Faculty Bibliography

OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:The aims of this study were as follows: 1) to evaluate the early outcome of the off-pump total arterial myocardial revascularization according to the right y-graft (lambda-graft) configuration and 2) to compare baseline flow and maximum flow between patients undergoing on-pump and off-pump right y-graft (RYG) construction. METHODS:Between December 1998 and January 2001, 47 patients (Group I) and 20 patients (Group II) with three vessel disease underwent on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) respectively according to the RYG configuration. The mean age was 55.5 +/- 4.7 years and 55 +/- 6.4 years in Groups I and II, respectively. The RYG was constructed employing both internal mammary arteries (IMAs) only, in 21 and 8 patients in Groups I and II, respectively, presenting proximal-middle third stenosis of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and right coronary artery (RCA). The modified RYG configuration employing both IMAs and radial artery (RA) was performed in 26 and 12 patients in Groups I and II, respectively, presenting middle-distal third stenosis of the LAD and distal stenosis of the RCA or posterior descending artery stenosis. Postoperatively all patients underwent transthoracic echo color-Doppler (TTECD) contrast enhanced (by Levovist) before and after adenosine provocative testat one week and three months after operation. RESULTS:There were no hospital deaths. The mean mechanical ventilation was significantly different in Group I versus Group II patients, 18 +/- 4.4 hours versus 13 +/- 5.7 hours, respectively (p = 0.041). The mean intensive care unit stay was 1.5 +/- 0.6 days in Group I and 1 +/- 0.4 days in Group II (p = 0.033). There were no differences between Groups I and II regarding the IMA diameter, mean velocity, and mean flow. At follow-up time, 6 +/- 2.4 months after the surgical procedure, all patients were alive and free of angina. The coronary flow reserve (CFR) at LIMA main stem was significantly higher at three months when compared to the values at one week after the surgical procedure within the same group, (LIMA)CFR (three months) = 2.37 +/- 0.6 versus (LIMA)CFR (one week) = 2.07 +/- 0.4 (p = 0.005) in Group I and (LIMA)CFR (three months) = 2.4 +/- 0.4 versus (LIMA)CFR (one week) = 2.06 +/- 0.3 (p = 0.004) in Group II. Similarly, the CFR at RIMA main stem were significantly higher at three months when compared to the values at one week after the surgical procedure: (RIMA)CFR (three months) = 2.47 +/- 0.7 versus (RIMA)CFR (one week) = 2.1 +/- 0.5 (p = 0.004) in Group I and (RIMA)CFR (three months) = 2.48 +/- 0.5 versus (RIMA)CFR (one week) = 2.08 +/- 0.4 (p = 0.008) in Group II. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:The flow dynamic data, almost identical between patients undergoing off-pump and on-pump total arterial myocardial revascularization (TAMR) according to the RYG configuration, demonstrate that this technique can be applied with excellent results without the employment of cardiopulmonary bypass in selected coronary artery disease patients.

Robotic takedown of the left internal mammary artery and direct off-pump anastomosis to the left anterior descending artery through small thoracotomy incisions can be done safely with minimal morbidity and is associated with decreased blood loss, decreased ventilatory requirements, less intensive care unit stay, and less overall length of stay. It should be considered as an alternative to percutaneous angioplasty and stenting for those with isolated left anterior descending artery disease.

OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:The aim was to review our experience with the surgical repair of the anomalous origin of one pulmonary branch from the aorta (AOPA). MATERIALS AND METHOD/METHODS:Between January 1991 and March 2002, eight patients with AOPA underwent surgical correction. Three patients presented isolated AOPA. Five patients presented right AOPA and three, left AOPA. Implantation of the AOPA to the main pulmonary artery was performed by: (I) direct anastomosis in two patients with left AOPA; (II) interposition of a synthetic graft in one patient with left AOPA; (III) employing an autologous pericardial patch in two patients with right AOPA; (IV) using an aortic flap in three other patients with right AOPA. The mean follow-up time was 37.7 months. RESULTS:One patient died postoperatively due to progressive heart failure unresponsive to inotropic support. Early postoperative pulmonary hypertension crisis was identified in another patient. Within 1 year after surgery, the mean residual gradient across the anastomotic site at follow-up was 14+/-8 mmHg. The patient undergoing interposition of a synthetic graft presented a residual gradient of 29 mmHg and underwent reoperation at almost 2.5 years after the first correction. The residual gradient in patients undergoing correction according to technique I was 17+/-3 mmHg, and in patients undergoing implantation of the AOPA according to techniques III or IV was 9.5+/-4.6 mmHg (P=0.11). Similarly, the Tc-99m scintigraphy demonstrated that a lower lung perfusion (the lung perfused from the respective AOPA compared with the contralateral lung) in patients undergoing AOPA implantation according to technique I was 59+/-6(%) and in patients undergoing techniques III or IV was 72+/-4.5(%) (P=0.038). At follow-up, all patients were alive. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:The AOPA from the aorta is a rare but important entity, necessitating a scrupulous preoperative and intraoperative evaluation. Patients presenting this anomaly may undergo correction using various surgical techniques with acceptable results. The techniques employing autologous tissues for enlarging and lengthening the AOPA seems to be associated with less restenosis at the anastomotic site, however, larger series of patients are required to confirm such outcome.

