[Prediction of myocardial contractility after coronary bypass surgery according to preoperative contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the criteria for reversibility of myocardial contractility in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after coronary artery bypass grafting considering data of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiography.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied the results of coronary artery bypass grafting in 186 patients with CAD complicated by reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (<30%). All patients underwent cardiac MRI and echocardiography before surgery. Immediate and long-term results were evaluated according to echocardiography and MRI data.

RESULTS

We confirmed the previously established predictors of improvement in left ventricular contractility: diastolic IVST ≥10.5 mm and PWT ≥9.5 mm, score of LV myocardium damage according to MRI with delayed contrast enhancement (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis makes it possible to calculate prognostic index and obtain information about further myocardial contractility after revascularization with an error of 6%.

CONCLUSION

Echocardiography and contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI are valuable to assess morphological and functional state of the left ventricle in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and preoperatively determine functional reserve of the myocardium.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing for treatment effect assessment in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients

Aim      To determine possibilities of the cardiopulmonary stress test (CPST) as an unbiassed, noninvasive method for evaluation of the effect of managing patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).Material and methods  This study included 37 patients with CTEPH, 24 men (mean age, 53±15 years) and 13 women (mean age, 58±8.5 years). The diagnosis was verified and theCoperability was assessed according to 2015 European Society of Cardiology Clinical Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). The surgical treatment was used in 65 % (n=24) of CTEPH patients: the group with pulmonary thromboendarterectomy constituted 35 % (n=13); the group with balloon pulmonary angioplasty 30% (n=11); and the conservative tactics was used in 27 % (n=10) of patients.Results Baseline CPST parameters significantly correlated with parameters of right heart catheterization (RHC): mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) significantly positively correlated with V´O2peak (r=0.640, p&lt;0.05), V´O2 / heart rate (HR) (r=0.557; p&lt;0.001), PETCO2 peak (r=0.598, p&lt;0.05), and V´E / V´CO2 (r=0.587; p&lt;0.001); cardiac output (CO) correlated with V´O2 / HR (r=0.555, p&lt;0.001), PETCO2peak (r= -0.476; p&lt;0.05 and r=0.555, p&lt;0.001 for ´E / V´CO2). In repeated testing, the physical working capacity (V´O2peak) increased only in patients after the surgical treatment of CTEPH. Importantly in this process, significant correlations remained between a number of CPST and RHC parameters: SvO2 correlated with V´O2peak (r=0.743; p&lt;0.05), V´O2 /HR (r=0.627; p&lt;0.001), PETCO2peak (r=0.538; p&lt;0.05), and V´E / V´CO2 (r=0.597; p&lt;0.001); V´O2 / HR, PETCO2peak, and V´E / V´CO2 significantly correlated with CO (r=0.645, p&lt;0.001; r= -0.516, p&lt;0.001, and r=0.555, p&lt;0.001, respectively.Conclusion      CPST can be used as a noninvasive instrument for evaluation of the effect of CTEPH treatment, particularly in the absence of echocardiographic data for residual PH.

[Visceral debranching in hybrid surgery of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms]

Presented herein is a review of the literature dedicated to the method of visceral debranching, i. e., switching of the visceral and renal branches of the abdominal aorta to its intact portion, using synthetic vascular prostheses as the first stage of hybrid surgical treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms prior to endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. This is accompanied and followed by describing the history of the problem, operative technique, results of studies, as well as the data from registries and meta-analyses. Also discussed are the main complications of the method and measures of their prevention. We conclude that hybrid surgery of the thoracoabdominal portion of the aorta is a promising method in a particular cohort of patients, especially those at high surgical risk of 'open' aortic surgery.

[Endovascular and hybrid treatment of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms and dissections]

The article deals with immediate and medium-term results of hybrid and endovascular treatment of 74 patients with various pathologies of the thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta (31 with aneurysms, 43 with thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic dissections). Elective and emergency interventions were performed in 49 and 25 patients, respectively. Endoprosthetic repair of the arch, descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta was performed in 25 patients, hybrid operations in 47 subjects (open switch of brachiocephalic, visceral and renal arteries followed by aortic endoprosthetic repair - 37, endovascular methods of making a landing zone - 12). The duration of the follow-up period after discharge from hospital amounted to 24.9±16.3 months. The technical success level was 98.6%. The overall hospital mortality rate was 11% (n=8), elective - 4% (n=2), emergency - 24% (n=6). Eight patients underwent repeat interventions on the thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta. The 5-year cumulative survival rate was 82.3%, with freedom from repeat interventions amounting to 51.3%. Hybrid operations on the arch and descending thoracic aorta are considered to be a relatively safe and effective method of treatment. Follow-up and timely treatment of remote complications after hybrid or endovascular operations are obligatory for improving the results.

[Removal of ascending aortic dissection and residual blood flow after transcatheter isolation of descending aortic dissection]

Presented herein is a clinical case report concerning successful simultaneous surgical treatment of a female patient with a complication after transcatheter treatment for chronic dissection of the descending portion of the thoracic aorta. The woman was subjected to elective transcatheter isolation of chronic dissection of the descending thoracic aorta using a stent graft with complete coverage of the zone of the origin of the left subclavian artery. Repeat control imaging studies several months after the intervention revealed residual blood flow through the false channel, directed retrogradely from the distal edge of the stent graft to the left subclavian artery. Besides, the patient was also found to have local dissection of the distal part of the ascending aorta (zone 0). An operative intervention was performed: sternotomy, prosthetic repair of the ascending portion of the aorta and part of the aortic arch, as well as transposition of the left subclavian artery to the left common carotid artery. The control imaging studies confirmed radical removal of the false aneurysm of the ascending aorta and the presence of total thrombosis of the false channel at the level of the stent graft.

