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Mitral regurgitation in Barlow disease may still be challenging to be repaired . Most often it involves the posterior leaflet . Many techniques and concepts are currently available ; the main goal being to restore a good surface of coaptation . Basic principles such a thorough analysis is still required whatever the approach to assess excess tissue height , width and prolapse . Nowadays it seems that two different ways of treating mitral prolapse coexist : the non resection one and the resection one .Both will be discussed and analysed . Similarly the use of artificial chordae seem to have a preponderant role to support the free edge and correct a prolapse . Native secondary chord transfer are easy and reliable but seem abandoned by many . Anterior leaflet prolapse is also dealt with and fewer options are available to address this leaflet . Then commissural prolapse is mentioned . It is an important area of the valve which should deserve better treatment than commissuroplasty . Finally a special entity will be described ; mitro annular disjonction . The approach is not or no longer an issue as only good long term results are important in an era where per cutaneous therapy is the only non invasive technique .

Tricuspid regurgitation is a frequent and serious condition but tricuspid valve (TV) surgery, that may be a valve replacement when a repair is not feasible, is rarely performed. Recent development of transcatheter TV interventions offers new options for those high-surgical risk patients, especially TV replacement for patients who are not eligible for transcatheter TV repair. In this review, we describe indications and outcome after surgical TV replacement, and devices available or in development for transcatheter TV replacement.

Mechanical heart valve prostheses are based on older designs without changes during the last 40 years. Today, there is an unmet need for less thrombogenic mechanical prostheses. Analysis of the relationship between flow characteristics and thromboembolic complications is possible using numerical and biomolecular flow studies that have shown that the reverse rather than the forward flow is responsible for local platelet activation and thrombosis. After peak flow, leaflets experience flow deceleration and the leaflets are still widely open when the flow becomes zero. The closure of the valve starts with the onset of reverse flow. Therefore, the valve closes extremely fast with most of the leaflet traveling angle occurring in, International Journal of Cardiology, 304, ISSN:0167-5273

Interest in tricuspid valve pathology has rapidly expanded in response to reported poor clinical outcome for functional tricuspid regurgitation and the limited indications and options for treatment. In the past few years, different transcatheter technologies have emerged as alternatives to conventional surgery to serve this untreated high-risk population. In this review, the authors explore the indications for intervention in tricuspid regurgitation according to current guidelines, the published research to support the expansion of these indications including the role of transcatheter interventions, and the risk factors for therapy failure, which may help define the appropriate patient population for treatment.

Objectives Despite coherent guidelines, management of functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) consequences on outcome in the context of degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) remains controversial due to lacking series of large magnitude with rigorous application of tricuspid guidelines and strict long-term echocardiographic follow-up. Thus, we aimed at gathering such a cohort to examine outcomes of patients undergoing DMR surgery following tricuspid surgery guidelines. Methods All consecutive patients with isolated DMR 2005-2015 operated on with baseline FTR assessment and tricuspid annulus diameter measurement were identified. Operative complications, postoperative tricuspid regurgitation incidence, and survival were assessed overall and stratified by guideline-based tricuspid annuloplasty (TA) indication (severe FTR or tricuspid annulus diameter ≥40 mm). Results Among 441 patients with DMR undergoing mitral repair (66 ± 13 years, 30% female, ejection fraction 66 ± 10%, systolic pulmonary artery pressures 39 ± 12 mm Hg) followed 6 [3-9] years, patients with TA (n = 234, 53%) had generally similar presentation versus without TA (n = 207, 47%; all P ≥ .2) except for more atrial fibrillation and larger left ventricle (both P ≥ .0003). Patients with TA showed longer bypass time, more maze procedures (all P ≤ .001), but hospital stay, renal-failure, pacemaker implantation, and operative mortality (overall 0.9%) were comparable (all P ≥ .2). Postoperative incidence of moderate/severe FTR (0% at 1 year) became over time greater among patients without TA (5-year 8% [4%-13%] vs 3% [1%-11%] and 10-year 10% [6%-16%] vs 4% [1%-16%], P = .01). Survival (95% confidence interval) throughout follow-up was 85% (77%-89%) at 10 years, with hazard ratio 0.57 (0.29-1.10), P = .09. for patients with TA versus without. Conclusions In this large surgical DMR cohort, guideline-based FTR management was safe and effective. While long-term mortality did not reach significance, postoperative incidence of moderate/severe FTR, overall low, was nevertheless greater in patients who did not appear to require TA at surgery and linked to tricuspid annular dimension. Thus, future multicenter prospective cohorts with long-term follow-up are warranted to re-examine thresholds for TA performance and impact on survival.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) for mitral valve repair (MVRp) has been increasingly used. This study aimed to evaluate the early and late results of MICS for MVRp vs conventional sternotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review of randomized controlled trials or observational studies (with matched populations) comparing MICS and conventional MVRp reporting any of the following outcomes: mortality, MVRp failure, complications, blood transfusion, readmission within 30 days after discharge, long-term reoperation for mitral regurgitation, operative times, mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, or hospital stay. The pooled treatment effects were calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS Ten studies involving 6792 patients (MICS: 3396 patients; Conventional: 3296 patients) met the eligibility criteria. In the pooled analysis, MICS significantly reduced the risk for blood transfusion (odds ratio [OR], 0.654; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.462-0.928; P = .017) and readmission within 30 days after discharge (OR, 0.615; 95% 0.456-0.829; P = .001). MICS was associated with a significantly longer cross-clamp time (mean difference 14 minutes; 95% CI, 7.4-21 minutes; P

