Hyun-Chel Joo

Stent Versus Off-Pump Coronary Bypass Grafting in the Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stent Era

BACKGROUND Second-generation drug-eluting stents (DESs) are known to have better safety and clinical outcomes compared with the first-generation DESs. We compared the clinical results of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using second-generation DESs. METHODS The study enrolled 1,821 patients with triple-vessel or left main coronary disease, or both, who underwent OPCAB or PCI with second-generation DESs from 2008 to 2011. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), including death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and target vessel revascularization, were retrospectively compared between the two groups in a real-world and in a matched population (n = 1,294). Follow-up duration was 23.0 ± 13.0 months (range, 0 to 56 months). RESULTS The postprocedural mortality rate was comparable between the two groups (p = 0.384). The overall rate of MAACEs was 7.3% in the PCI group and 3.8% in the OPCAB group (p = 0.001). The 3-year rate of freedom from MACCEs was 88.4% ± 1.5% in the PCI group and 94.9% ± 1.0% in the OPCAB group (p < 0.001). In a matched population comparison, the 3-year rate of freedom from a MACCE was 87.5% ± 2.0% in the PCI group and 95.3% ± 1.2% in the OPCAB group (p = 0.001). The determining factors were nonfatal myocardial infarction and target vessel revascularization. The OPCAB group showed a superior rate of freedom from MACCEs in the triple-vessel (p = 0.008) and left main subset analysis (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The OPCAB showed superior outcomes in triple-vessel or left main disease, or both, compared with PCI in the second-generation DES era after 23 months of follow-up. Nonfatal myocardial infarction and target vessel revascularization were the determining factors. Longer follow-up with randomization will clarify our results.

Association of incomplete revascularization with long-term survival after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND We evaluated the effect of incomplete revascularization (IR) on the long-term outcomes after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. MATERIALS AND METHODS Of 1553 patients with triple-vessel disease who had undergone consecutive off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, 1351 (87.0%) had complete revascularization (CR) and 202 had IR (13.0%). After propensity score patient matching, we had 200 patients in each group. Cardiac survival and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) were assessed before and after patient matching. Subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate the interaction between the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the completeness of revascularization. The follow-up duration was 60 mo. RESULTS In the all-patient analysis, the CR group had a lower incidence of in-hospital mortality, cardiac mortality, and MACCE (P = 0.033, P < 0.001, and P = 0.003, respectively). The 5-year cardiac survival was 96.5% ± 0.6% in the CR group and 88.9% ± 2.5% in the IR group (P < 0.001), with a freedom from MACCE rate of 85.4% ± 1.2% and 78.8% ± 3.4%, respectively (P = 0.015). After patient matching, the CR group showed superior 5-year cardiac survival compared with the IR group (96.2% ± 1.4% versus 88.8% ± 2.5%, P = 0.022), with a similar freedom from MACCE rate. IR was identified as an independent predictor of cardiac death (hazard ratio 2.76, 95% confidence interval 1.62-4.70; P < 0.001). IR predicted cardiac death more distinctly in patients with a low LVEF (hazard ratio 5.29, 95% confidence interval 1.71-16.39; P = 0.004) than in those with a preserved LVEF (hazard ratio 2.04, 95% confidence interval 1.02-4.08; P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS CR in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting was related to superior cardiac survival after 5 years of follow-up compared with IR. The benefit of CR was more distinct in those with a low LVEF. CR should be achieved whenever possible, especially in patients with a low LVEF.

Posttreatment platelet reactivity on clopidogrel is associated with the risk of adverse events after off-pump coronary artery bypass

BACKGROUND Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel is currently recommended in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB). However, no data exist concerning platelet reactivity on clopidogrel after OPCAB. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between platelet reactivity and late major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) after OPCAB. METHODS In this prospective, single-center, observational study, on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity was measured using a point-of-care assay (VerifyNow system; Accumetrics Inc, San Diego, CA) in 859 patients who underwent OPCAB with 1 or more vein grafts. The primary end point was late MACEs (30 days-1 year) including cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to estimate the cutoff value of P2Y12 reaction units (PRUs) for MACEs. RESULTS The optimal cutoff value for posttreatment reactivity for the incidence of late MACEs was ≥188 PRU (area under the curve 0.72, 95% CI 0.68-0.75, P = .002). The incidence of late MACEs was significantly higher in the high platelet reactivity (HPR; ≥188 PRU) group than in the low platelet reactivity (<188 PRU) group (3.6% vs. 1.4%, P = .040). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed 1-year MACE-free survival rates of 98.4% ± 0.5% and 95.9% ± 1.3% in the low platelet reactivity and HPR groups, respectively (P = .034). According to a Cox regression hazard model, HPR was an independent risk factor for late MACE-free survival (hazard ratio 3.51, 95% CI 1.27-9.69, P = .015). CONCLUSION High residual platelet reactivity after clopidogrel administration is strongly associated with 1-year MACE-free survival. Routine measurement of platelet reactivity and thorough monitoring of patients with HPR after OPCAB are warranted.

