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.

Features and outcomes of focal intimal disruption in acute type B intramural haematoma.

Objectives: A focal intimal disruption (FID) is a risk factor for adverse aorta-related events in patients with acute type B intramural haematoma. This study evaluated the impact of FIDs on overall survival with a selective intervention strategy for large or growing FIDs. Additionally, this study evaluated the risk factors associated with the growth of FIDs.

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.

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.

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.

Coronary artery disease in aortic aneurysm and dissection.

Coexisting coronary artery disease is a significant risk factor of untoward outcomes after surgical and endovascular aortic repair. This article reviewed the data, consensus, and remaining controversy about the diagnosis and management of coexisting coronary artery disease in the patients who require intervention for aortic aneurysm and dissection. It can be summarized as follows: (1) the current guidelines generally recommend the same diagnostic algorithm, including indications of coronary artery angiography, as one for non-surgical patients; (2) they also recommend the same indications of coronary revascularization; and (3) there are minor, but important, remaining issues regarding the details of management and surgical techniques most of which are still at the discretion of individual surgeons and institutions.

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.

Fate of remaining dissected aorta after descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aorta replacement for chronic dissection.

Objectives: After performing descending thoracic or thoraco-abdominal aorta replacement for chronic aortic dissection, the fate of the remaining dissected aorta, without significant enlargement, is not well known. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the remaining aorta and the risk factors for late composite aortic events.

Methods: In 98 patients with chronic type A or B aortic dissection who underwent descending thoracic or thoraco-abdominal aorta replacement, the immediate postoperative and last follow-up computed tomography scans were reviewed.

Diameter change in completely remodelled proximal descending aorta after acute type I dissection repair: implications for estimating the pre-dissection size.

Objectives: Pre-dissection diameter of the proximal descending thoracic aorta (p-DTA), if available, would be the reference for determining the size of the stent graft or elephant trunk. Acute type B dissection is known to increase p-DTA diameter by 23% (Rylski factor). This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of estimating post-remodelling diameter of the p-DTA based on the Rylski factor and other post-dissection morphological parameters in acute type I dissection, based on the assumption that the post-remodelling diameter is similar to the pre-dissection diameter.

Serial ultrastructural evaluation of myocardial ischemic injury after infusion of del Nido cardioplegia in the human heart.

Objectives: The safe ischemic time after a single-dose del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) infusion has not yet been established. This study evaluated the progression of myocardial ischemic injury to establish the safe ischemic time after a single-dose DNC infusion in the human heart using a transmission electron microscope.

Methods: Seven hearts extracted from heart transplant recipients after infusion of 1000 mL single-dose DNC were evaluated.

Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Treatment for Primary Chest Wall Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

Background: This study investigated the clinical outcomes of surgical treatment of primary chest wall soft tissue sarcoma (CW-STS).

Methods: Thirty-one patients who underwent surgery for CW-STS between 2000 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The disease-free and overall survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and prognostic factors were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model.

Meta-Analysis Comparing Mitral Valve Repair Versus Replacement for Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation Across All Ages.

Although current guidelines recommend mitral valve repair (MVr) over mitral valve replacement (MVR) for patients with mitral regurgitation (MR), it is unclear if it should be also recommended in elderly patients with limited life expectancy. This study was conducted to compare the results of MVr with those of MVR to determine the optimal treatment option for patients with degenerative MR, particularly according to the patient's age. A literature search of 5 electronic databases was performed.

Reoperation for coronary artery stenosis after arterial switch operation.

Objectives: Coronary artery stenosis after an arterial switch operation (ASO) leads to subsequent reoperation. Therefore, we investigated the indications for reoperation and the results of reoperation to suggest methods to improve our management protocol for coronary artery stenosis after an ASO.

Methods: Between September 2003 and December 2016, 86 consecutive patients who underwent an ASO were included in the study.

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery versus Conventional Median Sternotomy for Atrial Septal Defect Closure.

Background: Median sternotomy is the standard approach for atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. However, minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has been introduced at many centers in adult/grown-up congenital heart patients. We retrospectively reviewed the results of right anterolateral thoracotomy compared with conventional median sternotomy (CMS) for ASD closure at Seoul National University Hospital.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Repair for Congenital Bronchobiliary Fistula in an Adult.

Congenital bronchobiliary fistula (CBBF) is a very rare disease and usually requires surgical intervention at a young age. We report a case of CBBF in an adult who was treated successfully with a minimally invasive endoscopic operation.

Isolated Congenital Left Ventricular Diverticulum in Adults.

Isolated congenital left ventricular diverticulum is a rare cardiac malformation. Here, we report the case of a 33-year-old woman who had suffered from recurrent transient ischemic attacks for 6 years. Preoperative cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography angiography revealed a diverticulum near the apex.

An unusual presentation of schwannoma in the interatrial space.

We report the case of a 69-year-old woman who was diagnosed with intracardiac schwannoma without symptoms. Preoperative echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass attached to the interatrial septum. The initial diagnosis was a myxoma or a bronchogenic cyst.

Incidence, risk factors and clinical outcomes for acute kidney injury after aortic arch repair in paediatric patients.

Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common after paediatric cardiac surgery and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Aortic arch surgery may be an independent risk factor for AKI because of circulatory arrest below the descending thoracic artery during anastomosis. We investigated the surgical outcomes associated with AKI after aortic arch repair in paediatric patients.