COVID-19 management in heart transplanted recipients: registry of Almazov National Medical Research Centre

Aim      This study presents the experience of managing patients with COVID-19 after cardiac transplantation (CT).Material and methods  Infectious complications (IC) following CT are a leading cause for morbidity and mortality. A prolonged incubation period, atypical IC symptoms, and originally altered results of laboratory and instrumental diagnosis are characteristic of recipients due to immunosuppression. In 2020, the coronavirus infection (COVID-19) rapidly spread worldwide, and timely diagnosis and searching for effective treatments for this disease became a major challenge. From January 2010 through July 2020, 148 patients received orthotopic heart transplants at the V.A. Almazov National Medical Research Center; 34 of these patients died by the present time and were excluded from this analysis. 114 patients were included into the retrospective evaluation of results. These patients had been a part of the group followed up at the Center for more than a month.Results From March through July 2020, 12 (10.5 %) of 114 CT recipients were infected with the virus SARS-CoV-2. In 75 % (n=9) of the sick patients, the COVID-19 infection developed after more than one year after CT. From the first day of clinical symptoms, mycophenolic acid/everolimus were temporarily suspended. The outpatient treatment was started on the first day and included an antiviral therapy (oseltamivir), mucolytics (bromhexine), vitamin C, and anticoagulants. If the disease onset was associated with pyretic fever the empiric antibacterial levofloxacin treatment was administered due to a high risk of mixed infection. Hospitalized patients with moderately severe COVID-19 (n=3) were treated with oxygen inhalation through nasal cannula and prone position with a positive effect.Conclusion      Remote counseling of patients after CT and consistency of the outpatient treatment with recommendations of managing transplant physicians provided timely diagnosis of IC, early administration of treatment, and the absence of COVID-19 complications. Reducing the regimen of immunosuppressive therapy (antiproliferative agents) for up to 14 days facilitated infection control and was not associated with acute rejection crisis and/or impairment of the transplant function.

[Arterial hypertension after heart transplantation]

Aim To evaluate incidence of arterial hypertension (AH) in the posttransplantation period and to identify risk factors for this complication.Materials and methods From January, 2010 through December, 2017, 96 heart transplantations (HT) (70 men and 26 women aged 46.5±13.9 years) were performed. During the first month following HT, 8 recipients died and were excluded from the analysis. The retrospective evaluation of results included 88 patients followed up for more than one year.Results For the entire post-HT period (maximum 92 months), AH was observed in 75 of 88 (85%) recipients. Post-HT AH was correlated with male gender (r=0.24; p=0.031), history of smoking before HT (r=0.45; p&lt;0.001), history of ischemic heart disease (IHD) (r=0.28; p=0.01), older age (r=0.35; p=0.001), higher body weight index (r=0.37; p=0.0005), creatinine level (r=0.37; p=0.001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (r=0.27; p=0.04). Interrelations with other AH risk factors were not found. Most patients developed AH within the first two years after HT. During the first year, AH was diagnosed in 60% (53 of 88) of patients (relapse, 85% (n=29); newly diagnosed, 45% (n=24), p=0.0003). At two years, AH was detected in 79% (46 of 58) of patients (relapse, 53% (n=18); newly diagnosed, 53% (n=28), p=0.9). All recipients received an adequate antihypertensive therapy. 40-63% of patients required a single-drug therapy at different points of follow-up; from 29 to 45% of patients required a two-drug therapy, and 5-15% of patients required three or more drugs. During all 5 years of treatment, most patients used angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (70-87%) and slow calcium channel blockers (SCCB) (48-53%). The presence of AH following HT was associated with development of all cardiovascular events (CVE; r=0.31; p=0.012) whereas persistent AH, which required a combination antihypertensive treatment, was associated with a high mortality (r=0.61; p=0.015).Conclusion AH is a frequent complication of HT (85%), which is newly diagnosed in most patients during the first two years. AH incidence was higher for male recipients with a history of IHD, hypertension, and smoking. Approximately half of patients required only a single-drug antihypertensive therapy. After HT, the most frequently prescribed drugs included ACE inhibitors or ARBs and SCCBs (70-87% and 48-53%, respectively, depending on the time elapsed after HT). Persistent AH requiring a treatment with two or more antihypertensive drugs was associated with development of all CVEs and a higher long-term mortality.

[Clinical significance of different assesment methods of myocardial fibrosis in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.]

Objective To evaluate prospects for clinical use of circulating biomarkers for characterizing fibrotic changes in the myocardium of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCMP) with left ventricular (LV) outflow tract obstruction.Materials and Methods This was a prospective study with a 12-month follow-up period. The study included 47 patients (29 females and 18 males) with obstructive HCMP who were selected for septal reduction. Echocardiography (EchoCG), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and measurements of serum C-reactive protein, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, and relevant circulating markers of fibrosis (TGF-β1, MMP-2,-9, TIMP-1, galectin-3, sST2, CITP, PICP, and PIIINP) were performed for all patients. All patients were evaluated at baseline and at 7 days, 6 and 12 months following surgical treatment. Morphometrical analysis of intraoperative biopsy samples was performed for evaluation of the degree of fibrotic changes. Patients received beta-blockers (95.7%), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (34%), loop diuretics (68.1%), aldosterone antagonists (34%), and statins (66%).Results Women with HCMP were older and more frequently had additional risk factors (arterial hypertension). Men had a higher risk of sudden cardiac death. Histological study of intraoperative myocardial biopsy samples showed that the area of fibrotic changes was 13.9±6.9%. According to cardiac MRI mean area of delayed contrast enhancement was 8.7±3.3% of LV myocardial mass. No association was established between traditional cardiovascular risk factors and severity of myocardial fibrotic changes or levels of circulating fibrosis markers. Perhaps that was due to the modifying effect of the drug therapy received by HCMP patients. According to EchoCG maximum pressure gradient in the LV outflow tract before the surgical treatment was 88 (55; 192) mm Hg, and interventricular septal thickness was 22 (16; 32) mm. A considerable decrease (p=0.0002) in the LV outflow tract gradient was observed after myectomy in all patients. At the same time, the left ventricular dimension, which tended to decrease in the early postoperative period, returned to baseline values by the 6th month of follow-up.Conclusion The study confirmed the increase in relevant circulating markers of fibrosis in patients with obstructive HCMP. At the same time, no correlation was observed between levels of circulating biomarkers and severity of fibrosis according to data of histology and cardiac MRI, which was probably due to the modifying effect of drug therapy and limited sampling.

[Experience of general surgical procedures in patients after heart transplantation]

PURPOSE

To study the frequency of general surgical diseases development snd their features in patients after heart transplantation (HTx).

METHODS

From January 2010 to December 2018 it was performed 112 HTx (mean age - 46.7±14.0 years old; 82 - male, 30 - female). During 30 days after HTx 9 patients died. After discharge all recipients (n=98) were included in dispensary observation list. We retrospectively analyzed patients (n=35) who underwent general surgery manipulations in more than 30 days after HTx. All surgical interventions have been done under the reduction of immunosuppression therapy.

