Hybrid noncovered open stents in repair of DeBakey type 1 acute aortic dissections.

OBJECTIVES: The indications for use, evidence base and experience with the novel noncovered open hybrid surgical stents for acute type A aortic dissection repair for concurrent stabilization of the 'downstream' aorta remains limited. We review the evidence base and the development of these stents. METHODS: Data were collected from Pubmed/Medline literature search to develop and review the evidence base for safety and efficacy of non-covered surgical stents. Existing guidelines for use and developments were reviewed. RESULTS: A single randomized control trial and 4 single-centre studies were included in the review with a total worldwide experience of 241 patients. The deployment was easy and did not add significantly to the primary operation. The mortality and new stroke ranged from 6.3-18.7%. Safe and complete deployment was accomplished in 92-100%. There was no device-related reintervention. There was a significant improvement in malperfusion in over 90% of the cases with varying degrees of remodelling (60-90%) of the downstream aorta. CONCLUSIONS: Open noncovered stent grafts represent a major technical advancement as an adjunct procedure for acute dissection repairs, e.g. hemiarch repair. It has potential for wider use by non-aortic surgeons due to simplicity of technique. Limited safety and efficacy data confirm the device to be safe, feasible and reproducible with potential for wider adoption. However, long-term trial and registry data are required before recommendations for standard use outside of high-volume experienced aortic centres.

Left Internal Thoracic Artery versus Saphenous Vein Grafts to Left Anterior Descending Artery after Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study compared perioperative outcomes and long-term survival of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) versus left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to left anterior descending artery (LAD) in isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). METHODS: In this retrospective, single-centre study, we included patients with primary isolated CABG from January 2001 to July 2022. Baseline demographics were compared between SVG-LAD and LITA-LAD. Univariable and multivariable regressions were performed for predictors of in-hospital death. Propensity score matching was performed for LITA-LAD vs. SVG-LAD. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated for comparison of survival. Cox proportional hazards model was used for predictors of survival. RESULTS: A total of 8237 patients (1602 SVG-LAD/6725 LITA-LAD) were included. Median age was 67.9 years (LITA-LAD; 67.1 years vs. SVG-LAD; 71.7 years, p < 0.01). A total of 1270 pairs of SVG-LAD were propensity-matched to LITA-LAD. In matched cohorts, in-hospital mortality (0.8% vs. 1.6%, LITA-LAD and SVG-LAD respectively; p = 0.07), deep sternal wound infection, new cerebrovascular events, renal replacement therapy and hospital stay >30 days were similar. SVG-LAD did not adversely affect in-hospital mortality (OR; 2.03, CI; 0.91, 4.54, p = 0.08). Median long-term survival was similar between the groups (13.7 years vs. 13.1 years for LITA-LAD and SVG-LAD respectively, log rank p < 0.31). SVG-LAD was not a predictor of adverse long-term survival. (HR; 1.06, 95% CI; 0.92, 1.22, p < 0.40). Long-term survival was better with LITA-LAD for LVEF <30% (log rank p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in the propensity-matched cohorts for use of SVG vs. LITA to the LAD. Further contemporary long-term studies are needed for substantiation.

Long-Term Survival among Octogenarians Undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement with or without Simultaneous Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A 22-Year Tertiary Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: The impact of concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on aortic valve replacement (AVR) in octogenarians is still debated. We analyzed the characteristics and long-term survival of octogenarians undergoing isolated AVR and AVR + CABG. METHODS: All octogenarians who consecutively underwent AVR with or without concomitant CABG at our tertiary cardiac center between 2000 and 2022 were included. Patients with redo, emergent, or any other concomitant procedures were excluded. The primary endpoints were 30-day and long-term survival. The secondary endpoints were early postoperative outcomes and determinants of long-term survival. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of 30-day mortality, and Cox regression analysis was performed for predictors of adverse long-term survival. RESULTS: A total of 1011 patients who underwent AVR (83.0 [81.0-85.0] years, 42.0% males) and 1055 with AVR + CABG (83.0 [81.2-85.4] years, 66.1% males) were included in our study. Survival at 30 days and at 1, 3, and 5 years in the AVR group was 97.9%, 91.5%, 80.5%, and 66.2%, respectively, while in the AVR + CABG group it was 96.2%, 89.6%, 77.7%, and 64.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference in median postoperative survival between the AVR and AVR + CABG groups (7.1 years [IQR: 6.7-7.5] vs. 6.6 years [IQR: 6.3-7.2], respectively, p = 0.21). Significant predictors of adverse long-term survival in the AVR group included age (hazard ratio (HR): 1.09; 95% CI: 1.06-1.12, p < 0.001), previous MI (HR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.32-3.28, p = 0.002), and chronic kidney disease (HR 2.07; 95% CI: 1.33-3.23, p = 0.001), while in the AVR + CABG group they included age (HR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.04-1.10, p < 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.15-1.89, p = 0.002). Concomitant CABG was not an independent risk factor for adverse long-term survival (HR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.77-1.02, p = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: The long-term survival of octogenarians who underwent AVR or AVR + CABG was similar and was not affected by adding concomitant CABG. However, octogenarians who underwent concomitant CABG with AVR had significantly higher in-hospital mortality. Each decision should be discussed within the heart team.

