Pericardial Versus Porcine Valves for Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement

Background and Objectives@#There still are controversies on which type between bovine pericardial and porcine valves is superior in the setting of aortic valve replacement (AVR). This study aims to compare clinical outcomes of AVR using between pericardial or porcine valves. @*Methods@#The study involved consecutive 636 patients underwent isolated AVR using stented bioprosthetic valves between January 2000 and May 2016. Of these, pericardial and porcine valves were implanted in 410 (pericardial group) and 226 patients (porcine group), respectively. Clinical outcomes including survival, structural valve deterioration (SVD) and trans-valvular pressure gradient were compared between the groups. To adjust for potential selection bias, inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) was conducted. @*Results@#The mean follow-up duration was 60.1±50.2 months. There were no significant differences in the rates of early mortality (3.1% vs. 3.1%; p=0.81) and SVD (0.3%/patient-year [PY] vs. 0.5%/PY; p=0.33) between groups. After adjustment using IPTW, however, landmark mortality analyses showed a significantly lower late (>8 years) mortality risk in pericardial group over porcine group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.61; 95% confidence interval, [CI] 0.41–0.90; p=0.01) while the risks of SVD were not significantly difference between groups (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.12–1.70; p=0.24). Mean pressure gradient across prosthetic AV was lower in the Pericardial group than the Porcine group at both immediate postoperative point and latest follow-up (p values <0.001). @*Conclusions@#In patients undergoing bioprosthetic surgical AVR, bovine pericardial valves showed superior results in terms of postoperative hemodynamic profiles and late survival rates over porcine valves.

Prognostic Implication of Right Ventricle Parameters Measured on Preoperative Cardiac MRI in Patients with Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation

Objective@#To investigate the prognostic value of preoperative cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for long-term major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in patients undergoing tricuspid valve (TV) surgery for functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR). @*Materials and Methods@#The preoperative cardiac MR images, New York Heart Association functional class, comorbidities, and clinical events of 78 patients (median [interquartile range], 59 [51–66.3] years, 28.2% male) who underwent TV surgery for functional TR were comprehensively reviewed. Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed to assess the associations of clinical and imaging parameters with MACCEs and all-cause mortality. @*Results@#For the median follow-up duration of 5.4 years (interquartile range, 1.2–6.6), MACCEs and all-cause mortality were 51.3% and 23.1%, respectively. The right ventricular (RV) end-systolic volume index (ESVI) and the systolic RV mass index (RVMI) were higher in patients with MACCEs than those without them (77 vs. 68 mL/m2 , p = 0.048; 23.5 vs. 18.0%, p = 0.011, respectively). A high RV ESVI was associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] per value of 10 higher ESVI = 1.10, p = 0.03). A high RVMI was also associated with all-cause mortality (HR per increase of 5 mL/m2 RVMI = 1.75, p < 0.001).After adjusting for age and sex, only RVMI remained a significant predictor of MACCEs and all-cause mortality (p < 0.05 for both). After adjusting for multiple clinical variables, RVMI remained significantly associated with all-cause mortality (p = 0.005). @*Conclusion@#RVMI measured on preoperative cardiac MRI was an independent predictor of long-term outcomes in patients who underwent TV surgery for functional TR.

