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Cardiac output (CO) and other hemodynamic parameter measurements play an important role in the management of cardiovascular conditions; however, due to limitations of current day technologies, such measurements are either not routinely performed or incorporated into clinical practice. Moreover, measurement of these hemodynamic parameters in the outpatient setting at different time points to assess interval change is currently not feasible. We attempted to validate total-body impedance cardiography-based Non-Invasive Cardiac System (NICaS) derived stroke volume (SV) with that from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), a current day gold standard method of assessment. We compared SV, as it is the primary unit of measurement utilized by both technologies. Forty-one consecutive patients undergoing CMR were also investigated by NICaS following CMR. The consistency of non-invasive technology-derived SV measurement was validated by NICaS measurement in 10 subjects, both before and after CMR. Of the 41 enrolled patients; data from 38 patients was adequate for comparison (motion artifact prevented CMR measures in 3 patients). Fourteen patients (37%) were female; mean age was 55 ± 15 years (28-87 years) and body-mass index was 28.7 ± 5.5 kg/m 2 (20.5-41.9 kg/m 2 ). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (9/41) was the most common study indication for CMR. NICaS-derived SV strongly correlated with CMR [NICaS 77 ± 20 ml (31-123 ml) and CMR 84 ± 23 ml (47-132 ml); P < 0.001; r = 0.77; ICC = 0.73]. The Bland-Altman limits of agreement between NICaS and CMR were -26.7% and 39.9%. NICaS-derived SV collected before and after MRI did not differ [80 ± 18 ml (51-102 ml) pre and 76 ± 17 ml (50-99 ml) post; P = 0.0007, Kappa = 1]. Agreement between NICaS-derived and CMR-derived SV was within the acceptable range of boundaries set by the US Food and the Drug Administration. Consistency in SV measurement at different time-points may allow use of this technology to identify interval hemodynamic changes noninvasively., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The contemporary incidence and prevalence of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) remains understudied. Epidemiological research on TAAD has been limited by incomplete case identification within administrative data sources. The objectives of this study were to develop a case identification method and determine the incidence and prevalence of TAAD, based on data from Manitoba, Canada., Methods: Hospital records and medical claims housed at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, and data from the Manitoba Thoracic Aortic Diseases Clinic were used to develop a case definition and identify patients with TAAD in Manitoba, Canada. The age-standardized incidence and prevalence of thoracic aortic disease was determined and stratified by sex from 1998 to 2016., Results: We identified 4264 patients with TAAD, of whom 63% were male. The age standardized incidence was 2 times higher in men, peaking at 42 cases per 100,000 in 2013. Although the overall incidence was lower in female patients, the number of incident cases increased 68% compared with 25% in male patients. In hospitalized patients, the incidence and prevalence of aneurysms increased over time, whereas the incidence of dissection and rupture has remained stable., Conclusions: The use of a novel case identification method provided a more complete description of the epidemiology of TAAD. The incidence and prevalence of TAAD is rising, more so in female patients over time. These data support increased resource allocation to thoracic aortic diseases clinics to ensure appropriate monitoring, treatment, and follow-up for the growing number patients with thoracic aortic disease., (Copyright © 2019 Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: A retrospective study of medically treated isolated left-sided infective endocarditis (LSIE) patients identifying predictors of outcomes with nonoperative management was undertaken., Methods: Medical records of 135 Manitoban medically managed LSIE patients from January 2004 to December 2016 were reviewed. Five-year survival for 135 patients and hospitalization data till March 2016 for 65 patients were collected from the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy., Results: In-hospital mortality was 44%. Patients with surgical indications were more likely to die in-hospital than those without (53% vs 24%; P = 0.002). Survival at 1 and 5 years was 43% and 23%, respectively. All-cause readmission at 1 and 5 years was 64% and 84%, respectively. At 1 and 5 years, readmission from major adverse events (heart failure, stroke, endocarditis) was 25% and 47%, and from recurrent endocarditis was 17% and 26%, respectively. Severe valvular regurgitation was a risk factor for in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 3.52; P = 0.022), poor long-term survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.57; P < 0.001), and recurrent endocarditis (HR, 5.93; P < 0.001). Prosthetic valve endocarditis was a risk factor for poor long-term survival (HR, 2.11; P = 0.002). Streptococcus viridans group was associated with better rates of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 0.28; P = 0.018) and long-term survival (HR, 