Cardiac surgery for grown-up congenital heart patients: survey of 307 consecutive operations from 1991 to 1994

Outcome and survival after open heart surgery for adults with congenital heart disease - a single center experience

Introduction. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect today. The adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) population is constantly growing and becoming older and more patients require cardiac surgery. The objective of this study was to review the surgical outcome of the open heart procedures performed on ACHD patients in the last 10 years at Sahlgrenska University Hospital (SUH) through a retrospective descriptive cohort study. Methods. A retrospective data collection was performed for 421 patients who underwent a total of 439 surgical procedures between 2009 and 2018 at the Cardiothoracic department in SUH. The primary outcomes were early (<30 days) and late survival. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications and independent risk factors for postoperative complications. Results. 30-day mortality was 1.9%. Long-term survival after 3, 5 and 10 years were 96% ± 1, 94.3% ± 1.3 and 92.4% ± 1.8. 82 major complications occurred after 46 procedures (11.6%). The most common major complication was re-exploration due to hemorrhage. Risk factors for major complications were acute surgery and prolonged extracorporeal circulation time. 173 minor complications occurred after 90 procedures (22.5%). The most common minor complication was prolonged intensive care unit stay (>48 h). Conclusion. This study presents satisfactory early and midterm survival. The survival and frequency of major postoperative complications are well in line with what other studies have presented. Patients undergoing resternotomies had no increased risk for mortality or postoperative complications.

Paraganglioma in an adolescent awaiting a cardiac transplant due to unrepaired congenital cyanotic heart disease and a univentricular heart: the first reported case

We report a case of a 16-year-old adolescent male born with univentricular congenital cyanotic heart disease (CCHD) who was diagnosed with an incidental paraganglioma while awaiting a cardiac transplant. The coexistence of paraganglioma and univentricular CCHD is very rare, with no previous cases described in the literature of a patient concurrently requiring a cardiac transplant. The complex physiology associated with a common atrium, common ventricle, aortopulmonary lung perfusion and a hypoplastic left lung rendered our patient extremely vulnerable to catecholamine-mediated effects of preload, contractility and afterload. The interactions and interdependence between these systems provided unique difficulties for perioperative management with serious implications for prospective cardiac transplant.

Surgery for Adult Patients with Congenital Heart Disease: Results from the European Database

Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) represent a growing population. To evaluate frequency, type and outcomes of cardiac surgery in ACHD, we gathered data from the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association Database of 20,602 adult patients (≥18 years) with a diagnosis of congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac surgery, between January 1997 and December 2017. We demonstrated that overall surgical workload (as absolute frequencies of surgical procedures per year) for this specific subset of patients increased steadily during the study period. The most common procedural groups included septal defects repair (n = 5740, 28%), right-heart lesions repair (n = 5542, 27%) and left-heart lesions repair (n = 4566, 22%); almost one-third of the procedures were re-operations (n = 5509, 27%). When considering the year-by-year relative frequencies of the main procedural groups, we observed a variation of the surgical scenario during the last two decades, characterized by a significant increase over time for right and left-heart lesions repair (p < 0.0001, both); while a significant decrease was seen for septal defects repair (p < 0.0001) and transplant (p = 0.03). Overall hospital mortality was 3% (n = 622/20,602 patients) and was stable over time. An inverse relationship between mortality and the number of patients operated in each center (p < 0.0001) was observed.

Outcome of cardiac surgery in adults with congenital heart disease: A single center experience

Objectives

Adult survivors with congenital heart diseases represent a large and growing population, yet the published data does not represent the magnitude of their needs specifically in the Middle East. We aimed to review our experience at King Faisal Heart Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the outcome of adult patients with congenital heart disease who underwent either primary or redo surgery.

Methods

A retrospective study at a tertiary care hospital. All patients who underwent surgery either as the first surgery or as a reoperation for congenital heart disease aged >16 years old at the time of cardiac surgery in the period between January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2013. We looked for incidence of postoperative bleeding, arrhythmias, acute kidney injury, neurological complications, duration of mechanical ventilation, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Additionally, we assessed the mortality and 1- and 5-year survival.

Results

Ninety-eight patients were included in our study. Fifty-two (53%) were females and 46 (47%) were males, with a mean age of 26 ± 8.4 years and a mean weight of 62 ± 22.8 kg. Forty-nine patients (50%) required redo surgery. Ten patients (10%) suffered from postoperative bleeding. Eight patients (8%) had postoperative arrhythmias, of which two patients required permanent pacemaker insertion. Three patients (3%) had postoperative acute kidney injury and seven patients (7%) suffered from neurological complications. The mean duration of ventilation was 1.3 ± 2 days, with a mean ICU and hospital stay of 3.7 ± 3 days, and 10 ± 7 days, respectively. The overall mortality rate in our series was 4% with a 1–5-year survival of 96%.

Conclusion

Adult patients with congenital heart disease are prone to immediate postoperative multisystem complications, yet the majority of them are reversible. Their 1- and 5-year survival rate is excellent. Further follow up studies are required.

Impact of Non-cardiac Comorbidities in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease: Management of Multisystem Complications

The prevalence and impact of non-cardiac comorbidities in adult patients with congenital heart disease increase over time, and these complications are often specifically a consequence of the long-term altered cardiovascular physiology or sequelae of previous therapies. For the ACHD patient admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for either surgical or medical treatment, an assessment of the burden of multisystem disease, as well as an understanding of the underlying cardiovascular pathophysiology, is essential for optimal management of these complex patients. This chapter takes an organ-system-based approach to reviewing common comorbidities in the ACHD patient, focusing on conditions that are directly related to ACHD status and may significantly impact ICU care.

Evaluation of transventricular placement of porcine small intestinal submucosa stent valves in the pulmonary position in juvenile sheep model

OBJECTIVES

We assessed the transventricular placement of porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) stent valves in a juvenile sheep model at the 3-month follow-up evaluation.

