Pacemaker implantation associated with tricuspid repair in the setting of mitral valve surgery: Insights from a Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network randomized trial

OBJECTIVES

In a recent trial, tricuspid annuloplasty (TA) during mitral valve surgery (MVS) for degenerative mitral regurgitation and moderate or less tricuspid regurgitation (TR) reduced the composite rate of death, reoperation for TR, or TR progression at 2 years. However, this benefit was counterbalanced by an increase in implantation of permanent pacemakers (PPMs). In this study, we analyzed the timing, indications, and risk factors for these implantations.

METHODS

We randomized 401 patients (MVS alone = 203; MVS + TA = 198). Potential risk factors for PPMs were assessed using multivariable time-to-event models with death and PPM implantation for heart failure indications as competing risks.

RESULTS

A PPM was implanted in 36 patients (9.6; 95% CI, 6.8-13.0) within 2 years of randomization, with 30/187 (16.0%) in the MVS + TA and 6/188 (3.2%) in the MVS groups (rate ratio, 5.08; 95% CI, 2.16-11.94; P < .001). Most (29/36; 80.6%) implantations occurred within 30 days postoperatively. Independent risk factors for PPM implantation within 2 years were TA (hazard ratio [HR], 5.94; 95% CI, 2.27-15.53; P < .001), increasing age (5 years, HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.01-1.52; P = .04), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99; P = .02). In the subset of TA recipients (n = 197), age (5 years, HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.00-1.10; P = .04) and LVEF (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99; P = .01) were associated with PPM within 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant TA, age, and baseline LVEF were risk factors for PPM implantation in patients who underwent MVS for degenerative mitral regurgitation. Although TA was effective in preventing progression of TR, innovation is needed to identify ways to decrease PPM implantation rates.

Coronary Artery Aneurysms, Arteriovenous Malformations, and Spontaneous Dissections-A Review of the Evidence

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs), coronary arteriovenous malformations (CAVMs), and spontaneous coronary artery dissections (SCADs) are rare clinical entities, and much is unknown about their natural history, prognosis, and management.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed in March 2023 to identify published papers related to CAAs, CAVMs, and SCADs.

RESULTS

CAAs are found in 0.3% to 12% of patients undergoing angiography and are often associated with coronary atherosclerosis. They are usually asymptomatic but can be complicated by thrombosis in up to 4.8% of patients and rarely by rupture (0.2%). CAAs can be managed medically, percutaneously with stents or coil embolization, and surgically. The most common surgical procedure is ligation of the aneurysm, followed by coronary artery bypass grafting. The incidence of CAVMs is 0.1% to 0.2% in patients undergoing angiography, and they are most likely associated with congenital abnormal development of the coronary vessels. The diagnosis of CAVMs is usually incidental. Surgical or percutaneous intervention is indicated for patients with large CAVMs, which carry a potential risk of myocardial infarction. SCADs represent 1% to 4% of all acute coronary syndromes and typically affect young women. SCADs are strongly correlated with pregnancy, suggesting the role of sex hormones in their pathogenesis. Conservative management of SCAD is preferred for stable patients without signs of ischemia as spontaneous resolution is frequently reported. Unstable patients should undergo revascularization either percutaneously or with coronary artery bypass grafting.

CONCLUSIONS

Further evidence regarding the management of these rare diseases is needed and can ideally be derived from multicenter collaborations.

Cardiac Surgery after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Trends and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Reports of cardiac operations after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and early TAVR explantation are increasing. The purpose of this report is to document trends and outcomes of cardiac surgery following initial TAVR.

METHODS

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database was queried for all adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery after a previously placed TAVR between January 2012 and March 2023. This identified an overall cohort, as well as two subcohorts: non aortic valve surgeries, and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) after previous TAVR. Cohorts were examined with descriptive statistics, trend analyses, and 30-day outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 5,457 patients were identified of which 2,485 (45.5%) underwent non-SAVR cardiac surgery, and 2,972 (54.5%) underwent SAVR. The frequency of cardiac surgery after TAVR increased 4,235.3% overall, and 144.6% per year throughout the study period. The incidence of operative mortality and stroke were 15.5 and 4.5%, respectively. Existing Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk models performed poorly as observed to expected mortality ratios were significantly >1.0. Among those undergoing SAVR after TAVR, increasing preoperative surgical urgency, age, dialysis, need for SAVR, and concomitant procedures were associated with increased mortality, while type of TAVR explant was not.

CONCLUSIONS

The need for cardiac surgery including redo SAVR after TAVR is increasing rapidly. Risks are higher and outcomes are worse than predicted. These data should closely inform heart-team decisions if TAVR is considered at lowering age and risk profiles in the absence of longitudinal evidence.

Surgical pulmonary arterioplasty at bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis leads to favorable pulmonary hemodynamics at final stage palliation

Objective

Pulmonary arterioplasty (PA plasty) at bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis (BDCA) is associated with increased morbidity, but outcomes to final stage palliation are unknown. We sought to determine the influence of PA plasty on pulmonary artery growth and hemodyamics at Fontan.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical data and outcomes for BDCA patients from 2006 to 2018. PA plasty was categorized by extent (type 1-4), as previously described. Outcomes included pulmonary artery reintervention and mortality before final palliation.

Results

Five hundred eighty-eight patients underwent BDCA. One hundred seventy-nine patients (30.0%) underwent concomitant PA plasty. Five hundred seventy (97%) patients (169 [94%] PA plasty) survived to BDCA discharge. One hundred forty out of 570 survivors (25%) required PA/Glenn reintervention before final stage palliation (59 out of 169 [35%]) PA plasty; 81 out of 401 (20%) non-PA plasty; P < .001). Twelve-, 24-, and 36-month freedom from reintervention after BDCA was 80% (95% CI, 74-86%), 75% (95% CI, 69-82%), and 64% (95% CI, 57-73%) for PA plasty, and 95% (95% CI, 93-97%), 91% (95% CI, 88-94%), and 81% (95% CI, 76-85%) for non-PA plasty (P < .001). Prefinal stage mortality was 37 (6.3%) (14 out of 169 PA plasty; 23 out of 401 non-PA plasty; P = .4). Five hundred four (144 PA plasty and 360 non-PA plasty) patients reached final stage palliation (471 Fontan, 26 1.5-ventricle, and 7 2-ventricular repair). Pre-Fontan PA pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance were 10 mm Hg (range, 9-12 mm Hg) and 1.6 mm Hg (range, 1.3-1.9 mm Hg) in PA plasty and 10 mm Hg (range, 8-12 mm Hg) and 1.5 mm Hg (range, 1.3-1.9 mm Hg) in non-PA plasty patients, respectively (P = .29, .6). Fontan hospital mortality, length of stay, and morbidity were similar.

Conclusions

PA plasty at BDCA does not confer additional mortality risk leading to final palliation. Despite increased pulmonary artery reintervention, there was reliable pulmonary artery growth and favorable pulmonary hemodynamics at final stage palliation.

