大动脉转位患者动脉调转术后死亡的危险因素分析

Objective To analyze the in-hospital mortality and factors affecting in-hospital mortality for patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) undergoing arterial switch operation (ASO).Methods Between January 2004 and December 2007, ASO was performed in 169 patients [129 male, 40 female; mean age (11.71± 26. 3) months] with TGA. The patients were divided in intact ventricular septum group( n = 56): TGA with intact ventricular septum and ventricular septal defect group (n = 113 ):TGA with ventricular septal defect. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of in-hospital mortality. Results The overall in-hospital mortality was 11.24% (19/169). The yearly in-hospital mortality was similar between intact ventricular septum group and ventricular septal defect group. With the improvement of perioperative treatment, the in-hospital mortality decreased from 16.67% in 2004 to 3.92% in 2007. The multivariate analysis revealed that body weight ≤3 kg( OR:4. 571, P =0. 0409), complicating ventricular septal defect( OR:4. 444,P =0. 0406), complex TGA( OR:4. 321 ,P =0. 0140), coronary anomalies( OR:4. 867,P =0. 0104) and non-type A coronary arteries( OR:3. 045,P =0. 0243) were independent predictors for poor early postoperative survival. Conclusion Body weight ≤3 kg,complicating ventricular septal defect, complex TGA, coronary anomalies are independent predictors for increased in-hospital mortality in patients with transposition of TGA and undergoing arterial switch operation.     

大动脉转位患者动脉调转术后死亡的危险因素分析

Objective To analyze the in-hospital mortality and factors affecting in-hospital mortality for patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) undergoing arterial switch operation (ASO).Methods Between January 2004 and December 2007, ASO was performed in 169 patients [129 male, 40 female; mean age (11.71± 26. 3) months] with TGA. The patients were divided in intact ventricular septum group( n = 56): TGA with intact ventricular septum and ventricular septal defect group (n = 113 ):TGA with ventricular septal defect. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of in-hospital mortality. Results The overall in-hospital mortality was 11.24% (19/169). The yearly in-hospital mortality was similar between intact ventricular septum group and ventricular septal defect group. With the improvement of perioperative treatment, the in-hospital mortality decreased from 16.67% in 2004 to 3.92% in 2007. The multivariate analysis revealed that body weight ≤3 kg( OR:4. 571, P =0. 0409), complicating ventricular septal defect( OR:4. 444,P =0. 0406), complex TGA( OR:4. 321 ,P =0. 0140), coronary anomalies( OR:4. 867,P =0. 0104) and non-type A coronary arteries( OR:3. 045,P =0. 0243) were independent predictors for poor early postoperative survival. Conclusion Body weight ≤3 kg,complicating ventricular septal defect, complex TGA, coronary anomalies are independent predictors for increased in-hospital mortality in patients with transposition of TGA and undergoing arterial switch operation.     

大动脉转位患者动脉调转术后死亡的危险因素分析

目的 分析接受动脉调转术(ASO)治疗大动脉转位(TGA)患者发生住院期间死亡的危险因素.方法2004年1月至2007年12月,入选169例实施ASO的TGA患者,其中男性129例,女性40例,年龄(11.71±26.3)个月.患者分为室间隔完整组(室间隔完整型TGA患者56例)和室间隔缺损组(室间隔缺损型TGA患者113例).对ASO术后发生住院期间死亡的危险因素进行多元logistic回归分析.结果ASO术后发生住院期间死亡19例(11.24%),住院期间病死率由2004年的16.67%下降到2007年的3.92%.2004至2007年,室间隔完整组与室间隔缺损组各年的住院期间病死率差异均无统计学意义.多元logistic回归分析显示,ASO治疗TGA后住院期间死亡的危险因素为:体重≤3 kg(OR:4.571,P=0.0409)、合并室间隔缺损(OR:4.444,P=0.0406)、复杂畸形TGA(OR:4.321,P=0.0140)、Planche分型为非正常型(OR:4.867,P=0.0104)、Leiden分型为非A型(OR:3.045,P=0.0243).结论体重≤3 kg、合并室间隔缺损、复杂畸形TGA、冠状动脉异常是ASO治疗TGA后发生住院期间死亡的危险因素.