METHODS

We constructed a pulmonary stent valve by suturing a porcine SIS bicuspid valve into a bell-shaped 'Z' nitinol stent and implanted 7 SIS stent valves transventricularly in the pulmonary position in 7 sheep. The function of the stent valves was assessed using a pulsatile flow simulation system in vitro. Haemodynamic, angiographic, echocardiographic, histologic and radiographic examinations were carried out before, immediately after implantation and 3 months after implantation.

RESULTS

All SIS stent valves were successfully implanted in the pulmonary position in 7 sheep. Angiographic, echocardiographic, haemodyamic and macroscopic studies confirmed firm anchoring and good positioning of the stents immediately after implantation and at 3-month follow-up. All stent valves had good function immediately after implantation and at the end of the protocol, with the exception of 1 stent valve with mild stenosis detected at the end of the protocol. All SIS valves were free of calcifications and thrombus formation, and all stents were intact with no fractures and migration based on postmortem examination and X-radiography.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated successful implantation of porcine SIS stent valves in the pulmonary position in sheep with excellent valve function at the 3-month follow-up evaluation. Porcine SIS has potential superiority as a pulmonary stent bioprosthetic valve material, and the bell-shaped nitinol stent has potential superiority as a frame for pulmonary stent valves.

Implantation of a modified stented bovine pulmonary valve in a beating heart sheep model

PURPOSE

The aim of this research was to assess the performance of a modified bovine stent valve implanted transventricularly in the pulmonary position in sheep with a 3-month follow-up period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven modified pulmonary bovine stent valves were transventricularly implanted in the pulmonary position into seven sheep using a delivery system. Stent valve performance was investigated and evaluated hemodynamically, angiographically, and with echocardiograms before, immediately after, and 3 months following implantation. Macroscopic, histologic, and radiographic examinations were performed on the explanted graft at 3 months.

RESULTS

The modified stent valves were all deployed and implanted successfully in the pulmonary position in seven sheep. Angiographic, echocardiographic, hemodynamic, and macroscopic analyses confirmed firm anchoring of the stents in the target position in the early and 3-month follow-up period. All modified stent valves showed satisfactory function, except one moderate stenosis (32 mmHg gradient) with mild regurgitation that was discovered at 3 months. All seven valves were free of any calcification and thrombus formation at postmortem macroscopic examination, which was confirmed by histologic and radiographic examination. All stents were intact without any fracture at microscopic or radiographic examination.

CONCLUSIONS

Transventricular implantation of a modified nitinol pulmonary valve stent showed good structural and functional outcomes without stent fracture or migration.

Chance of surgery in adult congenital heart disease

Background Young patients with congenital heart disease reaching adulthood face mandatory transition to adult cardiology. Their new cardiologist needs to assess the chances of major future events such as surgery. Using a large national registry, we assessed if patient characteristics at the age of 18 years could predict the chance of congenital heart surgery in adulthood. Design and methods Of 10,300 patients from the CONCOR national registry, we used general patient characteristics at age 18 years, underlying congenital heart defect, history of complications, and interventions in childhood as potential predictors of congenital heart surgery occurring from age 18 years up to age 40 and 60 years. Cox regression was used to calculate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Analyses were performed separately for all congenital heart surgery and for valvular surgery alone. Results Altogether 2427 patients underwent congenital heart surgery after age 18 years, 1389 of whom underwent valvular surgery. Underlying heart defect, male sex, multiple defects, childhood endocarditis, supraventricular arrhythmia, aortic complications and paediatric cardiovascular surgery, independently predicted adult congenital heart surgery. The mean chance of congenital heart surgery was 22% up to age 40 and 43% up to age 60 years; individual chances spanned from 9-68% up to age 40 and from 19-93% up to age 60 years. Conclusion At the time of transition from paediatric to adult cardiology, an easily obtainable set of characteristics of patients with congenital heart disease can meaningfully inform cardiologists about the patient's individual chance of surgery in adulthood. Our findings warrant validation in other cohorts.

Nineteen Years of Adult Congenital Heart Surgery in a Single Center

BACKGROUND

Adults with congenital heart disease are a growing population. We describe surgical interventions, short- and long-term mortality and morbidity, and risk factors for adverse events in a population-based cohort.

METHODS

Patients over or equal to 18 years with congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac surgery at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, from 1994 to 2012 were included in the study. Diagnoses, surgical procedures, postoperative complications, and survival were identified in hospital databases, medical records, and the Danish Civil Registration System.

RESULTS

Four hundred seventy-four surgeries were performed in 445 adults (50% men). The median age was 39 years (range 18-83). Thirty-nine percent had previous surgical or catheter-based interventions. Thirty-day and in-hospital mortality were 1.1%. Postoperative complications occurred in 50% of cases, most were minor such as temporary arrhythmias and pneumonia. Major complications included postoperative bleeding necessitating intervention (6%), stroke (2%), and acute temporary renal failure (1%). Multivariate analysis identified RACHS-1 categories over or equal to 3 compared to category 1 (odds ratio (OR) = 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5-3.7), New York Heart Association functional class III and IV compared to class I (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.3-3.7) and age at surgery (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04), as risk factors for adverse events. Survival during a median follow-up of 7.8 years (range 0 days-21.4 years) was 85% (95% CI: 80%-89%).

CONCLUSION

Adults with congenital heart disease constitute a growing population with the need for cardiac surgery. Postoperative complications are frequent but early and late mortality are low.

Contemporary cardiac surgery for adults with congenital heart disease

OBJECTIVE

Advances in early management of congenital heart disease (CHD) have led to an exponential growth in adults with CHD (ACHD). Many of these patients require cardiac surgery. This study sought to examine outcome and its predictors for ACHD cardiac surgery.

METHODS

This is an observational cohort study of prospectively collected data on 1090 consecutive adult patients with CHD, undergoing 1130 cardiac operations for CHD at the Royal Brompton Hospital between 2002 and 2011. Early mortality was the primary outcome measure. Midterm to longer-term survival, cumulative incidence of reoperation, other interventions and/or new-onset arrhythmia were secondary outcome measures. Predictors of early/total mortality were identified.

