A pooled analysis of pacemaker implantation after Perceval sutureless aortic valve replacement

Open in a separate window OBJECTIVESWe performed a literature meta-analysis to estimate the rate of pacemaker implantation after Perceval sutureless aortic valve replacement.METHODSPertinent articles were identified from the PubMed, Google Scholar, Ovid MEDLINE and Ovid EMBASE databases. Eligible studies reported the de novo incidence of postoperative pacemaker implantation after Perceval valve surgery. Among 394 articles retrieved, 26 studies including 9492 patients met the inclusion criteria.RESULTSThe pooled event rate for postoperative pacemaker implantation was 7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 6–9%]; however, significant heterogeneity was observed across studies. In a sub-analysis, there was no difference between the rates of pacemaker implantation calculated from multicentre and registry studies (8 studies, 6845 patients; 7%, 95% CI 5–10%) and single-centre studies (18 studies, 2647 patients; 7%, 95% CI 5–9%; P = 0.75). Implantation rates were similar in high-volume studies (16 studies, 9121 patients; 7%, 95% CI 5–8%) than in low-volume studies (10 studies, 371 patients; pooled rate: 7%, 95% CI 4–14%; P = 0.5). Postoperative pacemaker implantation rates tended to decrease over time.CONCLUSIONSWith a pooled event rate of 7%, postoperative pacemaker implantation remains an important limitation of Perceval sutureless valve surgery, although we observed a degree of variability across included studies. The resultant findings provide a useful estimate for physicians and patients and can serve as a benchmark for future comparative studies.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020188397.     

Anatomical circumstances and aortic cross-clamp time in minimally invasive aortic valve replacement

Open in a separate window OBJECTIVESProlonged operative times, potentially leading to increased morbidity, are a possible drawback of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of anatomical circumstances in the chest on aortic cross-clamp time. METHODSThis retrospective study included 68 patients who underwent minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with the Perceval sutureless valve via right-anterior thoracotomy or with ministernotomy. Anatomical variables were measured during preoperative computer tomography scans.RESULTSAortic cross-clamp time was shorter in those having ministernotomy than in the right-anterior thoracotomy group (41.1 vs 52.3 min; P < 0.001). Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was not significantly different between groups (P = 0.09). A multivariable linear-regression model (P = 0.018) showed the aortic dextroposition variable to be a significant predictor of the aortic cross-clamp method and CPB times (P = 0.005 and P = 0.003) independent of other anatomical variables in the right thoracotomy group (10 mm deviation from optimal position prolonged the times for 240 and 600 s). For the whole cohort, a correlation between aortic valve dimensions and operative times was found (P = 0.046, P = 0.009). A linear-regression model (P = 0.046) predicted 90 s longer aortic cross-clamp time and 231 s longer CPB time for every 1 mm smaller aortic valve diameter.CONCLUSIONSThe anatomical variables are associated with the operative times in minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with sutureless valves. Considering this association, preplanning the procedure is recommended.     

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement: short-term efficacy of sutureless compared with stented bioprostheses

OBJECTIVESSutureless aortic valve prostheses have been introduced to facilitate the implant process, speed up the operating time and improve haemodynamic performance. The goal of this study was to assess the potential advantages of using sutureless prostheses during minimally invasive aortic valve replacement in a large multicentre population.METHODSFrom 2011 to 2019, a total of 3402 patients in 11 hospitals underwent isolated aortic valve replacement with minimal access approaches using a bioprosthesis. A total of 475 patients received sutureless valves; 2927 received standard valves. The primary outcome was the incidence of 30-day deaths. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of major complications following procedures performed with sutureless or standard bioprostheses. Propensity matched comparisons was performed based on a multivariable logistic regression model.RESULTSThe annual number of sutureless valve implants increased over the years. The matching procedure paired 430 sutureless with 860 standard aortic valve replacements. A total of 0.7% and 2.1% patients with sutureless and standard prostheses, respectively, died within 30 days (P = 0.076). Cross-clamp times [48 (40–62) vs 63 min (48–74); P = 0.001] and need for blood transfusions (27.4% vs 33.5%; P = 0.022) were lower in patients with sutureless valves. No difference in permanent pacemaker insertions was observed in the overall population (3.3% vs 4.4% in the standard and sutureless groups; P = 0.221) and in the matched groups (3.6% vs 4.7% in the standard and sutureless groups; P = 0.364).CONCLUSIONSThe use of sutureless prostheses is advantageous and facilitates the adoption of a minimally invasive approach, reducing cardiac arrest time and the number of blood transfusions. No increased risk of permanent pacemaker insertion was observed.Open in a separate window     

