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PloS One 2021In the last 25 years, numerous tissue engineered heart valve (TEHV) strategies have been studied in large animal models. To evaluate, qualify and summarize all available... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
In the last 25 years, numerous tissue engineered heart valve (TEHV) strategies have been studied in large animal models. To evaluate, qualify and summarize all available publications, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We identified 80 reports that studied TEHVs of synthetic or natural scaffolds in pulmonary position (n = 693 animals). We identified substantial heterogeneity in study designs, methods and outcomes. Most importantly, the quality assessment showed poor reporting in randomization and blinding strategies. Meta-analysis showed no differences in mortality and rate of valve regurgitation between different scaffolds or strategies. However, it revealed a higher transvalvular pressure gradient in synthetic scaffolds (11.6 mmHg; 95% CI, [7.31-15.89]) compared to natural scaffolds (4,67 mmHg; 95% CI, [3,94-5.39]; p = 0.003). These results should be interpreted with caution due to lack of a standardized control group, substantial study heterogeneity, and relatively low number of comparable studies in subgroup analyses. Based on this review, the most adequate scaffold model is still undefined. This review endorses that, to move the TEHV field forward and enable reliable comparisons, it is essential to define standardized methods and ways of reporting. This would greatly enhance the value of individual large animal studies.
Topics: Animals; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Models, Animal; Pulmonary Valve; Tissue Engineering
PubMed: 34610023
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258046 -
European Journal of Vascular and... May 2016The growth rates of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) and factors influencing their expansion are poorly understood. This study aimed to review systematically published... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND
The growth rates of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) and factors influencing their expansion are poorly understood. This study aimed to review systematically published literature describing TAA expansion and examine factors that may be associated with this.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and Embase databases was performed until 30 April 2015. Studies describing rates of TAA growth were identified and systematically reviewed. Outcomes of interest were TAA growth rates and associated factors. Study quality was assessed using Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network quality checklists for cohort studies.
RESULTS
Eleven publications, involving 1383 patients, met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Included studies were generally low in quality. Aneurysm measurement and growth-rate estimation techniques were inconsistently reported. Mean growth rates for all TAAs ranged from 0.2 to 4.2 mm/year. Mean growth rates for ascending and aortic arch aneurysms ranged from 0.2 to 2.8 mm/year, while those for descending and thoracoabdominal aneurysms ranged from 1.9 to 3.4 mm/year in studies reporting according to anatomical location. Large aneurysm size, distal aneurysm locations, presence of Marfan's syndrome, and bicuspid aortic valve were consistently associated with accelerated TAA growth. Presence of chronic dissection and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder were also implicated as risk factors for faster TAA growth. Associations between medical comorbidity and aneurysm expansion were conflicting. Previous aortic surgery and anticoagulants were reported to have a protective effect on aneurysm growth in two studies.
CONCLUSION
There is a shortfall in the understanding of TAA expansion rates. Existing studies are heterogeneous in methodology and reported outcomes. Identified unifying themes suggest that TAAs grow at a slow rate with large presenting diameter, distal aneurysm, and history of bicuspid aortic valve or Marfan's syndrome serving as main risk factors for accelerated aneurysm growth. High-quality studies with a standardised approach to TAA growth assessment are required.
Topics: Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Disease Progression; Humans; Risk Factors
PubMed: 26947541
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2016.01.017 -
Journal of the American Heart... Jun 2018Infective endocarditis (IE) after transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) in dysfunctioning right ventricular outflow tract conduits has evoked growing...
BACKGROUND
Infective endocarditis (IE) after transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) in dysfunctioning right ventricular outflow tract conduits has evoked growing concerns. We aimed to investigate the incidence and the natural history of IE after TPVI with the Melody valve through a systematic review of published data.
