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Background: Current guidelines recommend valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR) procedures over valve replacement for the treatment of root aneurysm. The reimplantation technique seems to be the most widely used valve-sparing technique, with excellent outcomes in mostly single-center studies. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to present a comprehensive overview of clinical outcomes after VSRR with the reimplantation technique, and potential differences for bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) phenotype. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search of papers reporting outcomes after VSRR that were published since 2010. Studies solely reporting on acute aortic syndromes or congenital patients were excluded. Baseline characteristics were summarized using sample size weighting. Late outcomes were pooled using inverse variance weighting. Pooled Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves for time-to-event outcomes were generated. Further, a microsimulation model was developed to estimate life expectancy and risks of valve-related morbidity after surgery. Results: Forty-four studies, with 7,878 patients, matched the inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. Mean age at operation was 50 years and almost 80% of patients were male. Pooled early mortality was 1.6% and the most common perioperative complication was chest re-exploration for bleeding (5.4%). Mean follow-up was 4.8±2.8 years. Linearized occurrence rates for aortic valve (AV) related complications such as endocarditis and stroke were below 0.3% patient-year. Overall survival was 99% and 89% at 1 and 10-year respectively. Freedom from reoperation was 99% and 91% after 1 and 10 years, respectively, with no difference between tricuspid and BAVs. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis shows excellent short and long-term results of valve-sparing root replacement with the reimplantation technique in terms of survival, freedom from reoperation, and valve related complications with no difference between tricuspid and BAVs.

Mechanical device malfunction remains a known issue in left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). We investigated the incidence of mechanical device malfunction in the HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 LVADs. We conducted a retrospective study of all HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 LVADs implanted in our center. We evaluated major malfunction, potential major malfunction, minor malfunction, and need of device exchange. In total, 163 patients received an LVAD; in 63 (39%) a HeartMate II, and in 100 (61%) a HeartMate 3, median support time of respectively 24.6 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 32.4) and 21.1 months [IQR: 27.2]. Mechanical device malfunction, consisting of both major and potential major malfunction, occurred significantly less in the HeartMate 3 patients with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.37 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15-0.87, p = 0.022). Major malfunction alone occurred significantly less in HeartMate 3 patients with a HR of 0.18 (95% CI: 0.05-0.66, p = 0.009). HeartMate 3 patients had a significantly decreased hazard of a pump or outflow graft exchange (HR 0.13, 95% CI: 0.08-0.81, p = 0.008). System controller defects occurred significantly less in HM 3 patients (p = 0.007), but battery-clips defects occurred significantly more in HM 3 patients (p = 0.039). Major device malfunction including pump or outflow graft exchange occurred significantly less in HeartMate 3 compared to HeartMate II, while minor malfunctions were similar. Periodical assessment of the technical integrity of the device remains necessary during long-term LVAD support.

Objectives: New temperature management concepts of moderate and mild hypothermic circulatory arrest during aortic arch surgery have gained weight over profound cooling. Comparisons of all temperature levels have rarely been performed. We performed direct and indirect comparisons of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) (≤20°C), moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA) (20.1–25°C), and mild hypothermic circulatory arrest (mild HCA) (≥25.1°C) in a network meta-analysis. Methods: The literature was systematically searched for all papers published through February 2022 reporting on clinical outcomes after aortic arch surgery utilizing DHCA, MHCA and mild HCA. The primary outcome was operative mortality. The secondary outcomes were postoperative stroke and acute kidney failure (AKI). Results: A total of 34 studies were included, with a total of 12,370 patients. DHCA was associated with significantly higher postoperative incidence of stroke when compared with MHCA (odds ratio [OR], 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–1.78) and mild HCA: (OR, 1.50, 95% CI, 1.14–1.98). Furthermore, DHCA and MHCA were associated with higher operative mortality when compared with mild HCA (OR 1.71, 95% CI, 1.23–2.39 and OR 1.50, 95% CI, 1.12–2.00, respectively). Separate analysis of randomized and propensity score matched studies showed sustained increased risk of stroke with DHCA in contrast to MHCA and mild HCA (OR, 1.61, 95% CI, 1.18–2.20, p value =.0029 and OR, 1.74, 95% CI, 1.09–2.77, p value =.019). Conclusions: In the included studies, the moderate to mild hypothermia strategies were associated with decreased operative mortality and the risk of postoperative stroke. Large-scale prospective studies are warranted to further explore appropriate temperature management for the treatment of aortic arch pathologies.

Background: Multiple biomarkers have been investigated in the risk stratification of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This systematic review and meta-analysis is the first to investigate the prognostic value of (NT-pro)BNP in patients with PAH. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and Google scholar to identify studies on the prognostic value of baseline (NT-pro)BNP levels in PAH. Studies reporting hazard ratios (HR) for the endpoints mortality or lung transplant were included. A random effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled HR of (NT-pro)BNP levels at the time of diagnosis. To account for different transformations applied to (NT-pro)BNP, the HR was calculated for a 2-fold difference of the weighted mean (NT-pro)BNP level of 247 pmol/L, for studies reporting a HR based on a continuous (NT-pro)BNP measurement. Results: Sixteen studies were included, representing 6999 patients (mean age 45.2-65.0 years, 97.3% PAH). Overall, 1460 patients reached the endpoint during a mean follow-up period between 1 and 10 years. Nine studies reported HRs based on cut-off values. The risk of mortality or lung transplant was increased for both elevated NT-proBNP and BNP with a pooled HR based on unadjusted HRs of 2.75 (95%-CI: 1.86-4.07) and 3.87 (95% CI 2.69-5.57) respectively. Six studies reported HRs for (NT-pro)BNP on a continues scale. A 2-fold difference of the weighted mean NT-proBNP resulted in an increased risk of mortality or lung transplant with a pooled HR of 1.17 (95%-CI: 1.03-1.32). Conclusions: Increased levels of (NT-pro)BNP are associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality or lung transplant in PAH patients.

