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The history of infective endocarditis (IE) is a good example of medical progress. Initially incurable, endocarditis, when diagnosed, was synonym of death. After significant diagnostic progress, thanks to Osler's contribution especially, the first surgeries and antibacterial drugs obtained very few successful cures. We had to wait until Flamming's discovery to observe frequent cures thanks to antibiotics. Surgery manages to push possibilities of cure a bit further. However, paravalvular extensions, described since the first surgical case of IE, was a real technical matter. Thus, the second half of 20th century was devoted to overcoming this surgical challenge. In this historical review, we describe the story of severe IE, especially with paravalvular involvement, by highlighting major progress - clinical and surgical, that allows its current management., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: We address the differential long-term results of tricuspid valve replacement and late valve-related events among bioprostheses versus mechanical prostheses., Methods: In a single-institution investigation, we reviewed the patients' prospectively collected data and performed a clinical follow-up. Both the Kaplan-Meier (actuarial) and the competing risks (actual) methodologies were used., Results: Overall, 188 tricuspid valve replacements were performed during 1971 to 2012. In this complex population (reoperations, 48.1%; associated procedures in 71.3%), operative mortality was 27.6% (significantly declining in recent years). A bioprosthesis was used in 82.4%. Follow-up was 10.2 ± 9.1 years (as long as 37.3 years, or 1,270 patient-years; 91.2% complete). At 15 years, freedom from structural valve deterioration was 93.3% ± 6.4% (competing risks 94.7 ± 5.1%) in the mechanical group and 85.2% ± 5.4% (competing risks 92% ± 2.9%) in the bioprostheses group (p = 0.19). Freedom from any valve-related adverse events was lower among mechanical valves versus bioprostheses (although not statistically significant). Mechanical valves showed significantly lower freedom from thromboembolic events (actuarial 62.3% ± 14.3% versus 97.7% ± 1.6%; competing risks 74.1% ± 10% versus 98% ± 1.4%; p < 0.001) and earlier adverse events (4.9 ± 4.5 versus 11.1 ± 9.4 years) than bioprostheses. There were 11 reoperations for bioprosthetic structural valve deterioration (89.8% and 94.3% actuarial and actual freedom, respectively)., Conclusions: Bioprostheses for tricuspid valve replacement have a very good long-term durability. Mechanical valves display earlier and more severe morbidity at follow-up., (Copyright © 2016 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with pre-existing atrial fibrillation (AF) and of patients who presented with new-onset AF after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)., Background: Little is known regarding the impact of AF after TAVI., Methods: The FRANCE-2 registry included all patients undergoing TAVI (N = 3,933) in France in 2010 and 2011. New-onset AF was defined as the occurrence of AF post-procedure in a patient with no documented history of AF., Results: AF was documented before TAVI in 25.8% of patients. New-onset AF was observed in 174 patients after TAVI among patients without a history of pre-existing AF (6.0%). At 1 year, the rates of all-cause death (26.5 vs. 16.6%, respectively; p < 0.001) and cardiovascular death (11.5 vs. 7.8%, respectively; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with pre-existing AF compared with those without AF. Rehospitalization for worsening heart failure and New York Heart Association functional class was also higher in patients with pre-existing AF versus those without, resulting in a higher rate of combined efficacy endpoint in this group (p < 0.001). A history of stroke, surgical (nontransfemoral) approach, cardiological, and hemorrhagic procedure-related events were all independently related to the occurrence of new-onset post-procedural AF. New-onset AF in patients without pre-existing AF was associated with a higher rate of combined safety endpoint at 30 days (p < 0.001) and a higher rate of both all-cause death and combined efficacy endpoint at 1 year (p = 0.003 and p = 0.02, respectively)., Conclusions: Pre-existing and new-onset AF are both associated with higher mortality and morbidity after TAVI., (Copyright © 2015 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a major factor limiting long-term survival after heart transplantation (HTx). Specific determinants of CAV and long-term outcome after