Abstract： Objective To estimate the effectiveness and safety of intra-aortic balloon pump （IABP）in the patients with mild or mild to moderate aortic regurgitation. Methods A total of 15 patients with mild or mild to moderate aortic regurgitation and low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF＜ 40.00%) including 11 males and 4 females, who underwent IABP application after cardiac surgery between September 2006 and January 2011, were included in this study. Their age ranged from 50 to 74 years with an average age of 63.60 years. There were 9 patients with mild aortic regurgitation and 6 patients with mild to moderate aortic regurgitation, all with LVEF ＜ 40.00%. IABP catheters were inserted before operation and IABP worked after heart the recovery of heart beat. Mean aortic pressure (MAP), cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI), LVEF , and aortic regurgitation volume before the use of IABP and after stopping use of it were compared. Results The total mortality was zero. The patients’ CI significantly improved from 1.99±0.23 L/(min.m2) to 3.30±0.29 L/(min.m2) after IABP （t =48.30，P=0.00）. Their LVEFs were significantly improved after use of IABP (37.20%±1.37% versus 42.60%±2.87%， t =11.34，P=0.00）. Their SVRI improved significantly (2 347.00±190.00 dyn·s/(cm5·m2) versus 2 128.00±204.00 dyn·s/(cm5 · m2)，t=20.60, P=0.00）after use of IABP. However, their aortic regurgitation volume were not significantly increased（χ2=0.60, P=0.44）. Conclusion Application of IABP in patients with mild or mild to moderate aortic regurgitation and low LVEF can obtain good circulation support after operation without increasing their aortic regurgitation.
Abstract: Objective To observe the longterm condition of patients after mitral valve replacement with or without mild aortic valve regurgitation (AR) and discuss whether treatment of AR is necessary during the course of mitral valve replacement. Methods From March 1999 to April 2004, 88 patients who underwent mitral valve replacement (with or without mild AR before surgery) in West China Hospital of Sichuan University were followed up for 5 years or more. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had mild AR based on the result of preoperative echocardiography examination. In the AR group, there were 35 patients including 7 males and 28 females aged 49.26±11.87. By the New York Heart Association (NYHA) grading system before surgery, 4 patients were classified as Class Ⅱ, 26 Class Ⅲ and 5 Class Ⅳ. In the nonAR group, there were 53 patients including 7 males and 46 females aged 48.59±10.22. Using the NYHA grading system before surgery, we found there were 7 patients with Class Ⅱ cardiac function, 39 Class Ⅲ and 7 Class Ⅳ. After operation, all patients were followed up regularly and 5 years after surgery, patients were examined by echocardiography again. Results The followup period ranged from 5 to 9 years (6.39±1.26). There was no statistical difference in gender (P=0.394), age (P=0.841), preoperative cardiac function (P=0.960) and cardiac rhythm (P=0.732) between the two groups. For the AR group, after operation, NYHA heart function, left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricle fraction shortening (LVFS) significantly increased or improved(Plt;0.05). In the nonAR group, after operation, NYHA heart function and LVEF significantly improved (Plt;0.05), while LVFS had no significant change (Pgt;0.05). Left [CM(159mm]ventricular dimensions (LVD) and aortic dimensions between the two groups had no significant difference afteroperation (Pgt;0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of AR cases before and after surgery (Pgt;005) in the AR group, while there was a significant difference in the nonAR group (Plt;0.05). Conclusion For patients with mild AR who underwent mitral valve surgery 5 to 9 years ago, there is little change in their AR condition. There is no need to treat mild AR preventively during the course of mitral valve replacement.
