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A case of a 49-year-old man with a history of buprenorphine-substituted heroin was admitted for acute heart failure after three months of bioprosthetic aortic replacement to treat infective endocarditis. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed a left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was 35% and a periprosthetic mass with an aorto-ventricular fistula. Thoracic computed tomography revealed a left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) pseudoaneurysm measuring 69 x 45 mm that compressed left anterior descending (LAD) artery with downstream myocardial ischemia. Patient was treated by an urgent surgery, including an exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm, a left ventricular reconstruction surgery and a bioprosthetic aortic replacement. Patient went through a difficult postoperative period. Finally, he was safely discharged with a low EF (34%) from hospital to rehabilitation center with a Life vest. This case spotlights a rare devastating complication of a LVOT pseudoaneurysm compresses LAD artery and how surgery could decompress the false aneurysm and stabilize ischemia.

No guidelines for the treatment of Kommerell diverticulum (KD) have been established. Endovascular treatment with arch vessel reconstruction of 4 patients with a right-sided aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery are presented herein. A 39-year-old woman and 47-year-old man experienced dyspnea and retrosternal pain. The first patient concomitantly underwent left subclavian transposition and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The second patient underwent bilateral carotid-subclavian bypass grafting, followed by TEVAR and KD embolization. The 2 other patients were 72- and 75-year old men who presented with KD and type B dissection, in which these conditions were characterized by acute thoracic pain in the former patient and were noted on incidental body scan for prostatic adenocarcinoma in the latter. The third patient underwent carotid-subclavian bypass grafting, followed by TEVAR and subclavian plugs, and in the fourth patient, regular follow-up with antihypertensive therapy was scheduled. After a mean follow-up period of 12 months, all patients were alive.

Background We evaluated short- and mid-term outcomes with use of aortic valve-sparing root replacement to treat bicuspid aortic valves. Methods From December 2007 to January 2022, all patients with bicuspid aortic valves who underwent aortic root replacement using Tirone’s procedure were included. This study based on department database information for retrospective and follow-up data. Results Among 51 adults undergoing aortic root replacement using Tirone’s procedure, the mean age was 47.4±12.5 years, and most were men (92.2%). Three presented with a dysmorphic syndrome and one had Marfan’s syndrome. All patients were alive at 30 days, and as of January 2022, 45 were alive, two were lost to follow-up, and there were four noncardiac deaths. Two patients had infectious endocarditis and needed a Bentall’s procedure. One patient had a double biologic valve replacement in the context of severe mitral insufficiency with moderate aortic stenosis at 4.5 years post-procedure. Echocardiographic follow-up showed a left ventricular ejection fraction of 63±7% (n=36), V 2±0.6 m/s (n=17), and a mean gradient of 9.4±5.4 mmHg (n=27). No patients had grade 3 or 4 aortic regurgitation, one patient had grade 2, and four had grade 1. Conclusion Tirone’s procedure is an option for bicuspid aortic valve surgery, with good safety and outcomes, especially in younger patients.

International audience; Objective: To provide recommendations for enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery (ERACS) based on a multimodal perioperative medicine approach in adult cardiac surgery patients with the aim of improving patient satisfaction, reducing postoperative mortality and morbidity, and reducing the length of hospital stay. Design: A consensus committee of 20 experts from the French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine (Societe francaise d'anesthesie et de reanimation, SFAR) and the French Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (Societe francaise de chirurgie thoracique et cardio-vasculaire, SFCTCV) was convened. A formal conflict-of-interest policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. The entire guideline process was conducted independently of any industry funding. The authors were advised to follow the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to guide the assessment of the quality of evidence. Methods: Six fields were defined: (1) selection of the patient pathway and its information; (2) preoperative management and rehabilitation; (3) anaesthesia and analgesia for cardiac surgery; (4) surgical strategy for cardiac surgery and bypass management; (5) patient blood management; and (6) postoperative enhanced recovery. For each field, the objective of the recommendations was to answer questions formulated according to the PICO model (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome). Based on these questions, an extensive bibliographic search was carried out and analyses were performed using the GRADE approach. The recommendations were formulated according to the GRADE methodology and then voted on by all the experts according to the GRADE grid method. Results: The SFAR/SFCTCV guideline panel provided 33 recommendations on the management of patients undergoing cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass or off-pump. After three rounds of voting and several amendments, a strong agreement was reached for the 33 recommendations. Of these recommendations, 10 have a high level of evidence (7 GRADE 1+ and 3 GRADE 1-); 19 have a moderate level of evidence (15 GRADE 2+ and 4 GRADE 2-); and 4 are expert opinions. Finally, no recommendations were provided for 3 questions. Conclusions: Strong agreement existed among the experts to provide recommendations to optimise the complete perioperative management of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. (C) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of Societe francaise d'anesthesie et de reanimation (Sfar).

