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 summarize the minimally invasive experiences and medium-long-term results of perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defects (VSD) under transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and medium-long-term follow-up results of 783 patients who undertook perventricular device closure under TEE guidance in Dalian Children’s Hospital from July 2011 to January 2020, in which perimembrane VSD were found in 598 patients, VSD with aortic valve prolapse in 135 patients and muscular VSD in 2 patients. There were 463 males and 320 females at age of 5 months to 13 years with average age of 3.3±1.2 years, and body weight of 5.9-51.0 (15.9±8.3) kg. The left ventricular defect diameter of the VSD ranged from 5.0 to 11.0 mm, with an average of 6.3±1.2 mm. The right ventricular defect diameter of the VSD ranged from 2.3 to 8.0 mm, with an average of 4.3±0.9 mm.ResultsThe procedures were completed successfully in 753 patients. The device of 1 patient (0.1%) fell off and embedded in the right pulmonary artery after the operation, and the occluder was taken out and the VSD was closed with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in the secondary operation. One patient (0.1%) appeared Ⅲ degree atrioventricular block in 2 years after operation. The device was taken out and VSD was closed with CPB in the secondary operation, and the patient gradually reached to sinus rhythm in post-operation. Eight patients (1.1%) presented delayed pericardial effusion in 1 week after operation, and were cured by pericardiocentesis with ultrasound-guided. Symmetric occluders were used in 580 patients, eccentric occleders were used in 171 patients and muscular occluders were used in 2 patients. The follow-up time was 9 months to 9 years. The rate of loss to follow-up was 96.7% (704/728). No residual shunt, occlude-loss or arrhythmia was found during follow-up. Conclusion The minimally invasive penventricular device closure of VSD guided by TEE is safe and availabe. Medium-long-term follow-up results are satisfactory, it is worthy of clinical promotion, and longer term follow-up is still needed.
Objective To explore the application effect of 3D printed heart models in the training of young cardiac surgeons, and evaluate their application value in surgical simulation and skill improvement. MethodsEight young cardiac surgeons were selected form West China Hospital as the trainees. Before training, the Hands-On Surgical Training-Congenital Heart Surgery (HOST-CHS) operation scores of the 8 cardiac surgeons were obtained after operating on 2 pig heart models of ventricular septal defect (VSD). Subsequently, simulation training was conducted on a 3D printed peri-membrane VSD heart model for 6 weeks, once a week. After the training, all trainees completed 2 pig heart VSD repair surgeries. The improvement of doctors’ skills was evaluated through survey questionnaires, HOST-CHS scores, and operation time after training. ResultsBefore the training, the average HOST-CHS score of the 8 trainees was 52.2±6.3 points, and the average time for VSD repair was 54.7±7.1 min. During the 6-week simulation training using 3D printed models, the total score of HOST-CHS for the 8 trainees gradually increased (P<0.001), and the time required to complete VSD repair was shortened (P<0.001). The trainees had the most significant improvement in scores of surgical cognition and protective awareness. The survey results showed that trainees were generally very satisfied with the effectiveness of 3D model simulation training. Conclusion The 3D printed VSD model demonstrates significant application advantages in the training of young cardiac surgeons. By providing highly realistic anatomical structures, 3D models can effectively enhance surgeons’ surgical skills. It is suggested to further promote the application of 3D printing technology in medical education, providing strong support for cultivating high-quality cardiac surgeons.
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical efficacy of transthoracic occlusion via a right subaxillary incision and conventional surgery in the treatment of ventricular septal defect (VSD).MethodsThe clinical data of patients with congenital VSD undergoing right subaxillary incision surgery in our hospital from January 2017 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the surgical methods, the patients were divided into two groups: a conventional surgery group (conventional group) and a transthoracic occlusion group (occlusion group). There were 221 patients in the conventional group, including 97 males and 124 females, with an average age of 2.6±2.2 years and an average weight of 13.4±6.2 kg; there were 185 patients in the occlusion group, including 90 males and 95 females, with an average age of 3.2±2.6 years and an average weight of 14.7±6.6 kg. The clinical effectiveness was compared.ResultsThe success rate of surgery was 100% in both groups. The intraoperative blood loss was less in the occlusion group (P<0.05). The incision length, operation time, postoperative mechanical ventilation time, retention time in the intensive care unit, the time to resume normal diet and normal activities after operation were all shorter than those in the conventional group (P all <0.05). The total cost during hospitalization of the conventional group was less than that of the occlusion group (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference in the incidence rate of perioperative complications between the two groups (P>0.05). During the follow-up (15.8±8.8 months), the incidence of complications in the conventional group was higher than that in the occlusion group with a statistical difference (P<0.001).ConclusionCompared with conventional surgery, transthoracic occlusion for VSD via right subaxillary incision has the advantages of smaller incision, shorter operation time, less blood loss, shorter postoperative recovery time and less long-term complications. However, the total hospitalization cost is relatively high, mainly because of the high consumables cost, and the long-term effects still need further comparative observation.
