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Abstract Background Delayed sternal closure (DSC) after cardiac surgery is a therapeutic option in the treatment of the severely impaired heart in pediatric cardiac surgery. The results with the technique of DSC over a 4-year period are examined with regard to mortality and morbidity. Methods We retrospectively reviewed records of 38 patients who had undergone DSC among 1100 congenital cardiac operations. Indication of DSC, time to sternal closure, pre and post closure cardiopulmonary and metabolic status, mortality, rate of wound and bloodstream infections were recorded. Results The mean sternal closure time was 2.9 days. The mortality rate was 34.2% (n = 13). Twenty (52.6%) patients required prolonged antibiotic use due to postoperative infection. There was gram negative microorganism predominance. There were 4 (10.5%) patients with postoperative mediastinitis. Postoperative infection rate statistically increased with cardiopulmonary bypass time (CPBT), sternal closure time (SCT) and intensive care unit (ICU) stay time (p = 0.039;p = 0.01;p = 0.012). On the other hand, the mortality rate significantly increased with increased cross clamp time (CCT), SCT, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use (p = 0.017; p = 0.026; p = 0.03). Single ventricular physiology was found to be risk factor for mortality in delayed sternal closure (p Conclusions Elective DSC does not reduce the morbidity. The prolonged sternal closure time is associated with increased rate of postoperative infection rate; therefore early closure is strongly advocated.

Abstract Background Abdominal aortic aneurysm formation is among the arterial complications of Behcet's disease. Weakness and fragility of aortic walls leads to the development of arterial complications like pseudoaneurysms. Case Presentation A case of huge saccular abdominal aortic aneurysm in a young Behcet patient who was successfully treated with endovascular stent graft placement is reported, diagnostic and interventional procedures are discussed, and mid-term follow-up results are presented. Conclusions Endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm complications of young Behcet patients who are not suitable for open surgery and need intervention could be an alternative treatment modality even without performing preprocedural angiography.

Describes the case of endocarditis due to Clostridium histolyticum. Association of negative aerobic blood cultures with fungal endocarditis; Vegetation of aortic valve; Involvement of clostridia on myonecrosis.

Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common congenital cause for the development of aortic valve calcification and stenosis. Calcification cause valvular stenosis or valvular insufficiency due to coaptation failure. We report a unique case of calcification of bicuspid valve was extending to left ventricular outflow tract and attached to interventricular septum which caused subvalvular stenosis., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background and Aim of the Study: After congenital cardiac surgery, the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) is related to the clinical status, type of operation, and the sedative-analgesic agents used postoperatively. This study aims to examine the effects of dexmedetomidine and morphine on the fast-track extubation (FTE) and ultra-fast-track extubation (UFTE) protocol after congenital cardiac surgery., Methods: A total of 251 pediatric patients were divided into two groups: 118 patients in the morphine group (Group M) and 133 patients in the dexmedetomidine group (Group D). We retrospectively reviewed medical data including hemodynamic parameters, duration of MV and cardiovascular intensive care unit (CICU), additional sedative/analgesic requirement, adverse events, the need for reintubation, and noninvasive MV, sedation, and pain scores., Results: The mean mechanical ventilation duration of Group D was significantly shorter than Group M (3.74 ± 0.83 h in Group D, 5.72 ± 1.54 h in Group M, respectively) (p = .001; p < .05). In Group D, the success rate of FTE was 92.5% (n = 123) and UFTE was 7.5% (n = 10) (p = .001). In Group M, the success rate of FTE was 72.9% (n = 86) and UFTE was 0% (n = 0) (p > .05)., Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine and morphine have clinical benefits which encourage their use for FTE protocol. Dexmedetomidine has more benefits compared to morphine. It can be used in UFTE protocol, besides its use in FTE protocol with fewer side effects., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background and Aim of the Study: Transfusion-associated hyperpotassemia is a serious complication of packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion after congenital cardiac surgery. Our study aimed to identify risk factors and potential preventive measures of transfusion-associated hyperpotassemia in neonates and infants after congenital cardiac surgery., Methods: Pediatric patients who underwent congenital cardiac surgery and need transfusion were enrolled in this prospective study. The potassium concentration of PRBC was checked from the sample taken from the segment. The volume of transfusion, age of PRBC, potassium concentration of unit were recorded. The estimated increment of potassium level in patients after PRBC transfusion was calculated., Results: Seventy-four individual patients, 95 distinct transfusions, 112 blood products were evaluated. The mean age of the blood unit was 3.8 ± 1.4 days. The mean potassium concentration in the PRBCs was 9.9 ± 2.4 mmol/L. A weak correlation was observed between the potassium value of the PRBC and the age of PRBC (p = 0.049, r = 0.2, y = 0.24 × x + -0.68). There was a weak correlation between the potassium value of PRBCs and the age of the unit (p < 0.001, r = 0.37, y = 2.8 × x + -3.6)., Conclusions: Before transfusion, even PRBC is fresh, measuring the potassium level of PRBC and the potassium that will be given to the pediatric patient with transfusion can prevent transfusion-related hyperpotassemia and related complications. Otherwise, high potassium levels, which may be overlooked despite being fresh, may cause serious complications, even cardiac arrest, especially in neonates and infants., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

