Contemporary outcomes for functional single ventricle with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection

OBJECTIVE

In 2004, we reported improved early survival for patients with functional single ventricle anatomy and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. This study sought to discover if outcomes have been ameliorated in the contemporary era.

METHODS

This was a single-center review of patients with single ventricle anatomy and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection who were admitted from 1984 to 2021. The cohort was divided into similarly sized groups by date of admission: Era 1: 1984 to 1992, Era 2: 1993 to 2007, and Era 3: 2008 to 2021. Survival was compared, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the likelihood of mortality.

RESULTS

We included 190 patients with single ventricle anatomy and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. Unbalanced atrioventricular canal defect (70%) was the most common primary diagnosis. The most common type of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection was supracardiac (49%). Approximately one-third (32%) of patients had pulmonary venous obstruction. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics across eras. Early survival after initial palliative operation improved between Eras 1 and 2, and then remained stable in Era 3. Overall survival improved from Era 1 to Eras 2 and 3 (P < .001), but not between Era 2 and 3. Survival to 10 years by Eras 1 to 3 was 15%, 51%, and 54%, respectively. The anatomic features associated with worse survival were hypoplastic left heart syndrome diagnosis (hazard ratio, 1.60; 1.04-2.57) and pulmonary venous obstruction (hazard ratio, 1.80; 1.24-2.69).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall survival for patients with single ventricle anatomy and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection has plateaued since the early 2000s. Even in the most recent era, survival to age 10 years remains less than 60%. Risk factors for mortality include the diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and pulmonary venous obstruction. Further studies should focus on identification of the pathophysiological factors underlying the increased mortality.

Survival, Morbidities, and Developmental Outcomes among Low Birth Weight Infants with Congenital Heart Defects

OBJECTIVE

Prematurity and low birth weight (LBW) are risk factors for increased morbidity and mortality in infants with congenital heart defects (CHDs). We sought to describe survival, inhospital morbidities, and 2-year neurodevelopmental follow-up in LBW infants with CHD.

STUDY DESIGN

We included infants with birth weight (BW) <2,500 g diagnosed with CHD (except isolated patent ductus arteriosus) admitted January 2013 to March 2016 to a single level-IV academic neonatal intensive care unit. We reported CHD prevalence by BW and gestational age; selected in-hospital morbidities and mortality by infant BW, CHD type, and surgical intervention; and developmental outcomes by Bayley's scales of infant and toddler development, third edition (BSID-III) scores at age 2 years.

RESULTS

Among 420 infants with CHD, 28 (7%) underwent cardiac surgery. Median (25th and 75th percentiles) gestational age was 30 (range: 27-33) weeks and BW was 1,258 (range: 870-1,853) g. There were 134 of 420 (32%) extremely LBW (<1,000 g) infants, 82 of 420 (20%) were small for gestational age, and 51 of 420 (12%) multiples. Most common diagnosis: atrial septal defect (260/420, 62%), followed by congenital anomaly of the pulmonary valve (75/420, 18%). Most common surgical procedure: pulmonary artery banding (5/28, 18%), followed by the tetralogy of Fallot corrective repair (4/28, 14%). Survival to discharge was 88% overall and lower among extremely LBW (<1,000 g, 81%) infants and infants undergoing surgery (79%). Comorbidities were common (35%); retinopathy of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia were most prevalent. BSID-III scores were available on 148 of 176 (84%); any scores <85 were noted in 73 of 148 (49%), with language being most commonly affected.

CONCLUSION

Among LBW infants with congenital heart disease, hospital mortality varied by BW and cardiac diagnosis.

KEY POINTS

· In low birth weight infants with congenital heart disease, survival varied by birth weight and cardiac diagnosis.. · Overall survival was higher than previously reported.. · There were fewer morbidities than previously reported.. · Bayley's scale-III scores at 2 years of age were <85 for nearly half..

Transition to Ductal Stenting for Single Ventricle Patients Led to Improved Survival: An Institutional Case Series

BACKGROUND

The use of systemic-to-pulmonary shunts (SPS) in neonates with single ventricle heart defects and ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow (ddPBF) was historically associated with high morbidity and mortality at our center. As a result, we transitioned to the preferential use of ductus arteriosus stents (DS) when feasible. This report describes our initial results with this strategy.

METHODS

A single-center study of single ventricle patients that received DS or SPS from 2015 to 2019 was performed to assess whether DS was associated with decreased in-hospital morbidity and increased survival to stage II palliation.

RESULTS

A total of 34 patients were included (DS = 11; SPS = 23). Underlying cardiac anomalies were similar between groups and included pulmonary atresia, unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect, and tricuspid atresia. Procedure success was similar between groups (82% vs 83%). Two DS patients were converted to SPS, due to ductal vasospasm or pulmonary artery obstruction, and four SPS patients required surgical shunt revision. In DS patients, postprocedure mechanical ventilation duration was shorter (one vs three days, P = .009) and fewer required postprocedure extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (9% vs 39%, P = .11). A higher proportion of DS patients survived to stage II palliation (100% vs 64%, P = .035), and the probability of one-year survival was higher in DS patients (100% vs 61%, P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

At our center, patients with single ventricle heart defects and ddPBF that received DS experienced reduced in-hospital morbidity and increased survival to stage II palliation compared to SPS.

