Early clinical outcomes of the domestic KokaclipTM transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair system for severe degenerative mitral regurgitation: A single-arm, prospective, single-group target value clinical trial / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective To summarize and analyze the preliminary clinical outcomes of the KokaclipTM transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair system for severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR). Methods This study was a single-arm, prospective, single-group target value clinical trial that enrolled patients who underwent the KokaclipTM transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system for DMR in the Department of Heart Surgery of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute from June 2022 to January 2023. Differences in the grade of mitral regurgitation (MR) during the perioperative and follow-up periods were compared, and the incidences of adverse events such as all-cause death, thoracotomy conversion, reoperation, and severe recurrence of MR during the study period were investigated. Results The enrolled patient population consisted of 14 (50.0%) females with a mean age of 70.9±5.4 years. Twenty-eight (100.0%) patients were preoperatively diagnosed with typeⅡ DMR, with a prolapse width of 12.5 (11.0, 16.1) mm, a degree of regurgitation 4+ leading to pulmonary venous reflux, and a New York Heart Association cardiac function class≥Ⅲ. All patients completed the TEER procedure successfully, with immediate postoperative improvement of MR to 0, 1+, and 2+ grade in 2 (7.1%), 21 (75.0%), and 5 (17.9%) patients, respectively. Mitral valve gradient was 2.5 (2.0, 3.0) mm Hg. Deaths, thoracotomy conversion, or device complications such as unileaflet clamping, clip dislodgement, or leaflet injury were negative. Twenty-eight (100.0%) patients completed at least 3-month postoperative follow-up with a median follow-up time of 5.9 (3.6, 6.8) months, during which patients had a mean MR grade of 1.0+ (1.0+, 2.0+) grade and a significant improvement from preoperative values (P<0.001). There was no recurrence of ≥3+ regurgitation, pulmonary venous reflux, reoperation, new-onset mitral stenosis, or major adverse cardiovascular events. Twenty-two (78.6%) patients’ cardiac function improved to classⅠorⅡ. Conclusion The domestic KokaclipTM TEER system has shown excellent preliminary clinical results in selected DMR patients with a high safety profile and significant improvement in MR. Additional large sample volume, prospective, multicenter studies, and long-term follow-up are expected to validate the effectiveness of this system in the future.

Mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair: A state of art and strategic principles / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for mitral regurgitation (MR) is known as M-TEER. Its strengths include: precise targets and fewer implants; simple and clear principles for catheterization; originating from dependable medical concepts and broad applicability. Furthermore, TEER offers advantages in real-time hemodynamic and effectiveness measurement throughout the procedure over surgical edge-to-edge repair (SEER). When it comes to patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation , M-TEER should aim to deliver more optimum procedural outcomes. In functional mitral regurgitation, a modest transvalvular gradients or moderate residual shunt can be tolerated with M-TEER, which reduces the risk of problems and has no bearing on the patient's prognosis.

Reconstruction and analysis of K-Clip surgery process based on finite element method / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To investigate the effects of different types of tricuspid regurgitation, implantation positions, and device models on the treatment outcomes of K-Clip for tricuspid regurgitation using numerical simulations. Methods     Three-dimensional reconstruction of the heart model was performed based on CT images. Two different regurgitation orifices were obtained by modifying the standard parameterized tricuspid valve leaflets and chordae tendineae. The effects of different K-Clip models at different implantation positions (posterior leaflet midpoint, anterior-posterior commissure, anterior leaflet midpoint, posterior septal commissure) were simulated using commercial explicit dynamics software Ls-Dyna. Conclusion     For the two types of regurgitation in this study, clipping at the posterior leaflet midpoint resulted in a better reduction of the regurgitation orifice (up to 75% reduction in area). Higher clamping forces were required for implantation at the anterior leaflet midpoint and posterior septal commissure, which was unfavorable for the smooth closure of the clipping components. There was no statistical difference in the treatment outcomes between the 18T and 16T K-Clip components, and the 16T component required less clamping force. Therefore, the use of the 16T K-Clip component is recommended.

