Papillary Fibroelastoma Incidentally Found on Left Atrial Wall During Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement.

A 60-year-old man was about to undergo minimally invasive aortic valve replacement when transesophageal echocardiography revealed an intracardiac mass on the left atrial free wall. Multimodal images from 5 months earlier had shown no mass. We converted the procedure to open surgery. The excised mass resembled a cardiac myxoma but was determined to be a papillary fibroelastoma. This case illustrates that papillary fibroelastomas can form and grow rapidly, warranting alertness for their unexpected discovery before and during cardiac surgical procedures.

Optimizing P2 Neochordal Length and Stability in Mitral Valve Repair With Use of a Polypropylene Loop.

Determining the optimal length of artificial chordae tendineae and then effectively securing them is a major challenge in mitral valve repair. Our technique for measuring and stabilizing neochordae involves tying a polypropylene suture loop onto the annuloplasty ring. We used this method in 4 patients who had moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation from degenerative posterior leaflet (P2) prolapse and flail chordae. Results of intraoperative saline tests and postoperative transesophageal echocardiography revealed only mild insufficiency. One month postoperatively, echocardiograms showed trivial regurgitation in all 4 patients. We think that this simple, precise method for adjusting and stabilizing artificial chordae will be advantageous in mitral valve repair.

Effectiveness of Bidirectional Glenn Shunt Placement for Palliation in Complex Congenitally Corrected Transposed Great Arteries.

Surgery for complex congenitally corrected transposed great arteries is one of the greatest challenges in cardiovascular surgery. We report our experience with bidirectional Glenn shunt placement as a palliative procedure for complex congenitally corrected transposition. We retrospectively identified 50 consecutive patients who had been diagnosed with congenitally corrected transposition accompanied by left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and ventricular septal defect and who had then undergone palliative bidirectional Glenn shunt placement at our institution from January 2005 through December 2014. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to subsequent surgeries: Fontan completion (total cavopulmonary connection, 13 patients) (group 1), anatomic repair (hemi-Mustard and Rastelli procedures without Glenn takedown, 11 patients) (group 2), and prolonged palliation (no further surgery, 26 patients) (group 3). After shunt placement, no patient died or had ventricular dysfunction. Overall, mean oxygen saturation increased significantly from 79.5% ± 13.5% preoperatively to 94.1% ± 7.3% (P <0.001). The median time from shunt placement to Fontan completion and anatomic repair, respectively, was 2.1 years (range, 1.6-5.2 yr) and 1.1 years (range, 0.6-2.4 yr). Only 2 late deaths occurred, both in group 1. In group 3, time from shunt placement to latest follow-up was 4.5 years (range, 2.3-8 yr). At latest follow-up, mean oxygen saturation was 91.6% ± 10.3%, and no patients had impaired ventricular function. Bidirectional Glenn shunt placement as an optional palliative procedure for complex congenitally corrected transposition has favorable outcomes. Later, patients can feasibly be treated by Fontan completion or anatomic repair. Use of a bidirectional Glenn shunt for open-ended palliation is also acceptable.

Simple Felt-Plug Closure Technique for Minimally Invasive Removal of a Centrifugal-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device.

As the indications for implanting left ventricular assist devices have expanded, some patients are qualifying for device removal after myocardial recovery. Whereas explantation has been described for previous generations of devices, no standard procedures have been developed. Removal of centrifugal-flow devices has created the need for a plug to seal the apical ventriculotomy after pump removal. However, no commercially available products are available in the United States. We used a novel technique to fashion a plug from Teflon felt and a Dacron graft to enable minimally invasive explantation of a current-generation centrifugal-flow device in a 33-year-old woman.

Transcatheter Closure of Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm with Double-Disc Perimembranous VSD Occluder in Man with Mechanical Aortic Valve.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, a rare cardiac anomaly, can be life-threatening if it ruptures. Transcatheter closure has emerged as an effective alternative to surgical management; however, it has rarely been reported in patients with previous mechanical aortic valve replacements. We describe the case of a 45-year-old man who presented with a ruptured aneurysm of the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva 14 years after the implantation of a mechanical aortic valve. The ruptured aneurysm was closed by transcatheter means with use of a double-disc perimembranous ventricular septal defect occluder. The patient remained asymptomatic one year after the procedure. Our case suggests that transcatheter closure with use of this type of occluder is a viable method for successfully repairing ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms in patients who have mechanical aortic valves.