International audience; Introduction: Aortic valve stenosis is the most frequent cardiac valve pathology in the western world. In high-risk patients, conventional aortic valve replacement (C-AVR) carries high rates of morbidity and mortality. In the last few years, rapid-deployment valves (RDV) have been developed to reduce the surgical risks. In this work, we aimed to compare the mid-term outcomes of rapid-deployment AVR (RD-AVR) with those of the C-AVR in high-risk patients. Methods: This retrospective case-control study identified 23 high-risk patients who underwent RD-AVR between 12/2015 to 01/2018. The study group was compared with a control group of 46 patients who were retrospectively selected from a database of 687 C-AVR patients from 2016 to 2017 which matched with the study group for age and Euro SCORE II. Results: RD-AVR group presented more cardiovascular risk factors. Euro SCORE II was higher in the RD-AVR group (P=0.06). In the RD-AVR group, we observed significantly higher mean prosthetic size (P

In the patients with stenotic upper respiratory airways tumor, the tracheal intubation during the surgical resection is sometimes impossible. In these situations, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation appears to be an interesting temporarily alternative to ventilation to allow tumor removal. In this report the authors describe a case of successful resection of tracheal tumor in an 80-year-old female patient in which tracheal intubation was impossible. A circulatory assistance was used to perform the operation. Afterwards, tracheal intubation was easily performed for the rest of the operation.

Highlights • Aortic valve infective endocarditis with annular abscess is the most devastating complication of destructive aortic valve endocarditis and requires extensive surgical debridement. • Annular skeletonization and reconstruction of the aortic annulus with glutaraldehydetreated autologous pericardium permits radical removal of infected tissue and effective. • Ozaki’s procedure is a good option for patients with infective endocarditis., Introduction Aortic valve infective endocarditis with annular abscess is associated with high mortality rate and surgery is usually the choice of treatment. Plasty or reconstruction of aortic valve is being performed more widely. Presentation of case We report a case study of a 56-year-old male who was diagnosed with congenital bicuspid aortic valve, severe aortic stenosis and regurgitation, and annular abscess. This patient underwent operation in december 2019 and Ozaki’s procedure was used to measure the distance between two commissures to reconstruct new leaflets and close the abscess using autologous pericardium. A bicuspid valve was reconstructed based on the anatomical feature of the patient. 6 months after surgery, aortic valve function was good with no residual insufficiency, maximum gradient was 8 mmHg. Discussion Reconstruction of aortic valve by Ozaki’s procedure has been reported with many advantages for the patient. In case of infectious endocarditis, this technique helps avoid the use of artificial materials. Bicuspid aortic valve reconstruction surgery following the novel methods of reconstructing three leaflets or maintaining the bicuspid morphology could both be performed with good results. Conclusion Reconstruction of aortic valve by Ozaki’s procedure in infectious endocarditis has good results. In case of true bicuspid aortic valve, reconstruction bi-leaflets can be performed.

Aim We aimed to report the experience of aortic valve reconstruction with autologous pericardium using Ozaki’s procedure in Vietnam. Methods The study included consecutive patients with isolated aortic valve disease who underwent Ozaki’s procedure in our hospital between June 2017 and August 2019. Aortic valve leaflets were reconstructed with autologous pericardium using Ozaki’s procedure. Results Sixty-one patients were included (mean age 55.8 years; 41 were male): 24 with aortic stenosis, 17 with aortic regurgitation, and 20 with both. Of the 61 patients, 16 had a bicuspid aortic valve, and 5 had infective endocarditis. The preoperative peak and mean gradient pressure gradients were 91.7 ± 16.1 mm Hg and 55.3 ± 10.3 mm Hg, respectively. Surgery was performed via a full or partial sternotomy. The procedure was successful in 59 cases. Two patients were converted to prosthetic valve replacement. The aortic crossclamp time was 110.9 ± 20.5 minutes. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography showed a mean pressure gradient of 8 ± 2 mm Hg and an aortic valve area of 3.04 ± 0.44 cm2. The mean follow-up period was 18.5 ± 5.7 months. One patient died in hospital due to cardiac tamponade. One patient underwent reoperation due to infective endocarditis 6 months after surgery. Another died at 8 months after surgery due to a mediastinal abscess. The surviving patients had no aortic regurgitation or mild aortic regurgitation at the last follow-up visits. Conclusions Aortic valve reconstruction with autologous pericardium provided good outcomes in our study.

