Ventricular Exclusion Research Articles

Impact of Neonatal Intervention on Left Ventricular Performance in Ebstein’s Anomaly and Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia

Severe neonatal Ebstein's anomaly (EA) and tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) are associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality. The authors recently demonstrated left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and dyssynchrony to be prevalent in affected newborns and to contribute to poor outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure, spontaneous or surgical ligation, or right ventricular exclusion (Starnes procedure) on LV performance in neonatal EA and TVD. Neonates with EA or TVD encountered from 2004 to 2018 at three institutions were identified. Pre-and postoperative LV function was assessed using two-dimensional, Doppler-derived deformation (six-segment vector velocity imaging) and two measures of mechanical dyssynchrony (the SD of time to peak and global dyssynchrony index), and values were compared using paired t test analysis or the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Before the intervention, LV function was impaired in the PDA (n=18) and Starnes (n=6) groups and was similar between groups. After PDA closure, LV performance did not change. After the Starnes procedure, however, LV function, including synchrony, improved significantly: fractional area change from 45±5% to 58±8% (P=.003), global circumferential strain from -18.2±5.0% to -32.5±5.5% (P=.01), cardiac index from 1.9±0.3 to 3.9±1.5L/min/m2 (P=.05), and circumferential strain dyssynchrony (dyssynchrony index from 0.19±0.09 to 0.04±0.02 [P=.009] and SD of time to peak from 59.8±18.5 to 29.9±8.2 [P=.02]). The Starnes procedure results in early improvements in LV dysfunction and dyssynchrony, not observed after PDA closure in neonatal severe EA and TVD, which may benefit critically unwell neonates.

Outcomes of continuous flow left ventricular assist device after surgical left ventricular restoration

ObjectivesThis study aimed to report the clinical outcomes of continuous flow left ventricular assist device implantation in end-stage chronic heart failure patients with a history of surgical left ventricular restoration.MethodsWe retrospectively identified 190 patients undergoing continuous flow left ventricular assist device implantation at our center from November 2007 to April 2020. In total, six patients underwent continuous flow left ventricular assist device implantation after various types of surgical left ventricular restoration procedures, including endoventricular circular patch plasty (n = 3), posterior restoration procedure (n = 2), and septal anterior ventricular exclusion (n = 1).ResultsContinuous flow left ventricular assist device (Jarvik 2000, n = 2; EVAHEART, n = 1; HeartMate II, n = 1; DuraHeart, n = 1; HVAD, n = 1) was successfully implanted in all patients. During a median follow-up of 48 months (interquartile range, 39–60 months; censoring heart transplantation), no death was documented, which means that overall survival after left ventricular assist device implantation was 100% at any time point. Finally, three patients received heart transplantation (waiting time: 39, 56, and 61 months, respectively) and the other three patients are still awaiting heart transplantation (waiting time: 12, 41, and 76 months, respectively).ConclusionsIn our series, continuous flow left ventricular assist device implantation after surgical left ventricular restoration was safe and feasible, even if an endoventricular patch was used, and effective for bridge to transplant strategy.

A Rare Case of Concordant Atrioventricular Connection to L-Looped Ventricles in Situs Solitus: 4-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 3D Printing

An infant male presented with the rare anatomy consisting of situs solitus, concordant atrioventricular connections to L-looped ventricles, double outlet right ventricle (DORV), and hypoplastic aortic arch. 6 months after neonatal aortic arch repair, the morphologic right ventricle function deteriorated, and surgical evaluation was undertaken to determine if either biventricular repair with a systemic morphologic left ventricle or right ventricular exclusion was possible. After initial echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to create detailed axial and 4-dimensional (4D) images and 3-dimensional (3D) printed models. The detailed anatomy of this rare, complex case and its use in pre-surgical planning is presented.