We described a very rare case of aorto-pulmonary communication with right aortic arch and crossed pulmonary artery that cannot be placed in the typical anatomic classification of aortopulmonary window. At 23 weeks gestation, fetal echocardiography revealed a large tunnel-like communication connecting the great vessels proximal to the main pulmonary artery bifurcation, rather than a classic aortopulmonary window between the ascending aorta and the main pulmonary artery.

Background: Limited data exist regarding the coronary revascularization procedures needed during the repair of several congenital and pediatric cardiac malformations. We aimed to determine risk factors for in-hospital mortality and long-term outcomes of various pediatric coronary revascularization procedures., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 32 consecutive pediatric patients who underwent coronary revascularization procedures at our institution between May 1995 and June 2020. In-hospital mortality, risk factors, surgical indications, revascularization patency, and mid- and long-term follow-up data were investigated. Patients were categorized into the coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 11) and other coronary artery procedure (n = 21) groups., Results: The median age and weight of patients at the time of surgery were 9 months and 4.8 kg, respectively. There were five in-hospital deaths (5/32, 15.6%). The mortality rates were 27.2% (3/11) in the coronary artery bypass grafting group and 9.5% (2/21) in the other coronary artery procedure group (p = .206; 95% confidence interval: 0.496-25.563). The mortality rates for planned and rescue procedures were 8.3% (2/24) and 37.5% (3/8) (p = .06), respectively. The median follow-up time was 12.5 years. Control imaging studies for coronary patency were performed in 70.3% (19/27) of surviving patients. The overall coronary patency rate was 94.7% (18/19)., Conclusions: Pediatric coronary revascularization procedures with elective-planned indications can be performed with good outcomes. Young age and rescue and emergency procedures may carry an increased risk of in-hospital mortality, although not found to be statistically significant. Surviving patients require lifelong follow-up regarding the patency of reperfused coronary arteries., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Sternal closure can lead to hemodynamic and respiratory instability after some complex pediatric cardiac surgeries. In such cases, delayed sternal closure is applied to facilitate postoperative recovery. During open sternum several instruments have been defined to prevent the sternum from compressing the heart; however, most of them have limitations. We, therefore, have attempted to use a new instrument to keep the sternum open in neonates and infants. This instrument has been used as an adult eye speculum which is made of a flexible metal wire. It is delicate, ready to use, easily placed, and good fitted to the pediatric sternal edges., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background and Aim: In patients undergoing congenital cardiac surgery, it is crucial to maintain oxygen demand-consumption balance. Central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) is a useful indicator of oxygen demand and consumption balance which is an invasive method. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive, continuous monitoring technique that measures regional tissue oxygenation. NIRS that is placed over the internal jugular vein cutaneous area (NIRSijv) has the potential to show ScvO2 indirectly. In this study, we aimed to determine the correlation between ScvO2 with NIRSijv in pediatric patients undergoing congenital cardiac surgery., Materials and Methods: Fifty children participated in the study. Four patients were excluded for the inability of internal jugular vein (IJV) catheterization due to technical difficulties. After anesthesia induction, NIRS probes were placed on the IJV site with ultrasound guidance for the measurement of continuous transcutaneous oxygen saturation. The catheter insertion was also done through the IJV from the other side using ultrasound guidance. Cerebral oxygenation monitoring was done using NIRS with a single pediatric probe placed on the right forehead. Values of NIRSijv, cerebral NIRS (NIRSc) and ScvO2, were recorded at certain times until postoperative 24th hour., Results: Data were collected at 8 different time points. There was a significant correlation between ScvO2 and NIRSijv in all measurement time points (r = 0.91), (P = 0.001). The mean bias between ScvO2 and NIRSijv was 2.92% and the limits of agreement were from 11% to –5.2%. There was a moderate correlation between ScvO2 and NIRSc (r = 0.45), (P = 0.001). The mean bias between ScvO2 and NIRSc was 2.7% and the limits of agreement were from +26% to –20%., Conclusions: In this study, we found a strong correlation between ScvO2 and NIRS measurements taken from the internal jugular vein site. Accordingly, continuous noninvasive monitoring with transcutaneous NIRSijv can be an alternative method as a trend monitor for the central venous oxygen saturation in pediatric cardiac patients undergoing congenital cardiac surgery., Competing Interests: All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.)

