Comparison of Early and Mid-Term Outcomes After Classic and Modified Morrow Septal Myectomy in Patients with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of our study is to compare the early and mid-term outcomes of patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy who underwent classic and modified Morrow septal myectomy. Methods: Between 2014 and 2019, 48 patients (24 males; mean age 49.27±16.41 years) who underwent septal myectomy were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups - those who underwent classic septal myectomy (n=28) and those who underwent modified septal myectomy (n=20). Results: Mitral valve intervention was higher in the classic Morrow group than in the modified Morrow group, but there was no significant difference (P=0.42). Mortality was found to be lower in the modified Morrow group than in the classic Morrow group (P=0.01). In both groups, the mean immediate postoperative gradient was significantly higher than the mean of the 3rd and 12th postoperative months. The preoperative and postoperative gradient difference of the modified Morrow group was significantly higher than of the classic Morrow group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Classic Morrow and modified Morrow procedures are effective methods for reducing left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The modified Morrow procedure was found to be superior to the classic Morrow procedure in terms of reducing the incidence of mitral valve intervention with the reduction of the left ventricular outflow tract gradient.

Difference Between Cardiopulmonary Bypass Time and Aortic Cross-Clamping Time as a Predictor of Complications After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

ABSTRACT Introduction: Along with cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamping time is directly related to the risk of complications after heart surgery. The influence of the time difference between cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamping times (TDC-C) remains poorly understood. Objective: To assess the impact of cardiopulmonary bypass time in relation to cross-clamping time on immediate results after coronary artery bypass grafting in the Registro Paulista de Cirurgia Cardiovascular (REPLICCAR) II. Methods: Analysis of 3,090 patients included in REPLICCAR II database was performed. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons outcomes were evaluated (mortality, kidney failure, deep wound infection, reoperation, cerebrovascular accident, and prolonged ventilation time). A cutoff point was adopted, from which the increase of this difference would affect each outcome. Results: After a cutoff point determination, all patients were divided into Group 1 (cardiopulmonary bypass time < 140 min., TDC-C < 30 min.), Group 2 (cardiopulmonary bypass time < 140 min., TDC-C > 30 min.), Group 3 (cardiopulmonary bypass time > 140 min., TDC-C < 30 min.), and Group 4 (cardiopulmonary bypass time > 140 min., TDC-C > 30 min.). After univariate logistic regression, Group 2 showed significant association with reoperation (odds ratio: 1.64, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-2.66), stroke (odds ratio: 3.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.99-7.63), kidney failure (odds ratio: 1.90, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-2.74), and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 2.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.30-3.60). Conclusion: TDC-C serves as a predictive factor for complications following coronary artery bypass grafting. We strongly recommend that future studies incorporate this metric to improve the prediction of complications.

Five-Year Follow-Up After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis and Concomitant Coronary Artery Disease: A Single-Center Experience

ABSTRACT Introduction: There is no consensus on the impact of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Therefore, the objective of this study was, in a single-center setting, to evaluate the five-year outcome of transcatheter aortic valve implantation patients with or without coronary artery disease. Methods: All transcatheter aortic valve implantation patients between 2009 and 2019 were included and grouped according to the presence or absence of coronary artery disease. The primary endpoint, five-year all-cause mortality, was evaluated using Cox regression adjusted for age, sex, procedure years, and comorbidities. Comorbidities interacting with coronary artery disease were evaluated with interaction tests. In-hospital complications was the secondary endpoint. Results: In total, 176 patients had aortic stenosis and concomitant coronary artery disease, while 170 patients had aortic stenosis only. Mean follow-up was 2.2±1.6 years. There was no difference in the adjusted five-year all-cause mortality between transcatheter aortic valve implantation patients with and without coronary artery disease (hazard ratio 1.00, 95% confidence interval 0.59-1.70, P=0.99). In coronary artery disease patients, impaired renal function, peripheral arterial disease, or ejection fraction < 50% showed a significant interaction effect with higher five-year all-cause mortality. No significant differences in complications between the groups were found. Conclusion: Five-year mortality did not differ between transcatheter aortic valve implantation patients with or without coronary artery disease. However, in patients with coronary artery disease and impaired renal function, peripheral arterial disease, or ejection fraction < 50%, we found significantly higher five-year all-cause mortality.