Preoperative evaluation of the mitral valve but also of tricuspid valve and right ventricular (RV) function is mandatory in primary mitral regurgitation (MR) secondary to mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Tricuspid annulus (TA) diameter plays a pivotal role in the surgical decision to perform preventive combined tricuspid valve annuloplasty. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard for the assessment of RV size and function. Based on 70 consecutive patients (17 women; mean age 64 ± 12) with severe MR secondary to MVP referred for CMR, we sought to assess RV geometry and function and TA dimensions and to study the interaction between TA dilatation and right-sided cardiac chambers. Frequency of RV dilatation, RV systolic dysfunction, and TA dilatation (TA diameter ≥ 40 or 21 mm/m²) were 11%, 51%, and 49%, respectively. Left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume index was the only independent predictor of RV dilatation. Presence of symptoms, larger LV end-diastolic volume index, and LV ejection fraction60% were independently associated with RV dysfunction. Absolute TA diameter was 36 ± 6 mm and TA diameter index was 20 ± 3 mm/m². Reproducibility TA diameter measurement was excellent (coefficient of variation ≤10%). TR velocity220 cm/s (odds ratio = 20.17; [3.57 to 113.90]; p = 0.001 and right atrial volume index ≥ 38 ml/m² (odds ratio = 13.44; [3.57 to 50.54]; p = 0.0001) were independent predictors of TA diameter ≥40 or 21 mm/m². CMR provides accurate right-sided cardiac chambers assessment and may help surgical planning of concomitant tricuspid valve annuloplasty before mitral valve repair in severe MR secondary to MVP. In conclusion, TA dilatation, RV enlargement, and dysfunction are related to pulmonary pressure and left-sided cardiac chambers enlargement, reflecting the long-standing consequences of severe MR.

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International audience; Background. - Recently, 1.5-Tesla cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was reported to provide a reliable alternative to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for the quantification of aortic stenosis (AS) severity. Few data are available using higher magnetic field strength MRI systems in this context. Aims. - To evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of the assessment of aortic valve area (AVA) using 3-Tesla CMR in routine clinical practice, and to assess concordance between TTE and CMR for the estimation of AS severity. Methods. - Ninety-one consecutive patients (60 men; mean age 74 +/- 10 years) with known AS documented by TTE were included prospectively in the study. Results. - All patients underwent comprehensive TTE and CMR examination, including AVA estimation using the TTE continuity equation (0.81 +/- 0.18 cm(2)), direct CMR planimetry (CMRp) (0.90 +/- 0.22 cm(2)) and CMR using Hakki's formula (CMRhk), a simplified Gorlin formula (0.70 +/- 0.19 cm(2)). Although significant agreement with TTE was found for CMRp (r=0.72) and CMRhk (r = 0.66), CMRp slightly overestimated (bias= 0.11 +/- 0.18 cm(2)) and CMRhk slightly underestimated (bias = 0.11 +/- 0.17 cm(2)) AVA compared with TTE. Inter- and intraobserver reproducibilities of CMR measurements were excellent (r= 0.72 and r= 0.74 for CMRp and r= 0.88 and r=0.92 for peak aortic velocity, respectively). Conclusion. - 3-Tesla CMR is a feasible, radiation-free, reproducible imaging modality for the estimation of severity of AS in routine practice, knowing that CMRp tends to overestimate AVA and CMRhk to underestimate AVA compared with TTE. (C) 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Interest in tricuspid valve pathology has rapidly expanded in response to reported poor clinical outcome for functional tricuspid regurgitation and the limited indications and options for treatment. In the past few years, different transcatheter technologies have emerged as alternatives to conventional surgery to serve this untreated high-risk population. In this review, the authors explore the indications for intervention in tricuspid regurgitation according to current guidelines, the published research to support the expansion of these indications including the role of transcatheter interventions, and the risk factors for therapy failure, which may help define the appropriate patient population for treatment.

The assessment of the etiology and severity of functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) has many limitations, especially when tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is more than severe. Instead of relying solely on TR severity, a new approach not only takes into account the severity of TR, but also pays strict attention to tricuspid annular dilation (size), the mode of tricuspid leaflet coaptation, and tricuspid leaflet tethering—factors often influenced by right ventricular enlargement and dysfunction. To simplify things, we propose a new staging system for functional tricuspid valve pathology using 3 parameters that may more accurately reflect the severity of the disease: TR severity, annular dilation, and mode of leaflet coaptation (extent of tethering). We believe that by utilizing these parameters, cardiologists and cardiac surgeons will be offered a better system for appraisal and decision-making in FTR.

In industrialized countries, the most common etiology of mitral regurgitation (MR) is degenerative mitral valve (MV) disease. The natural history of severe degenerative MR is poor. However, its appropriate and timely correction is associated with a life expectancy similar to that of the normal population. Surgical MV repair is the gold standard treatment. This review will focus on the most recent evidence with a specific emphasis on surgical indications, timing of treatment, contemporary surgical techniques, Heart Teams and Centers of Excellence.

