Biomedical subjects

X Y Jin

Publications and source records attributed to X Y Jin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

First permanent implant of the Jarvik 2000 Heart.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure is a major public-health concern. Quality and duration of life on maximum medical therapy are poor. The availability of donor hearts is severely limited, therefore an alternative approach is necessary. We have explored the use of a new type of left-ventricular assist device intended as a long-term solution to end-stage heart failure. METHODS: As part of a prospective clinical trial, we implanted the first permanent Jarvik 2000 Heart--an intraventricular device with an innovative power delivery system--into a 61-year-old man (New York Heart Association functional class IV) with dilated cardiomyopathy. We assessed the effect of this left-ventricular assist device on both native heart function and the symptoms and systemic characteristics of heart failure. FINDINGS: The Jarvik 2000 Heart sustained the patient's circulation, and was practical and user-friendly. After 6 weeks, exercise tolerance, myocardial function, and end-organ function improved. Symptoms of heart failure have resolved, and continuous decreased pulse-pressure perfusion has had no adverse effects in the short term. There has been no significant haemolysis and no device-related complications. The skull-mounted pedestal is unobtrusive and has healed well. CONCLUSIONS: The initial success of this procedure raises the possibility of a new treatment for end-stage heart failure. In the longer term, its role will be determined by mechanical reliability.

Blood Pressure↗

PubMed2000

Mechanical bridge to recovery in fulminant myocarditis.

A patient with acute fulminant lymphocytic myocarditis and cardiogenic shock was successfully treated by mechanical off loading of the left ventricle. A nonpulsatile left-heart bypass was undertaken with an implantable centrifugal blood pump. Careful weaning resulted in device removal on the seventh day. Left and right ventricular function is sustained at 7 months. Widespread application of this method depends on the availability of an inexpensive user friendly blood pump, appropriate weaning protocols and emerging strategies to promote sustainable myocardial recovery.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Survival advantage of stentless aortic bioprostheses.