OBJECTIVES In complex double outlet right ventricle (DORV) patients, the optimal surgical approach may be difficult to assess based on conventional two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) imaging. The aim of this study is to assess the added value of 3D printed and 3D Virtual Reality (VR) models of the heart used for surgical planning in DORV patients, supplementary to the gold standard 2D imaging modalities. METHODS Five patients with different DORV-subtypes and high-quality CT scans were selected retrospectively. 3D prints and 3D-VR models were created. Twelve congenital cardiac surgeons and paediatric cardiologists, from three different hospitals, were shown 2D-CT first, after which they assessed the 3D print and 3D-VR models in random order. After each imaging method, a questionnaire was filled in on the visibility of essential structures and the surgical plan. RESULTS Spatial relationships were generally better visualized using 3D methods (3D printing/3D-VR) than in 2D. The feasibility of VSD patch closure could be determined best using 3D-VR reconstructions (3D-VR 92%, 3D print 66%, and US/CT 46%, P CONCLUSIONS This study shows that both 3D printing and 3D-VR have additional value for cardiac surgeons and cardiologists over 2D imaging, because of better visualization of spatial relationships. As a result, the proposed surgical plans based on the 3D visualizations matched the actual performed surgery to a greater extent.

Background: Significant aortic regurgitation at the time of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, requires concomitant aortic valve (AoV) replacement or repair. However, the impact of concomitant AoV surgery on morbidity remains unknown. Therefore, our aim is to determine the impact of concomitant AoV surgery on thromboembolic and bleeding events. Methods: A retrospective IMACS registry study, including patients implanted from 2013 until September 2017. Differences between different concomitant AoV surgery modalities were analyzed. Results: In total, 785 (5.1%) out of 15.267 patients (median age 58 IQR 49-66 years, 79% male) underwent concomitant AoV surgery (median age 63 IQR 54-69 years, 84% male); 386 (49%) patients received biological prostheses, 71 (9%) mechanical prostheses and 328 (42%) AoV repairs. In total, 54 (8%) patients with AoV surgery experienced a thromboembolic event and 1016 (9%) patients with no AoV surgery. Only AoV repair surgery was associated with an increased rate of pump thrombosis (p=0.024). Furthermore, concomitant AoV surgery was associated with an increased rate of all and nonsurgical bleedings. Following a multivariable Cox regression, concomitant AoV surgery remained an independent predictor for bleeding events. Conclusions: In LVAD patients undergoing concomitant AoV surgery, thromboembolic event rates were not higher, however both all and nonsurgical bleeding event rates were higher. Furthermore, concomitant AoV repair surgery was associated with an increased rate of pump thrombosis.

Contains fulltext : 291064.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: No clear guidelines exist for performing preventive surgery for ascending aortic (AA) aneurysm in elderly patients. This study aims to provide insights by: (1) evaluating patient and procedural characteristics and (2) comparing early outcomes and long-term mortality after surgery between elderly and non-elderly patients. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective observational cohort-study was performed. Data was collected on patients who underwent elective AA surgery in three institutions (2006-2017). Clinical presentation, outcomes, and mortality were compared between elderly (≥70 years) and non-elderly patients. RESULTS: In total, 724 non-elderly and 231 elderly patients were operated upon. Elderly patients had larger aortic diameters (57.0 mm (IQR 53-63) vs. 53.0 mm (IQR 49-58), p < 0.001) and more cardiovascular risk factors at the time of surgery than non-elderly patients. Elderly females had significantly larger aortic diameters than elderly males (59.5 mm (55-65) vs. 56.0 mm (51-60), p < 0.001). Short-term mortality was comparable between elderly and non-elderly patients (3.0% vs. 1.5%, p = 0.16). Five-year survival was 93.9% in non-elderly patients and 81.4% in elderly patients (p < 0.001), which are both lower than that of the age-matched general Dutch population. CONCLUSION: This study showed that in elderly patients, a higher threshold exists to undergo surgery, especially in elderly females. Despite these differences, short-term outcomes were comparable between 'relatively healthy' elderly and non-elderly patients.

The correct positioning of nipple-areolar complexes (NAC) during gender-affirming mastectomies remains a particular challenge. Recently, a Dutch two-step algorithm was proposed predicting the most ideal NAC-position derived from a large cisgender male cohort. We aimed to externally validate this algorithm in a Belgian cohort. The Belgian validation cohort consisted of cisgender men. Based on patient-specific anthropometry, the algorithm predicts nipple-nipple distance (NN) and sternal-notch-to-nipple distance (SNN). Predictions were externally validated using the performance measures: R2-value, means squared error (MSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Additionally, data were collected from a Belgian and Dutch cohort of transgender men having undergone mastectomy with free nipple grafts. The observed and predicted NN and SNN were compared and the inter-center variability was assessed. A total of 51 Belgian cisgender and 25 transgender men were included, as well as 150 Dutch cisgender and 96 transgender men. Respectively, the performance measures (R2-value, MSE and MAPE) for NN were 0.315, 2.35 (95%CI:0–6.9), 4.9% (95%CI:3.8–6.1) and 0.423, 1.51 (95%CI:0–4.02), 4.73%(95%CI:3.7–5.7) for SNN. When applying the algorithm to both transgender cohorts, the predicted SNN was larger in both Dutch (17.1measured(±1.7) vs. 18.7predicted(±1.4), p= measured(±1.8) vs. 18.4predicted(±1.5), p= measured(±2.6) vs. 21.2predicted(±1.6), p = 0.025) and too short in the Dutch cohort (19.8measured(±1.8) vs. 20.7predicted(±1.9), p = 0.001). Both models performed well in external validation. This indicates that this two-step algorithm provides a reproducible and accurate clinical tool in determining the most ideal patient-tailored NAC-position in transgender men seeking gender-affirming chest surgery.

