Corresponding author: XU Zhi-wei, E-mail: zwxumd@online.sh.cn Abstract: Objective To compare the two different ways of right ventricle pulmonary artery (RV-PA) reconstruction at repair of persistent truncus arteriosus(PTA), the direct RV-PA anastomosis and extra conduit connection, in order to find the better way. Methods From Feb. 2000 to Sept. 2006, 23 patients had undergone the repairs of truncus arteriosus in our hospital, age at operation from 1.5 to 63.3 months. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the way of RV PA reconstruction. Group Ⅰ : 18 of them, using direct RV-PA anastomosis, group Ⅱ : 5 of them, using valved homograft or Gore-Tex conduit. 3 patients were associated with interrupted aortic arch (IAA). Kaplan-Meier was used to calculate postoperative mortality, survival time and re-operation situation. Paired t-test and group t-test were used to evaluate late pulmonary growth and cardiac function.Results There were 2 early hospital death, there were 17 patients in follow-up for 2.14 ± 1.97y (32.00d-6.95y). No later death during follow-up. Total survival rateo was 91.30%(21/23), 95% CI of survival time was 5.55-7.15y. Survival ratio of group Ⅰ was 94.40%, and that of group Ⅱ was 80%. One patient had undergone re operation for right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO). The difference between the diameter of postoperative RV-PA anastomosis was statistically significant. The early diameter of group Ⅰ was 1.01 ± 0.26cm, later was 1.32 ± 0.45cm(P=0.019). The velocity of flow at the position of anastomosis and the peristome of right pulmonary artery (RPA)/left pulmonary artery (LPA) was acceptable. Compared the postoperative cardiac function, late left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) really improved with a significant difference ［ group Ⅰ , early was 62.82%, late was 69.87%(P=0.026); group Ⅱ , early was 58.17%, late was 64.00%(P=0.029) ］ . No re-operation for truncal valve regurgitation was needed. Conclusions The postoperative survival and follow-up results are satisfactory. A direct anastomosis of RV-PA continuity has the potential for right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT) growth and associated with low rate of pulmonary artery and bifurcation obstruction. The heart function is really improved during follow-up. IAA and truncal valve regurgitation are two major risk factors of associated with hospital death.
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.
External trigeminal nerve stimulation (eTNS) is a new non-invasive physical and electrical stimulation therapy based on the anatomical characteristics of the trigeminal nerve. It can control seizures by regulating epilepsia-related brainstem nuclei and part of forebrain structures, regulating neuroinflammation, improving synaptic plasticity and promoting neurogenesis, which has broad clinical application prospects. It has been approved by the European Union as an adjuvant treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy patients over the age of 9 years old. Therefore, this article mainly reviews the central nervous system regulatory mechanism of eTNS in improving epilepsy, eTNS stimulation mode and parameters.