Optimal Timing of Surgical Revascularization for Myocardial Infarction and Left Ventricular Dysfunction / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The optimal timing of surgical revascularization for patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and impaired left ventricular function is not well established. This study aimed to examine the timing of surgical revascularization after STEMI in patients with ischemic heart disease and left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) by comparing early and late results.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2003 to December 2013, there were 2276 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in our institution. Two hundred and sixty-four (223 male, 41 females) patients with a history of STEMI and LVD were divided into early revascularization (ER, <3 weeks), mid-term revascularization (MR, 3 weeks to 3 months), and late revascularization (LR, >3 months) groups according to the time interval from STEMI to CABG. Mortality and complication rates were compared among the groups by Fisher's exact test. Cox regression analyses were performed to examine the effect of the time interval of surgery on long-term survival.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No significant differences in 30-day mortality, long-term survival, freedom from all-cause death, and rehospitalization for heart failure existed among the groups (P > 0.05). More patients in the ER group (12.90%) had low cardiac output syndrome than those in the MR (2.89%) and LR (3.05%) groups (P = 0.035). The mean follow-up times were 46.72 ± 30.65, 48.70 ± 32.74, and 43.75 ± 32.43 months, respectively (P = 0.716). Cox regression analyses showed a severe preoperative condition (odds ratio = 7.13, 95% confidence interval 2.05-24.74, P = 0.002) rather than the time interval of CABG (P > 0.05) after myocardial infarction was a risk factor of long-term survival.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Surgical revascularization for patients with STEMI and LVD can be performed at different times after STEMI with comparable operative mortality and long-term survival. However, ER (<3 weeks) has a higher incidence of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome. A severe preoperative condition rather than the time interval of CABG after STEMI is a risk factor of long-term survival.</p>

Long-term outcomes of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in patients aged over 75 years / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the long-term outcomes of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) in patients aged over 75 years and analyze the risk factors affecting the outcomes of the procedure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data were reviewed for 97 consecutive patients aged 75 years or above receiving OPCAB at our center between November, 2000 and November, 2013. The perioperative data including length of ICU stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, incidence of postoperative complications and mortality rate of the patients were analyzed. The follow-up data of the patients were also analyzed including all-cause mortality rate and major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE, including myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular event, and repeated revascularization).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The perioperative mortality rate was 3.09% (3/97) in these patients. Of the 97 patients analyzed, 91 (93%) were available for follow-up for 29-192 months (with a median of 95.61∓34.07 months). The 10-year survival rate of the patients was 62% with a 10-year MACCE-free survival rate of 47.4%. During the follow-up, 6 (6.8%) patients underwent repeated revascularization procedures, 12 (12.37%) had cerebrovascular accidents and 5 (5.15%) had myocardial infarction. Logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension (OR=1.388, P=0.043) and diabetes (OR=1.692, P=0.017) were independent predictors of MACCE, and incomplete revascularization did not increase the risk of postoperative MACCE.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>OPCAB is safe and effective in elderly patients with good long-term outcomes. Hypertension and diabetes are independent risk factors of MACCE, and adequate control of blood pressure and blood glucose can reduce the incidence of postoperative MACCE. Incomplete revascularization is not detrimental to the long-term outcomes of OPCAB in elderly patients.</p>

Surgical ventricular restoration versus isolated coronary artery bypass grafting for left ventricular aneurysm: comparison of mid- to long-term outcomes / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the mid- to long-term outcomes of patients receiving isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) versus surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) plus CABG for left ventricular aneurysms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed in 205 patients with left ventricular aneurysms admitted to our hospital between January, 1997 and December, 2012, including 115 patients receiving SVR plus CABG and 90 undergoing isolated CABG. By matching preoperative echocardiographic parameters including aneurysm size, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) and EuroSCORE risk factors, 32 patients receiving SVR plus CABG and another 32 with isolated CABG were enrolled in this study. The patients were compared for survival rates, major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), left ventricular geometry and function at 1, 3 and 5 years of follow-up.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the patients receiving isolated CABG, those receiving SVR and CABG showed greater improvements in echocardiographic parameters and NYHA functional class. The differences in the echocardiographic parameters between the two groups gradually reduced with time and became comparable at 5 years after the operation (P>0.05). No significant difference was found in the mid- to long-term survival or the incidence of MACCEs between the two groups (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compared with isolated CABG, SVR plus CABG does not reduce the incidence of MACCEs or improve the mid- to long-term survival rate of patients with left ventricular aneurysm with a LVESVI <60 mL/m(2).</p>

