Surgical lead extraction for total occlusion of the superior vena cava by chronic lead infection after mustard procedure.

We present a case of total occlusion of the superior vena cava (SVC) with extensive thrombosis of the adjacent large veins secondary to multiple abandoned pacemaker leads with a superimposed chronic lead infection by Corynebacterium jeikeium. A surgical lead extraction was performed with an extensive en-bloc resection of the SVC together with the right subclavian vein and the right innomate vein. No venous reconstruction was required because of an unobstructed runoff via a well-developed azygos system.

Usefulness of perioperative transoesophageal echocardiography during paediatric cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Paediatric transoesophageal echocardiography probes allow perioperative evaluation during paediatric congenital heart disease surgery. AIM: To assess the usefulness of perioperative transoesophageal echocardiography in evaluating the severity of residual lesions, based on the type of congenital heart disease repaired in paediatric patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on paediatric patients who underwent open-heart surgery at our tertiary centre over a four-year period. Perioperative transoesophageal echocardiography studies were performed, and residual lesions were classified as mild, moderate or severe. RESULTS: Overall, 323 procedures involving 310 patients with a median age of 13.8 (0.07-214.4) months and a median weight of 8.2 (2-96) kg at intervention were enrolled in the study. Twenty-one (6.5%) residual lesions led to immediate reintervention: severe right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (n=12); severe aortic regurgitation (n=3); superior vena cava stenosis (n=2); moderate residual ventricular septal defect (n=2); severe mitral regurgitation (n=1); and severe mitral stenosis (n=1). Three (0.9%) neonates had ventilation difficulties caused by the transoesophageal echocardiography probe having to be removed, but experienced no sequelae. CONCLUSION: Perioperative transoesophageal echocardiography is a safe procedure, providing information on severe residual lesions, leading to the immediate revision of several paediatric congenital heart disease cases.

Anomalous venoatrial connections - CT and MRI assessment.

Abnormal venous atrial (VA) connections present a congenital heart disease (CHD) challenge for pediatric cardiologists. Fully anatomical evaluation is very difficult in prenatal and perinatal follow-up, but it has a profound impact on surgical correction and outcome. The echocardiogram is first-line imaging and represents the gold standard tool for simple abnormal VA connection. CT and MRI are mandatory for more complex heart disease and "nightmare cases". 3D post-processing of volumetric CT and MRI acquisition helps to clarify anatomical relationships and allows for the creation of 3D printing models that can become crucial in customizing surgical strategy. Our article describes a ten-year (2013-2022) tertiary referral CHD center of abnormal AV connections investigated with CT and MRI, illustrating most of these complex diseases with the help of volume rendering (VR) or multiplanar reconstructions (MPR). The nightmarish cases will also be addressed due to the complex cardiovascular arrangement that requires a challenging surgical solution for correction along with the post-surgical complications.

Advancing paediatric cardiac imaging: a comprehensive analysis of the feasibility and accuracy of a novel 3D paediatric transoesophageal probe.

Aims: Pediatric transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) probes have remained two-dimensional (2D) limiting their use compared to adults. While critical in pediatrics for interventions and post-surgery assessments, technological advancements introduced a three-dimensional (3D) pediatric TOE probe. This study assessed the new 3D pediatric TOE probe (GE 9VT-D) for feasibility, handling, and imaging quality. Methods and results: At Children's Hospital of Toulouse, 2-month prospective study enrolled children undergoing TOE with the new probe. All imaging modalities were rated by 2 operators using a 5-point Likert-type scale from 1 (very poor) to 5 (very good) quality. Forty-five children, median age 3.7 (range: 2 months-14.7 years) median weight 7.8 kg (range: 4.3-48 kg) underwent 60 TOEs: 25% pre-surgery, 45% post-surgery, 28% during percutaneous procedures, and 2% in intensive care. Probe handling was "very easy" in all cases without adverse events. The median score of 2D, 2D colour, pulsed Doppler and 3D were noted 5 out of 5 and continuous Doppler and 3D colour 4 out of 5. The 3D image quality remained consistent irrespective of the patient weighing above or below 7.8 kg (p = 0.72). Postoperative TOEs identified two cases needing further interventions, emphasizing its value in evaluating surgical outcomes and also for guiding percutaneous interventions. Conclusion: Our comprehensive evaluation demonstrates that the new 3D pediatric TOE probe is feasible and provides high-quality imaging in pediatric patients. The successful integration of this novel probe into clinical practice has the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and procedural planning, ultimately optimizing patient outcomes in pediatric cardiac care.

