Objective The aim of this study is to summarize primarily the application range and the clinical effect of the minimally invasive direct cardiac surgery (MIDCS).Methods From April 2010 to August 2011,108 operations had been performed in our centre using MIDCS,among of which 44 males and 64 females,mean age (44.3 ± 16.4 ) years old,mean weight (60.0 ± 12.0 ) kg.These operations included 29 MVR operations (replacement with mechanical valve 19,with tissue valve 10),17 AVR operations( replacement with mechanical valve 11,with tissue valve 6 ),5 MVP operations,6 MVR + AVR operations (replacement with mechanical valve 5,with tissue valve 1 ),12 VSD repair operations and 23 ASD repair operations,9 MIDCAB operations,1 MVR + CABG oparation,2 PECD correction,1 repair of ruptruec chordae tendineae of tricuspid septum and 1 Ebstein deformity correction operation.Concomitant procedures included 19 TVP operations and 11 radiofrequency ablation operations.Except MIDCAB operations,other operations are performed with closed type extracorporeal circulation.Conversion to median sternotomy was necessary in only two patients ( 1.9％ ).Results Mean cardiopulnonary bypass time and aortic eross-clamp time were ( 104.4 ± 59.3 ) minutes and ( 66.7 ± 52.8 ) minutes respectively,74 patients ( 92.5 ％ ) recover to beat automatically after heart ceased operation.Median mechanical ventilation time was ( 14.5 ± 11.9 ) hours,Median intensive care unit stay was ( 18.8 ± 15.3 ) hours,median hospital stay post operative was (6.9 ± 2.9) days.Median incision length was (5.3 ± 1.2 )cm.Median draining volume was( 337.6 ± 240.9 )ml in the first day after operation,No transfusion occurred in 72 patients(66.7％ ).Hospital mortality was 0.No re-exploration for bleeding and sternal wound infection.When leaving hospital,94 being of heart functional class Ⅰ,8 of class Ⅱ,6 of class Ⅲ.Conclusion MIDCS was associated with good operative effect in the near future,superior safety and broad application range.Furthermore MIDCS has minimally invasive,less postoperative bleeding,fewer blood transfusions,good cosmesis,as well as the absence of sternal wound infection.It may be safely performed on selected patients with low postoperative mortality and morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Myelination following axonal regeneration is a key factor affecting the recovery of spinal cord injury. Oligodendrocyte survival directly affects the myelination following axonal regeneration. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into oligodendrocytes induced by neurotrophic factors. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The cell molecular biology in vitro study was performed at the Laboratory of Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital from September 2006 to June 2007. MATERIALS: A total of 5 Sprague Dawley rats aged 2-4 weeks, of both gender were selected. Bilateral femur and tibia bone marrow was obtained to harvest BMSCs. METHODS: At passage 4, BMSCs were incubated in serum-free medium, supplemented with N2, 20 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor, 20 ng/mL epidermal growth factor for 48 hours, and incubated in medium containing 500 ng/mL insulin-like growth factor I and N2 for 3 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Morphological changes were observed using an phase contrast microscope. Semiquantitative RT-PCR was utilized to detect specific marker mRNA expression of oligodendrocytes. Using neuron marker anti-microtubule-associated protein, astrocyte marker anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein, oligodendrocyte marker anti-galactocerebroside, anti-myelin basic protein antibody, immunocytochemical staining was performed to detect the positive rate of the differentiation of BMSCs into oligodendrocytes. RESULTS: Morphological changes in BMSCs during the differentiation into oligodendrocytes: After the induction, a majority of BMSCs presented the morphological characteristics of oligodendrocytes. Cytoplasm retraction towards nucleus, cell process extension towards outwards, and strong refraction were found. With the prolongation of time, several cell processes connected and formed a typical net-shape structure. Specific marker mRNA expression of oligodendrocytes: Following induction, specific strap of myelin basic protein mRNA and galactocerebroside mRNA could be detected. Positive rate of oligodendrocytes: During induction, the positive rates of galactocarebroside, myelin basic protein and microtubule-associated protein were 65%, 45% and 10%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The combination of epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and insulin-like growth factor can effectively promote the directional differentiation of BMSCs into oligodendrocytes.

Objective To investigate early and midterm outcomes after minimally invasive1-stop or 2-stage MICSCABG and PCI hybrid surgery.Methods Between June 2011 and February 2015, 28 patients(19 males and 9 females) with multiple coronary artery disease underwent MICS-CABG and PCI hybrid surgery, 4 cases of which were1-stop hybrid surgery and 24 cases were 2-stage.All patients were followed up to major adverse events(recurrent angina, secondary myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, serious arrhythmias, secondary bypass graft) as the end point event.Results All patients were no perioperative deaths, shock, infection and myocardial infarction.ICU stay time was(22.9 ± 12.5) h, hospital stay time was(6.75 ±2.10) days, intubation time was(21.1 ± 17.7) h.Perioperative1-stop and2-stages hybrid surgery had significant statistical differences in ICU stay time and intubation time[(41.8 ±32.9) h vs.(16.5 ± 8.5) h;(40.0 ± 34.2) h vs.(18.8 ± 8.5) h;P ＜ 0.05].Patients were followed up for 1-44 months, averaged (17.9 ± 12.8) months.The postoperative major adverse event rate was 7.14％, one patient died of cerebral hemorrhage after 6 months, and one patient underwent coronary angiography because angina.Conclusion l-stop or 2-stage MICS-CABG and PCI hybrid surgery provides a safe,effective and cosmetic revascularized method to patients with multiple coronary artery disease.Meanwhile,the procedure does not destroy the way of re-operation.The perioperative and early results of follow-up are satisfactory.

Objective To discuss the value of echocardiography for the assessment of structure and function of right heart in normal Chinese adults Methods The structure and function of right heart was assessed by echocardiography according to 2010 guideline of American Society of Echocardiography (ASE). The echocardiographic data of right heart of 130 normal Chinese adults were analyzed to acquire the normal reference values of echocardiographic parameters and evaluate the differences of these results among different age groups. Results There were significant differences among different age groups for some of the parameters. Right atrium (RA) transverse diameter was greater in the middle-aged group than that in the young-aged group [(36.90±5.10) mm vs (33.90±5.20) mm, t=-2.79, P=0.006]. RA longitudinal diameter (RAL) and RA area (RAA) were smaller in the young-aged group than those in the middle-aged and old-aged groups [(40.10±5.10) mm vs (42.90±5.10) mm, (43.40±5.60) mm, t=-2.51 and-2.91, P=0.013 and 0.004;(11.90±3.20) mm2 vs (13.40±2.90) mm2, (13.90±3.60) mm2, t=-2.24 and-2.90, P=0.027 and 0.004]. Parasternal long-axis right ventricule outflow tract (PLAX RVOT), parasternal short-axis right ventricule outflow tract (PSAX RVOT) and pulmonary artery diameter (PAD) were smaller in the young-aged group than those in the middle-aged and old-aged groups [(24.20±3.00) mm vs (26.20±2.30) mm, (25.90±2.90) mm, t=-2.80 and-2.32, P=0.006 and 0.022;(24.70±3.00) mm vs (27.20±2.50) mm, (26.90±2.60) mm, t=-4.40 and -3.84, P=0.000 and 0.000; (20.60±2.00) mm vs (22.10±2.70) mm, (21.90±2.10) mm, t=-3.12 and-2.67, P=0.002 and 0.008]. RV lateral wall thickness was smaller in the young-aged group than that in the middle-aged and old-aged groups [(5.10±0.60) mm vs (5.60±0.60) mm, (5.40±0.70) mm, t=-3.12 and-2.22, P=0.02 and 0.028];DTI e wave was greater in the young-aged group than that in the middle-aged and old-aged groups [(14.90±3.70) cm/s vs (10.90±3.10) cm/s, (11.10±2.60) cm/s, t=5.82 and 5.49, P=0.000 and 0.000]. DTI a wave was smaller in the young-aged group than that in the middle-aged and old-aged groups [(12.50±3.90) cm/s vs (14.60±3.70) cm/s, (16.60±3.60) cm/s, t=-2.79 and -5.04, P=0.007 and 0.000] and DTI a wave was smaller in the middle-aged group than that in the old-aged group (t=-2.26, P=0.02). Tricuspid E wave was greater in the young-aged group than that in the middle-aged and old-aged groups [(0.61±0.11) m/s vs (0.51±0.11) m/s, (0.48±0.08) m/s, t=4.58 and 5.44, P=0.000 and 0.000]. E/A was greater in the young-aged group than that in the middle-aged and old-aged groups (1.45±0.30 vs 1.12±0.33, 1.10±0.27, t=4.58 and 5.44, P=0.000 and 0.000). No significant differences were found among different age groups in RV systolic function parameters, whereas a trend of decrease in RV diastolic function was detected. Conclusion Echocardiography can be useful in assessing the structure and function of right heart quantitatively.

