Clinical experience of off-pump arch branches preferential reconstruction and whole brain perfusion in the treatment of type A / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To introduce the early results of total aortic arch replacement (TAA) without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and without interruption of cerebral blood supply, using the technique of arch branches preferential reconstruction and whole brain perfusion for brain protection.Methods:Between June 2020 and March 2021, a total of 9 Stanford type A aortic dissection patients we performed total arch replacement by using the technique of arch branches preferential reconstruction and whole brain perfusion without cardiopulmonary bypass and without interruption of blood supply to the brain. The method of this reconstruction technique is as follows: A 24F aortic cannula was inserted into the true lumen at the root of the transverse innominate artery (IA) to connect one end of the artery for cardiopulmonary bypass. The access was connected to 14F artery via Y-connector and inserted into IA cavity to maintain blood supply to brain. Without cardiopulmonary bypass, the 10 mm branch of the four branch artificial blood vessel was anastomosed with the innominate artery IA. The perfusion collateral was connected to the second end of the artery of CPB (single pump and double tubes) to continue to supply blood for IA. The left common carotid artery (LCA) and left subclavian artery (LSCA) were reconstructed by the same method. When IA and LCA were anastomosed, the distal blood supply was not interrupted. After the three branches of the aortic arch were anastomosed, we started to turn the machine, then cooled down and blocked the ascending aorta to further complete the operation of the aortic root and arch. During the period of lower body circulatory arrest, the whole brain was perfused with low flow.Results:No intraoperative death or perioperative complications occurred in all patients, and they were discharged smoothly. The cardiopulmonary bypass time was (192.4±58.1) min, the aortic clamping time was (128.3±52.4) min, the lower body circulatory arrest time was (29.1±1.3) min, and the postoperative awake time was (8.2±3.7) h.Conclusion:Off-pump arch branches preferential reconstruction can provide physiological whole brain perfusion, shorten the cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic occlusion time, and the operation is safe and effective.

Resurgery for recurrent heart valve diseases / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To summarize the experience with resurgery for recurrent valvular heart diseases.Methods From June 2004 to June 2015, 28 patients (15 males and 13 females) with ages ranging from 44 to 67 years (55.6±6.5 years) with recurrent heart valve disease underwent resurgery. The reasons for resurgery included perivalvular leakage (7 cases), bioprosthetic valve decline (6 cases in mitral valve and 3 in tricuspid valve), mechanical prostheses dysfunction (2cases), infective endocarditis after valve replacement (2 cases), restenosis of repaired native valve (1 case), and severe tricuspid insufficiency after left-side valve surgery (7 cases). Resurgery included mitral valve replacement in 18 patients and tricuspid valve replacement in 10. All the patients underwent third or fourth or even fifth cardiac surgery for valve replacement.Results There were 2 hospital deaths with a mortality of 7.1% (2/28). The main causes of early-stage deaths were low cardiac output syndrome. The main postoperative complications were respiratory failure in 3, low cardiac output syndrome in 2, reexploration for bleeding in 2 and serious infectious shock in 1. All the patients were found with the great improvement in heart function and the re-implanted prostheses worked well during follow-up.Conclusions Although resurgery for recurrent heart valve disease poses a continuing challenge to cardiac surgeon, it could be performed with the satisfactory results. The keys to a successful cardiac resurgery include appropriate operational timing, refined surgical technique and reasonable perioperative managements.

The effect of surgical revascularization on different timing after ST-elevation myocardial infarction on patients with ischemic heart disease and left ventricular dysfunction / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analysis the influence of surgical revascularization on different timing after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) on patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 225 patients admitted from January 2003 to July 2012 with history of STEMI and left ventricular dysfunction (ejection faraction<50%) who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting was retrospectively reviewed. There were 186 male and 39 female patients. According to the timing of surgical revascularization after STEMI, the patients were divided into early revascularization group (ER group, <21 days), mid-term revascularization group (MR group, 21 to 90 days) and late revascularization group (LR group, >90 days). There were 20 male and 9 female patients in ER group with mean age of (63 ± 10) years, 48 male and 16 female in MR group with mean age of (63 ± 8) years, 118 male and 14 female in LR group with mean age of (62 ± 10) years, respectively. Thirty-day post-operative mortality and major complications were determined as the endpoints to evaluate the early results of operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 30-day post-operative mortality were 3.4%,0 and 2.3% among three groups respectively and there was no statistic difference between groups (χ(2) = 2.137, P = 0.330).Low cardiac output syndrome mortality were 13.8%, 3.1% and 2.3% among three groups respectively and there was statistic difference between groups (χ(2) = 8.344, P = 0.015). The ejection fractions was significantly improved in all the three groups from 42% ± 6%, 41% ± 6% and 42% ± 6% preoperatively to 46% ± 7%, 45% ± 10% and 45% ± 9% postoperatively (t = -3.378 to -2.339, all P < 0.05). The left ventricular end diastolic dimension were significantly reduced in MR group and LR group from (54 ± 6) mm and (55 ± 6) mm preoperatively to (47 ± 8) mm and (49 ± 9) mm postoperatively (t = 5.634, 5.885; P = 0.000). There was no significant change in ER group pre- and postoperatively ((51 ± 6) mm vs.(49 ± 7) mm, t = 1.524, P = 0.133).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction can benefit from surgical revascularization on different timing after STEMI, presenting as the reverse of left ventricle remodeling and the improvement of left ventricle function. The short-term results are mainly determined by the patients' condition, surgical technique and the level of perioperative management.It is recommended for this patient cohort to accept surgical revascularization three weeks after STEMI.</p>

