Jayant Khandekar

Efficacy of three different ablative procedures to treat atrial fibrillation in patients with valvular heart disease: a randomised trial.

OBJECTIVES Various modifications have been proposed to the original Coxs Maze procedure due to concerns about the long bypass and cross clamp times. The efficacy of these procedures has been studied and reported. We conducted a randomised prospective study to compare three procedures, differing in extent, of ablation in patients in atrial fibrillation who were undergoing surgery for rheumatic valvular heart disease. These procedures utilised radiofrequency in the bipolar mode. The extent of ablation was (1) biatrial (replication of the Cox Maze) (2) left atrial portion of the Cox Maze and (3) pulmonary vein isolation along with a control group (the No Maze group). Conversion rate to sinus rhythm was studied over a mid-term follow-up period. METHODS A total of 160 patients were studied with 40 patients in each group. Antiarrhythmic drugs were not used in the three months preceding surgery and for seven days postoperatively. The patients underwent surgery for their valve disease along with the ablative procedure as per randomisation using radiofrequency microbipolar coagulation and cryoablation. They were followed up and were evaluated for symptomatic improvement, rhythm with ECG documentation and 2D echocardiography. RESULTS Follow-up was available for 133 patients. Mid-term results showed that sinus rhythm was restored in 62.5% patients of Biatrial Maze group and 57.5% in the Left Atrial Maze. In the Pulmonary Vein Isolation Maze group, 67.5% patients converted to NSR whereas in the No Maze group only 20% patients were in sinus rhythm (p value for all the groups was 0.001 when compared to the No Maze group). The incidence of other arrhythmias was not significant and there were no other major complications. All the patients in sinus rhythm at follow-up were in NYHA functional class I-II and showed good effort tolerance. CONCLUSIONS Results achieved with the three ablative procedures are comparable. Therefore lesser procedures viz. Left Atrial Maze and the Pulmonary Vein Isolation Maze procedures must be studied further with the additional use of antiarrhythmic drugs.

Persistent Left SVC with Absent Right SVC: A Rare Anomaly

Abstract  A persistent left superior vena cava is an anomaly found in association with many congenital heart disorders. However its presence along with absence of the right superior vena cava is a very rare congenital anomaly. This anomaly has implications in various interventional procedures and in cardiac surgery. We present here a case with absence of the right SVC and a persistent left SVC found in association with an ostium secundum atrial septal defect.

Isolated pericardial and intracardiac hydatidosis: presentation as congestive cardiac failure and fatal pulmonary embolism

Localization of hydatid cysts in the heart is a rare phenomenon, with an incidence of 0.5-2%. In almost half these cases, the heart is the sole organ to be involved. We report a case of massive pericardial hydatidosis in a female patient who presented with features of congestive cardiac failure. Cysts in the endocardium of right side of the heart resulted in fatal pulmonary embolism.

Aortic Pseudo‐Aneurysm: Cause of Life‐Threatening Hemoptysis in a 13‐Month‐Old Child

Abstract  Aortic aneurysms and pseudo‐aneurysms are a rare occurrence in the pediatric age group. True aneurysms are usually related to infection or to inherited disorders while pseudo‐aneurysms occur following trauma or infection. We present a case of a pseudo‐aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta in a 13‐month‐old child, who presented with life‐threatening massive hemoptysis. Though no clear‐cut etiologic factor was identified on clinical examination and investigations, presence of neutrophilic infiltration in the wall suggested an infective nature.

Effect of prosthesis patient mismatch in mitral position on pulmonary hypertension

OBJECTIVES Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with poor outcome after mitral valve replacement (MVR). We proposed to evaluate the effect of valve prosthesis patient mismatch (PPM) on pulmonary arterial (PA) pressure following MVR. METHODS Five hundred patients who have undergone MVR were studied retrospectively. Postoperative PA systolic pressure (PASP) measured 6 months postoperatively by Doppler echocardiography was compared with preoperative values. PASP ≥ 40 mmHg was defined as PAH. Mitral valve effective orifice area was calculated by the continuity equation and indexed for body surface area. PPM was defined as indexed effective orifice area ≤ 1.2 cm2/m2. A multivariate model was constructed to ascertain the independent determinants of systolic PA pressure. Also, a propensity score model was constructed to overcome the baseline differences between the PPM and no PPM groups. RESULTS The incidence of PPM in this study was 37.2%. The average postoperative PASPs were 30.49 and 42.35 mmHg in the no PPM and PPM groups, respectively; (P < 0.001). Regression of PAH in the PPM and no PPM groups was 76.26% and 20.64%, respectively; (P < 0.001). The indexed effective orifice area correlated well with postoperative PASP (r = 0.71). The overall survival and freedom from cardiac death at 10 years were 79.8% and 85.3%; and at 20 years were 66.5% and 74.3%, respectively. Both, overall survival and the freedom from cardiac death were higher in the no PPM group than in the PPM group; (P < 0.001). Propensity score matching analysis yielded 112 pairs of the PPM and no PPM cohorts, which revealed higher overall survival and freedom from cardiac death in the no PPM group; (P = 0.028 and 0.012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Mitral PPM is an independent predictor of persistent PAH after MVR along with associated morbidity and reduced survival.

