Net effect of lymphaticovenous anastomosis on volume reduction of peripheral lymphoedema after complex decongestive physiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The results of reported lymphaticovenous anastomoses include some effects of complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP). The present study aimed to determine the net effect of lymphaticovenous side-to-end anastomosis (LVSEA) in patients with lower limb lymphoedema treated by preoperative CDP. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. MATERIALS: 37 LVSEAs in 31 patients. METHODS: Volumes of the thigh and leg with oedema were compared between the time of initial examination, and before (application of CDP) and after LVSEA. The patients were divided into two groups based on the number of anastomoses and lymphoscintigraphic findings. RESULTS: Preoperative CDP resulted in a reduction of 593 ml (both leg and thigh; p < 0.001). After CDP, LVSEA (1-8 anastomoses; average of 5) reduced the volume by 109 ml (52 ml for the thigh (p = 0.01) and 57 ml for the leg (p = 0.002)). There was no significant difference in volume reduction on lymphoscintigraphy. Volume was significantly reduced (by 55 ml in the thigh, p = 0.049; 96 ml in the leg, p = 0.006) in the group that underwent 6-8, but not 1-5 LVSEAs. CONCLUSIONS: The net effect of LVSEA on volume reduction was confirmed, but was not particularly large. The need for CDP decreased in some patients postoperatively, and these patients should be considered for evaluation.

Inhibitory effect of milrinone on cytokine production after cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that cyclic adenosine monophosphate-elevating agents suppress cytokine production. To evaluate the effects of milrinone, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, on cytokine production after cardiopulmonary bypass, we conducted a prospective randomized study. METHODS: Twenty-four patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were randomized to receive either milrinone treatment (milrinone, n = 12) or no milrinone treatment (control, n = 12). Administration of milrinone (0.5 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) was started after induction of anesthesia and was continued for 24 hours. Blood samples for determination of plasma cyclic adenosine monophosphate, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8 levels were collected perioperatively. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-8 levels between the groups. Interleukin-1beta and interleukin-6 levels after cardiopulmonary bypass were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the milrinone group than in the control group. Plasma levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate increased significantly (p < 0.05) after the administration of milrinone and the levels correlated inversely (r = -0.55, p < 0.01) with interleukin-6 levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that milrinone suppresses cytokine production by elevating cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. With its positive inotropic and vasodilator activities, milrinone may have antiinflammatory effects.

ATS prosthetic valve motion: an in vitro analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: We have reported clinical findings that normally functioning open pivot ATS valves did not open completely. In order to analyze features of the ATS valve motion more precisely, in vitro tests were conducted. METHODS: Opening angles and pressure gradients of the ATS valve were measured and compared with those of the St. Jude Medical (SJM) valve under steady flow, but with various outlet configurations. Second, opening angles of the two valves were measured under pulsatile conditions in two different outflow configurations: (i) a 'straight outlet' where the leaflets did not extend into the tapering outflow chamber, and (ii) an 'abrupt enlargement outlet' where the leaflets extended directly into the enlarged outflow space. Third, flow visualization studies were made under steady flow conditions in the straight and abrupt enlargement outlet conduits, respectively. RESULTS: Under steady flow conditions, opening of the ATS valve was restricted in most outflow configurations; only when the outlet angle was 0 degrees did the valve open fully. The SJM valve opened completely in all downstream configurations. Despite restricted opening in the ATS valve, the pressure gradient was similar in both valves. Under pulsatile conditions, both valves opened fully in the straight outlet; however, in the abrupt enlargement outlet the ATS valve opened incompletely and the SJM valve completely. Substantial turbulent flow was observed at the outside of the leaflet and corners of the conduit, notably with the ATS valve. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the ATS valve did not open fully except when the outflow was straight, and the leaflet did not extend into an enlarged downstream chamber. Structural features of the ATS, such as its axis being located close to the straight edge and its leaflets extending further downstream from the ring orifice, may cause this unique valve behavior.

Open heart operation in a patient with hereditary spherocytosis: a case report.

A 9-year-old girl who had ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) and hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is described. The patient had a history of splenectomy for HS and underwent repair of the ASD under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), however, no significant or persistent hemolysis was observed during and after CPB. Only 10 patients with HS who underwent cardiac operations using CPB have been reported. The case is presented due to its rarity.

Effects of supplemental L-arginine during warm blood cardioplegia.

