Papers by Sotirios Marinakis
Journal of Integrative Cardiology Open Access, Dec 11, 2019
A 62-year-old female patient with history of atrial fibrillation and protein C and S deficiency w... more A 62-year-old female patient with history of atrial fibrillation and protein C and S deficiency was admitted for acute dyspnea. Laboratory control demonstrated an unregulated warfarin treatment. Transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography revealed a giant left atrial thrombus and a severe mitral stenosis. The day after admission a full body tomography revealed spleen emboli and non-violation of hematoencephalic barrier. Surgical thrombus extraction and mitral valve replacement were successfully performed by minimal invasive, partially video-assisted, right anterolateral thoracotomy. Echocardiographic control after two months showed no evidence of residual thrombus. Massive left atrial thrombosis must be operated urgently because of the imminent risk of embolization. The described technique represents a good compromise between full video-assisted port-access surgery and traditional midline sternotomy.
Asaio Journal, Sep 1, 2016
In extreme situations such as hyperacute rejection of heart transplant or major heart trauma, hea... more In extreme situations such as hyperacute rejection of heart transplant or major heart trauma, heart explantation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) hemodynamic support might be the only means for survival. In our previous model of acardia, pulmonary artery (PA) was clamped and did not receive any anterograde blood flow. A model of anterograde PA perfusion might be necessary to avoid ischemic pulmonary damage in prolonged ECMO in acardia. The aim of this study was to describe the surgical technique and to determine the feasibility of an anterograde lung perfusion in acardia through the anastomosis of the right internal mammary artery (RIMA) to the PA. A venoarterial cardiopulmonary bypass was established in three pigs (72 ± 2.6 kg) by the transjugular insertion to the caval axis of a double-staged cannula with carotid artery return. Heart was excised and ECMO was established as previously reported. Right internal mammary artery was harvested and after measurement of its output (93.3 ± 5.8 ml/min, representing 2.17% ± 0.15% of total pump flow), it was anastomosed to PA. Right internal mammary artery anastomosis to PA is a feasible, safe, and easy to perform maneuver assuring an anterograde lung perfusion in acardia.
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Jul 11, 2014
Concomitant aortic and mitral valve replacement or concomitant aortic valve replacement and mitra... more Concomitant aortic and mitral valve replacement or concomitant aortic valve replacement and mitral repair can be a challenge for the cardiac surgeon: in particular, because of their structure and design, two bioprosthetic heart valves or an aortic valve prosthesis and a rigid mitral ring can interfere at the level of the mitroaortic junction. Therefore, when a mitral bioprosthesis or a rigid mitral ring is already in place and a surgical aortic valve replacement becomes necessary, or when older high-risk patients require concomitant mitral and aortic procedures, the new 'fast-implantable' aortic valve system (Intuity™ valve, Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) can represent a smart alternative to standard aortic bioprosthesis. Unfortunately, this is still controversial (risk of interference). However, transcatheter aortic valve replacements have been performed in patients with previously implanted mitral valves or mitral rings. Interestingly, we learned that there is no interference (or not significant interference) among the standard valve and the stent valve. Consequently, we can assume that a fastimplantable valve can also be safely placed next to a biological mitral valve or next to a rigid mitral ring without risks of distortion, malpositioning, high gradient or paravalvular leak. This paper describes two cases: a concomitant Intuity™ aortic valve and bioprosthetic mitral valve implantation and a concomitant Intuity™ aortic valve and mitral ring implantation.
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Apr 14, 2016
Background: Cardiac surgery in Jehovah's Witnesses may be challenging during the operation and po... more Background: Cardiac surgery in Jehovah's Witnesses may be challenging during the operation and postoperative period given their refusal of blood products. The aim of this study was to document our center's experience with Jehovah's Witnesses undergoing major cardiac surgery and to compare surgical outcomes with a matched control group. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the demographic, perioperative, and in-hospital postoperative data for 31 Jehovah's Witness patients undergoing surgery from 1991 to 2012 and compared findings with a control group of 62 patients of the same sex and age, who underwent the same type of operations in the same period. Early mortality, major in-hospital morbidity, laboratory findings, and hospital stays were compared between groups. Results: Demographic data were similar between groups, except that more patients in the Jehovah's Witness group had extracardiac arteriopathy compared with controls (p = 0.04). There was no difference in predicted mortality, calculated by the Euroscore II, between groups (2.8 ± 3.3 in study group versus 2.4 ± 2.2 in control group, p = 0.469). For postoperative outcomes, there were no differences between Jehovah's Witnesses versus controls in hospital mortality (3 % versus 2 %, p = 0.548), total drain loss (847 ± 583 mL versus 812 ± 365 mL, p = 0.721), mechanical ventilation time (1.26 ± 2.24 versus 0.89 ± 0.55 days, p = 0.218), intensive care unit stay (4.3 ± 3.9 versus 3 ± 1.4 days, p = 0.080), and hospital stay (12.9 ± 7.6 versus 10.9 ± 6.6 days, p = 0.223). Conclusions: Outcomes after cardiac surgery are similar between Jehovah's Witnesses and general population, in centers applying rigorous blood patient management protocols.
