End-stage cardiomyopathy and secondary mitral insufficiency surgical alternative with prosthesis implant and left ventricular restoration.

BACKGROUND: Secondary mitral insufficiency is a strong risk factor for death in end-stage cardiomyopathy. The possible correction of mitral regurgitation has now been accepted as an alternative to cardiac transplantation in a special subset of patients. We propose a new surgical approach that consists of implantation of a mitral prosthesis that is smaller than the annulus, and preservation and traction of the papillary muscles to reduce sphericity of the left ventricle. METHODS: Between December 1995 and September 2005, 116 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy underwent this procedure, with the following etiologic factors: ischemic (68), idiopathic (43), Chagas disease (3), viral (1), and postpartum (1). The patients were analyzed according to clinical criteria, echocardiographic findings, and morphology of left ventricle. RESULTS: All patients were in an end-stage phase, requiring >2 hospital admissions over the past 3 months, despite receiving full medication. Furthermore, seven were in intensive care unit receiving intravenous drugs or intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, and one was in cardiogenic shock. Hospital mortality was 16.3% (19/116), yet midterm follow-up showed a relatively flat late survival curve, with evidence of improved clinical status, better echocardiographic parameters, and reduction in ventricular sphericity. CONCLUSIONS: The high early mortality rate related to other clinical conditions at the time of surgery. However, the resultant flat survival after this early interval offers a promising long-term therapeutic alternative for the treatment of patients in refractory heart failure with cardiomyopathy that is associated with moderate or severe secondary mitral regurgitation.

[Surgical treatment of aortic valve disease with stentless bovine pericardium prosthesis: immediate results]. / Tratamento cirúrgico das valvopatias aórticas com bioprótese de pericárdio bovino sem suporte: resultados imediatos.

OBJECTIVE: To present the immediate results and assess the clinical and hemodynamic performance of stentless bovine pericardial bioprostheses in aortic position. METHODS: Twenty patients were operated who were indicated for surgery for valve replacement with biological prosthesis. Eleven patients were male; sixteen had aortic stenosis; four, insufficiency; the mean age was 66.3 +/- 8.8 years. The surgical technique used was subcoronary implant. Associated procedures were performed in five patients. Postoperative morbidity, mortality and hemodynamic performance were assessed on transthoracic echocardiogram. RESULTS: Mean time of cardiopulmonary bypass was 136.5 +/- 24.41 minutes and mean anoxic time was 105.2 +/- 21.62 minutes. Hospital mortality was 5% (one patient). Mean time of intensive care unit stay was 3.65 +/- 3.23 days. Mean postoperatively transvalvular gradient was was 25.39 +/- 7.82 mmHg. Left ventricle ejection fraction was 67 +/- 13.49% preoperatively and 63.24 +/- 16.06% postoperatively (p = 0.45). Eleven patients did not present any degree of valve regurgitation, eight presented mild regurgitation and one ,mild to moderate regurgitation. CONCLUSION: Stentless prostheses can be used for the surgical treatment of aortic valve diseases, with in hospital mortality and morbidity similar to the mortality and morbidity described in the literature for similar procedures, with satisfactory hemodynamic performance.

[Cardiac transplantation and neoplasms: experiences at Escola Paulista de Medicina of the Federal University of São Paulo]. / Transplante cardíaco e neoplasias: experiência na Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo.

OBJECTIVE: To study the occurrence and types of neoplasms developed by patients who underwent an orthotopic cardiac transplantation under the Program of Cardiac Transplantation of Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo. METHODS: This is an observational study of 106 patients who underwent orthotopic cardiac transplantation from November 1986 to September 2002 and survived at least thirty days following the procedure. The triple immunosuppressive regimen given included cyclosporin A, azathioprine and a corticosteroid agent. Only two patients received OKT3 in addition to the regimen established. Mean follow-up was 61.4 months (ranging from two months to 192 months). RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (21.3%) developed neoplasms--56.5% of these were skin neoplasm, 30.1%, solid tumors, and 13.4% of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). Mean interval between transplantation and diagnosis of neoplasm was: 54.9 months for skin neoplasm; 24.8 months for solid tumors and 70.3 months for PTLD. CONCLUSION: Malignant neoplasms are relatively common in the population studied. Skin cancer was the most common type compared to the other types of neoplasms. Solid tumors were more frequently diagnosed than the lymphoproliferative diseases in the population examined.

