Aortic valve replacement in octogenarians: utility of risk stratification with EuroSCORE

The Relationship Between Short-Term Mean Arterial Pressure Variability and Mortality in Critically Ill Patients

Background

Increased or decreased blood pressure variability may affect the perfusion of tissues and organs, leading to acute kidney injury and death. This study was conducted to explore the relationship between mean arterial pressure variability and short- and long-term mortality in critically ill patients.

Methods

We used patient data from the MIMIC-III database for cohort study. According to the recorded mean arterial pressure during the first 24 h in the intensive care unit, we calculated each patient’s two variability parameters –coefficient of variation and average real variability. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality and the secondary outcomes were 28-day mortality and 1-year mortality. We conducted smooth spline models to examine the possible nonlinear associations between blood pressure variability and mortality. According to the smoothing curve, we further developed a two-piecewise linear regression model to find out the threshold effect. Multivariable logistic regression or Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the relationship. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis for 28-day and 1-year mortality was performed. Subgroup analysis explored the factors modifying the relationship between them.

Results

A total of 12,867 patients were enrolled in the study, 1,320 in-hospital death, 1,399 28-day death, and 2,734 1-year death occurred. The smooth spline showed death risk was the lowest when average real variability was around 7.2 mmHg. After adjusting for covariates, logistic or Cox regression showed the highest MAP variability level was strongly associated with increased mortality in the hospital (odds ratio: 1.44; 95% CI, 1.21∼1.72), at 28 days (hazard ratio: 1.28; 95% CI, 1.1∼1.5), and at 1 year (hazard ratio: 1.27; 95% CI, 1.14∼1.42) compared with the second level of average real variability group. The survival curve plot showed patients with higher average real variability had a higher risk of 28-day and 1-year mortality. This relationship remained remarkable in patients with low or high Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores in the sensitivity analysis. The two-piecewise linear regression model showed that lower ARV was a risk factor for 28-day (HR 0.72, 95% CI, 0.57∼0.91) and 1-year mortality (HR 0.81, 95% CI, 0.68∼0.96) when ARV was less than 7.2 mmHg, higher ARV was a risk factor for 28-day mortality (HR 1.1, 95% CI, 1.04∼1.17) and 1-year mortality (HR 1.07, 95% CI, 1.02∼1.12) when ARV was greater than 7.2 mmHg.

Conclusion

Blood pressure variability predicts mortality in critically ill patients. Individuals with higher or lower mean arterial pressure average real variability during the first day in ICU may have an increased risk of death.

Identifying New Factors Associated With Cognitive Decline and Delirium After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Study Protocol

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the standard-of-care for treatment of severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and is also being increasingly recommended for low-risk patients. While TAVI boasts positive post-procedural outcomes, it is also associated with cognitive complications, namely delirium and cognitive decline. There is a pressing need for accurate risk tools which can identify TAVI patients at risk of delirium and cognitive decline, as risk scores designed for general cardiovascular surgery fall short. The present effect-finding exploratory study will assess the utility of various measures in the context of aging and frailty in predicting who will and who will not develop delirium or cognitive impairment following TAVI. The measures we propose include gait, visual symptoms, voice, swallowing, mood and sleep. Methods: This is an observational prospective cohort study focused on identifying pre-procedural risk factors for the development of delirium and cognitive decline following TAVI. Potential risk factors will be measured prior to TAVI. Primary outcomes will be post-procedure cognitive decline and delirium. Secondary outcomes include activities of daily living, quality of life, and mortality. Delirium presence will be measured on each of the first 2 days following TAVI. All other outcomes will be assessed at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-operatively. A series of logistic regressions will be run to investigate the relationship between potential predictors and outcomes (presence vs. absence of either delirium or cognitive decline). Discussion: This study will assess the strengths of associations between a range of measures drawn from frailty and aging literature in terms of association with cognitive decline and delirium following TAVI. Identified measures can be used in future development of TAVI risk prediction models, which are essential for the accurate identification of cognitive at-risk patients and successful application of pre-procedural interventions. Clinical Trial Registration: This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. [https://bit.ly/2PAotP5], [ACTRN12618001114235].

Mini-sternotomy versus conventional sternotomy for aortic valve replacement: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical and health economic outcomes after manubrium-limited mini-sternotomy (intervention) and conventional median sternotomy (usual care).

DESIGN

A single-blind, randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Single centre UK National Health Service tertiary hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

Intervention was manubrium-limited mini-sternotomy performed using a 5-7 cm midline incision. Usual care was median sternotomy performed using a midline incision from the sternal notch to the xiphisternum.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who received a red cell transfusion postoperatively and within 7 days of index surgery. Secondary outcomes included proportion of patients receiving a non-red cell blood component transfusion and number of units transfused within 7 days and during index hospital stay, quality of life and cost-effectiveness analyses.

RESULTS

270 patients were randomised, received surgery and contributed to the intention to treat analysis. No difference between mini and conventional sternotomy in red-cell transfusion within 7 days was found; 23/135 patients in each arm received a transfusion, OR 1.0 (95% CI 0.5 to 2.0) and risk difference 0.0 (95% CI -0.1 to 0.1). Mini-sternotomy reduced chest drain losses (mean 181.6 mL (SD 138.7) vs conventional, mean 306·9 mL (SD 348.6)); this did not reduce red-cell transfusions. Mean valve size and postoperative valve function were comparable between mini-sternotomy and conventional groups; 23 mm vs 24 mm and 6/134 moderate or severe aortic regurgitation vs 3/130, respectively. Mini-sternotomy resulted in longer bypass (82.7 min (SD 23.5) vs 59.6 min (SD 15.1)) and cross-clamp times (64.1 min (SD 17.1) vs 46·3 min (SD 10.7)). Conventional sternotomy was more cost-effective with only a 5.8% probability of mini-sternotomy being cost-effective at a willingness to pay of £20 000/QALY (Quality Adjusted Life Years).

