Pacemaker after Sutureless and Rapid-Deployment Prostheses: A Progress Report from the SURD-IR

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the need for postoperative permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) following sutureless and rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement (SuRD-AVR) in the context of a progress report from a large multicenter international registry (SURD-IR).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 4,166 patients who underwent SuRD-AVR between 2008 and 2019. The primary outcome was the need for PPI before discharge. The study population was analyzed separately according to the implanted prostheses (Su cohort and RD cohort). Each cohort was divided into two groups based on the operation date: an early group ("EG" = 2008-2016) and a late group ("LG" = 2017-2019).

RESULTS

The rate of PPI decreased significantly in the Su cohort over time (EG = 10.8% vs LG = 6.3%, p < 0.001). In the Su cohort, a decrease in age, risk profile, and incidence of bicuspid aortic valve, increased use of anterior right thoracotomy, reduction of cardiopulmonary bypass time and of associated procedures, and more frequent use of smaller prostheses were observed over time. In the RD cohort, the rate of PPI was stable over time (EG = 8.8% vs LG = 9.3%, p = 0.8). In this cohort, a younger age, lower risk profile, and higher incidence of concomitant septal myectomy were observed over time.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis showed a significant decrease in the PPI rate in patients who underwent Su-AVR over time. Patient selection as well as surgical improvements and a more accurate sizing could be correlated with this phenomenon. The RD cohort revealed no significant differences either in patient's characteristics or in PPI rate between the two time periods.

Aortic Root Surgery in Adults: An Unsolved Problem

Nowadays, despite the rapid advancements in interventional cardiology, open surgery still deals with aortic root diseases, to assure the best "ad hoc" treatment. In case of middle-aged adult patients, the optimal operation still represents a matter of debate. A review of the last 10-year literature was conducted, focusing on patients below 65 to 70 years of age. Because of the small sample and the heterogeneity of the papers, no metanalysis was possible. Bentall-de Bono procedure, valve sparing, and Ross operations are the surgical options currently available. The main issues in the Bentall - de Bono operation are lifelong anticoagulation therapy and cavitation in case of mechanical prosthesis implantation and structural valve degeneration in case of biological Bentall. As transcatheter procedures are currently performed as valve in valve, biological prosthesis may be preferable, if the diameter may prevent postoperative high gradients. Conservative techniques, such as remodeling and reimplantation, preferred in the young, guarantee physiologic aortic root dynamics and impose surgical analysis of the aortic root structures to get a durable result. The Ross operation, which shows excellent performance, involves autologous pulmonary valve implantation and is performed only in experienced and high-volume centers. Due to its technical difficulty, it requires a steep learning curve and presents some limitations in specific aortic valve diseases. All three have advantages and downsides, and no ideal solution has still been reported.

The influence of metabolic syndrome in heart valve intervention. A multi-centric study

BACKGROUND

The effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS), defined as insulin resistance along with two or more of: obesity, atherogenic dyslipidaemia and elevated blood pressure, on postoperative complications after isolated heart valve intervention remains controversial. We hypothesized that MetS may negatively influence the postoperative course in these patients.

METHODS

Patients from 10 cardiac units who underwent isolated valve intervention (mitral± $\pm $  tricuspid repair/replacement (mitral valve surgery [MVS]) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) were included. MetS was defined according to the World Health Organization criteria. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality and overall postoperative length of stay (LOS). Relevant postoperative complications were also recorded.

RESULTS

From 2010 to 2019, 17,283 patients underwent valve intervention. The MVS, SVAR, and TAVR accounted for the 39.4%, 48.2%, and 12.3% respectively of the whole. MetS compared to no-MetS was associated to higher mortality in the MVS group (6.5% vs. 2%, p < .001), but not in the SAVR and TAVR group. In both surgical cohorts, MetS was associated with increased complications including red blood cells transfusion, renal failure, mechanical ventilation time, intensive care and overall postoperative LOS (11 (9) vs. 10 (6), p < .001 and 10 (6) versus 10 (5) days, p = .002, MVS and [SAVR]). No differences were found in the TAVR cohort, with similar mortality and complications.

CONCLUSION

MetS was associated to more postoperative complications, with higher mortality in the MVS group. In the TAVR cohort, postoperative complications and mortality rate did not differ between patients with and without MetS, however LOS was longer in the MetS group.

Right ventricle remodeling after transcatheter tricuspid leaflet repair in patients with functional tricuspid regurgitation: Lessons from the surgical experience

Clinically significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is common and associated with excess mortality. At the same time right ventricular (RV) failure is a complex clinical syndrome that results from many causes, but is often associated with long-term prognosis. Whilst results of isolated tricuspid valve (TV) surgery are often unsatisfactory and limited by the prohibitive risk of most patients, the recent development of percutaneous recovery techniques has opened new scenarios. In consideration of the complexity of the mechanisms that lead to right heart failure and RV dysfunction it is important to understand the real advantages that percutaneous TV treatment can offer, more specifically the effect of TR reduction on RV remodeling in the setting of functional tricuspid regurgitation (fTR).

A Retrospective multicenter Study on Dalbavancin Effectiveness and cost-evaluation In Sternotomic Wound Infection Treatment. DALBA SWIT-Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of dalbavancin compared with standard of care (SoC) treatment as daptomycin or teicoplanin in patients with sternal wound infections (SWI).

METHODS

Multicentre retrospective study of patients diagnosed with SWI from January 2016 to December 2019 at two cardiac surgery facilities treated with dalbavancin, teicoplanin or daptomycin. Patients with SWI treated with dalbavancin were compared with SoC to evaluate resolution of infection at 90 and 180 days from infection diagnosis, length of stay (LoS) and management costs.

RESULTS

48 patients with SWI were enrolled, 25 (50%) male, median age 67 (60-73) years, Charlson index score 5 (4-7). Fiftheen patients were treated with dalbavancin (31%), and 33 with SoC (69%): teicoplanin in 21 (63%), and daptomycin in 12 (37%). Staphylococcus species were the most frequent isolates (44, 92%), mostly (84%) resistant to methicillin. All patients were treated with surgical debridement followed by negative pressure wound therapy. Wound healing at day 90 and 180 was achieved in 46 (95.8%) and 34 (82.9%) of patients, respectively. A shorter length of hospitalization in patients treated with dalbavancin compared with SoC [12 (7-18) days vs 22 (12-36) days, p:0.009] was found. Treatment with dalbavancin resulted in total cost savings of 16026 € (95%CI 5976 - 26076, p<0.001). Savings were mainly related to the LoS that was significantly shorter in the dalbavancin group generating significantly lower cost as compared to SoC group.

