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A 70-year-old man with dilated cardiomyopathy underwent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, using a HeartWare ventricular assist device, as a bridge to candidacy. After 26 months, computed tomography (CT) angiography indicated stenosis in the LVAD outflow graft; however, the patient was asymptomatic, prompting a decision to manage his condition with close monitoring. Ten months later, the patient presented with dizziness and low-flow alerts. Subsequent CT angiography revealed a critical obstruction involving the entire LVAD outflow graft. The patient underwent emergency surgery, during which an organized seroma causing the graft obstruction was found between a wrapped expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft and a Dacron outflow graft. The covering of the outflow graft was removed, along with the organized seroma. Following removal of the ePTFE wrap and decompression of the outflow graft, normal LVAD flow was reestablished. The practice of wrapping the outflow graft with synthetic material, commonly done to facilitate later redo sternotomy, may pose a risk for outflow graft obstruction.

The HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD) was widely used for mechanical circulatory support in patients with end-stage heart failure. However, there have been reports of a critical issue with HVAD pumps failing to restart, or experiencing delays in restarting, after being stopped. This case report describes 2 instances of HVAD failure-to-restart during heart transplantation surgery and routine outpatient care. Despite multiple attempts to restart the pump using various controllers and extensions, the HVAD failed to restart, triggering a hazard alarm for pump stoppage. In one case, the patient survived after receiving a heart transplantation, while in the other, the patient died immediately following the controller exchange. These cases highlight the rare but life-threatening complication of HVAD failure-to-restart, underscoring the importance of awareness among clinicians, patients, and caregivers, and adherence to the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for HVAD management.

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the influence of early diagnosis (ED) on surgical outcomes in patients definitively diagnosed with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS).MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on 38 patients with LDS who underwent aortic surgery at our institution between January 1995 and June 2022. The primary endpoint was freedom from aortic reoperation.ResultsAmong the patients, the median age at the initial surgery was 33 (range: 39–44) years, and 23 (60.5%) patients were male. Twenty-one (55.3%; aortic dissection or rupture (n = 2) and aneurysm (n = 19)) patients were diagnosed with LDS before the initial surgery (ED group). Meanwhile, the remaining 17 (44.7%; aortic dissection or rupture (n = 13) and aneurysm (n = 4)) patients were after surgery [delayed diagnosis (DD) group]. The ED group had significantly lower rates of emergency surgery and concomitant arch procedure (P

Background: Pericardial effusion (PE) is a serious condition in cancer patients, primarily arising from malignant dissemination. Pericardial window formation is a surgical intervention for refractory PE. However, the long-term outcomes and factors associated with postoperative survival remain unclear. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 166 oncology patients who underwent pericardial window formation at Samsung Medical Center between 2011 and 2023. We analyzed survival and PE recurrence regarding surgical approach, cancer type, and cytopathological findings. To identify factors associated with survival, we utilized Cox proportional- hazards regression. Results: All patients had tumors documented in accordance with the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging manual, including lung (61.4%), breast (9.6%), gastrointestinal (9.0%), hematologic (3.6%), and other cancers (16.4%). Surgical approaches included mini-thoracotomy (67.5%) and thoracoscopy (32.5%). Postsurgical cytopathology confirmed malignancy in 94 cases (56.6%). Over a median follow-up duration of 50.0 months, 142 deaths and 16 PE recurrences occurred. The 1-year overall and PE recurrence-free survival rates were 31.4% and 28.6%, respectively. One-year survival rates were significantly higher for thoracoscopy recipients (43.7% vs. 25.6%, p=0.031) and patients with negative cytopathology results (45.1% vs. 20.6%, p

Background: Complete surgical excision is the only curative treatment for primary cardiac tumors. For wide excision, interatrial septal reconstruction (ISR) is commonly performed. We hypothesized that ISR may increase the risk of postoperative atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) after surgical resection of cardiac myxoma. Methods: After excluding patients with a history of cardiac surgery and concomitant procedures unrelated to tumor resection and those with AT or permanent pacemakers, we finally enrolled 272 adult patients who underwent benign cardiac tumor surgery from 1995 to 2021 at our institution. They were divided into the ISR (n=184) and non-ISR (n=88) groups. The primary outcome was postoperative new-onset AT. Results: The study cohort predominantly consisted of women (66.2%), with a mean age of 57.2±13.6 years. The incidence of postoperative new-onset AT was 15.4%. No 30- day mortality or recurrence was observed. The cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamping time were significantly longer in the ISR group than in the non-ISR group (p

Background: The survival benefit of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using the bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITA) is well known; however, the role of BITA in concomitant aortic valve replacement (AVR) and CABG has not been studied. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent concomitant AVR and CABG. Cases not using an internal thoracic artery and less than 2 bypass grafts were excluded. We enrolled 114 patients in this study. The mean follow-up duration was 61.5±43.5 months. Results: Forty patients (35.1%) underwent CABG with a single internal thoracic artery (SITA) and 74 patients (64.9%) underwent CABG with BITA. The preoperative clinical characteristics were not significantly different between the 2 groups, with the exception of a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the SITA group. Postoperative mortality and morbidity were not significantly higher in the BITA group than in the SITA group. In the univariable analysis, the survival of the BITA group was similar to that of the SITA group (p=0.157). Multivariable analysis showed that only mean age was a predictor of death (p=0.042), but using BITA was not an independent predictor (p=0.094). In low-risk patients whose preoperative ejection fraction was >45%, the survival of the BITA group was significantly better than that of the SITA group (p=0.043). Conclusion: BITA use in concomitant AVR and CABG showed no difference in mortality compared to using SITA. Although its impact on long-term survival was inconclusive, BITA use can be considered for low-risk patients.

