Pulmonary and tricuspid regurgitation after Tetralogy of Fallot repair: A case report

BACKGROUND Tetralogy of Fallot(TOF)is one of the most common congenital heart defects,and surgery is the primary treatment.There are no precise guidelines on the treatment protocol for tricuspid regurgitation(TR)as a common complication of TOF repair.The timing for treatment in patients presenting with valve regurgitation after TOF repair is often difficult to determine.Here,we report the first case of sequential treatment of pulmonary and TR using interventional therapy.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a 52-year-old female patient,who had a history of TOF repair at a young age.A few years later,the patient presented with pulmonary and tricuspid regurgitation.The symptoms persisted and TR worsened following percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation.Preoperative testing revealed that the patient’s disease had advanced to an intermediate to advanced stage and that her general health was precarious.Because open-heart surgery was not an option for the patient,transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement was suggested.This procedure was successful,and the patient recovered fully without any adverse effects.This case report may serve as a useful resource for planning future treatments.CONCLUSION Treatment of both valves should be considered in patients with tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitations following TOF repair.The interventional strategy could be an alternative for patients with poor general health.

The Effect of Atrial Septal Defect Closure on Cardiac Volumetric Changes in Adults, Transcatheter Versus Surgical Closure, a Pilot Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Study

Background:Closure of an atrial septal defect(ASD)reduces right-side heart volumes by abolishing shunting with simultaneous improvement of the left ventricle(LV)filling and functions due to ventricular interdependence,thereby improving symptoms.Furthermore,studies conducted on atrial volume changes after ASD closure are limited.Cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR)is considered as the gold standard method for measuring cardiac volume and mass.Objective:We aimed to study the effect of transcatheter and surgical closure of secundum ASD on cardiac volumes and systolic functions as well as the fate of tricuspid regurgitation(TR),using CMR analysis.Methods:We prospectively enrolled 30 adult patients with isolated secundum ASD who were referred to ASD closure.CMR evaluation of cardiac chambers indexed volumes,systolic function,myocardial mass index,and tricuspid regurgitant fraction were done at before and 6 months after closure.Results:RV volumes decreased in both groups when compared to baseline(p-value 0.001),the device group had more reduction in volumes and more improvement in RV function after closure(p-value 0.001)when compared to the surgical arm.The changes in the RV mass index were insignificant between both groups(p-value 0.31).Functional TR improved to the same extent in both groups.Left ventricular end diastolic volume index(LVEDVI)and LV mass index increased sig-nificantly in both groups when compared to baseline in both groups but with no difference between groups p-value 0.01),left ventricular end systolic volume index(LVESVI)changes were insignificant.LV systolic function improved in patients who underwent device closure only(63.53±3.85 vs.67.13±4.34,p-value 0.01).There was a significant reduction in right atrial(RA)volumes and an insignificant decrease in left atrial(LA)volumes,with no difference between groups.Conclusion:Transcatheter and surgical secundum ASD closure resulted in volumetric changes in some cardiac chambers with better improvement in bi-ventricular systolic function in the transcatheter arm and no difference in the TR reduction between the two groups at 6 months follow-up by CMR.

Importance of concomitant functional mitral regurgitation on survival in severe aortic stenosis patients undergoing aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND Mitral regurgitation(MR)is commonly seen in patients with severe aortic stenosis(AS)undergoing aortic valve replacement(AVR).But the long-term implications of MR in AS are unknown.AIM To investigate MR’s impact on survival of patients undergoing surgical AVR for severe AS.METHODS Of the 740 consecutive patients with severe AS evaluated between 1993 and 2003,287 underwent AVR forming the study cohort.They were followed up to death or till the end of 2019.Chart reviews were performed for clinical,echocardiographic,and therapeutic data.MR was graded on a 1-4 scale.Mortality data was obtained from chart review and the Social Security Death Index.Survival was analyzed as a function of degree of MR.RESULTS The mean age of the severe AS patients who had AVR(n=287)was 72±13 years,46%women.Over up to 26 years of follow up,there were 201(70%)deaths,giving deep insights into the determinants of survival of severe AS who had AVR.The 5,10 and 20 years survival rates were 75%,45%and 25%respectively.Presence of MR was associated with higher mortality in a graded fashion(P=0.0003).MR was significantly associated with lower left ventricular(LV)ejection fraction and larger LV size.Impact of MR on mortality was partially mediated through lower LV ejection fraction and larger LV size.By Cox regression,MR,lower ejection fraction(EF)and larger LV end-systolic dimension were independent predictors of higher mortality(χ^(2)=33.2).CONCLUSION Presence of greater than 2+MR in patients with severe AS is independently associated with reduced survival in surgically managed patients,an effect incremental to reduced EF and larger LV size.We suggest that aortic valve intervention should be considered in severe AS patients when>2+MR occurs irrespective of EF or symptoms.

