Search

Surgical aortic valve replacement with a stented prosthesis has been the standard of care procedure for aortic stenosis. The Perceval (LivaNova, London, United Kingdom) is a sutureless aortic valve bioprosthesis currently implanted in more than 20,000 patients. The purpose of this article was to review the literature available after 9 years of clinical experience of the Perceval aortic valve. PubMED, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched. A meta-analysis of summary statistics from individual studies was conducted. A total of 333 studies were identified and 84 studies were included. Thirty-day mortality and 5-year survival ranged from 0% to 4.9% and 71.3% to 85.5%, respectively. Compared with stented prosthesis, pooled analysis demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times (minutes) with Perceval (38.6 vs 63.3 and 61.4 vs 84.9, P < 0.00001, respectively). Compared with transcatheter aortic valve implantation, pooled analysis demonstrated a statistically significant reduction with Perceval in paravalvular leakage (1.26% vs 14.31%) and early mortality (2.3% vs 6.9%). Favorable hemodynamics, acceptable valve durability, and ease of implantation in minimally invasive cases were reported as benefits. A trend toward increased rates of permanent pacemaker implantation and low postoperative platelet count were identified. Special use and off-label procedures described included bicuspid aortic valves, valve-in-valve for homo-graft and stentless prosthesis failure, concomitant valvular procedures, porcelain aorta, and endocarditis. The Perceval valve has shown safe clinical and hemodynamic outcomes. Outcomes support its continued usage and potential expansion.

Objective The Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network reported that left ventricular reverse remodeling at 2 years did not differ between patients with moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation randomized to coronary artery bypass grafting plus mitral valve repair (n = 150) or coronary artery bypass grafting alone (n = 151). To address health resource use implications, we compared costs and quality-adjusted survival. Methods We used individual patient data from the Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network trial on survival, hospitalizations, quality of life, and US hospitalization costs to estimate cumulative costs and quality-adjusted life years. A microsimulation model was developed to extrapolate to 10 years. Bootstrap and deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed to address uncertainty. Results In-hospital costs were $59,745 for coronary artery bypass grafting plus mitral valve repair versus $51,326 for coronary artery bypass grafting alone (difference $8419; 95% uncertainty interval, 2259-18,757). Two-year costs were $81,263 versus $67,341 (difference 13,922 [2370 to 28,888]), and quality-adjusted life years were 1.35 versus 1.30 (difference 0.05; −0.04 to 0.14), resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $308,343/quality-adjusted life year for coronary artery bypass grafting plus mitral valve repair. At 10 years, its costs remained higher ($107,733 vs $88,583, difference 19,150 [−3866 to 56,826]) and quality-adjusted life years showed no difference (−0.92 to 0.87), with 5.08 versus 5.08. The likelihood that coronary artery bypass grafting plus mitral valve repair would be considered cost-effective at 10 years based on a cost-effectiveness threshold of $100K/quality-adjusted life year did not exceed 37%. Only when this procedure reduces the death rate by a relative 5% will the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio fall below $100K/quality-adjusted life year. Conclusions: The addition of mitral valve repair to coronary artery bypass grafting for patients with moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation is unlikely to be cost-effective. Only if late mortality benefits can be demonstrated will it meet commonly used cost-effectiveness criteria.

The CTSN (Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network) recently reported no difference in left ventricular end-systolic volume index or in survival at 2 years between patients with severe ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) randomized to mitral valve repair or replacement. However, replacement provided more durable correction of MR and fewer cardiovascular readmissions. Yet, costeffectiveness outcomes have not been addressed.We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of the surgical treatment of ischemic MR based on the CTSN trial (n=126 for repair; n=125 for replacement). Patient-level data on readmissions, survival, qualityof- life, and US hospital costs were used to estimate costs and quality-adjusted life years per patient over the trial duration and a 10-year time horizon. We performed microsimulation for extrapolation of outcomes beyond the 2 years of trial data. Bootstrap and deterministic sensitivity analyses were done to address parameter uncertainty. In-hospital cost estimates were $78 216 for replacement versus $72 761 for repair (difference: $5455; 95% uncertainty interval [UI]: −7784–21 193) while 2-year costs were $97 427 versus $96 261 (difference: $1166; 95% UI: −16 253–17 172), respectively. Quality-adjusted life years at 2 years were 1.18 for replacement versus 1.23 for repair (difference: −0.05; 95% UI: −0.17 to 0.07). Over 5 and 10 years, the benefits of reduction in cardiovascular readmission rates with replacement increased, and survival minimally improved compared with repair. At 5 years, cumulative costs and quality-adjusted life years showed no difference on average, but by 10 years, there was a small, uncertain benefit for replacement: $118 023 versus $119 837 (difference: −$1814; 95% UI: −27 144 to 22 602) and qualityadjusted life years: 4.06 versus 3.97 (difference: 0.09; 95% UI: −0.87 to 1.08). After 10 years, the incremental cost-effectiveness of replacement continued to improve.Our cost-effectiveness analysis predicts potential savings in cost and gains in quality-adjusted survival at 10 years when mitral valve replacement is compared with repair for severe ischemic MR. These projected benefits, however, were small and subject to variability. Efforts to further delineate predictors of long-term outcomes in patients with severe ischemic MR are needed to optimize surgical decisions for individual patients, which should yield more cost-effective care.URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00807040.

Background Little is known about the mid-term prognosis of nonelderly patients (≤60 years) after the surgical treatment of isolated aortic valve infective endocarditis (IE). Better characterization of these outcomes could help in tailoring the surgical management in these patients. Methods From 2000 to 2015, 164 adult patients ≤60 years of age (mean 46 ± 11 years, 81% male) underwent surgical treatment for isolated aortic valve IE in 2 high-volume Canadian centers. Twenty-three patients (14%) were intravenous drug users (IVDUs). Patients with recurrent IE or concomitant endocarditis on other valves were excluded. The aortic valve was replaced with a mechanical prosthesis (44%), a tissue valve (30%), a homograft (18%), or a Ross procedure (9%). Mean follow-up was 6.2 ± 4.6 years (92% complete). Results Thirty-day mortality was 7%. Actuarial survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 80 ± 3% and 71 ± 4%, respectively. IVDU (hazard ratio [HR] 3.8, 95% CI 1.4-10.1; P = 0.01) and prosthetic valve endocarditis (HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1-6.4; P = 0.04) were associated with increased mid-term mortality. Mid-term survival was best in non-IVDU patients with native valve endocarditis, yet lower than a matched elective aortic valve replacement (AVR) population. Overall, freedom from recurrence of IE at 1, 5, and 10 years was 94 ± 2%, 91 ± 3%, and 89 ± 3%, respectively. IVDU was associated with higher rates of recurrence, especially in the first year after surgery. Conclusions In nonelderly adults undergoing surgery for aortic valve IE, mid-term survival is suboptimal. Although non-IVDU patients with native valve endocarditis have better mid-term outcomes, survival remains lower than a matched population of elective AVR in nonelderly patients.