Perioperative neuromonitoring during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm open repair: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: While open surgical repair remains the gold standard for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) treatment, there is still no consensus regarding perioperative neuromonitoring technique for prevention of spinal cord ischaemia. METHODS: In this systematic review, we aimed to explore the effects and practices of neuromonitoring during the open TAAA repair. A systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase via Ovid, Cochrane library and ClinicalTrialsGov until December 2022 was performed. RESULTS: A total of 535 studies were identified from the literature search, of which 27 studies including a total of 3130 patients met the eligibility criteria. Most studies (21 out of 27, 78%) investigated the feasibility of motor-evoked potentials (MEP), while 15 analysed somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEP) and 2 studies analysed near-infrared spectroscopy during open TAAA repair. CONCLUSIONS: Current literature suggest that rates of postoperative spinal cord ischaemia can be kept at low levels after open TAAA repair with the adequate precautions and perioperative manoeuvres. Neuromonitoring with MEP provides the surgeon objective criteria to direct selective intercostal reconstruction or other protective anaesthetic and surgical manoeuvres. Simultaneous monitoring of MEP and SSEP is a reliable method that can rapidly detect important findings and direct adequate protective manoeuvres during open TAAA repair.

Tropheryma whipplei endocarditis.

Tropheryma whipplei is a bacterium that causes a rare infection called Whipple's disease and can cause devastating effects if left untreated. It is important to recognize that patients with this infection may present with atypical symptoms and are often apyrexial with normal inflammatory markers. Moreover, routine blood cultures often do not isolate these bacteria in conventional growth media. Therefore, it requires a high level of clinical suspicion to make this diagnosis. Here, we present two cases of Tropheryma whipplei aortic valve endocarditis, with atypical presentation and similar unusual but striking echocardiographic images.

Premature Structural Failure of Trifecta Bioprosthesis in Midterm Follow-up: A Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: A cluster of aortic bioprosthetic valve failures, most of which were Trifecta bioprostheses, was observed in Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom. This study was performed to assess whether the cluster represents a significant failure of this valve model or whether there is a selection bias that can explain the failure of these valves. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated all bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement operations performed between 2011 and 2016 inclusive in our center. The study compared the performance of the Trifecta valve (Abbott, Abbott Park, IL) with that of Perimount (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA), Perimount Magna Ease, and Mitroflow (LivaNova, London, United Kingdom) bioprostheses. In addition, the study analyzed patient-related and valve-related risk factors for early failure in the failed valves. RESULTS: A total of 2807 bioprosthetic aortic valve replacements were performed. Of these, 836 were Trifecta valves, 1031 were Perimount, 449 were Perimount Magna Ease, and 351 were Mitroflow valves. A total of 24 Trifecta valves had premature structural failure, a number significantly higher than seen with Perimount or Perimount Magna Ease (no failure, P < .001 and P < .005, respectively) valves and the Mitroflow valve (1 failure, P < .05). There was no difference in the incidence of endocarditis or death. At the time of valve failure, 17 (71%) of the failed Trifecta valves had moderate or severe regurgitation, and the average peak gradient was 61 ± 29 mm Hg. The median failed prosthetic size was 23 mm. One failed valve had severe patient-prosthesis mismatch. The mean time to failure was 4.5 ± 1.7 years. CONCLUSIONS: The Trifecta bioprosthesis has an increased incidence of early structural valve failure, which is significantly higher than that of Perimount, Perimount Magna Ease, or Mitroflow. No patient-related or valve-related cause for the failure could be identified.

Is Resident Training Safe in Cardiac Surgery?

