Massimo Caputo

Relationship of aortic pulse wave velocity and baroreceptor reflex sensitivity to blood pressure control in patients with repaired coarctation of the aorta

BACKGROUNDnIncreased aortic stiffness and reduced baroreceptor reflex sensitivity have been described independently after coarctation of the aorta (CoA) repair. This study sought to determine the relationship between these variables and blood pressure control in adolescents after early CoA repair.nnnMETHODSnSpontaneous baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (sBRS) and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured in 29 adolescents after CoA repair and compared with 20 age-matched controls. Patients treated for hypertension or having residual aortic narrowing were excluded. Ambulatory blood pressure (ABP), heart rate variability, and cardiac output were also recorded. After ABP measurement, CoA subjects were classified as normotensive or hypertensive.nnnRESULTSnNine patients (31%) were hypertensive according to standard definitions, and this subgroup had higher aortic PWV than the normotensive subgroup (P = .004). There was a significant positive correlation between ABP and PWV seen in the whole CoA group (r(2) = 0.5, P < .01). The normotensive subgroup had increased sBRS compared with controls (P = .02). This difference was not seen between the hypertensive subgroup and controls. There was a significant inverse relationship between sBRS and aortic PWV in the whole CoA group (r(2) = 0.25, P = .01). The normotensive subgroup had a significant reduction in stroke index compared with controls (P = .02), which was not seen in the hypertensive subgroup (P = .96).nnnCONCLUSIONSnAdolescents with hypertension after CoA repair have increased aortic PWV and a relative reduction in sBRS compared with normotensive CoA patients. Thus, failure of the baroreceptor reflex to compensate for increasing arterial stiffness may herald the onset of hypertension in these patients.

Surgical Approach for Aortic Coarctation Influences Arterial Compliance and Blood Pressure Control

BACKGROUNDnIncreased arterial stiffness is linked to hypertension in adults after surgical repair for coarctation of the aorta. We evaluated the influence of surgical approaches, namely, subclavian flap repair (SFR) and end-to-end anastomosis (EEA), on arterial stiffness, blood pressure, cardiac output, and cardiac baroreceptor function in a cohort of young children after coarctation repair to determine if the surgical approach influenced longer term blood pressure control.nnnMETHODSnWe measured pulse wave velocity in 21 children with a mean age of 5 years, after early (less than 6 months) coarctation repair (SFR, n = 11; EEA, n = 10), and compared these with 18 matched controls. Blood pressure was recorded on three occasions from the right arm. Cardiac output was recorded using a transthoracic bioimpedence technique. We measured spontaneous baroreceptor reflex sensitivity to evaluate whether increased arterial stiffness was associated with reduced aortic baroreflex sensitivity.nnnRESULTSnRight arm systolic blood pressure (108.3 + or - 3.5 mm Hg SFR versus 97.8 + or - 2.9 mm Hg EEA, p = 0.03) and pulse wave velocity (6.0 + or - 0.2 ms(-1) SFR versus 5.2 + or - 0.2 ms(-1) EEA, p = 0.02) were significantly greater in the SFR compared with EEA group. Blood pressure and pulse wave velocity were also higher in the SFR group compared with controls. These differences were not demonstrated when comparing the EEA group with controls. There was no difference in stroke volume, spontaneous baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, or heart rate or blood pressure variability between the groups.nnnCONCLUSIONSnYoung children undergoing SFR have higher blood pressure and stiffer upper limb arteries compared with matched children undergoing EEA. Our data suggest that better longer-term cardiovascular outcome is to be expected with the EEA surgical approach.

Does the persistence of pulsatile antegrade pulmonary blood flow following bidirectional Glenn procedure affect long term outcome

OBJECTIVESnTo evaluate outcomes of the Glenn procedure with or without pulsatile antegrade pulmonary blood flow during palliation of patients with functionally single ventricles.nnnMETHODSnThe clinical records of 111 consecutive patients who underwent a bidirectional Glenn procedure for palliation of single ventricle morphologies at our institution between 1997 and 2010 were reviewed. We specifically excluded infants with the diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Following the Glenn procedure, there were 57 patients (Group 1) with and 54 (Group 2) without antegrade pulmonary blood flow. We reviewed their long term data from our database to determine whether the presence of forward flow after the Glenn procedure affected outcome.nnnRESULTSnThere was 1 early hospital death (in Group 1). The mean SaO2 at discharge was higher in Group 1 (83%±2 vs 78%±4; P<0.001). There was no difference in duration of chest drain insertion, length of intensive care and hospital stay between the two groups. The median follow-up time was 7.1 years (range, 1.7-14.9 years). Sixty-five patients underwent Fontan completion (35 from Group 1) a median of 3.6 years (Group 1) and 3.3 (Group 2) after the Glenn procedure. Three patients died following Fontan completion (1 from Group 1). The 5- and 10-year survival (95% CI) was 96% (84-98%) and 96% (84-98%) in Group 1, and 88% (74-94%) and 82% (66-91%) in Group 2, respectively (log-rank; P=0.03). There was no significant difference in SaO2 levels, or incidence of systemic atrioventricular valve regurgitation or ventricular dysfunction in survivors between groups at the last follow-up.nnnCONCLUSIONSnWe conclude that leaving antegrade flow following a Glenn procedure improves oxygen saturation significantly and while it does not impact on short term outcome or hospital stay, long-term outcome is significantly better.

