Cardiothoracic Surgery

Background: Pulmonary hypertension is common in left-sided heart valve disease, with historical studies reporting mortality rates up to 31% in severe cases undergoing mitral valve surgery. This study evaluates the impact of severe pulmonary hypertension on outcomes of mechanical mitral valve replacement with posterior leaflet preservation by comparing results with patients having mild-to-moderate pulmonary hypertension. Methods: Prospective analysis of 86 patients with mitral valve disease undergoing mechanical valve replacement with posterior leaflet preservation from March 2015 to September 2016 was conducted. Patients were stratified by pulmonary artery pressure: severe (≥60 mmHg, n = 19) versus mild–moderate (35–59 mmHg, n = 67). Primary outcomes included mortality, complications, and functional recovery at 1, 6, and 12 months. Results: The cohort included 67 patients (77.9%) with mild–moderate pulmonary hypertension and 19 patients (22.1%) with severe pulmonary hypertension. Severe pulmonary hypertension patients demonstrated higher NYHA functional class (73.7% class III vs. 46.2%, p = 0.03), larger left atrial diameter (56.3 ± 9.8 vs. 49.5 ± 6.7 mm, p = 0.01), and higher mean pressure gradients (14.4 ± 5.3 vs. 11.3 ± 5.0 mmHg, p = 0.025). Mortality was 5.3% in the severe group versus 0% in the mild–moderate group (p = 0.331). Patients with severe pulmonary hypertension required longer ICU stays (6.3 ± 3.7 vs. 4.7 ± 2.2 days, p = 0.024) but showed no significant differences in ventilation time, reoperation rates, or major complications. At the 12-month follow-up, both groups achieved equivalent outcomes in pulmonary artery pressures, left ventricular function, and cardiac dimensions. Conclusion: In this study with a relatively small sample size, severe pulmonary hypertension was associated with significantly longer intensive care unit stay but not with higher mortality compared to mild–moderate pulmonary hypertension, with both groups attaining comparable functional and hemodynamic parameters at 12 months after mechanical mitral valve replacement with posterior leaflet preservation. Full article

Background: Pulmonary lobectomy remains the gold standard for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, with the primary goal of complete tumor removal. Postoperative imaging is critical for evaluating recovery and identifying complications, yet systematic descriptions of radiologic patterns after lobectomy are limited. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 125 patients who underwent pulmonary lobectomy between 2019 and 2024 at a tertiary thoracic surgery center. Preoperative and postoperative imaging findings were coded and compared using a standardized classification system. Modalities included chest radiography, thoracic CT, ultrasound, PET-CT and MRI. Results: Postoperative imaging demonstrated a clear reduction in pathological findings. Emphysema decreased from 29.6% to 21.6%, pleural effusion from 12.8% to 3.2%, atelectasis/pleural thickening from 15.2% to 8.8%, and ground-glass infiltrates from 12.0% to 8.0%. The proportion of patients without abnormalities increased from 18.5% to 24.8%. Chest radiography (92%) and CT (89.6%) were the most frequently employed modalities. Patients treated with VATS lobectomy showed slightly fewer postoperative abnormalities compared with those undergoing open surgery. Conclusions: Pulmonary lobectomy is associated with measurable radiologic improvement, reflecting favorable structural recovery. Routine imaging follow-up, particularly chest radiography, remains essential for early detection of complications and guiding postoperative care. However, the retrospective single-center design and limited generalizability represent important limitations that should be considered when interpreting these findings. Full article

Isolated tricuspid regurgitation (TR) represents a significant yet understudied cardiac condition, primarily arising from structural valve anomalies or secondary to right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. This thesis reviews the pathophysiology, clinical picture, and evolving management strategies for isolated TR, focusing on medical and surgical interventions and emerging transcatheter therapies. Employing a comprehensive literature review and retrospective analyses, we delve into the etiological factors, diagnostic challenges, and treatment outcomes associated with this condition. Notably, we explore the prognostic implications of isolated TR following mitral valve surgery and the efficacy of various treatment modalities in improving patient survival and quality of life. Full article

It was in 1989 that we first reported on the use of the radial artery (RA) as a secondary arterial graft for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Nevertheless, discrepancies in clinical endpoints between the RA and alternative conduits have been reported in consecutive randomised trials. With over fifty years of accumulated practice in RA bypass grafting, we sought to identify the second-best option for CABG by reviewing the literature. A consistently successful second-best conduit for CABG has been demonstrated using the radial artery. Compared to saphenous vein grafts, the findings indicate improved outcomes and better patency results. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective conduit in the territory of the right coronary artery. The lack of available literature and the scarcity of similar case series restrict the application of the gastroepiploic artery. After five decades of utilisation, it can be unequivocally stated that the radial artery is the optimal conduit for coronary bypass surgery following the left internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending artery. Full article

