Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis Utilizing Automated Cardiac Motion Quantitation Techniques.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to explore the patterns of alteration in left ventricular systolic function among patients with severe aortic stenosis (SAS) through the application of automatic myocardial motion quantification (aCMQ) techniques. Furthermore, we seek to ascertain dependable quantitative markers for the assessment of impaired left ventricular function in patients with SAS and an ejection fraction (EF) ≥ 60%. METHODS: Seventy patients who underwent echocardiography and received a diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis (SAS) in the hospital from November 2021 to August 2022 were selected for the SAS group and categorized into three subgroups based on ejection fraction (EF)-SAS group with EF ≥ 60%, SAS group with EF ranging from 50% to 59%, and SAS group with EF < 50%. Concurrently, 30 healthy individuals were recruited at the hospital during the same timeframe to serve as the control group. Participants from both groups underwent standard transthoracic echocardiography to assess conventional echocardiographic parameters. Dynamic images were examined using automatic myocardial motion quantification (aCMQ) software to derive longitudinal peak strain (LPS) parameters, which were then subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: In comparison to the control group participants, the measurements of ascending aorta diameter (AoD), left atrium diameter (LAD), interventricular septal end diastolic thickness (IVSd), left ventricular posterior wall end diastolic thickness (LVPWd), peak systolic velocity (Vmax), and mean pressure gradient (MPG) were significantly higher in the SAS groups (p < 0.05). When compared to participants in the SAS group with an EF ≥ 60%, the values of IVSd, LVPWd, Vmax, and MPG in the SAS group with EF ranging from 50% to 59% were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Similarly, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), the ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/e'), and the ratio of early to late diastolic mitral inflow velocities (E/A) in the SAS group with EF < 50% were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). The absolute values of longitudinal peak strain (LPS) in the SAS groups were significantly lower in comparison to those in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, all measurements of left ventricular global longitudinal systolic peak strain (GLPS) showed a positive correlation with MPG, a moderate negative correlation with aortic valve area index (AVAI), and a moderate positive correlation with E/A. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SAS and an EF < 50% exhibited the most profound impairment in left ventricular myocardial function. Utilizing the aCMQ technique enables the precise and quantitative evaluation of the severity of impaired left ventricular systolic function in patients within the SAS group with an EF ≥ 60%.

Mitral valvuloplasty using real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the structure of the mitral valve in patients undergoing mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) using real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT-3D-TEE). The main objective was to study the relationship between intraoperative annuloplasty ring size and mitral valve structure dimensions, with a focus on exploring the application value of RT-3D-TEE in MVP. METHODS: A total of 28 patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR), who underwent MVP between February and September 2022, as well as 12 normal control cases, were enrolled in this study. The MV annulus and leaflets were quantitatively analyzed using MVN software. RESULTS: The DMR group exhibited significantly greater dimensions in various parameters of the mitral valve, including the anterolateral-to-posteromedial diameter (DAlPm ), anterior-to-posterior diameter (DAP ), annulus height (HA ), three-dimensional annulus circumference (CA3D ), two-dimensional annulus area (AA2D ), anterior leaflet area (Aant ), posterior leaflet area (Apost ), anterior leaflet length (Lant ), posterior leaflet length (Lpost ), and tenting volume (Vtent ) compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography provides valuable insights into the morphological structure of the mitral valve and lesion location. It can aid in surgical decision-making, validate the success of MVP, and potentially reduce mortality and complications associated with mitral valve repair procedures.

Percardiac closure of large apical ventricular septal defects in infants: Novel modifications and mid-term results.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Both open heart surgery and percutaneous approaches retain several limitations in closing large apical muscular ventricular septal defects (AmVSD) in infants. We present probe-assisted percardiac device closure (PDC), an exclusively transoesophageal-echocardiography guided technique, as an alternative with midterm results. METHODS: Thirty-six infants with large AmVSDs (single or multiple-holed) underwent PDC in our department. Mean AmVSD for single and multiple-holed measured 7.2 ± 2.4 mm and 6.3 ± 3.4 mm, respectively. Subjects presented with a spectrum of cardiopulmonary sequelae and growth retardation, either alone or combined. Some were ventilator dependent and re-do cases. In addition, AmVSDs were categorized: cylindrical, tunnel and cave-like shaped as per color Doppler interrogation. Pursuant to cardiac access and deployment technique, subjects were apportioned: group A; inferior median sternotomy (perventricular), B; right mini-thoracotomy (peratrial) and C; complete median sternotomy (perventricular). Under exclusive echocardiography, the Z- or J probe-assisted delivery system was utilized to access AmVSDs and implant device(s) via aforementioned techniques. RESULTS: Forty-two muscular ventricular septal devices (8.4 ± 2.6 mm) were implanted in 36 subjects uneventfully. Seventeen "complex," and 10 cylindrical or straight tunnel-shapedAmVSDs (including 2 re-do patients) suited perventricular and peratrial techniques respectively. Comparatively, group B exhibited shorter procedural indices than A (p < .01). Five of 15 multiple-holed AmVSDs (four Swiss cheese) required two or three devices for a satisfactory occlusion. Nevertheless, post occlusion insignificant residual shunts( ≤ 2 mm) seldom achieved spontaneous closure, and at 36-month follow-up complete closure was 67%. Residual shunt persisted amongst multiple-holed. All patients improved during follow up. CONCLUSION: PDC is feasible, safe and effective alternative technique for AmVSD in infants.