BACKGROUND: Bioprostheses (BPs) are used to avoid anticoagulation after aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients over 65 years of age. Stentless BPs offer established hemodynamic benefits. We sought to determine whether these advantages translate into improved survival. METHODS: Between 1993 and 1997, follow-up data (for Food and Drug Administration submission) were collected prospectively for 160 consecutive, unselected hospital survivors who received the Freestyle valve (FS). Equivalent data were collected for 247 Carpentier-Edwards (CE) porcine xenograft patients. Detailed comparative statistical analysis was used to compare events and survival between the groups. Follow-up was 100% complete for the FS (5.2 years maximum; mean 3.2+/-1.0 years) group and 98% (7.2 years maximum; mean 3.8+/-2.0 years) for CE. RESULTS: The groups were well matched in age (FS, 73+/-6 years; CE, 74+/-6 years), gender (FS, 58% male; CE, 62% male), ventricular function, and number of patients requiring coronary grafts (FS, 41%; CE, 37%). Actuarial survival at 5 years was 84% for FS versus 69% for CE (p = 0.023 Kaplan Meier, p = 0.009 Cox). Annual mortality rates were 3.6% for FS versus 7.1% for CE (p = 0.001). Thromboembolic rate was 0.8% per year for FS and 2.4% for CE (p = 0.024) without a difference in cardiac rhythm. Incidence of nonstructural dysfunction (paravalvular leak) was 0.2% for FS versus 1.3% for CE (p = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: By 5 years, the stentless valve patients had improved survival and reduced adverse events. Though differences in durability are yet to be proved, our findings support the use of stentless bioprostheses in this age group.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Early changes in the time course of myocardial contraction after correcting aortic regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Correcting aortic regurgitation causes significant changes in left ventricular loading conditions, but few observations have been made intraoperatively of early effects on myocardial function. METHODS: We studied 18 patients (mean age, 59+/-12 years; 14 men) in whom aortic regurgitation was corrected with a stentless biologic valve. Overall left ventricular function was studied by thermodilution cardiac output, ventricular filling pressure, and systemic arterial pressure. Regional myocardial function was assessed from intraoperative transesophageal M-mode echocardiography and high fidelity ventricular pressure recordings before cardiopulmonary bypass, and 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 20 hours after operation. Time course of contraction, and magnitude of left ventricular systolic wall stress, dimensional shortening, myocardial power, and stroke work were measured. RESULTS: Global hemodynamics: there was an immediate decrease in left ventricular stroke volume (58+/-31 mL versus 80+/-30 mL, p = 0.004) and stroke work index (250+/-86 mJ/m versus 401+/-198 mJ/m, p = 0.005), but systemic arterial pressure (79+/-11 mm Hg versus 65+/-10 mm Hg, p = 0.002), increased at constant heart rate and end-diastolic pressure. Regional myocardial function and timing: peak systolic wall stress, dimensional shortening rate, and myocardial power production were all unchanged with operation. However, myocardial stroke work decreased (3.0+/-1.3 mJ/cm versus 4.8+/-2.4 mJ/cm, p = 0.009), attributable to shortening of the duration of systole (475+/-91 ms versus 543+/-67 ms, p<0.001). Diastolic time increased from 34%+/-18% to 71%+/-33% of systolic pulse duration (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Correcting aortic regurgitation causes an early decrease in regional and global stroke work and increases diastolic time, although systolic wall stress does not decrease immediately. These beneficial effects are achieved by reducing the duration rather than altering the peak intensity (power) of myocardial contraction.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Medium-term determinants of left ventricular mass index after stentless aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for elevated left ventricular mass index 3 to 5 years after stentless aortic valve replacement, and to elucidate the underlying physiologic mechanisms. METHODS: Eighty-nine patients (age, 76 +/- 6 years, 51 males) having a stentless porcine valve for aortic stenosis (n = 76) or regurgitation (n = 13) were prospectively studied by Doppler echocardiography 3 to 5 years after operation. Left ventricular systolic function, mass index, blood pressure, cardiac rhythm, and New York Heart Association function class were all determined. Stentless valve effective orifice area, mean pressure drop, and the presence and degree of aortic regurgitation were quantified. RESULTS: The mean stentless aortic valve size was 24 +/- 2 mm. At follow-up time of 45 +/- 9 months, effective orifice area index was 1.2 +/- 0.35 cm2 x m(-2), and mean pressure drop was 5.7 +/- 3.8 mm Hg. Left ventricular mass index was 128 +/- 47 g x m(-2), and ejection fraction was 63% +/- 14%. Multivariant analysis showed a greater left ventricular mass index to be associated with nonsinus rhythm (versus sinus) (163 +/- 8 versus 131 +/- 7 g x m(-2)), greater pulse pressure (> 84 mm Hg) (161 +/- 7 versus 133 +/- 7 g x m(-2)), New York Heart Association class II or III (versus class I) (166 +/- 10 versus 128 +/- 5 g x m(-2)), and male sex (versus female) (160 +/- 7 versus 134 +/- 8 g x m(-2)), all p < 0.01. Mean pressure drop (> 8 mm Hg), effective orifice area index (< 1.0 cm2 x m(-2)), the presence of mild regurgitation of the stentless valve, or the type of previous valve disease were insignificant determinants of left ventricular mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Three to five years after the implantation, stentless aortic valve hemodynamics remain excellent. Left ventricular hypertrophy caused by previous native aortic valve disease had largely regressed. However, patient-related factors, particularly systemic blood pressure, cardiac rhythm, and function, are significant causes of late residual left ventricular hypertrophy. Thus, continued medical care and earlier surgical intervention may further improve the outlook for these patients.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