ObjectiveTo summarize the experience of totally thoracoscopic cardiac surgery for ventricular septal defect.MethodsClinical data of 449 patients undergoing totally thoracoscopic cardiac surgery for ventricular septal defect from May 2008 to December 2018 in Shanghai Yodak Cardiothoracic Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. There were 232 male and 217 female patients, aged from 3 to 55 years with a mean age of 17.3±11.2 years.ResultsAll the operations were completed successfully. Mean operative time was 2.4±0.3 h. The mean extracorporeal circulation time and aortic cross-clamp time was 64.2±11.6 min and 28.4±10.7 min, respectively. Mechanical ventilation time and intensive care unit stay was 6.9±3.8 h and 20.5±5.6 h, respectively. Postoperation drainage quantity was 213.1±117.2 mL. The hospital stay was 6.9±1.3 d. Intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred in 11 patients (2.4%), including 1 patient of intraoperative reoperation, 3 patients of reoperation for bleeding, 3 patients of the incision infection, 2 patients of small residual shunt, 1 patient of right femoral artery incision stenosis complicated by thromboembolism and 1 patient of right pleural cavity pneumothorax. The mean follow-up time was 72.2±33.9 months. During the period, there was no reoperation, but 2 patients of ventricular septal defect small residual shunt, 1 patient of mild-moderate mitral valve and 1 patient of mild-moderate aortic valve incompetence, respectively. During the period, heart function of the patients was NYHAⅠ-Ⅱ.ConclusionTotally thoracoscopic cardiac surgery for ventricular septal defect is a safe and effective treatment, with few serious complications, fast recovery for patients and good short to medium-term outcomes.
Objective To analyze the risk factors for death in children with interruption of aortic arch (IAA) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) after one-stage radical surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with IAA and VSD who underwent one-stage radical treatment in the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2006 to January 2017. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for death after the surgery. Results A total of 152 children were enrolled, including 70 males and 82 females. Twenty-two patients died with a mean age of 30.73±9.21 d, and the other 130 patients survived with a mean age of 37.62±11.06 d. The Cox analysis showed that younger age (OR=0.551, 95%CI 0.320-0.984, P=0.004), low body weight (OR=0.632, 95%CI 0.313-0.966, P=0.003), large ratio of VSD diameter/aortic root diameter (VSD/AO, OR=2.547, 95%CI 1.095-7.517, P=0.044), long cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR=1.374, 95%CI 1.000-3.227, P=0.038), left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO, OR=3.959, 95%CI 1.123-9.268, P=0.015) were independent risk factors for postoperative death. Conclusion For children with IAA and VSD, younger age, low body weight, large ratio of VSD/AO, long cardiopulmonary bypass time and LVOTO are risk factors for death after one-stage radical surgery.
ObjectiveTo analyze the diagnosis and treatment of patients with ventricular septal defect complicated with infective endocarditis.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 40 patients with ventricular septal defect complicated with infective endocarditis in our hospital from 2001 to 2016. There were 25 males and 15 females, aged 20-62 (39.92±11.16) years. They were divided into two groups according to the duration from admission to surgery: a group A (an early operation group whose surgery was performed within 7 days after admission) and a group B (a conventional treatment group with the duration from admission to surgery>7 days). Among them, there were 27 patients in the group A including 15 males and 12 females with an average age of 39.56±11.80 years, and 13 patients in the group B including 10 males and 3 females with an average age of 40.69±10.13 years. All patients were examined by echocardiogram and blood bacterial culture to investigate their etiology, echocardiogram results and treatment status. And the clinical data of the two groups were compared.ResultsTwo patients died before operation in the group B, one died of heart failure, and one cerebral infarction. No reoperation during hospitalization, cerebral infarction, thromboembolism or other complications occurred. The ventilation time in the group A was significantly shorter than that in the group B (18.00±14.85 h vs. 31.00±29.57 h, P=0.015). There was no statistical difference in the extracorporeal circulation time, myocardial block time, or postoperative hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). After discharge, the patients continued antibiotic therapy for 3-6 weeks. Patients were followed up for 12-127 (75.74±6.01) months, 1 died of malignant tumors in the group A, 1 developed atrial fibrillation and 1 developed cardiac insufficiency in the group B, and the rest of patients did not complain of obvious discomfort. There was no residual shunt, recurrence of infective endocarditis, reoperation, postoperative stroke or thromboembolism.ConclusionPreoperative echocardiography and blood bacteriological culture are helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with ventricular septal defect complicated with infective endocarditis. Early surgery is safe and effective for these patients, and can improve the long-term survival rate.
