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Biomedical subjects

H E Warden

Publications and source records attributed to H E Warden.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Utilization of muscle flaps in the treatment of bronchopleural fistulas.

This paper reports the results of a series of 5 patients who underwent closure of persistent bronchopleural fistula using extrathoracic muscle flaps over a 6-year period. All patients had failed more conservative treatment. The surgeries were one- or two-stage procedures performed with the collaboration of cardiovascular and reconstructive surgical staffs. There were no associated mortalities. The muscle flaps utilized were the latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior, pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and trapezius. The results have been encouraging and allowed the complete closure of the bronchopleural fistula in the majority of patients. The authors present the best management of this serious disease, as well as its pathophysiology and clinical aspects.

Adult↗

Biatrial approach to cardiac myxomas: a 30-year clinical experience.

Early surgical intervention for atrial myxomas mitigates morbidity and usually offers cure. The operative approach to resect these tumors is controversial. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with the biatrial approach between 1964 and 1994. The location of the myxoma was left atrium in 17 and right atrium in 3. Mean preoperative New York Heart Association functional classification was 2.7. Surgical approach to the tumor was biatrial in all patients. There were no perioperative strokes, myocardial infarctions, or deaths. Mean follow-up was 7.5 years (range, 2 mo to 27 years) with a postoperative New York Heart Association functional classification of 1.4. One late death occurred, which was unrelated to the myxoma. Advantages of biatrial approach include (1) definition of tumor pedicle by direct visualization, (2) minimal manipulation of the tumor, (3) adequate margins of excision, (4) inspection of all heart chambers, and (5) secure closure of the atrial septal defect. Long-term follow-up demonstrates the efficacy of this operative approach to atrial myxomas.

Adolescent↗

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the superior vena cava.

BACKGROUND: Correction of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the superior vena cava (SVC) is often complicated by sinus node dysfunction and occasional pacemaker insertion. METHODS: Between 1964 and 1994 40 patients, ranging from 14 months to 52 years old, underwent an operative approach designed to minimize trauma to the sinus node and its blood supply. The SVC was transected and oversewn above the highest anomalous vein. The anomalous pulmonary veins were redirected across a sinus venosus atrial septal defect (33 patients) or a surgically created atrial septal defect (7 patients) into the left atrium. The atrial septal defect rim was coapted to the intracardiac SVC orifice in 23 patients. An intracardiac baffle was used in 17 patients. The cephalad SVC stump was anastomosed to the right atrial appendage. The origin of the pulmonary veins draining into the SVC was right upper lobe (all patients), right middle lobe (33 patients), and the entire right lung (9 patients). RESULTS: One 31-year-old woman died of severe pulmonary hypertension. An early technical error resulted in one symptomatic SVC obstruction. All patients remained well over follow-up (6 months to 30 years), without residual intracardiac defects. Sick sinus syndrome developed late in only 1 patient (2.5%). No patient has required a pacemaker. CONCLUSIONS: The very low incidence of late arrhythmias with cavoatrial reconstruction is most encouraging.

Adolescent↗

Current management of esophageal impactions.

We analyzed our experience at a university medical center from 1977 to 1990 to assess our success in using esophagoscopy and related treatments for removing esophageal impactions. There were 157 episodes of impaction in 150 patients, consisting of 39 pediatric and 111 adult patients. In the pediatric cases, foreign bodies were most often the cause of impaction, while adult cases were usually caused by food or bones. Esophagoscopy was performed successfully in 32 of 34 pediatric patients in which it was attempted; there was only one complication. Other forms of therapy that were infrequently tried met with variable results. Esophagoscopy was successful in removing the impaction in 104 of 109 attempts in adults. Two perforations occurred, with one resulting in death. Various other methods achieved success in the remaining patients. The data suggest that esophageal impaction can be treated successfully by endoscopy with very low morbidity and mortality.

Adolescent↗

Accumulation of p53 protein correlates with a poor prognosis in human lung cancer.

Mutations in the gene coding for the p53 tumor suppressor protein are common in a variety of human cancers. To assess the role of a putative mutated p53 protein in human lung cancer, a monoclonal antibody recognizing it was used in an immunoperoxidase detection system. A total of 114 cases of Stage I and II adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas were studied. The staining pattern was always intranuclear and heterogeneous. When the median or mean survival time was compared between cases, p53 accumulation had a statistically significant negative prognostic value. This was supported by a Kaplan-Meier survival plot of p53 producers and nonproducers. In 7 of 24 Stage II cases that were negative for p53 in the primary tumor, metastatic regional lymph nodes were p53-positive. These latter cases had greatly reduced survival times. Thus, p53 accumulation in primary tumors (and regional lymph nodes) may identify a subgroup of lung cancer patients with a prognosis of more aggressive disease.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Role of lung decortication in symptomatic empyemas in children.

