Mitral valve replacement or repair after previous coronary artery bypass grafting.
(17/643)
BACKGROUND: Patients who have had previous CABG may subsequently develop significant mitral valve (MV) dysfunction that requires surgical intervention. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed 80 consecutive patients who had had previous CABG and who underwent MV surgery between January 1972 and March 1997. Forty-seven (59%) had initial CABG elsewhere, and 5 had had previous CABG twice. The mean interval between the previous CABG and the MV surgery was 6.3 years (range, 4.4 months to -17 years). At least 15 patients had grade 1/4 to 2/4 mitral regurgitation at initial CABG. The study group included 59 men and 21 women, with a mean study group age of 65.5 years. Ninety-four percent had symptoms of congestive heart failure, 60% had angina, 96% were in NYHA class III to IV, and 37% had an ejection fraction (EF) <50%. Origin of the MV disease was ischemic in 33 patients, myxomatous in 19, combined ischemic and myxomatous in 16, rheumatic in 5, infective in 3, and unknown in 4. MV repair was performed in 46 patients (58%) and MV replacement (MVR) in 34. Concomitant repeat CABG was performed in 38 (48%) patients. In-hospital mortality was 7 of 80 (8.8%); no early death occurred among patients with myxomatous disease. EF <50% was the only significant predictor of early mortality. Overall 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival was 83.8%, 55.6%, and 34.4% respectively. Predictors of late cardiac death were preoperative NYHA class IV (P=0.0006), urgent or emergency operation (P<0.0001), use of intra-aortic balloon pump (P=0.002), and EF <50% (P=0.01). Seven patients had an additional reoperation: 4 received CABG, 2 MVR, and 2 MV repair. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic, myxomatous, rheumatic, or infective MV dysfunction may develop subsequently after CABG. MVR or MV repair after previous CABG is associated with an acceptably low operative risk and good relief of symptoms. Left ventricular function is strongly correlated with both hospital and late mortality. Surgery should be done before LV dysfunction develops. (+info)
BACKGROUND: Recently, thoracic aortic stent grafting has emerged as an alternative therapeutic modality for patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections. However, its application has been limited to descending thoracic aortic aneurysms distal to the aortic arch. We report our initial clinical experience of endovascular branched stent graft repair for aortic arch aneurysms. METHODS AND RESULTS: Endovascular grafting with Inoue branched stent grafts was attempted for 15 patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections under local anesthesia (n=14) or general anesthesia (n=1). Single-branched stent grafts were used in 14 patients, and a triple-branched stent graft in one. The branched stent grafts were delivered through a 22F or a 24F sheath under fluoroscopic guidance and implanted across the aneurysmal aortic arch. In 2 patients, the single-branched stent graft did not pass through the 22F sheath used. Complete thrombosis of the aneurysm was ultimately achieved in 11 patients (73%). Of 4 persistent leaks, 1 minor leak spontaneously thrombosed and 1 major leak was successfully treated by additional straight stent graft placement. In 1 patient, the right external iliac artery ruptured during the withdrawal of the sheath and was successfully repaired by the implantation of a straight stent graft. One patient with severe stenosis of the aortic graft section was successfully managed by additional stent deployment. Peripheral microembolization to a toe occurred in 1 patient, and cerebral infarction occurred in 1 other patient. Two patients who had failed to receive endovascular stent grafts died during an average follow-up of 12.6 months, 1 of pneumonia and the other of rupture of a concomitant abdominal aortic aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS: This report demonstrates the technical feasibility of endovascular branched stent graft repair for aneurysms located at the aortic arch. Careful, longer follow-up and further extensive clinical trials are awaited toward establishing this technique as a recommendable alternative to surgical treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms. (+info)
Novel vascular graft grown within recipient's own peritoneal cavity.
(19/643)
A method by which to overcome the clinical symptoms of atherosclerosis is the insertion of a graft to bypass an artery blocked or impeded by plaque. However, there may be insufficient autologous mammary artery for multiple or repeat bypass, saphenous vein may have varicose degenerative alterations that can lead to aneurysm in high-pressure sites, and small-caliber synthetic grafts are prone to thrombus induction and occlusion. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to develop an artificial blood conduit of any required length and diameter from the cells of the host for autologous transplantation. Silastic tubing, of variable length and diameter, was inserted into the peritoneal cavity of rats or rabbits. By 2 weeks, it had become covered by several layers of myofibroblasts, collagen matrix, and a single layer of mesothelium. The Silastic tubing was removed from the harvested implants, and the tube of living tissue was everted such that it now resembled a blood vessel with an inner lining of nonthrombotic mesothelial cells (the "intima"), with a "media" of smooth muscle-like cells (myofibroblasts), collagen, and elastin, and with an outer collagenous "adventitia." The tube of tissue (10 to 20 mm long) was successfully grafted by end-to-end anastomoses into the severed carotid artery or abdominal aorta of the same animal in which they were grown. The transplant remained patent for at least 4 months and developed structures resembling elastic lamellae. The myofibroblasts gained a higher volume fraction of myofilaments and became responsive to contractile agonists, similar to the vessel into which they had been grafted. It is suggested that these nonthrombogenic tubes of living tissue, grown in the peritoneal cavity of the host, may be developed as autologous coronary artery bypass grafts or as arteriovenous access fistulae for hemodialysis patients. (+info)
Observed and relative survival after aortic valve replacement.
