Objective To evaluate the efficacy and clinical significance of bipolar radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of left ventricular aneurysm with ventricular arrhythmias guided by CARTO mapping system. Methods From September 2009 to December 2015, 56 patients with ventricular aneurysm following myocardial infarction were enrolled. All patients suffered different levels of angina pectoris symptoms evaluated by Holter (the frequencies of ventricular arrhythmias more than 3 000 per day). They were divided into two groups according to random ballot and preoperative communication with patients' family members: a bipolar radiofrequency ablation group (n=28, 20 males, 8 females, mean age of 61.21±1.28 years) receiving off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG), ventricular aneurysm surgery combined with bipolar radiofrequency ablation, and a non-bipolar radiofrequency ablation group (n=28, 22 males, 6 females, mean age of 57.46±1.30 years) receiving OPCABG and single ventricular aneurysm surgery. The grade of cardiac function and ventricular arrhythmia was compared between the two groups during pre-operation, discharge and follow-up. Results All patients were discharged successfully. There was no in-hospital death in both two groups. One patient in the non-radiofrequency group had cerebral infarction. All patients were re-checked with Holter before discharge and the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias significantly decreased compared to that of pre-operation in both groups, and was more significant in bipolar radiofrequency ablation group (1 197.00±248.20 times/24 h vs. 1 961.00±232.90 times/24 h, P<0.05). There was significant difference in duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay between the two groups (P<0.05). The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) significantly improved (P<0.05) after operation in both groups. Conclusion The clinical efficacy of bipolar radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of ventricular aneurysm with ventricular arrhythmia guided by CARTO mapping is safe and effective, but its long-term outcomes still need further follow-up.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of plasma-mediated bipolar radiofrequency ablation debridement (Coblation debridement) in treatment with retention of internal fixation for early postoperative infection of fractures of extremities. Methods Between January 2012 and May 2015, 16 patients (12 males and 4 females) with early postoperative infection of internal fixation for extremity fracture were treated, with an average age of 41.6 years (range, 19-61 years). The fractures included tibia and fibula fracture in 5 cases, femoral fractures in 5 cases, distal humeral fractures in 3 cases, ulna and radius fractures in 2 cases, and patellar fracture in 1 case. Two cases were open fractures and 14 cases were closed fractures. All fractures were fixed non-intramedullarily. Postoperative infection occurred at 5-10 days (mean, 7 days) after operation, with bacteria cultured from wound secretion in all cases. Type EIC5872 70 Coblation knife and Coblator Ⅱ plasma surgery system were conducted to debride the foci of infection in ablating pattern with sterile saline used as the conductive fluid and the magnitude of power from 6 to 9. After pulse irrigating with sterile saline, irrigating tube and draining tube were placed beside the fixation. Postoperative continuous irrigation and drainage and systemic antibiotic therapy would be conducted. The effectiveness was evaluated by bone infection effectiveness evaluation criteria. Results All the 16 patients were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 15 months) after operation. All the infected wounds were cured and healed by first intention without recurrence in all the patients, and the fracture healing time was 3-7 months (mean, 4.8 months) without limb dysfunction or nonunion. Internal fixation was removed at 1-2 years after operation in 4 cases, whom with good fracture healing and without recurrence of infection after operation. Conclusion The effectiveness of Coblation debridement in treatment with retention of internal fixation for early postoperative infection of extremity fractures are satisfactory, which can avoid the second stage operation, infectious nonunion, and osteomyelitis.