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Objective: Minimally invasive surgery determines shorter postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS) even in cardiac surgery. Potential preoperative factors affecting LOS are still not known in minimally invasive heart valve surgery (MIVS). We aimed to identify preoperative variables influencing prolonged LOS in MIVS., Methods: We reviewed 189 patients who underwent MIVS via minithoracotomy at our institution. Prolonged LOS was defined as more than 7 postoperative days. Poisson and logistic regression were used to screen the predictors., Results: The mean postoperative LOS was 9.13 days, and 64 patients (33.9%) experienced a prolonged LOS. These patients were older, more frequently in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV, showed worse left ventricular ejection function (LVEF), and had a higher incidence of reoperation and chronic kidney disease (CKD). At univariate analysis, the most significant preoperative factors affecting prolonged LOS were age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04), NYHA class III or IV (OR = 3.03), reduced LVEF (OR = 3.22), CKD (OR = 2.7), and redo surgery (OR = 3.6). After adjustment, the most significant preoperative factors predicting prolonged LOS were age (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.06, P = 0.02) and redo surgery (OR = 3.33, 95% CI: 1.29 to 8.9, P = 0.01)., Conclusions: The most important factors affecting prolonged LOS after MIVS were represented by age and redo surgery, although other preoperative characteristics such as reduced LVEF, NYHA class III or IV, and CKD play a significant role in delaying recovery after MIVS. Further larger studies are needed to better identify potential preoperative predictors of prolonged LOS after MIVS., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Purpose: Displacement forces ( DF s) identify hostile landing zones for stent graft deployment in thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). However, their use in TEVAR planning is hampered by the need for time-expensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD). We propose a novel fast-approximate computation of DF s merely exploiting aortic arch anatomy, as derived from the computed tomography (CT) and a measure of central aortic pressure., Materials and Methods: We tested the fast-approximate approach against CFD gold-standard in 34 subjects with the "bovine" aortic arch variant. For each dataset, a 3-dimensional (3D) model of the aortic arch lumen was reconstructed from computed tomography angiography and CFD then employed to compute DF s within the aortic proximal landing zones. To quantify fast-approximate DF s, the wall shear stress contribution to the DF was neglected and blood pressure space-distribution was averaged on the entire aortic wall to reliably approximate the patient-specific central blood pressure. Also, DF values were normalized on the corresponding proximal landing zone area to obtain the equivalent surface traction ( EST )., Results: Fast-approximate approach consistently reflected (r 2 =0.99, p<0.0001) the DF pattern obtained by CFD, with a -1.1% and 0.7° bias in DF s magnitude and orientation, respectively. The normalized EST progressively increased (p<0.0001) from zone 0 to zone 3 regardless of the type of arch, with proximal landing zone 3 showing significantly greater forces than zone 2 (p<0.0001). Upon DF normalization to the corresponding aortic surface, fast-approximate EST was decoupled in blood pressure and a dimensionless shape vector (S) reflecting aortic arch morphology. S showed a zone-specific pattern of orientation and proved a valid biomechanical blueprint of DF impact on the thoracic aortic wall., Conclusion: Requiring only a few seconds and quantifying clinically relevant biomechanical parameters of proximal landing zones for arch TEVAR, our method suits the real preoperative decision-making process. It paves the way toward analyzing large population of patients and hence to define threshold values for a future patient-specific preoperative TEVAR planning.

