Search

Tricuspid regurgitation is relatively common. Due to the progress made in echocardiography, its diagnosis is in general made readily and in reliable fashion. Basically one has to distinguish between functional tricuspid valve regurgitation due to volume and/or pressure overload of the right ventricle with intact valve structures versus tricuspid valve regurgitation due to pathologic valve structures. The clear identification of the regurgitation mechanism is of prime importance for the treatment. Functional tricuspid valve regurgitation can often be improved by medical treatment of heart failure, and eventually a tricuspid valve plasty can solve the problem. However, the presence of pathologic tricuspid valve structures makes in general more specific plastic surgical procedures and even prosthetic valve replacements necessary. A typical example for a structural tricuspid valve regurgitation is the case of a traumatic papillary muscle rupture. Due to the sudden onset, this pathology is not well tolerated and requires in general surgical reinsertion of the papillary muscle. In contrast, tricuspid valve regurgitation resulting from chronic pulmonary embolism with pulmonary artery hypertension, can be improved by pulmonary artery thrombendarteriectomy and even completely cured with an additional tricuspid annuloplasty. However, tricuspid regurgitations due to terminal heart failure are not be addressed with surgery directed to tricuspid valve repair or replacement. Heart transplantation, dynamic cardiomyoplasty or mechanical circulatory support should be evaluated instead.

In a retrospective study, 47 patients with acute renal failure following cardiovascular surgery were evaluated in the Cardiovascular Surgery ICU of the University Hospital, Zurich, from 1991 to 1994. The object of the study was to investigate the contribution of hemofiltration for acute renal failure following cardiovascular surgery. The aim was further to identify risk factors which impair survival. We found that overall mortality was 70.2%, but was influenced by the patients' age. In patients under 60 (n = 9) the mortality rate was 55.6%; in patients from 60 to 69 (n = 19) the mortality rate was 57.9%. However, in patients aged 70 and over (n = 19), there was an increase in mortality to 89.5%. Specifically, the outcome was tested in a stepwise logistic regression and we found that recovery of renal function following hemofiltration was the most important factor favoring survival (p < 0.001). Further statistical analysis revealed that age 70 years or over was one of the main risk factors leading to death (p < 0.03), whereas preoperative renal insufficiency had no influence on postoperative outcome (p < 0.29). We conclude that postoperative renal function represents the crucial factor in survival. Although hemofiltration achieved adequate results in all groups, the patients of 70 years and more experienced a significantly higher mortality rate. This suggests that the increased mortality of the elderly was not due to renal failure in itself but rather was related to polymorbidity. Hence we propose that in the latter group of elderly patients candidates for hemofiltration are to be very carefully selected, particularly if they have additional complications.

Background: Sealing endovascular prostheses enable transluminal exclusion of aneurysms, fistulas and arterial leakage. This study investigated the tissue response towards a newly developed microporous stent within the unaffected porcine aorta in respect to angiographic and histologic findings., Methods: The device consisted of a self-expandable stent of wire filaments with integrated polyurethane. Under fluoroscopic guidance the stents (diameter 6 and 10 mm) were deployed into the infrarenal aorta of 3 animals. Follow-up was scheduled for 1 month. Radiographs and angiographies were performed before, immediately after stent deployment and before the explantation procedure. The grafts were examined by light microscopy, immunocytochemistry and both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Quantitative analysis was performed in respect to the tissue layers and the amount of polyurethane and elastin., Results: Angiographic findings revealed stable stent position and patency without luminal narrowing. The trombus-free luminal stent surface was 67%. The tissue response consisted in total tissue ingrowth through micropores forming an even neointimal lining (273 +/- 225 microns). Restricted to the polyurethane a moderate foreign body reaction of giant cells was observed. The luminal surface showed focal endothelialization (19 +/- 19%). The tunica media was diminished (from 767 +/- 146 microns to 312 +/- 132 microns, p = 0.0001). The amount of elastin of the tunica media underlying the stent did not decrease essentially (from 3.63 +/- 1.25% in normal aorta to 3.74 +/- 2.54%, p = 0.9221). The amount of polyurethane did not change in comparison to pre-implantation (19.4 +/- 0.9% and 18.3 +/- 3.2%, respectively, p = 0.6098)., Conclusions: Reliable stent anchorage, incorporation of the stents in the underlying artery and a thin neointimal lining with focal endothelialization were obtained after the implantation of the covered microporous self-expandable stents in the porcine model.

The results of surgical procedures for termination of Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrom were assessed in 59 patients undergoing operation between January, 1980 and December, 1993. All cases of WPW were refractory to medical treatment and 14 of 58 patients had one or several syncopes, and 4 of them had to be reanimated. The surgical treatment of these patients was a dissection of an accessory atrioventricular pathway. 15 patients required additional heart operation. A total of 60 accessory pathways were diagnosed preoperatively, 64 were located intraoperatively. The reoperation rate was 3% (2 patients) due to persistent WPW. Incidence of total AV block after the operation was 7% (4 patients). In the late postoperative stage, 12 patients developed supraventricular tachycardias, but none of these cases required a surgical treatment. The actuarial survival rate after 10 years was 100% and after 14 years 96%. We conclude that surgical dissection of accessory pathways offers a good alternative in cases of unsuccessful catheter ablative procedure or in cases of additional heart operation.

The purpose of this report was to describe the frequency and morphology of infrarenal aortic aneurysms suitable for endovascular tube graft repair. Preoperative abdominal CT scans of 89 patients undergoing open tube graft repair were analyzed retrospectively by measurements of lengths and diameters of the aneurysms. The cases were divided into 3 separate groups: most suitable aneurysms with neck and cuff in 10% (9/89), aneurysms (59%, 52/89) with either a neck (92%) or a cuff (8%), and finally aneurysms without a neck or a cuff (31%, 28/89). The anatomically suitable aneurysms have a neck of 31 +/- 19 mm in length and 23 +/- 4 mm in diameter, a cuff of 17 +/- 6 mm in length and 25 +/- 6 mm in diameter. The aneurysms have a nearly saccular nature with a "saccular index" of 0.81 +/- 0.17, p = 0.009. It appears that 10% of aneurysms restricted to the infrarenal aortic segment fulfill all criterias for endovascular straight tube graft repair.

