BACKGROUND

Reoperation for aortic valve replacement can be challenging and is usually associated with an increased risk for complications and mortality. The study aim was to report the results of a multicenter cohort of patients who underwent minimally invasive reoperative aortic valve replacement with a sutureless or rapid-deployment prosthesis.

METHODS

From 2007 to 2018 data from 3651 patients were retrospectively collected from the Sutureless and Rapid-Deployment Aortic Valve Replacement International Registry. Of them, 63 patients who had previously undergone cardiac surgery represented the study population. In-hospital clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Mean age of the selected 63 patients was 75.3 ± 7.8 years and logistic EuroSCORE 10.1. Surgery was performed by ministernotomy in 43 patients (68.3%) and by anterior right thoracotomy in 20 (31.7%); 31 patients (49.2%) received the Perceval valve (Livanova PLC, London, UK) and 32 (50.8%) the Intuity valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA). Mean cross-clamp time was 57.8 ± 23.2 minutes and cardiopulmonary bypass time 95.0 ± 34.3 minutes. Neither conversion to full sternotomy nor in-hospital deaths occurred. Postoperative events were ischemic cerebral events in 3 patients (4.8%), need for pacemaker implantation in 2 (3.6%), bleeding requiring reoperation in 5 (8.9%), and dialysis in 1 (1.6%). Median intensive care unit stay was 1 day, and median length of hospital stay was 10 days. On echocardiographic evaluation 1 patient showed a significant postoperative aortic regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive reoperative aortic valve replacement with a sutureless or rapid-deployment prosthesis is a safe and feasible treatment strategy, resulting in fast recovery and improved postoperative outcome with no mortality and an acceptable complication rate.

[Aortic valve repair: state of the art]

Mechanical or bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement has traditionally been the treatment of choice for patients with aortic valve insufficiency. However, prosthetic valve replacement has significant limitations being associated with a substantial cumulative risk of thromboembolism, anticoagulation-related hemorrhage, prosthetic valve endocarditis, and structural or non-structural valve dysfunction requiring reoperation. In this setting, aortic valve repair, by avoiding the long-term risks associated with prosthetic valve implantation, has emerged as a valid alternative treatment to conventional aortic valve replacement. In the last decade, improvements in the understanding of the mechanisms of valve disease, development of a classification system for aortic insufficiency and advances in surgical procedures have allowed for more effective and reproducible techniques for aortic valve repair. The aim of the present review is to assess the principles, the surgical techniques, and the role of echocardiographic imaging in the setting of aortic valve repair surgery.

On-X mitral valve replacement: a single-centre experience in 318 patients

OBJECTIVES

If mitral valve repair is not feasible, mitral valve replacement remains the only option. Based on our overall experience with the On-X mitral valve, the aim of this study was to investigate early and late outcomes after mitral valve replacement using this latest generation prosthesis.

METHODS

From 1998 to 2016, 600 patients received an On-X prosthesis in the mitral position. Of them, we excluded all patients who had combined aortic procedures and retrospectively analysed 318 consecutive patients who had a mitral valve replacement. Associated procedures (53.5%) were tricuspid valve repair, coronary artery bypass graft and the maze procedure. The mean follow-up time was 5.6 ± 4.0 years.

RESULTS

The overall hospital mortality rate was 4.4%, including acute cases of ischaemic mitral regurgitation (9.4%) and infective endocarditis (9.4%). Survival rates at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years were 97.8 ± 1.0%, 92.4 ± 1.7%, 88.4 ± 2.2% and 70.9 ± 4.0%, respectively. Independent predictors of late mortality were hypertension [hazard ratio (HR) 1.91; P = 0.027], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR 2.91; P = 0.003) and chronic renal failure (HR 5.27; P < 0.001). Freedom from reoperation was 99.3 ± 0.5%, 98.4 ± 0.8%, 97.2 ± 1.2% and 92.5 ± 2.4% at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years, respectively. At follow-up, 8.5% events were recognized as thromboembolic or haemorrhagic events; freedom from events related to anticoagulation therapy at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years was 99.0 ± 0.6%, 96.8 ± 1.1%, 93.7 ± 1.8% and 89.0 ± 2.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of this observational study, the unique design of the On-X valve works well with mitral valve diseases of various aetiologies, especially in cases with an unfavourable anatomy. This prosthesis also guarantees safe long-term durability associated with a low incidence of thromboembolism.

[ANMCO/GISE/SICCH Inter-Society Consensus Document: Antithrombotic therapy after surgery or structural interventional procedures for valvular heart diseases: how to treat postoperative complications]

Continuous improvement of technologies, devices and drugs needs a renewal and update of current recommendations and guidelines on antithrombotic strategies, especially in those fields where literature lacks of established scientific evidences. Accordingly, the aim of this consensus statement is to provide support for antithrombotic therapy based on current guidelines and the most recent scientific evidences.After an overview on the currently available devices, the appropriate therapy according to type of procedure and implanted device is discussed. The occurrence of postoperative thromboembolic and/or hemorrhagic complications is analyzed, along with the appropriate diagnostic tools and therapeutic approach. A section is dedicated to counseling to pregnancy in women with heart valve prosthesis. Finally, the role of novel oral anticoagulants is discussed, and indications are provided for the management of patients undergoing surgery or interventional procedures on oral anticoagulation therapy.

[Treatment of secondary ischemic mitral regurgitation: controversial issues]

The presence of secondary mitral regurgitation is an unfavorable prognostic factor in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease. This type of regurgitation can be treated with medical therapy, cardiac resynchronization therapy, surgically or percutaneously but each strategy has controversial aspects. The purpose of this review is to discuss the most debated issues relative to the various modalities available to treat ischemic secondary mitral regurgitation, highlighting also future perspectives.

[Surgical indications for thoracic aortic disease: beyond the "magic numbers" of aortic diameter]

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a silent disease that can become rapidly lethal once dissection or rupture occurs. To prevent aortic catastrophe, prophylactic aortic replacement is the mainstay of therapy in patients with TAA. Currently, surgical indications for TAA repair are predominantly based on the aortic size. However, the effectiveness of the diameter criterion to predict aortic rupture and dissection has been largely questioned over the last years. Growing evidence suggests that aortic size alone may not be sufficient to predict the risk in all TAAs. In this setting, other predictors such as genetic, environmental, biochemical and hemodynamic factors have been proposed. The aim of this paper is to review and discuss on current evidence, controversies and future directions for the treatment of patients with TAA.

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Implantation in Open Heart Surgery: An Off-Label Technique

Extensive mitral annulus calcifications are considered a contraindication for valve surgery. We describe the case of a 76-year-old female with severe mitral and aortic stenosis associated with extensive calcifications of the heart. The patient underwent an open mitroaortic valve replacement using transcatheter aortic valve implantation with an Edwards SAPIEN XT valve (Edwards Lifesciences Corp., Irvine, CA, USA) in the mitral position. The aortic valve was replaced using a stentless valve prosthesis (LivaNova SOLO; LivaNova PLC, London, UK). Postoperative echocardiography showed that the prosthetic valve was in the correct position and there were no paravalvular leaks. A bailout open transcatheter valve implantation can be considered a safe and effective option in selected cases with an extensively calcified mitral valve.