Outcomes of surgery for coarctation of the aorta based on a new classification system.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate early- and long-term outcomes of the surgical treatment for coarctation of the aorta based on a new classification system. METHODS: A retrospective clinical review of 111 patients with coarctation of the aorta who underwent surgery (March 2011 to August 2020) was performed. We categorised coarctation of the aorta into type I, with all three head vessels tightly packed; type II, with the left subclavian artery separated from the two other head vessels; and type III, with all three head vessels separated from one another. Each type included subtype a, with a short isthmic portion, and subtype b, with a long isthmic portion. RESULTS: The median patient age and weight at operation were 8 (range, 1-1490) days and 3.2 (range, 1.9-18.5) kg, respectively. Extended end-to-end anastomosis was performed via sternotomy in 54, via thoracotomy in 12, end-to-side anastomosis in 31, autologous main pulmonary artery patch augmentation in 12, and modified end-to-end anastomosis combined with subclavian artery flap aortoplasty in two patients. There was one (0.9%) case of early mortality and 12 (10.8%) cases of post-operative complications. Two (1.8%) late deaths occurred during follow-up. Five (4.5%) patients underwent balloon dilatation and three (2.7%) underwent reoperation for restenosis of coarctation of the aorta. All patients with type Ia (21 patients, 18.9%) underwent extended end-to-end anastomosis via sternotomy or thoracotomy. CONCLUSIONS: According to the early and late outcomes observed in this study, surgical treatment of coarctation of the aorta using the new classification system could be safe and low risk.

Effect of ethanol washing on porcine pulmonary artery wall decellularization using sodium dodecyl sulfate.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effectiveness of ethanol (EtOH) washing on porcine pulmonary artery (PA) wall decellularization using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), we compared three different washing methods (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS], pH 9 alkali, and EtOH washing). METHODS: Fresh porcine PA walls were decellularized using 0.5% SDS and 0.5% sodium deoxycholate (SDC). The decellularized tissues were rinsed using three different washing techniques. Histological, biochemical, and mechanical analyses were conducted. Implantation into the subcutaneous tissue of rats and patch implantation into the carotid artery of dogs were performed as preliminary in vivo studies. RESULTS: The decellularization protocol based on SDS and SDC effectively removed the cells. The major extracellular matrix (ECM) structures (collagen, elastic fiber, and glycosaminoglycan) were properly preserved with the 75% EtOH-washing method. Significantly reduced residual SDS content was identified in EtOH-washed tissues compared to that in the other methods. No significant difference in the mechanical strength test was observed between the washing methods, and the EtOH-washing method showed better results in the metabolic activity test compared to the PBS-washing method. In the rat study model, no acute rejection or massive calcification was observed. The in vivo preliminary canine study showed better cell repopulation in the EtOH-washed group. CONCLUSION: EtOH washing of SDS-based decellularized porcine PA wall can reduce the residual SDS content and preserve ECM structures, especially the elastin content, and could also enhance cell repopulation after re-implantation.

Effectiveness of posterior aortopexy for the left pulmonary vein obstruction between the left atrium and the descending aorta.

BACKGROUND: Left pulmonary vein (PV) obstruction can occur due to compression between the left atrium (LA) and the descending aorta (DA). One of the effective solutions for this problem is posterior aortopexy. In this study, we have reported five cases of posterior aortopexy to relieve left PV obstruction between the LA and the DA. METHODS: Since August 2012, five patients have undergone posterior aortopexy for compression of the left PV between the LA and the DA. The median age and weight of the patients at the time of operation were 5.5 months (range, 1-131 months) and 5.2 kg (range, 4.2-29.5 kg), respectively. The left PV obstruction was initially diagnosed on echocardiography in four patients and computed tomography angiography in one patient. The median peak pressure gradient across the obstructed left PV was 7.3 mmHg (range, 4-20 mmHg). Concomitant procedures were ventricular septal defect closure in one patient and patent ductus arteriosus ligation in one patient. RESULTS: There was no PV obstruction on echocardiography in any of the patients after the operation except in the case of one patient who had diffuse pulmonary vein stenosis. The median follow-up duration was 34 months (range, 14-89 months), and during follow-up no incidence of the left PV obstruction was observed in any of the surviving patients. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior aortopexy technique could be a good surgical option for the left PV obstruction caused by compression between the LA and the anteriorly positioned DA.

