Incidence of valvular regurgitation and leaflet perforation by using automated titanium fasteners (CORKNOT®) in heart valve repair or replacement: less usual than reported.

BACKGROUND: CORKNOT® facilitates a reduction in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, aortic cross clamp (ACC) time and operative time, but reported to be associated with other complications. We aim to quantify the incidence of valvular complications related to CORKNOT® and determine the feasibility of its use between different valvular surgeries. METHODS: Patients who underwent heart valve repair or replacement surgery via the use of automated titanium suture fasteners (CORKNOT®) in a tertiary care hospital were included in the study. This single-centre retrospective study was conducted on 132 patients between January 2016 and June 2018. RESULTS: In our study, the overall mean operative time was 320.0 ± 97.0 min, mean CPB time was 171.4 ± 76.0 min and the calculated mean ACC time was 105.9 ± 54.0 min. Fifty-eight patients (43.9%) underwent minimally invasive valve replacement or repair surgery and 66 patients (50.0%) underwent concomitant procedures. A total of 157 valves were operated on, with 112 (84.8%) single valve surgeries, 15 (11.4%) double valve surgeries and 5 (3.8%) triple valve surgeries. After reviewed by the cardiologist blinded towards the study, we report trivial and/or mild paravalvular leak (PVL) in immediate post-operative echocardiography was found in 1 (1.01%) patients. There were no reported cases of valvular thrombosis, leaflet perforation, device dislodgement or embolization, moderate and/or severe PVL during hospitalization and follow-up echocardiography within 1 year. Single mitral valve and aortic surgeries had comparable incidences of post surgical complications. CONCLUSION: We conclude the feasibility of CORKNOT® utilisation in mitral and aortic valve surgeries. Additionally, incidence of CORKNOT® related complications in heart valve repair or replacement surgery is less usual in our setting than previously reported. These results motivate the use of CORKNOT® as a valid alternative with complete commitment.

Pacemaker lead as an iatrogenic cause of right heart failure: Case report. / Electrocatéter como causa iatrogénica de insuficiência cardíaca direita ­ relato de um caso.

Technical advances in health care have improved patient survival and quality of life, but are not devoid of complications. We present the case of a 74-year-old woman with a history of hypertensive heart disease with preserved systolic function, atrial fibrillation and dyslipidemia. She had a DDDR pacemaker implanted in 2005 due to symptomatic complete atrioventricular block. The patient reported progressive fatigue, weakness, ascites with abdominal discomfort, and lower limb edema, accompanied by non-specific hepatic cholestasis on biochemical testing. Abdominal ultrasound revealed homogeneous hepatomegaly and dilatation of the inferior vena cava and upper hepatic veins, suggestive of congestive hepatopathy. Echocardiography revealed tricuspid regurgitation progressively worsening over the previous four years and dilatation and progressive dysfunction of the right ventricle, with preserved left ventricular function. The transesophageal echocardiogram revealed severe tricuspid regurgitation with flail septal leaflet and marked dilatation of the tricuspid annulus due to mechanical interference of the pacemaker lead, which was adhering to the septal leaflet. Minimally invasive surgical treatment was performed with partial resection of the leaflet, placement of a tricuspid annuloplasty ring and replacement of the pacemaker lead. Regression of the congestive symptoms was observed, and the postoperative echocardiogram showed the tricuspid annuloplasty ring with no evidence of stenosis and only slightly dilated right chambers with moderate pulmonary hypertension. Six months after the procedure, the patient suffered an acute neurological event and died.

Potential involvement of S1PR1/STAT3 signaling pathway in cardiac valve damage due to rheumatic heart disease.

