Simultaneous measurement of velocity, diameter, flow and pressure in the ascending aorta of cats. Evaluation of an extractable Doppler ultrasound probe for continuous monitoring of aortic blood flow.

To evaluate an extractable Doppler ultrasound probe designed for monitoring postoperative aortic flow in infants, simultaneous measurements of velocity, diameter, electromagnetic flow estimates, and pressure in the ascending aorta were recorded in cats. Doppler flow calculators were designed to provide flow estimates based on preset constant or measured instantaneous aortic diameter. Doppler sample volume was extended to about 1.2 X 1.6 X 4.0 mm. By pharmacological interventions, a wide range of flow rates and pressures were obtained, some of which were outside physiological values. The prototype probe described here was well suited for implantation in aortas with outer diameter 8-12 mm. Correlation coefficients between Doppler and electromagnetic estimated flow for 140 samples were 0.908 and 0.959 for constant and instantaneous diameter, respectively. Mean difference between the two methods was calculated, as well as the 95% confidence limits (2SD) of the differences. Limits of agreement, in stable haemodynamic situations without drugs, were -20.0 and 22.4% of mean average flow for constant diameter Doppler flow estimates, and -14.5 and 15.1% of electromagnetic flow values for instantaneous diameter estimates. These limits increased when all samples were taken into account, but the limits for instantaneous diameter estimates were reduced from -33.1 and 32.4 to -23.9 and 19.3% after removal of data obtained during isoprenaline infusion, which introduced extreme high flow/low pressure situations. This Doppler method seems well suited for postoperative monitoring of aortic flow in infants. Errors observed in larger aortas with an asymmetric flow profile do not seem to be present in smaller vessels within normal values of flow and pressure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pulmonary circulation and loss of microspheres from the lung following acute pulmonary venous occlusion.

The pulmonary vein from right upper lobe was ligated in 15 rats while 15 others served as controls. Prior to occlusion, 15 mum microspheres were injected into the superior caval vein. Another population of 15 mum microspheres was similarly given 1 min, 10 min or 30 min after ligation. All rats were killed 5 min after the second microsphere injection. The weight of the ligated lobe was 63% higher than that of the controls. This was probably due to acute vascular congestion since no significant oedema developed. Increased weight caused a reduction in the number of preocclusion microspheres per gram of tissue in the ligated lobe. In addition a gradual loss of preocclusion microspheres took place following pulmonary venous ligation. After 35 min of ligation, 30% of the preocclusion spheres had disappeared from the ligated lobe. Postocclusion flow through the pulmonary artery into right upper lobe was estimated by microspheres from the second injection, and averaged 5% of normal flow. Following acute venous occlusion, a rapid dilatation of the bronchopulmonary communicating system probably takes place. By reversal of the flow in this system, blood and microspheres can be drained into the bronchial venous circulation. In spite of methodological problems caused by acute congestion and loss of microspheres after pulmonary venous occlusion, we consider the microsphere method to be useful for further studies of collateral lung circulation.

New temporary pacing lead for use after cardiac operations.

A newly designed temporary pacemaker lead (Medtronic Model 6400), which has a solid defined electrode surface area of 7.5 mm2, was compared with a multifilamental stainless steel electrode in common use (Davis & Geck, DG). Thirty-nine patients had both types of electrodes inserted intramyocardially in the right ventricle. A DG electrode fastened to the pericardium served as a reference lead. In addition to the standard Medtronic 7.5 mm2 electrode (n = 11), specially made Medtronic electrodes with areas of 5 mm2 (n = 10), 10 mm2 (n = 10), or 7.5 mm2 with platinum-iridium tips (n = 8) were studied. Measurements of myocardial stimulation threshold and resistance were made in both electrodes throughout the postoperative period. The patients' electrograms were recorded on magnetic tape for computer analysis of amplitudes and slew rates. The Medtronic 7.5 mm2 electrodes showed overall better results than 5 and 10 mm2 leads. Maximum stimulation threshold on the Medtronic 7.5 mm2 electrodes was medium 3.4 mA versus 10 mA on DG electrodes (p less than 0.001). The tissue resistance on Medtronic 7.5 mm2 was almost double than on the Davis & Geck electrodes (median 311 ohms versus 164 ohms on the day of minimum resistance, p less than 0.001). There were no significant differences in electrogram amplitudes between the two electrode types studied (5.52 versus 4.68 mV, p greater than 0.1), but the slew rates were significantly higher on the Medtronic (0.56 versus 0.37 V/sec; p less than 0.01). The new lead is an important innovation in temporary pacemaker lead design compared to the commonly used multifilamental leads.

