Objective To evaluate the impact of an integrated management mode of prenatal diagnosis-postnatal treatment for congenital heart disease (CHD) on perioperative and long-term outcomes of the arterial switch operation (ASO), and to analyze the efficacy of ASO in a single center. Methods This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 183 children who underwent ASO at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital from 2018 to 2024. The cohort included 106 (57.9%) patients of transposition of the great arteries with intact ventricular septum (TGA/IVS), 61 (33.3%) patients of transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect (TGA/VSD), and 16 (8.7%) patients of Taussig-bing anomaly (TBA). Perioperative indicators were compared between 91 patients in the prenatal-postnatal integrated management group (an integrated group) and 92 patients in the traditional management group (a non-integrated group). Long-term survival and reoperation rates were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results The overall perioperative mortality rate was 4.9% (9/183), showing a downward trend year by year. The primary cause of perioperative mortality was low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS), which occurred in 12 patients (6.6% incidence) with a mortality rate of 75.0%. The integrated group had a higher proportion of males (89.0% vs. 72.8%, P<0.05) and lower body weight [3.1 (2.7, 3.3) kg vs. 3.3 (3.0, 3.7) kg, P<0.05] compared to the non-integrated group. The age at surgery was significantly earlier in the integrated group [7 (3, 10) d vs. 14 (9, 48) d, P<0.05], and all children in the integrated group underwent ASO within the optimal surgical window (100.0% vs. 82.6%, P<0.05). Intraoperatively, cardiopulmonary bypass time [173 (150, 207) min vs. 186 (159, 237) min, P<0.05] and aortic cross-clamp time [100 (90, 117) min vs. 116 (97, 142) min, P<0.05] were significantly shorter in the integrated group. Although the integrated group had longer postoperative mechanical ventilation time [145 (98, 214) h vs. 116 (77, 147) h, P<0.05] and higher 48-hour maximum vasoactive inotropic score [15 (10, 21) points vs. 12 (8, 16) points, P<0.05], there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of severe complications (LCOS, necrotizing enterocolitis, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) or mortality rate (3.3% vs. 6.5%, P=0.51) between the two groups, despite earlier surgical intervention and a higher proportion of critically ill cases in the integrated group. The length of hospital stay in the emergency surgery group was significantly shorter than that in the elective surgery group [20 (15, 28) d vs. 25 (21, 30) d, P<0.05], suggesting that early surgery may be of potential benefit. A total of 163 patients were successfully followed up for a median of 4.7 years, with a 5-year survival rate of 95.1% and a freedom from reintervention survival rate of 95.1%. There were no late deaths, and the most common postoperative complication was pulmonary artery stenosis. Conclusion The integrated management model allowed critically ill children with lower body weights to safely undergo surgery, significantly optimizing the timing of surgery and shortening intraoperative times. The long-term risk of reoperation after ASO is primarily concentrated on pulmonary artery stenosis, necessitating long-term follow-up and monitoring.

This review provides an overview of prenatal interventional treatments for fetal congenital heart disease (CHD), with a particular focus on the latest advancements in fetal aortic valvuloplasty (FAV) and fetal pulmonary valvuloplasty (FPV). FAV aims to improve left heart hemodynamics, prevent hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), and promote biventricular circulation. FPV seeks to improve the natural history of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS) and critical pulmonary stenosis with intact ventricular septum (CPS/IVS), alleviate right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and promote biventricular circulation. This article discusses patient selection, technical details, risk assessment, and clinical outcomes for these procedures, highlighting the challenges in current research, including the lack of standardized patient selection criteria and long-term prognostic studies. Additionally, it emphasizes the opportunities and challenges of fetal cardiac intervention (FCI) development in China and proposes recommendations for future improvements and research directions.

Objective To introduce a modified technique of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction using a handmade bicuspid pulmonary valve crafted from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and to summarize the early single-center experience. Methods Patients with complex congenital heart diseases (CHD) who underwent RVOT reconstruction with a handmade ePTFE bicuspid pulmonary valve due to pulmonary regurgitation at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital from April 2021 to February 2022 were selected. Postoperative artificial valve function and right heart function indicators were evaluated. Results A total of 17 patients were included, comprising 10 males and 7 females, with a mean age of (18.18±12.14) years and a mean body weight of (40.94±19.45) kg. Sixteen patients underwent reconstruction with a handmade valved conduit, with conduit sizes ranging from 18 to 24 mm. No patients required mechanical circulatory support, and no in-hospital deaths occurred. During a mean follow-up period of 12.89 months, only one patient developed valve dysfunction, and no related complications or adverse events were observed. The degree of pulmonary regurgitation was significantly improved post-RVOT reconstruction and during follow-up compared to preoperative levels (P<0.001). Postoperative right atrial diameter, right ventricular diameter, and tricuspid regurgitation area were all significantly reduced compared to preoperative values (P<0.05). Conclusion The use of a 0.1 mm ePTFE handmade bicuspid pulmonary valve for RVOT reconstruction in complex CHD is a feasible, effective, and safe technique.

