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Biomedical subjects

Y Sasako

Publications and source records attributed to Y Sasako.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Surgical considerations of occlusive lesions associated with Takayasu's arteritis.

OBJECTIVE: Takayasu's arteritis is an inflammatory vascular disease of unknown etiology that affects the aorta and its main branches, requiring surgical intervention due to occlusive lesions. We studied early and late surgical results. METHODS: Between 1979 and December 1998, 46 patients--1 man and 45 women aged 15 to 72 years (mean: 46 +/- 13 years)--with occlusive lesions caused by Takayasu's arteritis underwent surgery. Preoperative steroids were administered to 22 patients having inflammation. Diagnosis indicating surgery included obstructive cervical vessel disease in 13 patients, obstructive coronary artery disease in 19, aortic coarctation in 15, and abdominal branch stenosis in 3. Surgical procedures involved bypass grafting in 31 (cervical vessel bypass in 13, ascending-abdominal aortic bypass in 4, axillary artery-abdominal aortic bypass in 10, descending-abdominal aortic bypass in 1, abdominal branch bypass in 3), coronary artery bypass grafting in 10, and coronary ostial endarterectomy in 9. RESULTS: Four (8.7%) died during hospitalization. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 240 months (mean: 117 months). Eight suffered late deaths and 6 patients died of cardiovascular problems. The total actuarial survival rate was 76.2% at 5 years and 70.5% at 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Steroid therapy before and after surgery appears to affect the overall prognosis positively in patients with Takayasu's arteritis.

Adolescent↗

Mitral valve plasty in systemic lupus erythematosus in the setting of antiphospholipid syndrome.

The first case was of a 27-year-old female, who was diagnosed as having mitral valve stenosis with regurgitation, systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome at her previous pregnancy. We performed mitral valve plasty, which included open mitral commissurotomy and Kay's annulo plasty. The second case was of a 53-year-old female, who was diagnosed as old myocardial infarction, mitral regurgitation, systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome. She underwent mitral valve plasty and coronary artery bypass grafting. Both cases were treated by administration of methylpredonisolone and heparin perioperatively to avoid thrombosis and aggravation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Both patients showed good postoperative outcome without complications. We consider that it is important to perform the plasty as far as possible, and to administer effective anticoagulation treatment to prevent complications for patients in the setting of systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome.

Adult↗

Valved conduit operation for aortic regurgitation associated with Behçet's disease.

OBJECTIVES: Aortic regurgitation associated with Behçet's disease is rare, and prosthetic valve detachment after aortic valve replacement is one of the most serious complications reported. We have investigated the surgical results of valved conduit operation in 8 patients. METHODS: Between 1987 and April 1999, 8 patients underwent surgery. There were 7 males and 1 female, and their ages ranged from 33 to 60 years (mean, 48 +/- 10 years). The valved conduit procedure was a modified Bentall operation. RESULTS: One patient died of arrhythmia during the hospital stay. The follow-up period in the other 7 patients ranged from 1 to 138 months after surgery (mean, 74 months). None of these 7 patients died during the follow-up period. Valve detachment needing redo-operation occurred in 1 patient, and he underwent a valved conduit operation again. CONCLUSIONS: Valved conduit reconstruction is indicated in patients with aortic regurgitation caused by Behçet's disease, in whom prevention of valve detachment is difficult even by current valve fixation methods.

