ObjectiveTo summarize the application and clinical effect of left anterior minimally invasive thoracotomy to surgical repair of subarterial ventricular septal defect (VSD) in children.MethodsFrom October 2015 to April 2019, 21 children with subarterial VSD underwent surgical repair via left anterior minimally invasive thoracotomy. There were 13 males and 8 females, aged 5-13 (9.1±2.2) years, and weighing 22-55 (35.6±9.5) kg. The diameter of subarterial VSD was 4-15 (9.1±3.3) mm. Eight patients had right coronary valve prolapse, and 4 aortic valve regurgitation (3 mild and 1 mild-to-moderate). The minimally invasive surgery was performed via left parasternal thoracotomy through the second or third intercostal space. The peripheral perfusion was performed with femoral arterial and venous cannulation. After aortic cross-clamp (ACC), subarterial VSD was performed with direct suture of patch closure through an incision on the root of pulmonary artery.ResultsAll patients successfully underwent surgical repair (patch closure, n=15; direct suture, n=6) of subarterial VSD through left anterior minimally invasive thoracotomy. The cardiopulmonary bypass time was 45-68 (57.1±6.3) min. The ACC time was 23-40 (32.6±4.7) min. The postoperative ventilation time was 5-9 (6.3±1.3) h, postoperative in-hospital time was 5-8 (5.7±1.0) d and drainage volume was 33-105 (57.5±17.7) mL in postoperative 24 h. No death, residual VSD shunt, atrioventricular block, wound infection or thoracic deformity occurred during the perioperation or follow-up. Only one patient still had trivial aortic valve regurgitation.ConclusionLeft anterior minimally invasive thoracotomy could be safely and effectively applied to surgical repair of subarterial VSD in children, with satisfactory early- and mid-term outcomes.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness and safety of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for upper lumbar disc herniation. MethodsRetrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 26 patients with upper lumbar disc herniation, who were in line with the selection criteria and underwent MIS-TLIF in 14 patients (MIS-TLIF group) and open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (OTLIF) in 12 patients (OTLIF group) between December 2007 and May 2012. There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, level of disc herniation, side of disc herniation between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and complications were compared between 2 groups. The clinical outcome was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores. The fusion rate was determined by using CT three-dimensional reconstruction and dynamic lumbar radiography at last follow-up. ResultsPrimary healing of incisions was obtained in both groups. No difference was found in operation time between 2 groups (t=0.858, P=0.399), but MIS-TLIF group had less intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume than OTLIF group (P<0.05). The average follow-up duration was 34.1 months with a range of 12-50 months. No complication of dural tear, infection, spinal nerve trauma, and implant failure occurred. The VAS scores of lower back pain and radicular pain and ODI scores at preoperation showed no significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05). The VAS score of lower back pain and ODI score at 1 day after operation in MIS-TLIF group were significantly lower than those in the OTLIF group (P<0.05), but no difference was found in VAS scores of radicular pain between 2 groups (P>0.05). Difference in all scores was not significant at last follow-up between 2 groups (P>0.05). The fusion rate was 92.8% (13/14) in MIS-TLIF group, and was 100% (12/12) in OTLIF group at last follow-up. ConclusionMIS-TLIF is a safe and effective procedure for upper lumbar disc herniation as an alternative to other techniques.
