Abstract: Objective To observe the physical characteristics of decellularized porcine pulmonary valved conduits crosslinked by carbodiimide (EDC). Methods [WTBZ]Twenty porcine pulmonary valved arteries were mobilized on relative asepsis condition. They were cut longitudinally into three samples at the junction position of pulmonary valve (every sample was comprised of a part of the pulmonary conduit wall and the corresponding valve). The samples were randomly divided into three groups by lotdrawing method. Group A was the control group which was made up of the fresh porcine arterial valved conduit samples without any other treatments. Group B was comprised of porcine pulmonary samples decellularized by trypsindetergent digestion. Group Cincluded the decellularized porcine pulmonary samples crosslinked by EDC. We observed the water content, thickness, tensile strength, and shrinkage temperature of all the samples, based on which the physical characeteristics of these samples were analyzed. Results [WTBZ]Complete cellfree-pulmonary conduit matrix was achieved by trypsindetergent digestion. Compared with group A, in group B, the water content of pulmonary wall was significantly higher (P=0.000), while the water content of pulmonary valve was not significantly different; the thickness of pulmonary wall and valve (P=0.000,0.000) and tensile strength of pulmonary wall and valve (Plt;0.01) was significantly lower, while shrinkage temperature was not significantly different. Compared with group B, in group C, the water content of pulmonary wall was significantly lower (P=0.000), while the water content of pulmonary valve, and the thickness of pulmonary wall and valve were not significantly different; the tensile strength of pulmonary wall (Plt;0.01) and valve (P=0.000), and the shrinkage temperature of them (P=0.000, 0.000) were significantly higher. Compared with group A, in group C, the water content of pulmonary wall and valve, and the tensile strength of them were not statistically different, while the thickness of pulmonary wall and valve was significantly lower (P=0.000, 0.000), and the shrinkage temperature of them was significantly higher (P=0.000, 0.000). Conclusion [WTBZ]EDC crosslinking method is available for treating decellularized porcine pulmonary valved conduits in order to enhance its tensile strength, and decrease water content of pulmonary wall.
Objective To investigate the diagnosis and treatment methods of primary cardiac malignant tumors,so as to improve its’ level of diagnosis and treatment. Methods From April 2004 to June 2008, 19 patients with primary cardiac malignant tumors were diagnosed and treated in the department of cardiac surgery in this hospital. Male 11, Female 8.Age of the patients was 40.7±12.1 years(17-64 years). Preoperative diagnosis were occupying lesion in cardiac, malignant tumors were possible. Complete resections of malignant tumors were achieved by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in 3 cases, and partially resected in 1 case, heart transplantation was performed in 1 case, only biopsies were performed in 5 cases. 9 cases (47.4%) lost the chances of operative treatments. Results There were no operative and hospitalstay deaths. Hospital stay was 10±7 d(9-15 d), all patients were safely discharged from hospital. Two cases suffered from postoperative pericardial effusions,and high temperature happened in 1 patient, these 3 cases recovered by puncture and symptomatic treatment. The pathological diagnosis: leiomyosarcoma in 1case, malignant mesothelioma in 1 case and hemangioendothelial sarcoma in 8 cases. 14 cases (73.7%) were followed up from 1 to 38 months, 14 cases died of tumor recurrence or metastasis, the mortality was 73.7%, 5 cases (26.3%) were failed to be followed up. Conclusion The prognosis of patient with primary cardiac malignant tumor is still poor. Earlier diagnosis and complete surgical removal of the tumor as soon as possible may improve the patients’qualities of lives.
ObjectiveTo review the recent research progress of skeletal myoblasts for cardiac repair. MethodsThe related literature about skeletal myoblasts for cardiac repair was reviewed, analyzed, and summarized. ResultsThe results of animal experiments and clinical studies have shown that skeletal myoblasts been transplanted into the regional myocardial infarction area in different ways can improve cardiac function. But there are some challenges such as high loss rate of skeletal myoblasts and resulting in ventricular arrhythmias. ConclusionFurther studies can improve the safety and effectiveness of skeletal myoblasts for cardiac repair in the future.
ObjectiveTo evaluate early and midterm outcomes of aortic root enlargement (ARE) combined with supra-annular valve implantation for adult patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and small aortic roots (SARs). MethodsFrom January 2007 to July 2011, ARE combined with supra-annular valve implantation was performed for 38 adult patients with AS and SARs in Department of Cardiac Surgery of Beijing Anzhen Hospital. There were 12 males and 26 females with their age of 16-58 (38.6±21.0) years, body weight of 48-78 (58.5±12.0) kg, body height of 153-176 (162.8±12.0) cm and a mean body surface area (BSA) of 1.67±0.32 m2. There were 19 patients with rheumatic AS, 11 patients with congenital bicuspid aortic valve and AS, 5 patients with degenerative AS and 3 patients with AS and infective endocarditis. Preopera-tively, 8 patients were in NYHA class Ⅱ, 29 patients were in NYHA class Ⅲ, and 1 patient was in NYHA class Ⅳ. Aortic annular diameter (AAD) was 15-20 (17.6±2.8) mm and trans-aortic pressure gradient was 53-75 (62.8±10.5) mm Hg. ResultsCardiopulmonary bypass time was 83-145 (112±29) minutes, and aortic cross-clamping time was 58-116 (87±28) minutes. Intraoperative measurement of AAD was 15-20 (17.3±2.6) mm, AAD after ARE was 20-25 (22.6±2.3) mm. AAD after ARE was 12-17 (14.0±2.6) mm larger than AAD before ARE. Actual size of prosthetic valves was 2-3 sizes larger than predicted size without ARE in all the patients. There was no perioperative death or severe complication including bleeding. Length of ICU stay was 12-41 (26±14) hours, and length of hospital stay was 9-15 (12.5±3.2) days. A total of 37 patients (97.4%) were followed up for over 2 years after discharge. All the patients were in NYHA class Ⅰ. Grade 2/6 systolic murmur was heard in 3 patients. Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed significant improvement or complete disappearance of left ventricular hypertrophy in 35 patients, and mild left ventricular hypertrophy in 2 patients. ECG during follow-up didn't show any sign of myocardial ischemia, ventricular arrhythmia or severe atrioventricular block in any patient. ConclusionEarly and midterm outcomes of ARE combined with supra-annular valve implantation for adult patients with AS and SARs are satisfactory, but long-term outcomes of this procedure need further follow-up.