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Patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) and contraindications for or failed thrombolysis are at the highest risk for PE-related fatal events. These patients may benefit from surgical embolectomy, but data concerning this approach are still limited.The method used here was retrospective data analysis of 103 patients who underwent surgical embolectomy from 2002 to 2020 at our department.Mean age was 58.4 (±15.1) years. Fifty-eight (56.3%) patients had undergone recent surgery; the surgery was tumor associated in 32 (31.1%) cases. Thirty (29.1%) patients had to be resuscitated due to PE, and 13 (12.6%) patients underwent thrombolysis prior to pulmonary embolectomy. Fifteen (14.5%) patients were placed on extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) peri-operatively. Five patients (4.9%) died intra-operatively. Neurological symptoms occurred in four patients (3.9%). Thirty-day mortality was 23.3% ( n = 24). Re-thoracotomy due to bleeding was necessary in 12 (11.6%) patients. This parameter was also identified as an independent risk factor for mortality.Surgical pulmonary embolectomy resulted in survival of the majority of patients with PE and contraindications for or failed thrombolysis. Given the excessive mortality when left untreated, an operative approach should become a routine part of discussions concerning alternative treatment options for these patients.

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is one of the true remaining dreaded situations in cardiovascular medicine. Current international guidelines do not include specific recommendations for treatment options of infective endocarditis (conventional vs. surgical) based on the patient’s age, functional status or comorbidities. Elderly patients have less invasive and often delayed surgeries compared to younger patients due to their shorter long-term survival probabilities. In the setting of IE, this might not be the right treatment, as surgery is the only curative option in up to 50% of all endocarditis patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the mid- and long-term surgical outcomes due to infective endocarditis of patients aged ≥70 years. Methods: Between 2002 and 2020, a retrospective study with 137 patients aged 70 years and older and 276 patients aged below 70 years was conducted. Altogether, 413 consecutive patients who received surgery due to infective native or prosthetic valve endocarditis were assigned to either the elderly (E)-Group or the control (C)-Group. Primary endpoints were short- and long-term MACCEs (Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Events) as a composite of death or major adverse events, and secondary endpoints were intraoperative variables and postoperative course. Results: Preoperative risk factors differed significantly. Elderly patients had more arterial hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, chronic renal insufficiency and coronary heart disease. Fewer of them were in a state of emergency. Time from diagnosis to OR, antibiotic pretreatment, length of surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass time were significantly longer in the E-Group. Furthermore, 44.5% of patients in the E-Group had prosthesis endocarditis as opposed to 29.7% in the C-group. During postoperative follow-up, new onset of hemodialysis, duration of ventilation, delirium, reintubation and tracheotomy rates were significantly higher in the E-Group. There were significant differences in 7- and 30-day mortality. One- year survival was 62% for the E-Group and 79% for the C-Group. Five-year survival was 47% for the E-Group and 67% for the C-Group. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that surgery for infective endocarditis is a high-risk procedure, especially for elderly people. Nevertheless, as it is more or less the only concept to increase long-term survival, it should be offered generously to all patients who are still able to take care of themselves.

