Diane E. Alejo

Aortic Root Replacement in 372 Marfan Patients: Evolution of Operative Repair Over 30 Years

BACKGROUND We reviewed the evolution of practice and late results of aortic root replacement (ARR) in Marfan syndrome patients at our institution. METHODS A retrospective clinical review of Marfan patients undergoing ARR at our institution was performed. Follow-up data were obtained from hospital and office records and from telephone contact with patients or their physicians. RESULTS Between September 1976 and September 2006, 372 Marfan syndrome patients underwent ARR: 269 had a Bentall composite graft, 85 had valve-sparing ARR, 16 had ARR with homografts, and 2 had ARR with porcine xenografts. In the first 24 years of the study, 85% received a Bentall graft; during the last 8 years, 61% had a valve-sparing procedure. There was no operative or hospital mortality among the 327 patients who underwent elective repair; there were 2 deaths among the 45 patients (4.4%) who underwent emergent or urgent operative repair. There were 74 late deaths (70 Bentalls, 2 homograft, and 2 valve-sparing ARRs). The most frequent causes of late death were dissection or rupture of the residual aorta (10 of 74) and arrhythmia (9 of 74). Of the 85 patients who had a valve-sparing procedure, 40 had a David II remodeling operation; there was 1 late death in this group, and 5 patients required late aortic valve replacement for aortic insufficiency. A David I reimplantation procedure using the De Paulis Valsalva graft has been used exclusively since May 2002. All 44 patients in this last group have 0 to 1+ aortic insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS Prophylactic surgical replacement of the ascending aorta in patients with Marfan syndrome has low operative risk and can prevent aortic catastrophe in most patients. Valve-sparing procedures, particularly using the reimplantation technique with the Valsalva graft, show promise but have not yet proven as durable as the Bentall.

Aortic Root Operations for Marfan Syndrome: A Comparison of the Bentall and Valve-Sparing Procedures

BACKGROUND We compared results of the Bentall procedure with valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR) for aortic root aneurysm in Marfan syndrome. METHODS Marfan syndrome patients who had the Bentall procedure or VSRR at our institution between April 1997 and September 2006 were identified. Follow-up information was obtained from hospital charts and contact with patients or their physicians. Kaplan-Meier survival and propensity score analyses were performed. RESULTS One hundred forty Marfan syndrome patients had either the Bentall procedure (n = 56) or VSRR (n = 84; 40 remodeling and 44 reimplantation). Bentall patients were older than VSRR patients (38 versus 29 years; p = 0.0001) and had more aortic dissections (16% versus 1%; p = 0.0012); more urgent/emergent surgery (20% versus 2%; p = 0.0008); larger preoperative sinus diameter (5.7 versus 5.1 cm; p = 0.0004); and more preoperative 3+/4+ aortic insufficiency (59% versus 10%; p < 0.0001). There were no operative deaths. Postoperatively, 9% Bentall patients (5 of 56) and 1% of VSRR patients (1 of 84) suffered thromboembolic events (p = 0.03). Two percent (1 of 56) of Bentall patients required reoperation on the aortic root versus 6% of VSRR patients (5 of 84; p = 0.40). Eight-year freedom from aortic valve replacement was 90% for VSRR patients. Eight-year survival was 90% for Bentall and 100% for VSRR patients (p = 0.01). Propensity-adjusted regression showed that the Bentall procedure did not predict mortality (p = 1.00) and did not protect from reoperation (odds ratio = 0.28; 95% confidence interval: 0.01 to 4.33; p = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS The Bentall procedure and VSRR have similar operative results in Marfan syndrome. The procedures are distinguished by higher rates of thromboembolism among Bentall patients and higher rates of reoperation among VSRR patients. Lower late survival among Bentall patients probably reflects the preferential use of the Bentall procedure for higher risk patients.

