Introduction and objectives: There are 2 options to achieve revascularization in ischemic cardiomyopathy: percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). While the benefits of PCI for ischemic cardiomyopathy are unclear, achieving complete revascularization with PCI could improve outcomes comparable to CABG. Methods: A total of 1496 patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% and multivessel disease who underwent either PCI or CABG were selected from a single-center cohort registry. They were divided into the PCI with complete revascularization (n = 188), the PCI with incomplete revascularization (n = 263), and the CABG group (n = 1045), and then compared. The primary outcome was a 5-year composite of cardiac death or myocardial infarction. Results: A total of 1496 patients treated for ischemic cardiomyopathy was stratified into CABG (n = 1045) and PCI (n = 451) groups, the latter subdivided into complete (n = 188) or incomplete revascularization (n = 263). PCI showed a higher incidence of the primary outcome compared with CABG (PCI vs CABG, 27.8% vs 22.2%, adjusted HR, 1.35; 95%CI, 1.05-1.73, P = .019). However, PCI with complete revascularization and CABG had similar incidences of the primary outcome (20.5% vs 22.2%, adjusted HR, 1.07; 95%CI, 0.73-1.57; P = .718). Conclusions: CABG is associated with more favorable clinical outcomes than PCI in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. However, achieving complete revascularization with PCI could improve outcomes comparable to CABG. (c) 2024 Sociedad Espanola de Cardiolog & imath;a. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

Introducción y objetivos: Existen dos opciones para lograr la revascularización en la miocardiopatía isquémica, la intervención coronaria percutánea (ICP) o la cirugía de revascularización coronaria (CABG). Aunque los beneficios de la ICP para la miocardiopatía isquémica no están claros, conseguir una revascularización completa con ICP podría mejorar los resultados de forma comparable a la CABG.Métodos: Se seleccionó de un registro de cohortes de 1 solo centro a 1.496 pacientes con fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) < 50% y enfermedad multivaso que se sometieron a ICP o CABG. Se dividieron en el grupo de ICP con revascularización completa (n = 188), el grupo de ICP con revascularización incompleta (n = 263) y el grupo de CABG (n = 1.045), y luego se compararon. El resultado primario fue la combinación de muerte cardiaca o infarto de miocardio a los 5 años.Resultados: Un total de 1.496 pacientes tratados por miocardiopatía isquémica se estratificaron en los grupos CABG (n = 1.045) y PCI (n = 451), este último subdividido en revascularización completa (n = 188) o incompleta (n = 263). La ICP mostró una mayor incidencia del resultado primario en comparación con la CABG (ICP frente a CABG, el 27,8 frente al 22,2%; HR ajustada = 1,35; IC95%, 1,05-1,73; p = 0,019). Sin embargo, la ICP con revascularización completa y la CABG tuvieron incidencias similares del resultado primario (el 20,5 frente a<l 22,2%; HR ajustada = 1,07; IC95%, 0,73-1,57; p = 0,718).Conclusiones: La CABG se asocia con resultados clínicos más favorables que la ICP en pacientes con miocardiopatía isquémica. Sin embargo, lograr una revascularización completa con ICP podría mejorar los resultados de forma comparable a la CABG.

A 70-year-old man with dilated cardiomyopathy underwent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, using a HeartWare ventricular assist device, as a bridge to candidacy. After 26 months, computed tomography (CT) angiography indicated stenosis in the LVAD outflow graft; however, the patient was asymptomatic, prompting a decision to manage his condition with close monitoring. Ten months later, the patient presented with dizziness and low-flow alerts. Subsequent CT angiography revealed a critical obstruction involving the entire LVAD outflow graft. The patient underwent emergency surgery, during which an organized seroma causing the graft obstruction was found between a wrapped expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft and a Dacron outflow graft. The covering of the outflow graft was removed, along with the organized seroma. Following removal of the ePTFE wrap and decompression of the outflow graft, normal LVAD flow was reestablished. The practice of wrapping the outflow graft with synthetic material, commonly done to facilitate later redo sternotomy, may pose a risk for outflow graft obstruction.

