Midterm,multicenter clinical and hemodynamic results for the Trifecta aortic pericardial valve

Objective

To evaluate the midterm hemodynamic performance and clinical outcomes of the Trifecta aortic pericardial valve.

Clinical outcome of redo operation on aortic root

Background

With the increasing use of biologic conduits or bioprosthetic valve, the number of patients who require redo operation on aortic root increased.

Methods

In the past 22 years, 14 patients underwent redo operation on aortic root. The mean age was 61.9 ± 14.8 years. Previous operations were full root replacement with stentless valve (n = 4), aortic root replacement with subcoronary technique (n = 3) and Bentall operation (n = 7). The operation interval was 5.4 ± 6.4 years. Indication for redo operation included structural valve deterioration (n = 6), prosthetic valve endocarditis (n = 4), perivalvular leakage (n = 2), dilatation of sinus of Valsalva (n = 1) and dehiscence of proximal anastomosis line (n = 1). Mean follow-up period was 5.3 ± 5.2 years.

Results

Present operations were full root replacement with stentless valve (n = 5) and Bentall operation (n = 9). There was one in-hospital death (7.1 %) caused by arrhythmia. Postoperative complications included implantation of permanent pacemaker (n = 3), arrhythmia (n = 2) and re-intubation (n = 1). The 5-year survival was 92.9 ± 6.9 %. Freedom from redo aortic operation at 5 years was 100 %.

Conclusion

Redo operation on aortic root can be performed with acceptable in-hospital mortality and good late survival.     

Factors affecting a dilated ascending aorta in patients with bicuspid aortic valve: the relevance of valve anatomy,body size and age

Purpose

Information regarding the appropriate management of patients with moderately dilated ascending aortas is limited. We investigated factors affecting ascending aortic dilatation in BAV patients, such as anatomy, body size and age.

Methods

We evaluated 130 patients with BAV (age, 59.9 ± 16.1 years; body surface area (BSA), 1.58 ± 0.20 m²) who underwent aortic valve surgery. The cusp configuration was determined according to the presence and location of the raphe and the cusp direction. The ascending aortic diameter index (AADI) was calculated using computed tomography and the BSA.

Results

Sixty-four patients had A-P-type BAV, while 66 had R-L-type BAV. The mean ascending aorta diameter was 42.6 ± 6.7 mm, and the mean AADI was 27.1 ± 5.6 mm/m². Based on the AADI, cusp configuration (R-L-BAV: 28.3 ± 6.0 mm/m² vs. A-P-BAV: 25.8 ± 4.9 mm/m², P < 0.05), a female gender, age and the presence of aortic stenosis were found to be related to ascending aortic dilatation, while the mean ascending aortic diameter did not differ between the groups. Among the elderly patients, an AADI greater than 28 mm/m² was more frequently observed in the R-L-BAV group than in the A-P-BAV group. Ascending aortic replacement was required after 10 years in two patients with R-L-BAV and no patients with A-P-BAV.

Conclusions

The relative ascending aortic diameter helped to identify patients with BAV with a risk of dilatation, indicating that the use of ascending aortic replacement should be considered more frequently in patients with R-L-type BAV, while the procedure is avoidable in elderly patients with A-P-type BAV.     

Early hemodynamics and clinical outcomes of isolated aortic valve replacement with stentless or transcatheter valve in intermediate-risk patients

Objective

Stentless aortic valves have been developed to overcome obstructive limitations associated with stented bioprostheses. The aim of the current multi-institutional study was to compare hemodynamics of transcatheter (TAVR) and the Freedom SOLO Stentless (FS) valve in an intermediate risk population undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement.

Aortic shear stress in patients with bicuspid aortic valve with stenosis and insufficiency

Objectives

Bicuspid aortic valve, characterized by valve malformation and risk for aortopathy, displays profound alteration in systolic aortic outflow and wall shear stress distribution. The present study performed 4-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging in patients with bicuspid aortic valve with right-left cusp fusion, focusing on the impact of valve function on hemodynamic status within the ascending aorta.

