Postoperative intermittent dysfunction of mitral valve prosthesis of unclear etiology identified by three-dimensional echocardiography.

A 56-year-old patient with rheumatic heart disease and atrial fibrillation underwent mitral valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis. The 3D perioperative echocardiogram showed an intermittent immobile medial disk without hemodynamic repercussion in the intensive care unit. The patient was taken back to the operating room and surgeons could not identify the cause. An enlarged left atrium and the size of the prosthetic valve was thought to have precipitated this condition. The heart team decided a biological prosthetic valve replacement would be performed. This case emphasizes the important role of the perioperative 3D echocardiogram in the detection of immediate surgical complications.

The impact of pulmonary artery catheter use in cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary artery catheterization provides continuous monitoring of hemodynamic parameters that may aid in the perioperative management of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. However, prior data suggest that pulmonary artery catheterization has limited benefit in intensive care and surgical settings. Thus, this study sought to determine the impact of pulmonary artery catheter insertion on short-term postoperative outcomes in a large, contemporaneous cohort of patients undergoing open cardiac surgery compared with standard central venous pressure monitoring. METHODS: This was an observational study of open cardiac surgeries from 2010 to 2018. Patients with pulmonary artery catheter insertion were identified and matched against patients without pulmonary artery catheter insertion via 1:1 nearest neighbor propensity matching. Multivariable analysis was performed to assess the impact of pulmonary artery catheterization on operative mortality in the overall cohort, as well as recent heart failure, mitral valve disease, and tricuspid insufficiency subgroups. RESULTS: Of the 11,820 patients undergoing (Society of Thoracic Surgeons indexed) coronary or valvular surgery, 4605 (39.0%) had pulmonary artery catheter insertion. Propensity score matching yielded 3519 evenly balanced pairs. Compared with central venous pressure monitoring, pulmonary artery catheter use was not associated with improved operative mortality in the overall cohort or in the recent heart failure, mitral valve disease, or tricuspid insufficiency subgroups. Intensive care unit length of stay was longer (P < .001), and there were more packed red blood cell transfusions in the pulmonary artery catheterization group (P < .001); however, postoperative outcomes were otherwise similar, including stroke, sepsis, and new renal failure (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that pulmonary artery catheterization may have limited benefit in cardiac surgery.

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.

Valvuloplasty Without Prosthetic Ring or Band in Patients with Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation: Long-Term Results and Predictive Factors for Outcomes

Abstract Introduction: Mitral valvuloplasty including ring/band support is widely performed despite potential drawbacks of rings. Unsupported valvuloplasty is performed in only a few centers. This study aimed to report long-term outcomes of patients undergoing unsupported valvuloplasty for degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) and to identify predictive factors for outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort including patients undergoing mitral valve repair for degenerative MR from 2000 to 2018. The main techniques were Wooler annuloplasty and quadrangular resection. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models were used for statistical analysis. Results: One hundred fifty-eight patients were included (median age: 64.0 years). In-hospital mortality was 2.5%. Maximum follow-up was 19.6 years, with a median of 4.7 years (992 patient-years). Overall survival at 5, 10, and 15 years was 91.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85.7-96.3), 87.6% (95% CI: 80.7-94.5), and 78.1% (95% CI: 65.9-90.3), respectively. The European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II was an independent predictor of late death (hazard ratio [HR] 1.42; P=0.016). Freedom from mitral reoperation at 5, 10, and 15 years was 88.1% (95% CI: 82.0-94.2), 82.4% (95% CI: 74.6-90.2), and 75.7% (95% CI: 64.1-87.3), respectively. Left atrial diameter > 56 mm was associated with late reintervention in univariate analysis (HR 1.06; P=0.049). Conclusion: Degenerative MR can be successfully treated with repair techniques without annular support, thus avoiding the technical and logistical drawbacks of ring/band implantation while maintaining good long-term results. EuroSCORE II was a risk factor for late death, and larger left atrium was associated with late reoperation.

