Objective To confirm the changes of pulmonary artery pressure, neo pulmonary artery stenosis and reoperation in children with unilateral absence of pulmonary artery (UAPA) undergoing pulmonary artery reconstruction. Methods The clinical data of the infants with UAPA undergoing pulmonary artery reconstruction in our hospital from February 19, 2019 to April 15, 2021 were analyzed. Changes in pulmonary artery pressure, neo pulmonary artery stenosis and reoperation were followed up. Results Finally 5 patients were collected, including 4 males and 1 female. The operation age ranged from 13 days to 2.7 years. Cardiac contrast-enhanced CT scans were performed in all children, and 2 patients underwent pulmonary vein wedge angiography to confirm the diagnosis and preoperative evaluation. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography and intraoperative direct pulmonary arterial pressure measurement indicated that all 5 children had pulmonary hypertension, with a mean pulmonary arterial pressure of 31.3±16.0 mm Hg. Pulmonary arterial pressure decreased immediately after pulmonary artery reconstruction to 16.8±4.2 mm Hg. The mean follow-up time was 18.9±4.7 months. All 5 patients survived during the follow-up period, and 1 patient had neo pulmonary artery stenosis or even occlusion and was re-operated. Conclusion Pulmonary artery reconstruction can effectively alleviate the pulmonary hypertension in children with UAPA. The patency of the neo pulmonary artery should be closely followed up after surgery, and re-pulmonary angioplasty should be performed if necessary.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term clinical effect and risk factors of tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) as a relief treatment for adult patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great artery (CCTGA).Method We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 47 adult patients with CCTGA who underwent tricuspid valve replacement in Fuwai Hospital between 2000 and 2017 year. There were 27 males and 20 females with operation age of 14–62 (38.8±13.5) years. Preoperative echocardiography showed moderate or more tricuspid regurgitation in all patients. The basic data of patients before and during operation were recorded. Survival was followed up by telephone and ultrasound report.ResultsThe average follow-up time was 6.5±3.7 years. The 1-year, 5-year and 10-year survival rate or the incidence of heart transplant-free was 94.6%, 90.5% and 61.7%, respectively. During the follow-up period, the long-term right ventricular ejection fraction of most patients (>90%) was still greater than or equal to 40%. Increased preoperative right ventricular end diastolic diameter (RVEDD) was a risk factor for death or heart transplantation (risk ratio 1∶11, P=0.04). The survival rate of patients with RVEDD (>60 mm) before operation was significantly reduced (P=0.032).ConclusionTVP is a feasible treatment for adult patients with CCTGA. The increase of preoperative RVEDD is a risk factor for long-term mortality.
The consensus was authored by National Society of Congenital Heart Diseases. After employing the Delphi process and incorporating literature reviews and expert discussions, seven recommendations were ultimately formulated. The consensus provides a detailed elaboration on the pathoanatomy, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and surgical treatment approaches for aortic valve diseases in children. It emphasizes that the treatment of aortic valve diseases in children should take into account the needs of growth and development, and recommends surgical strategies for different age groups and types of lesions, including valve plasty, Ross procedure, valve replacement, and balloon dilation. Specifically, aortic valve plasty is recommended for neonates and infants, while surgical options for older children are more diversified. The consensus only discusses isolated aortic valve disease and does not cover cases complicated with other heart malformations.