0.34; P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Nonoperative management of LSIE carries a poor prognosis but may have a role in select cases. Surgical management remains the mainstay for patients with clear surgical indications, including severe regurgitation and prosthetic valve endocarditis. Further prospective analyses are required to better delineate appropriate patient selection for nonsurgical management., (Copyright © 2019 Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Intensive care unit (ICU) structure and intensive care physician staffing (IPS) models are thought to influence outcomes after cardiac surgery. Given limited information on staffing in the cardiothoracic ICU, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Workforce on Critical Care undertook a survey to describe current IPS models. We hypothesized that variability would exist throughout the United States., Methods: A survey was sent to The Society of Thoracic Surgeons centers in the United States. Center case volume, ICU census, procedure profiles, and the primary specialties of consultants were queried. Definitions of IPS models were open (managed by cardiac surgeons), closed (all decisions made by dedicated intensivists 7 days a week), or semiopen (intensivist attends 5-7 days a week with surgeons cosharing management). Experience level of bedside providers and after-hours provider coverage were also assessed., Results: Of the 965 centers contacted, 148 (15.3%) completed surveys. Approximately 41% of reporting centers used a dedicated cardiothoracic ICU for immediate postoperative management. The most common IPS model was open (47%), followed by semiopen (41%) and closed (12%). The primary specialties of intensivists varied, with pulmonary medicine/critical care being predominant (67%). Physician assistants were the most common after-hours provider (44%). More than one-third of responding centers described having no house staff, other than bedside nurses, for nighttime coverage., Conclusions: Cardiothoracic ICU models vary widely in the United States, with almost half being open, often with no in-house coverage. In-house nighttime coverage was (1) not driven by case complexity and (2) most commonly provided by a physician assistant. Clinical outcomes associated with different ISPS models require further evaluation., (Copyright © 2020 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] < 45%) in the absence of an alternative cause and a previous diagnosis of cardiomyopathy. The Aboriginal population (Inuit, First Nations, Metis) of Canada often has barriers to health care, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Our objectives are to describe PPCM in a Canadian population, and to determine if Canadian Aboriginal women have worse clinical outcomes than non-Aboriginal women., Methods: A retrospective study was performed at a single tertiary care centre, between 2008 and 2014. Demographic characteristics, symptoms at presentation, medical history, discharge medications, blood work, echocardiographic parameters, and follow-up information were collected., Results: A total of 177 women were screened, and 23 were included in the study (52% were Aboriginal). Aboriginal women were found to have higher rates of gravidity and parity, and higher incidence of tobacco smoking than non-Aboriginal women, and were more likely to be discharged with diuretic medications. At diagnosis, Aboriginal women were more likely to have a lower LVEF (20% [interquartile range (IQR), 15%-23%] vs 40% [IQR, 30%-42%]; P = 0.02) and a more dilated left ventricle (left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, 64 mm [IQR, 57-74 mm] vs 54 mm [IQR, 50-57mm]; P < 0.01). Recovery rate, defined as LVEF > 50%, was similar (46% in Aboriginal patients and 60% in non-Aboriginal patients)., Conclusions: Our findings support that Aboriginal women with PPCM are more likely to present with lower LVEF and a more dilated left ventricle, as well, require more symptomatic management. To our knowledge, this is the first description and contrast of PPCM between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians., (Copyright © 2016 Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Although there have been several large reviews documenting the complications following intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), most of these prior reports are almost 2 decades old and may not reflect current practices. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and types of complications following TEE in a contemporary cardiac surgical population., Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all cardiac surgical patients having undergone an intraoperative TEE between April 1, 2004, and April 30, 2012. Patients with TEE-related complications were identified from our institutional cardiac surgical database to have their medical records manually reviewed through International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision coding for: 1) a priori defined complications including dysphagia, vocal cord and laryngeal injury, dysphonia, accidental puncture and laceration during a procedure, and hemorrhage and hematoma complicating a procedure; 2) the requirement for an in-hospital esophageal or bronchial endoscopy procedure; or 3) the requirement for postoperative specialist consultation from