Outcomes of Transcatheter Closure in Outlet-Type Ventricular Septal Defect after 1 Year

Background:Ventricular septal defect(VSD)is the most common congenital heart disease.Transcatheter VSD closure is an effective treatment for patients with muscular and perimembranous VSD.However,there is a limit data for outlet VSD,especially impact to the aortic valve leaflet after transcatheter closure.This study aims to assess the outcomes of transcatheter closure of the outlet-type ventricular septal defect(OVSD)after 1 postoperative year.Methods:A retrospective study was performed including 50 patients who underwent transcatheter(n=25)and surgical(n=25)OVSD closure during the exact time frame at two medical centres.Results:The median age and body weight of patients in the transcatheter group were significantly higher than those of patients in the surgical group(7.0 vs.2.8 years;27.0 vs.11.4 kg;p<0.01).The defect size in the surgical group was significantly larger than that in the transcatheter group(5.0 vs.3.0 mm;p<0.01).All OVSD patients have successful transcatheter closure(100%)as effective as surgical closure.Less than small residual shunt was present 20%and 8%immediately after the procedure in the transcatheter and surgical groups(p=0.50),which decreased to 12%and 4%at the 1-year follow-up(p=0.61),respectively.No incidence of complete atrioventricular block and other complications was observed in both groups,and no significant differences were noted in the new onset or worsening of the aortic regurgitation in both groups(p=1.0).Conclusions:Transcatheter treatment could be effectively and safely achieved for OVSD closure at 1-year follow-up.

Outcomes of Self-Expanding Transcatheter Pulmonary Valves:Extended Follow-Up of a Prospective Trial

Background:The Venus-P valve was the first self-expanding valve used world-wide for transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement(TPVR)in patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation(PR).We intended to report the extended follow-up results from the prospective trial(No.NCT02590679).Methods:A total of 38 patients with severe PR(mean age 24.2±13.2)were included.Follow-up data were obtained after implanted at 1,6,and 12 months and yearly after.The frame geometry was assessed on post-implant computer tomography(CT)scanning by calculating the non-circularity[circularity ratio(minimum diameter/maximum diameter)<0.9]and under-expansion[expansion ratio(derived external valve area/nominal external valve area)<0.9).Adverse events(all-cause mortality,reintervention,valve dysfunction,stent fracture and endocarditis)were recorded.Results:All valves were implanted successfully with normal function at discharge.Geometric CT analysis showed underexpanded valve was detected in 22 patients(63%)and non-circular valve was seen in 16 patients(46%).During a median follow-up of 4.8 years(range 0.3-8.1),there were 1 death and 1 surgical explant,both resulting from endocarditis.Five-year freedom from valve dysfunction and stent fracture were 84.8%(95%CI 74.8-94.7)and 83.5%(95%CI 73.8-93.2).Endocarditis occurred in 3 patients at a median time of 7 months.Stent fracture was more common in patients with non-circularity stents.Conclusion:TPVR using Venus-P valve is associated with favorable outcomes at 5 years.Non-circular shapes in the valve level may have a higher risk of stent fracture.

