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Objectives: To analyze outcomes in patients with normal preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) undergoing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) therapy due to postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS) related to coronary malperfusion., Methods: Retrospective single-center analysis in patients with normal preoperative LVEF treated with VA-ECMO for coronary malperfusion-related PCCS between May 1998 and May 2018. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality, which was compared using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of mortality., Results: During the study period, a total of 62,125 patients underwent cardiac surgery at our institution. Amongst them, 59 patients (0.1%) with normal preoperative LVEF required VA-ECMO support due to coronary malperfusion-related PCCS. The mean duration of VA-ECMO support was 6 days (interquartile range 4-7 days). The 30-day mortality was 50.8%. Under VA-ECMO therapy, a complication composite outcome of bleeding, re-exploration for bleeding, acute renal failure, acute liver failure, and sepsis occurred in 51 (86.4%) patients. Independent predictors of 30-day mortality were lactate levels > 9.9 mmol/l before VA-ECMO implantation (odds ratio [OR]: 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-7.0; p = 0.002), delay until revascularization > 278 minutes (OR: 2.9; 95% CI 1.3-6.4; p = 0.008) and peripheral arterial artery disease (OR: 3.3; 95% 1.6-7.5; p = 0.001)., Conclusions: Mortality rates are high in patients with normal preoperative LVEF who develop PCCS due to coronary malperfusion. The early implantation of VA-ECMO before the development of profound tissue hypoxia and early coronary revascularization increases the likelihood of survival. Lactate levels are useful to define optimal timing for the VA-ECMO initiation., Competing Interests: I have read the journal’s policy and the authors of this manuscript have the following competing interests: Michael A. Borger discloses that his hospital receives speakers’ honoraria and/or consulting fees on his behalf from Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, Abbott and CryoLife. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest or financial relationships with the industry to disclose. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials., (Copyright: © 2024 Kang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: The German guideline on intensive care treatment of cardiac surgical patients provides evidence-based recommendations on management and monitoring. It remains unclear if, respectively, to which degree the guidelines are implemented into the daily practice. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the implementation of guideline recommendations in German cardiac surgical intensive care units (ICUs)., Methods: An internet-based online survey (42 questions, 9 topics) was sent to 158 German head physicians of cardiac surgical ICUs. To compare the effect over time, most questions were based on a previously performed survey (2013) after introduction of the last guideline update in 2008., Results: A total of n  = 65 (41.1%) questionnaires were included. Monitoring changed to increased provision of available transesophageal echocardiography specialists in 86% (2013: 72.6%), S v O 2 measurement in 93.8% (2013: 55.1%), and electroencephalography in 58.5% (2013: 2.6%). The use of hydroxyethyl starch declined (9.4% vs. 2013: 38.7%), gelatin 4% presented the most administered colloid with 23.4% (2013: 17.4%). Low cardiac output syndrome was primarily treated with levosimendan (30.8%) and epinephrine (23.1%), while norepinephrine (44.6%) and dobutamine (16.9%) represented the most favored drug combination. The main way of distribution was web-based (50.9%), with increasing impact on therapy regimens (36.9% vs. 2013: 24%)., Conclusion: Changes were found in all questioned sectors compared with the preceding survey, with persisting variability between ICUs. Recommendations of the updated guideline have increasingly entered clinical practice, with participants valuing the updated publication as clinically relevant., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background Short-term effects on mitral valve (MV) anatomy after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair using the PASCAL system remain unknown. Precise quantification might allow for an advanced analysis of predictors for mean transmitral gradients. Methods and Results Consecutive patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for secondary mitral regurgitation using PASCAL or MitraClip systems were included. Quantification of short-term MV changes throughout the cardiac cycle was performed using peri-interventional 3-dimensional MV images. Predictors for mean transmitral gradients were identified in univariable and multivariable regression analysis. Long-term results were described during 1-year follow-up. A total of 100 patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair using PASCAL (n=50) or MitraClip systems (n=50) were included. Significant reductions of anterior-posterior diameter, annular circumference, and area throughout the cardiac cycle were found in both cohorts ( P <0.05 for all). Anatomic MV orifice area remained larger in the PASCAL cohort in mid (2.8±1.0 versus 2.4±0.9 cm 2 ; P =0.049) and late diastole (2.7±1.1 versus 2.2±0.8 cm 2 ; P =0.036) compared with the MitraClip cohort. Besides a device-specific profile of independent predictor of mean transmitral gradients, reduction of middiastolic anatomic MV orifice area was identified as an independent predictor in both the PASCAL ( β =-0.410; P =0.001) and MitraClip cohorts ( β =-0.318; P =0.028). At follow-up, reduction of mitral regurgitation grade to mild or less was more durable in the PASCAL cohort (90% versus 72%; P =0.035). Conclusions PASCAL and MitraClip showed comparable short-term effects on MV geometry. However, PASCAL might better preserve MV function and demonstrated more durable mitral regurgitation reduction during follow-up. Identification of independent predictors for mean transmitral gradients might potentially help to guide device selection in the future.

