Objective To observe the expression of integrin αVβ3 in vascular endothelium cultured in vitro at different time points under different level of shear stress. Methods（1）We established a vascular culture system in vitro which could provide steady flow with different level of shear stress, and tested the flow stability when loading different level of shear stress. （2） A total of 50 rabbits were randomly divided into low shear stress group （5 dyn/cm2, n=25）and normal shear stress group（20 dyn/cm2, n=25）. Rabbits in each group were further randomly divided into five different time points as 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 16 h and 24 h（n=5 at each time point）. The descending aorta of rabbits were harvested and cultured in the vascular culture system in vitro under different level of shear stress. The expression sites and intensity of αVβ3-Integrin in vascular endothelium were examined at 5 different time points in both groups by immunohistochemical staining. Results The vascular culture system in vitro was stable in providing laminar flow with different level of shear stress required for the experiment. Vascular endothelium expressions of αVβ3-Integrin in the low shear stress group were in high level at all the 5 time points and reached its summit at 16 h, when the mean optical density（MOD）value was （1.995±0.194）×10-2. In the normal shear stress group, the MOD value decreased time-dependently at the 5 time points. The MOD values at 2 h （0.059±0.005）×10-2 and 4 h（0. 049±0.002）×10-2 were significantly higher than those at other time points （P＜ 0.05）. The αVβ3-Integrin MOD values of the low shear stress group were significantly higher than those of the normal shear stress group at all the 5 respective time points （P=0.000）. Conclusion Low shear stress can significantly promote the expression of αVβ3-Integrin while normal shear stress decreases the expression of αVβ3-Integrin in vascular endothelium cultured in vitro.
Abstract： Objective To evaluate clinical outcomes of endoscopic vein harvesting （EVH）for coronary artery bypass grafting（CABG） in diabetic patients. Methods In this prospective non-randomized control study, patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent CABG from December 2010 to Febuary 2012 in West China Hospital were enrolled. Based on different vein graft harvesting technique, these patients were divided into two groups: an EVH group and a conventional vein harvesting（CVH）group. Perioperative complications were compared between the two groups. Interventional or CT coronary angiogram was used to evaluate bypass graft patency during follow-up. Results A total of 51 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in this study with 24 patients in the EVH group and 27 patients in the CVH group. There was no statistical difference in age, weight, and comorbidities between the two groups. There was no statistical difference in cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamping time between the two groups （67.2±9.8 min versus 68.3±14.5 min, P＞0.05; 62.4±11.3 min versus 65.2±10.3 min, P＞ 0.05）. The vein graft harvesting time （35.6±6.4 min versus 45.2±11.4 min, P＜ 0.05）and rate of delayed leg wound healing（0.0% with 0/24 versus 18.5% with 5/27, P＜0.05） of the EVH group were significantly shorter or lower than those of CVH group.There was no statistical difference in major postoperative complications with respect to venous graft failure rate and chest pain during short term follow-up（9.1 months in the CVH group and 9.4 months in the EVH group） between the two groups. Conclusion EVH is a safe, effective, minimally invasive and quick vein graft harvesting technique for CABG in diabetic patients.
Objective To investigate the expression of transcription factors including nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） and activator protein-1 （AP-1） in vascular endothelial cells （ECs） in different flow fields， and provide experimental evidence for mechanical signal effects on gene regulation pattern of ECs. Methods Cultured human umbilical vein ECs were loaded into steady flow chambers of laminar flow or turbulent flow and observed at 6 time points （0.5 h， 1 h， 2 h， 3 h， 4 h and 5 h） based on different load time. Spacial and temporal characteristics of NF-κB and AP-1 expression in ECs in different flow chambers were detected at a protein level by laser confocal microscope. Results In laminar flow， NF-κB expression rose to peak at 1 hour （26.49±1.63， P＜0.05）and then declined. In turbulent flow， NF-κB expression rose to peak at 3 hours （34.41±6.43， P＜0.05）. In laminar flow， c-Jun/AP-1 expression was transiently elevated， reached its peak at 0.5 hour （18.95±5.38，P＜0.05）and then fell to its baseline level. In turbulent flow， c-Jun/AP-1 expression rose slowly but steady to peak（P＜0.05） . Conclusion The effects of turbulent flow on NF-κB and AP-1 expression in ECs are different from those of laminar flow. Up-regulation and activation of NF-κB and AP-1 expression in ECs induced by turbulent flow may cause pathological changes in morphological structure and functional behavior of ECs.
