Joel Price

Long-term outcomes of aortic root operations for Marfan syndrome: A comparison of Bentall versus aortic valve-sparing procedures

OBJECTIVESnProphylactic aortic root replacement improves survival in patients with Marfan syndrome with aortic root aneurysms, but the optimal procedure remains undefined.nnnMETHODSnAdult patients with Marfan syndrome who had Bentall or aortic valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR) procedures between 1997 and 2013 were identified. Comprehensive follow-up information was obtained from hospital charts and telephone contact.nnnRESULTSnOne hundred sixty-five adult patients with Marfan syndrome (aged > 20 years) had either VSRR (n = 98; 69 reimplantation, 29 remodeling) or Bentall (n = 67) procedures. Patients undergoing Bentall procedure were older (median, 37 vs 36 years; P = .03), had larger median preoperative sinus diameter (5.5 cm vs 5.0 cm; P = .003), more aortic dissections (25.4% vs 4.1%; P < .001), higher incidence of moderate or severe aortic insufficiency (49.3% vs 14.4%; P < .001) and more urgent or emergent operations (24.6% vs 3.3%; P < .001). There were no hospital deaths and 9 late deaths in more than 17 years of follow-up (median, 7.8 deaths). Ten-year survival was 90.5% in patients undergoing Bentall procedure and 96.3% in patients undergoing VSRR (P = .10). Multivariable analysis revealed that VSRR was associated with fewer thromboembolic or hemorrhagic events (hazard ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.85; P = .03). There was no independent difference in long-term survival, freedom from reoperation, or freedom from endocarditis between the 2 procedures.nnnCONCLUSIONSnAfter prophylactic root replacement in patients with Marfan syndrome, patients undergoing Bentall and valve-sparing procedures have similar late survival, freedom from root reoperation, and freedom from endocarditis. However, valve-sparing procedures result in significantly fewer thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events.

The impact of prosthesis–patient mismatch after aortic valve replacement varies according to age at operation

Objectives Age may modify the impact of prosthesis–patient mismatch (PPM) on outcomes after aortic valve replacement (AVR), as physical functioning decreases with age, and comorbidities become more prevalent. We hypothesised that the consequences of PPM in patients 70u2005years old or older may be less important than in younger patients. Methods In total, 707 aortic stenosis patients were followed for a maximum of 17.5u2005years after AVR. PPM was defined as an in vivo indexed effective orifice area ≤0.85u2005cm2/m2, and severe PPM as ≤0.65u2005cm2/m2. Results In patients less than 70u2005years of age with normal LV function, the presence of PPM did not significantly alter survival. However, in patients under 70 with LV dysfunction, PPM was associated with decreased survival (HR 2.2; p=0.046). In patients aged 70 years of age or older, PPM had no effect on survival, regardless of LV function. Similarly, PPM was predictive of postoperative congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients under 70 with LV dysfunction (HR 3.6; p=0.046) but not in older patients. Similar results were observed for the composite endpoint of death or CHF. Postoperative LV mass regression was impaired by increased age (p=0.019), and by PPM in patients aged 70 years of age or older with LV dysfunction (by 28.8u2005g/m2; p=0.026). Conclusions The impact of PPM on outcomes after AVR depends on age at operation. PPM in patients under age 70 years with LV dysfunction is associated with decreased survival and lower freedom from CHF. In patients 70 years of age or older, PPM does not impact mortality or symptoms, but impairs LV mass regression beyond that explained by age alone.

Cerebral Autoregulation Monitoring with Ultrasound-Tagged Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Cardiac Surgery Patients.

