A gauze-pad wrapping of the heart can save a patient's life

Abstract We describe one case of iatrogenic rupture of the left ventricle after mitral valve replacement and myectomy of the outflow tract. The cause and site of the rupture could not be identified, neither from the internal nor from the external examination. After unsuccessful use of hemostatic patches in the surface of the ruptured area, wrapping of the ventricles with a surgical gauze pad controlled the hemorrhage, hence saving the patient's life.

Cardiac Masses: Pathological and Surgical Features - A Multicenter Study

Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to review the surgical excision results and pathological diagnostic features of rarely observed intracardiac masses in the light of the literature. Diagnosis and treatment approaches and complications were evaluated. Methods: Forty patients (26 females, mean age 52.1±18.1 years, and 14 males, mean age 48.1±20.5 years), who had undergone surgery for intracardiac mass between January 2008 and December 2018, were included in this study. The patients' data were analyzed retrospectively from the medical records of both centers. Results: When the pathological diagnoses were examined, 85.8% of the masses (n=35) were observed to be benign (benign tumor + hydatid cyst) and 14.2% (n=5) were malignant tumors. The masses were most commonly located in the left atrium (75%, n=30), and this was followed by the right ventricle (12.5%, n=5), right atrium (7.5%, n=3), and left ventricle (5%, n=2). Of the patients, 7.5% (n=3) died during the early postoperative period, while the remaining 92.5% (n=37) were discharged with healing. In the histopathological diagnosis of the patients, in whom in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events were observed, there was malignancy in two cases. Conclusion: Intracardiac masses, which have pathological features, are severe life-threatening problems. In-hospital mortality is frequent, especially in malignant tumors.

Multidisciplinary approach to right ventricular myxoma

Abstract Right ventricular (RV) myxoma that obstructs the RV outflow tract is rare. Multimodality imaging is crucial due to the curved and triangular shape of the RV anatomy. Incomplete resection by the right atrial approach in cardiac myxomas may be prevented by preoperative imaging with echocardiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to provide detailed visualization. Right ventriculotomy may be an alternative approach to the isolated atrial approach to get complete resection of RV myxoma in suitable patients. The preferred surgical treatment is not well defined for ventricular myxomas and careful preoperative planning is essential. Surgical resection should be performed as soon as possible to avoid outflow tract obstruction, which might result in sudden death. The collaboration between cardiologist and heart surgeon and the effective use of imaging tools are essential for successful treatment. In this article, diagnosis and treatment and the heart team approach to RV myxoma are discussed with a demonstrative patient.

Transaneurysmal R=repair of a giant calcified submitral left ventricular aneurysm

Abstract Submitral left ventricular aneurysm is a rare cardiac pathology with very few cases reported in the literature. These are nonischemic aneurysms mostly reported from Africa. Patients with submitral aneurysm exhibit varied clinical manifestations. We report a case of calcified submitral aneurysm and its successful surgical management through a transaneurysmal approach.

Left ventricular dissecting hematoma caused by tissue stabilizer

Abstract Coronary artery bypass grafting is a commonly performed procedure for coronary revascularization. We describe the successful management of left ventricular dissecting hematoma, caused by the tissue stabilizer, while performing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft procedure.

Quiste hidatídico en ventrículo derecho / Right ventricular hydatid cyst

A 20-year-old woman, without known pre-existent conditions presented with a history of dyspnea on exertion, and palpitations for 6 months. Vital signs, as well as cardiac and pulmonary examinations were normal. Routine blood tests were normal. The ECG showed nonspecific ST-T changes. The echocardiogram showed a left ventricle of normal size and function. A cystic image was shown in relation to the right ventricle, with displacement of the interventricular septum. These findings were confirmed on computed tomography. Additional cystic images on the liver or lungs were ruled out. On surgery, a cardiac hydatic cyst adhered to the pericardium next to the right ventricle was found. Puncture, drainage of the mass and surgical removal of cystic membranes were performed. The clinical course was uneventful. A four year follow up revealed no recurrence of the cyst.