CAV occurrence have been poorly investigated after heart-lung transplantation (HLTx)., Methods: Between January 1996 and December 2006, 79 patients underwent HLTx (36.3 ± 12.2 years old; 47% men) and 141 patients underwent HTx (49.2 ± 12.3 years old; 77% men) at two different institutions. CAV grading was reviewed in both groups according to the 2010 standardized nomenclature of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. The mean post-transplant follow-up was 94 (1 to 181) months., Results: Overall 10-year survival rate was 58% after HTx and 43% after HLTx (p = 0.11). The Grade 1 (or higher) CAV-free survival rate was 95% at 4 years and 69% at 10 years after HLTx, and 77% and 39%, respectively, after HTx (p < 0.01). Mean cyclosporine blood levels were similar between the groups at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. The main causes of mortality beyond 5 years after HTx and HLTx were malignancies and bronchiolitis obliterans, respectively. By multivariate analysis, recipients who developed >3 acute myocardial rejections during the first year post-transplant were exposed to a higher risk of CAV (95% CI 1.065 to 2.33, p = 0.02). Episodes of acute pulmonary rejection and bronchiolitis obliterans were not associated with an increased risk of CAV (p = 0.52 and p = 0.30)., Conclusion: HLTx recipients appeared protected from CAV compared with HTx patients in this retrospective study. Repeated acute cardiac rejections were independent predictors of CAV. Unlike bronchiolitis obliterans, CAV had a very low impact on long-term survival after HLTx., (Copyright © 2014 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: We evaluate the clinical results of the Carpentier-Edwards supraannular (CE SAV) aortic bioprosthesis at long-term follow-up (over 25 years)., Methods: Between 1983 and 1994, 1,002 CE SAV prostheses were implanted. Data were prospectively collected, retrospectively analyzed, and stratified by age groups at the time of surgery (group 1, ≤60 years; group 2, 61 to 70 years; group 3, >70 years), using both the actuarial and the "actual" (cumulative risk) methods., Results: The operative mortality was 11.3% (valve-related in 2 cases). Follow-up included 8,164.09 patient-years (average 13.7±6.6 years, up to 26.9 years). Overall survival at 25 years was significantly higher in group 1 (p<0.001). Freedom from structural valve deterioration (SVD) at 15 years was 85.9% (actuarial) and 94.8% (actual). Freedom from reoperation for SVD was 91.8% (actuarial) and 97% (actual). There were no significant differences in valve-related endpoints among group 2 and group 3. Death was valve-related in 11.3%. Younger age at surgery was associated with higher incidence but not earlier presentation of SVD. Freedom from any valve-related complication at 15 years was 23.6%, 66%, and 68% in groups 1, 2, and 3 (actuarial), and 38.9%, 76.1%, and 81.2%, respectively (actual) (p=0.6 among groups 2 and 3)., Conclusions: The CE SAV bioprosthesis provides similar outcomes (SVD and reoperation) in patients aged 61 to 70 years and older individuals. Use of a bioprosthesis is justified in patients older than 60 years. Younger patients may be rightfully informed over the expected durability of the prosthesis., (Copyright © 2012 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Aortic stenosis is of concern in the elderly. Although aortic valve replacement provides good long-term survival with functional improvement, many elderly patients are still not referred for surgery because of their age. Percutaneous aortic valve implantation offers an alternative to open-heart surgery. Concerns about the management of aortic valve stenosis in the elderly will be reviewed., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1,193 consecutive aortic valve replacements, performed in octogenarians since January 2000. A total of 657 patients (55%) had at least one associated comorbidity (eg, respiratory failure) and 381 (32%) associated coronary lesions. Valve replacement was the only procedure in 883 patients (74%), and was associated with coronary revascularization in 262 cases, or with another cardiac procedure in 48 patients., Results: Overall operative mortality was 6.9% (83 of 1,193 patients); 5.5% for single replacement and 11.5% if associated with coronary artery bypass surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified 11 operative risk factors related to general status, cardiologic condition, and the procedure itself: older age (p<0.015); respiratory failure (p<0.03); aortic regurgitation (p<0.001); emergency surgery (p<0.0029); New