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Aortic annular erosion is a serious complication of aortic valve endocarditis or previous aortic valve replacement. This study examined the outcomes of a technique for left ventricular outflow tract reconstruction using a polyester tube graft, followed by translocation of the aortic valve and coronary arteries. A total of 23 patients with extensive annular erosion resulting from endocarditis or previous aortic valve replacement with or without pseudoaneurysm formation, or occurring after excision of the native valve, underwent suture of a polyester tube graft in the left ventricular outflow tract below the annulus, replacement of the aortic valve and proximal ascending aorta with a composite graft, and reimplantation of the coronary arteries with the use of interposition polyester grafts. The mean age of the patients was 50 years, and 57% were men. There were no hospital deaths. The mean duration of follow-up was 6.5 years and extended to 16 years. Actuarial survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 86.7%, 82.2%, and 62.6%, respectively. Two patients required reoperation for a graft-graft pseudoaneurysm and for degeneration of a porcine bioprosthesis. Echocardiograms obtained at a mean of 75 months postoperatively in 15 of the 23 patients demonstrated normal left ventricular outflow tract dimensions and velocities and a mean effective valve orifice area of 1.07 cm2/m2. All coronary artery grafts were patent on angiography a mean of 40 months postoperatively in 13 patients. Extended experience with this technique confirms its safety and effectiveness for patients with extensive destruction of the aortic annulus. It represents a suitable alternative to other currently used techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of intraoperative strategies are currently used for organ protection during open operations on the thoracoabdominal aorta. We report our experience with cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest as the primary modality for organ protection, focusing on the early outcomes. During a 30-year interval, 285 patients underwent thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass with an interval of circulatory arrest (72 Crawford extent I, 107 extent II, 104 extent III, and 2 extent IV). Degenerative aneurysms were present in 72.6% and aortic dissections in 26.4% of patients. Emergent operations for rupture or acute dissection were required in 6.7% of the patients. Thirty-day mortality was 7.4% and was highest for the Crawford extent II and extent III patients (10.3% and 6.7%, respectively). Permanent paralysis or paraplegia occurred in 15 patients (5.3%). The rates were highest for the extent II and extent III patients (6.5% and 6.7%, respectively). Cerebrospinal fluid drainage had no impact on the development of spinal cord injury, and implantation of intercostal/lumbar arteries had a protective effect only in patients with extent II repair. Stroke occurred in 4.2% of patients and renal failure that required dialysis occurred in 6.2%. One-year actual survival was 90.4%. Our extended experience with this technique confirms its safety and effectiveness when used on a routine basis. The rates of spinal cord injury and permanent renal failure are among the lowest reported in the literature. Particularly favorable outcomes were observed in younger patients and patients undergoing elective operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the initial description of the composite valve-graft technique for repair of aneurysms of the aortic root and ascending aorta with associated aortic valve disease by Bentall and De Bono in 1968, modifications have been introduced to reduce the risks of major bleeding and false aneurysm formation that were associated with this procedure. Currently, the most widely used modification involves excision of the aortic valve, aortic root, and ascending aorta, suture of a composite graft into the aortic root and to the ascending aorta, mobilization of the coronary arteries with a small rim of aortic tissue, and anastomosis of the arteries to openings in the aortic graft. This has been termed the "Button Bentall" procedure, and is presented herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The study objective was to analyze clinical outcomes, distal segmental aortic growth, and aortic reoperation rates after 1-stage open repair of extensive chronic thoracic aortic dissection via bilateral anterior thoracotomy. Methods Eighty patients underwent extensive 1-stage repair of chronic aortic dissection that included the ascending aorta, the entire aortic arch, and the varying lengths of the descending thoracic aorta. One half or more of the descending thoracic aorta was replaced in 62 (78%) of the 80 patients. Hospital mortality was 2.5% (2 patients). Stroke occurred in 1 patient (1.2%), spinal cord ischemic injury occurred in 1 patient (1.2%), and renal failure requiring long-term dialysis occurred in 2 patients (2.5%). Sixty-five of the 78 hospital survivors (83%) had serial imaging studies suitable for calculation of growth rates of the remaining dissected thoracic and abdominal aorta. Forty-seven patients were followed for more than 5 years, and 21 patients were followed for more than 10 years. Results The mean annual growth rate for the distal contiguous aorta was 1.7 mm/y. Forty aortas increased in diameter, 16 aortas remained unchanged, and 9 aortas decreased in diameter. Five patients required reoperation on the contiguous thoracic or abdominal aorta 8, 27, 34, 51, and 174 months