Summary OBJECTIVES The emergence of big cardio-thoracic surgery datasets that include not only short-term and long-term discrete outcomes but also repeated measurements over time offers the opportunity to apply more advanced modelling of outcomes. This article presents a detailed introduction to developing and interpreting linear mixed-effects models for repeated measurements in the setting of cardiothoracic surgery outcomes research. METHODS A retrospective dataset containing serial echocardiographic measurements in patients undergoing surgical pulmonary valve replacement from 1986 to 2017 in Erasmus MC was used to illustrate the steps of developing a linear mixed-effects model for clinician researchers. RESULTS Essential aspects of constructing the model are illustrated with the dataset including theories of linear mixed-effects models, missing values, collinearity, interaction, nonlinearity, model specification, results interpretation and assumptions evaluation. A comparison between linear regression models and linear mixed-effects models is done to elaborate on the strengths of linear mixed-effects models. An R script is provided for the implementation of the linear mixed-effects model. CONCLUSIONS Linear mixed-effects models can provide evolutional details of repeated measurements and give more valid estimates compared to linear regression models in the setting of cardio-thoracic surgery outcomes research.

OBJECTIVES In the third report of the European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, outcomes of patients receiving mechanical circulatory support are reviewed in relation to implant era. METHODS Procedures in adult patients (January 2011-June 2020) were included. Patients from centres with 3 months). Risk factors for death were explored using univariable Cox regression with a stepwise time-varying hazard ratio (3 months). RESULTS In total, 4834 procedures in 4486 individual patients (72 hospitals) were included, with a median follow-up of 1.1 (interquartile range: 0.3-2.6) years. The annual number of implants (range: 346-600) did not significantly change (P = 0.41). Both Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support class (classes 4-7: 23, 25 and 33%; P < 0.001) and in-hospital deaths (18.5, 17.2 and 11.2; P < 0.001) decreased significantly between eras. Overall, mortality, transplants and the probability of weaning were 55, 25 and 2% at 5 years after the implant, respectively. Major infections were mainly noted early after the implant occurred (AER(3 months): 0.45). Bilirubin and creatinine levels were significant risk factors in the early phase but not in the late phase after the implant. CONCLUSIONS In its 10 years of existence, EUROMACS has become a point of reference enabling benchmarking and outcome monitoring. Patient characteristics and outcomes changed between implant eras. In addition, both occurrence of outcomes and risk factor weights are time dependent. As a registry of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, the European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS) offers a robust repository of clinical data on long-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS) from a large international community., European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), This work was funded and supported by European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS).

Background. Heart transplantation (HTx) is, at present, the most effective therapy for end-stage heart failure patients; however, the number of patients on the waiting list is rising globally, further increasing the gap between demand and supply of donors for HTx. First studies using the Organ Care System (OCS) for normothermic machine perfusion show promising results yet are limited in sample size. This article presents a meta-analysis of heart donation either after brain death (OCS-DBD) or circulatory death (OCS-DCD) on using OCS versus static cold storage used for HTx. Methods. A systematic literature search was performed for articles discussing the use of normothermic ex situ heart perfusion in adult patients. Thirty-day survival outcomes were pooled, and odds ratios were calculated using random-effects models. Long-term survival was visualized with Kaplan-Meier curves, hazard ratios were calculated and pooled using fixed-effects models, and secondary outcomes were analyzed. Results. A total of 12 studies were included, with 741 patients undergoing HTx, of which 260 with the OCS (173 DBD and 87 DCD). No differences were found between the 3 groups for early and late survival outcomes or for secondary outcomes. Conclusions. OCS outcomes, for both DBD and DCD hearts, appeared similar as for static cold storage. Therefore, OCS is a safe and effective technique to enlarge the cardiac donor pool in both DBD and DCD, with additional benefits for long-distance transport and surgically complex procedures.

OBJECTIVES This retrospective study investigated the correlation between the angular position of the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) inflow cannula and relapsing low-flow alarms. METHODS Medical charts were reviewed of all patients with HeartMate 3 LVAD support for relapsing low-flow alarms. A standardized protocol was created to measure the angular position with a contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan. Statistics were done using a gamma frailty model with a constant rate function. RESULTS For this analysis, 48 LVAD-supported patients were included. The majority of the patients were male (79%) with a median age of 57 years and a median follow-up of 30 months (interquartile range: 19–41). Low-flow alarm(s) were experienced in 30 (63%) patients. Angulation towards the septal–lateral plane showed a significant increase in low-flow alarms over time with a constant rate function of 0.031 increase in low-flow alarms per month of follow-up per increasing degree of angulation (P = 0.048). When dividing this group using an optimal cut-off point, a significant increase in low-flow alarms was observed when the septal–lateral angulation was 28° or more (P = 0.001). Anterior–posterior and maximal inflow cannula angulation did not show a significant difference. CONCLUSIONS This study showed an increasing number of low-flow alarms when the degrees of LVAD inflow cannula expand towards the septal–lateral plane. This emphasizes the importance of the LVAD inflow cannula angular position to prevent relapsing low-flow alarms with the risk of diminished quality of life and morbidity.

OBJECTIVES In patients supported by a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD), infections are a frequently reported adverse event with increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible association between infections and thromboembolic events, most notable cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), in LVAD patients. METHODS An analysis of the multicentre European Registry for Patients Assisted with Mechanical Circulatory Support was performed. Infections were categorized as VAD-specific infections, VAD-related infections and non-VAD-related infections. An extended Kaplan–Meier analysis for the risk of CVA with infection as a time-dependent covariate and a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model were performed. RESULTS For this analysis, 3282 patients with an LVAD were included with the majority of patients being male (83.1%). During follow-up, 1262 patients suffered from infection, and 457 patients had a CVA. Cox regression analysis with first infection as time-dependent covariate revealed a hazard ratio (HR) for CVA of 1.90 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.55–2.33; P CONCLUSIONS Infection during LVAD support is associated with an increased risk of developing an ischaemic or haemorrhagic CVA, particularly in the setting of VAD-related or VAD-specific infections. This suggests the need of a stringent anticoagulation management and adequate antibiotic treatment during an infection in LVAD-supported patients.

