OBJECTIVETo define the determinants of perioperative death and complications after cardiac valve replacement in 702 patients.

METHODSClinical data of the patients after cardiac valve replacement were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSPerioperative mortality and morbidity correlated significantly with some of the perioperative variables, such as higher NYHA functional class (III or IV), large left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (>/= 70 mm), C/T >/= 0.70, prolonged aortic cross-clamping time and cardiopulmonary bypass time, unsatisfactory myocardial protection.

CONCLUSIONSPerioperative mortality and morbidity correlate significantly with some of perioperative variables, such as higher NYHA functional class, unsatisfactory myocardial protection, inappropriate surgical procedure, improper therapy of some complications after cardiac valve replacement. To avoid the occurrence of these independent predictors or to correct them timely might effectively decrease the perioperative mortality and morbidity after cardiac valve replacement.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Cause of Death ; Child ; Female ; Heart Valve Diseases ; mortality ; surgery ; Heart Valve Prosthesis ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Intraoperative Complications ; mortality ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mortality ; Postoperative Complications ; mortality

OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical features, pathologic findings, postoperative results and the effects of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with Beh et's disease (BD). METHODS: We reviewed the postoperative course of the 9 BD patients who underwent a total of 17 aortic valve replacement procedures with prosthetic valves. RESULTS: Histological examination of the aortic valve commonly revealed diffuse myxoid degeneration (75 percent). Of 17 valve replacement surgeries, 13 surgeries resulted in complications, such as detachment of the prosthetic valve with perivalvular leakage and dehiscence of the sternotomy wound, within an average of 5 months (range from 1 month to 14 months). The rate of prosthetic valve detachment was 76 percent (13 of 17 surgeries). Four of the 9 patients (44 percent) who underwent aortic valve replacement procedures died of heart failure or infection associated with the detachment of the prosthetic valve, and perivalvular leakage within an average of 9 months. Aortic insufficiency associated with dehiscence of the prosthetic valve developed in 11 of 12 surgical cases (92 percent) with a mechanical valve and 2 of 5 surgical cases (40 percent) with tissue valves. Thirteen of 15 surgeries (87 percent) which were not given postoperative immunosuppressive therapy developed complications, while none of 2 surgeries that used postoperative immunosuppressive therapy with prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) and azathioprine (100 mg/day) had these complications. CONCLUSION: The rates of prosthetic valve detachment in BD involving aortic valve were higher than those of other diseases. Aortic valve involvement was also one of the poor prognostic factors in BD. Intensive postoperative immunosuppressive therapy and surgical methods may be important factors for postoperative results.
Adult ; Aortic Valve/pathology ; Aortic Valve Insufficiency/*etiology/pathology ; Behcet Syndrome/*complications/drug therapy/pathology ; Female ; Heart Valve Diseases/*complications/pathology/surgery ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation/*mortality ; Human ; Immunosuppression ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; Prosthesis Failure ; Survival Analysis

OBJECTIVETo summarize the clinical characteristics, surgical management and postoperative complications in patients with congenital bicuspid aortic valve (CBAV) over 50 years of age.

METHODSFrom January 2009 to September 2011, 73 CBAV patients aged 51-76 years (mean 61.8∓0.73 years) were treated in our center. Except for 1 patient who underwent Bentall surgery and another having Wheat surgery, all the patients received aortic valve replacement (AVR), including 7 with double (mitral and aortic) valve replacement (DVR), 6 with mitral valvular plasty, 11 with tricuspid valvular plasty, 8 with coronary artery bypass graft implantation, 1 with aortic-left ventricular tunnel repair, 1 with atrial maze ablation, and 1 with left atrial thrombosis removal.

RESULTSTwo patients died after the surgery, with a perioperative mortality rate of 2.7%. The cardiopulmonary bypass time was 78-217 min (mean 131.9 ∓6.0 min) with an aortic blocking time of 56-158 min (mean 88.2 ∓4.8 min) and total postoperative ICU time of 23.0-647.4 h (mean 97.9∓10.5 h). The postoperative complications included low heart output syndrome in 5 cases, bleeding in 4 cases, wound debridement in 4 cases, and hemodialysis due to acute renal failure in 1 case. The left ventricular end diastolic diameter reduced significantly after the surgery (52.6∓1.7 vs 43.2∓1.0, P=0.001). No significant changes were detected in the left ventricular ejection fraction (62.3∓2.5 vs 65.5∓1.3, P=0.257).

CONCLUSIONThorough preoperative examination, preoperative risk factor assessment, timely perioperative interventions, careful evaluation of patients' tolerance of surgery, and prevention of surgical complications are essential to decrease the perioperative mortality in elderly patients with CBAV.