Objective To analyze the influencing factors and outcomes of atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) occlusion guided by echocardiography. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 188 patients receiving transthoracic and percutaneous transcatheter closure of ASD and VSD from July 2009 to July 2017 in our department, including 74 males and 114 females, aged 13.48±13.53 years ranging from 1 to 65 years. Results Fifty-three ASD patients accepted transthoracic closure surgery, of whom 4 patients were difficult to close and 6 patients failed to close; 24 patients underwent percutaneous transcatheter ASD occlusion surgery, of whom 3 were difficult to close and 1 failed in occlusion; 108 VSD patients implemented transthoracic closure surgery, of whom 10 patients were difficult to close and 5 patients failed in closure; 9 VSD patients underwent percutaneous transcatheter closure, of whom 5 failed and then was converted to transthoracic closure. Our study showed that too large or too small aperture was the independent risk factor. Two kinds of closure surgery had their own advantages and disadvantages. The special type of VSD was the influencing factor of transthoracic closure. Conclusion When the ASD diameter≥25 mm, transthoracic closure is the best choice to avoid the use of large occluder. When the ASD diameter<25 mm, percutaneous closure surgery is the best choice. When the ASD diameter≥35 mm, it is best to give up the closure operation. Technical improvements can significantly raise the closure success rate of the subarterial VSD. For the entry diameter>10 mm and membranous aneurysm with multi-break, occlusion surgery should be avoided in VSD.
The patient, male, 1 year, was admitted to our hospital with cardiac murmur. Cardiac ultrasonography showed "complete atrioventricular septal defect (C-AVSD), secondary orifice atrial septal defect (ASD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), left superior vena cava, and pulmonary hypertension". The patient got follow-up at the age of 3, 6, 9 months and 1 year, with no feeding difficulties, no obvious underdevelopment and no history of repeated respiratory infections. Cardiac ultrasonography showed that the ventricular septal defect (VSD) healed spontaneously at 9 months of age. At 1 year of age, he was admitted to the hospital with "partial atrioventricular septal defect (P-AVSD)" and accepted surgery. Intraoperative exploration showed that the primary orifice ASD was 12 mm, the atrioventricular valve was divided into two groups, and the left atrioventricular valve had three leaflets: anterior, posterior, and lateral one. A cleft was between the anterior and posterior leaflets. The annulus was not enlarged with diameter of 13 mm. The right atrioventricular valve developed well, with fibrous hyperplasia and adhesion under the septal valve. No VSD was seen. The cleft was sutured intermittently. Autologous pericardial patch was used to repair the primary orifice ASD, and the coronary sinus was separated into the right atrium. Self-healing of VSD patients with C-AVSD is very rare, suggesting that patients with C-AVSD with normal range of development, and without obvious clinical symptoms and secondary damage, should be followed up and accept elective surgery in clinical practice.
Objective To investigate the risk factors of prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation for adult patients with atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 76 patients with AVSD aged more than 18 years in our hospital from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2017. The patients ventilated longer than 24 hours were described as a prolonged ventilation group (n=27) and the others as a normal group (n=49). There were 9 males and 18 females aged 32.22±9.64 years in the prolonged ventilation group, and 16 males and 33 females aged 35.98±11.34 years in the normal group. Perioperative variables between the two groups were compared and selected, and then analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Results The result of univariate analysis showed that there was a statistical difference in weight, preoperative pulmonary artery systolic pressure, duration of cardiopulmonary bypass, the level of postoperative platelet, hemoglobin, blood glucose, lactic acid and serum creatinine, postoperative maximum heart rate and postoperative infection rate between the prolonged ventilated group and the normal group. Multivarable logistic regression showed that preoperative pulmonary artery hypertension (OR=1.056, 95%CI 1.005 to 1.110, P=0.030), prolonged duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (OR=1.036, 95%CI 1.007 to 1.066, P=0.016) and the low postoperative hemoglobin level (OR=0.874, 95%CI 0.786 to 0.973, P=0.014) were the risk factors of prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation. Conclusion Preoperative pulmonary artery hypertension, long duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and postoperative anaemia are the risk factors associated with prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation.