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OBJECTIVES The German Aortic Valve Registry (GARY) seeks to provide information on a real-world, all-comers basis for patients undergoing aortic valve interventions. This registry comprises patients undergoing the complete spectrum of transcutaneous and conventional surgical aortic valve interventions. The aim of this study was to use the GARY registry to evaluate conventional and catheter-based aortic valve interventions in several risk groups. METHODS A total of 13 860 consecutive patients undergoing intervention for aortic valve disease [conventional aortic valve replacement (AVR) or transvascular/transapical TAVR (TV-/TA-TAVR)] were enrolled in 78 German centres in 2011. Baseline, procedural and outcome data, including quality of life, were acquired up to 1 year post-intervention. Vital status at 1 year was known for 98.1% of patients. RESULTS The 1-year mortality rate was 6.7% for conventional AVR patients (n = 6523) and 11.0% for patients who underwent AVR with coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 3464). The 1-year mortality rate was 20.7 and 28.0% in TV- and TA-TAVR patients, respectively (n = 2695 and 1181). However, if patients were stratified into four risk groups by means of the EuroSCORE and the German AV Score, the highest risk cohorts showed the same mortality at 1 year with either therapy. More than 80% of patients in all groups were in the same or better state of health at 1 year post-intervention and were satisfied with the procedural outcome. CONCLUSIONS Conventional AVR surgery yields excellent results after 1 year in lower-risk patients. Catheter-based AVR is a good alternative in high-risk and elderly patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which compared coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the treatment of patients with left main coronary disease. Particular focus is given to the methodology used in the study. Findings revealed a 3.8% myocardial infarction estimates in the CABG group and 9.7% in the PCI group. Results also showed an 11.4% all-cause death in the CABG group.

A response by Patrick W. Serruys and Friedrich W. Mohr to a letter to the editor about their article "Percutaneous Coronary Intervention versus Coronary-Artery Bypass Grafting," which appeared in the 2009 issue of the "New England Journal of Medicine," is presented.

Suturing of a coronary anastomosis in totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB) on the beating heart is technically demanding. The potential benefits of endoscopic Ventrica magnetic vascular positioning device (MVP) and endoscopic St. Jude Medical Connector to facilitate construction of a coronary anastomosis in a closed-chest environment were evaluated.The combination of robotic technology allowing for dexterous manipulation in a closed-chest environment and a simple yet effective and time-saving technique for anastomotic coupling may facilitate beating heart TECAB. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article reports on the 2014 European Society of Cardiology/European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (ESC/EACTs) guidelines on myocardial revascularization post-SYNTAX trial. Best possible evidence-based recommendations for diagnostic, risk stratification, and treatment policies for coronary artery disease (CAD) were provided in the guidelines. The recommendation of a time-line of 2 weeks for revascularization and use of SYNTAX score were also featured in the guidelines.

The authors discuss the prospects of the five-year follow-up results of the SYNTAX trial which confirmed that coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with lower rates of repeat revascularization. They mention that the trial demonstrated a significant benefit in cardiac mortality, occurrence of cerebrovascular events, and myocardial infarction in patients undergoing CABG.

Tremendous advances in the understanding and treatment of structural heart valve disease have been made in the past decade, including widespread utilization of minimally-invasive surgical procedures and the invention and evolution of numerous interventional techniques.These innovations will become the norm in therapy for valvular disease in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights advances in the understanding and treatment of structural heart valve disease as of November 2014. Topics discussed include two trends that have been observed in the surgical treatment of aortic valve disease that include mitral valve surgery. Several developments that have influenced decision-making in valve surgery are also discussed such as the valve-in-valve concept.

In this article, the authors comment on a study by S.J. Park related to the treatment of multivessel coronary artery disease (MVCAD). It mentions that new-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) have better efficacy in the treatment of MVCAD that first-generation DES. It states that coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is superior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as a treatment method for MVCAD. It further highlights that PCI is suitable for treating patients without diabetes.

A response by Holger Thiele, Friedrich W. Mohr and Gerhard Schuler to a letter to the editor about their article "Comparison of stenting with minimally invasive bypass surgery for stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery" in the August 22, 2002 issue is presented.

Background: Clinical and anatomical characteristics are often considered key factors in deciding between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with complex coronary artery disease (CAD) such as left-main CAD or 3-vessel disease. However, little is known about the interaction between self-reported preprocedural physical/mental health and clinical outcomes after revascularization.Methods: This subgroup analysis of the SYNTAXES trial (SYNTAX Extended Survival), which is the extended follow-up of the randomized SYNTAX trial (Synergy Between PCI With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) comparing PCI with CABG in patients with left-main CAD or 3-vessel disease, stratified patients by terciles of Physical (PCS) or Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores derived from the preprocedural 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, with higher PCS and MCS scores representing better physical and mental health, respectively. The primary end point was all-cause death at 10 years.Results: A total of 1656 patients with preprocedural 36-Item Short Form Health Survey data were included in the present study. Both higher PCS and MCS were independently associated with lower 10-year mortality (10-point increase in PCS adjusted hazard ratio, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.73-0.97]; P=0.021; in MCS adjusted hazard ratio, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.76-0.95]; P=0.005). A significant survival benefit with CABG over PCI was observed in the highest PCS (>45.5) and MCS (>52.3) terciles with significant treatment-by-subgroup interactions (PCS Pinteraction=0.033, MCS Pinteraction=0.015). In patients with both high PCS (>45.5) and MCS (>52.3), 10-year mortality was significantly higher with PCI compared with CABG (30.5% versus 12.2%; hazard ratio, 2.87 [95% CI, 1.55-5.30]; P=0.001), whereas among those with low PCS (≤45.5) or low MCS (≤52.3), there were no significant differences in 10-year mortality between PCI and CABG, resulting in a significant treatment-by-subgroup interaction (Pinteraction=0.002).Conclusions: Among patients with left-main CAD or 3-vessel disease, patient-reported preprocedural physical and mental health status was strongly associated with long-term mortality and modified the relative treatment effects of PCI versus CABG. Patients with the best physical and mental health had better 10-year survival with CABG compared with PCI. Assessment of self-reported physical and mental health is important when selecting the optimal revascularization strategy.Registration: URL: https://www.Clinicaltrials: gov; SYNTAXES Unique identifier: NCT03417050. URL: https://www.Clinicaltrials: gov; SYNTAX Unique identifier: NCT00114972. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents is challenging coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) as the gold standard for treatment of three-vessel and left main coronary disease. We evaluated the current practice pattern in hospitals throughout Europe and USA. Methods: To qualify for participation in the SYNTAX (Synergy between PCI with TAXUS drug-eluting stent and Cardiac Surgery) study, a randomized trial comparing percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent versus coronary artery bypass grafting for three-vessel and left main disease, 104 centers were asked to provide their case volume in 3 months in 2004. Anonymous procedural data were collected. Results: A total of 12,072 patients were recorded. Coronary artery bypass grafting was the most frequently performed procedure (N =8895, 74%). Three-vessel disease (3VD) predominated in this population (N =8532, 71%) versus left main (N =3540, 29%). In the 3-month period, per center a mean of 8.3 patients with left main and 22.3 patients with three-vessel disease were treated by percutaneous coronary intervention, while 26.0 patients with left main and 60.3 patients with three-vessel disease were treated by coronary artery bypass grafting. In USA, percutaneous coronary intervention for left main and/or three-vessel disease was performed in 18% of the cases while this was performed in 29% of the cases in Europe. Of all CABG procedures, only 12% were done with total arterial grafting while 7% were treated with only venous grafts. Conclusions: In patients with multivessel or left main disease, still coronary artery bypass grafting remains the dominant revascularization strategy. Percutaneous coronary intervention is performed frequently without supporting data from the literature. Percutaneous coronary intervention for this indication is performed more often in Europe than in USA. Only a minority of the patients receives total arterial grafting in case of coronary artery bypass grafting. The SYNTAX trial with randomized and registry cohorts should provide guidance for selecting the preferred form of treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The significant interaction between major infection and 5-year mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) for complex coronary artery disease (CAD) was observed previously. However, the very long-term outcomes beyond 5 years remains unclear. This is a subgroup analysis of the SYNTAX Extended Survival (SYNTAXES) trial, which is the extended follow-up of the randomized SYNTAX trial comparing PCI versus CABG in patients with three-vessel disease (3VD) or left-main CAD (LMCAD). Out of 1517 patients enrolled in the SYNTAX trial with available survival status from 5 to 10 years, 140 patients had experienced major infections and survived at 5 years (major infection group). From 5 to 10 years, the mortality of major infection group was 19.8% whereas the mortality of no major infection group was 15.1% (p = 0.157). After the adjustment of other clinical factors, the risk of mortality from 5 to 10 years did not significantly differ between major infection and no major infection groups (HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.62–1.96; p = 0.740). When stratified by the presence or absence of periprocedural major infections, defined as a major infection within 60 days after index procedure, there was also no significant difference in 10-year mortality between two groups (30.8% vs. 24.5%; p = 0.057). Despite the initial association between major infections and 5 years mortality, postprocedural major infection was not evident in the 10 years follow-up, suggesting that the impact of major infection on mortality subsided over time beyond 5 years. Trial registration: SYNTAXES ClinicalTrials.gov reference: NCT03417050 SYNTAX ClinicalTrials.gov reference: NCT00114972 • Major infection after PCI or CABG increased 5-year mortality risk • Major infection in first 5 years was not independent predictor of 10-year mortality • The periprocedural major infection did not affect 10-year survival significantly [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical precision is limited by human factors. Surgery on a moving object requires full dexterity and motion tracking. Currently, techniques for total endoscopic surgery using telemanipulation systems are being developed. Aim of this study was to assess the limitations for manual and telemanipulator-assisted motion tracking using the da Vinci™ telemanipulator system. Methods: To simulate moving object conditions, an endoscopic trainer was developed. Twenty subjects were asked to touch targets manually and with telemanipulator assistance with different patterns of increasing index of difficulty (resting model, unstabilized and stabilized model with a frequency of 35, 60 and 90/bpm). In addition, one task was performed using different scaling ratios on a resting model. The times between hits as well as misses were electronically recorded. Results: There was no significant impact of various frequencies and amplitudes for manual tracking. The average values for the delay (km [ms]) and information-processing (cm [ms/bit]) constants for the manual tasks were 201 and 86 ms/bit, respectively. As compared to manual control, the delay constant for the telemanipulator-assisted tasks of resting targets was three times longer (kt=630 ms; p<0.0005) and the information-processing constant was less (ct=250 ms/bit; p<0.0005). When working on moving targets, telemanipulator-assisted control and tracking required significantly more time and led to more errors. At a frequency of 90 bpm, telemanipulator-assisted control and tracking became almost impossible. Conclusion: Endoscopic beating heart bypass grafting requires an optimal stabilization to avoid inaccuracies due to incomplete motion control and tracking. At higher speeds (equaling a frequency of 90 bpm), control and tracking became almost impossible, demonstrating the technical limits of current telemanipulator technology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was introduced in the 1960s as the first procedure for direct coronary artery revascularization and rapidly became one of the most common surgical procedures worldwide, with an overall total of more than 20 million operations performed. CABG continues to be the most common cardiac surgical procedure performed and has been one of the most carefully studied therapies. Best CABG techniques, optimal bypass conduits, and appropriate patient selection have been rigorously tested in landmark clinical trials, some of which have resolved controversy and most of which have stoked further debate and trials. The evolution of CABG cannot be properly portrayed without presenting it in the context of the parallel development of percutaneous coronary intervention. In this Historical Perspective, we a provide a broad overview of the history of coronary revascularization with a focus on the foundations, evolution, best evidence, and future directions of CABG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES Minimally invasive staged segmental artery (SA) coil- and plug embolization is a new method for paraplegia prevention associated with extensive aortic procedures. Near-infrared spectroscopy of the paraspinal collateral network (cnNIRS) has emerged as a non-invasive method for spinal cord monitoring. The aim of this study was to evaluate cnNIRS to guide minimally invasive SA occlusion. METHODS In a chronic large animal experiment, 18 juvenile pigs underwent two-stage minimally invasive staged SA coil- and plug embolization for complete SA occlusion. Coil-embolization was performed either by SA main stem occlusion (characteristic of pig anatomy) or separately for the left- and right SA. Lumbar cnNIRS was recorded during and after the procedure. Neurological status was assessed up to 3 days after complete SA occlusion. RESULTS Mean time from SA coil embolization to minimum cnNIRS values was 11 ± 5 min with an average decrease from 101 ± 2% to 78 ± 8% of baseline (difference: −23 ± 9, P  < 0.001). Lumbar cnNIRS demonstrated significant differences between left and right when SAs were occluded separately in all cases (−7 ± 4%, 1 min after first SA occlusion; P  = 0.001). Permanent paraplegia occurred in 2 (11%) and any kind of neurological deficit—temporary or permanent—in 7 animals (39%). Association between lumbar cnNIRS and neurological outcome after minimally invasive staged SA coil- and plug embolization suggests positive correlation (R  = 0.5, P  = 0.052). CONCLUSIONS Lumbar cnNIRS independently reacts to unilateral SA occlusion. cnNIRS-guided SA occlusion is feasible and may become a useful adjunct facilitating adequate and complete vessel occlusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediastinitis after cardiac surgery is a rare but life-threatening complication. The omentum is particularly well-suited for the treatment of severe sternal wound infections, because it contains large numbers of immunologically active cells that seem to be responsible for the high anti-infective activity of the omentum. The additional transposition of parts of the greater omentum into the thorax was discussed in the development of a protocol for the planned ATMI study, which will investigate the effectiveness of immunoglobulins in the treatment of severe sternal wound infections that require reoperation. We present two different points of view about whether omentopexy should be allowed within the study design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous definitions for peri-procedural myocardial infarction (PMI) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary bypass grafting (CABG) surgery exist.