[Sildenafil improves right ventricular function in a cardiac transplant recipient]. / Sildenafil melhora a função ventricular direita no receptor de transplante cardíaco.

We report the case of a male patient who underwent orthotopic cardiac transplantation. A marginal donor was used, because the recipient's clinical condition was critical. He experienced cardiogenic shock due to right ventricular dysfunction secondary to pulmonary hypertension associated with vasoplegia. After the introduction of sildenafil, the patient recovered hemodynamically, his pulmonary vascular resistance decreased, the vasoactive drugs were withdrawn, and his right ventricular function improved.

Coronary artery and myocardial inflammatory reaction induced by intracoronary stent.

BACKGROUND: Intracoronary stents have been extensively used in percutaneous coronary revascularization. However, despite the breakthroughs and developments associated with this new technology, novel complications and findings have emerged compelling the cardiac surgeon to cope with this new scenario. The presence of an intracoronary foreign body (stent) might induce an inflammatory reaction to the coronary artery and surrounding cardiac muscle. METHODS: Six patients who previously (2 to 72 weeks) underwent stent insertion and subsequently coronary artery bypass graft surgery had a biopsy taken from the grafted coronary artery distal to the stent and from the adjacent muscle. The samples were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and histologically studied. RESULTS: Histologic examination of the coronary artery distal to the stent revealed chronic inflammation and an intimal acute inflammatory infiltrate, with polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The myocardium adjacent to the stent exhibited a significant chronic inflammatory infiltrate and fibrosis, compatible with myocarditis. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of an intracoronary stent induces a persistent, acute and chronic inflammatory reaction, with involvement of the distal coronary artery and surrounding myocardium. This may have implications when choosing the optimal site distal to the stent for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Vasoplegic syndrome after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The vasoplegic syndrome (VS) has been implicated in life-threatening complications after open heart surgery, where the whole-body inflammatory reaction is attributed to the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) has been recently achieving growing enthusiasm mainly due avoiding the side effects of CPB. However herein the occurrence of VS in OPCAB is reported. METHODS: The vasoplegic syndrome usual findings occurring in the early postoperative period include severe hypotension, tachycardia, normal or elevated cardiac output and low systemic vascular resistance. Four patients underwent to OPCAB presented all the signs of VS intraoperatively or within the first 6 postoperative h. RESULTS: The patients needed aggressive vasoactive drug support for hemodynamic stabilization and all of them developed complications. These patients also had tendency to require administration of blood and blood derivatives due to diffuse and oozing type bleeding. Mean intensive care unit stay of surviving patients was 70 h and mean period of postoperative hospitalization was 9 days. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha blood levels in one patient were elevated postoperatively though no signs of infection were observed. One patient died. CONCLUSIONS: Although vasoplegic syndrome can complicate OPCAB surgery, the rationale for avoiding CPB remains valid considering the benefits provided by OPCAB.

Coronary artery bypass using only computed tomography as pre-operative angiogram.

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is a well established procedure with current precise indications. The advent and spread of this technique was possible after the introduction of the coronary angiogram. Although many evaluation methods have been developed in the past years, to date, none have been able to replace the invasive coronary angiogram as a pre-operative exam. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) has emerged as an alternative to invasive coronary angiogram. In this report we describe two CABG cases that were performed using only this technique as a pre-operative anatomic coronary arteries evaluation.

Bentall and De Bono surgery for correction of valve and ascending aortic disease: long-term results.