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a public health burden in developing countries. Th17 cell-associated cytokines might play a role in the pathogenesis and development of RHD, but the specific molecular mechanism is not completely understood. We investigated the potential role of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in cardiac valve damage in a rat model of RHD. We used 20 Lewis rats divided randomly into control and RHD groups. The RHD model was constructed by injecting inactivated group A Streptococci and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). The rats in the control group were injected with normal saline and CFA. Th17 cell-related cytokines were measured by ELISA. Fibrosis was assessed by histological examination. RT-qPCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of S1PR1 and STAT3/phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3). The S1PR1/STAT3 signaling pathway was activated in the RHD model. Compared to the control group, serum levels of IL-17 and IL-21 cytokines associated with Th17 cells were increased significantly in the RHD group; the collagen volume fraction also was substantially increased. The S1PR1/STAT3 signaling pathway might be involved in RHD induced cardiac valve damage by regulating Th17 cells.

Blunt chest trauma: a clinical chameleon.

The incidence of blunt chest trauma (BCT) is greater than 15% of all trauma admissions to the emergency departments worldwide and is the second leading cause of death after head injury in motor vehicle accidents. The mortality due to BCT is inhomogeneously described ranging from 9% to 60%. BCT is commonly caused by a sudden high-speed deceleration trauma to the anterior chest, leading to a compression of the thorax. All thoracic structures might be injured as a result of the trauma. Complex cardiac arrhythmia, heart murmurs, hypotension, angina-like chest pain, respiratory insufficiency or distention of the jugular veins may indicate potential cardiac injury. However, on admission to emergency departments symptoms might be missing or may not be clearly associated with the injury. Accurate diagnostics and early management in order to prevent serious complications and death are essential for patients suffering a BCT. Optimal initial diagnostics includes echocardiography or CT, Holter-monitor recordings, serial 12-lead electrocardiography and measurements of cardiac enzymes. Immediate diagnostics leading to the appropriate therapy is essential for saving a patient's life. The key aspect of the entire management, including diagnostics and treatment of patients with BCT, remains an interdisciplinary team involving cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, imaging radiologists and trauma specialists working in tandem.

Implante valvular aórtico transcatéter: ¿qué debe saber el médico de urgencias? / Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: what the emergency department physician should know

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Low-Dose Gamma Irradiation of Decellularized Heart Valves Results in Tissue Injury In Vitro and In Vivo.

BACKGROUND: Decellularized heart valves are emerging as a potential alternative to current bioprostheses for valve replacement. Whereas techniques of decellularization have been thoroughly examined, terminal sterilization techniques have not received the same scrutiny. METHODS: This study evaluated low-dose gamma irradiation as a sterilization method for decellularized heart valves. Incubation of valves and transmission electron microscopy evaluation after different doses of gamma irradiation were used to determine the optimal dose of gamma irradiation. Quantitative evaluation of mechanical properties was done by tensile mechanical testing of isolated cusps. Sterilized decellularized heart valves were tested in a sheep model (n = 3 [1 at 1,500 Gy and 2 at 3,000 Gy]) of pulmonary valve replacement. RESULTS: Valves sterilized with gamma radiation between 1,000 Gy and 3,000 Gy were found to be optimal with in vitro testing. However, in vivo testing showed deteriorating valve function within 2 months. On explant, the valve with 1,500 Gy gamma irradiation showed signs of endocarditis with neutrophils on hematoxylin and eosin staining, and positive gram stain resembling streptococcus infection. The 3,000 Gy valves had no evidence of infection, but the hematoxylin and eosin staining showed evidence of wound remodeling with macrophages and fibroblasts. Tensile strength testing showed decreased strength (0 Gy: 2.53 ± 0.98 MPa, 1,500 Gy: 2.03 ± 1.23 MPa, and 3,000 Gy: 1.26 ± 0.90 MPa) with increasing levels of irradiation. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose gamma irradiation does not maintain the mechanical integrity of valves, and the balance between sterilization and damage may not be able to be achieved with gamma irradiation. Other methods of terminal sterilization must be pursued and evaluated.

[Surgery for Infective Endocarditis Involving Valve Annulus].

