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The use of a composite graft is an established treatment for patients with aortic valve disease and ascending aortic aneurysms. Since bleeding from suture lines is a potential complication of this procedure, we modified the technique and evaluated the effect on hemostasis. From January 1994 through December 1998, 35 patients underwent composite aortic graft replacement for chronic aortic disease. In the first 16 patients (Group 1), we used the standard open technique, with excision of the aortic aneurysm and anastomosis of aortic buttons containing the coronary ostia to the vascular graft. In the next 19 patients (Group 2), we modified the technique by placing an additional suture at the proximal graft anastomosis and harvesting large coronary buttons that were then attached to the graft by an "endo-button" buttress method. There were no operative deaths; the actuarial survival rate at 36 months was 92% +/- 5%. Between groups 1 and 2, a significant difference was found in postoperative bleeding (1,052 + 433 mL vs 806 +/- 257 mL, respectively; p = 0.02) and in number of blood transfusions required (2.1 +/- 2.0 units vs 0.4 +/- 0.7 units, respectively; p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that the surgical technique used in Group 1 was the only independent risk factor for postoperative bleeding of 1,000 mL or more (p = 0.01) and for transfusion requirements of 3 or more units of blood (p = 0.004). Composite aortic valve and root replacement can be accomplished with excellent results. Technical modifications may reduce bleeding complications and related morbidity significantly

Background: The Edwards Prima stentless valve (EPSV) is a porcine aortic root cylinder with resected coronary ostia, fixed in glutaraldehyde at low pressure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic performance of the EPSV 1 year after aortic valve replacement., Methods: From December 1994 to February 1996, 29 patients underwent aortic valve replacement with EPSV used in the subcoronary position (group 1, n = 23) or as a root replacement (group 2, n = 6). Hemodynamic performance of EPSV was assessed by two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography at 1 week, 6 months, and 1 year by calculating peak transprosthetic velocity, peak and mean gradients, effective orifice area, degree of aortic regurgitation, and regression of left ventricular hypertrophy., Results: There were no operative deaths. One patient in group 2 died after 3 months at reoperation for endocarditis. In group 1 early mean gradient (25+/-5 mm Hg for 23 mm and 19+/-5 mm Hg for 25 mm) decreased at 6 months and 1 year in the 23-mm size (17+/-7 mm Hg and 15+/-4 mm Hg, p < 0.01) and at 1 year in the 25-mm size (14+/-4 mm Hg, p = 0.03) without modifications of the effective orifice area in both sizes. A significant reduction in left ventricular hypertrophy occurred at 6 months and 1 year in both sizes. In group 2 lower early gradients were recorded with subsequent improvement at follow-up; reduction in left ventricular hypertrophy occurred as well., Conclusions: The EPSV used in the subcoronary position has shown high early gradients, which partially regressed at 6 months, with further improvement at 1 year. Gradients are attributed to inward folding of the Dacron cloth at the right coronary ostium, being more evident in patients with aortic stenosis without dilatation of the aortic root and coronary ostia close to the annulus. In such patients a better early hemodynamic result can be obtained by using the EPSV as a root replacement.

This study identified the needs of terminal cancer patients, investigated the factors associated with unmet needs, and assessed psychological and symptom distress associated with unsolved needs. Ninety-four patients were randomly selected from 324 patients admitted for palliative care in 13 Italian centers. Two self-administered questionnaires (the Symptom Distress Scale and the Psychological Distress Inventory) were administered to all the patients. Patients needs were identified using a semi-structured interview, aimed at exploring five areas: physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging needs, self-esteem needs, self-fulfillment needs. A content analysis of the answers defined 11 needs, and identified patients with unmet needs. The most frequent unmet needs were symptom control (62.8%), occupational functioning (62.1%), and emotional support (51.7%). The less frequently reported needs were those related to personal care (14.6%), financial support (14.1%), and emotional closeness (13.8%). Low functional state was significantly associated with a high proportion of patients with unmet needs of personal care, information, communication, occupational functioning, and emotional closeness. Patients with unmet needs showed significantly higher psychological and symptom distress for most needs. This study provides some suggestions about the concerns that should be carefully considered during the late stage of cancer.

In order to identify the risk factors which could predict outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with left ventricular dysfunction, 80 consecutive patients with an ejection fraction < or = 30%, who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting at the authors' centre between January 1994 and May 1996 were evaluated. Preoperatively, mean(s.d.) ejection fraction was 27.1(3.8)%, 56 patients (70%) had angina, and 56(70%) were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III or IV. There were five operative deaths, with a hospital mortality rate of 6.3%. Significant risk factors for hospital death were NYHA class IV, preoperative ventricular arrhythmias and left ventricular end-diastolic volume index > 110 ml/m2. At mean follow-up of 15(7) (range 6-30) months, there were six late deaths, five of which were from cardiac causes. Actuarial survival rate at 2 years was 82(5)% and freedom from cardiac death 84(5)%. Risk factors for overall mortality from cardiac causes were preoperative grade 2 mitral regurgitation, associated with left ventricular dilatation, and renal dysfunction (creatininaemia > or = 180 micromol/l). At follow-up, mean ejection fraction was 37.5(8.4)%, and the overall functional status had improved: 12 patients (18%) had angina and eight (12%) were in NYHA class III and IV. Myocardial revascularization in patients with left ventricular dysfunction can be performed with acceptably low operative risk, good survival rate at 2 years, and functional status improvement. Patients with extensive ventricular dilatation, associated with significant mitral regurgitation, have a lower life expectancy and less functional benefits from coronary artery bypass grafting. These patients are better treated by cardiac transplantation.

