While the Fontan operation has improved the survival of a generation of children born with a functional single ventricle, it does not recreate a normal circulation. However, significant challenges remain. Early stage mortality risk seems stubbornly high. The risk of late cowplications seriously affect the longterm survival of children. As new techniques and therapies exist, more single ventricle patients survive till adulthood. Therefore, the limits of Fontan procedures is more and more evident. In recent years, the study of mechanical cavopulmonary assisting device, which addresses the limitations of Fontan circulation, has been developed and provided a more stable and effective biventricular of blood flow in the total cavopulmonary connection in existence. This would benefit not only the treatment of late Fontan complications, but also facilitating early surgical repair, which is promising.
Significant atrioventricular valve (AVV) insufficiency has been associated with increased mortality and morbidity in patients with single ventricle. Although techniques such as annuloplasty, chordal elongation, and the use of pericardial patches can improve AVV function in many patients, a number of patients continue to have significant AVV insufficiency and may require AVV replacement. The present review made a comprehensive literature review concerning the outcome, optimal timing, key points of technique skills and prognosis evaluation.
ObjectiveTo explore a standardized model for cardiothoracic surgery resident training program based on a combined clinical and research oriented team approach. Methods We conducted this study in a nationally ranked Class AAA hospital among the eleven residents who were accepted into the program. Throughout their training periods, clinical surgical skills were taught by one-on-one mentoring by individually assigned doctoral degree advisors, other attending surgeons and doctoral degree candidates in the program. To foster their scientific curiosity and research skills, regular didactic lectures in basic science and statistical skills by the doctoral thesis advisors, supplemented by monthly journal clubs during which trainees were required to present and discuss a previously assigned topics based on recent clinical cases within the department, thus combining acquisition of clinical skills and theory/research at the same setting. ResultsEleven physicians were selected for this training path. With respect to clinical surgical skills, 4 residents were judged to be sufficient at the end of the first cycle. The other seven residents at the end of the second cycle. One trainee won the third prize in the Medical Skill Competition in the hospital. As for scientific research skills, the team produced 11 scientific articles, one of which was accepted by the annual national conference in cardiothoracic surgery and the first author was invited to present the article. The team submitted four research projects, one won funding at the provincial competition and three within the medical school. ConclusionOur proposed standardized model of cardiothoracic surgery resident training based on a combined clinical and research oriented approach appears to be practical with moderate success. Adaptation of this model by other cardiothoracic surgery training programs in the nation will further attest to its value and functionality.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and management of postoperative chylothorax after congenital cardiac surgery in infants and children. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 79 postoperative patients with chylothorax after congenital cardiac surgery in Guangdong General Hospital between January 2006 and December 2013.There were 54 males and 25 females at age ranged 8 days to 14 years. ResultsThe prevalence of postoperative chylothorax was 0.6% (79/12 067). A total of 75 (94.9%) patients were cured. And 71 patients (89.9%) were cured by conservative treatment. While 4(5.1%) patients received operative treatment, including 3 patients undergoing ligation of thoracic duct, 1 patient undergoing lymphatic ablation. There were 4 (5.1%) patients failed to treat, including 1(1.3%) abandoned, 3 (mortality of 3.8%) deaths in hospital for low cardiac output syndrome, cardiac arrest and severe anastomotic stenosis after transposition of conducting arteries(TGA), tetralogy of Fallot(TOF) and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection(TAPVC) operation respectively. Hospitalization time ranged 10 to 108 (39.3±19.4) d. There was no recurrence of chylothorax within 6 months to 8 years of following-up. ConclusionThe key to prevention of chylothorax is to improve the surgical technology. Conservative management of chylothorax will be successful in most cases, but surgical treatment ought to be considered if the conservative management is unsuccessful.
ObjectiveIn order to correct left pulmonary artery (LPA) stenosis in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), a technique for LPA reconstruction by widening pulmonary arterial posterior wall was devised. To evaluate its surgical technique as well as postoperative outcome. MethodsFrom January 2008 through August 2014 year, 1 142 consecutive patients underwent repair of TOF including 44 patients with TOF and LPA stenosis in our hospital. We used widening pulmonary arterial posterior wall for LPA reconstruction in 21 patients. The median age was 22.8 months (range, 1 month to 11 years), and the median weight was 9.1 kg (range, 3.8-29 kg). ResultsThere was one operative death. No death occurred during the follow-up period in the other 20 patients. There were 4 patients with complicate unbalanced pulmonary perfusion postoperatively. Echocardiography at 3-72 months follow-up demonstrated no obvious stenosis was found at LPA in 14 patients, and mild stenosis (32.8±12.7 mm Hg) in 6 patients. Only 1 patient required further interventions because of restenosis of LPA. ConclusionsLPA reconstruction by widening pulmonary arterial posterior wall is an effective method in the management of stenosis of LPA in the patients with TOF. We emphasize division of the arterial duct or ligamentum completely because it will tether and kink the LPA. This procedure retains the better growth potential by increasing autogenous tissue of native tissue.
