Comparative roles of intraoperative epicardial and early postoperative transthoracic echocardiography in the assessment of surgical repair of congenital heart defects

In 94 consecutive patients undergoing surgical repair of congenital heart defects the results of intraoperative (after cardiopulmonary bypass) epicardial two-dimensional and Doppler color flow imaging were compared with those of sequential transthoracic echocardiography performed within 24 h of surgery and again before hospital discharge to define the precise role of intraoperative imaging. In 6 of 7 patients with a residual defect requiring immediate surgical revision, intraoperative imaging correctly identified the defect; spectral Doppler imaging underestimated or did not identify a residual outflow tract gradient in 17 patients. Left atrioventricular (AV) valve regurgitation after repair of complete AV septal defect was underestimated in three patients. Although intraoperative documentation of good ventricular function was usually associated with a good outcome, in three patients poor systemic ventricular function after cardiopulmonary bypass was not associated with early mortality. A minor degree of shunting around the patch was a common finding on epicardial and early postoperative imaging and persisted at the time of hospital discharge in 17 of 46 patients who had undergone patch closure of a ventricular septal defect as part of the surgical procedure. Additional trabecular septal defects were missed on color flow imaging after cardiopulmonary bypass in three patients, one of whom required subsequent reoperation. Although intraoperative two-dimensional and color flow imaging permitted the recognition of the majority of residual defects requiring immediate revision, residual outflow obstruction or AV valve regurgitation was usually underestimated.     

Novel Method for Evaluating Tricuspid Valve Function after Tricuspid Valve Detachment in the Repair of Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defects

Tricuspid valve detachment has been used for decades in the repair of type II ventricular septal defects (VSDs); however, the procedure can damage the tricuspid valve and conduction system.We retrospectively reviewed 177 consecutive type II VSD repairs performed at our hospital from 1997 through 2004. Patients were included if they had symptoms, pulmonary hypertension, or a Qp/Qs ratio >1.5: 86 underwent tricuspid valve detachment (TVD group) and 84 underwent VSD repair without this detachment (non-TVD group).There was no significant difference between groups in age, body weight, VSD size, Qp/Qs ratio, follow-up duration, or incidence of residual shunting. Cross-clamp times (109.6 ± 42.6 vs 92.2 ± 38.1 min) and cardiopulmonary bypass times (155.1 ± 53.8 vs 137 ± 47 min) were longer in the TVD group. No patients developed tricuspid stenosis or heart block. After excluding patients who underwent tricuspid repair, we found similar grades of postoperative tricuspid regurgitation in both groups. In applying our novel criterion (last postoperative regurgitation grade minus preoperative regurgitation grade) to evaluate changes between preoperative and postoperative tricuspid regurgitation, we found significant deterioration in the non-TVD group (P=0.018). Had conventional evaluation methods been used, severity in the groups would not have differed significantly. Our method enables additional evaluation of late tricuspid function in individual patients.Tricuspid valve detachment is safe for type II VSD repair and has no adverse effect on late tricuspid valve function. In addition, we recommend the interrupted-suture technique for leaflet reattachment.Key words: Follow-up studies, heart defects, congenital/surgery, heart septal defects, ventricular/surgery, tricuspid valve/physiopathology/surgeryCurrently, the transatrial approach for repairing type II (perimembranous) ventricular septal defects (VSDs) is routine. However, in some patients, this approach can result in suboptimal repair, with residual shunting or tricuspid valve damage. To circumvent this, tricuspid valve detachment (TVD) was introduced by Hudspeth and colleagues.¹ Since then, authors have reported the usefulness and advantages of this technique for improving the exposure of the entire circumference of the type II VSD and improving postoperative tricuspid valve function.^2,3 However, no studies have investigated long-term changes between preoperative and postoperative tricuspid valve function on a patient-by-patient basis after TVD in the repair of type II VSDs. We evaluated the effect of TVD on long-term changes in postoperative tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients who underwent repair of type II VSDs.     

