Volume 122  ·  Issue 02  ·  2009

Surgical myocardial revascularization has completed its fourth successful decade following the world's first clinical trial on coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in May 1967.1 Being one of the most popular and best investigated procedures in the history of surgery, CABG has stood the test of time with excellent results as measured by a variety of outcome markers. Even with the recent progress in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and rapid development of intra-coronary stents (including drug-eluting stents), the advantage of CABG over PCI is likely to continue in the foreseeable future.

Surgical revascularization for atherosclerotic heart disease, also called coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), was first performed in 1962, and is one of the great achievements in medicine. Relief of angina, improvement of exercise tolerance, and the realization of survival benefit have been documented.1 CABG has been used in multi-vessel disease and left main stenosis for over 40 years.2 In the last two decades the mortality of CABG has decreased to less than 2% despite an aging population with increased risk factors. However, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), especially with drug-eluting stents, has been challenging CABG, While PCI has improved, CABG has also progressed with better peri-operative management, a higher use of arterial grafting, off-pump surgery, and improved techniques with minimally invasive surgical options.3,4

Abstract：Background The present study was aimed to compare the effects of bilateral and unilateral bidirectional supedor cavopulmonary shunt (b-BDG and u-BDG) on pulmonary artery growth and clinical outcomes. Methods The 51 subjects enrolled in this study were divided into two groups: those receiving b-BDG (n=21) and those receiving u-BDG (n=30). Clinical records were reviewed retrospectively at a mean of 43.3 months after BDG procedures. Chi square and t-tests were performed to analyze the data. Results Left and right pulmonary artery diameters increased 27%-37% in both groups. The pulmonary artery index increased 37.2% after b-BDG and 27.0% after u-BDG b-BDG patients experienced a significant decrease in mean hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit value, and a correlated change in postoperative diameter of left pulmonary artery (LPA) and pulmonary artery index (y=0.2719, x=-1.8278; R=0.564, P=0.008). The change ratio of hemoglobin and postoperative LPA were also correlated in b-BDG patients (y=-0.0522x + 0.3539; R=-0.479, P=0.028). Only one b-BDG patient versus twelve u-BDG patients needed total cavopulmonary connections 31.8 months after BDG surgery (P=0.0074). Moreover, only one (4.8%) b-BDG patient but eight u-BDG patients (26.7%) developed pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. Conclusions b-BDG increases bilateral pulmonary blood flow and promotes growth of bilateral pulmonary arteries, with preferable physiological outcomes to u-BDG Results may imply that subsequent Fontan repair may not always be needed。

Abstract：Background Acute allograft rejection in heart transplantation remains as one of the major complications. Obligatory graft surveillance is still achieved with the invasive and expensive endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). Our study aimed to study the use of intramyocardial electrograms combined with other noninvasive methods for the monitoring of acute rejection after human heart transplantation. Methods Permanent pacemakers were implanted in 58 patients undergoing heart transplantations. Intramyocardial electrograms (IMEG) were recorded periodically and the results were compared with those from EMBs. The R wave amplitude of the IMEG was used as the index value, the average R wave amplitude at the third week following transplantation was considered as the baseline, and a reduction of >20% compared with the baseline was regarded as a positive result. EMB was performed in cases of positive IMEG results and also at other times. Other noninvasive methods were used to help the diagnosis. Acute rejection (AR) was defined as international Society of Heart-Lung Transplantation grade Ilia or higher.Results We obtained 1231 IMEG records and 127 EMBs. Of the total 127 EMBs, 53 were positive, in which there were 42 IMEG positive results and 11 negative, while in the rest 74 negative EMBs, there were 9 IMEG positive results and 65 negative. The sensitivity of IMEG for the diagnosis of AR was 79.2%, and the specificity was 87.8%. The positive predictive value was 82.4% and the negative predictive value was 85.5%. Of the total of 1231 IMEG records, 51 were positive and 1180 were negative. Excluding 11 proved by EMB to be false negative, if the other 1169 were considered as no evidence of rejection, through the other noninvasive methods, AR diagnosed by this noninvasive monitoring strategy, the sensitivity was 79.2%, and the specificity was 99.2%. The positive predictive value was 82.4% and the negative predictive value was 99.1%. Conclusions IMEG can be used as a noninvasive method for monitoring AR following heart transplantation. It is a continuous, safe and inexpensive method, and could reduce the need for EMB combined with other noninvasive methods, without reducing the detection of rejection。