Background: Continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVAD) improve survival in patients with advanced heart failure but confer risk of bleeding complications. Whereas pathophysiology and risk factors for many bleeding complications are well investigated, the literature lacks reports about pulmonary bleeding. Therefore, it was the aim of the present study to assess incidence, risk factors, and clinical relevance of pulmonary bleeding episodes after LVAD implantation. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed our institutional database of 125 consecutive patients who underwent LVAD implantation between 2008 and 2017. Demographic and clinical variables related to bleeding were collected. The primary endpoint was incidence of severe pulmonary bleeding (SPB). Results: Nine out of 125 patients suffered from SPB during the postoperative course (7.2%) 11 days after surgery in the median. None of them had a known history of lung disease or bleeding disorder. History of prior myocardial infarction (0% vWD. 42.2%, p = 0.012) and ischemic cardiomyopathy (25.0% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.046) were less frequent in the SBP group. Concomitant aortic valve replacement was more common in the group with SPB (33.3% versus 7.0%, p = 0.034). Surgical (blood loss 9950 vs. 3800 mL, p = 0.012) as well as ear-nose-throat (ENT) bleedings (33% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.015) were observed more frequently in patients with SPB. SPB was associated with a complicated postoperative course with a higher incidence of acute kidney failure (100% versus 36.7%, p = 0.001) and delirium (44.4% versus 14.8%, p = 0.045); a higher need for red blood cell (26 packs versus 7, p < 0.001), fresh frozen plasma (18 units versus 6, p = 0.002), and platelet transfusion (8 pools versus 1, p = 0.001); longer ventilation time (1206 versus 171 h, p = 0.001); longer ICU-stay (58 versus 13 days, p = 0.002); and higher hospital mortality (66.7% vs. 29%, p = 0.029). Conclusion: SPB is a rare but serious complication after LVAD implantation and is significantly associated with higher morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology and potential risk factors are unknown but may include coagulation disorders and frequent suctioning or empiric bronchoscopy causing airway irritation.

Background High-risk patients with multivessel disease (MVD) including a complex stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary may not be ideal candidates for guideline compliant therapy by coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) regarding invasiveness and perioperative complications. However, they may benefit from minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) grafting and hybrid revascularization (HCR). Methods A logistic European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation score (logES) >10% defined high risk. In high-risk patients with MVD undergoing MIDCAB or HCR, the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) after 30 days and during midterm follow-up was evaluated. Results Out of 1,250 patients undergoing MIDCAB at our institution between 1998 and 2015, 78 patients (logES: 18.5%; age, 76.7 ± 8.6 years) met the inclusion criteria. During the first 30 days, mortality and rate of MACCE were 9.0%; early mortality was two-fold overestimated by logES. Complete revascularization as scheduled was finally achieved in 64 patients (82.1%). Median follow-up time reached 3.4 (1.2–6.5) years with a median survival time of 4.7 years. Survival after 1, 3, and 5 years was 77, 62, and 48%. Conclusion In high-risk patients with MVD, MIDCAB is associated with acceptable early outcome which is better than predicted by logES. Taking the high-risk profile into consideration, midterm follow-up showed satisfying results, although scheduled HCR was not realized in a relevant proportion. In selected cases of MVD, MIDCAB presents an acceptable alternative for high-risk patients.

(1) Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common but under-investigated complication in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We aimed to define the incidence and clinical course, as well as the predictors of AKI in adults receiving ECMO support. (2) Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing veno-venous ECMO treatment in a tertiary care center between December 2008 and December 2017. The primary endpoint was the new occurrence of an AKI of stage 2 or 3 according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification after ECMO implantation. (3) Results: During the observation period, 103 patients underwent veno-venous ECMO implantation. In total, 59 patients (57.3%) met the primary endpoint with an AKI of stage 2 or 3 and 55 patients (53.4%) required renal replacement therapy. Patients with an AKI of 2 or 3 suffered from more bleeding and infectious complications. Whereas weaning failure from ECMO (30/59 (50.8%) vs. 15/44 (34.1%), p = 0.08) and 30-day mortality (35/59 (59.3%) vs. 17/44 (38.6%), p = 0.06) only tended to be higher in the group with an AKI of stage 2 or 3, long-term survival of up to five years was significantly lower in the group with an AKI of stage 2 or 3 (p = 0.015). High lactate, serum creatinine, and ECMO pump-speed levels, and low platelets, a low base excess, and a low hematocrit level before ECMO were independent predictors of moderate to severe AKI. Primary hypercapnic acidosis was more common in AKI non-survivors (12 (32.4%) vs. 0 (0.0%), p < 0.01). Accordingly, pCO2-levels prior to ECMO implantation tended to be higher in AKI non-survivors (76.12 ± 27.90 mmHg vs. 64.44 ± 44.31 mmHg, p = 0.08). In addition, the duration of mechanical ventilation prior to ECMO-implantation tended to be longer (91.14 ± 108.16 h vs. 75.90 ± 86.81 h, p = 0.078), while serum creatinine (180.92 ± 115.72 mmol/L vs. 124.95 ± 77.77 mmol/L, p = 0.03) and bicarbonate levels were significantly higher in non-survivors (28.22 ± 8.44 mmol/L vs. 23.36 ± 4.19 mmol/L, p = 0.04). (4) Conclusion: Two-thirds of adult patients receiving ECMO suffered from moderate to severe AKI, with a significantly increased morbidity and long-term mortality.