Comparative Surgical Outcomes of Prosthetic and Native Valve Endocarditis

Background and Objectives@#As a consequence of a growing number of patients undergoing prosthetic heart valve replacement, the incidence of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) has increased. The study aims to analyze patterns and outcomes of PVE surgery as compared with native valve endocarditis (NVE). @*Methods@#We enrolled 269 patients (aged 58.0±15.7 years) who underwent valve surgery for infective endocarditis (IE) between 2013 and 2019. Of these, 56 had PVE whereas remainder (n=213) had NVE. Clinical outcomes were compared and multivariable analyses were conducted to determine risk factors for mortality. @*Results@#The proportion of PVE among surgical IE gradually increased from 15.4% (11/71) in the first time-quartile to 29.5% (18/61) in the last time-quartile (p=0.055). PVE patients were older, and more commonly had aorto-mitral curtain involvement and abscess formation than NVE group. Early mortality was 14.3% and 6.1% in PVE and NVE group, respectively (p=0.049). Postoperatively, PVE group had higher incidences of low cardiac output syndrome (p=0.027), new-onset dialysis (p=0.006) and reoperation for bleeding (p=0.004) compared to NVE group, but stroke rates were comparable (p=0.503). During follow-up (648.8 patientyears), PVE group showed significantly higher risks of overall mortality (p<0.001), valve reinfection (p<0.001) and permanent pacemaker implantation (p<0.001) than NVE group. On multivariable analysis, PVE (hazard ratio, 2.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.40–5.07; p=0.003) along with age, chronic kidney disease, multi-valve involvement, and causative organisms of Staphylococcus aureus or fungus were independent risk factors of overall mortality. @*Conclusions@#PVE carried significant perioperative risks, and was an independent risk factor of overall mortality.

Outcomes of emergency endovascular versus open repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture

Purpose@#Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) is one of the most common aortic emergencies in vascular surgery and is associated with high operative mortality and morbidity rates despite recent treatment advances. We evaluated operative mortality risks for the outcomes of emergency endovascular aneurysm repair (eEVAR) vs. open repair in rAAA. @*Methods@#Twenty patients underwent eEVAR (n = 12) or open repair (n = 8) for rAAA between 2016 and 2020. We adopted the EVAR first strategy since 2018. Primary endpoints included in-hospital mortality and 1-year survival. The outcome variables were analyzed with Fisher exact, Mann-Whitney test, and linear by linear association. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival. @*Results@#There were 13 males (65.0%) and the median age of the study cohort was 78.0 years (range, 49–88 years). Inhospital mortality occurred in 7 patients (35.0%); 5 (50.0%) in the early period and 2 (20.0%) in the later period of this series. According to the procedure type, 4 (50.0%) and 3 (25.0%) in-hospital mortalities occurred in the open repair and eEVAR patients, respectively. In 6 patients (50.0%), eEVAR was performed on unfavorable anatomy. The 1-year survival of eEVAR vs. open repair group was 75% ± 12.5% and 50% ± 17.7%, respectively. On univariate analysis, preoperative highrisk indices, postoperative acute renal failure requiring dialysis, pulmonary complications, and prolonged mechanical ventilation were associated with higher operative mortality. @*Conclusion@#The current data showed relatively superior outcomes with eEVAR vs. open repair for rAAA, even in some patients with unfavorable anatomy supporting the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of EVAR first strategy.

Outcomes of emergency endovascular versus open repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture

Purpose@#Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) is one of the most common aortic emergencies in vascular surgery and is associated with high operative mortality and morbidity rates despite recent treatment advances. We evaluated operative mortality risks for the outcomes of emergency endovascular aneurysm repair (eEVAR) vs. open repair in rAAA. @*Methods@#Twenty patients underwent eEVAR (n = 12) or open repair (n = 8) for rAAA between 2016 and 2020. We adopted the EVAR first strategy since 2018. Primary endpoints included in-hospital mortality and 1-year survival. The outcome variables were analyzed with Fisher exact, Mann-Whitney test, and linear by linear association. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival. @*Results@#There were 13 males (65.0%) and the median age of the study cohort was 78.0 years (range, 49–88 years). Inhospital mortality occurred in 7 patients (35.0%); 5 (50.0%) in the early period and 2 (20.0%) in the later period of this series. According to the procedure type, 4 (50.0%) and 3 (25.0%) in-hospital mortalities occurred in the open repair and eEVAR patients, respectively. In 6 patients (50.0%), eEVAR was performed on unfavorable anatomy. The 1-year survival of eEVAR vs. open repair group was 75% ± 12.5% and 50% ± 17.7%, respectively. On univariate analysis, preoperative highrisk indices, postoperative acute renal failure requiring dialysis, pulmonary complications, and prolonged mechanical ventilation were associated with higher operative mortality. @*Conclusion@#The current data showed relatively superior outcomes with eEVAR vs. open repair for rAAA, even in some patients with unfavorable anatomy supporting the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of EVAR first strategy.

