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The influence of gender on both early and long-term outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is not clearly defined. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of gender on early and long-term mortality after CABG using data from the KROK Registry. Methods: All 133,973 adult patients who underwent CABG in Poland between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2019 were included in the Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgical Procedures (KROK Registry). The study enrolled 90,541 patients: 68,401 men (75.55%) and 22,140 women (24.45%) who met the inclusion criteria. Then, 30-day mortality, 1-year mortality, and long-term mortality rates were compared. Results: Advanced age, higher Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) grade, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, body mass index BMI > 35 kg/m2, and renal failure, before the propensity matching, were more frequently observed in women. Women more frequently underwent urgent surgery, including single and double graft surgery, and off-pump CABG (OPCAB) (p < 0.001). In propensity-matched groups, early mortality (30 days) was significantly higher in women (3.4% versus 2.8%, p < 0.001). The annual mortality remained higher in this group (6.6% versus 6.0%, p = 0.025). However, long-term mortality differed significantly between the groups and was higher in the male group (33.0% men versus 28.8% women, p < 0.001). Conclusions: There are no apparent differences in long-term mortality between the two sexes in the entire population. In propensity-matched patients, early mortality was lower for men, but the long-term survival was found to be better in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this multicenter study aimed to investigate the impact of sex on long-term survival among patients with multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using multiple arterial grafting (MAG) or a single artery with saphenous vein grafts. Materials and methods: Data were obtained from the Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgery Procedures database. This study included 81 136 patients who underwent CABG for multivessel disease between January 2012 and December 2020 (22.9 were women and 77.1% were men). MAG was performed in 8.3 and 11.7% of female and male patients, respectively. A 1:1 propensity score (PS)-matching was performed. Long-term mortality was compared between matched groups of men and women. Subgroup analyses of patients aged <70 and = 70 years, with an ejection fraction (EF) >40% and =40%, and with and without diabetes, obesity, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or chronic lung disease (CLD) were performed separately in women and men. Results: MAG was associated with lower long-term mortality than saphenous vein grafts in 1528 PS-matched female pairs [hazard ratio (HR): 0.74; 95% CI: 0.59-0.92; P =0.007) and 7283 PS-matched male pairs (HR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.72-0.88; P<0.001). Subgroup analyses confirmed the results among female patients aged <70 years, with diabetes and EF > 40%, and without PAD or CLD, and of male patients aged <70 and =70 years; with EF >40%; with or without diabetes, obesity, or PAD; and without CLD. Conclusions: In patients undergoing CABG, MAG was associated with significantly improved survival in both sexes. The long-term benefits of MAG observed across subgroups of men and women support the consideration of a multiarterial revascularization strategy for a broader spectrum of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate in-hospital outcomes and long-term survival of patients undergoing cardiac surgery with preoperative atrial fibrillation (AF). We compared different strategies, including no-AF treatment, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) alone, concomitant surgical ablation (SA) alone or both. METHODS A retrospective analysis using the KROK registry included all patients with preoperative diagnosis of AF who underwent cardiac surgery in Poland between between January 2012 and December 2022. Risk adjustment was performed using regression analysis with inverse probability weighting of propensity scores. We assessed 6-year survival with Cox proportional hazards models. Sensitivity analysis was performed based on index cardiac procedure. RESULTS Initially, 42 510 patients with preoperative AF were identified, and, after exclusion, 33 949 included in the final analysis. A total of 1107 (3.26%) received both SA and LAAO, 1484 (4.37%) received LAAO alone, 3921 (11.55%) SA alone and the remaining 27 437 (80.82%) had no AF-directed treatment. As compared to no treatment, all strategies were associated with survival benefit over 6-year follow-up. A gradient of treatment was observed with the highest benefit associated with SA + LAAO followed by SA alone and LAAO alone (log-rank P  < 0.001). Mortality benefits were reflected when stratified by surgery type with the exception of aortic valve surgery where LAAO alone fare worse than no treatment. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with preoperative AF undergoing cardiac surgery, surgical management of AF, particularly SA + LAAO, was associated with lower 6-year mortality. These findings support the benefits of incorporating SA and LAAO in the management of AF during cardiac surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric cardiac surgery requires perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) to reduce the risk of surgical site infections. However, the complexity of these procedures and the metabolic immaturity of children impede the establishment of PAP regimens that are both efficacious and in line with antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). In this study, we compared two PAP regimens: cefazolin with gentamicin (in a retrospective group) and cefazolin only (prospectively) in children undergoing elective cardiac surgery. In the prospective group, additional elements of AMS were introduced, i.e., restricted access to cefazolin and more diligent use of empirical antibiotics proceeded by consultation with an AMS team. The rate of surgical site infections (SSI), the scope of PAP deviations, and the postoperative use of antibiotics other than PAP within 30 days after surgery were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the rate of SSIs between the groups (3.9% vs. 1.2% in the prospective and retrospective groups, respectively (p = 0.35)). However, in the prospective group, the PAP violation was significantly reduced compared with the retrospective group (full compliance with the PAP regimen was 45.5% vs. 4.8%, p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, a reduction of postoperative antibiotic use was observed in the prospective group (0.991 vs. 1.932 defined daily doses, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims We aim to report trends in unplanned hospitalizations among newly diagnosed heart failure patients with regard to hospitalizations types and their impact on outcomes. Methods and results A nation-wide study of all citizens in Poland with newly diagnosed heart failure based on ICD-10 coding who were beneficiaries of either public primary, secondary, or hospital care between 2013 and 2018 in Poland. Between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019, there were 1 124 118 newly diagnosed heart failure patients in Poland in both out- and inpatient settings. The median observation time was 946 days. As many as 49% experienced at least one acute heart failure hospitalization. Once hospitalized, 44.6% patients experienced at least one all-cause rehospitalization and 26% another heart failure rehospitalization. The latter had the highest Charlson co-morbidity index (1.36). The 30 day heart failure readmission rate was 2.96%. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed very early readmissions (up to 1–7 days) were associated with better survival compared with rehospitalization between 8 and 30 days. All-cause mortality was related to the number of hospitalization with adjusted estimated hazard ratios: 1.550 (95% CI: 1.52–158) for the second HF hospitalization, 2.158 (95% CI: 2.098–2.219) for third, and 2.788 (95% CI: 2.67–2.91) for the fourth HF hospitalization and subsequent ones, as compared with the first hospitalization. Conclusions Among newly diagnosed heart failure patients in Poland between 2013 and 2019, nearly half required at least one unplanned heart failure hospitalization. The risk of death was growing with every other hospital reoccurrence due to heart failure. Aims We aim to report trends in unplanned hospitalizations among newly diagnosed heart failure patients with regard to hospitalizations types and their impact on outcomes. Methods and results A nation-wide study of all citizens in Poland with newly diagnosed heart failure based on ICD-10 coding who were beneficiaries of either public primary, secondary, or hospital care between 2013 and 2018 in Poland. Between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019, there were 1 124 118 newly diagnosed heart failure patients in Poland in both out- and inpatient settings. The median observation time was 946 days. As many as 49% experienced at least one acute heart failure hospitalization. Once hospitalized, 44.6% patients experienced at least one all-cause rehospitalization and 26% another heart failure rehospitalization. The latter had the highest Charlson co-morbidity index (1.36). The 30 day heart failure readmission rate was 2.96%. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed very early readmissions (up to 1–7 days) were associated with better survival compared with rehospitalization between 8 and 30 days. All-cause mortality was related to the number of hospitalization with adjusted estimated hazard ratios: 1.550 (95% CI: 1.52–158) for the second HF hospitalization, 2.158 (95% CI: 2.098–2.219) for third, and 2.788 (95% CI: 2.67–2.91) for the fourth HF hospitalization and subsequent ones, as compared with the first hospitalization. Conclusions Among newly diagnosed heart failure patients in Poland between 2013 and 2019, nearly half required at least one unplanned heart failure hospitalization. The risk of death was growing with every other hospital reoccurrence due to heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal surgical strategy (repair vs replacement) for patients with secondary mitral (MV) regurgitation is questionable. Patients who underwent MV repair or replacement for functional or ischemic mitral regurgitation between 2006 and 2017 were identified in Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgery Procedures. Patients, who underwent additional procedures other than coronary artery bypass grafting or tricuspid valve surgery, as well as redo or emergency cases, were excluded. The long-term survival was verified based on National Health Fund registry. The survival was compared between MV repair and replacement both in the whole cohort and after propensity score matching. The Cox regression was