CONCLUSIONS

Dalbavancin treatment of sternal wound infections is effective and seems to reduce hospitalization length, leading to significantly lower costs.

Sutureless and Rapid Deployment Versus Sutured Aortic Valve Replacement: a Propensity Matched Comparison from the Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry

OBJECTIVE

To compare procedural and in-hospital outcomes of patients undergoing sutureless (Perceval, Livanova PLC, London, UK) and rapid deployment (Intuity Elite, Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, USA) aortic valve replacement (group 1) versus sutured aortic valve replacement (group 2).

METHODS

Patients receiving isolated aortic valve replacement between 2014 and 2020 were analysed using data from the Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry. Patients in group 1 and group 2 were propensity-score matched in a 1:1 ratio.

RESULTS

A total of 7708 patients were included in the study. After matching, 2 groups of 2643 each were created. Patients in group 1 were more likely to undergo minimally invasive approaches and were associated with shorter operative times when compared with group 2. Overall in-hospital mortality was similar between groups. While an increased risk of stroke was observed in group 1 in the first study period (2014-2016) (relative risk 3.76, p < 0.001), no difference was found in more recent year period (relative risk 1.66, p = 0.08)(p for heterogeneity 0.003). Group 1 was associated with reduced rates of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome, atrial fibrillation and mild aortic regurgitation. New pacemaker implant was three-fold higher in group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed significant differences in procedural and clinical outcomes between the study groups. These results suggest that sutureless and rapid deployment aortic valve replacement should be considered as part of a comprehensive valve program. The knowledge of the respective post-aortic valve replacement benefits for different valve technologies may result in patient-tailored valve selection with improved clinical outcomes.

Periareolar approach in female patients undergoing mitral and tricuspid valve surgery: An almost invisible surgical access

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Periareolar minithoracotomy represents an interesting option in minimally invasive cardiac surgery and it is our preferred approach for women. Our aim is to assess the results in female patients, in terms of nipple postoperative pain, local sensitivity, and eventual alterations in mammography after surgery.

METHODS

Fifty-seven female patients underwent periareolar incision, as minithoracotomy approach, from December 2018 to December 2021. Their mean age was 56 ± 12 years, their body mass index was 22.5 ± 4.8; their surgery was elective in 93%, with mean Euroscore II about 2 ± 1.3.

RESULTS

Of 57 patients, 87.7% (50 patients) underwent mitral valve repair, whose six with associated procedures; 8.8% (five patients) underwent mitral valve replacement whose two with tricuspid annuloplasty associated and 3.5% (two patients) had isolated tricuspid surgery. The cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp time were 123.2 ± 30.2 and 101.3 ± min respectively. There were no conversions to either full sternotomy or larger thoracotomy approach. There were no in-hospital and follow-up deaths. No strokes or wound infections were observed. Mean follow-up was 16± 9 months. Within the investigated follow-up, 100% of the patients were satisfied with the esthetic result, no remarkable postoperative pain was reported, two patients had slight hyposensitivity in the nipple area. About 50% IThad mammography as prevention screening after surgery and no abnormalities were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Periareolar minithoracotomy is a feasible surgical option in female patients, with excellent healing and cosmetic results and preserving the tissues of the mammary gland.

Impact of comorbidities on older patients undergoing open heart surgery

BACKGROUND

The number of elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery is increasing. Age greater than 80 years has been identified as a strong independent risk factor for shortand long-term survival. The current study is aimed to identify the impact of preoperative comorbidities on early and late outcomes in older patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS

Baseline characteristics, procedurals and postoperative complications of all patients undergoing cardiac surgery at our institution are collected. The current analysis is focused on patients aged at least 80 years at the time of intervention and treated from January 2010 to December 2019.

RESULTS

In-hospital mortality resulted as 6.3%. Redo intervention [odds ratio (OR) 2.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-5.48], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.75-5.12) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.30-3.81) were independent baseline predictors of outcome in the multivariate analysis. Prolonged extracorporeal circulation time, need for transfusion and prolonged intubation time strongly and independently predicted in-hospital mortality. During a mean follow-up of 3.6 years 34.3% of patients died and unplanned admission (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.05-1.67), NYHA class III-IV (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.12-1.64), diabetes (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.01-1.59), COPD (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.25-2.04) and PAD (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.03-1.71) resulted as independent predictors of all-cause death.

CONCLUSION

Cardiac surgery is feasible in octogenarians, with an acceptable risk of mortality. Chronological age itself should not be the main determinant of choice while referring patients for cardiac surgical intervention. Comorbidities such as COPD, PAD and diabetes need to be taken into account for risk stratification.

Surgical aortic valve replacement for low-gradient aortic stenosis

AIMS

Low-gradient aortic stenosis is a challenging entity that needs accurate preoperative evaluation. For this high-risk patient population, ad hoc predictive scores are not available and profile risk is currently revealed by the EuroSCOREs. Aims of this study are to verify the suitability of the ES II as predictor of mortality in low-gradient aortic stenosis and to analyse the role of surgery as a treatment.

METHODS

From June 2013 to August 2019, 414 patients underwent surgical aortic valve replacement for low-gradient aortic stenosis. Mean age was 75.78 ± 6.77 years and 190 were women. The prognostic value of Logistic EuroSCORE and EuroSCORE II were compared by receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

In-hospital, 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were respectively 3.4, 2.9 and 4.8% (14, 12 and 20 patients over 414). In-hospital mortality risk calculated by the Additive EuroSCORE was 7.2 ± 2.7%, by the Logistic EuroSCORE was 9 ± 5.2% and by the ES II was 4.13 ± 2.56%. The prognostic values of the EuroSCORE II and of the EuroSCORE were analysed in a ROC curve analysis for the prediction of in-hospital mortality [area under the curve (AUC): 0.62 vs. 0.58], 30-day mortality (AUC: 0.63 vs. 0.64) and 1-year mortality (AUC: 0.79 vs. 0.65). Both scores did not show significant differences with the only exception of 1-year mortality, for which EuroSCORE II had a better predictive ability than the Logistic EuroSCORE (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In low-gradient aortic stenosis undergoing surgery, the EuroSCORE II is a strong predictor of 1-year mortality.