Prognostic Implication of Right Ventricle Parameters Measured on Preoperative Cardiac MRI in Patients with Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation

Objective@#To investigate the prognostic value of preoperative cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for long-term major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in patients undergoing tricuspid valve (TV) surgery for functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR). @*Materials and Methods@#The preoperative cardiac MR images, New York Heart Association functional class, comorbidities, and clinical events of 78 patients (median [interquartile range], 59 [51–66.3] years, 28.2% male) who underwent TV surgery for functional TR were comprehensively reviewed. Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed to assess the associations of clinical and imaging parameters with MACCEs and all-cause mortality. @*Results@#For the median follow-up duration of 5.4 years (interquartile range, 1.2–6.6), MACCEs and all-cause mortality were 51.3% and 23.1%, respectively. The right ventricular (RV) end-systolic volume index (ESVI) and the systolic RV mass index (RVMI) were higher in patients with MACCEs than those without them (77 vs. 68 mL/m2 , p = 0.048; 23.5 vs. 18.0%, p = 0.011, respectively). A high RV ESVI was associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] per value of 10 higher ESVI = 1.10, p = 0.03). A high RVMI was also associated with all-cause mortality (HR per increase of 5 mL/m2 RVMI = 1.75, p < 0.001).After adjusting for age and sex, only RVMI remained a significant predictor of MACCEs and all-cause mortality (p < 0.05 for both). After adjusting for multiple clinical variables, RVMI remained significantly associated with all-cause mortality (p = 0.005). @*Conclusion@#RVMI measured on preoperative cardiac MRI was an independent predictor of long-term outcomes in patients who underwent TV surgery for functional TR.

Comparative Surgical Outcomes of Prosthetic and Native Valve Endocarditis

Background and Objectives@#As a consequence of a growing number of patients undergoing prosthetic heart valve replacement, the incidence of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) has increased. The study aims to analyze patterns and outcomes of PVE surgery as compared with native valve endocarditis (NVE). @*Methods@#We enrolled 269 patients (aged 58.0±15.7 years) who underwent valve surgery for infective endocarditis (IE) between 2013 and 2019. Of these, 56 had PVE whereas remainder (n=213) had NVE. Clinical outcomes were compared and multivariable analyses were conducted to determine risk factors for mortality. @*Results@#The proportion of PVE among surgical IE gradually increased from 15.4% (11/71) in the first time-quartile to 29.5% (18/61) in the last time-quartile (p=0.055). PVE patients were older, and more commonly had aorto-mitral curtain involvement and abscess formation than NVE group. Early mortality was 14.3% and 6.1% in PVE and NVE group, respectively (p=0.049). Postoperatively, PVE group had higher incidences of low cardiac output syndrome (p=0.027), new-onset dialysis (p=0.006) and reoperation for bleeding (p=0.004) compared to NVE group, but stroke rates were comparable (p=0.503). During follow-up (648.8 patientyears), PVE group showed significantly higher risks of overall mortality (p<0.001), valve reinfection (p<0.001) and permanent pacemaker implantation (p<0.001) than NVE group. On multivariable analysis, PVE (hazard ratio, 2.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.40–5.07; p=0.003) along with age, chronic kidney disease, multi-valve involvement, and causative organisms of Staphylococcus aureus or fungus were independent risk factors of overall mortality. @*Conclusions@#PVE carried significant perioperative risks, and was an independent risk factor of overall mortality.

Preoperative Cardiac Computed Tomography Characteristics Associated with Recurrent Aortic Regurgitation after Aortic Valve Re-Implantation

24 mm² (sensitivity, 76.5%; specificity 64.8%), and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.72. For ASR(area), the cut-off value was > 1.58 (sensitivity, 76.5%; specificity, 58.0%) and the AUC was 0.64. Multivariable Cox regression showed that ARO > 24 mm² (hazard ratio = 3.79, p = 0.020) was a potential independent parameter for recurrent 3 + AR. ROC for the linear regression model showed that the AUC for both ARO and ASR(area) was 0.73 (95% confidence interval, 0.64–0.81, p < 0.001).CONCLUSION: ARO and ASR(area) detected on preoperative cardiac CT would be potentially helpful for identifying AR patients who may benefit from the David operation.

