Spinal deformity after combined thoracotomy and sternotomy for congenital heart disease

Patients with congenital heart disease are at an increased risk to develop scoliosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of spinal deformity in patients after thoracotomy and sternotomy for congenital heart disease. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients underwent thoracotomy followed by a sternotomy and met inclusion criteria. The medical records were reviewed to gather demographic data and medical and surgical history. Serial radiographs were reviewed. RESULTS: Scoliosis developed in 26% of the patients (10 boys, 8 girls). The mean Cobb angle was 40 degrees (range, 15-78 degrees). The mean age at diagnosis of scoliosis was 10.7 years (range, 2.9-17 years). The mean follow-up was 14.9 years (range, 5-20 years). Twelve percent (8 patients) required posterior spinal fusion. A kyphotic deformity developed in 21% (14 patients). In patients with scoliosis, the mean kyphosis was 38 degrees (range, 2-88 degrees). Patients with a cyanotic cardiac condition had a 4-fold incidence of scoliosis. There was no correlation between the development of scoliosis or kyphosis and the age at time of procedures, number of surgeries, sex, heart size, or side of the aortic arch. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of developing scoliosis in children with congenital heart disease is more than 10 times that of idiopathic scoliosis. Spinal deformities, including scoliosis and/or hyperkyphosis, were found in 38% of the patients. Curves develop at a younger age, which increases the risk of progression. The sagittal alignment in scoliosis patients tends toward hyperkyphosis. The thoracic spine receives a "double hit" when both procedures are combined.     

后路一期半椎体切除治疗脊柱上胸段侧后凸畸形

目的:观察后路一期半椎体切除、内固定植骨融合治疗上胸段侧后凸畸形的临床效果。方法 :2005年12月～2010年2月我院共收治半椎体所致脊柱上胸段侧后凸畸形患者8例,男4例,女4例;年龄11～15岁,平均13岁。3例患者合并神经系统症状。均行后路一期半椎体切除内固定植骨融合术,术前、术后和随访时拍摄站立位脊柱正侧位X线片,测量冠状面与矢状面局部后凸Cobb角;记录围手术期并发症;通过JOA评分评价术前、术后1周及末次随访时神经系统症状的改善情况。结果:全部病例随访6～50个月,平均22.8个月。手术时间150～420min,平均278min。术中出血量500～3500ml,平均1787ml。固定融合节段4～11节,平均8.5节。冠状面局部侧凸Cobb角由术前平均45.5°矫正至术后1周的14.4°;矢状面局部后凸Cobb角由术前平均47.9°矫正至术后1周的21.6°;3例合并神经系统损伤患者平均JOA评分由术前5分提高到末次随访时的8分。1例连接器固定患者术后10个月随访时发现细棒断裂,翻修后随访24个月效果良好。结论:对于先天性脊柱上胸段畸形,后路一期半椎体切除、内固定植骨融合术可取得良好的治疗效果。     

Late recovery of atrioventricular conduction after pacemaker implantation for complete heart block associated with surgery for congenital heart disease

OBJECTIVES: Pacemaker implantation is a standard recommendation for patients with persistent complete heart block following surgery for congenital heart disease. This study was performed to determine the incidence and clinical significance of late recovery of atrioventricular conduction following pacemaker implantation. METHODS: Between 1990 and 2001, 5662 open cardiac procedures for congenital heart defects were performed at our institution. The postoperative course of all patients with complete heart block in whom a permanent pacemaker was implanted was followed on a monthly basis, by either clinical or transtelephonic follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients with persistent postoperative complete heart block underwent pacemaker implantation. After insertion of the pacemaker, recovery of atrioventricular conduction was recognized in 7 of 72 patients (9.6%) at a median of 41 days (18-113 days) after the initial cardiac operation. These included 3 patients with ventricular septal defect, 2 with ventricular inversion or single ventricle, and 1 each with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and atrioventricular septal defect. During a mean follow-up of 4.4 +/- 2.6 years, there was no late recurrence of heart block. Three patients had residual right bundle branch block and 1 had first-degree atrioventricular block. CONCLUSIONS: Atrioventricular conduction may return in a small but significant percentage of patients following pacemaker implantation for complete heart block associated with congenital heart surgery. When recovery of atrioventricular conduction occurs within the first months after surgery it appears reliable, which suggests that lifelong cardiac pacing may not be necessary in these individuals.     

