ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of this study is to compare the postoperative outcomes and early mortality of peripheral and central cannulation techniques in cardiac reoperations using propensity score matching analysis. Methods: In this retrospective cohort, patients who underwent cardiac reoperations with median resternotomy were analyzed in terms of propensity score matching. Between November 2010 and September 2020, 257 patients underwent cardiac reoperations via central (Group 1) or peripheral (Group 2) cannulation. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed to balance the influence of potential confounding factors to compare postoperative data and mortality rate. Results: There were no significant differences when comparing the matched groups regarding early mortality (P=0.51), major cardiac injury (P=0.99), prolonged ventilation (P=0.16), and postoperative stroke (P=0.99). The development of acute renal failure (P=0.02) was statistically less frequent in Group 1. Conclusions: Performing cardiopulmonary bypass via peripheral cannulation increases acute renal failure in cardiac reoperations. In contrast, peripheral or central cannulation have similar early mortality rate in cardiac reoperations.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Custodiol (histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate) and repetitive blood cardioplegia are the solutions for myocardial protection and cardiac arrest. In this study, we aimed to compare immunohistochemical analysis, clinical outcomes, and cardiac enzyme values of Custodiol and blood cardioplegia groups. Methods: This was a randomized prospective study consisting of 2 groups and 20 patients, 10 patients for each group, who underwent mitral and mitral/tricuspid valve surgery. Group 1 was formed for Custodiol cardioplegia and group 2 for blood cardioplegia. Perioperative and postoperative cardiac events were recorded, cardiac enzymes were analyzed with intervals, and myocardial samples were taken for immunohistochemical analysis. Recorded data were statistically evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference for the Custodiol and blood cardioplegia groups in perioperative and postoperative cardiac performance and adverse events. Cardiac enzyme analysis showed no significant difference between groups. However, two parameters (eNOS, Bcl-2) were in favor of the Custodiol group in immunohistochemical studies. Custodiol performed better in cellular oxidative stress resistance and cellular viability. Conclusion: Clinical outcomes and cardiac enzyme analysis results were similar regarding myocardial protection. However, Custodiol performed better in the immunohistochemical analysis.

Abstract Objective: Sutureless aortic valve replacement (Su-AVR) offers an alternative to supra-annular stented biological aortic prostheses. This single-center study aimed to compare early outcomes after aortic valve replacement with sutureless and conventional stented bioprostheses. Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed 52 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with sutureless and stented bioprostheses between January 2013 and October 2017. Sorin Perceval S sutureless valves were implanted in group 1 and Sorin Mitroflow stented bioprosthetic valves were used in group 2. Postoperative outcomes, including demographics, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) times, cross-clamp times, morbidity and mortality, as well as echocardiography in the first month, were compared. Results: Mortality occurred in 1 (3.6%) patient in group 1, and in 2 (8.3%) patients in group 2 (P=0.186). Group 1 had significantly shorter CPB (61.6±26.1 min vs. 106.3±32.7 min, P=0.001) and cross-clamp (30.9±13.6 min vs. 73.3±17.3 min, P=0.001) times. The length of stay in the intensive care unit (1.9±1.3 days vs. 2.4±4.9 days, P=0.598) and hospital stay (7.6±2.7 days vs. 7.3±2.6 days, P=0.66) were similar. Postoperatively, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in echocardiography results, and morbidities. The mean aortic valve gradient was 13.5±5.8 mmHg in group 1 and 14.5±8.0 mmHg in group 2 (P=0.634). Paravalvular regurgitation was diagnosed in 3 (10.7%) patients in group 1 and in 1 (4.2%) patient in group 2 (P=0.220). Conclusions: Su-AVR resulted in shorter cross-clamp and CPB times. However, early mortality, postoperative morbidity, and echocardiography results were similar between groups.

Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of robotically assisted, minimally invasive mitral valve surgery combined with left atrial reduction for mitral valve surgery and elimination of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Eleven patients with severe mitral regurgitation, AF, and left atrial enlargement who underwent robotic, minimally invasive surgery between May 2013 and March 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. The da Vinci robotic system was used in all procedures. The patients’ demographic data, electrocardiography (ECG) findings, and pre- and postoperative transthoracic echocardiography findings were analyzed. During follow up ECG was performed at postoperative 3, 6, and 12 months additionally at the 3rd month trans thoracic echocardiography was performed and functional capacity was also evaluated for all patients. Results: All patients underwent robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery with radiofrequency ablation and left atrial reduction. Mean age was 45.76±16.61 years; 7 patients were male and 4 were female. Preoperatively, mean left atrial volume index (LAVI) was 69.55±4.87 mL/m2, ejection fraction (EF) was 54.62±8.27%, and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was 45.75±9.42 mmHg. Postoperatively, in hospital evaluation LAVI decreased to 48.01±4.91 mL/m2 (P=0.008), EF to 50.63±10.13% (P>0.05), and PAP to 39.02±3.11 mmHg (P=0.012). AF was eliminated in 8 (72%) of the 11 patients at the 1st postoperative month. There were significant improvements in functional capacity and no mortality during follow-up. Conclusion: Left atrial reduction and radiofrequency ablation concomitant with robotically assisted minimally invasive mitral valve surgery can be performed safely and effectively to eliminate AF and prevent recurrence.

Abstract Introduction: Various surgical procedures for minimally invasive cardiac surgery have been described in recent decades as alternatives to median sternotomy. Cardiopulmonary bypass via femoral arterial and venous cannulation is the foundation of these procedures. In this study, we evaluated the mid-term outcomes of femoral cannulation performed with U-suture technique in patients undergoing robotic heart surgery. Methods: A total of 216 patients underwent robotic-assisted cardiac surgery between January 2013 and April 2017. Cardiopulmonary bypass was performed via femoral artery, jugular, and femoral vein cannulation, and a Chitwood clamp was used for aortic occlusion. A total of 192 patients attended the outpatient follow-up, and femoral arterial and venous flow pattern was examined using Doppler ultrasound (DUS) in 145 patients. Results: Hospital mortality occured in 4 of the 216 (1.85%) cases, but there was no late mortality in this patient group. Postoperatively, seroma (n=9, 4.69%) and cannulation site infection (n=3, 1.56%) were managed with outpatient treatment. DUS in 145 patients revealed triphasic flow pattern in the common femoral arteries in all patients except for 2 (1.38%). These patients were determined to have asymptomatic arterial stenosis. Chronic recanalized thrombus in the common femoral vein was also detected in 2 (1.38%) patients. Conclusion: Femoral artery cannulation with the U-suture technique can be successfully performed in robotic-assisted cardiac surgery, with good mid-term results.