Minimally Invasive and Full Sternotomy Aortic Valve Replacements Lead to Comparable Long-Term Outcomes in Elderly Higher-Risk Patients: A Propensity-Matched Comparison.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (AVR) via upper ministernotomy (MiniAVR) is a standard alternative to full sternotomy access. Minimally invasive cardiac surgery has been proven to provide a number of benefits to patients. The aim of this study was to compare the short- and long-term outcomes after MiniAVR versus conventional AVR via full sternotomy (FS) using a biological prosthesis in an elderly higher-risk population. METHODS: Between January 2006 and July 2009, 918 consecutive patients received AVR ± additional procedures with different prostheses at our center. Amongst them, 441 received isolated AVR using a biological prosthesis (median age of 74.5; range: 52-93 years; 50% females) and formed the study population (EuroSCORE II: 3.62 ± 5.5, range: 0.7-42). In total, 137 (31.1%) of the operations were carried out through FS, and 304 (68.9%) were carried out via MiniAVR. Follow-up was complete in 96% of the cases (median of 7.6 years, 6610 patient-years). Propensity score matching (PSM) resulted in two groups of 68 patients with very similar baseline profiles. The primary endpoints were long-term survival, freedom from reoperation, and endocarditis, and the secondary endpoints were early major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). RESULTS: FS led to shorter cardio-pulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp durations: 90 (47-194) vs. 100 (46-246) min (p = 0.039) and 57 (33-156) vs. 69 (32-118) min (p = 0.006), respectively. Perioperative stroke occurred in three patients (4.4%; FS) vs. one patient (1.5%; MiniAVR) (p = 0.506). The 30-day mortality was similar in both groups (2.9%, p = 1.000). Survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 94.1 ± 3% (FS and MiniAVR), 80.3 ± 5% vs. 75.7 ± 5%, and 45.3 ± 6% vs. 43.8 ± 6%, respectively (p = 0.767). There were two (2.9%) reoperations in each group and two thrombo-embolic events (2.9%) vs. one (1.5%) thrombo-embolic event in the MiniAVR and FS groups, respectively (p = 0.596). CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to FS, MiniAVR provided similar short- and long-term outcomes in a higher-risk elderly population receiving biological prostheses. In particular, long-term survival, freedom from reoperation, and the incidence of endocarditis were comparable. These results clearly advocate for the routine use of MiniAVR as a standard procedure for AVR, even in a high-risk population.

Trilateral versus Bilateral Antegrade Cerebral Perfusion in Frozen Elephant Trunk: A Propensity Score Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal cord injury (SCI) with subsequent paraplegia and/or stroke after arch repair with frozen elephant trunk (FET) remain the most devastating complications. In this study, we aim to examine the impact of different cerebral perfusion strategies on the neurological outcome comparing bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (bACP) and trilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (tACP). METHODS: Between 2009 and 2021, 88 patients underwent total arch replacement using a hybrid prosthesis in FET technique for acute (40.4%) and chronic (59.6%) aortic pathologies. After excluding 14 patients who underwent FET with unilateral ACP the remaining 74 patients were divided into two groups. Propensity score matching was performed based on pre- and perioperative patient characteristics resulting in 22 patients in each group. The primary endpoint was a combination of major cerebral event and SCI. Secondary end point was all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Major cerebral events occurred in 9% of the patients in bACP versus 13.6% in tACP group (p = 0.63). No postoperative SCI was observed in patients with bACP and only one patient suffered SCI with tACP (p = 0.31). There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between the two groups (22.7% in bACP vs. 13.6% in tACP; p = 0.43). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing total aortic arch repair using FET technique, both perfusion strategies (bilateral and trilateral ACP) are safe and effective. The rates of neurological complications as well as mortalities are acceptably low in both groups. Further studies with larger patient cohorts are warranted.

Correction: Hlavicka et al. Long-Term Outcomes after Aortic Valve and Root Replacement in a Very High-Risk Population. J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2022, 9, 197.

The authors would like to make the following corrections to the published paper [...].

Right-Sided Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass: Clinical Experience and Perspectives.