Valoración de la relación clínico-ultrasonográfica en la estenosis aórtica

Introducción: El incremento exponencial de la incidencia de la estenosis aórtica en relación con la edad, al igual que la presencia de factores de riesgo como el síndrome metabólico, predisponen a la calcificación aórtica como una manifestación de enfermedad cardiovascular generalizada. Objetivo: Identificar las incongruencias existentes entre las manifestaciones clínicas y el estudio ecocardiográfico en pacientes con estenosis valvular aórtica severa. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo-analítico en una muestra conformada por 50 pacientes diagnosticados, clínica y ecográficamente, de estenosis aórtica severa. Resultados: Se halló predomino de féminas blancas de la tercera edad con historia de dolor anginoso y disnea, acompañados de soplo mesosistólico intenso en foco aórtico, y un segundo ruido débil, y cifras tensionales bajas con pocos criterios ultrasonográficos de hipertrofia del ventrículo izquierdo y velocidad pico, unido al gradiente y el área aórtica, sugestivos de estenosis severa en un elevado por ciento, con calcificación de válvulas y una fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo elevada, junto a la presencia de otras valvulopatías. Conclusiones: El estudio demostró pobre correlación entre las manifestaciones clínicas y las ecocardiográficas.

Introduction: The exponential increase of aortic stenosis incidence in relation to age, as well as the presence of risk factors such as metabolic syndrome, predispose to aortic calcification as a manifestation of a generalized cardiovascular disease. Objective: To identify the incongruences existing between clinical manifestations and the echocardiographic study in patients with severe aortic valvular stenosis. Materials and methods: An analytical-descriptive study was carried out in a sample of 50 patients clinically and echo-graphically diagnosed of severe aortic stenosis. Results: A predominance of elder white women with a history of anginous pain and dyspnea was found, accompanied of intense meso-systolic murmur in aortic focus, and a second weak sound, and low blood tension figures with few ultrasonographic criteria of left ventricular hypertrophy and peak velocity, together with gradient and aortic area, which suggest a high-percent of severe stenosis, with valvular calcification and an elevated left ventricular elevation fraction, plus the presence of other valvular diseases. Conclusions: The study showed poor relationship between clinical and echocardiography manifestations.

Tratamiento quirúrgico del divertículo de Zenker; un caso clínico; Hospital Militar Central de La Paz (COSSMIL) gestión 2022 / Surgical treatment of Zenker's diverticulum, a Clinical Case Central Military Hospital of La Paz (COSSMIL) gestión 2022

Se presenta un caso clínico de una paciente de 66 años de edad masculino que acude a nuestro hospital (COOSMIL), después de hacer una anamnesis donde el paciente manifiestas molestias como tos, regurgitación y mal alientos (halitosis) y se le hace exámenes complementarios y se llega a un diagnóstico de divertículo faringo-esofágico o Zenker. Esta patología no es muy frecuente, pero se presenta en ancianos por una alteración anatomo-funcional que es un debilitamiento del músculo esofágico Hay tres divertículos esofágicos de los cuales el divertículo de Zenker es el más común aunque es relativamente raro que se presente, en la mayoría de las personas en edad seniles. Después de analizar el tamaño y forma del divertículo de este paciente se toma la decisión de una intervención quirúrgica el más acertado por el tamaño que mide es la diverticulectomia este tratamiento quirúrgico actualmente se continúa realizando en esta patología y con buen pronóstico de vida del paciente. Actualmente, el paciente se encuentra en buen estado salud y su recuperación es favorable desde la operación hasta el momento.

A case of a male patient of 66 years old was referred to our hospital (COSSMIL), after making an anamnesis in which the patient manifested cough, regurgitation and bad breath (halitosis). After further examination a the diagnosis is pharyngo-esophageal diverticulum or Zenker. This condition is rare, but sometimes it happens in elders due to an anatomical and functional alteration caused by is an esophagus muscle weakening. There are three esophageal diverticula in which the Zenker diverticulum is the most common but relatively rarely to occur in elder people. Before analyzing the size and shape of the diverticulum in this patient, the decision is proceed with surgery, the most recommended solution for measuring the size of the diverticulectomy. is The surgical treatment is still being applied in this pathology, with a high probability of success. Currently, the patient is in good health and the recovery from surgery is favorable so far.

