Protective effects of steroids in cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized double-blind trials

OBJECTIVE

Cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induce an acute inflammatory response contributing to postoperative morbidity. The use of steroids as anti-inflammatory agents in surgery using CPB has been tested in many trials and has been shown to have good anti-inflammatory effects but no clear clinical advantages for the lack of an adequately powered sample size. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of steroid treatment on mortality and morbidity after cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

A systematic meta-analysis of randomized double-blind trials (RDBs).

SETTING

A university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A trial search was performed through PubMed and Cochrane databases from 1966 to January 2009. Among 104 clinical trials reviewed, 31 RDB trials (1,974 patients) were considered suitable to be analyzed. A quality assessment of the trials was performed using the Jadad score. The types of steroid used in these trials were methylprednisolone (51.4%), dexamethasone (34.3%), hydrocortisone (5.7%), prednisolone (2.9%), or a combination of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone (5.7%). Steroid prophylaxis provided a protective effect preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation (odds ratio = 0.56; confidence interval [CI] 0.44-0.72, p < 0.0001), reducing postoperative blood loss (mean difference = -204.2 mL; CI from -287.4 to -121 mL; p < 0.0001), and reducing intensive care unit (mean difference = -6.6 hours; CI from -10.5 to -2.7 hours, p = 0.0007) and overall hospital stay (mean difference = -0.8 days; CI from -1.4 to -0.2 days, p = 0.01). Steroid prophylaxis had no effect on postoperative mortality, mechanical ventilation duration, re-exploration for bleeding, and postoperative infection.

CONCLUSIONS

A systematic review of RDB trials reveals that steroid prophylaxis may reduce morbidity after cardiac surgery and does not increase the risk of postoperative infections.

Anti-inflammatory strategies to reduce acute kidney injury in cardiac surgery patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac operations is a serious complication associated with postoperative mortality. Multiple factors contribute to AKI development, principally ischemia-reperfusion injury and inflammatory response. It is well proven that glucocorticoid administration, leukocyte filter application, and miniaturized extracorporeal circuits (MECC) modulate inflammatory response. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which one of these inflammatory system modulation strategies was used, with the aim to evaluate the effects on postoperative AKI. MEDLINE and Cochrane Library were screened through November 2011 for RCTs in which an inflammatory system modulation strategy was adopted. Included were trials that reported data about postoperative renal outcomes. Because AKI was defined by different criteria, including biochemical determinations, urine output, or dialysis requirement, we unified renal outcome as worsening renal function (WRF). We identified 14 trials for steroids administration (931 patients, WRF incidence [treatment vs. placebo]: 2.7% vs. 2.4%; OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 0.53-2.43; P = 0.79), 9 trials for MECC (947 patients, WRF incidence: 2.4% vs. 0.9%; OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.18-1.25; P = 0.13), 6 trials for leukocyte filters (374 patients, WRF incidence: 1.1% vs. 7.5%; OR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.05-0.64; P = 0.008). Only leukocyte filters effectively reduced WRF incidence. Not all cardiopulmonary bypass-related anti-inflammatory strategies analyzed reduced renal damage after cardiac operations. In adult patients, probably other factors are predominant on inflammation in determining AKI, and only leukocyte filters were effective. Large multicenter RCTs are needed in order to better evaluate the role of inflammation in AKI development after cardiac operations.

Monitoring incomplete heparin reversal and heparin rebound after cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVES

To assess the incidence of incomplete heparin reversal and heparin rebound after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the ability of the activated coagulation time (ACT) and thromboelastography (TEG) to detect these phenomena.

DESIGN

Prospective single-center study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-one patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with CPB and with normal preoperative TEG parameters.