Objective: We aim to show the step-by-step surgical technique of mitral valve re-repair by means of a repeated right anterior minithoracotomy in a case of a procedure-related early mitral valve repair failure due to left ventricular positive remodeling and chordal pseudo-elongation., Methods: The patient was readdressed to our institution for an early severe mitral valve regurgitation, less than a year after performing a right minithoracotomy mitral valve repair (42-mm annular ring implantation, P2 triangular resection, and P2 neochord positioning). The mechanism was attributed to a positive left ventricle remodeling and neochordal pseudo-elongation. Therefore, we decided to perform a mitral valve re-repair in a redo minimally invasive cardiac surgery. We describe in a video-guided step-by-step fashion the surgical procedure, from the reopening of the right anterior minithoracotomy to the surgical strategy chosen to address the re-repair, guided by the mechanism of the previous repair failure., Results: We replaced the previously implanted ring with a smaller one and positioned a new polytetrafluoroethylene 4-0 neochord at the P2 level. The patient was discharged home on the fifth postoperative day after an uneventful hospital stay. Predischarge echocardiogram demonstrated undetectable residual mitral valve regurgitation. At 3-month follow-up, echocardiographic and clinical data were encouraging. At 9-month follow-up, the patient endorsed no recurrence of cardiologic symptoms., Conclusions: Redo minimally invasive cardiac surgery is a viable option even in case of a mitral valve re-repair due to previous repair failure, especially when procedure related in degenerative mitral disease. Combining the benefits of mitral valve re-repair with those of a minimally invasive surgery may optimize short-term and long-term outcomes.

Objective: To report early and midterm results registry of patients undergoing repeated aortic valve replacement (RAVR) with sutureless prostheses from an international prospective registry (SURE-AVR)., Methods: Between March 2011 and June 2019, 69 patients underwent RAVR with self-expandable sutureless aortic bioprostheses at 22 international cardiac centers., Results: Overall mortality was 2.9% with a predicted logistic EuroSCORE II of 10.7%. Indications for RAVR were structural valve dysfunction (84.1%) and infective prosthetic endocarditis (15.9%) and were performed in patients with previously implanted bioprostheses (79.7%), mechanical valves (15.9%), and transcatheter valves (4.3%). Minimally invasive approach was performed in 15.9% of patients. Rate of stroke was 1.4% and rate of early valve-related reintervention was 1.4%. Overall survival rate at 1 and 5 years was 97% and 91%, respectively. No major paravalvular leak occurred. Rate of pacemaker implantation was 5.8% and 0.9% per patient-year early and at follow-up, respectively. The mean transvalvular gradient at 1-year and 5-year follow-up was 10.5 mm Hg and 11.5 mm Hg with a median effective orifice area of 1.8 cm 2 and 1.8 cm 2 , respectively., Conclusions: RAVR with sutureless valves is a safe and effective approach and provides excellent clinical and hemodynamic results up to 5 years.

Objective: Cardiac conduction system disturbances potentially leading to permanent pacemaker implantation are significant postoperative complications after aortic valve replacement. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of sutureless prosthetic valve oversizing on permanent pacemaker implantation rate., Methods: This multicenter retrospective study included 306 patients who underwent minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with the Perceval sutureless valve. Oversizing was determined by the implanted valve size indexed to body surface area. Data were analyzed with a multivariable logistic regression model., Results: This study confirmed excellent postoperative results for minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with right anterior minithoracotomy approach and rapid deployment sutureless valves. Mortality rate was 1%. Eighteen (5.9%) patients received a new permanent pacemaker. Multivariable logistic regression model ( P = 0.05) found oversizing as significant risk factor ( P = 0.017) for permanent postoperative pacemaker implantation independent of patient age. There was a significant negative correlation between the indexed implanted valve size and the mean and peak postoperative transvalvular gradients ( P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Oversizing of sutureless prosthetic aortic valves is a risk factor for postoperative permanent pacemaker implantation. Proper sizing of Perceval is important to avoid complications and ensure optimal valve performance.