Different approaches to revascularization for complex coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction: analysis of perioperative outcomes / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the perioperative outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for treatment of complex coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction.</p><p><b>METHDOS</b>The clinical data of 966 patients admitted to our hospital from January 2003 to December 2013 with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction ≤50%) were retrospectively reviewed. Among the patients, 386 underwent CABG and 580 received PCI. After matching for EuroSCORE risk factors and preoperative echocardiographic parameters, 135 patients with CABG and 135 with PCI were enrolled in this study. With hospital mortality and perioperative major complications as the endpoints, the early outcomes of the procedures were evaluated. Perioperative echocardiography was performed to evaluate the change of left ventricular geometry and function.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with CABG group, PCI group had significantly higher incidences of chronic lung disease (8.1% vs 0.7%, P=0.003) and recent myocardial infarction (64.4% vs 31.9%, P=0.000) but significantly lower left-main disease (12.6% vs 23.7%, P=0.018); the other baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Patients with CABG had a greater number of treated target vessels than those with PCI (2.90±0.81 vs 1.67±0.73, P=0.000), and complete revascularization was more common in CABG group (94.8% vs 51.8%, P=0.000). No significant difference was found in perioperative variations of LVEF between the two groups, but patients with CABG had a greater variation in LVEDD than those with PCI. The hospital mortality and other major complications were similar between the two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Both CABG and PCI are safe and reliable revascularization strategies for complex coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction, but CABG can achieve a higher rate of complete revascularization and better improves the left ventricular function.</p>

Surgical treatment with modified Morrow procedure in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the experience of ventricular septal myectomy (modified Morrow procedure) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2003 to March 2011, 38 patients (26 male and 12 female) with HOCM underwent modified Morrow procedure. The mean age was 36.3 years (ranging from 18 to 64 years). The diagnosis was made by echocardiography and spiral CT. The mean systolic gradient between the left ventricle and the aorta from transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was (89±31) mmHg (ranging from 50 to 184 mmHg, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) before operation. There was moderate or severe systolic anterior motion (SAM) in 38 cases and mitral regurgitation in 29 cases. Ventricular septal myectomy with modified Morrow procedure was performed in all 38 cases. TEE was used intraoperatively to evaluate the results of the surgical procedures. After 1 to 2 weeks of operation, TTE was performed to evaluate the effect of operation. All patients were followed up with TTE after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were discharged without complications. Intraoperative TEE showed that the mean systolic gradient between the left ventricle and the aorta was decreased from (95±36) mmHg before procedures to (14±11) mmHg after operation (t=13.265, P=0.000), and the thickness of ventricular septum was decreased from (28±8) mm to (12±3) mm (t=11.656, P=0.000). TTE showed that the mean systolic gradient between the left ventricle and the aorta was decreased from (89±31) mmHg preoperatively to (18±13) mmHg (t=12.729, P=0.000) in 1 to 2 weeks after operation. Mitral regurgitation and SAM were significantly improved or disappeared (t=7.930, t=5.213, both P=0.000). During the follow-up, all patients promptly became completely asymptomatic or complained of mild effort dyspnea only and syncope was abolished, and TTE showed that the pressure gradient was kept on the postoperative level or slightly decreased (P=0.494).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Ventricular septal myectomy with modified Morrow procedure is a mostly effective method for patients with HOCM. Good surgical exposure and the hypertrophied septum thoroughly excised are paramount for successful surgery.</p>