Early results of left atrial appendage closure in cerebral ischemic stroke reduction in patients with mitral valve replacement / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of left atrial appendage (LAA) closure for cerebral ischemic stroke prevention following mitral valve replacement.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Retrospective data on 860 consecutive adult patients undergoing mitral valve replacement between January 2008 and January 2013 were analyzed. There were 414 male and 446 female patients, with a mean age of (53 ± 12) years. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether the left atrial appendage was closed during operation: LAA closure group (n = 521) and non-LAA closure group (n = 339).Early mortality, postoperative cerebral ischemic stroke and the risk factors for cerebral ischemic stroke were assessed. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with non-LAA closure group, LAA closure group had higher proportion of female gender, higher percentage of patients with cardiac insufficiency, pulmonary hypertension and left atrial thrombus, higher incidence of mechanical valve implantation and concurrent tricuspid surgery, and larger preoperative diameter of left atrium, but lower proportion of hypertension and patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, and shorter aorta cross clamping time (χ² = 6.807 to 122.576, t = -2.818 and 3.756, all P < 0.05). There were no differences in exploratory thoracotomy for bleeding and in-hospital mortality between the two groups. Postoperative cerebral ischemic stroke occurred in 12 patients (1.4%). The incidence of cerebral ischemic stroke in LAA closure group was significantly lower than in non-LAA closure group (0.6% vs.2.7%, χ² = 6.452, P = 0.011).Logistic regression analysis showed that LAA closure was a significant protective factor for postoperative cerebral ischemic stroke (OR = 0.189, 95% CI: 0.039 to 0.902, P = 0.037) while history of cerebrovascular disease (OR = 4.326, 95% CI:1.074 to 17.418, P = 0.039) and preoperative diameter of left atrium (OR = 1.509, 95% CI: 1.022 to 1.098, P = 0.002) being the independent risk factors for postoperative cerebral ischemic stroke. The subgroup analysis showed that, for atrial fibrillation patients, LAA closure was a strong protective factor (OR = 0.064, 95% CI: 0.006 to 0.705, P = 0.025), but LAA closure was not a significant predictive factor (OR = 1.902, 95% CI: 0.171 to 21.191, P = 0.601) in non-atrial fibrillation patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Concurrent LAA closure during mitral valve replacement is safe and effective to reduce the early postoperative risk of cerebral ischemic stroke in atrial fibrillation patients.</p>

Surgical treatment of aortic paravalvular abscess by infective endocarditis / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the clinical features, pathology and surgical treatment experiences in the patients with aortic paravalvular abscess by infective endocarditis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The study consisted of a retrospective analysis of 29 cases with aortic paravalvular abscess by infective endocarditis underwent surgical treatment between January 2001 and June 2013. Among the 29 patients, 22 were male and 7 were female, and the mean age was (37 ± 16) years (range from 11 to 63 years). The primary cardiac disease was congenital aortic valve malformation in 16 patients. There were 15 patients with a history of severe heart failure. Of 29 cases, 8 abscess cavities, 13 pseudoaneurysms and 6 fistulas were found, and complete aortoventricular discontinuity was present in 5 patients with serious infections. Of them, the abscess was above the annulus in 14 patients and below the annulus in 10 patients, and simultaneously involved the annulus above and below in 5 patients. 19 patients were culture positive either positive preoperative blood cultures or positive cultures of surgical specimens, including 9 patients with Staphylococcus infection. The paravalvular defect was repaired by patch in 19 cases, and by local closure in 10 cases. The valvular annulus was reconstructed simultaneously in 16 patients. Aortic valve replacement was performed in 26 patients, and Bentall procedure in 2 patients, including 23 with prosthetic mechanical valve and 5 with biological valve.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the total 29 patients, 28 patients were recovered, and 1 patient was died of sepsis. During 3 months to 13 years postoperative follow-up (average 4.5 years), one was died of non-cardiac cause, and no patient had recurrent endocarditis and paravalvular leakage.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Aortic paravalvular abscess by infective endocarditis is not uncommon, prone to heart failure. According to the different pathological manifestations, the appropriate surgical approach and strategy can achieve satisfactory outcomes.</p>

