A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study with tranexamic acid of bleeding and fibrinolytic activity after primary coronary artery bypass grafting.

Cardiopulmonary bypass is frequently associated with excessive blood loss. Platelet dysfunction is the main cause of non-surgical bleeding after open-heart surgery. We randomized 65 patients in a double-blind fashion to receive tranexamic acid or placebo in order to determine whether antifibrinolytic therapy reduces chest tube drainage. The tranexamic acid group received an intravenous loading dose of 10 mg/kg, before the skin incision, followed by a continuous infusion of 1 mg kg(-1) h(-1) for 5 h. The placebo group received a bolus of normal saline solution and continuous infusion of normal saline for 5 h. Postoperative bleeding and fibrinolytic activity were assessed. Hematologic data, convulsive seizures, allogeneic transfusion, occurrence of myocardial infarction, mortality, allergic reactions, postoperative renal insufficiency, and reopening rate were also evaluated. The placebo group had a greater postoperative blood loss (median (25th to 75th percentile) 12 h after surgery (540 (350-750) vs 300 (250-455) mL, P = 0.001). The placebo group also had greater blood loss 24 h after surgery (800 (520-1050) vs 500 (415-725) mL, P = 0.008). There was a significant increase in plasma D-dimer levels after coronary artery bypass grafting only in patients of the placebo group, whereas no significant changes were observed in the group treated with tranexamic acid. The D-dimer levels were 1057 (1025-1100) microg/L in the placebo group and 520 (435-837) microg/L in the tranexamic acid group (P = 0.01). We conclude that tranexamic acid effectively reduces postoperative bleeding and fibrinolysis in patients undergoing first-time coronary artery bypass grafting compared to placebo.

A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study with tranexamic acid of bleeding and fibrinolytic activity after primary coronary artery bypass grafting

Cardiopulmonary bypass is frequently associated with excessive blood loss. Platelet dysfunction is the main cause of non-surgical bleeding after open-heart surgery. We randomized 65 patients in a double-blind fashion to receive tranexamic acid or placebo in order to determine whether antifibrinolytic therapy reduces chest tube drainage. The tranexamic acid group received an intravenous loading dose of 10 mg/kg, before the skin incision, followed by a continuous infusion of 1 mg kg-1 h-1 for 5 h. The placebo group received a bolus of normal saline solution and continuous infusion of normal saline for 5 h. Postoperative bleeding and fibrinolytic activity were assessed. Hematologic data, convulsive seizures, allogeneic transfusion, occurrence of myocardial infarction, mortality, allergic reactions, postoperative renal insufficiency, and reopening rate were also evaluated. The placebo group had a greater postoperative blood loss (median (25th to 75th percentile) 12 h after surgery (540 (350-750) vs 300 (250-455) mL, P = 0.001). The placebo group also had greater blood loss 24 h after surgery (800 (520-1050) vs 500 (415-725) mL, P = 0.008). There was a significant increase in plasma D-dimer levels after coronary artery bypass grafting only in patients of the placebo group, whereas no significant changes were observed in the group treated with tranexamic acid. The D-dimer levels were 1057 (1025-1100) æg/L in the placebo group and 520 (435-837) æg/L in the tranexamic acid group (P = 0.01). We conclude that tranexamic acid effectively reduces postoperative bleeding and fibrinolysis in patients undergoing first-time coronary artery bypass grafting compared to placebo.

