ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of thoracoscopy-assisted epicardial radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or left atrial appendage exclusion (LAAE).MethodsThe clinical data of 12 patients with solitary AF admitted to Beijing Tiantan Hospital from November 2018 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 7 males and 5 females, with an average age of 65.2±5.3 years. Of them, 2 had paroxysmal AF, 1 had persistent AF and 9 had permanent AF.ResultsNo patient died during hospitalization, 5 patients underwent radiofrequency ablation for AF and LAAE, and 6 received LAAE alone. The operation time was 293±70 min in radiofrequency ablation for AF+LAAE patients and 71±14 min in LAAE patients. Two patients restored sinus rhythm, two restored after electric cardioversion, and one remained AF in AF+LAAE patients. Postoperatively, 1 patient had pleural effusion and 1 had subcutaneous emphysema. No stroke was observed.ConclusionThoracoscopy-assisted radiofrequency ablation for AF and/or LAAE reduce the risk of procedure, and provide alternative approach to treat AF-associated diseases. However, large sample size studies using prospective cohort designs are required to corroborate the present findings.
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy of thoracoscopy-assisted modified Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum (PE) in children.MethodsThe clinical data of patients with PE who underwent thoracoscopy-assisted modified Nuss procedure from October 2013 to October 2020 in Daping Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsA total of 86 patients were collected, including 79 males and 7 females with a mean age of 14.03±3.36 years. The operations were performed successfully in all patients without intraoperative cardiac vascular injury or perioperative death. The mean operation time was 87.30±33.45 min, bleeding volume was 19.94±14.60 mL, and the postoperative hospitalization stay time was 6.89±2.59 d. Early postoperative complications included 2 patients of pneumothorax, 2 patients of wound fat liquefaction and infection, 2 patients of bar flipping and displacement. One patient had bar displacement 1 year after the surgery. The total complication rate was 8.14%. All patients were followed up for 3-42 months. The bars were taken out about 36 months after the surgery. According to the evaluation criteria of orthopedic effect, 68 (79.07%) patients were excellent, 10 (11.63%) patients were good, 5 (5.81%) patients were moderate and 3 (3.49%) patients were poor.ConclusionMinimally invasive and individualized shaping via the Nuss procedure for PE children is safe and convenient, with satisfied effect. It is worthy of popularization in the clinic.