Patients with aortic valve disease and coronary artery disease can benefit from a hybrid approach combining aortic valve replacement through right minithoracotomy and percutaneous coronary intervention

Introduction

Minimally invasive and hybrid procedures for patients with aortic valve pathology and coronary artery disease are innovative solutions.

Aim

To report the results of hybrid aortic valve replacement through right anterior minithoracotomy (RT-AVR)/percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and conventional aortic valve replacement (AVR)/coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery for patients with aortic valve and coronary artery disease.

Material and methods

Analysis of prospectively gathered data of 187 patients - 86 hybrid and 101 conventional procedures. For 21 patients, RT-AVR was followed by PCI during the same session, and for 65 patients RT-AVR was performed within 90 days of PCI.

Results

Hospital mortality in the AVR/CABG and RT-AVR/PCI groups was 3.0% and 1.2%, respectively (p = 0.237). Complications occurred in 18.6% of patients in the RT-AVR/PCI group and 33.7% in the AVR/CABG group (p = 0.020). Two-stage RT-AVR/PCI was performed due to ACS (100%); one-stage was due to the intention to perform a minimally invasive procedure instead of AVR/CABG (71.4%) or due to replacing CABG with PCI because of a lack of vascular grafts for CABG (19.1%). In 38.5% of patients from the two-stage subgroup, antiplatelet therapy was stopped before RT-AVR, 32.3% of patients from the two-stage subgroup were on single, and 29.2% on dual antiplatelet therapy until RT-AVR, which had no influence on postoperative blood requirements or postoperative myocardial infarction (p = 0.410 and p = 0.077, respectively).

Conclusions

The hybrid procedure presented in our series showed similar mortality and morbidity results and may be an alternative to conventional AVR and CABG through full sternotomy in selected patients.

Computed tomography guided tailored approach to transfemoral access in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND

Transfemoral approach (TFA) is the most common access route for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Percutaneous femoral access (PA) is preferred over the surgical approach (SA), however, may be associated with a higher risk of access site complications. Thus, we aimed to assess outcomes of computed tomography-guided tailored approach to percutaneous and surgical TFA in patients undergoing TAVI.

METHODS

We evaluated data of 158 patients, who underwent TAVI via femoral route between January 2017 and December 2018. In the PA group, vascular closure was performed with the use of two percutaneous suture devices and an additional mechanical seal device. We compared complications rate and outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 158 patients (92%; mean age 79.6 years, 60.8% female), in 92 (61%) patients PA was performed and in 66 (39%) patients SA was used. Median (interquartile range) radiation exposure as well as contrast volume dose was higher in the PA group compared to the SA group 614.0 (410.0; 1104.0) mGy vs. 405 (240.5; 658.0) mGy (p < 0.001) and 150.0 (120.0; 180.7) mL vs. 130.0 (100.0; 160.0) mL (p = 0.04), respectively. Bleeding complications were similar in the PA group 11 (12.2%) compared to 5 (8.62%) in the SA group (p = 0.48). Median length of hospital stay was also similar in the PA and the SA group 6.00 (5.00; 8.00) days vs. 6.00 (4.00; 8.00) days, respectively (p = 0.31).

CONCLUSIONS

Computed tomography-guided PA in TAVI may provide comparable procedural outcomes compared to the SA, despite a higher radiation dose and the use of contrast dye, while being less invasive.

Direct left ventricular wire pacing during transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND

Rapid ventricular pacing is used during balloon aortic valvuloplasty, balloon‑expandable transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), and for postdilatation. Right ventricular (RV) lead pacing has been regarded as a gold standard. Direct left ventricular (LV) wire pacing has recently been considered safe and effective in TAVI interventions.

AIMS

This study aimed to analyze procedural outcomes of direct LV pacing compared with RV stimulation in unselected patients undergoing TAVI.

METHODS

Direct LV wire pacing was provided via available preshaped guidewires and used only when no predictors of atrioventricular block were present. The primary study objective was the assessment of the efficacy of direct LV wire pacing. The secondary objectives included the evaluation of procedure duration and safety in comparison with the conventional method. A combined endpoint (major adverse cardiovascular event) was defined as the occurrence of death, stroke, venous puncture-related complications, and cardiac tamponade.

RESULTS

In 2017 and 2018, 143 patients underwent transfemoral TAVI. Of these, 114 (79.7%) had self‑ ‑expandable valves implanted. Direct LV wire pacing was the dominant method of pacing (82 patients [57.3%]), and its efficacy reached 97.6%. The median (interquartile range) procedure time was shorter in the direct LV wire pacing group (80 [70-90] min vs 85 [70-95] min; P = 0.02). Major adverse cardiovascular events were more frequent in the RV lead pacing group (11.5% vs 4.9%), but no statistical significance was achieved (P = 0.13).