CONCLUSIONS

AVR via mini-sternotomy did not reduce red blood cell transfusion within 7 days following surgery when compared with conventional sternotomy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN29567910; Results.

Comparison of the additive, logistic european system for cardiac operative risk (EuroSCORE) with the EuroSCORE 2 to predict mortality in high-risk cardiac surgery

Background:

The aim of this study was to compare the new EuroSCORE (ES) 2 prediction model in high-risk patients with the 2 other oldest additive ES (aES) and logistic ES (lES).

Methods:

Consecutive adult patients undergoing all cardiac surgery except heart transplantation and left ventricular assist device were included. The 3 risk scores were collected before surgery. We defined 4 high-risk groups of patients, patients ≥80 years, combined cardiac surgery, surgery of the thoracic aorta, and emergency cardiac surgery, and 2 low-risk groups, valve surgery and coronary artery bypass surgery. The predicted value of each score has been assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC).

Results:

The study had included 3301 patients. Thirty-day mortality was 3.9% (95% confidence interval (CI), 3.3 − 4.6%). The AUC of ES2 was 0.81 (0.77 − 0.84), 0.82 (0.78 − 0.85), 0.70 (0.64 − 0.76), 0.79 (0.74 − 0.83), 0.85 (0.83 − 0.87), and 0.88 (0.86 − 0.90) for octogenarians, thoracic aortic surgery, combined surgery, emergency surgery, coronary surgery, and valve surgery, respectively. These ES2 AUC values were higher than those obtained with the aES for octogenarians, and with the lES for octogenarians and valve surgery. The ES2 calibration was better than the aES and lES calibration for the whole population, and low-risk groups. The ES2 calibration was superior to aES and lES in high-risk groups, except for octogenarians and thoracic aortic surgery compared to lES.

Conclusion:

In high-risk cardiac surgery patients, ES2 only marginally improve the predicted 30-day mortality in comparison to other ES.

Cardiac surgical outcome prediction by blood pressure variability indices Poincaré plot and coefficient of variation: a retrospective study

Background

Recent literature suggests a significant association between blood pressure variability (BPV) and postoperative outcomes after cardiac surgery. However, its outcome prediction ability remains unclear. Current prediction models use static preoperative patient factors. We explored the ability of Poincaré plots and coefficient of variation (CV) by measuring intraoperative BPV in predicting adverse outcomes.

Methods

In this retrospective, observational, cohort study, 3687 adult patients (> 18 years) undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardio-pulmonary bypass from 2008 to 2014 were included. Blood pressure variability was computed by Poincare plots and CV. Standard descriptors (SD) SD1, SD2 were measured with Poincare plots by ellipse fitting technique. The outcomes analyzed were the 30-day mortality and postoperative renal failure. Logistic regression models adjusted for preoperative and surgical factors were constructed to evaluate the association between BPV parameters and outcomes. C-statistics were used to analyse the predictive ability.

Results

Analysis found that, 99 (2.7%) patients died within 30 days and 105 (2.8%) patients suffered from in-hospital renal failure. Logistic regression models including BPV parameters (standard descriptors from Poincare plots and CV) performed poorly in predicting postoperative 30-day mortality and renal failure [Concordance(C)-Statistic around 0.5]. They did not add any significant value to the standard STS risk score [C-statistic: STS alone 0.7, STS + BPV parmeters 0.7].

Conclusions

In conclusion, BP variability computed from Poincare plots and CV were not predictive of mortality and renal failure in cardiac surgical patients. Patient comorbid conditions and other preoperative factors are still the gold standard for outcome prediction. Future directions include analysis of dynamic parameters such as complexity of physiological signals in identifying high risk patients and tailoring management accordingly.

Older Adults in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: Factoring Geriatric Syndromes in the Management, Prognosis, and Process of Care: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Longevity is increasing, and more adults are living to the stage of life when age-related biological factors determine a higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease in a distinctive context of concurrent geriatric conditions. Older adults with cardiovascular disease are frequently admitted to cardiac intensive care units (CICUs), where care is commensurate with high age-related cardiovascular disease risks but where the associated geriatric conditions (including multimorbidity, polypharmacy, cognitive decline and delirium, and frailty) may be inadvertently exacerbated and destabilized. The CICU environment of procedures, new medications, sensory overload, sleep deprivation, prolonged bed rest, malnourishment, and sleep is usually inherently disruptive to older patients regardless of the excellence of cardiovascular disease care. Given these fundamental and broad challenges of patient aging, CICU management priorities and associated decision-making are particularly complex and in need of enhancements. In this American Heart Association statement, we examine age-related risks and describe some of the distinctive dynamics pertinent to older adults and emerging opportunities to enhance CICU care. Relevant assessment tools are discussed, as well as the need for additional clinical research to best advance CICU care for the already dominating and still expanding population of older adults.