Despite appropriate antibiotics and pleural drainage, the condition of some children with empyema fails to improve. In a 5-year period, 10 children ranging in age from 2 to 16 years underwent lung decortication for a refractory, symptomatic empyema, which had developed 3 to 5 weeks after an initial pneumonic infiltrate. Responsible organisms included beta-hemolytic streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, or Streptococcus pneumoniae in 6 children. Negative cultures were found in 4 children. The initial computed tomographic scan of the chest in 4 of 8 patients showed more than 75% limitation of lung expansion by the contents of the empyema cavity. In 4 other patients, an extensive pleural peel was seen on initial computed tomographic scan of the chest. Several studies also showed cystic lesions in the collapsed lung. Multiple computed tomographic scans in 3 patients confirmed the lack of clinical and chest roentgenographic improvement with conservative therapy. At decortication in each, the visceral and parietal pleural peel was completely removed, freeing the trapped lung. Two patients also had a concomitant lobectomy for a necrotic right upper lobe (1 patient) and left lower lobe (1). Clinical improvement was marked, with return of temperature, white blood cell count, and appetite to normal. Postoperative morbidity was minimal. Analysis of these patients in whom traditional conservative therapy failed suggested that the initial management during the early exudative phase was often delayed and was not aggressive enough from the standpoint of pleural drainage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Intralobar sequestration. A missed diagnosis.

Intralobar pulmonary sequestration is an uncommon but distinct clinical entity that may be the unrecognized cause of recurrent pulmonary infections. Between 1967 and 1987, 10 patients, ranging in age from 5 to 39 years, were found to have an intralobar sequestration. Nine patients (90%) had a history of recurrent pulmonary infections, chronic cough, and intermittent fevers. One patient was asymptomatic. Many patients had been treated with antibiotics on numerous occasions. The delay in diagnosis varied between 3 months and 7 years (mean delay, 1.5 years). The chest roentgenogram was abnormal in all patients. The intralobar sequestration was present in the left lower lobe in 7 patients and the right lower lobe in 3 patients. Bronchography was abnormal in 4 patients in whom it was done. Bronchoscopy was performed in 7 patients, but it was only helpful in excluding other diagnoses. Preoperative thoracic arteriography in 9 patients visualized the systemic arterial supply from the thoracic or abdominal aorta to the intralobar sequestration and helped prevent any catastrophic surgical bleeding. A lobectomy was performed in 9 patients and a segmentectomy in 1 patient without morbidity or mortality. In patients with recurrent infections in the same lower lobe, a high index of suspicion for an intralobar sequestration should prompt early diagnostic arteriography and, if confirmed, early operative intervention.

Adult↗

Stage I palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome: the importance of neoaorta construction.

After Norwood's initial report of successful first-stage palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome in neonates, the occurrence of distal aortic obstructions, shunt problems, and late deaths have led to modifications in the surgical technique. Between January 1986 and December 1987, 12 neonates from three to 16 days old underwent stage I palliation with the same objectives. An open atrial septectomy was always performed. The pulmonary artery bifurcation was transected from the main pulmonary artery and closed with an aortic homograft patch. The aortotomy was begun 2 cm below the patent ductus arteriosus insertion and extended across the transverse arch and down the ascending aorta. The neoaorta was constructed using the hypoplastic ascending aorta-transverse aortic arch, the main pulmonary artery, and an aortic homograft augmentation patch. The homograft is hemostatic and pliable, and molds well in forming the neoaorta. A 4-mm shunt was inserted between the right innominate artery and the right pulmonary artery in 5 patients and the neoaorta and the pulmonary artery bifurcation patch in 7 patients. The early systemic oxygen saturation was optimized at 75% to 80% with hyperventilation, high concentration of inspired oxygen, sodium bicarbonate, and the frequent use of vasopressors to maintain an arterial blood pressure of 65 to 75 mm Hg. Two patients (17%) died early after operation; 1 had severe right ventricular dysfunction and both had severe tricuspid regurgitation. There were 2 late deaths at 7 and 13 months, of sepsis and hypoxia. The 8 survivors (67%) continue to do well over follow-up. The preoperative tricuspid regurgitation has remained stable in 3 survivors and disappeared in 2 survivors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aorta↗

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the right side of the heart.

