Asian Cardiovascular and Thoracic Annals

Amiodarone is one of the commonly used anti-arrhythmic agents with well-recognized chronic pulmonary toxicity. We present our experience of a patient with a fatal outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting and a short course of amiodarone treatment with a low total cumulative dose for the treatment of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Necropsy revealed diffuse pulmonary damage due to acute amiodarone lung toxicity.

The surgical treatment of constrictive pericarditis often requires extensive pericardial dissection under cardiopulmonary bypass. We performed a pericardiectomy in a patient with constrictive pericarditis without cardiopulmonary bypass, with assistance of a sternal retractor and a suction heart positioner. The severely calcified pericardium, which adhered tightly to the epicardium, was dissected with an ultrasonic scalpel. The operation was completed without blood transfusion. There was no malignant arrhythmia.

Papillary fibroelastoma is a relatively rare cardiac tumor. We report two cases of papillary fibroelastoma. The first case involved a 45-year-old woman who presented with rheumatic valves and three tumors developing from the papillary muscle and left ventricle. The second case involved a 68-year-old man who was asymptomatic and whose tumor was detected incidentally on echocardiogram. Both cases were treated surgically. An additional 71 cases of papillary fibroelastoma reported in the medical literature in Japan are reviewed.

We present a 59-year-old woman who underwent combined pulmonary resection for bronchiectasis with massive, recurrent hemoptysis and redo coronary artery bypass. She had previously been hospitalized four times for massive hemoptysis. She had also undergone coronary artery bypass and had symptomatic severe graft disease. We performed simultaneous right middle lobectomy and redo triple bypass. At surgery, lobectomy was performed before heparinization, then redo bypass was performed using on-pump cardiopulmonary bypass. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Left ventricular geometric remodeling and regression of hypertrophy were assessed after aortic valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis in 37 patients with aortic stenosis and 39 with aortic insufficiency, aged 54.2 ± 14.3 and 52.6 ± 16.6 years, respectively. The follow-up period was 2 years. In patients with aortic insufficiency, ejection fraction increased from 54.4 ± 3.5 preoperatively to 59.6 ± 3.4 after 6 months and 61.7 ± 2.7 after 2 years. In patients with aortic stenosis, ejection fraction increased from 56.6 ± 5.1 preoperatively to 63.9 ± 4.4 after 6 months and 71.7 ± 4.1 after 2 years. Geometric remodeling, regression of hypertrophy, and increased ejection fraction of the left ventricle were similar in both groups at 6 months after surgery, but after 2 years of follow-up, greater improvement was found in patients who had undergone valve replacement for aortic stenosis.

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury is common during cardiac procedures. Glutamine may protect the myocardium by preserving metabolic substrates. Glutamine (0.52 g·kg⁻¹) or Ringer's lactate solution (control group) was administered intraperitoneally to 63 Sprague-Dawley rats at 4 or 18 hours prior to experimental ischemia and reperfusion. The hearts were excised and perfused on an isolated working heart model, exposed to global ischemia for 15 min and reperfusion for 1 hour. Left atrial pressure, mean aortic pressure, cardiac flow, coronary flow, and aortic output were measured 15 min before ischemia and every 15 min during reperfusion. There was significantly better cardiac output in the glutamine pretreated groups. Pretreatment at 4 hours before the experiment was superior to pretreatment at 18 hours, with better maintenance of cardiac output and coronary flow. The enhanced protective effect of pretreatment at 4 hours highlights the importance of timing, and suggests a potential clinical benefit.

