Efficacy of additional Dor approach to coronary bypass grafting in severe left ventricular dysfunction with large akinetic area

Between January 1994 and August 1999, we experienced 16 cases of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in severe left ventricular dysfunction with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < or = 40%. Four had additional endoventricular patch plasty in large postinfarction akinetic scars, the so-called Dor approach, to CABG (group D). Eleven had only CABG, or CABG and mitral annuloplasty (group C). One had linear repair after the resection of the left ventricular aneurysm. One died of sustained low output syndrome 5 months after the operation in group C. Fractioning shortening and left ventricular diastolic diameter were not changed after the operation in group C. On the other hand, in group D, there were no complications after the operation, LVEF was significantly improved from 31.5 +/- 4.9% to 62.5 +/- 5.9% (p < 0.01) and the left ventricular end-diastolic volume index was reduced from 118 +/- 23 ml/m2 to 74 +/- 12 ml/m2 (p < 0.01). The Dor approach is considered to be a safe and effective additional procedure to CABG in severe patients with a large akinetic antero-septal segment.     

Coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction--early and mid-term outcomes

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) referred for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is increasing. The aim of the present study was to assess the outcomes of patients with severe LVD undergoing CABG. METHODS: Outcomes of 115 consecutive patients with severe LVD (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]30% (HEF). To further evaluate the LVD patients, they were divided into three subgroups base on LVEF: 0% to 10%, 11% to 20%, and 21% to 30%. Data were collected prospectively and entered into the departmental database of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. RESULTS: Patients in the LVD group had increased incidence of diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), peripheral vascular disease, prior myocardial infarction (MI), congestive heart failure, and less elective procedures compared to the HEF group. Despite this greater risk profile, operative mortality (LVD 2.6% vs. HEF 1.2%, p = 0.19), the incidence of stroke (2.6% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.13), and perioperative MI (0.9% vs. 0.7%) were not statistically different between the groups. The incidence of respiratory (14.8% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001), renal (5.2% vs. 1.0%, p < 0.001), and vascular (5.2% vs. 0.5%, p < 0.001) complications was significantly higher in the LVD group, resulting in a longer hospital length of stay (8 +/- 8 vs. 6 +/- 4 days, p < 0.0001). In a multivariate analysis, advanced age was as an independent predictor of hospital mortality. Average follow-up in 108 (94%) LVD patients was 36 +/- 22 months (range 2 to 78 months). Twenty-one patients expired during the follow-up, for nine the causes were cardiac-related. Three- and 5-year survival rates were 91 +/- 3% and 76 +/- 6%, respectively. Independent predictors of mid-term mortality in the LVD group by a multivariate analysis included female gender, renal failure, respiratory complications, and grade I/II mitral regurgitation (MR). At the time of follow-up, 72% of LVD patients were in functional class I/II. There were no statistically significant differences in short- and mid-term outcomes among the LVD subgroups. CONCLUSION: CABG in patients with severe LVD can be performed with a low mortality, albeit with higher morbidity and longer length of hospital stay, than patients with LVEF >30%. Low ejection fraction per se was not a predictor of hospital mortality. CABG should be considered a safe and effective therapy for low ejection fraction patients with ischemic heart disease. Mitral valve repair/replacement in the presence of moderate degree of MR should be considered at the time of the initial operation.     

Should Mild‐to‐Moderate and Moderate Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation Be Corrected in Patients with Impaired Left Ventricular Function Undergoing Simultaneous Coronary Revascularization?