Bipolar atrial application of a new temporary pacing lead after cardiac operations.

A new temporary pacing lead. Medtronic Model 6400, with a defined electrode surface area of 7.5 mm2, has been clinically and electrophysiologically evaluated during bipolar atrial application in 20 patients after cardiac operations. A silicon disc was used for fixation of the electrodes to the right atrium in 10 patients, and an atrial plication technique was used in the other 10. Myocardial stimulation threshold and resistance were measured throughout the postoperative period. Atrial electrograms were recorded on magnetic tape for computer analysis of amplitudes, slew rates, and signal source impedance. No significant differences (p greater than 0.1) were found in myocardial stimulation threshold between the two fixation modes. During constant-current pacing, median threshold rose from 0.65 mA to 2.3 mA. Stimulation resistance, measured during constant-voltage pacing, fell from 567 to 365 omega, with a subsequent rise to 425 omega before electrode removal. Again no difference was found between silicon disc and plication fixation of the electrodes. P-wave amplitudes were significantly higher with plication than with silicon disc fixation (2.26 versus 0.86 mV, p less than 0.01), as were slew rates (0.34 versus 0.18 V/s, p less than 0.05). Signal source impedance had a magnitude of 6 k omega. The electrodes were used successfully in 12 (60%) of the patients for diagnosis and/or treatment of arrhythmias. We find the new lead well suited for atrial application.

New temporary atrial and ventricular pacing leads for patients after cardiac operations.

We have studied two new temporary pacing leads (Medtronic 6491 and 6492) intended for pacing after cardiac operations. The conductor has stainless steel strands coated with polyethylene connected to a 4' mm2 surface area, stainless steel, smooth, tapered electrode. A soft 4-0 coiled polypropylene fiber served as as fixation mechanism in the heart. The study included 15 children (aged 3 months to 7 years, body weight 4.4 to 20 kg) with a variety of congenital heart defects and 15 adults (aged 45 to 78 years) with coronary artery disease (n = 13) and aortic valve disease (n = 2). A pair of leads each was placed in a bipolar fashion in the right atrial wall and nonsystemic ventricle in the children (median implant duration 12 days) and in the right atrial wall only in the adults (median implant duration 9 days). The atrial current threshold values in children increased from 0.61 +/- 0.34 mA immediately after implant to 2.08 +/- 1.86 mA at explant (p < 0.002). In the adults the threshold values increased from 0.95 +/- 1.44 mA immediately after implant to 2.76 +/- 2.76 mA at explant (p < 0.002). In the ventricle the threshold values increased from 0.38 +/- 0.13 mA immediately after implant to 2.22 +/- 1.63 mA at explant (p < 0.002). Tissue resistance immediately after implant measured 809 +/- 182 omega at explant (children, p = not significant). Corresponding values in adults were 778 +/- 190 omega and 599 +/- 91 omega (p < 0.004). In the ventricle resistances changed from 1019 +/- 143 omega to 876 +/- 137 omega (p < 0.05). P wave amplitudes measured 1.8 +/- 1.5 mV immediately after implant and decreased to 1.6 +/- 1.2 mV at explant (p = not significant, children) and 2.0 +/- 1.3 mV to 1.8 mV (p = not significant, adults). R wave amplitude were 13.1 +/- 3.0 mV immediately after implant and fell to 8.7 +/- 4.5 mV at explant (p < 0.005). Thus, threshold values, tissue resistances, and electrogram and pliable amplitudes assured a safe pacemaker function. The small diameter and pliable texture of these leads provided a smooth surgical handling. They were found particularly suitable in children.

Budd-Chiari syndrome with obstruction of the inferior caval vein: successful treatment by cavosplenoatrial shunt.