Atrioventricular Discordance with Double-Outlet Right Ventricle in Mirror Imagery and Levocardia: A Very Rare Case Report.

A newborn without prenatal diagnosis, with bronchial and abdominal situs inversus in levocardia, was referred to our hospital for accurate evaluation; echocardiography showed venoatrial connections in mirror-image arrangement, atrioventricular (AV) discordance, and double-outlet right ventricle (DORV). Additional cardiac malformations were double upper caval district, atrial communication, subpulmonary interventricular communication, and moderate subvalvular and valvular pulmonary stenosis. Few days after birth, the patient presented low oxygen saturation and the heart team decided for a palliative surgery. We describe a very rare case in a newborn with bronchial-abdominal mirror imagery, AV discordance, and DORV in levocardia.

Perfusion Study Helps in the Management of the Intraseptal Course of an Anomalous Coronary Artery.

Anomalous origin of a coronary artery from the opposite aortic sinus of Valsalva can present in various ways, ranging from a benign and incidental finding to sudden cardiac death. The variant with an intraseptal subpulmonary course (sometimes referred to as intraconal), is widely perceived to carry a low risk of ischemia and has been considered to be a benign variant, not requiring surgical treatment. In one of our recent patients, however, nuclear scintigraphy highlighted a myocardial perfusion deficit in the territory supplied by the allegedly benign anomalous coronary artery, prompting the need for a more aggressive surgical approach.

Axillary artery cannulation.

Axillary artery cannulation is indicated mainly during surgery involving the aortic root and the aortic arch when the pathology precludes a standard cannulation of the ascending aorta. Axillary cannulation provides an antegrade systemic flow, allows easy initiation of antegrade cerebral perfusion during circulatory arrest and reduces the rate of retrograde cerebral embolization compared with a femoral cannulation. Experimentally, axillary cannulation has been shown to reduce cerebral emboli compared with a standard ascending aortic cannulation. Axillary artery cannulation can be used as the procedure of choice in cases of ascending aortic aneurysm extending in the arch, isolated arch aneurysms, type A aortic dissection, porcelain aorta, re-operations of the thoracic aorta and other miscellaneous indications.

A new surgical technique for transcatheter Fontan completion.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with complex congenital heart defects and univentricular heart usually required multiple palliative surgery aiming to separate pulmonary and systemic circulations. Various groups work on trying to perform the Fontan completion by a transcatheter technique. We developed and report here a modified technique to prepare the patient for this type of procedure. METHODS: Sixteen sheep were included and prepared through a midline sternotomy. Preparation for transcatheter completion was performed using specially designed devices. The superior vena cava (SVC) was connected to the pulmonary artery (PA) using a Goretex conduit. The connection between the SVC and the right atrium (RA) was interrupted using a vascular stent occluded in the middle by a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane. Two nitinol rings were placed around the inferior vena cava (IVC). Immediately after preparation, the transcatheter completion was performed by first perforating the membrane of the occluded stent and by placing covered stents from IVC rings to the SVC stent. RESULTS: Creation of the SVC to PA connection was uneventful. The insertion of the rings was done successfully in all animals very easily. All stents but one were completely occluding the SVC. Once, a tiny leak was noticed and successfully treated by additional stitches around the stent. Perforation of the membrane was done successfully in all animals re-establishing the pathway between the SVC and the RA. After dilatation of the stent, one animal required surgical control of a haemorrhage related to disruption of the SVC anastomosis. Three to four Cheatham-platinum (CP)-covered stents were necessary to complete the Fontan-like circulation. In the first animal, one stent moved downward missing its target. The placement between the two rings was easily performed using fluoroscopic guidance. No stents were positioned above the SVC stent keeping this part free of material. CONCLUSIONS: We describe new improvements for surgical preparation for transcatheter completion of partial cavopulmonary connection. For superior connection, we developed an occluding stent that helps to re-establish RA to PA connection, alloys precise placement and enhances the stability of the completion stents. Inferiorly, anchorage of the covered stents is also improved by the use of nitinol rings.