RESULTS

Age at surgery was 35±15 years, 53% male, 52.3% were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I, 37.2% in class II and 10.4% in class III/IV. Early mortality was 1.77% with independent predictors NYHA class ≥ III, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) <15 mm and female gender. Over a mean follow-up of 2.8±2.6 years, 46 patients died. Baseline predictors of total mortality were NYHA class ≥ III, TAPSE <15 mm and non-elective surgery. The number of sternotomies was not independently associated with neither early nor total mortality. At 10 years, probability of survival was 94%. NYHA class among survivors was significantly improved, compared with baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Contemporary cardiac surgery for ACHD performed at a single, tertiary reference centre with a multidisciplinary approach is associated with low mortality and improved functional status. Also, our findings emphasise the point that surgery should not be delayed because of reluctance to reoperate only.

Factors determining outcomes in grown up patients operated for congenital heart diseases

Background:

The number of grown ups with congenital heart diseases (GUCHs) is steadily increasing.

Aims:

To analyze factors predicting early cardiac morbidity following cardiac surgery in GUCH at a tertiary care center.

Setting and Design:

Retrospective study at a multispeciality tertiary referral center.

Methods:

Between January 2004 and December 2014, 1432 patients ≥13 years of age (acyanotic defects: 843, cyanotic defects: 589) underwent surgery for congenital heart defects. Factors associated with early cardiac morbidity were analyzed.

Statistical Analysis:

Univariable and multivariable analysis of all factors affecting outcomes.

Results:

On multivariate analysis, previous sternotomy, aortic cross-clamp time >45 min, cyanosis, and emergency procedure were independent predictors of early morbidity with respective odds ratios (ORs) of 12.4, 3.6, 2.6, and 8.1. For more precise estimation, a risk score was generated. Taking the log odds with each of these four as respective weights, a score was generated. The variables were previous sternotomy (2.5), aortic cross-clamp >45 min (1.3), emergency procedure (2.1), and cyanosis (0.9), if the respective condition is present, zero otherwise. The score ranged from 0 to 4.5. The average value of the score based on the four variables was significantly higher in cases with morbidity (1.85 ± 1.17) vs. (0.75 ± 0.88), P < 0.001. Distribution of scores was significantly different between patients with and without morbidity. Sixty-seven percent patients without any morbidity had score <1 compared to 24.6% with morbidity. Only 0.9% patients without morbidity had score of ≥3 compared to 16.4% patients with morbidity. Compared with patients having score <1, patients with scores 1-2 had OR of 3.4, 2-3 had OR of 6.0, and >3 had OR of 48.7.

Conclusion:

GUCH can be safely operated when adequate caution is taken in the presence of independent predictors such as previous sternotomy, aortic clamp time >45 min, cyanosis, and emergency procedure.

Assessment of coagulation profile by thromboelastometry in adult patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) have an increased risk of bleeding and thrombotic complications. Prolonged conventional coagulation screening parameters, such as activated partial thromboplastin time or prothrombin time, are reported in less than 20% of CCHD patients.

METHODS

The aim of this study was to determine the haemostatic abnormalities in 32 adult patients with CCHD by rotation thromboelastometry (ROTEM) with assessment of coagulation dynamic properties, as a guide for perioperative prophylaxis or haemostatic therapy. The control group consisted of 35 healthy subjects.

RESULTS

Our results suggest that CCHD patients, in comparison to healthy controls, had a tendency to hypocoagulate with delayed activation of haemostasis and clot formation, initiated by both intrinsic and extrinsic activators. The growth of the clot was slower and the clot firmness was decreased, which may additionally contribute to bleeding diathesis. Moreover, the clot lysis readings suggest higher clot stability in the CCHD group. All velocity parameters were markedly lower in the CCHD patients, indicating a decreased rate of clot formation. Although coagulation tests and platelet count were normal, the usefulness of rotation thromboelastometry in monitoring or guiding therapy in CCHD patients is demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our results provide new insights into the data on hypocoagulation with impaired clot lysis in adult CCHD patients as determined by ROTEM. Our findings may assist in determining the optimal management of patients with CCHD undergoing surgery.

Recommendations for starting a grown up congenital heart disease (GUCH) unit

During the last decades, advances in diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease have allowed many individuals to reach adulthood. Due mainly to the great diagnostic diversity and to the co-morbidities usually present in this age group, these patients demand assistance in a multidisciplinary facility if an adequate attention is aimed. In this paper we reviewed, based in the international literature and also on the authors' experience, the structural conditions that should be available for these patients. We highlighted aspects like the facility characteristics, the criteria usually adopted for patient transfer from the paediatric setting, the composition of the medical and para- medical staff taking into account the specific problems, and also the model of outpatient and in-hospital assistance. We also emphasized the importance of patient data storage, the fundamental necessity of institutional support and also the compromise to offer professional training. The crucial relevance of clinical research is also approached, particularly the development of multicenter studies as an appropriate methodology for this heterogeneous patient population.

Pulmonary hypertension in adult congenital heart disease

OPINION STATEMENT

There is a growing patient population with adult congenital heart disease that needs specialized medical attention and careful long-term evaluation. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) is a common late complication, and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. There are no clear current guidelines for the treatment of PAH-CHD. There are few trials to date investigating PAH treatment specifically in this group of patients. However, the available data seems to demonstrate that with the advent of PAH-targeted therapies, the quality of life, exercise capacity, and outcomes in these patients is improving. In addition, PAH-targeted therapies may be useful in select patients for a combined medical-surgical approach to treatment. Here we discuss the epidemiology and pathophysiology of PAH-CHD, current therapies, and the data supporting their use, and how to evaluate feasibility of late surgical repair.

Caring for a teen with congenital heart disease

Adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) are a rapidly growing population with complex medical needs and psychosocial challenges. Identity formation is an important developmental task accomplished during the teenage years. This article reviews different aspects of ongoing care that pertain to teenagers with CHD, with a particular focus on primary care issues and a summary of recommendations from various scientific societies. A successful smooth transition to the adult health care setting should achieve 2 important goals: to prevent loss of follow-up and to foster and encourage self-care behaviors.