Study on modeling, simulation, and sensorless feedback control algorithm of the cavopulmonary assist device based on the subpulmonary ventricular exclusion

The subpulmonary ventricular exclusion (Fontan) could effectively improve the living quality for the children patients with a functional single ventricle in clinical. However, postoperative Fontan circulation failure can easily occur, causing obvious limitations while clinically implementing Fontan. The cavopulmonary assist devices (CPAD) is currently an effective means to solve such limitations. Therefore, in this paper the in-silico and in-vitro experiment coupled model of Fontan circulation failure for the children patients with a single ventricle and CPAD is established to evaluate the effects of CPAD on the Fontan circulation failure. Then a sensorless feedback control algorithm is proposed to provide sufficient cardiac output and prevent vena caval suction due to CPAD constant pump speed. Based on the CPAD pump speed-an intrinsic parameter, the sensorless feedback control algorithm could accurately estimate the cavopulmonary pressure head (CPPH) using extended Kalman filter, eliminating the disadvantage for pressure sensors that cannot be used in long term. And a gain-scheduled, proportional integral (PI) controller is used to make the actual CPPH approach to the reference value. Results show that the CPAD could effectively increase physiological perfusion for the children patients and reduce the workload of a single ventricle, and the sensorless feedback control algorithm can effectively guarantee cardiac output and prevent suction. This study can provide theoretical basis and technical support for the design and optimization of CPAD, and has potential clinical application value.

Risk Factors for Mortality and Circulatory Outcome Among Neonates Prenatally Diagnosed With Ebstein Anomaly or Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia: A Multicenter Study.

BackgroundIn a recent multicenter study of perinatal outcome in fetuses with Ebstein anomaly or tricuspid valve dysplasia, we found that one third of live‐born patients died before hospital discharge. We sought to further describe postnatal management strategies and to define risk factors for neonatal mortality and circulatory outcome at discharge.Methods and ResultsThis 23‐center, retrospective study from 2005 to 2011 included 243 fetuses with Ebstein anomaly or tricuspid valve dysplasia. Among live‐born patients, clinical and echocardiographic factors were evaluated for association with neonatal mortality and palliated versus biventricular circulation at discharge. Of 176 live‐born patients, 7 received comfort care, 11 died <24 hours after birth, and 4 had insufficient data. Among 154 remaining patients, 38 (25%) did not survive to discharge. Nearly half (46%) underwent intervention. Mortality differed by procedure; no deaths occurred in patients who underwent right ventricular exclusion. At discharge, 56% of the cohort had a biventricular circulation (13% following intervention) and 19% were palliated. Lower tricuspid regurgitation jet velocity (odds ratio [OR], 2.3 [1.1–5.0], 95% CI, per m/s; P=0.025) and lack of antegrade flow across the pulmonary valve (OR, 4.5 [1.3–14.2]; P=0.015) were associated with neonatal mortality by multivariable logistic regression. These variables, along with smaller pulmonary valve dimension, were also associated with a palliated outcome.ConclusionsAmong neonates with Ebstein anomaly or tricuspid valve dysplasia diagnosed in utero, a variety of management strategies were used across centers, with poor outcomes overall. High‐risk patients with low tricuspid regurgitation jet velocity and no antegrade pulmonary blood flow should be considered for right ventricular exclusion to optimize their chance of survival.

The Da Silva cone operation after the Starnes procedure for Ebstein's anomaly: New surgical strategy and initial results.

The Da Silva cone operation after the Starnes procedure for Ebstein's anomaly: New surgical strategy and initial results.

Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device Exclusion; a Review of Ten Cases

Purpose Surgical explantation of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is associated with risks of peri-operative complications. In this report, we aim to examine feasibility of percutaneous LVAD exclusion as an alternative to surgical LVAD explantation. Methods Retrospective review of institutional LVAD implants between 2011 to 2018 was performed; 3 patients underwent percutaneous LVAD exclusion. Subsequently, systematic review of all reported cases of percutaneous LVAD exclusion published in Pubmed/Medline from 2011 to 2018 was performed; 7 cases were identified. Results The percutaneous technique consisted of using Amplatz Vascular plug in proximal (average size: 16±3mm) and distal (average size: 16±3mm) portions of the outflow graft in our patients; graft occlusion was confirmed by injecting contrast and observing for reflux into the left ventricular cavity. Post procedure, the driveline was excised and the open end was closed with Gore-Tex. The percutaneous closure of outflow graft was successful in all patients with no peri-procedural complications. Table 1 details our experience and review of available cases. Conclusion Percutaneous LVAD exclusion is a minimally invasive, safe and an effective alternative to surgical LVAD explantation in select group of patients.

