Purpose: The study investigated the importance of left ventricular volume assessment before primary repair in asymptomatic tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) patients.

Methods: Forty-two asymptomatic TOF patients who underwent preoperative cardiac catheterization at a median age of 4.7 months interquartile range [IQR], 4.0–5.3) between 2013 and 2023 were enrolled. Asymptomatic TOF was defined as room air oxygen saturation ≥85% without duct-dependent circulation. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) as a percentage of predicted normal (LVEDV%N) was measured using the single-plane area–length method. Correlation with echocardiographic parameters was assessed.

Results: The median LVEDV%N was 107% (IQR, 87.5–139.5). Five patients (11.6%) had LVEDV%N ≤80%. One patient with the lowest LVEDV%N (62%) underwent a modified Blalock–Taussig shunt instead of primary repair. The remaining four patients had a small pulmonary valve annulus (PVA) (Z-score −4.2 to −6.6) and underwent transannular patch repair. Seven additional patients underwent transannular patch repair due to total conal ventricular septal defect (n = 5) or patent ductus arteriosus with small PVA (n = 2). LVEDV%N showed a weak correlation with 1-month echocardiographic parameters (R² = 0.27–0.347).

Conclusions: Left ventricular volume assessment prior to primary repair is essential in asymptomatic TOF patients. There were cases with small LV for whom primary repair was deferred, or whose PVA was also small; therefore, transannular patch repair was selected.

Left atrial mitral valve chorda (LAMVC) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly. The abnormal tissue band, like a mitral valve chorda, is attached to the left atrial wall on one side and mostly to the mitral valve leaflet on the other side and the band sometimes disturbs the mitral leaflet motion, followed by mitral regurgitation (MR). We encountered a case with a LAMVC which originated from a papillary muscle and attached to the posterior mitral annulus over the posterior leaflet and caused MR due to restricted mitral leaflet motion.

Purpose: This study aims to determine the outcomes of maintaining antegrade pulmonary blood flow (APBF) during the bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS) procedure in patients with single ventricle physiology undergoing staged palliative surgeries.

Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted and focused on studies comparing pulsatile BCPS (with APBF) with non-pulsatile BCPS (without APBF). Outcomes were categorized into early (post-BCPS) and late (pre-Fontan). Data were analyzed using Mantel-Haenszel random effects model with odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42024586369).

Results: A total of 17 studies with 2504 patients were included. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality (OR 1.11, 95% CI: 0.61–2.04, p = 0.73), but pulsatile BCPS led to a higher rate of prolonged chest drainage (OR 2.45, 95% CI: 1.43–4.20, p <0.001). Pulsatile BCPS resulted in significantly higher SaO₂ in both post-BCPS (MD 3.33%, 95% CI: 2.70–3.97, p <0.001) and pre-Fontan (MD 2.91%, 95% CI: 2.51–3.31, p <0.001). The Nakata index was also higher in the pulsatile group (MD 30.67, 95% CI: 16.68–44.65, p <0.001).

Conclusions: Pulsatile BCPS can optimize pre-Fontan hemodynamics by improving oxygenation and pulmonary artery development. However, the increased risk of prolonged chest drainage requires careful patient selection and monitoring.

Purpose: Pericardiectomy is the definitive treatment option for constrictive pericarditis and is associated with a high prevalence of morbidity and mortality. However, information on the associated outcomes and risk factors is limited. We aimed to report the mid-term outcomes of pericardiectomy from a single center in China.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data collected from patients who underwent pericardiectomy at our institute from April 2018 to January 2023.

Results: Eighty-six consecutive patients (average age, 46.1 ± 14.7 years; 68.6 men) underwent pericardiectomy through midline sternotomy. The most common etiology was idiopathic (n = 60, 69.8%), and 82 patients (95.3%) were in the New York Heart Association function class III/IV. In all, 32 (37.2%) patients underwent redo sternotomies, 36 (41.9%) underwent a concomitant procedure, and 39 (45.3%) required cardiopulmonary bypass. The 30-day mortality rate was 5.8%, and the 1-year and 5-year survival rates were 88.3% and 83.5%, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that preoperative mitral insufficiency (MI) ≥moderate (hazard ratio [HR], 6.435; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.655–25.009]; p = 0.007) and partial pericardiectomy (HR, 11.410; 95% CI [3.052–42.663]; p = 0.000) were associated with increased 5-year mortality.

