ObjectiveTo analyze the perioperative outcomes of cardiac valve surgery in patients with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. MethodsThe perioperative clinical data of patients receiving heart valve replacement in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China from November 2022 to February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether the patients were infected with SARS-CoV-2, they were divided into a non-infected group and an asymptomatic group. The perioperative data of the patients were compared between the two groups, and the effect of asymptomatic infection on the result of heart valve replacement surgery was analyzed. ResultsA total of 66 patients were enrolled including 36 males and 30 females with a mean age of 58.0±11.1 years. There were 51 patients in the non-infected group and 15 patients in the asymtomatic group. There were 2 patients of mitral valve replacement, 20 patients of aortic valve replacement, 1 patient of double valve replacement, 3 patients of aortic valve replacement with tricuspid valvoplasty, 22 patients of mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valvoplasty, 18 patients of double valve replacement and tricuspid valvoplasty. Asymptomatic infected patients received more emergency surgery than uninfected patients (26.7% vs. 0.0%, P<0.01). There was no statistical difference in the duration of extracorporeal circulation, aortic occlusion, mechanical ventilation time after the surgery, ICU stay, postoperative drainage volume, or postoperative complications between the two groups. ConclusionPerioperative results of cardiac valve surgery in patients with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and non-infection are almost the same.
Objective To evaluate the application value of infrared thermography in breast reconstruction, cosmetic surgery, and limb reconstruction. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical data from 67 patients undergoing breast reconstruction and cosmetic procedures and 30 patients undergoing limb reconstruction between February 2022 and June 2025. The patients undergoing breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgery were all female, aged 25-60 years with a median age of 48 years. Procedures included breast reconstructions in 48 cases, breast reductions in 8, nipple reconstructions in 5, revision breast reconstructions in 2, revision nipple reconstruction in 1, and labia minora reductions in 3. Among the patients undergoing limb reconstruction, 18 were males and 12 were females, aged 29-62 years with a mean age of 43 years. Procedures included skin flap transplants for wound repair in 10 cases, fracture internal fixation in 17, and limb lengthening reconstructions in 3. An infrared thermography device was applied intraoperatively and within 48 hours postoperatively to monitor flap and distal limb temperature and vascular perfusion. Results Intra- and post-operative infrared thermography assessment indicated 2 positive cases (2.1%, 2/97), comprising 1 false positive. Among the 95 negative cases (97.9%, 95/97), 1 false negative was recorded. After operation, 1 case of immediate breast reconstruction exhibited localized vascular compromise at the edge of the local flap, though infrared detection showed no abnormally low skin temperature. The wound healed with delayed healing following dressing changes. One case of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap exhibited persistent infrared hypothermia during transfer. However, the flap demonstrated active dermal hemorrhage and a positive pinch test. Continuous monitoring revealed a subsequent rise in flap temperature, confirming adequate perfusion. The flap survived, with primary wound closure achieved. The postoperative infrared thermal imaging monitoring of the surgical site indicated adequate blood supply with no local ischemic necrosis in other patients. All patients were followed up. The patients undergoing breast reconstruction were followed up 1-30 months, with a median follow-up time of 15 months. The reconstructed breasts and nipples demonstrated good survival. The patients undergoing labia minora reduction were followed 3, 8, and 13 months, respectively. The surgical sites exhibited favorable appearance and blood supply. The patients undergoing limb reconstruction were followed 1-12 months (mean, 7 months). Transplanted flaps showed good survival, and patients with fractures or limb lengthening achieved favorable limb recovery. Conclusion Infrared thermography offers a convenient, non-invasive, and objective supplementary indicator for breast and limb reconstruction. This technology can be used intra- and post-operatively to assess blood supply, thereby aiding surgical decision-making and reducing the risk of postoperative complications. However, attention should be paid to the potential for false positives and false negatives.