ObjectiveTo compare the safety and clinical outcomes of isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR)through right anterior minithoracotomy (RAMT)and conventional median sternotomy. MethodsFrom March 2006 to March 2013, 169 patients underwent isolated AVR in Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine. Among them, 42 patients received AVR via RAMT (RAMT group)including 30 males and 12 females with their age of 59.31±8.30 years. And 127 patients received AVR via conventional median sternotomy (conventional surgery group)including 89 males and 38 females with their age of 60.02±5.93 years. There were 75 patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS), 42 patients with aortic regurgitation (AR)and 52 patients with AS+AR. Postoperative outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. ResultsThere was no statistical difference in preoperative clinical characteristics between the 2 groups. All the patients successfully received isolated AVR. 153 patients received mechanical prosthesis and 16 patients received bioprosthetic valves. Fifty-two patients received 21 mm valves, and 117 patients received 23 mm valves. Cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamping time of RAMT group were significantly longer than those of conventional surgery group (P < 0.001). But mechanical ventilation time, length of postoperative ICU stay and hospital stay of RAMT group were significantly shorter than those of conventional surgery group (P < 0.001). Postoperative thoracic drainage, intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion of RAMT group were significantly less than those of conventional surgery group (P < 0.001). In conventional surgery group, 2 patients underwent reexploration for bleeding and 2 patients had wound infection postoperatively. Two patients died postoperatively, both in conventional surgery group, including 1 patient with low cardiac output syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and another patient with prosthetic valve endocarditis secondary to sternal wound infection. ConclusionCompared with conventional median sternotomy, RAMT is safe and efficacious for patients undergoing isolated AVR with minimal surgical injury, better postoperative recovery and cosmetic outcomes.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of a combination of beating-heart minimally invasive approach and leaflets augmentation technique treating severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after cardiac surgery. Methods From January 2015 to August 2017, patients undergoing reoperative tricuspid valve repair (TVP) with minimally invasive approach and leaflets augmentation were enrolled. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was established via femoral vessels and the procedures were performed on beating heart with normothermic CPB. A bovine pericardial patch was sutured to leaflets to augment the native anterior and posterior leaflets. Other repair techniques, such as ring implantation and leaflet mobilization, were also applied as needed. Results A total of 28 patients (mean age 55.6±10.1 years, 5 males, 23 females) were enrolled. One patient was converted to median sternotomy due to pleural cavity adhesion. Twenty-seven patients underwent totally endoscopic TVP with leaflets augmentation. No patients was transferred to tricuspid valve replacement. Two patients died in hospital. All patients were followed up for 7.4±5.0 months and there was no late death and reoperation. Regurgitation area was converted from 20.7±10.1 cm2 to 3.3±3.3 cm2 after TVP according to the latest echocardiography (P<0.001). Conclusion Minimally TVP with leaflets augmentation is effective in treating severe isolated TR after primary cardiac surgery. It can significantly increase success rate of tricuspid valvuloplasty and decrease the surgical trauma.
ObjectiveTo discuss the effectiveness of limited open reduction via sinus tarsi approach using medial distraction technique in the treatment of intra-articular calcaneus fractures by comparing with open reduction and internal fixation via extensile L-shaped incision. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 21 patients with intra-articular calcaneus fractures treated by sinus tarsi approach combined with medial distraction technique between April 2013 and November 2014 (minimally invasive group), and 32 patients treated by extensile L-shaped incision approach between June 2012 and September 2014 (extensile incision group). No significant difference was found in gender, age, injury pattern, fracture classification, time from injury to operation, preoperative Böhler angle, Gissane angle, calcaneal varus angle, the ankle and hind-foot score of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), and visual analogue scale (VAS) score between 2 groups (P>0.05), which was comparable. The operation time, wound complications, and bone healing time were recorded. The postoperative function was also evaluated by AOFAS score and VAS score. The pre-and post-operative Böhler angle, Gissane angle, and calcaneal varus angle were measured on the X-ray films, and the corrective angle was calculated. ResultsSixteen patients were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 11.5 months) in the minimally invasive group, and 23 patients for 6-24 months (mean, 13.5 months) in the extensile incision group. Difference was not significant in operation time between 2 groups (t=0.929, P=0.796). No complication occurred in the minimally invasive group; partial skin flap necrosis occurred in 3 cases of the extensile incision group, was cured after dressing change. There was no loosening of implants or reduction loss in 2 groups at last follow-up. Subtalar joint stiffness occurred in 1 case of the minimally invasive group and 4 cases of the extensile incision group, and 1 patient had discomfort for the implants in the extensile incision group. The bone healing time was (9.9±0.8) weeks in the minimally invasive group, and was (10.1±0.7) weeks in the extensile incision group, showing no significant difference (t=0.613, P=0.845). Böhler angle, Gissane angle, calcaneal varus angle, AOFAS score, and VAS score were significantly improved at last follow-up when compared with preoperative values in 2 groups (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05), and the corrective value of angle showed no significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05). ConclusionLimited open reduction via sinus tarsi approach for intra-articular calcaneus fractures could reduce the incidence of wound complications effectively. Meanwhile, the medial distraction technique is helpful to correct the heel varus deformity.
