Comparison on short-term safety outcomes between off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting by experienced surgeons: a single center study with 31 075 cases / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To compare the short-term outcomes between off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) by experienced surgeons with similar surgical team in a single large-volume cardiac surgery center. Methods: A total of 31 075 patients with multivessel coronary disease who underwent isolated off-pump or on-pump CABG between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2019 by experienced surgeons in Fuwai hospital were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients was divided into on-pump CABG group and on-pump CABG group on an intention-to treat basis. Short term safety endpoints, including 30 days mortality, composite endpoint of major morbidity or mortality, prolonged postoperative length of stay (PLOS), and prolonged ICU length of stay (PICULOS), and distal anastomosis were compared between the two groups. Mortality was evaluated on 30 days post operation, other endpoints were collected before discharge. After 1∶1 propensity-score matching of baseline characteristics for on-pump and off-pump CABG, postoperative endpoints were compared with use of McNemar's test and further adjusted with the use of a logistic regression model. Results: After propensity-score matching, 10 243 matched pairs of patients were included in the final analysis, there were 4 605(22.5%) females and mean age was (60.7±8.6) years. The standardized differences were less than 5% for all baseline variables in matched cohort. Univariate analysis indicated lower risk of 30 days mortality (0.2% vs. 0.7%, P<0.001), major morbidity or mortality (5.7% vs. 8.8%, P<0.001), PLOS (3.2% vs. 4.9%, P<0.001), PICULOS (9.4% vs. 12.2, P<0.001), and lower number of distal anastomosis ((3.3±0.8) vs. (3.6±0.8), P<0.001) in off-pump CABG group than in on-pump CABG group. After adjustment of cofounders, multivariate analysis showed that off-pump CABG was still associated with a lower risk of 30 days mortality (OR=0.29, 95%CI: 0.09-0.87, P=0.027), composite endpoint of major morbidity or mortality (OR=0.60, 95%CI: 0.53-0.68, P<0.001), PLOS (OR=0.64, 95%CI 0.54-0.75, P<0.001), PICULOS (OR=0.76, 95%CI: 0.69-0.84, P<0.001). Conclusions: Off-pump CABG is related with superior short-term safety outcomes than on-pump CABG by experienced surgeons in our center.

Clinical Efficacy and Outcome of Modified Extended Morrow Procedure in Children With Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy / 中国循环杂志

Objectives: Modified extended Morrow procedure for treatment of children with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a complicated and challenging procedure. Our study sought to assess the effect and outcome of modified extended Morrow procedure in children with HOCM. Methods: From January 2010 to July 2017, 50 consecutive pediatric (age≤14 years) patients with HOCM underwent transaortic modified extended Morrow procedure in Fuwai Hospital. Clinical data of these patients were analyzed retrospectively. Pre-operative and post-operative echocardiography data were analyzed, including left atrial size, left ventricular end diastolic diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular outflow tract peak pressure, ventricular septal thickness, mitral systolic anterior motion and grade of mitral regurgitation. Results: Mean age at the time of operation was (84.4±57.7) month (6 month -14 year). Mean body weight at the time of surgery was (28.4±20.7) kg (4.3-92.0) kg. There were 2 deaths after the operation. Three patients had postoperative complete heart block and received permanent pacemaker implantation. After myectomy, left ventricular outflow tract gradient decreased from (74.8±25.0) mmHg to (19.6±17.3) mmHg (P<0.001); the postoperative thickness of ventricular septum decreased from (21.2±9.7) mm to (14.3±6.7) mm (P<0.001); mitral regurgitation degree reduced from 2.2±1.0 to 0.67±0.72, P<0.001). Concomitant surgical procedures were required in 22 patients (44.0%). There was no late death during a follow-up of (27.7±14.0) months. Patients' symptoms were significantly improved post operation and all surviving patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II during follow-up. Conclusions: Modified extended Morrow procedure is safe and effective in children with HOCM, post-procedural clinical outcome is excellent, and this procedure can significantly improve the quality of 1ife and the long-term prognosis in these patients.

