Abstract: Objective To compare the effects of nitroglycerine (NTG)， Verapamil(VP), papaverine(PA) and the mixed solution of Verapamil and nitroglycerine (VG) on relaxing function of human radial arteries. Methods The radial arteries of thirty patients were used during the operation of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A short segment (1.0-1.5cm) of radial arteris were taken from the distal end of radial arteries of each patient and were cut into vascular rings, which were mounted in the organ bath chamber and then subject to a series of tests for vascular smooth muscle viability and endothelial integrity. The effects of five storage solutions on the relaxing function were evaluated by “OrganBath” technique. The five solutions included: (1) Ringer’ s solution (control group); (2) VP solution (VP group); (3) NTG solution (NTG group); (4) PA solution (PA group); (5) VG solution (VG group). First, challenged with phenylephrine (10-5mol/L), vasorelaxant effect of these drugs (effect onset and efficacy) was observed at different time point and resting tension was recorded. Second, after 30min preincubation with either verapamil, papaverine, phenoxybenzamine or VG mixture, potassium chloride (final concentration of 60mmol/L) was added in the organ bath chamber and then vasoconstriction was observed subsequently. Finally, after 30min pretreatment of different antispasmodic agent in the same way as described above, the vascular rings were mounted in organ bath chamber and challenged with phenylephrine(10-5mol/L). Vascular spasticity and vosospasm duration were observed at different time point which might provide guidance for optimal timing of clinical application. Results The radial arteries in VG, VP, NTG and PA solutions were relaxed in 11 min after vasospasm and there was no difference between them (Pgt;0.05). But during the initial three minutes，the relaxation effect of VG and NTG was significantly better than other two groups. Relaxation curve showed that the ability of vasodilatation of VG, NTG, VP and PA decreased in order. In the experiment about antivasospasm pretreatment of radial arteries, there was no difference between VG and VP group (Pgt;0.05 ), whose effects were better than NTG and PA group(Plt;0.05 ). After cold storage for 24h, VG and VP still could prevent vasospasm. But NTG and PA hardly had any function and there was no difference compared with the control group (Pgt;0.05 ). Conclusion Although in the final all these drugs could prevent and relieve vasospasm of radial arteries in the different level, it appeared that a combination of verapamil and nitroglycenn is more fit for treating radial artery during CABG operation than other drugs.
ObjectiveTo assess the method and the results of tricuspid annuloplasty performed(TVP) with the Edwards MC3 ring. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 312 patients with functional tricuspid regurgitation(FTR) secondary to left-sided valve disease in our hospital from June 2012 through May 2014. There were 147 males and 165 females at mean age of 55.7±7.3 years. ResultsThere was no death in the patients because of the planting of MC3 ring. The mean follow-up rate was 99.4%(310/312) for 2 patients immigration abroad. The follow-up time was 0-24(14.2±4.7) months. The ultrasoundcardiogram showed that all the ejection fraction(EF) of right ventricle improved compared with preoperation(P<0.05). The pulmonary artery systolic pressure(SPAP), both internal diameter and regurgitation volume of right ventricle were decreased(P<0.05). In the 310 patients, 302 patients(97.4%) were with the TR class 0-Ⅰ, 5 patients(1.6%) with class Ⅱ, 3 patients(1.0%) with class Ⅲ. There was no severe TR or no patient with reoperation. ConclusionThe MC3 ring is easy for planting and has good repeatability, which provides stable and satisfactory results for plasty of the tricuspid annulus with seldom residue or recurrent TR.
ObjectiveTo summarize the surgical experience of aortic regurgitation with lower ejection fraction (EF). MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 34 patients with aortic regurgitation and lower ejection fraction received aortic valve replacement in the General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region between January 2012 and December 2013. There were 27 males and 7 females with age of 21-74 (51.03±12.06) years. All surgical procedures were performed under general anesthesia during cardiopulmonary bypass. ResultsThere was no operative mortality. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was 40-155 (60.92±22.89) minutes, aortic clamping time varied from 24 to 79 (37.12±12.61) minutes. Postoperative ventilator-assisted time was 4 to 67 (16.12±12.74) hours. The patients were discharged 8-15 (11.03±2.04) days after surgery. When discharged, EF value was 30% to 48% (41%±4%) and significantly improved compared with that before operation (P<0.01). Pulmonary artery systolic pressure varied from 33 to 50 (38.35±4.35) mm Hg and decreased significantly than that before operation (P<0.01). Left ventricular end-diastolic volume reduced to 168-380 (269.12±52.01) ml and obviously decreased than that before operation (P<0.01). ConclusionSurgical treatment can be carried out on patients with aortic insufficiency and lower EF. Treatment results are satisfactory.