Objective To investigate the cl inical results and complications of minimally invasive anterior transarticular screw fixation and fusion for atlantoaxial instabil ity. Methods Between May 2007 and December 2010, 13 patients with atlantoaxial instabil ity were treated with minimally invasive anterior transarticular screw fixation and fusion under endoscope. There were 11 males and 2 females, aged 17-61 years (mean, 41.3 years). The time between injury and operation was 5-14 days (mean, 7.4 days). All cases included 6 patients with Jefferson fracture, 5 with odontoid fracture, and 2 with os odontoideum. According to Frankel classification of nerve functions, 2 cases were rated as grade D and 11 cases as graed E. The operation time, intra-operative blood loss, radiation exposure time, and complications were recorded and analyzed. The stabil ity was observed by X-ray films. The cl inical outcome was assessed using the Frankel scale, and the fusion rates were determined by CT scan threedimensional reconstruction at last follow-up. Results The mean operation time was 124 minutes (range, 95-156 minutes); the mean intra-operative blood loss was 65 mL (range, 30-105 mL); and the mean radiation exposure time was 41 seconds (range, 30-64 seconds). Thirteen patients were followed up 12-47 months (mean, 25.9 months). No blood vessel and nerve injuries or internal fixator failure occurred. The bone fusion time was 6 months, and the dynamic cervical radiography showed no instabil ity occured. At last follow-up, the neurological function was grade E in all patients. The fusion rate was 84.6% (11/13). No continuous bone bridge was seen in the joint space of 2 patients, but they achieved stabil ity. Conclusion Minimally invasive anterior transarticular screw fixation and fusion is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of atlantoaxial instabil ity.
ObjectiveTo investigate clinical outcomes and safety of minimally invasive left atrial myxoma (LAM) resection via right anterolateral minithoracotomy (ALMT). MethodsClinical data of 9 patients who underwent minimally invasive LAM resection via right ALMT in the Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College from January 2011 to October 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 2 male and 7 female patients with their age of 37-62 (51±9) years. The operation was performed through a small (4-6 cm) right ALMT incision. Femoral artery and vein and superior vein were cannulated to establish cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Transthoracic clamp was used for ascending aortic clamping. Antegrade cold blood cardioplegia was infused for myocardial protection. LAM was resected through right atriotomy trans-septal approach. ResultsAll the operations were successfully performed without in-hospital death. Operation time was 210-310(260±33) minutes, aortic cross-clamping time was 23-50(37±9) minutes, CPB time was 60-87(71±9) minutes, postoperative mechanical ventilation time was 6-14(9.0±2.5) hours, and length of ICU stay was 17-26(20±3) hours. Postoperative mediastinum drainage was 100-650(376±190) ml. Mean length of right ALMT was 4.5-6.0 (5.3±0.6) cm. All the patients were followed up for 1 to 30 months,and echocardiography showed no LAM recurrence. ConclusionMinimally invasive LAM resection via right ALMT is safe and feasible with satisfactory clinical outcomes.
Objective To examine the effect and safety of thoracoscopic surgery for left atrium myxoma excision. Method Sixty-nine left atrial myxoma patients underwent excision of left atrial myxoma in our hospital between January 2012 and August 2014 year. The patients were divided into two groups according to the procedure. Thirty patients under-went thoracoscopic surgery, as a thoracoscopic group, with 8 males and 22 females, aged 47.36±13.02 years. Thirty-nine patients received median sternotomy surgery, as a median sternotomy group, with 10 males and 29 females, aged 49.17±13.09 years. The effect and safety between the two groups were compared. Results All patients survived after surgery without death and other serious complications. Compared with the median sternotomy surgery group, longer cardiopul- monary bypass and aortic cross clamp time, shorter ICU stay, ventilator support, and postoperative drainage time, shorter hospital stay time, less postoperative drainage, lower cost, and more higher rate of returning to work in 1 month after surgery were found in the thoracoscopic group with P value less than 0.05. There was no complication of stroke and other neurological complication in the two groups. All patients were followed up for 11 months to 4 years and 7 months, average age of 38.5±12.7 months. There was no recurrence in both groups. Conclusions The thoracoscopic left atrial myxoma excision cardiopulmonary is effective and safe. It can be used as a surgical treatment of left atrial myxoma preferred.