BACKGROUND Quantitative assessment of primary mitral regurgitation (MR) using left ventricular (LV) volumes obtained with three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3D TTE) recently showed encouraging results. Nevertheless, 3D TTE is not incorporated into everyday practice, as current LV chamber quantification software products are time consuming. AIMS To investigate the accuracy and reproducibility of new automated fast 3D TTE software (HeartModelA.I.; Philips Healthcare, Andover, MA, USA) for the quantification of LV volumes and MR severity in patients with isolated degenerative primary MR; and to compare regurgitant volume (RV) obtained with 3D TTE with a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) reference. METHODS Fifty-three patients (37 men; mean age 64±12 years) with at least mild primary isolated MR, and having comprehensive 3D TTE and CMR studies within 24h, were eligible for inclusion. MR RV was calculated using the proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) method and the volumetric method (total LV stroke volume minus aortic stroke volume) with either CMR or 3D TTE. RESULTS Inter- and intraobserver reproducibility of 3D TTE was excellent (coefficient of variation≤10%) for LV volumes. MR RV was similar using CMR and 3D TTE (57±23mL vs 56±28mL; P=0.22), but was significantly higher using the PISA method (69±30mL; P

Objective Avoiding resection to treat posterior leaflet prolapse has become popular to repair degenerative mitral regurgitation. We never subscribed to such simplification but advocated an alternative approach based on the “respect when you can, resect when you should” concept. The present study reviewed posterior leaflet prolapse in degenerative disease with the aim to expose the 10-year experience with this surgical policy, in particular long-term outcomes such as survival, recurrent/severe mitral regurgitation, and reoperation. Methods From January 2005 to December 2015, 701 consecutive patients with severe mitral regurgitation underwent mitral valve repair in 2 distinct institutions. Mitral regurgitation was degenerative in 441 patients, of whom the 376 with posterior leaflet prolapse constituted the study population. Patients were followed up by echocardiograms until December 2017. Longitudinal data stratified by institution were analyzed by mixed-effects models. Outcome measures were analyzed by Kaplan–Meier test. Results Patients with posterior leaflet prolapse (24.7% isolated P2 and 75.3% P2 associated with other segments) were aged 65.8 ± 13 years, and 70.5% were male. Median follow-up was 61.1 months. There were 3 hospital deaths (0.8%). Reoperation was necessary in 7 patients (1.9%). After 1, 5, and 10 years, overall survival was 97.8%, 93.6%, and 86.7%, respectively; the overall survival of the proportion of patients with recurrent/residual >2+ mitral regurgitation was estimated at 0.7%, 1.9%, and 5.9% and that of patients with New York Heart Association III/IV at 0.8%, 1.9%, and 5.3%. Conclusions The “resect with respect” approach yields low operative mortality, no systolic anterior motion, good surface of coaptation, and low incidence of residual/recurrent mitral regurgitation and of reoperation, thus supporting resection when required concept.

Summary Background Three-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is superior to two-dimensional Simpson's method for assessment of left ventricular (LV) volumes and LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Nevertheless, 3D TTE is not incorporated into everyday practice, as current LV chamber quantification software products are time-consuming. Aims To evaluate the feasibility, accuracy and reproducibility of new fully automated fast 3D TTE software (HeartModel A.I. ; Philips Healthcare, Andover, MA, USA) for quantification of LV volumes and LVEF in routine practice; to compare the 3D LV volumes and LVEF obtained with a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) reference; and to optimize automated default border settings with CMR as reference. Methods Sixty-three consecutive patients, who had comprehensive 3D TTE and CMR examinations within 24 hours, were eligible for inclusion. Nine patients (14%) were excluded because of insufficient echogenicity in the 3D TTE. Thus, 54 patients (40 men; mean age 63 ± 13 years) were prospectively included into the study. Results The inter- and intraobserver reproducibilities of 3D TTE were excellent (coefficient of variation P r = 0.93; P = 0.0001). Enlarging default border detection settings leads to frequent volume overestimation in the general population, but improved agreement with CMR in patients with LVEF ≤ 50%. Correlations between 3D TTE and CMR for ESV and LVEF were excellent ( r = 0.93 and r = 0.91, respectively; P Conclusion 3D TTE using new-generation fully automated software is a feasible, fast, reproducible and accurate imaging modality for LV volumetric quantification in routine practice. Optimization of border detection settings may increase agreement with CMR for EDV assessment in dilated ventricles.

Recurrent prosthetic valve endocarditis, especially when characterized by annular abscess and aortic root destruction, remains a surgical challenge. A radical and aggressive surgical treatment is required preventing recurrent infection. Homograft implants are still thought to be the best surgical option, but they are not always available and their use in younger patient remains controversial. We propose an additional anatomical surgical technique, which consists in the implantation of a composite graft in the left ventricular outflow tract, well below the native aortic annulus, and then the direct reimplantation of coronary ostia.

