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Biomedical subjects

B Rigler

Publications and source records attributed to B Rigler.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Successful palliation of the "absent" pulmonary valve syndrome by banding of the pulmonary trunk.

The "absent" pulmonary valve syndrome is associated with aneurysmal dilatation of the pulmonary trunk, stenosis of the ventriculo-arterial junction with or without malalignment of the outlet septum, and ventricular septal defect. When the outlet septum is malaligned, the morphology resembles that of tetralogy of Fallot. We report our experience with 4 infants with this syndrome. All were in severe respiratory distress and cardiac failure when first seen. Cardiac catheterization was performed at 0.5-4.5 months of age in 3 of them. In the other, the clinical and echocardiographic features were considered sufficient to establish the diagnosis. Banding of the pulmonary trunk was carried out at the age of 2.5-5 months. The distal pulmonary arterial pressure in 3 cases dropped to 12-19 mm Hg. These patients could be extubated within one week postoperatively. Their course 1-3 years later is excellent, with rare episodes of mild respiratory problems only and markedly diminished pulmonary insufficiency. One child, weighing 3250 g at surgery, whose pulmonary arterial pressure did not drop below 29 mm Hg, could not be weaned off the respirator. Corrective surgery was undertaken 17 days later, but the patient died of respiratory complications. Based on clinical and Doppler sonographic findings, on control catheterization data and on haemodynamic findings in 3 surviving infants and two further patients with an uneventful course who, as yet, have not undergone surgery, we conclude that the beneficial effect of banding is the combined result of reduced pulmonary arterial pressure and decreased pulmonic regurgitation.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1989

[10 years' experience with heart surgery in Jehovah's witnesses].

UNLABELLED: As a result of their interpretation of the Bible, members of Jehovah's Witnesses do not accept blood transfusions under any circumstances. Consequently, they present moral and ethical problems to surgeons and anesthetists, especially in cardiac surgery. PATIENTS and METHODS. From November 1978 to November 1988, 66 members Jehovah's Witnesses were scheduled for cardiac surgery; 57 patients were operated upon (mean age 33.3 years, 14 days to 70.4 years; mean body weight 51 kg, 0.7 to 95.5 kg); 21 were younger than 14 years. Patients with hematocrit (Hct) less than 35%, expected high intra- and postoperative blood loss, compromised left ventricular function, ST-segment alterations, critical aortic stenosis, severe unstable angina pectoris, complex heart defects, especially in children, extreme body weight, severe diabetes, renal insufficiency, coagulopathies, severe pulmonary disease, and heavy smokers were excluded from operation. Whereas in nonbypass patients no special blood-saving techniques were used, in bypass patients a modified version of isovolemic hemodilution, with a hypothermic, bloodless priming technique of extracorporeal circulation (ECC) was performed after induction of anesthesia. At the end of the ECC all blood collected in the pericardial and pleural cavities was returned to the oxygenator and the entire content of the extracorporeal circuit was infused into the patient through the aortic cannula. All patients receiving ECC were ventilated for 24 h postoperatively and received dopamine (2-5 micrograms/kg) and antibiotics routinely. RESULTS: Due to the above mentioned contraindications, 9 patients were not accepted for surgery, 10 were operated upon without cardiopulmonary bypass or blood-saving techniques. In 47 patients open heart surgery with ECC and moderate or deep hypothermia was performed. In the adult patients (n = 36) Hct values decreased from 44.4% (35-70%) preoperatively to 32.1% (21-46%) after hemodilution, reached their lowest levels during cardiopulmonary bypass at 17.9% (9.9-43%), and increased to 33.7% (22%-43%) at the end of the operation. Hct averaged 28.2% (20%-39%) on the 3rd and 33.2% (23%-46%) on the 12th postoperative day. In children (n = 11) Hct decreased from 47.2% (36.9%-70%) to 33.6% (27.2%-49.1%) after hemodilution, during bypass to 16.1% (10.5%-25.5%) and increased to 32.1% (24.4%-37.4%) at the end of the operation. On the 3rd postoperative day Hct was 25% (21.4%-39%) and increased to 29.4% (25.1%-40%) on the 12th postoperative day. No statistical differences in Hct values were found between both groups. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

[Interventions on the heart and large vessels without prior heart catheterization].