METHODS AND RESULTS
PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for articles published until March 2017, reporting on IE after TPVI with the Melody valve. Nine studies (including 851 patients and 2060 patient-years of follow-up) were included in the analysis of the incidence of IE. The cumulative incidence of IE ranged from 3.2% to 25.0%, whereas the annualized incidence rate ranged from 1.3% to 9.1% per patient-year. The median (interquartile range) time from TPVI to the onset of IE was 18.0 (9.0-30.4) months (range, 1.0-72.0 months). The most common findings were positive blood culture (93%), fever (89%), and new, significant, and/or progressive right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (79%); vegetations were detectable on echocardiography in only 34% of cases. Of 69 patients with IE after TPVI, 6 (8.7%) died and 35 (52%) underwent surgical and/or transcatheter reintervention. Death or reintervention was more common in patients with new/significant right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (69% versus 33%; =0.042) and in patients with non-streptococcal IE (73% versus 30%; =0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of IE after implantation of a Melody valve is significant, at least over the first 3 years after TPVI, and varies considerably between the studies. Although surgical/percutaneous reintervention is a common consequence, some patients can be managed medically, especially those with streptococcal infection and no right ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Bioprosthesis; Child; Child, Preschool; Endocarditis; Female; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Prosthesis Design; Prosthesis-Related Infections; Pulmonary Valve; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 29934419
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.117.008163 -
International Journal of Surgery... Sep 2016Minimal access valve surgery, both mitral and aortic, may be related to improvement in specific post-operative outcomes, therefore may be beneficial for the subgroup of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Minimal access valve surgery, both mitral and aortic, may be related to improvement in specific post-operative outcomes, therefore may be beneficial for the subgroup of the elderly referred for valve surgery.
METHODS
A systematic literature review identified several different studies, of which 6 fulfilled criteria for meta-analysis. Outcomes for a total of 1347 patients (675 conventional standard sternotomy and 672 minimally invasive valve surgery) were assessed with a meta-analysis using random effects modeling. Heterogeneity, subgroup analysis with quality scoring were also assessed. The primary endpoint was early mortality. Secondary endpoints included intra and post-operative outcomes.
RESULTS
In the context of elderly patients, minimal access valve surgery conferred comparable early mortality to standard sternotomy (odd ratio (OR) 0.79, CI [0.40,1.56], p = 0.50) with no heterogeneity (p = 0.13); it was also associated with reduced mechanical intubation time (OR 0.48, CI [0.30,0.78], p = 0.003) and reduced post-operative length of stay (weighted mean difference (WMD) -2.91, CI [-3.09, -2.74] p < 0.00001), however both cardio-pulmonary bypass time and cross clamp time were longer (WMD 24.29, CI [22.97, 25.61] p < 0.00001 and WMD 8.61, CI [7.61, 9.61], p < 0.00001, respectively); subgroup analysis demonstrated statistically significant reduced post-operative length of stay for both minimally invasive aortic and mitral surgery (WMD -2.84, CI [-3.07, -2.60] p < 0.00001 and WMD -2.98, CI [-3.25, -2.71] p < 0.00001 respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Despite a prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass and cross clamp time, minimally invasive valve surgery is a safe alternative to standard sternotomy in the elderly, with similar early mortality, and improvements in intubation time as well as length of stay.
Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aortic Valve; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Cardiopulmonary Bypass; Humans; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Mitral Valve; Models, Statistical; Observational Studies as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27131758
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2016.04.040 -
Annals of Cardiothoracic Surgery Jul 2021The Ross procedure involves autograft transplantation of the native pulmonary valve into the aortic position and reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract...
BACKGROUND
The Ross procedure involves autograft transplantation of the native pulmonary valve into the aortic position and reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) with a homograft. The operation offers the advantages of a native valve with excellent hemodynamic performance, the avoidance of anticoagulation, and growth potential. Conversely, the operation is technically demanding and imposes the risk of turning single-valve disease into double-valve disease. This systematic review reports outcomes of pediatric patients undergoing the Ross procedure.
METHODS
An electronic search identified studies reporting outcomes on pediatric patients (mean age <18 years, max age <21 years) undergoing the Ross procedure. Long-term outcomes, including early mortality, late mortality, sudden unexpected unexplained death, reoperation due to failure of the pulmonary autograft or RVOT reconstruction, thromboembolic events, bleeding events, and endocarditis-related complications, were evaluated.
RESULTS
Upon review of 2,035 publications, 30 studies and 3,156 pediatric patients were included. Patients had a median age of 9.5 years and median follow-up period of 5.7 years. Early mortality rates varied from 0.0 to 17.0% and were increased in the neonatal population. Late mortality rates were much lower (0.04-1.83%/year). Reoperation due to pulmonary autograft failure occurred at rates of 0.37-2.81%/year and reoperation due to RVOT reconstruction failure was required at rates of 0.34-4.76%/year. Thromboembolic, bleeding, and endocarditis events were reported to occur at rates of 0.00-0.58, 0.00-0.39, and 0.00-1.68%/year, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The Ross operation offers a durable aortic valve replacement (AVR) option in the pediatric population that offers favorable survival, excellent hemodynamics, growth potential, decreased risk of complications, and avoidance of anticoagulation. Larger multi-institutional registries focusing on pediatric patients are necessary to provide more robust evidence to further support use of the Ross procedure in this population.
