Kaveh Eghbalzadeh

Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Thrombosis: A Danger Foreseen is a Danger Avoided

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are an increasingly implemented therapeutic intervention for patients with end-stage heart failure. A growing body of evidence, however, has shown an elevated risk of device thrombosis, a major complication jeopardizing the patient’s post-implantation survival. To date, multiple causative factors for LVAD thrombosis have been identified, such as internal shear stress, device material, infection, and inadequate anticoagulation. Understanding the mechanisms leading to LVAD thrombosis will not only enable device optimization, but also allow for better patient handling, hence improving post-implantation outcome. In this review we highlight the most commonly identified factors leading to LVAD thrombosis and discuss their mechanisms.

Impact of gender on long-term outcomes after surgical repair for acute Stanford A aortic dissection: a propensity score matched analysis†

OBJECTIVES Previous research suggests that female gender is associated with increased mortality rates after surgery for Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD). However, women with AAD usually present with different clinical symptoms that may bias outcomes. Moreover, there is a lack of long-term results regarding overall mortality and freedom from major cerebrovascular events. We analysed the impact of gender on long-term outcomes after surgery for Stanford A AAD by comparing genders with similar risk profiles using propensity score matching. METHODS A total of 240 patients operated for Stanford A AAD were included in this study. To control for selection bias and other confounders, propensity score matching was applied to gender groups. RESULTS After propensity score matching, the gender groups were well balanced in terms of risk profiles. There were no statistically significant differences regarding duration of cardiopulmonary bypass ( P  = 0.165) and duration of aortic cross-clamp time ( P  = 0.111). Female patients received less fresh frozen plasma ( P  = 0.021), had shorter stays in the intensive care unit ( P  = 0.031), lower incidence of temporary neurological dysfunction ( P  < 0.001) and lower incidence of dialysis ( P  = 0.008). There were no significant differences regarding intraoperative mortality ( P  = 1.000), 30-day mortality ( P  = 0.271), long-term overall cumulative survival ( P  = 0.954) and long-term freedom from cerebrovascular events ( P  = 0.235) with up to a 9-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Considering patients with similar risk profiles, female gender per se is not associated with worse long-term survival and freedom from stroke after surgical aortic repair. Moreover, female patients might even benefit from a smoother early postoperative course and lower incidence of early postoperative complications.OBJECTIVES Previous research suggests that female gender is associated with increased mortality rates after surgery for Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD). However, women with AAD usually present with different clinical symptoms that may bias outcomes. Moreover, there is a lack of long-term results regarding overall mortality and freedom from major cerebrovascular events. We analysed the impact of gender on long-term outcomes after surgery for Stanford A AAD by comparing genders with similar risk profiles using propensity score matching. METHODS A total of 240 patients operated for Stanford A AAD were included in this study. To control for selection bias and other confounders, propensity score matching was applied to gender groups. RESULTS After propensity score matching, the gender groups were well balanced in terms of risk profiles. There were no statistically significant differences regarding duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (P = 0.165) and duration of aortic cross-clamp time (P = 0.111). Female patients received less fresh frozen plasma (P = 0.021), had shorter stays in the intensive care unit (P = 0.031), lower incidence of temporary neurological dysfunction (P < 0.001) and lower incidence of dialysis (P = 0.008). There were no significant differences regarding intraoperative mortality (P = 1.000), 30-day mortality (P = 0.271), long-term overall cumulative survival (P = 0.954) and long-term freedom from cerebrovascular events (P = 0.235) with up to a 9-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Considering patients with similar risk profiles, female gender per se is not associated with worse long-term survival and freedom from stroke after surgical aortic repair. Moreover, female patients might even benefit from a smoother early postoperative course and lower incidence of early postoperative complications.

