Volume 24 - Número 2
EDITORIAL
BJCVS is now in the Thomson Scientific (formerly ISI)
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
The troubled heparin issue in the Brazilian market and the search for solutions
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
Congratulations, Dr. Braile
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
SPECIAL ARTICLE
The magic sextet of clinical research
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
This article approaches some general guidelines for evaluating clinical research (design, execution and reporting), including the initial research "idea" (or question to be answered), "hypothesis and objective" which should be aligned with the "primary variable" to be investigated and the "conclusions" reached on the basis of the results of the study. One cannot forget that the study "title" should reflect the "idea" and relative "objective" of the study and the "conclusion", emphasizing the "Magic Sextet of Research".
Keywords: Biomedical research; Journal article; Investigative techniques
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Results of the establishment of an organizational model in a cardiovascular surgery service
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
Objective: Increasing complexity of patients referred to cardiac surgery demands more effective heart centers, in order to maintain the same quality. The aim of this study is to examine the short-term effect of adoption of an organizational model on surgical outcomes. Methods: From January 2006 to June 2007, 367 consecutive adult patients underwent cardiovascular surgery. Pre-, intra- and postoperative data were prospectively collected and transferred to an institutional database. Organizational model was established in August 2006, and based on integrated multiprofessional team work patient-centered, evidence-based medicine with standardized patient care and personal conflict management. The outcomes studied were hospital mortality and combined adverse events (death, stroke, acute myocardial infarction and acute renal failure), by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: After establishment of such model, there was reduction of hospital mortality (from 12% to 3.6%, relative risk= 0.3; P=0.003) and combined events (from 22% to 15%, relative risk=0.68; P=0.11). Operations performed previously to the model were independently associated with higher mortality (OR=2.5; P=0.04), adjusted to preoperative characteristics and Euroscore risk stratification system. Other predictors of mortality were age > 65 years (OR=6.36; 95%CI 2.57 - 17.21; P<0.0001) and cardiopulmonary bypass time > 145 minutes (OR=8.57; 95%CI 3.55 - 21.99; P<0.0001). Conclusion: Marked improvements in surgical outcomes depend on development of cardiac surgery centers based on organizational models similar to the model proposed in this study.
Keywords: Outcome and process assessment (health care); Institutional organization; Cardiovascular surgical procedures
Uncovered stent does not provoke reactions in renal arteries and renal parenchyma in swines
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
OBJECTIVE: To assess the histological changes of the aorta, the renal arteries and the renal parenchyma in swine, induced by a metalic uncovered stent implanted in transrenal position in the abdominal aorta. METHODS: Ten pigs with a mean weight of 86.6 kg and mean age of 6 months underwent implantation of metal stent graft placed in the aorta at the level of the renal arteries after 100 days of implantation. The self-expanding stents were released by laparotomy. Anatomic and histological analyses of the abdominal aorta, the renal arteries and the renal parenchyma were performed. Histological slices were performed in the following sites: 1) transitional zone between the aorta with and without stent graft; 2) portion of the renal arteries ostia; 3) renal parenchyma. The slices were stained through the hematoxylin and eosin stain technique and analyzed according the protocol of histological analyses applied in the clinical practice of pathology labs. RESULTS: The macroscopic findings showed thickening of the aortic wall; patent renal arteries; and normal anatomic renal structures. Microscopic analyses, close to the stents, showed thickening of the vascular wall, renal arteries without changes, and preserved renal parenchyma. CONCLUSION: The uncovered stainless steel stent caused a significant inflammatory reaction with thickening of the aortic wall. However, the renal arteries remained patent and the renal parenchyma did not present embolic or ischemic changes.
Keywords: Stents; Renal artery obstruction; Swine; Aorta, abdominal; Renal artery
Surgical treatment of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the superior vena cava
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
OBJECTIVE: Surgical treatment of anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the superior vena cava, associated with sinus venous atrial septal defect, is well established and correlates with low mortality and morbidity. In order to reduce the incidence of stenosis or occlusion of the right superior vena cava, especially when associated with the presence of left superior vena cava, the right atrial appendage was used to enlarge the right superior vena cava, after the diversion of the anomalous pulmonary veins for the left atrium. METHODS: Between June 1986 and September 2008, 95 consecutive patients were operated with anomalous drainage in the superior right vena cava and high right atrium. Ages ranged from 6 months to 68 years and females predominated with 50 cases. RESULTS: There was no death in the immediate or late post operative care. The sinus cardiac rhythm was preserved in all cases and there was no complications in the late follow up. CONCLUSION: This paper demonstrates the applicability of the technique described, with favorable results on mortality, rhythm disturbances and complications in the right superior vena cava.