BackgroundTo study the evolution of platelet count during patient treatment with Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and the causes of Membrane Oxygenation (MO) exchange. Assessment of the morbidity and mortality rate was our secondary objective. MethodsA single center retrospective study was conducted from January 2014 to December 2015. One-hundred and thirty-nine MO exchanges were studied over 73 patients who received 66 MO exchange. Alterations in biological parameters were compared before and after each MO exchange, to study the device-related platelet count evolution. ResultsMean patient age was 56.8 ± 13.4 years. The mean duration of the MO was 5.9 ± 3.1 days, exchanged 26 times (68%) after clot formation. The median Survival After Veno-arterial ECMO score (SAVE score) was -3.5 [-4; -1] interquartile range [IQR]. The median Respiratory Extra-corporeal membrane Oxygenation Survival Prediction score (RESP score) was -1 [-3; 0] [IQR]. A significant decrease (p

Background: This study evaluated the midterm outcomes, the valve related events and quality of life of patients treated by valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR). Methods: From January 2003 to December 2014, 88 con-secutive patients diagnosed with an aortic root aneurysm or ascending aortic aneurysms underwent VSRR surgery. The mean age was 55±14 (range 19–77) years. A total of 84% of the patients were male; 89% were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II, 55% had aortic regurgitation (AR) grade III or IV. Twenty-four patients (27.3%) had bicuspid aortic valve. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 61%±9% (range 29–78%). Patients were yearly followed by family doctors and referent cardi-ologists. Doppler echocardiographic examinations were obtained annually in all patients. The midterm clinical, echocardiographic results and quality of life were analyzed. The mean follow-up was 5.3±3 (range 1–12) years. Results: Hospital mortality was 1%. There were ten late deaths (11%) including 5 cardiac cases. Two patients (2%) required an aortic valve or graft prosthesis reoperation. Aortic valve endocarditis occurred in two patients. Thromboembolic events were reported in 3 patients. None of the following morbidity has been observed: structural valve deterioration, nonstructural dysfunction, valve thrombosis, bleeding event. The 5- and 8-year survival were 92% and 88%, respectively. The 8-year survival free from cardiac death was 88%. The mean of EuroQoL visual analogue scale (EQ VAS) and EQ index were respectively 83±15 (range 30–100) and 0.94±0.12 (range 0.5–1). Conclusions: Eight-year clinical improvement, function of the spared aortic valve and quality of life after valve sparing aortic root surgery appear excellent.

Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) represents a very exceptional clinical entity whose treatment is based on chemotherapy. In this case report, the authors highlight the key role of cardiac surgery in the diagnosis of PCL in a 66-year-old female patient. She was given chemotherapy and so far was on remission.Cardiovasc. j. 2018; 11(1): 86-88

Anomalies of the coronary arteries mainly concern a pediatric population, bringing together a wide range of defects. In adults, the evolution is linked to the hemodynamic consequences of fistula. Several therapeutic options have been proposed such as surgery or embolization. We report the case of a 55 years old patient addressed because of dyspnea secondary to aortic insufficiency. The preoperative assessment shown the coexistence of coronary abnormality corresponding to a coronaro-pulmonary fistula. This type of coronary anomaly is rarely described in the adult population, because of its consequences secondary to the closure of the foramen ovale, resulting in angina symptoms in childhood. Without treatment, mortality from this type of malformation is important (90%).

Background Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a challenging diagnosis. Patients may progress to end-stage congestive heart failure and require cardiac transplantation without ever having been diagnosed. Characteristics and outcomes of patients with granulomas in the explanted hearts are unknown. Methods All French heart transplantation centers were contacted to participate in the study. Each center searched through local databases for the cases of non-caseating granuloma in the explanted hearts between 2000 and 2017. Data before and after transplantation were recorded from medical charts. Survival of CS and all- cause heart transplantation patients were compared. Results Fifteen patients (10 men, 5 women) received a diagnosis of CS based on pathologic data of the explanted heart and were recruited for the study. All patients were diagnosed as non-ischemic dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and presented congestive heart failure. Eight patients (53%) had ventricular rhythm disturbances, and 3 (20%) a complete heart block. Ten out of 13 patients (77%) had extracardiac radiological signs compatible with sarcoidosis on chest computed tomography (CT) scans. One patient died 3 months after transplantation from infectious complications. The 14 remaining patients were still alive at the end of the study (median follow-up of 28.8 months). One patient had a second heart transplantation 5 years later because of chronic allograft vasculopathy. One patient presented a relapse of CS confirmed by myocardial biopsies 9 years after transplantation, requiring an escalation of immunosuppressive therapy. Conclusion CS may be undiagnosed before heart transplantation. In 77% of cases, sarcoidosis could have been detected before transplantation with non-invasive imaging techniques.