Pancycle Aortic Incompetence and Double Alternans in Pediatric Heart Failure

A 12?year?old boy presented with bicuspid aortic valve, severe aortic regurgitation, and dilated dysfunctional left ventricle in heart failure. He underwent aortic valve replacement with a 23 mm TTK Chitra heart valve prosthesis (tilting disk). He was gradually weaned off milrinone and noradrenaline in the intensive care. Echocardiography showed severe left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 24%. The radial pulse was regular and of normal volume but exactly half that of the heart rate. Evaluation of the rhythm and echocardiography revealed an interesting hemodynamic phenomenon with double alternans.

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Implantation: Implications of Interventional Technique and 3D Echocardiography for Complex Valve?in?Valve Paravalvular Leak

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) has emerged as a feasible alternative to surgical reoperation in failed bioprostheses and rings. Residual mitral regurgitation following TMVR can present as a valve?in?valve paravalvular leak (PVL) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Current therapies for valve?in?valve PVL are limited. We present a case of a symptomatic patient with severe valve?in?valve PVL after TMVR for a previous surgical bioprosthesis leak, who then underwent a second TMVR as a valve?in?valve?in?valve implantation with a 29 mm Edwards? SAPIEN 3 valve via transseptal approach using three?dimensional (3D) echocardiography. This unique case highlights the complexity of this clinical entity and recognizes 3D transesophageal echocardiography as a valuable tool to guide valve?in?valve PVL closures.echocardiography

Como eu faço a avaliação pós-intervenções tricúspides: dicas e truques / My approach to assessment after tricuspid interventions: tips and tricks

A regurgitação tricúspide (RT) importante está associada à alta morbidade e mortalidade. Como o tratamento cirúrgico da RT isolada tem sido associado à alta mortalidade, as intervenções transcateter na valva tricúspide (VT) têm sido utilizadas para o seu tratamento, com risco relativamente mais baixo. Há um atraso na intervenção da RT e provavelmente está relacionado a uma compreensão limitada da anatomia da VT e do ventrículo direito, além da subestimação da gravidade da RT. Nesse cenário, faz-se necessário o conhecimento anatômico abrangente da VT, a fisiopatologia envolvida no mecanismo de regurgitação, assim como a sua graduação mais precisa. A VT tem peculiaridades anatômica, histológica e espacial que fazem a sua avalição ser mais complexa, quando comparado à valva mitral, sendo necessário o conhecimento e treinamento nas diversas técnicas ecocardiográficas que serão utilizadas frequentemente em combinação para uma avaliação precisa. Esta revisão descreverá a anatomia da VT, o papel do ecocardiograma no diagnóstico, graduação e fisiopatologia envolvida na RT, as principais opções atuais de tratamento transcateter da RT e a avaliação do resultado após intervenção transcateter por meio de múltiplas modalidades ecocardiográficas.(AU)

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Given that surgical treatment of TR alone has been associated with high mortality, transcatheter interventions in the tricuspid valve (TV) have been used for its treatment, with relatively lower risk. There is a delay in intervention for TR, and this is probably related to a limited understanding of the anatomy of the TV and the right ventricle, in addition to an underestimation of the severity of TR. In this scenario, it is necessary to have comprehensive anatomical knowledge of the TV, the pathophysiology involved in the mechanism of regurgitation, and more accurate grading. The TV has anatomical, histological, and spatial peculiarities that make its assessment more complex when compared to the mitral valve, requiring knowledge and training in the various echocardiographic techniques that will often be used in combination for accurate assessment. This review will describe the anatomy of the TV, the role of echocardiography in the diagnosis, grading, and pathophysiology involved in TR; the main transcatheter treatment options currently available for TR; and the assessment of outcomes after transcatheter intervention by means of multiple echocardiographic modalities.(AU)

Development of PR & Restenosis after Percutaneous Balloon Pulmonary Valvuloplasty