Abstract： Objective To investigate the longterm complications and preventions of rapid twostage arterial switch operation through longterm follow-up. Methods We reviewed the clinical information of 21 patients of rapid twostage arterial switch operation from September 2002 to September 2007 in Shanghai Children’s Medical Center. Among them, there were 13 males and 8 females with an average age of 75 d (29-250 d) and an average weight of 5 kg (3.5-7.0 kg). The data of left ventricle training period and the data before and after the twostage arterial switch operation were analyzed, and the risk factors influencing the aortic valve regurgitation were analyzed by the logistic multivariable regression analysis. Results The late diameter of anastomosis of pulmonary and aortic artery were increased compared with those shortly after operation (0.96±0.30 cm vs. 0.81±0.28 cm, t=-1.183,P=0.262; 1.06±0.25 cm vs. 0.09±0.21 cm, t=-1.833,P=0.094), but there was no significant difference. The late velocity of blood flow across the anastomoses was not accelerated, which indicated no obstruction. The late heart function was better than that shortly after operation, while there was no significant difference between left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) during these two periods (62.88%±7.28% vs. 67.92%±7.83%,t=1.362,P=0.202). The late left ventricular end diastolic dimension(LVDd) was significantly different from that shortly after operation (2.16±0.30 cm vs.2.92±0.60 cm，t=-5.281，P=0.003). Compared with earlier period after operation, the thickness of left ventricular posterior wall thickness（LVPWT）was also increased (0.39±0.12 cm vs. 0.36±0.10 cm,t=0.700,P=0.500), but there was no significant difference. The postoperative aortic valve regurgitation was worsened in 4 patients (30.77%, 4/13), not changed in 7 patients and alleviated in 2 patients compared with that before operation. There was no severe regurgitations during the followup. The logistic regression analysis showed that the small preoperative diameter ratio of aortic valve to pulmonary valve and long follow-up time were two risk factors for the [CM(159mm]aggravation of aortic regurgitation. Conclusion There is a relatively high aortic regurgitation rate after rapid two stage arterial switch operation, but there is no later death or reoperation and the survival conditions are satisfactory. All patients must be followed up periodically to check the anastomosis of pulmonary and aortic arteries and the aortic valve.
Objective To investigate the risk factors of neoaortic regurgitation (NAR) after the arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Methods This retrospective study enrolled 229 patients with TGA who underwent ASO from January 2008-2013 in Fu Wai Hospital, including 173 males and 56 females with an average age of 7.8±15.9 months (range, 3 days to 93.9 months; median, 47 days) and an average weight of 6.3±4.2 kg (range, 4 to18 kg; median, 2.4 kg). Results The mean follow-up was 62.5±31.1 months and the shortest was 36 months. Twenty eight patients (12.2%) suffered at least moderate NAR. In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, probability of freedom from at least moderate NAR was 100.0%, 100.0%, 99.6%, 95.3% at year 1, 2, 3 and 5, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that weight and frequency of preoperative pulmonary arterial hypertension and previous pulmonary artery banding in patients with at least moderate NAR before ASO were more than those of other patients (8.3±5.6 kgvs. 5.8±4.3 kg,P=0.006; 50.0%vs. 20.4%,P=0.001; 28.6%vs. 10.4%,P=0.013). Multivariate analysis showed that previous pulmonary artery banding (HR=3.8,P=0.005) and preoperative pulmonary arterial hypertension (HR=16.5,P<0.001) were risk factors of NAR. Conclusion The incidence of at least moderate NAR after ASO is favorable. At least moderate NAR is associated with preoperative pulmonary arterial hypertension and previous pulmonary artery banding.
Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a primary, chronic, non-specific, inflammatory disease of the aorta and its larger branches. The pulmonary artery trunk and its branches could be impacted by TA, which could cause stenosis or occlusion of lesion vessels. TA also affects the normal function of the aortic valve and other heart valves, mainly due to valvular insufficiency. Aortic regurgitation caused by TA is mainly treated by surgical operation. In this review, the examination technique, operation timing, operation method and prognosis of aortic valve involved in TA are discussed systematically.