INTRODUCTION: Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) occurring as a result of myocardial ischemia and global left ventricular (LV) dysfunction predicts poor outcome. This study assessed the feasibility of mitral valve (MV) surgery concomitant with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with mild-to-moderate and moderate ischemic MR and impaired LV function. MaTERIALS AND METHOD: From January 1996 to July 2000, 49 patients (group 1) and 50 patients (group 2) with grade II and grade III ischemic MR and LV ejection fraction (EF) between 17% and 30% underwent combined MV surgery and CABG (group 1) or isolated CABG (group 2). LVEF (%), LV end-diastolic diameter (EDD) (mm), LV end-diastolic pressure (EDP) (mmHg), and LV end-systolic diameter (ESD) (mm) were 27.5 +/- 5, 67.7 +/- 7,27.7 +/- 4, and 51.4 +/- 7, respectively in group 1 versus 27.8 +/- 4, 67.5 +/- 6, 27.5 +/- 5, and 51.2 +/- 6, respectively in group 2. Groups 1 and 2 were divided into Groups 1A and 2A with mild-to-moderate MR (22 [45%] and 28 [56%] patients, respectively) and groups 1B and 2B with moderate MR (27 [55%] and 22 [46%], respectively). In group 1, MV repair was performed in 43 (88%) patients and MV replacement in 6 (12%) patients. RESULTS: Preoperative data analysis did not reveal any difference between groups. Five (10%) patients in group 1 died versus 6 (12%) in group 2 (p = ns). Within 6 months after surgery, LV function and its geometry improved significantly in group 1 versus group 2 (LVEF, p < 0.001; LVEDD, p = 0.002; LVESD, p = 0.003; and LVEDP (p < 0.001) improved significantly in group 1 instead of a mild improvement in Group 2). The regurgitation fraction decreased significantly in group 1 patients after surgery (p < 0.001). There was an inverse strong correlation between postoperative forward cardiac output and regurgitation fraction (p < 0.001). LVEF and LVESD improved significantly in group 1 versus group 2 patients (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). The cardiac index increased significantly in group 1 and 2 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively). LV function and geometry improved significantly postoperatively in group 1B versus group 2B (LVEDD, p = 0.027; LVESD, p = 0.014; LVEDP, p = 0.034; and LVEF, p = 0.02), instead of a mild improvement in group 1A versus group 2A (LVESD, p = 0.015; LVEF, p = 0.046; and LVEDD and LVEDP, p = 0.05). At follow-up, 4 (67%) of 6 patients undergoing MV replacement died versus 5 (11.5%) of 43 patients undergoing MV repair in group 1 (p = 0.007). The overall survival at 3 years in Group 2 was significantly lower than group 1 (p < 0.009). Conclusion: MV repair and replacement-preserving subvalvular apparatus in patients with impaired LV function offered acceptable outcomes in terms of morbidity and survival. Surgical correction of mild-to-moderate and moderate MR in patients with impaired LV function should be taken into consideration since it yields better survival and improved LV function.     

Coronary revascularization in patients with preoperative electrical storm

We report 5 cases who underwent surgical coronary revascularization for subacute myocardial ischemia with preoperative electrical storm. All patients showed severe left ventricular dysfunction. Mean ejection fraction was 24.4 +/- 7.6%. Three patients had already had implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy. Procedures were on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) [case 1], on-pump CABG, MVP, left ventricular restoration (LVR) and cryoablation (case 2), and off-pump CABG (case 3-5). Case 5 necessitated conversion to on-pump for electrical storm during left circumflex artery (LCx) anastomosis. Case 3 suddenly died on the 2nd postoperative day due to electrical storm. Case 1 had recurrent attack of electrical storm postoperatively, treated by ICD, overdrive pacing, repeated intraaortic balloon pumping (IABP), deep sedation with endotracheal intubation, and finally catheter ablation. Four patients have survived 2 years (mean) postoperatively without any arrhythmia, and are all in good condition [New York Heart Association (NYHA) I] now. It was concluded that off-pump procedure was not suitable for subacute myocardial ischemia with electrical storm and that LVR with surgical cryoablation would be effective if indicated.     

Surgical ventricular restoration for ischemic cardiomyopathy

In this study, we demonstrated the mid-term result of surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) for ischemic cardiomyopathy. Fifty-two patients (age 62 +/- 11 years) who underwent SVR between 2003 and 2010 were enrolled. Overlapping left ventriculoplasty, papillary muscle approximation, and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were performed in 36 (69%), 39 (75%) and 46 (88%) patients, respectively. Preoperatively, 45 (87%) patients presented New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV, whereas all patients presented NYHA I/III postoperatively (P < 0.01). left ventricular (LV) end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were improved postoperatively (LVESVI: 111 +/- 37 to 68 +/- 24, p < 0.01, LVEF : 30 +/- 9 to 37 +/- 11, p < 0.01). The degree of mitral regurgitation (MR) was 3+ or more in 27 (52%) patients, whereas 50 (96%) presented 1+ or less postoperatively (P < 0.01). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 90%. 83%, and 75%, respectively. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that preoperative MR 4+ was the significant predictor of postoperative death (P < 0.05, HR 5.2, 95% CI 1.2-22.9). Because of its satisfactory mid-term result, SVR would be validated as an effective procedure for ischemic cardiomyopathy.     

Left ventricular regional wall motion, ejection fraction, and geometry after partial left ventriculectomy. Influence of associated mitral valve repair.

