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Biomedical subjects

M Heinemann

Publications and source records attributed to M Heinemann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Pulmonary artery sling with tracheal stenosis: primary one-stage repair in infancy.

Pulmonary artery sling is often associated with tracheal stenosis. In many cases repair of the vascular anomaly alone does not relieve dyspnea. Primary one-stage repair with long segment tracheal resection (2.4 cm) and relocation of the left pulmonary artery using cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest is described in a 6.5-month-old girl weighing 6.5 kg. This technique resulted in normal ventilation and pulmonary flow distribution.

Bronchi

Advances in aortic arch surgery.

From 1980 to January 1991, 130 patients (89 men and 41 women, aged 22 to 76 years; mean age, 52 years) underwent 133 interventions on the aortic arch. Aneurysm was diagnosed in 57 patients, whereas 29 had chronic and 44 acute aortic dissection. In 67 instances a partial and in 35 instances a total arch replacement was performed. The distal arch was approached through a left thoracotomy in 14 patients. Local interventions (n = 17) included surgical reconstruction and glue procedures. Additionally, 55 patients required aortic valve replacement, preferably with composite grafts (n = 46), whereas the valve was reconstructed in 14. Procedures were performed using hypothermia (nasopharyngeal temperature, 11 degrees to 25 degrees C) and circulatory arrest (mean time, 27 minutes). Early mortality was 13.9% at the first operation on the aortic arch. Early deaths included 7 of 57 patients with aortic aneurysm (12.3%), 2 of 29 patients with chronic dissection (6.9%), and 9 of 44 patients with acute dissection (20.5%). Neurological (n = 6) and cardiac events (n = 5) were the most common causes of early death. Since 1987, 7 of 88 patients have died for an overall mortality of 8.0%. With growing experience, proper indication, and adequate operative strategy including the use of circulatory arrest in hypothermia, operation on the aortic arch can be performed with an acceptable risk.

Adult

[Surgical aspects of acute aortic dissection].

This paper highlights some of the surgical aspects of acute aortic dissections such as: emergency diagnosis, indications for surgery, reconstructive operative techniques, malperfusion phenomena and necessity for follow-up. Aortic dissection is caused by an intimal tear, called the "entry", and subsequent splitting of the media by the stream of blood. Two lumina are thus created, which may communicate through "re-entries". As this creates severe weakness of the aortic wall, rupture and/or dilatation are the imminent dangers of acute aortic dissection. Acute aortic dissection type A, by definition involving the ascending aorta (Figures 1 and 2), is an absolute indication for emergency surgical treatment, because its natural history shows an extremely poor outcome (Figure 3). Due to impending (intrapericardial) aortic rupture, it may be necessary to limit diagnostic procedures to a minimum. Transesophageal echocardiography is the method of choice for establishing a quick, precise and reliable diagnosis (Figure 4). In stable patients, computed tomography gives additional information about aortic diameters or sites of extrapericardial perforation. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) shows perfusion of the lumina and dependent organs. The surgical strategy in acute aortic dissection type A aims at replacement of the ascending aorta. Reconstructive techniques have to be considered, especially in aortic valve regurgitation without annuloectasia (Figures 5 and 6). In recent times, the use of GRF tissue glue has reduced the need for teflon felt. Involvement of the aortic arch should be treated aggressively up to the point of total arch replacement in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest as part of the primary procedure (Figure 7). Malperfusion phenomena of aortic branches remain risk-factors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acute Disease

Long-term follow-up after separate replacement of the aortic valve and ascending aorta.

Between May 1974 and November 1991, 28 patients underwent a separate replacement of the aortic valve and the ascending aorta (20 male, eight female; 32 to 71 years old, x = 52 years). 23 patients were operated for ascending aortic aneurysm, three for chronic and two for acute aortic dissection type A. 17/18 patients living at the beginning of this study were re-investigated after a mean follow-up interval of 8.5 years postoperatively with DSA, thoraco-abdominal CT and echocardiography. 1/8 biological aortic valves and 1/20 mechanical valves had to be replaced (four years and two months postoperatively) for valve degeneration and paravalvular leakage respectively. Three patients developed a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm and were reoperated five, 9.2 and 9.3 years after primary repair. In all three patients histological signs of idiopathic degenerative media disease of the aorta were found. Two other patients presented with a perfused perigraft channel and therefore had to be reoperated. Patients with chronic aortic dissection type A and/or ascending aortic aneurysms presenting clinical or intraoperative signs of degenerative media disease of the aorta should undergo composite graft replacement to preclude formation of sinus Valsalva aneurysms.

Adult

[Progress in surgery of the aortic arch].

