[Effects of combined mitral valve replacement and radiofrequency atrial ablation in chronic atrial fibrillation]. / Kronik atriyal fibrilasyonda mekanik mitral kapak replasmani ile birlikte radyofrekans atriyal ablasyonun etkinligi.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to find out the efficacy of radiofrequency catheter atrial ablation (RF) simultaneously done with mitral valve replacement (MVR) surgery in patients having rheumatic mitral valve disease with chronic atrial fibrillation and to evaluate the short-term postoperative results. METHODS: Seventeen patients underwent MVR surgery, and intraoperative RF procedures were done simultaneously with MVR to eight of these patients, whereas remaining nine of them were assigned to control group. Patients were assessed preoperatively, at time of discharge, and 1st, 6th and 12th months controls. Atrial and ventricular functions were evaluated with echocardiography, serum atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels were investigated and electrocardiograms were recorded in all patients. RESULTS: Demographically there were no significant differences between two groups. Radiofrequency ablation group had longer aortic cross-clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass times. Sinus rhythm was established in seven patients of RF group at postoperative 12th month. However, all patients of this group experienced sinus rhythm at postoperative sixth month whereas 'atrial kick' was detected in five of them. Significantly increased ejection fraction, decreased pulmonary artery pressure and decreased left atrial diameter were observed in RF group compared to control group. Serum ANP levels were found to be significantly decreased as compared to preoperative periods in both groups. CONCLUSION: Although RF ablation has higher costs, this technique is efficient and useful to restore the sinus rhythm and to recover the atrial functions back in patients having rheumatic mitral valve disease.

Does delayed correction interfere with pulmonary functions and exercise tolerance in patients with tetralogy of fallot?

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To assess exercise tolerance and determine the distinct role of cardiac, respiratory, or peripheral factors on it after delayed surgical repair in patients with tetralogy of Fallot. DESIGN: The aerobic exercise capacity of 15 adult patients (mean [+/- SD] age, 21 +/- 6; age range, 9 to 30 years) undergoing successful total correction at a mean age of 12 +/- 5 years (patients) was compared to healthy, matched control subjects by using right ventricle echocardiography, resting spirometry, and cardiopulmonary exercise tests at a mean postoperative time of 7.5 +/- 4.6 years. SETTING: Tertiary care referral centers. PATIENTS: Fifteen adult patients (mean age, 21 +/- 6 years; age range, 9 to 30 years) undergoing successful total correction at a mean age of 12 +/- 5 (patients) and 15 healthy, matched volunteers (control subjects). RESULTS: There was evidence for a slight right ventricular diastolic dysfunction in the patients. Mean FVC (88 +/- 9% vs 109 +/- 12% predicted, respectively) and FEV1 (89 +/- 9% vs 109 +/- 12% predicted, respectively), although being within the normal range, were also decreased in comparison to those of control subjects (p < 0.0001). Maximal oxygen consumption (V(O2max) decreased in both groups (55 +/- 16% vs 61 +/- 23% predicted, respectively; p = 0.5); however, there were more individuals with severely decreased values among the patients (p = 0.05). V(O2) at the anaerobic threshold was also decreased in patients (33 +/- 15% vs 51 +/- 8% predicted, respectively; p = 0.004). The maximum tolerable exercise time was 17.3 +/- 4.5 min in patients vs 21.2 +/- 6.4 min in control subjects (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: The exercise capacity after delayed repair was good in general compared to matched control subjects; however, exercise capacity may be slightly limited by ventilatory dysfunction, low anaerobic threshold, and lack of physical fitness despite New York Heart Association class improvement after undergoing the operation.

Arch repair with unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion.

OBJECTIVE: Several antegrade cerebral perfusion techniques with differing neurological outcomes are employed for aortic arch repair. This study demonstrates the clinical results of aortic arch repair with unilateral cerebral perfusion via the right brachial artery. METHODS: Between January 1996 and March 2004, 181 patients underwent aortic arch repair via the right upper brachial artery with the use of low-flow (8-10 ml/kg per min) antegrade selective cerebral perfusion under moderate hypothermia (26 degrees C). Mean patient age was 58+/-12 years. Presenting pathologies were Stanford type A aortic dissection in 112, aneurysm of ascending and arch of aorta in 67, and isolated arch aneurysm in two patients. Ascending and/or partial arch replacement was performed in 90 patients and ascending and total arch replacement in 91 patients (including 27 with elephant trunk). In a subset of patients, renal and hepatic effects of ischemic insult were assessed. Free hemoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase levels were measured pre and postoperatively to identify hemolytic effects of brachial artery cannulation. RESULTS: Mean antegrade cerebral perfusion time was 36+/-27 min. Three patients with acute proximal dissection died due to cerebral complications. One patient had transient right hemiparesis. Total major neurological event rate was 2.2%. Brachial artery was able to carry full cardiopulmonary bypass flow with mild hemolysis. Renal and hepatic tests showed no deleterious effects of limited ischemia at moderate hypothermia. CONCLUSIONS: Arch repair with antegrade cerebral perfusion through right brachial artery has excellent neurological results, provides technical simplicity and optimal repair without time restraints, does not necessitate deep hypothermia and requires shorter CPB and operation times.

