Wobbe Bouma

Chronic ischaemic mitral regurgitation. Current treatment results and new mechanism-based surgical approaches

Chronic ischaemic mitral regurgitation (CIMR) remains one of the most complex and unresolved aspects in the management of ischaemic heart disease. This review provides an overview of the present knowledge about the different aspects of CIMR with an emphasis on mechanisms, current surgical treatment results and new mechanism-based surgical approaches. CIMR occurs in approximately 20-25% of patients followed up after myocardial infarction (MI) and in 50% of those with post-infarct congestive heart failure (CHF). The presence of CIMR adversely affects prognosis, increasing mortality and the risk of CHF in a graded fashion according to CIMR severity. The primary mechanism of CIMR is ischaemia-induced left ventricular (LV) remodelling with papillary muscle displacement and apical tenting of the mitral valve leaflets. CIMR is often clinically silent, and colour-Doppler echocardiography remains the most reliable diagnostic tool. The most commonly performed surgical procedure for CIMR (restrictive annuloplasty combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)) can provide good results in selected patients with minimal LV dilatation and minimal tenting. However, in general the persistence and recurrence rate (at least MR grade 3+) for restrictive annuloplasty remains high (up to 30% at 6 months postoperatively), and after a 10-year follow-up there does not appear to be a survival benefit of a combined procedure compared to CABG alone (10-year survival rate for both is approximately 50%). Patients at risk of annuloplasty failure based on preoperative echocardiographic and clinical parameters may benefit from mitral valve replacement with preservation of the subvalvular apparatus or from new alternative procedures targeting the subvalvular apparatus including the LV. These new procedures include second-order chordal cutting, papillary muscle repositioning by a variety of techniques and ventricular approaches using external ventricular restraint devices or the Coapsys device. In addition, percutaneous transvenous repair techniques are being developed. Although promising, at this point these new procedures still lack investigation in large patient cohorts with long-term follow-up. They will, however, be the subject of much anticipated and necessary ongoing and future research.

Mitral valve surgery for mitral regurgitation caused by Libman-Sacks endocarditis: a report of four cases and a systematic review of the literature

Libman-Sacks endocarditis of the mitral valve was first described by Libman and Sacks in 1924. Currently, the sterile verrucous vegetative lesions seen in Libman-Sacks endocarditis are regarded as a cardiac manifestation of both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Although typically mild and asymptomatic, complications of Libman-Sacks endocarditis may include superimposed bacterial endocarditis, thromboembolic events, and severe valvular regurgitation and/or stenosis requiring surgery. In this study we report two cases of mitral valve repair and two cases of mitral valve replacement for mitral regurgitation (MR) caused by Libman-Sacks endocarditis. In addition, we provide a systematic review of the English literature on mitral valve surgery for MR caused by Libman-Sacks endocarditis. This report shows that mitral valve repair is feasible and effective in young patients with relatively stable SLE and/or APS and only localized mitral valve abnormalities caused by Libman-Sacks endocarditis. Both clinical and echocardiographic follow-up after repair show excellent mid- and long-term results.

Sex-related resistance to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury is associated with high constitutive ARC expression

The female sex has been associated with improved myocardial salvage after ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). Estrogen, specifically 17beta-estradiol, has been demonstrated to mediate this phenomenon by limiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis. We sought to quantitatively assess the effect of sex, ovarian hormone loss, and I/R on myocardial Bax, Bcl-2, and apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain (ARC) expression. Male (n = 48), female (n = 26), and oophorectomized female (n = 20) rabbits underwent 30 min of regional ischemia and 3 h of reperfusion. The myocardial area at risk and infarct size were determined using a double-staining technique and planimetry. In situ oligo ligation was used to assess apoptotic cell death. Western blot analysis was used to determine proapoptotic (Bax) and antiapoptotic (Bcl-2 and ARC) protein levels in all three ischemic groups and, additionally, in three nonischemic groups. Infarct size (43.7 +/- 3.2%) and apoptotic cell death (0.51 +/- 0.10%) were significantly attenuated in females compared with males (56.4 +/- 1.6%, P < 0.01, and 4.29 +/- 0.95%, P < 0.01) and oophorectomized females (55.7 +/- 3.4%, P < 0.05, and 4.36 +/- 0.51%, P < 0.01). Females expressed significantly higher baseline ARC levels (3.62 +/- 0.29) compared with males (1.78 +/- 0.18, P < 0.01) and oophorectomized females (1.08 +/- 0.26, P < 0.01). Males expressed a significantly higher baseline Bax-to-Bcl-2 ratio (4.32 +/- 0.99) compared with females (0.65 +/- 0.13, P < 0.01) and oophorectomized females (0.42 +/- 0.10, P < 0.01). I/R significantly reduced Bax-to-Bcl-2 ratios in males. In all other groups, ARC levels and Bax-to-Bcl-2 ratios did not significantly change. These results support the conclusion that in females, endogenous estrogen limits I/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by producing a baseline antiapoptotic profile, which is associated with estrogen-dependent high constitutive myocardial ARC expression.

