Impact of pulmonary hypertension on short-term outcomes in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement for severe aortic valve stenosis

OBJECTIVES

In patients with left heart disease and severe aortic stenosis (AS), pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common comorbidity and predictor of poor prognosis. Untreated AS aggravates PH leading to an increased right ventricular afterload and, in line to right ventricular dysfunction. The surgical benefit of aortic valve replacement (AVR) in elderly patients with severe AS and PH could be limited due to the multiple comorbidities and poor outcomes. Therefore, we purposed to investigate the impact of PH on short-term outcomes in patients with moderate to severe AS who underwent surgical AVR in our heart center.

METHODS

In this study we retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 99 patients with severe secondary post-capillary PH who underwent surgical AVR (AVR + PH group) at our heart center between 2010 and 2021 with a regard to perioperative outcomes. In order to investigate the impact of PH on short-term outcomes, the control group of 99 patients without pulmonary hypertension who underwent surgical AVR (AVR group) at our heart center with similar risk profile was accordingly analyzed regarding pre-, intra- and postoperative data.

RESULTS

Atrial fibrillation occurred significantly more often (p = .013) in patients who suffered from PH undergoing AVR. In addition, the risk for cardiac surgery (EUROSCORE II) was significantly higher (p < .001) in the above-mentioned group. Likewise, cardiopulmonary bypass time (p = .018), aortic cross-clamp time (p = .008) and average operation time (p = .009) were significantly longer in the AVR + PH group. Furthermore, the in-hospital survival rate was significantly higher (p = .044) in the AVR group compared to the AVR + PH group. Moreover, the dialysis rate was significantly higher (p < .001) postoperatively in patients who suffered PH compared to the patients without PH undergoing AVR.

CONCLUSION

In our study, patients with severe PH and severe symptomatic AS who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement showed adverse short-term outcomes compared to patients without PH.

Impact of thrombocytopenia on short-term outcomes in patients undergoing mobile extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support

INTRODUCTION

The prolonged use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is associated with increased consumption of platelets and hemolysis. The prognostic impact of thrombocytopenia prior to and during ECMO support on patient's short-, mid- and long-term outcomes has been critically evaluated and discussed over the last years. However, only few data have been published on thrombocytopenia caused by mobile ECMO support. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of thrombocytopenia on short-term outcomes and predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients supported by mobile ECMO for transportation and subsequent weaning in a tertiary centre.

METHODS

This retrospective single-centre study analyzed a total of 117 patients requiring mobile veno-arterial (va) ECMO support and subsequent transportation from referral hospitals to our department from January 2015 until December 2021. A total of 15 patients had to be excluded from the analysis for missing data regarding baseline platelet count. Patients were divided into two groups: thrombocytopenia group (<130 × 109/L, n = 44) and non-thrombocytopenia group (≥130 × 109/L, n = 58). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were successful ECMO-weaning, and the incidence of associated complications (bleeding, acute hepatic failure, acute renal failure, dialysis, and septic shock).

RESULTS

The dialysis rate before ECMO initiation was significantly higher (p = .041) in the thrombocytopenia group compared to the non-thrombocytopenia group. The rates of bleeding complications (p = .032) and limb ischemia (p = .003) were significantly higher in patients with low platelet count. Moreover, complication rates of acute hepatic failure (p < .001), acute renal failure (p < .001) and dialysis (p = .033) were significantly higher in the thrombocytopenia group. Also, in-hospital mortality was significantly higher (p = .002) in patients with low platelet count before initiation of ECMO support.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of the present study, patients with thrombocytopenia prior to mobile vaECMO support may be at significantly higher risk for associated complications and short-term mortality.

Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis on Outcome after Surgery for Infective Endocarditis

Infective endocarditis (IE) carries a heavy burden of morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients. We investigated the risk factors, pathognomonic profile and outcomes of surgically treated IE in CKD and HD patients. We preoperatively identified patients with CKD under hemodialysis (HD group) and compared them with patients without hemodialysis (Non-HD group). Furthermore, we divided the cohort into four groups according to the underlying stage of CKD, with a subsequent outcome analysis. Between 2009 and 2018, 534 Non-HD and 58 HD patients underwent surgery for IE at our institution. The median age was 65.1 [50.6-73.6] and 63.2 [53.4-72.8] years in the Non-HD and HD groups, respectively (p = 0.861). The median EuroSCORE II was 8.0 [5.0-10.0] vs. 9.5 [7.0-12.0] in the Non-HD vs. HD groups (p = 0.004). Patients without CKD had a mortality rate of 5.6% at 30 days and 15.5% at 1 year. Mortality rates proportionally rose with the severity of CKD. Among HD patients, 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were 38.1% and 75.6%, respectively (p < 0.001). Staphylococcus aureus IE was significantly more frequent in the HD group (p = 0.006). In conclusion, outcomes after surgery for IE correlated with the severity of the underlying CKD, with HD patients exhibiting the most unfavorable results. Pre-existing CKD and staphylococcus aureus infection were independent risk factors for 1-year mortality.

The impact of levosimendan on survival and weaning from ECMO after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation

OBJECTIVES

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) is increasingly used due to its beneficial outcomes and results compared to conventional CPR. After cardiac arrest, the overall ejection fraction is severely impaired; thus, weaning from ECMO is often prolonged or impossible. We hypothesized that early application of levosimendan in these patients facilitates ECMO weaning and survival.

METHODS

From 2016 until 2020, patients who underwent eCPR after cardiac arrest at our institution were analyzed retrospectively and divided into two groups: patients who received levosimendan during ICU stay (n = 24) and those who did not receive levosimendan (n = 84) and analyzed for outcome parameters. Furthermore, we used propensity-score matching and multinomial regression analysis to show the effect of levosimendan on outcome parameters.