Objective To summarize the experience of surgical treatment for 84 patients with aortic dissection, investigate the surgical technique and perioperative treatment, and to improve surgical results. Methods The operations were performed in 50 patients with aortic dissection of Stanford A， Bentall or Cabrol operations were performed in 24 patients, graft replacement of ascending aorta in 8 patients, Trusler operation in 5 patients, Wheat operation in 5patients, operation of ascending aorta and aortic arch in 8 patients.Stentgraft were used in 34 patients with aortic dissection of Stanford B. Results There were 11 hospital death,the hospital mortality was 13.1%.There were 3 operative deaths.One patient with ascending aortic and hemiarch grafting died of aortic root bleeding;one patient with replacement of ascending aorta died of failure to restart heart beating；one patient with ascending aortic and hemiarch grafting died of rapture of aortic dissection. There were 8 postoperative deaths, including low cardiac output syndrome in 2 patients, lung infection in 2 patients, renal failure in 2 patients， respiratory failure in 1 patient and permanent mental anomaly in 1 patient. The complications were occurred in 16 patients. The followup period was 3 months to 10 years, and carried out in 62 patients（84.9%，62/73).One died of endocarditis, another one died of sudden death. Conclusion The surgicaltreatment of aortic dissection could be carried out safely based on the accurate diagnosis， specific surgical strategy and fine surgical technique.
Objective To modify the method for aortic end strengthening in acute type A aortic dissection operation, and investigate its clinical efficacy. Methods We modified the method for aortic end strengthening in acute aortic dissection operation based on ‘Sandwich method’ in the department of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery of West China Hospital. From January 2006 to December 2008, twentyeight patients with acute type A aortic dissection underwent modified aortic end strengthening operation. We made adventitia turn over and enfold to strengthen the aortic end in 10 cases, and placed stripshaped felt or pericardium belts between dissection (between adventitia and intima)and inner intima and strengthened the aortic end by suture in 18 cases. The hemorrhage of anastomotic stoma and the postoperative early prognosis were observed. Results No bleeding complication was found in all the cases. Two cases died, one died of severe low cardiac output syndrome and another died of multiple organ failure. No nervous system complication was found except that 2 cases had delayed revival. No sternum and surgical incision related complication was found. The rest 26 cases were cured and discharged. Conclusion The modified method for aortic end strengthening can not only strengthen the aortic end but also make people be able to find the petechia of anastomotic stoma clearly, then stitch hemostasia could be done effectively. The method is easy to implement and effective, it should be extend in clinic.
Objective To summarize the early outcomes and clinical experience in the use of skeletonized internal mammary artery(IMA) for coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG). Methods From January 2004 to June 2007, a total of 139 patients underwent CABG and received skeletonized arteries in this hospital. Results The number of distal anastomoses was 3.6±1.7,there was no sternal wound infection or thoracic cavity effusion. Two patients died (1.4%), the complications incidence was 5.8%(8/139) lung infections 3 cases, incision infections 2 cases, and low cardiac output syndrome 3 cases.All complications were well treated by using antibiotics, dressing change and positive inotrope, and the follow-up period was 2 to 34 months(20.6±5.9 months); 110 patients were followed up (80.3%). All living patients were free from angina after operation and showed I-II class heart function (New York Heart Association). Conclusion Using skeletonized IMA is? a safe and effective method in CABG.
Objective To sum up the therapeutic results of corrective surgery of 164 cases of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and explore the optimal time and risk factors of operation,as well as perioperative management. Methods One hundred and sixty-four consecutive cases of TOF underwent corrective surgery. There were simple stenosis of infundibular portion in right ventricular outflow tract in 37 cases, stenosis of infundibulum and pulmonary valve in 14 cases, main pulmonary trunk and left/right pulmonary arteries stenosis in 113 cases, and pulmonary atresia in 5 cases. Autologous pericardial conduit, valved homograft were used for right ventriculo-pulmonary artery connection, respectively. Other anomalies were corrected. Results The surgical mortality was 3.66% (6/164). The cause of death were serious low cardiac output syndrome(2 case), fail to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass after coronary artery bypass grafting (1 case), ventricular arrhythmia(1 case) and postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome (2 cases). Conclusion It’s necessary to perform corrective operation on younger TOF patients. Low cardiac output syndrome is not the key reason of leading to postoperative complications or death. Preventing remnant obstruction of pulmonary artery and pulmonary complication should be focused during and after operation.