(1) Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication following thoracic aortic surgery (TAS), with moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA). However, prediction of AKI with classical tools remains uncertain. Therefore, it was the aim of the present study to evaluate the role of new biomarkers in patients after MHCA. (2) Methods: 101 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled. Measurements of urinary [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] and Cystatin C in the blood were performed perioperatively. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of AKI stage 2 or 3 (KDIGO-classification) within 48 h after surgery (AKI group). (3) Results: Mean age of patients was 69.1 ± 10.9 years, 35 patients were female (34%), and 13 patients (13%) met the primary endpoint. Patients in the AKI group had a prolonged ICU-stay (6.9 ± 7.4 days vs. 2.5 ± 3.1 days, p < 0.001) as well as a higher 30-day-mortality (9/28 vs. 1/74, p < 0.001). Preoperative serum creatinine (169.73 ± 148.97 μmol/L vs. 89.74 ± 30.04 μmol/L, p = 0.027) as well as Cystatin C (2.41 ± 1.54 mg/L vs. 1.13 ± 0.35 mg/L, p = 0.029) were higher in these patients. [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] increased significantly four hours after surgery (0.6 ± 0.69 mg/L vs. 0.37 ± 0.56 mg/L, p = 0.03) in the AKI group. Preoperative Cystatin C (AUC 0.828, p < 0.001) and serum creatinine (AUC 0.686, p = 0.002) as well as [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] 4 h after surgery (AUC 0.724, p = 0.020) were able to predict postoperative AKI. The predictive capacity of Cystatin C was superior to serum creatinine (p = 0.0211) (4) Conclusion: Cystatin C represents a very sensitive and specific biomarker to predict AKI in patients undergoing thoracic surgery with MHCA even before surgery, whereas the predictive capacity of [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] is only moderate and inferior to that of serum creatinine.

Introduction Acute aortic dissection Type A (AADA) is still associated with a high mortality rate and frequent postoperative complications. This study was designed to evaluate the risk factors for mortality in AADA patients. Patients and Methods This retrospective analysis included 344 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for AADA in moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (20–24°C nasopharyngeal) between 2001 and 2016. Results The 30-day mortality rate was 18%. Nonsurvivors were significantly older (65.7 ± 12.0 years vs. 62.0 ± 12.5 years; p = 0.034) with significantly higher Euro-score II [15.4% (6.6; 23.0) vs. 4.63% (2.78; 9.88); p Conclusion Our analysis suggested that the reason for mortality was multifactorial, especially age, previous cardiac surgery, CPR, transfusion, as well as postoperative AKI were considered risk factors for mortality.

OBJECTIVES Transcatheter mitral valved stent implantation provides an off-pump treatment option for mitral valve regurgitation, especially for secondary mitral valve regurgitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate novel fixation strategies: direct fixation (SUPRA) and subvalvular fixation (sub-VALV) to successfully implement alternative fixation methods at the mitral annulus and to reduce radial stent and apical tether forces. METHODS Specific concepts were developed for the supra-annular hook-shaped fixation (SUPRA) and the subvalvular fixation (sub-VALV). These prototypes were compared with the sole apical tether fixation (AP) methods. Thirty-three pigs underwent mitral valved stent implantation accompanied by standardized transoesophageal echocardiographic and haemodynamic evaluation of heart function and the stent performance 1 h after implantation. Additionally, animals were followed up for 3 months. RESULTS Secure deployment and correct positioning with low transvalvular gradients were achieved in all cases with mitral valved stent implantation. Nevertheless, 2 pigs died due to rhythm disturbances during dissection and pre-transcatheter mitral valve implantation. Paravalvular leakages were trace or less in prototypes with supra-annular fixation and sole apical fixation. In contrast, moderate paravalvular leakages were observed in the sub-VALV group (P