RESULTS

During 9 years of post-heart transplant follow-up 45 surgical interventions were performed, 7% (n=3) of them due to infectious complications, 31% (n=14) - oncology and others (62%, n=28). Most of manipulations were planned (39 from 45, 87%), the following general surgery interven- tions prevailed: laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n=13) and those to remove inguinal and umbilical hernia (n=12). During the 1st year the frequency of diseases required surgical treatment was 26% (n=11), infectious causes took place in 5 patients, non-infectious - in 6. Subsequently the incidence of infectious complications decreased that could be associated with the minimization of immunosuppressive therapy. Oncology was more frequent long-term after HTx - more than 3 years: among them the development of colon polyps prevailed and all recipients underwent polypectomy. There was no impact of age, gender, causes of chronic heart failure, obesity, immunosuppressive regimen (including the induction) on the frequency of general surgery diseases development (p&gt;0.05).

CONCLUSION

Based on our experience, we proposed an algorithm of examination, the features of surgical tactics and preparation for it in heart transplanted recipients are described. The important role of post-heart transplant follow-up in the timely detection of diseases requiring general surgical care is given.

[Open surgical treatment of aneurysms and dissection of the thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta]

Presented herein is experience in treating a total of 56 patients with pathology of the arch, descending and thoracoabdominal aorta from 1997 to 2017. Of these, 6 (11%) patients were diagnosed with a Crawford type I-II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA), 20 (35%) patients with Crawford type III-IV TAAA, 18 (32%) were diagnosed as having an aortic arch aneurysm (AAA) and descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA), 12 (22%) had DeBakey type I and IIIb aortic dissection. To protect the visceral organs and spinal cord from ischaemia in 28 (50%) cases we used a temporal bypass from a synthetic vascular graft with zero porosity and measuring from 15 to 20 cm in diameter. RESULTS: Mortality within 30 days amounted to 14.3% (n=8), that after 30 days amounted to 10.7% (n=6): in elective operations - 12% (n=5) and 5.4% (n=3), in emergency operations - 21% (n=3) and 21.4% (n=3), respectively. The total in-hospital mortality amounted to 25% (n=14), equalling 19% (n=8) and 43% (n=6) for elective and emergency operations, respectively. Mortality in using temporal bypass in elective operation amounted to 9.5% (n=2) during 30 days and that without using this method to 14.3% (n=3), after 30 days being 9.5% (n=2) and 4.7% (n=1), respectively. Mortality for emergency cases with a temporal shunt during 30 days was 28.6% (n=2), without - 14.3% (n=1), after 30 days - 28.6% (n=2), without - 14.3% (n=1). In type I-II TAAA mortality within 30 days was 16.6% (n=1), after 30 days - 50% (n=2); type III-IV TAAA - 10% (n=2) and 15% (n=1); DTAA - 22.2% (n=4) and 33.3% (n=2); aortic dissection - 8.3% (n=1) and 16.6% (n=1). Acute renal failure (ARF) occurred in 6 (10.7%) patients and was more often observed in the group without temporal shunting. Events of spinal cord ischaemia with the development of spinal stroke occurred in 6 (10.7%) cases. Five-year survival amounted to 61%. CONCLUSION: Temporal bypass in surgery of the thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta may be used for prevention of ischaemia of visceral organs, kidneys and spinal cord in operations accompanied by cross-clamping of the descending thoracic aorta.

[Expression of osteoprotegerin and soluble ligand of receptor of kappa-B transcription factor activator in the calcification of aortic valve]

The mechanism of valve calcification that is the main cause of aortic stenosis formation and progression is not yet clear. In recent years, the role of the OPG/RANKL/RANK system is considered as one of possible variants of pathogenesis of valve calcification. In presented work the differences in OPG and sRANKL levels involved in the calcification processes in tissues of patients with severe aortic stenosis have been examined. The study was performed using three groups of patients: group 1 - patients with aortic stenosis, group 2 - patients with aortic aneurysm, and group 3 - patients with aortic stenosis and aortic dilatation. In patients with aortic stenosis, the level of RANKL was significantly higher, and the level of RANKL was higher in valve than in tissue. The negative correlation between aortic dilatation and RANKL level indicated the lack of RANKL influence on pathogenesis of aortic dilatation. The obtained data confirm the increased expression of RANKL in patients with aortic valve calcification. The results of this study confirm importance of the OPG/RANKL/RANK system in calcification in patients with aortic stenosis. Athough patients of all groups had comparable values of OPG (including patients with aortic dilatation), the RANKL level increased only in patients with aortic stenosis. This suggest involvement of some additional mechanisms influencing the increase of RANKL expression.

Cellular Mechanisms of Aortic Valve Calcification

Comparative in vitro study examined the osteogenic potential of interstitial cells of aortic valve obtained from the patients with aortic stenosis and from control recipients of orthotopic heart transplantation with intact aortic valve. The osteogenic inductors augmented mineralization of aortic valve interstitial cells (AVIC) in patients with aortic stenosis in comparison with the control level. Native AVIC culture of aortic stenosis patients demonstrated overexpression of osteopontin gene (OPN) and underexpression of osteoprotegerin gene (OPG) in comparison with control levels. In both groups, AVIC differentiation was associated with overexpression of RUNX2 and SPRY1 genes. In AVIC of aortic stenosis patients, expression of BMP2 gene was significantly greater than the control level. The study revealed an enhanced sensitivity of AVIC to osteogenic inductors in aortic stenosis patients, which indicates probable implication of OPN, OPG, and BMP2 genes in pathogenesis of aortic valve calcification.

[Results of a single-centre study of open and endovascular operations of prosthetic repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to assess surgical outcomes in patients suffering from an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm and treated at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery #2 of the National Medical Research Centre named after V.A. Almazov.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out a non-randomized retrospective study including a total of 209 patients presenting with an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. Of these, 160 (76%) patients were subjected to open surgical interventions (Group One) and 49 (24%) patients underwent endovascular isolation of the abdominal aortic aneurysm (Group Two). The check examination was performed in the early postoperative period and at 30 postoperative days. The mean age of the patients amounted to 65±3.4 and 69±6.2 years in Group One and Two, respectively, with the mean diameter of the infrarenal portion of the aorta amounting to 6.5±0.8 and 6.7±0.9 cm, respectively.