A 27-year-old man had a 10-month history of recurrent ascites, massive edema, and extreme fatigue. The diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome with severe stenosis of the retrohepatic part of the inferior caval vein had been established. Medical treatment had failed to prevent further deterioration. A single 14 mm Gore-Tex graft (W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Elkton, Md.) was used to establish a cavosplenoatrial shunt. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. All signs of ascites and edema disappeared within 8 weeks after surgery. In connection with repair of a ventral hernia 8 months later, a liver biopsy specimen revealed partial normalization of liver histology and an angiography demonstrated a patent shunt. Two and a half years after the initial operation he developed a bleeding peptic ulcer demanding emergency surgery. The shunt was again found patent. Three years after the first operation the patient is free of symptoms and working full time.

Instantaneous cross-sectional flow velocity profiles: a comparative study of two ultrasound Doppler methods applied to an in vitro pulsatile flow model.

Two methods based on different techniques for construction of cross-sectional flow velocity profiles from Doppler ultrasound signals were compared: an intraluminal method using pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography and an extraluminal method using two-dimensional (color) Doppler ultrasound. The methods were applied to an in vitro pulsatile flow model. With the intraluminal method, pulsed Doppler recordings obtained throughout several flow pulses at different positions across a tube were digitized, and cross-sectional flow velocity profiles were obtained by matching the onset of flow velocity at the various positions. With the extraluminal method, cross-sectional flow velocity profiles were obtained by time interpolation between the digital flow velocity data obtained from several flow velocity maps. The first flow velocity map was recorded at onset of flow and the following maps were incrementally delayed with 20 msec from one flow pulse to the next. The time lag caused by the time needed to update each of the flow velocity maps was compensated for by time interpolation between the sequentially recorded flow velocity maps. The cross-sectional flow velocity profiles obtained with the two methods were compared at identical positions within the tube model at equal flow settings and throughout the pulsatile flow periods. At three different flow settings with peak flow velocity of 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 m/sec, the difference (mean +/- SD) between the obtained velocities were 0.01 +/- 0.04, -0.01 +/- 0.05, and -0.03 +/- 0.07 m/sec, respectively. The findings suggest that cross-sectional flow velocity profiles from pulsatile flow velocity recordings can be obtained equally well with both methods.

Rewarming from accidental hypothermia by extracorporeal circulation. A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Twenty-six patients with accidental hypothermia combined with circulatory arrest or severe circulatory failure were rewarmed to normothermia by use of extracorporeal circulation (ECC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate our results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The treatment of six female and 20 male patients (median age: 26.7 years; range 1.9--76.3 years) rewarmed in the period 1987--2000 was evaluated retrospectively. Hypothermia was related to immersion/submersion in cold water (n=17), avalanche (n=1) or prolonged exposure to cold surroundings (n=8). Prior to admission, the trachea was intubated and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) initiated in all patients with cardiorespiratory arrest (n=22), whereas in those with respiration/circulation (n=4) only oxygen therapy via a face mask was given. RESULTS: Nineteen of the 26 patients were weaned off ECC whereas seven died because of refractory respiratory and/or cardiac failure. Eight of the 19 successfully weaned patients were discharged from hospital after a median of 10 days. One patient died 3 days after circulatory arrest (complete atrioventricular block) resulting in severe cerebral injury. The remaining ten patients died following 1--2 days due to severe hypoxic brain injury (n=5), cerebral bleeding (n=1) or irreversible cardiopulmonary insufficiency (n=4). Based on the reports from the site of accident, two groups of patients were identified: the asphyxia group (n=15) (submersions (n=14); avalanche accident (n=1)) and the non-asphyxia group (n=11) (patients immersed or exposed to cold environment). Seven intact survivors discharged from hospital belonged to the non-asphyxia group whereas one with a severe neurological deficit was identified within the asphyxia group. CONCLUSION: Patients with non-asphyxiated deep accidental hypothermia have a reasonable prognosis and should be rewarmed before further therapeutic decisions are made. In contrast, drowned patients with secondary hypothermia have a very poor prognosis. The treatment protocol under such conditions should be the subject for further discussion.

Velocity distribution model for normal blood flow in the human ascending aorta.