Risk Stratification for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Risk assessment models developed from administrative and clinical databases are used for clinical decision making. Since these models are derived from a database, they have an inherent limitation of being as good as the data they are derived from. Many of these models under or overestimate certain clinical outcomes particularly mortality in certain group of patients. Undeniably, there is significant variability in all these models on account of patient population studied, the statistical analysis used to develop the model and the period during which these models were developed. This review aims to shed light on development and application of risk assessment models for cardiac surgery with special emphasis on risk stratification in severe aortic stenosis to select patients for transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Surgical treatment of elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis in the modern era - review

Surgical treatment of severe aortic stenosis offers good early and long-term results, even in elderly patients. Despite the implementation of percutaneous methods for the very high-risk group, surgical valve replacement remains the gold standard. The advanced age of patients should not be the only indicator limiting the possibility of surgery. In this review we present the most important information on the results of aortic stenosis surgical treatment in the groups of older patients. New methods such as percutaneous and minimally invasive methods of surgery are also discussed. Additionally, the presented information is referred to current guidelines for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis.

Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Octogenerians in the Era of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

The hospital mortality rate in >80-year-old patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is reportedly satisfactory, but how such patients' functional status both at discharge and during the postoperative hospitalization period might affect their quality of life and medical costs remains unclear.Methods and Results:The adverse events of 161 patients aged >80 years who underwent SAVR with or without coronary artery bypass grafting were retrospectively investigated. Adverse events were defined as hospital death, a long hospital stay (>60 days) attributable to major complications or requirement for rehabilitation, or a depressed status at discharge (modified Rankin scale score >4). A total of 18.6% of patients developed adverse events, and their hospital mortality rate was 4.3%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that a perfusion time >3 h (P=0.0331; odds ratio, 2.685) and EuroSCORE II >10% (P<0.0001; odds ratio, 8.232) were significant risk factors for adverse events. The average medical cost was approximately 1.5-fold higher in patients with adverse events (¥8,360,880 vs. ¥5,234,660, P=0.0016).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical findings focusing on status at discharge and during postoperative hospitalization of SAVR in patients aged >80 years was relatively high compared with hospital mortality, especially in patients with a longer perfusion time and high EuroSCORE. Further studies are necessary to define the indications for SAVR in patients aged >80 years in the era of transcatheter AVR.

Improvement of Risk Prediction After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement by Combining Frailty With Conventional Risk Scores

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate whether frailty improves mortality prediction in combination with the conventional scores.

BACKGROUND

European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) or Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score have not been evaluated in combined models with frailty for mortality prediction after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

METHODS

This prospective cohort comprised 330 consecutive TAVR patients ≥70 years of age. Conventional scores and a frailty index (based on assessment of cognition, mobility, nutrition, and activities of daily living) were evaluated to predict 1-year all-cause mortality using Cox proportional hazards regression (providing hazard ratios [HRs] with confidence intervals [CIs]) and measures of test performance (providing likelihood ratio [LR] chi-square test statistic and C-statistic [CS]).

RESULTS

All risk scores were predictive of the outcome (EuroSCORE, HR: 1.90 [95% CI: 1.45 to 2.48], LR chi-square test statistic 19.29, C-statistic 0.67; STS score, HR: 1.51 [95% CI: 1.21 to 1.88], LR chi-square test statistic 11.05, C-statistic 0.64; frailty index, HR: 3.29 [95% CI: 1.98 to 5.47], LR chi-square test statistic 22.28, C-statistic 0.66). A combination of the frailty index with either EuroSCORE (LR chi-square test statistic 38.27, C-statistic 0.72) or STS score (LR chi-square test statistic 28.71, C-statistic 0.68) improved mortality prediction. The frailty index accounted for 58.2% and 77.6% of the predictive information in the combined model with EuroSCORE and STS score, respectively. Net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement confirmed that the added frailty index improved risk prediction.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study showing that the assessment of frailty significantly enhances prediction of 1-year mortality after TAVR in combined risk models with conventional risk scores and relevantly contributes to this improvement.

Systematic review of model-based economic evaluations of heart valve implantations

OBJECTIVE

To review the evidence on the cost-effectiveness of heart valve implantations generated by decision analytic models and to assess their methodological quality.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed including model-based cost-effectiveness analyses of heart valve implantations. Study and model characteristics and cost-effectiveness results were extracted and the methodological quality was assessed using the Philips checklist.

RESULTS

Fourteen decision-analytic models regarding the cost-effectiveness of heart valve implantations were identified. In most studies transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was cost-effective compared to standard treatment (ST) in inoperable or high-risk operable patients (ICER range 18,421-120,779 €) and in all studies surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) was cost-effective compared to ST in operable patients (ICER range 14,108-40,944 €), but the results were not consistent on the cost-effectiveness of TAVI versus SAVR in high-risk operable patients (ICER range: dominant to dominated by SAVR). Mechanical mitral valve replacement (MVR) had the lowest costs per success compared to mitral valve repair and biological MVR. The methodological quality of the studies was moderate to good.

CONCLUSION

This review showed that improvements can be made in the description and justification of methods and data sources, sensitivity analysis on extrapolation of results, subgroup analyses, consideration of methodological and structural uncertainty, and consistency (i.e. validity) of the models. There are several opportunities for future decision-analytic models of the cost-effectiveness of heart valve implantations: considering heart valve implantations in other valve positions besides the aortic valve, using a societal perspective, and developing patient-simulation models to investigate the impact of patient characteristics on outcomes.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: where are we now?

