Dao-Zhong Chen

Intraoperative Device Closure of Doubly Committed Subarterial Ventricular Septal Defects: Initial Experience

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of intraoperative device closure of the doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defect (VSD). METHODS From January 2009 to January 2010, we enrolled 15 patients with doubly committed subarterial VSD who underwent intraoperative device closure in our institution. Our method involved a minimal inferior median incision that was performed after full evaluation of the doubly committed subarterial VSD by real-time transesophageal echocardiographic guidance, and the insertion of the device through the delivery sheath to occlude the VSD. The proper size of the device was determined by means of transesophageal echocardiographic analysis. An asymmetric, domestically made device was chosen for closure (Shanghai Xingzhuangjiyi Alloy Material Co, Ltd). RESULTS Implantation was ultimately successful in 13 patients (86.7%). The complete closure rates at 24 hours and 3 months were 69.2% and 100%, respectively. In 5 of 13 patients, minor complications occurred: transient arrhythmia (n = 5) and blood transfusion (n = 3). In a follow-up period of 1 to 12 months there was no residual shunt, noticeable aortic regurgitation, significant arrhythmias, thrombosis, or device failure. CONCLUSIONS Minimally invasive transthoracic device closure of the doubly committed subarterial VSD with an asymmetric domestically made device without cardiopulmonary bypass is safe and feasible under transesophageal echocardiographic guidance. However, it is necessary to evaluate the long-term results.

Intraoperative device closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects: another safe and feasible alternative to surgical repair in infants

OBJECTIVES Conventional surgical closure has been considered the gold standard for the treatment of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (PVSDs) in infants for many years, but it requires a cardiopulmonary bypass and midline sternotomy which can lead to both physical and psychological trauma in the future. An intraoperative device closure can be performed with the advantages of reduced invasion, faster recovery and so on. We evaluate the safety and feasibility of intraoperative device closure of PVSDs in infants in comparison with surgical closure. METHODS One hundred eighty-six infants with a PVSD were enrolled in our study. Among them, 97 patients were treated by surgical closure and 89 were treated by intraoperative device closure. The success rates, complications, length of hospital stay and costs were measured. RESULTS The success rate was similar (P = 0.228) in the two groups: 87/89 patients (97.8%) in the device group versus 97/97 patients (100%) in the surgical group. Complication needs management was required in one patient of the device group (1.1%) and in two patients of the surgical group (2.0%) (P = 1.000). Minor complications were observed in 7/87 patients (8.0%) of the device group versus 15/99 patients (15.2%) of the surgical group (P < 0.001). Both groups were similarly effective in reducing the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, pulmonary arterial pressure and cardiothoracic rate. The procedure time, inpatient stay and intensive care unit stay are shorter in the device group; the total cost was similar for both groups. CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative device closure of PVSDs under real-time transoesophageal echocardiography guidance is safe and feasible without CPB. Under the right conditions, intraoperative device closure can be a good alternative to surgical closure for the treatment of PVSDs in infants.

Transthoracic echocardiographic guidance of minimally invasive perventricular device closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect without cardiopulmonary bypass: initial experience

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.

Intraoperative device closure of atrial septal defects with inferior vena cava rim deficiency: A safe alternative to surgical repair

OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of intraoperative device closure of atrial septal defects with inferior vena cava rim deficiency. METHODS From January 2005 to December 2008, we enrolled 65 patients who had a secundum atrial septal defect with inferior vena cava rim deficiency closure in our institution. Patients were divided into 2 groups: 35 patients in group I underwent intraoperative device closure with a right lateral minithoracotomy and 30 in group II underwent open cardiac repair with a right lateral thoracotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass. Intraoperative device closure involved a minimal intercostal incision that was performed after full evaluation of the atrial septal defect by transthoracic echocardiography and the insertion of the device through the delivery sheath to occlude the atrial septal defect. RESULTS The procedure was successful in all patients. In group I, the diameter of the atrial septal defect ranged from 30 to 44 mm (mean, 35.3 ± 3.9 mm), and the size of the implanted occluder ranged from 34 to 48 mm (mean, 40 ± 2.1 mm). The total occlusion rate was 82.9% immediately after the operation, 97.1% at 3 months, and 100% at 12 and 24 months of follow-up. In group II, all patients had successful closure. A follow-up period of 12 to 24 months was obtained in both groups. During the follow-up, there was no recurrence, thrombosis, or device failure. In our comparative studies, group II had significantly longer operative time, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay than group I (P < .001). The cost of group I was less than that of group II (20,450.9 ± 840.8 RMB vs 25,884.9 ± 701.8; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative device closure of atrial septal defects with inferior vena cava rim deficiency is a safe and feasible technique. It has the advantages of cost savings, cosmetic results, and less trauma than surgical closure. Early and midterm results are encouraging.