Background— The role of mitral valve repair (MVR) during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is uncertain. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial to determine whether repairing the mitral valve during CABG may improve functional capacity and left ventricular reverse remodeling compared with CABG alone. Methods and Results— Seventy-three patients referred for CABG with moderate ischemic MR and an ejection fraction >30% were randomized to receive CABG plus MVR (34 patients) or CABG only (39 patients). The study was stopped early after review of interim data. At 1 year, there was a greater improvement in the primary end point of peak oxygen consumption in the CABG plus MVR group compared with the CABG group (3.3 mL/kg/min versus 0.8 mL/kg/min; P 2 , 28.2 mL/beat, and 557.4 pg/mL, respectively versus 4.4 mL/m 2 ( P =0.002), 9.2 mL/beat ( P =0.001), and 394.7 pg/mL ( P =0.003), respectively. Operation duration, blood transfusion, intubation duration, and hospital stay duration were greater in the CABG plus MVR group. Deaths at 30 days and 1 year were similar in both groups: 3% and 9%, respectively in the CABG plus MVR group, versus 3% ( P =1.00) and 5% ( P =0.66), respectively in the CABG group. Conclusions— Adding mitral annuloplasty to CABG in patients with moderate ischemic MR may improve functional capacity, left ventricular reverse remodeling, MR severity, and B-type natriuretic peptide levels, compared with CABG alone. The impact of these benefits on longer term clinical outcomes remains to be defined. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT00413998.

Background— We have previously shown that a specific combination of drug therapy and left ventricular assist device unloading results in significant myocardial recovery, sufficient to allow pump removal, in two thirds of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy receiving a Heartmate I pulsatile device. However, this protocol has not been used with nonpulsatile devices. Methods and Results— We report the results of a prospective study of 20 patients who received a combination of angiotensin-converting enzymes, β-blockers, angiotensin II inhibitors, and aldosterone antagonists followed by the β 2 -agonist clenbuterol and were regularly tested (echocardiograms, exercise tests, catheterizations) with the pump at low speed. Before left ventricular assist device insertion, patient age was 35.2±12.6 years (16 male patients), patients were on 2.0±0.9 inotropes, 7 (35) had an intra-aortic balloon pump, 2 were hemofiltered, 2 were ventilated, 3 had a prior Levitronix device, and 1 had extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Cardiac index was 1.39±0.43 L · min −1 · m −2 , pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was 31.5±5.7 mm Hg, and heart failure history was 3.4±3.5 years. One patient was lost to follow-up and died after 240 days of support. Of the remaining 19 patients, 12 (63.2) were explanted after 286±97 days. Eight had symptomatic heart failure for ≤6 months and 4 for >6 months (48 to 132 months). Before explantation, at low flow for 15 minutes, ejection fraction was 70±7, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was 48.6±5.7 mm, left ventricular end-systolic diameter was 32.3±5.7 mm, mV̇ o 2 was 21.6±4 mL · kg −1 · min −1 , pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was 5.9±4.6 mm Hg, and cardiac index was 3.6±0.6 L · min −1 · m −2 . Estimated survival without heart failure recurrence was 83.3 at 1 and 3 years. After a 430.7±337.1-day follow-up, surviving explants had an ejection fraction of 58.1±13.8, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter of 59.0±9.3 mm, left ventricular end-systolic diameter of 42.0±10.7 mm, and mV̇ o 2 of 22.6±5.3 mL · kg −1 · min −1 . Conclusions— Reversal of end-stage heart failure secondary to nonischemic cardiomyopathy can be achieved in a substantial proportion of patients with nonpulsatile flow through the use of a combination of mechanical and pharmacological therapy.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and durability of truly stentless aortic valve replacement using autologous pericardium sutured directly onto the aortic wall. Methods Eleven patients (mean age, 55.9 years) requiring aortic valve replacement were recruited. A circular piece of pericardium about 8 cm in diameter was harvested and treated in 0.6% glutaraldehyde for 10 minutes. The aortic valve was excised and, with the use of specially designed instruments (CardioMend LLC, Santa Barbara, Calif), the sinotubular junction was sized and the pericardium was tailored to the required size and shape and then sutured directly onto the aortic wall. The reconstructed valve was assessed directly and by echocardiography at the end of the operation; it was assessed by echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 6 months and yearly. Computed tomographic scan of the aortic valve to assess for valve calcification was performed at last follow-up. Results Hospital mortality was 0%. Mean follow-up was 6.5 years (range, 5.3−7.5 years). Freedom from structural valve deterioration, thromboembolism, endocarditis and reoperation was 100%, 100%, 72.7%, and 63.6%, respectively. There were 4 reoperations at 4, 13, 15, and 46 months, 3 of them owing to endocarditis and 1 owing to technical failure noted at the time of surgery. The remaining 7 patients are alive and well with a mean New York Heart Association class of 1.3 and normally functioning aortic valves with no calcification. Conclusions Truly stentless aortic valve replacement using autologous pericardium sutured directly onto the aortic wall is safe and feasible and has excellent durability up to 7.5 years with no calcification.

Cardiac involvement in patients with carcinoid disease is a well-recognized pathology. Early reports described right-sided heart involvement. More recently, both right- and left-sided heart disease have been reported. Progress of the treatment of carcinoid disease is leading to an increase in the number of patients presenting for surgery to treat valvular dysfunction. owing to improvements in the prognosis of the basic disease, valve replacement surgery is now a reasonable option in patients with severe valvular dysfunction. This article provides an overview of carcinoid heart disease with an emphasis on current outcomes, concerns and controversies associated with the surgical management of this disease.

