Veno-arterial ECMO ventricular assistance as a direct bridge to heart transplant: A single center experience in a low-middle income country.

INTRODUCTION: The use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as a direct bridge to heart transplantation (BTT) is not common in adults worldwide. BTT with ECMO is associated with increased early/mid-term mortality compared with other interventions. In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), where no other type of short-term mechanical circulatory support is available, its use is widespread and increasingly used as rescue therapy in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) as a direct bridge to heart transplantation (HT). OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of adult patients using VA-ECMO as a direct BTT in an LMIC and compare them with international registries. METHODS: We conducted a single-center study analyzing consecutive adult patients requiring VA-ECMO as BTT due to refractory CS or cardiac arrest (CA) in a cardiovascular center in Argentina between January 2014 and December 2022. Survival and adverse clinical events after VA-ECMO implantation were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 86 VA-ECMO, 22 (25.5%) were implanted as initial BTT strategy, and 52.1% of them underwent HT. Mean age was 46 years (SD 12); 59% were male. ECMO was indicated in 81% for CS, and the most common underlying condition was coronary artery disease (31.8%). Overall, in-hospital mortality for VA-ECMO as BTT was 50%. Survival to discharge was 83% in those who underwent HT and 10% in those who did not, p < .001. In those who did not undergo HT, the main cause of death was hemorrhagic complications (44%), followed by thrombotic complications (33%). The median duration of VA-ECMO was 6 days (IQR 3-16). There were no differences in the number of days on ECMO between those who received a transplant and those who did not. In the Spanish registry, in-hospital survival after HT was 66.7%; the United Network of Organ Sharing registry estimated post-transplant survival at 73.1% ± 4.4%, and in the French national registry 1-year posttransplant survival was 70% in the VA-ECMO group. CONCLUSIONS: In adult patients with cardiogenic shock, VA-ECMO as a direct BTT allowed successful HT in half of the patients. HT provided a survival benefit in listed patients on VA-ECMO. We present a single center experience with results comparable to those of international registries.

Impacto de un Heart Team en pacientes con estenosis aórtica candidatos a reemplazo percutáneo / Impact of a Heart Team in patients with aortic stenosis who are candidates for transcatheter aortic valve replacement

RESUMEN La difusión del reemplazo valvular aórtico percutáneo (TAVI) en la estenosis aórtica (EAo) generó la creación de un Heart Team (HT), para elegir el mejor tratamiento. Existen pocos reportes sobre su utilidad. Objetivos: analizar los resultados del tratamiento de los pacientes con EAo evaluados por un HT durante 10 años Material y métodos: Inclusión consecutiva de todos los pacientes con EAo candidatos a TAVI entre enero del 2012 y julio del 2021 para seleccionar el mejor tratamiento, incluyendo además Cirugía de reemplazo valvular aórtico (CRVA) y Tratamiento médico conservador (TMC). Resultados: De 841 pacientes, se asignaron a TAVI 455 (53%), CRVA 213 (24%) y TMC 183 (23%). El porcentaje asignado a TAVI aumentó con el tiempo de 48 a 62% (p < 0,05). Los pacientes que fueron a TAVI, con respecto a los enviados a CRVA, eran mayores (86 ± 7 vs 83 ± 7 años), con mayor EUROSCORE II (6,2, IC95% 5,7-6,6 vs 5,6, IC95% 4,4-6,5) y más frágiles (1,62 ± 1 vs 0,91 ± 1), en todos los casos p <0,01. La sobrevida actuarial (IC 95%) a 1 y a 2 años fue, para TAVI 88% (84-91%) y 82% (77-86%), para CRVA 83% (76-88%) y 78% (70-84%) y para TMC 70% (60-87%) y 59% (48-68%) respectivamente (p <0,001). Conclusiones: Durante los primeros 10 años de establecido un Heart Team para la toma de decisiones en EAo, se asignaron a TAVI aproximadamente la mitad y el resto se asignó por mitades a cirugía u observación. La sobrevida de los pacientes intervenidos fue similar a 2 años y mayor que la de los no intervenidos.