Left ventricular unloading during extracorporeal life support aims to minimize potential side effects of increased left ventricular afterload. A transaortic catheter vent implanted through a subclavian approach was used in 2 patients. Patient 1 was a 48-year-old man with a recent history of ST-elevation myocardial infarction who developed refractory cardiogenic shock due to severe biventricular dysfunction. Patient 2 was a 56-year-old man admitted for severe flu. The unloading procedure was successful in both patients, with bridge to heart transplantation in the first case and bridge to recovery in the other.

Pseudoaneurysm is a rare long-term complication following coarctation of aorta repair. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair is the most common approach. However, under some circumstances, this cannot be performed. Therefore, the traditional open approach is indicated. Although the potential ischemia of spinal cord is related to this approach, it remains an efficient alternative. The authors report a case of late pseudoaneurysm of the distal aortic arch following coarctation of aorta repair in a 26-year-old male that has been successfully repaired by left thoracotomy.

Resume Introduction Les patients aux antecedents de pontage aorto-coronarien et presentant une valvulopathie aortique sont un groupe a risque eleve pour la chirurgie conventionnelle redux. L’implantation de valve aortique par voie trans-catheter (TAVI) pourrait etre une alternative pour leur prise en charge. Le but de cette etude est d’evaluer l’impact des TAVI dans la prise en charge des valvulopathies aortiques apres une revascularisation coronaire chirurgicale prealable. Methodes Il s’agit d’une etude retrospective, observationnelle monocentrique incluant 87 patients ayant beneficie d’une chirurgie traditionnelle ou d’un TAVI dans le periode allant de janvier 2007 a decembre 2013. Les abords pour le TAVI etait trans-femoral, trans-apical et par l’artere sous-claviere. Resultats L’introduction des techniques interventionnelles a multiplie par deux le nombre de patients redux de pontage traites pour une valvulopathie aortique. Sur la deuxieme periode 30 % de moins de patients ont ete operes par la chirurgie conventionnelle, ce qui a permis une amelioration des resultats postoperatoires. Cette etude nous a permis de remarquer une difference des populations de patients traites en termes de facteurs de risques operatoires n’autorisant dans cette serie aucune comparaison sans biais entre les deux techniques. La mortalite hospitaliere etait de 6,4 % pour la chirurgie conventionnelle aortique et de 20 % pour les implantations aortiques trans-catheter. Conclusion La chirurgie conventionnelle reste le traitement de reference pour la prise en charge des valvulopathies mais le TAVI devient un complement indispensable pour permettre de mieux selectionner les patients avant la chirurgie offrant des perspectives therapeutiques nouvelles pour les autres.

Antiplatelet agents have a predominant role in the therapeutic treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and myocardial infarction. Recently, ticagrelor has been incorporated in the European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the management of ACS with ST elevation and non-ST elevation.1 The AHA/ACC guidelines further advocate the choice of ticagrelor over clopidogrel in patients with ACS with non-ST elevation treated with an early invasive strategy.2 In fact, major studies have proven the benefits of ticagrelor on cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke without an increase in major bleeding risk

The authors report a case of a 44-year-old pregnant woman with Marfan syndrome who was diagnosed with type A aortic dissection at 25 weeks of pregnancy. She underwent a mechanical Bentall procedure with cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest. Postoperatively, the fetus was not distressed; echocardiogram and magnetic resonance imaging were repeated, and a prophylactic cesarean section was performed at 36 weeks. Both the mother and the baby were followed up for 1 year and presented no clinical issue.