The Role of Catheter-Based and Surgical Treatments in Patients With Congenital Heart Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension

This manuscript is intended to provide a brief overview of the indications for and outcomes of surgical and transcatheter interventions for congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension (PH). Pulmonary hypertension is frequently encountered in children and adults with congenital heart disease and is most commonly related to large “central” shunts, ie, those occurring at the ventricular or great arterial level (Figure 1). If uncorrected early in infancy or childhood, large central shunts result in increased pulmonary blood flow, left heart volume overload, PH, and heart failure. If the child survives this initial period of volume overload and heart failure, they will very likely develop effacement of the normal pulmonary arterial architecture and severe elevations in pulmonary arterial resistance, eventually resulting in cyanosis and Eisenmenger syndrome.1

[Intensive care management of critically ill adults with congenital heart disease]

Due to improvements in cardiac surgery and perioperative care the number of adults with congenital heart disease is continuously growing. The perioperative and intensive care management of these patients is a challenge due to the variety of pathologies and surgical options as well as the complex pathophysiology. Many patients develop organ dysfunction with time and many require multiple cardiac operations as well as non-cardiac interventions during adulthood. While these patients are best treated in dedicated tertiary centers that provide a multidisciplinary expertise, basic knowledge of this population is important for everyone involved in acute medical care. This review will discuss some general aspects of adults with congenital heart disease such as pulmonary hypertension, Eisenmenger syndrome, cyanosis, pregnancy and perioperative care, with a special focus on the management of critically ill patients.

Midterm results of surgery for adults with congenital heart disease centralized to a Swedish cardiothoracic center

OBJECTIVE

The surgical management of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) offers a great challenge, with a large number of anomalies with complex pathophysiology necessitating specific treatments. Pre- and postoperative morbidity has been relatively high, and the influencing factors are not completely identified. We sought to evaluate the incidence and predictors of postoperative complications following surgery for ACHD centralized to a Swedish cardiothoracic center.

DESIGN

Between April 2003 and May 2012, 191 consecutive patients with ACHD underwent 192 surgical procedures at our department. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were prospectively entered in a clinical database and retrospectively reviewed. Multivariate analysis was used to identify determinants of postoperative complications as a composite end point.

RESULTS

The 30-day mortality was 0.5%. Overall survival was 98.3% ± 1.0 at 1 year and 98.3% ± 1.0 at 5 years postoperatively. Repeat sternotomy had to be performed in 94 patients (49%). New onset atrial fibrillation or flutter was the most prevalent (13%, n = 17/135) postoperative complication. Independent risk factors for major postoperative complications were age (odds ratio [OR] 1.81/10 year increment, P = 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-2.53), reduced (<50%) systemic left ventricle ejection fraction (OR 3.61, P = 0.031; 95% CI 1.13-11.6), and the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (OR 3.34/60 minute increase, P < 0.001; 95% CI 2.03-5.49).

CONCLUSIONS

Our present data suggest that surgery in ACHD can be performed in centralized units with an excellent early and midterm survival. The incidence of postoperative complications was relatively low consisting mainly of supraventricular arrhythmias. In our opinion, ACHD surgery should be performed in centralized units with experienced surgeons in a dedicated multidisciplinary team for optimized postoperative management.

Infective endocarditis in congenital heart disease: a frequent community-acquired complication

BACKGROUND

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe complication in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Epidemiology, etiology, and outcome in this group are different to those of patients with acquired heart disease.

METHODS

We reviewed all cases of proven and probable IE (Duke's criteria) diagnosed in our center during the last two decades.

RESULTS

We observed 45 cases of IE in patients with CHD (age range 8 months to 35 years); these represented 5.5 % of all the episodes of IE in our institution during the study period. The most frequent CHD were ventricular septal defect (31 %), tetralogy of Fallot (19 %), and atrioventricular septal defect (11 %). Twenty cases of IE (44 %) were recorded in patients with non-corrected native-valve CHD. Of the 24 patients with prosthetic-valve IE, post-operative acquisition during the first 6 months was confirmed in 11 patients (range 4-110 days). IE was community-acquired in 62 % of cases. Streptococcus spp. were the most frequent etiologic agents (33 %), followed by Staphylococcus spp. (32 %). Surgery was required to treat IE in 47 % of patients (52 % in prosthetic-valve IE and 41 % in native-valve IE, p = ns). In comparison to native-valve IE, prosthetic-valve IE was significantly more nosocomial-acquired (61 vs. 14 %, p = 0.002), presented a higher heart failure rate at diagnosis (39 vs. 9 %, p = 0.035), and developed more breakthrough bacteremia episodes (19 vs. 0 %, p = 0.048). Global mortality was 24 % (75 % in patients with prosthetic-valve IE who required surgery and 0 % in patients with native-valve IE who required surgery, p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis excluding breakthrough bacteremia (100 % mortality in this condition) confirmed that nosocomial IE [odds ratio (OR), 23.7; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 2.3-239.9] and the presence of heart failure at diagnosis of IE (OR, 25.9; 95 % CI, 2.5-269.6) were independent factors associated with mortality.

CONCLUSION

Half of all cases of IE in patients with CHD occurred in patients with non-corrected native-valve CHD and two-thirds were community-acquired. Streptococcus spp. were the most frequent etiological agents. Patients with prosthetic-valve IE present a worse outcome, especially those requiring surgery. Breakthrough bacteremia, nosocomial IE, and heart failure are independent factors of mortality in patients with CHD presenting IE.

Risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality after pulmonary valve replacement in adult patients with previously corrected tetralogy of Fallot

Patients with palliated tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) often require pulmonary valve replacement in adulthood, yet the data regarding their outcomes are scarce. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with postoperative complications in these patients and to establish long-term survival data for this patient group. A retrospective cohort study investigated 153 consecutive patients with a history of TOF repair who underwent pulmonary valve replacement at a single large academic center between March 1996 and March 2010. In part 1 of the study, logistic models were constructed to assess demographic, medical, and surgical risk factors for operative mortality; occurrence of a major adverse event (stroke, renal failure, prolonged ventilation, deep sternal infection, reoperation, or operative mortality); and prolonged hospital stay (>7 days). Risk factors with a p value less than 0.10 by univariate analysis were included in the subsequent multivariate analysis. In part 2 of the study, long-term, all-cause mortality was determined by construction of a Kaplan-Meier curve for the cohort. Seven patients died (4.5%). Significant risk factors for mortality in the multivariable analysis included age older than 40 years (odds ratio (OR) 9.89) and concomitant surgery (OR 6.65). A major adverse event occurred for 22 patients (14.4%). The only significant risk factor in the multivariable analysis for an adverse event was concomitant surgery (OR 6.42). The hospital stay was longer than 7 days for 31 patients (20.3%). The significant risk factors for a prolonged hospital stay included the presence of preoperative arrhythmias (OR 4.17), New York Heart Association class 3 (OR 4.35), and again, concomitant surgery (OR 4.2). Among the 146 hospital survivors, only 5 patients died in the intervening period. The predicted survival rates were 98.5% at 1 year, 96.7% at 5 years, and 93.5% at 10 years. Pulmonary valve replacement in adults with palliated TOF is a safe procedure with excellent long-term survival, but there remain important risk factors for postoperative mortality, prolonged hospital stay, and major adverse events. Awareness and modification of important risk factors may help to improve outcomes.

Outcome of complex adult congenital heart surgery in the developing world

BACKGROUND

There is scanty information on the outcome of adult congenital heart disease surgery from the developing world.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of the surgical outcome of 153 adults with congenital heart disease over a 5-year period. Surgical atrial septal defect closure was considered "simple" while all other surgeries were considered "complex."

RESULTS

  There were 102 patients in the "simple" group and 51 in the "complex" group. Only three (2%) patients had prior operations. The "complex" group had longer bypass time and cross clamp time. Intensive care unit stay, ventilation time, and inotrope administration were longer. Major complications were more common and there were two deaths in the "complex" group. Age more than 30 years, cyanosis, and New York Heart Association class more than II were predictors of longer stay in the intensive care unit. Surgical repair of Tetralogy of Fallot in adults tended to have a longer ventilation time and intensive care unit stay with a mortality of 4%. At follow up, all patients were in New York Heart Association class I or II. Improvement of the functional class with negligible adverse events was noted in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

  A retrospective evaluation of 153 adults with congenital heart disease who underwent open heart surgery at a single center in India showed strikingly fewer reoperations compared with large European studies. There was a similar prevalence of complex lesions. Surgical mortality was low, and long-term functional outcome was gratifying.

Ten-year experience with surgical treatment of adults with congenital cardiac disease

The number of adults with congenital cardiac disease continues to increase, and adult patients are now more numerous than paediatric patients. We sought to identify risk factors for perioperative death and report our results with surgical management of adult patients with congenital cardiac disease. We retrospectively analysed in-hospital data for 244 consecutive adult patients who underwent surgical treatment of congenital cardiac disease in our centre between January, 1998 and December, 2007. The mean patient age was 27.2 plus or minus 11.9 years, 29% were in functional class III or IV, and 25% were cyanosed. Of the patients, half were operated on for the first time. A total of 61% of patients underwent curative operations, 36% a reoperation after curative treatment, and 3% a palliative operation. Overall mortality was 4.9%. Predictive factors for hospital death were functional class, cyanosis, non-sinus rhythm, a history of only palliative previous operation(s), and an indication for palliative treatment. Functional class, cyanosis, type of initial congenital cardiac disease (single ventricle and double-outlet right ventricle), and only palliative previous operation were risk factors for prolonged intensive care stay (more than 48 hours). The surgical management of adult patients with congenital cardiac disease has improved during recent decades. These generally young patients, with a complex pathology, today present a low post-operative morbidity and mortality. Patients having undergone palliative surgery and reaching adulthood without curative treatment present with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Univentricular hearts and double-outlet right ventricles were associated with the highest morbidity.

Percutaneous pulmonic valve implantation

Surgically placed valve conduits between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery often fail within 10 years. The failure may be the result of insufficiency, stenosis, or often a combination of the two. Pulmonic valve insufficiency may lead to right ventricular dilatation, heart failure, arrhythmias, and death. Reoperation requires cardiopulmonary bypass, which may aggravate an already failing right ventricle, and is associated with a higher risk of death and significant morbidity. Therefore, percutaneous implantation of a pulmonic valve is an attractive option to improve hemodynamic function and ameliorate symptoms. Initial experience with various types of percutaneous pulmonary valve systems demonstrates the procedure to be effective and safe. Improvements in technique and device modification are evolving rapidly. Studies and clinical follow-up are ongoing to further assess functional improvement, freedom from adverse cardiac events, and longevity of percutaneously implanted valves.

Pregnancy does not accelerate biological valve degeneration

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy in women with biological heart valve prosthesis might lead to a faster degeneration of the prosthesis. We analyzed the rate of prosthesis replacement and the outcome of pregnancies in women with biological valve prosthesis.

METHODS

Between 1976 and 2006, 100 female patients aged 18-40 years at time of the study, underwent a valve replacement with a bioprosthesis or a homograft. At a mean interval of 10.8±8 years, 87 patients were evaluated by a questionnaire.

RESULTS

A biological prosthesis was implanted in 45 patients (52%), while 42 patients (48%) received a homograft. After valve replacement, 33 patients (38%) had a total of 56 pregnancies with a live-birth rate of 77% (n=43). There were 9 (16%) miscarriages, 4 (7%) therapeutic abortions and no stillbirths. There was no maternal death, thromboembolic event or structural valve deterioration during pregnancy. Out of 87 patients, 31 (36%) required a valve re-replacement at a mean time of 9.5±5 years. Neither age, valve type, valve position nor pregnancy were a risk factor for a valve re-replacement. The freedom from valve re-replacement at 5 and 10 years, was 96±3% and 73±9%, respectively for patients after a pregnancy compared to 93±4% and 52±10%, respectively for patients without a pregnancy (p=0.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy does not accelerate the risk for replacement of a biological heart valve prosthesis. Pregnancy in women with biological heart valves can be carried out without increased morbidity related to the implanted valve.

Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation using the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve

BACKGROUND

Conduits placed in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) have limited longevity which often requires increasingly complex reoperations. Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation improves conduit hemodynamics through a minimally invasive approach. We present data for 7 patients treated with the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve (THV).

PATIENTS

Patients' ranged in age from 16 to 52 years, one was female, and all had NYHA class II-III symptoms. Patients had pulmonary homografts that had been placed 2-25 years earlier during the Ross procedure (n = 4), repaired double outlet right ventricle with situs inversus (n = 1), or Rastelli repair for D-TGA, pulmonary atresia, and ventricular septal defect (n = 2). Patients had either severe pulmonary stenosis and/or moderate to severe pulmonary regurgitation.

RESULTS

All patients had successful percutaneous implantation of the 23 mm SAPIEN THV under general anesthesia. Fluoroscopy times ranged from 16 to 49 mins and procedure times ranged from 110 to 237 mins. The RV:systemic pressure ratio decreased from 78 +/- 18 to 39 +/- 8%, the RVOT gradient improved from 60.7 +/- 24.3 to 14.9 +/- 6.9 mm Hg, no patients had pulmonary insufficiency, and all patients had symptom improvement. At a maximum follow-up of 3.5 years (median 22.5 months), Doppler peak gradients ranged from 7-36 mm Hg, and there is no evidence of late stent fracture or structural valve failure.

CONCLUSION

The SAPIEN THV can be used successfully in the treatment of patients with right ventricle to pulmonary artery homograft failure. The valve is durable to at least 3.5 years without stent fracture or regurgitation. Clinical trials are underway to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of this valve.

Experience from a single centre concerning the surgical spectrum and outcome of adolescents and adults with congenitally malformed hearts in West Africa

BACKGROUND

This study was undertaken to review the spectrum and surgical outcome of adolescents and adults with congenitally malformed hearts from January, 1993 to December, 2008. The lack of data on this emerging problem from the West African sub-region prompted this report.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

This retrospective study is based on 135 adolescents and adults with congenitally malformed hearts. A review of their case notes and operative records was carried out and results analysed.

RESULTS

Selected patients made up 23% of all congenital cardiac surgeries performed at our institution in the same period. A total of 23 patients (17%) were non-Ghanaian West Africans. There was a female preponderance of 53.3%. The ages ranged from 16 to 70 years (mean 28.6 plus or minus 10.3 years). The mean follow-up was 7.5 plus or minus 4.4 years. Patients were functionally classified (New York Heart Association) as class I (23%), II (58%), and III (19%). In 14 (10.4%) patients, the defects were discovered incidentally. Ventricular septal defects, oval fossa type atrial septal defects, Fallot's tetralogy, and patent arterial duct together accounted for 77.8% of the cases. Surgical correction was undertaken in 117 (86.7%) patients; the remainder had palliative procedures. There were six (4.3%) reoperations. The functional class improved to class I or II in 95% of patients within the first postoperative year. The overall hospital mortality was 3% with two late deaths (1.5%).

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates the feasibility of surgery for adolescents and adults with congenitally malformed hearts in the sub-region with a good outcome. Majority (77.8%) of patients present with less complex lesions.

Morbidity and mortality risk factors in adults with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac reoperations

BACKGROUND

Reoperations represent relatively frequent events in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). Cardiac operations in these patients present major difficulties in management and technique. Although reoperations in ACHD are becoming increasingly frequent, limited knowledge exists regarding perioperative risk factors.

METHODS

The study included 164 ACHD patients who underwent cardiac reoperations between January 2002 and December 2007 at our institution. Preoperative and intraoperative data were analyzed to identify morbidity and mortality risk factors.

RESULTS

Reoperations included pulmonary valve implantation or conduit replacement in 60, aortic valve/root procedures in 36, residual atrial or ventricular septal defect closure in 19, and Fontan operation/conversion in 19. Hospital mortality was 3.6%. The mean mechanical ventilation time was 26 hours. Mean intensive care unit stay was 3.1 days. Severe postoperative complications occurred in 24 (15.1%). Cardiopulmonary bypass time (p = 0.001), Fontan operation/conversion (p = 0.001), preoperative hematocrit (p = 0.004), previous number of operations (p = 0.001), and preoperative congestive heart failure (p = 0.021) were associated with severe morbidity. No factor was associated with death.

CONCLUSIONS

Reoperations in ACHD are mostly due to right ventricular outflow tract lesions and were associated with a low mortality rate if performed in a center with a considerable activity and a dedicated program. Severe morbidity is relatively frequent and is generally associated with the preoperative (high hematocrit due to cyanosis, congestive heart failure, and the number of previous operations) and operative (Fontan operation/conversion and cardiopulmonary bypass duration) conditions of the patient.

Quality outcomes of ACHD patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures and hospital admissions in a free-standing children's hospital

OBJECTIVES

Describe quality outcomes of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) undergoing cardiovascular procedures and admissions in a free-standing children's hospital with a multi-disciplinary ACHD program and compared with pediatric outcomes.

BACKGROUND

A challenge for the U.S. healthcare system is where to treat the >1 million ACHD patients (pts): adult hospitals without CHD care, or pediatric hospitals without adult services.

METHODS

We reviewed all CHD pts ≥ 18 yrs of age from 2002-2007. Procedural and hospital related morbidity and mortality were recorded. ANOVA and t-test compared adult with pediatric pts.

RESULTS

Overall, 782 pts, mean age of 29.8 ± 9.9 yrs, encountered 1490 procedures/admissions. For 178 cardiac surgeries (72% reoperations), mortality was 1.8% and complication rate was 7.3%. There was 0% mortality for 412 cardiac catheterizations, 311 electrophysiological procedures, 401 transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE), 244 exercise tests (ETT) and 54 medical admissions. Major adverse event rate was 0.6% for cardiac catheterization and electrophysiological procedures. No adverse events occurred during TEE and ETT. Only 4 pts required transfer to an adult institution (0.25%). There was no significant difference in mortality or adverse events between pediatric and adult CHD pts, p>0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimal setting to provide ACHD care remains a complex issue. Our study is the first to demonstrate 1) a low incidence of morbidity and mortality for ACHD pts undergoing cardiovascular procedures or admissions at a free-standing children's hospital, 2) outcomes comparable to pediatric CHD pts. Future models incorporating ACHD programs within pediatric heart centers should be considered to care for this complex population.