Implantation of a HeartMate 3 ventricular assist device in a 21-kg pediatric patient with Fontan failure

AIMS

The HeartMate 3 (HM3) ventricular assist device (VAD) is gaining popularity in adults due to a favorable risk profile. However, reports of HM3 use in children are limited, potentially due to concerns with device size.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Here we report the successful use of an HM3-VAD as a bridge to transplantation in a 21 kg (BSA 0.84), an 8-year-old male child with Fontan failure on home inotropes.

RESULTS

Urgent VAD implantation was performed. The standard adult sewing ring was used. The tricuspid valve and papillary muscles were completely excised from the ventricular cavity to prevent inflow obstruction. The pump was placed in the left pleural space. Outflow graft and driveline implantation were routine. VAD function appeared excellent with a reduction in Fontan pressures and improved kidney and liver function. Reoperation was required once to rule out tamponade and twice to evacuate a recurrent right hemothorax. The patient was discharged 3 months later in good condition and underwent successful heart transplantation 10 months after VAD placement.

DISCUSSION

This report demonstrates the feasibility of HM3-VAD implantation in a 21-kg Fontan patient, suggesting HM3 size is not a prohibitive limitation at this weight.

Initial Application of a Bicuspid Aortic Annuloplasty Ring in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Aortic stenosis and aortic insufficiency (AI) are common valvular conditions that may necessitate repair or replacement of the aortic valve. Aortic valve replacement is associated with higher long-term complications and thus, a consistent, reliable method of repair is needed. This is especially true in the pediatric population where lifelong anticoagulation and development of recurrent aortic stenosisor aortic insufficiency are especially problematic. The Hemispherical Aortic Annuloplasty Reconstruction Technology ring has been developed and used for annular stabilization in adults with success, though its efficacy in the pediatric population has yet to be demonstrated. Herein, we discuss the use of a geometric ring in aortic valve repair for the pediatric patient.

Proteomic Analysis of Infants Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass Using Contemporary Ontological Tools

BACKGROUND

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is essential for the repair of many congenital cardiac defects in infants but is associated with significant derangements in hemostasis and systemic inflammation. As a result, hemorrhagic complications and thrombosis are major challenges in the management of children requiring CPB or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Conventional clinical laboratory tests capture individual hemostatic derangements (low platelets, elevated fibrinogen) but fail to describe the complex, overlapping interactions among the various components of coagulation, including cellular interactions, contact activation, fibrinolysis, and inflammation. Given recent advances in analytic tools for identifying protein-protein interactions in the plasma proteome, we hypothesized that an unbiased proteomic analysis would help identify networks of interacting proteins for further investigation in pediatric CPB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Infants up to 1 y of age were enrolled. Plasma samples were collected at 0, 1, 4, and 24 h after CPB. Mass spectrometry was used to identify proteins undergoing changes in concentration after CPB, and STRING and ToppGene tools were used to identify biological networks. Two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis identified changes in protein concentrations. Inflammatory markers were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the same time points.

RESULTS

Ten infants with cardiac anomalies requiring surgery and CPB were enrolled; no major complications were recorded (median age, 127.5 d; interquartile range, 181.25 d). Using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis, >1400 individual protein spots were observed, and 89 proteins demonstrated change in concentration >30% with P < 0.02 when comparing 1, 4, or 24 h to baseline. Among protein spots with significant changes in concentration after CPB, 29 were identified with mass spectrometry (33%). In our interrogation of functional associations among these differentially expressed proteins, our results were dominated by the acute phase response, coagulation, and cell signaling functional categories. Among cytokines analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, IL-2, IL-8, and IL-10 were elevated at 4 h but normalized by 24 h, whereas IL-6 was persistently elevated.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants manifest a robust response to CPB that includes overlapping, complex pathways. Further investigation of interactions among immune, coagulation, and cell signaling systems may lead to novel therapeutics or biomarkers useful in the management of infants requiring CPB.

Recent Advances in Congenital Heart Surgery: Alternative Perfusion Strategies for Infant Aortic Arch Repair

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This paper will discuss current cannulation strategies for infant aortic arch repair and compare them to more traditionally used techniques.

RECENT FINDINGS

Aortic arch reconstruction in infants has traditionally involved deep hypothermic circulatory arrest which results in total body ischemia. This has been associated with an increased risk of morbidity including bleeding, renal dysfunction, and neurologic injury. Advances in perfusion techniques have allowed for preserved perfusion to the brain during arch repair. Current techniques have further evolved that allow for continuous perfusion of the heart and even the lower body during arch reconstruction. With current techniques, aortic arch reconstruction in infants can be performed with continuous perfusion to the brain, heart, and lower body. Further technical refinements will be helpful, and study is necessary to evaluate the benefit of these strategies.