Abstract：Background Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a serious disease often leading to disability and death. Percutaneous placement of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is an effective method to prevent fatal PTE caused by lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT). We developed the ZQL-type retrievable vena cava filter. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the ZQL-type filter for prevention of fatal PTE. Methods A total of 144 patients with indications for placement of an IVC filter received insertion of filters via a femoral (n=37) or jugular (n=107) vein approach. Abdominal X-ray and color Doppler ultrasonography of IVC were regularly performed to visualize the position and condition of the IVC filter following filter placement. If thrombi in the lower extremity deep veins were removed within 2 weeks, the filter retrieval procedure was performed after an abdominal radiograph, an inferior vena cavogram and a pulmonary angiography. Otherwise, the filter should be kept permanently in place with regular follow-up inspections. Results One hundred and forty-four filters were implanted at the target sites with a success rate of 98.61% for one-time placement and 100% for two-time placement. Of the 137 patients followed up (follow-up rate, 95.14%), 43 patients had filters retrieved during a period of between 7 and 14 days (median, 12 days) following filter placement. The remaining 94 patients were followed for 7 days to 39 months (median follow-up period, 17 months). No filter migration or tilt, filter fracture or IVC perforation was observed. No obstruction of IVC occurred. No symptomatic PTE developed during the follow-up period. Conclusion The ZQL-type retrievable vena cava filter is a safe and effective device to prevent PTE. This filter possesses a distinctive stent-shape, stable design, high capture efficacy, and is easy to insert and retrieve and thus is suitable for clinical application。

Abstract：Background Damage to the spinal cord after the treatment of the descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms is an uncommon but devastating complication. The artery of Adamkiewicz (AKA) is the principal arterial supply of the anterior spinal artery (ASA) in the lower thoracic and lumbar level. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the visualization of the anterior spinal artery and the artery of Adamkiewicz, the affecting factors for the detection rate using multi-detector row CT (MDCT). Methods Ninety-nine consecutive patients (31 women and 68 men; age range, 25-90 years; average age 61.3 years), with suspicion for thoracic aortic lesions necessitating surgical intervention (31 aortic aneurysm, 45 dissection, 5 intramural hematoma, and 18 normal), underwent CT angiography from the aortic arch to the aortic bifurcation. Transverse sections, multiplanar reformations and thin maximum intensity projections were used to assess the ASA and AKA. The level of the ASA and AKA origins and CT acquisition parameters were recorded. The contrast-to-noise ratio of the image, an index of the mass of the T11 body (vertebral mass index), the subcutaneous fat thickness, and the CT value within the aortic arch and at the T11 level were measured. The detection of the ASA and AKA were evaluated relative to the acquisition parameters, scan characteristics, and aortic lesion type. Differences were assessed with the Wilcoxon rank-sum and t tests. Results The ASA was visualized in 51 patients (52%) and the AKA in 18 patients (18%). The ASA was identified in 36/67 patients (54%) with 1.25 mm thickness and in 15/32 patients (47%) with 2.5-3.0 mm thickness. This difference did not achieve significance (P=0.13). The detection rate of the ASA and the AKA was influenced by the vertebral mass index and the contrast-to-noise ratio (P<0.05). The amount of subcutaneous fat affected the detection rate of the ASA (P <0.05) but not the AKA. In CT scans of ASA detection, the mean CT values in the aorta at the arch and at T11 were 360 and 358 HU, respectively, whereas in CT scans without ASA detection, the CT values in the aorta at the arch and at T11 were lower (P <0.05), 297 and 317 HU, respectively.Conclusions The ASA and AKA were less frequently detected in our cohort than previous reports. The visualization of the ASA and AKA was significantly affected by aortic enhancement, the =vertebral mass index", and the contrast-to-noise ratio。

