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INTRODUÇÃO: A tromboendarterectomia pulmonar é utilizada como método bem estabelecido para aliviar a hipertensão pulmonar nos casos de tromboembolismo pulmonar crônico. A dificuldade que se apresenta é conciliar o tempo relativamente exíguo de parada circulatória total (PCT) hipotérmica com a completa desobstrução das artérias pulmonares, sob pena de danos neurológicos. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: No período de março de 1998 a abril de 1999 (13 meses), 8 pacientes, 5 do sexo masculino, 1 de cor negra, com idade variando entre 25 a 56 anos (média 46,2 anos) e com diagnóstico angiográfico de tromboembolismo pulmonar, foram submetidos a tromboendarterectomia pulmonar uni ou bilateral por tromboembolismo pulmonar crônico (TEP). Instalado o circuito extracorpóreo e incisada a artéria pulmonar, procede-se à PCT e, aproximadamente a cada 20 minutos de procedimento, intermitentemente, o fluxo da circulação extracorpórea (CEC) é restabelecido a 14º C por um período de 15 minutos objetivando-se a reperfusão cerebral e corpórea. Sucessivas paradas circulatórias total são realizadas e tantas quanto forem necessárias até a remoção de todos os trombos da artéria pulmonar. RESULTADOS: Não foram registrados óbitos no transoperatório. Um paciente faleceu no 30º dia de pós-operatório (PO) devido a broncopneumonia que evoluiu para sepse. Os 8 pacientes foram submetidos a CEC e PCT hipotérmica, sendo que em 5 (62,5%) foram necessárias 4 PCT e em 3 (37,5%) apenas 3 PCT, com média de 3,6 PCT. O tempo total de CEC variou de 210 a 255 minutos, com média de 225 minutos. O tempo de PCT hipotérmica variou de 58 a 88 minutos, com média de 76,7 minutos e o período de PCT por paciente variou de 18 a 24 minutos, com média de 20,5 minutos. Em todos os pacientes foram realizadas tomografias de crânio, que não revelaram nenhuma alteração anatômica, assim como o exame físico não revelou déficit motor ou rebaixamento do sensório. CONCLUSÃO: Acreditamos ser esta uma técnica promissora, capaz de oferecer tranqüilidade para o cirurgião e segurança para o paciente em termos de proteção do sistema nervoso central.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors for mortality related to myocardial revascularization when performed in association with coronary endarterectomy. METHODS: We assessed retrospectively 353 patients who underwent 373 coronary endarterectomies between January '89 and November '98, representing 3.73% of the myocardial revascularizations in this period of time. The arteries involved were as follows: right coronary artery in 218 patients (58.45%); left anterior descending in 102 patients (27.35%); circumflex artery in 39 patients (10.46%); and diagonal artery in 14 patients (3.74%). We used 320 (85.79%) venous grafts and 53 (14.21%) arterial grafts. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality among our patients was 9.3% as compared with 5.7% in patients with myocardial revascularizations without endarterectomy (p=0.003). Cause of death was related to acute myocardial infarction in 18 (54.55%) patients. The most significant risk factors for mortality identified were as follows: diabetes mellitus (p=0.001; odds ratio =7.168), left main disease (

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was the follow-up and evaluation of valve replacement in children under 12 years of age. METHODS: Forty-four children less than 12 years old were underwent valve replacement at INCOR-HCFMUSP between January 1986 and December 1992. Forty (91%) were rheumatic, 39 (88.7%) were in functional classes II or IV, 19 (43.2%) were operated upon on an emergency basis, and 6 (13.6%) had atrial fibrillation. Biological prostheses (BP) were employed in 26 patients (59.1%), and mechanical prostheses (MP) in 18 (40.9%). Mitral valves were replaced in 30 (68.7%), aortic valves in 8 (18.2%), a tricuspid valve in 1 (2.3%), and double (aortic and mitral) valves in 5 (11.4) of the patients. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was of 4.5% (2 cases). The mean follow-up period was 5.8 years. Re-operations occurred in 63.3% of the patients with BP and in 12.5% of those with MP (p=0.002). Infectious endocarditis was present in 26.3% of the BP, but in none of the cases of MP (p=0.049). Thrombosis occurred in 2 (12.5%) and hemorrhage in one (6.5%) of the patients with a MP. Delayed mortality occurred in 5 (11.9%) of the patients over a mean period of 2.6 years; four had had BP and one had a MP (NS). Actuarial survival and re-operation-free curves after 10 years were respectively, 82.5±7.7 (SD)% and 20.6±15.9%. CONCLUSION: Patients with MP required fewer re-operation, had less infectious endocarditis and lower late mortality rates compared with patients with bioprostheses. The former, therefore, appear to be the best valve replacement for pediatric patients.

Intraaortic balloon counterpulsation is frequently used in patients experiencing severe ventricular dysfunction following maximal drug therapy. However, even with the improvement of percutaneous insertion techniques, the procedure has always been followed by vascular, infectious, and neurological complications. This article describes a case of paraplegia due to intraaortic balloon counterpulsation in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the initial clinical experience of transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) in patients with severe diffuse coronary artery disease. METHODS: Between February, 1998 and February, 1999, 20 patients were submitted to TMLR at the Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School, Brazil, isolated or in association with conventional coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). All patients had severe diffuse coronary artery disease, with angina functional class III/IV (Canadian Cardiovascular Society score) unresponsive to medical therapy. Fourteen patients were submitted to TMLR as the sole therapy, whereas 6 underwent concomitant CABG. Fifty per cent of the patients had either been previously submitted to a CABG or to a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Mean age was 60 years, ranging from 45 to 74 years. RESULTS: All patients had three-vessel disease, with normal or mildly impaired left ventricular global function. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 13 months (mean 6.6 months), with no postoperative short or long term mortality. There was significant symptom improvement after the procedure, with 85% of the patients free of angina, and the remaining 15 % of the patients showing improvement in functional class, as well as in exercise tolerance. CONCLUSION: This novel technique can be considered a low risk alternative for a highly selected group of patients not suitable for conventional revascularization procedures.

