Aortic cross-clamp time correlates with mortality in the mini-mitral international registry

Torsten Doenst1, Paolo Berretta2, Nikolaos Bonaros3

  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.

Abstract

Insights

Minimally invasive mitral and tricuspid valve surgery is preferred, but longer aortic cross-clamp times are linked to increased mortality and organ dysfunction. Reducing cross-clamp duration is key to improving patient outcomes in these procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Techniques
  • Transcatheter Valve Interventions

Background:

  • Minimally invasive approaches are now standard for mitral and/or tricuspid valve surgery.
  • While outcomes are comparable to sternotomy, minimally invasive procedures often involve longer aortic cross-clamp times.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between aortic cross-clamp duration and patient outcomes in minimally invasive mitral and/or tricuspid valve surgery.
  • To analyze data from the largest international registry for these procedures.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 6878 patients from the mini-mitral international registry (MMIR) between 2015 and 2021.
  • Utilized Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium (MVARC) definitions for data collection.
  • Employed uni- and multivariable regression analyses to assess the impact of aortic cross-clamp times on outcomes.

Main Results:

  • A significant association was found between longer aortic cross-clamp times and increased mortality (1.6%), low cardiac output syndrome (3.5%), and acute kidney injury (6.2%).
  • Other risk factors included older age, low ejection fraction, and emergent surgery.
  • Increased surgical complexity (redo surgery, endocarditis, concomitant procedures) did not show a significant association with adverse outcomes in relation to cross-clamp time.

Conclusions:

  • Aortic cross-clamp time is a critical factor associated with mortality and postoperative cardiac and renal dysfunction.
  • Strategies aimed at reducing aortic cross-clamp duration are essential for enhancing patient outcomes in minimally invasive valve surgery.