Effect of aortic cross-clamp time on late survival after isolated aortic valve replacement

Open in a separate window OBJECTIVESLonger aortic cross-clamp (ACC) time is associated with decreased early survival after cardiac surgery. Because maximum follow-up in previous studies on this subject is confined to 28 months, it is unknown whether this adverse effect is sustained far beyond this term. We aimed to determine whether longer ACC time was independently associated with decreased late survival after isolated aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic stenosis during 25 years of follow-up.METHODSIn this retrospective cohort study, multivariable analysis was performed to identify possible independent predictors of decreased late survival, including ACC and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, in a cohort of 456 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis, who had undergone isolated aortic valve replacement between 1990 and 1993.RESULTSMean follow-up was 25.3 ± 2.7 years. Median (interquartile range) and mean ACC times were normal: 63.0 (20.0) and 64.2 ± 16.1 min, respectively. Age, operative risk scores and New York Heart Association class were similar in patients with ACC time above, versus those with ACC time below the median. Longer ACC time was independently associated with decreased late survival: hazards ratio (HR) 1.01 per minute increase of ACC time (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.02; P = 0.012). Longer CPB time was not associated with decreased late survival (HR 1.00 per minute increase of CPB time [95% CI 1.00–1.00; P = 0.30]).CONCLUSIONSLonger ACC time, although still within normal limits, was independently associated with decreased late survival after isolated aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic stenosis.     

A case of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction after minimally invasive aortic valve replacement

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement is commonly used to treat aortic valve disease through smaller incisions and upper hemisternotomy. No major differences in postoperative outcomes have been reported compared with full sternotomy aortic valve replacement. In this case report, we present a rare complication of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction after minimally invasive aortic valve replacement.     

Avoiding oversizing in sutureless valves leads to lower transvalvular gradients and less permanent pacemaker implants postoperatively

Open in a separate window OBJECTIVESThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of changing the sizing strategy in aortic valve replacement using the Perceval sutureless prosthesis on haemodynamic outcomes and postoperative pacemaker implantation.METHODSRetrospective analysis of patients implanted with the Perceval valve between 2007 and 2019 was performed by comparing patients implanted before the modification of sizing strategy (OLD group) and after (NEW group). The outcome parameters evaluated were the implanted prosthesis size, haemodynamical profile and postoperative pacemaker implantation.RESULTSThe entire patient cohort (784 patients) consisted of 52% female patients, with a mean age of 78.53 [standard deviation (SD): 5.8] years and a mean EuroSCORE II of 6.3 (range 0.7–76). In 55.5% of cases, surgery was combined. The NEW cohort had more male patients (54.6% vs 43.4%) (P = 0.002). Mean implanted valve size, corrected for body surface area, was significantly lower in the NEW cohort (13.1, SD: 1.4 vs 13.5, SD: 1.4 mm/m², P < 0.001). The 30-day mortality was 3.4%. Peak and mean transvalvular gradients at discharge were significantly lower in the NEW versus OLD groups: 24.4 mmHg (SD: 9.2) versus 28.4 mmHg (SD: 10.3) (P < 0.001) and 13.6 mmHg (SD: 5.3) versus 15.5 mmHg (SD: 6.0) (P < 0.001). The mean effective opening area and the indexed effective opening area, respectively, increased from 1.5 cm² (SD: 0.5) and 0.85 cm²/m² (SD: 0.27) in the OLD group to 1.7 cm² (SD: 0.5) and 0.93 cm²/m² (SD: 0.30) in the NEW group (P < 0.001). No difference was found in paravalvular leakage ≥1/4. Centrovalvular leakage ≥1/4 significantly decreased from 18% to 7.9% (P < 0.001). With the new sizing, the new postoperative pacemaker implantation rate decreased significantly from 11% to 6.1% (P = 0.016).CONCLUSIONSCorrect sizing of sutureless aortic valves is crucial to obtain the best possible haemodynamics and avoid complications.     