gastrointestinal bleed or other surgery services. A multivariable model was then developed to identify risk factors for TEE complications., Results: Of the 7,954 cardiac surgical cases performed during the study period, 1,074 had their records manually reviewed and 111 (1.4%) patients had possible complications. Multivariate analysis showed an increased risk of complications associated with age, body mass index, previous stroke, procedure other than isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and return to the operating room for any reason (model c-statistic = 0.81)., Conclusions: The overall incidence of TEE complications after cardiac surgery was 1.4%. Advanced age, low body mass index, complexity of procedure, prior stroke, prolonged bypass time, and return to the operating room appear to be significant risk factors for TEE complications., (Copyright © 2017 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a potentially fatal complication of cardiac surgery. The inability to predict cardiac surgery-associated AKI is a major barrier to prevention and early treatment. Current clinical risk models for the prediction of cardiac surgery-associated AKI are insufficient, particularly in patients with preexisting kidney dysfunction., Methods: To identify intraoperative variables that might improve the performance of a validated clinical risk score (Cleveland Clinic Score, CCS) for the prediction of cardiac surgery-associated AKI, we conducted a prospective cohort study in 289 consecutive elective cardiac surgery patients at a tertiary care center. We compared the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of a base model including only the CCS with models containing additional selected intraoperative variables including mean arterial pressure, hematocrit, duration of procedure, blood transfusions, and fluid balance. AKI was defined by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes 2012 criteria., Results: The CCS alone gave an AUC of 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.82) for postoperative AKI. Nadir intraoperative hematocrit was the only variable that improved AUC for postoperative AKI when added to the CCS (AUC = 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.87; P  = 0.002). In the subcohort of patients without preexisting chronic kidney disease (n = 214), where the CCS underperformed (AUC, 0.60 [0.43-0.76]), the improvement with the addition of nadir hematocrit was more marked (AUC, 0.74 [0.62-0.86]). Other variables did not improve discrimination., Discussion: Nadir intraoperative hematocrit is useful in improving discrimination of clinical risk scores for AKI, and may provide a target for intervention.

Delirium is an acute syndrome that involves fluctuating changes in attention and cognition. Although delirium is the most common neurologic complication after cardiac operation, data about its impact on long-term outcomes are lacking. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effect of postoperative delirium (PoD) on long-term outcomes, including morbidity, probability of death, cognitive decline, institutionalization, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients undergoing cardiac operation. After performing this systematic review we determined that PoD after cardiac operation is associated with an increased risk of probability of death and readmission to the hospital and a decrease in cognitive function, overall function, and HRQoL., (Copyright © 2016 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: There are minimal data on long-term functional survival (alive and not institutionalized) in patients undergoing cardiac operations who require a prolonged intensive care unit length of stay (prICULOS). We sought to describe 1- and 5-year functional survival in patients who had a prICULOS (ICULOS ≥ 5 days) and determine predictors of functional survival at 1 year., Methods: Data were obtained from linked clinical and administrative databases from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2011 to conduct this retrospective single-region analysis. Logistic regression was used to develop a model predicting functional survival at 1 year for patients who had a prICULOS after cardiac operations., Results: There were 9,545 admissions to the ICU after cardiac operations; of these patients, 728 (7.6%) experienced a prICULOS. There was an increasing trend in patients who had a prICULOS over this study period. The functional survival at 1 and 5 years from the surgical procedure for the non-prICULOS versus the prICULOS cohort was 1 year (94.9% versus 73.9%) and 5 years (84.9% versus 53.8%) (p < 0.001). Factors associated with lower rates of functional survival at 1 year were age 80 years or older, female sex, peripheral vascular disease, preoperative renal dysfunction, cerebrovascular disease, preoperative infection, need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/ventricular assist device (ECMO/VAD) after cardiotomy, number of days on mechanical ventilation, and number of days in the ICU beyond 5 days (area under the receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve = 0.766)., Conclusions: The majority of patients who had a prICULOS experienced successful functional survival up to 5 years after cardiac operations. Identification of risk factors for poor functional survival may be of