Surgical Management for Heart Failure: A Comparison of Left Ventricular Repair and Ventricular Assist Device

Purpose Currently, in Japan, implantable ventricular assist devices (VAD) are limited to bridge to transplantation (BTT). Therefore, left ventricular repair (LVR) has been applied to patients with severe heart failure who were ineligible for cardiac transplantation. We compared the mid-term results of surgical management with LVR and VAD for advanced heart failure. Methods We enrolled 19 patients with advanced heart failure to undergo LVR (n=13) or implantation of VAD (n=6) from 2008 to 2015 in our institute. Procedures in LVR group included papillary muscle approximation in 13 patients, Batista type left ventricular repair in 6, Overlap in 1, and septal anterior ventricular exclusion in 1. The VAD used in this study was HeartMateII (Thoratec, Pleasanton, CA). All patients had symptoms of New York Heart Association class IV but 9 patients class III in LVR group. Results Patients in Group LVR were older than those in Group VAD (Group LVR 63±14 years old vs Group VAD 44±17, p = 0.036). There were no significant differences in preoperative LV EF (Group LVR 21.2±9.1 vs Group VAD 20.3±10.0 %, p = 0.83) or LV end-diastolic dimension (Group LVR 72±13 vs Group VAD 70±12 mm, p = 0.71) between the groups. There was no significant differences in preoperative BNP values (Group LVR 914±500 vs Group VAD 615±241, p = 0.11). Group LVR had 2 in-hospital death after surgery, but VAD had none. There were no significant differences in LV EF (Group LVR 20.2±910.8 vs Group VAD 27.6±19.2 %, p = 0.41) or LV end-diastolic dimension (Group LVR 65±6 vs Group VAD 57±14 mm, p = 0.18) between the groups, immediately after surgery. Follow-up was 2.1±1.8 years long. There were total 10 deaths in Group LVR, but no patients died in Group VAD and 1 patient had transplantation during follow-up. Group VAD had superior 5-year survival rates (Log-rank: Group LVR 9 % vs Group VAD 100 %, p = 0.010.) Conclusion Treatment with VAD in patients with advanced heart failure significantly improved survival compared with LVR. VAD as destination therapy should be warranted in Japan.

Single-Ventricle Outcomes After Neonatal Palliation of Severe Ebstein Anomaly With Modified Starnes Procedure.

We have previously shown that neonates in profound cardiogenic shock caused by a severe Ebstein anomaly can be successfully salvaged with fenestrated right ventricular exclusion and systemic to pulmonary shunt (modified Starnes procedure). The long-term outcome of single-ventricle management in these patients is not known. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent neonatal Starnes procedure between 1989 and 2015. Patient demographics, clinical variables, and outcome data were collected. Twenty-seven patients (13, 48% boys) underwent the Starnes procedure at 7 (5-9) days of life. All were intubated and on prostaglandin, 24 (89%) were inotrope dependent, and 22 (81%) had no antegrade flow from the right ventricle. Three patients underwent nonfenestrated right ventricular exclusion, 2 (67%) of whom died. Of the remaining 24, 3 (13%) died during the same hospitalization. The 22 neonatal survivors have been followed for 7 (6-8) years: 1 patient is awaiting a Glenn procedure; 1 died after undergoing a Glenn procedure; and the remaining 20 patients have successfully undergone Fontan completion. Their indexed pulmonary vascular resistance was 1.8 (1.2-2.3) W/m2, and mean pulmonary pressure was 12 (9-18) mm Hg. At last follow-up, 1 patient had died, and the remaining patients had normal left ventricular function, and all but 1 have New York Heart Association class I symptoms. Two patients have required pacemaker implantation, whereas the rest are in sinus rhythm. Survival for the entire cohort at 1, 5, and 10 years is 81±4%, 81±5%, and 76±3%, respectively, whereas for those with fenestrated right ventricular exclusion, survival at 1, 5, and 10 years is 87±2%, 87±2%, and 81±4%, respectively. Long-term single-ventricle outcomes among neonatal survivors of the modified Starnes procedure are excellent. There is reliable remodeling of the excluded right ventricle and good function of the left ventricle.