Caregiver burden, family adaptation, partnership, growth, affection, and resolve, anxiety levels, and perceived social support in relatives of patients with open heart surgery

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between caregiver burden, family adaptation, partnership, growth, affection, and resolve score, anxiety levels, and the perceived social support of the relatives of patients who had open heart surgery. METHODS: Volunteers among the relatives of patients who had open heart surgery in our cardiovascular surgery clinic and were followed up in the first 3 months were included in the study. The cardiovascular surgeons recorded the sociodemographic data of the relatives of the patients and directed them to a psychiatry clinic for further evaluation. The caregiver burden scale, family adaptation, partnership, growth, affection, and resolve scale, anxiety level scale, and perceived social support scale were applied to the relatives of the patients who participated in the study. RESULTS: Within the scope of the study, a total of 51 individuals, 29.4% (n=15) men and 70.6% (n=36) women, were included in the evaluation. The participants' ages ranged from 32 to 68 years, with an average age of 48 years. There was a statistically significant relationship between the caregiving burden scale score and the scale scores other than age (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in terms of caregiving burden scale score, working status, physical and psychological problems, changes in home life, and changes in family relationships (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The fact that the need for security and intimacy is related to anxiety and depression can be interpreted as the caregiving problems of the relatives of the patients who think that their patients are safe and feel closer to the intensive care personnel will decrease. Their depression and anxiety levels will also decrease.

Cirugía coronaria sin circulación extracorpórea

La cirugía de revascularización coronaria (CABG) es el estándar de tratamiento para la revascularización de la enfermedad de la arteria coronaria izquierda y/o de tres vasos. La cirugía coronaria sin bomba (OPCAB) evita el uso de derivación cardiopulmonar y puede mejorar los resultados a largo plazo al reducir las tasas de lesión miocárdica perioperatoria, accidente cerebrovascular (ACV), deterioro neurocognitivo y mortalidad de causa cardiaca. En la actualidad, se han llevado a cabo diversos ensayos clínicos desde la popularización del OPCAB en la década de los 90. Sin embargo, hasta el momento no se ha demostrado ningún beneficio del OPCAB en comparación con la cirugía tradicional a pesar de las reducciones favorables a corto plazo en los requerimientos de transfusión y otras complicaciones postoperatorias. Además, OPCAB se asocia con una revascularización miocárdica menos eficaz y no previene por completo las complicaciones tradicionalmente asociadas con la circulación extracorpórea (CEC). Este artículo revisa la evidencia actual de OPCAB en comparación con CABG tradicional en cuanto a los resultados clínicos a corto y largo plazo. Se analizan los resultados de la cirugía coronaria sin circulación extracorpórea (CEC) , comparándola con la cirugía convencional (con CEC). La revascularización coronaria sin CEC presenta resultados similares a la convencional, siempre que se cumplan determinadas condiciones en la selección de los pacientes. Una de ellas, muy importante, es la mayor experiencia del cirujano con el procedimiento.

The results of coronary artery revascularization performed without extracorporeal circulation (off pump) are compared to those of the traditional ("on pump") procedure. Compliance with selective conditions are required to obtain similar results. The most important being the experience of the surgeon performing the off pump procedure.

Investigating preoperative myoglobin level as predictive factor for acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: a retrospective observational study

Abstract Background: Early identification of patients at risk of AKI after cardiac surgery is of critical importance for optimizing perioperative management and improving outcomes. This study aimed to identify the association between preoperative myoglobin levels and postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing valve surgery or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: This retrospective study included 293 patients aged over 17 years who underwent valve surgery or CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass. We excluded 87 patients as they met the exclusion criteria. Therefore, 206 patients were included in the final analysis. The patients' demographics as well as intraoperative and postoperative data were collected from electronic medical records. AKI was defined according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network classification system. Results: Of the 206 patients included in this study, 77 developed AKI. The patients who developed AKI were older, had a history of hypertension, underwent valve surgery with concomitant CABG, had lower preoperative hemoglobin levels, and experienced prolonged extracorporeal circulation (ECC) times. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative myoglobin levels and ECC time were correlated with the development of AKI. A higher preoperative myoglobin level was an independent risk factor for the development of cardiac surgery-associated AKI. Conclusions: Higher preoperative myoglobin levels may enable physicians to identify patients at risk of developing AKI and optimize management accordingly.