Optimal fluid therapy during perioperative care as part of enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery (ERACS) should improve the outcome. Our objective was finding out the effects of fluid overload on outcome and mortality within a well-established ERACS program. All consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery between January 2020 and December 2021 were enrolled. According to ROC curve analysis, a cut-off of ≥7 kg (group M, n = 1198) and <7 kg (group L, n = 1015) was defined. A moderate correlation was shown between weight gain and fluid balance r = 0.4, and a simple linear regression was significant p < 0.0001, R 2 = 0.16. Propensity score matching showed that increased weight gain was associated with a longer hospital length of stay (LOS) (L 8 [3] d vs. M 9 [6] d, p < 0.0001), an increased number of patients who received pRBCs (L 311 (36%) vs. M 429 (50%), p < 0.0001), and a higher incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) (L 84 (9.8%) vs. M 165 (19.2%), p < 0.0001). Weight gain can easily represent fluid overload. Fluid overload after cardiac surgery is common and is associated with prolonged hospital LOS and increases the incidence of AKI.

Objectives: The Bentall procedure is the gold standard for patients with combined aortic root dilation and valve dysfunction. Over the past decade, fast-track (FT) perioperative anaesthetic management protocols have progressively evolved. We reviewed our results for selected patients undergoing Bentall surgery under an FT protocol., Methods: We retrospectively analysed a consecutive cohort of patients who underwent elective Bentall procedures at our institution between 2000 and 2018. Complex aortic root repair (i.e. David and Ross procedure, redo surgery, major concomitant procedures, emergency repair for acute dissections) was excluded. Patients who underwent conventional perioperative treatment and those treated according to our institutional FT concept were compared following 1:1 propensity score matching., Results: Of 772 patients who fit the in- and exclusion criteria, 565 were treated conventionally post-surgery, while 207 were treated using the FT protocol. Propensity score matching resulted in 197 pairs, with no differences in baseline characteristics after matching. In-house mortality, 30-day mortality and overall all-cause long-term mortality were comparable between the FT and the conventionally treated cohort. Postoperative anaesthetic care unit/intensive care unit length-of-stay (6.2 vs 20.6 h, P = 0.03) and postoperative ventilation times (158.9 vs 465.5 min, P < 0.001) were significantly shorter in the FT cohort. There were no differences in rates of postoperative adverse events., Conclusions: In centres with experienced anaesthesiologists, perioperative FT management is non-inferior to conventionally treated patients undergoing elective Bentall procedures without compromising patient safety., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a powerful diagnostic tool which has become an integral part in the management of cardiac surgery patients. We developed a one-day 3D TEE workshop specifically designed to meet the needs of perioperative cardiac anaesthesiologists. We hypothesized that participation in the workshop would increase the uptake of 3D TEE in routine perioperative practice., Aims: To examine the impact of one-day 3D TEE workshop on 3D TEE image acquisition and incorporation into routine perioperative practice., Setting: Tertiary care hospital., Design: Prospective observational monocentric study., Subjects and Methods: A convenience sample of 20 cardiac anesthesiologists (with an option to attend the one- day workshop midway through the study) from a single center consented to have their intraoperative TEE images collected during the course of the study reviewed for research purposes. Images acquired 6 months before, immediately after, and 6 months following the workshop and images were examined by a blinded, expert echocardiographer., Results: Data collected for 16 participants (8 workshop attendees, 8 non-attendees) indicate that the TEE workshop increased the number of 3D TEE images, but not x images acquired immediately following the workshop (P=0.006). No difference was observed in number of 3D images at six months' post workshop. Workshop participants obtained more 3D and multi-plane images after the workshop and more 3D images at 6 months compared to those who did not attend the workshop., Conclusion: Our study suggests that a single day hands-on 3D TEE workshop may have had an impact on the implementation of intraoperative 3D TEE in experienced echocardiographers.

