Essen—Commando: How we do it

In rare cases of extensive aortic root or mitral valve infective endocarditis (IE), severe calcification of the aortic and mitral valves, or double‐valve procedures in patients with small aortic and mitral annuli, surgical reconstruction of the intervalvular fibrous body (IVFB) is required. A high mortality is generally associated with this procedure, and it is frequently avoided by surgeons due to a lack of experience. It is crucial to radically resect all tissues that are severely affected by IE to prevent recurrence in the patient. Our experience with the Commando procedure in patients with extensive double‐valve IE involving the IVFB is presented in this article.     

Belgian and European Experience with the European Homograft Bank (EHB) Cryopreserved Allograft Valves.-Assessment of a 20 Year Activity

European Homograft Bank (EHB) has been selecting, preparing, storing and distributing the cryopreserved allograft valves in Belgium and some other European Countries since 1989. It was established in 1988 by a pathologist and the cardiac and vascular surgeons from Belgian and other European centres as an inter-university, international nonprofit association. Due to its neutral behavior and very high quality criteria, European Homograft Bank became one of the prominent heart valve banks in Europe and wider. It collaborates with the transplant coordination in donor selection as well as with the huge network of the implanting surgeons in Belgium and other European Countries. The EHB responsible discusses with the implanting surgeon the allograft selection on basis of the indication and the patients state of emergency.

A total of 8.911 donor heart valves have been evaluated in EHB during the last 20 years. After selection, 5.258 allograft valves (1.996 aortic, 3.189 pulmonary and 73 mitral) were cryopreserved and stored in vapors of liquid nitrogen between 6 weeks and 5 years. A total of 4.516 allograft valves (1.391 aortic, 2.620 pulmonary and 48 mitral) were implanted in the left or right ventricular outflow tract for replacement of the diseased aortic or pulmonary valve and for mitral or tricuspid valve replacement or repair. In 1.380 cases the allograft valves were used for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction as part of the Ross-procedure, whereas in 668 cases the allograft valve served for replacement of the aortic valve for endocarditis. The most important indications for use of cryopreserved allograft valves were: important cardiac and valve malformation in children, female patients of child-bearing age with diseased cardiac valves, cases with contra-indication for anti-coagulation and the patients with severe endocarditis with septal or annular abscesses. Although the number of the donation increased by year, the available allograft valves in stock are still insufficient to respond to all the surgeons’ request for different indications.     

32例感染性心内膜炎治疗的临床分析

目的探讨左心IE与右心IE两者临床表现及治疗上的差异。方法对中山大学第二附属医院2000年1月～2004年12月住院的32例IE病人分成左心IE组、右心IE组进行回顾性对照分析。结果左心IE中内科治疗15例,其中治愈4例;外科治疗10例并全部治愈,其中行瓣膜置换术9例,瓣膜修复整形术1例;右心IE中内科治疗2例,其中治愈1例;外科治疗5例,其中行三尖瓣置换术4例,三尖瓣膜修复整形术1例;手术治疗5例中治愈4例,1例因术后多器官功能障碍综合症死亡。结论右心IE与左心IE临床表现不同,突出表现在肺部病变:右心IE表现为急性肺炎或肺栓塞的临床症状;左心IE表现为瓣膜功能障碍。对于IE瓣膜病变的手术方式应根据瓣膜损坏程度来决定,左心IE以瓣膜置换为主,右心IE尽量争取瓣膜修复整形。     

Morphology of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum in patients dying after operation

In 1976, we adopted staged surgical management of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum: stage 1 = establishment of a systemic to pulmonary artery shunt; stage 2 = open reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary valve; and stage 3 = closure of the shunt and interatrial communication. The morphological features of nine specimens obtained from 10 patients who died were reviewed. Special attention was given to features that might have influenced the poor surgical outcome in these patients. Survival after stage 1 depends on adequate systemic to pulmonary artery blood flow, initially as a combination of ductus arteriosus and shunt flow, with subsequent modification if the ductus closes. After stage 2, survival is influenced by left ventricular function and mitral valve function. The success of final correction (stage 3) depends largely on the morphology of both ventricles and their atrioventricular valves. It appears that the behavior of the ductus arteriosus and the size of the shunt are of vital importance for the survival of the infant. In 3 of the specimens, no right ventricular outflow tract was present, and in 2 others, short chordal attachments of the mitral valve were observed. Staged surgical correction appears to be a satisfactory approach if these considerations are taken into account.     