Left ventricular thrombus formation in patients undergoing femoral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Introduction: Profoundly impaired left ventricular (LV) function in patients undergoing femoral veno-arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can result in intra-cardiac stasis and thrombus formation. There have been several attempts to improve LV unloading in patients with peripheral VA-ECMO, either by improving contractility or by venting the LV. Methods: Data from all patients who underwent femoral VA-ECMO between 2007 and 2015 due to cardiogenic decompensation were retrospectively analysed regarding intra-cardiac thrombus formation. Results: In total, 11 of 281 patients (3.91%) with femoral VA-ECMO developed an intra- or extra-cardiac thrombus despite adequate anticoagulation therapy. None of the patients survived this serious complication. Conclusion: Management strategies for patients with femoral VA-ECMO support and severely impaired LV function must be reassessed to avoid insufficient LV unloading at an early stage of ECMO therapy. Early LV decompression should be considered in patients with insufficient unloading of the LV to prevent intra-cardiac thrombus formation.

Blunt chest trauma: a clinical chameleon

The incidence of blunt chest trauma (BCT) is greater than 15% of all trauma admissions to the emergency departments worldwide and is the second leading cause of death after head injury in motor vehicle accidents. The mortality due to BCT is inhomogeneously described ranging from 9% to 60%. BCT is commonly caused by a sudden high-speed deceleration trauma to the anterior chest, leading to a compression of the thorax. All thoracic structures might be injured as a result of the trauma. Complex cardiac arrhythmia, heart murmurs, hypotension, angina-like chest pain, respiratory insufficiency or distention of the jugular veins may indicate potential cardiac injury. However, on admission to emergency departments symptoms might be missing or may not be clearly associated with the injury. Accurate diagnostics and early management in order to prevent serious complications and death are essential for patients suffering a BCT. Optimal initial diagnostics includes echocardiography or CT, Holter-monitor recordings, serial 12-lead electrocardiography and measurements of cardiac enzymes. Immediate diagnostics leading to the appropriate therapy is essential for saving a patient’s life. The key aspect of the entire management, including diagnostics and treatment of patients with BCT, remains an interdisciplinary team involving cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, imaging radiologists and trauma specialists working in tandem.

Impact of meteorological conditions on the incidence of acute aortic dissection

Background: There is still much controversy about whether meteorological conditions influence the occurrence of acute aortic dissection (AAD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible correlation between atmospheric pressure, temperature, lunar cycle and the event of aortic dissection in our patient population. Methods: The clinical data for 348 patients with AAD (73% type Stanford A) were confronted with the meteorological data provided by the Cologne weather station over the same period. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between meteorological parameters on days of AAD events compared with control days. A logistic regression model showed that air pressure (odds ratio [OR] 1.004, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.991–1.017, p = 0.542), air temperature (OR 0.978, 95% CI 0.949–1.008, p = 0.145), season (p = 0.918) and month of the event (p = 0.175) as well as presence of full moon (OR 1.579, 95% CI 0.763–3.270, p = 0.219) were not able to predict AAD events. Also, no predictive power of meteorological data and season was found on analysing their impact on different types of AAD events. Conclusions: Our study did not reveal any dependence of atmospheric pressure, air temperature or the presence of full moon on the incidence of different types of AAD.

Impact of preoperative elevated serum creatinine on long-term outcome of patients undergoing aortic repair with Stanford A dissection: a retrospective matched pair analysis

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine whether raised preoperative serum creatinine affected the long-term outcome in patients undergoing surgical aortic repair for Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods: A total of 240 patients diagnosed with Stanford A AAD underwent surgical repair from January 2006 to April 2015. A propensity score matching was applied, resulting in 73 pairs consisting of one group with normal and one group with preoperative elevated creatinine levels. The cohorts were well balanced for baseline and preoperative clinical characteristics. Both groups were compared regarding their early postoperative variables, as well as estimated survival with up to 9-year follow up. Also, the impact of acute postoperative kidney injury and its severity on long-term survival was analyzed. Results: The proportion of patients suffering Stanford A AAD with raised creatinine levels was 31.3% (n = 75). After propensity matching, there were no statistically significant differences regarding demographics, comorbidities, preoperative baseline and clinical characteristics. Postoperatively matched patients with elevated creatinine had longer intensive care unit (p < 0.001) and total hospital stay (p = 0.002), prolonged intubation times (p = 0.014), higher need for hemofiltration (p < 0.001), higher incidence of temporary neurological disorders (p = 0.16), infection (p = 0.005), and trend toward higher incidence of sepsis (p = 0.097). However, there were no significant differences regarding 30-day mortality (20.5% versus 20.5%, p = 1.000) and long-term overall survival. Further, neither the incidence nor the different stages of acute kidney injury according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network showed any statistically significant differences in terms of long-term survival for both groups [log rank p = 0.636, Breslow (generalized Wilcoxon) p = 0.470, Tarone–Ware p = 0.558]. Conclusions: Patients with elevated creatinine levels undergoing surgical repair for Stanford A AAD demonstrate higher rate of early postoperative complications. However, 30-day mortality and long-term survival in this patient cohort is not significantly impaired.