The relationship of myocardial stroke work to coronary flow velocity immediately after aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: The interrelations between myocardial stroke work and coronary flow velocity have not been fully defined during aortic valve replacement or with different cardioplegias. METHODS: Twenty-six patients (15 men age 63+/-13 years) who had elective isolated aortic valve replacement were studied by transesophageal Doppler echocardiography with simultaneous high fidelity left ventricular pressure. Fifteen patients received cold blood cardioplegia and 11 had warm blood cardioplegia. Myocardial stroke work and flow velocities in proximal left anterior descending coronary artery were quantified simultaneously before cardiopulmonary bypass and at 1, 6, 12, and 20 hours afterwards. RESULTS: Myocardial stroke work decreased postoperatively in both groups (160+/-19 versus 228+/-19 mJ/cm3 per minute, with cold blood cardioplegia; 135+/-22 versus 227+/-22 mJ/cm3 per minute with warm blood cardioplegia; both p<0.001 versus time, but p>0.05 versus cardioplegia, by two-way analysis of variance). Left anterior descending artery flow velocity-time integral per minute increased significantly in both groups (26.1+/-2.1 versus 15.0+/-2.1 m/min with cold blood cardioplegia; 32.8+/-2.5 versus 14.4+/-2.5 m/min with warm blood cardioplegia; both p<0.001 versus time, but p>0.05 versus cardioplegia). Thus, at 1 hour postoperatively the mJ x cm(-3) x m(-1) x min ratio of myocardial stroke work to left anterior descending artery flow velocity-time integral decreased significantly in both groups (4.3+/-1.6 versus 16.3+/-1.7 mJ x cm(-3) x m(-1) x min with warm blood cardioplegia, and 7.4+/-1.4 versus 17.9+/-1.4 J x cm(-3) x m(-1) x min with cold blood cardioplegia; both p<0.001 versus time). Warm blood cardioplegia was also associated with a lower mean ratio perioperatively than that with cold blood cardioplegia (7.8+/-0.9 versus 10.9+/-0.7 mJ x cm(-3) x m(-1) x min, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Coronary hyperemia occurs for at least 20 hours postoperatively when myocardial stoke work has decreased. The ratio of myocardial stroke work to coronary flow velocity appears to be more sensitive than either alone in differentiating the effect of warm versus cold blood cardioplegia.

Aortic Valve↗

PubMed1999

Echocardiographic parameters of the freestyle stentless bioprosthesis in aortic position: the European experience.

The objective of this study was to determine normal Doppler and 2-dimensional characteristics of the Freestyle stentless aortic bioprosthesis. The Freestyle aortic bioprosthesis is a new type of aortic xenograft, and experience is limited. We therefore determined the normal range of echocardiographic and Doppler examinations of this valve. Three hundred thirty-nine consecutive patients with a Freestyle aortic bioprosthesis underwent an echocardiographic and Doppler examination according to a common protocol. Investigations were done within 4 weeks after operation, after 3 to 6 months, and after 1, 2, and 3 years. With a valve size from 19 to 27 mm, mean gradients decreased from 7.9 +/- 5.1 mm Hg at discharge to 5.5 +/- 3. 8 mm Hg after 3 to 6 months (P <.001). Thereafter, gradients remained stable. Effective orifice area 1 year after implantation was 1.59 +/- 0.58 cm(2) for the 21-mm valves, 1.92 +/- 0.74 cm(2) for the 23-mm valves, 2.03 +/- 0.64 cm(2) for the 25-mm valves, and 2.52 +/- 0.72 cm(2) for the 27-mm valves (P <.001). The performance index, the ratio of the measured effective orifice area in the patient divided by the effective orifice area measured in vitro, increased from 67% +/- 20% at discharge to 82% +/- 29% after 1, 2, and 3 years. Performance index was especially very high in the smaller-sized valves. After implantation with the subcoronary technique or root-inclusion technique, small cavities could be seen between the native aortic root and the Freestyle valve. Doppler values were evaluated for the Freestyle stentless porcine bioprostheses in the aortic root. Gradients appear to be close to those measured in native valves over a time period of 3 years.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

