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To discern the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on spinal cord injury (SCI) after open descending thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aneurysm repair (DTAAAR).Compared to euglycemia, hyperglycemia and ketosis make neurons respectively more vulnerable and more resilient to ischemia.During the study period (1997-2021), patient who underwent DTAAAR were dichotomized according to the presence/absence of DM. The latter was investigated as predictor of our primary (SCI) and secondary (operative mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, need for tracheostomy, de-novo dialysis, and survival) endpoints. Two-level risk-adjustment employed maximum likelihood conditional regression after 1:2 propensity-score matching.DTAAAR was performed in 934 patients. Ninety-two diabetics were matched to 184 non-diabetics. All preoperative variables had a standardized mean difference0.1 between the matched groups. Patients with DM had higher SCI (6.5% vs. 1.6%, P 0.03) and operative mortality (14.1% vs. 6.0%, P 0.01), while the other secondary endpoints were similar between groups in the matched sample. DM was an independent predictor for SCI in the matched sample (OR 5.05, 95% CI 1.17 to 21.71). Matched patients with DM presented decreased survival at 1 (70.2% vs. 86.2%), 5 (50.4% vas 67.5%), 10 years (31.7% vs. 36.7%) (P 0.03). The results are summarized in the graphical abstract.DM is associated to increased operative mortality and decreased survival, and it is an independent predictor of SCI after open DTAAAR. Strict perioperative glycemic control should be implemented, and exogenous ketones should be investigated as neuroprotective agents to reduce such adverse events.

INTRODUCTION: Bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITA) based coronary bypass grafting may improve long term outcomes but is associated with increased risk of deep sternal wound infection (DSWI). We analyzed whether BITA skeletonization impacts DSWI and operative mortality (OM) using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database (STS ACSD). METHODS: Primary, isolated, non-emergent/non-salvage BITA patients between July 2017 and December 2018 in the STS ACSD were divided into groups based on BITA harvesting technique: both arteries skeletonized (ssBITA) either non-skeletonized (Non-ssBITA). DSWI and OM Observed-to-Expected (O/E) ratios were compared across groups using the STS Peri-operative Risk Models. ssBITA versus Non-ssBITA DSWI and OM Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) were calculated by multivariable logistic regression and among propensity score matched comparison groups. RESULTS: 11,269 BITA patients (42.8%-ssBITA, 57.2%-Non-ssBITA) operated on by 1,448 surgeons from 770 hospitals were analyzed. The ssBITA group had a higher incidence of obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cerebrovascular disease, systolic heart failure and off-pump surgery and a longer total operative time. Overall incidence of DSWI and OM was 0.98%(O/E-5.1) and 1.72%(O/E-1.4), respectively and was 28%(p=0.129) and 23%(p=0.096) lower in ssBITA. After multivariable adjustment, ssBITA was associated with a decreased risk of DSWI [AOR(95%CI) 0.66(0.44–1.00),p=0.05]. In the 3884 matched pairs, the DSWI was also lower [AOR(95% CI) 0.60(0.36–0.09),p=0.05]. There was not difference in OM. Incidence of DSWI increased sharply in patients with increasing number of risk factors for DSWI regardless of BITA harvesting technique with a trend for higher DSWI with Non-ssBITA for all risk categories. CONCLUSION: The observed high O/E indicates that BITA is associated with increased risk of DSWI. Risk adjusted DSWI rates and relatively lower O/E ratios in case of ssBITA support a potential reduction of DSWI risk with skeletonization.

Background The radial artery has been used for coronary artery bypass surgery for more than 25 years. The recent confirmation of the clinical benefits associated with the use of the artery is likely to drive a new interest toward this conduit in the next few years. Methods A group of surgeons with extensive experience in the systematic use of the radial artery summarize here the key technical aspects of the use of the conduit for coronary bypass operations. Results Preoperative evaluation of the ulnar collateral circulation and attention to the characteristics of the target vessel are keys for the successful use of the radial artery. Open or endoscopic harvesting can be used, preferentially with the aid of the harmonic scalpel. The use of vasodilatory and antispastic protocols is probably important but poorly supported by the current evidence. The radial artery can be used for multiple grafting strategies with a variable degree of technical complexity. Conclusions With attention to few technical key points, the radial artery is a versatile conduit that can be easily introduced in the everyday practice of coronary artery bypass surgery.

To evaluate the neuroprotection exerted by ketosis against acute damage of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Search engines were interrogated to identify experimental studies comparing the mitigating effect of ketosis (intervention) vs non‐ketosis (control) on acute CNS damage. Primary endpoint was a reduction in mortality. Secondary endpoints were a reduction in neuronal damage and dysfunction, and an “aggregated advantage” (composite of all primary and secondary endpoints). Hedge’s g was the effect measure. Subgroup analyses evaluated the modulatory effect of age, insult type, and injury site. Meta‐regression evaluated timing, type, and magnitude of intervention as predictors of neuroprotection. The selected publications were 49 experimental murine studies (period 1979‐2020). The intervention reduced mortality (g 2.45, SE 0.48, p

The radial artery is an easily harvested, versatile, and high-quality conduit with proven safety and efficacy during coronary artery bypass grafting. When properly harvested and deployed, the long-term patency is excellent and similar to the left internal thoracic artery. Either open or endoscopic harvesting may be used and target vessel stenosis should be at least 70%. Radial artery grafting is superior to saphenous vein grafting and appears to be equivalent to using the right internal thoracic artery. Adoption of radial artery grafting may be the most direct path to routine multiple arterial bypass grafting in the majority of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Introduction: New onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after cardiac surgery that is associated with an increased risk for stroke and all-cause mortality. Long term data on POAF recurrence and anticoagulation remains sparse. We aimed to characterize the natural progression and recurrence of new onset POAF during a long-term follow up post cardiac surgery utilizing continuous event monitoring. Methods: This is a single-center, prospective observational study evaluating 42 patients undergoing cardiac surgery and diagnosed during indexed admission with new onset, transient POAF who were discharged in sinus rhythm between May 2015 and December 2019. Prior to discharge, all patients received implantable loop recorders (ILR) for continuous monitoring. Study outcomes were the presence and timing of AF recurrence (first and repeated AF recurrence), all-cause mortality and cerebrovascular accidents (CVA). Results: Forty-two patients [mean age 67.6± 9.6 years, 74% male, mean CHADS 2- VASc 3.5±1.5] were evaluated during a mean follow-up of 1.7 ± 1.2 years. AF recurrence after discharge occurred in 30 patients (71%). Twenty-four of these 30 patients (80%) had their first AF recurrence within the first month, 3 (10%) patients during months 1-12, and 3 (10%) patients beyond 1 year. Repeated AF recurrence occurred in 13 (43%) patients between 1 and 12-months. Beyond one year of follow-up, 5 (17%) patients had either their first AF recurrence (3) or repeated AF recurrence (2). During follow-up, there was one death ((-) AF recurrence) and two CVAs ((+) AF recurrence). Conclusions: In this study of continuous monitoring with ILR , the recurrence of AF in patients who develop transient POAF is common. Seventy percent of patients had either their first AF recurrence 6 (20%) or repeated episodes of recurrent AF 15 (50%) after 1-month post-operative follow-up.