Isolated Tricuspid Valve Repair and Right Atrial Plication Performed Using a Beating-Heart Technique for Atrial Functional Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation

Background: Isolated tricuspid valve disease remains a controversial indication for surgical intervention. Many patients referred for surgery already have a poor clinical condition and an advanced New York Heart Association functional class. There is no consensus on the optimal surgical technique for this condition, including on whether to perform the procedure on a beating or an arrested heart and whether to perform valve repair or replacement. Methods: We analyzed four case series between 2015 and 2022 in which patients with secondary tricuspid regurgitation (TR) underwent valve repair on a beating heart and right atrial plication for a dilated right atrium. The TRI-SCORE was calculated for each patient. Results: All patients experienced a favorable postoperative course with significant improvements in heart failure symptoms. TR was markedly reduced;however, in one patient with concomitant mitral regurgitation (MR) and a high TRI-SCORE, MR worsened postoperatively. This patient later died from unknown causes due to multiple comorbidities in the late phase. Conclusions: Tricuspid valve repair on a beating heart was effective for improving the cardiac function, and the TRI-SCORE proved useful as a preoperative risk assessment tool. The underlying mechanism by which TR exacerbates MR requires further investigation.

负压技术在静脉留置针穿刺困难患者中的应用

目的提高静脉留置针穿刺困难者的一次穿刺成功率。方法将200例需行静脉留置针穿刺的患者随机分为对照组和观察组,各100例。对照组按常规穿刺,观察组采用负压技术穿刺,即将容量为2ml的吸球和三通接头接上留置针,使之穿刺时形成负压,再行穿刺。结果两组静脉穿刺回血率、一次成功率比较,差异有显著性意义(χ2=18.32、27.56,均P<0.01);留置针保留时间比较,差异无显著性意义(P>0.05);两组颈外静脉、大隐静脉穿刺回血率、一次穿刺成功率比较,差异有显著性意义(χ2=18.26、18.26、5.00、5.00,P<0.01或P<0.05);两组股静脉一次穿刺成功率比较,差异有显著性意义(P<0.01)。结论负压技术可提高留置针穿刺回血率和一次穿刺成功率。

The Correlation of NT-Pro BNP with Echocardiographic Indices Including 3D Vena Contracta Width in the Assessment of Severity of Mitral Regurgitation

Introduction: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common valvular disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality. The use of multiple echocardiographic indices and hormonal parameters in combination can provide an accurate assessment of MR severity and LV dysfunction in most cases. Aim of study: The aim of this study was to correlate the levels of serum NT-pro BNP with various echocardiographic parameters including 3D vena contracta width in patients with MR. Methods: 74 Patients diagnosed with primary mitral regurgitation in sinus rhythm with no conduction disturbance were included in the study. 2D and Doppler echocardiography indices were calculated. A full-volume 3D color Doppler acquisition was obtained and 3D vena contracta width was calculated and serum BNP levels were obtained. Results: NT-pro BNP levels were increased with symptoms in patients with mitral regurgitation (NYHAI: 4.48 ± 0.06, NYHAII: 5.54 ± 0.78, NYHAIII: 6.68 ± 1.21 pg/ml, p 0.01). NT-pro BNP plasma levels were significantly correlated with MPI (r = 0.945, p 0.01), LVESV (r = 0.706, p 0.01), LVESVI (r = 0.677, p 0.01), LAVI (r = 0.709, p 0.01), MR 2D VC (r = 0.430, p 0.01), 3D VC (r = 0.441, p 0.01), PISA (r = 0.440, p 0.01) and negative correlation with LV ejection fraction (r = 0.846, p 0.01), dp/dt (r = 0.795, p BNP plasma level and LA jet area ratio (P = 0.33). It was observed that there was a significant correlation between 3D VC and PISA levels in patients of mitral regurgitation. However correlation is better in MR with central jet compared to eccentric jet in moderate and severe MR (r = 0.807, 0.817 vs r = 0.617, 0.572). Conclusion: This study showed that NT-pro BNP measurement has the same sensitivity and specificity as echocardiographic indices. Three-dimensional VCA may provide a reliable measurement of ROA, independent of geometric and flow assumptions.

Transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect in patients with aortic valve prolapse and mild aortic regurgitation:feasibility and preliminary outcome

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility,safety and efficacy of transcathcter closure of ventricular septal defect(VSD)in patients with aortic valve prolapse(AVP)and mild aortic regurgitation(AR).Methods:Between January 2008 and July 2014,transcatheter closure of VSD was attempted in 65 patients.Results:The total intermediate closure successful rate in all subjects was 96.9%.During the perioperative period,no death,major bleeding,pericardial tamponade,occluder dislodgement,residual shunt or hemolysis occurred.Two procedures had been forced to suspend due to significant aggregation of device related aortic regurgitation,three cases of transient complete left bundle branch block occurred but did not sustain.At 1-year followup,no patients had residual shunts and complications.Furthermore,grade of residual AR were relieved in 61.9%(39/63)cases and degree of AVP were ameliorated in 36.5%(23/63)patients;Conclusions:Transcatheter closure VSD in selected patients with AVP and mild AR is technically feasible and highly effective.Long term safety and efficacy needs to be assessed.

Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in a country with a high occurrence of Helicobacter pylori

AIM To evaluate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) with additional symptoms, relationship with Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) of this country-wide study.METHODS Data from 3214 adults were obtained with validated questionnaire. Eight hundred and forty-one subjects were randomized to be tested for H. pylori via the urea breath test. "Frequent symptoms" were defined heartburn and/or regurgitation occurring at least weekly.RESULTS The prevalence of GERD was 22.8%, frequent and occasional heartburn were 9.3%-12.7%, regurgitation were 16.6%-18.7%, respectively. Body mass index(BMI) ≤ 18.5 showed a prevalence of 15%, BMI > 30 was 28.5%. The GERD prevalence was higher in women(26.2%) than men(18.9%)(P < 0001). Overall prevalence of H. pylori was 75.7%. The prevalence was 77.1% in subjects without symptoms vs 71.4% in subjects with GERD(χ~2 = 2.6, P = 0.27). Underprivileged with the lowest income people exhibit a higher risk.CONCLUSION GERD is common in Turkey which reflects both Western and Eastern lifestyles with high rate of H. pylori. The presence of H. pylori had no effect on either the prevalence or the symptom profile of GERD. Subjects showing classical symptoms occasionally exhibit more additional symptoms compared with those without classical symptoms.

Family case of achalasia cardia: Case report and review of literature

Achalasia cardia is an idiopathic disease that occurs as a result of inflammation and degeneration of myenteric plexi leading to the loss of postganglionic inhibitory neurons required for relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and peristalsis of the esophagus.The main symptoms of achalasia are dysphagia,regurgitation,chest pain and weight loss.At present,there are three main hypotheses regarding etiology of achalasia cardia which are under consideration,these are genetic,infectious and autoimmune.Genetic theory is one of the most widely discussed.Case report given below represents an inheritable case of achalasia cardia which was not diagnosed for a long time in an 81-year-old woman and her 58-year-old daughter.

Clinical features and treatment options for mitral regurgitation in elderly inpatients