Correlation between Regional Cerebral Saturation and Invasive Cardiac Index Monitoring after Heart Transplantation Surgery

The present study assessed the correlations between cerebral regional saturation detected by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and cardiac index (CI) measured by pulmonary artery catheter. This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in the cardiac intensive care unit in a tertiary care children's hospital. Patients younger than 18 years of age who underwent heart transplantation and had a pulmonary artery catheter on admission to the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit between January, 2010, and August, 2013, were included. There were no interventions. A total of 10 patients were included with median age of 14 years (range, 7-17). Indications for transplantation were dilated cardiomyopathy ( n  = 9) and restrictive cardiomyopathy ( n  = 1). Mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO 2 ), cerebral regional tissue saturation (rSO 2 ), and CI were recorded hourly for 8 to 92 hours post-transplantation. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to assess correlations between SvO 2 and cerebral rSO 2 and between CI and cerebral rSO 2 . A total of 410 data points were collected. Median, 25th and 75th percentiles of cerebral rSO 2 , CI, and SvO 2 were 65% (54-69), 2.9 L/min/m 2 (2.2-4.0), and 75% (69-79), respectively. The correlation coefficient between cerebral rSO 2 and CI was 0.104 ( p  = 0.034) and that for cerebral rSO 2 and SvO 2 was 0.11 ( p  = 0.029). The correlations between cerebral rSO 2 and CI and between cerebral rSO 2 and SvO 2 were weak. Cerebral rSO 2 as detected by NIRS may not be an accurate indicator of CI in critically ill patients.

Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Comparing the Effects of Antithrombin Versus Placebo on the Coagulation System in Infants with Low Antithrombin Undergoing Congenital Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether precardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) normalization of antithrombin levels in infants to 100% improves heparin sensitivity and anticoagulation during CPB and has beneficial effects into the postoperative period.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled prospective study.

SETTING

Multicenter study performed in 2 academic hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

The study comprised 40 infants younger than 7 months with preoperative antithrombin levels <70% undergoing CPB surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

Antithrombin levels were increased with exogenous antithrombin to 100% functional level intraoperatively before surgical incision.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Demographics, clinical variables, and blood samples were collected up to postoperative day 4. Higher first post-heparin activated clotting times (sec) were observed in the antithrombin group despite similar initial heparin dosing. There was an increase in heparin sensitivity in the antithrombin group. There was significantly lower 24-hour chest tube output (mL/kg) in the antithrombin group and lower overall blood product unit exposures in the antithrombin group as a whole. Functional antithrombin levels (%) were significantly higher in the treatment group versus placebo group until postoperative day 2. D-dimer was significantly lower in the antithrombin group than in the placebo group on postoperative day 4.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation of antithrombin in infants with low antithrombin levels improves heparin sensitivity and anticoagulation during CPB without increased rates of bleeding or adverse events. Beneficial effects may be seen into the postoperative period, reflected by significantly less postoperative bleeding and exposure to blood products and reduced generation of D-dimers.

Natural history of nonimmune-mediated thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury in pediatric open-heart surgery

OBJECTIVE

Thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury (AKI) are common following pediatric cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, the relationship between postoperative nadir platelet counts and AKI has not been investigated in the pediatric population. Our objective was to investigate this relationship and examine independent predictors of AKI.

DESIGN

After IRB approval, we performed a retrospective review of the institution's medical records and database.

SETTING

This study was performed at a single institution over a 5-year period.

PATIENTS

We included patients <21 years of age undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB.

INTERVENTIONS

Demographics, laboratory, and surgical characteristics were captured, and clinical event rates were recorded.

MEASUREMENTS

Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate platelet and creatinine distributions. T-tests and chi-squared tests were used to compare characteristics among Acute Kidney Injury Network groups. Multivariable logistic and ordinal logistic regression models were used to determine the association of our predictor of interest, postoperative nadir platelet count and AKI.

RESULTS

Eight hundred and fourteen patients (23% infants and 23% neonates) were included in the analysis. Postoperative platelet counts decreased 48% from baseline reaching a mean nadir value of 150 × 10⁹ ·l^-1 on postoperative day 3. AKI occurred in 37% of patients including 13%, 17%, and 6% with Acute Kidney Injury Network stages 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The magnitude of nadir platelet counts correlated with the severity of AKI. Independent predictors of severity of AKI include nadir platelet counts, CPB time, Aristotle score, patient weight, intra-operative packed red blood cell transfusion, and having a heart transplant procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

In pediatric open-heart surgery, thrombocytopenia and AKI occur commonly following CPB. Our findings show a strong association between nadir platelet counts and the severity of AKI.