Objective: To report the early and mid-term results of patients who underwent minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MI-AVR) with a sutureless prosthesis from an international prospective registry., Methods: Between March 2011 and September 2018, among 957 patients included in the prospective observational SURE-AVR (Sorin Universal REgistry on Aortic Valve Replacement) registry, 480 patients underwent MI-AVR with self-expandable Perceval aortic bioprosthesis (LivaNova PLC, London, UK) in 29 international institutions through either minithoracotomy ( n = 266) or ministernotomy ( n = 214). Postoperative, follow-up, and echocardiographic outcomes were analyzed for all patients., Results: Patient age was 76.1 ± 7.1 years; 64.4% were female. Median EuroSCORE I was 7.9% (interquartile range [IQR], 4.8 to 10.9). Median cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times were 81 minutes (IQR 64 to 100) and 51 minutes (IQR 40 to 63). First successful implantation was achieved in 97.9% of cases. Two in-hospital deaths occurred, 1 for noncardiovascular causes and 1 following a disabling stroke. In the early (≤30 days) period, stroke rate was 1.4%. Three early explants were reported: 2 due to nonstructural valve dysfunction (NSVD) and 1 for malpositioning. One mild and 1 moderate paravalvular leak were reported. In 16 patients (3.3%) pacemaker implantation was needed. Mean follow-up was 2.4 years (maximum = 7 years). During follow-up 5 explants were reported, 3 due to endocarditis and 2 due to NSVD. Follow-up stroke rate was 2.5%. Three structural valve deteriorations not requiring reintervention were reported. Five-year survival was 91.45%., Conclusions: In this large prospective international registry, MI-AVR with Perceval valve confirmed to be safe, reproducible, and effective in an intermediate-risk population, providing excellent clinical recovery both in early and mid-term follow-up.

Mitral valve (MV) repair procedures have evolved over time and multiple approaches have been proposed also for the repair with neochords implantation. This article compiles the currently available approaches for implanting and sizing neochords, to restore a proper coaptation of the MV leaflets and a good systo-dyastolic movement. The described techniques are aimed at standardizing chordal measurement, in order to reduce variability in chordal length. The placement of annuloplasty ring before chordae implantation should be avoided. Regardless of the technique chosen, it is important that the implanted chordae do not interfere with normal native chordae, to avoid the risk that neochordae may heal together or get damaged. This article aims to give an overview of the most common sizing techniques available.

A significant proportion of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement have a dilated ascending aorta; presence of an ascending aorta aneurysm is viewed as a contraindication for sutureless valve implantation for the potential risk of prosthesis dislodgment. We describe our technique of sutureless prosthesis implantation and concomitant ascending aorta replacement through an upper ministernotomy. Seven patients underwent aortic valve replacement with a sutureless prosthesis and concomitant ascending aorta replacement between November 2014 and October 2016. A J-shaped upper ministernotomy was performed in all patients. Diameter of vascular graft for the replacement of the dilated ascending aorta was chosen according to the size of the selected prosthesis, to recreate a ratio between diameters of the new sinotubular junction and the aortic annulus that should be less than 1.3. Postoperatively. no patient died in hospital. No paravalvular leakage or prosthesis dislodgment was reported. Mean ± SD cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times were 142 ± 52 minutes and 85 ± 18 minutes, respectively. In patients undergoing aortic valve replacement and ascending aorta replacement, sutureless valve implantation is a safe and reproducible procedure associated with good postoperative results.

Objective: To define the benefit of sutureless and rapid deployment valves in current minimally invasive approaches in isolated aortic valve replacement., Methods: A panel of 28 international experts with expertise in both minimally invasive aortic valve replacement and rapid deployment valves was constituted. After thorough literature review, the experts rated evidence-based recommendations in a modified Delphi approach., Results: No guideline could be retrieved. Thirty-three clinical trials and 9 systematic reviews could be identified for detailed text analysis to obtain a total of 24 recommendations. After rating by the experts 12, final recommendations were identified: preoperative computed tomographic scan as well as intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography are highly recommended. Suitable annular sizes are 19 to 27 mm. There is a contraindication for bicuspid valves only for type 0 and for annular abscess or destruction due to infective endocarditis. The use of sutureless and rapid deployment valves reduces extracorporeal circulation and aortic cross-clamp time and leads to less early complications as prolonged ventilation, blood transfusion, atrial fibrillation, pleural effusions, paravalvular leakages and aortic regurgitation, and renal replacement therapy, respectively. These clinical outcomes result in reduced intensive care unit and hospital stay and reduced costs. The use of sutureless and rapid deployment valves will lead to a higher adoption rate of minimally invasive approaches in aortic valve replacement. Respect should be taken to a necessary short learning curve for both sutureless and minimally invasive programs., Conclusions: Sutureless and rapid deployment aortic valve replacement together with minimally invasive approaches offers an attractive option in aortic valve placement for patients requiring biological valve replacement.

