Mustafa Guden

Combined radiofrequency modified maze and mitral valve procedure through a port access approach: early and mid-term results

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of irrigated radiofrequency (RF) modified Maze procedure through a port access approach during mitral valve surgery and evaluate early and mid-term results. MATERIAL AND METHOD During a 16 months time period, 67 patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) eligible for port access mitral valve surgery were randomly assigned to either Group A, in which they underwent a combined procedure (N = 33) or Group B, in which a valve procedure alone was performed (N = 34). Both groups were similar in terms of age, sex, valve pathology, duration of AF left atrial diameter and left ventricle function (P > 0.05). Four had undergone previous operations. RESULTS Median follow-up was 10 months for both groups, 95% CI (9.18-10.8). One patient in each group died early postoperatively (3 and 2.9%). Two patients required reoperation for bleeding, one in each group (3 and 2.9%). There were two conversions to right thoracotomy. In Group A, freedom from AF was 100% at the end of the operation (76% sinus, 24% pacemaker) Six and twelve months freedom from AF was 87.2 and 93.6%, respectively. In Group B, freedom from AF at the end of operation was 41%. At the end of 6 and 12 months, freedom from AF was 9.4% (P = 0.0001). One patient in Group A required a permanent pacemaker (3%). During follow-up, one patient in Group A died of non-cardiac causes (3%). In Group B, there were two late deaths: one cardiac (2.9%) and one neurologic (2.9%). There were no thromboembolic events detected in Group A during follow-up, whereas two patients in Group B suffered this complication (6%, P = 0.081). At 12 months, functional capacity had improved for patients in both groups (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The combination of mitral valve surgery and irrigated RF Maze procedure was safe and efficient through a port access approach. There were no procedure related complications like esophageal or coronary artery injury. Early and mid-term results were favourable with 93.6% of patients free of AF at 1 year in comparison to the 9.4% of the control group. The data is not sufficient to reach any conclusions in terms of thromboembolic rates, despite favourable results for the RF Maze group. Nevertheless, in terms of feasibilty, sinus rhythm restoration and overall outcome, early results are encouraging and we advocate the use of the combined procedure through a port access approach.

Intraoperative saline-irrigated radiofrequency modified Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the saline-irrigated radiofrequency modified Maze operation for treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation, and to compare the results of the left and biatrial procedures. METHODS During a period of 11 months, 62 patients with chronic atrial fibrillation who were having concomitant cardiac surgery underwent the procedure. The mean age of the patients was 52 +/- 14 years. Patients underwent either a biatrial (group A; n = 39) or left atrial (group B; n = 23) procedure. RESULTS Two patients (3.2%) died early in the postoperative period. Three patients (4.8%) required reoperation for bleeding. One patient in group A (1.6%) received a permanent pacemaker. Patients in both groups were free of atrial fibrillation at the end of the procedure (group A: sinus 86.9%, pacemaker 13%; group B: sinus 90.5%, pacemaker 9.5%) (p > 0.05). At 1-month and longer-term follow-up, sinus rhythm was maintained in 92% and 95% of cases in group A, respectively, whereas this rate was 71% and 81% in group B (p > 0.05). Holter monitor surveillance revealed a higher rate of atrial fibrillation, atrial arrhythmias, and atrial flutter in group B (p < 0.05). Transthoracic echocardiography revealed improvement over time in left atrial transport function in both groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The saline-irrigated radiofrequency modified Maze procedure was performed safely and efficiently. Both the left and biatrial procedures were successful in terms of restoring sinus rhythm during short-term follow-up. Long-term follow-up with more cases is needed to show the superiority of one method over the other.

