Geoffrey M.K. Tsang

Early and Late Clinical Outcomes of Pulmonary Embolectomy for Acute Massive Pulmonary Embolism

BACKGROUNDnThe aim of this study was to investigate the early and late outcomes of patients undergoing pulmonary embolectomy for acute massive pulmonary embolus.nnnMETHODSnTwenty-one patients (15 male, 6 female) underwent pulmonary embolectomy at our institution between March 2001 and July 2010. The median age was 55 years (range, 24 to 70 years). Of these, 9 patients presented with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and 8 presented with New York Heart Association class III or IV. Sixteen patients underwent preoperative transthoracic echocardiography, which showed evidence of right ventricular dilatation in all, whereas in 14 patients (66.6%) pulmonary artery pressures were significantly elevated with moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation. The median preoperative Euroscore was 9 (range, 3 to 16), and 11 patients (52.1%) received systemic thrombolysis preoperatively. There were 6 salvage (28.5%), 10 emergency (47.6%), and 5 urgent (23.8%) procedures. Concomitant procedures were performed in 3 patients (14.2%), and surgery was performed without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass in 3 patients (14.2%). The median follow-up was 38 months (range, 0 to 114 months).nnnRESULTSnThe in-hospital mortality was 19% (n = 4). Postoperative complications included stroke (n = 3, 14.2%), lower respiratory tract infection (n = 6, 28.5%), wound infection (n = 3, 14.2%), acute renal failure requiring hemofiltration (n = 4, 19%), and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (n = 4, 19%). At discharge, transthoracic echocardiography showed mild to moderate right ventricular dysfunction and dilatation in 11 survivors (64.7%). Two patients died during follow-up, and actuarial survival at 5 years was 76.9% ± 10.1% and at 8 years was 51.2% ± 22.0%. At final follow-up, 11 of the 15 survivors (73.3%) were New York Heart Association class I, and no patients required further intervention.nnnCONCLUSIONSnPatients who undergo surgery for massive pulmonary embolism have an acceptable outcome despite being high-risk.

Outcome after redo-mitral valve replacement in adult patients: a 10-year single-centre experience

The aim of this study was to investigate the overall outcome of adult patients undergoing redo-mitral valve replacement (redo-MVR) at our institution. Forty-nine patients (24 males) underwent redo-MVR with either bioprosthetic (n = 24) or mechanical valves (n = 25) between January 2000 and 2010. Median age of patients was 63 years (range 21-80 years), and the mean additive EuroSCORE was 12 ± 4. Median time to re-operation was 8.2 ± 6.6 years for first time redo-MVR and 6.4 ± 5.6 years for second-time redo-MVR. Indications included prosthetic endocarditis (n = 22), para-prosthetic leak (n = 12), structural valve degeneration (n = 8), prosthetic valve thrombosis (n = 6) and malignancy (n = 1). The mean follow-up was 47.5 ± 37.0 months (range 0.1-112.3 months). In-hospital mortality was 12% (n = 6). Mean hospital stay was 17 ± 11 days (range 8-50 days). Actuarial survival at 1 and 5 years was 81 ± 5% and 72 ± 6%, respectively. Three patients required re-intervention: two for prosthetic valve endocarditis and one for para-prosthetic leak. Multivariate analysis showed that overall survival was associated with the LVEF < 50% (P < 0.001), concomitant AVR (P < 0.001) and urgent surgery (P = 0.03).

Aortic valve replacement in patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting: 10-year experience

UNLABELLEDnOBJECTIVES; This study aimed to investigate the early and late outcomes of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) with previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and patent grafts.nnnMETHODSnBetween January 2000 and March 2010, 104 patients (87 males) with previous CABG ± concomitant surgery and patent grafts underwent AVR. The median age of the patients was 75 years (range: 37-90 years; inter-quartile range: 69-79 years) and the mean logistic EuroScore was 25.37 ± 16.8. The median time since the previous operation was 9 years (range 1-25; inter-quartile range: 7-14 years). The left internal mammary artery (LIMA) had been used in 75 patients (72.1%) and remained patent in 72 cases (96.0%).nnnRESULTSnThirty-day mortality was 7.7% (n = 8), which is less than the predicted mean logistic EuroScore. Isolated AVR was performed in 66 patients (63.5%). The LIMA was dissected and isolated (clamped or blocked with balloon) in 60 patients. The median hospital stay was 10 days (range: 4-183 days; inter-quartile range: 7-15.25 days). Nineteen patients (18.3%) had pulmonary complications, while 12 (11.5%) had acute kidney injury. Seven patients (6.7%) required permanent pacemaker. Six LIMAs (8.3%) were injured and repaired. Prolonged aortic cross-clamp (AXC) time (P = 0.038) and the presence of a previous LIMA graft (P = 0.045) were identified as independent predictors of 30-day mortality. The actuarial survival at 1 and 5 years was 89.4 ± 0.3 and 81.5 ± 0.5%, respectively. Perioperative intra-aortic balloon pump use (P = 0.036), prolonged AXC time (P = 0.004) and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (P = 0.022) were associated with worse long-term overall survival on multivariate analysis.nnnCONCLUSIONSnAVR post-CABG with patent grafts can be performed in high-risk patients with excellent short- and long-term outcomes and appears to be superior to published catheter-based interventions. In the absence of randomized trial data, we believe that open AVR remains the treatment of choice for aortic valve disease following prior CABG.