Robotic degenerative mitral repair: Factors associated with intraoperative revision and impact of mild residual regurgitation

OBJECTIVES

National registry data show wide variability in degenerative mitral repair rates and infrequent use of intraoperative repair revision to eliminate residual mitral regurgitation (MR). The consequence of uncorrected mild residual MR is also not clear. We identified factors associated with intraoperative revision of degenerative mitral repair and evaluated long-term effects of intraoperative mild residual MR.

METHODS

A prospective institutional registry of 858 patients with degenerative MR undergoing robotic mitral surgery was linked to statewide databases. Univariate logistic regression identified factors associated with intraoperative repair revision. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and adjusted with Cox regression. Late freedom from more-than-moderate MR or reintervention was estimated with death as a competing risk.

RESULTS

Repair rate was 99.3%. Repair was revised intraoperatively in 19 patients and was associated with anterior or bileaflet prolapse, adjunctive repair techniques, and annuloplasty band size (all P < .05). Intraoperative repair revision did not result in increased postoperative complications. Intraoperative mild residual MR (n = 111) was independently associated with inferior 8-year survival (hazard ratio, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.33-6.23), worse freedom from more than moderate MR (hazard ratio, 3.35; 95% CI, 1.60-7.00), and worse freedom from mitral reintervention (hazard ratio, 6.40; 95% CI, 2.19-18.72) (all P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

A near 100% repair rate with acceptable durability may be achieved safely with intraoperative revision of postrepair residual MR. Mild residual MR was independently associated with reduced survival, worse freedom from more-than-moderate MR, and worse freedom from mitral reintervention at 8-year follow-up.

Prospective Study of Risk Factors for Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery

INTRODUCTION

To examine risk factors for new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac surgery.

METHODS

Patients enrolled in the Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network multicenter, randomized trial of rate control versus rhythm control for POAF were included. Predictors of POAF were determined using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among the 2104 patients who were enrolled preoperatively, 695 developed POAF (33.0%). Rates of POAF were 28.1% after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 33.7% after isolated valve repair or replacement, and 47.3% after CABG plus valve repair or replacement. Baseline characteristics associated with an increased risk of POAF identified on multivariable analysis included older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42-1.73, per 10 y), White race or non-Hispanic ethnicity (OR 1.52; CI: 1.11-2.07), history of heart failure (OR 1.55; CI: 1.16-2.08), and history of hypothyroidism (OR 1.42; CI 1.04-1.94). The type of cardiac procedure was associated with an increased risk of POAF with both isolated valve repair or replacement (OR 1.33, CI 1.08-1.64) and combined CABG plus valve repair or replacement (OR 1.64, CI 1.24-2.17) having increased risk of POAF compared to isolated CABG. No preoperative cardiac medication was associated with POAF.

CONCLUSIONS

In this prospective cohort of patients, older age, a history of hypothyroidism, a history of heart failure, and valve repair or replacement, with or without CABG, and White non-Hispanic race were associated with an increased risk of POAF.

Heart transplantation in patients from socioeconomically distressed communities

BACKGROUND

Studies examining heart transplantation disparities have focused on individual factors such as race or insurance status. We characterized the impact of a composite community socioeconomic disadvantage index on heart transplantation outcomes.

METHODS

From the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR), we identified 49,340 primary, isolated adult heart transplant candidates and 32,494 recipients (2005-2020). Zip code-level socioeconomic disadvantage was characterized using the Distressed Community Index (DCI: 0-most prosperous, 100-most distressed) based on education, poverty, unemployment, housing vacancies, median income, and business growth. Patients from distressed communities (DCI ≥ 80) were compared to all others.

RESULTS

Patients from distressed communities were more often non-white, less educated, and had public insurance (all p < 0.01). Distressed patients were more likely to require ventricular assist devices at listing (29.4 vs 27.1%) and before transplant (44.8 vs 42.0%, both p < 0.001), and they underwent transplants at lower-volume centers (23 vs 26 cases/year, p < 0.01). Distressed patients had higher 1-year waitlist mortality or deterioration (12.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.6-13.0] vs 10.9% [95% CI 10.5-11.3]) and inferior 5-year survival (75.3% [95% CI 74.0-76.5] vs 79.5% [95% CI 79.0-80.0]) (both p < 0.001). After adjustment, living in a distressed community was independently associated with an increased risk of waitlist mortality or deterioration hazard ratio (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.18) and post-transplant mortality (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06-1.20).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients from socioeconomically distressed communities have worse waitlist and post-transplant mortality. These findings should not be used to limit access to heart transplantation, but rather highlight the need for further studies to elucidate mechanisms underlying the impact of community-level socioeconomic disparity.

The impact of perioperative stroke and delirium on outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVE

The effects of stroke and delirium on postdischarge cognition and patient-centered health outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) are not well characterized. Here, we assess the impact of postoperative stroke and delirium on these health outcomes in SAVR patients at 90 days.

METHODS

Patients (N = 383) undergoing SAVR (41% received concomitant coronary artery bypass graft) enrolled in a randomized trial of embolic protection devices underwent serial neurologic and delirium evaluations at postoperative days 1, 3, and 7 and magnetic resonance imaging at day 7. Outcomes included 90-day functional status, neurocognitive decline from presurgical baseline, and quality of life.

RESULTS

By postoperative day 7, 25 (6.6%) patients experienced clinical stroke and 103 (28.5%) manifested delirium. During index hospitalization, time to discharge was longer in patients experiencing stroke (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42-0.94; P = .02) and patients experiencing delirium (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54-0.86; P = .001). At day 90, patients experiencing stroke were more likely to have a modified Rankin score >2 (odds ratio [OR], 5.9; 95% CI, 1.7-20.1; P = .01), depression (OR, 5.3; 95% CI, 1.6-17.3; P = .006), a lower 12-Item Short Form Survey physical health score (adjusted mean difference -3.3 ± 1.9; P = .08), and neurocognitive decline (OR, 7.8; 95% CI, 2.3-26.4; P = .001). Delirium was associated with depression (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 0.9-5.3; P = .08), lower 12-Item Short Form Survey physical health (adjusted mean difference -2.3 ± 1.1; P = .03), and neurocognitive decline (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-4.0; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Stroke and delirium occur more frequently after SAVR than is commonly recognized, and these events are associated with disability, depression, cognitive decline, and poorer quality of life at 90 days postoperatively. These findings support the need for new interventions to reduce these events and improve patient-centered outcomes.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database: 2023 Update on Procedure Data and Research

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Adult Cardiac Surgery Database is one of the largest and most comprehensive contemporary clinical databases in use. It now contains >9 million procedures from 1010 participants and 3651 active surgeons. Using audited data collection, it has provided the foundation for multiple risk models, performance metrics, health policy decisions, and a trove of research studies to improve the care of patients in need of cardiac surgical procedures. This annual report provides an update on the current status of the database and summarizes the development of new risk models and the STS Online Risk Calculator. Further, it provides insights into current practice patterns, such as the change in the demographics among patients undergoing aortic valve replacement, the use of minimally invasive techniques for valve and bypass surgery, or the adoption of surgical ablation and left atrial appendage ligation among patients with atrial fibrillation. Lastly, an overview of the research conducted using the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database and future directions for the database are provided.