Impact of ascending aortic, hemiarch and arch repair on early and long-term outcomes in patients with Stanford A acute aortic dissection

Background: Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening emergency associated with major morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of three different surgical approaches in patients with Stanford A AAD. Methods: From January 2006 to March 2015 a total of 240 consecutive patients with diagnosed Stanford A AAD underwent elective, isolated surgical aortic repair in our centre. Patients were divided into three groups according to the extent of surgical repair: isolated replacement of the ascending aorta, hemiarch replacement and total arch replacement. Patients were followed up for up to 9 years. After univariate analysis multinomial logistic regression was performed for subgroup analysis. Baseline characteristics and endpoints as well as long-term survival were analysed. Results: There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups in terms of demographics and preoperative baseline and clinical characteristics. Incidence of in-hospital stroke (p = 0.034), need for reopening due to bleeding (p = 0.031) and in-hospital mortality (p = 0.017) increased significantly with the extent of the surgical approach. There was no statistical difference in terms of long-term survival (p = 0.166) among the three groups. Applying multinomial logistic regression for subgroup analysis significantly higher odds for stroke (p = 0.023), reopening for bleeding (p = 0.010) and in-hospital mortality (p = 0.009) for the arch surgery group in comparison to the ascending aorta surgery group as well as significantly higher odds for stroke (p = 0.029) for the total arch surgery group in comparison to the hemiarch surgery group were identified. Conclusions: With Stanford A AAD the incidence of perioperative complications increased significantly with the extent of the surgical approach. Subgroup analysis and long-term follow up in patients undergoing isolated ascending or hemiarch surgery showed a lower incidence of cerebrovascular events compared with surgery for total arch replacement.

Impact of hypertension on early outcomes and long-term survival of patients undergoing aortic repair with Stanford A dissection:

Introduction: Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening emergency, typically occurring in hypertensive patients, requiring immediate surgical repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate early outcomes and long-term survival of hypertensive patients in comparison to normotensive patients suffering from Stanford A AAD. Methods: In our center, 240 patients with Stanford A AAD underwent aortic surgical repair from January 2006 to April 2015. After statistical and logistic regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival estimation was performed, with up to 9-year follow-up. Results: The proportion of hypertensive patients suffering from Stanford A AAD was 75.4% (n=181). There were only few statistically significant differences in terms of basic demographics, comorbidities, preoperative baseline and clinical characteristics of hypertensive patients in comparison to normotensive patients. Hypertensive patients were significantly older (p=0.008), more frequently received hemi-arch repair (p=0.028) and selective brain perfusion (p=0.001). Our study showed similar statistical results in terms of 30-day mortality (p=0.196), long-term overall cumulative survival of patients (Log-Rank p=0.506) and survival of patients free from cerebrovascular events (Log-Rank p=0.186). Furthermore, subgroup analysis for long-term survival in terms of men (Log-Rank p=0.853), women (Log-Rank p=0.227), patients under and above 65 years of age (Log-Rank p=0.188 and Log-Rank p=0.602, respectively) and patients undergoing one of the three types of aortic repair surgery showed similar results for normotensive and hypertensive patient groups. Subgroup analysis for long-term survival of patients free from cerebrovascular events for women, patients under 65 years of age and patients undergoing aortic arch repair showed significant differences between the two groups in favor of hypertensive patients. Conclusions: Hypertensive patients suffering from Stanford A AAD were older, more frequently received hemi-arch replacement and were not associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality and poorer long-term survival compared to normotensive patients.