Double-chambered right ventricle associated with infective endocarditis complication of the pulmonary valve: surgical management

Double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV) is a rare congenital heart disease characterized by the presence of anomalous muscle bundles, which divide the right ventricle into two chambers: a high-pressure proximal chamber and a low-pressure distal chamber. Most DCRV patients are diagnosed and treated during childhood, and presentation in adulthood is not common. Many congenital heart diseases are often associated with other complications such as infective endocarditis (IE). Right-side endocarditis, which usually involves infection of the tricuspid valve, is uncommon, and endocarditis of the pulmonary valve is extremely rare. We report a 51-year-old woman with undiagnosed DCRV and ventricular septal defect associated with pulmonary valve endocarditis. The diagnostic evaluation and the surgical management are discussed.     

Moderne Therapiestrategien bei Fallot-Tetralogie

Tetralogy of Fallot is one the most common congenital heart diseases. Currently, early primary correction in infancy is the procedure of choice which can be successfully performed even in symptomatic newborns. Palliative procedures are controversially discussed and widely avoided; however, palliation may still be indicated in high-risk patients. In addition to surgical procedures palliative interventional techniques have been developed. Currently, surgical correction is preferentially performed via the transatrial approach, if necessary in combination with a limited right ventriculotomy. Transannular enlargement of the right ventricular outflow tract should be avoided if possible. The prevention of pulmonary valve regurgitation is a major concern because of its deleterious effects on right ventricular function and its relevance on long-term morbidity. Currently developed techniques, such as interventional pulmonary valve implantation and tissue engineered heart valves may reduce the risk and need for re-operations in the future.     

Current experience with percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation

Transcatheter valve replacement has recently been introduced into clinical practice and has the potential to transform the management of valvular heart disease. To date, the largest human experience exists with percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation in patients with repaired congenital heart disease who require re-intervention to the right ventricular outflow tract. The application of this approach, however, is presently restricted to certain right ventricular outflow tract morphologies, because the device needs to be anchored safely to prevent device dislodgement. Early results of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation show lower morbidity than surgery and significant early symptomatic improvement. In the future, the challenge will be to extend percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation to all patients with a clinical indication to delay or avoid repeat open-heart surgery.     

Deep sternal wire infection resulting in severe pulmonary valve endocarditis

Right-sided infective endocarditis is uncommon, comprising less than 5% of all cases of endocarditis. This is primarily seen in patients with drug abuse, long-term intravenous catheters, and congenital malformations, or a combination of these. Isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis is difficult to recognize due to its rarity, minimal cardiac manifestations, and predominance of pulmonary infections secondary to embolization of the vegetations. We describe an unusual case of chronic sternal wound infection and migration of an infected braided sternal wire causing right ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary valve endocarditis, which necessitated a complicated reoperation including pulmonary valve replacement with a homograft.     

Influence of Pulmonic Position on Durability of Bioprosthetic Heart Valves

Background. The insertion of bioprosthetic valves into the pulmonic position is not performed commonly because of uncertainty concerning the necessity and durability of such valves.

Methods. We reviewed the long-term outcome of 10 patients who underwent pulmonary valve replacement with bioprostheses between March 1985 and March 1997. A Carpentier-Edwards supraannular bioprosthesis was used in 7 patients, a Hancock II bioprosthesis was used in 2 patients, and a Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis was used in 1 patient. The mean patient age at the time of pulmonary valve replacement was 38.9 ± 16.3 years (range, 15 to 63 years). The diagnoses were pulmonary valvular regurgitation after corrective surgery for tetralogy of Fallot in 7 patients, right ventricular outflow tract stenosis and absent right pulmonary artery combined with a double-outlet right ventricle in 1 patient, pulmonary valvular regurgitation with pulmonary artery dilatation in 1 patient, and aortic valve stenosis treated with our modification of the Ross procedure using a pulmonary bioprosthesis in 1 patient. Survivors were followed up for a mean of 5 years and 5 months.

Results. One patient underwent reoperation because of infective endocarditis of the bioprosthesis. No bioprosthetic valve dysfunction has been observed on Doppler echocardiography during a maximum follow-up period of 12.2 years, except in the patient who underwent replacement at 15 years of age.

Conclusions. Bioprostheses in the pulmonic position are durable in adult patients because they face a minimal hemodynamic load, but they may undergo early leaflet degeneration in younger patients.     