OBJECTIVES:To investigate the impact of the grade and jet direction of residual aortic regurgitation (rAR) after valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR). METHODS:The study enrolled 248 adult patients who underwent VSRR between 1995 and 2021. The patients were divided into groups based on the postoperative rAR. Patients with rAR were further categorized according to rAR grade and jet direction. The primary endpoint was the development of aortic regurgitation of moderate or greater (≥moderate) severity and/or the need for valve replacement during the follow-up, analyzed by a multivariable competing risk analysis. The secondary endpoints included the occurrence of rAR and overall survival. RESULTS:The median age of the patients was 36.5 years, and 79.8% had been diagnosed with connective tissue disease. After VSRR, 146 patients did not present with rAR; however, 102 had rAR (77 with minimal central, 18 with minimal eccentric, and 7 with mild rAR). The 5-year and 8-year incidence rates of the primary endpoint were 14.6% and 17.9%, respectively. rAR was a significant risk factor (P = .001), and eccentricity and mild rAR seemed to have important roles. The risk factors for rAR included dilated root, preoperative moderate regurgitation, and redo sternotomy. Overall survival was influenced only by age. CONCLUSIONS:rAR after VSRR operation could be a risk factor for AR progression. Minimal central rAR generally has a tolerable clinical course; however, patients with even minimal eccentric AR may develop AR progression, so active surveillance and timely management might be required. Furthermore, early VSRR can help reduce the rAR.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Although visceral adiposity increases cardiovascular risk in the general population, the obesity paradox has been reported in critically ill patients. However, evidence for its prognostic role in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is limited. This study evaluated the prognostic implications of visceral adiposity in patients who underwent CABG using computed tomography-based measurement of visceral fat. METHODS:A total of 2810 patients who underwent CABG from 2007 to 2017 were analyzed. The study population was classified into 3 groups according to visceral fat area index (VFAI) tertiles. VFAI was calculated as visceral fat area (cm2)/height2 (m2) at the L3 level. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality during follow-up. RESULTS:Patients in the low VFAI group (lowest tertile) were younger and had a lower body mass index and less subcutaneous fat than those in the high VFAI group (highest tertile). During a median 8.7-year follow-up, VFAI was significantly associated with the risk of mortality in restricted cubic spline curve analysis (HR, 0.94 per 10 increases; 95%CI, 0.91-0.97; P<.001). Patients in the low VFAI group had a higher incidence of long-term mortality than those in the intermediate and high VFAI groups (T1 36.1%, T2 27.2%, and T3 29.1%; T1 vs T2; adjusted HR, 1.36; 95%CI, 1.15-1.61; P<.001; T1 vs T3; adjusted HR, 1.37; 95%CI, 1.16-1.62; P<.001). Similar results were obtained after inverse probability treatment-weighting analysis. CONCLUSIONS:Low visceral adiposity was associated with an increased risk of long-term mortality in patients who underwent CABG.

Background: Pericardial effusion (PE) is a serious condition in cancer patients, primarily arising from malignant dissemination. Pericardial window formation is a surgical intervention for refractory PE. However, the long-term outcomes and factors associated with postoperative survival remain unclear. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 166 oncology patients who underwent pericardial window formation at Samsung Medical Center between 2011 and 2023. We analyzed survival and PE recurrence regarding surgical approach, cancer type, and cytopathological findings. To identify factors associated with survival, we utilized Cox proportional- hazards regression. Results: All patients had tumors documented in accordance with the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging manual, including lung (61.4%), breast (9.6%), gastrointestinal (9.0%), hematologic (3.6%), and other cancers (16.4%). Surgical approaches included mini-thoracotomy (67.5%) and thoracoscopy (32.5%). Postsurgical cytopathology confirmed malignancy in 94 cases (56.6%). Over a median follow-up duration of 50.0 months, 142 deaths and 16 PE recurrences occurred. The 1-year overall and PE recurrence-free survival rates were 31.4% and 28.6%, respectively. One-year survival rates were significantly higher for thoracoscopy recipients (43.7% vs. 25.6%, p=0.031) and patients with negative cytopathology results (45.1% vs. 20.6%, p<0.001). No significant survival difference was observed between lung cancer and other types (p=0.129). Multivariate analysis identified New York Heart Association class, cancer stage, and cytopathology as independent prognostic factors. Conclusion: This series is the largest to date concerning window formation among cancer patients with PE. Patients’ long-term survival after surgery was generally unfavorable. However, cases with negative cytopathology or earlier tumor stage demonstrated comparatively high survival rates.