Inferolateral post-myocardial infarction pseudoaneurysm. A rare case report / Pseudoaneurisma pós-infarto inferolateral. Um raro relato de caso

ABSTRACT: We report the case of a 76-year-old male patient with a history of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) for 3 years. He was admitted to the Emergency Room with a new chest pain episode that began 40 days before and was diagnosed with left ventricular (LV) pseudoaneurysm through 3D transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging scans. The patient underwent angiography of the coronary arteries, identifying lesions with a multiarterial pattern. Surgical treatment and LV aneurysmectomy were performed with good clinical evolution.

RESUMO: Relatamos um caso de paciente do sexo masculino, de 76 anos, com antecedente de infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST) há 3 anos. Foi admitido na unidade de pronto-socorro com nova dor torácica de início há 40 dias, sendo diagnosticado com pseudoaneurisma do ventrículo esquerdo por meio de exames de imagem (ecocardiograma transtorácico tridimensional e ressonância magnética cardíaca), tendo sido submetido a estudo angiográfico das coronárias, com identificação de lesões com padrão multiarterial. Foi realizado tratamento cirúrgico, aneurismectomia do ventrículo esquerdo, com boa evolução clínica.

Change in functional moderate mitral regurgitation after aortic valve replacement

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the changes of the mitral valve geometrics and the degrees of moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis (AS). Methods: A retrospective analysis study of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and postoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed in 49 patients diagnosed with pure AS combined with moderate MR, who underwent AVR from January 2013 to December 2017. TEE was used to evaluate the direct geometric changes of the mechanical effects on mitral annulus after AVR. TTE was used to evaluate the changes of MR after operation. All patients underwent TTE during the midterm follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 40.21 months. Results: All of the 49 patients had moderate MR. Anterolateral-posteromedial diameter, anterior-posterior diameter, and mitral annular area were significantly reduced after AVR, while no significant changes were found in the intraoperative left ventricular loading conditions before and after AVR. The degree of mitral valve regurgitation, left ventricular size, left atrial size, left ventricular end-diastolic volume, and left ventricular to aortic pressure gradient were significantly reduced before discharge, and midterm follow-up showed good results. Conclusion: This study supports the belief that aortic outflow tract obstruction and an actual mechanical compression of the anterior mitral annulus after AVR would cause reduction in MR. Ventricular remodeling would also cause reduction in MR with time going on. Patients with AS, especially young patients with moderate MR, were most likely to benefit from AVR in early time.

Appropriate surgical repair of ventricular free wall rupture after infarction: a case report

Abstract Ventricular free wall rupture is a fatal mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction. In some cases it can be represented as subacute clinic and may not cause death in a few minutes. Acute pseudo-aneurysms are extremely unstable and bound to fatal rupture. Herein we report a male patient who suffered dyspnea and mild chest pain, 4 weeks after acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Fourteen Years' Survival After Batista Operation: The Short History of a Long Journey

Abstract A 41-year-old man with end-stage heart failure due to nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy was submitted to the Batista procedure as an alternative to heart transplantation. With surgery, the patient showed progressive clinical amelioration, achieving long-term stable NYHA functional class II, despite gradual dilation of the heart chambers. Persistent atrial fibrillation appeared on the last year of life, his clinical condition deteriorated, and the patient died 14 years, four months, and 13 days after the operation. To the best of our knowledge this seems to be the longest reported survival for a patient submitted to Batista operation.