Surgery and transcatheter intervention for degenerative mitral regurgitation in the United States

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated practice trends and 3-year outcomes of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) and surgical repair for degenerative mitral regurgitation in the United States.

METHODS

From the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data (2012-2019), 53,117 mitral valve interventions (surgery or TEER) were performed for degenerative mitral regurgitation, identified by excluding rheumatic and congenital disease, endocarditis, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and concomitant or prior coronary revascularizations. Median follow-up was 2.9 years (interquartile range, 1.2-5.1 years). End points were 3-year survival, stroke, mitral reinterventions, and heart failure readmissions.

RESULTS

Volume of total annual mitral interventions did not significantly change (P = .18) between 2012 and 2019. However, surgical cases decreased by one-third, whereas TEER increased. Among 27,170 patients (52.5% men; mean age, 73.5 years) who underwent TEER (n = 7755) or surgical repair (n = 19,415), surgical patients were younger (71.8 vs 80.8 years; P < .001), with less comorbidity and frailty. In 4532 patient pairs matched for age, frailty, and comorbidity, 3-year survival after TEER was 65.9% (95% CI, 64.3%-67.6%) and 85.7% (95% CI, 84.5%-86.9%) after surgery (P < .001). Three years after TEER or surgery, stroke rates were 1.8% (95% CI, 1.5%-2.2%) and 2.0% (95% CI, 1.6%-2.4%) (P = .49); heart failure readmission rates were 17.8% (95% CI, 16.7%-18.9%) and 11.2% (95% CI, 10.3%-12.2%) (P < .001); and mitral reintervention rates were 6.1% (95% CI, 5.5%-6.9%) and 1.3% (95% CI, 1.0%-1.7%) (P < .001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Among Medicare beneficiaries with degenerative mitral regurgitation, an increase in TEER utilization was associated with worse survival, increased heart failure readmissions, and more mitral reinterventions. Randomized trials are needed to better inform treatment choice.

Limited cumulative experience with ex vivo lung perfusion is associated with inferior outcomes after lung transplantation

OBJECTIVE

Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) allows for prolonged preservation and evaluation/resuscitation of donor lungs. We evaluated the influence of center experience with EVLP on lung transplant outcomes.

METHODS

We identified 9708 isolated, first-time adult lung transplants from the United Network for Organ Sharing database (March 1, 2018-March 1, 2022), 553 (5.7%) involved using donor lungs after EVLP. Using the total volume of EVLP lung transplants per center during the study period, centers were dichotomized into low- (1-15 cases) and high-volume (>15 cases) EVLP centers.

RESULTS

Forty-one centers performed EVLP lung transplants, including 26 low-volume and 15 high-volume centers (median volume, 3 vs 23 cases; P < .001). Recipients at low-volume centers (n = 109) had similar baseline comorbidities compared with high-volume centers (n = 444). Low-volume centers used numerically more donation after circulatory death donors (37.6 vs 28.4%; P = .06) and more donors with Pao2/Fio2 ratio <300 (24.8 vs 9.7%; P < .001). After EVLP lung transplants, low-volume centers had worse 1-year survival (77.8% vs 87.5%; P = .007), with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.63 (95% CI, 1.06-2.50, adjusting for recipient age, sex, diagnosis, lung allocation score, donation after circulatory death donor, donor Pao2/Fio2 ratio, and total annual lung transplant volume per center). When compared to non-EVLP lung transplants, 1-year survival of EVLP lung transplants was significantly worse at low-volume centers (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.47-2.97) but similar at high-volume centers (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.82-1.58).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of EVLP in lung transplantation remains limited. Increasing cumulative EVLP experience is associated with improved outcomes of lung transplantation using EVLP-perfused allografts.

Bicuspid aortic stenosis: National three-year outcomes of transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement among Medicare beneficiaries

OBJECTIVE

Randomized trials of transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacements have excluded bicuspid anatomy. We compared 3-year outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement versus surgical aortic valve replacement in patients aged more than 65 years with bicuspid aortic stenosis.

METHODS

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid data were used to identify 6450 patients undergoing isolated surgical aortic valve replacement (n = 3771) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (n = 2679) for bicuspid aortic stenosis (2012-2019). Propensity score matching with 21 baseline characteristics including frailty created 797 pairs.

RESULTS

Unmatched patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement were older than patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (78 vs 70 years), with more comorbidities and frailty (all P < .001). After matching, transcatheter aortic valve replacement was associated with a similar mortality risk compared with surgical aortic valve replacement within the first 6 months (hazard ratio [HR], 1.08, 95% CI, 0.67-1.69) but a higher mortality risk between 6 months and 3 years (HR, 2.16, 95% CI, 1.22-3.83). Additionally, transcatheter aortic valve replacement was associated with a lower risk of heart failure readmissions before 6 months (HR, 0.51, 95% CI, 0.31-0.87) but a higher risk between 6 months and 3 years (HR, 4.78, 95% CI, 2.21-10.36). The 3-year risks of aortic valve reintervention (HR, 1.03, 95% CI, 0.30-3.56) and stroke (HR, 1.21, 95% CI, 0.75-1.96) were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Among matched Medicare beneficiaries undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement or surgical aortic valve replacement for bicuspid aortic stenosis, 3-year mortality was higher after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. However, transcatheter aortic valve replacement was associated with a similar risk of mortality and a lower risk of heart failure readmissions during the first 6 months after the intervention. Randomized comparative data are needed to best inform treatment choice.

Lung transplantation outcomes in patients from socioeconomically distressed communities

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated racial and gender disparities in lung allocation, but contemporary data regarding socioeconomic disparities in post-transplant outcomes are lacking. We evaluated the impact of a composite socioeconomic disadvantage index on post-transplant outcomes.

METHODS

The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients identified 27,763 adult patients undergoing isolated primary lung transplantation between 2005 and 2020. Zip code-level socioeconomic distress was characterized using the Distressed Communities Index (DCI: 0-no distress, 100-severe distress) based on education level, poverty, unemployment, housing vacancies, median income, and business growth, and patients were stratified into high (DCI ≥60) or low (DCI <60) distressed groups.

RESULTS

Recipients from high-distress communities (n = 8006, 28.8%) were younger (59years [interquartile range {IQR} 50-64] vs 61years [IQR 52-66]), less often white (73 vs 85%), less likely to have a college degree (45 vs 59%), and more likely to have public insurance (57 vs 49%, all p < 0.001) compared to those from low-distress communities. Additionally, high-distress recipients were more likely to have group A diagnoses (32 vs 27%) and undergo bilateral lung transplants (72.4 vs 69.3%, all p < 0.001). Post-transplant survival at 5years was 55.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 54.4-56.9) in high-distress recipients and 58.2% (95% CI: 57.4-58.9) in low-distress recipients (p = 0.003). After adjustment, high distress level was independently associated with an increased risk of 5-year mortality (hazard ratio:1.09, 95% CI:1.04-1.15).

CONCLUSIONS

Recipients from distressed communities are at increased mortality risk following lung transplantation. Efforts should be focused on increased resource allocation and further study to better understand factors which may mitigate this disparity.

Impact of donor-recipient age-difference in adolescent heart transplantation

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between donor age and adolescent heart transplant outcomes remains incompletely understood. We aimed to explore the effect of donor-recipient age difference on survival after adolescent heart transplantation.

