Valve Insufficiency Research Articles

Investigation of QT Dispersion and T-Peak to T-End/Corrected QT Ratio in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.

Introduction Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is characterized by hyperinflammation, heart involvement, and multiorgan failure, which develop following coronavirus disease 2019. Ventricular arrhythmias have been identified during this syndrome. It is known that the risk of ventricular arrhythmia is associated with ventricular repolarization changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the corrected QT interval, QT dispersion, T wave peak-to-end interval, and T-peak to T-end/corrected QT ratio in MIS-C. Methods The study included 35 patients diagnosed with MIS-C and 35 subjects as the control group. The ventricular diameters, ejection fraction, valve insufficiency, and coronary artery were examined in both groups using echocardiography. Corrected QT interval, QT dispersion, T wave peak-to-end interval, and T-peak to T-end/corrected QT ratio were determined by 12-lead electrocardiogram. Results The patient group had increased corrected QT interval (p<0.05), QT dispersion (p = 0.001), T-peak to T-end interval (p=0.001), and T-peak to T-end/corrected QT ratio (p = 0.001) compared to the control group. Moreover, there was a correlation between increased QT dispersion, T-peak to T-end, T-peak to T-end/corrected QT ratio, and decreased ejection fraction (r = -0.51 and p = 0.001, r = -0.71 and p < 0.001, r = -0.69 and p < 0.001, r = -0.56 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions Our study demonstrated increased QTc interval, QT dispersion, T-peak to T-end interval, T-peak to T-end/corrected QT ratio in MIS-C. This result may indicate an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia for these patients.

Unmet Clinical Needs for Transcatheter Pulmonary Valves.

A common feature of congenital heart disease is the presence of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction that can range from mild to severe and can lead to atresia of the pulmonary valve, in extreme conditions. RVOT abnormalities can frequently be corrected surgically or via interventional means. However, most of these patients will ultimately develop pulmonary valve insufficiency and eventual right ventricular dilation, which will require a pulmonary valve replacement at some point in their life to mitigate the detrimental effects of pulmonary valve regurgitation (PVR) on the right ventricle (RV). The evolution from the studies done by Philip Bonhoeffer to implant a pulmonary valve via transcatheter means, have provided a bedrock for transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR). Yet, several areas of unmet need for a demographic of patients still exist. Here, we discuss the clinical unmet needs in children under 20 Kg and expand the use of hybrid and other TPVR approaches along with the current indications and contraindications for pulmonary valve replacement. The constraints and limitations from commercially available pulmonary valves will be discussed from a clinical standpoint. Finally, we explore the use of hybrid and periventricular delivery of transcatheter pulmonary valves in younger patients.

The incidence and interrelationship of hemivertebra and concomitant cardiac abnormalities in congenital scoliosis

BackgroundCongenital scoliosis(CS) is associated with multiple organs defect, and cardiac abnormalities have been reported commonly associated with CS. Hemivertebra is caused by the failure of vertebral formation, which is a major constitute of CS. Till now, few studies focus on the incidence and interrelationship of hemivertebra and concomitant cardiac abnormalities in congenital scoliosis. We aimed to analyze the cardiac defect in CS patients with or without hemivertebra, and further explore the incidence of cardiac defect between different types of hemivertebra.MethodsThe ultrasonic cardiography (UCG) results of surgically treated congenital scoliosis (CS) patients between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into hemivertebra group and non-hemivertebra group according to preoperative CT. Patients with hemivertebra was further divided into sub-group by single/multiple or fully/partially/mixed segmented hemivertebra. Demographic information, radiographic data and cardiac abnormalities were statistically compared between groups.ResultsA total of 329 patients were analyzed, including 216 patients with hemivertebra and 113 patients without hemivertebra. UCG results were abnormal in 89 cases (27.1%), including 41 males(12.5%) and 48 females(14.6%). Hemivertebra group had comparable incidence of cardiac abnormalities with non-hemivertebra group (p = 0.517). No significant difference in the incidence of UCG abnormalities between single and multiple hemivertebra group (P = 0.246). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that female sex with multiple hemivertebra was a risk factor for abnormal UCG (P = 0.009, OR = 3.449). Cardiac abnormalities was comparable among fully, partially and mixed segmented hemivertebra group(P = 0.264). In abnormal UCG, 33 patients with hemivertebra had non-valvular abnormalities, and 48.5% (16/33) were septal defects. 28 patients had valvular abnormalities, most of them were mitral valve abnormalities, especially mitral valve redundancy, prolapse and insufficiency(82.1%, 23/28). No significant difference between the incidence of non-valvular and valvular abnormalities in patients with hemivertebra (P = 0.581).ConclusionsThe incidence of abnormal UCG results was approximately 28.2% in CS patients with hemivertebra. Female patients with multiple hemivertebra had a higher risk of UCG abnormalities. Mitral valve abnormalities were the most common abnormality of UCG found in CS patients with hemivertebra.Trial registrationretrospectively registered.