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective study was performed in a series of consecutive patients who underwent a Bentall and De Bono procedure. METHODS: Data were removed of medical records and follow-up data were obtained from clinical records and direct contact with patients. A total of 39 patients were studied between January 1996 and December 2005. RESULTS: The median age was 47 years (range 14-70). There were 33 males and six females. Eleven (25.5%) patients presented Marfan syndrome and one (2.5%) Turner syndrome. Nineteen (48.5%) patients had hypertension, eight (20.5%) had history of smoking, six (15.5%) had history of alcoholism, eight (20.5%) had dyslipidemia, two (5.0%) had diabetes and one (2.56%) had myocardial infarct previously. Twenty-eight (72%) patients were in II-III NYHA class in the moment of the surgery. Annulo-aortic ecstasy was present in 14 (35.9%) patients and aortic aneurysms in 16 (41%). The median time in intensive care unit was 8.79 days with range 2-23 days. Four (10.0%) patients underwent an emergency operation and 35 (90%) elective. The overall hospital mortality was 5% (2/39). The event-free survival is 94.87% at 1 year and 84.61% at in 5 and 10. The median time of follow-up was 46.5 months (range 14-120 months). CONCLUSION: The Bentall and De Bono technique obtained excellent results in the short-term and long-term, which support the continued use of the compositive graft technique as the preferred method of treatment for patients with aortic root disease. Our findings confirm the current literature data.

Patent ductus arteriosus treatment in the premature newborn: clinical and surgical analisys.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of patency ductus arteriosus is indicated when the clinical intervention fails. However, this treatment may have some complications. OBJECTIVE: To analyze clinical and surgical aspects involved on the treatment of patency ductus arteriosus in premature newborn. METHODS: Twenty two premature newborns, submitted to surgical treatment for patency ductus arteriosus from January, 2000 to June, 2006, were evaluated. There were 77.3% female patients, the mean birth weight was 952.5 g and the mean gestational age was 27 weeks. The use of vasoactive drugs, indometacin, echocardiograph parameters and complications, in the pre and postoperative periods were evaluated. RESULTS: In this casuistic 59.1% patients needed intratracheal intubation at birth, 77.3% needed surfactants, 59.1% used vasoactive drugs preoperative. The mean doses of indometacin were 3.43, with dose range 0.1 to 0.25 mg/Kg/day. The mean caliber of arterial duct patent was 1,96 mm. The surgical procedure was carried out through extrapleural approach in 59.1% of the patients, the mean time of postoperative intubation was 30.9 days, and 50% of the patients used vasoactive drugs postoperative. There were 18.1% postoperative complications (postoperative non-fatal complications). CONCLUSION: More than the half of the patients needed intratracheal intubation at birth, surfactant use and vasoactive drugs in the preoperative period. There was greater prevalence of the extrapleural approach during the surgery. In the postoperative period, there was less demand of vasoactive use and there was not deaths related to the surgical procedure.

Myocardial revascularization and ventricular restoration through pacopexy.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze left ventricle performance after myocardial revascularization associated to ventricular geometrics restoration by "pacopexy" in schemic myocardiopathy patients with significant ventricular dysfunction in whom ventricular restoration was obtained through special technique. METHODS: Myocardial revascularization associated to ventricular geometrics restoration through special technique, with no use of prosthesis or other synthetic materials. RESULTS: Patients functional class was shown to have improved 93.10% after surgical procedure. Pre- and post-surgical comparison showed significant increase in left ventricle ejection fraction as well as decrease in left ventricle systolic diameter. No significant change was observed in left ventricle diastolic diameter or systolic volume. Post-surgical follow-up time length ranged from 1 month to 3 years and 4 months. CONCLUSION: Ventricular dysfunction restoration technique through pacopexy showed to be effective for the management of severe ventricular dysfunction from schemic causes. Major impact was observed in the functional class of patients under study.

Off-pump myocardial revascularization: critical analysis of 23 years' experience in 3,866 patients.