Intraoperative device closure of atrial septal defects in the Older Population

ObjectiveThis study sought to prove the safety and feasibility of intraoperative device closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) with transthoracic minimal invasion in the older patients.MethodsFrom January 2006 to December 2009, 47 patients aged 50 years or more and suffered from atrial septal defect were enrolled in our institution. Patients were divided into two groups, 27 of which in group I with intraoperative device closure and the other 20 in group II with surgical closure. In group I, the method involved a minimal intercostal incision, which was performed after full evaluation of the atrial septal defect by transthoracic echocardiography, and the insertion of the device through the delivery sheath to occlude the atrial septal defect.ResultsIn group I, implantation was ultimately successful in all patients. The complete closure rate at 24 hours and 1 year were 81.5% and 100% respectively. In 6 of 27 patients, minor complications occurred: transient arrhythmia (n = 5) and blood transfusion (n = 3). In group II, all patients were closured successfully; almost all of them needed blood transfusion and suffered from various minor complications though. During a follow-up period of 1 to 5 years, no residual shunt, noticeable mitral regurgitation, significant arrhythmias, thrombosis, or device failure were found. In our comparative studies, group II had significantly longer ICU stay and hospital stay than group I (p < 0.05). The cost of group I was less than that of group II(p < 0.05).ConclusionsMinimally invasive transthoracic device closure of the atrial septal defect at advanced age with a domestically made device without cardiopulmonary bypass is safe and feasible under transthoracic echocardiographic guidance. It was cost-savings, yielding better cosmetic results and leaving fewer traumas than surgical closure. Early and mid-term results are encouraging. However, it is necessary to evaluate the long-term results.

Intraoperative device closure of atrial septal defect in infants.

BACKGROUND We evaluated the safety and feasibility of intraoperative device closure of atrial septal defect in infants. METHODS From January 2005 to September 2009, we enrolled 32 infants with secundum-type atrial septal defect in our institution. Patients were divided into two groups: 17 patients in group I had intraoperative device closure and 15 in group II had surgical closure. Intraoperative device closure involved a minimal intercostal incision that was performed after full evaluation of the atrial septal defect by transthoracic echocardiography, and insertion of the device through a delivery sheath to occlude the atrial septal defect. RESULTS The procedure was successful in all patients. In group I, the size of the implanted occluder ranged between 6 and 10 mm (mean 8.5+/-1.3 mm), and complete closure rates at 24 hours and 3 months were 94.1% and 100%, respectively. In 15 of 17 infants, minor complications occurred; transient arrhythmia (n=15) and blood transfusion (n=6). In group II, all patients needed blood transfusions and suffered from various minor complications. Follow-up at 3 to 24 months was obtained in both groups. During follow-up, clinical development and growth improved in all children with failure to thrive. There were no recurrences, thromboses, or device failures. In our comparative studies, group II had significantly longer intensive care unit stay and hospital stay than group I (p<0.001). The cost of group I was less than group II (19,816.2+/-946.7 Renminbi (the Chinese currency) vs 25,250+/-1,370.7 Renminbi, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative device closure of atrial septal defect is a safe and feasible technique for infants. It has the advantages of cost savings, better cosmetic results, and less trauma than surgical closure.

Star GK Bileaflet Mechanical Valve Prosthesis-Patient Mismatch after Mitral Valve Replacement: A Chinese Multicenter Clinical Study

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and immediate and mid-term effects of heart valve prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) after mitral valve replacement using the GK bileaflet mechanical valve. Material/Methods A total of 493 cases of mechanical mitral valve replacement were performed in the departments of cardiac surgery in 7 hospitals from January 2000 to January 2008. The patients included 142 men and 351 women ages 21 to 67 (average age, 48.75). The patients were followed for 3 years after surgery. The effective orifice area index (EOAI), ≤1.2 cm2/m2, was detected during the follow-up period and was defined as PPM. The patients were assigned to either the PPM group or the non-PPM group. Finally, the preoperative, perioperative and postoperative indexes of the 2 groups of patients were compared. Results A total of 157 patients had PPM 3 years after surgery. The incidence of PPM was 31.84%. Sixty-three patients in the PPM group received a 25-mm GK bileaflet valve (40.13%), 82 received a 27-mm valve (52.23%), and 12 (7.64%) received a 29-mm valve. There were significant differences in length of intensive care unit stay, duration of ventilator use, length of hospitalization, body surface area, EOAI, mean transmitral pressure gradient, and pulmonary artery pressure between the PPM and non-PPM group (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative pulmonary artery pressures among non-PPM patients (P<0.05); however, there was no statistical difference in preoperative and postoperative pulmonary artery pressures among patients with PPM (P>0.05). Conclusions PPM after mitral valve replacement influences postoperative hemodynamics. Thus, larger-sized GK bileaflet mechanical valves are often used to reduce the risk of PPM.

