Objective To investigate the influence of T helpers 17 (Th17) cells, regulatory T (Treg) cells and their related cytokines on postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Methods A total of 132 consecutive patients undergoing CABG between May 2013 and July 2016 were recruited. There were 82 males and 50 females with the age ranging from 39-76 years. Venous blood samples were collected within 2 hours after surgery. The expression of Th17 cells, Treg cells and their related cytokines in the peripheral blood was determined. Results POAF occurred in 35 patients (a POAF group) and 97 patients did not develop POAF (a No POAF group). Compared to the No POAF group, the proportion of Th17 cells and Th17/Treg ratio in the peripheral blood significantly increased in the POAF group (P>0.05) while proportion of Treg cells remained no significant change (P>0.05). The expression of Th17-related cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and IL-17) all obviously increased in the POAF group (P>0.05). However, no significant difference was found in the expression of Treg-related cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β) between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Th17/Treg is unbanlanced in POAF patients and regulation of this imbalance may decrease the occurrence of POAF.
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of biatrial Cox Maze Ⅳ cryoablation for concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) during minimally invasive valve surgery. Methods A total of 47 patients (26 males, 21 females, age of 42-69 years) with mitral valve disease and long-standing persistent AF received minimally invasive biatrial Cox Maze Ⅳ cryoablation procedure combined with mitral valve surgery through right minithoracotomy from January 2014 to September 2015. The etiology of mitral valve disease was rheumatic (n=31) and degenerative (n=16). AF duration ranged from 2 to 11 years. Diameter of the left atrium ranged from 43 to 60 mm. Concomitant biatrial Cox Maze Ⅳ cryoablation procedure was performed through right lateral minithoracotomy. Results All 47 patients successfully underwent this minimally invasive concomitant biatrial Cox Maze Ⅳ cryoablation procedure and valve surgery. No patient needed conversion to sternotomy during the surgery. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp time and cryoablation time was 95-146 (120.3±12.3) min, 82-115 (93.3±7.7) min and 32-48 (38.6±4.5) min, respectively. There was no death perioperatively. The average postoperative length of hospital stay was 5-16 (7.9±1.9) d. At discharge, 44 patients (44/47, 93.6%) maintained sinus rhythm. At a mean follow-up of 6-26 (14.4±5.4) months, sinus rhythm was maintained in 41 patients (41/47, 87.2%). Cumulative maintenance rate of normal sinus rhythm without AF recurrence at one year postoperatively was 86.3%±5.8%. Conclusion Biatrial Cox Maze Ⅳ cryoablation procedure is safe, feasible and effective for AF during concomitant minimally invasive valve surgery.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of the epicardial circumferential left atrial ablation (CLAA) with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in curing atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsThirty experimental pigs, weight from 60-78 kg, were divided into 3 groups with the method of random sampling:a group of AF (AF group, n=10), a group of PVI (PVI group, n=10), and a group of CLAA and PVI (CLAA+PVI group, n=10). AF mode was induced by rapid atrial pacing. After AF was induced, no ablation was performed for pigs in the AF group, PVI was performed for pigs in the PVI group with bipolar radiofrequency ablation clamp, and the CLAA+PVI group underwent CLAA after accepted PVI with bipolar radiofrequency ablation clamp. After ablation, we applied electrovert on AF pigs to recover to sinus rhythm, then we tested the vulnerability and lasting time of AF in all 3 groups. ResultsAll pigs developed a stable and sustained AF by rapid left atrial pacing. The pigs of the PVI group and the CLAA+PVI group successfully underwent ablation with the beating heart. Isolated PVI terminated AF in 3 of 20 pigs, and CLAA with PVI terminated AF in 5 of 8 pigs (15% vs. 62.5%, P=0.022). After all pigs recovered to the sinus rhythm, compared with the AF group (10/10), the incidence of sustained AF by burst pacing was statistically decreased in the PVI group (3/10, P=0.003) and the CLAA+PVI group (0/10, P<0.001). There was no statistical difference between the PVI group and the CLAA+PVI group (P=0.211). There was a statistical decreasing of AF duration in the PVI group (P=0.003) and the CLAA+PVI group (P<0.001) compared with the AF group and there was a statistical decreasing of AF duration in the CLAA+PVI group compared to that of the PVI group (P=0.008). ConclusionCompared with isolated PVI, CLAA+PVI may effectually stop the lasting of AF, restrain the recurrance of AF, and improve the treatment effect of AF.