We summarize our experience out of 133 operations involving the aortic arch which were performed in 130 patients throughout the last 13 years. Aortic pathology was aneurysmal disease in 57 cases, acute aortic dissection in 44, and chronic aortic dissection in 29 patients. Operative strategies included partial replacement or repair of the aortic arch in 80 cases and subtotal or total replacement of the transverse arch in 53 patients. In 19 cases presenting with aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta, implantation of an elephant trunk prothesis was performed simultaneously. The operations were performed during circulatory arrest (10-64 min, mean: 27 min) and in deep hypothermia (nasopharyngeal temperature: 11-25 degrees C). Recently, two modifications of the technique were introduced: First, the site of arterial inflow cannulation is changed by intubating the prothesis directly during reperfusion providing antegrade perfusion. Second, in patients with acute aortic dissection, the false lumen of the aortic root and arch is filled with resorcinformol glue and the layers are readapted by this means after anatomical reconstruction. Overall, early mortality was 14.3% and was much higher in acute dissection (22.7%) when compared to chronic dissection (6.9%, p = 0.110). A total of 24 reoperations were necessary in 16 patients of this group with subsequent replacement of the descending thoracic aorta being most frequently performed (n = 14). Actuarial survival after 5 years was not significantly different between the groups (69.1%) but showed a progressive decline for patients with aneurysms and chronic dissection (11 late deaths) while no late deaths occurred in acute dissections.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult

Infected intravenous port device causing tricuspid valve regurgitation.

Sepsis and tricuspid valve regurgitation developed in a 29-year-old man with Crohn's disease after implantation of an intravenous port device for parenteral nutrition. A thrombus, caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis, had grown along the catheter and prolapsed through the valve without affecting it. Complete removal in an open heart procedure led to quick recovery.

Adult

[Drug therapy of progressive hearing disorders in children].

In 1987 and 1988 Nickisch et al. discussed the effect of infusions of prednisolone, pentoxifylline and, partially, piracetam in Ringer lactate solvent on progressive sensorineural hearing loss in childhood and adolescence. Time of observations was 4 years. Unfortunately long-term investigations could not confirm the initially good therapeutic results of 1987/88. In 35% were found permanently and in 12.5% temporarily better auditory thresholds after infusion. The loss of progressive sensorineural hearing in childhood usually takes a fateful course that can hardly be influenced. As is the case with adults, good therapeutic results can most probably be achieved by infusions starting close to the event, i.e. within 48 hours.

Adolescent

Management of thoracoabdominal malperfusion in aortic dissection.

Malperfusion of the thoracoabdominal aorta or its branches is a common complication of aortic dissection, often with a fatal outcome. Since 1985 we saw thoracoabdominal malperfusion in 13 patients with aortic dissection. During repair of an acute type A aortic dissection, the intimal flap was fenestrated in three cases in the abdominal aorta and one within the superior mesenteric artery. In two cases with acute type B aortic dissection fenestration was performed at the level of the aortic bifurcation, and in one the descending aorta was replaced. Six patients had chronic dilatation of a false lumen without distal reentry, compromising the true lumen, with malperfusion of viscera, kidneys, and lower extremities. Three patients underwent replacement of the descending aorta, two of them subsequent abdominal aortic replacement with revascularization of the kidneys. One patient had thoracoabdominal replacement, and in two an extra-anatomic bypass was implanted. Five patients with acute dissection died: two from sequelae of malperfusion, two of myocardial failure, and one late after stroke. Eight patients are alive 1 month to 5 years after operation. In acute aortic dissection fenestration of the intimal flap may relieve thoracoabdominal malperfusion. In chronic aortic dissection, pseudocoarctation is most likely to occur at the diaphragmatic hiatus. This is treated by replacement of the affected aortic segment. In high-risk patients an extra-anatomic bypass is also feasible.

Aortic Dissection

Surgery extended into the aortic arch in acute type A dissection. Indications, techniques, and results.

From May of 1979 to September of 1990, 106 patients underwent emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. In 29 patients (27.3% of total; mean age, 53 years) surgery was extended into the aortic arch. In 19 cases the proximal entry reached or began beyond the aortic cross-clamping site, which prevented proper reconstruction of the distal aorta. In six cases an aortic perforation was located in the arch. In four others the dissection occurred within a preexistent arch aneurysm. Operative techniques consisted of eight arch reconstructions, 17 proximal arch replacements, and four total arch replacements. Repair was performed during deep hypothermia (mean nasopharyngeal temperature, 17.8 degrees C) and circulatory arrest (mean, 24.2 minutes). Operative mortality was 20.6% (six of 29), dropping to 10.5% (two of 19) during the past 4 years. There were no late deaths in the 23 survivors, with one patient suffering from neurological sequelae. Nineteen underwent either computed tomography and digital subtraction angiography or magnetic resonance imaging without pathological findings in the ascending aorta or arch. In acute type A aortic dissection the site of the intimal tear and/or perforation, as well as preexistent aneurysmatic disease, may require primary aortic arch repair. This can be accomplished during deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest, with acceptable early and satisfactory late results.

