BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the historical impact on the outcomes of early primary repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) at our institute. METHODS: Since 1976, a total of 185 children with complete AVSD have been referred to our unit. Prior to 1990, 78 children received conservative therapy, and selected ...

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) in the absence of major cardiac anomalies is thought to have a good outcome, although this has not been well documented. The objective of the present study was to compare the characteristics and outcomes of patients with a prenatal diagnosis of CCTGA ...

BACKGROUND: The presence of postoperative residual perimembranous ventricular septal defect (PmVSD) is relatively uncommon. However, reoperation might be associated with an increased surgical risk. Transcatheter device closure is an alternative strategy for management of postoperative residual defects. METHODS: Between July 2002 and November 2008, transcatheter closure of postoperative residual PmVSDs ...

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to test whether a unidirectional valve patch would provide benefit to early and long-term survival for patients with ventricular septal defect and severe pulmonary artery hypertension. METHODS: Eight hundred seventy-six cases of ventricular septal defect with severe pulmonary artery hypertension were closed with or without a ...

For most patients who present with ventricular septal defects (VSDs) in adulthood, the major concern is not the mortality or morbidity associated with repair surgery, but rather cosmetic problems arising from surgical scarring as a result of median sternotomy. From March 2005 to August 2008, nine patients (M:F=1:8) underwent repair ...

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with an apical phenotype, in which hypertrophy of the myocardium predominantly involves the apex of the left ventricle, is not uncommon in Japan, but its morphologic variations are not well recognized. The aim of this study was to investigate if these variations have different clinical characteristics ...

The objective of this study was to report the outcome of fenestration closure using either an Amplatzer Vascular Plug I or detachable coils in patients undergoing extracardiac Fontan procedure with conduit fenestration. We reviewed the medical records of 23 patients who underwent transcatheter closure of conduit fenestration with the extracardiac ...

To identify differences between various occluder types regarding thromboembolic event rates and existence of residual shunts during medium-term follow-up. Three hundred nine consecutive patients with presumed paradoxical embolism and scheduled for percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect between 1997 and 2006 were considered for this study. ...

BACKGROUND: The fenestration function is by allowing a right-to-left shunt resulting in an increased cardiac index, associated with mild arterial oxygen desaturation. Subsequent transcatheter fenestration closure can be performed after haemodynamic assessment. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of extracardiac connection (EC) with or without fenestration. ...

The modified Fontan procedure represents the final stage for the palliation of hearts with single-ventricle physiology. Different opinions exist regarding the optimal timing of the operation, with most centres advocating early intervention. By contrast, over the past decade, we have progressively increased the age at Fontan operation with the aim ...

This study was performed to assess changes in pulmonary function test (PFT) and pulmonary outcome after transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) in pediatric patients. A total 55 pediatric patients undergoing transcatheter ASD closure received PFT at baseline (day before ASD closure), and at 3 days and 6 months ...

INTRODUCTION: Information about implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) longevity is mostly calculated from measurements under ideal laboratory conditions. However, little information about longevity under clinical circumstances is available. This survey gives an overview on ICD service times and generator replacements in a cohort of consecutive ICD patients. METHODS: Indications for replacement were ...

BACKGROUND: We sought to assess predictors of appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy in patients receiving primary prevention ICDs. METHODS: Four hundred twenty-one consecutive patients (ischemic and nonischemic) undergoing primary prevention ICD implantation were studied. Patients were grouped based on the presence/absence of appropriate ICD therapy. Summary data and stored ...

: The natural history of standard (large, transmural right ventriculotomy) repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is associated with a concerning incidence of right ventricular (RV) failure and reoperation. We believe preserving the infundibulum using a TOF repair method with a mini-(<5 mm) or no ventricular incision optimizes RV function ...

AIMS: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a recognized treatment for appropriate patients. However, placement of the transvenous left ventricular lead is unsuccessful in 5-10% of patients and a further 20% fail to respond. For these groups, epicardial left ventricular lead placement is one alternative. We prospectively evaluated the effects of ...

Our aim was to assess the feasibility and safety of real-time (RT) three-dimensional (3D) transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for guiding transcatheter closure of interatrial communications and to evaluate its additional benefit over conventional 2D TEE in reducing radiation exposure for the patient. Twenty-five patients undergoing device closure of their interatrial defect ...

BACKGROUND: D-transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) may be treated with arterial switch operation (ASO) with or without LVOT intervention, as well as non-ASO anatomic repairs, such as aortic translocation or Rastelli procedure. We evaluated midterm results of repair for TGA/LVOTO at our ...