Device closure of diverse layout of multi-hole secundum atrial septal defect: different techniques and long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: There are no unanimous reports on different layouts and classifications of multi-hole secundum atrial septal defects (MHASD) and subsequent standardized occlusion techniques. The MHASD can be isolated or cribriform with variable inter-defects distance. In this retrospective study, experience-based classification and two approaches-based occlusion results are presented. METHODS: We retrospectively collected and analyzed data of 150 MHASD patients from 1320 patients who underwent atrial septal defect occlusion in our institute. The MHASD patients were categorized into 4 types; type A, B, C and D and occluded under exclusive transesophageal echocardiographic guidance. According to different types, 122 patients were occluded using peratrial approach and 28 patients via percutaneous approach. In type A, single device implantation is performed to occlude the large hole and squeeze the small one. For type B single or double-device deployment was performed depending on an inter-defects distance. In type C and D, a patent foramen-ovale (PF) device was selectively positioned to the central defect to occlude the central defect and cover the peripheral ones. In peratrial approach, 8 patients underwent inter-defects septal puncture technique to achieve single-device occlusion. The intracardiac manipulation time, procedural time, double device deployment, redeployment rate, residual shunt, and proportions were analyzed between (and within peratrial technique) two techniques. RESULTS: Successful occlusion was achieved in all 150 patients. Single device occlusion was applied in 78/84 type A and 22/37 type B patients (p < 0.05). Double device occlusion was more applicable to type B than A patients (p < 0.01). Sixteen of 21 type C and all type D patients used PF device for a satisfactory occlusion. Redeployment of the device occurred frequently in type B patients than A (p < 0.01). The intracardiac manipulation time and procedural time were shorter in type A than B (p < 0.05). The intracardiac manipulation time was also shortened in type A peratrial than type A percutaneous group (p < 0.05). Complete occlusion rate for all patients at discharge was 70% and rose to 82% at 1 year follow up. CONCLUSIONS: The diverse layouts and classification of MHASDs can help to choose different techniques and proper devices of different kinds to achieve better occlusion results.

Peratrial Device Closure of Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm Into Right Atrium.

An alternative peratrial device closure technique for ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm into the right atrium under exclusive transesophageal echocardiographic guidance is presented. The ruptured site was occluded with a hollow probe-assisted delivery system through a fourth intercostal mini-incision. The peratrial approach provided perfect alignment and positioning for device deployment to avoid device impingement on the aortic valve. This technique may help a certain number of patients, especially those patients with a prior history of radiocontrast media allergy.

Peratrial Device Closure of Different Locations of Mitral Paravalvular Leaks.

BACKGROUND: The current approaches of transcatheter closure of mitral paravalvular leak (MPVL) have different drawbacks. The challenges come from transseptal puncture, accessing the MPVL site, and the absence of dedicated delivery systems. This study introduces a novel peratrial approach for device closure of different locations of MPVLs using a probe-assisted delivery system under three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. METHODS: A 4.0-cm minithoracotomy incision was made in the fourth right interspaces. The right atrium and the interatrial septum were punctured and dilated, followed by a guidewire passing through the septum. A specially designed J-shaped bendable hollow probe was advanced into the left atrium. The steerable probe was adjusted to cross the MPVL and introduced a stiff guidewire into the left ventricle. A 7F short delivery sheath was advanced over the wire through the MPVL into the left ventricle. A proper-sized muscular septal occluder was then selected and deployed. RESULTS: Transesophageal echocardiography revealed complete occlusion in 7 of 8 patients after a follow-up of 6 months to 4 years. Mild residual paravalvular regurgitation occurred in an early patient. In 2 patients with a crescent-shaped MPVL, two guidewires were advanced into the left ventricle across the leak, and double devices were deployed sequentially. All patients' symptoms improved by at least one New York Heart Association functional class. CONCLUSIONS: The peratrial technique can access and close MPVLs at different locations through a right minithoracotomy approach. This technique has the advantages of easy transseptal puncture, easy access to the MPVL site, and no exposure to radiation.

Perventricular double-device closure of wide-spaced multi-hole perimembranous ventricular septal defect.