This study aimed to characterize the natural progression and recurrence of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) during an intermediate-term follow-up post cardiac surgery by using continuous event monitoring.New-onset POAF is a common complication after cardiac surgery and is associated with an increased risk for stroke and all-cause mortality. Long-term data on new POAF recurrence and anticoagulation remain sparse.This is a single-center, prospective observational study evaluating 42 patients undergoing cardiac surgery and diagnosed during indexed admission with new-onset, transient, POAF between May 2015 and December 2019. Before discharge, all patients received implantable loop recorders for continuous monitoring. Study outcomes were the presence and timing of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence (first, second, and more than 2 AF recurrences), all-cause mortality, and cerebrovascular accidents. A "per-month interval" analysis of proportion of patients with any AF recurrence was assessed and reported per period of follow-up time. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate the time to first AF recurrence and report the first AF recurrence rates.Forty-two patients (mean age 67.6 ± 9.6 years, 74% male, mean CHADSIn this study of continuous monitoring with implantable loop recorders, the recurrence of AF in patients who develop transient POAF is common in the first month postoperatively. Of the patients who developed postoperative AF, 76% had any recurrence in months 1 to 12, and 30% had any recurrence beyond 1-year follow-up. Current guidelines recommend anticoagulation for POAF for 30 days. The results of this study warrant further investigation into continued monitoring and longer-term anticoagulation in this population within the context of our findings that AF duration was30 minutes beyond 1 month.

In the present study, we sought to discern the effects of splanchnic occlusive disease (SOD; renal, superior mesenteric, and/or celiac axis arteries) on spinal cord injury (SCI; paraparesis or paraplegia) and major adverse events (MAE) after descending thoracic aneurysm (DTA) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) open repair.Patients who had undergone DTA/TAAA repair at our institution were dichotomized according to the presence of SOD, which was investigated as a predictive factor of our primary (SCI) and secondary (operative mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, tracheostomy, de novo dialysis, MAE, survival) endpoints. Risk adjustment used both propensity score matching and multivariable logistic regression.From July 1997 to October 2019, 888 patients had undergone DTA/TAAA repair, of whom 19 were excluded from our analysis for missing data. SOD was absent in 712 patients and present in 157 patients. The patients with SOD had presented with a greater incidence of preoperative renal impairment (61 [38.9%] vs 175 [24.6%]; P .01) and peripheral arterial disease (60 [38.2%] vs 162 [22.8%]; P .01] and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (45%; interquartile range, 10%; vs 50%; interquartile range, 4%; P .01). The etiology of aortic disease was more frequently dissection in the SOD group (56.1% vs 43.7%) and more frequently nondissecting aneurysm in the non-SOD group (56.3% vs 43.9%; P .01). Patients without SOD had presented with aneurysms more cranially located (DTA, 34.0% vs 7.6%; extent I TAAA, 44.0% vs 7.6%). In contrast, patients with SOD had presented with aneurysms more caudally located (extent II TAAA, 36.9% vs 8.6%; extent III TAAA, 30.6% vs 11.0%; extent IV TAAA, 17.2% vs 2.5%; P .01). Propensity score matching led to 144 pairs, with SOD significantly associated with SCI (10 [6.9%] vs 2 [1.4%]; P = .03) and MAE (47 [32.6%] vs 26 [15%]; P .01). Ten-year survival was reduced in those with SOD (31.5% vs 45.2%; P .01). Conditional multivariable regression confirmed SOD to be a predictor of SCI in the matched sample (odds ratio, 6.60; P = .02).Our results have shown that SOD is a significant predictor of SCI in patients undergoing open DTA/TAAA repair. The investigation of measures to prolong neuronal ischemia tolerance (eg, hypothermia) is warranted for such patients.

Background Multiarterial coronary grafting with two arterial grafts leads to improved survival compared with conventional single artery based on left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending artery and saphenous vein grafts. We investigated whether extending arterial grafting to three or more arterial grafts further improves survival, and whether such a benefit is modified by diabetes mellitus. Methods We analyzed 15-year coronary artery bypass graft surgery mortality data in 11,931 patients (age 64.3 ± 10.5 years; 3,484 women [29.2%]; 4,377 [36.7%] with diabetes mellitus) derived from three US institutions (1994 to 2011). All underwent primary isolated left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending artery grafting with at least two grafts: one artery (n = 6,782; 56.9%); two arteries (n = 3,678; 30.8%); or three or more arteries (n = 1,471; 12.3%). Long-term survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier methods. Propensity score matching and comprehensive covariate adjustment (Cox regression) were used to derive long-term risk-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for increasing number of arterial grafts in the overall cohort and for diabetes and no-diabetes cohorts. Results Radial artery (94%) and right internal thoracic artery (6%) were used as additional arterial grafts. Multivariate analysis in all patients showed that diabetes was associated with decreased survival (HR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.34 to 53), whereas increasing number of arterial grafts was associated with decreased mortality (one artery HR 1.0 [reference]; two arteries HR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.80 to 0.95; and three arteries HR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.72 to 0.95). Pairwise comparisons also showed an incremental benefit of additional arterial grafts: two arteries versus one artery, HR 0.89 (95% CI: 0.80 to 0.98); and three arteries versus one artery, HR 0.80 (95% CI: 0.68 to 0.94). A three-artery versus two-artery survival advantage trend was also noted, but was not significant in either the overall study cohort (HR 0.90, 95% CI: 0.75 to 1.07), the diabetes cohort (HR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.60 to 1.03), or the no-diabetes cohort (HR 01.00, 95% CI: 0.79 to 1.26). Among diabetes patients, the survival advantage of two arteries versus one artery was modest (HR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.72 to 1.11), whereas it was significant for three arteries versus one artery (HR 0.74, 95% CI: 0.58 to 0.96). Analyses of propensity matched subcohorts were also consistent. Conclusions Increasing number of arterial grafts improves long-term survival and supports extended use of arterial grafts in coronary artery bypass graft surgery, irrespective of diabetes status.