Adult↗

Preservation of the right atrial appendage improves reduced plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels after the maze procedure.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to determine whether preservation of the right atrial appendage lessens the decrease of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels after the maze procedure and whether the increase of plasma atrial natriuretic peptides improves the ability of the kidneys to excrete the fluid load after the operation. METHODS: We evaluated 42 patients who underwent the maze procedure. The right atrial appendage was preserved in 22 patients but not in 20. Blood samples were obtained before and after the operation for measurement of atrial natriuretic peptides. To evaluate the influence of atrial natriuretic peptides on the ability of the kidneys, we also measured body weight, fluid balance, and the doses of furosemide and dopamine administered after the operation. RESULTS: The restoration to sinus rhythm at 1 month after was comparable in the two groups. Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels significantly increased after the operation in patients in whom the right atrial appendage was preserved (1 day after: 23.4 +/- 17.8 vs 3 days after: 42.7 +/- 23.6 and 7 days after: 36.3 +/- 23.7 pg/mL, P <.05) but not in patients in whom the right atrial appendage was not preserved (1 day after: 20.0 +/- 19.6, 3 days after: 28.5 +/- 19.3, and 7 days after: 23.0 +/- 16.1 pg/mL). Furthermore, plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels were significantly lower in patients in whom the right atrial appendage was not preserved than in patients in whom the right atrial appendage was preserved at 3 and 7 days after the operation. The fluid balance during the first 7 days of the postoperative period was comparable in the two groups, although the total dose of dopamine used in the same period was significantly smaller in patients in whom the right atrial appendage was preserved than in patients in whom the right atrial appendage was not preserved (155.3 +/- 119.0 vs 244.9 +/- 129.0 microg/kg, P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that preservation of the right atrial appendage lessens the decrease of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels after the maze procedure and that increased plasma atrial natriuretic peptides may improve the ability of the kidneys to excrete the fluid load after the operation.

Atrial Appendage↗

Cardiac transplantation under new legislation for organ transplantation in Japan: report of two cases.

During the past 2 years since new legislation for organ transplantation from brain-dead donors came into effect in Japan, 3 cardiac transplants have been carried out, 2 of which were performed at the National Cardiovascular Center (NCVC). The recipient cases were 46- and 25-year-old male patients who suffered from end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy and had been listed for cardiac transplantation in the Japan Organ Transplantation Network as status I candidates. The first patient was supported by the use of a paracorporeal air-driven left ventricular assist device of the NCVC type, and had a moderate degree of renal and hepatic dysfunction at the time of transplantation. Donor hearts were transported from distant hospitals (Tokyo and Miyagi prefecture) and the transportation time was 1 h 33 min and 2h 4 min, respectively. The operation was performed by the standard technique (Lower-Shumway) in the first patient and by the bicaval anastomosis technique in the second patient. Reperfusion of the transplanted heart was performed retrogradely through the coronary sinus utilizing leukocyte-depleted blood with a gradual increase in temperature. Total ischemic time was 3 h 34 min and 3 h 35 min, respectively. Weaning from the cardiopulmonary bypass was easy and uneventful in each patient. Immunosuppressive therapy was conducted with OKT-3 induction in the first patient because of the coexisting renal dysfunction and with a triple immunosuppressive regimen for both patients. Routine endomyocardial biopsy showed acute rejection of less than grade Ib, and the patients were discharged on the 65th and 46th postoperative day, respectively. At present, both patients are in the NYHA class I state and are ready to return to work. The uneventful recovery seen in these patients shows the advances made in transplant medicine, including the progress and improvement of immunosuppressive therapy, surgical techniques, myocardial protection, and detection and treatment of infection. Further efforts are required to fully establish the cardiac transplantation program in Japan.

Adult↗

[An experience with the Ross operation utilizing cryopreserved pulmonary homografts procured by and stored in our homograft valve bank].

Eight patients, 4 males and 4 females ranging in age from 10 to 54 years (mean 27 +/- 13 years) underwent the Ross operation using a cryopreserved pulmonary homograft harvested by and cryopreserved in our institutional "Tissue Bank". Seven patients had a congenital bicuspid aortic valve and 3 patients had had healed infective endocarditis of the aortic valve. Four young female patients wanted to have a baby after operation. The Ross procedure was carried out utilizing aortic root replacement techniques in all patients. All patients survived and are currently in NYHA class 1, but 2 cardiac events occurred in 2 patients during the mean follow-up term of 29 +/- 19 months. The one was the anastomic stenosis between the homograft and distal pulmonary artery treated by balloon dilatation and the other was ventricular tachycardia eventually managed by the insertion of an ICD. Pulmonary autograft valve regurgitation is present in 3 patients, but it is not progressive up to the present time. Pulmonary homograft valves function well in all patients. The Ross operation for adolescents and young adults should become more popular along with more easy availability of homograft valves based upon the establishment of the "Homograft Valve Bank" system in Japan.