Background: In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of intercostal nerve block for postoperative pain management in pediatric patients undergoing atrial septal defect closure through a right lateral mini-thoracotomy., Methods: Between January 2016 and January 2019, a total of 63 pediatric patients (37 males, 26 females; mean age 34.8±26.8 months; range, 2 to 96 months) who underwent corrective congenital heart surgery for atrial septal defect closure through a right lateral mini-thoracotomy were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups as those (Group 1, n=33) receiving intercostal nerve block and general anesthesia and those (Group 2, n=30) receiving general anesthesia alone. Intravenous morphine at a dose of 0.03 mg/kg was applied as rescue analgesia to the patients with a Ramsay Sedation Scale score of >4 and Children"s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale score of >7. The total analgesic requirement, adverse effects, duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay in the intensive care unit were recorded., Results: The mean duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit stay was shorter in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (3.6±1.3 vs. 9.4±2.1 h; 23±2.6 vs. 30±7.2 h, respectively) (p<0.0001). The need for postoperative rescue analgesia was statistically significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (0.3±0.5 mg vs. 1.1±0.9 mg, respectively) (p=0.003). The mean total morphine consumption was also lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (4.0±2.2 mg vs. 9.0±3.4 mg, respectively) (p<0.0001)., Conclusion: Intercostal nerve block before thoracotomy closure in pediatric patients undergoing atrial septal defect repair under mini-thoracotomy provides early extubation, shorter mechanical ventilation duration and intensive care unit stay, and reduced analgesic requirements., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article., (Copyright © 2020, Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery.)

Pulmonary valve preservation in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair is one of the most challenging issues. Herein, we describe a novel valve-sparing technique for TOF repair that primarily consists of skeletonization of the anterior part of the pulmonary annulus and gentle dilatation by preserving the pulmonary valve and annulus integrity. With encouraging early results, this technique is suggested to prevent severe pulmonary regurgitation and provide acceptable relief of pulmonary stenosis in patients with TOF., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: The follow-up results of patients operated for atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) during 1996-2016 at Başkent University are presented., Methods: Data obtained from hospital records consists of preoperative echocardiographic and angiographic details, age and weight at surgery, operative details, Down syndrome presence, postoperative care details, early postoperative and latest echocardiographic findings and hospitalization for reintervention., Results: A total of 496 patient-files were reviewed including 314 patients (63.4%) with complete and 181 (36.6%) with partial AVSD (48.4% of all patients had Down syndrome). Atrioventricular (AV) valve morphology was Rastelli type A in 92.2%, B in 6.5%, and C in 1.3% of patients. The operative technique used was single-patch in 21.6% (108), double-patch in 25.8% (128), and modified single-patch (Wilcox) in 52.5% (260) of patients. The follow-up time was 37.79±46.70 (range, 0-198) months. A total of 64 patients (12.9%) had arrhythmias while in the intensive care unit; pacemaker was implanted in 12 patients. A total of 78 patients (15.7%) were treated for pulmonary hypertensive crisis. The early morbidity and mortality in the postoperative first month were calculated as 38% and 10%, and the late morbidity and mortality (>1 month) were calculated as 13.1% and 1.9%, respectively. The rate of reoperation in our cohort was 8.9%., Conclusion: Although the early morbidity and mortality are low in AVSD operations, the rate of reoperations for left AV valve insufficiency are still high. Although Down syndrome is not a risk factor for early mortality, the co-morbid factors, such as longer postoperative mechanical ventilator or inotropic support, lead to higher risk for morbidity. The frequency of pulmonary hypertension and consequent complications are also high.

During an extracardiac conduit type of Fontan operation, fenestration is not always technically easy, particularly when the right atrium is small and located posteriorly. We describe here an easy technique for performing an anastomosis of a polytetrafluoroethylene ringed graft to the atrium for fenestration in the setting of an extracardiac conduit Fontan operation. The surgical technique starts with a purse string suture that is customized to fit the atrium and utilizes a ringed graft that is inserted into the right atrium through the purse string, which is then tied., (© The Author(s) 2015.)