The purpose of this study was to compare patients who underwent on- vs. off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery managed with a fast-track protocol. Between September 2012 and December 2018, n = 3505 coronary artery bypass surgeries were managed with a fast-track protocol in our specialized post-anesthesia care unit. Propensity score matching was applied and resulted in two equal groups of n = 926. There was no significant difference in ventilation time (on-pump 75 (55-120) min vs. off-pump 80 (55-120) min, p = 0.973). We found no statistically significant difference in primary fast-track failure in on-pump (8.2% (76)) vs. off-pump (6% (56)) groups ( p = 0.702). The secondary fast-track failure rate was comparable (on-pump 12.9% (110) vs. off-pump 12.3% (107), p = 0.702). There were no significant differences between groups in regard to the post-anesthesia care unit, the intermediate care unit, and the hospital length of stay. Postoperative outcome and complications were also comparable, except for a statistically significant difference in PACU postoperative blood loss in on-pump (234 mL) vs. off-pump (323 mL, p < 0.0001) and red blood cell transfusion (11%) and (5%, p < 0.001), respectively. Our results suggest that on- and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery in fast-track settings are comparable in terms of ventilation time, fast-track failure rate, and postoperative complications rate.

Objectives: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become an alternative treatment for patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis not eligible for surgical valve replacement due to a high periprocedural risk or comorbidities. However, there are several areas of debate concerning the pre-, intra- and post-procedural management. The standards and management for these topics may vary widely among different institutions and countries in Europe., Design: Structured web-based, anonymized, voluntary survey., Setting: Distribution of the survey via email among members of the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology working in European centers performing TAVR between September and December 2018., Participants: Physicians., Measurements and Main Results: The survey consisted of 25 questions, including inquiries regarding number of TAVR procedures, technical aspects of TAVR, medical specialities present, preoperative evaluation of TAVR candidates, anesthesia regimen, as well as postoperative management. Seventy members participated in the survey. Reporting members mostly performed 151-to-300 TAVR procedures per year. In 90% of the responses, a cardiologist, cardiac surgeon, cardiothoracic anesthesiologist, and perfusionist always were available. Sixty-six percent of the members had a national curriculum for cardiothoracic anesthesia. Among 60% of responders, the decision for TAVR was made preoperatively by an interdisciplinary heart team with a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist, yet in 5 countries an anesthesiologist was not part of the decision-making. General anesthesia was employed in 40% of the responses, monitored anesthesia care in 44%, local anesthesia in 23%, and in 49% all techniques were offered to the patients. In cases of general anesthesia, endotracheal intubation almost always was performed (91%). It was stated that norepinephrine was the vasopressor of choice (63% of centers). Transesophageal echocardiography guiding, whether performed by an anesthesiologist or cardiologist, was used only ≤30%. Postprocedurally, patients were transferred to an intensive care unit by 51.43% of the respondents with a reported nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:2 or 1:3, to a post-anesthesia care unit by 27.14%, to a postoperative recovery room by 11.43%, and to a peripheral ward by 10%., Conclusion: The results indicated that requirements and quality indicators (eg, periprocedural anesthetic management, involvement of the anesthesiologist in the heart team, etc) for TAVR procedures as published within the European guideline are largely, yet still not fully implemented in daily routine. In addition, anesthetic TAVR management also is performed heterogeneously throughout Europe., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Assessment of early outcomes in patients with normal preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in whom venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) was implanted for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS) during the first postoperative 48 h., Methods: Retrospective single-centre analysis in adult patients with normal LVEF, who received VA-ECMO support for PCCS from May 1998 to May 2018. The primary outcome was 30-day perioperative mortality during the index hospitalization., Results: A total of 62 125 adult patients underwent cardiac surgery at our institution during the study period. Among them, 173 patients (0.3%) with normal preoperative LVEF required VA-ECMO for PCCS. Among them, 71 (41.1%) patients presented PCCS due to coronary malperfusion and in 102 (58.9%) patients, no evident cause was found for PCCS. Median duration of VA-ECMO support was 5 days (interquartile range 2-8 days). A total of 135 (78.0%) patients presented VA-ECMO-related