The present study investigates the physical properties and the in vivo application of in vivo of a self-expandable stent (Wallstent) with an incorporated sealant of microporous polyurethane. Measurements of diameter and length as a function axial load featured the data for the calculation for radial pressure. Porosity control was assessed in comparison to non gelatin-sealed knitted Dacron. 11 stents on a 11.5F catheter were inserted in the aorta of three minipigs and evaluated by pressure measurement and angiography. The coverage of the stent causes an increase of 0.05-0.1 bar of radial pressure. The graph received by calculations demonstrates the corresponding pressure for every given diameter of the stents. Porosity is similar to the Dacron graft. The patency-rate is 100%. Characteristics of this covered stents meet requirements of an endovascular prostheses. Exclusion of fistulas and small aneurysms seems to be possible.

To the moment a few stents of metallic coils or meshes are available with a sealing coverage. In the present study balloon-expandable stents have been covered with a thin layer of natural rubber latex. The physical properties of these impervious stents were compared to the conventional stents. The expansion, the loss of expansion and the deformity during and after balloon inflation have been analyzed. In the pressure zone of 4-6 bar the mechanical characteristics of the impervious stents were similar to the conventional stents. The stents were expanded at 100% related on the balloon diameter used for expansion. Additional pressure of 1 bar was necessary to expand the impervious stents. At balloon pressure below 4 bar the stents tied the balloons in the midzone. The impervious stents, expanded at 6, 8 and 10mm, underwent a loss of expansion of 10% after withdrawal of the balloons. Their configuration was barrel-shaped (4% central enlargement) due to the latex rubber, constricting the wire meshes at both ends. These preliminary results are encouraging and allow further investigations.

In the present study the thromboresistance of heparin-coated diffusion membrane oxygenators (Jostra, M 30) combined with heparin-coated venous reservoirs, tubing sets and arterial filters was investigated in six bovine experiments (70 +/- 5 kg). The perfusion with reduced systemic heparin dose (100 IE/kg) body weight) was performed with activated clotting time over 180 seconds. The perfusion began with a blood flow of 31/min and was maintained during six hours. Clotting studies including blood platelet count, activated clotting time, fibrinogen (factor I), antithrombin III and fibrinopeptid A were performed before the operation and ten minutes, two hours and five and six hours after beginning of bypass. The venous and arterial saturation remained stable during the whole investigation. After ten minutes activated clotting time dropped from 619 +/- 114s to 203 +/- 15s after six hours (p < 0.05). The antithrombin III level changed significantly from 109 +/- 11% to 95 +/- 16%. Factor 1 and fibrinopeptid A changes were not significant: from 1.6 +/- 0.3 g/1 to 1.5 +/- 0.3 g/1, and 3.0 +/- 1.4 ng/mL to 3.5 +/- 1.2 ng/mL, accordingly. There were no mechanical defects and especially no plasma leakage. Slight sediments were found only in areas of stagnant blood flow. The investigated bypass circuit with reduced systemic heparinization seems therefore particularly appropriate for long-term perfusions.

Published results and experience at the University Hospital of Zurich clearly indicate that in patients with severe, symptomatic carotid artery stenosis the benefits of carotid endarterectomy clearly outweigh the risks. Surgical treatment also favorably influences outcome in cases with contralateral carotid artery occlusion.

The maze operation is a newly developed surgical procedure for patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. Between may 1993 and october 1994, 11 patients underwent mitral valve surgery combined with the maze procedure, 10 for chronic, medically refractory, symptomatic atrial fibrillation and 1 for intermittent, symptomatic atrial flutter. In one patient, a double aorto-coronary venous bypass was added. The operative mortality was 9%: one patient died on the 7th postoperative day from a perioperative cerebrovascular accident. Postoperatively, electrophysiological and stress testing as well as transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography (TTE; TEE) were performed. All patients were in sinus rhythm. Left and right atrial contractions were analyzed by TTE/TEE and the atrial transport function was documented in each patient. The postoperative exercise stress test revealed slight sinus-node incompetence. After a mean follow-up time of 10.4 +/- 5.4 months (1 to 16 months) all surviving patients are free from atrial fibrillation or flutter and without need for medication. The maze operation, which we performed for the first time in connection with mitral valve surgery, is a successful treatment for chronic, medically refractory atrial fibrillation and intermittent, symptomatic atrial flutter. This procedure provides a sinus rhythm with atrioventricular synchrony, restores the atrial transport function and obviates the need for antiarrhythmic drugs. Long-term anticoagulation appears unnecessary.

The results of surgical procedures for treatment of supraventricular tachycardias were assessed in 65 patients undergoing operation between January, 1980 and December, 1993. Indications for intervention were WPW (59 patients), atrial fibrillation (5 patients) and atrial flutter (1 patient). All cases of WPW were refractory to medical treatment and 14 of 58 patients had one or several syncopes, 4 of whom had to be resuscitated. The surgical treatment of these patients was dissection of an accessory atrioventricular pathway. 15 of these patients underwent heart operation for a different indication at the same time. A total of 60 accessory pathways were diagnosed preoperatively, while 4 were located intraoperatively. The reoperation rate was 3% (2 patients) due to persistent WPW. Incidence of total AV block after the operation was 7% (4 patients). In the late postoperative stage, 12 patients developed supraventricular tachycardias, but none of these cases required surgical treatment. The actuarial survival rate after 10 years was 100%, and after 14 years 96%. We conclude that surgical dissection of accessory pathways offers a good alternative in cases of unsuccessful catheter ablative procedures or in cases of concomitant heart surgery. In 6 patients with mitral valve surgery, associated chronic atrial fibrillation was found. A concomitant Maze-procedure was performed for the purpose of surgically converting the atrial fibrillation to a stable sinus rhythm. The early postoperative results are promising.

In order to assess the value of surgical revascularization of coronary arteries in patients with unstable angina pectoris, a series of 551/3397 consecutive patients belonging to New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV was investigated. Fulfillment of at least two of the following criteria is mandatory for diagnosis unstable angina pectoris: slightly increased CK (< 300 IU/l), modified ECG at rest (decreased ST-T, increased ST), therapy-resistant post-infarction angina, therapy-resistant angina at rest, increased severity, duration or frequency of angina attacks within the last three months, insufficient therapeutic response. Patients with acute myocardial infarction were excluded from analysis. 362/551 patients out of the investigated cohort fulfilled criteria of unstable angina pectoris NYHA class IV; in 189/551 patients, criteria of stable angina pectoris NYHA class IV were fulfilled (controls). The mean follow-up period for these patients was 72 +/- 33 months (24 +/- 144 months). There were no differences regarding age, percentage of patients with three vessel disease, ejection fraction of the left ventricle and of cardiogenic shock. The mean number of aortocoronary grafts was 3.8 +/- 1.3 in patients with unstable angina, compared to 3.4 +/- 1.5 in patients with stable angina pectoris (p < 0.05). An intra-aortic balloon pump had to be applied in 8% of patients with unstable angina compared to 3% in stable angina. A mortality of 2% within 30 days of surgery was registered in unstable compared to 3% in stable angina pectoris (n.s).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

We created a simple experimental aneurysm by a minimal operative trauma performing the balloon-dilatation and the rupture of the abdominal aorta of animals. The aorta of minipigs was dilated under angiographic control until the rupture became visible. The abdominal aorta and its branches were mapped out and measured. The angiographics were calculated using a planimetric device. The dilatation of the aorta was increased up to 3.5 times the initial diameter when rupture occurred. The microscopical examination showed lesions in all three layers of the vessel only at the rupture site and some focal lesions of the tunica intima. This one-step procedure of producing an experimental aneurysm is done using a low operative trauma and allows testing of endovascular systems using only one anaesthetic.