Objetivo: Com as avanços no tratamento das lesões obstrutivas das artérias coronárias pela hemodinâmica, torna-se atraente a revascularização do miocárdio pelas técnicas minimamente invasivas. O objetivo deste trabalho é o relato de nossa experiência após 3 anos com o uso desta técnica, analisando-se a utilização de estabilizador mecânico de suturas, as vias de acesso e os resultados obtidos. Casuística e Métodos: Foram operados 120 pacientes, sendo 86 do sexo masculino, com idades variando de 30 a 83 anos (média de 61,2 anos). Todos eram portadores de lesões coronarianas obstrutivas acima de 80%. Os uniarteriais eram portadores de lesões, de 79,2% no ramo interventricular anterior (RIA), 1,6% dos ramos diagonais (Dg) e 0,8% da artéria coronária direita (CD). Os biarteriais apresentavam lesões de 17,6% RIA e Dg e 0,8% RIA e Marginal esquerda da artéria circunflexa (MgE). Foram utilizadas duas vias de acesso: para lesões isoladas do RIA foi utilizada preferencialmente a minitoracotomia anterior de 8 cm no quarto espaço intercostal esquerdo. Para lesões associadas RIA/Dg foi utilizada incisão longitudinal mediana limitada de 10 a 12 cm, com secção total do esterno e afastamento de 5 a 6 cm de suas bordas. Não foi utilizada circulação extracorpórea e não houve manipulação ou abordagem da aorta. Foram usados betabloqueadores e vasodilatadores endovenosos e, para realização das anastomoses, torniquetes proximais em todos os casos, além do CO2 para manter o campo operatório livre de sangue. Nos últimos 82 pacientes utilizou-se o estabilizador mecânico de sutura para redução regional dos batimentos cardíacos. Em 22 (18,4%) pacientes a ATIE foi alongada com segmento de veia safena, artéria radial ou epigástrica. Na revascularização para RIA e Dg foi utilizado "Y" artificial a partir da ATIE com enxerto venoso ou arterial. Estudo cinecoronariográfico foi realizado entre o 1º e 3º dias de pós-operatório em 84 (70%) pacientes que foram analisados, baseados nos seguintes achados, de acordo com a condição da anastomose: Grau A - sem obstruções; Grau B - obstrução > que 50%; Grau C - oclusão. Esta avaliação foi feita em 2 períodos distintos: no 1º período, sem o uso do estabilizador de sutura e no 2º período, com o uso do estabilizador. Resultados: A cinecoronariografia revelou a seguinte condição das anastomoses: no primeiro período (38 anastomoses), Grau A - 79%, Grau B - 5,2% e Grau C - 15,8%. No segundo período (62 anastomoses), Grau A - 90,4%, Grau B - 6,4% e Grau C - 3,2%. Os drenos torácicos ou mediastinais foram retirados em média com 22,4h. Tivemos 8,0% de reoperações, sendo 4,8% relacionadas à anastomose, 4,0% imediatas e 0,8% tardias e, 3,2% não relacionadas à anastomose, 2,4% imediatas e 0,8% tardias. Em 99,2% dos casos não houve complicações isquêmicas no pós-operatório imediato e 118 (98,4%) receberam alta hospitalar. Desses pacientes, 115 (95,8%) receberam alta entre 2 e 9 dias, com média de 4,6 ± 1,8 dias e 3 (2,4%) pacientes tiveram internação prolongada por processo infeccioso pulmonar. A morbidade total foi de 14,2%, sendo infecção da ferida 4,0%; atelectasia pulmonar 3,2%; enfisema subcutâneo 3,2%; sangramento 2,4% e broncopneumonia 2,4%. A mortalidade imediata foi de 1,6%. Conclusão: A cirurgia de revascularização por técnica minimamente invasiva vem mostrando ser uma alternativa para determinado grupo de pacientes. Apresenta melhor estética e recuperação pós-operatória mais rápida. Os resultados em relação à anastomose são superiores quando utilizado o estabilizador mecânico de sutura.

O objetivo do trabalho é analisar os resultados tardios da substituição valvar em pacientes idosos com a utilização de biopróteses de pericárdio bovino no Instituto do Coração em São Paulo. No período de março de 1982 a dezembro de 1995, foram implantadas 463 biopróteses de pericárdio bovino FISICS-INCOR em 432 pacientes com idade superior a 65 anos. A idade média foi de 70,3 ± 4,3 anos e 58,1% eram do sexo masculino. Foram realizadas 286 substituições da valva aórtica, 144 da valva mitral, 16 duplas substituições mitro-aórticas e 1 tricúspide. Houve procedimentos associados em 158 (36,6%) pacientes, sendo o mais freqüente a revascularização do miocárdio (19,2%). A mortalidade hospitalar foi de 12,2% (53 pacientes), sendo 18,7% para o grupo mitral, 7,7% para o grupo aórtico e 18,8% para o mitro-aórtico. As taxas linearizadas para os eventos calcificação, tromboembolismo, rotura, escape pára-valvar e endocardite foram, respectivamente, 0,4%; 0; 0,8%; 0,1% e 0,1% pacientes-ano. A sobrevida actuarial no grupo aórtico foi de 32,4 ± 15,5% em 12 anos, livre de endocardite de 100%, livre de calcificação de 98,3 ± 1,7%, livre de rotura de 91,6 ± 4,8%, livre de escape pára-valvar de 99,5 ± 0,5% e livre de reoperação de 89,6 ± 4,9%, em 12 anos. A sobrevida actuarial no grupo mitral foi de 14,5 ± 11,5% em 12 anos, livre de endocardite de 97,8 ± 2,2%, livre de calcificação de 98,0 ± 2,0%, livre de rotura de 91,7 ± 5,0%, livre de escape pára-valvar de 100% e livre de reoperação de 87,9 ± 5,5% em 12 anos. Não houve tromboembolismo. No período pós-operatório tardio, 293 (87,7%) pacientes encontram-se em classe funcional I (NYHA). Concluímos que os resultados tardios com a utilização de biopróteses de pericárdio bovino FISICS-INCOR foram satisfatórios em pacientes idosos.

O tratamento da síndrome de baixo débito cardíaco tem evoluído muito, em especial em relação aos dispositivos mecânicos de assistência ventricular. Esses dispositivos podem genericamente ser agrupados em pulsáteis e não pulsáteis. Existe grande polêmica sobre as vantagens e desvantagens de cada um desses grupos de dispositivos. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a ação da bomba centrífuga sobre o fluxo coronário e carotídeo na assistência circulatória do ventrículo esquerdo em cães com coração normal. Além disso, verificamos se o uso concomitante do balão intra-aórtico é suficiente para contrabalançar os possíveis efeitos deletérios da assistência circulatória com fluxo contínuo. Foram estudados 15 cães, com peso corpóreo médio de 16,3 kg. Realizamos a avaliação hemodinâmica dos animais, através da medida seriada das pressões do átrio direito, do capilar pulmonar, das artérias pulmonares, da circulação arterial sistêmica e a freqüência cardíaca. Foi realizada a aferição do débito cardíaco e calculados os seguintes parâmetros hemodinâmicos derivados: índice cardíaco, índice sistólico, resistência vascular sistêmica e resistência vascular pulmonar. O fluxo sangüíneo carotídeo e coronariano foram obtidos com o uso de transdutores eletromagnéticos. Os parâmetros foram analisados em quatro situações: S1. situação controle; S2. situação de teste da bomba centrífuga em que esse dispositivo realiza a assistência circulatória do ventrículo esquerdo; S3. situação de teste da bomba centrífuga e do balão intra-aórtico; S4. situação final em que é feita a contraprova desligando-se o balão intra-aórtico. A avaliação hemodinâmica através dos diversos parâmetros não mostrou alteração estatisticamente significante nas quatro situações. Já em relação ao fluxo coronário a utilização da assistência circulatória isolada com bomba centrífuga (S2 e S4) diminuiu esse fluxo (24,6% ± 6,1) tanto em relação à situação controle (S1) como quando comparada à associação com balão intra-aórtico (S3) (p = 0,0079); S1 e S3 mostraram fluxo coronário semelhante. Em relação ao fluxo carotídeo, a análise de perfil sugere a existência de diferença entre as várias situações, não sendo, porém, significante (p = 0,0582). Concluímos que a assistência circulatória do ventrículo esquerdo com bomba centrífuga diminuiu o fluxo coronário e levou a uma tendência de queda do fluxo carotídeo em cães com coração normal. O uso de balão intra-aórtico associado à circulação assistida do ventrículo esquerdo com bomba centrífuga elevou de maneira significante o fluxo coronário dos cães, atingindo valores semelhantes aos observados sem a assistência circulatória e levou a uma tendência da normalização do fluxo carotídeo em cães com coração normal.