METHODS

The United Network for Organ Sharing database was used to identify 2,855 adolescents aged 10-17 years undergoing isolated primary heart transplantation from 1/1/2000 to 12/31/2022. The primary outcome was 10-year post-transplant survival. Multivariable Cox regression identified predictors of mortality after adjusting for donor and recipient characteristics. A restricted cubic spline assessed the non-linear association between donor-recipient age-difference and the adjusted relative mortality hazard.

RESULTS

The median donor-recipient age-difference was +3 (range -13 to +47) years, and 17.7% (n = 504) of recipients had an age- difference > 10 years. Recipients with an age-difference > 10 years had a less favorable pre-transplant profile, including a higher incidence of priority status 1A (81.6%, n = 411 vs. 73.6%, n = 1730; p = .01). The 10-year survival rate was 54.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 48.8- 60.4) among recipients with a donor-recipient age-difference > 10 years and 66.9% (95% CI: 64.4-69.4) among those with an age-difference ≤10 years. An age-difference > 10 years was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio 1.43, 95% CI: 1.18-1.72, p < .001). Spline analysis demonstrated that the adjusted mortality hazard increased with increasingly positive donor-recipient age-difference and became significantly higher at an age-difference of 11 years.

CONCLUSION

A donor-recipient age-difference > 11 years is independently associated with higher long-term mortality after adolescent heart transplantation. This finding may help inform acceptable donor selection practice for adolescent heart transplant candidates.

Repeat pediatric heart transplantation: A united network for organ sharing database analysis

BACKGROUND

A history of congenital heart disease and previous transplantation are each independently associated with worse survival following pediatric heart transplantation. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of children undergoing repeat heart transplantation in the United States based on the underlying diagnosis.

METHODS

The United Network for Organ Sharing database was used to identify 8111 patients aged <18 years undergoing isolated heart transplantation from 2000 to 2021, including 435 (5.4%) repeat transplants. Restricted cubic spline analysis assessed the non-linear relationship between inter-transplant interval and the primary outcome of all-cause mortality or re-transplantation. Multivariable Cox regression assessed the impact of re-transplantation on the primary outcome. Median follow-up was 5.0 (interquartile range 1.9-9.9) years.

RESULTS

Repeat transplant patients were older (median age 12 vs. 4 years; p < .001), and less likely to be in UNOS status 1A (66.0%, n = 287 vs. 81.0% n = 6217; p < .001) than primary transplant patients. Freedom from the primary outcome was 51.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 45.5-57.2) among repeat transplants and 70.5% (95% CI 69.2-71.8) among primary transplants at 10 years (p < .001). Among repeat transplant patients, the relative hazard of the primary outcome became non-significant when the inter-transplant interval >3.6 years. Congenital heart disease was an independent predictor of mortality among primary (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.6-1.9) but not repeat transplant (HR 1.1, 95% CI .8-1.6) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term outcomes remain poor for patients undergoing repeat heart transplantation, particularly those with an inter-transplant interval <3.6 years. Underlying diagnosis does not impact outcomes after repeat transplantation, after accounting for other risk factors.

Simultaneous Lung-Kidney Transplantation in the United States

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous lung-kidney transplantation is rarely performed. Contemporary national practice trends and outcomes are unclear.

METHODS

From the United Network for Organ Sharing database, we identified 108 lung-kidney transplant recipients (2005-2022). They were compared with isolated lung recipients with pretransplantation dialysis or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤30 mL/min per 1.73 m2 (n = 372) and isolated non-dialysis-dependent lung recipients with 30 < eGFR < 50 mL/min per 1.73 m2 (n = 1416), respectively. Lung-kidney recipients were also compared with recipients of the contralateral kidney from the same donors (n = 90).

RESULTS

Lung-kidney transplantation was performed by 36 centers, with increasing annual volume (1 in 2005, 16 in 2022; P < .01). Forty percent (44/108) of lung-kidney recipients received pretransplantation dialysis, and of those without pretransplantation dialysis, median eGFR was 30.7 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Lung-kidney recipients had improved survival compared with isolated lung recipients with eGFR ≤30 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or pretransplantation dialysis (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.38-0.92). However, no survival benefit was observed when lung-kidney recipients were compared with isolated lung recipients with 30 < eGFR < 50 mL/min per 1.73 m2 and no pretransplantation dialysis (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.55-1.41). Compared with isolated kidney recipients using the contralateral kidney from the same donors, lung-kidney recipients had a higher risk of kidney allograft loss (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.22-8.78), a difference largely accounted for by patient death with a functioning kidney allograft.

CONCLUSIONS

Recipients of lung-kidney transplants had improved survival compared with isolated lung recipients with eGFR ≤30 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or pretransplantation dialysis. However, lung-kidney recipients had a higher rate of kidney allograft loss than recipients of the contralateral kidney allograft from the same donors.

Simultaneous heart-kidney transplant in patients with borderline estimated glomerular filtration rate without dialysis dependency

BACKGROUND

Appropriate patient selection for simultaneous heart-kidney transplantation (sHK) in patients with moderate renal dysfunction remains challenging.

METHODS

From the United Network for Organ Sharing database (2003-2020), we identified 5678 adults with an estimated pre-transplant glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 30 and 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and no pre-transplant dialysis. Patients undergoing sHK (n = 293) were compared with those undergoing heart transplantation alone (n = 5385) using 1:3 propensity score matching.

RESULTS

The sHK utilization rate increased from 1.8% in 2003 to 12.2% in 2020 (p < .001). After matching, 1 and 5-year survival was 87.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 83.3-91.0) and 80.0% (95% CI 74.2-84.6) after sHK, and 87.3% (95% CI 85.2-89.1) and 71.8% (95% CI 68.4-74.9) after heart transplant alone (p = .04). In the subgroup analysis, sHK was associated with a 5-year survival benefit only in patients with 30 < eGFR ≤ 35 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p = .05) but not in those with 35 < eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p = .45). Patients who underwent heart transplants alone also had a higher incidence of becoming chronic dialysis-dependent after transplant within 5-year follow-up (10.2%, 95% CI 8.0-12.6 vs. 3.8%, 95% CI 1.7-7.1, p = .004). The 5-year incidence of subsequent kidney waitlisting and transplants after heart transplants alone was 5.6% and 1.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Among propensity-matched patients without pre-transplant dialysis, compared to heart transplants alone, sHK had improved 5-year survival in those with 30 < eGFR ≤ 35 but not in those with 35 < eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 . One-year survival was similar irrespective of eGFR. Receiving a kidney after a heart transplant alone is rare under the current allocation system.

The impact of thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion on early outcomes in donation after circulatory death lung transplantation

Thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion has emerged as an alternative method to procure donation after circulatory death (DCD) hearts, but its impact on concomitantly procured lung allografts remains unclear. The United Network for Organ Sharing database identified 627 DCD donors whose hearts were procured (211 in situ perfused, 416 directly procured) between December 2019 to December 2022. Lung utilization rates were 14.9% (63/422) for in situ perfused donors and 13.8% (115/832) for directly procured donors (p = 0.80). Following transplantation, lung recipients from in situ perfused donors required numerically lower rates of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (7.7% vs 17.0%, p = 0.26) and mechanical ventilation (34.6% vs 47.2%, p = 0.29) at 72 hours. Six-month post-transplant survival was similar between groups (85.7% vs 89.1%, p = 0.67). These results suggest that the use of thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion in DCD heart procurement may not adversely impact recipients of concomitantly procured lung allografts.