Off-pump technique for the treatment of ventricular myocardial echinococcosis.

BACKGROUND: This study was planned to investigate the off-pump operability of ventricular myocardial Echinococcosis, which has no close relation with the cardiac chambers. METHODS: Twenty patients with cardiac echinococcosis, and 2 patients with isolated pericardial echinococcosis were operated on. Hydatid cysts were located in the ventricular wall in 17 patients and 10 of these 17 patients were operated without cardiopulmonary bypass. We present these 10 patients in this report. We used transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and peroperative surface echocardiography (PSE) to determine the relation of cysts with cardiac chambers. The cysts were aspirated for diagnosis and to facilitate the dissection. Cyst cavities were left open in all cases. RESULTS: We did not observe any early complication and in long-term follow-up only one patient underwent reoperation 68 months after her first operation due to reoccurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Ventricular myocardial echinococcosis without relation with the cardiac chambers can be operated without using cardiopulmonary bypass with the aid of TEE, PSE, and controlled cyst fluid aspiration.

Aortic arch repair with right brachial artery perfusion.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effectiveness of unilateral selective cerebral perfusion for aortic arch repair and to discuss possible modifications to enhance technical simplicity. METHODS: In the period between January 1996 and April 2001, 104 patients underwent aortic arch repair with the use of right brachial artery low flow (8 to 10 mL/kg per minute) antegrade selective cerebral perfusion under moderate hypothermia (26 degrees C). Mean patient age was 52 +/- 12 years. Sixty-four patients presented with Stanford type A aortic dissection, including 12 with acute dissection; 38 patients had aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending aorta and aortic arch; and 2 patients had isolated arch aneurysm. Ascending and partial arch replacement was performed in 50 patients; ascending and total arch replacement in 33 patients; ascending and descending arch replacement in 19 patients; and isolated arch replacement in 2 patients. RESULTS: Mean antegrade cerebral perfusion time was 39 +/- 22 minutes. One patient with acute proximal dissection died because of cerebral complications. One other patient developed right hemiparesis, which resolved during the second postoperative month without sequela. Other than these 2 cases (1.9%), no other neurologic event was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The technique of low flow antegrade selective cerebral perfusion through the right brachial artery may be used for a vast majority of aortic aneurysms and dissections requiring arch repair. This technique does not necessitate deep hypothermia, requires shorter cardiopulmonary bypass and operation times, has the advantage of simplicity, provides optimal vascular repair without time restraints and, in terms of clinical results, is as safe as other techniques for cerebral protection.

Dynamic cardiomyoplasty as a biomechanic bridge to heart transplantation.

We report a heart transplantation that was done 4 years after a dynamic cardiomyoplasty operation. The patient was a 42-year-old man. Radionucleide ventriculography with technetium 99 m revealed an ejection fraction of 18%. In July 1997 he had undergone a dynamic cardiomyoplasty operation. At the first postoperative month the left ventricular ejection fraction was 35%. In September 2000 he presented with heart failure symptoms. In May 2001 he had undergone heart transplantation. Postoperative course was uneventful. The failure of cardiomyoplasty was probably caused by degeneration of the latissimus dorsi muscle. In this case we have learned that muscle viability is lost within 4 years after dynamic cardiomyoplasty and heart transplantation is still an option for those patients.

Comparison of changes in diastolic functions after aortic valve replacement with freestyle stentless porcine xenografts in patients with restrictive and nonrestrictive physiology.

In this study, the effect of valve replacement on diastolic parameters was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 6, and 12 months by comparing diastolic parameters in patients after aortic valve replacement with freestyle stentless porcine xenografts for aortic stenosis. Depending on deceleration time (DT) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) with preoperative echocardiographic assessment, patients were divided into two groups: restrictive physiology (DT < or = 150 msec and IVRT < 100 msec, 20 patients), and nonrestrictive physiology (DT > 150 msec and IVRT > or = 100 msec, 27 patients). Although left ventricular mass index significantly decreased in both groups, improvement in DT, IVRT, and ejection fraction occurred only in patients with restrictive physiology. As a result, the patients with restrictive diastolic characteristics had more benefit than the patients with nonrestrictive physiology after aortic valve replacement.

First Turkish experience with the MicroMed DeBakey VAD.

