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Journal and News Scan
March 13, 2020
Submitted by: Emily Robinson
This article analyzes the outcome of video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resections performed at night compared to daytime operations. Nighttime operations carried a higher risk of intraoperative complications. The authors conclude surgeons should avoid nighttime operations whenever possible.
March 6, 2020
Submitted by: Emily Robinson
This review article looks into the role of ´bovine´ aortic arch configuration as a risk factor for aortic disease. An arch configuration with common origin of the innominate and left carotid artery was associated with a higher risk of thoracic aortic dissection when looking at the results of 485 studies, including 11,381 patients. The authors concluded that ´bovine´ aortic arch configuration should be recognized as a risk factor for aortic disease.
March 4, 2020
Submitted by: Emily Robinson
This retrospective single center observational study investigates the impact of surgical and catheter-based interventions in patients with life-threatening pulmonary emboli (PE). The results of both techniques have been comparable regarding survival and recovery of right ventricular function and acceptable complication rates within these critical patients. The authors conclude that both therapies should be adapted more widely in the treatment of these patients.
March 1, 2020
Submitted by: Aristotle Protopapas
A very easy-to-read editorial that digests a manuscript on the IMPROVE study. The study suggests an association of this group of enzymes to the Matrix Metalloproteinases and hence a theory on explaining the biochemistry of atheromatous plaque in relation to smooth muscle cells: if this will be translated to humans, it may offer a route of novel pharmacologic intervention to cardiovascular disease.
February 28, 2020
Submitted by: Emily Robinson
This single-center retrospective cohort analysis looks into the impact of preoperative atrial fibrillation on post-LVAD outcomes. Within their cohort, they did not observe any difference in pump thrombosis and thromboembolic events with regard to this preoperative variable. Thereby, the authors concluded that the MAZE procedure, AF catheter ablation, or LAA exclusion might be of questionable impact within these patients. However, they urge a prospective evaluation of this topic.
February 28, 2020
Submitted by: Emily Robinson
Using a German congenital heart defects registry, analyses were performed to identify risk factors for death and reintervention in patients who underwent correction of TGV with VSD and LVOTO. The median follow-up was 15 years. At least five different types of corrective operations were performed.
February 26, 2020
Submitted by: Mark Ferguson
Five year results of the PARTNER II trial demonstrated no difference in the risk of stroke or death comparing TAVR to surgical aortic valve replacement among intermediate surgical risk patients.
February 24, 2020
Submitted by: Emily Farkas
In 2014, Edwards Lifescience launched an ambitious philanthropic initiative called Every Heartbeat Matters (EHM) with the goal of impacting the global burden of heart valve disease through the education, screening and treatment of 1 million underserved people by 2020. By enlisting the help of over 60 patient- and cardiac-focused non-profit partners through grant and product donation support, that goal was exceeded to affect more than 1.7 million underserved people in 46 countries, including 8,700 hearts treated and 164,900 hearts screened by humanitarian care. Additionally, more than 38,000 clinicians have received education to elevate heart valve care for underserved patients.
This month Edwards announced the expansion of that initiative with a new target to affect 2.5 million additional underserved structural heart and critical care patients by the end of 2025. This effort will broaden the initiative's focus from heart valve disease to all structural heart diseases and critical care support with an additional emphasis on recovery strategies, critical care development, and enhanced product donation.
February 20, 2020
Submitted by: Emily Robinson
This meta-analysis looks at the impact on concomitant LAA closure during cardiac surgery in patients with AF prior to surgery. The authors analyzed 22 studies with over 250,000 patients. Overall, LAA closure reduced the incidence of postoperative stroke and mortality. Therefore, the authors conclude that LAA closure should be performed in any cardiac surgery in patients with preoperative AF.
February 20, 2020
Submitted by: Emily Robinson
This single institution retrospective review assessed outcomes of minimally invasive mitral valve repair (via R minithoracotomy) in 101 consecutive patients. Repair was accomplished by implantation of neochord loops and ring annuloplasty. One-year survival was 100%. Freedom from moderate or worse MR was 100% at three years.