ObjectiveTo investigate long-term outcomes of patients without warfarin anticoagulation after isolated prosthetic aortic valve replacement (AVR) and evaluate the feasibility of short-term instead of lifelong anticoagulation therapy for low-risk AVR patients. MethodsSeven patients who underwent prosthetic AVR in Guangdong General Hospital between 1996 and 1999 but discontinued warfarin anticoagulation 3 years after surgery were regularly followed up. There were 6 male and 1 female patients with their age of 25-75 (40.0±11.4) years. These patients received warfarin anticoagulation during the first 3 years after surgery but discontinued oral anticoagulant 3 years after surgery (discontinued anticoagulation group). Fifteen patients who underwent prosthetic AVR during the same period and continued warfarin anticoagulation were enrolled as the control group (continuing anticoagulation group). International normalized ratio (INR) was set between 1.8 and 2.5 during warfarin anticoagulation period in both groups. Survival rate and the incidence of severe adverse events were compared between the 2 groups. ResultsIn the discontinued anticoagulation group,1 patient was lost during follow-up. No thromboembolic event,death or prosthetic valve thrombosis was observed. All the patients were in NYHA class Ⅰ. In the continuing anticoagulation group,3 patients were lost during follow-up. Eleven patients were in NYHA class Ⅰ and 2 patients were in NYHA class Ⅱ. Severe anticoagulation-related bleeding events occurred in 3 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. One patient died of massive outbreak of vomiting blood,and another patient had sudden death. Ten-year survival rate was 100.0% and 86.7% in the discontinued anticoagulation group and continuing anticoagulation group, respectively. ConclusionFor low-risk patients after isolated prosthetic AVR,short-term warfarin anticoagulation may be acceptable, which means warfarin is administered only in the first 3 years after surgery and discontinued 3 years after surgery.
ObjectiveTo investigate pulmonary artery growth, valvular regurgitation and right heart function after right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) anastomosis for right ventricle outflow (RVOT) reconstruction in patients with different types of pulmonary atresia and ventricle septal defect (PA/VSD). MethodsClinical data of 31 PA/VSD patients who underwent right ventricle-pulmonary anastomosis for RVOT reconstruction from November 2002 to September 2012 in Guangdong General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 20 male and 11 female patients with their age ranging from 14 days to 14.50 years (47.90±53.84 months). Patients were followed up after discharge to evaluate the anastomasis, pulmonary artery growth, pulmonary artery and tricuspid regurgitation and their relationship with follow-up duration. Right ventricular strain and other echocardiography indexes were used to evaluate right heart function. ResultsThree patients died postoperatively. Twenty-seven patients (27/31, 87.1%)were followed up for 4-129 (35.97±28.24)months. There was no late death during follow-up. There was no anastomotic restenosis in patients who received radical surgery. Four patients who received palliative surgery had comparative anastomotic restenosis. The diameters of RV-PA anastomasis, left and right branches of the pulmonary artery during follow-up were significantly larger than early postoperative diameters (P < 0.05). Echocardiography showed that pulmonary artery and tricuspid regurgitation were aggravated, which was not correlated to follow-up duration. Overall right heart function was good during follow-up. ConclusionsClinical outcomes of RV-PA anastomosis for RVOT reconstruction in patients with PA/VSD are satisfactory. RV-PA anastomasis, left and right branches of the pulmonary artery can keep their growth and development. Mid-term and long-term right heart function is good.
ObjectiveTo analyze clinical outcomes of sutureless technique for patients undergoing surgical correction of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). MethodsBetween July 2007 and December 2013, 132 consecutive TAPVC patients underwent surgical correction in Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute. Those patients with such associated congenital cardiac anomalies as single ventricle and right atrial isomerism were excluded from this study. All the patients underwent biventricular repair. Preoperatively, all the patients received echocardiography, and most patients received CT scan to know the development of pulmonary veins. Preoperative diagnosis was confirmed by intraoperative exploration. According to different surgical techniques, all the patients were divided to a conventional technique group and a sutureless technique group. In the conventional technique group, there were 69 patients including 54 males (78.3%)and 15 females (21.7%)with their median age of 60 (30, 225)days and median body weight of 4.85 (3.50, 6.35)kg. In the sutureless technique group, there were 63 patients including 48 males (76.20%)and 15 females (23.8%)with their median age of 90 (30, 210)days and median body weight of 4.58 (3.72, 6.20)kg. Follow-up was performed till January 1, 2014. ResultsIn-hospital mortality (4.8% vs. 7.2%, χ2=1.414, P=0.720)and postoperative overall mortality (4.8% vs. 13.0%, χ2=2.733, P=0.098)of the sutureless technique group were both lower than those of the conventional technique group, although there was no statistical difference. Postoperative incidence of pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO)of the sutureless technique group was significantly lower than that of the conventional technique group (1.6% vs. 10.1%, χ2=4.236, P=0.040). Cox proportional-hazards regression showed that conventional technique and preoperative PVO were significant risk factors for postoperative PVO (P=0.023, P=0.016). Conventional technique was not significantly correlated with postoperative mortality (P=0.060). ConclusionSutureless technique can significantly lower postoperative incidence of PVO for patients with supracardiac TAPVC.
