Ventricular Fibrillation After Release of an Aortic Cross-Clamp in Valvular Surgery: Independent Risk Factors, Outcomes, and Incidence from Access Routes

Abstract

Background Predictors and clinical outcomes of VF-ACC and the relative VF-ACC incidence with various access routes have not been well documented. This study aimed to identify predictors, clinical outcomes, and relative incidences of ventricular fibrillation after the release of an aortic cross-clamp (VF-ACC) with various access routes in valvular surgery.Patients and methods In this single-center and retrospective cohort study, we screened 228 consecutive patients undergoing valve surgery, and a total of 119 patients were included in the study. The primary outcomes were the relative incidence and predictors of VF-ACC with access routes, and secondary endpoints included effects of VF-ACC on 30-day mortality, perioperative ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), and heart failure with ejection fraction < 50% (HFEF < 50%).Results VF-ACC incidence varied on the basis of access routes. VF-ACC occurred in 58.3% of patients with aortic valve replacement via transverse aortotomy (TAo-AVR), in 48.6% of patients with aortic and mitral replacements via transseptal and transverse aortotomy access (TSAo-MAVR), and in 20% of patients with mitral valve replacement via transseptal access (TS-MVR). Seven independent risk factors were identified: HTK solution (AOR: 4.90, p = 0.002), smoking status (AOR: 6.30, p = 0.001), cerebrovascular disease (CBD) [(AOR: 7.08, p = 0.022)], regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA) [(AOR: 8.33, p < 0.001)], perioperative VAs (AOR: 4.85, p = 0.001), HFEF < 50% (AOR: 5.66, p = 0.002), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) [(AOR: 0.962, CI: 0.941–0.984)].Conclusions VF-ACC was the most common in TAo-AVR and the least common in TS-MVR. HTK solution, smoking status, CBD, perioperative VAs, HFEF < 50%, and RWMA were associated with an increased risk of VF-ACC, and low LVMI acted as a protective factor. Patients with VF-ACC commonly experienced perioperative VAs or HFEFs < 50%.Clinical trial registration: ChiCTR2100050961.