Heart retransplant recipients with renal dysfunction benefit from simultaneous heart-kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

Given ongoing donor shortages, appropriate patient selection for dual-organ transplantation is critical. We evaluated outcomes of heart retransplant with simultaneous kidney transplant (HRT-KT) vs isolated heart retransplant (HRT) across varying levels of renal dysfunction.

METHODS

The United Network for Organ Sharing database identified 1189 adult patients undergoing heart retransplantation between 2005 and 2020. Recipients undergoing HRT-KT (n = 251) were compared to those undergoing HRT (n = 938). The primary outcome was 5-year survival; subgroup analyses and multivariable adjustment were performed utilizing the following 3 estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) groups: <30 ml/min/1.73m2, 30-45 ml/min/1.73m2, and >45 ml/min/1.73m2.

RESULTS

HRT-KT recipients were older and had longer waitlist times, longer inter-transplant periods, and lower eGFR levels. HRT-KT recipients were less likely to require pretransplant ventilator (1.2% vs 9.0%, p < 0.001) or ECMO (2.0% vs 8.3%, p < 0.001) support but were more likely to have severe functional limitation (63.4% vs 52.6%, p = 0.001). After retransplantation, HRT-KT recipients had less treated acute rejection (5.2% vs 9.3%, p = 0.02) and more dialysis requirement (29.1% vs 20.2%, p < 0.001) before discharge. Survival at 5-years was 69.1% after HRT and 80.5% after HRT-KT (p < 0.001). After adjustment, HRT-KT was associated with improved 5-year survival among recipients with eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73m2 (HR:0.42, 95% CI: 0.26-0.67) and 30 to 45 ml/min/1.73m2 (HR:0.29, 95% CI 0.13-0.65), but not among those with eGFR>45 ml/min/1.73sm2 (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.30-1.54).

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous kidney transplantation is associated with improved survival following heart retransplantation in patients with eGFR <45 ml/min/1.73m2 and should be strongly considered to optimize organ allocation stewardship.

Socioeconomic disparities in midterm outcomes after repair for degenerative mitral regurgitation

OBJECTIVE

The influence of socioeconomic disparities on survival after mitral repair is poorly defined. We examined the association between socioeconomic disadvantage and midterm outcomes of repair in Medicare beneficiaries with degenerative mitral regurgitation.

METHODS

US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data were used to identify 10,322 patients undergoing isolated first-time repair for degenerative mitral regurgitation between 2012 and 2019. Zip code-level socioeconomic disadvantage was dichotomized with the Distressed Communities Index, which incorporates education level, poverty, unemployment, housing security, median income, and business growth; those with Distressed Communities Index score ≥80 were classified as distressed. The primary outcome was survival, censored at 3 years. Secondary outcomes included cumulative incidences of heart failure readmission, mitral reintervention, and stroke.

RESULTS

Of the 10,322 patients undergoing degenerative mitral repair, 9.7% (n = 1003) came from distressed communities. Patients from distressed communities underwent surgery at lower volume centers (11 vs 16 cases/year) and traveled further for surgical care (40 vs 17 miles) (both P values < .001). At 3 years, unadjusted survival (85.4%; 95% CI, 82.9%-87.5% vs 89.7%; 95% CI, 89.0%-90.4%) and cumulative incidence of heart failure readmission (11.5%; 95% CI, 9.6%-13.7% vs 7.4%; 95% CI, 6.9%-8.0%) were worse in patients from distressed communities (all P values < .001), whereas mitral reintervention rates were similar (2.7%; 95% CI, 1.8%-4.0% vs 2.8%; 95% CI, 2.5%-3.2%; P = .75). After adjustment, community distress was independently associated with 3-year mortality (hazard ratio, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.01-1.46) and heart failure readmissions (hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.04-1.58).

CONCLUSIONS

Community-level socioeconomic distress is associated with worse outcomes in degenerative mitral repair among Medicare beneficiaries.

Evaluating age-based eligibility thresholds for heart re-transplantation - an analysis of the united network for organ sharing database

BACKGROUND

Risk-adjusted survival after late heart re-transplantation may be comparable to primary transplant, but the efficacy of re-transplantation in older candidates is not established. We evaluated outcomes after heart re-transplantation in recipients > 60 years.

METHODS

We identified 1026 adult patients undergoing isolated heart re-transplantation between 2003 and 2020 from the United Network for Organ Sharing database. Older recipients (> 60 years, n=177) were compared to younger recipients (≤ 60 years, n=849). Five and ten-year post-transplant survival was estimated using the Kalpan-Meier method and adjusted with multivariable Cox models.

RESULTS

Older recipients were more likely to be male and have diabetes or previous malignancies with higher baseline creatinine. They also more frequently required pre-transplant ECMO (11.9% vs. 6.8%, p=0.02) and received re-transplantation due to primary graft failure (13.6% vs. 8.5%, p=0.03). After the transplant, older recipients had a higher incidence of stroke (6.8% vs. 2.6%, p=0.01) and dialysis requirements (20.3% vs. 13.2%) before discharge (both p<0.05), and more frequently died from malignancy-related causes (16.3% vs. 3.9%, p<0.001). After adjustment, recipient age >60 was associated with an increased risk of both 5-year (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.02-2.01, p=0.04) and 10-year mortality (HR 1.72, 95% CI 1.20-2.45, p=0.003). Restricted cubic spline showed a non-linear relationship between recipient age and 10-year mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Heart re-transplantation in recipients > 60 years has inferior outcomes compared to younger recipients. Strict patient selection and close follow-up are warranted to ensure the appropriate utilization of donor hearts and to improve long-term outcomes.

Isolated Tricuspid Operations: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database Analysis

BACKGROUND

Population-level data are limited regarding contemporary practice and outcomes of isolated tricuspid operations. We evaluated this using The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database.

METHODS

We identified 14,704 isolated tricuspid operations from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2020. After excluding patients with endocarditis, tricuspid stenosis, emergent/emergent salvage status, previous heart transplants, and missing tricuspid operation type, 6507 patients remained. Endpoints were operative mortality and composite major comorbidities (permanent stroke, renal failure, prolonged ventilation > 24 hours, deep sternal wound infection, cardiac reoperations, and new permanent pacemaker implantation).