Total cervical disc replacement with the Discocerv® (Cervidisc Evolution) cervical prosthesis: early results of a second generation

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the early clinical and radiographic outcome in patients operated with Discocerv^® Cervidisc Evolution semi-constrained cervical mobile prosthesis (Discocerv^®), made of ceramic materials (Zirconia & Alumina).

Study design

This is a monocentric prospective noncomparative study.

Patient sample

Seventeen consecutive patients (8 men/9 women) were enrolled in the study so far. Mean age was 46.1 ± 7.9 years (33–62).

Methods

Patients in this series underwent one or two level total cervical disc replacement (TCDR) with Discocerv for disc herniation (n = 13), stenosis (n = 2) or discopathy (n = 1). Mean follow up was 4.8 ± 1.8 months (0–7.2).

Outcome measures

Clinical evaluation criteria included: VAS 1–100 mm self-reported cervical and radicular pain, neck disability index (NDI), symptoms evolution (ODOM score), work status, patient satisfaction index (PSI), mobility preservation. Prior to surgery VAS self-reported cervical and radicular pain were 62 mm (4–95) and 67 mm (2–96) respectively. NDI was 25/50 (9/50–37/50). Out of the active population (88%) 66% of patients were in sick leave for cervical symptoms. Radiographic criteria such as intervertebral mobility of the operated level were also assessed.

Results

Sixteen patients had a one level total cervical disc replacement (C3C4 n = 1, C4C5 n = 3, C5C6 n = 9, C6C7 n = 3. One patient had C5C6 and C6C7 total cervical disc replacement. Surgery duration was 67.1 ± 20.2 min (35–120). Hospital stay was 3.6 ± 1.5 days (2–7). No pre-operative or post-operative complications were reported in this series, except for excessive bleeding in one patient without any further consequences. About 47% of active patients resumed their previous work within the first 3 months after surgery. The ODOM score showed 100% excellent and good results. Three months post-operatively, mean VAS self-reported cervical and radicular pain decreased to 13 mm (0–60) and 5 mm (0–20) respectively and NDI decreased to 11/50 (0–24). All patients were satisfied with the results so far. Quantitative radiographic analysis showed satisfactory restoration of cervical mobility at the operated levels, with mean intervertebral mobility of 4.9° ± 5.6° (0 to 19.0°) in flexion-extension and 8.4° ± 4.1° (2.7°–16.9°) in lateral bending.

Conclusion

Early results with Discocerv^® Cervidisc Evolution cervical prosthesis are encouraging. However, further follow-up on a larger group is necessary to confirm these findings.     

Is routine computed tomography angiography justified in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement for bicuspid aortic valve disease?

Background

Role of Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) in patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) needs assessment.

Patients and Methods

After echocardiography, 54 patients with BAV were referred for AVR. CTA was performed routinely. Pre-operative characteristics, echocardiographic and CTA findings, and details of surgery were obtained.

Results

The study population had 54 subjects (48 males). Median age was 35.5 years (range 7 to 78 years), and median weight was 57.5 Kg (range 14 to 83 kg). On echocardiography, aortic sinus diameter ranged from 13 to 38 mm (median 28 mm). In none of the patients, ascending aorta was reported to be dilated. On CT angiography, the sinus diameter ranged from 16 to 46 mm (median 35 mm). Sinus diameter was ≥40 mm in 13 patients. The sinus diameter on echocardiography was within the range of 0 to 2 mm of CT angiographic estimates in 31 patients, within 2.1 to 5 mm in 22 patients, and more than 5 mm in one patient. The ascending aortic diameter ranged from 19 to 70 mm (median 43 mm). In 26 patients, ascending aortic diameter was ≥45 mm. In 12 patients, the proximal arch diameter was ≥40 mm. In two patients, the distal ascending aorta and proximal arch were aneurysmally dilated (48 mm and 57 mm). In 12 patients, the ascending aorta was dilated (≥ 45 mm) without any sinus dilatation. In one patient, the distal ascending aorta and proximal arch were aneurysmally dilated (57 mm) without any proximal dilatation. Based on CT angiographic findings, 25 patients (46.3 %) underwent additional aortic replacement in the form of Bentall’s procedure (n?=?7), Bentall’s + Hemiarch replacement (n?=?6), aortoplasty (n?=?5), Wheat procedure (n?=?6) and Wheat procedure?+?Hemiarch replacement (n?=?1).

