AIM: This prospective study was designed to evaluate the changes in left ventricular (LV) systolic function after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with both normal and abnormal pre-operative systolic function. METHODS: During the period from October 2017 to October 2018, forty-seven consecutive patients undergoing CABG were enrolled in this prospective study. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed within 1 week before CABG as well as 4 to 6 months after surgery. All measurements were made by a single experienced investigator. RESULTS: While the mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) showed neither improvement nor significant reduction in the whole group of patients following CABG (from 54.21 ± 15.36 to 53.66 ± 11.56%, p = 0.677), significant improvement in LVEF was detected in the subgroup of patients with pre-operative LV dysfunction (from 40.05 ± 8.65 to 45.85 ± 9.04%, p = 0.008). On the other hand, there was a significant decline in LEFT in the subgroup of patients with normal pre-operative LEFT (from 64.70 ± 9.72 to 59.44 ± 9.75%, p = 0.008). As for the other parameters of systolic function, significant decrease in LV end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) (p = 0.001), LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) (p = 0.0001), wall motion score index (WMSI) (p = 0.013) and LVmass index in male patients (p = 0.011) was shown only in patients with decreased LVEF after CABG. Patients with improved postoperative LVEF (53.2% of all patients) had significantly lower baseline LVEF (p = 0.0001), higher LVESVI (0.009) and higher WMSI (p = 0.006) vs patients with worsened postoperative LVEF (38.3% of all patients). Postoperative improvement of LVEF was correlated with stabile angina, lack of preoperative myocardial infarction and smoking, higher baseline WMSI, higher LV internal diameters and indexed volumes in diastole and systole and lower baseline LVEF. In stepwise linear regression analysis the value of baseline LVEF appeared as independent predictor of improved LVEF after CABG (B = 0,836%; 95% CI 0.655-1.017; p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that LVEF, internal baseline diameters and indexed volumes of LV in diastole and systole are important determinants of postoperative change in LVEF. In patients with preoperative depressed myocardial function, there is an improvement in systolic function, whereas in patients with preserved preoperative myocardial function, the decline in postoperative LVEF was detected.
The incidence of acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS) in patients with heart disease is commonly perceived as rare. However, its occurrence is underestimated and underdiagnosed, potentially leading to inadequate treatment resulting in increased morbidity and mortality.In patients with cardiac disease, AvWS frequently occurs in patients with structural heart disease and in those undergoing mechanical circulatory support (MCS).The clinical manifestation of an AvWS is usually characterized by apparent or occult gastrointestinal (GI) or mucocutaneous hemorrhage frequently accompanied by signs of anemia and/or increased bleeding during surgical procedures. The primary change is loss of high-molecular weight von Willebrand factor multimers (HMWM). Whereas the loss of HMWM in patients with structural heart disease is caused by increased HMWM cleavage by von Willebrand factor (vWF)-cleaving protease, ADAMTS13, AvWS in MCS patients is predominantly a result of a high shear stress coupled with mechanical destruction of vWF itself.This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of the evidence regarding both diagnosis and contemporary management of AVWS in patients with heart disease.
Aneurysms of the thoracic aorta involving the distal arch and the proximal descending aorta have traditionally been treated with two open procedures. During the first stage, the aortic arch pathology has been addressed through a median sternotomy. Several weeks or months later, a second stage followed and included completing the repair of the descending aorta through a lateral thoracotomy.We, herein, report a single stage repair of an aneurysm involving the distal aortic arch and the proximal descending aorta using the frozen elephant trunk operative technique. Vascular hybrid stent graft prosthesis, specifically designed for treatment of extensive aortic aneurysms, has been used to replace the arch component and exclude the descending aorta component of the aneurysm through a median sternotomy, using bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion and mild systemic hypothermia for intraoperative organ protection.
Background and Objectives: The role of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on postoperative left ventricular (LV) function in patients with preoperatively preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is still being discussed and only a few studies address this question. This study aimed to assess LV function after CABG in patients with preoperatively preserved LVEF using left ventricular longitudinal strain assessed by 2D speckle tracking imaging (STI). Materials and Methods: Fifty-nine consecutive adult patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) referred for a first-time elective CABG surgery were enrolled in the final analysis of this prospective single-center clinical study. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), with conventional measures and STI measures, was performed within 1 week before CABG as well as 4 months after surgery. Patients were divided into groups based on their preoperative global longitudinal strain (GLS) value. Differences in systolic and diastolic parameters between groups were analyzed. Results: Preoperative GLS was reduced (GLS < −17%) in 39% of the patients. Parameters of systolic LV function were significantly reduced in this group of patients compared to the patient group with GLS% ≥ −17%. In both groups, 4 months after CABG there was a decline in LVEF but statistically significant only in the group with GLS% ≥ −17% (p = 0.035). In patients with reduced GLS, there was a statistically significant postoperative improvement (p = 0.004). In patients with preoperative normal GLS, there was not a significant change in any strain parameters after CABG. There was an improvement in diastolic function parameters measured by Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) in both groups. Conclusions: There is improvement in LV systolic and diastolic function after CABG in patients with preserved preoperative LVEF measured by STI and TDI. GLS might be more sensitive and effective than LVEF for monitoring improvements in myocardial function after CABG surgery in patients with preserved LVEF.