RESULTS

Overall, in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the group which received levosimendan (28% vs. 88%, p ≤ 0.01), and ECMO weaning was more feasible in patients who received levosimendan (88% vs. 20%, p ≤ 0.01). CPR duration until ECMO cannulation was significantly shorter in the levosimendan group (44 + 26 vs. 65 + 28, p = 0.002); interestingly, the rate of mechanical chest compressions before ECMO cannulation was lower in the levosimendan group (50% vs. 69%, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

In patients after cardiac arrest treated with eCPR, levosimendan seems to contribute to higher success rates of ECMO weaning, potentially due to a short to mid-term increase in inotropy. Also, the survival after levosimendan application was higher than patients who did not receive levosimendan.

Acute stroke in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in acute coronary syndrome: Predictors and outcomes

OBJECTIVES

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains a high-risk procedure and is associated with adverse outcomes. The risk factors of acute stroke in the above-mentioned patients stay unclear and some appropriate data is lacking in the literature. Thus, we aimed to investigate the predictors of acute stroke in patients undergoing CABG surgery in ACS.

METHODS

The retrospective single-centre cohort analysis was conducted. All patients (n = 1344) who suffered from acute coronary syndrome and underwent CABG procedure at the University hospital Cologne from June 2011 until October 2019 were included in our study. In order to find the risk factors of acute stroke after bypass surgery, patients were divided into two groups (non-stroke group (n = 1297) and stroke group (n = 47)). In order to even above-mentioned groups propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed (non-stroke group (n = 46) and stroke group (n = 46).

RESULTS

Duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (p = .015) and cross clamp time (p = .006) were significantly longer in patients who suffered stroke. Perioperative myocardial infarction was significantly higher (p = .030) in the stroke group. Likewise, the duration of intensive care unit stay (p < .001) and in-hospital stay (p < .001) were significantly longer in patients with stroke. However, the mortality rate did not differ significantly (p = .131) between above-mentioned groups. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed cardiogenic shock (p = .003), peripheral vascular disease (PVD, p = .025) and previous stroke (p = .045) as relevant independent predictors for acute stroke after CABG procedure in patients with ACS.

CONCLUSION

Based on our findings, acute stroke after bypass surgery in patients with ACS is associated with increased mortality and adverse outcomes. Cardiogenic shock, peripheral vascular disease and previous stroke were independent predictors of stroke after CABG procedure. Therefore, preoperative evaluation of potential risk factors may be crucial to improve postoperative results.

Cytokine Hemoadsorption During Cardiac Surgery Versus Standard Surgical Care for Infective Endocarditis (REMOVE): Results From a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Cardiac surgery often represents the only treatment option in patients with infective endocarditis (IE). However, IE surgery may lead to a sudden release of inflammatory mediators, which is associated with postoperative organ dysfunction. We investigated the effect of hemoadsorption during IE surgery on postoperative organ dysfunction.

METHODS

This multicenter, randomized, nonblinded, controlled trial assigned patients undergoing cardiac surgery for IE to hemoadsorption (integration of CytoSorb to cardiopulmonary bypass) or control. The primary outcome (change in sequential organ failure assessment score [ΔSOFA]) was defined as the difference between the mean total postoperative SOFA score, calculated maximally to the 9th postoperative day, and the basal SOFA score. The analysis was by modified intention to treat. A predefined intergroup comparison was performed using a linear mixed model for ΔSOFA including surgeon and baseline SOFA score as fixed effect covariates and with the surgical center as random effect. The SOFA score assesses dysfunction in 6 organ systems, each scored from 0 to 4. Higher scores indicate worsening dysfunction. Secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor and renal replacement therapy. Cytokines were measured in the first 50 patients.

RESULTS

Between January 17, 2018, and January 31, 2020, a total of 288 patients were randomly assigned to hemoadsorption (n=142) or control (n=146). Four patients in the hemoadsorption and 2 in the control group were excluded because they did not undergo surgery. The primary outcome, ΔSOFA, did not differ between the hemoadsorption and the control group (1.79±3.75 and 1.93±3.53, respectively; 95% CI, -1.30 to 0.83; P=0.6766). Mortality at 30 days (21% hemoadsorption versus 22% control; P=0.782), duration of mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor and renal replacement therapy did not differ between groups. Levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 at the end of integration of hemoadsorption to cardiopulmonary bypass were significantly lower in the hemoadsorption than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

This randomized trial failed to demonstrate a reduction in postoperative organ dysfunction through intraoperative hemoadsorption in patients undergoing cardiac surgery for IE. Although hemoadsorption reduced plasma cytokines at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass, there was no difference in any of the clinically relevant outcome measures.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT03266302.

Clinical Course and Outcome of Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Alpha Variant Infection Compared to Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Wild-Type Infection Admitted to the ICU

The alpha variant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with higher transmissibility and possibly higher mortality compared with wild-type SARS-CoV-2. However, few data are available on the clinical course of infections with the alpha variant compared with wild-type SARS-CoV-2 in critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed patients admitted to our ICU due to SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant infection and compared characteristics and course to patients with SARS-CoV-2 wild-type infection. The median age of patients with Alpha variant infections was 57 years compared to 62 years in the wild-type group. ICU survival was 41/80 (51%) in the Alpha variant group and 35/80 (44%) in the wild-type group (p = 0.429). Results of a matched-pair analysis based on age and sex illustrated that 45/58 patients (77.6%) in the Alpha variant group and 38/58 (65.5%) patients in the wild-type group required mechanical ventilation (p = 0.217). ICU survival was documented for 28/58 patients (48.3%) in the Alpha variant group and 27/58 patients (46.6%) in the wild-type group (p = 1). Thus, ICU mortality among patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections remains high. Although the Alpha variant group included younger patients requiring mechanical ventilation, no significant differences between patients with the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant and the SARS-CoV-2 wild-type, respectively, were detected with respect to clinical course and ICU mortality. For future VOCs, we believe it would be important to obtain valid and rapid data on the clinical course of critically ill patients who test positive for COVID-19 in order to perform appropriate epidemiological planning of intensive care capacity.