Introducción y objetivos: Aunque la adiposidad visceral aumenta el riesgo cardiovascular en la población general, se ha hecho hincapié en la paradoja de la obesidad en pacientes críticos. Sin embargo, son pocas las pruebas de su papel pronóstico en los pacientes sometidos a cirugía de revascularización coronaria (CABG). Este estudio evaluó las implicaciones pronósticas de la adiposidad visceral para los pacientes sometidos a CABG mediante la medición de la grasa visceral basada en tomografía computarizada.Métodos: Se analizó a 2.810 pacientes sometidos a CABG entre 2007 y 2017. La población de estudio se clasificó en 3 grupos según los terciles del índice de área de grasa visceral (IAGV). El IAGV se calculó como área de grasa visceral (cm2) en el nivel L3 / cuadrado de la estatura (m). El resultado primario fue la mortalidad por cualquier causa durante el seguimiento.Resultados: Los pacientes del grupo de IAGV bajo (tercil más bajo) eran más jóvenes y tenían un índice de masa corporal más bajo y menos grasa subcutánea que los pacientes del grupo de IAGV alto (tercil más alto). Durante una mediana de 8,7 años de seguimiento, el IAGV se asoció significativamente con el riesgo de mortalidad en un análisis de curva cúbica restringida (cada 10 aumentos, HR = 0,94; IC95%, 0,91-0,97; p < 0,001). Los pacientes del grupo de IAGV bajo tuvieron mayor incidencia de mortalidad a largo plazo que los de los grupos de IAGV intermedio y alto (T1, 36,1%; T2, 27,2%; T3, 29,1%; T1 frente a T2, HR ajustada = 1,36; IC95%, 1,15-1,61; p < 0,001; T1 frente a T3, HR ajustada = 1,37; IC95%, 1,16-1,62; p < 0,001). Se obtuvieron resultados similares tras el análisis de ponderación del tratamiento de probabilidad inversa.Conclusiones: La adiposidad visceral baja se asoció con un mayor riesgo de mortalidad a largo plazo en pacientes sometidos a CABG.

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the influence of early diagnosis (ED) on surgical outcomes in patients definitively diagnosed with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS).MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on 38 patients with LDS who underwent aortic surgery at our institution between January 1995 and June 2022. The primary endpoint was freedom from aortic reoperation.ResultsAmong the patients, the median age at the initial surgery was 33 (range: 39–44) years, and 23 (60.5%) patients were male. Twenty-one (55.3%; aortic dissection or rupture (n = 2) and aneurysm (n = 19)) patients were diagnosed with LDS before the initial surgery (ED group). Meanwhile, the remaining 17 (44.7%; aortic dissection or rupture (n = 13) and aneurysm (n = 4)) patients were after surgery [delayed diagnosis (DD) group]. The ED group had significantly lower rates of emergency surgery and concomitant arch procedure (P < .001, respectively) but a higher rate of valve-sparing root surgery (P = .018) compared to the DD group. No in-hospital mortality was observed in either group. Nevertheless, the ED group had a shorter postoperative hospital stay (median difference: 3 days, P = .032) and a lower rate of aortic reoperation (P = .013).ConclusionEarly detection of LDS may help in preventing acute aortic syndrome, reducing the risk of aortic reoperation, and potentially shortening hospital stay. Careful medical management before surgery could contribute to better clinical outcomes and an improved quality of life for patients with LDS.

Median sternotomy is a standard surgical technique used for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. However, if sternotomy has a prohibitive surgical risk, LVAD implantation can be performed through only left thoracotomy. We managed a patient with endstage heart failure who had recently undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) elsewhere. The patient also had a deep sternal wound infection and bacteremia. Because of refractory cardiogenic shock, we performed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). After multiple mediastinal washouts and omental flap placement, ECMO was converted to extracorporeal LVAD (from the left ventricular apex to the descending aorta) through a left thoracotomy. The extracorporeal LVAD was maintained for 18 days and replaced by the HeartMate 3 LVAD. The patient was discharged in good condition 115 days after CABG.