ABSTRACT As transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for aortic stenosis (AS) became widespread, the need for a Heart Team (HT) arose to choose the best treatment. There are few reports regarding its usefulness. Objectives: To analyze treatment outcomes in patients with AS evaluated by a HT for 10 years. Methods: Consecutive enrollment of all patients with AS who were candidates for TAVI between January 2012 and July 2021 to choose the best treatment, including surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and conservative medical management (CMM). Results: Out of 841 patients, 455 were assigned to TAVI (53%), 213 to SAVR (24%), and 183 to CMM (23%). The percentage assigned to TAVI has increased from 48% to 62% over time (p <0.05). Patients who underwent TAVI versus those who underwent SAVR were older (86 ± 7 vs. 83 ± 7 years), had a higher EUROSCORE II (6.2, 95% CI 5.7-6.6 vs. 5.6; 95% CI 4.4-6.5) and were frailer (1.62 ± 1 vs. 0.91 ± 1), in all cases p <0.01. Actuarial survival (95% CI) at 1 and 2 years was 88% (84-91%) and 82% (77-86%) for TAVI, 83% (76-88%) and 78% (70-84%) for SAVR, and 70% (60-87%) and 59% (48-68%) for CMM, respectively (p <0.001). Conclusions: For the first 10 years after a Heart Team was established for AS decision-making, approximately half of the patients were assigned to TAVI, and the rest were equally assigned in halves to either surgery or observation. Survival for patients who received interventions was similar at 2 years and higher than in those who did not.

Cirugía de revascularización coronaria sin bomba con 2 arterias mamarias en la enfermedad del tronco ¿genera beneficio en la mortalidad a 10 años? / Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery with Bilateral Internal Mammary Arteries in Left Main Coronary Artery Disease. Is There Any Benefit in 10-Year Mortality?

RESUMEN Introducción: Los ensayos clínicos aleatorizados que compararon la cirugía de revascularización miocárdica (CRM) con la angioplastia transluminal coronaria (ATC) incluyeron todo tipo de técnicas quirúrgicas (con y sin bomba de circulación extracorpórea) y diversos conductos (arteriales y venosos). ¿Es razonable suponer que todas las técnicas quirúrgicas son iguales en términos de mortalidad tardía? Objetivos: Evaluar si la CRM sin circulación extracorpórea y con el empleo de ambas arterias mamarias tiene un beneficio adicional a la revascularización convencional utilizando una sola arteria mamaria en términos de sobrevida a largo plazo para la enfermedad del tronco de la coronaria izquierda (TCI). Material y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo comparativo (n = 723) ajustado por riesgo. Se realizó análisis estratificado según el uso de arteria mamaria interna única (SITA, n = 144) o ambas arterias mamarias internas (BITA, n = 579). Se analizó la sobrevida a los 10 años de la intervención. Resultados: La supervivencia a los 10 años fue significativamente mayor en el grupo en que se utilizaron ambas arterias mamarias (79,0% ± 3,4% vs 67,0% ± 4,9%, log-rank test, p <0,01). Este beneficio también se observó en el análisis ajustado por riesgo (93,0% ± 4,6 vs 69,0% ± 5,7 respectivamente, p = 0,03). El uso de ambas arterias mamarias fue un predictor independiente de sobrevida a 10 años (HR 0,57, IC 95% 0,37-0,87; p = 0,01). Conclusión: El uso de ambas arterias mamarias internas en pacientes con enfermedad del tronco coronario izquierdo sometidos a revascularización coronaria sin circulación extracorpórea se asoció con mayor sobrevida a los 10 años.

ABSTRACT Background: The randomized controlled trials comparing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery versus percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) included all types of surgical techniques (on-pump and off-pump) and different conduits (arterial and venous). Is it reasonable to assume that all surgical techniques are equal in terms of late mortality? Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether off-pump CABG surgery using both mammary arteries provides additional benefit over conventional revascularization using single mammary artery in terms of long-term survival for left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational and comparative study (n=723) adjusted for risk. A stratified analysis was performed according to the use of single internal thoracic artery (SITA, n=144) or bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITA, n=579) analyzing survival at 10 years after the intervention. Results: Survival at 10 years was significantly higher in BITA group (79.0%±3.4% vs 67.0%±4.9%, log-rank test, p <0.01). This advantage was also observed in the risk-adjusted analysis (93.0%±4.6 vs 69.0%±5.7 respectively, p=0.03). The use of BITA was an independent predictor of 10-year survival (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.37-0.87, p=0.01). Conclusion: The use of bilateral internal mammary arteries in patients with left main coronary artery disease undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting was associated with higher survival at 10 years.

Bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting in elderly patients: Any benefit in survival?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to compare survival outcomes in propensity score-matched patients aged 70 years or greater receiving a bilateral internal thoracic artery graft with patients receiving a single internal thoracic artery graft. METHODS: Among 4083 consecutive patients with isolated coronary artery bypass grafting who underwent operation between January 2001 and December 2018, we identified 1300 patients aged 70 years or greater; of these, 968 received a bilateral internal thoracic artery (bilateral internal thoracic artery group) and 332 received a single internal thoracic artery (single internal thoracic artery group). Propensity score matching was used to reduce the preoperative patient differences. The 10-year survival and postoperative complications were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: A Kaplan-Meier curve at 10 years of follow-up showed that crude survival was significantly superior in patients with bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts than in patients with single internal thoracic artery grafts (67.0% ± 2.5% vs 56.0% ± 3.4%, respectively; P < .016). In the actuarial survival, estimates for propensity score-matched patients with a bilateral internal thoracic artery showed a significantly higher rates of survival than patients with a single internal thoracic artery by the end of follow-up (66.0% ± 5.3% vs 53.0% ± 3.9%, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.94; P = .022, univariable Cox Model and multivariable analysis hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-0.97; P = .036 Cox model). Postoperative complications were all similar between the single internal thoracic artery and bilateral internal thoracic artery groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting in older patients improves 10-year survival, with similar postoperative morbidity. This surgical technique might have beneficial effects in survival in patients aged more than 70 years. Its use could be considered more frequently.

Durabilidad a largo plazo de la cirugía reparadora de la válvula mitral con insuficiencia de tipo degenerativo / Long-term Durability of Mitral Valve Repair Surgery for Degenerative Regurgitation

RESUMEN Introducción: El objetivo del estudio es evaluar los resultados alejados de la reparación de la válvula mitral (VM) con insuficiencia de tipo degenerativo. Material y Métodos: Entre enero 2008 y diciembre 2019 se efectuó cirugía reparadora de la VM en 457 pacientes con insuficiencia mitral grave (IM). La edad promedio fue 64,9 ± 12,2 años, y 61,1% eran de sexo masculino. El seguimiento clínico mediana 3,0 (RIC 4,1 años) se completó en el 98,7% de los pacientes. Se efectuaron estudios ecocardiográficos de seguimiento en forma periódica, se analizó la sobrevida, la recurrencia de IM moderada-grave en forma global y según el tipo de valva afectada, y la necesidad de re intervención en el seguimiento alejado. Resultados: A 10 años de seguimiento la sobrevida alejada fue elevada sin diferencias significativas según la valva afectada: valva posterior 95 ± 2,1%, y valva anterior 94 ± 2,2% (p=0,54). El grupo de pacientes con clase funcional preoperatoria III/IV (n = 142) presentó mayor mortalidad al seguimiento: 13,9 ± 4,1% vs. 2,7% ± 1,2% (p = 0,001). El porcentaje de recurrencia de IM moderada-grave al finalizar el seguimiento para el grupo total de pacientes fue del 14,6 ± 4,3% y el periodo de libertad de recurrencia según valva afectada fue elevado sin diferencia significativas: valva posterior 90 ± 3,4% y valva anterior 80 ± 8,5 (p = 0,97). Por último, la necesidad de reintervención en el seguimiento post reparación fue del 4,7 ± 3,3 % Conclusiones: la sobrevida alejada post reparación de IM es elevada y la necesidad de reintervención poco frecuente. Existe un aumento progresivo en la recurrencia de IM en el seguimiento alejado.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term results of degenerative mitral valve regurgitation (MR) repair. Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2019, 457 patients (mean age 64.9±12.2 years; 61.1% men) with severe MR underwent MV repair surgery. Median follow-up was 3.0 years (IQR 4.1 years) and was completed in 98.7% of patients. Periodic echocardiographic studies were performed, and long-term survival, the recurrence rate of moderate-severe MR and the need for reintervention were analyzed. Results: At 10-year follow-up, long-term survival was high without significant differences according to the affected leaflet: between posterior leaflet 95±2.1%, and anterior leaflet 94±2.2% (p=0.54). Patients with preoperative functional class III/IV (n=142) presented higher mortality at follow-up: 13.9±4.1% vs. 2.7%±1.2% (p=0.001). The risk of recurrence for moderatesevere MR at the end of follow-up for the total group of patients was 14.6±4.3% and freedom from recurrence according to the affected leaflet was high without significant difference: posterior leaflet 90±3.4% and anterior leaflet 80 ± 8.5 (p=0.97). Finally, the need for reoperation in post-repair follow-up was 4.7±3.3% Conclusions: Long-term survival after MV repair is high and the need for reoperation is infrequent. There is a progressive increase in MR recurrence at the long-term follow-up.