complications and the overall 30-day perioperative mortality was 57.8%. Independent predictors of mortality were: lactate level just before VA-ECMO implantation [odds ratio (OR) 1.27; P < 0.001], major bleeding during VA-ECMO (OR 3.76; P = 0.001), prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR 1.01; P < 0.001) and female gender (OR 4.87; P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Mortality rates of VA-ECMO in PCCS patients are high, even in those with preoperative normal LVEF. Coronary problems are an important cause of PCCS; however, the aetiology remains unknown in the vast majority of the cases. The implantation of VA-ECMO before development of tissue hypoperfusion and the control of VA-ECMO-associated complications are the most important prognostic factors in PCCS patients. Lactate levels may help guide timing of VA-ECMO implantation and define the extent of therapeutic effort., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: The randomized SOLVE-TAVI (compariSon of secOnd-generation seLf-expandable vs. balloon-expandable Valves and gEneral vs. local anesthesia in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) trial compared newer-generation self-expanding valves (SEV) and balloon-expandable valves (BEV) as well as local anesthesia with conscious sedation (CS) and general anesthesia (GA) in patients undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Both strategies showed similar outcomes at 30 days., Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes during 1-year follow-up in the randomized SOLVE-TAVI trial., Methods: Using a 2 × 2 factorial design 447 intermediate- to high-risk patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis were randomly assigned to transfemoral TAVR using either the SEV (Evolut R, Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota) or the BEV (Sapien 3, Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California) as well as CS or GA at 7 sites., Results: In the valve-comparison strategy, rates of the combined endpoint of all-cause mortality, stroke, moderate or severe paravalvular leakage, and permanent pacemaker implantation were similar between the BEV and SEV group (n = 84, 38.3% vs. n = 87, 40.4%; hazard ratio: 0.94; 95% confidence interval: 0.70 to 1.26; p = 0.66) at 1 year. Regarding the anesthesia comparison, the combined endpoint of all-cause mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, and acute kidney injury occurred with similar rates in the GA and CS groups (n = 61, 25.7% vs. n = 54, 23.8%; hazard ratio: 1.09; 95% confidence interval: 0.76 to 1.57; p = 0.63)., Conclusions: In intermediate- to high-risk patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR, newer-generation SEV and BEV as well as CS and GA showed similar clinical outcomes at 1 year using a combined clinical endpoint. (SecOnd-generation seLf-expandable Versus Balloon-expandable Valves and gEneral Versus Local Anesthesia in TAVI [SOLVE-TAVI]; NCT02737150)., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures This study was supported by the German Heart Research Foundation, and Leipzig Heart Institute. The authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: In clinical practice, local anesthesia with conscious sedation (CS) is performed in roughly 50% of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement. However, no randomized data assessing the safety and efficacy of CS versus general anesthesia (GA) are available., Methods: The SOLVE-TAVI (Comparison of Second-Generation Self-Expandable Versus Balloon-Expandable Valves and General Versus Local Anesthesia in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) trial is a multicenter, open-label, 2×2 factorial, randomized trial of 447 patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement comparing CS versus GA. The primary efficacy end point was powered for equivalence (equivalence margin 10% with significance level 0.05) and consisted of the composite of all-cause mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, infection requiring antibiotic treatment, and acute kidney injury at 30 days., Results: The primary composite end point occurred in 27.2% of CS and 26.4% of GA patients (rate difference, 0.8 [90% CI, -6.2 to 7.8]; P equivalence =0.015). Event rates for the individual components were as follows: all-cause mortality, 3.2% versus 2.3% (rate difference, 1.0 [90% CI, -2.9 to 4.8]; P equivalence <0.001); stroke, 2.4% versus 2.8% (rate difference, -0.4 [90% CI, -3.8 to 3.8]; P equivalence <0.001); myocardial infarction, 0.5% versus 0.0% (rate difference, 0.5 [90% CI, -3.0 to 3.9]; P equivalence <0.001), infection requiring antibiotics 21.1% versus 22.0% (rate difference, -0.9 [90% CI, -7.5 to 5.7]; P equivalence =0.011); acute kidney injury, 9.0% versus 9.2% (rate difference, -0.2 [90% CI, -5.2 to 4.8]; P equivalence =0.0005). There was a lower need for inotropes or vasopressors with CS (62.8%) versus GA (97.3%; rate difference, -34.4 [90% CI, -41.0 to -27.8])., Conclusions: Among patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement, use of CS compared with GA resulted in similar outcomes for the primary efficacy end point. These findings suggest that CS can be safely applied for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02737150.

