Texas Heart Institute journal
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The radiofrequency maze procedure achieves sinus rhythm in 45%-95% of patients treated for atrial fibrillation. This retrospective study evaluates mid-term results of the radiofrequency maze-performed concomitant to elective cardiac surgery-to determine sinus-rhythm predictive factors, and describes the evolution of patients' echocardiographic variables. From 2003 through 2011, 247 patients (mean age, 64 ± 9.5 yr) with structural heart disease (79.3% mitral disease) and atrial fibrillation underwent a concomitant radiofrequency modified maze procedure. ⋯ Concomitant radiofrequency maze procedure provided remarkable outcomes. Shorter preoperative atrial fibrillation duration, monopolar device use, and prompt treatment of arrhythmia recurrences increase the midterm success rate. Early sinus rhythm restoration seems to result in better left ventricular ejection fraction recovery.
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Case Reports
Fractured inferior vena cava filter strut presenting with ST-segment elevation and cardiac tamponade.
The fracture of an inferior vena cava filter strut and its migration to the heart is a rare sequela of implanted inferior vena cava filters. Perforation through the right ventricle into the pericardium with resultant cardiopulmonary compromise is even less frequent. We report the case of a 53-year-old man who presented with chest pain and hypotension consequent to cardiac tamponade. ⋯ The fractured strut was successfully removed by means of cardiac surgery. Inferior vena cava filters should be placed when necessary to minimize the risk of pulmonary embolism, and regular radiologic monitoring should be performed; however, the eventual extraction of retrievable filters should be considered. In addition to discussing the patient's case, we briefly review the relevant medical literature.
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Patients with hemodynamic collapse due to acute pulmonary embolism have a dismal prognosis if not treated rapidly. Therapeutic options include systemic thrombolytic therapy, rheolytic thrombectomy, and surgical embolectomy. However, the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy is diminished because the low-output state hinders effective delivery of the lytic agent to the thrombus. ⋯ We report the results of prolonged manual chest compressions (exceeding 30 minutes) on 6 patients who received tenecteplase in treatment of acute pulmonary embolism that induced in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest. Four of 6 patients survived and were discharged from the hospital. In an era of increasing technologic complexity for patients with hemodynamic instability, we emphasize the importance of prolonged chest compressions, which can improve systemic perfusion, counteract the prothrombotic state associated with cardiopulmonary arrest, and give the lytic agent time to act.
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Left ventricular hypertrophy in aortic stenosis is considered a compensatory response for the maintenance of systolic function but a risk factor for cardiac morbidity and death. We investigated the degree of left ventricular mass regression after implantation of the sutureless Medtronic 3f Enable Aortic Bioprosthesis. We studied 19 patients who, from May 2010 through July 2011, underwent isolated aortic valve replacement with the 3f Enable bioprosthetic valve, with clinical and echocardiographic follow-up at 6 months. ⋯ No moderate or severe paravalvular leakage was present at discharge or at follow-up. In isolated aortic stenosis, aortic valve replacement with the 3f Enable bioprosthesis results in significant regression of left ventricular mass at 6 months' follow-up. However, this regression needs to be verified by long-term echocardiographic follow-up.
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Case Reports
Early detection of a cavopulmonary tumor embolus with the use of transesophageal echocardiography.
Pulmonary tumor embolization from renal cell carcinoma is associated with severe cardiopulmonary morbidity and high perioperative mortality rates. We report the case of a 71-year-old woman who presented with right-sided abdominal pain. Magnetic resonance images revealed a mass originating from the upper pole of the right kidney and extending into the infrahepatic portion of the inferior vena cava. ⋯ After emergent sternotomy and during the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass, the mass was no longer echocardiographically detectable in the heart; it was soon removed completely from the left pulmonary artery. The mass was a renal cell carcinoma. We recommend the use of transesophageal echocardiography as an efficient diagnostic tool in the early detection of pulmonary tumor embolization during the resection of renal cell carcinoma that involves the inferior vena cava.