postoperatively for progressive enlargement. Actuarial freedom from reoperation on the contiguous aorta at 5 and 10 years was 95.4% and 93%, respectively. Actuarial freedom from any aortic reoperation at 5 and 10 years was 89.2% and 84.4%, respectively. Actuarial survival for the entire cohort at 5 and 10 years was 76.4% and 52.6%, respectively, and survival free of any aortic operation was 68.6% and 43.9%, respectively. No patient whose cause of death was known died of aortic rupture. Conclusions Our extended experience with the 1-stage open procedure confirms its safety and durability for treatment of chronic aortic dissection with enlargement confined to the thoracic aorta. The procedure is associated with low operative risk and a low incidence of reoperation on the contiguous aorta. It represents a suitable alternative to the 2-stage, frozen elephant trunk, and hybrid procedures that are also used to treat this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the impact of anatomic aortic root parameters during valve-sparing root replacement on the probability of postoperative aortic insufficiency and freedom from aortic valve reoperation. From 1995 to 2020, 177 patients underwent valve-sparing root replacement (163 reimplantations, 14 remodeling). Preoperative and postoperative echocardiograms were analyzed to measure annulus and sinus diameters, effective height of leaflet coaptation, and degree of aortic insufficiency. Logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of 2+ or greater late postoperative aortic insufficiency. Fine-Gray regression determined predictors for aortic valve reintervention. The study population included 122 (69%) men with a mean age of 43 ± 15 years. A total of 119 patients (67%) had an identified connective tissue disorder. The cumulative incidence of aortic valve reoperation was estimated as 7% at 5 years and 12% at 10 years. The probability of 2+ or greater late postoperative aortic insufficiency was inversely related to effective height during valve-sparing root replacement (P =.018). As postoperative effective height fell below 11 mm, the probability of 2+ or greater aortic insufficiency exceeded 10%. On multivariable logistic regression, effective height (odds ratio, 0.53; 0.33-0.86; P =.010), preoperative annulus diameter (odds ratio, 1.44; 1.13-1.82; P =.003), and degree of preoperative aortic insufficiency (odds ratio, 2.57; 1.45-4.52; P =.001) were associated with increased incidence of 2+ or greater late postoperative aortic insufficiency. On multivariable Fine-Gray regression, risk factors for aortic valve reintervention included preoperative annulus diameter (subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.28 [1.03-1.59], P =.027), history of 3+ or greater aortic insufficiency (subdistribution hazard ratio, 4.28; 1.60-11.44; P =.004), and 2+ or greater early postoperative aortic insufficiency (subdistribution hazard ratio, 5.22; 2.29-11.90; P <.001). Measures to increase effective height during valve-sparing root replacement may decrease the risk of more than mild postoperative aortic insufficiency after repair and the need for aortic valve reoperation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the early clinical outcomes of aortic root surgery in the United States. Methods The Society of Thoracic Surgeons database was queried to identify all patients who had undergone aortic root replacement from 2004 to early 2010 (n = 13,743). The median age was 58 years (range, 18-96); 3961 were women (29%) and 12,059 were white (88%). The different procedures included placement of a mechanical valve conduit (n = 4718, 34%), stented pericardial (n = 879, 6.4%) or porcine (n = 478, 3.5%) bioprosthesis, stentless root (n = 4309, 31%), homograft (n = 498, 3.6%), and valve sparing root replacement (n = 1918, 14%). Results The median number of aortic root surgeries per site was 2, and only 5% of sites performed >16 aortic root surgeries annually. An increased trend to use biostented (porcine or pericardial) valves during the study period (7% in 2004 vs 14% in 2009). The operative (raw) mortality was greater among the patients with aortic stenosis (6.2%) who had undergone aortic root replacement, independent of age. Mortality was greater in patients who had undergone concomitant valve or coronary artery bypass grafting or valve surgery (21%). The lowest operative mortality was observed in patients who had undergone aortic valve sparing procedures (1.9%). Conclusions Most cardiac centers performed aortic root surgery in small volumes. The unadjusted operative mortality was greater for patients >80 years old and those with aortic stenosis, regardless of age. Valve sparing root surgery was associated with the lowest mortality. A trend was seen toward an increased use of stented tissue valves from 2004 to 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is limited information about the association between diabetes, its treatment, and long-term angiographic and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). We evaluated the association of diabetes and its treatment with 1-year angiographic graft failure and 5-year clinical outcomes in patients undergoing CABG. Methods Using data from 3,014 patients in PREVENT IV, we analyzed angiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with and without diabetes and among those who did and did not receive insulin before CABG. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to adjust for differences in baseline variables. Results Overall, 1,139 (37.8%) patients had diabetes. Of these, 305 (26.8%) received insulin. One-year rates of vein graft failure were similar in patients with and without diabetes but, among diabetics, tended to be higher in patients who received insulin compared with those who did not. At 5 years, rates of death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization were higher among patients with compared with those without diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio 1.57; 95% CI 1.26-1.96; P < .001) and, among diabetics, higher among those who received insulin (adjusted hazard ratio 1.15; 95% CI 1.02-1.30; P = .02). Conclusions Patients with diabetes had similar rates of vein graft failure but worse clinical outcomes than patients without diabetes. Patients who received insulin had significantly worse clinical outcomes than patients who did not receive insulin. Further studies to better understand the mechanism behind these findings and to improve the outcomes of patients with insulin-requiring diabetes undergoing CABG surgery are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While extracardiac vascular disease (ECVD), defined as a history of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) or cerebrovascular disease (CBVD), is common in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, there are limited data available on the association between ECVD, vein graft failure (VGF), and clinical outcomes. Methods: Using data from the Project of Ex-vivo Vein Graft Engineering via Transfection IV (PREVENTIV) trial (n = 3,014), 1-year angiographic follow-up and 5-year clinical outcomes (death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization) were determined in patients with and without ECVD. Logistic regression was used to assess risk of VGF. Generalized estimating equations methods were used to account for correlations in a graft-level analysis. Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox hazards regression were used to compare clinical outcomes. We similarly explored the association of the individual components CBVD and PVD with both VGF and clinical outcomes in an additive model. Results: Patients with ECVD (n = 634, 21%) were older, more commonly female, and had more comorbidities, lower use of internal thoracic artery grafting, and overall worse graft quality than patients without ECVD. VGF rates tended to be higher (patient-level: odds ratio [OR]: 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96 to 1.58, p = 0.099; graft-level: OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.53, p = 0.053) in patients with ECVD. VGF rates were significantly higher among CBVD patients (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.97, p = 0.035; graft-level: OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.85, p = 0.019). Patients with ECVD had a higher risk of death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization 5 years after CABG surgery (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.96, 95% CI: 2.02 to 4.35, p < 0.001). This relationship was driven by the subset of patients with PVD (HR = 3.32, 95% CI: 2.16 to 5.09, p < 0.001) and not by those with CBVD (HR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.88 to 1.37, p = 0.40). Conclusions: ECVD is common among patients undergoing CABG surgery and is associated with similar short-term but increasingly worse long-term clinical outcomes. This higher risk may be partly, but not exclusively, due to higher rates of VGF among these patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To analyze clinical outcomes and distal segmental aortic growth and aortic reoperation rates following 1-stage open repair of extensive chronic aortic dissection that included resection and graft replacement of the aneurysmal descending thoracic aorta. Methods: Among 68 patients undergoing extensive 1-stage repair of chronic aortic dissection that included the ascending aorta, arch, and varying lengths of the descending thoracic aorta, 66 were hospital survivors (early mortality 2.9%). Fifty-one of these patients (77%) had serial imaging studies suitable for calculation of growth rates of the remaining thoracic and upper abdominal aorta. The mean duration of follow-up was 5.8 years and extended to 13.7 years. Results: The overall growth rate of the distal aorta for the entire cohort was 0.10 mm/year. For 28 patients followed for >5 years, the growth rate was 0.03 mm/year. Three patients required reoperation on the contiguous thoracic or abdominal aorta for aneurysmal degeneration 8 months, 34 months, and 6.2 years postoperatively. Actuarial freedom from reoperation for aneurysmal growth of the distal aorta at 5 and 10 years was 96.3% and 93.3%, respectively. Actuarial freedom from any aortic reoperation at 5 years and 10 years was 88.6% and 82.7%, respectively. Actuarial survival at 5, 7, and 10 years was 78.2%, 71.2%, and 57.