Objective To investigate the left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) in patients with aortic valve insufficiency with reduced ejection fraction (AIrEF) and aortic valve insufficiency with preserved ejection fraction (AIpEF) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). MethodsThe clinical and follow-up data of patients who underwent TAVR in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from 2018 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the guideline, the patients with left ventricular ejection fraction<55% were allocated to an AIrEF group, and the patients with left ventricular ejection fraction≥55% were allocated to an AIpEF group. ResultsA total of 50 patients were enrolled. There were 19 patients in the AIrEF group, including 15 males and 4 females with a mean age of 74.5±7.1 years. There were 31 patients in the AIpEF group, including 19 males and 12 females with a mean age of 72.0±4.8 years. All patients underwent TAVR successfully. Echocardiographic results showed that TAVR significantly promoted LVRR in the patients. Significant LVRR occurred in the early postoperative period (the first day after the surgery) in both groups. It remained relatively stable after the LVRR in the early postoperative period (the first day after surgery) in the AIpEF patients, while it continued to occur in the early postoperative period (the first day after surgery) to three months after the surgery in the AIrEF patients, and then remained relatively stable. Compared to preoperative values, AIrEF patients had a reduction in the average left ventricular end-diastolic volume index and left ventricular end-systolic volume index by 16.8 mL/m2 (P=0.003) and 8.6 mL/m2 (P=0.005), respectively, and the average left ventricular end-diastolic diameter index and end-systolic diameter index decreased by 2.5 mm/m2 (P=0.003) and 1.9 mm/m2 (P=0.003), respectively on the first day after the surgery. In comparison to the first day after the surgery, AIrEF patients experienced an average increase of 12.1% in the left ventricular ejection fraction three months after the surgery (P＜0.001). ConclusionTAVR has achieved good therapeutic effects in patients with aortic valve insufficiency, significantly promoting the LVRR in patients, and has better curative effects in AIrEF patients.
Objective To compare the early outcomes of domestic third-generation magnetically levitated left ventricular assist device (LVAD) with or without concomitant mitral valvuloplasty (MVP). Methods The clinical data of 17 end-stage heart failure patients who underwent LVAD implantation combined with preoperative moderate to severe mitral regurgitation in Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital from May 2018 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into a LVAD group and a LVAD+MVP group based on whether MVP was performed simultaneously, and early outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results There were 4 patients in the LVAD group, all males, aged (43.5±5.9) years, and 13 patients in the LVAD+MVP group, including 10 males and 3 females, aged (46.8±16.7) years. All the patients were successful in concomitant MVP without mitral reguragitation occurrence. Compared with the LVAD group, the LVAD+MVP group had a lower pulmonary artery systolic pressure and pulmonary artery mean pressure 72 h after operation, but the difference was not statistically different (P>0.05). Pulmonary artery systolic pressure was significantly lower 1 week after operation, as well as pulmonary artery systolic blood pressure and pulmonary artery mean pressure at 1 month after operation (P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in blood loss, operation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamping time, mechanical ventilation time, or ICU stay time between the two groups (P>0.05). The differences in 1-month postoperative mortality, acute kidney injury, reoperation, gastrointestinal bleeding, and thrombosis and other complications between the two groups were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion Concomitant MVP with implantation of domestic third-generation magnetically levitated LVAD is safe and feasible, and concomitant MVP may improve postoperative hemodynamics without significantly increasing perioperative mortality and complication rates.
Regurgitation is an abnormal condition happens when left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) operated at a low speed, which causes LVAD to fail to assist natural blood-pumping by heart and thus affects patients’ health. According to the degree of regurgitation, three LVAD’s regurgitation states were identified in this paper: no regurgitation, slight regurgitation and severe regurgitation. Regurgitation index (RI), which is presented based on the theory of dynamic closed cavity, is used to grade the regurgitation of LVAD. Numerical results showed that when patients are in exercising, resting and sleeping state, the critical speed between slight regurgitation and no regurgitation are 6 650 r/min, 7 000 r/min and 7 250 r/min, respectively, with corresponding RI of 0.401, 0.300 and 0.238, respectively. And the critical speed between slight regurgitation and severe regurgitation are 5 500 r/min, 6 000 r/min and 6 450 r/min, with corresponding RI of 0.488, 0.359 and 0.284 respectively. In addition, there is a negative relation correction between RI and rotational speed, so that grading the LVAD’s regurgitation can be achieved by determining the corresponding critical speed. Therefore, the detective parameter RI based on the signal of flow is proved to be able to grade LVAD’s regurgitation states effectively and contribute to the detection of LVAD’s regurgitation, which provides theoretical basis and technology support for developing a LVADs controlling system with high reliability.
Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a relatively common hereditary cardiomyopathy, which is featured by asymmetric myocardial hypertrophy and dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. Other than septal hypertrophy, mitral valve abnormalities are also quite common in HOCM patients, and they also contribute to systolic anterior motion of the mitral leaflets and LVOT obstruction. Septal myectomy is believed as the standard surgical treatment for HOCM, but whether to perform mitral valve procedures at the same time of myectomy is still debatable. In this article, we thoroughly explained the mitral valve abnormalities in HOCM patients and their surgical corrections. Besides, we also explained the controversies over mitral valve procedures based on the current clinical studies.
ObjectiveTo analyze the early outcomes of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction after surgical repair, and to explore the predictors for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for these patients.MethodsThe clinical data of ALCAPA patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction<40%) who underwent coronary artery reimplantation in the pediatric center of our hospital from 2013 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into an ECMO group and a non-ECMO group. Clinical data of the two groups were compared and analyzed.ResultsA total of 64 ALCAPA patients were included. There were 7 patients in the ECMO group, including 4 males and 3 females aged 6.58±1.84 months. There were 57 pateints in the non-ECMO group, including 30 males and 27 females aged 4.34±2.56 months. The mortality of the patients was 6.25% (4/64), including 2 patients in the ECMO group, and 2 in the non-ECMO group. The postoperative complications rate was significantly higher in the ECMO group than that in the non-ECMO group (P=0.041). There were statistical differences in the cardiopulmonary bypass time [254 (153, 417) min vs. 106 (51, 192) min, P=0.013], aortic cross-clamping (ACC) time (89.57±13.66 min vs. 61.58±19.57 min, P=0.039), and preoperative left ventricular end-diastolic diameter/body surface area (132.32±14.71 mm/m2 vs. 108.00±29.64 mm/m2, P=0.040) between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ACC time was an independent risk factor for postoperative ECMO support (P=0.005). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve was 0.757, the sensitivity was 85.70%, specificity was 66.70%, with the cut-off value of 66 min.ConclusionACC time is an independent risk factor for postoperative ECMO support. Patients with an ACC time>66 min have a significantly higher risk for ECMO support after the surgery.
Objective To investigate the feasibility of a long-term left ventricular assist device placed in the aortic valve annulus for terminal cardiopathy. Methods An implantable aortic valve pump （23ram outer diameter, weighing 31g） was developed. There were a central rotor and a stator in the device. The rotor was consisted of driven magnets and an impeller, the stator was consisted of a motor coil with an iron core and outflow guide vanes. The device was implanted identical to an aortic valve replacement, occupying no additional anatomic space. The blood was delivered directly from left ventricle to the aortic root by aortic valve pump like natural ventricle, neither connecting conduits nor ＂bypass＂ circuits were necessary, therefore physiologic disturbances of natural circulation was less. Results Aortic valve pump was designed to cycle between a peak flow and zero net flow to approximate systole and diastole. Bench testing indicated that a blood flow of 7L/min with 50 mmHg（1kPa = 7.5mmHg） pressure could be produced by aortic valve pump at 15 000r/min. A diastole aortic pressure of 80mmHg could be maintained by aortic valve pump at 0L/min and the same rotating speed. Conclusions This paper exhibits the possibility that an aortic valve pump with sufficient hemodynamic capacity could be made in 23mm outer diameter, 31g and it could be implantable. This achievement is a great progress to extend the applications of aortic valve pump in clinic and finally in replacing the natural donor heart for heart transplantation. Meanwhile, this is only a little step, because many important problems, such as blood compatibility and durability, require further investigation.
Objective To investigate surgical outcomes and prognostic factors for patients with coronary heart disease and low left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF≤40%） undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting （OPCAB）. Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical records of 63 discharged patients with coronary heart disease and low LVEF who underwent OPCAB in Peking University People’s Hospital from 2001 to 2004 year. There were 48 males and 15 females with mean age of 65.1±9.2 years and mean LVEF of 33.8%±5.0%. Regular follow-up evaluation was completed. We investigated risk factors for long-term survival of the patients by Kapalan-Meier survival curve, log-rank test and Cox regression model.?Results?Follow-up time was 3-107 （71.3±24.4） months, and six patients were lost during the follow-up. Nineteen patients （30.2%） died during follow-up including 10 patients （15.9%） who had cardiac-related death. The survival rate at 1, 3, 5 and 8 year was 96.7% （61）, 94.9% （60）, 85.9% （55）, 77.2% （53） respectively. Univariate analysis shows LVEF≤30% and acute myocardial infarction within 30 days are risk factors for long-term survival（P＜0.05）. Cox regression analysis showed that LVEF≤30%（RR=4.662, P＜0.05）and acute myocardial infarction within 30 days（RR=5.544, P＜0.05）were two independent risk factors for cardiac-related death after discharge. Conclusion Patients with coronary heart disease and low LVEF can have satisfactory surgical outcomes after OPCAB. LVEF≤30% and acute myocardial infarction within 30 days are the two independent risk factors for cardiac-related death after discharge.