Comparison of Radial Artery and Saphenous Vein Composite Y Grafts during Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass

Background The safety and efficacy of arterial composite grafts for total arterial revascularization have been demonstrated. The saphenous vein (SV) is a widely used graft because of its accessibility, sufficient length, and ease of manipulation. Our aim was to compare mid-term outcomes of saphenous vein Y-grafts with radial artery Y-grafts joined by anastomosis to the left internal thoracic artery. Materials and Methods Records of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with composite Y-grafts based on the left internal thoracic artery technique in 552 patients were analyzed retrospectively. After propensity score matching, 79 radial arterial (RA) composite grafts (RA group) and 79 saphenous vein composite grafts (SV group) were compared. The duration of mean follow-up was 24.6±14.6 months (range, 1 to 55 months). Results There were no differences in surgical mortality, all-cause mortality, or morbidity among the groups. Rates of 4-year survival were 91.7% and 96.3% in the RA and SV groups, respectively (p=0.519). The coronary reintervention-free survival rate and freedom from major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events were similar in the two groups (p=0.685, p=0.564). Conclusion Construction of composite Y-grafts using the radial artery or saphenous vein showed similar mid-term results. Long-term follow-up and randomized trials will be needed to confirm our present conclusions.

Metallic Foreign Body in Heart Mimicking Moderator Band

A foreign body in heart is rare, but it is more frequently encountered than the past as iatrogenic causes are increasing. Clinicians should be aware that foreign body could be mistaken for normal structure of heart. In order for accurate diagnosis, multi-imaging modalities should be used for information of exact location, mobility and hemodynamic effects. A decision to intervene should be made based on potential harms harbored by foreign bodies. Endovascular retrieval should be considered as an option. However, when fatal complications occur or when foreign bodies are embedded deeply, a surgical removal should be attempted.

Impact of preoperative C-reactive protein on midterm outcomes after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND We aimed to assess the impact of C-reactive protein (CRP) on clinical outcomes after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG). METHODS Seven hundred fifty-five consecutive OPCABG patients were divided into two groups according to their preoperative CRP level (normal CRP [NCRP] group [CRP ≤ 6.0 mg/L] versus high CRP [HCRP] group [CRP > 6.0 mg/L]). Outcome measurements were cardiac death and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE). RESULTS Early mortality was higher in the HCRP group (p = 0.036). During follow-up, cardiac mortality was 1.2% in the NCRP group and 7.1% in the HCRP group (p < 0.001). The overall MACCE incidence was 11.2% in the NCRP group and 16.5% in the HCRP group (p = 0.042). All-cause mortality was the only determining factor (p < 0.001), whereas the incidences of myocardial infarction, stroke, and repeat revascularization were similar between the two groups (p = 0.987, p = 0.201, p = 0.426). The 3-year freedom rates from cardiac death and MACCE were 98.8 ± 0.5% and 87.5 ± 1.6% in the NCRP group and 92.5 ± 1.7% and 84.3 ± 2.5% in the HCRP group (p < 0.001, p = 0.09, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Patients with HCRP level showed worse clinical outcomes regarding cardiac death and MACCE after OPCABG.

Natural history of mild aortic valve disease untreated at the time of rheumatic mitral valve replacement

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine long-term clinical outcomes and to assess the eventual need for aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with mild aortic valve disease (AVD) at the time of mitral valve replacement. METHODS Between 1990 and 2015, 1231 patients undergoing mitral valve replacement were reviewed, stratifying subjects as those with AVD (n = 363) or without AVD (NA; n = 868). Primary end points were progressive AVD (grade ≥ II) and subsequent AVR. Overall mortality and valve-related complications served as secondary end points. Propensity score matching was used for risk adjustment (n = 320 in each group). RESULTS No differences in postoperative complications or clinical outcomes were observed between groups. The 20-year overall survival was similar (before matching: NA 86.1% vs AVD 80.8%, P = 0.128; after matching: 83.5% vs 81.1%, P = 0.425). Of the entire cohort, progressive AVD was observed in 162 patients, and significant AVD (grade ≥ III) was observed in only 60 patients. Subsequent AVR was required in 37 patients due to mitral valve (MV) dysfunction or severe aortic stenosis. The 20-year freedom from significant AVD and subsequent AVR was significantly higher in the NA group than in the AVD group before and after matching (before: NA, 96.5% vs 73.7%, P < 0.001; AVD, 98.5% vs 82.3%, P < 0.001; after: 98.1% vs 73.3%, P < 0.001; 99.3% vs 82.5%, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Although progressive AVD did not significantly impact long-term survival during the follow-up period, those patients qualifying initially as mild AVD may eventually progress to significant AVD after the first 5 postoperative years. Therefore, aggressive echocardiography should be performed at 5-year lapse after mitral valve replacement to determine the appropriate timing of AVR.

