Abstract： Objective To improve therapeutic outcomes for severe leftsided atrioventricular valve regurgitation (LAVVR) after repair of atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) through discussing pathological changes of the valve and surgical management for these patients, and summarizing the medical experiences of perioperative managements. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 29 patients including 16 males and 13 females with LAVVR after repair of AVSD treated in Xinhua Hospital, Medical College of Shanghai Jiaotong University between January 1995 and December 2009. The age of these patients ranged from 4 to 62 years, averaging at 26.5. According the classification of New York Heart Association (NYHA), there were 10 patients of class Ⅱ, 17 of class Ⅲ and 2 of class Ⅳ before reoperation. Partial repair of AVSD had been carried out for 18 patients, and complete repair had been performed on 11 patients. At reoperation, valve rerepair was performed on 17 patients and mechanical valve replacement (MVR) was necessary in 12 patients. Results In the early period after operation, one patient died of multiple organ failure, one patient had a permanent pacemaker inserted because of complete atrioventricular block, and 1 patient aged 4 years got recovery after 56 hours of circulatory support for severe cardiac failure after reoperation. A mean follow-up of 8.2 years (6 months to 14 years) was done for 25 patients with 3 missing. During the follow-up for 14 patients undergone heart valve repair, there was no obvious acceleration of the forward blood flow of the leftside atrioventricular valve. Ten patients had mild or less LAVVR, 1 had moderate LAVVR and 3 underwent successful left atrioventricular valve replacement at 10 days, 3 years or 6 years after reoperation because of severe LAVVR. Clinical status, as assessed by the NYHA classification, improved after surgery for LAVVR in 25 patients who were followed up with 17 in NYHA class Ⅰ, 6 in class Ⅱ, and 2 in class Ⅲ. Podoid decreased significantly and cardiothoracic ratio was 0.53-0.67 (0.60±0.11) in chest Xray picture. There was no late death. Conclusion With timely surgical treatment, and appropriate surgical method, LAVVR after complete or partial AVSD repair can be managed with excellent shortterm and longterm outcomes.
Objective To investigate the perioperative change and the predictive value of myoglobin, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in non-coronary cardiac surgery. Methods The clinical data of 77 patients undergoing cardiac surgery for non-coronary lesions in the Shanghai Xinhua Hospital from March 2016 to November 2016 were retrospectively reviewed, including 37 males and 40 females with a median age of 2 years. There were simple congenital heart diseases in 45 patients, complicated congenital heart diseases in 10, and heart valve diseases in 22. The levels of myoglobin, CK-MB and cTnI were collected at the first postoperative day. The ventilation duration and the length of ICU stay were recorded. The recovery condition was accessed by senior surgeons. Results The myoglobin, CK-MB and cTnI concentrations increased at the first postoperative day, and cTnI increased most significantly. The multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that these changes were only related to cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamping time (P<0.001). The high cTnI level was associated with prolonged ventilation duration and length of ICU stay. Fourteen patients (18.2%) did not recovered well, and their cTnI level was significantly higher than that of well-recovered patients (16.8±16.7 ng/mlvs. 5.1±4.4 ng/ml,P<0.001). The cTnI cutoff value of 5.33 ng/ml could predict whether patients had good postoperative recovery (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=0.862,P<0.001), and the predictive value of cTnI was superior to that of myoglobin and CK-MB. Conclusion The increase levels of myoglobin, CK-MB and cTnI post non-coronary cardiac surgery are associated with prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamping time. cTnI on postoperative 24 h may predict good recovery, and it is a useful biomarker.
