Objective To analyze risk factors for pulmonary vein obstruction (PVO) after intracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) repair. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical data of the patients with intracardiac TAPVC who underwent surgery at our center from April 2009 to April 2019 was conducted. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess the risk of postoperative PVO. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify relevant risk factor for postoperative PVO. ResultsWe finally included 169 patients. The median age at surgery was 89.0 (41.5, 195.0) days, and the median weight at surgery was 4.8 (3.8, 6.0) kg. The preoperative PVO rate was 18.3% (31/169). Post-repair PVO occurred in 8.9% (15/169) of the patients. The atresia of common pulmonary and subtype of coronary sinus/right atrium did not significantly affect the risk of PVO (P=0.053, P=0.330). Relevant risk factors included preoperative PVO (P<0.001) and the ratio of left ventricular end-systolic diameter to right ventricular diameter (P=0.025). ConclusionSurgical repair of intracardiac TAPVC has achieved satisfactory results in our center, but the long-term risk of obstruction should not be underestimated. An increased ratio of left ventricular end-systolic diameter to right ventricular diameter and preoperative PVO are associated with post-repair PVO.
ObjectiveTo summarize the relationship between preoperative duration of mechanical ventilation and prognosis in patients with ventricular septal defect. MethodsThe clinical data of patients with ventricular septal defect requiring ventilator support preoperatively and undergoing surgical treatment in our hospital from May 2009 to May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Based on the duration of preoperative ventilation, the patients were divided into three groups: a group A (0-47 hours), a group B (48-96 hours), and a group C (＞96 hours). Each group's postoperative recovery, complications, and medical costs were analyzed. Results Finally 272 patients were enrolled, including 154 males and 118 females, with a median surgical age of 2 (1, 4) months. There were 43 patients in the group A, 75 patients in the group B, and 154 patients in the group C. Early death occured in 3 (1.3%) patients, all in the group C. No statistical difference in mortality was found among the three groups (P=0.734). The mean postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation in the three groups was 158.6±133.5 hours, 101.2±56.1 hours, and 133.1±97.9 hours, respectively. The group B had significantly shorter duration than the other two groups (P＜0.05). The mean postoperative hospital stay in the three groups was 17.5±9.9 days, 13.5±5.8 days, and 16.5±10.8 days, respectively. Postoperative hospital stay in the group B was significantly shorter than that in the other two groups (P＜0.05). The mean total in-hospital cost in the three groups were 89 000±34 000 yuan, 87 000±21 000 yuan, and 109 000±41 000 yuan, respectively. The costs in the group C were significantly higher than those in the other two groups (P≤0.001). ConclusionPrompt surgical repair is necessary for patients with ventricular septal defects requiring ventilator support preoperatively. However, attention should be paid to surgical timing. Preoperative duration of mechanical ventilation is associated with better surgical outcomes within 48-96 hours than 0-47 hours or ＞96 hours.
ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of additional tricuspid valve annuloplasty (TVP) and isolated closure for atrial septal defect (ASD) with moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). MethodsClinical data of the patients diagnosed with ASD combined with secondary moderate to severe TR and treated in our hospital from January 2009 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into a TVP group and a non-TVP group based on whether TVP was performed simultaneously. The baseline data of two groups were matched with a ratio of 1∶1 propensity score. ResultsA total of 32 pairs from 257 patients were successfully matched. In the TVP group, there were 24 females and 8 males with an average age of 44.0±13.1 years. In the non-TVP group, there were 28 females and 4 males with an average age of 44.5±11.6 years. The TR area and estimated pulmonary artery pressure in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with preoperation (all P<0.001). The TR area (P=0.001) and the estimated pulmonary artery pressure (P=0.002) were decreased more significantly in the TVP group than those in the non-TVP group. Linear regression analysis showed that age and preoperative TR area had a positive correlation with TR area at follow-up (β=0.045 and 0.259, respectively, both P<0.05), while additional TVP had a negative correlation (β=–1.542, P=0.001). ConclusionAdditional TVP can significantly reduce the TR area and pulmonary artery pressure, and elderly patients with severe TR before surgery should actively receive TVP.
ObjectiveTo investigate the management of hepatic vein (HV) in patients with functional single ventricle (FSV) and separate hepatic venous drainage (SHVD) undergoing total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) and evaluate this kind of surgery.MethodsThe clinical data of 32 consecutive patients with SHVD who underwent modified TCPC operation from August 2005 to January 2017 in our center were retrospectively analyzed. There were 25 males and 7 females with an average age of 2-19 (8.0±5.0) years and body weight of 11-66 (25.4±15.8) kg.ResultsThere were 20 patients with heterotaxy syndrome and 12 patients with other types of FSV. SHVD was diagnosed preoperatively in 27 patients, among whom 20 patients were connected by intra-extracardiac Gore-Tex conduit, and the other 7 patients were connected by extracardiac Gore-Tex conduit. Because of the missed diagnosis of SHVD, the other 5 patients showed severe decrease of blood oxygen saturation in the early postoperative period and underwent re-operation soon. The postoperative blood oxygen saturation was 92.0% (90.0%, 96.0%), central venous pressure was 10-23 (15.5±3.5) mm Hg, mechanical ventilation assisted time was 16.0 (7.5, 24.0) h, and ICU stay time was 3.0 (2.0, 5.5) d. There were 3 early and 1 late deaths.ConclusionIntra-extracardiac conduit is an effective and feasible modified TCPC operation for patients with FSV and SHVD, while the surgical details need to be formulated in combination with individual anatomical structure. Preoperative missed diagnosis of SHVD must be avoided. Otherwise, after TCPC, a large amount of stealing blood from HV with low circulation pressure into atrium would lead to unacceptable hypoxemia.