Surgical treatment for isolated infective endocarditis( IE) has been improving over the last 2 decades. However, surgery for complicated IE such as disruption of paravalvular structure remains a challenge. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate our surgical results for IE with paravalvular structural disruption. From January 2002 to March 2015, we performed cardiac surgery for 68 patients who suffered from IE. Thirteen patients had paravalvular abscess and fistula. Valve disruptions were seen in aortic valve in 10 patients [2 fistulas from right coronary cuspid to right atrium or ventricle, 3 abscess formation from right coronary cuspid to interventricular septum, 1 abscess formation from left coronary cuspid to anterior mitral leaflet, 1 left ventricle to right atrium communication from non-coronary cuspid (NCC), 2 abscess formation under NCC and 1 circular annulas infection]. Mitral valve involvement was found in 2 patients [1 posterior mitral leaflet (PML) infection and submitral abscess infiltrating to annula calcification and 1 PML infection with submitral abscess]. One patient who had tricuspid valve involvement had giant vegetation from tricuspid to pulmonary valve through right ventricular outflow tract. Radical debridement of infected tissue and reconstruction using allograft, artificial valve and conduit were performed in all cases.

Traumatic leaflet injury during the use of percutaneous valves: a comparative study of balloon- and self-expandable valved stents.

OBJECTIVES: No comparison of balloon- or self-expandable valved stents (VSs) regarding tissue injury (if any) has been reported yet. The objective was to evaluate the occurrence and compare the severity of traumatic injury to leaflets from balloon- or self-expandable VSs. METHODS: Twelve homemade VSs were used for this experiment. These three-leaflet bovine pericardial bioprostheses had either a stainless steel (Group A) or a nitinol stent (Group B). After a 30-min period of compression (external diameter of VS reduced to 7 mm), the prostheses were deployed by balloon inflation (Group A) or by unsheathing (Group B). After H&E staining, pericardial leaflets were subsequently analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively for microscopic lesions. Non-crimped pericardial leaflets were used as a control group (Group C). RESULTS: All deployed VSs had microscopic lesions evocating traumatic injury to pericardial leaflets. Transverse fractures and longitudinal cleavages were the two main lesions encountered. Transverse fractures (no. per field) were significantly more frequent in the VS in comparison with the control group: 5 (range: 0-13), 4 (range: 0-9) and 0 (range: 0-1) in Groups A, B and C, respectively (P < 0.001). Cleavages (no. per field) were also more frequent with balloon-expandable VSs compared with self-expandable VSs [3 (range: 0-7) vs 1(range: 0-8); P = 0.03]. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic injury to the pericardial leaflets does occur during crimping and deployment of balloon- or self-expandable VSs. Injury may be more severe with the balloon-expandable VSs. The impact of such an injury on prosthesis durability requires a further investigation.

Blunt cardiac injury.

Blunt chest trauma represents a spectrum of injuries to the heart and aorta that vary markedly in character and severity. The setting, signs, and symptoms of chest trauma are often nonspecific, which represents a challenge to emergency providers. Individuals with suspected blunt chest trauma who have only mild or no symptoms, a normal electrocardiogram (ECG), and are hemodynamically stable typically have a benign course and rarely require further diagnostic testing or long periods of close observation. Individuals with pain, ECG abnormalities, or hemodynamic instability may require rapid evaluation of the heart by echocardiography and the great vessels by advanced imaging.

Subacute tricuspid valve rupture after traumatic cardiac and pulmonary contusions.

Tricuspid valve rupture is a rare complication after blunt chest trauma. We report the unusual presentation of a patient that suffered traumatic cardiac and pulmonary contusions, contributing to the rupture of the posterior papillary muscle of the tricuspid valve 24 hours after presentation. We believe that this is the first reported case of subacute tricuspid valve rupture after a normal echocardiogram at admission after blunt chest trauma.