International audience; Background: ECMO is a therapeutic act with a high risk of exposure to diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), plasticizer from PVC tubings. The replacement of this plasticizer with alternative compounds is recommended but the risks associated with the use of new plasticizers have not been evaluated in ECMO situations.Methods: Ex vivo ECMO models were performed with different flow rates over 6 days to evaluate the migration of plasticizers and their potential toxic risk for patient. The release of plasticizers during ECMO was measured and compared to reference value (derived no effect level, DNEL) and to cytotoxic concentration carried out with MTT test.Results: Trioctyltrimellitate (TOTM), main plasticizer present in circuit (44% w/w), is weakly released during ECMO. Concentrations are not cytotoxic and exposure doses are lower than DNEL. In contrast, DEHP doses are higher than the DNEL despite a lower presence of DEHP in the circuit (0.2%). We have shown that DEHP is not coming from the circuit but from the priming bag. Replacing this bag with a multilayer one avoids the exposure to DEHP.Conclusion: Our study shows that circuits made of PVC plasticized with TOTM against DEHP improves the safety of ECMO.

This study analysed CT patterns of the acute dissected aortic arch using original biometric features along with comparison with normal aortas.The diagnostic CT scans of 57 patients (42 males, age (mean ± SD: 64.5 ± 13.8 years) admitted with acute Stanford type A dissection involving the aortic arch were analysed by semi-automatic detection protocol of the true lumen of the dissection. We measured the distances from the apex to the ascending and descending aorta, the curvilinear length of the entire arch and of its segments (especially between the brachiocephalic artery trunk and the left subclavian artery), as well as the surface area, angle, height and shift of the arch. These measurements were compared with results previously obtained in a healthy cohort in an analysis adjusted for age, sex and weight. The surface area and rotation of the false lumen were also analysed.Compared to normal aortic arches (N), dissected aortic arches (D) were longer (D: 155 ± 26 mm, N: 135 ± 25 mm, p = 0.002), higher (D: 51 ± 10 mm, N: 45 ± 9 mm, p = 0.04), and with a more anterior apex (shift: D: 1.19 ± 0.56, N: 1.40 ± 0.62, p = 0.007). False lumen occupied between 47-65% of the aorta, turned preferentially clockwise and its rotation decreased progressively along the arch.The morphology of the dissected aortic arch differs from that of the normal arch. Thus, our compilation of aortic arch measurements may help improve existing endovascular devices and/or design of new endoprostheses. Advances in knowledge: In this article, we provide a comprehensive set of measurements of the dissected aortic arch, and show that dissected aortic arches are longer, higher, and with a more anterior apex than normal arches.

AIM To determine whether the need for additional tricuspid valve repair is an independent risk factor when surgery is required for a left-sided heart disease. METHODS One hundred and eighty patients (68 ± 12 years, 79 males) underwent tricuspid annuoplasty. Cox proportional-hazards regression model for multivariate analysis was performed for variables found significant in univariate analyses. RESULTS Tricuspid regurgitation etiology was functional in 154 cases (86%), organic in 16 cases (9%), and mixed in 10 cases (6%), respectively. Postoperative mortality at 30 days was 11.7%. Mean follow-up was 51.7 mo with survival at 5 years of 73.5%. Risk factors for mortality were acute endocarditis [hazard ratio (HR) = 9.22 (95%CI: 2.87-29.62), P < 0.001], ischemic heart disease requiring myocardial revascularization [HR = 2.79 (1.26-6.20), P = 0.012], and aortic valve stenosis [HR = 2.6 (1.15-5.85), P = 0.021]. Significant predictive factors from univariate analyses were double-valve replacement combined with tricuspid annuloplasty [HR = 2.21 (1.11-4.39), P = 0.003] and preoperatively impaired ejection fraction [HR = 1.98 (1.04-3.92), P = 0.044]. However, successful mitral valve repair showed a protective effect [HR = 0.32 (0.10-0.98), P = 0.046]. Additionally, in instances where tricuspid regurgitation required the need for concomitant tricuspid valve repair, mortality predictor scores such as Euroscore 2 could be shortened to a simple Euroscore-tricuspid comprised of only 7 inputs. The explanation may lie in the fact that significant tricuspid regurgitation following left-sided heart disease represents an independent risk factor encompassing several other factors such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and dyspnea. CONCLUSION Tricuspid annuloplasty should be used more often as a concomitant procedure in the presence of relevant tricuspid regurgitation, although it usually reveals an overly delayed correction of a left-sided heart disease.

Progress in the medical management of patients with heart failure with systolic dysfunction has been accompanied by a significant improvement in survival and quality of life. These strategies have also resulted in changes in the clinical profile as well as an increase in the number of patients with advanced heart failure. The technological developments in left ventricular assist devices provide real hope for these patients. This article related our experience of management and the rehabilitation program realized.

