Comparative analysis of thoracotomy and sternotomy approaches in cardiac reoperation

Minimally Invasive Procedure versus Conventional Redo Sternotomy for Mitral Valve Surgery in Patients with Previous Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

The heightened morbidity and mortality associated with repeat cardiac surgery are well documented. Redo median sternotomy (MS) and minimally invasive valve surgery are options for patients with prior cardiac surgery who require mitral valve surgery (MVS). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the outcomes of redo MS and minimally invasive MVS (MIMVS) in this population.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus for studies comparing outcomes of redo MS and MIMVS for MVS. To calculate risk ratios (RRs) for binary outcomes and weighted mean differences (MDs) for continuous data, we employed a random-effects model.

Results

We included 12 retrospective observational studies, comprising 4157 participants (675 for MIMVS; 3482 for redo MS). Reductions in mortality (RR, 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37-0.80), length of hospital stay (MD, -4.23; 95% CI, -5.77 to -2.68), length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (MD, -2.02; 95% CI, -3.17 to -0.88), and new-onset acute kidney injury (AKI) risk (odds ratio, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.61) were statistically significant and favored MIMVS (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in aortic cross-clamp time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, or risk of perioperative stroke, new-onset atrial fibrillation, surgical site infection, or reoperation for bleeding (p>0.05).

Conclusion

The current literature, which primarily consists of retrospective comparisons, underscores certain benefits of MIMVS over redo MS. These include decreased mortality, shorter hospital and ICU stays, and reduced AKI risk. Given the lack of high-quality evidence, prospective randomized control trials with adequate power are necessary to investigate long-term outcomes.

Erector Spinae Plane Catheter Analgesia in Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery: A Retrospective Case-Control Study for Inclusion in an Enhanced Recovery Program

Background. A retrospective case-control study was conducted to assess the feasibility of erector spinae plane (ESP) block as part of a multimodal enhanced recovery program for patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve replacement surgery. Methods. This retrospective analysis was conducted at a single center between January and August 2019. 61 patients were included; 23 received ESP and 38 did not. Erector spinae catheters (ESCs) were placed preoperatively, using a loading dose of 30 mL .5% ropivacaine, followed by an infusion of .2% ropivacaine at 10 mL/h throughout the study period. Primary outcome was 48-hour opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative morphine equivalents, extubation within 24 hours, reintubation, ICU length of stay and hospital length of stay and 30-day mortality. Results. Median [inter-quartile range] of the postoperative morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) in the first 48 hours was 70[45-121] MMEs in the ESC) group, and 109[70-148] MMEs in the no ESC group (P-value = .16). No significant difference was observed in intraoperative morphine equivalents, extubation within 24 hours or ICU length of stay. The ESC group had shorter hospital length of stay (6.0 vs 7.0 days, P-value = .043). Conclusion. This study found a statistically insignificant, though potentially clinically significant reduction in postoperative opioid consumption. A reduced hospital length of stay as well as an acceptable safety profile was also observed in the ESC group. An adequately powered, prospective trial is warranted to accurately assess the potential role for ESP catheters for patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.

Minimally invasive (mini-thoracotomy) versus median sternotomy in redo mitral valve surgery: A meta-analysis of observational studies

OBJECTIVE

Redo mitral valve surgery has traditionally been performed via a median sternotomy. It is often challenging and is associated with increased perioperative mortality. Advances in cardiac surgical techniques over the last two decades have led to an increase in the use of a minimally invasive approach via a right anterolateral mini-thoracotomy as opposed to a repeat median sternotomy. However, despite these advances, there is no general consensus on the best form of entry, and as of yet, there are no randomized controlled trials. We performed a meta-analysis of observational studies to aid in determining the best approach for redo mitral valve surgery.

METHOD

The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were conducted up until 1 June 2020. Data regarding mortality, stroke, reoperation for bleeding and length of hospital stay, wound infection and cardiopulmonary bypass time were extracted and submitted to a meta-analysis using random effects modelling and the I²-test for heterogeneity. Seven retrospective observational studies were included, enrolling a total of 1070 patients.

RESULTS

There were a total of 1070 patients. Of these 364 had non-sternotomy approach compared with 707 patients who had median sternotomy. Further subgroup analysis revealed that 327 of the 364 patients had a mini-thoracotomy approach while the remaining 37 patients had a full thoracotomy approach. In-hospital mortality and length of stay were less in non-sternotomy group compared to median sternotomy group. There were no differences in stroke, CPB time and wound infections between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Redo mitral valve surgery can be performed safely with satisfactory outcomes via a mini-thoracotomy approach. This meta-analysis shows comparable results with reduced in-hospital mortality and hospital length of stay with a mini-thoracotomy approach.

Minimally Invasive Redo Mitral Valve Replacement using a Robotic-Assisted Approach

Minimally invasive, robotic-assisted cardiac surgery has been shown to decrease transfusion rates, decrease wound infection rates, shorten hospital length of stay, and allow for a faster return to full activity compared with traditional sternotomy approaches. However, its application has chiefly been limited to primary, isolated procedures such as primary mitral valve repair or replacement. We describe the first reported use of a robotic surgery platform to perform reoperative mitral valve replacement using a minimally invasive, totally endoscopic, port-access approach.

Minimal invasive coronary artery fistula ligation

A coronary artery fistula was surgically ligated in a 38-year-old woman via a left anterior mini-thoracotomy without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. In selected cases, this surgical approach can provide an excellent surgical exposure for coronary artery fistula ligation. It also offers an excellent cosmetic result and shorter hospital stay.

Effects of ulinastatin on postoperative blood loss and hemostasis in atrioventricular valve surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass

BACKGROUND

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces variable systemic inflammatory reactions associated with major organ dysfunction via polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). Ulinastatin, a urinary trypsin inhibitor, inhibits PMN activity and reduces systemic inflammatory responses. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of ulinastatin on postoperative blood loss and laboratory changes in patients undergoing open heart surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2008 and February 2009, 110 patients who underwent atrioventricular valve surgery through right thoracotomy were divided into two groups. Patients received either 5,000 U/kg ulinastatin (ulinastatin group, n=41) or the equivalent volume of normal saline (control group, n=69) before aortic cross clamping. The primary end points were early coagulation profile changes, postoperative blood loss, transfusion requirements, and duration of intubation and intensive care unit stay.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in early coagulation profile, other perioperative laboratory data, and postoperative blood loss with transfusion requirements.

CONCLUSION

Administration of ulinastatin during operation did not improve the early coagulation profile, postoperative blood loss, or transfusion requirements of patients undergoing open heart surgery. In addition, no significant effect of ulinastatin was observed in major organs dysfunction, systemic inflammatory reactions, or other postoperative profiles.