经胸房间隔缺损堵闭术对房室瓣反流的影响

目的探讨经胸房间隔缺损封堵术对房室瓣反流的影响。方法回顾性分析2002年1月至2011年3月在南方医科大学珠江医院经胸微创房间隔缺损堵闭术患者的临床资料,其中资料完全者43例,40例在食道超声、2例在经胸超声辅助下行房间隔缺损堵闭术。患者术前、术后1个月及6个月经超声心动图检查,观察心脏各指标的变化和房室瓣反流程度。结果41例手术成功,手术成功率95．3％（41／43）;1例术中改为右侧开胸小切口体外循环下房间隔缺损修补术,1例术中并发心搏骤停。1例术后并发肾功能衰竭：12例术后即时有少量残余漏,1个月后超声复查消失。术后超声随访显示：右心室、右心房直径较前缩小,左心室直径较前增大,肺动脉瓣血流速度明显降低,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;室间隔厚度、二尖瓣血流速度、主动脉瓣血流速度无明显改变,差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。房间隔缺损堵闭术后1个月、6个月,二尖瓣瓣膜反流程度较术前加重,差异有统计学意义（平均秩次：2．01VS．2．17vs1．77,x2=10．78,P=0．04）;而三尖瓣的瓣膜反流程度术前与术后1个月、6个月比较,差异无统计学意义（平均秩次：1．88vs2．11US．2．01,X2=4．23,P=0．134）。结论房间隔缺损封堵术后,可引起二尖瓣反流程度的加重,但对三尖瓣的反流程度近期影响不明显;二尖瓣中度以上或三尖瓣重度反流的患者或不适宜行单纯房间缺损封堵术。     

静脉窦房间隔缺损的外科治疗

目的:总结我科1999年7月至2004年4月26例静脉窦房间隔缺损手术病例的临床资料,探讨静脉窦房间隔缺损的外科手术方式和经验。方法:采用浅低温体外循环心脏不停跳技术行静脉窦房间隔缺损及合并畸形的手术治疗。其中男性11例,女性15例,年龄6个月～27岁,平均(12.1±5.7)岁。合并部分肺静脉异位引流19例,其中引流入上腔静脉8例,引流入右心房11例;合并动脉导管未闭1例、左上腔静脉引流入冠状静脉窦2例。合并室间隔缺损1例,三尖瓣返流3例,二尖瓣重度返流1例。体外循环转流时间25～98min,平均(56.4±6.2)min,全组均用自体心包补片修补,术中8例用右心房外侧切口避开窦房结延长至上腔静脉,3例用另外心包加宽上腔静脉与右心房结合部;5例术中扩大房间隔缺损利于异位引流的肺静脉回流,1例同期行二尖瓣置换。结果:术后平均重症监护时间(4.2±2.1)d,平均住院时间(15±6.5)d。全组无死亡病例。1例术后早期窦房结功能失调,经使用临时起搏器辅助3d后恢复,术后1例转为心房颤动心律,余均为窦性心律。1例出现上腔静脉梗阻,二次手术加宽上腔静脉后好转。结论:运用经食道超声心动图较易诊断静脉窦房间隔缺损和确定有无肺静脉异位引流,外科手术治疗静脉窦房间隔缺损的效果满意,选择适当的手术方式可以降低上腔静脉梗阻、窦房结功能失调等并发症。     

Tricuspid valve detachment for transatrial closure of ventricular septal defects

Tricuspid leaflet detachment improves visualization and accuracy of closure of ventricular septal defects via the transatrial route. Between July 1998 and March 2001, surgical correction was performed in 296 cases of isolated ventricular septal defect, 215 cases of tetralogy of Fallot, and 16 cases of double-outlet right ventricle. Of these, 132 patients (79 with isolated ventricular septal defect, 49 with tetralogy of Fallot, and 4 with double-outlet right ventricle) underwent transatrial repair with temporary detachment of tricuspid leaflets for ventricular septal defect closure. The septal leaflet was detached in most cases, with anterior or posterior leaflets being detached when indicated. Median duration of intensive care was 3.6 days, and median hospital stay was 7 days. There was no incidence of tricuspid regurgitation attributable to leaflet detachment, as confirmed by postoperative echocardiography. Reoperation was not required for a residual defect or tricuspid regurgitation. The benefits of temporary leaflet detachment for transatrial repair of various difficult defects far outweigh the risk of postoperative tricuspid regurgitation.     