Background: Pulmonary stenosis is not an uncommon congenital heart disease in our population. Various age groups present with severe pulmonary stenosis require intervention either surgical or percutaneous catheter-based. Often lifesaving surgical intervention is not feasible considering procedural risk, the patient’s physical condition, and young age. Percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty is safe, effective, almost painless, economical, and less hospital stay in any age group with immediate and long-term success. This study aimed to analyze the rate of development of (Pulmonary Regurgitation) PR & restenosis after Percutaneous Balloon Pulmonary Valvuloplasty (PBPV). Material & Methods: This hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Paediatric Cardiology Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka from January to December 2021. 0-18 years aged 50 population with PS who were referred to the Paediatric Cardiology Department of CMH Dhaka during the study period were selected as study subjects as per inclusion criteria. The purposive Sampling technique was used in this study. Data were collected with a predesigned standard data collection sheet. Statistical significance was set as a 95% confidence level at a 5% acceptable error level. Categorical variables were expressed as frequency and percentages. Mean, standard deviation, and/or medians with interquartile ranges were used to express the continuous variables. Paired t-test was performed in categorical comparison. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS Version 24. Written informed consent was taken from every parent. Ethical clearance was taken from the Ethics Review Committee of CMH Dhaka for conducting the study. Results: 50(6.39%) had isolated valvular PS. The international standard for the prevalence of isolated PS is 8-10% which is very close to this study’s result. In this study, male predominance was found with the male-female ratio of 3:2 though there was no gender dominance found in other studies. Out of 50 cases, 3(6%) are neonates,7(14%) are infants, 27 (54%) are 1-5 years aged, and 13(26%) are more than 5 years aged. A total of 13(26%) cases developed PR, and all 13 patients developed trivial PR on D1 echo, out of them 1 patient developed mild PR on D30 Echo but in D90 and D180 Echo patients persisted the same mild PR. Out of 50 cases, 46(92%) were successful and 4 cases were procedure failed. None of the successful cases developed restenosis. Out of 4 procedure failed cases 1 patient developed restenosis on D30 follow up and 2 patients develop restenosis on the D90 follow-up. At D180 follow up none of the patients developed restenosis. All the restenosis cases had dysplastic pulmonary valves. One patient’s PS gradient persisted at 30-50 mm of Hg throughout the follow-up period. Overall restenosis in 180-day follow-up is 3(6%) and the remaining 47(94%) cases lead a healthy life in 6 months follow-up. Reballooning was done immediately after diagnosis of restenosis in stenosed cases. Conclusion: Immediate and intermediate-term (6 months) follow-up with Doppler echocardiography showed excellent outcomes in all cases except 3 (6.0%) restenosis cases and 13 (26.0%) insignificant PR cases. The baby who all had restenosis, had the risk factor, like- dysplastic PV. It may be concluded that balloon valvuloplasty is the procedure of choice for moderate, severe, and critical pulmonary valve stenosis.

The echocardiographic characteristics and risk stratification of patients with above grade 3+ mitral regurgitation: Based on the preliminary findings of echo core-lab / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To analyze the echocardiographic characteristics of above grade 3+ mitral regurgitation (MR) patients by 3D transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) in transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) and compare the intervention rate of TEER treatment in patients with different risk stratification. Methods     We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 91 patients with above grade 3+ MR in Anzhen Hospital between June 2021 and April 2022. There were 45 males and 46 females aged 66.5±15.9 years. According to pathogenesis, the patients were divided into different anatomical groups and risk stratification groups. There were 34 patients in a simple degenerative group (simple DMR group), 28 patietns in a complex disease group (Complex group), 14 patients in a simple ventricular  functional reflux group (simple VFMR group), 9 patients in a simple atrial functional reflux group (simple AFMR group), and 6 patients in a mixed functional reflux group (mixed FMR group). All patients were examined with a unified standard of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and 3D-TEE to compare the characteristic three-dimensional structural changes of the mitral valve in each group. According to the three partition strategy of preoperative anatomical evaluation of TEER, the risk stratification was conducted for the enrolled patients, which was divided into three regions from light to heavy: green area, yellow area, and red area. TEER treatment intervention rate of patients with different risk stratification was calculated. Results     Ant leaf angle and post leaf angle were negative in the simple DMR and Complex groups, and non-planar angle, prolapse height and prolapse volume were higher than those of the other groups (P=0.000). Ant leaf angle and post leaf angle were positive in the VFMR group and the mixed FMR group. Anterior and posterior (AP) diameter of valve ring (P=0.036), tenting height and tenting volume were higher than those of other groups (P=0.000).  AP diameter, tenting height and tenting volume were changed mildly in patients with simple AFMR. MR patients in red and yellow zone achieved a 28.1% TEER intervention rate. Conclusion     Standardized TTE and TEE examinations are crucial for the qualitative and quantitative diagnosis of MR in the echo core-lab. 3D-TEE mitral valve parameter can help determine the exact pathogenesis of MR and to improve the interventional rate of challenging MR patients.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation for native aortic valve regurgitation: A systematic review and meta-analysis / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for native aortic valve regurgitation. Methods    Literature from The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry, ClinicalTrials.gov and China Biomedical Literature Database from January 2002 to May 2021 were searched by computer. The literature on TAVI or transcatheter aortic valve replacement treatment for simple aortic reflux were collected. Two reviewers independently screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the literature. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA 14.0 software. Results    A total of 15 studies including 1 394 patients were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scales of the studies were≥6 points. The success rate of prosthetic valve implantation was 72.0%-100.0%, and there was no report of serious complications such as surgical death, myocardial infarction, and valve annulus rupture. The 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 6.3% [95%CI (3.4%, 9.1%)]. The incidence of stroke within 30 days and the rate of postoperative permanent pacemaker implantation were 2.0% [95%CI (1.0%, 4.0%)] and 6.0% [95%CI (4.0%, 10.0%)], respectively, and were both within acceptable limits. Conclusion    For patients with simple high-risk aortic regurgitation, TAVI can obtain satisfactory treatment effects and has low postoperative complications rate, and it may be a potential treatment option for such patients.

A Case of Mitral Regurgitation and Aortic Regurgitation Complicated with Coronary Sinus Ostium Stenosis / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Retrograde myocardial protection plays an important role in cardiac surgery and is widely used. We herein report a rare cardiac surgical case complicated with small coronary sinus ostium in which the cannula of retrograde cardioplegia could not be inserted. A 58 years old man was referred for the treatment of regurgitation and aortic regurgitation. Preoperative ECG gated computed tomography (CT) showed that the orifice of the largest coronary sinus was located in the right atrium with a diameter of only 4 mm with an other 3 smaller orifice in the right atrium and ventricle, which appeared to make it difficult to perform retrograde myocardial protection. The operative finding was consistent with the preoperative CT finding and mitral valve repair and aortic valve replacement were performed using only selective antegrade myocardial protection. We should bear in mind that small coronary ostium exists and preoperative assessment of the size of coronary sinus might be important.

Mitral Valve Repair for Failed MitraClip: a Case Report / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

The patient was an 89-year-old male who underwent transcatheter edge-to-edge repair to the mitral valve using MitraClip for severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) one year earlier. Although two clips were implanted, grade III/IV MR still remained. As his heart failure progressed, he was referred to us for surgery. The patient also had aortic stenosis. He underwent mitral valve repair and aortic valve replacement. The postoperative course was uneventful. He was transferred to the referring hospital on postoperative day 14. When performing MitraClip for degenerative MR, it is important to consider carefully not only the operative risk for open surgery but also the anatomical adequacy of MitraClip. When MitraClip fails to control MR, early surgical intervention should be considered.

The clinical impact of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with a biatrial orthotopic heart transplant / 医学前沿

In this study, we aim to elucidate the clinical impact and long-term course of tricuspid regurgitation (TR), taking into account its dynamic nature, after biatrial orthotopic heart transplant (OHT). All consecutive adult patients undergoing biatrial OHT (1984-2017) with an available follow-up echocardiogram were included. Mixed-models were used to model the evolution of TR. The mixed-model was inserted into a Cox model in order to address the association of the dynamic TR with mortality. In total, 572 patients were included (median age: 50 years, males: 74.9%). Approximately 32% of patients had moderate-to-severe TR immediately after surgery. However, this declined to 11% on 5 years and 9% on 10 years after surgery, adjusted for survival bias. Pre-implant mechanical support was associated with less TR during follow-up, whereas concurrent LV dysfunction was significantly associated with more TR during follow-up. Survival at 1, 5, 10, 20 years was 97% ± 1%, 88% ± 1%, 66% ± 2% and 23% ± 2%, respectively. The presence of moderate-to-severe TR during follow-up was associated with higher mortality (HR: 1.07, 95% CI (1.02-1.12), p = 0.006). The course of TR was positively correlated with the course of creatinine (R = 0.45). TR during follow-up is significantly associated with higher mortality and worse renal function. Nevertheless, probability of TR is the highest immediately after OHT and decreases thereafter. Therefore, it may be reasonable to refrain from surgical intervention for TR during earlier phase after OHT.

