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In a patient-level combined analysis of six randomized trials, the use of radial-artery grafts for CABG, as compared with the use of saphenous-vein grafts, resulted in a lower rate of adverse cardiac events and a higher patency rate at 5 years of follow-up.

In terms of in-hospital outcomes, controversy still remains whether off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting is superior to on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. We investigated whether the volume of off-pump coronary artery bypass procedures by hospital and individual surgeon influences patient outcomes when compared with on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Discharge records from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample were retrospectively reviewed for in-hospital admissions from 2003 to 2011, including 999 hospitals in 44 states. A total of 2,094,094 patients undergoing on- and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery were included. In patients requiring 2 or more grafts, off-pump coronary artery bypass compared with on-pump coronary artery bypass was associated with increased risk-adjusted mortality when performed in low-volume centers (<29 cases per year) (odds ratio [OR] 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06 to 1.57) or by low-volume surgeons (<19 cases per year) (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.56). In high-volume off-pump coronary artery bypass centers (≥164 cases per year) and surgeons (≥48 cases per year), off-pump coronary artery bypass reduced mortality compared with on-pump coronary artery bypass in cases requiring a single graft (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.89 and OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.47, respectively) or 2 or more grafts (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.99 and OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.81, respectively). In conclusion, the outcome of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting procedures is dependent on volume at both the institution and the individual surgeon level. Off-pump coronary artery bypass should not be performed at low-volume centers and by low-volume surgeons.

Women historically have a greater risk of operative mortality than men after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). There is paucity of contemporary data in gender outcomes of surgical revascularization and understanding modifiable factors that contribute to gender differences are critical for quality improvement and practice change. We, therefore, sought to examine whether the gender gap in CABG outcomes is closing in the contemporary era by conducting a retrospective analysis from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2003 to 2012. We included all patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery (n = 2,272,998; female n = 623,423 [27.4%]; male n = 1,649,575 [72.6%]). The annual rate of CABG surgeries decreased by 53.7% in men and 57.8% in women over the 10-year study period. Although internal mammary artery use in women was less frequent than in men in 2003 (77.4% vs 81.9%, p <0.001), a significant uptrend closed this gap by 2012 (86.2% vs 87.0%, ptrend 0.003). Overall, unadjusted in-hospital mortality was greater in women (3.2% vs 1.8%, p <0.001). Female gender remained an independent predictor of mortality after multivariate adjustment (odds ratio 1.40, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.43, p <0.001) across all age groups. However, in-hospital mortality decreased at a faster rate in women (3.8% to 2.7%, RR −29.1%, ptrend 0.002) than in men (2.2% to 1.6%, RR −25.7%, ptrend <0.001) from 2003 to 2012. In conclusion, CABG rates in the United States are decreasing over time, yet in-hospital mortality continues to improve. Women have worse in-hospital outcomes than men; however, the gender gap is slowly closing.

In patients with ascending aortic (AA) aneurysms, prosthetic graft replacement yields benefit but risk for complications in the descending aorta persists. Longitudinal impact of AA grafts on native descending aortic physiology is poorly understood. Transthoracic echocardiograms (echo) in patients undergoing AA elective surgical grafting were analyzed: Descending aortic deformation indices included global circumferential strain (GCS), time to peak (TTP) strain, and fractional area change (FAC). Computed tomography (CT) was used to assess aortic wall thickness and calcification. 46 patients undergoing AA grafting were studied; 65% had congenital or genetically-associated AA (30% bicuspid valve, 22% Marfan, 13% other): After grafting (6.4±7.5 months), native descending aortic distension increased, irrespective of whether assessed based on circumferential strain or area-based methods (both p<0.001). Increased distensibility paralleled altered kinetics, as evidenced by decreased time to peak strain (p = 0.01) and increased velocity (p = 0.002). Augmented distensibility and flow velocity occurred despite similar pre- and post-graft blood pressure and medications (all p = NS), and was independent of pre-surgical aortic regurgitation or change in left ventricular stroke volume (both p = NS). Magnitude of change in GCS and FAC was 5-10 fold greater among patients with congenital or genetically associated AA vs. degenerative AA (p<0.001), paralleling larger descending aortic size, greater wall thickness, and higher prevalence of calcific atherosclerotic plaque in the degenerative group (all p<0.05). In multivariate analysis, congenital/genetically associated AA etiology conferred a 4-fold increment in magnitude of augmented native descending aortic strain after proximal grafting (B = 4.19 [CI 1.6, 6.8]; p = 0.002) independent of age and descending aortic size. Prosthetic graft replacement of the ascending aorta increases magnitude and rapidity of distal aortic distension. Graft effects are greatest with congenital or genetically associated AA, providing a potential mechanism for increased energy transmission to the native descending aorta and adverse post-surgical aortic remodeling.