Cardiac surgery of aortic valve and ascending aorta (Bentall procedure) in a patient with Fabry disease without enzyme replacement therapy: an overview of aortic and aortic valve surgical tips

Introduction: Fabry disease (FD) is a rare disease in which cardiovascular events are one of its manifestations. Aortic and mitral valve involvement are among its manifestations, but due to the concern of suture failure without enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), the desire for its surgery has been very low, and its reported cases have been few. After the introduction of ERT, cardiovascular surgery for such patients has been gradually reported from different places, but due to the high cost of ERT, it is not practically available to patients in the third world and the backward countries. Reports of the experiences of patients with FD who underwent cardiac surgery without ERT can help improve cardiac surgery in these patients. Case Report: A 34-year-old man diagnosed with FD due to chronic renal failure and underwent dialysis 3 times a week for 1.5 years became a candidate for kidney transplant. In pre-transplant examinations, dilatation of aortic root and aortic valve insufficiency were diagnosed, and the patient’s kidney transplant surgery was postponed until after cardiac surgery. The patient underwent cardiac surgery, aortic valve replacement, and ascending aortic replacement, as well as re-implantation of both right and left coronary buttons on the ascending aorta (Bentall procedure). The post-surgery period passed without any special event. The patient’s dialysis continued; after 4 months, he underwent kidney transplant surgery, and the one-year follow-up period also was good. Conclusion: Although there is very little evidence of cardiovascular surgery in patients with FD without ERT, and surgeons have always been worried about suture failure and complications of cardiac surgery, due to the high cost of ERT, this treatment is not available to everyone. The introduced patient underwent cardiac surgery by Bentall procedure without receiving ERT and was discharged without any special complications. By reporting and collecting similar cases, guidance may be provided for patients with FD for whom ERT is not available.

Kharakter i chastota komorbidnykh urazhen sertsia u khvorykh na systemnyi chervonyi vovchak, shcho yikh diahnostovano za dopomohoiu ekhokardiohrafii, vyiavlennia i kharakterystyka yikhnikh syntropichnykh variantiv

Introduction. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by damage of different organs and systems. It has been proven that cardiovascular events are proportionally more frequent in SLE affected persons in comparison with general population of corresponding age and sex. Echocardiography is most oftenly used due to its wide availability, ease of implementation, non-invasiveness, safety for visualization of anatomical features, assessment of structure and function of the heart and main vessels. Syntropic comorbid lesions are the non-random combination of two or more syndromes or nosological units with common genetic and/or etiological and pathogenetic mechanisms in a person, which may under certain circumstances influence each other's course. The aim of the study. To investigate nature and frequency of comorbid heart lesions in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, diagnosed by echocardiography, to identify and characterize their syntropic variants. Materials and methods. 125 patients were included in the study after signing the voluntary Consent to participate, in accordance with the requirements of the Helsinki Declaration of Human Rights, the Council of Europe Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine, in a randomized manner with preliminary stratification based on the presence of SLE, as well as heart lesions detected by echocardiography. The study included 110 women (88.00 %) and 15 men (12.00 %) aged 18 to 74 years (mean age 42.48 ±1.12 years). All patients with SLE were stratified into five groups based on the evaluation of SLE activity (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index scale - SLEDAI). All participants were patients of the Rheumatology Department of Lviv Regional Clinical Hospital. The study included two phases, during which the nature and frequency of comorbid heart lesions, detected by echocardiography, followed by elimination and characterization of syntropic lesions were determined. Results. About half of SLE patients with comorbid heart lesions have mitral valve (MV) insufficiency, and about 1/3 of patients have mitral valve stenosis with left ventricle (LV) diastolic dysfunction. With decreasing frequency we recorded thickening of the aortic valve (AV) leaflets, increased thickness of the interventricular septum (IS), pericardial effusion, enlargement of the left atrial (LA) cavity, enlargement of the right ventricle (RV), increased thickness of the posterior wall of LV in diastole, prolapse of MV, pulmonary hypertension, insufficiency of the tricuspid valve (TV), increase in the diameter of the ascending aorta, AV insufficiency, systolic dysfunction of the LV, enlargement of the LV cavity in diastole. Mitral stenosis and aortic stenosis were found in one case only. Having studied comorbid heart lesions in SLE affected patients, we found that some of them depend statistically reliable on the activity of disease. Therefore, we consider heart valve thickening, pulmonary hypertension, pericardial effusion, and heart failure to be syntropic heart lesions in patients with SLE. Other lesions, the frequency of detection of which does not depend on the activity of SLE, was related to its accompanying diseases. Conclusions. In patients with SLE, mitral valve insufficiency, thickening of the mitral valve leaflets, diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle, thickening of the aortic valve leaflets, increased thickness of the interventricular septum, and pericardial effusion dominate among the comorbid heart lesions diagnosed by echocardiography. Syntropic heart lesions in patients with SLE included thickening of the mitral valve leaflets, pulmonary hypertension, pericardial effusion, and mitral valve insufficiency. Keywords: systemic lupus erythematosus, comorbid lesions of the circulatory system, syntropic lesions, heart valve lesions, diagnosis, echocardiography.