Objective
To evaluate possibility and reliability of the technique of artificial pulmonary valve reconstruction in right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 35 patients with artificial pulmonary valve reconstruction of right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction surgery in our hospital between February 2012 and December 2016. There were 35 patients with 19 males and 16 females at age of 10 years ranged 5 months to 42 years and body weight of 26 (8–62) kg. There were 21 patients with artificial moncusp valve, 6 patients with bicuspid technology, 8 patients with comprehensive forming method.
Results
Average extracorporeal circulation time was 75–251 (120±37) min. Aorta blocking time was 32–185 (72±28) min. ICU stay time was 14–225 (59±51) hours. Breathing machine auxiliary time was 6–68 (24±18) hours. There were 3 early postoperative deaths. There was no death during the long term following-up time. Thirty-two patients survived with heart function of class Ⅰ in 20 patients, class Ⅱ in 10 patients, class Ⅲ in 2 patients.
Conclusion
In right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction using the technique of artificial pulmonary valve reconstruction in the operation, it can reduce early postoperative right ventricular volume load. To smooth out perioperative patients, the surgical technique is simple, cheap, safe, but long-term follow-up still needs further observation.
ObjectiveTo characterize surgical outcomes of supra-cardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC), investigate risk factors for postoperative death, and explore informed LASSO machine learning methods to solve "small sample size problem" in research of rare congenital heart diseases.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 241 patients with supra-cardiac TAPVC who underwent surgical repair in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from 2009 to 2019 was conducted, including 179 males and 62 females with a median surgical age of 71 (33, 232) d.Detailed clinical data of the postoperative death-related factors were extracted. Univariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to initially screen potential risk factors for postoperative death. Factors with P≤0.05 were retained. To solve the limitation of small sample size and the "P>n" problem, we proposed a novel LASSO method for conducting multivariable Cox regression analysis that was capable of bringing in findings of related studies to improve analysis power and to reduce false-negative findings.ResultsUnivariable Cox analyses showed several potential clinical risk factors, among which highly significant factors (P<0.001) included: surgical weight≤2.5 kg (HR=16.00), main pulmonary artery diameter (HR=0.78), prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (HR=1.21), aortic block time (HR=1.28), and postoperative ventilator-assisted time (HR=1.13/d). LASSO multivariable analysis revealed that independent risk factors for postoperative death included cardiopulmonary bypass time (aHR=1.308/30 min), age (aHR=0.898), postoperative ventilator-assisted time (aHR=1.023/d), weight≤2.5 kg (aHR=2.545), right vertical venous return (aHR=1.977), preoperative pulmonary venous obstruction (aHR=1.633) and emergency surgery (aHR=1.383).ConclusionOur proposed informed LASSO method can use previous studies' results to improve the power of analysis and effectively solve the "P>n" and small sample size limitation. Cardiopulmonary bypass time, surgical age, postoperative ventilator-assisted time, weight, right vertical venous return, preoperative pulmonary venous obstruction, and emergency surgery are risk factors for postoperative death of supra-cardiac TAPVC.
ObjectiveTo investigate if the ratio of pulmonary valve annulus, which is the proportion of pulmonary valvular annulus size to total size of aortic valvular annulus and pulmonary valvular annulus, can better guide the choice of surgical approach than the value of z.MethodsA retrospective analysis was made for 254 patients who underwent total correction of tetralogy of Fallot in Guangdong General Hospital between January 2016 and January 2018. There were 154 males and 100 females with an average age of 14.60±18.76 years. The patients were categorized into two groups, a transannular patch group (TAP, n=164) and a non-TAP group (n=90). The sizes of pulmonary and aortic valvular annulus were evaluated in each group, and the cutoff value of proportion of pulmonary valvular annulus for TAP was calculated.ResultsBoth proportion of pulmonary valvular annulus and z-scores were smaller in the TAP group than those in the non-TAP group (0.29±0.06 vs. 0.36±0.06, P<0.001; –4.04±2.13 vs. –2.06±1.84, P<0.001, respectively). In receiver operating characteristics analyses, proportion of pulmonary valvular annulus and the z-score cutoff values were 0.353 (area under the curve 0.781, 95%CI 0.725–0.831) and –2.13 (area under the curve 0.766, 95%CI 0.709–0.817), respectively, demonstrating that the proportion of pulmonary valvular annulus was a more powerful diagnostic tool as a predictor of TAP.ConclusionOur results suggest that the proportion of pulmonary valvular annulus is an effective predictor for TAP and can be easily applied to clinical practice.