Herramientas para la toma de decisiones en pacientes con enfermedad de múltiples vasos / Tools for Decision Making in Patients with Multivessel Disease

RESUMEN La decisión sobre la mejor estrategia de revascularización para los pacientes con enfermedad de múltiples vasos se ha tornado una tarea compleja a medida que la angioplastia coronaria ha mejorado sus resultados. En la siguiente revisión nos propusimos evaluar las variables que en nuestra experiencia definen el beneficio de una técnica sobre la otra, entendiendo que de esta manera la decisión del médico tratante se hace más sencilla y objetiva. Por otro lado, y festejando el saludable protagonismo que se le da al paciente, creemos que esta evaluación permite ofrecer argumentos sólidos para ayudarlo en la toma de la decisión.

ABSTRACT The decision on the best revascularization strategy for patients with multivessel disease has become a complex task as coronary angioplasty has improved its results. In the following review, we set out to evaluate the variables that, in our experience, define the benefit of one technique over the other, understanding that in this way the treating physician's decision will become simpler and more objective. On the other hand, and celebrating the healthy prominence given to patients, we believe that this evaluation allows solid arguments to help them in decision making.

Blood group as a novel predictor of postoperative atrial fibrillation after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to reveal whether there was a possible relationship between the blood group and postoperative atrial fibrillation after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: Between January 2020 and January 2022, 452 patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery consisted of the research population. Patients were divided into two groups based on the occurrence of new-onset atrial fibrillation from the time of operation until discharge. Group 1 (atrial fibrillation group) had 122 patients, whereas group 2 (non-atrial fibrillation group) contained 350 patients. Patients' baseline clinical characteristics and operative and postoperative data were recorded and then compared between the groups. Moreover, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was also conducted to identify the predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: Non-O blood groups were substantially more common in the atrial fibrillation group than in the non-atrial fibrillation group. Patient age differences between the atrial fibrillation and non-atrial fibrillation groups were statistically significant, and patients in the atrial fibrillation group were detected to be older. Mean left atrial diameter, rates of obesity and prior percutaneous coronary intervention history, and perioperative intraaortic balloon pump requirement were significantly greater in the atrial fibrillation group than in the non-atrial fibrillation group. According to logistic regression analysis, blood group, age, left atrial diameter, obesity, and prior percutaneous coronary intervention were identified as predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated for the first time in the literature that ABO blood type was a novel and significant predictor of new-onset atrial fibrillation after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Resisting Arrest: Perioperative Confirmation and Management of an Iatrogenic Aortocoronary Arteriovenous Fistula after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Redo Cardiac Surgery

Although rare, iatrogenic aortocoronary arteriovenous fistulae (ACAVF) occur when a coronary graft is mistakenly anastomosed to an epicardial vein rather than its intended arterial target. Patients may be asymptomatic, demonstrate angina, dyspnea, arrhythmias, syncope, or diminished exercise capacity, and may have wide pulse pressures with evidence of coronary steal. A thorough insight into the disordered anatomy is critical to safely manage a patient for redo cardiac surgery, especially when attempting to arrest the heart. We present a case for redo cardiac surgery of an iatrogenic ACAVF confirmed perioperatively with multiple modalities and its intraoperative management.

Cirugía de revascularización miocárdica: comparación de supervivencia a 10 años de la cirugía coronaria con y sin circulación extracorpórea mediante Propensity Score Matching / Ten-year survival after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting compared with traditional bypass grafting

BACKGROUND: Long-term outcomes of Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (OPCAB) as an alternative to the traditional Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) technique with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are not well defined. AIM: To compare 10-year survival of isolated OPCAB versus CABG with CPB. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of information obtained from databases, clinical records and surgical protocols of patients treated with isolated CABG between January 2006 and November 2008 at a Regional Hospital. Of 658 isolated CABG, 192 (29.2%) were OPCAB and 466 (79.9%) CPB. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was performed to compare both groups. After PSM, two groups of 192 cases were obtained. Mortality data was obtained from the Chilean public identification service. Ten-year survival was calculated and compared with Kaplan-Meier and log-rank methods. RESULTS: Follow-up data was obtained in all cases. No statistically significant differences were found when comparing 10-year survival between OPCAB versus CPB (78.6% and 80.2% respectively, p 0.720). There was also no statistical difference in cardiovascular death free survival (90.1% with CPB versus 89.1% OPCAB, p 0.737). Survival was comparable when analyzing subgroups with diabetes mellitus, left ventricular dysfunction or chronic kidney disease, among others. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, OPBAB has a comparable 10-year survival with CABG with CPB.