Accessory mitral valve leaflet is a very rare cause of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. We report a patient presenting this cardiac abnormality who undergone cardiac surgery. A 60-year-old man, presented coronary artery disease and moderate left ventricular tract obstruction due to accessory mitral valve leaflet. The accessory mitral valve leaflet had the typical morphology of a parachute-shaped attached partially to the anterior mitral valve leaflet, with chordae tendinae attached to: 1) an accessory papillary muscle inserted at the free-wall closed to the apex; 2) interconnected with the chordae tendinae of the anterior mitral valve leaflet; 3) a second accessory papillary muscle inserted to the interventricular septum. He underwent successful coronary revascularization of 2 vessels and accessory leaflet excision. A review of 21 cases with accessory mitral valve leaflet is reported.

Six cases of spontaneous coronary arteries dissection are reported. In one patient, triple vessel spontaneous coronary artery dissection was identified. Another patient presented spontaneous left main coronary artery dissection. In one case we found the spontaneous dissection of the left anterior descending artery associated with distal aortic arch dissection. These conditions are very rare and may present a surgical dilemma. Causative factors and underlying pathology are clarified. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention is safe and effective. Early recognition of left main coronary artery dissection or three-vessel dissection is essential because urgent coronary artery bypass grafting may be life saving.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:With the increasing age of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), a greater number have associated clinically significant carotid disease. This study determined the morbidity and mortality for combined carotid endarterectomy (CEA)/CABG using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for both procedures versus a combined approach using CPB only during CABG. PATIENTS AND METHODS/METHODS:Between 1993 and 2000, 65 patients (Group I) underwent combined CEA and CABG using CPB for both surgical procedures and 88 patients (Group II) underwent combined CEA and CABG using CPB only during CABG. The demographic, clinical, and carotid and coronary angiographic data were similar between groups. In Group I, 22 (33.8%) patients and 32 (36%) patients in Group II presented with contralateral carotid artery stenosis. RESULTS:CPB time was significantly longer in Group I, 127+/-21 minutes versus 98+/-11 minutes in Group II patients (p = 0.001). The incidence of surgical revision for bleeding and deep sternal wound infection was higher in Group I patients, 2 (3%) versus 1 (1.1%) and 5 (7.7%) versus 2 (2.2%), respectively, but not significant. Hospital mortality in Group I was 6% (4 patients) versus 5.7% (5 patients) in Group II (p = ns). Neurologic complications occurred in 4 (6%) and 5 (5.7%) patients in Group I and II, respectively (p = ns). Postoperative renal dysfunction was more common in Group I patients (22 [33.8%]) then in Group II patients 16 (19%) (p = 0.04). Of these patients, (16 [19%]) 8 (12.3%) in Group I and 6 (6.8%) in Group II required postoperative ultrafiltration (p = ns). Infectious complications were more frequent in Group I patients, 5 (7.7%) versus 2 (2.3%), but not statistically significant (p = ns). Overall actuarial survival at 1, 3, and 5 years, including all deaths, was 92%, 88%, and 82% in Group I versus 93%, 86%, and 81% in Group II (p = ns). Overall freedom from stroke at 5 years was 87.5% in Group I and 86.4% in Group II. CONCLUSIONS:We conclude that combined CEA/CABG using CPB only during the myocardial revascularization procedure remains the technique of choice in patients with coronary and carotid artery disease, offering better outcome in terms of perioperative morbidity than a combined CEA/CABG using CPB for both procedures.

BACKGROUND:The aim of the multicenter OP-RISK (OPerative RISK) study was to investigate the early (28 days) and delayed (365 days) death rates following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) among patients representing a nationwide distribution [Centers in Northern (2), Central (1) and Southern (1) Italy] and further to define the multivariate risk factors for the early and delayed mortality after CABG. METHODS:Data were collected from 1126 patients undergoing CABG alone. Data were analyzed using Cox and logistic regression models, to accurately assess the major factors influencing survival over time after CABG. Having defined the significant factors, we constructed a chart of the absolute early risk of mortality using the accelerated failure time model. RESULTS:Using the Cox proportional hazards model and logistic regression we have demonstrated that age, preoperative ejection fraction and heart rate, and the duration of aortic cross-clamping are multivariate risk factors in the short and long term. The role of one arterial conduit was also assessed. CONCLUSIONS:The OP-RISK study produced relevant information for risk assessment and control in CABG and the results may form the basis for the objective quality assurance and accreditation of cardiac surgical institutions in Italy. Incidentally, Cox model appeared more adequate than logistic model for the assessment of the major factors influencing survival over time after CABG. The risk factors so assessed were used to construct a chart for practical predictive purposes.