一期后路半椎切除治疗成人半椎畸形

目的探讨一期后路椎弓根螺钉固定、半椎切除、矫形、植骨融合治疗成人半椎畸形的临床疗效。方法 2008-03-2010-07,对11例半椎所致侧后凸畸形患者行一期后路椎弓根螺钉固定、半椎切除、矫形植骨融合术。患者年龄24~38岁,平均27岁,术后随访6个月~2年,平均14个月。通过术前、术后及随访时站立位脊柱正位和侧位X线片测量,评价冠状面及矢状面的矫形效果。结果平均手术时间220 min;术中平均失血量1400 ml。术后所有患者躯干平衡良好,均无感染及严重神经系统并发症发生。术后2周节段侧凸角矫正率85%,后凸角矫正率为80%。末次随访时侧凸及后凸矫形均无明显丢失。结论一期后路椎弓根螺钉固定、半椎切除、矫形植骨融合治疗成人半椎畸形可获得良好的矫形效果,建议半椎畸形患者早期接受手术治疗。     

Surgical therapy of hemivertebrae scoliosis and kyphosis--a retrospective analysis of 53 cases

AIM OF THE STUDY: We performed a retrospective analysis of the results of operative treatment of 53 patients with congenital scoliosis (n = 47) or kyphosis (n = 6) due to hemivertebrae. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The mean age of the patients (31 girls and 22 boys) at the time of the initial examination was 6 +/- 4 years. Surgical treatment was carried out on average at the age of 9 +/- 5 years. Follow-up examinations were carried out up to a mean age of 16 +/- 6 years. RESULTS: The results of operative treatment depended on the localization of the hemivertebrae and the surgical technique. Progression of scoliosis due to a thoracic hemivertebra was halted, but the scoliosis could not be corrected (Cobb angle at initial examination 37 +/- 17 degrees at follow-up 34 +/- 23 degrees). Scoliosis due to lumbar hemivertebrae was reduced by surgery (Cobb angle at initial examination 36 +/- 14 degrees, at follow-up 21 +/- 15 degrees). Surgery without instrumentation led to worse results than did surgery with instrumentation with thoracic as well as lumbar scoliosis. Combined dorsoventral procedures with resection of the hemivertebra seemed to be superior to spondylodesis without resection of the hemivertebra. Surgical correction of kyphosis associated with dorsal hemivertebrae was performed by means of dorsal or dorsoventral spondylodesis with hemivertebra resection (preoperative kyphosis 70 +/- 34 degrees, at follow-up 44 +/- 25 degrees). CONCLUSION: Spondylodesis without instrumentation is associated with an unsure prognosis with respect to effects on the progression of the scoliosis, even if it is performed on very young patients. In contrast, spondylodesis with instrumentation can achieve better and longer-lasting corrections of scoliosis even with larger initial curvatures. Scoliosis due to lumbar hemivertebrae is more amenable to surgical correction than thoracic scoliosis due to hemivertebrae.     

The influence of right anterolateral thoracotomy in prepubescent female patients on late breast development and on the incidence of scoliosis