used to seek for independent predictors of survival. Of 7633 identified patients, 1793 (23%) underwent MV replacement and 5840 (77%) underwent MV repair. Coronary artery bypass surgery was performed together with MV repair in 3992 (69%) patients and together with MV replacement in 915 (52%) patients (P <.001). Tricuspid valve surgery was added to 1393 (24%) MV repairs and to 561 (32%) MV replacements (P <.001). The crude actuarial 5-year survival was 71% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70%-72%) in the repair group and 66% (95% CI, 63%-68%) in the replacement group (P <.001). MV replacement was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.17-1.49) (P <.001) in Cox regression modeling. In the propensity-matched cohort (1105 pairs), the long-term mortality was also significantly higher in the replacement group (hazard ratio, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.06-1.45; P =.008). Repair of secondary mitral regurgitation has an associated survival benefit compared with MV replacement. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES To determine the recommended concentrations of cefazolin to be used for antibiotic prophylaxis during paediatric cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation (ECC). METHODS Twenty paediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery with ECC and cefazolin antibiotic prophylaxis were included in the study. Blood samples for measurement of total cefazolin plasma concentration were collected at the following measurement time points: directly after skin incision, 15 min after ECC start, 5 min after ECC cessation and at skin closure. The target concentration was set for ≥40 mg/l, which corresponded to ≥8 mg/l of unbound cefazolin concentration. RESULTS The median total cefazolin plasma concentrations at the measurement time points were 62.8, 67.7, 45.8 and 34.2 mg/l, respectively, and target concentrations were achieved in 90%, 85%, 65% and 40% of children, respectively. Among patients who received ≥30 mg of cefazolin per 100 ml of ECC priming, target concentrations after ECC cessation were reached in 80% of patients, while in those with <30 mg cefazolin per 100 ml in 20% of patients (P  = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS Direct extrapolation of antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations from adults to children may result in suboptimal antibiotic concentrations. An additional cefazolin dose to ECC priming appears necessary and the dosing should be based on ECC priming volume rather than on the weight of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES We sought to evaluate the predictive power of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons–European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (STAT) mortality score and the adult congenital heart surgery (ACHS) mortality score for the adults undergoing congenital heart operations entered into the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association (ECHSA) database. METHODS The data set comprised 17 662 major operations performed between 1997 and 2019, on patients 18 years of age or older, in European centres participating in the ECHSA database. Each operation was assigned a STAT mortality score and category and an ACHS mortality score. Operative mortality was based on the 30-day status and on the status at hospital discharge. The discriminatory power of the STAT and ACHS scores was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (c-index). RESULTS A total of 17 214 (97.46%) operations were assigned ACHS scores. The 3 most frequent primary procedures were closure of the atrial septal defect (19.0%), aortic valve replacement (8.8%) and non-valve-sparing aortic root replacement (6.1%). Operative mortality for ACHS-coded operations was 2.07%. The procedures with the highest mortality were atrial septal defect creation/enlargement (19.0%), lung transplantation (18.8%) and heart transplantation (18.2%). A total of 17 638 (99.86%) operations were assigned a STAT score and category. The operative mortality for STAT-coded operations was 2.27%. The c-index for mortality was 0.720 for the STAT mortality score and 0.701 for the ACHS score. CONCLUSIONS The ACHS mortality score and the STAT mortality score reached similar, moderate predictive power in adult patients undergoing congenital heart surgery in ECHSA database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We sought to determine the surgical outcomes of patients with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) enrolled in the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association (ECHSA) database.Materials and Methods: From 1999 to 2019, 907 patients with ALCAPA underwent surgical repair and were included in the current study. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included frequency and results of concomitant mitral valve surgery and postoperative mechanical circulatory support (MCS).Results: The overall in-hospital mortality was 6% (54/907) and was significantly higher in neonates (p = .01), patients with lower body surface area (BSA) (p = .01), and those requiring postoperative MCS (p = .001). Associated mitral valve surgery was performed in 144 patients (15.9%) and was associated with longer cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic cross-clamp times (AOX) (p ≤ .0001) but was not significantly related to an increase in in-hospital mortality. Postoperative MCS was required in 66 patients (7.3%). These patients were younger (p ≤ .001), had a lower BSA (p ≤ .001), and required a longer CPB (p ≤ .001) and AOX time (p ≤ .001).Conclusions: ALCAPA repair can be achieved successfully, and with low surgical risk. Concomitant mitral valve procedures can be performed without increasing operative mortality. The use of MCS remains a valuable option, especially in younger patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES A second paediatric report has been generated from the European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS). The purpose of EUROMACS, which is operated by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, is to gather data related to durable mechanical circulatory support for scientific purposes and to publish reports with respect to the course of mechanical circulatory support therapy. Since the first report issued, efforts to increase compliance and participation have been extended. Additionally, the data provided the opportunity to analyse patients of younger age and lower weight. METHODS Participating hospitals contributed pre-, peri- and long-term postoperative data on mechanical circulatory support implants to the registry. Data for all implants in paediatric patients (≤19 years of age) performed from 1 January 2000 to 1 July 2019 were analysed. This report includes updates of patient characteristics, implant frequency, outcome (including mortality rates, transplants and recovery rates) as well as adverse events including neurological dysfunction, device malfunction, major infection and bleeding. RESULTS Twenty-nine hospitals contributed 398 registered implants in 353 patients (150 female, 203 male) to the registry. The most frequent aetiology of heart failure was any form of cardiomyopathy (61%), followed by congenital heart disease and myocarditis (16.4% and 16.1%, respectively). Competing outcomes analysis revealed that a total of 80% survived to transplant or recovery or are ongoing; at the 2-year follow-up examination, 20% died while on support. At 12 months, 46.7% received transplants, 8.7% were weaned from their device and 18.5% died. The 3-month adverse events rate was 1.69 per patient-year for device malfunction including pump exchange, 0.48 for major bleeding, 0.64 for major infection and 0.78 for neurological events. CONCLUSIONS The overall survival rate was 81.5% at 12 months following ventricular assist device implant. The comparison of survival rates of the early and later eras shows no significant difference. A focus on specific subgroups showed that survival was less in patients of younger age (<1 year of age) (P  = 0.01) and lower weight (<20 kg) (P  = 0.015). Transplant rates at 6 months continue to be low (33.2%) The fact that the EUROMACS registry is embedded within the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Quality Improvement Programme offers opportunities to focus on improving outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: No single randomized study has ever before addressed the safety of On-Pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) vs Off-Pump CABG in the setting of atrial fibrillation (AF) and data from small observational samples remain inconclusive. Methods and findings: Procedural data from KROK (Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgery Procedures) were retrospectively collected. Of initial 188,972 patients undergoing CABG, 7,913 presented with baseline AF (76.0% men, mean age 69.1±8.2) and underwent CABG without concomitant valve surgery between 2006–2019 in 37 reference centers across Poland. Mean follow-up was 4.7±3.5 years (median 4.3 IQR 1.7–7.4). Cox proportional hazards models were used for computations. Of included patients, 3,681 underwent On-Pump- (46.52%) as compared to 4,232 (53.48%) who underwent Off-Pump CABG. Patients in the latter group less frequently were candidates for complete revascularization (P<0.001). In an unadjusted comparison, On-Pump surgery was associated with significantly worse survival at 30 days: HR: 1.28; 95%CIs: (1.07–1.53); P = 0.007. Along the 13-year study period, the trend shifted in favor of On-Pump CABG: HR: 0.92; 95%CIs: (0.83–0.99); P = 0.005. After rigorous propensity matching, 636 pairs were identified. The direction and magnitude of treatment effects was sustained with HRs of 3.58; (95%CIs: 1.34–9.61); p = 0.001 and 0.74; [95%CIs: 0.56–0.98]; p = 0.036) for 30-day and late mortality respectively. Conclusions: Off-Pump CABG offered 30-day survival benefit to patients undergoing CABG surgery and presenting with underlying AF. On-Pump CABG was associated with significantly improved survival at long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES Our goal was to evaluate early sequelae and long-term survival in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with concomitant surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS Procedural data from KROK (Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgery Procedures) were collected. A total of 7879 patients with underlying AF underwent isolated CABG between 2006 and 2018 in 37 reference centres across Poland. The mean follow-up was 4.7 ± 3.5 years [median (interquartile range) 4.3 (1.7–7.4)]. Propensity score matching and Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare isolated CABG + ablation with isolated CABG. RESULTS Of the included patients, 346 (4.39%) underwent surgical ablation. Patients in this group were significantly younger (66.4 ± 7.5 vs 69.2 ± 8.2; P  < 0.001) but had a non-significant, different baseline surgical risk (EuroSCORE: 2.11 vs 2.50; P  = 0.088). After a rigorous 1:3 propensity matching (LOGIT model: 306 cases of isolated CABG + ablation vs 918 of isolated CABG alone), surgical ablation was associated with a lower 30-day risk of death [risk ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15–0.91; P  = 0.032] and multiorgan failure (risk ratio 0.29, 95% CI 0.10–0.94; P  = 0.029). In the long term, surgical ablation was associated with a significant 33% improved overall survival rate: hazard ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.49–0.90; P  = 0.008. The benefit of ablation was sustained in the subgroups but was most pronounced in lower risk older patients (age >70 years, P  = 0.020; elective status, P  = 0.011) with 3-vessel disease (P  = 0.036), history of a cerebrovascular accident (P  = 0.018) and preserved left ventricular function [left ventricular ejection fraction >50%; P  = 0.017; no signs of heart failure (per New York Heart Association functional class); P  = 0.001] and those undergoing on-pump CABG (P  < 0.001). CONCLUSION Surgical ablation for AF in patients undergoing isolated CABG is safe and associated with significantly improved long-term survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting is considered potentially more effective than on-pump surgery in elderly patients. Aim: To compare the early and long-term results of these techniques in patients = 80 years of age with left main coronary artery disease. Material and methods: All patients = 80 years of age (N = 3648) who were reported to the Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgery Procedures between 2006 and 2016 and underwent primary, isolated coronary artery bypass surgery were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group A - without significant left main stenosis (LMS) (n = 2094) and B group - with LMS = 50% (n = 1524). The groups were compared according to the type of surgery: on-pump (A = 1107 vs. B = 891), off-pump (A = 908 vs. B = 616) and MIDCAB (A = 79 vs. B = 17). Results: There were significant differences in preoperative status between the groups in the whole cohort, which were not observable after propensity score matching. The in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the LMS group operated on-pump (10.5% vs. 7.0%; p = 0.01) and non-significant in the off-pump group (5.1% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.78), as well as in the MIDCAB subgroup (5.9% vs. 5.1%; p = 0.64). 10-year survival in all subgroups was comparable and remained at a level of 50-60%. The mean entire cohort follow-up was 3.4 ±2.7 vs. 3.7 ±2.8 years (p = 0.2). Conclusions: Off-pump coronary bypass grafting may optimize the outcomes in elderly patients with significant left main stenosis. Octogenarians surgically treated for coronary artery disease, despite increased post-operative risks, present encouraging long-term survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES EUROMACS is a registry of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) whose purpose is to gather clinical data related to durable mechanical circulatory support for scientific purposes and to publish annual reports. Because the treatment of children with end-stage heart failure has several significantly different characteristics than the treatment of adults, data and outcomes of interventions are analysed in this dedicated paediatric report. METHODS Participating hospitals contributed pre-, peri- and long-term postoperative data on mechanical circulatory support implants to the registry. Data for all implants in paediatric patients (≤19 years of age) performed from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2017 were analysed. This report includes updates of patient characteristics, implant frequency, outcome (including mortality rates, transplants and recovery rates) as well as adverse events. RESULTS Twenty-five hospitals contributed 237 registered implants in 210 patients (81 ♀, 129 ♂) to the registry. The most frequent diagnosis was any form of cardiomyopathy (71.4%) followed by congenital heart disease (18.6%). Overall mean support time on a device was 11.6 months (±16.5 standard deviation). A total of 173 children (82.4%) survived to transplant, recovery or are ongoing; 37 patients (17.6%) died while on support within the observed follow-up time. At 12 months 38% of patients received transplants, 7% were weaned from their device and 15% died. At 24 months, 51% of patients received transplants, 17% died while on support, 22% were on a device and 9% were explanted due to myocardial recovery. The adverse events rate per 100 patient-months was 0.2 for device malfunction, 0.05 for major bleeding, 0.06 for major infection and 0.03 for neurological events within the first 3 months after implantation. CONCLUSIONS The first paediatric EUROMACS report reveals a low transplant rate in European countries within the first 2 years of implantation compared to US data. The 1-year survival rate seems to be satisfactory. Device malfunction including pump chamber changes due to thrombosis was the most frequent adverse event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The optimal management and prognostic factors of postsurgical pulmonary vein stenosis remain controversial. We sought to determine current postsurgical pulmonary vein stenosis outcomes and prognostic factors in a multicentric study in the current era. Methods Seventy-five patients with postsurgical pulmonary vein stenosis who underwent 103 procedures in 14 European/North American centers (2000-2012) were included retrospectively. A specific pulmonary vein stenosis severity score