Study of Mitral Valve Insufficiency: A Systemic Review

Study of Mitral Valve Insufficiency: A Systemic Review

Duplex ultrasound abnormalities of the lower limb veins might precede clinical venous reflux signs in post-Fontan adolescents and young adults

ObjectiveAfter the Fontan operation (ie, direct anastomosis of the caval veins to the pulmonary arteries, constituting right ventricular bypass circulation), high central venous pressure can lead to peripheral venous stasis and venous valvar insufficiency. We hypothesized that post-Fontan patients are at a higher risk of developing lower extremity venous lesions detectable using duplex ultrasound, even if clinical signs of chronic venous disease might not be evident. MethodsA total of 87 transplantation-free survivors after the Fontan procedure who reached adolescence or young adulthood (current age, 15-30 years) participated in a leg vein duplex ultrasound study. The median age at the Fontan procedure, median age at the vein study, and median interval between the two were 3.65 years (interquartile range [IQR], 3.1-5.3 years), 21.7 years (IQR, 18.9-24.7 years), and 16.6 years (IQR, 14.9-19.4 years), respectively. Duplex ultrasound scanning was performed using a venous ultrasound imaging system (Logiq P7; GE Healthcare). The patients were categorized according to the presence of venous reflux (VR) in the superficial, deep, or perforating venous systems: no VR, superficial VR (SVR), deep VR (DVR), perforating VR (PVR), and a combination of multiple venous systems. Correlation of the duplex ultrasound-detected venous lesions with clinical severity using the modified CEAP (clinical, etiological, anatomical, pathophysiological) classification was analyzed using Spearman's correlation analysis. ResultsLeg pain was reported by 48 of 87 patients (55.2%). The duplex ultrasound findings for the cohort were no VR in 21 patients (24.1%), SVR in 22 (25.3%), isolated PVR in 21 (24.1%), and reflux of multiple venous systems in 23 patients, including SVR and PVR in 19, DVR and PVR in 1, and SVR, PVR, and DVR in 3 patients. Although the patients with advanced venous lesions detected by duplex ultrasound tended to have a higher CEAP clinical class (P < .001), VR of any venous system on duplex ultrasound was present even in patients with a lower CEAP clinical class. The CEAP clinical class was C0 for 66 patients (76%), and VR of any venous system was present on duplex ultrasound in 66 patients (76%). ConclusionsThe prevalence of lower extremity venous lesions detected by duplex ultrasound is strikingly high in post-Fontan adolescents and young adults, and duplex ultrasound-detected venous abnormalities can precede clinical manifestations. Early detection and timely intervention for leg vein problems are mandatory for post-Fontan patients, especially for those considered to have risk factors for developing chronic lower extremity venous disease.