Background: Complete surgical excision is the only curative treatment for primary cardiac tumors. For wide excision, interatrial septal reconstruction (ISR) is commonly performed. We hypothesized that ISR may increase the risk of postoperative atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) after surgical resection of cardiac myxoma. Methods: After excluding patients with a history of cardiac surgery and concomitant procedures unrelated to tumor resection and those with AT or permanent pacemakers, we finally enrolled 272 adult patients who underwent benign cardiac tumor surgery from 1995 to 2021 at our institution.They were divided into the ISR (n=184) and non-ISR (n=88) groups. The primary outcome was postoperative new-onset AT. Results: The study cohort predominantly consisted of women (66.2%), with a mean age of 57.2 +/- 13.6 years. The incidence of postoperative new-onset AT was 15.4%. No 30-day mortality or recurrence was observed. The cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamping time were significantly longer in the ISR group than in the non-ISR group (p<0.001). The median duration of hospital stay of all patients was 6.0 days (interquartile range, 5.0-7.0 days), and no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups (p=0.329). ISR was not an independent predictor of new-onset AT (p=0.248). Male sex and hypertension were found to be independent predictors of new-onset AT. Conclusion: ISR was not a significant predictor of postoperative new-onset AT. ISR might be a feasible and safe procedure for surgical resection of cardiac myxoma and should be considered if needed.

Recurrence of any atrial arrhythmia after surgical ablation is known as a negative predictor of cardiovascular events and total mortality. However, there have been no focused studies for atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence prediction in patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR), and the risk‐benefit estimation of surgical ablation in tricuspid valve (TV) surgery is not fully established.

Abstract Aims Tricuspid valve (TV) surgery for functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is becoming more common, but the associated mortality remains high. Therefore, we evaluated the clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with all‐cause mortality in patients with severe functional TR who underwent TV surgery. Methods and results A total of 286 patients with severe functional TR who underwent TV replacement or repair was analysed between January 2006 and December 2017. We assessed changes in conventional echocardiographic parameters and strain, such as peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS). During a median follow‐up period of 5.3 years, 71 (24.8%) patients died due to any cause. When comparing groups with and without all‐cause deaths, there were no significant differences in terms of sex, co‐morbidities, medication use, and surgery type. However, patients who died were older and more likely to have refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). With multivariate Cox modelling, age >65 years (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.81, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59–4.96; P < 0.001), refractory AF (adjusted HR, 2.84, 95% CI, 1.36–5.94; P = 0.006), lower albumin level (adjusted HR, 0.50, 95% CI, 0.31–0.82), and reduced PALS (adjusted HR, 1.87, 95% CI, 1.06–3.33; P = 0.032) were significant determinants of all‐cause mortality. PALS decline was associated with refractory AF (adjusted HR, 5.74, 95% CI, 2.81–11.7; P < 0.001) and the absence of a Maze procedure (adjusted HR, 2.95, 95% CI, 1.51–5.78; P = 0.002). Conclusions A reduction in PALS was significantly associated with all‐cause mortality in our cohort of patients with severe functional TR who underwent TV surgery. This phenomenon is related to refractory AF and more aggressive intervention for AF is necessary concomitant with TV surgery.

ObjectiveThis study aims to analyze cardiac and renal outcomes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with multi-vessel disease who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Materials and methodsChronic kidney disease patients with multi-vessel disease who underwent CABG or PCI were retrospectively selected from our database and divided into the PCI group [further stratified into PCI with complete revascularization (PCI-CR) and PCI with incomplete revascularization (PCI-IR) groups] and the CABG group. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke at 5 years. The key secondary endpoint was the 5-year rate of the renal composite outcome, defined as >40% glomerular filtration rate decrease, initiation of dialysis, and/or kidney transplant. Outcomes were compared using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, and the results were further adjusted by multivariable analyses and inverse probability weighting.ResultsAmong the study population (n = 798), 443 (55.5%) patients received CABG and 355 (44.5%) patients received PCI. Compared with the CABG group, the PCI group had similar risk of the primary endpoint (CABG vs. PCI, 19.3% vs. 24.0%, HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 0.95–1.73, p = 0.11) and a lower risk of the renal composite outcome (36.6% vs. 31.2%, HR: 0.74, 95% CI 0.58–0.94, p = 0.03). In addition, PCI-IR was associated with a significantly higher risk of the primary endpoint than CABG (HR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.11–2.13, p = 0.009) or PCI-CR (HR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.09–2.89, p = 0.02). However, PCI-CR had a comparable 5-year death, MI, or stroke rate to CABG (HR: 0.86, 95% CI 0.54–1.38, p = 0.54).ConclusionCoronary artery bypass grafting showed an incidence of death, MI, or stroke similar to PCI but was associated with a higher risk of renal injury. PCI-CR had a prognosis comparable with that of CABG, while PCI-IR had worse prognosis. If PCI is chosen for revascularization in patients with CKD, achieving CR should be attempted to ensure favorable outcomes.Clinical trial registration[clinicaltrials.gov], identifier [NCT 03870815].