Keywords: Cardiovascular abnormalities; Congenital abnormalities; Cardiovascular surgical procedures; Vena cava, superior; Heart defects, congenital/surgery
CABG late angiographic grafting patency analysis in patients with recurrent symptoms
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
OBJECTIVE: Left internal thoracic artery (LITA) grafting has become the gold standard in coronary artery bypass graft procedure (CABG). In order to optimize the use of LITA or other grats, sequential anastomosis has been used. There is no consensus on equivalence of results between isolated and sequential grafts. The aim of this study is to compare the patency of isolated versus sequential grafts. METHODS: From January 2000 to August 2007, a retrospective patency analysis of the grafts used in 88 symptomatic patients who underwent CABG procedure in our Service was performed through cinecoronariography. Statistical analysis was performed through Student's t test. Each distal anastomosis was considered an independent graft. RESULTS: The mean postoperative period was of 53 + 138 months and mean age was 64 + 11 years. LITA isolated grafts presented patency rate significantly higher than the sequential grafts, respectively 92% (46/50) and 77% (30/39) P = 0.02. However, in injured coronary arteries of > 70%, isolated LITA patency rate was similar to sequential grafts, (95%; 37/39) and (93%; 26/28) respectively; P = 0.37. Mean radial artery patency rate was similar to isolated 71% (5/7) and sequential 90% (19/21) grafts; P = 0.10. Saphenous vein patency rates were similar for isolated 72% (31/43) and sequential 81% (73/90) grafts; P = 0.12. There was no difference between radial artery and saphenous vein patency rates. CONCLUSION: In symptomatic patients, isolated LITA patency is superior than sequential LITA. However, in coronary injuries of > 70%, the isolated and sequential patency rates are similar. Sequential grafts from radial artery and saphenous vein are similar to their respective isolated grafts.
Keywords: Radial artery; Mammary arteries; Saphenous vein; Coronary disease/surgery; Myocardial revascularization
Effects of therapeutic angiogenesis with plasmid VEGF165 on ventricular function in a canine model of chronic myocardial infarction
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
Objective: Therapeutic angiogenesis is currently under investigation in ischemic heart disease. We examined the effect on left ventricular function induced by therapeutic angiogenesis by intramyocardial injection of plasmid VEGF165, in a canine model of chronic myocardial infarction. Methods: Left thoracotomy was performed in 10 mongrel dogs, and myocardial infarction induced by ligation of the major diagonal coronary artery. At 7 postoperative (p.o.) day (pre-treatment), left ventricular ejection fraction was assessed by echocardiogram, and a second procedure was done: saline or plasmid VEGF165 at 200 mg/mL was injected over 10 points of the ischemic areas of control or treated groups, respectively. Fourteen days later (post-treatment, day 21) a control echocardiogram was performed, the animals were sacrificed and histological examination was performed. Results: Ejection fraction was maintained in the treated group: 52.45 + 15.1% on day 7 and 48.53 + 11.74% on day 21 (P=0.59), and tended to decrease in the control group, from 59.3 + 4% to 39.37 + 19.43% (P=0.04), although absolute values did not differ significantly between groups. Histological examination revealed a non significant increase in capillary vessels number in all areas in treated group. Paradoxically, arterioles were significantly less in number in all areas of treated dogs. Conclusion: Intramyocardial injection of plasmid VEGF165, in this canine model of chronic myocardial infarction, resulted in preservation of left ventricular ejection fraction, contrary to the control group where left ventricular ejection fraction showed continuous decline during the experiment. Histological examination, however, was unable to explain completely these results.
Keywords:
Evaluation of ischemic postconditioning effect on mesenteric ischemia treatment
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
OBJECTIVE: To assess the preconditioning and postconditioning effect on intestinal mucosal lesions in rats undergone mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion procedure. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats were studied and divided into three groups: Group A, 10 rats undergone mesenteric ischemia (30 minutes) and reperfusion (60 minutes); Group B, 10 rats undergone mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion preceded by ischemic preconditioning for three cycles of ischemia and reperfusion for two minutes each; Group C, 10 rats undergone mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion and, preceding the beginning of reperfusion, ischemic postconditioning was performed for three cycles of reperfusion and ischemia for two minutes each. Then, a segment of small intestine was resected for histological analysis. We assessed the results by Chiu et al. score and the statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: According to Chiu et al. score, the means of lesion degree were: In the group A, 3.5; Group B, 1.2; Group C, 1. The difference between group A with the groups B and C was considered statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ischemic pre- and postconditioning were capable of minimizing - in a similar intensity - the tissue injury on the intestinal mucosa of rats undergone mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion process.