Adolescent↗

[A case report of emergent CABG after left main trunk occlusion as complication of direct PTCA].

A 38-years-old man was transferred to our hospital because of cardiogenic shock following acute left main trunk (LMT) occlusion as a complication of direct percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), and then underwent emergent coronary artery bypass grafting. We successed his life salvage, but he suffers from very severe heart failure following extensive myocardial infarction. Though acute LMT occlusion as a complication of PTCA is rare, a proper treatment has to be started as soon as possible if it occurs. We must make the systems of support for the emergencies among the surrounding hospitals.

Adult↗

[Maze procedure for a lone atrial fibrillation].

Between 1992. 2 and 1997. 12, the maze procedure for lone fibrillation or flutter (lone af) was performed in 8 patients including 2 patients with a sustained atrial fibrillation, 5 patients with a paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and 1 patient with a sustained atrial flutter. All patients had suffered from a drug resistance lone af which induced sever symptom that is the dyspnea, palpitation and fatigue. Therefore patients requested to receive the maze procedure, and they agreed with the informed concent. After the maze operation, the normal sinus rhythm was recovered in 7 of 8 patients (87.5%). In only 1 patient, a paroxysmal atrial fibrillation remained but his symptoms improved after surgery. So this operation is a good choice of a treatment for a drug resistance lone af.

Adult↗

Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation associated with atrial septal defect.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a relatively common complication in elderly patients with an atrial septal defect (ASD). However, use of the simultaneous maze procedure for AF associated with ASD remains controversial. We examined the efficacy and risk of the use of the maze procedure in these patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between March 1992 and April 1997, 26 patients underwent the maze procedure as a concomitant operation with ASD closure (maze group). Kosakai's modified maze procedure was performed in 17 patients, the modified Cox maze II or III procedure was performed in 6, and the restrictive right-sided maze procedure was performed in 3. The mean +/- SD age at surgery was 58.2 +/- 9.1 years. The mean +/- SD duration of AF was 7.8 +/- 8.5 years. The mean +/- SD left atrial dimension was 47 +/- 9 mm, and 24 patients (92%) had a larger-than-normal (> 35 mm) left atrium. The mean +/- SD follow-up period was 2.7 +/- 1.7 years. There were no hospital or late deaths. There was no thromboembolic episode in the late follow-up period. Sinus rhythm was regained in all patients who underwent conventional the right- and left-sided maze procedure except for 1 patient. However, 3 patients who underwent the restrictive right-sided maze procedure showed a return to AF rhythm. The atrial A wave was detected with the use of pulsed Doppler study in all patients who had a restored sinus rhythm. During the same period, 45 patients who were > 40 years old and without AF underwent only ASD closure (control group). The incidence of reopening the chest for bleeding was significantly (P = 0.046) higher in the maze group (12%) than in the control group (0%). Paroxysmal AF more frequently (P = 0.023) occurred in the control group (18%) than in the maze group (0%). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the standard maze procedure should be considered in patients with AF associated with ASD. The restrictive right-sided maze procedure was not reliable, probably due to preoperative enlargement of the left atrium.

Aged↗

[Surgical treatment for mitral regurgitation associated with secundum atrial septal defect].