Background The incidence of permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation is higher following mitral valve surgery (MVS) with ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with MVS alone. Objectives This study identified risk factors and outcomes associated with PPM implantation in a randomized trial that evaluated ablation for AF in patients who underwent MVS. Methods A total of 243 patients with AF and without previous PPM placement were randomly assigned to MVS alone (n = 117) or MVS + ablation (n = 126). Patients in the ablation group were further randomized to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) (n = 62) or the biatrial maze procedure (n = 64). Using competing risk models, this study examined the association among PPM and baseline and operative risk factors, and the effect of PPM on time to discharge, readmissions, and 1-year mortality. Results Thirty-five patients received a PPM within the first year (14.4%), 29 (83%) underwent implantation during the index hospitalization. The frequency of PPM implantation was 7.7% in patients randomized to MVS alone, 16.1% in MVS + PVI, and 25% in MVS + biatrial maze. The indications for PPM were similar among patients who underwent MVS with and without ablation. Ablation, multivalve surgery, and New York Heart Association functional (NYHA) functional class III/IV were independent risk factors for PPM implantation. Length of stay post-surgery was longer in patients who received PPMs, but it was not significant when adjusted for randomization assignment (MVS vs. ablation) and age (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61 to 1.08; p = 0.14). PPM implantation did not increase 30-day readmission rate (HR: 1.43; 95% CI: 0.50 to 4.05; p = 0.50). The need for PPM was associated with a higher risk of 1-year mortality (HR: 3.21; 95% CI: 1.01 to 10.17; p = 0.05) after adjustment for randomization assignment, age, and NYHA functional class. Conclusions AF ablation, multivalve surgery, and NYHA functional class III/IV were associated with an increased risk for permanent pacing. PPM implantation following MVS was associated with a significant increase in 1-year mortality. (Surgical Ablation Versus No Surgical Ablation for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Mitral Valve Surgery; NCT00903370)

I compare three linguistic models based on different conceptions of nativism to determine whether they can provide revealing accounts of properties of natural languages, and whether the traits that these linguistic models require are evolutionarily plausible. The model based on Language-specific nativism in a broad sense contains rules, conditions, features and categories—Universal Grammar—to capture the empirical phenomena. Broad UG contains many domain-specific devices that are more descriptive than explanatory, and are unlikely to have evolved as irreducible properties of the brain. Language-specific nativism in a narrow sense tries to improve evolvability by restricting its core component to the operation set-Merge and a universal lexicon of innate concepts. But the transfer operations required to link the language-invariant expressions with actual expressions of natural languages turn out to be inapplicable. Evolvability is also problematic: the model ends up appealing to mystery on three key issues. Exapted Language Nativism posits that the human language capacity is not due to a brain development specifically devoted to language but is a side effect of a uniquely human capacity of detachment that enables an array of human-specific cognitive traits. Key among these traits is the capacity to form linguistic signs. Syntactic combinations emerge directly from the capacity to form combinatorial signs, a small natural subset of linguistic signs. The perceptual and conceptual elements of signs, and the extralinguistic cognition of speakers, have grounded prior properties that provide principled explanations of the data. The model has high evolvability since its core capacity of detachment is independently related to other phenotypic effects.

The purpose of this study is to report our experience with del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) in the setting of minimally invasive aortic valve surgery. Forty-six consecutive patients underwent minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (AVR) through a “J” ministernotomy: twenty-five patients received the DNC (Group 1) and 21 patients received standard blood cardioplegia (SBC) (Group 2). The rate of ventricular fibrillation at unclamping was significantly lower in the DNC group (12% vs 52%, p=0.004), as well as postoperative creatinine kinase-MB (CK-MB) values (11.4±5.2 vs 17.7±6.9 µg/L, p=0.004). There were no deaths, myocardial infarctions or major complications in either group. Less postoperative use of intravenous insulin (28% vs 81%, p

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 to-mographic 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.

A central-to-radial arterial pressure gradient may occur after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), which, in some patients, may last for a prolonged time after CPB. Whenever there is a pressure gradient, the radial artery pressure measure may underestimate a more centrally measured systemic pressure, which may result in a misguided therapeutic strategy. It is clinically important to identify the risk factors that may predict the appearance of a central-to-radial pressure gradient, because more central sites of measurements might then be considered to monitor systemic arterial pressure in high-risk patients. The objective of this study was to assess preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for central-to-radial pressure gradient.Seventy-three patients undergoing cardiac surgery using CPB were included in this prospective observational study. A significant central-to-radial arterial pressure gradient was defined as a difference of 25 mm Hg in systolic pressure or 10 mm Hg in mean arterial pressure for a minimum of 5 minutes. Preoperative data included demographics, presence of comorbidities, and medications. Intraoperative data included type of surgery, CPB and aortic clamping time, use of inotropic drugs, and vasodilators or vasopressors agents. The diameter of the radial and femoral artery was measured before the induction of anesthesia using B-mode ultrasonography.Thirty-three patients developed a central-to-radial arterial pressure gradient (45%). Patients with a significant pressure gradient had a smaller weight (71.0 ± 16.9 vs 79.3 ± 17.3 kg, P = 0.041), a smaller height (162.0 ± 9.6 vs 166.3 ± 8.6 cm, P = 0.047), a smaller radial artery diameter (0.24 ± 0.03 vs 0.29 ± 0.05 cm, P0.001), and were at a higher risk as determined by the Parsonnet score (30.3 ± 24.9 vs 17.0 ± 10.9, P = 0.007). In addition, a longer aortic clamping time (85.8 ± 51.0 vs 64.2 ± 29.3 minutes, P = 0.036), mitral and complex surgery (P = 0.007 and P = 0.017, respectively), and administration of vasopressin (P = 0.039) were identified as potential independent predictors of a central-to-radial pressure gradient. By using multivariate logistic regression analysis, the following independent risk factors were identified: Parsonnet score (odds ratio [OR], 1.076; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.027-1.127, P = 0.002), aortic clamping time90 minutes (OR, 8.521; 95% CI, 1.917-37.870, P = 0.005), and patient height (OR, 0.933, 95% CI, 0.876-0.993, P = 0.029). The relative risk (RR) estimates remained statistically significant for the Parsonnet score and the aortic clamping time ≥90 minutes (RR, 1.010; 95% CI, 1.003-1.018, P = 0.009 and RR, 2.253; 95% CI, 1.475-3.443, P0.001 respectively) while showing a trend for patient height (RR, 0.974; 95% CI, 0.948-1.001, P = 0.058).Central-to-radial gradients are common in cardiac surgery. The threshold for using a central site for blood pressure monitoring should be low in small, high-risk patients undergoing longer surgical interventions to avoid inappropriate administration of vasopressors and/or inotropic agents.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been extensively used for cardiopulmonary support in cardiogenic shock. However, its clinical value in the management of pheochromocytoma crisis remains unclear. We report a rare case of life-threatening cardiogenic shock managed with peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation combined with endovascular left ventricular venting, in a 40-year-old female patient, in the setting of unknown adrenal pheochromocytoma. We highlight the life-saving role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in undiagnosed endocrine emergencies, allowing cardiac and end-organ recovery, and giving time for accurate diagnosis and specific treatment in such unusual situations.