Keywords: Ischemia; Reperfusion injury; Ischemic preconditioning
Should the diabetics have the internal thoracic artery skeletonized? Assessment of sternal perfusion by scintillography
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
Objective: To assess, by scintillography, the effect of using bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITAs) - prepared by two different techniques - on the sternal perfusion. Method: 35 patients undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were divided into two groups: Group A (18) had both ITA's dissected using skeletonization technique and group B (17) as pedicle preparation. There was no difference in the two groups relating gender, age and demographic characteristics. On the 7th postoperative day the patients underwent bone scintillography. The statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t test with 95% significance. Results: Group A (skeletonized ITA) showed higher perfusion (11.5%) of the sternum as a mean, than Group B (pedicled ITA) patients; however this was not statistically significant (P = 0.127). On the other hand, comparing the diabetic population, seven in each group, there was a marked 47.4% higher perfusion of the sternum in Group A patients (skeletonized ITA) comparing to Group B (pedicled ITA) and this difference reached statistical significance (P = 0.004). Conclusions: 1- Sternal perfusion is not affected significantly apart from the dissection technique used for both internal thoracic arteries in the general population when assessed by bone scintillography. 2 - In the diabetic subgroup, a significant preservation of the sternal perfusion was observed in patients undergone skeletonized dissection of the internal thoracic arteries. Although these findings should be confirmed in a greater number of cases, diabetic patients should have the internal thoracic arteries dissected using skeletonization techinque.
Keywords: Sternum; Mammary arteries; Tomography, emission-computed
Comparison between deep breathing exercises and incentive spirometry after CABG surgery
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
Objective: To compare the effects of deep breathing exercises (DBE) and the flow-oriented incentive spirometry (IS) in patients undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) through the following variables: forced vital capacity - FVC, forced expiratory volume in 1 second - FEV1, maximal respiratory pressures and oxygen saturation. Methods: Thirty six patients in CABG postoperative period underwent thirty minutes of non-invasive ventilation during the first 24 hours after extubation and were randomly shared into two groups as following: DBE (n=18) and IS (n=18). The spirometric variables were assessed on the preoperative period and seventh postoperative day (POD). The respiratory muscle strength and oxygen saturation were assessed on the preoperative period, first, second and seventh POD. Results: The groups were considered homogeneous in relation to the demographic and surgical variables. It has been noted fall in the values of FVC and FEV1 between the preoperative period and the seventh POD, but without significant differences between groups. The maximal respiratory pressures showed drop in the first POD but with gradual and partial recovery until the seventh POD, also without significant differences between groups. The oxygen saturation was the only variable that was completely recovered on the seventh POD, also without significant differences between groups. Conclusion: There were not observed significant differences in maximal respiratory pressures, spirometric variables and oxygen saturation in patients undergone deep breathing exercises and flow-oriented incentive spirometry after coronary artery bypass grafting.
Keywords: Breathing exercises; Postoperative complications; Postoperative care; Physical therapy modalities; Coronary artery bypass
Fluoxetine effects on mitochondrial ultrastructure of right ventricle in rats exposed to cold stress
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
Objective: To assess fluoxetine effects on mitochondrial structure of the right ventricle in rats exposed to cold stress. Methods: The experimental study procedures were performed in 250-300g male EPM-Wistar rats. Rats (n=40) were divided into four groups: 1) Control group (CON); 2) Fluoxetine (FLU); 3) Induced hypothermia (IH) and; 4) Induced hypothermia treated with fluoxetine (IHF). Animals of FLU group were treated by the administration of gavages containing 0.75 mg/kg/day fluoxetine during 40 days. The induced hypothermia was obtained by maintaining the groups 3 and 4 in a freezer at -8°C for 4 hours. The animals were sacrificed and fragments of the right ventricle (RV) were removed and processed prior to performing electron microscopic analysis. Results: The ultrastructural changes in cardiomyocytes were quantified through the number of mitochondrial cristae pattern (cristolysis). The CON (3.85%), FLU (4.47%) and IHF (8.4%) groups showed a normal cellular structure aspect with preserved cardiomyocytes cytoarchitecture and continuous sarcoplasmic membrane integrity. On the other hand, the IH (34.4%) group showed mitochondrial edema and lysis in cristae. Conclusion: The ultrastructural analysis revealed that fluoxetine strongly prevents mitochondrial cristolysis in rat heart, suggesting a protector effect under cold stress condition.