Efficacy of Extended Myectomy on Reducing Mitral Regurgitation in Patients With Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy / 中国循环杂志

Objectives:To analyze the impact of extended myectomy on reducing mitral regurgitation in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 480 consecutive HOCM patients who underwent surgical treatment by the same surgeon in our institution from October 2002 to July 2017. The efficacy of extended myectomy for reducing mitral regurgitation and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction were evaluated by echocardiography after surgery. Results:Among the 480 patients, 22 (4.6%) received concomitant mitral repair or replacement because of their intrinsic mitral diseases. In the remaining 458 (95.4%) patients without concomitant mitral valve surgery, 1 (0.2%) died at the 5th day after surgery because of infective shock, and another 4 (0.9%) lost to follow-up, a total of 453 (98.9%) patients underwent echocardiographic follow-up (median follow-up time:6 months [3, 12]). During follow-up, left ventricular out flow tract gradient was significantly decreased from (89.1±30.6) to (12.8±11.6) mmHg (P＜0.001); the number of patients with systolic anterior motion (SAM) of mitral leaflets decreased from 451(98.5%) to 42 (9.3%) (P＜0.001); 297 (64.8%) patients presented with moderate or severe mitral regurgitation before surgery, which decreased to 14 (3.1%) at follow-up (P＜0.001); the multivariate regression analysis showed that patients with residual SAM were significantly associated with a higher incidence of moderate to severe mitral regurgitation during follow-up (odds ratio 30.334, 95% confidence interval:5.619-163.739, P＜0.001). Conclusions:Extended myectomy, combined with dividing the anomalous links between mitral apparatus and septum, and trimming papillary muscles, yields satisfactory outcomes of relieving LVOT obstruction and reducing mitral regurgitation in most of patients with HOCM. Concomitant mitral valve surgery is rarely required unless the patient have intrinsic mitral valve disease.

Clinical features and management of complete heart block after transaortic extended septal myectomy in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the clinical features, precaution and management of complete heart block (CHB) after transaortic extended septal myectomy operation (extended Morrow procedure) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From October 1996 to December 2011, 10[6 men; mean age (45.4 ± 15.8) years, range 13-60 years] out of 160 consecutive HOCM patients underwent extended Morrow procedure developed CHB postoperatively. Their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline transthoracic echocardiography showed that the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradients was from 68 to 149 (105.1 ± 25.9) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa), ECG showed right bundle branch block in 5 patients and atrial fibrillation, atrial premature beats or ST-T segment changes in other 5 patients. Besides extended Morrow procedure, concomitant surgical procedures included mitral valve replacement (MVR) in 2 (2/10) and MVR plus coronary artery bypass grafting in another 2 (2/10) patients. Follow-up data were obtained by subsequent clinic visits in outpatient department and telephone interviews.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The in-hospital mortality was 20% (these two patients died of low cardiac output syndrome and multiple organs failure). Four patients underwent MVR simultaneously survived the operation. Postoperative echocardiography demonstrated a reduced LVOT gradient[(13.6 ± 9.7) mm Hg, P < 0.001]. Permanent pacemakers were implanted in all 8 survived patients at 6 days to 7 months after operation. No other severe complications were observed. During follow-up [from 4 to 72 (19.4 ± 22.1) months], there was no death, 1 patient readmitted to our center at 71 months post operation to change the pacemaker because of low voltage of previously implanted pacemaker. Physical capacity and quality of life improved significantly post operation in these 8 patients. The NYHA functional class remained at I-II post operation and during follow up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>CHB is a severe complication after extended Morrow procedure for patients with HOCM and timely permanent pacemaker implantation is mandatory for patients with post procedure CHB.</p>

Risk factors for hypertension and impact of postoperative hypertension on medium survival after heart transplantation / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To access the prevalence and risk factors for hypertension after heart transplantation (HT), and the impact of post-transplant hypertension on medium-term survival among HT patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data from 265 consecutive patients underwent HT between June 2004 and May 2012 in Fuwai hospital and survived for at least 6 months were retrospectively analyzed. Hypertension was defined as systolic pressure ≥ 140 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) and/or diastolic pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg or current treatment with antihypertensive drugs. Patients were divided into post-HT hypertension group and non-hypertension group. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine preoperative and postoperative risk factors for hypertension after HT. Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test were used for survival analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Hypertension was present in 17.4% (46/265) patients before HT and in 57.4% (152/265) patients post HT. The median follow-up time was 37 months (20 - 57 months). Logistic regression analysis showed that male gender (OR: 2.27, 95%CI: 1.16 - 4.42, P < 0.05), history of pre-HT hypertension (OR: 2.22, 95%CI: 1.05 - 4.71, P < 0.05), and cyclosporine A based immunosuppressive therapy (OR: 2.54, 95%CI: 1.51 - 4.29, P < 0.01) were independent risk factors for the development of post-HT hypertension. At the end of 1, 3, 5 years, the survival rate of heart transplant patients by Kaplan-Meier method estimation were 100%, 97.2%, 86.7% in post-HT hypertension group; 98.1%, 93.8%, 93.8% in non-hypertension group. Log rank test displayed that there was no significant difference between the two survival curves (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Hypertension is a frequent comorbidity after HT. Male gender, pre-HT hypertension together with cyclosporine A based immunosuppressive therapy are independent predictors for the development of post-HT hypertension. By adjusting the controllable risk factors and active control of blood pressure, the medium-term survival is similar between patients with or without postoperative hypertension in this cohort.</p>