Impact of left ventricular unloading using a peripheral Impella®-pump in eCPR patients

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) is a rapidly growing treatment strategy due to increasing survival rates in selected patients. Additional left ventricular mechanical unloading, using a transfemoral micro-axial blood pump (Impella® Denver, Massachusetts, USA), might improve patients' outcomes. In this regard, we sought to investigate patients who suffered OHCA (out-of hospital cardiac arrest) or IHCA (in-hospital cardiac arrest) with subsequent eCPR via VA-ECMO (veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and concomitant Impella® implantation based on survival and feasibility of ECMO weaning.

METHODS

From January 2016 until December 2020, 108 patients underwent eCPR at our institution. Data prior to eCPR and early outcome parameters were analyzed comparing patients who were supported with an additional Impella® (2.5 or CP) (ECMO+Impella®, n = 18) and patients without additional (ECMO, n = 90) support during V-A ECMO therapy. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality; secondary endpoints were, among others: ECMO explantation, need for hemodialysis, stroke, and need for blood transfusions.

RESULTS

Low-flow time was significantly lower in the ECMO+Impella group (60 min vs. 55 min, p = .01). All-cause mortality was significantly lower in the ECMO+Impella® group (82% vs. 56%, p = .01). The time of circulatory support was shorter in the ECMO cohort (2.0 ± 1.73 vs. 4.76 ± 2.88 p = .05). ECMO decannulation was significantly more feasible in patients with ECMO+Impella® (72% vs. 32%, p = .01). Patients treated with additional Impella® showed significantly more acute kidney injury with the need for dialysis (72% vs. 18%, p ≤ .01).

CONCLUSION

Concomitant Impella® support might positively influence survival and ECMO weaning in eCPR patients. Treatment-associated complications such as the need for dialysis were more common in this highly selected patient group. Further studies with larger numbers are necessary to evaluate the clinical relevance of concomitant LV-unloading in eCPR patients using an Impella® device.

[Prioritization of intensive medical treatment places - Concept proposal]

In the situation of a shortage of ventilation beds, ethically justifiable, transparent and comprehensible decisions must be made. This concept proposes that all patients are first intubated depending on necessity and then assessed by a triage team afterwards. In this situation newly admitted COVID patients compete with newly admitted Non-COVID patients as well as patients already treated in intensive care units for a ventilator. The combination of short-term and long-term prognoses should enable the interprofessional triage team to make comprehensible decisions. The aim of the prioritization concept is to save as many human lives as possible and to relieve the treatment team of the difficult decision on prioritization.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: first results and outcomes of a newly established ECPR program in a large population area

OBJECTIVES

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is associated with excessively high mortality rates. Recent studies suggest benefits from extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) performed in selected patients. We sought to present the first results from our interdisciplinary ECPR program with a particular focus on early outcomes and potential risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality.

METHODS

Between January 2016 and December 2019, 44 patients who underwent ECPR selected according to our institutional ECPR protocol were retrospectively analyzed regarding pre-hospital, in-hospital, and early outcome parameters. Patients were divided into survivors (S) and non-survivors (NS). Statistical analysis of risk factors regarding in-hospital mortality of the patient cohort analyzed was performed.

RESULTS

The mean age of the population was 53 ± 12 years, with most patients being male (n = 40). The leading cause of cardiac arrest (CA) was myocardial infarction (n = 24, 55%). The median hospital stay was 1 (1;13) day. Twenty-three percent of patients (n = 10) were discharged from hospital including eight patients (18%) with CPC 1-2. Survivors showed a trend toward shorter pre-hospital CPR duration (60 (59;60) min (S) vs 60 (55;90) min (NS), p = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

Establishing ECPR programs in large population areas offers the option to improve survival rates for OHCA patients. Stringent compliance of institutional criteria (mainly age, witnessed arrest, and time of pre-hospital resuscitation) and providing ECPR to strictly selected patients seems to be a vital factor for such programs' success. Pre-clinical settings and therapeutic measures must be adjusted in this regard to improve outcomes for this highly demanding patient cohort.

Adequate anticoagulation and ECMO therapy in COVID-19 patients with severe pulmonary embolism

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infections have been recently shown to be associated with a high rate of thromboembolic events due to pro-coagulative mechanisms that have not yet been fully understood. This paper reports on a 55-year-old female COVID-19 patient with severe ARDS and pulmonary embolism (PE) complicated by cardiogenic shock after 12 days of hospitalization under initial prophylactic anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). An ultima-ratio va (veno-arterial) ECMO implantation and subsequent rapid upgrade to vvaECMO due to insufficient oxygenation was performed. The patient developed severe coagulopathy with intrapulmonary bleeding. The present report aims to highlight and discuss the pros and cons of various anticoagulation strategies in COVID-19 patients focusing on current scientific debates to address this frequently observed complication in the current situation worldwide.

Investigating the Impact of Early Valve Surgery on Survival in Staphylococcus aureus Infective Endocarditis Using a Marginal Structural Model Approach: Results of a Large, Prospectively Evaluated Cohort

BACKGROUND

The impact of valve surgery on outcomes of Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis (SAIE) remains controversial. We tested the hypothesis that early valve surgery (EVS) improves survival by using a novel approach that allows for inclusion of major confounders in a time-dependent way.