BACKGROUND: Surgical myocardial revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is not new, with the first consecutive series of patients appearing in the early eighties. There has been increased interest in this alternative approach, especially in patients with comorbidities. There is controversy regarding advantages, risks, and usefulness of this method of myocardial revascularization. We herein report a consecutive series of 3,866 patients, from the first case in September 1981 to the last in November 2004, analyzing applicability, mortality, morbidity, and surgical technique. METHODS: From September 1981 to November 2004, 3,866 consecutive patients were revascularized without CPB. This figure represents an overall applicability of 30.8% considering a total of 12,553 revascularization procedures performed during this time. There were 2,822 males (73%) with ages from 12 to 93 years (median, 62 +/- 14). Mean grafts per patient was 1.9, and the internal mammary artery was used in 87.3% of cases. The main indications for surgery were chronic coronary insufficiency (89% of cases) and failure of angioplasty or stenting. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 1.9%, with low incidence of cerebrovascular accident (5 cases in the entire series). Morbidity, considering major postoperative complications, occurred in 12.5% of the patients. The applicability of the off-pump technique was 18% of cases in the beginning of our experience, increasing to 49% in the last 5 years with the use of stabilizers and maneuvers to expose posterior coronary branches. CONCLUSIONS: Off-pump coronary surgery is an alternative method of myocardial revascularization that should be considered for every patient. The preference of this technique over conventional revascularization should be based on the surgeon's own experience, on the patient's preoperative condition and on the coronary anatomy. Off-pump myocardial revascularization represents an important development in coronary artery surgery. Over the years it has evolved into a valid form of surgery with the same safety as the conventional operation and with more advantages in high risk patients.

Inflammatory reaction after sirolimus-eluting stent implant.

Sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) are supposed to attenuate cell proliferation and reduce restenosis rate. Histologic finding from coronary artery after SES implant showed fibrosis and inflammatory infiltrate, revealing a chronic inflammatory reaction. Extension of coronary inflammatory reaction after stenting needs clarification. The long-term consequences are unknown.

Cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio usando apenas tomografia computadorizada como angiograma pré-operatório / Cirugía de revascularización del miocardio usando sólo tomografía computada como angiograma preoperatorio / Coronary artery bypass using only computed tomography as pre-operative angiogram

A cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (CRM) é um procedimento bem estabelecido com indicações atuais precisas. O advento e a disseminação dessa técnica foram possíveis após a introdução do angiograma coronário. Embora muitos métodos de avaliação tenham evoluído nos últimos anos, nenhum conseguiu substituir o angiograma coronário invasivo como exame pré-operatório. A tomografia computadorizada (TC) emergiu como uma alternativa ao angiograma coronário invasivo. O presente relato descreve dois casos de CRM realizadas usando-se apenas a TC como técnica de avaliação anatômica das artérias coronárias pré-operatória.

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is a well established procedure with current precise indications. The advent and spread of this technique was possible after the introduction of the coronary angiogram. Although many evaluation methods have been developed in the past years, to date, none have been able to replace the invasive coronary angiogram as a pre-operative exam. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) has emerged as an alternative to invasive coronary angiogram. In this report we describe two CABG cases that were performed using only this technique as a pre-operative anatomic coronary arteries evaluation.

La cirugía de revascularización del miocardio (CRM) es un procedimiento bien establecido con indicaciones actuales precisas. El advenimiento y la divulgación de esta técnica fueron posibles después de la introducción del angiograma coronario. Aunque muchos métodos de evaluación hayan evolucionados en los últimos años, ninguno ha conseguido sustituir al angiograma coronario invasivo como examen preoperatorio. La tomografía computada (TC) surgió como una alternativa al angiograma coronario invasivo. El presente informe describe dos casos de CRM realizadas usando sólo la TC como técnica de evaluación anatómica de las arterias coronarias preoperatoria.

Operação de Bentall e De Bono para correção das doenças da raiz aórtica: análise de resultados a longo prazo / Bentall and De Bono surgery for correction of valve and ascending aortic disease: long-term results

OBJETIVO: Um estudo retrospectivo foi desenhado tendo como fator de inclusão a cirurgia de Bentall e De Bono. MÉTODOS: Dados foram retirados de prontuários médicos e informações de seguimento a longo prazo obtidas por meio de retornos ambulatoriais e contatos diretos com o paciente. Trinta e nove pacientes foram acompanhados no período de janeiro de 1996 a dezembro de 2005. RESULTADOS: A mediana de idade foi 47 anos, sendo 85 por cento dos pacientes do sexo masculino. Onze (25,5 por cento) pacientes apresentavam síndrome de Marfan e um (2,5 por cento) síndrome de Turner. Entre os fatores de risco, listaram-se: hipertensão em 19 (48,5 por cento) pacientes, tabagismo em oito (20,5 por cento), etilismo em seis (15,5 por cento), dislipidemia em oito (20,5 por cento), diabetes melito em dois (5 por cento) e presença de IAM prévio em um (2,5 por cento). Vinte e oito (72 por cento) pacientes estavam em classe II-III NYHA ao momento da operação. Ectasia ânulo-aórtica era diagnóstico em 14 (36 por cento) pacientes e aneurisma da aorta em 16 (41 por cento). O tempo médio de permanência na UTI foi 8,8 dias, com intervalo de 2-23 dias. A taxa de sobrevida em 30 dias (intra-hospitalar) foi de 94,87 por cento (2/39). Em um ano, 37 (94,87 por cento) pacientes estavam vivos, e em 5 e 10 anos, 33 (84,61 por cento). O tempo de acompanhamento médio foi de 46,5 meses, com intervalo de 14-120 meses. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica descrita por Bentall e De Bono obteve excelentes resultados a curto e longo prazo, sendo eficaz e segura no tratamento de doenças da valva aórtica e aorta ascendente em nosso serviço. Nossos resultados são condizentes com dados atuais da literatura.