Successful redo aortic valve replacement using Perceval for multiple recurrent prosthetic valve dysfunction

A 50-year-old man who required aortic valve replacement (AVR) 3 times for severe paravalvular leakage (PVL) was diagnosed with a recurrence of severe PVL. Since the PVL recurred each time because of prosthetic valve detachment from the annulus, a fourth AVR was performed using a self-expanding sutureless valve. Postoperative echocardiography showed no significant PVL. The patient was discharged without any complications and returned to normal work soon after. In cases such as our patient, sutureless AVR could be a powerful alternative to conventional AVR.     

Results of prosthetic valve replacement for aortic stenosis

Background: Aortic valve replacement with mechanical valves is associated with a small but constant risk of valve thrombosis and thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications. The surgical outcome of patients with Aortic Stenosis who had aortic valve replacement with mechanical valves is reported here. Methods: Between January 1990 and October 1999, 275 patients underwent prosthetic valve replacement for isolated aortic stenosis. The age ranged between 13 years and 75 years and 230 were males. The cause of aortic stenosis was rheumatic in 185 patients (67.3%), followed by bicuspid aortic valve in 75 patients (27.3%) and degenerative in 15 patients (5.4%). Results: The early mortality was 1.5%. The follow up was 96% complete and ranged from 1 to 104 months (mean 54±24.5months). Six patients (2.2%) developed prosthetic valve endocarditis. Paravalvular leak occurred in 3 (0.9%) patients. Valve thrombosis occurred in 10 patients (1.0% per patient year). The actuarial survival was 81±7% at 5 years and 64±13% at 8 years. Event free survival was 40±14% at 8 years. Conclusion: With current operative techniques and myocardial preservation aortic stenosis patients are at low risk for surgery. However, long term survival is limited due to prosthesis related complications.     

Reverse remodelling after aortic valve replacement for chronic aortic regurgitation

OBJECTIVESThis study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes and investigate the factors related to left ventricular (LV) reverse remodelling after aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation (AR).METHODSA total of 246 patients who underwent AVR for chronic AR at our institution were included in this retrospective study. Primary end-points included all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality and major adverse cerebral and cardiovascular events. Secondary end-points included cardiac function on echocardiography 1 year after surgery. We explored the predictive factors for reverse remodelling 1 year after surgery.RESULTSThe 10-year survival rate was 86.0%, with no cardiac deaths in 93.8% and no major adverse cerebral and cardiovascular events in 79.9% of patients. Postoperative LV function and symptoms were significantly improved 1 year after surgery, but 34 patients (13.8%) did not recover normal function and structure. A significant negative correlation was found between the incidence of cardiac death and major adverse cerebral and cardiovascular events and reverse remodelling. Multivariate logistic regression identified preoperative LV ejection fraction (P = 0.001, odds ratio = 1.057) and LV end-systolic dimension index (P = 0.038, odds ratio = 0.912) as significant predictive factors of reverse remodelling 1 year after surgery.CONCLUSIONSPreoperative LV ejection fraction and LV end-systolic dimension index were predictive factors for reverse remodelling after surgery, which was associated with late outcomes. Earlier surgery may thus help to restore normal LV function and achieve better late outcomes after AVR for AR.     