Standardized Aortic Valve Neocuspidization for Treatment of Aortic Valve Diseases

BACKGROUND

Aortic valve replacement is the traditional surgical treatment for aortic valve diseases, yet standardized aortic valve neocuspidization (AVNeo) is a promising alternative that is gaining popularity. The purpose of this article is to review the available published literature of AVNeo using glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium, also known as the Ozaki procedure, including indications, outcomes, potential benefits, and modes of failure for the reconstructed valve.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed using keywords related to aortic valve repair, AVNeo, or Ozaki procedure. All articles describing performance of AVNeo were reviewed.

RESULTS

Reported early mortality after AVNeo varies from 0% to 5.88%. The largest cohort of patients in the literature includes 850 patients with an inhospital mortality rate of 1.88%. Cumulative incidence of aortic valve reoperation was 4.2% in the largest series. Reoperation was uncommon and mainly due to infective endocarditis or degeneration of the reconstructed valve (most commonly due to aortic valve regurgitation, rather than stenosis).

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic valve neocuspidization is a versatile and standardized alternative to aortic valve replacement with a biological prosthesis. Early to midterm outcomes from a number of centers are excellent and demonstrate the safety and durability of the procedure. Long-term outcomes and clinical trial data are necessary to determine which patients benefit the most from this procedure.

Sex-specific differences and postoperative outcomes of minimally invasive and sternotomy valve surgery

OBJECTIVES

Female sex is an established risk factor for postoperative complications after heart surgery, but the influence of sex on outcomes after minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) for valvular replacement/repair remains controversial. We examined whether the role of sex as a risk factor varies by surgical approach [MICS vs conventional sternotomy (ST)] and further assessed outcomes among female patients including in-hospital mortality and postoperative complications by surgical approach.

METHODS

We analysed data from a multicentre registry for patients who underwent isolated aortic valve and mitral surgery with MICS or ST. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Propensity score matching was used to minimize between-group differences.

RESULTS

Among the 15 155 patients included in the study, 7674 underwent MICS (50.6%). Female sex was equally distributed in the MICS and ST groups (47.3% vs 47.6%, respectively). Risk for surgery was higher in the ST group than in the MICS group {EuroSCORE II: 4.0 [standard deviation (SD): 6.8] vs 3.7 [SD: 6.4]; P = 0.005}, including among female patients only [ST vs MICS 4.6 (SD: 6.9) vs 4.2 (SD: 6.3); P = 0.04]. Mortality did not significantly vary by procedure among women [MICS vs ST, 2.4% vs 2.8%; hazard ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval 0.71-1.73; P (surgical approach × sex) = 0.51]. The results also did not vary after adjusting for confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Female sex was associated with higher mortality in patients undergoing valve surgery, regardless of surgical approach. In female patients, MICS did not provide any benefits over ST in terms of in-hospital deaths or postoperative complications.

SUBJECT COLLECTION

117, 125.

Sutureless versus rapid deployment aortic valve replacement: results from a multicentric registry

BACKGROUND

To compare clinical and hemodynamic in-hospital outcomes of patients undergoing sutureless versus rapid deployment aortic valve replacement (SURD-AVR) in the large population of the Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry (SURD-IR).

METHODS

We examined 4695 patients who underwent isolated or combined SURD-AVR. The "sutureless" Perceval valve was used in 3133 patients and the "rapid deployment" Intuity in 1562. Potential confounding factors were addressed by the use of propensity score matching. After matching, 2 well-balanced cohorts of 823 pairs (isolated SURD-AVR) and 467 pairs (combined SURD-AVR) were created.

RESULTS

Patients who received Perceval and Intuity valves showed similar in-hospital mortality and rate of major postoperative complications. Perceval was associated shorter cross clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass time. In the isolated SURD-AVR group, patients receiving Perceval were more likely to undergo anterior right thoracotomy incision. Postoperative transvalvular gradients were significantly lower for the Intuity valve compared to those of the Perceval valve, either in isolated and combined SURD-AVR. The Intuity valve was associated with a lower rate of postoperative mild aortic regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm the safety and efficacy of SURD-AVR regardless of the valve type. The Perceval valve was associated with reduced operative times and increased anterior right thoracotomy incision. The Intuity valve showed superior hemodynamic outcomes and a lower incidence of postoperative mild aortic regurgitation.

Sutureless versus transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A multicenter analysis of "real-world" data

BACKGROUND

Recent data suggested that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be indicated also for low-risk patients. However, robust evidence is still lacking, particularly regarding valve performance at follow-up that confers a limitation to its use in young patients. Moreover, a literature gap exists in terms of 'real-world' data analysis. The aim of this study is to compare the cost-effectiveness of sutureless aortic valve replacement (SuAVR) versus transfemoral TAVR.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data were retrieved from a centralized database of nine cardiac surgery centers between 2010 and 2018. Follow-up was completed in June 2019. A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Patients in the TAVR group (n=1002) were older and with more comorbidities than SuAVR patients (n=443). The PSM analysis generated 172 pairs. No differences were recorded between groups in 30-day mortality [SuAVR vs TAVR: n=7 (4%) vs n=5 (2.9%); p=0.7] and need for pacemaker implant [n=10 (5.8%) vs n=20 (11.6%); p=0.1], but costs were lower in the SuAVR group (20486.6±4188€ vs 24181.5±3632€; p<0.01). Mean follow-up was 1304±660 days. SuAVR patients had a significantly higher probability of survival than TAVR patients (no. of fatal events: 22 vs 74; p<0.014). Median follow-up was 2231 days and 2394 days in the SuAVR and TAVR group, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of aortic valve stenosis with surgical sutureless or transcatheter prostheses is safe and effective. By comparing the two approaches, patients who can undergo surgery after heart team evaluation show longer lasting results and a more favorable cost ratio.

Impairment of mitophagy and autophagy accompanies calcific aortic valve stenosis favoring cell death and the severity of disease

AIMS

In the last 15 years, some observations tried to shed light on the dysregulation of the cellular self-digestion process in calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS), but the results obtained remain still controversial. This work is aimed to definitively establish the trend of autophagy in patients affected by CAVS, to analyze the putative involvement of other determinants which impact on the mitochondrial quality control mechanisms and to explore possible avenues for pharmacological interventions in the treatment of CAVS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This observational study, performed exclusively in ex vivo human samples (cells and serum), by using biochemical approaches and correlations with clinical data, describes new biological features of the calcified valve in terms of mitochondrial dysfunctions. In detail, we unveiled a significant deficiency in mitochondrial respiration and in ATP production coupled to increased production of lactates. In addition, mitochondrial population in the pathologic group is aged with significant alterations in biogenesis and mitophagy pathways. We are also reporting an updated view about autophagy accompanying the calcification process and advanced stages of the disease. We provided evidence for a rapamycin-based therapeutic strategy to revert the calcified phenotype to the wild type one.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that the Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis phenotype is featured by defects in mitochondrial quality control mechanisms and that autophagy is not activated enough to counteract cell death and sustain cell functions. Thus, boosting autophagy and mitophagy from short to long-term revert quite all pathological phenotypes.

TRANSLATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

The findings from this study provide evidence for new molecular targets involving mitochondrial quality control mechanisms becoming dysregulated in CAVS. These pathways should be considered as amenable for a combination of new therapies in humans for three reasons: i) no pharmacological treatments are still available to slow down the development of advanced CAVS, ii) being calcification a recurring pathway and iii) the targets proposed are druggable by existing drugs used in the clinic for different purposes. This work also suggests a serum biomarker to be highly related to the stage of disease and the calcification grade of the valve.

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

OBJECTIVES

Sutureless aortic valve prostheses have been introduced to facilitate the implant process, speed up the operating time and improve haemodynamic performance. The goal of this study was to assess the potential advantages of using sutureless prostheses during minimally invasive aortic valve replacement in a large multicentre population.

METHODS

From 2011 to 2019, a total of 3402 patients in 11 hospitals underwent isolated aortic valve replacement with minimal access approaches using a bioprosthesis. A total of 475 patients received sutureless valves; 2927 received standard valves. The primary outcome was the incidence of 30-day deaths. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of major complications following procedures performed with sutureless or standard bioprostheses. Propensity matched comparisons was performed based on a multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The annual number of sutureless valve implants increased over the years. The matching procedure paired 430 sutureless with 860 standard aortic valve replacements. A total of 0.7% and 2.1% patients with sutureless and standard prostheses, respectively, died within 30 days (P = 0.076). Cross-clamp times [48 (40-62) vs 63 min (48-74); P = 0.001] and need for blood transfusions (27.4% vs 33.5%; P = 0.022) were lower in patients with sutureless valves. No difference in permanent pacemaker insertions was observed in the overall population (3.3% vs 4.4% in the standard and sutureless groups; P = 0.221) and in the matched groups (3.6% vs 4.7% in the standard and sutureless groups; P = 0.364).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of sutureless prostheses is advantageous and facilitates the adoption of a minimally invasive approach, reducing cardiac arrest time and the number of blood transfusions. No increased risk of permanent pacemaker insertion was observed.

Coronary spasm: unpredictability and safety in treatment key role of hybrid setting

The present case highlights the crucial role of hybrid setting for diagnosis and treatment of refractory coronary spasms.

A naturally occurring mutation in ATP synthase subunit c is associated with increased damage following hypoxia/reoxygenation in STEMI patients

Preclinical models of ischemia/reperfusion injury (RI) demonstrate the deleterious effects of permeability transition pore complex (PTPC) opening in the first minutes upon revascularization of the occluded vessel. The ATP synthase c subunit (Csub) influences PTPC activity in cells, thus impacting tissue injury. A conserved glycine-rich domain in Csub is classified as critical because, when mutated, it modifies ATP synthase properties, protein interaction with the mitochondrial calcium (Ca²⁺) uniporter complex, and the conductance of the PTPC. Here, we document the role of a naturally occurring mutation in the Csub-encoding ATP5G1 gene at the G87 position found in two ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients and how PTPC opening is related to RI in patients affected by the same disease. We report a link between the expression of ATP5G1^G87E and the response to hypoxia/reoxygenation of human cardiomyocytes, which worsen when compared to those expressing the wild-type protein, and a positive correlation between PTPC and RI.

Use of a negative pressure wound therapy system over closed incisions option in preventing post-sternotomy wound complications

Post-sternotomy surgical site infections may be serious complications responsible for increased morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay. A variety of wound-healing strategies can be used over closed surgical incisions, including negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). The aim of the study is to assess sternal wound complications after heart surgery using NPWT in patients at risk for surgical site complication. Considered risk factors affecting wound healing were type 2 diabetes, Body Mass Index (BMI) >30, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic renal failure (CRF) and myocardial revascularization by double mammary artery harvesting. With these premises, 90 patients were selected: 30 patients received traditional gauze dressings, 30 advanced dressings (hydrocolloid and carboxymethyl cellulose) and 30 patients NPWT. Thirty-four patients (37.7%) had two risk factors, 41 patients (45.5%) were affected by three risk factors and 15 patients (16.6%) by four risk factors. The NPWT group had lower rates of diabetes and CRF and only one patient presented four risk factors. With regard to surgical times and types of surgical procedure, no significant differences were observed within the three groups. The patients who received NPWT over closed incision experimented a significantly lower rate of deep sternal complication over traditional gauze and hydrocolloid and carboxymethyl cellulose dressings.

Patient with Unicuspid Aortic Valve and Ascending Aorta Aneurysm Treated with Ozaki Procedure and Ascending Aorta Replacement

Although aortic valve replacement remains the gold standard treatment for aortic valve diseases like stenosis (AS) or insufficiency, new surgical methods have been developed with a focus in the reconstruction of the aortic valve rather than replacing it. The Ozaki procedure involves a tailored replacement of each individual valvular leaflet with glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium and aims to reproduce the normal anatomy of the aortic valve. Cases of patients with unicuspid aortic valve treated with the Ozaki procedure are uncommon in the litrature and become even more rare when it comes to concomitant diseases like AS and ascending aorta aneurysm. We present the case of a 21-year-old, fit and asymptomatic male, with unicuspid aortic valve with severe stenosis and ascending aorta dilatation, surgically treated with tricuspidization of the aortic valve with glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium and replacement of the ascending aorta with a straight synthetic graft. Postoperative studies showed a fully functional, neo-tailored tricuspid aortic valve with trivial regurgitation. The patient had an uncomplicated recovery, stayed in the intensive care unit for 2 days and was discharged on the 7th postoperative day.

Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery in obese patients: Can the bigger afford the smaller?

BACKGROUND

Ministernotomy and right minithoracotomy are well-known minimally invasive approaches for aortic valve replacement (AVR); however, controversial opinions exist for their utilization in obese patients. The aim of this study is to check a potential positive role of minimally invasive surgery in this population.