BACKGROUND: It is assumed that a right anterolateral thoracotomy for correction of simple congenital cardiac defects (ie, atrial septal defect) achieves more favorable cosmetic results than a standard median sternotomy. METHODS: Ninety-five patients, 72 with right anterolateral thoracotomy and 23 with median sternotomy, who had corrective transatrial operations when they were younger than 12 years of age were contacted by questionnaire. The mean follow-up time was 23.1 years. Of these, 61 patients (46 thoracotomy and 15 sternotomy) were investigated clinically. Volume differences of the breasts were measured by 3-dimensional surface scanning. By using photographs of the upper chest, breast symmetry was described by an index. The degree of scoliosis was measured by clinical examination. RESULTS: According to the questionnaire analysis, 76% (thoracotomy group) versus 39% (sternotomy group) thought that the cosmetic result was excellent (P =.008). Breast volume measurement showed a volume difference greater than 20% (left side larger than right) in 55% (thoracotomy) versus 0% (sternotomy). With our index, asymmetry in the lower part of the right breast occurred in 61% (thoracotomy) versus 0% (sternotomy; P <.001). A total of 6.6% of the patients had scoliosis, without any differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Because our long-term follow-up in prepubescent female patients after right anterolateral thoracotomy revealed significantly impaired unilateral breast development, we propose to abandon right anterolateral thoracotomy in this subgroup of patients, although the subjective satisfaction with the cosmetic result was high. To avoid potential damage of future breast tissue, other surgical approaches, such as right posterior thoracotomy, should be considered. According to the orthopedic investigation, the surgical approach does not cause a higher rate of scoliosis.     

Convex growth arrest for progressive congenital scoliosis due to hemivertebrae

Thirteen patients with progressive congenital scoliosis due to hemivertebrae or hemivertebrae associated with other spinal anomalies were treated by convex anterior and posterior hemiarthrodesis and hemiepiphysiodesis. The average curve prior to operation was 46 degrees, average age was 3 years 6 months, and average followup was 6 years 6 months. One patient failed because of an inadequate length of anterior surgery which was successfully salvaged by further surgery. Twelve patients were successes: Seven had only cessation of the progressive curve, and five had progressive curve improvement greater than or equal to 5 degrees due to the arrested convex and persistent concave growth. This procedure is a valuable treatment modality for selected patients with congenital scoliosis.     

Utilization of the Edge-to-Edge Valve Plasty Technique to Correct Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease

Abstract   Objective: Tricuspid regurgitation is often associated in patients with congenital heart disease. Significant morbidity and mortality are related to tricuspid valve replacement. Tricuspid valve plasty is still a preferred choice. This report deals with our surgical experience in using the edge-to-edge valve plasty technique to correct severe tricuspid regurgitation in patients with congenital heart disease. Methods: From December 2002 to August 2007, severe tricuspid regurgitation was corrected with a flexible band annuloplasty and edge-to-edge valve plasty technique in nine patients with congenital heart disease. The age ranged from 7 to 62 years (average 24.4 years). Congenital cardiac anomalies included atrioventricular canal in five cases, secundum atrial septal defect in three cases, and cor triatriatum in one case. Results: No hospital death or postoperative morbidity occurred. No or trivial tricuspid regurgitation was present in six cases and mild tricuspid regurgitation in three cases at discharge. The follow-up ranged from 12 months to 70 months (average 39.3 months). No tricuspid stenosis was found. No to mild tricuspid regurgitation was present in eight cases, and moderate tricuspid regurgitation in one case at the latest follow-up. Conclusions: Edge-to-edge valve plasty is an easy, effective, and acceptable additional procedure to correct severe tricuspid regurgitation in patients with congenital heart disease.     

Early results and long-term follow-up after corrective surgery for total anomalous pulmonary venous return.

OBJECTIVE: An ever increasing number of patients with an operated congenital cardiac anomaly is reaching adulthood. Insight in the long-term characteristics of these patients is steadily growing for the more common anomalies, but is still scarce for the less frequent entities. In this regard we report our results and long-term follow-up of surgically treated total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR). METHODS: Since 1973 44 patients with TAPVR were treated with surgery. There were 23 girls and 21 boys. Hospital mortality concerned six patients and additionally one patient died 2.5 months after surgery. Follow-up data could be collected from all the surviving patients at last outpatient visit or by phone contact. The mean duration of the follow-up was 12 years (range 1 month to 24 years). RESULTS: The Kaplan-Meier estimate of survival at 15 years was 84% (95% CI 73-95%). Reoperations were performed for five patients at 7 days to 4.5 years after surgery. In one patient this involved obstruction of pulmonary venous return, in four complications of the primary repair. The reoperation-free survival at 15 years was 74% (95% CI 61-87%). At the end of follow-up all survivors were in NYHA functional class I and, at appropriate age, normally attended school or were employed. None of the patients was using cardiac medication. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, despite a possible hectic initial postoperative course of surgery for TAPVR, only a limited number of reoperations is necessary relatively short after initial surgery. The long-term perspective for those surviving surgical treatment is good.     