INTERVENTIONS

ACT, TEG, and plasma heparin levels were measured in all patients at 5 different times between 20 minutes and 3 hours after protamine administration. The variability of TEG reaction time (R) with and without heparinase (delta-R [DR]) was used to detect the presence of residual heparin.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Plasma heparin expressed as anti-FXa activity was detected in 180 (88%) samples. At univariate analysis, ACT, R-kaolin (R-k), and DR significantly correlated with plasma heparin concentration (respectively, p = 0.007, p = 0.006, and p = 0.002). At multivariate analysis, R-k and DR remained associated with plasma heparin concentration (respectively, p = 0.014 and p = 0.004). Greater quartiles of heparin were associated with higher values of R-k and DR. Combined procedures had significantly lower DR than isolated procedures (p = 0.017), and CPB time and heparinization time positively correlated with R-k (respectively, p = 0.044 and p = 0.022). No association was observed between heparin concentration, ACT, and TEG parameters with postoperative bleeding and need for blood and blood components transfusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Heparin rebound and incomplete heparin reversal are very common phenomena after cardiac surgery with CPB; ACT is not able to detect residual heparin activity, whereas TEG analysis with and without heparinase allows the diagnosis of heparin rebound.

Myocardial protection during aortic surgery: comparison between Bretschneider-HTK and cold blood cardioplegia

The ideal cardioplegic strategy in thoracic aorta operations requiring long cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp time has not been established. Suboptimal myocardial protection may lead to myocardial damage and possible post-operative complications. We evaluate post-operative cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) release, low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) and mortality, using a cold crystalloid single-dose intracellular or cold blood multidose cardioplegia in 112 elective or emergent thoracic aorta operation patients. Fifty-four patients (HTK group) received Custodiol® cardioplegic solution and 58 received cold blood cardioplegia (CB group). Cross-clamp time, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time and cTnI peak release were similar in both groups. No differences were found for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, inotropic support, LCOS and in-hospital mortality. Two-way ANOVA analysis revealed an interactive effect on cTnI peak (p=0.012) of cardioplegic solution type across the cross-clamp time quintile. In the fifth quintile, cross-clamp time patient (>160 min) cTnI peak value was higher in CB patients (p=0.044). HTK and CB cardioplegic solutions assure similar myocardial protection in patients undergoing thoracic aorta operations. In long cross-clamp times, the lower post-operative cTnI release detected using HTK may be indicative of a better myocardial protection in these extreme conditions.

Pump blood processing, salvage and re-transfusion improves hemoglobin levels after coronary artery bypass grafting, but affects coagulative and fibrinolytic systems

Cell saving systems are commonly used during cardiac operations to improve hemoglobin levels and to reduce blood product requirements. We analyzed the effects of residual pump blood salvage through a cell saver on coagulation and fibrinolysis activation and on postoperative hemoglobin levels. Thirty-four elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients were randomized. In 17 patients, residual cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit blood was transfused after the cell saving procedure (cell salvage group). In the other 17 patients, residual CPB circuit blood was discarded (control group). Activation of the coagulative, fibrinolytic and inflammatory systems was evaluated pre-operatively (Pre), 2 hours after the termination of CPB (T0) and 24 hours postoperatively (T1), measuring prothrombin fragment 1.2 (PF 1.2), plasmin-anti-plasmin (PAP), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The cell salvage group of patients had a significant improvement in hemoglobin levels after processed blood infusion (2.7 ± 1.7 g/dL vs 1.2 ± 1.1 g/dL; p=0.003). PF1.2 levels were significantly higher after infusion (T0: 1175 ± 770 pmol/L vs 730 ± 237 pmol/L; p=0.037; T1: 331 ± 235 pmol/L vs 174 ± 134 pmol/L; p=0.026). Also, PAP levels were higher in the cell salvage group, although not significantly (T0: 253 ± 251 ng/mL vs 168 ± 96 ng/mL; p: NS; T1: 95 ± 60 ng/mL vs 53 ± 32 ng/mL; p: NS). No differences were found for PAI-1, IL-6, heparin levels or for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. The cell salvage group of patients had increased chest tube drainage (749 ± 320 vs 592 ± 264; p: NS) and fresh frozen plasma transfusion rate (5 (29%) pts vs 0 pts; p<0.04). Pump blood salvage with a cell saving system improved postoperative hemoglobin levels, but induced a strong thrombin generation, fibrinolysis activation and lower fibrinolysis inhibition. These conditions could generate a consumption coagulopathy.