ObjectiveTo summarize the efficacy of clips and staplers for left atrial appendage in the thoracoscopic treatment of atrial fibrillation. Methods The clinical data of patients with atrial fibrillation treated in Xinhua Hospital from 2015 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received Mei's minimally invasive surgery for atrial fibrillation. Among them, patients were recruited in a clip group by clipping the left atrial appendage. The other patients were recruited in a stapler group to resect the left atrial appendage by stapler. Follow-up was conducted by outpatient clinic and telephone. Postoperative heart rhythm was recorded by the patient's symptoms, electrocardiogram and 24 h holter. Cranial magnetic resonance, cardiac CT and echocardiography were performed at least once during follow-up. Results There were 30 patients in the clip group, including 20 males and 10 females, with an average age of 65.7±7.1 years. There were 30 patients in the stapler group, including 20 males and 10 females with an average age of 66.8±5.4 years. All patients successfully received the procedure, with no conversion to thoracotomy or perioperative death. Sinus rhythm was maintained at discharge in 56 (93.3%) patients. Till June 2020, 59 patients were followed up for 42-66 (54.1±7.3) months and 1 patient in the clip group was lost. The residual length of the left atrial appendage was 3.9±1.8 mm in the clip group and 3.9±2.8 mm in the stapler group, and there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P=0.910). Kaplan-Meier curve indicated that there was no statistical difference in the maintenance of sinus rhythm between the two groups (P=0.757). During the follow-up period, all patients had no cerebrovascular adverse events such as stroke or embolism. Conclusion Clipping and resection of the left atrial appendage in thoracoscopic atrial fibrillation surgery are both safe and effective methods, which effectively prevent stroke. The atrial appendage clip makes the minimally invasive surgical intervention of the left atrial appendage safer and more convenient.
Objective To summarize the efficacy of aortic arch 1 zone clamping technique in the procedure of ascending aortic aneurysm involving the proximal aortic arch. Methods The clinical data of patients with ascending aortic aneurysm involving the proximal aortic arch who underwent surgical treatment with aortic arch 1 zone clamping technique in our hospital from 2017 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. ResultsA total of 35 patients were enrolled, including 21 males and 14 females, with an average age of 63.9±10.8 years. According to different lesions, the proximal aorta underwent Bentall/Carbrol procedure in 8 patients, Wheat in 4 patients, David in 3 patients, and ascending aorta replacement in 20 patients. Distal lesions were completely resected under aortic arch 1 zone clamping technique, and anastomotic reconstruction was performed under hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. Distal anastomosis was performed with interrupted suture in 7 patients, and continuous suture with intermittent reinforcement of the posterior wall in 28 patients. All patients successfully completed the procedure. The average cardiopulmonary bypass time was 121.5±28.2 min, the aortic clamping time was 78.1±21.3 min, and the distal anastomosis time was 15.2±3.6 min. One patient underwent a second thoracotomy for hemostasis, and the remaining patients were drained 330.6±108.1 mL on the first day following the procedure. The postoperative mechanical ventilation time of 2 patients exceeded 24 hours, and the main complications were pulmonary infection in 1 patient and acute renal injury in 2 patients. Transient delirium occurred in 2 patients and no transient or permanent neurological dysfunction occurred. The average follow-up time was 2.6±1.1 years. The maximum diameter of the ascending aorta after operation was 30.4±0.9 mm, the diameter of zone 1 aortic arch was 39.8±3.1 mm, and the diameter of the distal aortic arch was 32.3±4.3 mm. There was no lesion in the artificial blood vessels of all patients, and no aneurysms occurred at the proximal or distal anastomosis. No reoperation or intervention was needed for the aorta. ConclusionThe aortic arch 1 zone clamping technique can simplify the procedure of ascending aortic aneurysm involving the proximal aortic arch, reduce or avoid the use of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, reduce the surgical trauma, and has good short-term and medium-term efficacy.