Abstract：

Objective To analyze the in-hospital mortality and factors affecting in-hospital mortality for patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) undergoing arterial switch operation (ASO).Methods Between January 2004 and December 2007, ASO was performed in 169 patients [129 male, 40 female; mean age (11.71± 26. 3) months] with TGA. The patients were divided in intact ventricular septum group( n = 56): TGA with intact ventricular septum and ventricular septal defect group (n = 113 ):TGA with ventricular septal defect. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of in-hospital mortality. Results The overall in-hospital mortality was 11.24% (19/169). The yearly in-hospital mortality was similar between intact ventricular septum group and ventricular septal defect group. With the improvement of perioperative treatment, the in-hospital mortality decreased from 16.67% in 2004 to 3.92% in 2007. The multivariate analysis revealed that body weight ≤3 kg( OR:4. 571, P =0. 0409), complicating ventricular septal defect( OR:4. 444,P =0. 0406), complex TGA( OR:4. 321 ,P =0. 0140), coronary anomalies( OR:4. 867,P =0. 0104) and non-type A coronary arteries( OR:3. 045,P =0. 0243) were independent predictors for poor early postoperative survival. Conclusion Body weight ≤3 kg,complicating ventricular septal defect, complex TGA, coronary anomalies are independent predictors for increased in-hospital mortality in patients with transposition of TGA and undergoing arterial switch operation.     

Temporary partially-covered metal stent insertion in benign esophageal stricture

AIM: To study the therapeutic efficacy of temporary partiallycovered metal stent insertion on benign esophageal stricture.METHODS: Temporary partially-covered metal stent was inserted in 83 patients with benign esophageal stricture. All the patients had various dysphagia scores.RESULTS: Insertion of 85 temporary partially-covered metal stents was performed successfully in 83 patients with benign esophageal stricture and dysphagia was effectively remitted in all the 83 cases. The dysphagia score was 3.20±0.63(mean±SD) and 0.68±0.31 before and after stent insertion,and 0.86±0.48 after stent removal. The mean diameter of the strictured esophageal lumen was 3.37±1.23 mm and 25.77±3.89 mm before and after stent insertion, and 16.15±2.96 mm after stent removal. Follow-up time was from 1 week to 96 months (mean 54.26±12.75 months). The complications were chest pain (n=37) after stent insertion,and bleeding (n=12) and reflux (n=13) after stent removal.CONCLUSION: Temporary partially-covered metal stent insertion is one of the best methods for treatment of benign esophageal stricture.     

Effects of Delayed Coronary Stent Implantation on Left Ventricle Remodeling in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objectives To assess the effect of delayed coronary stent implantation on left ventricle remodeling after acute myocardial infarction（AMI）. Methods Sixty patients with ST-segment elevation acute interior wall myocardial infarction （AAMI） and with the total occluded left anterior descending coronary artery conformed by angiography at 10. 2 ± 2. 5 （7 - 14） days after onset were divided into two groups according to stent implantation ： stenting group and control group. Two dimensional echocardiogram was performed before operation （9.0 ± 2.5 days after AMI） and in 2 and 6 months after onset of AAMI respectively to detect left ventricular function（ LVEF）, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index （LVEDVI）, left ventricular end-systolic volume index （LVESVI） and left ventricular wall motion abnormality （VWMA）. Results LVEF, LVEDVI, LVESVI and VWMA score were similar in two groups before operation and in 2 months after the onset of AAMI. LVEF and VWMA scores did not changed significantly at 6 months in each group compared with those before operation and in 2 months （ P 〉 0. 05 ）. But LVEDVI and LVESVI were improved significantly in the successful PCI group than those before operation and in the control group（ P 〈 0. 01, P 〈 0. 05 ）. Conclusions Delayed coronary stent implantation in AAMI could prevent the late phase but the early phase of left ventricular remodeling after AMI.     