INTRODUCTION: Post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a frequent rhythmic complication in cardiac surgery with the potential to cause sudden hemodynamic instability and catastrophic thromboembolic complications. Despite vast scientific research, it is still hard to predict and prevents its occurrence. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine whether selected pre-operative and intraoperative echocardiographic variables would be of added value in POAF prediction. МАTERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective observational follow-up study included 178 cardiac surgery patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft intervention. Demographic as well as echocardiographic variables of interest were examined to detect significant independent predictors for POAF. RESULTS: POAF was detected in 90 (50.56%) patients versus 88 (49.44%) patients without POAF. Patients who developed POAF were significantly older and burdened with multiple comorbidities. In multiple regression analysis pre-operative echocardiographic variables-diastolic dysfunctions, enlarged left atrial (LA) volume indexed for body surface area, mitral annular calcification, and secondary mitral regurgitation were predictive of POAF. LA appendage flow velocity obtained by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was also a significant intraoperative predictor for POAF. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirmed that two-dimensional echocardiography is a valuable diagnostic and prognostic tool in relation to POAF. The addition of the aforementioned echocardiographic independent predictors to traditional demographic variables could be a solid foundation of a new predictive model for POAF.
Background: Extensive pathology involving the aortic arch and descending aorta traditionally has been treated with two open procedures. We report our institutional experience with a single stage frozen elephant trunk procedure for treatment of extensive aortic pathology. Methods: Between June 2018 and October 2019, nine patients (eight males, 89%, mean age 61 ± 6 years) with extensive aortic pathology were operated using the frozen elephant trunk procedure. Five (56%) patients underwent primary operation for chronic arch and proximal descending aneurysm in two (22%) patients, chronic type B aortic dissection in two (22%) patients and penetrating aortic ulcer in one (11%) patient. The other four (44%) patients received reoperative surgery for chronic post-dissection aneurysms. For organ protection during the aortic arch procedure, we used selective antegrade cerebral perfusion and mild systemic hypothermia at 28°C. Results: Early mortality was not observed. A single (11%) patient developed focal stroke. Unilateral vocal cord palsy was present in two (22%) patients. Spinal cord injury was not observed. Reexploration for bleeding was required in two (22%) patients. Prolonged ventilation, liver and kidney failure as well as cardiac morbidity were not observed. Two patients (22%) with anticipated Endoleak type Ib received TEVAR extension at follow up. Mid-term mortality was observed in two (22%) patients, due to pneumonia. Conclusion: The frozen elephant trunk procedure can be used for a single-stage treatment of patients with extensive aortic pathology, due to chronic degenerative aneurysms or post-dissection aneurysms involving the aortic arch and the descending aorta, with acceptable mortality and morbidity.
Right coronary artery (RCA) emerged as an infarct-related artery (IRA) in patients with right ventricular myocardial infarction (RVMI), which is followed by some degree of RV dysfunction. The aim of our study was to identify significant predictors of IRA among angiographic and/or echocardiographic data of RV dimension and/or function in patients with acute RVMI.Out of 122 hospitalized patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction, on the basis of electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria, RVMI was diagnosed in 58/47.5% of patients. Coronary angiography was applied in 52/89,6% immediately after admission and conventional 2D echocardiography was performed in order to assess right heart dimensions and function according to the professional association recommendations.RCA emerged as IRA in 49/84,5 % of patients with ECG-diagnosed RVMI. Patients with RCA stenosis/occlusion had 4.9 times higher risk for RVMI presence (OR=4.941; 95%CI: 1.727-14.136; p=0.003) than those without and had significantly worse echocardiographic assessed RV global and/or regional systolic function. Logistic stepwise regression analysis confirmed the significant role of enlarged RV dimension (OR=1.1; 95%CI: 1.023-1.182; p=0.010), RCA stenosis/occlusion presence (OR=4.8; 95%CI: 1.649-14.199; p=0.004) and/or LAD stenosis/occlusion absence (OR=0.18; 95%CI: 0.067-0.476; p=0.001) in the prediction of RVMI. The optimal sensitivity of the model was 90% and the specificity was 75%.RCA and conversely lack of LAD stenosis/occlusion presence along with some of the echocardiographic parameters showing RV dysfunction increased the odds for RVMI. Applying immediate and complete reperfusion of RCA is of great importance for the recovery of RV function.
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