Abstract：Background Cardiac troponin-I (cTnl) is one of the three regulatory subunits of the cardiac troponin which has the high sensibility and specificity of responding to myocardial injury. Studies have demonstrated that cTnl is released into the blood stream within hours following acute myocardial reperfusion injury. The clinical utility of cTnl for the assessment of myocardial damage is that it is more specific than creatine kinase MB (CKMB). This study investigated cTnl as a sensitive marker of myocardial reperfusion injury and its clinical value on beating heart surgery with right sub-axiliary incision. Methods From December 2002 threugh December 2004,100 patients with atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect (ASD+VSD), and tetralogy of Fallot were randomly divided into two groups: the treatment group (n=50) was operated on with a beating heart under extracorporeal circulation (ECC), and the control group (n=50) on an conventional arresting heart under ECC. The two groups both used a right sub-axillary incision. Blood samples from a central venous catheter (CVC) were collected before, at the end of aortic clamping, immediately after discontinue cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), 3, 6, 24, and 48 hours after operation. The Abbott Axsym system with hol-automation fluorescent immunity analyzer was used for the quantitative determination of cTnl. cTnl was detected to investigate the effect of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury and the clinical value of beating heart surgery with right sub-axillary incision. Results There were no significant differences between the two groups before operation. At the end of aortic clamping and thereafter, cTnl significantly increased in both groups, and reached the peak point at 6 hours after operation. At all the tested points, cTnl was significantly higher in the control group than the beating heart group (P <0.05), especially at 6 hours post operation (P <0.01). The operating time and ECC duration were shortened and the dosage of dopamine was decreased, when compared with the control group. Conclusions There was less cTnl measured in the beating heart group than in the control group after CPB, demonstrating that beating heart surgery may significantly reduce myocardial reperfusion injury。

Abstract：Background The molecular mechanism of human tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is incompletely defined. Animal models have suggested that neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase 3 (NTRK3) might be associated with the outflow tract defect, similar to that seen in human TOF, however, the expression pattern of NTRK3 in human TOF heart tissues has never been investigated. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were applied to detect NTRK3 mRNA and protein levels in right ventricular outflow tract tissue samples of TOF patients, ventricular septal defect (VSD) patients and normal control infants (n=10 in each group). Results qRT-PCR analysis indicated that NTRK3 mRNA levels were significantly decreased in the TOF group compared to the VSD group (0.024±0.003 vs 0.085±0.004, P=0.022) and the normal control group (0.024±0.003 vs 0.091±0.002, P=0.006). Quantitative immunohistochemical analysis showed that NTRK3 protein was mainly localized in the myocardium cytoplasm in all 3 groups. The immunoreactivity of NTRK3 protein was again significantly lower in the TOF group compared to the VSD group (1.42±0.62 vs 14.12±1.83, P=0.023) and the control group (1.42±0.62 VS 16.25±2.31, P=0.008). The expression of NTRK3 in the VSD group and in the control group showed no significant differences at both mRNA and protein levels. Conclusions Insufficient expression of NTRK3 is associated with the outflow tract defect of human tetralogy of Fallot and may contribute to the progression of this defect。