Left versus bi-atrial intraoperative saline-irrigated radiofrequency modified maze procedure for atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the saline-irrigated radiofrequency modified maze operation for the treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) and compare the results of the left and bi-atrial procedures. MATERIAL AND METHOD During a period of two years, 105 patients with chronic AF having concomitant cardiac surgery underwent the procedure. Patients underwent either a bi-atrial ( n = 48) or left atrial ( n = 57) maze procedure. The first twenty patients underwent a bi-atrial maze procedure regardless of the pathology. In the following patients we adopted the bi-atrial approach in patients with a history of atrial flutter and where the right atrium has to be opened. Otherwise the procedure is restricted to the left atrial side. Mean age was 52 +/- 11 years in bi-atrial group and 54 +/- 9 years in left atrial group. RESULTS Three patients died early postoperatively (2.9%). There were 4 revisions for bleeding (3.8%). Two patients in bi-atrial group received a permanent pacemaker (4.1%). Patients in both groups were free of AF at the end of the procedure. (Bi-atrial group: sinus: 79.2%, pacemaker: 20.8%), (Left atrial group: sinus: 82.5%, pacemaker: 17.5%) ( p > 0.05). During the last follow-up, sinus rhythm was maintained in 79.6% of cases in bi-atrial group, while this rate was 75.6% in left atrial group ( p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Saline irrigated radiofrequency modified maze procedure was performed safely and efficiently. Both the left and bi-atrial procedures were successful in terms of restoring sinus rhythm. Our current policy is to adopt the bi-atrial approach in patients with a history of atrial flutter and where the right atrium has to be opened. Otherwise the procedure is restricted to the left atrial side.

Effects of Intravenous Triiodothyronine during Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

A prospective randomized and double-blind study was performed to evaluate whether perioperative triiodothyronine administration has any effect on cardiovascular performance after coronary artery bypass surgery. Sixty patients were assigned to 2 groups of 30 each. When crossclamping ended, group A received an intravenous bolus of triiodothyronine, followed by infusion for 6 hours. Group B received a placebo. Serum triiodothyronine levels and hemo-dynamic parameters were serially measured. Mean postoperative cardiac index was slightly, but not significantly, higher in group A, whereas systemic vascular resistance was significantly lower in group A. Compared with preoperative values, serum triiodothyronine levels dropped significantly in group B at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass and remained low 12 hours postoperatively, while levels rose significantly in group A. No significant differences were detected between the groups in the incidence of arrhythmia, the need for inotropic support, intensive care unit stay, mortality, and morbidity. Perioperative administration of triiodothyronine increased cardiac output slightly and decreased systemic vascular resistance, but it had no effect on operative outcome. Routine use after coronary surgery is thus not recommended.

Lipoprotein Lipase Gene Polymorphism and Lipid Profile in Coronary Artery Disease

CONTEXT Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) plays a central role in lipid metabolism, hydrolyzing triglyceride in chylomicrons and very-low-density lipoproteins. The PvuII polymorphic variant of LPL gene is common and might affect risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). OBJECTIVE Our aim was to determine whether LPL- PvuII polymorphism can be considered to be an independent risk factor or a predictor for CAD in Turkish subjects. DESIGN We used polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion to determine the distribution of the previously described C-->T transition that causes a PvuII polymorphism in intron 6 among healthy blood donors of Turkish origin and among angiographically confirmed CAD patients with comparable ethnic backgrounds. RESULTS For the PvuII genotypes, within the CAD group (n = 80), the +/- genotype was found in 39 individuals (48.8%), whereas 25 (31.3%) carried the +/+ genotype, and 14 (17.5%) carried the -/- genotype. Within the control group (n = 49), the -/- genotype was found in 19 individuals (38.8%), 16 (32.7%) carried the +/- genotype, and 14 (28.6%) carried the +/+ genotype. The genotype frequency distribution was significantly different (P =.049) in the CAD and control study groups. The most frequent genotype among CAD patients was +/-; this genotype was more frequent in patients than in control subjects. However, the -/- genotype was more prevalent in the control group. Lipoprotein lipase-PvuII polymorphism was found to be associated with fasting total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The +/+ genotype was found to have higher levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in both the CAD and control groups. CONCLUSION There was a difference in the distribution of LPL-PvuII genotypes between the healthy subjects and the patients with CAD. Lipoprotein lipase-PvuII polymorphisms were not detected as independent risk factors for CAD in this study group, but had associations with lipid levels.

