Abstract Introduction: The benefit of total arterial revascularization (TAR) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains a controversial issue. This study sought to evaluate whether there is any difference on the long-term results of TAR and non-TAR CABG patients. Methods: The Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL/CCTR), Clinical Trials.gov, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies published by October 2020. Randomized clinical trials and observational studies with propensity score matching comparing TAR versus non-TAR CABG were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed. The current barriers to implementation of TAR in clinical practice and measures that can be used to optimize outcomes were reviewed. Results: Fourteen publications (from 2012 to 2020) involving a total of 22,746 patients (TAR: 8,941 patients; non-TAR: 13,805 patients) were included. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) for long-term mortality (over 10 years) was lower in the TAR group than in the non-TAR group (random effect model: HR 0.676, 95% confidence interval 0.586-0.779, P<0.001). There was evidence of low heterogeneity of treatment effect among the studies for mortality, and none of the studies had a particular impact on the summary result. The result was not influenced by age, sex, or comorbidities. We identified low risk of publication bias related to this outcome. Conclusion: This review found that TAR presents the best long-term results in patients who undergo CABG. Given that many patients are likely to benefit from TAR, its use should be encouraged.

Abstract Objective: To test the German Aortic Valve (GAV) score at our university hospital in patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods: A total of 224 patients who underwent isolated conventional AVR between January 2015 and December 2018 were included. Patients with concomitant procedures and transcatheter aortic valve implantation were excluded. Patients’ data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Patients’ risk scores were calculated according to criteria described by GAV score. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (area under the ROC curve [AUC]) were also calculated. The calibration of the model was tested by the Hosmer-Lemeshow method. Results: The mortality rate was 8.04% (18 patients). The patients’ mean age was 58.2±19.3 years and 25% of them were female (56 patients). Mean GAV score was 1.73±5.86 (min: 0.0; max: 3.53). The GAV score showed excellent discriminative capacity (AUC 0.925, 95% confidence interval 0.882-0.956; P<0.001). The cutoff “1.8” turned out to be the best discriminatory point with the best combination of sensitivity (88.9%) and specificity (75.7%) to predict operative death. Hosmer-Lemeshow method revealed a P-value of 0.687, confirming a good calibration of the model. Conclusion: The GAV score applies to our population with high predictive accuracy.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate whether there is any difference on the results of patients treated with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the setting of ischemic heart failure (HF). Methods: Databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register [CENTRAL/CCTR], ClinicalTrials.gov, Scientific Electronic Library Online [SciELO], Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde [LILACS], and Google Scholar) were searched for studies published until February 2019. Main outcomes of interest were mortality, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and stroke. Results: The search yielded 5,775 studies for inclusion. Of these, 20 articles were analyzed, and their data were extracted. The total number of patients included was 54,173, and those underwent CABG (N=29,075) or PCI (N=25098). The hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality (HR 0.763; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.678-0.859; P<0.001), myocardial infarction (HR 0.481; 95% CI 0.365-0.633; P<0.001), and repeat revascularization (HR 0.321; 95% CI 0.241-0.428; P<0.001) were lower in the CABG group than in the PCI group. The HR for stroke showed no statistically significant difference between the groups (random effect model: HR 0.879; 95% CI 0.625-1.237; P=0.459). Conclusion: This meta-analysis found that CABG surgery remains the best option for patients with ischemic HF, without increase in the risk of stroke.

Abstract Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the impact of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) on the risk of early-term mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods: Databases (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online [MEDLINE], Excerpta Medica dataBASE [EMBASE], Cochrane Controlled Trials Register [CENTRAL/CCTR], ClinicalTrials.gov, Scientific Electronic Library Online [SciELO], Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences [LILACS], and Google Scholar) were searched for studies published until February 2019. PPM after TAVI was defined as moderate if the indexed effective orifice area (iEOA) was between 0.85 cm2/m2 and 0.65 cm2/m2 and as severe if iEOA ≤ 0.65 cm2/m2. Results: The search yielded 1,092 studies for inclusion. Of these, 18 articles were analyzed, and their data extracted. The total number of patients included who underwent TAVI was 71,106. The incidence of PPM after TAVI was 36.3% (25,846 with PPM and 45,260 without PPM). One-year mortality was not increased in patients with any PPM (odds ratio [OR] 1.021, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.979-1.065, P=0.338) neither in those with moderate PPM (OR 0.980, 95% CI 0.933-1.029, P=0.423). Severe PPM was separately associated with high risk (OR 1.109, 95% CI 1.041-1.181, P=0.001). Conclusion: The presence of severe PPM after TAVI increased early-term mortality. Although moderate PPM seemed harmless, the findings of this study cannot not rule out the possibility of it being detrimental, since there are other registries that did not address this issue yet.