Sirolimus use in heart transplantation recipients with chronic renal dysfunction / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of sirolimus-based immunosuppression administered on heart transplant recipients with chronic renal dysfunction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2004 to December 2008, standard calcineurin inhibitors (CNI)-based immunosuppressive regimen was changed to reduced-dose CNI plus sirolimus due to CNI-related chronic renal dysfunction in 20 out of 138 cardiac transplant recipients at Fuwai Hospital. The standard immunosuppressive regimen included steroid, CNI (cyclosporine or tacrolimus), and mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine. Sirolimus was started at 0.75 - 1.50 mg/d with titration to achieve levels of 5 - 15 µg/L, and CNI dose was reduced gradually to 1/2-2/3 of the baseline level. Patients were followed for changes in renal function, lipid level and clinical side effects related to immunosuppressive therapy. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) was performed routinely at 3 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months after transplantation. EMB was also performed at 3 months after regimen change within 1 year post-transplantation or when rejections were suspected in patients beyond 1 year post-transplantation. Echocardiography was performed for monitoring purpose.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean follow-up after regimen change was (7.9 ± 6.3) months. Final sirolimus dose was (0.89 ± 0.22) mg/d and blood drug level was (7.6 ± 3.8)µg/L. Cyclosporine dose was reduced from (191.7 ± 60.0) mg/d to (123.6 ± 34.8) mg/d, with blood drug concentration reduced from (175.5 ± 58.0) µg/L to (111.9 ± 56.0) µg/L in 18 patients (P < 0.01). Tacrolimus average dose was reduced from 4.25 mg/d to 3.00 mg/d, with blood drug concentration reduced from 13.5 µg/L to 10.5 µg/L in 2 patients. Serum creatinine level fell from (160.4 ± 25.5) µmol/L to (134.4 ± 26.8) µmol/L (P < 0.01) and urea nitrogen fell from (13.8 ± 4.7) µmol/L to (10.4 ± 3.0) µmol/L (P < 0.01) at one month after regimen change. Twenty two EMBs were performed in 11 patients within 1 year post-transplant, there were 4 episodes of acute rejected (ISHLT grade 2). Twenty patients are all alive and cardiac function was normal. The most common side effect was hyperlipidemia, and triglycerides, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels were significantly increased at 1 month post regimen change (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Leukocyte, hemoglobin and platelet as well as liver function remained unchanged at 1 month post regimen change (all P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results show that change from CNI-based immunosuppressive regimen to reduced-dose CNI plus sirolimus is an effective and safe approach for the management of patients with CNI-related chronic renal dysfunction, leading to an improvement in renal function without compromise in anti-rejection efficacy and with tolerable side effects.</p>

Redoing a bioprosthetic tricuspid valve replacement with pacemaker wire through the ruined bioprosthetic valve orifice / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Severe tricuspid regurgitation with permanent pacemaker wire passing through the orifice of bioprosthetic tricuspid valve is extremely rare. We present a case of such kind of patient and redid bioprosthetic tricuspid valve replacement. A hawk mouth forceps for bone surgery was used to cut off the mental ring of ruined bioprosthetic tricuspid valve and the ruined valve was removed. A new bioprosthetic tricuspid valve was implanted and the wire of permanent pacemaker was left outside the ring of bioprosthetic tricuspid valve. This method may be helpful for such kind of patient.