Effectiveness of Artificial Neochordae Implantation in Tricuspid Valve Repair.

Various techniques for treating tricuspid regurgitation have been described; however, because of scarce data about the long-term outcomes of different repairs, the optimal technique has not been established. We evaluated the effectiveness and durability of artificial neochordae implantation in the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation. From 2009 through 2014, 507 patients underwent tricuspid valve repair at our institution. Of those, 48 patients implanted with artificial neochordae were included in our study. The median age of the participants was 62 years (range, 4-77 yr) and 50% were women. Thirty patients (63%) were in New York Heart Association functional class III, and 11 (23%) were in class II. The cause of tricuspid regurgitation was functional in 33 patients (69%) and rheumatic in 15 (31%). In 46 patients, neochordae implantation was performed in addition to Kay annuloplasty (n=13) or ring annuloplasty (n=33). Forty-two patients were discharged from the hospital with absent or mild tricuspid regurgitation. The mean follow-up period was 44.3 ± 20.2 months. Follow-up echocardiograms revealed that tricuspid regurgitation was absent, minimal, or mild in 38 patients (80.8%), moderate in 7, and severe in 2. Our results indicate that the use of artificial neochordae implantation as an adjunct procedure to annuloplasty leads to effective and durable repair in comparison with conventional techniques for treating tricuspid regurgitation.

Surgical Repair of Mitral-Aortic Intervalvular Fibrosa Pseudoaneurysm in a High-Risk Patient 13 Years after Aortic Root Replacement.

Pseudoaneurysms of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa are rare complications that can develop after mitral or aortic valve surgery, endocarditis, or Takayasu arteritis. The optimal timing of surgery to avoid potentially life-threatening complications of pseudoaneurysms has not been established, and watchful waiting has been adopted in specific situations. We describe the case of a 50-year-old man in whom a pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa developed after aortic root replacement with a homograft. After 13 years of watchful waiting, reoperation was deemed necessary because the pseudoaneurysm had grown to 48 mm and the aortic regurgitation caused by the degenerated homograft had become severe. This case highlights the need for increased awareness of mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa pseudoaneurysms and their management.

Use of an Extracellular Matrix Patch for Sternal Wound Dehiscence after Cardiac Surgery in a Neonate.

Management of sternal wound dehiscence in newborns after cardiac operations can be a slow and lengthy process, during which the risk of progression to deep sternal wound infection and mediastinitis remains a concern. We report the case of a neonate born with single-ventricle physiology who underwent a Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure as first-stage palliation toward creating Fontan circulation. The postoperative period was characterized by sterile wound dehiscence of the subcutaneous layers. We used a CorMatrix extracellular matrix patch as an adjunct to repair the wound defect. After 7 weeks, the wound had healed with excellent results. To our knowledge, this is the first report of extracellular matrix patch implantation for sternal wound reconstruction in a neonate.

Application of circular patch plasty (dor procedure) or linear repair techniques in the treatment of left ventricular aneurysms

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate early clinical outcomes and echocardiographic measurements of the left ventricle in patients who underwent left ventricular aneurysm repair using two different techniques associated to myocardial revascularization. Methods: Eighty-nine patients (74 males, 15 females; mean age 58±8.4 years; range: 41 to 80 years) underwent post-infarction left ventricular aneurysm repair and myocardial revascularization performed between 1996 and 2016. Ventricular reconstruction was performed using endoventricular circular patch plasty (Dor procedure) (n=48; group A) or linear repair technique (n=41; group B). Results: Multi-vessel disease in 55 (61.7%) and isolated left anterior descending (LAD) disease in 34 (38.2%) patients were identified. Five (5.6%) patients underwent aneurysmectomy alone, while the remaining 84 (94.3%) patients had aneurysmectomy with bypass. The mean number of grafts per patient was 2.1±1.2 with the Dor procedure and 2.9±1.3 with the linear repair technique. In-hospital mortality occurred in 4.1% and 7.3% in group A and group B, respectively (P>0.05). Conclusion: The results of our study demonstrate that post-infarction left ventricular aneurysm repair can be performed with both techniques with acceptable surgical risk and with satisfactory hemodynamic improvement.

