Transtricuspid approach in redo surgery for post-infarction ventricular septal rupture

A 59-year-old man, who had been treated using the infarction exclusion technique for inferior post-infarction ventricular septal rupture (VSR) 4 months previously, was readmitted because of deterioration of mitral valve regurgitation, residual shunt, and progression of pulmonary hypertension. We performed mitral valve replacement via the transseptal approach, patch closure of the defect via the transtricuspid approach, and tricuspid valve annuloplasty. The post-operative course was uneventful. The transtricuspid approach is useful in redo surgery for post-infarction VSR.     

Combined ablation of atrial fibrillation and minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: a case report

A partial lower inverted J sternotomy and an extended transseptal incision provide excellent exposure for minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. However, the extended trasnsseptal incision causes dividing the sinus node artery, which may result in conduction system disturbance and need for permanent pacemaker implantation. Therefore, there is a challenge in the patient who requires concomitant ablation for atrial fibrillation because of possible conduction system disturbance caused by extended transseptal incision. We describe a new strategy for combined ablation of atrial fibrillation with minimally invasive cardiac surgery by a transseptal approach to the mitral valve through a partial lower sternotomy incision. Cryoablation was performed using a T-shaped cryoprobe with a lesion set of pulmonary vein isolation and ablation of the left and right isthmus in performing mitral annuloplasty, tricuspid annuloplasty, and atrial septal defect closure through a limited sternotomy incision. This technique might minimize possible conduction system disturbance and provide good surgical result for the patients who undergo mitral valve surgery and ablation of atrial fibrillation.     

Triple-valve treatment for prosthetic valve endocarditis occurring 20 years after implantation of a Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis in the aortic valve

A 68-year-old woman had undergone aortic valve replacement and open commissurotomy 20 years previously. At the beginning of 2008, fever, cold, and heart failure symptoms were noted. On blood culture, Streptococcus oralis was detected three times. Surgery was performed under a diagnoses of prosthetic valve endocarditis in the aortic valve, mitral stenosis and insufficiency, and tricuspid insufficiency. Techniques consisted of additional aortic valve replacement, mitral valve replacement, and tricuspid annuloplasty. Vegetation was macroscopically and pathologically observed in the extirpated Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis that had been placed in the aortic valve. There was no postoperative recurrent inflammatory response. The patient was discharged 32 days after surgery.     

Surgical treatment of infective valve endocarditis in children with congenital heart disease

Abstract Objective: This study assesses surgical procedures, operative outcome, and early and intermediate‐term results of infective valve endocarditis in children with congenital heart disease. Methods: Seven consecutive children (five females, two males; mean age, 10.8 years) who underwent surgery for infective valve endocarditis between 2006 and 2010 were included in the study. The aortic and mitral valves were affected in two and tricuspid in five patients. Indications for operation included cardiac failure due to atrioventricular septal rupture, severe tricuspid valve insufficiency, and septic embolization in one, moderate valvular dysfunction with vegetations in three (two tricuspid, one mitral), and severe valvular dysfunction with vegetations in the other three patients (two tricuspid, one mitral). The pathological microorganism was identified in five patients. Tricuspid valve repair was performed with ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure in five patients. Two patients required mitral valve repair including one with additional aortic valve replacement. Results: There were no operative deaths. Actuarial freedom from recurrent infection at one and three years was 100%. Early echocardiographic follow‐up showed four patients to have mild atrioventricular valve regurgitation (three tricuspid and one mitral) and three had no valvular regurgitation. No leakage from the VSD closure or any valvular stenosis was detected postoperatively. Conclusions: Mitral and tricuspid valve repairs can be performed with low morbidity/mortality rates and satisfactory intermediate‐term results in children with infective valve endocarditis . (J Card Surg 2012;27:93‐98)     

Evaluation of long-term results of bicuspidalization annuloplasty for functional tricuspid regurgitation. A seventeen-year experience with 133 consecutive patients