Introduction: Due to the expanding role of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in modern medicine, medical schools rapidly include ultrasound training in their curriculum. The objective of this study was to compare simulator-based training along with classical teaching, using human models, to impart focused transthoracic echocardiography examination., Subject and Methods: A total of 22 medical students, with no former transthoracic echocardiography training, undertook a 90-min e-learning module, dealing with focused echocardiography and important echocardiographic pathologies. Subsequently, they had to complete a multiple-choice-questioner, followed by a 120-min practical training session either on the Heartworks™, (Cardiff, UK) and the CAE Vimedix ® , (Québec, Canada) simulator (n = 10) or on a live human model (n = 12). Finally, both groups had to complete a post-test consisting of ten video-based multiple-choice-questions and a time-based, focused echocardiography examination on another human model. Two blinded expert observers scored each acquired loop which recorded 2 s of each standard view. Statistical analysis was performed with SPPS 24 (SPSS™ 24, IBM, USA) using the Mann-Whitney-Test to compare both groups., Results: Analysis of measurable outcome skills showed no significant difference between transthoracic echocardiography training on human models and high-fidelity simulators for undergraduate medical students., Conclusions: Both teaching methods are effective and lead to the intended level of knowledge and skills.

New developments in transcatheter valve technologies including aortic valve replacement and mitral valve and tricuspid valve interventions are described. Recent studies evaluating the success rate, patient outcomes, and anesthesiologic management of the procedures are discussed., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Background: Fast-track (FT) treatment in cardiac anesthesia is a state-of-the-art technique. The aim of our study was to compare FT treatment in a post-anesthetic care unit (PACU) with limited opening hours with a PACU opened for unlimited hours. Primary endpoints were extubation time (ET), length of stay (LOS) in PACU and LOS in intermediate care unit (IMC). Secondary endpoints were FT success/failure, hospital LOS, re-intubation and in hospital mortality., Methods: At our institution, FT is usually managed in a PACU with limited opening hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Friday (PACU12). Due to reconstruction work in 2011, this PACU was open 24 hours a day, Monday to Saturday (PACU24). We retrospectively compared patients admitted to PACU24 during 2011 (January to December) and patients admitted to PACU12 during 2013 (January to December)., Results: A total of 2174 patients were primarily included in the study, 319 of them had to be excluded. Primary endpoints in PACU12 compared to PACU24 were significantly shorter: median ET (2.0 [95% confidence interval: 1.4-2.8] vs. 3.3 [95% CI: 2.2-5.0] hours), median LOS in PACU (4.8 [95% CI: 4.0-5.9] vs. 21.2 [95% CI: 18.3-23.5] hours) and median LOS in IMC (24 [95% CI: 18-64] vs. 38 [95% CI: 22-77] hours). FT success was significantly higher in PACU12 compared to PACU24 (75.3% vs. 39.6%). The in-hospital mortality and re-intubation rate were not significantly different., Conclusions: FT treatment in a PACU with limited opening hours leads to more effective treatment for patients regarding extubation time and LOS in IMC than in a PACU with limited opening hours, without compromising safety.

Purpose of Review: This review aims to highlight the general and specific strengths and limitations of intraoperative 3D echocardiography. This article explains the value of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT 3D TEE) during cardiac surgery and cardiac interventions., Recent Findings: Recently published recommendations and guidelines include the use of RT 3D TEE. RT 3 D TEE provides additional value particularly for guidance during cardiac interventions (i.e., transcatheter mitral valve repair, left atrial appendix and atrial septal defect closures), assessment of the mitral valve in surgical repair, measurement of left ventricular outflow tract area for transcatheter valvular replacements, and estimating right and left ventricular volumes and function. The exact localization of paravalvular leakage is another strength of RT 3D TEE. The major limitation is the reduced temporal resolution compared to 2D TEE., Summary: Three-dimensional echocardiography is a powerful tool that improves communication and accurate measurements of cardiac structures.