Background: In the treatment of gender dysphoria, appropriate nipple-areola complex (NAC) positioning is essential for achieving a natural appearing male chest after subcutaneous mastectomy. An accurate predictive model for the ideal personalized position of the NAC is still lacking. The aim of this study is to determine the anthropometry of the male chest to create individualized guidelines for appropriate NAC positioning in the preoperative setting. Materials and methods: Cisgender male participants were recruited. Multiple chest measurements were manually recorded. Best subset regression using linear models was used to select predictors for the horizontal coordinate (nipple-nipple distance; NN) and vertical coordinate (sternal notch-nipple distance; SNN) of the NAC. Internal validation was assessed using bootstrapping. Furthermore, a cohort of transgender men who had received a mastectomy with replantation of nipples according to current practice was identified. Comparison testing between the algorithm and standard practice was performed to test the limitations of standard practice. Results: One hundred and fifty cis male participants were included (median age: 26, IQR: 22-34 years). Four predictors were found to predict NN (age, weight, chest circumference (CC), anterior-axillar fold to anterior-axillar fold (AUX-AUX)) and reads as follows: NN = 4.11 + 0.035*age + 0.041*weight + 0.093*CC + 0.140*AUX-AUX Two predictors were found to predict SNN (NN and weight), and reads as follows: SNN = 7.248 + 0.303*NN + 0.072*weight. Both models performed well (Bootstrapped R2: 0.63 (NN), 0.50 (SNN)) and outperformed previous models predicting NAC position. Ninety-six transgender men were eligible for evaluation of current practice and showed an average placement error of −0.9 cm for NN and +2.2 cm for SNN. Conclusion: The non-standardized approach of NAC repositioning results in a significant error of nipple placement. We suggest that the two predictive models for NN and SNN can be used to optimize NAC positioning on the masculinized chest wall. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2021.1884926.

OBJECTIVES Data on the impact and course of uncorrected tricuspid regurgitation (TR) during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation are scarce and inconsistent. This study explores the clinical impact and natural course of uncorrected TR in patients after LVAD implantation. METHODS The European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support was used to identify adult patients with LVAD implants without concomitant tricuspid valve surgery. A mediation model was developed to assess the association of TR with 30-day mortality via other risk factors. Generalized mixed models were used to model the course of post-LVAD TR. Joint models were used to perform sensitivity analyses. RESULTS A total of 2496 procedures were included (median age: 56 years; men: 83%). TR was not directly associated with higher 30-day mortality, but mediation analyses suggested an indirect association via preoperative elevated right atrial pressure and creatinine (P = 0.035) and bilirubin (P = 0.027) levels. Post-LVAD TR was also associated with increased late mortality [hazard ratio 1.16 (1.06–1.3); P = 0.001]. On average, uncorrected TR diminished after LVAD implantation. The probability of having moderate-to-severe TR immediately after an implant in patients with none-to-mild TR pre-LVAD was 10%; in patients with moderate-to-severe TR pre-LVAD, it was 35% and continued to decrease in patients with moderate-to-severe TR pre-LVAD, regardless of pre-LVAD right ventricular failure or pulmonary hypertension. CONCLUSIONS Uncorrected TR pre-LVAD and post-LVAD is associated with increased early and late mortality. Nevertheless, on average, TR diminishes progressively without intervention after an LVAD implant. Therefore, these data suggest that patient selection for concomitant tricuspid valve surgery should not be based solely on TR grade.

Background: Many patients undergoing durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, we investigated the effect of LVAD support on CKD. Methods: A retrospective multicenter cohort study, including all patients undergoing LVAD (HeartMate II (n = 330), HeartMate 3 (n = 22) and HeartWare (n = 48) implantation. In total, 227 (56.8%) patients were implanted as bridge-to-transplantation; 154 (38.5%) as destination therapy; and 19 (4.7%) as bridge-to-decision. Serum creatinine measurements were collected over a 2-year follow-up period. Patients were stratified based on CKD stage. Results: Overall, 400 patients (mean age 53 ± 14 years, 75% male) were included: 186 (46.5%) patients had CKD stage 1 or 2; 93 (23.3%) had CKD stage 3a; 82 (20.5%) had CKD stage 3b; and 39 (9.8%) had CKD stage 4 or 5 prior to LVAD implantation. During a median follow-up of 179 days (IQR 28–627), 32,629 creatinine measurements were available. Improvement of kidney function was noticed in every preoperative CKD-stage group. Following this improvement, estimated glomerular filtration rates regressed to baseline values for all CKD stages. Patients showing early renal function improvement were younger and in worse preoperative condition. Moreover, survival rates were higher in patients showing early improvement (69% vs 56%, log-rank P = 0. 013). Conclusions: Renal function following LVAD implantation is characterized by improvement, steady state and subsequent deterioration. Patients who showed early renal function improvement were in worse preoperative condition, however, and had higher survival rates at 2 years of follow-up.

Background This study evaluates clinical and echocardiographic outcomes in patients who underwent tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) for carcinoid heart disease (CaHD) stratified to prosthesis type (biological vs mechanical). Methods All patients undergoing TVR for CaHD between 1991 and 2017 were analyzed retrospectively in four tertiary centers. Cox-proportional hazard models were used to analyze survival data and mixed-models for repeated measurements of echo and laboratory data. Results In total, 49 patients (median age: 59 [51–66], 45% male) underwent biological (n = 20, 41%) or mechanical (n = 29, 59%) TVR. Three (6%) patients died in-hospital and 3-year actuarial survival was 73.3 ± 8.7% (biological) and 56.1 ± 10.0% (mechanical) (P = 0.69). During a median follow-up of 17 months, two patients with a biological prosthesis required reoperation for structural valve deterioration, while one patient with mechanical prostheses had a reoperation due to valve thrombosis. No significant differences in bleeding, thrombosis, thromboembolism and heart failure admissions were noted between prosthesis types. Postoperative valve regurgitation increased more in patients with a biological prosthesis (p = 0.022). Maximum tricuspid inflow gradient was higher in patients with biological prostheses (p = 0.02); however, course over time was comparable between prosthesis types (p = 0.136). Conclusion Tricuspid valve surgery for CaHD can be performed with acceptable hospital mortality risk. This data shows no apparent benefit of biological valves over mechanical prosthesis or vice versa. Valve choice should be made in a multi-disciplinary team taking into account expected lifespan, planned treatment for the carcinoid syndrome and neuroendocrine tumor and patient preferences.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of minimal access mitral valve surgery (MAMVS) versus conventional surgery with or without concomitant tricuspid valve plasty (TVP) in consecutive patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) on clinical and echocardiographic outcome. METHODS: One-hundred-and-twenty patients operated for MR (91 conventional and 29 MAMVS) were followed by echocardiography and quality of life assessment before and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Patients in the MAMVS group were younger, more often in NYHA functional class I-II and had lower NT-proBNP levels. Only four patients (all in the conventional group) underwent mitral valve replacement. There were no significant differences in complications between MAMVS and conventional surgery. At 6 months, comparable MR reduction and left ventricular remodeling data were seen, left atrial remodeling was most prominent in the MAMVS group, 71 [55-90] to 43 [35-58] versus 69 [53-89] to 49 [41-70] mL/m2 in the conventional group (P