The effects of cardioplegia on coronary pressure-flow velocity relationships during aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVE: The acute physiological response of the coronary circulation to aortic valve replacement (AVR) has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to characterize the changes in coronary perfusion pressure-flow velocity relationships, and to test whether this relationship is affected by cardioplegic method. METHODS: Nineteen patients (mean age 67 +/- 12 (SD) years, 9 males) undergoing aortic valve replacement who received either cold blood cardioplegia (CBC, n = 9) or warm blood cardioplegia (WBC, n = 10), were prospectively studied before and 30 min after the operation, using transesophageal Doppler echocardiography combined with high fidelity left ventricular (LV) and aortic pressures. We thus determined: (1) Diastolic flow velocities in proximal anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), and simultaneous aorta to LV pressure differences. (2) The slope (LAD proximal linear resistance) and pressure intercept (zero flow pressure) of this relationship. (3) Overall LAD linear resistance as the ratio of mean diastolic flow velocity to mean pressure difference between aorta and left ventricle. (4) LV myocardial stroke work. RESULTS: Following operation, myocardial stroke work fell from 5.2 +/- 2.7 to 3.0 +/- 1.7, mJ cm(-3) (P = 0.001), LAD mean diastolic flow velocity increased from 47 +/- 19 to 74 +/- 21, cm s(-1) (P = 0.0002). LAD overall linear resistance fell (0.75 +/- 0.24 vs. 1.26 +/- 0.26, mmHg cm(-1) s, P = 0.001). LAD proximal linear resistance, however, remained unchanged (P = 0.21), but the zero flow pressure fell (18 +/- 12.6 vs. 27 +/- 12.2, mmHg above LV end diastolic pressure, P = 0.013). With similar fall in myocardial work postoperatively, there was a greater fall in zero flow pressure after WBC than CBC (48 +/- 28 vs. 19 +/- 13,% of pre-op, P = 0.012), and a greater increase in flow velocity time integral (127 +/- 81 vs. 53 +/- 59,%, P = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Instantaneous diastolic LAD pressure-flow velocity relations in the early postoperative period can be explained more satisfactorily in terms of zero flow pressure and proximal linear resistance than simple resistance alone. The fall in zero flow pressure alone explains the increase in LAD flow velocity immediately after aortic valve replacement. The extent of this fall is greater after warm rather than cold blood cardioplegia.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

The Sorin stentless pericardial valve: implant technique and hemodynamic profile.

Stentless porcine xenografts have had significant impact on the hemodynamics, left ventricular remodeling, and survival after aortic valve replacement. We sought to establish a similar trend for the stentless pericardial valve. In a consecutive unselected series of 54 patients over 65 years of age, we refined the implant method for the stentless aortic pericardial valve and defined the pitfalls. We used a detailed echocardiographic study designed by the Food and Drug Administration to define the early valve hemodynamics and changes in left ventricular function. The valve is user friendly. With an easily reproducible implant technique, very low mean (7.1+/-3.4 mm Hg) and peak (13.6+/-6.3 mm Hg) transvalvular gradients were obtained, which did not decline significantly with time. Left ventricular mass index declined accordingly over 6 months (147+/-49 g/m2 to 125+/-39 g/m2). Mild aortic regurgitation, which did not influence left ventricular mass regression, occurred (26%) predominantly in the first half of the series because of size discrepancy between the annulus and a dilated sinotubular junction. Aortic regurgitation was virtually eliminated by tailoring of the sinotubular junction in the noncoronary sinus. The stentless pericardial valve provides excellent early hemodynamics and is a realistic alternative to the stentless porcine xenograft or aortic homograft for subcoronary aortic valve replacement in elderly patients. Valve durability is yet to be defined.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Aortic root geometry and stentless porcine valve competence.

The goal of this study was to characterize medium-term changes in aortic root geometry after stentless aortic valve replacement, the relationship between aortic sinotubular junction and the competence of stentless valves. A total of 205 consecutive patients (mean age 73+/-6 years; 120 men, 85 women) received a Freestyle stentless porcine aortic valve and were studied prospectively by echocardiography from 1 week to 5 years. Internal diameters of outflow tract, annulus, sinus, sinotubular junction, and ascending aortic root were measured at early ejection and indexed to stentless valve size. The degree of stentless valve regurgitation was semiquantified by color Doppler echocardiography. A total of 701 echocardiographic studies were obtained and analyzed; 73% showed a fully competent stentless valve (nAR) and 13% and 14%, respectively, showed a trivial (tAR) or mild (mAR) regurgitation. Sinotubular junction of tAR or mAR was significantly greater than that of nAR (111+/-1.9, 117+/-2.2 vs. 104+/-1.0, percentage of valve size, P<.001). A preoperative diagnosis of aortic regurgitation (110+/-2.6 vs. 104+/-1.0, percentage of valve size, P<.001) and 4 to 5-year follow-up time (116+/-2.2 vs. 107+/-2.9, percentage of valve size, P = .023) were associated with a greater sinotubular junction, although the incidence and mean grade of stentless valve regurgitation did not change significantly during the follow-up period. Up to medium-term follow-up evaluation, the incidence of moderate stentless aortic regurgitation is less than 5%. The nature of valve disease and age-related increase in sinotubular junction may have reduced the cusp coaptation area of the stentless valve and may predict the presence of a trivial or mild regurgitation. Understanding the interrelations between the stentless valve and remodeling of the aging aorta has important implications for both surgical technique and long-term follow-up outcome.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Fifth-year hemodynamic performance of the prima stentless aortic valve.