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the PMI rates according to various definitions, their clinically relevant association with all-cause mortality at 10 years, and their impact on composite endpoints at 5 years in the SYNTAXES (Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery Extended Survival) trial.Methods: PMI was classified as a myocardial infarction occurring within 48 h of the procedure according to definitions of the SYNTAX (TAXUS Drug-Eluting Stent Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for the Treatment of Narrowed Arteries), ISCHEMIA (International Study Of Comparative Health Effectiveness With Medical And Invasive Approaches), and EXCEL (Evaluation of XIENCE versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Effectiveness of Left Main Revascularization) trials; the Fourth Universal Definition of MI; and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI). Of the 1,800 patients enrolled, 1,652 with creatine kinase and/or creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) post-procedure were included. The association between PMI and mortality was analyzed by Cox regression.Results: PMI rates according to the SYNTAX and Fourth Universal Definition of MI, both of which required CK-MB elevation and electrocardiographic evidence of permanent myocardial damage, were 2.7% and 3.0%, respectively, in the PCI arm versus 2.4% and 2.1%, respectively, in the CABG arm. PMI rates according to the SCAI or EXCEL definition were higher in the PCI (5.7%) and CABG (16.5%) arms. PMIs according to the SYNTAX and Fourth Universal Definition of MI were more strongly associated with mortality than EXCEL and SCAI PMIs defined by isolated enzyme elevation when CK-MB was more than 10 times ULN. The impact of these "enzyme-driven events" on time-to-event curves and the composite endpoints was greater in the surgical cohort. PMIs after PCI were associated with 10-year mortality regardless of definition, whereas their impact on mortality after CABG was limited to 1 year.Conclusions: The rates of PMI are highly dependent on their definition, which affects time-to-event curves, composite endpoints, and their lethal prognostic relevance. (Synergy Between PCI With TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery: SYNTAX Extended Survival [SYNTAXES]; NCT03417050; SYNTAX Study: TAXUS Drug-Eluting Stent Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for the Treatment of Narrowed Arteries [SYNTAX]; NCT00114972). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The poorer prognosis of coronary artery disease in females compared with males is related mainly to differences in baseline characteristics. In the SYNTAX (Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) trial, the effect of treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) on mortality at 5 years differed significantly between females and males; however, the optimal revascularization beyond 5 years according to sex has not been evaluated.Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of sex on mortality and sex-treatment interaction at 10 years.Methods: The SYNTAXES (SYNTAX Extended Survival) study evaluated vital status up to 10 years in 1,800 patients with de novo 3-vessel and/or left main coronary artery disease randomized to treatment with PCI or CABG in the SYNTAX trial. All-cause death at 10 years was separately evaluated in female and male patients with complex coronary artery disease.Results: Of 1,800 patients, 402 (22.3%) were female and 1,398 (77.7%) were males. Females had a higher 10-year mortality rate compared with males (32.8% vs. 24.7%; log-rank p = 0.002), but female sex was not an independent predictor of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.02; 95% confidence interval: 0.76 to 1.36). Mortality at 10 years tended to be lower after CABG than after PCI, with a similar treatment effect for female and male patients (adjusted hazard ratio for females: 0.90 [95% confidence interval: 0.54 to 1.51]; adjusted hazard ratio for males: 0.76 [95% confidence interval: 0.56 to 1.02]; p for interaction = 0.952).Conclusions: Female sex was not an independent predictor of mortality at 10 years in patients with complex coronary artery disease. The interaction between sex and treatment with PCI or CABG that was observed at 5 years was no longer present at 10 years. (Synergy Between PCI With TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery: SYNTAX Extended Survival [SYNTAXES], NCT03417050; SYNTAX Study: TAXUS Drug-Eluting Stent Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for the Treatment of Narrowed Arteries [SYNTAX], NCT00114972). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antegrade stented (frozen) elephant trunk procedure and pulmonary embolectomy are complex cardiac surgical operations for extensive aortic and pulmonary arterial disease, respectively. We report the first known case of concomitant antegrade stented elephant trunk and pulmonary embolectomy in order to highlight pre- and intra-operative management strategies for this uncommon disease combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Transapical aortic valve implantation (TA-AVI) has evolved as a routine procedure to treat selected high-risk elderly patients. In the vast majority, the balloon-expandable SAPIEN™ prosthesis has been used for TA-AVI. The new JenaValve™ prosthesis is designed for antegrade transapical implantation and consists of a self-expandable Nitinol™ stent with a porcine tissue-prosthesis mounted on a sheath-less delivery catheter. Key features of the device are three ‘positioning feelers’ facilitating intuitive ‘self-positioning’ valve implantation. The JenaValve™ concept results in a subcoronary valve position with an anatomically correct valve rotation relying on axial in addition to radial fixation by the three Nitinol™ ‘feelers’ embracing the native valve leaflets. Here, we report the successful first-in-man implantation in an elderly high-risk patient using a transapical off-pump approach. The JenaValve™ demonstrated proof of concept and a good functional result immediately after deployment and at 12-months’ follow-up. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Patients with severe calcified ascending aorta ("porcelain aorta") present a surgical challenge. Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB), using new automated proximal anastomotic devices, provide a surgical alternative for patients who are not candidates for in situ arterial grafting. We present a 74-year-old male with double-vessel disease and a large calcified aneurysm of the left anterior wall. Left ventricular function was poor with an ejection fraction of 24%. The beating heart technique was used for the distal anastomosis and ventriculoplasty. The proximal anastomosis was constructed with an automated aortic connector system, thereby avoiding clamping of the severely diseased aorta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of bioprostheses for surgical aortic valve replacement increased substantially within the last years. In case of prosthesis failure, re-SAVR is standard of care, whereas valve-in-valve deployment of a transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve prosthesis (VinV-TFAVI) has recently emerged as an alternative. We sought to evaluate early safety, clinical efficacy, and all-cause 1-year-mortality of VinV-TFAVI and redo surgery for failing aortic bioprostheses (re-SAVR). Patients receiving either VinV-TFAVI (n = 147) or re-SAVR (n = 111) for a degenerated aortic bioprosthesis between 01/2006 and 05/2017 were included in this analysis. All-cause 1-year mortality was the primary outcome measure. Early safety and clinical efficacy according to VARC-2 endpoint definitions were evaluated at 30 days. Baseline characteristics differed significantly between both groups including age, STS-PROM, and incidence of relevant comorbidities. Re-stenosis was the predominant mode of failure in 45.9% of re-SAVR and 63.1% of VinV-TFAVI patients. The rate of "early safety" endpoints was lower with VinV-TFAVI (17.7% vs. 64.9%, p < 0.01), the rate of "clinical efficacy" endpoints was lower, e.g. better with re-SAVR (53.1% vs. 32.4%, p < 0.01). All-cause 1-year-mortality (VinV-TFAVI 8.8% vs re-SAVR 9.9%, p = 0.84) was not different. Treatment strategy was not associated with 1-year-mortality in a Cox regression analysis. The incidence of prosthesis-patient-mismatch was higher in VinV-TFAVI compared to re-SAVR. VinV-TFAVI represents a viable alternative for treatment of degenerated aortic bioprostheses in patients at increased surgical risk. However, in patients at low risk for reoperation, a better clinical efficacy and acceptable safety may favour re-SAVR. • VinV-TAVI is a safe and effective treatment for degenerated aortic bioprosthesis. • Data comparing this procedure to redo surgery (re-SAVR) are scarce. • Comparable 1-year-mortality between re-SAVR and VinV-TFAVI. • Incidence of bleeding and renal failure was higher with re-SAVR. • Postoperative transvalvular gradients were higher after VinV-TFAVI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the study to identify the optimal MIS2 ACE occlusion pattern. Minimally invasive staged segmental artery coil- and plug embolization (MIS2 ACE) has been introduced for spinal cord injury prevention prior to open or endovascular thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. To date, no optimal pattern has been developed.