Background In patients supported by a ventricular assist device (VAD) major infections are a frequently reported adverse event with increased morbidity and mortality. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible association between infections and cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) in VAD patients. Methods An analysis of the European Registry for Patients Assisted with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS) was performed identifying all patients aged ≥18 years with a LVAD or BiVAD implantation. Infections were categorized as VAD-specific infections, VAD-related infections and, non-VAD infections. An extended Kaplan-Meier analysis for the risk of CVA and mortality with infection as a time-dependent covariate was performed. Furthermore, a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was performed including 24 variables. Results For this analysis 3784 patients were included, with 45 patients being supported by a BiVAD and 3739 by an LVAD. The majority of patients were male (83.2%) and 60.5% had an INTERMACS patient profile 2 or 3. During follow-up, 3108 major infections were identified in 1385 (36.6%) of the patients, while 673 CVAs were identified in 545 (14.4%) of the patients. Extended Kaplan-Meier analysis with first infection as time-dependent covariate revealed a hazard ratio (HR) for CVA of 1.95 (95% CI: 1.57–2.36; p Conclusion Both VAD-related and VAD-specific infections are associated with a significantly increased risk of CVA with increased risk of mortality. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. KM freedom of CVA and infection

BaCKground: The ministernotomy approach is increasingly used in aortic valve surgery. however, the advantages are still a matter of discussion. The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative outcome in patients undergoing elective aortic valve operation, either through mini-sternotomy or conventional sternotomy. MeThods: We included 317 patients who were treated for their aortic valve, 63 patients underwent a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (mini-avr) and 254 patients underwent a full-sternotomy avr. Patients with endocarditis, those who underwent previous cardiac surgery and those who required a concomitant procedure were excluded from the analysis. The method of matching weights according to propensity score was used to adjust for differences between the two treatment groups, and outcomes were compared. RESULTS: The mediastinal drainage was significantly lower at 6, 24 hours and total after mini-AVR procedure than after full-sternotomy AVR (median: 373 vs. 499 ml, P

OBJECTIVESSince 1988, our centre employs vertical plication repair with deattachment and reattachment of the tricuspid valve for Ebstein anomaly. This study describes the characteristics and long-term outcomes of our single-centre cohort.METHODSData from all patients operated on between 1988 and 2016 were retrospectively collected. Kaplan–Meier analyses were done for survival data and mixed models were used to analyse longitudinally collected clinical and echocardiography data.RESULTSThirty-six patients (mean age: 25.4 ± 15.9 years, 36% male) were operated on using the Carpentier–Chauvaud 21 (58%) or Cone repair 15 (42%). One patient (3%) died in hospital. Two late deaths were observed, yielding a survival of 97 ± 3% at 25 years. Reoperation was performed in 6 patients after a mean follow-up of 14.1 ± 10.3 years, resulting in a freedom of reoperation of 80 ± 8% at 25 years. During follow-up, predicted probability of being in New York Heart Association III/IV did not exceed 10%. Modelling longitudinal evolution of tricuspid regurgitation showed no major changes over time. Additionally, a rigid ring repair was associated with a higher probability of tricuspid regurgitation, especially after the first years after the operation. A full Cone repair was associated with less progression of tricuspid regurgitation over time.CONCLUSIONSRepair of Ebstein abnomaly is associated with low mortality and morbidity, acceptable reoperation rate and excellent valve function over time, especially in patients with completed Cone repair. Therefore, we conclude that in our centre, repair of Ebstein abnomaly is a durable technique to treat patients.

Purpose We aimed to investigate the determinants and clinical impact of dynamic moderate-to-severe (mod-sev) aortic regurgitation (AR) on the long-term outcomes following LVAD implantation. Methods The international multicenter registry data from the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation Mechanically Assisted Circulation Support (IMACS) registry was used. All adult LVAD patients, implanted between January 2013 until September 2017, with at least 1 echocardiogram available following implantation were included. Longitudinal evolution of AR was modeled using logistic mixed effect models. Joint modelling was used to link the dynamic longitudinal evolution of AR to a relative risk model for morality (Cox). Outcomes are presented by hazard ratios and two simulated Kaplan Meier curves presenting two identical patients. Results In total, 12.810 patients (median age 58 [48-66], 78.5% male) were included, with 36.343 echocardiograms available. Following LVAD implantation, mod-sev AR was observed in 1.660 (12.9%) patients on 2.660 different echocardiograms. The strongest predictors for the development of mod-sev AR included mild AR at baseline and prolonged LVAD support. Moreover, concomitant aortic valve replacement, opposed to repair surgery, was associated with a substantial lower risk for the development of mod-sev AR. Both the presence of mod-sev AR, as the pace of the probability of AR was changing (slope), were significantly associated with increased mortality. Survival following the development significant AR is heavily impacted, as displayed in Figure 1. Conclusion The development of significant AR occurs approximately in 1 in 8 patients following LVAD implantation. Subsequent mortality seems largely dictated by the pace of the development of mod-sev AR, with a faster development of AR being associated with less favorable outcomes.

