Objective To study and test novel hybrid valves in vitro and in vivo, and provide basis for clinical use in future. Methods The hybrid valves were fabricated from decellularized porcine aortic valves coated with poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3hydroxyhexanoate, PHBHHx).（1）In the mechanical test in vitro, the uniaxial tensile biomechanics test of the fresh (n=12), uncoated (n=12) and hybrid valve leaflets (n=12) were investigated. (2）In study in vivo, hybrid valves(n=5) implanted in pulmonary position in sheep without cardiopulmonary bypass. Uncoated grafts (n=5) used as control. The specimens of the hybrid or uncoated valve in sheep were explanted and examined by scanning electron microscopy, histology, calcium content and immunofluorescence staining 18 weeks after surgery. Results The mechanical test in vitro revealed that coating with PHBHHx increased maximal tensile strength of hybrid valves compared with the fresh and uncoated state (P＜0.05). The results in vivo indicated the hybrid valves maintained original shape and softness. Immunofluorescence staining for CD31 confirmed that the surface of hybrid valve was covered by confluent CD31+ cells.The interstitium of hybrid valve indicated that smooth muscle actin (SMA)+ cells population were similar to native valvular tissue. The calcium content of hybrid valve was significantly lower than that of uncoated valve leaflets (P＜0.05). Conclusion Decellularized porcine aortic valves coated with PHBHHx have good biological and biomechanical characteristics. The hybrid valve may provide superior valve replacement with current techniques.
Objective To summarize clinical characteristics and treatment results of adult patients with coronary heart disease and ventricular aneurysm，and evaluate surgical outcomes. Methods Clinical data of 86 adult patients with coronary heart disease and ventricular aneurysm who underwent surgical treatment in Fu Wai Hospital from January 2011 to November 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 70 male and 16 female patients with their average age of 57.7±10.6 years and average body weight of 71.7±10.5 kg. Preoperative echocardiography or left ventriculography showed left ventricular thrombus in 22 patients. Coronary angiography showed 47 patients with 3 vessel disease，29 patientswith 2 vessel disease，and 10 patients with single vessel disease. Sixteen patients underwent direct linear suturing of theaneurysm off pump，39 patients underwent simple linear suturing under cardiopulmonary bypass，15 patients received endoventricular purse-string reconstruction，and 16 patients received endoventricular purse-string reconstruction and patch plasty. Three patients underwent reexploration for bleeding. Sixty-four patients received concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting（CABG）. Results Postoperatively 2 patients（2.3%） died of refractory ventricular fibrillation and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome respectively. Patients undergoing concomitant CABG received 2.3±1.2 grafts on the average. Seventy-eightpatients （92.9%） were followed up for 2-24 months after discharge. During follow-up，patients’ angina symptoms significantlyresolved，heart function improved in varying degrees，and no new sign of myocardial ischemia was found on electrocardiogram.Left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） was significantly higher than preoperative LVEF（51%±7% vs. 41%±9% ，t=6.20，P=0.00），and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter （LVEDD） was significantly smaller than preoperative LVEDD （54.2±6.2 mm vs. 56.0±6.8 mm，t=4.60，P=0.00） . Conclusion Ventricular aneurysm repair and concomitant CABG （or ventricular septal perforation repair，mitral valvuloplasty et al） are positive and effective treatment strategies for postinfarction ventricular aneurysm. Satisfactory clinical outcomes can be achieved by individualized treatment based on appropriate surgical strategies according to the size of ventricular aneurysm.
ObjectiveTo assess early and mid-term outcomes and our clinical experience of reduction ascending aortoplasty (RAA) for patients with aortic valve disease and ascending aortic dilatation, and improve treatment effects. MethodsClinical data of 36 patients with aortic valve disease and ascending aortic dilatation who underwent aortic valve replacement and RAA in Fu Wai Hospital between January 2002 and August 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 26 male and 10 female patients with their age of 7-72 (51±16) years. Ascending aorta diameter (AAD) was measured by echocardiography preoperatively, postoperatively, during follow-up and compared. ResultsThere was no perioperative death. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was 96.2±28.3 minutes, and aortic cross-clamp time was 69.2±22.1 minutes. Posto-perative hospital stay was 11.0±7.8 days. All the 36 patients were followed up after discharge for 1.1-9.0 (4.0±2.3) years. During follow-up, there was 1 death, but none of the patients needed reoperation. Echocardiography showed normal aortic valve function. Postoperative AAD was significantly smaller than preoperative AAD (36.4±6.1 mm vs. 46.8±4.6 mm, t=13.12, P=0.00). AAD during follow-up was significantly larger than postoperative AAD (40.8±6.8 mm vs. 36.4±6.1 mm, t=-2.64, P=0.01) but significantly smaller than preoperative AAD (40.8±6.8 mm vs. 46.8±4.6 mm, t=3.48, P=0.00). ConclusionEarly and mid-term outcomes of RAA are satisfactory for patients with aortic valve disease and ascending aortic dilatation, but long-term results need further observation.