Background Commonly the frequency of international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring with a conventional laboratory test in stable patients is once a month. When using a dedicated personal device for INR assessment, the frequency may be increased to two or more times a month. Objective To show that INR assessed by self-measurement at home is reliable and feasible in the mid-term and improves medical care. Patients and methods All patients in the study on INR self-measurement (clinical trial.gov: NCT00925197 ), conducted between 2004 and 2007, were re-contacted for mid-term follow-up. One hundred and seventy eight out of 192 patients who participated in the study answered a questionnaire. The average follow-up time was 4.2 years (± 1) for the self-measurement group and 4.9 years (± 1) for the laboratory-analyzed control group. Results Only 26 patients (group A) continued to use INR self-measurement to monitor treatment with vitamin K antagonists (VKA). The main reasons to stop INR self-measurement were its high cost and difficulty in obtaining strips. There were significantly fewer bleeding complications (p = 0.04) and complications related to VKA (p = 0.01) in self-measured patients compared to the control group. Feelings of security and quality of life were also significantly better (p = 0.002) for self-measured patients. Conclusion Many patients with a mechanical heart valve, who self-measured INR, continue to use this method for their follow-up because of its positive effects on their health and quality of life.

Introduction Surgical-site infection (SSI) is the second most frequent cause of healthcare-associated infection worldwide and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Cardiac surgery is clean surgery with low incidence of SSI, ranging from 2% to 5%, but with potentially severe consequences. Perioperative skin antisepsis with an alcohol-based antiseptic solution is recommended to prevent SSI, but the superiority of chlorhexidine (CHG)–alcohol over povidone iodine (PVI)–alcohol, the two most common alcohol-based antiseptic solutions used worldwide, is controversial. We aim to evaluate whether 2% CHG–70% isopropanol is more effective than 5% PVI–69% ethanol in reducing the incidence of reoperation after cardiac surgery. Methods and analysis The CLEAN 2 study is a multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled clinical trial of 4100 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Patients will be randomised in 1:1 ratio to receive either 2% CHG–70% isopropanol or 5% PVI–69% ethanol for perioperative skin preparation. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients undergoing any re-sternotomy between day 0 and day 90 after initial surgery and/or any reoperation on saphenous vein/radial artery surgical site between day 0 and day 30 after initial surgery. Data will be analysed on the intention-to-treat principle. Ethics and dissemination This protocol has been approved by an independent ethics committee and will be carried out according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the Good Clinical Practice guidelines. The results of this study will be disseminated through presentation at scientific conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration number EudraCT 2017-005169-33 and NCT03560193.

Objective: Early and long-term valve stability following VSRR, were comparatively analyzed between tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV).Methods: From January 2003 to Februar...

Nowadays transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an accepted alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement for high-risk patients (pts). Successful TAVI procedures for failed aortic surgical bioprosthesis (TAV-in-SAV) have already been reported. In the presented two cases of TAV-in-SAV implantation a strut distortion of the stent was revealed on angiographic imaging and confirmed on control CT scan. In both procedures, a dislocation of the medtronic core valve (MCV) prosthesis during implantation led to valve retrieval, with a necessity of reloading it in the 18F introducer before subsequent implantation of the same valve in correct position.

BACKGROUND: Only a few studies, involving small numbers of patients, have globally assessed the curvature of the thoracic aorta but without any details concerning the location of the supra-aortic trunks. OBJECTIVES: Using CT to describe normal aortic-arch morphology and its changes with age and sex. METHODS: 344 CT scans were studied. We measured the distances from the apex to the ascending and descending aorta, the curvilinear length of the entire arch, that of the segment, including bifurcations of supra-aortic vessels, and the angle, height, and shift of the arch. RESULTS: In men, the arch was significantly longer (146.2 vs 122.8 mm; p < 0.001), higher (49.3 vs 40.1 mm, p < 0.001), and wider transversely (83.6 vs 73.3 mm; p < 0.001) than in women. The average men's arch also had a more acute angle at the apex (79.7 degrees vs 83.7 degrees p < 0.001). Neither morphology nor age influenced the winding angle around the mediastinum. Aging was accompanied by deflection and extension of the aortic arch, which grew more anteroposteriorly (6.1 mm/10 years in men) than vertically (2.5 mm/10 years in men), while the apex moved towards the rear of the arch. The ascending aorta was the only curvilinear length unaffected by age, whereas the supra-aortic trunks parted from each other. CONCLUSION: We believe that all these original observations could lead to a better assessment of normal aging of the aorta and guide technical choices during surgical or hybrid procedures