BACKGROUND: Device closure of a wide-spaced multi-hole PmVSD is difficult to succeed in percutaneous approach. This study is to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of perventricular device closure of wide-spaced multi-hole PmVSD using a double-device implanting technique. METHODS: Sixteen patients with wide-spaced multi-hole PmVSD underwent perventricular closure with two devices through an inferior median sternotomy approach under transesophageal echocardiographic guidance. The largest hole and its adjacent small holes were occluded with an optimal-sized device. The far-away residual hole was occluded with the other device using a probe-assisted delivery system. All patients were followed up for a period of 1 to 4 years to determine the residual shunt, atrioventricular block and the adjacent valvular function. RESULTS: The number of the holes of the PmVSD was 2 to 4. The maximum distance between the holes was 5.0 to 10.0 mm (median, 6.4 mm). The diameter of the largest hole was 2.5 to 7.0 mm (median, 3.6 mm). The success rate of double-device closure was 100%. Immediate residual shunts were found in 6 patients (38%), and incomplete right bundle branch block at discharge occurred in 3 cases (19%). Both complications decreased to 6% at 1-year follow-up. Neither of them had a severe device-related complication. CONCLUSIONS: Perventricular closure of a wide-spaced multi-hole PmVSD using a double-device implanting technique is feasible, safe, and efficacious. In multi-hole PmVSDs with the distance between the holes of more than 5 mm, double-device implantation may achieve a complete occlusion.

Long-term outcome of intravascular ultrasound application in patients with moderate coronary lesions and grey-zone fractional flow reserve.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the long-term outcome of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) application in patients with a fractional flow reserve (FFR) of 0.75-0.80. BACKGROUND: Scientifically evaluating anatomical structures is vital because structure influences both physiological function and decision-making in moderate coronary lesions, especially for those with an FFR of 0.75-0.80. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (n=128) were divided into three groups based on treatment: the drug control group (n=40), the IVUS-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) group (n=40) and the IVUS-drug group (n=48). A PCI was performed when a patient had a minimum lumen area less than 4 mm(2) and a plaque burden of 70% or greater. Major adverse clinical events were defined as cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, including PCI or coronary artery bypass grafting, and unstable angina, all of which were also evaluated during follow-up. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier curves indicated that the incidence of major adverse clinical events did not differ between the IVUS-PCI and IVUS-drug groups (5 vs. 6.3%, P=0.810), but the levels in both of these groups significantly decreased compared with the drug control group (5 vs. 22.5%, P=0.024, and 6.5 vs. 22.5%, P=0.026, respectively). CONCLUSION: The long-term outcome of the application of IVUS in patients with a grey-zone FFR of 0.75-0.80 was superior to that of patients who were treated only with drugs without IVUS measurement. Patients with a grey-zone FFR should receive an individualized treatment strategy according to their IVUS parameters. Patients with the same FFR values may require different treatment strategies.

Perventricular device closure of a doubly committed juxtaarterial ventricular septal defect through a left parasternal approach: midterm follow-up results.

BACKGROUND: It is infeasible to occlude a doubly committed juxtaarterial ventricular septal defect (DCVSD) percutaneously. The previous perventricular device closure technique was performed through an inferior median sternotomy approach. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of perventricular device closure of DCVSDs through a left parasternal approach. METHODS: Sixty-two patients, with the DCVSD of less than 6 mm in diameter, were enrolled in this study. The pericardial space was approached through a left parasternal mini-incision without entering into the pleural space. Two parallel pursestring sutures were placed on the right ventricular outflow tract for puncture. Under transesophageal echocardiographic guidance, a new delivery sheath loaded with the device was inserted into the right ventricle and advanced through the defect into the left ventricle. The device, connected with a device stay suture, was deployed subsequently. RESULTS: Successful device closure of the defects was achieved in 58/62 patients (94 %). The DCVSD failed to close in 4 (6 %) patients due to device-related aortic regurgitation and device migration. The mean DCVSD diameter was 3.4 ± 1.0 mm (range, 2.0 to 6.0 mm). The implanted device size was 5.2 ± 1.3 mm (range, 4 to 8 mm). Forty-four out of 58 patients (76 %) was implanted with an eccentric occluder. The mean intracardiac manipulation time was 14 ± 13 min (range, 2 to 60 min). The procedure time was 66 ± 15 min (range, 42 to 98 min). During the follow-up period of 180 to 1860 (median 880) days, new mild pulmonary regurgitation occurred in 2 patients. No other device-related complications were found. The complete closure rate was 95 % at discharge, 98 % at 1-, 6- and 12-month, 96 % at 2-year, and 100 % at 3-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Perventricular device closure of a DCVSD through a left parasternal approach is feasible, safe, and efficacious in selected patients. This minimally invasive technique permits easy defect crossing and accurate device positioning.