Valvuloplasty Without Prosthetic Ring or Band in Patients with Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation: Long-Term Results and Predictive Factors for Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Mitral valvuloplasty including ring/band support is widely performed despite potential drawbacks of rings. Unsupported valvuloplasty is performed in only a few centers. This study aimed to report long-term outcomes of patients undergoing unsupported valvuloplasty for degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) and to identify predictive factors for outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort including patients undergoing mitral valve repair for degenerative MR from 2000 to 2018. The main techniques were Wooler annuloplasty and quadrangular resection. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-eight patients were included (median age: 64.0 years). In-hospital mortality was 2.5%. Maximum followup was 19.6 years, with a median of 4.7 years (992 patient-years). Overall survival at 5, 10, and 15 years was 91.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85.7-96.3), 87.6% (95% CI: 80.7-94.5), and 78.1% (95% CI: 65.9-90.3), respectively. The European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II was an independent predictor of late death (hazard ratio [HR] 1.42; P=0.016). Freedom from mitral reoperation at 5, 10, and 15 years was 88.1% (95% CI: 82.0-94.2), 82.4% (95% CI: 74.6-90.2), and 75.7% (95% CI: 64.1-87.3), respectively. Left atrial diameter > 56 mm was associated with late reintervention in univariate analysis (HR 1.06; P=0.049). CONCLUSION: Degenerative MR can be successfully treated with repair techniques without annular support, thus avoiding the technical and logistical drawbacks of ring/band implantation while maintaining good long-term results. EuroSCORE II was a risk factor for late death, and larger left atrium was associated with late reoperation.

Massa Valvar Mitral em Paciente com Suspeita de Lúpus Sistêmico: Tumor, Endocardite ou Ambos? / Mitral Valve Mass in a Patient Suspected of Systemic Lupus: Tumor, Endocarditis or Both?

Resumo Apresentamos o relato de caso de uma paciente com mixoma valvar mitral infectado e uma revisão da literatura sobre o assunto. Uma mulher de 33 anos apresentou histórico de febre e dispneia com evolução de alguns dias. Na hospitalização, ela apresentava uma síndrome semelhante ao lúpus, com hemoculturas positivas para Haemophilus spp . O ecocardiograma revelou uma massa gigante envolvendo ambos os folhetos mitrais associada à regurgitação grave, necessitando de troca valvar mitral biológica. A microscopia revelou mixoma infectado e a paciente recebeu alta assintomática após o término da antibioticoterapia. Ela apresentou bons resultados no seguimento. Este é o sexto caso de mixoma valvar mitral infectado relatado na literatura e o terceiro caso de mixoma cardíaco infectado pelo grupo HACEK. Devido à alta incidência de eventos embólicos, a antibioticoterapia precoce aliada à pronta intervenção cirúrgica são decisivos para a redução da morbimortalidade. O tempo para o diagnóstico foi muito mais breve do que o geralmente relatado em casos de endocardite por HACEK. A troca valvar foi a intervenção mais comum e todos os pacientes em relatos de caso anteriores apresentaram bons resultados no seguimento.

Abstract We present a case report of a patient with an infected mitral valve myxoma and a literature review on the subject. A 33-year-old female presented with a history of fever and dyspnea evolving over a few days. On admission, she had a lupus-like syndrome with positive blood cultures for Haemophilus species . Echocardiogram revealed a giant mass involving both mitral leaflets causing severe regurgitation, requiring biological mitral valve replacement. Microscopy showed an infected myxoma and the patient was discharged asymptomatic upon completion of antibiotics. She did well on follow-up. This is the sixth case of an infected mitral valve myxoma reported in the literature and the third case of a cardiac myxoma infected by the HACEK group. Exceedingly high incidence of embolic events makes prompt imaging, antibiotic therapy and surgery crucial for better outcomes. Time to diagnosis was much briefer than usually reported in other cases of HACEK endocarditis. Valve replacement was the most common surgical procedure and all patients from previous reports did well on follow-up.