Prognostic Value of the Leuko-Glycaemic Index in the Postoperative Period of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Abstract Introduction: High leuko-glycaemic index (LGI) (> 2000) has been associated with poor prognosis in many critical care settings. However, there is no evidence of LGI's prognostic value in the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study aims to analyze the prognostic value of LGI in the postoperative period of CABG. Methods: Single-center retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed. Consecutive adult patients undergoing CABG between 2007 and 2019 were included. Blood glucose levels and white blood cells count were evaluated in the immediate postoperative period. LGI was calculated by multiplying both values and dividing them by 1,000 and analyzed in quartiles. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the best cutoff value. The primary combined endpoint was in-hospital mortality, low cardiac output (LCO), or acute kidney injury (AKI). Secondary endpoints included in-hospital death, AKI, atrial fibrillation, and LCO. Results: The study evaluated 3,813 patients undergoing CABG (88.5% male, 89.8% off-pump surgery, aged 64.6 years [standard deviation 9.6]). The median of LGI was 2,035. Presence of primary endpoint significantly increased per LGI quartile (9.2%, 9.7%, 11.8%, and 15%; P<0.001). High LGI was associated with increased occurrence of in-hospital mortality, LCO, AKI, and atrial fibrillation. The best prognostic cutoff value for primary endpoint was 2,000. In a multivariate logistic regression model, high LGI was independently associated with in-hospital death, LCO, or AKI. Conclusion: High LGI was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality, LCO, or AKI in postoperative period of CABG. It was also associated with higher in-hospital death.

Prognostic Value of the Leuko-Glycaemic Index in the Postoperative Period of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

INTRODUCTION: High leuko-glycaemic index (LGI) (> 2000) has been associated with poor prognosis in many critical care settings. However, there is no evidence of LGI's prognostic value in the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study aims to analyze the prognostic value of LGI in the postoperative period of CABG. METHODS: Single-center retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed. Consecutive adult patients undergoing CABG between 2007 and 2019 were included. Blood glucose levels and white blood cells count were evaluated in the immediate postoperative period. LGI was calculated by multiplying both values and dividing them by 1,000 and analyzed in quartiles. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the best cutoff value. The primary combined endpoint was in-hospital mortality, low cardiac output (LCO), or acute kidney injury (AKI). Secondary endpoints included in-hospital death, AKI, atrial fibrillation, and LCO. RESULTS: The study evaluated 3,813 patients undergoing CABG (88.5% male, 89.8% off-pump surgery, aged 64.6 years [standard deviation 9.6]). The median of LGI was 2,035. Presence of primary endpoint significantly increased per LGI quartile (9.2%, 9.7%, 11.8%, and 15%; P<0.001). High LGI was associated with increased occurrence of in-hospital mortality, LCO, AKI, and atrial fibrillation. The best prognostic cutoff value for primary endpoint was 2,000. In a multivariate logistic regression model, high LGI was independently associated with in-hospital death, LCO, or AKI. CONCLUSION: High LGI was an independent predictor of inhospital mortality, LCO, or AKI in postoperative period of CABG. It was also associated with higher in-hospital death.