We propose a modified single-patch technique consisting in plication of the patch on the left side, which then is sutured with the free edge of the left atrioventricular valve. The proposed technique offers all the advantages of the single-patch technique and at the same time provides additional tissue for reconstructing appropriately the left atrioventricular valve in cases with leaflet tissue deficiency such as severely dysplastic valve, double orifice left atrioventricular valve. This modification augments the left atrioventricular valve tissue appropriately to the orifice size, promotes leftward displacement and improved coaptation with the mural leaflet.

BACKGROUND:The use of skeletonized internal thoracic artery (ITA) was reported to be technically and hemodynamically beneficial in conventional coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass assistance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of changing from conventional to skeletonized ITA harvesting on early off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting outcome. METHODS:Between 1996 and 2001, 640 patients underwent systematic off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (single surgeon experience). The ITA was pedicled (P) in the first consecutive 440 patients and skeletonized (S) in the subsequent 200 consecutive patients. Mean age, preoperative risk factors, sex, number of involved territories, and incidence of reoperations were similar in both groups. RESULTS:In group S, number of ITAs per patient (1.7 +/- 0.08 versus 1.2 +/- 0.05; p < 0.001), bilateral ITA (46% versus 27%; p < 0.001), ITA sequential grafts (27% versus 1%; p < 0.001), and T grafts (16% versus 3%; p < 0.001) were higher. Deep sternal infections were comparable in both groups (group S: 1%, group P: 1.2%; p = 0.38). Perioperative myocardial infarction, maximal creatinine kinase-MB level, and requirement for more than 24 hours of inotropic support were comparable in both groups. Thirty-day mortality was also similar (S: 1.7%, P: 1.6%). CONCLUSIONS:Changing to routine use of skeletonized ITA in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting is a safe alternative to routine pedicled ITA. In our experience, this procedure has facilitated the use of ITA anastomosis without increasing sternal wound complications.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) occurring as a result of myocardial ischemia and global left ventricular (LV) dysfunction predicts poor outcome. This study assessed the feasibility of mitral valve (MV) surgery concomitant with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with mild-to-moderate and moderate ischemic MR and impaired LV function. MATERIALS AND METHOD/METHODS:From January 1996 to July 2000, 49 patients (group 1) and 50 patients (group 2) with grade II and grade III ischemic MR and LV ejection fraction (EF) between 17% and 30% underwent combined MV surgery and CABG (group 1) or isolated CABG (group 2). LVEF (%), LV end-diastolic diameter (EDD) (mm), LV end-diastolic pressure (EDP) (mmHg), and LV end-systolic diameter (ESD) (mm) were 27.5 +/- 5, 67.7 +/- 7,27.7 +/- 4, and 51.4 +/- 7, respectively in group 1 versus 27.8 +/- 4, 67.5 +/- 6, 27.5 +/- 5, and 51.2 +/- 6, respectively in group 2. Groups 1 and 2 were divided into Groups 1A and 2A with mild-to-moderate MR (22 [45%] and 28 [56%] patients, respectively) and groups 1B and 2B with moderate MR (27 [55%] and 22 [46%], respectively). In group 1, MV repair was performed in 43 (88%) patients and MV replacement in 6 (12%) patients. RESULTS:Preoperative data analysis did not reveal any difference between groups. Five (10%) patients in group 1 died versus 6 (12%) in group 2 (p = ns). Within 6 months after surgery, LV function and its geometry improved significantly in group 1 versus group 2 (LVEF, p < 0.001; LVEDD, p = 0.002; LVESD, p = 0.003; and LVEDP (p < 0.001) improved significantly in group 1 instead of a mild improvement in Group 2). The regurgitation fraction decreased significantly in group 1 patients after surgery (p < 0.001). There was an inverse strong correlation between postoperative forward cardiac output and regurgitation fraction (p < 0.001). LVEF and LVESD improved significantly in group 1 versus group 2 patients (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). The cardiac index increased significantly in group 1 and 2 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively). LV function and geometry improved significantly postoperatively in group 1B versus group 2B (LVEDD, p = 0.027; LVESD, p = 0.014; LVEDP, p = 0.034; and LVEF, p = 0.02), instead of a mild improvement in group 1A versus group 2A (LVESD, p = 0.015; LVEF, p = 0.046; and LVEDD and LVEDP, p = 0.05). At follow-up, 4 (67%) of 6 patients undergoing MV replacement died versus 5 (11.5%) of 43 patients undergoing MV repair in group 1 (p = 0.007). The overall survival at 3 years in Group 2 was significantly lower than group 1 (p < 0.009). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:MV repair and replacement-preserving subvalvular apparatus in patients with impaired LV function offered acceptable outcomes in terms of morbidity and survival. Surgical correction of mild-to-moderate and moderate MR in patients with impaired LV function should be taken into consideration since it yields better survival and improved LV function.