Acute kidney injury in high-risk cardiac surgery patients: roles of inflammation and coagulation

AIMS

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication following cardiac surgery. Cardiopulmonary bypass elicits coagulation and inflammation activation and oxidative stress, all involved in AKI but never simultaneously assessed. We aimed to evaluate relations between oxidative stress, inflammatory and coagulation systems activation and postoperative renal function in patients with normal preoperative renal function.

METHODS

Forty-one high-risk patients (EuroSCORE >6 and preoperative haemoglobin <12 g/dl in women and <13 g/dl in men) were prospectively enrolled. Prothrombin fragment 1.2 (coagulation marker), interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 (pro/anti-inflammatory markers) and 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (oxidative stress marker) were evaluated until postoperative day 5.

RESULTS

Patients were divided into two groups according to estimated glomerular filtration rate reduction observed postoperatively (reduction <25% in 26 patients: NO-AKI group; reduction >25% in 15 patients: AKI group). No differences were found for inflammatory markers. Oxidative stress slightly increased in the AKI group. Twenty-four hours after the operation prothrombin fragment 1.2 levels were significantly higher in the AKI group (506.6 ± 548 vs. 999 ± 704.1 pmol/l; P = 0.018), and they were independently associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate reduction, with an area under the receiving operating characteristic of 0.744.

CONCLUSION

Thrombin generation is higher in patients with renal function worsening, and it is an independent risk factor for AKI in patients with anaemia, possibly leading to microcirculation impairment and tubular cells damage.

Cardiac troponin I and creatine kinase-MB release after different cardiac surgeries

AIMS

To conduct a comparative study of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and MB isoenzyme of serum creatine kinase (CK-MB) after different cardiac surgeries.

METHODS

Consecutive cardiac operations under cardiopulmonary bypass (200 adults, 144 men, 68 ± 11 years): 67 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), 27 aortic valve surgery, 21 mitral valve surgery, 11 thoracic aorta surgery, and 74 combined surgery. Postoperative cTnI and CK-MB were measured on admission to the ICU and at fixed time until the fifth postoperative day.

RESULTS

Peak values of cTnI (median 5.8 ng/ml; interquartile range 3.6-11.9) and CK-MB (29.0 ng/ml; 15.6-60.4) were reached mainly within 18 h after the end of surgery (85% of cTnI and 95% of CK-MB highest determinations) without differences among groups. Cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp time significantly correlated with markers' peak values. At multivariate analysis, mitral valve surgery showed greater cTnI, CK-MB, and their cumulative area under the curve than other isolated procedures. Thoracic aorta surgery showed lower cumulative area under the curve for both markers than CABG and combined surgery. Mitral valve surgery had significant later reduction of both markers in comparison with other procedures. No patient in mitral valve surgery group reached cTnI values in the normal laboratory range within 5 postoperative days.

CONCLUSION

Release pattern of cTnI and CK-MB after heart surgery depends on the type of procedure. Mitral valve surgery was characterized by highest and longest elevation of postoperative markers' concentration. Determinants of differences in myocardial injury biomarkers and their prognostic value after valve surgery should be accurately assessed.

Minimally invasive heart valve surgery: influence on coagulation and inflammatory response

OBJECTIVES

Minimally invasive valve surgery (MIVS) is associated with improved clinical outcome but longer cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time. The aim of the present study is to compare inflammatory and coagulation parameters in patients undergoing minimally invasive or standard valve surgery.

METHODS

A prospective non-randomized study was performed enrolling 79 patients undergoing mitral (20 right mini-thoracotomy and 18 standard sternotomy) and aortic valve (20 mini-sternotomy and 21 standard sternotomy) procedures. Blood samples were collected perioperatively to measure prothrombin fragment 1.2 (PF1.2, thrombin generation), plasmin antiplasmin complex (PAP, fibrinolysis), interleukin-6 (IL-6, inflammation). Plasma free haemoglobin (f-Hb) was assessed to evaluate haemolysis.