A functional device was developed to immediately show the localization of veins by detecting a temperature increase on the skin directly above them. Our new idea, compared to other developments, is the comparison of temperatures between a small, ideally punctiform, skin area, and a larger circularly surrounding area. This is realized by two infrared temperature sensors, one with a small field of view, and the other one with a larger field of view. The position of the vein is indicated by two laser modules, which beams cross in one spot, when the device is held in a defined distance to the skin. If the device is held over a vein, the laser spot lightens up. The device was tested in ten study participants. Cooling of the skin by disinfectant spray prior to the measurements increases the temperature gradient and thereby improves the efficiency of the device. Temperature profiles of four skin areas of each study participant were measured before and one minute after application of disinfectant spray. After application of disinfectant spray, a temperature difference of more than 0.3 K between a measuring point above a vein and points 15 mm next to this could be found in 36 out of 40 measurements (90%), compared to 26 out of 40 (65%) before disinfection. The mean temperature gradient could be increased from 0.476 K to 1.03 K (p < 0.001).

The porcine model is a commonly used animal model in cardiovascular research. Along with new innovative operative techniques, choice of the optimal imaging technique is crucial. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a reliable imaging tool is highly important in a large number of experimental evaluations. But so far, TEE data for swine are limited, and few standard values have been established for the porcine model. The experience and baseline results for TEE in 45 swine are presented in this study. A full TEE examination was conducted in 45 German landrace or German large white swine, with an average body weight of 49 ± 3 kg, before experimental off-pump mitral valved stent implantation. Additionally hemodynamic measurements were evaluated. The valve implantation procedure was guided solely by real-time 3-D TEE. Baseline values of standard echocardiographic parameters are provided and, where appropriate, compared with human reference values. TEE proved to be an adequate imaging technique in this experimental porcine animal model. The baseline TEE and hemodynamic parameters established for the widely used porcine model can serve as a reference in future studies.

Objectives: Over the last decade, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become a promising option for patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In this single-center observational cohort study, data from a patient group with severe ARDS treated with ECMO was analyzed. Methods: Data from 46 patients [median age 54 years (18 to 72), male: 65.2%] were evaluated retrospectively between January 2009 and September 2015. Results: Diagnosis leading to ARDS was pneumonia in 63.1% of the patients. The median SOFA Score was 13 (10 to 19) and the median LIS was 3.5 (2.67 to 4). The median duration of ECMO support was 12 days (1 to 86). Twenty-eight patients (60.9%) were successfully weaned from ECMO and 22 patients survived (47.8%). Non-survivors needed significantly more frequent renal replacement therapy (37.5% vs. 18.2%; pConclusion: This report suggests that ECMO currently allows treatment of severe ARDS with presumed improved survival. The incidence rate of acute kidney injury and transfusion are associated with adverse outcomes.

In this feasibility study, a novel catheter prototype for laser thrombolysis under the guidance of optical coherence tomography (OCT) was designed and evaluated in a preclinical model. Human arteries and veins were integrated into a physiological flow model and occluded with thrombi made from the Chandler Loop. There were four experimental groups: placebo, 20 mg alteplase, laser, 20 mg alteplase + laser. The extent of thrombolysis was analyzed by weighing, OCT imaging and relative thrombus size. In the alteplase group, thrombus size decreased to 0.250 ± 0.036 g (p < 0.0001) and 14.495 ± 0.526 mm2 (p < 0.0001) at 60 min. The relative thrombus size decreased to 73.6 ± 4.1% at 60 min (p < 0.0001). In the laser group, thrombus size decreased significantly to 0.145 ± 0.028 g (p < 0.0001) and 11.559 ± 1.034 mm2 (p < 0.0001). In the alteplase + laser group, thrombus size decreased significantly (0.051 ± 0.026 g; p < 0.0001; 9.622 ± 0.582 mm2; p < 0.0001; 47.4 ± 6.1%; p < 0.0001) in contrast to sole alteplase and laser application. The reproducibility and accuracy of the OCT imaging was high (SD