We reviewed 25 patients who underwent a mitral valvuloplasty, from 1984 to 1996, for mitral regurgitation (MR) associated with atrial septal defect (ASD). Mean grade of MR was 2.3 +/- 0.7. The locations of mitral valve lesion were as follows; Postero-medial side of the anterior leaflet (AML) (11 patients: 44%), posteromedial side to center of the AML (7 patients: 28%), whole of the AML (5 patients: 20%), center of the AML (1 patient: 4%), posteromedial side of the posterior leaflet (PML) (1 patient: 4%). In summary, the mitral valve lesion was located in the AML in 96% patients and were seen in the postero-medial side of 96% patients. Mitral valve repair was performed as follows; chordae shortening only (3 patients: 12%), chordae shortening + Kay's annuloplasty (9 patients: 36%), Kay's anuloplasty (10 patients: 40%), using artificial chordae only (1 patient: 4%), using artificial chordae + Kay's annuloplasty (1 patient: 4%), using artificial chordae + ring annuloplasty (1 patient: 4%). In 24 patients, the grade of MR was less than 2/4 in the early postoperative period. In one patient, the grade of 3/4 MR was still remained. Reoperation were required in 2 patients, because of gradual increase of MR, 9 years and 10 years after the initial operation, respectively. In another patient, the grade 3/4 MR recurrently occurred at 6 months after the operation. He has been well maintained medically. In all 4 patients who had more than the grade 3/4 MR postoperatively, the annuloplasty was performed with Kay's method and the cause of MR was poor coaptation around the center of the AML. The mitral valve lesion associated with ASD seemed to be the dislocation of the AML which cause the discrepancy of the coaptation zone between both leaflets, without any prominent prolapse and chordae elongation. We put a particular emphasis on that the mitral valve repair should be performed with the recognition of the etiology of the mitral valve lesion. Especially, if the lesion extends around the center of the AML, sufficient coaptation area of both leaflets at the center of the AML should be obtained by anuloplasty.

Adult↗

Improved success rate of the maze procedure in mitral valve disease by new criteria for patients' selection.

OBJECTIVE: We have carried out the maze procedure for atrial fibrillation (AF) as a combined operation with mitral valve surgery in a consecutive fashion until December 1994 (period 1). Therefore, the success rate in sinus rhythm conversion remained unsatisfactory. We have selected the patients according to arbitrarily decided new criteria since January 1995 (period 2), and examined the results prospectively. METHODS: Between May 1992 and February 1997, we carried out the maze procedure in 220 patients as a combined operation with mitral valve surgery. During period 2, we carried out the maze procedure in 63 cases who satisfied all the new criteria (voltage of f-wave in V1 lead > 0.1 mV, cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) < 70%, LA dimension < 70 mm), and 37 patients out of these criteria. Success was defined as sinus rhythm restoration without sick sinus syndrome. RESULTS: There were 4 hospital deaths (1.8%) and 4 late deaths (1.8%). Success rate was significantly (P = 0.0089) higher in period 2 (82%) than in period 1 (65%). Success rate was significantly higher in patients within criteria than out of criteria both in period 1, period 2, and total (77 versus 48%, P = 0.018; 90 versus 66%, P = 0.004, and 83 versus 55%, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The maze procedure is highly reliable when combined with mitral valve surgery if patients are selected properly.

Adult↗

Survival using percutaneous cardiopulmonary support after acute myocardial infarction due to occlusion of the left main coronary artery--a report of two cases.

Two cases of acute myocardial infarction due to an occlusion of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) are presented. Their cardiogenic shock was successfully treated with percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS), in addition to reperfusion therapy and an intraaortic balloon pump. The 2 patients were able to be weaned from PCPS and discharged from hospital. It is suggested that the early use of PCPS may be life-saving in patients with myocardial infarction due to the occlusion of the LMCA who have progressed to cardiogenic shock.

Acute Disease↗

[Indications for and limitations of minimally invasive cardiac surgery with the lower ministernotomy approach].