ObjectiveTo summarize the experience and efficacy of "one-stop" left atrial appendage clipping (LAAC) combined with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and aortic valve disease. Methods From April 2018 to March 2021, 16 patients with AF and severe aortic valve disease underwent "one-stop" LAAC and TAVR in our department. All patients had long-standing persistent AF. There were 10 males and 6 females with an average age of 77.2±6.2 years. CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.4±0.8 points, and HAS-BLED score was 3.5±0.7 points. ResultsAll patients successfully underwent "one-stop" LAAC combined with TAVR. There was no death during perioperative and follow-up periods. The length of the left atrial appendage base measured during the operation was 37.8±3.5 mm. The types of atrial appendage clip were 35 mm (n=3), 40 mm (n=8) and 45 mm (n=5). The time required for clipping the left atrial appendage (from skin cutting to skin suturing) was 25.7±3.8 min. There was no stroke or bleeding of important organs during the perioperative period. The average hospital stay was 6.8±2.0 d. The follow-up time was 19.6±10.1 months, during which there was no patient of cerebral hemorrhage or cerebral infarction. During the administration of warfarin, 2 patients had subcutaneous ecchymosis and 1 patient had gingival bleeding. Conclusion"One-stop" LAAC combined with TAVR can be safely and effectively used to treat AF and aortic valve disease patients with high risk of thromboembolism and anticoagulant bleeding. The early and middle-term curative effect is satisfactory.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of Mei mini maze procedure for atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsWe analyzed the clinical data of 207 patients with 111 males, 96 females at 58.9±14.8 years in our hospital between October 2010 and February 2014. Among them, 98 patients were with paroxysmal AF and 109 patients were with persistent AF. The procedure was performed through three ports on left chest wall. Radiofrequency ablation procedures of AF included pulmonary veins isolation and ablations of the roof and posterior wall of left atrium, which were achieved by bipolar radiofrequency ablation. Ganglionic plexus ablation was made by the ablation pen. Left atrial appendage was excluded. ResultsTime of the procedures was 112.4±32.5 minutes. No conversion to sternotomy or pacemaker implantation occurred and no patients died. The hospital stay was 7.2±3.1days. The mean follow-up time was 24.2±8.9 months. A total of 187 (90.3%) patients were in sinus rhythm. And 20 patients could not maintain sinus rhythm. Stroke, thrombus in the left atrium and stenosis of pulmonary vein were not found after their procedures. ConclusionMei mini maze procedure is safe and presents optimistic outcomes for the atrial fibrillation.
ObjectiveTo summarize the clinical data and efficacy of surgical treatment of aortic periannular abscess.MethodsThe clinical data of 35 aortic periannular abscess patients admitted to our hospital from January 2009 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 21 males and 14 females, aged 36 to 67 (53.0±12.3) years. Among them, there were 14 patients of native aortic valve endocarditis and 21 patients of prosthetic valve endocarditis (16 patients of mechanical valve and 5 patients of biological valve). Preoperative blood cultures were positive in 15 patients, including 8 patients of Staphylococcus aureus, 2 patients of Staphylococcus epidermidis, 3 patients of Streptococcus grass green, 1 patient of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 1 patient of Enterococcus.ResultsEleven patients underwent emergency or urgent surgery. Thirty patients underwent aortic valve replacement, and 5 patients underwent modified Cabrol surgery to replace the aortic root. Early postoperative complications included 1 patient of bleeding, 8 patients of low cardiac output syndrome, 5 patients of renal insufficiency, 10 patients of respiratory insufficiency, 3 patients of tracheotomy, 8 patients of pulmonary infection and 1 patient cerebrovascular accident. The postoperative follow-up period was 6 to 120 (53.6±20.8) months. During the follow-up, 4 patients died and 4 patients were lost. No infection recurred during the follow-up. Perivalval leakage occurred in 3 patients, and one patient underwent occlusion 12 months following the procedure. The survival curve indicated that the 1-year survival rate was 85.5%, and the 5-year survival rate was 67.3%.ConclusionAlthough the lesions of periannular abscesses are complicated and critical, effective perioperative antibiotic treatment, individualized surgical timing, and appropriate surgical strategies can significantly reduce mortality and achieve better results.