Between 1968 and 1985, 133 consecutive patients underwent bicuspidalization annuloplasty for moderate to severe functional tricuspid regurgitation associated with mitral or combined mitral and aortic valve disease. Over this period, the incidence of tricuspid valve replacement was only 2.3% (3/136 patients). There were 18 early deaths (13.5%) in the entire series--three (5.0%) of 60 patients in the last 5 years of the study--and 10 late deaths (8.7%). Actuarial survival rate for the entire series, excluding early deaths, was 91.0% +/- 3.0% at 10 and 17 years. There were seven reoperations (6.1%) on the tricuspid valve, needed because of residual or recurrent mitral valve lesions after the initial operation. Actuarial rates of freedom from reoperation on the tricuspid valve were 93.6% +/- 3.0% (10 years) and 69.7% +/- 16% (17 years) for the entire series: 78% +/- 10% (15 years) for the open mitral commissurotomy plus tricuspid annuloplasty group (44 patients); 90% +/- 9.0% (15 years) for the mitral plus tricuspid annuloplasty group (10); 75.2% +/- 22% (17 years) for the mitral replacement plus tricuspid annuloplasty group (58); and 92.6% +/- 7.0% (16 years) for the combined aortic and mitral valve surgery plus tricuspid annuloplasty group (21). Ninety-eight percent of the survivors were in New York Heart Association class I or II postoperatively. Of 21 randomly selected patients investigated by pulsed Doppler echocardiography, 14 (67%) had no regurgitation or grade 1/4 tricuspid regurgitation and the remaining seven (33%) had grade 2/4 regurgitation postoperatively. Our experiences suggest that bicuspidalization annuloplasty can be a reliable method in the vast majority of patients with functional tricuspid regurgitation.     

Tricuspid regurgitation in patients with acquired, chronic, pure mitral regurgitation. II. Nonoperative management, tricuspid valve annuloplasty, and tricuspid valve replacement

The incidence, preoperative and intraoperative diagnosis, methods, and the clinical and hemodynamic features of patients with and without tricuspid regurgitation associated with chronic mitral regurgitation were presented in Part I. This study (Part II) compares the early and late results in patients with chronic, pure mitral regurgitation undergoing isolated mitral valve replacement, mitral replacement and tricuspid valve annuloplasty, and mitral and tricuspid valve replacement. The mean follow-up interval was 6 years. Those with the longest duration of symptoms (18 years) required tricuspid and mitral valve replacement (11 patients), whereas those with the shortest duration (8.1 years) had only mitral replacement (22 patients). Eight patients had minimal tricuspid regurgitation by digital palpitation, with no procedure performed, and six had tricuspid valve annuloplasty, only one of whom received a ring support. Operative mortality rate was similar in all groups (13% to 18%). All but two of the surviving patients improved by at least one New York Heart Association functional class, and no statistically significant differences were found between preoperative and postoperative hemodynamic data. There were no statistically significant differences in survival at 1, 5, or 8 years (85%, 70%, and 60%, respectively) for patients with or without TR. Only two of the surviving five patients who underwent tricuspid valve annuloplasty were alive 3 years after operation, whereas 70% to 80% of those with mitral replacement or mitral and tricuspid replacement were alive after the same time interval. It is not clear whether or not the pathogenesis of tricuspid regurgitation resulting from mitral regurgitation is different from that of tricuspid regurgitation resulting from mitral stenosis. It is our contention that whether tricuspid regurgitation arises because of anatomic destruction of the tricuspid valve or because of right ventricular dilatation with tricuspid annular enlargement, the underlying mitral valve lesion may determine the preoperative and postoperative courses of these patients. Therefore, when tricuspid valve disease is being evaluated, we urge that patients be categorized by the nature of their underlying mitral or aortic valve lesions.     

