Search

Background New guidelines from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons recommend adding surgical ablation as a concomitant procedure for class I indications. We performed the maze procedure for all patients who experienced atrial fibrillation (AF) before cardiac surgery, without surgeon pre-exclusion. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 83 patients, aged 71 ± 11 years (22% >80 years), who underwent Cox maze IV for persistent AF between 2014 and 2017. The mean AF duration (AFD) was 6.9 ± 8.6 years and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II was 7.2 ± 6.8. Results The 30-day mortality was 2.4%. During follow-up (mean, 675 days), the 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 92%, 86%, and 82%, respectively. No strokes were observed despite a mean CHA2DS2-VASC (Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age [≥65 = 1 point, ≥75 = 2 points], Diabetes, and Stroke/transient ischemic attack [2 points], vascular disease, Sex [female = 1 point]) score of 4.1 (expected stroke rate, 4%/y). Twelve patients required a new pacemaker; 56 of 73 survivors (77%) remained AF free. Multivariate logistic regression identified preoperative AFD, f wave size, and mean heart rate per Holter as important risk factors for AF recurrence, with AFD as the most important: 98% of patients with AFD less than 5 years remained AF free. Although the AF-free rate with the AFD of 5 or more years was only 55%, their symptoms improved without heart failure readmission. Concomitant atrial plication was performed more frequently in the group with AFD for 5 or more years, with greater atrial volume reduction and appreciable increases in stroke volume. Conclusions The Cox maze IV procedure performed without pre-exclusion showed reasonable survival rates. Although AF recurred in patients with longer AFD, they fared well with substantial increases in stroke volume. Concomitant atrial volume reduction may have contributed to these additional benefits.

The J Graft Open Stent Graft (JOSG) is used for the frozen elephant trunk procedure in Japan. We report a 70-year-old male who developed a rapidly progressing distal arch aneurysm caused by a distal stent graft-induced new entry (DSINE) 7 months after the procedure. The JOSG was originally implanted at the curved part of the distal arch. It created its initial DSINE on the greater curve and rapidly "sprang" back in 2 months. Urgent thoracic endovascular aortic repair fixed this serious complication. We should remember such rapid progression of DSINE by JOSG and treat its initial sign earlier.

The GORE EXCLUDER Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis (IBE) device is designed to seal off a common iliac artery (CIA) aneurysm, preserving the internal iliac artery during endovascular aortic repair. We report the case of an 84-year-old man with isolated saccular right CIA aneurysm (35 mm) and a relatively small terminal aorta (24 mm). The IBE device was successfully placed, and intraoperative angiography revealed no leakage or delay. However, postoperative computed tomography revealed marked compression of the contralateral leg by a bridging component. Although his ankle–brachial index was preserved, its acute occlusion was judged highly possible; we decided to perform preemptive angioplasty. The angiography revealed the stenosis only in the left anterior oblique view, and angioplasty was uneventfully performed. The leg was successfully patent at 1-year follow-up. When compression by IBE and bridging component in the terminal aorta is expected, caution should be preserved at intraoperative angiography following the device deployment.

We present the cases of eight patients (mean age 75 years; EuroSCORE II 17.0 ± 22.0) who underwent post-cardiotomy venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) without heparinization due to serious bleeding. Three liver cirrhosis, two chronic hemodialysis, three redo sternotomy, and two urgent surgery cases were included. Respiratory ECMO Survival Prediction score was − 5.1 ± 4.2 (estimated survival rate: approximately 30%). Mean ECMO duration was 14 days with 9 circuit exchanges. Five patients were weaned from ECMO and three were discharged alive at 90 days (survival 37.5%). There was a case of pump-head thrombosis requiring urgent circuit exchange. All experienced bleeding complications without clinically apparent pulmonary thromboembolism. Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation scores (Pre 1.3 ± 0.8 vs. Post 3.8 ± 1.7; p

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is now an established treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, this treatment remains rare in octogenarians and is associated with poor outcomes. An 81-year-old man with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heavy smoking underwent mitral and tricuspid valve repair and the Maze procedure for mitral and tricuspid regurgitation and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Although he was extubated the following day, his postoperative course was complicated with pneumonia followed by acute respiratory distress syndrome. He was reintubated on day 7. Ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen continuously dropped to less than 100 mmHg, and venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was induced on day 18. His lung condition showed slow and steady recovery, and he was successfully weaned from mechanical support on day 44 (total support, 27 days). Bleeding complication from tracheotomy (day 31) due to disseminated intravascular coagulation was successfully managed using recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin. He was ambulatory and discharged to a nursing facility without tracheotomy on day 172. Proper extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management, while challenging to keep the elderly patient away from further complications, saved an 81-year-old patient.

BACKGROUND The ideal surgical technique for ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is controversial. We introduced an extended posterior mitral leaflet (PML) augmentation technique for functional MR with severe tethering, which detached the PML from the annulus almost completely and augmented it with a large 3×6-cm oval pericardial patch. Methods and Results: A total of 17 mitral repairs using the new technique were performed for ischemic MR with no 30-day mortality and 2 hospital deaths. The NYHA class was III in 47% and IV in 13%. The EuroSCORE II was 9.7±4.9. The ring size was 32±1.4 mm. Concomitant coronary bypass was performed in 67% and left ventricular repair in 28%. The mechanism of leaflet closure was evaluated using transthoracic echocardiography in 15 survivors. MR decreased to none or trivial with a significant increase in coaptation length (Pre: 4.6±0.8 mm vs. Post: 9.8±2.5 mm; P

Although surgical left atrial (LA) volume reduction combined with mitral valve surgery and/or surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation has been reported to be effective, its long-term outcomes in the absence of mitral procedure are not well established. A 74-year-old man with two previous sternotomies—the first for pericardiectomy due to constrictive pericarditis and the second for mitral valve replacement with mechanical valve and tricuspid annuloplasty—presented with heart failure and thrombus in his giant left atrium (1291 mL), complicated by cerebral infarction. His electrocardiogram showed rate-controlled persistent atrial fibrillation. His mechanical valve was functioning well. A third atrial volume reduction combined with pulmonary vein isolation, without valve surgery, was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient has remained asymptomatic with regular junctional rhythm and without any episodes of thromboembolism or re-dilation of LA (approximately 550 mL). His left ventricular filling improved with end-diastolic volume (96 mL vs 140 mL) and forced vital capacity (2.60 L vs 2.89 L) increased. Both remained relatively constant for 6 years. The combination of atrial volume reduction with pulmonary vein isolation prevented thromboembolism, improved left ventricular filling, and continued to improve symptoms associated with heart failure and respiratory condition for 6 years.