RESULTS

Patients in the minimally invasive group were younger and had less comorbidities CPB and cross-clamp times were comparable considering both aortic and mitral procedures, but longer in the mini-thoracotomy group. IL-6 and PAP were reduced in the minimally invasive group, particularly 2 h after CPB (respectively 102 ± 114 vs 34 ± 49 pg/ml, P < 0.001 and 2137 ± 1046 vs 1207 ± 675 ng/ml, P < 0.001), PF1.2 was also reduced during and after the operation (688 ± 514 vs 571 ± 470, P = 0.02; 1600 ± 1185 vs 1042 ± 548, P < 0.001; 1487 ± 676 vs 1042 ± 541). Despite the use of vacuum-assisted active venous drainage (VAVD) f-Hb was significantly reduced in the minimally invasive group. The other routine biomarkers such as C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and cTnI were also reduced in the minimally invasive group.

CONCLUSIONS

In a selected cohort of patients MIVS is associated to reduced inflammatory reaction and coagulopathy, supporting the clinical evidence of reduced postoperative bleeding and lower transfusion rate. Our data offer further suggestion supporting the adoption of minimally invasive approaches.

Ochratoxin A inhibits the production of tissue factor and plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 by human blood mononuclear cells: another potential mechanism of immune-suppression

The mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA), an ubiquitous contaminant of food products endowed with a wide spectrum of toxicity, affects several functions of mononuclear leukocytes. Monocytes/macrophages play a major role in fibrin accumulation associated with immune-inflammatory processes through the production of tissue factor (TF) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 (PAI-2). We studied the effect of OTA on TF and PAI-2 production by human blood mononuclear cells (MNC). The cells were incubated for 3 or 18 h at 37 degrees C with non toxic OTA concentrations in the absence and in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or other inflammatory agents. TF activity was measured by a one-stage clotting test. Antigen assays were performed by specific ELISAs in cell extracts or conditioned media and specific mRNAs were assessed by RT-PCR. OTA had no direct effect on TF and PAI-2 production by MNC. However, OTA caused a dose-dependent reduction in LPS-induced TF (activity, antigen and mRNA) and PAI-2 (antigen and mRNA) production with >85% inhibition at 1 mug/ml. Similar results were obtained when monocyte-enriched preparations were used instead of MNC. TF production was also impaired by OTA (1 mug/ml) when MNC were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (98% inhibition), IL-1beta (83%) or TNF-alpha (62%). The inhibition of TF and PAI-2 induction might represent a hitherto unrecognized mechanism whereby OTA exerts immunosuppressant activity.

Myocardial damage following cardiac surgery: comparison between single-dose Celsior cardioplegic solution and cold blood multi-dose cardioplegia

Myocardial protection during cardiac surgery can be accomplished by different cardioplegic solutions. The aim of this study was to assess myocardial damage after heart valve surgery performed with myocardial protection of a single dose of Celsior cardioplegia or with repeated cold blood cardioplegia. After the stratification of 139 valvular patients by means of matching according to cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass time, 32 patients were retained for comparison (16 patients received Celsior and 16 patients received cold blood cardioplegia). Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) release were evaluated until six days after the operation. Pre-operative characteristics were similar in both groups. In the Celsior group, CK-MB and cTnI values were significantly higher from the first up to the sixth post-operative day. Peak cTnI values were 19.4 ± 13.4 and 9.7 ± 7 ng/mL (p=0.01) in the Celsior and the Cold Blood group, respectively. Peak CK-MB values were 79.6 ± 58.8 and 45.9 ± 20.6 U/L (p=0.07) in the Celsior and the Cold Blood group, respectively. Cold blood cardioplegia reduces perioperative myocardial damage compared to the Celsior solution in elective cardiac valve operations.