Survival into sixth decade of untreated pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aorto-pulmonary collaterals: a magnetic resonance imaging study

A 56-year-old male with a history of untreated pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect diagnosed during childhood was referred to our institution for congestive heart failure. We describe the MR imaging findings that documented the presence of multiple aorto-pulmonary collaterals arising from the abdominal aorta and from the internal mammary artery supplying both pulmonary arteries. This is the oldest known surviving case documented in medical literature.

Interventions using foreign material to treat congenital heart disease in children increase the risk for infective endocarditis

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a risk factor for infective endocarditis (IE). We aimed to assess the impact of cardiac interventions on the frequency and microbial profile of IE in children with CHD.

METHODS

Episodes of IE were analyzed in children aged < or =18 years with CHD between 1995 and 2005 with respect to cardiac surgery or catheter interventions with or without implantation of foreign material.

RESULTS

Diagnosis of IE was made in 14 (0.36%) of 3826 children with CHD including native IE in 6 and postinterventional IE in 8 patients. During the period 3029 cardiac interventions (1944 surgeries; 1085 catheters) were performed; foreign material was implanted in 1360 interventions (1139 surgeries; 221 catheters) including all 8 patients with postinterventional IE. Cardiac intervention by itself did not change the risk for IE compared with no intervention. The risk of IE after implantation of foreign material was higher than following intervention without implantation (odds ratio, 21.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-365; P < 0.05). Pacemaker implantation was associated with the highest risk for IE (odds ratio, 11.0; 95% confidence interval, 2.6-46.5; P < 0.001). Staphylococci were the most frequently isolated organisms in foreign material-associated IE.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac intervention in children with CHD does not increase the risk for IE. Postinterventional IE in children with CHD is strongly linked to implantation of foreign material, especially of pacemaker.

Midterm results of surgical intervention for congenital heart disease in adults: an Italian multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

We have analyzed, in a clinical multicenter study, the effect of cardiac surgery in adults with congenital heart disease in Italy.

METHODS

We collected clinical data from 856 patients aged 19 years or older who underwent surgical intervention from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2004. Patients were divided into 3 surgical groups: group 1, palliation (3.1%); group 2, repair (69.7%); and group 3, reoperation (27.4%).

RESULTS

Preoperatively, 34.6% of patients were in New York Heart Association class I, 48.4% were in class II, 14.2% were in class III, and 2.8% were in class IV. Sinus rhythm was present in 83%. There were 1179 procedures performed in 856 patients (1.37 procedures per patient), with a hospital mortality of 3.1%. Overall mean intensive care unit stay was 2.3 days (range, 1-102 days). Major complications were reported in 247 (28.8%) patients, and postoperative arrhythmias were the most frequent. At a mean follow-up of 22 months (range, 1 month-5.5 years; completeness, 87%), late death occurred in 5 (0.5%) patients. New York Heart Association class was I in 79.3%, II in 17.6%, and III in 2.9%, and only 1 (0.11%) patient was in class IV. Overall survival estimates are 82.6%, 98.9%, and 91.8% at 5 years for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Freedom from adverse events at 5 years is 91% for acyanotic patients versus 63.9% for preoperative cyanotic patients (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical intervention for congenital heart disease in adults is a safe and low-risk treatment. However, patients presenting with preoperative cyanosis show a higher incidence of late adverse events and complications.

Update in adult congenital cardiac surgery

The number of grown-up patients with congenital heart disease (GUCH) is constantly increasing and will equal the number of children requiring surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD). Specialized centers dealing with the medical and paramedical problems of these patients are required. GUCH patients can be divided into the following groups: (1) patients with minor cardiac malformations presenting at adult age for first treatment; (2) patients presenting for correction as adults because they are either naturally balanced or were surgically palliated; (3) patients presenting for expected reoperations after correction in childhood; (4) patients requiring repair of residual defects after correction; (5) patients developing heart failure after correction or palliation of CHD requiring thoracic transplantation; and (6) patients developing acquired heart disease in addition to CHD. Special aspects of malformations frequently occurring in GUCH patients are discussed in detail. Acquired heart disease in this patient population is expected to increase in the coming decades as survivors of CHD grow old.

Adults Undergoing Cardiac Surgery at a Children’s Hospital: An Analysis of Perioperative Morbidity

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist regarding the perioperative morbidity profile of adults who have cardiac operations at pediatric facilities.

METHODS

A retrospective review (January 2000 to December 2004) of patients (aged 18 years or older) who underwent cardiac surgery at our pediatric institution was performed.

RESULTS

There were 149 cardiac operations performed in 135 patients. There were 2 early deaths. There were 70 preoperative noncardiac morbidities in 49 patients (36%) and 140 preoperative cardiac morbidities in 78 patients (58%). Preoperative arrhythmia (n = 76) and moderate or greater ventricular systolic dysfunction (n = 24) were most common. There were 51 postoperative adverse noncardiac events in 32 patients (24%). Renal insufficiency (> 0.5 mg/dL baseline change; n = 8) was most common. There were 53 postoperative adverse cardiac events in 44 patients (33%). Ventricular tachycardia (n = 13) was most common. Risk factors for postoperative adverse noncardiac events included preoperative histories of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or greater (p < 0.001), seizure (p = 0.04), and psychiatric disorder (p = 0.002). Risk factors for postoperative adverse cardiac events included older patient age (p = 0.001), preoperative functional single ventricle (p = 0.006), NHYA class III or greater (p = 0.003), atrial fibrillation/flutter (p < 0.001), and ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative adverse events occur frequently when adults undergo cardiac operations at children's hospitals. Older patient age, preoperative arrhythmias, and preoperative NHYA class are predictors of postoperative adverse cardiac events.