Pulmonary valve implantation using self-expanding tissue valve without cardiopulmonary bypass reduces operation time and blood product use

OBJECTIVEnThe study objective was to review our initial experience with newly developed off-pump pulmonary valve implantation techniques and compare outcomes with the conventional approach.nnnMETHODSnThirteen symptomatic patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation underwent pulmonary valve implantation, 6 without cardiopulmonary bypass (group 1: age, 28 ± 21 years; range, 12-62; body surface area range, 1.38-2.39 m(2)) and 7 with cardiopulmonary bypass (group 2: age, 23 ± 13 years; range, 10-46; body surface area range, 1.31-1.89 m(2)). Ten patients had previous repair of tetralogy of Fallot, and 3 patients had pulmonary valvotomy/valvuloplasty.nnnRESULTSnMean operation times were 166 minutes (range, 110-240) in group 1 and 299 minutes (range, 221-375) in group 2 (P < .001). Hemoglobin level after chest closure was 13.4 and 9.8 g/dL in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < .001). Postoperative chest drainage (median) was 78 and 300 mL in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .003). Blood product requirement was zero and 3 units (median) in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < .014). There was no significant difference in postoperative ventilation time or lengths of intensive care unit and hospital stays between the 2 groups. Mean follow-up was 15 months; all patients are in New York Heart Association I/II. Echocardiography showed that peak velocity across the pulmonary valve was 2.2 and 2.0 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .46). No patient had a paravalvular leak or more than mild pulmonary regurgitation.nnnCONCLUSIONSnOff-pump pulmonary valve implantation is a good alternative for pulmonary valve replacement. The procedure reduces operating time, blood loss, and blood product requirement.

Influence of Tracheobronchomalacia on Outcome of Surgery in Children With Congenital Heart Disease and Its Management

BACKGROUNDnPatients with complex congenital heart disease associated with tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) remain difficult to manage after cardiac surgery. We studied the influence of TBM on the outcomes of pediatric patients after cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease to determine how to manage these patients better.nnnMETHODSnTwenty-two consecutive pediatric patients who had TBM diagnosed by bronchoscopy or dynamic contrast bronchography before or after cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease during a 5.5-year period were compared with an age- and procedure-matched control group operated on during the same period. Patients diagnosed postoperatively were investigated after a second failed extubation. Patients were managed by oxygen administration, endotracheal suctioning, and positive end-expiratory or continuous positive airway pressure through a nasotracheal tube or tracheostomy.nnnRESULTSnThere were 4 deaths within 1 year of surgery, all in the study group, with 2 early (neither of which appeared related to TBM) and 2 late. The estimated survival at 5 years was 82% (95% confidence interval, 59% to 93%) for the study group compared with 100% for control patients (p = 0.012). All deaths occurred in patients undergoing palliative procedures (p = 0.0004), and both children who underwent redo operations died (p = 0.02). Postoperatively, 50% of children with TBM required prolonged ventilation and tracheostomy. Compared with control patients the average postoperative ventilation time, pediatric intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay were 6.5, 11.5, and 20 days versus 1, 2, and 6.5 days, respectively (p < 0.001).nnnCONCLUSIONSnAlthough associated with longer postoperative ventilation time, pediatric intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, and mortality, outcomes after cardiac procedures in children with TBM are acceptable. Palliative and redo procedures in this group of patients are associated with significantly higher risk of death.

Longer-term outcome of perventricular device closure of muscular ventricular septal defects in children

To describe the longer‐term clinical experience and follow‐up with perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defects (VSD) in children.

Common arterial trunk: review of surgical strategies and future research.

Common arterial trunk is a congenital malformation that is relatively uncommon, representing 0.21–0.34% of congenital heart disease. Natural history, if not treated, leads to early death. Cardiac surgery has been modifying its natural course during the last 30 years by prolonging the lifespan of patients affected. Despite surgical mortality improvements over the last 10 years, morbidity still remains high, mainly due to the age of the patient, associated heart lesions, the evolution of truncal valve function and the type of conduit used for pulmonary artery reconstruction. Common arterial trunk disease still represents a significant challenge for cardiac surgeons and cardiologists regarding attempts to improve long-term outcomes and quality of life. Promising results may be achieved in the next 5 years by the tissue valve-engineering technology applied to search for the ideal conduit on the right ventricular outflow tract. This research has already started in many centers in order to reduce several unavoidable reinterventions nowadays. In this review, we will comment on the situation, focusing on the latest surgical innovations of the last 5 years.