Aortic Valve Replacement and Concomitant Mitral Valve Regurgitation in the Elderly Impact on Survival and Functional Outcome

Background—The impact of mitral regurgitation (MR) on elderly patients (≥70 years) undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) is not clearly defined. This study investigates the long-term effects of preoperative, moderate MR on survival and functional outcome in elderly AVR patients. Methods and Results—A retrospective review identified 408 consecutive elderly patients who underwent isolated AVR from January 1983 to February 2004. The pathologic etiology of MR was determined on preoperative echocardiogram, and patients were stratified into no/mild MR (Group I; n =338) versus moderate MR (Group II; n =70). Follow-up was 95.1% complete. Functional outcome was evaluated using the Short Form-12 questionnaire. On univariate analysis, Groups I and II differed in incidence of previous myocardial infarction (13.9% versus 28.6%; P=0.004), hyperlipidemia (18.7% versus 33.3%; P=0.009), and congestive heart failure (50.0% versus 70.0%; P=0.002). On multivariate analysis, moderate MR was an independent risk factor impacting long-term survival (P=0.04). Actuarial survival at 1, 5, and 10 years for Group I was 93.8%, 73.3%, and 40.1% versus 92.3%, 58.2%, and 14.6% for Group II (P=0.04). Available postoperative echocardiograms for Group II (n =37) demonstrated improvement in MR in 81.8% of functional MR patients. However, MR persisted or worsened in 65.4% of patients with intrinsic mitral valve disease (myxomatous, calcific, or ischemic MR). Functional outcomes showed 77% of Group I versus 78.6% of Group II rated their health as good to excellent post-AVR. Conclusions—Moderate MR is an independent risk factor impacting long-term survival in elderly patients undergoing AVR. Therefore, patients with intrinsic mitral valve disease should be considered for concomitant MV surgery.

A 32-Year Experience with Surgical Repair of Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysms

Abstract  Introduction: Sinus of Valsalva (SoV) aneurysms are rare (0.15% to 1.5% CPB cases) and five times more frequent in Asians. Usually congenital, SoV aneurysms arise from the right or noncoronary sinus, are associated with other cardiac defects, and are repaired primarily or with a patch. Acquired SoV aneuryms develop secondary to infection or trauma. Here, we describe our 32‐year experience with SoV aneurysm repair in a Western population. Methods: A retrospective review identified 22 patients who underwent SoV aneurysm repair between 1971 and 2003. Data is presented as mean ± standard error (median). Results: Dyspnea was the most common presenting symptom. Nineteen of 22 patients were ruptured at the time of operation; three were found incidentally. Fifteen patients had associated cardiac defects including ventricular septal defect (VSD) (6), aortic insufficiency (6), and coarctation (3). One patient, repaired primarily, required reoperation for recurrence. All other patients underwent patch repair. The operative survival was 95% (21/22). There were five known late deaths at 6.6 ± 2.3 (5.7) years post‐repair. Five and ten year survival rates were 84.9 ± 11% and 59.4 ± 17%, respectively. Conclusion: Observed differences in the sinus of origin, age at presentation, associated cardiac malformations, and mortality in our Western series versus previous Asian cohort studies likely reflect a racial disparity and higher prevalence of acquired versus congenital SoV aneurysms. We recommend a thorough search for a VSD in all cases and use of patch repair, regardless of size, to reduce risk of recurrence.

Aspirin Plus Clopidogrel and Risk of Infection After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