Hemi-epiphysiodesis for unclassified congenital scoliosis: immediate results and mid-term follow-up

Complex spinal anomalies involved in congenital scoliosis consist of a jumble of vertebral defects. Progressive scoliotic curves are frequently encountered in these patients. We evaluated the results of hemi-epiphysiodesis for this patient population. A series of ten patients with unclassified scoliosis, involving multiple hemivertebrae and/or bars, was reviewed retrospectively. Hemi-epiphysiodesis was the primary treatment in all patients. Mortality, complications and wound healing problems did not occur. The average Cobb angle for all patients changed from 54 degrees (range: 40 degrees -74 degrees), preoperatively, to 58 degrees (range: 30 degrees -104 degrees), postoperatively. Applying the criterion of a minimum change of 20 degrees, to take into account measurement variability, an epiphysiodesis effect was achieved in two procedures, progression was arrested in six procedures and failure occurred in two procedures. The mean rate of Cobb angle change per annum decreased from 2.9 degrees (range: -35 degrees to 14 degrees), preoperatively, to 2.4 degrees (range: -4 degrees to 13 degrees), following surgery. Repeat surgery was necessitated by coexisting progressive kyphosis and pseudoarthrosis in one patient, and involved extension of primary epiphysiodesis in two patients. A mean intervention-free period of 58 months was established. These results suggest that hemi-epiphysiodesis stabilized the unclassified congenital scoliosis. Being under 5 years of age, having a thoracolumbar curve location, and the absence of coexisting kyphosis were found to be associated with a more favorable outcome.     

Hemivertebra resection and scoliosis correction by a unilateral posterior approach using single rod and pedicle screw instrumentation in children under 5 years of age

Ten consecutive patients under 5 years of age with congenital scoliosis caused by single-level hemivertebra underwent hemivertebra resection and scoliosis correction by a unilateral posterior approach using single rod and pedicle screw instrumentation. The mean age at the time of surgery was 3.3 years. The mean correction of main curve, segmental curve, and segmental kyphotic angle was 65.9, 62.8, and 78.1%, respectively. The average follow-up duration was 3.5 years. All patients achieved solid fusion on the convex side. No patient required revision surgery. The results indicate that this therapeutic method is less traumatic, simple, and safe.     

Short anterior instrumented fusion and posterior convex non-instrumented fusion of hemivertebra for congenital scoliosis in very young children

A variety of treatments has been described in the literature for the treatment of HV. We report the results of early surgical anterior instrumented fusion with partial preservation of the HV and posterior non-instrumented fusion in the treatment of progressive congenital scoliosis in children below the age of six. Between 1996 and 2006, 31 consecutive patients with 33 lateral HV and progressive scoliosis underwent short segment fusions. Mean age at surgery was 2 years and 10 months. Mean follow-up period was 6.1 years. The major scoliotic curve improved from 41° preoperatively to 17° on follow-up. Preoperative segmental Cobb angle averaging 39° was corrected to 15° after surgery, being 15° at the last follow-up (62% of improvement). Compensatory cranial and caudal curves corrected by 47 and 45%, respectively. The angle of segmental kyphosis averaged 16° before surgery, 11° after surgery, and 11° at follow-up. There were two wound infections requiring surgical debridment, one intraoperative fracture of the vertebral body and one case lost correction due to implant failure. All went on to stable bony union. There were no neurological complications. Early diagnosis and early and aggressive surgical treatment are mandatory for a successful treatment of congenital scoliosis and prevention of the development of secondary compensatory deformities. Anterior instrumentation is a safe and effective technique capable of transmitting a high amount of convex compression allowing short segment fusion, which is of great importance in the growing spine. Study conducted at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, London, UK.     