ObjectiveTo compare the early clinical and radiographic outcomes of hemiarthroplasty by a minimal invasive Supercap approach and by a conventional approach for elderly displaced femoral neck fractures. MethodsBetween January and June 2015, 70 geriatric patients with displaced femoral neck fracture underwent cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty by minimally invasive Supercap approach (group A, n=35) or by posterolateral approach (group B, n=35). One patient was excluded from the study in group B because of too wide femur cavity. There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, fracture cause, time from fracture to operation, fracture side, fracture classification, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS), and hemoglobin-level between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, and complications were recorded. The early clinical evaluations included timed up and go test (TUG), hemoglobin-level, VAS score, and satisfaction. The anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films were taken to measure the stem alignment, difference in leg length, and difference in femoral offset. ResultsAll the patients were followed up 6-11 months (mean, 7.32 months). No patients died during follow-up. There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). The incision length of group A was significantly smaller than that of group B (P < 0.05). One patient had delayed union of incision in group A (2.86%); 2 patients had deep vein thrombosis in group B (5.88%); and there was no significant difference in the complication rate (χ2=0.764, P=0.512). The postoperative hemoglobin level showed no significant difference between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Group A had lower VAS score and higher subjective satisfaction than group B, showing significant difference at 1, 5, and 14 days after operation (P < 0.05). The TUG of group A was significantly shorter than that of group B at 5, 14, and 30 days (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in femoral offset or leg length on the X-ray films (t=1.273, P=0.851; t=0.409, P=0.327). The good rate of stem alignment was 82.86% (29/35) in group A, and was 85.30% (29/34) in group B, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.584, P=0.497). ConclusionBoth minimal invasive Supercap approach and conventional posterolateral approach are effective and safe for elderly displaced femoral neck fractures in hemiarthroplasty. Supercap approach has the advantages of less trauma, pain relief, and improvement of mobility and rapid rehabilitation.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of individual percutaneous cannulated screws fixation of computer-assisted design combined with three-dimensional (3D) guide plate by comparing with cast immobilization and open internal fixation for treatment of Herbert type Ib scaphoid fracture. MethodsBetween January 2010 and June 2015, 56 patients with fresh Herbert type Ib scaphoid fracture were treated with cast immobilization in 16 cases (external fixation group), with open reduction and internal fixation in 20 cases (open reduction group), and with individual percutaneous cannulated screws fixation of computer-assisted design combined 3D guide plate in 20 cases (minimal invasion group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injury cause, side, disease duration, and classification of fractures between groups P>0.05).The time of bone union, bone nonunion rate, return-to-work time, wrist range of motion (ROM), and Mayo function score were recorded and compared. ResultsPrimary healing of incision was obtained in open reduction group and minimally invasion group, without related complications. The cases were followed up 10-24 months (mean, 16.6 months). The time of bone union and return-to-work time of minimal invasion group were significantly shorter than those of the other 2 groups (P<0.05), and the rate of bone nonunion was significantly lower than that of the other 2 groups (P<0.05). At last follow-up, the wrist ROM of minimal invasion group[(104.40±3.46)°] was significantly larger than that of external group[(94.20±2.42)°] and open reduction group[(96.40±2.66)°] (P<0.05). According to Mayo function score, the results were excellent in 6 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 3 cases in external fixation group, with an excellent and good rate of 69%; the results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 7 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 2 cases in open reduction group, with an excellent and good rate of 80%; the results were excellent in 16 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in1 case in minimal invasion group, with an excellent and good rate of 95%; there was significant difference in excellent and good rate among groups (P<0.05). ConclusionIndividual percutaneous cannulated screws fixation of computer-assisted design combined with 3D guide plate has satisfactory effectiveness in the treatment of Herbert type Ib scaphoid fractures, with the advantages of mini-invasion, high accuracy, high rate of bone union, less complication, early return-to-work time.