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Objective: We tested the hypothesis that direct intramyocardial injection of bone marrow mononuclear cells in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy can improve left ventricular function and physical capacity. Methods: Thirty non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy patients with left ventricular ejection fraction

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is a well known risk factor for early and late adverse outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG); however, few studies have investigated the impact of this risk factor in the group of older patients, especially octogenarians. OBJECTIVES: To compare in-hospital mortality and morbidity of diabetic and nondiabetic patients aged > 80 years submitted to CABG. METHODS: A total of 140 consecutive cases were studied, of whom 37 (26.4%) were diabetics, in a retrospective cross-sectional study, that included all patients aged > 80 years submitted to isolated/associated CABG. The patients' mean age was 82.5 ± 2.2 years and 55.7% were males. RESULTS: The hospital mortality rate did not significantly differ in multivariate analysis: 16.2% diabetic x 13.6% nondiabetic (P = 0.554), as well as morbidity: 43.2% x 37.9%, respectively (P = 0.533). Regarding to operative morbidity, the occurrence of stroke was significantly higher in diabetic patients in the univariate analysis (10.8% x 1.9%, P = 0.042). In multivariate analysis, however, the incidence of stroke was not associated with the presence of diabetes (P = 0.085), but it was associated with atrial fibrillation (P = 0.044). There was no significant difference related to other complications. CONCLUSION: In this small consecutive retrospectively analyzed series, there was no significant increase in hospital mortality and morbidity related to diabetes for CABG in octogenarian patients. The impact of the results of this study is limited by the sample size and might be confirmed by future randomized clinical trials.

INTRODUCAO: O aumento da expectativa de vida da populacao tem levado a maior necessidade de intervencoes cirurgicas sobre a valva aortica. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a mortalidade precoce e a medio prazo, a necessidade de reoperacao para troca valvar e complicacoes valvares [tromboembolismo sistemico (TES) e endocardite infecciosa em protese (EI)] em pacientes acima de 75 anos submetidos a cirurgia de estenose aortica. METODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 230 casos, operados no periodo de 2002 a 2007. A idade media foi de 83,4 anos, sendo 53% do sexo masculino, 73,2% hipertensos, 17,9% portadores de fibrilacao atrial e 14,4% com cirurgia cardiaca previa. Outro procedimento cardiaco esteve associado em 39,1% dos casos. RESULTADOS: Em 4,51 anos de seguimento medio, a sobrevida geral foi de 57,4%. Ocorreram 13,9% obitos intra-hospitalares (9,4% no grupo cirurgia de estenose aortica isolada vs. 20,9% quando outro procedimento cirurgico foi associado) e 28,7% obitos apos a alta hospitalar (25,0% vs. 34,4%), com 34 destes por causas cardiovasculares. Ocorreram seis casos de EI, oito casos de TES e seis reoperacoes para troca valvar. Os preditores de mortalidade geral foram: tempo de isquemia >90 min (RC 1,99 IC 95% 1,06-3,74), fracao de ejecao

INTRODUÇÃO: A identificação dos fatores de risco pré-operatórios na cirurgia valvar visa à melhoria do resultado cirúrgico por meio da neutralização de fatores relacionados à mortalidade aumentada. Este estudo tem por objetivo identificar fatores de risco para mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes submetidos a implante de prótese valvar mecânica. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo com aquisição retrospectiva de dados com 335 pacientes consecutivamente submetidos ao implante de prótese mecânica St Jude Medical, entre dezembro de 1994 e setembro de 2005, no Instituto de Cardiologia do RS, sendo 158 aórticos, 146 mitrais e 31 mitro-aórticos. Foi analisada a relação da mortalidade hospitalar com características demográficas e operatórias dos pacientes: sexo, idade, índice de massa corporal, classe funcional (NYHA), fração de ejeção, lesão valvar, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, diabete melito, creatinina, arritmia cardíaca, cirurgia cardíaca prévia, revascularização miocárdica, plastia tricúspide concomitante e caráter da cirurgia (eletivo, de urgência ou de emergência). Utilizada regressão logística para identificar os fatores de risco e quantificada sua influência pelo cálculo de odds-ratio. RESULTADOS: Ocorreram 13 (3,88%) óbitos hospitalares. Características relacionadas à mortalidade aumentada foram creatinina sérica (P

ObjectiveChronic permanent atrial fibrillation is often due to mitral valve disease. The Cox maze procedure is the gold standard for treating this arrhythmia. Simpler techniques and ablation methods should have their efficacy tested in clinical practice. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical pulmonary vein isolation as compared with the Cox maze procedure.MethodsSixty patients were randomly assigned to control group, modified maze group (Cox maze III), and surgical isolation of the pulmonary veins (SPVI) group from July 1999 to October 2004. All patients had mitral valve lesions treated concomitantly. Preoperative characteristics were similar between groups.ResultsThere were 4 deaths: 3 in the Cox maze group and 1 in the SPVI group (P = .31). The Cox maze group presented longer times of extracorporeal circulation and myocardial ischemia (P < .001). The relative risk of late postoperative development of atrial fibrillation was 0.07 in the SPVI group (P < .001; 95% confidence intervals: 0.02–0.27) and 0.195 in the Cox maze group (P = .002; 95% confidence intervals: 0.07–0.56) as compared with the control group. No difference was found between the SPVI and Cox maze groups concerning prevention of atrial fibrillation recurrence (relative risk: 0.358; P = .215; 95% confidence intervals: 0.08–1.67).ConclusionsThe modified Cox maze procedure and surgical pulmonary vein isolation were similarly effective in restoring sinus or regular rhythm in permanent atrial fibrillation associated with mitral valve disease. These results favor the adoption of surgical isolation as a preferable technique, simpler and equally effective in controlling atrial fibrillation. The results also can bring further information for understanding the mechanisms involved in origins and treatment of chronic permanent atrial fibrillation.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a resposta cronotrópica ao exercício nos períodos pós-operatório imediato e tardio, após tratamento cirúrgico de fibrilação atrial e valva mitral por técnicas distintas. MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico prospectivo controlado, com amostra de 42 pacientes, portadores de fibrilação atrial crônica associada à valvulopatia mitral, submetidos a cirurgia pela técnica de isolamento de veias pulmonares (n=16), pela técnica do labirinto (Cox-maze modificado, sem uso de crioblação) (n=13), ambas com correção de valvulopatia mitral, ou para correção de valvulopatia isolada (n=13). As características clínicas pré-operatórias, indicações para cirurgia tipo e etiologia da lesão valvar foram semelhantes entre os três grupos. Os pacientes foram acompanhados em ambulatório e submetidos a testes ergométricos seriados. RESULTADOS: A resposta cronotrópica no pós-operatório imediato foi semelhante nos grupos analisados, em média 73,6% ± 12,3% da freqüência cardíaca máxima prevista. No grupo de isolamento das veias pulmonares, houve aumento de 64,4% ± 12,4% da freqüência cardíaca máxima, no pós-operatório imediato, para 78,9% ± 10,5% no 12º mês de pós-operatório (P=0,012). No grupo Cox-maze, a freqüência cardíaca máxima variou de 73,9% ± 11,14% para 78.8% ± 15,2% (P=1,000) e no grupo controle (apenas correção da valva mitral), de 67,2% ± 14,3% para 71,9% ± 12,9% (P=0,889). CONCLUSÃO: A atenuação pós-operatória imediata da resposta cronotrópica ao exercício foi semelhante no pós-operatório das três diferentes técnicas cirúrgicas. Houve melhora significativa da mesma, na evolução pós-operatória, no grupo de isolamento das veias pulmonares. Estes resultados sugerem que o procedimento de simples isolamento cirúrgico das veias pulmonares pode estar relacionado à melhor preservação do cronotropismo atrial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the chronotropic response to exercise during immediate and late postoperative period after atrial fibrillation and mitral valve surgical treatment by different techniques. METHODS: Prospective controlled clinical study of 42 patients presenting chronic AF associated mitral valve disease, who underwent surgery by the techniques of pulmonary veins isolation (n=16), Modified Cox-maze procedure, without crioablation (n=13), both with isolated mitral valve repair (n=13). The preoperative clinical characteristics, surgical indications, kind and aetiology of valve lesion were similar between groups. The patients were outpatient followed-up and underwent series of ergometric tests. RESULTS: In the immediate postoperative period, chronotropic response was similar in the 3 groups with mean of 73.6 ± 12.3% of maximal calculated heart rate. In the surgical pulmonary veins isolation group, there was an increment of heart rate, from 64.4 ± 12.4% of maximal heart rate in the immediate postoperative period to 78.9 ± 10.5% in the 12th month (P=0.012) of postoperative. In the Cox-maze group, heart rate varied, respectively, from 73.9 ± 11.14% to 78.8 ± 15.2% (P=1.000) and in the control group (only mitral valve surgery), from 67.2 ± 14.3% to 71.9 ± 12.9% (P=0.889). CONCLUSION: An attenuation of immediate postoperative chronotropic response to exercise was similar in the postoperative in the three different surgical techniques. There was a significant improvement in this response concerning to postoperative outcome in the pulmonary veins isolation group. These results suggest that simple surgical pulmonary veins isolation may be related to a better preservation of atrial chronotropism.