More than 90% of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is performed with a single-arterial bypass graft (SABG), based on the left internal thoracic artery (ITA) with supplemental vein grafts. This practice, often justified by safety concerns with multiple-arterial grafting (MABG), defies evidence of improved late survival achieved with bilateral ITA (BITA-MABG) or left ITA plus radial artery (RA-MABG). We hypothesized that MABG and SABG are equally safe.We analyzed The Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Database (2004 to 2015) to assess the operative safety of BITA-MABG (n = 73,054) and RA-MABG (n = 97,623) vs SABG (n = 1,334,511). Primary end points were operative (30-day or same hospitalization) mortality (OM) and deep sternal wound infections (DSWI). Risk-adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from by logistic regression with sensitivity analyses in multiple subcohorts including MABG use rate.SABG (73.8% men; median age, 66 years), BITA-MABG (85.1% men; median age, 59 years), and RA-MABG (82.5% men; median age, 61 years) showed distinctly different patient characteristics. Compared with SABG (1.91% OM; 0.73% DSWI), observed OM was lower for BITA-MABG (1.19%, p0.001) and RA-MABG (1.19%, p0.001). DSWI was higher among BITA-MABG (1.08%, p0.001) and similar for RA-MABG (0.71%, p = 0.55). BITA-MABG showed marginally increased, likely not clinically significant, OM (AOR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.30; p = 0.05) and doubled DSWI (AOR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.80 to 2.43; p0.001). RA-MABG had similar OM (AOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.15; p = 0.85) and DSWI (AOR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.13; p = 0.70). Results were consistent across multiple subcohorts. A U-shaped OM vs BITA use relation was documented, with worse OM at hospitals with low (5%: AOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.61; p0.001) and high (≥40%: AOR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.70; p = 0.049) BITA use.MABG in the United States is associated with OM comparable to SABG and increased DSWI risk with BITA-MABG. Our findings highlight the importance of surgeon and institutional experience and careful patient selection for BITA-MABG. Our short-term results should not in any way dissuade the use of MABG, given its well-established long-term survival advantage.

Background It is not clear whether radial artery (RA), right internal thoracic artery (RITA), or saphenous vein (SV) is the preferred second bypass graft during coronary artery bypass graft surgery using the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) in patients aged less or greater than 70 years. Methods Late survival data were collected for 13,324 consecutive, isolated, primary coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients from three hospitals. Cox regression analysis was performed on all patients grouped by age. Results Adjusted Cox regression showed overall better RA versus SV survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.82, p p = 0.35). However, the survival benefit of RA versus SV was seen only in patients aged less than 70 years (HR 0.77, p p = 0.03). There was no difference in survival for RA versus RITA across all ages. Conclusions For patients aged less than 70 years, the optimal grafting strategy is using either RA or RITA as the second preferred graft. In patients aged 70 years or more, RA and RITA grafting should be used selectively. Multiple arterial grafting using either RA or RITA should be more widely utilized during coronary artery bypass graft surgery for patients less than 70 years of age.

OBJECTIVES Failure of mechanical conventional ventilation (MCV) after cardiac surgery portends a dismal prognosis, with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation frequently utilized as a salvage therapy. We describe our experience with high-frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) as a rescue therapy for hypoxaemia refractory to MCV after cardiac surgery. METHODS In a 6-year retrospective analysis from 2009 to 2015, we identified 16 subjects who required HFPV after cardiac surgery. Data regarding demographics, intraoperative details, postoperative ventilatory settings including length of time on HFPV and postoperative outcomes were collected. The primary outcome was improvement in oxygenation as measured by pre- and post-HFPV partial pressures of oxygen (pO2) and ratio of pO2 to fraction of inspired oxygen (P/F ratio). RESULTS Sixteen patients required HFPV after cardiac surgery. Operative procedures included coronary artery bypass surgery (n = 6), aortic aneurysm or dissection repair (n = 5), valve with bypass surgery (n = 2), aortic valve replacement (n = 2) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n = 1). Median pO2 increased from 61 to 149.5 mmHg (P

Background/purpose Diabetes portends an increased risk of adverse early and late outcomes in patients undergoing PCI. In this study, we aimed to investigate if the adverse effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on early and late PCI outcomes is reduced with drug-eluting (DES) compared to bare-metal (BMS) stents. Methods/materials We reviewed the Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital first PCI experience for multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD, 1998–2009). Patients were excluded if they had single-vessel CAD, emergency, no stent, prior bypass graft or myocardial infarction N =2679; 48% three-vessel; 39% DM) and BMS ( N =2651; 40% three-vessel; 33% DM) and then stratified based on stent (DES/BMS) and vessel disease (two/three). Results Diabetes-effect on mortality was lower for DES (AHR DM/NoDM =1.41 [1.14–1.74]) versus BMS (AHR DM/NoDM =1.71 [1.50–2.01]), but this was predominantly driven by two-vessel patients. This diabetes effect was similar for first (DES1: AHR DM/NoDM =1.43 [1.14–1.79]) and second (DES2: AHR DM/NoDM =1.53 [0.77–3.07]) generation DES. Re-intervention comparisons were similarly increased by diabetes in all sub-cohorts. Conclusions Our analysis of a large real-world PCI series indicates that diabetes is associated with worse 9-year mortality irrespective of stent type, albeit this is mitigated to varying degrees with DES, particularly in DES2 and in case of 2-vessel disease. A complementary stent-effect analysis confirmed DES-to-BMS and DES2-to-DES1 superiority in both diabetics and non-diabetics.

BackgroundWe sought to investigate the impact of radial artery harvesting techniques on clinical outcomes using a meta‐analytic approach limited to randomized controlled trials and propensity‐matched studies for clinical outcomes, in which graft patency was analyzed.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and MEDLINE to identify publications containing comparisons between endoscopic radial artery harvesting (ERAH) and open harvesting (ORAH). Only randomized controlled trials and propensity‐matched series were included. Data were extracted and analyzed with RevMan. The primary endpoint was wound complication rate, while secondary endpoints were patency rate, early mortality, and long‐term cardiac mortality.ResultsSix studies comprising 743 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. Of them 324 (43.6%) underwent ERAH and 419 (56.4%) ORAH. ERAH was associated with a lower incidence of wound complications (odds ratio: 0.33, confidence interval 0.14‐0.77; p = 0.01). There were no differences in graft patency, and early and long‐term cardiac mortality between the two techniques.ConclusionERAH reduces wound complications and does not affect graft patency, or short‐ and long‐term mortality compared to ORAH.

Observational and randomized evidence shows that arterial grafts have better patency rates than saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) in coronary artery bypass grafting. Observational studies suggest that the use of multiple arterial grafts is associated with longer postoperative survival, but this must be interpreted in the context of treatment allocation bias and hidden confounders intrinsic to the study designs. Recently, a pooled analysis of 6 randomized trials comparing the radial artery with the SVG as the second conduit and the largest randomized trial comparing the use of single and bilateral internal thoracic arteries have provided apparently divergent results about a clinical benefit with the use of >1 arterial conduit. However, both analyses have methodological limitations that may have influenced their results. At present, it is unclear whether the well-documented increased patency rate of arterial grafts translates into clinical benefits in the majority of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. A large randomized trial testing the arterial grafts hypothesis (ROMA [Randomized Comparison of the Clinical Outcome of Single Versus Multiple Arterial Grafts]) is underway and will report the results in a few years.