CONCLUSIONS

Direct LV wire pacing during TAVI is a simple, reproducible, and safe technique, which provides reliable, sustained stimulation with a low complication rate and potential reduction of procedural time.

Efficacy and Safety of the HeartMate Percutaneous Heart Pump During High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (from the SHIELD I Trial)

This study aimed to evaluate the use of the HeartMate percutaneous heart pump, a catheter-based axial flow pump designed to provide partial left ventricular support, in patients who underwent high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients who are hemodynamically unstable, or at risk of being hemodynamically unstable, while undergoing PCI may require mechanical circulatory support. Fifty high-risk patients were enrolled in a prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter, open-label trial. Primary end points were freedom from hemodynamic compromise during PCI and a composite measure of major adverse events. Patients were followed for 30 days. No patient met the primary performance end point. Six safety end points in 5 patients occurred, including 1 access site complication requiring intervention, 1 cerebrovascular accident, 2 major bleeding complications, and 2 cases of new or worsening aortic insufficiency. No cardiac deaths, myocardial infarctions, or surgical interventions occurred. In conclusion, initial results of the HeartMate percutaneous heart pump for mechanical circulatory support during high-risk PCI are encouraging. Hemodynamic stability was achieved in all patients with a low incidence of adverse events.

Assessment of quality of life in patients after surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVES

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (mini-thoracotomy, mini-sternotomy, MIAVR) have become an appealing alternative to conventional surgical (SAVR) treatment of severe aortic stenosis (AS) in high-risk patients.

BACKGROUND

Aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) in patients with AS and treated with transfemoral TAVI, SAVR, mini-thoracotomy and mini-sternotomy.

METHODS

One hundred and seventy-three patients with symptomatic AS were enrolled in 2011-2013. TAVI group consisted of 39 patients (22.5%), mini-sternotomy was performed in 44 patients (25.5%), mini-thoracotomy in 50 (29%), and AVR in 40 patients (23%). QoL was assessed perioperatively, 12 and 24 months after aortic valve replacement (AVR) by Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and EQ-5D-3L.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 583.5 (IQR: 298-736) days. Improvement of health status after procedure in comparison with pre-operative period was significantly more often reported after TAVI in perioperative period (90.3%; P = 0.004) and 12 months after procedure (100%, P = 0.02). Global MLHFQ, physical and emotional dimension score at 30-day from AVR presented significant improvement after TAVI in comparison with surgical methods (respectively: 8.3(±8.6), P = 0.003; 4.1(±5.9), P = 0.01; 1.5(±2.6), P = 0.005). Total MLHFQ score was significantly lower (better outcome) in TAVI patients 1 year after procedure (4.8(±6.8), P = 0.004), no differences in somatic and emotional component were found. No differences were found in MLHFQ score 24 months after AVR. Data from EQ-D5-3L questionnaire demonstrated significant improvement of QoL at 30-day follow-up after TAVI in comparison with surgical methods (1.2(±1.7), P = 0.0008).

CONCLUSIONS

TAVI improves QoL in perioperative and 12 months observation in comparison with mini-thoracotomy, mini-sternotomy and SAVR. Improvement in QoL was obtained in both generic and disease specific questionnaires. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Modified technique of cavoatrial tumor thrombectomy without cardiopulmonary by-pass and hypothermic circulatory arrest: a preliminary report

Introduction

Traditionally, tumor thrombi extending into the right atrium have been managed by open surgery with sternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass circulation and hypothermic circulatory arrest, and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Here, we evaluate the results of cavoatrial thrombectomy using our own, Foley catheter assisted-technique, obviating the need for thoracotomy, extracorporeal circulation, and/or hypothermic circulatory arrest.

Material and methods

Between June 2013 and January 2015, 4 consecutive patients underwent cavoatrial thrombectomy performed with our own, Foley catheter assisted technique, via Chevron incision, with no need for extracorporeal circulation or hypothermy for renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus extending into the right atrium. Analyses of patients’ data from a prospectively maintained database with respect to perioperative characteristics, morbidity and mortality were performed.

Results

The total mean duration of surgery was 255 minutes. The mean time of total IVC (inferior vena cava) occlusion was 90 seconds. The average blood loss volume, timed from the beginning of cavotomy incision until its closure, was 1200 ml. The total mean intraoperative blood loss was 3,150 ml. There was no perioperative death. Postoperative complications included one transient acute kidney injury requiring one-off hemodialysis and one re-operation due to bleeding. The follow-up time ranged between 12 to 17 months. None of the patients developed disease recurrence. All patients were still alive at the time of study completion.

Conclusions

Obtained results support the validity of our own, Foley catheter assisted technique, without cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus extending into the right atrium.