Hemodynamic performance of Trifecta: Single-center experience of 400 patients

Objective To evaluate postoperative hemodynamic gradients and early outcomes of aortic valve replacement with the Trifecta bioprosthesis. Methods Between 2011 and 2013, 400 patients underwent aortic valve replacement with a Trifecta bioprosthesis. Gradients were calculated by transthoracic echocardiography before discharge. Data were collected retrospectively; patients with postoperative severe left ventricular dysfunction oru2009>u2009mild mitral regurgitation were excluded. Results The mean age was 75.9u2009±u20098.5 years, 197 (49.25%) patients were male, and 140 (35%) were >80-years old. Concomitant procedures were performed in 207 (51.75%) patients, and 30 (7.5%) had redo procedures. Supraannular aortoplasty with bovine pericardium was necessary in 25 (6.25%) cases. Hospital mortality was 2.75% (11 patients). Postoperative peak and mean gradients were 21.7u2009±u20099.3 and 11.1u2009±u20094.3u2009mm Hg for 19-mm valves (nu2009=u200929); 19.5u2009±u20097 and 9.7u2009±u20093.6u2009mm Hg for 21-mm valves (nu2009=u2009158); 17.3u2009±u20096.6 and 8.7u2009±u20093.2u2009mm Hg for 23-mm valves (nu2009=u2009134); 15.1u2009±u20096.1 and 7.8u2009±u20093.3u2009mm Hg for 25-mm valves (nu2009=u200956); 13.2u2009±u20093.7 and 6.9u2009±u20092.6u2009mm Hg for 27-mm valves (nu2009=u200911). Nine patients had trivial and one had mild transvalvular regurgitation. Mean follow-up was 1u2009±u20090.62 years; no patient required reoperation. Kaplan-Meier survival at 1 and 2 years was 94.3%u2009±u20091.3% and 93.7%u2009±u20091.4%. Conclusion Early postoperative gradients are low after Trifecta implantation. Significant transvalvular regurgitation was not observed, but the incidence of supraannular aortoplasty may be increased.

Repair of acute type A aortic dissection: results in 100 patients.

To determine short- and long-term outcomes after repair of type A aortic dissection, we reviewed data of 100 consecutive patients (64 men; mean age, 63u2009±u200912.2 years) who underwent acute type A aortic dissection repair between January 2000 and June 2008. They were divided into group A, open anastomosis (circulatory arrest; nu2009=u200959) and group B, closed anastomosis (no circulatory arrest; nu2009=u200941). Aortic valve re-suspension or replacement was performed in 77 patients, aortic root replacement in 29, and aortic arch procedures in 31. The median follow-up was 2.8 years (range, 0–8.6 years). The 30-day mortality was 14%; 16.9% in group A and 9.8% in group B. None of the 23 variables analyzed to determine predictors of death or stroke was significant on multivariate analysis. Postoperatively, there was no difference between the 2 groups with respect to stroke, sepsis, renal failure, multiorgan failure, or reoperation. Overall actuarial survival at 1, 3, 5, and 8 years was not significantly different between the 2 groups. Considerable morbidity is still associated with repair of type A aortic dissection, despite a significant improvement in mortality.

Acute type A aortic dissection repair in elderly patients

OBJECTIVESnWe evaluated our experience in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair in elderly patients. The role of clinical presentation and surgical strategies in determining patients outcome was further assessed.nnnMETHODSnA retrospective analysis of patients over 75 years who underwent emergency repair of ATAAD at our institution during 2000-13 was performed. Forty-five patients (mean age = 79 ± 3 years; 26 females) were identified. Aortic dissection was complicated in 17 (37%) patients with new neurological deficit (n = 5), cardiac tamponade (n = 12), acute myocardial infarction (n = 5) and acute renal failure (n = 2). The ascending aorta was replaced in all patients and hypothermic circulatory arrest was employed in 22 patients. The aortic replacement needed extension to the hemiarch in 11 patients and the aortic valve was replaced in 9 patients; in 3 cases, full root replacement was performed.nnnRESULTSnThe in-hospital mortality rate was 15% (n = 7). Preoperative acute neurological deficit was the only independent risk factor for mortality (P = 0.03). Age >80 years old per se was not associated with a poor outcome. Surgical strategies and extension of aortic wall resection did not affect the operative mortality. The postoperative course was complicated in 23 (52%) patients. During the median follow-up of 57 months, there were 4 late deaths. The cumulative 1-, 5- and 8-year survival rates were 82, 76 and 67%, respectively.nnnCONCLUSIONSnEmergency surgical repair of ATAAD in elderly patients resulted in an acceptable early mortality rate and satisfactory intermediate survival. Preoperative acute neurological deficit predicts a worse outcome. Advanced age alone should not be considered as a contraindication to AAD repair.