Background Acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) is one of the most life-threatening situations and surgical demanding procedures even today. Usually AADA develops spontaneously, but it can be related also to interventional procedures. Methods We analyzed the data of 14 patients surgically treated in our institution with catheter-induced AADA (ciAADA) during coronary angiography between January 2004 and December 2014. Data were compared with overall AADA patients in this time period (n = 288). Results Nine of the 14 patients were female. Subjects were significantly older compared to the AADA patients (69 ± 11 vs. 62 ± 11; p = 0.021). At admission, ciAADA patients were more often hemodynamically instable and mechanically ventilated. Twelve patients underwent replacement of the ascending aorta and two patients received a modified Bentall operation. Cardiopulmonary bypass time (210 ± 92 vs. 172 ± 51 min) and cross-clamp time (122 ± 63 vs. 92 ± 40 min) were significantly longer due to additional coronary artery bypass grafts in 71.4 versus 3.1% due to myocardial ischemia. Operative mortality (7.1 vs. 2.1%, p = 0.29) and 30-day mortality (50.0 vs. 10.7%, p Conclusion Coronary angiography–induced AADA is a rare but severe complication. Due to additional myocardial ischemia and preoperative hemodynamic instability, patients with ciAADA have adverse outcome compared to overall AADA patients.

Background Historically, female patients had worse outcome undergoing heart surgery. No recent data exist on gender-specific outcome after moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA). The aim of this large retrospective analysis was to investigate gender disparity in patients undergoing elective surgery of ascending aorta in MHCA at 24°C. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 905 (33.3% female) cases of elective heart surgery in MHCA for ascending aortic aneurysm (90.9%) or severely calcified aorta (12.5%) between 2001 and 2015. Furthermore, 299 female and 299 male patients matched by propensity score were compared. Patients with dissection of the aorta were excluded. Results Women were older (68.4 ± 9.9 vs. 65.8 ± 11.6 years; p = 0.002), had higher logistic EuroSCORE I (18.4 [11.7; 29.2] vs. 12.3% [7.4; 22.6]; p Conclusion This study supports the hypothesis that female gender is not associated with increased short-term mortality or perioperative adverse events in elective aortic surgery in MHCA.

Background Incidentally discovered severe calcified ascending aorta (CAA) is a major challenge faced by surgeons during cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome in patients undergoing cardiac surgery in this condition with the additional replacement of the CAA. Methods A retrospective study on a cohort of 74 patients (28.4% females; mean age: 73 ± 7 years) underwent cardiac surgery and initial replacement of an incidentally discovered CAA using moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest. A control group was matched according to age, gender, and procedure. Results No significant differences were noted with regard to preoperative risk factors. Due to the additional replacement of CAA, the extracorporeal circulation and cross-clamping time were significantly longer in the study group (p Conclusion Our study showed that the initial replacement of incidental CAA in patients undergoing cardiac surgery was not associated with increased risks for neurologic adverse events and mortality.

Background In 1997, a modified right atrial anastomosis (cavoatrial technique) for orthotopic heart transplantation (oHTx) was first developed in our institution. The purpose of this study is to report our long-term experience with this technique compared with biatrial and bicaval technique. Methods Retrospectively, 202 consecutive oHTx between 1997 and 2013 were analyzed. The applied transplantation techniques were biatrial (n = 108), bicaval (n = 22), and cavoatrial (n = 72). Results Demographic data were similar in all groups. The cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp time were significantly shorter in the biatrial group. Follow-up echocardiographic examination showed excellent results in all groups with no relevant differences. After 1 year, occurrence of severe tricuspid regurgitation (biatrial 1.9% vs bicaval 0.0% vs cavoatrial 1.4%) was low in all groups. Rate of permanent pacemaker implantations was also low (12.0% vs 5.0% vs 11.1%). There were no significant differences in survival between the groups. Conclusion The cavoatrial technique can be a safe and simple alternative for heart transplantation. Easy handling and similar reduced postoperative complications encourage the use of this technique.