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was first used in clinical practice in 2002. Since 2002, there has been a rapid increase in TAVI activity in patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. This has been supported by systematic randomized data comparing TAVI against the gold standard treatment for the last 50 years’ surgical aortic valve replacement. TAVI is now currently a recommended therapeutic intervention in the treatment of severe aortic stenosis patients who are deemed either high risk or inoperable. The indications for TAVI continue to expand. Within this review we will focus on the current guidelines for TAVI, the evidence for it, the complications of TAVI, postprocedure care, the technology available to clinicians now and finally the future perspectives for TAVI.

Soluble ST2 for Risk Stratification and the Prediction of Mortality in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of soluble ST2 (sST2) for risk stratification in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). In 461 patients undergoing TAVI, sST2 was determined at baseline and categorized into quartiles. An optimum cutoff of 29 ng/ml was calculated. Primary end point was 1-year all-cause mortality. Results were validated in an independent cohort. Patients with sST2 >29 ng/ml had an increased 30-day (9.7% vs 4.6%, p = 0.043) and 1-year mortality (38.1% vs 21.8%, p = 0.001). In accordance, patients with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) >8145 pg/ml revealed a comparable 30-day mortality (7.9% vs 4.7%, p = 0.189) and 1-year mortality (39.5% vs 21.0%, p <0.001). In univariate regression analysis, sST2 and NT-proBNP were associated with increased mortality risk. In multivariate regression analysis, independent predictors of mortality were logistic EuroSCORE, chronic renal failure, left ventricular ejection fraction, and sST2. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, sST2 did not provide incremental prognostic information beyond that obtained from surgical risk scores such as the STS-PROM or NT-proBNP. Similar findings could be achieved in an independent validation cohort. In conclusion, sST2 is independently associated with adverse outcome after TAVI but was not superior to NT-proBNP or surgical risk scores for the prediction of postprocedural outcomes.

Postoperative Outcome of High-Risk Octogenarians Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Multicenter Observational Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

Cardiac surgery in octogenarians with severely deteriorated functional status is increasingly common, but outcome data are still limited. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative outcome, survival, and quality of life of low-, medium-, and high-risk octogenarians undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS

In all, 285 Czech octogenarians who underwent any cardiac surgical procedure between January 2011 and December 2012 were included in the study. Five out of all twelve national adult cardiac surgical centers participated in the study, representing almost half of all octogenarians operated in our country in that period. Patients' perioperative data were analyzed retrospectively. Follow-up was performed by interviewing patients by telephone.

RESULTS

There was higher 30-day mortality (20% vs. 6.4% vs. 5.2%, respectively, p <0.001), lower 2-year survival (60% vs. 84.0% vs. 85.4%, respectively, p <0.05), and lower Karnofsky score (44.4 vs. 70.1 vs. 70.6, respectively, p <0.001) in high-risk group compared with medium- and low-risk groups, respectively. Greater improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) status was noted in high- and medium-risk groups compared with low-risk group (51% vs. 45% vs. 24%, respectively, p <0.05).

CONCLUSION

High perioperative mortality, poor 2-year survival, and low postoperative quality of life have been observed in high-risk octogenarians undergoing cardiac surgery.

ANMCO/SIC/SICI-GISE/SICCH Executive Summary of Consensus Document on Risk Stratification in elderly patients with aortic stenosis before surgery or transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Aortic stenosis is one of the most frequent valvular diseases in developed countries, and its impact on public health resources and assistance is increasing. A substantial proportion of elderly people with severe aortic stenosis is not eligible to surgery because of the advanced age, frailty, and multiple co-morbidities. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) enables the treatment of very elderly patients at high or prohibitive surgical risk considered ineligible for surgery and with an acceptable life expectancy. However, a significant percentage of patients die or show no improvement in quality of life (QOL) in the follow-up. In the decision-making process, it is important to determine: (i) whether and how much frailty of the patient influences the risk of procedures; (ii) how the QOL and the individual patient's survival are influenced by aortic valve disease or from other associated conditions; and (iii) whether a geriatric specialist intervention to evaluate and correct frailty or other diseases with their potential or already manifest disabilities can improve the outcome of surgery or TAVI. Consequently, in addition to risk stratification with conventional tools, a number of factors including multi-morbidity, disability, frailty, and cognitive function should be considered, in order to assess the expected benefit of both surgery and TAVI. The pre-operative optimization through a multidisciplinary approach with a Heart Team can counteract the multiple damage (cardiac, neurological, muscular, respiratory, and kidney) that can potentially aggravate the reduced physiological reserves characteristic of frailty. The systematic application in clinical practice of multidimensional assessment instruments of frailty and cognitive function in the screening and the adoption of specific care pathways should facilitate this task.

Preoperative Risk Levels and Vascular Access in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation-A Single-Institute Analysis

Although transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been indicated for patients with high surgical risk, indications for or against the procedure become more difficult as vascular access becomes more proximal and/or invasive in order to accommodate patients with even higher risks. We compared preoperative factors including the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) and Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality (STS) score with postoperative survival in 195 patients undergoing TAVI during 2.5 years (January 2010 to June 2012), when vascular access routes were developed from iliofemoral (IL/Fm access, n = 149), axillo-clavicular, apical, and direct aortic approaches (alternative access, n = 46). Logistic regression analyses showed that alternative access was associated with reduced 30-day survival (P = 0.024), while high surgical risk (>15% in both EuroSCORE and STS score) was associated with reduced 1-year survival (P = 0.046). Thus, patients treated via IL/Fm access had acceptable outcome regardless of preoperative risk levels while patients with low surgical risk (<15%) had favorable outcome irrespective of access route. Since the remaining patients with combined risk factors, high preoperative risk level (>15%) requiring alternative access, had a prohibitive risk in our experience, they might have been considered untreatable or not amenable even to TAVI and offered medical or alternative managements.