Continuous Suture Technique for Aortic Valve Replacement Shortens Cross-Clamp and Bypass Times.

The interrupted noneverting mattress suture technique is typically used in conventional surgical aortic valve replacement. The continuous suture technique, although faster, has been associated with a higher incidence of paravalvular leak. Using a slightly modified technique to minimize this risk, we investigated whether continuous suturing would shorten aortic cross-clamp time in aortic valve replacement in comparison with interrupted suturing. We reviewed the cases and compared the perioperative data of 60 consecutive patients in Japan and Australia (35 men and 25 women; median age, 70 yr) who had undergone aortic valve replacement with or without septal myectomy. The continuous suture technique had been used in 41 patients (Group CS) and the standard interrupted suture technique in 19 (Group IS). The groups were similar in age, sex, pathologic valvular conditions, and operative urgency. In Group CS, aortic cross-clamp time (47 vs 63 min; P=0.0001) and cardiopulmonary bypass time (76 vs 89 min; P=0.04) were significantly shorter. Neither group had early paravalvular leak. Using our continuous suture technique safely shortened aortic cross-clamp time during surgical aortic valve replacement.

Left Ventricular Reconstruction for Postinfarction Left Ventricular Aneurysm: Review of Surgical Techniques.

Different surgical techniques, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, have been used to reverse adverse left ventricular remodeling due to postinfarction left ventricular aneurysm. The most appropriate surgical technique depends on the location and size of the aneurysm and the scarred tissue, the patient's preoperative characteristics, and surgeon preference. This review covers the reconstructive surgical techniques for postinfarction left ventricular aneurysm.

Modified Port-Access Technique for the Treatment of Aortic Dissection after Previous Cardiac Surgery.

One of the most challenging conditions to manage after previous cardiac surgery is chronic dissection of the ascending aorta. We operated on a 54-year-old man who had aortic dissection in addition to large aortic dimensions very close to the sternum, severe aortic regurgitation, and a false lumen in the descending aorta. We used a combination of perfusion and myocardial protection techniques, arising from port-access technology, that enabled antegrade flow into the aorta, endoclamping of the ascending aorta, the administration of cardioplegic solution before opening the sternum, and left ventricular venting to prevent ventricular distention. Our technique resulted in minimal blood loss, shorter circulatory-arrest and operative times, the ability to operate on a decompressed heart and descending aorta, good myocardial protection, and easier and safer access to the heart. Three years postoperatively, our patient was doing well. Other patients might benefit from this approach; however, the surgeon must ensure that an aortic segment is suitable for endoclamping.

Surgical Treatment of Constrictive Pericarditis.

Constrictive pericarditis is the final stage of a chronic inflammatory process characterized by fibrous thickening and calcification of the pericardium that impairs diastolic filling, reduces cardiac output, and ultimately leads to heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging each can reveal severe diastolic dysfunction and increased pericardial thickness. Cardiac catheterization can help to confirm a diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction secondary to pericardial constriction, and to exclude restrictive cardiomyopathy. Early pericardiectomy with complete decortication (if technically feasible) provides good symptomatic relief and is the treatment of choice for constrictive pericarditis, before severe constriction and myocardial atrophy occur. We describe our surgical approach to constrictive pericarditis, summarize our results in 93 patients, and provide a brief overview of the literature.

Modified Cone Reconstruction of the Tricuspid Valve for Ebstein Anomaly as Performed in Siberia.