Unsupported valvuloplasty in children with congenital mitral valve anomalies. Late clinical results.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze late clinical evolution after surgical treatment of children, with reparative and reconstructive techniques without annular support. METHODS: We evaluated 21 patients operated upon between 1975 and 1998. Age 4.67+/-3.44 years; 47.6% girls; mitral insufficiency 57.1% (12 cases), stenosis 28.6% (6 cases), and double lesion 14.3% (3 cases). The perfusion 43.10+/-9.50 min, and ischemia time were 29.40+/-10.50 min. The average clinical follow-up in mitral insufficiency was 41.52+/-53.61 months. In the stenosis group (4 patients) was 46.39+/-32.02 months, and in the double lesion group (3 patients), 39.41+/-37.5 months. The echocardiographic follow-up was in mitral insufficiency 37.17+/-39.51 months, stenosis 42.61+/-30.59 months, and in the double lesion 39.41+/-37.51 months. RESULTS: Operative mortality was 9.5% (2 cases). No late deaths occurred. In the group with mitral insufficiency, 10 (83.3%) patients were asymptomatic (p=0.04). The majority with mild reflux (p=0.002). In the follow-up of the stenosis group, all were in functional class I (NYHA); and the mean transvalve gradient varied between 8 and 12 mmHg, average of 10.7 mmHg. In the double lesion group, 1 patient was reoperated at 43 months. No endocarditis or thromboembolism were reported. CONCLUSION: Mitral stenosis repair has worse late results, related to the valve abnormalities and associated lesions. The correction of mitral insufficiency without annular support showed good long-term results.

Valve repair in children with congenital mitral lesions: late clinical results.

Mitral valve repair may be performed without ring support with advantages related to results and complications. The objective of this study was to analyze the long-term clinical results following surgical repair and reconstruction without the use of rings in cases of congenital mitral lesions in children less than 12 years of age. Twenty-one patients who had undergone surgery during the period from 1975 to 1998 were evaluated. The mean age was 4.6 +/- 3.4 years. Females represented 47.6% of the total. Mitral regurgitation was present in 57.1% (12 patients), stenosis in 28.6% (6 patients), and the mixed lesion group represented 14.3% (3 patients). Perfusion time was 43.1 +/- 9.5 minutes and ischemic time 29.4 +/- 10.5 minutes. Follow-up time was 41.5 +/- 53.6 months for the regurgitation group, 46.3 +/- 32.0 months for the stenosis group, and 39.41 +/- 37.51 months for the mixed lesion group. Echocardiographical follow-up time was 37.17 +/- 39.51 months for the regurgitation group, 42.61 +/- 30.59 months for the stenosis group, and 39.41 +/- 37.51 months for the mixed lesion group. Operative mortality was 9.5% (two cases). There were no late deaths. In the regurgitation group, 10 patients (83.3%) were asymptomatic (p = 0.004). In the echocardiographical follow-up, most of the patients had minimal regurgitation. In the clinical follow-up of the stenosis group all patients were in functional class I (NYHA). The mean transvalvular gradient measured by echocardiography was from 8 to 12 mmHg with a mean gradient of 10.7 mmHg. In the mixed lesion group there was one reoperation at postoperative month 43. There were no cases of endocarditis or thromboembolism. Mitral valve repair in congenital lesions is associated with good late results. The majority of cases in the regurgitation group remain asymptomatic and do not require reoperation. Rings or annular support are not necessary in such cases. Satisfactory repair is more difficult to achieve in cases of mitral stenosis due to valvular abnormalities and the seriousness of the associated lesions.

Avaliaçäo da reduçäo de gradientes pressóricos e da hipertrofia ventricular após valvoplastia cirúrgica na estenose aórtica / Left ventricular hypertrophy regression immediately after aortic valve repair