Acute Gastrointestinal Complications after Open Heart Surgery

Retrospective analysis revealed that 24 of 4401 adult patients (0.5%) developed severe gastrointestinal complications after open heart surgery during a 3-year period from January 1995. There were 4 women (17%) and 20 men (83%). Mean age was 61.7 ± 2.02 years. Gastrointestinal bleeding (33.3%), mesenteric ischemia (20.8%), pancreatitis (20.8%), hepatic dysfunction (16.7%), and cholecystitis (16.7%) were the most common complications. Mortality was 41.7% (10 patients). During the same period, mortality in the patients who did not develop gastrointestinal complications was 1.89% (p < 0.0001). Emergency basis, reoperation, combined operations, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disease, and impaired left ventricle function were found to be risk factors for the development of postoperative gastrointestinal complications.

Genetic variations of the apolipoprotein B gene in Turkish patients with coronary artery disease

Background: The results of studies that clarify the association of genetic markers at the apolipoprotein B (apo B) gene (EcoRI and XbaI polymorphisms) with coronary artery disease (CAD) are not consistent and suggest that the effect is context dependent (dependent on ethnicity and sex). The present study represents the first investigation of the apo B gene polymorphisms in Turkish patients with CAD and their influence on lipid levels. Aim: The study investigated the association of apo B gene EcoRI and XbaI polymorphisms with CAD and with variation in lipid levels (total cholesterol (T-Chol), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-Chol), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-Chol), and triacylglycerol (TAG)). Subjects and methods: The study group was composed of 150 individuals with angiographically documented CAD and 100 angiographically proven to be healthy controls. PCR-RFLP was used to determine the DNA polymorphisms of the apo B gene. Results: The frequencies of apo B genotypes detected with EcoRI (AA, AG, GG) and XbaI (CC, CT, TT) did not differ significantly between case and control subjects. A significant association between EcoRI genotypes and T-Chol (p ≤ 0.05), and LDL-Chol (p ≤ 0.001) was observed only in CAD patients. Patients with the AA genotype had higher levels of serum T-Chol and LDL-Chol compared with AG. With logistic regression analysis the XbaI TT genotype was found to be associated with CAD prevention. However, no significant differences in lipid variables were determined for the XbaI polymorphisms in the patients with CAD. Conclusions: Apo B EcoRI genotypes were not found as risk factors for CAD, whereas XbaI TT genotype was detected to prevent against CAD in our study group. Résumé. Arrière plan: Les résultats des études qui clarifient l’association des marqueurs génétiques du gène B (apo B) de l’alipoprotéine (polymorphismes EcoRI et XbaI) avec la maladie coronarienne (MC), ne sont pas satisfaisants et suggèrent que l’effet est dépendant du contexte (dépendance par rapport au sexe et à l’ethnicité). Cette étude est la première recherche sur les polymorphismes EcoRI et XbaI du gène apo B chez des patients turcs souffrant de MC et sur leur influence sur les niveaux lipidiques. But: L’étude explore l’association des polymorphismes EcoRI et XbaI du gène apo B avec la MC et avec la variation des niveaux lipidiques : cholestérol total (Chol-T), cholestérol de lipoprotéines de haute densité (Chol-LHD), cholestérol de lipoprotéines de basse densité (Chol-LBD) et glycéroltriacyl (GTA) Sujets et méthodes. Le groupe étudié est composé de 150 individus présentant une angiographie de MC et de 100 individus a angiographie saine. La technique de RFLP-PCR a été utilisée pour déterminer les polymorphismes d’ADN du gène apo B. Résultats: Les fréquences des génotypes de apo B détectées avec EcoRI (AA, AG, GG) et XbaI (CC, CT, TT) ne diffèrent pas significativement entre patients et contrôles. Une association significative entre génotypes EcoRI et Chol-T (p ≤ 0,05) ainsi qu’avec Chol-LBD (p ≤ 0,001) n’a été observée que chez les patients à MC. Les patients de génotype AA ont un niveau plus élevé que ceux de génotype AG pour les niveaux de Chol-T et de Chol-LBD dans le sérum. Par analyse de régression logistique, on trouve que le génotype XbaI TT est associé à la prévention de la MC. On n’a cependant pas trouvé de différence significative des variables lipidiques qui serait déterminée par les polymorphismes XbaI chez les patients MC. Conclusion: Les génotypes apo B EcoRI n’apparaissent pas être des facteurs de risque pour la MC, tandis qu’il apparaît que le génotype XbaI TT protège de la MC dans le groupe étudié. Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Die Ergebnisse von Studien, die die Beziehung zwischen genetischen Markern auf dem Apolipoprotein B (Apo B)-Gen und koronarer Herzkrankheit (coronary artery disease, CAD) klären, sind nicht vereinbar und legen nahe, dass der Einfluss vom Zusammenhang abhängt (je nach ethnischer Zugehörigkeit und Geschlecht). Die vorliegende Studie ist die erste Untersuchung von Apo B-Gen-Polymorphismen und ihrem Einfluss auf Lipidspiegel bei Türkischen Patienten mit CAD. Ziel: Die Studie untersuchte die Beziehung von Apo B-Gen EcoRI- und XbaI-Polymorphismen mit CAD und mit der Schwankung der Lipidspiegel (Gesamtcholesterin (total cholesterol, T-Chol), High-density lipoprotein Cholesterin (HDL-Chol), Low-density lipoprotein Cholesterin (LDL-Chol) und Triacylglycerol (TAG)). Probanden und Methoden: Die Studiengruppe bestand aus 150 Personen mit angiographisch dokumentierter CAD und 100 angiographisch gesicherten gesunden Kontrollen. PCR-RFLP wurden benutzt um DNS-Polymorphismen des Apo B-Gens zu bestimmen. Ergebnisse: Die Häufigkeiten der Apo B-Genotypen, die mit EcoRI (AA, AG, GG) und XbaI (CC, CT, TT) bestimmt wurden, unterschieden nicht signifikant zwischen Patienten und Kontrollpersonen. Eine signifikante Beziehung zwischen EcoRI-Genotypen und T-Chol (p ≤ 0,05) und LDL-Chol (p ≤ 0,001) wurde nur bei CAD-Patienten beobachtet. Patienten mit dem Genotyp AA hatten höhere Serumspiegel von T-Chol und LDL-Chol, verglichen mit AG. Unter Verwendung einer logistischen Regressionsanalyse fand sich, dass der XbaI TT-Genotyp vor CAD schützt. Allerdings wurden keine signifikanten Unterschiede bei den Lipidvariablen hinsichtlich von XbaI-Polymorphismen bei Patienten mit CAD gefunden. Zusammenfassung: Es wurde nicht gefunden, dass Apo B EcoRI-Genotypen Risikofaktoren für das Auftreten einer CAD darstellen, allerdings zeigte sich in unserer Studiengruppe, dass der XbaI TT-Genotyp gegen CAD schützt. Resumen. Antecedentes: Los resultados de los estudios que tratan de aclarar la asociación de los marcadores genéticos en el gen de la apolipoproteína B (apo B) (polimorfismos EcoRI y XbaI) con la enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC), no son consistentes y sugieren que el efecto depende del contexto (es dependiente de la etnicidad y del sexo). El presente estudio constituye la primera investigación sobre los polimorfismos del gen apo B en pacientes turcos con EAC y su influencia sobre los niveles lipídicos. Objetivo: El estudio investigó la asociación de los polimorfismos EcoRI y XbaI del gen apo B con la EAC y con la variación en los niveles lipídicos (colesterol total (Col-T), colesterol asociado a lipoproteínas de alta densidad (Col-HDL), colesterol asociado a lipoproteínas de baja densidad (Col-LDL) y triacilglicerol (TAG)). Sujetos y Métodos: El grupo estudiado estaba compuesto por 150 individuos con EAC documentada angiográficamente y 100 controles sanos, comprobados mediante un angiograma. Se utilizó la PCR-RFLP para determinar los polimorfismos del ADN del gen apo B. Resultados: Las frecuencias de los genotipos apo B detectados con EcoRI (AA, AG, GG) y XbaI (CC, CT, TT) no diferían significativamente entre los casos y los controles. Se observó una asociación significativa entre los genotipos EcoRI y los niveles de Col-T (p ≤ 0,05) y Col-LDL (p ≤ 0,001), sólo en pacientes con EAC. Los pacientes con el genotipo AA tenían niveles más altos de Col-T y de Col-LDL séricos comparados con los de genotipo AG. Mediante un análisis de regresión logística se encontró que el genotipo XbaI TT estaba asociado con la prevención de la EAC. Sin embargo, en los pacientes con EAC no se encontraron diferencias significativas en las variables lipídicas para los polimorfismos XbaI. Conclusiones: No se ha encontrado que los genotipos apo B EcoRI sean factores de riesgo para la EAC, mientras que se detectó que el genotipo XbaI TT prevenía contra la EAC en el grupo estudiado.

