Weight gain potential-a neglected entity during valve replacement

Introduction

During valve replacement, appropriate valve size will be chosen based on many factors, neglecting the potential of the patient for gaining weight. We aimed at evaluating the weight gain potential and its effect on hemodynamics in post mitral valve replacement (MVR) patients.

Material and methods

In 118 post-MVR patients, demographic and echocardiographic data at the time of discharge and follow-up were obtained and analyzed. Primary aim of study is to analyze the hemodynamics of patients based on weight gain/loss. Secondary aim is to evaluate the same in patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) subgroup and to evaluate the study population for the potential to gain/loss weight.

Results

Among 118 patients, 87 patients (73.7%) gained weight. In 87 weight gained patients, left atrial (LA) size (p = 0.011) and pulmonary artery systolic (PA) pressure (p = 0.028) at follow-up were significantly elevated than the discharge values. Among 53 PPM patients (incidence, 44.9%), 34 patients gained weight and their PA pressure was found to be elevated at follow-up (p = 0.021) whereas weight lost group does not show any significant difference (p = 0.972). Frequency of weight gain was more among patients who weighed < 50 kg preoperatively (28 out of 30) (p = 0.013) and 20 to 30 years age group patients (p = 0.043). No sex predilection was noted (p = 0.149).

Conclusion

In post-MVR patients, weight gain has definitive influence over hemodynamics. In PPM subgroup, weight gained patients had significantly increased PA systolic pressure at follow-up. Young, < 50 kg weighed, and PPM patients should be advised to maintain their weight post MVR for better hemodynamics.

Reversed Elephant Trunk Technique for the Repair of Type B Aortic Dissection: A Case Report

We report a case of a type B aortic dissection with an aneurysm treated by the replacement of the proximal descending thoracic aorta via the reversed elephant trunk technique. A 48-year-old asymptomatic man was diagnosed with a type B aortic dissection, moderate aortic regurgitation, and a good biventricular function in March 2012. Four years later (April 2016), a contrast-enhanced computed tomography examination revealed an aneurysmal dilatation in the patient’s descending thoracic aorta with a thrombosis in the proximal part of the false lumen, which warranted surgical repair. He underwent type B aortic dissection repair through the left posterolateral thoracotomy. Three months after the surgery, the patient developed a type A aortic dissection with severe aortic regurgitation, which was successfully managed via a Bentall procedure with arch replacement facilitated by the reversed elephant trunk technique performed during the initial surgery through thoracotomy. At 2 years follow-up, the patient was doing well with a normal left ventricular function.

An Aortic Root Abscess Presenting as a Suprasternal Pulsatile Mass

Prosthetic valve endocarditis with aortic root abscess is a serious condition requiring urgent surgical intervention. We present a case caused by an infected Bentall mechanical valve conduit after cardiac surgery in a patient who was referred for a suprasternal pulsatile mass. The patient also had 1 episode of sentinel haemorrhage.

Reversed Elephant Trunk Technique for the Repair of Type B Aortic Dissection: A Case Report

We report a case of a type B aortic dissection with an aneurysm treated by the replacement of the proximal descending thoracic aorta via the reversed elephant trunk technique. A 48-year-old asymptomatic man was diagnosed with a type B aortic dissection, moderate aortic regurgitation, and a good biventricular function in March 2012. Four years later (April 2016), a contrast-enhanced computed tomography examination revealed an aneurysmal dilatation in the patient's descending thoracic aorta with a thrombosis in the proximal part of the false lumen, which warranted surgical repair. He underwent type B aortic dissection repair through the left posterolateral thoracotomy. Three months after the surgery, the patient developed a type A aortic dissection with severe aortic regurgitation, which was successfully managed via a Bentall procedure with arch replacement facilitated by the reversed elephant trunk technique performed during the initial surgery through thoracotomy. At 2 years follow-up, the patient was doing well with a normal left ventricular function.

Infected Teflon felt strip-paracardiac abscess after Dor's procedure

Foreign material used for reconstructing or suturing the cardiac chambers carries the risk of infection. When such a scenario is encountered, it is better to be aggressive in removing the infected source surgically, as conservative management will most often result in recurrence. Herein, we present an unusual case of infected prosthetic material after cardiac surgery that was managed surgically. This case reminds us of the surgical principle of eradicating the source of infection, which should be given priority.

Transhepatic permanent pacing in a child with complex cyanotic heart disease after total cavo pulmonary shunt (Kawashima repair)

Complex cyanotic congenital heart diseases with left isomerism are sometimes associated with atrioventricular nodal conduction disturbances that may need permanent pacing. Surgical palliation in such anatomy connecting the superior vena cava to the pulmonary artery precludes a transvenous access for an endocardial pacing lead to the ventricles. Epicardial leads in these patients fail if the pacing thresholds are very high. We report transhepatic permanent ventricular lead implantation for a young boy with heterotaxy complicated by complete heart block.

Tetralogy of Fallot with subarterial ventricular septal defect: Surgical outcome in the current era

Background:

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with subarterial ventricular septal defect (VSD) is more common among Asians than Caucasians. Compared with the regular subaortic VSD postoperative right ventricular outflow obstruction is more common because of the sub-pulmonary extension of the defect. The objective of this study is to analyze the surgical implications and outcomes of patients with TOF - subarterial VSD in the current era.

Patients and Methods:

In all, 539 consecutive operated patients with TOF from May 2005 to September 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Eighty-five patients had subarterial VSD. Seventy-nine of these underwent intracardiac repair. Preoperative clinical, echocardiographic features, operative and postoperative variables were assessed.

Results:

The median age at surgery was 6 years and the median weight was 14 kilograms. The male to female ratio was 1.7:1. TOF with subarterial VSD was associated with frequent use of transannular patch (74.6%). The early mortality was 2.5%. Follow up was 92% complete with a mean duration of 20 months with actuarial survival of 97.3% at 5 years. Two patients required reoperation for significant right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) at one year and three years, respectively.

Conclusions:

Intra cardiac repair for TOF with subarterial VSD has low perioperative mortality and morbidity. Transannular patch augmentation of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) is required in a significant proportion of these patients. Precise suturing of the VSD patch, adequate infundibular resection and lower threshold for a transannular patch placement ensures a smooth early postoperative recovery.