Objective To investigate the influence of T helpers 17 (Th17) cells, regulatory T (Treg) cells and their related cytokines on postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Methods A total of 132 consecutive patients undergoing CABG between May 2013 and July 2016 were recruited. There were 82 males and 50 females with the age ranging from 39-76 years. Venous blood samples were collected within 2 hours after surgery. The expression of Th17 cells, Treg cells and their related cytokines in the peripheral blood was determined. Results POAF occurred in 35 patients (a POAF group) and 97 patients did not develop POAF (a No POAF group). Compared to the No POAF group, the proportion of Th17 cells and Th17/Treg ratio in the peripheral blood significantly increased in the POAF group (P>0.05) while proportion of Treg cells remained no significant change (P>0.05). The expression of Th17-related cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and IL-17) all obviously increased in the POAF group (P>0.05). However, no significant difference was found in the expression of Treg-related cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β) between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Th17/Treg is unbanlanced in POAF patients and regulation of this imbalance may decrease the occurrence of POAF.
ObjectiveTo compare clinical outcomes between biatrial ablation and right atrial ablation in the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF)for adult patients with atrial septal defect (ASD). MethodsClinical data of 47 patients with ASD and AF who underwent surgical ASD repair and radiofrequency ablation from January 2007 to December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 20 male and 27 female patients with their age of 35-76 years. AF duration ranged from 3 months to 15 years. There were 18 patients with persistent AF and 29 patients with long-standing persistent AF. There were 10 patients with mild-to-moderate or more severe mitral regurgitation (MR), and 28 patients with mild-to-moderate or more severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). According to different surgical strategies, all the 47 patients were divided into 2 groups. In right atrial ablation group, there were 19 patients who received ASD repair and right atrial ablation. In biatrial ablation group, there were 28 patients who received ASD repair and biatrial ablation. For patients with mild-to-moderate or more severe MR or TR, concomitant mitral or tricuspid valvuloplasty was performed. All the patients received 24-hour Holter monitoring at 3, 6 and 12 months after discharge, and were intermittently followed up thereafter. ResultsCardio-pulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamping time and postoperative hospital stay of biatrial ablation group were significantly longer than those of right atrial ablation group. But there was no statistical difference in postoperative morbidity or recovery between the 2 groups. After heart rebeating, there were 25 patients (89.3%)with sinus rhythm (SR)and 3 patients with junc-tional rhythm (JR), and none of the patients had AF in biatrial ablation group. There were 14 patients (73.7%)with SR, 2 patients with JR and 3 patients with AF in right atrial ablation group. At discharge, 28 patients (100%)in biatrial ablation group had SR, and in right atrial ablation group there were 15 patients (78.9%)with SR and 4 patients with AF relapse (P=0.045). All the patients were followed up for 3-75 months, and there was no death or residual ASD shunt during follow-up. Two patients had mild-to-moderate or more severe MR, and 4 patients had mild-to-moderate or more severe TR. Cumulative SR maintenance rate of biatrial ablation group (87.7%±6.7%)was significantly higher than that of right atrial ablation group (47.4%±11.5%, P=0.003)at 2 years after discharge. ConclusionFor adult patients with ASD and AF, biatrial ablation can produce better clinical outcomes than right atrial ablation without increasing surgical risks.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of Mei mini maze procedure for atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsWe analyzed the clinical data of 207 patients with 111 males, 96 females at 58.9±14.8 years in our hospital between October 2010 and February 2014. Among them, 98 patients were with paroxysmal AF and 109 patients were with persistent AF. The procedure was performed through three ports on left chest wall. Radiofrequency ablation procedures of AF included pulmonary veins isolation and ablations of the roof and posterior wall of left atrium, which were achieved by bipolar radiofrequency ablation. Ganglionic plexus ablation was made by the ablation pen. Left atrial appendage was excluded. ResultsTime of the procedures was 112.4±32.5 minutes. No conversion to sternotomy or pacemaker implantation occurred and no patients died. The hospital stay was 7.2±3.1days. The mean follow-up time was 24.2±8.9 months. A total of 187 (90.3%) patients were in sinus rhythm. And 20 patients could not maintain sinus rhythm. Stroke, thrombus in the left atrium and stenosis of pulmonary vein were not found after their procedures. ConclusionMei mini maze procedure is safe and presents optimistic outcomes for the atrial fibrillation.