OBJECTIVE: Left partial ventriculectomy has been proposed for treatment of heart failure. We investigated the effects of isolated left partial ventriculectomy and left partial ventriculectomy associated with mitral annuloplasty on refractory heart failure due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Nineteen patients underwent partial left partial ventriculectomy associated with mitral annuloplasty and six patients isolated left partial ventriculectomy. In two patients the left partial ventriculectomy associated with mitral annuloplasty was combined with tricuspid annuloplasty. We evaluated before and after the surgery (24+/-14 days): the functional class, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), right ventricular ejection fraction (EF), regional wall motion, hemodynamics, mitral regurgitation, left ventricular geometry and coronary angiography. RESULTS: For the overall group LVEF improved from 14.5+/-8.0 to 30.3+/-12.2% (P<0.0002) and right ventricular EF from 21.2+/-7.1 to 28.4+/-8.3% (P<0.002). In patients who underwent left partial ventriculectomy associated with mitral annuloplasty LVEF increased from 14.5+/-8.6 to 29.5+/-12.2% (P<0. 002). Isolated left partial ventriculectomy increased LVEF from 13. 5+/-7.5 to 31.5+/-11.1% (P<0.04). Distal segments of marginal branches of the circumflex artery were not visualized by coronary angiography. Left partial ventriculectomy associated with mitral annuloplasty reduced the wedge pressure from 25.0+/-12.1 to 18.0+/-7. 0 mmHg (P<0.03) and increased cardiac output from 3.8+/-0.8 to 4. 6+/-1.1 l/min (P<0.004), while isolated left partial ventriculectomy increased cardiac output from 3.7+/-1.0 to 4.8+/-1.3 l/min (P<0.03). Regional wall motion increment was more evident in anterolateral region from 4.2+/-6.8 to 14+/-8.3% (P<0.002) except in two patients. Left ventricular geometry changed in most patients, but a homogeneous pattern was not identified. Seven patients died during a mean follow-up of 546+/-276 days. Survivors had improvement in functional class. Augmentation of LVEF >5% was associated with a favorable clinical outcome with improvement in clinical status without death. CONCLUSIONS: Effects of left partial ventriculectomy are not necessarily dependent upon reduction of mitral regurgitation or changes in left ventricular geometry. However, risk of death after the surgery must be reduced for a clinical application.     

A comparison of nitroglycerin and nitroprusside: I. Treatment of postoperative hypertension

Nitroglycerin improves perfusion to ischemic myocardial regions and therefore has theoretical advantages over sodium nitroprusside to treat hypertension (mean arterial pressure [MAP] greater than 95 mm Hg) following coronary bypass operation. Thirty-three hypertensive patients were randomized to an initial infusion of either nitroglycerin or nitroprusside in a crossover trial designed to reduce MAP to 85 mm Hg. Thermodilution cardiac output measurements permitted calculation of left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI), and nuclear ventriculograms permitted estimation of left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), and left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI). Coronary sinus blood flow was measured by the continuous thermodilution technique, and arterial and coronary sinus lactate measurements permitted calculation of myocardial lactate flux (MVL). Both nitroglycerin and nitroprusside reduced MAP (-25 +/- 12 mm Hg and -20 +/- 10 mm Hg, respectively; not significant [NS]). Nitroglycerin reduced LVSWI more than did nitroprusside (-15 +/- 13 gm-m/m2 and -7 +/- 9 gm-m/m2, respectively; p less than 0.01). Both agents increased left ventricular ejection fraction (nitroglycerin, +8 +/- 8%, and nitroprusside, +10 +/- 7%; NS), and decreased LVEDVI (-20 +/- 22 ml/m2 and -11 +/- 17 ml/m2, respectively; NS) and LVESVI (-13 +/- 14 ml/m2 and -10 +/- 12 ml/m2, respectively; NS). Coronary sinus blood flow decreased with both drugs (NS), but MVL increased with nitroglycerin (+0.02 +/- 0.14 mmol/min) and decreased with nitroprusside (-0.02 +/- 0.02 mmol/min) (p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Aortic valve replacement: a safe and durable option in patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function.