Between May 1983 and May 1987, 161 children of all age groups underwent surgery for congenital cardiac malformations without prior cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography. Their diagnoses were established by clinical investigation, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray and cross-sectional echocardiography only in all cases. The most common surgical procedures were ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus (n = 68), correction of aortic coarctation (n = 28), balloon atrial septostomy (n = 27), and closure of an atrial septal defect (n = 23). To prove the efficiency and accuracy of this method all patients with cardiac malformations surgically treated over the same time period, of the same age groups and with the same diagnoses, who had undergone routine preoperative cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography, were reviewed with regard to the attained results, which were compared with those of the non-invasive group. No patient in either group died postoperatively due to an incorrect or incomplete preoperative diagnosis. There were problems in the group diagnosed by echocardiography only in assessing the permeability of the tricuspid valve in cases of pulmonary atresia with a hypoplastic right ventricle and in assessing the operability of patients with a complete aterioventricular canal. A large group of congenital cardiac malformations can, however, be safely operated on the basis of non-invasive preoperative diagnoses only.

Cardiac Catheterization↗
PubMed1986

Development of aortic aneurysms in familial supravalvar aortic stenosis.

In a male patient with supravalvar aortic stenosis (SAS) and peripheral pulmonary arterial stenoses, aortic aneurysms developed between his first and fourth years of life. He died five days after correction of SAS and resection of aneurysms. Histologic examination revealed disarrangement as well as severe degeneration of elastic fibers in the aortic wall. This tissue defect is probably inherited through an autosomal dominant mechanism. It may lead to aneurysm formation. Only one case of SAS with aortic aneurysm has been previously reported.

Aortic Aneurysm↗
PubMed1985

[Results of emergency aortocoronary bypass surgery in patients with acute myocardial ischemia after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty].

From April 1980 to June 1985 7.3% (15) of 205 PTCA-treated patients required emergency operations. The spectrum of PTCA-induced ischemia included anginal pain alone (2/1, 13%) or transmural infarction (13/15, 87%) with hypotension (8/15), cardiac arrest (4/15), and severe cardiogenic shock (3/15, 20%). 14 patients underwent saphenous-vein-bypass-graft operation (ACBG) with a mean of 1.7 grafts performed per patient. The average time from onset of symptoms to completed revascularisation was 166.5 (110 to 290) minutes. Inspite of the use of IABP one hospital death (6.6%) occurred prior to the institution of ECC in a patient with previous ACBG surgery. No late death was observed during a mean follow up of 11.1 (1 to 33) months with 13/14 patients free of anginal symptoms. Retrospective assessment of postoperative serum enzyme levels of CPK and CK-MB showed evidence of myocardial infarctions in 7/14 (50%) patient. The incidence on ECG of Q-wave infarctions was 35,7% (5/14). With the exception of one patient, IABP was not used pre- or postoperatively. In patients with acute myocardial ischemia following PTCA-attempts immediate restoration of myocardial blood flow can stabilize left ventricular function and reduce the incidence and size of myocardial infarctions. The availability of emergency ACBG-surgery and facilities remain an important prerequisite of PTCA-programs due to the unpredictable natural course of PTCA-induced myocardial ischemia.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Surgical treatment of the isolated form of interrupted aortic arch].

We report on a 14-years old boy with isolated interruption of the aortic arch (type B). By the use of extracorporal circulation complete relief could be achieved by interposing a large Dacron tube. Follow up restudy demonstrated a normotensive patient without residual gradient of the systemic blood pressure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

[Initial clinical experiences with the fibrin adhesive Beriplast in heart surgery].

Fibrin glue Beriplast was used during cardiovascular surgery in 97 patients. The fibrin seal was used for hemostasis on anastomoses, patches and suture lines. Moreover, the glue was applied for epicardial fixation of aorto-coronary vein grafts to prevent postoperative graft kinking. Following extrapleural ligation of patent duct in premature infants, the parietal pleura was fastened to the thoracic wall to prevent extrapleural pneumothorax or hemorrhage. After accidental dissection of the thoracic duct in infants, leakage of chyle could be sealed successfully in 6 cases. Hemorrhage from the sealed surfaces of suture lines was not observed. Viral hepatitis occurred postoperatively in 2 patients (3% of the operations for acquired heart disease), both of whom had also received clotting factor concentrate and blood transfusion because of postoperative hemorrhage not related to fibrin sealed surfaces. A causal relation between the hepatitis and application of the pasteurized fibrin glue seems very unlikely. Although fibrin glue certainly cannot replace the surgical suture, it appears to be a valuable aid under special conditions.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

[Aortic valve replacement in cardioplegic heart arrest].

The St. Thomas cardioplegic solution was introduced in our clinic in January, 1980. Before, aortic valve replacements were carried out using cold ischaemic cardiac arrest as myocardial preservation technique. In 62 aortic valve replacements performed since January 1980, there was no hospital mortality. Moreover, there were fewer intraoperative and postoperative complications. Intraoperative serum potassium was not essentially elevated after cardioplegic perfusion of the heart, although most of the cardioplegic effluate passed into the extracorporeal circulation. Postoperative serum-creatinphosphokinase levels were significantly higher after cold ischaemic arrest than after cardioplegia.