Survivorship analysis of Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation in idiopathic scoliosis

This study presents a survivorship analysis of Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation in the surgical treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. Between 1987 and 1995, a total of 133 patients with idiopathic scoliosis received posterior spine fusion and instrumentation with the CD system at our center. The patients' mean age at surgery was 16.5 years (range 11–43 years). The magnitude of the thoracic scoliosis averaged 62.7° (range 40°–125°) and that of the lumbar curve was 58.8° (range 40°–100°). On average, 12.2 segments were fused (range 8–17) and, excluding the rods, 14.1 implants were set for each patient (range 10–21). Survivorship analysis was carried out using the Kaplan-Meier method. Implant removal was considered the terminal event, or "death". The effect of several variables on survival rate was determined with the Cox regression method. The patients remained in the study for 56.7 months (range 2–120 months). One-hundred and ten patients were withdrawn ("censored"): 90 "alive" (did not require repeat surgery and attended follow-up control in 1997) and 20 "lost" (did not attend control in 1997). Twenty-three patients attained the terminal event of implant removal for a variety of reasons: acute infection (three cases), late infection (ten cases), implant failure requiring revision (six cases) and local pain (four cases). The survival rate was 95.5% at 3 months, 94.7% at 6 months, 93.9% at 1 year, 91.5% at 2 years, 82.2% at 5 years and 76.5% at 10 years. The magnitude of the curves, total number of implants and number of fused segments did not correlate with survival probability. A positive correlation was found between survival rate and correction loss between surgery and last control. A survival rate of 76.5% at 10 years is unexpectedly low. Current data suggest that the incapacity to maintain correction after initial surgery plays a major roll in the long-term evolution of Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation.     

后路半椎体切除矫治先天性脊柱侧后凸的疗效分析

目的通过对本院经后路一期半椎体切除矫治先天性脊柱侧后凸畸形患者的分析,探讨术后近远期矫形效果。方法 2008-2013年我院共对先天性脊柱半椎体畸形患者经后路半椎体切除植骨融合内固定术35例,男22例,女13例;年龄5~48岁,平均17.06岁。术前、术后即刻和随访时均拍摄脊柱正侧位X线片,并测量半椎体所致侧、后凸Cobb角等评估指标,分别计算它们的改善率,记录围手术期及远期并发症。结果手术时间1.75~5.83 h,平均3.68 h。术中出血量60~2 000 mL,平均767.78 mL。全部病例随访13~60个月,平均35.8个月。手术前、后及末次随访侧凸Cobb角分别为(44.41±18.49)°、(13.07±9.11)°、(15.54±8.94)°,术后即刻矫正率为(71.32±16.94)%,最终矫正率(64.35±19.53)%。手术前、后及末次随访后凸Cobb角分别为(34.58±26.18)°、(10.36±11.94)°、(11.94±11.81)°,术后即刻矫正率(67.91±21.89)%,最终矫正率(58.56±30.88)%。头侧出现新的后凸畸形1例,植骨不融合1例,通过二次手术,延长固定节段,畸形得到明显矫正。末次随访时均无椎弓根切割、神经系统并发症发生,无切口愈合不良、钉棒断裂及假关节形成等。结论对于先天性脊柱半椎体侧后凸畸形患者,采用一期经后路半椎体切除安全有效,具有手术时间短、出血量少、对脏器损伤小、并发症发生率低等优点。     

姑息性手术在复杂先天性心脏病患者中的应用

目的探讨姑息性手术在复杂先天性心脏病中的应用策略,提高其治疗效果及生存率。方法回顾性研究华中科技大学同济医学院附属协和医院2004年1月至2011年5月95例复杂先天性心脏病患者接受姑息性手术的临床资料,男62例,女33例;年龄1个月～37岁。施行改良Blalock-Taussig shunt(B-T分流术)12例,改良Brock’s手术23例,双向Glenn手术55例和肺动脉环缩术(Banding手术)5例;对术式的选择、手术效果影响因素等方面进行分析。结果本组共死亡10例,总病死率为10.5%(10/95),其余患者顺利出院。主要并发症为低心排血量综合征、低氧血症和肺部感染等。随访5个月～6年,心功能(NYHA)Ⅰ～Ⅱ级。9例行改良Brock’s手术后患者已完成根治术,6例双向Glenn手术后患者完成全腔静脉-肺动脉吻合术。讨论由于相当部分患者错过了最佳手术干预时机,而影响手术效果;在姑息手术方式的选择策略上,需根据患者肺动脉发育状况、心内畸形特点、最终治疗目标等共同决定。     