Abstract 17203: Postnatal Management of Fetuses With Ebstein Anomaly or Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia in the Current Era: A Multi-center Study

Background: A recent multi-center study of perinatal outcome in fetuses with Ebstein anomaly or tricuspid valve dysplasia (EA/TVD) found that 1/3rd of live-born patients (pts) died prior to hospital discharge. The purpose of this study was to explore differences in postnatal management and the relationship to outcome. Methods: This 23-center, retrospective study included 243 fetuses with EA/TVD from 2005 to 2011. Neonatal procedure (NP) was defined as surgery or interventional catheterization (cath) prior to discharge. Associations between postnatal management and outcome at discharge were explored. Results: Of 176 live-born pts, 7 received comfort care only, 11 died &lt;24 hrs of life, and 4 had insufficient data. Among 154 remaining pts, 38 (25%) did not survive to discharge. Pts who required ECMO at any point (n=18) had 83% mortality. More than half of pts (54%) did not have an NP, 34% had surgery, 8% had interventional cath, and 4% had both. The median age at 1st NP was 6 days (quartiles: 1-11). Survival did not differ between pts who had an NP and those who did not (70% vs. 80%; p=0.19) or between pts who had surgery and those who did not (68% vs. 80%; p=0.09). However, mortality differed by NP performed and whether pulmonary regurgitation, an indicator of high risk, was present prenatally (Figure). No pts with a right ventricular exclusion (RVE) died. Of 49 surviving neonates with ≥1 procedure, 28 (57%) were palliated with a shunt or RVE and 21 (43%) had a biventricular circulation. Thus, in total, 86 of 154 live-born pts (56%) survived with a biventricular circulation: 65 with medical management only and 21 with ≥1 NP. Conclusion: Among live-born pts diagnosed with EA/TVD in utero, a variety of postnatal management strategies were employed with overall poor outcomes. If surgery beyond PDA ligation is necessary, then RVE or other palliative procedure may need to be considered. A prospective, multi-center study utilizing a management algorithm would help elucidate the optimal strategy.

Abstract 20041: Single Ventricle Outcome Following Neonatal Palliation of Severe Ebstein’s Anomaly With Modified Starnes Procedure

Background: We have previously shown that neonates in profound cardiogenic shock due to severe Ebstein’s anomaly can be successfully salvaged with fenestrated right ventricular (RV) exclusion and systemic to pulmonary shunt (modified Starnes procedure). The long-term outcome of single ventricle management in these patients is not known. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 26 patients who underwent neonatal Starnes procedure between 1989 and 2011. Patient demographics, clinical variables and outcome data were collected. Data is presented as mean ± standard errors or median (interquartile ranges). Results: 26 patients (12, 46% boys) underwent Starnes procedure at 7 (5-9) days of life. All were intubated and on prostacyclin infusion, 24 (92%) were inotrope-dependent and 23 (88%) had no antegrade flow from the RV. Two patients had had prior intervention (one tricuspid annuloplasty and one shunt alone). Three patients underwent non-fenestrated RV exclusion, two (67%) of whom died. Of the remaining 23, 3 (13%) died during the same hospitalization. The 21 neonatal survivors have been followed for 7 (6-8) years. One patient died after Glenn. The remaining 20 have successfully undergone Fontan completion with an indexed pulmonary resistance of 1.8 (1.2-2.3) W/m2 and mean pulmonary pressure of 12 (9-18) mm Hg. At last follow-up, all patients have normal left ventricular function, and all but one patient are in NYHA Class I symptoms. Two patients have required pacemaker implantation, while the rest are in sinus rhythm. Survival at 1, 5 and 10 years are 81±4%, 77±3% and 77±3%, respectively. Conclusion: Long-term single ventricle outcomes amongst neonatal survivors of modified Starnes procedure are excellent. There is reliable remodeling of the excluded RV and excellent function of the left ventricle.

