Femoral cannulation with long arterial cannula in aortic dissection.

The optimal cannulation site in repair of DeBakey type I aortic dissection is controversial, and malperfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass is facilitated by retrograde flow. We propose the use of a long arterial cannula through the femoral artery to achieve a proximal antegrade perfusion. The tip of the cannula is placed in the true lumen of the distal aortic arch through the common femoral artery (Seldinger technique and transesophageal echography guidance). In 9 patients, there was one case of operative mortality (cardiac death), and no cases of perioperative stroke, bowel ischemia, severe renal failure, or local complications. Proximal perfusion can achieved rapidly and through an easily accessible site.

Bypass versus drug-eluting stents at three years in SYNTAX patients with diabetes mellitus or metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus increases adverse outcomes after coronary revascularization; however, the impact of metabolic syndrome is unclear. We examined the impact of diabetes and metabolic syndrome on coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and stenting outcomes to determine the optimal revascularization option for the treatment of complex coronary artery disease. METHODS: Patients (n = 1,800) with left main or three-vessel disease or both were randomly allocated to treatment with a TAXUS Express(2) paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES) or CABG, and were included in predefined nondiabetic (n = 1,348) or diabetic subgroups (n = 452); 258 patients with diabetes also had metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: Among diabetic patients, the 3-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) rate (22.9% CABG, 37.0% PES; p = 0.002) and revascularization rate (12.9% CABG, 28.0% PES; p < 0.001) were higher after PES treatment. Diabetes increased MACCE rates among PES-treated patients, but had little impact on results after CABG. Compared with CABG, PES treatment yielded comparable MACCE in diabetic patients (30.5% versus 29.8%, p =0.98) and nondiabetic patients (20.2% versus 20.3%, p =0.99) with low Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) study scores of 22 or less. For patients with SYNTAX Scores of 33 or greater, MACCE rates were lower with CABG (18.5% versus 45.9%, p < 0.001 diabetic; 19.8% versus 30.0%, p = 0.01 nondiabetic). Metabolic syndrome did not significantly predict MACCE or repeat revascularization. CONCLUSIONS: These exploratory analyses suggest that among diabetic patients with complex left main or three-vessel disease, or both, 3-year MACCE is higher after PES compared with CABG. Although PES is a potential treatment option in patients with less complex lesions, CABG should be the revascularization option of choice for patients with more complex anatomic disease, especially with concurrent diabetes. Metabolic syndrome had little impact on 3-year outcomes.

Results of reoperation on the aortic root and the ascending aorta.

BACKGROUND: Reoperations on the aortic root and the ascending aorta after previous aortic valve and proximal aortic surgery are increasingly frequent and highly demanding. The scarce comparability of the published series and the heterogeneity of clinical pictures contribute to the challenges of this subgroup. METHODS: Forty-one patients (2004 to 2010) who were reoperated on the aortic root and the ascending aorta for aneurysmal, pseudoaneurysmal, or infectious disease were retrospectively analyzed from a prospectively filled-in database. RESULTS: Mean logistic European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation was 29.8%. At index reoperation, procedures were classic Bentall (51%), prosthesis-sparing operation (17%), supracoronary ascending aortic replacement plus aortic valve replacement-repair (22%), and root replacement using valved homografts (9.7%). Distally, the operation involved the arch in 51% of cases (17 hemiarch replacement, 4 total transverse arch, 3 elephant trunk). Operative mortality was 12% and rate of major operative morbidity was 17%. At a mean 26-months follow-up, the patients surviving the operation had a good survival and functional class. The rate of adverse events during the follow-up was acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: Reoperations on the aortic root-ascending aorta in the elective patients have respectable operative mortality-morbidity despite the high-risk profile, and are justified by the excellent follow-up survival. The mortality can be diminished by integrated surgical strategies and optimal myocardial protection. Our findings encourage complete resection of borderline dilated ascending aortic-root tissue at primary and redo operation.