Special Issue: Abstracts of the 20th Annual Meeting of French Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 37th Pharmacovigilance Meeting, 17th APNET Seminar, 14th CHU CIC Meeting, 19–21 April 2016, Nancy, France; Introduction: Between September and December 2012, unusual postoperative bleedings occurred in all on-pump cardiac surgery in our heart-surgery department of Clermont- Ferrand University Hospital. This issue was concomitant to the replacement of Choay heparina by Panpharma heparin. The aim of this study isto compare the postoperative hemostasis between these two heparins.Material and methods: We retrospectively compared the operative and postoperative surgical data from patients who had undergone surgery during this 4-month period when Panpharma heparin (group P, 257 patients) was used with data from patients who had undergone surgery during the following 3 months and received Choay (group C, 194 patients).Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of preoperative characteristics, operative indications, or theoretical heparin doses.Despite group P receiving a significantly lower total dose of heparin (mean dose 21 000 IU/CEC) compared to group C (mean dose 22 000 IU/CEC) ( P = 0.05), the number of surgical re-explorations needed to perfect postoperative hemostasis was significantly higher for group P (3.5% vs. 0) (P = 0.01). Heparin anti-Xa activity after surgery had higher anticoagulant activity in group P at postoperative h1 and h12 compared to group C, which accounted for the greater postoperative surgical re-explorations in group P

Summary Introduction Thromboembolic accidents and haemorrhage are the main complications observed during long-term follow-up of mechanical heart valve patients. Several suggestions for improving anticoagulation quality have been made, including international normalised ratio (INR) self-monitoring. Objectives We report the preliminary results of a single-centre, open, randomised study (scheduled population of 200 patients), which compares monthly laboratory monitoring (group A) versus weekly self-monitoring of INR (group B). The primary aim is INR stability improvement within the target range, and the secondary aim is adverse events reduction. Patients and methods Between May 2004 and June 2005, 67 patients with an average age of 56.6 years (± 9.6), were enrolled in the study (group A: 34 patients, group B: 33 patients). The mean follow-up was 47 weeks (± 11.5). The two groups differed only in the sex ratio (44.1 and 21.2% of women in groups A and B respectively, p = 0.0459). Mechanical heart valves were aortic in 73% of patients, mitral in 13.5%, and multiple in 13.5%. Sixty-five patients (97%) were treated with fluindione, the others with acenocoumarol. The intraclass correlation coefficient between the self- and laboratory-monitored INR was 0.75. Results The time spent in the INR target range (group A: 53 ± 19%, group B: 57 ± −19%, p = 0.45) and the time spent in the INR therapeutic range, between 2 and 4.5, (group A: 86 ± 14%, group B: 91 ± 7%, p = 0.07) are longer in group B, but not significantly so. For patients outside the range, the absolute mean deviation of INR from the target or therapeutic range (range standardized between 0 and 100) is lower for the self-monitoring group (41.1 ± 39.3 and 11.27 ± 11.2) than for the control group (62.4 ± 72.6 and 39.2 ± 52.8). This difference is significant ( p = 0.0004 and p = 0.0005). Eighteen adverse events were reported: 17 haemorrhages, 13 in group A (9 mild, 4 serious) and four in group B (all mild), and one sudden death in group B, two days after the patient's discharge. No thromboembolic events were reported. Six patients (8.8 %), 3 in each group, dropped out of the study. Conclusion This first study evaluating INR self-monitoring in France shows that this method leads to better stability of the INR within the target range. On the basis of these preliminary data, this appears to be related to a decrease in serious haemorrhages (11.8% serious haemorrhage cases in group A versus 0% in group B, p = 0.06, NS).

Resume Objectif Rapporter les modalites du diagnostic et du traitement des endofuites de type III observees dans notre centre compliquant l’implantation d’endoprothese couverte (EC) pour le traitement d’anevrysme de l’aorte thoracique descendante (AATD). Patients et methodes Etude retrospective des circonstances du diagnostic, des modalites therapeutiques et de l’evolution de la prise en charge d’endofuites de types III compliquant l’implantation d’EC chez trois patients parmi 18 traites entre avril 1998 et juillet 2005. Ces endofuites survenaient sur des protheses deployees pour traiter des AATD 22 mois (19-24) apres leur implantation. Resultats Ces endofuites de type III etaient des decouvertes systematiques sur scanner de controle, sans signe clinique d’appel. Un traitement complementaire par voie endovasculaire etait propose en moyenne 4,4 mois (1 semaine – 11 mois) apres le diagnostic, rencontrant un succes immediat pour les trois procedures. Au terme du suivi, nous deplorons un deces un mois apres traitement de la recidive, la necessite d’une reprise chirurgicale a 14 mois pour une nouvelle recidive, et une evolution favorable deux mois apres la nouvelle procedure. Conclusion La surveillance des AATD traites par EC est indispensable. Le traitement des complications tardives peut faire appel a un nouveau traitement endovasculaire, sous reserve d’un delai bref de reintervention, mais il peut aussi necessiter une reprise chirurgicale.