Impact of prior percutaneous coronary intervention on outcome of coronary artery bypass graft surgery / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the impact of prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on outcome of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Perioperative data were collected from 1306 patients undergoing CABG from January 2002 to November 2010, including 117 patients with prior PCI and 1 189 patients without prior PCI. Among 117 patients with prior PCI, 99 patients had a single PCI procedure and 18 had multiple PCI procedures. The surgical outcomes including in-hospital mortality and major adverse cardiac events were compared between two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Patients with prior PCI were younger, less likely to have triple vessel and left main stem disease, and less recent myocardial infarction. Interval time between PCI and CABG was (13.39 ± 13.81) months. There were no significant difference in in-hospital mortality (1.7% compared with 0.5 % P=0.156) and major adverse cardiac events (including postoperative myocardial infarction, stroke, and in-hospital death,2.6% compared with 1.1% P=0.167) between two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There was no association between prior PCI and isolated CABG. Good outcomes can be obtained in the group of patients undergoing CABG who have had previous PCI.</p>

Early and midterm outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting in octogenarians / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the early and midterm postoperative outcomes and analyze risk factors of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in octogenarians.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 38 patients aged 80 years or greater receiving isolated coronary artery bypass grafting from September 2001 to November 2010 were reviewed. There were 33 male and 5 female patients, aging from 80 to 87 years with a mean of (82.6 ± 1.2) years. Twelve patients underwent conventional (on-pump) CABG and 26 patients underwent off-pump CABG. The number of bypass grafts was 1 to 5 (mean 2.5 ± 1.1). Left internal mammary artery was used in 37 (97.3%) patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The perioperative mortality was 2.6% (1/38). Postoperative complications included stroke (4 cases), respiratory infection (1 case). The atrial arrhythmias occurred in 25 patients. Intensive care unit and hospital length of stay lasted (3.8 ± 1.4) days and (15 ± 6) days, respectively. Totally 38 patients were followed up for 4 to 70 months. Six patients died during the follow-up period. The 92.6% patients recovered without any cardiac events.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Isolated CABG can be performed safely with acceptable postoperative morbidity and mortality in octogenarians. Appropriate surgical strategy and intensive perioperative treatment must be enhanced in octogenarians who underwent CABG.</p>

Clinical analysis of robotic mitral valve repair / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the safety and efficacy of robotic mitral valve repair using da Vinci S Surgical system. Method From January 2007 to April 2011, over 400 cases of robotic cardiac surgery have been performed, in which 60 patients with isolated mitral valve insufficiency underwent robotic mitral valve repair, including 42 male and 18 female patients with a mean age of (44 ± 13) years (ranging from 14 to 70 years). Forty-eight patients were in NYHA class I-II and 12 patients in class III. Fourteen patients were concomitant with atrial fibrillation. Surgery approach was achieved through 4 right chest ports with femoral perfusion and Chitwood aortic occlusion. Antegrade cold blood cardioplegia was administered directly via chest for myocardial protection. The transesophageal echocardiography was used intraoperatively to estimate the surgical results.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients had successful valve repair including quadrangular resections, sliding plasties and chordal replacement. There was no conversion to median sternotomy. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass and arrested heart time were (132 ± 30) min and (88 ± 22) min. One patient had hemolysis after operation, and required mitral valve replacement. Echocardiographic follow-up revealed trace to mild regurgitation in 2 patients with a mean of (16 ± 9) months.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Robotic mitral valve repair is safe and efficacious in the patients with isolated mitral valve insufficiency.</p>

Effects of peri-operative intra-aortic balloon pump support in high EuroSCORE patients undergoing cardiac surgery / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the effects of perioperative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support in EuroSCORE high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery, and evaluate the risk factors associated with mortality and midterm survival.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-eight patients with EuroSCORE of no less than 6 underwent cardiac surgery and received peri-operative IABP support, including 29 with preoperative IABP support, 21 with intra-operative IABP support, and 8 with postoperative IABP support. The patients who survived the surgeries were followed up for at least 1 year.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Complications related to IABP support occurred in 2 cases (3.45%). The in-hospital mortality was 6.89% (4/58) in this series. Patients with intra-operative IABP had a lower ejection fraction, and those with pre-operative IABP showed more frequent unstable angina and recent myocardial infarction. The number of emergency procedures was also significantly higher in patients with pre-operative IABP support. Patients with intra- or postoperative IABP support had a longer ICU stay. The 1-year follow-up was completed in 54 patients and 4 deaths were recorded, with a 1-year survival of 86.21%. The 1-year survival rate was significantly higher in patients with preo- and intra-operative IABP support than those with post-operative IABP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Peri-operative IABP support benefit cardiac support for cardiac surgery, and its preoperative use does not increase the surgical risk. Early prophylactic IABP support according to the EuroSCORE can improve the outcome of the high-risk cardiac surgery.</p>