Randomized controlled trial of pancreatic stenting to prevent pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

AIM:To determine the effectiveness of pancreatic duct(PD) stent placement for the prevention of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) in high risk patients.METHODS:Authors conducted a single-blind,randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a pancreatic spontaneous dislodgement stent against post-ERCP pancreatitis,including rates of spontaneous dislodgement and complications.Authors defined high risk patients as having any of the following:sphincter of Oddi dysfunction,difficult cannulation,prior history of post-ERCP pancreatitis,pre-cut sphincterotomy,pancreatic ductal biopsy,pancreatic sphincterotomy,intraductal ultrasonography,or a procedure time of more than 30 min.Patients were randomized to a stent group(n = 60) or to a non-stent group(n = 60).An abdominal radiograph was obtained daily to assessspontaneous stent dislodgement.Post-ERCP pancreatitis was diagnosed according to consensus criteria.RESULTS:The mean age(± standard deviation) was 67.4 ± 13.8 years and the male:female ratio was 68:52.In the stent group,the mean age was 66 ± 13 years and the male:female ratio was 33:27,and in the non-stent group,the mean age was 68 ± 14 years and the male:female ratio was 35:25.There were no significant differences between groups with respect to age,gender,final diagnosis,or type of endoscopic intervention.The frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis in PD stent and non-stent groups was 1.7%(1/60) and 13.3%(8/60),respectively.The severity of pancreatitis was mild in all cases.The frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis in the stent group was significantly lower than in the non-stent group(P = 0.032,Fisher's exact test).The rate of hyperamylasemia were 30%(18/60) and 38.3%(23 of 60) in the stent and non-stent groups,respectively(P = 0.05,χ2 test).The placement of a PD stent was successful in all 60 patients.The rate of spontaneous dislodgement by the third day was 96.7%(58/60),and the median(range) time to dislodgement was 2.1(2-3) d.The rates of stent migration,hemorrhage,perforation,infection(cholangitis or cholecystitis) or other complicationss were 0%(0/60),0%(0/60),0%(0/60),0%(0/60),0%(0/60),respectively,in the stent group.Univariate analysis revealed no significant differences in high risk factors between the two groups.The pancreatic spontaneous dislodgement stent safely prevented post-ERCP pancreatitis in high risk patients.CONCLUSION:Pancreatic stent placement is a safe and effective technique to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis.Therefore authors recommend pancreatic stent placement after ERCP in high risk patients.     

Effect of total arch replacement combined with stent trunk on treating De Bakey type Ⅰ aortic dissection

Background Aortic dissection(AD) is a life-threatening surgical emergency. Total arch replacement combined with stent trunk has gradually become the standard procedure for De Bakey type Ⅰ AD in China, but the complication and mortality rates are still relatively high due to surgical technical difficulties and complexity. In principle, AD should be treated with emergency surgery once the diagnosis is confirmed, but the operation time varies greatly in China due to the restriction of medical conditions. Therefore, analyzing and comparing the surgical mortality and complications rate between acute and chronic phase may facilitate the clinicians to comprehensively evaluate the patient's condition, and thus select an appropriate operation timing. Methods A total of330 De Bakey type Ⅰ AD patients admitted and treated with total arch replacement combined with stent trunk procedure in Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute from Jan 2010 to Jan 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether the onset was longer than 2 w, patients were divided into acute phase group and chronic phase group. There were 231 cases in acute phase group(≤ 2 w), and the average length from onset to operation was 5.6± 3.8 d; while 99 cases in chronic phase group( 2 w), and the average length from onset to operation was 20.6 ±14.7 d. Results The total mortality rate was 13%. Acute renal failure, neurological dysfunction, and wound healing were the major complications after operation. The in-hospital morality rate was 16.0%(37/231) in the acute group, while 6.1 %(6/99) in the chronic group. The surgical data of the ratio of CABG, cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) time, aortic cross clamp time, intra-operative RBC infusion were significant higher in the acute phase group(P 0.05). The postoperative data of ICU stay, mechanical ventilation time, the incidences of neurological dysfunction, CRRT-dependent acute renal failure, hepatic insufficiency, and poor wound healing were significant higher in the acute phase group(P 0.05). Conclusions The total arch replacement combined with stent trunk for De Bakey type Ⅰ aortic dissection is safe and effective. Patients in the acute phase show higher postoperative mortality and complications. The acute phase is associated with relatively higher risk of surgical treatment.     