Recent evidence shows that multi-arterial coronary artery bypass grafting (MABG) based on bilateral internal thoracic (BITA) or left internal thoracic (LITA) and radial artery (RA) improves long-term outcomes compared with single arterial coronary artery bypass grafting (SABG) (LITA + saphenous vein graft). How this evidence affected the worldwide use of MABG, if at all, is not well defined. Accordingly, we report 10-year temporal trends of MABG utilization from 2 continents. A study population of 1,683,434 non-emergent, primary, isolated LITA-based coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (≥2 grafts) patients was derived from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) (1,307,528 (79.5%) of 1,644,388 isolated CABG; total 1179 centers) and the Australia New Zealand Cardiothoracic (ANZ) Databases (34,213 (87%) of 39,046 isolated CABG; 24 centers) between 2004 and 2014. Patients were excluded based on the following: (1) no LITA, (2) if arterial grafts were other than RA or ITA, or (3) if grafting data were missing. The 3 MABG groups were LITA + RA, BITA, and BITA + RA, each with or without supplemental vein grafts. Grafting trends and their associated patient demographics were analyzed. SABG (89.3% STS, 51.4% ANZ) was the most common grafting strategy. MABG was most frequently accomplished by LITA + RA: (STS: 6.1%; ANZ: 42.6%), followed by BITA: (STS: 4.1%; ANZ: 4.3%), while ≥3 (BITA + RA) was rare in the STS (0.5%), but more common in ANZ (5.9%). In the STS, between 2004 and 2014, SABG rates systematically increased from 85.2% to 91.7%, BITA grafting was essentially unchanged from 3.6% to 4.3%, while RA use decreased systematically from 10.5% to 3.7%. In the ANZ, SABG rates increased from 17.3% to 51.4%, BITA grafting decreased from 6.3% to 3.6%, while RA grafting decreased from 65.8% to 39.0%. Compared with SABG patients, BITA patients were younger (STS: median age 59 vs 66, P 0.001; ANZ: mean age 62 vs 68, P 0.001), predominately male (STS: 84% vs 73%, P 0.001; ANZ: 86% vs 79%, P 0.001), less obese (body mass index 30 kg/m

Summary The primary hypothesis of the ROMA trial is that in patients undergoing primary isolated non-emergent coronary artery bypass grafting, the use of 2 or more arterial grafts compared with a single arterial graft (SAG) is associated with a reduction in the composite outcome of death from any cause, any stroke, post-discharge myocardial infarction and/or repeat revascularization. The secondary hypothesis is that in these patients, the use of 2 or more arterial grafts compared with a SAG is associated with improved survival. The ROMA trial is a prospective, unblinded, randomized event-driven multicentre trial comprising at least 4300 subjects. Patients younger than 70 years with left main and/or multivessel disease will be randomized to a SAG or multiple arterial grafts to the left coronary system in a 1:1 fashion. Permuted block randomization stratified by the centre and the type of second arterial graft will be used. The primary outcome will be a composite of death from any cause, any stroke, post-discharge myocardial infarction and/or repeat revascularization. The secondary outcome will be all-cause mortality. The primary safety outcome will be a composite of death from any cause, any stroke and any myocardial infarction. In all patients, 1 internal thoracic artery will be anastomosed to the left anterior descending coronary artery. For patients randomized to the SAG group, saphenous vein grafts will be used for all non-left anterior descending target vessels. For patients randomized to the multiple arterial graft group, the main target vessel of the lateral wall will be grafted with either a radial artery or a second internal thoracic artery. Additional grafts for the multiple arterial graft group can be saphenous veins or supplemental arterial conduits. To detect a 20% relative reduction in the primary outcome, with 90% power at 5% alpha and assuming a time-to-event analysis, the sample size must include 845 events (and 3650 patients). To detect a 20% relative reduction in the secondary outcome, with 80% power at 5% alpha, the sample size must include 631 events (and 3650 patients). To be conservative, the sample size will be set at 4300 patients. The primary outcome will be tested according to the intention-to-treat principle. The primary analysis will be a Cox proportional hazards regression model, with the treatment arm included as a covariate. If non-proportional hazards are observed, alternatives to Cox proportional hazards regression will be explored.

BOOK REVIEW: Technical Aspects of Modern Coronary Artery BypassRobert F Tranbaugh, MDDepartment of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NYData Availability: NAFunding: NoneConflict of Interest: NoneInternational Review Board: NAInformed Consent: NACorresponding author:Robert F Tranbaugh, MDDepartment of Cardiothoracic SurgeryWeill Cornell Medicine505 East 68th StreetNew York, NY 10065Rft9008@med.cornell.eduWord Count: 484After recently purging most of my reference textbooks (many from the 1970’s and 1980’s and including the big names from the “Golden Age” of cardiac surgery—Glenn, Sabiston and Kirklin), I wondered if the era of the well-recognized, authoritative textbook was over. I actually cannot remember the last textbook I purchased. While a resident at UCSF, textbooks were critically important as the library closed at midnight. I grew up with the “red book”, Dunphy and Way’s “currentSurgical Diagnosis and Treatment”. This paperback nicely covered the basics of surgery and, importantly, was readily available for residents well before Google. Primarily for sentimental reasons, I kept my 1983 edition.So, why a surgical textbook in 2021? What is the appeal, attraction and need?Gaudino’s “Technical Aspects of Modern Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting” has enormous appeal. For one, it is beautifully illustrated with very useful drawings along with attractive and detailed operative photos. At times, I felt like I was visiting the author-surgeon in his or her operating room. The world’s leading experts have provided detailed step by step technical instructions, which are clear, concise and very helpful. For cardiac surgeons considering starting a multiple arterial grafting (MAG) program, this textbook is a needed and wonderful resource.The attractions of Gaudino’s testbook are many. First, “Technical Aspects” clearly reflects Gaudino’s stellar and highly productive career as an investigator and practitioner of MAG. He has systematically addressed the details of MAG. Conduit selection, harvest and utilization are all outlined in exquisite step by step detail. Complex grafting techniques are reviewed and beautifully illustrated. I especially enjoyed Chapter 12 by Rocha and his colleagues on their nicely done essay on the proximal anastomosis, or what I consider to be “the forgotten anastomosis”. The authors review the many important technical details and critical issues impacting the patency of a bypass graft.All of the chapters are well written, beautifully illustrated, highly practical and very helpful for residents in training, for early career surgeons and for well-established cardiac surgeons interested in coronary artery bypass. Gaudino should also be commended for the addition of Chapter 23 by Fremes and Tatoulis on the management of perioperative ischemia and Chapter 24 by Lazar on optimizing medical therapy. These are incredibly important chapters on “non-technical” yet critical issues with excellent recommendations.Gaudino’s “Technical Aspects” is a clearly needed and a highly authoritative textbook which will serve as an excellent roadmap for surgeons interested in starting a MAG program. It hopefully will allow surgeons to move from the “house special” CABG (one internal mammary and veins) mentioned by Girardi in his thoughtful Foreward to more arterial grafting performed with greater confidence and commitment. “Technical Aspects” will also serve as an important resource for surgeons at all levels of training and expertise. I currently have lots of room on my near empty book shelf. “Technical Aspects” will be on my book shelf and belongs on yours!