Correction of simple congenital heart defects in infants and children through a minithoracotomy.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgical techniques in pediatric cardiac surgery have evolved throughout the last 10 years. Advantages of minimally invasive procedures include excellent cosmetic results and superior postoperative outcome. However, safety of minimally invasive techniques has to be proven. METHODS: In 21 female infants and children, a right anterolateral thoracotomy was performed. Mean age was 7.1 years (0.5 to 16.6 years) and mean body weight was 20.8 kg (8.3 to 56 kg). The following defects were repaired: atrial septum defect type II (n = 14); partial atrioventricular septum defect (n = 3); partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (n = 2); ventricular septum defect (n = 2); mitral valve insufficiency (n = 1); and resection of an embolized atrial septum defect occluder (n = 1). In two cases, aortic cross-clamping was performed by using a transthoracic clamp. In 5 patients, femoral cannulation was performed. Skin incisions were limited to 4 to 7 cm. RESULTS: There was no operative or late mortality. Mean operation time, bypass time, and aortic cross-clamp time were 138 (95 to 275), 72 (32 to 179), and 35 (12 to 120) minutes, respectively. Mean postoperative mechanical ventilation time, mean intensive care unit stay, and mean hospital stay were 3.9 hours (1 to 12 hours), 1.4 days (1 to 3 days), and 12 days (8 to 18 days), respectively. Postoperative complications included hemorrhage in 1 patient requiring surgical intervention. Mean follow-up period was 13.3 months (1 to 36 months). All patients were in New York Heart Association class I postoperatively. Trivial mitral insufficiency was evident in 1 patient operated for partial atrioventricular septum defect. CONCLUSIONS: A small right anterolateral thoracotomy as a minimally invasive technique in pediatric cardiac surgery is a safe and suitable alternative in the operative management of simple congenital heart defects. Cosmetic results are superior, however, improved postoperative outcome has to be proven.     

Surgical indications for patients with hyperammonemia.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The authors surgically treated seven of eight patients with congenital portosystemic shunt and hyperammonemia. This entity is uncommon in children. METHODS: The patients included five boys and three girls with a mean age of 8 years (range, 7 months to 24 years). Preoperative symptoms included hyperammonemia. Hepatic encephalopathy was evident in five patients. Diagnosis and assessment were made by ultrasound scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiography, and 123 I-iodoamphetamine per-rectal portal scintigraphy. Surgical banding was done for five patients and transvenous coil embolization for two. One patient was not a surgical candidate because there were no intrahepatic portal veins. RESULTS: In four of the five patients treated using surgical banding, and in both patients who underwent coil embolizations, hyperammonemia and clinical symptoms improved soon after surgery. However, in the remaining patient, hyperammonemia worsened after surgery, and reoperation was needed because of a severe portal hypertension, possibly caused by malconformation of hepatic veins. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with congenital portosystemic shunt, early diagnosis and surgery are needed to prevent damage to central nerves caused by persistent hyperammonemia. Maldevelopment of the intrahepatic portal veins is a surgical option, if the patient has a normal liver architecture, but malconformation of hepatic veins or severe anomalies such as cardiac defects would rule out surgical intervention.     

Advanced wireless monitoring for children in the cardiac perioperative setting

Introduction

More than 40,000 children undergo surgical interventions annually for the treatment of congenital heart defects. Intraoperative and postoperative vital sign monitoring is a cornerstone of pediatric care.

