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We have previously reported our 3-step repair for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) consisting of resection of the septum, horizontal plication of the anterior mitral leaflet (AML), and release of abnormal papillary muscle attachments. This article reviews our complete experience with surgical management of HCM to better understand the role and relevance of mitral plication.From 1997 to 2011, 132 patients with HCM underwent surgical treatment at our institution. Eighty-two patients (62%) received AML plication based on selection criteria and were classified as group A; patients in group B did not receive plication. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative echocardiography. Long-term clinical follow-up was obtained by review of scheduled echocardiograms and direct patient interview.The average age of all patients was 55.5 years. Operative mortality was 0%. The mean left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient decreased from 118±41 mm Hg to 6±13 mm Hg (p0.0001). Mean mitral regurgitation improved from 2.4±1.0 to 0.5±0.7 (p0.0001). Postoperatively, 96.2% of patients had no residual systolic anterior motion (SAM). Significant improvements in heart failure classification and quality of life scores were noted for all patients. Comparison of groups A and B showed no statistically significant differences in outcomes, complications, or survival. Survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 98%, 98%, and 92%, respectively.The heterogeneity of the pathologic process in HCM supports detailed analysis of the septum, mitral leaflets, and subvalvular apparatus. Surgical management of HCM that includes horizontal plication of a lax and elongated AML is safe and results in durable clinical and echocardiographic improvement.

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy presents a challenge to the anesthesiologist. Because the condition is relatively prevalent, it is important for anesthesiologist to be aware of the pathophysiology. In this review, we draw upon case reports and studies of the anesthesia management of patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy to enhance medical decision making. The scope of this article ranges from the preoperative period, when the severity of the obstruction needs to be assessed; the intraoperative period, with monitoring, as well as general management guidelines; and finally, the postoperative period, when it is important to minimize the sympathetic response. Furthermore, we address the management of the obstetric patient, with particular focus on neuraxial anesthesia, and extrapolate how this type of anesthesia may be applied to the management of patients undergoing nonlaboring, noncardiac surgery.

Objectives Ventricular resynchronization might be achieved in a minimally invasive fashion using a robotically assisted, direct left ventricular (LV) epicardial approach. Background Approximately 10% of patients undergoing biventricular pacemaker insertion have a failure of coronary sinus (CS) cannulation. Rescue therapy for these patients currently is limited to standard open surgical techniques. Methods Ten patients with congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association class 3.4 ± 0.5) and a widened QRS complex (184 ± 31 ms) underwent robotic LV lead placement after failed CS cannulation. Mean patient age was 71 ± 12 years, LV ejection fraction (EF) was 12 ± 6%, and LV end-diastolic diameter was 7.1 ± 1.3 cm. Three patients had previous cardiac surgery, and five patients had a prior device implanted. Results Nineteen epicardial leads were successfully placed on the posterobasal surface of the LV. Intraoperative lead threshold was 1.0 ± 0.5 V at 0.5 ms, R-wave was 18.6 ± 8.6 mV, and impedance was 1,143 ± 261 ohms at 0.5 V. Complications included an intraoperative LV injury and a postoperative pneumonia. Improvements in exercise tolerance (8 of 10 patients), EF (19 ± 13%, p = 0.04), and QRS duration (152 ± 21 ms, p = 0.006) have been noted at three to six months follow-up. Lead thresholds have remained unchanged (2.1 ± 1.4 V at 0.5 ms, p = NS), and a significant drop in impedance (310 ± 59 ohms, p Conclusions Robotic LV lead placement is an effective and novel technique which can be used for ventricular resynchronization therapy in patients with no other minimally invasive options for biventricular pacing.