Mechanical bridging to cardiac transplantation with a ventricular assist device may be a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage heart failure. Here we report our 3 cases of patients implanted with the MicroMed DeBakey VAD (ventricular assist device). Three male patients, aged 37, 41, and 40, had end-stage left heart failure due to idiopathic cardiomyopathy and were listed for cardiac transplantation. They had progressive hemodynamic deterioration. Although Patient 1 underwent surgery, after device implantation, for bowel necrosis caused by thromboemboli of unknown origin, heart transplantation was performed 70 days after implantation. Pump thrombosis occurred in Patient 2 on the 120th day. Outflow graft ligation was performed because the patient refused a pump exchange. This patient died on the 25th day after ligation and the 145th day after ventricular assist device implantation. A heparin-coated version of the device was implanted in Patient 3, whose preoperative profound biventricular failure had been improved by inotropic medication and intra-aortic balloon pump support. Successful heart transplantation was performed 161 days after implantation. These are the 1st implantations of a left ventricular assist device in Turkey. From these cases, we have learned that the DeBakey VAD supplies adequate blood flow during the bridging period and, due to its simplicity, portability, and low infection rate, enables discharge of the patient from the hospital. However, preoperative psychological evaluation and postoperative psychological support are important for a successful bridging procedure, as is close observation of coagulation and of pump operation.

[The efficiency of fast track protocol in elderly patients who underwent coronary artery surgery]. / Koroner arter cerrahisi uygulanan yasli hastalarda "fast track" protokolünün etkinligi.

OBJECTIVE: This study is planned to display the efficiency of fast track protocol and its difference from the conventional anesthesia in patients older than 65 years. METHODS: One hundred patients older than 65 years underwent coronary artery surgery between October 2000-March 2001 in cardiovascular surgery clinic were considered in this study. Fifty patients in whom fast track protocol was applied were included into the study group, group A; fifty patients underwent conventional anesthesia technique were referred to the control group, group B. In both groups demographic characteristics, early hospital mortality, operation time, total drainage, number of transfusions, stay in the intensive care unit and discharge time were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age was 69.0+/-3.0 years in group A and 70.4+/-3.6 years in group B. Early hospital mortality was 2% in group A, 10% in group B (p>0.05). Intensive care unit stay was 22.01+/-10.12 hours in group A and 60.18+/-32.23 hours in group B (p<0.05). Discharge time was on 5.5+/-1.3 day in group A and on 6.9+/-2.3 day in group B (p<0.05). There were no statistical differences between the two groups in respect to other parameters. CONCLUSION: Fast track protocol in patients older than 65 years is a suitable technique by using modern cardiac surgery methods. This protocol is successfully used by selecting the suitable patients and following the patients carefully in the postoperative period.

[Reexploration for bleeding and tamponade in intensive care unit following open heart surgery]. / Açik kalp ameliyatlari sonrasi kanama veya tamponad nedeniyle yogun bakimda yapilan reeksplorasyonlar.

OBJECTIVE: Following open-heart surgery some patients can need reexploration in the intensive care unit due to bleeding or pericardial tamponade. This study evaluates the impact of reexploration in the intensive care unit (ICU) on morbidity and mortality rates. METHODS: Between January 1990 and January 2002 overall 18,578 open heart surgery procedures were performed in our clinic and among them 570 (3%) patients required reexploration due to bleeding or pericardial tamponade. Reexplorations were done in the operating room (OR) in 385 (67.5%) patients and in the ICU in 185 (32.5%) patients. RESULTS: Among patients 383(67.2%) were male and 187(32.8%) were female. Mean age for reexploration in the OR group was 46.9+/-16.3 years, and in the ICU group was 48.2+/-15.7 years. The use of fresh frozen plasma and bank blood was significantly higher in the ICU group (p<0.0001). Fifty patients (27%) who were reexplored in ICU had intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) support (p<0.0001). Sixty-six patients (17.1%) died in OR group and 70 patients (37.8%) died in the ICU group (p<0.001). Following reexploration, 24 (6.2%) patients in the OR group and 17 (9.1%) patients in the ICU group had major infection (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference among groups in hospital stay time. CONCLUSION: Following open-heart surgery, especially among hemodynamically unstable patients, to avoid possible problems of transfer to the OR and time lost, explorations can be done in ICU. This practice does not increase morbidity and hospital stay.

A simple technique to reduce tension on coronary button anastomosis in aortic root surgery.

The permanency of the coronary ostial anastomosis is an important predictor of morbidity in aortic root surgery. We introduced a technique to reduce coronary reimplantation-related complications in aortic surgery. We believe that plicating the folds of the graft at both sides of the coronary ostial anastomosis reduces the tension on the suture line and may be advantageous to avoid pseudoaneurysm formation, detachment of the coronary button from the graft, distortion of the coronary geometry, or bleeding from the suture line.

Direct approach to hydatid cyst of the interventricular septum.

A 37-year-old woman who had undergone an operation for hydatid cyst of the liver 10 years earlier decided to have a check-up for echinococcosis, because she had not been seen by a clinician for 4 years. The case is of particular interest not only because it enabled a rare preliminary diagnosis of cardiac echinococcosis by simple electrocardiographic analysis, but also because our technique of excision appears to be one never before reported in connection with interventricular hydatid cysts. In such an instance, we recommend a direct approach (if possible) through the interventricular septum without entering the cardiac chambers, in order to avoid dissemination; and we recommend enucleation of the germinative membrane without capitonnage, to avoid impairment of the atrioventricular conduction pathway or of myocardial contraction. In our patient, electrocardiographic findings improved postoperatively at the 1-year follow-up examination.