Após 1989, introduzimos algumas alterações no tratamento cirúrgico dos aneurismas e dissecções da aorta, em nosso Serviço, entre elas maior rapidez no diagnóstico, uso de parada circulatória, hipotermia profunda, parada circulatória total, monitorização hemodinâmica, controle dos distúrbios de coagulação, controle da pressão liquórica, implantação das artérias intercostais. Entre janeiro de 1980 e julho de 1994, 520 pacientes foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico de aneurismas ou dissecções da aorta, de forma consecutiva e não selecionados. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos, de acordo com o diagnóstico: ? Aneurisma de aorta ascendente (AAAS) ? Aneurisma de arco aórtico (AAAO) ? Dissecção aguda da aorta tipos I e II (DAAO I e II) Nos três grupos, a mortalidade foi significativamente inferior para pacientes operados no período após 1989. Variáveis preditivas de mortalidade para AAAS foram: complicações pulmonares (p = 0,0210), renais (p = 0,0310), neurológicas (p < 0,0001). Para DAAO I e II, a hipertensão arterial (p < 0,0001), complicações cardíacas (p < 0,0001), neurológicas (p < 0,0001), renais (p < 0,0001) e a rotura (p < 0,0001) foram preditivas de óbito, e para AAAO foram as variáveis: idade (p = 0,0001) e complicações renais (p = 0,0015). Os autores concluem que as modificações introduzidas no método de tratamento cirúrgico dos aneurismas e dissecções da aorta contribuíram significativamente para a melhora dos resultados.

Os autores relatam a experiência com o tratamento de aneurisma e dissecção da aorta descendente associada ou não a comprometimento do arco aórtico com o uso de prótese intraluminal auto-expansível introduzida cirurgicamente através do arco aórtico. Foram operados 11 pacientes, 9 do sexo masculino e com idades variando de 49 a 78 anos. O diagnóstico era de aneurisma em 6, sendo 2 rotos e dissecção em 5, sendo aguda em 2. Quatro doentes apresentavam afecções cirúrgicas associadas: aneurisma de aorta ascendente (1), aneurisma de arco (1), insuficiência coronária (1) e insuficiência da valva aórtica (1). Os pacientes foram operados com colocação de prótese intraluminal auto-expansível cirurgicamente através do arco aórtico sob hipotermia profunda e parada circulatória total. Em 4 pacientes foram realizadas operações associadas: troca da valva aórtica (1), substituição da aorta ascendente (2), troca do arco aórtico (1) e revascularização miocárdica (1). Houve um óbito intra-operatório por dissecção da aorta ascendente e dois óbitos hospitalares por associação de complicações. Oito pacientes tiveram alta sendo que 1 faleceu no terceiro mês de pós-operatório. Os sobreviventes estavam bem clinicamente e o estudo por imagem mostrou adequada correção da doença. Os autores concluem que o uso da prótese intraluminal simplifica e corrige adequadamente as afecções da aorta descendente. A morbimortalidade observada nessa série deve-se a outros fatores independentes da técnica.

No período de março de 1982 a dezembro de 1995 foram implantadas biopróteses de pericárdio bovino Fisics-Incor em 2259 pacientes. A média de idade foi de 47,2 ± 17,5 anos e 55% eram do sexo masculino. A principal etiologia das lesões foi a febre reumática em 1031 (45,7%) pacientes. Foram realizadas 1073 substituições da valva aórtica, 1085 mitral, 195 mitro-aórtica, 27 tricúspide e 16 substituições combinadas. Cirurgias associadas foram realizadas em 788 (32,9%) pacientes, predominando a plástica da valva tricúspide (9,2%) e a revascularização do miocárdio (7,7%). A mortalidade hospitalar global foi de 194 (8,6%) pacientes, 8,6% na substituição mitral isolada, 4,7% na aórtica e 12,8% na mitro-aórtica. As taxas linearizadas para os eventos calcificação, tromboembolismo, rotura, escape e endocardite são, respectivamente: 1,1%; 0,2%; 0,9%; 0,1% e 0,5% pacientes/ano. A curva actuarial de sobrevida é de 56,7% ± 5,4% em 15 anos. Livre de endocardite foi de 91,9% ± 2%, livre de tromboembolismo de 95 ± 1,7%, livre de rotura de 43,7 ± 19,8%, livre de escape 98,9 ± 4,5% e livre de calcificação de 48,8 ± 7,9% em 15 anos. No pós-operatório tardio 1614 (80,6%) pacientes encontram-se em classe funcional I (NYHA). Podemos concluir que os pacientes submetidos a implante de biopróteses de pericárdio bovino apresentaram evolução satisfatória.

A forty eight year old woman, who had undergone mitral comissurotomy and subsequently developed early restenosis, presented with major comissural fusion and verrucous lesions on the cuspid edges of the mitral valve, with normal subvalvar apparatus. Patient did well for the first six months after surgery when she began to present dyspnea on light exertion. A clinical diagnosis of restenosis was made, which was confirmed by an echocardiogram and cardiac catheterization. She underwent surgery, and a stenotic mitral valve with verrucous lesions suggesting Libman-Sacks' endocarditis was found. Because the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had not been confirmed at that time, a bovine pericardium bioprosthesis (FISICS-INCOR) was implanted. The patient did well in the late follow-up and is now in NYHA Class I .

Background: Heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AF) often coexist in a deleterious cycle., Objective: To evaluate the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of patients with ventricular systolic dysfunction and AF treated with radiofrequency (RF) ablation., Methods: Patients with ventricular systolic dysfunction [ejection fraction (EF) <50%] and AF refractory to drug therapy underwent stepwise RF ablation in the same session with pulmonary vein isolation, ablation of AF nests and of residual atrial tachycardia, named "background tachycardia". Clinical (NYHA functional class) and echocardiographic (EF, left atrial diameter) data were compared (McNemar test and t test) before and after ablation., Results: 31 patients (6 women, 25 men), aged 37 to 77 years (mean, 59.8 ± 10.6), underwent RF ablation. The etiology was mainly idiopathic (19 p, 61%). During a mean follow-up of 20.3 ± 17 months, 24 patients (77%) were in sinus rhythm, 11 (35%) being on amiodarone. Eight patients (26%) underwent more than one procedure (6 underwent 2 procedures, and 2 underwent 3 procedures). Significant NYHA functional class improvement was observed (pre-ablation: 2.23 ± 0.56; postablation: 1.13 ± 0.35; p < 0.0001). The echocardiographic outcome also showed significant ventricular function improvement (EF pre: 44.68% ± 6.02%, post: 59% ± 13.2%, p = 0.0005) and a significant left atrial diameter reduction (pre: 46.61 ± 7.3 mm; post: 43.59 ± 6.6 mm; p = 0.026). No major complications occurred., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that AF ablation in patients with ventricular systolic dysfunction is a safe and highly effective procedure. Arrhythmia control has a great impact on ventricular function recovery and functional class improvement.

The Apico Aortic Blood Pump (AABP) is a centrifugal continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) with ceramic bearings. The device is in the initial development phase and is being designed to be attached directly to the left ventricular apex by introducing an inlet cannula. This paper reports results from in vitro experiments. In order to evaluate implantation procedures and device dimensioning, in vitro experiments included an anatomic positioning study for the analysis of surgical implantation procedure and device dimensions and positioning that was performed using the body of a pig. The results revealed no damage caused by the device, and the surgical implantation procedure was considered feasible. Hydrodynamic performance curves were obtained to verify the applicability of the device as an LVAD, showing adequate performance. Mechanical blood trauma was analyzed through 6-h hemolysis tests, with total pressure head of 100 mm Hg and flow of 5 L/min. Mean normalized index of hemolysis was 0.009 g/100 L (±0.002 g/100 L). Studies using a hybrid cardiovascular simulator were conducted for three types of circulatory conditions: normal healthy conditions, concentric hypertrophic heart failure (CHHF), and CHHF with AABP assistance. Analysis of cardiovascular parameters under those three conditions demonstrated that when the AABP was assisting the system, parameters under CHHF conditions went back to normal healthy values, indicating the AABP's effectiveness as CHHF therapy. Our preliminary results indicate that it is feasible to use the AABP as a LVAD. The next steps include long-term in vivo experiments., (© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation.)