Background Severe patient-prosthesis mismatch, defined as effective orifice area index ≤0.65 cm2 m−2, has demonstrated poor long-term survival after aortic valve replacement. Reported rates of severe mismatch involving the Perimount Magna aortic bioprosthesis range from 4% to 20% in patients with a small annulus. Methods Between June 2008 and August 2011, 251 patients (mean age 70.5 ± 10.2 years; mean body surface area 1.55 ± 0.19 m2) underwent aortic valve replacement with a Perimount Magna bioprosthesis, with or without concomitant procedures. We performed our procedure with rigorous patient-prosthesis matching to implant a valve appropriately sized to each patient, and carried out annular enlargement when a 19-mm valve did not fit. The bioprosthetic performance was evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography predischarge and at 1 and 2 years after surgery. Results Overall hospital mortality was 1.6%. Only 5 (2.0%) patients required annular enlargement. The mean follow-up period was 19.1 ± 10.7 months with a 98.4% completion rate. Predischarge data showed a mean effective orifice area index of 1.21 ± 0.20 cm2 m−2. Moderate mismatch, defined as effective orifice area index ≤0.85 cm2 m−2, developed in 4 (1.6%) patients. None developed severe mismatch. Data at 1 and 2 years showed only two cases of moderate mismatch; neither was severe. Conclusions Rigorous patient-prosthesis matching maximized the performance of the Perimount Magna, and no severe mismatch resulted in this Japanese population of aortic valve replacement patients.

Damus-Kaye-Stansel anastomosis(DKS)吻合は 1975年にDamus,Kaye,Stansel らがそれぞれ報告 した,複雑心奇形患者の左室流出路狭窄の解除を目的 とした手術手技である.肺動脈と上行大動脈を端側吻 合(end-to-side 吻合)し,心室から肺動脈を介して上 行大動脈へ血液が駆出される経路を追加することによ り,左室流出路の狭窄を予防する.1991年には Lamberti らが大動脈基部と肺動脈基部を並列に繋げ, そこに上行大動脈遠位を被せるように吻合する double-barrel 吻合を報告し,現在では共に用いられて いる(図1).2心室型修復術を目指す場合は,人工血 管や homograft で右室―肺動脈バイパスを追加し, 2心室型修復術を完遂する(図2).一方,単心室症の 最終手術であるFontan 手術を目指す場合は,上大静 脈―肺動脈吻合と下大静脈―肺動脈バイパスを追加 しFontan 手術を完遂する(図3).現在ではDKS吻 合は主に単心室症患者の体循環流出路狭窄の解除目的 に施行されることが多い.単心室症患者におけるDKS 吻合を用いた体循環流出路狭窄管理の現状について, 文献的考察と当院の経験を交えて述べる.

Objective The Damus–Kaye–Stansel operation sometimes results in deteriorating semilunar valve insufficiency. We verified the semilunar valve function after the Damus–Kaye–Stansel operation and compared the end-to-side Damus–Kaye–Stansel with the double-barrel Damus–Kaye–Stansel. Methods Forty-seven patients who underwent the Damus–Kaye–Stansel operation between June 1993 and August 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Any patient who underwent a Norwood-type operation was excluded. The median age at operation was 19 months (range, 0–276 months). Forty-five patients were Fontan candidates. Thirty-nine patients underwent pulmonary artery banding before the Damus–Kaye–Stansel operation. Twenty-two patients had undergone an arch repair previously. The semilunar valve function was evaluated by echocardiography. Results Thirteen patients underwent the end-to-side Damus–Kaye–Stansel operation, and 34 patients underwent the double-barrel Damus–Kaye–Stansel operation. The mean follow-up period was 71 ± 50 months (range, 1–188 months). Although there were 4 deaths, no death was related to the Damus–Kaye–Stansel procedure. Two of the patients with early death could not undergo a postoperative evaluation of the semilunar valves. The semilunar valve regurgitation mildly deteriorated in 7 patients (pulmonary regurgitation in 5 patients and aortic regurgitation in 2 patients). Pulmonary regurgitation deteriorated from none to mild in 1 patient, none to trivial in 2 patients, and trivial to mild in 2 patients. Both deteriorations in aortic regurgitation ranged from none to trivial. Semilunar valve regurgitation did not affect patients' circulatory condition. The end-to-side Damus–Kaye–Stansel operation more frequently caused a deterioration in pulmonary regurgitation than the double-barrel Damus–Kaye–Stansel operation (4/11 vs 1/34, P = .001). No surgical intervention for a systemic ventricular outflow obstruction was observed in the follow-up period. Conclusions The double-barrel Damus–Kaye–Stansel operation was found to be superior to the end-to-side Damus–Kaye–Stansel operation for the prevention of postoperative pulmonary regurgitation.