Sublocalization of Cardiac Involvement in Sarcoidosis and Surgical Exclusion in Patients With Congestive Heart Failure

In sarcoidosis, cardiac involvement can cause fatal conditions such as left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and rhythm disturbance. We surgically treated critical patients with congestive heart failure due to cardiac sarcoidosis. During 14 years, 384 patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy were operated. Among them, 14 patients (3.6%) with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV (male/female, 3/11; 57 ± 11 years) caused by sarcoidosis underwent surgery (elective/emergent, 12/2). The akinetic lesion, as identified by speckle-tracking echocardiography, was excluded. Localization of akinetic lesions was achieved in 13 patients (93%). In the short axis, lesional distribution was higher in the anterior (62%) and septal segments (54%) when compared with the posterior (31%) and lateral segments (23%). Along the long axis, regional distribution was higher in the mid (85%) and apical segments (69%) when compared with the basal segment (31%). The main lesions were excluded by septal anterior ventricular exclusion (n = 5), posterior restoration procedure (n = 3), endoventricular circular patch plasty (n = 3), and linear resection (n = 2). Mitral valve surgery included mitral valve plasty (n = 7) and replacement (n = 7). In patients undergoing elective surgery, early results showed that 10 patients survived (83%) and NYHA class improved (6 patients in class II and 4 in class III). Patients who underwent emergent surgery did not survive. The observation period was 55 ± 59 months in survivors. During follow-up, 4 patients died after 42 ± 48 months. The other 5 patients have survived for 71 ± 61 months. The 3- and 5-year survival rates were 65% and 52%, respectively. Sarcoidosis can result in sublocalized LV involvement, which can be surgically excluded.

Repair of Ebstein's anomaly in neonates and small infants: impact of right ventricular exclusion and its indications†

In cases of severe Ebstein's anomaly, it is essential to determine whether biventricular repair (BVR) or single-ventricle palliation is feasible. Since 1999, in our institution, we have used the novel technique comprising tricuspid valve (TV) closure and right ventricular and right atrial (RV/RA) exclusion to reduce the deleterious effects of an enlarged RV in patients with severe Ebstein's anomaly. However, in cases with good RV function, primary BVR is performed. In the present study, we describe our surgical strategy in the treatment of severely symptomatic neonates with Ebstein's anomaly. From June 1999 to October 2011, 12 neonates with a severely symptomatic Ebstein's anomaly underwent surgical repair. The mean age at the first operation was 29 ± 25 (range, 5-92) days; and the mean body weight was 2.8 ± 0.5 (range, 2.0-4.1) kg. The associated anomalies included pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum in 7, critical pulmonary stenosis in 1, ventricular septal defect in 3 and coarctation of the aorta in 1 patient. The mean cardio-thoracic ratio (CTR) was 80 ± 14% (range, 57-98%). Preoperatively, 9 patients had grade IV tricuspid regurgitation (TR), as detected by echocardiography, and 6 required ventilator support. Five patients underwent primary BVR. Seven patients underwent staged palliation using a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (BT shunt) with/without RV/RA exclusion. There was 1 case each of hospital death and late death. The median follow-up duration in the present study was 6.5 years. Among the 8 patients who underwent TV repair, postoperative TR was trivial or mild in 6 patients, moderate in 1 and absent in 1. After surgery, the mean CTR and serum B-type natriuretic peptide levels decreased to 59 ± 14% (range, 45-70%) and 46 ± 28 (range, 12-83) pg/dl, respectively. Critically ill neonates with Ebstein's anomaly can be successfully treated using RV/RA exclusion combined with a modified BT shunt in cases where RV function is poor. However, in cases of good RV function, we recommend the use of primary BVR.

Multiple Thrombosis Caused by Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy

A 68-year-old man was transferred emergently to our department because of multichamber intracardiac thrombosis. Enhanced computed tomography revealed multichamber thrombosis in the right atrial appendage, right ventricular outlet tract. and left atrial appendage, with localized aneurysm of a much enlarged right ventricle. He underwent thrombectomy and valve repair. Here we report a rare case of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy with multichamber intracardiac thrombosis.

Right Ventricular Exclusion and Univentricular Palliation for Failed One and a Half Ventricle Repair for Ebstein's Anomaly

A 20 year-old male was diagnosed to have Ebstein's anomaly with severe right ventricular dysfunction. He was taken up for 1.5 ventricle repair. Post procedure, there was difficulty in weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass due to progressive right ventricular dilatation compromising the systemic output. An atrial septectomy did not help. Progressive right ventricular dilatation compressing the left ventricle, demonstrated on transoesophageal echocardiogram, prompted us to perform a right ventricular exclusion and univentricular palliation. The patient was successfully weaned off cardiopulmonary bypass and had a smooth postoperative recovery. Judicious use of right ventricular exclusion and univentricular palliation could be an effective bailout strategy in difficult surgical scenarios in Ebstein's anomaly.