Totally robotic mitral valve surgery in 60 cases / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the safety and efficacy of robotic mitral valve surgery using da Vinci S system.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We conducted a retrospective review of 60 robotic mitral surgeries from March 2007 to December 2010. Of the 60 patients, 44 underwent mitral valve repair and 16 received mitral valve replacement. The surgical approach was through 4 right chest ports with femoral and internal jugular vein cannulations. Transesophageal echocardiography was used intraoperatively to estimate the surgical results.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>None of the cases required a conversion to a median sternotomy. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac arrest time was 132.2∓29.6 min and 88.1∓22.3 min for robotic mitral valve repair, and was 137.1∓21.9 min and 99.3∓17.4 min for robotic mitral valve replacement. Echocardiographic follow-up of all the patients revealed 3 cases of slight regurgitation in mitral valve repair group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In selected patients with mitral valve disease, robotic mitral surgery can be performed safely.</p>

Effects and mechanisms of non-restrictive external stent for prevention of vein graft restenosis in a rabbit model / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Among various treatments preventing vein graft restenosis, external stent is receiving more and more attention. This study aimed to investigate the effect of non-restrictive external stent on the prevention of vein graft restenosis and the potential mechanisms of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in the process of restenosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-six "New Zealand white rabbits" were randomly divided into two groups, stented group (group S) and control group (non-stented group, group NS). Each rabbit underwent a reversed autologous external jugular vein into common carotid artery bypass grafting. In group S, the vein grafts were surrounded by a non restrictive stent which was 6 mm in diameter (a kind of Dacron vascular prosthesis); and in group NS, there was no stent to support the vein grafts. The grafts were harvested at the first week (1W), second week (2W) and fourth week (4W) after surgery respectively. The dimensions (including the thickness and area of the intima and media, luminal area) were measured by computer-aided image analysis system, and the intimal hyperplasia ratio was defined as the percentage of the area enclosed by the internal elastic lamina occupied by the intima.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At 1W, the difference of the thickness and area of the intima between groups S and NS was not significant (P > 0.05); at 2W and 4W, the thickness and area of the intima and the intimal hyperplasia ratio in group S were less significant than those in group NS (P < 0.05); from 1W to 4W, the thickness and area of the media in group S were smaller than those in group NS (P < 0.05). Immunocytochemistry staining of PDGF-B showed that the percentage of positive cells of intima in both two groups was peaked at 2W, and a significantly smaller percentage was detected in group S compared with that in group NS at 2W and 4W (P < 0.05); the percentage of PDGF-B positive cells of media in both two groups was also peaked at 2W, and that in group S was smaller than that in group NS from 1W to 4W (P < 0.05); and the percentage of PDGF-B positive cells of adventitia in group S was peaked at 4W, whereas the percentage of adventitia in group NS peaked at 2W, and the percentage of adventitia in group S was greater than in group NS at 4W (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Non-restrictive external stenting inhibits the hyperplasia of the intima and media of the vein grafts and reduces the thickness and area of the intima and media; Non-restrictive external stenting inhibits the synthesis of PDGF and changes its distribution, and then inhibits the hyperplasia of the intima.</p>