METHODS

From January 2010 to November 2019, 613 obese patients (defined by a body mass index ≥30) underwent isolated AVR at our institution. Surgical approach included standard median sternotomy (176 patients), partial upper sternotomy (271 patients), or right anterior minithoracotomy (166 patients). Intra- and postoperative data were retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

Patients treated with minimally invasive approaches had shorter cardiopulmonary bypass time (p = .012) and aortic cross-clamp time (p = .022), mainly due to the higher utilization of sutureless valve implantation. They also presented advantages in terms of reduced postoperative ventilation time (p = .010), incidence of wound infection (p = .009), need of inotropic support (p = .004), and blood transfusion (p = .001). The univariable logistic regression showed the traditional full sternotomy approach as compared with ministernotomy (p = .026), active smoking (p = .009), peripheral vascular disease (p = .003), ejection fraction (p = .026), as well Logistic European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE; p = .015) as factors associated with hospital mortality. The multivariable logistic regression adjusted for the logistic EuroSCORE revealed that surgical approaches do not influence hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Obese patients with severe aortic valve pathology can be treated with minimally invasive approaches offering a less biological insult and reduced postoperative complications, but without impact on hospital mortality.

Radial artery supply to the left mammary artery in a redo coronary bypass

BACKGROUND

Single-inflow coronary bypass through left internal thoracic artery and Y graft is effective in myocardial revascularization, but left sublavian diseases may affect its safety.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess that, in presence of a composite Y graft, issues involving the origin of the left internal thoracic artery are relatively easy to manage, even in reoperations.

METHODS

A critical stenosis of the subclavian artery involving the origin of a bilateral internal thoracic artery Y graft was bypassed using a free radial artery graft.

RESULTS

Bypass was performed between the left thoracic artery and the ascending aorta, off-pump and with excellent results.

CONCLUSIONS

In consideration of the excellent long term results of total arterial revascularization, radial artery is a feasible graft option, even in case of a composite Y graft in place.

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with sutureless and rapid deployment valves: a report from an international registry (Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry)†

OBJECTIVES

The impact of sutureless and rapid deployment (SURD) valves on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MI-AVR) has still to be defined. The aim of this study was to assess clinical characteristics and in-hospital results of patients receiving SURD-AVR through less invasive approaches in the large population of the Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry (SURD-IR).

METHODS

Of the 1935 patients who received primary isolated SURD-AVR between 2009 and 2018, a total of 1418 (73.3%) underwent MI interventions and were included in this analysis. SURD-AVR was performed using upper ministernotomy in 56.4% (n = 800) of cases and anterior right thoracotomy in 43.6% (n = 618). Perceval S was implanted in 1011 (71.3%) patients and Edwards Intuity or Intuity Elite in 407 (28.7%) patients.

RESULTS

Overall in-hospital mortality and stroke rates were 1.7% and 2%, respectively. A definitive pacemaker implantation was reported in 9% of cases and significantly decreased over the observational period, from 20.6% to 5.6% (P = 0.002). The Perceval valve was associated with shorter operative times and was more frequently implanted in patients receiving anterior right thoracotomy incision. The Intuity valve was preferred in younger patients and revealed superior postoperative haemodynamic results.

CONCLUSIONS

SURD-AVR was largely performed through less invasive approaches and can be considered as a primary indication in MI surgery. In the SURD-IR cohort, MI SURD-AVR using both Perceval and Intuity valves appeared a safe and reproducible procedure associated with promising early results.

Operative outcome of patients at low, intermediate, high and 'very high' surgical risk undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement with sutureless and rapid deployment prostheses: results of the SURD-IR registry

OBJECTIVES

The ideal strategy for the treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis in patients of varying risk categories has become a debated topic in the last years: should the transcatheter or surgical approach be adopted? The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of low-, intermediate-, high- and very high-risk patients undergoing sutureless, rapid deployment aortic valve replacement.

METHODS

From 2007 to 2017, data on a total of 3651 patients were collected from the Sutureless and Rapid Deployment Aortic Valve Replacement International Registry (SURD-IR). Of these, 2057 patients who underwent primary isolated aortic valve replacement were considered for this analysis and classified as being at low (EuroSCORE <5; n = 500), intermediate (EuroSCORE 5-10; n = 901), high (EuroSCORE 11-20; n = 500) and very high (EuroSCORE >20; n = 156) preoperative risk.

RESULTS

Overall, a less invasive approach was used in 74.1% of patients and represented the most frequent (>50%) approach in all risk categories. The Perceval prosthesis was used more frequently than other devices, especially in patients at high and very high risk. Hospital mortality was 1.6%, 0.8%, 1.9% and 2.7% in low-, intermediate-, high- and very high-risk patients, respectively, with no significant differences among subgroups. Similarly, postoperative complication rates were similar across the different risk categories.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical aortic valve replacement using sutureless, rapid deployment biological valve prostheses is associated with excellent results and represents a safe and effective treatment option for patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. This seems to be particularly true in patients with a higher risk profile.

Cardiac Surgery in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis (CASTER) Study: Early and Long-Term Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) undergoing cardiac surgery (CS) face perioperative high mortality and morbidity, but extensive studies on this topic are lacking.

METHODS

All adult patients with LC undergoing a CS procedure between 2000 and 2017 at 10 Italian Institutions were included in this retrospective cohort study. LC was classified according to preoperative Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Early-term and medium-term outcomes analysis was performed in the overall population and according to CTP classes.

RESULTS

The study population included 144 patients (mean age 66 ± 9 years, 69% male). Ninety-eight, 20, and 26 patients were in CTP class A, in early CTP class B (MELD score <12), or advanced CTP class B (MELD score >12), respectively. The main LC etiologies were viral (43%) and alcoholic (36%). Liver-related clinical presentation (ascites, esophageal varices, and encephalopathy) and laboratory values (estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum albumin, and bilirubin, platelet count) significantly worsened across the CTP classes (P = .001). Coronary artery bypass grafting or valve surgery (87% bioprosthesis) were performed in 36% and 50%, respectively. Postoperative complications (especially acute kidney injury, liver complication, and length of stay) significantly worsened in advanced CTP class B (P = .001). Notably, observed mortality was 3-fold or 4-fold higher than the EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) II-predicted mortality, in the overall population, and in the subgroups. At Kaplan-Meier analysis, 1-year and 5-year cumulative survival in the overall population was 82% ± 3% and 77% ± 4%, respectively. The 5-year survival in CTP class A, early CTP class B, and advanced CTP class B was 72% ± 5%, 68% ± 11%, and 61% ± 10%, respectively (P = .238).