There is still no consensus on the optimal management to treat pediatric mediastinitis. We assessed the efficacy of continuous irrigation and vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) for mediastinitis in children. This study retrospectively reviewed 20 patients aged

Objective: A lateral tunnel-total cavopulmonary connection (LT-TCPC) using a right atrial (RA) free wall is the first choice of treatment for patients with a small body weight in this institute. Whether the growth of the LTis appropriate or not according to the growth of the body remains controversial. In addition, the optimal initial diameter of an LTis unknown. The purpose of this study was to verify the growth of the LT. Methods: Ninety-one patients of a total of 267 TCPC cases underwent an LT-TCPC at less than 5 years of age in this institute between March 1991 and June 2008. The data on 47 of the 91 patients, which were available to investigate the LT growth, were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age at LTTCPC was 37 11 months (16—57 months). The mean body weight at TCPC was 12.4 2.4 kg (7.6—20.0 kg). The initial LT diameter was determined with Hegar’s sizer of the estimated half-pulmonary arterial (PA) diameter, which is a diameter that results in half of the dimension of thenormalpulmonaryvalve.ThemeasuredmaximumLTdiameter(mm)dividedbytheestimatedhalf-PAdiameter(mm)wasconsideredastheLT index. The size of the LTwas evaluated using either echocardiography or angiography. Results: The mean follow-up period was 7.4 3.5 years (1.6—13.5years).TheLTindexwasinitially2.0 0.7(1.3—4.5),2.0 0.4(1.3—3.2)at1 yearafteroperation,2.1 0.5(1.5—3.2)at5 yearsafter operation, 1.9 0.4 (1.5—2.8) at 10 years after operation and 2.1 0.5 (1.6—2.5) at 13 years after operation, respectively. Conclusions: LT growth suitable for the body growth can be expected. Although there was some variation in the initial LT diameter, the LT index tended to converge at 2.0 with growth. # 2010 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ObjectivesThe aim of this work was to determine whether mitral valve (MV) annuloplasty benefits patients with moderate/severe (3+/4+) functional ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).BackgroundMitral regurgitation is a strong predictor of poor outcomes in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy; whether correcting it at the time of CABG improves outcomes is less certain.MethodsFrom 1991 to 2003, 390 patients with 3+/4+ ischemic MR had CABG with (n = 290) or without (n = 100) MV annuloplasty. Groups were propensity-matched using demographics, extent of coronary disease, regional wall motion, and quantitative electrocardiography. Survival, echocardiographic severity of MR, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class were compared.ResultsOne-, 5-, and 10-year survival was 88%, 75%, and 47% after CABG alone and 92%, 74%, and 39% after CABG + MV annuloplasty (p = 0.6). Mortality was increased in patients with severe lateral wall motion abnormalities (p = 0.05), ST-segment elevation in lateral leads (p < 0.004), and higher QRS voltage sum (p < 0.0001). Patients undergoing CABG alone were more likely to have 3+/4+ postoperative MR than those undergoing CABG + MV annuloplasty (48% vs. 12% at 1 year, p < 0.0001). The NYHA functional class substantially improved in both groups (p < 0.001) and remained improved; at 5 years, 23% of patients having CABG + mitral annuloplasty and 25% having CABG alone were in NYHA functional class III/IV.ConclusionsAlthough CABG + MV annuloplasty reduces postoperative MR and improves early symptoms compared with CABG alone, it does not improve long-term functional status or survival in patients with severe functional ischemic MR. The MV annuloplasty in this setting, without addressing fundamental ventricular pathology, is insufficient to improve long-term clinical outcomes.

Pentacuspid pulmonary valve is an extremely rare congenital anomaly. A 71-year-old woman presented with dyspnea on exertion. The preoperative examination showed a large pulmonary artery aneurysm with severe pulmonary regurgitation. The pentacuspid pulmonary valve was an intraoperative finding with four equivalent leaflets and one hypoplastic leaflet. The valve was successfully repaired by use of a bicuspidization technique combined with annuloplasty, and pulmonary artery reduction was performed. Postoperatively, the patient remained asymptomatic with trivial pulmonary regurgitation 1 year later. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a pentacuspid pulmonary valve repair.

Hypoxic perfusion before arrest, an indeterminate period of warm ischemia, and subsequent reperfusion are major causes of cardiac allograft dysfunction in non-heart-beating donors (NHBDs). The present study was undertaken to elucidate the cardioprotective effects of ET(A) receptor antagonist FR139317 for hearts obtained from asphyxiated NHBDs in a canine transplantation model.Hypoxic cardiac arrest was induced in 17 donor dogs. FR139317 (10 mg/kg) was given to 7 of the dogs over a period of 10 min before disconnecting the ventilator. The hearts were preserved with FR 139317-supplemented cardioplegic solution (FR group). The remaining 10 did not receive FR 139317 at any time during the experiment (control group). Orthotopic transplantation was performed after a mean myocardial ischemic time of 4h.During the agonal period, the highest systolic pulmonary artery pressure in the FR group was lower than that in the control group (47 +/- 14 vs. 58 +/- 27 mmHg). All animals in the FR group were weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass, whereas only five of the controls were weaned, two of which were identified to have dominant right ventricular failure. After transplantation, recovery rates of the left ventricular end-systolic pressure-volume ratio (E(max)) and the maximum first derivative of pressure measured over time (max dP/dt) were not significantly different between the groups, but recovery rates of the cardiac index, left ventricular minimum dP/dt and exponential time constant of LV relaxation (tau) in the FR group were higher than those in the control group.The ET(A) receptor antagonist FR 139317 reduced pressure overload on the right ventricle by decreasing the peak pulmonary artery pressure before donor arrest. Cardioprotective effects of this agent for heart transplantation from NHBDs are manifested by preserved diastolic properties of the left ventricle.

The Usefulness of Brachial Artery Cannulation, Perfused Ventricular Fibrillation with Moderate Hypothermia, and Minimal Dissection Techniques It has been reported by several authors that a right thoracotomy for mitral valve surgery can be useful after previous coronary aortery bypass grafting (CABG). A 76-year-old man with mitral valve regurgitation after previous CABG underwent mitral valve replacement with some modified techniques. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established with right brachial artery cannulation and right femoral venous cannulation with the aid of vacuum-assisted venous drainage. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced by rapid pacing of the ventricle, and mitral valve replacement was performed under perfused VF with moderate hypothermia. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. This method appears to be a safe and easy alternative mitral valve surgery for complicated cases of this type.