Background and Aims of the Study: The surgical management of patients with aortic valve disease associated with ascending aortic dilatation is a controversial issue. Structural abnormalities of the aortic wall predispose to further aortic enlargement and possibly to ascending aortic dissection (AAD). Indications to concomitant replacement of aortic valve and ascending aorta have not yet been clearly defined., Methods: We reviewed eight consecutive patients (seven males and one female) among 2202 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) between 1982 and 1996. These eight were subsequently reoperated on because of AAD, between November 1987 and November 1996. Indications for initial AVR were aortic regurgitation due to annular ectasia in five patients, combined aortic stenosis and regurgitation in two, and isolated aortic stenosis in one patient., Results: The interval between AVR and AAD ranged from four months to 10.5 years. Five patients presented with acute AAD, and three with chronic AAD. Retrospectively, four patients showed progressive increase in ascending aortic diameter after AVR, with a mean diameter of 72+/-9 mm at reoperation. Histological examination showed cystic medial necrosis in three patients, atherosclerotic degeneration in one patient, and normal aortic wall structure in one. There was one operative death due to low cardiac output; the hospital mortality rate was 13%. There were no late deaths and no major adverse events during a mean follow up of 5+/-3 years (range: 8 months to 10 years)., Conclusions: In patients with ascending aortic dilatation (> or = 55 mm diameter), AVR alone may not prevent progression of aortic root enlargement. In these patients, the ascending aorta should be concomitantly replaced. Following AVR, all patients with mildly or moderately dilated aortic root should be periodically controlled to detect signs of progression of aortic dilatation.

In this study we evaluated the outcome of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction. The aim of the study was to identify the risk factors for operative and medium-term mortality. We evaluated 117 consecutive patients (98 men, 19 women, aged 42 to 84 years, mean 65 +/- 9) with ejection fraction (EF) < 40%, operated on from January 1994 to December 1995. Patients who had previously undergone CABG, or who had other procedures associated with CABG, were excluded. Preoperatively, mean EF was 32 +/- 5%; 65 patients (56%) had angina and 62 (53%) had congestive heart failure in NYHA functional class III and IV. Hospital mortality rate was 5% (i.e. 6 deaths). At multivariate analysis significant risk factors were: NYHA functional class IV and moderate/ severe mitral regurgitation. All patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up time of 13 +/- 8 months (range 3 to 30); 9 deaths occurred, 7 due to cardiac causes. Actuarial survival rate at 24 months was 85 +/- 4%; freedom from death due to cardiac causes was 87 +/- 4%. Significant risk factors for medium-term mortality at multivariate analysis were age, moderate/severe mitral regurgitation and marked impairment of regional myocardial contractile function, evaluated by the wall motion score index (> or = 2.25). At follow-up the majority of patients showed improved clinical conditions: mean EF was 40 +/- 8%; 8 patients (8%) had angina and 12 (12%) were in NYHA functional class III and IV. Myocardial revascularization in patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction is characterized by low operative risk and good survival rate at 2 years, with improvement of both angina and congestive heart failure. The best results were obtained in those patients who preoperatively showed the best regional contractile function, even though the global EF was poor, and in those with signs of reversible left ventricular dysfunction, such as angina or documented myocardial viability.

Background and Aim of the Study: Stentless porcine valves are considered to have a superior hemodynamic performance when compared with stented bioprostheses. In the present study we report our initial experience with the Edwards Prima stentless valve (EPSV), focusing on the hemodynamic performance of this device evaluated by means of transthoracic two-dimensional (2D) Doppler echocardiography., Methods: Between December 1994 and August 1995, 23 patients underwent aortic valve replacement with the EPSV implanted in the subcoronary position. Evaluation of hemodynamic performance of the EPSV was assessed before discharge (one week) and at six months follow up by means of transthoracic 2D echocardiography., Results: There were no operative deaths and no major postoperative complications. Hemodynamic data were available for comparison at one week and six months in 18 patients (23 mm, n = 8; 25 mm, n = 10). For 23 mm EPSV, peak gradient varied from 42.7 +/- 10.2 mmHg at one week to 29.7 +/- 9.8 mmHg at six months (p = 0.01); for 25 mm EPSV, peak gradient varied from 33.6 +/- 10.6 mmHg at one week to 29.5 +/- 6.5 mmHg at six months (p = N.S.)., Conclusions: The EPSV, when used in the subcoronary position, has been associated with high early transprosthetic gradients which only partly regress at six months. Gradients are probably caused by the inward folding of the Dacron cloth beneath the right coronary ostium and were recorded especially in patients with aortic stenosis in whom the right coronary ostium was close to the aortic annulus. In such patients alternative implantation techniques should be considered.