Abstract：Background Several studies have shown that coronary stenting reduces the frequency of clinical and angiographic restenosis in patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency. However, less is known about the long-term benefits of stent use in this population. This study was aimed to determine the impact of coronary stenting on extended (5 years) long-term outcomes of patients with chronic renal insufficiency. Methods The study included 602 consecutive patients who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention with stenting. Renal insufficiency was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2. The major adverse cardiac events were compared for patients with (n=160) and without (n=442) renal insufficiency. Results After the third year of follow-up, nonfatal myocardial infarction and revascularization rates were significantly increased in patients with renal insufficiency compared with those without renal dysfunction (16.9% vs 7.7%, P=0.001; 29.4% vs 15.8%, P <0.001). In patients who had recurrent cardiovascular events, a significantly higher rate of de novo stenosis revascularization was found in patients with renal insufficiency than without renal insufficiency (57.7% vs 22.7%, P <0.001), while there was no significant difference in target lesion revascularization between the groups (51.9% vs 43.6%, P=0.323). Multivariate analysis demonstrated an independent impact of the presence of renal insufficiency on the major adverse cardiac events (hazard ratio: 1.488, 95% confidence interval: 1.051-2.106, P=0.025) and de novo stenosis (hazard ratio: 5.505, 95% confidence interval: 2.151-14.090, P <0.001 ). Conclusions The late major adverse cardiac events, after successful coronary stenting, is increased in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml·min-1·1.73 m2. This might be associated with increased risk of de novo stenosis in this population。

Abstract：Background The present study was aimed to investigate the usage of aspirin for the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke, evaluate the correlated factors, and analyze the reasons for not taking and irregularly taking aspirin. Methods The patients in this group were all stroke survivors who have formerly been diagnosed with a cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in our hospital. We investigated their use of aspirin over a three-year periodfollowing their hospitalization. According to the patients' aspirin usage, they were divided into treatment and non-treatment groups. In addition, the reasons for not taking or irregularly taking aspirin were analyzed in the two groups. Results A total of 1240 patients were studied, including 367 (29.60%) in the treatment group and 873 (70.40%) cases in the non-treatment group. In addition, 201 (16.20%) cases in the treatment group had been regularly taking aspirin (50-325 mg of aspirin daily) for 1 to 3 years or longer. The results demonstrated that the main reasons for not taking aspirin in this study were related to patients' concems regarding the side effects of taking aspirin (46.45%), as well as the doctors' inadequacy in informing their patients to take aspirin (38.71%). The major reasons for patients to irregularly take aspirin were that the doctors did not notify the length of aspirin usage to their patients (41.57%), and that doctors did not prescribe aspirin upon the patients' follow-up visit (26.51%). Conclusion The most effective way to increase patient's compliance for aspirin consumption is to promote the guidelines for stroke treatment and to relay these advances in stroke therapy to the patient。

Abstract：Background Fluid therapy for severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) should not only resolve deficiency of blood volume, but also prevent fluid sequestration in acute response stage. Up to date, there has not a strategy for fluid therapy dedicated to SAP. So, this study was aimed to investigate the effects of fluid therapy treatment on prognosis of SAP. Methods Seventy-six patients were admitted prospectively according to the criteria within 72 hours of SAP onset. They were randomly assigned to a rapid fluid expansion group (Group I, n=36) and a controlled fluid expansion group (Group Ⅱ, n=40). Hemodynamic disorders were either quickly (fluid infusion rate was 10-15 ml·kg-1·h-1, Group Ⅰ) or gradually improved (fluid infusion rate was 5-10 ml·kg-1·h-1, Group Ⅱ) through controlling the rate of fluid infusion. Parameters of fluid expansion, blood lactate concentration were obtained when meeting the criteria for fluid expansion. And APACHE Ⅱ scores were obtained serially for 72 hours. Rate of mechanical ventilation, incidence of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), sepsis, and survival rate were obtained. Results The two groups had statistically different (P <0.05) time intervals to meet fluid expansion criteria (Group Ⅰ,13.5±6.6 hours; Group Ⅱ, (24.0±5.4) hours). Blood lactate concentrations were both remarkably lower as compared to the level upon admission (P <0.05) and reached the normal level in both groups upon treatment. It was only at day 1 that hematocrit was significantly lower in Group Ⅰ (35.6%±6.8%) than in Group Ⅱ (38.5%±5.4%) (P<0.01). Amount of crystalloid and colloid in groupⅠ((4028±1980)ml and (1336+816)ml) on admission day was more than those of group Ⅱ ((2472±1871)ml and (970±633)ml). No significant difference was found in the total amount of fluids within four days of admission between the two groups (P>0.05). Total amount of fluid sequestration within 4 days was higher in Group Ⅰ ((5378±2751)ml) than in Group Ⅱ ((4215±1998)ml, P<0.05). APACHE Ⅱ scores were higher in Group Ⅰ on days 1,2, and 3 (P<0.05). Rate of mechanical ventilation was higher in group Ⅰ (94.4%) than in group Ⅱ (65%, P<0.05). The incidences of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and sepsis were significantly lower in Group Ⅱ (P <0.05). Survival rate was remarkably lower in Group Ⅰ (69.4%) than in Group Ⅱ (90%, P <0.05). Conclusions Controlled fluid resuscitation offers better prognosis in patients with severe volume deficit within 72 hours of SAP onset。