[Aortic valve replacement in the elderly]

The treatment of severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis by conventional aortic valve replacement (AVR) or by transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has a good perinterventional prognosis even for patients of advanced age. Having a heart team select the best management strategies based on current guidelines for each individual patient is essential for success. Especially in elderly and increasingly multimorbid patients with sometimes severe preconditions, the detection of functional deficits is relevant not only for the mortality but also for perioperative and postoperative complications as well as the functional outcome. Various methods of geriatric assessment are important supplements to standard risk scores. The aim is to implement targeted interventions to minimize the risk factors and to improve the prognosis for elderly patients. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current therapy options for aortic valve replacement and to summarize current aspects of treatment options for elderly patients.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in an elderly man with severe aortic stenosis and high surgical risk

An 85-year-old man with severe aortic stenosis (transaortic peak velocity 4.4 m/s, mean gradient 46 mmHg and valve area 0.71 cm(2)) was admitted to our hospital due to mild exertional dyspnea (NYHA class II). He had received low-dose prednisolone (5 mg/day) plus tacrolimus hydrate (1.5 mg/day) for rheumatic arthritis and interstitial pneumonia. Although aortic valve replacement was indicated, he was considered at high risk to undergo open heart surgery because of reduced pulmonary function (FEV1.0%, 77.2%) and long-term treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. After a multidisciplinary heart team conference, the decision was made to perform transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using a SAPIEN XT 26 mm valve. TAVI was completed in 105 minutes without any complications. After the procedure, his symptom was improved and his activity of daily life was maintained, and he was ambulatory the next day. Aortic stenosis by degenerative calcification is becoming increasingly common as the Japanese population ages. TAVI has been used to treat patients with concomitant diseases and at high risk of open heart surgery. We herein report a case with rheumatic arthritis and interstitial pneumonia that underwent successful TAVI.

Incidence and causes of silent and symptomatic stroke following surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a comprehensive review

Stroke associated with aortic valve replacement in calcific aortic stenosis, either via transcatheter implantation (TAVR) or via surgical replacement (SAVR), is one of the most devastating complications. However, data concerning the clinical impact and incidence of clinical and silent stroke complicating SAVR and TAVR are varying. This comprehensive review of the literature explores the genuine incidence of neurological events after these procedures. Additionally, potential factors responsible for the discrepancies in stroke rates in the current literature are analysed and a lack of uniform neurological definitions and standardized neurological assessments revealed. Current stroke rates after TAVR show a decline from 7 to 1.7-4.8% in recent studies. Randomized studies comparing TAVR with SAVR yielded initially a significantly higher stroke rate after TAVR procedures as opposed to SAVR. Recently published data showed opposite results with strokes being higher following SAVR. Current data concerning stroke after surgical valve replacement report significantly higher rates of clinical strokes (17%) than previously mentioned in the literature (≤4.9%). Silent cerebral lesions were detected in 68-93% after TAVR and 38-54% after SAVR. A broader application of cerebral protection devices may help to reduce embolic cerebral events.

Expectation and Quality of Life after Aortic Valve Replacement over 85 Years of Age Match those of the Contemporary General Population

Background

In the transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) years, very elderly patients with aortic stenosis (AS) are referred to surgery with reluctance despite excellent hospital outcomes. A poorly assessed outcome of discharged survivors might further overlook the actual efficacy of the surgical strategy in this cohort. We thus evaluated life-expectancy and functional results in discharged survivors over 85 years operated on for AS.

Methods

Between January 2001 and December 2013, 57 consecutive patients aged ≥85 years underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) with or without concomitant procedures at our institution. Late survival rate (SR), New York Heart Associaion (NYHA) functional class and quality of life (RAND SF-36) were assessed. SR and quality of life (QoL) were than compared to the contemporary general population matched for age and gender, as calculated by the Italian National Institute of Statistics.

Results

Overall in-hospital mortality was 8.8% (5 pts). In patients without concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), in-hospital mortality was 2.9%. Survival at 5 and 9 years was 57.7 ± 8.4% and 17.9 ± 11.4%, respectively. No predictors of late mortality including concomitant CABG were identified at Cox analysis. The mean NYHA class for long-term survivors improved from 3.1 to 1.6 (p<0.001). Survivors reported better QoL-scores compared to the age- and gender-matched contemporary general population in 4 RAND SF-36 domains. Life-expectancy resulted comparable to that predicted for the age and gender-matched general population.

Conclusions

Isolated AVR in patients aged ≥85 years can be performed with acceptable risk. Survivors improve in NYHA class and, when compared to age- and gender-matched individuals, show a similar life expectancy and a no lower QoL.