OBJETIVO: O estudo objetiva verificar aplicabilidade do escore de Ambler para pacientes que receberam implante bioprótese de pericárdio bovino no Instituto de Cardiologia do RGS/FUC e quantificar os fatores de risco. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo com 703 pacientes submetidos ao implante de bioprótese de pericárdio bovino entre 1991 e 2005, no Instituto de Cardiologia do RS. Em 392 pacientes, ocorreu implante aórtico, em 250, mitral e, em 61, combinado. Desfecho primário foi mortalidade hospitalar. As características estimativas do risco foram: idade, sexo, IMC, classe funcional (NYHA), fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda (FE), lesão valvar, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, diabete melito, função renal, ritmo cardíaco, cirurgia cardíaca prévia, revascularização miocárdica e/ou plastia tricúspide concomitante, caráter cirúrgico. Utilizada regressão logística uni e multivariada para quantificar fatores de risco preponderantes, pelo odds ratio (OR). RESULTADOS: A mortalidade observada foi de 14,3%, superior à prevista de valor 3% para escore médio 6 de Ambler, (p 80 anos (OR=6,10). A área sob curva ROC para nossa amostra foi calculada em 72,9% (aceitável > 70%). CONCLUSÃO: A mortalidade prevista no escore de Ambler não é reproduzida no resultado observado, mas a curva ROC evidenciou que o modelo é aplicável. Fatores de risco preponderantes foram individualizados. OBJETIVES: This study aims to verify the applicability of Ambler's risk score to patients who have undergone implantation of bovine pericardial bioprosthesis at the Instituto de Cardiologia do RGS/FCU. This study also aims to quantify the risk factors. METHODS: Retrospective study with 703 patients who had undergone implantation of bovine pericardial bioprosthesis between 1991 and 2005 at the Instituto de Cardiologia do RS. Aortic implant occurred in 392 patients, mitral in 250 and combined in 61. Primary outcome was hospital mortality. Characteristics used to estimate risk were: gender, age, body mass index (BMI), NYHA functional class, left ventricular ejection fraction, valvular lesions, systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, renal function, cardiac rhythm, previous cardiac operations, and surgical priority. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to quantify preponderant risk factors by the odds-ratio (OR). RESULTS: The mortality rate was 14.3%, which was higher than the estimated mortality rate (3%, according to Ambler's mean score of 6, (p 70%). CONCLUSION: The mortality predicted in Ambler's score was not reproduced in the observed results. However, the ROC curve provides evidence that this model is applicable. Preponderant risk factors were individualizated.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: There are few studies concerning bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplantation in cases of nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. This study describes a novel technique of BMMC transplantation and the results up to one year after the procedure. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a case series to evaluate the safety and viability of the procedure, at Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul. METHODS: Nine patients with symptomatic dilated cardiomyopathy, functional class III/IV and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 35% received BMMC (9.6 ± 2.6 x 107 cells) at 20 sites in the ventricular wall, by means of thoracotomy of length 5 cm in the fifth left intercostal space. Echocardiograms and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were performed. RESULTS: There were no major complications. The functional class results for the first six patients (preoperatively and at two, four, eight and twelve-month follow-ups, respectively) were: [IV-2, III-4] to [I-5, II-1] to [I-3, II-3] to [I-2, II-3] and [I-2, II-3]. Echocardiograms showed LVEF: 25.9 ± 8.2; 32.9 ± 10.4; 29.4 ± 7.2; 25.1 ± 7.9; 25.4 ± 6.8% (p = 0.023); and % left ventricular (LV) fiber shortening: 12.6 ± 4.4; 16.4 ± 5.4; 14.3 ± 3.7; 12.1 ± 4.0; 12.2 ± 3.4% (p = 0.021). LV performance variation seen on NMR was non-significant. CONCLUSION: Intramyocardial transplantation of BMMC in dilated cardiomyopathy cases is feasible and safe. There were early improvements in symptoms and LV performance. Medium-term evaluation revealed regression of LV function, although maintaining improved functional class. CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Há pouco estudos avaliando o transplante de células mononucleares da medula óssea (CMMO) na miocardiopatia dilatada não-isquêmica. O presente estudo descreve uma técnica de implante intramiocárdico de CMMO por mini-toracomia e resultados com até um ano de acompanhamento. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Série casos para avaliar segurança e viabilidade do procedimento, no Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul. MÉTODOS: Nove pacientes com miocardiopatia dilatada, em classe funcional III/IV e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) < 35% receberam CMMO (média 9,6 ± 2,6 x 107 células) em 20 pontos da parede livre do ventrículo esquerdo, através de toracotomia de 5 cm no quinto espaço intercostal esquerdo. Foram realizados ecocardiograma e ressonância nuclear magnética (RNM). RESULTADOS: Não ocorreram complicações maiores. Os resultados pré-operatórios aos 2, 4, 8 e 12 meses de acompanhamento dos seis primeiros pacientes são: classe funcional: IV-2, III-4 para I-5, II-1 para I-3, II-3 para I-2, II-3 e I-2, II-3. Ecocardiograma: FEVE = 25.9 ± 8.2, 32.9 ± 10.4, 29.4 ± 7.2, 25.1 ± 7.9, 25.4 ± 6.8% (p = 0.023); Fração de encurtamento do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) = 12.6 ± 4.4, 16.4 ± 5.4, 14.3 ± 3.7, 12.1 ± 4.0, 12.2 ± 3.4% (p = 0.021). RNM demonstrou diferenças discretas, não significativas. CONCLUSÕES: O implante intramiocárdico de células-tronco na miocardiopatia dilatada é viável e seguro. Houve melhora precoce nos sintomas e na performance de VE. Avaliação a médio prazo demonstrou regressão da função VE, mantendo, contudo, a melhora na qualidade de vida e na classe funcional.

INTRODUÇÃO: Indicações da operação de revascularização miocárdica (RM) foram modificadas pela introdução de novas drogas e da angioplastia coronária transluminal percutânea (ACTP), sendo o procedimento cada vez considerado em pacientes com doença multiarterial coronária e de condição clínica mais grave. OBJETIVO: Comparar perfil clínico e cirúrgico entre dois grupos de pacientes submetidos a RM com intervalo de 10 anos, bem como observar sua influência na mortalidade hospitalar. MÉTODO: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, envolvendo 307 pacientes submetidos a RM em 1991/92 (grupo INICIAL, n=153) ou 2001/02 (grupo ATUAL, n=154). Para cada grupo foram identificadas características demográficas, doenças cardíacas, co-morbidades e eventos operatórios, visando comparação e determinação dos fatores relacionados à mortalidade hospitalar aumentada. RESULTADOS: Grupo recente tinha idade mais avançada, condição cardíaca mais grave(classe funcional, prevalência de insuficiência cardíaca e número de vasos com lesão grave) e maior prevalência de co-morbidades. Pacientes iniciais mostraram maior prevalência na indicação cirúrgica de urgência. Não ocorreu diferença na mortalidade hospitalar (respectivamente 3,3% e 1,9% para grupos INICIAL e ATUAL). CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes atualmente submetidos a RM são mais idosos e de condição clínica mais grave (cardíaca e sistêmica) que os operados há 10 anos, embora isto não tenha influenciado de modo significativo a mortalidade hospitalar, que é menor recentemente.INTRODUCTION: The improvement in care and management of ischemic heart disease and the dissemination of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) changed the indications for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), regarding procedures for patientswith multivessel disease in bad clinical conditions. OBJECTIVE: To compare surgical and clinical profiles between two groups of CABG patients at a 10 year interval observing the influence on hospital mortality rates. METHOD: Retrospective Cohort study, including 307 CABG patients operated on in 1991to 1992 (n=153) and 2001 to 2002 (n=154). Demographic characteristics, heart disease severity, comorbidities and pre-operative events were evaluated and compared between the groups. RESULTS: Patients operated in 2001 and 2002 were older, more severely ill (in a worse NYHA classand had higher prevalence of heart failure, and multi-vessel involvement) and with more co-morbidities. Patients operated in 1991 and 1992 had more urgent procedures. The observed surgical mortality rates were similar (3.3% and 1.9%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients submitted to CABG currently are older and in worse clinical conditions than those operated 10 years ago, but hospital mortality has not altered significantly.

Background The Cox Maze procedure has been used to treat atrial fibrillation in patients with mitral valve disease. Recently, ectopic foci, originating in the pulmonary veins, were demonstrated in patients with atrial fibrillation, and the indication was that their arrhythmia could have a focal origin. In the light of this new evidence, a simplified surgical technique to isolate the pulmonary veins was developed to eliminate permanent atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. This study compares three surgical procedures proposed to maintain sinus rhythm after mitral valve surgery. Methods A prospective clinical trial of 30 patients with mitral valve disease and permanent atrial fibrillation who had undergone mitral valve surgery were randomized in accordance with the type of surgery used on each: (1) associated en bloc isolation of pulmonary veins, (2) the Maze procedure, or (3) mitral valve correction alone. The preoperative clinical characteristics were similar in the three groups. Results The overall postoperative complications were similar in all three groups. The cardiopulmonary bypass time and the aortic cross-clamping time were shorter in the control group, but this factor bore no relation to increased morbidity in the intervention groups. The relative risk of atrial fibrillation after surgery was 0.08 in the group undergoing isolation of pulmonary veins ( p = 0.010; 95% confidence interval, 0.01 to 0.71) and 0.20 in the Maze group ( p = 0.044; 95% confidence interval, 0.04 to 1.02) compared with the control group. Conclusions En bloc isolation of pulmonary veins associated with mitral valve surgery appears to be safe and just as effective as the Maze procedure in maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of surgical isolation of the pulmonary veins for re-establishing sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation secondary to mitral valve disease. METHODS: Thirty-three (67% were women) patients with permanent atrial fibrillation and indication for surgical correction of the mitral valve underwent surgical isolation of the pulmonary veins. Their mean age was 56.3±10 years, preoperative NYHA functional class was 3.2±0.6, left atrial size was 5.5±0.9 cm, and ejection fraction was 61.3±13%. The surgical technique consisted of a circumferential incision surrounding the 4 pulmonary veins, excision of the left atrial appendage, and a perpendicular incision originating in the inferior margin of the circumferential incision isolating the pulmonary veins down to the mitral valve. Early arrhythmias were aggressively treated with cardioversion. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 23.9±17 months, and 3 patients died in the postoperative period. Ten patients required electrical cardioversion in the postoperative period; 87% had sinus rhythm in the last medical visit, and 33% were using amiodarone. CONCLUSION: Isolation of the pulmonary veins associated with mitral valve surgery is an effective and safe technique for maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation.