主动脉瓣置换术后的SAM现象

目的：报告4例严重主动脉瓣狭窄行主动脉瓣置换术后出现的二尖瓣前叶前向运动（SAM现象），就其产生机制进行了初步探讨，旨在提高对这种现象的认识。方法：自2000年1月至2001年3月，男2例，女2例主动脉瓣严重狭窄病人，年龄20－52岁，平均36．5岁；接受了主动脉瓣置换术，术后均复查超声心动图。结果：4例无手术死亡，均出现SAM现象，导致1例左室流出道严重狭窄，3例少，中量二尖瓣反流，结论：SAM征是肥厚性心肌病中的常见现象，但并非其特有，主动脉瓣狭窄行主动脉瓣置换术后也可产生SAM现象。     

Pulmonary trunk perforation during transapical minimal invasive aortic valve replacement

In this case report we illustrate our experience with a perforation of the pulmonary trunk during a transapical aortic valve implantation in a single case. The patient suffered from an aortic valve stenosis and was accepted for a minimally invasive procedure because of multiple comorbidities. After unproblematic transapical placement of the aortic valve, a venous bleeding from the anterolateral wound was observed. Median sternotomy showed a bleeding out of the pulmonary trunk that could be stopped with purse-string sutures. The further course of the patient was uneventful.     

Aortic valve replacement in predominant aortic stenosis: What is an appropriate size valve?

Objective This is a retrospective analysis of 94 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement for predominant aortic stenosis between January 1998 and December 2004. Patients and Methods Age ranged from 16 to 70 years (mean 43.2±13.2 years). 73 were male (77.7%). Etiology was rheumatic in 71 (75.5%) and degenerative in 23 (24.5%) patients. On transthoracic echocardiography, the diameter of the aortic annulus ranged from 19 mm to 36mm (mean 28.5±3.0 mm) and the peak systolic gradients ranged from 54 mm to 174 mm of Hg (mean of 109.8±28.8 mmHg). Aortic regurgitation was absent or mild in 76 patients (80.8%) and moderate in rest. A mechanical valve was implanted in 66 patients (70.2%) and a tissue valve in 28 patients (29.8%). Valves of size 23 mm or more were implanted in 75 patients (80%). A valve of 25 mm or larger was implanted in 55 patients (54.3%). Results There were no early deaths. Two patients required permanent pacemaker implantation for complete heart block in the immediate postoperative period. Prosthetic valve thrombosis in one patient was relieved by thrombolysis. Anticoagulant related hemorrhage was seen in two patients. One patient underwent homograft aortic valve replacement for prosthetic valve endocarditis nine months after surgery. Conclusion Isolated aortic valve replacement in patients with predominant aortic stenosis can be performed safely by implanting an adequately large sized prosthesis, without root enlargement in a large majority of patients.     

Aortic valve replacement in the calcified small aortic root by hemitranslocation of the valve

An alternative technique of aortic valve replacement is described for a small aortic root with a severe large calcific degeneration of the supraaortic area at the noncoronary sinus. This technique is used when Nicks or Manouguian procedures are not applicable.     

In-hospital outcomes of patients undergoing concomitant aortic and mitral valve replacement in Germany

 Open in a separate windowOBJECTIVESTo evaluate in-hospital outcomes of concomitant mitral valve replacement (MVR) in patients undergoing conventional aortic valve replacement due to aortic stenosis in a nationwide cohort.METHODSAdministrative data from all patients with aortic stenosis undergoing conventional aortic and concomitant MVR (reason for MVR not specified) between 2017 and 2018 in Germany were analysed.RESULTSA total of 2597 patients with a preoperative logistic EuroScore of 9.81 (standard deviation: 8.56) were identified. In-hospital mortality was 6.8%. An in-hospital stroke occurred in 3.4%, acute kidney injury in 16.3%, prolonged mechanical ventilation of more than 48 h in 16.3%, postoperative delirium in 15.8% and postoperative pacemaker implantation in 7.6% of the patients. Mean hospital stay was 16.5 (standard deviation: 12.1) days. Age [odds ratio (OR): 1.03; P = 0.019], New York Heart Association class III or IV (OR: 1.63; P = 0.012), previous cardiac surgery (OR: 2.85, P = 0.002), peripheral vascular disease (OR: 2.01, P = 0.031), pulmonary hypertension (OR: 1.63, P = 0.042) and impaired renal function (glomerular filtration rate <15, OR: 3.58, P = 0.001; glomerular filtration rate <30, OR: 2.51, P = 0.037) were identified as independent predictors for in-hospital mortality.CONCLUSIONSIn this nationwide analysis, concomitant aortic and MVR was associated with acceptable in-hospital mortality, morbidity and length of in-hospital stay. The regression analyses may help to identify high-risk patients and further optimize treatment strategies.     