Pregnancy outcome and follow-up cardiac outcome in women with aortic valve replacement

Objectives To compare the maternal, fetal and cardiac outcomes in women who have undergone aortic valve replacement. Method Retrospective observational study of all women with aortic valve replacement, who underwent a pregnancy (1998–2012). Maternal-, fetal- and valve-related cardiac outcomes were assessed. Results Thirty-two pregnancies in 16 women with aortic valve replacement (nine bioprosthetic, six Ross and 17 mechanical) were evaluated. There were no adverse maternal events in the bioprosthetic and Ross groups but three in the mechanical group. Fetal loss rate was highest in the mechanical valve pregnancies (53%). One woman in the bioprosthetic group needed valve re-operation, and one woman in the mechanical valve group died. There was no difference in the change of Vmax over the follow-up between the valves (pu2009=u20090.25). Conclusions There was no difference in deterioration between aortic valve replacements during and after pregnancy. The highest risk of maternal and fetal complications occurred in the mechanical valve group.

Evolution of transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects in a single centre

Objectives: To describe the evolution of transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (PMVSD) using either the Amplatzer membranous or muscular occluders in a single centre. Methods: Retrospective analysis of all patients referred for transcatheter PMVSD closure from December 2003 to December 2007. All patients met unit criteria for surgical closure. Results: There were 27 procedures on 25 patients (11 male) with a preprocedure diagnosis of a PMVSD. Median age was 9.6 years (1.8–32.8). Median weight was 28 kg (10.2–86). Defect size on TOE ranged from 5 to 12 mm. Median Qp:Qs was 1.6:1. A muscular occluder was used in six patients. Median procedure time was 93.5 min (51–214). Implantation was ultimately successful in 23 patients (92%). Acute aortic incompetence resulting in occluder removal occurred in two cases, one requiring surgical removal. Another patient had an aborted attempt but had subsequent successful closure in another unit. Median follow‐up is 19.5 months (1–42). Five patients (22%) have trivial/mild residual leak across the occluder at their latest assessment, the majority of which had an aneurysmal perimembranous septum (n = 4). Two patients (8%) developed new trivial to mild aortic incompetence. To date, none of the patients in our group have developed complete heart block. Conclusions: Transcatheter closure of PMVSD is evolving and should be considered an acceptable alternative to surgery in selected subgroups. Avoidance of oversized occluders and use of muscular occluders in those with aneurysmal defects may help to avoid heart block and aortic regurgitation. Muscular occluders may however interfere with tricuspid valve function.

Detection of coagulopathy in paediatric heart surgery [DECISION study]: study protocol

BackgroundEach year in the UK, ≈3000 children undergo major cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. Approximately 40xa0% of these experience excessive bleeding necessitating red cell transfusion or treatment with other blood components. A further 40xa0% receive blood components because of the perception by clinicians that the risk of bleeding is high. Excessive bleeding and treatment with red cell transfusion or blood components are associated with post-operative complications such as infection and renal injury and are independently associated with increased morbidity and mortality.Abnormalities in blood coagulation are a major cause of excessive bleeding after cardiac surgery in children. However, the extent of these abnormalities varies between children and their characteristics may change rapidly during surgery. In adults undergoing cardiac surgery, rapid testing of blood coagulation using techniques such as thromboelastometry may assist the selection of appropriate blood component treatments. In some sub-groups of adults, this improves clinical outcomes. Rapid testing of blood coagulation in children undergoing cardiac surgery has not been evaluated fully.Methods/DesignThe DECISION study is a prospective, single-centre, observational study that aims to assess the utility of rapid testing of blood coagulation in children undergoing cardiac surgery. This will be achieved by testing blood samples from 200 children obtained immediately before, and after cardiac surgery. The blood samples will be analysed in parallel using thromboelastometry and reference laboratory tests of blood coagulation. The primary clinical outcome will be clinical concern about bleeding, defined as a composite of either excessive blood loss or the use of a pro-haemostatic treatment outside of standard treatment protocols because of perceived high risk of excessive bleeding. The reference laboratory test results will be used to describe the patterns of abnormalities in blood coagulation in children and will be compared to the thromboelastometry test results to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the thromboelastometry tests. We will estimate how well the reference and thromboelastometry test results predict clinical concern about bleeding.DiscussionThe DECISION study will identify the most useful thromboeastometry tests of blood coagulation for the prediction of excessive bleeding in children after cardiac surgery and will inform the design of future randomised controlled trials.Trial registrationThe trail was registered as ISRCTN55439761 on 23rd April 2015.