Objectives: Modified ultrafiltration is used to ameliorate the deleterious effects of cardiopulmonary bypass in pediatric cardiac surgery patients. The ideal duration of modified ultrafiltration has not been established yet. We investigated the effects of extended duration of modified ultrafiltration on pulmonary functions and hemodynamics in the early postoperative period in newborns and infants who had transposition of great arteries operations., Design: Single-center prospective randomized study., Setting: Pediatric cardiac surgery operating room and ICU., Patients: Sixty newborns and infants who had been scheduled to undergo transposition of great arteries operation., Interventions: None., Measurements and Main Results: Modified ultrafiltration was applied to all patients following the termination of cardiopulmonary bypass (for 10, 15, and 20 min in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Pulmonary compliance, gas exchange capacity, hemodynamic measurements, inotropic support, blood loss, transfusion requirements, hematocrit level, and duration of ventilatory support were measured after intubation, at termination of cardiopulmonary bypass, at the end of modified ultrafiltration, and in the 1st, 6th, 12th, and 24th hours after admission to ICU. The amount of fluid removed by modified ultrafiltration in groups 2 and 3 was larger than that of group 1 (p < 0.01). Systolic blood pressure was significantly increased at the end of modified ultrafiltration in group 3 compared to groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). Hematocrit levels were significantly increased at the end of modified ultrafiltration in groups 2 and 3 compared to group 1 (p < 0.01). Therefore, RBCs were transfused less after modified ultrafiltration in groups 2 and 3 compared to group 1 (p < 0.05). Static and dynamic compliance, oxygen index, and ventilation index had improved similarly in all three groups at the end of modified ultrafiltration (p > 0.05) CONCLUSIONS:: Modified ultrafiltration acutely improved pulmonary compliance and gas exchange in all groups. Increased hematocrit and blood pressure levels were also observed in the longer modified ultrafiltration group. However, extended duration of modified ultrafiltration did not have a significant impact on duration of intubation or the stay in ICU.

During an arterial switch operation, reimplantation of the transferred coronary artery is required for malperfusion. However, this reimplantation increases the mortality risk. We describe here a simple technique in patients with malperfusion of the coronary arteries during the arterial switch operation. The surgical technique consists of an aortic plication on the opposite side of the kinking coronary artery., (Copyright © 2014 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aims and Objectives: We used near-infrared spectroscopy to document changes in cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (SctO2) in response to ventilation mode alterations after bidirectional Glenn (BDG; superior cavopulmonary connection) procedure. We also determined whether spontaneous ventilation have a beneficial effect on hemodynamic status, lactate and SctO2 when compared with other ventilation modes., Materials and Methods: 20 consecutive patients undergoing BDG were included. We measured SctO 2 during three ventilator modes (intermittent positive-pressure ventilation [IPPV]; synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation [SIMV]; and continuous positive airway pressure + pressure support ventilation [CPAP + PSV]). We, also, measured mean airway pressure (AWP), arterial blood gases, lactate and systolic arterial pressures (SAP)., Results: There was no change in SctO2 in IPPV and SIMV modes; the SctO2 measured during CPAP + PSV and after extubation increased significantly (60.5 ± 11, 61 ± 10, 65 ± 10, 66 ± 11 respectively) (P < 0.05). The differences in the SAP measured during IPPV and SIMV modes was insignificant; the SAP increased significantly during CPAP + PSV mode and after extubation compared with IPPV and SIMV (109 ± 11, 110 ± 12, 95 ± 17, 99 ± 13 mmHg, respectively) (P < 0.05). Mean AWP did not change during IPPV and SIMV modes, mean AWP decreased significantly during CPAP + PSV mode (14 ± 4, 14 ± 3, 10 ± 1 mmHg, respectively) (P < 0.01)., Conclusions: The SctO2 was higher during CPAP + PSV ventilation and after extubation compared to IPPV and SIMV modes of ventilation. The mean AWP was lower during CPAP + PSV ventilation compared to IPPV and SIMV modes of ventilation.