Objective To confirm the changes of pulmonary artery pressure, neo pulmonary artery stenosis and reoperation in children with unilateral absence of pulmonary artery (UAPA) undergoing pulmonary artery reconstruction. Methods The clinical data of the infants with UAPA undergoing pulmonary artery reconstruction in our hospital from February 19, 2019 to April 15, 2021 were analyzed. Changes in pulmonary artery pressure, neo pulmonary artery stenosis and reoperation were followed up. Results Finally 5 patients were collected, including 4 males and 1 female. The operation age ranged from 13 days to 2.7 years. Cardiac contrast-enhanced CT scans were performed in all children, and 2 patients underwent pulmonary vein wedge angiography to confirm the diagnosis and preoperative evaluation. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography and intraoperative direct pulmonary arterial pressure measurement indicated that all 5 children had pulmonary hypertension, with a mean pulmonary arterial pressure of 31.3±16.0 mm Hg. Pulmonary arterial pressure decreased immediately after pulmonary artery reconstruction to 16.8±4.2 mm Hg. The mean follow-up time was 18.9±4.7 months. All 5 patients survived during the follow-up period, and 1 patient had neo pulmonary artery stenosis or even occlusion and was re-operated. Conclusion Pulmonary artery reconstruction can effectively alleviate the pulmonary hypertension in children with UAPA. The patency of the neo pulmonary artery should be closely followed up after surgery, and re-pulmonary angioplasty should be performed if necessary.
Objective To introduce a modified technique of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction using a handmade bicuspid pulmonary valve crafted from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and to summarize the early single-center experience. Methods Patients with complex congenital heart diseases (CHD) who underwent RVOT reconstruction with a handmade ePTFE bicuspid pulmonary valve due to pulmonary regurgitation at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital from April 2021 to February 2022 were selected. Postoperative artificial valve function and right heart function indicators were evaluated. Results A total of 17 patients were included, comprising 10 males and 7 females, with a mean age of (18.18±12.14) years and a mean body weight of (40.94±19.45) kg. Sixteen patients underwent reconstruction with a handmade valved conduit, with conduit sizes ranging from 18 to 24 mm. No patients required mechanical circulatory support, and no in-hospital deaths occurred. During a mean follow-up period of 12.89 months, only one patient developed valve dysfunction, and no related complications or adverse events were observed. The degree of pulmonary regurgitation was significantly improved post-RVOT reconstruction and during follow-up compared to preoperative levels (P<0.001). Postoperative right atrial diameter, right ventricular diameter, and tricuspid regurgitation area were all significantly reduced compared to preoperative values (P<0.05). Conclusion The use of a 0.1 mm ePTFE handmade bicuspid pulmonary valve for RVOT reconstruction in complex CHD is a feasible, effective, and safe technique.
Objective To summarize the surgical treatment experience in neonates with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and aortic arch hypoplasia (AAH). Methods The neonates with CoA and AAH who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from 2013 to 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. The postoperative complications, long-term survival rate, and freedom from aortic reobstruction were analyzed. Patients undergoing extended end-to-end anastomosis were allocated into an extended end-to-end group, those undergoing extended end-to-side anastomosis into an extended end-to-side group, and those undergoing pulmonary autograft patch aortoplasty into a patch aortoplasty group.Results Finally 44 patients were enrolled, including 37 males and 7 females, aged 5.00-30.00 (19.34±7.61) days and weighted 2.00-4.50 (3.30±0.60) kg. There were 19 patients of extended end-to-end anastomosis, 19 patients of extended end-to-side anastomosis, and 6 patients of pulmonary autograft patch aortoplasty. The mean values of the Z scores of the proximal, distal, and isthmus of the aortic arch were –2.91±1.52, –3.40±1.30, and –4.04±1.98, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 45.6±3.7 months. There were 2 early deaths and no late deaths. Aortic reobstruction occurred in 8 patients, and 3 patients underwent reoperation intervention. The 5-year rate of freedom from reobstruction was 78.8%. The Cox multivariable regression analysis showed that the related factors for postoperative reobstruction were the Z score of the preoperative proximal aortic arch (HR=0.152, 95%CI 0.038-0.601, P=0.007) and the postoperative left main bronchus compression (HR=15.261, 95%CI 1.104-210.978, P=0.042). Conclusion Three surgical procedures for neonates with CoA and AAH are safe and effective, but the aortic reobstruction rate in long term is not low. The smaller Z score of the preoperative proximal aortic arch and the postoperative left main bronchus compression are risk factors for long-term aortic reobstruction.