Background: The CTSN (Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network) recently reported no difference in left ventricular end-systolic volume index or in survival at 2 years between patients with severe ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) randomized to mitral valve repair or replacement. However, replacement provided more durable correction of MR and fewer cardiovascular readmissions. Yet, cost-effectiveness outcomes have not been addressed. Methods and Results: We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of the surgical treatment of ischemic MR based on the CTSN trial (n=126 for repair; n=125 for replacement). Patient-level data on readmissions, survival, quality-of-life, and US hospital costs were used to estimate costs and quality-adjusted life years per patient over the trial duration and a 10-year time horizon. We performed microsimulation for extrapolation of outcomes beyond the 2 years of trial data. Bootstrap and deterministic sensitivity analyses were done to address parameter uncertainty. In-hospital cost estimates were $78 216 for replacement versus $72 761 for repair (difference: $5455; 95% uncertainty interval [UI]: −7784–21 193) while 2-year costs were $97 427 versus $96 261 (difference: $1166; 95% UI: −16 253–17 172), respectively. Quality-adjusted life years at 2 years were 1.18 for replacement versus 1.23 for repair (difference: −0.05; 95% UI: −0.17 to 0.07). Over 5 and 10 years, the benefits of reduction in cardiovascular readmission rates with replacement increased, and survival minimally improved compared with repair. At 5 years, cumulative costs and quality-adjusted life years showed no difference on average, but by 10 years, there was a small, uncertain benefit for replacement: $118 023 versus $119 837 (difference: −$1814; 95% UI: −27 144 to 22 602) and quality-adjusted life years: 4.06 versus 3.97 (difference: 0.09; 95% UI: −0.87 to 1.08). After 10 years, the incremental cost-effectiveness of replacement continued to improve. Conclusions: Our cost-effectiveness analysis predicts potential savings in cost and gains in quality-adjusted survival at 10 years when mitral valve replacement is compared with repair for severe ischemic MR. These projected benefits, however, were small and subject to variability. Efforts to further delineate predictors of long-term outcomes in patients with severe ischemic MR are needed to optimize surgical decisions for individual patients, which should yield more cost-effective care. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT00807040.

Objective The standard approach in treating cardiac myxoma is the median full sternotomy. After recent advances in surgical techniques, the mini right anterior thoracotomy has emerged as an alternative method. Methods We performed a retrospective study to compare the clinical outcomes of the mini right anterior thoracotomy approach with those of the sternotomy approach for resection of cardiac myxoma at the Montreal Heart Institute. There were 20 patients treated using a mini right anterior thoracotomy (4–5 cm) and 23 patients were treated using a median sternotomy. Results No early mortalities were found in either group. Although the cardiopulmonary bypass time and aorta cross-clamp time were not significantly different between the two groups (64.3 mn ± 18 and 37.2 mn ± 15 vs 54.3 mn ± 25 and 37.20 mn ± 2), preoperative blood loss (106 mn ± 95 vs 338 mn ± 270) was significantly less in the mini right anterior thoracotomy group. The intensive care unit and hospital stay (1.65 days ± 1.2 and 5.70 days ± 3) were shorter with the mini right anterior thoracotomy approach. Conclusions A minimally invasive surgery through mini right anterior thoracotomy is a good alternative technique for treating cardiac myxoma. Despite the small size of the experience, there is a clear diminution in preoperative blood loss and an interesting trend toward a shorter intensive care unit and hospital stay.

Objective To compare myocardial protection with retrograde cardioplegia alone with antegrade and retrograde cardioplegia in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMS). Design Retrospective study. Setting Tertiary care university hospital. Participants The authors studied 97 MIMS patients using retrograde cardioplegia alone and 118 MIMS patients using antegrade and retrograde cardioplegia. Interventions The data from patients admitted for MIMS using retrograde cardioplegia (MIMS retro) between 2009 to 2012 were compared with the data from patients undergoing MIMS with antegrade and retrograde cardioplegia (MIMS ante-retro) between 2006 and 2010 (control group). Cardioplegia in the MIMS retro group was delivered solely through an endovascular coronary sinus (CS) catheter positioned under echographic and fluoroscopic guidance. Antegrade and retrograde cardioplegia was used in the MIMS ante-retro group. Data regarding myocardial infarction (MI; creatine kinase Mb, troponin T, electrocardiogram), myocardial function, and hemodynamic stability were collected for comparison. Measurements and Main Results Adequate cardioplegia administration (CS pressure >30 mmHg and asystole) was attained in 74.2% of the patients with retrograde cardioplegia alone. In 23.7% of the patients, the addition of an antegrade cardioplegia was necessary. No difference was observed in the incidence of MI (0 MIMS retro v 1 for MIMS ante-retro, p = 0.3623), difficult separation from cardiopulmonary bypass, and postoperative malignant arrhythmia. No difference was found for maximal creatine kinase Mb (39.1 [28.0-49.1] v 37.9 [28.6-50.9]; p = 0.8299) and for maximal troponin T levels (0.39 [0.27-0.70] v 0.47 [0.32-0.79]; p = 0.1231) for MIMS retro and MIMS ante-retro, respectively. However, lactate levels in the MIMS retro group were significantly lower than in the MIMS ante-retro group (2.1 [1.4-3.05] v 2.4 [1.8-3.3], respectively; p = 0.0453). No difference was observed in duration of intensive care unit stay and death. MIMS retro patients had a shorter hospital stay (7.0 [6.0-8.0] v 8.0 [7.0-9.0] days; p = 0.0003). Conclusion Retrograde cardioplegia administration alone provided comparable myocardial protection to antegrade and retrograde cardioplegia during MIMS, but was not sufficient to achieve asystole in one-fifth of patients.