CONCLUSIONS

CS outcomes in patients with LC are significantly affected in relation to the extent of preoperative liver dysfunction, but in early CTP classes, medium-term survival is acceptable. Further analysis are needed to better estimate the preoperative risk stratification of these patients.

The Neochord Procedure After Failed Surgical Mitral Valve Repair

Surgical mitral valve reintervention is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and repeat repair is not always feasible. We examine the clinical outcomes of the NeoChord procedure after failed conventional mitral valve repair. A total of 312 patients were treated with the NeoChord repair procedure between January 2014 and December 2018 at 5 European centers. Clinical and echocardiographic data were reviewed to identify patients who had a prior surgical mitral valve repair procedure. The primary endpoint (Patient Success) was a composite of placement of at least 2 neochordae and end-procedure mitral valve regurgitation (MR) ≤ mild, freedom from death, stroke, structural or functional procedure failure (MR > moderate), procedure or device-related unplanned procedures, cardiac-related rehospitalization, or worsening NYHA functional class at 1 and 2-year FU. Fifteen (15) patients were identified who required reoperation for failed surgical mitral valve repair. Mean time-to-reoperation was 2.7 years (2.2-6.1). Median intensive care unit stay was 24 hours and median hospitalization time was 7 days (6-8). No in-hospital deaths were observed. At discharge, mitral regurgitation was ≤ mild in 13 patients (86.7%). Patient success and freedom from more than mild MR were 92.3 ± 7.4% and 83.9 ± 10.4% at 1 and 2-year follow-up respectively. One high-risk patient presented with severe recurrent MR and died during surgical reintervention due to an acute aortic dissection. Selected patients can be successfully treated with the NeoChord procedure after failed surgical mitral valve repair. These results support a wider adoption of the NeoChord procedure as a first-line minimally invasive, alternative therapy to treat failed mitral valve repair.

Sutureless and rapid deployment implantation in bicuspid aortic valve: results from the sutureless and rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement international registry

Background

Benefits of sutureless and rapid deployment (SURD) bioprostheses in bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) are controversial. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) for BAV from the Sutureless and Rapid-Deployment Aortic Valve Replacement International Registry (SURD-IR).

Methods

Of the 4,636 patients who received primary isolated SURD-AVR between 2007 and 2018, 191 (4.1%) BAV patients underwent AVR with SURD valve.

Results

Overall 30-day mortality was 1.6%. The Intuity valve was implanted in 53.9% of cases, whereas the Perceval was implanted in 46.1%. Rate of stroke for isolated AVR was 4.2%. No case of endocarditis, thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, valve dislocation or structural valve deterioration was reported in the early phase. Rate of pacemaker implantation and moderate-severe aortic regurgitation (AR) were 7.9% and 3.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

BAV is not considered a contraindication for the implantation of SURD valves. However, detailed information of aortic root geometry as well as the knowledge of some technical considerations are mandatory for a good outcome.

Current trends of sutureless and rapid deployment valves: an 11-year experience from the Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry

OBJECTIVES

Current evidence on sutureless and rapid deployment aortic valve replacement (SURD-AVR) is limited and does not allow for the assessment of the clinical impact and the evolution of procedural and clinical outcomes of this new valve technology. The Sutureless and Rapid Deployment International Registry (SURD-IR) represents a unique opportunity to evaluate the current trends and outcomes of SURD-AVR interventions.

METHODS

Data from 3682 patients enrolled between 2007 and 2018 were analysed. Patients were divided according to the date of surgery into 6 equal groups and by the type of intervention: isolated SURD-AVR (n = 2472) and combined SURD-AVR (n = 1086).

RESULTS

Across the 11-year study period, significant changes occurred in patient characteristics including a decrease in age and in estimated surgical risk. Less invasive approaches for isolated SURD-AVR increased considerably from 49.4% to 85.5%. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 1.6% and 3.9% in isolated and combined procedures, respectively, with no change over time. The rate of perioperative stroke decreased significantly (from 4% to 0.5%), as did the rates of postoperative pacemaker implantation (from 12.8% to 5.9%) and aortic regurgitation (from 17.8% to 2.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current trends and results of SURD-AVR interventions. The most notable changes over time were the increasing implantation of SURD valves in a younger population, with more frequent utilization of less invasive techniques. SURD-AVR demonstrated remarkable improvements in clinical outcomes with a significant reduction in the rates of stroke, pacemaker implantation and postoperative aortic regurgitation.

Full sternotomy and minimal access approaches for surgical aortic valve replacement: a multicentre propensity-matched study

OBJECTIVES

Surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) can be performed via a full sternotomy or a minimal access approach (mini-AVR). Despite long-term experience with the procedure, mini-AVR is not routinely adopted. Our goal was to compare contemporary outcomes of mini-AVR and conventional AVR in a large multi-institutional national cohort.

METHODS

A total of 5801 patients from 10 different centres who had a mini-AVR (2851) or AVR (2950) from 2011 to 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Standard aortic prostheses were used in all cases. The use of the minimally invasive approach has increased over the years. The primary outcome is the incidence of 30-day deaths following mini-AVR and AVR. Secondary outcomes are the occurrence of major complications following both procedures. Propensity-matched comparisons were performed based on the multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

In the overall population patients who had AVR had an increased surgical risk based on the EuroSCORE, and the 30-day mortality rate was higher (1.5% and 2.3% in mini-AVR and AVR, respectively; P = 0.048). Propensity scores identified 2257 patients per group with similar baseline profiles. In the matched groups, patients who had mini-AVR, despite longer cardiopulmonary bypass (81 ± 32 vs 76 ± 28 min; P = 0.004) and cross-clamp (64 ± 24 vs 59 ± 21 min; P ≤ 0.001) times, had lower 30-day mortality rates (1.2% vs 2.0%; P = 0.036), reduced low cardiac output (0.8% vs 1.4%; P = 0.046) and reduced postoperative length of stay (9 ± 8 vs 10 ± 7 days; P = 0.004). Blood transfusions (36.4% vs 30.8%; P ≤ 0.001) and atrial fibrillation (26.0% vs 21.5%, P ≤ 0.001) were higher in patients who had the mini-AVR.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large multi-institutional recent cohort, minimal access approach aortic valve replacement is associated with reduced 30-day mortality rates and shorter postoperative lengths of stay compared to standard sternotomy. A prospective randomized trial is needed to overcome the possible biases of a retrospective study.