A right posterior minithoracotomy was evaluated in 123 selected patients between November 2002 and August 2006. Their ages ranged from 1.5 to 32 years (mean, 7.8 years) and weights ranged from 12.3 to 61.6 kg (mean, 23.3 kg). Pathology included atrial septal defect in 81 (66%), ventricular septal defect in 16 (13%), and 24 other (mainly valve) defects. All patients had a strictly posterior right minithoracotomy through the 4^th or 5^th right intercostal space, with a 7–9-cm skin incision. There was no mortality or procedure-related morbidity. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 68 min, ischemic time was 47 min, and 47 (38%) patients were extubated on the operating table. The mean hospital stay was 4.3 days and it was < 5 days in 108 (88%) patients. A cosmetically fine scar was achieved in all patients. The right posterior minithoracotomy is a safe, cosmetically superior, and cost-effective approach for selected open-heart procedures.

The aim of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement through a ministernotomy or conventional sternotomy. Sixty patients were randomized into 2 groups of 30 each: group 1 had a full sternotomy and group 2 had a ministernotomy. Pain was evaluated on a daily basis, pulmonary function tests were performed perioperatively. The skin incision was shorter in group 2 (7.17 vs 24.50 cm in group 1). There was significantly less mediastinal drainage in group 2 (233 vs 590 mL in 24 hours in group 1). Group 1 patients had more blood transfusions and longer ventilation time. In group 1, 96.7% experienced severe pain, whereas 93.3% in group 2 reported minimal pain. Hospital stay was 17.7 days in group 1 and 8.0 days in group 2. The ministernotomy had a cosmetic advantage, less blood loss and transfusion requirement, greater sternal stability, better respiratory function, and earlier extubation and hospital discharge.

To assess long-term survival and anticoagulant-related complications after mechanical valve replacement in adolescents with rheumatic heart disease, 88 patients aged ≤ 18 years were prospectively followed up for 10 years (404.2 patient-years). There were 58 (65.9%) boys and 30 (34.1%) girls, with a mean age of 15.4 ± 2.1 years. Mitral regurgitation was detected in 39 (44.3%) patients, and both mitral and aortic regurgitation in 15 (17%). Ball valves were inserted in 52 (59.1%) patients, bileaflet valves in 31 (35.2%), and single-disc valves in 5 (5.7%). There were 4 (4.5%) hospital deaths and 11 late deaths. Patient survival at 30 days, 3 months, 1, 5, and 10 years was 95.5%, 93.2%, 87.5%, 82.9%, and 82.9%, respectively. Mechanical valve thrombosis occurred in 4 patients; it was fatal in 3 of them. Three patients died from stroke. Severe hemorrhage required hospital admission in 4 (4.5%) patients. Mechanical valve replacement in adolescents, with careful follow-up and anticoagulation, has acceptable long-term results.

We evaluated the effectiveness of surgical treatment for coarctation of the aorta in infants and young children, based on our experience over 7 years. From March 1999 to December 2005, 168 cases of coarctation of the aorta in patients aged 21 days to 3 years were treated by end-to-end, extended end-to-end, or extended end-to-side ascending aorta and aortic arch anastomosis. The mortality rate was 0.6%. In 138 (82%) patients, the pressure in the lower extremity was higher than in the upper extremity. During 6–24 months of follow-up, hoarseness appeared in 6 patients. Echocardiography revealed stenosis of the end-to-end anastomosis in only 2 patients. We suggest that the best option for surgical treatment of coarctation of the aorta with associated cardiac malformations is a one-stage procedure using a median sternotomy approach. It is better to perform extended end-to-end anastomosis or anastomosis between the distal descending aorta and the left wall of the ascending aorta, or to extend this anastomosis to the transverse arch.

The effect of age as a risk factor for deterioration of palmar microcirculation after radial artery harvesting for coronary revascularization is unknown. In 114 patients aged 61.7 ± 6.7 years undergoing radial artery harvesting, superficial and deep tissue oxygen saturation, postcapillary venous filling, and capillary blood flow were determined using a combined laser Doppler spectrophotometry system 25 ± 5 months after surgery. Superficial and deep oxygen saturation at the harvested thenar eminence decreased with age. In the nondonor hand, oxygen saturation declined in the first and second digits. Postcapillary venous filling pressure in both thenars increased with age. It was concluded that neurological complications do not correlate with age. Palmar tissue oxygen saturation, palmar capillary blood flow, and blood velocity decrease, while postcapillary venous filling pressure significantly increases with age. Radial artery harvesting for coronary revascularization does not compromise palmar microcirculation to the same extent as age. A cut-off value of ≤ 67 years was determined by microcirculatory assessment; beyond this, significant deterioration of palmar microcirculation is more likely to occur.