Objective To summarize clinical characteristics and treatment strategy of Chinese elderly mitral regurgitation （MR） inpatients under the current guidelines, and to identify factors related to treatment options in them. Methods A single center retrospective study was conducted in which patients hospitalized in Fuwai hospital from May ist of 2014 to April 30 of 2015 with moderate to severe MR assessed by transthoraeic echocardiography were enrolled consecutively （n = 1741）. Patients 〉 60 years old were grouped as elderly group （n = 680） and patients 〈 60 years were grouped as control group （n = 1061）. The elderly group was categorized into two subgroups based on surgical status. Results The mean age of the elderly group was 66.98 i 5.94 years. The most common reason of MR in elderly group was degenerative MR （41.18%）. Atherosclerotic risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes or hyperlipidaemia were more commonly observed in elderly group than the control group （45.44% vs. 25.17%, P 〈 0.001; 19.56% vs. 8.48%, P 〈 0.001; 35.29% vs. 19.51%, P 〈 0.001）. Elderly group had higher Enroscore Ⅱ score （5.54 ± 2.42 vs. 3.15 ± 1.66）, greater left ventricular end diastolic diameter （LVEDD） （57.72±12.3 vs. 57.33 ± 10.19 ram） and a lower surgery rate （54.71% vs. 63.91%）; P 〈 0.05. Age, left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）, regurgitation grade, Eu- roScore-Ⅱ high risk stratification and having diabetes were identified as factors associated with therapy decisions in elderly MR patients. Conclusions Valve surgery was denied in 45.29% of elderly MR inpatients. Older age, impaired LVEF, lower regurgitation grade, Euro- Score-Ⅱ high risk stratification, and having diabetes were factors most significantly associated with surgery denial among elderly Chinese inpatients with MR.

Clinically unrecognized mitral regurgitation is prevalent in lone atrial fibrillation

AIM:To investigate the prevalence of clinically unrecognized mitral regurgitation(MR) in lone atrial fibrillation(AF).METHODS:We studied the prevalence and severity of MR by transesophageal echocardiography(TEE) in patients with "lone" AF as compared to a matched cohort of patients in normal sinus rhythm(NSR) undergoing TEE for other indications besides recognized valvular heart disease.RESULTS:A total of 157 subjects(57 in the AF group and 100 in the NSR group) with structurally normal cardiac valves were included in the study.In the AF group,moderate MR or more was noted in 66% of thepatients,mild MR in 18%,trace or no MR in 16%.In the control group,moderate MR was noted in 6% of patients,mild MR 31%,trace or no MR in 63 % of patients.Moderate MR or greater was significantly more prevalent in the AF group compared to the NSR group(66% vs 6%,P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION:Clinically unrecognized moderate MR is prevalent in "lone" AF-either as an etiologic factor leading to "lone" AF or developing after onset of AF.

Chronic ischemic mitral valve regurgitation and surgical perspectives

Chronic ischemic mitral valve regurgitation is a result of disturbed left ventricular geometry secondary to myocardial ischemia in the absence of intrinsic mitral valve pathology. It is a common complication after myocardial infarction, and patients who have ischemic mitral regurgitation(IMR) have a worse prognosis compared to patients who have ischemic heart disease alone, and this is directly related to the severity of IMR. Medical therapy has limited efficacy, and surgical options including various repair techniques and valve replacement had been tried with variable success. Still there is intense debate among surgeons whether to interfere with moderate degree IMR at the time of coronary artery revascularization.

Mechanical dyssynchrony and deformation imaging in patients with functional mitral regurgitation

Chronic functional mitral regurgitation(FMR) is a frequent finding of ischemic heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM), associated with unfavourable prognosis. Several pathophysiologic mechanisms are involved in FMR, such as annular dilatation and dysfunction, left ventricle(LV) remodeling, dysfunction and dyssynchrony, papillary muscles displacement and dyssynchrony. The best therapeutic choice for FMR is still debated. When optimal medical treatment has already been set, a further option for cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT) and/or surgical correction should be considered. CRT is able to contrast most of the pathophysiologic determinants of FMR by minimizing LV dyssynchrony through different mechanisms: Increasing closing forces, reducing tethering forces, reshaping annular geometry and function, correcting diastolic MR. Deformation imaging in terms of two-dimensional speckle tracking has been validated for LV dyssynchrony assessment. Radial speckle tracking and three-dimensional strain analysis appear to be the best methods to quantify intraventricular delay and to predict CRT-responders. Speckle-tracking echocardiography in patients with mitral valve regurgitation has been usually proposed for the assessment of LV and left atrial function. However it has also revealed a fundamental role of intraventricular dyssynchrony in determining FMR especially in DCM, rather than in ischemic cardiomyopathy in which MR severity seems to be more related to mitral valve deformation indexes. Furthermore speckle tracking allows the assessment of papillary muscle dyssynchrony. Therefore this technique can help to identify optimal candidates to CRT that will probably demonstrate a reduction in FMR degree and thus will experience a better outcome.