二尖瓣置换术后远期功能性三尖瓣关闭不全的外科治疗

目的：报告二尖瓣置换（ＭＶＲ）术后远期三尖瓣关闭不全（ＴＲ）外科治疗的结果及作用,方法：３７例ＭＶＲ术后中重度ＩＲ病人,其中人工二尖瓣为生物瓣者１３,机械瓣２４例,有１１例行内科保守治疗,２６例行外科手术治疗,手术类型,ＭＶＲ加三尖瓣置换２例,ＭＶＲ加三法瓣成形１１例,三尖瓣置换３例,三尖瓣成型１０例,三尖瓣成形术包括改良Ｋay形成形１２例,改良ＤeVega成形术７例,加成形环的三尖瓣成形术２例,结果：１１例内科治疗者,７个月－７．５年后７６例死亡,病死率为５４．５％,26例手术治疗者,术后早期病死２例,病死率为７．７％,随访个月－１０．５年,晚期死亡例,仍中度ＴＲ２例,结论：ＭＶＲ术后远期ＴＲ的产生与不可逆的左心损害或（和）严重肺动脉高压有关,对重度ＴＲ伴有临床症状、左心功能基本正常者,行三尖瓣成形或三尖瓣置换术可取得良好的效果。     

应用彩色多普勒对二尖瓣置换术后三尖瓣功能的远期随访

目的应用彩色多普勒超声评价二尖瓣置换术后远期三尖瓣功能及形态变化。方法对接受二尖瓣置换术的903例病人术后三尖瓣功能进行了2～9年,平均(3.6±2.4)年的跟踪观察。所有病例术前均有不同程度的三尖瓣环扩大或关闭不全,其中未行三尖瓣成形术者201例;行Kay或改良DeVega成形术者686例;三尖瓣成形术同时加成形环者16例。结果未行三尖瓣成形术者术后2～3年有46例出现三尖瓣重度关闭不全;行Kay或改良DeVega成形术者,术后3～5年150例出现中重度三尖瓣关闭不全;三尖瓣成形术同时加成形环者仅1例术后2年出现三尖瓣轻-中度关闭不全。结论二尖瓣置换术后远期三尖瓣功能性关闭不全与三尖瓣环扩大、右心功能损害和严重肺动脉高压有关,三尖瓣环扩大是其重要的原因。对二尖瓣置换术者,手术中一旦发现有三尖瓣环扩大,即使无三尖瓣关闭不全,亦应行三尖瓣成形术,重度三尖瓣关闭不全、瓣环明显扩大者最好在环缩术的同时加成形环。     

Comparison of superior septal approach with left atriotomy in mitral valve surgery

Objective

In this study, we aimed to compare clinical outcomes of superior transseptal approach with the conventional left atriotomy in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery.

Methods

Between January 2010 and November 2012, a total of 91 consecutive adult patients (39 males, 52 females; mean age: 54.0±15.4 years; range, 16 to 82 years) who underwent mitral valve surgery in the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery at Koşuyolu Training Hospital were included. The patients were randomized to either superior transseptal approach (n=47) or conventional left atriotomy (n=44). Demographic characteristics of the patients, comorbidities, additional interventions, intraoperational data, pre- and postoperative electrophysiological study findings, and postoperative complications were recorded.

Results

Of all patients, 86.7% (n=79) were in New York Heart Association Class III, while 12 were in New York Heart Association Class IV. All patients underwent annuloplasty (42.9%) or valve replacement surgery (57.1%). There was no significant difference in pre- and postoperative electrocardiogram findings between the groups. Change from baseline in the cardiac rhythm was statistically significant in superior transseptal approach group alone (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in mortality rate between the groups. Permanent pacemaker implantation was performed in 10.6% of the patients in superior transseptal approach group and 4.5% in the conventional left atriotomy group. No statistically significant difference in bleeding, total length of hospital and intensive care unit stay, the presence of low cardiac output syndrome was observed between the groups.

Conclusion

Our study results suggest that superior transseptal approach does not lead to serious or fatal adverse effects on sinus node function or atrial vulnerability, compared to conventional approach.     