BACKGROUND: The natural history of aortic valve disease associated with ventricular dysfunction is dismal. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is associated with increased mortality in patients with left ventricular dysfunction and the long-term outcome in these patients is not well-known. We evaluated perioperative outcomes and long-term results in patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function undergoing AVR. METHODS: Retrospective analysis identified 132 consecutive patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)<40% who underwent AVR with or without concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) between 1990 and 2003. Patients with other valve pathology were excluded. RESULTS: Ages ranged from 29 to 94 years (mean 63+/-12), and 117 patients (89%) were male. Preoperatively, 82% were in NYHA III-IV. Sixty patients (45%) underwent AVR for severe aortic stenosis (AS) whilst 72 (55%) had aortic insufficiency (AI). In the AS group, the mean LVEF and aortic valve area were 26+/-4% and 0.8+/-0.4 cm(2), respectively. AI patients had a mean LVEF of 27+/-6% and a mean left ventricular end systolic diameter of 52+/-9 mm. Fifty-seven (43%) required concomitant CABG. There were only three perioperative deaths (2.3%) and no strokes. One patient (0.8%) had postoperative renal failure, and one suffered a myocardial infarct. Nine patients (6.9%) required a postoperative IABP. LVEF increased to 29+/-10% and 34+/-12% after six months in the AS and AI groups, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 6.1 years and no differences between the AS and AI groups were observed with respect to either perioperative or long-term outcomes. Overall survival was 96%, 79% and 55% at 1, 5 and 10 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The long asymptomatic course of AS and AI means that many patients have impaired ventricular function at diagnosis. This study demonstrates that AVR in such patients can be performed with low perioperative morbidity and mortality. The outlook after surgery is excellent. A 10-year-survival of 55% compares favourably with heart transplantation and particularly with medical therapy. AVR is a safe, effective and durable option, which should not be denied to patients on the basis of low LVEF alone.     

Coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with impaired left ventricular function. Predictors of hospital outcome

This prospective study evaluates the surgical outcome of 75 consecutive patients with impaired left ventricular function, including an analysis of predictors of the short-term outcome following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Seventy-five patients (mean age 64 +/- 13 years) with coronary artery disease and impaired left ventricular function (left ventricular ejection fraction [EF] < or = 40%) who underwent a coronary artery bypass surgery were prospectively studied. Echocardiography and thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy were preoperatively performed to measure the left ventricular function and to assess myocardial viability. Postoperative echocardiography was done before discharge and six months later to evaluate recovery of left ventricular function. Five patients (6.7%) died in total: three deaths were cardiac related (4%) and two patients (2.7%) died due to other causes. The left ventricular ejection fraction improved immediately after the operation (from 32.2 +/- 6% to 39.5 +/- 8%, p = 0.01) and showed a sustained improvement at later follow-up (mean = 16.3 +/- 4.5 months) (44.0 +/- 4.0%, p = 0.01). The left ventricular wall motion score improved significantly only at later follow-up (from 12.2 +/- 1.8 to 9.4 +/- 2.0, p = 0.03). In 43 patients of whom a preoperative thallium-201 scintigraphy was available, the presence of extensive reversible defects was correlated with significant improvement in EF. On the other hand, a poor outcome was correlated with the presence of pathological Q waves in the preoperative ECG and with an increased left ventricular end-systolic volume index (> 100 ml/m2). Patients with marked left ventricular dysfunction can safely undergo CABG with a low mortality and morbidity. The presence of extensive reversible defects on preoperative thallium-201 scintigraphy is a strong predictor of postoperative recovery of myocardial function. A poor outcome of surgery can be expected in the presence of pathological Q waves on the preoperative ECG or when the left ventricular endsystolic volume index exceeds 100 ml/m2.     

Both leaflet preservation during mitral valve replacement: modified anterior leaflet preservation technique

BACKGROUND: Satisfactory results of bileaflet preserving mitral valve replacement (MVR) had forced several institutes to preserve both leaflets during MVR. Modifications were required to prevent the preserved tissue from interfering with prosthetic valve function, to implant an adequate size of valve and to prevent left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conventional MVR was performed to 51 patients (group 1) and bileaflet preserving MVR was performed to 43 patients (group 2). Mitral anterior leaflet incised from the middle of the leaflet to mitral annulus without chordal injury in group 2 patients. Sutures were placed through the mitral annulus first and then passed from the bottom to the tip of anterior leaflet. Posterior leaflet was also preserved. Prosthetic valve was put down into the mitral annulus and sutures were ligated. Excessive anterior leaflet tissue was attached to left atrial wall. RESULTS: Cross-clamping time was 45 +/- 5.33 minutes versus 61.32 +/- 4.43 minutes (p = 0.0001) and total cardiopulmonary bypass time was 60.80 +/- 4.44 minutes versus 80.55 +/- 3.65 minutes (p = 0.0001) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Inotropy requirement was higher in group 1 (p = 0.0058). When compared with preoperative values postoperative left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) increased both at rest (from 52.74% +/- 3.88% to 62.86% +/- 3.18%, p = 0.0001) and during exercise (from 53.16% +/- 3.16% to 64.11% +/- 2.46%, p = 0.0001) in bileaflet preserving MVR group. But in conventional MVR group LVEF decreased postoperatively both at rest (from 51.45% +/- 4.27% to 48.27% +/- 3.35%, p = 0.0001) and during exercise (from 54.47% +/- 7.36% to 42.96% +/- 3.58%, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Leaflet preserving MVR operation not only improves the left ventricular performance but also reduces the mortality and morbidity after MVR. LVEF increases both at rest and during exercise. Risk of LVOT obstruction can be completely eliminated with our simple technique.     