OBJECTIVES: Effects of supplemental L-arginine, nitric oxide precursor, during warm blood cardioplegia were assessed in the blood perfused isolated rat heart. METHODS: The isolated hearts were perfused with blood at 37 degrees C from a support rat. After 20 minutes of aerobic perfusion, the hearts were arrested for 60 minutes with warm blood cardioplegia given at 20-minute intervals. This was followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. The hearts were divided into the following three groups according to the supplemental drugs added to the cardioplegic solution. The control group (n = 10) received standard warm blood cardioplegia. The L-ARG group (n = 10) received warm blood cardioplegia supplemented with L-arginine (3 mmol/l). The L-NAME group (n = 10) received warm blood cardioplegia supplemented with L-arginine (3 mmol/l) and L-nitro-arginine methyl ester, a competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (1 mmol/l). After 60 minutes of cardioplegic arrest, cardiac function, myocardial metabolism and myocardial release of circulating adhesion molecules were measured during reperfusion. RESULTS: Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the L-ARG group than in the control group and the L-NAME group during reperfusion. Isovolumic left ventricular developed pressure, dp/dt and coronary blood flow were significantly greater (p< 0.05) in the L-ARG group during reperfusion. The L-ARG group resulted in early recovery of lactate metabolism during reperfusion. Myocardial release of circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin were significantly less (p<0.05) in the L-ARG group at 15 minutes of reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that augmented nitric oxide by adding L-arginine to warm blood cardioplegia can preserve left ventricular function and ameliorate endothelial inflammation. The technique can be a novel cardioprotective strategy in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Valve surgery in elderly patients 70 years or older: early and late results.

Between April 1986 and March 1997, 75 patients (Group E) who were 70 years or older underwent valvular operations, and another 73 patients who were under 70 years constituted a comparison group (Group Y). Valve replacement was performed on 131 patients (Group E; 65 patients, Group Y; 66 patients), reparative procedures on 11 patients (Group E; 7, Group Y; 4), and aortic root replacement on 5 (Group E; 3, Group Y; 2). Coronary artery bypass grafting was concomitantly performed on 13 patients (Group E; 7, Group Y; 6). In the elderly patients, preoperative clinical status, including cardiac and non cardiac organ functions, was not necessarily more severe than that in the younger patients, however, perioperative restoration of cardiac and pulmonary functions required a longer time in Group E than Group Y. There were no significant differences in operative mortality rate, long-term survival rate, the probability of freedom from all events related to native and prosthetic valves, and in activity of daily life between Group E and Group Y. These results suggest that valvular operation for elderly patients 70 years or older may be safely performed with operative risks similar to those of younger patients by application of modern surgical techniques.

Effects of leukocyte-depleted warm blood cardioplegia on cardiac and endothelial function.

It has been reported that neutrophils and platelets have deleterious effects on myocardium and endothelium during and after ischemia. In this study we evaluated the effects of a leukocyte-depleting filter (Sepacell PLX, Asahi medical, Tokyo) during warm blood cardioplegia and early reperfusion on cardiac and endothelial function in the blood-perfused rat heart. Hearts (n = 7 per group) from donor rats were excised and perfused with blood at 37 degrees C from a support rat. After 10 min of stabilization, the hearts were arrested for 60 min with warm blood cardioplegia given at 20 min intervals. This was followed by 60 min of reperfusion. A leukocyte-depleting filter was used during the cardioplegia and the initial 10 min of reperfusion in the experimental group (Group F) and it was not used in the control group (Group N). Left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), maximum rate of left ventricular pressure rise (+dp/dt) and maximum rate of left ventricular pressure fall (-dp/dt) were measured as indices of left ventricular function before and after cardioplegic arrest. Coronary sinus effluent was obtained and the levels of MB isozyme of creatine kinase (CKMB), malondialdehide (MDA), elastase and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) were measured as indices of myocardial and endothelial injury. After 60 min of reperfusion, acetylcholine (Ach.) was administered to the coronary perfusate and the difference of nitric oxide (NO) concentration between inflow and outflow, and coronary blood flow were measured as an indication of endothelial function. Group F showed significantly lower LVEDP than Group N at 10 min of reperfusion. The elastase levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower and the CKMB levels tended (p < 0.1) to be lower in Group F at 60 min of reperfusion. The administration of Ach. to the coronary perfusate showed significantly (p < 0.05) greater coronary blood flow and NO production in Group F. The results suggested that the use of a leukocyte-depleting filter during warm blood cardioplegia and early reperfusion preserves endothelial function and left ventricular diastolic compliance. The technique may provide beneficial effects by reducing reperfusion injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Successful removal of an infected pacemaker electrode by open heart surgery under extracorporeal circulation.