Conclusion

CT angiography is justified as a routine pre-operative evaluation tool in all patients with BAV who are undergoing open heart surgery for significant aortic valve dysfunction.     

Mid-term durability of the Trifecta bioprosthesis for aortic valve replacement

Objective

To clarify the mid-term durability of the Trifecta bioprosthesis for aortic valve replacement (AVR).

Impact of energy loss index on left ventricular mass regression after aortic valve replacement

Background

Recently, the energy loss index (ELI) has been proposed as a new functional index to assess the severity of aortic stenosis (AS). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the ELI on left ventricular mass (LVM) regression in patients after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with mechanical valves.

Methods

A total of 30 patients with severe AS who underwent AVR with mechanical valves was studied. Echocardiography was performed to measure the LVM before AVR (pre-LVM) (n = 30) and repeated 12 months later (post-LVM) (n = 19). The ELI was calculated as [effective orifice area (EOA) × aortic cross sectional area]/(aortic cross sectional area ? EOA) divided by the body surface area. The LVM regression rate (%) was calculated as 100 × (post-LVM ? pre-LVM)/(pre-LVM). A cardiac event was defined as a composite of cardiac death and heart failure requiring hospitalization.

Results

LVM regressed significantly (245.1 ± 84.3 to 173.4 ± 62.6 g, P < 0.01) at 12 months after AVR. The LVM regression rate negatively correlated with the ELI (R = ?0.67, P < 0.01). By receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, ELI <1.12 cm²/m² predicted smaller (<?30.0 %) LVM regression rates (area under the curve = 0.825; P = 0.030). Patients with ELI <1.12 cm²/m² had significantly lower cardiac event-free survival.

Conclusion

The ELI as well as the EOA index (EOAI) could predict LVM regression after AVR with mechanical valves. Whether the ELI is a stronger predictor of clinical events than EOAI is still unclear, and further large-scale study is necessary to elucidate the clinical impact of the ELI in patients with AVR.     

Long-term results of bioprosthetic tricuspid valve replacement: an analysis of 25 years of experience

Background

Current knowledge in long-term results of tricuspid valve replacement is limited. Present study reviews our experience from a consecutive series.

Methods

We retrospectively studied the early and late results of 32 consecutive patients (7 male and 25 female; mean age 60.2 ± 18.1 years) undergoing bioprosthetic tricuspid valve replacement between 1985 and 2010. The etiology is rheumatic in 38 %, congenital in 3 %, endocarditis in 9 %, and functional in 50 %. Patients underwent isolated valve replacement. The remaining underwent combined aortic and tricuspid (n = 5, 16 %), mitral tricuspid (n = 15, 47 %), and aortic, mitral, and tricuspid (n = 1, 3 %) valve replacement. Preoperative liver dysfunction was evaluated using Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Mean follow-up was 5.6 ± 6.8 years (ranging from 0 to 25.0 years).

Results

Hospital mortality was 19 %. On univariate logistic regression analysis, NYHA class IV (p = 0.039, odds ratio 11.3, 95 % confidence interval 1.2–112.5), MELD score (>10) (p = 0.011, odds ratio 21.0, 95 % confidence interval 12.0–222.0) and congestive liver (p = 0.05, odds ratio 9.4, 95 % confidence interval 1.0–93.5) were incremental risk factors for hospital death. The 15- and 25-year actuarial survival were 56.5 ± 10.3 % and 45 ± 13.0 %, respectively. Multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazard model showed MELD score (p = 0.024, hazard ratio 7.0, 95 % confidence interval 2.1–23.9) and postoperative pulmonary hypertension (p = 0.012, hazard ratio 4.4, 95 % confidence interval 1.4–14.1) were significantly associated with decreased survival. At 15 years, freedom rates from tricuspid valve reoperation, anticoagulation-related bleeding, and valve related events were 85.7 ± 13.2 %,95.7 ± 4.3 % and 81.8 ± 13.2 %, respectively. The linearized incidence of structural valve deterioration was 0.50 %/patient-year, anticoagulation-related bleeding was 0.94 %/patient-year, and valve-related events were 1.52 %/patient-year.