Management of patients treated with oral anticoagulation (OAC) requiring a cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) surgery is a challenge that requires balancing the risk of bleeding complications with the risk of thromboembolic events. Recently the approach of performing these procedures while the patient remains with a therapeutic international normalized ratio has gained interest due to several publications showing its relative safety.To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of continuous use of OAC compared with heparin bridging in the perioperative setting of CIED surgery using a meta-analysis.A systematic review of PubMed/MEDLINE, Ovid, and Elsevier databases was performed. Eligible randomized controlled trials and cohort studies were included. The outcomes studied were risk of clinically significant bleeding and of thromboembolic events. Our analysis was restricted to OAC with vitamin K antagonists.Of 560 manuscripts initially considered relevant, seven were included in the meta-analysis, totaling 2,191 patients. Data are reported as odds ratios (ORs) with confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Maintenance of OAC was associated with a significantly lower risk of postoperative bleeding compared with heparin bridge (OR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.17-0.36, P0.00001). There was no difference noted in the risk of thromboembolic events between the two strategies (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 0.29-12.17, P = 0.57).Uninterrupted use of OAC in the perioperative of CIED surgery was associated with a reduced risk of bleeding. This strategy should be considered the preferred one in patients at moderate-to-high risk of thromboembolic events.

OBJETIVO: Comparar resultados da correção de Fibrilação Atrial (FA) Crônica em Doença Mitral Reumática (R) ou Degenerativa (D) a curto e médio prazos. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: De 1994 a 1997, 57 pacientes foram submetidos à Cirurgia do Labirinto e correção mitral. Oito (20%) reumáticos eram do sexo masculino; 32 (80%) feminino. Dos degenerativos 8 (47%) eram do sexo masculino; 9 (53%) femininos, (NS). Idade 47 ± 11 anos R; 54 ± 17 D (p < 0,05). Diâmetro do AE: 6,1 ± 1,1 cm R e 5,9 ± 1,2 D, (NS). RESULTADOS: Óbitos: 1 (2,5%) imediato em R; 2 (12%) hospitalares e 1 (7%) tardio em D (NS). Implante de marcapasso (MP) em 4 (10%) R e 2 (17%) D (NS). Tempos de isquemia: 63 ± 16 min R; 63 ± 15 min D, (NS). Circulação extracorpórea: 92 ± 19 min R e 96 ± 23 min D, (NS). Na alta hospitalar: 3 (10%) R e nenhum D recebiam medicação antiarrítmica, (NS); 9 (23%) R e 3 (20%) D recebiam anticoagulantes (NS). Conversão a ritmo sinusal (RS) em 31 (80%) do grupo R e em 12 (80%) do D, (NS). Ritmo de MP em 4 (10%) R, NS. FA incidiu em 4 (10%) R e em 2 (13%) D, (NS). Ritmo juncional em 1 (7%) D, (NS). Na última avaliação: RS em 27 (71%) R e 9 (75%) D (NS). Ritmo de MP em 4 (10%) R e 2 (17%) D, (NS). FA em 6 (16%) R e nenhum D, (NS). Taquicardia atrial paroxística em 1 (3%) R e 1 (8%) do grupo D, (NS). À ergometria, realizada em média de 16,2 ± 11,1 meses PO por 24 (60%) pacientes R e a 16,4 ± 10,0 meses PO para 10 (59%) degenerativos, 6 (25%) R e 1 (10%) D apresentaram RC adequada (NS). Em 3 (12,5%) R e 6 (60%) D foi considerada intermediária (p = 0,009). RC inadequada foi detectada em 15 (62,5%) pacientes R e 3 (30%) D- (p = 0,09). CONCLUSÃO: A etiologia R ou D não afeta a morbimortalidade e os benefícios aos pacientes com valvopatia mitral submetidos à Cirurgia do Labirinto e correção valvar. A recuperação do RS e a presença de arritmias no PO foi semelhante nos grupos. A resposta cronotrópica ao exercício tende a ser menor no grupo degenerativo. The results of maze procedure in rheumatic mitral valve disease are subject to debate. This paper reports medium term results in rheumatic and degenerative mitral valve surgery associated with maze procedure. From 1994 to 1997, 57 patients were operated on. They were divided into two Groups; R (rheumatic) 40 patients and D (degenerative) 17. Group R included 8 (20%) males and 32 (80%) females. Group D: 8 (47%) males and 9 (53%) females (NS). Age in R = 47 ± 11 and D 54 ± 17 years (p < 0.05). Left atrial size was 6.1 ± 1.1 cm in R and 5.9 ± 1.2 in D (NS). There were 3 hospital deaths, 1 (2.5%) in R and 2 (12%) in D. One D patient (7%) died late. Pacemakers were implanted in 4 (10%) R and 2 (17%) in D (NS). There were no significant differences regarding surgical duration of perfusion or myocardial ischemia, antiarrhythmic medications, immediate or late cardiac rythms and occurrence of arrythmias. Ergometric evaluation for measuring chronotropic response revealed a normal response in 6 (25%) R and 1 (10%) in D at a mean of 16.6 months PO. In the lower response group, 3 (12.5%) R and 6 (60%) D had intermediate values (p = 0.009) and 15 (62.5%) R versus 3 (30%) D had values below 75% of expected heart rate (p = 0.09). Rheumatic or degenerative ethiology of mitral valve disease does not influence the results of maze procedure in this patient population. Mean chronotropic response to exercise tends to be lower in degenerative patients.

Fundamento: Malformações congênitas da valva mitral são lesões complexas. Em crianças e adolescentes, os anéis protéticos devem ser evitados. Desde 1975 não usamos anéis protéticos, empregando-se a técnica de Wooler nas anuloplastias. Objetivo: Análise da evolução clínica tardia após o tratamento cirúrgico das anomalias mitrais congênitas, com e sem malformações associadas, em crianças até 12 anos de idade, tratadas com técnicas reparadoras e reconstrutivas sem suporte anelar. Casuística e Métodos: Foram avaliados 21 pacientes operados entre 1975 e 1998. A média de idade foi de 4,67 ± 3,44 anos; sexo feminino em 47,6%; a insuficiência esteve presente em 57,1% (12 casos), estenose em 28,6% (6 casos) e dupla lesão em 14,3% (3 casos). O tempo de perfusão foi 43,10 ± 9,50 min; tempo de isquemia 29,40 ± 10,50 min. O seguimento clínico na insuficiência foi feito em 12 pacientes com média de 41,52 ± 53,61 meses; no grupo de estenose em 4 pacientes com média de 46,39 ± 32,02 meses. Resultados: No grupo de insuficiência 10 pacientes estavam assintomáticos. Controle ecocardiográfico em 9 pacientes, (seguimento 37,17 ± 39,51 meses) 6 pacientes apresentaram refluxo leve, 1 ausência de refluxo e 2 com refluxo moderado; 1 paciente foi reoperado aos 48 m após a primeira operação, sendo feita nova plastia. No grupo da estenose, 4 pacientes, todos assintomáticos, sendo 2 sem medicação, com seguimento ecocardiográfico, média 42,61 ± 30,59 meses, gradiente médio entre 8 e 12 mmHg. No grupo de dupla lesão, 1 paciente foi reoperado para implante de bioprótese aos 43 meses da primeira operação, 1 paciente aos 75 meses da operação encontrava-se em classe funcional II e a ecocardiografia mostrou estenose e insuficiência leve. Não foram relatados episódios de endocardite nem tromboembolismo. A mortalidade operatória foi de 9,5% (2 casos). Não houve mortalidade tardia. Conclusões: a estenose mitral apresenta maiores dificuldades de correção, pelas anormalidades valvares e pela gravidade de lesões associadas. A correção da insuficiência sem suporte anelar apresenta bons resultados a longo prazo. Background: Congenital mitral valve disease is associated with complex deformities of mitral apparatus. Annular support should be avoided in children and adolescents. Since 1975 we have employed non-supported techniques for mitral repair. Objective: This paper presents long term clinical results for repair in congenital mitral valve disease in children under 12 years of age. Patients and Methods: This series comprises 21 patients operated from 1995 to 1998. Mean age 4.6 ± 3.4 years. Female sex 47.6% mitral regurgitation in 57.1% (12 pt), stenosis 28.6% (6 pt) and mixed lesion 14.3% (3 pt). Perfusion time was 43.1 ± 9.5 min and ischemic time 29.4 ± 10.5 min. Follow-up time was 41.5 ± 53.6 months for the regurgitation group (12 pt) and 46.3 ± 32.0 months for the stenosis group (4 pt followed). Results: Operative mortality was 9.5% (2 cases), both in the stenosis group. There was no late death. In the regurgitation group, 10 pt (83.3%) were assymptomatic. Echocardiographic control at a mean follow-up time of 37.1 ± 39.5 months showed, in 9 cases, 1 without reflux, 6 mild and 2 moderate reflux. There was 1 reoperation at 48 months post operative for a new valve repair. In the stenosis group, there were 4 patients followed, all in functional class I, 2 without drugs. Echo control at a mean follow-up time of 42.6 ± 30.5 months showed mean gradient from 8 to 12 mmHg. The mixed lesion group had 1 reoperation after 43 post-operative months. There were no cases of endocarditis or thromboembolism. Conclusion: Mitral valve repair in congenital lesions is associated with good late results. The majority of cases remain assymptomatic and free of reoperations. Failures are related to complexity of deformities. Rings on annular support are not necessary. Repair of regurgitation performs better than these for stenosis.