Aged ; Aortic Valve ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; Female ; Heart Valve Diseases ; mortality ; surgery ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitral Valve ; surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Retrospective Studies

Triple valve surgery is usually complex and carries a reported operative mortality of 13% and 10-yr survival of 61%. We examined surgical results based on our hospital's experience. A total of 160 consecutive patients underwent triple valve surgery from 1990 to 2006. The most common aortic and mitral valve disease was rheumatic disease (82%). The most common tricuspid valve disease was functional regurgitation (80%). Seventy-four percent of the patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III and IV. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of early and late survival. Operative mortality was 6.9% (n=11). Univariate factors associated with mortality included old age, preoperative renal failure, postoperative renal failure, pulmonary complications, and stroke. Of them, postoperative renal failure and stroke were associated with mortality on multivariable analysis. Otherwise, neither tricuspid valve replacement nor reoperation were statistically associated with late mortality. Survival at 5 and 10 yr was 87% and 84%, respectively. Ninety-two percent of the patients were in NYHA class I and II at their most recent follow-up. Ten-year freedom from prosthetic valve endocarditis was 97%; from anticoagulation-related hemorrhage, 82%; from thromboembolism, 89%; and from reoperation, 84%. Postoperative renal failure and stroke were significantly related with operative mortality. Triple valve surgery, regardless of reoperation and tricuspid valve replacement, results in acceptable long-term survival.
Adult ; Aged ; Anticoagulants/adverse effects/therapeutic use ; Aortic Valve/*surgery ; Female ; Heart Valve Diseases/complications/mortality/*surgery ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation/*methods ; Hemorrhage/chemically induced/epidemiology ; Humans ; Intraoperative Complications/mortality ; Kidney Failure/etiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitral Valve/*surgery ; Postoperative Complications/mortality ; Reoperation ; Risk Factors ; Severity of Illness Index ; Stroke/etiology ; Survival Analysis ; Thromboembolism/epidemiology ; Tricuspid Valve/*surgery

OBJECTIVETo study the changes in pathogenic causes and the prognosis of aortic valve replacement (AVR).

METHODSThe clinical data of 1026 patients undergoing AVR from December 1980 to December 2006 were analyzed retrospectively. The mortality, morbidity, changes in pathogenic causes and risk factors were analyzed.

RESULTSThe postoperative mortality and complication morbidity were 4.3% and 10.6% respectively within 30 days followed operation. Main causes of operative death were heart failure, multi organ failure and endocarditis. The major risk factors for operative death were left ventricle ejection fraction less than 0.4, endocarditis, valve regurgitation and emergency operation before AVR. Late mortality was 0.54% patient-year (3.4%), most of whom died of heart failure, endocarditis and arrhythmias. Patients underwent reoperation 0.22% patient-year (1.4%), with the causes of endocarditis and perivalvular fistula.

CONCLUSIONSMorbidity of rheumatic damage in aortic valve has decreased, while valve degeneration has increased gradually in the recent years. Avoiding prosthesis-patient mismatch, good postoperatively guide and prevention of endocarditis can improve the prognosis of AVR.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aortic Valve ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Valve Diseases ; surgery ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation ; methods ; mortality ; statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; epidemiology ; mortality ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo analyze the early and long-term results after mitral-aortic valve replacement for rheumatic valvular disease and the determinant factors involved and subsequent therapies.

METHODS1 154 patients receiving combined mitral-aortic valve replacement for rheumatic valvular disease from May 1981 to May 2001 were reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 41.48 +/- 10.00 years. Concomitant valve plasty was performed for associated tricuspid organic or significant functional lesions. Lateral tilting disc or bileaflet valve prostheses were used for replacement. New York Heart Association functional status showed Class III or IV in 91.77% of the patients. Moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension occurred in 29.38% of the patients. The duration of follow-up varied from 8 months to 20 years.

RESULTSThe hospital mortality was decreased from 6.50% to 4.45%. The 5-, 10- and l5-year survival rates were 89.46% +/- 1.35%, 86.50% +/- l.91% and 67.86% +/- 6.16%, respectively. The 5-, 10- and l5-year thromboembolic event free rates were 97.80% +/- 0.74%, 88.31% +/- 2.20% and 94.08% +/- 2.29%, respectively. the 5-, 10- and l5-year anticoagulant related bleeding free rates were 94.80% +/- 1.09%, 89.32% +/- 2.10% and 83.12% +/- 3.57% respectively. Cardiac functional status returned to Class II in 98% patients and to Class III in 2% during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSBoth left and right ventricular functions may be impaired as a result of rheumatic valvular disease. Tricuspid valve should be explored during surgery and any significant tricuspid annular enlargement and regurgitation showed be corrected in concomitance. Long-acting penicillin regimen is needed for 3 - 5 years for the prevention of rheumatic fever relapse. A low intensity anticoagulant regimen after valve replacement with prothrombin time targeting at 1.5 - 2.0 times is advisable in lessening anticoagulant related bleeding yet optimizing sufficient prevention against thromboembolic complications.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aortic Valve ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Valve Diseases ; etiology ; surgery ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation ; methods ; mortality ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitral Valve ; surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Rheumatic Heart Disease ; complications ; prevention & control ; Survival Analysis ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome ; Tricuspid Valve ; surgery ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo analyze the early and long-term results after mitral valve replacement for rheumatic valvular disease by using home-made tilting disc valve, and the determinant factors involved and subsequent therapies.

