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Biomedical subjects

I Gandjbakhch

Publications and source records attributed to I Gandjbakhch.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[What's new in mechanical circulatory assistance: from clinical indications to material].

Over the years, mechanical circulatoryassistance has progressively improved with the evolution of the clinical indications and the introduction of new devices. The management of situations of extreme emergency, cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock, drug overdose, acute myocarditis, postoperative cardiac failure and post-transplantation right ventricular failure, may be undertaken with relatively simple systems such as the ECMO, in the catheter laboratory or at the bedside in the intensive care unit. These systems enable stabilisation of the circulatory problems in order to pass a difficult situation and then withdraw the assistance when myocardial function has been restored. When this is not possible and there is no contra-indication to cardiac transplantation, patients may benefit from more complex assistance devices as a bridge to transplantation. Many continuous flow pumps have been introduced recently. These small mono, left ventricular, assist devices provide improved patient comfort and suggest wider indications of long duration assist devices.

Heart Failure↗

[Treatment of obstructive aortic atheroma in homozygotic familial hypercholesterolemia].

The object of this report is to describe the surgical treatment of a rare clinical form of homozygotic familial hypercholesterolaemia (HFH) associating valvular and supravalvular stenosis with coronary ostial stenosis. Three patients, two male and one female, aged 15, 23 and 41 respectively, suffering from HFH diagnosed in early childhood, presented with obstacles to left ventricular ejection and myocardial ischaemia due to coronary ostial stenosis. Surgery consisted of corrections in a single procedure of all abnormalities by aortic valve replacement, ascending aortic replacement and widening of the coronary artery ostia which were reimplanted on the aortic tube. The postoperative course of all three patients was favourable. Postoperative echocardiography showed the normal position of the valvular prosthesis, normalisation of the left ventricular ejection fraction with no significant residual obstruction. Angioscan of the coronary arteries showed a good result of coronary ostial widening. The authors conclude that HFH is a rare condition and that disease of the ascending aorta is common in this variety with involvement of the aortic valve, the ascending aorta and the coronary ostia. The surgical procedure described by the authors allows correction of all the abnormalities with the hope of a good long-term result.

Adolescent↗

[Pseudo-aneurysms of the ascending aorta in patients previously operated for acute aortic dissection].

Pseudo-aneurysms of the ascending aorta are a rare but serious complication of surgery for acute dissection of the aorta. The diagnostic methods and surgical technique have changed in recent years. The authors report their experience over a period of 20 years. From January 1981 to December 2001, 21 patients underwent reoperation for pseudo-aneurysms of the ascending aorta. The average age was 54.2 +/- 3 years. Diagnosis is no longer based on aortography but on transthoracic or oesophageal multiplane echocardiography, thoracic spiral computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Four patients presented with a recent history of severe pulmonary oedema. The risk associated with reopening the sternum is avoided by current operative techniques. The authors have chosen anterograde perfusion of the cervical arteries by direct canulation for cerebral protection. The operative mortality at one month is high (30%). All patients who had pulmonary oedema or cardiogenic shock in the immediate preoperative period died. There were no neurological complications. Twelve patients survived and one has to undergo a further operation for recurrence of the pseudo-aneurysm. The authors conclude that patients operated for dissection of the aorta must be followed up. It is important to resect as much as possible of the pathological aorta during the initial operation to avoid the risk of pseudo-aneurysm formation, at least in the proximal segment of the ascending aorta.