Objective To summarize the surgical treatment experience in neonates with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and aortic arch hypoplasia (AAH). Methods The neonates with CoA and AAH who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from 2013 to 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. The postoperative complications, long-term survival rate, and freedom from aortic reobstruction were analyzed. Patients undergoing extended end-to-end anastomosis were allocated into an extended end-to-end group, those undergoing extended end-to-side anastomosis into an extended end-to-side group, and those undergoing pulmonary autograft patch aortoplasty into a patch aortoplasty group.Results Finally 44 patients were enrolled, including 37 males and 7 females, aged 5.00-30.00 (19.34±7.61) days and weighted 2.00-4.50 (3.30±0.60) kg. There were 19 patients of extended end-to-end anastomosis, 19 patients of extended end-to-side anastomosis, and 6 patients of pulmonary autograft patch aortoplasty. The mean values of the Z scores of the proximal, distal, and isthmus of the aortic arch were –2.91±1.52, –3.40±1.30, and –4.04±1.98, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 45.6±3.7 months. There were 2 early deaths and no late deaths. Aortic reobstruction occurred in 8 patients, and 3 patients underwent reoperation intervention. The 5-year rate of freedom from reobstruction was 78.8%. The Cox multivariable regression analysis showed that the related factors for postoperative reobstruction were the Z score of the preoperative proximal aortic arch (HR=0.152, 95%CI 0.038-0.601, P=0.007) and the postoperative left main bronchus compression (HR=15.261, 95%CI 1.104-210.978, P=0.042). Conclusion Three surgical procedures for neonates with CoA and AAH are safe and effective, but the aortic reobstruction rate in long term is not low. The smaller Z score of the preoperative proximal aortic arch and the postoperative left main bronchus compression are risk factors for long-term aortic reobstruction.
Objective To introduce a modified technique of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction using a handmade bicuspid pulmonary valve crafted from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and to summarize the early single-center experience. Methods Patients with complex congenital heart diseases (CHD) who underwent RVOT reconstruction with a handmade ePTFE bicuspid pulmonary valve due to pulmonary regurgitation at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital from April 2021 to February 2022 were selected. Postoperative artificial valve function and right heart function indicators were evaluated. Results A total of 17 patients were included, comprising 10 males and 7 females, with a mean age of (18.18±12.14) years and a mean body weight of (40.94±19.45) kg. Sixteen patients underwent reconstruction with a handmade valved conduit, with conduit sizes ranging from 18 to 24 mm. No patients required mechanical circulatory support, and no in-hospital deaths occurred. During a mean follow-up period of 12.89 months, only one patient developed valve dysfunction, and no related complications or adverse events were observed. The degree of pulmonary regurgitation was significantly improved post-RVOT reconstruction and during follow-up compared to preoperative levels (P<0.001). Postoperative right atrial diameter, right ventricular diameter, and tricuspid regurgitation area were all significantly reduced compared to preoperative values (P<0.05). Conclusion The use of a 0.1 mm ePTFE handmade bicuspid pulmonary valve for RVOT reconstruction in complex CHD is a feasible, effective, and safe technique.
ObjectiveTo investigate whether metformin has protective effect on myocardial injury in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) combined with coronary heart diseases and diabetes.MethodsCOVID-19 patients with coronary heart disease and diabetes who were admitted to Tongji Hospital from January 18 to April 25 in 2020 were enrolled. They were divided into a metformin group and a none-metformin group according to whether the metformin was used. The demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, laboratory parameters, treatment and clinical outcomes of the two groups were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsThere were 29 patients in the metformin group, 3 patients (12.0%, 3/25) suffered myocardial injury and 1 (3.4%) died of acute respiratory failure complicated by septic shock; 67 patients were in the non-metformin group and 24 (37.5%, 24/64) had myocardial injury but 15 died in hospital among whom 1 died of septic shock complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation, 1 acute respiratory failure complicated by possible cerebral hemorrhage, 2 acute respiratory failure, 1 fulminant myocarditis, 3 acute myocardial infarction and 7 cardiac arrest. The incidence of myocardial injury (12.0% vs. 37.5%, P=0.019), hospital mortality (3.4% vs. 22.4%, P=0.034) and mortality of cardiovascular events (0.0% vs. 16.4%, P=0.049) in the metformin group were significantly lower than those in the non-metformin group. Multivariate analysis showed that the use of insulins (OR=11.235, P=0.003) was an influencing factor for in-hospital mortality of patients. The use of metformin (OR=0.154, P=0.013) was positively correlated with the myocardial injury.ConclusionWhen patients with coronary heart disease and diabetes are infected with COVID-19, metformin can effectively reduce myocardial damage and has a certain effect on reducing hospital mortality. Combined with clinical considerations, it is worthy of popularization.