Treatment of destructive aortic valve endocarditis with the Freestyle Aortic Root Bioprosthesis

BACKGROUND: Successful treatment of destructive aortic valve endocarditis with annular abscess formation requires extensive surgical debridement and reconstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract and aortic root. Homograft aortic roots are the conduits of choice, but because they are not available in all cases, alternative conduits are needed. METHODS: Owing to its features, which are comparable to those of homografts, the Freestyle aortic root xenograft was used in 10 consecutive patients aged between 32 and 77 years. All patients had extensive abscess formation, 5 presented with prosthetic valve endocarditis, 2 had additional mitral valve endocarditis requiring partial leaflet resection and reconstruction, 1 patient had an additional fistula into the right atrium, and 1 required coronary bypass. One patient developed a septic ventricular septal defect and fistula into the right atrium with tricuspid valve endocarditis. RESULTS: None of the patients required reoperation for bleeding. Two (20%) patients died in the postoperative period, 1 due to multiorgan failure, and 1 due to preexisting invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. At autopsy, neither had evidence of intrapericardial hematoma or suture dehiscence. One patient died 13 months postoperatively without clinical signs of valve dysfunction or recurrent endocarditis. All other patients are well at 12 to 42 months after surgery. Clinical examination and echocardiography at the most recent follow-up showed no signs of valve dysfunction, recurrent fistulation, or endocarditis. CONCLUSIONS: The Freestyle aortic root appears to be an acceptable alternative to homografts in the treatment of severe endocarditis. Long-term valve durability in younger patients, however, remains to be determined.     

Late reoperations after neonatal arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries.

The arterial switch operation has become the treatment of choice for neonates with transposition of the great arteries. Currently, the early mortality rate is low as well as the need for early reoperation because of surgical failures; in our experience with 803 neonates, these risks were 3.8% and 1.5%, respectively. The late outcome in terms of survival and functional status is excellent. However, surgical repair is far from anatomical and potential late defects were identified as soon as this procedure was introduced: obstruction of the neo-pulmonary outflow tract, development of obstructions of the reimplanted coronary arteries, dysfunction of the neo-aortic valve, and progressive left ventricular dysfunction. Actually, late reoperations are required in 5-10% of patients (4.5% in our experience with a mean follow-up of 5.8 years). The more frequent indications for reoperation are coronary lesions and right ventricular outflow tract obstructions. Coronary obstructions are, in most cases, detected in patients without any clinical or echocardiographic evidence of myocardial ischaemia. Coronary lesions are progressive and repeated coronary evaluation at regular intervals is necessary. Reoperation is indicated when myocardial ischaemia, at rest or under stress, is demonstrated at myocardial imaging. Satisfactory results can be achieved by surgical coronary patch angioplasty; in selected cases, mammary bypass may be necessary. Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction is related either to inadequate growth of the pulmonary anastomotic site, or to inadequate growth of the whole new right ventricular outflow tract in patients with associated aortic arch obstruction. Reoperation is indicated when significant obstruction (gradient >50 mmHg) is detected at routine echo-Doppler evaluation. Although neo-aortic root dilation and minimal aortic valve insufficiency are common, reoperation for severe neo-aortic valve dysfunction is, to date, very rarely necessary. Whether this will remain the case in the decades to come requires further evaluation. Left ventricular function is maintained in the vast majority of patients. Reoperation may be indicated in some patients for other reasons: mitral valve malformation, tracheo-bronchial compression or pulmonary hypertension.     

The potential impact of percutaneous pulmonary valve stent implantation on right ventricular outflow tract re-intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a percutaneous technique for pulmonary valve implantation on the conventional surgical valve/conduit approach to right ventricular outflow tract re-intervention. METHODS: We have retrospectively reviewed our results following surgical or percutaneous re-intervention to the right ventricular outflow tract in both paediatric and adult groups. Between November 1998 and March 2004, 94 patients underwent surgical re-intervention to the right ventricular outflow tract. Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation was introduced in October 2002 and 35 procedures were performed to March 2004. The median age was 26 years (6-65 years) in the surgical group and 16 years (9-39 years) in the percutaneous group. Tetralogy of Fallot was the commonest original diagnosis (64.9 and 62.9%, respectively). The predominant indication for re-intervention in the surgical group was pulmonary regurgitation (64.9%) compared to the percutaneous group in which it was homograft/conduit stenosis or a mixed lesion (68.6%). RESULTS: There has been one (1.1%) early death reported in the surgical series and none in the percutaneous group. In the surgical group 9 (9.6%) experienced a procedural complication whilst 3 (8.5%) of those undergoing a percutaneous valve experienced a significant procedural event necessitating urgent surgery. Important early morbidity was 8 (8.5%) in the surgical group and 2 (5.7%) in the percutaneous group. Freedom from re-operation at 1 year was 100% in the surgical group and 86.1% in the percutaneous group due to late restenosis. Median hospital stay in the surgical group was 7 (4-114) days and 2 (2-22) days in the percutaneous group. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data suggests that percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation provides a promising additional and complementary approach to a successful surgical programme. Both approaches are safe with acceptable levels of morbidity and low mortality. With current technology the aneurysmal outflow tract remains a problem for the percutaneous approach. Follow-up remains too short, at present, to prove longevity of the percutaneous conduit.     