We compared (a) the perioperative complications; (b) times to eligibility for, and actual time of the following: extubation, less intense monitoring, intensive care unit (ICU), and hospital discharge; and (c) resource utilization of nursing ratio for patients receiving either a typical fentanyl/isof

UNLABELLED We compared a fentanyl/isoflurane/propofol regimen with a remifentanil/isoflurane/propofol regimen for fast-track cardiac anesthesia in a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study on patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Anesthesia was induced with a 1-min infusion of 0.5 mg/kg propofol followed by 10-mg boluses of propofol every 30 s until loss of consciousness. After 0.2 mg/kg cisatracurium, a blinded continuous infusion of remifentanil at 1 microg. kg(-1). min(-1) or the equivalent volume rate of normal saline was then started. In addition, a blinded bolus syringe of 1 microg/kg remifentanil or 10 microg/kg fentanyl, respectively, was given over 3 min. Blinded remifentanil, 1 microg. kg(-1). min(-1) (or the equivalent volume rate of normal saline), together with 0.5% isoflurane, were used to maintain anesthesia. Significantly more patients (P < 0.01) in the fentanyl regimen experienced hypertension during skin incision and maximum sternal spread compared with patients in the remifentanil regimen. There were no differences between the groups in time until extubation, discharge from the surgical intensive care unit, ST segment and other electrocardiogram changes, catecholamine levels, or cardiac enzymes. The remifentanil-based anesthetic (consisting of a bolus followed by a continuous infusion) resulted in significantly less response to surgical stimulation and less need for anesthetic interventions compared with the fentanyl regimen (consisting of an initial bolus, and followed by subsequent boluses only to treat hemodynamic responses) with both drug regimens allowing early extubation. IMPLICATIONS Both fentanyl and the newer opioid remifentanil, when each is combined with isoflurane and propofol, allowed for fast-track cardiac anesthesia. The remifentanil regimen used in this study resulted in significantly less hemodynamic response to surgical stimulation.

Background Automated border detection (ABD) allows semiautomated measurement of left ventricular (LV) areas. They can be combined with left ventricular pressure signals to generate pressure-area loops and pressure-dimension indices of contractility. This study compared conventional indices of ventricular performance (fractional area change [FAC] and circumferential fiber shortening [Vcfc]) with pressure-dimension indices of contractility. A secondary aim was to compare the effects of volatile anesthetics on the indices. Methods Using transesophageal echocardiography with automated border detection, FAC and Vcfc were obtained in 23 patients after cardiopulmonary bypass. Left ventricular pressures were obtained with a left ventricular catheter. Preload reduction by inferior vena caval occlusion was used to obtain end-systolic elastance (Ees), preload recruitable stroke force (PRSF), and dP/dtmax x EDA(-1) (EDA = end-diastolic area). In 11 patients, the measurements were repeated at 1 end-tidal minimum alveolar concentration of halothane or isoflurane. The results are expressed as mean +/- SD. Results After cardiopulmonary bypass, FAC was 31.1+/-7.9%, Vcfc was 0.6+/-0.2 circ x s(-1), Ees was 25.8+/-11.6 mmHg x cm(-2), PRSF was 60.8+/-26.6 mmHg, and dP/dtmax x EDA(-1) was 245+/-123.4 mmHg x s(-1) x cm(-2). At 1 minimum alveolar concentration of a volatile anesthetic agent, FAC, Vcfc, and dP/dtmax x EDA(-1) remained unchanged. Significant decreases in Ees (19%) and PRSF (28%) were observed. Conclusions The association between pressure-dimension indices and Vcfc or FAC was weak or nonexistent. A reduction in myocardial contractility induced by the administration of volatile anesthetic agents was detected by Ees and PRSF, but not by FAC, Vcfc, or dP/dtmax x EDA(-1). After myocardial revascularization, Ees and PRSF appear more sensitive than FAC or Vcfc for measuring changes in contractility.