Transcatheter left ventricular assist pump (LVAP) is widely used in cardiogenic shock, post-circulatory hypoperfusion syndrome and high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and its application scenarios cover various complex environments such as ICU, operating room, emergency department and catheterization room. It is important to quickly and accurately implant the transcatheter LVAP and monitor its position in real time. This paper reported 2 male patients with high-risk PCI, aged 47 and 45 years, both with triple coronary artery disease and reduced ejection fraction (<35%). The domestically produced transcatheter LVAP was implanted using an echocardiography guidance technology system, and PCI treatment was performed under the assistance of the interventional pump. The operation was smooth, and the interventional pump assisted for 1 h in 2 patients, and the pump was successfully removed. There were no obvious complications related to the pump and PCI after the operation, and the patients were discharged smoothly.
Objective To investigate surgical treatment and evaluate the curative effect in patients with moderate to severe ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR). Methods The clinical data of the patients with coronary heart disease complicated with moderate to severe IMR who agreed to receive surgical treatment from June 2014 to June 2019 in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: a coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) group and a CABG+mitral valve surgery (MVS) group. The preoperative and postoperative clinical data between the two groups were compared. Results Finally 105 patients were collected, including 75 males and 30 females, aged 40-79 (62.70±7.90) years. There were 34 patients in the CABG group, and 71 patients in the CABG+MVS group including 2 patients of mitral valvuloplasty and 29 patients of mitral valve replacement. Among the 105 patients, 5 died during the perioperative period and 2 died in 3 months after operation, all of whom were from the CABG+MVS group. There was no statistical difference in perioperative and postoperative 3-month mortality rate between the two groups (P=0.14). Eighty-seven patients were followed up in the medium and long term. There was no statistical difference in the degree of preoperative mitral insufficiency (MI) (P=0.59) and left atrium diameter (P=0.51) between the two groups, but the degree of postoperative MI in the CABG group was significantly higher than that in the CABG+MVS group (P<0.01). However, the left atrium diameter in the CABG group was significantly smaller than that in the CABG+MVS group (P<0.01). Paired analysis showed that systolic pulmonary artery pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction and MI were significantly improved after operation (P<0.01); left atrium diameter was significantly improved after operation in the CABG group (P<0.01), but there was no statistical difference before and after operation in the CABG+MVS group (P=0.10). Conclusion For patients with moderate to severe IMR, CABG with mitral valve treatment can improve left ventricular remodeling, but can not significantly improve left atrial remodeling. Whether performing mitral valve treatment during CABG should be cautious. CABG alone is a safe and effective scheme for elderly patients with poor physical condition and low life expectancy.
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical efficacy of left ventricular wire pacing with traditional right ventricular lead pacing in transcatheter aortic valve replacement. MethodsPerioperative data of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2022 to June 2023 were collected. Patients were divided into a left ventricular wire pacing group and a right ventricular lead pacing group based on the pacing method during the procedure, and the clinical data of the two groups were compared and analyzed. ResultsA total of 102 patients were included, with 35 patients in the left ventricular wire pacing group [20 males and 15 females, age (69.2±3.1) years] and 67 patients in the right ventricular lead pacing group [37 males and 30 females, age (70.2±3.7) years]. The hemodynamic characteristics of both groups (peak flow velocity, peak transvalve pressure difference, left ventricular ejection fraction) showed significant improvement post-operation compared to pre-operation (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of pacing success rate and surgical complications (P>0.05). Compared to the right ventricular lead pacing group, the left ventricular wire pacing group had shorter operation time [(76.3±17.2) min vs. (86.1±15.3) min, P=0.004] and X-ray exposure time [(18.2±6.1) min vs. (26.2±4.3) min, P<0.001], and lower total hospitalization cost [(213±28) thousand yuan vs. (262±25) thousand yuan, P<0.001]. ConclusionThe safety and reliability of left ventricular wire pacing in transcatheter aortic valve replacement are similar to those of traditional right ventricular lead pacing. Moreover, it can significantly reduce the operation and X-ray exposure time and decrease the total clinical hospitalization cost, making it a viable alternative to traditional right ventricular lead pacing.