Abstract: Purpose: This study was conducted to assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of cardiac surgical patients towards the ongoing Coronavirus Disease  (COVID-19) pandemic, as they are among the high-risk group for morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 2021 to November 2021 at a tertiary care hospital in western Rajasthan. A total of 88 patients were enrolled, and a questionnaire was created with 20 questions to assess KAP towards COVID-19. The KAP of enrolled patients was compared according to age, gender, place of residence, and education status. Results: A total of 88 participants completed the survey questionnaire, of whom 41 were male, and 47 were female. The mean age of the participants was 41.5 years. The mean knowledge score of our study group was 21.49±7.42, the mean attitude score was 4.08±1.84, and the mean practice score was 4.60±0.74. In the subgroup analysis, the difference in the knowledge score was statistically significant (p<0.05) in different age groups, however, the attitude and practice scores were comparable for all the age groups. There was no difference in KAP scores concerning the gender of the participants. KAP scores were significantly higher for the participants residing in urban areas than those from rural places. The KAP scores also showed a statistically significant relationship with the education status of the population (p<0.001). The knowledge score of the participants with graduation and above was 32.50±2.31, whereas the illiterate subgroup scored 13.72±3.15. Similar results were seen in the attitude and practice scores, with the mean values showing a gradual rise with the education status of the study population. Conclusion: This single-center KAP study on COVID-19 among cardiac patients who are considered high risk was able to postulate a comprehensive evaluation. The findings suggest that high-risk patients have decent knowledge scores and an overall optimistic outlook on surviving the pandemic. However, novel and far-reaching awareness programs are required for patients who are less educated and reside in rural areas as they are found to have lower KAP scores. Keywords: KAP, COVID 19, Cardiac surgery, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice

Background: Aortic root aneurysm involves dilatation of sinuses of Valsalva, sinotubular junction and proximal ascending aorta. It is a rare complication after aortic valve replacement surgery. Giant aneurysm is defined as aneurysm of size> 10 cm. Surgical treatment involves Bentall’s procedure. Case Detail: A 40 year old gentleman with severe aortic regurgitation and moderate aortic stenosis underwent aortic valve replacement with a mechanical prosthetic valve of size 25 mm, 13 years ago. At the time of this surgery the ascending aorta was mildly dilated, measured 3.5 cm in size. Patient came with complaints of breathlessness on exertion from past two months, NYHA class III. Echocardiography and CECT revealed giant ascending aortic aneurysm about 12.8 cm in diameter with intimal flap suggestive of dissection. Prosthetic valve function and other cardiac structures were assessed as normal. Elective surgery was planned. CPB established via right axillary artery and right femoral vein. Ascending aortic aneurysm was excised along with prosthetic mechanical valve. Bentall’s procedure was done using 27 mm Dacron composite graft. Patient required permanent pacemaker for complete heart block in post operative period. Thereafter patient was discharged in stable condition. Conclusion: Aortic aneurysm should be tackled surgically in order to decrease the morbidity and mortality. Regular follow up of such patients should be done.