Haemostasis alterations in coronary artery bypass grafting: comparison between the off-pump technique and a closed coated cardiopulmonary bypass system

OBJECTIVES

To compare coagulation and fibrinolysis activation in off-pump coronary artery bypass operation and in patients in whom a closed phosphorylcholine-coated cardiopulmonary bypass system was applied. Cardiopulmonary bypass induces activation of coagulative and fibrinolytic systems, which together with intraoperative haemodilution augment the risk of postoperative bleeding and transfusion of blood products.

METHODS

Thirty-six off-pump coronary artery bypass and 36 coronary artery bypass grafting patients in whom a closed, phosphorylcholine-coated cardiopulmonary bypass system with a closed-collapsible venous reservoir (Physio group) was used were prospectively enrolled. Activation of coagulation and fibrinolytic systems was assessed evaluating the release of prothrombin fragment 1.2 and plasmin-antiplasmin complex preoperatively (T0), 30 min after heparin administration (T1), 15 min after protamine administration (T2), 3 h after protamin administration (T3) and on postoperative days 1 (T4) and 5 (T5). Platelet function was evaluated through Platelet Function Analyzer 100(®).

RESULTS

During the operation, prothrombin fragment 1.2 and plasmin-antiplasmin levels were slightly higher in the Physio group, the difference being not statistically significant. In the off-pump coronary artery bypass group, prothrombin fragment 1.2 was significantly higher at T3 (618.7 ± 282.7 vs 416.6 ± 250.2 pmol/l; P = 0.006), T4 (416.7 ± 278.8 vs 310.2 ± 394.6 pmol/l; P < 0.001) and T5 (629.3 ± 295.2 vs 408.4 ± 409.7 pmol/l; P = 0.002), and plasmin-antiplasmin was significantly higher at T4 (731.1 ± 790 vs 334 ± 300.8 ng/ml; P = 0.019) and T5 (1744.4 ± 820.7 vs 860.1 ± 488.4 ng/ml; P = 0.003). Platelet Function Analyzer 100® closure time values were significantly higher in the Physio group patients at T3 (131.3 ± 105.7 vs 215.6 ± 58.9 s; P = 0.002). The off-pump coronary artery bypass patients had greater chest tube drainage (874.3 ± 371.5 vs 629.1 ± 334.5 ml; P = 0.005). The mean priming volume was 1240 ± 215 ml in the Physio group. Much more Physio patients received red blood cell transfusions (14 vs 25 patient; P = 0.009), because of higher intraoperative transfusion rates (6 vs 15 patients; P = 0.016). Despite similar preoperative haemoglobin levels (13 ± 1.2 vs 12.6 ± 1.4 g/dl; P = 0.2), postoperative haemoglobin levels were significantly lower in the Physio group.

CONCLUSIONS

The Physio cardiopulmonary bypass approach does not significantly alter haemostasis during the operation compared with off-pump coronary artery bypass providing a reduced activation in the postoperative period reducing also chest tube drainage. However, further priming volume reduction is required to decrease intraoperative red blood cell transfusion.

The Preoperative Inflammatory Status Affects the Clinical Outcome in Cardiac Surgery

AIMS

There are many reasons for the increase in post-operative mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing surgery. In fact, an activated inflammatory state before cardiac surgery, can potentially worsen the patient's prognosis and the effects of this preoperative inflammatory state in the medium-term remains unknown.

METHODS

There were 470 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery, and were divided in three groups according to the median values of preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen (FBG): The first group was the low inflammatory status group (LIS) with 161 patients (CRP < 0.39 mg/dL and FBG < 366 mg/dL); the second was the medium inflammatory status group (MIS) with 150 patients (CRP < 0.39 mg/dL and FBG ≥ 366 mg/dL or CRP ≥ 0.39 mg/dL and FBG < 366 mg/dL,); and the third was the high inflammatory status group (HIS) with 159 patients (CRP ≥ 0.39 mg/dL and FBG ≥ 366 mg/dL,).