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective study was perfomed in a series of consecutive patients who underwent a Bentall and De Bono procedure. Methods: Data were removed of medical records and follow-up data were obtained from clinical records and direct contact with patients. A total of 39 patients were studied between January 1996 and December 2005. RESULTS: The median age was 47 years (range 14-70). There were 33 males and six females. Eleven (25.5 percent) patients presented Marfan syndrome and one (2.5 percent) Turner syndrome. Nineteen (48.5 percent) patients had hypertension, eight (20.5 percent) had history of smoking, six (15.5 percent) had history of alcoholism, eight (20.5 percent) had dyslipidemia, two (5.0 percent) had diabetes and one (2.56 percent) had myocardial infarct previously. Twenty-eight (72 percent) patients were in II-III NYHA class in the moment of the surgery. Annulo-aortic ectasy was present in 14 (35.9 percent) patients and aortic aneuryms in 16 (41 percent). The median time in intensive care unit was 8.79 days with range 2-23 days. Four (10.0 percent) patients underwent an emergency opertation and 35 (90 percent) elective. The overall hospital mortality was 5 percent (2/39). The event-free survival is 94.87 percent at 1 year and 84.61 percent at in 5 and 10. The median time of follow-up was 46.5 months (range 14-120 months). CONCLUSION: The Bentall and De Bono technique obtained excellent results in the short-term and long-term, which support the continued use of the compositive graft technique as the preferred method of treatament for patients with aortic root disease. Our findings confirm the current literature data.

Tratamento da persistência de canal arterial em recém-nascidos prematuros: análise clínica e cirúrgica / Patent ductus arteriosus treatment in the premature newborn: clinical and surgical analisys