Objective To compare milrinone （MIN）, Phenoxybenzamine （PHE），and mixture of nitroglycerin and verapamil(NVC) for the prevention and treatment of human radial artery spasm. Methods Residuary radial arteries from 30 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG） using autologous radial artery from March to September of 2012 in General Hospital of Shenyang Military District were collected. All the artery specimens were cut into 60 vessel rings of 3 mm in width and hanged in the Organ-Bath. Using a random number table，all the vessel rings were divided into 4 groups：PHE group，NVC group，MIN group and blank group （control group）. Firstly，20 vessel rings were used for spasm relaxation experiment with 5 rings in each group. Phenylephrine was added into the Organ-Bath to reach final concentration of 10-3 mol/L in order to cause vessel rings spasm. PHE of 1 mmol/L，NVC of both 30 μmol/L，MIN of 30 μmol/L and Krebs-Ringer’s solution were added respectively into above groups to compare the relaxant effect of these vasodilators on radial artery spasm. Secondly，the other 40 vessel rings were used for spasm prevention experiment with 10 rings in each group. All the 40 vessel rings were dipped in above 4 groups. After 30 minutes，phenylephrine was added to the Organ-Bath to reach final concentration of 10-3 mol/L. Time-dependent constriction of the vessel rings were compared to examine the prevention effect of these vasodilators on radial artery spasm. Results In the spasm relaxation experiment, vessel ring spasm relaxed most quickly in NVC group （P＜ 0.01）. Vessel rings in MIN group relaxed more slowly but steadily （P＜ 0.05）. Vessel rings in PHE group relaxed most slowly （P＜0.01）. And there was no relaxation in the control group. In the spasm prevention experiment，vessel rings in the control group contracted （spasm） 100% immediately after phenylephrine administration. Vessel rings in MIN group contracted immediately after phenylephrine administration too，but slower than the control group（P＜0.01）. Vessel rings in NVC group did not contract right after phenylephrine administration，but the sedentary tension of these vessel rings gradually increased 120 minutes after phenylephrine administration，and vessel ring contraction reached 46.89% 240 minutes after phenylephrine administration. There was no vessel ring contraction in PHE group. Conclusions All the vasodilators in our experiment are effective for the prevention and treatment of radial artery spasm to different degree，but each medication has its own characteristics，vasodilatation result and time-dependent effect. NVC is most effective to dilate radial artery which has been in spasm state, while radial artery pretreated by PHE is least to become spasm after being stimulated.
Abstract： Objective To investigate the cause, treatment， and prevention strategy of early left ventricular rupture after mitral valve replacement （MVR）. Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 7 patients who had early left ventricular rupture after MVR， among a total of 2 638 MVR patients， between May 1981 and November 2010 in General Hospital of Shenyang Military District. There were 2 male patients and 5 female patients with their age ranging from 28 to 71 years old. One patient was New York Heart Association （NYHA） functional classⅡand 6 patients were NYHA functional classⅢ. Preoperative echocardiography showed that their left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） was 49%-60% and their left ventricular end diastolic volume （LVEDV） was 29-42 ml. All the patients underwent prothetic valve replacement under moderate hypothermia， general anesthesia and extracorporeal circulation. Results All the 7patients underwent surgical repair for their early left ventricular rupture. There were 2 patients with TypeⅠ， 4 patients with TypeⅡ， and 1 patient with TypeⅢleft ventricular rupture. Four patients died of hemorrhagic shock or low cardiac output syndrome. Three patients were successfully healed and discharged from hospital 7-15 days after the operation. The 3 surviving patients were followed up for 4.5-18.0 years, and they all had good general condition and satisfactory quality of life. No late pseudo-aneurysm was found during follow-up. Conclusions Early left ventricular rupture is difficult to repair with a high mortality. Effective prevention strategy should be applied to avoid it as much as possible. Once left ventricular rupture occurs during the surgery， extracorporeal circulation should be quickly established， and it’s possible to save patients’ life by reliable intracardiac and epicardial repair according to patients’ individual condition.