The Cleveland Clinic CorAide left ventricular assist system consists of a permanently implantable centrifugal pump in which the rotating assembly is completely suspended and noncontacting. A series of chronic animal in vivo studies were conducted to evaluate the biologic effects of CorAide circulatory support without the use of anticoagulation therapy. The CorAide pump was implanted in six calves (five calves for 21 to 32 days and one calf for 95 days). The first five calves received intravenous heparin during the early postoperative periods (2-7 days). Heparin administration was then discontinued and no other anticoagulant drugs were used for the duration of the experiments. The last calf did not receive any anticoagulant except for a bolus dose of heparin (200 U/kg) during surgery. Hemodynamics were stable in all six calves, with a mean pump flow of 5.6+/-1.2 L/min and mean arterial pressure of 100+/-4 mm Hg. The blood pump surfaces were clean of thrombus in all six calves. Significant findings at autopsy were limited to one case of renal infarction. There was no incidence of mechanical failure, bleeding, or device infection. The CorAide pump can be safely run with minimal or no anticoagulant therapy.

Background . The Cleveland Clinic CorAide left ventricular assist system is based on a small implantable continuous-flow centrifugal blood pump with a completely suspended rotating assembly designed for long-term circulatory support (5 to 10 years). Methods . Between June 1999 and August 2000, the CorAide blood pump was implanted in 10 calves for 1 month and in 3 calves for 3 months. Results . The mean pump flow and arterial pressure were 6.1 ± 1.1 L/min and 97 ± 5 mm Hg, respectively. The mean plasma free-hemoglobin level after postoperative day 3 was 2.0 ± 1.8 mg/dL. Renal and hepatic function remained normal in all cases. There was no incidence of mechanical failure, hemolysis, bleeding, or systemic organ dysfunction in any of the cases. Significant findings at autopsy were limited to two cases of renal infarction, one of which was associated with an outflow graft infection. Conclusions . The CorAide blood pump is easily implanted, reliable, nonhemolytic, and nonthrombogenic, positioning it as a leading third-generation, continuous-flow left ventricular assist system with a completely suspended rotor.

The Myocor Myosplint is designed to decrease left ventricular (LV) wall stress by changing LV shape, thus improving contractile function in dilated hearts. This shape change is accomplished by surgically placing three Myosplints perpendicular to the LV long axis, drawing the LV walls inward, and creating a symmetric, bilobular LV. Specially designed instruments aid in the precise delivery of these devices. The purpose of this study was to test the safety and feasibility of the procedure in dogs. Dilated cardiomyopathy was induced in 40 healthy dogs (26.3+/-1.7 kg) by ventricular pacing at 230 beats per minute for an average of 25+/-4 days. Using epicardial echocardiography, we placed the Myosplints across the LV chamber, avoiding the major coronary arteries, papillary muscles, and mitral valve. Once placed, the Myosplints were used to draw the LV walls inward to a prescribed distance. In all cases, we successfully implanted three Myosplints without using cardiopulmonary bypass. There were no complications related to the device or procedure. Myosplint implantation to change LV shape is safe and repeatable on a beating cardiomyopathic canine heart. Further study of the procedure will be needed in humans.

We attempted to predict the posttransplant cardiac function of nonbeating donor hearts.A total of 13 dogs were studied. Hearts were left in situ for 45 minutes after cardiac arrest caused by exsanguination. Hearts were then excised and reperfused in an ex vivo perfusion apparatus after 60 minutes of warm ischemia to test whether they could eject against an 80 mm Hg afterload from a preload of 10 mm Hg. Thereafter, all hearts were transplanted orthotopically.Four of 13 hearts were able to eject in the apparatus (group A). However, the other nine hearts could not eject under the defined conditions (group B). All four hearts in group A showed good posttransplant hemodynamics (systolic arterial pressure80 mm Hg with mean left atrial pressure10 mm Hg) without dopamine. However, none of nine hearts in group B could support the circulation without dopamine.Nonbeating donor heart function evaluated in the perfusion apparatus predicts posttransplant heart function. This method may be applicable for selection of transplantable hearts from nonbeating heart donors.

Aortic root dilatation is rare in children, and is often secondary to Marfan syndrome (MFS). We experienced a case of a three-year-old boy (92 cm, 12 kg) with MFS presenting with progressive dilatation of aortic root. We electively performed a valve-sparing aortic root replacement using a 24-mm Gelweave Valsalva graft. Although the patient required a mitral valve repair due to infective endocarditis postoperatively, the recovery from the second surgery was uneventful. This case is one of the youngest children of valve-sparing aortic root replacement in the literature.

下血を主訴とし. 腸重積を呈した単発性Peutz-Jeghers (P-J) 型空腸過誤腫の1例を経験したので報告する.症例は47歳の男性.1996年10月2日頃より下血を認め入院となった. 小腸造影検査で空腸に腫瘍を認め, 1週間後の腹部超音波, CT検査で空腸に腸重積の所見を認めたが, 腹部症状は認めなかった. 小腸造影の再検査では腸重積を認めなかった. 腸重積を呈した空腸腫瘍と診断して11月26日手術を施行した. トライツ靱帯より50cmの空腸が三筒性の重積をきたしていた. 用手的に整復した後, 腫瘤を含め20cmの空腸を切除した. 摘出標本では, 腫瘍は有茎性のポリープで, 病理組織学的診断は, P-J型の過誤腫であった.自験例では, 過誤腫による無症状の腫重積を起こしては自然に軽快するという興味深い経過をたどっていた. また, 本疾患は良性腫瘍であるため腸切除よりは腸切開・ポリープ切除が適切な手術法であると思われた.

We report a case of recurrent breast cancer to the anterior chest wall 19 years after a radical mastectomy for a left breast cancer (T2n0M0, Stage I). A 67-year-old woman was seen at the hospital because of a gradually enlarging tumor in the anterior chest wall which strated 8 months before when she first noticed it. A needle biopsy cytology revealed class V and she was diagnosed as hoving recurrent breast cancer. After one cource of chemotherapy into the left internal thoracic artery and irradiation at 50Gy, a total layer resection of the chest wall involving the sternal body was carried out. The defect in the chest wall was reconstructed with Marlex mesh, acrylic resion and myocutaneous flap made of the pectoralis major muscle. Postoperative course was uneventful and there has been no sign of infection. It is thought that our procedure described here should be actively considered for the patient with local recurrence of breast cancer to the chest wall.