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of modified tricuspid valvuloplasty using anterior leaflet in patients with partial antrioventricular septal defect and tricuspid septal leaflet dysplasia. MethodsNinety-five patients with partial antrioventricular septal defect and tricuspid septal leaflet dysplasia underwent surgical treatment in our hospital from June 2002 to March 2014. There were 39 males and 56 females with an average age of 3.2±6.6 years (range 3 months to 46 years). Preoperative echocardiography prompted all patients had varying degrees of tricuspid valve dysplasia and tricuspid regurgitation (mild in 14 cases, moderate in 49 cases, and severe in 32 cases). According to the different development of anterior and septal leaflet, we used different techniques to repair the tricuspid problems. If the residual septal leaflet was larger than one third of the normal septal leaflet, we continuously stitched the half of the septal side of anterior leaflet to the two third of the left side of residual septal leaflet. If the residual septal leaflet was less than one third of the normal septal leaflet, we reserved part of pericardial patch at right side of septal crest at repairing the atrial septal defect, and continuously stitched the left two third of the patch edge to the half of septal side of anterior leaflet. All patients received transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to evaluate the intraoperative effect of valvuloplasty. The patients were followed up with echocardiography after 3 to 6 months to evaluate the condition of tricuspid. ResultsThere was no perioperative death or Ⅲ degree atrioventricular block. Intraoperative TEE showed that the effect of tricuspid valvuloplasty was good with 3 cases of mild regurgitation and 2 cases of moderate regurgitation. Other 90 cases had no significant regurgitation. The aortic cross-clamping time was 35.2±11.2 min and cardiopulmonary bypass time was 64.9±16.6 min. In the followed-up between 3 to 6 months, tricuspid regurgitation situation improved significantly than that in preoperative period with mild regurgitation or no reflux in 89 cases and moderate regurgitation in 6 cases. There was no severe regurgitation occurred. ConclusionThe therapeutic effect is satisfactory by using anterior leaflet to repair the regurgitation of tricuspid in patients with partial antrioventricular septal defect and tricuspid septal leaflet dysplasia.
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical effects of staged repair for severe tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and to investigate a better individual treatment of TOF. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 110 children with TOF in our hospital from January 2009 through December 2014. The patients were divided into a severe TOF group (Group A, n=23) and a mild TOF group (Group B, n=87). In the group A, all 23 patients underwent staged surgery (modified Blalock-Taussig and radical operation of TOF). In the Group B, all 87 patients only received a radical operation of TOF. The patients' preoperative and postoperative arterial oxygen saturation, McGoon ratio, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), the results of perioperation and follow-up were compared. ResultsIn the group A, there was no death after modified Blalock-Taussig (MBT). The median interval time between MBTs and radical operation was 9 months (ranged from 6.3 to 25.3 months). Compared with that before MBTs, the McGoon ratio and LVEDVI were significantly increased at the time of radical operation. And the pulmonary artery development and left ventricle volume reached the standard of radical operation of TOF (P < 0.01). After the radical operation, one patient died for pneumonia in the early postoperation period. In the group B, three patients died for low cardiac output syndrome during perioperation. There was no significant difference between the group A and the group B in in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, ventilation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp time, rate of using trans-annular repair path, or drainage of pleural fluid. ConclusionStaged repair of severe TOF is safe and effective for children, who are not suitable for one-stage radical operation. Severe TOF received staged repair can achieve the similar outcomes with that of mild TOF underwent one-stage radical operation.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of unilateral antegrade selective cerebral perfusion (UASCP) compared to bilateral antegrade selective cerebral perfusion (BASCP) in aortic surgery.MethodsPubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang Database were searched from establishment of each database to January 2019 to identify clinical studies on prognosis of UASCP versus BASCP in aortic surgery patients. The quality of randomized controlled trials was assessed by Cochrane risk assessement tool. The quality of non-randomized controlled trials was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale ( NOS). Meta-analyses were presented in terms of odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) by using RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsSixteen eligible studies including 3 randomized controlled trials, 2 propensity matching score studies, and 11 retrospective case control studies including4 490 patients were identified. The 3 randomized controlled trials were with high bias risk. The NOS score of the other 13 studies was more than 6 stars. Pooled analysis showed no significant difference between the UASCP and BASCP groups in terms of permanent neurological dysfunction (PND) (OR=0.93, 95%CI 0.74 to 1.18, P=0.57), temporary neurological dysfunction (TND) (OR=1.26, 95%CI 0.94 to 1.69, P=0.12), acute kidney injury rate (OR=1.11, 95%CI 0.79 to 1.55, P=0.55), 30-day mortality (OR=0.94, 95%CI 0.67 to 1.32, P=0.72), length of ICU stay (OR=–0.64, 95%CI –1.66 to 0.37, P=0.22) and hospital stay (OR=–0.35, 95%CI –2.38 to 1.68, P=0.74).ConclusionThis meta-analysis shows that UASCP and BASCP administration do not result in different mortality and neurologic morbidity rates. However, more studies with good methodologic quality and large sample are still needed to make further assessment.