Surgery in patients of severe aortic stenosis with low transvalvular gradients and severe left ventricular dysfunction / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To assess the result of aortic valve replacement(AVR) for patients of severe aortic stenosis(AS)with low transvalvular gradients(TVG) and severe left ventricular dysfunction,and try to identify the determinants of survival,functional status and change in left ventricular ejection fraction(LNEF) during follow-up.Methods From 2005 to 2011,35patients with aortic valve area(AVA) ＜ 1 cm2,LN EF ＜ 0.40 and mean TVG ＜ 30 mm Hg underwent AVR in our hospital.The average age of the patients was 58 yeats old,and 88.6％ of the patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class Ⅲ/IV at admission to the hospital.The AVA was (0.70 ± 0.09) cm2,LVEF was 0.276 ± 0.020,TVG was (26.0 ± 2.3) mm Hg,and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LNEDD) was (6.3 ±0.4) cm respectively.35 prosthetic valves were implanted,including 20 mechanical prostheses and 15 biological prostheses with the mean sizs of (23 ± 1) mm.Concomitant procedures included mitral valvularplasty in 5.tricuspid valve repair in 3 and coronary artery bypass grafting in 4.Results The perioperative mortaiity was 8.6％.Follow-up period was 3 to 60 monthes.The survival rates were:1-year 78％,2-year 68％,5-year 60％.LVEF increased significantly to 0.358 ± 0.047 one week postoperatively (P =0.008) and 0.426 ± 0.031 six months later (P ＜ 0.01)).LNEDD decreased to (5.7 ± 0.4) cm one week later(P =0.062) and (5.3 ±0.3)cm 6 months postoperatiwely (P ＜ 0.01).NYHA functional class improved from 88.6％ in class Ⅲ/Ⅳ to 35％ (P ＜0.01).Compared with those who surviwd during follow-up,the patients who died during follow-up were older in the year of operation[(63 ± 10) vs (54 ± 11),P =0.017],their NYHA functional class was higher[(3.9 ±0.2) vs (2.9 ±0.3),P =0.003]and the LVEDD for them in one week postoperatively was larger[(6.0 ± 1.0) cm vs (5.5 ± 0.3) cm,P =0.031].Conclusion The left ventricle contractile reserve seems to play an essential role for surgery in patients of severe aortic stenosis with low transvalvular gradients and severe left ventricular dysfunction.AVR can be performed for them with acceptable results.

A modified tricuspid annuloplasty for functional severe tricuspid regurgitation / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