Hidatidosis cardíaca: tratamiento quirúrgico para recidiva de quiste hidatídico en ventrículo izquierdo / Cardiac hydatid disease: surgical treatment for recurrent hydatid cyst in the left ventricle

INTRODUCCIÓN: El quiste hidatídico cardiaco es una patología infrecuente, producida por la llegada de Equinococcus granulosus a la circulación coronaria. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: Hombre de 52 años, con antecedente de quiste hidatídico cardiaco operado hace 27 años, insuficiencia cardiaca y enfermedad coronaria. Presentó disnea progresiva de un año de evolución. Estudio con radiografía de tórax, ecocardiografía y tomografía computada que mostró imagen compatible con hidatidosis cardiaca recidivada en el ventrículo izquierdo, arteria pulmonar e hilio pulmonar izquierdo, rodeando por completo el tronco coronario común izquierdo y parte proximal de la arteria descendente anterior. Se constató fracción de eyección de ventrículo izquierdo aproximadamente de 30%. No se encontró evidencia de enfermedad hidatídica extracardiaca. Se decidió tratamiento quirúrgico. Se abordó por esternotomía media y en circulación extracorpórea, se observaron lesiones compatibles con quiste hidatídico multiloculado de ubicación miocárdica en ventrículo izquierdo, con incontables vesículas hijas. Se realizó quistectomía más periquistectomía hidatídica sin incidentes. Presentó hemorragia postoperatoria por lo que requirió reintervención quirúrgica precoz. Evolucionó favorablemente y fue dado de alta sin complicaciones. A seis años de seguimiento se encuentra asintomático, sin evidencia tomográfica y ecocardiográfica de recidiva. DISCUSIÓN: La hidatidosis es una zoonosis endémica en Chile. La ubicación cardiaca es infrecuente, correspondiendo al 0,5 al 2% de los casos. Suele asociarse a la presencia de quistes extracardiacos. La ubicación más frecuente es la pared libre del ventrículo izquierdo a nivel intramiocárdico. El tratamiento médico suele ser insuficiente, por lo que se recomienda la resección quirúrgica.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac hydatid cyst is a rare disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus arrival of the coronary circulation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 52 years old man with a history of cardiac hydatid cyst operated 27 years ago, heart failure and coronary artery disease. He presented with a history of one year of progressive dyspnoea. Study with chest radiography, echocardiography and computed tomography showed an image compatible with cardiac hydatid disease recurrence in relation to the left ventricle, pulmonary artery and anterior descending artery. Ejection fraction of the left ventricle was approximately 30%. No evidence of extracardiac hydatid disease was found and surgical treatment was decided. Addressed by median sternotomy and extracorporeal circulation, a multiloculated myocardial hydatid cyst, with hundreds of daughter vesicles of different size was found. Pericystectomy of the hydatid cyst was performed without incident. The patient presented postoperative bleeding which required early reoperation. Posteriorly, was discharged without complications. DISCUSSION: Hydatid disease is an endemic zoonosis in Chile. Heart location is infrecuent and correspond to 0.5 to 2% of the cases, usually associated with the presence of extracardiac cysts. The most common location is the free wall of the left ventricle at intramyocardial level. Medical treatment is often inadequate and surgical resection is recommended.

Left ventricular aneurysm repair: off-pump linear plication versus on-pump patch plasty

Abstract Objective: The study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of simplified linear plication and classic patch plasty in patients with left ventricular aneurysm (LVA). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 282 patients undergoing LVA repair between 2006 and 2016. After propensity score matching, 45 pairs of patients receiving LVA surgery were divided into either a patch group (on-pump endoventricular patch plasty) or a plication group (off-pump linear plication). Then, their early surgical outcomes and long-term survival were compared in two matched groups. Results: The heart function improvement at discharge was similar in the two matched groups, while patients in the patch group more commonly suffered from low cardiac output syndrome (P=0.042) with higher proportion of intra-aortic balloon pumping assistance (P=0.034) than patients in the plication group. Compared with patients in the patch group, the patients in the plication group had shorter recovery times, regarding to mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay (P<0.001, P<0.001, and P=0.001, respectively). No significant difference was found in the long-term survival (P=0.62). Conclusions: Off-pump linear plication presented acceptable results in terms of early outcomes and long-term survival. For high-risk patients, the simplified LVA repair technique may be an option.