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of modified tricuspid valvuloplasty using anterior leaflet in patients with partial antrioventricular septal defect and tricuspid septal leaflet dysplasia. MethodsNinety-five patients with partial antrioventricular septal defect and tricuspid septal leaflet dysplasia underwent surgical treatment in our hospital from June 2002 to March 2014. There were 39 males and 56 females with an average age of 3.2±6.6 years (range 3 months to 46 years). Preoperative echocardiography prompted all patients had varying degrees of tricuspid valve dysplasia and tricuspid regurgitation (mild in 14 cases, moderate in 49 cases, and severe in 32 cases). According to the different development of anterior and septal leaflet, we used different techniques to repair the tricuspid problems. If the residual septal leaflet was larger than one third of the normal septal leaflet, we continuously stitched the half of the septal side of anterior leaflet to the two third of the left side of residual septal leaflet. If the residual septal leaflet was less than one third of the normal septal leaflet, we reserved part of pericardial patch at right side of septal crest at repairing the atrial septal defect, and continuously stitched the left two third of the patch edge to the half of septal side of anterior leaflet. All patients received transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to evaluate the intraoperative effect of valvuloplasty. The patients were followed up with echocardiography after 3 to 6 months to evaluate the condition of tricuspid. ResultsThere was no perioperative death or Ⅲ degree atrioventricular block. Intraoperative TEE showed that the effect of tricuspid valvuloplasty was good with 3 cases of mild regurgitation and 2 cases of moderate regurgitation. Other 90 cases had no significant regurgitation. The aortic cross-clamping time was 35.2±11.2 min and cardiopulmonary bypass time was 64.9±16.6 min. In the followed-up between 3 to 6 months, tricuspid regurgitation situation improved significantly than that in preoperative period with mild regurgitation or no reflux in 89 cases and moderate regurgitation in 6 cases. There was no severe regurgitation occurred. ConclusionThe therapeutic effect is satisfactory by using anterior leaflet to repair the regurgitation of tricuspid in patients with partial antrioventricular septal defect and tricuspid septal leaflet dysplasia.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of the epicardial circumferential left atrial ablation (CLAA) with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in curing atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsThirty experimental pigs, weight from 60-78 kg, were divided into 3 groups with the method of random sampling:a group of AF (AF group, n=10), a group of PVI (PVI group, n=10), and a group of CLAA and PVI (CLAA+PVI group, n=10). AF mode was induced by rapid atrial pacing. After AF was induced, no ablation was performed for pigs in the AF group, PVI was performed for pigs in the PVI group with bipolar radiofrequency ablation clamp, and the CLAA+PVI group underwent CLAA after accepted PVI with bipolar radiofrequency ablation clamp. After ablation, we applied electrovert on AF pigs to recover to sinus rhythm, then we tested the vulnerability and lasting time of AF in all 3 groups. ResultsAll pigs developed a stable and sustained AF by rapid left atrial pacing. The pigs of the PVI group and the CLAA+PVI group successfully underwent ablation with the beating heart. Isolated PVI terminated AF in 3 of 20 pigs, and CLAA with PVI terminated AF in 5 of 8 pigs (15% vs. 62.5%, P=0.022). After all pigs recovered to the sinus rhythm, compared with the AF group (10/10), the incidence of sustained AF by burst pacing was statistically decreased in the PVI group (3/10, P=0.003) and the CLAA+PVI group (0/10, P<0.001). There was no statistical difference between the PVI group and the CLAA+PVI group (P=0.211). There was a statistical decreasing of AF duration in the PVI group (P=0.003) and the CLAA+PVI group (P<0.001) compared with the AF group and there was a statistical decreasing of AF duration in the CLAA+PVI group compared to that of the PVI group (P=0.008). ConclusionCompared with isolated PVI, CLAA+PVI may effectually stop the lasting of AF, restrain the recurrance of AF, and improve the treatment effect of AF.
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical effects of staged repair for severe tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and to investigate a better individual treatment of TOF. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 110 children with TOF in our hospital from January 2009 through December 2014. The patients were divided into a severe TOF group (Group A, n=23) and a mild TOF group (Group B, n=87). In the group A, all 23 patients underwent staged surgery (modified Blalock-Taussig and radical operation of TOF). In the Group B, all 87 patients only received a radical operation of TOF. The patients' preoperative and postoperative arterial oxygen saturation, McGoon ratio, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), the results of perioperation and follow-up were compared. ResultsIn the group A, there was no death after modified Blalock-Taussig (MBT). The median interval time between MBTs and radical operation was 9 months (ranged from 6.3 to 25.3 months). Compared with that before MBTs, the McGoon ratio and LVEDVI were significantly increased at the time of radical operation. And the pulmonary artery development and left ventricle volume reached the standard of radical operation of TOF (P < 0.01). After the radical operation, one patient died for pneumonia in the early postoperation period. In the group B, three patients died for low cardiac output syndrome during perioperation. There was no significant difference between the group A and the group B in in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, ventilation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp time, rate of using trans-annular repair path, or drainage of pleural fluid. ConclusionStaged repair of severe TOF is safe and effective for children, who are not suitable for one-stage radical operation. Severe TOF received staged repair can achieve the similar outcomes with that of mild TOF underwent one-stage radical operation.