Aims: Whereas haemodynamic and echocardiographic studies suggest benefits for left ventricular (LV) function and cardiac output following reduction in LV preload by interventional edge-to-edge repair for mitral regurgitation (MR), there is limited data on volumetric and functional LV and right ventricular (RV) changes using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging., Methods and Results: Patients with moderate to severe MR and high surgical risk underwent MitraClip-implantation and CMR imaging before and within 7 days after the procedure. In addition to volumetric and flow studies, myocardial feature tracking (FT) technology for quantification of myocardial strain was applied. Twenty patients (age: 76 ± 8 years) with functional (n = 15) or degenerative MR (n = 5) with a mean logistic Euroscore I of 33 ± 16 underwent both successful MitraClip implantation and CMR imaging. MR fraction (36 ± 10 vs. 19 ± 12%; P < 0.001) and LV end-diastolic volume (115 ± 36 vs. 105 ± 41 mL/m2; P = 0.002) decreased significantly, whereas LV ejection fraction (42 ± 15 vs. 41 ± 16%, P = 0.8) and cardiac index (1.7 ± 0.5 vs. 1.8 ± 0.4 L/min/m2, P = 0.4) remained unchanged. MitraClip implantation resulted in a significant impairment of circumferential (-12.8 ± 4.8 vs. -8.2 ± 3.3; P = 0.002) and radial strain (15.4 ± 7.7 vs. 9.6 ± 5.3; P = 0.02) on basal short-axis view. On RV level, there were no significant changes in end-diastolic volume (83 ± 19 vs. 84 ± 18 mL/m2, P = 0.8), ejection fraction (42 ± 9 vs. 43 ± 11%, P = 0.8), or tricuspid regurgitation fraction (24 ± 17 vs. 25 ± 19%, P = 0.7). MitraClip implantation led to a significant improvement in New York Heart Association functional class (patients in functional class III-IV pre 100% vs. post 45%; P < 0.001)., Conclusion: In severely compromised patients, marked reduction in MR by MitraClip implantation might not result in immediate improved cardiac output and effective biventricular forward flow., (Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2015. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Mitral valve (MV) diseases are among the most common types of heart diseases, while heart diseases are the most common cause of death worldwide. MV repair surgery is connected to higher survival rates and fewer complications than the total replacement of the MV, but MV repair requires extensive patient-specific therapy planning. The simulation of MV repair with a patient-specific model could help to optimize surgery results and make MV repair available to more patients. However, current patient-specific simulations are difficult to transfer to clinical application because of time-constraints or prohibitive requirements on the resolution of the image data. As one possible solution to the problem of patient-specific MV modeling, we present a mass-spring MV model based on 3D transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) images already routinely acquired for MV repair therapy planning. Our novel approach to the rest-length estimation of springs allows us to model the global support of the MV leaflets through the chordae tendinae without the need for high-resolution image data. The model is used to simulate MV annuloplasty for five patients undergoing MV repair, and the simulated results are compared to post-surgical TEE images. The comparison shows that our model is able to provide a qualitative estimate of annuloplasty surgery. In addition, the data suggests that the model might also be applied to simulating the implantation of artificial chordae., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Echocardiography allows assessment of cardiac anatomy and function. A tailored approach to echocardiographic assessment is essential in hemodynamic unstable patients. Standard views allow comprehensive examination and also reduce the chances to oversee unexpected findings. TTE should be first choice in emergency and intensive care medicine. TEE is standard of care in intraoperative setting. 3 D echocardiography is valuable in specific situations. Written reporting of examination is mandatory., (© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York.)