Prótesis mecánica mitral y cuadros presincopales / Mitral prosthetic valve and presyncope

La trombosis protésica mitral es una entidad poco frecuente, cuya incidencia se relaciona habitualmente con niveles bajos de anticoagulación. La presentación clínica varía desde pacientes asintomáticos, embolismo arterial o compromiso hemodinámico por obstrucción. Presentamos el caso de una disfunción protésica mitral con cuadros presincopales por obstrucción intermitente al flujo

The incidence of mitral prosthetic valve thrombosis is low and generally dependent on low levels of anticoagulation. The clinical presentation is highly variable and range from asintomatic patient though to arterial embolism or hemodinamic symptoms of valve obstruction. We report a case of a patient with presyncope and prosthetic mitral valve dysfunction with intermitent flow obstruction

A rupture of both atrioventricular valves after blunt chest trauma: the usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography for a life-saving diagnosis.

Survival after the rupture of the both mitral and tricuspid valves in blunt thoracic trauma is uncommon and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. We present a case in which transesophageal echocardiography performed in the operating room by the anesthesiologist identified the etiology of hemodynamic instability and facilitated successful emergency replacement of both valves.

Advances towards understanding heart valve response to injury.

BACKGROUND: Composed of endocardial endothelial, valvular interstitial, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle cells (SMC), heart valves are prone to various pathologic conditions the morphology of which has been well described. The morphology of diseased valves suggest that the "response to injury" process occurs in these valves, and is associated with an accumulation of interstitial cells and matrix, valvular inflammation and calcification, conditions that lead to dysfunction. The purpose of this study is to describe the current knowledge of the regulation of the valvular "response to injury" process, since we feel that this paradigm is essential to understanding valve disease. METHODS: The pertinent literature relating to the cell and molecular biology of valvular repair, and specifically interstitial cell function in valve repair, is reviewed. RESULTS: The cell and molecular biology of valve interstitial cells are poorly understood. Molecules regulating some of the aspects of the "response to injury" process have been studied, however, the signal transduction pathways, gene activation, and interactions of bioactive molecules with each other, with cells, and with the matrix have not been characterized. Initial studies identify the cell and molecular biology of interstitial cells to be an important area of research. Agents that have been studied include nitric oxide (NO) and FGF-2 and several matrix-related proteins including osteopontin. The present review suggests several directions for future study and a working model of valvular repair is presented. DISCUSSION: The regulation of the "response to injury" process in the human heart valve is still largely unknown. The cell and molecular events and processes that occur in heart valve function and repair remain poorly understood. These events and processes are vital to our understanding of the pathobiology of heart valve disease, and to the successful design of tissue engineered replacement valves.

[Unusual case: injury of the 4 heart valves in a patient with old heart injury caused by fire arm. Review of the literature]. / Un caso insólito: lesión de las 4 válvulas cardiacas en un paciente con lesión cardiaca antigua por proyectil de arma de fuego. Revisión de la literatura.

We review the literature on heart wounds. Along the history surgeons regarded heart wounds as forbidden place for therapeutic approach. We present a patient who sustained a bullet wound to the heart and two years later 3 knife' stabs in the same place injuring its 4 valves and inducing 2 fistulae: one from the aorta to the pulmonary artery, the other from left-ventricle and the pulmonary artery. Surgery was successful in repairing the damage without the need of valve replacement.

Conservative surgical treatment of valvular injury after blunt chest trauma.

BACKGROUND: Blunt injury to the cardiac valves leads to progressive ventricular failure often requiring surgical management. Most frequently, prosthetic replacement is the chosen management. METHODS: Three consecutive patients presenting to one surgeon with blunt traumatic valve lesions formed the study group. RESULTS: At operation, the valvular pathology was assessed, and reparative techniques were used to correct the defects. All the patients had an excellent outcome at follow-up periods of 2 to 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative operation to repair traumatic valve lesions is feasible and has potential advantages over replacement.

