Implications of tracheostomy after acute type A aortic dissection repair: Longitudinal outcomes and factors associated with patients requiring it.

Objective: To analyze the factors associated with the need for tracheostomy after surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) and its implications for longitudinal outcomes.

Methods: This retrospective analysis of patients who underwent ATAAD repair from 2010 to 2020 focused on a comparison of patients who required a tracheostomy versus those who did not. Adjusted regression analysis and a classification and regression tree (CART) model were used to assess factors influencing the need for tracheostomy and its association with longitudinal survival.

Race and sex disparities in resource use and outcomes after acute type A aortic dissection repair.

Objective: Evaluate race-sex-based disparities following acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair.

Methods: retrospective cohort study (2010-2021) conducted at a high-volume referral aortic center. Multivariable regression models were used to assess race- and sex-stratified differences in mortality and resource utilization.

Preoperative Hematocrit Is Not Associated With Stroke After Surgery for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

Objective: To determine the impact of hematocrit on adverse neurologic events after acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

Design: Retrospective study of consecutive aortic surgeries from 2010 to 2021.

Setting: Single institution.

Optimizing Surgical Selection for Transposition With Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction.

Background: Studies that have assessed the Rastelli and Nikaidoh operations for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with obstructed left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) have not fully evaluated the anatomic drivers that may contribute to surgical selection. We present our procedural selection process for optimizing outcomes of complex TGA in the modern era.

Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective study that included pediatric patients who underwent either a Nikaidoh or Rastelli operation for the treatment of TGA-LVOTO, congenitally corrected TGA-LVOTO, or double-outlet right ventricle TGA type-LVOTO from June 2004 to June 2021.

Pulmonary Homograft vs Handmade Polytetrafluoroethylene-Valved Conduits After the Ross Procedure.

Background: This study aimed to longitudinally compare expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-valved conduits vs pulmonary homograft (PH) conduits after right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in the Ross procedure.

Methods: Patients undergoing a Ross procedure from June 2004 to December 2021 were identified. Echocardiographic data, catheter-based interventions, or conduit replacements, as well as time to first reintervention or replacement, were comparatively assessed between handmade ePTFE-valved conduits and PH conduits.

Anatomic Position and Durability of Polytetrafluoroethylene Conduit ≥18 mm: Single-Center Experience.

Background: Conduit longevity after right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction is determined by the interaction of different factors. We evaluated the relationship between conduit anatomic position and long-term durability among ≥18 mm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) conduits.

Methods: A single-institution RVOT reconstructions using a PTFE conduit ≥18 mm were identified.

Intracellular Signaling Pathways Mediating Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Cardiotoxicity.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used to treat several cancers; however, a myriad of adverse cardiotoxic effects remain a primary concern. Although hypertension (HTN) is the most common adverse effect reported with TKI therapy, incidents of arrhythmias (eg, QT prolongation, atrial fibrillation) and heart failure are also prevalent. These complications warrant further research toward understanding the mechanisms of TKI-induced cardiotoxicity.