European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Feb 2000
Comparative StudyInfluence of the maze procedure on the treatment of rheumatic atrial fibrillation - evaluation of rhythm control and clinical outcome in a comparative study.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the maze procedure on the treatment of rheumatic atrial fibrillation in patients with mitral valve disease. ⋯ The maze procedure is effective in treating atrial fibrillation in patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease. The results are sustained in the mid-term follow-up period, preventing postoperative thromboembolic episodes, and with acceptable morbidity and mortality.
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Feb 2000
Comparative StudyClosure of the zone of apposition at correction of complete atrioventricular septal defect improves outcome.
Outcome after correction of atrioventricular septal defect depends to a great deal on the postoperative function of the left atrioventricular valve. The related role of the zone of apposition ('cleft') has been debated: should it be closed (bileaflet repair) or should it be left untouched (trileaflet repair)? This study aims to answer the question by comparing the outcome of patients treated according to these two approaches. ⋯ This study demonstrates the advantage of closing the zone of apposition ('cleft') as part of repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect. Survival, freedom from reoperation for left atrioventricular valve incompetence and over-all outcome were more favourable in patients of group II. The zone of apposition should be surgically addressed whenever the morphology of the left atrioventricular valve allows for closure without producing stenosis.
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Feb 2000
Aortic valve replacement in children: are mechanical prostheses a good option?
The choice of the most appropriate substitute in children with irreparable aortic valve lesions remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess early and late outcomes following aortic valve replacement (AVR) with mechanical prostheses in children. ⋯ Mechanical AVR, with enlargement of the aortic root if necessary, remains an excellent treatment option in children. It is associated with acceptable operative mortality, low incidence of late events and re-operation, and provides good long-term survival. It clearly represents a good alternative to available biological substitutes, including the pulmonary autograft (Ross procedure).