Pulmonary Valve Replacement With a Trifecta Valve Is Associated With Reduced Transvalvular Gradient

BACKGROUND

Outcomes after surgical pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in patients with congenital cardiac disease are limited by long-term valve deterioration, which may be hastened by turbulent flow. The use of the Trifecta valve (St. Jude Medical, Little Canada, MN) at our institution (Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC) appears to result in low postimplantation transvalvular gradients. This study was performed to compare the early transvalvular gradient associated with the Trifecta valve with that associated with two other valves commonly used for PVR.

METHODS

We performed a single institution review of patients undergoing PVR with the Perimount valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA), the Biocor valve (St. Jude Medical), or the Trifecta valve between November 1993 and January 2014. Multivariable linear regression modeling was used to determine the adjusted association between valve type and transvalvular gradient as determined by early postoperative echocardiography.

RESULTS

A total of 186 patients met study criteria; 54 (29%) received a Biocor valve, 87 (47%) received a Perimount valve, and 45 (24%) received a Trifecta valve. There were no baseline differences among the groups, but the peak transvalvular gradient was significantly decreased among patients with the Trifecta valve. After adjustment for age, valve size, patients' weight, and time to the assessment, as compared with the Trifecta valve, the Biocor valve was associated with a 57% higher peak valve gradient (p < 0.01), whereas the Perimount valve was associated with a 26% higher peak valve gradient (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

PVR for congenital heart disease with the Trifecta bioprosthetic valve is associated with a reduced early transvalvular gradient. This finding may be associated with reduced valve deterioration over time.

Atrial Rhabdomyoma Resection With Extracellular Matrix Reconstruction of the Right Atrial Free Wall in an Infant

A neonate was diagnosed with a mediastinal mass after presenting with bradycardia. At surgery, she was found to have a 4-cm mass replacing most of the right atrial free wall. After tumor resection, the right atrium was reconstructed with an extracellular matrix biomaterial that supports native tissue regeneration. Her pathology revealed rhabdomyoma, which is rare in patients without tuberous sclerosis. The procedure was well tolerated but was complicated by narrowing of the superior vena cava that required dilation postoperatively.

Reduction in blood transfusion in a cohort of infants having cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass after instituting a goal-directed transfusion policy

BACKGROUND

Current trends in pediatric cardiac surgery and anesthesiology include goal-directed allogeneic blood transfusion, but few studies address the transfusion of platelets and cryoprecipitate. We report a quality improvement initiative to reduce the transfusion of platelets and cryoprecipitate in infants having cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

METHODS

Data from 50 consecutive patients weighing four to ten kilograms having cardiac surgery with CPB were prospectively collected after the institution of a policy to obtain each patient's platelet and fibrinogen levels during the rewarming phase of CPB. Data from 48 consecutive patients weighing four to ten kilograms having cardiac surgery with CPB prior to the implementation of the policy change were retrospectively collected. Demographics, laboratory values and blood product transfusion data were compared between the groups, using the Chi-square/Fisher's exact test or the T-Test/Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test, as appropriate.

RESULTS

The results showed more total blood product exposures in the control group during the time from bypass through the first twenty-four post-operative hours (median of 2 units versus 1 unit in study group, p=0.012). During the time period from CPB separation through the first post-operative day, 67% of patients in the control group received cryoprecipitate compared to 32% in the study group (p=0.0006). There was no difference in platelet exposures between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Checking laboratory results during the rewarming phase of CPB reduced cryoprecipitate transfusion by 50%. This reproducible strategy avoids empiric and potentially unnecessary transfusion in this vulnerable population.

A change in anticoagulation monitoring improves safety, reduces transfusion, and reduces costs in infants on cardiopulmonary bypass

BACKGROUND

An immature coagulation system coupled with the hypothermia and hemodilution associated with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in infants makes the activated clotting time (ACT) an ineffective monitor for anticoagulation in this population. The Medtronic HMS Plus Hemostasis Management System (HMS; Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) is shown to decrease thrombin generation and blood product requirements.

AIM

We conducted a quality improvement initiative to test our hypothesis that the use of HMS results in reduced incidence of subtherapeutic ACT values, blood product usage, and operating room time for infants undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients weighing <10 kg having cardiac surgery requiring CPB had anticoagulation managed by the HMS. Data were compared to that of 50 consecutive patients weighing <10 kg having cardiac surgery who had their anticoagulation monitored by the ACT alone. Comparisons between categorical variables were performed with chi-square tests. Comparisons between continuous variables were performed with the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Statistical significance was defined as two-tailed P value < 0.05.

RESULTS

The HMS group had a 61% decrease in incidence of ACT values <480 s and elimination of ACT values < 400 s at any time on bypass. The HMS group received fewer blood products and spent fewer minutes in the operating room after protamine administration, translating to fewer donor exposures and a savings of $403 in transfusion costs and $440 in operating room time costs.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the benefits of individualized heparinization for pediatric patients undergoing CPB with a monitored heparinization system.