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and clinical oulcomes of aortic valve replacement (AVR) performed with minimally invasive technique.Methods From June 2010 to October 2011,20 cases of minimally invasive AVR were performed.The mean age was (47.60±12.28) ;12 males and 8 females.All patients are ventilated with a double-lumen endotracheal tube,through the 3nd anterior intercostals space with a 5 -6cmskin incision,right femoral artery and vein cannulation are used to establish CPB,direct aortic cross-clamped by Chitwood sliding clamp through the right 4th intercostals space,and completed the aortic valve replacement.Results Mean length of incision was (4.73±0.54)cm.Mean duration of cardiopulmonary bypass was (124±39.83)min,crossclamp time was (97.21±33.17) min.Median intubation time was (13.55±3.87)hours.Median duration of intensive care and postoperative hospital stay was (16.34±3.82)hours and (6.63±1.45) days,respectively.Hospital mortality was 0.There was no perivalvular leakage,Conclusion Minimally invasive aortic replacement with a modified Port-Access approach is feasible,small incisions,more cosmetic,shorter length of bospital stay and less need for blood transfusion are attainable.

Objective To evaluated the early-term results of the right or left anterolateral minithoracotomy used for the repair of various congenital heart defects.Methods All the patients with congenital heart defects who were operated with this incision between April 2010 and December 2012 were reviewed.There were 63 patients (41 females,22 males) underwent openheart surgery through right or left anterolateral minithoracotomy.Ages ranged from 12 to 69 years,mean (30.63 ± 11.74) years.Corrected defects included atrial septal defect(ASD) closure in 38,closure of ventricular septal defect(VSD) in 19,correction of partial atrioventricular canal defect (PECD) in 3,correction of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) in 1,correction of Ebstein's anomalyin 1,and repair of ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva in 1.Results In all patients,length of incision was (4.76 ± 0.95) cm.There was no early or late death.No patient required conversion to full sternotomy.The median CPB and aortic clamp times were (76.38 ± 29.97) and (33.49 ± 31.50) minutes,respectively.Median intubation time was (10.53 ± 6.13) hours.Median duration of intensive care and postoperative hospital stay was (14.93 ± 7.65) hours and (5.42 ± 1.98) days,respectively.Only 9 patients(14.3％) received blood transfusion.Follow-up echo showed no residual defect.All patients have gratifying cosmetic results and are in excellent condition after a median follow-up of (13.75 ± 8.91)months.Conclusion The small anterolateral thoracotomy in congenital cardiac surgery is a safe and feasible approach,and with a excellent cosmetic results.