To compare outcomes of single (intervention group: del Nido [DN], and histamine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate) versus multidose (control group) cardioplegia in the adult cardiac surgery patients.Medical search engines were interrogated to identify relevant randomized controlled trials and propensity-score matched cohorts. Meta-analysis was conducted for primary (in-hospital/30-day mortality) and secondary (ischemic and cardiopulmonary bypass [CPB] times, reperfusion fibrillation, peak of cardiac enzymes, myocardial infarction) endpoints. Subgroup analyses were conducted for study design and type of intervention, and meta-regression for primary outcome included type of surgery and left ventricular ejection fraction as moderators.Ten randomized controlled trials and 13 propensity-score matched cohorts were included, reporting on 5516 patients. Estimates are expressed as (parameter value [OR, odds ratio; MD, mean difference; SMD, standardized mean difference]/unit of measure [95% confidence interval], P value). DN reduced ischemic time (MD, -7.18 minutes [-12.52 to -1.84], P .01), CPB time (MD, -10.44 minutes [-18.99 to -1.88], P .01), reperfusion fibrillation (OR, 0.16 [0.05-0.54], P .01), and cardiac enzymes (SMD -0.17 [-0.29, 0.05], P .01) compared with multidose cardioplegia. None of these beneficial effects were reproduced by histamine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate, which instead increased CPB time (MD, 2.04 minutes [0.73-3.37], P .01) and reperfusion fibrillation (OR, 1.80 [1.20-2.70], P .01). There was no difference in mortality and myocardial infarction between single and multidose, independently of type of surgery or left ventricular ejection fraction.DN decreases operative times, reperfusion fibrillation, and surge of cardiac enzymes compared with multidose cardioplegia.

Transradial catheterization (TRC) and radial artery (RA) use during coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) have become more frequent. Several studies have suggested decreased patency of the catheterized RA. We sought compare the patency of the catheterized versus the non-catheterized RA in CABG

Off‐pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) has been performed for >30 years. The promotion of OPCAB was based on its potential benefits over some of the limitations of traditional on‐pump coronary artery bypass surgery (ONCAB) by avoiding the trauma of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and by minimizing aortic manipulation. As such, reductions in early mortality and perioperative neurological events, renal failure, blood product transfusions, and hospital length of stay were expected according to the OPCAB proponents. In contrast, critics of OPCAB remain concerned about incomplete and/or poorer quality coronary revascularization with a potential increase in the need for repeat revascularization and late mortality. Despite 3 decades of debate, 115 randomized trials, and >60 meta‐analyses comparing on‐ and off‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), controversy on both the role of and indications for OPCAB remains vigorous. In this review, we provide a comprehensive update of the evidence for the differences in the biological effects of off‐ and on‐pump surgery and the comparison of the clinical and angiographic results of the 2 techniques. Furthermore, we critically address the relevant technical aspects of OPCAB, the importance of surgeon experience, and the difference in the costs for the 2 procedures.

OBJECTIVESMulti-arterial bypass grafting with bilateral internal thoracic (BITA-MABG) or radial (RA-MABG) arteries improves long-term survival, but its increased complexity raises perioperative safety concerns. We compared perioperative outcomes of RA-MABG and BITA-MABG using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database (STS-ACSD).METHODSWe analysed the 2004–2015 BITA-MABG and RA-MABG experience in STS-ACSD. Primary end points were operative mortality (OM) and deep sternal wound infections (DSWI). Risk-adjusted odds ratios [AOR (95% confidence interval)] were derived via multivariable logistic regression. Sensitivity analyses were done in patient sub-cohorts and based on institutional BITA-utilization rates (40%).RESULTSEighty-five thousand nine hundred five RA-MABG (82.5% men; 61 years) and 61 336 BITA-MABG (85.1% men; 59 years) patients were analysed; 41.6% of BITA-MABG and 27.3% of RA-MABG cases came from institutions with low MABG utilization rates (20% of all cases for OM and ≥40% for DSWI.CONCLUSIONSThis analysis of the STS-ACSD showed that RA-MABG is a generally safer form of multi-arterial coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. However, this advantage is mitigated at institutions with substantial BITA experience.

Background Left internal thoracic artery (LITA) and radial artery (RA) multi-arterial CABG (MABG) is generally associated with improved long-term survival compared with traditional LITA and saphenous vein single arterial CABG (SABG). We examined the hypothesis that this multi-arterial survival advantage persists irrespective of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the primary, non-salvage multi-graft CABG experience (n = 11,261; 64.4 ± 10.4 years, 70.4% men) from 2 institutions (1995 to 2011). Risk-adjusted 15-year survival was pairwise compared for the MABG versus SABG grafting approaches within 3 LVEF subcohorts (>0.50, n = 4,833 [44% MABG]; 0.36 to 0.50, n = 4,465 [39% MABG]; and ≤ 0.35, n = 1,963 [35% MABG]) using propensity-matched and covariate adjusted Cox regression (all patients) comparisons. Results Propensity matching yielded 1,317 (LVEF > 0.50), 1,179 (LVEF, 0.36 to 0.50), and 470 (LVEF ≤ 0.35) well-matched grafting method pairs. Acute perioperative mortality was equivalent between MABG and SABG within each LVEF group, but increased with decreasing LVEF. MABG was uniformly associated with better 15-year survival compared with SABG for all LVEF categories. The associated matched-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were consistent across EF groups at 0.79 (0.68 to 0.93), 0.80 (0.69 to 0.93), and 0.82 (0.66 to 1.0), respectively. Covariate adjusted HR in all patients concurred with matched results. Conclusions MABG results in significantly enhanced long-term survival compared with LITA/SVG SABG regardless of the degree of LV dysfunction. These results favor MABG as the therapy of choice in patients with LV dysfunction.

Background Treatment of multivessel coronary artery disease with traditional single-arterial coronary artery bypass graft (SA-CABG) has been associated with superior intermediate-term survival and reintervention compared with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using either bare-metal stents (BMS) or drug-eluting stents (DES). Objectives This study sought to investigate longer-term outcomes including the potential added advantage of multiarterial coronary artery bypass graft (MA-CABG). Methods We studied 8,402 single-institution, primary revascularization, multivessel coronary artery disease patients: 2,207 BMS-PCI (age 66.6 ± 11.9 years); 2,381 DES-PCI (age 65.9 ± 11.7 years); 2,289 SA-CABG (age 69.3 ± 9.0 years); and 1,525 MA-CABG (age 58.3 ± 8.7 years). Patients with myocardial infarction within 24 h, shock, or left main stents were excluded. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression were used to separately compare 9-year all-cause mortality and unplanned reintervention for BMS-PCI and DES-PCI to respective propensity-matched SA-CABG and MA-CABG cohorts. Results BMS-PCI was associated with worse survival than SA-CABG, especially from 0 to 7 years (p = 0.015) and to a greater extent than MA-CABG was (9-year follow-up: 76.3% vs. 86.9%; p Conclusions Multiarterial surgical revascularization, compared with either BMS-PCI or DES-PCI, resulted in substantially enhanced death and reintervention-free survival. Accordingly, MA-CABG represents the optimal therapy for multivessel coronary artery disease and should be enthusiastically adopted by multidisciplinary heart teams as the best evidence-based therapy.