Conclusion: Pericardiectomy remains a safe operation for constrictive pericarditis with optimal mid-term outcomes.

Purpose: There are limited data on outcomes of combined Maze and mitral valve procedures beyond 10 years. This study analyzed the efficacy of this operation.

Methods: Between June 2004 and December 2022, 406 patients underwent mitral surgery concomitant with Maze procedure were evaluated. Rhythm outcomes, predictors of recurrence, and survival were assessed.

Results: The median follow-up period was 100 months. Rheumatic disease was present in 58%. Mitral valve repair was performed in 57.1%. Freedom from atrial fibrillation (AF) at 5, 10, and 15 years was 82.5%, 70.8%, and 52.7%, respectively. Overall survival rates were not different between patients in sinus rhythm (SR) and those who remained in AF (p = 0.172). However, patients in SR experienced fewer neurological complication (p = 0.001). Predictors of AF recurrence included preoperative AF duration (p = 0.005), left atrial diameter (LAD) >50 mm (p <0.001), concomitant tricuspid valve surgery (p = 0.049), and the presence of AF on postoperative day 7 (p <0.001). Factors influencing survival were age >60 years (p <0.001) and a postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction <40% (p <0.001).

Conclusions: The combined Maze and mitral valve surgery provides significant benefits in managing AF with mitral disease. Predictors of recurrence included AF duration, LAD size >50 mm, associated tricuspid valve disease, and AF on day 7. SR patients had fewer neurological complications.

Purpose: In totally endoscopic off-pump left atrial appendage (LAA) closure and surgical ablation, securing the operative field is sometimes difficult in some patients because of a narrow working space caused by an elevated diaphragm or ventricles. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a method that facilitates securing the operative field using an artificial pneumothorax.

Methods: We analyzed 71 consecutive patients who underwent totally endoscopic off-pump LAA closure and bilateral pulmonary vein isolation. The factors contributing to the reduction in operative time were examined. The patients were divided into the following 2 groups according to whether or not an artificial pneumothorax was used: Group C comprised 24 patients without an artificial pneumothorax and Group A comprised 47 patients with an artificial pneumothorax.

Results: There were no hospital deaths or major complications. The operative time was significantly shorter in Group A (108 ± 26 minutes) than in Group C (198 ± 77 minutes) (p <0.0001).

Conclusions: In totally endoscopic off-pump LAA closure and surgical ablation, an artificial pneumothorax may be useful in reducing the operative time.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between normalized lactate load (NLL) and the 30-day mortality rate in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) patients, as well as its predictive value for prognosis.

Methods: Data were obtained from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV database. The Cox model and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were used to assess the relationship between NLL and 30-day mortality in AAAD patients. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were plotted to evaluate the predictive value of NLL for 7-, 14-, and 30-day mortality. Kaplan–Meier (K–M) curves were used to compare 30-day survival across different risk levels.

Results: Among 150 AAAD patients, NLL was recognized as a risk factor for 30-day mortality (hazard ratio = 1.83, 95% confidence interval: 1.29–2.58; P <0.001). The RCS analysis showed a linear relationship. NLL showed areas under the curve of 0.781, 0.781, and 0.730 for predicting 7-, 14-, and 30-day mortality, respectively. K–M curves revealed a significant difference in 30-day survival between the high- and low-risk groups (log-rank P = 0.042).

Conclusion: NLL is a risk factor for 30-day mortality in AAAD patients and shows good predictive value. This study supports NLL as an early-warning biomarker for identifying high-risk AAAD patients.

Purpose: We evaluated patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) who were suffering from a collapsed true lumen in the descending aorta.

Methods: Among 146 patients with ATAAD who underwent surgery, 6 (4.1%) with a collapsed true lumen of <10% of the total area at the level of the diaphragmatic transition in the descending aorta were detected. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography images, preoperative characteristics, surgical techniques, and major adverse aortic events were assessed.

Results: Patients with a collapsed true lumen tended to have spinal cord or peripheral malperfusion preoperatively. In two patients, because intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography showed no improvement in the collapsed true lumen after femoral artery cannulation, ascending aortic cannulation was added. Entry resection was achieved in five patients; however, three of them needed thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). All six patients survived for one year, and after staged TEVAR, aortic remodeling was achieved.