Surgical Outcomes of Malignant Primary Cardiac Tumor:A 20-Year Study at a Single Center

Background@#Malignant primary cardiac tumors are extremely rare, but have a poor prognosis. This study evaluated the surgical outcomes of patients with this disease. @*Methods@#Forty patients who underwent surgery for malignant primary cardiac tumors between January 1998 and December 2018 were enrolled. Participants were divided into 3 groups based on resection margins (R0, 14 patients; R1, 11 patients; and R2, 11 patients) and their surgical outcomes were compared. Heart transplantation was performed in 4 patients with unresectable tumors. @*Results@#Early mortality was reported in 2 cases (5%) due to postoperative bleeding and cerebral hemorrhage secondary to brain metastasis. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 67.5% and 42.5%, respectively. The median survival time of the patients was 20.3 months (range, 9.2–37.6 months). The median survival time was 48.7, 20.3, and 4.8 months in patients with R0, R1, and R2 resections, respectively (p=0.023). Tumor recurrence occurred in 21 patients (61.7%), including 4 cases of local recurrence and 17 cases of distant metastasis. In patients who underwent heart transplantation, the median survival time was 29.5 months, with 3 cases of distant metastasis. @*Conclusion@#Although surgery for malignant primary cardiac tumors has a poor prognosis, complete resection of the tumor may improve surgical outcomes.

Surgical Outcomes of Kommerell Diverticulum

Background@#We aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent surgical repair of Kommerell diverticulum (KD) with individualized surgical methods. @*Methods@#A retrospective analysis was performed of adult patients (aged ≥17 years) who underwent surgery to treat KD between June 2008 and October 2019. @*Results@#Nine patients (median age, 45 years; range, 19–67 years; 7 men) underwent surgical repair. The indications for surgical therapy were acute aortic dissection in 2 patients, the presence of compressive symptoms due to dilated KD in 4 patients, and aneurysm growth in 3 patients. Various surgical techniques were used: (1) resection of the diverticulum stump and revascularization of the aberrant subclavian artery (n=3), (2) one-stage total-arch replacement including the diverticulum segment (n=3), and (3) hybrid repair (n=3). Early mortality occurred in 1 case of hybrid repair. Transient paraparesis occurred in a patient who underwent total arch repair as part of complicated acute aortic dissection.During follow-up (median duration, 30 months; range, 7–130 months), no late death or associated aortic complications were documented. All survivors were free from symptoms and had no abnormal findings on follow-up computed tomography. @*Conclusion@#With a customized surgical approach and appropriate consideration of patient-specific anatomy and associated comorbidities, KD can be repaired with favorable outcomes.

Outcomes of Reoperative Valve Replacement in Patients with Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis: A 20-Year Experience / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a serious complication of cardiac valve replacement, and many patients with PVE require reoperation. The aim of this study was to review our institutional 20-year experience of surgical reoperative valve replacement in patients with PVE. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 84 patients (mean age, 54.8±12.7 years; 51 males) who were diagnosed with PVE and underwent reoperative valve replacement from January 1995 to December 2016. RESULTS: PVE was found in 1 valve in 61 cases (72.6%), and in 2 or more valves in 23 cases (27.4%). The median follow-up duration was 47.3 months (range, 0 to 250 months). Postoperative complications occurred in 39 patients (46.4%). Reinfection occurred in 6 cases, all within 1 year. The freedom from reinfection rate at 5 years was 91.0%±3.5%. The overall survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 64.4%±5.8% and 54.3%±7.3%, respectively. In stepwise multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 2.10; p=0.027) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.01; p=0.033) emerged as independent risk factors for death. CONCLUSION: Older age and a longer CPB time were associated with an increased risk of overall mortality in PVE patients.