Functional tricuspid regurgitation is a complex valvular lesion. Its optimal management remains controversial in the current era as the result of uncertainties regarding accurate diagnosis, surgical indication, the appropriate surgical procedure, and the late results of surgical treatment. It is no longer regarded a benign problem and does not resolve spontaneously after correction of left-sided heart valve lesions as once believed. It carries a significant morbidity and has an adverse impact on survival. Current techniques to repair functional tricuspid regurgitation are associated with a significant degree of residual or recurrent regurgitation mainly because of failure to address all the components of this challenging entity. This review article highlights emerging concepts and advances that provide an insight into the understanding of this perplexing lesion and attempts to define the basis of intervention on functional tricuspid regurgitation.

Background Reoperative cardiac surgery is being performed with increasing frequency. Third-time aortic valve surgery remains a rare procedure. We retrospectively analyzed the outcome of third-time aortic valve replacement (AVR) at our institution. Methods Between 1990 and 2005, 49 patients underwent third-time AVR. Data analyzed included preoperative patient characteristics, type of preexisting aortic valve prosthesis, prosthetic valve pathology necessitating third-time AVR, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and echocardiographic data. Results The mean age was 47.4 ± 17 years. The mean interval between the first and second operation was 8.7 ± 5.7 years, and between the second and third operation it was 10.2 ± 5.6 years. Prosthetic valves at the time of second AVR included 32 homografts (65.4%), 11 mechanical prostheses (22.4%), and 6 xenografts (12.2%). At third-time AVR, 29 patients (59.2%) received a homograft or autograft, 12 (24.5%) received a mechanical valve, and 8 (16.3%) received a xenograft. In-hospital mortality was 4.1%. The mean follow-up was 80 ± 69 months. Freedom from reoperation was 84% ± 6% at 5 years and 65% ± 11% at 10 years. Long-term survival was 79% ± 6% at 5 years and 73% ± 7% at 10 years. Multivariate analysis showed that age, female sex, and postoperative high left ventricular mass were factors associated with decreased long-term survival. Mean left ventricular mass decreased from 320 ± 133 g to 263 ± 102 g at 1 year postoperatively ( p = 0.01). Conclusions Third-time AVR can be performed with low operative mortality, low cumulative operative mortality, and satisfactory long-term survival and freedom from reoperation. The procedure results in significant regression of left ventricular mass.

Objective Optimum strategy for salvage in patients with acutely decompensated end-stage heart failure and severe multiorgan dysfunction is complex. We present our experience with prolonged CentriMag (Levitronix, Waltham, Mass) support for transitioning patients after successful salvage from bridge to decision directly to transplant. Methods Records of patients who underwent salvage with a CentriMag as bridge to decision and later to transplant were reviewed. Between June 2003 and June 2008, 4 patients in cardiogenic shock from acute decompensated end-stage heart failure and multiorgan dysfunction underwent salvage with biventricular CentriMag as bridge to decision. Three were male. Mean age was 39.3 years (range 24–52 years). Three had dilated cardiomyopathy; 1 had ischemic cardiomyopathy. All had preoperative mechanical ventilation, large doses of multiple inotropes, and intra-aortic balloon support. All also had acute liver and renal failure and metabolic acidosis. Results After mean postimplant period of 43 days (range 7–70 days), patients had reversal of end-organ dysfunction; after mean waiting time of 31 days (range 21–67 days), all were transplant listed. Mean mechanical circulatory support was 87.7 days (range 26–105 days). No thromboembolic or neurologic events or mechanical failures occurred. Posttransplant mean ventilation and intensive care unit stay were 2 and 4 days (ranges 1–4 and 3–7 days), respectively. All patients were discharged home and remain alive and well. Conclusion CentriMag use as long as 3 months appears to be safe and cost-effective for bridging selected patients directly to transplant after salvage. Further clinical experience is still needed.

Functional tricuspid regurgitation is the most frequent cause of tricuspid insufficiency and is often secondary to left-sided valve diseases. The correction of left-sided valve diseases without concomitant repair of functional tricuspid regurgitation is associated with significant late morbidity and mortality. This occurs on account of progressive right ventricular dysfunction and increasing need for reoperation. Recent years have seen a surge in surgery for functional tricuspid regurgitation. Several techniques are available to correct functional tricuspid regurgitation. These include the stitch annuloplasty, such as semicircular (classical De Vega repair) or simple lateral annuloplasty (Kay), novel techniques such as edge-to-edge or clover technique and suture bicuspidization technique, use of flexible and rigid prosthetic rings or 3D rings, flexible prosthetic bands, and use of artificial chordae with polytetrafluoroethylene sutures for anterior and septal ticuspid leaflet pathology. Whereas the short-term outcomes of these techniques are satisfactory, the majority are limited in the mid- and long term by unacceptably high rates of residual and/or recurrent regurgitation. A better understanding of the mechanisms of functional tricuspid regurgitation will help explain the failure of current techniques and be a help to modify existing surgical techniques or develop new techniques.