ObjectiveTo explore the anesthesia management experience in the interventional treatment of pediatric congenital heart diseases (CHD) percutaneously guided by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) on a mobile operating platform. Methods From March to July 2023, a total of 13 patients from remote areas underwent interventional treatment for CHD on the mobile operating platform of Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital. Patients who received non-tracheal intubation general anesthesia were retrospectively included. ResultsEight children who had difficulty cooperating with the surgery (due to young age, emotional tension, crying) received monitored anesthesia care with local anesthesia supplemented by sedative and analgesic drugs while maintaining spontaneous breathing under the monitoring and management of an anesthesiologist (i.e., non-tracheal intubation general anesthesia). Among them, there were 5 males and 3 females, with an age of (6.95±3.29) years and a body weight of (19.50±6.04) kg. Through transthoracic echocardiography, they were diagnosed with atrial septal defect (6 patients), residual shunt after patent ductus arteriosus ligation (1 patient), and severe pulmonary valve stenosis (1 patient). The surgery proceeded smoothly, with satisfactory anesthesia and surgical effects, complete analgesia, and satisfactory postoperative recovery. There was 1 patient of body movement and 1 patient of respiratory depression during the operation, and both patients completed the surgery successfully after treatment. All children had no serious surgery- and anesthesia-related complications. The anesthesia time was 40.5 (34.5, 47.5) min, the surgery time was 39.0 (33.0, 45.5) min, and the recovery time was 43.0 (28.0, 52.5) min Conclusion Interventional surgery for CHD guided by TTE at a mobile platform is a minimally invasive approach without radiation damage. Non-tracheal intubation general anesthesia with spontaneous breathing can be safely and effectively implemented in children who cannot cooperate.
Surgical Therapy for Valve Diseases Combined with Coronary Heart Diseases in Patients Over or Below 70 Years Old YU Lei, GU Tianxiang, SHI Enyi, XIU Zongyi, FANG Qin, ZHANG Yuhai. (Department of Cardiac Surgery, The No. 1 Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, P.R. China)Corresponding author: GU Tianxiang, Email: cmugtx@sina.comAbstract： Objective To summarize the experiences of valve replacement combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in senile patients by comparing clinical outcomes of valve diseases combined with coronary heart diseases in patients over or below 70 years old. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 49 patients who received valve replacement combined with CABG in our department from May 1999 to December 2007. Based on the age, the patients were divided into ≥70 years group (17 cases) with its patients at or above 70 years old and lt;70 years group (32 cases) with its patients younger than 70. The percentage of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) before surgery in ≥70 years group was higher than that in lt;70 years group(Plt;0.05). No significant difference was found in the other relevant factors between the two groups. The clinical index of patients in the two groups were compared and analyzed. Results There were significant differences between the two groups in such factors as the percentage of biovalve use (82.4% vs. 12.5%, χ2=23.311, P=0.000), the time of mechanic ventilation (34.5±29.3 h vs. 18.0±16.1 h, t=-2.542,P=0.014), the time of ICU stay (4.4±1.5 d vs. 3.3±0.7 d, t=-3.522, P=0.001), the time of hospital stay (21.4±7.7 d vs. 18.1±1.8 d, t=-2.319, P=0.025), the percentage of IABP use (29.4% vs. 6.3%, χ2=4.862, P=0.037), the percentage of pulmonary function failure (35.3% vs. 6.3%, χ2=6.859, P=0.009), the percentage of acute renal failure (23.5% vs. 3.1%, χ2=5.051, P=0.025), and the percentage of cerebrovascular accident (11.8% vs. 0.0%, χ2=3.933, P=0.048). There was no significant difference between the two groups in factors like the anastomosis of distal graft (2.5±3.1 vs. 2.4±14, t=0.301, P=0.758), the time of aortic occlusion (89.3±25.4 min vs. 88.5±31.0 min, t=0.108,P=0.913), the time of cardiopulmonary bypass (144.6±44.8 min vs. 138.3±52.9 min, t=0.164, P=0.871) and the mortality (5.9% vs. 6.3%, χ2=0.002,P=0.959). The perioperative myocardial