Thoracoscopic resection of the left atrial appendage after failed focal atrial tachycardia ablation

BACKGROUND

This case series describes 3 patients with the unusual location of focal atrial tachycardia in the left atrial appendage who failed catheter ablation but were successfully treated by left atrial appendage resection by a totally thoracoscopic surgical technique.

METHODS

In all 3 cases, left atrial appendage resection was carried out by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery using only 3 5- to 10-mm incisions, eliminating the need for median sternotomy or thoracotomy. An endoscopic stapler was used to resect the left atrial appendage at its base, successfully eliminating the source of the patients' focal atrial tachycardia.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 84 minutes. All 3 patients tolerated the procedure without any complications and were discharged on postoperative day 3. At an average follow-up of 4.5 years, all patients remained asymptomatic and with normal ambulatory rhythm monitoring off all antiarrhythmic medications.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection of the left atrial appendage using a totally thoracoscopic approach is a safe and successful treatment option for patients who have failed endocardial catheter ablation. This novel approach utilizes smaller incisions and shorter operative times than the more invasive surgical techniques previously described in the literature.

Outcomes before and after implementation of a pediatric rapid-response extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program

BACKGROUND

Rapid-response extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (RR-ECMO) has been implemented at select centers to expedite cannulation for patients placed on ECMO during extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). In 2008, we established such a program and used it for all pediatric venoarterial ECMO initiations. This study was designed to compare outcomes before and after program implementation.

METHODS

Between 2003 and 2011, 144 pediatric patients were placed on venoarterial ECMO. Records of patients placed on ECMO before (17 ECPR and 62 non-ECPR) or after (14 ECPR and 51 non-ECPR) RR-ECMO program implementation were retrospectively compared.

RESULTS

The peak performance of the ECMO team was assessed by measuring ECMO initiation times for the ECPR patient subgroup (n = 31). There was a shift toward more ECPR initiations achieved in less than 40 minutes (24% pre-RR-ECMO versus 43% RR-ECMO; p = 0.25) and fewer requiring more than 60 minutes (47% pre-RR-ECMO versus 21% RR-ECMO; p = 0.14) after program implementation, although these changes did not reach statistical significance. After multivariable risk adjustment, RR-ECMO was associated with a 52% reduction in neurologic complications for all patients (adjusted odds ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.23 to 0.98; p = 0.04), but the risk of in-hospital death remained unchanged (adjusted odds ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.50 to 1.99; p = 0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a pediatric RR-ECMO program for venoarterial ECMO initiation was associated with reduced neurologic complications but not improved survival during the first 3 years of program implementation. These data suggest that development of a coordinated system for rapid ECMO deployment may benefit both ECPR and non-ECPR patients, but further efforts are required to improve survival.

Bioprosthetic pulmonary valve replacement: contemporary analysis of a large, single-center series of 170 cases

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to compare stented porcine and bovine pericardial valves used for pulmonary valve replacement to better define valve performance and postoperative quality of life.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent pulmonary valve replacement with a stented bioprosthesis from 1992 to 2008 was conducted. The medical records, imaging results, and quality of life questionnaires were analyzed. Differences in reintervention by valve type were determined using Cox proportional hazards models, controlling for subject age.

RESULTS

A total of 170 consecutive pulmonary valve replacements (73 stented porcine, group 1; 97 bovine pericardial, group 2) were reviewed. No significant differences were seen in patient age or implanted valve size between the groups. Surgical mortality was 1.2%. The median follow-up was 48.2 months and was longer for group 2. No significant difference was seen in the risk of reintervention by valve type (hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-2.34; P = .51). After 39 months of follow-up, pulmonary stenosis and pulmonary insufficiency that was moderate or worse were more common in patients who had undergone pulmonary valve replacement at younger than 15 years (pulmonary stenosis, 30.9% vs 10.0%, P = .003; pulmonary insufficiency, 46.2% vs 3.8%, P < .001), regardless of valve type. All patients performed well mentally and physically on the quality of life surveys.

CONCLUSIONS

The present large series of stented bioprosthetic pulmonary valve replacements has demonstrated good results, particularly in adults, at intermediate follow-up. Freedom from reintervention was similar for the porcine and pericardial valves, and our finding did not clearly demonstrate the superiority of 1 type of valve. However, the stented bioprosthetic valves were less durable in younger patients.

Risk factors for hospital morbidity and mortality after the Norwood procedure: A report from the Pediatric Heart Network Single Ventricle Reconstruction trial

OBJECTIVES

We sought to identify risk factors for mortality and morbidity during the Norwood hospitalization in newborn infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and other single right ventricle anomalies enrolled in the Single Ventricle Reconstruction trial.

METHODS

Potential predictors for outcome included patient- and procedure-related variables and center volume and surgeon volume. Outcome variables occurring during the Norwood procedure and before hospital discharge or stage II procedure included mortality, end-organ complications, length of ventilation, and hospital length of stay. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed with bootstrapping to estimate reliability for mortality.