assistance to clinicians, patients, and families for prognostication and decision making., (Copyright © 2016 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Vocal cord paralysis (VCP) is a serious complication associated with thoracic aortic surgery; however, there is a paucity of literature regarding the incidence and impact of VCP on postoperative outcomes. We sought to determine the incidence of VCP and its impact on clinical outcomes in patients who underwent thoracic aortic repair at our center., Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients who underwent thoracic aortic surgery between January 2009 and September 2012., Results: A total of 259 patients underwent a thoracic aortic procedure during the study period. Vocal cord paralysis was diagnosed in 12 (5%) patients, a median of 6 [3 to 21] days after extubation. The incidence was 1%, 0%, 20%, and 25% in those undergoing an open ascending, hemiarch, total arch, or descending aortic procedure, respectively. Patients with VCP had an increased incidence of pneumonia (58% vs 17%, p = 0.003), readmission to the intensive care unit for respiratory failure (17% vs 2%, p = 0.047), and longer hospital length of stay (18 [11 to 43] days versus 9 [6 to 15] days, p = 0.002). A propensity-matched analysis confirmed a higher incidence of pneumonia (58% vs 17%, p = 0.020) and longer hospital length of stay (18 [11 to 43] vs 10 [7 to 14] days, p = 0.015) in patients suffering VCP., Conclusions: Vocal cord paralysis is a common complication in patients undergoing open surgery of the aortic arch and descending aorta, and is associated with significant morbidity. Further research may be warranted to determine if early fiberoptic examination and consideration of a vocal cord medialization procedure may mitigate the morbidity associated with VCP., (Copyright © 2015 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study reports the results a novel radiation reduction protocol (RRP) system for coronary angiography and interventional procedures and the determinants of radiation dose., Background: The cardiac catheterization laboratory is an important source of radiation and should be kept in good working order with dose-reduction and monitoring capabilities., Methods: All diagnostic coronary angiograms and percutaneous coronary interventions from a single catheterization laboratory were analyzed 2 months before and after RRP implementation. The primary outcome was the relative dose reduction at the interventional reference point. Separate analyses were done for conventional 15 frames/s (FPS) and at reduced 7.5 FPS post-RRP groups., Results: A total of 605 patients underwent coronary angiography (309 before RRP and 296 after RRP), with 129 (42%) and 122 (41%) undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions before and after RRP, respectively. With RRP, a 48% dose reduction (1.07 ± 0.05 Gy vs. 0.56 ± 0.03 Gy, p < 0.0001) was obtained, 35% with 15 FPS RRP (0.70 ± 0.05 Gy, p < 0.0001) and 62% with 7.5 FPS RRP (0.41 ± 0.03 Gy, p < 0.001). Similar dose reductions for diagnostic angiograms and percutaneous coronary interventions were noted. There was no change in the number of stents placed or vessels intervened on. Increased dose was associated with male sex, radial approach, increasing body mass index, cine runs, and frame rates. Using a multivariable model, a 48% relative risk with RRP (p < 0.001), 44% with 15 FPS RRP and 68% with 7.5 FPS RRP was obtained., Conclusions: We demonstrate a highly significant 48.5% adjusted radiation dose reduction using a novel algorithm, which needs strong consideration among interventional cardiology practice., (Copyright © 2014 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Canada's Aboriginal people experience a disproportionate burden of comorbid illnesses predisposing them to higher rates of atherosclerotic disease. We set out to investigate secular rates of cardiovascular surgery (CVSx) and postsurgical outcomes in Aboriginals compared with non-Aboriginals., Methods: All patients undergoing CVSx in Manitoba, Canada from 1995-2007 (N =12,170 [Aboriginal, 574, 4.7%; non-Aboriginal, 11,596, 95.3%]) were included in our study cohort. Race was self-identified. Age- and sex-adjusted incidence were determined using 2001 and 2006 census data. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to determine the association between race and the outcomes of death, infections, and a composite of adverse events., Results: CVSx rates were significantly lower in Aboriginals compared with non-Aboriginals (all CVSx, 63.6 vs 97.7 per 10,000 population; coronary artery bypass grafting only, 46.2 vs 71.9 per 10,000 population, respectively). The lower CVSx rates were most pronounced among Aboriginals residing in urban areas (21.0 vs 78.0 per 10,000). Postoperatively, Aboriginals experienced significantly higher odds of infections (odds ratio [OR], 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-2.34; P = 0.008), in particular pneumonia (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.58-3.19; P < 0.0001). There was no increase in risk of death after surgery (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.63-2.08; P = 0.6) or the composite outcome (OR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.66-1.52; P = 1.0) compared with non-Aboriginals., Conclusions: Aboriginal