Thomas Schroeter

Predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation after Medtronic CoreValve bioprosthesis implantation.

AIMS High-grade conduction disturbances requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation occur in up to 40% of patients following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of this study was to identify pre-operative risk factors for PPM implantation after TAVI with the Medtronic CoreValve prosthesis (CVP). METHODS AND RESULTS We retrospectively analysed 109 patients following transfemoral CVP implantation performed between 2008 and 2009 at the Leipzig Heart Center. Patients who had indwelling PPM at the time of TAVI (n = 21) were excluded, leaving 88 patients for analysis. Mean age was 80.3 ± 6.6 years and logistic EuroScore predicted risk of mortality was 23.3 ± 12.1%. A total of 32 patients (36%) underwent PPM implantation post-TAVI during the same hospital admission. A total of 27/88 (31%) had evidence of pre-operative abnormal conduction, including first degree AV block and left bundle brunch block. Statistically significant risk factors for the need for post-operative PPM were patient age >75 years [P = 0.02, odds ratio (OR) 4.6], pre-operative heart rate <65 beats per minute (b.p.m.; P = 0.04, OR 2.9), CVP oversizing >4 mm (P = 0.03, OR 2.8), CVP prosthesis >26 mm (OR 2.2), atrial fibrillation (P = 0.001, OR 5.2), and ventricular rate <65 b.p.m. at the first post-operative day (P = 0.137, OR 6.0). CONCLUSION PPM implantation occurs frequently after transfemoral TAVI with the CVP. Older age, chronic atrial fibrillation, pre-operative bradycardia, and larger or significantly oversized prostheses were independent risk factors for PPM implantation following TAVI with the CVP.

Tricuspid valve repair in the presence of a permanent ventricular pacemaker lead.

OBJECTIVE Few studies have focussed on the outcomes of tricuspid valve (TV) repair in patients with a right ventricular permanent pacemaker lead (PPL) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR). METHODS Retrospective analysis of all patients with a PPL undergoing TV repair (annuloplasty ring in 83 patients and De Vega annuloplasty in 33 patients) between April 2001 and May 2008 (n=116) was performed. The mean patient age was 71 ± 8.8 years; 59.8% were female, and the average European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) was 16.4 ± 14.5%. Follow-up was 100% complete with a mean duration of 19.4 ± 20.3 months. RESULTS In addition to annular dilatation, leaflet injury secondary to PPL was observed in eight patients (7%). Isolated ring implantation or De Vega annuloplasty was performed in all patients, including five of the eight patients with leaflet injury. In the remaining three patients, the PPL was removed and an epicardial lead was implanted. A 30-day mortality was 14.6% and a 5-year survival 45% (95% confidence interval (CI): 29.4-61.6%). Four patients underwent TV re-operation resulting in a 5-year freedom of 93.4% from TV-related re-operation (95% CI: 88.2-97.7). Two of the four re-operated patients had PPL-related leaflet injury at the time of the initial operation and the PPL was left in situ. CONCLUSIONS Patients with a pre-existing PPL, who require TV surgery for significant TR, however without evidence of PPL-induced TR, can undergo TV repair without removal of the PPL. In patients with evidence of PPL-related TR, we suggest PPL removal followed by insertion of an epicardal or transcoronary sinus lead.

Clinical Outcome After Mitral Valve Surgery Due to Ischemic Papillary Muscle Rupture

BACKGROUND Severe mitral regurgitation secondary to papillary muscle rupture is an infrequent but catastrophic complication after myocardial infarction. Without surgical treatment, mortality can reach 80%, but surgical treatment also carries substantial perioperative morbidity and mortality. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 28 patients who underwent mitral valve surgery for ischemic papillary muscle rupture. RESULTS The 30-day mortality rate was 39.3% (11 of 28). There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics, and concomitant coronary artery bypass (CABG) was performed in 66.7% of the survivor group and in 61.5% of the nonsurvivor group (p = 0.245). Mortality predictors included low cardiac output (p = 0.05), renal failure (p = 0.005), and implementation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy (p = 0.005). The time between myocardial infarction and surgery showed no significant effects on survival. CONCLUSIONS Papillary muscle rupture with severe mitral regurgitation carries a high operative mortality. Additional CABG does not influence the acute postoperative course. Postoperative development of low cardiac output with a need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy and renal failure with hemodialysis substantially reduces survival.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: experience in acute graft failure after heart transplantation

Acute graft failure is the leading cause of early mortality after heart transplantation (HTx). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an efficient therapeutic option to treat various pathologies, unburden the left and right ventricle, and allow for functional recovery of the transplanted heart. We reviewed our ECMO experience and outcomes in HTx patients.

Pacemaker-Associated Thrombotic Occlusion of the Inferior Vena Cava Causing Liver Failure

Pacemaker implantation using endocardial leads can give rise to thrombotic venous occlusion. We report the case of a 23-year-old male with transposition of the great arteries, who had previously undergone a Senning repair at the age of one year. A sick sinus syndrome required pacemaker implantation with subsequent multiple lead revisions. Following the implantation of the last lead, the patient developed complete occlusion of the inferior vena cava (IVC) with stenosis of the superior vena cava (SVC) with pacemaker leads in both lesions. Liver failure, ascites and esophageal varices developed. Thrombolytic treatment was ineffective; finally the patient was listed for liver transplantation. We explanted the lead embedding the thrombosis, together with some lead remnants. The stenosis of the SVC and the occlusion of the IVC were dilatated and stabilized with four stents. Over a follow-up period of 4 months, NYHA class improved from NYHA III to NYHA I-II, the hepatic function showed complete remission, and a liver transplantation was not necessary.