METHODS

EVS was defined as valve surgery within 60 days. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed. To account for treatment selection bias, we additionally used a weighted Cox model (marginal structural model) that accounts for time-dynamic imbalances between treatment groups. To address survivor bias, EVS was included as a time-dependent variable. Follow-up of patients was 1 year.

RESULTS

Two hundred and three patients were included in the analysis; 50 underwent EVS. All-cause mortality at day 30 was 26%. In the conventional multivariable Cox regression model, the effect of EVS on the death hazard was 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI], .47-1.52). Using the weighted Cox model, the death hazard rate (HR) of EVS was 0.71 (95% CI, .34-1.49). In subgroup analyses, no survival benefit was observed in patients with septic shock (HR, 0.80 [CI, .26-2.46]), in NVIE (HR, 0.76 [CI, .33-1.71]) or PVIE (HR, 1.02 [CI, .29-3.54]), or in patients with EVS within 14 days (HR, 0.97 [CI, .46-2.07]).

CONCLUSIONS

Using both a conventional Cox regression model and a weighted Cox model, we did not find a survival benefit for patients who underwent EVS in our cohort. Until results of randomized controlled trials are available, EVS in SAIE should be based on individualized decisions of an experienced multidisciplinary team.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials registry (DRKS00005045).

Central vs peripheral venoarterial ECMO in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock

OBJECTIVES

Central or peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (va ECMO) is widely used in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS). Available data suggest controversial results for both types. Our aim was to investigate PCS patients treated with either peripheral (pECMO) or central ECMO (cECMO) concerning their outcome.

METHODS

Between April 2006 and October 2016, 156 consecutive patients with va ECMO therapy due to PCS were identified and included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into cECMO and pECMO groups. Statistical analysis of risk factors concerning 30-day mortality of the mentioned patient cohort was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics.

RESULTS

Fifty-six patients received cECMO and 100 patients were treated with pECMO due to PCS. In the group of cECMO peripheral vascular disease was significantly more present (cECMO 19 [34%] vs pECMO 14 [14%]; P < .01). On-site ECMO complications occurred significantly more frequent in patients treated with cECMO (cECMO 44 [79%] vs pECMO 54 [54%] g/dL; P < 0.01). More often cECMO patients required a second look operation due to mediastinal bleeding (cECMO 52 [93%] vs pECMO 61 [61%] g/dL; P < .01). Thirty-day mortality was comparable with nearly 70% in both cohorts (cECMO 39 [70%] vs pECMO 69 [69%]; P = .93).

CONCLUSION

Patients supported by cECMO or pECMO due to refractory PCS did not show significant differences in 30-day mortality, despite a lower incidence of on-site ECMO complications and re-exploration in pECMO patients. PCS itself is associated with high mortality and peripheral cannulation might help to save resources compared with central cannulation.

Higher incidence of perivalvular abscess determines perioperative clinical outcome in patients undergoing surgery for prosthetic valve endocarditis

Background

Cardiac surgery for prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is associated with substantial mortality. We aimed to analyze 30-day and 1-year outcome in patients undergoing surgery for PVE and sought to identify preoperative risk factors for mortality with special regard to perivalvular infection.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data of 418 patients undergoing valve surgery for infective endocarditis between January 2009 and July 2018. After 1:1 propensity matching 158 patients (79 PVE/79 NVE) were analyzed with regard to postoperative 30-day and 1-year outcomes. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for mortality.

Results

315 patients (75.4%) underwent surgery for NVE and 103 (24.6%) for PVE. After propensity matching groups were comparable with regard to preoperative characteristics, clinical presentation and microbiological findings, except a higher incidence of perivalvular infection in patients with PVE (51.9%) compared to NVE (26.6%) (p = 0.001), longer cardiopulmonary bypass (166 [76–130] vs. 97 [71–125] min; p < 0.001) and crossclamp time (95 [71–125] vs. 68 [55–85] min; p < 0.001). Matched patients with PVE showed a 4-fold increased 30-day mortality (20.3%) in comparison with NVE patients (5.1%) (p = 0.004) and 2-fold increased 1-year mortality (PVE 29.1% vs. NVE 13.9%; p = 0.020). Multivariable analysis revealed perivalvular abscess, sepsis, preoperative AKI and PVE as independent risk factors for mortality. Patients with perivalvular abscess had a significantly higher 30-day mortality (17.7%) compared to patients without perivalvular abscess (8.0%) (p = 0.003) and a higher rate of perioperative complications (need for postoperative pacemaker implantation, postoperative cerebrovascular events, postoperative AKI). However, perivalvular abscess did not influence 1-year mortality (20.9% vs. 22.3%; p = 0.806), or long-term complications such as readmission rate or relapse of IE.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing surgery for PVE had a significantly higher 30-day and 1-year mortality compared to NVE. After propensity-matching 30-day mortality was still 4-fold increased in PVE compared to NVE.

Patients with perivalvular abscess showed a significantly higher 30-day mortality and perioperative complications, whereas perivalvular abscess seems to have no relevant impact on 1-year mortality, the rate of readmission or relapse of IE.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients with right-sided endocarditis undergoing cardiac surgery

Background

There has been an increasing incidence of right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE) due to the global rise of intravenous drug use (IVDU) and an increasing number of implantable cardiac electronic devices and central venous catheters. Our aim was to investigate differences in the clinical presentation, microbiological findings and prognosis of patients undergoing surgery for RSIE compared to left-sided infective endocarditis (LSIE).