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Our extended experience with the 1-stage procedure confirms its safety and feasibility for treatment of extensive chronic thoracic aortic dissection. It is associated with a low incidence of reoperation on the contiguous aorta for aneurysmal degeneration. It represents a viable alternative to 2-stage and hybrid procedures that are also used to treat this condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients who had intraoperative aortic dissection (IAD) have not been thoroughly investigated. This study compared early and late clinical outcomes in patients with IAD vs spontaneous (non-IAD) acute type A aortic dissection. Methods: Between January 1, 2000, and July 1, 2008, 251 patients from 4 academic medical centers underwent repair of acute type A aortic dissection; of those, 11 had IAD. The mean age was 72 ± 9 years for patients experiencing IAD and 59 ± 13 years for those with non-IAD (p = 0.001). Patients with IAD were more likely to have coronary artery disease (p = 0.003) and a history of arrhythmia (p = 0.038). Rates for major morbidity, operative mortality, and 5-year actuarial survival were compared between groups. Results: Operative mortality was not adversely influenced by IAD (27% IAD vs 17% non-IAD, p = 0.42). There were no differences in the rates of reoperation for bleeding (10% IAD vs 20% non-IAD, p = 0.69), stroke (18% IAD vs 18% non-IAD, p ≥ 0.99), or acute renal failure (9% IAD vs 22% non-IAD, p = 0.47) between the two groups. Actuarial 5-year survival was 64% for IAD patients vs 73% for non-IAD patients (p = 0.33). Conclusions: IAD does not adversely influence early outcomes and actuarial 5-year survival of patients with type A dissection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several techniques are available for aortic arch replacement. We evaluated our experience with total aortic arch replacement using a presewn multibranched graft and right axillary artery cannulation for brain perfusion. Methods: Between 2002 and 2010, 88 patients (mean age, 61.5 ± 14.6 years) underwent total aortic arch replacement by midline sternotomy (27 patients) or bilateral anterior thoracotomy (61 patients). During a brief period of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) (mean duration, 11.0 ± 7.8 minutes), the brachiocephalic arteries were detached from the aorta and clamped. Cerebral perfusion through the right axillary artery was then initiated while the arteries were sequentially attached to the branches of the presewn graft (mean duration: 40.4 ± 9.8 minutes). The ascending aorta and entire arch were replaced in all patients, combined with varying lengths of the descending aorta. Results: The 30-day mortality rate was 5.7%. Stroke occurred in 3.4%, spinal cord ischemic injury in 3.4% (1 paraplegia, 2 paraparesis), and new-onset renal failure requiring dialysis in 3.4% of patients. The 5-year survival rate was 70.7% ± 5.5%. All graft branches remained patent during imaging follow-up (mean duration, 2.6 ± 2.2 years). Six patients required reoperation on the graft or contiguous aorta after the initial repair, but no reoperations were required on the aortic arch or its branches. The 5-year rate of freedom from reoperation was 90.4% ± 4.0%. Conclusions: The use of a presewn multibranched graft and hypothermic brain perfusion through the right axillary artery is a safe method for replacement of the aortic arch, resulting in a low incidence of neurologic complications and favorable durability and patency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Aortic annular erosion is a serious complication of aortic valve endocarditis or previous aortic valve replacement without endocarditis, and its surgical management is challenging. We present the early and midterm results of a technique for left ventricular outflow tract and aortic root reconstruction with a polyester tube graft and translocation of the aortic valve and coronary arteries. Methods: A polyester tube graft is placed into the left ventricle and sutured to the left ventricular outflow tract below the area of erosion. The graft is then everted and sutured to a composite graft. Interposition polyester grafts from the coronary arteries are attached to the composite graft above the valve. This technique has been used in 12 cases. All but 1 patient had previously undergone aortic root or aortic valve replacement, and 4 had endocarditis of prosthetic (n = 2) or aortic allograft (n = 2) valves. Results: There were no in-hospital deaths. There was 1 early death from pulmonary embolism at 1 postoperative month and 2 late deaths at 15 and 64 postoperative months, both resulting from heart failure. The remaining 9 patients are alive at 3 to 132 postoperative months. Actuarial 5-year survival is 75%. Conclusions: Left ventricular outflow tract reconstruction with translocation of the aortic valve and coronary arteries for annular erosion is a useful technique that safely excludes the area of annular erosion and eliminates left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The procedure can be safely performed with satisfactory early outcomes and 5-year survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Recent advances in endovascular surgery have put into question the role of open operative treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. In this context we evaluated our experience with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair using cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest. Methods: From January 1986 to December 2008, 218 patients (mean age, 63 ± 14 years) underwent thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair with cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest. The degree of repair was as follows: Crawford extent I, 57 (26%) patients; Crawford extent II, 91 (41%) patients; and Crawford extent III, 70 (32%) patients. Degenerative aneurysms were present in 160 (73%) patients. Eighteen (8%) patients underwent emergency operations. Results: The mean durations of cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest were 160 ± 44 and 31 ± 12 minutes, respectively. Stroke occurred in 8 (3.7%) patients, and spinal cord ischemic injury occurred in 10 (4.6%) patients (8 with paraplegia and 2 with paraparesis). Temporary dialysis for new-onset renal failure was required in 3.6% of hospital