Coronary artery bypass grafting for Kawasaki disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Kawasaki disease (KD) is the leading cause of pediatric ischemic heart disease. The incidence of serious coronary sequelae is low and about 2% - 3% of patients with KD, but once myocardial infarction occurs in children, the mortality is quite high and 22% at the first infarction.This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with KD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eight patients with a history of KD underwent CABG between October 1997 and July 2005. The number of bypass grafts placed was 2 to 4 per patient (mean 2.5 +/- 0.8). Various bypass grafts were used in patients, i.e. the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) in 3 patients, bilateral internal mammary artery (IMA) in 2 patients, LIMA plus gastroepiploic artery (GEA) in 1 patient and total saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) in 2 patients. The combined procedures included ventricular aneurysmectomy in 1 patient, mitral valve plasty in 1 and right coronary aneurysmectomy in 1. One patient was not able to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), after being supported with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), the patient was weaned from CPB successfully.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>One patient died of low cardiac output syndrome and acute renal failure 19 days after operation. Other patients recovered and were discharged uneventfully. During the follow-up that ranged from 3 to 57 months (mean 27 months), clincal angina disappeared or improved. Cardiac function was in Class I - II (NYHA).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CABG is a safe and effective procedure for Kawasaki coronary artery disease. However long-term results need to be followed up.</p>

Estimated glomerular filtration rate as a risk factor for long-term survival in Chinese renal insufficiency patients after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the eGFR as a risk factor for long-term (4-year) outcome in Chinese renal insufficiency patients after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at our institution.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 1999 to September 2003, 3371 consecutive patients who underwent isolated CABG were retrospectively reviewed. Of these patients, 549 (16.29%) patients were female, 1979 (58.71%) patients with hypertension, 866 (25.69%) patients with diabetes, 1130 (33.52%) patients with hyperlipidemia, 1011 (29.99%) patients with left main stenosis > 50%, and 1150 (34.11%) patients undergoing off-pump procedures. The mean age was (60 +/- 9) years old. Estimated GFR was calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault formula. The main outcomes were in-hospital mortality, in-hospital morbidity and long-term mortality. COX analysis was used in this study.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 649 patients with glomerular filtration rate estimates < 60 ml/(min.1.73 m(2)) and 2722 patients with glomerular filtration rate estimates > 60 ml/(min.1.73 m(2)). The in-hospital mortality and follow-up mortality was higher in the estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/(min.1.73 m(2)) group (2.77% vs. 0.77%, P < 0.01), (6.81% vs. 2.63%, P < 0.01). The COX analysis result confirmed eGFR < 60 ml/(min.1.73 m(2)), derived using the Cockcroft-Gault formula (HR: 1.948, 95%CI: 1.357 to 2.797, P < 0.01) was an independent risk factor for long-term mortality in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/(min.1.73 m(2)) derived using the Cockcroft-Gault formula is an independent risk factor for long-term mortality in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.</p>

Left ventricular reconstruction with no-patch technique: early and late clinical outcomes / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Few studies have evaluated late clinical outcome of no-patch technique in patients with large left ventricular aneurysms. The objectives of this study were to evaluate a no-patch surgical technique to reconstruct the left ventricle in patients with left ventricular aneurysm and to assess early and late clinical outcomes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In 1995, we began using a no-patch technique in patients with dyskinetic left ventricular aneurysms. A total of 145 patients underwent left ventricular reconstruction with this technique and were followed up for (59 ± 29) months (range, 1 - 127 months). Risk factors for early mortality were analyzed by bivariate analyses. Cox's proportional hazards model was used to calculate risk factors for all-cause mortality and hospital readmission. Kaplan-Meier methodology was used to analyze late survival.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>One week after operation, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter had decreased from (61 ± 8) mm to (55 ± 8) mm, and geometry of the left ventricle was restored to a more normal conical shape. Early mortality was 3% and late mortality 11%. Over a 5-year follow-up period, hospital readmission was 28%. One-, 5-, and 10-year survival estimates were 95% (95% confidence interval (CI) 91% - 99%), 86% (95%CI 78% - 94%), and 74% (95%CI 60% - 88%). Readmission-free survival at 1 and 5 years after operation was 87% (95%CI 81% - 93%) and 60% (95%CI 50% - 70%), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The no-patch technique for left ventricular reconstruction is an effective and simple procedure that can achieve satisfactory early and late clinical outcomes in patients with left ventricular aneurysms.</p>