Background: Thoracotomy causes severe pain in the postoperative period. Perioperative thoracic paravertebral block reduces pain score and may improve outcome after pediatric cardiac surgery. This prospective study was designed for the efficacy and duration of a single level, single injection ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) for fifteen infants undergoing aortic coarctation repair., Methods: After approval of the ethical committee and the relatives of the patients, 15 infants who had undergone thoracotomy were enrolled in the study. The patients received 0.5 ml·kg(-1) a bolus 0.25% bupivacaine with epinephrine 1 : 200 000 at T5-6 level after standard general anesthesia induction. Anesthesia depth with Index of Consciousness (IOC) and tissue oxygen saturation with cerebral (rSO2-C) and somatic thoracodorsal (rSO2-S) were monitored. Intraoperative hemodynamic and postoperative hemodynamic and pain scores were evaluated for 24 h after surgery. Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) score was utilized to measure postoperative pain in the intensive care unit. Rescue 0.05 mg·kg(-1) IV morphine was applied to patients in whom FLACC was >3., Results: The median age of the patients was 4.5 (1-11) months, and the median intraoperative endtidal isoflurane concentration was 0.6% (0.3-0.8). The amount of remifentanil used intraoperatively was 4.5 (2.5-14) μg·kg(-) (1) ·h(-1). Intraoperative heart rate and blood pressure values significantly decreased compared with values detected at 5th, 10th, and 15th min after TPVB application, after incision prior and after cross-clamp (P < 0.01). The median time of first dose of morphine application after block was 320 (185-430) min. The median morphine consumption in 24 h was 0.16 (0.09-0.4) mg·kg(-1). The median length of postoperative intensive care unit and in-hospital stay times was 23 (1-67) h and 4 (1-10) days, respectively., Conclusion: We believe that TPVB, as part of a balanced anesthetic and analgesic regime, provides effective pain relief in patients undergoing aortic coarctation repair., (© 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background and Aim: We investigated the clinical outcome of early initiated peritoneal dialysis (PD) use in our newborn patients who underwent arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and had routine intraoperative PD catheter implantation. We determined the risk factors for PD, factors associated with prolonged PD, morbidity, and mortality. The aim of the present study was to describe our experience of using PD in this patient cohort., Materials and Methods: Eighty two patients who were diagnosed with TGA and TGA-ventricular septal defect (VSD) and who had undergone TGA correction operation in Başkent University, Istanbul Medical Research and Training Hospital between 2007 and 2012 were retrospectively investigated. All the patients were under 30 days old. PD catheters were routinely implanted intraoperatively at the end of the operation. PD was initiated in transient renal insufficiency. In the absence of oliguria and increased creatinine level, PD was established in the presence of one of the following: clinical signs of fluid overload, hyperkalemia (>5 mEq/L), persistent metabolic acidosis, lactate level above 8 mmol/L or low cardiac output syndrome. The patients were divided into two groups according to the need for postoperative PD (PD group and non-PD group). PD was initiated in 32 (39%) patients after the operation, whereas 50 (61%) patients did not need dialysis. The clinical outcomes and perioperative data of the two groups were compared., Results: The demographics in the two groups were similar. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was longer in the PD group [non-PD group, 175.24 ± 32.39 min; PD group, 196.22 ± 44.04 min (p < 0.05)]. Coronary anomaly was found to be higher in the PD group [non-PD group, n = 2 patients (4.0%); PD group, n = 7 patients (21.9%); p < 0.05]. There was more need for PD in TGA + VSD patients [simple TGA patients, n = 14; TGA + VSD patients, n = 18 (p < 0.05)]. PD rate was higher in patients whose sterna were left open at the end of the operation (p < 0.05). The ventilator time [non-PD group, 4.04 ± 1.51 days; PD group, 8.12 ± 5.21 days (p < 0.01)], intensive care unit stay time [non-PD group, 7.98 ± 5.80 days; PD group, 15.93 ± 18.31 days (p < 0.01)], and hospital stay time were significantly longer in the PD group [non-PD group, 14.98 ± 10.14 days; PD group, 22.84 ± 20.87 days (p < 0.01)]., Conclusion: We advocate routine implantation of PD catheters to patients with TGA-VSD, coronary artery anomaly, and open sternum in which we have determined high rate of postoperative PD need.

We describe a successful surgical treatment in a 2.5-year old boy with Loeys-Dietz syndrome, in whom we performed aortic arch and ascending aorta replacement with a valve-sparing operation (VSO) of the aortic root because of significant aortic insufficiency and dilation of the aortic root. We believe that VSO is ideal for treating young patients with aortic root aneurysm with normal or minimally diseased aortic cusps to avoid the disadvantages of prosthetic valve replacements.

Objective: 1. Follow-up data of patients with simple transposition of great arteries (TGA) and TGA with ventricular septal defect (VSD), who had arterial switch operation (ASO) are compared. 2. Factors affecting mortality and morbidity after ASO are described., Methods: Seventy-six patients, who had an ASO between April 2007 and August 2010 were studied retrospectively. The patients with intact ventricular septum (IVS) (n=36) were in Group 1, and those with VSD (n=40) in Group 2. The pre and postoperative clinical and echocardiographic variables and intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes were compared among groups using Mann-Whitney U, Pearson correlation and logistic regression tests., Results: The mean age at operation was 44.1 days, weight was 3.6±0.98 kg. Patients were followed for 15.5±11.21 months. The aortic cross-clamp (AoCC) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) times were higher in patients with VSD (p=0.001, p=0.004). Patients in Group 1 had longer inotropic agent infusion (p=0.001). Length of stay in ICU was similar in two groups (p>0.05). There was no correlation between the length of stay in ICU and age, weight, CPB time, AoCC time. Aortic regurgitation was more frequent in Group 2 (p=0.02). During follow-up, 12 patients died (15.7%), and 8 patients had a revision operation (10.5%) (diaphragmatic plication in 4, pulmonary artery reconstruction in 1, recoarctation operation in 3 patients). Mortality was similar in groups (p>0.05)., Conclusion: Arterial switch operation provides anatomical correction in TGA. Appropriate timing and good perioperative planning facilitates low morbidity and mortality in patients with VSD as in patients with simple TGA.