Surgical treatment of tachyarrhythmias due to postinfarction left ventricular aneurysm with endoaneurysmorrhaphy and cryoablation.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the efficacy of left ventricular (LV) endoaneurysmorrhaphy and cryoablation without intraoperative electrophysiologic mapping was evaluated in patients with postinfarction LV aneurysm and sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). METHODS: A prospective study was performed on all patients operated with malignant VT in the presence of a resectable LV aneurysm between July 1990 and February 2001. RESULTS: The study included 31 patients, 20 men and 11 women, with a mean age of 65.5 years (47-84). Monomorphic, polymorphic VT or ventricular fibrillation was present in all patients prospectively, and VT was incessant in 11. Twenty-six patients had an anterior, four patients had an inferior and one patient a posterolateral myocardial wall infarction. All patients had a well-limited ventricular aneurysm. Ten patients had three, eight patients two and 13 patients had single vessel coronary artery disease. Mean preoperative ejection fraction was 34.8 +/- 14.5% (8-62) and mean end-diastolic volume index was 141.5 +/- 51.8 ml/m(2) (57-288). Six patients had mitral regurgitation grade III or IV. All patients underwent extensive cryoablation at the transition zone of scar and viable tissue and LV remodelling with prosthetic patch in 26 patients. Associated procedures were CABG in 19 patients (61%) and mitral valve reconstruction in six patients (19%). Postoperative electrophysiologic study (EPS) revealed freedom from VT induction in 25 patients and inducible VT in five patients. One patient had inducible polymorphic VT. Five patients received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and three patients had a permanent pacemaker implanted. After a mean follow-up of 30 +/- 27 months (6-132) there was one arrhythmia-related death. There was one early hospital readmission for clinical VT and no need for late ICD implantation. CONCLUSIONS: In patients suffering from ventricular arrhythmias in the presence of a complicated postinfarction LV aneurysm, combined 'blind' cryoablation and endoaneurysmorrhaphy offers excellent arrhythmia control and clinical and haemodynamic outcome.     

室壁瘤切除左心室几何重建连续42例经验

目的总结42例室壁瘤切除左心室成形加冠状动脉搭桥无死亡的经验. 方法 42例左心室室壁瘤患者,男41例、女1例,平均年龄(55.5±2.4)岁(40～68岁).38例有不稳定性心绞痛,术前合并严重室性心律失常10例,其中有心室颤动病史2例,反复发作室性心动过速8例,合并高血压病26例,糖尿病3例,重症慢性阻塞性肺疾病1例;心功能(NYHA)Ⅲ级32例,Ⅳ级10例;合并二尖瓣轻至中度关闭不全6例.42例经左心室造影和手术证实为解剖性室壁瘤,位于前间壁41例、下壁1例.左心室射血分数(LVEF)平均41%(17%～63%),其中LVEF<40%29例.33例采用Jatene术式,8例Dor术式, 1例Cooley术式,其中10例在心脏跳动下完成左心室成形术.左主干病变7例,3支病变30例,2支病变6例,单纯左前降支病变5例.全部患者同期行冠状动脉搭桥术,乳内动脉使用率100%.术中证实左心室内附壁血栓21例.平均体外循环时间(135±11)min,阻断升主动脉(78±10)min. 结果术后平均住院天数(13.1±1.2)d,住ICU(2.8±0.6)d.使用主动脉内气囊反搏7例(17%),术后发生顽固性室性心动过速1例,胸骨哆开1例,术后早期渗血、二次开胸止血1例.术后左心室前后径、舒张末期和收缩末期容量较术前明显缩小(P<0.05),LVEF有增加趋势(P>0.05).围手术期无死亡,均痊愈出院.术后随访10个月至4年,无死亡. 结论室壁瘤切除左心室几何重建术同期行冠状动脉旁路术,除改善心功能外,可消除室性心动过速,手术安全、可靠,效果良好.     