survivors. Thirty-day and 1-year mortality rates were 7.3% and 24.5%, respectively. After emergency operations, the 30-day mortality rate was 33.3% compared with 5.0% after elective operations (P = .001). Five- and 10-year survivals were 55% and 23%, respectively. Twenty-five patients required reoperation on the graft or contiguous aorta at a mean of 5 ± 3 years after the initial procedure. Five- and 10-year rates of freedom from reoperation were 87% and 60%, respectively. Conclusions: Cardiopulmonary bypass with hypothermic circulatory arrest can be safely used for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair, providing excellent protection against end-organ injury. Early mortality and morbidity rates do not exceed those reported for endovascular repair, with particularly favorable outcomes among patients undergoing elective operations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: The use of an aortic patch containing the visceral and renal arteries is a well-established technique during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair. However, the retained aortic tissue may later become aneurysmal. We reviewed our TAAA repair experience using a presewn aortic branched graft to eliminate this risk. Methods: Between March 2003 and December 2008, 52 patients with Crawford extent II and III TAAAs had surgical repair using a presewn aortic branched graft. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans with intravenous contrast were available for 41 patients (mean angiographic follow-up 2.3 years). The mean age of these 41 patients was 59 ± 16 years (range, 22-86), and 21 patients were female (51%). The indications for surgery were degenerative aneurysms in 30 patients (73%), type B dissections in 10 patients (24%), and visceral patch aneurysm in 1 patient (2.4%). Twenty-four patients (59%) underwent repair of a Crawford extent II TAAA and 17 patients (41%) had extent III TAAA repair. Results: Patency of the branches to the visceral and renal arteries at 1 and 5 years was 100% and 98%, respectively. Of the 148 graft branches, 2 became occluded and 4 developed stenosis (2 patients). One patient required percutaneous stenting of 3 stenosed branches, and 1 patient died after acute occlusion of 2 branches and stenosis of a third. During the follow-up period that extended to 6.3 years, there were 10 late deaths. Six patients required reoperation on the aortic graft or contiguous aorta, but no reoperations have been required on the visceral abdominal aorta or its branches. Conclusion: The use of a presewn aortic branched graft is a safe and suitable option for TAAA repair. With midterm follow-up, this technique seems to eliminate the risk of visceral patch aneurysms and results in favorable durability and patency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Current practice related to the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) complicating coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is uncertain. Methods: We examined management of post-CABG AF in the PREVENT-IV trial, and we explored patterns of use of postoperative rhythm versus rate control and anticoagulation for AF by geographic region and type of site. We also compared outcomes of patients who developed post-CABG AF (663) with those who did not (2,131). Results: The incidence of AF was 24%. Post-CABG AF was treated with a rhythm control strategy in 81% of patients and with warfarin in 23% of patients. Although there were significant variations across sites in the management of post-CABG AF, patterns of use of postoperative rhythm versus rate control and anticoagulation did not differ by geographic region or by whether or not the enrolling site was an academic institution. Mortality was higher in patients with post-CABG AF than patients without AF at 30 days (1.5% vs 0.7%, P = .01) but not at 3 years (6.9% vs 4.9%, P = .41). There was a trend toward a higher risk of mortality or stroke at 30 days in patients with AF (2.4% vs 1.9%, P = .08). Conclusion: Although a rhythm control strategy was used in most of the patients in this trial and the overall rate of use of warfarin was low, the significance of these findings is uncertain because of the lack of data from randomized clinical trials. The substantial variations in the management of post-CABG AF across sites are likely because of definitive data on the most effective therapies, highlighting the need for clinical trials on rate versus rhythm control and on anticoagulation for AF in this setting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the options for operative techniques on the treatment of extensive aneurysmal disease of the thoracic aorta. It suggests two approaches which include a staged approach and a one-stage repair procedure. Advantages of using the one-stage repair procedure are cited which include its safeness and appropriateness as a substitute for the two-stage procedure, the provision of excellent exposure of the heart and the exclusion of the death and the occurrence of disease related with a second thoracic aortic procedure.