Value of estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine for predicting long-term survival in Chinese patients after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the predictive value of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault formula or the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) equation and serum creatinine for in-hospital and long-term mortality post coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 5559 consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG were retrospectively analyzed. The main outcomes were in-hospital mortality and long-term mortality. Estimated GFR was calculated by the Cockcroft-Gault formula and MDRD equation respectively. Receiver-operating characteristic curves and Cox's analysis were used for the comparison.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Follow-up was complete in 5485 patients (97.6%). Analysis of receiver-operating characteristic curves showed that GFR estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault formula had a maximal accuracy for predicting in-hospital mortality (area under the curve: 0.755, P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic analysis and the Cox's analysis results indicated estimated GFR < 60 mlxmin(-1)x1.73 m(-2) base on the Cockcroft-Gault formula was an independent risk factor for in-hospital and long-term mortality (hazard ratio 4.51 for in-hospital mortality, P < 0.01; hazard ratio 1.54 for long-term mortality, P < 0.01), both Cockcroft-Gault formula and MDRD equation were superior to serum creatinine for predicting in-hospital and long-term mortality post CABG.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GFR estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault formula was superior to GFR estimated by the MDRD equation for predicting in-hospital mortality, and estimated GFR was superior to serum creatinine for predicting in-hospital and long-term mortality.</p>

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for treatment of cardiorespiratory function failure in adult patients / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the experience on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in adult patients with cardiac failure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From February 2005 to June 2008, 45 patients (male 34, female 11) undergoing cardiogenic shock required temporary ECMO support. Average age was (49.0 +/- 14.1) years. Average body weight was (67.0 +/- 12.8) kg. Coronary heart disease occupied in 21 cases, valve disease occupied in 8 cases, and cardiomyopathy occupied in 7 cases. All the patients could be divided into 3 groups: post-cardiotomy (group 1, n = 31), post-transplantation (group 2, n = 5), decompensate of chronic heart failure (group 3, n = 9). Fourteen patients need cardiac resuscitation before ECMO support. ECMO implantation was performed through the femoral vessels or axillary artery or through the right atrium and ascending aorta.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Average support duration of ECMO was (126.7 +/- 104.3) h. Twenty-seven patients could be successfully weaned from support (60.0%), additionally, 5 were bridged to heart transplantation. The in-hospital mortality was 42.2% (19/45). Twenty-six patients (57.8%) could be successfully discharged. The discharge rate was 58.1% in group 1, 4/5 in group 2 and was 4/9 in group 3. Twelve patients were re-operated for hemostasis. Three patients need femoral arterial thrombectomy because of ischemia of lower extremity. Additional intra-aortic balloon pumps were used in 11 patients, with 6 patients successfully discharged. The mortality rate for patients with acute renal failure treated by continuous renal replacement therapy under ECMO support was obviously high (7/9). The dominant mode of death was multisystem organ failure (9/19).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Early indication, control of complications, and paying attention to the treatment after ECMO support could improve our results with increasing experience.</p>

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the peri-operative period of heart transplantation / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize and analyze clinical outcomes and experience about using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in supporting heart transplant patients in the peri-operative period of in Fuwai Hospital retrospectively.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We performed 131 orthotopic heart transplantations from June 2004 to December 2008. Fourteen cases used veno-artery ECMO (Medtronic Ltd) for mechanical circulatory support in the peri-operative period of heart transplantation. Active clotting time(ACT) was maintained between 160 - 200 seconds, mean blood flow was 1.8 - 3.3 L/min during ECMO assistant period.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twelve survivals discharged with NYHAI, two patients died of multiple orgen failure with severe infection and complication of central nervous system. The ECMO time was 75 - 824 h and mean time 149 h. 12 survivals with ECMO assistance decreases the dose of vasoactive drugs, after bedside UCG evaluating heart function recovery with stable circulation, ECMO could be weaned off uneventfully after 100 h. Five patients with seven times bleeding complication and one patient with catheter-associated arterial thrombosis of distal limb, all ECMO patients with low-albuminemia and hyperbilirubinemia at some degree, eleven patients with increasing blood creatine and five patients were treated with continous renal replacement therapy, one patient with pertinacious hyperbilirubinemia was treated with plasma exchange and molecular absorbent recirculating system. Seven patients were extension incision healing and six patients were tracheotomy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ECMO can bridge patients with end-stage heart failure to heart transplant, and extend the use of marginal donors, grasp the ECMO indication and timing of application, avoiding irreversible dysfunction of the vital organs and preventing complication during ECMO, ECMO may decrease mortality of severe patients in the peri-operative period of heart transplantation.</p>