Aortic Dissection↗

The effect of methylprednisolone treatment on the cardiopulmonary bypass-induced systemic inflammatory response.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with an inflammatory response caused by contact of blood with artificial surfaces of the extracorporeal circuit, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and release of endotoxin. The inflammatory reaction involves activation of complement leucocytes, and endothelial cells with secretion of cytokines, proteases, arachidonic acid metabolites, and generation of oxygen derived free radicals (OFR) by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). Although this inflammatory response to CPB often remains at subclinical levels, it can also lead to major organ dysfunction. A number of studies have demonstrated that treatment of patients with a high-dose (30 mg/kg) of corticosteroids (methylprednisolone) attenuates the CPB-induced SIR and improves the outcome of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. However, large doses of steroids can cause abnormal metabolic responses such as metabolic acidosis and hyperglycemia. In the present study, we examined the efficacy of low doses of methylprednisolone (5 and 10 mg/kg) to attenuate the CPB-induced inflammatory response, during and after heart operations. METHODS: Thirty-six adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery, were randomized into three groups: (1) control group: group A; (2) methylprednisolone, 5 mg/kg body weight: group B; and (3) methylprednisolone, 10 mg/kg body weight: group C. Plasma levels of the cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and TNF-alpha were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, before, during, and after CPB. OFR production was determined by cytofluorometry (FACS) at the same end points. RESULTS: No significant differences in age, body weight, CPB time, and cross-clamp time were observed among the three groups. CPB induced a marked increased in cytokine release and OFR generation. Low-dose of methylprednisolone (5 mg/kg) effectively reduced the increase in TNF-alpha and IL-6 secretion (P<0.05 compared to control group) after release of the cross-clamp. However, OFR generation was significantly reduced with a greater dose of methylprednisolone (10 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that a single low-dose of methylprednisolone (10 mg/kg) reduces the inflammatory reaction during and after CPB, by inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine release and OFR generation after release of the aortic cross-clamp.

Aged↗

Bridge to transplantation with the Jarvik-7 (CardioWest) total artificial heart: a single-center 15-year experience.

BACKGROUND: At our institution, the total artificial heart (TAH) Jarvik-7 (CardioWest) has been used since 1986 as a bridge to transplantation for the most severely ill patients with terminal congestive heart failure. METHODS: Between 1986 and 2001, 127 patients (108 males, mean age 38 +/- 13) were bridged to transplantation with the Jarvik-7 TAH. All were in terminal biventricular failure despite high-dose inotropic support. Nine patients had a body surface area (BSA) of <1.6 m(2). In Group I patients (78%), the etiology of cardiac failure was dilated cardiomyopathy, either idiopathic (n = 60) or ischemic (n = 38). The other 29 patients (Group II) had disease of miscellaneous origin. We analyzed our experience with regard to 3 time periods: 1986 to 1992 (n = 63); 1993 to 1997 (n = 36); and 1998 to 2001 (n = 33). RESULTS: Although Group II patients represented 30% of indications before 1992, they comprised only 15% during the 2 subsequent periods. Duration of support for transplant patients increased dramatically after 1997, reaching 2 months for the most recent period (5 to 271 days). In Group I, the percentage of transplanted patients increased from 43% before 1993 to 55% between 1993 and 1997, and reached 74% thereafter. The major cause of death was multiorgan failure (67%). The clinical thromboembolic event rate was particularly low with no instance of cerebrovascular accident and 2 transient ischemic attacks. Total bleeding complication rate was 26%, including 2 deaths related to intractable hemorrhage and 2 others related to atrial tamponade. The cumulative experience was 3,606 total implant days with only 1 instance of mechanical dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: TAH is a safe and efficient bridge for patients with terminal congestive heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation.

Adolescent↗

[Valvular replacement with the Bicarbon mechanical valve. Results after 7 years in 104 patients].

OBJECTIVE: Study of the medium term results of aortic and mitral valve replacement with the Bicarbon' prosthesis. METHOD: From 1990 to 1996, 109 valves were implanted (70 in aortic position, 31 in mitral position and 4 double replacements). The average age was 61 years and 75% were male. According to the NYHA, 59% of patients were stage III or IV. The average pre-operative ejection fraction was 59.6%. There was re-intervention in 21.1% of patients and 35.3% had an associated procedure during the intervention. RESULTS: The average follow up was 5.4 +/- 1.98 years in 98 patients (that is 522 patient years). One patient died post-operatively and 19 died later. The overall survival at 7 years was 69.4 +/- 6.3%. Complications, expressed in patient years, were 1.15% for thrombo-embolic complications, 2.1% for haemorrhagic complications. 0.38% for endocarditis, 1.72% for non-infectious peri-prosthetic leaks, and 0.76% for re-interventions. At 7 years, the absence of thrombo-embolic, haemorrhagic, endocarditis, and re-intervention complications was 91.8 +/- 4.2%, 85.3 +/- 4.8%, 95.8 +/- 3.2%, 93.8 +/- 3.5% respectively. According to the NYHA, 95% of patients were in stage 1 or II (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Valvular replacement in the aortic or mitral position with the Bicarbon' valve is satisfactory as much in terms of survival as of clinical complications.