Conclusion

Preoperative hepatic congestion and liver dysfunction which were indicated by the MELD score >10 were associated with poor outcome for patients undergoing tricuspid valve replacement. The MELD score is useful to predict the morality among these patients.     

Double reinforcement of proximal anastomosis in Bentall procedure: a new technique

Aims

Modified Bentall Procedure is a treatment of choice for aneurysms of ascending aorta associated with aortic valve disease. Bleeding from proximal anastomosis is one of the major concerns in this procedure. We report our modification of Bentall procedure to avoid bleeding from proximal anastomosis.

Settings and design

Between May 2006 to July 2012, 15 patients underwent modified Bentall procedure by a single surgeon at our institute. There were 10 male and 5 female patients; the mean age was 39.4?±?12.3 years (range, 12–60 years). The disease pathology of these patients included Marfans syndrome, syphilitic aneurysm and atherosclerotic aneurysm of the ascending aorta. All had severe aortic regurgitation (grade III & IV) with thinned, non-calcified aortic valve cusps.

Methods and material

In our modification of Bentall procedure, we completely preserved the aortic cusps and 5 to 10 mm of native aortic wall collar at the aortic annulus. Pledgeted sutures were passed to buttress the native aortic cusps between the aortic annulus and the sewing ring of the graft. Then aortic wall collar was sutured to the sewing ring by continuous suture just distal to the pledgeted suture line.

Results

The mean 24 hours post-operative bleeding was 232.14?±?105.84 ml; with a hospital mortality rate of 6.66 % (one patient).

Conclusions

In the new proposed technique incorporated for Bentall procedure, we conclude that it is simple, reproducible and effective in controlling bleeding.     

Screening and management for ischemic heart disease in patients undergoing emergency surgery for a type A acute aortic dissection

Purpose

We assessed the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) during hospitalization after emergency surgery for a type A acute aortic dissection.

Methods

A total of 123 patients underwent multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) scans during an early stage after surgery. The patients were divided into two groups: group I consisted of 14 patients (11.4 %) who had coronary artery stenosis of more than 75 % on MSCT, and group II consisted of 109 patients (88.6 %) who had no coronary lesions.

Results

The prevalence of diabetes, dyslipidemia and a smoking history was significantly higher in group I. Although the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were similar, the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) level was significantly lower in group I (36.4 ± 7.9 mg/dl) than in group II (49.6 ± 13.5 mg/dl, P = 0.0005). The maximum carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was significantly thicker in group I (1.17 ± 0.37 mm) compared to group II (0.96 ± 0.33 mm, P = 0.0297). The logistic regression analysis detected that a carotid IMT over 1.1 mm (odds ratio 4.35, P = 0.0371) and HDL less than 40 mg/dl (odds ratio 3.90, P = 0.0482) were predictors for CAD.

Conclusions

CAD screening should be recommended for patients with aortic dissection who have several atherosclerosis risk factors, even after emergency surgery.     

In vitro coronary flow after transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve implantation: A comparison of 2 valves

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve implantation (TAVI-ViV) is an evolving treatment strategy for degenerated surgical aortic valve bioprostheses (SAVBs). However, there is some concern regarding coronary obstruction, especially after TAVI-ViV in calcified SAVBs with externally mounted leaflets. We investigated in vitro coronary flow and hydrodynamics after TAVI-ViV using 2 modern SAVBs with externally and internally mounted leaflets.

Predictors of improvement in diastolic function after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background

Aortic stenosis is associated with concentric left ventricle (LV) hypertrophy or remodeling resulting in impaired diastolic function and elevated left-sided filling pressure. We investigated the changes in LV geometry and LV filling hemodynamics, giving emphasis to parameters associated with changes in diastolic function after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods

Comprehensive diastolic assessment was performed before and six months after TAVI in 70 patients with severe aortic stenosis. Patients with any degree of mitral stenosis or >mild left-sided valvular regurgitation were excluded.