RESULTS

30-day mortality amounted to 2.5 and 2.05% in Group One and Two, respectively (OR 1.231; 95% CI 0.134-11.277). Repeat interventions were more often performed in Group One patients compared with Group Two patients (13.7 vs 2.05%) (OR 6.085; 95% CI 0.791-46.799). Postoperative complications were observed more often in Group One patients than in Group Two patients (OR 9.916; 95% CI 2.143-39.457). Complications encountered in Group One and not observed in Group Two were as follows: nosocomial pneumonia - in 3.75% of cases, acute impairment of cerebral circulation (AICC) and acute myocardial infarction - in 1.25% of cases each, cardiac arrhythmia and acute renal failure - in 1.88% of cases each. Local postoperative wound-related complications were encountered in 18.11% of cases in Group One versus 4.1% in Group Two (OR 5.202; 95% CI 1.195-22.652).

CONCLUSIONS

The retrospective analysis of open and endovascular methods of treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms demonstrated that, given the multifocal nature of an atherosclerotic lesion in the cohort of patients involved, it is appropriate in the preoperative period to perform coronarography in all patients in order to rule out significant damage of the coronary bed. It is also appropriate to regard a cohort over 60 years and patients found to have significant concomitant pathology as candidates for endovascular treatment. A differentiated approach to careful selection will make it possible to improve the results of treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

[Staged treatment of a multilevel lesion of brachiocephalic arteries in combination with coronary and valvular pathology of the heart]

Prevention of neurological complications in cardiosurgical and reconstructive vascular surgery is one of the priority tasks of preserving ability to work and decreasing invalidization of patients in the postoperative period. Presented in the article is a clinical case report regarding multiple-stage treatment of a female patient with a combined aortic defect, coronary pathology, and a multilevel bilateral lesion of the brachiocephalic arteries. The first stage consisted in performing a hybrid operation, i. e., carotid endarterectomy from the right internal carotid artery and stenting of the ostium of the right common carotid artery (CCA). The second stage involved balloon angioplasty with stenting of the left CCA, and the third stage was prosthetic repair of the aortic valve by a mechanical prosthesis with simultaneous coronary artery bypass grafting. The woman was discharged in a satisfactory condition. Described in details is the technique of performing the hybrid vascular operation, followed by substantiating the stagewise nature of surgical interventions. The policy chosen demonstrates effective and safe correction of haemodynamically significant tandem stenoses of brachiocephalic arteries, without neurological complications during treatment of patients with cardiological pathology.

[Cognitive dysfunction and content of inflammatory markers in patients after coronary artery bypass graft]

AIM

To study the relationship between the content of inflammatory biomarkers and cognitive function in patients after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) performed in condition of artificial blood circulation (ABC) or open-heart surgery (OHS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with ischemic heart disease who survived CABG, mean age 62.4±6.2 years, were studied. The ABC group (n=18) and OHS group (n=11) were matched for age and sex. Patients underwent standard clinical examination as well as neurological examination and neuropsychological testing. Concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, IL-1RA, IFN-γ, IP-10; MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, RANTES, TNF) were determined in blood plasma obtained 24 h before and 2h after surgery using multiplex immunofluorescence assay.

RESULTS

In both groups, an increase in concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1β and RANTES was observed at point T1. Concentration of IL-1RA was significantly higher only in the ABC group but not in the OHS group. After CABG, an increase in concentrations of IL-8, IP-10, MIP-1β, IL-1RA was significantly higher in the ABC group. The Montreal scale was the most sensitive test for assessment of cognitive functions in post CABG patients. A significant decrease in scores (>3) was noted in 8 out of 18 patients in the ABC group and in one patient of the OHS group. The correlations between the decrease in cognitive functioning in the 7th day after surgery and plasma cytokine concentration 2 h after surgery were identified for IL-6 (r=0.472; p=0.01); IL-8 (r=0.403; p=0.03); IP-10 (r=0.372; p=0.047); MCP-1 (r=0.470; p=0.01).

CONCLUSION

CABG is accompanied by the systemic inflammatory reaction, with the more marked inflammatory effect in patients operated under condition of extracorporeal circulation. CABG with ABC causes an impairment of cognitive functions during the first week in many patients. Impaired cognitive status was associated with the increase in concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines in blood plasma.

[Rosuvastatin in Coronary Bypass Surgery: Whether Only Secondary Prevention?]

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The increasing number of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with a need for active introduction of methods improving immediate and long-term results of these interventions. Results of a number of studies conducted during recent years allow to consider high dose statin therapy one of such methods. In this article we present results of rosuvastatin administration to patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) prior to surgery.

METHODS

Rosuvastatin (40 mg/day) was given for 4 weeks before CABG to patients who had previously taken simvastatin (20 mg/day).

RESULTS

This regimen was assocaed with reduction of desquamation of endothelium of the intima, reduction of the number of smooth muscle cells in the media, as well as the proliferation index according to the immunohistochemical analysis in sections of the great saphenous vein selected for the coronary anastomosis.

CONCLUSION

It is assumed that the antiproliferative effects of high-dose rosuvastatin therapy may have a positive impact in relation to the viability of a remote arterio-venous grafts.

A 6-YEAR EXPERIENCE OF HEART TRANSPLANTATION IN FEDERAL ALMAZOV NORTH-WEST MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE

Aim. To estimate the results of 6-year experience of heart transplantation (HT) in Federal Almazov North-West Medical Research Centre. Methods. From 2010 to 2015 we have performed 65 HT. Mean age was 44.3 ± 14 years old (from 10 to 64 years old). We used biventricular assist device (BIVAD, Berlin Heart Excor) support in 7 heart transplant candidates before HT. 19 patients (29%) received thymoglobulin, whereas 46 patients (71%) had basiliximab to induce immunosuppression.

Results.Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machines were implanted in 5 patients (7.7%) after HT due to acute right ventricular failure. Suture annuloplasty (the Batista procedure) for tricuspid valve repair was carried out in 3 cases (4.6%). Venovenous hemodiafi ltration was used in 11 patients (16.9%). A total of 598 endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) were performed after HT. Evidence of cellular rejection (R1 and R2) was presented in 286 biopsies (48%). The 30-day in-hospital mortality rate was 3.1%. The 6-month survival rate after HT was 92%, 1-year – 91% and overall survival for the 6-year period of observation – 89.2%. Maximum observation period was 71 months.

Conclusions.The 6-year experience of HT in our Center has shown a high level of survival. BIVAD Excor support can be effectively used as a «bridge» to HT. Prevention of graft loss due to acute rejection in heart transplant recipients can be achieved only through regular EMB monitoring. The rate of viral infection increased in 2 months after HT.

