A Clinical Analysis on the Restoration of Sinus Rhythm Following Mitral Valve Surgery / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The atrial fibrillation in patients with mitral valvular heart disease is frequently converted to sinus rhythm after the mitral valve surgery. This sinus restoration implies an important meaning in that it not only helps postoperative convalescence in patients with unstable hemodynamics but also reduces the rate of postoperative thromboembolism. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed 184 patients who received mitral valve surgery from June 1986 to December 1996 to investigate the trend of rhythm change following mitral valve surgery and thus to clarify the predisposing factors of postoperative sinus rhythm conversion and its maintenance. RESULT: The sinus rhythm was restored after the operation in 54 out of 139 patients with atrial fibrillation preoperatively(38.8%). However, the atrial fibrillation recurred in 41 patients at the time of discharge showing a recurrence rate of 75.9 percent. The mean duration of sinus rhythm in patients with eventual atrial fibrillation recurrence was 8.2+/-5.9 days. Only 15 patients were in sinus rhythm at the time of late follow-up with the mean follow-up period of 84.4+/-34.7 months. While the age, duration of symptoms, duration of atrial fibrillation, left atral size, and pulmonary artery pressure were thought to be the predisposing factors for sinus conversion after the operation, only the duration of atrial fibrillation and ejection fraction were considered risk factors for the recurrence of the atrial fibrillation following sinus conversion. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the early operation is mandatory for the satisfactory result regarding postoperative rhythm. Moreover, additional operative measure in adjunct to the intervention of mitral valve should be considered for the maintenance of restored sinus rhythm as reflected by high postoperative recurrence rate of atrial fibrillation.

Adult Tracheoesophageal Fistula Incidentally Found on General Endotracheal Anesthesia: A Case Report / 대한흉부외과학회지

We describe a case of adult tracheoesophageal fisula incidentally found during laparotomy. A 41 year old male came to the emergency room due to multiple injuries from a car accident. An emergent laparotomy was given to the patient to rule out hemoperitoneum, and progressive distension of the stomach was noted with each positive pressure ventilation. The diagnosis of tracheoesophageal fistula was made via an intraoperative esophagogram. Detailed inquiry of the patient's history from his mother together with extensive destructive changes over the right upper lung field on the patient's chest X ray suggested that the fistula was longstanding and not of traumatic origin, obviating the need of urgent operation. The fistula was divided via the right thoracotomy 24 days later. Postoperative course was uneventful.

Double Valve Replacement via Ministernotomy: A Case Report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Recently, several versatile approaches via limited incision have been developed for minimally invasive cardiac surgery. As the incision is limited, it is often dfficult to get a satisfactory operative field, especially for the manipulation of two separate lesions such as simultaneous mitral and aortic valve disease with a single limited incision. Here, we describe a case of successful double valve replacement via ministernotomy, which was followed by two cases of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement via transsternal approach. The operative field was unexceptionally satisfactory and the postoperative patient's acceptance was high. The methodology is described with a review of the relevant literatures.

Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery: A Report of Two Cases / 대한흉부외과학회지

Recently, minimally invasive approach via limited incision becomes one of the rapidly developing strategy in cardiac surgery as it gives less surgical trauma and is more satisfactory to the patients in respect to operative scar although the surgical technique is more demanding. Here, we report two cases of aortic valve replacement via limited transsternal incision. The methodology is described with review of the relevant literature.