Results

In the entire cohort six months after TAVI, LV end-diastolic diameter increased (44.1 ± 6 versus 45 ± 6 mm, P = 0.02), whereas LV mass and relative wall thickness (RWT) decreased (270.1 ± 76 versus 245.1 ± 75 g and 0.53 ± 0.15 versus 0.46 ± 0.1, respectively; P < 0.0001 for both). Lateral e′ increased (5.8 ± 2 versus 6.6 ± 3 cm/s, P = 0.03) and left atrium (LA) volume, E/e′ ratio, and systolic pulmonary pressure decreased (88.1 ± 30 versus 80 ± 28 cc, 18 ± 7.8 versus 16.3 ± 5.5, and 42.7 ± 14.9 versus 38.7 ± 12 mmHg, respectively; P < 0.05 for all), suggesting reduction in LA pressure. The improvement in LA volume and E/e′ was almost exclusively seen in patients with LV hypertrophy before TAVI (P < 0.05 both), as opposed to patients with concentric remodeling.

Conclusions

In our preliminary study, TAVI resulted in LV and LA reverse remodeling, and improved LV relaxation and LA filling pressure in patients with severe aortic stenosis and concentric hypertrophy. Patients with concentric remodeling at baseline seem to have limited improvement in LV diastolic function and filling pressure following TAVI, but larger clinical trials would be required to conclude if they have no improvement at all.     

Similar improvement of left ventricular performance after valve replacement for aortic stenosis with small aortic annuli among three different implantation techniques

Background

We evaluated the effects of three implantation techniques (everting mattress, non-everting mattress, and simple interrupt techniques) for aortic valve replacement in severe aortic stenosis with small aortic annulus on left ventricular performance and function.

Methods

Eighty-five patients who underwent aortic valve replacement for severe aortic valve stenosis were retrospectively examined. Left ventricular mechanics (Ees, end-systolic elastance; Ea, effective arterial elastance and efficiency), left ventricular ejection fraction, effective orifice area index, peak aortic valve velocity, and the left ventricular mass index were measured before and up to 1 month after surgery. Two-way repeated measure analysis of variance was used to compare parameters among the three valve replacement techniques.

Results

Echocardiography after aortic valve replacement showed similar significant increases in the effective orifice area index (p?p?p?p?=?0.80), and Ea decreased significantly and similarly in each group after surgery (p?p?p?Conclusions The three implantation techniques for aortic valve replacement gave equally satisfactory hemodynamic results and any would be reliable for patients with severe aortic valve stenosis and small aortic annuli.     

The influence of native aortic valve calcium and transcatheter valve oversize on the need for pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve insertion

Objective

Native aortic valve calcium and transcatheter aortic valve oversize have been reported to predict pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve insertion. We reviewed our experience to better understand the association.

Hemodynamic effects of orally administered delta-ALA during radical prostatectomy

Purpose

We investigated hemodynamics in patients receiving delta-Aminolevulinic acid (delta-ALA) to visualize tumor margins prior to radical retro pubic prostatectomy.

Patients

Twenty patients undergoing elective open radical retro pubic prostatectomy (RRP).

Methods

Cohort observational study. Ten patients receiving 20 mg/kg of delta-ALA orally prior to surgery (delta-ALA) and 10 patients undergoing RRP without the application of delta-ALA served as a retrospectively matched cohort (CONTROL).

Measurements

Changes in heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and functional hemodynamic parameters were assessed by electrocardiogram, non-invasive and invasive blood pressure monitoring plus transcardiopulmonary thermodilution.