BACKGROUND: There exists a knowledge gap regarding the safety of training in cardiac surgery. The purpose of this analysis was to establish the safety of resident training in cardiac surgery and compare the results of the trainee cases to those performed by consultants. METHODS: In all, 5894 (trainee, 3343; consultant, 2551) major cardiac operations (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation less than 10) from 2013 to 2018 were reviewed. Multivariate analysis was performed for inhospital mortality and composite outcome of length of stay longer than 30 days, deep sternal infection, new hemodialysis, new stroke or transient ischemic attack, inhospital death, or reoperation. Observations were propensity matched to consultant or trainee with the 16 covariates. RESULTS: Trainees performed 56.7% of cases. Multivariate analysis identified renal disease (odds ratio [OR] 2.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3 to 6.7; P < .02), peripheral vascular disease (OR 4.62; 95% CI, 1.82 to 11.71; P < .01), and emergency/salvage procedure (OR 7.23; 95% CI, 2.00 to 26.11; P < .01) as predictors of inhospital mortality. Emergency/salvage procedure was the only predictor of worse composite outcomes (OR 2.65; 95% CI, 1.54 to 4.55; P < .001). Trainee cases had similar inhospital mortality and composite outcomes. After propensity matching (1842 observations), bypass time and cross-clamp time were significantly longer for trainees for isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery and aortic valve replacement. There was no difference between deep sternal infection, new hemodialysis, new stroke/transient ischemic attack, inhospital death, or reoperation. Overall composite outcome differed between groups (trainee 9% vs consultant 16.6%, P = .001) owing to difference in the length of stay longer than 30 days (trainee 4.2% vs consultant 9.9%, P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Resident training is safe in cardiac surgery without compromising the quality of patient care.

Early Hemodynamic Performance of the Crown PRT Aortic Prosthesis: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Currently, only limited data are available on the rate of hemodynamic progression with clinical outcome in patients receiving the latest Crown PRT aortic prosthesis. The study aim was to report clinical and hemodynamic outcomes in 55 consecutive patients for a follow up of up to one year after Crown PRT implantation. METHODS: Between February and September 2015, a total of 55 patients (34 males, 21 females; mean age 77.3 ± 1.2 years) underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the latest LivaNova Crown PRT bioprosthesis at the authors' institution. Left ventricular function was preserved in 79% of patients. Data relating to the patients' clinical, echocardiographic and functional capacities were obtained prospectively. RESULTS: There were no in-hospital deaths. Significant perioperative complications included stroke (3.6%), atrial fibrillation (27%), and permanent pacemaker insertion (1.8%). Pre-discharge echocardiography demonstrated peak (PG) and mean (MG) transprosthetic gradients of 24.4 ± 10.4 mmHg and 12.9 ± 6.2 mmHg, respectively. The Doppler velocity index (DVI) was 0.49 ± 0.13, and the effective orifice area index (EOAi) 0.89 ± 0.12 cm2/m2. At a mean follow up of 1.3 ± 0.3 years, the transprosthetic gradients, DVI and EOAi were not significantly different from postoperative or pre-discharge values. The patients' NYHA status was I or II in 95% of cases, and the mean left ventricular mass had decreased by 36% at the end of follow up. CONCLUSIONS: The Crown PRT is an effective bioprosthesis, with a low incidence of valve-related complications comparable to those of other current bioprostheses. The bioprosthesis demonstrated satisfactory results in terms of hemodynamics and freedom from reoperation.

Age-related presentation of acute type A aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the clinical and anatomic presentations of acute type A aortic dissection according to patient age. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 235 consecutive patients who underwent acute type A dissection repair between January 2000 and December 2014. The influence of age on anatomical and clinical presentation, surgical management in the entire cohort and also after exclusion of patients with known connective tissue disorders was assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Males presented with type A acute aortic dissection at a younger age than females. Acute onset with signs of myocardial ischemia, connective tissue disorders, or bicuspid aortic valve characterized the younger population. Extension to the coronary sinus(es) ( p = 0.0003), descending thoracic aorta ( p = 0.016), and abdominal aorta ( p = 0.029), and an intimal tear at the level of the aortic root ( p = 0.0017) correlated inversely with patient age. Similar findings were obtained after exclusion of patients with connective tissue disorders or a bicuspid aortic valve. CONCLUSIONS: More frequent proximal and distal progression of the dissection flap occurs in younger patients with acute type A aortic dissection. Older age is associated with a lower probability of an intimal tear at the level of the sinus of Valsalva. These findings, associated with prognostic implications, account for the choice of more radical proximal procedures for repair of aortic dissection in younger patients.