Assessing Risks and Benefits of Invasive Cardiac Procedures in Patients with Advanced Multimorbidity

Age-related cardiovascular disease in older adults is more likely to occur in combination with other age-related diseases, with mounting interactive complexity as multiple morbidities accumulate. Although invasive cardiac procedures are frequently recommended for cardiovascular disease, their value is less certain in the context of age-related intricacies of care. Tools for risk assessment before invasive procedures are insensitive to risks corresponding to the unique challenges of older adults. Recognizing multimorbidity and other age-related risks provides opportunities to intervene and moderate dangers. By refocusing risk assessment in terms of patient-centered goals, the fundamental utility of invasive cardiac procedures may be reconsidered and alternative therapies prioritized.

Predictive factors of long-term survival in the octogenarian undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement: 12-year single-centre follow-up

The improvement of life expectancy created more surgical candidates with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and age >80. Therefore, the main objective of this observational, retrospective single-centre study is to compare the long-term survival of octogenarians that have undergone surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) to the survival of the general population of the same age and to establish whether any perioperative characteristics can anticipate a poor long-term result, limiting the prognostic advantage of the procedure at this age. From 2000 to 2014, 264 octogenarians underwent AVR at our institution. Perioperative data were retrieved from our institutional database and patients were followed up by telephonic interviews. The follow-up ranged between 2 months and 14.9 years (mean 4.1 ± 3.1 years) and the completeness was 99.2 %. Logistic multivariate analysis and Cox regression were respectively applied to identify the risk factors of in-hospital mortality and follow-up survival. Our patient population ages ranged between 80 and 88 years. Isolated AVR (I-AVR) was performed in 136 patients (51.5 %) whereas combined AVR (C-AVR) in 128 patients (48.5 %). Elective procedures were 93.1 %. Logistic EuroSCORE was 15.4 ± 10.6. In-hospital mortality was 4.5 %. Predictive factors of in-hospital mortality were the non-elective priority of the procedure (OR 5.7, CI 1.28-25.7, p = 0.02), cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR 1.02, CI 1.01-1.03, p = 0.004) and age (OR 1.36, CI 1.01-1.84, p = 0.04). Follow-up survival at 1, 4, 8 and 12 years was 93.4 % ± 1.6 %, 72.1 % ± 3.3 %, 39.1 % ± 4.8 % and 20.1 % ± 5.7 %, respectively. The long-term survival of these patients was not statistically different from the survival of an age/gender-matched general population living in the same geographic region (p = 0.52). Predictive factors of poor long-term survival were diabetes mellitus (HR 1.55, CI 1.01-2.46, p = 0.05), preoperative creatinine >200 μmol/L (HR 2.07, CI 1.21-3.53, p = 0.007) and preoperative atrial fibrillation (HR 1.79, CI 1.14-2.80, p = 0.01). In our experience, AVR can be safely performed in octogenarians. After a successful operation, the survival of these patients returns similar to the general population. Nevertheless, the preoperative presence of major comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, renal dysfunction and atrial fibrillation significantly impact on long-term results.

Left-sided infective endocarditis in patients with liver cirrhosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the course of left-sided infective endocarditis (LsIE) in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) analyzing its influence on mortality and the impact of surgery.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study, conducted from 1984 to 2013 in 26 Spanish hospitals.

RESULTS

A total of 3.136 patients with LsIE were enrolled and 308 had LC: 151 Child-Pugh A, 103 B, 34 C and 20 were excluded because of unknown stage. Mortality was significantly higher in the patients with LsIE and LC (42.5% vs. 28.4%; p < 0.01) and this condition was in general an independent worse factor for outcome (HR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.23-1.85; p < 0.001). However, patients in stage A had similar mortality to patients without cirrhosis (31.8% vs. 28.4% p = NS) and in this stage heart surgery had a protective effect (28% in operated patients vs. 60% in non-operated when it was indicated). Mortality was significantly higher in stages B (52.4%) and C (52.9%) and the prognosis was better for patients in stage B who underwent surgery immediately (mortality 50%) compared to those where surgery was delayed (58%) or not performed (74%). Only one patient in stage C underwent surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with liver cirrhosis and infective endocarditis have a poorer prognosis only in stages B and C. Early surgery must be performed in stages A and although in selected patients in stage B when indicated.

Poor mobility predicts adverse outcome better than other frailty indices in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND

Surgical risk scoring systems are poor at predicting outcome in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Frailty indices might more accurately predict outcome.

AIMS

To examine multiple frailty indices as markers of performance to see whether they predict outcomes both in the shorter (30 days) and longer terms (5 years) in patients who have undergone TAVI.

METHODS

Frailty indices (Mobility; Brighton Mobility Index, New York Heart Association (NYHA), Karnofsky Performance Index, Canadian Study Health Association (CSHA) clinical frailty scale, and Katz Index of Dependence) were assessed in 312 consecutive TAVI patients. Mortality tracking was obtained from the Office of National Statistics as of May 2014.

RESULTS

Mean age was 81.2 ± 7.0 years; 53.2% were male. Mean Logistic EuroSCORE and STS were 17.4 ± 9.4 and 4.6 ± 2.8, respectively. Mean peak aortic valve gradient and aortic valve area were 79.1 ± 28.0 mm Hg and 0.72 ± 0.25 cm(2) , respectively. 30-day mortality was 4.8%; long-term mortality (maximum 5.8 years, mean 2.2 ± 1.5 years) was 25.3%. Both univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed poor mobility (defined as severe impairment of mobility secondary to musculoskeletal or neurological dysfunction (Euroscore II risk)), as the best predictor of adverse outcome over both the short-term (OR 4.03, 95% CI (1.36-11.96), P = 0.012 (30 days)) and longer term (OR 2.15, 95% CI (1.33-3.48), P = 0.002, (2.2 ± 1.5 years.)).