What is the optimal time to repair atrioventricular septal defect and common atrioventricular valvar orifice?

OBJECTIVE: With improvements in technology and surgical technique, paediatric cardiologists are challenging surgeons to repair balanced atrioventricular septal defects in smaller patients. Early repair minimizes aggressive medical therapy to prevent heart failure, maintains growth, and limits exposure to elevated pulmonary pressures. We compare the outcomes of repair among different-sized children. METHODS: From December 2002 to July 2005, 92 patients underwent repair of an atrioventricular septal defect with common atrioventricular valvar orifice and balanced ventricles. We reviewed operative and postoperative data. We excluded patients weighing more than 10 kilograms, but included those who underwent concomitant closure of a patent oval foramen or atrial septal defect, or ligation of a patent arterial duct. Those requiring other concomitant procedures were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: The median weight at repair was 4.9 kilograms, with a range from 2.93 to 7.9 kilograms, and the median age was 5.1 months, with a range from 0.39 to 9.6 months. Operative data included the time required for cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic cross-clamping, and the overall procedure. These times were not significantly affected by decreasing weight. Postoperative continuous data included duration of ventilation and length of intensive care unit and hospital stay. Stay in intensive care (p = 0.006) and hospital (p = 0.007) both increased significantly with decreasing weight. Postoperative categorical data included presence of residual ventricular septal defects, regurgitation across the left atrioventricular valve, and complications. While there was no difference in residual defects (p = 0.166) or valvar regurgitation (p = 0.729), there was a significantly higher presence of complications with decreasing weight (p = 0.0043). There was no mortality, and no persistent heart block requiring placement of a permanent pacemaker. CONCLUSIONS: Our data shows that, with the exception of a slightly longer and more complicated postoperative course, early surgery for symptomatic patients with atrioventricular septal defects and common atrioventricular valvar orifice can be undertaken safely and effectively in smaller children with excellent outcomes.     

Abnormal right ventricular size and ventricular septal motion after atrial septal defect closure: etiology and functional significance.

Postoperative echocardiogram often demonstrate persistent right ventricular dilatation and paradoxic ventricular septal motion after repair of an atrial septal defect. To determine the prevalence, causes and significance of these echocardiographic abnormalities, 31 patients were studied with catheterization and echocardiography before and after repair of an atrial septal defect. Before operation, every patient manifested right ventricular dilatation, and all but one had abnormal septal motion. After operation, right ventricular dilatation was noted in 24 (77%) and abnormal septal motion in 21 (68%) patients despite the absence of residual left to right shunting in 30 (97%). These echocardiographic abnormalities could be correlated with age at operation and length of postoperative follow-up study but did not correlate with the degree of preoperative right ventricular enlargement or with shunt size or right ventricular pressure before or after operation. There was no associated functional deficit as demonstrated by the normal maximal oxygen consumption in all 13 patients who underwent treadmill exercise testing 5 to 38 months after operation; these patients included 9 with persistent right ventricular enlargement and abnormal septal motion.     