FUNDAMENTO: O tratamento cirúrgico da persistência de canal arterial é indicado quando a intervenção clínica fracassa. No entanto, esse tratamento não é livre de complicações. OBJETIVO: Analisar aspectos clínicos e cirúrgicos envolvidos no tratamento da persistência do canal arterial, em recém-nascidos prematuros. MÉTODOS: No período de janeiro de 2000 a junho de 2006, foram analisados 22 recém-nascidos prematuros submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico para persistência de canal arterial. Do total de pacientes, 77,3 por cento eram do sexo feminino, com peso médio ao nascimento de 952,5 g e idade gestacional média de 27 semanas. O uso de agentes vasoativos, indometacina, parâmetros ecocardiográficos e complicações, nos períodos pré e pós-operatórios, foi avaliado. RESULTADOS: Na casuística avaliada, 59,1 por cento dos pacientes necessitaram de intubação orotraqueal ao nascimento; 77,3 por cento, de surfactante; e 59,1 por cento usaram agentes vasoativos no pré-operatório. O número médio de aplicações de indometacina foi de 3,4, com dosagem variando de 0,1 a 0,25 mg/kg/dia. O calibre médio do canal arterial foi de 1,96 mm. O procedimento cirúrgico foi realizado por abordagem extrapleural em 59,1 por cento dos casos, e no pós-operatório o tempo médio de intubação foi de 30,9 dias, com emprego de agentes vasoativos em 50 por cento dos pacientes. Observaram-se 18,1 por cento de complicações pós-operatórias não-fatais. CONCLUSÃO: Mais da metade dos pacientes necessitou de intubação orotraqueal ao nascimento, emprego de surfactante e agentes vasoativos no período pré-operatório. Houve maior prevalência de abordagem extrapleural durante o ato operatório. No período pós-operatório, houve menor demanda de agentes vasoativos e não houve óbitos diretamente relacionados ao procedimento cirúrgico.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of patency ductus arteriosus is indicated when the clinical intervention fails. However, this treatment may have some complications. OBJECTIVE: To analyze clinical and surgical aspects involved on the treatment of patency ductus arteriosus in premature newborn. METHODS: Twenty two premature newborns, submitted to surgical treatment for patency ductus arteriosus from January, 2000 to June, 2006, were evaluated. There were 77,3 percent female patients, the mean birth weight was 952,5g and the mean gestational age was 27 weeks. The use of vasoactive drugs, indometacin, echocardiograph parameters and complications, in the pre and postoperative periods were evaluated. RESULTS: In this casuistic 59,1 percent patients needed intratracheal intubation at birth, 77,3 percent needed surfactants, 59,1 percent used vasoactive drugs preoperative. The mean doses of indometacin were 3,43, with dose range 0,1 to 0,25 mg/Kg/day. The mean caliber of arterial duct patent was 1,96 mm. The surgical procedure was carried out through extrapleural approach in 59.1 percent of the patients, the mean time of postoperative intubation was 30,9 days, and 50 percent of the patients used vasoactive drugs postoperative. There were 18,1 percent postoperative complications (postoperative non-fatal complications). CONCLUSION: More than the half of the patients needed intratracheal intubation at birth, surfactant use and vasoactive drugs in the preoperative period. There was greater prevalence of the extrapleural approach during the surgery. In the postoperative period, there was less demand of vasoactive use and there was not deaths related to the surgical procedure.

Revascularização miocárdica e restauração ventricular por meio da pacopexia / Myocardial revascularization and ventricular restoration through pacopexy

OBJETIVO: Analisar o desempenho ventricular esquerdo após revascularização miocárdica associada à restauração da geometria ventricular pela "pacopexia", em pacientes portadores de miocardiopatia isquêmica com significativa disfunção ventricular, nos quais a restauração ventricular foi conseguida com técnica especial. MÉTODOS: Revascularização miocárdica associada à restauração da geometria ventricular através de técnica especial, sem utilização de próteses ou outros materiais sintéticos. RESULTADOS: Após o procedimento cirúrgico, foi observada melhora da classe funcional em 93,10 por cento dos pacientes. Houve um aumento significante na comparação pré e pós operatórias da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo e diminuição do diâmetro sistólico do ventrículo esquerdo. Não houve alteração significante do diâmetro diastólico do ventrículo esquerdo e do volume sistólico. O tempo de seguimento após a operação variou de 1 mês a 3 anos e 4 meses. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica de restauração ventricular através da pacopexia mostrou-se eficaz no tratamento da grave disfunção ventricular de origem isquêmica, com impacto sobretudo na melhora da classe funcional dos pacientes estudados.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze left ventricle performance after myocardial revascularization associated to ventricular geometrics restoration by "pacopexy" in schemic myocardiopathy patients with significant ventricular dysfunction in whom ventricular restoration was obtained through special technique. METHODS: Myocardial revascularization associated to ventricular geometrics restoration through special technique, with no use of prosthesis or other synthetic materials. RESULTS: PatientsÆ functional class was shown to have improved 93.10 percent after surgical procedure. Pre- and post-surgical comparison showed significant increase in left ventricle ejection fraction as well as decrease in left ventricle systolic diameter. No significant change was observed in left ventricle diastolic diameter or systolic volume. Post-surgical follow-up time length ranged from 1 month to 3 years and 4 months. CONCLUSION: Ventricular dysfunction restoration technique through pacopexy showed to be effective for the management of severe ventricular dysfunction from schemic causes. Major impact was observed in the functional class of patients under study.