BACKGROUND:Individualizing mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) based on cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation monitoring during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) holds promise as a strategy to optimize organ perfusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of cerebral autoregulation monitoring using microcirculatory flow measured with innovative ultrasound-tagged near-infrared spectroscopy (UT-NIRS) noninvasive technology compared with transcranial Doppler (TCD). METHODS:Sixty-four patients undergoing CPB were monitored with TCD and UT-NIRS (CerOx™). The mean velocity index (Mx) was calculated as a moving, linear correlation coefficient between slow waves of TCD-measured CBF velocity and MAP. The cerebral flow velocity index (CFVx) was calculated as a similar coefficient between slow waves of cerebral flow index measured using UT-NIRS and MAP. When MAP is outside the autoregulation range, Mx is progressively more positive. Optimal blood pressure was defined as the MAP with the lowest Mx and CFVx. The right- and left-sided optimal MAP values were averaged to define the individual optimal MAP and were the variables used for analysis. RESULTS:The Mx for the left side was 0.31 ± 0.17 and for the right side was 0.32 ± 0.17. The mean CFVx for the left side was 0.33 ± 0.19 and for the right side was 0.35 ± 0.19. Time-averaged Mx and CFVx during CPB had a statistically significant “among-subject” correlation (r = 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22–0.53; P < 0.001) but had only a modest agreement within subjects (bias 0.03 ± 0.20; 95% prediction interval for the difference between Mx and CFVx, −0.37 to 0.42). The MAP with the lowest Mx and CFVx (“optimal blood pressure”) was correlated (r = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56–0.81; P < 0.0001) and was in modest within-subject agreement (bias −2.85 ± 8.54; 95% limits of agreement for MAP predicted by Mx and CFVx, −19.60 to 13.89). Coherence between ipsilateral middle CBF velocity and cerebral flow index values averaged 0.61 ± 0.07 (95% CI, 0.59–0.63). CONCLUSIONS:There was a statistically significant correlation and agreement between CBF autoregulation monitored by CerOx compared with TCD-based Mx.

Bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting: Does graft configuration affect outcome?

BACKGROUNDnDespite evidence that bilateral internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) improve long-term survival after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), uptake of this technique remains low. We directly compared bilateral ITA graft configurations and examined long-term outcomes.nnnMETHODSnWe reviewed 762 patients who underwent CABG using bilateral ITA grafts at our institution between 1997 and 2014. The outcomes were mortality and a composite revascularization end point defined as need for percutaneous coronary intervention or repeat CABG. Adjusted subgroup analyses were performed using propensity score-adjusted Cox proportional hazards modeling.nnnRESULTSnThe cohort was divided into 4 groups: in situ (left ITA [LITA] anastomosed to the left anterior descending artery [LAD] with in situ right ITA [RITA] anastomosed to the left coronary circulation [239 patients]); in situ LITA-LAD and in situ RITA-right coronary circulation (239 patients); in situ RITA-LAD with in situ LITA-left coronary circulation (185 patients); and in situ LITA-LAD with a free RITA as a composite graft with inflow from the LITA or a saphenous vein graft (99 patients). Over a median follow-up of 1128xa0days, there were 47 deaths, 58 late percutaneous coronary interventions, and 7 repeat CABG procedures. Unadjusted Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a difference in need for repeat revascularization among the 4 groups (log rank Pxa0=xa0.049). However, after statistical adjustment, graft configuration was not an independent predictor of repeat revascularization or death.nnnCONCLUSIONSnBilateral ITA graft configuration has no independent effect on need for repeat revascularization or long-term survival. Therefore, the simplest technique, determined by individual patient characteristics, should be selected.

Perioperative optimal blood pressure as determined by ultrasound tagged near infrared spectroscopy and its association with postoperative acute kidney injury in cardiac surgery patients