Objective: Limited information exists on the impact of preoperative renal dysfunction on internal thoracic artery and saphenous vein graft failure and 2-year clinical outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods: We studied the impact of preoperative renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance < 60 mL/min) on 1-year internal thoracic artery and saphenous vein graft failure (defined as ≥ 75% angiographic stenosis) and 2-year clinical events (death; death or myocardial infarction; and death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization) in 3014 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery enrolled in the Project of Ex-vivo Vein Graft Engineering via Transfection-IV study. Results: Of 2973 patients (98.6%) with preoperative measurement of renal function, 440 (14.8%) had renal dysfunction. Most baseline comorbidities were higher in these patients. Two-year clinical events were higher in patients with preoperative renal dysfunction (adjusted death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization, hazard ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval 0.97–1.50; adjusted death or myocardial infarction, hazard ratio 1.35, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.74; adjusted death, hazard ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 0.98–2.21). However, saphenous vein graft (odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.79–1.33) and internal thoracic artery (odds ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.40–1.44) failure were similar in the 2 groups. Conclusion: Although the risk of adverse clinical events is higher in patients with preoperative renal dysfunction, that of internal thoracic artery and saphenous vein graft failure is not. This suggests that factors other than graft failure account for the worse clinical outcomes in this high-risk cohort. Further studies are needed to identify other mechanisms of these worse outcomes so that appropriate measures can be developed to improve long-term outcomes in patients with renal dysfunction undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: We evaluated a one-stage technique for extensive replacement of the thoracic aorta in patients with chronic aortic dissection. Methods: Fifty-one patients with chronic expanding thoracic aortic dissections (48 type A, 3 type B with proximal extension) were treated with a single procedure using a bilateral anterior thoracotomy, hypothermic circulatory arrest, and reperfusion of the arch vessels first to minimize brain ischemia. Forty-six patients had previous operations: for acute type A aortic dissection (n = 36), aortic valve disease (n = 6), or coronary artery disease (n = 4). The ascending aorta and entire arch were replaced in all patients combined with varying lengths of the descending aorta. Results: Hospital mortality was 3.9% (2 patients). Five patients (10%) required reoperation for bleeding. Two patients were discharged on ventilatory support and 2 on dialysis. No patient sustained a stroke, and paraplegia developed in one. The 5- and 7-year survival rates were 79% and 68%. Freedom from reoperation on the thoracic or abdominal aorta was 92% at 5 and 7 years postoperatively. Serial tomograms have documented substantial enlargement of the residual dissected aorta in only 2 patients (reoperated). Conclusions: The technique is a safe and suitable alternative to the two-stage (elephant trunk technique) and hybrid procedures for treatment of chronic dissection with aneurysm of the thoracic aorta. It eliminates the risk of rupture in the interval between staged procedures and the risks associated with a second thoracic aortic procedure, and is associated with a low rate of reoperation on the remaining aorta. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Use of saphenous vein graft (SVG) radiographic markers has been associated with shorter cardiac catheterization procedure times and reduced contrast agent volume for postoperative coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) catheterizations. Use of such markers is varied and often operator-dependent, as the effect of SVG markers has not been fully evaluated. The goal of the present analysis was to evaluate the association of SVG markers with clinical outcomes and graft patency. Methods: Data were drawn from the Project of Ex-vivo Vein Graft Engineering via Transfection (PREVENT) IV trial of patients undergoing CABG at 107 hospitals across the United States. Repeat angiography was performed within 12 to 18 months after CABG. The SVG markers were used at the discretion of the surgeon and were identified on the follow-up angiogram as any device used to mark the ostium, regardless of shape. Results: The SVG markers were present in 51.2% of evaluable patients (910 of 1,778) and 52.3% of SVGs (2,228 of 4,240). Among patients with totally occluded SVGs (n = 911), visual identification of the SVG was obtained more frequently in those with an SVG marker (90.7% vs 72.1%, p < 0.001). The SVG stenosis 70% or greater at follow-up did not differ by use of markers (25.8% with marker vs 24.4% without marker, p = not significant). These findings were also consistent in ostial lesions (n = 942). Long-term death or myocardial infarction (MI) was similar by use of marker. The perioperative CABG MI was higher in patients with SVG markers (10.1% vs 5.5%, odds ratio adjusted 1.86, p = 0.021). Conclusions: Saphenous vein graft radiographic markers were associated with higher rates of direct visualization of totally occluded SVGs without an adverse effect on graft patency or long-term clinical outcomes, but the association of SVG markers with increased perioperative CABG MI warrants further examination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: This analysis compares 1-year vein graft patency and major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE [death, myocardial infarction, or stroke]) in on-pump and off-pump patients enrolled in PREVENT IV (the PRoject of Ex-vivo Vein graft ENgineering via Transfection IV). Methods: The PREVENT IV was a multicenter (107 sites) randomized