Quadricuspid aortic valve is a rare congenital condition that occurs not only as an isolated anomaly, but also with other cardiac defects. We describe a 10-year-old boy whose aortic stenosis was diagnosed during infancy. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed dilation of the left ventricle, valvular and subvalvular aortic stenosis, bicuspid aortic valve, aortic regurgitation, and mitral valve prolapse. The results of cardiac catheterization and aortography showed severe aortic regurgitation, an aortic valve gradient of 76 mmHg, a bicuspid aortic valve, a subaortic membrane, and an ascending aortic aneurysm. The patient underwent elective valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis, and during surgery, the valve was noted to be quadricuspid. The patient was diagnosed as having a quadricuspid aortic valve associated with aortic regurgitation, severe aortic stenosis, and an ascending aortic aneurysm.

Aim: Atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta is a leading cause of cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) in patients who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, the ascending aorta is considered untouchable only in cases of severe calcification. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the no-touch aorta technique (NAT) on morbidity and mortality with an extension of indication to any degree of atherosclerotic disease is detected on the ascending aorta., Methods: From March 2001 to March 2006, data were prospectively collected from 101 patients with ascending aorta atherosclerosis who underwent either on- or off-pump CABG with NAT. Demographic data from these 101 patients were compared with those of 1 473 patients who underwent conventional CABG with aortic cross-clamping during the same time period. All preoperative variables were assessed with stepwise logistic regression to determine predictors of ascending aortic disease., Results: Age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, peripheral vascular disease, EuroSCORE and unstable and redo rates were significantly higher in the NAT group than in the control group (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis of preoperative variables for all 1 574 cases identified age, peripheral vascular disease, history of smoking, EuroSCORE, and reoperation as independent predictors of atherosclerotic disease of the ascending aorta. No operative or hospital CVA occurred in the study group. Hospital mortality was observed in 2 (1.9%) patients. During the follow-up period of 27.9 +/- 13 months, no patient was re-admitted with angina recurrence or CVA., Conclusion: Any degree of atherosclerotic disease on the ascending aorta can potentially cause CVA upon manipulation during CABG. Use of CABG with NAT to eliminate the risk of CVA is associated with low rates of morbidity, stroke and mortality during hospital stay and at mid-term follow-up.

The value of echocardiography, especially tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), in the assessment of risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is not clear. One hundred two consecutive patients (80 men; mean age 61 +/- 10 years) who underwent elective isolated CABG were included in the study. All patients underwent conventional transthoracic echocardiography and TDI of the left and right heart before surgery. Also, 24-hour Holter recordings were obtained for all patients. The study end point was the development of postoperative AF. The surgical mortality rate was 2%. Postoperative AF occurred in 18 patients (18%). Patients with postoperative AF have been significantly older than patients without postoperative AF (73 +/- 7 vs 58 +/- 9 years, respectively; p <0.001). Compared with patients without postoperative AF, a significantly higher proportion of patients with postoperative AF experienced paroxysmal AF before surgery (6% vs 33%, respectively; p = 0.001). Patients with postoperative AF had a significantly larger mean left atrial diameter compared with patients without postoperative AF (37 +/- 3 vs 35 +/- 3 mm, respectively; p = 0.012). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age as the most significant predictor of postoperative AF (odds ratio 1.254, 95% confidence interval 1.127 to 1.396; p <0.001). Of the echocardiographic variables, only left atrial diameter was identified as a significant predictor of postoperative AF (odds ratio 1.250, 95% confidence interval 1.055 to 1.562; p = 0.047). In conclusion, in the prediction of postoperative AF after isolated CABG, preoperative transthoracic echocardiography, including both conventional echocardiography and TDI, is of little value.

Objective: In combined carotid-coronary artery surgery, it is important to determine patients' neurologic status after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). An initial stroke could be exacerbated by cardiopulmonary bypass required for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Various monitoring methods (eg, electroencephalogram) have been used to reduce neurologic deficits during CEA under general anesthesia. However, none of the methods of determining neurologic status of patients are ideal during the time between the end of CEA and the beginning of CABG surgery. In this study, patient's neurologic status was assessed after CEA with a wake-up test to identify stroke before CABG surgery., Design: A prospective nonrandomized case series., Setting: Single institution, university hospital., Participants: Forty-four patients with carotid artery stenosis and coronary artery disease underwent combined carotid-coronary artery surgery., Interventions: After CEA, propofol and remifentanil anesthesia was discontinued, the wake-up test was performed, and then anesthesia was reinstituted for CABG surgery., Measurements and Results: A total of 48 wake-up tests were performed in 43 patients. Two wake-up tests were performed in each of the 5 patients who underwent bilateral CEA. Postoperative stroke were seen in 2 patients. In the first patient, despite a normal wake-up test, the stroke occurred in the cerebral hemisphere contralateral to the CEA, and the patient recovered within 12 days. In the second patient, there was a positive wake-up test after CEA, and he recovered within 3 days. One patient died postoperatively because of ventricular failure., Conclusions: Although this is a case series, the authors believe that performing a neurologic examination using a wake-up test may make a contribution and increases the safety of combined surgical procedures in patients with coronary and carotid artery disease.