Indications for and results of cryopreserved homograft valve replacement

The cryopreserved aortic homograft valve is one of the most reliable of the stentless biological prosthesis if implanted properly. Due to the limited availability of homograft valves in Japan, the indications for their use are different from those in other countries. The first indication is active infective endocarditis in the aortic valve position, especially infection surrounding artificial implants. Another indication is for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract during pulmonary autografting. Finally, aortic valve replacement in young women of childbearing age who wish become pregnant is an accepted indication. Since 1992, cryopreserved homograft valves have been used in Japan, and the number of surgeries performed with them has gradually increased. While efforts have been made to expand the homograft bank system in some areas, the supply remains insufficient. Because the demand for homografts is high, it is extremely important to establish a nationwide tissue bank system as soon as possible.     

Freestyle valve for right ventricular reconstruction in Ross operation; report of a case

A 28-year-old man with active aortic valve endocarditis underwent emergency surgery. Because he had progressive congestive heart failure and uncontrolled infection. Aortic root replacement for Ross procedure was required because of complete debridment of infective tissue. His operation were performed under extracorporeal circulation and moderate hypothermia, the operation procedure was following, (1) taking off auto-pulmonary artery valve, (2) removing dysfunctional aortic valve and auto-transplantation of pulmonary valve on aortic root, (3) putting a pulmonary Freestyle Aortic Valve to rebuild right ventricular outflow tract. Follow-up showed heart function was in class I (New York Heart Association) , aortic and pulmonary valve function was very well. Streptococcus milleri group was isolated from his blood and infectious aortic valve postoperatively. We believed that a Ross operation with Freestyle Aortic Valve is more resistant to infection, therefore, it might be an option for infective endocarditis with aortic valve endocarditis.     

Two decades' experience with aortic valve replacement with pulmonary autograft

Aortic valve replacement with a pulmonary autograft was performed on 241 patients between June 1967 and October 1986 at National Heart Hospital, Guy's Hospital, Middlesex Hospital, Harley Street Clinic, and Italian Hospital in London by one of the authors (D.N.R.). The longest follow-up is 18 years 7 months, and the cumulative total follow-up is 1130 patient-years (pt-yr). The overall 30-day mortality rate is 6.6% (16 patients), with no deaths after 1976, and the late mortality rate is 1.7%/pt-yr (19 patients). The actuarial survival rate is 57.3% +/- 9.6% at 19 years. No anticoagulation has been used and there have been no thromboembolic episodes. The incidence of bacterial endocarditis is 1.2%/pt-yr (14 patients), and its actuarial event-free rate is 74.2% +/- 8.1% at 19 years. Reoperation because of failure of the pulmonary autograft was performed on 36 patients, 27 of whom needed valve replacement. The incidence of pulmonary autograft replacement is 2.5%/pt-yr, and its actuarial event-free rate is 48.5% +/- 13.7% at 19 years. For reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract, 186 aortic homografts, 26 pulmonary homografts, 16 autologous fascia lata valved conduits, 7 autologous pericardial conduits with or without a valve, and 6 xenograft valved Dacron conduits were used. Thirty-one patients were reoperated on, mostly because of degeneration of this material. Pulmonary rather than aortic homografts are now favored for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract Because of its satisfactory long-term result without the need for anticoagulation, as well as its safety as an established surgical procedure, this operation can be recommended to a wider range of patients.     

Aortic valve and left ventricular outflow tract replacement using allograft and autograft valves: a preliminary report

A comparison of allograft and autograft (pulmonary) replacement of the aortic valve has, to our knowledge, not been done in America. Fifty-seven patients (age range, 2 to 70 years; mean age, 30 years) underwent 59 operations for replacement of the aortic valve (20) or entire left ventricular outflow tract (39) using autograft (35) or allograft (24) valves. Many had undergone a previous operation (25) or had concomitant procedures (13). Postoperative mortality was 8.5% (5/59). Two deaths occurred in the allograft group and three in the more complex pulmonary autograft group. One late death occurred. One autograft was replaced with an allograft 7 months postoperatively for severe aortic regurgitation. There have been no episodes of either endocarditis or thromboembolism. Forty-nine of 51 survivors are in New York Heart Association class I. Preliminary results suggest that congenital or acquired disease of the left ventricular outflow tract and aortic valve can be safely and effectively treated with either allograft or autograft valve transplantation.     