Objective The authors aimed to assess determinants of intubation time and evaluate its impact on 30-day and 1-year postoperative survival in Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) trial patients. Design, Setting, Participants, and Interventions A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used among the 1,446 surgical patients from the STICH trial who survived 36 hours after operation, in order to identify perioperative factors associated with 30-day and 1-year postoperative mortality. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine risk factors associated with intubation time. Measurements and Main Results At 36 hours post-operation, 1,298 (out of 1,446) were extubated and 148 (10.2%) still intubated. Median postoperative intubation time was 11.4 hours. Among patients surviving 36 hours, a multivariable model was developed to predict 30-day (c-index = 0.88) and 1-year (c-index = 0.78) mortality. Intubation time was the strongest independent predictor of 30-day (hazard ratio [HR] 5.50) and 1-year mortality (HR 3.69). Predictors of intubation time >36 hours included mitral valve procedure, New York Heart Association class, left ventricular systolic volume index, creatinine, previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and age. Results were similar in patients surviving 24 hours post-operation, where intubation time was also the strongest predictor of 30-day (HR 4.18, c-index 0.87) and 1-year (HR 2.81, c-index 0.78) mortality. Conclusions Intubation time is the strongest predictor of 30-day and 1-year mortality among patients with ischemic heart failure undergoing CABG. Combining intubation time with other mortality risk factors may allow the identification of patients at the highest risk for whom the development of specific strategies may improve outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze patient risk factors and processes of care associated with secondary surgical site infection (SSI) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: Data were collected prospectively between February and October 2010 for consenting adult patients undergoing CABG with saphenous vein graft (SVG) conduits. Patients who developed a deep or superficial SSI of the leg or groin within 65 days of CABG were compared to those who did not develop a secondary SSI. RESULTS: Among 2,174 patients identified, 65 (3.0%) developed a secondary SSI. Median time to diagnosis was 16 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 11 - 29) with the majority (86%) diagnosed after discharge. Gram-positive bacteria were most common. Readmission was more common in patients with a secondary SSI (34% vs 17%, p < 0.01). After adjustment, an open SVG harvest approach was associated with an increased risk of secondary SSI (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28, 3.48). Increased body mass index (BMI) (adjusted HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.12) and packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions (adjusted HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.22) were associated with a higher risk of secondary SSI. Antibiotic type, antibiotic duration, and post-operative hyperglycemia were not associated with risk of secondary SSI. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary SSI following CABG continues to be an important source of morbidity. This serious complication often occurs after discharge and is associated with open SVG harvesting, larger BMI, and blood transfusions. Patients with a secondary SSI have longer lengths of stay and are readmitted more frequently.

Objective Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is generally considered to be a contraindication to sutureless aortic valve replacement (AVR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and perioperative outcomes of this technique in patients with BAV. Methods From June 2011 to January 2014, a total of 25 patients who underwent sutureless AVR had documented BAV. Thirteen patients (52%) had median sternotomy, and 12 patients (48%) a minimally invasive approach. Results The study population included 17 (68%) men with a median age of 77.8 ± 5.4 years. The mean EuroSCORE II was 3.4% ± 2.6%. Concomitant procedures included coronary artery bypass grafting in 8 patients (32%), 2 AVRs (8%), 1 mitral valve repair (4%), 1 septal myomectomy (4%), and 1 atrial septal defect closure (4%). The mean transaortic valve gradient decreased from 49.4 ± 15.7, to 14.5 ± 5.4 mm Hg postoperatively. The mean aortic valve area increased from 0.78 ± 0.18, to 1.75 ± 0.43 cm2 postoperatively. Five patients (20%) suffered from atrioventricular block that required permanent pacemaker implantation. Two patients (8%) suffered a stroke. No major paravalvular leakage occurred, and no postoperative valve migration. In-hospital mortality occurred in 1 patient (4%). The mean intensive care unit length of stay was 3 ± 2 days postoperatively. Conclusions This study demonstrates that a sutureless aortic valve can be deployed in patients with BAV without increasing the risk of paravalvular leakage. BAV should not be considered a contraindication to sutureless AVR.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate our single-center experience with pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis. The main objectives of our analysis were long-term survival, clinical outcome, and identification of risk factors. Methods Over a 20-year period, 99 consecutive patients underwent pericardiectomy at the Montreal Heart Institute. The indications for operation were idiopathic pericarditis (61%), postsurgical (13%), infectious (15%), postirradiation (2%), and miscellaneous (9%). Associated procedures were performed in 36% of cases. The duration of symptoms was longer than 6 months in 53% of cases, and two thirds of patients were in New York Heart Association class III or IV. Results Hospital mortality was 9% in the whole series and 7.9% in case of isolated pericardiectomy. The patients operated on within 6 months after the onset of symptoms showed a lower risk of mortality. Conversely, preoperative hepatomegaly and concomitant valvular operation were associated with significantly higher mortality on both univariate and multivariate analysis. In cases of isolated pericardiectomy, the outcome was mainly conditioned by associated comorbidities. The long-term survival was satisfactory, and the functional status at follow-up was improved in most cases. Conclusions The clinical outcome of pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis is still marked by high operative mortality. Nevertheless, surgical treatment is able to improve the functional class in the majority of late survivors. Preoperative clinical conditions and associated comorbidities are crucial in predicting the risk of mortality, and early operation seems to be the most appropriate choice. The most suitable surgical strategy in cases of associated valvular operation remains to be determined.

Background Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) is an established alternative to median sternotomy for mitral valve repair. However, this technique has yet to gain widespread adoption, partly because of concerns that this approach might yield lower repair rates or repairs that are less durable than those performed through a sternotomy. The purpose of this study was to report our inaugural experience with MIMVS, with a focus on mitral valve repair rate and midterm outcomes. Methods Between May 2006 and April 2012, minimally invasive mitral valve repair was attempted in 200 consecutive patients with degenerative mitral disease. The approach used was a 4- to 5-cm right anterolateral minithoracotomy with femorofemoral cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass. Mean follow-up was 2.9 ± 1.8 years, and follow-up was 99% complete. Results The mitral valve was successfully repaired in all but 2 patients, yielding a repair rate of 99%. Hospital mortality occurred in 2 patients (1%). Intraoperative conversion to sternotomy was necessary in 12 patients (6%), including 1 of the 2 unsuccessful repairs. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were 130.8 ± 41.3 minutes and 104.8 ± 35.6 minutes, respectively. Median hospital stay was 5 days. The 5-year survival and freedom from reoperation were 97.9% ± 1.5% and 98.1% ± 1.3%, respectively. Conclusions A very high repair rate can be achieved using MIMVS for the treatment of degenerative mitral regurgitation, including during the learning phase. Midterm survival and freedom from valve-related reoperation are excellent. MIMVS is a safe and effective alternative to mitral valve repair through a sternotomy.