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valve disease in developed countries, with severe cases traditionally managed through surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). More recently, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been used as a less invasive alternative, especially for patients deemed high-risk for surgery. This review aims to compare SAVR and TAVR by examining the efficacy, patient selection criteria, complications, and evolving guidelines. SAVR is the preferred option for patients at low surgical risk or with anatomical challenges unsuitable for TAVR. It offers well-documented durability and favorable long-term survival. Conversely, TAVR has gained acceptance for intermediate- and high-risk patients, with shorter recovery times and reduced immediate postoperative risks. However, questions surrounding its long-term durability in younger populations persist. Complications differ between the approaches, with TAVR associated with vascular access injuries and arrhythmic events, while SAVR presents risks tied to open surgery. As clinical guidelines evolve, patient age, comorbidities, and life expectancy play critical roles in determining the optimal intervention. This review highlights the need for tailored treatment approaches, given the expanding indications and evolving evidence for both SAVR and TAVR in AS management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Malpractice in cardiovascular surgery was addressed from the forensic pathology perspective, offering reflections on risk prevention in the Italian context. Litigation and risk management in healthcare, following the Italian law on safety of care, clinical risk management and professional liability, should be viewed in an integrated manner. Methods: We conducted a narrative review on litigation data and the principal areas of complaint in Italy regarding the cardiovascular field. The aim is to discuss human, communicative, organisational, technological and regulatory factors that may play a role in this phenomenon. Results: We discuss the importance of information and consent and the management and monitoring of competences, particularly in specialised activities, given the current human capital deficit. Furthermore, we focus on the centrality of the surgical indication focusing on benefit-risk balance in light of clinical guidelines and team-based evaluation, such as by an emergency heart team, to better tailor care to patients. At the facility level, the minimum volume of activity and the requirements for human resources, specialisations, technologies and organisation standards needed for health activity authorisation are highlighted as foundational to risk prevention. Furthermore, we discussed the availability of the minimum diagnostic and care tools in compliance with guidelines and the role of company clinical and organisational protocols. Conclusions: In the surgical, time-sensitive, highly specialised and technologically advanced sector, the importance of enterprise risk prevention and broad, value-based governance to ensure healthcare quality and safety is emphasised. Full article

Background: Low-dose computed tomography-based lung cancer screening (LCS) has demonstrated efficacy in reducing lung cancer mortality. However, concerns about overdiagnosis and overtreatment hinder global LCS implementation. Methods: Here, we report the unique case of a slow-growing 1 cm pure ground-glass opacity (GGO) of the lung, known for 15 years, which unexpectedly developed into a 5 cm mixed GGO within 1 year, with an increased solid component and FDG-PET uptake. Results: The patient, asymptomatic, underwent right upper lobectomy and lymphadenectomy, even complicated with postoperative chylothorax, later revealing to be affected by only an unchanged adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS). Conclusions: This case serves as a reminder of the potential behavior of pre-invasive lesions, which can mimic invasive neoplasia and may lead to overtreatment, and underscores the challenge of distinguishing indolent lesions from potentially aggressive malignancies in LCS, highlighting the need for the ongoing refinement of LCS protocols to mitigate this risk. Full article

Chylothorax is a rare condition where the extravasated chyle accumulates into the pleural space. It is most commonly associated with malignancies, infective or inflammatory disorders and iatrogenic causes. Extremely rarely, it could occur spontaneously. We present the case of a healthy 40-year-old woman who presented with acute right shoulder and neck pain associated with shortness of breath and loss of consciousness. This was preceded by a yoga class two weeks prior. Chest imaging showed right pleural effusion, and tapping revealed a milky fluid which was confirmed to be chylothorax. Conservative management failed and the patient was successfully treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic drainage, thoracic duct ligation and mechanical pleurodesis. Chylothorax association with yoga is not reported in the literature. Full article

We report a patient who was referred to the emergency room with pulmonary complaints and where a computed tomography (CT) scan showed an unexpected 12.6 cm nail in the thorax penetrating part of the left pulmonary upper lobe, the left pulmonary artery, the left main bronchus, and the descending aorta, which had been in situ for at least three days. The quickly deteriorating patient had to be transferred to a tertiary academic hospital where the nail was successfully surgically removed. The comprehensive description of this unique case with a discussion of the critical decision moments could render insights into the management of challenging trauma cases. Full article

Background: Prehabilitation is gaining increasing interest and shows promising effects on short- and long-term outcomes among patients undergoing major surgery. The effect of multimodal, interdisciplinary prehabilitation has not yet been studied in patients with severe heart failure scheduled for the implantation of a left-ventricular assist device (LVAD). Methods: This randomized controlled multi-center study evaluates the effect of preoperative combined optimization of nutritional and functional status. Patients in the intervention group are prescribed daily in-bed cycling and oral nutrition supplements (ONS) from study inclusion until the day before LVAD-implantation. Patients in the control group receive standard of care treatment. The primary outcomes for the pilot study that involves 48 patients are safety (occurrence of adverse events), efficacy (group separation regarding the intake of macronutrients), feasibility of the trial protocol (compliance (percentage of received interventions) and confirmation of recruitment rates. Secondary outcomes include longitudinal measurements of muscle mass, muscle strength, physical function and quality of life, next to traditional clinical outcomes (30-day mortality, hospital and ICU length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation and number of complications and infections). If the pilot study is successful, a larger confirmatory, international multicenter study is warranted. Full article

Extended tracheal resection after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is rarely described in patients with tracheal cancer. Controversies still exist among surgeons about the length of tracheal resectability and possible harmful anastomotic complications. Different vascularized tissue flaps can be used to protect the anastomotic suture line. We reported a 67-year-old patient with middle tracheal squamous cell carcinoma treated by induction chemotherapy followed by a successful extended tracheal resection. The anastomosis was covered by a reversed thymic fat pad flap to prevent the erosion of adjacent brachiocephalic vessels. Postoperative concurrent chemoradiation did not threaten the integrity of the suture line. Careful tracheal dissection and accurate release manoeuvres are mandatory to achieve a tension-limited anastomosis. Extended tracheal resection may be safely performed after induction chemotherapy, with excellent long-term outcomes. A thymic fat flap seems to be beneficial to suture-line healing. Full article