A 33-year-old man presented with severe aortic insufficiency due to a prolapsed bicuspid aortic valve. The ventriculoaortic junction was dilated to 29 mm without root dilatation, and external ring annuloplasty was performed using a Gelweave (Terumo, Tokyo, Japan) graft to reduce the size to 22 mm. The leaflets were repaired by dividing and suturing a raphe between the right and left cusps. This combination provided adequate coaptation depth (8 mm) and showed excellent results, with trivial aortic insufficiency. This approach is suitable for repair of a bicuspid aortic valve with a dilated ventriculoaortic junction without root dilatation.

A 70-year-old woman was admitted to our institution with acute myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography demonstrated total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery, which was successfully revascularized. Four days later, the patient suddenly went into shock. The subsequent emergency operation revealed a blowout rupture of the left ventricular free wall. Several TachoComb® (CSL Behring, Tokyo, Japan) sheets were applied to control bleeding and avoid the need for a cardiopulmonary bypass. Horizontal mattress sutures were used in combination with a pair of Teflon felt strips for reinforcement. The combination of TachoComb® sheets and sutures is a novel hybrid method and an effective life-saving procedure for the treatment of left ventricular blowout ruptures. This approach avoids the need for a cardiopulmonary bypass. Sutureless repairs with TachoComb® sheet achieve rapid hemostasis without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass. This stabilizes patient hemodynamics immediately and preserves the fragile myocardium. This allows emergency room physicians to open the chest and apply the TachoComb® sheet to stabilize the patient before the cardiac surgeons arrive at the operating room. This technique will be very useful in emergency situations.

The purpose of this study was to establish a useful cut-off level for performing an original Rastelli-type operation in patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA)/ventricular septal defect (VSD) or double outlet right ventricle (DORV). A total of 43 patients with TGA/VSD or DORV who underwent an original Rastelli-type operation in this institute between March 1993 and January 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. These patients were divided into two groups using the length between the top of the interventricular septum and the aortic valve (IVS-AV length); Group A; IVS-AV length80% of normal left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDd). Group B; IVS-AV lengthor =80% of normal LVDd. Group A had a significantly better survival than Group B (100% vs. 56%, P=0.001). The cardiac event-free survival were 89.1% at 7.2 years in Group A and 26.3% at 8.4 years in Group B (P0.0001). The Group B had a higher incidence of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO; 3% vs. 33%, P=0.02). The IVS-AV length was found to be a significant risk factor for mortality and LVOTO. The IVS-AV length should, therefore, be taken into consideration when selecting the optimal surgical procedures for these patients.

A 60-year-old man with end-stage ischemic cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction, 10%) was admitted in cardiogenic shock, which was unresponsive to maximum inotropes and an intraaortic balloon pump. The TandemHeart (TH) left ventricular assist device (Cardiac Assist Inc, Pittsburgh, PA) was placed in the standard percutaneous transseptal configuration with improved hemodynamics. The HeartMate XVE (Thoratec Corp, Pleasanton, CA) implantation was performed as a bridge to transplant 5 days after TandemHeart insertion. The TandemHeart was converted to a temporary right ventricular assist device during the HeartMate XVE (Thoratec Corp) implantation due to right ventricular failure. The right ventricular assist device was weaned 3 days later. This strategy was useful, technically easy, and cost effective.

Mechanistic roles of the immediate increase in left atrial (LA) pressure in pacing-induced congestive heart failure have not been clearly understood. We evaluated the impact of asynchronous rapid ventricular pacing on LA hemodynamics in this model.Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography and hemodynamic assessment were performed in 23 healthy mongrel dogs. Data were acquired before and 5 minutes after initiation of rapid right ventricular pacing (200/min).At 5 minutes after initiation of the pacing, giant pulmonary venous (PV) flow reversal (-76 cm/s) was observed in association with 1:1 ventriculoatrial conduction or complete atrioventricular dissociation. This giant PV flow reversal corresponded to an inappropriately timed atrial contraction, especially during systole. Cardiac output (3.21 vs 2.00 L/min, P.001) was decreased corresponding to the decrease in the forward blood volumes as described by decrease in the Doppler left ventricular (LV) outflow (8.99 vs 4.73 cm, P.0001), mitral inflow (6.89 vs 3.19 cm, P.0001), and PV flow (14.15 vs 7.22 cm, P.0001) velocity integrals. As a result, there was a marked elevation of the mean pulmonary capillary wedge (9.1 vs 17.1 mm Hg, P.001) and LV end-diastolic (8.2 vs 17.4 mm Hg, P.01) pressures leading to congestive heart failure.The giant PV flow reversal seen during asynchronous rapid right ventricular pacing corresponds to an inappropriate atrial contraction, immediately elevates LA pressure, and may initially promote congestive heart failure. The increase in LV end-diastolic pressure associated with decreased LV ejection fraction caused decrease in the LV filling volume leading to further increase in the LA pressure. This sustained marked elevation in the LA pressure and LV end-diastolic pressure could contribute to the heart failure process.

Although left ventricular (LV) contractility in atrial fibrillation (Af) is known to change in a beat-to-beat fashion, little is known about the changes in LV compliance in Af.We experimentally induced tachycardic Af (average heart rate - 154 beats per minute) in 18 sheep. LV volume and pressure were simultaneously monitored using a conductance catheter. LV end-diastolic volume (V(ED)) and pressure (P(ED)) were plotted in a beat-to-beat fashion and fitted to the following exponential equation (P(ED)=gamma x e(b x V(ED))) in each animal. A random effects model was constructed to determine if the intercepts and slopes differ.In all animals, those plots after the induction of Af fit quite well to the exponential function (r=0.834+/-0.184) by gating short preceding interval (RR1) beats. By simply taking the natural logarithm of both sides in the equation, the linear relationship (ln(P(ED)) =alpha+ betaxV(ED), where a = lng) was observed in all animals before (normal sinus rhythm, NSR) and after the induction of Af. Only two of 18 intercepts and four of 18 slopes deviate between NSR and Af. Most interestingly, the random effects model clearly detailed that the average animal had intercepts and slopes that were not discernibly different between NSR and Af.Unlike LV contractility, myocardial compliance did not change after the acute induction of Af. These interesting results may give us insights into the understanding of the physiology in acute rapid Af.