The role of the minimally invasive beating heart technique in reoperative valve surgery

Abstract Objective: We reviewed our experience to assess potential advantages of minimally invasive surgery without aortic clamping over conventional median sternotomy and cardioplegic arrest during reoperative valve surgery. Methods: From August 2008 to August 2010, 22 reoperative valve procedures were performed through a minimally invasive approach without aortic cross‐clamping [no‐clamp group (NCG)]. Postoperative results were compared to a matched population in terms of sex, age, and type of surgery, and operated through median sternotomy with aortic cross‐clamping and cardioplegic arrest [clamp group (CG)]. Results: We performed 17 mitral valve replacements (MVRs), one mitral valve repair, one MVR associated to a tricuspid plasty (TVP), and three isolated TVP in both groups. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was 166 and 163 minutes in NCG and CG, respectively. Intra‐aortic balloon pump was necessary in two (NCG) and three (CG) patients. Two patients died in both groups from multiorgan failure. Biochemical analysis showed no significant differences in perioperative lactate or creatine kinase‐MB values. Conclusions: Redo valve surgery with an unclamped aorta is feasible, effective, and at least as safe as surgery using cardioplegic arrest. There was, however, no difference in biochemical or clinical outcomes from conventional surgery using aortic clamping and cardioplegic techniques. (J Card Surg 2012;27:24–28)     

Long-term results of DeVega tricuspid annuloplasty

DeVega tricuspid annuloplasty was performed in 74 patients undergoing mitral or mitral and aortic valve replacement between January, 1972, and December, 1985. Sixty-two hospital survivors have been followed up for a mean of 85.3 +/- 6.6 months. Actuarial survival at 14 years was 71.5 +/- 8.2%. None of the late deaths was related to the tricuspid annuloplasty. Three patients required tricuspid valve replacement for recurrence of tricuspid regurgitation (0.68% per annum). Eleven asymptomatic patients studied hemodynamically at a mean period of 53 months after the operation showed maintenance of the hemodynamic improvement. We recommend DeVega annuloplasty as the method of choice for moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation in the absence of an organically diseased or deformed valve.     

Tricuspid leaflet augmentation with an autologous pericardial patch for recurrent severe tricuspid regurgitation that occurred after suture annuloplasty

We, herein, report the use of tricuspid leaflet augmentation with an autologous pericardial patch to treat a patient with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) that occurred after suture annuloplasty. The patient underwent mitral valve replacement for rheumatic mitral disease and tricuspid suture annuloplasty for moderate TR 23 years ago. She developed right-sided heart failure associated with severe TR. Leaflet augmentation with an autologous pericardial patch and ring annuloplasty were applied at redo surgery. Postoperative echocardiography showed trivial TR with significant improvement of the patient’s symptoms. We have now performed this technique on three cases of severe recurrent TR that occurred after suture annuloplasty, and excellent early results were obtained in each case.     

Transcatheter mitral valve implantation for degenerated mitral bioprostheses or failed surgical annuloplasty rings: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Background

Transcatheter mitral valve‐in‐valve (TMVIV) and valve‐in‐ring (TMVIR) implantation for degenerated mitral bioprostheses and failed annuloplasty rings have recently emerged as treatment options for patients deemed unsuitable for repeat surgery.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted to summarize the data regarding the baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing TMVIV and TMVIR procedures.

Results

A total of 245 patients (172 patients who underwent TMVIV surgery and 73 patients who underwent TMVIR surgery) were included in the study; 93.5% of patients experienced successful TMVIV or TMVIR implantation. The mortality rates at discharge, 30 days, and 6 months were 5.7%, 8.1%, and 23.4%, respectively. The transapical (TA) access route was used in most procedures (55.2%). The TA and transseptal (TS) access routes resulted in similar outcomes. No significant differences were observed in the short‐term outcomes between the patients who developed mitral stenosis versus mitral regurgitation as the mode of failure.

Conclusions

TMVIV and TMVIR implantation for degenerated mitral bioprostheses and failed annuloplasty rings are safe and effective. Both procedures, via TA or TS access, can result in excellent short‐term clinical outcomes in patients with mitral stenosis or regurgitation, but long‐term follow‐up data are currently lacking to determine the durability of these procedures.     