Long-term results and mid-term features of left ventricular reconstruction procedures on left ventricular volume, geometry, function and mitral regurgitation

We retrospectively analysed the long-term results and mid-term features of the surgical procedures on left ventricular (LV) volume, geometry, function and mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (antero-septal dominant) who underwent LV reconstruction (LVR). The LVR was mainly accomplished by the Dor procedure, modified by the Fontan stitch maintained by the base of the LV septum prior to the flattened-out elliptical patch closure. Other techniques such as the linear closure or septal anterior ventricular exclusion (SAVE) were used when indicated. Sixty patients were divided into three groups, undergoing LVR with the Dor procedure (n = 40), linear closure (n = 12) or SAVE (n = 8). The LV function, volume and sphericity (eccentricity index) were logged before the operation and 1 year after. Survivors (79% at 7 years) showed a significant improvement in the LV ejection fraction from 35.1 ± 8.1 to 43.5 ± 11.5% and NYHA status from 2.9 ± 0.7 to 1.3 ± 0.6. The LV end-systolic volume index was significantly reduced from 110.3 ± 35.9 to 57.8 ± 20.7 ml/m(2) in the Dor, from 71.9 ± 10.3 to 52.9 ± 19.4 ml/m(2) in the linear closure and from 93.1 ± 14.5 to 47.9 ± 15.7 ml/m(2) in the SAVE group. The postoperative changes in the Dor group are characterized by the reduction in the significantly larger LV volume and a more spherical chamber (systolic eccentricity index from 0.82 ± 0.10 to 0.80 ± 0.09), although not significantly so compared with other techniques. The MR grade measured on echocardiography was reduced (from 1.9 ± 0.8 to 1.7 ± 0.8), with postoperative moderate MR in four Dor patients. Despite the more spherical LV change, LVR led to a significant volume reduction (45%), still maintaining its physiological shape that confirmed an improved LV function and better long-term results. The Dor procedure could significantly reduce the larger LV volume without losing the end-systolic elliptical shape and mitral valvular competence like other techniques without the Fontan stitch.

Outcomes of left ventricular reconstruction when established parameters are followed, and subsequent questions

The 2010 Task Force guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology/European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgery (ESC/EACTS) recommend ‘consideration of surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) to treat ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, following measurement of ventricular volume and assessment of myocardial scar in centers with high experience’ [1]. This issue contains a report by Cho et al. [2] concerning ‘Long-term results and mid-term features of left ventricular reconstruction procedures on left ventricular volume, geometry, function and mitral regurgitation’ that amplifies the importance of surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) to architecturally remedy the failing hearts of patients with ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Their superb results confirm how this procedure carries a very low perioperative mortality (1.6%), dramatically diminishes rehospitalization for cardiac causes over a 7-year interval and allows 79% long-term survival. These beneficial results are in concert with the broad number of world-wide SVR reports [3] and thus provide yet another contradiction to the flawed Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) study [4], whose misguided results have caused global curtailment of properly treating ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Cho et al. precisely followed the benchmark SVR entry criteria of >60 ml/m left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI), >35% scarring of the left ventricle (LV) perimeter and achieved the requisite 40% reduction of ventricular volume to reduce the LVESVI of <60 ml/m. These SVR-induced changes show why LVESVI <60 ml/m is an independent predictor of prognosis [5], as the very low 7-year mortality ‘resulted from the natural events of neoplasm and infection’ rather than from pump failure or sudden death. These splendid results were similarly achieved by the Dor, linear closure and septal anterior ventricular exclusion (SAVE) procedures, yet each outcome was accompanied by creating a more spherical ventricle instead of the intended elliptical form. Confirmation of improved systolic performance was garnered from the increased systolic eccentricity index that indicated the smaller remote muscle contracted more efficiently as it became more helical during ejection. Moreover, late findings in patients with larger pre-SVR ventricular volumes showed the development of a 22% incidence of mitral regurgitation (MR), which parallels Di Donato’s report of 38% later mitral insufficiency in patients with even larger preoperative ventricular volumes [6]. These shape and MR change direct attention towards how the procedure execution influenced these findings, since Pocar recently pointed out the disadvantage of a more spherical chamber and functional MR [7].