Aims: The prognostic value of functional tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) remains undetermined. This study aims to quantify the prognostic role of TR during follow-up in relation to right ventricle (RV) dysfunction on clinical outcomes. Methods and Results: Patients from our prospective cohort study with pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension were included. The primary endpoint was a composite of death or lung transplantation. The longitudinal evolution of TR and RV dysfunction were modelled with generalized mixed-effect models, which were inserted in a cox model under the joint-modelling framework in order to investigate the association of TR and RV dysfunction with the endpoint. In total, 120 patients were included (median age:59, females:62%), with a mean follow-up of 3.2±2.1 years. 31 patients reached the endpoint (2 transplant, 29 mortality). On average the probability of moderate-to-severe TR decreased during follow-up, whereas the probability of moderate-to-severe RV dysfunction remained stable over time. The cumulative effect of moderate-to-severe TR (hazard ratio: 1.01 95%CI[1.00-1.01],P

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a frequent and complex problem, commonly combined with left-sided heart disease, such as mitral regurgitation. Significant TR is associated with increased mortality if left untreated or recurrent after therapy. Tricuspid regurgitation was historically often disregarded and remained undertreated. Surgery is currently the only Class I Guideline recommended therapy for TR, in the form of annuloplasty, leaflet repair, or valve replacement. As growing experience of transcatheter therapy in structural heart disease, many dedicated transcatheter tricuspid repair or replacement devices, which mimic well-established surgical techniques, are currently under development. Nevertheless, many aspects of TR are little understood, including the disease process, surgical or interventional risk stratification, and predictors of successful therapy. The optimal treatment timing and the choice of proper surgical or interventional technique for significant TR remain to be elucidated. In this context, we aim to highlight the current evidence, underline major controversial issues in this field and present a future roadmap for TR therapy.

Background: Orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) is the gold standard treatment in end-stage heart disease. Controversy remains whether bicaval OHT is superior to biatrial OHT in both early and late outcomes. This study aimed to provide an overview of the early and late outcomes in patients who underwent a bicaval or biatrial OHT. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed for articles published before December 2017. Studies comparing adult patients undergoing biatrial OHT and bicaval OHT were included. Early outcomes were pooled in odds ratios and late outcomes were pooled in rate ratios. Late survival was visualized by a pooled Kaplan-Meier curve. Results: A total of 36 publications were included in the meta-analysis, counting 3555 patients undergoing biatrial OHT and 3208 patients undergoing bicaval OHT. Early outcomes in mortality, tricuspid regurgitation, mitral regurgitation, and permanent pacemaker implantation differed significantly in favor of the bicaval OHT patients. Long-term survival was significantly better in patients undergoing bicaval vs biatrial OHT (hazard ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.6; P = .008). Also, late tricuspid regurgitation was less frequently seen in the bicaval OHT patients (rate ratio, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.17-3.94; P = .014). Conclusions. This systematic review with meta-analysis shows that bicaval OHT results in more favorable early and late outcomes for patients undergoing a bicaval OHT compared with a biatrial OHT. Therefore, bicaval OHT should be considered as preferable technique for OHT.

Aims This study aims to provide a contemporary overview of outcomes after tricuspid valve (TV) surgery for functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Methods and results The literature was systematically searched for papers published between January 2005 and December 2017 reporting on clinical/echocardiographic outcomes after TV surgery for functional TR. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted for outcome variables, and late outcomes are visualized by pooled Kaplan–Meier curves. Subgroup analyses were performed for studies with a within-study comparison of suture vs. ring repair and flexible vs. rigid ring repair. Eighty-seven publications were included, encompassing 13 184 patients (mean age: 62.1 ± 11.8 years, 55% females). A mitral valve procedure was performed in 92% of patients. Pooled mean follow-up was 4.0 ± 2.8 years. Pooled early mortality was 3.9% (95% CI: 3.2–4.6), and late mortality rate was 2.7%/year (95% CI: 2.0–3.5), of which approximately half was cardiac-related 1.2%/year (95% CI: 0.8–1.9). Pooled risk of early moderate-to-severe TR at discharge was 9.4% (95% CI: 7.0–12.1). Late moderate-to-severe TR rate after discharge was 1.9%/year (95% CI: 1.0–3.5). Late reintervention rate was 0.3%/year (95% CI: 0.2–0.4). Mortality and overall (early and late) TR rate were comparable between suture vs. ring annuloplasty (14 studies), whereas overall TR rate was higher after flexible ring vs. rigid ring annuloplasty (6 studies) (7.5%/year vs. 3.9%/year, P = 0.002). Conclusion This study shows that patients undergoing surgery for functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) have an acceptable early and late mortality. However, TR remains prevalent after surgery. The results of this study can be used to inform patients and clinicians about the expected outcome after surgery for FTR and can results serve as a benchmark for the performance of emerging transcatheter TV interventions.

Purpose In patients supported by a ventricular assist device (VAD) major infections are a frequently reported adverse event with increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible association of infections and cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs). Methods An analysis of the European Registry for Patients Assisted with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS) was performed identifying all patients aged ≥18 years with a LVAD or BiVAD implantation. Infections were categorized as VAD-specific infections, VAD-related infections and non-VAD infections. An extended Kaplan-Meier analysis for the risk of CVA and mortality with infection as a time-dependent covariate was performed. Furthermore, a multivariable cox proportional hazard model was performed including 24 variables. Results For this analysis 3784 patients were included, with 45 patients being supported by a BiVAD and 3739 by an LVAD. The majority of patients were male (83.2%) and 60.5% had an INTERMACS patient profile 2 or 3. During follow-up, 3108 major infections were identified in 1385 (36.6%) of the patients, while 673 CVAs were identified in 545 (14.4%) of the patients. Extended Kaplan-Meier analysis with first infection as time-dependent covariate revealed a hazard ratio for CVA of 1.95 (95% CI: 1.57-2.36; p Conclusion Both VAD-related and VAD-specific infections are associated with significant increased risk of CVA, but non-VAD infections are not.

