Abstract： Objective To summarize our experience and clinical outcomes of preservation of posterior leaflet and subvalvular structures in mitral valve replacement（MVR）. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 1 035 patients who underwent MVR in Beijing An Zhen Hospital from January 2006 to March 2011. There were 562 male patients and 473 female patients with their age of 37-78（53.84±13.13）years old. There were 712 patients with rheumatic valvular heart disease and 323 patients with degenerative valve disease, 389 patients with mitral stenosis and 646 patients with mitral regurgitation. No patient had coronary artery disease in this group. For 457 patients in non-preservation group, bothleaflets and corresponding chordal excision was performed, while for 578 patients in preservation group, posterior leafletand subvalvular structures were preserved. There was no statistical difference in demographic and preoperative clinical characteristics between the two groups. Postoperative mortality and morbidity, and left ventricular size and function were compared between the two groups. Results There was no statistical difference in postoperative mortality（2.63% vs. 1.21%, P =0.091）and morbidity （8.53% vs. 7.44%, P=0.519）between the non-preservation group and preservation group, except that the rate of left ventricular rupture of non-preservation group was significantly higher than that of preservation group（1.09% vs. 0.00%, P=0.012）. The average left ventricular end-diastolic dimension （LVEDD）measured by echocardiography 6 months after surgery decreased in both groups, but there was no statistical difference between the two groups. The average left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 6 months after surgery was significantly improved compared with preoperative average LVEF in both groups. The average LVEF 6 months after surgery in patients with mitral regurgitation in the preservation group was significantly higher than that in non-preservation group （56.00%±3.47% vs. 53.00%±3.13%，P =0.000）, and there was no statistical difference in the average LVEF 6 months after surgery in patients with mitral stenosis between the two groups（57.00%±5.58% vs. 56.00%±4.79%，P =0.066）. Conclusion Preservation of posterior leaflet and subvalvular structures in MVR is a safe and effective surgical technique to reduce the risk of left ventricle rupture and improve postoperative left ventricular function．
ObjectiveTo investigate heart rhythm outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA)of atrial fibrillation (AF)during mitral valve replacement (MVR)for patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD), and explore clinical results of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA)for postoperative atrial tachycardia (AT).
MethodsEleven RHD patients who developed AT after RFA of AF during MVR were enrolled in this study. There were 4 males and 7 females with their age of 49±8 years. Electroanatomic mapping of the left or right atrium was conducted with three-dimensional electroana-tomic mapping system during continuous AT. RFCA was performed at the key areas of AT.
ResultsFor MVR, operation time was 149±18 minutes, postoperative hospital stay was 9.5±2.9 days, and length of ICU stay was 1.8±0.4 days. During electroanatomic mapping, 17 ATs were recorded in 11 patients. Six ATs (35%)of 5 patients originated from the right atrium and 11 ATs (65%)of 6 patients originated from the left atrium (LA). Among them, AT of 2 patients was related to the mitral valve ring. Immediate success of RFCA was obtained in 91% (10/11). After a mean follow-up of 17±4 months, 2 patients whose AT originated from LA had AT recurrence.
ConclusionsMajority of postoperative ATs originate from LA, and majority of ATs are not mitral-dependent. RFCA is an effective and safe procedure for AT in patients after RFA of AF during MVR.
Abstract： Objective To determine the influence of preoperative atrial fibrillation （AF） on midterm and longterm clinical outcomes of patients after mitral valve replacement （MVR）. Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 1 029 patients who underwent MVR with or without tricuspid valve repair in Changhai Hospital， Second Military Medical University， from January 2000 to December 2005. According to the exclusion criteria， 621 patients were selected and divided into two groups depending on presence of preoperative AF. Those 395 patients with preoperative AF belonged to the AF group， including 134 males and 261 females with their average age of 51.1±11.5 years. Those 226 patients with preoperative sinus rhythm （SR） were in the SR group， including 82 males and 144 females with their average age of 48.2±14.1 years. Early postoperative outcomes， midterm and longterm mortality and morbidity of the two groups were compared. Results During 10 years of follow-up， there was no statistical difference in early postoperative mortality and morbidity between the two groups， but the incidence of late thromboembolism was significantly higher in AF group than that in SR group ［0.9‰ （31 patients/33 984 patient-months） vs. 0.4‰ （9 patients/21 151 patient-months）， χ2=4.26， P=0.039］. Ten-year survival rate in patients in AF group was significantly lower than that in SR group （83.2% vs. 92.7%， χ2=10.26， P=0.002）. Multivariate analysis identified preoperative AF ［HR=2.878， 95% CI （1.166，4.129）］， low left ventricular ejection fraction ［HR=0.948， 95% CI （0.917，0.981）］ ， and old age ［HR=1.073， 95% CI （1.038，1.109）］ as independent risk factors for late mortality after MVR. Apart from its influence on patient survival rate and incidence of thromboembolism， preoperative AF also had an adverse effect on left ventricular function， right ventricular function and tricuspid regurgitation. Conclusion AF is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis after MVR. Prognosis after MVR might be improved if surgery could be performed early when patients have predictive signs of AF such as multiple premature atrial contractions or left atrium enlargement.
