How do type of preoperative P2Y12 receptor inhibitor and withdrawal time affect bleeding? Protocol of a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: In order to reduce the risk of bleeding in patients on P2Y12 receptor inhibitors presenting for non-emergent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), current guidelines recommend a preoperative discontinuation period of at least three, five and seven days for ticagrelor, clopidogrel and prasugrel, respectively, to allow for recovery of platelet function. However, there is still substantial interinstitutional variation in preoperative management and relevant covariates of CABG-related bleeding are largely elusive so far. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search PubMed (July 2013 to November 2021) and EMBASE (January 2014 to November 2021) using the following terms, MeSH terms and their synonyms: clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor, dual antiplatelet, P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, CABG, bleeding, haemorrhage. Two independent reviewers will screen all abstracts and full papers for eligibility. Disagreements will be solved by consulting with a third reviewer.The primary outcome is the incidence of Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type-4 bleeding depending on type of P2Y12 receptor inhibitor and preoperative withdrawal period. The secondary outcomes are mortality and ischaemic events according to the Academic Research Consortium 2 Consensus Document. We will perform an individual patient data meta-analysis (IPD-MA) with drug-specific preoperative withdrawal time and adjust for demographic and procedural variables. Subgroup analyses will be performed for anaemic patients and patients undergoing non-emergent versus urgent/emergent surgery. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This IPD-MA consists of secondary analyses of existing non-identifiable data and meets the criteria for waiver of ethics review by the local Research Ethics Committee. Data sharing and transfer will be subject to a confidentiality agreement and a data use agreement. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and conference presentation. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022291946.

Diameter Changes in Traumatic Aortic Injury: Implications for Stent-Graft Sizing.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare aortic diameters from admission computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans to postoperative aortic diameters in patients with traumatic aortic injury (TAI) and evaluate the influence of substantial blood loss on aortic diameter. METHODS: The aortic databases of two tertiary university centers were retrospectively screened for patients with TAI between February 2002 and February 2019. Concomitant organ injuries, bone fractures, blood loss, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Aortic diameters were measured in CTA upon admission and were compared with the CTA before discharge at three different aortic levels (mid-ascending, 5 cm distal to the end of the stent graft, and at the celiac trunk level). RESULTS: We identified 45 patients, aged 43 (first quartile; third quartile [26; 55]) years with a TAI treated by thoracic endovascular aortic repair. The most frequent cause of TAI was a car accident (n = 24). Concomitant injuries were seen in all but one patient. Bone and pelvic fractures were seen in 40 (89%) and 15 (33%) patients, respectively. Type III aortic injury was present in 25 patients (56%). Increase of aortic diameter after stabilization was +1.7 mm (-0.6 mm; 2.5 mm; p = 0.004) at the mid-ascending aorta, +2.1 mm (0.2 mm; 3.8 mm; p < 0.001) 5 cm distal to the stent graft, and +1.5 mm (0.5 mm; 3.2 mm; p < 0.001) at the celiac trunk level. CONCLUSION: In patients with TAI, the aortic diameter is significantly reduced as compared with the aortic diameter at discharge. The reduction of aortic diameter might be caused by hemorrhagic shock and should be kept in mind for appropriate stent-graft sizing.

Lower hemisternotomy: infrequently used but versatile.

BACKGROUND: A lower hemisternotomy is an infrequently used approach in cardiac surgery. This single center report evaluates applicability and clinical outcomes of procedures performed through a lower hemisternotomy. METHODS: The institutional database was reviewed. From 2014 to 2019, 55 consecutive patients had undergone minimally invasive procedures through a lower hemisternotomy (median follow-up 34 months). Demographic as well as outcome data were retrieved from our prospectively maintained institutional database. RESULTS: Performed procedures included mitral and tricuspid repairs, aortic valve replacement as well as coronary artery bypass grafting. The median patient age was 72 years. Out of the 55 patients, 55% were male. Predominantly mitral valve procedures (11 isolated, 30 combined) had been performed. Mitral valve procedures (N.=41) consisted of 36 repairs and 5 replacements. Repair rate for degenerative mitral insufficiency was 97.6%. Median EuroScore II was 3.4% (2.1-6.0). Median cross-clamp time was 67 (44-99) min. Median procedural length was 169 (138-201) min. Reoperation rate for bleeding was 1.8%. Major vascular complications occurred in two patients. Freedom from valve related reoperation was 96.1% during follow-up. Thirty-day mortality and overall mortality during follow-up was 3.6% and 10.9%. CONCLUSIONS: In properly selected cases the lower hemisternotomy allows for a variety of cardiac procedures. It permits central aortic cannulation and a direct vision of intracardiac structures and therefore should be kept in mind as an alternative minimally invasive approach.

Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the care of patients with acute and chronic aortic conditions.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on acute and elective thoracic and abdominal aortic procedures. METHODS: Forty departments shared their data on acute and elective thoracic and abdominal aortic procedures between January and May 2020 and January and May 2019 in Europe, Asia and the USA. Admission rates as well as delay from onset of symptoms to referral were compared. RESULTS: No differences in the number of acute thoracic and abdominal aortic procedures were observed between 2020 and the reference period in 2019 [incidence rates ratio (IRR): 0.96, confidence interval (CI) 0.89-1.04; P = 0.39]. Also, no difference in the time interval from acute onset of symptoms to referral was recorded (<12 h 32% vs > 12 h 68% in 2020, < 12 h 34% vs > 12 h 66% in 2019 P = 0.29). Conversely, a decline of 35% in elective procedures was seen (IRR: 0.81, CI 0.76-0.87; P < 0.001) with substantial differences between countries and the most pronounced decline in Italy (-40%, P < 0.001). Interestingly, in Switzerland, an increase in the number of elective cases was observed (+35%, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: There was no change in the number of acute thoracic and abdominal aortic cases and procedures during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas the case load of elective operations and procedures decreased significantly. Patients with acute aortic syndromes presented despite COVID-19 and were managed according to current guidelines. Further analysis is required to prove that deferral of elective cases had no impact on premature mortality.

What Is the Best Method to Achieve Safe and Precise Stent-Graft Deployment in Patients Undergoing TEVAR?

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for aortic pathologies requires sufficient landing zone of ideally more than 25 mm for safe anchoring of the stent-graft and prevention of endoleaks. In the aortic arch and at the thoracoabdominal transition, landing zone length is usually limited by the offspring of the major aortic side-branches. Exact deployment of the stent-graft to effectively use the whole length of the landing zone and to prevent occlusion of one of the side-branches is key to successful TEVAR. There are numerous techniques described to lower blood pressure and to reduce or eliminate aortic impulse to facilitate exact deployment of stent-grafts including pharmacologic blood pressure lowering, adenosine-induced asystole, inflow occlusion, and rapid pacing. Aim of this review was to assess the current literature to identify which of the techniques is best suited to prevent displacement and allow for precise placement of the stent-graft and safe balloon-molding.

How Do Type of Preoperative P2Y12 Receptor Inhibitor and Withdrawal Time Affect Bleeding?

BACKGROUND: Despite recommendations for standardized preoperative waiting of at least 3, 5, and 7 days for ticagrelor, clopidogrel, and prasugrel, respectively, there is still substantial interinstitutional variation in preoperative discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy in patients needing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: In 299 patients undergoing CABG with or without valve intervention less than 7 days after last P2Y12 receptor inhibition, this study evaluated calculated red blood cell loss and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 4 (BARC-4) bleeding. RESULTS: A total of 83% of patients underwent CABG less than 48 hours after last drug intake. Calculated blood loss was lower in patients taking clopidogrel as compared with prasugrel or ticagrelor (1063 mL [690 to 1394 mL] vs 1351 mL [876 to 1829 mL] vs 1330 mL [994 to 1691 mL]; P < .001). Overall, 135 (45%) patients sustained BARC-4 bleeding; the incidence differed among the groups (P = .015) and was significantly higher in prasugrel-treated patients, as compared with clopidogrel-treated patients. In multivariable linear regression analysis, European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (EuroSCORE II), aspirin dose, cardiopulmonary bypass time, drug withdrawal time, and type of P2Y12 receptor inhibitor were significantly associated with red blood cell loss. Compared with 0 to 24 hours, a period of more than 48 hours of preoperative discontinuation substantially reduced calculated blood loss by 37% to 48% and BARC-4 bleeding by 58% to 71%, depending on the P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to prasugrel and ticagrelor 24 hours or less before CABG increases both calculated blood loss and BARC-4 bleeding as compared with clopidogrel. Although discontinuation for longer than 48 hours substantially reduced calculated blood loss and BARC-4 bleeding across all P2Y12 receptor inhibitors, our single-center data further support strict adherence to the 2017 guidelines whenever justified by stable hemodynamics and nonjeopardized myocardium.

Comparison of the conventional frozen elephant trunk implantation technique with a modified implantation technique in zone 1.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the conventional frozen elephant trunk implantation technique with a modified implantation technique with an aortic anastomosis in zone 1 and extra-anatomic revascularization of the left subclavian artery during reperfusion. METHODS: Between May 2014 and March 2018, 40 patients (26 male; mean age 60.2 ± 11.2 years) underwent complete aortic arch replacement with the Thoraflex Hybrid prosthesis™ (Vascutek, Inchinnan, Scotland) at our institution. Seventeen patients underwent conventional arch replacement (group 1) and 23 patients the modified procedure (group 2). Indication for arch replacement included all types of acute and chronic diseases. RESULTS: Cardiopulmonary bypass time (213.1 ± 53.5 vs 243.8 ± 67.0 min, P = 0.13) and aortic cross-clamp time (114.4 ± 40.7 vs 117.3 ± 56.6 min, P = 0.86) did not differ significantly between group 1 and 2. There was a trend towards a shorter circulatory arrest time (50.72 ± 9.6 vs 44.7 ± 15.5 min; P = 0.20) in group 2. Perioperative mortality was 10% (5.9% vs 13%; P = 0.62). Stroke occurred in 10% (5.9% vs 13%; P = 0.62) of patients. Spinal cord injury occurred in 7.5% of patients (11.8% vs 4.3% P = 0.57). Due to the a proximal aortic anastomosis, there was a significantly shorter coverage of the descending aorta with the prosthesis ending at vertebral level Th7.5 (6.75-8) in group 1 versus Th6.0 (5.0-6.0) in group 2 (P-value = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of the frozen elephant trunk prosthesis in zone 1 allows for a more proximal aortic anastomosis that could make the procedure more feasible especially in patients with difficult anatomies or in an acute setting.