Multi-vessel Disease Percutaneous Coronary Intervention versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Revascularization of the coronary arteries is associated with better short term and long term prognosis in patients having multivessel coronary artery disease (MV-CAD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, whether revascularization using coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using drug eluting stents (DES) is better remains unknown. Objectives: To compare the outcomes of revascularization by multi-vessel PCI using DES versus revascularization by CABG in patients with CKD having multivessel CAD, regarding in-hospital and one-year major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of the data of a group of patients having CKD with eGFR less than 60 ml/min with multivessel CAD who underwent revascularization by PCI or revascularization by CABG and were compared as regards in-hospital and one-year MAACE. Results: A total of 565 patients were reviewed in this study, 230 patients had multivessel PCI using DES while 335 patients had CABG. Comparing both revascularization groups regarding in-hospital MACCE, patients who had mutli-vessel PCI had significantly lower in-hospital mortality, cerebrovascular events (stroke/TIA) and lower total MACCE than patients who had CABG (P-value = 0.03 & 0.01 & 0.04 respectively). When comparing both revascularization groups regarding one-year MACCE, patients who had mutli-vessel PCI had significantly lower cerebrovascular events and total MACCE than those patients who had CABG (P-value = 0.02 & 0.03 respectively). Conclusion: This is a retrospective study to determine which strategy is better for revascularization of CKD patients having multivessel CAD; we can conclude that multi-vessel PCI using DES for CKD patients and multivessel CAD had advantages over CABG regarding in-hospital and one-year cerebrovascular accidents (TIA/stroke) and regarding total MACCE. Larger randomized controlled trials are required to confirm our findings.

Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery : A Narrative Review

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) Surgery is considered the standard treatment for revascularization in Coronary Artery Disease. The Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (OPCAB) which evades the use of Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) became a popular CABG procedure, due to the adverse effect of CPB. Hypothetically, OPCAB may improve the rates of perioperative Myocardial Injury, Neurocognitive Impairment, Stroke and Mortality. However, some studies showed no superior outcomes for OPCAB compared to on-pump CABG. This study aims to evaluate the short-term and long-term outcomes of OPCAB versus On-Pump CABG. The results showed that OPCAB is probably a safe procedure for patients, especially for those with high-risk conditions. OPCAB procedure showed superior short-term outcomes in terms of Myocardial Infarction, Systemic Inflammatory Response, Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction, Renal Failure, Stroke, Pulmonary Complication, Postoperative Transfusion, Hospital stay length and infection than On-pump CABG. However, regarding long-term outcomes, Off-Pump CABG had a higher rate of incomplete revascularization and repeat revascularization and a higher risk of long-term mortality as well as lower graft patency. Furthermore, the result showed that the higher experience of the surgeons in OPCAB improves the outcome of the Surgery.

The Effectiveness of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction

ABSTRACT Introduction: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) remains a surgical challenge and is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of CABG in patients with LVD. Methods: This retrospective study included a total of 160 consecutive patients (133 males, 27 females, mean age 62.1±10.12 years [range 37 to 86 years]) who had a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 45% determined by echocardiography and underwent elective isolated CABG between September 2013 and December 2018. Preoperative echocardiographic data, such as ejection fraction, left ventricular (LV) end-systolic diameter, and LV end-diastolic diameter, were collected and evaluated. Preoperatively, 85 (53.13%) patients were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV and the mean LVEF was 38.65±5.72% (range 20 to 45). Results: The overall hospital mortality was 5% (eight patients). Late follow-up was obtained in 152 (90%) cases (median follow-up time was 56,5 [3-87] months postoperatively). During follow-up, mortality developed in 11.3% (16 patients). Mean LVEF increased significantly from 38.78±5.59% before surgery to 43.29±8.46% after surgery (P<0.01). Mean late survival, freedom from coronary reintervention, and congestive heart failure rates were 86.3±3.3%, 88.7±3.9%, and 89.4±3.1%, respectively. Conclusion: In patients with LVD, CABG can be performed with low postoperative morbidity and mortality rates. Patients with LVD could benefit from coronary bypass surgery regarding postoperative LV systolic function and higher quality of life.

