Peripheral Thrombosis and Necrosis after Minimally Invasive Redo Mitral Valve Replacement due to Unknown Etiology: Difficult Diagnosis of Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia

We report on a 75-year-old male with acute onset of peripheral thrombosis causing necrosis of the fingers, elbow, and toes associated with thrombocytopenia after minimally invasive redo mitral valve replacement. Both warfarin and dalteparin were commenced on postoperative day 1 and his INR reached 2.1 on postoperative day 4. On postoperative day 5, the patient developed peripheral thrombosis which progressed to necrosis on postoperative day 6. Platelet counts decreased significantly on the same day. His clinical features were compatible with heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). However, serology testing was negative and the diagnosis was never confirmed. The patient was treated for HIT and platelet count improved eventually. Although no clear consensus exists, we believe this case illustrates why therapy for HIT should be initiated when clinical features strongly suggest HIT despite a negative serology test, unless an alternate diagnosis can be found

The Current Status of Minimally Invasive Conduit Harvesting for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

The harvesting of conduits for coronary artery bypass surgery has evolved over the last decade to include endoscopic approaches to access the saphenous vein, radial artery, and internal mammary artery. These minimally invasive techniques reduce the morbidity associated with open procedures by decreasing pain and recovery time and increasing mobility post operatively. This review highlights the differences in morbidity, quality, and patency between the most common conduits that are harvested minimally invasively for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies for Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia and is associated with significant risks of thromboembolism, stroke, congestive heart failure, and death. There have been major advances in the management of atrial fibrillation including pharmacologic therapies, antithrombotic therapies, and ablation techniques. Surgery for atrial fibrillation, including both concomitant and stand-alone interventions, is an effective therapy to restore sinus rhythm. Minimally invasive surgical ablation is an emerging field that aims for the superior results of the traditional Cox-Maze procedure through a less invasive operation with lower morbidity, quicker recovery, and improved patient satisfaction. These novel techniques utilize endoscopic or minithoracotomy approaches with various energy sources to achieve electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins in addition to other ablation lines. We review advancements in minimally invasive techniques for atrial fibrillation surgery, including management of the left atrial appendage

Issues and considerations in perioperative management of robotic coronary bypass grafting.

Minimally invasive approaches to address coronary artery disease, such as robotic coronary bypass grafting, are emerging in surgery and have been shown to be beneficial with a reduction in morbidity. The perioperative management of this subset of patients is crucial to the success of the operation as there are several preoperative and postoperative issues and considerations that need to be addressed. A meticulous preoperative workup with an extensive history, physical exam, and appropriate imaging are instrumental to ensure a successful operation. Protocolized postoperative care is also essential to garnish the most benefit from this minimally invasive approach. All of these factors, in conjunction with a heart team approach and surgeon experience, are imperative for the successful outcome of robotic coronary artery revascularization

Right Coronary Artery Dissection After Ross Procedure

The Ross procedure is a surgical option for the treatment of aortic valve stenosis that is performed in a select subset of patients. This case report highlights the rare complication of a coronary artery dissection that occurred in the early postoperative period after a Ross procedure. The importance of timely recognition, swift intervention, and multidisciplinary team collaboration is discussed in the postoperative management of this complex cardiac surgery patient

Transcatheter Extraction of a Migrated Left Atrial Appendage Occluder Device.

A 69-year-old man presented at 10 weeks postimplantation with a 31-mm Watchman FLX migrating into the left atrium. Due to incomplete left atrial appendage seal and embolization risk, transcatheter device extraction was performed without complications. Herein we describe the technique and procedural steps, using cardiac computed tomography and benchtop models to guide practice

Temporal trends in the utilization, costs, and outcomes of concomitant left atrial appendage closure across a statewide collaborative.

OBJECTIVE: With the rising incidence of atrial fibrillation, left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) at the time of cardiac surgery remains an important adjunct. The present study characterized trends, associated resource utilization, and potential disparities in the use of left atrial appendage exclusion. METHODS: Using a Society of Thoracic Surgeons regional academic collaborative database, we queried all adult patients undergoing coronary and valve procedures with concomitant LAAC between 2015 and 2021. Trends in LAAC, as well as the technique for closure, were evaluated. Multilevel hierarchical logistic modeling was applied to delineate factors associated with LAAC, accounting for patient and operative characteristics. Generalized linear models were developed to perform risk-adjusted incremental cost analysis. RESULTS: Of the 8699 patients who met the study criteria, 1377 underwent left atrial appendage closure. Over the study period, the annual rate of LAAC increased from 16.7% to 30.8% (P < .001). LAAC patients were older, but less commonly insulin-dependent diabetics or on dialysis. Female sex, redo, and urgent operative status had lower risk-adjusted odds of LAAC. Although LAAC was associated with longer bypass time, there was no significant association with 30-day mortality or 30-day readmission. LAAC was associated with an incremental increase in adjusted costs by $10,602 (95$4078-$17,126). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of LAAC are increasing but less common among female patients, as well as those requiring urgent/emergent interventions. LAAC did not significantly impact short-term mortality. Our results suggest that LAAC may be a high-value intervention among patient populations that have the greatest potential to derive its benefits

Coronary Connector Facilitated Total Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass: An Ex Vivo Feasibility Study.

OBJECTIVE: Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) procedures pose significant challenges, motivating the development of Octocon, an automated endoscopic connector designed for coronary anastomoses in off-pump and endoscopic settings. This feasibility study aimed to assess Octocons functionality and maneuverability in closed-chest conditions during robot-assisted TECAB simulations. METHODS: The Octocon deployment comprises a 3-step procedure. Initially, delicate self-aligning microstapling technology is used to attach connector halves to individual blood vessels. Subsequently, the connector halves are joined to accomplish the anastomosis process. TECAB conditions were simulated using a dedicated box housing ex vivo porcine hearts. The study, conducted by 3 experienced surgeons, investigated the feasibility and standardization potential of a robot-assisted procedure employing Octocon. It evaluated maneuverability in closed-chest conditions and assessed the effectiveness of grafting internal mammary artery segments to different heart regions using single graft, jump graft, and Y-graft constructions. RESULTS: The robot-assisted procedure, using 4 standard instruments, successfully completed all 3 steps in 18 anastomotic procedures. In 96% of cases, the procedural steps were accomplished on the first attempt. The feasibility of constructing jump graft and Y-graft geometries on both anterior and posterior heart walls was demonstrated. Furthermore, experiences affirmed the devices endoscopic user-friendliness, ease of teachability, reproducibility, and potential to achieve expedient, leak-free anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS: This ex vivo study confirmed Octocons potential suitability and functionality for TECAB. The device can create diverse grafting strategies and achieve wide-open vascular connections on various heart regions, highlighting its potential in advancing minimally invasive, robot-assisted coronary procedures. These promising results justify further exploration for integration into clinical practice