Background: Although concomitant pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is used more frequently than the Cox-maze procedure, which is currently the gold standard treatment for AF, data on the comparative effectiveness of the two procedures after concomitant mitral valve (MV) surgery are still limited. Objective: We conducted a systematic review to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies comparing the mid-term mortality and recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after concomitant Cox-Maze and PVI in patients with AF undergoing MV surgery based on 12-month follow-up. Methods: Medline, EMBASE databases, and the Cochrane Library were searched from 1987 up to March 2022 for studies comparing concomitant Cox-Maze and PVI. A meta-analysis of RCTs was performed to compare the mid-term clinical outcomes between these two surgical ablation techniques. Results: Three RCTs and 3 observational studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included with 790 patients in total (532 concomitant Cox-Maze and 258 PVI during MV surgery). Regarding AF recurrence, estimate pooled across the 3 RCTs indicated large heterogeneity and high uncertainty. In the largest and highest quality RCT, 12-month AF recurrence was higher in the PVI arm (RR=1.58, 95%CI 0.91-2.73). In 2 out of 3 higher quality observational studies, 12-month AF recurrence was higher in PVI than in Cox-Maze arm (estimated adjusted probabilities 11% vs. 8% and 35% vs. 17%, respectively). RCTs demonstrated comparable 12-month mortality between concomitant Cox-Maze and PVI, while observational studies demonstrated survival benefit of Cox-Maze. Conclusions: Concomitant Cox-Maze in AF patients undergoing MV surgery is associated with better mid-term freedom from AF when compared to PVI with comparable mid-term survival. Large observational studies suggest that there might be a mid-term survival benefit among patients after concomitant Cox-Maze. Further large RCTs with longer standardized follow-up are required in order to clarify benefits of concomitant Cox-Maze in AF patients during MV surgery.

Background: Valve-sparing aortic root replacement such as the re-implantation (David) procedure is becoming increasingly popular. Despite the fact that the procedure is technically more complex, long-term studies demonstrated that excellent clinical outcomes in selected patients with durable repair are achievable. Benefits of minimal access cardiac surgery have stimulated enthusiasm in the use of this approach for valve-sparing aortic root replacement. Methods: We have reviewed available literature on the topic of valve-sparing aortic root replacement (David procedure) via minimally invasive approach through upper hemisternotomy in an attempt to assess current trends and to recognize potential advantages of this technique. Patient selection and preoperative work-up play important role in performing minimally invasive David procedure safely. Surgical technique is similar to the standard David procedure, with several exceptions, and is performed via upper hemisternotomy. Results and Conclusion: Evidence from non-randomized observational and comparative studies demonstrated excellent clinical outcomes of minimally invasive David procedure in selected patients with comparable perioperative mortality to the conventional technique. To date, elective David procedure with a minimal access technique has been performed in low- and intermediate-risk patients. We believe that minimally invasive David procedure could be particularly useful in young patients (Marfan syndrome, bicuspid AV) as it allows faster recovery with improved cosmesis. A decision to perform minimally invasive David procedure should be individualized to each patient and based on the experience of the team. Further large prospective randomized studies with long-term follow-up are still needed to confirm durability of minimal access technique.

Objectives: Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is increasingly being used in acutely deteriorating patients with end-stage lung disease as a bridge to transplantation (BTT). It can allow critically ill recipients to remain eligible for lung transplant (LTx) while reducing pretransplant deconditioning. We analyzed early and mid-term postoperative outcomes of patients on VV-ECMO as a BTT and the impact of preoperative VV-ECMO on posttransplant survival outcomes. Methods: All consecutive LTx performed at our institution between January 2012 and December 2018 were analyzed. After matching, BTT patients were compared with non-bridged LTx recipients. Results: Out of 297 transplanted patients, 21 (7.1%) were placed on VV-ECMO as a BTT. After matching, we observed a similar 30-day mortality between BTT and non-BTT patients (4.6% vs. 6.6%, p=0.083) despite a higher incidence of early postoperative complications (need for ECMO, delayed chest closure, acute kidney injury). Furthermore, preoperative VV-ECMO did not appear associated with 30-day or 1-year mortality in both frequentist and Bayesian analysis (OR 0.35, 95%CI 0.03-3.49, p=0.369; OR 0.27, 95%CrI 0.01-3.82, P=84.7%, respectively). In sensitivity analysis, both subgroups were similar in respect to 30-day (7.8% vs. 6.5%, p=0.048) and 1-year mortality (12.5% vs. 18%, p=0.154). Conclusions: Patients with acute refractory respiratory failure while waiting for LTx represent a high-risk cohort of patients. We observed that these patients can be successfully bridged to LTx with VV-ECMO with post-transplant mortality comparable to non-BTT patients.

We report a rare case of successful left ventricular restoration of left ventricular hypertrabeculation/noncompaction (LVHT) after Bentall procedure in a patient with severe aortic regurgitation (AR) and aortic root aneurysm. At 1-year follow-up, he remained well with echocardiography showing the improved contractility of the noncompacted left ventricle. This case report emphasize that timely surgical correction of severe AR may also lead to improvement of systolic dysfunction along with concomitant LVHT.