We assessed the effects of implantation of Myosplint (Myocor, Maple Grove, Minn), a device that changes left ventricular (LV) cross-sectional shape from circular to bilobar, on regional LV function. A total of 10 open-chest dogs with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy were studied before and after Myosplint implantation. LV cross-sectional epicardial echocardiography at the papillary muscle level was performed along with acquisition of hemodynamic data. LV normalized thickening, fractional thickening, end-diastolic thickness, and end-diastolic curvatures were calculated for 10 LV segments. Myosplint implantation did not affect LV hemodynamics, but decreased average end-diastolic curvature (P.0001) and increased its segmental heterogeneity (P.0001). There was no change in average fractional thickening, whereas normalized thickening increased (P =.05). In contrast, segmental heterogeneity of both normalized and fractional thickening increased (P =.02 and P =.01, respectively). Structural modeling confirmed that Myosplint implantation increases regional stress heterogeneity and curvature heterogeneity. LV cross-sectional shape markedly affects regional LV performance.

Background— We developed a total right ventricular (RV) exclusion procedure for the treatment of isolated congestive RV failure. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the effects of a complete removal of RV volume overload (RVVO) on the surgically created single left ventricle (LV). Methods and Results— Three adults (2 arrhythmogenic RV dysplasia, 1 Ebstein) and 5 children (all Ebstein) in NYHA class IV underwent the procedure. The RV free wall was resected from the heart, and the tricuspid orifice was closed. Pulmonary blood supply was obtained by a cavopulmonary connection in 6 patients and a systemic-pulmonary shunt in 2. The LV function was evaluated by 2-dimensional echocardiography 1 month after the surgery. All patients are alive. The paradoxical movement of the interventricular septum and geometry of the LV expressed by its eccentricity (2.1 to 1.2, P P 2 /m 2 , P P 2 , P Conclusion— Removal of the RVVO by means of the total RV exclusion procedure provides effective volume loading, restores a cylindrical shape, and improves contractile function of the LV, thus leading to increased systemic output.

BACKGROUND: Doppler tissue echocardiography and color M-mode Doppler flow propagation velocity have proven useful in evaluating cross-sections of patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, but experience with serial changes is limited. Purpose and methods: We tested their use by evaluating the temporal changes of LV function in a pacing-induced congestive heart failure model. Rapid ventricular pacing was initiated and maintained in 20 dogs for 4 weeks. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and weekly during brief pacing cessation. RESULTS: With rapid pacing, LV volume significantly increased and ejection fraction (57%-28%), stroke volume (37-18 mL), and mitral annulus systolic velocity (16.1-6.6 cm/s) by Doppler tissue echocardiography significantly decreased, with ejection fraction and mitral annulus systolic velocity closely correlated (r = 0.706, P

The pacing-induced heart failure model provides an opportunity to assess the structural and functional determinants of mitral regurgitation (MR) in dilated cardiomyopathy. This study aimed to evaluate MR to better understand the multitude of factors contributing to its development. Heart failure was induced by rapid ventricular pacing (230 beats/min) in 40 mongrel dogs. Left ventricular (LV) size and MR were evaluated echocardiographically. LV contractility was analyzed using a conductance catheter. MR increased to mild in 12 animals (regurgitant orifice area, 0.06+/-0.05 cm(2)), moderate in 15 (0.14+/-0.07 cm(2)), and severe in 13 (0.34+/-0.16 cm(2)). The grade of MR had an inverse relationships with E(max) (the slope of the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship, p

Insertion of an implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) complicated by early right ventricular (RV) failure has a poor prognosis and is largely unpredictable. Prediction of RV failure after LVAD placement would lead to more precise patient selection and optimal device selection.We reviewed data from 245 patients (mean age, 54+/-11 years; 85% male) with 189 HeartMate (77%) and 56 Novacor (23%) LVADs. Ischemic cardiomyopathy predominated (65%), and 29% had dilated cardiomyopathy. Overall, RV assist device (RVAD) support was required after LVAD insertion for 23 patients (9%). We compared clinical and hemodynamic parameters before LVAD insertion between RVAD (n=23) and No-RVAD patients (n=222) to determine preoperative risk factors for severe RV failure. By univariate analysis, female gender, small body surface area, nonischemic etiology, preoperative mechanical ventilation, circulatory support before LVAD insertion, low mean and diastolic pulmonary artery pressures (PAPs), low RV stroke work (RVSW), and low RVSW index (RVSWI) were significantly associated with RVAD use. Elevated PAP and pulmonary vascular resistance were not risk factors. Risk factors by multivariable logistic regression were preoperative circulatory support (odds ratio [OR], 5.3), female gender (OR, 4.5), and nonischemic etiology (OR, 3.3).The need for circulatory support, female gender, and nonischemic etiology were the most significant predictors for RVAD use after LVAD insertion. Regarding hemodynamics, low PAP and low RVSWI, reflecting low RV contractility, were important parameters. This information may lead to better patient selection for isolated LVAD implantation.