Objective To compare clinical outcomes and safety between minimally invasive mitral valve replacement via right minithoracotomy （mini-MVR） and traditional mitral valve replacement （MVR）. Methods Clinical data of 68 patients with valvular heart diseases who underwent mini-MVR from February 2009 to December 2011 in Wuhan Asia Heart Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 36 males and 32 females in this mini-MVR group with their mean age of 34.2±11.2 years. Preoperatively， there were 21 patients with mitral stenosis （MS）， 17 patients with mitral insufficiency （MI）， 30 patients with MS and MI， and 19 patients with tricuspid insufficiency （TI）. Another 200 patients with valvular heart diseases who underwent traditional MVR during the same period were included as the control group. There were 86 males and 114 females in the control group with their mean age of 49.4±13.2 years. Preoperatively， there were 85 patients with MS， 66 patients with MI， 49 patients with MS and MI， and 76 patients with TI. Hospital mortality， aortic crossclamp time， length of intensive care unit （ICU） stay， postoperative chest tube drainage， reexploration for bleeding and postoperative morbidities were compared between the two groups. Results There was no in-hospital death in the mini-MVR group. There was no statistical difference in hospital mortality， cardiopulmonary bypass time， incidence of reexploration for bleeding， postoperative arrhythmias， dialysis-requiring acute renal failure and wound infection between the two group （P＞0.05）. Aortic crossclamp time of the mini-MVR group was significantly longer than that of the control group. But postoperative mechanical ventilation time （10.2±3.1 h vs. 15.2±7.1 h， P=0.008）， chest tube drainage（92.0±28.0 ml vs. 205.0±78.0 ml， P=0.000）， blood transfusion （0.8±1.6 U vs. 1.9±2.1 U， P=0.006）， length of ICU stay （14.0±8.0 h vs. 26.0±12.0 h， P=0.003） and length of hospital stay （14.8±4.6 d vs. 19.7±3.2 d， P=0.006）of the mini-MVR group were significantly shorter or less than those of the control group. Conclusion The safety of mini-MVR is comparable to that of traditional MVR without causing higher postoperative morbidities， while the postoperative recovery after mini-MVR is better than traditional MVR.
Abstract: Objective To summarize the experiences of radiofrequency modified maze procedure for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with mitral valve diseases. Methods From May 2003 to December 2008, 122 patients, including 31 males and 91 females, with permanent AF underwent radiofrequency modified maze procedure as a combined operation with mitral valve replacement. Their age ranged from 23 to 65 years old (47±10 years). The duration of AF varied from 0.5 to 32.0 years (6.5±5.7 years). There were 57 cases of stenosis, 7 cases of regurgitation and 58 cases of both stenosis and regurgitation. Ablation lines were made with Cardioblate (Medtronic, monopolar, 25.30 W, 180.240 ml/h). After rightsided maze procedure was finished, aorta was crossclamped and cold crystalloid or blood cardioplegia were delivered for myocardial protection. Left atrial incision was performed through the interatrial groove or interatrial septum. The ablation lines were created to encircle the orifices of the left and right pulmonary veins respectively. The ablation lines were also performed from the left encircling line to the posterior mitral valve annulus and to the orifice of left atrial appendage respectively. An ablation line was used to connect the circumferential line of left and right pulmonary veins. The left atrial appendage was tied and concomitant operations were performed. Amiodarone was given to the patients after operation and regular follow-up was done. Results There were four perioperative deaths including 2 cases of multiple organ failure, 1 case of mechanic valve obstruction and 1 sudden death. Follow-up was done to 115 patients for 1.5-7.0 years (4.8±2.6 years) with three cases lost. During the followup period, four patients died, including 3 sudden deaths and 1 case of prosthetic obstruction. Eightyseven patients (78.4%, 87/111) recovered to sinus rhythm; 22 patients still had AF; 1 patient had atrial flutter; and 1 patient required a permanent pacemaker one year after the operation. Diameter of left atrium after operation (0.5-7.0 years) was decreased compared with that before operation（44.90±7.50 mm vs. 54.30±10.80 mm，t＝10.641，P＝0.000）. Conclution Radiofrequency modified maze procedure for AF in patients with mitral valve disease is relatively safe. But heart rhythm instability, tachyarrhythmia and recurrent AF are not rare for those patients. Therefore, the surgical indication of AF should be individualized.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the early and mid-term outcomes of GK bileaflet mechanical valve applied in mitral valve replacement.