Clinical outcomes of tricuspid valve repair accompanying left-sided heart disease

AIM To determine whether the need for additional tricuspid valve repair is an independent risk factor when surgery is required for a left-sided heart disease.METHODS One hundred and eighty patients(68 ± 12 years,79 males) underwent tricuspid annuoplasty.Cox proportionalhazards regression model for multivariate analysis was performed for variables found significant in univariate analyses.RESULTS Tricuspid regurgitation etiology was functional in 154 cases(86%),organic in 16 cases(9%),and mixed in10 cases(6%),respectively.Postoperative mortality at 30 days was 11.7%.Mean follow-up was 51.7 mo with survival at 5 years of 73.5%.Risk factors for mortality were acute endocarditis [hazard ratio(HR) = 9.22(95%CI:2.87-29.62),P < 0.001],ischemic heart disease requiring myocardial revascularization [HR = 2.79(1.26-6.20),P = 0.012],and aortic valve stenosis [HR = 2.6(1.15-5.85),P = 0.021].Significant predictive factors from univariate analyses were double-valve replacement combined with tricuspid annuloplasty [HR = 2.21(1.11-4.39),P = 0.003] and preoperatively impaired ejection fraction [HR = 1.98(1.04-3.92),P = 0.044].However,successful mitral valve repair showed a protective effect [HR = 0.32(0.10-0.98),P = 0.046].Additionally,in instances where tricuspid regurgitation required the need for concomitant tricuspid valve repair,mortality predictor scores such as Euroscore 2 could be shortened to a simple Euroscore-tricuspid comprised of only 7 inputs.The explanation may lie in the fact that significant tricuspid regurgitation following leftsided heart disease represents an independent risk factor encompassing several other factors such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and dyspnea.CONCLUSION Tricuspid annuloplasty should be used more often as a concomitant procedure in the presence of relevant tricuspid regurgitation,although it usually reveals an overly delayed correction of a left-sided heart disease.

Clinical study of transcatheter occlusion in treating ventricular septal defect combined with right coronary cusp bulge

Background: Perimembranous ventricular septal defect combined with right coronary cusp bulge generally should be treated with surgical thoracotomy, owing to the potential aortic regurgitation. However, the minimally invasive method of transcatheter closure has always attracted the attention of cardiologists and patients. The present study aimed to apply transcatheter occlusion in treating ventricular septal defect with right coronary cusp bulge and further evaluate the clinical effect through follow-up. Materials and methods: A total of 40 children diagnosed as having a ventricular septal defect with right coronary cusp bulge, examined using transthoracic echocardiography and cardiovascular angiography, were enrolled in this study. The ventricular septal defects were closed by placing occluders through transcatheter occlusion treatment. During the operation process, the children underwent angiography and transthoracic echocardiography examinations to check the position of the occlude and the extent of aortic regurgitation. The influence of occlusion on the conduction system was evaluated using a surface electrocardiogram. The children were followed up after their procedures. Results: All 40 patients were immediately and successfully occluded. Three patients with filament residual shunts were observed during the operations. No major surgical complications occurred during the perioperative period. During the follow-up period, the positions of all the occluders were good, the residual shunts in the three patients disappeared, and no new or aggravated aortic regurgitation occurred. Electrocardiogram did not reveal any atrioventricular blocks. Only one patient suffered from an incomplete right bundle branch block. Conclusions: Children diagnosed with ventricular septal defect combined with right coronary cusp bulge could be considered for transcatheter occlusion. With appropriate indications and methods, the effect may be favorable.