Background: In spite of the advances in sepsis diagnosis and treatment in the last years, the morbidity and mortality are still high., Objective: To assess the prevalence, in-hospital evolution and prognosis of patients that presented sepsis in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery., Methods: This is a prospective study that included patients (n = 7,332) submitted to cardiac surgery (valvular or coronary) between January 1995 and December 2007. The classic criteria of sepsis diagnosis were used to identify the patients that developed such condition and the preoperative comorbidities, in-hospital evolution and prognosis were evaluated., Results: Sepsis occurred in 29 patients (prevalence = 0.39%). There was a predominance of the male when compared to the female sex (79% vs. 21%). Mean age was 69 +/- 6.5 years. The main preoperative comorbidities were: systemic arterial hypertension (79%), dyslipidemia (48%) and family history of coronary artery disease (38%). The mean Apache score was 18 +/- 7, whereas the Sofa score was 14.2 +/- 3.8. The primary infectious focus was pulmonary in 19 patients (55%). There were 19 positive cultures and the mean IV hydration during the first 24 hours was 1,016 +/- 803 ml. The main complications were acute renal failure (65%), low cardiac output syndrome (55%) and malignant ventricular arrhythmia (55%). Mortality was 79% (23 patients)., Conclusion: The occurrence of sepsis after cardiac surgery was a rare event; however, its occurrence showed catastrophic clinical outcomes. The high morbidity and mortality showed the need to improve treatment, aiming at patients' better clinical evolution.

Background: Stroke is a feared complication after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG), with an incidence between 1.3 and 4.3%., Objective: To identify predictive factors for stroke after CABG in the modern era of cardiac surgery., Methods: This is a case-control study of 65 pairs of patients, paired by sex, age (+ 3 years) and date of CABG (+ 3 months). The cases were patients submitted to elective CABG with extracorporeal circulation (ECC) that presented stroke (defined as clinical neurological deficit up to 24 hours post-operatively and confirmed by imaging assessment) and the controls were those individuals submitted to elective CABG with ECC, but without stroke., Results: The univariate analysis demonstrated that the number of revascularized vessels was associated with the occurrence of stroke after the CABG (3 +/- 0.8 vs. 2.76 +/- 0.8, p = 0.01). The multivariate analysis by conditional logistic regression showed that systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) [OR: 6.1 (1.5 - 24), p = 0.009] and diabetes mellitus (DM) [OR: 3.1 (1.09 - 11), p= 0.03] were the determinants of the highest chance of stroke after CABG, whereas acute myocardial infarction (AMI) > 1 month, was the determinant of the lowest chance of stroke [OR: 0.1 (0.03 - 0.36), p = 0.003]., Conclusion: Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were identified as independent predictors of stroke within the first 24 postoperative hours after CABG. In patients with such risk factors, it is possible that the knowledge of the causal mechanisms of brain injury represents a strategy capable of decreasing the incidence of stroke after CABG.

Background: The Transposition of the Great Arteries is the most frequent congenital cyanogenic cardiopathy in the neonatal period, corresponding to 7% of all congenital cardiopathies. Among the operations for surgical treatment, the Jatene operation, with arterial correction, is the treatment of choice. During the late postoperative evolution, some problems were observed, with the most common being the occurrence of supravalvular stenosis at the neopulmonary, regardless of the type of surgical technique used., Objective: To study and analyze the prevalence of stenosis, as well as describe the surgical treatment and propose technical maneuvers to prevent its onset., Methods: Of the 553 patients that underwent surgery, 409 were discharged from the hospital and 281 had late follow-up; 59 (20.9%) presented different degrees of supravalvular pulmonary stenosis and 21 had a mean gradient > 60 mmHg, needing surgical treatment. Depending on the location and anatomy of the stenosis, the surgical treatment consisted of the use of different techniques, such as the enlargement of stenosis areas with bovine pericardium patches, resection of stenotic areas and termino-terminal anastomosis, replacement of retracted patches and synthetic tubes., Results: Twenty patients presented good evolution and only one patient died., Conclusion: It can be concluded that the supravalvular pulmonary stenosis, post-Jatene operation for Transposition of Great Arteries, had a prevalence of 20.9%; once identified and with indication for treatment, it can be treated surgically with low mortality levels, through different surgical techniques; to prevent the occurrence of stenosis, ample dissection and release of the pulmonary branches, double anastomoses, large patches of autologous pericardium and careful reconstruction of the aorta are proposed, which prevents the compression of the neopulmonary.

Background: Two types of myocardia can be observed through the endocardial spectral mapping (SM) in sinus rhythm: the compact type with a smooth spectrum and the fibrillar type with a segmented spectrum (atrial fibrillation nests). During the atrial fibrillation (AF), the compact type has an organized activation and low frequency (passive), whereas the fibrillar type has a rather disorganized activation and high frequency (active/resonant), with both being activated by high-frequency sustained tachycardia--the background tachycardia (BT)., Objective: To describe the treatment of AF by the ablation of the AF nests and BT., Methods: 1) Catheter ablation of the AF nests with RF [4/8 mm-60 masculine/30-40 J/30s] guided by SM in sinus rhythm, outside the pulmonary vein; 2) atrial stimulation -300 ppm; 3) Additional ablation of the AF nests if AF is induced; 4) Focal ablation if BT and/or Flutter is induced; 5) Clinical follow-up+ ECG+ Holter., Results: A total of 50+/-18 AF nests/patient were treated. After 11.3+/-8 m, 81 patients (88%) did not present AF (28.3% with antiarrhythmic drugs). After the ablation of the AF nests, AF was not reinduced in 61 patients (71%) and BT was induced and treated in 24 patients (26%). There were two episodes of pericardial bleeding (1 treated clinically and 1 surgically), caused by sheaths that are no longer used, Conclusion: The SM in sinus rhythm can be used in the ablation of AF nests. During the AF, the AF nests present a reactive-resonant pattern and the compact myocardium is passive, stimulated by the high frequency of the BT. After the ablation of the AF nests and the BT, it was not possible to reinduce the sustained AF. The Ablation of AF nests outside the pulmonary veins showed to be safe and highly effective in the cure and/or clinical control of the AF.

Objective: To identify factors associated with a higher likelihood of in-hospital death in patients submitted to coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) who developed atrial fibrillation (AF) postoperatively., Methods: The authors analyzed data from 397 consecutive patients submitted to CABG that developed AF postoperatively between 2000 and 2003. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (G1) comprised patients who survived (n=369); and group 2 (G2) comprised patients who died during hospital stay (n=28). Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test and chi-square test, and p values < 0.05 were considered significant., Results: A comparative analysis between G1 and G2 showed that there was no difference between the groups as regards age (67.3 +/- 8.4 versus 69.3 +/- 9.6; p = 0.4), male gender (75.9% versus 64.3%; p = 0.1), systemic arterial hypertension (75.3% versus 85.7%; p = 0.2) and congestive heart failure (17% versus 17%; p = 1). Group 2 presented higher rates for previous acute myocardial infarction (14.6% versus 28.6%; p = 0.05), left ventricular ejection fraction < 40% (12.2% versus 32.1%; p = 0.003), previous cerebrovascular accident (0.8% versus 17.9%; p = 0.03), previous percutaneous coronary intervention (19.5% versus 39.3%; p = 0.01) and previous CABG (19.3% versus 35.7%; p = 0.03)., Conclusion: Clinical history of acute myocardial infarction, CABG, percutaneous coronary intervention, cerebrovascular accident and severe ventricular dysfunction were significantly more frequent in the group that died during hospital stay, which suggests a possible association of these factors with a higher likelihood of death following CABG.