Abstract Prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is an issue that has been overlooked (not to say neglected). Cardiac surgeons must bear in mind that this is a real problem that we must tackle. The purpose of this paper is to be a wake-up call to the surgical community by giving a brief overview of what PPM is, its incidence and impact on the outcomes. We also discuss the increasing role played by imaging for predicting and assessing PPM after SAVR (with which surgeons must become more acquainted) and, finally, we present some options to avoid PPM after the surgical procedure.

Abstract Objective: This study sought to evaluate the impact of prosthesis-patient mismatch on the risk of perioperative and long-term mortality after mitral valve replacement. Methods: Databases were researched for studies published until December 2018. Main outcomes of interest were perioperative and 10-year mortality and echocardiographic parameters. Results: The research yielded 2,985 studies for inclusion. Of these, 16 articles were analyzed, and their data extracted. The total number of patients included was 10,239, who underwent mitral valve replacement. The incidence of prosthesis-patient mismatch after mitral valve replacement was 53.7% (5,499 with prosthesis-patient mismatch and 4,740 without prosthesis-patient mismatch). Perioperative (OR 1.519; 95%CI 1.194-1.931, P<0.001) and 10-year (OR 1.515; 95%CI 1.280-1.795, P<0.001) mortality was increased in patients with prosthesis-patient mismatch. Patients with prosthesis-patient mismatch after mitral valve replacement had higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure and transprosthethic gradient and lower indexed effective orifice area and left ventricle ejection fraction. Conclusion: Prosthesis-patient mismatch increases perioperative and long-term mortality. Prosthesis-patient mismatch is also associated with pulmonary hypertension and depressed left ventricle systolic function. The findings of this study support the implementation of surgical strategies to prevent prosthesis-patient mismatch in order to decrease mortality rates.

Abstract The best treatment for patients with ischemic heart failure (HF) is still on debate. There is growing evidence that coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) benefits these patients. The current recommendations for revascularization in this context are that CABG is reasonable when it comes to decreasing morbidity and mortality rates for patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction <35%), and significant coronary artery disease (CAD) and should be considered in patients with operable coronary anatomy, regardless whether or not there is a viable myocardium (class IIb). Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) does not have enough data to allow the panels to reach a conclusion. The Korean Acute Heart Failure registry (KorAHF) had its data released recently, showing that patients with acute HF who underwent CABG had lower death rates, more complete revascularization and less adverse outcomes compared with patients treated with PCI. Recent ESC/EACTS guidelines on myocardial revascularization clearly recommended CABG as the first choice of revascularization strategy in patients with multivessel disease and acceptable surgical risk to improve prognosis in this scenario of left ventricular dysfunction. However, a high peri-procedural risk must be compared with the benefit of late mortality, and pros and cons of each strategy (either PCI or CABG) must be weighed in the decision-making process. Spurred on by the publication of the above-mentioned article and the release of new guidelines, we went on to write an overview of the current practice of state-of-the-art coronary revascularization options in patients with HF.

Abstract Objective: We aimed to analyze whether patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure reduces the risk of stroke, assessing also some safety outcomes after the publication of a new trial. Introduction: The clinical benefit of closing a PFO has been an open question, so it is necessary to review the current state of published medical data in regards to this subject. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL/CCTR, SciELO, LILACS, Google Scholar and reference lists of relevant articles were used to search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported any of the following outcomes: stroke, death, major bleeding or atrial fibrillation. Six studies fulfilled our eligibility criteria and included 3560 patients (1889 for PFO closure and 1671 for medical therapy. Results: The risk ration (RR) for stroke in the “closure” group compared with the “medical therapy” showed a statistically significant difference between the groups, favouring the “closure” group (RR 0.366; 95%CI 0.171–0.782, P=0.010). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the safety outcomes, death and major bleeding, but we observed an increase in the risk of atrial fibrillation in the “closure” group (RR 4.131; 95%CI 2.293–7.443, P<0.001). We also observed that the larger the proportion of effective closure, the lower the risk of stroke. Conclusion: This meta-analysis found that stroke rates are lower with percutaneously implanted device closure than with medical therapy alone, being these rates modulated by the rates of hypertension, atrial septal aneurysm and effective closure. The publication of a new trial did not change the scenario in the medical literature.