Median sternotomy is a standard surgical technique used for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. However, if sternotomy has a prohibitive surgical risk, LVAD implantation can be performed through only left thoracotomy. We managed a patient with endstage heart failure who had recently undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) elsewhere. The patient also had a deep sternal wound infection and bacteremia. Because of refractory cardiogenic shock, we performed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). After multiple mediastinal washouts and omental flap placement, ECMO was converted to extracorporeal LVAD (from the left ventricular apex to the descending aorta) through a left thoracotomy. The extracorporeal LVAD was maintained for 18 days and replaced by the HeartMate 3 LVAD. The patient was discharged in good condition 115 days after CABG.

Abstract Aims Tricuspid valve (TV) surgery for functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is becoming more common, but the associated mortality remains high. Therefore, we evaluated the clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with all‐cause mortality in patients with severe functional TR who underwent TV surgery. Methods and results A total of 286 patients with severe functional TR who underwent TV replacement or repair was analysed between January 2006 and December 2017. We assessed changes in conventional echocardiographic parameters and strain, such as peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS). During a median follow‐up period of 5.3 years, 71 (24.8%) patients died due to any cause. When comparing groups with and without all‐cause deaths, there were no significant differences in terms of sex, co‐morbidities, medication use, and surgery type. However, patients who died were older and more likely to have refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). With multivariate Cox modelling, age >65 years (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.81, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59–4.96; P

Background: In this study, we present recent trends in heart valve surgery in Korea through analyses of data from the Korea Heart Valve Surgery Registry (KHVSR). Methods: We enrolled 8,981 patients who were registered in the KHVSR from 2017 to 2020. Yearly trends in patients’ baseline characteristics, surgical profiles, and early mortality rates were explored. The observed/expected mortality ratio (O/E ratio), calculated from the actual mortality in the KHVSR and the predicted mortality estimated using the EuroSCORE II, was also analyzed. Results: The proportion of aortic valve surgery significantly increased from 56.8% in 2017 to 60.3% in 2020. The proportion of all combined procedures and minimally invasive surgery significantly increased over the 4-year study period. The operative mortality rate was 2.9% in the entire cohort, while mitral valve repair showed the lowest mortality risk (0.9%). The mortality rates of isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) significantly decreased from 2.1% in 2017 to 0.8% in 2020 (p=0.016). Overall, the O/E ratio was 0.784 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.677–0.902) demonstrating significantly lower actual mortality risks than expected based on the EuroSCORE II. In particular, the O/E ratios were as low as 0.364 (95% CI, 0.208–0.591) for isolated AVR. Conclusion: The recent data from the KHVSR showed increasing trends for complex procedures and minimally invasive surgery in heart valve surgery in Korea, and demonstrated remarkably low risks of operative mortality.

Objectives We evaluated the impact of sex on mid-term prognosis in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Data on gender differences in current management or clinical outcomes after CABG are controversial, and there have been limited data focusing on them. Methods This was a retrospective and prospective, single-center, observational study. Between January 2001 and December 2017, 6613 patients who underwent CABG were enrolled from an institutional registry of Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03870815) and divided into two groups according to sex (female group, n = 1679 vs. male group, n = 4934). The primary outcome was cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction (MI) at 5 years. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to reduce confounding factors. Results During a mean follow-up duration of 54 months, a total of 252 cardiovascular death or MIs occurred (female, 78 [7.5%] vs. male, 174 [5.7%]). Multivariate analysis revealed no significant difference in the incidence of cardiovascular death or MI at 5 years between female and male groups (hazard ratio [HR] 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78 to 1.41; p = 0.735). After propensity score matching, the incidence of cardiovascular death or MI was still similar between the two groups (HR 1.08; 95% CI 0.76 to 1.54; p = 0.666). The similarity of long-term outcomes between the two groups was consistent across various subgroups. There was also no significant difference in the risk of 5-year cardiovascular death or MI between males and females according to age (pre- and postmenopausal status) (p for interaction = 0.437). Conclusions After adjusting for baseline differences, sex does not appear to influence long-term risk of cardiovascular death or MI in patients undergoing CABG. Clinical trials.gov number NCT03870815.

A 55-year-old woman who had received an implantable left ventricular assist device 3 months earlier presented with dyspnea and a low-flow alarm of the device. Computed tomography and log-file analysis of the device system suggested inflow cannula obstruction. Since the patient had cardiogenic shock due to pump failure, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was initiated. With ECMO, surgical exchange of the pump was considered. However, the obstruction spontaneously resolved without surgical intervention. It turned out that an obstructive thrombus was washed out by rebooting the pump. Moreover, the thrombus was embolized in the patient’s left subclavian artery. The patient underwent heart transplantation 4 months after the pump obstruction accident and continued to do well.

ObjectiveThis study aims to analyze cardiac and renal outcomes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with multi-vessel disease who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Materials and methodsChronic kidney disease patients with multi-vessel disease who underwent CABG or PCI were retrospectively selected from our database and divided into the PCI group [further stratified into PCI with complete revascularization (PCI-CR) and PCI with incomplete revascularization (PCI-IR) groups] and the CABG group. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke at 5 years. The key secondary endpoint was the 5-year rate of the renal composite outcome, defined as >40% glomerular filtration rate decrease, initiation of dialysis, and/or kidney transplant. Outcomes were compared using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, and the results were further adjusted by multivariable analyses and inverse probability weighting.ResultsAmong the study population (n = 798), 443 (55.5%) patients received CABG and 355 (44.5%) patients received PCI. Compared with the CABG group, the PCI group had similar risk of the primary endpoint (CABG vs. PCI, 19.3% vs. 24.0%, HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 0.95–1.73, p = 0.11) and a lower risk of the renal composite outcome (36.6% vs. 31.2%, HR: 0.74, 95% CI 0.58–0.94, p = 0.03). In addition, PCI-IR was associated with a significantly higher risk of the primary endpoint than CABG (HR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.11–2.13, p = 0.009) or PCI-CR (HR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.09–2.89, p = 0.02). However, PCI-CR had a comparable 5-year death, MI, or stroke rate to CABG (HR: 0.86, 95% CI 0.54–1.38, p = 0.54).ConclusionCoronary artery bypass grafting showed an incidence of death, MI, or stroke similar to PCI but was associated with a higher risk of renal injury. PCI-CR had a prognosis comparable with that of CABG, while PCI-IR had worse prognosis. If PCI is chosen for revascularization in patients with CKD, achieving CR should be attempted to ensure favorable outcomes.Clinical trial registration[clinicaltrials.gov], identifier [NCT 03870815].

BackgroundMycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a prodrug of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and a key immunosuppressant for improving graft survival in patients with heart transplantation (HTx). However, dose reduction or interruption is occasionally needed due to gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. Enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) is an alternative form of MPA delivery to improve GI tolerability. In the present study, the efficacy of EC-MPS compared with MMF in HTx patients was investigated.MethodsIn this retrospective study, the Korean Organ Transplant Registry (KOTRY) data were used to analyze the efficacy and rejection rate of MMF and EC-MPS. A total of 611 patients was enrolled from 2014 to February of 2021. Patients were divided based on the use of MMF or EC-MPS at 6 months post-HTx. Patients who were not prescribed MMF or EC-MPS were excluded. Graft survival, all-cause mortality, and treated rejection were compared between the two groups. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS; characteristics were compared using Pearson chi-square test and survival rate with Kaplan-Meier plot and log-rank test.ResultsA total of 510 HTx patients was analyzed (mean age: 51.74 ± 13.16 years, males: 68.2%). At 6 months after HTx, 78 patients were taking EC-MPA (12.8%) and 432 patients were taking MMF (70.7%). The median follow-up was 42.0 months (IQR: 21.7–61.0 months). Post-HTx outcomes including overall survival, all cause mortality, acute cell mediated rejection (ACR), acute antibody mediated rejection (AMR), treated rejection, and cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) were comparable between the two groups during follow-up.ConclusionNotable differences were not observed in overall survival, all cause mortality, ACR, AMR, treated rejection, and CAV between MMF and EC-MPS groups. Efficacy of EC-MPS was similar to that of MMF in HTx patients during mid-term follow up after HTx.

Abstract Renal dysfunction is considered as a relative contraindication for heart transplantation (HTx). However, in the real world setting, many patients with advanced heart failure (HF) experience worsening of renal function and some even require renal replacement therapy (RRT) by the time they undergo HTx. We aimed to investigate the prognosis and clinical outcomes of HTx patients who required RRT during the perioperative period. The Korean Organ Transplant Registry (KOTRY) is a nationwide organ transplant registry in Korea. A total of 501 HTx patients had been prospectively enrolled in the KOTRY registry during 2014–2018. Among the 501 patients, 13 underwent combined heart and kidney transplantation (HKTx). The 488 patients who underwent isolated HTx were grouped according to their pre- and postoperative RRT status. The primary outcome was progression to dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease (ESRD) after HTx. The secondary outcome was all-cause mortality after HTx. The median follow-up was 22 months (9–39 months). Patients who needed preoperative RRT but were free from postoperative RRT showed comparable overall survival and renal outcome to patients who were free from both pre- and postoperative RRT. In multivariable analysis, preoperative RRT was not associated with progression to ESRD or all-cause mortality after HTx; however, postoperative RRT was a significant predictor for both progression to ESRD and all-cause mortality after HTx. Preoperative creatinine or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were not predictive of progression to ESRD after HTx. The present analysis suggests that preoperative RRT requirement does not indicate irreversible renal dysfunction in patients waiting for HTx. However, postoperative RRT was associated with progression to ESRD and mortality after HTx.

Background: This study aimed to develop a new risk prediction model for operative mortality in a Korean cohort undergoing heart valve surgery using the Korea Heart Valve Surgery Registry (KHVSR) database. Methods: We analyzed data from 4,742 patients registered in the KHVSR who underwent heart valve surgery at 9 institutions between 2017 and 2018. A risk prediction model was developed for operative mortality, defined as death within 30 days after surgery or during the same hospitalization. A statistical model was generated with a scoring system by multiple logistic regression analyses. The performance of the model was evaluated by its discrimination and calibration abilities. Results: Operative mortality occurred in 142 patients. The final regression models identified 13 risk variables. The risk prediction model showed good discrimination, with a c-statistic of 0.805 and calibration with Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit p-value of 0.630. The risk scores ranged from -1 to 15, and were associated with an increase in predicted mortality. The predicted mortality across the risk scores ranged from 0.3% to 80.6%. Conclusion: This risk prediction model using a scoring system specific to heart valve surgery was developed from the KHVSR database. The risk prediction model showed that operative mortality could be predicted well in a Korean cohort.