Aortic expansion rate in patients with dilated post-stenotic ascending aorta submitted only to aortic valve replacement long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conceived to describe the evolution of aortic dimensions in patients with moderate post-stenotic ascending aorta dilation (50 to 59 mm) submitted to aortic valve replacement (AVR) alone. BACKGROUND: The appropriate treatment of post-stenotic ascending aorta dilation has been poorly investigated. METHODS: Ninety-three patients affected by severe isolated calcific aortic valve stenosis in the tricuspid aortic valve accompanied by moderate dilation of the ascending aorta (50 to 59 mm) were submitted to AVR only. All patients were followed for a mean of 14.7 ± 4.8 years by means of periodic clinical evaluations and echocardiography and tomography scans of the thorax. RESULTS: Operative mortality was 1.0% (1 patient). During the follow-up, 16 patients died and 2 had to be reoperated for valve dysfunction. No patients experienced acute aortic events (rupture, dissection, pseudoaneurysm), and no patient had to be reoperated on the aorta. There was not a substantial increase in aortic dimensions: mean aortic diameter was 57 ± 11 mm at the end of the follow-up versus 56 ± 02 mm pre-operatively (p = NS). The mean ascending aorta expansion rate was 0.3 ± 0.2 mm/year. CONCLUSION: In the absence of connective tissue disorders, AVR alone is sufficient to prevent further aortic expansion in patients with moderate post-stenotic dilation of the ascending aorta. Aortic replacement can probably be reserved for patients with a long life expectancy.

Giant coronary sinus aneurysm secondary to right coronary arteriovenous fistula leading to pseudo-mitral stenosis.

We herein report a case in which a right coronary to coronary sinus arteriovenous fistula determined progressive aneurysmatic dilatation of the coronary sinus. Severe compression of the left atrium ensued. This led to a clinical and instrumental picture similar to that observed in severe mitral stenosis.

Postoperative inflammatory reaction and atrial fibrillation: simple correlation or causation?

Atrial fibrillation after cardiac operations is a source of morbidity and resource consumption. This systematic review of literature analyzes the current evidence on its pathophysiologic link with the systemic inflammatory response elicited by surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass. Meta-analysis of randomized studies on the effect of off-pump surgery or statin pre-treatment on the incidence of atrial fibrillation was performed. The concept of inflammation as a pathophysiologic determinant of postoperative atrial fibrillation is supported by the literature. The modulation of post-cardiopulmonary bypass systemic inflammation will probably represent a major therapeutic goal in the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Statins seem to be the most promising pharmacological strategy.

Diagnostic and surgical issues in emergency presentation of a pelvic leiomyoma in the right heart.

A computed tomography scan in a 43-year-old woman with a nonsignificant previous medical history demonstrated an inferior caval mass prolapsing through the right atrium and the tricuspid valve. The mass was misdiagnosed as a thrombus-in-transit, and heparin was started. The clinical picture suddenly evolved into cardiogenic shock, and the patient underwent an emergency resection of the intracardiac portion of the mass. Macroscopic and microscopic features were consistent with leiomyoma. In the presence of an inferior caval mass, historical elements and computed tomography imaging that do not corroborate the hypothesis of caval thrombosis should raise the suspicion of intracaval tumor originating from an abdominal or pelvic organ. The preferred treatment strategy is an elective combined thoracic and abdominal resection.

Is early tracheostomy a risk factor for mediastinitis after median sternotomy?

Early tracheostomy may increase the risk of mediastinitis after median sternotomy. Patients who had postoperative tracheostomy after cardiac surgery in the period 2000-2005 were retrospectively analyzed (total: 5095 patients) to evaluate the incidence of mediastinitis and sternal wound infections. Fifty-seven cases (1.1% of all operated patients) had postoperative tracheostomy at an average 5.6 +/- 0.7 days postoperatively. None of these patients had mediastinitis. Eleven cases of aseptic sternal instability and ten cases of mild-to-moderate infection limited to subcutaneous planes were observed. There was no correlation between the time to performance of tracheostomy and the isolation of bacteria from the thoracic wounds (p = 0.61). The bacterial strains isolated from subcutaneous infection were qualitatively and quantitatively different from those isolated from bronchial secretions. We conclude that in this study there is no demonstrable link between early tracheostomy after sternotomy and mediastinitis. Early tracheostomy should not be denied due to concerns of increasing the risk of mediastinitis.

Assessment of the position of retrograde cardioplegia catheter: comparison of hemodynamic versus manual evaluation in a prospective randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a hemodynamic method for the assessment of the position of the retrograde cardioplegia catheter (RCC) versus conventional Manual Assessment. METHODS: We randomized 200 patients undergoing aortic valve surgery to Manual (n = 101) or Hemodynamic Assessment (n = 99). In the Hemodynamic group a 25% pressure increase at the tip of the RCC when a fistula with the ascending aorta was created via a luer-lock was considered indicative of correct RCC placement. Transesophageal echocardiography was used as a comparison evaluation method. RESULTS: The Hemodynamic and Manual Assessment considered the RCC positioning successful in 89.9% versus 85.1% of cases. Echocardiography confirmed these results in Hemodynamic group but revealed 23 cases of misrecognized incorrect placement in the Manual group (p < 0.0001). Manual maneuvers resulted in 18 cases of secondary displacement and 19 cases of hemodynamic instability (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The Hemodynamic Method is quantitative, reproducible, highly reliable, and safer than palpation in the posterior atrioventricular groove.