York Heart Association class IV (p<0.0007); right heart failure (p<0.03); atrial fibrillation (p<0.04); impaired ejection fraction (p<0.001); coronary disease (p<0.01); redo surgery (p<0.02); associated coronary revascularization (p<0.008)., Conclusions: Today, valve replacement has acceptable low hospital mortality, even in the elderly. Thus, older patients should not be denied surgery due to their advanced age alone. Conventional surgery remains the gold standard treatment for aortic stenosis; the decision should be made on an individual basis. If several risk factors suggest very high-risk surgery, then percutaneous valve implantation should be considered instead., (Copyright © 2012 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Severely impaired patients may wait in France on a special and temporary high emergency national list (called SU). Some of these patients need mechanical circulatory support with ECMO. In order to compare two groups of patients on SU, who acceeded to heart transplantation (HT) with or without ECMO, we reviewed retrospectively 20 consecutive patients transplanted on SU between January 2004 and September 2007 in Rennes., Patients and Methods: Among them, 10 were transplanted without ECMO and 10 others were implanted with a femoro-femoral ECMO before HT., Results: (1) Considering the group SU without pretransplantation ECMO: 2 years survival rate was 70%. Mean hospital stay was 26.4 days. Three patients were implanted with ECMO for graft dysfunction during postoperative course, without inherent complication. None graft dysfunction occurred after initial hospitalization; (2) considering the group SU with pretransplantation ECMO: 2 years survival rate was 90% (one early death). Mean hospital stay was 45 days with multiple complications due to the ECMO (leg's ischemia: n = 2; lung oedema: n = 1; lymphorrhea: n = 3, low flow requiring change of canulae: n = 1). None graft dysfunction occurred after initial hospitalization., Conclusion: Although we didn't reach statistical significance, it seems that ECMO for patients in SU may be useful as bridge to transplant but with a higher morbidity than for similar patients transplanted without ECMO. Additional data from other transplant centers are needed to confirm our findings., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

We report the initial experience of two cardiovascular surgery centers in the treatment of descending thoracic aorta lesions with covered stent grafts in high-surgical risk patients. From April 1999 to November 2004, 54 patients, mean age 64 years (range 16-83), were treated by stent graft for a lesion of the descending aorta (degenerative aneurysms n = 22, aortic dissections n = 12, chronic post traumatic aneurysms n = 5, anastomotic false aneurysms n = 2, penetrating ulcers n = 4, intramural hematomas n = 5, traumatic rupture n = 4), with 42.6% treated on an emergency basis. Three devices were used: Talent (n = 49), Excluder (n = 4), and Zenith (n = 1). In three patients, combined surgery of the proximal aorta was performed. Prior bypass of the left supra-aortic arteries was performed in four patients. The follow-up was clinical and radiological (plain chest film and computed tomographic scan) at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months and yearly thereafter. The stent graft was successfully deployed in all cases. Two early deaths related to the stent graft (one migration and aortic rupture and one stroke) and one related to adult respiratory distress syndrome occurred. Morbidity was 16.6% (iliac access damage n = 4, groin reintervention n = 3, transient ischemic attack n = 1, tamponade n = 1). The follow-up was 100% complete (mean 22.8 months, range 3-51). Fifteen primary endoleaks (type I n = 6, type II n = 8, type III n = 1) and one secondary endoleak were reported. They were treated by additional stent graft (n = 7) and elective surgical conversion (n = 1). Six endoleaks resolved spontaneously at 6 months, and two are being monitored. Twelve endoleaks (75%) occurred in patients treated for degenerative aneurysms. Freedom from secondary reintervention was 81.3% at 3 years. Two transient paraparesias were observed at 3 and 18 months. Of the 13 deaths observed during the follow-up, only one was related to the stent graft. Actuarial survival at 12 and 24 months was 90.0% and 75.4%, respectively. Mortality results are encouraging in this specific cohort of high-surgical risk patients. A new kind of morbidity is observed, related to endoleaks, whose necessary management could hinder the durability of the technique.