A 33-year-old male with sick sinus syndrome, who had received a pacemaker implant 18 years earlier, was complicated with a generator infection. Although the infected generator was removed, he was suffered from the recurrent local infection associated with a retained pacemaker lead. After a new pacemaker system implantation from the other side of the subclavian vein, we attempted to remove the lead utilizing a pacemaker removal kit. However, this intervention procedure was unsuccessful, because fibrous adhesions had developed around the lead, accompanied by calcification along its course. As a last resort, we opened the heart under extracorporeal circulation and removed the lead under direct vision. The post-operative course was uneventful. In order to remove a long-term implanted pacemaker lead, the direct surgical procedure with extracorporeal circulation is a favorable mean alternative to conventional intervention techniques.

[Heart valvular disease in patients 70 years old and older].

From June 1986 to December 1996, 69 patients older than 70 years old underwent AVR (29 cases), MVR (21 cases), MVP (5 cases), DVR (10 cases), aortic root replacement (3 cases), repair of PVL (1 case) in our hospital. There are five (7.2%) operative and hospital deaths. The survival rate was 88.4% at 10 year after surgery and three (4.7%) late deaths. The factors associated with early deaths were renal dysfunction and DVR. Our surgical results suggest that open heart surgery can be performed safely even elderly patients, in spite of their precarious physiologic homeostasis. Not the chronological age but the physiological age is important determinant for surgical indication. If quality of life (QOL) can be expected to be enhanced, we recommend an aggressive surgical approach.

[Influence of milrinone on internal mammary artery grafts].

To evaluate the effects of milrinone on blood flow in the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) grafts and hemodynamic variables, we conducted a prospective randomized study. Twenty-four patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were randomized to receive milrinone treatment (Milrinone; n = 12) or no milrinone treatment (Control; n = 12). Milrinone was given after induction of anesthesia at a speed of 0.5 microgram/kg/min for 24 hours. After start of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), CPB perfusion flow was adjusted to 2.4 l/m2 and LIMA blood flow was measured. Blood samples for determination of plasma cAMP levels were collected and hemodynamic measurements were also assessed perioperatively. LIMA blood flow was significantly greater in Milrinone than that in Control (40 +/- 4 vs 29 +/- 4 ml/min/m2, p < 0.05). Plasma levels of cAMP were significantly (p < 0.05) greater in Milrinone than those in Control at tha start of CPB (18 +/- 1 vs 13 +/- 1 pmol/ml) and at the end of CPB (24 +/- 2 vs 17 +/- 2 pmol/ml). Systemic vascular resistance was significantly (p < 0.05) lower and cardiac index was significantly (p < 0.05) greater in Milrinone than those in Control postoperatively. With its positive inotropic and systemic vasodilator activities, milrinone may have direct vasodilator effect on LIMA.

Recovery from lymphocytopenia following extracorporeal circulation: simple indicator to assess surgical stress.

This study investigated whether the lymphocyte count is a useful indicator to assess surgical damage following extracorporeal bypass. In Study 1, to investigate the correlation between extracorporeal circulating time (ECCT) and lymphocyte counts, 40 elective CABG patients were studied retrospectively. The lymphocyte recovery ratio (LRR), which represented the actual lymphocyte count divided by the preoperative lymphocyte count, was determined preoperatively, and on postoperative day (POD) 1, POD 3, and POD 5. In Study 2, the correlation between the interleukin-8 (IL-8) level and LRR was examined prospectively in elective CABG patients (n = 20). We measured the LRR and serum IL-8 levels preoperatively and during extracorporeal circulation (ECC) at 5 min, at the end of ECC, and 1, 3, and 12 h following ECC termination. Study 1 showed that the LRR decreased until POD 1 and gradually increased thereafter. The LRR had a negative correlation with the ECCT. In Study 2, the IL-8 level demonstrated a time course opposite to that of the LRR; it increased until 3 h after ECC termination and declined thereafter. There was a significant negative correlation between the LRR on POD 3 and the IL-8 level at 3 h after ECC termination. In summary, long-term ECC induced significant and prolonged lymphocytopenia. The LRR had a negative correlation with IL-8. These results indicated that the LRR may represent the degree of surgical stress following ECC; therefore, the counting of lymphocytes can be a quite useful bedside monitor to assess surgical damage and prognosis.