Background Increasing life expectancy makes cardiac surgery in octogenarians not very uncommon. In this study, the impact of gender on outcome of octogenarians after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was assessed. Materials and Methods We retrospectively studied 485 octogenarians (176 females: mean age 82.4 ± 2.2 years vs. 306 males: mean age 82.2 ± 2.4 years) who underwent isolated CABG using extracorporeal circulation between January 2005 and December 2012. Results No significant differences were noted between both gender groups with regard to preoperative risk factors. At baseline, the groups differed significantly with respect to mean logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) (women: 22.3 ± 17.4% vs. men: 17.5 ± 13.3%; p Conclusion Outcome of octogenarians after CABG resulted in acceptable mortality. Female gender was not associated with increased risks for morbidity and mortality after surgery. Satisfactory outcomes encourage the offering of surgery in octogenarians.

Recurrent thrombotic occlusions are one major problem in patients with thrombosis of the inferior vena cava. Due to this, we report a new surgical strategy for the construction of aorto-caval (mesenteric-caval) fistula in a patient with homozygous Antithrombin III (ATIII)-Deficiency. The patient survived postoperatively and only surgical complications grade I and II (Clavien-Dindo classification) were reported after short-term and one year follow-up. After one year, the CT-angiography did not show any caval thrombosis or stenosis and no restriction or occlusion of the fistula. Thus, the mesenteric-caval fistula could be safely performed and resulted in a satisfactory patency.

Background Patients receiving arterial grafts have superior late survival after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The aim of our study was to evaluate the mid- and long-term results of total arterial (TA) revascularization in the elderly. Methods Between January 2005 and December 2012, a retrospective study on age-, gender-, and EuroSCORE-matched patients aged 70 years and older was performed. Altogether, 356 patients who received isolated CABG were assigned to either TA group or control (CON) group. Results No significant differences were noted in regard to preoperative risk factors. The number of distal anastomoses was significantly higher in the CON group (3.6 ± 0.6 vs. 2.9 ± 0.8; p Conclusion This study suggests that TA revascularization is an effective procedure. Lower rates of late cardiac events encourage the use of this concept for the elderly.

Objectives Unilateral pulmonary oedema (UPE) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication that has been described after minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MICS). Over the last 8 years, we have witnessed, in our institution, several cases of severe UPE requiring immediate postoperative extracorporeal life support after MICS. Reviewing the available literature, data regarding this complication after MICS are rare. Consequently, we decided to retrospectively analyse patients scheduled for MICS in our institution. Methods After approval by our institutional review board, 256 MICS patients were analysed. As a primary end-point, we defined a newly developed UPE, radiographically evident within the first 24 h postoperatively. Secondary end-points were length of stay in the intensive care unit, length of stay in the hospital and in-hospital mortality. Chest radiographs were analysed by an independent consultant of radiology. Results Fifty-one (19.9%) patients showed increased right-sided pulmonary vascular congestion in the 1st postoperative chest radiography performed in the intensive care unit. Five (1.95%) patients immediately required extracorporeal life support after admission to the intensive care unit. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was significantly longer in the UPE group [UPE vs non-UPE 213 (49) vs 196 (43) min; P = 0.013]. More patients with UPE showed a preoperative increase of C-reactive protein >0.4265 mg/dl (P = 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified a preoperative increase in C-reactive protein >0.4265 mg/dl as well as a prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (odds ratio 1.009, 95% confidence level 1.002-1.016; P = 0.014) independent risk factors, significantly associated with the development of UPE (odds ratio 2.583, 95% confidence interval 1.275-5.233; P = 0.008), a prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (odds ratio 1.009, 95% confidence interval 1.002-1.016; P = 0.014). The presence of pulmonary hypertension (odds ratio 0.273, 95% confidence interval 0.08-0.84; P = 0.02) seemed to be a protective factor regarding the genesis of UPE. Conclusions In accordance with the rarely available literature regarding UPE after MICS, our analysis led us to hypothesize the possibility of an inflammatory disposition for UPE. The role of pulmonary hypertension remains unclear in our patient population. Clinical trials number NCT02655094.

In this case report, the value of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for guidance and assessment of orthotopic tricuspid valved stent implantation in the beating heart is assessed in four pigs. A full two-dimensional TEE evaluation of standardized parameters was conducted. Three-dimensional TEE provided dependable imaging of anatomical structures of the right side of the heart, the delivery system, and the valved stent, allowing easier orientation and more accurate views for the surgical team. Although visualization of the tricuspid valve in the porcine model is challenging, it contributed highly to the successful implantation of the tricuspid valved stent.

AIMS In this study two designs of a self-expanding valved stent were compared after off-pump implantation into the mitral valve to identify the superior one. METHODS AND RESULTS Two designs of a mitral valved stent were tested. The first design is composed of a circular atrial element connected to a tube-shaped ventricular element. In the second design, the atrial element is D-shaped to achieve better anatomical alignment. Prior to in vivo testing, the area with the highest risk of PVL was identified in a hydrostatic in vitro set-up. Subsequently, eight pigs received stents (circular, n=5; D-shaped, n=3) via apical access in the beating heart. Positioning and haemodynamics were evaluated by TEE and invasive pressure measurement pre-implantation, after 1 hr, and at two and four weeks. In vitro testing showed less PVL in the anteromedial region in D-shaped design stents (p

Objective. Today, there exist several different pulse contour algorithms for calculation of cardiac output (CO). The aim of the present study was to compare the accuracy of nine different pulse contour algorithms with transpulmonary thermodilution before and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods. Thirty patients scheduled for elective coronary surgery were studied before and after CPB. A passive leg raising maneuver was also performed. Measurements included CO obtained by transpulmonary thermodilution (COTPTD) and by nine pulse contour algorithms (COX1–9). Calibration of pulse contour algorithms was performed by esophageal Doppler ultrasound after induction of anesthesia and 15 min after CPB. Correlations, Bland-Altman analysis, four-quadrant, and polar analysis were also calculated. Results. There was only a poor correlation between COTPTD and COX1–9 during passive leg raising and in the period before and after CPB. Percentage error exceeded the required 30% limit. Four-quadrant and polar analysis revealed poor trending ability for most algorithms before and after CPB. The Liljestrand-Zander algorithm revealed the best reliability. Conclusions. Estimation of CO by nine different pulse contour algorithms revealed poor accuracy compared with transpulmonary thermodilution. Furthermore, the less-invasive algorithms showed an insufficient capability for trending hemodynamic changes before and after CPB. The Liljestrand-Zander algorithm demonstrated the highest reliability. This trial is registered with NCT02438228 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

The persistent global shortage of organ donors is still a major limitation for transplantation. Experiences of heart transplantation from donors with extracorporeal support are rare. Here, we report from two cases of donors who were supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to acute circulatory failure. In both cases, the direct postoperative course was uneventful and free from major complications. The patients were discharged to a rehabilitation clinic. Our experience suggests that the use of heart organ from carefully selected donors with extracorporeal support is possible and may lead to an excellent outcome.

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is nowadays a routine therapy for patients with advanced heart failure. We present the case of a 74-year-old male patient who was admitted to our center with terminal heart failure in dilated cardiomyopathy and ascending aortic aneurysm with aortic valve regurgitation. The LVAD implantation with simultaneous aortic valve and supracoronary ascending aortic replacement was successfully performed.