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement: the Leipzig experience

Background: Minimally invasive techniques are progressively challenging traditional approaches in cardiothoracic surgery. Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (AVR) has become a routine procedure at our institution. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients undergoing minimally invasive isolated AVR between January 2003 and March 2014, at our institution. Mean follow-up was 4.7±4.3 years (range: 0-18 years) and was 99.8% complete. Results: There were 1,714 patients who received an isolated minimally invasive AVR. The mean (± SD) patient age was 65±12.8 years, ejection fraction 60%±12% and log EuroSCORE 5.3%±5.1%. Mean cross-clamp time was 58±18 minutes and mean cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was 82.9±26.7 minutes. Thirty-day survival was 97.8%±0.4%, and 69.4%±1.7% at 10-years. The multivariate analysis revealed age at surgery [P=0.016; odds ratio (OR), 1.1], length of surgery time (P=0.002; OR, 1.01), female gender (P=0.023; OR, 3.54), preoperative myocardial infarction (MI) (P=0.006; OR, 7.87), preoperative stroke (P=0.001; OR, 13.76) and preoperative liver failure (P=0.015; OR, 10.28) as independent risk factors for mortality. Cox-regression analysis revealed the following predictors for long term mortality: age over 75 years (P<0.001; OR, 3.5), preoperative dialysis (P<0.01; OR, 2.14), ejection fraction less than 30% (P=0.003; OR, 3.28) and urgent or emergency operation (P<0.001; OR, 2.3). Conclusions: Minimally invasive AVR can be performed safely and effectively with very few perioperative complications. The early and long-term outcomes in these patients are acceptable.

Life-threatening hemothorax resulting from lung hernia after minimally invasive mitral valve surgery

Lung hernia following minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is an uncommen entity. We report the case of a male patient who developed a lung hernia as a sequela to limited access mitral valve surgery. Two months after discharge, the patient presented with a bulge in the region of the lateral thoracotomy related to respiration which could be provoked by a Valsalva maneuver. In the night following admission the patient had acute cardiovascular decompensation with worsening dyspnea, pallor and hypotension. The patient was quickly transferred to the ICU, where a chest X-ray revealed the presence of a large hemothorax with compression of the entire right lung. We transferred the patient to the operation room, evacuated the hemothorax and reconstructed the 15-cm long and 3-cm wide dehiscence using a GoreTex patch adapted in a special technique.

Dislocation of a Transapically Implanted Aortic Valve Prosthesis with a Functionally Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Ascending Aortic Aneurysm

In recent years, catheter-based aortic valve interventions have become established procedures for the treatment of high-risk and advanced age patients with aortic valve pathologies. One of the limitations of the widespread applicability of this procedure is the annulus size. Until recently, no prosthesis was available to treat patients with a large annulus. We report on a patient with high-grade aortic stenosis (AS) and a 27-mm annulus, who underwent transapical implantation (TAP) of an Edwards SAPIEN® 29-mm prosthesis (Edwards LifeScience, Irvine, CA, USA). Due to insufficient dilation of his heavily calcified, functionally bicuspid aortic valve leaflets during balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV), the TAP prosthesis did not anchor adequately. This was determined during follow-up as he developed progressive aortic insufficiency and orthopnea, and an echocardiography revealed that the valve had been displaced into the LVOT. A conventional aortic valve replacement and ascending aorta replacement were performed, at which time the TAP prosthesis was removed. The patient recovered uneventfully, and was discharged with a well-functioning aortic bioprosthetic valve and in good general condition.

Late perforation of a right ventricular pacing lead: a potentially dangerous complication.

Four days after uncomplicated implantation of a two-chamber pacemaker and a normal postoperative course, a patient was referred to our hospital with left-sided hemothorax and early hemorrhagic shock. Chest X-ray and CT scan were suspicious of a right ventricular lead perforation with additional pericardial and pleural injury. Immediate surgery was performed via a lateral thoracotomy and the perforation was repaired via direct suture. An epimyocardial ventricular lead was implanted simultaneously. The patient made an uneventful recovery.

Characteristics of the new AtriCure cryoFORM® cryoablation probe for the surgical treatment of cardiac arrhythmias

ABSTRACT Introduction: Atrial fibrillation has a significant impact on patient mortality and morbidity. In particular, stroke is a frequent complication associated with atrial fibrillation. In recent years, various treatment options have been developed that are based on the elimination of atypical electrically active atrial areas. Areas covered: This manuscript presents a new cryoablation probe from AtriCure Inc. In addition to describing the characteristics of the probe, we also discuss atrial fibrillation and its surgical therapy options as well as the basics of cryosurgery. The cryoFORM® cryoablation probe is an ablation system developed for cardiothoracic surgeons that utilizes nitrous oxide (N2O) to create continuous transmural lesions that block propagation of atrial activation. The main features of the probe are an excellent working capacity due to the use of N2O, high flexibility, and, in combination with the cryoICE® Box V6, an active defrost mode for quick detachment. Expert commentary: The cryoFORM® ablation probe is a new device for the treatment of atrial fibrillation using N2O as an energy source. The probe is made from stainless steel and has a corrugated surface, a design that provides a higher flexibility than the cryoICE probe.