Autologous right atrial patch for closure of atrial septal defect

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic or pericardial patches used for the closure of atrial septal defects are associated with infrequent but definite problems. As an alternative, we used a right atrial free-wall patch in 12 patients, 7-54 years of age. METHODS AND RESULTS: The presence of a large secundum atrial septal defect (n=2). associated mitral valve regurgitation (n=7), primum atrial septal defect (n=2) and sinus venosus defect (n=1) necessitated the use of a patch. The mitral valve was repaired in 9 patients (including 2 with a primum defect). One patient with a primum defect who was in congestive heart failure preoperatively died after 3 weeks due to refractory ventricular fibrillation. The remaining patients were discharged 5 to 7 days post procedure. No flow was detected across the septal patch on predischarge echocardiography. One patient underwent reoperation for failed mitral valve repair one month postprocedure. At reoperation, the patch was found to be intact with normal texture and without any suture dehiscence. Histopathological examination of the explanted patch revealed viable endothellum and subendothelial muscle on both surfaces of the patch. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 36 months. Echocardiography performed after 6 to 32 months post procedure showed an intact patch with no residual defect. All the patients are in sinus rhythm. Holter monitoring performed in 6 patients was normal in all of them. Electrophysiological study was performed in 2 patients using a mapping catheter 4 and 6 months post-procedure, respectively, and recorded normal atrial potentials from the site of the patch. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an autologous free right atrial wall as a patch for atrial septal defect closure is a viable option.     

Are routine preoperative cardiac catheterization and angiography necessary before repair of ostium primum atrial septal defect?

Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography were compared with cardiac catheterization and angiography in the preoperative evaluation of ostium primum atrial septal defect. Preoperative echocardiographic examinations as well as operative reports of all patients (33 patients aged 2 months to 23 years at surgery) with ostium primum atrial septal defect or transitional atrioventricular (AV) canal defect having had echocardiography and surgical repair at The Children's Hospital, Boston from July 1983 to January 1986 were retrospectively reviewed. Original cardiac catheterization and angiographic reports also were reviewed. Preoperative echocardiography resulted in no false positive or false negative primary diagnoses when compared with the diagnoses obtained at preoperative angiography or surgery. Doppler assessment of mitral regurgitation correlated well with angiographic (93% agreement) and intraoperative (85% agreement) assessments of mitral regurgitation to within two diagnostic categories on the six level scoring system used. There was reasonably good agreement between the two-dimensional echocardiographic estimate of right ventricular systolic pressure and that measured at catheterization when expressed as percent of the simultaneous left ventricular pressure. Seven of nine ventricular septal defects observed intraoperatively were noted on preoperative echocardiography; five of these defects were detected on preoperative angiography. A variety of other surgically confirmed associated cardiovascular defects were observed by both preoperative techniques. However, echocardiography appeared to be superior to angiography for evaluation of AV valve morphology and papillary muscle architecture. This study implies that in children with typical clinical and two-dimensional echocardiographic and Doppler findings for ostium primum atrial septal defect or transitional AV canal defect, routine preoperative cardiac catheterization and angiography are unnecessary.     

Tricuspid valve detachment in closure of congenital ventricular septal defect

From January 1991 through December 2001, 600 patients underwent closure of a perimembranous ventricular septal defect through a right atrial approach at our institution. In 122 of these patients, the operation included temporary detachment of a tricuspid valve septal leaflet from the annulus to allow complete visualization of a perimembranous ventricular septal defect The mean age of the patients at surgery was 4.6 years in those who underwent leaflet detachment and 4.7 years in the 478 patients who did not (P > 0.05). Preoperatively, all patients were in sinus rhythm. Echocardiography showed trivial tricuspid regurgitation in 21 of the patients undergoing detachment and in 39 of the non-detachment patients. There was no difference in bypass time or aortic cross-clamp time between the 2 groups. Postoperatively, 3 patients in the non-detachment group had heart block; all other patients were in sinus rhythm. Echocardiograms on the 7th postoperative day showed small residual ventricular septal defects in none of the patients who underwent valve detachment and in 10 of the non-detachment patients; mild tricuspid regurgitation was present in 12 non-detachment patients only; and trivial tricuspid regurgitation was present in 19 patients who underwent valve detachment and in 29 who did not. There was no hospital death in either group. Long-term follow-up showed no progression of tricuspid regurgitation or tricuspid stenosis. All patients remained in sinus rhythm. This study suggests that tricuspid valve detachment is a safe, effective technique that improves exposure for ventricular septal defect repair and does not adversely affect valve competence.     