The cone reconstruction technique, first described by da Silva and modified by Dearani and by others, has become the repair method of choice in patients with Ebstein anomaly of the tricuspid valve. This report details the outcome of the modified cone reconstruction technique in 6 children who underwent surgical correction of Ebstein anomaly at the Tomsk Institute of Cardiology in Siberia. From 2012 through 2015, 4 boys and 2 girls (age range, 11 mo-12 yr) underwent surgery to correct Ebstein anomaly. All had presented with cyanosis, exertional dyspnea, fatigue, or new-onset atrial arrhythmia, and none had undergone previous cardiac surgery. All survived the operation. One patient needed tricuspid valve replacement with a bioprosthesis after early breakdown of the cone reconstruction. As of December 2016, all the patients had no symptoms, tricuspid stenosis, or arrhythmia. This series indicates that cone reconstruction-the most anatomic repair technique for the dysmorphic Ebstein tricuspid valve-can be successfully performed in pediatric heart centers with a large experience.

Right Thoracoabdominal Approach for Retrocardiac Paraganglioma Resection.

Paragangliomas are rare extra-adrenal tumors of sympathetic or parasympathetic paraganglia origin; of these, mediastinal paragangliomas are 2% of all cases. We present the case of a 21-year-old woman with uncontrolled arterial hypertension who had a functioning 6.5 × 6.2-cm retrocardiac paraganglioma firmly attached to the pericardium. The patient underwent tumor resection via a right thoracoabdominal incision; this surgical approach enabled adequate exposure for complete resection without institution of cardiopulmonary bypass or need for cardiac reconstruction or autotransplantation. Ten months postoperatively, the patient was doing well and was no longer hypertensive.

Long-Term Follow-Up Study of Temporary Tricuspid Valve Detachment as Approach to VSD Repair without Consequent Tricuspid Dysfunction.

Temporary tricuspid valve detachment improves the operative view of certain congenital ventricular septal defects (VSDs), but its long-term effects on tricuspid valve function are still debated. From 2002 through 2012, we performed a prospective study of 68 children (mean age, 1.28 ± 1.01 yr) who underwent transatrial closure of VSDs following temporary tricuspid valve detachment. Sixty patients had conoventricular and 8 had mid-muscular VSDs. All were in sinus rhythm. Seventeen patients had systemic pulmonary artery pressures. Preoperative echocardiograms showed trivial-to-mild tricuspid regurgitation in 62 patients and tricuspid dysplasia with severe regurgitation in 6 patients. Patients were clinically and echocardiographically monitored at 30 postoperative days, 3 months, 6 months, every 6 months thereafter for the first 2 years, and then once a year. No in-hospital or late death was observed at the median follow-up evaluation of 5.9 years. Mean intensive care unit and hospital stays were 1.6 ± 1.1 and 7.3 ± 2.7 days, respectively. Residual small VSDs occurred in 3 patients, and temporary atrioventricular block in one. After VSD repair, 62 patients (91%) had trivial or mild tricuspid regurgitation, and 6 moderate. Five of these last had severe tricuspid regurgitation preoperatively and had undergone additional tricuspid valve repair during the procedure. The grade of residual tricuspid regurgitation remained stable postoperatively, and no tricuspid stenosis was documented. All patients were in New York Heart Association class I at follow-up. Temporary tricuspid valve detachment is a simple and useful method for a complete visualization of certain VSDs without incurring substantial tricuspid dysfunction.

Biatrial approach provides better outcomes in the surgical treatment of cardiac myxomas

Abstract Objective: We aimed to present clinical features, surgical approaches, importance of surgical technique and long-term outcomes of our patients with cardiac myxoma who underwent surgery. Methods: We retrospectively collected data of patients with cardiac myxoma who underwent surgical resection between February 1990 and November 2014. Biatrial approach is the preferred surgical method in a large proportion of patients that are operated due to left atrial myxoma because it provides wider exposure than the uniatrial approach. To prevent recurrence during surgical resection, a large excision is made so as to include at least 5 mm of normal area from clean tissue around the tumor. Moreover, special attention is paid to the excision that is made as a whole, without digesting the fragment of tumor with gentle dissections. Results: Forty-three patients (20 males, mean age of 51.7±8.8 years) were included. Most common symptom was dyspnea (48.8%). Tumor was located in the left atrium in 37 (86%) patients. Resections were achieved via biatrial approach in 34 patients, uniatrial approach in 8 patients, and right atriotomy with right ventriculotomy in 1 patient. One patient died due to low cardiac output syndrome in the early postoperative period. Mean follow-up time was 102.3±66.5 months. Actuarial survival rates were 95%, 92% and 78% at five, 10 and 15 years, respectively. Recurrence was observed in none of the patients during follow-up. Conclusion: Although myxomas are benign tumors, due to embolic complications and obstructive signs, they should be treated surgically as soon as possible after diagnosis. To prevent recurrence, especially in cardiac myxomas which are located in left atrium, preferred biatrial approach is suggested for wide resection of the tumor and to avoid residual tumor.