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the different anticoagulation regimens used in pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves. We reviewed 196 pregnancies in 110 women from 1974 to 2000. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (142 pregnancies) had warfarin throughout pregnancy; and in group 2 (54 pregnancies), warfarin was replaced by subcutaneous heparin during the first trimester and last two weeks of pregnancy. There were no maternal complications in 129 pregnancies in group 1 and 44 in group 2. There were significantly fewer normal births in group 1 (56; 39.4%) compared to group 2 (39; 72.2%). Group 1 had a significantly higher rate of spontaneous abortion (46.5% vs 14.8%), but group 2 had a higher rate of valve thrombosis. In group 1, women with a warfarin requirement < 5 mg had a lower rate of spontaneous abortion. Warfarin is an effective anticoagulant in pregnant women with mechanical valves but it results in significant fetal loss when the dose is > 5 mg. Heparin is a less effective anticoagulant resulting in more maternal complications, but it is more protective of the fetus.

Anticoagulation in pregnancy was evaluated in 33 women with a mechanical heart valve prosthesis who had 53 pregnancies between 1994 and 2006. Their mean age at valve operation was 24.4 ± 5.4 years, and 22 (67%) had isolated mitral valve disease. Of these patients, 22 had a single pregnancy, 5 had 2 pregnancies, 3 had 3, and 3 had 4. In 43 pregnancies, the patients took warfarin throughout; in the other 10, heparin was used in the first trimester followed by warfarin until the last 15 days. Mean international normalized ratio and warfarin levels before, during, and after pregnancy were similar. Complications occurred in 3 (6%) women who had thrombosed valves: 2 (20%) in the heparin group and 1 (2%) who had warfarin only. Live births resulted from 37 (70%) pregnancies. There were significantly more abortions in the heparin group (6; 60%) than the warfarin group (8; 19%). Hemorrhage requiring transfusion occurred in 2 (5%) patients in the warfarin group. All live births resulted in healthy babies. It was concluded that anticoagulation with warfarin is safe during pregnancy in women with mechanical heart valves.

Perioperative myocardial infarction remains a frequent complication after coronary artery bypass grafting, and is associated with a poor prognosis. This retrospective study compared cardiac troponin I concentrations after on-pump bypass grafting in 2 groups of patients: 100 operated on using a single-clamp technique to perform anastomoses, and 80 operated on using a double-clamp technique. Postoperative cardiac troponin I levels were not significantly different between groups. It was concluded that the double-clamp technique did not reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction after elective on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, and use of a single clamp is safe with no adverse effect on postoperative outcome.

This study was undertaken to verify efficacy of the arch-first technique in the light of its learning curve. From April 2002 to September 2005, 10 consecutive elective cases of total arch replacement were retrospectively examined. The learning curve of the arch-first technique was constructed using cumulative sum analysis. There were no operative deaths. The mean deep hypothermic circulatory arrest time was 28.4 ± 13.7 min, the lower body ischemic time was 91.3 ± 35.1 min, aortic cross clamp time was 133.2 ± 18.1 min, cardiopulmonary bypass time was 198.8 ± 21.5 min, and operation time was 383 ± 24 min. The durations of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, bypass, and operation were under the 90% lower alarm line in all 10 cases. The lower body ischemic time and cardiac arrest time were between the 80% upper and lower alert lines. Cumulative sum analysis of total arch replacement using the arch-first technique showed satisfactory rates of improvement in reconstruction of the 3 arch vessels, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and overall mortality.