Intraoperative echocardiography and Doppler color flow mapping in freehand allograft aortic valve and root replacement

Intraoperative epicardial echocardiography and color flow Doppler were performed before and after cardiopulmonary bypass in 17 consecutive patients undergoing 20 freehand allograft aortic valve replacements. Native aortic valves were replaced in 12, and prostheses in 8 patients. Precardiopulmonary bypass echocardiography estimates of annular diameter guided allograft selection and predicted length of allograft aortic root required, defined coronary situs, and revealed other cardiac abnormalities. These included unanticipated severe mitral regurgitation (which precluded allograft aortic valve replacements in one patient), left-to-right shunts in the membranous septum, ascending aortic dissection, and aortic root pathology requiring coronary reimplantation or bypass. Postcardiopulmonary bypass echocardiography demonstrated acceptable competency of 18/19 allograft valves (mild or no aortic insufficiency), and successful repair of 3/4 shunts. Mild mitral regurgitation was detected more often at postcardiopulmonary bypass than precardiopulmonary bypass (15 vs 11 cases) and postcardiopulmonary bypass estimates of mitral regurgitation severity corollated well with subsequent postoperative follow-up. IOE allows selection and thawing of the allograft valves prior to aortic cross clamping, minimizing cross-clamp time. It detects important concomitant cardiac abnormalities, and predicts postoperative allograft valve and mitral competency. Intraoperative echocardiography Doppler, is therefore, a useful adjunct for allograft aortic valve replacements or aortic root replacement.     

Detection of mechanisms of immediate failure by transesophageal echocardiography in quadrangular resection mitral valve repair technique for severe mitral regurgitation

Residual mitral regurgitation (MR) after repair is a risk factor for late reoperation. The use of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (IOTEE) decreases the incidence of immediate repair failure. This study identifies the mechanisms of immediate failure by IOTEE in the quadrangular resection technique, a well-standardized mitral valve repair procedure to guide further repair procedures. Two hundred five consecutive patients underwent quadrangular resection due to prolapse or flail posterior leaflet. Twenty-four patients (11%) had immediate failure. Immediate reinstitution of cardiopulmonary bypass ("second pump run") was needed in 21 patients (10%) for further repair. The identified mechanisms of failure were residual cleft provoking interscallop malcoaptation into the posterior leaflet in 8 patients, residual prolapse of the anterior or posterior leaflets in 1 and 4 patients, respectively, residual annular dilation in 3, left ventricular outflow obstruction in 2, suture dehiscence in 2, and other mechanisms in another 2 patients. In 20 patients (95%), IOTEE guided further repair with resolution of the residual MR, whereas 1 patient underwent valve replacement due to pharmacologically untreatable left ventricular outflow obstruction. In conclusion, even if this type of valve repair technique is well standardized, the incidence of immediate failure is not negligible. IOTEE identified the mechanisms of the immediate failure and guided further repair procedures, thus reducing the incidence of valve replacement (0.5%) without increasing perioperative mortality and morbility.     

Transesophageal echocardiographic guidance of transcatheter ventricular septal defect closure

Objectives. This report describes transesophageal echocardiographic guidance of transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects and its value as an adjunct to fluoroscopy and angiography in this procedure.Background. Experience with transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects has identified a diverse group of patients in whom it may be the procedure of choice. Although facilitating other interventional procedures, such as transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects, the value of transesophageal echocardiographic guidance for transcatheter ventricular septal defect closure has not been documented.Methods. All patients who underwent ventricular septal defect closure with transesophageal echocardiographic guidance before November 1992 were included. Angiograms and echocardiograms were reviewed to evaluate device position and relation to valve tissue during placement and to assess residual flow after device implantation. The ability of transesophageal echocardiography to assess these variables was compared with fluoroscopy and angiography.Results. Transesophageal echocardiographic guidance was used in 31 of the 83 catheterizations involving transcatheter ventricular septal defect closure performed between February 1990 and November 1992. Under transesophageal echocardiographic guidance, 45 devices were implanted: 23 in muscular ventricular septal defects, 17 in residual postoperative patch margin defects and 5 in other ventricular septal defects. Transesophageal echocardiographic guidance enhanced assessment of device position and proximity to valve structures and markedly improved assessment of residual flow. Assessment of residual flow with transesophageal echocardiography elimuinated the need for multiple angiograms in some patients. Combining transesophageal echocardiography with fluoroscopy and angiography provided the most information.Conclusions. Transesophageal echocardiography facilitates transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects by improving assessment of device position and effectiveness of closure. It is indicated when device placement is likely to be difficult or may interfere with valve structures or when multiple interventional procedures are anticipated.     