Aortic Dissection

[Treatment and rehabilitation in juvenile hearing disorders].

The early fitting of a hearing aid to a child with a proven hearing disorder is decisive for the further development of the child. Depending upon the age of the child, the fitting of a hearing aid requires a variety of strategies, and differs considerably from aid fitting in adulthood. It is more difficult, requires more time, and needs a lot of patience and experience. The individual steps and procedures for fitting an aid are described, and the possibilities of rehabilitation of a child with such a hearing impairment are discussed. Apart from the optimal provision of a hearing aid, the child requires intensive early and long-term aftercare to ensure normal speech and normal development.

Child

[Diagnosis of juvenile hearing disorders].

Disordered hearing in childhood has a major negative effect on the entire development, in particular the development of speech. Thus, early detection and proper assessment of a hearing impairment is of considerable importance. Only adequate diagnostic information makes it possible to initiate the necessary corrective measures without delay. The diagnostic possibilities for detecting and differentiating hearing impairments are discussed. The general need to perform a hearing test at the age of six and seven months, and the performance of hearing tests designed for the newborn who are at risk, are emphasized.

Audiometry

Thoracic aortic aneurysms after acute type A aortic dissection: necessity for follow-up.

Between April 1979 and May 1989, 86 patients underwent emergency operation for acute type A aortic dissection. Sixty-four (74.4%) survived. None of the survivors died of late aortic complications. Fifty-eight patients were followed 3 months to 10 years (mean follow-up, 3.2 years) postoperatively with computed tomography and digital subtraction angiography. Dilatation of the distal aorta (diameter size range, 6 to 10.5 cm) developed in 10 patients (17%). Six patients underwent replacement of the descending aorta 1 month to 21 months (mean period, 8.5 months) after aortic dissection repair. Two of them had third-stage thoracoabdominal replacement. In 2 patients, replacement of the descending aorta was scheduled; 1 died before reoperation and 1 refused the procedure. Two patients underwent aortic arch replacement; it is scheduled for another (fourth stage). There were no deaths among the patients having reoperation. The rate of indications for reoperation on the aorta downstream from the original repair 1 month to 6 years 4 months (median time, 9 months) after primary surgical intervention for acute type A aortic dissection was 24% (14 reoperations in 10 of 58 patients). This study underscores the importance of close follow-up of patients having operation for acute type A aortic dissection. Early recognition of progressive downstream aortic pathology permits effective prevention of aortic rupture and timely reoperation.

Adult

Coarctation of the aorta in complex congenital heart disease: simultaneous repair via sternotomy.

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is often associated with complex congenital heart disease. Patients with such a combination may not benefit from coarctectomy alone. Eight children who presented with complex malformations of the heart underwent simultaneous repair of CoA and intracardiac surgery via sternotomy. After extensive mobilization of the aortic arch, cardiopulmonary bypass was established. During the cooling phase for deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (six cases), a persistent temperature gradient between the upper and lower half of the body confirmed the significance of CoA. One child was operated upon in deep hypothermia with low flow and one underwent valve repair on cardiopulmonary bypass. Mobilization of the descending aorta enabled CoA resection and end-to-end anastomosis with a running absorbable suture. The average descending aortic cross-clamping time was 15 min. By this time, the patient had been cooled sufficiently for the intracardiac procedure. There were two operative deaths not related to coarctectomy. The remaining children showed no arm-to-leg pressure gradient. Five were discharged from hospital and one patient died late from septicaemia. In our hands, this technique has served to accomplish simultaneous relief of CoA and repair of the intracardiac lesion thus sparing critically ill infants the hazards of repeated procedures.

Aorta, Thoracic

[After care and reoperation after primary intervention in chronic type A aortic dissection].

UNLABELLED: Between 4/78 und 9/89 44 patients (pts.) underwent primary repair of CADA. 3 pts. died early postoperatively. 36 pts. were followed-up 3 months to 9.7 years (means = 3.1 years) postoperatively with CT, DSA and echocardiography. 8 pts. underwent 12 aortic reoperations, in 10 cases due to persistent or recurrent aneurysms. CONCLUSIONS: In CADA radical replacement of the Ascending Aorta is advisable to prevent recurrent aneurysms formation. Systematic follow-up facilitates early recognition and repair of progressively chronic or new downstream aortic pathology.

Adult