Evaluation of Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation after Cardiac Surgery for Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Background:Post-operative atrial fibrillation(POAF)frequently occurs after cardiac surgery.Although adult congenital heart disease(ACHD)patients have higher rates of arrhythmia than the general population,there is scant literature on POAF in ACHD patients.Objectives:Identify key risk factors associated with post-operative atrial fibrillation and evaluate the short-and mid-term significance of developing POAF.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted of ACHD patients from 2013–2021 at the University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Colorado.The institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeons(STS)surgical registry was used to identify patients≥18-year-old with congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac surgery during the study period.Results:A total of 168 patients(48%female)were included.The median age was 36 years(IQR 28–48).Onehundred and fifty patients(90%)had moderate ACHD anatomical complexity,and 10 patients(6%)had severe ACHD anatomical complexity based on initial ACHD diagnosis.POAF occurred in 40(24%)patients.Older age,history of supraventricular tachycardia,intra-operative arrhythmia,and post-operative hypokalemia independently predicted POAF.POAF was associated with an increased length of stay(8 vs.5 days,p<0.001)and recurrence of atrial fibrillation(46%vs.21%,OR 3.35,p=0.002)but did not predict mortality,stroke,or bleeding event.Conclusion:Atrial fibrillation is a common complication after cardiac surgery in the ACHD population.Older age,history of supraventricular tachycardia,intra-operative arrhythmia,and post-operative hypokalemia independently predicted POAF.Further investigation is needed to understand the long-term impacts of POAF.

Perioperative Nursing for Adult Congenital Heart Disease with Severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Objectives: To explore the main points of perioperative nursing for adult congenital heart disease with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. Methods: A retrospective study of 13 patients with congenital heart disease and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension who admitted to the perioperative period of care from January 2018 to December 2019. To prevent perioperative complications of the patients, the focus is on respiratory and circulatory system care, followed by blood coagulation monitoring, digestive system protection and psychological care. Results: All 13 patients passed the perioperative period and were discharged from ICU. Conclusion: Adult congenital heart disease with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension has high perioperative risk, respiratory and circulatory system care is the key.

Emotions,Perceptions and Health Behaviors of Adult Congenital Heart Disease Patients during COVID-19 in New York City

Background:Adults with congenital heart disease(ACHD)have increased prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders.There are limited data regarding the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and health behaviors of these patients.Objective:The purpose is to evaluate the perceptions,emotions,and health behaviors of ACHD patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:In this cross-sectional study of ACHD patients,we administered surveys evaluating self-reported emotions,perceptions and health behaviors.Logistic regressions were performed to determine the adjusted odds of displaying each perception,emotion and health behavior based on predictor variables.Results:Ninety-seven patients(mean age 38.3 years,46.4%female,85.6%moderate or complex lesion)completed the survey.The majority of patients reported feeling moderately or very sad(63.1%),and 48.4%of patients identified themselves as feeling moderately or very anxious.The majority of patients perceived their risk of COVID-19 as moderate or high.Females were more likely to report feeling sad and anxious(95%CI 1.06–10.96,p-value 0.039,and 95%CI 1.44–15.30,p-value=0.012,respectively),and were associated with higher odds of having a perceived increased risk of COVID-19(95%CI 1.33–10.59,p-value 0.012).There was no association between ACHD anatomic or physiologic classification and perceptions,emotions and health behaviors.Conclusions:Females were more likely to report feeling sad,anxious and an increased risk of COVID-19 in comparison to males.These findings indicate the need for mental health support and promotion of health behaviors during the pandemic amongst all ACHD patients,regardless of underlying condition.

Loss to Specialized Cardiology Follow-Up in Adults Living with Congenital Heart Disease

Background:Much has been written about the loss to follow-up in the transition between pediatric and adult Congenital Heart Disease(CHD)care centers.Much less is understood about the loss to follow-up(LTF)after a successful transition.This is critical too,as patients lost to specialised care are more likely to experience mor-bidity and premature mortality.Aims:To understand the prevalence and reasons for loss to follow-up(LTF)at a large Australian Adult Congenital Heart Disease(ACHD)centre.Methods:Patients with moderate or highly complex CHD and gaps in care of>3 years(defined as LTF)were identified from a comprehensive ACHD data-base.Structured telephone interviews examined current care and barriers to clinic attendance.Results:Overall,407(22%)of ACHD patients(n=1842)were LTF.The mean age at LTF was 31(SD 11.5)years and 54%were male;311(76%)were uncontactable.Compared to adults seen regularly,lost patients were younger,with a greater socio-economic disadvantage,and had less complex CHD(p<0.05 for all).We interviewed 59 patients(14%).The top 3 responses for care absences were“feeling well”(61%),losing track of time(36%),and not needing fol-low-up care(25%).Conclusions:A large proportion of the ACHD population becomes lost to specialised cardiac care,even after a successful transition.This Australian study reports younger age,moderate complexity defects,and socio-economic disadvantage as predictive of loss to follow-up.This study highlights the need for novel approaches to patient-centered service delivery even beyond the age of transition and resources to maintain patient engagement within the ACHD service.

Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Self-Perceived Resilience: An Exploratory Study of Two Cohorts of Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

Social determinants of health(SDOH)affect quality of life.We investigated SDOH impacts on self-perceived resilience among people with adult congenital heart disease(ACHD).Secondary analysis of data from two com-plementary studies:a survey study conducted May 2021–June 2022 and a qualitative study conducted June 2020–August 2021.Resilience was assessed through CD-RISC10 score(range 0–40,higher scores reflect greater self-perceived resilience)and interview responses.Sociodemographic and SDOH(education,employment,living situa-tion,monetary stability,financial dependency,area deprivation index)data were collected by healthcare record review and self-report.We used linear regression with robust standard errors to analyze survey data and performed a thematic analysis of interview data.Survey participants(N=127)mean age was 42±14 years;51%were female,87%white.ACHD was moderate(75%)or complex(25%);41%functional class C or D.Resilience(mean 30±7)varied by monetary stability:compared to people with difficulty paying bills,resilience was 15.0 points higher(95%CI:6.9–23.1,p<0.001)for people reporting having enough money and 14.2 points higher(95%CI:5.9–22.4,p=0.001)for those reporting just enough money.Interview participants’(N=25)mean age was 32 years(range 22–44);52%were female,72%white.ACHD was moderate(56%)or complex(44%);76%functional class C or D.Participants discussed factors affecting resilience aligned with each of the major SDOH,prominently,economic stability and healthcare access and quality.Financial stability may be important for supporting self-perceived resi-lience in ACHD.This knowledge can inform the development of resilience interventions for this population.

Adults with Congenital Heart Disease during the COVID-19 Era:One-Year Tertiary Center Experience

Background:Adult patients with congenital heart disease(ACHD)might be at high risk of Coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19).This study aimed to report on a one-year tertiary center experience regards COVID-19 infection in ACHD patients.Methods:This is a one-year(March-2020 to March-2021)tertiary-center retrospective study that enrolled all ACHD patients;COVID-19 positive patients’medical records,and management were reported.Results:We recorded 542 patients,205(37.8%)COVID-19-positive,and 337(62.2%)COVID-19-negative patients.Palliated single ventricle and Eisenmenger syndrome patients were more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection(P<0.05*).Cardiovascular COVID-19 complications were arrhythmias in 47(22.9%)patients,heart failure in 39(19.0%)patients,cyanosis in 12(5.9%)patients,stroke/TIA in 5(2.4%)patients,hypertension and infective endocarditis in 2(1.0%)patients for each,pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary embolism in 1(0.5%)patient for each.11(5.4%)patients were managed with home isolation,147(71.7%)patients required antibiotics,32(15.6%)patients required intensive care unit(ICU),8(3.9%)patients required inotropes,7(3.4%)patients required mechanical ventilation,and 2(1.0%)patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO).Thromboprophylaxis was given to all 46(22.4%)hospitalized patients.American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association classification revealed that complex lesions,and FC-C/D categories were more likely to develop severe/critical symptoms,that required mechanical ventilation and ECMO(P<0.05*).Mortality was reported in 3(0.6%)patients with no difference between groups(P=0.872).193(35.6%)patients were vaccinated.Conclusions:COVID-19 infection in ACHD patients require individualized risk stratification and management.Eisenmenger syndrome,single ventricle palliation,complex lesions,and FC-C/D patients were more vulnerable to severe/critical symptoms that required ICU admission,mechanical ventilation,and ECMO.The vaccine was mostly tolerable.

Asymptomatic Mitral Regurgitation Caused by an Isolated Mitral Leaflet Cleft in a Young Adult: A Case Report

We report the case of an 18-year-old young man without previous medical history, who was referred for evaluation of an asymptomatic cardiac murmur. Physical examination found holosystolic 4-5/6 apical murmur with normal ECG. Bidimensionnal (2D) echocardiography revealed severe mitral regurgitation with thin mitral leaflets. Three dimensional (3D) Echocardiography done for better assessment of mitral valve regurgitation mechanism revealed an isolated mitral leaflet cleft, without signs of endocarditis or traumatic lesion. Regarding the absence of symptoms and excellent maximal exercise tolerance at stress echocardiography, a repair surgery wasn’t offered. Isolated mitral leaflet cleft is a rare congenital anomaly, in adults, the cleft may be an incidental finding that remains asymptomatic for years when the leak is well tolerated. 2D combined with 3D echocardiography is key for diagnosis and surgery guidance.