Clinical outcomes in patients after surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement

INTRODUCTION

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (minithoracotomy and ministernotomy) have become a valuable alternative to conventional surgical treatment of severe aortic stenosis (AS) in high-risk patients.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate long-term results and complications in patients with symptomatic AS treated with TAVI, surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), minithoracotomy, or ministernotomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 173 patients with symptomatic AS were enrolled to the study between the years 2011 and 2013. Propensity scores were calculated for TAVI and each surgical method separately. Differences in clinical outcomes between patients treated with TAVI and those treated with surgical methods were adjusted for propensity scores using a logistic regression analysis and presented as adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intrervals.

RESULTS

A median follow-up was 583.5 days (interquartile range, 298-736 days). Before aortic valve replacement (AVR), no significant differences in ejection fraction (EF) were observed between the groups. At 1 week after AVR, mean EF values were significantly higher in patients after TAVI in comparison with the other groups (TAVI, 50.2% ±13.1%; minithoracotomy, 44.1% ±13.4%; ministernotomy, 37.8% ±12.8%; SAVR, 40.3% ±12.5%; P = 0.001). There were no differences in the longest available follow-up mortality between the analyzed groups (P = 0.8). To our best knowledge, this is the first study comparing minithoracotomy, ministernotomy, and SAVR with TAVI in terms of long-term outcomes such as the longest available follow-up mortality, left ventricular (LV) function, complications after the procedure, and conduction disturbances and arrhythmias after the procedure.

CONCULSIONS

Patients undergoing TAVI show more beneficial long-term outcomes in comparison with patients undergoing minithoracotomy, ministernotomy, and SAVR and do not differ in terms of the longest available follow-up mortality. TAVI seems to have a more favorable effect on LV function and an increase in EF in comparison with the surgical methods.

Short- and intermediate-term improvement of patient quality of life after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a single-centre study

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a treatment option for elderly high-risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Improvement of quality of life (QoL) is a relevant issue in this group of patients.

AIM

To assess changes in QoL after TAVI.

METHODS

Forty patients who underwent TAVI in our institution were included in this QoL study. All subjects were screened for TAVI in a standard fashion, including QoL assessment with the EQoL (EQ-5D-3L). The pre- and postprocedural scores obtained up to a 12-month follow-up were assessed.

RESULTS

Median of logistic EuroScore I was 21.5% (13.5-26.75%), and Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 5.5% (4.0-10.75%). Comparison of baseline values with follow-up data at one, six and 12 months after TAVI showed significant improvement of QoL (p < 0.001). Visual Analogue Scale score (VAS score) was assessed. There was an incremental increase in VAS score during follow-up (p < 0.001). Median of six-minute walk test distance at baseline was 200 m (IQR 150-300) and 325 m (IQR 250-400) 12 months after TAVI (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

TAVI provides improved QoL and effectively relieves symptoms.

Current approach to transfemoral aortic valve replacement

We present a case of a 73 year-old male with severe aortic stenosis and high perioperative risk who was considered as candidate for percutaneous valve treatment. After precise clinical assessment, the subject underwent successful transfemoral aortic valve replacement with 29 mm device in analgosedation.

Thoracoscopic epicardial ablation of the left and right atrium. Beating heart procedure in patients with atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCTION

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia affecting approximately 1% to 2% of the general population.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thoracoscopic ablation in patients with AF.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 25 patients aged from 42 to 77 years (mean 56.4 years) with persistent or long-standing persistent AF were scheduled for the procedure. Thoracoscopic epicardial ablation of the right atrium, pulmonary veins, and left atrium was performed on the beating heart using the Cox MAZE III-based diagram, via 3 ports and 2 cm incision below the xiphoid. Exit block was always assessed. Patients were prospectively followed for 12 months after the procedure. 24-hour electrocardiography (Holter monitoring) was used to confirm the results.

RESULTS

Conduction block across ablation lines was achieved in 21 patients (84%). At 1 month of follow-up, the sinus rhythm (SR) was observed in 18 of 20 patients. At 3 months, the SR was observed in 19 patients (76%). Two patients had atrial flutter, while 3 still experienced AF. At 6 months, the SR was observed in 21 patients (84%); 2 patients still had AF, 1 patient atrial flutter, and 1 patient had a pacemaker implanted. Results of follow-up at 1 year did not differ from those at 6 months. No changes in the size of the left atrium and left ventricular ejection fraction, no deaths, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or infectious complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of epicardial thoracoscopic ablation of the left and right atrium was high, reaching 84% during 1-year follow-up. No serious complications were observed in the postoperative period (except for the need for pacemaker implantation in 1 patient).

[Intralobar pulmonary sequestration treated surgically in a patient with sarcoidosis]

Pulmonary sequestration is an uncommon but clinically significant congenital malformation characterised by the presence of nonfunctioning lung tissue that receives its blood supply from anomalous systemic arteries and has no communication with the normal bronchial tree. We describe a patient with an intralobar pulmonary sequestration of the left lower lobe associated with sarcoidosis. The patient was treated successfully by resection of the lesion. The postoperative period was uneventful. We found no report where a pulmonary sequestration was associated with sarcoidosis.