We describe a computer algorithm that allows continuous, real-timeevaluation of ventricular elastance (Ees), arterial elastance (Ea), and theircoupling ratio in a clinical setting. In the conventional pressure-volumeanalysis of left ventricular (LV) contractility, invasive methods of volumedetermination and a significant, rapid preload reduction are required togenerate Ees. With the help of automated border detection by transesophagealechocardiography, and a technique of estimating peak LVisovolumic pressure, Ea and Ees were determined from a single cardiac beatwithout the need for preload reduction. A comparison of results obtained bya conventional approach and the new algorithm technique, showed goodcorrelation for Ea (r = 0.86, p < 0.001) and Ees(r = 0.74, p = 0.001). Bias analysis showed a bias (d) of1.47 mmHg/cm2 for Ea with a standard deviation (SD) of 7.03mmHg/cm 2, and upper (d+2SD) and lower (d−2SD)limits of agreement of 15.25 mmHg/cm2 and −12.31mmHg/cm2, respectively. Bias analysis showed a bias of−1.42 mmHg/cm2 for Ees with a SD of 4.88mmHg/cm2, and limits of agreement of 8.15mmHg/cm2 and −10.98 mmHg/cm2. Thealgorithm’s stability to artifacts was also analyzed by comparingmagnitudes of residuals of Ea and Ees from source signals with and withoutnoise. With Ea differing by an average of 1.036 mmHg/cm2 andEes differing by an average of 0.836 mmHg/cm2, the algorithmwas found to be stable to artifacts in the source signals.

Background The use of transesophageal echocardiography for the determination of cardiac output (CO) has been limited to date. We assessed the capability of aortic continuous-wave Doppler transesophageal echocardiography to determine CO (DCO) in a transgastric long-axis imaging plane of the heart by comparing DCO to thermodilution CO (TCO). Methods DCO was determined in 63 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Aortic valve area was obtained from the transverse short-axis view of the valve assuming a triangular shape for the valve orifice. Stroke volume was calculated as the product of velocity-time integral and aortic valve area: stroke volume = velocity-time integral x aortic valve area. DCO was calculated off-line, by multiplying stroke volume with heart rate: DCO = stroke volume x heart rate. Results The aortic valve orifice was easily imaged in all patients. Excellent-quality continuous-wave Doppler flow profiles were obtained in nearly all (62 of 63). A total of 109 DCO determinations were performed. Mean DCO was 4.35 +/- 1.18 l.min-1 (range 2.02-7.42 l.min-1), and mean TCO was 4.41 +/- 1.17 l.min-1 (range 2.24-8.94 l.min-1). Very high correlation and agreement were found between the two methods: DCO = 0.94 x TCO + 0.19, r = 0.94, SEE (standard error of the estimate) = 0.41 l.min-1; 95% confidence interval = 0.06 +/- 0.83 l.min-1. Relative changes from pre- to postbypass CO (delta) also showed a strong correlation (delta DCO = 0.93 x delta TCO + 5.4%, r = 0.82, SEE = 17.8%). For CO changes greater than 10%, Doppler was in accordance with thermodilution in 43 of 45 measurements. DCO repeatability coefficient was 0.51 l.min-1. Conclusions Compared to thermodilution, continuous-wave Doppler measurements of blood flow velocity across the aortic valve in the transesophageal echocardiographic transgastric view allow accurate CO determination.

Abnormal positioning and size of the mitral valve contribute to the systolic anterior motion and mitral-septal contact that are important components of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The RPR repair (resection of the septum, plication of the anterior leaflet, and release of papillary muscle attachments) addresses all aspects of this complex pathology. This study reports outcomes regarding effectiveness of the RPR repair.Fifty consecutive unselected patients (average age, 55.8 years) undergoing RPR repair for obstructive HCM from 1997 to 2007 were studied. Each patient underwent preoperative and postoperative transthoracic echocardiograms to document gradient, ejection fraction, degree of mitral regurgitation, and systolic anterior motion. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiogram was used to guide all surgical repairs. Clinical follow-up included patient interviews to determine New York Heart Association (NYHA) status.Concomitant operations were performed in 25 patients (50%). Postoperative mortality was 0%. Average mean left ventricular outflow tract gradients decreased from 134 +/- 40 to 2.8 +/- 8.0. Mitral regurgitation improved from a mean of 2.5 to 0.1 (p0.001). Average length of stay was 6.9 +/- 2.7 days. NYHA class improved from 3.0 +/- 0.6 to 1.2 +/- 0.5. Follow-up was 100%, with a mean of 2.5 +/- 1.8 years. Average mitral regurgitation at follow-up was 0.9, with no residual systolic anterior motion.The RPR repair is safe and effective for symptomatic obstructive HCM. Our data support repair of the mitral valve that results in good intermediate outcomes with respect to gradient, mitral regurgitation, and clinical status.