Extracorporeal circulation by peripheral cannulation before redo sternotomy: indications and results.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiac reoperations are challenging and time-consuming, and have a high risk for reentry injuries. We discuss the indications, advantages, and technologic features of cardiopulmonary bypass by peripheral cannulation before resternotomy. METHODS: Of 610 redo cardiac interventions from 2000 to 2006, 158 (25.9%) were performed with peripheral cannulation and ongoing cardiopulmonary bypass before resternotomy. This was indicated in the following: close adhesions between the sternum and the anterior cardiac surface; ascending aorta or bypass grafts (computed tomography scan); and patients with functional tricuspid regurgitation, hemodynamic/electric instability, previous mediastinitis, or depressed ejection fraction. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was always performed. RESULTS: Venous drainage was obtained by cannulation of the common femoral vein (Seldinger technique) and right internal jugular vein (percutaneously). Arterial nonocclusive cannula was placed in the femoral artery (Seldinger technique). Cardiopulmonary bypass time before cardiotomy was 35 +/- 14.7 minutes. There were 5 perioperative deaths, none due to reentry injury. Damage to mediastinal structures at resternotomy occurred in 4 cases. In all cases, peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass allowed adequate and comfortable repair. The operative time was 296 +/- 60 minutes. The average total postoperative bleeding was 264 +/- 38 mL/m(2). No patient experienced complications related to femoral cannulation. The Seldinger method allowed little vascular trauma and intraoperative patency of femoral vessels. CONCLUSION: In selected patients, cardiopulmonary bypass before resternotomy is a valid and reproducible option to render cardiac reoperations safer and more expeditious in the reentry phase. The absence of cannulae in the operating field makes the procedure more comfortable. The liberal use of this strategy is recommended in redo cases.

Role of apoptosis in pressure-overload cardiomyopathy.

In the natural history of pressure overload, the hypertrophy response of the left ventricle initially normalizes wall stress and allows preservation of a normal ejection fraction. Nevertheless, patients progress gradually or suddenly from compensated hypertrophy to ventricular dilation with heart failure. Long-standing hypertrophy entails a maladaptive response, which is due to derangements inherent in the myocardium rather than to a progressive increase in the cause of pressure overload. Despite this condition being linked to major clinical consequences and an unfavourable prognosis, the cellular and molecular mechanisms in pressure-overload cardiomyopathy have not yet been established. This review discusses the available experimental and clinical evidence with respect to the role played by myocardial apoptosis in pressure-overload cardiomyopathy.

Myocardial apoptosis predicts postoperative course after aortic valve replacement in patients with severe left ventricular hypertrophy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Myocardial apoptosis has been implicated in heart failure and post-infarct remodeling. In some patients with severe aortic stenosis, delayed valvular replacement is associated with a poor in-hospital outcome. The study aim was to evaluate the impact of cardiomyocyte apoptosis on the postoperative course after aortic valve replacement (AVR) for severe aortic stenosis. METHODS: During elective AVR, myocardial biopsies were obtained from the left ventricle of 11 patients with severe left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and the samples analyzed for apoptosis. RESULTS: The mean apoptotic rate was 10.4 +/- 3.7 per thousand. (range: 5-16 per thousand). The apoptotic rate correlated directly with preoperative NYHA functional class, duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, number of days of postoperative acute renal insufficiency, and serum level of troponin T at 24 h; the apoptotic rate correlated inversely with cardiac index at 24 h postoperatively. At multivariate analysis, the apoptotic rate and left ventricular mass index were independent predictors of prolonged ICU stay. The apoptotic rate and duration of cardiopulmonary bypass were predictive of the duration of postoperative acute renal insufficiency. CONCLUSION: The study results showed an association between myocardial apoptosis and postoperative outcome in patients with severe LVH submitted for AVR. Non-invasive correlates of apoptosis may be introduced as a means of identifying patients at a higher operative risk, and may help in the evaluation of asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis. Anti-apoptotic strategies before and during surgery would possibly ameliorate the surgical results.