RESULTS

Isolated tricuspid operations increased from 2012 (983 cases) to 2019 (2155 cases, P < .001). Median annual center volume was 2 cases (range, 1-81). In the final cohort (n = 6507; median age, 65 years; 38.5% men), 40% had New York Heart Association class III/IV heart failure and 24% had nonelective operations. The operative mortality was 7.3% (1.7% in patients without these risk factors), and new permanent pacemaker implant rate was 10.8%. In the multivariable analysis, factors associated with operative mortality included New York Heart Association class III/IV heart failure (odds ratio [OR], 1.57), nonelective operations (OR, 1.91), tricuspid replacement (OR, 1.56), annual center volume ≤ 5 cases (OR, 1.37), and higher model for end-stage liver disease scores (all P < .05). Beating heart operation was associated with a lower adjusted risk of pacemaker implant (OR, 0.69), renal failure (OR, 0.75), and blood transfusions (OR, 0.8) compared with full cardioplegic arrest (all P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated tricuspid repair was associated with lower adjusted mortality and morbidities than replacement. Beating heart operation was associated with lower adjusted major morbidities. The preoperative model for end-stage liver disease scores may identify high-risk patients, and early referral to higher volume centers may help improve outcomes.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database: 2022 Update on Outcomes and Research

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database is the most mature and comprehensive cardiac surgery database. It is one of the most respected clinical data registries in health care, providing accurate risk-adjusted benchmarks, a foundation for quality measurement and improvement activities, and the ability to perform novel research. This report encompasses data from the years 2020 and 2021 and is the seventh in a series of reports that provide updated volumes, outcomes, database-related developments, and research summaries using the Adult Cardiac Surgery Database.

Risk of Surgical Mitral Valve Repair for Primary Mitral Regurgitation

BACKGROUND

Risk estimation for surgical intervention is an essential component of heart team shared decision-making. However, current mitral valve (MV) surgery risk models used in practice lack etiologic or procedural specificity.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to establish a comprehensive method for assessment of operative risk of MV repair of primary mitral regurgitation (MR).

METHODS

A novel etiology and procedure-specific algorithm identified 53,462 consecutive (July 2014 to June 2020) intention-to-treat MV repair patients with primary MR from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database. Risk models were fit for 30-day operative mortality, mortality and/or major morbidity, and conversion-to-replacement (CONV). As-treated mortality and morbidity models were derived separately.

RESULTS

Event rates for mortality (n = 619; 1.16%), mortality plus morbidity (n = 4,746; 8.88%), and CONV (n = 3,399; 6.36%) were low. Mortality was higher in CONV patients vs repair (3.18% vs 1.02%). All event rates were lower with increasing program volumes. The mortality risk model had excellent discrimination (AUC: 0.807) and calibration and confirmed very low mortality risk for isolated MV repair for primary MR, with mean mortality risk of 1.16% and median of 0.55% (IQR: 0.30%-1.17%) with 90th and 95th percentiles 2.48% and 3.99%, respectively. The mortality risk was <0.5% in patients <65 years of age, with 97% of the total population across age groups having a risk of <3%. Only 1 in 4 patients age 75 or older had >3% estimated risk of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

This etiologic and procedure-specific risk model establishes that the contemporary mortality risk of MV repair for primary MR is <1% for the vast majority of patients.

A Randomized Trial of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Moderate to Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome from COVID-19

Rationale: There are limited therapeutic options for patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related acute respiratory distress syndrome with inflammation-mediated lung injury. Mesenchymal stromal cells offer promise as immunomodulatory agents. Objectives: Evaluation of efficacy and safety of allogeneic mesenchymal cells in mechanically-ventilated patients with moderate or severe COVID-19-induced respiratory failure. Methods: Patients were randomized to two infusions of 2 million cells/kg or sham infusions, in addition to the standard of care. We hypothesized that cell therapy would be superior to sham control for the primary endpoint of 30-day mortality. The key secondary endpoint was ventilator-free survival within 60 days, accounting for deaths and withdrawals in a ranked analysis. Measurements and Main Results: At the third interim analysis, the data and safety monitoring board recommended that the trial halt enrollment as the prespecified mortality reduction from 40% to 23% was unlikely to be achieved (n = 222 out of planned 300). Thirty-day mortality was 37.5% (42/112) in cell recipients versus 42.7% (47/110) in control patients (relative risk [RR], 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-1.21; P = 0.43). There were no significant differences in days alive off ventilation within 60 days (median rank, 117.3 [interquartile range, 60.0-169.5] in cell patients and 102.0 [interquartile range, 54.0-162.5] in control subjects; higher is better). Resolution or improvement of acute respiratory distress syndrome at 30 days was observed in 51/104 (49.0%) cell recipients and 46/106 (43.4%) control patients (odds ratio, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.57-3.21). There were no infusion-related toxicities and overall serious adverse events over 30 days were similar. Conclusions: Mesenchymal cells, while safe, did not improve 30-day survival or 60-day ventilator-free days in patients with moderate and/or severe COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Ross Procedure in Children: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database Analysis

BACKGROUND

Single-center studies have demonstrated excellent results for the Ross procedure in children. We aimed to evaluate national variation in clinical outcomes using The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database.

METHODS

The database was used to identify 2805 children undergoing the Ross procedure from 2000 through 2018, comprising 163 neonates (<30 days, 5.8%), 448 infants (30-365 days, 16.0%), 1444 children (1-12 years, 51.5%), and 750 teenagers (13-17 years, 26.7%). Centers were divided into terciles by procedural volume. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of a composite outcome of operative mortality, neurologic deficit, or renal failure requiring dialysis.

RESULTS

Neonates and infants were more likely to present with aortic stenosis than children and teenagers (61.7% [n = 377] vs 34.6% [n = 760]; P < .01) and have risk factors including preoperative shock (9.2% [n = 56] vs 0.4% [n = 8]; P < .01). Operative mortality was 24.1% (n = 39) in neonates, 11.2% (n = 50) in infants, 1.5% (n = 21) in children , and 0.8% (n = 6) in teenagers (P < .01). Independent predictors of the composite outcome in children aged <1 year included neonatal age (odds ratio [OR], 3.0; 95% CI, 1.9-4.8), low-volume center (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-3.9), and procedure year (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9 per 5 years). In children aged ≥1 year, no association was found between center volume, procedure year, and outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The Ross procedure is being performed with low mortality in children aged ≥1 year throughout North America. High-volume centers have improved outcomes in children aged <1 year, who have different anatomic characteristics and risk profiles.

Long-term outcomes with the pulmonary autograft inclusion technique in adults with bicuspid aortic valves undergoing the Ross procedure

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes with wrapped (pulmonary autograft inclusion) versus unwrapped techniques in adults with bicuspid aortic valves undergoing the Ross procedure.

METHODS

Between 1992 and 2019, 129 adults with bicuspid aortic valves (aged ≥18 years) underwent the Ross procedure by a single surgeon. Patients were divided into those without autograft inclusion (unwrapped, n = 71) and those with autograft inclusion (wrapped, n = 58). Median follow-up was 10.3 years (interquartile range, 3.0-16.8 years). Need for autograft reintervention was analyzed using competing risks.