Purpose With the increasing interest in treatment decision-making based on risk prediction models, it is essential for clinicians to understand the steps in developing and interpreting such models. Methods A retrospective registry of 20 Dutch hospitals with data on patients treated for castration-resistant prostate cancer was used to guide clinicians through the steps of developing a prediction model. The model of choice was the Cox proportional hazard model. Results Using the exemplary dataset several essential steps in prediction modelling are discussed including: coding of predictors, missing values, interaction, model specification and performance. An advanced method for appropriate selection of main effects, e.g. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, is described. Furthermore, the assumptions of Cox proportional hazard model are discussed, and how to handle violations of the proportional hazard assumption using time-varying coefficients. Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive detailed guide to bridge the gap between the statistician and clinician, based on a large dataset of real-world patients treated for castration-resistant prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is common in patients with orthotopic heart transplantation (HTX). Nevertheless, the clinical impact and the long-term outcome of TR remains controversial. In this study we aim to elucidate the clinical impact and long-term outcome of TR, taking into account its dynamic nature. METHODS: All consecutive adults patients undergoing biatrial HTX in our tertiary center with a follow-up echocardiogram were included in this study. Mixed-models were used to model the evolution of TR over time. Thereafter, the mixed-model was inserted into a Cox model, under the joint-model framework, in order to address the association of the dynamic TR with mortality. RESULTS: In total, 572 patients were included (median age: 50 years, males: 74.9%). Approximately 33% of patients had moderate-to-severe TR immediately after surgery. However, this declined to approximately 15% after 5 years and 10% after 10 years of surgery (Fig 1). Predictors of TR were: a higher operation urgency, higher donor age, no pre-implant mechanical assist device, and concurrent post-HTX LV dysfunction. Overall survival at 1, 5, 10, 20 years was 97±1%, 88±1%, 66±2% and 23±2%, respectively. The presence of moderate-to-severe TR during follow-up was associated with higher mortality (HR: 1.08, 95%CI[1.03-1.14], p

OBJECTIVES This study provides an overview of the change over a 45-year time period in the characteristics and outcome of patients with tricuspid valve disease undergoing surgical tricuspid valve replacement (TVR). METHODS The characteristics and outcomes of all consecutive TVRs from November 1972 to November 2017 at Erasmus MC were collected retrospectively. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the significant predictors of 30-day mortality. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to identify the potential risk factors of patient outcome and the effect of time on these factors. RESULTS Ninety-eight patients with tricuspid valve dysfunction underwent 114 consecutive TVRs at a mean age of 50.1 ± 17.2 years (68.5% female). Aetiology changed over time from predominantly functional regurgitation (42.9% in 1972-1985) to predominantly carcinoid heart disease (47.7% in 2001-2017). Early mortality declined significantly from 35% in 1972–1985 to 6.7% in 2001–2017 (P < 0.001). Over time, the hazard ratio of late mortality decreased for higher New York Heart Association class, lower preoperative haemoglobin, and high central venous pressure and increased for the presence of preoperative leg oedema, higher creatinine and alkaline phosphatase. The late survival was 43.8% ± 5.89% at 10 years and was comparable among eras (P = 0.44). The cumulative incidence of reoperation at 10 years was 14.1% (2.3–26.0) in biological valves and 4.9% (0.1–10.3) in mechanical valves (P = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS Patient characteristics, potential risk factors and patient outcome changed considerably over time in patients undergoing TVR. Notably, there was a shift in aetiology, completely altering the patient population and their characteristics.

OBJECTIVES Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is common in patients receiving a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Controversy exists as to whether concomitant tricuspid valve surgery (TVS) is beneficial in currently treated patients. Therefore, our goal was to investigate the effect of TVS concomitant with a LVAD implant. METHODS The European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support was used to identify adult patients. Matched patients with and without concomitant TVS were compared using a propensity score matching strategy. RESULTS In total, 3323 patients underwent LVAD implantation of which 299 (9%) had TVS. After matching, 258 patients without TVS were matched to 258 patients with TVS. In the matched population, hospital deaths, days on inotropic support, temporary right ventricular assist device implants and hospital stay were comparable, whereas stay in the intensive care unit was higher in the TVS cohort (11 vs 15 days; P = 0.026). Late deaths (P = 0.17), cumulative incidence of unexpected hospital readmission (P = 0.15) and right heart failure (P = 0.55) were comparable between patients with and without concomitant TVS. In the matched population, probability of moderate-to-severe TR immediately after surgery was lower in patients with concomitant TVS compared to patients without TVS (33% vs 70%; P = 0.001). Nevertheless, the probability of moderate-to-severe TR decreased more quickly in patients without TVS (P = 0.030), resulting in comparable probabilities of moderate-to-severe TR within 1.5 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS In matched patients, TVS concomitant with LVAD implant does not seem to be associated with better clinical outcomes. Concomitant TVS reduced TR significantly early after LVAD implant; however, differences in probability of TR disappeared during the follow-up period.

Outcomes after tricuspid valve surgery were initially extremely poor but have improved over time thanks to innovations in diagnostics, guidelines for treatment, emerging surgical experience and technical advances. This chapter provides a contemporary overview of patient and procedural characteristics of tricuspid valve repair and replacement and early and late outcomes in different settings, such as functional tricuspid regurgitation, rheumatic, congenital, carcinoid tricuspid valve disease, iatrogenic tricuspid valve damage, and finally endocarditis of the tricuspid valve. For this purpose a systematic literature review and meta-analysis was conducted including 132 studies published after 2005 and reporting on outcome after tricuspid valve surgery. This thorough review of reported experience with tricuspid valve repair and replacement reveals a strong variation in patient presentation and outcome among the various indications and highlights that tricuspid valve replacement is still associated with high early and late mortality. Innovations in the treatment of tricuspid valve disease are direly needed to improve outcome in this complicated patient population.

Objectives Moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation is common in end-stage heart disease and is associated with an impaired survival after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery. Controversy remains whether concomitant tricuspid valve surgery (TVS) during LVAD implantation is beneficial. We aimed to provide a contemporary overview of outcomes in patients who underwent LVAD surgery with or without concomitant TVS. Methods A systematic literature search was performed for articles published between January 2005 and March 2017. Studies comparing patients undergoing isolated LVAD implantation and LVAD + TVS were included. Early outcomes were pooled in risk ratios using random effects models, and late survival was visualized by a pooled Kaplan-Meier curve. Results Eight publications were included in the meta-analysis, including 562 undergoing isolated LVAD implantation and 303 patients with LVAD + TVS. Patients undergoing LVAD + TVS had a higher tricuspid regurgitation grade, central venous pressure and bilirubin levels at baseline and were more often female. We found no significant differences in early mortality and late mortality, early right ventricular failure and late right ventricular failure, acute kidney failure, early right ventricular assist device implantation or length of hospital stay. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was longer in patients undergoing additional TVS [mean difference +35 min 95% confidence interval (16-55), P = 0.001]. Conclusions Adding TVS during LVAD implantation is not associated with worse outcome. Adding TVS, nevertheless, may be beneficial, as baseline characteristics of patients undergoing LVAD + TVS were suggestive of a more progressive underlying disease, but with comparable short-term outcome and long-term outcome with patients undergoing isolated LVAD.