Concomitant repair of moderate or less tricuspid regurgitation during mitral valve surgery improves early and mid-term prognosis of tricuspid valve and right heart function / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To investigate the effect of concomitant tricuspid valve repair during mitral valve surgery on the early and mid-term prognosis of the tricuspid valve and right heart function in the patients with moderate or less tricuspid regurgitation. Methods    A retrospective study of 461 patients with mitral valve disease requiring cardiac surgery combined with moderate or less tricuspid regurgitation in our hospital from 2011 to 2014 was done. They were 309 males and 152 females with a median age of 53.00 (44.00, 60.00) years. According to whether they received tricuspid valve repair (Kay’s annuloplasty, DeVega’s annuloplasty or annular ring implantation), the patients were divided into a mitral valve surgery only group (a nTAP group, n=289) and a concomitant tricuspid valve repair group (a TAP group, n=172). At the same time, 43 patients whose tricuspid valve annulus diameter was less than 40 mm in the TAP group were analyzed in subgroups. Results    The median follow-up duration was 3.00 years (range from 0.10 to 9.30 years). There was no perioperative death. Three months after surgery, the anteroposterior diameter of the right ventricle in the TAP group was significantly improved compared with that in the nTAP group [–1.00 (–3.00, 1.00) mm vs. 0.00 (–0.20, 2.00) mm, P=0.048]. Three years after surgery, the improvement of right ventricular anteroposterior diameter in the TAP group was still significant compared with the nTAP group [–1.00 (–2.75, 2.00) mm vs. 2.00 (–0.75, 4.00) mm, P=0.014], and the patients in the TAP group were less likely to develop moderate or more tricuspid regurgitation (3.64% vs. 35.64%, P<0.001). Annuloplasty ring implantation was more effective in preventing regurgitation progression (P=0.044). For patients with a tricuspid annulus diameter less than 40 mm, concomitant tricuspid valve repair was still effective in improving the anteroposterior diameter of the right ventricle in the early follow-up (P=0.036). Conclusion     Concomitant tricuspid valve repair for patients with moderate or less tricuspid regurgitation during mitral valve surgery can effectively improve the tricuspid valve and right heart function in the early and mid-term after surgery. Annuloplasty ring implantation is more effective in preventing regurgitation progression. Patients whose tricuspid annulus diameter is less than 40 mm can also benefit from concomitant tricuspid repair.

Acute inferior myocardial infarction combined with papillary muscle rupture: A case report / 中南大学学报(医学版)

The incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is increasing. Acute papillary muscle rupture is one of the serious and rare mechanical complications of AMI, which occurs mostly in inferior and posterior myocardial infarction. A patient with acute inferior myocardial infarction developed pulmonary edema and refractory shock, followed by cardiac arrest. After cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), revascularization of criminal vessels was carried out by emergency percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) under the support of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Although the patient was given a chance for surgery, his family gave up treatment due to unsuccessful brain resuscitation. It reminds that mechanical complications such as acute papillary muscle rupture, valvular dysfunction and rupture of the heart should be highly suspected when cardiogenic pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock are difficult to correct in acute inferior myocardial infarction. Echocardiogram and surgery should be put forward when revascularization of criminal vessels is available.