Background: The number of heart transplantations (HTx) is increasing annually. Due to advances in medical and surgical support, the outcomes of HTx are also improving. Extracorporeal circulatory life support (ECLS) provides patients with decompensated heart failure a chance to undergo HTx. A medical approach involving collaboration among experienced experts in different fields should improve the outcomes and prognosis of ECLSbridged HTx. Methods: From December 2003 to December 2018, 1,465 patients received ECLS at Samsung Medical Center. We excluded patients who had not undergone HTx or underwent repeated transplantations. Patients younger than 18 years were excluded. We also excluded patients who received an implantable durable left ventricular assist device before HTx. In total, 91 patients were included in this study. A multidisciplinary team approach began in March 2013 at our hospital. We divided the patients into 2 groups depending on whether they were treated before or after implementation of the team approach. Results: The 30-day mortality rate was significantly higher in the pre-ECLS team group than in the post-ECLS team group (n=5, 18.5% vs. n=2, 3.1%; p=0.023). The 1-year survival rate was better in the post-ECLS team group than in the pre-ECLS team group (n=57, 89.1% vs. n=19, 70.4%; p=0.023). Conclusion: We found that implementing a multidisciplinary team approach improved the outcomes of ECLS-bridged HTx. Team-based care should be adapted at HTx centers that perform high-risk HTx.

Background: Although extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is generally performed percutaneously, the technology is deployed under sedation and necessitates endotracheal intubation. However, in some patients, the use of venoarterial (VA) ECMO without intubation may be beneficial. Herein, we describe our experiences with VA ECMO performed without prior endotracheal intubation. Methods: A total of 783 patients treated with VA ECMO at a single center between January 2013 and July 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. We included patients who underwent successful VA ECMO implementation without prior endotracheal intubation, and excluded those who were younger than 18 years, had ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation status, and had poor quality of the vessels needed for percutaneous cannulation. The primary study outcome was in-hospital survival. Results: In total, 50 patients were included in this study, 94% of whom showed cardiogenic shock. The mean age of the study participants was 56.3±14.5 years. The median VA ECMO support time was 7 days (range, 2–13 days). Twenty-one patients (42%) did not receive ventilator care during the VA ECMO support period, while 29 patients (58%) progressed to intubation after VA ECMO implementation. The rates of survival at discharge and weaning success were 82% (n=41) and 92% (n=46), respectively, and 80% (n=40) of patients presented good Glasgow–Pittsburgh Cerebral Performance Categories scores at discharge. Conclusion: Even in patients with cardiogenic shock, percutaneous VA ECMO can be introduced safely without prior endotracheal intubation by an experienced care team. The application of nonintubated VA ECMO might be a feasible strategy in selected cases.

Abstract Although extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly utilized, only a limited level of experience has been reported in postpartum cardiopulmonary failure. Ten critically ill postpartum patients who received ECMO were included between January 2010 and December 2018 in this retrospective observational study. The main indication for ECMO support was peripartum cardiomyopathy (n = 5), followed by postpartum hemorrhage (n = 2). Nine patients initially received veno-arterial ECMO, and one patient received veno-venous ECMO. Major bleeding occurred in six patients. The median number of units of red blood cells (RBC) transfused during ECMO was 14.5 units (interquartile range 6.8–37.8 units), and most RBC transfusions occurred on the first day of ECMO. The survival-to-discharge rate was 80%. Compared to the survival outcomes in female patients of similar age who received ECMO, the survival outcomes were significantly better in the study population (56% versus 80%, P = 0.0004). Despite the high risk of major bleeding, ECMO for patients with postpartum cardiac or respiratory failure showed excellent survival outcomes. ECMO is feasible in these patients and can be carried out with good outcomes in an experienced centre.

A 59-year-old man presented for possible durable ventricular assist device (VAD) implan-tation. He had previously been diagnosed with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, a ventricular septal defect, an atrial septal defect, pulmonary valve stenosis, and aortic valve regurgitation. In the previous 22 years, he had undergone palliative cardi-ac surgery 3 times. VAD implantation as a bridge to transplantation was planned. Owing to severe adhesions, mesocardia, a left ascending aorta, and moderate aortic regurgitation, we performed VAD implantation and aortic valve closure via a dual left thoracotomy and partial sternotomy.

Abstract Background Limited data are available on the impact of a specialized extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) team on clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS). This study evaluated whether specialized ECMO team is associated with improved in-hospital mortality in AMI patients undergoing veno-arterial (VA) ECMO. Methods A total of 255 AMI patients who underwent VA-ECMO were included. In January 2014, a multidisciplinary ECMO team was founded at our institution. Eligible patients were classified into a pre-ECMO team group (n = 131) and a post-ECMO team group (n = 124). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Results In-hospital mortality (pre-ECMO team vs. post-ECMO team, 54.2% vs. 33.9%; p = 0.002) and cardiac intensive care unit mortality (pre-ECMO team vs. post-ECMO team, 51.9% vs. 30.6%; p = 0.001) were significantly lower after the implementation of a multidisciplinary ECMO team. On multivariable logistic regression model, implementation of the multidisciplinary ECMO team was associated with reduction of in-hospital mortality [odds ratio: 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20–0.67; p = 0.001]. Incidence of all-cause mortality [58.3% vs. 35.2%; hazard ratio (HR): 0.49, 95% CI 0.34–0.72; p