Artéria radial versus veia safena para revascularização do miocárdio: metanálise (não houve diferença estatisticamente significante) / Radial artery versus saphenous vein to myocardial revascularization: meta-analysis (there is no statistically significant difference)

OBJETIVO: Comparar a efetividade do enxerto de artéria radial com o enxerto de veia safena para revascularização do miocárdio, em associação com a artéria torácica interna. MÉTODO: Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática da literatura, utilizando uma estratégia de busca de artigos aplicada às bases de dados da MEDLINE e LILACS. Dois pesquisadores independentes realizaram a seleção dos artigos identificados, avaliando criteriosamente a metodologia dos artigos considerados relevantes para o tema. Somente os ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados com adequado sistema de aleatorização foram incluídos. Em todas as situações em que ocorreu discordância entre os pesquisadores, foi realizada uma reunião de consenso. Não foi estipulada restrição quanto ao período pós-operatório para avaliação angiográfica do enxerto, o vaso tratado cirurgicamente e as características dos pacientes incluídos. Os resultados são expressos como Risco Relativo (RR), com 95 por cento de Intervalo de Confiança (CI), da comparação da efetividade entre a artéria radial e a veia safena. RESULTADOS: Com base nesses critérios foram incluídos três estudos. Não foi detectada diferença estatística entre a perviabilidade dos enxertos estudados (RR 0,53 [95 por cento IC 0,13 - 2,18]). CONCLUSÃO: Apesar dos estudos serem de boa qualidade metodológica, não houve resultado estatisticamente significativo beneficiando um dos enxertos. O poder estatístico da metanálise é baixo. Portanto, são necessários novos ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados, com tamanho de amostra adequado para detectar possíveis diferenças entre os tratamentos propostos.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of radial artery graft with saphenous vein graft to myocardial revascularization, in association with the internal thoracic artery. METHODS: We made a systematic review of literature, using a strategy to search articles applied to MEDLINE and LILACS databases. Two independent researchers have carried through the election of identified articles, evaluating carefully the methodology of articles considered excellent for the subject. Only the randomized controlled trials, with adjusted randomization system have been enclosed. All the situations where the researchers didn't agree there was a consensus meeting. It hasn't been stipulated restriction for postoperative period to graft angiographic evaluation, the vessel treated and enclosed patient's characteristics. The results have been expressed as Risk Relative (RR), with 95 percent of Confidence Interval (CI), to comparison the effectiveness between the radial artery and the saphenous vein. RESULTS: Based in these criteria three studies have been enclosed. We couldn't find statistic difference between grafts' patency studied (RR 0.53 [95 percent IC 0.13 - 2.18]). CONCLUSION: Despite of the studies have good methodological quality, we have not observed a result significant statistically benefiting one of the grafts. The statistical power of the meta-analysis is low, therefore, it's necessary more randomized controlled trials, with adjusted sample size to detect possible differences between the considered treatments.

Miocardiopatia terminal com insuficiência mitral secundária: tratamento com implante de prótese e remodelamento interno do ventrículo esquerdo / End stage cardiomyopathy and secondary mitral insufficiency: surgical alternative with prostesis implant and left ventricular remodelling

OBJETIVO: Analisar o resultado de uma alternativa operatória que envolve a correção da regurgitação mitral pelo implante de uma prótese de diâmetro menor do que o anel mitral e redução da esfericidade do ventrículo esquerdo com tração dos músculos papilares em direção ao anel, em portadores de miocardiopatia terminal e regurgitação mitral secundária. MÉTODO: Entre dezembro de 1995 e setembro de 2005, 116 pacientes foram operados com a técnica proposta. Os pacientes foram analisados de acordo com critérios clínicos, dados ecocardiográficos e aspectos morfológicos do ventrículo esquerdo. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade hospitalar foi 16,3 por cento (19/116). O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi 38±16 meses. Após a alta hospitalar, a curva atuarial de sobrevida permaneceu estável com aceitável taxa de mortalidade tardia. Observou-se importante melhora clínica dos pacientes e de alguns parâmetros ecocardiográficos, especialmente redução da esfericidade do ventrículo esquerdo. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da alta mortalidade operatória, a técnica apresentada representa uma alternativa aceitável no tratamento de portadores de miocardiopatia terminal com insuficiência cardíaca refratária associada à regurgitação mitral secundária.