More patients in the ablation group than in the control group were free from atrial fibrillation at both 6 and 12 months (63.2% vs. 29.4%, P

Objective Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery using peripheral cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) is increasingly prevalent. Although conceptually straightforward, peripheral CBP involves challenges and risks specific to this method of perfusion. The utility of preoperative vascular imaging in predicting these technical challenges and preventing vascular complications was studied. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 73 consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery using femorofemoral CBP with intraluminal aortic occlusion balloon catheter. All patients underwent preoperative computed tomography angiogram or magnetic resonance angiography to study the iliofemoral axes. Results None of the patients operated with this technique was found to have arterial stenoses. Patients with a femoral artery diameter of less than 7.3 mm needed bilateral or side-graft arterial cannulation significantly more frequently than patients with larger femoral arteries (46.2% vs 9.1%, P = 0.001). There was a trend toward more frequent modification of arterial cannulation strategy in patients with body surface area less than 1.7 m2 compared with larger patients (body surface area, 1.7–2.0) (26.3% vs 8.3%, P = 0.07). Patients needing high CBP flow rate (>5 L/min) were no more likely to need dual arterial cannulation (18.2% vs 19.1%, P = 0.68). No patient experienced a vascular complication. Conclusions This preliminary study suggests that preoperative vascular imaging and patient evaluation may predict difficulties with femoral cannulation and perfusion, which can lead to better preoperative planning and potentially prevent vascular complications. Further data will be accumulated and analyzed to confirm these findings.

Sutureless aortic valve replacement (AVR) is an emerging alternative to standard AVR in elderly and high-risk patients. This procedure is associated with a high rate of postoperative permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI). The study aim was to assess the impact on the rate of PPI of implanting the Perceval prosthesis without using balloon inflation.A total of 159 patients who underwent sutureless AVR using the Perceval prosthesis was included. Balloon inflation was used in 132 patients (Balloon group) and not used in the remaining 27 (No-Balloon group). Clinical, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic outcomes were assessed.There was no significant difference in PPI rate between the two groups (26% for Balloon group versus 22% in No-Balloon group; p = 0.700). Balloon inflation had no significant impact on the incidence of paravalvular leaks (p = 0.839), or on the need to return to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) intraoperatively due to paravalvular leak or unsatisfactory deployment (p0.999). Mean and peak transaortic pressure gradients were similar between the two groups (p = 0.417 and p = 0.522, respectively). Cross-clamp and CPB times were shorter in the No-Balloon group (49.6 ± 15.9 min versus 61.1 ± 25.6 min and 64.1 ± 26.3 min versus 79.6 ± 35.4 min, respectively; p = 0.027 and p = 0.012, respectively).The two groups had similar postoperative PPI rates. Implanting the Perceval prosthesis without balloon inflation is safe and had no impact on paravalvular leaks, intraoperative complications or hemodynamic results. Reductions in aortic cross-clamp time and CPB time were observed when the balloon was not used.

Heart transplantation is no longer considered an experimental operation, but rather a standard treatment; nevertheless the context has changed substantially in recent years owing to donor shortage. The aim of this study was to review the heart transplant experience focusing on very long-term survival (≥ 20 years) and to compare the initial results with the current era.From April 1983 through April 1995, 156 consecutive patients underwent heart transplantation. Patients who survived 20 years or longer (group 1) were compared with patients who died within 20 years after surgery (group 2). To compare patient characteristics with the current era, we evaluated our recent 5-year experience (group 3; patients who underwent transplantation between 2010 and 2015), focusing on differences in terms of donor and recipient characteristics.Group 1 (Very long-term survival ( ≥ 20 yr) was observed in 30% of patients transplanted during the first decade of our experience. This outcome will be difficult to duplicate in the current era considering our present population of older and sicker patients transplanted with organs from older donors.De nos jours, la transplantation cardiaque n'est plus considérée comme une intervention expérimentale, mais bien comme une opération standard; mais le contexte a substantiellement changé ces dernières années en raison d'une pénurie de donneurs. Cette étude avait pour but de faire le point sur la situation de la greffe cardiaque, et plus particulièrement sur la survie à très long terme (≥ 20 ans), et de la comparer aux résultats initiaux.Entre avril 1983 et avril 1995, 156 patients consécutifs ont subi une greffe cardiaque. Les patients qui ont survécu 20 ans ou plus (groupe 1) ont été comparés aux patients décédés moins de 20 ans après l'intervention (groupe 2). Pour comparer les caractéristiques des premiers patients à celles des cas plus récents, nous avons fait un bilan des 5 années allant de 2010 à 2015 (groupe 3), en portant attention aux différences quant aux caractéristiques des donneurs et des receveurs.Le groupe 1 (Une survie à très long terme (≥ 20 ans) a été observée chez 30 % des patients ayant reçu leur greffe au cours de la première décennie de notre expérience. Ce résultat sera difficile à reproduire de nos jours étant donné que notre population actuelle est constituée de receveurs plus âgés et plus malades, qui reçoivent le cœur de donneurs plus âgés.

Freedom from structural valve deterioration (SVD) at 15 years with the Carpentier-Edwards (CE) Perimount pericardial valve in the aortic position was 60% in patients aged60 years compared to 90% and 99% in patients aged 60-70 years and70 years, respectively. The study aim was to focus on the causes of SVD requiring valve explant according to three different age groups:60 years, 60-70 years, and70 years. The short- and longterm clinical results of the patient cohort, followed for 25 years, are presented.A retrospective review was made of 89 patients among 2,405 who had undergone elective aortic valve replacement (AVR) with CE pericardial valves between November 1981 and March 2011, and in whom the prosthesis explant was secondary to degeneration of the valve.Patients aged70 years experienced more late complications such as endocarditis (p = 0.02) and mortality (p = 0.02). Following surgery for prosthesis explant and replacement, 39 of the 89 patients (44%) died. The average time to postoperative mortality in that population was 2.8 ± 3.6 years. On combining all causes of SVD, earlier dysfunction was noted in patients aged60 years, and late dysfunction in patients aged60 years (p = 0.003). However, there was no significant difference between groups in the process of degeneration (either calcification, pannus, tear, thrombus, endocarditis) (p = NS). No predictors were found of early and late dysfunction.Patients aged60 years in whom a CE Perimount valve was implanted in the aortic position were more prone to early degeneration of their valve and related mortality. However, no predictors were found of early degeneration of the valve in that patient population.