Long-term survival and quality of life of patients with prolonged postoperative intensive care unit stay: unmasking an apparent success.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the long-term survival and quality of life of patients who faced a prolonged (>10 days) postoperative stay in the intensive care unit and were discharged from the hospital. METHODS: Among 3125 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac operations in a 5-year period, we prospectively identified 57 who faced a prolonged postoperative intensive care unit stay and were discharged alive from the hospital. Patients were enrolled in a prospective follow-up protocol and evaluated every 6 to 12 months both clinically and instrumentally. RESULTS: Mean intensive care unit stay was 34 +/- 9 days (range 11-141 days). Follow-up was complete and mean follow-up time was 71 months. Overall survival was 12 (21%) of 57, and the majority of follow-up deaths were cardiac related. Of the surviving patients, only a small minority (4/12) regained full autonomy and returned to their previous lifestyle. Risk factors for prolonged intensive care unit stay were age, New York Heart Association/Canadian Cardiovascular Society class, hypertension, diabetes, low ejection fraction, aortic surgery, preoperative renal failure, nonelective surgery, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time, and perioperative use of aortic counterpulsator. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who face a prolonged postoperative intensive care unit stay and who were discharged from the hospital have a very poor long-term outcome and even worse quality of life. These data lead to a consideration of the wisdom of using heroic treatment in patients who face a prolonged postoperative intensive care unit stay in view of the dismal clinical results and enormous use of hospital and human resources.

The immediate life support (ILS) course--the Italian experience.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The 1-day immediate life support course (ILS) was started in the United Kingdom and adopted by the ERC to train healthcare professionals who attend cardiac arrests only occasionally. Currently, there are no reports about the ILS course from outside the UK. In this paper we describe our initial Italian experience of teaching ILS to nurses. We have also measured the impact that ILS has on the resuscitation knowledge of nurses. METHODS: The ILS course materials were translated by Italian ALS instructors who had observed the ILS course previously in the UK. From March to November 2005 nurses from a single hospital department attended the Italian ILS course. Candidate feedback was collected using an evaluation form. The change in knowledge of candidates was measured using a pre- and post-course test. Variables associated with candidate performance on course papers were investigated using multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 119 nurses attended nine ILS courses. All candidates completed the course successfully and gave high evaluation scores. ILS produced a significant increase from pre- to post-course score (10.15+/-2.75 to 13.19+/-2.53, p<0.001). The pre-course score was higher for nurses working in ICU compared with those coming from non-intensive wards, but this difference disappeared in the post-course evaluation (13.89+/-2.18 versus 12.79+/-2.65, p=ns). CONCLUSIONS: We have reproduced the ILS course in Italy successfully. ILS teaching resulted in an improvement in resuscitation knowledge of the first group of nurses trained.

Polydioxanone sternal sutures for prevention of sternal dehiscence.

BACKGROUND: Sternal dehiscence and wound instability are troublesome complications following median sternotomy. Classic sternal approximation with stainless steel wires may not be the ideal approach in patients predisposed to these complications. We tested the efficacy of polydioxanone (PDS) suture in sternal closure and in prevention of complications in comparison to steel wires in high-risk individuals. METHODS: Three hundred sixty-six patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with full median sternotomy and having body surface area (BSA) less than 1.5 m(2) were randomly assigned to receive PDS (n = 181) or stainless steel (SS, n = 185) sternal approximation. The study was focused on aseptic sternal complications, namely bone dehiscence and superficial wound instability. RESULTS: Both bone dehiscence and superficial wound instability were less frequent in the PDS Group (4 and 3 cases in the SS Group, respectively, vs. no cases in the PDS Group). Cox proportional hazards regression model in the whole study population identified female sex, chronic renal insufficiency, diabetes, advanced age, lower sternal thickness, osteoporosis, corticosteroid therapy, and prolonged CPB or ventilation times as predisposing factors to any of the two studied sternal complications. DISCUSSION: Data suggest that PDS suture can protect against development of aseptic sternal complications following median sternotomy in high-risk patients with little body mass. The adoption of PDS in other subsets of patients, i.e., obese individuals, is to be questioned.

Patients with in-stent restenosis have an increased risk of mid-term venous graft failure.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate if patients in whom in-stent restenosis developed had an higher risk of early venous graft failure compared with normal patients. METHODS: The study cohort comprised 120 patients (60 with previous in-stent restenosis and 60 controls) who received a total of 165 complementary venous grafts on the circumflex or right coronary artery system (84 in the restenosis group and 81 in the control group). All patients were prospectively followed-up and underwent reangiography at 5-years follow-up. RESULTS: In the restenosis group, 28 venous grafts (33.%) were perfectly patent, 10 showed major irregularities, and 46 were occluded. In the control patients, 50 grafts (61.7%) were perfectly patent (p < 0.001 compared with the restenosis series), 12 showed major irregularities (p = .74), and 19 were occluded (p < 0.0001). In contrast, the 5-year outcome of internal thoracic artery grafts was not affected by history of in-stent restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who developed in-stent restenosis have an higher risk of early venous graft failure compared with the control patients. Arterial grafts should probably be preferred in these patients.