Posterior pericardiotomy (PP) has been shown to reduce the incidence of pericardial effusion and postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac surgery. However, the procedure and the totality of its effects are poorly known in the cardiac surgery community. We performed a study-level meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the impact of PP in cardiac surgery patients. A systematic literature search was conducted on three medical databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Cochrane Library) to identify RCTs reporting outcomes of patients that received a PP or no intervention after cardiac surgery. The primary outcome was the incidence of POAF. Key secondary outcomes were operative mortality, incidence of pericardial and pleural effusion, cardiac tamponade, length of stay (LOS), pulmonary complications, amount of chest drainage, need for intra-aortic balloon pump, and re-exploration for bleeding. Eighteen RCTs totaling 3,531 patients were included. PP was associated with a significantly lower incidence of POAF (odds ratio [OR] 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-0.64, < 0.0001), early (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.10-0.34, < 0.0001) and late pericardial effusion (incidence rate ratio 0.13, 95% CI 0.06-0.29, < 0.0001), and cardiac tamponade (risk difference -0.02, 95% CI -0.04 to -0.01, = 0.001). PP was associated with a higher incidence of pleural effusion (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.06-1.90, = 0.02), but not pulmonary complications (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.56-1.19; = 0.38). No differences in other outcomes, including operative mortality, were found. PP is a safe and effective intervention that significantly decreases the incidence of POAF and pericardial effusion following cardiac surgery. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=261485, identifier: CRD42021261485.

The effect of high transfusion ratios of fresh frozen plasma (FFP): packed red blood cell (RBC) on mortality is still controversial. Observational evidence contradicts a recent randomized controlled trial regarding mortality benefit. This is an updated meta-analysis, including a non-trauma cohort. Patients were grouped into high vs. low based on FFP:RBC ratio. Primary outcomes were 24-h and 30-day/in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute lung injury rates. Random model and leave-one-out-analyses were used. In 36 studies, lower ratio showed poorer 24-h and 30-day survival (p < 0.001). In trauma and non-trauma settings, a lower ratio was associated with worse 24-h and 30-day mortality (P < 0.001). A ratio of 1:1.5 provided the largest 24-h and 30-day survival benefit (p < 0.001). The ratio was not associated with ARDS or ALI. High FFP:RBC ratio confers survival benefits in trauma and non-trauma settings, with the highest survival benefit at 1:1.5. •Balanced Transfusion effect on Mortality Rates.•High Ratio is associated with better survival.•A FFP:RBC ratio of 1:1.5 achieved the highest survival rates.•No association between the transfusion ratio and the incidence of ARDS and ALI.

Background The objective of this study was to assess the overall quality of study-level meta-analyses in high-ranking journals using commonly employed guidelines and standards for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Methods 100 randomly selected study-level meta-analyses published in ten highest-ranking clinical journals in 2016–2017 were evaluated by medical librarians against 4 assessments using a scale of 0–100: the Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies (PRESS), Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) Standards for Systematic Reviews, and quality items from the Cochrane Handbook. Multiple regression was performed to assess meta-analyses characteristics’ associated with quality scores. Results The overall median (interquartile range) scores were: PRESS 62.5(45.8–75.0), PRISMA 92.6(88.9–96.3), IOM 81.3(76.6–85.9), and Cochrane 66.7(50.0–83.3). Involvement of librarians was associated with higher PRESS and IOM scores on multiple regression. Compliance with journal guidelines was associated with higher PRISMA and IOM scores. Conclusion This study raises concerns regarding the reporting and methodological quality of published MAs in high impact journals Early involvement of information specialists, stipulation of detailed author guidelines, and strict adherence to them may improve quality of published meta-analyses.