Aortic Valve↗
PubMed1983

Treatment of postsurgical chylothorax with fibrin glue.

The treatment of postsurgical chylothorax with fibrin glue is reported. Chylothorax developed in a 3 1/2-month-old infant 2 days after extrapleural ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus. At rethoracotomy the chyle leak could not be located. To stop chyle effusion, the region of the presumed leakage was sealed with fibrin glue and a pleural flap. It is suggested that early reoperation and closure of the chyle leak with fibrin adhesive should be considered in cases of postsurgical chylothorax in infants.

Chylothorax↗
PubMed1983

[Shunt malfunction due to a Blalock-Taussig anastomosis of the pulmonary vein].

In two of 81 patients in whom a Blalock-Taussig shunt was created due to pulmonary atresia, the anastomosis was inadvertently placed on the pulmonary vein. The first case was a newborn with mirror-image dextrocardia, pulmonary valve atresia and a high ventricular septal defect. Subsequent to a Rashkind maneuver and treatment with prostaglandins, at the age of eleven days the shunt procedure was performed. Right sided pulmonary edema developed twelve hours after surgery and the infant died on the second postoperative day. Anastomosis of the shunt to the right pulmonary vein was revealed at autopsy. The second case was a six year-old boy admitted for corrective surgery with pulmonary valve atresia, main pulmonary artery atresia, large ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus. Because of additional systemic-pulmonary collaterals, the larger collaterals were ligated and the Blalock-Taussig shunt was carried out using a Goretex prosthesis. Nine months postoperatively, at follow-up cardiac catheterization, the ill-directed shunt was diagnosed and subsequently revised. The onset of ipsilateral pulmonary edema and increasing signs of congestive heart failure after surgical creation of a Blalock-Taussig shunt as well as the persistence of lowered oxygen partial pressure, cyanosis and poor general health, should alert the attending physician to rule out the rare complication of anastomosis to the pulmonary vein.

Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical↗
PubMed1982

[Role of the pericardium in acute volume overload].

The function of the pericardium in acute volume overloading may be defined as protection against ventriculo-atrial regurgitation at high filling pressures, limiting transmural pressures and, therefore, protecting against ventricular distension as well as supporting the filling of the ventricles by suction in the systolic contraction. Thus, it may be important to close the open pericardium carefully after open heart surgery. Pericardial drainage should prevent cardiac tamponade.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

[Clinical experience in a case of orthotopic liver transplantation by use of an atypical caval vein anastomosis (author's transl)].

The two main indications for liver grafting are primary malignancy and parenchymatous liver disease. In both cases orthotopic transplantation remains the preferred technique. Since graft rejection was considered not to be the main problem in clinical liver transplantation, recent improved survival rates were reported to be due to a more aggressive diagnostic management and consequent treatment of postoperative complications nonrelated to graft rejection. Because of the limited number of organs available for organ grafting sometimes technical modifications may become necessary. This was the case in a 40-year old male patient suffering from primary malignant hepatoma. The donor was a child, and during operation a great difference between organ size and length and diameter of the hepatic vessels became evident. Orthotopic transplantation was performed using an unusual method of caval vein anastomosis. Initially the patient did very well, but later on liver function deteriorated and the patient died in the eighth postoperative week because of hepatic artery thrombosis. The autopsy showed that all other vascular anastomosis were patent and no signs of portal hypertension were evident. The surgical technique used in this case is described in detail and some interesting aspects are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

[Surgical treatment of congenital heart disease in infants without use of extracorporeal circulation (author's transl)].

Between 1970 and 1978 135 infants with congenital malformations underwent operations due to congestive heart failure, progressive pulmonary hypertension, and severe cyanosis. Of them, 63% were acyanotic; 68% of all operations became necessary during the first 6 months of life. The late mortality rate was 5% and the hospital mortality rate 17%. A remarkably higher operative risk was found during the first 6 months of life. Ligation of patent ductus arteriosus as the most common lesion was done with a mortality rate of 2.5% which is comparable to the risk of late repair in childhood. Pulmonary artery banding could be performed in all acyanotic malformations with a mortality rate of 17% and of 12.5% in isolated VSD (including debanding and VSD closure in several cases). Coarctation of the aorta was corrected with a overall mortality rate of 26%. Because of a recurrence rate of 20%, the authors think that operations are only indicated in symptomatic cases of coarctation. In complex cyanotic malformations, a higher operative risk was observed in both pulmonary artery banding (38%) and shunt operations (44%). If surgical treatment is necessary, the earlier, the better.

Age Factors↗