OBJECTIVESnPerioperative blood pressure management by targeting individualized optimal blood pressure, determined by cerebral blood flow autoregulation monitoring, may ensure sufficient renal perfusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the optimal blood pressure for individual patients, determined during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and during early postoperative period in intensive care unit (ICU). A secondary aim was to examine if excursions below optimal blood pressure in the ICU are associated with risk of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI).nnnMETHODSnOne hundred and ten patients undergoing cardiac surgery had cerebral blood flow monitored with a novel technology using ultrasound tagged near infrared spectroscopy (UT-NIRS) during CPB and in the first 3 h after surgery in the ICU. The correlation flow index (CFx) was calculated as a moving, linear correlation coefficient between cerebral flow index measured using UT-NIRS and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Optimal blood pressure was defined as the MAP with the lowest CFx. Changes in optimal blood pressure in the perioperative period were observed and the association of blood pressure excursions (magnitude and duration) below the optimal blood pressure [area under the curve (AUC) < OptMAP mmHgxh] with incidence of CSA-AKI (defined using Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria) was examined.nnnRESULTSnOptimal blood pressure during early ICU stay and CPB was correlated (r = 0.46, P < 0.0001), but was significantly higher in the ICU compared with during CPB (75 ± 8.7 vs 71 ± 10.3 mmHg, P = 0.0002). Thirty patients (27.3%) developed CSA-AKI within 48 h after the surgery. AUC < OptMAP was associated with CSA-AKI during CPB [median, 13.27 mmHgxh, interquartile range (IQR), 4.63-20.14 vs median, 6.05 mmHgxh, IQR 3.03-12.40, P = 0.008], and in the ICU (13.72 mmHgxh, IQR 5.09-25.54 vs 5.65 mmHgxh, IQR 1.71-13.07, P = 0.022).nnnCONCLUSIONSnOptimal blood pressure during CPB and in the ICU was correlated. Excursions below optimal blood pressure (AUC < OptMAP mmHgXh) during perioperative period are associated with CSA-AKI. Individualized blood pressure management based on cerebral autoregulation monitoring during the perioperative period may help improve CSA-AKI-related outcomes.

Rewarming Rate During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Is Associated With Release of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein.

BACKGROUNDnRewarming from hypothermia during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may compromise cerebral oxygen balance, potentially resulting in cerebral ischemia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether CPB rewarming rate is associated with cerebral ischemia assessed by the release of the brain injury biomarker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).nnnMETHODSnBlood samples were collected from 152 patients after anesthesia induction and after CPB for the measurement of plasma GFAP levels. Nasal temperatures were recorded every 15 min. A multivariate estimation model for postoperative plasma GFAP level was determined that included the baseline GFAP levels, rewarming rate, CPB duration, and patient age.nnnRESULTSnThe mean rewarming rate during CPB was 0.21° ± 0.11°C/min; the maximal temperature was 36.5° ± 1.0°C (range, 33.1°C to 38.0°C). Plasma GFAP levels increased after compared with before CPB (median, 0.022 ng/mL versus 0.035 ng/mL; p < 0.001). Rewarming rate (p = 0.001), but not maximal temperature (p = 0.77), was associated with higher plasma GFAP levels after CPB. In the adjusted estimation model, rewarming rate was positively associated with postoperative plasma log GFAP levels (coefficient, 0.261; 95% confidence intervals, 0.132 to 0.390; p < 0.001). Six patients (3.9%) experienced a postoperative stroke. Rewarming rate was higher (0.3° ± 0.09°C/min versus 0.2° ± 0.11°C/min; p = 0.049) in the patients with stroke compared with those without a stroke.nnnCONCLUSIONSnRewarming rate during CPB was correlated with evidence of brain cellular injury documented with plasma GFAP levels. Modifying current practices of patient rewarming might provide a strategy to reduce the frequency of neurologic complications after cardiac surgery.