Patch angioplasty has been reported as a suitable surgical option for patients with isolated coronary ostial stenosis, but controversy still exists concerning its effectiveness. We report the cases of 4 additional patients in whom this procedure was performed, including that of a patient with bilateral ostial stenosis; and we review the literature pertaining to bilateral ostial stenosis. Four patients, 3 with isolated stenosis of the left main coronary ostium and 1 with bilateral ostial stenosis, had direct surgical ostioplasty from January through November 1994. We considered the cause of ostial stenosis to be aortitis (of suspected syphilitic origin) in 1 patient, atherosclerotic plaque in 2 patients, and a fibrous membrane in the 4th. Ostioplasty was performed with a patch of autologous pericardium in 3 patients (fresh pericardium in 2 and glutaraldehyde-fixed in 1) and a patch of saphenous vein in 1. There were no operative deaths. One patient underwent successful reoperation for left main coronary artery restenosis after 3 months. All other patients are asymptomatic at 16, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. In the patient who underwent bilateral ostioplasty, coronary angiography showed patent ostia at 1 year. Surgical ostioplasty should be considered in the treatment of patients who have isolated ostial stenosis but no distal coronary disease. Careful patient selection seems to be a prerequisite for surgical success.

The object of this study was to assess the usefulness of the dipyridamole-echocardiography test in the early evaluation of coronary artery bypass grafting, when the use of an exercise stress test is precluded. We studied 39 consecutive patients (37 men and two women, mean age 57.3 years) referred to our institute for elective coronary artery bypass. Five patients had single, 12 patients double, 20 patients triple vessel disease, and two had left main stem disease. Nineteen left internal mammary artery grafts, 20 sequential grafts, and 39 single vein grafts were performed. All the patients were subjected to the test before (time range 1 to 3 days) and after (time range 6 to 10 days) the operation in the absence of therapy. Dipyridamole was administered intravenously 0.56 mg/kg over 4 minutes (low dose); if no effect was apparent, an additional 0.28 mg/kg over 2 minutes (high dose) was given. During the test, blood pressure and a twelve-lead electrocardiogram were monitored. An arbitrary wall motion score was derived by dividing the left ventricle into six regions and grading from 0 to 3-normokinetic, hypokinetic, akinetic, and dyskinetic zones. Preoperatively the test was positive in 38 patients as evidenced by wall motion abnormalities (36 patients had electrocardiographic changes) and in one patient by electrocardiographic changes and chest pain; 22 tests were positive after the low dose and 17 after the high dose. Angina was present in 33 patients. Mean wall motion score was 1.64 per patient in the basal condition and 4.03 per patient after the test (p less than 0.001). After coronary bypass in three patients the test was positive at the same dosage that was used preoperatively, as shown by wall motion abnormalities (in two patients by electrocardiographic changes, as well). Four patients had symptoms. Furthermore, at 6 months' follow-up, a treadmill stress test performed in these three patients was positive for ischemia and angina. The wall motion score was 1.25 per patient in the basal condition and 1.53 per patient after the test (no significant difference). When the preoperative wall motion score obtained after dipyridamole echocardiography was compared with the postoperative score, a statistically significant difference was seen: 4.03 per patient versus 1.53 per patient (p less than 001). In eight patients we observed an improvement of basal myocardial contractility after the operation, which indicates the reversibility of wall motion abnormalities observed before coronary bypass. In conclusion our data show that the dipyridamole-echocardiography test is a suitable method for the early assessment of bypass grafting when other methods, exercise dependent, are not indicated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The evaluation of coronary reserve within a few hours of aortocoronary bypass surgery could be of extreme utility for the follow-up or therapeutical management of these patients. In 11 men patients who underwent aortocoronary bypass surgery, a dipyridamole echocardiography stress test was carried out before (1 to 3 days), early after (68 to 130 minutes), and 1 week after surgery. The first and third tests were performed using a standard transthoracic approach, while the second was performed by a transesophageal approach. Dipyridamole was administered intravenously at a dose of 0.56 mg/kg body weight (low dose) and eventually adding 0.28 mg/kg body weight (high dose), always in the absence of antiischemic therapy. An arbitrary wall motion score (0 = eukinesia; 1 = hypokinesia; 2 = akinesia; 3 = dyskinesia) was assigned to the seven different myocardial regions in which the left ventricle was divided in order to have a semiquantitative score. Under basal conditions wall motion score per patient in the three series of tests did not change significantly (1.6, 1.4, and 1.5, respectively), while the mean score during dipyridamole administration showed significant differences (3.6, 1.9, and 1.9, respectively), indicative of the results obtained by surgical repair. The test, positive in all patients before surgery, showed wall motion abnormalities and ischemic ECG changes in two patients immediately after surgery by the transesophageal approach. One patient who had a normal basal contraction pattern and an abnormal response after the test developed in the following days a perioperative myocardial infarction, while a second patient in the follow-up period developed low-level effort angina.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)