Modification of the Senning procedure in the double-switch operation: The triangular double-door technique.

We developed a modified Senning procedure in the double-switch operation for the patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA). In our technique, the right atrial (RA) free wall is not used as a baffle for draining systemic venous blood to the left atrium. Instead, a patch material is used for the baffling. A wide communication between the pulmonary venous chamber and RA is created by making the triangular double door with the RA-free wall, and the window is closed with in situ pericardial flap. We have successfully adopted this technique in our recent two consecutive ccTGA patients.

Does Coronary Reimplantation After Neoaortic Reconstruction Increase Aortic Regurgitation?

Coronary reimplantation after neoaortic reconstruction (CRANR) in the arterial switch operation (ASO) allows easy selection of accurate coronary transfer sites in the distended neoaorta. However, neoaortic valve injury may occur during coronary reimplantation. We determined whether the CRANR procedure increased the incidence of aortic valve regurgitation (AR) after ASO. Between March 1994 and August 2017, 227 patients underwent ASO. Since September 2000 CRANR has been performed on 155 patients and open coronary reimplantation (OCR) on 72. Patients who had undergone aortocoronary flaps procedures (n = 13), had early or late mortality (n = 27), or lacked data (n = 11) were excluded. We enrolled and retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 176 patients who were followed up for postoperative AR: 38 underwent OCR and 138 underwent CRANR. We compared the incidences of early and late postoperative AR in both groups. We defined mild or greater AR as "significant AR." The groups did not differ in body weight at operation, great artery relationship, and coronary artery anatomy. The incidences of significant AR at discharge were 21.1% (8/38) in the OCR group and 16.6% (23/138) in the CRANR group (p = 0.53). The freedom from significant AR at 5 years was 59.9% in the OCR group and 62.4% in the CRANR group with no difference between the two groups (p = 0.73). Moderate AR occurred in one patient in the CRANR group. No surgical intervention was required for the aortic valve in either group. ASO using the CRANR technique did not increase the incidence of postoperative early and late AR.

Risk Factors for Prolonged Pleural Effusion After Extracardiac Fontan Operation.

Prolonged pleural effusion after Fontan operation is a significant morbidity that leads to long hospital stays. We investigated the association of multiple risk factors, including clinical characteristics, hemodynamic parameters, and preoperative, operative, and postoperative factors, with prolonged pleural effusion after Fontan operation. Eighty-five patients who underwent a Fontan operation between January 2005 and June 2018 in our center were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 36, 42.4%) included those with prolonged pleural effusion, defined as lasting > 14 days after the Fontan operation, and group 2 included patients without prolonged pleural effusion. Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) were more prevalent in group 1 (n = 15, P = 0.006). No differences in age at Fontan operation, central venous pressure at Fontan operation, or hemodynamic parameters during the pre-Fontan evaluation were found between the two groups. In multivariable analysis, HLHS (P = 0.002), non-fenestration (P = 0.018), and high central venous pressure at bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS) operation (P = 0.043) were independent risk factors for prolonged pleural effusion after Fontan operation. Adverse outcomes such as death, need for heart transplantation, and Fontan failure were not associated with prolonged pleural effusion. In conclusion, patients with HLHS and higher central venous pressure at BCPS were more likely to have a prolonged pleural effusion after Fontan operation, but fenestration was more likely to decrease prolonged effusion. We should consider closer management of fluid status before, during, and after surgery in patients with these risk factors after Fontan operation.

Late results of right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction with a bicuspid expanded polytetrafluoroethylene valved conduit.

BACKGROUND AND AIM TO READ: We report the results of a bicuspid expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) valved conduit used for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction (RVOTR). METHODS: Between November 2005 and February 2009, 12 conduits were used for RVOTR. The mean age and weight of patients were 43.5 ± 46.4 months and 13.4 ± 8.6 kg. The main diagnosis was tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia in eight patients. The most common conduit size was 18 mm. The mean follow-up was 88.0 ± 35.9 months. RESULTS: There were no operative and late mortalities. At discharge, the mean peak systolic pressure gradient across the RVOT was 14.1 ± 11.3 mmHg. There was no conduit valve regurgitation in nine patients. At the latest echocardiography (mean follow-up: 84.3 ± 35.5 months), the mean peak systolic pressure gradient across the RVOT was 59.7 ± 20.2 mmHg, and there was no conduit valve regurgitation in six patients. Freedom from conduit malfunction was 100% and 83.3%, at 1 and 8 years, respectively. Two conduits were explanted due to sternal compression and four from conduit malfunction. Freedom from explantation was 83.3% and 74.2% at 2 and 8 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ePTFE bicuspid valved conduit has good late function in terms of valve regurgitation, but the pressure gradient across the conduit increases with time, which is the main cause of conduit failure and explantation.