A simplified technique for pulmonary autograft stabilization with the Valsalva prosthesis.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE A transverse aortotomy is performed, and the aortic valve is excised. A root dissection with creation of coronary buttons is then performed. The pulmonary trunk is divided. Once the pulmonary valve has been deemed acceptable, a point anteriorly at a level just below the nadir of the valve leaflets is punctured with an angled clamp. The valve is then dissected free circumferentially. Once the autograft has been prepared, commissural height from the base of the interleaflet triangle to the apex of the commissure is measured. This corresponds to the diameter of the Valsalva graft to be selected. The inferior skirt of the Valsalva graft is removed. The autograft is placed inside the Valsalva graft and inverted. At the middle of the base of each interleaflet triangle, a single 4-0 polypropylene suture is placed through both autograft and Valsalva graft and tied externally (Figure 1, A). This ensures homogeneous suture placement, which is crucial to avoid distortion of the valve. A simple running suture is then performed circumferentially to complete the proximal anastomosis. Then, at the apex of each commissure, a 4-0 polypropylene suture is passed through the autograft and Dacron polyester fabric at the height of the neosinotubular junction of the Valsalva graft and tied externally (Figure 1, B). Once again, a simple running suture is then performed circumferentially to complete the distal anastomosis. At this point, the autograft is fixed proximally and distally within the prosthesis (Figure 1, C).

Phase of Care Mortality Analysis: A Unique Method for Comparing Mortality Differences Among Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement Patients

The objective of this study is based on the phase of care mortality analysis (POCMA), an effective tool to evaluate the root cause of in-hospital mortality in cardiac surgery patients. POCMA has not been used to compare operative mortalities among transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) populations, and may provide insight that could affect patient safety initiatives and improve outcomes in aortic valve surgery. We included patients who underwent TAVR or isolated SAVR between 2011 and March 31, 2015 and did not survive the index hospitalization. A multidisciplinary heart team made POCMA assignments as part of the weekly morbidity and mortality conference, pinpointing the phase of care and subcategory that directly caused or had the greatest effect on each mortality. During the study period, 240 patients underwent TAVR and 530 underwent SAVR. Unadjusted mortality rates were significantly higher in the TAVR group, 5.0% (n = 12) compared with SAVR, 1.9% (n = 10) (P = 0.016). TAVR deaths by phase of care are as follows: 0 for preoperative, 9 (72.8%) for intraoperative, 2 (18.2%) for postoperative intensive care unit, and 1 (9.1%) for postoperative floor. By comparison, 4 (40%) SAVR deaths had a root cause in the preoperative phase, 1 (10%) in the intraoperative phase, and 5 (50%) in the postoperative intensive care unit phase. POCMA is a novel method of categorizing in-hospital mortalities. Our single institution review revealed that patients who underwent TAVR more often expired because of intraoperative technical issues, whereas SAVR deaths were typically the result of patient selection or postoperative complications.

Do early postoperative CT findings following type A aortic dissection repair predict early clinical outcome

PurposeThe purposes of this study are to determine the prevalence of specific postoperative CT findings following Stanford type A aortic dissection repair in the early postoperative period and to determine if these postoperative findings are predictive of adverse clinical outcome.MethodsPatients who underwent type A dissection repair between January 2012 and December 2014 were identified from our institutional cardiac surgery database. Postoperative CT exams within 1xa0month of surgery were retrospectively reviewed to determine sizes and attenuation of mediastinal, pericardial, and pleural fluid, and the presence or absence of pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, or lung consolidation. Poor early clinical outcome was defined as length of stay (LOS)xa0>xa014xa0days. Student’s t test and chi-square test were used to determine the relationship between postoperative CT features and early clinical outcome.ResultsThirty-nine patients (24 M, 15 F, mean age 58.5xa0±xa013.7xa0years) underwent type A dissection repair and mean LOS was 17.3xa0±xa021.2xa0days. A subset of 19 patients underwent postoperative CTs within 30xa0days of surgery, and there was no significant relationship between LOS and sizes and attenuation of mediastinal, pericardial, and pleural fluid, and the presence or absence of pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, or lung consolidation.ConclusionsCT features such as mediastinal, pericardial, and pleural fluid were ubiquitous in the early postoperative period. There was no consistent CT feature or threshold that could reliably differentiate between “normal postoperative findings” and early postoperative complications.