The chief benefits of small skin incisions are reduced patient discomfort, accelerated recovery, and cosmetic satisfaction without compromising the quality of surgery. Since April 1997, the lower ministernotomy approach without femoral cannulation has been performed in 43 patients in the authors' institutions. The indications for this approach were initial single valve surgery and secundum-type atrial septal defect. Cases of aortic valve regurgitation that could be repaired, and aortic stenosis that necessitated annular enlargement were excluded. Among patients with mitral valve disease, those with chronic atrial fibrillation were excluded frpm undergoing the Maze procedure and those reguiring chordal reconstruction for anterior leaflet were also excluded. Mitral valve repair for mitral regurgitation was performed in 8 patients, and open mitral commissurotomy in 2. Mitral valve replacement was performed in 3 patients and aortic valve replacement in 13. Closure of an atrial septal defect was carried out in 18 cases. An approximately 10-cm median skin incision was made, and a ministernotomy with a lower semitransverse division (inverted L-shape) was carried out. Cardiopulmonary bypass was initiated with ascending aortic cannulation and right-angled venous cannulae in the superior and inferior vena cava for mitral valve disease. Single venous cannulae from the right atrial appendage was used for aortic valve disease. Surgery was performed with mild hypothermia and intermittent tepid blood cardioplegia with diltiazem. A rigid 30-degree angle scope held by a videoscope holder with a flexible arm was used for mitral valve surgery. There were one hospital death due to perioperative myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism. There was one reopening for bleeding which resulted in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus mediastinitis. However, the patients was discharged after rectal muscle flap repair. There was one reoperation for mitral valve repair due to hemolysis. The improvement of surgical instruments and materials will further facilitate this procedure.

Adult↗

[Experience of weaning from left ventricular assist system in an acutely-ill patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and severe left ventricular dysfunction: a case report].

A 21-year-old man with dilated cardiomyopathy recovered from terminal heart failure with the long-term use of the left ventricular assist system (LVAS). His heart failure was refractory to maximum medical therapy including beta-blockade and intravenous catecholamines. Application of LVAS restored renal and hepatic function and even cardiac function. Left ventricular size decreased from 79 to 57 mm, and cardiac index increased from 1.6 to 2.2 l/min/m2. After 6 weeks of LVAS application, he could walk in the ward and could start exercise on a bicycle ergometer 3 months after. Ninety-five days after implantation, the LVAS could be removed. His general condition remained good and stable for more than a year after the removal of the LVAS. Timely application of LVAS seems to be one of the most important factors for successful circulatory support. Detailed criteria for LVAS application are not established yet.

Adult↗

[Surgical treatment for prosthetic valve endocarditis].

From April 1993 to May 1997, 21 patients underwent surgical treatment for prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). There were 13 males and eight females aged from 46 to 79 years old (mean 62 years). There were four cases of early PVE (onset of PVE within 60 days from previous valve replacement), and 17 cases of late PVE (after 60 days). The predominant organisms were Staphylococcus epidermidis (eight cases), Staphylococcus aureus (two cases), MRSA (one case), streptococcal species (three cases), Candida (two cases), Pseudomonas cepacia (one case) and Enterococcus (one case). The predominant organisms were identified in 16 of 20 cases by preoperative blood culture, and in 11 of 20 cases by intraoperative tissue culture, and in 19 cases in all. There were four cases of preoperative cerebral complications, and three cases resurged. The hospital mortality rate was 24% (five patients). Reoperation was required in four patients for recurrence of PVE. Autopsy was performed in four of five patients. Intramyocardial abscess was detected in three patients. Earlier diagnosis and earlier surgical treatment could prevent emboli due to vegetations, which might cause catastrophic results, and could achieve better outcomes. Identification of the predominant organisms, especially from operative tissue cultures, is required.

Aged↗

Surgical management of Behçet's aortitis: a report of eight patients.

BACKGROUND: Behçet's aortitis is one of the most severe manifestations of Behçet's disease. However, there have been few reports of this rare entity. This article we describe our experience with surgical treatment of Behçet's aortitis in 8 patients. METHODS: From May 1978 to February 1995, we operated on 8 patients with Behçet's aortitis. All patients were followed up for a total of 54.4 patient-years (mean, 6.8 years). RESULTS: There were no operative deaths, but 1 patient died in the hospital of ventricular fibrillation. Another death occurred as a result of pseudoaneurysm rupture 10 months after operation. Fourteen operations were performed on eight patients: a second operation was performed on four patients, and a third operation was performed on two patients. The translocated Bentall procedure, a modified Bentall procedure, was performed six times. One patient required a second operation for graft detachment, but the others have done well without further surgical intervention. Aortic valve replacement was performed six times, and three reoperations were needed after aortic valve replacement. CONCLUSIONS: The translocated Bentall procedure may be effective for Behçet's aortitis, but further investigation is necessary.

Adult↗