Double-locus lymphoplasmacytic aortitis.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm is an indication for major cardiovascular operative procedures. The etiology is usually hypertension and/or atherosclerotic disease; reaching a certain diameter often results in acute aortic syndrome. Immunoglobulin G4-related aortitis, characterized by lymphoplasmacytic vascular tunica media induration without well-defined underlying infectious or autoimmune systemic causes, is uncommon. Histological similarity to immunoglobulin G4 disease in other organs suggests that this aortitis might be a manifestation of systemic pathology. We describe a case of double-locus lymphoplasmacytic aortitis in a 72-year-old man who had the incidental finding of intramural hematoma on elective thoracic computed tomography as part of a respiratory work-up.

Mitral valve replacement in severely calcified mitral valve annulus: a 10-year experience.

OBJECTIVES: Severe calcification in the mitral valve annulus is a challenging problem during mitral valve surgery. We describe our experience with mitral valve replacement in severely calcified mitral valve without decalcification of the annulus. METHODS: Between April 2001 and July 2011, 61 patients underwent mitral valve replacement with severe mitral annulus calcification without decalcification of the annulus. This retrospective study was performed to assess the surgical and the long-term postoperative outcomes in this group. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 75.2 ± 9.2 years. Twenty-four patients (53%) were in New York Heart Association Class III/IV. Twenty-six patients (58%) had good left ventricular function. Mean logistic EuroSCORE was 8.75. Isolated mitral valve replacement was performed in 12 patients (27%). Coronary artery bypass grafting was done in 13 patients (29%). In-hospital mortality was 4.9% (3 patients). Postoperative morbidity included re-exploration for bleeding in 3 patients (7%) and transient renal impairment in 10 patients (22%). Three patients required intra-aortic balloon pump (7%) for low cardiac output syndrome. Seven patients (16%) required permanent pacemaker, and 1 patient (2%) had thromboembolic event. The 1-year survival was 93.3%, and the 5-year survival was 78.8%. The mean echocardiography follow-up was 40 months. There was no paravalvular leak detected in any patient in the long-term follow-up. None of the patients had valve-related reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Mitral valve replacement without annular decalcification in severely calcified mitral valve annulus is a safe and an effective approach and has good long-term outcome.

How safe is it to train residents to perform mitral valve surgery?

A best evidence topic was constructed according to a structured protocol. The enquiry: In [patients undergoing mitral valve surgery] are [postoperative morbidity and mortality outcomes] acceptable when patients are operated on by [residents]? Four hundred and twenty-three were identified from the search strategy. Six articles selected as best evidence were tabulated. All current published evidence, encompassing open and minimally invasive mitral valve repair in addition to mitral valve replacement, supports the involvement of trainees in mitral procedures. Although trainees may experience longer aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times than specialist surgeons, they are not associated with significantly worse perioperative or postoperative outcomes in comparable mitral procedures. Important factors in the viability of mitral valve training and its quality include the volume of cases per institution and the expertise of the supervising surgeon, and these remain largely unexplored. Overall, mitral valve surgery remains a valuable potential training opportunity, one which is perhaps underexploited.

Open and closed distal anastomosis for acute type A aortic dissection repair.

OBJECTIVES: The current consensus favours an open distal anastomosis for aortic dissection repair. A small number of experiences have compared early and long-term outcomes between closed and open distal anastomosis in the setting of acute aortic dissection. METHODS: We reviewed our experience in 204 patients who underwent repair of spontaneous acute type A aortic dissection between January 2000 and December 2013. Open distal repair was performed in 109 patients, whereas 95 patients received a closed anastomosis. The clinical presentation, anatomical characteristics of aortic dissection, surgical techniques and the outcomes were analysed in the overall population and in the subgroup of patients (n = 100; open = 39, closed = 61) with Type 1 DeBakey dissection and a proximal intimal tear. Twenty-six preoperative and operative variables were studied to determine their impact on hospital mortality and postoperative neurological deficits. Imaging follow-up was available in 83 patients. RESULTS: A more extensive involvement of the aortic arch characterized the open repair group. No differences in terms of mortality, morbidity and survival rates were observed between the two groups of patients. Open repair with cerebral perfusion was associated with a better neurological outcome. Patients who underwent an open distal anastomosis showed a significant higher rate of complete thrombosis of the false lumen. CONCLUSIONS: An open repair does not increase the risk of early mortality and positively affect the evolution of the false lumen in distal unresected aortic segments. The use of cerebral perfusion reduces the risk of perioperative neurological injury.