The hemopump HP 31 is an improved version of a catheter-mounted, transvalvular, left ventricular assist device, which can be placed into the left ventricle through the ascending aorta. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of hematocrit and afterload on the pump flow. The hemopump was tested using a flow bench model filled with heparinized bovine blood. The measurements were performed at four various hematocrit values: 16%, 24%, 32%, and 40%. The pump flow was measured at each hematocrit value under increasing afterload pressures (40-120 mm Hg), by all pump speed levels (n = 7). The average pump flow at highest pump speed and lowest afterload was 5.1 +/- 0.3 l/min (mean +/- standard deviation). The influence of afterload on the pump flow was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The highest afterload pressure of 120 mm Hg caused a reduction in pump flow of 24 +/- 5%. The alterations of hematocrit values caused no statistically significant influence on the pump flow (p = 0.72). The results of our study enabled the construction of the nomogram for the in vivo determination of the pump flow. The in vivo performances of the hemopump can be improved through the afterload reduction, especially in the weaning phase of treatment. The oxygen delivery can be improved through the increase in hematocrit values without significant impairment of the pump flow.

Between 1978 and 1992, 70 patients were operated for type B aortic dissection (tear in the descending aorta without involvement of the ascending aorta). 15/70 (21%) patients had an acute dissection (onset of symptoms < 24 h), 19/70 (27%) a subacute dissection (onset of symptoms < 14 days), and 36/70 (51) a chronic dissection (onset of symptoms > 14 days). The indications for surgery in cases of acute dissection were: hematothorax, oliguria, leg ischemia and persistent pain. Persistent hypertension was an additional indication in cases of subacute dissection. In large majority (93%) of chronic dissections the indication for surgery was enlarged aortic diameter. In 86% (60/70) graft replacement of the aorta was performed, in 6% (4/70) extra-anatomic bypass, in 3% (2/70) fenestration, in 3% (2/70) thrombendarterectomy, in 3% (2/70). The overall mortality was 17% (12/70); 27% of acute dissection, 26% for subacute dissection, and 8% for chronic dissection. The morbidity for acute dissection was 73%, of subacute dissection 43%, and of chronic dissection 12%. The most frequent complications were: leg ischemia (8 patients), renal failure (4 patients), paraparesis (4 patients) and sepsis (2 patients). No paraparesis was encountered in surgery of the chronic dissection. Conservative treatment was tried in all acute B-dissections, with surgical therapy being reserved for complications of the dissection, such as rupture, such as rupture, risk of rupture (hematothorax, large aortic diameter resp. expansion, persistent hypertension, persistent pain) or ischemia of distal vascular beds. Long-term survival for chronic type B dissections is good. Strong control of risk factors (hypertension) is essential.

Between 1984 and 1992, 79 patients were operated for occlusion of the infrarenal abdominal aorta. 12/79 (15%) of the patients underwent emergency procedure for an acute Leriche syndrome. 67/79 (85%) of the patients with a chronic occlusion were treated electively. The surgical management includes in our series in 57/79 (72%) cases aortoiliac or aortofemoral prosthetic bypass, in 11/79 (14%) cases aortoiliac endarterectomy, in 6/79 (8%) cases embolectomy and in 5/79 (6%) extraanatomical axillofemoral bypass. For chronic total occlusion of the aorta the most common procedure was prosthetic bypass in anatomical position. For emergency cases embolectomy was performed in 42%. Early morbidity rate was 26% (21/79). The most frequent complications were thromboembolic events in 7 patients, myocardial infarction in 4 patients and renal insufficiency in 4 cases. The 30-day mortality 2.5% (2/79); the cause in both cases myocardial infarction. For atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the infrarenal abdominal aorta the prosthetic bypass is the first-choice surgical procedure. For embolic occlusions and for risk patients other less burdening procedures are available.

Dynamic subaortic obstruction caused by septal hypertrophy may worsen the hemodynamics in some patients after heart surgery. Resection of the hypertrophied septum allows normal left ventricular function. We describe two patients with subaortic stenosis and a complicated postoperative course following heart surgery and additional resection of the subaortic muscular stenosis. One patient was reoperated because of residual obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract; the postoperative course was uneventful thereafter. The second patient died after the primary surgery because of low output syndrome and sepsis. The postoperative management of this group of patients is difficult, demanding frequent assessment of the patient's hemodynamic condition and echocardiographic surveillance.

The present study was designed to support the hypothesis that lumbar sympathectomy could be performed by minimal invasive surgery. In a porcine experiment, under laparoscopic vision control, a pneumoretroperitoneum was established through a direct retroperitoneal access for dissecting the retroperitoneal tissue layers and resecting the lumbar sympathetic trunc. The connective tissue septae were separated without any problems by blunt dissection under vision through the retroperitoneally inserted laparoscope. After exposure of the retroperitoneal organs and identification of specific landmarks, the resection of the lumbar sympathetic trunk was performed. We conclude that lumbar sympathectomy can be easily performed by minimal invasive surgery.

Unlabelled: The development of thin-walled cannulas which can be introduced by percutaneous technique into femoral artery and vein has revived interest in emergency cardiopulmonary support (CPS). To assess possible blood damaging effect due to the small-bore cannulas, 8 in vitro perfusions were performed with two parallel pump circuits: one circuit with a 17 F arterial and a 21 F venous cannula, one circuit without cannulas (control). The circuits were filled with 61 of bovine blood and run for 6 hours at a temperature of 37 degrees C and a flow of 4 l/min. Serial blood samples were taken before and during the experiment. There was a significantly higher level of free plasma haemoglobin (pl Hb) and a decreased number of leukocytes (Lc) after 6 hours of perfusion in the group with percutaneous cannulas as compared with control (pl Hb: 63.2 +/- 0.3 vs. 26.3 +/- 4.1 mumol/l, p < 0.05, Lc: 2.4 +/- 0.6 vs. 4.6 +/- 0.8 x 10(9)/l, p < 0.05, mean +/- se)., Conclusion: percutaneous cannulas are associated with an increased blood trauma. If extended cardiopulmonary support is considered (more than several hours), percutaneous cannulas should be replaced by large-bore cannulas.