Objective:In order to reduce the trauma associated with fetal cardiopulmonary bypass(F-CPB), Our team plans to develop a minimally invasive F-CPB through a small incision in the right axilla. The efficacy of this technique will be verified by using a big experimental animal model, thereby laying the foundation for fetal cardiac surgery supported by F-CPB in the future.Methods:Ten pregnant sheep were divided into F-CPB group(n=5) and control group(n=5). After fasting for 24 h, fetal lambs in the F-CPB group underwent a right axillary incision to establish F-CPB running for 1 h; The control group of fetal lambs only expose heart 1 h without F-CPB. Collect blood sample for laboratory test at the CPB vehicle before(T0), 30 min(T1), and 1 h after F-CPB running(T2) for the F-CPB group and through Superior Vena Cava before(T0), 30 min(T1), and 1 h after F-CPB running(T2) for the control group.Results:The blood routine indicators such as RBC, HCT, and Hb in the F-CPB group of fetal lambs decreased significantly during F-CPB, and their distribution showed significant statistical differences compared with the control group( P<0.05). There were no significant statistical differences in blood gas indicators such as pH, PO 2, PCO 2, and lactate concentration between the F-CPB group and the control group( P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the concentration of cTnI in fetal lamb serum at each time point( P>0.05). There were significant statistical differences( P<0.05) in the distribution of fetal lamb Alb, γ-GGT, CK concentration and cholesterol concentration at various time points in the F-CPB group compared with the control group in liver function examination. In addition, the distribution of BUN in fetal lambs showed a significant difference between the two groups( P=0.006). Conclusion:A minimally invasive F-CPB via small incision in the right axilla is safe and feasible. The experimental animal model has demonstrated that this technique has minimal impact on the vital organ functions and internal environment of fetal lambs, thereby laying the foundation for clinical fetal cardiac surgery in the future.

The goal of medical talent training under the new medical science concept is to comprehensively enhance the quality of medical education and cultivate high-quality medical talents with interdisciplinary integration, innovation spirit, and an international perspective to meet the demands of the new era. To achieve this goal, the joint education program between Chongqing Medical University and the University of Leicester integrates comprehensive quality development into the undergraduate medical education system, introducing the cutting-edge international course "Respiratory and Cancer Precision Medicine". This course centers on precision medicine, spanning respiratory diseases and oncology, and uses a clinical-basic cyclical integrated course design with a highly-informationized blended teaching model. Students have gained a close integration of clinical practice and research capabilities, significantly enhancing their inquiry spirit, critical thinking, independent learning, and higher-order cognitive skills. They also engage in innovative thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration within an international context to better address complex medical issues. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the practice and research of the introduced course, offering valuable insights for cultivating high-quality medical talents.

Objective:To explore the clinical value of autologous umbilical cord whole blood(UCB) priming of the cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) circuit in neonatal cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease(CHD).Methods:This prospective non-randomized controlled trial included neonates undergoing CHD surgery at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital from August 2024 to January 2025. The experimental group used autologous UCB for CPB circuit priming, while the control group used adult allogeneic blood(AAB) priming when UCB was unavailable. Preoperative characteristics, intraoperative CPB and aortic cross-clamping(ACC) times, postoperative ICU stay duration, mechanical ventilation time, and hospitalization length were compared.Results:There were no significant differences in preoperative baseline characteristics between the two groups( P>0.05). At the end of surgery, red blood cell count(RBC), hemoglobin level(Hb), and creatine kinase(CK) showed no significant differences between the groups( P> 0.05). Additionally, perioperative left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) demonstrated no statistically significant variations( P>0.05). At surgery completion, the UCB group exhibited lower hematocrit(HCT) and higher blood lactic acid(Lac) levels but these differences resolved by 6 hours postoperatively( P>0.05). The UCB group had higher maximum vasoactive-inotropic scores(VISmax) within 48 hours and longer ICU stays, though total hospitalization and mechanical ventilation durations showed no significant differences( P>0.05). Conclusion:Autologous UCB priming reduces AAB requirements and has minimal impact on postoperative cardiac and pulmonary function recovery, or homeostasis., which is safe and feasible. This study provides evidence supporting the clinical application of UCB priming in CPB circuits.