Objective To analyze the mid-term results of surgical treatment for prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 22 PVE patients operated in our institution from January 2006 to June 2016. There were 14 males and 8 females, aged 31-62 (49.6±11.8) years. PVE occurred following single valve replacements in 20 patients, including aortic valve replacements in 12 and mitral valve replacements in 8. Two patients suffered PVE after multi-valve replacement, which was aortic and mitral valves. Mechanical valves were used in all patients. Early PVE (<1 year after valve implantation) was detected in 10 patients, and late PVE (>1 year after valve implantation) in 12 patients. Blood culture was negative in 6 patients. Fifteen patients underwent emergent or urgent surgery (within one week after definite diagnosis) and 7 elective surgery. Paravalvular abscess was detected in 12 patients and repaired bovine pericardium. Results Three patients (13.6%) died postoperatively in hospital, among whom two died of multiple systemic organ failure, and the other died of cerebral hemorrhage. Main postoperative complications included low cardiac output syndrome in 5 patients (22.7%), renal dysfunction in 6 (27.3%), respiratory failure in 5 (22.7%) and pulmonary infection in 4 (18.2%). During the follow-up of 6-120 (53.6±20.8) months, 2 deaths were observed in the middle term, including one sudden death and the other of cerebral infarction. No recurrent infection or valve-related surgery was observed during the follow-up. The survival rate was 86.4% in 1 year and 70.4% in 5 years. Conclusion PVE is a very severe disease with high mortality. Early surgical treatment and complete removal of infectious tissues have preferable early- and mid-term results.
Objective To explore the technique of performing minimally invasive Cox Maze Ⅳ procedure by bipolar clamp through right lateral minithoracotomy for atrial septal defect (ASD) combined with atrial fibrillation (AF) in adults. Methods Thirty-five patients (21 males, 14 females with age ranging from 45 to 73 years) with ASD and persistent or long-standing persistent AF received minimally invasive Cox Maze Ⅳ procedure and ASD closure from August 2012 to April 2016 at Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xinhua Hospital. Diameter of left atrium ranged from 39 to 60 mm and left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) ranged from 48% to 62%. Diameter of ASD ranged from 20 to 35 mm. Cox-maze Ⅳ procedure was performed through right minithoracotomy entirely by bipolar radiofrequency clamp. Then, mitral or tricuspid valvuloplasty and surgical ASD closure was performed through right minithoracotomy. Results All patients successfully underwent this minimally invasive surgery. No patient needed conversion to sternotomy. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 120.1±14.1 min. The mean aortic cross-clamp time was 79.5±12.2 min. There was no early death or pacemaker implantation perioperatively. The average length of hospital stay was 10.1±2.7 d. At a mean follow-up of 22.8±12.2 months, sinus rhythm was restored in 32 patients (32/35, 91.4%). Cumulative maintenance of normal sinus rhythm without AF recurrence at 2 years postoperatively was 89.1%±6.0%. Conclusion The minimally invasive Cox Maze Ⅳprocedure performed by bipolar clamp through right minithoracotomy is safe, feasible, and effective for adult patients with ASD combined with AF.
ObjectiveTo investigate the results of emergent aortic arch replacement using moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest and unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (MHCA+UACP).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 146 patients who underwent emergent aortic arch replacement using MHCA+UACP in our institution from January 2008 to June 2018. There were 111 males and 35 females aged 60.3±7.2 years. According to different surgical approaches, patients were divided into two groups: a total arch replacement (TAR) group (n=104) and a semi arch replacement (SAR) group (n=42). Right axillary artery was cannulated for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and cerebral perfusion. Core temperature at the onset of MHCA was 23.4±1.4 ℃. UACP was initiated at 18-22 ℃ with the flow of 5-10 ml/(kg·min). Flow was adjusted to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure of 50–60 mm Hg.ResultsCPB time was 235.0±42.0 min. Aortic clamp time was 154.0±29.0 min. Circulatory arrest (CA) time was 48.1±13.0 min. The CPB time and CA time of the TAR group were longer than those of SAR group. Overall mortality rate was 9.6%. Complications included permanent neurological dysfunction (PND), temporary neurological dysfunction (TND), acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring dialysis and delayed extubation (mechanical ventilation time >72 hours). Overall incidence of PND and TND was 2.7% and 6.8%, respectively. The incidence of AKI requiring dialysis was 4.1%. The incidence of delayed extubation was 21.9%. No difference of mortality rate or incidence of complications was found between the two groups. The average follow-up was 63.0±33.1 months. The 5-year survival rate was 72.6% in the TAR group and 85.5% in the SAR group.ConclusionEmergent aortic arch replacement using MHCA+UACP can be accomplished with excellent results.