An Alternative Approach to Build a "Biologic Bentall" From a Pericardial Tube and a Sutureless Valve.

This report describes a technique to create a biologic Bentall from a pericardial tube and a rapid deployment valve. This technique facilitates reimplantation of the coronary arteries because the proximal anastomosis is sewn before valve implantation and allows suturing of the coronary ostia from inside and outside, given that there is no interference with the implanted valve. Indications for this technique include complex redo cases and patients with contraindications to a conventional Bentall procedure. This technique has been used in 2 patients with good results.

Gastrointestinal complications following on-pump cardiac surgery-A propensity matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal complications following on-pump cardiac surgery are orphan but serious risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality. We aimed to assess incidence, perioperative risk factors, treatment modalities and outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A university medical center audit comprised 4883 consecutive patients (median age 69 [interquartile range IQR 60-76] years, 33% female, median logistic EuroScore 5 [IQR 3-11]) undergoing all types of cardiac surgery including surgery on the thoracic aorta; patients undergoing repair of congenital heart disease, implantation of assist devices or cardiac transplantation were excluded. Coronary artery disease was the leading indication for on-pump cardiac surgery (60%), patients undergoing cardiac surgery under urgency or emergency setting were included in analysis. We identified a total of 142 patients with gastrointestinal complications. To identify intra- and postoperative predictors for gastrointestinal complications, we applied a 1:1 propensity score matching procedure based on a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Overall, 30-day mortality for the entire cohort was 5.4%; the incidence of gastrointestinal complications was 2.9% and median time to complication 8 days (IQR 4-12). Acute pancreatitis (n = 41), paralytic ileus (n = 14) and acute cholecystitis (n = 18) were the leading pathologies. Mesenteric ischemia and gastrointestinal bleeding accounted for 16 vs. 18 cases, respectively. While 72 patients (51%) could be managed conservatively, 27 patients required endoscopic/radiological (19%) or surgical intervention (43/142 patients, 30%); overall 30-day mortality was 12.1% (p<0.001). Propensity score matching identified prolonged skin-to-skin times (p = 0.026; Odds Ratio OR 1.003, 95% Confidence Interval CI 1.000-1.007) and extended on-pump periods (p = 0.010; OR 1.006, 95%CI 1.001-1.011) as significant perioperative risk factors. COMMENT: Prolonged skin-to-skin times and extended on-pump periods are important perioperative risk factors regardless of preoperative risk factors.

Multicentre experience with two frozen elephant trunk prostheses in the treatment of acute aortic dissection†.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate early- and mid-term outcome and aortic remodelling in patients undergoing implantation of 2 different frozen elephant trunk prostheses, either the Thoraflex™ hybrid (Vascutek, Inchinnan, UK) and the E-vita Open (Jotec Inc., Hechingen, Germany) for acute aortic dissection. METHODS: All consecutive patients [n = 88; median age 59 (49-67) years; 69% male] undergoing surgery with a frozen elephant trunk prosthesis for acute aortic dissection from August 2005 until March 2018 were included in this study. The Thoraflex™ device was implanted in 55 patients and the E-vita Open graft in 33 patients. RESULTS: Preoperative characteristics did not differ significantly between groups. There was also no statistically significant difference in postoperative outcome: in-hospital mortality (11% vs 12%; P > 0.99), stroke (18% vs 6%; P = 0.12) and spinal cord injury (6% vs 6%; P > 0.99). While there was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of distal stent graft-induced new entries (16% vs 18%; P = 0.77), there was a significantly higher rate of secondary endovascular aortic interventions in the Thoraflex™ hybrid group (22% vs 0%; P = 0.003). There was a trend towards a higher rate of false lumen thrombosis at the level of the stent graft (74% vs 95%; P = 0.085) and was comparable at the thoraco-abdominal transition (53% vs 80%; P = 0.36) 1 year after implantation of the prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: In this comparison of 2 frozen elephant trunk prostheses, there is no evidence that different surgical techniques influence in-hospital outcome. At 1-year follow-up, patients who underwent implantation of the E-vita Open prosthesis showed a significantly reduced rate of secondary aortic interventions and a trend towards a higher rate of false lumen thrombosis which might be attributed to a longer coverage of the descending aorta due to a longer stent graft design and significantly more frequent implantation in zone 3.