We present the case of an 11-year-old with D-transposition, double inlet left ventricle, and dextrocardia 8 years following an extracardiac Fontan with supraventricular tachycardia mediated by a concealed accessory pathway. A transbaffle puncture was performed with fluoroscopic and transesophageal echocardiography guidance and the pathway location as well as its proximity ...

Occlutech Figulla ASD Occluder (FSO) is an alternative device to Amplatzer Septal Occluder (ASO) with some structural innovations including increased flexibility, minimizing the amount of material implanted, and absence of the left atrial clamp. We aimed to report our experiences with FSO and compare the outcomes of this novel device ...

We report our experience with repair of a variety of congenital heart defects utilizing a ministernotomy incision. A ministernotomy was used in 79 patients with a variety of congenital heart diseases from November 2004 to August 2007. Patients included 36 males and 43 females with ages ranging from 1 month ...

We describe the case of a newborn with congenital long QT syndrome, with 2:1 AV block and frequent episodes of Torsades de Pointes (TdP) requiring placement of a dual chamber ICD at 33 days and 3.63 kg, the youngest and smallest patient, thus far reported. Long QT syndrome was diagnosed ...

BACKGROUND: Different devices are used for transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), each with its own limitations and complications. We report our initial single-center experience with the new Amplatzer Duct Occluder II (ADO II), which has been designed to address some of these issues. METHODS: From April until October ...

BACKGROUND: The prudence of performing early palliative cavopulmonary connection that includes superior vena cava in association with azygous-hemiazygous continuation of the inferior vena cava, Kawashima procedure (KP), has been questioned. We document our experience with KP performed at a relatively younger age than usually reported. METHODS: A retrospective review of ...

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to clarify the present global clinical status, including medication(s) and social abilities, of adult patients with single ventricular physiology (SVP). METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical charts were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the global clinical status, including functional capacity, medication(s), complications, and social activities of 68 adult ...

Postpericardiotomy syndrome (PPS), a potential complication of open heart surgery, has a variable clinical course and severity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) prophylaxis in preventing PPS after surgical closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) in pediatric patients. A retrospective review was performed for 177 patients who ...

BACKGROUND: Device closure of Secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) is an accepted mode of treatment in selected patients with a suitable defect. The major initial concern over the long-term outcome has been erosions and more recently development of aortic regurgitation. Objective was to assess the intermediate and long term outcome ...

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of traumatic tricuspid regurgitation (TTR) induced by percutaneous removal of chronically implanted transvenous leads. BACKGROUND: Although lead removal using modern tools has been shown to be highly effective and safe, TTR has not been systematically evaluated. METHODS: All ...

BACKGROUND: Excellent surgical results have been reported after repair of complete atrioventricular septal defects (CAVSD); however, 5% to 10% require reoperation. We examine causes leading to reoperation and evaluate long-term outcome. METHODS: Between 1972 and 2007, 50 patients (26 male) underwent reoperation at our institution after initial repair of CAVSD ...

OBJECTIVE: To assess feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the use of Amplatzer occluders in closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) in children in the first 2 years of life. BACKGROUND: Although scattered reports on such closure have been published, no agreement consists on the policy. METHODS: In 654 patients of ...

OBJECTIVE: To compare the postoperative outcomes of patients with the diagnostic univentricular heart undergoing lateral tunnel (LT) operation with extracardiac conduit (EC) operation. METHODS: From June 1996 to July 2007, 114 consecutive patients with a single ventricle underwent total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) in Children's Heart Center, University Hospital Giessen and ...

OBJECTIVE: To review the outcome of patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum after interventional perforation of the pulmonary valve, to assess the capability of this procedure to avoid neonatal or late intervention and to obtain a long-term biventricular repair. DESIGN: Retrospective interventional study and clinical follow-up study. SETTING: ...

OBJECTIVE: To examine the mid-term and long-term outcomes in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) submitted to pacing. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. SETTING: Single, non-referral centre. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: Fifty patients (62 + or - 11 years) with HCM refractory to medical treatment, all in New York Heart Association (NYHA) ...

A technique for extracardiac conduit fenestration specifically devised to achieve long-term patency is presented. From 2001 to 2007, 65 patients underwent a fenestrated extracardiac Fontan procedure using this technique where the atrial orifice of the divided inferior vena cava was sutured in an end to side fashion to the leftward ...

Results of surgical repair of atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD), both partial (PAVSD) and complete (CAVSD), have improved. However, reoperation is not uncommon. This report describes our experience in 59 patients who underwent reoperation after AVSD repair, between 1977 and 2008. Thirty-one patients had a PAVSD, 28 had a CAVSD. Mean ...