Objective: We sought to describe the use of both internal mammary arteries (IMA) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)., Method: Between January of 1995 to August of 2005, 4.569 patients received isolated CABG in our institution, of these, 1.298 had DM. Mean sample age was 62 years, and total mortality was 2.18% (100 patients). We have used both IMA's in 700 patients, that here are split in two groups, with DM (group I, 148 patients), and without DM (group II, 552 patients). Patient selection for double IMA grafting was based on coronary artery anatomy and sternal bone quality, the later was evaluated during sternal transsection. When these two factors were considered favorable, we harvested both IMA's, not mattering if the patient had or had not DM. During IMA's harvest, care was taken not to open the pleural spaces., Results: There was small difference between the two groups in terms of morbidity and mortality., Conclusion: Our data suggest that patients with DM can benefit of double IMA's grafting, with little increase in risk for complications if its application is carefully indicated.

Objective: To evaluate CAD prevalence in patients with aortic aneurysm, as well as differences related to aneurysm topographies. To describe the primary risk factors for CAD related to this association and their occasional differences according to AA topographies., Methods: This was an open, prospective, nonrandomized study that evaluated 95 patients (66 men and 33 women, mean age 63 +/- 11.8). All patients, asymptomatic for CAD, had undergone aortic CT and coronary angiography. According to the AA topography, they were classified into three groups: 1) patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA); 2) thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA); and 3) abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). A database was created to store information from clinical data and complementary examinations. Statistical analysis was performed using the Students t test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) for continuous variables and chi-square test for categorical variables. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant., Results: CAD prevalence was 63.1%, and AAA was more prevalent than TAA and TAAA (76% vs. 70% vs. 30%, p = 0.001). The comparative analysis of CAD risk factors based on the aortic aneurysm topography revealed that smoking and dyslipidemia were more prevalent among AAA patients (74.5% vs. 42.3% vs. 60%, p = 0.01 and (54.2% vs. 19.9% vs. 60%, p = 0.007, respectively). As for coronary lesion severity in the population of AA patients, 12 (20%) had at least one lesion > or = 70% and 19 (31.6%), > or = 50%. Fifteen patients (25%) had single-vessel disease, 11 (18%) had two-vessel disease, and 34 (57%) had three-vessel disease., Conclusion: Asymptomatic CAD is highly prevalent in AA patients, particularly among those with AAA. Study results suggest the need for diagnostic stratification for CAD in patients with AA, especially those with AAA.

A 23-year-old-female patient had undergone a very successful gastric banding surgery to treat obesity. Six months later she began to present recurrent syncope due to very frequent, intermittent high-degree AV block referred to as pacemaker implantation. The electrophysiological study showed impaired AV nodal conduction but the His-Purkinje conduction was preserved. Partial catheter radiofrequency ablation of the cardiac autonomic nervous system guided by spectral endocardial mapping (cardioneuroablation) was performed. The electrophysiological parameters were normalized. Holter recordings were normal and the patient was asymptomatic with normal life without pacemaker implantation in a follow-up 21 months later.

Cardiac neuroablation is a new technique for management of patients with dominantly adverse parasympathetic autonomic influence. The technique is based on radiofrequency (RF) ablation of autonomic connections in the three main ganglia around the heart. Their connections are identified by Fast-Fourier Transforms (FFTs) of endocardial signals: sites of autonomic nervous connections show fractionated signals with FFTs shifted to the right. In contrast, normal myocardium without these connections does not show these features. RF-ablation is thought to inflict permanent damage on the parasympathetic autonomic influence because its cells are adjacent to the heart whereas sympathetic cells are remote. Twenty-one patients with a mean age of 48 years, neurally mediated reflex syncope in six, functional high grade atrioventricular block in seven and sinus node dysfunction in 13 (there is overlap between the second and third groups) were treated. Follow-up for a mean of 9.2 months demonstrated success in all cases with relief of symptoms. No complications occurred.

Background: By studying the spectrum of atrial potentials by fast Fourier transform (FFT) we have found two types of atrial muscle: the compact (CM) and the fibrillar (FM) myocardium. The former presents normal in-phase conduction inferring a great number of cellular connections, long-lasting refractoriness and leftward FFT-shift. The latter shows anisotropic out-of-phase conduction, fewer cellular connections, short refractoriness and a segmented right-FFT-shift. The compact is the normal predominant muscle and the fibrillar is different and may be neural input, vein insertion, interatrial (1A) septum, left atrial (LA) roof, etc. or pathological tissue, being so by loss of cellular connections this is a possible mechanism for conversion of compact into fibrillar-like myocardium. During atrial fibrillation (AF), clusters of FM (AF nests) present higher frequencies than any surrounding tissue., Purpose: The purpose was to describe a new method for paroxysmal AF RF-ablation targeting AF nests., Method: Forty patients, six control and 34 having idiopathic drug-refractory paroxysmal or persistent AF were studied and treated. Two catheters were placed in the LA by transseptal approach. RF (30-40 J/60-70 degrees C) was applied to all sites outside the pulmonary veins (PV) presenting right-FFT-shift (AF nests)., Results: Numerous AF nests were found in 34/34 AF patients and only in 1/6 controls (only in this case it was possible to induce AF despite an absence of AF history). The main FM sites were: LA roof, LA septum, close to the insertion of the superior PV, near the insertion of the inferior PV, LA posterior wall, RA near the superior vena cava insertion, RA lateral and anterior wall and the right IA septum. Ablation of all AF nests near PV insertions resulted in 35 PV isolations. After 9.9 +/- 5 months only two AF patients presented relapse of a different AF form (coarse AF) which was very well controlled with medication previously ineffective. The AF was more frequent as the ratio FM/CM increased., Conclusions: The RF-ablation of AF nests decreasing the fibrillar/compact myocardium ratio eliminated 94% of the paroxysmal AF in patients in the FU of 9.9 +/- 5 months. The AF nests may be easily identified by spectral analysis and seem to be the real AF substrate. Paroxysmal AF may be cured or controlled by applying RF in several places outside the PV and, thereby, avoiding PV stenosis.

Objective: To identify risk factors for acute myocardial infarction during the postoperative period after myocardial revascularization., Methods: This was a case-control study paired for sex, age, number, type of graft used, coronary endarterectomy, type of myocardial protection, and use of extracorporeal circulation. We assessed 178 patients (89 patients in each group) undergoing myocardial revascularization, and the following variables were considered: dyslipidemia, systemic hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, previous myocardial revascularization surgery, previous coronary angioplasty, and acute myocardial infarction., Results: Baseline clinical characteristics did not differ in the groups, except for previous myocardial revascularization surgery, prevalent in the case group (34 patients vs. 12 patients; p = 0.0002). This was the only independent predictor of risk for acute myocardial infarction in the postoperative period, based on a multivariate logistic regression analysis (p = 0.0001). Mortality and the time of hospital stay of the case group were significantly higher (19.1% vs. 1.1%; p < 0.001 and 15.7 days vs. 10.6 days; p < 0.05 respectively) than those of the control., Conclusion: Only previous myocardial revascularization was an independent predictor of acute myocardial infarction in the postoperative period, based on multivariate logistic regression analysis.