Impact of early versus class I–triggered surgery on postoperative survival in severe aortic regurgitation: An observational study from the Aortic Valve Insufficiency and Ascending Aorta Aneurysm International Registry

ObjectivesClass I triggers for severe and chronic aortic regurgitation surgery mainly rely on symptoms or systolic dysfunction, resulting in a negative outcome despite surgical correction. Therefore, US and European guidelines now advocate for earlier surgery. We sought to determine whether earlier surgery leads to improved postoperative survival. MethodsWe evaluated the postoperative survival of patients who underwent surgery for severe aortic regurgitation in the international multicenter registry for aortic valve surgery, Aortic Valve Insufficiency and Ascending Aorta Aneurysm International Registry, over a median follow-up of 37 months. ResultsAmong 1899 patients (aged 49 ± 15 years, 85% were male), 83% and 84% had class I indication according to the American Heart Association and European Society of Cardiology, respectively, and most were offered repair surgery (92%). Twelve patients (0.6%) died after surgery, and 68 patients died within 10 years after the procedure. Heart failure symptoms (hazard ratio, 2.60 [1.20-5.66], P = .016) and either left ventricular end-systolic diameter greater than 50 mm or left ventricular end-systolic diameter index greater than 25 mm/m2 (hazard ratio, 1.64 [1.05-2.55], P = .030) predicted survival independently over and above age, gender, and bicuspid phenotype. Therefore, patients who underwent surgery based on any class I trigger had worse adjusted survival. However, patients who underwent surgery while meeting early imaging triggers (left ventricular end-systolic diameter index 20-25 mm/m2 or left ventricular ejection fraction 50% to 55%) had no significant outcome penalty. ConclusionsIn this international registry of severe aortic regurgitation, surgery when meeting class I triggers led to postoperative outcome penalty compared with earlier triggers (left ventricular end-systolic diameter index 20-25 mm/m2 or ventricular ejection fraction 50%-55%). This observation, which applies to expert centers where aortic valve repair is feasible, should encourage the global use of repair techniques and the conduction of randomized trials.

Robotic Surgery for Triple Valve Insufficiency: A Case Report.

A 63-year-old woman was referred to our institution for surgical treatment of triple valve (aortic, mitral, and tricuspid) insufficiency and underwent a robot-assisted endoscopic procedure. Three intercostal ports were placed in the right lateral chest for robotic instruments and a retrograde cardioplegic cannula, and a 5 cm thoracotomy was made for the procedure, which was a mitral valve repair with neochords and ring annuloplasty, an aortic valve replacement with bioprosthetic valve, and a ring tricuspid annuloplasty. Surgery was successfully achieved without blood transfusion or any complications.

Minimally Invasive Nonresectional Mitral Valve Repair Long-term Results.

We aimed to assess the outcomes of the minimally invasive nonresectional technique over 10 years in patients with severe mitral valve insufficiency. A retrospective analysis of 365 patients undergoing a minimally invasive complete endoscopic mitral valve repair for mitral valve insufficiency was conducted between May 2009 and September 2021. All patients underwent the nonresectional repair approach using artificial neochordae implantation or ring annuloplasty. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-ups were performed. The minimal invasive procedure was successfully performed in all patients. The mean age was 61 ± 11, and 36% were female patients. The surgical success was 99.7%, with no conversion to sternotomy or to mitral valve replacement at 30 days. In 1 case (0.27%), mitral valve related reoperation was performed during the hospital stay. The procedural safety was 92%, with in-hospital mortality in 0.55% (n= 2), stroke in 0.55% (n= 2), and perioperative myocardial infarction in 0.82% (n= 3) patients. The mean follow up was 5.3 ± 2.9 years. Survival at 5 and 10 years was 96% (95% confidence interval [CI], 94%-98%) and 83% (95% CI, 72%-90%). Freedom of myocardial infarction, stroke, and congestive heart failure at 10 years was 95% (95% CI, 88%-98%), 86% (95% CI, 75%-92%), and 93% (95% CI, 89%-96%), respectively. Recurrent mitral valve insufficiency ≥+ 2 was diagnosed in 4.9% of cases. Minimally invasive nonresectional mitral valve repair technique can be performed for severe mitral valve regurgitation with excellent long-term results. The procedure is safe, with minimal risk of reoperation and recurrent mitral valve insufficiency at long term.

Severe aortic valve insufficiency with a ‘normal’ appearing aortic root: reimplantation (David) procedure.