[Successful two-stage surgical treatment of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm: a case report]

Presented herein is a clinical case report regarding hybrid or two-stage surgical treatment of a Crawford type II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm in an 87-year-old woman. For the first stage operation we performed open resection of the abdominal aortic aneurysm with aortofemoral bifurcation prosthetic repair and debranching of visceral and renal arteries. Several months thereafter, the second stage operation was performed, consisting in transcatheter exclusion of the thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm with the help of two stent grafts. The postoperative period turned out uneventful, with no complications. The check-up contrast-enhanced multislice computed tomography (MSCT) carried out 8 months later showed neither endoleaks nor migration of the stent grafts, with the bypass shunts' patency preserved.

[Hybrid treatment of patients with aneurysms and dissections of the aortic arch and descending portion of the thoracic aorta]

The authors share herein their experience with hybrid surgical treatment of 21 patients presenting with lesions of the aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta. Aortic pathology included dissection of the thoracoabdominal aorta (n=15), a sacciform aneurysm of the aortic arch (n=5), and a spindle-shaped aneurysm of the distal portions of the aortic arch (n=1). The first stage consisted of the following operations: transposition of the left subclavian artery into the left common carotid artery (n=9; 42.8%), partial debranching (n=11; 52.5%), and total debranching (n=1; 4.7%). The second stage consisted in implantation of a stent graft: to the thoracic aorta in 18 (85.8%) cases, and to the thoracic and abdominal portions of the aorta in 3 (14.2%) cases. The most significant complications of the immediate postoperative period included acute cerebral circulation impairment (n=1) and local dissection of the ascending aorta (n=1). Type I endoleaks were observed in 4 (19%) patients, type II endoleaks in 1 (4.7%), and type III endoleaks in 1 (4.7%). The mean duration of the follow up after discharge from hospital amounted to 11.6±7.9 months. In 4 patients after 6 months the findings of the control MSCT angiography showed no significant changes of the endoleaks. 1-year patency of the shunted branches of the aortic arch amounted to 95.2%. The cumulative survival rate amounted to 95.2%.

Aortic arch reconstruction in surgical treatment of ascending aortic aneurysms and dissections

<p><strong>Aim.</strong> The study focused on the analysis of short-term results of aortic arch reconstruction in patients undergoing open heart surgery for ascending aortic aneurysms and dissections, comparison of intra-operative brain protection methods and verification of predictors of complications.<br /><strong>Methods.</strong> 84 patients (mean age 55.5 ± 11.5 years, 72.6 % (61) males) with ascending aortic aneurysms and Stanford type A ascending aortic and arch dissections underwent surgery over a period from January, 2013, to March, 2015. Patients were divided into 3 groups. The 1st group included patients with ascending aortic aneurysm combined with aortic dilatation at the level of innominate artery &gt;4.0 cm (n = 41). The 2nd group consisted of patients with Stanford type A acute ascending aortic and arch dissection (n = 25). In the 3rd group there were patients with type A chronic ascending aortic and arch dissection (n = 18). No significant differences between the groups were observed. Mean values of the maximum ascending aortic diameter did not differ significantly and were 59.6, 58.4 and 62.4 mm in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd groups, respectively. 3 patients from the 2nd group presented with acute heart failure, 6 – acute myocardial infarction, and 3 – stroke. Higher values of pressure gradient on the aortic valve were registered in the 1st group, as compared to those in the 2nd and 3rd groups (mean value of the peak gradient was 4.5, 8.1 and 12.4 mm Hg, respectively). EuroSCORE II value in the 1st , 2nd and 3rd groups was 9.4 %, 17.7 % and 5.8 %, respectively. <br /><strong>Results.</strong> Overall hospital mortality was 1.2 %: 1 patient with acute type A aortic dissection and later dissection of innominate artery developed stroke and died due to multiple organ failure. More prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamp time were required for patients with acute ascending aortic dissections, but the total surgery time and circulatory arrest time differed significantly only in the 2nd and 3rd groups. Lengthy inotropic support, ventilation time and total ICU stay, as well as a higher rate of neurologic disorders in patients with aortic dissections in comparison with patients with aneurysms were observed. We verified correlation of the urgent type of surgery, acute type A aortic dissection, including arch and descending thoracic aortic dissection, also with dissection of cervicocerebral arteries, with a more complicated hospital period, increased inotropic support and prolonged duration of stay in the intensive care unit.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>. Hemiarch repair of aortic arch dilatation in case of ascending aortic replacement is an effective and safe method of treatment of extended ascending aortic aneurysms and dissections. Unilateral anterograde cerebral perfusion with simultaneous crossclamping of contralateral common carotid artery allows to maintain effective cerebral protection in conditions of moderate hypothermia and duration of circulatory arrest for at least 30-40 minutes. Adverse prognostic factors are urgent surgery, ascending aortic, arch and descending thoracic aortic dissection, prolonged extracorporeal circulation and myocardial ischemia, and disuse of the axillary artery for cannulation.</p><p>Received 6 October 2016. Accepted 24 November 2016.</p><p><strong>Funding:</strong> The study was carried out within the government’s task for 2015-2017, “Cardiovascular pathologies”, theme No. 4 “Research on genome and cellular mechanisms of formation of aorta and aortic valve pathology and development of new methods for its treatment including hybrid technologies”.<br /><strong>Conflict of interest:</strong> The authors declare no conflict of interest.<br /><strong>Author contributions</strong><br />Material acquisition and analysis: Gordeev M.L., Uspenskiy V.E., Bakanov A.Y., Volkov V.V., Ibragimov A.N., Scherbinin T.S., Irtyuga O.B., Naimushin A.V. <br />Article writing: Gordeev M.L., Uspenskiy V.E., Bakanov A.Y. <br />Review &amp; editing: Gordeev M.L., Naimushin A.V.<br /><strong>Acknowledgment</strong><br />The authors express their gratitude for support in diagnostics and management of patients with aortic abnormalities to I. V. Basek, PhD, Head of X-Ray CT Department, and to the employees of X-ray CT Department; to D.A. Zverev, PhD, Head of X-ray Endovascular Surgery Research Lab and the employees of X-ray Endovascular Surgery Departments; O.M. Moiseyeva, Doc. Sci. (Medicine), Head of Noncoronarogenic Heart Diseases Department and her employees, as well as to the employees of Anesthesiology &amp; Resuscitation and Cardiovascular Surgery Departments.</p>

[PROTEIN KINASE C EXPRESSION FOLLOWING REMOTE ISCHEMIC PRECONDITIONING IN CARDIAC SURGERY]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate cardioprotective effects of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) in cardiac surgery patients undergoing aortic valve replacement depending on the type of anesthesia and investigate the level of myocardial protein kinase C epsilon (PKC-ε) expression after RIPC.