Abstract：Background Controversies on the safety of the cement application between cemented and uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been existing for decades. The purpose of this study was to observe the changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and oxygen pressure (PaO2) during cemented THA, and to evaluate the intraoperative safety of using the third-generation cementing technique and investigate whether the intraoperative risk is higher in acute femoral neck fracture patients than non-traumatic patients. Methods Forty-two patients who underwent cemented THA between November 2005 and September 2007 were prospectively included in this study. The third-generation cementing technique as vacuum mixing and pulsatile lavage was used strictly. The MAP and HR were monitored and documented during each operation. Blood gas analysis was performed at exposure, cup implantation, stem implantation and wound closure. MAP, HR and PaO2 were compared between pre- and post-cement application. Comparisons of MAP, HR and PaO2 between patients with acute femoral neck fracture and non-traumatic patiens were performed as well. Results No intraoperative cardiopulmonary complication occurred in these cases. No obvious changes were observed in MAP, HR and PaO2 after cement application. There was no significant difference in MAP, HR and PaO2 between acute femoral fracture patients (18 patients) and non-traumatic patients (24 patients).Conclusions The results of this study suggested that the invasive blood pressure monitoring and blood gas analysis are essential for patients undergoing cemented THA, especially for patients with femoral neck fracture. The third-generation cementing technique is safe to use in THA。

Abstract：Background Celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used as an adjuvant to sensitize cancer cells to apoptosis. However, in rats suffering from acute rejection, celecoxib reduced apoptosis of myocardial cells. We hypothesize that celecoxib reduces myocardial apoptosis either by inducing apoptosis in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) or by altering the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. Methods After cardiac transplantation, rats were administered intragastrically with celecoxib (50 mg/kg per day) for 3, 5 or 7 days, at which time the graft was excised and evaluated for organ rejection. In addition, PBLs were isolated from the blood to determine PBLs apoptosis, and the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. Results Celecoxib induced PBLs apoptosis in 3 days, but protected the cells from apoptosis at 5 and 7 days. Also, the percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes decreased only at 3 days, but a reduction in the percentage of CD8+ lymphocytes was not seen until 7 days after the transplant surgery. Celecoxib only decreased acute rejection at 5 days, with no discernible difference in rejection after 3 and 7 days. Conclusions The results suggested that celecoxib displayed a multiple physiological function in a time-dependent manner。