Surgical management of patients with pulmonary valve dysplasia

Pulmonary valve dysplasia is a distinct pathological entity consisting of markedly thickened, deformed, and largely immobile pulmonary valve leaflets. The clinical features and surgical management of 21 consecutive patients operated upon between 1975 and 1985 were reviewed. Mean age at operation was 26.7 months (range: 1 month to 9.5 years). Initial surgical intervention in 3 patients consisted of closed valvotomy or systemic pulmonary artery shunt. One of these patients subsequently had a partial pulmonary valvectomy; the other 2 had total valvectomy and pulmonary annuloplasty. Two patients had partial valvectomy as a primary procedure, and 1 has subsequently required total valvectomy and annuloplasty. Sixteen patients initially had total pulmonary valvectomy, 4 with a simultaneous transannular outflow tract patch. One patient subsequently required a transannular outflow tract patch. Therefore, definitive repair consisted of partial valvectomy in 2 patients, total valvectomy in 19, and a transannular outflow tract patch in 9 patients with a hypoplastic pulmonary annulus. There were no operative deaths, and all patients are asymptomatic at a mean follow-up of 37.9 months. Five patients who underwent total valvectomy were catheterized postoperatively. The mean residual gradient was 25 mm Hg. Pulmonary valvectomy appears to provide both effective relief of stenosis and long-term asymptomatic status in patients with pulmonary valve dysplasia. Total excision of all valve leaflets is recommended. Careful consideration should be given to a simultaneous transannular outflow tract patch if the annulus is hypoplastic.     

The Ross Operation: The Autologous Pulmonary Valve in the Aortic Position

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) with a pulmonary valve autograft (PVA) was first reported by Donald N. Ross (DNR) in 1967. The expectation of this procedure was to avoid degenerative changes seen in other biological tissue valves such as calcification, attenuation, and rupture of the leaflets. Recent reports by the original investigator's group have confirmed the lack of degenerative changes in PVA. To corroborate their conclusions, the fate of 12 patients undergoing AVR with PVA by one of us (LGL) has been ascertained. From March 1969 to June 1971, 12 patients underwent AVR with PVA. The right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) was reconstructed with an aortic homograft valved conduit. The mean age was 42.7 years (range 21 to 52 years). The mean follow-up for 11 hospital survivors is 12.4 years. Three PVA have been replaced; one following infective endocarditis at 13 years, and two at 15 and 73 months due to technical malalignment. There was no evidence of PVA degeneration during histological examination of these explanted PVAs. Six patients are alive and retain the original PVA at 12 years (55%). This analysis corroborates the conclusions of the DNR report and strongly suggests an immunological mechanism in the process of calcification of other biological tissue valves. The Ross operation is advocated for AVR in young patients as valve durability is of paramount importance especially in this group.     

Long-term assessment of aortic valve replacement with autologous pulmonary valve

Two hundred two autologous pulmonary valves were transplanted into the aortic position between 1967 and 1982 at the National Heart Hospital in London. The indication for operation was congenital or acquired aortic valve disease, and the patients were followed for periods from 1 to 4 years. The patients were not anti-coagulated, but the entire series has been completely free from thromboembolism or bleeding. The actuarial prediction of freedom from valve-related deaths was 82 +/- 6% at the end of the fourteenth year after operation; deaths were due to reoperations for technical failure and to infective endocarditis. Event-free survival of the autologous pulmonary valve in the aortic position was 73 +/- 6% after 14 years at risk. Valve failure resulted mainly from technical problems encountered during the early years of surgical experience. There was no macroscopic or histological evidence of calcification in any of the failed valves. The right ventricular outflow was reconstructed with an aortic homograft in the majority of patients; 81 +/- 5% of these homografts demonstrated event-free performance over a 12-year follow-up period. It is concluded that the long-term performance of a pulmonary autograft inserted for aortic valve disease is superior to that of any other valve substitute and that the operation offers an almost ideal means of aortic valve replacement in appropriate patients.     

Long-term results of the Ross procedure

Aortic valve replacement with a pulmonary autograft (Ross procedure) was pioneered by Donald Ross in 1967. The advantages of the autograft valve include freedom from anticoagulation, hemolysis, and infection, optimal hemodynamic performance, and growth potential. Various materials have been used for the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Currently, a cryopreserved pulmonary allograft is accepted worldwide as a useful material for this procedure. Pulmonary allografts cannot be utilized in Japan, and thus other valves and materials must be used instead. The acceptance of these procedures has been slow because of the technical demands of the operations and the inherent need for reconstruction of the RVOT, thereby placing two valves at risk. In the past 20 years, the Ross procedure has been increasingly considered for pediatric patients with a wide spectrum of congenital abnormalities.