This study determined whether prolonged QRS duration (QRSd; > or =120 ms) is an independent predictor of low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) in patients with low left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Abnormal LV systolic function places patients at greater risk for developing LCOS after isolated CABG. In patients with this form of ventricular function impairment, prolonged QRSd is associated with adverse hemodynamic effects. Clinical, operative, and outcome data from 190 consecutive patients with LVEF <50% who underwent isolated CABG (mean 62 +/- 9 years of age) were retrospectively analyzed. For all patients, preoperative QRSd was determined. LCOS was the primary outcome investigated. Fifty-seven patients (30%) developed LCOS. Compared with the subgroup without LCOS, the subgroup with this syndrome had significantly larger proportions of patients with LVEF <30% and prolonged QRSd. In addition, the group that developed LCOS had a longer mean QRSd (117 +/- 25 vs 102 +/- 17 ms, respectively, p = 0.00003) and a significantly higher frequency of adverse postoperative outcomes. Hospital stay was significantly longer in the subgroup with LCOS than in the subgroup without. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified prolonged QRSd as the most significant predictor of LCOS. LVEF <30%, diuretic therapy, and preoperative risk score (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) were also identified as independent predictors of LCOS. In conclusion, in patients with impaired LV systolic function, prolonged QRSd is a highly significant predictor of LCOS development after isolated CABG.

Sinus valsalva aneurysm is a rare condition. Most aneurysms usually originate from the right or non-coronary sinus. A few series were reported about the sinus valsalva aneurysm describing its origin, diagnostic tools and prognosis. We describe a case of a sinus valsalva aneurysm originating from the left coronary sinus that ruptured into the right atrium, diagnosed with echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography, confirmed by angiography and operational findings.

Large aneurysms of the ascending aorta occasionally cause severe hemodynamic disturbance by compression. We describe the case of an 18-yr-old man who presented with dyspnea and developed hemodynamic collapse during computed tomography scanning. Computed tomography during resuscitation revealed that the aneurysm was compressing both the right pulmonary artery and the left bronchus. Emergency surgery was performed, but the patient died because of generalized cerebral infarction.

We describe the successful treatment of a patient with iatrogenic acute aortic dissection including cerebral malperfusion as a complication of coronary artery surgery. After beginning cardiopulmonary bypass, a retrograde ascending aortic dissection associated with cerebral malperfusion was recognized. Systemic circulation was immediately arrested at 31 degrees C. After aortotomy, hypothermic selective antegrade cerebral perfusion was established. Replacement of the ascending aorta with coronary artery bypass grafting was performed without neurologic complications.

The internal and external carotid arteries are usually considered occluded distal to a common carotid artery occlusion but some collateral vessels may provide blood keeping the internal and external carotid arteries patent distal to the occlusion. Most common communication in such a case is diversion of blood from muscular branches of the vertebral artery to occipital branch of the external carotid artery which in turn could maintain blood flow into the internal carotid artery, a condition called carotid steal. We encountered vertebrocarotid anastomoses maintaining the patency of carotid circulation in six patients. Patients were four females and two males, ages ranging from 40 to 67 (mean age: 56) years. Five of the patients had ischemic cerebral symptoms. The origin of the external carotid artery was occluded in two and the whole common carotid artery in the remaining four patients. Two patients had double steal, carotid and subclavian at the same time. There was also severe stenosis or occlusion of at least one other major extracranial cerebral artery in all the cases. This concomitant involvement of the second extracranial cerebral artery was thought to be the main reason for the development of vertebrocarotid collateral. In contrast to most of the previously published reports claiming the inadequacy of angiography when compared with colour Doppler ultrasonography, angiography finely depicted the distal patency of the carotid circulation and all the collaterals in detail in every case. Selective injection of the vertebral artery ipsilateral to the occlusion, is the key to demonstrate distal patency of the carotid circulation in cases of proximal carotid occlusion. Demonstration of patency of the distal circulation is very important because some of the patients might get benefit from a reconstructive surgery.