PubMed: 34422554
DOI: 10.21037/acs-2020-rp-23 -
Respiratory Care Nov 2015This systematic review examines levels of evidence and recommendation grades of various therapeutic interventions of inspiratory muscle training in people who have had a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This systematic review examines levels of evidence and recommendation grades of various therapeutic interventions of inspiratory muscle training in people who have had a stroke. Benefits from different levels of force and resistance in respiratory muscles are shown in this population. This review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) directives and was completed in November 2014. The search limits were studies published in English between 2004 and 2014. Relevant studies were searched for in MEDLINE, PEDro, OAIster, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Knowledge, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, DOAJ, Cochrane, Embase, Academic Search Complete, Fuente Académica, and MedicLatina. Initially, 20 articles were identified. After analyzing all primary documents, 14 studies were excluded. Only 6 studies were relevant to this review. Three different types of interventions were found (maximum inspiratory training, controlled training, and nonintervention) in 3 different groups. One specific study compared 3 inspiratory muscle training groups with a group of breathing exercises (diaphragmatic exercises with pursed lips) and a control group. Future long-term studies with larger sample sizes are needed. It is necessary to apply respiratory muscle training as a service of the national health system and to consider its inclusion in the conventional neurological program.
Topics: Breathing Exercises; Humans; Respiratory Muscles; Spirometry; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation
PubMed: 26493591
DOI: 10.4187/respcare.03981 -
Four-dimensional flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance in tetralogy of Fallot: a systematic review.Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic... May 2021Patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) often develop cardiovascular dysfunction and require regular imaging to evaluate deterioration and time interventions... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) often develop cardiovascular dysfunction and require regular imaging to evaluate deterioration and time interventions such as pulmonary valve replacement. Four-dimensional flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (4D flow CMR) enables detailed assessment of flow characteristics in all chambers and great vessels. We performed a systematic review of intra-cardiac 4D flow applications in rTOF patients, to examine clinical utility and highlight optimal methods for evaluating rTOF patients.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was undertaken in March 2020 on Google Scholar and Scopus. A modified version of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool was used to assess and score the applicability of each study. Important clinical outcomes were assessed including similarities and differences.
RESULTS
Of the 635 articles identified, 26 studies met eligibility for systematic review. None of these were below 59% applicability on the modified CASP score. Studies could be broadly classified into four groups: (i) pilot studies, (ii) development of new acquisition methods, (iii) validation and (vi) identification of novel flow features. Quantitative comparison with other modalities included 2D phase contrast CMR (13 studies) and echocardiography (4 studies). The 4D flow study applications included stroke volume (18/26;69%), regurgitant fraction (16/26;62%), relative branch pulmonary artery flow(4/26;15%), systolic peak velocity (9/26;35%), systemic/pulmonary total flow ratio (6/26;23%), end diastolic and end systolic volume (5/26;19%), kinetic energy (5/26;19%) and vorticity (2/26;8%).
CONCLUSIONS
4D flow CMR shows potential in rTOF assessment, particularly in retrospective valve tracking for flow evaluation, velocity profiling, intra-cardiac kinetic energy quantification, and vortex visualization. Protocols should be targeted to pathology. Prospective, randomized, multi-centered studies are required to validate these new characteristics and establish their clinical use.
Topics: Heart Ventricles; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Tetralogy of Fallot
PubMed: 34011372
DOI: 10.1186/s12968-021-00745-0 -
Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia Jun 2010The outcomes of total and bicaval heart transplantation techniques are better than those of the biatrial technique; however, the latter is still considered the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The outcomes of total and bicaval heart transplantation techniques are better than those of the biatrial technique; however, the latter is still considered the gold-standard. The objective of this study was to determine whether the total and bicaval heart transplantation techniques are, in fact, better than the biatrial technique. A systematic review with meta-analysis was carried out. Studies were retrieved from Pubmed, Lilacs, Web of Science, Scirus, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Scielo databases, identified by sensitive strategy. Randomized, prospective, and retrospective controlled studies were selected for inclusion. Intra and postoperative parameters were assessed. A total of 11,602 studies were identified and 36 were included in our review. The number of atrial arrhythmias, tricuspid valve regurgitation, deaths, and embolic events, as well as bleeding volume; temporary and permanent pacemaker requirement; and length of stay in the intensive care unit are significantly lower for the total and bicaval techniques than for the biatrial technique. Also, hemodynamic variables such as pulmonary capillary pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and right atrial pressure are lower in total and bicaval transplantation. In prognostic terms, total and bicaval orthotopic heart transplantations are better, than the biatrial transplantation. Therefore, indication of the biatrial technique for transplantation should be the exception, not the rule.