Objectives To review our experience with sutureless aortic valve replacement (AVR) in the setting of concomitant mitral valve (MV) surgery and discuss the technical considerations. Methods Between January 2012 and March 2013, 10 patients underwent sutureless AVR with the Perceval prosthesis in the setting of concomitant mitral disease. Five patients underwent MV repair, 4 underwent MV replacement, and 1 had a previously implanted mechanical mitral prosthesis. Results The median age was 79 years and 7 patients (70%) were male. Median logistic EuroSCORE II was 6.2%. All valves were successfully implanted with no 30-day mortality. There was no residual aortic paravalvular leak. Two patients had from third-degree atrioventricular block requiring permanent pacemaker implantation. At a mean follow-up of 8 ± 4 months (range, 2-16 months), the overall survival was 80% with 2 non−valve-related deaths and the mean transaortic gradient and aortic valve area had improved to 11.1 ± 4.6 mm Hg and 1.5 ± 0.3 cm 2 , respectively. There was no evidence of mitral dysfunction in any patient. Conclusions In our experience, sutureless AVR in the setting of concomitant mitral surgery is a feasible and reproducible procedure. Elderly patients undergoing multiple valve surgery present a higher operative risk, therefore extending the indication for sutureless AVR to patients with concomitant mitral disease could greatly benefit this specific population.

Background With improved durability of contemporary bioprostheses, surgeons are now recommending biologic valves in younger patients. However, long-term outcomes of patients younger than 60 years old undergoing biologic aortic valve implantation are not well known. Methods From November 1991 to March 2011, 144 patients less than 60 years old underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) with Carpentier-Edwards pericardial valves (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA). Mean follow-up was 10 ± 4 years. Outcomes were reported according to published guidelines. Results Seventy-five percent of patients were male, with a mean age of 51 ± 9 years. Actuarial survival rates including early deaths were 89% ± 3%, 79% ± 4%, and 57% ± 6% after 5, 10, and 15 years of follow-up, respectively. Survival of patients was comparatively lower than a gender- and age-matched general population at all time points. The freedom from major adverse cardiac events (myocardial infarction, heart failure, hemorrhage, thromboembolic event, and endocarditis) was 89% ± 3%, 87% ± 3%, and 75% ± 6% at 5, 10, and 15 years after surgery. The freedom rate from prosthetic valve dysfunction was 97% ± 2%, 84% ± 4%, and 57% ± 6% at 5, 10, and 15 years after surgery. Patients with a diagnosis of structural valve deterioration (29 of 37, 78%) underwent reoperation 11 ± 5 years after the initial valve replacement with no perioperative mortality. Conclusions In patients younger than 60 years undergoing AVR, the Carpentier-Edwards Perimount bioprosthesis provided satisfactory clinical outcomes. However, late survival was inferior to an age- and gender-matched population. Structural valve deterioration and the need for reintervention were common late after implantation, but reoperation for prosthetic valve dysfunction was associated with a very low risk of mortality.

Objective Functional ischemic mitral regurgitation (FIMR) increases mortality independently of the baseline characteristics and ventricular function. The effect of treating FIMR with annuloplasty is unclear when mitral regurgitation is moderate. Myocardial revascularization alone has been shown to improve mitral valve function. Methods We randomized 31 patients with moderate (grade 2-4) FIMR to receive either coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) alone or CABG plus downsizing mitral ring annuloplasty. The patients were followed up for clinical outcomes and echocardiographic assessment of mitral valve function and left ventricular dimensions at 3 and 12 months. Clinical improvement was assessed using the Minnesota quality-of-life questionnaire, 6-minute walk test, and brain natriuretic peptide levels. Results The clinical course was similar in the 2 groups of patients during the study period. FIMR was perfectly corrected intraoperatively in the ring group. Echocardiographic follow-up at 3 months showed no difference in the FIMR grade between the 2 groups (66% less than grade 2 in the CABG alone and 86% in the CABG plus ring group; P = .316). The improvement in the CABG alone group was even more marked at 12 months (85% less than grade 2 in the CABG group and 85% in the CABG plus ring group). The left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly better at 3 months in the CABG alone group, although at 12 months, the left ventricular ejection fraction in the 2 groups had improved similarly. Conclusions Although initially effective at reducing moderate FIMR, the addition of a ring did not change the clinical course after CABG surgery. At 12 months, no echocardiographic difference was found in terms of residual mitral regurgitation, left ventricular dimensions and function, or clinical outcomes.

Background The CarboMedics mechanical prosthesis (CarboMedics Inc, Austin, TX) has been used for mitral and aortic valve replacement for more than 20 years in our institution. This study describes the long-term survival of patients with this prosthesis as well as the valve-related events. Methods Between June 1988 and May 2010, 3,297 patients underwent either single aortic valve replacement (AVR) (2,242 patients) or mitral valve replacement (MVR) (1,055 patients) with the CarboMedics mechanical valve prosthesis. They were followed annually for valve-related complications at the Montreal Heart Institute valve clinic. Results Operative mortality was 4% with AVR and 7% with MVR. Total follow-up was 23,671 patient-years (range, 1 month to 21 years; average, 7.5 ± 5.3 years). At 20 years, patient freedom from late mortality was 43.2% in the AVR group and 40.9% in the MVR group. Freedom from valve-related mortality was 78.3% for AVR and 74.6% for MVR. Freedom from thromboembolic event was 91.6% for AVR and 88.5% for MVR. Freedom from reoperation was 89.2% for AVR and 80.3% for MVR. Freedom from bleeding event was 89.5% for AVR and 88% for MVR. Freedom from endocarditis was 97.3% for both AVR and MVR. Freedom from valve thrombosis was 98.9% for AVR and 91.4% for MVR. There was no structural valve failure in our cohort. Conclusions The CarboMedics valve is an effective and durable mechanical valve prosthesis with a low event rate and no structural failure at 20 years.