P752 Mitral regurgitation in patients with severe aortic stenosis: role of valvular calcification in the persistence of mitral regurgitation after aortic valve replacement

Introduction

mitral regurgitation is often associated with severe aortic stenosis but the indications for its correction at the time of aortic valve surgery are still unclear. Despite the indication for mitral valve repair or replacement in the case of severe secondary mitral regurgitation, many patients are left untreated. This is due to the common belief that secondary mitral regurgitation mostly improves after the aortic valve is treated.

Purpose

the aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence and distribution of mitral calcifications, their role in the development of mitral regurgitation and in its reduction after aortic valve replacement.

Methods

we reviewed all patient’s records who underwent aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis at our institution from 12/2014 to 12/2016. Pre and post-operative echocardiograms were reviewed by experienced echocardiographer. Patients were then divided into 4 categories (functional, mild, moderate and severe calcification) on the basis of the presence, distribuition and severity of calcification on the mitral apparatus.

Results

at the end 651 patients were collected and analyzed. Mean age was 74yo. 334 (51,4%) of them were males. Most patients (63,1%) had only mild mitral regurgitation but 147 (22,6%) of them had moderate or severe mitral regurgitation. The presences of moderate or severe calcification of the mitral apparatus resulted to be a risk factor for the presence of mitral regurgitation associated with aortic stenosis as shown in Table 1. After surgical aortic valve replacement less than 21% of the patients showed a reduction of the degree of mitral regurgitation. We found no statistical difference between groups about mitral regurgitation changes after aortic valve replacement.

Conclusions

Mitral regurgitation is a common finding in patients with severe aortic stenosis and it’s prevalence is higher in patients with mitral calcifications. Few patients, however showed a reduction in the degree of mitral regurgitation after surgical aortic valve replacement with no difference related to the severity of annular or leaflets calcifications.

TABLE 1 Logistic regression for the presence of mitral regurgitation Mitral Regurgitation Change after Aortic Valve Replacement CALCIFICATION DEGREE OR C.I. 95% p Reduced p Unchanged p Increased p Functional 53(21%) 176(71%) 18(7%) Mild 1.244571 0.81 - 1.93 0.32 28(20%) 0.86 105(76%) 0.43 6(4%) 0.34 Moderate 1.637297 1.05 - 2.56 0.03* 25(17%) 0.41 109(76%) 0.34 9(6%) 0.86 Severe 2.369245 1.46 - 3.85 &lt;0.01* 29(25%) 0.48 78(68%) 0.67 7(6%) 0.86 OR= Odds Ratio; C.I.=Confidence Interval; Functional= no calcification; Mild, Moderate and Severe= degree of mitral annular and leaflets calcifications.

Minimally Invasive Redo Aortic Valve Replacement: Results From a Multicentric Registry (SURD-IR)

BACKGROUND

Reoperation for aortic valve replacement can be challenging and is usually associated with an increased risk for complications and mortality. The study aim was to report the results of a multicenter cohort of patients who underwent minimally invasive reoperative aortic valve replacement with a sutureless or rapid-deployment prosthesis.

METHODS

From 2007 to 2018 data from 3651 patients were retrospectively collected from the Sutureless and Rapid-Deployment Aortic Valve Replacement International Registry. Of them, 63 patients who had previously undergone cardiac surgery represented the study population. In-hospital clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Mean age of the selected 63 patients was 75.3 ± 7.8 years and logistic EuroSCORE 10.1. Surgery was performed by ministernotomy in 43 patients (68.3%) and by anterior right thoracotomy in 20 (31.7%); 31 patients (49.2%) received the Perceval valve (Livanova PLC, London, UK) and 32 (50.8%) the Intuity valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA). Mean cross-clamp time was 57.8 ± 23.2 minutes and cardiopulmonary bypass time 95.0 ± 34.3 minutes. Neither conversion to full sternotomy nor in-hospital deaths occurred. Postoperative events were ischemic cerebral events in 3 patients (4.8%), need for pacemaker implantation in 2 (3.6%), bleeding requiring reoperation in 5 (8.9%), and dialysis in 1 (1.6%). Median intensive care unit stay was 1 day, and median length of hospital stay was 10 days. On echocardiographic evaluation 1 patient showed a significant postoperative aortic regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive reoperative aortic valve replacement with a sutureless or rapid-deployment prosthesis is a safe and feasible treatment strategy, resulting in fast recovery and improved postoperative outcome with no mortality and an acceptable complication rate.

A Challenging Case of MitraClip on a Tricuspid Valve With a Redundant Eustachian Valve: Surfing Into the Right Atrium

Transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention is gaining importance due to the development of percutaneous techniques addressing tricuspid regurgitation. The presence of a redundant eustachian valve can increase procedural complexity by restricting the manipulation of transcatheter devices. We present a case of torrential tricuspid regurgitation and a redundant eustachian valve hampering the manipulation of the delivery system. We were able to reach the tricuspid valve by looping 2 standard guidewires into the atrium. We performed a tricuspid-plasty by implanting 2 MitraClips with a satisfactory final result. This technique can be applied when the eustachian valve impairs navigation in the right atrium.

Aortic valve endocarditis complicated by proximal false aneurysm

Background

Aortic valve endocarditis remains a life-threatening condition, especially in cases of periannular complications. Aorto-ventricular discontinuity associated with proximal false aneurysm represents a severe picture caused by extensive tissue disruption and is usually associated with prosthetic valve infection. Complex surgical repair is required in these cases and continues to be associated with high mortality and morbidity rates.

Methods

We retrieved information for 32 patients undergoing operation for infective aortic valve/prosthetic valve endocarditis complicated by pseudoaneurysm arising from aorto-ventricular discontinuity. Patients were relatively young, mostly male and most of them had a prior cardiac operation. Aortic root replacement with valve graft conduit was performed in all cases; it was associated with other procedures in seven patients: CABG (n=2), MV surgery (n=3), MV surgery + CABG (n=1) and pulmonary valve replacement (n=1). We reported and analysed patient outcomes at early and mid-term follow-up.

Results

Pre-discharge mortality was 22% (n=7). The postoperative course was complicated in 24 (75%) cases. Eighteen patients (56%) sustained low cardiac output resulting in multiple organ failure syndrome and death in five cases. One patient (3%) experienced a major neurologic deficit with a permanent cerebral stroke. Acute kidney injury complicated the course in 12 cases (37%), continuous renal replacement therapy was necessary in four patients (12%). Overall survival and freedom from endocarditis and reoperation at 5-year was 59% and 89%, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with complicated aortic valve endocarditis presented generally in a poor preoperative state. Surgical treatment poses a non-negligible risk of postoperative mortality and morbidity but provides an acceptable survival rate and a satisfactory recovery at mid-term.