METHODS

In prospective randomized trial, forty eight patients aging from 50 to 75 years old (64 (56 ;69)) were included All patients were scheduled for aortic valve replacement using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The patients were randomized into 4 groups: 1) RIPC applied during propofol anesthesia (RIPC prop, n = 12), 2) RIPC applied during sevoflurane anesthesia (RIPC sev, n = 12), 3) propofol anesthesia without RIPC (CONTROL prop, n = 12), 4) sevoflurane anesthesia without RIPC (CONTROL sev, n = 12). There was no difference found between the groups as to the baseline patient's data. RIPC protocol consisted of 3 simultaneous ischemic episodes of both lower limbs (5 minutes) with 5-min reperfusion intervals. PKC-ε expression in right atrial myocardium was assessed using Western blotting. Troponin I (cTnI) was estimated before anesthesia induction, after 30 min, 6, 12, 24, 48 hours after CPB completion. Also we calculated area under curve of cTnI (cTnI AUC). According to nonparametric distribution, data were assessed by the Mann-Whitney U-test and Newman-Keuls methodfor multigroup comparison. p < 0.05 was considered signifcant. The data are presented as median (25th; 75th percentile).

RESULTS

Cardioprotective effects of RIPC were observed only after sevoflurane anesthesia: cTnI AUC was 134,8 (122,3; 232.4) ng/ml/48 h in CONTROL sev group and only 74.3 (64.7; 85.0) ng/ml/48 h in RIPC sev group (p < 0.05). RIPC applied during propofol anesthesia was not associated with cTnIAUC decrease: 93.8 (74.1; 246.8) ng/ml/48 h in CONTROL prop group and 122.5 (74.1; 185.0) ng/ml/48 h in RIPC prop group (p = 0.37). RIPC applied during sevoflurane anesthesia significantly increased PKC-ε expression: 1221 (921; 1438) U in CONTROL sev group vs 1882 (1564; 2131) U in RIPC sev group 6 (p < 0.05). RIPC implication during propofol anesthesia was not associated with any significant difference in PKC-ε expression in comparison with control group: 620 (436; 782) U in CONTROL prop group versus 788 (574;1063) U in RIPC prop group. In control groups, PKC-ε expression was significantly higher in sevoflurane anesthesia in comparison with propofol anesthesia.

CONCLUSION

RIPC was only effective when it was applied during sevofiurane anesthesia. This was confirmed by PKC-ε expression increase and lower value of cTnI. There were no evidence of preconditioning and cardioprotection when MPG was initiated during propofol anesthesia.

ORGANIZATIONAL ASPECTS OF ORGAN DONATION IN ST. PETERSBURG

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[Effects of remote ischemic preconditioning on perioperative period in elective aortic valve replacement]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the effects of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on the perioperative period in elective aortic valve replacement (AVR) along different anaesthesia techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

48 patients aged 50 to 75 years (64 (56;69)) which were scheduled for AVR due to aortic valve stenosis were included into the prospective, randomized study. Four groups were formed after randomization: 1) RIPC applied during propofol anesthesia (RIPCprop, n = 12), 2) RIPC applied during sevoflurane anesthesia (RIPCsevo, n = 12), 3) propofol anesthesia without RIPC (CONTROLprop, n = 12), 4) sevoflurane anesthesia without RIPC (CONTROLsevo, n = 12). Groups were similar in baseline data of patients. RIPC protocol: three five-minutes episodes of simultaneous both lower limbs ischemia with five-minutes reperfusion intervals. Troponin I (cTrI), interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were assessed prior to induction of anesthesia, at 30 min, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after the cessation of CPB. Significant differences were assessed by the nonparametric Mann-Whitney and Fisher's exact tests. Data are presented as: median (25th percentile, 75th percentile).

RESULTS

. Significant differences in cTnI were found between RIPCsevo and CONTROLsevo groups at 6, 12 and 24 hours: 1.68 (1.28, 2.09) ng/ml vs 3.66 (2.07, 4.49) ng/ml, respectively at 6 hours (p = 0.04); 1.89 (1.59, 2.36) ng/ml vs 3.66 (2.91, 5.64) ng/ml, respectively at 12 hours (p = 0.001); 1.68 (1.55; 2.23) ng/ml vs 3.32 (2.10; 5.46) ng/ml, respectively at 24 hours (p = 0.01). There were no differences found in cTnI between RIPCprop and CONTROLprop groups during the whole study. There were no significant differences found in the levels of IL-6 and CRP between RIPC and control groups during the whole study Unexpectedly significant excess concentrations of IL-8 at 24 h were found when RIPC applied during sevoflurane anesthesia: 12.3 (10.6, 14.4) pg/mL in RIPCsevo group vs 6.2 (4.8, 11.1) pg/ml in CONTROLsevo group (p = 0.02). There was no paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) after RIPC, and 5 cases were registered in the control groups (p = 0.02). No other significant differences in the clinical course of the postoperative period were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardioprotective effect of RIPC and its effect on systemic inflammatory response should be assessed in the selected anesthesia groups. RIPC on the background of sevoflurane anesthesia reduces myocardial injury during AVR. RIPC does not reduce the severity of the systemic inflammatory response after AVR. RIPC reduces the risk of AF after AVR.

[First experience of application of assist circulation device using biventricular type "excor"]

The frequency of use of assist blood device as the "bridge" to the heart transplantation increased in last years. An assessment of results of first 7 implantations of assist circulation device using biventricular type "Excor" was made. The implantations were performed in Federal Almazov centre of the heart, blood and endocrinology. An observation period after implantation was since 11 till 301 days. The heart transplantation of 4 patients was carried out in different terms after implantation. One of the patients passed away on the fifth day due to the pulmonary embolism. Another patient died on the eleventh day after the implantation because of multiple organ failure against the background of severe chronic cardiac failure. The waiting list of heart transplantation includes 2 patients.