METHODSOne hundred and five patients, including 31 patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis, 92 patients with mixed mitral stenosis and regurgitation, and 2 patients with bacterial endocarditis, underwent prosthetic mitral valve replacement with home-made tilting disc valve from September 1978 to June 1982. Three patients had a history of mitral commissurotomy, and 5 patients had concomitant functional tricuspid regurgitation. All patients were operated on under cardiopulmonary bypass with implantation of 25 - 29 mm size home-made tilting disc valve prosthesis. The associated functional tricuspid lesions were treated at the same time with modified DeVega's valvuloplasty or Kays bicuspidate valvuloplasty.

RESULTSEleven patients died during the hospital stay with an early operative mortality of 8.8%. The major causes of the early death were low cardiac output syndrome (4 patients), respiratory failure (2), acute renal failure (2), extrinsic prosthesis dysfunction (1), ventricular arrhythmia (1), and left ventricular rupture (1). Ninety-eight survivors were followed up (total 1,162.2 years) for mean duration of 12.8 years. Eighty-nine patients (78%) survived over 10 years after operation, 58 (51%) over 15 years, and 55 (48%) over 20 years. There were 16 late deaths due to heart failure, anticoagulation related bleeding, thromboembolism and recurrence of rheumatic fever. The survival rates at 10 and 20 years were 82.3% and 51.1% respectively. Among the patients who survived over 20 years, 37 patients had the cardiac functional status returned to Class II, 13 Class III, and Class IV.

CONCLUSIONSSevere post-rheumatic valve deformity may occur in younger patients in China. Long-acting penicillin regimen given for 3 - 5 years for the prevention of rheumatic fever relapse is advocated. A low intensity anticoagulant regimen after mitral valve replacement is advisable in lowering the incidence of anticoagulant related bleeding, while optimizing sufficient protection against thromboembolic complication. Proper operative timing (e.g. when the patient is in sinus rhythm and in NYHA functional class II) is of great importance in achieving satisfied long-term results.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Anticoagulants ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Valve Diseases ; etiology ; surgery ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation ; instrumentation ; methods ; mortality ; Hemorrhage ; chemically induced ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitral Valve ; surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Retrospective Studies ; Rheumatic Heart Disease ; complications ; Secondary Prevention ; Survival Analysis ; Survival Rate ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of left atrial appendage (LAA) closure for cerebral ischemic stroke prevention following mitral valve replacement.

METHODSRetrospective data on 860 consecutive adult patients undergoing mitral valve replacement between January 2008 and January 2013 were analyzed. There were 414 male and 446 female patients, with a mean age of (53 ± 12) years. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether the left atrial appendage was closed during operation: LAA closure group (n = 521) and non-LAA closure group (n = 339).Early mortality, postoperative cerebral ischemic stroke and the risk factors for cerebral ischemic stroke were assessed. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSCompared with non-LAA closure group, LAA closure group had higher proportion of female gender, higher percentage of patients with cardiac insufficiency, pulmonary hypertension and left atrial thrombus, higher incidence of mechanical valve implantation and concurrent tricuspid surgery, and larger preoperative diameter of left atrium, but lower proportion of hypertension and patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, and shorter aorta cross clamping time (χ² = 6.807 to 122.576, t = -2.818 and 3.756, all P < 0.05). There were no differences in exploratory thoracotomy for bleeding and in-hospital mortality between the two groups. Postoperative cerebral ischemic stroke occurred in 12 patients (1.4%). The incidence of cerebral ischemic stroke in LAA closure group was significantly lower than in non-LAA closure group (0.6% vs.2.7%, χ² = 6.452, P = 0.011).Logistic regression analysis showed that LAA closure was a significant protective factor for postoperative cerebral ischemic stroke (OR = 0.189, 95% CI: 0.039 to 0.902, P = 0.037) while history of cerebrovascular disease (OR = 4.326, 95% CI:1.074 to 17.418, P = 0.039) and preoperative diameter of left atrium (OR = 1.509, 95% CI: 1.022 to 1.098, P = 0.002) being the independent risk factors for postoperative cerebral ischemic stroke. The subgroup analysis showed that, for atrial fibrillation patients, LAA closure was a strong protective factor (OR = 0.064, 95% CI: 0.006 to 0.705, P = 0.025), but LAA closure was not a significant predictive factor (OR = 1.902, 95% CI: 0.171 to 21.191, P = 0.601) in non-atrial fibrillation patients.

CONCLUSIONConcurrent LAA closure during mitral valve replacement is safe and effective to reduce the early postoperative risk of cerebral ischemic stroke in atrial fibrillation patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Atrial Appendage ; surgery ; Atrial Fibrillation ; Brain Ischemia ; complications ; prevention & control ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; Female ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation ; Hospital Mortality ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitral Valve ; Mitral Valve Insufficiency ; surgery ; Nervous System Diseases ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Stroke ; prevention & control ; Thrombosis