We present 2 cases of Aspergillus endocarditis occurring in lung transplant recipients, both of whom were treated with early surgical intervention and triazole anti-fungal agents. Neither had evidence of airway colonization/infection with Aspergillus post-transplant, suggesting hematogenous spread of fungi at the time of surgery as a possible mechanism of infection. One case was successfully treated and discharged from the hospital, but, despite initial recovery, death occurred 10 months later due to a recurrence of Aspergillus endocarditis. Aspergillus endocarditis should be considered a relapsing disease and survivors of the condition should receive ongoing anti-fungal therapy.

The expanding indications for angioplasty coupled with the successful short and mid-term results of randomized controlled trials of drug-eluting stents have already had an unquestionable impact on the practice of coronary revascularization operations. However, coronary artery bypass grafting remains a major mode of therapy for coronary artery disease. It is likely that surgery will continue to be preferred for more complex subsets and that surgeons will have to continue to maintain good results in patients with more complex problems. Concerns regarding morbidity associated with conventional surgical myocardial revascularization on cardiopulmonary bypass have led to a resurgence of interest in off-pump bypass surgery during the last decade, with the expectation that it would be safer if cardiopulmonary bypass could be avoided. This review summarizes the impact of off-pump bypass surgery in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with conventional coronary artery bypass on cardiopulmonary bypass by evaluating the current best-available evidence from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses comparing off-pump surgery with conventional bypass grafting.

Assessment of myocardial recovery during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support is difficult to perform both safely and effectively. We developed a test involving short-term interruption of LVAD support with measurements of several hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters at rest and, whenever possible, after exercise, to investigate inotropic reserve.After full heparinization, the HeartMate I XVE device was switched off. MAP, heart rate (HR), ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular dimensions were measured on switching off, after 5, 10 and 15 minutes, and after 6-minute walk (6MW).In total, 207 serial tests were performed on 22 patients. A total of 97.6% of the patients tolerated the tests. Of the 202 tolerated tests, 130 were performed on 16 patients who had their device explanted due to myocardial recovery (recovered group), and 72 on 6 patients who did not recover and were transplanted (non-recovered group). After device discontinuation there was an immediate drop in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), a rise in HR, a reduction in EF and increases in ventricular dimensions. These changes tended to be more marked in the non-recovered group. After 6MW, the recovered group had a significant rise in HR and EF and a non-significant increase in MAP, whereas, the non-recovered group there was a significant drop in MAP compensated by a rise in HR. The distance walked in the recovered group was significantly higher (544 +/- 102 vs 418 +/- 109 meters, p0.05). MAP, pulse pressure and EF were strong predictive factors for recovery.Acute discontinuation of the device to assess recovery is safe and well tolerated and is followed by specific changes in hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters. This helps in the assessment of recovery, particularly with regard to findings taken after exercise.

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, indications, and results of aortic arch replacement in Marfan patients with and without acute dissection.Between January 1993 and December 2005, our group performed 76 aortic replacements in 54 Marfan patients (mean age, 38.3 years), of whom 20 had already undergone one or two replacements of the thoracic aorta, and 3 required one late procedure each in other institutions. So, the 54 patients underwent a total of 100 aortic operations. Indication for initial surgery was elective aortic root replacement in 25 patients (46%), acute type A dissection in 19 (35%), acute type B dissection in 2 (4%), and chronic type B dissection in 8 (15%). Indication for reoperation was residual chronic dissection in the proximal aorta in 14 patients (36%), in the distal aorta in 22 (56%), and acute retrograde type A dissection in 3 (8%).At initial operation, the aortic arch was not involved in the 25 patients with aneurysm of the aortic root and was replaced in only 1 of the 19 patients with acute type A dissection (1/44 patients, 2.3%). At the second or third operation, the arch had to be replaced in 4 (16%) of 25 patients initially operated on for aortic root aneurysm, in 14 (73%) of 19 patients operated on for acute type A dissection, and in 3 (30%) of 10 patients with previous acute or chronic type B dissection. The difference between patients with initial elective aortic root replacement and patients with acute dissection was highly significant (p0.001). Overall in-hospital mortality was 13%. The risk of death was 9.6% per procedure.Aortic arch replacement in Marfan patients is not indicated during elective aortic root replacement. In contrast, the significant rate of aneurysmal dilatation of the aortic arch after surgery for acute type A dissection may be an incentive for a more aggressive approach toward the aortic arch during initial surgery.

Background To report one the most feared complication of thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR); a retrograde aortic dissection who can involve the aortic arch or ascending aorta, which require commonly coextensive open surgical repair. Case Reports We report 2 cases of combined retrograde and antegrade dissection after endovascular treatment of an aneurysm of the descending aorta. In both cases, a dissection was identified at short-term follow-up; which required open surgical repair in one case and an additional endovascular treatment for the second case. Conclusions The incidence of extensive iatrogenic dissection after TEVAR is relatively low, open repair should be considered as a primary option in some cases with limited aortic dilatation to avoid such life-threatening complications.