Effect of the proximal anastomosis site on mid-term radial artery patency in off-pump coronary artery bypass

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate mid-term patency and clinical outcomes according to the proximal anastomosis site after off-pump coronary artery bypass using the radial artery (RA). METHODS From January 2001 to December 2015, 1124 patients who underwent isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass using the RA were reviewed and divided into 2 groups: the composite Y-graft (n = 1014, Y group) and aortocoronary graft (n = 110, Aorta group). Graft patency was assessed by computed tomography or coronary angiography. RESULTS Patients receiving Y-grafts had a greater number of RA anastomoses (1.79 ± 0.68 per patient vs 1.40 ± 0.51 per patient, P < 0.001), more sequential grafts (55.6% vs 37.3%, P < 0.001) and a higher incidence of total arterial revascularization (77.9% vs 54.5%, P < 0.001). Postoperative graft patency at a mean of 3.1 ± 3.5 years was assessed in 1944 distal RA anastomoses (Y group: 1811, Aorta group: 133). No significant differences were observed in RA graft patency rate (P = 0.705), overall survival (P = 0.987) and major cardiac event-free survival (P = 0.830) between groups. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the independent predictors of graft occlusion were age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.025, confidence interval (CI) 1.007-1.044; P = 0.007], female gender (HR 1.391, CI 1.007-1.924; P = 0.047), target of the right coronary artery territory (HR 2.135, CI 1.347-3.382; P = 0.001) and target vessel stenosis ≥90% (HR 0.478, CI 0.291-0.785; P = 0.004). The proximal anastomosis site was not significantly associated with graft occlusion (P = 0.705). CONCLUSIONS When target vessel territory and stenosis are appropriately considered, the RA as a secondary conduit can be effectively used for myocardial revascularization, regardless of the proximal anastomosis site.

Effect of Recurrent Mitral Regurgitation After Mitral Valve Repair in Patients With Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation

BACKGROUND This study investigated the consequences of recurrent mitral regurgitation (MR) after mitral valve (MV) repair in patients with degenerative MR and risk factors for recurrence.Methods and Results:From January 1990 to December 2015, 792 patients underwent MV repair due to degenerative MR. Recurrent MR was defined as moderate-to-severe MR on follow-up echocardiography. Mean follow-up duration was 8.71±5.58 years. During the follow-up period, MR recurred in 133 (16.8%) patients, and the MR recurrence-free rate at 20 years was 77.5±2.0%. In the recurrence group, the degree of MR decreased in 8 (6.0%) patients and was aggravated in 46 (34.6%) patients. Recurrent MR was associated with increased mortality and adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling. Independent risk factors for MR recurrence were MV repair performed before 2000, preoperative atrial fibrillation, high LV end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), prolapse of the isolated anterior leaflet or multiple segments, and absence of ring annuloplasty. Predictors of MR progression were high LVEDD and repair without artificial chordae implantation. CONCLUSIONS Recurrent MR after MV repair in patients with degenerative MR showed a tendency to progress and was associated with increased mortality and adverse LV remodeling. Early referral for MV repair before development of atrial fibrillation and LV enlargement may reduce the risk of MR recurrence. Moreover, artificial chordae implantation and ring annuloplasty may assure the long-term durability of MV repair.

Outcomes of Open Repair of Mycotic Aortic Aneurysms with In Situ Replacement

Background Mycotic aortic aneurysms are rare and life-threatening. Unfortunately, no established guidelines exist for the treatment of patients with mycotic aortic aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm outcomes of the open repair of mycotic thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms and suggest a therapeutic strategy. Methods From 2006 to 2016, 19 patients underwent open repair for an aortic aneurysm. All infected tissue was extensively debrided and covered with soft tissue. We recorded the clinical findings, anatomic location of the aneurysm, bacteriology results, antibiotic therapy, morbidity, and mortality for these cases. Results The median age was 62±7.2 years (range, 16 to 78 years), 13 patients (68%) were men, and the mean aneurysm size was 44.5±4.9 mm. The mean time from onset of illness to surgery was 14.5±2.4 days. Aortic continuity was restored in situ with a Dacron prosthesis (79%), homograft (16%), or Gore-Tex graft (5%). Soft-tissue coverage of the prosthesis was performed in 8 patients. The mean follow-up time was 43.2±11.7 months. The early mortality rate was 10.5%, and the 5-year survival rate was 74.9%±11.5%. Conclusion This study showed acceptable early and midterm outcomes of open repair of mycotic aneurysms. We emphasize that aggressive intraoperative debridement with soft-tissue coverage results in a high rate of success in these high-risk patients.