Objective: The sutureless prostheses may facilitate minimally invasive aortic valve replacement because of easy and fast deployment. However, correct device sizing remains a crucial step of this procedure, which may be difficult and time consuming in minimal invasive approaches. We sought to analyze the accuracy of contrast-enhanced preoperative multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in predicting the size of the prosthesis to be implanted in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement through a right anterior minithoracotomy (RAMT)., Methods: From January 2011 to September 2013, 235 patients underwent aortic valve surgery as sole procedure with implantation (Sorin Perceval S) in RAMT. Inclusion criterion for this study was presence of preoperative multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) with contrast enhancement and Doppler echocardiography. A preoperative MDCT was used to measure the aortic annulus as the diameter derived from either the area (aD) or the circumference (cD) of the virtual basal ring, left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) diameter derived either from the area (aLVOT) or the circumference (cLVOT). Multidetector-row CT was reviewed by a single operator who was blind to implanted valve size. The operator measured the aortic annulus and LVOT in multiplanar reconstruction modality. Aortic annular diameter and LVOT diameter were retrieved from echocardiographic records. Predictive models were built based on logistic regression; outcome variable was the sutureless valve size, and covariates (annular and LVOT measurements) were used as single and multivariate predictors. A classification tree was built and then pruned with limited nodes to be able to obtain better predictive performance., Results: We identified 54 patients who had preoperative contrast-enhanced MDCT. Seven patients received a size S, 21 received a size M, and 26 received a size L prosthesis. The mean age of the patients at the time of intervention was 76.3 ± 6.8 years, and the mean logistic EuroSCORE was 10.4% ± 8.7%. Echocardiographic measurements showed lower accuracy compared to MDCT measurements. Echocardiographic LVOT measurement was 61.11% to predict the valve size, whereas annulus measurement was 53.7%. The aLVOT from MDCT had an accuracy of approximately 62.96%, and cLVOT had 64.81% predictive accuracy. Aortic annulus perimeter cD had the highest accuracy to predict the valve size [62.96%, under the curve, 0.61] followed by aortic annular surface aD having an accuracy of approximately 70.37% (under the curve, 0.75). Classification tree models, after pruning with 4 nodes, increased their accuracy (83.33%), and it was easy to interpret and possibly to implement for clinical use., Conclusions: Multidetector-row CT-derived estimates seem to have higher predictive value for valve size determination in patients undergoing RAMT with the Perceval S prosthesis, thus facilitating this delicate procedure and preventing the selection of wrong candidates. Possibly for precise aortic annulus measurement, contrast-enhanced MDCT is preferable.