infarction rate was zero in both groups. ≥70 years group patients were followed up for 2 months to 9 years with only 1 case missing. One patient who had undergone mechanic valve replacement died of cerebral hemorrhage 1.5 years after operation. Two died of heart failure and lung cancer 3 months and 6 years after operation respectively. For all the others, the cardiac function was at class Ⅰ to Ⅱ and their life quality was significantly improved. The follow up time of lt;70 years group was 1 month to 6 years and 5 cases were missing. Four patients who had undergone mechanic valve replacement died of complications in relation to anticoagulation treatment. One died of severe low cardiac output. Another died of traffic accident. Conclusion Surgery operation and effective perioperative treatment are key elements in improving surgery successful rate and decreasing mortality in patients with valve and coronary artery diseases. Valve replacement combined with CABG is safe for patients older than 70 years old.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the surgical outcomes of modified Blalock-Taussig shunts in the patients with congenital heart diseases of diminutive pulmonary blood. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 39 patients with congenital heart diseases of diminutive pulmonary blood, who underwent modified Blalock-Taussig shunts with Gore-Tex vessels in the First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine between June 2007 and June 2013. There were 23 male and 16 female patients at age of 6 months to 16 years (4.64±3.85) years, body weigh at 4.5-43.0 (14.81±8.69) kg. ResultsThere were 4 postoperative deaths. The early mortality was 7.69% (3/39). The arterial oxygen saturation increased from 64.28%±8.05% to 81.07%±5.76% (P < 0.01). Ideal pulmonary flow in each patient was obtained. Pulmonary arteries were significantly improved compared with those before operation. McGoon ratio (1.11±0.16 versus 1.58±0.22, P < 0.01) and Nakata index (113.98±14.84 mm2/m2 versus 160.98±26.65 mm2/m2, P < 0.01) increased with a statistical difference. Two-stage radical operations were performed in 8 patients. ConclusionsModified Blalock-Taussig shunt is effective in promoting development of the pulmonary arteries and improving cyanosis significantly. Modified Blalock-Taussig shunt can correct hypoxia to prepare for the radical operation．
Objective A meta-analysis was performed for a comparison of outcomes between transcatheter closure and transthoracic closure for simple congenital heart diseases (CHD). Methods Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMbase, Scopus, CNKI, Wanfang Data and Weipu Data were searched systematically for the literature aimed mainly at comparing the therapeutic effects for CHD administrated by transcatheter closure and transthoracic closure. Corresponding data sets were extracted and two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality. The meta-analysis was conducted with Revman 5.3. Results Twelve studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included, involving 8 studies regarding to atrial septal defect (ASD), 2 studies regarding to ventricular septal defect (VSD) and 2 studies with regard to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). A total of 1 423 patients were included. It was observed that compared with transthoracic closure, transcatheter closure entailed a lower complication rate (OR=5.62, 95%CI 2.78 to 11.36, P<0.001). However, meta-analysis of operative success rate(OR=1.65, 95%CI 0.92 to 2.98, P=0.09), instantly (OR=0.75, 95%CI 0.40 to 1.41, P=0.37) and long-term (OR=0.72, 95%CI 0.25 to 2.05, P=0.54) persistent shunt after surgery showed no significant differences between two approaches. No publication bias was found according to the funnel plot of complication rate and operative success rate. Conclusion In the treatment of simple CHD such as ASD, VSD and PDA, compared with transthoracic closure, a lower complication rate were associated with transcatheter closure. Meanwhile, operative success rate, instantly and long-term persistent shunt after surgery were not statistically different between the two surgical approaches. However, this study was based on retrospective studies, the level of evidence remained low. More large sample size randomized controlled trials should be designed to explore the safety and effectiveness of these two approaches in the treatment of CHD.