RESUMEN

This report describes a hybrid intervention addressing left circumflex artery occlusion during minimally invasive mitral valve repair. By using a radiopaque Cor-Knot device (LSI Solutions), targeted removal of occluding sutures was achieved, circumventing sternotomy and coronary artery bypass. Real-time coronary angiography provided assessment of procedural success during surgical revision in a hybrid operating room.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Valve surgery is common in cardiac procedures, with fasteners like COR-KNOT® and hand-tied knots used for knot securing. This study compares their efficacy in valve surgery patients. We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Central until August 2023. Outcomes assessed included aortic cross-clamp time (AXT), cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, valvular regurgitation, mortality, prolonged ventilatory support, atrial fibrillation, postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and renal failure. Subgroup analysis was performed for minimally invasive and open cardiac surgery. We used a random effects model for analysis. We included eight observational studies and two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 1.411 participants. COR-KNOT significantly reduced AXT [MD -15.14, 95 % CI (-18.57, -11.70), P<0.00001] and CPB time [MD -12.38, 95 % CI (-14.99, -9.77), P<0.00001]. Valvular regurgitation [RR 0.40, 95 % CI (0.26, 0.61), P<0.0001] and need for prolonged ventilatory support [RR 0.29, 95 % CI (0.13, 0.65), P=0.003] were significantly lower with COR-KNOT. There were no significant differences in mortality [RR 0.39, 95 % CI (0.09, 1.69), P=0.44], atrial fibrillation [RR 1.03, 95 % CI (0.83, 1.27), P=0.81], LVEF changes [MD 0.05, 95 % CI (-1.37, 1.47), P = 0.95], or renal failure [RR 0.87, 95 % CI (0.16, 4.80), P = 0.87]. COR-KNOT devices reduce operative time and valvular regurgitation without increasing mortality or adverse outcomes. This supports their use in enhancing surgical efficiency and patient outcomes. However, ongoing discussions about suturing techniques, especially in minimally invasive procedures, highlight the need for further research and consensus among practitioners. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).

RESUMEN

The COR-KNOT suture fastening device has dramatically improved the efficiency of valve suture fixation. Despite its relative ease of use, there are important considerations in deployment to limit the risk of prosthetic valve injury. Herein, we report a case of iatrogenic aortic bioprosthetic insufficiency caused by poorly positioned COR-KNOTs and outline technical strategies to ensure success.

RESUMEN

A 78-year-old patient underwent his third biological aortic valve replacement (25 mm, Inspiris Resilia™, Edwards Lifesciences LLC, Irvine, CA, USA) with COR-KNOT® (LSI Solutions, Victor, NY, USA) due to valve degeneration in 2018 at a foreign hospital. In 2021, the patient was diagnosed with severe aortic regurgitation and admitted to our hospital for his fourth surgery. Intraoperatively, a total of 7 perforations in all 3 valve leaflets have been observed, which were obviously induced by the rigid metallic fasteners. Redo isolated aortic valve replacement (29 mm, Perimount Magna Ease, Edwards Lifesciences LLC) was performed with conventionally knotted, pledget enforced braided threads. Postoperative course was uneventful. This report shows that COR-KNOT-induced defects do not appear immediately after surgery but within the first 4 postoperative months. Since failure of aortic bioprostheses due to aortic insufficiency is often rated as 'early degeneration' and degenerated aortic bioprostheses are mostly replaced by valve-in-valve strategy, the true incidence of this serious complication might be underestimated. COR-KNOT should be used with caution in biological aortic valve replacement and patients should undergo close postoperative follow-ups.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Cor-Knot fastener use in sternotomy-based aortic arch procedures has not been reported. We present Cor-Knot fastener use over a Hegar dilator in an anatomically challenging total aortic arch replacement with no short-term and/or long-term complications.