During the study of velocities in the human ascending aorta it became necessary to establish a method for two-dimensional velocity profiles from discrete velocity data obtained from different heartbeats and with different techniques. A descriptive geometrical model was therefore developed and expanded to 16 elements each containing 16 constants by a serial optimising technique using a least-squares method. Published data from two different studies on velocity distribution in the ascending aorta comprising six subjects with normal aortic valves were used. Three-dimensional graphic displays of velocity profile at different time intervals of the heart cycle clearly show common features of distribution of velocity at a point 6 cm above the aortic valve. There was a pronounced skewness with clockwise rotation of the skewness direction during systole, reversed flow directed towards the left coronary sinus of Valsalva in late systole and early diastole concomitant with secondary flow augmentation along the opposite wall of the aorta. Consistent plane-symmetric features during the heart cycle could not be demonstrated.

Intraluminal recording of cross-sectional blood velocity distribution of human ascending aorta by ultrasound Doppler technique.

A pulsed Doppler ultrasound technique was used for mapping two-dimensional blood velocity profiles in the human ascending aorta during open-heart surgery. An electronic position-sensitive device was constructed and linked to an intraluminal 10 MHz Doppler ultrasound probe. From a plane perpendicular to the central direction of blood flow, velocity mapping was performed covering the entire cross-section of the ascending aorta 6-7 cm above the valve. This method is based on a sequential sampling of velocity from continuously changing locations during a stable haemodynamic period; typically velocity points are recorded from 150-300 beats. Further processing transformed data to suit a previously developed velocity distribution model for normal blood flow in the human ascending aorta, based on multi-regression analyses. In this model, the time series of data from consecutive beats were computed into an average two-dimensional profile described through one cardiac cycle. This method allows high spatial resolution (1.5 mm), in addition to the high-frequency response (200 Hz) of the modified ultrasound Doppler meter. Together with the advantage of velocity directionality and minimal time interventions, this makes the method well suited for studies on normal flow conditions as well as flow velocity distribution distal to different heart valve prostheses.

Blood velocity distribution in the human ascending aorta.

Mapping of blood velocities across the lumen of the ascending aorta was performed in eight patients during open-heart surgery. A Doppler ultrasound probe was constructed to measure velocities in 2 mm steps from the maximum convexity to the maximum concavity of aorta, 6 to 7 cm above the aortic valve. In five patients with angina and normal aortic valves, velocity profiles were very similar and showed the following main features: a skewed peak systolic velocity profile with the highest velocity along the left posterior wall, a bidirectional velocity profile in late systole and early diastole with retrograde velocities along the left posterior wall, and a sustained antegrade flow along the convexity well into diastole. The resultant mean velocity profile had the highest velocity at the convex side and a central minimum velocity. In patients with Medtronic-Hall tilting disc prostheses, where the larger opening was oriented backwards and to the right, mean flow velocity profile was skewed in the opposite direction of normal. Moreover, instant systolic velocity profiles were much more irregular and dependent on the exact orientation of the prosthesis. In one patient with aortic valvular disease, very irregular and different velocity profiles were found. Based on a symmetry assumption, overall mean velocity for the total cross section was computed, and the magnitude of error in estimation of total flow from measurement of velocities at different depths was calculated. To measure total flow in the aorta, i.e., cardiac output, by single-gated Doppler technique, the most representative sampling site was about one-third of the diameter from the convex wall.

Evaluation of the microsphere-method for determination of cardiac output.

Cardiac output was determined by means of radioactive microspheres, 15 +/- 5 microns in diameter. Blood flow in the ascending aorta was measured by an electromagnetic flowmeter. In eight cats thirty-eight simultaneous measurements were made of cardiac output and aortic flow. The observations correlated well (r = 0.89), with a mean difference of 5.2%, probably corresponding to coronary blood flow. Continuous flow recordings showed no alterations in aortic flow during the injections of microspheres; arterial blood pressure and heart rate remained unchanged even after six injections, each consisting of about 2 x 10(5) spheres per kg body weight. Tests for shunting of microspheres were performed and revealed shunt fractions in the systemic circulation of about 8%, with no significant shunting through the lungs. The microsphere method for determining cardiac output is thought to be an accurate method, suitable for small and medium sized animals.