BACKGROUND The risks associated with the use of the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel before surgery are incompletely understood. Pharmacologic suppression of platelet function may increase the risk of postoperative infection by inhibiting hemostasis, immunity, or both. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1677 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery to determine the relationship of the preoperative use of aspirin plus clopidogrel vs aspirin alone to the 30-day incidence of postoperative surgical site infection and bacteremia. RESULTS The cumulative incidence of infection at 30 days was 23.1% and 16.1% in patients who were receiving dual antiplatelet therapy and aspirin monotherapy, respectively (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-2.08). The risk of infection remained higher among patients who were receiving dual antiplatelet therapy after adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, preoperative, and intraoperative risk factors (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.01-2.00) and propensity score (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.01-2.01]). Transfusion rates were also higher among patients who were receiving dual antiplatelet therapy than among patients who were receiving aspirin monotherapy (68.4% vs 60.4%, P = .04), but transfusion played a modest role in mediating the risk of infection (adjusted HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.96-1.93]). Mortality rates at 30 days were 5.2% and 3.1% in patients who were receiving dual antiplatelet and aspirin monotherapy, respectively (adjusted HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 0.70-2.99]). CONCLUSIONS Preoperative use of aspirin plus clopidogrel is associated with an increased risk of infection after coronary artery bypass surgery. These findings merit additional work to clarify the risks and benefits of uninterrupted dual antiplatelet therapy in surgical patients and the impact of platelet inhibition on infectious outcomes in populations that are at heightened infectious risk.

Pulse pressure is an age-independent predictor of stroke development after cardiac surgery

Chronologic age is a strong predictor of adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery. The variability in age-related cardiovascular changes suggests that age may not be the most accurate predictor of adverse perioperative outcomes. Vascular stiffness has emerged as an important surrogate of vascular aging. In a retrospective review, we investigated the value of vascular stiffness, as assessed by brachial pulse pressure (PP) measurements, in predicting stroke in 703 patients (63.4% men and 36.6% women). Patients were followed for 348±215 days after cardiac surgery. We used a multivariable logistic model and unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional-hazard models to assess the probability of stroke and the hazards of stroke over time. Stroke patients had a significantly higher PP (81.2 mm Hg versus 64.5 mm Hg; P=0.0006). In the logistic regression model, PP was an independent predictor of stroke development (unadjusted odds ratio: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.62, for every 10-mm Hg increase in PP; P=0.001). In the unadjusted and adjusted Cox models, PP again predicted stroke (hazard ratio: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.57; hazard ratio: 2.62; 95% CI: 1.49 to 4.60, respectively; P=0.001 for both) for every 10 mm Hg increase in PP. Age, gender, and diabetes were not independent predictors of stroke. Ejection fraction was inversely related to stroke in the adjusted model. Kaplan–Meier estimates and corresponding log-rank test indicated that the probability of stroke-free survival function was significantly lower (P=0.0067) in patients with PP >72 mm Hg versus <72 mm Hg. This analysis suggests that indices of vascular stiffness could be important predictors of neurologic complications.

Valve-sparing aortic root replacement in Loeys-Dietz syndrome

BACKGROUND Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a recently recognized aggressive aortic disorder characterized by root aneurysm, arterial tortuosity, hypertelorism, and bifid uvula or cleft palate. The results of prophylactic root replacement using valve-sparing procedures (valve-sparing root replacement [VSRR]) in patients with LDS is not known. METHODS We reviewed all patients with clinical and genetic (transforming growth factor-β receptor mutations) evidence of LDS who underwent VSRR at our institution. Echocardiographic and clinical data were obtained from hospital and follow-up clinic records. RESULTS From 2002 to 2009, 31 patients with a firm diagnosis of LDS underwent VSRR for aortic root aneurysm. Mean age was 15 years, and 24 (77%) were children. One (3%) patient had a bicuspid aortic valve. Preoperative sinus diameter was 3.9±0.8 cm (z score 7.0±2.9) and 2 (6%) had greater than 2+ aortic insufficiency. Thirty patients (97%) underwent reimplantation procedures using a Valsalva graft. There were no operative deaths. Mean follow-up was 3.6 years (range, 0 to 7 years). One patient required late repair of a pseudoaneurysm at the distal aortic anastomosis, and 1 had a conversion to a David reimplantation procedure after a Florida sleeve operation. No patient suffered thromboembolism or endocarditis, and 1 (3%) patient experienced greater than 2+ late aortic insufficiency. No patient required late aortic valve repair or replacement. CONCLUSIONS Loeys-Dietz syndrome is an aggressive aortic aneurysm syndrome that can be addressed by prophylactic aortic root replacement with low operative risk. Valve-sparing procedures have encouraging early and midterm results, similar to those in Marfan syndrome, and are an attractive option for young patients.