Percutaneous implantation of the pulmonary and aortic valves: indications and limitations

Percutaneous transcatheter intervention for valvular heart disease is the new horizon in transcatheter therapeutics. Balloon dilatation has been used successfully for treatment of congenital and acquired stenotic lesions of semilunar and atrio-ventricular valves. Although attempts have been made to repair and replace cardiac valves without cardiopulmonary bypass and through percutaneous techniques, this has only recently become a reality. The semilunar valves have preceded atrioventricular valves in successful application in animals and humans. Morphological features play an important role in determining the design of the valve and technique and site of implantation. The major deviations in research and development in artificial or tissue valves have included attempts at delivery of these valves to the site of implantation without open heart surgery. Successful implantation needs long-term follow-up for the durability of the valve and freedom from re-intervention.

Risk of Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease in the Adult: A Multicentered European Study

BACKGROUND

Surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) has changed considerably during the last three decades. The results of primary repair have steadily improved, to allow treating almost all patients within the pediatric age; nonetheless an increasing population of adult patients requires surgical treatment. The objective of this study is to present the early surgical results of patients who require surgery for CHD in the adult population within a multicentered European study population.

METHODS

Data relative to the hospital course of 2,012 adult patients (age > or = 18 years) who required surgical treatment for CHD from January 1, 1997 through December 31, 2004 were reviewed. Nineteen cardiothoracic centers from 13 European countries contributed to the data collection.

RESULTS

Mean age at surgery was 34.4 +/- 14.53 years. Most of the operations were corrective procedures (1,509 patients, 75%), followed by reoperations (464 patients, 23.1%) and palliative procedures (39 patients, 1.9%). Six hundred forty-nine patients (32.2%) required surgical closure of an isolated ostium secundum atrial septal defect. Overall hospital mortality was 2%. Preoperative cyanosis, arrhythmias, and NYHA class III-IV, proved significant risk factors for hospital mortality. Follow-up data were available in 1,342 of 1,972 patients (68%) who were discharged home. Late deaths occurred in 6 patients (0.5%). Overall survival probability was 97% at 60 months, which is higher for corrective procedures (98.2%) if compared with reoperations (94.1%) and palliations (86.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment of CHD in adult patients, in specialized cardiac units, proved quite safe, beneficial, and low-risk.

The grown-up congenital cardiac patient

Long-term survival of patients with congenital heart disease has dramatically improved during the last 50 years and the number of adults with congenital heart disease is therefore increasing in all developed countries. Grown-up patients with congenital heart disease (GUCH) often present difficult and challenging problems. Patients with both native unoperated and operated malformations contribute to the GUCH population. Survivors without surgical treatment mainly have simple malformations; but a few have complex diseases, and some have survived with secondary pulmonary hypertension. Among operated malformations there are patients with a 'complete' repair (anatomical and physiological), others with a definitive palliation (physiological repair) and some with a simple palliation. The clinical spectrum is obviously diversified, depending on the underlying anomaly, surgical outcome, presence of residua, sequelae and/or complications, length of follow-up, comorbidities. Arrhythmias, bacterial endocarditis, cyanosis, polycythemia, heart failure, anomalies of pulmonary circulation, deterioration or malfunction of devices, need of cardiac and non-cardiac surgery, intercurrent non-cardiac diseases, and a need for cardiac and non-cardiac diagnostic procedures are common problems of adults with congenital heart disease. Physiological events such as pregnancy and childbearing deserve a careful multidisciplinary approach. While most simple native and well corrected GUCH do not require very specialized treatments throughout their life, the abnormalities and complexities of postoperative anatomy are often beyond the expertise of the adult cardiologist, requiring multidisciplinary competence in specialized tertiary centers. The problem is still unresolved and involves cultural, medical, technological and economically relevant issues.

Intensive care outcome of adult patients operated on for congenital heart disease

OBJECTIVE

To describe the ICU outcome and the most frequent complications observed in adult patients operated on for a congenital heart disease.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data and chart review in an adult cardiovascular ICU of a university hospital.

PATIENTS

156 patients older than 15 years with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery between June 2001 and June 2005.

RESULTS

According to the initial cardiac malformation, patients were divided in four groups with different operative risk based on the Euroscore: those diagnosed bicuspid aortic valve (n = 73) had a score of 5, those with tetralogy of Fallot (n = 33) 5.5, those with simple cardiac defect (n = 26) 3, and those with complex malformations (n = 24) 6. Only two patients (one with tetralogy of Fallot and one with complex malformations) died during the hospitalization (1.2%).

CONCLUSION

Euroscore clearly overestimates the risk of surgery in this population of adults with congenital heart disease. Mortality and morbidity were low in those diagnosed bicuspid aortic valve, tetralogy of Fallot, or simple cardiac defect, justifying early surgery for incipient complications. Patients with complex congenital defect require prolonged ICU stay, sometimes with mechanical cardiac support, but their overall good outcome justifies these efforts.

State of the art percutaneous intervention for the treatment of valvular heart disease: a review of the current technologies and ongoing research in the field of percutaneous valve replacement and repair

Technical developments in valvular intervention culminated in the first percutaneous valve replacement in the pulmonary position (2000) followed by replacement in the aortic position (2002). More recently, with the proven feasibility of percutaneous mitral valve repair, interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons have begun to develop a new subspecialty dedicated to the percutaneous treatment of valvular disease. This review describes the clinical status of the current field, the applicability and limitations of new technologies, and the upcoming devices that will soon reach Phase I clinical trials.

Surgery Insight: current advances in percutaneous heart valve replacement and repair

Several advances have been made in interventional cardiology, particularly in the field of valvular heart disease. Among the procedures for which technologies are available, percutaneous replacement of the pulmonary and aortic valves, and percutaneous repair of the mitral valve, via annuloplasty or the Alfieri method, are the best known. Along with the excitement generated by these new subspecialties, however, there has also been skepticism. In this article we focus on the current innovations that have been applied to the procedures in humans, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different strategies.