Guidelines for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Korea: Past Obstacles and Future Perspectives

BACKGROUND: Analyses of the efficacy and safety of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in most countries have been based on outcomes obtained in accordance with national practice guidelines and monitoring protocols. The purpose of this study is to share our experience regarding the process for establishing guidelines and monitoring protocols for the use of TAVR in Korea, in the hopes that it may be helpful to others undergoing a similar process in their own country. METHODS: The Korean guidelines for TAVR were established on June 1, 2015 in through a tri-party agreement involving the Department of Health and Welfare, the Korean Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and the Korean Society of Cardiology. We agreed to monitor the guidelines transparently and to exchange opinions regarding amendments or continuation of its contents after 3 years of monitoring. RESULTS: The monitoring meetings were not held as regularly as agreed, and monitoring was also made difficult by insufficient and incomplete data. Nevertheless, during the meetings, measures to improve the monitoring process were discussed, and accordingly, an agreement was made to continue the monitoring process, with the aim of completing data collection by 2018. CONCLUSION: Compliance with guidelines is critical for assessing the efficacy and safety of TAVR. Moreover, the TAVR monitoring process must be properly conducted for an accurate evaluation to be made. Any country planning to introduce TAVR may encounter difficulties with regards to the optimal initiation strategy and subsequent monitoring. Nevertheless, continued efforts should be made to persuade the government and the corresponding medical societies to facilitate the optimal application of TAVR.

Outcomes of Reoperative Valve Replacement in Patients with Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis: A 20-Year Experience

BACKGROUND@#Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a serious complication of cardiac valve replacement, and many patients with PVE require reoperation. The aim of this study was to review our institutional 20-year experience of surgical reoperative valve replacement in patients with PVE.@*METHODS@#A retrospective study was performed on 84 patients (mean age, 54.8±12.7 years; 51 males) who were diagnosed with PVE and underwent reoperative valve replacement from January 1995 to December 2016.@*RESULTS@#PVE was found in 1 valve in 61 cases (72.6%), and in 2 or more valves in 23 cases (27.4%). The median follow-up duration was 47.3 months (range, 0 to 250 months). Postoperative complications occurred in 39 patients (46.4%). Reinfection occurred in 6 cases, all within 1 year. The freedom from reinfection rate at 5 years was 91.0%±3.5%. The overall survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 64.4%±5.8% and 54.3%±7.3%, respectively. In stepwise multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 2.10; p=0.027) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.01; p=0.033) emerged as independent risk factors for death.@*CONCLUSION@#Older age and a longer CPB time were associated with an increased risk of overall mortality in PVE patients.

Risk Analysis of the Long-Term Outcomes of the Surgical Closure of Secundum Atrial Septal Defects

BACKGROUND: Closure of a secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) is possible through surgical intervention or device placement. During surgical intervention, concomitant pathologies are corrected. The present study was conducted to investigate the outcomes of surgical ASD closure, to determine the risk factors of mortality, and establish the effects of concomitant disease correction. METHODS: Between October 1989 and October 2009, 693 adults underwent surgery for secundum ASD. Their mean age was 40.9±13.1 years, and 199 (28.7%) were male. Preoperatively, atrial fibrillation was noted in 39 patients (5.6%) and significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in 137 patients (19.8%). The mean follow-up duration was 12.4±4.7 years. RESULTS: There was no 30-day mortality. The 1-, 5-, 10-, and 20-year survival rates were 99.4%, 96.8%, 94.5%, and 81.6%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, significant preoperative TR (hazard ratio [HR], 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09 to 3.16; p=0.023) and preoperative age (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.06; p=0.001) were independent risk factors for late mortality. The TR grade significantly decreased after ASD closure with tricuspid repair. However, in patients with more than mild TR, repair was not associated with improved long-term survival (p=0.518). CONCLUSION: Surgical ASD closure is safe. Significant preoperative TR and age showed a strong negative correlation with survival. Our data showed that tricuspid valve repair improved the TR grade effectively. However, no effect on long-term survival was found. Therefore, early surgery before the development of significant TR mat be beneficial for improving postoperative survival.