Keywords: Fluoxetine; Myocytes, cardiac; Cold ischemia; Surgery
Ventilatory profile of patients undergoing CABG surgery
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
Objective: To assess the ventilatory, radiological and clinical profile of patients undergoing elective CABG in a cardiology reference hospital in South Brazil. Methods: This study included 108 patients undergoing elective CABG surgery, in the period between April 2006 and February 2007 at the Cardiology Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (IC-FUC). The surgical procedure involved median sternotomy, and the saphenous vein and/or internal mammary artery were used for grafting. Lung volume and capacity, as well as the possible existence of ventilatory changes, were assessed by spirometry, and the ventilatory muscle strength was assessed using a vaccum manometer. All evaluations were performed on the preoperative period and on the sixth postoperative day. Results: Preoperative levels of FEV1 and FVC were significantly reduced on the 6th postoperative day (P<0.001) when compared to the preoperative levels. A significant decrease of ventilatory muscle strength, expressed as maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP), was also observed from the pre- to the sixth postoperative day (P<0.001). Pulmonary events were more frequent on the 6th postoperative day (78%) than on the 1st postoperative day (40%). Conclusions: Patients undergone CABG surgery present important reduction in pulmonary volume and capacity, as well as on the ventilatory muscle strength during the postoperative period.
Keywords: Myocardial revascularization; Spirometry
Analysis of the hydrodynamic profile in different roller pumps models used in cardiopulmonary bypass
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
OBJECTIVE: Among the equipments used in cardiopulmonary bypass the roller pumps have great importance with various models available from several manufacturers. The calibration is an important factor in hemolysis rates and its potential is different in each. Researchers do not always approach details on the pump bed profiles assuming that the standardized calibration settings ensure equal and comparable values for all models of roller pumps. We have mainly two methods for calibration of pumps which also interferes on the hemolytic potential. In both of them, the characteristics of fluid impulsion defined by the pump bed design are not considered. The aim of this study is to compare the hydrodynamic profile of three models of roller pumps available in the Brazilian market. METHODS: The rollers occlusion was performed by measures of drop and dynamic calibration. Two different silicone diameter tubes were used (3/8 x 1/16 and 1/2 x 3/32 inches). RESULTS: The profiles showed differences in their variances, P<0.01 for drop rate measures and P<0.0001 for dynamic calibration. Different changes in pressure were found between the pumps analyzed (P<0.002). CONCLUSION: The measures of occlusion are dependent on the design of the pump bed and comparisons involving roller pumps should be performed with caution. Blood tests should be performed to verify the influence of changes in hemolysis pressure.
Keywords: Extracorporeal circulation; Perfusion; Pulsatile flow; Pumps
Reduction aortoplasty with external wrapping associated with aortic valve replacement in high-risk patients
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
OBJECTIVE: To assess the midterm follow-up of reduction aortoplasty with external wrapping associated with aortic valve replacement in high risk patients. METHODS: Six patients with ascending aortic aneurysm and aortic valve disease were included in this study. Four of them were male. The age ranged from 61 to 70 years (mean 65.7 years). One patient presented severe mitral valve insufficiency. All patients underwent aortic valve replacement (83.3% with aortic insufficiency and 16.7% with aortic stenosis). The inclusion criteria were: surgical aortic valve disease, ascending aortic aneurysm > 5.5 cm, EuroSCORE > 6 and age above 60 years. The ascending aortic diameter ranged from 57 to 68 mm (mean 63.7 mm). Data were analyzed by paired T test for comparison between the studied variables and P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: All patients underwent reduction aortoplasty with external wrapping associated with aortic valve replacement. The postoperative hospital mortality and morbidity was 0% and 16.7% (atrial fibrillation), respectively. The mean ascending aortic diameter was 37.0 + 4.5mm after 6 months of follow-up (P < 0.0001, compared with the preoperative period). The actuarial survival curve after 28 months of follow-up was 100%. CONCLUSION: Reduction ascending aortoplasty with external wrapping associated with aortic valve replacement is a safe procedure with excellent midterm results in high risk patients with ascending aortic aneurysm and aortic valve disease.