Objective To compare and evaluate the short-term outcomes of 3 different tricuspid valve plasty for functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients with rheumatic heart disease. Methods Between October 2010 and June 2011, 148 patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing left heart valve replacement and tricuspid valve plasty for functional TR were enrolled in the study. There were 32 males and 116 females with an average age of 47.5 years (range, 15-66 years). The patients were divided into 3 groups depending on tricuspid valve plasty: Cosgrove-Edwards annuloplasty ring group (annuloplasty ring group, 58 cases), Kay annuloplasty group (Kay group, 61 cases), and DeVega annuloplasty group (DeVaga group, 29 cases). There was no significant difference in general data among groups (P gt; 0.05), except more severe TR degree, higher atrial fibrillation, and higher radiofrequency ablation in annuloplasty ring group (P lt; 0.05). Perioperative data were recorded. The heart function was evaluated according to the standard of New York Heart Association (NYHA). Echocardiography (ECG) was used to record the TR class during perioperative period and follow-up. Results After operation, 1 case in Kay group and 1 case in annuloplasty ring group were dead because of low cardiac output syndrome. Pneumonia happened in 2 cases of Kay group and in 1 case of annuloplasty ring group; re-operation was performed in 1 case of annuloplasty ring group because of sternal dehiscence. There was no significant difference in perioperative complication among 3 groups (P=0.840). The TR degree was significantly improved at discharge when compared with preoperative degree in 3 groups (P lt; 0.001). A total of 146 patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 7.3 months). The NYHA grade of 3 groups at last follow-up was improved when compared with preoperative grade (P lt; 0.001), but no significant difference among 3 groups (χ2=0.120, P=0.942). The TR degree at last follow-up was all improved in 3 groups when compared with preoperative degree (P lt; 0.001); the improved efficiency showed significant difference among 3 groups (χ2=26.827, P=0.000), it was significantly better in annuloplasty ring group than in the other 2 groups (P lt; 0.001), but no significant difference between DeVega group and Kay group (Z=1.467, P=0.142). Conclusion The early improved efficiency of TR after Cosgrove-Edwards annuloplasty is superior to that of Kay annuloplasty and DeVega annuloplasty.
Objective To investigate the relationship between the elbow flexion angle and the cubital tunnel pressure in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods Between June 2010 and June 2011, 63 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were treated. There were 47 males and 16 females with an average age of 59 years (range, 31-80 years). The lesion was at left side in 18 cases and at right side in 45 cases. During anterior transposition of ulnar nerve, the cubital tunnel pressure values were measured at full elbow extension, elbow flexion of 30, 60, and 90°, and full elbow flexion with microsensor. The elbow flexion angle-cubital tunnel pressure curve was drawn. Results The cubital tunnel pressure increased smoothly with increased elbow flexion angle when the elbow flexed less than 60°, and the pressure increased sharply when the elbow flexed more than 90°. The cubital tunnel pressure values were (0.13 ± 0.15), (1.75 ± 0.30), (2.62 ± 0.34), (5.78 ± 0.47), and (11.40 ± 0.62) kPa, respectively at full elbow extension, elbow flexion of 30, 60, and 90°, and full elbow flexion, showing significant differences among different angles (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The cubital tunnel pressure will increase sharply when the elbow flexes more than 90°, which leads to the chronic ischemic damage to ulnar nerve. Long-term ischemic damage will induce cubital tunnel syndrome.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of unsupported reduction ascending aortoplasty for dilatation of the ascending aorta. Methods Between September 2005 and May 2011, 53 patients with aortic valve disease and dilatation of the ascending aorta underwent aortic valve replacement with unsupported reduction ascending aortoplasty. There were 41males and 12 females, aged 22-75 years (mean, 52 years). The disease duration was 1 month to 14 years. The color Doppler echocardiography showed that the diameter of the ascending aorta before surgery was (45.9 ± 3.3) mm; bicuspid aortic valve and tri-aortic valve were observed in 13 and 40 cases respectively. The heart functions were graded as II level in 19 cases, III level in 33 cases, and IV level in 1 case according to the standard of New York Heart Disease Academy (NYHA). Results After operation, mediastinum errhysis occurred in 1 case, pneumonia in 3 cases, and III degree atrioventricular block in 1 case. There was no related complication of the aortoplasty. All the patients were followed up 3-68 months (mean, 15 months), and had no obvious chest tightness and palpitation. At last follow-up, the NYHA heart functions were graded as I level in 22 cases, II level in 31 cases; the diameter of the ascending aorta was (35.2 ± 4.0) mm, showing significant difference when compared with the preoperative one (P=0.000), but no significant difference when compared with the one at discharge (34.0 ± 2.5) mm (P=0.245). There was significant difference in the diameter of the ascending aorta between last follow-up and preoperation, at discharge in the patients who were followed up more than 60 months (P lt; 0.05); significant difference was found between last followup and preoperation in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference between last follow-up and preoperation (P gt; 0.05) in patients whose diameter of the ascending aorta was more than 50 mm before operation. Conclusion Unsupported reduction ascending aortoplasty has good short- and mid-term results in treating aortic valve disease with mild to moderate dilatation (diameter range, 40-50 mm) of the ascending aorta. Inclusion criteria of the aortoplasty should be strict. Long-term results need further follow-up.