A 63-Year-Old Male with D-Transposition of the Great Arteries Who Had an Early Form of the Arterial Switch Operation

We describe a 63-year-old male who appears to have undergone an early form of the arterial switch operation for D-transposition of the great arteries performed in the mid-1960s.We review the clinical and imaging data that support our conclusion.He had a diagnostic cardiac catheterization which demonstrated severe pulmonary hypertension responsive to epoprostenol and oxygen.Our case may represent one example of the experimental surgical work done prior to Dr.Adibe Jatene’s description of thefirst successful arterial switch performed in 1975.

A Systematic Approach to Pulmonary Valve Replacement in the Current Era

Background:Pulmonary valve replacement(PVR)can be accomplished via surgical,transcatheter,or hybrid approaches.There are inherent advantages to transcatheter PVR and hybrid PVR without cardiopulmonary bypass.We review the methods and results of a standardized institutional approach to PVR.Methods:Retrospective review of all PVR cases between February 2017 and February 2020.Hybrid PVR entailed off-pump RVOT plication with percutaneous transcatheter PVR.Results:Primary transcatheter PVR was attempted in 37,hybrid PVR was performed in 11,and on-pump surgical PVR was performed in 9.Median age at PVR was 27 years(6–65).Primary transcatheter PVR was successful in 35/37(2 converted to surgical).Standard surgical PVR was utilized for positive coronary compression testing(n=4),stent/valve system migration(n=2),or patient preference(n=3).In the hybrid group mean RVOT diameter was 34 mm(32–38).Median length of stay was 1 day for transcatheter PVR,5 for surgical,and 3 for hybrid(p=0.02).Median follow-up was 1.5 years.Re-interventions were one balloon valve dilation in a transcatheter PVR,and one valve dilation with subsequent transcatheter valve-in-valve PVR in the surgical cohort.One hybrid patient expired 11 months post procedure.Conclusions:A systematic approach to PVR utilizing all approaches in pre-defined order of preference leads to consistent outcomes in a wide variety of anatomic configurations.Transcatheter PVR may be accomplished in the majority of patients.When necessary,hybrid off-pump RVOT plication with transcatheter PVR avoids the need for cardiopulmonary bypass.

A Case of A Middle-Aged Woman with Cor Triatriatum Dexter and Sick Sinus Syndrome: Comprehensive Cardiovascular Evaluation

This case study discusses a 51-year-old woman with a complex cardiovascular condition,cor triatriatum dexter,complicated by sick sinus syndrome.The patient presented with a history of bradycardia,dizziness,and amaurosis,and was admitted to the emergency department due to numbness in her right limb.Diagnostic examinations,including computed tomography(CT)and cardiac color-ultrasound screening,revealed cor triatriatum dexter along with an enlarged left atrium and ventricle.Additional findings included the absence of the inferior vena cava and polysplenic syndrome.Based on these results,double-chamber pacemaker surgery was recommended,supported by cardiac and thoracic-abdominal CT angiography and three-dimensional vascular reconstruction.This case underscores the importance of comprehensive examinations in identifying associated cardiovascular abnormalities.

Surgical correction of postductal aortic coarctation in 40 adolescents and adults： A ten-year single institution experience

Background In clinical practice, there are different surgical approaches for postductal coarctation of the aor- ta （CoA）, with their advantages and disadvantages. Limited studies have reported the surgical outcomes of post- ductal CoA in adolescents and adults. Methods From January 2005 to December 2014, a total of 40 patients aged over 14 years underwent surgical corrections of postductal CoA in our institution. The surgical outcomes as reflected by cardiac function and differences in mean blood pressure of upper and lower extremities both preoper- ative and postoperative were recorded and evaluated. Results Among the 40 patients underwent successful sur- gical corrections, 1 patient complicated by acute aortic dissection and died, while the remainings survived to hos- pital discharge. During the 12-36 month follow-up period, postoperative mean blood pressure differences of upper and lower extremities were significantly reduced as compared with the preoperative data. Postoperative evalu- ation of cardiac function was conducted in all patients with New York Heart Association （NYHA） Ⅰ-Ⅱ. Conclusion For adolescent and adult patients with postductal aortic coarctation, surgical correction is highly recom- mended. Surgical approach should be based on the specific anatomy of the coarctation lesion, concomitant mal- formations, and expected grown-up height. Those complicated with other intracardiac malformations should be treated with extra-anatomical bypass technique and simultaneous surgical correction of CoA, which is effective with desirable postoperative prognosis.