Methods

Relevant clinical data of all 432 consecutive patients undergoing valve surgery for infective endocarditis (IE) at our institution between January 2009 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Acquired data included patients' demographic and preoperative comorbidities, manifestation of IE according to the recently modified Duke Criteria, perioperative data and relevant clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 403 patients (93.3%) underwent surgery for LSIE and twenty-nine patients (6.7%) for RSIE. Eleven patients with RSIE (37.9%) showed a concomitant left-sided infection. Compared to LSIE, RSIE patients were significantly younger [47.5 (40.4-69.3) vs. 65.1 (53.7-74.6); P=0.008] and presented with less comorbidities such as hypertension (41.4% vs. 65.3%; P=0.010) and coronary artery disease (6.9% vs. 29.0%; P=0.010). Rates of IVDU (34.5% vs. 4.5%; P<0.001), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (10.3% vs. 1.7%; P=0.023) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (24.1% vs. 5.2%; P=0.001) were greater in RSIE. The proportion of Staphylococcus aureus IE was significantly higher in RSIE compared to LSIE (37.9% vs. 21.1%; P=0.035). 30-day mortality was 6.9% after surgery for RSIE compared to 14.6% after operation for LSIE (P=0.372).

Conclusions

Patients undergoing surgery for RSIE compared to LSIE presented with a higher rate of pulmonary septic emboli, more Staphylococcus aureus infections and larger vegetations. Larger multicenter prospective trials are needed to provide more reliable data on the clinical profile of these patients, in order to determine optimal surgical management.

Dysregulation of proangiogeneic factors in pressure-overload left-ventricular hypertrophy results in inadequate capillary growth

Background:

Pressure-overload left-ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an increasingly prevalent pathological condition of the myocardial muscle and an independent risk factor for a variety of cardiac diseases. We investigated changes in expression levels of proangiogeneic genes in a small animal model of LVH.

Methods:

Myocardial hypertrophy was induced by transaortic constriction (TAC) in C57BL/6 mice and compared with sham-operated controls. The myocardial expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its receptors (KDR and FLT-1), stromal-cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1) and the transcription factors hypoxia-inducible factor-1 and 2 (HIF1 and HIF2) were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction over the course of 25 weeks. Histological sections were stained for caveolin-1 to visualize endothelial cells and determine the capillary density. The left-ventricular morphology and function were assessed weekly by electrocardiogram-gated magnetic resonance imaging.

Results:

The heart weight of TAC animals increased significantly from week 4 to 25 (p = 0.005) compared with sham-treated animals. At 1 day after TAC, the expression of VEGF and SDF1 also increased, but was downregulated again after 1 week. The expression of HIF2 was significantly downregulated after 1 week and remained at a lower level in the subsequent weeks. The expression level of FLT-1 was also significantly decreased 1 week after TAC. HIF-1 and KDR showed similar changes compared with sham-operated animals. However, the expression levels of HIF1 after 4 and 8 weeks were significantly decreased compared with day 1. KDR changes were significantly decreased after 1, 2, 4, 8 and 25 weeks compared with week 3. After 4 weeks post-TAC, the size of the capillary vessels increased (p = 0.005) while the capillary density itself decreased (TAC: 2143 ± 293 /mm²versus sham: 2531 ± 321 /mm²; p = 0.021). Starting from week 4, the left-ventricular ejection fraction decreased compared with controls (p = 0.049).

Conclusions:

The decrease in capillary density in the hypertrophic myocardium appears to be linked to the dysregulation in the expression of proangiogeneic factors. The results suggest that overcoming this dysregulation may lead to reconstitution of capillary density in the hypertrophic heart, and thus be beneficial for cardiac function and survival.

Impact of ascending aortic, hemiarch and arch repair on early and long-term outcomes in patients with Stanford A acute aortic dissection

BACKGROUND:

Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening emergency associated with major morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of three different surgical approaches in patients with Stanford A AAD.

METHODS:

From January 2006 to March 2015 a total of 240 consecutive patients with diagnosed Stanford A AAD underwent elective, isolated surgical aortic repair in our centre. Patients were divided into three groups according to the extent of surgical repair: isolated replacement of the ascending aorta, hemiarch replacement and total arch replacement. Patients were followed up for up to 9 years. After univariate analysis multinomial logistic regression was performed for subgroup analysis. Baseline characteristics and endpoints as well as long-term survival were analysed.

RESULTS:

There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups in terms of demographics and preoperative baseline and clinical characteristics. Incidence of in-hospital stroke ( p = 0.034), need for reopening due to bleeding ( p = 0.031) and in-hospital mortality ( p = 0.017) increased significantly with the extent of the surgical approach. There was no statistical difference in terms of long-term survival ( p = 0.166) among the three groups. Applying multinomial logistic regression for subgroup analysis significantly higher odds for stroke ( p = 0.023), reopening for bleeding ( p = 0.010) and in-hospital mortality ( p = 0.009) for the arch surgery group in comparison to the ascending aorta surgery group as well as significantly higher odds for stroke ( p = 0.029) for the total arch surgery group in comparison to the hemiarch surgery group were identified.

CONCLUSIONS:

With Stanford A AAD the incidence of perioperative complications increased significantly with the extent of the surgical approach. Subgroup analysis and long-term follow up in patients undergoing isolated ascending or hemiarch surgery showed a lower incidence of cerebrovascular events compared with surgery for total arch replacement.

Impact of age on early outcomes and long-term survival of patients undergoing aortic repair with Stanford A dissection

Objectives:

Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening emergency, typically occurring in older patients and requiring immediate surgical repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate early outcome and short- and long-term survival of patients under and above 65 years of age.

Methods:

Two hundred and forty patients with Stanford A AAD underwent aortic surgical repair from January 2006 to April 2015 in our center. After statistical analysis and logistic regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival estimation was performed, with up to 9-year follow-up, comprising patients under and above 65 years of age.