Sixteen patients in sinus rhythm at baseline undergoing implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation were monitored with transesophageal echocardiography both before and after direct current cardioversion with currents of 15 to 20 J, for any direct current induced atrial dysfunction. We found no change in the indexes of atrial function or appearance of spontaneous echo contrast in the immediate postshock period by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography.

Extended myectomy for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has good long-term results. In addition to the midseptal resection (R) for HCM, our group has introduced a novel variation in anterior leaflet plication (P) and release (R) of papillary muscle attachments. We sought to investigate the medium-term success of this three-step repair that addresses all aspects of complex HCM pathology.Nineteen patients underwent resection-plication-release repair for complex HCM pathology. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed on all patients preoperatively and postoperatively to assess adequacy of resection, left ventricular outflow tract gradients, and mitral valve function. All patients underwent transthoracic outpatient echocardiography at a mean follow-up of 2.4 +/- 2.1 years (range, 0.5 to 6).The average age of the patients was 57 +/- 14 years. The preoperative peak LVOTO was 137 +/- 45 mm Hg. The average degree of mitral regurgitation was 3.1. The average length of stay was 7.5 +/- 3.3 days. There were no readmissions or deaths in the group. Initial postoperative transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated marked reduction in LVOTO to 10 +/- 17 mm Hg (p0.0001) and significant improvement in mitral regurgitation to 0.2 (p0.0001). In follow-up, the LVOT gradient remained low at 6 +/- 14 (p0.0001) and mitral regurgitation remained insignificant at 0.4 (p0.0001).Anterior leaflet plication and papillary muscle release are logical adjuncts to septal resection in the treatment of the complicated pathophysiology of obstructive HCM. Durable long-term results can be achieved with an aggressive approach to mitral valve pathology in conjunction with extended myectomy.

The transverse short-axis plane of the aortic valve was imaged by transesophageal echocardiography at a relatively high frame rate in 25 anesthetized patients undergoing heart surgery. The effective, time-averaged aortic valve area (a-AVA) was compared with areas obtained with triangular and circular valve orifice models (t-AVA and c-AVA, respectively). The aortic valve orifice was circular during 33.6% +/- 17.5% of systole. The relations between the triangular or circular aortic valve areas and a-AVA were as follows: t-AVA = 1.04 x a-AVA - 0.14 (r = 0.90; standard error of the estimate = 0.24 cm2) and c-AVA = 1.37 x a-AVA + 0.00 (r = 0.90; SEE = 0.30 cm2). Bias analysis showed no significant difference between a-AVA and t-AVA (bias = -0.04 +/- 0.23 cm2; difference not significant) but a significant overestimation of the average valve area by c-AVA (bias = +0.88 +/- 0.30 cm2; p < 0.001). Thus the aortic valve orifice was not circular for the entire duration of systole and valve area calculations based on a triangular model approximated a-AVA more closely than did those based on a circular model. These findings suggest that, for echocardiographic measurements that incorporate the aortic valve orifice area (e.g., stroke volume determinations), the use of a triangular valve area model, rather than a circular model, may produce more accurate results in anesthetized patients with heart disease.