MethodsTwenty patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis underwent mitral valve replacement in our hospital from March 2008 to June 2011. Ten patients of them chose GK bileaflet mechanical valve for surgery (a GK group, 5 males and 5 females, aged 56.4±8.9 years), while the other 10 patients chose Medtronic Open Pivot mechanical valve (a Medtronic group, 4 males and 6 females, aged 50.2±8.0 years). The preoperative, perioperative and postoperative data were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Cardiac CT angiography (CTA) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were performed to evaluate leaflets opening angle, the morphological features of the mechanical valve and the hemodynamic features in the third year after surgery during the follow-up.
ResultsNo mortality, defect, low cardiac output syndrome or bleeding after surgery occurred in either group. The result of 3-year follow-up showed that the function of the mechanical valve showed no difference between the two groups. Cardiac CTA and TEE showed good morphological features in all patients.
ConclusionThe GK bileaflet mechanical valve has equivalent effect as Medtronic Open Pivot mechanical valve for mitral valve replacement during the 3-year follow-up.
ObjectiveTo summarize clinical advantages and outcomes of minimally invasive mitral valve replacement (MVR) combined with atrial fibrillation (AF) radiofrequency ablation via right minithoracotomy.
MethodsEight patients with mitral valve disease and AF who received surgical therapy in the First Hospital of China Medical University between October 2009 and October 2012 were included in the study. There were 4 males and 4 females with their age of 34-67 (52.4±17.5) years. All the patients underwent minimally invasive MVR combined with AF radiofrequency ablation via right minithoracotomy. Clinical outcomes were summarized.
ResultsThere was no in-hospital death or conversion to conventional sternotomy in this group. Two patients received biological valve replacement and 6 patients received mechanical prosthesis. Operation time was 207.9±18.1 minutes, cardiopulmonary bypass time was 81.7±23.9 minutes, and chest drainage amount was 126.7±34.5 ml. AF recurred in 1 patient on the 3rd postoperative day. All the patients were in sinus rhythm at discharge. These patients were followed up for 18.3±7.4 months. During follow-up, 1 patient had AF recurrence. Seven patients were in NYHA class Ⅰ, and 1 patients was in NYHA class Ⅱ.
ConclusionMinimally invasive MVR combined with AF radiofrequency ablation via right minithoracotomy can achieve satisfactory clinical results and esthetic appearance, and is a good choice for patients with mitral valve disease and AF.