Results:

The proportion of patients above 65 years of age suffering from Stanford A AAD was 50% (n=120). The group of patients above 65 years of age compared to the group under 65 years of age showed statistically significant differences in terms of higher odds ratios (OR) for hypertension (p=0.012), peripheral vascular disease (p=0.026) and tachyarrhythmia absoluta (p=0.004). Patients over 65 years of age also showed significantly poorer short- and long-term survival. Our subgroup analysis revealed that male patients (Breslow p=0.001, Log-Rank p=0.001) and patients suffering with hypertension (Breslow p=0.003, Log-Rank p=0.001) were reasonable for these results whereas younger and older female patients showed similar short- and long-term outcome (Breslow p=0.926, Log-Rank p=0.724). After stratifying all patients into 4 age groups (<45; 55-65; 65-75; >75years), short-term survival of the patients appeared to be significantly poorer with increasing age (Breslow p=0.026, Log-Rank p=0.008) whereas long-term survival of patients free from cerebrovascular events (Breslow p=0.0494, Log-Rank p=0.489) remained similar.

Conclusions:

All patients referred to our hospital for repair of Stanford A AAD with higher age had poorer short- and long-term survival, caused by male patients and patients suffering from hypertension, whereas survival of women and survival free from cerebrovascular events of the entire patient cohort was similar, irrespective of age.

Preoperative intraaortic balloon pump before urgent coronary bypass grafting

Background Urgent or emergency coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with acute coronary syndrome is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We investigated the effects of preoperative intraaortic balloon pump support in this high-risk patient cohort. Methods Our institutional database was retrospectively reviewed for patients with acute coronary syndrome and an urgent or emergency indication for coronary artery bypass from April 2010 to December 2016. Data of 1066 patients were analyzed. We assessed the impact of preoperative intraaortic balloon pump therapy on postoperative mortality and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and performed propensity-score matching. Results Intraaortic balloon pump support was implemented in 223 (20.9%) patients: 55 (5.2%) preoperatively and 168 (15.8%) intra- or postoperatively. Overall hospital mortality was 8.8%. Patients with a preoperative intraaortic balloon pump had increased mortality (11/55, 20%) compared to controls ( p = 0.006). After propensity-score matching, all-cause mortality (20.0% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.834), cardiac mortality (18.2% vs. 14.5%, p = 0.651), and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (29.1% vs. 27.3%, p = 0.855) were comparable between groups. Conclusions Preoperative intraaortic balloon pump support does not confer any additional clinical benefit on patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting for acute coronary syndrome.

Impact of hypertension on early outcomes and long-term survival of patients undergoing aortic repair with Stanford A dissection

INTRODUCTION

Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening emergency, typically occurring in hypertensive patients, requiring immediate surgical repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate early outcomes and long-term survival of hypertensive patients in comparison to normotensive patients suffering from Stanford A AAD.

METHODS

In our center, 240 patients with Stanford A AAD underwent aortic surgical repair from January 2006 to April 2015. After statistical and logistic regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival estimation was performed, with up to 9-year follow-up.

RESULTS

The proportion of hypertensive patients suffering from Stanford A AAD was 75.4% (n=181). There were only few statistically significant differences in terms of basic demographics, comorbidities, preoperative baseline and clinical characteristics of hypertensive patients in comparison to normotensive patients. Hypertensive patients were significantly older (p=0.008), more frequently received hemi-arch repair (p=0.028) and selective brain perfusion (p=0.001). Our study showed similar statistical results in terms of 30-day mortality (p=0.196), long-term overall cumulative survival of patients (Log-Rank p=0.506) and survival of patients free from cerebrovascular events (Log-Rank p=0.186). Furthermore, subgroup analysis for long-term survival in terms of men (Log-Rank p=0.853), women (Log-Rank p=0.227), patients under and above 65 years of age (Log-Rank p=0.188 and Log-Rank p=0.602, respectively) and patients undergoing one of the three types of aortic repair surgery showed similar results for normotensive and hypertensive patient groups. Subgroup analysis for long-term survival of patients free from cerebrovascular events for women, patients under 65 years of age and patients undergoing aortic arch repair showed significant differences between the two groups in favor of hypertensive patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertensive patients suffering from Stanford A AAD were older, more frequently received hemi-arch replacement and were not associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality and poorer long-term survival compared to normotensive patients.

Managing Traps and Pitfalls During Initial Steps of an ECMO Retrieval Program Using a Miniaturized Portable System: What Have We Learned From the First Two Years?

The aim of this study was to provide early and mid-term results of the newly established extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) retrieval service in a tertiary cardiothoracic center using the miniaturized portable Cardiohelp System (Maquet, Rastatt, Germany). A particular attention was paid to organizational and logistic specifics as well as challenges and pitfalls associated with initial phase of the program. From January 2015 until January 2017 a heterogenic group of 28 consecutive patients underwent ECMO implantation in distant hospitals for acute cardiac, pulmonary or combined failure as a bridge-to-decision and were subsequently transported to our institution. Each cannulation was performed bedside on intensive care units (ICU) using the Seldinger's technique. Early outcomes and mid-term overall survival with up to two-year follow-up along with the impact of ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on outcome were presented. Also, changes in hemodynamics and tissue perfusion factors 24 h after ECMO implantation were evaluated. ECMO implantations were performed in 15 distant departments with the median distance of 23(10;40) (maximum 60) km. A total of 15 patients (54%) were cannulated under CPR with the median duration of 30(20;110) (maximum 180) min. After 24 h of support there were significant improvements in SvO₂ (P = 0.021), mean arterial pressure (P = 0.027), FiO₂ (P = 0.001), lactate (P = 0.001), and pH (P < 0.001). The mean ECMO support duration was 96 ± 100 (maximum 384) hours, whereas 11 patients (40%) were weaned off support and discharged from hospital. Overall cumulative survival in patients without the need for CPR was 61.5% at one week and 38.5% at 1 month, 6 month, and 1 year, whereas patients requiring CPR survived in 40% at one week, and 33.3% at 1 month, 6 month, and 1 year (Log-Rank (Mantel-Cox) P = 0.374, Breslow (Generalized Wilcoxon) P = 0.162). Our initial experience shows that launching new ECMO retrieval programs in centers with sufficient ICU capacities and local ECMO experience can be feasible and associated with acceptable "real world" results despite the initial learning curve. Rapid logistical organization and team flexibility are the key points to ensure comparable survival of patients requiring prolonged CPR.