Left Brachiocephalic Vein Cannulation in Bicaval Venous Drainage Is Safe, Effective, and Technically Advantageous.

Direct cannulation of both venae cavae (bicaval venous cannulation) is the gold standard for right atrial isolation in intracavitary surgery, but there has been no consensus about an alternative site. Therefore, we studied an alternative method for bicaval venous drainage in which the left brachiocephalic vein (LBCV) is cannulated instead of the superior vena cava. From 2012 through 2014, we performed routine LBCV cannulation in 150 consecutive patients as part of bicaval venous drainage before right atrial isolation. We prospectively collected demographic information, operative data, total pump and LBCV cannula flows with their respective calculated and indexed rates, central venous pressures, and perioperative complications. All patients survived surgery. There were no adverse technical outcomes or functional deficits associated with the technique. The mean indexed LBCV cannula flow was 1,520 ± 216 mL/min/m(2), representing an LBCV cannula-to-calculated pump-flow ratio of 64%. The mean central venous pressure during right atrial isolation was 3.7 ± 1.9 mmHg. Cannulation of the LBCV is intrinsically a safe and reproducible procedure with proven hemodynamic adequacy. Its versatility can be an asset to surgical techniques and perfusion methods. Furthermore, the hemodynamic results in our series promise alternative intrathoracic and extracardiac cannulation sites for mini-extracorporeal circulation, on-pump beating-heart procedures, and short-term circulatory assist device implementation.

Total Arch versus Hemiarch Replacement for Type A Acute Aortic Dissection: A Single-Center Experience.

We retrospectively evaluated early and intermediate outcomes of aortic arch surgery in patients with type A acute aortic dissection (AAD), investigating the effect of arch surgery extension on postoperative results. From January 2006 through July 2013, 201 patients with type A AAD underwent urgent corrective surgery at our institution. Of the 92 patients chosen for this study, 59 underwent hemiarch replacement (hemiarch group), and 33 underwent total arch replacement (total arch group) in conjunction with ascending aorta replacement. The operative mortality rate was 22%. Total arch replacement was associated with a 33% risk of operative death, versus 15% for hemiarch (P=0.044). Multivariable analysis found these independent predictors of operative death: age (odds ratio [OR]=1.13/yr; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.23; P=0.002), body mass index >30 kg/m2 (OR=9.9; 95% CI, 1.28-19; P=0.028), postoperative low cardiac output (OR=10.6; 95% CI, 1.18-25; P=0.035), and total arch replacement (OR=8.8; 95% CI, 1.39-15; P=0.021) The mean overall 5-year survival rate was 59.3% ± 5.5%, and mean 5-year freedom from distal reintervention was 95.4% ± 3.2% (P=NS). In type A AAD, aortic arch surgery is still associated with high operative mortality rates; hemiarch replacement can be performed more safely than total arch replacement. Rates of distal aortic reoperation were not different between the 2 surgical strategies.

Minimally invasive bilateral thoracoscopic maze.

The maze procedure is a therapeutic option for selected patients with standalone atrial fibrillation. Advances in ablation technology have made feasible a range of minimally invasive approaches, avoiding some of the morbidity and technical complexities of the classic maze procedure. Further, combining surgical and transvenous techniques allows a staged approach. We describe the technical aspects of the surgical portion of a staged hybrid approach developed by our group, using a bilateral thoracoscopic-assisted mini-thoracotomy approach with bipolar radiofrequency ablation. In our practice, we have found the minimally invasive bilateral thoracoscopic maze to be a safe and efficacious part of a staged strategy for the treatment of lone atrial fibrillation.