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of biatrial Cox Maze Ⅳ cryoablation for concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) during minimally invasive valve surgery. Methods A total of 47 patients (26 males, 21 females, age of 42-69 years) with mitral valve disease and long-standing persistent AF received minimally invasive biatrial Cox Maze Ⅳ cryoablation procedure combined with mitral valve surgery through right minithoracotomy from January 2014 to September 2015. The etiology of mitral valve disease was rheumatic (n=31) and degenerative (n=16). AF duration ranged from 2 to 11 years. Diameter of the left atrium ranged from 43 to 60 mm. Concomitant biatrial Cox Maze Ⅳ cryoablation procedure was performed through right lateral minithoracotomy. Results All 47 patients successfully underwent this minimally invasive concomitant biatrial Cox Maze Ⅳ cryoablation procedure and valve surgery. No patient needed conversion to sternotomy during the surgery. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp time and cryoablation time was 95-146 (120.3±12.3) min, 82-115 (93.3±7.7) min and 32-48 (38.6±4.5) min, respectively. There was no death perioperatively. The average postoperative length of hospital stay was 5-16 (7.9±1.9) d. At discharge, 44 patients (44/47, 93.6%) maintained sinus rhythm. At a mean follow-up of 6-26 (14.4±5.4) months, sinus rhythm was maintained in 41 patients (41/47, 87.2%). Cumulative maintenance rate of normal sinus rhythm without AF recurrence at one year postoperatively was 86.3%±5.8%. Conclusion Biatrial Cox Maze Ⅳ cryoablation procedure is safe, feasible and effective for AF during concomitant minimally invasive valve surgery.
ObjectiveTo study the clinical results of Mini Maze procedure in atrial fibrillation patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function.MethodsFrom June 2010 to December 2017, 86 atrial fibrillation patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function received Mini Maze procedure including 54 males and 32 females, with an average age of 60.7±5.9 years. Among them, 12 were with paroxysmal, 27 were with persistent and 47 were with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. The mean atrial fibrillation duration was 6.5±4.8 years. CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2.2±1.1. The mean diameter of left atrium was 46.9±3.8 mm. The mean diameter of left ventricle was 51.7±4.6 mm. The preoperative ejection fraction was 42.2%±4.7%. All patients received Mini Maze procedure after general anesthesia. The ablation included 3 annular ablations and 3 linear ablations. The left atrial appendage was excised by Endo-Gia. Ablation of Marshall ligament and epicardial autonomic ganglions were made by an ablation pen.ResultsEighty-six patients successfully completed the procedure without transition to thoracotomy. There was no death during the perioperative period. Seventy-seven patients (89.5%) maintained sinus rhythm at discharge. Eighty patients were followed up for 27.2±12.1 months and 72 patients maintained sinus rhythm. The overall postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction was 47.1%±6.2%. The ejection fraction of the postoperative sinus rhythm group was 48.2%±5.8%, and the ejection fraction of the non-sinus group was 41.6%±5.8% (P<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed a left atrial diameter (HR=1.485, 95%CI 1.157-1.906, P<0.05) and an increase in ejection fraction over 10% (HR=18.800, 95%CI 1.674-189.289, P<0.05) were closely related to postoperative recurrence. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that the recurrence rate of atrial fibrillation was significantly lower in patients with an increase in postoperative ejection fraction over 10% (P<0.05).ConclusionMini Maze procedure is safe and effective in the treatment of atrial fibrillation patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, which helps to improve left ventricular function to prevent the vicious circle of atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of unilateral antegrade selective cerebral perfusion (UASCP) compared to bilateral antegrade selective cerebral perfusion (BASCP) in aortic surgery.MethodsPubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang Database were searched from establishment of each database to January 2019 to identify clinical studies on prognosis of UASCP versus BASCP in aortic surgery patients. The quality of randomized controlled trials was assessed by Cochrane risk assessement tool. The quality of non-randomized controlled trials was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale ( NOS). Meta-analyses were presented in terms of odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) by using RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsSixteen eligible studies including 3 randomized controlled trials, 2 propensity matching score studies, and 11 retrospective case control studies including4 490 patients were identified. The 3 randomized controlled trials were with high bias risk. The NOS score of the other 13 studies was more than 6 stars. Pooled analysis showed no significant difference between the UASCP and BASCP groups in terms of permanent neurological dysfunction (PND) (OR=0.93, 95%CI 0.74 to 1.18, P=0.57), temporary neurological dysfunction (TND) (OR=1.26, 95%CI 0.94 to 1.69, P=0.12), acute kidney injury rate (OR=1.11, 95%CI 0.79 to 1.55, P=0.55), 30-day mortality (OR=0.94, 95%CI 0.67 to 1.32, P=0.72), length of ICU stay (OR=–0.64, 95%CI –1.66 to 0.37, P=0.22) and hospital stay (OR=–0.35, 95%CI –2.38 to 1.68, P=0.74).ConclusionThis meta-analysis shows that UASCP and BASCP administration do not result in different mortality and neurologic morbidity rates. However, more studies with good methodologic quality and large sample are still needed to make further assessment.