Valve-sparing aortic root replacement in children: intermediate-term results

Valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR) is an attractive option for aortic aneurysm in children with low-operative risk, but mid- and late-term results are not yet known. Between 1997 and 2009, 56 children (mean age 11.5 years) underwent VSRR at our institution. Twenty-six (46.4%) had Marfan syndrome and 24 (42.8%) had Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Mean preoperative max sinus diameter was 4.2±0.8 cm (Z-score 7.7±2.9). Five (8.9%) had >2+ aortic insufficiency (AI). Two (3.6%) underwent David I reimplantation with a straight-tube, 12 (21.4%) had a Yacoub remodeling procedure, and 42 (75.0%) had reimplantation using a Valsalva-graft. There were one (1.8%) operative and three (5.4%) late deaths. One patient required reoperation for bleeding and one required late repair of a distal pseudoaneurysm. Mean follow-up was 5.2 years (range 0-12 years). No patients suffered thromboembolic events or had endocarditis. Of the 12 remodeling patients, four (33.3%) developed >2+ AI and required aortic valve repair or replacement. No patient developed >2+ AI after reimplantation. VSRR in children is a safe alternative to aortic root replacement with mechanical or biological prostheses. In this particular group of patients with connective tissue disorders and proclivity toward annular dilation and late AI, reimplantation is superior to remodeling.

Cardiac valve replacement in human immunodeficiency virus–infected patients

BACKGROUND Valve replacement in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients is being performed with increasing frequency, but the early and late results in these immunocompromised patients are not known. METHODS A 10-year retrospective clinical review was undertaken; patients and their physicians were contacted for follow-up clinical status. RESULTS Twenty-two HIV-infected patients underwent valve replacement between 1990 and 1999, with no operative or hospital deaths. Mean patient age was 37.6 years; 15 were men. Indications for operation were heart failure in 59% (13/22) and sepsis in 91% (20/22). There were 12 aortic valve replacements, seven mitral valve replacements, and three double valve replacements. Mechanical valves were used in 11, bioprostheses in seven, and homografts in four. Follow-up information was available in 20 of 22 patients (84%). At mean follow-up of 5 years, there were 10 late deaths, due to: intracerebral hemorrhage (2), heart failure (2), unknown cause (2), renal failure (1), AIDS (1), sepsis (1) and endocarditis (1). Of the 20 patients with active preoperative endocarditis, 4 (20%) developed recurrent endocarditis; freedom from recurrent endocarditis was 83% at 1 year. Intravenous drug abuse was reported in 16 patients; survival among these patients was 94% at 1 month and 50% at 5 years. Recurrent endocarditis was only seen in patients with continued intravenous drug abuse. CONCLUSIONS Valve replacement in HIV-infected patients has low operative risk, but late results are poor when HIV infection is associated with intravenous drug abuse, probably due to immunocompromise and continued high-risk behavior.

Society of Thoracic Surgeons Risk Score predicts hospital charges and resource use after aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVE The impact of Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted mortality risk score on resource use has not been previously studied. We hypothesize that increasing Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk scores in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement are associated with greater hospital charges. METHODS Clinical and financial data for patients undergoing aortic valve replacement at The Johns Hopkins Hospital over a 10-year period (January 2000 to December 2009) were reviewed. The current Society of Thoracic Surgeons formula (v2.61) for in-hospital mortality was used for all patients. After stratification into risk quartiles, index admission hospital charges were compared across risk strata with rank-sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Linear regression and Spearmans coefficient assessed correlation and goodness of fit. Multivariable analysis assessed relative contributions of individual variables on overall charges. RESULTS A total of 553 patients underwent aortic valve replacement during the study period. Average predicted mortality was 2.9% (±3.4) and actual mortality was 3.4% for aortic valve replacement. Median charges were greater in the upper quartile of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (quartiles 1-3,