Background: Left ventricular contractility in atrial fibrillation is known to change in a beat to beat fashion, but there is no gold standard for contractility indices in atrial fibrillation, especially those measured non-invasively. Objective: To determine whether the non-invasive index of contractility “preload-adjusted PWRmax” (maximal ventricular power divided by the square of end diastolic volume) can accurately measure left ventricular contractility in a beat to beat fashion in atrial fibrillation. Methods: Atrial fibrillation was induced experimentally using 60 Hz stimulation of the atrium and maintained in 12 sheep; four received diltiazem, four digoxin, and four no drugs (control). Aortic flow, left ventricular volume, and left ventricular pressure were monitored simultaneously. Preload-adjusted PWRmax, the slope of the end systolic pressure–volume relation (Emax), and the maximum rate of change of left ventricular pressure (dP/dtmax) were calculated in a beat to beat fashion. Results: Preload-adjusted PWRmax correlated linearly with load independent Emax (p < 0.0001) and curvilinearly with load dependent dP/dtmax (p < 0.0001), which suggested the load independence of preload-adjusted PWRmax. After five minutes of diltiazem administration, preload-adjusted PWRmax, dP/dtmax, and Emax fell significantly (p < 0.0001) to 62%, 64%, and 61% of baseline, respectively. Changes were not significant after five minutes of digoxin (103%, 98%, and 102%) or in controls (97%, 96%, and 95%). Conclusions: Preload-adjusted PWRmax correlates linearly with Emax and is a useful measure of contractility even in atrial fibrillation. Non-invasive application of this method, in combination with echocardiography and tonometry, may yield important information for optimising the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation.

The Cleveland Clinic CorAide left ventricular assist system is based on a third-generation, implantable, centrifugal pump in which a rotating assembly is suspended fully. To evaluate chronic in vivo system performance and biocompatibility, the CorAide blood pump was implanted in 18 calves for either 1 month or 3 months. Hemodynamics were stable in all calves with a mean pump flow of 5.9 +/- 1.2 L/min and a mean systemic arterial pressure of 98 +/- 5 mm Hg. There were no incidences of bleeding, organ dysfunction, or mechanical failure in any of the 18 calves. Hemolysis occurred in only 1 calf due to outflow graft stenosis. Thrombus inside the pump, seen in 4 of the first 6 cases, was totally eliminated by a final redesign in the remaining cases, including the last 6 implants conducted without anticoagulation therapy. The CorAide blood pump demonstrated good biocompatibility and reliable, effective system performance.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vivo pump performance of our total artificial heart (TAH), the "MagScrew TAH." The TAH consists of a blood pump and control logic developed at the Cleveland Clinic and the MagScrew actuator and electronic control system developed by Foster-Miller Technologies, Inc. (Albany, NY). MagScrew TAH implantation was performed in two calves. Study durations were 50 and 5 days. The causes of termination were prosthetic valve endocarditis in one case and cable failure in the other. Mean left pump flow ranged from 8.0 to 9.7 L/min, with left atrial pressure of 3.0 to 16.0 mm Hg. Preload sensitivity of the MagScrew TAH demonstrated a Frank-Starling response to preload in automatic mode. The relationship between right and left atrial pressure was well balanced. Mean arterial pressure and mean pulmonary artery pressure were maintained within physiologic ranges over study duration. There were no signs of bleeding, hemolysis, or organ failure. The MagScrew TAH showed physiologic pump performance, and hemodynamics were well maintained without any organ failure. Further development testing will bring the MagScrew TAH to the point of preclinical readiness testing.

We have reported that device based left ventricular (LV) shape change, accomplished by Myosplint, improved LV systolic function by three-dimensional echocardiography (3-D echo). However, evaluation of this device using the pressure-volume relationship is still important. This study was conducted to validate the use of conductance technology for this evaluation in shape-changed hearts. An ex vivo study using excised ovine hearts (n = 11) and an in vivo study using a canine pacing-induced heart failure model (n = 11) were performed. Three Myosplints were implanted. Before and after the shape changes, volumes measured by a conductance catheter were compared with volumes measured by the amount of saline in the ex vivo study or by 3-D echo in the in vivo study. The conductance volumes were linearly correlated with the saline volumes (r2 = 0.961+/-0.046; p < 0.0001) in the ex vivo study and with 3-D echo volumes (r2 = 0.757+/-0.220; p < 0.0001) in the in vivo study. The conductance volumes were linearly correlated with LV volumes even in the shape-changed hearts. This technology can be used to evaluate pressure-volume loops in the shape-changed hearts as long as the conductance volume is calibrated by a reliable method.

Objective: An animal model of chronic severe heart failure is needed to evaluate new mechanical devices, surgical procedures, and medical therapies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a unique new model of severe heart failure developed by means of a novel protocol of rapid ventricular pacing. Methods: Heart failure was induced in 8 mongrel dogs by means of rapid ventricular pacing (230 beats/min) for 4 weeks. After a sham operation, maintenance pacing at a reduced rate (190 beats/min) was continued for another 4 weeks. Results: Left ventricular systolic function was significantly reduced at week 4 and remained low at week 8, including the slope of the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (2.4 ± 1.0 vs 0.7 ± 0.2 vs 0.8 ± 0.3 mm Hg/mL [baseline vs week 4 vs week 8, respectively]), ejection fraction (63% ± 5% vs 28% ± 7% vs 33% ± 5%), and cardiac output (3.1 ± 0.7 vs 2.0 ± 0.3 vs 2.2 ± 0.7 L/min). Significant ventricular remodeling changes took place with increased ventricular volumes and circumferential wall stress, which were stable between weeks 4 and 8. Serum catecholamine and atrial natriuretic polypeptide levels also increased from baseline but stabilized between weeks 4 and 8. The end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship also showed stable diastolic function between weeks 4 and 8. Conclusions: Induction pacing at 230 beats/min readily created severe heart failure in all animals, and a new technique of maintenance pacing provided a consistent model of severe heart failure. This model can be used to study a variety of new interventions for heart failure. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002;123:544-9

The HemoDynamics Systems enabler is a new cardiac assist pump that can expel blood from the left ventricle and provide pulsatile flow in the aorta. We evaluated the efficacy of the 18 Fr enabler. The enabler was inserted from the left ventricular apex into the ascending aorta in eight sheep. Heart failure (mild, moderate, and severe) was induced by microsphere injection into the coronary arteries to reduce cardiac output by 10-30%, 31-50%, and more than 50% from baseline, respectively. The enabler was activated, and its flow was increased to approximately 2.0 L/min. Hemodynamic variables were recorded before and after activation. In moderate heart failure, cardiac output and mean aortic pressure increased from 2.3 +/- 0.6 L/min and 59 +/- 12 mm Hg before assist to 2.8 +/- 0.6 L/min and 70 +/- 8 mm Hg at 30 minutes after activation, respectively (p < 0.01). Left atrial pressure decreased from 17 +/- 3 to 13 +/- 4 mm Hg (p < 0.05). Similar findings were observed in mild and severe heart failure. Despite its small diameter, the enabler significantly improved the hemodynamics of failing hearts and may potentially serve as a means of peripheral left ventricular support. Further study is warranted.

