Trend, Predictors and Outcomes of Combined Mitral Valve Replacement and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft in Patients with Concomitant Mitral Valve and Coronary Artery Disease; A National Inpatient Sample Database Analysis

Combined mitral valve replacement (MVR) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures have been the norm for patients with concomitant mitral valve disease (MVD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) with no large-scale data on their safety and efficacy. Methods The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2002-2018) was queried to identify patients undergoing MVR and CABG. The major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and its components were compared using a propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR). Results A crude population of 6,145,694 (CABG-only 3,971,045, MVR-only 1,933,459, MVR+CABG 241,190), while a subset of matched cohort 724,237 (CABG-only 241,436, MVR-only 241,611 vs. MVR+CABG 241,190) was included in the PSM analysis. The combined MVR+CABG procedure had significantly higher adjusted odds of MACE (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.11-1.14 and OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.93-1.99) and in-hospital mortality (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.27-1.31 and OR 2.1, 95% CI 2.05-2.14) compared with CABG and MVR-alone, respectively. Similarly, the risk of post-procedure bleeding, major bleeding, acute kidney injury, cardiogenic shock, sepsis, need for intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), mean length of stay (LOS) and total charges per hospitalization were significantly higher for patients undergoing the combined procedure. These findings remained consistent on yearly trend analysis favoring the isolated CABG and MVR groups. Conclusion Combined procedure (MVR+CABG) in patients with MVD and CAD appears to be associated with worse in-hospital outcomes, increased mortality and higher resource utilization compared with isolated CABG and MVR procedures. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the relative safety of these procedures in the full spectrum of baseline valvular and angiographic characteristics.

Combined Catheter Ablation and Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Atrial Fibrillation Patients with and without Prior Stroke

Background. Combined atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has been practiced for management of both the symptoms and the high stroke risk of AF. Data of the combined procedure in selected patients with prior stroke are limited. The aim of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of combined catheter ablation and LAAC between AF patients with and without prior stroke. Methods and Results. This retrospective study enrolled 296 patients who underwent combined procedures of AF ablation and LAAC. Patients were divided into two groups: 81 patients with prior stroke (Stroke group) and 215 patients without prior stroke (Control group). Combined procedures were successfully performed in all the patients. Patients in the Stroke group had higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores (4.9 ± 1.2 vs. 3.2 ± 1.0, P < 0.001 ) and higher HAS-BLED scores (3.5 ± 1.1 vs. 3.0 ± 1.0, P < 0.001 ) compared with those in the Control group. Procedure-related complications in the Stroke group included two pericardial effusions and two groin hematomas, which did not differ significantly fromthe Control group (4.9% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.778 ). After a mean follow-up of 20 months, the AF-free rate of the Stroke group was comparable with that of the Control group (64.2% vs. 68.4%, P = 0.495 ). The relative risk reductions in stroke and bleeding (observed rate compared to that predicted from the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores) were 80% and 79%, respectively, in the Stroke group, and 62% and 62%, respectively, in the Control group. Conclusions. The combination of catheter ablation and LAAC is safe and efficient in selected AF patients with prior stroke. It was observed that patients with prior stroke may benefit more from risk reductions of stroke and bleeding following the combined procedure.

Experience of Combined Procedure During Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure.

Introduction: Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an alternative to oral anticoagulant (OAC) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and contraindication to long-term OAC. Combined strategy with percutaneous LAAC at the same time of other cardiac structural or electrophysiological procedure has emerged as an alternative to staged strategy. Aim: To describe our experience of combined LAAC procedures using Watchman™ devices. Method: All patients with combined LAAC procedure using Watchman™ (WN) devices performed from 2016-2021 were included. The primary safety endpoint was a composite of periprocedural complications and adverse events during follow-up. The primary efficacy endpoint included strokes, systemic embolisms, major bleeding, and cardiovascular death. Results: Since 2016, among the 157 patients who underwent LAAC using WN devices, 16 underwent a combined strategy: 6 TEMVR (37%), 6 typical atrial flutter ablation (37%), 2 LP implantation (13%) and 2 atrial fibrillation ablation (13%). The WN device was successfully implanted in 98% and 100% for single and combined LAAC respectively (p = 0.63). Median follow-up was 13 months (IQR 25/75 3/24) in the whole cohort. Device related complications occurred in 6 out of 141 patients (4%) who underwent single LAAC and in no (0/16) patient in the combined LAAC procedure (p=ns). The procedural related complications did not differ significantly between groups (5% vs 12%, respectively in the single and combined group, p=0.1). Conclusion: Combined procedure combining LAAC using the Watchman™ devices and one other structural or electrophysiological procedure is safe and effective. Larger series are needed to confirm these results.

Combined transconjunctival sutureless three-port vitrectomy and scleral fixation of intraocular lens

Purpose The aim of this article is to describe an innovative and minimally invasive surgical technique for posterior vitrectomy combined with secondary intraocular lens implantation, using a sutureless scleral fixation Carlevale intraocular lens (I71 FIL SSF Carlevale lens. Soleko IOL Division, Italy). Methods The technique was conducted with only three transconjunctival sclerotomies and a corneal tunnel to perform intraocular lens explantation, posterior vitrectomy and Carlevale intraocular lens implantation. It is easier, quicker, and less invasive than the traditional technique with conjunctival peritomy, two scleral flaps and five sclerotomies. Results Surgery was performed uneventfully on three eyes of three patients. Two of them presented a luxation of the intraocular lens into the vitreous chamber, while one patient presented an intraocular lens subluxation. No complications were observed after a 5 to 8 months of follow-up. The intraocular lenses were well positioned, no conjunctival erosion was noted, and the intraocular pressure remained normal at all stages. Conclusions This is the first report of a combined procedure of IOL explantation, posterior vitrectomy and secondary IOL implantation using only three transconjunctival sclerotomies. This appears to be less invasive and it causes less discomfort to the patient. We suggest considering this technique in all those cases requiring a combined procedure in absence of a proper capsular support.