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Nov 22, 2016
We reported 3 years ago the use of cryoablation in the treatment of a right atrium myxoma arising... more We reported 3 years ago the use of cryoablation in the treatment of a right atrium myxoma arising from the Koch's triangle. The atrioventricular conduction was successfully preserved. Today, after 3 years follow-up, the patient remains with a conducted sinus rhythm and is free of recurrence. Even if extensive resection of the stack of the myxoma remains the first choice attitude, cryoablation could be considered as a serious second choice alternative.
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, 2016
We reported 3 years ago the use of cryoablation in the treatment of a right atrium myxoma arising... more We reported 3 years ago the use of cryoablation in the treatment of a right atrium myxoma arising from the Koch's triangle. The atrioventricular conduction was successfully preserved. Today, after 3 years follow-up, the patient remains with a conducted sinus rhythm and is free of recurrence. Even if extensive resection of the stack of the myxoma remains the first choice attitude, cryoablation could be considered as a serious second choice alternative.
Circulation, 2016
Introduction: We have developed the Pressure Unloading Left Ventricular Assist Device (PULVAD), a... more Introduction: We have developed the Pressure Unloading Left Ventricular Assist Device (PULVAD), a novel implantable counterpulsation LVAD, designed to provide LV pressure unloading with augmentation of LV performance and retention of pulsatility. We assessed the effects of PULVAD on hemodynamics, LV mechanoenergetics and myocardial perfusion in a porcine model of acute heart failure (aHF). Methods: PULVAD comprises a pneumatically-driven pumping chamber implanted in the thoracic cavity and connected to the ascending aorta. PULVAD is ECG-synchronized and operates under the counterpulsation principle: deflation of the device air chamber just prior and during systole draws blood from the aorta into the device blood chamber, while inflation of the device air chamber during diastole ejects blood from the device blood chamber into the aorta. Seven farm pigs were instrumented with Millar catheter, sonomicrometry crystals and a Doppler flow probe placed around the left anterior descending a...
ASAIO Journal, 2014
In extreme situations, such as hyperacute rejection of heart transplant or major heart trauma, he... more In extreme situations, such as hyperacute rejection of heart transplant or major heart trauma, heart preservation may not be possible. Our experimental team works on a project of peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support in acardia as a bridge to heart transplantation or artificial heart implantation. An ECMO support was established in five calves (58.6 ± 6.9 kg) by the transjugular insertion to the caval axis of a self-expanded cannula, with carotid artery return. After baseline measurements, ventricular fibrillation was induced, great arteries were clamped, heart was excised, and right and left atria remnants, containing pulmonary veins, were sutured together leaving an atrial septal defect over the caval axis cannula. Measurements of pump flow and arterial pressure were taken with the pulmonary artery clamped and anastomosed with the caval axis for a total of 6 hours. Pulmonary artery anastomosis to the caval axis provided an acceptable 6 hour hemodynamic stab...
Acta Chirurgica Belgica, 2021
A 71-year-old female with symptomatic bitroncular coronary ischemic disease was admitted in our h... more A 71-year-old female with symptomatic bitroncular coronary ischemic disease was admitted in our hospital for hybrid revascularization. She presented significant stenosis of the proximal and middle left anterior descending artery (LAD) and of the second segment of right coronary artery (RCA). She was scheduled for an Endoscopic Atraumatic Coronary Artery Bypass (EACAB) of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to LAD and staged percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to RCA after the EACAB. Control of LIMA permeability after RCA PCI showed LIMA dissection with TIMI 2 flow to LAD. Decision to stent a freshly implanted LIMA led to LIMA rupture. An emergent LAD revascularization with a saphenous vein graft and control of bleeding was successfully performed. Patient was discharged at day 10 from the hospital.