Thrombectomy could be an excellent approach on one condition (ie, that all parts of the thrombus are removed). We propose to use a tool (ie, the blower) to complete thrombectomy of the prosthetic mechanical valve. The blower is a vaporizer that mixes air and heparinized saline with regulator of flow and proportion used in beating heart surgery. For thrombectomy, we have modified the air-water mixing part and intensity until we obtained a jet that enabled us to remove the micro thrombus that covered the prosthetic valve and surrounding tissues. The blower completely cleaned the prosthetic valve. With this tool, thrombectomy seems easier, more complete, and more reliable with the advantages of short cross-clamping time.

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term results of aortic valve replacement with the Carpentier-Edwards supraannular porcine bioprosthesis., Methods: A total of 278 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement between January 1983 and December 1986 were reviewed. Mean age was 69.4+/-11.0 years (range 24 to 90 years)., Results: The operative mortality was 8.6% (24 patients). The total follow-up was 2367.1 years (mean 9.3+/-4.3 years, maximum 15.5). The late mortality rate was 6.8%/patient-year (162 patients) and the overall survival at 15 years was 26.5%+/-3.6%. Structural valve deterioration (SVD) occurred in 19 patients (linearized rate 0.8%/ patient-year). The mean time to onset of deterioration was 10.9+/-2.9 years. This time was independent of the age at the time of implantation. The freedom from SVD at 10, 12, and 15 years for patients aged less than 60 was respectively 87.6%+/-6.8%, 77.8%+/-8.9%, and 44.2%+/-12.9% (linearized rate 3.3%/patient-year). For patients aged 61 to 70 years, freedom from SVD was, respectively, 100%, 97.3%+/-2.1%, and 80.8%+/-8.3% (linearized rate 0.63% patient-year). For patients older than 70 years, it was respectively 99.1%+/-0.9%, 95.6%+/-2.6%, and 93.3%+/-3.3% (linearized rate 0.31%/patient-year). No significant difference was observed below the age of 60 years (< or =50 vs 51 to 60 years) or in the older subgroups (61 to 70 years, vs >70 years)., Conclusions: The Carpentier-Edwards supraannular bioprosthesis in aortic position provides low rate of structural valve deterioration at 15 years in patients aged more than 60 years at the time of implantation. The mean time to onset of SVD is independent of the subject's age at the time of implantation. After 60 years, the risk of deterioration is low and does not present any significant variation. The Carpentier-Edwards supraannular bioprosthesis can reliably be used for aortic valve replacement in patients over the age of 60 years because, beyond this age, SVD is observed much more rarely.

Background: After 35 years of cardiac valve replacement, the ideal substitute remains to be found. Homografts are considered best but, due to their scarcity, cannot meet the need of valve replacement. Artificial valves (mechanical or biological) remain the most commonly used but controversy is still present as to the better choice. We tested the Carpentier-Edwards bioprosthesis for its efficacy in valve replacement operations., Methods: From 1983 to 1995, 1,108 consecutive patients had an isolated aortic valve replacement with a porcine Carpentier-Edwards bioprosthesis, model 2650 supraannular valve. Mean age was 73.8+/-8.3 years. Aortic stenosis was the most common lesion (1,049 patients, 94.7%). The follow-up of 980 operative survivors was 96% complete and represented a total of 4,735 patient-years (maximum, 13.8 years; mean, 4 years and 10 months)., Results: Actuarial survival including operative mortality (128 patients, 11.6%) was 43.6%+/-2.3% at 10 years and 27.3%+/-3.3% at 12 years and, at that time, was not statistically different from those of the normal French population matched for age and sex. Structural deterioration of the valve was observed in 27 patients, an actuarial freedom of 94.2%+/-1.5% at 10 years and 83.8%+/-4.5% at 12 years. Hazard function revealed a stable and low risk of structural deterioration until 10 years and significantly increased risk after that. Young age was found to be an increasing risk factor of deterioration. Reoperation for valve-related complications was necessary in 30 patients, an actuarial freedom of 94.5%+/-1.4% at 10 years., Conclusions: The Carpentier-Edwards porcine supraannular valve affords a good durability up to 10 years, with a low rate of reoperation. The risk of structural deterioration decreases with older age. It is our valve of choice in elderly patients.