Severe aortic valve insufficiency with a ‘normal’ appearing aortic root: reimplantation (David) procedure.

MİTRAL KAPAK PROLAPSUSU OLAN ÇOCUKLARDA KARDİYAK OTONOMİK DİSFONKSİYONUN VE ARİTMİ RİSKİNİN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ

Objective: The occurrence of symptoms in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is linked to autonomic dysfunction and neuroendocrine causes rather than progressive mitral valve insufficiency. The goal was to assess the risk of autonomic dysfunction and arrhythmia in patients with MVP.&#x0D; Methods: The study included 63 patients with primary MVP and a control group of 64 children of similar age and gender. Following a physical examination, all patients' histories were taken, and 12-lead ECGs, autonomic function tests, echocardiography, and 24-hour Holter rhythm studies were performed.&#x0D; Results: The patient group had a higher mean resting heart rate than the control group. Orthostatic hypotension was found in 8 patients (12.6%) and 4 children (6.2%) in the control group. When compared to the control group, patients with MVP had higher QTc dispersion, frontal QRS-T angle, Tp-e interval, and Tp-e/QTc ratio. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of conventional measurements of heart rate variability in the Holter ECG, as well as no significant difference in HRDC.&#x0D; Conclusion: Although cases with pathological findings in the initial ECG were excluded from our study, we believe that the high frontal QRS-T angle observed in MVP patients is a novel and significant finding. Furthermore, it has been discovered that HRDC, a new and understudied parameter in children, does not show a significant difference in patients with MVP.

Characteristics of aortic and pulmonary valve cusp fenestrations in healthy hearts

Fenestrations in semilunar valves of human hearts have been incidentally described during autopsies since the 1800s, and were thought to be a degenerative process of the valve cusps. Due to the nature of autopsy, prior literature has primarily examined these fenestrations in pathologic hearts, and has implicated them in leading to valve insufficiency, regurgitation, and cusp rupture. More recent studies have predicted an increase in fenestration prevalence in the rapidly aging United States and have warned of a potential increase in fenestration-related valvular pathology. Herein, we analyze fenestration prevalence in 403 healthy human hearts and report findings that differ from these prior reports, and emphasize that fenestrations may not necessarily portend significant valvular dysfunction.

Functional differences in human aortic valve interstitial cells from patients with varying calcific aortic valve disease.

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is characterized by progressive stiffening of aortic valve (AV) tissues, inducing stenosis and insufficiency. Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital defect in which the AV has two leaflets rather than three, with BAV patients developing CAVD decades years earlier than in the general population. Current treatment for CAVD remains surgical replacement with its continued durability problems, as there are no pharmaceutical therapies or other alternative treatments available. Before such therapeutic approaches can be developed, a deeper understanding of CAVD disease mechanisms is clearly required. It is known that AV interstitial cells (AVICs) maintain the AV extracellular matrix and are typically quiescent in the normal state, transitioning into an activated, myofibroblast-like state during periods of growth or disease. One proposed mechanism of CAVD is the subsequent transition of AVICs into an osteoblast-like phenotype. A sensitive indicator of AVIC phenotypic state is enhanced basal contractility (tonus), so that AVICs from diseased AV will exhibit a higher basal tonus level. The goals of the present study were thus to assess the hypothesis that different human CAVD states lead to different biophysical AVIC states. To accomplish this, we characterized AVIC basal tonus behaviors from diseased human AV tissues embedded in 3D hydrogels. Established methods were utilized to track AVIC-induced gel displacements and shape changes after the application of Cytochalasin D (an actin polymerization inhibitor) to depolymerize the AVIC stress fibers. Results indicated that human diseased AVICs from the non-calcified region of TAVs were significantly more activated than AVICs from the corresponding calcified region. In addition, AVICs from the raphe region of BAVs were more activated than from the non-raphe region. Interestingly, we observed significantly greater basal tonus levels in females compared to males. Furthermore, the overall AVIC shape changes after Cytochalasin suggested that AVICs from TAVs and BAVs develop different stress fiber architectures. These findings are the first evidence of sex-specific differences in basal tonus state in human AVICs in varying disease states. Future studies are underway to quantify stress fiber mechanical behaviors to further elucidate CAVD disease mechanisms.