Aortic Valve↗

[Totally implantable completely electric artificial heart: "AbioCor"].

The fully implantable complete electric artificial heart "AbioCor" is the ultimate stage in the 3rd generation assistance systems. It has been authorized for clinical use since last year by the Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.). It is an electrohydraulic heart developed by Abiomed. It consists of implanted internal components: the cardiac pump, an internal lithium battery, a controller and an internal coil allowing electrical energy transfer across the skin, and external components: an external coil and external batteries. The one-piece heart includes two ventricular chambers: right and left. All of the surfaces in contact with blood as well as the four three-leaved valves are made of polyurethane. An electro-hydraulic energy converter powers the ventricles. A stroke volume of 60 to 65 ml allows an output of between 4 and 10 L.min-1. Between 2 July 2002 and 4 November 2002, seven males, aged between 51 and 70 years, underwent implantation. They were suffering from ischaemic cardiopathy (6 cases) or idiopathic dilated cardiopathy (1 case). Among the late complications, 3 severe embolic cerebrovascular accidents occurred. Four late deaths occurred.

Aged↗

Cardiac surgery in patients receiving long term hemodialysis. Short and long term results.

AIM: Cardiac surgery carries a high risk in hemodialysis patients and has been questioned for its results; the purpose of this study is to focus on the short and long term results in our institution. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data from 124 hemodialysis patients who underwent cardiac surgery in our unit between January 1980 and December 1998; 14.5% were diabetic; 46% had isolated coronary artery disease (group 1); 29.8% had valvular disease alone (group 2); 14.5% valve and coronary disease (group 3) and 9.6% miscellaneous disease at highest risk (group 4). We analyzed the relationship between several variables (age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, previous myocardial infarction, type of disease, preoperative ejection fraction) and operative mortality (30 days) and late survival. RESULTS: The overall operative mortality was 16.9%. The only risk factor was the type of cardiac disease: operative mortality was higher in groups 3 and 4 combined than in groups 1 and 2 combined (30% versus 12.7%, p=0.07). Ninety-nine patients were followed until January 2002. Late survival rate was 46.6+/-5% at 6 years for all patients, it was significantly better in groups 1 and 2 combined than in groups 3 and 4 combined. The only risk factor for late mortality was arterial hypertension. Fifty-seven patients are still alive, 46 in groups 1 and 2, 11 in groups 3 and 4. Progression of coronary lesions occurred in 6 patients and valvular lesions in 3 patients. The remainder are doing well. CONCLUSION: Cardiac surgery seems to be justified by the severity of the lesions. Its actual results can perhaps, be improved by earlier detection of cardiac disease and better prevention of myocardial hypertrophy and cardiac calcifications.

Age Factors↗

[Importance of transesophageal echocardiography and computed tomography in the differential diagnosis of a case of papillary fibroelastoma revealed by a neurologic accident].

In the light of a new case revealed by a stroke, the authors confirm the importance of transesophagal echocardiography (TEE), and show that multislide computered tomography can be used as a new efficient tool for the diagnosis of cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPF). These benign tumours of endocardium are rare and case reports have been published sporadically. Stroke is an usual clinical complication and the most frequent symptom associated with CPF. Transesophageal echocardiography is the reference for diagnosis of CPF when transthoracic echocardiography is normal. When TEE is contraindicated or technically impossible, multislide computered tomography appears as an interesting alternate solution for diagnosis because of its fast acquisition and high spatial resolution. Symptomatology may be connected to either tumoral embolisation or cruoric emboli. Surgery is required for any symptomatic tumour.

Aged↗

A simple method for heart stabilization during off-pump multi-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting: surgical technique and short term results.