Objetivo: Descrever, em idosos, a correlação entre faixa etária e ocorrência de fibrilação atrial após cirurgia por estenose aórtica, além de avaliar a influência da ocorrência de fibrilação atrial na incidência de acidente vascular cerebral, tempo de internação e mortalidade hospitalar. Métodos: Estudo transversal retrospectivo incluindo pacientes com idade > 70 anos submetidos à cirurgia de troca valvar aórtica isolada. Resultados: Foram estudados 348 pacientes com idade média de 76,8±4,6 anos. A incidência de fibrilação atrial no pós-operatório foi 32,8% (n=114), sendo superior nos pacientes > 80 anos (42,9 vs. 28,8% 70-79 anos, P=0,017) e havendo significância estatística limítrofe (P=0,055) para tendência linear na correlação idade e incidência de fibrilação atrial. Verificou-se significativo maior tempo de internação na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e hospitalar total, porém, não se observou maior taxa de acidente vascular cerebral ou de mortalidade hospitalar decorrente da fibrilação atrial. Conclusão: A incidência de fibrilação atrial no pós-operatório de cirurgia para estenose valvar aórtica em pacientes idosos com > 70 anos foi elevada e linearmente correlacionada ao avanço da idade, especialmente após 80 anos, causando aumento dos tempos de internação total e em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, sem aumento significativo da morbimortalidade. O conhecimento desses dados é importante para evidenciar a necessidade de medidas profiláticas e de tratamento precoce dessa arritmia nesse subgrupo. Objective: This study aims to describe the correlation between age and occurrence of atrial fibrillation after aortic stenosis surgery in the elderly as well as evaluate the influence of atrial fibrillation on the incidence of strokes, hospital length of stay, and hospital mortality. Methods: Cross-sectional retrospective study of > 70 year-old patients who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement. Results: 348 patients were included in the study (mean age 76.8±4.6 years). Overall, post-operative atrial fibrillation was 32.8% (n=114), but it was higher in patients aged 80 years and older (42.9% versus 28.8% in patients aged 70-79 years, P=0.017). There was borderline significance for linear correlation between age and atrial fibrillation (P=0.055). Intensive Care Unit and hospital lengths of stay were significantly increased in atrial fibrillation (P

Arritmias ventriculares são eventos tardios freqüentes após correção da tetralogia de Fallot (TF). Morte súbita, possivelmente relacionada a arritmias, é responsável por mais de 40% dos óbitos tardios. Fibrose cicatricial pela ventriculotomia direita poderia ser fator predisponente a eventos arrítmicos. A abordagem atrial teria vantagens por evitar lesão das coronárias, não comprometer a dinâmica ventricular e prevenir arritmias tardias. Trabalhos prévios demostraram não haver melhor desempenho hemodinâmico no procedimento pós-operatório imediato na correção atrial. Nesta série, procuramos analisar a incidência de arritmias ventriculares tardias no Grupo de correção atrial, comparativamente à ventriculotomia direita. Entre 1988 e 1995, 238 pacientes foram submetidos a correção cirúrgica da TF, sendo 28 por via exclusiva atrial (Grupo A) e 210 por via ventricular (Grupo V). Os grupos eram semelhantes quanto a idade, sexo, peso, altura e superfície corporal. A escolha da abordagem foi aleatória. Pacientes que sofreram qualquer ventriculotomia foram incluídos no Grupo V. Avaliamos a ocorrência de BAV transitório ou definitivo no p.o. imediato e a presença de arritmias atriais e ventriculares no ECG comum obtido na última consulta ambulatorial. O tempo de acompanhamento foi 45 ± 22 m no Grupo A e 33 ± 24 m no Grupo V. Não houve BAV transitório ou definitivo no Grupo A. Ocorreram 7% BAV transitórios e 2% definitivos no Grupo V (NS). Arritmias supraventriculares foram 17,4% no Grupo A e 12,0% no Grupo V (NS). Arritmias ventriculares foram 13,0% A e 3,8% V (NS). A evolução clínica quanto ao alívio da estenose pulmonar, eventos p.o. imediatos e classe funcional foi semelhante em ambos os grupos. Resultados publicados de mapeamento eletrofisiológico de VD demonstram anormalidade da despolarização, não apenas na parede livre, mas também no septo, banda parietal e ápex, sendo as arritmias ventriculares mais freqüentes e mais graves em casos da despolarização alterada no VD. Entretanto, não se encontra correlação entre arritmias e ventriculotomia. Concluímos que a abordagem atrial não previne a ocorrência de arritmias ventriculares no p.o. tardio de TF.Right ventriculotomy might be related to late ventricular arrhythmias after surgical correction of Tetralogy of Fallot. This paper presents the incidence of late ventricular arrhythmias comparing groups submitted or not to a ventriculotomy. From 1988 to 1995, 238 patients were consecutively operated upon, 28 by atrial approach exclusively (Group A) and 210 uncluding a right ventriculotomy (Group V). There were no significant differences regarding to age, sex, weight, height or body surface area. There been no previous selection for the approach. Fallow-up time was 45 ± 22 months for Group A and 33 ± 24 months for Group V (NS). The incidence of atrioventricular block and arrhythmias were studied by conventional ambulatory EKG. Group A presented no transient or permanent AV block, while there have been 7% transient and 2% permanent AV block in Group V (NS). Supraventricular arrhythmias were 17,4% in Group A and 12,0% in Group V (NS). There have been no relation between arrhythmias and ventriculotomy. This might suggest that atrial approach, avoiding ventriculotomy, does not prevent late ventricular arrhythmias.

Gene therapy can induce angiogenesis in ischemic tissues. The aim of this study was to assess safety, feasibility, and results, both clinical and on myocardial perfusion, of gene therapy in refractory angina. This was a phase I/II, prospective, temporal-controlled series, clinical trial. Thirteen patients were maintained for minimum 6 months under optimized clinical management, and then received intramyocardial injections of 2000 μg plasmid vascular endothelial growth factor 165 and were followed by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), treadmill tests, Minnesota quality of life questionnaire (QOL), and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional plus Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) angina classifications. There were no deaths, early or late. During the optimized clinical treatment, we observed worsening of rest ischemia scores on SPECT (p0.05). After treatment, there was a transitory increase in myocardial perfusion at the third-month SPECT under stress (pre-operative [pre-op] 18.38 ± 7.51 vs. 3 months 15.31 ± 7.30; p0.01) and at the sixth month under rest (pre-op 13.23 ± 7.98 vs. 6 months: 16.92 ± 7.27; p0.01). One year after, there were improvements in treadmill test steps (pre-op 2.46 ± 2.07 vs.12 months 4.15 ± 2.23; p0.01) and oxygen consumption (pre-op 7.66 ± 4.47 vs.12 months 10.89 ± 4.65; p0.05), QOL (pre-op 48.23 ± 18.35 vs.12 months 28.31 ± 18.14; p0.01) scores, and CCS (pre-op 3 [3-3.5] vs.12 months 2 [1-2.5]; p0.01) and NYHA (pre-op 3 [3-3] vs. 2 [2-2] vs. 12 months 2 [1-2]; p0.01) classes. Gene therapy demonstrated to be feasible and safe in this advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy patient sample. There were improvements in clinical evaluation parameters, and a transitory increase in myocardial perfusion detectable by SPECT scintigraphy.NCT00744315 http://clinicaltrials.gov/

Late post-operative clinical results fortreatmentof mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients under 18 years-old by annuloplasty without ring or posterior support are presented. From 1977 to 1995,70 patients: 36 female and 34 male, mean age 12.4 ± 4.8 y (6m to 18y), with pure MR were submitted to an Wooler type of annuloplasty. None received ring or annular support. Twelve (17.1%) had chordal shortening associated. Ethiology was rheumatic 71.4%, congenital 18.6%, myxomatous 8.6% and infectious 1.4%. Preoperative functional class was II: 32 cases (45.7%), III: 18 (25.7%), IV: 20 (28.6%). Twenty-one patients (30%) had associated procedures: on aortic valve 12 (15.2%), tricuspid 4 (5.7%), ASD 4 (5.7%) and aortic and tricuspid 1 (1.4%). Mean perfusion time was 45.2 ± 18.3 min for the whole group and 37.2 ± 11.3 min for annuloplasty alone. Mean ischemic time was 28.4 ± 14.3 min and 21.8 ± 7.1 min respectively. Follow-up time ranged from 7 months to 18 years. Mortality was 4.3% (3 cases) in the early postoperative and 8.6% (6 cases) in the late follow up. Early residual regurgitation was found in 15 patients (21.4%) and 50.0% in 35. Thirteen (18.6%) were reoperated at a mean p.o. time of 56.2 ± 46.2 m. Causes for reoperation: primary MR 5 (38.5%), endocarditis 4 (30.7%), stenosis 2 (15.4%), aortic valve disfunction 1 (7.7%), pulmonary embolism 1 (7.7%). Late evaluation in 46 non-operated survivors: 34 were in functional class I (73.9%), 10 in II (21.7%) and 2 in III (4.3%). Actuarial survival was 93 ± 3% at 5 years and 80 ± 7% at 10 years. Event-free survival was 89 ± 4% and 61 ± 10% at 5 and 10 years. For rheumatic ethiology, event-free survival was 80 ± 8% and 55 ± 16% and, for congenital MR, 90 ± 9% at 5 and 10 years p.o. Simple, unsupported annuloplasty (Wooler type), alone or associated to chordal shortening is an effective and reproducible procedure for MR in children and adolescents. Morbidity and mortality are low in relation to other techniques and prosthetic replacement. Failures were mainly related to rheumatic carditis and infective endocarditis. In growing up patient under 18 years old, this technique would be recommended because it may allow unrestricted development of the mitral orifice.

