ABSTRACT Introduction: Aortic valve bioprostheses ring fracture in valve-in-valve procedures has shown low complication rates and presents as an option in the treatment of patients at high risk for conventional surgery, avoiding high transvalvular gradients, which are associated with increased mortality. Some prostheses available in the market cannot be fractured. In an ex vivo test, the possibility of ring fracture of aortic valve bioprostheses produced in Brazil when submitted to radial force application using a high-pressure non-compliant balloon was evaluated. Methods: One unit of each aortic valve bioprosthesis model, sizes 19 and 21 mm, produced by Brazilian companies (Braile Biomédica, Cardioprótese, and Labcor), was used. In the experiment, a non-compliant high-pressure balloon (Atlas®-Gold), 1 mm larger than the external diameter of the prosthesis, was positioned inside the valve annulus and inflated gradually aiming to fracture the prosthesis. Fracture pressures and photographic and radiological images of the prostheses before and after test were recorded. Results: All prostheses were fractured. In the models with metal ring, the fracture pressures were between 23 and 25 atm. In the other prostheses, the rupture occurred between 10 and 13 atm. No deformations in the structure were observed, which could potentially damage the aortic root. Conclusion: All the Brazilian prostheses evaluated were fractured, although the presence of a metal ring in the prosthesis framework increases the pressure required for fracture. The information obtained helps in the planning of valve-in-valve procedures in patients with aortic valve bioprostheses.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the hemodynamic performance (i.e., gradients and paravalvular leakage [PVL]) of the new and experimental Braile Inovare® Proseal. Additionally, we aimed to assess pre and postoperatively the aortic annulus and the transcatheter prosthesis using multislice computed tomography (MSCT). Methods: Patients were selected by a multidisciplinary heart team and referred for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). MSCT was performed before and after surgery. Measurements of the aortic valve and prosthesis were conducted and correlated with the valve gradient and residual PVL. Results: Twenty-one patients were selected for the protocol. Patients had a mean age of 79 years and 38% of them were of female sex. The mean EuroSCORE II value was 12.5%±10.8. Mean gradient was reduced from 45.8±11.04 mmHg to 5.59±2.61 mmHg and there were no instances of PVL worse than mild. There were no cases of coronary obstruction or procedural death. Circularity was present in all prostheses evaluated. Circularity indexes for the prostheses were: inflow 0.05±0.03, middle third 0.04±0.02, and outflow 0.04±0.02 (P=0.08). The mean distance between the prosthesis and the left and right coronary ostia were 14.8 mm±3.3 and 17.3 mm±3, respectively. Oversizing was appropriate with a mean of 22.14%±6%. Conclusion: Braile Inovare® Proseal transcatheter device has demonstrated low gradients with low rates of PVL. Oversizing by annular measurements was adequate. MSCT was adequate to evaluate device sizing and has demonstrated preserved expansibility and circularity in the evaluated cases.

Abstract Objective: To present the results of a new experimental device developed to facilitate the transapical access in endovascular treatment of structural heart diseases. It aims to reduce the risk of bleeding and complications in this type of access and demonstrate the device as a safe, fast and effective alternative. Methods: CorPoint is composed of three parts: introducer, base with coiled spring, and closing capsule. By rotating movements, the spring is introduced into the myocardium and progressively approaches the base to the surface of the heart. Guidewires and catheters are inserted through the hollow central part and, at the end of the procedure, the capsule is screwed over the base, therefore stopping any bleeding. Results: The device was implanted in 15 pigs, weighing 60 kg each, through an anterolateral thoracotomy, while catheters were introduced and guided by fluoroscopy. All animals had minimal bleeding; introducers with diameter up to 22 Fr were used and various catheters and guidewires were easily handled. After finishing the procedure, the closing capsule was attached and no bleeding was observed at the site. Conclusion: This new device has proved effective, fast and secure for the transapical access. This shows great potential for use, especially by ensuring an easier and direct access to the mitral and aortic valves; the shortest distance to be traveled by catheters; access to the ascending and descending aorta; decreased bleeding complications; decreased surgical time; and the possibility of allowing the technique to evolve and become totally percutaneous.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o comportamento das variáveis cardiovasculares durante um programa de reabilitação cardiovascular hospitalar em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio. MÉTODOS: Um total de 14 pacientes (idade média: 55,4 ± 6,4 anos, 78,6% do sexo masculino) participaram do estudo, todos apresentavam diagnóstico prévio de insuficiência coronariana e indicação de cirurgia eletiva. O protocolo consistiu de um grupo de exercícios de baixo impacto (2-3 METs) para extremidade superior e inferior e exercícios de caminhada realizados no pré e pós-operatório (3 e 4 dias). As seguintes variáveis foram avaliadas em repouso e após o programa de exercício: frequência cardíaca (FC, bpm), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS, mmHg), pressão arterial diastólica (PAD, mmHg), pressão arterial média (MAP,mmHg), duplo produto (DPr, bpm/mmHg) e escala de Índice de Percepção de Esforço (IPE). RESULTADOS: Houve aumento significativo da FC e DPr na análise individual (P <0,001), bem como na análise entre os dias de avaliação (P <0,001 para FC e P <0,05 para DPr), mas apenas atingindo valores máximos que foram < 30% do previsto. Além disso, ocorreu correlação negativa entre a escala IPE e SAP e MAP. CONCLUSÃO: Os exercícios propostos mostraram-se seguros com a mudança de variáveis fisiológicas fundamentais em todo o experimento abaixo do valor recomendado para a fase de hospitalização. Além disso, a escala percepção de esforço parece ter correlação com algumas variáveis hemodinâmicas e, portanto, pode ser uma ferramenta útil para este grupo de pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the behavior of cardiovascular variables during an in-hospital cardiovascular rehabilitation program in patients following myocardial revascularization surgery. METHODS: A total of 14 patients (mean age: 55.4 ± 6.4 years, 78.6% male) participated in the study, all of whom had a previous diagnosis of coronary insufficiency and indication for elective surgery. The protocol consisted of a group of low-impact (2-3 METs) upper/lower extremity and walking exercises performed both pre and post-operatively (3rd and 4th days). The following variables were evaluated at rest and following the exercise program: heart rate (HR, bpm); systolic arterial pressure (SAP, mmHg); diastolic arterial pressure (DAP, mmHg); mean arterial pressure (MAP, mmHg); double product (DPr, bpm/mmHg); and the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in HR and DPr in the individual analysis (P<0.001) as well as in between days (P<0.001 for HR and P<0.05 for DPr), but only attaining maximal values that were < 30% of predicted. Moreover, a negative correlation was found between the RPE scale and both SAP and MAP. CONCLUSION: The exercises proposed proved to be safe with the change in key physiologic variables throughout the experiment below recommended values for the hospitalization phase. Furthermore, the RPE scale appears to have a correlation with some hemodynamic variables and thus may be a useful tool for this group of patients.