Topics: Anastomosis, Surgical; Heart Atria; Heart Failure; Heart Transplantation; Hemodynamics; Humans; Postoperative Period; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency; Venae Cavae
PubMed: 20625642
DOI: 10.1590/s0066-782x2010000600018 -
International Journal of Chronic... 2015Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) can be suggested as an alternative for surgical lung volume reduction surgery for severe emphysema patients. This article... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) can be suggested as an alternative for surgical lung volume reduction surgery for severe emphysema patients. This article intends to evaluate by systematic review the safety and effectiveness of BLVR using a one-way endobronchial valve.
METHODS
A systematic search of electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, as well as eight domestic databases up to December 2013, was performed. Two reviewers independently screened all references according to selection criteria. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criterion was used to assess quality of literature. Data from randomized controlled trials were combined and meta-analysis was performed.
RESULTS
This review included 15 studies. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) improved in the intervention group compared with the control group (mean difference [MD]=6.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.31-10.11). Six-minute walking distance (MD=15.66, 95% CI: 1.69-29.64) and cycle workload (MD=4.43, 95% CI: 1.80-7.07) also improved. In addition, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire score decreased (MD=4.29, 95% CI: -6.87 to -1.71) in the intervention group. In a subgroup analysis of patients with complete fissure, the FEV1 change from baseline was higher in the BLVR group than in the control group for both 6 months (MD=15.28, P<0.001) and 12 months (MD=17.65, P<0.001), whereas for patients with incomplete fissure, FEV1 and 6-minute walking distance showed no change. One-year follow-up randomized controlled trials reported deaths, although the cause of death was not related to BLVR. Respiratory failure and pneumothorax incidence rates were relatively higher in the BLVR group, but the difference was not significant.
CONCLUSION
BLVR may be an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of severe COPD patients with emphysema, based on existing studies.
Topics: Bronchoscopy; Chi-Square Distribution; Exercise Tolerance; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Lung; Pneumonectomy; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Pulmonary Emphysema; Recovery of Function; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 25848246
DOI: 10.2147/COPD.S75314 -
European Journal of Cardio-thoracic... Dec 2014There is controversy over the use of the Ross procedure with regard to the sub-coronary and root replacement technique and its long-term durability. A systematic review... (Review)
Review
There is controversy over the use of the Ross procedure with regard to the sub-coronary and root replacement technique and its long-term durability. A systematic review of the literature may provide insight into the outcomes of these two surgical subvariants. A systematic review of reports between 1967 and February 2013 on sub-coronary and root replacement Ross procedures was undertaken. Twenty-four articles were included and divided into (i) sub-coronary technique and (ii) root replacement technique. The 10-year survival rate for a mixed-patient population in the sub-coronary procedure was 87.3% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 79.7-93.4 and 89.1% (95% CI, 85.3-92.1) in the root replacement technique category. For adults, it was 94 vs 95.3% (CI, 88.9-98.1) and in the paediatric series it was 90 vs 92.7% (CI, 86.9-96.0), respectively. Freedom from reoperation at 10 years was, in the mixed population, 83.3% (95% CI, 69.9-93.4) and 93.3% (95% CI, 89.4-95.9) for sub-coronary versus root replacement technique, respectively. In adults, it was 98 vs 91.2% (95% CI, 82.4-295.8), and in the paediatric series 93.3 vs 92.0% (95% CI, 86.1-96.5) for sub-coronary versus root replacement technique, respectively. The Ross procedure arguably has satisfactory results over 5 and 10 years for both adults and children. The results do not support the advantages of the sub-coronary technique over the root replacement technique. Root replacement was of benefit to patients undergoing reoperations on neoaorta and for long-term survival in mixed series.
Topics: Adult; Aortic Valve; Female; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pulmonary Valve; Reoperation; Survival Analysis
PubMed: 24771757
DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezu176