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Biomedical subjects

H Vanermen

Publications and source records attributed to H Vanermen.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Hemodynamic performance of the PRIMA Edwards stentless aortic xenograft: early results of a multicenter clinical trial.

Between June 1991 and July 1993, 200 PRIMA Edwards stentless aortic bioprostheses were implanted in 4 European centres. Mean age of the group was 68.5 years (S.D. 8.0). The subcoronary implantation technique was used in 161 patients, the inclusion cylinder technique in 39 patients. Valve diameters ranged from 19 mm to 29 mm. Transthoracic Doppler echocardiographic studies were performed at discharge, and after 6 months and 12 months; a complete one-year follow-up was obtained. At 12 months peak systolic gradients ranged from 35.2 mmHg (19 mm valve) to 10.9 mmHg (29 mm valve) and effective orifice area ranged from 0.8 cm2 (19 mm valve) to 2.8 cm2 (29 mm valve). 30-day mortality was 3%, 12-month mortality was 5%. Complications were thrombo-embolism in six patients (3%), haemorrhage in three patients (1.5%), endocarditis in two patients (1%), and total AV-block requiring an endocavitary pacemaker in 14 patients (7%). At one year aortic regurgitation was evident in 27% patients but only one patient showed grade III. The stentless xenograft still offers good hemodynamics at one year. Morbidity and mortality are acceptable. Evaluation of the long-term performance of this new type of xenograft will be an important issue in future.

Adult↗

Surgical treatment of thoracic aneurysm: a 5-year experience.

The surgical results of 77 patients with an aneurysm of the thoracic or thoracoabdominal aorta who were surgically treated during a 5-year period were retrospectively evaluated. Eighty-four operations were performed. The aneurysm was located on the ascending aorta in 20 patients, on the arch in nine, and on the arch and ascending aorta in eight. Sixteen aneurysms involved the descending thoracic aorta and 27 were thoracoabdominal. Associated surgery was performed in 12 patients. Deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest were employed in 30 patients. Partial cardiopulmonary bypass was used in 15 patients. Mortality was significantly higher if operation was performed under emergency conditions: the early mortality rate was 11.7%. Aggressive surgical management of untreated aneurysm is justified, as rupture of such lesions is the most common cause of death and associated mortality is high, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 20%.

Adult↗

Free-hand sewn allografts, stentless (Prima Edwards) and stented (CESA) porcine bioprostheses. A comparative hemodynamic study.

In a retrospective, non-randomized study, the clinical and hemodynamic properties of 50 consecutively implanted hand-sewn allografts (group I), 50 stentless bioprostheses (group II) and 50 stented bioprostheses (group III) were compared. Preoperative hemodynamic and clinical data were identical in the three groups, except for age (group I: 54.4 +/- 8.7, group II: 67.0 +/- 5.1, group III: 70.0 +/- 5.1). Peak and mean gradients and flow characteristics with echo Doppler were performed at 1 week, 6 and 12 months. For the 21, 23 and 25 diameter prostheses, group differences between groups II and III in peak and mean gradients were not significant after 1 week and 1 year. In all groups, allografts had significantly lower gradients. Regurgitation (I-II) was present after 1 week and 1 year in group I: in 17/48 and 22/42 patients respectively, in group II 7/49 and 11/44 patients and in group III: in 1/49 and 2/44 patients. Early mortality and morbidity were comparable in all groups. Allografts have superior hemodynamic properties. Differences in gradients in groups II and III were not significant, though differences in technique allowed the implantation of a larger bioprostheses in group II. Regurgitation was most prominent in the allograft group. Immediate postoperative results were not influenced by the type of prosthesis.

Adult↗

Three years surgical and clinical experience with the Ross procedure in adults.

From January 1991 to October 1994, 20 Ross procedures were performed. Mean age was 39.70 +/- 7.72 years, range 26 to 56 years. Male/female ratio was 14/6. Nineteen operations were elective, one was semiurgent. Predominant valvular lesion was stenosis in seven patients, aortic regurgitation in four, mixed disease in eight and prosthetic dysfunction in one patient. Twelve pulmonary autografts were implanted in the subcoronary (SC) position, eight as an intraaortic cylinder (inclusion technique (INCL)). Early mortality (< 30 days postoperative) was one (5.0%), there was no late mortality. Reoperation for valve failure occurred in two patients (10.0%). Additional CABG was performed in two patients (10.0%) for technical reasons. Major ECG changes were detected in five patients (three RBBB, two ischemia). No thromboembolic events were reported. Mean follow up was 21.2 months. Aortic insufficiency (AI) at one year was similar in the SC and INCL group. AI grade I in SC: 60%, in INCL: 60%; AI grade II in SC 10%, in INCL: 20%. At two years AI grade I occurred in 100% of the SC group. At three years AI grade I occurred in 75% of the SC group and AI grade II in 25%. No patients of the INCL group had two- or three-year follow up. At discharge slight pulmonary regurgitation was traced in only three patients and it remained stable during the follow up.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Experience with the Edwards Prima stentless aortic bioprosthesis: a 2-year review.

The Edwards Prima stentless aortic valve is an aortic root cylinder which can be used for sub-coronary implantation, as a complete root, or as an inclusion cylinder. We implanted 68 valves in 68 patients: 66 sub-coronary, one complete root and one inclusion. Fourteen patients underwent concomitant CABG, one patient had a left main coronary plasty. There was one non-valve related early death. Patients have been followed for two to 28 months, mean 19 months. Five late deaths occurred, none valve related. Three patients underwent reintervention for endocarditis, two to 14 months after initial valve replacement; in all cases a root replacement with a homograft was done. Transvalvular gradients were acceptable, and effective valve area data were very good. Data did not change during follow up. Mild regurgitation was present in 25% of the cases at two years. The versatility of the Edwards Prima stentless aortic valve is a useful advantage in complex and unexpected conditions. Early clinical and hemodynamic data are good. Further follow up will be needed to evaluate calcification ratio and progress of aortic insufficiency to assess the real benefit of this new generation bioprosthetic valve.

Aged↗

The implantable cardioverter defibrillator: the end of the thoracotomy approach.

Internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation has become a standard therapy for life-threatening arrhythmias. A simple and safe surgical implantation technique is therefore mandatory in this high risk population. In a 30-month period 86 patients received 87 ICD devices. An endocavitary lead system was used as first choice in 62 patients and defibrillation thresholds (DFT) of 25 joules (J) or less were obtained in 57 patients. A thoracotomy approach was avoided using a biphasic shock wave form in 17 patients and the addition of a subcutaneous (sc) patch in 11 patients or wire array lead in 9 patients. There was one early non-technique related death (1.7%) after the transvenous approach. Reoperation was necessary in three patients with lead complications and in two patients for local device problems (one migration, one infection). With the recent progress in ICD technology, a thoracotomy approach could be avoided for the last 52 patients. For comfort and cosmetic reasons left subcostal insertion of the device has been successfully used in the last 50 patients. We conclude that the nonthoracotomy approach can now be offered to all patients in need for an ICD as a consequence of the technological progress made in the field of electric treatment of malignant ventricular arrhythmias. A stepwise approach with a minimum of implanted hardware and the use of biphasic shock systems now offers a simple and efficient treatment alternative with very low perioperative risk. Internal cardioverter defibrillator implantation in combination with open heart procedures can easily be avoided.

Adolescent↗

Partial mitral valve replacement with a mitral homograft in subacute endocarditis.

In a case of subacute endocarditis, the diseased parts of the mitral valve were replaced by the corresponding parts of a mitral valve homograft. This technique was studied experimentally in animals in the sixties and seventies, but was never performed clinically on a large scale in humans. By preserving a functional papillary muscle and chordae tendinae complex, ventricular function is more efficient than in the case of replacement of the valve by a prosthesis. The absence of any prosthetic material in an infected area also decreases the possibility of reinfection. In performing this type of operation, surgical pit falls such as fistulas at the region of the annulus, dehiscence of papillary muscle, or rupture of the chordae tendinae have to be avoided. Surgeons have to be supplied with high-quality homograft valves of different sizes to obtain optimal hemodynamic results.

Adult↗

Sternitis and mediastinitis after coronary artery bypass grafting. Analysis of risk factors.

As part of a quality control program, we analyzed possible risk factors in the development of sternitis and mediastinitis after coronary artery bypass grafting. From 1 January 1990 through 31 December 1991, 1,368 consecutive coronary artery bypass grafting procedures were performed at our institution, either alone or in combination with other procedures. Twenty-three patients (1.7%) developed sternitis and/or mediastinitis; 7 (30.4%) of these patients died in an early postoperative phase. Univariate analysis revealed the following statistically significant (p < or = 0.05) risk factors: perfusion time, length of stay in operating room of longer than 5 hours 30 minutes, presence at the operation of a certain surgical resident, revision for bleeding, and postoperative mechanical ventilation lasting longer than 72 hours. After multivariate analysis, statistically significant independent risk factors were: diabetes mellitus, recent cigarette-smoking, reoperation, presence of a certain surgical resident at the operation, revision for bleeding, and length of mechanical ventilation of longer than 72 hours. The use of both internal thoracic arteries was not, in this study, shown to be an independent risk factor. We conclude that although the technique of using both internal thoracic arteries for myocardial revascularization carries no extra risk by itself in the development of sternitis or mediastinitis, associated factors such as prolonged stay in the operating room and reoperation could be responsible for a higher frequency of sternitis-mediastinitis in patients who have undergone this procedure. Therefore, it is advisable to use this technique selectively in high-risk patients. Close surveillance and reporting of wound infections is mandatory to detect risk factor related to the surgical staff (such as Staphylococcus aureus dissemination).