Background Intraoperative or post procedure right ventricular (RV) dysfunction confers a poor prognosis in the post-operative period. Conventional predictors for RV function are limited due the effect of cardiac surgery on traditional RV indices; novel echocardiographic techniques hold the promise to improve RV functional stratification. Methods Comprehensive echocardiographic data were collected prospectively during elective cardiac surgery. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), peak RV systolic velocity (S′), and RV fractional area change (FAC) were quantified on transesophageal echo (TEE). RV global and regional (septal and free wall) longitudinal strain was quantified using speckle-tracking echo in RV-focused views. Two intraoperative time points were used for comparison: pre-sternotomy (baseline) and after chest closure. Results The population was comprised of 53 patients undergoing cardiac surgery [15.1% coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) only, 28.3% valve only, 50.9% combination (e.g. valve/CABG, valve/aortic graft) surgeries], among whom 38% had impaired RV function at baseline defined as RV FAC < 35%. All conventional RV functional indices including TAPSE, S′ and FAC declined immediately following CPB (1.5 ± 0.3 vs.1.1 ± 0.3 cm, 8.0 ± 2.1 vs. 6.2 ± 2.5 cm/s, 36.8 ± 9.3 vs. 29.3 ± 10.6%; p  < 0.001 for all). However, left ventricular (LV) and RV hemodynamic parameters remained unchanged (LV ejection fraction (EF): 56.8 ± 13.0 vs. 55.8 ± 12.9%; p  = 0.40, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP): 26.5 ± 7.4 vs 27.3 ± 6.7 mmHg; p  = 0.13). Speckle tracking echocardiographic data demonstrated a significant decline in RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) [19.0 ± 6.5 vs. 13.5 ± 6.9%, p  < 0.001]. Pre-procedure FAC, GLS and free wall strain predicted RV dysfunction at chest closure (34.7 ± 9.1 vs. 41.6 ± 8.1%, p  = 0.01, 17.7 ± 6.5 vs. 21.8 ± 5.4%; p  = 0.03, 20.3 ± 6.4 vs. 24.2 ± 5.8%; p  = 0.04), whereas traditional linear RV indices such as TAPSE and RV S′ at baseline had no impact on intraoperative RV dysfunction ( p  = NS for both). Conclusions Global and regional RV function, as measured by 2D indices and strain, acutely decline intraoperatively. Impaired RV strain is associated with intraoperative RV functional decline and provides incremental value to traditional RV indices in predicting those who will develop RV dysfunction.

Background Biomechanical effects of transcatheter (TAVR) versus surgical (SAVR) aortic valve interventions on the distal aorta have not been studied. This study utilized global circumferential strain (GCS) to assess post-procedural biomechanics changes in the descending aorta after TAVR versus SAVR. Methods Patients undergoing TAVR or SAVR for aortic stenosis were included. Transesophageal (TEE) and transthoracic (TTE) echocardiography short-axis images of the aorta were used to image the descending aorta immediately before and after interventions. Image analysis was performed with two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography and dedicated software. Delta GCS was calculated as: post-procedural GCS—pre-procedural GCS. Percentage delta GCS was calculated as: (delta GCS/pre-procedural GCS) × 100. Results Eighty patients, 40 TAVR (median age 81 y/o, 40% female) and 40 SAVR (median 72 y/o, 30% female) were included. The post-procedure GCS was significantly higher than the pre-procedural GCS in the TAVR (median 10.7 [interquartile range IQR 4.5, 14.6] vs. 17.0 [IQR 6.1, 20.9], p  = 0.009) but not in the SAVR group (4.4 [IQR 3.3, 5.3] vs. 4.7 [IQR 3.9, 5.6], p  = 0.3). The delta GCS and the percentage delta GCS were both significantly higher in the TAVR versus SAVR group (2.8% [IQR 1.4, 6] vs. 0.15% [IQR − 0.6, 1.5], p  < 0.001; and 28.8% [IQR 14.6%, 64.6%] vs. 4.4% [IQR − 10.6%, 5.6%], p  = 0.006). Results were consistent after multivariable adjustment for key clinical and hemodynamic characteristics. Conclusions After TAVR, there was a significantly larger increase in GCS in the distal aorta compared to SAVR. This may impact descending aortic remodeling and long-term risk of aortic events.

Background Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication following cardiac surgery. POAF is associated with increased morbidity and hospital costs. We herein describe the protocol for a randomized controlled trial to determine if performing a posterior left pericardiotomy prevents POAF after cardiac surgery. Methods/design All patients submitted to cardiac surgery at our institution will be screened for inclusion into the study. The study will consist of two parallel arms with random allocation between groups to either receive a posterior left pericardiotomy or serve as a control. Masking will be done in a single-blinded fashion to the patient. Patients will be continuously monitored postoperatively for the occurrence of atrial fibrillation until discharge. At the follow-up clinic visit (15–30 days after surgery), the primary endpoint (atrial fibrillation) and other secondary endpoints, such as pleural or pericardial effusion, will be assessed. A total sample size of 350 subjects will be recruited. Discussion POAF is associated with increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stay, and increased costs after cardiac surgery. Several strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of POAF have been investigated, including beta-blockers, amiodarone, and statins, all with suboptimal results. Posterior left pericardiotomy has been associated with a reduction of POAF in previous series. However, these studies had limited sample sizes and suboptimal methodology, so that the efficacy of posterior pericardiotomy in preventing POAF remains to be definitively proven. Our randomized trial aims to determine the effect of a posterior left pericardiotomy on the incidence of POAF. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02875405 , protocol record 1502015867. Registered on July 2016.