New-Onset Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery - A Retrospective Case-Control Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: New-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Objective: To explore predictive factors and potential mechanisms of new-onset POAF in isolated off-pump CABG patients. Methods: Retrospective observational case-control study of 233 patients undergoing isolated off-pump CABG surgery between August 2018 and July 2020 at the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School. Associations between predictor variables and new-onset POAF were identified. The main outcome was new-onset POAF after CABG surgery. Results: A total of 75 (32.19%) patients developed new-onset POAF after CABG surgery. The new-onset POAF patients had advanced age, higher baseline systolic blood pressure, more preoperative use of diuretic drug, more transfusion of blood products, atrial dilation and postoperative positive inotropic drug treatment. Nineteen variates entered the multivariable logistic regression model with a Hosmer-Lemeshow test score of 7.565 (P=0.477). Postoperative left atrial enlargement, postoperative drainage in the first 24 hours and total length of hospital stay were statistically significant, while postoperative right atrial enlargement (OR and 95% CI, 7.797 [0.200, 304.294], P=0.272) and left atrial enlargement (3.524 [1.141, 10.886], P=0.029) assessed by echocardiography had the largest OR value. Conclusion: Atrial enlargement is strongly associated with new-onset POAF in patients with isolated off-pump CABG, thus it highlights the advantage of echocardiography as a useful tool for predicting new-onset POAF. Careful monitoring and timely intervention should be considered for these patients.

The Effect of Female Sex on Short-Term Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Versus On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

ABSTRACT Introduction: According to the American Heart Association guideline for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), female patients undergoing on-pump CABG (ONCAB) are at higher risk of short-term adverse outcomes than male patients. However, whether off-pump CABG (OPCAB) can improve the short-term outcome of female patients compared to ONCAB remains unclear. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis to study the effect of the female sex on short-term outcomes of OPCAB vs. ONCAB. A total of 31,115 patients were enrolled in 12 studies, including 20,245 females who underwent ONCAB and 10,910 females who underwent OPCAB. Results: The in-hospital mortality in female patients who underwent OPCAB was significantly lower than in those in the ONCAB group with (2.7% vs. 3.4%; odds ratio [OR] 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65-0.89) and without (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.52-0.89) adjustment for cardiovascular risk factor. The incidence of postoperative stroke in female patients who underwent OPCAB was lower than in those in the ONCAB group (1.2% vs. 2.1%; OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.48-0.73) before cardiovascular risk factor adjustment but was not significant (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0,66-1.16) after adjustment. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative myocardial infarction between women who underwent OPCAB and those in the ONCAB group (1.3% vs. 2.3%; OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.54-1.43). Conclusion: In contrast to the American Heart Association CABG guideline, female patients who had OPCAB don't have unfavorable outcomes compared with the ONCAB group.

Predictive Values of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

ABSTRACT Introduction: We investigated the relationship between the newly-defined systemic immune-inflammation index and the new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Method: This study included 392 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. We divided the participants into two groups as those with and without new-onset atrial fibrillation. Prior to coronary artery bypass grafting, we evaluated blood samples, including systemic immune-inflammation index, and other laboratory parameters of the patients. We formulized the systemic immune-inflammation index score as platelet × neutrophil/lymphocyte counts. Results: The findings revealed that new-onset atrial fibrillation occurred in 80 (20.4%) of 392 patients during follow-ups. Such patients had higher systemic immune-inflammation index, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and C-reactive protein levels than those who did not develop new-onset atrial fibrillation (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.010, respectively). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, systemic immune-inflammation index levels > 712.8 predicted new-onset atrial fibrillation with a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 61.2% (area under the curve: 0.781, 95% confidence interval: 0.727-0.835; P<0.001). Conclusion: Overall, systemic immune-inflammation index, a novel inflammatory marker, may be used as a decisive marker to predict the development of atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass grafting.