Objective: Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) using the left internal thoracic artery to the left descending artery is a clinical routine in the treatment of coronary artery disease. Far less is known on right-sided MIDCAB (r-MIDCAB) using the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) to the right coronary artery (RCA). We aimed to present our experience in patients with complex coronary artery disease who underwent r-MIDCAB. Materials and Methods: Between October 2019 and January 2023, 11 patients received r-MIDCAB using RITA to RCA bypass in a minimally invasive technique via right anterior minithoracotomy without using a cardiopulmonary bypass. Underlying coronary disease was complex right coronary artery stenosis (n = 7) and anomalous right coronary artery (ARCA; n = 4). All procedure-related and outcome data were evaluated prospectively. Results: Successful minimally invasive revascularization was achieved in all patients (n = 11). There were no conversions to sternotomy and no re-explorations for bleeding. Furthermore, no myocardial infarction, no strokes, and, most importantly, no deaths were observed. During the follow-up period (median 24 months), all patients were alive and 90% were completely angina free. Two patients received a repeated revascularization after surgery but independently from the RITA-RCA bypass, which was fully competent in both patients. Conclusion: Right-sided MIDCAB can be performed safely and effectively in patients with expected technically challenging percutaneous coronary intervention of the RCA and in patients with ARCA. Mid-term results showed high freedom from angina in nearly all patients. Further studies with larger patient cohorts and more evidence are needed to provide the best revascularization strategy for patients suffering from isolated complex RCA stenosis and ARCA.

Long-Term Outcomes after Aortic Valve and Root Replacement in a Very High-Risk Population.

Background: Aortic valve and root replacement (AVRR) is a standardised procedure to treat patients with aortic valve and root disease. In centres with a well-established aortic valve and root repair program (valve repairs and Ross operations), only patients with very complex conditions receive AVRR; this procedure uses a mechanical or biological composite valve graft (modified Bentall-de Bono procedure). The aim of the study was to evaluate the short- and long-term results after AVRR in a high-risk population with complex pathologies. Methods: Between 2005 and 2018, a total of 273 consecutive patients (mean age 64 ± 12.8 years; 23% female) received AVRR. The indication for surgery was an acute type A aortic dissection in 18%, infective endocarditis in 36% and other pathologies in 46% patients; 39% were redo procedures. The median EuroSCORE II was 11.65% (range 1.48-95.63%). Concomitant surgery was required in 157 patients (58%). Results: The follow-up extended to 5.2 years (range 0.1-15 years) and it was complete in 96% of the patients. The 30-day mortality was 17%. The overall estimated survival at 5 and 10 years was 65% ± 3% and 49% ± 4%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed the following risk factors for survival: perioperative neurological dysfunction (OR 5.45), peripheral artery disease (OR 4.4) and re-exploration for bleeding (OR 3.37). Conclusions: AVRR can be performed with acceptable short- and long-term results in a sick patient population. The Bentall-De Bono procedure may be determined to be suitable for only elderly or high-risk patients. Any other patients should receive an AV repair or the Ross procedure in well-established centres.

Partial upper sternotomy for aortic valve replacement provides similar mid-term outcomes as the full sternotomy.

Background: Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement via upper partial sternotomy (MiniAVR) provides very good short-term results and delivers certain advantages in the postoperative course. There is limited data regarding the mid-term mortality and morbidity following this minimally invasive surgery. Methods: We provide a retrospective analysis of the patients, undergoing MiniAVR versus full sternotomy (FS) for aortic valve replacement with biological prosthesis. As the primary combined end-point the combination of death, stroke, and rehospitalization within 3 years postoperatively was defined. Data have been collected from National Cardiac Surgery Registry and insurance companies. Results: Two hundred consecutive patients with aortic valve replacement (100 ministernotomy in MiniAVR group and 100 full sternotomy in FS group) with biological prosthesis were included in this study. Ministernotomy had longer cross-clamp and bypass times (median difference 6.5 min, P=0.005, and 8.5 min, P=0.002 respectively). Patients operated via upper partial sternotomy had a lower postoperative bleeding [300 mL (IQR, 290) vs. 365 mL (IQR, 207), P=0.031]. There was no difference in the 3-year mortality (14% vs. 11%, P=0.485). The mean number of readmission 3 years after surgery per capita was almost the same in both groups (1.65 vs. 1.60, P=0.836). Median time to the first readmission was longer in the MiniAVR group (difference 8.9 months). The incidence of combined end-point during 3 years postoperatively in both groups was not statistically different (P=0.148), as well as readmissions from cardio-vascular reasons (subhazard ratio 0.90, P=0.693). Conclusions: Upper partial sternotomy can be performed safely for aortic valve replacement, without increased risk of death, stroke or re-admission in 3 years postoperatively.