Objective To summarize the short-term therapeutic results of valve-sparing reimplantation procedure (David Ⅰ procedure) using Valsalva conduit in patients with aortic valve insufficiency due to aortic root disease.Methods From January 2008 to May 2011,David Ⅰ procedure was performed using Valsalva conduit in 15 patients with aortic insufficiency caused by aortic root disease,of which 14 males and 1 female,mean age was (49.5 ± 10.3) years old (from 33 to 67 years old).The evaluation of pre-operative heart functional and aortic valve regurgitation:11 in class Ⅰ,4 in class Ⅱ ; 9 with moderate and 6 with severe aortic insuffciency.Concomitant procedures included 4 CABG operations,9 aortic arch replacements,1 mitral annuloplasty and tricuspid annuloplasty,and 1 ASD repair operation.Results There was two intra-operative deaths occurred,one died of pulmonary infection,another one died of hemategenous septic shock and multiple organ failure.The mean extracorporeal circulation time was (230.0 ± 54.4) min,the aortic cross clamp time was (181.2 ± 30.6) min.One week after operation,the heart functional of all patients changed into class Ⅰ ; 8 patients had no aortic regurgitation,6 had gentle aortic regurgitation and 1 had moderate aortic regurgitation.After leaving hospital,13 patients were followed-up by (8.8 ± 5.9)months (ranged 3 to 24 months),3 were no and 9 with gentle (3 of which showed no aortic regurgitation in half past year)and 1 with moderate aortic regurgitation (this patient showed gentle aortic regurgitation in 3 months later).Conclusion David Ⅰ procedure using Valsalva conduit was a good option for patients with aortic valve insufficiency with approximate normal aortic leaflets and valvular ring,which could provide a good short-term operative effect.

Objective To observe the clinical results of the valve-sparing root reimplantation procedure(David Ⅰ procedure) in patients with aortic valve insufficiency due to aortic root disease.Methods From august 2005 to May 2011,aortic valve-sparing root reimplantation was performed in 24 patients with aortic insufficiency due to aortic root disease,21 males and 3 females; mean age (47.0 ± 12.3) years old (from 24years to 69years) ; 20 being of heart functional class Ⅰ,3 of class Ⅱ,and 1 of class Ⅲ; 13 with moderate and 11 with severe aortic insufficiency ; The tubular graft was used in 9 patients and valsalva conduit was used in15 patients in David Ⅰ procedure.Concomitant procedures included 6 CABG operations,11 aortic arch replacement operations,1 mitral annuloplasty and tricuspid annuloplasty,1 VSD repair and 1 ASD repair operation.Conversion to Bentall procedure was necessary in only one patient because transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed moderate aortic insufficiency due to aortic valve prolapse.Post-operative aortic valve regurgitation and heart function were followed up.Results There were two peri-operative deathes(one died of pulmonary infection in the 22th day postopertatively,another one died of haemategenous septic shock and multiple organ failure in the 9th day postopertatively),one late death other than operation-related reasons(died of pulmonary infection in the 54th day postopertatively).The mean extracorporeal circulation time was (235.9 ± 58.5) min,the aortic crossclamp time was(182.7 ± 35.8) min.11 patients had no aortic regurgitation,11 gentle and 1 moderate regurgitation postopertatively ; The heart functional of all patients changed into class Ⅰ one week post-operatively.20 patients were followed-up 3 to 74 months,of which 3 with no and 15 with gentle (3 of which showed no aortic regurgitation in half year later) and 2 with moderate aortic regurgitation (1 patient with Marfan syndrome used tubular graft showed severe postopertative aortic regurgitation 55 months later).Conclusion David Ⅰ procedure is a good option for patients with aortic valve insufficiency due to aortic root disease,and with more or less normal aortic leaflets and valvular ring normal.Furthermore using Valsalva conduit in David Ⅰ procedure could provide a more stable mid and long-term effect.

Background: The side effects of glucocorticoid in treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been the focus of debate, and our preliminary study indicates that ginsenosides can enhance the efficacy of dexamethasone. Objective: To observe the effects of ginsenosides combined with prednisone in SLE patients. Design, setting, participants and interventions: A total of 60 SLE patients from Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, with 30 patients in each group. Patients in the treatment group were given routine treatment with prednisone plus ginsenosides, while those in the control group were given routine treatment with prednisone plus placebo. They were all treated for 3 months. Main outcome measures: After three-month treatment, syndrome score in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), total response rate and symptom improvement rate were measured and evaluated. Results: Twenty-eight cases in treatment group and twenty-seven cases in control group were included in analysis. The total response rates in the treatment group and control group were 89.28% and 66.67% respectively, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM syndrome scores in the two groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.01), and prednisone plus ginsenosides was better in decreasing the TCM syndrome score than prednisone plus placebo (P<0.05). The symptoms were improved in the treatment group as compared with the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Prednisone combined with ginsenosides can increase the clinical effective rate and improve the clinical symptoms of SLE patients.