Right Ventricle-to-Pulmonary Artery Shunt in Pulmonary Atresia with a Ventricular Septal Defect: A Word of Caution.

The management of pulmonary atresia with a ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD) depends on the anatomy of the pulmonary artery or on the surgical strategy used at individual institutions. In our institution, we adopted a right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) shunt in 2011 as a palliative procedure for PA/VSD to overcome the disadvantages of a Blalock-Taussig shunt. We evaluated the results of the RV-PA shunt as initial palliative surgery for PA/VSD. Thirteen patients with ductus-dependent PA/VSD from August 2011 to August 2015 were enrolled. The mean age at surgery was 17.9 ± 15.3 (range 5-60) days, and the mean body weight was 2.9 ± 0.6 (range 2.2-4.0) kg. A Gore-Tex tube graft was used in all patients. We retrospectively observed intra- and postoperative complications, early and late mortality, and palliation duration to definitive repair. Left pulmonary artery angioplasty was performed as a concomitant procedure in three patients. There were no early hospital mortalities, although two inter-stage deaths occurred 34 and 47 days postoperatively: one patient died of aspiration and the other of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) pseudoaneurysm rupture. Two patients (15.4%) required the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support postoperatively: one because of failure to wean from a bypass caused by persistent hypoxemia and the other because of sudden massive bleeding from the RVOT suture line in the intensive care unit 2 days postoperatively. These two patients underwent second-stage definitive repair successfully. Five patients (41.7%) required catheter intervention, for juxtaductal left pulmonary artery stenosis in three patients, right pulmonary artery stenosis in one, and shunt inflow stenosis in one. Two patients (15.4%) required re-operation because of shunt inflow stenosis and RVOT pseudoaneurysm, respectively. All patients who survived the RV-PA shunt underwent total correction at a mean interval of 13.1 months. A RV-PA shunt is an option for the initial palliation of ductus-dependent PA/VSD. Major complications can occur, including RVOT pseudoaneurysm, shunt inflow stenosis, persistent hypoxemia during the immediate postoperative period, and dehiscence of the shunt anastomosis site. Caution should be taken when performing the RV-PA shunt for palliation of PA/VSD.

Branch pulmonary artery peel operation in a patient without a native intrapericardial pulmonary artery.

A patient with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries without an intrapericardial pulmonary artery (PA) underwent a one-stage total correction, including both branch PA reconstructions, with a bovine pericardial roll at the age of 42 months. She was readmitted 54 months after the operation because of extracardiac conduit bacterial endocarditis and pulmonary infarction. The bovine pericardial roll between the right and left PAs was enucleated, and the surrounding fibrotic tissue (peel) was used as a new branch PA vascular conduit. A cardiac catheterization performed 86 months after the peel operation showed no aneurysmal dilatation, stenosis, or thrombotic occlusion.

Left ventricular end-diastolic dimension as a predictive factor of outcomes in children with acute myocarditis.

In this study, we sought predictors of mortality in children with acute myocarditis and of incomplete recovery in the survivor group. We classified our patients into three groups according to their outcomes at last follow-up: full recovery was classified as group I, incomplete recovery was classified as group II, and death was classified as group III. In total, 55 patients were enrolled in the study: 33 patients in group I, 11 patients in group II, and 11 patients in group III. The initial left ventricular fractional shortening - left ventricular fractional shortening - was significantly lower in group III (p=0.001), and the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension z score was higher in groups II and III compared with group I (p=0.000). A multivariate analysis showed that the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension z score (odds ratio (OR), 1.251; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.004-1.559), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (OR, 9.842; 95% CI, 1.044-92.764), and epinephrine infusion (OR, 18.552; 95% CI, 1.759-195.705) were significant predictors of mortality. The left ventricular end-diastolic dimension z score was the only factor that predicted incomplete recovery in the survivor group (OR, 1.360; 95% CI, 1.066-1.734; p=0.013). The receiver operating characteristic curve of the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension z score at admission showed a cut-off level of 3.01 for predicting mortality (95% CI, 0.714-0.948). In conclusion, a high left ventricular end-diastolic dimension z score on admission was a significant predictor of worse outcomes, both regarding mortality and incomplete recovery.