Early- and longer-term outcomes of David versus Florida sleeve procedure: propensity-matched comparison.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare short- and longer-term outcomes of David (DV) versus Florida sleeve (FS) procedure in patients requiring valve-sparing aortic root replacement. METHODS: Between January 1996 and December 2020 285 patients received a DV procedure (median age 60 years; 26% females) and 57 patients underwent an FS procedure (median age 64 years; 19% females) in our department. Propensity score matching using patient characteristics led to 58 (DV) versus 57 (FS) patients. End points were defined as primary: freedom from aortic valve and/or aortic root-related reoperation and freedom from aortic regurgitation ≥moderate and secondary: early and late survival. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality was 2% (DV) and 0% (FS) (P = 0.319). There was 1 early stroke in each group (P = 0.990). Follow-up was complete in 99% with only 1 patient (FS) lost. The 5- and 10-year freedom from aortic valve and/or aortic root related reoperation was 98 ± 2% and 96 ± 3% in the DV group and 92 ± 5% and 84 ± 9% in the FS group, respectively (P = 0.095). The 5- and 10-year freedom from aortic regurgitation ≥moderate was 88 ± 5% and 80 ± 8% in the DV group and 92 ± 5% and 78 ± 1% in the FS group, respectively (P = 0.782). The 5- and 10-year survival rates were 93 ± 4% and 82 ± 6% (DV) vs 75 ± 7% and 67 ± 10% (FS), respectively (P = 0.058). No case of endocarditis (DV) and 3 cases of endocarditis (FS) (P = 0.055) were observed during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Both DV and FS resulted in similar early and longer-term outcomes with a trend to slightly better performance and survival in the DV group. Florida sleeve procedure might be an alternative approach for patients with higher-risk profiles requiring valve-sparing aortic root replacement.

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Kommerell's Diverticulum and Left Aberrant Subclavian Artery.

Kommerell's diverticulum is an aneurysmatic offspring of the left aberrant subclavian artery, which is a rare vascular anomaly of the aortic arch. Here, we present our less invasive approach to the repair of a symptomatic Kommerell's diverticulum in a 31-year-old patient, without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Mitral Valve Surgery via Upper Ministernotomy: Single-Centre Experience in More than 400 Patients.

Background: Minimally invasive mitral valve (MV) surgery has emerged as an alternative to conventional sternotomy aiming to decrease surgical trauma. The aim of the study was to describe our experience with minimally invasive MV surgery through partial upper sternotomy (PUS) regarding short- and long-term outcomes. Methods: From January 2004 through March 2014, 419 patients with a median age of 58.9 years (interquartile range 18.7; 31.7% females) underwent isolated primary MV surgery using PUS. Myxomatous degenerative MV disease was the predominant pathology (77%). The patients' mean EuroSCORE II risk profile was 3.9 ± 3.6%. Results: Mitral valve repair was performed in 384 patients (91.6%) and replacement in 35 patients (8.4%). Thirty-day mortality was 3.1%. In total, 29 (6.9%) deaths occurred during the follow-up. The overall estimated survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 93.1 ± 1.3%, 87.1 ± 1.9%, and 81.1 ± 3.4%. Reoperation was necessary in 14 (3.3%) patients. The overall freedom from MV reoperation at 1, 5, and 10 years was 98.2 ± 0.7%, 96.1 ± 1.2%, and 86.7 ± 6.7% and the overall freedom from recurrent MV regurgitation > grade 2 in repaired valves at 1, 5, and 10 years was 98.8 ± 0.6%, 98.8 ± 0.6%, and 94.6 ± 3.3%. Conclusions: Minimally invasive MV surgery via PUS can be performed with particularly good early and late results. Thus, the PUS approach with the use of standard surgical instruments and cannulation techniques can be a valuable option for the MV surgery either in patients contraindicated or not suitable to minithoracotomy.

High resolution respirometry to assess function of mitochondria in native homogenates of human heart muscle.

