Costs Associated with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Korea.

Background: This study compared the costs associated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in Korea by utilizing the National Health Insurance Service database.

Methods: Between June 2015 and May 2019, 1,468 patients underwent primary isolated transfemoral TAVI, while 2,835 patients received primary isolated SAVR with a bioprosthesis. We assessed the costs of index hospitalization and subsequent healthcare utilization, categorizing the cohort into 6 age subgroups: <70, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, and ≥90 years.

Predictive Performances of ACEF, ACEF II, Updated ACEF II, and EuroSCORE II Risk Scores in Patients Undergoing Isolated Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Objectives: This study evaluated the performances of the age, creatinine, and ejection fraction (ACEF) I and II scores and compare them with that of the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II score in patients who underwent isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG). Additionally, this study was designed to externally validate the performance of the updated ACEF II score.

Design: Retrospective observational study.

Impact of pericardial calcification on early postoperative outcomes after pericardiectomy: a retrospective observational study.

Background: Owing to the lack of understanding of the clinical significance of pericardial calcification during pericardiectomy, whether pericardial calcification should be considered when determining the optimal timing for pericardiectomy is debatable. We aimed to investigate the effect of pericardial calcification on early postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis.

Methods: Altogether, 44 patients who underwent pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis were enrolled.

Comparative analysis of del Nido cardioplegia versus blood cardioplegia in isolate coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background: This study examined the efficacy of del Nido cardioplegia compared with traditional blood cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting by evaluating the early postoperative outcomes.

Methods: A total of 119 patients who underwent isolated conventional coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled and divided into two groups (del Nido cardioplegia group [n = 36] and blood cardioplegia group [n = 50]) based on the type of cardioplegia used. This study compared the preoperative characteristics, intraoperative data, and early postoperative outcomes.

Thrombocytopenia after Aortic Valve Replacement Using Sutureless Valves.

Background: Sutureless valves are widely used in aortic valve replacement surgery, with Perceval valves and Intuity valves being particularly prominent. However, concerns have been raised about postoperative thrombocytopenia with Perceval valves (Corcym, UK). We conducted a comparative analysis with the Intuity valve (Edwards Lifesciences, USA), and assessed how thrombocytopenia affected patient and transfusion outcomes.

Acute type A aortic dissection features and outcomes in octogenarians: a propensity score analysis.

Objectives: The clinical characteristics and early outcomes of surgical repair in octogenarians with acute type A aortic dissection were compared with those in nonoctogenarians.

Methods: All patients who underwent emergency surgical repair for acute type A aortic dissection in our institution between 2003 and 2022 were included in this study. The patients were divided into an octogenarian group and a nonoctogenarian group.

Influence of Preoperative COVID-19 Vaccination on Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting-A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

Background: Reports of intravascular thrombosis and cardiac complications have raised concerns about the safety of COVID-19 vaccinations, particularly in patients with high cardiovascular risk. Herein, we aimed to analyze the impact of preoperative COVID-19 vaccination on outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods And Results: Among 520 patients who underwent isolated CABG from 2020 to 2022, 481 patients (mean±SD age: 67±11 years, 86 women) whose COVID-19 vaccination status could be confirmed were included.

Aortic Valve Replacement in the Era of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Current Status in Korea.

Background: In the era of transcatheter aortic valve implantation, this study was conducted to investigate the current trend of aortic valve procedures in Korea and to evaluate the early and mid-term outcomes of isolated surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) using bioprosthetic valves in contemporary Korea.

Methods: Contemporary outcomes of isolated bioprosthetic SAVR in Korea were analyzed using the datasets on a multicenter basis. Patients who underwent isolated SAVR using bioprostheses from June 2015 to May 2019 were included, and those with concomitant cardiac procedures, SAVR with mechanical valve, or SAVR for infective endocarditis were excluded.

A Controlled Trial Comparing One-Year Hemodynamics of Two Bovine Pericardial Valves.

Background:  This randomized controlled trial was designed to compare 1-year hemodynamic performances and clinical outcomes after aortic valve replacement (AVR) using a recently introduced (the AVALUS group) and worldwide used (the CEPME group) bovine pericardial bioprostheses.

Methods:  Patients were screened to enroll 70 patients in each group based on a noninferiority design. The primary endpoint of the trial was the mean pressure gradient across the aortic valve (AVMPG) at 1 year after surgery.

Improved clinical outcomes following introduction of an attending intensivist for patients admitted to the cardiac surgical intensive care unit after valvular heart surgery: a single-center experience.

Background: Although numerous studies have documented the improved clinical outcomes of patients undergoing cardiac surgery following introduction of attending intensivist, most of these studies included heterogeneous patient populations. We aimed to investigate the impact of an attending intensivist on the clinical outcomes of patients admitted to the cardiac surgical intensive care unit (CSICU) following valvular heart surgery.