Conclusion: Patients with a collapsed true lumen in the descending aorta tended to develop lower body malperfusion, and usual cardiopulmonary bypass may be ineffective. Even if entry resection was achieved, aortic remodeling could not be obtained in some cases; therefore, staged repair with TEVAR can solve this issue.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intercostal nerve cryoablation on postoperative pain, opioid usage, and lung expansion after open aortic repair via left thoracotomy.

Methods: This retrospective study included 62 patients who underwent aortic repair via left thoracotomy between 2017 and 2023. Patients were divided into cryoablation (n = 32) and non-cryoablation (n = 30) groups. Pain was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and lung volume was measured using computed tomography 1 week postoperatively.

Results: The cryoablation group showed significantly lower mean NRS scores (1.7 vs. 2.4, p <0.01) and lower opioid consumption (6.2% vs. 56.6%, p <0.01). The left lung volume ratio was significantly higher in the cryoablation group (72.3% vs. 62.4%, p = 0.05).

Conclusions: Intercostal nerve cryoablation effectively reduces postoperative pain and opioid consumption and enhances pulmonary expansion after left thoracotomy. This technique may offer a favorable analgesic option in thoracic aortic surgery.

Purpose: Rapid risk stratification is crucial in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD), particularly those presenting with circulatory collapse or malperfusion. This study investigated whether preoperative blood lactate levels could predict surgical outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 166 patients who underwent emergency surgery for ATAAD between 2014 and 2022. Preoperative arterial lactate levels were measured at admission. Multivariate logistic regression identified risk factors for in-hospital mortality. The optimal lactate cutoff value was determined using receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. Correlation with the Penn classification was also assessed.

Results: In-hospital mortality was 4.2%. A lactate level ≥3.7 mmol/L was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio, 1.41, p = 0.026) and was strongly correlated with Penn classes Ac and Abc. Patients with elevated lactate levels had more severe clinical presentations, prolonged intensive care unit stays, and more postoperative complications. Long-term mortality was also significantly higher in the high-lactate group (p = 0.013).

Conclusions: A preoperative lactate level ≥3.7 mmol/L is a practical and effective point-of-care predictor of surgical outcomes in ATAAD. It reflects circulatory collapse and severe malperfusion, and may assist nonspecialist clinicians in early triage and decision-making.

Purpose: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is widely used to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), but mid-term survival remains a concern. This study aims to develop a machine learning-based random forest model to predict 3-year survival after EVAR.

Methods: A random forest model was trained using data from 176 EVAR patients, of whom 169 patients were retained for analysis, incorporating 23 preoperative and perioperative variables. Model performance was evaluated using 5-fold cross-validation.

Results: The model achieved an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.91, with an accuracy of 81.1%, a sensitivity of 81.6%, a specificity of 80.9%, and an F1 score of 0.66. Feature importance analysis identified poor nutritional status (geriatric nutritional risk index <101.4), compromised immunity (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio >3.19), chronic kidney disease (CKD), octogenarian status, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), small aneurysm size, and statin use as the top predictors of 3-year mortality. The average values of the AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1 score across the 5-folds were 0.76 ± 0.10, 73.9 ± 5.8%, 60.4 ± 1.9%, 77.8 ± 0.7%, and 0.59 ± 0.17, indicating consistent performance across different data subsets.

Conclusions: The random forest model effectively predicts 3-year survival after EVAR, indicating key factors such as poor nutritional status, compromised immunity, CKD, octogenarian status, COPD, small aneurysm size, and statin use.

Purpose: Our primary concern was the risk of overtreating elderly patients with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm. We investigated the association between age at the time of EVAR and all-cause mortality in Japan’s aging population by stratifying patients into age groups.

Methods: Data from 175 patients who underwent elective EVAR from 2012 to 2016 were analyzed. Patients were categorized into 3 age groups: <75 years, 75–84 years, and ≥85 years, based on Japan’s healthy life expectancy and average life expectancy. Survival rates and risk factors for mortality were assessed across these patient groups.

Results: Among 175 patients, 3- and 5-year survival rates were significantly lower in elderly patients, with rates of 74.6% and 64.2% for those aged 75–84 years and 51.9% and 39.7% for those aged ≥85 years. Multivariate analysis identified age ≥85 years, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and active cancer as independent adverse predictors of all-cause mortality, whereas obesity was identified as an independent protective predictor.

Conclusions: Adjusting guidelines to incorporate not only comorbidities but also age could optimize outcomes and healthcare resource allocation by prioritizing EVAR for patients most likely to benefit in Japan’s super-aging society.