Mitral valve repair with minimally invasive approaches vs sternotomy: A meta-analysis of early and late results in randomized and matched observational studies.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) for mitral valve repair (MVRp) has been increasingly used. This study aimed to evaluate the early and late results of MICS for MVRp vs conventional sternotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials or observational studies (with matched populations) comparing MICS and conventional MVRp reporting any of the following outcomes: mortality, MVRp failure, complications, blood transfusion, readmission within 30 days after discharge, long-term reoperation for mitral regurgitation, operative times, mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, or hospital stay. The pooled treatment effects were calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Ten studies involving 6792 patients (MICS: 3396 patients; Conventional: 3296 patients) met the eligibility criteria. In the pooled analysis, MICS significantly reduced the risk for blood transfusion (odds ratio [OR], 0.654; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.462-0.928; P = .017) and readmission within 30 days after discharge (OR, 0.615; 95% 0.456-0.829; P = .001). MICS was associated with a significantly longer cross-clamp time (mean difference 14 minutes; 95% CI, 7.4-21 minutes; P < .001), CPB time (24 minutes; 95% CI, 14-35 minutes; P < .001), and total operative time (36; 95% CI, 15-56 minutes; P < .001), but a significantly shorter ICU stay (-8.5; 95% CI -15; -1.8; P = .013) and hospital stay (-1.3, 95% CI -2.1; -0.45; P = .003). This meta-analysis found no significant difference regarding the risk of in-hospital and long-term mortality, nor complications. CONCLUSIONS: Despite longer operative times, MICS for MVRp reduces ICU and hospital stay, as well as readmission rates and the need for transfusion.

Reparación de una disección de aurícula izquierda: presentación de un caso / Repair of left auricular dissection: case report

Resumen Introducción: La disección de la aurícula izquierda es una complicación infrecuente, pero potencialmente fatal de la cirugía cardíaca. Es frecuentemente asociada a cirugías de la válvula mitral, tanto su reparación el reemplazo, con una incidencia de 0,16%. Sin embargo, otros procedimientos como intervenciones percutáneas también presentan este riesgo. Objetivos: Presentar la resolución quirúrgica de un caso de disección de aurícula izquierda y aportar a la casuística nacional. Materiales y Método: Registro clínico, imagenológico y fotográfico del episodio clínico. Resultados: Una paciente que fue sometida a ablación por radiofrecuencia por vía retrógrada, y cursa durante el periodo postintervencional con insuficiencia cardíaca y su estudio identifica una disección auricular. Se realiza reparación del anillo mitral, plastía del aparato subvalvular y parche de pericardio, la paciente presenta evolución clínica y ecográfica favorable. Discusión: El tratamiento de esta entidad debe analizarse caso a caso, ya que la etiología relacionada a procedimientos percutáneos es diferente a la causada por cirugía valvular mitral. Conclusión: La reparación de una disección auricular con parche es una buena alternativa de tratamiento en estos casos.

Introduction: Left atrial dissection is an infrequent but potentially fatal complication of cardiac surgery. It is frequently associated with mitral valve surgery, both its repair and replacement, with an incidence of 0.16%. However, other procedures such as percutaneous interventions can also be predisposing factors. Objectives: To report the surgical resolution of a left atrial dissection case and contribute to the national casuistry. Materials and Method: Clinical, imaging and photographic record of the clinical episode. Results: A patient who underwent retrograde radiofrequency ablation during the post-interventional period with heart failure and whose study identifies an atrial dissection. Mitral ring repair, subvalvular apparatus repair and pericardial patch was performed, the patient evolves with favorable clinical and sonographic evolution. Discussion: The treatment of this entity should be analyzed case by case, the etiology related to percutaneous procedures is different to that caused by mitral valve surgery and this should be considered when choosing a therapeutic option. Conclusion: Repairing an atrial dissection with a patch is a good alternative in these cases.