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly being used for treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis in patients at intermediate risk for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Currently, real-world data comparing indications and clinical outcomes of patients at intermediate surgical risk undergoing isolated TAVR with those undergoing SAVR are scarce.Methods: We compared clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with intermediate surgical risk (Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 4%-8%) who underwent isolated TAVR or conventional SAVR within the prospective, all-comers German Aortic Valve Registry.Results: A total of 7613 patients at intermediate surgical risk underwent isolated TAVR (n=6469) or SAVR (n=1144) at 92 sites in Germany between 2012 and 2014. Patients treated by TAVR were significantly older (82.5±5.0 versus 76.6±6.7 years, P<0.001) and had higher risk scores (logistic EuroSCORE [European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation]: 21.2±12.3% versus 14.2±9.5%, P<0.001; Society of Thoracic Surgeons score: 5.6±1.1 versus 5.2±1.0, P<0.001). Multivariable analyses revealed that advanced age, coronary artery disease, New York Heart Association class III/IV, pulmonary hypertension, prior cardiac decompensation, elective procedure, arterial occlusive disease, no diabetes mellitus, and a smaller aortic valve area were associated with performing TAVR instead of SAVR (all P<0.001). Unadjusted in-hospital mortality rates were equal for TAVR and SAVR (3.6% versus 3.6%, P=0.976), whereas unadjusted 1-year mortality was significantly higher in patients after TAVR (17.5% versus 10.8%, P<0.001). After propensity score matching, the difference in 1-year mortality between patients with TAVR and SAVR was no longer significant (17.1% versus 15.7%, P=0.59).Conclusions: Patients at intermediate risk undergoing TAVR differ significantly from those treated with SAVR with regard to age and baseline characteristics. Isolated TAVR and SAVR were associated with an in-hospital mortality rate of 3.6%. In the propensity score analysis, there was no significant difference in 1-year mortality between patients with TAVR and SAVR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES Our objective was to evaluate the impact of reimplantation techniques of the supra-aortic branches in total arch replacement on the rates of permanent neurological deficit (PND) and survival. METHODS We identified patients enrolled in the ARCH registry who underwent total arch replacement between 2000 and 2015 with either en bloc or separate reimplantation of the supra-aortic branches. RESULTS A total of 3345 patients were included in the present analysis. From this cohort, 686 patients underwent en bloc and 2659 patients had separate reimplantation of the supra-aortic branches. Propensity score analysis identified 461 matched patient pairs. In the matched cohort, there were no differences regarding the mortality rate (15.6% vs 15.7%, P = 0.710) or PND (9.2% vs 12.1%, P = 0.231). Although separate reimplantation of the supra-aortic branches was not associated with an increased mortality rate on multivariable logistic regression, it increased the risk of PND [odds ratio (OR) 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–2.29; P = 0.023]. Propensity-adjusted regression confirmed these findings and found a similar risk for PND with separate reimplantation of the supra-aortic branches (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.01–2.23; P = 0.047), although this significance was not found with conditional logistic regression (P = 0.20). No significant differences between survival were seen between the 2 matched cohorts (stratified log rank P = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS Separate reimplantation of the supra-aortic branches in total arch replacement is a significant predictor of stroke in the overall group, although comparable stroke rates were observed in the matched cohort. The current trend towards separate reimplantation of supra-aortic branches may expose certain subgroups of patients to an increased risk of stroke, e.g. those with a high atherosclerotic burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The feasibility ofminimally invasive mitral valve (MV) surgery in infective endocarditis (IE) has not been reported in detail. We assessed the safety, efficacy, and durability of the minimally invasive approach through a right anterolateral minithoracotomy for surgical treatment of MV IE. Methods A review of the Leipzig Heart Center database revealed 92 eligible patients operated on between 2002 and 2013. All patients had undergone minimally invasive surgery for IE. The indication for surgery was isolated IE of the MV in all patients. Baseline and intraoperative data, as well as clinical outcomes and short-term follow-up were analyzed retrospectively. Results The patients' mean age was 60.9 ± 15.3 years, the logistic EuroSCORE II was 19.6 ± 19.1%, and 64.1% (59) were male. MV repair was feasible in 23.9% (22/92) of patients. Repair techniques included annuloplasty ring implantation, anterior mitral leaflet resection, posterior mitral leaflet resection, and implantation of neochordae. MV replacement was performed in 69 patients (75%), a mitral annulus patch in 1 patient, and concomitant tricuspid valve surgery for tricuspid regurgitation in 5 patients. Bacteriological analysis showed staphylococcus infection in 45.5%, streptococcus in 36.4%, enterococcus in 13.6%, and others in 4.5%. The 30-day-mortality rate was 9.8% (9 patients). The 1-year follow-up showed a 1-year survival rate of 77.7 ± 4.4% and freedom from reoperation within 1 year due to reendocarditis of 93.3 ± 2.1%. Conclusions Theminimally invasive approach is suitable for the treatment of IE of the MV. It is a good technique in IE in selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are used for coronary revascularization in patients with multivessel and left main coronary artery disease. Stroke is among the most feared complications of revascularization. Due to its infrequency, studies with large numbers of patients are required to detect differences in stroke rates between CABG and PCI.Objectives: This study sought to compare rates of stroke after CABG and PCI and the impact of procedural stroke on long-term mortality.Methods: We performed a collaborative individual patient-data pooled analysis of 11 randomized clinical trials comparing CABG with PCI using stents; ERACI II (Argentine Randomized Study: Coronary Angioplasty With Stenting Versus Coronary Bypass Surgery in Patients With Multiple Vessel Disease) (n = 450), ARTS (Arterial Revascularization Therapy Study) (n = 1,205), MASS II (Medicine, Angioplasty, or Surgery Study) (n = 408), SoS (Stent or Surgery) trial (n = 988), SYNTAX (Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) trial (n = 1,800), PRECOMBAT (Bypass Surgery Versus Angioplasty Using Sirolimus-Eluting Stent in Patients With Left Main Coronary Artery Disease) trial (n = 600), FREEDOM (Comparison of Two Treatments for Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease in Individuals With Diabetes) trial (n = 1,900), VA CARDS (Coronary Artery Revascularization in Diabetes) (n = 198), BEST (Bypass Surgery Versus Everolimus-Eluting Stent Implantation for Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease) (n = 880), NOBLE (Percutaneous Coronary Angioplasty Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Treatment of Unprotected Left Main Stenosis) trial (n = 1,184), and EXCEL (Evaluation of Xience Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Effectiveness of Left Main Revascularization) trial (n = 1,905). The 30-day and 5-year stroke rates were compared between CABG and PCI using a random effects Cox proportional hazards model, stratified by trial. The impact of stroke on 5-year mortality was explored.Results: The analysis included 11,518 patients randomly assigned to PCI (n = 5,753) or CABG (n = 5,765) with a mean follow-up of 3.8 ± 1.4 years during which a total of 293 strokes occurred. At 30 days, the rate