The adequacy of retrograde delivery of cardioplegic solution to the right ventricle ist controversial. To evaluate this issue, we excised the plegic heart in 11 bovine experiments and infused an India ink solution (10 ml of India ink in 300 ml NaCl 0.9%) into the coronary sinus (n = 7) at a pressure of 60 cm H2O and into the aortic root (n = 4) at a pressure of 120 cm H2O. After fixation, the ventricles were cut in 11 transversal slices. The portion of coloured (= perfused) ventricular myocardium was calculated with computer-aided morphometric analysis. With antegrade infusion, 95 +/- 5% (mean +/- standard deviation) of the left ventricular volume (left ventricular free wall plus interventricular septum) was stained, with retrograde infusion 94 +/- 3%. Perfusion of the right ventricle was significantly lower with retrograde infusion (antegrade infusion 93 +/- 8%, retrograde 45 +/- 13%, p < 0.001), especially in the basal segments (basal vs. apical: 16 +/- 26% vs. 82 +/- 5%, p < 0.001). The adequate delivery of retrograde infusion to the left ventricle and septum allows good left ventricular myocardial protection with retrograde cardioplegia. Because the retrograde delivery to the right ventricle is markedly inadequate and nonuniform, the quality of right ventricular protection with retrograde cardioplegia has to be questioned.

In this study we evaluated the long-term results of microvascular endothelial cell seeding of small diameter Dacron grafts with omentally derived cells in a canine model. 6 cm long and 4 mm I.D. seeded Dacron prostheses were implanted end-to-end in the carotid position in 12 dogs for 6 to 12 months. Microvascular endothelial cells were enzymatically harvested from omentum prior to implantation and seeded onto Dacron grafts with a seeding density of 1.5 x 10(6) cells/cm2 of the graft. The antiplatelet therapy (Aspirin, Dipyridamol) was administered for 4 weeks postoperatively. All seeded grafts were patent throughout the study. The thrombus-free surface area for seeded grafts was 99.6 +/- 0.8% and 99.6 +/- 0.9% at 6 months and one year, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a confluent endothelial layer. We concluded that endothelial cell seeding of smaller-diameter prosthetic vascular grafts with omentally derived endothelial cells obtained excellent long-term patency rate in the canine model.

Unlabelled: There is some evidence of improved myocardial protection with warm continuous blood cardioplegia. Warm cardioplegia however implies warm (normothermic) cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We evaluated retrospectively the influence of bypass temperature on the intra- and postoperative course of 121 patients, operated on for valvular and/or coronary artery disease. Only elective procedures with continuous blood cardioplegia were included. The patients were divided in two groups: warm group (n = 78): normothermic CPB (venous temperature > 33 degrees C) cold group (n = 43): hypothermic CPB (< 33 degrees C)., Results: normothermic CPB resulted in a significantly shorter CPB time (84 + 3 min vs. 98 +/- 6 min, p = 0.02, mean +/- 1 standard error of the mean). In addition there was a higher need for vasoconstrictive drugs during cold CPB (Noradrenalin: 19 +/- 3 micrograms vs. 90 +/- 32 micrograms, p = 0.003). There was no difference in enzyme levels on the first postoperative day (amylase, creatinkinase, creatinin), in postoperative complication rate (resuscitations, rethoracotomies, cerebrovascular incidents) and mortality (warm 3% vs. cold 2%) between the two groups. The postoperative time until extubation however was significantly shorter in the warm group (33 +/- 5 h vs. 60 +/- 11 h, p = 0.04)., Conclusion: there is no evidence of increased morbidity due to normothermic CPB. The shorter time until extubation may be due to a improved postoperative lung function and/or a more stable hemodynamic postoperative course after normothermic CPB.

The incidence of infective endocarditis in drug addicts is increasing with the spreading of intravenous drug abuse. The tricuspid valve is the most commonly involved valve followed by the mitral valve. We evaluated prospectively 22 patients with a mean age of 23 years, presenting with addiction-associated endocarditis endocarditis and referred to our institution during a three-year period. The tricuspid valve was involved in 13 instances, mitral valve in 4, mitral plus tricuspid valve in 5 patients and aortic valve in 1 case. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent infective organism (15x), followed by Streptococci (4x), Corynebacteria (2x) and one case with a mixed infection. Six patients were positive for an HIV-infection and 17 had evidence for a chronic viral hepatitis. Ten patients (3 of them HIV-seropositive) were treated surgically. Resection of the tricuspid valve with (1x) or without replacement (4x), resection of vegetations and valve repair (2x), mitral valve replacement (2x), aortic valve replacement (1x) were performed. In case of tricuspid endocarditis, the decision whether to proceed with resection, repair or replacement with a bioprosthesis was taken according to valve pathology and the psycho-social situation of the patient. When the vegetations involved only one leaflet and could be removed easily, vegetectomy with annuloplasty or with repair using autologous pericardium was performed. Valvulectomy without replacement was the chosen method for those where persistent or recurrent drug abuse could not be excluded. A bioprosthesis was inserted when the tricuspid valve was completely destroyed and there was a proven abstinence from drugs over a period of several weeks preoperatively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Activation of leukocytes (especially neutrophils) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) causes a reperfusion injury through the release of oxygen free radicals and formation of microvascular occlusions. Leukocyte filtration during CPB could solve these drawbacks. We investigated the selectivity of leukocyte filtration by fifteen patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Leukocyte depleted patients (n = 8) had a leukocyte filter incorporated in the bypass circuit. We evaluated the number of lymphocytes, neutrophils and platelets as well as hematocrit values at following time points: a) before CPB, b) 15 min after the start of CPB, c) before the administration of protamin and d) 3 hours after the CPB. No statistically significant changes of hematocrit values, lymphocyte or platelet counts between control and leukocyte depleted group of patients were observed. However, the use of leukocyte filter caused significant decrease in number of circulating neutrophils at 15 min after begin of CPB (1.20 +/- 0.17 x 10(9)/l for leukocyte depleted patients and 1.90 +/- 0.42 x 10(9)/l for control group of patients, p < 0.05). Our temporary results indicate the selectivity of leukocyte filtration during the cardiopulmonary bypass.