ContextAcute safety concerns have been raised recently regarding certain hemorrhage-sparing medications commonly used in cardiac surgery. However, no comprehensive data exist regarding their associations with long-term mortality.ObjectiveTo contrast long-term all-cause mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery according to use of 2 lysine analog antifibrinolytics (aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid), the serine protease inhibitor aprotinin, or no antibleeding agent.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsObservational study of mortality conducted between November 11, 1996, and December 7, 2006. Following index hospitalization (4374 patients; 69 medical centers), survival was prospectively assessed at 6 weeks, 6 months, and annually for 5 years after CABG surgery among 3876 patients enrolled in a 62-center international cohort study. The associations of survival with hemorrhage-sparing medications were compared using multivariable analyses including propensity adjustments.Main Outcome MeasureDeath (all-cause) over 5 years.ResultsAprotinin treatment (223 deaths among 1072 patients [20.8% 5-year mortality]) was associated with significantly increased mortality compared with control (128 deaths among 1009 patients [12.7%]; covariate adjusted hazard ratio for death, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-1.85), whereas neither aminocaproic acid (132 deaths among 834 patients [15.8%]; adjusted hazard ratio for death, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-1.33) nor tranexamic acid (65 deaths among 442 patients [14.7%]; adjusted hazard ratio for death, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-1.45) was associated with increased mortality. In multivariable logistic regression, either with propensity adjustment or without, aprotinin was independently predictive of 5-year mortality (adjusted odds ratio with propensity adjustment, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.93; P = .005) among patients with diverse risk profiles, as well as among those surviving their index hospitalization. Neither aminocaproic nor tranexamic acid was associated with increased risk of death.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that in addition to the previously reported acute renal and vascular safety concerns, aprotinin use is associated with an increased risk of long-term mortality following CABG surgery. Use of aprotinin among patients undergoing CABG surgery does not appear prudent because safer and less expensive alternatives (ie, aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid) are available.

The association between Doppler transmitral flow variables, measured by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) was studied in 88 patients undergoing coronary artery surgery. The Doppler flow variables and PCWP were measured after sternotomy by blinded investigators. In the first part of the study, patients were divided into two groups according to left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF): Group A, EF35% (n = 38) and Group B, EFor = 35% (n = 34). In Group B, significant correlations were found between deceleration time of early filling (DCT-E) and PCWP (r2 = 0.899) and deceleration slope of early filling and PCWP (r2 = 0.692), (P0.001 for both). When the relationship between DCT-E and PCWP was tested prospectively in a third group of patients [Group C; EFor = 35% (n = 16)], a close agreement between the calculated and measured PCWP (bias = -0.55 +/- 3.87 mm Hg) was noted. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of DCT-Eor = 150 ms for PCWP10 mm Hg were 93.3%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. In summary, patients with decreased left ventricular systolic function undergoing coronary artery surgery demonstrated high, statistically significant, correlations between PCWP and the deceleration time or deceleration slope of early diastolic filling as measured by transesophageal Doppler echocardiography.

Transient left atrial (LA) dysfunction (“stunning”) and the appearance of spontaneous echo contrast (“smoke”) have been reported in patients undergoing DC cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. It has been suggested that cardioversion-induced LA dysfunction may promote new thrombus formation leading to thromboembolic complications in AF patients even in the absence of demonstrable LA thrombus prior to cardioversion. In order to confirm previous observations of LA stunning end to investigate the determina nts of this response, we investigated LA function in a series of patients undergoing implantable defibrillator insertion and testing. Eight patients (67 ± 6 yrs, 5 M/3 F) with ischemic heart disease (n = 6) or cardiomyopathy (n = 2) and VTNF were studied. All patients were in NSR, had significant impairment of systolic LV function, and demonstrated inducible VT or VF in the EP lab. Intraoperative transesophegeal echocardiography with a biplane or multiplane probe was used to image the LA, mitral valve and LA appendage (LAA). Blood flow velocities were measured at the tips of the MV leaflets and LAA orifice by pulsed-wave Doppler before and 30 to 120 seconds after DC shocks of 15–20 joules with transvenous intracardiac electrodes lin SVC and RV apex, n = 7) or epicardial patches (n = 1) while in sinus rhythm. Measurements from three different cardiac cycles were averaged for each patient. Baseline LAA orifice flow velocity was 44 ± 16 cm/s and remained unchanged after DC shock, 46 ± 20 cm/s (p = ns). Similarly, MV peak A-wave velocity was 70 ± 34 cm/s at baseline and was not significantly different after DC shock, 69 ± 42 cm/s (p = ns). No evidence of LA “smoke” was seen in any patient before or after the shock. Conclusion As opposed to previous reports after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, DC shocks alone do not produce LA dysfunction in patients in NSR even in the presence of left venticular dysfunction. LA stunning after DC shocks may require prior atrial fibrillation or specific atrial substrate.