Total root replacement (TRR) with a valved conduit has long been the treatment standard for most aortic root diseases. However, with advances in technology and a deeper understanding of aortic root anatomy and hemodynamics, valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR) and personalised external aortic root support (PEARS) have emerged. It is especially important to choose the appropriate procedure for different aortic root diseases. When evaluating these three surgical procedures, it is necessary to focus on the treatment and prevention of the dissection and balance the short-term and long-term risks of the patients. This article outlines aortic-related diseases and the selection of surgery.
Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a primary, chronic, non-specific, inflammatory disease of the aorta and its larger branches. The pulmonary artery trunk and its branches could be impacted by TA, which could cause stenosis or occlusion of lesion vessels. TA also affects the normal function of the aortic valve and other heart valves, mainly due to valvular insufficiency. Aortic regurgitation caused by TA is mainly treated by surgical operation. In this review, the examination technique, operation timing, operation method and prognosis of aortic valve involved in TA are discussed systematically.
ObjectiveTo summarize the efficacy of different anticoagulation methods during perioperative period of non-cardiac surgery after cardiac valve replacement and to compare the postoperative bleeding-related complications and embolization-related complications.MethodsRetrospective analysis of clinical data of 56 patients who underwent non-cardiac surgery after cardiac valve replacement in our hospital from January 2016 to January 2018 was conducted. There were 27 males and 29 females, aged 19-75 (53.56±13.94) years. According to different anticoagulation methods during perioperative period, the patients were divided into a bridging group (32 patients) and a non-bridging group (24 patients). The postoperative hospital stay, the number of patients needing postoperative blood transfusions, bleeding-related complications and embolization-related complications were compared between the two groups. According to the patient’s perioperative embolization risk, each group of patients were divided into a high-risk subgroup, middle-risk subgroup, and low-risk subgroup, and the bleeding-related complications and embolization-related complications in each subgroup were compared.ResultsThe postoperative hospital stay in the bridging group was significantly longer than that in the non-bridging group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the number of patients needing postoperative blood transfusions, overall bleeding-related complications and embolization-related complications between the two groups (P>0.05). Subgroup analysis was performed according to the degree of embolization risk in the perioperative period. The incidence of bleeding-related complications of the non-bridging group in the high-risk subgroup was significantly higher than that in the high-risk subgroup of the bridging group (P<0.05). The incidence of bleeding-related complications in the bridging group was similar to that of embolization-related complications, while the rate of bleeding-related complications in the non-bridging group was 7 times higher than that of embolization-related complications.ConclusionBridging anticoagulation increases the length of postoperative hospital stay, but for patients with high risk factors for embolization, it is more beneficial than continuing oral warfarin during the perioperative period. The incidence of bleeding-related complications associated with continued warfarin therapy is significantly higher than that of embolization-related complications, and hemostatic drugs can be given necessarily.
Anxiety is a strong behavioral and psychological reaction with fear components, while depression is a mental disorder dominated by high or low mood, both of which are accompanied by cognitive and behavioral changes, and are common comorbidities in patients with heart disease. Cardiac surgery is one of the important factors which trigger specific emotional and physiological reactions of patients. Persistent or initial depression and anxiety after surgery will not only increase surgical complications, short- or long-term mortality and medical costs, but also seriously affect patients' social function and quality of life. With the transformation of bio-psycho-social medical model, it is necessary to evaluate the perioperative psychological state and biological risk of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This article reviews the characteristics, related mechanisms and therapeutic interventions of anxiety and depression in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.