The QRS widening by ventricular conventional pacing impairs the systolic and diastolic functions and increases mitral regurgitation. The aim of this study was to compare conventional pacing to an alternative stimulation mode with a narrower QRS using two leads in the RV. Thirty-nine (25 men, 14 women; mean age 60.1 +/- 15.1 years) dilated cardiomyopathy patients (Chagas' disease [n = 17], coronariopathy [n = 9], AV ablation for tachycardiomyopathy [n = 3], and other [n = 10]) with cardiac failure (NYHA 3.1 +/- 0.8), pacemaker indication, and chronic AV block (22 AF) had endocardial pacemaker implantations (27 Biotronik, 12 Guidant). Two RV leads (one septal, one conventional [RV apex] were connected, respectively, to the atrial and ventricular pacemaker plugs. After clinical stabilization they were studied under three stimulation modes in the same session: AAI (septal), VVI (conventional), and ventricular endocardial right bifocal stimulation (VERBS) (DDT/DVI/DDD = AV interval = 15/10 ms). In comparison to conventional pacing, VERBS increased ejection fraction (0.124), cardiac output (19.5%), and peak filling rate (31.0%), and decreased QRS duration (24.7%), left atrium area (11.9%), mitral regurgitation area (32.3%), the diastolic transmitral flow (E/A relation) (19.3%), and the propagation flow time (18.0%) from the mitral valve to the left ventricular apex (tE&#95;col), (P < 0.05). The quality-of-life showed an impressive score reduction of 50.4%. The septal stimulation alone showed a less expressive benefit. In severe dilated cardiomyopathy with classic pacemaker indication, VERBS showed significantly better performance than the septal or the conventional stimulation alone. There was a good systolic and a remarkable diastolic improvement causing an important reduction in the quality-of-life score.

Extrinsic compression of the left main coronary artery (LMC) by the pulmonary artery (PA) is a very unusual and poorly understood entity, usually associated with the presence of adult congenital heart disease. We identified 12 patients (age range, 6 months to 55 years) with LMC stenosis (> or = 50%) presumably secondary to compression by a dilated main PA and related to various forms of heart disease (11 congenital, 1 pulmonary hypertension). In all cases, the main PA was dilated with the main PA/aortic root diameter increased (mean, 2.0; normal value, < or = 1.0), and in all but two, PA pressures were increased (> 30 mm Hg systolic). Left coronary trunk stenosis was usually visualized in only one angiographic view (best seen in 45 degrees left anterior oblique, 30 degrees cranial projection). The LMC also appeared to be inferiorly displaced and in close contact with the left aortic sinus (mean angle between sinus and LMC was 23 degrees +/- 13 degrees, a control group was 70 degrees +/- 15 degrees ). In one patient, surgical correction of the dilated PA was associated with a reduction in LMC stenosis from 85% to < 50% and less inferior left main displacement (from 25 degrees to 50 degrees ). Patients with a dilated main PA may exhibit extrinsic LMC compression leading to significant eccentric narrowing and downward displacement of the LMC. In the presence of significant dilatation of the main PA from any etiology, functional and/or anatomic studies should be performed to exclude significant LM obstruction.

Background: Complete arterial revascularization is important in younger patients to reduce the likelihood of future reoperation. We assessed the short-term outcome of a strategy to provide complete arterial revascularization in a cohort of young patients., Methods: Three hundred and eighty-five patients underwent myocardial revascularization using artery grafts alone and were followed up for 30 months. One hundred fourteen patients (29.6%) had single-vessel disease, 118 (30.6%) had two-vessel disease, and 153 (39.7%) had three or more obstructed coronary arteries. Eight of the patients had undergone previous surgical revascularization. The left internal thoracic artery (LITA) was routinely used for the left anterior descending branch (LAD). In 103 patients (28.1%), the in situ right internal thoracic artery (RITA) was used for revascularization of the right coronary artery (RCA) and its branches. The RITA was sometimes used as a free graft from the aorta or as an artificial "Y" from the LITA to the diagonal and marginal branches. Other arterial conduits included the radial artery (RA) in 215 patients (55.8%), the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) in 24 patients (6.3%), and the inferior epigastric artery (IEA) in four patients (1.1%)., Results: In patients having lesions in three or more arteries, the mean number of distal anastomoses was 3.2 per patient. There were no intraoperative deaths. Hospital mortality was 1.8% (n = 7). Of the fatal cases, two were redos and two underwent combined procedures (one for left ventricular aneurysm and one for double valve replacement), while only three of the fatal cases underwent revascularization as a primary and isolated procedure., Conclusions: Complete arterial reconstruction carries an acceptably low operative mortality and excellent short-term follow-up. This strategy is particularly important for young patients to reduce the probability of future reoperation.

Background: Revascularization of the posterior wall often causes hemodynamic instability in beating heart coronary artery bypass (CAB). Our previous clinical studies have shown that tilting the heart primarily alters right-heart hemodynamics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate right-heart support in clinical cases., Methods: Seventeen patients underwent beating heart CAB with right-heart support. The right-heart support system (A-Med Systems, West Sacramento, CA) consisted of a coaxial cannula placed through the right atrium and the tip of the cannula positioned in main pulmonary artery. Blood was removed from the right atrium and returned to the main pulmonary artery., Results: Elective beating heart CAB was accomplished successfully in 17 patients with right-heart support. Anastomoses performed were left anterior descending coronary artery (11), diagonal (3), circumflex (5), obtuse marginal artery (11), and right coronary artery (10). Right-heart support between 1 and 3 L/min improved hemodynamics especially in the circumflex position. No device-related patient incidents occurred, nor were there incidents of infection or air embolism. All 17 patients were discharged to their homes., Conclusions: The right-heart support system was safe without complications. Exposure of the posterior wall was possible in all cases without hemodynamic compromise.