Hemodynamically significant prosthesis-patient mismatch can be predicted and is associated with early prosthetic valve dysfunction in aortic bioprosthesis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the accuracy of predicted prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) regarding actual PPM measured postoperatively. To assess the association between PPM and prosthetic valve dysfunction. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including adult patients after aortic valve replacement surgery with a biological prosthesis. Predicted PPM status was determined using mean reference effective orifice area indexed to total body surface (iEOA), without considering reference standard deviations. Postoperative PPM status was determined by measuring iEOA within the first 60 postoperative days. Prosthetic valve dysfunction was defined as thrombosis, pannus, valve degeneration, and/or disruption. RESULTS: 205 patients were enrolled between January 2003 and June 2017: predicted PPM was absent in 52 patients (25.4%), moderate in 137 patients (66.8%), and severe in 16 patients (7.8%). After surgery, the actual postoperative iEOA was measured: 53 (25.9%) did not have PPM, 73 had moderate PPM (35.6%), and 79 had severe PPM (38.5%). Predicted PPM identified the presence of hemodynamically significant actual postoperative PPM (OR = 2.56; 95%CI 1.30-5.05; P = .006), though not its degree of severity. Prosthetic valve dysfunction was more frequent among patients with hemodynamically significant PPM (53.9% vs. 11.3%; P < .001), compared to those without PPM. The association between PPM and prosthetic valve dysfunction was maintained after adjusting for gender, age, and ever-smoking (OR = 9.03; P < .001). The incidence of thrombosis or pannus was also nonsignificantly higher in patients with moderate or severe PPM. CONCLUSIONS: Predicted PPM identifies the presence, possibly not the severity, of actual postoperative PPM. Moderate or severe PPM is associated with prosthetic valve dysfunction. Actual postoperative prosthesis-patient mismatch measured within 60 postoperative days showed a distinctive hemodynamic profile and presented a stronger association with prosthetic valve dysfunction than predicted prosthesis-patient mismatch. A. Echocardiographic follow-up in patients according to the actual postoperative PPM measured within 60 postoperative days. B. Prediction of prosthetic valve dysfunction based on preoperative predicted PPM or on actual postoperative PPM within 60 postoperative days. PPM: prosthesis-patient mismatch. OR: Odds ratio.

Cirugía de preservación valvular como alternativa en enfermedad de la raíz aórtica / Aortic Valve Sparing Surgery as Alternative in Aortic Root Disease

RESUMEN Introducción: Desde 1968, la enfermedad aneurismática de la raíz aórtica ha sido tratada mediante el remplazo con tubo valvulado. En las últimas décadas la cirugía de preservación valvular surgió y evolucionó como una opción al remplazo protésico. Objetivo: Reportar la experiencia institucional en la técnica de preservación valvular y sus resultados a largo plazo. Material y métodos: Revisión de 116 casos consecutivos con criterios de reparabilidad, intervenidos entre 2005 y 2019. Previo ecocardiograma transesofágico (ETE) y angiotomografía (AngioTC), se procedió quirúrgicamente acorde a la clasificación anatomofuncional, con la combinación de técnicas. Se realizó control intraoperatorio y conversión a remplazo según el criterio del cirujano interviniente. Se reportan las variables intraoperatorias, la morbimortalidad intrahospitalaria y la mortalidad, la libertad de insuficiencia valvular significativa y la reoperación en el seguimiento clínico y ecocardiográfico. Resultados: La edad media era 56 ± 15,6 años, varones 73%, 59% asintomáticos, intervenidos por diámetro aórtico (52 ± 11,7 mm) o progresión de valvulopatía. En el posprocedimiento, 4% de los casos resultó con insuficiencia leve o nula y 2 conversiones (1,7%); mortalidad hospitalaria 0,9%. A 10 años de seguimiento, sobrevida actuarial del 88% y libertad de insuficiencia significativa (moderada/grave) 79%. Se reintervinieron 5 casos, a un intervalo promedio de 9,1 años, libertad de reoperación de 90% a 10 años. No se registraron eventos tromboembólicos ni hemorrágicos mayores. Conclusión: las técnicas de preservación valvular aórtica, en contexto de enfermedad de la raíz, resultan una opción factible, segura y estable en el tiempo.