British Journal of Surgery, 2021
Background Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numb... more Background Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18–49, 50–69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst ...
ASAIO Journal, 2018
The pressure unloading left ventricular assist device (PULVAD) is a novel implantable counterpuls... more The pressure unloading left ventricular assist device (PULVAD) is a novel implantable counterpulsation LVAD, designed to provide ventricular unloading with augmentation of LV performance and retention of pulsatility. We assessed the effects of the PULVAD on hemodynamics and LV mechanoenergetics in seven farm pigs with acute ischemic heart failure. The PULVAD was implanted in the thorax and was connected to the ascending aorta. The PULVAD was pneumatically driven by a standard intra-aortic balloon pump console and was electrocardiogram-synchronized to provide LV pressure unloading along with diastolic aortic pressure augmentation. Hemodynamics, indices of LV mechanoenergetics, and coronary blood flow were measured without and after brief PULVAD support. Pressure unloading left ventricular assist device support decreased LV afterload and improved LV mechanical performance (increased ejection fraction, stroke volume, cardiac output, and maximum elastance). The PULVAD concurrently reduced LV energy consumption (decreased stroke work and pressure-volume area) and optimized LV energetic performance (improved the ratio of stroke work to pressure-volume area). Pressure unloading left ventricular assist device support increased mean coronary blood flow, through dramatic augmentation of diastolic blood flow. In conclusion, the PULVAD unloads the failing LV, optimizes LV mechanoenergetics, and augments coronary blood flow. These salutary effects of short-term PULVAD support provide the foundation for long-term testing.
ASAIO journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
In extreme situations such as hyperacute rejection of heart transplant or major heart trauma, hea... more In extreme situations such as hyperacute rejection of heart transplant or major heart trauma, heart explantation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) hemodynamic support might be the only means for survival. In our previous model of acardia, pulmonary artery (PA) was clamped and did not receive any anterograde blood flow. A model of anterograde PA perfusion might be necessary to avoid ischemic pulmonary damage in prolonged ECMO in acardia. The aim of this study was to describe the surgical technique and to determine the feasibility of an anterograde lung perfusion in acardia through the anastomosis of the right internal mammary artery (RIMA) to the PA. A venoarterial cardiopulmonary bypass was established in three pigs (72 ± 2.6 kg) by the transjugular insertion to the caval axis of a double-staged cannula with carotid artery return. Heart was excised and ECMO was established as previously reported. Right internal mammary artery was harvested and after measurement of its o...
Swiss medical weekly, 2016
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and extracorporeal life support (ECLS) have been aroun... more Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and extracorporeal life support (ECLS) have been around for a long time, but it is only in recent years, with the advent of acute respiratory distress syndrome consecutive to influenza A (H1N1) infection, that these life-saving technologies have seen a broader application. Although the results of ECLS and ECMO are perceived as generally encouraging, there are still disturbing complications related to peripheral cannulation in general and, more specifically, to cannulation in the groin. The present review was designed to assess the magnitude of this latter problem, i.e. leg ischaemia related to ECLS and ECMO, in the literature and to identify strategies for possible therapies and, more importantly, prevention. The search strategy selected identified seven original articles with more than twenty patients, totalling 407 patients who underwent veno-arterial ECMO, and one large review dealing with all kinds of complications. For the original rep...
Journal of cardiothoracic surgery, Jan 14, 2016
Cardiac surgery in Jehovah's Witnesses may be challenging during the operation and postoperat... more Cardiac surgery in Jehovah's Witnesses may be challenging during the operation and postoperative period given their refusal of blood products. The aim of this study was to document our center's experience with Jehovah's Witnesses undergoing major cardiac surgery and to compare surgical outcomes with a matched control group. We retrospectively reviewed the demographic, perioperative, and in-hospital postoperative data for 31 Jehovah's Witness patients undergoing surgery from 1991 to 2012 and compared findings with a control group of 62 patients of the same sex and age, who underwent the same type of operations in the same period. Early mortality, major in-hospital morbidity, laboratory findings, and hospital stays were compared between groups. Demographic data were similar between groups, except that more patients in the Jehovah's Witness group had extracardiac arteriopathy compared with controls (p = 0.04). There was no difference in predicted mortality, calculat...