Intraoperative device closure of large secundum atrial septal defects; a safe alternative to transcatheter closure.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to report our short and mid-term results of intraoperative device closure (IODC) in large secundum atrial septal defects (ASD), to evaluate its safety and to determine the impact of 'short' rim on the results. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with an ASD underwent IODC through a right minithoracotomy. Patients were divided into two groups: 37 patients in group I with one short rim (< or =5 mm) and 31 in group II with sufficient rims. A 2.5-3 cm parasternal incision was made in the right third or fourth intercostal space. A specially designed plastic sheath loaded with the device was inserted through the purse-string sutures placed on the right atrium. Under transesophageal echocardiographic guidance, it was advanced through the ASD into the left atrium and the device was deployed in place. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in all patients. The maximum diameter of the ASD ranged from 20 to 37 mm (mean 25+/-5 mm). There were 16 patients with the diameter of ASD more than 30 mm. The mean size of implanted devices was 29+/-4mm. Redeployment with larger device occurred in seven patients in group I and three in group II (p>0.05). Intracardiac manipulation time was 22+/-10 min in group I and 16+/-11 min in group II (p<0.01). The total occlusion rate was 84% immediately after operation, 97% at 3 months, 98% at 1 year, and 100% at 2-, 3-, 4-year follow-up. There were no other late complications during the follow-up period of 3-63 months (mean 27+/-18 months). CONCLUSIONS: IODC is a safe and feasible technique in closing large ASDs. It has the advantages of cost savings, cosmetic results, and less trauma. Early and mid-term results are encouraging. In patients with ASD of a short rim, a larger device is recommended which does not influence the success rate of IODC.

[Construction of vector tandem expressing rat ventricular myocyte Kir2.1 shRNA and its effect in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To construct a recombinant vector that expresses 5 shRNAs targeting on the rat ventricular myocyte Kir2.1 gene in tandem and its effect in vitro METHODS: Ventricular myocytes were collected from newborn Wistar rats and cultured. Five sites targeting on the rat Kir2.1 gene were selected. Accordingly 5 pairs of oligonucleotide fragments were designed, synthesized, and annealed to obtain double-stranded DNAs. The 5 pairs of oligonucleotide were then cloned into the vector pGenesil-1 by repeated excision and ligation successively. The tandem recombinant vector pEGFP6-1Kir2.1 was thus constructed and transfected into the cultured rat myocytes. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of Kir2.1 in the myocytes. Sequence not related to Kir2.1 sequence with mismatched bases was designed and used as control. RESULTS: A recombinant vector that expresses 5 shRNAs targeting on the rat ventricular myocyte Kir2.1 gene in tandem was constructed. 96 hours after the transfection RT-PCR showed that the Kir2.1 mRNA transcription was suppressed by 83, 6%, and Western blotting showed that the Kir2.1 protein transcription was suppressed by 68.1% in comparison with the control. CONCLUSION: The vector that expresses the 5 shRNAs targeting on the rat ventricular myocyte Kir2.1 gene in tandem is able to suppress the expression of Kir2.1 in rat ventricular myocytes. Application of such vector may be a new method to produce a new type of heart biological pacemaker.

[Clinical analysis of 24 supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection treated with surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To review the surgical treatment of supracardiac type of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). METHODS: Twenty-four patients with supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection underwent surgical correction from July 1995 to June 2004. There were 11 males, 13 females. The patients aged from 40 days to 35 years (mean 4.5 years). Twenty-three patients were under 6 years old. The weight was from 3.8 to 54.0 kg (mean 17.5 kg). Ten patients were through right atrial incision, 8 through double-atrium incision to anastomose the left atria and the common pulmonary veins. Two used large patches separating the portal of the common pulmonary veins and the enlarged atrial septal defects to the left atria. The left atrium and the common pulmonary veins were anastomosed in one case using a large patch separating the portal of the common pulmonary vein and the enlarged atrial septal defect to the left atrium. Three anastomosed the top of the left atria and the common pulmonary veins. RESULTS: One patient died postoperatively of low cardiac output syndrome. One with cardiac tamponade after operation was cured by reoperation. Six with arrhythia were all cured. One with acute pulmonary edema was cured by reopen of the vertical vein and closed later. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 7 years (mean 2.5 years). One complicated severe supracardiac arrhythia 2 weeks later. One with late pulmonary occlusion was cured by reoperation. There was no long term complication of the others. CONCLUSIONS: The operative methods of TAPVC depend on the cardiac deformation. Proper surgery timely treatment of the postoperative complications may achieve a satisfactory result. The method of only use patch in the right atrium should select proper repair material. Anastomosing the top of the left atrium and the common pulmonary vein is a good method. It is easy for exposure and operating, meanwhile it has low occurrence of arrhythmias and should be recommended.