INTRODUÇÇO: A correçäo cirúrgica da estenose aórtica resulta em reduçäo significativa do gradiente pressórico transvalvar, sendo acompanhada por regressäo da hipertrofia ventricular esquerda(HVE). A intensidade e a rapidez dessa regressäo tem sido objeto de avaliaçöes. A associaçäo de valvoplastia aórtica e regressäo imediata da HVE é relatada em poucos estudos. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados, prospectivamente, 11 pacientes submetidos à valvoplastia em estenose aórtica, utilizando-se ecocardiografia imediatamente antes da cirurgia e no período pós-operatório precoce (6,1 + ou - 0,9 dias). RESULTADOS: A espessura septal variou de 12,10 + ou - 1,66mm para 11,36 + ou - 1,12mm (reduçäo de 6,1 por cento) (NS) enquanto a espessura parietal variou 4,4 por cento (de 11,70 + ou - 1,41 mm para 11,18 + ou - 1,16mm) (NS). A fraçäo de ejeçöo apresentou uma variaçäo de 62,02 + ou - 18,59 por cento para 62,50 + ou - 11,74 por cento (NS). A massa ventricular esquerda variou em 6,7 por cento ( de 277,65 + ou - 114,80 g passou para 258,93 + ou - 92,38 g) (NS). O gradiente transvalvular médio regrediu de 53,6 + ou -10,3 mmHg para 23,0 + ou - 9,1mmHg, ou seja, 57 por cento (p<0.001). CONCLUSÕES: A valvoplastia alivia o gradiente pressórico aórtico satisfatoriamente e a regressäo da HVE tende a se iniciar logo após, porém ainda näo é significativa no período pós-operatório imediato

[Reduction of pressure gradients and of ventricular hypertrophy after surgical valvoplasty in aortic stenosis]. / Avaliação da redução de gradientes pressóricos e da hipertrofia ventricular após valvoplastia cirúrgica na estenose aórtica.

BACKGROUND: Relief of gradient is followed by myocardial mass reduction in aortic stenosis. Its degree and speed are under evaluation. Aortic valve repair in calcified aortic stenosis is less well studied than replacement. METHODS: We evaluated left ventricular hypertrophy reduction by echocardiogram in 11 patients immediately after valve repair in aortic stenosis at a mean of 6.1 +/- 0.9 days post operative. RESULTS: Septal width was 12.10 +/- 1.66 mm pre and 11.36 +/- 1.12 mm post operative, 6,1% reduction (NS). Parietal width varied 4.4% from 11.70+/-1.41 mm to 11.18 +/- 1,16 mm (NS). Ejection fraction went from 62.02+/-18.59% to 62.50+/-11. 74% (NS). Left ventricular mass varied 6.7%, from 277.65+/-114.80g to 258.93+/- 92.38 g (NS). Mean transvalvar gradient reduced 57%, from 53.56+/-10.30 to 23.0+/-9.1 mmHg (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Aortic valve repair reduces gradients adequately and left ventricular hypertrophy shows a trend to regression soon after aortic repair, but is not yet significant in the first post-operatively week.

Predictive factors for persistence of atrial fibrillation after mitral valve operation.

BACKGROUND: The majority of patients operated on for mitral valve disease with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) do not recover sinus rhythm with conventional postoperative treatment. The maze procedure may be used in these circumstances. To define the precise indications for the maze procedure, it would be necessary to identify those patients based on preoperative factors. METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken on 100 consecutive patients operated on for mitral valve disease in chronic AF. The return to sinus rhythm was analyzed with relation to age, gender, AF duration, left atrial size, left ventricular ejection fraction, lesion type, valve procedure, associated procedures, and reoperation. RESULTS: At late follow-up (more than 1 year) 26 (26%) patients presented sinus rhythm and 74 (74%) remained in AF. Statistical single parametric analysis demonstrated that mitral stenosis was a risk factor for maintaining AF, whereas regurgitation was more associated to sinus rhythm recovery. There was no relation with the other parameters with return to sinus rhythm. It should be noted, however, that 96% of this series had AF for more than 6 months preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with mitral valve disease remain in AF and this may justify the association of maze procedure. Pure regurgitation may be a single predictor for return to sinus rhythm after mitral valve operation in chronic AF.