先天性多发性室间隔缺损的外科治疗

目的总结先天性多发性室间隔缺损外科诊治的经验。方法回顾性分析22例多发性室间隔缺损患者的临床诊治资料。结果本组21患者存活,1例合并多种并发症者死亡（病死率4．5％）。除3例发生残余漏,2例术后早期出现一过性房室传导阻滞,无其他并发症。结论先天性多发性室间隔缺损行手术矫治疗效满意。术前详细的超声心动图检查和术中仔细探查,对于提高诊断准确率、预防术后残余漏至关重要。     

心内直视下镶嵌治疗肌部室间隔缺损

目的 探讨心内直视下镶嵌治疗肌部室间隔缺损（mVSD）的手术方法及临床疗效.方法 2008年1月至2013年7月,在体外循环心内直视下镶嵌治疗肌部室间隔缺损29例,男19例,女10例,年龄2个月～7岁;其中单个肌部室间隔缺损7例,多发室间隔缺损22例.合并法洛四联症5例,完全性大血管转位1例,肺动脉瓣狭窄3例,房间隔缺损6例,主动脉缩窄3例.合并心脏畸形均同期手术纠治.结果 死亡2例,死亡率6.9％.术后随访3个月～3年,无远期死亡,封堵器边缘少量残余分流3例,无封堵器偏移、二尖瓣反流、主动脉瓣反流、Ⅲ度房室传导阻滞.结论 心内直视下镶嵌治疗肌部室间隔缺损是一种安全、简便、有效的方法.     

One-stage repair of cardiac and arch anomalies without circulatory arrest

Between 1999 and 2002, 23 patients underwent single-stage complete repair of cardiac anomalies and aortic arch obstruction, without circulatory arrest. Median age was 1.2 years. Intracardiac defects included ventricular septal defect in 9, double-outlet right ventricle in 6, d-transposition of the great arteries and ventricular septal defect in 2, subaortic obstruction in 3, and atrial septal defect in 3. Fourteen patients had coarctation of the aorta, 6 had coarctation with hypoplastic aortic arch, and 3 had interrupted aortic arch. Simple techniques were employed such as cannulation of the ascending aorta near the innominate artery and maintaining cerebral and myocardial perfusion. After correction of arch obstruction, intracardiac repair was undertaken. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 169 min, aortic crossclamp time was 51 min, and arch repair took 16 min. There was no operative mortality or neurological deficit. In follow-up of 1-43 months, no patient had residual coarctation. This simplified technique avoids additional procedures, reduces ischemic time, and prevents problems related to circulatory arrest.     

Evaluation of ventricular septal defect repair using intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography: frequency and significance of residual defects in infants and children

Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (IOTEE) is commonly used to assess for residual defect and the need to return to bypass after repair of ventricular septal defect (VSD). The frequency and significance of residual septal defects as noted on IOTEE has not been well defined. We evaluated the frequency of residual VSD via IOTEE and the relationship between size of a residual VSD and rate of reoperation. In addition, we looked at the relationship between the presence of a residual VSD via IOTEE and the presence of residual VSD at follow-up transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Residual VSD was measured via the largest width of the Doppler color jet diameter originating at the left ventricular septal surface. Of the 294 patients evaluated with IOTEE after VSD repair, one-third had a residual defect by IOTEE Doppler color flow mapping. Two-thirds of these defects closed spontaneously on TTE by the time of hospital discharge. There was no difference in frequency of residual VSD between simple (VSD closure alone, n = 90) and complex (VSD with associated lesions, n = 204) repair. Return to bypass with immediate reoperation was undertaken in nine patients, all of whom had significant shunt via oximetry (Qp/Qs > 1.5:1.0). All had residual VSD color jet diameters > 3 mm. Seven patients had residual color jet equal to 3 mm; however, hemodynamic studies did not reveal a significant shunt and none of these had reoperation. Seven patients with no VSD or < 3 mm residual VSD via had late reoperation to close residual VSD at 4 days to 5 months after initial operation. These were due to patch dehiscence or development of an "intramural" VSD in patients with conotruncal anomaly. A residual defect on IOTEE color Doppler measuring > or = 4 mm predicts the need for immediate reoperation, while a 3 mm defect may be significant and requires additional intraoperative hemodynamic evaluation. The majority of small defects noted on IOTEE are not present at discharge TTE. Patients with conotruncal defect repair should be followed closely for development of late significant "intramural" defects.     

Potential value of intraoperative Doppler colour flow mapping in operations for complex intracardiac shunting

An eight year old boy presented with multiple residual intracardiac shunts and considerable persisting haemolytic anaemia five years after the repair of a single perimembranous ventricular septal defect. Preoperative transthoracic colour flow mapping showed an "acquired" left ventricular right atrial shunt and three small residual ventricular septal defects around the patch. These had been poorly visualised by both angiography and conventional cross sectional echocardiography and pulsed and continuous wave Doppler. Clearly, to stop the haemolysis effectively, closure of all residual intracardiac shunts was required. Intraoperative pre-bypass colour flow mapping was successfully used to confirm the precise number and nature of the defects and more importantly studies after bypass were used to confirm immediate closure of all defects.     

Potential value of intraoperative Doppler colour flow mapping in operations for complex intracardiac shunting.

An eight year old boy presented with multiple residual intracardiac shunts and considerable persisting haemolytic anaemia five years after the repair of a single perimembranous ventricular septal defect. Preoperative transthoracic colour flow mapping showed an "acquired" left ventricular right atrial shunt and three small residual ventricular septal defects around the patch. These had been poorly visualised by both angiography and conventional cross sectional echocardiography and pulsed and continuous wave Doppler. Clearly, to stop the haemolysis effectively, closure of all residual intracardiac shunts was required. Intraoperative pre-bypass colour flow mapping was successfully used to confirm the precise number and nature of the defects and more importantly studies after bypass were used to confirm immediate closure of all defects.     

Surgical treatment of isolated right-sided infective endocarditis

We reviewed our department's experience with the perioperative features and surgical treatment of isolated right-sided infective endocarditis. From January 2000 through July 2010, 35 patients underwent surgery for isolated right-sided infective endocarditis in our department. The mean pathologic course was 3.6 months. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography had revealed intracardiac vegetations in all 35 patients: the tricuspid valve was involved in 28, and preoperative cultures were positive in 31. The median follow-up time was 5.8 years, and the follow-up rate was 85.3%. All the operations were performed with the patients on cardiopulmonary bypass, with or without cardiac arrest. All concomitant congenital heart defects were repaired, and vegetations and foreign materials were removed as part of intensive débridement of the infected area. After vegetation removal, 4 tricuspid valve replacements with tissue valves and 24 tricuspid valve reconstructions were performed. One patient who underwent tricuspid valve replacement died of uncontrollable infection and multiple-organ failure. Two patients required mechanical ventilation for more than 1 week, and 3 needed dialysis for acute renal failure. Of the excised vegetations, 31.4% were positive for microorganisms. Of the patients who underwent tricuspid valvuloplasty, 23 had no valvular incompetence and 11 had mild or moderate regurgitation before discharge from the hospital. During follow-up, no patient needed reoperation because of reinfection, and 1 underwent reoperation for severe tricuspid regurgitation. We conclude that surgery can yield satisfactory immediate and midterm results in the treatment of isolated right-sided infective endocarditis.