Mechanical circulation support as emergency bridging for heart transplantation / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the experience of patients in acute cardiogenic shock required insertion of mechanical circulation support devices (MCS) before undergoing standard pretransplant evaluations.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From February 2005 to August 2007, 10 patients including 7 male and 3 female required emergency bridging placement of MCS. Average age was (40 +/- 16.2) years old. Mean body weight was (70.8 +/- 18.1) kg. There were 5 patients of dilated cardiomyopathy, 2 patients of arrhythmic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, 2 patients of ischemic cardiomyopathy and 1 patient of end-stage valvular heart disease. All patients were accompanied with acute decompensation of congestive heart failure. Before implantation of MCS, all patients received treatment of three or more inotropic drugs at maximal dosages, 6 patients suffered from ventricular tachycardia, 4 patients required cardio-pulmonary resuscitation treatment and 3 patients suffered from definite function defect of liver and kidney. MCS included ECMO for 8 patients, BVS5000 and MEDOS for 1 patient respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The duration of MCS supporting was 3 to 44 d with a mean of (11.5 +/- 13.9) d. Four patients were successfully supported for getting heart transplantation, 1 patient received kidney transplantation simultaneously. Two patients recovered from acute heart failure, discharged and remained on regular heart transplantation list. One patient died from cerebral embolism after 44 days' support and 1 died from multiple organ failure after 3 days' support. Because of severe infection, MCS treatment of 2 patients was terminated ahead of schedule by their family and the patients were lost finally.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The use of MCS devices for acute catastrophic situation appears warranted despite the abbreviated transplant evaluations. It is important for improving the outcomes with beginning MCS support before multiple organ system failure occurs, and accurately identifying individuals who can benefit from MCS.</p>

Association between preoperative pulmonary hypertension and postoperative right ventricular function in heart transplant patients / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the relationship between preoperative pulmonary artery pressure and postoperative right ventricular function in heart transplant patients.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>A total of 54 heart transplant patients were divided to two groups: group I (n = 34): preoperative pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (sPAP) > or = 45 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) [(60 +/- 12) mm Hg]; group II (n = 20): sPAP < 45 mm Hg [(25 +/- 9) mm Hg]. Cardiac index (CI), pulmonary circulation resistance (PVR) and CVP were measured preoperatively and up to 60 hours post operation by Swan-Ganz catheter. The extent of tricuspid regurgitation at preoperation and 3, 7, 14, 21, 30 days post operation was evaluated by bedside echocardiography. Postoperative pulmonary hypertension was treated by diuresis, nitrates, Ilomedin 20 and hemofiltration (CRRT).</p><p><b>RESULT</b>All patients survived the operation. Preoperative PVR was significantly higher in group I patients than that of group II patients [(358 +/- 150) dyn x s(-1) x cm(-5) vs. (140 +/- 68) dyn x s(-1) x cm(-5), P < 0.01]. Right heart insufficiency early post operation was more often in group I patients than that in group II patients (70.6% vs. 35.0%, P < 0.05). The PVR was higher and tricuspid regurgitation extent severer in group II than group I early post operation and were similar 30 days post operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Post operative right heart insufficiency was associated to preoperative pulmonary hypertension in heart transplant patients.</p>