Minimally invasive robotic coronary bypass on the beating heart using da Vinci S system / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the experience of minimally invasive robotic coronary bypass on beating heart using da Vinci S in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-six patients underwent selected robotic coronary bypass on beating heart from April 2007 to December 2008. All the patients had history of angina and the coronary arteriography showed severe stenosis in the left anterior descending artery (LAD), of which 10 cases had right coronary artery or left circumflex coronary (LCX) stenosis. The age was 33 to 74 years old, with a mean of (55.8 +/- 9.4) years old. The weight was (71.4 +/- 13.2) kg. All the patients had good lung function and had no medical history of pleurisy and thoracic surgery. CT scan of double internal thoracic artery (ITA) was routinely checked preoperatively. The procedures included: (1) The robotically assisted endoscopic atraumatic coronary artery bypass surgery. The approach was via a small left anterior thoracotomy (6 to 8 cm) after robotic ITA was taken down. The ITA was manually anastomosed to the LAD or LCX on beating heart. (2) Totally endoscopic coronary bypass graft on beating heart. After ITA harvesting, the endo stabilizer was inserted via the fourth port in the xiphoid area under endoscopic vision. The left ITA to the LAD grafting was done using U-clips on beating heart in a totally endoscopic manner using da Vinci S system through 4 ports. For all patients the ITA flow was checked by the Doppler flowmeter after anastomosis was completed. After the surgery was completed, the thoracic port was checked carefully to avoid bleeding. The operating procedures and a variety of clinical parameters were recorded and analyzed. (3) Stent placement after robotic surgery in a hybrid manner. The graft patency rate was evaluated by CT or arteriography.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients successfully accepted robotic minimally invasive coronary bypass on the beating heart using da Vinci S surgical system without complications. The mean graft flow was (23.2 +/- 16.7) ml/min. And there was no surgical conversion and surgical death. Fifty-three patients received ITA to LAD grafts and 3 patients received double coronary artery bypass grafts as well. Ten cases received stent placement in separate session. The CT scan and angiography revealed patent grafts in all patients. There were no post-operative complications. All patients were discharged from hospital.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>As a new advanced approach of revascularization, robotic ITA harvesting and coronary anastomoses can be safely performed with the da Vinci S system. The procedure is minimally invasive and can offer enhanced ability to control precise and stable operative manipulations.</p>

Identification of differentially expressed genes in myocardium of patients with heart failure by human whole genomic oligonucleotide microarray-assisted pathways analysis / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the differentially expressed gene profiles in myocardium of patients with heart failure using human whole genomic oligonucleotide microarray-assisted pathway analysis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Phalanx whole genomic oligonucleotide microarrays were used to detect the gene expression profiles of myocardium in four patients died of heart failure and 4 brain died patients without heart diseases. The microarray findings were confirmed by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The genes with a threshold of 1.2 times fold-change were selected and BioCarta Pathway and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway databases were used to identify functionally related gene pathways.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 2806 genes with differentially expression were detected between the failing and non-failing heart samples, expression changes of 399 genes were more than 2-folds. Eleven pathways were identified by BioCarta pathway database and sixteen pathways were identified by KEGG PATHWAY Database.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Genomic microarray-assisted pathway analysis could help to identify gene expression profiles in failing heart.</p>

Diagnostic study on the coronary artery bypass grafts lesions using 64 multi-slice computed tomography angiography / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of coronary artery bypass grafts using 64 multi-slice computed tomography angiography (64-MSCTA) technology.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>There were 228 patients post coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) underwent 64-MSCTA from July 2005 to April 2007. Thirty-one patients with 82 bypass grafts performed coronary angiography (CAG) because of angina or grafts lesion showed by 64-MSCTA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All bypass grafts could be visualized by 64-MSCTA. Thirteen bypass graft occlusions and fourteen significant stenosis were detected by 64-MSCTA and confirmed by CAG. One venous grafts distal anastomosis was missed and another one was miss diagnosed as stenosis. One false negative and one false positive CT-finding resulted in a sensitivity of 93.3%, a specificity of 98.1%, a positive predictive value of 93.3%, a negative predictive value of 98.1% and an accuracy of 97.1% for grafts stenosis. As to the grafts lesion, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy for grafts occlusion were 96.4%, 98.1%, 96.4%, 98.1% and 97.6%, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>64-MSCTA demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of graft patency and suitable for the follow-up of patients post CABG.</p>