Background: Partial left ventriculectomy (PLV) is an alternative to heart transplantation for patients with severe heart failure. However, this procedure is accompanied by high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, we studied the hearts of 12 patients who underwent this procedure to increase our understanding of the causes of bad outcome., Methods: We analyzed the autopsy hearts of 11 of 16 patients who died after PLV, and one heart from a patient who underwent heart transplantation., Results: Six patients died less than 30 days postoperatively, 4 of cardiogenic shock, 1 of arrhythmia, and 1 of coagulopathy. Five patients died from 36 to 120 days after the procedure, 4 of cardiogenic shock and 1 of arrhythmia. The patient who underwent heart transplantation had a cardiogenic shock 230 days after PLV. Ten hearts weighed more than 500 g and nine had myocardial infarction that extended to the papillary muscles. Four patients had infarction of both papillary muscles and 3 of them had episodes of arrhythmia, suggesting some relation between these events., Conclusions: We found several important morphologic clues for bad outcome: infarction of both papillary muscles, which may be associated with the development of arrhythmia, and myocardial infarction and pericardial hemorrhage, which may contribute to the outcome of heart failure.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the maze procedure on the treatment of rheumatic atrial fibrillation in patients with mitral valve disease., Methods: Fifty-five patients (mean age 51 years; 47 females) with rheumatic mitral valve disease and associated atrial fibrillation in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV, preoperatively, were operated upon. Thirty-five had double dysfunction, 19 had stenosis, and one had mitral regurgitation. None had other associated heart diseases or previous operations. The patients were divided into two groups: GI, 20 patients were treated for mitral valve disease with associated maze procedure; GII, 35 patients were treated for mitral valve disease without the maze procedure. The preoperative echocardiogram showed a left atrial diameter in GI of 5.35 mm and in GII of 5.57 mm (P=0.779). The groups were considered clinically similar (P=0.759). Cardiopulmonary bypass was used in all patients. The mitral valve was replaced with a biological prosthesis in 24 patients and repaired in 31 patients., Results: Three hospital deaths occurred, one in GI, two in GII. After cardiopulmonary bypass, 37.1% of patients in GII remained in atrial fibrillation. All patients in GI recovered regular rhythm (P<0.0001). In the ICU, atrial fibrillation was detected in 80% of patients in GII and maintained in 76.4% in a mean follow-up period of 38.5 months. In GI, atrial fibrillation occurred in 20% of patients in the ICU and maintained in 5.3% in 41 months of mean follow-up (P=0.0001). None of the patients in GI and 20.6% of patients in GII had a thromboembolic episode 1-63 months after the operation (P=0.041). Four late deaths occurred (two in each group), two being due to progression of valvular disease, one after an episode of pulmonary infection and one with no cardiac cause., Conclusion: The maze procedure is effective in treating atrial fibrillation in patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease. The results are sustained in the mid-term follow-up period, preventing postoperative thromboembolic episodes, and with acceptable morbidity and mortality.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of biopump used for left ventricular assistance on the coronary and carotid flows in dogs with normal heart. The efficacy of the simultaneous use of an intraaortic balloon pump to compensate the possible deleterious effects of the circulatory assistance with continuous flow was also analyzed., Methods: Fifteen dogs were studied. The hemodynamic evaluation included serial measurements of the classic parameters. Carotid and coronary blood flows were obtained by electromagnetic transducers., Results: The hemodynamic evaluation did not show significant statistical changes. The use of circulatory-isolated assistance with biopump shows reduction (24.6% +/- 6.1%) in coronary flow, in relation to the control situation and the concomitant use of biopump and intraaortic balloon pump showed similar coronary flow. Regarding carotid flow, a similar trend was observed in relation to the positive influence of the pulsatile flow with an intraaortic balloon pump without statistical significance (p = 0.0582)., Conclusions: The biopump reduces the coronary flow in dogs. The use of intraaortic balloon pump with the biopump increases the coronary flow significantly, reaching similar values to those observed without the circulatory assistance.

Background: There is controversy regarding the role of reparative techniques for rheumatic-mitral valve disease. We have analyzed the late results of mitral valve repair in a group of patients with rheumatic mitral valve insufficiency., Methods: From March 1980 to December 1997, 201 patients with rheumatic fever underwent mitral valve repair at the Heart Institute, Hospital das Clínicas, Medical School, University of São Paulo. The mean age of patients was 26.9 +/- 15.4 years, with 59.7% of the patients being female. Other diagnoses were present in 67.7% of patients; the most common was tricuspid regurgitation (31.3%). Mitral valve repair techniques included: 1) Carpentier ring annuloplasty in 75 patients (37.3%); 2) posterior annuloplasty with bovine patch in 68 patients (33.8%); 3) posterior segmental annuloplasty in 16 patients (7.9%); 4) quadrangular resection of the posterior leaflet with ring plication in 11 patients (5.5%); 5) partial resection of the anterior leaflet in 6 patients (3%); 6) De Vega's annuloplasty in 6 patients (3%); 7) Kay's annuloplasty in 5 patients (2.5%); 8) Reed's annuloplasty in 4 patients (2%); and 9) miscellaneous techniques in 10 patients (4.9%). Combined techniques were used in 94 patients (46.8%), the most frequent of which was chordal shortening (48 patients, 23.9%). Other non-mitral cardiac procedures were performed in 113 patients (56.2%). Actuarial survival and event-free curves (Kaplan-Meier method) were compared by linear regression analysis., Results: The in-hospital mortality rate was 2.0% (four patients). The causes of death were multiorgan failure in two patients and low cardiac output in the other two patients. In the late postoperative period, 83.9% of the patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class 1. The actuarial survival was 93.9% +/- 1.9% at a mean of 125 months. Twenty-three patients were reoperated in the postoperative period at a mean interval of 35.7 months. Survival free from reoperation was 43.3% +/- 13.7% at 125 months. When analyzing the patients according to age, actuarial survival was 91.3% +/- 3.8% in the group of patients younger than 16 years (Group 1), compared with 95.6% +/- 2.7% in the group older than 16 years (Group 2), with a statistically significant difference of p < 0.0001. Survival free from reoperation was 50.8% +/- 16.9% in Group 1 and 47.0% +/- 14.9% in Group 2 (p < 0.0001)., Conclusions: Late results obtained with mitral valve repair for rheumatic mitral valve insufficiency were satisfactory and exceeded those reported for mitral valve replacement in the same population.

Objective: To describe a new more efficient method of endocardial cardiac stimulation, which produces a narrower QRS without using the coronary sinus or cardiac veins., Methods: We studied 5 patients with severe dilated cardiomyopathy, chronic atrial fibrillation and AV block, who underwent definitive endocardial pacemaker implantation, with 2 leads, in the RV, one in the apex and the other in the interventricular septum (sub pulmonary), connected, respectively, to ventricular and atrial bicameral pacemaker outputs. Using Doppler echocardiography, we compared, in the same patient, conventional (VVI), high septal ("AAI") and bifocal ("DDT" with AV interval approximately 0) stimulation., Results: The RV bifocal stimulation had the best results with an increase in ejection fraction and cardiac output and reduction in QRS duration, mitral regurgitation and in the left atrium area (p

Background: Although coronary angioplasty and myocardial bypass surgery are routinely used, there is no conclusive evidence that these interventional methods offer greater benefit than medical therapy alone. This study is intended to evaluate, in a prospective, randomized, and comparative analysis, the benefit of the 3 current therapeutic strategies for patients with stable angina and single proximal left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis., Methods and Results: In a single institution, 214 patients with stable angina, normal ventricular function, and severe proximal stenosis (>80%) on the left anterior descending artery were selected for the study. After random assignment, 70 patients were referred to surgical treatment, 72 to angioplasty, and 72 to medical treatment. The primary end points were the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction or death and presence of refractory angina. After a 5-year follow-up, these combined events were reported in only 6 patients referred to surgery as compared with 29 patients treated with angioplasty and 17 patients who only received medical treatment (P=0.001). However, no differences were noted in relation to the occurrence of cardiac-related death in the 3 treatment groups (P=0. 622). No patient assigned to surgery needed repeat operation, whereas 8 patients assigned to angioplasty and 8 patients assigned to medical treatment required surgical bypass after the initial random assignment. Surgery and angioplasty reduced anginal symptoms and stress-induced ischemia considerably. However, all 3 treatments effectively improved limiting angina., Conclusions: Bypass surgery for single-vessel coronary artery disease is associated with a lower incidence of medium-term and long-term events as well as fewer anginal symptoms than that found in the patients who underwent angioplasty or medical therapy. In this study, coronary angioplasty was only superior to medical strategies in relation to the anginal status. However, the 3 treatment regimens yielded a similar incidence of acute myocardial infarction and death. Such information should be useful when choosing the best therapeutic option for similar patients.