Results of the surgical treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: Report clinical experience in surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) by Cox-maze procedure. METHODS: 61 patients underwent surgical treatment for AF. Two had primary AF and 59 AF secondary to heart disease (2 atrial septal defects, 57 mitral). Ages ranged from 20 to 74 years (mean = 49). There were 44 females (72%). The surgical technique employed was Cox 3 without cryoablation. The patients were follow-up in specific at patient clinics and underwent periodical ECG, exercise tests, echocardiogram and Holter monitoring. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was 4.9% and late mortality 1.6%. A temporary pacemaker was used in 28 (46%) and a definitive in 7 patients (11.4%). On hospital discharge, AF remained in 17%; 63.9% had sinus rhythm, 6.9% atrial rhythm, 1.7% junctional rhythm, and 10.3% had pacemaker rhythm. In the last evaluation, AF was present in 19.5%; (70.5% sinus rhythm, 4% atrial rhythm, 2% atrial tachycardia, and 4% pacemaker rhythm). There was no report of thromboembolic episodes. Chronotropic response was considered adequate in 19%, intermediate in 29%, and inadequate in 42%. In Holter monitoring, the mean heart rate was 82 +/- 8 bpm, with a minimum of 57 +/- 7 bpm and maximum of 126 +/- 23 bpm, with supraventricular extrasystoles in 2.3 +/- 5.5% of the total heartbeats and ventricular extrasystoles in 0.8 +/- 0.5%. In the echocardiogram, the A wave was present in the left atrium in 87.5%. CONCLUSION: Maze procedure is effective and has acceptable surgical risk. Atrial or sinus rhythms remain stable with a small but remarkable frequency of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Left atrial contraction is present, although attenuated, as well as the chronotropic response to exercise.

Ventricular evoked response in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy treated with DDD pacing.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the changes in ventricular evoked responses (VER) produced by the decrease in left ventricular outflow tract gradient (LVOTG) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) treated with dual-chamber (DDD) pacing. METHODS: A pulse generator Physios CTM (Biotronik, Germany) was implanted in 9 patients with severe drug-refractory HOCM. After implantation, the following conditions were assessed: 1) Baseline evaluation: different AV delay (ranging from 150 ms to 50 ms) were sequentially programmed during 5 to 10 minutes, and the LVOTG (as determined by Doppler echocardiography) and VER recorded; 2) standard evaluation, when the best AV delay (resulting in the lowest LVOTG) programmed at the initial evaluation was maintained so that its effect on VER and LVOTG could be assessed during each chronic pacing evaluation. RESULTS: LVOTG decreased after DDD pacing, with a mean value of 59 +/- 24 mmHg after dual chamber pacemaker, which was significantly less than the gradient before pacing (98 + 22 mmHg). An AV delay > 100 ms produced a significantly lower decrease in VER depolarization duration (VERDD) when compared to an AV delay < or = 100 ms. Linear regression analyses showed a significant correlation between the LVOTG values and the magnitude of VER (r = 0.69; p < 0.05) in the 9 studied patients. CONCLUSION: The telemetry obtained intramyocardial electrogram is a sensitive means to assess left ventricular dynamics in patients with HOCM treated with DDD pacing.

Evaluation of the heart rate and arrhythmias following the maze procedure for chronic atrial fibrillation.

PURPOSE: To assess the presence and the prevalence of arrhythmias and the variability of the heart rate in the medium-term postoperative period following the maze procedure for chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: Seventeen patients with a mean age of 51.7 +/- 12.9 years, who previously underwent the maze procedure without cryoablation for chronic atrial fibrillation, were evaluated with the 24 hour electrocardiogram (ECG)--Holter monitoring from the 6th month after the operation. Valvular and coronary procedures were concomitantly performed. RESULTS: The mean heart rate during Holter monitoring was 82 +/- 8 bpm; the maximal heart rate was 126 +/- 23 bpm and the minimal heart rate 57 +/- 7 bpm. Sinus rhythm was found in 10 (59%) patients and atrial rhythm was found in 7 (41%). Supraventricular extrasystoles had a rate of 2.3 +/- 5.5% of the total number of heartbeats and occurred in 16 (94%) patients. Six (35%) patients showed nonsustained atrial tachycardia. Ventricular extrasystoles, with a rate of 0.8 +/- 0.5% of the total heartbeats, occurred in 14 (82%) patients. The chronotropic competence was normal in 9 (53%) patients and attenuated in 8 (47%). The atrioventricular conduction (AV) was unchanged in 13 (76%) patients and there were 4 (24%) cases of first degree atrioventricular block (AVB). CONCLUSION: After the maze procedure, the values for the mean heart rate, AV conduction and chronotropic competence approach the normal range, although some cases show attenuation of the chronotropic response, first degree AV block or benign arrhythmias.