Surgical outcome and clinical follow-up in patients with symptomatic myocardial bridging / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Myocardial bridging with systolic compression of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) may be associated with myocardial ischaemia. The clinical outcome in patients with surgical treatment for symptomatic myocardial bridging remains undetermined. This study assessed the middle- and long-term results of surgical treatment for symptomatic myocardial bridging.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From 1997 to 2006, 37,463 patients received selective coronary angiography in the Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital, Beijing, China. Of these, 484 patients had angiographic diagnosis of myocardial bridging. Of the 484 patients, 35 underwent surgery for treatment of myocardial bridging with significant systolic arterial compression. Among the surgical treatment patients, 24 presented with other cardiac disorders, and the remaining 11 symptomatic patients with isolated myocardial bridging were included in the follow-up study.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The angiographic prevalence of myocardial bridging was 1.3% in this study. The coronary angiographies of the 11 patients revealed myocardial bridging in the middle segment of LAD causing systolic compression > or = 75% (ranging from 75% to 90%). The mean age of patients was 48.4 years. Surgical myotomy was performed in 3 patients and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 8 patients. Eight patients were operated on with an off-pump approach and 3 with a cardiopulmonary bypass technique after median sternotomy. Conversion to on-pump CABG surgery was necessary in 1 patient because of perforation of the right ventricle. The left internal mammary artery was used in all patients with CABG. The acute clinical success rate was 100% with respect to the absence of myocardial infarction, death or other major in-hospital complications. All of the patients were followed up clinically. The median follow-up was 35.3 months (range: 6 to 120 months). Nine patients were free from symptoms and one of them continued taking beta blockers. The remaining 2 patients with myotomy had atypical chest pain. One received coronary angiography again and no stenosis was found two years after operation; while exercise testing was performed in the other patient and revealed no evidence of myocardial ischaemia. None of the patients sustained a myocardial infarction or other major adverse cardiac events (death or vessel revascularization) during follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Myocardial bridging is a relatively common angiographic finding. Surgical myotomy or CABG should be limited to patients who are refractory to oral medication. Surgical relief of myocardial ischaemia due to systolic compression of intramyocardial coronary arteries can be accomplished with low operative risk and excellent middle- and long-term results.</p>

The safety and efficacy of basiliximab as induction agent in preventing early acute rejection in Chinese cardiac transplantation receipts / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the safety and efficacy of basiliximab as induction agent in preventing early acute rejection post heart transplantation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Basiliximab (20 mg, iv) was administered one hour before and 4 days post operation to patients (n = 47) underwent heart transplantation between June 2004 and Feb 2005 in our department. Intravenous methylprednisolone (500 mg at operation beginning and repeated immediately post operation, followed by 125 mg every 8 hours for the first day). Prednisone was then initiated at 1 mg.kg(-1).d(-1) tapered 10 mg every 3 days to 10 mg/d. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF, 0.5 - 1.0 g twice daily) was also administered post intubation, oral Cyclosporine A (CsA, 3 to 6 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)) was prescribed after transplantation if serum creatinine was < 150 micromol/L. The dose of CsA was individually adjusted to achieve a target serum concentration of 180 - 300 ng/ml. Endomyocardial biopsies were performed 3 weeks (19.7 +/- 9.6) d post heart transplantation. Biopsy specimens were graded according to the standardized criteria of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT). Echocardiograms were routinely performed weekly within the first 3 weeks post-operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All 47 consecutive patients [mean age (44.9 +/- 13.4) years, range 13 - 63 years, 38 men] survived the operation and the underlying diseases was idiopathic cardiomyopathy (42.5%), ischemic heart disease (25.5%), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (17.0%), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (4.2%), heart tumor (4.25%), valve heart disease (2.1%), hypertensive cardiomyopathy (2.1%) and giant cell myocarditis (2.1%). There were 4 patients with pre-operation PRA > 10% and CDC was less than 5% in all patients. The grades of the acute rejection in biopsy specimens were as follow: Grade (G) 0 in 30 (63.8%), G IA in 11 (23.4%), G IB in 3 (6.3%) and GII in 3 (6.3%) patients. The average dose of MMF was (1.2 +/- 0.3) g/d. The initial time of receiving CsA was (3.4 +/- 2.1) day post operation. The average cumulative dose of CsA was (4.1 +/- 1.2) mg.kg(-1).d(-1) before endomyocardial biopsy. The average serum concentration of CsA was (237.0 +/- 76.2) ng/ml. Left ventricular ejection fraction assessed by echocardiogram was normal in all patients within the first 3 weeks. Five patients suffered from respiratory infections and recovered post antibiotic and symptomatic therapies.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Basiliximab as induction agent in combination with conventional triple immunosuppressive therapy is safe and effective in preventing acute rejection in Chinese cardiac transplantation receipts.</p>