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The COR-KNOT® device is an automated suture fastener in which there is currently no consensus on its role in heart valve surgery. Our aim was thus to conduct a one-to-one comparison of clinical outcomes with a hand-tied control cohort. METHODS: We performed a single-center, cumulative propensity-matched retrospective cohort study on patients undergoing heart valve surgery from 1 January 2015 to 13 February 2020. Propensity score matching was performed on 693 patients, dividing them into matched COR-KNOT® (n = 124) and hand-tied (n = 124) groups. RESULTS: Data on baseline demographics, operative details, and clinical outcomes were analyzed and compared between the groups. The patients in both the COR-KNOT® and control groups were well-matched. For the median sternotomy (MS) all procedures subgroup, use of COR-KNOT® was associated with a decrease of around 49 min in CPB time (220.00 [168.00 to 256.00] vs 70.50 [134.00 to 236.75] min, P = 0.006) and around 32 min in ACC time (145.00 [109.00 to 189.00] vs 112.50 [81.00 to 161.75] min, P = 0.008). In the MS valve and CABG subgroup, use of COR-KNOT® was associated with a 70 min reduction in overall operation time (401.00 [354.25 to 468.75] vs 330.50 [288.50 to 370.50] min, P = 0.013), 63 min reduction in CPB time (216.50 [191.75 to 283.25] vs 153.00 [124.75 to 207.50] min, P = 0.004) and 45 min reduction in ACC time (146.00 [134.50 to 205.50] vs 100.50 [71.50 to 150.75] min, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In heart valve surgery, use of the automated suture fastener was associated with shorter CPB and ACC times. Additionally, we determined that clinical outcomes are most likely unaffected by the use of COR-KNOT®.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The Cor-Knot automated fastener has been used to eliminate the need for manual knot-tying in cardiac valve surgery for over a decade. We review the current literature pertaining to Cor-Knot and discuss its benefits and shortcomings with respect to cardiac valve surgery. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify articles discussing the use of automated fasteners and manually tied knots in the setting of cardiac valve surgery. The search terms used were "heart", "valve surgery", "cardiac", "Cor-Knot", "fastener", "automated fastener", "aortic valve", "mitral valve", "minimally invasive", and "titanium". These terms were used as keywords and, in combination, as MeSH terms to maximize the output of literature searches. Twenty-four relevant articles were identified and reviewed. RESULTS: Current literature provides evidence to support the role of Cor-Knot in facilitating enhanced intraoperative efficacy by reducing total operation times as compared with manual knot-tying. However, studies to date fail to provide evidence for the translation of these intraoperative advantages into improved patient outcomes. Moreover, Cor-Knot is associated with a significant financial burden. CONCLUSION: A plethora of evidence exists to support the intraoperative advantages provided by Cor-Knot. However, the literature is yet to support its role in facilitating superior clinical outcomes as compared with manual knot tying. Larger high-quality trials and studies are required to provide evidence supporting the ongoing use of Cor-Knot in valve surgery.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Introduction: Minimally invasive approach in cardiac surgery has become an established and common technique in many cardiac surgery centres throughout the world. We report how we safely introduced minimally invasive approach in cardiac surgery in our department and we aim to demonstrate that this approach is feasible in any medium-size cardiac surgical centre. Methods: it consisted of retrospective and descriptive study on 60 patients who underwent minimally invasive mitral valve (45) or aortic valve surgery (15) from January 2017 to Februry 2018. The approach was 3 to 6-cm right thoracotomy through the 4th and 5th intercostal space. The Cor-KnotTM system was used to tie the knots of the prosthesis in case of mitral valve replacement and aortic valve replacement and the ring if mitral valve repair. Results: There was no conversion of thoracotomy to sternotomy. The average duration in ICU was 4.3± 2.3 days and 3.3 ± 1.5 respectively for mitral and aortic valve surgery. Four mitral patients and 1 aortic patient were reoperated for bleeding. No in-hospital death was observed. The postoperative discharge echocardiogram was normal in 95.6% of the mitral valve patients the trans-aortic mean gradient for the aortic valve patients was 16.3 ± 6 mm Hg. The thirty-day mortality was zero. In the majority of the patients, the scar of the thoracotomy were almost unseen. Conclusion: It is possible to safely implement this new approach in any mid-size cardiac centers. The use of modern technology such as 3D video and Cor Knot allows achievement of excellent short term outcomes.