[Late evaluation with spiral computed tomography of smooth bovine pericardium grafts]. / Avaliação tardia por tomografia computadorizada espiral de enxertos de pericárdio bovino liso como substitutos aórticos.

PURPOSE: To evaluate morphologically by spiral computed tomography (SCT) bovine pericardial grafts as aortic substitutes. METHODS: Ten patients were submitted to aortic graft evaluation with SCT. There were 8 ascending and 2 descending grafts. Examination was done after 2 to 7 years post operative. Ages ranged from 49 to 67 years, with 6 male and 4 female patients. All had implanted smooth surface naked pericardial grafts. RESULTS: Surgical result was good in all. Distal dissection persisted in some cases. One had a peri-graft hematoma, 5 had no structural changes and 4 presented mild graft dilatation. There were no graft calcification or pseudoaneurysm. CONCLUSION: Glutaraldehyde preserved naked smooth surface bovine pericardial aortic grafts present satisfactory structural aspect, as seen by SCT, at medium term follow-up. Mild dilatation may be seen in some cases.

Avaliaçäo tardia por tomografia computadorizada espiral de enxertos de pericárdio bovino liso com substitutos aórticos / Late evaluation of bovine pericardium grafts as aortic substitutes by spiral computed tomography

OBJETIVO - Avaliar, morfologicamente, por tomografia computadorizada espiral, enxertos de pericárdio bovino liso empregados como substitutos aórticos. MÉTODOS - Dez pacientes foram submentidos a exame por tomografia computadorizada espiral para reconstituiçäo da imagem dos enxertos. Os critérios de seleçäo foram tempo de seguimento superior a 2 anos, enxertos de pericárdio liso näo revestido, implantados na aorta ascendente ou descendente. RESULTADOS - Os exames demonstram bom resultado cirúrgico em todos os casos, persistindo em alguns, a imagem de dissecçäo aórtica distal à anastomose. Um caso apresentava hematoma entre o enxerto e a parede aórtica, em 5 näo foram encontradas alteraçöes estruturais no pericárdio e, nos demais, foi detectada dilataçäo de grau leve, em relaçäo ao diâmetro descrito do enxerto implantado. Näo foram vistos sinais de calcificaçäo ou pseudoaneurismas. CONCLUSÄO - Os enxertos tubulares de pericárdio bovino liso, näo revestido, apresentam resultados satisfatórios quando empregados como substitutos aórticos. A médio prazo, näo foram detectados anormalidades estruturais relacionadas ao material empregado, pela tomografia computadorizada espiral, exceto dilataçäo em alguns casos.

[Surgical myocardial revascularization in young patients]. / Cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica em pacientes jovens.

PURPOSE: To determine early and late results of surgical myocardial revascularization (SMR) in young patients. METHODS: We studied retrospectively 73 patients aging less than 40 years and submitted to SMR between 1975 and 1989. The method used was patient card review and thelephone contact with the patient or his physician. RESULTS: Follow-up was obtained in all cases in a period of 2 to 185 (59.9 +/- 41.0) months. Of the coronary risk factors smoking was the most frequent. One vessel coronary artery disease was observed in 16 (21.9%) patients, 2 and 3 vessel coronary artery disease in 26 (35.6%) and 32 (43.8%) patients respectively. SMR was considered complete in 68 (93.2%) patients. An associated procedure was performed on 10 cases: Left ventricular aneurysm repair in 9 (12.3%) and mitral valve replacement in one (1.4%). Perioperative myocardial infarction occurred in 7 (9.5%) patients and one of them died (operative mortality: 1.4%). During follow-up, 6 (8.3%) patients died with an actuarial survival rate of 89.1% at 15 years. An event free survival rate of 68.3% was observed at 10 years. From 66 survivors, 53 (80.3%) were asymptomatic at late follow-up and 48 (72.7%) patients returned to work. CONCLUSION: Surgical myocardial revascularization in young patients associated with medical treatment, has good early and late results with a high percentage of patients asymptomatic and reemployed at a late follow-up.

Cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica em pacientes jovens / Surgical myocardial revascularization in young patients

Objetivo - avaliar os resultados imediatos e tardios da cirurgia de revascularizaçäo em pacientes jovens. Métodos - foram estudados retrospectivaemnte 73 pacientes com idades inferiores a 40 anos e submetidos a cirurgia de revascularizaçäo miocárdica no período de 1975 a 1989, utilizando-se a revisäo dos prontuários e o contato telefônico com os pacientes e/ou médicos-assitentes. Resultados - todos os pacientes foram acompanhados por um período de 2 a 185 (média 59, 9 +/- 41,0) meses. Dentre os fates de risco, o tabagismo foi o mais frequente (89,0 por cento). Dezesseis (21,9 por cento) pacientes apresentavam lesäo coronariana uniarterial, 26 (35,6 por cento) tinham doença biarterial e 32 (43,8 por cento) apresentavam doença triarterial. A revascularizaçäo foi considerada completa em 93, 2 por cento dos casos, sendo que 12,3 por cento foram também submetidos à aneurismectomia do ventrículo esquerdo. Desenvolveram infarto agudo do miocárdio perioperatório 7 (9,5 por cento) doentes, tendo ocorrido móbito hospitalar (1,3 por cento). Tardiamente, 6 (8,3 por cento) pacientes faleceram perfazendo probabilidade de sobrevida de 89, 1 por cento em 15 anos e probabilidade de sobrevida livre de eventos de 68,3 por cento em 10 anos. Encontram-se assintomáticos 80,3 dos pacientes, sendo que 72,7 por cento retornaram ao trabalho. Conclusäo a cirurgia de revascularizaçäo miocárdica em pacientes jovens, associada ao tratamento clínico, mostrou bons resultados a curto e longo prazo, com lata percentagem de pacints sobreviventes, assintomáticos e reassumindo suas atividades trabalhísticas.

Purpose - To determine early and late results of surgical myocardial revascularization (SMR) in young patients. Methods - We studied retrospectively 73 patients aging less than 40 years and submitted to SMR between 1975 and 1989. The method used was patient card review and thelephone contact with the patient or his physician. Results - Follow-up was obtained in all cases in a period of 2 to 185 (59.9±41.0) months. Of the coronary risk factors smoking was the most frequent. One vessel coronary artery disease was observed in 16 (21.9%) patients, 2 and 3 vessel coronary artery disease in 26 (35.ó%) and 32 (43.8%) patients respectively. SMR was considered complete in 68(93.2%) patients. An associated procedure was performed on 10 cases: Left ventricular aneurysm repair in 9 (12.3%) and mitral valve replacement in one (1.4%). Perioperative myocardial infarction occured in 7 (9.5%) patients and one of them died (operative mortality: 1.4%). During follow-up, 6 (8.3%) patients died with an actuarial survival rate of 89.1 % at 15years. An eventfree survival rate of 68.3% was observed at 10 years. From 66 survivors,53 (80.3%) were asymptomatic at late follow-up and 48 (72.7%) patients returned to work Conclusion - Surgical myocardial revascularization in young patients associated with medical treatment, has good early and late results with a high percentage of patients asymptomatic and reemployed at a late follow-up

[Adequacy of of pacemakers responsive to the volume-minute ventilation rate in heart transplantation patients]. / Adequação de marcapasso com resposta de freqüência por volume-minuto respiratório em pacientes submetidos a transplante cardíaco.