ObjectiveTo retrospectively analyze clinical data of patients who has left-side valvular disease combined with severe tricuspid regurgitation and evaluate the effect of our modified tricuspid annuloplasty with enforcement of artificial felt strip.Methods76 patients who had left-side valvular disease combined with severe tricuspid regurgitation received operations between Jan.2008 and Jun.2010.The average age of the patients was 53.5 years old (32 male and 44 female).Besides the severe tricuspid regurgitation, other combined cardiac impairments included mitral valvar disease (52 cases), aortic valvar disease(5 cases), double valvar disease(19 cases) and left atrial thrombosis(22 cases).6 patients had grade II cardiac function according to the NYHA criteria, while 47 and 23 were in grade III and IV, respectively.Other signs included cyanosis(5cases), jaundice(11 cases), neck vein engorgement(48 cases) , ascites(22 cases), hepatomegaly(41 cases) and pitting edema in the lower limbs(68 cases).The concomitant operative procedures included mitral valve replacement in 52 patients,aortic valve replacement in 5 patients, double valve replacement in 19 patients, removal of left atrial thrombus in 22 patients,left atrium folding in 21 patients and left atrium appendage suture in 68 patients.Left-sided valve disease were corrected first,TAP was performed on the beating heart after the heart had been defibrillated.The anteroseptal commissure was plicated first.A double-armed 3-0 pledgeted suture was taken through the base of the septal leaflet, 5-6 mm from the commissure, extending along the annulus, and out from the point in the anterior annulus 10-12 mm from the anteroseptal commissure.Both ends of the suture was tied until the two Teflon pledgets approximated each other near the commissure.Then a semicircular De Vega type of plicating with a 3-0 prolene was taken, starting just from the anterior annulus near the anteroposterior commissure, and extending clockwise to a point just cephalad to the posteroseptal commissure.The suture was tied with positioning a 27-29 mm valve siser across the tricuspid valve.At last, a 3-5 mm width felt strip was prepared and was sutured to the plicated posterior annulus region with interrupted mattress sutures of 2 to 3 2-0 prolene.A favorable result was considered when TR was not marked by saline injection.Echocardiography was routinely examined one week postoperatively and patients were followed up 6 month after discharge.ResultsThere is no death in all patients.The CVP diminished significantly from 16mmHg preoperatively to 8mmHg postoperatively (P = 0.0021).The systomic pulmonary pressure diminished from 59 mmHg preoperatively to 41 mmHg postoperatively (P = 0.038).Echo one week postoperative showed no tricuspid regurgitation in 56 patients and mild in 18 patients, while 2 had moderate tricuspid regurgitation.The diameter of right atrium diminished significantly postoperatively, too.The ejection fraction was improved even though there was not significant difference as compared with preoperative data.The cardiac function of all patients improved and the signs of right heart failure were alleviated or disappeared.Follow up 1 to 36 months showed no change of the regurgitation except for one become moderate from mild when discharged.No hepatic congestion or edema was observed in all patients.ConclusionThese new modifications make the technique more selective in the remodeling of the tricuspid annulus.It could achieve better coaptation of the anterior leaflet with the others, successful annular reduction, better maintenance of the contractile property of the tricuspid ring, better distribution of pursing force in the more dilated region.It could prevent the tear of the endocardium in the posteroseptal region in the long period of time postoperatively.

The degradation performance of chitin short fiber reinforced polycaprolactone composite in vitro / 生物医学工程学杂志

We have investigated the degradation of pure Polycaprolactone (PurePCL) and chitin short fiber reinforced Polycaprolactone composite (SFRP) in vitro in order to provide useful scientific basis for clinical application. PurePCL, SFRP and DL-PLA were immersed in 0.9% NaCL solution for periods of 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24 weeks. Then pH values in immersing solution, weight loss and mechanical properties of tested materials were measured and SEM was used to study the change of the materials in the process of degradation. It was shown that the initial strength of SFRP was much higher than that of PurePCL. In the process of degradation of SFRP, the pH values maintained weak acid or remianed neutral. The rate of weight loss of SFRP was faster than that of PurePCL, but slower than that of DL-PLA. The strength and modulus of SFRP did not change much in 24 weeks, compared with the initial ones. In conclusion, the composites have excellent properties and may be optimal for clinical use in reconstruction of chest wall defects as well as in internal fixation of bone fracture.

Preparation and biological evaluation of Chitin short fiber reinforced polycaprolactone composite / 生物医学工程学杂志

Chitin short fiber reinforced polycaprolactone composite was prepared by melting blending method. The cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of pure polycaprolactone and of chitin short fiber reinforced polycaprolactone composite were investigated in order to provide useful scientific basis for clinical application. The biocompatibility of pure polycaprolactone and that of chitin short fiber reinforced polycaprolactone composite were evaluated by a series of tests, including cytotoxicity test in vitro, acute systemic toxicity test, hemolysis test, pyrogen test and sensitivity test. The results showed that the cytotoxicity scores of the two materials were grade 0 and the growth and proliferation of the cultured cells were not significantly inhibited by the two materials. There were no potential allergic materials in the composites and the maceration extract showed no hemolytic reaction, no acute systemic toxicity and no pyrogen reaction. We conclude that the composites have fine biocompatibility and are safe for clinical use in the reconstruction treatment for chest wall defect.