The use of recombinant activated factor VII for blood loss after cardiovascular surgery / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To describe the early experiences with rFVIIa in the management of bleeding after cardiovascular surgery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From May 2006 through December 2007, 16 patients received rFVIIa during or after surgery despite conventional medical therapy and transfusion of blood products. There were 15 male patients and 1 female patients, aged from 36 to 77 years old with a mean of 52 years old. The surgical procedures include aortic procedures for 8 cases, valve replacement for 6 cases, pulmonary thromboendarterectomy for 1 case and atrial septal defect repair for 1 case. The data of these patients were reviewed and the safety and efficacy of rFVIIa after cardiovascular surgery were evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>rFVIIa was administered as a first dose of 27.6 to 54.5 microg/kg with a mean of 40.2 microg/kg. Six patients achieved hemostasis after the first dose. Nine patients received a second administration within 30 min, with a cumulative dose of 59.3 to 90.9 microg/kg, a mean of 80.3 microg/kg. Eight patients achieved hemostasis and 1 patient went to exploration. One patient received four doses of rFVIIa with a cumulative dose of 203.4 microg/kg and the bleeding stopped. Mean amount of chest drain loss and the amount of red blood cell, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, and platelet transfusions decreased significantly after rFVIIa administration. The total amount of chest drain losses, transfusions of red blood cell and cryoprecipitate within 12 h postoperatively was positively correlated with the time from the end of bypass to administration of rFVIIa. No thromboembolic complications and other adverse reactions were noted.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The use of rFVIIa is associated with reduced blood loss, rapid improvement of coagulation variables, and decreased need for blood products. rFVIIa is safe and efficacious in the management of refractory postcardiotomy bleeding.</p>

Totally robotic internal mammary artery harvest and beating heart coronary artery bypass / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summary the first 14 cases undergoing internal mammary artery (IMA) harvest using da Vinci S system and minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) on beating heart.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The average age of patients was (60.4 +/- 10.1) years old. One case was female and 13 male. All the patients had a history of angina. The coronary angiography showed severe stenosis of anterior descending branch in all patients, of which 2 cases had diagonal and circumflex branch stenosis. Four case had myocardial infraction history. All the patients had good lung function and had no medical history of pleurisy. Without sternotomy, the camera cannula was placed in the left, 3 cm lateral to nipple in the 4th intercostal space (ICS). Da Vinci instrument arms were inserted through two 1 cm trocar incisions. The right instrument generally was positioned 4 to 6 cm cephalad to camera cannula in the 2nd or 3rd ICS. The left instrument arm was positioned 4 to 6 cm caudal to the camera cannula in the 5th or 6th ICS. Arm trocar sites were maintained 6 cm apart at chest entry. The internal mammary artery was harvested in routine methods. Thirteen cases underwent left internal mammary artery harvest, one case underwent right internal mammary artery harvest, one case underwent double internal mammary harvest. MIDCAB was performed on beating heart in 14 cases and 1 case accepted the totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All cases were accomplished successfully without complications. The average time of ICU was 20 hours. Robotic surgery had less draining than the conventional coronary bypass.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Totally robotic internal mammary artery harvest and beating heart coronary artery bypass is less invasive, more precise, safe and efficient.</p>

Mean flow of saphenous vein graft and its influencing factors in patients performed coronary artery bypass grafting / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the mean blood flow of saphenous vein (SV) graft and it's influencing factors in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting by using transit-time flowmeter (TTFM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three hundred and twenty-six patients were studied. After all anastomoses were completed, and hemo-dynamic status was stable, TTFM was utilized to measure and record the SV flow wave, pulsatility index (PI), value of mean flow, diastolic and systolic peak flow, vascular resistance, insufficiency ratio and mean blood pressure. The standard conditions of good graft status to define the normal mean flow included good diastolic augmentation of blood wave, PI less than 5, intraoperative and postoperative no significant change in electrocardiogram, and smoothly postoperative recovery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Total mean flow calculated from that of all patients was (39 +/- 23) ml/min (10-153 ml/min). Majority mean value (60.1%, 196/326) was in the range of 20-50 ml/min. Statistics showed that mean flow was significantly related to vascular resistance and diastolic peak flow and PI rather than the other factors (r was -0.95, 0.77 and -0.51 respectively).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For the patients, over 15 ml/min mean flow of SV graft is acceptable, and over 35 ml/min is satisfactory. The diastolic peak flow and vascular resistance are two important factors influencing mean flow.</p>