A Concomitant Intramyocardial and Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst: A Rare Case Report

Cardiac hydatid cyst is an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. In cystic Echinococcus humans are an accidental host. Liver and lungs are the most frequently involved organs. Herein a unique case of intramyocardial hydatid cyst of left ventricle along with pulmonary hydatid cyst in a 38-year-old lady is reported. Surgical removal of the cardiac hydatid cyst was done with the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass followed by removal of pulmonary hydatid cyst.

Large aneurysm of innominate vein: extremely rare cause of mediastinal mass

Aneurysms of the innominate vein are extremely rare. Fifteen such cases have been reported in literature. They may be asymptomatic or may present as a mediastinal mass with compression of adjacent structures or may present with vascular complications like thromboembolism or rupture. We present a case of large innominate vein aneurysm presenting as a mediastinal mass that was surgically excised through a left thoracotomy without use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Rhabdomyoma of the Right Atrium: Report of a Case

Abstract  Rhabdomyomas are the most common primary cardiac tumors in childhood, and are considered to be congenital lesions. They are uncommon in adolescents and adults due to their tendency for spontaneous regression. Majority of them are located in the ventricular chambers, and are also associated with tuberous sclerosis. The indications for surgery include hemodynamic compromise and intractable arrhythmias. We describe a right atrial rhabdomyoma in a previously healthy 16‐year‐old girl who presented with palpitation and dizziness of recent onset. Postoperative evaluation had not revealed stigmata of tuberous sclerosis.

Use of nitroglycerin and verapamil solution by organ bath technique in preparation of left internal thoracic artery for coronary artery bypass surgery

Background The aim of this prospective study was to compare the effect of application of nitroglycerin and verapamil solution (GV) by organ bath technique with other methods of applications and solutions on the free blood flow of LITA. The technique was not described for in situ graft before. Method The patients were randomly assigned to four groups: group I (n_32, GV solution by organ bath technique), group II (n_30, papaverine solution by organ bath technique), group III (n_29, topical GV solution) or group IV (n_29, topical papaverine solution). In each patient, pedicled LITA was harvested; thereafter applied with the randomized different methods and solutions. The free flow from the distal end of the divided LITA was measured for 15 s under controlled hemodynamic conditions after harvesting (Flow 1). The flow of LITA was measured again just prior to anastomosing the conduit (Flow 2). Result The mean blood flow in LITA was 56.2 ± 5.0 ml/min before application of solutions. After application, the mean blood flow in group I:102.3 ± 7.0 ml/min, in group II: 92.7 ± 3.4 ml/min, and in group III: 88.6 ± 2.2 ml/min and in group IV: 81.4 ± 2.1. Proportional increases in blood flow observed in group I (82.6%) > group II (65.1%) > group III (57.6) > group IV (44.8%) (p < 0.05). Conclusions GV solution by organ bath technique is effective and superior in comparison to use of papaverine using organ bath technique or topical spray of GV or papaverine solution.

Relationship between High Red Cell Distribution Width and SystemicInflammatory Response Syndrome after Extracorporeal Circulation

Objective Cardiac surgical operations involving extracorporeal circulation may develop severe inflammatory response. This severe inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is usually associated with poor outcome with no predictive marker. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a routine hematological marker with a role in inflammation. We aim to determine the relationship between RDW and SIRS through our study. Methods A total of 1250 patients who underwent cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation were retrospectively analyzed out of which 26 fell into the SIRS criteria and 26 consecutive control patients were taken. RDW, preoperative clinical data, operative time and postoperative data were compared between SIRS and control groups. Results The demographic profile of the patients was similar. RDW was significantly higher in the SIRS versus control group (15.5±2.0 vs. 13.03±1.90), respectively with P value <0.0001. There was significant mortality in the SIRS group, 20 (76.92%) as compared to 2 (7.6%) in control group with a P value of <0.005. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that there was significant association with high RDW and development of SIRS after extracorporeal circulation (OR for RDW levels exceeding 13.5%; 95% CI 1.0-1.2; P<0.05). Conclusion Increased RDW was significantly associated with increased risk of SIRS after extracorporeal circulation. Thus, RDW can act as a useful tool to predict SIRS in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation. Hence, more aggressive measures can be taken in patients with high RDW to prevent postoperative morbidity and mortality.