CONCLUSION

Poor mobility predicts worse survival among patients undergoing TAVI, both in the shorter and longer terms. Our data suggest that mobility impairment, of either neurological or musculoskeletal etiology, is an appropriate screening measure when considering patients for TAVI.

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement: the Leipzig experience

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive techniques are progressively challenging traditional approaches in cardiothoracic surgery. Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (AVR) has become a routine procedure at our institution.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed all patients undergoing minimally invasive isolated AVR between January 2003 and March 2014, at our institution. Mean follow-up was 4.7±4.3 years (range: 0-18 years) and was 99.8% complete.

RESULTS

There were 1,714 patients who received an isolated minimally invasive AVR. The mean (± SD) patient age was 65±12.8 years, ejection fraction 60%±12% and log EuroSCORE 5.3%±5.1%. Mean cross-clamp time was 58±18 minutes and mean cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was 82.9±26.7 minutes. Thirty-day survival was 97.8%±0.4%, and 69.4%±1.7% at 10-years. The multivariate analysis revealed age at surgery [P=0.016; odds ratio (OR), 1.1], length of surgery time (P=0.002; OR, 1.01), female gender (P=0.023; OR, 3.54), preoperative myocardial infarction (MI) (P=0.006; OR, 7.87), preoperative stroke (P=0.001; OR, 13.76) and preoperative liver failure (P=0.015; OR, 10.28) as independent risk factors for mortality. Cox-regression analysis revealed the following predictors for long term mortality: age over 75 years (P<0.001; OR, 3.5), preoperative dialysis (P<0.01; OR, 2.14), ejection fraction less than 30% (P=0.003; OR, 3.28) and urgent or emergency operation (P<0.001; OR, 2.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive AVR can be performed safely and effectively with very few perioperative complications. The early and long-term outcomes in these patients are acceptable.

Does treatment assignment influence the prognosis of patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis?

Objective

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the standard therapy in patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). In high surgical risk patients, alternative therapeutic options to medical treatment (MT) such as trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) or balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) have been proposed. In this study we evaluated whether treatment assignment influences per se the prognosis of these subjects.

Patients and methods

Criteria for treatment assignment were based on patient’s clinical conditions, Logistic EuroSCORE and other co-morbidities ignored by EuroSCORE. Due to baseline clinical differences between patients with diverse treatment assignment, we used propensity score matching to achieve balance.

Results

368 patients were studied: 141 underwent AVR, 127 TAVI, 49 BAV and 51 MT. 84 events (deaths for all causes) occurred during 14 months of follow-up: 11 AVR (8%), 26 TAVI (20%), 18 MT (35%), 29 BAV group (59%). Traditional Cox analysis identified treatment assignment as independent predictor of events (HR 1.82 [CI 1.10-3.25]) together with lower left ventricular ejection fraction, impaired renal function and history of heart failure. Matched Cox analysis by propensity score confirmed treatment assignment as an independent prognosticator of events (HR 1.90 [CI 1.27-2.85]), and showed similar rate events in TAVI and AVR patients, while it was significantly increased in BAV and MT patients.

Conclusions

Treatment assignment may influence outcome of symptomatic patients with AS.

Association between older age and outcome after cardiac surgery: a population-based cohort study

Objective

Octogenarians (aged ≥ 80 years) are increasingly being referred for cardiac surgery. We aimed to describe the morbidity, mortality, and health services utilization of octogenarians undergoing elective cardiac surgery.

Methods

Retrospective population-based cohort study of adult patients receiving elective cardiac surgery between January 1 2004 and December 31 2009. Primary exposure was age ≥80 years. Outcomes were 30-day, 1- and 5-year mortality, post-operative complications, and ICU/hospital lengths of stay. Multi-variable logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to explore the association between older age and outcome.

Results

Of 6,843 patients receiving cardiac surgery, 544 (7.9%) were octogenarians. There was an increasing trend in the proportion of octogenarians undergoing surgery during the study period (0.3% per year, P = 0.073). Octogenarians were more likely to have combined procedures (valve plus coronary artery bypass or multiple valves) compared with younger strata (p < 0.001). Crude 30-day, 1-year and 5-year mortality for octogenarians were 3.7%, 10.8% and 29.0%, respectively. Compared to younger strata, octogenarians had higher adjusted 30-day (OR 4.83, 95%CI 1.30-17.92; P = 0.018) and 1-year mortality (OR 4.92; 95% CI, 2.32-10.46. P<0.001). Post-operative complications were more likely among octogenarians. Octogenarians had longer post-operative stays in ICU and hospital, and higher rates of ICU readmission (P < 0.001 for all). After multi-variable adjustment, age ≧ 80 years was an independent predictor of death at 30-days and 1 year.

Conclusions

Octogenarians are increasingly referred for elective cardiac surgery with more combined procedures. Compared to younger patients, octogenarians have a higher risk of post-operative complications, consume greater resources, and have worse but acceptable short and long-term survival.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13019-014-0177-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Transcatheter aortic valve implantation]

As the French population is aging, a growing number of elderly patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis are going to require therapeutic management. Approximately 30 to 40 % of these patients do not undergo surgical treatment and a high proportion is considered to be at high risk for surgery. The transluminal aortic valve implantation technique has been increasingly used over the past few years, thus providing a solution to a major therapeutic issue in our industrialized countries. Thanks to major randomized studies such as the PARTNER US trial, this treatment has been approved for high-risk patients. Expertise and new devices are now opening the way to intermediate risk population.