Acute type A aortic dissection repair in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated our experience in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair in elderly patients. The role of clinical presentation and surgical strategies in determining patients' outcome was further assessed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients over 75 years who underwent emergency repair of ATAAD at our institution during 2000-13 was performed. Forty-five patients (mean age = 79 ± 3 years; 26 females) were identified. Aortic dissection was complicated in 17 (37%) patients with new neurological deficit (n = 5), cardiac tamponade (n = 12), acute myocardial infarction (n = 5) and acute renal failure (n = 2). The ascending aorta was replaced in all patients and hypothermic circulatory arrest was employed in 22 patients. The aortic replacement needed extension to the hemiarch in 11 patients and the aortic valve was replaced in 9 patients; in 3 cases, full root replacement was performed. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate was 15% (n = 7). Preoperative acute neurological deficit was the only independent risk factor for mortality (P = 0.03). Age >80 years old per se was not associated with a poor outcome. Surgical strategies and extension of aortic wall resection did not affect the operative mortality. The postoperative course was complicated in 23 (52%) patients. During the median follow-up of 57 months, there were 4 late deaths. The cumulative 1-, 5- and 8-year survival rates were 82, 76 and 67%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency surgical repair of ATAAD in elderly patients resulted in an acceptable early mortality rate and satisfactory intermediate survival. Preoperative acute neurological deficit predicts a worse outcome. Advanced age alone should not be considered as a contraindication to AAD repair.

Hemodynamic performance of Trifecta: single-center experience of 400 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postoperative hemodynamic gradients and early outcomes of aortic valve replacement with the Trifecta bioprosthesis. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2013, 400 patients underwent aortic valve replacement with a Trifecta bioprosthesis. Gradients were calculated by transthoracic echocardiography before discharge. Data were collected retrospectively; patients with postoperative severe left ventricular dysfunction or > mild mitral regurgitation were excluded. RESULTS: The mean age was 75.9 ± 8.5 years, 197 (49.25%) patients were male, and 140 (35%) were >80-years old. Concomitant procedures were performed in 207 (51.75%) patients, and 30 (7.5%) had redo procedures. Supraannular aortoplasty with bovine pericardium was necessary in 25 (6.25%) cases. Hospital mortality was 2.75% (11 patients). Postoperative peak and mean gradients were 21.7 ± 9.3 and 11.1 ± 4.3 mm Hg for 19-mm valves (n = 29); 19.5 ± 7 and 9.7 ± 3.6 mm Hg for 21-mm valves (n = 158); 17.3 ± 6.6 and 8.7 ± 3.2 mm Hg for 23-mm valves (n = 134); 15.1 ± 6.1 and 7.8 ± 3.3 mm Hg for 25-mm valves (n = 56); 13.2 ± 3.7 and 6.9 ± 2.6 mm Hg for 27-mm valves (n = 11). Nine patients had trivial and one had mild transvalvular regurgitation. Mean follow-up was 1 ± 0.62 years; no patient required reoperation. Kaplan-Meier survival at 1 and 2 years was 94.3% ± 1.3% and 93.7% ± 1.4%. CONCLUSION: Early postoperative gradients are low after Trifecta implantation. Significant transvalvular regurgitation was not observed, but the incidence of supraannular aortoplasty may be increased.

Central cannulation by Seldinger technique: a reliable method in ascending aorta and aortic arch replacement.

BACKGROUND: Extensive type A aortic dissections that involve peripheral great vessels can complicate the choice of a cannulation site for cardiopulmonary bypass. We started to employ direct cannulation of the true lumen on the concavity of the aortic arch by Seldinger technique and evaluated the efficacy of this access technique as an alternative arterial inflow target in aortic surgery. MATERIAL/METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive patients (mean age: 59±14 years) underwent type A aortic dissection repair using selective antegrade cerebral perfusion. Direct aortic cannulation was used in 14 cases, subclavian access in 6 patients, and femoral entry in 4 patients. Perioperative factors were evaluated to identify the reliability and eventual benefits of direct cannulation method at the aortic arch. RESULTS: There were no operative deaths and cumulative 30-day mortality rate was 25% (6). Permanent neurological deficits were not observed; in 1 patient transient changes occurred (4%). Time to reach circulatory arrest was the shortest in the direct access group, with mean 27±11 (CI: 20.6-33.3) min vs. 43±22 (28.0-78.0) min (p=0.058) and 32±8 (23.6-40.4) min (p=0.34) by femoral cannulation and subclavian entry, respectively. Direct arch cannulation resulted in the best renal function in the first 72 h after surgery and similar characteristics were observed in lactic acid levels. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided direct cannulation on the concavity of the aortic arch using a Seldinger technique is a reliable method in dissection repairs. Prompt antegrade perfusion provides not only cerebral but also peripheral organ and tissue protection, which is an advantage in this high-risk group of patients.