ObjectiveTo investigate the restoration of left atrial function and its relationship with atrial fibrosis of patients after mitral valve replacement (MVR)and concomitant radiofrequency ablation (RFA)for atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsClinical data of 32 patients with mitral valve disease and chronic AF who underwent surgical treatment in General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command from January to August 2010 were retrospectively analyzed in this cohort study. There were 11 male and 21 female patients with their age of 49.8±8.7 years. There were 14 patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS), 8 patients with rheumatic MS and mitral regurgitation, and 10 patients with mitral valve prolapse. Preoperative AF duration was 3.6±4.6 years. All the patients received MVR and concomitant RFA for AF. According to the cutting off extent of left atrial fibrosis (10.9%), all the 32 patients were divided into 2 groups. There were 19 patients with more severe left atrial fibrosis ( > 10.9%)in group A and 13 patients with milder left atrial fibrosis ( < 10.9%)in group B. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examined left atrial fibrosis, and echocardiography was performed to examined the structure and function of left atrium. ResultsThere was no perioperative death. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was 84.6±22.6 minutes, aortic cross-clamping time was 47.6±15.6 minutes, and ICU stay was 3.2±1.5 days. All the 32 patients were followed up for longer than 6 months (1.3±0.6 years). The extent of left atrial fibrosis of the 32 patients was 4.8%-18.3% (10.7%±4.2%). There was no statistical difference in left atrial diameter (LAD), left atrial fractional area change (LAFAC)or mitral annular motion between group A and group B preoperatively and 3 months after surgery respectively (P > 0.05). At 6 month after surgery, LAD of group B was significantly smaller than that of group A (P < 0.05), late diastolic mitral annular velocity (Am)of group B was significantly higher than that of group A (P < 0.05), and there was also some improvement in LAFAC of group B compared with group A (P=0.067). Among the 32 patients, 28 patients (87.5%)restored sinus rhythm (SR)3 months after surgery, and 21 patients (65.6%)maintained SR longer than 6 months after surgery. Patients in group B were more likely to maintain SR than patients in group A (P=0.010). ConclusionImprovement of left atrial function can be observed 6 month after MVR and concomitant RFA for AF, which is related to the extent of left atrial fibrosis.
Objective To evaluate the effect of left atrial enlargement on atrial myocardial fibrosis degree and levels of the angiotensinⅡ (AngⅡ)/Rac GTPase activating protein 1 (Rac1)/signal transducersand activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways expressing in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Methods From March to December 2011, 30 patients with RHD who underwent prosthetic valve replacement in our hospital were enrolled, including 16 males and 14 females, aged 42-70 (56.9±6.8) years. Twenty RHD patients with persistent atrial fibrillation as a research group and ten RHD patients with sinus rhythm as a control group (group A) underwent transthoracic echocardiography and right atrial appendage (RAA) tissue samples were obtained from these patients during mitral/aortic valve replacement operation. The research group according to left atrial diameter (LAD) was divided into two groups, ten patients in each group: a group B with LAD of 50–65 mm and a group C with LAD of LAD>65 mm. For each sample, histological examination was performed by hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining. Light-microscopic pictures of atrial tissues samples were stained and tissue fibrosis degree in each group was analyzed. AngⅡ concentration was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Rac1 and STAT3 were measured by western blotting. Results LAD was significantly greater in AF patients with RHD than in the control group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining demonstrated highly organized arrangement of atrial muscles in the control group and significant derangement in both group B and group C with reduced cell density and increased cell size. Moreover, Masson’s trichrome staining showed that atrial myocytes were surrounded by large trunks of collagen fibers in both group B and group C, but not in the group A. There was a positive correlation between atrial tissue fibrosis and LAD. AngⅡ content was positively correlated with LAD. Similarly, Rac1 and STAT3 protein levels were found considerably higher in the group C and group B than in the group A with excellent correlation to LAD. Conclusion In patients with RHD complicated with persistent atrial fibrillation, the degree of atrial fibrosis and the expression level of AngⅡ/Rac1/STAT3 signaling pathways significantly increase with the left atrialenlargement.
ObjectiveTo analyze factors affecting the recovery of postoperative left ventricular function in patients with valvular disease combined with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction [HFrEF, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)<40%].MethodsThe clinical data of 98 patients with valvular disease combined with HFrEF who underwent surgeries in our hospital from January 2011 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 75 males and 23 females aged 9-78 (55.3±11.9) years.ResultsA total of 15 patients were dead after the operation, including 4 deaths within 3 months and 11 mid-long-term deaths after the operation. Ninety-one patients were followed up for more than 6 months (10 months to 8.6 years). The postoperative cardiac function (NYHA) of 91 patients was classⅠ-Ⅱ, the LVEF of 18 (19.8%) patients increased more than 10%, that of 47 (51.6%) patients maintained at the preoperative level, and that of 26 (28.6%) patients decreased. Postoperative LVEF was more prone to recover in HFrEF patients with sinus rhythm before operation (P=0.038), valvular disease mainly in aortic valve (P=0.026), obvious reduction of left ventricular end diastolic diameter in early postoperative period (P=0.017), and higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) before operation (P=0.018). The risk factors for postoperative LVEF deterioration included large left atrium before operation (P=0.014), smaller left ventricle end systolic diameter before operation (P=0.003), and fast heart rate after operation (P=0.019). ConclusionMitral valve prolapse patients with obviously increased left ventricular diameter should receive operation as soon as possible. HFrEF patients with aortic valve disease should receive operation positively. The operation efficacy is satisfactory in the HFrEF patients with high SPAP.