Continuous measurement of aortic blood velocity, after cardiac surgery, by means of an extractable Doppler ultrasound probe.

A new method has been developed for the continuous measurement of aortic blood velocity in patients following cardiac surgery. Using an extractable Doppler ultrasound probe placed on the ascending aorta, the changes in aortic velocity were recorded up to 24 h postoperatively, in 14 patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery. Volume flow rate is calculated from the mean velocity, the diameter of the aorta and the angle between the ultrasound beam and the direction of the blood flow, by means of an analogue flow calculator. Estimation of aortic flow showed a correlation of r = 0.79 with cardiac output measured by a thermodilution technique. The main advantage of the system is that it allows continuous monitoring of cardiac output, as well as short and long-term trend analyses, during the early postoperative period.

Salvage of the severely ischaemic limb by intra-arterial prostacyclin (PGI2) infusion. A case report.

A 75-year-old male patient with impending gangrene of the left lower limb due to advanced arteriosclerosis was treated with intra-arterial infusion of prostacyclin (PGI2). Pain at rest disappeared completely soon after treatment was started. Blood flow to the extremity measured by a Doppler velocity meter increased significantly during PGI2 infusion. Although some reduction in flow was found after termination of the infusion, the flow values up to 6 weeks after treatment were still markedly higher than pretreatment levels.

[Patients surgically treated for aortic coarctation]. / Pasienter operert for koarktasjon av aorta.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of coarctation of the aorta. All patient files on patients operated at Haukeland Hospital, Bergen, Norway, in the period 1975-95 (n = 102) were surveyed. We sent a questionnaire to all patients alive in 1996 (n = 84), and 82 (98%) responded. Six patients (6%) died within 30 days of surgery, and 12 (12%) died later. These mortality numbers were smaller among patients operated in the period 1988-95. Among patients with associated heart defects (n = 28) the numbers were 14% and 25%, respectively. Four patients required reoperation and three patients balloon dilatation. Six of these patients were operated in the period 1975-87. Among the 82 patients that responded to the questionnaire, clinical follow-up by a cardiologist had been discontinued in 35 cases. 31 patients (38%) were not satisfied with the follow-up. Many patients reported muscle fatigue in the legs (30%), reduced exercise performance (29%), headache (26%), general fatigue (22%), and leg pain (17%). 38% did not report any symptoms. Our results are in accordance with previously reported studies, and the mortality numbers were reduced in the second period. The number of recurrences was also reduced in this period. The symptoms reported by many patients may be caused by recoarctation or an abnormal blood pressure. This group of patients should, therefore, be monitored systematically for abnormal blood pressure, recoarctation and aortic valve disease.

Sick sinus syndrome treated with permanent pacemaker in 109 patients. A follow-up study.

During the last decade implantation of permanent pacemakers has become the treatment of choice for patients suffering from the sick sinus syndrome (SSS). We have followed up 112 SSS patients treated with permanent pacemakers in Haukeland Hospital in the period 1966--76. The pacemakers were later removed from three of the patients. In the remaining 109 patients the SSS was characterized by tachy-bradyarrhythmias (TBA) in 44 and bradyarrhythmias (BA) in 65. Before implantation, 68 patients had syncopes and 27 severe dizziness. After implantation, symptomatic improvement was apparent in 104 patients; only three still had syncopes. During the follow-up period (mean 34.4 months), 29 patients died (yearly mortality 9.3%). There was no significant difference in total mortality between patients with TBA and with BA. Concomitant disturbances in atrioventricular (AV) conduction occurred in 35.8% of the patients. Among 79 of 80 patients still alive, five had developed total AV block, 19 had stable atrial fibrillation, 12 of these were possibly pacemaker-independent (ventricular rate greater than 60/min). Systemic embolization was observed in 16 patients, more frequently in the TBA (12/44) than in the BA group (4/65) (p less than 0.001). It is concluded that permanent pacemakers have an excellent symptomatic effect in patients with SSS. The prognosis is mainly determined by the presence or absence of coronary heart disease and/or heart failure.

Comparison of transit-time and Doppler ultrasound methods for measurement of flow in aortocoronary bypass grafts during cardiac surgery.