BACKGROUND:Although there is an increase in the use of mechanical circulatory support devices to rescue patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by refractory cardiogenic shock (CS), the optimal timing of the application remains controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) insertion before and after coronary revascularization in AMI patients with refractory CS. METHODS AND RESULTS:A total of 253 patients with AMI who underwent revascularization therapy with VA-ECMO were included. The study population was stratified into extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR) before revascularization (N=106, reference cohort) and refractory CS without E-CPR before revascularization (n=147, comparison cohort). Patients with refractory CS but without E-CPR before revascularization were further divided into VA-ECMO before revascularization (N=50) and VA-ECMO after revascularization (n=97). The primary endpoint was a composite of in-hospital mortality, left ventricular assist device implantation, and heart transplantation. The primary endpoint occurred in 60 patients (40.8%) of the comparison cohort and 51 patients (48.1%) of the reference cohort. Among the comparison cohort, the primary endpoint was significantly lower in VA-ECMO before revascularization than in VA-ECMO after revascularization (32.0% vs. 49.5%, OR 0.480, 95% CI 0.235-0.982, P=0.045). A similar trend was observed after a 1-year follow up. CONCLUSIONS:Early initiation of VA-ECMO before revascularization therapy might improve clinical outcomes in patients with AMI complicated by refractory CS.

AIMS The current study sought to evaluate whether long-term clinical outcomes according to the use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) or single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) differed between acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stable ischaemic heart disease (SIHD) patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). METHODS AND RESULTS Between January 2001 and December 2017, 3199 patients with ACS (55.3%) and 2583 with SIHD (44.7%) who underwent isolated CABG were enrolled. The study population was stratified using DAPT or SAPT in ACS patients and SIHD patients. The primary outcome was a cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction (MI) at 5 years. After CABG, DAPT was more frequently used in patients with ACS than in those with SIHD [n = 1960 (61.3%) vs. n = 1313 (50.8%), P < 0.001]. Among patients with ACS, the DAPT group showed a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular death or MI at 5 years than the SAPT group [DAPT vs. SAPT, 4.0% vs. 7.8%, hazard ratio (HR) 0.521, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.339-0.799; P = 0.003]. In contrast, among patients with SIHD, there was no significant difference in the rate of cardiovascular death or MI at 5 years between the use of DAPT and SAPT (4.0% vs. 4.0%, HR 0.991, 95% CI 0.604-1.626; P = 0.971). These findings were robust to multiple sensitivity analyses and competing risk analysis. In the subgroup analysis, the use of DAPT was associated with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular death or MI among SIHD patients with a previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with a significant interaction between the use of DAPT and PCI history (interaction P = 0.011). CONCLUSION Among ACS patients who underwent CABG, the use of DAPT was associated with lower cardiovascular death or MI than the use of SAPT, but this was not the case in SIHD patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03870815.