BACKGROUND: The medium-term hemodynamic performance of stentless valves has not been widely reported, particularly in comparison with in vitro studies. Therefore, we have assessed prospectively the hemodynamics of the Edwards Prima valve in its fifth year after implantation in the aortic position, and compared the results with those at 1 month after implantation and also with in vitro data. METHODS: Thirty-five patients (age, 77 +/- 6 years; 19 men) were prospectively studied by Doppler echocardiography at 1 month and 52 +/- 8 months after implantation of a Prima stentless valve. Valve hemodynamics were assessed by measuring the mean pressure gradient, mean valve resistance, and effective orifice area. Left ventricular systolic function was quantified by ejection fraction, the degree of hypertrophy by ventricular mass index, and the ratio of ventricular wall thickness to cavity radius as a measure of ventricular geometry. RESULTS: With a mean valve size of 24.6 +/- 2.2 mm in the fifth year after implantation, the mean pressure gradient was 6.2 +/- 3.5 mm Hg, the mean valve resistance, 29 +/- 16 dyne x s(-1) x cm(-5)), and the effective orifice area was 2.05 +/- 0.50 cm2. Compared with 1 month after operation, there was a 47% decrease in mean valve resistance (p = 0.002) and a 39% increase in effective orifice area (p = 0.001). Furthermore, both effective orifice area and mean valve resistance in the fifth year did not differ from their in vitro counterparts, whereas the left ventricular ejection fraction (0.64 +/- 0.14), the left ventricular mass index (119 +/- 49 g/m2), and the ratio of ventricular wall thickness to cavity radius (0.44 +/- 0.13) were within the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the Prima valve is a reliable stentless aortic bioprosthesis. This is supported by a favorable medium-term clinical outcome, durable hemodynamic performance, and normal mean values of left ventricular ejection fraction and mass index in the fifth year after implantation.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Valve replacement with a stentless bioprosthesis: versatility of the porcine aortic root.

OBJECTIVE: Stentless valves convey important hemodynamic benefits but are used selectively depending on aortic root structure. The Freestyle valve (Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, Minn) is a versatile device that can be implanted by different methods depending on operating conditions. We aimed to demonstrate that a stentless valve could be used in every patient without increased risk of morbidity or mortality. We documented the effects of this valve on clinical outcome and left ventricular mechanics. METHODS: The Freestyle valve was implanted by the modified subcoronary method into 200 consecutive unselected patients who received a tissue valve in the aortic position and by root replacement in 2. Forty-three percent were older than 75 years. Forty percent underwent coronary bypass. Detailed clinical and echocardiographic follow-up (Food and Drug Administration protocol) was used out to 3 years. RESULTS: Mean ischemic time was 43+/-6 minutes for isolated aortic valve replacement and 63+/-14 minutes with concomitant procedures. Thirty-day mortality was 6%, none of the deaths being valve related. Hemodynamic function improved progressively with falling valve gradients and increased effective orifice areas. Left ventricular mass fell within normal limits over 2 years, but at 3 years there was a non-valve-related upswing. No instances of valve thrombosis, hemolysis, or paravalvular leak were noted. Less than 5% had mild to moderate aortic regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: The Freestyle valve can be used in virtually every patient with aortic valve disease and provides superlative hemodynamic outcome. Hospital mortality and morbidity are similar to those reported for stented valves in an elderly population.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Coronary artery problems during homograft aortic valve replacement: role of transesophageal echocardiography.

We describe 2 cases in which intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography detected complications related to the proximal coronary arteries during homograft aortic valve and root replacement. In both cases, cardiopulmonary bypass could not be discontinued despite the use of large doses of inotropic drugs. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated aliasing on color flow mapping in the left main coronary artery in 1 case and proximal right coronary artery in the other, along with severely depressed left ventricular anterior wall and right ventricular function, respectively. Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in both cases, and the outcome was successful.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Mechanical support in dilated cardiomyopathy: signs of early left ventricular recovery.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports have documented left ventricular recovery in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy off-loaded long term with a left ventricular assist device. We sought to document the natural history of left ventricular recovery. METHODS: We implanted the TCI left ventricular assist device without the intention to perform transplantation in 2 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy who had been rejected for transplantation. Both were in New York Heart Association functional class IV and had renal failure. One was a diabetic. We studied left ventricular function with detailed echocardiography at 4, 6, and 8 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: With the left ventricular assist device turned off, we observed a progressive increase in myocardial contractility beginning as early as 4 weeks after implantation and improving progressively. Histologic examination showed resolution of myocytolysis in both patients. CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular recovery begins earlier than was previously suspected. Mechanical bridge to myocardial recovery is a potential approach to therapy for such patients.