ObjectiveTo study the effectiveness of simplified blood management in cardiovascular surgery, minimize the need for blood transfusions and decrease the medical care costs. MethodsFrom March 2010 to May 2013, the simplified blood management was applied in 655 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery in the department of cardiac surgery, Guangdong General Hospital. There were 316 males and 339 females with their age of 13-78 (45.0±13.8) years. The techniques of simplified blood management consisted of preoperative strategies, intraoperative strategies, and postoperative strategies. ResultsThere were 437 patients (66.7%) avoiding red cell transfusion in cardiac surgery. Of the 437 patients, 403 (61.5%) without any blood products transfusion, 29 had transfusion of plasma transfusion, 3 of plasma and cryoprecipitation, one of plasma and platelet, and one of platelet only. Two patients died within 30 days postoperative with 0.5% mortality rate:one died of multiple organ failure, one died of cardiac arrest. The procedures and special etiologies of 437 patients avoiding red cell transfusion included mitral valve replacement in 86 patients, double valve (aortic and mitral) replacement in 75 patients, aortic valve replacement in 51 patients, mitral valve replacement plus modified Maze procedure in 41 patients, atrial septal defect repair in 41 patients, mitral valve repair in 38 patients, double valve replacement plus modified Maze procedure in 25 patients, re-do operation in 23 patients, ventricular septal defect repair in 18 patients, coronary artery bypass grafting plus valve replacement in 10 patients, myxoma excision in 8 patients, subacute bacterial endocarditis in 8 patients, pericardium dissection in 5 patients, off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in 4 patients, Bentall procedure in 4 patients. Of 65 patients with cardiac surgery history, 23 (35.4%) were free from red cell transfusion in the second operation. ConclusionSimplified blood management is of benefit to reduce the blood transfusion safely and effectively, no using additional expensive medication and medical devices and therefore without increasing hospital costs. The technique is suitable to any institute and patient. It is worthwhile to be used widely in clinical practice. Cell salvage system is not necessary.
ObjectiveTo compare the outcomes of mechanical prosthetic versus bioprosthetic replacement of tricuspid valve. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 344 patients underwent tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) in Guangdong General Hospital between January 2000 and December 2010. There were 227 female and 117 male patients with their age of 8-74 (42.0±13.3) years. We allocated the patients into two groups: 168 patients (48.8%) at age of 37.0±11.6 years underwent mechanical tricuspid valve replacement (the MTVR group) and 176 (51.2%) patients at age of 46.0±13.4 years underwent biological tricuspid valve replacement (the BTVR group). Follow-up data were obtained via patients' visiting the outpatient clinic, telephone or mail contacts. ResultsThe mean follow-up time was 5.7 years (ranged from 2 months to 12.6 years). In the BTVR group, 149 patients survived to discharge from hospital, and 144 patients were followed-up successfully, giving a 96.6% follow-up rate. Early mortality (within 30 days post-operation) occurred in 29 patients (16.5%), and 14 patients (7.9%) died after 30 days post-operation. Eighteen bioprosthetic valve degeneration was found during follow-up, and infective endocarditis in 3 patients. In the MTVR group, 152 patients survived to discharge from hospital, 142 patients (93.4%) were followed-up. Early mortality in 13 patients (7.7%), and 14 patients (8.3%) died after 30 days post-operation. Nineteen patients suffered from mechanical prosthesis obstruction, no infective endocarditis patients was found in the MTVR group. There was no statistical difference between the BTVR group and the MTVR group in mortality rate (24.4% versus 16.1%, P=0.054) and in reoperation rate (4.2% versus 9.9%, P=0.051), respectively．There were statistical differences in long-term survival rates between the BTVR group and the MTVR group with 1 year survival rate(78% vs. 89%), 5 years survival rate(74% vs. 86%), and 10 years survival rate (66% versus 78%) with P value at 0.003. ConclusionsThis study suggests that the type of implanted prosthesis in tricuspid replacement does not affect long-term outcomes or the reoperation rate. The survival rate is higher in the MTVR group than that in the BTVR group, which may contribute to younger age in the MTVR group. There is a tendency in higher infective endocarditis incidence in the BTVR group than that in the MTVR group.