The Outcome of the Combined Procedure of Abdominoplasty and Repair of Umbilical Hernia

Background Umbilical hernias (UH) are common in patients seeking abdominal contouring surgery and the question of simultaneous abdominoplasty and UH repair is raised. This presents, however, a risk to the umbilicus vascularization with possible umbilical necrosis. As a result, the umbilicus maintains its only blood supply from the underlying fascial attachments via the umbilical stalk. Abdominoplasty in the setting of a hernia repair can improve patients satisfaction, particularly appearance, hygiene, self-confidence and decrease the incidence of recurrence. Objective To assess the outcome of the combined procedure of abdominoplasty and repair of umbilical hernia. Patients and Methods This study Included 26 patients (18 females and 8 males) who were selected from those who presented to the department of general surgery at EL Demerdash University Hospital and Nasr city insurance hospital during the period between april2019 and october 2019. All patients had a physical examination of the UH and diastasis. Divided into two groups, each group formed of 13 patients. First group (group A) with patients underwent herniorrphy alone and the other group (group B) with patients underwent hernioplasty with combined abdominoplasty. Results It may be concluded that (1) during an abdominoplasty, midline fascial plication and ventral hernia repair can be performed in defects &lt;3 cm without mesh reinforcement with no increase in hernia recurrence rates, (2) in patients with defects &gt; 3 cm, mesh reinforcement is indicated after suture hernia repair and midline plication,, yields lower recurrence of abdominal deformity and less refashioning procedures with minimal complications. Conclusion Finally, it may help to reduce the incidence of recurrence by enabling removal of a large pannus and the resultant weight on the anterior abdominal wall, though this has not been proven. Also it improves the quality of life and obtains patients satisfaction with this approach.

Organ donation after euthanasia starting at home in a patient with multiple system atrophy

Background A patient who fulfils the due diligence requirements for euthanasia, and is medically suitable, is able to donate his organs after euthanasia in Belgium, the Netherlands and Canada. Since 2012, more than 70 patients have undergone this combined procedure in the Netherlands. Even though all patients who undergo euthanasia are suffering hopelessly and unbearably, some of these patients are nevertheless willing to help others in need of an organ. Organ donation after euthanasia is a so-called donation after circulatory death (DCD), Maastricht category III procedure, which takes place following cardiac arrest, comparable to donation after withdrawal of life sustaining therapy in critically ill patients. To minimize the period of organ ischemia, the patient is transported to the operating room immediately after the legally mandated no-touch period of 5 min following circulatory arrest. This means that the organ donation procedure following euthanasia must take place in the hospital, which appears to be insurmountable to many patients who are willing to donate, since they already spent a lot of time in the hospital. Case presentation This article describes the procedure of organ donation after euthanasia starting at home (ODAEH) following anesthesia in a former health care professional suffering from multiple system atrophy. This case is unique for at least two reasons. He spent his last conscious hours surrounded by his family at home, after which he underwent general anaesthesia and was intubated, before being transported to the hospital for euthanasia and organ donation. In addition, the patient explicitly requested the euthanasia to be performed in the preparation room, next to the operating room, in order to limit the period of organ ischemia due to transport time from the intensive care unit to the operating room. The medical, legal and ethical considerations related to this illustrative case are subsequently discussed. Conclusions Organ donation after euthanasia is a pure act of altruism. This combined procedure can also be performed after the patient has been anesthetized at home and during transportation to the hospital.

Comparison Efficiency of Combined Trabeculectomy with MMC and Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy combined with cataract surgery (PGATT) and trabeculectomy combined with cataract surgery (PTRAB) in open-angle glaucoma patients.Methods: A multicentered, retrospective, non-randomized study included 67 PGATT patients and 70 PTRAB patients. We compared preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) compared with early and final IOP, medication numbers, and BCVA levels. Success was determined as IOP reduction >20% from baseline, IOP between 5-21 mmHg, preoperative IOP of higher than 21 mmHg with medication and postoperative IOP of less than 21 mmHg without medication for surgeries performed for intolerance to medication, postoperative IOP <21 mmHg as well as <18 mmHg separately without medications, and no need for further glaucoma surgery. Results: Preoperative IOP values were 28.61 ± 6.02 mmHg in PTRAB group and 23.99±8.00 mmHg in PGATT group (P<0.0001). Early postoperative IOP values were found lower in PTRAB group as 12.19 ± 3.41 mmHg and as 15.69 ± 4.67 mmHg in PGATT group (P<0.0001). Last follow-up IOP reading were lower in PGATT group (P=0.009). IOP difference values were found higher both in early and last postoperative periods in PTRAB group (respectively, P<0.0001, P=0.018). Success rates were found higher in both at lower than 21 and 18 mmHg levels in PGATT group (respectively, P=0.014, P=0.010).Conclusion: We found the PGATT combined procedure to be a well-tolerated, effective procedure that can lower IOP both early and late in the postoperative period with different rates of IOP success compared with the combined PTRAB procedure.