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, 2013
A 78-year-old caucasian patient with compromised cardiac function presenting recurrent episodes o... more A 78-year-old caucasian patient with compromised cardiac function presenting recurrent episodes of pulmonary embolism was referred to our center for resection of a voluminous right atrial myxoma arising from the Koch's triangle. To preserve the conduction system, we performed an excision of the myxoma associated with cryoablation of its stalk. This case is of special interest for discussing possibilities of preservation of the atrioventricular conduction system in such situations, provided that the contemporary literature does not propose concrete guidelines.
Journal of Integrative Cardiology Open Access, 2019
A 62-year-old female patient with history of atrial fibrillation and protein C and S deficiency w... more A 62-year-old female patient with history of atrial fibrillation and protein C and S deficiency was admitted for acute dyspnea. Laboratory control demonstrated an unregulated warfarin treatment. Transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography revealed a giant left atrial thrombus and a severe mitral stenosis. The day after admission a full body tomography revealed spleen emboli and non-violation of hematoencephalic barrier. Surgical thrombus extraction and mitral valve replacement were successfully performed by minimal invasive, partially video-assisted, right anterolateral thoracotomy. Echocardiographic control after two months showed no evidence of residual thrombus. Massive left atrial thrombosis must be operated urgently because of the imminent risk of embolization. The described technique represents a good compromise between full video-assisted port-access surgery and traditional midline sternotomy.
Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, 2014
Concomitant aortic and mitral valve replacement or concomitant aortic valve replacement and mitra... more Concomitant aortic and mitral valve replacement or concomitant aortic valve replacement and mitral repair can be a challenge for the cardiac surgeon: in particular, because of their structure and design, two bioprosthetic heart valves or an aortic valve prosthesis and a rigid mitral ring can interfere at the level of the mitroaortic junction. Therefore, when a mitral bioprosthesis or a rigid mitral ring is already in place and a surgical aortic valve replacement becomes necessary, or when older high-risk patients require concomitant mitral and aortic procedures, the new 'fast-implantable' aortic valve system (Intuity valve, Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) can represent a smart alternative to standard aortic bioprosthesis. Unfortunately, this is still controversial (risk of interference). However, transcatheter aortic valve replacements have been performed in patients with previously implanted mitral valves or mitral rings. Interestingly, we learned that there is no in...
ASAIO journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
In extreme situations, such as hyperacute rejection of heart transplant or major heart trauma, he... more In extreme situations, such as hyperacute rejection of heart transplant or major heart trauma, heart preservation may not be possible. Our experimental team works on a project of peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support in acardia as a bridge to heart transplantation or artificial heart implantation. An ECMO support was established in five calves (58.6 ± 6.9 kg) by the transjugular insertion to the caval axis of a self-expanded cannula, with carotid artery return. After baseline measurements, ventricular fibrillation was induced, great arteries were clamped, heart was excised, and right and left atria remnants, containing pulmonary veins, were sutured together leaving an atrial septal defect over the caval axis cannula. Measurements of pump flow and arterial pressure were taken with the pulmonary artery clamped and anastomosed with the caval axis for a total of 6 hours. Pulmonary artery anastomosis to the caval axis provided an acceptable 6 hour hemodynamic stab...
Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, 2012
OBJECTIVES In extreme scenarios, such as hyperacute rejection of heart transplant, an urgent hear... more OBJECTIVES In extreme scenarios, such as hyperacute rejection of heart transplant, an urgent heart explantation might be necessary. The aim of this experimental study was to determine the feasibility and to improve the haemodynamics of a venoarterial cardiopulmonary bypass after cardiectomy. METHODS A venoarterial cardiopulmonary bypass was established in seven calves (56.4 ± 7 kg) by the transjugular insertion to the caval axis of a self-expanding cannula, with a carotid artery return. After baseline measurements (A), ventricular fibrillation was induced (B), great arteries were clamped (C), the heart was excised and the right and left atria remnants, containing the pulmonary veins, were sutured together leaving an atrial septal defect over the cannula in the caval axis (D). Measurements were taken with the pulmonary artery clamped and declamped. RESULTS Initial pump flow was 4.16 ± 0.75 l/min dropping to 2.9 ± 0.63 l/min (P(AB )< 0.001) 10 min after induction of ventricular fib...
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Papers by Sotirios Marinakis