of stroke was 0.4% after PCI and 1.1% after CABG (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20 to 0.53; p < 0.001). At 5-year follow-up, stroke remained significantly lower after PCI than after CABG (2.6% vs. 3.2%; HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.97; p = 0.027). Rates of stroke between 31 days and 5 years were comparable: 2.2% after PCI versus 2.1% after CABG (HR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.80 to 1.38; p = 0.72). No significant interactions between treatment and baseline clinical or angiographic variables for the 5-year rate of stroke were present, except for diabetic patients (PCI: 2.6% vs. CABG: 4.9%) and nondiabetic patients (PCI: 2.6% vs. CABG: 2.4%) (p for interaction = 0.004). Patients who experienced a stroke within 30 days of the procedure had significantly higher 5-year mortality versus those without a stroke, both after PCI (45.7% vs. 11.1%, p < 0.001) and CABG (41.5% vs. 8.9%, p < 0.001).Conclusions: This individual patient-data pooled analysis demonstrates that 5-year stroke rates are significantly lower after PCI compared with CABG, driven by a reduced risk of stroke in the 30-day post-procedural period but a similar risk of stroke between 31 days and 5 years. The greater risk of stroke after CABG compared with PCI was confined to patients with multivessel disease and diabetes. Five-year mortality was markedly higher for patients experiencing a stroke within 30 days after revascularization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical aortic valve replacement using conventional biological valves (CBVs) is the standard of care for treatment of old patients with aortic valve disease. Recently, rapid deployment valves (RDVs) have been introduced.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to report the nationwide German experience concerning RDVs for treatment of aortic valve stenosis and provide a head-to-head comparison with CBVs.Methods: A total of 22,062 patients who underwent isolated surgical aortic valve replacement using CBV or RDV between 2011 and 2015 were enrolled into the German Aortic Valve Registry. Baseline, procedural, and in-hospital outcome parameters were analyzed for CBVs and RDVs using 1:1 propensity score matching. Furthermore, 3 RDVs were compared with each other.Results: A total of 20,937 patients received a CBV, whereas 1,125 patients were treated with an RDV. Patients treated with an RDV presented with significantly reduced procedure (160 min [25th to 75th percentile: 135 to 195 min] vs. 150 min [25th to 75th percentile: 127 to 179 min]; p < 0.001), cardiopulmonary bypass (83 min [25th to 75th percentile: 68 to 104 min] vs. 70 min [25th to 75th percentile: 56 to 87 min]; p < 0.001), and aortic cross clamp times (60 min [25th to 75th percentile: 48 to 75 min] vs. 44 min [25th to 75th percentile: 35 to 57 min]; p < 0.001), but showed significantly elevated rates of pacemaker implantation (3.7% vs. 8.8%; p < 0.001) and disabling stroke (0.9% vs. 2.2%; p < 0.001), whereas in-hospital mortality was similar (1.7% vs. 2.2%; p = 0.22). These findings persisted after 1:1 propensity score matching. Comparison of the 3 RDVs revealed statistically nonsignificant different pacemaker rates and significantly different post-operative transvalvular gradients.Conclusions: In this large, all-comers database, the incidence of pacemaker implantation and disabling stroke was higher with RDVs, whereas no beneficial effect on in-hospital mortality was seen. The 3 RDVs presented different complication profiles with regard to pacemaker implantation and transvalvular gradients. (German Aortic Valve Registry [GARY]; NCT01165827). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are often characterized by risk factors not reflected in conventional risk scores. In this context, little is known about the outcome of patients suffering from an active cancer disease (ACD). The objective was to determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and mortality of patients with ACD undergoing TAVR compared to those with a history of cancer (HCD) and controls without known tumor disease.Methods: TAVR patients between 02/2006 and 09/2014 were stratified according to the presence of ACD, HCD, and control. All-cause-mortality at 1-year was the primary end point. All end point definitions were subject to the Valve Academic Research Consortium II definitions.Results: Overall, 1821 patients were included: 99 patients (5.4%) suffered from ACD and 251 patients (13.8%) had HCD. ACD was related to a solid organ or hematological source in 72.7% and 27.3%, respectively. Patients with ACD were more often male (P = 0.004) and had a lower logisticEuroScore I (P = 0.033). Overall rates of VARC-II defined periprocedural myocardial infarction, stroke, bleeding, access-site complications, and acute kidney injury were not different between groups. Thirty-day mortality did not differ between patients with ACD, HCD, and controls (6.1% vs 4.4% vs 7.6%, P = 0.176). All-cause 1-year mortality was higher in patients with ACD compared HCD and controls (37.4% vs 16.4% vs 20.8%, P < 0.001). ACD was an independent predictor of all-cause 1-year mortality (HR 2.10, 95%-CI 1.41-3.13, P < 0.001).Conclusion: The presence of ACD in patients undergoing TAVR is associated with significantly higher 1-year mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous randomised trials have compared coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients with coronary artery disease. However, no studies have been powered to detect a difference in mortality between the revascularisation strategies.Methods: We did a systematic review up to July 19, 2017, to identify randomised clinical trials comparing CABG with PCI using stents. Eligible studies included patients with multivessel or left main coronary artery disease who did not present with acute myocardial infarction, did PCI with stents (bare-metal or drug-eluting), and had more than 1 year of follow-up for all-cause mortality. In a collaborative, pooled analysis of individual patient data from the identified trials, we estimated all-cause mortality up to 5 years using Kaplan-Meier analyses and compared PCI with CABG using a random-effects Cox proportional-hazards model stratified by trial. Consistency of treatment effect was explored in subgroup analyses, with subgroups defined according to baseline clinical and anatomical characteristics.Findings: We included 11 randomised trials involving 11 518 patients selected by heart teams who were assigned to PCI (n=5753) or to CABG (n=5765). 976 patients died over a mean follow-up of 3·8 years (SD 1·4). Mean Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score was 26·0 (SD 9·5), with 1798 (22·1%) of 8138 patients having a SYNTAX score of 33 or higher. 5 year all-cause mortality was 11·2% after PCI and 9·2% after CABG (hazard ratio [HR] 1·20, 95% CI 1·06-1·37; p=0·0038). 5 year all-cause mortality was significantly different between the interventions in patients with multivessel disease (11·5% after PCI vs 8·9% after CABG; HR 1·28, 95% CI 1·09-1·49; p=0·0019), including in those with diabetes (15·5% vs 10·0%; 1·48, 1·19-1·84; p=0·0004), but not in those without diabetes (8·7% vs 8·0%; 1·08, 0·86-1·36; p=0·49). SYNTAX score had a significant effect on the difference between the interventions in multivessel disease. 5 year all-cause mortality was similar between the interventions in patients with left main disease (10·7% after PCI vs 10·5% after CABG; 1·07, 0·87-1·33; p=0·52), regardless of diabetes status and SYNTAX score.Interpretation: CABG had a mortality benefit over PCI in patients with multivessel disease, particularly those with diabetes and higher coronary complexity. No benefit for CABG over PCI was seen in patients with left main disease. Longer follow-up is needed to better define mortality differences between the revascularisation strategies.Funding: None. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Surgical aortic valve replacement (sAVR) is coming under close scrutiny with the recent upswing in the use of less invasive approaches. The aim of this analysis was to identify current trends in patient selection, procedural characteristics and outcomes after sAVR in Germany. METHODS: We analysed data from 42 776 patients included in the German Aortic Valve Registry who underwent sAVR with and without coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) between 2011 and 2015. Baseline, procedural and short-term outcome parameters were analysed. RESULTS: Of all registered patients, 26 618 (62.2%) underwent isolated sAVR and 16 158 (37.8%) sAVR + CABG. The median age was 72 years, and the median Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality (STS PROM) was 2.3%. From 2011 to 2015, there was a decline in STS PROM (2.4-2.2%, P < 0.001) and a decline in risk factors, such as pulmonary hypertension (9.1-3.2%, P < 0.001), occlusive arterial disease (19.6-17.7%, P = 0.003), mitral regurgitation >2° (10.6-7.6%, P < 0.001) and New York Heart Association Class III/IV (65.3-59.2%, P < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 2.3%, 1.3% had disabling stroke, 0.4% residual aortic regurgitation >2°, and the incidence of new-onset pacemaker/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation was 3.9%. There was an increase in the use of biological valves in patients <65 years (50.1-65.7%, P < 0.001), and the proportion of rapid deployment valves increased significantly (1.5-8.4%, P < 0.001) over the investigated time period. CONCLUSIONS: Both isolated sAVR as well as sAVR + CABG resulted in excellent in-hospital outcomes based on >42 000 patients treated between 2011 and 2015. The implementation of alternative treatment strategies has resulted in palpable changes in patient and device selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To examine differences among participating countries in baseline characteristics, clinical practice, medication strategies and outcomes of patients randomized to coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention in the SYNTAX trial. METHODS: In SYNTAX, centres in 18 different countries enrolled 1800 patients, of which 8 countries enrolled >_80 patients, what was projected to be a large enough sample size to be included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics, practice patterns and clinical outcomes were compared between the USA (n = 245), the UK (n = 267), Italy (n = 197), France (n = 208), Germany (n = 179), Netherlands (n = 148), Belgium (n = 91) and Hungary (n = 83). The remaining patients from other participating countries were pooled together (n = 382). RESULTS: Five-year results demonstrated significantly different outcomes between countries. After adjustment, percutaneous coronary intervention patients in France had lower rates of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37-0.98], while the incidence of repeat revascularization was higher in Hungary (HR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.14-3.42). Coronary artery bypass grafting showed the lowest rate of repeat revascularization in the UK (HR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.12-0.85). There were numerous differences in the risk profile of patients between participating countries, as well as marked differences in surgical practice across countries in the use of blood cardioplegia (range 3.1-89.0%; P < 0.001), bilateral internal mammary artery usage (range 7.8-68.2%; P < 0.001) and off-pump procedures (range 3.9-44.4%; P < 0.001). Variation was also found for percutaneous coronary intervention in the number of implanted stents (range 4.0 ± 2.3 to 6.1 ± 2.6; P < 0.001) as well as for the entire stents length (range 69.0 ± 45.1 to 124.1 ± 60.9; P < 0.001). Remarkable differences were observed in the prescription of post-coronary artery bypass grafting medication in terms of acetylsalicylic acid (range 79.6-95.0%; P = 0.004), thienopyridine (6.8-31.1%; P < 0.001) and statins (41.3-89.1%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patient characteristics and clinical patterns are significantly different between countries, resulting in significantly different 5-year outcomes. This article presents specific data that can further improve outcomes in each country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Rapid deployment aortic valve replacement (AVR) has been developed to facilitate minimally invasive approaches for cardiac surgery and shorten procedural times. TRITON is a prospectively designed study to assess safety and efficacy of rapid deployment AVR with Edwards INTUITY valve system. This report presents the 5-year outcomes of the TRITON trial. METHODS: A total of 295 patients with aortic valve stenosis were enrolled in the TRITON trial and 287 patients received the study valve. Procedural, early (<30 days) and late (>30 days) outcomes were collected. Valve haemodynamic performance was evaluated at specified time points by an independent Echocardiography Core Laboratory and clinical events adjudicated by an independent Clinical Events Committee. RESULTS: Mean age was 75.3 ± 6.7 years. A total of 158 patients underwent isolated AVR and 129 patients underwent AVR with concomitant procedures. The 5-year survival rates were 85.7 ± 3.4% and 75.2 ± 4.9% for isolated AVR and concomitant AVR, respectively. Overall, freedom from valve-related death at 5 years was 98.2 ± 0.8%. At 5 years, the valve effective orifice area was 1.6 ± 0.3 cm2, mean gradient was 10.5 ± 5.4mmHg and peak gradient was 18.9 ± 9.3 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: The 5-year outcomes of the TRITON trial demonstrate acceptable long-term safety and excellent haemodynamic performance of rapid deployment AVR with the Edwards INTUITY valve system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Surgical therapy for acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) in octogenarians carries high morbidity and mortality. The role of isolated medical treatment in this setting is controversial. The aim of this study is to determine whether risk of surgery for AADA outweighs risk of death from medical treatment only. METHODS: From 2002 to 2015, 90 consecutive octogenarians (mean age, 83.5 ± 3 years) were treated for AADA at three institutions: 67 patients underwent surgery, 23 patients received medical treatment. Analysis of early and late outcome was performed. RESULTS: Patients in the medical treatment group were significantly older than in the surgical group (84.9± 3.7 vs 83± 2.5 years, P=0.008) and in a more critical state. In patients undergoing surgical repair, perioperative mortality was 14.9% (n = 10). Rate of prolonged ventilation (63.2% vs 5.9%; P < 0.001) and renal failure (35.1% vs 5.9%, P = 0.029) was significantly higher in the surgical group. Thirty-day survival was impaired in the medical treatment group (34.8% vs 61.2% in the surgical group; P = 0.032). Coronary artery disease (OR 3.95, 95% CI 1.16-13.49; P=0.029) and complicated dissections (OR 5.28, 95% CI 1.48-18.88; P = 0.010)--composite variable of preoperative resuscitation, neurological injury and malperfusion--emerged as independent risk factors for 30-day mortality in the surgical group. There was no difference in long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency surgery for AADA in octogenarians is associated with relatively high intraoperative mortality and may reasonably be avoided in patient with complicated presentation. Despite better immediate survival after surgery, long-term survival does not differ between medical and surgical patients, reflecting the extremely advanced point in life cycle octogenarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective In the present study, we retrospectively identified and analyzed the factors that influenced progressive dilatation of the residual distal aorta after surgical repair for acute type A aortic dissection (acute type A). Methods A total of 477 patients underwent surgical repair for acute type A aortic dissection between 1995 and 2012. Postoperative and follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans of the descending aorta were available in 105 patients. We analyzed the maximum aortic diameter, total luminal area, and true luminal area of the descending thoracic and abdominal aorta. Results The mean follow-up time was 4.5 ± 3 years, and the mean time interval between CT scan investigations was 2.0 ± 2.3 years. A residual dissection membrane was observed in 80 (76%) patients, with presence of a patent false lumen (FL) in 52 patients (50%) and a thrombosed FL in 28 patients (26%). Progression of aortic disease with an increase in aortic diameter greater than 10 mm was observed in 14.3% (n = 15) of patients during follow-up. The independent predictors that influenced progressive dilation of the descending aorta by 10 mm or more were postoperative descending aortic diameter greater than 40 mm(p = 0.006; odds ratio [OR], 5.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-19) and postoperative patent FL (p = 0.002; OR, 8.5; 95% CI, 2.2-32.3). The unadjusted 1- and 5-year freedom from reoperation was 96.9 ± 2 and 80.1 ± 5%, respectively. Marfan syndrome (p = 0.006; OR, 5.2; 95% CI, 1.6-16.9) and postoperative descending aortic diameter greater than 40 mm (p = 0.07; OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.4-11.6) were independent predictors of aorta-related reoperations. The mean survival at 1, 5, and 8 years was 90.7 ± 3, 82.5 ± 4, and 70 ± 6%, respectively. Previous cardiac surgery was independent predictor of midterm survival (hazard ratio, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.03-2.8; p = 0.04). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Several assays of monitoring immune cell function have been developed to enhance therapeutic drug monitoring. Objective: An in vitro-validated whole-blood assay of phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 (pS6RP) was evaluated for confounders to monitor the mTOR-inhibitor everolimus (ERL). Materials and methods: Whole blood samples from 87 heart transplant recipients were analyzed for pS6RP-expression in CD3-positive T-cells by phospho-flow analysis. Results: ERL blood concentration, laboratory parameters, co-medications, demographic and clinical data were reviewed. Conclusion: Evaluating the pS6RP-assay revealed that pS6RP is influenced by cyclosporine A (CsA) blood concentration, duration of ERL treatment, co-medication with thiazide diuretics and different metabolic parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction is an indication for emergent coronary artery bypass grafting in patients not amenable to percutaneous coronary intervention. Our study aimed to evaluate and identify risk factors for early and long-term outcomes in such patients.Methods: A total of 508 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting for cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction between January 2000 and June 2014 were divided into 3 time cohorts: 2000 to 2004 (n=204), 2005 to 2009 (n=166), and 2010 to 2014 (n=138). Predictors of in-hospital mortality for each time cohort and long-term mortality for all patients were identified by logistic and Cox regression analyses, respectively.Results: Mean age was 68.3±9.8 years. Of the 508 patients, 78.5% had 3-vessel and 47.1% had left main disease. Left ventricular function <30% was observed in 44.1% of patients, with 30.4%, 37.9%, 52.9%, and 3.1% requiring preoperative resuscitation, ventilation, intra-aortic balloon pump, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, respectively. Overall in-hospital mortality was 33.7%; declined from 42.2% to 30.7% to 24.6%, respectively, for the 3 time cohorts (P=0.02); and was independently predicted by serum lactate >4 mmol/L (odds ratio [OR], 4.78; 95% confidence interval, 2.88-7.95; P<0.0001), ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (OR, 2.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-3.26; P=0.001), age >75 years (OR, 2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-3.85; P=0.03), and left ventricular ejection fraction <30% (OR, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.91; P=0.01). Cumulative survival was 42.6±2.0% and 33.4±2.0% at 5 and 10 years, respectively, and correspondingly improved to 64.3±3.0% and 49.8±3.0% in hospital survivors. Serum lactate >4 mmol/L (OR, 2.2; P<0.0001), incremental age (OR, 1.05; P<0.0001), New York Heart Association class IV (OR, 1.33; P=0.02), diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.39; P=0.005), and preoperative inotropic (OR, 2.61; P=0.001) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (OR, 1.68; P=0.05) support predicted late mortality.Conclusions: Emergency coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock is associated with a high in-hospital mortality, which showed a significant decline with time. Hospital survivors have good long-term outcomes, which demonstrate the beneficial effect of surgical revascularization. Preoperative serum lactate >4 mmol/L is a strong predictor of both early and late mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Near-infrared spectroscopy of the collateral network (cnNIRS) has recently been trialled to monitor real-time tissue oxygenation of the paraspinous vasculature as a surrogate for spinal cord tissue oxygenation. This large animal study was designed to investigate the correlation between cnNIRS and spinal cord oxygenation by comparing it to laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), a proven method for direct oxygenation and flow assessment. METHODS: Measurements were performed in seven animals. Four paravertebral cnNIRS optodes were positioned bilaterally at thoracic and lumbar levels to assess tissue oxygenation of the paraspinous vasculature. Paravertebral muscle and spinal cord oxygenation and microcirculatory flow were measured directly using LDF probes. LDF and cnNIRS were compared during consecutive repeated periods of descending aortic cross-clamping for 8 min and recovery by clamp release. RESULTS: Following aortic cross-clamping, lumbar cnNIRS signals instantaneously responded with a decrease to 85 ± 4% within 30 s, and to a minimum of 69 ± 6% after 8 min, returning to baseline values after clamp release within 40 s. Direct lumbar muscle and spinal cord oxygenation assessed by LDF responded analogously to cnNIRS (muscle and spinal cord oxygenation after cross-clamping 11.3 ± 6 and 37.6 ± 22% after 5 and 8 min, respectively). Comparison between lumbar cnNIRS and LDF muscle and spinal cord measurements showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.51-0.52, P < 0.001). Thoracic cnNIRS signals remained relatively stable throughout the procedure. Lumbar paraspinous muscle oxygenation corresponded to direct spinal cord oxygenation (no significant difference, P = 0.296). CONCLUSIONS: These experiments confirm that the paraspinous vasculature in the presented large animal model is directly linked to spinal cord microcirculation and that the regional paraspinous muscle oxygenation status reflects spinal cord tissue oxygenation. As lumbar cnNIRS reproducibly depicts tissue oxygenation of the paraspinous vasculature, it can be used for non-invasive spinal cord oxygenation monitoring in real-time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Stroke remains a major predictor of mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Cerebral protection devices might reduce brain injury as determined by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWMRI).Objective: To determine the effect of a cerebral protection device on the number and volume of cerebral lesions in patients undergoing TAVI.Design, Setting, and Participants: Investigator-initiated, single center, blinded, randomized clinical trial in higher-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI at the University of Leipzig Heart Center. Brain MRI was performed at baseline, 2 days, and 7 days after TAVI. Between April 2013 and June 2014, patients were randomly assigned to undergo TAVI with a cerebral protection device (filter group) or without a cerebral protection device (control group). The last 1-month follow-up occurred in July 2014.Interventions: TAVI with or without a cerebral protection device (filter system).Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was the numerical difference in new positive postprocedure DWMRI brain lesions at 2 days after TAVI in potentially protected territories. The first hierarchical secondary outcome was the difference in volume of new lesions after TAVI in potentially protected territories.Results: Among the 100 enrolled patients, mean (SD) age was 80.0 (5.1) years in the filter group (n = 50) and 79.1 (4.1) years in the control group (n = 50), and the mean (SD) procedural risk scores (logistic EuroScores) were 16.4% (10.0%) in the filter group and 14.5% (8.7%) in the control group. For the primary end point, the number of new lesions was lower in the filter group, 4.00 (interquartile range [IQR], 3.00-7.25) vs 10.00 (IQR, 6.75-17.00) in the control group (difference, 5.00 [IQR, 2.00-8.00]; P < .001). For the first hierarchical secondary end point, new lesion volume after TAVI was lower in the filter group (242 mm3 [95% CI, 159-353]) vs in the control group (527 mm3 [95% CI, 364-830]) (difference, 234 mm3 [95% CI, 91-406]; P = .001). Considering adverse events, 1 patient in the control group died prior to the 30-day visit. Life-threatening hemorrhages occurred in 1 patient in the filter group and 1 in the control group. Major vascular complications occurred in 5 patients in the filter group and 6 patients in the control group. One patient in the filter group and 5 in the control group had acute kidney injury, and 3 patients in the filter group had a thoracotomy.Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI, the use of a cerebral protection device reduced the frequency of ischemic cerebral lesions in potentially protected regions. Larger studies are needed to assess the effect of cerebral protection device use on neurological and cognitive function after TAVI and to devise methods that will provide more complete coverage of the brain to prevent new lesions.Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01833052. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses the influence of contrast media dose on adverse outcomes post-transapical aortic valve implantation (TA-AVI). He states that the pre-existing renal impairment is a fairly commonly found in TA-AVI patients. The author informs that acute renal failure is a common complication in elderly, high-risk patients undergoing TA-AVI procedures.