RESULTS

Pre- and intraoperative characteristics as well as 30-day morbidity or mortality did not differ between cohorts. Survival at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively, was 97.2%, 97.2%, and 95.6% in the unwrapped cohort and 100%, 100%, and 100% in the wrapped cohort (P = .15). Autograft valve failure occurred in 25 (35.2%) of the unwrapped and 3 (5.2%) of the wrapped patients. Competing risks analysis demonstrated the wrapped cohort to have a lower need for autograft reintervention (subhazard ratio, 0.28, 95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.91; P = .035). The cumulative incidence of autograft reintervention (death as a competing outcome) at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively, was 10.2%, 14.9%, and 26.8% in the unwrapped cohort and 4.0%, 4.0%, and 4.0% in the wrapped cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

In adults with bicuspid aortic valves, the Ross procedure with pulmonary autograft inclusion stabilizes the aortic root preventing dilatation and reduces the need for reoperation. The autograft inclusion technique allows the Ross procedure to be performed in this population with excellent long-term outcomes.

Surgical Outcomes After Reconstruction of the Aortomitral Curtain

Repair of concomitant aortic and mitral valvular disease with involvement of the aortomitral curtain requires a technically complex operation colloquially termed the commando procedure. Surgical outcomes of this procedure are not well described. The objective of this study was to examine outcomes of the commando procedure at our center. We identified all patients undergoing concomitant aortic and mitral valve replacements from 2004-2021. Of 363 patients, 41 underwent reconstruction of the aortomitral curtain. Survival analysis and multivariable modeling were used to examine outcomes and risk factors for mortality. The median age was 52 (IQR 44-71) years. Preoperatively, 4 of 41 (9.8%) patients had renal failure, and 10 of 41 (24.4%) had a stroke. The most common surgical indication was endocarditis in 25 of 41 (61.0%) patients. 25 of 41 (61.0%) patients underwent redo sternotomy, and 23 of 41 (56.1%) had previous prosthetic valves. Operative mortality was 14 of 41 (34.1%), and 8 of 41 (9.5%) patients received a permanent pacemaker. Survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 55.4% (95% confidence interval (CI), 40.6-75.5%), 50.3% (35.0-72.3%), and 37.7% (19.3-73.9%) respectively. Cox proportional hazards regression identified previous sternotomy (HR 4.76, 95% CI 1.21-18.73), and female gender (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.17-13.82) as risk factors for mortality. Patients undergoing reconstruction of the aortomitral curtain represent a high-risk population with complex surgical indications. Due to high perioperative morbidity and mortality, this procedure should be performed only when necessary. Despite a high up front morbidity burden, outcomes remain favorable for patients who survive the initial hospitalization.

Contemporary Outcomes of Mitral Valve Repair for Degenerative Disease in the Era of Increased Penetrance of Percutaneous Mitral Valve Technology

Objective

The study objective was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of mitral valve repair in the era of percutaneous technology.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 452 patients who underwent mitral valve repair for degenerative disease between 2010 and 2021. Survival, mitral valve reoperation, and mitral regurgitation recurrence were assessed using Cox regression, dichotomized for those aged more than or less than 60 years.

Results

Median age in years (interquartile range) was 52 (47-57) in the younger cohort and 67 (63-73) in the older cohort (P < .0001). Preoperative comorbidities and leaflet pathology were comparable between groups. After adjustment for sex, prior sternotomy, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and type of leaflet repair, age 60 years or more was not associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio, 6.96, 95% confidence interval, 0.85-56.8, P = .07). Considering death as a competing outcome, cumulative incidence of mitral valve reoperation at 1, 3, and 5 years was 0.9%, 1.4%, and 1.8% in the younger cohort, respectively, and 2.7%, 4.0%, and 5.1% in the older cohort, respectively (subhazard ratio, 2.95, 95% confidence interval, 0.84-10.4, P = .09). Cumulative incidence of mitral regurgitation recurrence with moderate-severe or greater mitral regurgitation at 1, 3, and 5 years was 1.4%, 3.6%, and 5.1%, and 2.7%, 3.5%, and 4.7% in the younger and older cohorts, respectively (subhazard ratio, 0.85, 95% confidence interval, 0.29-2.50, P = .76). Subgroup analysis focusing on isolated mitral valve repairs (n = 388) showed equivalent results with respect to mortality (hazard ratio, 5.31, 95% confidence interval, 0.64-44.0, P = .12), mitral valve reoperation (subhazard ratio, 4.04, 95% confidence interval, 0.89-18.4, P = .07), and mitral regurgitation recurrence (subhazard ratio, 0.98, 95% confidence interval, 0.30-3.15, P = .97).

Conclusions

Mitral valve repair outcomes continue to be excellent, even in low-risk patients aged more than 60 years.

Heart transplantation for COVID-19 myopathy in the United States

Evidence on characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing heart transplantation for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated cardiomyopathy is limited to case reports. Of all 6,332 patients aged ≥18 years undergoing heart transplantation from July 2020 through May 2022 in the United Network for Organ Sharing database, 12 (0.2%) patients had COVID-19 myocarditis and 98 (1.6%) patients with the same level of care had non-COVID-19 myocarditis. Their median age was 49 (range 19-74) years. All patients were hospitalized in the intensive care unit and 92.7% (n = 102) were on life support prior to transplantation. No patients with COVID-19 myocarditis required ventilation while waitlisted. Survival free from graft failure was 100% among COVID-19 patients and 88.5% among non-COVID-19 patients at a median of 257 (range 0-427) days post-transplant. These findings indicate that transplantation is rarely performed for COVID-19 related cardiomyopathy in the United States, yet early outcomes appear favorable in select patients.

Responses to a Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibody for Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 According to Baseline Antibody and Antigen Levels : A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial, bamlanivimab, a SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing monoclonal antibody, given in combination with remdesivir, did not improve outcomes among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 based on an early futility assessment.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the a priori hypothesis that bamlanivimab has greater benefit in patients without detectable levels of endogenous neutralizing antibody (nAb) at study entry than in those with antibodies, especially if viral levels are high.

DESIGN

Randomized, placebo-controlled trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04501978).

SETTING

Multicenter trial.

PATIENTS

Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 without end-organ failure.

INTERVENTION

Bamlanivimab (7000 mg) or placebo.

MEASUREMENTS

Antibody, antigen, and viral RNA levels were centrally measured on stored specimens collected at baseline. Patients were followed for 90 days for sustained recovery (defined as discharge to home and remaining home for 14 consecutive days) and a composite safety outcome (death, serious adverse events, organ failure, or serious infections).

RESULTS

Among 314 participants (163 receiving bamlanivimab and 151 placebo), the median time to sustained recovery was 19 days and did not differ between the bamlanivimab and placebo groups (subhazard ratio [sHR], 0.99 [95% CI, 0.79 to 1.22]; sHR > 1 favors bamlanivimab). At entry, 50% evidenced production of anti-spike nAbs; 50% had SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid plasma antigen levels of at least 1000 ng/L. Among those without and with nAbs at study entry, the sHRs were 1.24 (CI, 0.90 to 1.70) and 0.74 (CI, 0.54 to 1.00), respectively (nominal P for interaction = 0.018). The sHR (bamlanivimab vs. placebo) was also more than 1 for those with plasma antigen or nasal viral RNA levels above median level at entry and was greatest for those without antibodies and with elevated levels of antigen (sHR, 1.48 [CI, 0.99 to 2.23]) or viral RNA (sHR, 1.89 [CI, 1.23 to 2.91]). Hazard ratios for the composite safety outcome (<1 favors bamlanivimab) also differed by serostatus at entry: 0.67 (CI, 0.37 to 1.20) for those without and 1.79 (CI, 0.92 to 3.48) for those with nAbs.