Syndecan-1 as a marker to predict acute kidney injury after isolated coronary artery bypass graft operations

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Postoperative acute kidney injury is an important problem that can occur after coronary artery bypass graft operations, and it is important to identify risky patient groups preoperatively. This study aimed to investigate the importance of preoperative syndecan-1 levels in predicting acute kidney injury after elective coronary artery bypass graft operations accompanied by cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft operation in our clinic between March 1 and May 10, 2022, were included in this prospective study. Patients who did not develop acute kidney injury in the postoperative period were recorded as group 1 and patients who developed it were recorded as group 2. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were included in the study. There were 55 patients in group 1 and 24 patients in group 2. There was no difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, smoking, and hyperlipidemia rates. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, increased blood product use (odds ratio 1.634; 95%CI 1.036-2.579; p=0.035), preoperative high creatinine (odds ratio 59.387; 95%CI 3.034-1162.496; p=0.007), and high syndecan-1 (odds ratio 1.015; 95%CI 1.002-1.028; p=0.025) were independent predictors of acute kidney injury. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that elevated preoperative syndecan-1 is associated with acute kidney injury after isolated coronary artery bypass graft accompanied by cardiopulmonary bypass and has prognostic utility independent of other recognized risk factors.

Use of Octopus™ Tissue Stabilizer for Minimal Manipulation Approach of Bronchial Anastomosis in Lung Transplant

ABSTRACT Bronchial anastomotic complications are a cause of grave concern for surgeons that perform lung transplantations. There are several risk factors that may lead to this complication, being inadequate surgical technique one of them, specifically regarding adequate exposure and manipulation of the bronchial stump and anastomosis. Here we report the use of Octopus™ Tissue Stabilizer as a mean to allow for a better exposure of the stump and facilitate a "no-touch" approach towards anastomosis. Systematic application of devices that facilitate the employment of the correct surgical techniques can have an effect in reducing the incidence of bronchial anastomotic complications.

Comparison between Vacuum-Assisted Closure Technique and Conventional Approach in Patients with Mediastinitis After Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

ABSTRACT Introduction: Median sternotomy is the most preferred approach in heart surgery. Post-sternotomy mediastinitis is a catastrophic and potentially life-threatening complication with an incidence rate of 0.15% to 5%, and its overall mortality rate reaches 47%. In this study, we aimed to compare the results of vacuum-assisted closure technique and the conventional methods on the management of mediastinitis following isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Methods: Between February 2001 and July 2013, 32,106 patients who underwent cardiac operations were evaluated retrospectively. One hundred and fourteen patients who developed post-sternotomy mediastinitis were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups and compared - vacuum-assisted closure group (n=52, 45.6%) and conventional treatment group (n=62, 54.4%). Results: There were no differences between the two groups according to the patients' characteristics, surgical data, and mediastinal cultures. However, we found that total treatment duration for post-sternotomy mediastinitis, time interval from diagnosis to negative culture, hospitalization time, and in-hospital mortality were statistically significantly lower in the vacuum-assisted closure group than in the conventional treatment group (P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, and P=0.03, respectively). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the vacuum-assisted closure technique improves the medical outcome of patients with post-sternotomy mediastinitis compared with the conventional treatment. The vacuum-assisted closure is a safe and more effective treatment modality for patients with post-sternotomy mediastinitis after cardiac surgery with reasonable morbidity and mortality.

Novel Technique for Box-Lesion Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Combined with Off-Pump Coronary Surgery

ABSTRACT Introduction: We propose a new technique for box-lesion ablation combined with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting for the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease and paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation. Methods: Eight male patients with paroxysmal (n=2) or persistent atrial fibrillation (n=6) and coronary artery disease underwent box-lesion ablation combined with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Box-lesion ablation was performed using a bipolar flexible clamping device with irrigated electrodes which was originally designed for thoracoscopic epicardial ablation. Results: Complete revascularization was performed in all patients. There were no deaths or major complications. At a median follow-up of 14 months, seven patients (87.5%) were in sinus rhythm. Conclusion: Box-lesion ablation can be easily and effectively combined with coronary artery surgery in an off-pump setting.