PURPOSE: To evaluate in the late post-operative period (PO) the chronotropic response to exercise of patients submitted to orthotopic cardiac transplantation (CT) and the implant of a cardiac pacemaker (PM). METHODS: A rate response ventricular PM (VVI+R) which uses minute ventilation (MV) as a sensor was implanted in five patients in the early PO of CT due to chronotropic incompetence. The patients were 31 to 64 years old and the indication to implant of PM was low ventricular escape rhythm following atrial taquicardia/bradycardia (one case) or sinus bradycardia (4 cases). The study was performed by means of paired exercise tests using Naughton protocol in order to compare the heart rate in VVI (prefixed heart rate) and VVIR+MV (rate response) mode. The duration of the exercise was compared between the two modes of stimulation. RESULTS: In VVI mode the heart rate was significantly lower than in VVIR+MV mode for comparable periods of exercise (101 +/- 12 ppm vs 132 +/- 4 ppm; p < 0.05); in VVIR+MV mode the patients had a prolonged time of exercise as compared to VVI mode (15 +/- 7 min vs 12 +/- 7 min; NS). CONCLUSION: The MV rate response PM provided patients with satisfactory heart during exercise and may be an adequate option to patients submitted to CT who present chronotropic incompetence.

Side-to-side carotid-subclavian anastomosis for interrupted aortic arch.

A simple technique is proposed for restoring aortic flow in an interrupted aortic arch simulating a type B interruption that does not require aortic cross-clamping, circulatory arrest, or the ligation of major aortic branches. Side-to-side anastomosis between the left carotid and subclavian arteries together with division of the ductus arteriosus and pulmonary artery banding proved effective for relieving aortic arch stricture in that location.

Late outcome of unsupported annuloplasty for rheumatic mitral regurgitation.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate medium- and long-term (range 4 months to 17 years) clinical results in a series of patients treated surgically by unsupported mitral annuloplasty. BACKGROUND: Mitral valve regurgitation has usually been treated by valve replacement or ring annuloplasty. A few series have reported plastic repair procedures without annular support or remodeling. Furthermore, in rheumatic lesions the results have been inferior to those in degenerative mitral insufficiency, and the majority of previous reports have provided information on short- or medium-term follow-up. METHODS: One hundred fifty-four patients were operated on (55 male [36%] and 99 female [64%]). The mean age +/- SD was 36 +/- 16 years (range 5 to 73). Associated lesions comprised 47 aortic and 21 tricuspid valve lesions and 2 atrial septal defects. Patients with concomitant mitral stenosis were not included. Preoperative functional class was I or II in 19% and III or IV in 81%. The cardiothoracic ratio was 0.61 +/- 0.10. All patients underwent an unsupported mitral annuloplasty procedure in which the mural portion of the annulus was reduced by applying two buttressed mattress sutures at the commissures without compromising the width of the septal leaflet. When necessary, additional chordal procedures were performed. No patients received ring or posterior annular support. RESULTS: The early mortality rate was 1.9% (three patients; one of the three died of myocardial failure and two of pulmonary thromboembolism). The late mortality rate was 5.8% (nine patients; three of the nine died of myocardial failure, one each of septicemia, pulmonary thromboembolism and sudden arrhythmic death and three of unknown causes). Twenty-eight patients (18.2%) were reoperated on because of mitral valve dysfunction and 2 (1.3%) because of prosthetic aortic valve dysfunction. A residual late systolic murmur was present in 48% of patients. Late complications were systemic thromboembolism in 5.8% (one third with an aortic valve prosthesis), infective endocarditis in 1.3% and pulmonary thromboembolism in 0.6%. Postoperative functional class was I or II in 84% and III or IV in 16%. Cardiothoracic ratio was 0.58 +/- 0.10. Actuarial probability of late survival was 79.5 +/- 5.3% at 10 years and 71.0 +/- 7.4% at 14 years. Event-free survival was 67.9 +/- 8.9% at 10 years and 56.1 +/- 11.7% at 14 years. CONCLUSIONS: Rheumatic mitral regurgitation can be effectively treated by annuloplasty without prosthetic annular support, with late results comparable to those obtained with more complicated procedures. This observation is particularly important for treatment of children and young adult patients.