A 38-year-old male underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A saphenous vein graft was attached to the left marginal branch. The left internal thoracic artery was anastomosed to the left anterior descending artery (LAD). The early recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the 5th postoperative day. After three months, he came back to the hospital complaining of weight loss, weakness, and dyspnea on mild exertion. Chest X-rays showed left pleural effusion. On physical examination, a decreased vesicular murmur was detected. After six days, the diagnosis of chylothorax was made after a milky fluid was detected in the plural cavity and total pulmonary expansion did not occur. On the next day, both anterior and posterior pleural drainage were performed by videothoracoscopy, and prolonged parenteral nutrition (PPN) was instituted for ten days. After seven days the patient was put on a low-fat diet for 8 days. The fluid accumulation ceased, the drains were removed and the patient was discharged with normal pulmonary expansion.

OBJECTIVE - To analyze the immediate and late results of mitral valve repair with quadrangular resection of the posterior leaflet without the use of a prosthetic ring annuloplasty. METHODS - Using this technique, 118 patients with mitral valve prolapse who underwent mitral repair from January '84 through December '96 were studied. Age ranged from 30 to 86 (mean = 59.1+/-11.8) years and 62.7% were males. An associated surgery was performed in 22% of the patients, and coronary artery bypass graft was the most frequently performed surgery (15 patients - 12.7%). In 20 (16.9%) patients other associated techniques of mitral valve repair were used and shortening of elongated chordae tendineae was the most frequent one (6 patients). RESULTS - Immediate mortality was 0.9% (one patient). Long-term rates for thromboembolism, endocarditis, re-operation and death in the late postoperative period were 0.4%, 0.4%, 1.7% and 2.2% patients/year, respectively. The actuarial curve of survival was 83.8+/-8.6% over 12 years; survival free from re-operation was 91.8+/-4.3%, free from endocarditis was 99.2+/-0.8% and free from thromboembolism was 99.2+/-0.8%. In the late postoperative period, 93.8% of the patients were in functional class 1 (NYHA), with a complete follow-up in 89.7% of the patients. CONCLUSION - Patients with mitral valve prolapse who undergo mitral valve repair using this technique have a satisfactory prognosis over 12 years.

A report on the follow-up of 11 patients who suffered from aortic dissection involving the right coronary artery and who underwent surgical treatment is reported. In two patients, the left coronary ostia was also affected. In seven patients, the dissection was acute and in four, chronic. The ascending aorta was substituted by a Dacron graft in all patients, and right coronary artery saphenous vein bypass or Gore-Tex graft to the coronary ostia or right coronary artery was performed in nine, and reimplantation of both dissected coronary in two. There were three early postoperative deaths (27.3%) caused by low-output syndrome and myocardial infarction. There were two late deaths. The six surviving patients were followed-up from 78 to 96 months (mean 83 months). This experience suggests that although carrying a high risk, the involvement of the coronary ostia in aortic dissection can be successfully managed if made before irreversible complications arise.

Purpose: To assess anatomical characteristics of the aortic valve, so that they may be useful in diagnostic situations and surgical treatment., Methods: The study analyzed 100 healthy fixed human hearts; 84% of them obtained from males, 61% of them from Caucasian individuals. The ages of the individuals ranged from 9 to 86 years (mean 30 +/- 15.5 years). The characteristics assessed related to age, sex, and race were the following: number and height of the cusps, size of the lunulae, internal and external intercommissural distance, position of the coronary ostium in relation to the aortic valve, position of the ventricular septum in relation to the aortic valve, thickness of the cusps., Results: All hearts assessed had a tricuspidal aortic valve. In regard to the height of the cusps and size of the lunula, the left coronary cusp was larger, followed by the right coronary cusp and the noncoronary cusp. The internal and external intercommissural distances had mean values of 24.6 +/- 5.7 mm and 19.7 +/- 7 mm, respectively. In regard to the position of the coronary ostia, in one heart two ostia emerged from the left coronary sinus, and in another, the ostium was supracommissural. The mean diameter of the aorta was 21.8 +/- 3.6 mm, and there were no significant sexual or racial differences, but the diameter increased progressively with the increase in age. The thickness of the cusps did not show any significant difference in the 3 points assessed., Conclusion: The aortic valve annulus did not show a perfect circumference, with some variations in the measurements of the annulus, in the cusps and in the relation with the ventricular septum.

Objective: To analyze the initial clinical experience of transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) in patients with severe diffuse coronary artery disease., Methods: Between February, 1998 and February, 1999, 20 patients were submitted to TMLR at the Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School, Brazil, isolated or in association with conventional coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). All patients had severe diffuse coronary artery disease, with angina functional class III/IV (Canadian Cardiovascular Society score) unresponsive to medical therapy. Fourteen patients were submitted to TMLR as the sole therapy, whereas 6 underwent concomitant CABG. Fifty per cent of the patients had either been previously submitted to a CABG or to a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Mean age was 60 years, ranging from 45 to 74 years., Results: All patients had three-vessel disease, with normal or mildly impaired left ventricular global function. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 13 months (mean 6.6 months), with no postoperative short or long term mortality. There was significant symptom improvement after the procedure, with 85% of the patients free of angina, and the remaining 15% of the patients showing improvement in functional class, as well as in exercise tolerance., Conclusion: This novel technique can be considered a low risk alternative for a highly selected group of patients not suitable for conventional revascularization procedures.

Background: We evaluated the prognostic value of preoperative parameters, surgical risk, functional benefits and long-term survival after myocardial revascularization in patients with established ischemic cardiomyopathy., Methods: Seventy-one patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, severe left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction < 30%), and myocardial perfusion evaluated by Thallium-201 scintigraphy, were studied before and after myocardial revascularization, during hospitalization and throughout 48 months (average) of late follow-up., Results: The early postoperative mortality was 2.8% and the five-year survival rate was 62.8%. When the survival rate was studied, there was no correlation with 1) the presence of Q-waves on preoperative cardiogram, 2) the presence of ischemia on Tl-201 scintigraphy, 3) the degree of left ventricular ejection fraction, or 4) the presence of angina. There was a statistically significant difference for survivors and non-survivors in the following parameters: 1) functional class IV of CHF, and 2) the presence of left bundle-branch block (LBBB)., Conclusions: Our surgical results confirm that myocardial revascularization is a safe procedure, and that it increases late survival and improves the quality of life in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and severe left ventricular dysfunction. We also observed that due to heterogeneous coronary and myocardial patterns of ischemic cardiomyopathy, preoperative prognostic parameters are difficult to establish. Preoperative functional class IV congestive heart failure, and LBBB were the main predictors of poor outcome following surgical revascularization for ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Background: Aneurysms and dissections involving the descending thoracic aorta and the distal portion of the aortic arch are difficult to resolve surgically. The introduction of endovascular self-expanding stent-grafts has simplified the operation. Given the complications associated with their peripheral placement, we explored the feasibility of surgical insertion., Methods: Thirteen patients underwent surgical insertion of a stent-graft into the aortic arch via longitudinal aortotomy. Six patients had aneurysms (ruptured in two, and seven dissections (acute in two, ruptured in one). Five patients also underwent associated procedures including aortic valve replacement (one), ascending aorta replacement (two), arch replacement (one), and coronary artery bypass (one)., Results: There was one intraoperative death due to ascending aortic dissection, and two hospital deaths due to multiple complications. Of ten patients discharged, one died 3 months postoperatively. The remaining survivors are well, and imaging studies confirmed adequate correction of the aortic disease., Conclusions: The use of this technique simplifies the operation and treatment of particular cases of aortic disease. The observed morbidity and mortality are due to factors independent of the technique.