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Background: To reduce some problems of traditional graft, we devise a modified multiple branched graft for repair of Crawford extent II and III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA).Case Presentation: We described a modified multiple branched graft for Crawford extent II and III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair in 8 patients, Which comprised a main graft and three branches, and the third branch was bifurcated into two limbs.Conclusions: Our initial experience demonstrated that this modified multiple branched graft may make the thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm(TAAA) repair easier and safer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the bidirectional Glenn shunt procedure in small infants, the standard right-angle venous cannula is frequently placed in the innominate vein for establishing the temporary veno-atrial bypass without cardiopulmonary bypass, but it should be small enough to allow flow to pass around it from the internal jugular vein opposite to the side the cannula is directed. Small cannula may induce the inadequacy of venous drainage. We developed a modified right-angle venous cannula and placed it within the innominate vein for sufficient venous drainage. The standard right-angle venous cannula was simply modified by an oval open on the top of the external curvature. Our initial application demonstrated that this modified venous cannula provides better venous drainage during the bidirectional Glenn shunt procedure without cardiopulmonary bypass in small infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a modified valve-sparing aortic root replacement technique for acute type A aortic dissection. After the normal root geometry was restored by removing blood and clots in the proximal false lumen and the valve insufficiency was corrected by simple resuspension of the aortic commissures, three teardrop-shaped patches were sutured inside the sinuses as neointima and then in situ coronary buttons were connected to the small holes created in the corresponding patches. Our initial application showed that this modified valve-sparing aortic root replacement technique is an easy and effective way to restore the geometry of the aortic root and avoid bleeding during surgery for acute type A dissection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effects of non-invasive ventilation in the treatment of infants with respiratory failure after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and extubation., Method: Sixty-three infants who had undergone successful surgery with CPB, got respiratory failure after extubation. These infants were randomly divided into two groups: non-invasive (NV) group, treated with non-invasive ventilation and invasive (IV) group, treated with tracheal intubation. The alteration of clinical symptoms, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and blood gas were measured. A comparison was conducted in the incidence of complication and hospital infection, mechanical ventilation time, length of stay in ICU and hospital stay., Result: Among the 32 patients in NV group, 1 patient died of heart failure, the remaining 31 patients recovered. Of these 32, 26 patients had relief of respiratory failure, the HR 181 (19.7) bpm, RR 54 (16.7) bpm and PaCO₂ 55.5(6) mm Hg decreased to 157 (12) bpm, 35 (3.25) bpm, and 42 (10.5) mm Hg, meanwhile SpO₂ 87% (10.5%), pH 7.29 (0.24), PaO₂ 55.5(6) mm Hg increased to 96% (3%), 7.37(0.15), 82.5 (11) mm Hg after treatment with non-invasive ventilation (P < 0.01). Six patients underwent tracheal intubation because their condition was not improved. Tracheal hemorrhage or laryngeal edema did not occur in these patients. Among the 31 patients in IV group, 1 patient died of heart failure, the other patients were cured. Of these 30, one patient had tracheal hemorrhage and four patients had laryngeal edema. The incidence of hospital infection in NV group was lower compared with that in IV group. The mechanical ventilation time in NV group 42 (17.2) h was shorter compared with that in IV group 50 (20) h (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the length of ICU and hospital stay between the two groups., Conclusion: Non-invasive ventilation is a safe and effective method to treat infants with respiratory failure after CPB and extubation.

Background: Our purpose was to investigate the feasibility of transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) guidance for minimally invasive periventricular device closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (VSDs)., Methods: From June 2011 to September 2011, we enrolled 18 young children with perimembranous VSDs to receive minimally invasive device closure in our hospital. All of the patients were examined by TTE to determine the VSD morphology, diameter, and rims. During intra-operative device closure, real-time bedside TTE alone was used to guide device implantation., Results: Device implantation using TTE guidance was successful in 16 patients. Symmetric devices were used in 14 patients, and asymmetric devices were used in 2 patients. Only one patient experienced mild aortic regurgitation, and there were no instances of residual shunt, significant arrhythmias, thromboembolism, or device displacement. Two patients were transferred to surgical closure, one due to residual shunting and the other as a result of unsuccessful wire penetration of the VSD gap., Conclusions: Our data indicate that TTE-guided VSD closure is feasible in young children, although a longer follow-up may be needed to document the long-term success.