Renal dysfunction is a serious complication after coronary artery bypass surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Cardiopulmonary bypass-related non-pulsatile flow, hypothermia, haemolysis, systemic inflammatory reactions and emboli are mentioned as possible causes for this postoperative renal dysfunction. In an attempt to avoid these deleterious effects of cardiopulmonary bypass, off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery has been rediscovered. Resurgence of interest in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery is associated with the expectation that avoiding deleterious effects of the cardiopulmonary bypass leads to better outcomes and possibly decreased costs and resource use. We are currently practising in an era of evidence-based medicine that mandates the prospective randomized controlled trial as the most accurate tool for determining a treatment benefit compared with a control population. The present review article attempts to evaluate the current best available evidence from randomized controlled trials on the impact of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery on postoperative renal dysfunction.

Background Primary graft failure after heart transplantation is a well-recognized catastrophic complication with a high mortality rate. It is becoming more frequent due to the increasing use of marginal donors. In these difficult cases a ventricular assist device (VAD) as a bridge to recovery or as a bridge to re-transplantation can be used. The recently introduced Levitronix Centrimag centrifugal pump might be an ideal device for this purpose. Methods In this study we describe 2 patients with primary graft failure who received a Levitronix in the last 2 years, immediately after failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass. Biventricular support was necessary in both patients. Results One patient was successfully re-transplanted after 2 days of support, and subsequently discharged. After 16 months she has good ventricular function with no symptoms of cardiac failure. The second patient showed signs of ventricular recovery after a few days and was weaned from the device after 7 days, with good graft function. No device-related complications were recorded. After 14 days he was discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU), and a post-operative echocardiogram showed normal dimensions, good ejection fraction and no valvular regurgitation. He was discharged home 26 days after the transplant. Conclusions In our experience, the Levitronix Centrimag seems to be safe and effective in the treatment of primary graft failure, achieving effective circulatory support and ventricular off-loading. We propose its use in isolated or biventricular graft failure either as bridge to re-transplant or as a bridge to recovery.

Background The Levitronix ventricular assist device (VAD) is a centrifugal pump designed for extracorporeal support and that operates without mechanical bearings or seals. The rotor is magnetically levitated so that rotation is achieved without friction or wear, which seems to minimize blood trauma and mechanical failure. The aim of this study is to report our early results with the Levitronix Centrimag device. Methods Between June 2003 and April 2005, 18 patients (pts) were supported using the Levitronix at our institution. Fourteen were male. Mean age was 40.3 ± 18.3 (range 8 to 64) years. Indications for support at implantation were: post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock in 12 cases (Group A), and bridge to decision regarding long-term ventricular support in 6 cases (Group B). Results Mean support time was 14.2 ± 15.2 days for all patients (range 1 to 64 days). Operative (30-day) mortality was 50% (9 pts). Six pts were in Group A and 3 pts were in Group B. Overall, 6 pts (33%) were discharged home and are presently alive and well (mean follow-up 13 months, range 5 to 17 months). Bleeding requiring re-operation occurred in 8 cases (44%), cerebral thromboembolism in 1 and pulmonary embolism in 1. There were no device failures. Conclusions The Levitronix functioned well and proved to be useful in patients with extremely poor prognosis previously considered non-suitable for a long-term assist device. The device was technically easy to implant and manage. There was no device dysfunction and complications were acceptable or consistent with other devices. Survival to explant or a definitive procedure (VAD or transplantation) was encouraging.

Cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass initiate a systemic inflammatory response largely determined by blood contact with foreign surfaces and the activation of complement. It is generally accepted that cardiopulmonary bypass initiates a whole-body inflammatory reaction. The magnitude of this inflammatory reaction varies, but the persistence of any degree of inflammation may be considered potentially harmful to the cardiac patient. The development of strategies to control the inflammatory response following cardiac surgery is currently the focus of considerable research efforts. Diverse techniques including maintenance of hemodynamic stability, minimization of exposure to cardiopulmonary bypass circuitry, and pharmacologic and immunomodulatory agents have been examined in clinical studies. This article briefly reviews the current concepts of the systemic inflammatory response following cardiac surgery, and the various therapeutic strategies being used to modulate this response.

OBJETIVO: O proposito deste estudo e demonstrar que o reposicionamento do musculo papilar e uma tecnica confiavel para o reparo do prolapso da cuspide anterior, portanto, nos descrevemos esta tecnica e seus resultados propondo-a como padrao. METODO: Entre 1989 e 2005, 120 plastias da valva mitral foram consecutivamente realizadas por meio do reposicionamento do musculo papilar no prolapso da cuspide anterior. Oitenta e sete pacientes eram do sexo masculino e 33 do feminino, sendo, a media de idade de 59 ± 11,5 anos. Cinquenta e nove por cento dos pacientes estavam em classe funcional (NYHA) III ou IV, a media da fracao de ejecao foi 65,7 ± 8,9%. A etiologia predominante na regurgitacao da valva mitral (RM) foi doenca degenerativa: Barlow (n=43) e distrofia (n=62). As outras etiologias eram: endocardite cicatrizada (n=5), reumatica (n=5), isquemica (n=4), congenita (n=1). O reposicionamento do musculo papilar posterior foi realizado em 111 (92,5%) casos e do anterior em 38 (31,7%). Procedimentos associados foram realizados em 76 (63,3%) pacientes. RESULTADOS: Nao houve obito hospitalar. Durante o acompanhamento, 14 (11,7%) pacientes foram a obito, incluindo sete (5,8%) por causas cardiacas. As taxas da curva de sobrevida acumulada em 1, 5, 10 e 15 anos foram 98,3%, 97,2%, 94,1% e 81,4%, respectivamente. Dois (1,7%) pacientes foram reoperados por regurgitacao recorrente, eles foram submetidos a troca da valva 1 e 5 anos depois do reparo e morreram 3 e 6 anos apos esta troca valvar. Nao houve movimento anterior sistolico. As taxas de sobrevida acumulada livre de reoperacao envolvendo a valva mitral em 1, 5, 10, e 15 anos foram 97,4%, 97,4%, 92,8% e 86,7%, respectivamente. Nos nao achamos nenhum fator de risco de mortalidade e de reoperacao. O acompanhamento completo foi realizado em todos os pacientes. Apos um tempo de acompanhamento mediano de 5,9 anos (de 0,1 a 15,6 anos), 87 (72,5%) pacientes estavam na classe I - NYHA, o controle ecocardiografico mostrou nenhuma ou minima regurgitacao em 89 (74,2 %) pacientes, leve regurgitacao em oito (6,7%) e moderada regurgitacao em nove (7,5%). CONCLUSAO: O reposicionamento do musculo papilar e uma tecnica confiavel e segura, com excelentes resultados clinicos e ecocardiograficos a longo prazo. Desta maneira, estamos propondo-a como padrao para o reparo da cuspide anterior prolapsada.