Clinical analysis of 1018 cases of coronary artery bypass grafting / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze retrospectively 1018 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) in order to summarize surgical techniques and clinical outcome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From 1997 through 2004, data of same surgeon for 508 patients who underwent conventional coronary artery bypass surgery on pump (CCABG) and 510 patients who underwent off-pump CABG (OPCAB) were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Eight hundred and fifty-two patients had unstable angina, 582 patients were over 60 years old (57.2%) and 784 patients had concomitant diseases including valve lesion, hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarction, left ventricular aneurysm with septal defect, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, renal failure and cancer. A hundred and fifty-six patients had left main stem (LIMS) stenosis and 671 patients, triple-vessel disease.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Total mortality was 0.39% (4-case death) and morbidity, 1.6% (sternal dehiscence, stroke and mediastinitis). The grafts per patient with CCABG and OPCAB were 3.3 +/- 0.6 vs. 2.5 +/- 0.4. Left internal mammary artery use was 93.8% of the patients, 29 patients were implanted intra-aortic balloon pump intraoperatively. Follow-up was 4 months to 7 years.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Scientific surgical strategies, excellent surgical techniques and improvement of cardiac anesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass make the mortality and morbidity decrease significantly, CABG surgery is safe and effective in patients with coronary artery disease.</p>

A comparative study on grafts' blood flow after on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgeries / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the grafts' blood flow after on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass graftings.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Five hundred and forty-seven cases were studied, including four hundred and three cases undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB, off-pump group) and one hundred and forty-four cases undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass (CCABG, on-pump group). In all cases left internal mammary artery (LIMA) was routinely anastomosed to left anterior descending artery (LAD), and saphenous vein (SV) to the other target vessels in sequential mode when there were more than two anastomoses. After all anastomoses were completed and hemodynamic status was stable, transit time flow-meter was utilized to measure and record the grafts' flow wave, pulsatility index (PI), value of mean flow, diastolic and systolic peak flow, vascular resistance, insufficiency ratio and mean blood pressure.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>PI, insufficiency ratio and diastolic peak flow of LIMA in off-pump group were 2.7 +/- 1.8, (2.2 +/- 4.3)%, (46.8 +/- 2.7) ml/min respectively; those in on-pump group were 2.8 +/- 2.0, (3.4 +/- 3.1)% and (52.8 +/- 3.7) ml/min respectively. And those of SV in off-pump group were 2.8 +/- 0.1, (1.8 +/- 0.3)% and (85.8 +/- 3.2) ml/min respectively and those in on-pump group were 2.6 +/- 0.2, (1.3 +/- 0.2)% and (93.9 +/- 5.6) ml/min respectively. For both LIMA and SV grafts' blood flow there was no significant difference in PI, insufficiency ratio, diastolic peak flow and mean blood pressure in both groups (P > 0.05). The mean flow and systolic peak flow in off-pump group were significantly less than those in on-pump, while the vascular resistance in off-pump group was significantly greater than that in on-pump group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There is no significant difference in grafts' patency between OPCAB and CCABG.</p>

Relationship between stenosis of left anterior descending artery and left internal mammary artery blood flow / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the blood flow of left internal mammary artery (LIMA) anastomosed to left anterior descending artery (LAD) with variable degree of stenosis in off pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From 2000.9 to 2002.12, 167 cases (from a total of 209 OPCAB) were involved in this study. According to the degree of stenosis of LAD, all the cases were divided into group A (< 75%), group B (75% approximately 95%) and group C (> 95%). Blood flow of LIMA, routinely anatomized to LAD was immediately measured after anastomosis with transit-time flowmeter (TTFM) and several parameters were recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean blood pressure at measurement was not significantly different (P = 0.08). Mean blood flow of group A (11.1 +/- 1.2) ml/min, B (16.3 +/- 1.6) ml/min and C (28.3 +/- 3.2) ml/min and diastolic flow of group A (26.3 +/- 2.8) ml/min, group B (34.8 +/- 3.2) ml/min and group C (55.1 +/- 5.3) ml/min, were significantly different between every two groups (P < 0.01) and the latter was bigger than the former. Systolic blood flow among group A (5.3 +/- 0.7) ml/min, group B (4.3 +/- 1.4) ml/min and group C (4.6 +/- 1.3) ml/min were not different (P = 0.91). Pulsatility index (PI) of group C (2.75 +/- 0.14) was significantly smaller than that of group A (4.36 +/- 0.47) and group B (3.72 +/- 0.31) (P < 0.01), but PI between groups A and B was of no significant difference (P = 0.12).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Mean and diastolic blood flow of LIMA were closely related to the degree of stenosis of LAD. The higher the degree, the bigger the blood flow, and the smaller the value of PI. However, systolic blood flow was not influenced by the degree of lesion.</p>