A Case of Intermediate Type Atrioventricular Septal Defect Associated with a Membranous Ventricular Septal Aneurysm in a 70-Year-Old Female Patient / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

The case was a 70-year-old female. Atrioventricular septal defect was diagnosed in her childhood, however, surgical treatment had not been performed. The patient had suffered from heart failure at the age of 69, and she was referred to our hospital for treatment. Her diagnosis was intermediate type atrioventricular septal defect, moderate left atrioventricular valve regurgitation, membranous ventricular septal aneurysm and atrial flutter. An autologous pericardial patch was used to close the ostium primum type atrial septal defect associated with simultaneous covering of membranous ventricular septal aneurysmal wall. Concomitant left and right atrioventricular valvuloplasty and arrhythmia surgery were performed. Her postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged from our department on the 16th postoperative day. To our knowledge, there are few reports of surgery for incomplete type atrioventricular septal defect in the elderly and no report for intermediate type atrioventricular septal defect in Japan. In incomplete type atrioventricular septal defect, symptoms such as supraventricular arrhythmia and heart failure develop according to aging. Reported surgical results in the elderly are quite good, and improvement of excise tolerance is expected. Precise evaluation and proper indication of surgical treatment is mandatory even in older patients.

Tricuspid Annuloplasty and Mitral Valvuloplasty for Tricuspid and Mitral Regurgitation with Severe Right Heart Failure Complicated with Liver Cirrhosis / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 71-year-old woman underwent VVI pacemaker implantation for complete atrioventricular block 38 years ago at the cardiovascular department of another hospital. In the course of observation, she developed atrial fibrillation. One year ago, she was admitted to hospital for aggravated congestive heart failure and was subsequently treated by a cardiovascular practitioner. She had persistent shortness of breath and lower leg edema, which were treated with increasing doses of oral diuretics. Due to poor treatment outcomes, she was referred to our hospital. Her echocardiography results suggested severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and moderate mitral regurgitation. She was also found to have impaired renal function and liver cirrhosis (Stage A of the Child classification), and was admitted. In addition, she had undernutrition with suspected cardiac cachexia. She was first treated by inotrope infusion and central venous hyperalimentation before tricuspid annuloplasty and mitral valvuloplasty were performed. Even though her postoperative management was complicated, she was discharged from our hospital. The conservative treatment with the increased dose of the diuretic for TR-associated right heart failure was prolonged in this patient, leading to severe right heart failure and aggravation of impaired renal function or congestive liver-associated hepatic disorders. Eventually, the patient required operative intervention; however, postoperative management is usually complex, and the operation result may be poor in such patients. We suggest that, from the time when right heart failure can be managed with relatively small doses of diuretics, surgeons should be involved in the care of patients with severe TR who do not require left heart valvular surgery, and should discuss the necessity of surgery earlier than the relevant guidelines suggest, depending on the patient's condition.

A Case of Neonatal Marfan Syndrome Requiring Double Atrioventricular Valve Replacement due to Rapid Exacerbation of the Repaired Valves / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Neonatal Marfan syndrome is the most severe form of Marfan syndrome usually showing critical cardio-respiratory symptoms from the neonatal period or early infancy. We report a boy with this syndrome who presented with heart failure at 3 months of age and was referred to our department at 6 months old after intense medical treatment. He had enophthalmos, funnel chest, arachnodactyly, and Steinberg's thumb sign, but had no family history of Marfan syndrome or other cardiac diseases. Left ventricular dilatation, severe mitral regurgitation and moderate tricuspid regurgitation were noted on echocardiography. Mitral valvuloplasty and tricuspid annuloplasty were performed, and the regurgitation improved to trivial and mild level, respectively. However, rapid exacerbation of mitral regurgitation occurred, and the patient fell into circulatory collapse which needed circulatory support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) on 18th postoperative day. In the emergency operation, the previous surgical procedures on the mitral valve were intact and we thought that rapid progression of the mitral annular dilatation and valve expansion to be the cause of exacerbation. Mitral valve replacement (Regent® 21 mm aortic) was performed, and the cardiac function improved, but ECMO was still needed because of the depressed respiratory function. Furthermore, tricuspid regurgitation due to annular dilatation and valve expansion was aggravated rapidly which needed tricuspid valve replacement (ATS® 20 mm mitral) 9 days after the mitral valve replacement. ECMO was ceased on the 37th day and the patient was extubated on 71st day. He was discharged from the hospital 5 months after the first operation. One year has passed after discharge, and he is doing well with anticoagulation. In the treatment of neonatal Marfan syndrome, surgical procedure for valve repair is still controversial and it should be remembered that rapid exacerbation of the atrioventricular valve can occur even after satisfactory valve repair and there should be no hesitation regarding surgical intervention when needed.