Background: With increased life expectancy, valve operations are more and more common in elderly patients. The choice of valve substitute-mechanical valve or bioprosthesis-remains debated., Methods: Two groups of patients of the same age (69, 70, and 71 years) with isolated aortic valve replacement (mechanical 240, bioprostheses 289) were compared for mortality, morbidity, and valve-related complications., Results: No significant difference was found in survival, valve-related mortality, valve endocarditis, and thromboembolism. Mechanical valve had more bleeding events; bioprostheses had more structural deterioration, reoperation, and valve-related morbidity and mortality., Conclusions: To avoid reoperations in octogenarians, the 10-year durability of current bioprostheses should be matched with the life expectancy of the particular patient. Bioprostheses should be used after 74 years in men and 78 years in women.

Unlabelled: From June 1985 to May 1995, 9,814 patients were operated for a cardiac procedure with cardiopulmonary by-pass. Mean age was 61,3 years. The most frequent procedure was coronary surgery (45%), followed by valvular surgery (34%) then combined surgery (11%) and other surgery (4%). 66 cases of mediastinitis were observed: 38 from June 1985 to May 1990 (first group), 28 from June 1990 to May 1995 (second group). The changes between the two groups was antibiotic prophylaxis using Cefuroxime in the first group and Cefamandole in the second and also an impairment of general status of the patients in the second group. Staphylococcus remains the most frequent organism in both groups and for Gram negative bacteria was less frequent in the second group. Several risks factors mediastinitis were identified (males, emergency, diabetes mellitus, obesity, redo, patient of first group, duration of Cardiopulmonary by pass for 100 minutes, mechanical ventilation greater than 48 hours) and the most important factor was the need for mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. The mortality rate was 39.4% (26 patients). Identified risk factors of mortality were age over 65 years, females, poor constitution, and cardio/thoracic ratio > 0.55., Conclusion: Mediastinitis after cardiac surgery remains a serious complication. In this series we observed a decrease of mediastinitis rates, especially in the second group (p < 0.001). In high risk patients, specific preoperative methods of patient care may be able to prevent such complications. When mediastinitis appears, and when debridement is necessary, a cover procedure seems necessary in elderly or poor constitution patients.

Follow-up of orthotopic heart transplanted patients has revealed the existence of abnormally high red blood cell (RBC) spermidine (Spd) levels during the first two months after surgical procedure (A-period). From the third month after heart transplantation (B-period), RBC Spd concentrations went back to normal values in early cardiac rejection (ECR) patients. During A- and B-periods, significantly higher Spd levels and Spd/Spm ratios were observed in late cardiac rejecting (LCR) patients than in ECR ones. The lack of a direct relationship between the histological grade of rejection and RBC Spd levels leads us to consider these polyamine blood levels as a new biological instrument in the diagnosis of heart rejection.

229 patients aged 70 or over with aortic stenosis (AS) underwent surgery between January 1972 and July 1983 (21.8% of 814 cases of AS operated on during the same period). The Björk Shiley prosthesis was used at the beginning of the series (115 cases, 50.2%), until bioprostheses became the treatment of choice in this age group. Overall operative mortality in the series was 10.9% (25/229). Analysis shows a very marked reduction in recent years: from 15.6% between 1972 and 1977, to 5.8% in 1982-3. Improvement can be attributed in part to the technical progress in myocardial protection. Patient age is a very significant factor in the prognosis. Progress in surgery, together with that in anaesthetics and intensive care, justifies operation in these elderly and incapacitated patients whose general and neurological condition is well preserved.