Un caso insólito: Lesión de las 4 válvulas cardiácas en un paciente con lesión cardiáca antigua por proyectil de arma de fuego. Revisión de la literatura / A unique case: Damage of 4 valves in a patient with old cardiac injury due to fire-arm bullet

Se revisa la literatura de las heridas cardiacas. Aún en el siglo XIX, época caracterizada por el gran desarrollo de la cirugía, e inicio de los grandes descubrimientos no sólo de anatomía y fisiología, sino también de la ligadura de vasos sanguíneos, de la anestesia, asepsia y antisepsia, los grandes cirujanos pensaban que estas heridas eran el límite de lo que el hombre podía hacer con la cirugía.Se comenta el caso de un paciente que dos años antes sufrió una herida por proyectil de arma de fuego sobre el área cardiaca y que ahora recibió 3 heridas por arma punzocortante en el mismo sitio, las cuales, le lesionaron las 4 válvulas y le produjeron fístulas entre la aorta y la pulmonar y entre esta y el ventrículo izquierdo. El paciente fue operado con éxito, reparando las lesiones valvulares y cerrando las fístulas sin tener que sustituir ninguna válvula y dado de alta en buenas condiciones.

Risks of spontaneous injury and extraction of an active fixation pacemaker lead: report of the Accufix Multicenter Clinical Study and Worldwide Registry.

BACKGROUND: The Telectronics Accufix pacing leads were recalled in November 1994 after 2 deaths and 2 nonfatal injuries were reported. This multicenter clinical study (MCS) of patients with Accufix leads was designed to determine the rate of spontaneous injury related to the J retention wire and results of lead extraction. METHODS AND RESULTS: The MCS included 2589 patients with Accufix atrial pacing leads that were implanted at or who were followed up at 12 medical centers. Patients underwent cinefluoroscopic imaging of their lead every 6 months. The risk of J retention wire fracture was approximately 5.6%/y at 5 years and 4.7%/y at 10 years after implantation. The annual risk of protrusion was 1.5%. A total of 40 spontaneous injuries were reported to a worldwide registry (WWR) that included data from 34 672 patients (34 892 Accufix leads), including pericardial tamponade (n=19), pericardial effusion (n=5), atrial perforation (n=3), J retention wire embolization (n=4), and death (n=6). The risk of injury was 0.02%/y (95% CI, 0.0025 to 0. 072) in the MCS and 0.048%/y (95% CI, 0.035 to 0.067) in the WWR. A total of 5299 leads (13%) have been extracted worldwide. After recall in the WWR, fatal extraction complications occurred in 0.4% of intravascular procedures (16 of 4023), with life-threatening complications in 0.5% (n=21). Extraction complications increased with implant duration, female sex, and J retention wire protrusion. CONCLUSIONS: Accufix pacing leads pose a low, ongoing risk of injury. Extraction is associated with substantially higher risks, and a conservative management approach is indicated for most patients.

[Incidence of intervention-related heart valve lesions after high-frequency catheter ablation of the left-side accessory atrioventricular conduction pathways]. / Häufigkeit interventionsbezogener Herzklappenläsionen nach Hochfrequenz-Katheterablation linksseitiger akzessorischer atrioventrikulärer Leitungsbahnen.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of valve lesions after radiofrequency catheter ablation of accessory atrioventricular pathways using the retrograde transaortic approach. Patients who presented no preexisting detectable valve lesion prior to catheter ablation and who underwent a comparable echocardiographic examination prior to and after catheter ablation were included for data analysis. From January 1991 until May 1993, 113 patients underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation of a left-sided accessory atrioventricular pathways at our institution. Fifty-nine patients were included in this study. Five patients (8.4%) developed new valve lesions after radiofrequency catheter ablation. There were two cases (3.3%) of aortic regurgitation and four cases (6.7%) of mitral regurgitation. In the majority of cases only mild valve regurgitation was detected. A hemodynamically significant valve lesion was observed in a single patient (1.6%). We speculate that the new onset of valve lesions is mostly due to catheter manipulations rather than due to tissue injury related to radiofrequency current application. Echocardiographic examinations prior to and after radiofrequency catheter ablation of accessory pathways may contribute to a further reduction in intervention-related complications.