Objective: Transaortic left ventricular septal myectomy described by Morrow is a classical procedure for the treatment of systolic anterior motion of the mitral apparatus associated with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). We aimed to review our results of transmitral septal myectomy and mitral valve repair/replacement in patients with intrinsic mitral valve disease associated with HOCM, operated on through a minimally invasive approach., Methods: Between 2005 and 2014, 19 patients [7 men (37%); mean (SD) age, 69.4 (14.5) years] were treated with minimally invasive approach for degenerative mitral regurgitation and HOCM. Preoperative peak left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient was 66 (24) mm Hg. Severe mitral regurgitation was diagnosed in 16 cases (84%). New York Heart Association functional class III to IV heart failure was present in 13 patients (68%)., Results: Fifteen patients (79%) underwent mitral valve replacement, and four patients (21%) underwent mitral valve repair. Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction was corrected directly in all patients via the mitral valve with septal myectomy/myotomy, avoiding aortotomy in majority of the patients. No significant prolongation of extracorporeal circulation/aortic cross-clamping times was observed (P = 0.41 and P = 0.67, respectively) when compared with a similar population without HOCM. No iatrogenic ventricular septal defect developed in treated patients. No hospital mortality occurred. Resting LVOT gradient reduced at discharge to 13 (22) mm Hg (P = 0.025)., Conclusions: Transmitral left ventricular septal myectomy in patients with degenerative mitral valve disease is quite a simple, feasible, and effective technique and does not require aortotomy in most cases. It can be performed with low early mortality and satisfactory resolution of LVOT obstruction in a minimally invasive setting.

Objective: Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in aortic stenosis (AS) constitutes a risk factor for cardiac morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of LV mass regression after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with two alternative sutureless self-expanding strategies: Perceval S (Sorin Group, Saluggia, Italy) (P) and 3f Enable (Medtronic, ATS Medical, Minneapolis, MN USA) (E) aortic bioprostheses., Methods: Between March 2010 and December 2011, 129 patients with symptomatic AS underwent AVR with the Perceval S or 3f Enable bioprostheses in two cardiac surgery departments (Massa, Italy; Nuremberg, Germany). We analyzed 45 patients in group P and 19 in group E undergoing isolated AVR with a 6-month follow-up. The LV mass was calculated using the Devereux formula and was indexed to body surface area., Results: Baseline patient characteristics showed no significant differences between the two groups. There were no in-hospital deaths. Two patients in group P died at follow-up versus zero in group E (P = 0.49). Mean LV mass index decreased from 146.6 (78) g/m at baseline to 123.3 (63) g/m at follow-up (P < 0.001) in group P and from 146.1 (47.6) g/m to 118.1 (39.8) g/m (P = 0.003) in group E, with no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.315). This effect was accompanied by significant clinical improvement., Conclusions: In isolated AS, AVR with sutureless bioprostheses is associated with a significant regression in LV mass at 6-month follow-up. No significant differences were present between the two alternative sutureless strategies. However, regression needs an evaluation with long-term echocardiographic examinations.

Objective: Important comorbid conditions in patients referred for aortic valve replacement (AVR) require less invasive strategies. We describe our initial experience with the Perceval S (Sorin Group, Saluggia, Italy) and 3f Enable (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN USA) sutureless aortic bioprostheses., Methods: We compared intraoperative data, postoperative clinical outcomes, and echocardiographic results from patients receiving a Perceval S (P group; n = 97) or a 3f Enable (E group; n = 32) prosthesis in two cardiac surgery departments (Nuremberg, Germany, and Massa, Italy)., Results: Baseline patient characteristics were similar in both groups, except for mean ± SD body surface area (P group = 2.01 ± 2.9 m, E group = 1.83 ± 3.8 m; P < 0.001). Sixty-five patients (67%) in the P group and 19 patients (59.5%) in the E group (P = 0.22) underwent minimally invasive AVR with either ministernotomy or right anterior minithoracotomy approach. Concomitant procedures were performed in 37 patients (38%) in the P group and 9 patients (28%) in the E group (P = 0.56). In-hospital mortality was 2%. The mean ± SD prosthesis diameter was 23.5 ± 1.4 mm (P group) compared with 22.1 ± 2 mm (E group) (P < 0.001). In isolated AVR, aortic cross-clamp time was 36 ± 12.7 minutes in the P group and 66 ± 18 minutes in the E group (P < 0.001). At a mean ± SD follow-up of 8.3 ± 4.5 months, survival was 97% (one death in the P group). In five patients (P group = 1, E group = 4), a moderate paravalvular leak was present (P = 0.013). The mean ± SD transvalvular gradient was 9.1 ± 3.3 mm Hg with the Perceval S and 11.2 ± 5.2 mm Hg with the 3f Enable (P = 0.017)., Conclusions: Aortic valve replacement with sutureless aortic bioprosthesis is feasible, also with a minimally invasive approach. The Perceval S showed lower operative times and moderate paravalvular leaks and lower mean transvalvular gradients than did the 3f Enable, related to the larger diameter of the Perceval S implanted. Both prostheses showed an excellent hemodynamic performance. This new technology needs long-term follow-up.