Components of carotid atherosclerotic plaque can be analysed preoperatively by non-invasive advanced imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 protein (MMP-9), which has a potential role in remodelling of atherosclerotic plaques, can be analysed immunohistochemically. The aim of the present prospective pilot study is to analyse histological characteristics and expression of MMP-9 in carotid plaques of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and to investigate the correlation with preoperative clinical symptoms and MRI features. Preoperative clinical assessment, MRI imaging, postoperative histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. Fifteen patients with symptomatic (7/15; 47%) and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis undergoing CEA were included. Among symptomatic patients, 5 (71%) had recent stroke and 2 (29%) had recent transient ischaemic attack with a median timing of 6 weeks (IQR:1, 18) before the surgery. Both groups did not significantly differ in respect to preoperative characteristics. Prevalence of unstable plaque was higher in symptomatic than asymptomatic patients, although it was not significant (63% vs. 37%, p=0.077). The expression of MMP-9 in CD68 cells within the plaque by semiquantitative analysis was found to be significantly higher in symptomatic as compared to asymptomatic patients (86% vs. 25% with the highest expression, p=0.014). The average microvascular density was found to be higher and lipid core area larger among both symptomatic patients and unstable carotid plaque specimens, although this did not reach statistical significance (p=0.064 and p=0.132, p=0.360 and p=0.569, respectively). Our results demonstrate that MRI is reliable in classifying carotid lesions and differentiating unstable from stable plaques. We have also shown that the expression of MMP-9 is significantly higher among symptomatic patients undergoing CEA. Trial Registration: This study has been registered at the ISRCTN registry (ID ISRCTN46536832), isrctn.org Identifier: https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN46536832 Keywords: atherosclerosis, carotid endarterectomy, unstable plaque, magnetic resonance imaging, matrix metalloproteinase.

INTRODUCTIONPreoperative administration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients undergoing urgent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery remains controversial. DAPT including aspirin and a P2Y12-inhibitor is most administered before urgent CABG in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in accordance with the current guidelines [1]. Although preoperative P2Y12-inhibitor treatment is associated with reduced occurrence of ischemic events, there is a clear evidence that it can increase the risk of surgery-related bleeding, especially in the case of the third-generation thienopyridines such as prasugrel [2]. Current guidelines recommend a discontinuation of prasugrel a minimum of 7 days before non-emergent cardiac surgery to allow the recovery of platelet function and attenuate the risk of perioperative bleeding [1].However, these recommendations do not account for highly variable recovery of platelet reactivity following discontinuation of P2Y12-inhibitor [3]. Prasugrel is an inactive prodrug that is transformed into its active metabolite with a half-life of 7 hours and results in a faster, more consistent platelet inhibition, when compared to clopidogrel [1,2,4]. Preoperative point-of-care (POC) platelet function testing (PFT) in patients receiving prasugrel could be helpful to measure platelet reactivity and predict the risk of perioperative bleeding and transfusion requirements [5-8]. We presented a rare case of unexpected complete platelet function recovery in a patient with ACS treated with prasugrel and revealed by preoperative platelet function monitoring with thromboelastography (TEG) platelet mapping before urgent surgical coronary revascularization.

A subtle aortic dissection can be challenging to detect despite the availability of multiple diagnostic modalities. Whilst rare, the inability to detect this variant of aortic dissection can lead to a dismal prognosis. We present an extremely rare case of a subtle aortic dissection with supraannular aortic root intimal tear and acute severe aortic regurgitation in a patient with a bicuspid aortic valve. Initial concerns were either aortic dissection or infective endocarditis. Despite advanced multimodality preoperative imaging, diagnosis was made intraoperatively and a Bentall procedure with a mechanical aortic valve was performed. As current data is limited, a literature review concerning subtle aortic dissection is provided.

Background: Despite clear clinical benefits, there is limited evidence regarding possible complications of the novel mechanical support device Impella. Aortic and mitral valve regurgitation or injury are rare but potential complications following implantation of the Impella device. Methods: To evaluate valvular complications after the Impella device implantation, we have performed a comprehensive search of literature on multiple sites on this topic. Results and Conclusion: Ten case reports and one observational retrospective study were identified, with a total number of 19 patients identified. This article aims to draw attention to potential periprocedural complications relating to the Impella, in particular iatrogenic aortic and mitral valve injuries. Moreover, we have summarized our recommendations emphasizing the need for careful management and meticulous follow-up of these patients to avoid such potentially devastating complications.

Several studies have already shown that coronary angiography and PCI can be safely performed after CABG. It is of paramount importance that early graft failure is recognized in a timely manner and that an appropriate treatment is delivered immediately in order to reduce the extent of myocardial damage and improve clinical outcome. Therefore, urgent angiography allows both identification of the underlying cause of early graft failure and immediate treatment according to the findings. So far, recent evidence shows that PCI to native coronary arteries is associated with higher procedural success rate and less complications leading to the better clinical outcome.