Summary Surgical site infection after heart surgery increases morbidity and mortality. The method of presurgical hand disinfection could influence the infection risk. From February to April 2003, we compared the microbiological efficacy of hand-rubbing (R) and hand-scrubbing (S) procedures. The surgical team alternately used hand-scrubbing or hand-rubbing techniques every two weeks. Fingertip impressions were taken before and immediately after hand disinfection, every 2 h and at the end of the operation. Acceptability of hand rubbing was assessed by a questionnaire. Mean durations of surgical procedures were 259 ± 68 and 244 ± 69 min for groups S and R respectively ( P = 0.43). Bacterial counts immediately after hand disinfection were comparable with the two techniques, but significantly lower in group R at the end of surgery. No differences were observed between the percentages of negative samples taken after 2 h, 4 h and at the end of surgery between the two groups. Bacterial skin flora reduction immediately after hand disinfection, after 2 h and 4 h of operating time and at the end of surgery was better in group R, but the difference was not statistically significant. Before surgery, the hand-rubbing method with alcohol solution preceded by hand washing with mild neutral soap is as effective as hand scrubbing to reduce bacterial counts on hands. It decreased the bacterial counts both immediately after hand disinfection and at the end of long cardiothoracic surgical procedures. The acceptability of hand rubbing was excellent and it can be considered to be a valid alternative to the conventional hand-scrubbing protocol.

Bioprosthetic thromboses are rarely reported in post-transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We describe herein the case of bioprosthetic valve thrombosis in an 82-year-old patient which resolved completely after anticoagulant therapy.

Resume Objectif Evaluer retrospectivement l’interet de l’IRM pour la surveillance a long terme des dissections aortiques (DA) et son impact sur la prise en charge therapeutique. Patients et methodes L’evolution radiologique sur 215 IRM effectuees dans le meme centre de 1991 a 2002 chez 56 patients (2 a 12 explorations par patient, moyenne: 4), a ete confrontee a l’evolution clinique. Resultats Vingt-six patients (46%) avaient une evolution anormale de l’aorte dissequee, cliniquement asymptomatique pour 14 d’entre eux (54%). Huit (31%) relevaient d’un traitement chirurgical: anomalies en amont d’un remplacement prothetique sus coronaire chez 3 patients; evolution anevrysmale du faux chenal pour les 5 derniers. Cinq de ces 8 patients (63%) etaient asymptomatiques. Le delai entre l’episode initial et le traitement chirurgical secondaire etait de moins de 5 ans pour 5, et de plus de 10 ans pour 3. Les 30 autres patients (54%) avaient une evolution radiologique stable apres un recul moyen de 3,5 ans (6 mois - 9 ans). Conclusion Dans la surveillance a long terme des DA, l’IRM a permis de detecter une progression de la maladie souvent cliniquement silencieuse, et ainsi d’adapter la prise en charge therapeutique chez 26 de nos patients (46%).

Purpose Bleeding is the most common and most serious complication of anticoagulant (AC) and antiplatelet agents (APA) which are increasingly used in every day practice. The aim of this study was to enlist and analyze the most severe bleeding events revealed during computed tomography scanner (CT scan) examinations over a 1-year period at our University Hospital and to evaluate the role of ACs and APAs in their occurrence. Methods This descriptive monocentric retrospective study included all patients who benefited from an emergency CT scan with a diagnosis of severe non-traumatic bleeding. Patients were divided into two groups: those treated with ACs and/or APAs, and those not treated with ACs or APAs. Results After applying the inclusion criteria, 93 patients were enrolled. Sixty-one patients received an anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment, and 32 did not receive any AC or APA therapy. Seventy nine percent presented with an intracranial hemorrhage, 17% with a rectus sheath or iliopsoas bleeding or hematoma, and 4% with a quadriceps hematoma. Only patients who received ACs or APAs suffered a muscular hematoma (p 3). Conclusions In our series, intracranial hemorrhage was preponderant and muscular hematomas occurred exclusively in patients treated with ACs and/or APAs. This study needs to be extended to evaluate the impact of new anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13019-014-0166-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.