A giant bulla is generally resected by thoracoscopic surgery. Resection using an automated stapling device is popular, however, a number of cartridges may be consumed and a cavity is sometimes left remaining, especially when resecting wide-based lesions. To establish a thoracoscopic surgical procedure that results in no residual cavity, we developed a method in which the roof of the bulla is resected first, followed by resection of the pulmonary parenchyma, including the base of the bulla, using a stapling device. Exposure of the base by first removing the roof facilitates determination of the resection line. Between 2003 and 2005, the procedure was attempted in 6 patients, which included one bilateral case. Conversion to a minithoracotomy was required in one patient because of bulla thickening. The operating time ranged from 80 to 150 min (median, 135 min) in the other 6 cases. Postoperative chest drainage ranged from 2 to 13 days (median, 3 days), and postoperative hospital stay was 5 to 18 days (median, 6 days). No adverse events occurred. We found this procedure to be simple and useful for complete resection of giant bullae.

Perforation of a retrosternal interposed ileocolon is rare. We present a case of perforation of the interposed colon on the ninth postoperative day, which subsequently herniated to the right pleural space. We suggest that the dilated haustral trapping and the associated “waterfall” effect may have resulted in incarceration of the colon. Careful dissection of the pleura in order to create a retrosternal tunnel, and the use of a suitable length of an esophageal substitute could prevent this complication.

A rare case of intrathoracic gastric herniation resulting in intermittent gastric volvulus was observed in a 69-year-old female patient five months after left pneumonectomy for lung cancer. The mechanism of post-pneumonectomy intermittent gastric volvulus and the techniques of surgical repair are discussed.

The patient presented with a history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis, genital ulceration, and a family history of positive for collagen disease. Echocardiography and retrograde aortography revealed aneurysm formation of the sinus of Valsalva, and dilatation of the aortic valve annulus with severe aortic regurgitation. On diagnosis of an aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva and aortic regurgitation associated with Behçet's disease, aortic root replacement with the modified Bentall technique was successfully performed.

We report the case of an eight-month-old boy with tracheomalacia secondary to impingement by the right pulmonary artery, together with congenital agenesis of the left lung and the left kidney. Aortopexy and right pulmonary artery-pexy were successful in improving lung function by more than 100%, and the patient remained free of complications in the long term.

A 25-year-old man with factor IX deficiency had an aortic and mitral valve replacement using a 2M Starr Edwards valve in the mitral position and a 22 Medtronic valve in the aortic position under cover of factor IX concentrate. The surgical procedure and the immediate postoperative period were uneventful except for a pericardial effusion which required a pericardiostomy. He was anticoagulated with heparin in the immediate postoperative period while the factor IX concentrate was being administered. Oral anticoagulation with acenocoumarol (Acitrom®) was started, maintaining the international normalized ratio between 1.5 and 2. He was doing well at follow-up 9 months later.

To reduce the neurological complications of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, continuous cerebral perfusion was introduced, either by direct innominate artery cannulation or by a tubular prosthesis. This second option, used in our clinical experience, has been extended to applications other than aortic arch reconstruction, to facilitate cardiopulmonary bypass in small neonates (< 3.0 kg) with complex congenital heart defects, and to facilitate postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

In mitral valve regurgitation due to anterior leaflet prolapse and other complicated lesions, chordal replacement with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene is widely practiced. The most troublesome aspects of this procedure are the determination of the necessary length of the artificial chorda and the tying of the knot. We describe a simple technique for artificial chordal replacement using an Alfieri stitch, that has been successfully applied to 10 patients with anterior leaflet prolapse.

Tight blood glucose control has become a therapeutic goal for anesthetic management of patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. We discuss the evidence for a link between blood glucose levels and rates of morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgical patients in the intensive care unit. Hyperglycemia per se has been associated with higher rates of deep wound infection, neurologic, renal, and cardiac complications following surgery, as well as longer intensive care unit stay. We review the specifics of glucose management in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, including the role that insulin may play in regulating blood glucose levels intraoperatively and the relationship between insulin and outcome.