O resultado clínico pós-operatório (p.o.) tardio da reconstrução da valva mitral sem suporte em crianças e adolescentes é analisado através da observação de uma série de 70 pacientes operados. Objetivou-se acompanhar a evolução clínica tardia após o tratamento de insuficiência mitral pelas técnicas reparadoras nos pacientes em fase de crescimento, avaliar a eficácia, a durabilidade e a reprodutibilidade do procedimento, bem como morbidade e mortalidade nas fases hospitalar e tardia. Consideraram-se, ainda, os resultados em relação à etiologia da doença e as causas de falha do método. De 1977 a 1995, foram operados 70 pacientes, sendo 36 casos do sexo feminino e 34 do masculino. A média de idade foi de 12,4 ± 4,8 anos (6m a 18a). Houve predomínio da etiologia reumática (71,4%) sobre a congênita (18,6%), a degeneração mixomatosa (8,6%) e a infecciosa (1,4%). A classe funcional pré-operatória era 11 em 32 (45,7%) casos, 111 em 18 (25,7%) casos e IV em 20 (28,6%) casos. A técnica cirúrgica utilizada foi a anuloplastia simples tipo Wooler isolada em 58 (82,9%) casos e associada a encurtamento de cordoalha em 12(17,1%). Em 21 (30%) pacientes foram realizados procedimentos associados. O período de acompanhamento foi de 7 m a 17 anos, no p.o. A mortalidade hospitalar foi 4,3%. Regurgitação mitral foi descrita no intra-operatório em 21,4%. Sopro sistólico de regurgitação mitral residual foi notado em 35 (49,9%) pacientes, a maioria sem repercussão hemodinâmica. A classe funcional pós-operatória foi I em 73,9%, II em 21,7% e III em 4,4%. As curvas de análise atuarial mostraram aos 5 e 10 anos, respectivamente, probabilidade de sobrevida global de 89% e 79% e estimativa de permanecer livre de eventos cirúrgicos no período de 87% e 61 % no grupo total, 88% e 56% no grupo de etiologia reumática e 91 % no grupo de etiologia congênita para 5 e 10 anos. A insuficiência mitral pode ser tratada efetivamente por anuloplastia sem suporte anular profético, com resultados tardios comparáveis àqueles obtidos por técnicas mais complexas. Isto tem importância no tratamento de crianças e adultos jovens, especialmente no sexo feminino, quando se deseja evitar o implante de próteses mecânicas.Late post-operative clinical results fortreatmentof mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients under 18 years-old by annuloplasty without ring or posterior support are presented. From 1977 to 1995,70 patients: 36 female and 34 male, mean age 12.4 ± 4.8 y (6m to 18y), with pure MR were submitted to an Wooler type of annuloplasty. None received ring or annular support. Twelve (17.1%) had chordal shortening associated. Ethiology was rheumatic 71.4%, congenital 18.6%, myxomatous 8.6% and infectious 1.4%. Preoperative functional class was II: 32 cases (45.7%), III: 18 (25.7%), IV: 20 (28.6%). Twenty-one patients (30%) had associated procedures: on aortic valve 12 (15.2%), tricuspid 4 (5.7%), ASD 4 (5.7%) and aortic and tricuspid 1 (1.4%). Mean perfusion time was 45.2 ± 18.3 min for the whole group and 37.2 ± 11.3 min for annuloplasty alone. Mean ischemic time was 28.4 ± 14.3 min and 21.8 ± 7.1 min respectively. Follow-up time ranged from 7 months to 18 years. Mortality was 4.3% (3 cases) in the early postoperative and 8.6% (6 cases) in the late follow up. Early residual regurgitation was found in 15 patients (21.4%) and 50.0% in 35. Thirteen (18.6%) were reoperated at a mean p.o. time of 56.2 ± 46.2 m. Causes for reoperation: primary MR 5 (38.5%), endocarditis 4 (30.7%), stenosis 2 (15.4%), aortic valve disfunction 1 (7.7%), pulmonary embolism 1 (7.7%). Late evaluation in 46 non-operated survivors: 34 were in functional class I (73.9%), 10 in II (21.7%) and 2 in III (4.3%). Actuarial survival was 93 ± 3% at 5 years and 80 ± 7% at 10 years. Event-free survival was 89 ± 4% and 61 ± 10% at 5 and 10 years. For rheumatic ethiology, event-free survival was 80 ± 8% and 55 ± 16% and, for congenital MR, 90 ± 9% at 5 and 10 years p.o. Simple, unsupported annuloplasty (Wooler type), alone or associated to chordal shortening is an effective and reproducible procedure for MR in children and adolescents. Morbidity and mortality are low in relation to other techniques and prosthetic replacement. Failures were mainly related to rheumatic carditis and infective endocarditis. In growing up patient under 18 years old, this technique would be recommended because it may allow unrestricted development of the mitral orifice.

FUNDAMENTO: Desde que Wilcox, em 1997, descreveu uma forma simplificada de correcao do Defeito Septal Atrioventricular (DSAV) com enxerto unico, diversos estudos tem sido realizados comparando-a a tecnica com duplo enxerto. OBJETIVO: Relatar os resultados em medio e longo prazos da correcao de DSAV completo pela tecnica simplificada de enxerto unico. METODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 16 casos consecutivos arrolados entre janeiro de 2001 e dezembro de 2011. A idade media foi 18,31 ± 34,19 meses (2 meses - 11 anos) e o peso 7,80 ± 6,12 Kg (3,77 - 25,0 Kg); 6 pacientes eram do sexo masculino e 14 eram portadores de Sindrome de Down. O tempo de seguimento medio foi de 54,97 ± 47,79 meses. RESULTADOS: O tempo medio de circulacao extracorporea foi 74,63 ± 18,48 min (49 - 112 min) e o de pincamento aortico, de 46,44 ± 11,89 min (34 - 67 min). Foram observados dois obitos hospitalares (12,5%), ambos por causa cardiovascular. Tres pacientes foram reoperados por regurgitacao da valva atrioventricular (VA) esquerda e dois apresentaram bloqueio atrioventricular (BAV) completo com necessidade de implante de marca-passo definitivo. Nao houve nenhum caso de obstrucao da via de saida do ventriculo esquerdo. Os 14 pacientes sobreviventes permanecem assintomaticos, 10 deles com insuficiencia da valva VA esquerda leve (71,42%). CONCLUSAO: A tecnica simplificada com enxerto unico para correcao de DSAV completo mostrou-se factivel, associada a correcao adequada dos defeitos e a favoravel evolucao clinica e ecocardiografica nos 57,97 meses de seguimento medio avaliados.

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVOS: Insuficiência renal crônica pré operatória é fator preditivo independente para mortalidade em cirurgia cardíaca. Como creatinina sérica normal não representa obrigatoriamente função renal normal, comparamos as taxas de mortalidade, de permanência hospitalar total e de permanência hospitalar pós-operatória em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica isolada com creatinina < 1,5 mg/dL, de acordo com a depuração estimada, normal ou alterada. MÉTODOS: Em 4.765 pacientes submetidos à revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio entre janeiro/1996 e junho/2004, a depuração da creatinina foi estimada através da equação de Cockcroft-Gault. Considerou-se função renal alterada uma depuração da creatinina 60 mL/min (Grupo A) e 1.226 com 60mL/min (Group A), and 1,226 with

Objectives . The aim of this study was to evaluate medium- and long-term (range 4 months to 17 years) clinical results in a series of patients treated surgically by unsupported mitral annuloplasty. Background . Mitral valve regurgitation has usually been treated by valve replacement or ring annuloplasty. A few series have reported plastic repair procedures without annular support or remodeling. Furthermore, in rheumatic lesions the results have been inferior to those in degenerative mitral insufficiency, and the majority of previous reports have provided information on short-or medium-term follow-up. Methods . One hundred fifty-four patients were operated on (55 male [36%]and 99 female [64%]). The mean age ± SD was 36 ±16 years (range 5 to 73). Associated lesions comprised 47 aortic and 21 tricuspid valve lesions and 2 atrial septal defects. Patients with concomitant mitral stenosis were not included. Preoperative functional class was I or II in 19% and III or IV in 81%. The cardiothoracic ratio was 0.61 ± 0.10. All patients underwent an unsupported mitral annuloplasty procedure in which the mural portion of the annulus was reduced by applying two buttressed mattress sutures at the commissures without compromising the width of the septal leaflet. When necessary, additional chordal procedures were performed. No patients received ring or posterior annular support. Results . The early mortality rate was 1.9% (three patients; one of the three died of myocardial failure and two of pulmonary thromboembolism). The late mortality rate was 5.8% (nine patients; three of the nine died of myocardial failure, one each of septicemia, pulmonary thromboembolism and sudden arrhythmic death and three of unknown causes). Twenty-eight patients (18.2%) were reoperated on because of mitral valve dysfunction and 2 (1.3%) because of prosthetic aortic valve dysfunction. A residual late systolic murmur was present in 48% of patients. Late complications were systemic thromboembolism in 5.8% (one third with an aortic valve prosthesis), infective endocarditis in 1.3% and pulmonary thromboembolism in 0.6%. Postoperative functional class was I or II in 84% and III or IV in 16%. Cardiothoracic ratio was 0.58 ± 0.10. Actuarial probability of late survival was 79.5 ± 5.3% at 10 years and 71.0 ± 7.4% at 14 years. Event-free survival was 67.9 ± 8.9% at 10 years and 56.1 ±11.7% at 14 years. Conclusions . Rheumatic mitral regurgitation can be effectively treated by annuloplasty without prosthetic annular support, with late results comparable to those obtained with more complicated procedures. This observation is particularly important for treatment of children and young adult patients.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a segurança, viabilidade e efeitos iniciais, clínicos e sobre a perfusão miocárdica, da administração intramiocárdica, transtorácica, de VEGF 165 plasmidial em pacientes com doença arterial coronariana avançada e angina refratária, não passíveis de revascularização percutânea e cirúrgica. MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico fase I/II. Treze pacientes cardiopatas isquêmicos com angina refratária apesar de tratamento medicamentoso máximo por no mínimo seis meses, não passíveis de revascularização cirúrgica ou por cateter foram submetidos a injeções intramiocárdicas de 2000µg VEGF 165 plasmidial. Os pacientes foram avaliados por cintilografia miocárdica, teste ergométrico, questionário de qualidade de vida (Minnesota) e determinação das classes de insuficiência cardíaca (NYHA) e angina (CCS). RESULTADOS: Não houve óbitos ou reintervenções. Durante o período de tratamento medicamentoso máximo, não se observou diferenças em cintilografias miocárdicas, testes ergométricos e questionários de qualidade de vida, ainda, houve tendência a piora das classes NYHA (P=0,05) e CCS (P=0,05). Três meses após intervenção, observou-se melhora dos escores cintilográficos SSS (18,38±7,51 vs. 15,31±7,29, P=0,003) e SRS (11,92±7,49 vs. 8,53±6,68, P=0,002), porém não na proporção da extensão da área de miocárdio isquêmico (23,38±13,12% vs. 20,08±13,88%, P=0,1). Houve tendência a melhora dos METs nas ergometrias (7,66±4,47 vs. 10,29±4,36, P=0,08), melhora do escore de qualidade de vida (48,23±18,35 vs. 30,15±20,13; P=0,02) e das classes NYHA (3,15±0,38 vs. 1,77±0,83, P=0,001) e CCS (3,08±0,64 vs. 1,77±0,83, P=0,001), no mesmo período. CONCLUSÕES: A terapia demonstrou-se segura e viável nesta série de pacientes. Os resultados iniciais tendem a demonstrar melhora na gravidade da angina e redução da intensidade da isquemia miocárdica. OBJECTIVE: Safety, feasibility and early myocardial angiogenic effects evaluation of transthoracic intramyocardial phVEGF165 administration for refractory angina in no option patients. METHODS: Cohort study, in which 13 patients with refractory angina under optimized clinical treatment where included, after cineangiograms had been evaluated and found unfeasible by surgeon and interventional cardiologist. Intramyocardial injections of 5mL solution containing plasmidial VEGF165 where done over the ischemic area of myocardium identified by previous SPECT/Sestamibi scan. Evaluations included a SPECT scan, stress test, Minnesotta QOL questionnaire and NYHA functional class and CCS angina class determinations. RESULTS: There were no deaths or new interventions during the study period. There were no significant variations in SPECT scans, QOL scores and stress tests results during medical treatment in the included patients. After the 3rd post operative month, there was improvement in SPECT segmental scores, SSS (18.38±7.51 vs. 15.31±7.29, P=0.003) and SRS (11.92±7.49 vs. 8.53±6.68, P=0.002). The ischemic area extension, however, had non-significant variation (23.38±13.12% vs. 20.08±13.88%, P=0.1). Stress tests METs varied from 7.66±4.47 pre to 10.29±4.36 METs post-op (P=0.08). QOL score improved from 48.23±18.35 pre to 30.15±20.13 post-op points (P=0.02). NYHA class was 3.15±0.38 pre vs. 1.77±0.83 post-op (P=0.001) and angina CCS class, 3.08±0.64 vs. 1.77±0.83 (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intramyocardial VEGF165 therapy for refractory angina, in this small trial of no option patients, resulted feasible and safe. Early clinical and scintilographic data showed improvements in symptoms and myocardial perfusion, with regression of ischemia severity in treated areas.

Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) effects have been investigated in small series of nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDC). Left ventricular myocardial contractility improvements occur, but doubt remains about their mechanism of action. We compared contractility changes in areas treated (free wall) and nontreated (septal wall) with BMMC, in selected patients who have showed significant ventricular improvement after free wall-only intramyocardial stem cells injection. From 15 patients with functional class III/IV (NYHA) and LVEF inferior to 35%, who received 9.6 ± 2.6 × 107 BMMC divided into 10 points over the left ventricular free wall, 7 (46.7%) showed LVEF relative improvement greater than 15%. Those patients were selected for further contractility study. BMMC were collected from iliac bone and isolated with Ficoll-Hypaque. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure the systolic thickening of the septal (nontreated) and free wall (treated) before injection and 3 months postoperatively. Mean systolic septal wall thickening increased from 0.46 to 1.23 mm (an absolute 0.77 ± 1.3 mm and relative 167.4% increase) and in the free wall from 1.13 to 1.87 mm (an absolute 0.74 ± 1.5 mm and relative increase of 65.5%). There was no difference in the rate of absolute or relative systolic thickening between the two walls ( p = 0.866 and 1.0, respectively), when cells were injected only in the left ventricular free wall. BMMC transplantation in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy can improve ventricular function by an overall effect, even in areas that are not directly injected. This finding favors the existence of a diffuse mechanism of action, rather than a local effect, and should be reminded when the pathophysiology of stem cells is considered.

Objetivando relacionar o aspecto morfológico dos vasos pulmonares com os dados clínicos para auxiliar na decisão da cirurgia de cardiopatias congênitas com hipertensão pulmonar severa, em casos previamente avaliados por critérios clínicos, angiográficos e/ou hemodinâmicos, foram realizadas, de 1980 a 1991, no Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, 49 biópsias pulmonares. As idades dos pacientes variaram de 5m a 28a6m (média = 7a7m) e os diagnósticos foram: CIV (16), PCA (3), CIVe ESubAo (1), PCA e CIV (2), PCA e Cl A (1) DSAV (7), DSAV incompl. e PCA (1), PCA e CoAo (1), Inter Arco Ao com PCA e CIV e/ou ESupraM e Anel SubAo (2), DVSVD com CIV e/ou PCA (6), DVSVE e EP (1), ATe ESubP. (1), TGV (1), TGV corrigida e CIV (1) e truncus arteriosus (5). Houve 3 (6,1 %) óbitos no pós-operatório da biopsia. Baseado na classificação de Heath-Edwards, foram para correção cirúrgica 11 pacientes com cardiopatias simples (CIV, PCA, DSAV), cuja mortalidade foi 36,4%. Dez pacientes com cardiopatias complexas (DVSVD, DVSVE, TGV, truncus, inter arco Ao) foram para cirurgia, com mortalidade de 30%. A evolução pós-operatória tardia foi favorável em 13 (62%) pacientes. Conclui-se que a biopsia pulmonar pode ser útil na indicação cirúrgica das cardiopatias congênitas com hipertensão pulmonar severa e, por envolver riscos, sua utilização deve ser criteriosa. E valiosa para os pacientes que apresentam dúvidas quanto ao grau de doença vascular pulmonar ou quanto à natureza das lesões e o estudo clínico e hemodinâmico não são esclarecedores, ou mesmo quando apontarem para a contra-indicação cirúrgica.Open lung biopsy has been performed in patients with congenital heart disease and severe pulmonary hypertension in order to complement the decision-making process for surgical correction. All patients had clinical, hemodynamic and angiographic evaluation previously and would not be surgical candidates by conventional criteria. The 49 patients were studied from 198 0 to 1991 at the Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Age range was 5m to 28y6m (mean=7y7m). The diagnoses were: VSD (16); PDA (3); VSD and SubAortic Stenosis (1); PDA and VSD (2); PDA and ASD (1); AVSD (7); Incomplete AVSV and PDA (1); PDA and ACo (1); AAI with PDA and VSD (2); DORV with VSD and or PDA (6); DOLV with PS (1); TA (1), TGA (1); Corrected TGA with VSD (1) and Truncus Arteriosus (5). There were 3 hospitalar deaths after the biopsy procedure (6.1%). When the pulmonary vascular lesions were classified as Heath-Edwards class III or less, surgical correction was performed. There were 21 patients, 11 simple defects (PDA; VSD; AVSD) with 4 deaths (36.4%) and 10 complex heart defects with 3 deaths (30%) . One patient with VSD had persistent evolutive pulmonary hypertension. The remaining 13 had benefited from the correction. In conclusion, lung biopsy may be useful for the surgical decision in congenital heart disease with severe pulmonary hypertension. As a surgical procedure with the involved risks, it must be selectively indicated. Most patients with vascular lesions below class III (H-E), despite other methods of evaluation would benefit from the corrective procedure.

Objetivando relacionar o aspecto morfológico dos vasos pulmonares com os dados clínicos para auxiliar na decisão da cirurgia de cardiopatias congênitas com hipertensão pulmonar severa, em casos previamente avaliados por critérios clínicos, angiográficos e/ou hemodinâmicos, foram realizadas, de 1980 a 1991, no Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, 49 biópsias pulmonares. As idades dos pacientes variaram de 5m a 28a6m (média = 7a7m) e os diagnósticos foram: CIV (16), PCA (3), CIVe ESubAo (1), PCA e CIV (2), PCA e Cl A (1) DSAV (7), DSAV incompl. e PCA (1), PCA e CoAo (1), Inter Arco Ao com PCA e CIV e/ou ESupraM e Anel SubAo (2), DVSVD com CIV e/ou PCA (6), DVSVE e EP (1), ATe ESubP. (1), TGV (1), TGV corrigida e CIV (1) e truncus arteriosus (5). Houve 3 (6,1 %) óbitos no pós-operatório da biopsia. Baseado na classificação de Heath-Edwards, foram para correção cirúrgica 11 pacientes com cardiopatias simples (CIV, PCA, DSAV), cuja mortalidade foi 36,4%. Dez pacientes com cardiopatias complexas (DVSVD, DVSVE, TGV, truncus, inter arco Ao) foram para cirurgia, com mortalidade de 30%. A evolução pós-operatória tardia foi favorável em 13 (62%) pacientes. Conclui-se que a biopsia pulmonar pode ser útil na indicação cirúrgica das cardiopatias congênitas com hipertensão pulmonar severa e, por envolver riscos, sua utilização deve ser criteriosa. E valiosa para os pacientes que apresentam dúvidas quanto ao grau de doença vascular pulmonar ou quanto à natureza das lesões e o estudo clínico e hemodinâmico não são esclarecedores, ou mesmo quando apontarem para a contra-indicação cirúrgica. Open lung biopsy has been performed in patients with congenital heart disease and severe pulmonary hypertension in order to complement the decision-making process for surgical correction. All patients had clinical, hemodynamic and angiographic evaluation previously and would not be surgical candidates by conventional criteria. The 49 patients were studied from 198 0 to 1991 at the Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Age range was 5m to 28y6m (mean=7y7m). The diagnoses were: VSD (16); PDA (3); VSD and SubAortic Stenosis (1); PDA and VSD (2); PDA and ASD (1); AVSD (7); Incomplete AVSV and PDA (1); PDA and ACo (1); AAI with PDA and VSD (2); DORV with VSD and or PDA (6); DOLV with PS (1); TA (1), TGA (1); Corrected TGA with VSD (1) and Truncus Arteriosus (5). There were 3 hospitalar deaths after the biopsy procedure (6.1%). When the pulmonary vascular lesions were classified as Heath-Edwards class III or less, surgical correction was performed. There were 21 patients, 11 simple defects (PDA; VSD; AVSD) with 4 deaths (36.4%) and 10 complex heart defects with 3 deaths (30%) . One patient with VSD had persistent evolutive pulmonary hypertension. The remaining 13 had benefited from the correction. In conclusion, lung biopsy may be useful for the surgical decision in congenital heart disease with severe pulmonary hypertension. As a surgical procedure with the involved risks, it must be selectively indicated. Most patients with vascular lesions below class III (H-E), despite other methods of evaluation would benefit from the corrective procedure.