Aged↗

Treatment of the infected cardiac suture line.

After combined left ventricular aneurysmectomy and myocardial revascularization, four patients developed infection at the cardiac suture line. The infected cardiac suture line causes a variety of complications including cardiocutaneous fistula, erosion of pulmonary tissue, or pseudoaneurysm. The diagnosis is made by sinogram and left ventricular angiography, which is mandatory in all patients with suspected infection to guide the surgical approach. Once the diagnosis is made, aggressive and prompt surgical treatment is necessary to remove all infected material. A left anterolateral thoracotomy in the fifth or sixth intercostal space is the preferred approach. In the presence of a pseudoaneurysm, femoro-femoral bypass is required to reopen the left ventricle without cross-clamping the aorta. The septic material is removed, left ventricular wall and pericardial fibrous scar are closed, and extensive antibiotic treatment administered. All four patients survived and are free of complications two to three and a half years postoperatively.

Adult↗

An alternative route for sequential venous grafts of the lateral aspect of the heart.

An alternative route, using the oblique pericardial sinus, is described for single and sequential vein grafts of the lateral aspect of the heart. This technique prevents kinking of the graft, reduces the need for excess vein length, and is an elegant way of protecting the graft in case a resternotomy is necessary. When the route was used in 63 patients, no technique-related morbidity or mortality was encountered.

Journal Article↗

Occlusion of internal mammary grafts: a review of the potential causative factors.

The outcome of patient undergoing CABG is largely dependant on the long-term patency of the conduit used. Internal mammary artery (IMA) is considered whenever possible due to its improved long-term functionality over saphenous vein graft. However, a 10% rate of late arterial closure is described without well-known predictors. Chronic competition induced by a moderate coronary lesion on the bypassed native vessel is thought to be a major factor of arterial graft shrinkage even if conflicting data are reported in the available literature. Therefore, the decision to use an IMA to bypass a moderate native coronary lesion should be carefully weighted. When angiography is doubtful, more accurate functional investigations should be considered. Among them, pressure-derived fractional flow reserve could give an immediate answer of whether an intermediate lesion should be bypassed.

Animals↗

Minimally invasive video-assisted mitral valve surgery: from Port-Access towards a totally endoscopic procedure.

UNLABELLED: Right thoracotomy is an alternative to mid-sternotomy for left atrium access. The Port-Access approach is an option that reduces the skin incision and obviates rib spreading. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From February 1997 until November 1999, 121 patients underwent mitral valve surgery through a right antero-lateral thoracotomy using the Heartport cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) system. Mean age was 60 years (31-84). Most patients had normal ejection fractions and were in NYHA Class II or III. Seventy-five patients had valve repair (62%) and 46 (38%) had valve replacement. Pathologies were myxoid (n = 80), rheumatic (n = 30), chronic endocarditis (n = 5), annular dilatation (n = 3), sclerotic (n = 1), ingrowing myxoma (n = 1), and one closure of a paravalvular leak. RESULTS: Two patients had conversion to sternotomy for aortic dissection (one died) with the Endo-Aortic Clamp, and two others for peripheral vascular problems. One patient died at postoperative day 1 after reoperation for failed repair, another with double valve surgery on postoperative day 4 after two revisions for bleeding. Twelve underwent revision for bleeding (10%). Three had prolonged ICU stay for respiratory insufficiency. Two late valve replacements for endocarditis occurred. Echographic control revealed residual insufficiencies (grade 1-2) in two valvular repairs. There were neither paravalvular leaks nor myocardial infarcts. There were no cerebrovascular accidents due to embolic phenomena. Mean ICU and hospital stay were 2.1 and 8.7 days, with a major difference between the first 30 patients and those who followed. CONCLUSION: Port-Access mitral valve surgery can be a valid alternative to conventional sternotomy and seems to be an important improvement in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Adult↗

Endovascular treatment of an acute type B dissection: a case report.

The case of a young man with acute type B dissection is reported. Inserting an endovascular stentgraft was the treatment of choice, with a good short-term result. We do believe that this is a promising strategy in the management of this serious pathology in which the classical surgical treatment is still associated with an important mortality and morbidity.

Acute Disease↗