重症心脏瓣膜病的外科治疗

目的总结重症心脏瓣膜病的外科治疗结果,探讨提高早期生存率的措施。方法自2000年6月至2005年7月,对78例重症心脏瓣膜病患者施行瓣膜替换术。其中单纯二尖瓣置换12例,二尖瓣置换 三尖瓣成形22例,单纯主动脉瓣置换8例,二尖瓣 主动脉瓣置换 三尖瓣成形35例,二尖瓣置换 冠状动脉旁路移植术1例。结果死亡6例,其中术后并发低心排血量5例,心室颤动治疗无效死亡1例,死亡率7.69%。随访53例,平均随访2.5年,死亡5例。结论对重症心脏瓣膜病患者,注重改善术前心功能,掌握手术时机,尽量保留瓣下组织,选择合适瓣膜,重视围手术期处理,可提高手术成功率。     

合并巨大左心室的心脏瓣膜替换术

目的:评价合并巨大左心室心脏瓣膜替换术的疗效。方法:从2000年9月至2002年10月,共13例合并巨大左心室的心脏瓣膜病行人工瓣膜替换术,其中主动脉瓣置换术9例,二尖瓣置换术1例,主动脉瓣置换术+二尖瓣置换术3例,二尖瓣置换术均保留二尖瓣后瓣及瓣下结构,三尖瓣成形术1例,左心房血栓清除术1例,主动脉窦瘤修补术2例,室间隔缺损修补术2例。结果:术后无死亡,无严重低心排、严重室性心律失常和多器官功能衰竭,并发肾功能不全1例,术后并发大量心包积液,行二次心包开窗引流术1例,13例均康复出院。结论:提高这类病人手术疗效的关键是选择合适的时机、妥善的围术期处理。     

Mitral valve replacement in dextrocardia and situs inversus

Cardiac surgery for acquired valvular diseases in patients with dextrocardia is extremely rare. We report a surgical case of mitral valve replacement and tricuspid annuloplasty in a patient with dextrocardia and situs inversus. A 74-year-old man with dextrocardia and situs inversus, who had undergone patch closure of atrial septal defect 25 years before, was referred for surgical treatment of severe mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation. Preoperative computed tomography( CT) showed dextrocardia, situs inversus, interruption of the inferior vena cava with an azygos vein continuation, and drainage of the hepatic vein into the right atrium. Under redo-median sternotomoy, cardiopulmonary bypass was established by cannulating the ascending aorta, the superior vena cava, the right femoral and the hepatic veins. The surgeon operated from the left side of the operating table, and had an excellent exposure to the mitral and tricuspid valves during the operation. Mitral valve replacement and tricuspid annuloplasty were performed successfully. The postoperative course was uneventful.     

Management of Prosthetic Valves during Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Abstract Background: An increasing number of patients requiring ventricular assist devices (VAD) have had previous valvular corrections, including valve repair and valve replacement with mechanical or bioprosthetic valves. The operative and peri‐operative management of these patients has been varied. Methods: A retrospective study of VADs between January 1994 and June 2008 revealed 10 patients with previous prosthetic valves requiring management during and after VAD placement. Three patients were supported postcardiotomy after valve surgery. Two patients were supported due to cardiogenic shock postoperatively. Four patients were supported as a bridge to transplantation. One patient was supported as a destination therapy (DT). Results: The mitral, valve was left untreated during VAD implantation regardless of valve repair or replacement. For aortic valves, the mechanical aortic valve was replaced with tissue valve in two patients and left untreated in one case. One patient had tricuspid valve repair previously and was left untouched. All patients with prosthetic valves in aortic, mitral and tricuspid position during VAD support received anticoagulation therapy. There were four deaths, and four went on to transplantation. One patient was weaned from VAD and discharged from the hospital. One patient received HeartMate I as DT. The most common causes of death were multisystem organ failure (MSOF) and sepsis. One patient had a thromboembolic event. Conclusions: The survival rate of 60% is encouraging when compared to overall survival rates. The most common cause of death was MSOF. Patients with prosthetic valves may be safely managed during VAD support. (J Card Surg 2010;25:601‐605)     