Purpose: Owing to the time-sensitive nature of myocardial ischemia, challenging clinical scenarios should be considered in patients with type A acute aortic dissection (AAAD) complicated by coronary malperfusion. In clinical settings, the diagnosis and reperfusion strategies for coronary malperfusion often depend on institutional resources. This study evaluated early surgical outcomes in such patients, focusing on transportation type and clinical management.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 70 patients who underwent emergency surgery for AAAD with coronary malperfusion, excluding those with cardiac tamponade on arrival, between 1997 and February 2024. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on transportation: direct transfer and referral.

Results: Overall, in-hospital mortality was 27%, with only 1 of 9 patients surviving with preoperative peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Mortality and morbidity did not significantly differ between groups. Univariate analysis identified left coronary artery involvement and preoperative hemodynamic instability as significant risk factors. Additionally, preoperative diagnostic-only coronary angiography (CAG) with unsuccessful reperfusion was a potential risk factor (P = 0.06).

Conclusions: Regardless of transportation type, preoperative peripheral ECMO itself could not be a definitive solution in AAAD patients with coronary malperfusion. Also, patients who underwent preoperative CAG with unsuccessful reperfusion might be fatal, especially with suspected left coronary artery involvement.

Purpose: Achieving a secure anastomosis and complete hemostasis is essential for surgically treating type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD). This study assessed the clinical feasibility of “tailored stand-up collar (TSC)” technique for constructing the distal stump.

Methods: We enrolled 68 patients who underwent ascending aortic repair for TAAAD. Patients were categorized according to the technique for distal stump construction: conventional (C) group using only a felt strip (32 cases); post-aortotomy (P) group, with a Hydrofit-felt strip attached after aortotomy (18 cases), and TSC group, where a Hydrofit-felt strip attached during cooling (18 cases). Pre-operative characteristics, procedural profiles, and post-operative outcomes were evaluated.

Results: The pre-operative characteristics were identical among the groups. The durations of cardiopulmonary bypass, hemostasis, and surgery were significantly shorter in the P and TSC groups. The duration of open distal in the TSC group (21 min) was significantly shorter than the other two groups. Post-operative additional procedures were not required for the TSC group and their post-operative hospital stay was significantly shorter (47.1% of patients were discharged within 2 weeks).

Conclusion: The TSC technique would be practical because of its high reproducibility in terms of ease of use, shorter anastomotic time, and secure hemostasis.

Purpose: We aimed to compare the midterm outcomes of the no-touch saphenous vein graft (NT-SVG) as a second conduit with those of other graft types.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 549 consecutive patients who underwent multivessel isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with ≥2 distal anastomoses between 2002 and 2024. Five conduit groups for non-LAD grafting were analyzed: in situ internal thoracic artery (ITA), free ITA, conventional saphenous vein graft (cSVG), NT-SVG, and right gastroepiploic artery (rGEA). We analyzed conduit-specific patency and propensity score–matched patency between cSVG and NT-SVG.

Results: The mean age was 68.6 ± 9.5 years, and 74% were men. Off-pump CABG was performed in 60.5% of cases, with a mean of 3.3 ± 0.9 distal anastomoses. Hospital mortality was 1.5%. Notably, the 5- and 10-year survival rates were 85.9% and 74.1%, respectively. Among 794 non-LAD grafts, the NT-SVG demonstrated a 5-year patency of 96.4%, which was significantly higher than that of cSVG (89.5%, p = 0.05) and rGEA (87.2%, p = 0.04), and equivalent to in situ ITA (94.4%) and free ITA (95.0%). The propensity score–matched analysis further demonstrated superior graft patency with the NT-SVG.

Conclusions: The NT-SVG achieves a 5-year patency comparable to that of ITA grafts and superior to that of cSVG and rGEA, suggesting its potential as a promising option for non-LAD revascularization, pending further validation.

Compared with the conventionally harvested saphenous vein graft, the no-touch saphenous vein graft, in which manipulation and tension are minimized and intraluminal dilatation is avoided during vein harvest, has shown better-preserved luminal endothelium and improved patency rates after coronary artery bypass grafting. This review article will detail and summarize the relevant literature on the no-touch saphenous vein in coronary artery bypass grafting.

