Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of total arterial off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) using a left internal thoracic artery (LITA) combined with bilateral radial arteries (RAs). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with severe multi-vessel coronary artery disease who underwent total arterial OPCABG with a LITA and bilateral RAs at Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital from November 2020 to April 2023. Results A total of 24 patients were included, comprising 23 males and 1 female, with a mean age of (53.63±4.33) years. The New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class was Ⅱ to Ⅲ. The mean number of distal anastomoses was 3.17±0.38. A Y-graft was constructed in 12 patients and sequential grafting was performed in 4 patients. Concomitant procedures included coronary endarterectomy in 1 patient, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) implantation in 10 patients, and thymoma resection in 1 patient. The mean operative time was (308.13±30.39) min, mechanical ventilation time was (15.42±7.42) h, ICU stay was (46.08±27.32) h, and postoperative hospital stay was (11.71±1.90) d. There were no in-hospital deaths. Postoperative complications included one patient of acute renal failure and one patient of cerebral infarction. Pre-discharge color Doppler echocardiography revealed that the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was significantly smaller than before surgery (P<0.05), while the left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening were significantly higher (P<0.05). Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed that all arterial grafts were patent. During a mean follow-up of (14.58±8.75) months, no patients experienced angina recurrence or mortality. Repeat coronary CTA or angiography in 16 patients one year postoperatively confirmed that all arterial grafts remained patent. Conclusion Total arterial OPCABG using a LITA and bilateral RAs is a safe and effective treatment for patients with severe multi-vessel coronary artery disease. For high-risk patients, intraoperative IABP support is recommended.

Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of transesophageal echocardiography assisted thoracoscopic left atrial appendage clipping in atrial fibrillation patients with high risk of stroke and bleeding.Methods Clinical data of 14 atrial fibrillation patients with high risk of stroke and bleeding from November 2021 to May 2023 was retrospectively analyzed.All the patients had suffered from cerebral infarction.The CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3-7(mean,5.0±1.4)and the HAS-BLED score was 3-4(mean,3.3±0.5).The thoracoscopic surgery was performed with two ports.The left atrial appendage clipping was performed by using a domestically produced E-Clip left atrial appendage closure system,assisted by transesophageal echocardiography.Results All the operations were successfully performed.The mean operation time was(39.6±7.7)min,the mean drainage volume after operation was(80.4±37.1)ml,and the drainage tube was removed at(26.0±2.5)h after operation.All the 14 patients were followed up for 3-21 months,with a median of 8 months.Complete closure of the left atrial appendage without residual leakage and no thrombosis in the left atrium were confirmed by transthoracic echocardiography.No new cerebral infarction or bleeding lesions in the brain was detected by CT scanning.The electrocardiogram showed that 2 patients converted to sinus rhythm and 12 patients still maintained atrial fibrillation rhythm.Conclusions Transesophageal echocardiography assisted thoracoscopic left atrial appendage clipping can completely closure left atrial appendage and avoid new onset of stroke in atrial fibrillation patients with high risk of stroke and bleeding.It can also play a role in electrical isolation of left atrial appendage so as to cure atrial fibrillation in few patients.

Objective To observe the pathophysiological change of right heart remodeling model of beagle dogs caused by tricuspid regurgitation. Methods Six beagle dogs were separated to TR group and sham operation group randomly and equally. The anterior and posterior leaflets of tricuspid valve of beagle dogs from TR group were cut off under direct vision on the beating heart. The echocardiography data were measured pre-operation and post-operation 3, 6, 12 months respectively and autopsy results were acquired after the sacrifice of two animals who had been raised for 18 months. Results The operation was successful and survival 100%. The weight of TR group increased, and the echocardiography showed right atrium and ventricle enlargement and right heart dysfunction. The autopsy of TR group found myocardial fibrosis , liver cirrhosis and ascites. All of the results indicated the occurrence of right heart remodeling and right heart failure. There is no significant difference in sham operation group before or after operation. Conclusion The myocardial fibrosis is one of the pathological basis of right heart remodeling.