Early and long-term outcomes of re-sternotomy for aortic valve replacement with patent coronary artery grafts

Objective: The aim was to evaluate early and long-term outcomes of re-sternotomy for aortic valve replacement (AVR) with previous patent coronary artery grafts. Methods: Data for re-sternotomy for AVRs (group 1 isolated AVR, group 2 AVR with concomitant procedure) were collected (2000–2019). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality and postoperative composite outcome (in-hospital death, transient ischemic attack/stroke, renal failure requiring new hemofiltration, deep sternal wound infection, re-exploration for bleeding/tamponade and length of stay >30 days). Survival curves were compared using log-rank test Cox proportion hazards model was used for predictors of long-term survival. Results: Total 178 patients were included (groups 1–90 patients, group 2–88 patients). Mean age was 75 ± 4 years and mean log EuroSCORE was 17 ± 12% (15 ± 8% – group 1 vs. 19 ± 14% – group 2, p = 0.06). Mean follow-up was 6.3 ± 4.4 years. Cardiovascular injury occurred in 12%. Left internal mammary artery was most commonly injured. In-hospital mortality was 7.8% (5% – group 1 vs. 10.2% – group 2, p = 0.247). NYHA class III–IV, perioperative intra-aortic balloon pump and cardiovascular injury were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio: 13.33, 95% confidence interval: 2.04–83.33, p = 0.007). Survival was significantly worse with cardiovascular injury at re-sternotomy up to 5 years (46% vs. 67%, p = 0.025) and postoperative complications (p = 0.023). Survival was significantly lower than age-matched first-time AVR and UK population. Conclusions: Long-term survival is significantly impaired by cardiovascular injury and perioperative complications of re-sternotomy.