(20/643)
OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the effects of a number of factors that can potentially determine the optimal time for aortic valve replacement (AVR) and the observed and relative survival after the operation. BACKGROUND: Aortic valve replacement is performed in patients within a wide age span, but the proportion of elderly patients is increasing. In survival analyses, adjustment for the effects of age is therefore essential. Analysis of relative survival provides additional information on excess or disease-specific mortality and its risk factors. METHODS: Survival was analyzed in 2,359 patients (1,442 without and 917 with concomitant coronary artery bypass graft surgery) undergoing their first AVR. By relating observed survival to that expected among the general Swedish population stratified by age, gender and five-year calendar period, the relative survival and disease-specific survival were estimated. RESULTS: Early mortality after AVR (death within 30 days) was 5.6%. Relative survival rates (excluding early deaths) after 5, 10 and 15 years were 94.6%, 84.7% and 74.9%, respectively. There was an excess risk of dying during the entire follow-up period. Advanced New York Heart Association functional class, preoperative atrial fibrillation and pure aortic regurgitation were independent risk factors for observed and relative survival. Patients in the oldest age group showed decreased observed survival but excellent relative survival. CONCLUSIONS: Old age was not a risk factor for excess mortality after AVR, whereas atrial fibrillation decreased relative survival substantially. (+info)
Biological cages.
(21/643)
Restoring a stable anterior column is essential to achieve normal spinal biomechanics. A variety of mechanical spacers have been developed and advocated for both anterior and posterior approaches. The ability to radiographically assess the "biology" of bone incorporation in these mechanical (metal) spacers is an inherent limitation. The femoral ring allograft (FRA) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) spacers have been developed as biological cages that permit restoration of the anterior column with a machined allograft bone (biological cage). Test results demonstrate that the FRA and PLIF Spacers have a compressive strength over 25,000 N. The pyramid shaped teeth on the surfaces and the geometry of the implant increase the resistance to expulsion at clinically relevant loads (1053 and 1236 N). The technique of anterior column reconstruction with both the FRA and the PLIF biological cages are discussed. Clinical experience with the PLIF biological cage (10 patients) and the FRA biological cage (90 patients) has not revealed any graft migration, infection, or subsidence. Additional posterior instrumentation may increase the stability of the motion segment, but the degree of stability necessary to achieve a biological union remains unclear. The incorporation of these biological cages can be monitored by conventional radiographic techniques. The method of insertion preserves the vertebral end-plates and can be performed by a minimally invasive or standard open procedure. (+info)
Long-term results of apico-aortic valved conduit for severe idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis.
(22/643)
We report our long-term results of apico-aortic conduit implantation in patients with isolated idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. Between December 1977 and July 1983, apico-aortic prosthetic-valved conduits were implanted in 4 such patients (age range, 24-65 years) who had severe left ventricular hypertrophy and small left ventricular chambers. In this procedure, the distal end of the conduit was anastomosed to the ascending aorta in 3 patients and to the upper abdominal aorta in 1. Postoperative echocardiography showed relief of the left ventricle-aortic gradient and enlargement of the left ventricular chamber in all cases. One patient died of perioperative wound infection. One patient died of unnatural causes 13 years after the initial operation; in his case, the conduit was known to be occluded. Two patients are alive 15 and 19 years, respectively, after the initial operation. Three instances of conduit obstruction due to bioprosthetic calcification were observed. Despite the high incidence of reoperation due to conduit valve failure, apicoaortic conduit implantation has produced good hemodynamic outcome and has improved the quality of life in patients who have idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis and anatomic features unsuitable for Morrow's operation. Improvements in bioprostheses and in apical implantation techniques may allow a revival of apico-aortic conduit implantation in selected patients with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. (+info)
Immediate and long term evolution of valve replacement in children less than 12 years old.
(23/643)
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was the follow-up and evaluation of valve replacement in children under 12 years of age. METHODS: Forty-four children less than 12 years old were underwent valve replacement at INCOR-HCFMUSP between January 1986 and December 1992. Forty (91%) were rheumatic, 39 (88.7%) were in functional classes II or IV, 19 (43.2%) were operated upon on an emergency basis, and 6 (13.6%) had atrial fibrillation. Biological prostheses (BP) were employed in 26 patients (59.1%), and mechanical prostheses (MP) in 18 (40.9%). Mitral valves were replaced in 30 (68.7%), aortic valves in 8 (18.2%), a tricuspid valve in 1 (2.3%), and double (aortic and mitral) valves in 5 (11.4) of the patients. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was of 4.5% (2 cases). The mean follow-up period was 5.8 years. Re-operations occurred in 63.3% of the patients with BP and in 12.5% of those with MP (p=0.002). Infectious endocarditis was present in 26.3% of the BP, but in none of the cases of MP (p=0.049). Thrombosis occurred in 2 (12.5%) and hemorrhage in one (6.5%) of the patients with a MP. Delayed mortality occurred in 5 (11.9%) of the patients over a mean period of 2.6 years; four had had BP and one had a MP (NS). Actuarial survival and re-operation-free curves after 10 years were respectively, 82.5+/-7.7 (SD)% and 20.6+/-15.9%. CONCLUSION: Patients with MP required fewer re-operation, had less infectious endocarditis and lower late mortality rates compared with patients with bioprostheses. The former, therefore, appear to be the best valve replacement for pediatric patients. (+info)
Coronary bilateral ostial enlargement using the saphenous vein in a patient with syphilitic aortitis.
(24/643)
A patient with tertiary syphilis presenting with bilateral coronary ostial lesions and aortic regurgitation underwent surgical reconstruction of the coronary ostia by the anterior approach with autogenous saphenous vein grafting and substitution of the aortic valve with a bovine bioprosthesis. The procedure was easily performed and had good outcomes both early and late. The rarity of the association of a lesion in both coronary ostia with aortic regurgitation in syphilis and the surgical technique employed are discussed. (+info)