Atrioventricular block subsequent to intraoperative device closure atrial septal defect with transthoracic minimal invasion; a rare and serious complication.

Objectives Atrioventricular block (AVB) is a infrequent and serious complication after percutaneous ASD closure. In this study, we report on the incidence of AVB associated with intraoperative device closure of the ASD with transthoracic minimal invasion, and the outcomes of this complication in our center. Methods Between May 2006 and January 2011, a total of 213 secundum-type ASD patients were accepted in our hospital for intraoperative and transthoracic device closure with a domestic occluder. All patients were assessed by real-time transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and electrocardiograph (ECG). Results All patients were occluded successfully under this approach. Immediate postprocedure third-degree AVB was observed in two patients. Since heart rates were in the range of about 50 to 55 beats per minute, no intervention was needed except for close observation for one patient. Another patient who recovered sinus rhythm intermittently during the operation was fitted with a temporary pacemaker. Approximately one week following glucocorticoid treatment, the AVB resolved spontaneously in these two patients. Mobitz type II AVB occurred in three patients during the procedure. Two patients developed post-operative cardiac arrest and were rescued successfully with cardiopulmonary resuscitation. One other patient changed to Mobitz type I AVB after three days. During the follow-up period, which ranged from six months to five years, no further occurrence of AVB was found. Conclusions Intraoperative and transthoracic device closure of secundum ASDs with domestic occluder resulted in excellent closure rate. AVB is an infrequent but serious complication during and after device closure of a secundum ASD. AVB is a complication that warrants greater attention and long-term follow-up.

A clinical study of thoracoscopy-assisted mitral valve replacement concomitant with tricuspid valvuloplasty, with domestically manufactured pipeline products for cardiopulmonary bypass

ObjectiveTo discuss the feasibility and experience of treating valvular heart diseases with thoracoscopy-assisted mitral valve replacement concomitant with tricuspid valvuloplasty, with domestically manufactured pipeline products for cardiopulmonary bypass.MethodsA total of 135 patients with valvular heart disease were admitted to our hospital between January 2011 and January 2013. They received thoracoscopy-assisted mitral valve replacement concomitant with tricuspid valvuloplasty, with domestically manufactured pipeline products. A cardiopulmonary bypass with domestically-manufactured pipeline products was established during the surgery. The procedure was accomplished with the assistance of thoracoscopy through a small incision in the right chest wall.ResultsAll 135 patients underwent a successful surgery, and were followed up for the duration of half a year to two years. None of them displayed any evidence of complications. Our procedure had the advantage of fewer complications and a significantly shortened time period for the patient care and hospitalization. As opposed to imported pipeline products for cardiopulmonary bypass, our procedure had the advantage of similar clinical results at a lower cost.ConclusionsThoracoscopy-assisted mitral valve replacement concomitant with tricuspid valvuloplasty was proved to be a safe and effective method for cardiopulmonary bypass, with the use of domestically manufactured pipeline products.

Transthoracic Balloon Pulmonary Valvuloplasty for Treatment of Congenial Pulmonary Atresia Patients with Intact Ventricular Septum

Background To summarize our clinical experience in performing transthoracic balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty for the treatment of patients suffering from congenial pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS). Material/Methods Between April 2009 and April 2016, 38 patients with PA/IVS underwent transthoracic balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty in our hospital. All of them were combined with patent ductus arteriosus, tricuspid insufficiency, and atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale. The valvuloplasty was performed from the right ventricular outflow tract through a median sternotomy incision under TEE guidance for all cases. Result Thirty-five patients were successfully discharged, and 3 patients died after the operation. The 35 surviving patients were followed up. Spo2 in the 35 patients was 88–96% after the operation. The transpulmonary valvular gradient pressure was less than or equal to 30 mmHg in 31 patients and between 36 and 52 mmHg in the other 4 patients. After the surgery, tricuspid regurgitation was significantly reduced. We found only 4 patients with moderate regurgitation, 5 patients with mild to moderate regurgitation, and mild regurgitation in the remaining 26 patients. Five patients underwent a second-stage operation, including biventricular repair in 4 patients and ligation of ductus arteriosus in 1 patient. Conclusions The application of transthoracic balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty for the treatment of PA/IVS is minimally invasive and safe, which has great significance for improving the curative effect for this condition and reducing operation mortality.