Long-term outcome following repair of acute type A aortic dissection after previous cardiac surgery.

We evaluated the outcome after repair for acute spontaneous type A aortic dissection in patients with previous cardiac surgery. From January 2000 to December 2009, 114 patients underwent emergency repair for acute spontaneous type A dissection at Southampton University Hospital. Eleven (median age 64xa0years; range 36-83xa0years; two females) patients (9.8%) had undergone previous cardiac surgery and were included in this study. Aortic root replacement was performed in three patients (27%), aortic arch replacement in four patients (36%) and two patients (18%) required aortic valve re-suspension. The elephant trunk operation was performed in two patients (18%). There were two hospital deaths (18%). Two patients (18%) suffered a stroke, two needed re-opening for bleeding (18%) and two patients (18%) required haemofiltration postoperatively. Median length of hospital stay was 16xa0days (range 6-34xa0days). Actuarial survival at five and eight years for redo compared to first-time surgery was 68±3.63% vs. 81±5.34% and 51±3.8% vs. 61±5.4%, respectively (P=0.365). In conclusion, acute type A aortic dissection repair in patients with previous cardiac surgery has an acceptable mortality and comparable long-term outcome to first-time surgery.

Open and closed distal anastomosis for acute type A aortic dissection repair

OBJECTIVESnThe current consensus favours an open distal anastomosis for aortic dissection repair. A small number of experiences have compared early and long-term outcomes between closed and open distal anastomosis in the setting of acute aortic dissection.nnnMETHODSnWe reviewed our experience in 204 patients who underwent repair of spontaneous acute type A aortic dissection between January 2000 and December 2013. Open distal repair was performed in 109 patients, whereas 95 patients received a closed anastomosis. The clinical presentation, anatomical characteristics of aortic dissection, surgical techniques and the outcomes were analysed in the overall population and in the subgroup of patients (n = 100; open = 39, closed = 61) with Type 1 DeBakey dissection and a proximal intimal tear. Twenty-six preoperative and operative variables were studied to determine their impact on hospital mortality and postoperative neurological deficits. Imaging follow-up was available in 83 patients.nnnRESULTSnA more extensive involvement of the aortic arch characterized the open repair group. No differences in terms of mortality, morbidity and survival rates were observed between the two groups of patients. Open repair with cerebral perfusion was associated with a better neurological outcome. Patients who underwent an open distal anastomosis showed a significant higher rate of complete thrombosis of the false lumen.nnnCONCLUSIONSnAn open repair does not increase the risk of early mortality and positively affect the evolution of the false lumen in distal unresected aortic segments. The use of cerebral perfusion reduces the risk of perioperative neurological injury.

Mid-term evaluation of Sorin Soprano bioprostheses in patients with a small aortic annulus ≤20 mm

We set to examine the mid-term outcome after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with Soprano pericardial stented bioprosthesis measuring <or=20 mm. Sixty-eight patients underwent AVR between June 2003 and January 2006 (50 women; median age 77 years; range 60-89 years). Preoperatively, 60 patients (88.2%) were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV. The mean EuroSCORE was 6.7+/-2.3. Supra-annular aortoplasty was performed in 21 patients (30.9%), out of which 11 patients received an 18 mm prosthesis (55%). The median follow-up was 45.5 months (0.1-62 months). The 30-day mortality was 4.4% (n=3) with no early valve-related deaths. No patient suffered a cerebrovascular accident and no patient required replacement of prosthesis for coronary malperfusion. Postoperatively, the mean gradient across the 18 mm bioprosthesis (n=20) was 25+/-8.9 mmHg and across the 20 mm bioprosthesis (n=48) was 25.5+/-7.3 mmHg (P=NS). During follow-up, there was no valve-related death, re-operation for structural valve degeneration, endocarditis or valve thrombosis. There were five late deaths and actuarial survival at three and five years was 92.7+/-3.1% and 81.0+/-6.9%, respectively. At last follow-up, 86.7% (n=52) of survivors were in NYHA class I/II. AVR with Soprano bioprosthesis measuring <or=20 mm is associated with excellent mid-term outcome. Continued follow-up is required to determine the long-term efficacy of the prosthesis.