Starnes Procedure in a Neonate With Pulmonary Atresia and Intact Ventricular Septum

We describe the case of 7-day-old neonate with pulmonary atresia, intact ventricular septum, and severe tricuspid valve (TV) dysplasia who underwent a Starnes right ventricular exclusion procedure (RVEP). The patient had severe tricuspid stenosis and regurgitation and right ventricular dysfunction after perforation and balloon dilation of the pulmonary valve.

A bovine pericardium rigid prosthesis for left ventricle restoration: 12 years of follow-up

Myocardial infarction might result in dilated left ventricle and numerous techniques have been described to restore the original left ventricle shape and identify tools for late survival assessment. The aim of this study is to compare our experience with a modified Dor procedure using a rigid prosthesis to the septal anterior ventricular exclusion procedure (SAVE) for left ventricle restoration. The EuroScore index for prediction of late follow up survival was evaluated. We evaluated 80 patients who underwent left ventricle restoration between 1999 to 2007 and eight patients were excluded with incomplete data. A modified Dor procedure with rigid prosthesis (MD group) was performed on 53 patients and 19 underwent the septal anterior ventricular exclusion procedure (SAVE group). The patients were classified according their left ventricle shape as type I, II or III. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard ratio regressions analysis were performed to assess survival after both techniques and expected surgical mortality using EuroScore index ranking after 12 years of follow up. The operative mortality was comparable in both groups ranked by EuroScore index. The groups were comparable for all clinical data, except the MD group had more patients using intra-aortic balloon pumps before surgery, (5.7% vs. 0; P<0.01). Kaplan Meier analysis by left ventricle shape showed comparable survival for all patients, with slightly higher survival for type I. Kaplan Meier analysis of all death showed equivalent survival curves for both techniques after 12 years of follow up (71.5 ± 12.3 vs. 46.6 ± 20.5 years; P=0.08). Kaplan Meier analysis of EuroScore index for all patients showed a difference between the three ranked categories, i.e., 0 to 10%, 11 to 49% and higher than 50% expected surgical mortality after 12 years of follow up (70.9 ± 16.2 vs. 67.5 ± 12.7 vs. 53.0 ± 15.5; P=0.003). The MD procedure showed consistent ejection fraction improvements after long term follow up. Survival was comparable for all ventricular types and for the MD and SAVE procedures. The EuroScore index is a useful index for late survival assessment of ventricular restoration techniques.

Volume reduction rate by surgical ventricular restoration determines late outcome in ischaemic cardiomyopathy

Surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) effectively reduces left ventricular (LV) volume in ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), but the recent Surgical Treatment of Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) Trial questions its importance. We report 8-year SVR experience in patients with ICM. Between 2000 and 2008, 135 patients underwent SVR for ICM. This report analyses data from 90 patients who underwent accurate pre- and post-operative assessment of LV volumes by left ventriculogram or scintigram. All patients also had echocardiograms. Pre-operative LV end-systolic volume index (ESVI) was 123.5 ± 53.2 mL/m(2) (range 92-310). Overall, 63 patients were in NHYA class III and 27 were in class IV. The SVR procedure was endoventricular circular patch plasty in 33 patients, septal-anterior ventricular exclusion in 43, and 14 patients had posterior exclusion. Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 78 patients (87%) and 50 underwent mitral procedures. Eighteen follow-up late deaths occurred owing to chronic heart failure (n = 12) and sudden death (n = 6). Post-operative ESVI was < 90 mL/m(2) (Group-S) in 54 patients, 90-120 mL/m(2) (Group-M) in 16, and >120 mL/m(2) (Group-L) in 20 patients. The 8-year survival rate was 82.4% in group-S following a > 33% LV volume reduction. In contrast, in Group-M and Group-L, the volume reduction was ∼ 15%, and 100% of patients died within 7 years following the SVR procedure (or 0% 8-year survival). SVR is most effective when a >33% volume reduction rate achieves an ESVI of < 90 mL/m(2). No long-term benefits occur when SVR induces an LV volume reduction of < 15% leaving a residual ESVI >90 mL/m(2). This database contradicts the STICH trial findings.