LIMITATION

Subgroup analysis of a trial prematurely stopped because of futility; small sample size; multiple subgroups analyzed.

CONCLUSION

Efficacy and safety of bamlanivimab may differ depending on whether an endogenous nAb response has been mounted. The limited sample size of the study does not allow firm conclusions based on these findings, and further independent trials are required that assess other types of passive immune therapies in the same patient setting.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

U.S. government Operation Warp Speed and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons 2021 Adult Cardiac Surgery Risk Models for Multiple Valve Operations

BACKGROUND

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Quality Measurement Task Force has developed risk models and composite performance measures for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR), isolated mitral valve replacement or repair (MVRR), AVR+CABG, and MVRR+CABG. To further enhance its portfolio of risk-adjusted performance metrics, STS has developed new risk models for multiple valve operations ± CABG procedures.

METHODS

Using July 2011 to June 2019 STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database data, risk models for AVR+MVRR (n = 31,968) and AVR+MVRR+CABG (n = 12,650) were developed with the following endpoints: Operative Mortality, major morbidity (any 1 or more of the following: cardiac reoperation, deep sternal wound infection/mediastinitis, stroke, prolonged ventilation, and renal failure), and combined mortality and/or major morbidity. Data were divided into development (July 2011 to June 2017; n = 35,109) and validation (July 2017 to June 2019; n = 9509) samples. Predictors were selected by assessing model performance and clinical face validity of full and progressively more parsimonious models. Performance of the resulting models was evaluated by assessing discrimination and calibration.

RESULTS

C-statistics for the overall population of multiple valve ± CABG procedures were 0.7086, 0.6734, and 0.6840 for mortality, morbidity, and combined mortality and/or morbidity in the development sample, and 0.6953, 0.6561, and 0.6634 for the same outcomes, respectively, in the validation sample.

CONCLUSIONS

New STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database risk models have been developed for multiple valve ± CABG operations, and these models will be used in subsequent STS performance metrics.

Concomitant Tricuspid Repair in Patients with Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation

BACKGROUND

Tricuspid regurgitation is common in patients with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation. However, the evidence base is insufficient to inform a decision about whether to perform tricuspid-valve repair during mitral-valve surgery in patients who have moderate tricuspid regurgitation or less-than-moderate regurgitation with annular dilatation.

METHODS

We randomly assigned 401 patients who were undergoing mitral-valve surgery for degenerative mitral regurgitation to receive a procedure with or without tricuspid annuloplasty (TA). The primary 2-year end point was a composite of reoperation for tricuspid regurgitation, progression of tricuspid regurgitation by two grades from baseline or the presence of severe tricuspid regurgitation, or death.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent mitral-valve surgery plus TA had fewer primary-end-point events than those who underwent mitral-valve surgery alone (3.9% vs. 10.2%) (relative risk, 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16 to 0.86; P = 0.02). Two-year mortality was 3.2% in the surgery-plus-TA group and 4.5% in the surgery-alone group (relative risk, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.25 to 1.88). The 2-year prevalence of progression of tricuspid regurgitation was lower in the surgery-plus-TA group than in the surgery-alone group (0.6% vs. 6.1%; relative risk, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.69). The frequencies of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, functional status, and quality of life were similar in the two groups at 2 years, although the incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation was higher in the surgery-plus-TA group than in the surgery-alone group (14.1% vs. 2.5%; rate ratio, 5.75; 95% CI, 2.27 to 14.60).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients undergoing mitral-valve surgery, those who also received TA had a lower incidence of a primary-end-point event than those who underwent mitral-valve surgery alone at 2 years, a reduction that was driven by less frequent progression to severe tricuspid regurgitation. Tricuspid repair resulted in more frequent permanent pacemaker implantation. Whether reduced progression of tricuspid regurgitation results in long-term clinical benefit can be determined only with longer follow-up. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02675244.).

Early onset of deep sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery is associated with decreased survival: A propensity weighted analysis

OBJECTIVES

To compare outcomes after the development of early (≤30 days) versus delayed (>30 days) deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) after cardiac surgery.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2016, 64 patients were treated surgically for DSWI following cardiac surgery. Thirty-three developed early DSWI, while 31 developed late DSWI. The mean follow-up was 34.1 ± 32.3 months.

RESULTS

Survival for the entire cohort at 1, 3, and 5 years was 93.9%, 85.1%, and 80.8%, respectively. DSWI diagnosed early and attempted medical management was strongly associated with overall mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 25.0 and 9.9; 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 1.18-52.8 and 1.28-76.5; p-value .04 and .04, respectively). Survival was 88.1%, 77.0%, 70.6% and 100%, 94.0% and 94.0% at 1, 3, and 5 years in the early and late DSWI groups, respectively (log-rank = 0.074). Those diagnosed early were more likely to have a positive wound culture (odds ratio [OR], 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01-0.69; p = .024) and diagnosed late were more likely to be female (OR, 8.75; 95% CI, 2.0-38.4; p = .004) and require an urgent DSWI procedure (OR, 9.25; 95% CI, 1.86-45.9; p = .007). Both early diagnosis of DSWI and initial attempted medial management were strongly associated with mortality (HR, 7.48; 95% CI, 1.38-40.4; p = .019 and HR, 7.76; 95% CI, 1.67-35.9; p = .009, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Early aggressive surgical therapy for DSWI after cardiac surgery results in excellent outcomes. Those diagnosed with DSWI early and who have failed initial medical management have increased mortality.

Lack of Awareness of Reimbursement and Compensation Models amongst Cardiothoracic Surgery Trainees

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to identify trainee knowledge gaps in reimbursement and compensation, determine the perceived importance of understanding these topics, and to explore if the Thoracic Surgery Curriculum needs additional educational material.

METHODS

The Thoracic Surgical Residents Association (TSRA) Executive committee selected the research proposal and distributed an anonymous electronic survey to 531 ACGME cardiothoracic surgery trainees. Standard descriptive statistics and regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

114 responses were collected (response rate 21.5%). Most trainees understand little or not at all about how attending surgeons are reimbursed (n=74, 69%). Most trainees reported knowing little or nothing about pay-for-performance compensation (n=73, 67%), bundled care (n=82, 75%) or value-based reimbursement (n=84, 77%). Only approximately 20% of trainees were accurate in estimating surgeon reimbursement for three common cardiothoracic surgery procedures to within 20% of the true reimbursement value, while approximately 30% were accurate to within 50% of the true reimbursement value. No respondent characteristics were found to be associated with a more or less accurate reimbursement response. Additionally, 81% of trainees responded that by the conclusion of training, understanding surgeon reimbursement is very important or extremely important (n=87) and 90% of trainees either somewhat agree or strongly agree with including these topics in the Thoracic Surgical Curriculum (n=95).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite acknowledging the importance of understanding physician compensation and reimbursement, cardiothoracic surgery trainees do not understand how the current models work. This study exemplifies the need for a succinct curriculum in this domain for trainees nationwide.