The Konno aortoventriculoplasty for repeat aortic valve replacement

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of aortic root augmentation by the Konno-aortoventriculoplasty technique as part of reoperative aortic valve replacement. Methods: Since 1983, 15 patients, 12 males and three females, had repeat aortic valve replacement (AVR) with concomitant Konno aortoventriculoplasty. Age ranged from 1.2 to 18 years (mean 12.5 years). The underlying anatomic diagnoses were valve and subvalvar aortic stenosis in 11, truncal valve insufficiency in one, endocarditis in one, Shone's complex in one and severe aortic insufficiency associated with a ventricular septal defect in one patient. All patients had had previous AVR. The causes for reoperation were prosthetic valve stenosis due to growth in ten and paravalvular leak in one, homograft failure in two, xenograft failure in one, and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) after mitral valve replacement in one patient. The mean size of explanted prostheses was 19.2 mm (13–23 mm) while the mean size of the implanted prostheses was 24.3 mm (19–27 mm) (P<0.01). Previous aortic root enlargement had been performed in 11 patients in conjunction with AVR. The Manougian technique was used previously in two, Konno aortoventriculoplasty in eight, and both techniques in one patient. The newly implanted aortic valves were a homograft in one patient and mechanical prostheses in 14 patients. Results: There was one operative death (1 of 15 or 6.6%) in a 17.5 year old patient with previous AVR and posterior root enlargement, due to low cardiac output state. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 17 years (mean 7.2 years). The only late death occurred in an 11.6-year-old patient due to prosthetic valve endocarditis. Two patients had complete heart block and had permanent pacemaker insertion (2 of 15 or 13.3%). One patient had pulmonary valve replacement because of combined stenosis and insufficiency 5 years after operation. All 13-surviving patients are asymptomatic at latest follow up. Conclusion: Konno aortoventriculoplasty with repeat AVR may be safely performed. Excellent results may be achieved despite previous aortic root enlargement. It is a good surgical option for complex LVOTO and may even reduce reoperation in children by allowing placement of a larger prosthesis.     

Left ventricular mass regression following aortic valve replacement with mechanical valves

Objective The degree of Left Ventricular Mass Index (LVMI) regression following aortic valve replacement correlates with long-term survival. This study aims to assess the extent of LVMI regression at 3 months following aortic valve replacement (AVR) with different types and sizes of mechanical valves in rheumatic aortic valve disease. Methods The LVMI regression was studied in 34 consecutive patients, undergoing elective AVR for rheumatic aortic stenosis and/or regurgitation. They were grouped in A and B, matched in age, body surface area and pre-operative LVMI, receiving respectively a tilting disc and a bileaflet mechanical valve. The LVMI was calculated by M-mode echocardiography using the Devereux' formula pre-operatively and three months post-operatively. The trend of LVMI reduction was compared between the two groups and amongst the patients with stenotic, regurgitant and mixed aortic valve, pathologies; and receiving different sizes of valves. Results The mean preoperative LVMI was 199g±79.5 g/m². At three months post aortic valve replacement, the mean LVMI was 130g±49.0 g/m². There was a significant reduction of LVMI post-operatively (p=0.001) at three months follow-up. The extent of LVMI regression following surgery amongst the groups A and B did not vary significantly (p=0.92). The extent of LVMI regression did not vary significantly in patients with different aortic valve pathology nor with different sizes of the valves implanted. Conclusions There is a significant early LVMI regression following aortic valve replacement in rheumatic aortic valve disease. The type and the size of the mechanical prosthesis or the rheumatic pathology do not appear to influence this regression.     