Contrast echocardiography demonstrating microbubbles in the pericardial space has often been cited as evidence of ventricular rupture requiring emergent surgical intervention. We report a case where no myocardial perforation was found during post-myocardial infarction surgery despite prior echocardiographic evidence of contrast extravasation into the pericardial effusion. Clinical decision making requires balancing imaging evidence with clinical circumstances to determine the optimal timing for surgical intervention.

OBJECTIVES Multiple arterial coronary artery grafting (MABG) improves long-term survival compared with single arterial CABG (SABG), yet the best second arterial conduit to be used with the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) remains undefined. Outcomes in patients grafted with radial artery (RA-MABG) versus right internal thoracic artery (RITA-MABG) as the second arterial graft were compared with SABG. METHODS Multi-institutional, retrospective analysis of non-emergent isolated LITA to left anterior descending coronary artery CABG patients was performed using institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeon National Adult Cardiac Surgery Databases. 4484 (54.5%) SABG [LITA ± saphenous vein grafts (SVG)], 3095 (37.6%) RA-MABG (RA ± SVG) and 641 (7.9%) RITA-MABG (RITA ± SVG) patients were included. The RITA was used as a free (68%) or in situ (32%) graft. RA grafts were principally anastomosed to the ascending aorta. Long-term survival was ascertained from US Social Security Death Index and institutional follow-up. Triplet propensity matching and covariate-adjusted multivariate logistic regression were used to adjust for baseline differences between study cohorts. RESULTS Compared with the SABG cohort, the RITA-MABG cohort was younger (58.6 ± 10.2vs65.9 ± 10.4, P < 0.001), had a higher prevalence of males (87% vs 65%, P < 0.001) and was generally healthier (MI: 36.7% vs 56.7%, P < 0.001, smoking: 56.8% vs 61.1%, IDDM: 3.0% vs 14.4%, CVA: 2.6% vs 10.0%). The RA-MABG cohort was generally characterized by a risk profile intermediate to that of SABG and RlTA-MABG. Unadjusted 5-, 10- and 15-year survival rates were best in RITA-MABG (95.2%, 89% and 82%), intermediate in RA-MABG (89%, 74%, 57%) and worst in SABG (82%, 61% and 44%) cohorts (all P < 0.001). Propensity matching yielded 551 RA-MABG, RITA-MABG and SABG triplets, which showed similar 30-day mortality. Late survival (16 years) was equivalent in the RA-MABG and RITA-MABG cohorts [68.2% vs 66.7%, P = 0.127, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.28 (0.96-1.71)] and both significantly better than SABG (61.1%). The corresponding SABG versus RITA-MABG and SABG versus RA-MABG HRs (95% confidence interval) were 1.52 (1.18-1.96) and 1.31 (1.01-1.69) with P < 0.002 and P = 0.038, respectively. CONCLUSIONS RA-MABG or RITA-MABG equally improve long-term survival compared with SABG and thus should be embraced by the Heart Team as the therapy of choice in LITA-based coronary artery bypass surgery.

Background We investigated whether extended arterial grafting with three or more arterial grafts in patients with a left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending artery graft improves survival in coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients and whether its effects will depend on the extent of coronary artery disease; specifically three-vessel disease (3VD) versus two-vessel disease (2VD). Methods Fifteen-year mortality was analyzed in 11,931 patients with multivessel disease and primary isolated left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending artery coronary artery bypass graft surgery with 2 or more grafts. Patients were aged 64.3 ± 10.5 years; 3,484 (29.2%) were women; 2,532 (21.2%) had 2VD and 9,399 (78.8%) had 3VD. Patients were grouped into one single-artery group (n = 6,782, 56.9%; reference group), and two multiple artery groups: two arteries (n = 3,678, 30.8%) and three arteries (n = 1,471, 12.3%). Long-term survival was compared by Kaplan-Meier estimates. Risk-adjusted mortality hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were derived by covariate adjusted Cox regression to quantify multiple artery effects versus one artery in the overall cohort and separately among patients with 2VD and 3VD. Results Radial artery (94%) and right internal thoracic artery (6%) conduits were used for additional arterial grafts. For the entire multivessel cohort, increasing number of arterial grafts was associated with incrementally improved 15-year survival (two arteries HR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.78 to 0.92; three arteries HR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.65 to 0.85). The three arteries versus two arteries comparison was consistent, even if not significant (HR 0.89, 95% CI: 0.77 to 1.03). The benefits derived from additional arterial grafts were more pronounced in case of 3VD (two arteries HR 0.84 95% CI: 0.76 to 0.92; three arteries HR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.63 to 0.84), without survival benefit with 2VD. Conclusions Our results support the use of extended arterial grafting to maximize long-term coronary artery bypass graft surgery patient survival, especially for 3VD patients.

The current literature on radial artery grafting is reviewed focusing on the optimal deployment of radial artery grafts in coronary artery bypass surgery with specific attention to the selection of patients and target vessels for radial artery grafting.

This article summarizes the current research on the benefits of using the transradial approach for percutaneous procedures and the radial artery as a conduit for coronary artery bypass surgery. Based on the available evidence, the authors provide recommendations for the use of the radial artery in patients undergoing percutaneous or surgical coronary procedures.

Multiple arterial grafts, in addition to the left internal thoracic artery, improve long-term survival after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG); yet, the use of this procedure remains low for both the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) and the radial artery (RA). To identify the optimal arterial conduit to deploy for revascularization of diabetic patients, we compared the outcomes for RA and RITA grafts to the circumflex coronary.From January 1, 1995, to December 31, 2011, 908 consecutive diabetic patients underwent first-time, isolated CABG (99% on-pump), 659 with the RA and 502 with the RITA, respectively, in two affiliated hospitals. Data were prospectively collected, and late mortality was determined from the Social Security Death Index. Propensity matching, based on preoperative and operative variables, identified 202 matched pairs from each group.Long-term survival was similar for matched patients. Mortality, myocardial infarction, reoperation for bleeding, stroke, sepsis, and renal failure were not significantly different between groups. However, deep sternal wound infection (p0.035) and respiratory failure (p0.048) favored the RA group, in which the total major adverse events were significantly fewer (p=0.002).In diabetic patients undergoing multivessel revascularization with either RA or RITA grafts to the circumflex coronary, long-term survival is similar. However, RA patients experienced significantly fewer respiratory or sternal wound adverse events. The RA is the preferred conduit to extend to more diabetic patients the recognized survival benefit of a multiple arterial graft strategy.