Right heart failure is a relatively common complication after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Severe right heart failure can be managed by temporary right ventricular assist device (RVAD) implantation. However, trans-sternal RVAD insertion requires a subsequent third sternotomy for cannula removal. Herein, we present a case of RVAD insertion via a left anterior mini-thoracotomy after LVAD implantation in a patient with alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES: Treatment of long-segment congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) remains challenging. Recently, slide tracheoplasty has become the standard approach in many centres. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of slide tracheoplasty.METHODS: Between 2004 and 2011, 18 patients underwent slide tracheoplasty in our centre. The median patient age was 2.5 months (range, 18 days-4 years) and the median body weight was 4.2 (range, 2.2-17.7) kg at operation. Eleven (61%) patients were on a mechanical ventilator prior to surgery. The median stenotic segment estimated by a computed tomography scan was 52% of the length of total trachea (range, 18-84%). Five (28%) patients had proximal bronchial stenosis, 3 (17%) had tracheal bronchus, 2 (11%) had tracheobroncho-malacia and 1 (6%) had agenesis of the right lung. Thirteen (72%) patients had a combined cardiac anomaly, including 8 patients with a pulmonary artery sling. Ten (56%) patients had associated extracardiac anomalies. Slide tracheoplasty was performed on cardiopulmonary bypass in all patients, and cardiac lesions were corrected.RESULTS: There was no early death. The patient with agenesis of the right lung died of left bronchial stenosis 3 months after the surgery. Two (11%) patients were reoperated on for tracheal restenosis. In the other 15 patients, the median duration of ventilator support was 8 (range, 5-34) days and the median duration of hospitalization was 31 (range, 12-79) days. During the follow-up (median duration of 17 months; range, 2-77 months), 13 (72%) patients were symptom-free and 2 (11%) underwent tracheostomy for tracheomalacia.CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, slide tracheoplasty seems to be an effective technique for CTS. However, shortening of the trachea after reconstruction may give rise to recurrent obstruction.

Background Recently, a hybrid surgical-electrophysiological (EP) approach for confirming ablation lines in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) was suggested. The aim of this approach was to overcome the limitations of current surgery- and catheter-based techniques to yield better outcomes. Methods Ten consecutive patients with AF underwent total thoracoscopic ablation (TTA) following transvenous catheter EP ablation (residual gap and cavotricuspid isthmus [CTI] ablation). Holter monitoring was performed 6 months postoperatively. Results Ten patients (90% with persistent AF) underwent successful hybrid procedures, and there was no in-hospital mortality. An EP study was performed in 8 patients and showed that successful antral ablation in all pulmonary veins was achieved in 7 of them. The median follow-up duration was 7.63 months (range, 6.7 to 11.6 months). Nine patients underwent Holter monitoring 6 months postoperatively, and the results indicated an underlying sinus rhythm without AF, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia lasting more than 30 seconds in all of the patients. There was no recurrence of AF during follow-up. Conclusion A hybrid approach that consists of TTA followed by transvenous catheter EP ablation (residual gap and CTI ablation) yielded excellent outcomes in our patient population. A hybrid approach should be considered in patients with a high risk of AF recurrence.

BACKGROUND:Graft selection for the right coronary artery territory remains controversial. The objective of this study was to analyze outcomes from revascularization of the right coronary artery territory using the right internal thoracic artery (RITA), the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA), or a saphenous vein graft (SVG). METHODS:Between January 2001 and December 2010, 1,434 patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery using the bilateral mammary arteries were enrolled. Propensity score analysis was used to match patients who underwent revascularization of the right coronary artery territory with the RITA in a Y-composite fashion (RITA group, n=292), the RGEA (RGEA group, n=292), and the SVG (SVG group, n=292). Clinical and angiographic data were analyzed. RESULTS:There were no intergroup differences in terms of in-hospital mortality (0.3% [1 of 292], 0% [0 of 292], and 1% [3 of 292], p=0.332). Freedom from major adverse events including death, stoke, myocardial infarction, and reintervention at 10 years was similar among the three groups (87.8%±3.0% in the RITA group versus 92.4%±1.7% in the RGEA group versus 86.7%±3.4% in the SVG group; p=0.466). A stratified regression analysis showed that use of the saphenous vein was predictive of graft failure (p=0.044, hazard ratio 3.9). Proximal stenosis (<90%) was predictive of graft failure in the arterial groups (p=0.024, hazard ratio 3.1), but not in the SVG group (p=0.112). CONCLUSIONS:Arterial grafts should be considered the first choice for right coronary artery territory revascularization in off-pump coronary artery bypass. However, SVG should be considered when proximal stenosis is less than 90%.

Thymoma is a common anterior mediastinal mass, although thymomas have occasionally been found in the neck, pulmonary hillus, or posterior mediastinum. But a thymoma within the middle mediastinum has rarely been reported. We report a thymoma arising in the middle mediastinum with a review of the literature.