peoples, particularly in the urban setting, are considerably less likely to undergo CVSx. When they do, they have postoperative mortality similar to that of non-Aboriginals. Our findings suggest an urban racial disparity in access to CVSx., (Copyright © 2013 Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Physical activity is associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms in cardiac patients. However, the benefits of physical activity on depression perioperatively are unknown. We sought to identify independent parameters associated with depression in patients undergoing cardiac surgery., Methods: Patients awaiting nonemergent cardiac surgery (n = 436) completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to quantify depression (PHQ-9 score > 9). Physical activity was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-short) and accelerometry. Data collection occurred preoperatively (Q1, n = 436), at hospital discharge (Q2, n = 374), at 3 months (Q3, n = 318), and at 6 months (Q4, n = 342) postoperatively. Patients were categorized as "depression naive", "at risk" or "depressed" preoperatively. Physical inactivity was defined as < 600 metabolic equivalent min/wk. Independent perioperative variables associated with depression were identified with univariate and multivariate logistic regression., Results: Depression prevalence from Q1-Q4 was 23%, 37%, 21%, and 23%, respectively. Independent associations with depression were preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction < 50% (Q1, P < 0.05), physical inactivity (Q1, P < 0.05), baseline "at-risk" (Q2, P < 0.05), and baseline "depressed" groups (Q2-Q4, P < 0.05), hospital stay > 7 days (Q2, P < 0.05), postoperative stressful event (Q3 and Q4, P < 0.05), and cardiopulmonary bypass time > 120 minutes (Q4, P = 0.05). Newly depressed patients 6 months postoperatively reported lower IPAQ-short physical activity than depression-free patients (median change, -40 min/wk (interquartile range [IQR], -495 to +255) vs +213 min/wk (IQR, +150 to +830; P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Up to 40% of patients are depressed after cardiac surgery. Preoperative depression and postoperative stressful events were the strongest independent associations postoperatively. Physical inactivity was associated with preoperative depression and new depression 6 months postoperatively., (Copyright © 2013 Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Recent clinical studies suggest preoperative anemia may increase mortality and morbidity after cardiac surgery. Anemic patients are potentially even more vulnerable in the setting of a recent myocardial infarction (MI). The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of preoperative anemia on short-term outcomes after coronary bypass surgery in patients with a recent MI., Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 655 patients who underwent an isolated coronary bypass procedure within 21 days of MI, 432 of whom were anemic preoperatively, defined as a hemoglobin less than 13 g/dL for men and less than 12 g/dL for women. The primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and major adverse events (MAE), which included MI, stroke, and renal failure requiring dialysis., Results: Before risk adjustment, in-hospital mortality and the incidence of MAE were significantly higher in patients with anemia versus no anemia (mortality, 5.1% versus 1.4%, p = 0.02; MAE, 8.6% versus 3.1%, p = 0.009). After risk adjustment, the association between preoperative anemia and mortality or MAE became insignificant (mortality odds ratio 2.34, 95% confidence interval: 0.56 to 9.87, p = 0.25; MAE odds ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval: 0.46 to 2.79, p = 0.78). Preoperative hemoglobin, treated as a continuous variable, yielded similar results., Conclusions: Preoperative anemia does not directly increase risks of surgical revascularization performed within 21 days of MI., (Copyright © 2013 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Compared with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI), ST-elevation MI has been associated with increased mortality after medical treatment and percutaneous coronary intervention. Our study investigated the prognostic value of MI classification in the setting of surgical revascularization within 21 days of MI., Methods: We studied 2412 consecutive patients between 1995 and 2007 who underwent an isolated coronary artery bypass grafting procedure within 21 days after MI. The outcomes of interest were in-hospital mortality and major adverse events, which included death, MI, stroke, and renal failure requiring hemodialysis., Results: Rates of crude in-hospital mortality and major adverse events were higher in ST-elevation MI patients. Stepwise regression analysis suggested that MI subtype (ST-elevation MI vs non-ST-elevation MI) did not predict in-hospital mortality or major adverse events. A secondary analysis using propensity score matching showed similar surgical outcomes between the two cohorts., Conclusions: Surgical risks of patients with recent MI are independent of MI subtype. Distinguishing ST-elevation MI and non-ST-elevation MI is of limited value in the decision-making process of early surgical intervention., (Copyright 2010 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)