Cardiomyopathy, Dilated↗

PubMed1997

Left ventricular remodelling and improvement in Freestyle stentless valve haemodynamics.

OBJECTIVE: To assess how left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, geometry and function change after stentless aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis, and to elucidate the physiological mechanism of the improvement in stentless valve haemodynamics. METHODS: 81 patients with aortic stenosis (age 75 +/- 6 years, 47 male) underwent aortic valve replacement (plus CABG in 33 patients) with a Freestyle stentless porcine valve (mean size 23 +/- 2 mm). They were prospectively investigated by Doppler echocardiography at 2 weeks, 3-6, 12, and 24 months after operation. Two hundred and forty-six echocardiograms were obtained and analysed. Aortic valve performance was assessed from its effective orifice area (EOA), the transvalvular increase in mean flow velocity (delta mV), the deceleration time of aortic flow velocity, and mean pressure drop (mPG). LV hypertrophy was assessed from LV mass index; LV geometry, from the ratio of wall thickness to the radius (T/R ratio) and LV function, from stroke volume index (LVSVI) and myocardial stroke work (SW). RESULTS: By 2 years after operation, LV mass index had fallen from 162 +/- 64 to 109 +/- 36, g/m2, and T/R ratio from 0.61 +/- 0.25 to 0.43 +/- 0.10. LVSVI increased from 29.4 +/- 10 to 42 +/- 17, ml/m2, and myocardial SW from 3.1 +/- 1.6 to 5.2 +/- 2.2, mJ/cm3 (all P < 0.001 by ANOVA), while LV outflow tract diameter remained unchanged. At the same time, stentless valve EOA increased from 1.59 +/- 0.75 to 2.2 +/- 0.72, cm2, and delta mV (from 82 +/- 31 to 49 +/- 24, cm/s) and mPG (from 9.7 +/- 5.0 to 5.2 +/- 3.7 mmHg) both fell significantly (all P < 0.001 by ANOVA): as the deceleration time of aortic flow velocity increased from 153.6 +/- 64.1 to 202.7 +/- 37.6 ms (P < 0.001 by ANOVA). CONCLUSION: After stentless aortic valve replacement, LV mass index and wall thickness both fall towards normal, and myocardial stroke work increases. These ventricular remodelling processes are accompanied by a more physiological flow jet at valve cusp level, which permits a greater stroke volume to be ejected with a smaller transvavular velocity increase, so that effective orifice area increases.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