ObjectiveTo summarize the application and clinical effect of left anterior minimally invasive thoracotomy to surgical repair of subarterial ventricular septal defect (VSD) in children.MethodsFrom October 2015 to April 2019, 21 children with subarterial VSD underwent surgical repair via left anterior minimally invasive thoracotomy. There were 13 males and 8 females, aged 5-13 (9.1±2.2) years, and weighing 22-55 (35.6±9.5) kg. The diameter of subarterial VSD was 4-15 (9.1±3.3) mm. Eight patients had right coronary valve prolapse, and 4 aortic valve regurgitation (3 mild and 1 mild-to-moderate). The minimally invasive surgery was performed via left parasternal thoracotomy through the second or third intercostal space. The peripheral perfusion was performed with femoral arterial and venous cannulation. After aortic cross-clamp (ACC), subarterial VSD was performed with direct suture of patch closure through an incision on the root of pulmonary artery.ResultsAll patients successfully underwent surgical repair (patch closure, n=15; direct suture, n=6) of subarterial VSD through left anterior minimally invasive thoracotomy. The cardiopulmonary bypass time was 45-68 (57.1±6.3) min. The ACC time was 23-40 (32.6±4.7) min. The postoperative ventilation time was 5-9 (6.3±1.3) h, postoperative in-hospital time was 5-8 (5.7±1.0) d and drainage volume was 33-105 (57.5±17.7) mL in postoperative 24 h. No death, residual VSD shunt, atrioventricular block, wound infection or thoracic deformity occurred during the perioperation or follow-up. Only one patient still had trivial aortic valve regurgitation.ConclusionLeft anterior minimally invasive thoracotomy could be safely and effectively applied to surgical repair of subarterial VSD in children, with satisfactory early- and mid-term outcomes.
ObjectiveTo investigate the technique and efficacy of left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) in elderly patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsFrom 2013 to 2018, 84 elderly patients with CAD and AF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF< 50%) underwent OPCABG in our department. There were 54 males and 30 females at age of 70-82 years. They were divided into a left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion group (n=56) and a non-LAA occlusion group (n=28). Postoperative antithrombotic therapy: the LAA occlusion group was given warfarin + aspirin + clopidogrel “triple antithrombotic therapy” for 3 months after operation, then was changed to aspirin + clopidogrel “dual antiplatelet” for long-term antithrombotic; the non-LAA occlusion group was given warfarin + aspirin + clopidogrel “triple antithrombotic” for long-term antithrombotic after operation. The clinical effectiveness of the two groups was compared.ResultsAll patients underwent the surgery successfully. There were 56 patients in the LAA occlusion group, including 44 patients of LAA exclusion and 12 patients of LAA clip. The time of LAA occlusion was 3 to 8 minutes. There was no injury of graft vessels and anastomotic stoma. Early postoperative death occurred in 2 patients (2.4%). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in postoperative hospital stay (P=0.115). Postoperative LVEF of the two groups significantly improved compared with that before operation (P<0.05). There was no stroke or bleeding in important organs during hospitalization. During follow-up of 1 year, no cerebral infarction occurred in both groups, but the incidence of bleeding related complications in the LAA occlusion group was significantly lower than that in the non-LAA occlusion group (3.6% vs. 18.5%, P=0.036).ConclusionFor elderly patients with CAD and AF with reduced LVEF, LAA occlusion during OPCABG can effectively reduce the risk of stroke and bleeding related complications, and without increasing the risk of surgery.