Objective:To explore the clinical value of autologous umbilical cord whole blood(UCB) priming of the cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) circuit in neonatal cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease(CHD).Methods:This prospective non-randomized controlled trial included neonates undergoing CHD surgery at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital from August 2024 to January 2025. The experimental group used autologous UCB for CPB circuit priming, while the control group used adult allogeneic blood(AAB) priming when UCB was unavailable. Preoperative characteristics, intraoperative CPB and aortic cross-clamping(ACC) times, postoperative ICU stay duration, mechanical ventilation time, and hospitalization length were compared.Results:There were no significant differences in preoperative baseline characteristics between the two groups( P>0.05). At the end of surgery, red blood cell count(RBC), hemoglobin level(Hb), and creatine kinase(CK) showed no significant differences between the groups( P> 0.05). Additionally, perioperative left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) demonstrated no statistically significant variations( P>0.05). At surgery completion, the UCB group exhibited lower hematocrit(HCT) and higher blood lactic acid(Lac) levels but these differences resolved by 6 hours postoperatively( P>0.05). The UCB group had higher maximum vasoactive-inotropic scores(VISmax) within 48 hours and longer ICU stays, though total hospitalization and mechanical ventilation durations showed no significant differences( P>0.05). Conclusion:Autologous UCB priming reduces AAB requirements and has minimal impact on postoperative cardiac and pulmonary function recovery, or homeostasis., which is safe and feasible. This study provides evidence supporting the clinical application of UCB priming in CPB circuits.

The goal of medical talent training under the new medical science concept is to comprehensively enhance the quality of medical education and cultivate high-quality medical talents with interdisciplinary integration, innovation spirit, and an international perspective to meet the demands of the new era. To achieve this goal, the joint education program between Chongqing Medical University and the University of Leicester integrates comprehensive quality development into the undergraduate medical education system, introducing the cutting-edge international course "Respiratory and Cancer Precision Medicine". This course centers on precision medicine, spanning respiratory diseases and oncology, and uses a clinical-basic cyclical integrated course design with a highly-informationized blended teaching model. Students have gained a close integration of clinical practice and research capabilities, significantly enhancing their inquiry spirit, critical thinking, independent learning, and higher-order cognitive skills. They also engage in innovative thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration within an international context to better address complex medical issues. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the practice and research of the introduced course, offering valuable insights for cultivating high-quality medical talents.

Objective:In order to reduce the trauma associated with fetal cardiopulmonary bypass(F-CPB), Our team plans to develop a minimally invasive F-CPB through a small incision in the right axilla. The efficacy of this technique will be verified by using a big experimental animal model, thereby laying the foundation for fetal cardiac surgery supported by F-CPB in the future.Methods:Ten pregnant sheep were divided into F-CPB group(n=5) and control group(n=5). After fasting for 24 h, fetal lambs in the F-CPB group underwent a right axillary incision to establish F-CPB running for 1 h; The control group of fetal lambs only expose heart 1 h without F-CPB. Collect blood sample for laboratory test at the CPB vehicle before(T0), 30 min(T1), and 1 h after F-CPB running(T2) for the F-CPB group and through Superior Vena Cava before(T0), 30 min(T1), and 1 h after F-CPB running(T2) for the control group.Results:The blood routine indicators such as RBC, HCT, and Hb in the F-CPB group of fetal lambs decreased significantly during F-CPB, and their distribution showed significant statistical differences compared with the control group( P<0.05). There were no significant statistical differences in blood gas indicators such as pH, PO 2, PCO 2, and lactate concentration between the F-CPB group and the control group( P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the concentration of cTnI in fetal lamb serum at each time point( P>0.05). There were significant statistical differences( P<0.05) in the distribution of fetal lamb Alb, γ-GGT, CK concentration and cholesterol concentration at various time points in the F-CPB group compared with the control group in liver function examination. In addition, the distribution of BUN in fetal lambs showed a significant difference between the two groups( P=0.006). Conclusion:A minimally invasive F-CPB via small incision in the right axilla is safe and feasible. The experimental animal model has demonstrated that this technique has minimal impact on the vital organ functions and internal environment of fetal lambs, thereby laying the foundation for clinical fetal cardiac surgery in the future.

Objective To develop an inpatient assessment form for geriatric syndromes,aiming to quickly and accurately determine whether elderly inpatients are at risk of geriatric syndromes.Methods From May 2021 to December 2023,an initial item pool for the scale was proposed through literature review.Sixteen experts from four fields of geriatric nursing,nursing management,nursing education,and geriatric medicine were selected from seven institutions in six provinces and cities across the country.Two rounds of Delphi expert consultation were conducted to inquire about the assessment form.Results The enthusiasm coefficient of the two rounds of expert consultation was 100.00%,and the expert authority coefficient was 0.88.In the first round of expert consultation,the importance ratings of the three-level indicators ranged from 4.06 to 4.75,with a coefficient of variation of 0.09 to 0.25,a full score rate of 43.75%to 81.25%,and a Kendall coordination coefficient W of 0.210.In the second round of expert consultation,the importance ratings of the three-level indicators ranged from 4.63 to 4.94,with a coefficient of variation of 0.05 to 0.13,a full score rate of 62.50%to 93.75%,and a Kendall coordination coefficient W of 0.419.After two rounds of expert consultation,the inpatient assessment form for geriatric syndromes was finally determined,including 5 first-level indicators(past history,physical function,common geriatric symptoms,mental and psychological status,socioeconomic status),26 second-level indicators,and 41 third-level indicators.Conclusion The inpatient assessment form for geriatric syndromes developed in this study is scientifically and practically feasible and can be used to quickly identify the risk of geriatric syndromes in elderly inpatients.