Emergency re-revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention, reoperation, or conservative treatment in patients with acute perioperative graft failure following coronary artery bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Perioperative graft failure following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) results in acute myocardial ischemia/infarction (PMI), which may necessitate an acute secondary revascularization procedure to salvage myocardium, in order to preserve ventricular function and improve patient outcome. Whether acute percutaneous coronary (re)intervention (PCI), emergency reoperation, or conservative intensive care treatment should be applied, is currently unknown. METHODS: In order to identify the source of PMI and to pursue the appropriate re-revascularization strategy, coronary repeat angiography was emergently performed in 118 among 5427 consecutive isolated CABG patients with evidence of PMI. As a result, patients immediately underwent acute PCI (group 1), emergency reoperation (group 2), or were treated conservatively (group 3). Primary study endpoint was postoperative myocardial infarct size, as measured by peak cardiac troponin I (cTnI) serum levels. Secondary endpoints were perioperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF%), assessed by transesophageal echocardiography, major adverse cardiac events, and short- and midterm mortality. RESULTS: Repeat coronary angiography revealed early perioperative bypass graft failure in 67 among 118 patients and 84 among 214 bypass grafts after CABG. The number and type of failing bypass grafts were comparable between groups 1 and 2, but significantly different to that of group 3 (P<0.007). Acute PCI was applied in 25 patients, redo-CABG in 15 patients, and conservative treatment in 27 patients. Procedural peak cTnI serum levels were significantly different between groups 1 and 2 (81+/-18 ng/ml vs 178+/-62 ng/ml; P<0.001). Global LVEF was reduced during the acute ischemic event when compared with preoperative values (P<0.01). Thereafter, LVEF improved during follow-up within each group (P<0.001), but did not differ between the three groups. In-hospital and 1-year mortality were 12.0% and 20.0% in group 1, 20.0% and 27% in group 2, and 14.8% and 18.5% in group 3, respectively (P=NS). CONCLUSIONS: Re-revascularization with emergency PCI may limit the extent of myocardial cellular damage compared with the surgical-based treatment strategy in patients with acute perioperative myocardial ischemia due to early graft failure following CABG.     

Late outcomes after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting for ischemic mitral regurgitation

Objectives: Although ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is one of the most important issues to determine therapeutic strategy for ischemic heart disease, long-term outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for IMR is still unclear. It is also controversial how patients who would benefit from mitral valve (MV) surgery in combination with CABG should be identified. The purpose of this study is to elucidate late outcomes after isolated CABG for moderate IMR and to assess the indication of combined MV surgery. Methods: Two hundred and seventy-nine patients who had grade 2 or 3 IMR preoperatively and underwent isolated CABG between 1980 and 2002 in our institute were enrolled. Mitral regurgitation was assessed by 2-dimensional Doppler echocardiography and left ventriculography. Among them, 84 patients (30.1%) had left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 30% and 186 patients (66.7%) had prior inferior myocardial infarction (MI). Results: One hundred and twenty-nine patients (46.2%) remained grade 2 or greater MR early postoperatively. Actuarial survival and freedom from cardiac events, analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method, were 90.9% and 87.7% at 1 year, 79.2% and 68.8% at 5 years, 54.9% and 49.1% at 10 years and 48.8% and 18.9% at 15 years. Independent predictive risk factors for cardiac events, analyzed by multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model, were grade 2 or greater MR which remained early postoperatively (p=0.0002), LVEF<30% preoperatively (p=0.0006), no inferior MI preoperatively (p=0.007) and no internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending artery graft (p=0.049). More than a 15% decrease in LVEF at more than 3 years after the operation was seen despite patent bypass grafts in 17.2% of patients who received a late follow-up catheterization, although 41.4% of patients showed an increase or less than 5% decrease in LVEF during this period. Conclusion: Combined MV surgery with CABG for IMR should be considered in patients with poor LVEF or without prior inferior MI.     