Abstract：Background Our previous studies demonstrated that mutant IκBα (IκBαM) inhibited the occurrence, growth and angiogenesis of human glioblastoma multiform (GBM). However, the specific mechanism by which IKBαM regulates protein-degrading enzymes secreted from GBM to inhibit invasion and metastasis has remained unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the regulatory role and significance of IκBαM genes in the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in human GBM. Methods We established the following four GBM cell lines stably expressing IκBαM by plasmid construction, gene transfection and screening for IκBαM protein expression: mutant IκBα-transfected cells (G36△-M), wild-type IκBα-transfected cells (G36△-W), empty plasmid transfected cells (G36△-P) and untransfected cells (G36△). The TIMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Tumor cells were then implanted subcutaneously into nude mice to establish an animal model of ectopic tumor growth, and TIMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was determined by immunohistochemical methods. Results The results showed that there was a significant increase in TIMP-2 expression and a significant decrease in MMP-9 expression in the G36A-M group at both the RNA and protein levels compared with the G36A-W group, G36△-P group and G36△ group. Similar results were observed in the immunohistochemical staining analysis of tumor tissues. In the G36A-M group, TIMP-2 expression was significantly higher while MMP-9 expression was significantly lower than in the other three groups. Conclusions Our findings indicate that IκBαM inhibits the activation of NF-κB. It significantly up-regulates TIMP-2 expression in human malignant glioma cells and down-regulates the expression of MMP-9. Thus, IκBαM maintains the integrity of the extracellular matrix and further inhibits the growth and metastasis of tumor tissues。

Abstract：Objective To provide appropriate guidelines for treatment of tandem ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and flaval ligament (OFL). Data sources Published articles about OPLL and OFL were selected using Medline and Embase electronic databases. Study selection An English literature search from January 1980 to December 2006 was conducted. Because many reported cases were incorporated in OFL studies, the key words for search were OFL or OFL and OPLL. The first step revealed 93 studies of which 13 reports of tandem OPLL and OFL (tandem ossification) were selected. Results All studies were case series or case report and advocated that the primary therapy for tandem ossification should be operative. The clinical outcomes of surgery were evaluated in most reports, predominantly using the JOA scores. Gender is the only factor which has prognostic value. A higher proportion of women was found in the failure group. A two- stage classification of tandem ossification was developed to relate diagnosis to outcome. Conclusions All patientS with suspected ossification of the spinal ligaments should undergo routine MRI screening of the whole spine. The correlation of the classification with surgical treatments needs further studies to validate its usefulness。

Abstract：Objective To review the recent studies about human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) and advances in the treatment of spinal cord injury, Data sources Published articles (1983-2007) about hUCMSCs and spinal cord injury were selected using Medline. Study selection Articles selected were relevant to development of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for transplantation in spinal cord injury therapy. Of 258 originally identifiied arises 51 were selected that specifically addressed the stated purpose. Results Recent work has revealed that hUCMSCs share most of the characteristics with MSCs derived from bone marrow and are more appropriate to transplantation for cell based therapies. Conclusions Human umbilical cord could be regarded as a source of MSCs for experimental and clinical needs. In addition, as a peculiar source of stem cells, hUCMSCs may play an important role in the treatment of spinal cord injury。

Left ventficular pseudoaneurysm (LVPA) is a rare clinical entity that could be life-threatening. It could be of congenital and acquired origin.1,2 Among the acquired LVPA, post-infarction LVPA constitutes most of the cases. LVPA always occurs after acute myocardial infarction (MI) and develops chronically. Reliable diagnosis and early surgical intervention are vital for the patients' recovery. Here we present 7 cases of LVPA in Anzhen Hospital between May 1993 to March 2007, focusing on the evaluation of diagnosis methods and treatment efficiency of LVPA。

Primary cardiac neoplasms are very rare as compared to metastatic tumors; 70% to 80% of them are benign myxomas, I Myxomas are polypoid, round, or oval.2 They are gelatinous with a smooth or lobulated surface, usually white, yellowish, or brown.3 We report a case of left atrial myxoma with approximate cystis in morphous。

Dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) not associated aortic dissection is an uncommon event. The pathogenesis remains unclear. Diagnosis has become more efficient due to recent advances in imaging techniques and increased awareness of mesenteric vessel diseases. Early recognition has led to early interventions. Although there is still no consensus on the best option of management for this disease, an increasing number of patients in recent years have been reported to be treated successfully by non-operative approaches (medical therapy and/or percutaneous endovascular repair) rather than operations. We report the diagnosis and non-operative managements of isolated dissection of SMA in the acute stage in two cases at the First Hospital of China Medical University from October to December in 2006。