Influence of Stent Implantation on the Expression of PCNA and Apoptosis in Injured Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Objectives To evaluate the impact of stent implantation on proliferation and apop-tosis in injured media vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and to explore the mechanism of restenosis after stent implantation. Methods Fifty male New Zealand rabbits were randomized into two groups, including balloon group and stent group. Control group was set up. The samples were harvested on 3, 7, 14, 28, 56 days after operation and the following investigation was carried out: (1) Assessing the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) of media VSMC by the method of immunohistochemistry; (2) Analyzing apoptosis of media VSMC by DNA agarose gel electrophoresis and TUNEL technique. Results The expression of PCNA and apoptosis in stent and balloon groups were markedly increased compared with control groups. (1) Stent group induced significant increased expression of PCNA in the media VSMC compared with balloon group on 3 to 28 days. On day 7, the positive rates of PCNA were 24. 36±0. 55 % vs 18. 74±1. 09 %     

Repair of bile duct defect with degradable stent and autologous tissue in a porcine model

AIM:To introduce and evaluate a new method to repair bile duct defect with a degradable stent and autologous tissues. METHODS:Eight Baa mini-pigs were used in this study. Experimental models with common bile duct (CB ) defect (0.5-1.0 cm segment of CB resected) were established and then CB was reconstructed by duct to duct anastomosis with a novel degradable stent made of poly [sebacic acid-co-(1,3-propanediol)-co- (1,2-propanediol)]. In addition, a vascularized greater omentum was placed around the stent and both ends of CB . Cholangiography via gall bladder was per-formed for each pig at postoperative months 1 and 3 to rule out stent translocation and bile duct stricture. Complete blood count was examined pre-and post-operatively to estimate the inflammatory reaction. Liverenzymes and serum bilirubin were examined pre-and post-operatively to evaluate the liver function. Five pigs were sacrificed at month 3 to evaluate the healing of anastomosis. The other three pigs were raised for one year for long-term observation. RESULTS:All the animals underwent surgery successfully. There was no intraoperative mortality and no bile leakage during the observation period. The white blood cell counts were only slightly increased on day 14 and month 3 postoperatively compared with that before operation, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.652). The plasma level of alanine aminotrans-ferase on day 14 and month 3 postoperatively was also not significantly elevated compared with that before operation (P = 0.810). Nevertheless, the plasma level of γ-glutamyl transferase was increased after operation in both groups (P = 0.004), especially 2 wk after operation. The level of serum total bilirubin after operation was not significantly elevated compared with that before operation (P = 0.227), so did the serum direct bilirubin (P = 0.759). By cholangiography via gall bladder, we found that the stent maintained its integrity of shape and was still in situ at month 1, and it disap-peared completely at month 3. No severe CB dilation and stricture were observed at both months 1 and 3. No pig died during the 3-mo postoperative observation period. No sign of necrosis, bile duct stricture, bile leakage or abdominal abscess was found at reoperation at month 3 postoperatively. Pigs had neither fragments of stent nor stones formed in the CB . Collagen deposit was observed in the anastomosis by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and asson's trichrome stains. No severe cholestasis was observed in liver parenchyma by HE staining. Intestinal obstruction was found in a pig 4 mo after operation, and no bile leakage, bile duct stricture or biliary obstruction were observed in laparotomy. No sign of bile duct stricture or bile leakage was observed in the other two pigs. CONCLUSION:The novel method for repairing bileduct defect yielded a good short-term effect without postoperative bile duct stricture. However, the longterm effect should be further studied.     

An Experimental Study on the Flexibility of Prevention against Thrombosis Following Mechanical Valve Replacement by tPA Gene Transduction

Objectives Use a gene suture immersed recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator （r-tPA）expression plasmid to transduce myocardia to prevent the thrombosis after mechanical tricuspid valve replacement in pigs. Methods A r-tPA gene plasmid was constructed and conjugated to a novel cationic phosphonolipid and a r-tPA gene suture was made. Eighteen pigs were selected and divided into two groups at randomization. There were 9 pigs in the experimental group and 9 in the control group, all the 18 pigs＇ tricuspids were replaced with mechanical valves. The gene threads were sutured into the right ventricular walls near mechanical valves and an ultrasound was used on the surfaces of the right ventricular walls for the gene transfer in the experimental group. Coagulative function, D-dimer level of the blood and the thrombosis on the surfaces of the valves were observed. Results r-tPA gene plasmid was successfully constructed and r-tPA protein was expressed in the ventricular cells around the gene sutures. D-dimer reached its peak level （ 1.67 ±0. 79） μg · mL^-1 in 1 week after operation in two groups, but it decreased to preoperation level thereafter in control group and kept on the high level and reincreased to a new high level （ 1.89 ± 0.79 ） μg · mL^-1 until the end of the experiment in experimental group. The thromboses around the valves were found in all the control group （100%） but only 1 （ 11.11% ） case in experimental group. There were no changes in prothrombin time pre and post operation in two groups. Conclusions Using gene suture immersed r-tPA expression plasmid to transduce myocardia might be a best substitution for life long anti-coagulation therapy for the patients, who underwent operation.     