Left ventricular thrombus formation in patients undergoing femoral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Introduction:

Profoundly impaired left ventricular (LV) function in patients undergoing femoral veno-arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can result in intra-cardiac stasis and thrombus formation. There have been several attempts to improve LV unloading in patients with peripheral VA-ECMO, either by improving contractility or by venting the LV.

Methods:

Data from all patients who underwent femoral VA-ECMO between 2007 and 2015 due to cardiogenic decompensation were retrospectively analysed regarding intra-cardiac thrombus formation.

Results:

In total, 11 of 281 patients (3.91%) with femoral VA-ECMO developed an intra- or extra-cardiac thrombus despite adequate anticoagulation therapy. None of the patients survived this serious complication.

Conclusion:

Management strategies for patients with femoral VA-ECMO support and severely impaired LV function must be reassessed to avoid insufficient LV unloading at an early stage of ECMO therapy. Early LV decompression should be considered in patients with insufficient unloading of the LV to prevent intra-cardiac thrombus formation.

Outcome after coronary bypass grafting for coronary complications following coronary angiography

BACKGROUND

Coronary complications during coronary angiography or intervention (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]) are uncommon. However, PCI-related coronary artery perforation, dissection, or acute occlusion frequently result in myocardial ischemia followed by hemodynamic instability and need of urgent coronary artery bypass grafting (coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]). This single-center study aimed to investigate clinical outcomes of patients undergoing urgent CABG after life-threatening PCI complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were retrospectively obtained using our institutional patient database. All patients admitted for urgent CABG following PCI-related complications from April 2010 to June 2015 were included into this study. Univariate analysis was performed to identify possible predictors for cardiac mortality.

RESULTS

From a total of 821 urgent CABG patients, 52 patients (6.3%, 66.4 ± 9.4 years) underwent CABG for coronary complication following PCI. Logistic EuroSCORE was 21.8 ± 15.0%. At admission, 22 of 52 (42%) presented in cardiogenic shock, and 24 of 52 (46%) had significant electrocardiogram alterations indicating ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Surgical revascularization was performed by targeting the injured coronary vessel with additional revascularization of other compromised vessels as indicated (mean number of grafts 2.4 ± 0.8). In-hospital cardiac mortality of the patient cohort was 13.5% (7/52) with 15.4% (8/52) in-hospital all-cause mortality. Preoperative resuscitation, cardiogenic shock, and STEMI were predictors for in-hospital cardiac mortality (P < 0.05) in univariate analysis. In contrast, noncardiac comorbidities, type of PCI complication, and localization of the culprit lesion were not associated to increased mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergent or urgent CABG for treatment of acute coronary complications following PCI is feasible and has acceptable clinical results that worsen in the presence of STEMI, cardiogenic shock, or resuscitation. Because preoperative status is crucial for clinical outcomes in these patients, immediate transfer to cardiac surgery is necessary.

Transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation in a patient with multiple endovascular aortic stents--a case report

Background

In patients undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation, previous endovascular interventions bear a risk for the valve frame to get stucked to the aortic stents.

Case Presentation

We report on a 75-year-old frail patient with severe aortic stenosis and a rapid increase of an infra-renal aneurysm. He had a history of multiple endovascular interventions on the aorta. Due to his frail preoperative status we decided to perform a transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation in combination with a simultaneous surgical abdominal aneurysm repair. To allow an atraumatic passage of the Edwards SAPIEN 3 valve across the endovascular stents we used a special technique.

Conclusions

The transfemoral approach in patients with previous endovascular stenting can be performed successfully by a partial inflation of the distal balloon.

Six-years survival and predictors of mortality after CABG using cold vs. warm blood cardioplegia in elective and emergent settings

Background

The aim of this study was to determine whether intermittent warm blood cardioplegia (IWC) is associated with comparable myocardial protection compared to cold blood cardioplegia (ICC) in patients undergoing elective vs. emergent CABG procedures.

Methods

Out of 2292 consecutive patients who underwent isolated on-pump CABG surgery using cardioplegic arrest either with ICC or IWC between January 2008 and December 2010, 247 consecutive emergent patients were identified and consecutively matched 1:2 with elective patients based on gender, age (<50 years, 50–70 years, >70 years) and ejection fraction (<40 %, 40–50 %, >50 %). Perioperative outcomes and long-term mortality were compared between ICC and IWC strategies and predictors for 30-day mortality and perioperative myocardial injury were identified in both elective and emergent subgroups of patients.