OBJETIVO: Descrever procedimento cirúrgico de anuloplastia concêntrica do anel mitral sem prótese, isolada ou associada à ressecção quadrangular com plicatura póstero-medial do anel mitral, e analisar os resultados imediatos e tardios obtidos. MÉTODO: Entre fevereiro de 1986 e fevereiro de 2001, realizamos 790 procedimentos abordando a valva mitral, 41 foram realizados em crianças e adolescentes menores de 20 anos (média de 9,7 anos). Vinte (48,7%) pacientes eram do sexo feminino e 21 (51,3%) do masculino. A doença reumática foi responsável pelas lesões em 92,6% dos casos e a degeneração mixomatosa em apenas 7,4%. No período pré-operatório, 22 (53,6%) pacientes estavam em classe funcional III e 19 (46,4%) em classe funcional IV, advindos de repetidos surtos de febre reumática, agravados pela desnutrição. A técnica cirúrgica utilizada foi a anuloplastia concêntrica, aplicada isoladamente ou em associação à ressecção quadrangular com plicatura póstero-medial. O curso do seguimento pós-operatório foi de 7 meses a 15 anos (3/2/1986 a 12/2/2001). RESULTADOS: A mortalidade hospitalar foi de 2,4%. Os pacientes receberam alta sem sopro sistólico de regurgitação mitral. Dois pacientes apresentaram, ao longo dos anos (4 e 11 anos), estenose mitral e necessitaram reoperação, um deles operado com dois anos de idade. Dois doentes foram reoperados para corrigir disfunção aórtica previamente abordada por plastia (12 e 18 meses após a primeira operação), morrendo e contribuindo para mortalidade tardia de 5%. CONCLUSÃO: Consideramos a técnica empregada um procedimento alternativo, válido, de aplicação preferencial em crianças e adolescentes, de fácil reprodução e de baixíssimo custo.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the mitral anuloplasty technique either in isolation or associated with posterior quadrantectomy and to analyze the immediate and late results in young patients. METHOD: Between February 1986 and February 2001, 790 mitral valve procedures were performed in our Institution including 41 annuloplaties in patients with ages ranging from 1 to 20 years (Mean age = 9.7 years). 51.7% were males. The main etiologies were rheumatic disease (92.6%) and myxomatous degeneration (7.4%). Twenty-two (53.6%) patients were preoperatively in functional class III (NYHA), and 19 (46.4%) in class IV (NYHA), some in course of rheumatic fever aggravated by malnutrition. The technique employed was concentric mitral annuloplasty either in isolation or associated with posterior quadrantectomy. The follow-up ranged from 7 months to 15 years. RESULTS: The hospital mortality rate was 2.4%. All patients were discharged without mitral regurgitation. Two patients coursed with mitral stenosis (after 4 and 11 years respectively) and valve replacement was needed. Two patients coursed with aortic insufficiency (after 12 and 18 months) and died after aortic valve replacement, contributing to a 5% late mortality rate. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, mitral annuloplasty without ring either in isolation or associated with posterior quadrantectomy is a safe, easily reproducible especially in young patients.

Paciente do sexo masculino, 49 anos, atendido na Emergência do Real Hospital Português de Beneficência (RHPBPE), após acidente automobilístico, apresentando dispnéia, fraturas de múltiplos arcos costais, enfisema subcutâneo extenso e hidropneumotórax à esquerda e fratura da clavícula direita. Submetido inicialmente à drenagem torácica subaquática à esquerda e traqueostomia, tendo sido mantido em respiração controlada no respirador de volume na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Recebeu alta após um mês da admissão com ecocardiograma transtorácico que mostrava insuficiência aórtica e insuficiência mitral leve, com leve aumento das câmaras cardíacas esquerdas, com função global preservada, não se relacionando os achados ao trauma. Após três meses, retornou à Emergência cardiológica do mesmo Hospital com sinais e sintomas de insuficiência cardíaca congestiva. Submetido a ecocardiograma transtorácico e transesofágico que mostraram insuficiência aórtica grave e septo interatrial pérvio. À exploração cirúrgica encontramos a desinserção da cúspide não coronariana e ruptura do septo interatrial. A tentativa de reinserir a cúspide não permitiu uma coaptação completa da valva aórtica, optando-se por sua substituição com implante de uma prótese metálica St. Jude número 23. A ruptura do septo interatrial foi corrigida por aproximação direta com pontos separados. O paciente recebeu alta no 9º dia de pós-operatório, sem intercorrências e assintomático.