Results

Patients of both groups did not differ in means of age, body mass index, or ASA classification. During surgery, HR and MAP did not differ significantly between both groups. Also, the amount of IV crystalloids and colloids did not differ significantly. In contrast, the amount of vasopressor necessary to maintain MAP within the target range of 70–90 mmHg was significantly higher in delta-ALA when compared to CONTROL (0.08 ± 0.04 μg/kg/min (delta-ALA) vs. 0.03 ± 0.02 μg/kg/min (CONTROL); P < 0.01). Immediately after surgery, patients of delta-ALA showed a significantly higher heart rate (82 ± 18 min^?1 vs. 67 ± 9 min^?1; P < 0.05) compared to patients of CONTROL. Cardiac index, global end-diastolic volume index, and extravascular lung water index were significantly higher after surgery, when compared to baseline values (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Orally administered delta-ALA prior to open radical prostatectomy induces hemodynamic instability in the perioperative period requiring vasopressor support. Further, an increase of extravascular lung water points toward an increased vascular permeability induced by delta-ALA.     

Coexisting cardiac diseases and pressure recovery phenomenon contribute to discrepancy between the echocardiographic severity of aortic stenosis and left ventricular hypertrophy

Background

Assessing left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) is an important step in the echocardiographic diagnosis of aortic stenosis (AS). We aimed to investigate the causes of discrepancies between the degrees of AS and LVH.

Methods

The study subjects consisted of 149 consecutive patients with AS having aortic valve area <2.0 cm² (mean age 72.5 ± 11.9 years, 67 men and 82 women). Coexisting cardiac diseases were determined based on echocardiographic findings and comprehensive clinical judgment. Echocardiographic measurements included LV mass index (LVMI), aortic valve area index (AVAI), transaortic mean pressure gradient (MPG), valvulo-arterial impedance (Zva), energy loss coefficient (ELCo), and energy loss index (ELI).

Results

LVMI was not significantly correlated with AVAI and Zva, and had a weak correlation with MPG (r = 0.305, p = 0.0001). There were 55 patients in group A (non-severe AS without significant LVH), 58 in group B (non-severe AS with significant LVH), 7 in group C (severe AS without significant LVH), and 29 in group D (severe AS with significant LVH). Coexisting cardiac diseases were more frequently observed (p = 0.0003) in group B (50 %) than in group A (18 %). In group C, ELCo and (ELI ? AVAI)/ELI were significantly greater than in group D (p = 0.043 and 0.007, respectively).

Conclusion

Significant LVH seen in less than moderate AS is often due to coexisting cardiac diseases, and there may be an overestimation of AS severity due to pressure recovery among patients with apparently severe AS who do not have significant LVH.     

Adding coronary artery bypass grafting to aortic valve replacement increases operative mortality for elderly (70 years and older) patients with aortic stenosis

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to determine the effect of simultaneous aortic valve replacement (AVR) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on operative outcomes and long-term survival in elderly patients with a high prevalence of comorbidity.

Methods

One hundred and fifty-seven elderly patients (70 years old or older) undergoing isolated AVR (n = 120) or combined AVR/CABG (n = 37) were evaluated. Operative outcomes were compared between the two surgical groups. Long-term survival was also compared between the groups using the Kaplan–Meier method and long-rank (Mantel–Cox) test.

Results

Operative mortality was 0.8 % for the isolated AVR group and 5.4 % for the combined AVR/CABG group (p = 0.076). The length of the intensive care unit stay for the combined AVR/CABG group was significantly longer than that for the isolated AVR group (median: 40 vs. 21 h, p = 0.008). However, the occurrence rate of hospital complications, such as reoperation for bleeding, deep sternal infection, supra-ventricular arrhythmia, and neurological complications, was similar between the two groups. Actuarial survival at 3 and 5 years was 82.3 and 80.9 % for the isolated AVR group, and 88.3 and 73.0 % for the combined AVR/CABG group, respectively (p = 0.637).

Conclusions

The satisfactory operative and long-term results in our study support a more aggressive simultaneous coronary revascularization combined with AVR for aortic valve stenosis in elderly patients.     

TRANSFORM (Multicenter Experience With Rapid Deployment Edwards INTUITY Valve System for Aortic Valve Replacement) US clinical trial: Performance of a rapid deployment aortic valve

Background

The TRANSFORM (Multicenter Experience With Rapid Deployment Edwards INTUITY Valve System for Aortic Valve Replacement) trial (NCT01700439) evaluated the performance of the INTUITY rapid deployment aortic valve replacement (RDAVR) system in patients with severe aortic stenosis.