ObjectiveWe sought to determine if the radial artery (RA) or the free right internal thoracic artery (RITA) is the better conduit to bypass the circumflex coronary artery during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using the left internal thoracic artery (LITA).MethodsPropensity matching was performed on 2488 CABG-LITA patients from 2 affiliated centers, resulting in 528 pairs who received either a RA at one center or a free RITA at the other center to bypass the circumflex coronary artery from 1995 to 2009.ResultsKaplan Meier estimated 1-, 5-, 10-, and 15-year survival rates were 99%, 95%, 85%, and 76% for RA patients, respectively, and 97%, 92%, 80%, and 71% for RITA patients, respectively (P = .060). Major adverse events (MAEs) were fewer in the RA group (7.6% vs 14.0%; P = .001) and use of the RA was a significant predictor of reduced MAEs (odds ratio [OR], 0.48; P = .002) in all patients and especially in diabetic (OR, 0.32; P = .003), older (OR, 0.40; P = .009), obese (OR, 0.15; P

Objectives Radial artery (RA) grafting has a clear survival advantage after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in studies with predominantly male populations, but the impact on women's long-term survival is unclear. We sought to determine if the reported long-term survival benefit of RA versus saphenous vein (SV) grafting in the general CABG population is valid for women. Methods Between 1995 and 2010, 1339 female patients were alive 30 days after primary, isolated CABG with left internal thoracic artery (LITA) and additional RA or SV conduits as needed. Patients were evaluated based on RA use: 332 patients had RA and 1007 patients had SV. Of these, 283 RA patients were matched to SV counterparts using a nonparsimonious propensity model based on 45 patient variables. Results Kaplan-Meier estimated survivals for the matched RA women at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years were 99%, 93%, 80%, and 70% versus 97%, 87%, 72%, and 58% for the SV women (log rank, P = .018). For symptomatic patients, overall RA patency was 80%, which was not different from the LITA patency rate of 84% but was superior to the SV conduits patency rate of 56% ( P Conclusions In women undergoing CABG with LITA grafting, use of an RA graft improves survival compared with use of an SV graft.

Objective We reviewed 1577 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using endoscopic harvesting of the radial artery (RA) to define our current results. Methods Since 2000, we have performed endoscopic RA harvest on 1577 consecutive patients; 1476 patients had isolated CABG, and 101 patients had CABG and other procedures. The mean ± SD age was 59.4 ± 9.0 years; 80.2% were men and 40% had diabetes mellitus. All data were prospectively collected. All-cause mortality was determined using the Social Security Death Index. Results There were nine in-hospital or 30-day deaths, for an operative mortality of 0.57%: mortality was 0.34% in isolated CABG and 3.85% in CABG/combined procedures. The overall estimated Kaplan-Meier survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 99%, 95%, and 88%. In 37 patients, the RAs were not harvested or were not used for grafting because of a positive Allen test, extensive calcification or dissection, intramural hematoma, and scarring from previous arterial lines or catheterization. During postoperative follow-up, five patients (0.32%) were treated for incisional infection, and there were no ischemic hand complications. Three patients had a perioperative myocardial infarction in the RA graft distribution, and 15 patients had a coronary artery reintervention in the RA graft distribution. Two other patients had a percutaneous coronary intervention of their RAs. The overall RA patency at 10 years was 82%. Conclusions Endoscopic harvest of the RA is an excellent minimally invasive conduit harvesting technique with minimal morbidity.

Background Left atrial dissection (LatD) is a rare entity most commonly associated with mitral valve surgery. We have reviewed our experience with 4 patients to better define the etiology and the treatment of LatD. Methods From 1991 to 2012, 4 patients experienced LatD after surgery (1 of 6,302, or 0.02%, of isolated coronary artery bypass grafting patients and 3 of 1,895, or 0.16%, of mitral valve patients). Patient and perioperative data and management were reviewed. Results Two patients were women, and ages ranged from 49 to 80 years. Three patients underwent mitral procedures (two replacements with coronary artery bypass grafting and one repair) for mitral regurgitation. One patient underwent emergent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting after cardiopulmonary resuscitation for a left main dissection during percutaneous coronary intervention. Three LatDs were found during surgery, and one LatD was found 12 days after mitral repair and was successfully treated nonoperatively. The LatD was located along the posterior atrial wall originating from the atrioventricular junction in all cases and obstructed mitral valve inflow. Operative repair focused on the evacuation of hematoma, obliteration of the false lumen, and repair of the entry injury. No mortality occurred. Conclusions Left atrial dissection is a rare complication of cardiac surgery, probably related to a contained atrioventricular separation allowing pressurized blood to separate the layers of the posterior left atrium. Prompt intraoperative diagnosis, obliterating the false cavity, and addressing the entry point are essential. In contrast, a nonoperative approach in a stable patient with a delayed LatD suggests healing of the dissection, and atrial remodeling occurs.

Objective Current percutaneous thromboembolectomy techniques may obviate surgical intervention in high-risk patients with iliocaval thrombus or thrombus of the right side of the heart, but typically require thrombus fragmentation and thrombolysis with associated bleeding and thromboembolic complications. The AngioVac (Angiodynamics, Latham, NY USA) device uses a percutaneous venovenous bypass circuit to aspirate intact thrombus. A review of the literature was performed with regard to the AngioVac device to determine the factors correlating with successful thrombus extraction. Methods A literature search was performed with regard to use of the AngioVac device using the PubMed database. A meta-analysis was not performed given the small size and lack of statistical analysis of the individual reports included. Results Twenty-three reports describing 57 procedures in 56 patients were analyzed. Indications for thrombectomy included iliocaval thrombus in 53% (30), thrombus of the right side of the heart, in 49% (28), pulmonary embolus in 14% (8), and upper extremity venous/Glenn shunt thrombosis in 7% (4). The complete success rate, defined as removal of all thrombus, was 75% (43), with an 11% (6) partial success rate. In 14% (8) of cases, minimal or no thrombus was retrieved. When analyzed by indication, iliocaval thrombus and thrombus of the right side of the heart demonstrated 87% (26) and 82% (23) complete success rates, respectively. Pulmonary embolus demonstrated a significantly lower success rate at 12.5% [1; (P < .001)]. Complications occurred in 12% (7), including six hematomas and one retroperitoneal bleed. Conclusions The AngioVac device offers an excellent alternative to surgical thrombectomy for patients presenting with iliocaval or intracardiac thrombus, with success rates of more than 80%, although it seems that pulmonary emboli are less amenable. Appropriate patient selection can lead to improved outcomes. Larger numbers are needed to make more definite conclusions.

A case of large cardiac myxoma associated with primary B cell lymphoma is described in a patient presenting with acute obstructive left heart failure. Emergent surgical removal was performed along with mitral valve repair.