Minimally invasive surgical versus transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A multicenter study

Objectives

Treatment of aortic valve stenosis is evolving, indications for transcatheter approach (TAVI) have increased but also surgical valve replacement has changed with the use of minimally invasive approaches. Comparisons between TAVI and surgery have rarely been done with minimally invasive techniques (mini-SAVR) in the surgical arm. Aim of the present study is to compare mini-SAVR and TAVI in a multicenter recent cohort.

Methods

Evaluated were 2904 patients undergone mini-SAVR (2407) or TAVI (497) in 10 different centers in the period 2011–2016. The Heart Team approved treatment for complex cases. The primary outcome is the incidence of 30-day mortality following mini-SAVR and TAVI. Secondary outcomes are the occurrence of major complications following both procedures. Propensity matched comparisons was performed based on multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

In the overall population TAVI patients had increased surgical risk (median EuroSCORE II 3.3% vs. 1.7%, p ≤ 0.001) and 30-day mortality was higher (1.5% and 2.8% in mini-SAVR and TAVI respectively, p = 0.048). Propensity score identified 386 patients per group with similar baseline profile (median EuroSCORE II ~3.0%). There was no difference in 30-day mortality (3.4% in mini-SAVR and 2.3% in TAVI; p = 0.396) and stroke, surgical patients had more blood transfusion, kidney dysfunction and required longer ICU and hospital length of stay while TAVI patients had more permanent pace maker insertion.

Conclusions

Mini-SAVR and TAVI are both safe and effective to treat aortic stenosis in elderly patients with comorbidities. A joint evaluation by the heart-team is essential to direct patients to the proper approach.

•

A comparison between TAVI and minimally invasive techniques has rarely been done

•

In a propensity-matched comparison from 10 different hospitals, TAVI and mini-SAVR provided optimal short-term outcome.

•

30-day mortality was 3.4% in mini-SAVR and 2.3% in TAVI (p = 0.396)

•

Mini-SAVR and TAVI are both safe and effective to treat aortic stenosis in elderly patients with comorbidities.

Monoclonal Antibody-Based Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) for the Measurement of Vitamin K-Dependent Protein S: The Effect of Antibody Immunoreactivity on Plasma Protein S Antigen Determinations

Two monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) specifically directed to human protein S (PS) - named 5E9E9 and 3B10.25 - were produced and their properties compared to those of 2 previously characterized anti-PS-Mabs (HPS-2 and S10). 3B10.25, similar to S10, was directed to the calcium-free conformation of PS and had virtually identical affinity for free and C4b-binding protein (C4b-BP)-bound PS; 5E9E9 similar to HPS-2, had no calcium-dependency and was selectively directed to free PS. All Mabs were equally reactive to freshly purified and thrombin-cleaved PS. To evaluate the influence of C4b-BP bound PS on PS antigen determinations, ELISA systems employing the four Mabs individually as capture antibody (Ab) and peroxidase-conjugated polyclonal anti-PS IgG as detecting Ab were developed and compared to immunoelectrophoresis (EIA) and to an ELISA employing polyclonal anti-PS IgG as capture and detecting Ab, in the determination of PS in purified systems and in plasma. With all the ELISAs there was parallelism of dilution cuiyes obtained with normal plasma and purified PS; however, supplementation of plasma with purified C4b-BP resulted in loss of parallelism when employing the Mabs directed to free PS as capture Ab. Influence of high C4b-BP on PS antigen determinations was confirmed in a series of plasma samples from patients with C4b-BP levels ranging from 70% to over 200%. Compared to the values obtained with the S10- or 3B10.25 - based ELISAs - which were similar despite a 10-fold difference in sample dilution -plasma PS was underestimated by the ELISAs employing 5E9E9 or HPS-2 while it was overestimated by EIA. In addition, plasma PS and C4b-BP levels were significantly correlated only when it was measured by EIA or the ELISAs employing S10, 3B10.25 or polyclonal IgG. These results highlight the potential influence of high C4b-BP on plasma PS antigen determination. Accurate measurement of PS by ELISA requires selection of antibodies with identical affinity for all plasma PS forms.

Immunological Reactivity of Serum Ferritin in Patients with Malignancy

Serum ferritin has been suggested as a tumor marker in the diagnosis of certain malignancies and for following the activity or dissemination of the malignant process. Since neoplastic tissues generally contain more acidic isoferritins than their normal tissue counterparts, it has also been suggested that the specific assay of such isoferritins in serum may be of particular value in the diagnosis of malignancy. In this work, we have evaluated ferritin concentration in the serum of normal subjects and patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, breast cancer and lung cancer by simultaneously using three different immunoassays: an immunoradiometric assay based on polyclonal antibodies against human liver (basic, L-subunit rich) ferritin, a radioimmunoassay based on polyclonad antibodies against HeLa cell (acidic, H-subunit rich) ferritin, and an immunoradiometric assay based on the monoclonal antibody 2A4 raised against human heart (acidic, H-subunit rich) ferritin. Most of the patients studied had increased values for liver-type ferritin in the absence of increased iron stores. Binding of serum ferritin to concanavalin A did not prove to be useful in distinguishing a tumor-specific basic isoferritin. The HeLa ferritin assay was found to be less specific than the heart ferritin assay in the detection of acidic isoferritins, and did not provide any advantage over the liver assay in detecting the increased levels of serum ferritin associated with malignant disease. Heart-type ferritin was found in one-fifth of normal sera and 64% of sera from patients with malignancy. Values were very low compared with those for basic ferritin, ranging from less than 0.1 to 17% of total serum ferritin (geometric mean value 1.3%) in patients with malignancy. These findings indicate that at present there is little application for serum ferritin immunoassays based on antibodies to HeLa cell or heart ferritin in the diagnosis or monitoring of malignant disease. This seems to be due to the presence in human serum of biding factors which are responsible for the rapid clearance of acidic isoferritins from the circulation. The serum concentration of basic ferritin, however, can be useful in the diagnosis and management of some malignancies, and it is possible that studies on cell isoferritins can be important in biologic monitoring of neoplastic disorders. It should also be noted that the increased levels of serum ferritin found in patients with malignancy can exert adverse effects on the host immune response and perhaps an inhibitory effect on hematopoiesis.