Stenting of the arterial duct: a new approach to palliation for pulmonary atresia.

OBJECTIVE--To assess the possibility of maintaining ductal patency in neonates with complex pulmonary atresia by percutaneous implantation of balloon expandable stents. PATIENTS--Two duct-dependent neonates with long segment pulmonary atresia, right sided aortic arch, and left sided arterial duct. RESULTS--Stents with final diameter of 3.5 or 4 mm and initial length of 7 or 15 mm were successfully positioned in the arterial duct. Two stents were required in one child and four in the other in order to stent the entire length of the duct. After the procedures the ducts remained widely patent and arterial oxygen saturations remained above 80%. Complications of the procedures included perforation of a peripheral pulmonary artery and cardiac perforation, both caused by guide wire manipulation. Both babies died suddenly, one at five weeks, and the other at nine days after successful stenting of the duct. Both ducts were patent at necropsy; the exact cause of one death was not clearly defined, but the second seemed to be caused by pneumococcal septicaemia. CONCLUSIONS--Stenting of the arterial duct is technically feasible. It provides adequate palliation for neonates with pulmonary atresia at least in the short term and it seems to result in balanced, central perfusion of both pulmonary arteries. This preliminary report suggests that this previously untried technique may prove to be a promising and attractive alternative to neonatal aortopulmonary shunt operation.     

Stenting of the arterial duct: a new approach to palliation for pulmonary atresia.

OBJECTIVE--To assess the possibility of maintaining ductal patency in neonates with complex pulmonary atresia by percutaneous implantation of balloon expandable stents. PATIENTS--Two duct-dependent neonates with long segment pulmonary atresia, right sided aortic arch, and left sided arterial duct. RESULTS--Stents with final diameter of 3.5 or 4 mm and initial length of 7 or 15 mm were successfully positioned in the arterial duct. Two stents were required in one child and four in the other in order to stent the entire length of the duct. After the procedures the ducts remained widely patent and arterial oxygen saturations remained above 80%. Complications of the procedures included perforation of a peripheral pulmonary artery and cardiac perforation, both caused by guide wire manipulation. Both babies died suddenly, one at five weeks, and the other at nine days after successful stenting of the duct. Both ducts were patent at necropsy; the exact cause of one death was not clearly defined, but the second seemed to be caused by pneumococcal septicaemia. CONCLUSIONS--Stenting of the arterial duct is technically feasible. It provides adequate palliation for neonates with pulmonary atresia at least in the short term and it seems to result in balanced, central perfusion of both pulmonary arteries. This preliminary report suggests that this previously untried technique may prove to be a promising and attractive alternative to neonatal aortopulmonary shunt operation.     

Early Postinterventional Stent Stenosis of a Ductus Stent Implanted for Palliation in a Newborn with Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum: Successful Management with Bailout Stenting

A newborn with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) was treated with radiofrequency current perforation of the atretic pulmonary valve. As the right ventricle was hypoplastic (z-value of the tricuspid valve: —4) the arterial duct was stented with a Gianturco-Roubin GR II stent. Early postinterventionally, the patient became cyunotic and compromised blood flow across the stented ductus arteriosus despite adequate stent position was detected echographically. The newborn was treated successfully with the implantation of a Palmaz stent (Johnson & Johnson Interventional Systems, Warren, NJ, USA) into the obstructed Gianturco-Roubin GR II stent. The Gianturco-Roubin GR II stents might be associated with the risk of early stent stenosis after implantation in actively contracting tissues like the ductus arteriosus. In patients with early stent stenosis after ductal stenting, bailout implantation of a subsequent stent can be performed. Transcatheter procedures can be effective means for therapy of PA-IVS . (J Interven Cardiol 2000;13:39–44)     

Stent implantation of the arterial duct in newborns with duct-dependent circulation

