Peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection increases postoperative mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal duration of planned delay before surgery in patients who have had SARS-CoV-2 infection. This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study included patients undergoing elective or emergency surgery during October 2020. Surgical patients with pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection were compared with those without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality. Logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted 30-day mortality rates stratified by time from diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection to surgery. Among 140,231 patients (116 countries), 3127 patients (2.2%) had a pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. Adjusted 30-day mortality in patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection was 1.5% (95%CI 1.4-1.5). In patients with a pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, mortality was increased in patients having surgery within 0-2 weeks, 3-4 weeks and 5-6 weeks of the diagnosis (odds ratio (95%CI) 4.1 (3.3-4.8), 3.9 (2.6-5.1) and 3.6 (2.0-5.2), respectively). Surgery performed ≥ 7 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis was associated with a similar mortality risk to baseline (odds ratio (95%CI) 1.5 (0.9-2.1)). After a ≥ 7 week delay in undertaking surgery following SARS-CoV-2 infection, patients with ongoing symptoms had a higher mortality than patients whose symptoms had resolved or who had been asymptomatic (6.0% (95%CI 3.2-8.7) vs. 2.4% (95%CI 1.4-3.4) vs. 1.3% (95%CI 0.6-2.0), respectively). Where possible, surgery should be delayed for at least 7 weeks following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with ongoing symptoms ≥ 7 weeks from diagnosis may benefit from further delay.

Although CorMatrix used for valve repair induced an intense inflammatory response, little or no remodeling to form tissue resembling a 3-layered native valve was seen at ≤9 months after implantation.

Objectives This paper aims to update clinicians on “Hot Topics” in the management of patients with d-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) in the current surgical era. Background The arterial switch operation (ASO) has replaced atrial switch procedures for D-TGA and 90% of patients now reach adulthood. Methods The Adult Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology Council (ACPC) of the American College of Cardiology assembled a team of experts to summarize current knowledge on genetics, prenatal diagnosis, surgical timing, balloon atrial septostomy (BAS), prostaglandin therapy (PGE), intraoperative techniques, imaging, coronary obstruction, arrhythmias, sudden death, aortic dilation and regurgitation (AR), neurodevelopmental (ND) issues and lifelong care of D-TGA patients. Results In simple D-TGA, 1) familial recurrence risk is low; 2) children diagnosed prenatally have improved cognitive skills compared with those diagnosed postnatally; 3) echocardiography helps to identify risk factors; 4) routine use of BAS and PGE may not be beneficial in some cases; 5) early ASO improves outcomes and reduces costs with a low mortality. Single or intramural coronary arteries remain risk factors; 6) post-ASO arrhythmias and cardiac dysfunction should raise suspicion of coronary insufficiency; 7) coronary insufficiency and arrhythmias are rare but associated with sudden death; 8) early and late-onset ND abnormalities are common; 9) AR and aortic root dilation are well tolerated; and 10) the aging ASO patient may benefit from “exercise-prescription” rather than restriction. Conclusions Significant strides have been made in understanding risk factors for cardiac, ND and other important clinical outcomes after ASO.