Evaluation of right ventricular function by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography for patients with left ventricular dysfunction

We evaluated right and left ventricular function by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography for the patients with left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < or = 40) who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We divided these patients into two groups; group 1 who had difficulty of weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass due to hypotension (n = 8) and group 2 who did not have any difficulty of it (n = 17). Basement characteristics (age, gender, history of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, LVEF, severity of the right coronary artery disease) of both groups were not different significantly. Intraoperative characteristics (the number of distal anastomoses, duration of aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass, and bypass to the right coronary artery) were also not different between two groups. However, mean duration of ICU stay and in-hospital mortality were significantly longer and higher in group 1 than group 2. On the other hand, right ventricular systolic function was severely impaired, particularly postoperatively, in group 1 compared with group 2. Right and left ventricular systolic function of group 2 was fairly improved postoperatively. These results may indicate that right ventricular dysfunction is a potent predictor of postoperative morbidity and mortality for the patients with left ventricular dysfunction who undergo isolated CABG.     

Surgical anterior ventricular endocardial restoration (SAVER) for dilated ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Anterior infarction changes ventricular shape and volume. Akinesia is most commonly observed after early reperfusion. Dyskinesia develops in the absence of reperfusion. Both produce heart failure by dysfunction of the remote muscle. Traditional surgery deals with dyskinesia. This study evaluates surgical anterior ventricular endocardial restoration (SAVER), an operation that excludes the apical and septal scar in both akinesia and dyskinesia. A new international group of cardiologists and surgeons from 13 centers, the RESTORE Group) investigated SAVER in ischemic cardiomyopathy following anterior infarction. From January 1998 to July 2000, 662 patients underwent surgery. Early and 3-year outcomes were investigated. Concomitant procedures included coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 92%, mitral repair in 22%, and mitral replacement in 3%. Hospital mortality was 7.7%. Mortality among 606 patients with SAVER and CABG alone was 4.9%. It was 8.1% among 147 patients who underwent concomitant mitral valve repair. Few patients required IABPs (8.4%), LVADs (0.4%), or ECMO (0.6%). Postoperatively, ejection fraction increased from 29.7% +/- 11.3% to 40.0% +/- 12.3% and left ventricular end systolic volume decreased from 96 +/- 63 to 62 +/- 39 mL/m(2) (P <. 05). At 3 years, the survival rate was 89.4% +/- 1.3%. Survival was lower among those with preoperative volume >80 mL/m(2) compared with volume < or = 80 mL/m(2) (83.5% +/- 3.3% v 94.5% +/- 2.0%). Freedom from readmission to hospital for heart failure was at 88.7% at 3 years and was not related to preoperative volume. SAVER is a safe and effective procedure for treating the remodeled dilated anterior ventricle following anterior myocardial infarction.     

Aspartate and glutamate-enriched cardioplegia in left ventricular dysfunction

BACKGROUND: The effects of exogenous L-aspartate and L-glutamate-enriched cardioplegia on postoperative left ventricular functions after coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with moderate left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]= 30-40%) were studied. METHODS: In this prospective randomized study, 22 patients with moderate left ventricular dysfunction (mean LVEF = 37.27%+/- 3.43%), who underwent elective coronary artery bypass surgery, were examined. Isothermic substrate-enriched [L-aspartate and L-glutamate (13 mmol/L)] blood cardioplegia was used in 11 patients (Group AG), and cardioplegia including only potassium and sodium bicarbonate was used in 11 patients (Group C). All hemodynamic parameters for left and right heart were studied in both groups. Total perfusion time was 126.63 +/- 44.91 minutes versus 114.81 +/- 43.66 minutes (p = 0.54). The aortic cross-clamp time was 77.09 +/- 28.02 minutes versus 67.81 +/- 22.77 minutes (p = 0.4), respectively. The amount of cardioplegic solutions were 7218.2 +/- 3043.6 mL versus 5454.5 +/- 3048.1 mL (p = 0.167). Mean number of distal anastomosis were 3 +/- 0.89 versus 2.9 +/- 0.7 (p = 0.793). RESULTS: There was no difference between both groups in intra- and postoperative periods. In coronary sinus blood gas measures, myocardial acidosis caused by the aortic cross-clamp was found to be more severe in the Group C, but delta pH (0.12 +/- 0.14 vs. 0.092 +/- 0.058; p = 0.613) and delta lactate (1.39 +/- 1.03 vs. 1.62 +/- 0.85; p = 0.579) were similar in both groups. Free oxygen radical production caused by aortic cross-clamp was significant in the Group C. Not all myocardial enzymes, but Troponin-T levels were found higher in control group than the study group (0.6 +/- 0.36 vs. 0.36 +/- 0.25; p = 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Although L-aspartate and L-glutamate favor myocardial metabolic functions, they do not have any affect on myocardial functional recovery in patients with moderate left ventricular dysfunction.     

