A smart method of intraoperative explantation of an aortic bioprosthesis.

Structural prosthetic valve deterioration and nonstructural dysfunction are two common causes of nonfatal valve events following implantation of a bioprosthetic valve. Using caution and skill, implantation of a bioprosthesis is relatively easy. On the other hand, explantation of a bioprosthesis is a challenging and time-consuming procedure. We have developed a surgical technique by which we were able to ameliorate this troublesome situation in a 79-year-old man with aortic stenosis in whom we had to intraoperatively explant the bioprosthesis that we have put in initially. Another bioprosthesis of the same kind was used to replace the old prosthesis with the rest of his postoperative course until dismissal being eventless.

Right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunt: alternative palliation in infants with inadequate pulmonary blood flow prior to two-ventricle repair.

BACKGROUND: Traditional palliation of infants with biventricular hearts and inadequate pulmonary blood flow is a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt. The aim of this report is to assess the results of an alternative, right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) shunt. METHODS: Between August 2004 and July 2007, 10 infants with biventricular hearts and inadequate pulmonary blood flow underwent palliation with an RV-PA shunt. Median age was 9 days (range, 4 to 86), weight was 3.0 kg (1.7 to 4.5), and 4 of 10 patients weighed less than 2.5 kg. Shunts were nonvalved Gore-Tex (W.L. Gore Assoc, Flagstaff, AZ), and size was 6 mm (n = 5) or 5 mm (n = 5). RESULTS: There were no operative deaths. Median oxygen saturation at hospital discharge was 95% (87 to 98). In 2 patients the shunt was partially narrowed with a metal clip; they underwent successful balloon dilation 6 months after shunt placement. Eight patients have undergone two-ventricle repair 6 to 17 months after shunt placement. At the time of complete repair, oxygen saturation was 86 +/- 1% and weight was 7.7 +/- 1.7 kg. Repairs included a valved RV-to-PA conduit, 14 to 16 mm in diameter. There was one interstage death. CONCLUSIONS: The RV-PA shunt provides successful palliation in infants with biventricular heart disease and inadequate pulmonary blood flow. It can be used in low birth weight infants and allows significant growth with protection of oxygen saturation prior to complete repair. Partial clipping of the shunt with subsequent balloon dilation is an option to prolong palliation. These results compare favorably with those of a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt or single stage complete repair.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm: surgical approaches to complicated cases.

BACKGROUND: The authors herein report surgical experience with the aneurysms of sinus of Valsalva (SVA) complicated by coexisting pathologies. METHODS: Eight patients aged between 11 and 55 years underwent surgical repair of SVA. The aneurysms originated from the right coronary sinus in four patients, from the non-coronary sinus in four patients and from the left in one patient (one patient had aneurysms originating from both the left and right sinuses). Six of the aneurysms were ruptured into the right atrium (n = 3), right ventricle (n = 2) and left ventricle (n = 2). Aortic insufficiency (AI; n = 3), ventricular septal defect (n = 2), atrial septal defect (n = 4), Marfan's syndrome (n = 2), pulmonary stenosis (n = 1) and aortic stenosis (n = 1) were the coexisting anomalies. Double-chamber exposure (right atrial/ventricle and aortic) was used in all of the patients. Patch closure was preferred for defect closure. In three patients with AI, valve replacement was necessary. Two patients with endocarditis in New York Heart Association classes III-IV underwent urgent operation. RESULTS: The patient with annular narrowing was the only in-hospital death due to severe infection. The survivors were followed up for 85 months (range: 6-156 months). In two patients with Marfan's syndrome reoperation was necessary. All the surviving patients were asymptomatic with no unfavourable consequences. CONCLUSIONS: Although SVA can be treated successfully with low operative risk, the factors that influence patient outcome include infective endocarditis, Marfan's syndrome and the preoperative functional status of the patient.