Objective(s)We conducted a meta-analysis of propensity score-matching (PSM) studies comparing long-term survival of patients receiving right internal thoracic artery (RITA) versus radial artery (RA) as a second arterial conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting.MethodsA literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science to identify relevant articles. Primary endpoint was long-term mortality. Secondary endpoints were operative mortality, incidence of sternal wound infection, and repeat revascularization. Binary events were pooled using the DerSimonian and Laird method. For time-to-event outcomes, estimates of log hazard ratio (HR) and standard errors obtained were combined using the generic inverse-variance method.ResultsA total of 8 PSM studies were finally selected including 15,374 patients (RITA, 6739; RA, 8635) with 2992 matched pairs for final comparison. Mean follow-up time ranged from 45 to 168 months. When compared with RA, RITA was associated with a lower risk reduction of late death (HR, 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58-0.97; P = .028) and repeat revascularization (HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.16-0.85; P = .03). On the other hand, RITA did not increase operative mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.53; 95% CI, 0.97-2.39; P = .07). RITA was associated with an increased risk of sternal wound complication when pedicled harvesting was used (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.34-7.57), but not with skeletonized harvesting (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.67-1.71).ConclusionsThe present PSM data meta-analysis suggests that the use of RITA compared with RA was associated with superior long-term survival and freedom from repeat revascularization, with similar operative mortality and incidence of sternal wound complication when the skeletonized harvesting technique was used.

We sought to estimate the reduction in deaths and the number of additional person-years of life that could potentially be gained by nationwide adoption of routine multiple arterial bypass grafting (MABG).Propensity matching on 4883 patients undergoing primary, isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) from January 1995 to June 2011, resulted in 1023 matched pairs of LITA-radial artery and LITA-saphenous vein patients. Kaplan-Meier estimated survivals were used to calculate the potential number of lives that could be saved based on a 20% and an 80% rate of MABG, compared with the national 10% rate, when applied to a hypothetical national sample of 200,000 similar patients.Our overall MABG rate was 40% with80% rate for the past 3 years. Kaplan-Meier estimated 10-year survival was better for LITA-radial artery patients (83.1%) compared with LITA-saphenous vein patients (75.7%) (log rank test, P.001). When compared with the current national 10% MABG rate, a 20% and an 80% MABG rate could potentially result in 1400 and 10,000 fewer annual deaths, respectively, among a hypothetical national cohort, yielding9000 and64,000 person-years of life over a 10-year period.An 80% rate of MABG has the potential to prevent more than 10,000 deaths annually and add64,000 person-years of life over the course of 10 years. The use of a second arterial graft during CABG should be routine in the majority of patients undergoing CABG.

The treatment of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms using endovascular stents is one of the more recent advances in treatment and is receiving increasing attention as it is a less invasive alternative to open surgical repair. Although the technology is still primitive, significant improvements have lately been made in the design and deployment of the endovascular stent-grafts. Aortic stent-grafts were used initially to exclude abdominal, and later thoracic, aortic true and false aneurysms. These prostheses have been increasingly used to treat aneurysms, dissections, and traumatic ruptures of the descending thoracic aorta with good early and mid-term outcomes. Although the long-term outcome of patients with aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta after stent graft implantation has not been investigated, continued refinement of the endovascular approaches has decreased the need for conventional open thoracic aortic aneurysm repair, especially in patients who are at a high risk for standard surgery because of advanced age or the presence of comorbid diseases. The placement of endoluminal stent-grafts to exclude the dissected or ruptured site of thoracic aortic aneurysms is a technically feasible and relatively safe procedure. With the rapid development of endovascular approaches, the treatment of the descending thoracic aortic aneurysms might alter even more, but an extended follow-up is necessary to determine the longer term outcome. Historical perspectives, advantages, device considerations, complications, and current perspectives of the endovascular stent grafting of the descending thoracic aortic aneurysms are elaborated on.

INTRODUCTION: The management of patients with complex CAD has led to the development of a heart team strategy involving shared decision making by a multidisciplinary team. Both the 2010 ESC/EACTS Guidelines and the 2012 AHA/ACC Criteria consider a heart team evaluation to be a class 1 indication to determine the treatment of patients with LM and/or 3VD prior to PCI. This study assessed our single institution’s compliance with this strategy. METHODS: Since July, 2012 patients with LM and/or 3VD or multi-vessel restenosis following prior PCI were recommended to have a multidisciplinary heart team discussion prior to any treatment. From November 1, 2012 through April 30, 2014 the results and therapeutic outcomes of all diagnostic cardiac catheterizations were analyzed. The total number of patients meeting criteria for a heart team evaluation, those actually having such a discussion and the subsequent treatment pathways were assessed. RESULTS: During the 18 month study period, 5740 patients underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Of these, 522 patients met criteria for a heart team evaluation. A total of 266 patients (51%) were discussed by the heart team prior to treatment. Of this group, 153 patients received CABG (58%), 101 patients received PCI (38%), and 12 patients received medical management (5%). A total of 256 patients (49%) were not submitted for evaluation by the heart team. Of this group, 3 patients received CABG (1%), 227 received PCI (89%) and 26 received medical management (10%). The total PCI:CABG ratio for all patients was 17:1 and the total PCI:CABG ratio for those 522 patients with LM and/or 3VD was 3:1. Of this group, for those undergoing a heart team evaluation, the PCI:CABG ratio was 0.7:1 and without an evaluation the PCI: CABG ratio was 76:1 (p CONCLUSIONS: Despite established guidelines and a clinician consensus regarding the management strategy for complex CAD, half of eligible patients were not prospectively assessed by the heart team. When an evaluation was performed, the PCI:CABG ratio shifted from 76:1 to 0.7:1. Only through a collaborative process can optimal patient care be achieved.

Coronary artery fistulae are uncommon, reported in 0.25% of patients undergoing coronary angiography. Two patients with congenital coronary artery fistula and coronary artery disease who presented with symptoms of exacerbated congestive heart failure out of proportion to their atherosclerotic burden were successfully treated by epicardial fistula ligation and coronary artery bypass grafting with marked improvement in functional status.

Patients with diabetes develop more widespread and more severe atherosclerotic coronary artery disease than patients without diabetes. Medical management of this coronary disease is inferior to revascularization for more complex or more widespread disease. Revascularization by percutaneous intervention (PCI) for patients with diabetes is associated with high mortality and complication rates. Surgical revascularization by coronary artery bypass grafting, yields superior results to PCI for patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease. Patients with diabetes benefit from the same medical management of their coronary artery disease and secondary risk modification as patients without diabetes.

A second recurrence of an excised nonfamilial cardiac myxoma is rare. Myxomatous cerebral aneurysms as a complication of cardiac myxomas are equally rare. A unique case of a patient with a total of 4 myxomas over a 20-year interval is presented. Her most recent presentation was a second recurrence of a left atrial myxoma, a de novo right atrial myxoma, and multiple cerebral myxomatous aneurysms. The challenging reconstruction of the normal anatomy was achieved with the use of porcine extracellular matrix patches. A diagnostic cerebral angiogram was later performed, and the aneurysms will be monitored for growth and possible intervention.