Bilateral single-port thoracoscopic sympathectomy with the VasoView® device in the treatment of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis

Primary or essential hyperhidrosis is a disorder characterized by excessive sweating beyond physiological needs. It is a common disease (with an incidence of up to 2.8%) that causes intense discomfort for patients. Video-assisted thoracoscopic bilateral sympathectomy is an effective surgical treatment with high success rates and improvement in quality of life. In the last decade, the advantages of a single-port thoracoscopic approach have become clear. Problems with intraoperative bleeding management have been solved by using thoracoscopes with integrated electrocautery scissors. In this report, we describe successful transaxillary bilateral single-port thoracoscopic T2-T5 sympathectomy with the VasoView® device in three patients with palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. The VasoView® device, with its integrated electrocautery scissors, was originally designed for endoscopic vessel harvesting in coronary artery bypass surgery, but it has proven highly effective for single-port thoracoscopic sympathectomy.

Single-port one-stage bilateral thoracoscopic sympathicotomy for severe hyperhidrosis: prospective analysis of a standardized approach

BackgroundPrimary palmar and/or axillary focal hyperhidrosis is a frequent disorder characterized by excessive sweating beyond physiological needs, often leading to a substantial impairment of quality of life. Over the years several minimally invasive surgical treatments have been described, however results vary, and due to a lack of uniform surgical approach, technique and nomenclature are often difficult to compare. In this prospective study we sought to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of our standardized technique of single-port, one-stage bilateral thoracoscopic sympathicotomy.MethodsOn a prospective basis a hundred consecutive patients with severe or intolerable primary hyperhidrosis underwent one-stage bilateral single-port thoracoscopic sympathicotomy. Primary outcome was measured in pre- vs. post-operative Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale scores. Location and extend of compensatory hyperhidrosis, and satisfaction with the procedure were registered.ResultsA significant reduction in mean Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale score (3.69 ± 0.47 preoperatively vs. 1.06 ± 0.34 postoperatively) (p < 0.001) was observed. In 97 (97%) out of the 100 enrolled patients a >80% reduction in sweat production was achieved. Compensatory hyperhidrosis was seen in 27 patients (27%). It was rated as mild by 21 patients (78%) and as moderate by 6 (22%) of these patients. No severe compensatory hyperhidrosis was reported. Major complications, such as intraoperative bleeding, infections, and Horner’s syndrome were not observed.ConclusionsHighly selective sympathicotomy at well-defined levels with a one-stage bilateral single-port transaxillary thoracoscopic approach is a save procedure, with excellent and reproducible immediate results in the treatment of primary palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis.

Implantation of the Medtronic Harmony Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Improves Right Ventricular Size and Function in an Ovine Model of Postoperative Chronic Pulmonary Insufficiency

Background—Pulmonary insufficiency is the nexus of late morbidity and mortality after transannular patch repair of tetralogy of Fallot. This study aimed to establish the feasibility of implantation of the novel Medtronic Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve (hTPV) and to assess its effect on pulmonary insufficiency and ventricular function in an ovine model of chronic postoperative pulmonary insufficiency. Methods and Results—Thirteen sheep underwent baseline cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, surgical pulmonary valvectomy, and transannular patch repair. One month after transannular patch repair, the hTPV was implanted, followed by serial magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography imaging at 1, 5, and 8 month(s). hTPV implantation was successful in 11 animals (85%). There were 2 procedural deaths related to ventricular fibrillation. Seven animals survived the entire follow-up protocol, 5 with functioning hTPV devices. Two animals had occlusion of hTPV with aneurysm of main pulmonary artery. A strong decline in pulmonary regurgitant fraction was observed after hTPV implantation (40.5% versus 8.3%; P=0.011). Right ventricular end diastolic volume increased by 49.4% after transannular patch repair (62.3–93.1 mL/m2; P=0.028) but was reversed to baseline values after hTPV implantation (to 65.1 mL/m2 at 8 months, P=0.045). Both right ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular ejection fraction were preserved after hTPV implantation. Conclusions—hTPV implantation is feasible, significantly reduces pulmonary regurgitant fraction, facilitates right ventricular volume improvements, and preserves biventricular function in an ovine model of chronic pulmonary insufficiency. This percutaneous strategy could potentially offer an alternative for standard surgical pulmonary valve replacement in dilated right ventricular outflow tracts, permitting lower risk, nonsurgical pulmonary valve replacement in previously prohibitive anatomies.

Mitral valve repair for post-myocardial infarction papillary muscle rupture.