Late results of operation for ventricular tachycardia.

We have analyzed results in 54 consecutive patients with recurrent ventricular tachycardia and coronary artery disease in whom we used an aggressive surgical approach involving map-directed ventricular tachycardia ablation, scar excision and left ventricular remodeling, and coronary artery bypass grafting, as well as staged mitral valve replacement when necessary. We have previously shown age greater than 65 years to be an independent predictor of mortality and have excluded such patients from this series. Average age was 56 +/- 7 years. All patients had a previous myocardial infarction; 24% of the infarctions (13/54) were posterior in location. Symptoms included syncope or presyncope in 83% of the patients (45/54), angina in 54% (29/54), and congestive heart failure in 52% (28/54). Extensive coronary artery disease was found in 78% (42/54), and 89% (48/54) had serious compromise of left ventricular function (ejection fraction < 0.40; average ejection fraction, 0.28 +/- 0.12). Only 63% (34/54) appeared to have a resectable left ventricular aneurysm on the preoperative angiogram. Ablation techniques included endocardial excision in 82% (44/54), with the addition of cryoablation in 60% (32/54), and balloon electric shock ablation in 22% (12/54); coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 85% (46/54). There were four hospital deaths (7%). The surgical cure rate (no inducible VT at postoperative electrophysiologic study was 72% (39/54). During follow-up (mean, 50 +/- 31 months) there have been six late deaths (1 sudden death, 1 stroke, 4 congestive heart failures with or without mitral regurgitation). Four patients with progressive congestive heart failure and serious mitral regurgitation have undergone repeat operation for mitral valve replacement.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Predictors of early outcome after coronary artery surgery in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction

BACKGROUND: The surgical survival in patients with severe myocardial dysfunction is critically dependent on the selection of patients. The present study was undertaken to identify the prognostic factors in such patients. METHODS: We analyzed the data of 176 consecutive patients (161 men, 15 women), aged 29 to 88 years (mean 58.43), with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 30% who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. The LVEF ranged from 15% to 30% (mean 27.18%). Preoperatively, 33% had angina, 19.9% had recent myocardial infarction, and 21.6% had congestive heart failure. The mean number of grafts was 2.5/patient. The intra-aortic balloon was used prophylactically in 20.5% of patients and therapeutically in 4.0% of patients. RESULTS: The hospital mortality was 2.3%. The complications occurred as follows: perioperative myocardial infarction in two (1.1%), intractable ventricular arrhythmias in two (1.1%), prolonged ventilation in four (2.3%) and peritoneal dialysis in 1 (0.6%). The mean ICU and hospital stay were 2.46 +/- 0.76 and 7.57 +/- 2.24 days, respectively. The predictors of survival on univariate analysis were New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (x2 = 14.458, p < 0.001), recent myocardial infarction (x2 = 5.852, p = 0.016), congestive heart failure (CHF) (x2 = 5.526, p = 0.019), and left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) (x2 = 25.833, p < 0.001). However, on multivariate analysis, left ventricular end-systolic volume index was the only independent left ventricular function measurement predictive of survival (x2 = 10.228, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Left ventricular end-systolic volume index is the most important predictor of survival after coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with severe myocardial dysfunction.     

激光心肌血运重建术治疗危重冠心病的临床分析

目的总结激光心肌血运重建术(TMLR)治疗心功能低下的冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病(冠心病)和冠状动脉旁路移植术(CABG)后患者的早期临床效果. 方法 103例行TMLR的冠心病患者,根据TMLR术前心功能情况和是否做过CABG,分为3组.心功能低下组11例,左心室射血分数(LVEF)<0.40;二次手术组9例,CABG术后行TMLR;对照组83例,LVEF正常. 均在心脏不停跳下行TMLR.术中采用食管超声心动图(TEE)证实营造透壁性孔道.观察术后早期患者临床情况,随访心绞痛和心功能的改善情况. 结果心功能低下组和二次手术组术后心功能低下、心肌梗死、早期并发症的发生与对照组比较无明显差别,3组患者术后心绞痛均较术前明显改善(P＜0.05),LVEF较术前增高(P＜0.05). 结论 TMLR治疗心功能低下和CABG后患者是安全有效的.针对不同患者采用不同的治疗方法,可降低心功能低下和CABG后患者的手术风险.