Percutaneous closure of pseudoaneurysm in the left ventricle in a young child.

Pseudoaneurysm in the left ventricular outflow tract is a rare complication occurring after cardiac surgery. We report on the successful percutaneous device closure of a pseudoaneurysm in the left ventricular outflow tract, which developed in a 23-month-old girl after resection of a subaortic ridge. The pseudoaneurysm was closed using an Amplatzer Vascular Plug II.

Transposition Complex with Aortic Arch Obstruction: Outcomes of One-Stage Repair Over 10 Years.

The surgical management of transposition complex with aortic arch obstruction remains technically demanding due to anatomic complexity. Even in the recent surgical era, there are centers that address this anomaly with a staged strategy. This report presents our experiences with a one-stage repair of transposition complexes with aortic arch obstructions more than the last 10 years. Since 2003, 19 patients with a transposition of the great arteries (TGA, 2 patients) or a double outlet of the right ventricle (DORV, 17 patients) and aortic arch obstruction have undergone one-stage repair of their anomalies. The mean age was 6.7 ± 2.3 days, and the mean body weight was 3.4 ± 0.3 kg. The 2 patients with TGA exhibited coarctation of the aorta. The 17 patients with DORV all exhibited the Taussig-Bing type. The great artery relationships were anteroposterior in 4 patients (21.1%). The coronary artery anatomies were usual (1LCx; 2R) in 8 patients (42.1%). There were 2 early deaths (10.5%). Seven patients (36.8%) required percutaneous interventions. One patient required re-operation for pulmonary valvar stenosis and left pulmonary artery patch angioplasty. The overall survival was 84.2%. The freedom from mortality was 83.5% at 5 years, and the freedom from intervention was 54.4% at 5 years. The one-stage repair of transposition complexes with aortic arch obstructions resulted in an acceptable survival rate and a relatively high incidence of postoperative catheter interventions. Postoperative catheter interventions are highly effective. Transposition complexes combined with aortic arch obstructions can be managed by one-stage repair with good early and midterm results.

Persistent fifth aortic arch associated with aortic coarctation: a case of surgical correction without artificial material.

BACKGROUND: Persistent fifth aortic arch (PFAA) is a rare anomaly often associated with aortic coarctation or interruption, and various surgical techniques for this anomaly have been reported. Herein, we show a case of an infant with PFAA and severe aortic coarctation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-day-old female infant was admitted for sustained fever. Initially, the patient was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, and echocardiography showed PFAA with severe aortic coarctation. Because the patient presented progressive oliguria and metabolic acidosis, she was transferred for emergency cardiac surgical intervention. The aortic arch was reconstructed using end-to-side anastomosis between the fifth aortic arch and the descending aorta without any artificial conduit or patching material. CONCLUSIONS: PFAA with aortic coarctation can be repaired by various surgical methods. Among them, our surgical approach is easy and effective, has growth potential, and an additional surgery is not needed.

Is the pleating technique superior to the invaginating technique for plication of diaphragmatic eventration in infants?