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Cor-Knot automated fastener has been used as an adjunct in heart valve surgery to eliminate the need for manual tying during valve implantation. Although reduced operative time and facilitation for minimally invasive surgery are clear benefits, whether their use translates to improved patient outcome remains debatable. This study aims to review the safety and efficacy of automated fasteners in heart valve surgeries. METHOD: Specific searches were conducted via online medical databases (Pubmed, Embase, Ovid) between 1950 and June 2019. Longitudinal studies were included that provided operative parameters. RESULTS: The initial literature search identified 3773 articles, but only eight met the inclusion criteria and were used for analysis: four studies related to aortic valve replacement (AVR), four related to mitral valve (MV) intervention (total n = 810). The meta-analysis revealed the significantly shorter aortic cross-clamp time in the Cor-knot group compared to manual tying, both in AVR and MV surgeries (P < .05). Cardiopulmonary bypass time was significantly shorter in the Cor-knot group when analyzing studies in MV surgery (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 110.0; 95% confidence interval: 12.3-207.7; P = .027) The use of Cor-Knot did not increase the risk of permanent pacemaker implantation, paravalvular leak, and 30-day mortality. The majority of studies reported no change in the length of intensive unit care and total hospital stay. CONCLUSION: We confirmed that the majority of existing literatures indicated the safety and intraoperative efficacy with automated fastener application. Nevertheless, there is currently no evidence to support automated fastened sutures can translate its intraoperative advantages to improved patient outcome.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Objective: Our study investigates the incidence, cumulative incidence, natural history, and factors associated with intraoperative paravalvular leak (PVL) and the development of a postoperative PVL in a contemporary consecutive cohort of patients following surgical aortic valve replacement. Methods: A total of 636 patients underwent surgical aortic valve replacement from 2006 to 2016; 410 (64.5%) underwent minimally invasive aortic valve replacement and 226 (35.5%) underwent conventional aortic valve replacement. Primary outcomes were the incidence of intraoperative PVL and cumulative incidence of postoperative PVL. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of in-hospital and long-term death and need for reoperation. Results: The overall incidence of intraoperative PVL was 1.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1% to 3%). All intraoperative PVLs developed in the hand-tied group. The overall incidence of postoperative PVL was 5.3% (95% CI: 4% to 7%). In the univariable and multivariable analyses, postoperative renal failure was the only factor significantly associated with the development of a postoperative PVL. Conclusions: The incidence of intraoperative PVL is low. Cumulative incidence of postoperative PVL was 3.1% (95% CI: 1.0% to 13.6%), 4.3% (95% CI: 1.3% to 16.5%), and 5.0% (95% CI: 1.4% to 17.9%) at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. All intraoperative PVLs occurred with hand-tied knots. A larger cohort may identify additional risk factors.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Longer durations of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross clamp are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Little is known about the effect of automated knot fasteners (Cor-Knot®) in minimally invasive mitral valve repair on operative times and outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether these devices shortened cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross clamp times and whether this impacted on postoperative outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing isolated minimally invasive mitral valve repair by a single surgeon between March 2011 and March 2016 were included (n = 108). Two cohorts were created based on the use (n = 52) or non-use (n = 56) of an automated knot fastener. Data concerning intraoperative variables and postoperative outcomes were collected and compared. RESULTS: Preoperative demographics were well matched between groups with no significant difference in logistic Euroscore (manual vs automated: median 3.1, interquartile range, IQR, 2.1-5.5, vs 5.4, IQR 2.2-8.3; P = 0.07, respectively). Comparing manually tied knots to an automated fastener, cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross clamp times were significantly shorter in the automated group (cardiopulmonary bypass: median 200 minutes, IQR 180-227, vs 165 minutes (IQR 145-189 minutes), P < 0.001; aortic cross clamp 134 minutes (IQR 121-150 minutes) vs 111 minutes (IQR 91-137 minutes), P < 0.001, respectively). There was no mortality and no strokes, nor were there any differences in postoperative outcomes including reoperation for bleeding, renal failure, intensive care or hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an automated knot fastener significantly reduces cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross clamp times in minimally invasive mitral valve repair but this does not translate into an improved clinical outcome.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Pacemaker implantation techniques using thoracoscopy have been described since about 25 years. However, the published reports concerning types of electrodes refer mostly to monopolar screw-in leads. We report our experience of thoracoscopic implantation of a bipolar suture-on epicardial electrode with monofilamentous sutures tightened by automated fasteners to avoid hand-tied knots. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old Caucasian female patient with a cardiac resynchronization therapy - defibrillator (CRT-D) due to dilated cardiomyopathy required the implantation of a supplementary left ventricluar resynchronization electrode. Because of unfavorable venous access, we chose a thoracoscopic approach. A bipolar suture-on epicardial electrode, was implanted by means of polypropylene monofilament 2-0 threads and automated titanium fasteners (Cor-Knot®). The intervention was uneventful. The correct function of the device was confirmed postoperatively and the patient was dismissed within 3 days from hospital. Six months after implantation the cardiologic control asserted regular device function and restitution of normal ejection fraction (EF 60%). CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of automated fasteners in the setting of thoracoscopic implantation of epicardial bipolar suture-on leads.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and benefits of new techniques and technologies such as single-dose (del Nido) cardioplegia and suture fasteners (COR-KNOT) in patients undergoing mini-thoracotomy for degenerative mitral valve repair (MVR). METHODS: From 2009 to 2016, 252 patients underwent primary isolated degenerative MVR by mini-thoracotomy by a single surgeon. Del Nido cardioplegia was used in 153 patients (61%) and COR-KNOT in 168 (67%). Patient outcomes were compared using propensity-matching separately for del Nido versus Buckberg cardioplegia and COR-KNOT versus knot-pusher. RESULTS: There were no operative deaths and 99.2% of the patients had none/trivial mitral regurgitation at discharge. In patients receiving del Nido or Buckberg cardioplegia, occurrence of adverse events was similar. However, aortic cross clamp (AoCC; 54.2 ± 15.7 vs 64 ± 15.8 min; P < 0.0001) and operative room (OR; 308 ± 42.1 vs 336 ± 63 min; P < 0.001) times were shorter with del Nido cardioplegia. In patients receiving COR-KNOT versus knot-pusher, occurrence of adverse events was similar. However, AoCC (54.1 ± 15.2 vs 66.1 ± 15.9 min; P < 0.0001) and OR (311 ± 43.6 vs 336 ± 65.4 min; P < 0.0001) times were shorter with COR-KNOT. Results were similar after matching for both, del Nido versus Buckberg cardioplegia and COR-KNOT versus knot-pusher. CONCLUSION: New techniques and technologies, such as del Nido cardioplegia and COR-KNOT, decrease AoCC and OR times without compromising patient safety.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

We report the case of severe aortic regurgitation 8 months after implantation of a 25-mm sutureless pericardial aortic valve prosthesis. On echocardiography, the regurgitation was suspected to be paravalvular. The sutureless prosthesis had been implanted using an automatic knot fastener device, which renders the suture tails less pliable because of the metal clip that is crimped around the suture. The patient was reoperated, a paravalvular leak was not observed. The sutureless prosthesis was explanted and a conventional biologic valve prosthesis was implanted instead. On examination of the explanted valve prosthesis, a perforation was observed in one of the leaflets. The leaflet perforation was in alignment with one of the knots produced by the automatic knot fastener. Obviously, the leaflet had hit the knot repeatedly which had caused the perforation. We conclude that knots produced by an automatic fastener device have the potential to cause leaflet perforation.

Asunto(s)