Objective To compare the clinical outcomes and safety of minimally invasive and routine mitral valve repair or replacement for patients with single mitral valve disease. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 67 patients with single mitral valve disease （without aortic valve and tricuspid valve lesion or other heart diseases including atrial septal defect） who underwent mitral valve repair or replacement in the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University between January and July 2011. The patients were divided into two groups according to different surgical approaches：the minimally invasive surgery group （n=29，8 males and 21 females，age 51.4±9.4 years） underwent minimally invasive mitral valve repair or replacement via right mini-thoractomy；and the routine surgery group （n=38，11 males and 27 females，age 53.6±11.9 years） underwent mitral valve repair or replacement via middle sternotomy. In the minimally invasive surgery group，9 patients underwent mitral valve repair while the other 20 patients underwent mitral valve replacement. And no patient underwent transition to routine operation. In the routine surgery group，15 patients underwent mitral valve repair and 23 patients underwent mitral valve replacement. Clinical outcomes and safety of the operations were compared between the two groups. Results There was no statistical difference in operation time between the two groups （207.9±18.1 min versus 198.4±27.5 min，P=0.076）. The amount of postoperative drainage （126.7±34.5 ml versus 435.6±87.2 ml，P=0.000） and blood transfusion （red blood cell 1.4±0.8 U versus 2.3±1.1 U，P=0.000；blood plasma 164.3±50.4 ml versus 405.6±68.9 ml，P=0.000） of the minimally invasive surgery group were significantly lower than those of the routine surgery group. The cardiopulmonary bypass time （81.7±23.9 min versus 58.7±13.6 min，P=0.000） and aortic-clamping time （51.6±12.7 min versus 38.4±11.7 min，P=0.000） of the minimally invasive surgery group were significantly longer than those of the routine surgery group. The length of ICU stay （22.5±3.6 h versus 31.7±8.5 h，P=0.000），mechanical ventilation （7.4±3.2 h versus 11.2±5.1 h，P=0.000） and postoperative hospitalization （7.1±1.6 d versus 13.5±2.4 d，P=0.000） of the minimally invasive surgery group were significantly shorter than those of the routine surgery group. There was no statistical difference in postoperative complications between the two groups. Minimally invasive surgery group patients were followed up for 5.3±2.4 months with a follow-up rate of 72.4%（21/29）. Routine surgery group patients were followed up for 5.5±3.8 months with a follow-up rate of 71.0%（27/38）. There was no significant complication during follow-up in both two groups. Conclusion Minimally invasive mitral valve operation via right mini-thoracotomy is effective and safe with a good cosmetic result. Compared with routine operation，patients undergoing minimally invasive operation recover better and faster.
Objective To study effects of mitral valve replacement(MVR) on the old with mitral valve diseases(MVD). Methods The documents of 265 cases undergoing MVR were reviewed, who aged 60 years old or over between June 1991 and June 2003. Demographices, clinical preoperative conditions, indications to surgery, early postoperative course and long-term outcome were collected via hospital documents and outpatient follow-up. Many risk factors were analysed. Results Follow-up rate amounted to 93.7%(236/252). The mortality was 4.9% (13/265) within 30 days. Heart failure and renal failure were the main cause of death. Compared with younger patients(lt;60 years old), long-term survival rate was lower in the old, 5-year 87.52% vs 96.84%, 10-year 81.23% vs 94.87%. There were 15 late deaths(0.17% case/M), most of whom died of heart failure, cancers and lung infections. Risk factors for MVR in the old included New York Heart Association class Ⅳ, diabetes, and lung incompetence. Conclusions The patients with MVD over 60 years old tended to present high postoperatively mortality and morbidity.
Abstract：?Objective?To analyze surgical procedures and clinical outcomes for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy （HOCM） complicated by infective endocarditis.?Methods?We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 7 patients with HOCM complicated by infective endocarditis who underwent modified Morrow procedure，removal of intracardiac vegetation，and valve replacement in Fu Wai Hospital from Sep. 2006 to Feb. 2012. There were 5 male patients and 2 female patients with their mean age of 39.80±13.60 years（ranging 21-55）. Postoperative clinical outcomes were observed. Preoperative and postoperative left ventricular outflow tract （LVOT） gradients， left atrium （LA） diameter，left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） and heart function were compared.?Results?There was no in-hospital death and perioperative survival rate was 100% in this group. Bacteria vegetations were multiply detected on the mitral valve leaflet （7 cases）， aortic valve leaflet （4 cases） and ventricular septum （1 case） with their diameter of 2-19 mm. Blood culture showed Staphylococcus aureus （3 cases），Squirrel aureus （1 case） . Postoperatively， first-degree atrioventricular block occurred in 2 patients， complete left bundle branch block in 1 patient， left anterior division block in 2 patients， and all these complications were not treated. Postoperative LVOT gradient and LA diameter were significantly lower than preoperative values （P＜0.05）， and cardiac function was significantly improved in these patients. All the patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography at a mean follow-up of 13.00±17.19 （1-49） months in outpatient service. The clinical symptoms of all these patients were diminished or significantly ameliorated and their quality of life was considerably improved. All the patients had NYHA classⅠorⅡ without any reintervention or death during follow-up.?Conclusion?Modified Morrow procedure and valve replacement is a good surgical strategy for patients with HOCM complicated by infective endocarditis with satisfactory early and mid-term clinical outcomes.