[Results of plasty of postinfarction left ventricular aneurysm performed on the working heart]

The results of plasty (124 patients) of postinfarction left ventricular aneurysm performed on the working heart are presented in this article. It is shown, that the upgrade of existing surgical techniques, which are directed to the creation of the optimal left ventricle shape, could improve the clinical results after plasty of postinfarction left ventricular aneurysm. It's important to arrange the conditions, which allow avoiding a negative influence on contractility function of the myocardium. The desired conditions could be obtained, if the plasty is performed on the working or fibrillating heart provided that the patient has a consistent aortic valve.

[An experience with cardiac transplantation with a single stage reduction of the left atrium cavity and correction of valvular disease]

The immediate and long-term results of cardiac transplantation with a reduction of the left atrium and correction of valvular diseases were performed on 4 patients with atriomegalia and associated valvular disease of the heart. There were no cases of hospital lethality. Within 7 days after operation the patients had a tendency to reducing the mean value of the left atrium. Within 38 months the tendency to normalization of the sizes, volumes and ejection fraction of the left atrium persisted. Cardiac autotransplantation is an effective method of a single stage reduction of the left atrium and correction of valvular diseases.

[A comparative assessment of immediate results of correction of mitral insufficiency from the left-auricular and transventruicular accesses in patients with postinfarction aneurysm]

Reconstruction of postinfarction aneurysm of the left ventricle (LV) and plasty of the mitral valve without implantation in combination with coronary shunting or without it were used in 81 patients with ischemic heart disease. Correction of mitral insufficiency was fulfilled in 40 patients by an access via the left atrium, in 41 patients--from the LV in its reconstruction. Lethality in the nearest postoperative period was 3.7%. Mitral insufficiency after operation was absent in 70% of patients with the left atrium access and in 58.5% with the transventricular access, in the rest of the patients the mitral insufficiency was not more than of the II degree. Significant differences between the immediate results depending on the access to the mitral valve were not found.

[Application of the method of continuous suture annuloplasty for mitral valve disease of dysplastic etiology]

Considerable mitral regurgitation of dysplastic etiology was corrected in 63 patients using the method of continuous suture annuloplasty. The operations were fulfilled by the access through median sternotomy, under conditions of extracorporeal circulation, blood isothermal cardioplegy. Immediate results show effectiveness of correction of mitral insufficiency and safety of using the method due to the absence of lethal outcomes, thromboembolic complications and the necessity of another surgical correction in the nearest postoperative period.

[Surgical treatment of chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension with floating thrombi in the right heart ventricle]

A 31 years old male patient was admitted to a resuscitation unit with severe dyspnea (MMRC 4 grade). The patient had the dyspnea for 3 months.The diagnosis of chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension with floating thrombi in the right heart ventricle was established. On the sixth day of admission after IVC filter insertion, the patient underwent thromboectomy with pulmonary endarterectomy. For an access to segmentary pulmonary arteries during operation SVC and the aorta had been cross-clamped. The duration of deep hypothermic (20 degrees C) circulatory arrest was 54 minutes. The patient was discharged in satisfactory condition on the 17th day. At the check-up at 3 months the dyspnea was absent and heart hemodynamic parameters had been normalized.

[The first experience with heart transplantation in the Federal Center of the Heart, Blood and Endocrinology named after V. A. Almazov]

At the present time heart transplantation is considered to be the operation of choice in treatment of patients with terminal stage of chronic heart failure. Results of the first 5 heart transplantations made in the Federal Center of the heart, blood and endocrinology named after V. A. Almazov are assessed. There were no perioperational lethality and complications at the hospital stage. An analysis of the long-term results has shown effectiveness of heart transplantations in treatment of severe heart pathology.

[Ways to decrease the number of complications of combined operations of carotid endarterectomy and coronary bypass surgery in patients with bilateral lesion of the carotid arteries]

In the period from 2003 to 2009 operations of coronary bypass surgery were made in 2657 cases, 4.25% of the patients being operated on coronary arteries (CA). Mean age (60.6 +/- 4.8) years of 83.2% of the patients had no neurological symptoms. The results of one-stage operations in patients with a unilateral lesion of the coronary arteries are not worse than those after isolated revascularization of the myocardium (lethality 2.8%, infarction 2.8%). The results of one-stage operaions in bilateral lesion of the coronary arteries can be improved using hypothermal perfusion, but the risk of neurological complications remains high.

[Improvement of aortic root replacement technique with aortic valve sparing: immediate and long-term results]

One of the approaches to treatment of the aortic root aneurysms combined with aortic insufficiency is valve-sparing aortic root replacement. An analysis of immediate and long-term results dealt with 19 operations of replacement of the ascending parts of the aorta with sparing the aortic valve by the David I modified technique. The results demonstrated effectiveness and relative safety of this method of correction. At the long-term period 3 patients (16%) showed the II degree aortic regurgitation, in the other patients it was not higher than I degree. The improved David I technique is thought to be optimal in patients with the aortic root aneurysms, aortic insufficiency and unaltered aorta valve cusps.

[Analysis of direct results of mitral valve annuloplasty]

In the present-day cardiosurgery there is no doubt that in case of possible plastic operation on the mitral valve the latter must be preserved. In the current literature there are no investigations which could convincingly prove advantages of any single group of techniques of constriction of the fibrous ring when performing mitral reconstructions. The aim of the work was to compare the direct results of reconstructive operations on the mitral valve with the using of three different means of constriction of the fibrous ring. It was found that all the three types of plasty of the mitral valve fibrous ring gave good direct results. Nevertheless an analysis of long-term results is necessary for the assessment of effectiveness of mitral reconstructions in the long-term postoperative period.

[Cardiac autotransplantation in a patient with congestive heart failure]

Congestive heart failure with intact or moderately lowered left ventricular pump function is caused in some patients by mitral regurgitation. Consequences are dilation of the left atrium, pulmonary hypertension, tricuspid regurgitation, thromboembolic complications, rhythm disturbances, elevated risk of sudden death. Efficacy of drug treatment, electroimpulse therapy is little and surgery is the method of choice. One of alternatives is cardiac autotransplantation. A successful experience of application of this technique is presented. Cardiac autotransplantation was carried out in a female patient with moderately lowered left ventricular contractile function, extreme degree of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, atriomegaly, atrial fibrillation and pronounced signs of congestive heart failure.