Intramural coronary arteries and outcome of neonatal arterial switch operation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of coronary patterns with intramural arteries on the outcome of arterial switch operation (ASO) in neonates with transposition of the great arteries (TGA). METHODS: Between 1987 and 2008, 919 neonates underwent ASO for TGA. Forty-six (5.0%) had intramural coronary arteries. Intramural course involved the left main coronary artery in 28 of the 46 cases (61%), the left anterior descending artery in 12 patients (26%), the right coronary artery in three and both right and left coronary arteries in three cases. Various techniques were used to manage the coronary arteries: ASO without coronary relocation in one, ASO with coronary transfer as a single coronary button in nine and ASO with coronary transfer as two separate buttons in 36 patients (additional pericardial patches were implanted to orientate the coronary button in nine cases or enlarge the coronary ostium in three cases). The intramural course was unroofed in most cases (after 1995). RESULTS: There were 13 deaths (28%): two intra-operative, nine before discharge from the hospital and two after discharge; during the same period, overall mortality in the 873 neonates with other coronary patterns was 3.9%. Actuarial survival at 10 years was 71 + or - 7%. Most deaths (11/13, i.e., 85%) were related to coronary complications. No time-trend effect was noted regarding mortality. Non-fatal coronary lesions were detected in eight patients (three with clinical evidence of myocardial infarction and five without). Five patients underwent re-operation for coronary revascularisation. Actuarial freedom from coronary events at 10 years was 46 + or - 10%. After a mean follow-up of 8.3 + or - 4.8 years, left ventricular function was normal in 97% of the survivors; minor ischaemic sequelae were present in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary patterns with intramural arteries remain associated with high coronary mortality and morbidity following neonatal ASO, even in the current era. The association of slit-like deformation of the ostium, stenosis of the intramural course and abnormal angle of take-off might explain the difficulty in coronary transfer. The technique of coronary transfer should be individually adapted to each anatomical situation. The place of patch ostioplasty of the intramural artery remains to be determined.

Surgical management of supravalvular aortic stenosis: does Brom three-patch technique provide superior results?

BACKGROUND: Various surgical techniques have been proposed to repair supravalvular aortic stenosis. However, the optimal approach remains to be determined. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the results of surgery for supravalvular aortic stenosis and to compare the symmetric three-patch repair (Brom technique) with other surgical reconstructions. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2007, 34 patients with supravalvular aortic stenosis underwent surgery. Fourteen patients (41%) had Williams syndrome. Supravalvular stenosis was discrete in 24 patients (71%) and diffuse in 10 (29%). Eight patients (23%) underwent one-patch repair; 3 patients (9%) had inverted bifurcated patch enlargement (Doty repair) and 23 patients (68%) had symmetric repair (Brom three-patch technique). Follow-up was complete and ranged from 6 months to 12 years (mean, 5.8 years). RESULTS: There was one early and no late deaths. One patient (with one-patch repair) underwent reoperation for residual obstruction. At last follow-up, left ventricle to aorta peak gradient was 45 +/- 28 mm Hg after one-patch repair, 30 +/- 9 mm Hg after Doty operation, and 11 +/- 18 mm Hg after symmetric Brom procedure. Brom repair was associated with a low incidence of residual obstruction (peak gradient > or = 40 mm Hg) (2 of 22; 9.1%) and moderate aortic insufficiency (1 of 22; 4.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Brom three-patch repair provides symmetric reconstruction of the aortic root in patients with supravalvular aortic stenosis. This may lead to improved midterm results in terms of relief of the obstruction and incidence of aortic insufficiency.

POINT: Efficacy of adding mitral valve restrictive annuloplasty to coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with moderate ischemic mitral valve regurgitation: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical management of moderate chronic ischemic mitral valve regurgitation is still debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding mitral valve repair to coronary artery bypass grafting on clinical outcomes and left ventricular remodeling in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting alone versus coronary artery bypass grafting plus mitral valve repair in a randomized trial. METHODS: Between February 2003 and May 2007, 102 patients were eligible for this study and were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups by means of card allocation: coronary artery bypass grafting plus mitral valve repair (CABG plus MVR group; 48 patients, 47%) or coronary artery bypass grafting alone (CABG group; 54 patients, 53%). The 2 groups were similar regarding demographics, perioperative clinical data, and outcomes. There were differences regarding cardiopulmonary bypass (P < .0001) and aortic crossclamp (P < .0001) times. Exercise tests were performed for all survivors to evaluate tolerance to exercise and variability on grade of mitral regurgitation and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure. The study was blinded for physicians and nurses involved in postoperative care and clinical follow-up. The mean follow-up was 32 +/- 18 months. RESULTS: Overall in-hospital mortality was 3% (3 patients). One (1.8%) patient died in the CABG group, and 2 (4.1%) patients died in the CABG plus MVR group. Survival rates +/- standard error at 5 years for patients in the CABG and CABG plus MVR groups were 88.8% +/- 3.2% and 93.7% +/- 3.1%, respectively. A significant difference was found between the 2 groups with regard to mean New York Heart Association class (P < .0001), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (P < .01), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (P < .01), pulmonary arterial pressure (P < .0001), and left atrial size (P < .01). At follow-up, coronary artery bypass grafting alone was able to reduce mitral regurgitation grade in 40% of patients, whereas in the remaining patients mitral regurgitation grade remained stable or worsened. In the CABG group, among the 17 patients with mild mitral regurgitation and 12 patients with moderate mitral regurgitation at rest, 7 (40%) and 9 (75%) patients, respectively, had worsening in mitral regurgitation grade and pulmonary artery pressure during exercise. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of adding mitral valve repair to coronary artery bypass grafting is well demonstrated by the improvement of New York Heart Association functional class and percentage of left ventricular ejection fraction and by the decrease of mitral regurgitation grade, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, pulmonary artery pressure, and left atrial size. Moreover, coronary artery bypass grafting alone left more patients with heart failure symptoms at rest and during exercise. Combined coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve repair have no effect on survival at short-term follow-up, and the trends that are evident will likely become more significant with time.

Double-outlet right ventricle in a neonate with Cantrell's syndrome.

We report a case of the association of Cantrell's syndrome with double-outlet right ventricle in a neonate.

Bidirectional Glenn and antegrade pulmonary blood flow: temporary or definitive palliation?

BACKGROUND: We sought to investigate the role of the bidirectional Glenn with antegrade pulmonary blood flow in the surgical history of children with univentricular hearts. METHODS: A series of 246 patients, from three joint institutions, having univentricular heart with restricted but not critical pulmonary blood flow received a bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt with additional forward pulmonary blood flow. All patients have been studied according to their progression, or not, to Fontan operation. Two hundred and eight (84.5%) patients underwent bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis as primary palliation. Twenty patients (8.1%) with previous pulmonary artery banding were also enrolled in the study. Patients who had received additional pulmonary blood flow through a previous systemic to pulmonary artery shunt for the critical pulmonary blood flow were excluded. RESULTS: No in-hospital death occurred. Follow-up was complete at 100%. Mean follow-up was 4.2 +/- 2.8 years (range, 6 months to 7 years). During the observational period 73 (29.7%) patients, considered optimal candidates, underwent Fontan completion for increasing cyanosis and (or) hematocrit and (or) fatigue with exertion. Three patients expired after total cavopulmonary connection (3 of 73; 4.1% mortality rate). The remaining 173 (70.3%) patients are alive with initial palliation. All patients were still well palliated with an arterial oxygen saturation at rest about 90%. CONCLUSIONS: According to our experience and results, bidirectional Glenn with antegrade pulmonary blood flow may be an excellent temporary palliation prior to a Fontan operation, which can be performed at the onset of symptoms. Bidirectional Glenn may also be the best possible palliation for a suboptimal candidate for Fontan.

Implantation of a Berlin Heart as single ventricle by-pass on Fontan circulation in univentricular heart failure.

The clinical management of ventricular failure after the Fontan operation presents a formidable challenge to surgeons. We report our experience with successful implantation of a Berlin Heart EXCOR ventricular assist device as a bridge to transplantation in a child with Fontan circulation.