Effects of valve substitute on changes in left ventricular function and hypertrophy after aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Residual left ventricular hypertrophy adversely affects long-term outcome after aortic valve replacement. A stentless biological valve in the aortic position has been shown to offer a better hemodynamic profile than a stented one. However, it remains to be defined whether this difference is translated into inter-mediate-term effects on left ventricular structure and function. METHODS: One hundred thirty-seven patients receiving single aortic valve replacement (52 with concomitant coronary artery bypass graft) were enrolled in this study. Ninety-eight were men, and the mean age was 68 years (range, 55 to 90 years). Of the 137 patients, 39 had an aortic homograft, 72 a Toronto stentless porcine valve, and 26 had a stented porcine or bileaflet mechanical valve, with mean valve size of 25 +/- 2.5 mm (mean +/- standard deviation). Left ventricular muscle mass and function were assessed by M-mode echocardiography performed before and 0.5, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after operation, and recorded on paper for off-line digitizing. Peak valve prosthesis pressure gradients were quantified by continuous wave Doppler. RESULTS: A total of 330 echocardiograms obtained during this study were adequate for computer digitizing. Clinical data, preoperative left ventricular function, and hypertrophy were similar between the three groups. Significant improvement in left ventricular function and major regression of left ventricular hypertrophy had occurred in the entire population by 6 months after operation. Multivariate analysis of variance showed that patients with previous aortic regurgitation had a larger left ventricular cavity size (p < 0.001) and greater mass index (p = 0.001) postoperatively than those with previous aortic stenosis. In addition, peak valvular gradient was lower (p < 0.001), mass index less (p < 0.001), and left ventricular function more normal both systolic, by a greater peak velocity of dimension shortening (p = 0.05) and wall thickening (p = 0.002), and diastolic, by a greater peak velocity of dimension lengthening (p = 0.046), with an aortic homograft or stentless porcine valve compared with a mechanical or stented biological valve. There was no significant difference in peak valve gradient, left ventricular mass index, or function between the aortic homograft and the stentless porcine valve. Age, sex, and concomitant coronary artery bypass graft, as well as aortic cross-clamp time, cardioplegia method, and valve size all proved to be insignificant determinants of postoperative left ventricular hypertrophy or function. CONCLUSIONS: In the first 2 years after implantation, the superior hemodynamic performance of aortic homograft and stentless porcine valve appears to result in more extensive regression of ventricular hypertrophy and greater improvement of left ventricular function than occurs with a mechanical or stented biological valve. These findings encourage the use of a stentless biological valve in older patients requiring aortic valve replacement, and a larger scale long-term randomized study of stentless versus stented biological valve or mechanical valve seems warranted.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

Effects of incoordination on left ventricular force-velocity relation in aortic stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: Tension development is often incoordinate in the hypertrophic left ventricle (LV). The present study aimed to elucidate the possible effects of incoordination on standard LV force-velocity relations in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). DESIGN: Prospective study during aortic valve replacement with transoesophageal cross sectionally guided M mode echocardiogram, combined with high-fidelity LV pressure recorded by pressure transducer tip catheter, and thermodilution cardiac output. SETTING: Tertiary cardiac referral centre. PATIENTS: 37 patients (mean (SD) age 63 (12)) years were studied before and 20 hours after aortic valve replacement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: LV function was assessed regionally by peak velocity of circumferential fibre shortening (peak Vcf), mean systolic wall stress, and peak myocardial power; and globally by LV stroke work index. LV coordination was quantified as cycle efficiency, derived from LV pressure-dimension loop (lower normal limit > or = 76%). RESULTS: 22 patients with a coordinate LV had significantly higher peak Vcf (1.85 (0.47) v 1.46 (0.64) s-1) peak myocardial power (20.8 (8.5) v 12.0 (6.1) mW.cm-3) and global stroke work index (440 (155) v 325 (150) mJ.m-2) than those of 15 patients with an incoordinate ventricle, all P < 0.05; though there was no significant difference in LV end diastolic dimension, mean systolic wall stress, LV mass index, or the incidence of coronary artery disease (P > 0.05, respectively). Furthermore, when contraction was coordinate, mean systolic circumferential wall stress correlated inversely with peak Vcf (r = - 0.71) and positively with peak myocardial power (r = 0.83), both P < 0.01. When contraction was incoordinate, these correlations did not apply; instead peak Vcf (r = 0.65) and peak myocardial power (r = 0.73) both correlated positively with cycle efficiency (P < 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). By 20 hours after surgery, values of cycle efficiency, peak Vcf, and myocardial power were indistinguishable in the previously coordinate and incoordinate groups. CONCLUSIONS: In aortic stenosis, incoordination causes a fall in LV peak Vcf proportional to the increase in systolic wall stress, and thus modifies the standard LV force-velocity relation to mimic depressed contractility. However, incoordination and subsequent ventricular dysfunction were largely reversible once the aortic stenosis had been relieved.

Aortic Valve↗

PubMed1996

[An epidemiological study on influenza pandemic].

A cross-sectional epidemiological study on "the relationship between five variables [Fish, Pig, Duck, Chicken and Integrated Fish Farming (IFF)] and influenza pandemic" was carried out in 697 disease surveillance spots in the rural areas of Shandong & Henan provides. Results suggested that ducks might have played an important role in the ecology of influenza. Pigs did not seem to be a greater culprit in ecology of influenza but gave the inconsistent view with the hypothesis that IFF could lead to human influenza pandemic.

Animals↗