Between 1978 and June 1992, 213 patients were operated for transposition of the great arteries at our institution. 148 patients underwent atrial repair, 41 patients an anatomic repair and 24 patients only palliation. Since 1986 the anatomic repair has progressively replaced the arterial repair: 1978-1986 95-100% atrial repair, 1992 100% anatomic repair. At operation the average age of the patients treated by atrial repair was 22 months, resp. 10 months from 1986 to 1991, for anatomic repair 9 months, resp. 46 days in 1991/1992. The 30-day mortality for atrial repair was 11% (17/148), for anatomic repair 22% (9/41), resp. 12% (3/24) in 1991/1992. Potentially superior long-term results for anatomic repair are possible, but cannot be demonstrated at present.

Damage to the spinal cord in course of the treatment of diseases of the infrarenal aorta is a rare but calamitous complication. The reported incidence is about 0.2%. The neurological loss is usually complete flaccid paraplegia with high mortality and rare full or partial recovery. Between 1980 and 1991, 1070 reconstructive procedures of the infrarenal aorta were performed: 821 due to aneurysm (316 elective procedures [mortality 1.6%] and 505 emergency procedures [mortality 24.5%]) and 249 due to aorto-iliac occlusive disease. Damage to the spinal cord occurred in 2 patients (2/1070, 0.19%). One patient had incomplete paraparesis following repair of an unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm with gradual return of all neurological symptoms to normal. The second patient developed complete paraplegia following repair of a ruptured infrarenal aneurysm. There war no recovery of the symptoms. The patient died from septicaemia 4 months later.

There are many different etiologies of renal artery disease (atherosclerosis, aneurysm, dissection, arteriovenous fistula, embolism, fibromuscular dysplasia) and also a lot of different therapies (conservative treatment, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty [PTA], endarterectomy, bypass grafting, patch plasty, nephrectomy). Recently conservative treatment and PTA have significantly improved. Patients who are referred to surgery today are of older age with severe and often bilateral disease of the renal arteries. Additional manifestations of general atherosclerosis like coronary artery disease, aortic aneurysm, peripheral occlusive vessel disease and cerebral vascular insufficiency are often present as well. The main goal of all forms of treatment is the preservation of general renal function. With our retrospective study the results after surgical revascularisation of kidneys are evaluated over a short period of time. Only graft revascularisations are included in the study and we were mainly interested in renal function and blood pressure.

In the last 14 years (1978 to 1991) in the Clinic of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, 72 patients were operated due to obstruction of the subclavian artery. The left side was affected in 46/72 (63.9%), the right side in 21/72 (29.2%), both sides in 5/72 (6.9%) patients. Only thrombendarterectomy has been done in 48/72 (66.7%), followed by carotis-subclavian-bypass (9/72, 12.5%). Furthermore the following techniques were applied: endarterectomy and patch in 6/72 (8.3%), aorta-subclavian-bypass in 5/72 (6.9%), bypass between proximal and distal subclavian artery in 2/72 (2.8%), resection and graft-interposition in 1/72 (1.4%) cases. As well as operation-related reactions of soft tissues (hematoma, swelling) the following complications have been recognized: re-stenosis with embolus or intima-flap in 8/72 (11.1%) cases, 3-times persistent, paralysis of the vocal cord in 3/72 (4.2%) cases, phrenic nerve paralysis in 2/72 (2.8%), in two separate cases Horner's syndrome and pneumothorax. The oldest patient (81 years) died 10 days after operation due to hemorrhage, in spite of 3 re-thoracotomies. Additional complications arose independently of the subclavian operation (atrial flatter, heart-infarction, lungoedema, exitus following extensive heart-operation with valve-replacement and aorto-coronary bypass).

Treatment of severe respiratory failure by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is complex. However, there is now an intravascular gas exchanger (IVOX) available that provides extrapulmonary gas transfer without requiring an extracorporeal blood path. The present study was performed to determine the hemodynamic effects resulting from the intracaval placement of the intravascular device. A bovine model (n = 6; bodyweight = 72 +/- 5 kg) was selected for temporary lung support with the intravascular device. The latter was placed in the caval axis under fluoroscopic control after full instrumentation of the animal for hemodynamic measurements including a pulmonary artery catheter for determination of cardiac output by thermodilution and continuous read out of mixed venous oxygen saturation. All measurements were taken after a stabilization period of 15 min. The heart rate moved from 65 +/- 8 before to 72 +/- 10 after implantation and 68 +/- 9 after onset of intravascular gas exchange (NS). Right atrial pressure was 13 +/- 3 mm Hg before, 12 +/- 3 mm Hg after implantation and 10 +/- 3 mm Hg after onset (NS) whereas femoral venous pressure moved from 14 +/- 3 mm Hg to 17 +/- 4 mm Hg (p < 0.05) and remained at 17 +/- 4 mm Hg after onset. Cardiac output was 5.3 +/- 0.7 l/min before, 5.4 +/- 0.7 l/min after implantation and 5.3 +/- 1.1 l/min after onset (NS) and mixed venous oxygen saturation dropped from 60 +/- 7% to 54 +/- 11% and moved to 57 +/- 11 after onset of the device (NS).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Migratory intravascular bullets may produce confusing clinical pictures in patients with gunshot wounds. We report on a patient in whom the missile entered the right chest at the fourth intercostal space in the anterior axillary line. The bullet was finally found in the abdominal aorta. The penetration site remained unclear but was probably the heart. After repair of the chest wall the bullet was successfully removed from the aortic bifurcation.