The value of Doppler echocardiography in the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with mitral valve replacement. Perioperative and two-year postoperative findings

The treatment for tricuspid regurgitation in patients who have mitral valve replacement remains controversial partly because of the lack of a convenient method for measuring reflux. The purpose of this study was to assess Doppler measurement of tricuspid regurgitation in selecting patients for surgical or nonsurgical management and in evaluating the results. Thirty-three patients who had mitral valve surgery had three ultrasound examinations: before operation, before discharge from hospital, and 2 years after operation. Seventeen patients were assigned to tricuspid annuloplasty and 16 to no procedure. Assignment was based on visual grading of regurgitant velocity maps and intraoperative grading by direct palpation. Before operation patients in the annuloplasty group had larger mean jet velocity areas, right atrial size, and diastolic transvalvular velocities than had the nonsurgical group. However, the overlap of data precluded the definition of thresholds for separating the patients into either of two regimens. Early after operation the patients with annuloplasties showed decreased regurgitant indexes similar to the preoperative levels of patients who had no procedure; the latter preoperative levels had not changed. Late after operation both groups showed stabilization or trends toward less regurgitation, and continued decreases in tricuspid diastolic flow velocities. Thus Doppler ultrasonography played a complementary role in selecting patients for annuloplasty or nonsurgical management and a major role in the longitudinal evaluation of treatment.     

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: mini-sternotomy with extended transseptal approach.

A partial upper sternotomy and an extended transseptal incision provide excellent exposure for mitral valve surgery. From March 1997 to December 1998, 462 patients had mitral valve surgeries using this minimally invasive approach. Eighty-seven percent had mitral valve repair, and 13% had mitral valve replacement. Thirteen patients (3%) required conversion to full sternotomy, and all other patients had the procedure completed using the initial approach. Forty-eight percent of patients were extubated within 6 hours of surgery, and 47% of patients spent less than 24 hours in the intensive care unit (ICU). Mean hospital length of stay was 7.2 +/- 5.4 days. Eighty-six percent of patients received no blood products. There was 1 hospital death (0.2%). Morbidity included reexploration for bleeding (4%), respiratory insufficiency (1%), stroke (1%), myocardial infarction (0.2%), and wound infection (0.2%). We conclude that virtually all mitral valve procedures, including complicated repairs, can be accomplished via partial upper sternotomy with an extended transseptal incision. This approach provides excellent exposure of the mitral valve and results in a low rate of wound complications, low transfusion requirements, and excellent cosmesis.     

Surgical treatment of tricuspid insufficiency in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement

During the past eight years, 46 of the 106 patients who underwent mitral valve replacement were associated with tricuspid insufficiency. No surgical correction was performed (14 cases) in cases of slight tricuspid insufficiency. Tricuspid annuloplasty (11 cases) or valve replacement (21 cases) was employed according to the severity of insufficiency. In the non-repair group, the mortality rate was fairly low (21 per cent), but the postoperative status was the least satisfactory by the NYHA classification. Tricuspid insufficiency was significantly reduced only in two of these 14 cases after the mitral valve replacement. In the tricuspid annuloplasty group, although the technique of tricuspid annuloplasty did not always correct insufficiency completely, only one patient died of residual insufficiency. The cardiac output measured with Minnesota Impedance Cardiograph increased postoperatively in proportion to stress in this group. In the tricuspid valve replacement group, cardiac catheterization studies revealed hemodynamic improvement at rest in all, but cardiac output during exercise remained unchanged or decreased in some cases. Now we consider that tricuspid insufficiency with advanced mitral valve disease, even of a slight degree, should be surgically treated and that annuloplasty has more obvious hemodynamic benefits than valve replacement.