主动脉瓣置换术前合并中度功能性二尖瓣关闭不全治疗策略的回顾性队列研究

目的分析主动脉瓣置换术(aortic valve replacement,AVR)同期不同方式处理中度功能性二尖瓣关闭不全(functional mitral regurgitation,FMR)对患者预后的影响。方法回顾性纳入2014～2018年在本中心接受AVR且合并中度FMR的118例患者,其中男84例、女34例,年龄(58.1±12.4)岁。根据不同二尖瓣处理方式将患者分为三组:A组(未处理,11例)、B组(二尖瓣修复,51例)及C组(二尖瓣置换,56例)。研究主要终点为患者近中期生存情况,次要终点为FMR改善情况。结果中位随访时间为29.5个月。围术期死亡5例,均为C组患者;术后早期A、B两组FMR改善率分别为90.9%、94.1%(P=0.694)。A、B、C三组中期死亡率分别为0.0%、5.9%、3.9%(P=0.264),而主要心脑血管病事件发生率分别为0.0%、9.8%、17.7%(P=0.230)。A、B两组中期FMR改善率分别为100.0%、94.3%(P>0.05)。结论对于接受AVR合并中度FMR的患者,不处理或同期修复二尖瓣更为合理,而二尖瓣置换可能会...     

Long-term results for aortic valve replacement with small aortic annulus

We determined whether aortic prosthesis size influences survival and hemodynamic function. Eighty-nine patients who underwent small aortic valve replacement were followed. The small internal orifice area index (IOAI) group was defined as having an internal orifice area/body surface area ratio of < or = 1.3 cm(2)/m(2) (n = 34). The control group was defined as having an IOAI >1.3 cm(2)/m(2) (n = 55). The actuarial survival rate at 10 years was 74.5% in the small IOAI group and 75% in the control group (NS). Freedom from valve-related impairment at 10 years was 87% in the small IOAI group and 85% in the control group (NS). Postoperative pressure gradients were higher in the small IOAI group (p < 0.05). Left ventricular mass index decreased in both groups (albeit nonsignificantly in the small group, but significantly decreased in the control group). The long-term results of aortic valve replacement for patients with small aortic annulus were satisfactory. However, the postoperative pressure gradient through the prosthesis and left ventricular hypertrophy remained at a high level in the small IOAI group.     

Long-term results of valve replacement using antibiotic-sterilised homografts in the aortic position

Objective.

Antibiotic-sterilised homograft valves stored at 4 °C have been implanted in the subcoronary position in this unit since 1973. This study was undertaken in order to assess the longterm function of these valves.

Methods.

All 249 patients undergoing homograft aortic valve replacement (AVR) at the Wessex Cardiothoracic Centre between April 1973 and December 1994 were studied. Homograft valve sizes ranged from 15 mm to 28 mm internal diameter, 202 (81.1%) varying between 18 mm and 22 mm. The mean patient follow-up was 12.4 years with a total follow-up of 3096 patient-years. There were six early deaths (2.4%).

Results.

On actuarial analysis, survival was 78.5 ± 2.7% (1SE) at 10 years, 65.7 ± 3.3% at 15 years and 55.0 ± 3.9% at 20 years. The freedom from redo AVR was 87.9 ± 2.4% at 10 years, 71.7 ± 3.8% at 15 years and 49.7 ± 5.6% at 20 years. The freedom from structural degeneration was 85.5 ± 2.5% at 10 years, 63.6 ± 4.0% at 15 years and 41.9 ± 6.4% at 20 years. On multivariate analysis the risk of valve failure was significantly higher in younger patients (P < 0.0001) and in those who underwent aortic root tailoring (P = 0.024). The freedom from endocarditis was 98.4 ± 0.9% at 10 years, 96.2 ± 1.6% at 15 years and 95.1 ± 1.9% at 20 years. Of the 249 patients, 218 had an isolated homograft AVR and were not anticoagulated. In this group there were two possible thromboembolic events.

Conclusion.

As well as the established haemodynamic benefits, this study has shown that homograft AVR with antibiotic-sterilised 4 °C stored homograft valves implanted in the subcoronary position, offers good long-term results.