Impaired myocardial bioenergetics is a hallmark of many cardiac diseases. There is a need of a simple and reproducible method of assessment of mitochondrial function from small human myocardial tissue samples. In this study we adopted high-resolution respirometry to homogenates of fresh human cardiac muscle and compare it with isolated mitochondria. We used atria resected during cardiac surgery (n = 18) and atria and left ventricles from brain-dead organ donors (n = 12). The protocol we developed consisting of two-step homogenization and exposure of 2.5% homogenate in a respirometer to sequential addition of 2.5 mM malate, 15 mM glutamate, 2.5 mM ADP, 10 µM cytochrome c, 10 mM succinate, 2.5 µM oligomycin, 1.5 µM FCCP, 3.5 µM rotenone, 4 µM antimycin and 1 mM KCN or 100 mM Sodium Azide. We found a linear dependency of oxygen consumption on oxygen concentration. This technique requires < 20 mg of myocardium and the preparation of the sample takes <20 min. Mitochondria in the homogenate, as compared to subsarcolemmal and interfibrillar isolated mitochondria, have comparable or better preserved integrity of outer mitochondrial membrane (increase of respiration after addition of cytochrome c is up to 11.7±1.8% vs. 15.7±3.1%, p˂0.05 and 11.7±3.5%, p = 0.99, resp.) and better efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation (Respiratory Control Ratio = 3.65±0.5 vs. 3.04±0.27, p˂0.01 and 2.65±0.17, p˂0.0001, resp.). Results are reproducible with coefficient of variation between two duplicate measurements ≤8% for all indices. We found that whereas atrial myocardium contains less mitochondria than the ventricle, atrial bioenergetic profiles are comparable to left ventricle. In conclusion, high resolution respirometry has been adapted to homogenates of human cardiac muscle and shown to be reliable and reproducible.

Five-year outcomes in cardiac surgery patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing concomitant surgical ablation versus no ablation. The long-term follow-up of the PRAGUE-12 Study.

BACKGROUND: The long-term effect of concomitant surgical ablation (SA) on clinical outcomes in an unselected population of patients has not been sufficiently reported in randomized studies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess clinical outcomes of the SA after 5 years of follow-up. METHODS: The PRAGUE-12 study was a prospective, randomized clinical trial assessing cardiac surgery with ablation for AF vs cardiac surgery alone. Patients with AF who were also indicated for cardiac surgery (coronary artery disease [CAD], valve surgery) were randomized to SA or control (no ablation) group. All patients were followed for 5 years. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure, or severe bleeding. Secondary endpoint was a recurrence of AF. RESULTS: A total of 207 patients were analyzed (SA group = 108 patients, control group = 99 patients). Both groups were similar relative to important clinical characteristics except for CAD, which was more common in the control group. Cumulative incidence curves showed a higher incidence of the primary endpoint in the control group (P = .024, Gray's test). However, after adjusting for all covariables, the difference between groups was not significant (subhazard ratio [SHR] 0.69 [0.47-1.02], P = .068). The incidence of stroke and AF recurrences were significantly reduced in the SA group, and remained significant even after adjustment for all covariables, including CAD (stroke: SHR 0.32 [0.12-0.84], P = .02, AF recurrences: SHR 0.44 [0.31-0.62], P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant SA of AF is associated with a greater likelihood of maintaining sinus rhythm and a decreased risk of stroke.

Use of Amplatzer occluders for treatment of aorto-pulmonary fistulas - case and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: the use of amplatzer occluder family in daily clinical practice has already overcome on-label indications, with growing clinical experience and the technological evolution of devices. Areas covered: We present the case of a patient with a very rare complication following proximal aortic surgery treated using a unique strategy. A huge pseudoaneurysm around an ascending aortic prosthesis ruptured into the right pulmonary artery. A hybrid treatment strategy consisting of percutaneous closure of the fistula followed by cardiosurgery was chosen due to the patient's poor haemodynamic condition. We also review current clinical experience of endovascular treatment of aortopulmonary fistulas by searching case reports in PubMed. Expert commentary: Closure of the APF using an Amplatzer occluder via the antegrade venous approach is feasible, and may improve the haemodynamic conditions and decrease the risk of subsequent cardiac surgery.

Off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in high-risk patients: PRAGUE-6 trial at 30 days and 1 year.