Minithoracotomy vs. Conventional Mitral Valve Surgery for Rheumatic Mitral Valve Stenosis: a Single-Center Analysis of 128 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the in-hospital outcomes of a right-sided anterolateral minithoracotomy with those of median sternotomy in patients who received a mitral valve replacement (MVR) because of rheumatic mitral valve stenosis (RMS). METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 128 patients (34% male) with RMS between 2011 and 2015. The median age was 53 years (45; 56). The mean ejection fraction was 58.4±6.3%. All the subjects were divided into two groups - Group 1 contained 78 patients who underwent MVR via minithoracotomy (MT-MVR), while Group 2 contained 50 patients who underwent MVR via median sternotomy (S-MVR). RESULTS: In the MT-MVR group, a mechanical prosthesis was implanted in 72% of cases, while it was implanted in 90% of cases in the S-MVR group (P=0.01). The duration of myocardial ischemia was similar (MT-MVR, 77±24 min; S-MVR, 70±18 min) (P=0.09). However, the cardiopulmonary bypass time was lower in the S-MVR group than in the MT-MVR group (99±24 min and 119±34 min, respectively) (P≤0.001). There was no difference in the duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and hospitalization period. Postoperative blood loss was lower in the MT-MVR group (P≤0.001) than in the S-MVR group. There are no statistically significant differences in postoperative complications (superficial wound infection, stroke, delirium, pericardial tamponade, pleural puncture, acute kidney insufficiency, and implantation of pacemaker). The overall in-hospital mortality was 3.9% (P=0.6). CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive approach for RMS is feasible and has an excellent cosmetic effect without increasing the risk of surgical complications.

Minithoracotomy vs. conventional mitral valve surgery for rheumatic mitral valve stenosis: a single-center analysis of 128 patients

Abstract Objective: To compare the in-hospital outcomes of a right-sided anterolateral minithoracotomy with those of median sternotomy in patients who received a mitral valve replacement (MVR) because of rheumatic mitral valve stenosis (RMS). Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 128 patients (34% male) with RMS between 2011 and 2015. The median age was 53 years (45; 56). The mean ejection fraction was 58.4±6.3%. All the subjects were divided into two groups - Group 1 contained 78 patients who underwent MVR via minithoracotomy (MT-MVR), while Group 2 contained 50 patients who underwent MVR via median sternotomy (S-MVR). Results: In the MT-MVR group, a mechanical prosthesis was implanted in 72% of cases, while it was implanted in 90% of cases in the S-MVR group (P=0.01). The duration of myocardial ischemia was similar (MT-MVR, 77±24 min; S-MVR, 70±18 min) (P=0.09). However, the cardiopulmonary bypass time was lower in the S-MVR group than in the MT-MVR group (99±24 min and 119±34 min, respectively) (P≤0.001). There was no difference in the duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and hospitalization period. Postoperative blood loss was lower in the MT-MVR group (P≤0.001) than in the S-MVR group. There are no statistically significant differences in postoperative complications (superficial wound infection, stroke, delirium, pericardial tamponade, pleural puncture, acute kidney insufficiency, and implantation of pacemaker). The overall in-hospital mortality was 3.9% (P=0.6) Conclusion: The minimally invasive approach for RMS is feasible and has an excellent cosmetic effect without increasing the risk of surgical complications.

Catéter de Swan Ganz con marcapasos en la cirugía mini-invasiva mitral / Pacing Swan-Ganz Catheter in Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery

RESUMEN Introducción: La cirugía mediante mini-toracotomía lateral presenta ventajas comparativas sobre el acceso convencional como menor trauma quirúrgico, reducida morbimortalidad y un resultado estético superior, pero plantea dificultades en caso de necesitar estimulación eléctrica temporal. Objetivo: Valorar el empleo terapéutico del catéter de Swan-Ganz con marcapasos incorporado como solución a dicho problema y analizar sus complicaciones. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes programados para cirugía mini-invasiva mitral mediante mini-toracotomía lateral. Se definió empleo terapéutico del catéter al uso debido a bradiarritmias o trastornos de conducción o necesidad de incrementar la frecuencia cardíaca con fines hemodinámicos. Pacientes intervenidos de urgencia o emergencia, fueron excluidos del estudio. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 517 pacientes (289 de sexo masculino, con edad promedio de 68,3 ± 10,4 años); se efectuaron 115 (22,2%) reemplazos y 402 (77,7%) plásticas mitrales. Simultáneamente, se realizaron 294 (56,9%) procedimientos de Maze, 182 (35,2%) cierres de orejuela izquierda, 9 (1,7%) cierres de defectos septales y 14 (2,7%) plásticas tricuspídeas. Ciento sesenta y dos (313%) pacientes necesitaron ser marcapaseados; debido a bradiarritmias, 85 (52,47%) pacientes; por trastornos de conducción, 50 (30,86%) pacientes; mientras que otros 27 (16,66%) requirieron incrementar su frecuencia debido a bajo volumen minuto. La mortalidad resultó de 12 (2,32%) casos. Catorce (2,7%) pacientes presentaron pérdida de captura y se resolvieron con el reposicionamiento del catéter, mientras que 2 (0,6%) pacientes presentaron atrapamiento y requirieron reintervención. Conclusiones: Casi un tercio de los pacientes intervenidos mediante mini-toracotomía lateral requirieron del empleo terapéutico del catéter de Swan-Ganz con marcapasos. Dos pacientes presentaron atrapamiento y requirieron resolución quirúrgica.