The repair of anterior mitral leaflet prolapse is known to be challenging. Hence, the study aim was to compare the mid-term results of anterior leaflet prolapse (ALP) using chordal transposition with results obtained using chordal replacement with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sutures.Between 1999 and 2012, a total of 96 consecutive patients (mean age 62 years) with ALP underwent mitral valve repair at the authors' institution. Surgery involved either chordal transposition from the posterior to the anterior leaflet (n = 67), or chordal replacement using ePTFE sutures (n = 29). Clinical, operative and follow up data were recorded prospectively for each patient. The follow up was 100% complete (mean 3.4 years; range 0 to 12.9 years).Mitral valve repair was accomplished in all patients, with no operative mortality. The durations of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp were significantly longer in the chordal replacement group. Actuarial overall survival at one, five and 10 years was 95 ± 3%, 87 ± 5% and 82 ± 7% versus 89 ± 6%, 89 ± 6% and 89 ± 6% in the chordal transposition and chordal replacement groups, respectively (p = 0.84). Freedom from reoperation in the two groups at five years was 95 ± 3% and 91 ± 7%, respectively (p = 0.24). The recurrence of moderate or severe mitral regurgitation (MR) (grade ≤2+) and of severe (grade ≤3+) MR was significantly higher in patients who underwent chordal replacement compared to chordal transposition (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01, respectively).Provided that chordal quality is preserved, chordal transposition is easier and quicker to achieve for ALP repair, and is also durable in the mid term. Chordal replacement offers a satisfying durability even if the recurrence of severe MR appears to be higher. Preferably, both surgical techniques should be mastered to allow valve repair when anatomic conditions prevent chordal transposition.

Objective To use novel statistical methods for analyzing the effect of lesion set on (long-standing) persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in the Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network trial of surgical ablation during mitral valve surgery (MVS). Methods Two hundred sixty such patients were randomized to MVS + surgical ablation or MVS alone. Ablation was randomized between pulmonary vein isolation and biatrial maze. During 12 months postsurgery, 228 patients (88%) submitted 7949 transtelephonic monitoring (TTM) recordings, analyzed for AF, atrial flutter (AFL), or atrial tachycardia (AT). As previously reported, more ablation than MVS-alone patients were free of AF or AF/AFL at 6 and 12 months (63% vs 29%; P Results Estimated freedom from AF/AFL/AT on any transmission trended higher after biatrial maze than pulmonary vein isolation (odds ratio, 2.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-5.65; P = .07) 3 to 12 months postsurgery; estimated AF/AFL/AT load (ie, proportion of TTM strips recording AF/AFL/AT) was similar (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.57-1.43; P = .6). Within 12 months, estimated prevalence of AF/AFL/AT by TTM was 58% after MVS alone, and 36% versus 23% after pulmonary vein isolation versus biatrial maze (P Conclusions Statistical modeling using TTM recordings after MVS in patients with (long-standing) persistent AF suggests that a biatrial maze is associated with lower AF/AFL/AT prevalence, but not a lower load, compared with pulmonary vein isolation. The discrepancy between AF/AFL/AT prevalence assessed at 2 time points by Holter monitoring versus weekly TTM suggests the need for a confirmatory trial, reassessment of definitions for failure after ablation, and validation of statistical methods for assessing atrial rhythms longitudinally.

Several methods of aortic clamping have been described for minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS). The aim of this study was to compare the endoaortic balloon occlusion technique with the transthoracic clamp approach in terms of perioperative outcomes.Between May 2006 and October 2011, a total of 259 patients underwent MIMVS through a 4 to 5 cm right anterolateral minithoracotomy. In 243 (93.8%) of these, the aorta was clamped using either the endoaortic balloon occlusion technique (endoballoon, n = 140) or the transthoracic clamp technique (transthoracic, n = 103).Patients in the endoballoon group had significantly longer operating time (4.3 ± 1.0 hours vs 3.2 ± 0.8 hours, p0.001), cardiopulmonary bypass time (143 ± 44 minutes vs 111 ± 29 minutes , p0.001), and cross-clamp time (114 ± 38 minutes vs 86 ± 23 minutes , p0.001). Perioperative blood loss was higher in the endoballoon group (287 ± 239 mL vs 213 ± 189 mL, p = 0.008) as was the mean postoperative creatinine kinase-MB level (36 ± 44 μg/L vs 26 ± 12 μg/L, p = 0.011). The repair rate was 99% or greater in both groups (p = 0.99). All patients left the operating room with no or trivial residual mitral regurgitation on transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation. In the endoballoon group there was 1 stroke (1%) and 5 myocardial infarctions (4%), compared with 2 strokes (2%) in the transthoracic group (p = not significant). There were 4 cases of postoperative cardiogenic shock, all of which occurred in the endoballoon group (p = 0.14). In-hospital mortality occurred in 2 patients from each group (p = 0.99).Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery can be performed successfully using either the endoaortic balloon technique or the transthoracic clamp approach. However, the transthoracic technique results in shorter operation time, less perioperative bleeding and better myocardial protection.

Sutureless aortic valve replacement is an emerging alternative to standard aortic valve replacement in high-risk surgical patients. We present our surgical technique for sutureless aortic valve replacement in patients undergoing triple-valve surgery. This procedure has been performed in six patients with excellent clinical and echocardiographic results. Despite some technical concerns, sutureless aortic valve replacement in the setting of triple-valve surgery is simple and reproducible.

Background The impact of a transvalvular pacemaker lead on the progression of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after tricuspid valve (TV) repair has not been clearly demonstrated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of a transvalvular pacemaker lead as a risk factor for TR after TV repair in a large patient cohort. Methods A retrospective review included 791 patients who underwent TV repair at our institution from 1977 to 2008. All patients bearing a transvenous pacemaker implanted either preoperatively or within 30 days of surgery were categorized in the "PACE" group (n = 176), the remaining patients were categorized in the "NO PACE" group (n = 615). Results Mean age was 61 ± 11 years, and 575 patients (73%) were female. Mean follow-up was 5.8 ± 5.5 years. Operative mortality was 13%. At discharge, TR severity was 3+ or greater in 10% and 15% of patients in the PACE and NO PACE groups, respectively ( p = 0.19). Multivariate analysis using a Cox regression model identified the presence of a transvenous pacemaker as an independent risk factor for recurrence of TR 2+ or greater (hazard ratio [HR] 1.60, p = 0.008) and TR 3+ or greater (HR 1.47, p = 0.046) at last follow-up. The presence of a transvenous pacemaker was also a significant independent predictor of late mortality (HR 2.12, p = 0.02). Conclusions In patients undergoing tricuspid valve surgery, the presence of a transvenous pacemaker implanted either preoperatively or within 30 days of surgery is associated with a significantly increased risk of persistent or recurrent TR at late follow-up.

Between 1992 and 1998, 55 km of riverbank on the Ottawa River was protected from erosion using rounded granular material of glaciofluvial origin from local gravel pits. The method did not require slope reprofiling or the installation of a key or geotextile. It allows for the slopes of the structure and the banks to reach an equilibrium state and relies on natural vegetation regrowth on the banks and embankments rather than bioengineering revegetation techniques. A follow-up was done in 2011 to assess its effectiveness. After fifteen years, the structures have halted erosion, blended into the local landscape and created a riparian ecotone. They quickly acquired a natural, gently sloping profile and recreated a sinuous shoreline dotted with sandy beaches. The follow-up also shows that the banks and structures are 80–90% covered by indigenous vegetation. Furthermore, this vegetation is as diverse as the natural vegetation seen on the unstabilized sections of riverbank. The work minimized damage to the riverbanks as it was done in winter so that shore ice could be used for access. This approach helped avoid interventions on the banks themselves and protected the existing vegetation. The availability of granular sources near the work site was a key criterion. Riverbank protection work of this scale is uncommon. This article discusses the effectiveness of the protection method and its environmental advantages and limitations. This method could prove to be an alternative to traditional rock-fill methods or bioengineering techniques, which are often quite complex and costly.