Aims Little is known about the medium term results after stentingof the arterial duct in neonates and infants with duct-dependentcyanotic congenital heart disease. We report the results ofstent implantation of the arterial duct in 21 neonates and infants.The defects for which the arterial duct was stented includedpulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, critical pulmonarystenosis, and more complex defects with associated reduced pulmonaryblood flow. Methods and Results Palmaz stents were used and successfully implanted in all the21 patients. There were no major complications during the stentimplantation procedure although two hospital deaths occurred2 and 14 days after stent implantation. Cardiac catheterizationwas repeated electively 3 to 6 months after stent implantation.Stent stenosis due to intimal proliferation was noted in 11/13patients who underwent recatheterization. Stenosis of the innerstent lumen ranged from 25% to 100%, mean 74%. Re-dilatationof the stent was required in five patients who were awaitingcorrective surgery. In babies with pulmonary atresia or criticalpulmonary stenosis, who also underwent additional balloon dilatationof the pulmonary valve, spontaneous closure of the stented arterialduct was well tolerated and when it occurred, the right ventricularsize had increased and the circulation was no longer duct-dependent.In patients who required subsequent surgical corrective treatment,stenting of the duct allowed the definite corrective operationto be performed as the first surgical procedure. During thefollow-up period, ranging between 2 months and 2 years, mean8·7 months increased growth of the pulmonary arterieswas seen in all the patients. No distortion of the branch pulmonaryarteries was seen. Conclusion In patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease stentingof the arterial duct is an effective alternative to surgicalaorto-pulmonary shunts.     

Transcatheter management of neonates with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum

This report describes a 1-day-old infant with valvar pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum in whom we were successful in performing transcatheter guidewire perforation and balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty to establish right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery continuity and flow. Also described is implantation of a 4 mm coronary stent into ductus arteriosus in lieu of surgical aortopulmonary shunt to treat pulmonary oligemia and systemic arterial hypoxemia. Details of transcatheter guidewire perforation are presented and it is suggested that this method be used as an alternative to Laser/radio frequency wires, especially in the absence of approval of the latter wires by the regulatory agencies. Stenting of the ductus may be considered an alternative to surgical aortopulmonary shunt. Role of transcatheter technology in the management of selected patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum is discussed. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Diagn. 42:395–402, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Determinants of successful balloon valvotomy in infants with critical pulmonary stenosis or membranous pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

Objectives. This study reviewed our experience with percutaneous balloon valvotomy in infants with critical pulmonary stenosis or membranous pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and defined the anatomic and hemodynamic characteristics of infants in whom this procedure is successful and provides definitive therapy.Background. Unlike children with valvular pulmonary stenosis, the follow-up of infants with critical pulmonary stenosis undergoing percutaneous balloon valvotomy is limited.Methods. Between December 1987 and August 1992, percutaneous balloon valvotomy was attempted in 12 infants with critical pulmonary stenosis (n = 10) or pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (n = 2). Two outcome groups were identified: Group A patients are acyanotic, have mild residual pulmonary stenosis and have not required operation; Group B patients have required operation.Results. Of the 12 infants, 11 had a successful balloon valvotomy procedure. Group A patients (n = 7) have a residual gradient of 22 ± 18.7 mm Hg (mean ± SD) at follow-up of 3.2 years (range 1.2 to 5.0). In Group B (n = 5), operation was required for inability to cross the pulmonary valve (n = 1) or persistent severe hypoxemia for ⪰2 weeks after valvotomy (n = 4). Significant differences (p ≤0.01) between the two groups (Group A vs. Group B) were identified in pulmonary valve annulus (Z value) 8.1 mm (−1.1) versus 5.5 mm (−3.4); tricuspid valve annulus (Z value) 14.0 mm (0.8) versus 8.8 mm (−1.8); right ventricular volume 65 versus 29 ml/m²; and Lewis index 10.9 versus 8.9.Conclusions. Percutaneous balloon valvotomy is effective and likely to provide definitive therapy in infants with critical pulmonary stenosis or membranous pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum who have a tricuspid valve annulus >11 mm, pulmonary valve annulus ⪰7 mm and right ventricular volume >30 ml/m².     

Intravascular stent prosthesis for right ventricular outflow obstruction.