The case of a 49-year-old man who suffered a car accident responsible for several chest injuries including fractures of the left ribs, large subcutaneous emphysema and left hemopneumothorax arrived in shock in the Emergency Room of the Real Hospital Português de Beneficência in Pernambuco (RHPBPE). He was hospitalized for 30 days including some time in the intensive care unit and but did not show signs of diastolic murmur or heart failure. He was submitted to an echocardiography examination that diagnosed slight aortic incompetence, good left ventricular function and was discharged after clinical improvement. Three months later he started to feel symptoms of heart failure and returned to cardiac Emergency Room of the same Hospital. He repeated transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography examinations presenting severe aortic incompetence due to leaflet disruption, rupture of atrial septum with enlargement of the right cardiac chambers and poor left ventricular function. He underwent surgical treatment of these lesions, with direct approach of the atrial septum and the aortic valve was replaced with a mechanical prosthesis, with a good result.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a correção cirúrgica em pacientes adultos portadores de anomalia de Ebstein, utilizando uma variação técnica para correção da insuficiência tricúspide. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Entre janeiro de 1990 e março de 2001, seis pacientes adultos foram submetidos à correção cirúrgica com uma variação da técnica apresentada por Carpentier. A idade variou de 18 a 34 anos. Todos se apresentavam em classe funcional III ou IV (NYHA), com piora da cianose ou arritmias freqüentes. Em quatro pacientes a valva tricúspide era do tipo B e em dois do tipo A (Carpentier), quatro apresentavam comunicação interatrial (CIA) associada. O hematócrito variou de 33% a 68%. O índice cardíaco variou de 0.47 a 0.88. A fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo variou de 50% a 80%. RESULTADOS: Não se registrou óbitos no período hospitalar. Um paciente foi reoperado por sangramento no pós-operatório imediato. Em dois pacientes ocorreram derrames pericárdicos de repetição. Foi registrado um óbito no 14º mês de pós-operatório por morte súbita. Os pacientes foram seguidos por um período de 10 a 108 meses. Quatro encontram-se em classe funcional I e um encontra-se em classe funcional II (NYHA). O ecocardiograma no pós-operatório imediato e na última avaliação mostra insuficiência tricúspide discreta ou moderada em quatro e importante em um paciente. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar do pequeno número de pacientes nesta série, a modificação técnica cumpriu o seu papel, com a melhora clínica e funcional dos pacientes tratados em até nove anos de seguimento.

PURPOSE: To value the surgical treatment of adult patients with Ebstein's anomaly, using a Carpentier's modified repair technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 1990 and March 2001 six adult patients with Ebstein's anomaly were treated using a modification of Carpentier's repair technique, four were males and two were females, ages ranging from 18 to 34 years (Mean 23.3 years), all were in Functional Class III or IV (NYHA), with increased cyanoses and frequent rhythm disturbance. Four patients had an associated atrioventricular septal defect; in four patients the tricuspid valve was Carpentier's type B and two type A and all were able to benefit from this conservative technique. RESULTS: There were not hospital deaths and one patient died 14º months after surgery in this series. Actuarial survival was 83.3% in 9 years. Four patients are in Functional Class I and one in Functional Class II (NYHA). Echocardiography and Doppler studies demonstrated a normal shape of right ventricle and good tricuspid valve function in four patients and one has moderate tricuspid regurgitation but still in Functional Class II (NYHA). CONCLUSION: Although the small number of patients in this series, the modification of Carpentier's repair technique in adult patients was efficient, reproducible and improved the preoperative status with regard to functional class, tricuspid regurgitation cyanoses and rhythm disturbance.