The internal thoracic artery has been the most reliable graft material used in coronary artery bypass grafting with an excellent long-term patency rate. Complete myocardial revascularization with internal thoracic arteries improves long-term survival and decreases the rate of repeat operations compared with vein grafts. Adequate length of the graft in coronary artery bypass graft surgery is essential for providing complete arterial revascularization. In the last decade or so, technique of skeletonization of internal thoracic artery has been proposed to achieve extra length. Skeletonization of the internal thoracic artery allows the preparation of longer conduits with a superior free flow and can reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary and sternal complications. However, concerns about vasoreactivity of skeletonized internal thoracic artery grafts, the functional consequences of surgical trauma, the possible loss of innervation, and vasa vasorum perfusion in the skeletonized conduits have prevented this technique from being universally accepted. Presently available evidence from retrospective studies (level 3 evidence) suggests that skeletonization is a safe and effective technique for myocardial revascularization. However, there is a need for conducting multicenter, randomized controlled trials comparing the skeletonized and pedicled internal thoracic arteries with special emphasis on long-term patency to conclusively validate the safety and efficacy of skeletonization technique.

Background Secondary tricuspid dilatation may or not be accompanied by tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Tricuspid dilatation can be objectively measured whereas TR can vary according to the preload, afterload, and right ventricular function. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine whether surgical repair of the tricuspid valve based on tricuspid dilatation rather than TR could lead to potential benefits. Methods Between 1989 and 2001, 311 patients underwent mitral valve repair (MVR). The tricuspid valve was examined in each patient. Tricuspid annuloplasty was performed only if the tricuspid annular diameter was greater than twice the normal size (≥ 70 mm) regardless of the grade of regurgitation. Patients in group 1 (163 patients; 52.4%) received MVR alone. Patients in group 2 (148 patients; 47.6%) received MVR plus tricuspid annuloplasty. Results Although not significant there was a difference with regard to hospital mortality (group 1 = 1.8%, group 2 = 0.7%) and actuarial survival rate (Kaplan–Meier: group 1 = 97.3%, 96.2%, and 85.5%; group 2 = 98.5%, 98.5%, and 90.3% at 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively). The New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class was significantly improved in group 2 (group 1 = 1.59 ± 0.84; group 2 = 1.11 ± 0.31; p 1). TR increased by more than two grades in 48% of the patients in group 1 and in only 2% of the patients in group 2 ( p Conclusions Remodeling annuloplasty of the tricuspid valve based on tricuspid dilation improves functional status irrespective of the grade of regurgitation. Considerable tricuspid dilatation can be present even in the absence of substantial TR. Tricuspid dilatation is an ongoing disease process that will, with time, lead to severe TR.

Hibernating myocardium refers to chronically dysfunctional myocardium in patients with coronary artery disease in which cardiac viability is maintained and whose function improves after coronary revascularization. It is our hypothesis that long-term adaptive genomic mechanisms subtend the survival capacity of this ischemic myocardium. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine whether chronic repetitive ischemia elicits a gene program of survival protecting hibernating myocardium against cell death. Accordingly, we measured the expression of survival genes in hibernating myocardium, both in patients surgically treated for hibernation and in a chronic swine model of repetitive ischemia reproducing the features of hibernation. Human hibernating myocardium was characterized by an upregulation of genes and corresponding proteins involved in anti-apoptosis (IAP), growth (VEGF, H11 kinase), and cytoprotection (HSP70, HIF-1α, GLUT1). In the swine model, the same genes and proteins were upregulated after repetitive ischemia, which was accompanied by a concomitant decrease in myocyte apoptosis. These changes characterize viable tissue, because they were not found in irreversibly injured myocardium. Our report demonstrates a novel mechanism by which the activation of an endogenous gene program of cell survival underlies the sustained viability of the hibernating heart. Potentially, promoting such a program offers a novel opportunity to salvage postmitotic tissues in conditions of ischemia.