ABSTRACT Background: The use of a lateral mini-thoracotomy presents several advantages over the standard access, such as less surgical trauma, reduced morbidity and mortality, shorter recovery time and better cosmetic results, but presents difficulties if temporary pacing is required. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic use of a Swan-Ganz catheter with pacing capabilities and analyze its complications. Methods: Patients undergoing scheduled minimally invasive mitral valve surgery through lateral mini-thoracotomy were included in the study. Therapeutic use of the pacing catheter was defined as the need for pacing due to bradyarrhythmias or conduction disorders or need of increasing heart rate in case of hemodynamic instability. Patients undergoing urgent or emergency surgery were excluded from the study. Results: A total of 517 patients were included in the study; mean age was 68.3 ± 10.4 years and 289 (55.9%) were men; 115 patients (22.2%) underwent mitral valve replacement and 402 (77.7%) mitral valve repair. The following concomitant procedures were carried out: 294 (56.9%) Maze procedures, 182 (35.2%) left atrial appendage closures, 9 (1.7%) atrial septal defect closures and 14 (2.7%) tricuspid valve repair surgeries. In the postoperative period 162 (31.3%) patients required pacing due to bradyarrhythmias in 85 cases (52.47%), conduction disorders in 50 (30.86%), and need to increase heart rate in 27 (16.66%) patients with low cardiac output syndrome. Postoperative mortality was 2.32% (n=12). Fourteen (2.7%) patients presented loss of capture that was resolved with catheter repositioning, while 2 (0.6%) patients presented catheter entrapment requiring reintervention. Conclusion: Almost one-third of the patients undergoing lateral mini-thoracotomy required therapeutic use of the pacing Swan-Ganz catheter. Two patients presented catheter entrapment and required surgical reintervention.

Experiencia inicial en un centro único del uso de neocuerdas preformadas en reparación mitral / Experience with Premeasured Chordal Loops for Mitral Valve Repair: A Uselful and Reproducible Technique?

RESUMEN Introducción: La reparación de la válvula mitral ha demostrado superioridad por sobre el reemplazo valvular en el tratamiento de la insuficiencia mitral degenerativa. Objetivo: El propósito de este trabajo es demostrar la utilización de neocuerdas de politetrafluoroetileno expandido preformadas para la realización de una plástica mitral exitosa. Material y métodos: Entre marzo y diciembre del 2018 se intervinieron 13 pacientes con insuficiencia mitral grave quirúrgica por enfermedad degenerativa con criterios quirúrgicos a los cuales se les implantó cuerdas nuevas preformadas para la reparación mitral en el Hospital Universitario Austral. Resultados: Se repararon en forma exitosa la insuficiencia mitral grave a los 13 pacientes colocando neocuerdas preformadas en la valva posterior en 6 pacientes; en la valva anterior, en 4 pacientes; y, en ambas valvas, en 3 pacientes. Conclusiones: Las neocuerdas de politetrafluoroetileno permitieron realizar la plástica reparadora de la insuficiencia mitral en forma satisfactoria, segura y reproducible para el prolapso de cualquier segmento valvular mitral.

ABSTRACT Background: Mitral valve repair has demonstrated better outcomes compared with valve replacement for the treatment of degenerative mitral regurgitation. Objective: The aim of this study is to show the experience with premeasured expanded polytetrafluoroethylene chordal loops for successful mitral valve repair. Methods: Between May and December 2018, 13 patients with severe mitral regurgitation caused by degenerative disease with indication for surgery underwent mitral valve repair at the Hospital Universitario Austral. Results: The procedure was successful in the 13 patients. Chordal loops were applied to the anterior leaflet in 4 patients, to the posterior leaflet in 6 patients and to both anterior and posterior leaflets in 3 patients.