Objectives We aimed to assess the results of various tailored management strategies for adults with coarctation in our centre. Methods We reviewed all adults patients treated for aortic caorctation between January 2000 and December 2015 in our institution. The primary end point was a composite of death, perioperative stroke, paraplegia, need for unplanned reoperation or occurrence of pseudoaneurysm during the follow-up. The mean follow-up was 82 ± 5 months. Results Sixty-three adults were treated for a native coarctation (n = 34), a recurrent coarctation (n = 14) or aneurysmal complication (n = 15). Mean age of the patients was 42 ± 1.7 years. All but 1 patient with native coarctation (33/34, 97%) and recurrent coarctation (13/14, 93%) underwent endovascular repair and 10 (67%) patients with aneurysmal complications were treated surgically. Freedom from the primary composite end point was 94, 84 and 81% at 1, 5 and 10 years, respectively, without difference between the 3 indication groups (P = 0.96). Conclusions A tailored management strategy is necessary to provide good results for the treatment of adults with aortic coarctation. Thus, centres that are involved in the care of this complex pathology should be able to propose a multimodal approach, either endovascular or surgical depending on patient's characteristics and anatomic features.

Background The risk of aortic valve replacement (AVR) for patients after mediastinal radiation therapy (MRT) remains unaccounted for in traditional risk scores. The aim of this study was to examine perioperative and midterm outcomes in patients undergoing AVR after MRT in the current era. Methods From 2000 to 2016, 49 consecutive patients previously exposed to MRT underwent AVR with or without concomitant procedures at a single center. Patients were divided into two groups: isolated AVR (n = 18) and AVR with concomitant procedures (n = 31). The logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II mean score was 2.8% ± 3.4% and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons mean score was 1.7% ± 1.5%. Median follow-up was 6.6 years and was 90% complete within 12 months of study closure. Results Overall inhospital mortality was 10% (0% in the isolated group versus 16% in the concomitant group; p = 0.14). A total of 21 patients (47%) died at follow-up. Mean interval to death was 2.0 ± 1.1 years from surgery in the isolated group versus 1.4 ± 1.6 years in the concomitant group ( p = 0.18). Actuarial survival was 93% ± 6%, 73% ± 11%, and 65% ± 13%, at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively, in the isolated group versus 74% ± 8%, 44% ± 11%, and 37% ± 11% in the concomitant group ( p = 0.03). Conclusions Isolated AVR can be performed safely in patients with MRT-induced disease. In contrast, AVR with concomitant procedures is associated with high mortality, which is vastly underestimated using traditional risk scores. In both groups, survival at 5 years is markedly impaired.

NF-ATc1 is a member of a family of genes that encodes the cytoplasmic component of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF-AT). In activated T cells, nuclear NF-AT binds to the promoter regions of multiple cytokine genes and induces their transcription. The role of NF-ATc1 was investigated in recombination activating gene-1 (RAG-1)–deficient blastocyst complementation assays using homozygous NF-ATc1−/− mutant ES cell lines. NF-ATc1−/−/RAG-1−/− chimeric mice showed reduced numbers of thymocytes and impaired proliferation of peripheral lymphocytes, but normal production of IL-2. Induction in vitro of Th2 responses, as demonstrated by a decrease in IL-4 and IL-6 production, was impaired in mutant T cells. These data indicate that NF-ATc1 plays roles in the development of T lymphocytes and in the differentiation of the Th2 response.

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with a small aortic annulus is a challenging problem. The objective of this study was to compare 4 surgical approaches in terms of hemodynamics and perioperative outcomes.A retrospective single-center study included 351 consecutive patients with a small aortic annulus (≤21 mm) who underwent aortic valve surgery between January 2007 and December 2014. Surgical techniques included standard AVR in 259 (74%) patients, aortic root enlargement in 20 (6%), implantation of a stentless bioprosthesis in 23 (6%), and sutureless AVR in 49 (13%).Three hundred and eleven (89%) patients were female. The mean Logistic EuroSCORE II varied significantly among the groups and ranged from 6.5% ± 5.4% in the standard AVR group to 9.2% ± 4.7% in the stentless group. Early mortality occurred in 26 (7%) patients. Patients in the stentless group had the lowest aortic valve mean gradients on predischarge transthoracic echocardiography (10.9 ± 6.2 mm Hg; P .001). In the stented group, the Trifecta prosthesis displayed the lowest postoperative mean transaortic gradient (10.3 ± 3.6; P .001) with no severe prosthesis-patient mismatch. Postoperative gradients of the sutureless group were comparable with stented prostheses.In our study, stentless AVR and Trifecta bioprostheses had the best hemodynamic outcomes. The Perceval sutureless prosthesis provides reasonable hemodynamic performance and is a safe alternative.

Objective To address the clinical consequences related to chest tube clogging, a novel chest drainage apparatus, the PleuraFlow Active Tube Clearance System (Clear Catheter Systems, Bend, OR), was developed. The aim of this world's first clinical experience study was to follow clinicians using the PleuraFlow system to assess usability issues and potential areas of improvement in the heart surgery setting. Methods A user preference study was conducted to assess how specified users (surgeons, nurses, and intensive care physicians) used the PleuraFlow system to achieve specified goals in an efficient manner. Data were collected from patient charts and by a questionnaire that they had filled. Results All the surgeons (n = 7) noted that the device was not any more difficult to insert than a conventional chest tube and was easy to assemble and use. There were no reports of malfunction or complications related to the installation or use of the system. A majority, 77% (24/31), of nurses felt that the device was more time efficient than stripping, milking, or tapping the chest tubes to keep them open. A majority (16/19, 84%) of the PleuraFlow chest tubes and guide tubes were removed together in one piece within 1 day of surgery (on postoperative day 1). Conclusions Overall, the physicians and nurses rated the PleuraFlow system positively for its ability to be incorporated into the postoperative workflow of managing the drainage of patients after heart surgery. This device may be useful to allow caregivers to be certain that chest tubes are functioning in the early hours after surgery, when active bleeding is resolving and when complications from undrained blood can ensue.