Treatment of severe respiratory failure by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is complex. However, there is now an intravascular gas exchanger (IVOX) available that provides extrapulmonary gas transfer without requiring an extracorporeal blood path. The present study was performed to determine the hemodynamic effects resulting from the intracaval placement of the intravascular device. A bovine model (n = 6; body-weight = 72 +/- 5 kg) was selected for temporary lung support with the intravascular device. The latter was placed in the caval axis under fluoroscopic control after full instrumentation of the animal for hemodynamic measurements including a pulmonary artery catheter for determination of cardiac output by thermodilution and continuous readout of mixed venous oxygen saturation. All measurements were taken after a stabilization period of 15 min. The heart rate moved from 65 +/- 8 before to 72 +/- 10 after implantation and 68 +/- 9 after onset of intravascular gas exchange (NS). Right atrial pressure was 13 +/- 3 mm Hg before, 12 +/- 3 mm Hg after implantation and 10 +/- 3 mm Hg after onset (NS) whereas femoral venous pressure moved from 14 +/- 3 mm Hg to 17 +/- 4 mm Hg (p < 0.05) and remained at 17 +/- 4 mm Hg after onset. Cardiac output was 5.3 +/- 0.7 l/min before, 5.4 +/- 0.7 l/min after implantation and 5.3 +/- 1.1 l/min after onset (NS) while mixed venous oxygen saturation dropped from 60 +/- 7% to 54 +/- 11% and moved to 57 +/- 11 after onset of the device (NS).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The pre- and postoperative course in 118 patients (104 males, mean age 62 +/- 8.1, 14 females, 60 +/- 10.7 years) who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery for significant left main coronary artery disease was studied to analyze the current management and risk factors of this lesion. Of these patients 32% (38/118) remained in hospital care from the date of diagnosis (coronary angiography) until the operation. The mean interval between diagnosis and operation was 39 days (range 0-166). Twelve patients (10%) had urgent procedures (< or = 48 hours after angiography), 25 (21%) accelerated (< or = 2 weeks), 52 (44%) anticipated (< or = 2 months) and 30 (25%) elective procedures (> 2 months). There was a significant negative correlation (p < 0.001) between the grade of stenosis and the time interval from diagnosis to operation. The operation technique did not differ from the usual procedure except for the less frequent use of the internal mammary artery as arterial conduit. Patients with stable angina received an internal mammary artery graft in 65% (80/118) as compared to 26% (6/23) of the patients with unstable angina. This differs significantly from the overall rate of 95% of the patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery at our institution. The rate of perioperative myocardial infarction was 18% (21/118). There was no significant relation between infarction and angina class, severity of the stenosis and the use of internal mammary artery as bypass graft. The hospital mortality was 4.2% (5/118) and thus was not different from the overall mortality of (2.5%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The orthotopic heart transplantation is an accepted treatment for terminal cardiac disease. The technique of heart procurement and preservation is explained and the primary graft function in 108 subsequent heart transplantations is assessed. The mean ischemia time is 41 +/- 10 min in local, 98 +/- 19 min in distant (< 100 km) and 114 +/- 16 min in distant (> 100 km) organ procurement. Our method of preservation consists of cold cardioplegic arrest with potassium (30 mEq/L) cardioplegic solution. The incidence of the indication for high dose katecholamine-treatment after surgery and the maximal creatininekinase levels rose with ischemia time. All hearts recovered within a few days and the stay in the intensive care unit was not prolonged. We conclude that the heart preservation with cold cardioplegic arrest results in a good primary graft function. It is important to keep the ischemia time as short as possible.

From 1987 to 1990, 37 children underwent surgical correction for tetralogy of Fallot. The mean age was 38.2 months (2-156 months). The indication for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction in 19/37 (51%) children was: hypoplastic pulmonary valve (n = 10), annular hypoplasia (n = 12), RVOT obstruction and hypoplastic pulmonary artery (n = 10). In 18/37 (49%) children, the repair of the RVOT was done without homograft. The RVOT morphology was the only indication for reconstruction with homograft. All other pre-, intra- and postoperative data were identical for both groups. There was no operative or late death. After a mean follow-up of 4.4 months, all 19 children with homograft were in NYHA class I and echocardiographic evaluation showed mild and moderate pulmonary regurgitation in 8 and 4 children respectively. Out of the 18 children without homograft, 16 were in NYHA class I and 2 in NYHA class II. Two children had early postoperative right heart failure. The mean follow-up time in this group was 5.5 months. Echocardiography revealed residual pulmonary regurgitation in 4 children, pulmonary stenosis in 6 and combined residual pulmonary valve defect in 6. If severe malformation of the RVOT or the pulmonary artery is present, a valved homograft is recommended for repair of tetralogy of Fallot. Good morphological and functional results may be achieved.

Between 1973 and 1990 eleven patients with mycotic aneurysm of the abdominal aorta underwent surgery. Extra-anatomic axillobifemoral bypass with aortic ligation and aneurysm excision was performed in 5 patients, and in situ reconstruction in 6. There were 3 early and 3 late deaths. Regardless of the type of operation, surgery of mycotic aneurysm is followed by severe postoperative complications with high the early and the late mortality rates.

To determine the amount of blood substitution required we evaluated in a retrospective analysis 68 consecutive patients that were operated on the infrarenal abdominal aorta 1990, 60 men with a mean age of 66 years (40-87) and 8 women, aged 73 years (62-85). Indications for treatment were: aneurysm (55) and occlusive disease (13). 21 aneurysms (45%) were ruptured and had to be operated as an emergency. Early lethality (less than 30 days) in this group was 19% (n = 4). In the other 47 patients there was no early mortality. Mean blood products transfusion requirements in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm was: 18 (9-34) units of concentrated red cells, 16 (3-43) units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and 5 (0-19) units of concentrated red cells, 2 (0-7) units of FFP in the elective group. Main determinants of blood loss in the elective group were: the number of anastomoses and the preoperative status of the coagulant system. We conclude that in elective surgery of the infrarenal aorta homologous transfusion can be virtually eliminated if an entire autologous transfusion concepts is applied (predonation, intraoperative salvage, hemodilution and plasmapheresis).