Prosthesis-patient mismatch negatively affects outcomes after mitral valve replacement: meta-analysis of 10, 239 patients

Abstract Objective: This study sought to evaluate the impact of prosthesis-patient mismatch on the risk of perioperative and long-term mortality after mitral valve replacement. Methods: Databases were researched for studies published until December 2018. Main outcomes of interest were perioperative and 10-year mortality and echocardiographic parameters. Results: The research yielded 2,985 studies for inclusion. Of these, 16 articles were analyzed, and their data extracted. The total number of patients included was 10,239, who underwent mitral valve replacement. The incidence of prosthesis-patient mismatch after mitral valve replacement was 53.7% (5,499 with prosthesis-patient mismatch and 4,740 without prosthesis-patient mismatch). Perioperative (OR 1.519; 95%CI 1.194-1.931, P<0.001) and 10-year (OR 1.515; 95%CI 1.280-1.795, P<0.001) mortality was increased in patients with prosthesis-patient mismatch. Patients with prosthesis-patient mismatch after mitral valve replacement had higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure and transprosthethic gradient and lower indexed effective orifice area and left ventricle ejection fraction. Conclusion: Prosthesis-patient mismatch increases perioperative and long-term mortality. Prosthesis-patient mismatch is also associated with pulmonary hypertension and depressed left ventricle systolic function. The findings of this study support the implementation of surgical strategies to prevent prosthesis-patient mismatch in order to decrease mortality rates.

Which method to use for surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation performed concomitantly with mitral valve surgery: radiofrequency ablation versus cryoablation

Abstract Objective: The effects of energy source on the maintenance of sinus rhythm and the contribution of demographic characteristics to the case selection in patients submitted to ablation performed concurrently with mitral valve surgery were analyzed. Methods: Cryothermal (n=42; 43.8%) and radiofrequency (n=54; 56.3%) energy were employed in 96 patients submitted to mitral valve replacement and Cox maze IV procedure. Patients were called for control visits between 15 days and 12 months after discharge. The causal relationship between recurrence of atrial fibrillation and factors such as left atrial diameter, C-reactive protein, hypertension, left ventricular ejection fraction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and body mass index was determined. Results: Maintenance rates of the sinus rhythm with radiofrequency and cryoablation were 97.6% and 96.3%, respectively, in the first postoperative month, whereas at the 12th postoperative month were 88.1% and 83.3%. No significant difference was found between groups in relation to the energy source. Sensitivity and specificity for left atrial diameter with a cut-off value of 50.5 mm were 85.7% and 70.7%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for C-reactive protein with a cut-off value of 12 mg/dL on the 15th postoperative day were 83.3% and 88.9%, respectively. The effect of body mass index on atrial fibrillation recurrence was 3.2 times. Sensitivity and specificity for left ventricular ejection fraction 37% cut-off value were 96.3% and 11.4%, respectively. Atrial fibrillation in hypertensive cases was 5.3 times more. In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, recurrence of atrial fibrillation was 40%. The causal relation between recurrence of atrial fibrillation and the studied factors was established. Conclusion: Demographic characteristics have a significant impact on ablation efficiency, while the type of energy source does not.

Combined mitral valve replacement and ravitch procedures in a patient with previous pneumonectomy: case report and review of the literature

Abstract Introduction: Significant anatomical and functional changes occur following pneumonectomy. Mediastinal structures displace toward the side of the resected lung, pulmonary reserve is reduced. Owing to these changes, surgical access to heart and great vessels becomes challenging, and there is increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. Methods: We performed a mitral valve replacement combined with a Ravitch procedure in a young female with previous left pneumonectomy and pectus excavatum. Results: She was discharged on postoperative day 9 and remains symptom-free 3 months after surgery. Conclusion: Thorough preoperative evaluation and intensive respiratory physiotherapy are essential before performing cardiac operations on patients with previous pneumonectomy.