RESULTS

Analysis included 549 subjects prospectively enrolled from 15 centers; 30-day and hospital mortality were 11.5% (63/549) and 16.0% (88/549), respectively. Independent risk factors for both 30-day and hospital mortality included lower birth weight, genetic abnormality, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and open sternum on the day of the Norwood procedure. In addition, longer duration of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was a risk factor for 30-day mortality. Shunt type at the end of the Norwood procedure was not a significant risk factor for 30-day or hospital mortality. Independent risk factors for postoperative renal failure (n = 46), sepsis (n = 93), increased length of ventilation, and hospital length of stay among survivors included genetic abnormality, lower center/surgeon volume, open sternum, and post-Norwood operations.

CONCLUSIONS

Innate patient factors, ECMO, open sternum, and lower center/surgeon volume are important risk factors for postoperative mortality and/or morbidity during the Norwood hospitalization.

A Rare Coronary Collateral in Pulmonary Atresia and Intact Septum With Coronary Sinusoids

A neonate with pulmonary atresia and intract ventricular septum, ventriculocoronary sinusoids, bilateral coronary ostial atresia, and a rare collateral vessel between the descending thoracic aorta and the coronary system is described. The clinical course in this infant included extracorporeal life support and coil occlusion of the collateral in order to manage multiple ischemic events.

Pediatric Ventricular Assist Devices: The Future (as of 2011)

In the last decade, there have been enormous advances in the field of pediatric-specific mechanical circulatory support. In the past, small children requiring bridge to transplant or recovery were limited to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Now, in various stages of development, there are several devices that offer the promise of the same quality of support enjoyed by older teenagers and adolescents, with the potential to substantially reduce transplant waiting list mortality and optimize transplant outcomes. Advances have been driven by both industry and, for the first time, by funding from the US National Institutes of Health.

Clinical impact of concomitant tricuspid valve procedures during left ventricular assist device implantation

BACKGROUND

Almost 50% of patients referred for implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) have significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Preoperative TR is associated with negative outcomes but the clinical benefit of concomitant tricuspid valve procedures has not been extensively studied.

METHODS

One hundred fifteen patients, undergoing implantable LVADs, were identified as having significant TR by echocardiography prior to their surgical procedure. Patients underwent either LVAD alone (n = 81) versus LVAD plus concomitant tricuspid procedures (n = 34) (29 annuloplasty ring repairs and 5 bioprosthetic replacements.) Preoperative characteristics and hemodynamics, as well as TR severity and clinical outcomes were retrospectively determined from chart and database review and compared for the two groups.

RESULTS

Preoperative characteristics and hemodynamics were similar for the two groups. Postoperative TR was markedly reduced for the group undergoing concomitant procedures versus LVAD alone. A temporary right ventricular assist device was required for only one of the 34 cases in which concomitant tricuspid procedures were performed; for patients undergoing LVAD alone, 8 of 81 required right ventricular assist devices. Mean duration of postoperative inotrope utilization was increased for the LVAD alone group versus the group with concomitant tricuspid procedures (10.0 vs 8.0 days, respectively, p = 0.04). The incidence of postoperative renal dysfunction was increased for the LVAD alone group (39%) versus concomitant procedures (21%) (p = 0.05). The LVAD alone group also had a greater mean postimplant length of hospitalization versus the concomitant procedures group (26.0 vs 19.0 days, p = 0.02). Finally, there was a trend toward improved survival for the group with concomitant tricuspid procedures versus LVAD alone.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with significant TR undergoing implantable LVAD procedures, concomitant tricuspid procedures are associated with improved early clinical outcomes.

Anomalous Aortic Origin of a Coronary Artery: Preoperative Diagnosis and Surgical Planning

Background: Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA), the anomalous coronary artery arises from an inappropriate coronary sinus and travels between the aorta and pulmonary artery. Proper surgical management depends upon correct diagnosis and accurate characterization of the origin and course of the coronary artery. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has been the mainstay for diagnosis, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomographic angiography (CTA) have been increasingly utilized. In this study, we report the largest series of surgically repaired AAOCA and accuracy of preoperative diagnostic studies. Methods: A review of 53 consecutive patients (mean age 13.9 years, range 4-65 years) undergoing repair of an AAOCA from 1995 to 2009 was performed. In all, 40 patients were identified with an anomalous right coronary artery (ARCA) from the left sinus of Valsalva, 13 patients had an anomalous left coronary artery (ALCA) arising from the opposite sinus. Symptoms of angina or syncope were present in 58% and 46% of cases with ARCA and ALCA, respectively. Results of preoperative diagnostic testing were compared to actual surgical findings to determine the accuracy of the tests. Results: Lack of an intramural course was observed intraoperatively in 7 cases (5 ARCA and 2 ALCA). Preoperative TTE accurately predicted whether the AAOCA was intramural or extramural in 49 (92.5%) of 53 cases. Magnetic resonance imaging was predictive in 5 (83.3%) of 6 patients and CTA in 11 (64.7%) of 17. Survival was 100%. Complications occurred in 4 (7.5%) of 53 patients (mean follow-up 29 months). Patency was confirmed in 97.7% with TTE, and 23 (95.8%) of 24 patients had a negative postoperative functional study. Conclusions: Transthoracic echocardiography was found to be very accurate at defining the presence or absence of an intramural course in AAOCA. Both MRI and CTA can provide additional information but may not be as accurate as TTE.