OBJECTIVE: To present a new surgical approach that consists of the implantation of a mitral prosthesis smaller than the annulus with traction of the papillary muscles to reduce the sphericalness of the left ventricle. METHODS: Between December 1995 and September 2005, 116 heart disease patients were operated, all of whom were at end-stage despite of full medication. The patients were analysed according to clinical criteria, echocardiographic findings and morphology of the left ventricle. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 16.3 percent (19/116) and mid-term follow-up (38 ± 16 months) showed evidence of improvement in the clinical status and some echocardiographic parameters, in particular reduction of the sphericalness of the left ventricle. CONCLUSION: This technique, despite of the high mortality rate, offers a promising therapeutic alternative for the treatment of patients in refractory heart failure with cardiomyopathy associated to moderate or severe secondary mitral regurgitation.

Tratamento cirúrgico das valvopatias aórticas com bioprótese de pericárdio bovino sem suporte: resultados imediatos / Surgical treatment of aortic valve disease with stentless bovine pericardium prosthesis: immediate results

OBJETIVO: Apresentar os resultados imediatos e avaliar o desempenho clínico e hemodinâmico das biopróteses sem suporte de pericárdio bovino (stentless) em posição aórtica. MÉTODOS: Foram operados 20 pacientes com indicação de troca valvar aórtica por bioprótese, sendo 11 homens, 16 com estenose aórtica; a média de idade foi 66,3 ± 8,8 anos. A técnica operatória utilizada foi o implante subcoronariano. Cinco pacientes receberam procedimentos associados. No pós-operatório, a morbidade-mortalidade e o desempenho hemodinâmico foram avaliados por meio de ecocardiograma transtorácico. RESULTADOS: Os tempos médios de circulação extracorpórea e anóxia foram, respectivamente, 136,5 ± 24,41 min e 105,2 ± 21,62 min. A mortalidade hospitalar foi 5 por cento (um paciente). A permanência na UTI foi, em média, 3,65 ± 3,23 dias. A média dos gradientes transvalvares no pós-operatório foi 25,39 ± 7,82 mmHg. A fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo no pré-operatório era 67 ± 13,49 por cento e, no pós-operatório, foi 63,24 ± 16,06 por cento (p = 0,45). Onze pacientes não apresentaram nenhum grau de refluxo valvar, 8 apresentaram refluxo leve, e um, refluxo leve a moderado. CONCLUSÃO: As próteses stentless podem ser utilizadas no tratamento cirúrgico das valvopatias aórticas, com morbidade e mortalidade na fase hospitalar semelhante à descrita na literatura para procedimentos semelhantes, e apresentam desempenho hemodinâmico satisfatório.

Transplante cardíaco e neoplasias: experiência na Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo / Cardiac transplantation and neoplasms: experiences at Escola Paulista de Medicina of the Federal University of São Paulo

OBJETIVOS: Analisar ocorrência e tipos de neoplasias que se desenvolveram em pacientes submetidos a transplante cardíaco ortotópico, no Programa de Transplante Cardíaco da Escola de Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: O presente estudo apresenta uma análise observacional de 106 pacientes submetidos a transplante cardíaco ortotópico, no período de novembro de 1986 a setembro de 2002, que sobreviveram por período superior a trinta dias após o procedimento. O regime de imunossupressão consistiu de terapia tríplice com ciclosporina A, azatioprina e corticosteróide. Apenas dois pacientes receberam, além da terapia tríplice, a adição de ortoclone OKT-3. O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 61,4 meses. (variação de dois meses a 192 meses). RESULTADOS: Vinte e três pacientes (21,3 por cento) desenvolveram neoplasias, dos quais 56,5 por cento apresentaram neoplasia de pele, 30,1 por cento apresentaram tumores sólidos e 13,4 por cento, doença linfoproliferativa pós-transplante (DLPT). O intervalo médio entre o transplante e o diagnóstico de neoplasia foi: pele - 54,9 meses, tumores sólidos - 24,8 meses e DLPT - 70,3 meses. CONCLUSÕES: A ocorrência de neoplasias malignas foi relativamente comum na população analisada. O câncer de pele prevaleceu em relação às demais neoplasias e os tumores sólidos foram mais diagnosticados do que as doenças linfoproliferativas nessa série de pacientes.