Summary Background & aims Low skeletal muscle mass and density have recently been discovered as prognostic and predictive parameters to guide interventions in various populations, including cancer patients. The gold standard for body composition analysis in cancer patients is computed tomography (CT). To date, the effect of contrast-enhancement on muscle composition measurements has not been established. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of contrast-enhancement on skeletal muscle mass and density measurements on four-phase CT studies. Design In this observational study, two observers measured cross-sectional skeletal muscle area corrected for patients' height (skeletal muscle index [SMI]) and density (SMD) at the level of the third lumbar vertebra on 50 randomly selected CT examinations with unenhanced, arterial, and portal-venous phases. The levels of agreement between enhancement phases for SMI and SMD were calculated using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results Mean SMI was 42.5 (±9.9) cm2/m2 on the unenhanced phase, compared with 42.8 (±9.9) and 43.6 (±9.9) cm2/m2 for the arterial and portal-venous phase, respectively (both p Conclusions Statistically significant differences in SMI were observed between different enhancement phases. However, further work is needed to assess the clinical relevance of these small differences. Contrast-enhancement strongly influenced SMD values. Studies using this measure should therefore use the portal-venous phase of contrast-enhanced CT examinations.

Echocardiography has evolved into an important diagnostic tool in cardiac imaging and is frequently used in preparing for cardiac surgery. In this chapter we will discuss a surgeon’s view on imaging of the tricuspid valve. Generally, cardiac surgeons focus on four different aspects of echocardiography when preparing for tricuspid valve surgery: the size of the tricuspid annulus; the severity of tricuspid regurgitation, the morphology of valve leaflets and the degree of tethering of the tricuspid valve. In this chapter we discuss each of these four aspect separately. The emphasis is based on two dimensional echocardiography used in three clinical cases outlining the advantages and disadvantages of this contemporary technique.

Methods A retrospective multi-center cohort study was conducted, including all patients undergoing LVAD implantation. The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology collaboration equation was used to determine the estimated glomerular filtration rate . Creatinine measurements were collected over a 2-year follow-up period. Patients stratification was based on their pre-operative CKD stage. Results Overall, 400 patients (mean age 52±14 years, 77% male) were included: 186 (47%) patients in CKD stage 1 & 2, 93 (23%) in CKD stage 3a, 82 (20%) in CKD stage 3b, and 39 (10%) patients were CKD stage 4 & 5. During a median follow-up of 458 days [141-1001], 46162 measurements of creatinine were available. Initial improvement of kidney function is noticed in every preoperative CKD stage group (P Conclusion Initial improvement of kidney function is noticed in all preoperative CKD stages. However, this improvement is of transient nature and the survival remains impaired in patients with diminished preoperative renal function.

Purpose This study explores the course of uncorrected tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation and the clinical impact of pre-LVAD TR on 30-day and late mortality. Methods The European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS) was used to identify adult patients undergoing LVAD implant with TR, but without concomitant tricuspid valve surgery. Multivariable regression models were used to assess the impact of TR on both early and late mortality. It was hypothesized that TR was associated with early mortality via well-known risk factors. Therefore, mediation analysis was conducted using structural equation models. Generalized mixed-models were used to model post-LVAD TR course over time. Results In total 2496 procedures were included. A higher pre-LVAD TR grade was associated with worse pre-LVAD right ventricular function (RVF) (OR 2,96 95%CI[2,18-4,01], p Conclusion Pre-LVAD TR is positively correlated with worse pre-LVAD RVF, and is associated with worse outcome. TR can decrease without intervention after LVAD implant. Therefore, patient selection for concomitant tricuspid valve surgery should not solely be based on TR grade.

Purpose In patients supported by a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) myocardial recovery resulting in explant occurs in approximately 1-2%. However, the long-term outcome of these patients is unknown. We studied the clinical management and long-term outcomes in patients after LVAD explant. Methods An analysis of the European Registry for Patients Assisted with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS) was performed identifying patients > 18 years old with successful LVAD explant. Baseline characteristics were retrieved and follow-up (FU) of patients after explant was collected. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed for the event-free survival (EFS), events being LVAD reimplantation or heart transplantation. Results A total of 49 (1.4%) patients with successful LVAD explant were identified in EUROMACS. FU was acquired of 28 (57%) of the patients: median age 43y (range 18-64), 23 (82%) males, median LVEF was 18% (IQR 13-23%) at the time of LVAD implantation, 60.7% were INTERMACS class 1 or 2. Etiologies of heart failure (HF) were: dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) due to myocarditis (9), idiopathic DCMP (6), ischemic (3) or others (10). Devices implanted: 14 HeartMate II (50%), 11 HeartWare VAD (39%), 2 HeartMate 3 (7%), 1 unknown, with a mean duration of support of 13.5 months (range 1 - 42). Mean FU after explant was 27 months (±23). Use of HF medication was: ACE inhibitor 71%, β-blockers 85% and loop diuretics 50%. New York Heart Association (NYHA) class is I to II in 82% and III in 11% of these patients. Aspirin was used by 43% of the patients, 39% used warfarin, with 29% using neither of them. The inflow cannula was in situ in 3 (11%) patients, while no cerebrovascular accident was seen. EFS was 92.9% after 4 years. One patient required reimplantation after 32 days, and 1 died of sepsis 10 months after LVAD explant. Conclusion This EUROMACS FU study is, to our knowledge the first in the literature, and shows that long-term EFS after LVAD explant is excellent, with the majority of the patients having only mild to moderate HF symptoms.