Center variation in hospital costs for patients undergoing congenital heart surgery

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart disease consumes significant health care resources; however, there are limited data regarding factors affecting resource utilization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate variation between centers in total hospital costs for 4 congenital heart operations of varying complexity and associated factors.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Premier Database was used to evaluate total cost in children undergoing isolated atrial septal defect (ASD) repair, ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair, tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair, or arterial switch operation (ASO) from 2001 to 2007. Mixed models were used to evaluate the impact of center on total hospital costs adjusting for patient and center characteristics and length of stay. A total of 2124 patients were included: 719 ASD (19 centers), 792 VSD (20 centers), 420 TOF (17 centers), and 193 ASO (13 centers). Total cost increased with complexity of operation from median $12 761 (ASD repair) to $55 430 (ASO). In multivariable analysis, models that accounted for center effects versus those that did not performed significantly better for all 4 surgeries (all P≤0.01). The proportion of total cost variation explained by center was 19% (ASD repair), 11% (VSD repair), 6% (TOF repair), and 3% (ASO). Higher-volume centers had significantly lower hospital costs for ASD and VSD repair but not for TOF repair and ASO.

CONCLUSIONS

Total hospital costs varied significantly by center for all congenital heart surgeries evaluated, even after adjustment for patient and center characteristics and length of stay. Differences among centers were most prominent for lower complexity procedures.

Impact of tricuspid valve regurgitation in patients treated with implantable left ventricular assist devices

BACKGROUND

The progression of tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) and the impact of preoperative TR on postoperative outcomes in patients having left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation has not been studied.

METHODS

One hundred seventy-six consecutive implantable LVAD procedures were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 137 patients comprised the final study group with complete preimplant characteristics, before and after echocardiogram assessment of TR, and outcomes data. Patients were divided into two groups: insignificant TR (iTR) consisting of those with preimplant TR grades of none, trace, and mild; and significant TR (sTR) consisting of those with moderate and severe TR grades.

RESULTS

Relative to patients with iTR, patients with sTR were younger (53.6±12.8 versus 58.4±10.0 years, p=0.02) and more commonly had nonischemic cardiomyopathies (69% versus 38%, p<0.001). The preimplant incidence of iTR and sTR was 51% and 49%. Immediately after the LVAD implant procedure, TR did not significantly change. At late follow-up (156±272 days), 32% had moderate or severe TR. Also, 41% of the original sTR group persisted with moderate or severe TR. Relative to patients with iTR, patients with sTR required longer postimplant intravenous inotropic support (8.5 versus 5.0 days, p=0.02), more commonly required a temporary right ventricular assist device, and had a longer postimplant length of hospital stay (27.0 versus 20.0 days, p=0.03). There was also a trend toward decreased survival for sTR versus iTR (log rank=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Tricuspid regurgitation is not reduced immediately after LVAD implantation. Significant TR is associated with longer postimplant inotropic support and length of hospital stay.

Successful extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure in an infant with DiGeorge anomaly, following thymus transplantation

We report the first successful use of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for refractory respiratory failure in an infant with DiGeorge anomaly, following thymus transplantation. A 23-month-old female with complete immune-incompetent DiGeorge anomaly 65 days after allogenic thymus transplantation was treated in our pediatric intensive care unit for acute respiratory failure secondary to bacterial sepsis. She subsequently developed acute hypercarbic respiratory failure unresponsive to conventional medical therapy. She was successfully managed with venovenous ECMO for 4 days, with complete resolution of her respiratory symptoms. This case demonstrates the complex decision making process regarding initiation of ECMO in patients with severe immunodeficiency.

Arrhythmias in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome

BACKGROUND

Mortality between stage I and II palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) has been associated with arrhythmias. The stage-related proportion, associations, and clinical impact of arrhythmias in patients with HLHS have not been evaluated. In addition, arrhythmia subtypes have not been described in this patient group.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients at Duke University Medical Center who received one or more palliative stages for HLHS from September 2000 to October 2008.