A fifty-four-year-old male patient presented to our emergency department with a gunshot injury in his arm, caused by pellets. Surgical exploration showed injury to the brachial artery, which was then repaired with a saphenous vein graft. Conservative treatment was planned for associated nerve injuries. After arterial flow began, two pellet-like solid bodies were palpated in the radial artery trace at the wrist level and the pellets were removed from the lumen of the artery. Ten days after surgery, the patient had profuse bleeding in the arm. On exploration, partial necrosis was detected in the saphenous vein graft and primary repair was performed. However, on the 19th day, the bleeding recurred and increased necrosis and rupture of the artery, 2-3 cm in size, were detected. Arterial repair was repeated with another saphenous vein graft from the other limb. The patient returned to normal daily activities nine months after the injury, with slight cold intolerance. Clinical examination and Doppler studies did not show any signs of vascular deficiency. Arterial or venous pellet embolism should be included in the evaluation of patients with gunshot injuries.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of aprotinin and methylprednisolone in reducing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)-induced cytokine release, to evaluate the effect of myocardial cytokine release on systemic cytokine levels, and to determine the influence of cytokine release on perioperative and postoperative hemodynamics., Design: Prospective, randomized clinical trial., Setting: University teaching hospital and clinics., Participants: Thirty patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery., Intervention: Patients were randomly allocated into groups treated with aprotinin (n = 10) or methylprednisolone (n = 10) or into an untreated control group (n = 10). Aprotinin-treated patients received aprotinin as a high-dose regimen (6 x 10(6) KIU), and methylprednisolone-treated patients received methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg intravenously) before CPB., Measurements and Main Results: Patients were analyzed for hemodynamic changes and alveolar-arterial PO2 difference (AaDO2) until the first postoperative day. Plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha, interleukin [IL]-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8) were measured in peripheral arterial blood immediately before the induction of anesthesia, 5 minutes before CPB, 3 minutes after the start of CPB, 2 minutes after the release of the aortic cross-clamp, 1 hour after CPB, 6 hours after CPB, and 24 hours after CPB; and in coronary sinus blood immediately before CPB and 2 minutes after the release of the aortic cross-clamp. The hemodynamic parameters did not differ among the groups throughout the study. After CPB, AaDO2 significantly increased (p < 0.05) in all groups. A significant decrease in AaDO2 was observed in aprotinin-treated patients at 24 hours after CPB compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). TNF-alpha level from peripheral arterial blood significantly increased in control patients 1 hour after CPB (p < 0.01) and did not significantly increase in methylprednisolone-treated patients throughout the study. In all groups, IL-6 levels increased after the release of the aortic cross-clamp and reached peak values 6 hours after CPB. At 6 hours after CPB, the increase in IL-6 levels in methylprednisolone-treated patients was significantly less compared with levels measured in control patients and aprotinin-treated patients (p < 0.001). In control patients, IL-8 levels significantly increased 2 minutes after the release of the aortic cross-clamp (p < 0.05), and peak values were observed 1 hour after CPB (p < 0.01). IL-8 levels in control patients were significantly higher compared with patients treated with aprotinin and patients treated with methylprednisolone 1 hour after CPB (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: This study showed that methylprednisolone suppresses TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8 release; however, aprotinin attenuates IL-8 release alone. Methylprednisolone does not produce any additional positive hemodynamic and pulmonary effects. An improved postoperative AaDO2 was observed with the use of aprotinin., (Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company)

Between 1994-2000, 60 peripheral vascular injuries were admitted to the Turgut Ozal Medical Center Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic. Forty eight (80%) of patients were male, twelve (20%) were female and their age ranged from 5 to 70 years (mean 28.9 years). The causes of injuries were related to penetrating device in 34 (56.6%), gun shots in 14 (23.3%), blunt trauma in seven (11.6%) and iatrogenic causes in five(8.3%). Total laceration, partial laceration and pseudoaneurysm were observed in 45 (75%), 14 (23.3%) and one (1.6%) respectively. The localization of injuries were the upper limbs in 34(56.6%) and the lower limbs in 26 (43.4%). The vascular injury localizations in order of frequency were femoral artery in 12 cases (20.75%), radial artery in ten cases (17%), popliteal artery in ten cases (15%), brachial artery in nine cases (15%), axillary artery in nine cases (13.2%), ulnar artery in six cases (11.3%) and tibial artery in four cases(7.4%). There were nearby venous injuries in nine patients (15%) and neural injuries in ten patients (16.6%). The patients' mean admission time to the hospital was 3 hours and 30 minutes and mean operation time for revascularization was within 95 minutes. The operative techniques were autogenous saphenous vein graft interposition in 27 cases (45%), resection and end-to-end anastomosis in 19 cases (31.6%), lateral repair in ten cases (16.6%), synthetic graft insertion in three cases (4.8%) and ligation in one case (1.6%). Our success rate was 98.2% in salvaging the limbs. Mean length of hospital stay was 14.4 days. Mortality was not observed during the hospital stay.