ABSTRACT Background: Since 1968, ascending aorta replacement with a valved conduit has been the standard practice for aortic root aneurysm. By the end of the 20th century, aortic valve sparing operation emerged and evolved as an alternative to aortic valve replacement. Objective: The aim of this study was to report our experience with aortic valve sparing technique and its long -term outcomes. Methods: A total of 116 consecutive cases with criteria of repairability operated on between 2005 and 2019 were analyzed. Preopera- tive transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) were used in combination to determine the aortic phenotype based on a previous anatomical and functional classification. Perioperative control was performed and conver- sion to aortic valve replacement was left to the discretion of the attending surgeon. Intraoperative variables, in-hospital morbidity and mortality, freedom from significant aortic regurgitation (AR) and reoperation in the clinical and echocardiographic follow-up were reported. Results: Mean age was 56±15.6 years and 73% were men; 59% were asymptomatic, and the reason for the intervention was the aortic diameter (52±11.7 mm) or progression of AR. After the procedure, 4% of the cases presented mild or trivial AR and 2 patients required conversion to aortic valve replacement (1.7%). In hospital mortality was 0.9%. Actuarial survival was 88% at 10 years, and 79% were free from significant (moderate/severe) AR. Five cases underwent reoperation after a mean interval of 9.1 years and free- dom from reoperation at 10 years was 90%. There were no major thromboembolic or bleeding events. Conclusion: Aortic valve sparing technique in the setting of aortic root disease is a feasible and safe option, and stable over time.

Off-pump bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting - surgical technique.

Numerous coronary revascularization studies have documented superior results associated with bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting compared with single internal thoracic artery grafting. However, concerns about perioperative complications and the technical challenges inherent in bilateral grafting limit its broad utilization. In this video tutorial we show our routine technique for off-pump bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting, and also discuss the experience of our department and the evolving process of how we have performed myocardial revascularization over the past two decades.

Isolated bicuspid aortic valve repair with double annuloplasty: The French approach.

Isolated aortic valve repair is an alternative to aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic regurgitation. It reduces the risk of prosthesis-related complications, such as thromboembolism and endocarditis, and there is no need for long-term oral anticoagulation. However, repair techniques are technically demanding, especially in bicuspid aortic valves.

Acute penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer of the ascending aorta.

A 67-year-old man presented with chest pain. Clinical examination revealed hypertension (160/90 mm Hg). Electrocardiogram indicated no acute coronary syndrome and cardiac enzymes were normal. Catheterization was performed owing to the patient's continuing chest pain and ascending aortogram revealed irregular aortic wall. A computed tomography image showed the shape of penetrating ulcer. The patient was taken to the operating room and intraoperative examination confirmed the diagnosis of penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU). Coronary artery bypass graft and bovine pericardial patch repair of PAU was performed. A bovine pericardial patch was done as aortic root was heavily calcified and was easy to handle and more hemostatic.

Is sex a risk factor for death in patients with bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts?

BACKGROUND: Mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been reported to be higher in women. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) grafting in women has a long-term survival benefit over single internal thoracic artery grafting, possibly equivalent to the male population. METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken of our prospectively collected database. We included 4406 consecutive patients who underwent isolated CABG, who received their operation between January 2000 and April 2017. From the entire series, 2979 patients (67.6%) received exclusively BITA grafts; 299 (10.1%) were female. The primary end point was follow-up mortality, independently from cause. In-hospital mortality and during follow-up were analyzed. Substratification according to age was performed to answer whether it has an effect. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analyses was performed to investigate the significant predictors of late mortality. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 5.1 ± 3.9 years. Female BITA patients were older (P < .001), had nonelective surgery (P < .001), more on-pump CABG (P = .015), fewer number of grafts (P < .001) versus male BITA patients. BITA grafting in women had a long-term survival equivalent to that of men (P = .784). In a Cox proportional hazard model, female sex was not an independent risk factor for late death (B, -0.303; hazard ratio, 0.739; 95% confidence interval, 0.470-1.16; P = .189). The stratification analysis showed that the beneficial effect of BITA remained similar among sexes and was not modified by age even after adjusting for confounders. In a risk-adjusted sample, patients older than 65 years with BITA grafting showed superior long-term survival than those with single internal thoracic artery grafting (P = .019). CONCLUSIONS: Although there are some differences between sexes, BITA grafting in women was associated with similar 10-year survival compared with men, and female sex was not an independent risk factor for late death. Among women, the BITA group had better survival, especially those older than 65 years.

Surgical Treatment of Dysphagia Lusoria Caused by Right-Aortic Arch with Kommerell Diverticulum: Left Heart Bypass without Subclavian Revascularization.

The authors present the case of a 26-year-old patient suffering from dysphagia because of compression by a Kommerell diverticulum in right aortic arch anomaly. Open surgical arch and descending aorta replacement with left heart bypass without left subclavian artery reimplantation was performed.