Ebstein's anomaly: "The one and a half ventricle heart"

Abstract Objective: Ebstein's anomaly remains a relatively ignored disease. Lying in the 'No Man's land' between congenital and valve surgeons, it largely remains inadequately studied. We report our short-term results of treating it as a 'one and a half ventricle heart' and propose that the true tricuspid annulus (TTA) 'Z' score be used as an objective criterion for estimation of 'functional' right ventricle (RV). Methods: 22 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for Ebstein's anomaly were studied. Echocardiography was performed to assess the type and severity of the disease, tricuspid annular dimension and its 'Z' score. Patients were operated by a modification of the cone repair, with addition of annuloplasty, bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS) and right reduction atrioplasty to provide a comprehensive repair. TTA 'Z' score was correlated later with postplication indexed residual RV volume. Results: There was one (4.5%) early and no late postoperative death. There was a significant reduction in tricuspid regurgitation grading (3.40±0.65 to 1.22±0.42, P<0.001). Residual RV volume reduced to 71.96±3.8% of the expected volume and there was a significant negative correlation (rho −0.83) between TTA 'Z' score and indexed residual RV volume. During the follow-up of 20.54±7.62 months, the functional class improved from 2.59±0.7 to 1.34±0.52 (P<0.001). Conclusion: In Ebstein's anomaly, a higher TTA 'Z' score correlates with a lower postplication indexed residual RV volume. Hence, a complete trileaflet repair with offloading of RV by BCPS (when the TTA 'Z' score is >2) is recommended. The short-term outcomes of our technique are promising.

Application of circular patch plasty (dor procedure) or linear repair techniques in the treatment of left ventricular aneurysms

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate early clinical outcomes and echocardiographic measurements of the left ventricle in patients who underwent left ventricular aneurysm repair using two different techniques associated to myocardial revascularization. Methods: Eighty-nine patients (74 males, 15 females; mean age 58±8.4 years; range: 41 to 80 years) underwent post-infarction left ventricular aneurysm repair and myocardial revascularization performed between 1996 and 2016. Ventricular reconstruction was performed using endoventricular circular patch plasty (Dor procedure) (n=48; group A) or linear repair technique (n=41; group B). Results: Multi-vessel disease in 55 (61.7%) and isolated left anterior descending (LAD) disease in 34 (38.2%) patients were identified. Five (5.6%) patients underwent aneurysmectomy alone, while the remaining 84 (94.3%) patients had aneurysmectomy with bypass. The mean number of grafts per patient was 2.1±1.2 with the Dor procedure and 2.9±1.3 with the linear repair technique. In-hospital mortality occurred in 4.1% and 7.3% in group A and group B, respectively (P>0.05). Conclusion: The results of our study demonstrate that post-infarction left ventricular aneurysm repair can be performed with both techniques with acceptable surgical risk and with satisfactory hemodynamic improvement.

The outcomes of superior cavopulmonary connection operation: a single center experience

Abstract Introduction: The superior cavopulmonary connection operation is one of the stages of the palliative surgical management for patients with functionally single ventricle. After surviving this stage, the patients are potential candidates for the final palliative procedure: the Fontan operation. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of superior cavopulmonary connection operations in our center and to identify factors affecting the survival and the progression to Fontan stage. Methods: The outcomes of 161 patients were retrospectively analyzed after undergoing superior cavopulmonary connection operation in our center between 2005 and 2015. Results: The early mortality rate was 2.5%. Five (3.1%) patients underwent takedown of the superior cavopulmonary connection. The rate of exclusion from the Fontan stage was 8.3%. Statistical analysis revealed that elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure preoperatively and the prior palliation with pulmonary artery banding were risk factors for both early mortality and takedown; however, the age, the morphology of the single ventricle and the type of operation were not considered risk factors. Conclusion: The superior cavopulmonary connection operation can be performed with low rate mortality and morbidity; however, the elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure preoperatively and the prior pulmonary artery banding are associated with poor outcomes.