trial of edifoligide to prevent vein graft failure from neointimal hyperplasia in 3,014 patients undergoing primary, isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with at least two vein grafts. One-year angiographic follow-up was completed on 1,920 patients (4,736 grafts) with MACCE follow-up on 99.4% of enrolled patients. Results: In all, 2,377 procedures (78.9%) were on pump and 637 (21.1%) were off pump. On-pump patients had more chronic lung disease (17% versus 11%; p < 0.001), congestive heart failure (10% versus 7%; p = 0.03), lower mean ejection fraction (50% versus 55%; p < 0.001), and worse target artery quality (good 63.8% versus 68.1%; fair 26.4% versus 22.7%; poor 9.8% versus 9.2%; p < 0.001). Vein graft failure (more than 75% graft stenosis) in on- versus off-pump patients was 25.3% versus 25.7% (p = 0.62). After adjusting for differences in significant predictors of vein graft failure (target artery quality, surgery time, endoscopic vein harvest, more than 1 distal anastomosis/graft, and patient weight), the odds of vein graft failure was 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.67 to 1.00; p = 0.05) for on-pump versus off-pump patients. One-year mortality for on- versus off-pump patients was 3.3% versus 2.5% (p = 0.30); and MACCE was 15.4% versus 11.3% (p = 0.01). The adjusted hazard ratio for 1-year MACCE was 1.31 (95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.69; p = 0.01) for on pump versus off pump. Conclusions: Observed saphenous vein failure rate was 25% in both groups. One-year clinical outcomes (MACCE) were better with off-pump than with on-pump CABG, suggesting benefits not related to vein graft patency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The natural history of the residual aorta after repair of acute type A aortic dissection is incompletely understood. Methods: During a 22-year period, 201 patients underwent repair of acute type A dissection by 25 surgeons. For 168 operative survivors, mean late follow-up for reoperation or death was 6.5 ± 5.5 years and was 100% complete. Late blood pressure and medication history were available for 136 patients. Overall, 412 computed tomography scans were analyzed for segmental diameter and false lumen patency from 69 patients who underwent multiple follow-up imaging studies at our institution. Results: Freedom from reoperation at 10 years (range, 1 to 170 months) was 74% ± 5% (28 reoperations in 26 patients). A nonresected primary tear (p = 0.05), Marfan syndrome (p < 0. 001), elevated systolic blood pressure at follow-up (p = 0.008), and absence of β-blocker therapy (p = 0.02) were independent predictors of late reoperation. Aortic growth between consecutive imaging studies was detected in 18% of intervals (62/343) affecting 49% patients (34/69), with mean yearly growth rate of 5.3 ± 4.5 mm. Onset of enlargement was unpredictable and occurred 59 ± 45 months postoperatively (range, 1 to 167 months). Risk factors for growth included aortic diameter (p < 0. 001), elevated systolic blood pressure (p = 0.04), and presence of a patent false lumen (p = 0.05). Maximum aortic diameter of less than 35 mm predicted growth in 11% of intervals, 35 to 49 mm in 22%, and more than 49 mm in 37% (p < 0.001). Different proximal or distal surgical strategies did not affect aortic growth or need for reoperation (p > 0.17). Conclusions: Optimal long-term outcome of patients with acute type A dissection demands rigorous antihypertensive therapy and lifelong radiographic follow-up because aortic enlargement can begin more than a decade postoperatively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The optimal perfusion strategy during surgery of acute type A aortic dissection is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of retrograde cerebral perfusion during hypothermic circulatory arrest on short-term and long-term outcome in this specific patient population. Methods: Between 1984 and 2005, 175 consecutive patients underwent repair of an acute type A dissection. Three different surgical approaches were used: aortic cross-clamping without hypothermic circulatory arrest in 50 (29%), hypothermic circulatory arrest alone in 69 (39%), and hypothermic circulatory arrest with supplemental retrograde cerebral perfusion in 56 (32%). Results: Operative mortality was 18% ± 3% (± 70% confidence interval), and adverse outcomes (death or cerebrovascular accident) occurred in 21% ± 3% of patients (p = 0.97 between groups). Multivariate analysis identified valve replacement (p = 0.04), preoperative flow complications (p = 0.03), and non-Marfan syndrome (p = 0.04) as predictors of operative mortality. Intraoperative dissection (p < 0.001) and history of cerebrovascular disease (p = 0.02) were predictors for permanent neurologic deficit, and retrograde cerebral perfusion was shown to have a protective effect on transient neurologic deficits (p = 0.008). Kaplan-Meier survival was 75% ± 3% at 1 year (131 patients at risk), 63% ± 4% at 5 years (87 patients at risk), and 49% ± 4% at 10 years (48 patients at risk) and was independent of surgical approach (p = 0.37). Long-term survival was diminished with increased age (p < 0.001), earlier operative year (p < 0.001), and coronary artery disease (p = 0.02). Conclusions: The current investigation suggests improved neurologic recovery with circulatory arrest and supplemental retrograde cerebral perfusion. Operative mortality and long-term survival were comparable among groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Secondary prevention medications are beneficial after acute coronary syndromes, but