Methods: Patients who underwent valvular heart surgery between January 2007 and December 2012 (control group, n=337) were propensity matched (1:1) between January 2013 and June 2017 (intensivist group, n=407).

Elevated troponin I is associated with a worse long-term prognosis in patients undergoing beating-heart coronary surgery.

Objectives: The impacts of elevated troponin I levels after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on long-term outcomes were investigated.

Methods: A total of 996 patients who underwent elective isolated CABG for stable or unstable angina were enrolled. Patients were divided into higher and lower groups based on 80th percentile postoperative peak troponin I (ppTnI) levels.

The importance of compression time in stapled hemorrhoidopexy: is patience a virtue?

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether longer compression time before firing the stapler reduced the postoperative complications related to staple line formation in stapled hemorrhoidopexy.

Methods: This retrospective case-control study was conducted at a colorectal-anal specialty hospital. Consecutive patients with grades III and IV hemorrhoids who underwent stapled hemorrhoidopexy between January 2016 and November 2019 were included.

The Neuroprotective Effects of Ginsenoside Rd Pretreatment in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Introduction: Paraplegia may develop as a result of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients who underwent thoracoabdominal aortic surgery. The objective of this research is to determine the neuroprotective effects of ginsenoside Rd pretreatment in a rat model of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats (n=36) were randomly assigned to three groups.

Trends in Heart Valve Surgery in Korea: A Report from the Heart Valve Surgery Registry Database.

Background: In this study, we present recent trends in heart valve surgery in Korea through analyses of data from the Korea Heart Valve Surgery Registry (KHVSR).

Methods: We enrolled 8,981 patients who were registered in the KHVSR from 2017 to 2020. Yearly trends in patients' baseline characteristics, surgical profiles, and early mortality rates were explored.

Preliminary Report from a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Two Bovine Pericardial Valves.

Background: A randomized controlled trial was designed to compare 1-year hemodynamic profiles and clinical outcomes after bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (AVR) using a recently introduced (study group) and world-widely used (control group) bovine pericardial bioprostheses. This study evaluated early postoperative outcomes as a preliminary analysis.

Methods: The primary end point of the trial was the mean pressure gradient across the aortic valve (AVMPG) at 1 year after surgery.

Photoacid-induced aqueous acid-base reactions probed by femtosecond infrared spectroscopy.

Acid-base reactions involving an excited photoacid have typically been investigated at high base concentrations, but the mechanisms at low base concentrations require clarification. Herein, the dynamics of acid-base reactions induced by an excited photoacid, pyranine (DA), were investigated in the presence of azide ion (N) in DO solution using femtosecond infrared spectroscopy. Specifically, the spectral characteristics of four species (DA, electronically excited DA (DA*), the conjugate base of DA* (A*), and the conjugate base of DA (A)) were probed in the spectral region of 1400-1670 cm in the time range of 1 ps-1 μs.

Changes in aortic growth rate and factors influencing aneurysmal dilatation after uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissection.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in aortic growth rate and factors influencing aneurysmal dilatation after uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissection (ABAD).

Methods: Medically treated patients with uncomplicated ABAD between September 2004 and January 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Diameters of 6 different sites in the descending aorta were measured and aortic growth rate was calculated according to the time interval.

Zone 2 hybrid thoracic endovascular aortic repair: Is it a good option for all types of thoracic aortic disease?

Background: Zone 2 thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is performed for the treatment of various thoracic aortic diseases involving the left subclavian artery. This study aimed to analyze the late clinical outcomes of zone 2 hybrid TEVAR according to the various indications.

Methods: A total of 48 patients who underwent zone 2 TEVAR at our institution between December, 2010 and July, 2020 were enrolled.

Can preoperative features predict residual false lumen remodelling after tear-oriented limited resection for acute type I dissection?

Objectives: Our goal was to identify the preoperative findings in computed tomography correlated with the postoperative changes of the false lumen (FL) remaining in the descending thoracic aorta following tear-oriented surgery for acute type I dissection.

Methods: Patients who underwent ascending +/- partial arch replacement, with available preoperative and postoperative late (>1 year) CT scans, were included. Preoperative cross-sectional parameters were measured by the semi-automated centreline method at the level of the anastomosis.

Influence of Ipsilateral Graft Inflow to Arteriovenous Fistula for Hemodialysis in Coronary Bypass Surgery.

In coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for patients on hemodialysis, there has been concern about "coronary steal". This study aims to evaluate the influence of using an in situ internal thoracic artery (ITA) ipsilateral to a preexisting arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in dialysis-dependent patients undergoing CABG. Between 2004 and 2018, dialysis-dependent patients with AVFs who underwent CABG were enrolled.

Robot-Assisted Repair of Atrial Septal Defect: A Comparison of Beating and Non-Beating Heart Surgery.

Background: Robot-assisted repair of atrial septal defect (ASD) can be performed under either beating-heart or non-beating-heart conditions. However, the risk of cerebral air embolism (i.e.