Purpose: To report our experience with robotic-assisted redo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods: This single-center retrospective study included patients undergoing robotic-assisted redo CABG between 2016 and 2023. Patient demographics and operative outcomes were compared with those of initial robotic-assisted CABG procedures performed during the same period.

Results: There were 12 patients undergoing robotic-assisted redo CABG, with a median age of 73 years. Compared to initial CABG patients (n = 1415), the Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores were significantly higher (median: 0.90 vs. 7.05, p <0.001) in the redo group. Six patients had de novo internal mammary artery (IMA) to left anterior descending (LAD) bypass, 4 had redo LAD bypass, and 2 had non-LAD bypass. Among the 10 patients with LAD bypass, 4 also underwent hybrid percutaneous coronary intervention. While operating room time (5.4 vs. 7.4 hours, p <0.001), postoperative lengths of stay (4.0 vs. 5.5 days, p = 0.02) and the need for blood transfusion (15% vs. 42%, p = 0.02) were significantly greater in the redo group compared to the initial group, there were no conversions to sternotomy, unplanned revascularization, or in-hospital mortality in the redo patients.

Conclusion: Robotic-assisted redo CABG demonstrated promising operative outcomes in appropriately selected patients despite the higher-risk cohort.

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting for the left anterior descending artery is a well-established technique; however, harvesting the internal thoracic artery is challenging, particularly with endoscopic approaches. In this study, 12 patients underwent internal thoracic artery harvesting using a three-dimensional endoscope with a three-port system (one incision plus two ports). Working space was established by elevating the chest wall upward using hooks anchored at the main incision site. To enhance operability, the positions of the camera and instruments were strategically adjusted within the existing ports, obviating the need for additional access points. All patients achieved graft patency. No complications, such as internal thoracic artery injury, were observed, and no patient required conversion into median sternotomy. This approach minimizes invasiveness while maintaining effectiveness, allowing for adequate dissection of the internal thoracic artery without necessitating expansion of the existing surgical setup.

Purpose: Although the clinical outcomes of on-pump (ONCAB) and off-pump CABG (OPCAB) are well established, their metabolomic impacts remain underexplored. This study aims to compare the metabolic profiles of ONCAB and OPCAB to identify differential metabolites associated with clinical outcomes.

Methods: In a prospective cohort study conducted between January 2023 and September 2023, 100 plasma samples from 20 patients undergoing isolated elective CABG (10 per group) were analyzed. Samples were collected preoperatively and at multiple postoperative time points (Days 0–3) and processed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR). Advanced statistical modeling was applied to identify differential metabolites.

Results: No significant differences were found in clinical outcomes, although ONCAB showed higher postoperative CKMB levels. Both procedures induced metabolomic alterations, with ONCAB demonstrating a more substantial impact, particularly on Day 0. Key metabolites, including leucine, succinate, creatine, glucose, and adenine, affected starch and sucrose metabolism.

Conclusion: ONCAB induces more pronounced metabolic shifts immediately postsurgery, involving protein and energy turnover, oxidative stress, and disrupted glucose metabolism, indicative of cellular stress responses. A comprehensive understanding of these metabolic changes is critical for informing targeted interventions and supports the use of OPCAB as a preferred strategy for patients with elevated metabolic risks.

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of left circumflex artery (LCx) revascularization using an internal thoracic artery (ITA) or radial artery (RA) as the second arterial graft.

Methods: Patients who underwent primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting with left anterior descending artery revascularization using an ITA and LCx revascularization using another bilateral ITA (BITA group) or an RA (ITA-RA group) were included. All-cause mortality (primary endpoint), cardiac death, major adverse cardiac events, in-hospital death, and deep sternal wound infection (secondary endpoints) were evaluated.

Results: Among 790 patients (BITA, n = 548 (69%); ITA-RA, n = 242 (31%)), no significant difference in all-cause mortality between the groups was observed (hazard ratio (HR): 0.87; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67–1.12; p = 0.27) during follow-up (mean, 10 years). Multivariate analysis revealed that the BITA group exhibited significantly lower rates of long-term all-cause mortality (HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.48–0.84; p = 0.01). In the propensity-matched cohort (n = 480, 240 pairs), significantly fewer all-cause deaths occurred in the BITA group (HR: 0.66; 95% CI 0.47–0.93; p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes.

Conclusions: When used as second grafts for LCx revascularization, ITA grafts may surpass RA grafts in reducing all-cause mortality 10 years postoperatively.