Zhi-Huang Qiu

Intraoperative device closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects in the young children under transthoracic echocardiographic guidance; initial experience

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of intraoperative device closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (VSD) in young children guided by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).MethodsWe enrolled 18 patients from our hospital to participate in the study from June 2011 to September 2011. A minimal inferior median incision was performed after full evaluation of the perimembranous VSD by real-time TTE, and a domestically made device was inserted to occlude the perimembranous VSD. The proper size of the device was determined by means of transthoracic echocardiographic analysis.ResultsImplantation was ultimately successful in 16 patients using TTE guidance. In these cases, the complete closure rate immediately following the operation and on subsequent follow-up was 100%. Symmetric devices were used in 14 patients, and asymmetric devices were used in two patients. Two patient were transformed to surgical treatment, one for significant residual shunting, and the other for unsuccessful wire penetration of the VSD. The follow-up periods were less than nine months, and only one patient had mild aortic regurgitation. There were no instances of residual shunt, noticeable aortic regurgitation, significant arrhythmia, thrombosis, or device failure.ConclusionsMinimally invasive transthoracic device closure of perimembranous VSDs is safe and feasible, using a domestically made device under transthoracic echocardiographic guidance, without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass. This technique should be considered an acceptable alternative to surgery or device closure guided by transesophageal echocardiography in selected young children. However, a long-term evaluation of outcomes is necessary.

Closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects with intraoperative device technique: another safe alternative to surgical repair.

OBJECTIVES This study aims at assessing the safety and feasibility of intraoperative device closure of the perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD). METHODS Total 89 patients in group I with intraoperative device closure and 58 in group II with surgical repair were enrolled in our hospital to participate in the study from January 2009 to December 2010. In group I, the approach involved a minimal inferior median incision that was performed after full evaluation of the perimembranous VSD by real-time transesophageal echocardiographic guidance, and the insertion of an asymmetric or a symmetric domestically made device was used to occlude the perimembranous VSD. RESULTS In group I, 83 patients were occluded successfully under this approach. The size of the occluder implanted ranged from 6 to 14 mm. Complete atrioventricular block occurred in one case and Mobitz type II atrioventricular block occurred in one case during the procedure. One patient presented complete atrioventricular block one week after the operation. Two patients converted to surgical repair because of severe intraoperative aortic valve regurgitation. One patient with significant residual shunt transformed to surgical treatment. In our comparative studies, patients in group II experienced significantly longer operative time, ICU stay, and hospital stay (p < 0.001). The cost of group I was less than that of group II (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Minimally invasive transthoracic device closure of the perimembranous VSD with an asymmetric or a symmetric domestically made device without cardiopulmonary bypass is safe and feasible. It should be considered an acceptable alternative to surgery in selected subgroups. However, it is necessary to evaluate the long-term results.

Transthoracic Subarterial Ventricular Septal Defect Occlusion Using a Minimally Invasive Incision

This study sought to investigate the feasibility of transthoracic occlusion of a subarterial ventricular septal defect using a minimally invasive incision.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Acute Kidney Injury after Ascending Aortic Replacement Combined with Open Placement of Triple-Branched Stent Graft in Type A Aortic Dissection: A New Technique versus the Traditional Method in a Single Chinese Center

Background We aimed to analyze the risk factors and prognosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) after aortic arch repair in type A aortic dissection. Material/Methods We included 155 patients undergoing arch repair surgery for type A aortic dissection from January 2009 to January 2014 in our hospital. Ninety-three patients underwent ascending aortic replacement combined with open placement of triple-branched stent graft and 62 underwent arch replacement with 4-branched Dacron graft combined with stented elephant trunk implantation into the descending aorta. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were performed to evaluate possible parameters associated with AKI according to the AKI Network (AKIN). Results Postoperative AKI occurred in 56 patients, with a morbidity of 36.13%. Advanced age (OR=2.32 per decade, 95% CI; range, 1.47–3.67); aortic arch replacement with 4-branched Dacron graft combined with stented elephant trunk implantation (OR=3.29, 95% CI; range, 1.12–9.67); cardiopulmonary bypass time >180 min (OR=3.91, 95% CI; range, 1.35–11.35) and packed red blood cells >10 U (OR=4.88, 95% CI; range, 2.03–11.76) were independent risk factors. Conclusions AKI is a complication after arch repair in type A aortic dissection. Advanced age; aortic arch replacement with 4-branched Dacron graft combined with stented elephant trunk implantation; cardiopulmonary bypass time >180 min; and packed red blood cells >10 U were independent risk factors for AKI. Ascending aortic replacement combined with open triple-branched stent graft placement could reduce the occurrence of AKI and protect renal function.