Desde 1974, temos empregado anuloplastia sem suporte para tratamento da insuficiência mitral de etiologia reumática em uma população predominantemente jovem. A avaliação dos resultados tardios forma a base deste relato. São 154 pacientes com insuficiência mitral isolada (sem estenose ou dupla lesão), sendo 55 (36%) do sexo masculino e 99 (64%) do feminino, idade média = 36 ± 16 (5 a 73) anos; as lesões associadas foram: 47 lesões aórticas, 21 tricuspídeas e 2 comunicações interatriais; a classe funcional pré-operatória foi I-II em 19% e III-IV em 81 % e o índice cardiotorácico 0,61 ± 0,10. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a uma anuloplastia similar à descrita por WOOLER et alii 21 que consiste na redução da porção mural do anel mitral obtida pela aplicação de dois pontos ancorados em feltros nas comissuras, sem comprometer a extensão de cúspide septal. Quando necessário, procedimentos adicionais sobre as cordas tendíneas foram realizados. Nenhum paciente recebeu suporte anular por anel ou barra posterior. A mortalidade precoce foi de 3 (1,9%) pacientes: falência miocárdica (1) e embolia pulmonar (2). A mortalidade tardia foi de 9 (5,8%), falência miocárdica (3), septicemia (1), embolia pulmonar (1) e morte súbita (1) e causa desconhecida (3). Reoperações foram realizadas em 28 (18,2%) casos, dos quais 2 (1,3%) por disfunção de prótese aórtica. Sopro sistólico residual esteve presente em 48% dos casos. Complicações tardias: embolias sistêmicas 5,8% (1/3 como prótese aórtica), endocardite infecciosa 1,3% e embolia pulmonar 0,7%. Classe funcional pós-operatória (p. a.) foi I - II em 84% e III - IV em 16%; índice cardiotorácico p. o. 0,58 ± 0,10. Probalidade atuarial de sobrevida tardia é estimada em 79,5 ± 5,3% aos 10 anos e 71,0 ± 7,4% aos 14 anos. Sobrevida sem eventos: 67,9 ± 8,9% aos 10 anos e 56,1 ± 11,7% aos 14 anos. A insuficiência mitral reumática pode ser tratada efetivamente por anuloplastia sem suporte anular profético, com resultados tardios comparáveis àqueles obtidos por técnicas mais complexas. Isto tem importância no tratamento de crianças e adultos jovens, especialmente no sexo feminino, quando se deseja evitar implante de próteses mecânicas.Since 1974 a non-supported mitral annuloplasty technique has been employed for treatment of pure mitral regurgitation (PMR), in a population that was predominantly young and of rheumatic ethnology. An evaluation of late results forms the basis of this report. There were 154 patients operated on for PMR, 55 (36%) male and 99 (64%) female. Mean age was 36 ± 16 (5 to 73) years. Associated lesions were: 47 aortic, 21 tricuspid and 2 ASDs (atrial aptal defects). Cases with concomitant mitral stenosis were not included. Properative functional class was I-II in 19% and III-IV in 81%. The cardiothoracic ratio was 0.61 ± 0.10. All patients were submitted to an unsupported mitral annuloplastic procedure, similar to that described by WOOLER, that consisted in reduction of the mural portion of the annulus obtained with the application of two buttressed mattress sutures at the comissures without compromisse to the width of the septal leaflet. When necessary, additional chordal procedures were performed. No patients received ring or posterior annular support. Residual late systolic murmur was present in 48%. Late complications were: systemic thromboembolism 5.8% (1/3 with aortic prosthesis), infective endocardites 1.3% and pulmonary thromboembolism 0.7%. Postoperative functional class was I-II in 84% and III-IV in 16%. Cardiothoracic ratio was 0.58 ± 0.10. Actuarial probability of late survival was 79.5 ± 5.3% at 10 years and 71.0 ± 7.4% at 14 years. Event free survival was 67.9 ± 8.9% at 10 years and 56.1 ± 11.7% at 14 years. Rheumatic mitral regurgitation can be effectively treated by annuloplasty without prosthetic annular support with late results comparable to those obtained with more complicated procedures. This is particularly important for treatment of children and young patients, specially females at child-bearing age which, in some areas, form a substantial cohort in mitral disease.

SummaryAlthough declining in the so-called “first world,” surgery for rheumatic valvar lesions in patients less than 16 years of age is still a challenging problem in lesser developed countries. From 1970 to 1990, we operated upon and followed-up 136 children (less than 16 years) with different valvar lesions, performing various surgical procedures. The mitral valve was most frequently affected (52.9%) followed by multiple valvar disease (39.7%) and aortic (7.3%) involvement. The operations performed were valvoplasties (67), valvar replacement (49), and combined procedures (20). Hospital mortality for the overall group was 10.2%. There were 71 reinterventions in the follow-up of 20 years. Actuarial survival was 60.3% including hospital mortality. The event-free actuarial survival showed that 91% had at least one major event which required reoperation or hospital treatment, or else invasive cardiac procedures. We conclude that rheumatic valvar disease is still a challenging problem in our country, and that the severity of the illness is directly related to the younger age patients. In spite of reasonable long-term survival, very few patients had an uneventful follow-up after surgery.

FUNDAMENTO: As vantagens do reparo valvar para tratamento de insuficiência mitral degenerativa estão bem estabelecidas. O procedimento está associado com baixas taxas de morbimortalidade, e foram relatados baixos índices de reoperação, eventos tromboembólicos e endocardite. Na maior parte das séries, são implantados anéis para anuloplastia, mas algumas instituições preferem valvoplastia sem suporte. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a evolução clínica de pacientes submetidos à valvoplastia sem suporte para tratamento de insuficiência mitral degenerativa. MÉTODOS: Entre janeiro de 1980 e janeiro de 2003, 116 pacientes foram submetidos ao procedimento. Sessenta e dois (53,4%) eram do sexo masculino, e a media de idade era 47,2 ± 16,5 anos. Os procedimentos empregados foram: Anuloplastia tipo Wooler (65,5%), anuloplastia unilateral (15,5%), ressecção quadrangular da cúspide posterior (35,3%), encurtamento de corda tendínea anterior (20,7%), encurtamento de corda tendínea posterior (6,9%) e desbridamento do cálcio (0,9%). O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 6,5 ± 5,1, e o acompanhamento mais longo foi de 24 anos. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade precoce foi de 0,86% (1 paciente), e a mortalidade tardia foi de 6,03% (7 pacientes). A sobrevida atuarial foi de 85,3% em vinte anos. A maioria dos pacientes (55,2%) apresentava classe funcional III no período pré-operatório, enquanto no período pós-operatório a classe funcional I foi mais freqüente (66,4%). Quatro pacientes (3,4%) tiveram complicações tromboembólicas, e não foi observada correlação com fibrilação atrial. A sobrevida livre de eventos tromboembólicos foi de 94,8%, e resultados semelhantes foram observados para endocardite bacteriana. A sobrevida livre de reoperação foi de 79% e 53% aos 5 e 10 anos, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Valvoplastia sem suporte é um procedimento eficaz e seguro para tratamento de insuficiência mitral degenerativa, representando uma alternativa terapêutica adequada para determinados casos. BACKGROUND: The advantages of valve repair for treatment of degenerative mitral regurgitation are well established. The procedure is associated with low mortality and morbidity rates, and low indices of reoperation, thromboembolic events and endocarditis have been reported. In most series, annuloplasty rings are implanted, but some institutions give preference to unsupported valvuloplasty. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical outcome of patients submitted to unsupported valvuloplasty for degenerative mitral regurgitation. METHODS: Between January 1980 and January 2003, 116 patients were submitted to the procedure. A total of 62 (53.4%) were men, and mean age was 47.2 ± 16.5 years. The procedures included: Wooler annuloplasty (65.5%), unilateral annuloplasty (15.5%), quadrangular resection of the posterior leaflet (35.3%), anterior chordal shortening (20.7%), posterior chordal shortening (6.9%), and calcium debridement (0.9%). Mean follow-up was 6.5 ± 5.1 years, and the longest follow-up was 24 years. RESULTS: Mortality was 0.86% (1 pt) early and 6.03% (7 pt) late. Actuarial survival was 85.3% in 20 years. Most patients (55.2%) presented preoperative NYHA functional class III, whereas class I was more frequent in the postoperative period (66.4%). Thromboembolic complications were observed in 4 patients (3.4%), and no correlation was seen with atrial fibrillation. Freedom from thromboembolic events was 94.8%, and similar results were observed for bacterial endocarditis. Survival free from reoperation was 79%, and 53% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: Unsupported valvuloplasty is effective and safe for treatment of degenerative mitral regurgitation, representing an adequate therapeutic alternative for selected cases.

The advantages of valve repair for treatment of degenerative mitral regurgitation are well established. The procedure is associated with low mortality and morbidity rates, and low indices of reoperation, thromboembolic events and endocarditis have been reported. In most series, annuloplasty rings are implanted, but some institutions give preference to unsupported valvuloplasty.To assess the clinical outcome of patients submitted to unsupported valvuloplasty for degenerative mitral regurgitation.Between January 1980 and January 2003, 116 patients were submitted to the procedure. A total of 62 (53.4%) were men, and mean age was 47.2 +/- 16.5 years. The procedures included: Wooler annuloplasty (65.5%), unilateral annuloplasty (15.5%), quadrangular resection of the posterior leaflet (35.3%), anterior chordal shortening (20.7%), posterior chordal shortening (6.9%), and calcium debridement (0.9%). Mean follow-up was 6.5 +/- 5.1 years, and the longest follow-up was 24 years.Mortality was 0.86% (1 pt) early and 6.03% (7 pt) late. Actuarial survival was 85.3% in 20 years. Most patients (55.2%) presented preoperative NYHA functional class III, whereas class I was more frequent in the postoperative period (66.4%). Thromboembolic complications were observed in 4 patients (3.4%), and no correlation was seen with atrial fibrillation. Freedom from thromboembolic events was 94.8%, and similar results were observed for bacterial endocarditis. Survival free from reoperation was 79%, and 53% at 5 and 10 years, respectively.Unsupported valvuloplasty is effective and safe for treatment of degenerative mitral regurgitation, representing an adequate therapeutic alternative for selected cases.