Comparison between pre- and post-transplant diagnosis of end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the discrepancy between pre- and post-transplant diagnosis of end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy, a pre-transplantation diagnosis was compared with the diagnosis made after macroscopic and microscopic examination of the explanted hearts in 40 cardiac transplant recipients who had undergone cardiac transplantation at our institute.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Pre-operation echocardiograms were obtained in all patients and coronary angiogram was obtained in 9 patients who had significant risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD was considered present when there was a 75% reduction in cross-sectional luminal area of >or= 1 major coronary artery. Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) was diagnosed when ventricular dilation and global reduction in ventricular systolic function were present in the absence of any identifiable cause. IDC patients with an alcohol consumption of > 100 g/day during the last 12 months before the onset of congestive heart failure were classified as having alcoholic cardiomyopathy. The pathological diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy was formulated in the presence of gross/or histological evidence of regional or diffuse transmural fatty or fibrofatty infiltration of the right ventricular free wall.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Before transplantation, 45.0%, 17.5%, 17.5% and 7.5% of patients were classified as IDC, CHD, alcoholic cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Post-transplant CHD diagnosis was made in all patients with a pre-transplant diagnosis of CHD. Post-transplant CHD diagnosis was also established in 4 patients with a pre-transplant diagnosis of IDC, in 4 patients with presumptive alcoholic cardiomyopathy, in 1 patient with hypertensive cardiomyopathy and in 1 patient with a pre-transplant diagnosis of aortic valve disease. Post-transplant arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy diagnosis was made in 6 patients with a pre-transplant diagnosis of IDC or KaShan disease. Post-transplant giant cell myocarditis diagnosis was made in 1 patient with a pre-transplant diagnosis of IDC.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Post-transplant CHD diagnosis is significantly higher than that of pre-transplant (42.5% vs. 17.5%, P < 0.05). Part of these patients might benefit from bypass surgery or PCI. Therefore, "in-depth" search for a heart failure cause, especially the coronary angiography examination, should be conducted in all heart transplantation candidates due to heart failure, regardless of their clinical presentation.</p>

Results of surgical correction in patients with anomalous origin of the coronary artery from the pulmonary artery / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate effectiveness of surgical correction in patients with anomalous origin of the coronary artery from the pulmonary artery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Between April 1999 and August 2005, 12 patients with anomalous origin of the coronary artery from the pulmonary artery underwent surgical correction. There were 8 patients with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA), and 4 patients with anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ARCAPA). Eight patients underwent direct aortic reimplantation, and 4 patients underwent a Takeuchi procedure (intrapulmonary artery baffle with an autologous pericardial patch). Simultaneous mitral annuloplasty was performed in 7 patients of ALCAPA with moderate and severe mitral regurgitation. One patient of ARCAPA was associated with an atrial septal defect (ASD) which was closed with an amplatzer septal occluder through right atrium under transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) without CPB.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were neither early and late deaths nor postoperative complications. Follow-up of all patients ranged from 7 to 83 months (mean, 32 +/- 24 months). The left ventricular function after operation improved from a preoperative fractional shortening (FS) of 0.21 +/- 0.09 to 0.35 +/- 0.06 (P = 0.006) for patients with ALCAPA. Preoperative mitral regurgitation decreased in 7 patients of ALCAPA after mitral annuloplasty at the follow-up. All patients were doing well and their exercise tolerance improved to normal. They were free from symptoms.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Reestablishment of a two-coronary system is necessary for patients with anomalous origin of the coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. The left ventricular function improved after 2-coronary repair. We recommend that the simultaneous mitral annuloplasty should be performed at the time of operation for patients who have moderate and severe mitral regurgitation with ALCAPA. Surgical correction of ARCAPA and ARCAPA show good early and mid-term results, long-term results need to be followed up.</p>

Surgical treatment of giant coronary artery aneurysm / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the clinical features and surgical treatments of giant coronary artery aneurysm (CAA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From July 1996 to October 2004, 6 giant CAA patients were underwent surgery at Fuwai hospital. Three cases were underwent CAA resection, 2 concomitant coronary bypass, 3 reconstruction. The giant CAA was often combined with other cardiac diseases. Four cases underwent additional procedures of fistula closure, 3 aortic valve replacements, 2 aortoplasty and 1 thrombus cleaning at the same time.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients recovered uneventfully. The mean of cardiopulmonary bypass time was (144 +/- 26) min (range 67 to 207 min). Aortic cross clamping time was (104 +/- 21) min (range 56 to 172 min). Patients follow-up time occurred from 8 to 87 months (mean of 48 months). All patients were free of symptoms during follow-up. None of the patients died during the follow-up period and none of the CAA recurred.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The giant CAA is a serious cardiovascular disease, early diagnosis and surgical treatment are mandatory.</p>