A case of a 15-year-old female patient with acute heart failure due to non-compaction cardiomyopathy and hereditary anaemia (hereditary spherocytic elliptocytosis) requiring ventricular assist device implantation as a bridge to transplantation is presented. The possible effects of mechanical stress on erythrocytes potentially induced by mechanical circulatory support remains unclear, but it may lead to haemolytic crisis in patients suffering from hereditary anaemia. In our case, ventricular assist device therapy was feasible, and haematological complications did not occur within 6 weeks of bridging our patient to heart transplantation.

Objectives Cardiac arrest (CA) in patients with acute myocardial infarction is associated with a poor prognosis. Due to the additional trauma, risk of stroke and lack of data, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a controversial revascularization strategy for patients who cannot be treated percutaneously. Against this background, we investigated the outcome of patients from our department with acute myocardial infarction undergoing CABG after CA. Methods Between January 2001 and January 2015, 129 patients with preoperative CA due to acute myocardial infarction underwent CABG at our institution within 48 h after the CA had occurred. Predictors of in-hospital and long-term mortality were analysed. Neurological outcome according to cerebral performance category scale was investigated. Results Sixty CA (47%) events occurred out-of-hospital. Ventricular fibrillation was the major underlying arrhythmia ( n = 92, 71%). The mean age was 65 ± 10 years. Eighty-four patients (65%) were diagnosed with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and 108 patients (84%) had 3-vessel coronary artery disease. Forty-three cases (33%) underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. The median time to CABG was 4 (range 0.2-4) h. Complete revascularization was achieved in 106 patients (83%). The stroke rate was 9% ( n = 11) and hypoxic brain damage occurred in 16 patients (12%). Nine subjects (7%) needed extracorporeal life support. Four intraoperative deaths (3%) occurred; the 30-day mortality rate was 23% ( n = 30); the mortality rate during follow-up was 30% ( n = 27). A total of 79% ( n = 70) of patients discharged alive showed good neurological outcome according to the cerebral performance category scale. Conclusions Despite the reluctance to expose patients with CA to early CABG, our data indicate that the operative strategy may not be as unfavourable as suspected.

OBJECTIVES A large cohort of patients suffering from severe mitral regurgitation does not meet the indications for conventional surgery and would greatly benefit from a transcatheter approach in the beating heart. Consequently, off-pump transcatheter mitral valve procedures have been the focus of recent research. The aim of this study was the in vivo evaluation and comparison of subannular versus apical fixation of mitral valved stents to show the feasibility of subannular anchorage. METHODS Twenty-two pigs received a self-expanding valved stent in the mitral position in an off-pump procedure. The first design (design AP: n = 12) was anchored apically and served as the control group. The second design (design SA: n = 10) included additional sub-annular fixation elements. Echocardiographic and haemodynamic evaluations were conducted before and 1 h after stent implantation. RESULTS Haemodynamic stability was achieved, and the capillary wedge pressure was within a normal range (AP: 11 ± 4 mmHg, SA: 9 ± 4 mmHg). Paravalvular leakages were trace or less in 19 of 20 cases. The mean gradients across the valved stent increased (P ≤ 0.014) but remained within a physiological range in both groups (AP: 1.2 ± 0.6 mmHg, SA: 2.6 ± 2.0 mmHg). The longitudinal heart function remained within a physiological normal range (AP: 0.95 ± 0.1 cm, SA: 0.95 ± 0.1 cm) but was reduced in group SA. The ejection fraction decreased after stent implantation (AP: 52 ± 10%, SA: 48 ± 4%). The mean survival time was higher in group AP compared with group SA. CONCLUSIONS The proof-of-principle for the subannular fixation was shown with haemodynamic stability, low gradients and physiological longitudinal function. A decreased ejection fraction, survival time and fractures identify potential areas for improvement. With regard to the long-term outcome, the group with subannular fixation did not reach the results of the group with apical fixation in this study.

Organ shortage unavoidably leads to shifting strategies in modern transplantation medicine. Experiences with specific comorbidities in terms of organ transplantation therefore have to be made. We report a case of a 51-year-old male patient with successful orthotopic heart transplantation from a donor with granulomatosis with polyangiitis. After a good recovery, the patient was discharged to rehabilitation 2 months after transplantation.