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the right side of the heart often complicates surgery for atrial septal defects. Between 1964 and 1987, 39 patients, ranging from 2 to 52 years old, underwent repair of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection. At least one anomalous pulmonary vein arose from the right upper lobe in 38 patients and right middle lobe in 30 patients and connected to the superior vena cava in 28 patients and the right atrium only in 11 patients. An atrial septal defect was present in 32 patients (82%). Patients who had partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the superior vena cava-right atrium junction, the right atrium or both were treated by septal translocation (two patients) or patch redirection of the anomalous pulmonary venous flow to the left atrium through a native atrial septal defect (eight patients) or a surgically created atrial septal defect in two patients with intact atrial septum. For partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the high superior vena cava (27 patients), the superior vena cava was transected and oversewn above the anomalous veins. The anomalous pulmonary venous flow was redirected through the proximal superior vena cava into the left atrium across a sinus venous atrial septum defect (22 patients) or a surgically created atrial septal defect in five patients with intact atrial septum. The atrial septal defect was coapted to the intracardiac orifice of the superior vena cava, and the distal superior vena cava was anastomosed to the right atrial appendage. One 31-year-old woman with severe pulmonary hypertension died early and was the only death in the series. A technical error early in the series resulted in one symptomatic superior vena cava obstruction. Only one patient remains in sick sinus syndrome late. All patients remain well over long follow-up (1 to 24 years). Postoperative catheterization or echocardiography has revealed no intracardiac defects, pulmonary venous obstruction, or superior vena cava obstruction (except the one technical error). Correction of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection should be individualized according to the site of connection of the anomalous pulmonary veins and the location of the atrial defect to minimize undesirable postoperative sequelae often associated with other methods of repair.

Adolescent↗

Early primary repair of tetralogy of Fallot.

Young age, low weight, and the requirement for transannular patch reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) are thought to adversely affect intracardiac repair of tetralogy of Fallot. Forty patients underwent complete repair between January, 1984, and January, 1987. Only infants with pulmonary atresia, complete atrioventricular canal, or coronary artery anomalies were shunted initially. The malalignment ventricular septal defect was closed with a Dacron patch. Infundibular resection was minimized. All atrial communications were left open. Thirty-four patients (85%) had a transannular RVOT patch, and 2 patients (5%) had a nontransannular patch. All 10 infants weighing 3.4 to 9.6 kg had a transannular RVOT patch at 7 weeks to 12 months of age. An RVOT patch was used in 26 of 30 children operated on between 1 and 6 years of age (median age, 24 months). No patient undergoing intracardiac repair died. Postoperative RVOT pullback gradients were between 0 and 35 mm Hg (mean, 18.5 mm Hg). Postoperative pulmonary artery saturation (mean, 73%) did not reveal any residual ventricular septal defect. The right ventricular/arterial pressure ratio was always less than 0.6 (mean, 0.4). All children are doing well at follow-up from two to 37 months. Serial echocardiograms reveal no residual ventricular septal defect and only 1 moderate RVOT gradient. Follow-up cardiac catheterization in 15 patients revealed no residual ventricular septal defect and RVOT gradients between 5 and 35 mm Hg. The right ventricular/left ventricular pressure ratio was always less than 0.6 (mean, 0.48). The early and late results justify continued primary repair of tetralogy of Fallot in symptomatic children, regardless of age or weight.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Child↗

The first open-heart repairs of ventricular septal defect, atrioventricular communis, and tetralogy of Fallot using extracorporeal circulation by cross-circulation: a 30-year follow-up.

From March 26, 1954, to July 19, 1955, 45 patients with major cardiac malformations not previously correctable underwent open repair utilizing cross-circulation between patient and donor without donor deaths. All operations were carried out at normothermia with lowered flow rates based on azygos flow studies. Twenty-seven patients, more than half of them infants, had ventricular septal defects closed. There were 8 hospital deaths, and there have been only 2 late deaths in 30 years. Fourteen (87.5%) of 16 who underwent recatheterization have closed defects. The 17 30-year-survivors are all in New York Heart Association Functional Class I. Five patients 4 months to 10 years old were operated on for atrioventricular canal (complete form). All had intractable failure, and 4 had pulmonary hypertension. Two of the 3 hospital deaths were due to heart block. The long-term survivor, a 15-month-old infant at the time of operation (severe pulmonary hypertension, 90/50 mm Hg), underwent repair 31 years ago and is now married with 3 children. Recatheterization disclosed normal pulmonary pressure (20/4 mm Hg), no shunts, and mild mitral regurgitation. Ten cyanotic tetrads 13 months to 14 years old were operated on with 5 hospital deaths. Of the 3 late deaths, 1 was accidental at 17 years, 1 occurred suddenly at home 13 years after operation in infancy for atresia, and the third occurred at reoperation 10 years later. The 2 remaining patients (1 the first patient operated on) are in excellent health. The surgical methods used and the physiological advantages of cross-circulation (temporary placenta) that made these results possible at a time when surgical knowledge was primitive are described.