Fulminant myocarditis (FM) represents a crucial cardiac pathology with extensive hemodynamic compromise occurring in a previously healthy patient. Early death occurs because of acute cardiac decompensation from inflammation, necrosis, and myocytolysis. Nevertheless, in this situation implantation of an extracorporeal circulatory support system may ensure cardiac recovery. We herein report our experience using a biventricular Levitronix Centri Mag system for bridge to recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DCs) are key to the immunological response, with different functions ascribed ranging from cellular immune activation to induction of tolerance. Such immunological responses are involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases, with DCs shown to play a role in atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure and most notably following heart transplantation. A better understanding of the interplay between the immune system and cardiovascular diseases will therefore be critical for developing novel therapeutic treatments as well as innovative monitoring tools for disease progression. As such, the present review will provide an overview of DCs involvement in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases and how targeting these cells may have beneficial effects for the prognosis of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Aortic valve insufficiency (AI) following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation can potentially limit the success of mechanical circulatory support. We examined the prevalence of significant AI in the new generation of LVADs and analysed the role of aortic valve opening in the development of AI in these patients. METHODS: Currently, 102 patients that received a continuous flow LVAD (cf-LVAD) between July 2009 and December 2013 are being treated in our outpatient clinic with an HeartWare ventricular assist device (HVDA) (n = 77) or HeartMate II (HMII, n = 25) and were included and analysed in a retrospective study. The mean age of the 12 female and 90 male patients was 54 ± 12 years. Ischaemic cardiomyopathy was diagnosed in 40% of patients. Echocardiographic measurements were reviewed before and after implantation. AI was considered significant if it was more than mild. RESULTS: Mean LVAD support duration was 572 ± 437 days. Significant AI was found in 32 patients (31.4%). De novo AI occurred in mean after 183 ± 246 days of support. One patient presented severe AI and received an aortic valve replacement. A permanently closed aortic valve correlates with a greater prevalence of AI when compared with intermittent or complete opening of aortic valve (P = 0.004). Aetiology of the cardiomyopathy and the type of device had no influence on the development of AI. Smaller left ventricle end-diastolic diameter and lower body surface area were significantly associated with the development of aortic insufficiency in our cohort. CONCLUSION: Aortic insufficiency has a high prevalence following assist device continuous flow support. Echocardiographic parameters are an integral part of ambulatory care of these patients and can guide the optimal setting for LVAD. An aortic valve that does not open should be avoided in order to prevent AI. Patients with HMII or HVAD did not show any differences terms of the prevalence of aortic insufficiency prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the early and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing complex aortic root reconstructions for complicated aortic root abscesses. METHODS: A total of 1199 patients underwent aortic valve surgery for aortic valve endocarditis between July 1999 and June 2012. Of these, 150 patients, who underwent complex isolated aortic root operations for aortic root abscesses, were included in this study. Radical resection of the abscess was performed in all patients followed by an aortic root replacement (ARR) in 91 (61.7%) or an aortic valve replacement with patch reconstruction of the aortic root in 59 (39.3%) patients. Prosthetic valve endocarditis was observed in 74 patients (49.3%). Logistic regression analysis identified the predictors of 30-day mortality. Estimated mean follow-up was 7.0 ± 0.5 years (range 0–12.6 years). RESULTS: Mean age was 62 ± 15 years and 87% (n = 130) were male. The majority of patients (91%; n = 137) underwent urgent or emergent surgery. Overall 30-day mortality was 19% (n = 29; ARR 21%; AVR 17%; P = 0.4). Postoperative low cardiac output, stroke and dialysis developed in 10.7, 4.7 and 25.3% of patients, respectively. Sepsis was the only independent predictor of 30-day mortality (odds ratio: 2.8; 95% confidence interval: 1.1–7.3; P = 0.03). The 1-, 5- and 10-year survival was 66 ± 5, 54 ± 5 and 51 ± 6%, respectively. Overall, 9% of surviving patients required a reoperation for recurrent endocarditis resulting in a 1-, 5- and 10-year freedom from reoperation of 93 ± 2, 91 ± 3 and 85 ± 5%, respectively, which was not influenced by surgical technique used (ARR vs AVR with patch reconstruction; log rank P = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment of aortic root abscess is a challenging operation and is associated with a high early morbidity and mortality. However, the long-term survival and freedom from reoperation is satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The treatment of patients with extensive thoracic aortic disease involving the arch and descending aorta is often performed, using the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique. We retrospectively analysed early outcomes with this technique, using a prospective database. METHODS: A total of 509 patients (mean age: 61 ± 11 years) were registered between January 2005 and January 2014 in a multicentre database after FET surgery. Acute or chronic aortic dissection (AD) was the indication for surgery in 350 (68.8%) patients and degenerative or atherosclerotic aneurysm (DA) accounted for 159 (31.2%) patients. A logistic regression model was created to identify independent predictors of in hospital mortality and neurological complications. RESULTS: The average in-hospital mortality was 15.9% (n = 81) with 17.1% for AD patients and 13.2% for DA patients (P = 0.2). Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were haemodynamic instability [odds ratio (OR): 2.7, P = 0.005], peripheral vascular disease (OR: 2.6, P = 0.002), diabetes (OR: 2.1, P = 0.05) and selective cerebral perfusion time >60 min (OR: 2.2, P = 0.005). Patients under 60 years of age and the use of guide wire during FET implantation were protective for early survival. Stroke occurred in 7.7% (n = 39) of patients. Paraplegia or paraparesis occurred in 7.5% (n = 38) of patients. A distal landing zone lower than T10 was an independent predictor for spinal cord injury (OR: 2.3, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Techniques for faster arch replacement and controlled FET placement should be considered in order to reduce the early mortality and neurological complications after FET surgery. For distal aortic lesions, a two-staged approach is suggested, rather than the FET landing lower than T10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]