was developed on the basis of the assessment of each pulmonary vein. End points were death, pulmonary vein reintervention, and restenosis. A univariate and multivariate risk analysis was performed. Results Some 76% of postsurgical pulmonary vein stenosis occurred after repair of a total anomalous pulmonary venous return. Sutureless repair was used in 42 of 103 procedures (41%), patch veinoplasty was used in 28 procedures (27%), and endarterectomy was used in 16 procedures (16%). Overall pulmonary vein restenosis, reintervention, and mortality occurred in 56% (n = 58/103), 49% (n = 50/103), and 27% (n = 20/75), respectively. Sutureless repair was associated with less restenosis (40% vs 67%; P = .007) and less reintervention (31% vs 61%; P = .003). Mortality after sutureless repair (20%; 7/35) tends to be lower than after nonsutureless repair (33%; 13/40) ( P = .22). A high postoperative residual pulmonary vein stenosis score at the time of hospital discharge was an independent risk factor for restenosis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.55; P < 10 −4 ), reintervention (HR, 1.33; P < 10 −4 ), and mortality (HR, 1.37; P < 10 −4 ). The sutureless technique was an independent protective factor against restenosis (HR, 0.27; P = .006). Conclusions Postsurgical pulmonary vein stenosis still has a guarded prognosis in the current era. The sutureless technique is an independent protective factor against restenosis. The severity of the residual disease evaluated by a new severity score is an independent risk factor for poor outcomes regardless of surgical technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The early results of congenital heart surgery in neonates remain a challenge. We sought to determine the nature of the association between annual center volume of neonatal cardiac surgery and operative mortality using a multicenter cohort. Methods The dataset consists of 27,556 neonatal procedures performed between 1999 and 2015 in 90 centers participating in the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association database. Centers with mean annual volume load of six or more that submitted data for at least 3 consecutive years were included. World Bank annual gross national index per capita was utilized as an indicator of temporal national affluence. Multilevel logistic regression was used to create a model including the significant risk factors and to calculate odds ratios for operative mortality. Iterative modeling of the dataset incrementally excluding centers with lower annual caseload was used to identify the relationship between annual volume and mortality. Results In the model thus calculated including The Society of Thoracic Surgeons–European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (STAT) mortality score, operative weight and age, noncardiac genetic anomalies, and annual volume of operations were independent risk factors for operative mortality in the analysis of the entire cohort. In the model containing these variables, annual gross national index and year of surgery were not significantly associated with mortality. In the iterative process, annual volume ceased to be a risk factor when units operating on fewer than 60 neonates annually were excluded. Conclusions In neonatal congenital heart surgery, the risk of operative death decreased with the increase of volume load. The cutoff point in this cohort was a mean annual volume of 60 neonatal operations per year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Primary pulmonary vein stenosis (PPVS) still carries a poor prognosis, and prognostic factors remain controversial. The aim of this study was to determine outcomes and prognostic factors after PPVS repair in the current era. Methods Thirty patients with PPVS and a normal pulmonary vein (PV) connection operated on in 10 European/North American centers (2000–2012) were included retrospectively. A specific PVS severity score was developed based on the assessment of each PV. Studied end points were death, PV reoperation, and restenosis. A univariate and multivariate risk analysis was performed. Results The mean number of affected PVs per patient was 2.7 ± 1.1. Sutureless repair was used in 21 patients (70%), endovenectomy was used in 5 patients, and patch venoplasty was used in 4 patients. Overall PV restenosis, reoperation, and mortality occurred in 50%, 40%, and 30% of patients respectively. Freedom from mortality, reoperation, and restenosis at 8 years of follow-up was 70% ± 8%, 62% ± 8%, and 47% ± 9%, respectively. Restenosis and mortality rates after sutureless repair versus nonsutureless repair were 57% (n = 12 of 21) versus 33% (n = 3 of 9) ( p = 0.42) for restenosis and 38% (n = 8 of 21) versus 11% (n = 1 of 9) ( p = 0.21) for mortality. Patients selected for a sutureless technique were younger and smaller and had more severe disease before operation. A postoperative high PVS score and pulmonary hypertension 1 month after the operation were independent risk factors for restenosis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34; p = 0.002 and HR, 6.81; p = 0.02, respectively), reoperation (HR, 1.24; p = 0.01 and HR, 7.60; p = 0.02), and mortality (HR, 1.39; p = 0.01 and HR, 39.5; p = 0.008). Conclusions Primary PVS still has a guarded prognosis in the current era despite adoption of the sutureless technique. Postoperative pulmonary hypertension and severity of disease evaluated by a new severity score are independent prognostic factors regardless of surgical technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]