Objective: Aortic valve replacement in minimally invasive approach has shown to improve clinical outcomes even with a prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp (ACC) time. Sutureless aortic valve implantation may ideally shorten operative time. We describe our initial experience with the sutureless 3f Enable (Medtronic, Inc, ATS Medical, Minneapolis, MN USA) aortic bioprosthesis implanted in minimally invasive approach in high-risk patients., Methods: Between May 2010 and May 2011, thirteen patients with severe aortic stenosis underwent aortic valve replacement with the 3f Enable bioprosthesis through an upper V-type ministernotomy interrupted at the second intercostal space. The mean ± SD age was 77 ± 3.9 years (range, 72-83 years), 10 patients were women, and the mean ± SD logistic EuroSCORE was 15% ± 13.5%. Echocardiography was performed preoperatively, at postoperative day 1, at discharge, and at follow-up. Clinical data, adverse events, and patient outcomes were recorded retrospectively. The median follow-up time was 4 months (interquartile range, 2-10 months)., Results: Most of the implanted valves were 21 mm in diameter (19-25 mm). The CPB and ACC times were 100.2 ± 25.3 and 66.4 ± 18.6 minutes. At short-term follow-up, the mean ± SD pressure gradient was 14 ± 4.9 mm Hg; one patient showed trivial paravalvular leakage. No patients died during hospital stay or at follow-up., Conclusions: The 3f Enable sutureless bioprosthesis implanted in minimally invasive approach through an upper V-type ministernotomy is a feasible, safe, and reproducible procedure. Hemodynamic and clinical data are promising. This innovative approach might be considered as an alternative in high-risk patients. Reduction of CPB and ACC time is possible with increasing of experience and sutureless evolution of actual technology.

Objective: Although specifically designed aortic clamps are mainstay of minimally invasive cardiac surgery, so far, no comparative reports about their mechanical properties and interaction with the aortic wall have been reported. In this study, the generated force in the clamps' jaws and the biological response of the aorta after clamping are evaluated., Methods: The jaw force of five commercially available clamps [Geister, Cygnet, Cardiovision (CV) 195.10, CV 195.40, and CV 195.83] was assessed by clamping a 2.2-mm compression load cell with a dedicated computer universal serial bus interface at the proximal, the middle, and the distal site from the fulcrum. Biological response of the aortic wall was assessed in five minipigs (weight, 38-40 kg) that underwent thoracic aorta clamping and leakage point test. Immunohistochemistry and morphometric analysis were carried out for each aortic segment tested., Results: Force generation pattern is peculiar of each clamp, being higher in the proximal and the middle portion and lower in the distal part. One clamp (Cygnet) exhibited homogeneous maximal force generation at all three sites. All clamps exhibited peculiar crushing artifacts. A variable degree of endothelial layer disruption occurred in all clamping tests; three clamps (CV 195.10, Cygnet, and Geister) had the lower amount of intact endothelium. The clamping force was not associated with the degree of endothelial disruption (P value was not significant)., Conclusions: The choice of a clamp that is not only minimally invasive in design but also least traumatic will help avoid complications of aortic manipulation.