these benefits are less clear after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. We investigated whether greater use of secondary prevention medications after coronary artery bypass graft surgery is associated with improved clinical outcomes. Methods: Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery in the PREVENT IV trial (n = 2970) were surveyed for use of antiplatelet agents, β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and lipid-lowering agents after hospital discharge and at 1 year. Patients were categorized based on their percentage use of indicated medications after hospital discharge. Cox modeling was used to determine the association between medication use categories and rates of death or myocardial infarction through 2 years after adjustment for clinical factors, the number of indicated medications, and treatment propensity. Results: Rates of use of antiplatelet agents and lipid-lowering agents were high at discharge and at 1 year, but use of β-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers was suboptimal. There was a stepwise association between medication use at discharge and patient outcomes (p for trend = 0.014). Patients taking 50% or less of indicated medications at discharge had a significantly higher 2-year rate of death or myocardial infarction (8.0% versus 4.2%; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 2.55; p = 0.013) than those taking all indicated medications. Conclusions: Greater use of indicated secondary prevention medications after coronary artery bypass graft surgery is associated with a lower 2-year rate of death or myocardial infarction. These data underscore the importance of appropriate secondary prevention measures to improve long-term clinical outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Severe aortic insufficiency (AI) with preserved left ventricular (LV) function may be associated with a long asymptomatic period and unpredictable course on medical therapy. Since myocardial wall stress is closely related to both pathologic cardiac remodeling and ultimately to LV decompensation, a more accurate description of regional wall stress may improve our ability to appropriately manage these patients. The objective of this study was to define differences in instantaneous global and regional three-dimensional end-systolic maximum principal stress (ESS) between normal patients and patients with AI, both before and after aortic valve replacement (AVR) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and finite element analysis (FEA). Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 20 normal volunteers and 14 patients with moderate to severe AI with normal systolic function (ejection fraction: 57 ± 0.6) before and after AVR. Finite element analysis was utilized to estimate global and regional ESS. Results: Both global (p < 0.001) and regional (p < 0.001 in all segments) ESS were significantly higher in the preoperative AI patients when compared with their postoperative values and normal controls. Postoperative ESS was significantly lower than the normal controls (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Three-dimensional regional and global end-systolic LV wall stress can be determined by MRI and finite element analysis. Values of ESS in patients with chronic AI were elevated prior to AVR and normalized after AVR. This method may have considerable potential as a noninvasive, clinically applicable index of regional LV geometry and function that may help with the serial evaluation of patients with AI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Left ventricular three-dimensional nonlinear systolic strain determinations have potential to detect small decrements in ventricular function in patients with aortic insufficiency before and after aortic valve replacement. Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging with tissue-tagging was performed on 42 normal volunteers and 14 patients with chronic aortic insufficiency both before and 28 ± 11 months after aortic valve replacement. Preoperative and postoperative left ventricular volume, dimensions and ejection fraction were determined for all subjects. Left ventricular systolic radial, circumferential, longitudinal, and minimum principal strain were calculated for six left ventricular regions. Results: After aortic valve replacement, left ventricular volume and dimensions decreased significantly (p < 0.001) and ejection fraction increased nonsignificantly (p = 0.096). Strain values in preoperative aortic insufficiency patients did not differ significantly from controls. At an average of 28 ± 11 months postoperatively, however, regional three-dimensional minimum principal and longitudinal strain was decreased in all six ventricular regions as well as globally (p < 0.03) compared with normal control values. Circumferential strain was significantly decreased globally and in all but two regions (p < 0.03). Conclusions: These magnetic resonance imaging–based techniques are sensitive enough to detect a previously unrecognized, significant decrease in both global and regional three-dimensional left ventricular systolic strain 2 years after aortic valve replacement for minimally symptomatic chronic aortic insufficiency despite improvement in ejection fraction and a decrease in left ventricular size. The reasons for a significant decline in left ventricular systolic strain after successful aortic valve replacement in minimally symptomatic chronic aortic insufficiency patients are not clear and warrant further investigation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]