Keywords: Aorta/surgery; Aortic valve/surgery; Aortic aneurysm
Analysis of coronary vascular resistance and blood flow of venous graft in coronary artery bypass grafting
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the coronary vascular resistance (CVR) and to analyze the flow differences through grafts in coronary artery bypass graft surgery. METHODS:Between 17 June and 15 July 2005, we assessed the coronary vascular resistance profile in 10 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery by grafting a section of saphenous vein and checking CVR direct (preoperative) and indirect arterial pressure and blood flow during blood cardioplegic infusion. RESULTS: Significant differences between segments of coronary grafts with flow changes ranging from 36.52 to 100 ml/min were verified. CONCLUSION: Despite various factors that contribute to success or unsuccess of coronary grafts, the CVR preoperative assessment can be a possible method to estimate blood flow through the coronary graft implant during surgical procedure.
Keywords: Vascular resistance; Graft occlusion, vascular; Myocardial revascularization
Hemoptysis and hemothorax as presentation of thoracic aortic rupture
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
Thoracic aortic dissection is a disease of great mortality in its initial phase, but in some cases it can assume chronic course. We report a case of a patient with Stanford type A1 aortic dissection, admitted with mental confusion, dyspnea and event of severe hemoptysis. Electrocardiogram showed unspecific change and chest X-ray revealed opacification of the left hemithorax. Transthoracic echocardiogram did not show aortic dissection, but showed image similar to hemithorax leading to the suspicion of aortic rupture. The patient developed cardiovascular collapse and evolved to death. This case describes two unusual presentations of aortic dissection: hemothorax and severe hemoptysis.
Keywords: Aneurysm, dissecting/surgery; Aortic aneurysm, thoracic/complications; Hemothorax; Fistula; Echocardiography
REVIEW ARTICLE
Basic notions of heart rate variability and its clinical applicability
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
Autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays an important role in the regulation of the physiological processes of the human organism during normal and pathological conditions. Among the techniques used in its evaluation, the heart rate variability (HRV) has arising as a simple and non-invasive measure of the autonomic impulses, representing one of the most promising quantitative markers of the autonomic balance. The HRV describes the oscillations in the interval between consecutive heart beats (RR interval), as well as the oscillations between consecutive instantaneous heart rates. It is a measure that can be used to assess the ANS modulation under physiological conditions, such as wakefulness and sleep conditions, different body positions, physical training and also pathological conditions. Changes in the HRV patterns provide a sensible and advanced indicator of health involvements. Higher HRV is a signal of good adaptation and characterizes a health person with efficient autonomic mechanisms, while lower HRV is frequently an indicator of abnormal and insufficient adaptation of the autonomic nervous system, provoking poor patient's physiological function. Because of its importance as a marker that reflects the ANS activity on the sinus node and as a clinical instrument to assess and identify health involvements, this study reviews conceptual aspects of the HRV, measurement devices, filtering methods, indexes used in the HRV analyses, limitations in the use and clinical applications of the HRV.
Keywords: Autonomic nervous system; Heart rate; Parasympathetic nervous system; Sympathetic nervous system
Bicuspid aortic valve: theoretical and clinical aspects of concomitant ascending aorta replacement
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is associated with annuloaortic ectasia, dissection and ascending aortic aneurysm. The high incidence of this congenital malformation and aortic disease suggests a close correlation between the two phenomena. Abnormalities in different phases of cell migration of the neural crest might be responsible for the occurrence of abnormalities in the aortic valve, media layer of the ascending aorta and vessels of the aortic arch. Previous studies have shown that patients with normal BAV or slight dysfunction may present with dilation of the aortic root. The hemodynamic changes caused by BAV without stenosis or insufficiency seem to be an insufficient explanation for these findings. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the molecular and hystological aspects of this disease. We found a reduced fibrillin-1 content in both ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk as a possible cause. Histologically, the ascending aorta can present cystic medial necrosis and elastic fragmentation, similar to Marfan's disease. Some authors concluded that many patients, mainly those with aortic regurgitation, should have the aortic valve and the ascending aorta replaced at the same procedure, even if a mild dilatation (45 mm) is present in patients with BAV if life expectancy is anticipated to be greater than 10 years to prevent further aneurysms or ruptures.