The role of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has increased tremendously since its first use in 1979. Today intraoperative TEE is a class I indication for surgical mitral valve reconstruction for evaluation of mitral valve pathology, graduation of mitral regurgitation and detection of potential risk factors as well as post-repair assessment. Real-time three-dimensional TEE offers anatomical visualization of the mitral valve apparatus, fundamental for virtual surgical planning of proper annuloplasty ring size. As minimally invasive and even off-pump techniques for mitral valve repair become more popular, image guidance by intraoperative TEE will play an essential role.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using the Medtronic CoreValve (MCV) system might represent an alternative to conventional redo surgery in older high-risk patients with a failing aortic valve bioprosthesis., Methods and Results: Symptomatic patients with failing aortic valve bioprosthesis, aged ≥65 years with a logistic EuroSCORE ≥10 % were considered for treatment. Local anesthesia was used to retrogradely implant the MCV system into the failing bioprosthetic valve. Clinical events were recorded and a transthoracic echocardiography was performed to evaluate the impact of MCV on hemodynamics after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. A total of 27 patients (aged 74.8±8 years, logistic EuroSCORE of 31±17%) were treated. In those with AS and AS and AR (n=25), the mean gradient declined from 42±16 mm Hg before to 18±8 mm Hg after MCV implantation (P<0.001), in those with AR the level declined by 2. There was no intraprocedural death and no procedural myocardial infarction. On the basis of the definitions of the Valvular Academic Research Consortium, the rate of major stroke was 7.4 %, of life-threatening bleeding 7.4%, of kidney failure stage III 7.4%, and of major access site complication 11.1 %, respectively. Within 30 days after the procedure, 2 patients died; 1 from stroke and 1 from cardiac failure (30-day mortality: 7.4%)., Conclusions: These results suggest that transfemoral mcv implantation into a wide range of degenerated aortic bioprosthetic valves - irrespective of the failure mode - is feasible, safe, and improves hemodynamics in older patients with higher risk for conventional aortic valve redo surgery.

Objective: Our objective was to analyze the results of transapical aortic valve implantation in high-risk patients with aortic stenosis at up to 3 years after the procedure., Methods: A total of 299 patients underwent transapical aortic valve implantation from February 2006 until January 2010 using the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter xenograft. Mean patient age was 82 ± 6 years and 70% were female. Logistic EuroSCORE and Society of Thoracic Surgeons score predicted risks for mortality were 31% ± 16% and 12% ± 8%, respectively. All patients were treated in a hybrid operative theater by a team of anesthetists, cardiologists and cardiac surgeons., Results: Successful valve implantation was performed in all patients. Transapical aortic valve implantation was uneventful in 267 patients (89.3%), whereas 32 patients (10.7%) required additional interventions. Such interventions included cardiopulmonary bypass support in 18, implantation of a second SAPIEN valve in 15, coronary intervention in 9, conversion to conventional surgery in 6, and annulus perforation in 3 patients (not mutually exclusive). Intraprocedural stroke was not observed in any patient, although 2 (0.7%) patients had a delayed stroke during their hospital stay. Overall survival was 91% at 30 days, 73% at 1 year, 68% at 2 years, and 58% at 3 years., Conclusions: Transapical aortic valve implantation can be performed with good outcomes in high-risk patients with aortic stenosis. Perioperative complications occur in approximately 10% of patients, and a variety of interventions are required for these events. We believe a team approach is therefore essential for the success of transapical aortic valve implantation., (Copyright © 2012 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The reoperative risk for degenerated aortic valve xenografts may be increased in elderly patients with comorbidities. We evaluated the off-pump beating heart concept of transapical aortic valve implantation using the valve-in-valve (VinV) concept., Methods: Since March 2007, 11 patients with degenerated xenografts received transapical aortic valve implantation using the Edwards Sapien transcatheter heart valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA). After informed consent, all procedures were performed as an off-label use. Mean patient age was 78 +/- 6 years (range, 72 to 89), mean logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation was 32% +/- 16% (range, 16% to 62%) and mean Society for Thoracic Surgeons score was 7% +/- 3% (range, 3% to 10%)., Results: All patients were treated off pump. The transapical aortic valve implantation was successful in all patients, and apical access was uncomplicated in all of them. Total operating room time was 71 +/- 14 minutes. On postoperative echocardiography, there was no paravalvular incompetence in any and mild (first degree) central incompetence in 2 of 11 patients. Sufficient flaring of the inflow and outflow parts of the Sapien prosthesis was observed in all patients, suggesting a stable position and an almost absent risk of late