Real-time Three-Dimensional Color Doppler Flow Imaging： An Improved Technique for Quantitative Analysis of Aortic Regurgitation

The recently introduced real-time three-dimensional color Doppler flow imaging （RT-3D CDFI） technique provides a quick and accurate calculation of regurgitant jet volume （RJV） and fraction. In order to evaluate RT-3D CDFI in the noninvasive assessment of aortic RJV and regurgitant jet fraction （RJF） in patients with isolated aortic regurgitation, real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic studies were performed on 23 patients with isolated aortic regurgitation to obtain LV end-diastolic volumes （LVEDV）, end-systolic volumes （LVESV） and RJV, and then RJF could be calculated. The regurgitant volume （RV） and regurgitant fraction （RF） calculated by two-dimensional pulsed Doppler （2D-PD） method served as reference values. The results showed that aortic RJV measured by the RT-3D CDFI method showed a good correlation with the 2D-PD measurements （r= 0.93, Y=0.89X＋ 3.9, SEE= 8.6 mL, P〈0.001 ）; the mean （SD） difference between the two methods was - 1.5 （9.8） mL. % RJF estimated by the RT-3D CDFI method was also correlated well with the values obtained by the 2D-PD method （r=0.88, Y=0.71X＋ 14.8, SEE= 6.4 %, P〈0. 001）; the mean （SD） difference between the two methods was -1.2 （7.9） %. It was suggested that the newly developed RT-3D CDFI technique was feasible in the majority of patients. In patients with eccentric aortic regurgitation, this new modality provides additional information to that obtained from the two-dimensional examination, which overcomes the inherent limitations of two-dimensional echocardiography by depicting the full extent of the jet trajectory. In addition, the RT-3D CDFI method is quick and accurate in calculating RJV and RJF.

Safety of an improved patent ductus arteriosus occluder for transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects with abnormally attached tricuspid chordae tendineae

BACKGROUND The off-label use of various devices has been reported for the transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects(PmVSD) because of serious complications, such as heart block and tricuspid regurgitation(TR),associated with conventional ventricular septal defect devices. However, whether certain defects such as PmVSD with abnormally attached tricuspid are fit for interventional treatment is still disputable.AIM To explore the feasibility and safety of transcatheter closure of PmVSD with abnormally attached tricuspid chordae tendineae using an improved patent ductus arteriosus(PDA) occluder.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 20 patients diagnosed with PmVSD with abnormally attached tricuspid chordae tendineae who underwent interventional treatment using an improved PDA occluder at our center from January 2012 to January 2016. Baseline characteristics and procedural and follow-up data were analyzed.RESULTS All 20 patients achieved procedure success. No heart block occurred during the operation. One patient had a transient complete right bundle branch block within48 h post-procedure and reverted to normal rhythm after intravenous injections of dexamethasone for 3 d. For all 20 patients, no residual shunt was observed by transthoracic echocardiography post-procedure. During the average follow-up period of 2.4 years, no severe TR was observed.CONCLUSION Using of the improved PDA occluder for the transcatheter closure of PmVSD with abnormally attached tricuspid chordae tendineae is a safe and promising treatment option. However, long-term follow-up in a large group of patients is still warranted.

The first four cases of successful NeoChord procedure in Chinese mainland

BACKGROUND:Transapical off-pump NeoChord procedure is a novel minimally invasive surgical repair of degenerative mitral regurgitation(MR).Here,we report the first four cases of NeoChord procedure in patients with mitral valve prolapse in Chinese mainland.METHODS:Four patients,aged 86,84,80 and 60 years,with severe MR due to posterior middle scallop prolapse(P2),underwent transapical off-pump artifi cial chordae implantation on April 9 and 10,2019.The procedure was performed by left mini-thoracotomy under general anaesthesia and guided by 2D and 3D dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography(TEE).RESULTS:Mitral valve repair via NeoChord procedure was successfully performed with implantation of 3 artifi cial chordae in the fi rst patient and 3,2,and 3 artifi cial chordae in the following patients,respectively.Intraoperative TEE and pre-discharge transthoracic echocardiography(TTE)showed only mild to moderate MR of these four patients and no postoperative complications were noted.There were no changes of TTE fi nding between one-month follow-up and pre-discharge.CONCLUSION:The successful NeoChord procedures in four Chinese indicate that the valve repair using the NeoChord system for Chinese population is feasible.