Recent studies about bleeding complications in patients with Ticagrelor intake undergoing CABG in a real-life scenario presented inconsistent data. We were able to show in a case-matched analysis that Ticagrelor administration leads to significantly higher blood loss, more red blood cell units transfused and a higher rate of rethoracotomies. The data also present a longer hospital stay to the disadvantage of the study group. Consequently, Ticagrelor intake before CABG procedures should be avoided or at least discontinued 3 days before cardiac surgery.

BackgroundCarcinoid tumor with consecutive endocardial fibroelastosis of the right heart, known as carcinoid heart valve disease (CHVD) or Hedinger’s syndrome, is accompanied by combined right-sided valvular dysfunction with regurgitation and stenosis of the affected valves. Cardiac surgery with replacement of the tricuspid and/or pulmonary valve is an established therapeutic option for patients with Hedinger’s syndrome. Little is known about the long term outcome and the choice of prosthesis for the pulmonal position is still a matter of debate.MethodsThe authors report three cases of pulmonary valve replacement with stentless bioprostheses (Medtronic Freestyle®, Medtronic PLC, Minneapolis, MN, USA) due to severe pulmonary valve degeneration in consequence of Hedinger’s syndrome.ResultsAll patients presented with re-stenosis of the pulmonal valve conduit at the height of the anastomoses in a premature fashion. Due to the increased risk for repeat surgical valve replacement, two patients were treated by transcatheter heart valves.ConclusionWe do not recommend the replacement of the pulmonary valve with stentless bioprostheses in patients with CHVD. These valves presented with an extreme premature degeneration and consecutive re-stenosis and heart failure.

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Objective Conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CCPB) is a major trigger of inflammatory response. We aimed to assess the impact of two different minimized cardiopulmonary bypass systems (mini-CPB) with and without Bioline-coating compared with CCPB regarding organ function, inflammatory response, and early clinical outcome. Methods In a prospective, randomized study, 120 patients underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting and were randomized into three groups: mini-CPB using a Bioline-coated (group A, n = 40) or an uncoated (group B, n = 40) circuit, or CCPB (group C, n = 40). Cytokines (interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha), myocardial markers (creatine kinase [CK], CK-MB, and troponin-T), hematocrit, and platelet counts were measured up to 48 hours postoperatively. Early clinical outcome was assessed at 3 months postoperatively. Results Demographics, number of distal anastomoses, ventilation time, blood loss, intensive care unit, and hospital stay were comparable (P = not significant). Extracorporeal circulation and cross-clamp time were significantly longer in group A and B versus C (P < 0.005). No significant differences could be found in the release of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha among groups. Myocardial markers were significantly reduced in group A and B versus group C (P < 0.001). Hematocrit and platelet counts did not differ among the groups. No differences could be found in early clinical outcome up to 3 months. Conclusions This study showed significant better myocardial preservation with lower CK-MB and troponin-T levels in both mini-CPB groups. No significant differences could be found in terms of inflammation, hematologic effects, and early clinical outcome.

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