Purpose There are few reports about oncological outcomes of single-port (SP) video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy, represented by overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and adequacy of lymph node retrieval. We designed this study to analyze the oncological outcomes of SP versus multi-port (MP) VATS lobectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods From January 2012 to February 2014, 243 consecutive patients undergoing VATS lobectomy for NSCLC were enrolled. Intention-to-treat analysis with propensity score matching was conducted to compare the oncological outcomes between SP and MP VATS lobectomy for NSCLC. Results Seventy-three patients underwent SP VATS lobectomy, and 154 patients underwent conventional MP VATS lobectomy. Propensity score matching created 63 patients in each group. The median follow-up was 65.8 and 72.5 months in the SP and MP VATS groups, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the number of resected lymph nodes (14.6 vs. 16.1, P= 0.329), number of resected mediastinal lymph node stations (2.3 vs. 2.5, P= 0.091), and postoperative complications. The OS at 5 years was 89.9% and 86.9% in the SP and MP VATS groups, respectively (log-rank test, P= 0.344). The DFS at 5 years was 75.1% and 75.7% in the SP and MP VATS groups, respectively (log-rank test, P= 0.899). Conclusion There were no significant differences in oncological outcomes of SP VATS lobectomy for NSCLC and those of MP VATS lobectomy.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA), is a rare disease that may occur not only secondary to congenital or systemic diseases, but can also be related to acquired diseases such as aortic dissection, infection, and trauma. We report a rare case of SVA that presented as fever. We made a fairly accurate diagnosis that aneurysmal perforation into the right ventricle from complicated infective endocarditis using multimodality imaging tools, including transthoracic, transesophageal echocardiography and computed tomography. With regard to the cause of SVA, there were no associated findings of congenital or systemic diseases. However, we have noticed that the patient had a critical motorcycle accident 4 years ago. Based on the medical records and images at that time, we could estimate that the blunt chest trauma was the possible cause. Here, we share exciting images obtained during the process of diagnosing the patient and identifying the mechanisms of this uncommon disease.

Right heart failure is a relatively common complication after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Severe right heart failure can be managed by temporary right ventricular assist device (RVAD) implantation. However, trans-sternal RVAD insertion requires a subsequent third sternotomy for cannula removal. Herein, we present a case of RVAD insertion via a left anterior mini-thoracotomy after LVAD implantation in a patient with alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy.

Background: Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is used as a bridge to revascularization in high-risk patients with ischemic heart disease. We reviewed our experiences of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) after ECLS in patients with cardiac arrest or refractory cardiogenic shock. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 4,616 patients who underwent CABG at our institution between May 2006 and February 2017. We identified patients who underwent CABG following ECLS for cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. Twenty-three patients (0.5% of all CABG cases) were enrolled in the analysis. Their median age was 65 years (Q1–Q3, 58–77 years). Nine patients (39.1%) were diagnosed with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Mechanical complications after acute myocardial infarction, including acute mitral regurgitation, left ventricular rupture, and ventricular septal defect, occurred in 9 patients (39.1%). Results: The median time from cardiopulmonary resuscitation to ECLS initiation was 25 minutes (Q1–Q3, 18.5–28.5 minutes). Conventional CABG was performed in 10 patients (43.5%) who underwent concomitant intracardiac procedures. Postoperative ECLS was required in 16 patients (69.5%). The rate of successful ECLS weaning was 91.3% (n=21). There were 6 early mortalities (26.1%). Conclusion: CABG after ECLS was very rare in real-world circumstances. Although the early mortality rate was high, the risk of mortality may be acceptable under such devastating circumstances.

Abstract Background We evaluated whether Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) with some modifications could be used to predict neurological outcomes in patients after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Methods This was a retrospective, multicenter, observational study of adult unconscious patients who were evaluated by brain computed tomography (CT) within 48 hours after ECPR between May 2010 and December 2016. ASPECTS, bilateral ASPECTS (ASPECTS-b), and modified ASPECTS (mASPECTS) were assessed by ROC curves to predict neurological outcomes. The primary outcome was neurological status upon hospital discharge assessed with the Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale. Results Among 58 unconscious patients, survival to discharge was identified in 25 (43.1%) patients. Of these 25 survivors, 19 (32.8%) had good neurological outcomes (CPC score of 1 or 2). Interrater reliability of CT scores was excellent. Intraclass correlation coefficients of ASPECTS, ASPECTS-b, and mASPECTS were 0.918 (95% CI, 0.865–0.950), 0.918 (95% CI, 0.866–0.951), and 0.915 (95% CI, 0.860–0.949), respectively. The predictive performance of mASPECTS for poor neurological outcome was better than that of ASPECTS or ASPECTS-b (C-statistic for mASPECTS vs. ASPECTS, 0.922 vs. 0.812, p = 0.004; mASPECTS vs. ASPECTS-b, 0.922 vs. 0.818, p = 0.003). A cutoff of 25 for poor neurological outcome had a sensitivity of 84.6% (95% CI, 69.5–94.1%) and a specificity of 89.5% (95% CI, 66.9–98.7%) in mASPECTS. Conclusions mASPECTS might be useful for predicting neurological outcomes in patients after ECPR.

Although a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach is recommended for advanced heart failure and heart transplantation (HTx), no studies have investigated the impact of the team approach on post-HTx survival. Thus, we implemented an MDT approach in our HTx program in 2014, with the active involvement of critical care and extracorporeal life support (ECLS) teams and the use of a real-time online information sharing system. We hypothesized that this MDT approach would result in improved survival of patients who had undergone HTx. We enrolled 250 adult patients who underwent HTx between December 2003 and June 2018. They were divided into non-MDT (n = 120; before 2014) and MDT (n = 130; since 2014) groups. The primary outcome was overall mortality. In terms of donor age, diabetes, dialysis, ECLS, and waiting time, the MDT group had more high-risk patients. The MDT approach was found to be an independent predictor of overall survival using a variety of multivariable analytic methods, including inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis. An HF team, a critical care team, and an ECLS team collaboration may improve survival following HTx. To improve the efficiency of the MDT approach, we recommend using a real-time online information sharing system.