Combination of Right Atrial and Left Ventricular Myxoma

Myxomas are common cardiac tumors that are managed by complete excision. The combination of a right atrial and left ventricular myxoma is very rare. We discuss a patient with right atrial and left ventricular myxoma who underwent successful surgical excision of both myxomas. There was no clinical or echocardiographic recurrence or valvular insufficiency at the 6-month follow-up.

The use of composite stentless valves with graft extension for the treatment of ascending aortic aneurysms.

We read with interest the article from Dr Byrne and his associates [1] concerning the use of composite stentless valves with graft extension for combined replacement of the aortic valve, root and ascending aorta. As the authors have kindly pointed out, our first article concerning this technique was published in 1999 [2]. We have used this technique on well over 40 patients with this pathology since 1996 and our latest experience was presented during a meeting in Europe [3]. We believe there are some important technical details that have to be addressed. In our experience distal aortic cannulation was used only for limited aneurysms with a fine distal neck. However, in most of the cases we had to use femoral or axillary artery cannulation and perform an open distal anastomoses under circulatory arrest, which in our experience was more feasible. An important concern should be the length of the Hemashield graft. The anastomoses lines between the Freestyle and the Hemashield graft as well as the left ventricular outflow and the Freestyle should be tension free. The graft should not be short, otherwise this can cause excessive tension on the suture line and end up with late dehiscence and false aneurysm formation. The quality of the porcine aortic wall can be less than ideal in some valves and we have adopted to incorporate a strip of pericardium in the suture line between the hemashield and Freestyle to prevent this complication. Late aortic wall calcification is a concern. However, our follow up in two valves up to 5 years [4] has encouraged us that this would not be a problem, at least for the mid-term. We do not share the opinion of the authors on the feasibility of inserting a stented valve within the Freestyle valve when a reoperation becomes necessary. Although we did not have to reoperate on any of these cases so far, we have experienced two reoperations with the Edwards Prima valve which we had used previously and we had to perform a re-root replacement since it was not feasible to implant another valve within the conduit. The main problem was the suture line between the stentless valve and the LVOT which had become extremely calcific and it was not possible to put stitches through this tissue. Even if this is possible, then you have to implant a stented valve that is one to two sizes smaller which may not be ideal for the patient. In conclusion, we agree with the authors that this is a reproducible technique that is advisable for patients with this pathology that can not use anticoagulation. However, until long term results with these valves are available, we believe that this technique should be reserved for patients over 65 years of age.

Combined internal mammary artery graft in coronary bypass: 18-year follow-up.

Graft preference is a key point for long-term patency in coronary artery bypass grafting. We present a patient with multivessel coronary artery disease who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting 18 years ago. Revascularization of the left coronary system was performed by using a combined internal mammary artery (IMA) graft, which consisted of an end-to-end anastomosis of left IMA (in situ) and right IMA (free), with the interposition of a small piece of vein. A coronary angiography at the 18-year follow-up revealed patency of all sequential anastomoses with an enlarged combined IMA graft.