This study was designed to verify the effect of reperfusion of donor hearts in a perfusion apparatus after 60 min of global ischemia prior to heart transplantation. Thirteen dogs were exsanguinated from the femoral artery and cardiac arrest was achieved. The hearts were left in situ at room temperature (25 degrees C) for 60 min. In group A (n = 7), the hearts were excised and reperfused 60 min after cardiac arrest in the perfusion apparatus with substrate-enriched warm blood cardioplegia (WBCP) containing a hydroxyl radical scavenger, EPC, followed by 45 min of blood perfusion. Next, the hearts were preserved in cold (4 degrees C) University of Wisconsin (UW) solution. In group B (n = 6), the hearts were perfused with cold (4 degrees C) St. Thomas' solution 60 min after cardiac arrest and preserved in cold UW solution. Thereafter, all hearts in both groups were transplanted orthotopically to recipient dogs. In group A, 6 of 7 dogs were weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In group B, only 2 of 6 dogs were weaned from CPB. Moreover, 3 of the 6 hearts in group B did not start beating after transplantation (stone heart). This study suggested reperfusion of the donor heart in the perfusion apparatus with WBCP to be a beneficial preconditioning method when utilizing 60-min arrested hearts for transplantation.

Background : A shortage of donor organs in clinical transplantation prompted us to study whether resuscitated dead hearts could be used for successful orthotopic heart transplantation. Methods : Donor hearts were resuscitated with cardiopulmonary bypass after 3 minutes (the control group ; n = 8) or 60 minutes (the experimental group ; n = 6) of hypoxic cardiac arrest after induction of brain death. Results : All the animals of each group were successfully weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass with 5 μg/kg/min of dopamine 1 hour after transplantation, and cardiac function with or without dopamine was better preserved in the experimental group than the control group (with maximum slope of pressure-volume relationship with dopamine : 198.0% ± 36.8% versus 121.2% ± 47.2% ; maximum slope of pressure-volume relationship without dopamine : 130.6% ± 41.5% versus 70.8% ± 21.5% [mean ± standard deviation] as percentage of values after brain death, respectively ; p < 0.01 by unpaired t test). Conclusions : These results indicate that cadaver hearts 60 minutes after anoxic arrest can be successfully reanimated and orthotopically engrafted with various methods and drugs.

A case is 77-year-old male. He was implanted dual chamber pacemaker due to complete atrioventricular block from left side in 1999. In 2006, he was referred to our hospital due to sustained ventricular tachycardia and left ventricular dysfunction. After several examinations, he was diagnosed as cardiac sarcoidosis and implanted cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRTD) from right side, because new lead could not pass between superior vena cava and innominate vein. In 2008, the scar on right side became reddish and swelling. We opened the scar, but we could not detect active infection. Then, we implanted new generator under right pectoral muscle. However, in 2011, he was diagnosed as pocket infection on right side without bacteremia and we extracted all 5 leads by Excimer laser. The pathogenic bacteria was Staphylococcus epidermidis. Because the patient was completely dependent on CRTD, single right ventricular pacing could not maintain hemodynamic. Then we employed dual chamber temporary pacing, which could maintain hemodynamic. Two weeks later, he was implanted new CRTD under left pectoral muscle. During follow up, any sign of device infection has not been appeared so far.

As the number of cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation is increasing, the number of complication is also increasing such as infection, lead fracture or lead perforation. In Japan, we have been able to use Excimer laser since July 2010, we could extract CIED with minimum injury. In our hospital, we have had 15 patients who needed of CIED extraction, including those referred to our hospital. The main reason of CIED extraction was CIED infection in 13 of 15 patients. CIED in 8 patients were extracted by Excimer laser. CIED in 5 of 8 patients were extracted in our hospital. Ten leads in 5 patients could be extracted percutaneously. However, one patient was necessary of sternotomy because we could not catch the lead percutaneously from left subclavian approach and could not extract from femoral approach. After sternotomy, we could catch the lead from innominate vein, and we could extract it by Excimer laser. Seven of 10 leads, one was ICD lead and 6 were pacemaker leads, were extracted by Excimer laser. The mean period from implantation to extraction was 7.6 years and the mean extraction time was 47 minutes. All 7 leads in 5 patients were successfully explanted with no complication.

Over the last 5 years, 12 patients received ventricular assist devices (VADs) while in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. There were 7 male and 5 female patients ranging in age from 22 to 73 years (average age, 54). Eight patients underwent surgery for valve replacements, 3 for coronary artery bypass graftings, and 1 for closure of a ventricular septal rupture. The duration of VAD support ranged from 6 h to 9 days (mean, 4.2 days). Ten patients were weaned from the VADs, and 6 survived. Univariate analysis indicated that renal failure, infection, and heart failure had a negative impact on those patients who survived. Multivariate analysis indicated that heart failure, renal failure, and preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction were the most important predictors of hospital death. The 6 survivors were followed for 4 to 42 months (mean, 25 months); 5 were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class I, and 1 was in Class II. The cardiac functions in 5 patients who lived over 1 year were assessed by echocardiography. Preoperative and postoperative UCG revealed that ejection fraction and mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening increased significantly (p < 0.01). Also, the left ventricular diastolic and systolic dimensions decreased significantly (p < 0.05). However, the patients did not show further changes in these parameters during exercise. Eight patients who had double valve replacements were observed for comparison (control group). In the control group, exercise improved cardiac output and mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (p < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)