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery regroups several technical options including small incision, video-assisted surgery and beating heart surgery but mechanical stabilization for off-pump multi-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), remains a problem. We developed a simple method of stabilization with a fenestrated polytetrafluroethylene patch. Four sutures were passed deeply into the myocardium surrounding the anastomotic site. The sutures were then passed through the patch. Gentle traction on tied sutures, allowed immobilization and exposure in the selected area. This method which was carried in 95 patients, provides good stabilization for performing off-pump multi-vessel CABG in all cardiac territories.

Aged↗

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes to wrap surfaces of circulatory support devices in patients undergoing bridge to heart transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: Because of a lack of donor hearts, an increasing number of patients with heart failure must now undergo bridge to cardiac transplantation with a mechanical circulatory support device. Moreover, support periods have become longer. As a result, pericardial adhesions may develop while the support device is implanted, increasing the risk of injury at resternotomy and bleeding after transplantation. Use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) pericardial substitutes (membranes) may prevent such adhesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1997 to December 1999, ePTFE membranes were used in 23 patients to wrap portions of an implanted left ventricular assist device (LVAD) or total artificial heart (TAH). Any complications during mechanical support or at cardiac transplantation were recorded. Six ePTFE membranes removed at transplantation were studied histologically. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: At resternotomy for transplantation, the plane of dissection between tissues, ePTFE membranes, and surfaces of the mechanical support device were easily discerned. No adhesions were observed between tissues and membranes. There were no injuries during resternotomy and no patient had to undergo reoperation because of bleeding. One patient given a TAH had an infection during circulatory support that was controlled by antibiotic therapy. In another patient, clots developed between the device and an ePTFE membrane; these were removed successfully. Histologic studies of removed ePTFE membranes showed no infiltration of the membranes interstices by collagen or cellular components. Use of ePTFE membranes in patients undergoing bridge to transplantation with either an LVAD or a TAH limited adhesions between tissues and device surfaces without increasing the risk of infection.

Adolescent↗

[Endomyocardial fibrosis in Behcet's disease: a case report of a pseudo-tumoral form].

Endomyocardial fibrosis is very rare in Behcet's disease. The authors report the case of a 28 year old patient with Behcet's disease complicated by a pseudo-tumoral right ventricular formation on echocardiography. This misleading appearance suggested the diagnosis of cardiac thrombus or tumour and led to a surgical approach which revealed a fibrous moderator band suggesting endomyocardial fibrosis, confirmed by antomopathological analysis. Besides the originality of this case and the unusual pseudo-tumoral presentation, the authors underline the difficulties of establishing the diagnosis, despite the advances of medical imaging. The pseudo-tumoral intra-cardiac lesion in a suggestive clinical context (Behcet's disease) should raise suspicion of the diagnosis of endomyocardial fibrosis.

Adult↗

Aortic valve replacement with the composite Labcor porcine bioprosthesis in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: This paper presents the analysis of clinical results of the composite porcine Labcor bioprosthesis in the replacement of aortic valves in the elderly. METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out in the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgical Department, La Pitié-Salpétrière Hospital, Paris, for replacement of calcified, stenosed aortic valves between 1988 and 1995. It involved a series of 100 patients aged 70 and over (mean: 80+/-5 years ranging from 70 to 90). There were 63 female and 37 male patients. Preoperatively, five patients were in NYHA Class I, 23 in Class II, 65 in Class III and 7 in Class IV. RESULTS: Fifteen patients died in the early postoperative stage and 13 during the follow-up period. There was no evidence of valve failure. The average follow-up was 32 months and the actuarial survival rate at 5 years was 74+/-5%. Complications due to bleeding occurred in 3 patients taking anticoagulant treatment. There were neither valvular thrombosis nor embolism. Two patients presented with prosthetic endocarditis. Two patients received a reoperation because of leakage (1 septic). The five-year follow-up showed that 96% of patients did not require further surgery. When this study was completed, 83% of patients were in Class I or II versus 71% in Class III or IV prior to surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In the early/middle follow-up term, the results obtained when replacing the aortic valve with the composite Labcor bioprosthesis in the elderly are satisfying. Nevertheless, further long-term assessment is needed.

Aged↗