OBJECTIVES. This study was designed to assess the impact of implantation of balloon-expandable stents on right ventricular outflow obstruction in children with congenital heart disease. BACKGROUND. Intravascular stenting has been established as a useful treatment in adults with coronary and peripheral vascular disease. Its application in the treatment of infants and children with pulmonary, systemic and right ventricular conduit obstruction resistant to balloon angioplasty is limited. METHODS. A total of 24 stainless steel stents were implanted in 17 patients. Five stents were placed within right ventricular to pulmonary artery conduits, 17 in branch pulmonary arteries and 1 in an aortopulmonary collateral vessel. Follow-up time has ranged from 1 to 14 months, with 6 patients having hemodynamic and angiographic studies greater than 1 year after stent placement. The mean age at implantation was 7.4 +/- 5.6 years and the mean weight 33 +/- 16 kg. RESULTS. Optimal stent position was obtained in 22 of 24 implantations. In one patient the stent slipped from the delivery balloon and was left positioned in the inferior vena cava. No embolization or thrombotic event has been documented. Among patients with right ventricular to pulmonary artery conduit obstruction, the gradient was immediately reduced from 85 +/- 30 mm Hg to 35 +/- 20 mm Hg after stent implantation; however, three patients required conduit replacement because of persistent obstruction with elevated right ventricular pressures (82 +/- 16 mm Hg). In 10 of 11 patients with pulmonary artery stenosis, clinical improvement was noted in association with enlargement of vessel diameter by 92% +/- 90% (range 17% to 355%) and the gradient reduction of 22 +/- 24 mm Hg to 3 +/- 4 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS. These data support the view that intravascular stenting will become an important adjunct in the management of children with congenital heart disease.     

Catheterization in neonates with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum.

Cardiac catheterization is infrequently required in babies with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum. The main indications are to decide on the best form of treatment, the options being determined by the right ventricular as well as infundibular morphology and the presence of right-ventricle dependent coronary circulation. In most cases, an interventional approach is appropriate. This can consist of radiofrequency or laser perforation of the atretic pulmonary valve, combined with balloon dilation. In some patients, additional stenting of the arterial duct may be needed.     

Risk factors for augmentation of the flow of blood to the lungs in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum after radiofrequency valvotomy

Some patients with pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum, mild to moderate right ventricular hypoplasia, and a patent infundibulum remain duct dependent on the flow of blood through the arterial duct despite adequate relief of the obstruction within the right ventricular outflow tract. The objective of our study was to review the risk factors for stenting of the patent arterial duct, or construction of a Blalock-Taussig shunt, in the patients with pulmonary atresia and an intact ventricular septum who remain duct-dependent following radiofrequency valvotomy and dilation of the imperforate pulmonary valve. We reviewed the data from 53 patients seen between November 1995 and December 2001. Of the 47 patients who survived, 6 required stenting of the patent arterial duct, while 4 needed construction of a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt to augment the flow of blood to the lungs at a mean of 7 plus or minus 5.7 days following the initial intervention. The remaining 37 patients required no additional procedures. We compared the findings in these two groups. The mean diameter of the tricuspid valve in the patients requiring early reintervention was 8.5 plus or minus 3.7 millimetres, giving a Z-score of -1.1 plus or minus 1.47, whilst those in the group without early reintervention had values of 10.7 plus or minus 2.2 millimetres, giving a Z-score of -0.58 plus or minus 1.18 (p equal to 0.003). No statistically significant differences were found in right ventricular morphology, McGoon ratio, or residual obstruction across the right ventricular outflow tract after decompression of the right ventricle. The diameter of the tricuspid valve, therefore, appears to be the only factor predicting the need for augmentation of flow of blood to the lungs. As just over one-fifth of our survivors required such augmentation, we hypothesize that stenting of the patent arterial duct may be performed as an integral part of primary transcatheter therapy in patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum who have moderate right ventricular hypoplasia and a small tricuspid valve.     

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum associated with severe aortic stenosis

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum is the complete obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract due to pulmonary valve atresia in the absence of ventricular septal defect. Pulmonary flow is dependent on the ductus arteriosus. Other morphological anomalies are also present. Aortic stenosis in association with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum is extremely infrequent, and very few cases have been described.We report a 19-year-old primiparous woman in whom the fetal echocardiogram showed pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum. The neonate had low oxygen saturation and a systolic murmur originating in the aorta. An echocardiogram showed pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and a bicuspid, thickened, stenotic aortic valve. Low cardiac output ensued and could not be controlled, and the infant died.