Cardiac Catheterization↗

The first open heart corrections of tetralogy of Fallot. A 26-31 year follow-up of 106 patients.

Tetralogy of Fallot became a correctable malformation on August 31, 1954, and from that data through 1960, 106 patients (ages 4 months-45 years) who underwent open repairs at the University of Minnesota and were discharged, have been followed (99% complete) until death or for 26-31 years (mean: 23.7 years, 2424 patient years). The purposes of this study were to determine survival, morbidity, hemodynamics, educational/employment attainments, and relation of these to surgical technics. Operations were done by cross circulation (6 patients) and bubble oxygenator (100 patients). This group had the first uses of patch ventricular septal defect closure, outflow root, infundibuloplasty, atresia correction, ischemic arrests, and pacemakers among other innovations. Twenty-one (of 105 patients) have died during the followup: eight deaths in the first 10 years, 12 between 10 and 20 years, and 1 greater than 20 years. The causes of death were sudden (5), accidental (4), congestive failure (2), reoperation (2), suicide (2), and other (2). Actuarial survival at 30 years was 77%. Late complications were ten reoperations, five arrhythmias, and one endocarditis. Actuarial freedom from reoperations at 30 years was 91%. Cardiac recatheterizations in 62 patients disclosed only 10 with residual shunts. Peak right ventricular systolic pressures were less than 40 mmHg (34 patients), 41-60 mm (2 patients), 61-70 mm (4 patients), greater than 71 mm (4 patients). Thirty-four patients (32%) completed college, ten of these completed graduate school (5 masters degrees, 2 M.D.'s, 2 Ph.D.'s, 1 lawyer). Fifteen others attended college, and nine received technical school diplomas. Forty patients (18 men, 22 women) had progeny, with 82 (93%) live births and six major cardiac defects (7.3%). In summary, complete repair gave excellent late results in this group cared for very early in the open heart era. Survivors led productive lives without restrictions in education and employment. Many of the deaths/complications that occurred are now easily preventable, which augurs extremely well for this generation.

Adolescent↗

An alternative method for repair of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the superior vena cava.

The surgical management of 15 patients with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) to the high superior vena cava (SVC) is described. This new technique redirects the anomalous pulmonary venous flow into the left atrium through the cardiac end of the SVC, transected and oversewn above the anomalous pulmonary vein or veins, by coaptation of the atrial septal defect (or of the surgically created septal defect in patients with an intact atrial septum) to the intracardiac orifice of the SVC. Normal SVC-right atrial flow is reconstituted by atriocavoplasty to the cephalad portion of the transected SVC. A 31-year-old woman with severe pulmonary hypertension died early in the series; this was the only death. Surviving patients enjoy full activity. Except for one symptomatic SVC obstruction due to technical error (since relieved), this technique has achieved total correction of these congenital defects with marked reduction in the undesirable postoperative sequelae often associated with other methods of repair.

Adolescent↗

Long-term survival with ventricular pacemaking: initial 15-year experience.

The records of all 380 adult patients receiving cardiac pacemakers at West Virginia University in the 15-year period ending January 1, 1977, were reviewed. The five-year survival rate was 58 per cent and the 10 year, 38 per cent with a median survival of 74 months. Life expectancy approached life-table curves if the mortality during the initial year was ignored. Although the younger patients lived the longest, their expected survival was reduced more than in the older patients. The need for a pacemaker in a young person implies serious life-shortening consequences. Unlike reports in the literature, patients with sinoatrial disease fared worse than those with A-V block.

Actuarial Analysis↗

Coarctation of the thoracic aorta: an 18-year experience.

From 1960 to 1978, 80 patients from 2 weeks to 49 years of age underwent operations for coarctation of the aorta. Twelve patients were under 3 months old, and 68 were older. All of the infants presented with congestive heart failure and multiple cardiac defects. In the older patients, hypertension was the most common presenting symptom; 14 were asymptomatic. All patients under 3 months old received primary correction. Seven (58%) died of complications associated with other cardiac anomalies. In the older group, there was 59 primary reconstructions, six interposition grafts, and three other procedures. There were two deaths in this group. There were three re-explorations, two for bleeding and one for false aneurysm at the suture line. Seven older patients exhibited paradoxical hypertension: three developed abdominal symptoms and two required laparotomy. Three patients originally operated on during infancy developed recurrent coarctation with reoperation in two. Nine of the older patients had chronic hypertension, all of whom were operated on after age 15. Surgical correction of coarctation in infants carries a high mortality rate secondary to associated defects. The operative mortality rate in older patients is minimal, and correction should be undertaken early to prevent the long-standing complications of hypertension.

Adolescent↗