OBJECTIVES Papillary muscle rupture (PMR) is a rare, but serious mechanical complication of myocardial infarction (MI). Although mitral valve replacement is usually the preferred treatment for this condition, mitral valve repair may offer an improved outcome. In this study, we sought to determine the outcome of mitral valve repair for post-MI PMR and to provide a systematic review of the literature on this topic. METHODS Between January 1990 and December 2010, 9 consecutive patients (mean age 63.5 ± 14.2 years) underwent mitral valve repair for partial post-MI PMR. Clinical data, echocardiographic data, catheterization data and surgical reports were reviewed. Follow-up was obtained in December of 2012 and it was complete; the mean follow-up was 8.7 ± 6.1 (range 0.2-18.8 years). RESULTS Intraoperative and in-hospital mortality were 0%. Intraoperative repair failure rate was 11.1% (n = 1). Freedom from Grade 3+ or 4+ mitral regurgitation and from reoperation at 1, 5, 10 and 15 years was 87.5 ± 11.7%. Estimated 1-, 5-, 10- and 15-year survival rates were 100, 83.3 ± 15.2, 66.7 ± 19.2 and 44.4 ± 22.2%, respectively. There were 3 late deaths, and 2 were cardiac-related. All late survivors were in New York Heart Association Class I or II. No predictors of long-term survival could be identified. CONCLUSIONS Mitral valve repair for partial or incomplete post-MI PMR is reliable and provides good short- and long-term results, provided established repair techniques are used and adjacent tissue is not friable. PMR type and adjacent tissue quality ultimately determine the feasibility and durability of repair.

Successful surgical excision of primary right atrial angiosarcoma

Primary cardiac angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive tumor with a high incidence of metastatic spread (up to 89%) at the time of diagnosis, which restricts the indication for surgical resection to a small number of patients. We report the case of a 50-year old Caucasian woman with non-metastatic primary right atrial angiosarcoma, who underwent successful surgical excision of the tumor (with curative intent) and reconstruction of the right atrium with a porcine pericardial patch. However, after a symptom-free survival of five months the patient presented with bone and liver metastases without evidence of local tumor recurrence.

Saddle-Shaped Annuloplasty Improves Leaflet Coaptation in Repair for Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation

BACKGROUND Current repair results for ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) with undersized annuloplasty rings are characterized by high IMR recurrence rates. Current annuloplasty rings treat annular dilatation, but they do little to improve (and may actually exacerbate) leaflet tethering. New saddle-shaped annuloplasty rings have been shown to maintain or restore a more physiologic annular and leaflet geometry and function. Using a porcine IMR model, we sought to demonstrate the influence of annuloplasty ring shape on leaflet coaptation. METHODS Eight weeks after posterolateral infarct, eight pigs with grade 2+ or higher IMR were randomized to undergo either a 28-mm flat ring annuloplasty (n = 4) or a 28-mm saddle-shaped ring annuloplasty (n = 4). Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography and a customized image analysis protocol allowed three-dimensional assessment of leaflet coaptation before and after annuloplasty. RESULTS Total leaflet coaptation area was significantly higher after saddle-shaped ring annuloplasty (109.6 ± 26.9 mm(2)) compared with flat ring annuloplasty (46.2 ± 7.7 mm(2), p <0.01). After annuloplasty, total coaptation area decreased by 87.5 mm(2) (or 65%) in the flat annuloplasty group (p = 0.01), whereas total coaptation area increased by 22.2 mm(2) (or 25%) in the saddle-shaped annuloplasty group (p = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that the use of undersized saddle-shaped annuloplasty rings in mitral valve repair for IMR improves leaflet coaptation, whereas the use of undersized flat annuloplasty rings worsens leaflet coaptation. Because one of Carpentiers fundamental principles of mitral valve repair (durability) is to create a large surface of coaptation, saddle-shaped annuloplasty may increase repair durability.

Predictors of in-hospital mortality after mitral valve surgery for post-myocardial infarction papillary muscle rupture

BackgroundPapillary muscle rupture (PMR) is a rare, but often life-threatening mechanical complication of myocardial infarction (MI). Immediate surgical intervention is considered the optimal and most rational treatment for acute PMR, but carries high risks. At this point it is not entirely clear which patients are at highest risk. In this study we sought to determine in-hospital mortality and its predictors for patients who underwent mitral valve surgery for post-MI PMR.MethodsBetween January 1990 and December 2012, 48 consecutive patients (mean age 64.9 ± 10.8 years) underwent mitral valve repair (n = 10) or replacement (n = 38) for post-MI PMR. Clinical data, echocardiographic data, catheterization data, and surgical reports were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality.ResultsIntraoperative mortality was 4.2% and in-hospital mortality was 25.0%. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed the logistic EuroSCORE and EuroSCORE II as independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Receiver operating characteristics curves showed an optimal cutoff value of 40% for the logistic EuroSCORE (area under the curve 0.85, 95% CI 0.71-1.00, P < 0.001) and of 25% for the EuroSCORE II (area under the curve 0.83, 95% CI 0.68-0.99, P = 0.001). After removal of the EuroSCOREs from the model, complete PMR and intraoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) requirement were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.ConclusionsThe logistic EuroSCORE (optimal cutoff ≥40%), EuroSCORE II (optimal cutoff ≥25%), complete PMR, and intraoperative IABP requirement are strong independent predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery for post-MI PMR. These predictors may aid in surgical decision making and they may help improve the quality of informed consent.