AIMS: Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery (OPCAB) is an established alternative to on-pump surgical revascularization. Previous studies in patients with low or intermediate risk showed no significant differences between off-pump and on-pump surgical revascularization. The aim of this study was to compare the two techniques in patients with high operative risk. METHODS: PRAGUE-6 is a prospective randomized single-center study of 206 patients, with an additive EuroSCORE ≥ 6, scheduled for isolated coronary surgery: Group A - on-pump (n = 108) versus Group B - off-pump (n = 98). The primary outcome was a combined endpoint of all-cause deaths, stroke, myocardial infarction, or renal failure requiring new hemodialysis, within 30 days and 1 year after randomization. All data were analyzed using the "intention-to-treat" principle. RESULTS: Early postoperative myocardial infarction was detected in 12.1% (A) vs. 4.1% (B) of patients (P = 0.048, hazard ratio 0.32, 95% CI 0.11-0.99). There was a significantly higher incidence of primary combined end-point in group A (20.6% vs. 9.2%, P = 0.028, HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.19-0.91) in the first 30 days, but not after 1 year (30.8% vs. 21.4%, P = 0.117, HR 0.65, CI 0.37-1.12). CONCLUSION: Off-pump surgical revascularization in patients with high operative risks can significantly reduce the incidence of major postoperative complications during the first 30 days. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of these complications after 1 year.

Comparison of cardiac surgery with left atrial surgical ablation vs. cardiac surgery without atrial ablation in patients with coronary and/or valvular heart disease plus atrial fibrillation: final results of the PRAGUE-12 randomized multicentre study.

AIMS: Surgical ablation procedure can restore sinus rhythm (SR) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing cardiac surgery. However, it is not known whether it has any impact on long-term clinical outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: This multicentre study randomized 224 patients with AF scheduled for valve and/or coronary surgery: group A (left atrial surgical ablation, n = 117) vs. group B (no ablation, n = 107). The primary efficacy outcome was the SR presence (without any AF episode) during a 24 h electrocardiogram (ECG) after 1 year. The primary safety outcome was the combined endpoint of death/myocardial infarction/stroke/renal failure at 30 days. A Holter-ECG after 1 year revealed SR in 60.2% of group A patients vs. 35.5% in group B (P = 0.002). The combined safety endpoint at 30 days occurred in 10.3% (group A) vs. 14.7% (group B, P = 0.411). All-cause 1-year mortality was 16.2% (A) vs. 17.4% (B, P = 0.800). Stroke occurred in 2.7% (A) vs. 4.3% (B) patients (P = 0.319). No difference (A vs. B) in SR was found among patients with paroxysmal (61.9 vs. 58.3%) or persistent (72 vs. 50%) AF, but ablation significantly increased SR prevalence in patients with longstanding persistent AF (53.2 vs. 13.9%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Surgical ablation improves the likelihood of SR presence post-operatively without increasing peri-operative complications. However, the higher prevalence of SR did not translate to improved clinical outcomes at 1 year. Further follow-ups (e.g. 5-year) are warranted to show any potential clinical benefit which might occur later.

Aspirin is insufficient in inhibition of platelet aggregation and thromboxane formation early after coronary artery bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin administered early after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) improves graft patency and patients survival. However, the antiplatelet effect of aspirin seems to be variable and aspirin resistance is currently still being discussed. The aim of the study was to assess aspirin efficacy in the early postoperative period. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing elective CABG surgery (20 in on-pump and 20 in off-pump) were enrolled in the study. Functional and biochemical responses to aspirin were evaluated by arachidonic acid (ARA)-induced platelet aggregation and urine 11-dehydro Thromboxane B2 metabolite excretion. Samples were collected before surgery (baseline; > or =7 days after aspirin withdrawal) and on days 1, 2 and 5 after surgery. RESULTS: Median baseline ARA aggregability was 55%. On day 1, platelet aggregability decreased (12%, P < 0.001). On day 2, despite the aspirin administration, platelet aggregability exceeded the values from day 1 (38%, P < 0.001). Only on day 5, sufficient inhibition of platelet aggregation was achieved (8%, P < 0.001). Median preoperative urine concentration of 11-dehydroTxB2 was 106 ng/mmol of creatinine. On day 1, the concentration decreased only slightly and insignificantly (97 ng/ml, P = NS), similarly as on day 2 (86 ng/ml, P = NS). Only on day 5, significant decrease in concentration of thromboxane metabolite was achieved compared to preoperative values (46 ng/ml, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Aspirin did not sufficiently inhibit platelet aggregation and thromboxane formation in the early postoperative period. Thus, antiplatelet treatment strategy should be intensified or modified in patients early after bypass surgery.