Results

Preoperative demographics and baseline characteristics, logistic Euroscore, CPB-time, number of distal anastomoses and LIMA-use were comparable. Aortic cross clamp time was significantly longer in the IWC-group regardless of the urgency of the procedure (p = 0.05 and p = 0.015 for emergent and elective settings). There were no significant differences regarding ICU-stay, ventilation time, total blood loss and need for dialysis. The overall 30-day, 1-, 3- and 6-year survival of the entire patient cohort was 93.7, 91.8, 90.4 and 89.1 %, respectively, with significantly better outcomes when operated electively (p < 0.001) but no differences between ICC and IWC both in elective (p = 0.857) and emergent (p = 0.741) subgroups. Multivariate analysis did not identify the type of cardioplegia as a predictor for 30-day mortality and for perioperative myocardial injury. However, independent factors predictive of 30-day mortality were: EF < 40 % (OR 3.66; 95 % CI: 1.79–7.52; p < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (OR 3.33; 95 % CI: 1.49-7.47; p < 0.003), peripheral artery disease (OR 2.51; 95 % CI: 1.13–5.55; p < 0.023) and COPD (OR 0.26; 95 % CI: 1.05–6.21; p < 0.038); predictors for perioperative myocardial infarction were EF < 40 % (OR 2.04; 95 % CI: 1.32–3.15; p < 0.001), preoperative IABP support (OR 3.68; 95 % CI: 1.34-10.13; p < 0.012), and hemofiltration (OR 3.61; 95 % CI: 2.22–5.87; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Although the aortic cross clamp time was prolonged in the IWC group our results confirm effective myocardial protection under IWC, regardless of the urgency of the procedure. We suggest that intermittent warm cardioplegia in emergent CABG setting is a low-cost alternative and safe. It is associated with similar long-term outcomes both in elective and emergent settings compared to intermittent cold cardioplegia.

Meta-analysis of patients taking statins before revascularization and aortic valve surgery

Statin intake before cardiac surgery is associated with favorable outcomes. We sought to analyze the evidence for statin pretreatment before isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery and aortic valve replacement surgery. In this meta-analysis, we demonstrate beneficial results for the endpoints mortality, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and length of stay in hospital in 36,053 statin-pretreated coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients compared with control subjects retrieved from 32 studies, but fail to detect relevant advantages through preoperative statin therapy for 3,091 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement from four trials. Strict adherence to guidelines recommending statin treatment before CABG surgery is therefore mandatory.

Cardiac liposarcoma-a review of outcome after surgical resection

OBJECTIVE

This review was performed to pool the current surgical strategies for cardiac liposarcoma.

METHODS

A literature search was performed and all studies published in full-text or abstract forms were eligible for inclusion without applying any language restrictions. Case reports without surgical intervention, reporting noncardiac liposarcoma, animal cases, or review articles were excluded after initial abstract review. Analyzed postoperative outcomes included intraoperative and in-hospital mortality, longest reported survival, and recrudescence.

RESULTS

After a critical evaluation 53 unique surgically treated case reports published between the years 1966 and December 2012 were included in this review. Most of the reported cardiac liposarcoma are myxoid (49.1%), pleomorphic liposarcoma occur with a prevalence of 20.8%, and well-differentiated tumors are observed in 13.2%. One-year survival rate increases the more differentiated the tumor is categorized: 54.5% for pleomorphic, 65.4% for myxoid, and 100% for well-differentiated liposarcoma (p = 0.096).

CONCLUSION

Total surgical resection of cardiac liposarcoma is the only curative option, as it tends to local and distant recurrence. Therefore, a frequent follow-up examination should be considered.

Preoperative statin therapy in cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis of 90,000 patients

The objective of this systematic literature review with meta-analysis was to determine the strength of evidence for a preoperative statin on the reduction of adverse postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Randomized controlled (RCT) and observational trials were searched in online databases that reported about the effects of preoperative statin therapy on major adverse clinical outcomes after cardiac surgery. Analysed outcomes included early all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation (AF), stroke and renal failure using a priori-defined criteria. Effect estimates were calculated and are given as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using fixed- or random-effect models. Literature search of all major databases retrieved 2371 studies. After screening, a total of 54 trials were identified (12 RCT, 42 observational) that reported outcomes of 91 491 cardiac surgery patients with (n = 46 614; 51%) or without (n = 44 877; 49%) preoperative statin therapy. Preoperative statin use resulted in a 0.9% absolute risk (2.6 vs 3.5%) and a 31% odds reduction for early all-cause mortality (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.59-0.81; P < 0.0001). In addition, statin treatment before surgery was associated with a substantial reduction (P < 0.01) in the postoperative end-points AF (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.61-0.82), new-onset AF (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.54-0.85), stroke (OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.74-0.93), stay on intensive care unit (weighted mean difference [WMD] -0.14; 95% CI -0.23 to -0.03; P < 0.01) and in-hospital stay (WMD -0.57; 95% CI -0.76 to -0.38; P < 0.01). No statistical differences were found between groups with regard to myocardial infarction or renal failure. In conclusion, the current systematic review strengthens the evidence that preoperative statin therapy extends substantial clinical benefit to early postoperative outcomes in cardiac surgery patients.

Coagulation disorders do not increase the risk for bleeding during percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) is a common procedure. Coagulation disorders represent a relative contraindication for PDT and, therefore, normalization of hemostasis parameters is recommended. Especially patients undergoing cardiac surgery after valve replacement and with any kind of assist device need to require an adequate anticoagulation. This study investigated the impact of impaired hemostasis as a risk factor for bleeding complications retrospectively.

METHODS

Patients who underwent PDT (November 2007 to November 2010) were stratified into a high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) group in regard to bleeding complications. The following determining factors activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT > 50 seconds, prothrombin time (PT < 50%), international normalized ratio (INR > 1.4), and platelet count (< 50,000/µL) were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 213 patients underwent PDT (HR = 5/85; LR = 8/128). There was no difference in demographics or intraoperative data. Patients of both groups showed mild bleeding without the need for surgical intervention or transfusion (p = 0.957). There were no severe bleeding nor other procedure-related complications.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous tracheotomy is a safe and feasible procedure in patients with coagulation disorders. Therefore, discontinuation of anticoagulation treatment or normalization of hemostasis prior to the procedure is not necessary.