Objective To investigate the early safety and efficacy of transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for high-risk elderly patients with pure aortic valve insufficiency. Methods A prospective multicenter clinical study of domestic J-valveTM TAVI for high-risk native non-calcified aortic valve insufficiency was conducted from April 2014 to May 2018, and the early postoperative results were analyzed. A total of 82 patients were enrolled, including 62 patients from West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 16 patients from Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, and 4 patients from Beijing Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases. There were 55 males and 27 females. The age was 61-90 (73.8±6.3) years. The logistic EuroSCORE was 10.0%-44.4% (17.5%±8.1%). All patients underwent TAVI using J-ValveTM system. Clinical evaluation and echocardiography were performed preoperatively and 1 month postoperatively. Multislice spiral CT was reviewed before discharge. Results Three patients were transferred to thoracotomy for cardiopulmonary bypass operation, and 1 patient had decreased cardiac function due to leakage of the valve 1 week after surgery. The overall technical and procedural success rate was 95.1% and 93.9%, respectively. During hospitalization, 1 patient died of moderate pericyclosis complicated with multiple organ failure, and 1 patient died of pulmonary infection. Six (7.6%) patients received pacemaker implantation due to new onset Ⅲ° atrioventricular block. Echocardiographic follow-up showed paravalvular leak was observed in the few of patients, mild paravalvular leak was in 13 patients on the 30th day. Two patients showed moderate paravalvular leak. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume decreased from 197.7±66.8 mL (pre-TAVI) to 147.2±53.3 mL (30-day post-TAVI) (P<0.05). Mean pressure gradient was 9.5±4.1 mm Hg (30-day post-TAVI). Conclusion This multicenter study demonstrates that TAVI with the J-Valve system for the treatment of pure aortic regurgitation is associated with sustained clinical and functional cardiovascular benefits in high-risk patients with symptomatic aortic regurgitation early-term follow-up. Our results further support that TAVI with the specific designed J-Valve system is an acceptable alternative therapy for high-risk patients with pure AR. Our result demonstrates good early-term durability and preserved hemodynamic function. The procedure appears to offer an adequate and lasting resolution for selected patients with pure aortic regurgitation.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been confirmed to be safety and efficacy for high-risk elderly aortic stenosis, and the clinical effect of TAVR for medium and low-risk aortic stenosis is not worse than that of surgery. The development of surgical techniques and instruments has made cardiologists attempt to broaden the surgical indications. Many elderly and high-risk patients with pure native aortic regurgitation have been treated “off label” with similar techniques, completing artificial valve replacement, restoring valve function and improving the prognosis. However, due to the high requirements of surgical techniques and surgical complications, there is a lack of randomized controlled studies to confirm its safety and effectiveness. Unlike aortic stenosis, native aortic regurgitation presents unique challenges for transcatheter valves. In this article, the authors review current advances in the treatment of aortic valve regurgitation with TAVR.
Severe symptomatic native aortic regurgitation (AR) is associated with poor prognosis. Surgical aortic valve replacement is presently the main choice of treatment according to current guidelines. The data of safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for patients with pure native AR were limited. In this paper, a case of AR patient with heart failure was reported. After preoperative CT evaluation and operation plan, the postoperative symptoms improved significantly. Bundle branch block and retroperitoneal hematoma appeared during hospitalization. After the treatment, the patient’s condition improved. Before the discharge, cardiac ultrasound indicated that the reflux was significantly improved, no perivalvular leakage was observed, and cardiac function was improved. AR remains a challenging pathology for TAVR. TAVR is a feasible and reasonable option for carefully selected patients with pure AR.
ObjectiveTo explore the early results of Ozaki operation in children with aortic regurgitation.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 15 patients with aortic regurgitation who received the Ozaki operation in our hospital from April 2017 to July 2019. There were 11 males and 4 females with an average operation age of 10.7±3.7 years. Besides preoperative evaluation, aortic regurgitation and cardiac function were evaluated on 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6-12 months after surgery.ResultsIn 14 (93.3%) patients , the aortic valve leaflets functioned well on 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, and 6-12 months, and the regurgitation grade was Ⅰ-Ⅱ, which was improved than before (P=0.001). The cardiac function of children recovered quickly after operation. There was no statistical difference in ejection fraction on 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, and 6-12 months after operation (P>0.05). No children died, and no other clinical event was found.ConclusionThe Ozaki technique of reconstructing a tricuspid aortic valve leaflet for the treatment of severe aortic regurgitation in children is effective in short term, and the persistence of its valve function remains to be determined in the long-term follow-up.