Methods

A single-arm prospective observational study was performed. Pediatric patients undergoing a procedure with a planned admission to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Lurie Children's Hospital (Chicago, IL) were eligible for enrollment. Participant vital signs were monitored using standard equipment and an FDA-cleared experimental device (ANNE^®) consisting of a wireless patch positioned at the suprasternal notch and index finger or foot. The primary goal of the study was to assess real-world feasibility of wireless sensors in pediatric patients with congenital cardiac defects.

Results

A total of 13 patients were enrolled, ranging in age from 4 months to 16 years with a median age of 4 years. Overall, 54% (n = 7) were female and the most common anomaly in the cohort was an atrial septal defect (n = 6). The mean admission length was 3 days (range 2-6), resulting in more than 1000 h of vital sign monitoring (⟩60,000 data points). Bland–Altman plots were generated for heart rate and respiratory rate to assess beat-to-beast differences between the standard equipment and the experimental sensors.

Conclusions

Novel, wireless, flexible sensors demonstrated comparable performance to standard monitoring equipment in a cohort of pediatric patients with congenital cardiac heart defects undergoing surgery.     

Repair of aortic coarctation in the first three months of life: immediate and long-term results

The optimum surgical procedure for treatment of coarctation of the aorta in the neonatal period remains controversial. To assess immediate and long-term results of using primarily the subclavian flap angioplasty procedure (SFA), we reviewed our initial 5-year experience. The average follow-up was 6 years. From 1977 to 1981, 25 infants under 3 months of age (1 to 86 days, mean 21) required emergency surgery for repair of coarctation of the aorta. Three groups of patients were identified. Group I consisted of 10 patients with or without patent ductus arteriosus. In group II, 10 patients had coarctation association with one or multiple ventricular septal defects (VSDs) without other congenital defects. In group III, 5 patients had coarctation associated with more complex congenital heart lesions. Twenty-three SFAs and two patch aortoplasties were performed. No patient with isolated VSD was banded. All patients except one in group III with an associated atrioventricular canal survived initial hospitalizations. Four late deaths occurred, all in patients with associated complex heart defects. There were three recurrent coarctations requiring surgery or balloon angioplasty (12%)--one in each group, with a total rate of 0.77 recurrences per 100 patient-months. SFA for coarctation in the neonatal period is a safe and effective operation with a low initial mortality (4%, 0-19%, 70% confidence limits) well tolerated in this group of ill patients. Long-term outcome is primarily related to the presence of associated complex congenital defects. Infants with VSD associated with coarctation did not require pulmonary artery banding unless primary intracardiac repair was not feasible.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Transpedicular hemiepiphysiodesis and posterior instrumentation as a treatment for congenital scoliosis

Anterior and posterior hemiepiphysiodesis using a transpedicular approach is an effective alternative treatment when compared with the traditional convex hemiepiphysiodesis or hemivertebrae excision. No study has reported the results of instrumentation with transpedicular hemiepiphysiodesis. Our study was a retrospective radiographic evaluation to assess the efficacy of transpedicular convex hemiepiphysiodesis with short segment instrumented posterior spinal fusion for congenital scoliosis. Ten hemivertebrae in 9 patients were evaluated. The average patient age was 10.5 years (range, 2.9-14.5 years). The average follow-up was 29.7 months. Cobb angles were recorded for the instrumented segment (segmental main curve) and the global or entire curve (total main curve). These values were compared preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 2-year follow-up. The average total main curve improved in 6 of 10 curves, from 35.0 to 29.6 degrees (15.4%). The average segmental main curve improved in 8 of 10 curves, from 30.0 to 21.5 degrees (28.3%). Seven of 10 curves demonstrated either no progression or improvement at the average 2-year follow-up. Two curves in older patients (greater than 9 years, 10 months) progressed until a comprehensive posterior spinal fusion was required. Multiple surgical techniques have been developed to provide treatment for progressive congenital scoliosis. Transpedicular hemiepiphysiodesis with a short segment instrumented posterior spinal fusion is a safe and effective treatment method to halt the progression of congenital scoliosis due to a hemivertebra in patients who are skeletally immature.