Objective: To Summarize the clinical experience of individual immunosuppressive regime in heart transplantation with high risk., Methods: From September 2001 to December 2006, 51 cases with the complication of Hepatitis B viruses (HBV) infection, diabetes mellitus, renal dysfunction or pulmonary infection in perioperative period were analyzed retrospectively. All cases received daclizumab (Zenapax) induction therapy, and baseline triple immunosuppressive regime was consist of cyclosporine (CsA), azathioprine (Aza) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and prednisone (Pred). Ten cases received HBV infection in preoperative period, the immunosuppressive protocol was emphasized on the use of MMF and the withdraw of Pred one month later in postoperation. Nine cases received diabetes mellitus in pre-operation, 4 cases had post-transplant diabetes mellitus. The immunosuppressive protocol was emphasized on the use of CsA rather than FK506, the use of Pred was less dosage, and the therapy of insulin was necessary. Sixteen cases had renal dysfunction in pre-operation, the use of MMF was routine but the use of CsA was delayed to the time 5 to 19 d postoperative. Twelve cases received pulmonary infection after allograft transplantation. The immunosuppressive agent was to be taped or suspended in therapy time., Results: The liver function of the 10 cases with HBV infection was stable in 1 year follow-up, and 1 case received acute rejection after 13 months allograft transplantation. In the 6 months follow-up, the blood glucose level of the 13 cases with diabetes mellitus was stable, none of the cases suffered from acute rejection. In the one month follow-up, none of the 16 cases with renal dysfunction suffered from acute rejection, and the renal function was normal. Two of the 12 cases with the pulmonary infection were died of serious infection, others were survival. One case received acute rejection on the 17th day in postoperation., Conclusions: Low mortality can be realized by selecting appropriately individual immunosuppressive regime and the episode of acute rejection is rare.

Objective: To study the postoperative hemodynamics after heart transplantation and treatment for disorders due to denervated transplanted hearts in order to improve the short term outcome of heart transplantation., Methods: Forty one patients with endstage cardiopathy underwent orthotopic cardiac transplantation. The changes in the graft function were closely monitored during the postoperative period in order to maintain the stability of hemodynamics of the allografts., Results: All recipients received vasoactive drug therapy and 6 recipients died of acute dysfunction of the right ventricle of the allograft during the postoperative period. The remaining patients survived well and led a life with rather good quality., Conclusion: The hemodynamic characteristics of a denervated grafted heart are unique. Close monitoring and good nursing care with rational administration of vasoactive drugs are the key measures for the prevention of acute dysfunction of the allograft in the early postoperative period.

Objective: To report the preliminary experience of 21 orthotopic heart transplantations without early death., Methods: Between April 2002 and June 2005, 21 patients underwent orthotopic heart transplantation. Recipients' pulmonary vascular resistance ranged from 3.0 to 5.9 wood units [mean (4.3 +/- 1.4) wood units]; Stanford myocardial protective solution or HTK solution was perfused for donor heart myocardial preservation, donor heart cold ischemic period ranged from 52 to 310 min [mean (81 +/- 23) min]; Three patients had previous cardiac operations under cardiopulmonary bypass, conventional Stanford orthotopic cardiac transplantation in 20 cases and total heart technique in 1 case; Recipients received simulect preoperatively and cyclosporine A, cellcept and prednisone postoperatively for prevention of acute allograft rejection; Patients received appropriate medical control of hypertension, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and uricacidemia., Results: Acute right heart failure in 3 cases and pericardial effusion in 4 cases were observed at the early postoperative stage, but no any infection and acute rejection were found. All patients survived with good life quality., Conclusions: Heart transplantation may produce satisfying early results. Suitable selection of recipients with low pulmonary vascular resistance, excellent donor heart conservation, practised anastomotic technique, proper immunosuppression treatment and efficient postoperative management are key measures of orthotopic heart transplantation with excellent early outcome.