BACKGROUNDS: The pleating technique is widely used in plication but is difficult to perform with thoracoscopy because of its complex procedure and the limited surgical space. Thus, the invaginating technique was introduced to facilitate thoracoscopic surgery and is now widely used in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) plication. However, the usefulness of the invaginating technique in children has not been established because of the lack of data on long-term outcomes after surgery using the technique. METHODS: From March 2007 to December 2017, 21 patients who were surgically treated for congenital diaphragmatic eventration and phrenic nerve palsy after congenital cardiac surgery were divided into 2 groups according to the surgical method used (pleating technique: 10 patients, invaginating technique: 11 patients). We evaluated the patients for postoperative outcomes and recurrence of diaphragmatic eventration over 5 years. Postoperative recurrence of diaphragmatic eventration was confirmed by calculating the ratio of the eventration level between the eventrated and normal diaphragms. RESULTS: In the 21 patients who underwent diaphragmatic plication, the pleating and invaginating techniques were used in 10 and 11 patients, respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 63.4 ±â€¯48.4 months (pleating group [P] vs invaginating group [I]: 89.1 ±â€¯52.4 vs 40.1 ±â€¯30.8 months, p = 0.022). The mean eventration rates in the 21 patients was 26.7% ±â€¯9.1% (P vs I: 26.6% ±â€¯6.1% vs 26.9% ±â€¯11.3%, p = 0.945) before operation and -2.1% ±â€¯7.3% (-2.8% ±â€¯7.5% vs -1.5% ±â€¯7.4%, p = 0.695) in the immediate postoperative period. From the first to the fifth postoperative year, no recurrence of diaphragmatic eventration was found in any of the groups during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The invaginating technique was easier to perform but showed a similar long-term result as compared with the pleating technique in terms of the growth and development of the chest cavity in the pediatric patients in this study. Thus, we recommend that the invaginating technique be applied in VATS plication for children as an alternative to the pleating technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Congenital left atrial appendage aneurysm diagnosed by fetal echocardiography.

A newborn infant was evaluated because of a large cystic mass adjacent to the left atrium on prenatal ultrasound. The diagnosis was an aneurysm of the left atrial appendage. Most cases of this rare lesion are recognized between the 2nd and 4th decades of life. The present case, however, was detected on fetal echocardiography. The patient showed significant mitral regurgitation caused by the compression of the left atrioventricular groove. Simple aneurysmectomy without mitral valvuloplasty was sufficient to relieve significant mitral regurgitation in this case.

[Application of Three-Dimensional Printed Models in Congenital Heart Surgery: Surgeon's Perspective]. / ì„ ì²œì„± 심기형의 ìˆ˜ìˆ ì— 있어서 삼차원 í”„ë¦°íŒ ëª¨ë¸ì˜ ì ìš©: 심장외과의사의 ê´€ì .

To treat congenital heart disease, it is important to understand the anatomical structure correctly. Three-dimensional (3D) printed models of the heart effectively demonstrate the structural features of congenital heart disease. Occasionally, the exact characteristics of complex cardiac malformations are difficult to identify on conventional computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiography, and the use of 3D printed models can help overcome their limitations. Recently, 3D printed models have been used for congenital heart disease education, preoperative simulation, and decision-making processes. In addition, we will pave the way for the development of this technology in the future and discuss various aspects of its use, such as the development of surgical techniques and training of cardiac surgeons.

Erratum: Application of Three Dimensional Printed Models in Congenital Heart Surgery: Surgeon's Perspective.

[This corrects the article on p. 310 in vol. 81.].

7-Ketocholesterol upregulates interleukin-6 via mechanisms that are distinct from those of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, in vascular smooth muscle cells.

This study investigated the effects of 7-ketocholesterol on interleukin (IL)-6 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Among the 7 IL examined, only IL-6 transcript was increased by 7-ketocholesterol treatment in human aorta smooth muscle cells. IL-6 transcripts increased up to 24 h after treatment with 7-ketocholesterol, and this effect was profoundly repressed by treatment with p38 MAPK inhibitors and to a lesser extent JNK inhibitors. 7alpha-Hydroxycholesterol, 27-hydroxycholesterol or cholesterol, however, did not induce IL-6 expression. Mechanisms of IL-6 induction by 7-ketocholesterol were investigated in comparison with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Whereas TNF-alpha activated IL-6 promoter, which was impaired by p38 MAPK inhibitors or by mutation in the NF-kappaB-binding site within the promoter region, 7-ketocholesterol did not affect IL-6 promoter activity. Instead, this oxysterol slowed degradation of IL-6 mRNA and increased the amount of cytoplasmic HuR. 7-ketocholesterol significantly increased the amount of intracellular IL-6 protein in the presence of brefeldin A. 7-Ketocholesterol also enhanced IL-6 release from VSMC. IL-6 release by 7-ketocholesterol, although significant, was not as remarkable as that induced by TNF-alpha. These data suggest that 7-ketocholesterol upregulates IL-6 via mechanisms distinct from TNF-alpha and contributes to the intra- and extracellular IL-6 deposits within the vasculature.