Background: No data are available on the duration of time needed to assess the adequacy of lung function after stopping sweep gas for weaning of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The objective of this study was to investigate changes in arterial blood gases (ABGs) during sweep gas off trials in patients receiving venovenous ECMO. Methods: Data on patients receiving venovenous ECMO, with a weaning trial at least once, were collected prospectively from January 2012 through December 2017. Serial changes in ABGs during sweep gas off trial and clinical outcomes after weaning from venovenous ECMO were evaluated. Results: Over the study period, 192 sweep gas off trials occurred in 93 patients: 115 (60%) failed and 77 (40%) were successful. During the trial, significant changes in blood gases were observed within 1 h in all patients. When serial ABGs were compared according to trial off results, there were no significant differences in the pH, PaCO 2 , and HCO 3 − trends across time points between successful and failed trials. However, PaO 2 (70.6 versus 93.4 mmHg), SaO 2 (91.9 versus 95.2%), and PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio (164.0 versus 233.4) were significantly lower in failed trials than successful trials within 1 h after stopping sweep gas. After 2 h of trial off, no significant change in blood gases was observed until the end of the trial. Conclusions: No change in blood gases was observed 2 h after stopping sweep gas in patients receiving venovenous ECMO. Based on our institutional experience, however, we suggest monitoring for 2 h or more after stopping sweep gas flow to assess if patients are ready for decannulation. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

Background: The question of which type of prosthetic aortic valve leads to the best outcomes in patients in their 60s remains controversial. We examined the hemodynamic and clinical outcomes of aortic valve replacement in sexagenarians according to the type of prosthesis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 270 patients in their 60s who underwent first-time aortic valve replacement from 1995 to 2011. Early and late mortality, major adverse valve-related events, anticoagulation-related events, and hemodynamic outcomes were assessed. The mean follow-up duration was 58.7±44.0 months. Results: Of the 270 patients, 93 had a mechanical prosthesis (mechanical group), and 177 had a bioprosthesis (tissue group). The tissue group had a higher mean age and prevalence of preoperative stroke than the mechanical group. The groups had no differences in the aortic valve mean pressure gradient (AVMPG) or the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) at 5 years after surgery. In a sub-analysis limited to prostheses in the supra-annular position, the AVMPG was higher in the tissue group, but the LVMI was still not significantly different. There was no early mortality. The 10-year survival rate was 83% in the mechanical group and 90% in the tissue group. The type of aortic prosthesis did not influence overall mortality, cardiac mortality, or major adverse valve-related events. Anticoagulation-related events were more common in the mechanical group than in the tissue group (p=0.034; hazard ratio, 4.100; 95% confidence interval, 1.111-15.132). Conclusion: The type of aortic prosthesis was not associated with hemodynamic or clinical outcomes, except for anticoagulation-related events.

Abstract Background The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) has suggested that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients should be managed by a multidisciplinary team. However, there are limited data on the impact of ECMO team on the outcomes of patients with severe acute respiratory failure. Methods All consecutive patients with severe acute respiratory failure who underwent ECMO for respiratory support from January 2012 through December 2016 were divided into the pre-ECMO team period (before January 2014, n = 70) and the post-ECMO team period (after January 2014, n = 46). Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results The mortality rates in the intensive care unit (72.9 vs. 50.0%, P = 0.012) and hospital (75.7 vs. 52.2%, P = 0.009) were significantly decreased in the post-ECMO team period compared to the pre-ECMO team period. The median duration of ECMO support was not different between the two periods. However, the proportion of patients successfully weaned off ECMO was higher in the post-ECMO team period (42.9 vs. 65.2%, P = 0.018). During ECMO support, the incidence of cannula problems (32.9 vs. 15.2%, P = 0.034) and cardiovascular events (88.6 vs. 65.2%, P = 0.002) was reduced after implementation of the ECMO team. The 1-year mortality was significantly different between the pre-ECMO team and post-ECMO team periods (37.8 vs. 14.3%, P = 0.005). Conclusion After implementing a multidisciplinary ECMO team, survival rate in patients treated with ECMO for severe acute respiratory failure was significantly improved.

Although patients receiving extracorporeal life support (ECLS) as a bridge to transplantation have demonstrated worse outcomes than those without ECLS, we investigated the key factors in the improvement of their posttransplant outcome. From December 2003 to December 2018, 257 adult patients who underwent heart transplantation (HTx) at our institution were included. We identified 100 patients (38.9%) who underwent HTx during ECLS (ECLS group). The primary outcome was 30-day mortality after HTx. The median duration of ECLS was 10.0 days. The 30-day mortality rate was 3.9% (9.2% in peripheral ECLS, 2.9% in central ECLS, and 1.9% in non-ECLS). The use of ECLS was not an independent predictor of 30-day and 1-year mortality (p = 0.248 and p = 0.882, respectively). Independent predictors of 30-day mortality were found to be higher ejection fraction (p < 0.001), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (p < 0.001), and total bilirubin level (p = 0.005). In a subgroup analysis, cannulation type was not a predictor of 30-day mortality (p = 0.275). Early ECLS application to prevent organ failure and sophisticated management of acute heart failure may be important steps in achieving favorable survival after HTx.

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become an important treatment modality in pediatric patients with cardiopulmonary failure, but few studies have been conducted in Korea. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of pediatric patients younger than 18 years who were placed on ECMO between January 2004 and December 2014 at Samsung Medical Center. Results: We identified 116 children on ECMO support. The overall rate of successful weaning was 51.7%, and the survival to discharge rate was 37.1%. There were 39, 61, and 16 patients on ECMO for respiratory, cardiac, and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, respectively. The weaning rate in each group was 48.7%, 55.7%, and 43.8%, respectively. The survival rate was 43.6%, 36.1%, and 25.0%, respectively. Sixteen patients on ECMO had functional single ventricle physiology; in this group, the weaning rate was 43.8% and the survival rate was 31.3%. Ten patients were on ECMO as a bridge to transplantation (8 for heart and 2 for lung). In patients with heart transplantation, the rate of survival to transplantation was 50.0%, and the overall rate of survival to discharge was 37.5%. Conclusion: An increasing trend in pediatric ECMO utilization was observed. The outcomes were favorable considering the early experiences that were included in this study and the limited supply of specialized equipment for pediatric patients.

Background: Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is widely used in refractory heart or lung failure, and the demand for inter-facility transportation on ECLS is expanding. However, little is known about post-transportation outcomes, the clinical safety of such transportation, or the characteristics of the transported patients. Methods: This was a retrospective review of a 3-year, single-institution experience with inter-facility ECLS transport, as well as a comparative analysis of clinical outcomes with those of in-house patients. We also analyzed the risk factors for hospital mortality in the entire ECLS population using univariate and multivariate analyses to investigate the effects of transport. Results: All 44 patients were safely transported without adverse events. The average travel distance was 178.7 km, with an average travel time of 74.0 minutes. Early survival of the transported group seemed to be better than that of the in-house group, but the difference was not statistically significant (70.5% vs. 56.6%, p=0.096). The incidence of complications was similar between the 2 groups, except for critical limb ischemia, which was significantly more common in the transported group than in the in-house group (25.0% vs. 8.1%, p=0.017). After adjusting for confounders, being part of the transported group was not a predictor of early death (adjusted odds ratio, 0.689; p=0.397). Conclusion: Transportation of patients on ECLS is relatively safe, and the clinical outcomes of transported patients are comparable to those of in-house ECLS patients. Although matched studies are required, our study demonstrates that transporting patients on ECLS did not increase their risk of hospital mortality after adjustment for other factors.

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of ablation duration during a maze procedure using a nitrous oxide-based cryosurgical system. Methods From May 2001 to December 2006, 256 consecutive patients who underwent a concomitant maze procedure using nitrous oxide-based cryoablation for chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) during cardiac surgery were enrolled. The ablation duration for each lesion was between 120 s at −60 °C in 140 patients (control group) and 160 s in 116 patients (long duration group). Results One in-hospital death occurred, and a permanent pacemaker was implanted in one patient (0.4%). At discharge, absence of AF was noted in 84.5% of the long duration group and in 87.1% of the control group. During follow up, patients in the long duration group achieved and maintained the absence of AF at a higher rate than the control patients (96% vs. 84% at 24 months, respectively: P = 0.008). Multivariable analysis identified long AF duration as the only independent predictor of AF recurrence. At late follow up, left atrial mechanical activity was less frequent in the control group than in the long duration group. The mean left atrial volume index was lower in the long duration group than in the control group. Conclusion The modified cryomaze procedure is safe and effective. Ablation time plays an important role in achieving and maintaining the absence of AF. Long cryoablation duration is recommended for optimal cryomaze results.

A 68-year-old man presented with a posterior tracheal wall injury caused by percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy. The wound was immediately covered with an absorbable polyglycolic acid sheet. Ten days after the injury, the perforation was closed with knotless sutures using a Castroviejo needle-holder through the tracheostomy. The successful repair in this case indicates the feasibility of the knotless suture technique for perforations. The technique is described in detail in this report. The patient was weaned from the mechanical ventilator on postoperative day 25. In cases of posterior tracheal posterior wall perforation, every effort should be made to repair the perforation through an existing opening.

We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients with fulminant myocarditis and investigate the factors associated with mortality. This is a retrospective single-center cohort study that included adult and pediatric patients with fulminant myocarditis treated at Samsung Medical Center between September 2004 and December 2019. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Among 100 patients, 71 underwent veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) (ECMO group). Comorbidities were not significantly different between the ECMO and non-ECMO groups. Cardiac enzymes, creatinine, and median sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at intensive care unit admission were significantly different between the groups. Twenty patients (28.7%) in the ECMO group and two (6.9%) in the non-ECMO group died in-hospital (p = 0.02). The significant risk factors of in-hospital mortality were creatine kinase MB fraction (CK-MB) and SOFA score (p = 0.009 and p = 0.001, respectively) in the ECMO group. In the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, the cutoffs of SOFA score and CK-MB were 12 and 94.74 ng/mL, respectively. The patients with both variables above the cutoffs showed significantly worse outcomes (p < 0.001). ECMO can be an effective treatment option for fulminant myocarditis. SOFA score and CK-MB are significant risk factors for in-hospital mortality.

Aortic pseudoaneurysm after cardiac surgery is a rare entity, but it is potentially fatal due to its clinical course along with higher morbidity and mortality rates. Instead of open surgical repair, percutaneous procedures have been introduced as other options for managing an aortic pseudoaneurysm. In this case report, we describe transesophageal echocardiography guidance for successful percutaneous closure of an aortic pseudoaneurysm located in the left ventricular outflow tract by using a type II Amplatzer vascular plug in a patient in whom open surgical repair was not recommended.

We report a case of successful heart transplantation after 67 days of support with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in a patient who underwent surgery for type A aortic dissection and myocardial infarction complicated by irreversible myocardial damage and a deep sternal wound infection. During ECMO support, left heart vent and distal limb perfusion were performed. Mediastinitis was treated with mediastinal washout and irrigation. Multiple complications from peripheral ECMO were successfully managed.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether early intermittent electroencephalography (EEG) could be used to predict neurological prognosis of patients who underwent extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). This was a retrospective and observational study of adult patients who were evaluated by EEG scan within 96 h after ECPR. The primary endpoint was neurological status upon discharge from the hospital assessed with a Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale. Among 69 adult cardiac arrest patients who underwent ECPR, 17 (24.6%) patients had favorable neurological outcomes (CPC score of 1 or 2). Malignant EEG patterns were more common in patients with poor neurological outcomes (CPC score of 3, 4 or 5) than in patients with favorable neurological outcomes (73.1% vs. 5.9%, p < 0.001). All patients with highly malignant EEG patterns (43.5%) had poor neurological outcomes. In multivariable analysis, malignant EEG patterns and duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation were significantly associated with poor neurological outcomes. In this study, malignant EEG patterns within 96 h after cardiac arrest were significantly associated with poor neurological outcomes. Therefore, an early intermittent EEG scan could be helpful for predicting neurological prognosis of post-cardiac arrest patients after ECPR.