RESULTS

Overall, 49 (57%) of 86 patients had 63 arrhythmias. The majority of arrhythmias occurred between stage I and II, with 44 (51%) of 86 patients manifesting a new arrhythmia. Arrhythmias occurring in this interval tended to be associated with a higher mortality compared with arrhythmias occurring after stage II (odds ratio = 3.2 [95% CI 0.84-12.0], P = .09). Overall mortality was similar in patients with and without arrhythmias (P = .99). Supraventricular tachycardia was the most common arrhythmia (16/63; 25%), but persistent bradycardias (sinus node dysfunction or high-grade atrioventricular block) had the worst clinical outcome with 73% mortality (8/11). There was no association between arrhythmia occurrence and degree of tricuspid regurgitation, left ventricular hypertension, genetic syndrome, type of stage I operation, or need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

CONCLUSIONS

A large proportion of patients with HLHS experience serious arrhythmias requiring therapy, especially between stage I and II. Persistent bradycardia following stage I is associated with a high mortality rate. Considering all arrhythmia patients, overall mortality was not different compared with the arrhythmia-free group.

Corticosteroids and outcome in children undergoing congenital heart surgery: analysis of the Pediatric Health Information Systems database

BACKGROUND

Children undergoing congenital heart surgery often receive corticosteroids with the aim of reducing the inflammatory response after cardiopulmonary bypass; however, the value of this approach is unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Pediatric Health Information Systems Database was used to evaluate outcomes associated with corticosteroids in children (0 to 18 years of age) undergoing congenital heart surgery at 38 US centers from 2003 to 2008. Propensity scores were constructed to account for potential confounders: age, sex, race, prematurity, genetic syndrome, type of surgery (Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery [RACHS-1] category), center, and center volume. Multivariable analysis, adjusting for propensity score and individual covariates, was performed to evaluate in-hospital mortality, postoperative length of stay, duration of ventilation, infection, and use of insulin. A total of 46 730 children were included; 54% received corticosteroids. In multivariable analysis, there was no difference in mortality among corticosteroid recipients and nonrecipients (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.98 to 1.30). Corticosteroids were associated with longer length of stay (least square mean difference, 2.18 days; 95% confidence interval, 1.62 to 2.74 days), greater infection (odds ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 1.46), and greater use of insulin (odds ratio, 2.45; 95% confidence interval, 2.24 to 2.67). There was no difference in duration of ventilation. In analysis stratified by RACHS-1 category, no significant benefit was seen in any group, and the association of corticosteroids with increased morbidity was most prominent in RACHS-1 categories 1 through 3.

CONCLUSION

In this observational analysis of children undergoing congenital heart surgery, we were unable to demonstrate a significant benefit associated with corticosteroids and found that corticosteroids may be associated with increased morbidity, particularly in lower-risk patients.

Intraoperative device closure of postinfarction ventricular septal defects

Postinfarction ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are associated with high mortality and typically these are treated urgently with surgery for exclusion patch repair. Percutaneous closure of postinfarction VSDs using occlusion devices is feasible in some patients, but in some cases device deployment may not be possible due to VSD anatomy or valvular apparatus interference. We report the novel technique of deploying Amplatzer VSD devices in the operating room under direct vision through a right atriotomy with and without aortotomy in 2 patients with large inferobasal VSDs after myocardial infarction.

Two-stage total cardioaortic replacement for end-stage heart and aortic disease in Marfan syndrome: case report and review of the literature

A 24-year-old man with Marfan syndrome underwent mitral valve repair for prolapse at age 13. He sustained an acute type A aortic dissection at age 20 and underwent aortic root/ascending aortic replacement with a mechanical valved conduit. He initially did well after the latter procedure, but end-stage heart disease developed 4 years later, apparently secondary to primary cardiomyopathy. Pre-transplant evaluation revealed residual chronic dissection with aneurysmal dilatation of the distal ascending aorta, transverse arch, and descending thoracic aorta. He underwent combined orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) and total arch replacement (stage I elephant trunk procedure). Subsequently, he underwent extent II thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair, leaving no residual aortic disease. The 2 procedures resulted in total cardioaortic replacement, thus definitively managing his cardiomyopathy and aortic disease resulting from Marfan syndrome. The operative strategies employed represent a novel approach in this clinical setting. This report emphasizes that patients with this disease should not be denied potentially life-saving OHT on the basis of concomitant aortic disease, but rather should be treated in centers offering expertise in both areas of surgical therapy.

Use of the monoplane intracardiac imaging probe in high-risk infants during congenital heart surgery

Imaging options are limited in high-risk infants with small or abnormal oropharyngeal anatomy during congenital heart surgery.

METHODS

All cases in which the monoplane intracardiac echo probe was used for transesophageal intraoperative imaging over a 15-month period at a single institution were reviewed.

RESULTS

Eleven patients underwent intraoperative imaging using the intracardiac probe. Patient weight ranged from 1.96 kg to 4 kg. Adequate images of the anatomy relevant to the surgical repair were obtained in all cases. No adverse events related to probe use occurred.

CONCLUSION

Transesophageal echocardiography using the monoplane intracardiac echo probe provides safe and effective imaging in patients who are not candidates for standard transesophageal echocardiography.