Surgical Outcomes of Cardiac Myxoma: Right Minithoracotomy Approach versus Median Sternotomy Approach

BACKGROUND: The standard approach in treating cardiac myxoma is the median full sternotomy. With the evolution of surgical techniques, the right minithoracotomy approach has emerged as an alternative method. Since few studies have been published assessing the right minithoracotomy approach, we performed a retrospective study to compare the clinical outcomes of the right minithoracotomy approach with those of the sternotomy approach. METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2014, 203 patients underwent resection of a cardiac myxoma. Patients with preexisting cardiac problems were excluded from this study. 146 patients were enrolled in this study; 83 patients were treated using a median sternotomy and 63 patients were treated using a right minithoracotomy. RESULTS: No early mortalities were recorded in either group. Although the cardiopulmonary bypass time and aorta cross-clamp time were significantly shorter in the sternotomy group (p<0.001 and p=0.005), postoperative blood transfusions and arrhythmia events were significantly less common in the thoracotomy group (p=0.004 and p=0.025, respectively). No significant differences were found in the duration of the hospital stay, postoperative intubation time, the duration of the intensive care unit stay, and recurrence. CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive right minithoracotomy approach is a good alternative method for treating cardiac myxoma because it was found to be associated with a lower incidence of postoperative complications and a shorter postoperative recovery period.

Reoperative Aortic Root Replacement in Patients with Previous Aortic Root or Aortic Valve Procedures

BACKGROUND: Generalization of standardized surgical techniques to treat aortic valve (AV) and aortic root diseases has benefited large numbers of patients. As a consequence of the proliferation of patients receiving aortic root surgeries, surgeons are more frequently challenged by reoperative aortic root procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of redo-aortic root replacement (ARR). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 66 patients (36 male; mean age, 44.5±9.5 years) who underwent redo-ARR following AV or aortic root procedures between April 1995 and June 2015. RESULTS: Emergency surgeries comprised 43.9% (n=29). Indications for the redo-ARR were aneurysm (n=12), pseudoaneurysm (n=1), or dissection (n=6) of the residual native aortic sinus in 19 patients (28.8%), native AV dysfunction in 8 patients (12.1%), structural dysfunction of an implanted bioprosthetic AV in 19 patients (28.8%), and infection of previously replaced AV or proximal aortic grafts in 30 patients (45.5%). There were 3 early deaths (4.5%). During follow-up (median, 54.65 months; quartile 1–3, 17.93 to 95.71 months), there were 14 late deaths (21.2%), and 9 valve-related complications including reoperation of the aortic root in 1 patient, infective endocarditis in 3 patients, and hemorrhagic events in 5 patients. Overall survival and event-free survival rates at 5 years were 81.5%±5.1% and 76.4%±5.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite technical challenges and a high rate of emergency conditions in patients requiring redo-ARR, early and late outcomes were acceptable in these patients.

Long-Term Outcomes of Homografts in the Aortic Valve and Root Position: A 20-Year Experience

BACKGROUND: The advantages of using a homograft in valve replacement surgery are the excellent hemodynamic profile, low risk of thromboembolism, and low risk of prosthetic valve infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of homograft implantation in the aortic valve position. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 33 patients (>20 years old) who underwent aortic valve replacement or root replacement with homografts between April 1995 and May 2015. Valves were collected within 24 hours from explanted hearts of heart transplant recipients (<60 years) and organ donors who were not suitable for heart transplantation. The median follow-up duration was 35.6 months (range, 0 to 168 months). RESULTS: Aortic homografts were used in all patients. The 30-day mortality rate was 9.1%. The 1- and 5-year survival rates were 80.0%±7.3% and 60.8%±10.1%, respectively. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year freedom from reoperation rates were 92.3%±5.2%, 68.9%±10.2%, and 50.3%±13.6%, respectively. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year freedom from significant aortic dysfunction rates were 91.7%±8.0%, 41.7%±14.2%, and 25.0%±12.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Homografts had the advantages of a good hemodynamic profile and low risk of thromboembolic events, and with good outcomes in cases of aortitis.

Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Predictors of Survival

BACKGROUND: The use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in the setting of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has shown improved outcomes compared with conventional CPR. The aim of this study was to determine factors predictive of survival in extracorporeal CPR (E-CPR). METHODS: Consecutive 85 adult patients (median age, 59 years; range, 18 to 85 years; 56 males) who underwent E-CPR from May 2005 to December 2012 were evaluated. RESULTS: Causes of arrest were cardiogenic in 62 patients (72.9%), septic in 18 patients (21.2%), and hypovolemic in 3 patients (3.5%), while the etiology was not specified in 2 patients (2.4%). The survival rate in patients with septic etiology was significantly poorer compared with those with another etiology (0% vs. 24.6%, p=0.008). Septic etiology (hazard ratio [HR], 2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49 to 5.44; p=0.002) and the interval between arrest and ECLS initiation (HR, 1.05 by 10 minutes increment; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.09; p=0.005) were independent risk factors for mortality. When the predictive value of the E-CPR timing for in-hospital mortality was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve method, the greatest accuracy was obtained at a cutoff of 60.5 minutes (area under the curve, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.80; p=0.032) with 47.8% sensitivity and 88.9% specificity. The survival rate was significantly different according to the cutoff of 60.5 minutes (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that efforts should be made to minimize the time between arrest and ECLS application, optimally within 60 minutes. In addition, E-CPR in patients with septic etiology showed grave outcomes, suggesting it to be of questionable benefit in these patients.

Multifilament Cable Wire versus Conventional Wire for Sternal Closure in Patients Undergoing Major Cardiac Surgery

BACKGROUND: Stainless steel wiring remains the most popular technique for primary sternal closure. Recently, a multifilament cable wiring system (Pioneer Surgical Technology Inc., Marquette, MI, USA) was introduced for sternal closure and has gained wide acceptance due to its superior resistance to tension. We aimed to compare conventional steel wiring to multifilament cable fixation for sternal closure in patients undergoing major cardiac surgery. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively on 1,354 patients who underwent sternal closure after major cardiac surgery, using either the multifilament cable wiring system or conventional steel wires between January 2009 and October 2010. The surgical outcomes of these two groups of patients were compared using propensity score matching based on 18 baseline patient characteristics. RESULTS: Propensity score matching yielded 392 pairs of patients in the two groups whose baseline profiles showed no significant differences. No significant differences between the two groups were observed in the rates of early mortality (2.0% vs. 1.3%, p=0.578), major wound complications requiring reconstruction (1.3% vs. 1.3%, p>0.99), minor wound complications (3.6% vs. 2.0%, p=0.279), or mediastinitis (0.8% vs. 1.0%, p=1.00). Patients in the multifilament cable group had fewer sternal bleeding events than those in the conventional wire group, but this tendency was not statistically significant (4.3% vs. 7.4%, p=0.068). CONCLUSION: The surgical outcomes of sternal closure using multifilament cable wires were comparable to those observed when conventional steel wires were used. Therefore, the multifilament cable wiring system may be considered a viable option for sternal closure in patients undergoing major cardiac surgery.

Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Postoperative Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has recently attracted interest as a treatment for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the outcomes of this procedure in post-surgical settings have not yet been characterized. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of ECMO in patients with severe postoperative ARDS. METHODS: From January 2007 to December 2012, a total of 69 patients (aged 58.3+/-11.5 years, 23 females) who underwent venovenous ECMO to treat severe postoperative ARDS were reviewed. Of these patients, 22 (31.9%) had undergone cardiothoracic surgery, 32 (46.4%) had undergone liver transplantation, and 15 (21.7%) had undergone other procedures. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (49.3%) were successfully weaned from ECMO, while the other 35 patients (50.7%) died on ECMO support. Among the 34 patients who were successfully weaned from ECMO, 21 patients (30.4%) eventually died before discharge from the hospital, resulting in 13 hospital survivors (18.8%). Multivariable analysis showed that the duration of pre-ECMO ventilation was a significant independent predictor of death (odds ratio [OR], 2.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29 to 3.90; p=0.004), whereas the concomitant use of continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD) was associated with improved survival (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.97; p=0.038). CONCLUSION: Although the overall survival rate of patients treated with ECMO for postoperative ARDS was unfavorable, ECMO offered an invaluable opportunity for survival to patients who would not have been expected to survive using conventional therapy. CVVHD may be beneficial in improving the outcomes of such patients, whereas a prolonged duration of pre-ECMO ventilator support was associated with poor survival.