Between 1980 and 1990 12 patients (5 male, 7 female) were operated on for acute infectious pericarditis at a mean age of 42 years. The infections were 6 bacterial (purulent 4, abscess 2), 4 tuberculous, 1 viral and 1 Candida. Pericarditis resulted from contiguous spread of infection from bilateral pneumonia in 3 patients, from subphrenic abscess in 2 and followed bacteremia in 1. Clinical signs were: tamponade/shock in 9, elevated jugular venous pressure in 11, edema in 6, hepatomegaly in 6, ascites in 1, and pericardial friction rub in 3. A preoperative pericardiocentesis in 9 patients allowed only 4 positive microbiological diagnoses and was an insufficient drainage in all cases. The preoperative mean NYHA class was 3.3. The pericardectomy was total in 9 patients and partial in 3. Total mortality was 1/12 patients (8%) with one late death due to recurrent tuberculous pericarditis. No patient with purulent pericarditis died. Another recurrence occurred 6 months after acute viral pericarditis. Atrial fibrillation in one patient was the only postoperative complication. After a mean follow-up period of 48.5 months no cardiac constriction had occurred in 11 surviving patients Actuarial survival after pericardectomy is 100% after 1 month and remains 91% after 5 years. The mean NYHA class has significantly improved to 1.2 (p less than 0.05) at the end of the follow-up. We conclude that pericardectomy combined with a specific antimicrobial therapy is a safe treatment for acute infectious and especially purulent pericarditis with low mortality and excellent longterm results. Early pericardectomy allows rapid decompression of the heart, removal of intrapericardial adhesions and infected tissue and prevents late constriction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the retroperitoneal approach to the aorta; however, there has been only few prospective studies in the literature and the results are controversial. For this reason, we assessed peri- and postoperative problems associated with both procedures and compared the results of each one in a prospective study. Between 1989 and 1990, 163 patients underwent operative procedure because of an aortic or aorto-iliac lesion. 121 were operated on through the "classical" transperitoneal method (87 had aortic aneurysm, 34 aorto-iliac occlusive disease) whereas in 42 patients, retroperitoneal approach of the aorto-iliac bifurcation was performed (28 because of aortic aneurysm and 14 because of occlusive disease). Early mortality was 0 in the group with retroperitoneal approach, despite the fact that 66% of these patients were classified as high-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesia risk classification III or IV); it was 0.8% in the group with classical approach. Retroperitoneal group demonstrated significant decrease in blood (630 vs 1300 ml) and crystalloids (1700 vs 3250 ml) requirement, shorter nasogastric intubation time (1.6 vs 4.4 d) and quicker peroral intake. Significant pulmonary and cardiac complications were less often observed in the group of patients after retroperitoneal approach to the abdominal aorta. Mean postoperative hospital stay was significant shorter when compared with the transperitoneal group (8.5 vs 13.9 d). Our results confirm that retroperitoneal approach is an excellent alternative to the transperitoneal method for elective reconstructive surgery of the abdominal aorta. It is associated with better tolerated incisional pain, decrease in cardiac and pulmonary complications and thereby decreased hospitalization time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Between January 1983 and October 1990, 20 patients age 80 years or older (mean 82 +/- 1.5 year, range 80 to 87 years) underwent valvular surgery at Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery Zurich. The indication for operation was aortic stenosis in 19 patients, and mitral insufficiency after previous mitral valve replacement with a bioprosthesis in one. There were 15 elective operations, 2 urgent, and 3 emergency operations. Four of these patients had aortic valve replacement plus coronary artery bypass grafting. The operative mortality rate was 15% (3 patients). All patients were preoperative in NYHA classes III and IV. All survivors remained in NYHA classes I or II. The survivors have been followed from 6 to 70 months (mean 20 +/- 8 months). The actuarial survival rate at 1 and 5 years was 78.5% and 67%, respectively. Valvular replacement can be performed with increased but acceptable mortality and morbidity. Long-term results are encouraging.

The resorbable pericardial substitute: In modern heart surgery every patient undergoing cardiac surgery will eventually require a second operation including resternotomy. To reduce the risk of damage to the heart it has been recommended to close the pericardial sac primarily. Unfortunately there is no ideal pericardial substitute yet available. This experimental study summarizes our experience with the use of Gore-Tex Surgical Membrane and Vicryl-Collagen mesh as pericardial substitutes which have been implanted orthotopically in 12 rats. After a mean follow-up of 86 days we evaluated macroscopically the pericardial adhesions, the closure of the pericardial defect and histologically the inflammatory reaction. At explanation we found that both pericardial substitutes produce little adhesion. But in rats with Vicryl-Collagen mesh as a pericardial substitute there were only a very few inflammatory cells and total closure of the pericardial defect was in 4 out of 6 rats present. These findings suggest that Vicryl-Collagen mesh seems to be a superior pericardial substitute and also allows formation of a neopericardium.

Congenital aneurysms of the left ventricle (ALV) are rare cardiac lesions. Beyond that an association with malignant ventricular arrhythmias (MVA, symptomatic ventricular tachycardia--VT or ventricular fibrillation--VF) is reported only in sporadic cases. Since 1988 we had the opportunity to study 5 patients (pts) with MVA (4 sustained VT, 1 VF; 1 female, 4 males; mean age 38 years) without cardiovascular risk factors, history of myocardial infarction, trauma or inflammatory disease. Left ventricular contrast angiography and echocardiography disclosed ALV's. At programmed electrical stimulation clinically documented MVA (4 VT, 1 resuscitated VF) were reproducible in all 5 cases, the respective VT was located in the area of the ALV in 4 cases. In 2 pts aneurysmectomy combined with subendocardial resection and cryotherapy (1 apical, 1 posterobasal ALV) was performed. In both pts histopathology confirmed a congenital disorder, without evidence of inflammatory lesions. In 2 pts MVA was controlled with antiarrhythmic therapy. The pt with VF and an ALV adjacent to the anulus of the aortic valve received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In congenital aneurysms of the left ventricle complicated by malignant ventricular arrhythmias surgical intervention offers a potential cure in selected cases.