Aortic valve surgery in octogenarians: Risk factors and long-term impact

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To understand the risk factors and long-term impact and results of aortic valve surgery in patients over age 80.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We consecutively evaluated 255 octogenarians who were operated on between 2000 and 2013 and referred for aortic valve disease (isolated or combined with coronary artery disease), which, even when associated with other diseases, was the primary cause of the patient's functional limitation.

RESULTS

The mortality rate decreased from 14.08% (2000-2004) to 7.7% (isolated valve surgery, 4.4%; with coronary bypass, 3.3%) (2010-2013). The independent risk factors associated with mortality were urgent surgery, combined procedures, peripheral vascular disease, a postsurgery hematocrit level <24% and the need for transfusion. More than 50% of the patients experienced a postoperative complication. Blood product transfusions were associated with renal and respiratory failure, and preoperative anemia was associated with an increased rate of myocardial infarction and stroke. Survival at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years was 79.5, 74.3, 63.6 and 30.5%, respectively, with 91.5% of patients in NYHA functional class I-II. Long-term survival was lower for cases of preoperative left ventricular dysfunction. The EuroSCORE I logistics score was not useful for our population as a predictor of mortality or of medium to long-term survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The morbidity and mortality of aortic valve surgery for patients over age 80 has decreased in recent years, although it remains higher when valve surgery is combined with coronary surgery. The presence of preoperative left ventricular dysfunction decreases long-term survival.

Surgical treatment for double-valve destruction after balloon aortic valvuloplasty in a patient with porcelain aorta

We report a rare case of surgical treatment for double-valve destruction after balloon aortic valvuloplasty in a 90-year old female with severe aortic calcification. The patient underwent aortic balloon valvuloplasty for symptomatic aortic stenosis, resulting in severe aortic regurgitation because of injury to the right coronary cusp of the aortic valve and severe mitral regurgitation because of rupture of the chordae tendineae. She became haemodynamically unstable and required treatment with mechanical ventilation and assisted circulation. Urgent surgical treatment was planned. The patient's porcelain aorta increased the difficulty of surgery, but the procedure was carefully planned, and aortic valve replacement and mitral valve repair were performed successfully without major complications. The patient had a satisfactory postoperative course and was transferred to another hospital for rehabilitation on the 8th postoperative day.

Multidisciplinary team approach for identifying potential candidate for transcatheter aortic valve implantation

PURPOSE

We sought to evaluate the clinical usefulness of decision making by a multidisciplinary heart team for identifying potential candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The multidisciplinary team consisted of two interventional cardiologists, two cardiovascular surgeons, one cardiac imaging specialist, and two cardiac anesthesiologists.

RESULTS

Out of 60 patients who were screened as potential TAVI candidates, 31 patients were initially recommended as appropriate for TAVI, and 20 of these 31 eventually underwent TAVI. Twenty-two patients underwent surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR), and 17 patients received only medical treatment. Patients who underwent TAVI and medical therapy were older than those who underwent surgical AVR (p<0.001). The logistic Euroscore was significantly highest in the TAVI group and lowest in the surgical AVR group (p=0.012). Most patients in the TAVI group (90%) and the surgical AVR group (91%) had severe cardiac symptoms, but only 47% in the medical therapy group had severe symptoms. The cumulative percentages of survival without re-hospitalization or all-cause death at 6 months for the surgical AVR, TAVI, and medical therapy groups were 84%, 75%, and 28%, respectively (p=0.007, by log-rank).

CONCLUSION

TAVI was recommended in half of the potential candidates following a multidisciplinary team approach and was eventually performed in one-third of these patients. One-third of the patients who were initially considered potential candidates received surgical AVR with favorable clinical outcomes.

The German Aortic Valve Registry (GARY): in-hospital outcome

BACKGROUND

Aortic stenosis is a frequent valvular disease especially in elderly patients. Catheter-based valve implantation has emerged as a valuable treatment approach for these patients being either at very high risk for conventional surgery or even deemed inoperable. The German Aortic Valve Registry (GARY) provides data on conventional and catheter-based aortic procedures on an all-comers basis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 13 860 consecutive patients undergoing repair for aortic valve disease [conventional surgery and transvascular (TV) or transapical (TA) catheter-based techniques] have been enrolled in this registry during 2011 and baseline, procedural, and outcome data have been acquired. The registry summarizes the results of 6523 conventional aortic valve replacements without (AVR) and 3464 with concomitant coronary bypass surgery (AVR + CABG) as well as 2695 TV AVI and 1181 TA interventions (TA AVI). Patients undergoing catheter-based techniques were significantly older and had higher risk profiles. The stroke rate was low in all groups with 1.3% (AVR), 1.9% (AVR + CABG), 1.7% (TV AVI), and 2.3% (TA AVI). The in-hospital mortality was 2.1% (AVR) and 4.5% (AVR + CABG) for patients undergoing conventional surgery, and 5.1% (TV AVI) and AVI 7.7% (TA AVI).

CONCLUSION

The in-hospital outcome results of this registry show that conventional surgery yields excellent results in all risk groups and that catheter-based aortic valve replacements is an alternative to conventional surgery in high risk and elderly patients.