Experimental reconstruction of chest wall defects with degradable biomaterial in dog / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To investigate the application of a novel degradable biomaterial artificial chest wall as a chest wall prosthesis and explore the feasibility of its use in chest wall reconstruction. Methods A full-thickness chest wall defect of 10?10 cm was created in 8 dogs and then repaired with short chitin fiber reinforced polycaprolactone (PCL) plate. The situation of the implanted chest wall prosthesis and the progress of the regeneration of the chest wall tissue were observed dynamically postoperatively by X-ray, CT and histological examinations. Results No operative and peri-operative deaths were observed, no flail chest and paradoxical movement, no infection and severe complications occurred. Artificial chest wall prosthetic integrated tightly with chest wall ribs and muscle tissue around. New bone tissue obviously regenerated around both resection ends of the ribs in 4 months. The chest wall prosthesis was tightly enveloped by thick fibrous tissue in 6 months. Conclusion Degradable chitin fiber reinforced PCL biomaterial has excellent properties such as fine biocompatibility, optimal mechanical properties, fine flexibility and elasticity and translucent to X-rays. It is a prospective material for chest wall reconstruction.

Chest wall resection and reconstruction:an update / 第二军医大学学报

Chest wall resection and reconstruction remains a severe challenge for reconstructive surgeons,which often leads to conservative treatment regimens in clinical practice,consequently resulting in poor outcomes(high morbidity and mortality).In recent 20 years,advances in muscle flap surgery and availability of chest reconstructive prosthesis have encouraged the surgeons to take an active attitude toward chest wall resection;many "unresectable" lesions now have a chance to be resected and cured.This article reviews the problems concerning the principles for chest wall resection,reconstruction,prosthesis selection,etc.in chest wall reconstruction.

Frame construction of artificial chest wall with biomaterials:its design and evaluation / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To design and prepare a new prosthesis of chest wall by selecting and integrating the appropriate biodegradable materials,and to evaluate the efficiency and safety of the prepared prosthesis in order to explore the feasibility of reconstruction of an extensive chest wall defect.Methods Three types of chest wall prostheses,polydioxanone(PDO)mesh,chitin fiber reinforced polycaprolactone(CFRP)plate and CFRP strip,were designed and prepared to fulfill the function of chest wall.A canine model of the chest wall resection and reconstruction was reproduced to evaluate these porstheses.15 adult mongrel dogs were subjected to extensive resection of anterior-lateral chest wall and reconstruction with chest wall prosthesis.Chest wall stability,the degradative process of the prosthetic materials and regeneration of the chest wall tissue postoperatively were recorded dynamically by macroscopic inspection and histopathologic examinations,so as to provide valuable scientific data for improving chest wall prosthesis.Results The implanted PDO mesh was well integrated with autogenous connective tissue 8 weeks after operation,degraded gradually and reabsorbed completely within 24 weeks.It provided adequate support to the chest wall and achieved satisfy cosmetic and functional repair.CFRP plate was the best in chest wall stabilization among the three groups,and paradoxical respiratory movement was efficiently relieved with CFRP rib,and it had a better biological compatibility.There was no obvious morphological change in the CFRP material after it was implanted for 24 weeks.Conclusion The synthetic prostheses developed here showed excellent biocompatibility,and they fulfilled the function in providing chest wall stabilization.Each prosthesis has its respective favorable properties in chest wall reconstruction,and all of them are valuable in clinic application in the management of complicated chest wall defects.

A comparison of 2 kinds of hydroxyapatite/collagen composites as tissue engineering scaffold / 第二军医大学学报

Objective:To prepare 2 composites using different proportions of hydroxyapatite and collagen and to assess their structural and biological properties, so as to pave a way for preparing tissue engineering chest wall scaffold.Methods: Two kinds of hydroxyapatite/collagen composites were prepared according to the weight ratios of 11 and 12; collagen sponge served as control. Then the structures of the 2 composites and the collagen sponge were observed under SEM. In vivo study was conducted to assess the biocompatibility and biodegradation of the composites by gross inspection and histological examination. Results: The collagen sponge had a 3-D network structure with fluey collagen fibers and poor mechanical strength, and its structure was damaged within 2 weeks after implantation and was completely absorbed 4 weeks later. The hydroxyapatite and collagen were well mixed in the composite with a hydroxyapatite to collagen ratio of 12; the composite had homogeneous 3-D porous structure (size of the pore being 100-400 m) and showed good biocompatibility: maintained its porous structure 4 weeks after implantation and was absorbed within 8 weeks. In composite with hydroxyapatite to collagen ratio of 11, the hydroxyapatite particles were separated from collagen fiber and conglomerated into masses, and the composite resulted in severe tissue reaction after implantation.Conclusion: When mixed with a reasonable proportion of hydroxyapatite, the collagen sponge has improved structure, biodegradable performance, and biocompatibility; the composite may be a novel scaffold for tissue engineering chest wall reconstruction.