Determination of risk factors for pacemaker requirement following rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement†

OBJECTIVES Rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement (RD-AVR) potentially reduces procedure times providing excellent haemodynamic results compared to standard tissue aortic valve replacement. However, concerns have been raised regarding higher rates of postoperative pacemaker (PPM) requirement compared to standard aortic valve replacement. In this study, we sought to determine the PPM rate and its potential risk factors in RD-AVR patients. METHODS Between 2011 and 2017, 193 patients underwent RD-AVR. The main outcome investigated was PPM. Other outcome parameters included hospital mortality, major morbidity, length of stay and discharge condition. Predictors of PPM were determined using multivariable regression models. RESULTS Isolated RD-AVR was performed in 72 (37%) patients and 121 (63%) patients underwent combined RD-AVR [coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 110), mitral repair (n = 6) and others (n = 5)]. Aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 57.1 ± 25.1 min and 90.0 ± 40.1 min in the overall RD-AVR population and 39.4 ± 13.5 min and 67.6 ± 24.5 min, respectively, in isolated RD-AVR procedures. PPM occurred in 20 (10.4%) patients. Multivariable analysis revealed bypass grafting of the circumflex artery [odds ratio = 2.8] and preoperative right branch bundle block (odds ratio = 11.7) as independent predictors for PPM. CONCLUSIONS RD-AVR is a safe and simple procedure resulting in favourable short aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times and considerable low gradients in postoperative echocardiography. PPM following isolated RD-AVR remains in the range of standard aortic valve replacement. However, patients undergoing concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting, particularly of the circumflex artery, face a 3-fold increased risk for PPM implantation enhanced if right branch bundle block is present. Follow-up examination is necessary to determine whether these patients remain pacer dependent during long-term follow-up.

Latest Generation of Balloon-Expandable Valve, the Edwards Sapien 3 Valve: Less Paravalvular Regurgitation but Higher Transvalvular Pressure Gradients

BACKGROUND  The latest generation of balloon-expandable valve, the Edwards Sapien 3 valve (S3V), was designed to reduce paravalvular regurgitation (PVR). We retrospectively compared S3V with Edwards Sapien XT valve (SXTV) with regard to postprocedural transvalvular pressure gradients (PGs). METHODS  Analysis of 152 patients receiving SXTV and 125 patients receiving S3V between February 2009 and April 2015 was performed. Transvalvular PGs and the incidence and extent of aortic regurgitation (AR) were compared postprocedurally by echocardiography for each valve size. RESULTS  Postprocedurally, mean PGs for the 23 mm valves were 10.9 ± 5.3 versus 13.9 ± 5.1 (p = 0.017), whereas maximum PGs were 19.9 ± 8.3 versus 26.1 ± 10.4 mm Hg (p = 0.005) in SXTV and S3V patients, respectively. For the 26 mm valves, gradients were also significantly higher in S3V patients (mean PG: 11.6 ± 4.9 vs. 9.2 ± 4.2 [p = 0.004]; maximum PG: 23.0 ± 10.1 vs. 17.2 ± 7.4 mm Hg [p < 0.001]). Analysis revealed no significant differences in postprocedural transvalvular PGs for 29 mm valves (mean PG of 9.3 ± 3.9 and 11.2 ± 4.3 mm Hg [p = ns] and maximum PG of 17.5 ± 7.2 vs. 20.9 ± 6.8 mm Hg [p = ns]) between SXTV and S3V groups, respectively. With respect to PVR, the incidence of AR was significantly lower in S3V group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION  S3V shows lower incidence of PVR; however, it is associated with significantly higher postprocedural transvalvular PGs for 23 and 26 mm valve sizes. These data might contribute to the scientific discussion, especially with respect to prosthesis selection in individual patients with small annular dimension.