RESULTS

The parameters to be considered for the patients before surgery were similar between the three groups except, however, for age, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the presence of arterial hypertension. The operative mortality was not significantly different between the groups (LIS = 2.5%, MIS = 6%, HIS = 6.9%, p = 0.16) while mortality for sepsis was significantly different (LIS = 0%, MIS = 1.3%, HIS = 3.7%, p = 0.03). The infections were more frequent in the HIS group (p = 0.0002). The HIS group resulted in an independent risk factor for infections (relative risk (RR) = 3.1, confidence interval (CI) = 1.2-7.9, p = 0.02). During the 48-months follow-up, survival was lower for the HIS patients. This HIS group (RR = 2.39, CI = 1.03-5.53, p = 0.05) and LVEF (RR = 0.96, CI = 0.92-0.99, p = 0.04) resulted in independent risk factors for mortality during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The patients undergoing cardiac surgery with a preoperative highly activated inflammatory status are at a higher risk of post-operative infections. Furthermore, during the intermediate follow-up, the preoperative highly activated inflammatory status and LVEF resulted in independent risk factors for mortality.

Trials Comparing Percutaneous And Surgical Myocardial Revascularization: A Review

INTRODUCTION

Ischemic heart diseases are the major leading cause of death worldwide. Revascularization procedures dramatically reduced the overall risk for death related to acute coronary syndromes. Two kinds of myocardial revascularization can grossly be outlined: percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and surgical coronary artery bypass graft intervention (CABG). The net clinical benefit coming from these two kinds of procedures is still under debate.

METHODS

We have traced the state-of-the-art background about myocardial revascularization procedures by comparing the most important trials dealing with the evaluation of percutaneous interventions versus a surgical approach to coronary artery diseases.

RESULTS

Both PCI and CABG have become effective treatments for revascularization of patients suffering from advanced CAD. The advance in technology and procedural techniques made PCI an attractive and, to some extent, more reliable procedure in the context of CAD. However, there are still patients that cannot undergo PCI and have to be rather directed towards CABG.

CONCLUSION

CABG still remains the best strategy for the treatment of multiple vessel CAD due to improved results in term of survival and freedom from reintervention. Anyway, a systematic, multidisciplinary approach to revascularization is the fundamental behaviour to be chased in order to effectively help the patients in overcoming its diseases. The creation of the "heart team" seems to be a good option for the correct treatment of patients suffering from stable and unstable CAD.

Mid-term results of endoscopic mitral valve repair and insights in surgical techniques for isolated posterior prolapse

BACKGROUND

The adoption of minimally invasive techniques to perform mitral valve repair surgery is increasing. This is enhanced by the compelling evidence of satisfactory short-term results and lower major morbidity. We analyzed mid-term follow-up results of our experience, and further compared two techniques: isolated leaflet resection and neochord implantation for posterior leaflet prolapse.

METHODS

Data for all consecutive endoscopic mitral valve repairs via video-assisted right anterior mini-thoracotomy were analyzed between December 2012 and September 2021. The early and mid-term follow-up results were ascertained. The main outcome was the incidence of mortality and the recurrence of significant mitral regurgitation during follow-up which were summarized by the Kaplan-Meier estimator and compared between treatment arms using the stratified log-rank test. Secondary outcomes were the early-postoperative results including 30-days mortality and the occurrence of major complications.

RESULTS

A total of 309 patients were included. Along with ring annuloplasty, 136 (44.4%) patients received posterior leaflet resection (122 isolated) whereas 97 (31.1%) underwent posterior leaflet chords implantation (88 isolated). Forty-nine patients had annuloplasty alone. In-hospital mortality was 1.0%. Mean follow-up was 28.8 ± 22.0 months (maximum 8.3 years). Kaplan-Meier survival rate at 5 years was 97.3 ± 1.0%, mitral regurgitation ([Formula: see text]3+) or valve reoperation free-survival at 5 years was estimated as 94.5 ± 2.3%. Subgroup time-to-event analysis for the indexed outcomes showed no statistical significance between the techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic mitral valve repair is safe and associated with excellent short- and mid-term outcomes. No differences were found between leaflet resection and gore-tex chords implantation for posterior leaflet prolapse.