Identification of preoperative heart valve surgery risk factors aim to improve surgical outcomes with the possibility to offset conditions related to increased morbidity and mortality.Intent of this study is to identify hospital risk factors in patients undergoing bovine pericardial bioprosthesis implantation.Retrospective study including 703 consecutive patients who underwent implantation of at least one St. Jude Medical-Biocor bovine pericardial bioprosthesis between September 1991 and December 2005 at the Rio Grande do Sul Cardiology Institute; 392 were aortic, 250 were mitral and 61 were mitroaortic. Characteristics analyzed were gender, age, body mass index, NYHA (New York Heart Association) functional class, ejection fraction, valve lesions, systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, kidney function, arrhythmias, prior heart surgery, coronary artery bypass graft, tricuspid valve surgery and elective, urgent or emergency surgery. Main outcome was in-hospital mortality. Relationship between risk factors and in-hospital mortality was analyzed using logistic regression.Were 101 (14.3%) in-hospital deaths. Characteristics with significant relationship to increased mortality were female gender (p0.001), age over 70 years (p=0.004), atrial fibrillation (p=0.006), diabetes mellitus (p=0.043), creatinine2.4 mg/dl (p=0.004), functional class IV (p0.001), mitral valve lesion (p0.001), previous heart surgery (p=0.005), tricuspid valve surgery (p0.001) and emergency surgery (p0.001).Mortality rate observed is accepted by literature and is justifiable due to the high prevalence of risk factors, showing an increased significance level for female gender, age above 70, functional class IV, tricuspid valve repairs and emergency surgery. Offsetting these factors could contribute to reduced in-hospital mortality for valve surgery.

To compare results of aortic valve replacement in patients with normal annulus and in those undergoing anterior and posterior enlargement of a small annulus to implant a larger prosthesis.The study included 22 patients with enlargement of a small aortic annulus and 23 with a normal aortic annulus, with similar demographic characteristics and selected from a large surgical population. For normal annulus, simple valve replacement was performed. For annular enlargement, the posterior approach required incision in the mid portion of the non-coronary sinus, up to the anterior mitral leaflet; anterior enlargement was achieved by an incision between the left and right coronary ostium, extended to the ventricular septum for 2 cm. The aorta was reconstructed with bovine pericardium patches. The results analyzed included diameter of aortic annulus at surgery, clinical evolution (2 to 11 years of follow-up), left outflow tract obstruction and left ventricular mass (by Doppler echocardiography).Enlargement increased the aortic annulus from 18.3 +/- 2.2 mm to 24.8 +/- 2.0 mm (p0.001), a value similar to aortic annulus considered normal: 24.9 +/- 1.5 mm (NS). For annular enlargement, the peak systolic gradient at the prosthesis decreased from 83.6 +/- 22.3 mmHg (preoperative) to 26.7 +/- 11.4 mmHg (p0.01) at the last evaluation. For normal annulus, a reduction from 68.2 +/- 28.7 mmHg to 32.8 +/- 16.2 mmHg occurred (p0.001) (final values similar between groups; NS). Left ventricular mass at the last evaluation was 147.2 +/- 45.9 for patients with enlargement and 148.1 +/- 70.4 for those with normal annulus.Anterior and posterior aortic annulus enlargement enabled increases in annular diameter and valve prosthesis size, providing clinical and echocardiographic results similar to patients with valve replacement in a normal annulus.

OBJETIVO: Comparar perfil clínico e cirúrgico entre dois grupos de pacientes submetidos a Cirurgia de Revascularização Miocárdica (CRM) no Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, com intervalo de 10 anos; observar sua influência na mortalidade hospitalar e verificar previsibilidade deste resultado mediante escore de risco. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, envolvendo 307 pacientes submetidos a CRM isolada em período semestral de 1991/92 (grupo INICIAL, n=153) ou 2001/02 (grupo ATUAL, n=154). Foram analisados características demográficas, doenças cardíacas, co-morbidades e eventos operatórios, visando à comparação entre grupos e definição do escore de risco de morte hospitalar (conforme Cleveland Clinic). RESULTADOS: O grupo ATUAL tinha idade mais avançada, condição cardíaca mais grave (classe funcional, prevalência de insuficiência cardíaca e número de vasos com lesão severa) e maior prevalência de co-morbidades. Os pacientes iniciais mostraram maior prevalência na indicação cirúrgica de urgência. Não ocorreu diferença no escore médio de risco calculado para ambos os grupos (2,8 + 3,1 no INICIAL e 2,2 + 2,5 no ATUAL) ou na mortalidade hospitalar (respectivamente 3,3% e 1,9%), valores comparáveis com os comunicados pela Cleveland Clinic (para escore de risco 3, mortalidade prevista de 2,0 %, com limite de confiança 95% de 0-4,3% e mortalidade real em estudo de confirmação de 3,4%). CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes atualmente submetidos a CRM são mais idosos e em pior condição clínica (cardíaca e sistêmica) que os operados há 10 anos, mas a pontuação no escore de risco e a mortalidade hospitalar foram discretamente aumentadas no grupo inicial. Para isto, pode ter contribuído maior prevalência de cirurgias de urgência. Um escore de risco pode ser utilizado para identificar pacientes que requerem maiores cuidados e predizer o resultado cirúrgico. OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical and surgical and clinical profiles of two group of patients submitted to Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) at Instituto de Cardiologia do RGS within a decade interval, define related hospital mortality and to validate a severity risk score for this populations. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study, including 307 CABG patients operated during six months of 1991/92 (n=153) and 2001/02 (n=154). Demographic characteristics, heart disease severity, co-morbidities and pre-operative events were evaluated and compared between groups. Hospital mortality and severity risk scores for mortality according to Cleveland Clinic were also assessed. RESULTS: Patients operated in 2001/02 were older, had more severe cardiac disease (increased NYHA functional class, prevalence of heart failure, and distribution of coronary diseased) and presented more co-morbidities than those operated in 1991/92. This patients required urgent surgery more often. The mean Cleveland Clinic severity risk score wasn't different between groups (2.8 + 3.1 in 1991/92 and 2.2 + 2.5 in 2001/02) and hospital mortality didn't present significant difference (3.3% and 1.9%, respectively). For Cleveland Clinic score 3 the predicted mortality was estimated as 2.0% (with confidence limit 95% of 0- 4.3%) and observed mortality for surgical patients of this institution was 3.4%. CONCLUSION: Patients submitted to CABG currently are older and in worse clinical conditions than those operated 10 years ago, but severity risk scores and hospital mortality were discretely increased for initial series of patients. This may be a consequent of a higher prevalence of urgent surgical indication in those patients. A severity risk score for hospital mortality can be used to predict surgical result and identify patients requiring specific care.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a efetividade do Balão Intra-Aórtico (BIAo) profilático em cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM) eletiva, para prevenir o infarto trans ou pós-operatório e para reduzir a mortalidade intra-hospitalar nos pacientes com baixa fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda. MÉTODOS: Em modelo de estudo de coorte, foram analisados 239 pacientes com fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo inferior ou igual a 40%, submetidos à CRM eletiva com circulação extracorpórea (CEC), no período compreendido entre março de 1995 a fevereiro de 2001. RESULTADOS: Destes, 58 pacientes receberam BIAo pré-operatório e os demais foram operados sem assistência circulatória (grupo controle). Os dois grupos de pacientes tinham características semelhantes quanto a fatores associados aos desfechos em questão. Ocorreram 5 (8,6%) óbitos no grupo com BIAo e 21 (11,6%), no grupo controle (diferença não-signifícativa). Ocorreram 2 (3,4%) infartos no grupo com BIAo e 28 (15,5%), no grupo controle BIAo (p < 0,05), risco relativo de 0,22 com intervalo de confiança de 95% de 0,05 a 0,85. CONCLUSÃO: O BIAo, em uso pré-operatório, pode reduzir de forma significativa o risco de infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) trans ou pós-operatório, em pacientes com função sistólica diminuída, sem incremento de complicações vasculares. Nesta mesma situação, o BIAo não diminui de forma significativa a mortalidade. Estudos randomizados devem ser conduzidos para se ter conclusões mais precisas. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic intra-aortic balloon (IAB) in elective myocardial revascularization surgery (MRS), to prevent trans or post-operative infarction and reduce intra-hospital mortality in patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction. METHODS: Using a cohort study model, 239 patients with left ventricular ejection fraction

To compare the clinical and surgical profile between two groups of patients submitted to Myocardial Revascularization (MCR) surgery at the Instituto de Cardiologia of Rio Grande do Sul with a ten year interval, to observe its influence upon MCR hospital mortality and to verify the predictability of this result using the risk score.A retrospective cohort study involving 307 patients who underwent MCR surgery within a six month period during 1991/92 (INITIAL group, n=153) or 2001/02 (CURRENT group, n=154). Demographic characteristics, heart disease, comorbidities and surgical events were analyzed to compare the groups and to define the hospital mortality risk score (based on the Cleveland Clinic method).The CURRENT group was older, had more severe heart condition (functional class, incidence of heart failure and number of vessels with severe lesions) and a greater prevalence of comorbidities. The INITIAL group had a higher prevalence of nonelective surgery. Both groups had similar mean risk scores (2.8 +/- 3.1 for INITIAL and 2.2 +/- 2.5 for CURRENT) and hospital mortality rates (3.3% and 1.9% respectively). These figures are comparable to those for reported by Cleveland Clinic (for a risk score of 3 the predicted mortality range between 2.0 %; using a confidence level of 95% the predicted mortality is between 0 and 4.3%; and actual mortality confirmed by the study was 3.4%).Patients currently submitted to MCR are older and in worse clinical condition (heart and systemic) than those operated on ten years ago; however, the risk scores and hospital mortality rates were slightly higher in the INITIAL group. The higher number of nonelective surgical interventions could have contributed to this. A risk score can be used to identify patients that require a higher level of care and to predict surgical outcomes.