In this piece of work, we attempt to highlight our approach and early experience with minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with aortic Freedom Solo stentless bioprosthesis performed through an upper manubrium-limited ministernotomy in the second intercostal space. The novel suturing technique is required for stentless aortic bioprosthesis implantation, and this, in its turn, will predetermine and influence the surgeon's choice for operative access. In our department, the feasibility of the approach was first assessed; aortic valve was replaced by stentless bioprosthesis in a total of 23 patients (mean age 57 ± 12 years). In all cases, a cardiopulmonary bypass was established by a central ascending aorta cannulation and peripheral percutaneous venous cannula insertion. This approach was found to be technically reproducible and safe. The surgical technique used is described in this article.

A minimally invasive cardiac surgery is becoming more popular and is still undergoing a refinement of surgical techniques and dedicated instrumentarium as well. New specifically designed instruments are quintessence of safe surgery with improving operative outcomes and comfortable operator-oriented working conditions. In this article, we attempt to present our early clinical experience with a new aortic clamping instrument specifically developed for limited single-access minimally invasive valve surgery.

Cardiac surgery is associated with a significant risk of adverse outcomes, particularly neurologic and renal. Embolic events are the primary source of these deleterious consequences. Intraaortic filtration is the only current technology shown to effectively capture particulates released during cardiac procedures and decrease morbidity and mortality. Although most surgical candidates may potentially benefit from intraaortic filtration, some patients are more likely to experience improved outcomes. Based on the evidence reported in the literature and the extensive experience of the authors, the following opinion details the authors' rationale and recommendations for patient selection for intraaortic filtration during cardiac surgery.

Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery may reduce the inflammatory response and the neuronal damage associated with conventional CABG on cardiopulmonary bypass. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective effect of off-pump surgery by assessing plasma inflammatory and neuronal injury markers. Forty-one patients with coronary artery disease undergoing elective CABG were examined: 21 on-pump (Group I) and 20 off-pump (Group II). The perioperative release of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2r), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, S-100 protein (S-100) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were measured. Postoperative peak values of NSE (p < 0.001) and S-100 (p < 0.05) were significantly lower in Group II. IL-6 showed significantly lower values in off-pump patients (p < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between NSE and IL-6 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, off-pump surgery reduces the inflammatory response as well as the perioperative release of neuronal damage markers. Correlation between inflammatory activation and neuronal markers may suggest a link between inflammation and release of markers of neuronal clinical and subclinical injury.

Aims of the Study: In this prospective, randomized study, we investigate the potential advantages of vacuum-assisted venous drainage (VAVD), compared to gravitational drainage (GD), in patients undergoing first-time coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, concerning biochemical markers of organ and blood cell damage., Materials and Methods: Seventy-two consecutive patients were randomized into two groups ['Vacuum' (VAVD) n=36; 'Not vacuum' (GD) n=36]. VAVD was achieved using a wall vacuum source and with a suction regulator connected to the vent port of the hardshell venous reservoir. In the VAVD group, we used 28-French venous cannulas, and 36-French in the GD group. In the VAVD group, we measured arterial perfusion flow (APF) and the venous reservoir volume (VRV) with and without vacuum application just after starting extracorporeal circulation (ECC). Six blood samples were drawn at different times before, during and after ECC. Routine blood tests were performed to evaluate hemolysis, and hepatic and renal function., Results: The two groups were similar in terms of preoperative and operative characteristics. There were no significant differences in biochemical markers of organ function or hemolysis between the two groups. In the VAVD patients, platelet count was higher at 24 h after the end of the operation (VAVD 151.77+/-50.28 microl versus Not vacuum 124.93+/-41.60 microl, p=0.028). With the narrower venous cannulas (28-French), only VAVD achieved a satisfactory APF (VAVD 2.35+/-0.38 l/min/m2 versus GD 1.88+/-0.27 l/min/m2, p=0.002), with a larger VRV (VAVD 1091.67+/-421 ml versus GD 808.33+/-284.31 ml, p=0.025)., Conclusion: Vacuum-assisted venous drainage is a technique comparable to gravitational drainage with regard to hemolysis and organ perfusion. It allows better perfusion flow and heart decompression with smaller venous cannulas. This study suggests reduced platelet consumption with VAVD.