To evaluate the accuracy of flow measurements in aortocoronary bypass grafts with the ultrasound transit-time method, an in vitro and in vivo comparison was carried out. The in vitro comparison with evaluation against both true flow and the ultrasound Doppler method, was carried out with a fresh saphenous vein mounted in a pulsatile flow rig. The two flow probes were placed on the graft 4-5 cm apart to avoid acoustic interference, and blood was pumped through the system at different flow rates. The comparison between the methods showed excellent agreement with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.996, and a mean error of -2.9 ml/min with limits of agreement +/- 13.1 ml/min (+/- 2 SD = 95% of measured differences between these limits). However, against true flow, both methods overestimated flow slightly with mean error 4.4 and 7.3 ml/min for the transit-time and Doppler, respectively. Both methods showed excellent correlation with true flow (correlation coefficient 0.998 for the transit-time and 0.997 for the Doppler method). The in vivo accuracy was evaluated by comparison of the two methods in 9 patients. The two probes were placed on the same saphenous vein grafts 4-5 cm apart, and a total of 34 measurements in 17 grafts were carried out including measurements at baseline and after papaverine injection. The correlation coefficient was 0.990 and linear regression analysis gave the equation: Transit-time flow = 1.00 x Doppler flow + 1.3. In terms of flow, the mean error was 1.5 ml with limits of agreement +/- 17.2 ml.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Adult patients with atrial septal defect]. / Voksne pasienter med atrieseptumdefekt.

Our material included patients older than 30 years who were diagnosed as having atrial septal defect during the period 1980-1993. A questionnaire was used during follow-up. 39 of a total of 42 patients were operated on. The mean follow-up time was 5.5 years. There was no operative mortality. Five patients had died by the time of follow-up. The three patients who had not been operated on had all died. The available literature gives no conclusive answer to the question of whether all patients with an atrial septal defect should be offered surgery or not.

Complications with permanent endocardial electrode systems.

The different complications of endocardial electrode systems in 185 patients during the last seven years are discussed. The surgical technique for the now routinely used cephalic route is described. The choice of anaesthesia is discussed. In the last 39 implantations there have not been any displacements or retractions. Of the total number of patients only 3 required replacement of endocardial by myocardial electrodes. This was caused by unstable position and high stimulation threshold. Fracture of the electrode occurred in 4 cases. Stimulation of the diaphragm occurred in 10%, displacement and retraction of the electrodes in 6,5% and heart penetration or perforation in 3,8% of the patients. There was one death from cardiac tamponade due to electrode perforation of the right ventricle. One case had irreversible brain damage due to prolonged asystole during pulse generator replacement. Unimportant wound infections and haematomas occurred in 5 patients and phlebitis in 3 patients. More or less serious electrode complications have been seen in 56 of the 185 patients, 18 patients having more than one complication.

Three-dimensional cross-sectional velocity distribution in the ascending aorta in cardiac patients.

Knowledge of the distribution of velocities across the ascending aorta is important for measurements of cardiac output; for understanding the function of normal and diseased valves and for the evaluation of prosthetic valves. The aim of this study was to investigate, in detail, the spatial distribution of axial velocities in the human ascending aorta, covering a nearly complete cross-section of the lumen in a time continuous modus. During open-heart surgery, blood velocities in the ascending aorta were mapped in 10 patients. All patients had aortic valves with no significant clinical evidence of disease. Pulsed Doppler ultrasound technique was used to measure blood velocity using an intraluminal probe with a 1 mm, 10 MHz crystal connected to a position-sensitive device. The distribution of blood velocity in the aorta 6-8 cm above the valve was characterized by a skewed and irregular peak systolic flow, with maximum velocity posteriorly. There was a positive correlation (r=0.854, P<0.002) between the maximum skewness slope and the stroke volume. Significant retrograde flow was recorded in all patients in the left posterior part of aorta in late systole and early diastole. The rotation of the point of maximal velocity was anticlockwise in six patients, clockwise in three and alternating in one. The present study shows that there is a considerable individual variation in the velocity distribution in the ascending aorta, with no plane symmetric features, and that large sampling volumes are required for reliable estimates of mean velocity.