embolization. Maximal transvalvular pressure gradients were 21 +/- 8 mm Hg, and mean echocardiographic pressure gradients were 11 +/- 4 mm Hg. Follow-up extends to 330 +/- 293 days (range, 15 to 1,007), and all patients are well and alive., Conclusions: Valve-in-valve implantation is a truly minimally invasive procedure for redo treatment of failed aortic valve xenografts in high-risk elderly patients. The Edwards Sapien valve is well suited for VinV implantation, and this technique may become a routine procedure to treat degenerated xenografts in the future., (2010 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aims: To evaluate the outcome of transapical aortic valve implantation (TA-AVI) in comparison to conventional surgery., Methods and Results: One hundred consecutive high-risk patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis received TA-AVI using the Edwards SAPIEN pericardial xenograft between February 2006 and January 2008. Patient age was 82.7 +/- 5 years, 77 were females, logistic EuroSCORE predicted risk of mortality was 29.4 +/- 13% and Society Thoracic Surgeons score risk for mortality was 15.2 +/- 8.3%. Propensity score analysis was used to identify a control group of patients that underwent conventional aortic valve replacement (C-AVR). Transapical aortic valve implantation was performed successfully in 97 patients, whereas three patients required early conversion. There were no new onset neurological events in the TA-AVI group and early extubation was performed in 82 patients. Echocardiography revealed good valve function with low transvalvular gradients in all patients. Thirty-day survival was 90 +/- 3 vs. 85 +/- 4% for TA-AVI vs. C-AVR, and 1-year survival was 73 +/- 4 vs. 69 +/- 5% (P = 0.55)., Conclusion: Transapical aortic valve implantation is a safe, minimally invasive, and off-pump technique to treat high-risk patients with aortic stenosis. Results of the initial 100 patients are good and compare favourably to conventional surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the results of minimally invasive transapical aortic valve implantation (TA-AVI) in patients requiring redo surgery., Methods: Twenty-five high risk patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis and previous cardiac surgical interventions received TA-AVI using a pericardial xenograft fixed within a stainless steel, balloon-expandable stent (Edwards SAPIEN) since February 2006. All valves were implanted in a hybrid operative theater. Patient age was 78 years, 60% were female, logistic EuroSCORE and STS score risk for mortality were 39% and 17%, respectively. Previous cardiac surgery was CABG in 17, valve surgery in 5 and other in 3 patients., Results: TA-AVI was performed successfully in 24 (96%) of the patients. One patient required early conversion to sternotomy and one patient required temporary ECMO support. A total of 21 patients (84%) were treated completely off-pump, one early patient was treated on-pump by intention and three patients required secondary cardiopulmonary bypass support. Echocardiography revealed good valve function in all but the converted patient, with trivial to mild (1 degrees) paravalvular incompetence in 40%. Three patients died within 30 days of the procedure and during follow-up four patients died, all with good valve function at most recent echo. Thirty-day survival was 88% and one-year survival was 72%. There were no new-onset neurological events., Conclusions: TA-AVI can be performed with excellent results and minimal stroke risk in high risk patients requiring redo cardiac surgery. TA-AVI represents an important alternative to conventional surgery in elderly high risk patients requiring reoperative procedures.

Objective: To investigate whether a bronchial blocker (BB) placed through a routinely used single-lumen tube (SLT) to achieve 1-lung ventilation is appropriate in patients undergoing a minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) operation., Design: Clinical trial., Setting: University hospital., Participants: Patients scheduled for elective MIDCAB operation (n = 159)., Interventions: Group A was treated with a left-sided double-lumen tube (DLT) and served as the control group. Group B was intubated with a routinely used SLT in combination with a BB., Measurements and Main Results: The following data were collected: (1) time required for placement of each tube, (2) ventilation pressures, (3) lung compliance, (4) dislocations of the DLT or BB, (5) effectiveness of lung collapse, and (6) PaO(2) and fraction of inspired oxygen. In 4 patients (4%) of group B, the BB could not be placed within an acceptable time so that 155 patients (50 patients in group A, 105 patients in group B) were statistically analyzed. Statistically significant differences during 1-lung ventilation were found for peak and mean inspiratory pressure (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05), dynamic and static lung compliance (p < 0.05), and dynamic lung compliance change (p < 0.01). No statistical significance was found for intubation time (p > 0.05) and PaO(2) and fraction of inspired oxygen (p > 0.05). Lung collapse was insufficient in 1 patient of group A (2%) and in 2 patients of group B (2%)., Conclusion: To achieve 1-lung ventilation during a MIDCAB procedure, the use of a BB combined with an SLT is an appropriate technique as an alternative to the commonly used DLT., (Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.)