Mitral valvuloplasty using real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the structure of the mitral valve in patients undergoing mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) using real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT-3D-TEE). The main objective was to study the relationship between intraoperative annuloplasty ring size and mitral valve structure dimensions, with a focus on exploring the application value of RT-3D-TEE in MVP.

Methods: A total of 28 patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR), who underwent MVP between February and September 2022, as well as 12 normal control cases, were enrolled in this study.

rBMSC/Cav-1 Mediates Oxidative Stress in PAH Rat by Regulating SelW/14-3-3 and CA1/Kininogen Signal Transduction.

Background/objectives: Carbonic anhydrase 1 (CA1)/kininogen and selenoprotein W (SelW)/14-3-3 signal transduction orchestrate oxidative stress, which can also be regulated by nitric oxide (NO). The mutated caveolin-1 (Cav-1) gene may enhance NO production. This study explored the effect of Cav-1-modified rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSC/Cav-1) on oxidative stress regulation through CA1/kininogen and SelW/14-3-3 signal transduction in a rat model of monocrotaline- (MCT-) induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Device closure of diverse layout of multi-hole secundum atrial septal defect: different techniques and long-term follow-up.

Background: There are no unanimous reports on different layouts and classifications of multi-hole secundum atrial septal defects (MHASD) and subsequent standardized occlusion techniques. The MHASD can be isolated or cribriform with variable inter-defects distance. In this retrospective study, experience-based classification and two approaches-based occlusion results are presented.

Perventricular double-device closure of wide-spaced multi-hole perimembranous ventricular septal defect.

Background: Device closure of a wide-spaced multi-hole PmVSD is difficult to succeed in percutaneous approach. This study is to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of perventricular device closure of wide-spaced multi-hole PmVSD using a double-device implanting technique.

Methods: Sixteen patients with wide-spaced multi-hole PmVSD underwent perventricular closure with two devices through an inferior median sternotomy approach under transesophageal echocardiographic guidance.

Calpain-Calcineurin-Nuclear Factor Signaling and the Development of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Valvular Heart Disease and Diabetes.

Calpain, calcineurin (CaN), and nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) play a key role in the development of atrial fibrillation. Patients with valvular heart disease (VHD) are prone to develop atrial fibrillation (AF). Thus, our current study was aimed at investigating whether activation of calpain-CaN-NFAT pathway is associated with the incidence of AF in the patients with VHD and diabetes.

Peratrial device closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects through a right parasternal approach.

Background: Both percutaneous and perventricular device closures of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (PmVSDs) have drawbacks. This study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of peratrial device closure of a PmVSD using a probe-assisted delivery system.

Methods: Seventy-three patients (peratrial group) were enrolled in this study.

Effects of high-dose ulinastatin on inflammatory response and pulmonary function in patients with type-A aortic dissection after cardiopulmonary bypass under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

Objectives: To investigate effects of high-dose ulinastatin on the release of proinflammatory cytokines and lung injury in patients with aortic dissection after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA).

Design: A prospective, randomized and double-blinded study.

Setting: A teaching hospital.

Evaluation of the pharmacological function of ulinastatin in experimental animals.

Organ protection is a routine therapy in severe injuries. Our aim was to evaluate the beneficial effects of ulinastatin in experimental rats. Rats were randomly divided into a sham control, a model control and an ulinastatin-treated group.

Intraoperative device closure of large secundum atrial septal defects; a safe alternative to transcatheter closure.

Objective: The aim of this study is to report our short and mid-term results of intraoperative device closure (IODC) in large secundum atrial septal defects (ASD), to evaluate its safety and to determine the impact of 'short' rim on the results.

Methods: Sixty-eight patients with an ASD underwent IODC through a right minithoracotomy. Patients were divided into two groups: 37 patients in group I with one short rim (< or =5 mm) and 31 in group II with sufficient rims.

Surgical repair of sinus of Valsalva aneurysm in Asian patients.

Background: Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a rare cardiac anomaly, and the difference between Asian and Western countries in its occurrence is not well established. This study was designed to investigate the difference between Asian and Western patients.

Methods: Between September 1988 and February 2006, 83 patients with sinus of Valsalva aneurysm underwent surgical repair in our institute.

[The effects of coronary abnormalities on reconstruction of right ventricular outflow tract in patients with complex congenital heart disease].

Objective: To explore the effects of coronary abnormalities on reconstruction of right ventricular outflow tract in patients with complex congenital heart disease.

Methods: Eighty patients, including tetralogy of Fallot 14 cases and double outlet right ventricle (DORV) 4 cases with anomalous coronary artery, underwent surgical treatment from April 1989 to May 2004. The coronary diseases included single left or right coronary artery in 11 cases, left anterior descending coronary artery originating from right coronary artery in 6 cases, vascular plexus on right outflow tract in 1 case.

[Construction of vector tandem expressing rat ventricular myocyte Kir2.1 shRNA and its effect in vitro].

Objective: To construct a recombinant vector that expresses 5 shRNAs targeting on the rat ventricular myocyte Kir2.1 gene in tandem and its effect in vitro

Methods: Ventricular myocytes were collected from newborn Wistar rats and cultured. Five sites targeting on the rat Kir2.

[Clinical analysis of 24 supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection treated with surgery].

Objective: To review the surgical treatment of supracardiac type of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC).

Methods: Twenty-four patients with supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection underwent surgical correction from July 1995 to June 2004. There were 11 males, 13 females.

[Clinical analysis for 70 sinus of valsalva aneurysm].

Objective: To review retrospectively the experience of surgical repair of sinus of valsalva aneurysm (SVA) in 70 patients.

Methods: Between September, 1988 and October, 2003, Seventy patients with SVA underwent surgical repair by the aid of general anesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass, comprised 1.4% (70/4960) of all open-heart operation.