[Autotransplantation of the heart as the method of treatment of congestive heart failure]

Congestive heart failure with preserved or moderately lowered left ventricular pump function in some patients is caused by mitral regurgitation. Its consequences are left atrial dilation, pulmonary hypertension, tricuspid regurgitation, thromboembolic complications, disturbances of rhythm with elevated risk of sudden death. As efficacy of drug treatment and electroimpulse therapy is small surgery is the method of choice and one of alternatives - autotransplantation of the heart. Here we present a successful experience of application of this technique in a patient with moderately lowered left ventricular function, extreme degree of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, atriomegaly, atrial fibrillation, and pronounced manifestations of congestive heart failure.

[Functional state of endothelium and oxidant activity of leucocytes in patients with ischemic heart disease after coronary bypass surgery]

Relationship between disorders of endothelial function, proinflammatory activity of leucocytes and effects of therapy with simvastatin or its combination with ezetimibe was studied in 72 patients with ischemic heart disease subjected to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Vascular endothelial function was assessed by ultrasound detection of brachial artery response to its compression, oxidant activity of leucocytes - by chemiluminescent microscopy, severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis - by invasive coronary angiography. Twenty two healthy individuals comprised control group. Endothelial function, activity of leucocytes, and lipid levels were evaluated before and in 12 months after CABG. Patients with multivessel involvement revealed more complex disorders of endothelial function and higher levels of leucocytes activity compared to patients with single-vessel disease. CABG resulted in disappearance of anginal attacks and negative stress echo test during 1-year observation in 80.6% of patients. Patients with recurrent angina after CABG had more severe endothelial and leucocytes disorders. Combined lipid lowering therapy (simvastatin plus ezetimibe) compared to simvastatin alone demonstrated higher efficacy in terms of achievement of target lipid levels, improvement of endothelial function and leucocytes disorders.

[Prosthesis of mitral valve in mesenchimal dysplasia: anatomo-morphological aspects and technical specificities]

Pathomorphological aspects of acquired mitral defects of the heart caused by manifestations of mesenchimal dysplasia were studied in 100 patients. Special attention is given to important features of surgical strategy when performing mitral valve prosthesis in such patients unlike similar procedures for mitral defects of another etiology.

[Hemodynamic features during coronary bypass surgery on the working heart]

Changes in hemodynamics and blood oxygen transport function were studied during coronary bypass surgery (CBS) on the working heart under anesthesia with propofol and fentanyl. In patients operated on the working heart, the course of the basic stage of an operation was characterized by a moderate reduction in cardiac index and stroke volume due to the cardiac changes and immobilization, which resulted in cardiac compression and venous return deterioration. These impairments did not lead to worse oxygen-transportfunction and they were completely eliminated in the rehabilitative period. Analyzing the results of studies of troponin-T and creatinine kinase-MB showed that the procedure of coronary bypass surgery without using EKK had a less damaging effect on the myocardium. Analyzing the course of an early postoperative period indicated that the use of perfusionless technology substantially reduced needs for inotropic support, the time of artificial ventilation, and the length of stay at an intensive care unit.

[Disturbance of endothelium-dependent vasodilation and morphological changes of the radial artery in patients with coronary heart disease]

AIM

To elucidate whether endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDVD) is a method of early diagnosis of endothelial dysfunction or is a sign of established morphological changes in the vascular wall.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Endothelialfunction was studied in 44 males with essential hypertension (EH) (mean age 46.9 +/- 0.9 years), in 52 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) (mean age 50.0 +/- 0.9 years) after mammary-coronary and aortocoronary bypass operation with use of radial artery (RA), and in 28 healthy males (mean age 44.2 +/- 1.2 years). Intraoperative RA biopsy results for patients with ischemic heart disease after coronary artery bypass grafting with RA as an arterial graft were analysed.

RESULTS

Patients with CHD showed thicker complex intima-media (TIM) of the common carotid arteries compared to control and hypertensive patients free of CHD clinical symptoms. This is associated with lowering of EDVD in RA and, therefore, suggests systemic occurrence of endothelial dysfunction. The histological study of RA has found hyperplasia of the internal vascular intima of 1.1 +/- 0.2 degree in 97% of CHD patients. Combination of CHD with hypertension showed thicker intima, higher index of intima thickness and RA narrowing percentage vs such parameters in CHD free of hypertension.

CONCLUSION

Impaired EDVD in the test with reactive hyperemia is due to morphological changes in the radial artery, its intima. The degree of changes in endothelial vascular reactions in RA is closely related to severity of systemic atherosclerosis. In CHD, RA has a marked intimal hyperplasia which leads to vasospasticity and may result in development of stenosis in its use as a graft for myocardial revascularization. One of the basic factors influencing the degree of intimal hyperplasia of the radial artery is severity of arterial hypertension.

[Clinical value of morphological analysis of radial and internal mammary arteries in patients with ischemic heart disease]

Morphological study of intraoperative biopsies of radial and internal mammary arteries taken from patients with ischemic heart disease during coronary bypass surgery revealed structural alterations of intima and media mostly in radial artery. These alterations depended on severity of arterial hypertension, presence of diabetes and extent of atherosclerosis. Hyperplasia of intima could be a basis for radial artery spasm and cause of graft stenoses and occlusions. Therefore protocols of pre and post operative care should take into consideration individual risk factors and morphological and functional features of an artery used for grafting.

[A comparative assessment of the myocardium protection by methods of blood and crystalloid cardioplegia in patients with high risk of coronary bypass grafting operation]

A comparative assessment of specific features of the intraoperative and early postoperative periods was made using antegrade blood and crystalloid cardioplegia during coronary artery bypass grafting operation in 100 patients with ischemic heart disease with a fraction of expulsion of the left ventricle of the heart < 0.5. Using the blood cardioplegia has allowed the need in inotropic support to be lowered at the isolated coronary artery bypass from 29.7% to 11.8%, and at a combination with the resection of the left ventricular aneurysm from 66.7% to 36.4% respectively in the control and main groups. The results obtained suggest that the proposed technique of blood cardioplagia has essential advantages over crystalloid cardioplegia in the coronary shunting of patients with a severe and complicated course of ischemic heart disease.

[Immediate results of using the radial artery in direct revascularization of the myocardium]

The authors discuss results of more than 300 operations of the aorto-coronary bypass using the radial artery as a shunt. An analysis of the initial state of the patients, the intraoperative, early postoperative and intrahospital periods was made. Special attention was given to specific features of the isolating and using the radial artery grafts. Specific complications resulting from the application of them were analyzed and recommendations are given for prophylactics of such complications. The experiences with using the radial arteries allow to recommend it in revascularization of the myocardium. It is one of the ways of improving immediate and long-term results of operations on patients with ischemic heart disease.