PROLIDASE LEVEL IN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE AND ISCHEMIC MITRAL VALVE INSUFFICIENCY

Plasma prolidase levels change as a determining factor for coronary artery disease and heart valve insufficiency. The aim of this study is to compare plasma prolidase levels in two groups with or without mitral regurgitation who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS). For this purpose, 45 patients who underwent CABS were included in the study; patients without mitral valve insufficiency who underwent CABS (25 patients) Group 1, patients with mitral valve insufficiency who underwent CABS (20 patients) Group 2. Venous blood was taken from all patients before and after CABS and their prolidase levels were measured. Preoperative and postoperative serum prolidase levels in group 1 were 1038.2 and 1289.43 U/L, respectively. In group 2, preoperative and postoperative serum prolidase levels were 1084.07 and 1337.74 U/L, respectively. A significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative plasma prolidase levels of Group 1 and Group 2 included in the study (p&amp;lt;0.05). Plasma prolidase level was high in both groups. However, pre- and postoperative serum prolidase levels were found to be higher in patients with mitral valve insufficiency in Group 2. In conclusion, in this study, it was determined that the plasma prolidase level was higher in patients with mitral valve insufficiency who underwent CABS.

CARC12: Surgical Correction of De Novo Aortic Valve Insufficiency after Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Background: Development of significant aortic insufficiency (AI) is a common complication associated with prolonged support with continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD). The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical outcomes after surgical correction of de novo AI after LVAD implantation. Methods: Between January 2013 and June 2022, 190 patients underwent CF-LVAD implantation. Of them, 24 had trivial or less AI before LVAD implantation and developed moderate or greater de novo AI after LVAD implantation. Those who had undergone aortic valve surgery before or concomitant with LVAD surgery were excluded. Among the 24 patients, surgeries were indicated for medically refractory de novo AI in 11 patients, who were included in the current study. Primary endpoint was post-operative improvement in hemodynamics as assessed with right heart catheter examination, and the secondary endpoint was 3-year survival and freedom from death and/or heart failure readmission rate. Results: Correction of de novo AI were accomplished with aortic valve closure with bovine pericardial patch in 10 patients and prosthetic valve replacement in one patient. After surgery, pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP), and cardiac index (CI), mixed venous blood oxygen saturation (SvO2) significantly improved compared with preoperative baseline (Figure). The mean follow-up after LVAD implantation was 1413days, and the 3-year survival rate was 90.9%. The freedom from postoperative moderate or greater AI rate, and the freedom from heart failure readmission rate were both 90.9% at 3 years. Conclusion: In patients who were indicated for surgical correction of de novo AI after LVAD implantation, postoperative hemodynamic improvement and survival were considered favorable.Figure 1. Hemodynamic change in three states

Long-term experience of the modified David V re-implantation technique for valve-sparing aortic root replacement.

The modified David V technique is one of the valve-sparing aortic root replacement (V-SARR) techniques, which is an alternative to traditional composite valve graft root replacement techniques. We aimed to analyse our long-term experience with the modified David V re-implantation technique for the treatment of aortic root aneurysm and significant aortic valve insufficiency. From March 2009 to November 2021 the modified David V re-implantation technique, one of the V-SARR techniques, was performed on 48 patients in our centre. The results were analysed retrospectively. Two different-sized grafts were used in all patients. The grafts used in the proximal position were larger than the distal grafts. We performed both intra-operative and post-procedural transoesophageal echocardiography on each patient. All patients were followed by means of transthoracic echocardiography. The mean follow-up period was 5.7 ± 3.1 years. The mean age of this cohort was 56.3 ± 14.3 years (24-79) and the majority were men (75%). The mean aortic root diameter was 5.1 ± 0.6 cm. The mean diameter for the assending aorta was 5.4 ± 2.1 cm. The in-hospital mortality rate was 4.2% (n = 2). One patient needed aortic valve replacement in the early postoperative period. Two (4.2%) patients died in the early postoperative period and four (8.3%) died in the late postoperative period. Overall survival was 91 ± 4 and 86 ± 5% at one and five years, respectively. Aortic valve insufficiency was at moderate levels postoperatively. Freedom from moderate to severe residual aortic insufficiency was 89.6% at 10 years. None of the patients needed late re-operation of the aortic valve postoperatively. Freedom from valve re-operation was 100% at the end of the follow up. Our study shows that the David V technique is associated with excellent long-term durability, a remarkably low rate of valve-related complications, and it protects the re-implanted native aortic valve from a second operation. Additionally this technique could be safely implemented in patients with a bicuspid aortic valve and acute type A aortic dissection without leaflet deformity.

Balloon Dilatation in the Management of Congenital Obstructive Lesions of the Heart: Review of Author's Experiences and Observations-Part I.

Balloon dilatation techniques became available to treat congenital obstructive lesions of the heart in the early/mid-1980s. The purpose of this review is to present the author's experiences and observations on the techniques and outcomes of balloon dilatation of pulmonary stenosis (PS), aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic coarctation (AC), both native and postsurgical re-coarctations. Balloon dilatation resulted in a reduction of peak pressure gradient across the obstructive lesion at the time of the procedure as well as at short-term and long-term follow-ups. Complications such as recurrence of stenosis, valvar insufficiency (for PS and AS cases) and aneurysm formation (for AC cases) have been reported, but infrequently. It was recommended that strategies be developed to prevent the reported complications.

Current principles of symptomatic treatment of lymphovenous insufficiency

This article provides a review of the current literature on the current principles of symptomatic treatment of lymphovenous insufficiency. Lymphovenous insufficiency is an urgent problem of modern phlebology, the prevalence of this pathology reaches 50% among the world population. Underlying the pathogenesis is venous hypertension, which is caused by venous valve insufficiency, venous outflow obstruction, or combined causes. The use of compression knitwear and symptomatic therapy for lymphovenous insufficiency is an important component of the treatment at the initial stages of the disease — pharmacotherapy based on the use of venoactive drugs. The most promising to date are preparations of the micronized purified flavonide fraction (MPFF) group, which consist of micronized diosmin and flavonides. The use of МОФФ drugs reduces venous hypertension by increasing venous tone, reducing venous capacity, and extensibility of the vessel wall. MPFF also improves lymph conversion by increasing the contractility of the lymphatic capillaries and has an effect on the microcirculation of the vessels of the lower extremities, having an effect on the resistance and permeability of the capillaries. Thus, the use of preparations of the micronized purified fraction of flavonides has a more pronounced effect on the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease, thereby increasing the clinical effect and leading to a more effective result in the treatment of lymphovenous insufficiency. And as presented in this review, drugs containing micronized purified flavonoid fraction are an excellent candidate to be further studied as therapeutic agents for the treatment of lymphovenous insufficiency, because the mechanism of action of the micronized purified flavonoid fraction is directly connected with its pathophysiology and high clinical efficacy.

P155 CT EVIDENCE OF PARTIAL ISCHEMIC PAPILLARY MUSCLE RUPTURE

Abstract A 77–year–old man was referred for coronary CT following an episode of prolonged chest pain that occurred about 30 days earlier, with subsequent onset of dyspnea on moderate exertion. Coronary CT demonstrated right dominance, occlusion of the right coronary artery, as well as severe stenosis of the distal segment of the left anterior descending artery and of the first obtuse marginal branch. CT scan also showed an intraventricular image consistent with partial rupture of the posteromedial papillary muscle (Figure 1). The patient was transferred to the emergency department. An ECG showed signs of inferolateral necrosis. Transthoracic echocardiography confirmed akinesia of the inferior and inferolateral walls and of the basal segment of the inferior septum, with severe mitral valve insufficiency from anterior leaflet prolapse (A3 scallop) from partial rupture of the posteromedial papillary muscle (Figure 2). Transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis (Figure 3). The patient was admitted to the CCU and underwent coronarography, which confirmed the severe triple vessel coronary artery disease with occlusion of the right coronary artery, and then urgent mitral valve replacement with bioprosthesis and aortocoronary bypass with saphenous vein grafting to the posterior descending artery. The postoperative course was uneventful. Ischemic papillary muscle rupture is a rare cause of mitral insufficiency. Papillary rupture typically occurs within 5 days of an acute myocardial infarction, and causes mitral insufficiency by prolapse and flail of one or, more rarely, both mitral valve leaflets. The posteromedial papillary muscle is most commonly affected, since the anterolateral papillary muscle has dual supply from the anterior interventricular artery and the circumflex artery. Papillary muscle rupture can be total or partial; however, most cases of partial rupture progress to complete rupture and therefore require urgent surgical treatment. The peculiarity of this case lies in the fact that it is the first case described in the literature of a papillary muscle rupture documented on CT.