Aortic branch occlusion may constitute the mode of presentation or become an important focus of treatment in patients sustaining acute aortic dissection. We reviewed the outcome of 187 consecutive patients (149 males and 38 females, mean age 58 yrs) with acute dissection of the thoracic aorta who were admitted and operated in our clinic during a 13-year period. We assessed the incidence, the consequences and the specific management of stenotic and obstructive lesions of the aorta and its branches. Noncardiac vascular complications occurred in 59 patients (32%); out of these complications, 38 were associated with dissection type A (incidence 28%) and 21 with dissection type B (incidence 48%). Trend towards decreasing overall surgical mortality was observed in the second part (1983-1989) of the study when compared with the first part (1977-1982): it was 28% versus 12%. Although aortic rupture and cardiac tamponade were the strongest correlate of morbidity and mortality, death specifically related to vascular complication was more common when such malperfusion occurred in the carotid, coelio-mesenteric and renal circulation. Proximal aortic repair at the site of the intimal tear with obliteration of the false lumen may have restore adequate distal circulation in 27 patients in whom improvement of the visceral or peripheral ischemia was observed after the thoracic aortic repair. Additional procedures (immediately after the thoracic repair or later on) were necessary in 15 patients to restore adequate perfusion in the compromised area. Early aggressive thoracic aortic repair followed in selected patients by additive vascular procedures can save some patients with compromise visceral or peripheric circulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Intestinal ischemia following abdominal aortic surgery is a rare but dreaded complication and is associated with a high postoperative morbidity and mortality. Based on a review of the literature the incidence was noted between 2% to 10% of patients undergoing reconstruction of the abdominal aorta. From January 1980 to March 1991, 1017 patients were operated on the abdominal aorta or aorto-iliac bifurcation; the diagnosis was either abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or chronic occlusive disease (COD). There were 819 patients with AAA (80.5%, mean age 67.9 years), and 198 patients with COD (19.5%, mean age 62.2 years). In 134 cases (122 for AAA, 12 for COD) the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) was reimplantated into the graft. The incidence of postoperative intestinal ischemia after AAA repair was 2.8% (23/819 patients) after AAA repair and 0.5% (1/198 patient) with COD. 66% of the patients who have developed intestinal ischemia were operated emergently. However 2/134 (1.5%) patients presented intestinal ischemia despite reimplantation of IMA. Early explorative laparotomy or early postoperative colonoscopy could demonstrate ischemia in the majority of cases, whereas diagnosis of intestinal ischemia was confirmed at autopsy in 2 patients. In our experience with more than 1000 patients operated on the infrarenal aorta during a 10-year period suggests that a postoperative intestinal ischemia is caused mainly by a misbalance of the blood supply of the left hemicolon and rectosigmoid and may be prevent by reimplantation of IMA. Our actual policy consider reimplantation in presence of patent and large IMA with weak backflow, especially in patients with previous colonic disease or by missing collaterals at preoperative angiogram.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after heart transplantation (HTx) is a severe complication, which leads to long treatment and hospital stay. Even if prophylactic therapy with anti-CMV IgG antibodies is performed, there is a high incidence of infection, especially when the heart from a CMV positive donor is transplanted to a CMV negative recipient (high risk constellation). This study evaluates the prophylactic antiviral therapy with ganciclovir in CMV high risk constellation at HTx. Out of 108 HTx, 29 CMV negative recipients (IgG and IgM) received a heart from a CMV positive donor (IgG pos., IgM neg.). The control group (CO) (n = 8) was treated with anti-CMV IgG antibodies (Cytotect 2 ml/kg at day 0, 1, 2, 7, 14, 21,), whereas the study group (GAN) (n = 13) was treated with ganciclovir (7.5 mg/kg single dose n = 8, or 5 mg/kg in twice daily doses n = 5 from day 1 to 14). Urea, creatinine, white blood cell count and platelet count was controlled daily. No side effects on renal and bone marrow function were noted. Therapy was well tolerated. Both groups had similar immunosuppressive protocol (prophylactic cytolysis, prednisone, azathioprine and cyclosporin A) and were similar in age, sex, preoperative diagnosis and NYHA class. Seroconversion for CMV (IgM and IgG) was observed in 75% of CO and 31% of GAN (p less than 0.05). Clinical manifestations of CMV infection started in the second month after HTx with fever in both groups CMV-organ manifestations developed in 50% (or 67% of infected) in CO (enterocolitis 2, pneumonitis 3, tonsillitis 1), and in 15% (or 50% of infected) in GAN (pneumonitis 2, epididymitis 1) NS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Between 1980 and 1990 34 patients (pat.) (21 male, 13 female) were operated for infectious pericarditis (P.) at a mean age of 48 years (min. 2, max. 70 years). The infection was acute in 12 pat. (7 bacterial, 4 Tbc, 1 viral). A chronic constrictive P. was found in 22 pat. (15 history of Tbc, 7 history of viral P.). The preoperative mean NYHA class was 3.0. Cardiac catheterization was performed in 22 pat. and confirmed restrictive pericardial disease in all cases with elevated and equalized diastolic pressures in all 4 cardiac chambers. Mean cardiac index was 2.7 l/min m2 and the ejection fraction 53%. Pericardectomy (Pe.) was performed through an anterolateral left thoracotomy in 31 pat. and through a sternotomy in 3 pat. Total and partial Pe. were performed in 31 and 3 pat., respectively. Total mortality was 3/34 pat. (8.8%) with no operative death (one early and two late deaths). There were two recurrent P. (1 Tbc, 1 viral) and no recurrent constriction. Long-time follow-up of 31 surviving pat. is known in 28 cases with a mean follow-up of 4.6 years (min. 1 month, max 10.5 years). At the end of the follow-up the mean NYHA class ist 1.3 (p less than 0.005). Actuarial survival after Pe. is 97% after 30 days and 90% after 5 and 10 years. In our retrospective study we conclude that Pe. is a safe treatment for infectious P. with low mortality and excellent long-time results with improvement of cardiac function. Pe. should be performed early for purulent or constrictive P. There is no conservative treatment for progressive myocardial constriction and the resulting cardiomyopathy. After total Pe. there is a low rate of recurrent P. or constriction.

Invasive mechanical circulatory support is the approach of choice in patients with acute myocardial failure resistant to conventional therapy. Today survival rates between 24% for postcardiotomy cardiac failure and 40% for bridge to heart transplantation can be achieved. However, a broad armamentarium of devices for mechanical circulatory support is necessary to provide optimum assistance for the failing heart in the various clinical situations. The available devices and their potential indications and limitations are reviewed.

A consecutive series of 74 patients was analyzed after repair of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. After hospital discharge there were 13/71 deaths (18%) during a mean follow-up of 60 +/- 20 months (range: 28-107). Actuarial analysis showed a mean survival rate of 89% after 1 year, 78% after 5 years and 71% after 9 years. During the same time period there were reoperations of the aorta in 10/71 patients (14%). Actuarial analysis showed freedom of reoperation in 97% after 1 year and in 80% after 5 years. Elective repair of these aneurysmal lesions can be recommended.

Viral infections transmitted by the donor organ or by blood and blood products are severe complications in heart transplantation. The use of blood and blood saving management is evaluated in 57 consecutive orthotopic heart transplantations. Indication was cardiomyopathy in 63%, coronary artery disease in 30%, valve disease in 5%, congenital in 5%, arrhythmia in 5% and primary cardiac malignancy in 2%. Previous open heart surgery was performed in 32%, and 81% had anticoagulation, with a mean quick value of 0.28 +/- 0.13. The total use of blood and blood products was 1151 units and was distributed as follows: whole blood and packed cells 41%, platelets 17%, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and coagulation factors 36%, albumine 7%. Anticoagulated recipients received more FFP and factors, 7.9 +/- 5.7 U vs. 4.4 +/- 4.8 U. In the reoperation group 78% vs. 22% (p less than 0.001) in the primary operation group received platelets. Hemodilution to hematocrit 0.24 instead of 0.30 lead to a decrease of red cell transfusions per patient from 12.3 +/- 6.7 U to 6.3 +/- 7.4 U (p less than 0.001) and the percentage of patients receiving red cells was reduced from 100% to 82%. Intraoperative hemofiltration was performed in 49% (mean filtration volume was 1652 +/- 910 ml). No differences in the amount of blood and blood products could be shown. Heart transplantation is an operation with a high need for blood and blood products. Reoperation and anticoagulation are predictors for a higher use of platelets, FFP and coagulation factors. Hemodilution reduces the use of red cells, whereas intraoperative hemofiltration has no influence on the use of blood.