[Results of vacuum-assisted wound closure system in the treatment of sternotomy wound infections following cardiac surgery]. / A vákuumtámogatott sebkezelés eredményei szívmutétet követo sternotomiás sebfertozésekben.

In the last decade a new and more effective method--the vacuum assisted wound closure (VAC)--was introduced for the treatment of the mediastinal wound infections following open heart operations. This technique gained a widespread acceptance in many countries of the world. The Centre of Cardiac Surgery of the University of Debrecen was the first to apply this treatment in Hungary. The authors evaluated the VAC therapy in a retrospective study at their institute. Between September 2002 and December 2005 62 consecutive patients were treated with this method because of wound infection in median sternotomy. Median age of 42 males and 20 females was 63,1 +/- 6,8 years (42-75). All patients had heart surgery (cardio pulmonary bypass) before they developed superficial or deep wound infection in their sternotomy site. Following exploration and radical debridement of the sternotomy wounds, VAC method was used for the treatment of infected wounds until suppuration stopped. When the wound had become macroscopically clear, reconstruction of the sternal defect was performed. This was carried out with well vascularized soft tissue flap(s) (major pectoral muscle and/or omental or pericardial fat pad) in 34 patients, sternal refixation was performed in 13 cases, while 11 patients underwent delayed secondary wound reconstruction with sutures. In one case Ley-prosthesis (sternal stabilisator metal prosthesis) was implanted. Three patients died before the sternal wound reconstruction. As a result of VAC therapy, all infected mediastinal wound cleaned up rapidly and formation of granulation tissue began. The mean period of time from the first sign of the infection to hospital discharge of the patients was 42.2 +/- 18.5 (5-185) days, while the same between sternal reconstruction and discharge was 19.9 +/- 9.6 (1-63) days. The mean duration of VAC therapy was 7.9 +/- 3.4 (1-21) days. The hospital mortality was 11.3% (7/62). Recurrence of the infection occurred in two patients (3.6%). These results suggest that Vacuum-assisted Closure system is an effective and safe method for the treatment of sternotomy wound infections following cardiac surgery. This method facilitates early clean up of infected sternotomy wounds and decreases the recurrence rate significantly.

[Our experience with recombinant activated factor VII (NovoSeven) in the high risk cardiosurgical patients with bleeding complication]. / Tapasztalataink a rekombináns faktor VIIa-val (NovoSeven) a magas kockázatú szívmutétek vérzéses szövodményeinek kezelésében.

Haemorrhagic complications significantly increase mortality and cost of treatment in cardiac surgery. A few years ago recombinant activated factor VII has been introduced to decrease such complications. In our department recombinant activated factor VII has been used in 11 patients between 2004 and 2007. Nine of them underwent a combined (simultaneous CABG and valve replacement) high risk surgery with long aortic cross clamp time and long extracorporeal circulation time. One patient underwent a repeat coronary artery bypass operation and one was operated for aortic dissection. The average dose given was 6.5 mg (2.4-9.6 mg). The average amount of bleeding without NovoSeven given was 5440 ml, however it was only 987 ml when NovoSeven was used. Nine of the patients were completely recovered and discharged from hospital, but two of them died in the postoperative period for delayed use of the recombinant factor VII-a and for severe co-morbidities (bowel ischaemia, cirrhosis of the liver). NovoSeven given in the proper time and dose significantly reduces bleeding following cardiac surgery, even if it cannot be stopped surgically. Using recombinant factor VIIa can save life in case of severe non-surgical diffuse bleeding or in case of suture insufficiency caused by friable soft tissues following high risk combined surgery with extremely long aortic cross clamp time and extracorporeal circulation time. Significant delay in the use of NovoSeven should be avoided because the temporary reduction of bleeding usually does not change fatal outcome.