To report usability, safety, and efficacy of the self-centering Solysafe Septal Occluder for transcatheter closure of secundum type atrial septal defect (ASD) in paediatric patients. Retrospective observational clinical study in two tertiary care centers for congenital heart diseases. Patients: First 37 (median age 8.7 years, 68% female) consecutive patients with ...

AIMS: To evaluate a novel atrial lead designed to reduce far-field sensing. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-three patients with standard pacing indications were randomized to receive an OptiSense 1699T (St Jude Medical, USA) or conventional pacing lead in the right atrium. Post-implant follow-up was conducted for all patients at 90 days ...

Between August 1999 and December 2007, 72 consecutive patients with single ventricle physiology underwent a modified Fontan procedure after a bidirectional Glenn shunt using an extracardiac polytetrafluoroethylene conduit without fenestration. Nitric oxide gas inhalation was commenced just after cardiopulmonary bypass together with intravenous phosphodiesterase III inhibitor administration. After oral intake ...

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the detection rate of previous cesarean delivery scar (PCDS) defect by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVU) and to evaluate the effectiveness of resectoscopic surgery to correct this anatomic defect. STUDY DESIGN: In all, 57 women were included in our study. A diagnosis of ...

We report our short-term and mid-term results with sutureless repair of postinfarction subacute left ventricular free wall rupture (LVFWR). For this purpose, we evaluated the short-term and mid-term postoperative results assessed by clinical examination and echocardiography of all patients who underwent surgery for subacute LVFWR between January 2004 and January ...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Primary repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) has been favored in many centers for years now and results and advantages of this management seem to verify this procedure. The authors wanted to know, if the age at the time of surgery and the surgical techniques had an ...

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) is currently a reliable alternative to surgery, even though challenging in patients with multiple ASDs. HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficiency and safety of transcatheter closure in multiple ASDs. METHODS: Multiple ASDs were diagnosed by transthoracic ...

AIMS: Our purpose is to conduct a meta-analysis of all published studies comparing alcohol septal ablation (ASA) and myectomy (MM) for drug refractory hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Alcohol septal ablation is a less invasive alternative to MM for relief of symptoms in patients with drug refractory HOCM. METHODS AND RESULTS: ...

OBJECTIVE: Substantial controversy persists regarding the need and efficacy of a routine myectomy in the treatment of discrete subaortic stenosis. Although some believe myectomy more effectively relieves subaortic narrowing, this is uncertain, and complications, including heart block and aortic valve injury, are concerns. The aims of the study were as ...

BACKGROUND: There is limited published outcome data on the STARFlex device for transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASD). AIM: To contribute to the long term outcomes of ASD device closure with the STARFlex device. METHODS: Results of a prospective FDA approved clinical trial (1999-2001) from a single institution of ...

BACKGROUND: Although the Fontan procedure is now being applied to younger patients, the influence of patients' age at the time of surgery on long-term results remains unclear. We investigated whether age at Fontan completion affects subsequent hemodynamics and exercise capacity in patients with a dominant left ventricle followed up for ...

We sought to assess the safety and clinical efficacy of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure under fluoroscopic guidance only, without intraprocedural echocardiography. Percutaneous PFO closure has been shown to be safe and feasible using several devices. It is generally performed using simultaneously fluoroscopic and transesophageal or intracardiac echocardiographic guidance. Transesophageal ...

OBJECTIVE: Anatomic repair is being actively evaluated as the preferred option for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries. We present our 13-year experience with this approach. METHODS: Between May 1994 and September 2007, 68 patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries underwent anatomic repair. Thirty-one patients (group ...

A 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a complaint of progressive dyspnea with effort. The patient had a permanent pacemaker that was implanted 16 years ago. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a large, mobile mass in the right atrium attaching to the insertion site of the atrial lead at the ...

OBJECTIVE: Complex intracardiac and extracardiac anatomy is often confronted during biventricular repair in patients with heterotaxy syndrome. We examined factors affecting surgical outcomes in these patients. METHODS: Between January 1990 and July 2007, 371 patients received a diagnosis of heterotaxy syndrome; 91 (91/371, 24.5%) underwent biventricular repair. Left atrial isomerism ...

The recurrence rate for cerebrovascular ischemic events in patients after a first TIA or CVA with an atrial septal defect type 2 (ASD2) remains unknown. At present, there are no guidelines with respect to appropriate treatment. The aim of this study was to determine incidence rates of recurrent cerebrovascular events ...