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.

Bioprosthetic tricuspid valve endocarditis caused by Acinetobacter baumannii complex, a case report and brief review of the literature.

BackgroundSpecies of the genus Acinetobacter are Gram-negative and highly drug-resistant bacilli that normally reside on the skin, oropharynx, and perineum. Several previous studies have reported prosthetic valve endocarditis due to A. baumannii infection.Case presentation Here we present a case of late endocarditis of a bioprosthetic tricuspid valve due to A. baumannii complex in a patient who had surgical replacement with a bioprosthetic tricuspid valve six years previously.ConclusionsWe completed tricuspid valve replacement using a 29 mm St. June mechanical prosthetic valve for the patient. Postoperatively, she received intravenous cefoperazone sodium and sulbactam sodium for 2 months and had good recovery.

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.

Mechanical stretch aggravates aortic dissection by regulating MAPK pathway and the expression of MMP-9 and inflammation factors

This study aimed to explore whether mechanical stretch aggravated aortic dissection through regulating MAPK pathway, MMP-9, and inflammation factors. We first established aortic dissection model rats. Mechanical stretch (3 g) was exerted on vascular ring of aortic dissection which was also treated by inhibitors of MAPK pathway (SB203580, SP600125, and U0126). HE and Masson staining showed that aortic dissection severity with 3 g tension was worse than that without tension (0 g); after the treatments of diverse inhibitors, the fracture and breakage of the elastic fibers decreased. The expression of MMP-9, TNF-α, IL-1β) p38/p-p38, JNK1/p-JNK1, and ERK1/2/p-ERK1/2 were determined by immunohistochemical analysis, RT-PCR, and western blot. No matter whether tension was exerted or inhibitors were added, there was no change in the expression of p38, JNK1, and ERK1/2. However, compared to the 0 g group, the expression of MMP-9, TNF-α, IL-1β, p-p38, p-JNK1, and p-ERK1/2 was significantly upregulated in the 3 g group (P < 0.05). In both 0 g and 3 g groups, the expression of MMP-9, TNF-α, IL-1β, p-p38, p-JNK1, and p-ERK1/2 was remarkably downregulated after inhibitors treatment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, mechanical stretch aggravated aortic dissection by regulating the MAPK pathway and the consequent expression of MMP-9 and inflammation factors.

Mechanical Strain Induced Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 via Stretch-Activated Channels in Rat Abdominal Aortic Dissection.

Background The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in rat abdominal aortic dissection (AD) induced by mechanical strain, so as to offer a better understanding of the possible mechanisms of AD. Material/Methods Experimental AD in rats was achieved by the injection of porcine pancreatic elastase. At days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 30 after the establishment of AD model, serum MMP-9 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Four groups of vascular rings were stretched in vitro with a mechanical strength of 0 g, 1 g, 3 g, or 5 g for 30 min. Another four groups were pretreated with GdCl3, streptomycin, SN50, and SN50M, followed by stretching with 3 g for 30 min. The messenger RNA and the protein of MMP-9 were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting, and NF-κB p65 was detected by ELISA. Results After the establishment of rat abdominal AD model, the serum MMP-9 levels of AD groups increased significantly. The results showed increased expression of MMP-9 in rat AD vessels stretched with mechanical strength of 1 g, 3 g, and 5 g, but this effect was mostly blocked by Gd Cl3 and streptomycin. The NF-κB activity in aortic rings was activated by stretching with a mechanical strength of 3 g and was blocked by SN50, but not by SN50M. Conclusions The expression of MMP-9 in serum was increased significantly after rat abdominal AD formation. Mechanical strain induced MMP-9 expression in AD vessels, which was mediated through the activation of the stretch-activated channel-induced NF-κB pathway.