Background: Hypertrophied myocardium is especially vulnerable to ischemic injury. This study aimed to compare the early and late clinical outcomes of three different methods of myocardial protection in patients with aortic stenosis. Methods: This retrospective study included 225 consecutive patients (mean age, 65±10 years; 123 males) with severe aortic stenosis who underwent aortic valve replacement. Patients were excluded if they had coronary artery disease, an ejection fraction ＜50%, more than mild aortic regurgitation, or endocarditis. The patients were divided into three groups: group A, which was treated with antegrade and retrograde cold blood cardioplegia; group B, which was treated with antegrade crystalloid cardioplegia using histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution; and group C, treated with retrograde cold blood cardioplegia. Results: Group A contained 70 patients (31.1%), group B contained 74 patients (32.9%), and group C contained 81 patients (36%). The three groups showed significant differences with regard to the proportion of patients with a New York Heart Association functional classification ≥III (p=0.035), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels (p=0.042), ejection fraction (p=0.035), left ventricular dimensions (p＜0.001), left ventricular mass index (p＜0.001), and right ventricular systolic pressure (p ＜0.001). Differences in cardiopulmonary bypass time (p=0.532) and aortic cross-clamp time (p=0.48) among the three groups were not statistically significant. During postoperative recovery, no significant differences were found regarding the use of inotropes (p=0.328), mechanical support (n=0), arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, p=0.347; non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, p=0.1), and ventilator support time (p=0.162). No operative mortality occurred. Similarly, no significant differences were found in long-term outcomes. Conclusion: Although the three groups showed some significant differences with regard to patient characteristics, both antegrade crystalloid cardioplegia with HTK solution and retrograde cold blood cardioplegia led to early and late clinical results similar to those achieved with combined antegrade and retrograde cold blood cardioplegia.

A 70-year-old man who visited Samsung Medical Center reported experiencing palpitation for 2 weeks. He had undergone excision of a mass in the right buttock due to rhabdomyosarcoma 7 years prior to this visit. Transesophageal echocardiography showed a pedunculated mass in the left ventricle, which was thought to be a vegetation of infective endocarditis, metastasis of the primary tumor, or thrombus. He underwent removal of the cardiac tumor, and the pathologic report was metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma. Thus, here, we report a rare case of metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma in the left ventricle.

We evaluated the association of body temperature patterns with neurological outcomes after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Between December 2013 and December 2015, we enrolled 48 patients with cardiac arrest who survived for at least 24 hours after ECPR. Based on their body temperature patterns and the intention to control fever, we divided the patients into those in whom fever was actively controlled (N = 25), those with normothermia (N = 17), and those with unintended hypothermia (N = 6). The primary outcome was the Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale at discharge. Of the 48 ECPR patients, 23 patients (47.9%) had good neurological outcomes (CPC 1 and 2) and 27 patients (56.3%) survived to discharge. The normothermia group showed a pattern of higher temperatures compared with the other groups during 48 hours after ECPR. Not only poor neurological outcomes but also intensive care unit (ICU) mortality occurred more often in the unintended hypothermia group than in the other two groups, regardless of the fever control strategy (p = 0.023 and p = 0.002, respectively). There were no differences in neurological outcomes and ICU mortality between the actively controlled fever group and the normothermia group (p = 0.845 and p = 0.616, respectively). Unintentionally sustained hypothermia may be associated with poor neurological outcomes after ECPR. These findings suggest that patients who are unable to generate a fever following ECPR may incur severe hypoxic brain injury.

BACKGROUND:Obesity might be associated with disturbance of cannulation in situation of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). However, limited data are available on obesity in the setting of ECPR. Therefore, we investigated the association between body mass index (BMI) and clinical outcome in patients underwent ECPR. METHODS:From January 2004 to December 2013, in-hospital cardiac arrest patients who had ECPR were enrolled from a single-center registry. We divided patients into four group according to BMI defined with the WHO classification (underweight, BMI < 18.5, n = 14; normal weight, BMI = 18.5-24.9, n = 118; overweight, BMI = 25.0-29.9, n = 53; obese, BMI ≥ 30, n = 15). The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. RESULTS:Analysis was carried out for a total of 200 adult patients (39.5% females). Their median BMI was 23.20 (interquartile range, 20.93-25.80). The rate of survival to hospital discharge was 31.0%. There was no significant difference in survival to hospital discharge among the four groups (underweight, 35.7%; normal, 31.4%; overweight, 30.2%; obese, 26.7%, p = 0.958). Neurologic outcomes (p = 0.85) and procedural complications (p = 0.40) were not significantly different among the four groups either. SOFA score, initial arrest rhythm, and CPR to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) pump on time were significant predictors for survival to discharge, but not BMI. CONCLUSION:BMI was not associated with in-hospital mortality who underwent ECPR. Neurologic outcomes at discharge or procedural complications following ECPR were not related with BMI either.

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (iHES) is a rare systemic disease that is characterized by persistent peripheral eosinophilia (absolute eosinophil count =1500/uL) for more than 6 months, with end-organ damage and absence of a primary cause for eosinophilia. Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is a rare but life-threatening complication. Here, we report a case of CAA with thrombosis in a patient with iHES in whom the disease activity was well-controlled (eosinophil count <500/uL) for several years. Despite modest control of the disease activity, giant CAA can be associated with iHES; and therefore, close surveillance and monitoring for the development of complications is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]