Keywords: Aortic valve; Aortic aneurysm, thoracic; Aortic valve insufficiency; Aorta/pathology
EXPERIMENTAL WORK
Adaptation of bioassay to detect endothelium-derived relaxing factors from the canine atrial endocardium
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the release of endothelium-derived relaxing factors from the endocardium of canine atrial appendage. METHODS: To study the release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) from intact atrial endocardial endothelium, tube-shaped sutures of canine atrial appendages were performed and effluents from these tubes were bioassayed (isolated perfused organ chamber system) for detection of EDRF in canine coronary artery. RESULTS: Effluent from the right atrial appendage caused a relaxation of 58.4 + 10.1% and the left atrial appendage 74.9 + 8.5% from the initial prostagladin F2a contraction in coronary artery. No significant statistical difference was detected in effluent from the right and left atrial appendages. This relaxation was abolished by treating the heart tubes with Triton X-100 and reduced by treatment with LNMMA, a competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide and with indomethacin, an inhibitor of the cyclo-oxygenase pathway, also indicating the release of vasodilatory prostanoids from the endocardial endothelium. CONCLUSION: This study showed for the first time, in vitro luminal release of EDRF and prostacyclin from the canine heart atrium. The ability of the endocardial endothelium to produce these factors could play an important role in preventing thrombus formation in the cardiac chambers.
Keywords: Heart atria; Endothelium; Endocardium; Nitric oxide
BRIEF COMMUNICATION
Off-pump transapical balloon-expandable aortic valve endoprosthesis implantation
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
Objective: The aortic valve replacement is a routine procedure, and involves replacement of the native valve/prosthesis. In most of the patients who undergo such procedure the risk is acceptable, but in some cases, such risk can justify contraindication. The minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been shown to be viable, with lower morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to develop a catheter-mounted aortic bioprosthesis for implantation without CPB. Methods: After developing in animals, three patients with high EuroSCORE underwent implantation. Case 1: patients with bioprosthesis dysfunction; Case 2: severe aortic stenosis; Case 3: dysfunction of aortic bioprosthesis. After minithoracotomy and under echocardiographic and fluoroscopic control, a balloon catheter was placed on aortic position and inflated. After, a second balloon with valved endoprosthesis was positioned and released under high ventricular rate. Echocardiographic and angiographic controls were performed and the patients were referred to ICU. Results: In the first case, implantation without CPB was possible with appropriate results. The patient evolved with improvement of ventricular function. After, this patient developed bronchopneumonia, tracheoesophageal fistula and died due to mediastinitis. Autopsy confirmed proper valve positioning and leaflets preservation. The second case showed the device migration after inflation of the balloon, with the need for urgent median sternotomy, CPB and conventional valve replacement. This patient evolved well and was discharged from the ICU on the 14th postoperative day without complications. This patient developed respiratory infection, septic shock and died on the 60th postoperative day. The patient from the third case underwent successful implantation. Conclusion: The off-pump transapical implantation of catheter-mounted bioprosthesis was shown to be a feasible procedure. Technical details and learning curve require further discussion.
Keywords: Aortic valve; Heart catheterization; Cardiopulmonary bypass
CASE REPORT
Right atrial lipoma resection and partial reconstruction using bovine pericardium
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
The primary heart tumors have an incidence varying from 0.001% to 0.28% of all tumors, reported in necropsies series. Lipoma consists of a benign tumour corresponding to about 8% of all primary heart tumors. When present, the symptoms are related to the size and location of such tumor. We report a case of a 27-year-old man with a lipoma in the right atrium who underwent surgical treatment with tumor resection and partial reconstruction of the right atrium using bovine pericardium.
Keywords: Lipoma; Heart neoplasms; Heart atria/surgery
Surgical treatment of primary cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
The authors report a case of a 16-year-old man who presented progressive dyspnea. At that time the diagnosis of rheumatic fever with mitral valve involvement was performed. The bidimensional echocardiogram showed presence of mobile mass inside the left atrium. The tumor presented lobules, projecting into the left ventricle during the diastole and provoking turbulence. The patient underwent surgical resection with postoperative course needing re-operation for mitral valve replacement. Histopathology has proven that such tumor was a primary cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma and the early clinical diagnosis of rheumatic mitral valve disease was very difficult.
Keywords: Neoplasms; Heart valves; Mitral Valve
CLINICAL-SURGICAL CORRELATION
Ebstein's disease: the level of right ventricular dysfunction and the surgical approach
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection with interventricular communication: the rare and possible difficulty on the anatomic definition of left atrial isomerism
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
MULTIMEDIA
Repair of the total anomalous pulmonary venous connection
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
A question of quality
Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 24;
Publish in: 8/2/2025