A circulação extracorpórea (CEC) propicia o desenvolvimento de uma Síndrome de Resposta Inflamatória Sistêmica, com liberação de citocinas responsáveis por várias manifestações clínicas. OBJETIVO: Observar a liberação das citocinas Fator de Necrose Tumoral Alfa (TNF<FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>) e Interleucina 6 (IL-6) e verificar as alterações clínicas produzidas em pacientes submetidos à revascularização do miocárdio com CEC, utilizando ou não corticóide. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 30 pacientes, sendo 15 (Grupo I) com uso de corticóide (Metilprednisolona, 30 mg/kg) e 15 (Grupo II) sem uso de corticóide. Amostras sangüíneas seriadas foram colhidas, sendo analisadas a liberação de TNF<FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font> e IL-6, contagem de leucócitos, VHS e glicemia. Foram comparadas a pressão arterial, freqüência cardíaca, temperatura, sangramento pós-operatório, tempo de intubação orotraqueal e necessidade de drogas vasoativas. Na análise estatística foram considerados significativos valores de p <FONT FACE="Symbol">£</font> 0,05. RESULTADOS: No Grupo I o TNF<FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font> não foi detectado e a IL-6 foi detectada em 13 pacientes, com níveis variando de 8,6 a 101,8 pg/ml. No Grupo II o TNF<FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font> foi detectado em 13 pacientes, com níveis entre 5,4 e 231,0 pg/ml. A IL-6 neste grupo foi detectada nos 15 pacientes, sendo seus níveis mais elevados que aqueles encontrados no Grupo I, variando entre 5,5 e 2569,0 pg/ml. Os pacientes do Grupo I apresentaram pressão arterial média mais elevada (7,9 ± 0,5 vs 7,3 ± 0,4 mmHg), menor necessidade de drogas vasoativas (5 vs 11). Evoluíram com menos taquicardia (105,6 ± 5,9 vs 109,3 ± 7,2 bpm), temperatura menos elevada (36,5 ± 0,2 vs 37,3 ± 0,2 °C), menor sangramento pós-operatório (576,6 ± 119,5 vs 810,0 ± 176,2 ml), menor tempo de intubação orotraqueal (11,0 ± 2,0 vs 14,6 ± 2,9 h) e leucocitose menos acentuada. Os níveis de glicemia só foram significativos (Grupo I > Grupo II) nas amostras colhidas no PO imediato e 1º PO. O VHS não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os dois grupos. CONCLUSÕES: A metilprednisolona inibiu significantemente a liberação de citocinas pró-inflamatórias principalmente o TNF<FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>. Os efeitos sistêmicos adversos decorrentes da reação inflamatória pós-CEC foram atenuados com o uso do corticóide.

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces the development of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome, with the release of cytokines that are responsible for many clinical manifestations. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to observe the release of the cytokines - tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF<FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>) and Interleukine-6 (IL-6), and to verify the clinical alterations produced in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization with CPB, with or without corticoids. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients were studied - 15 used corticoid (methylprednisolone, 30 mg/kg -Group I) and 15 did not (Group II). Serial blood samples were collected and the TNF<FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font> and IL-6 release were analyzed, as well as the leukocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and glycemia. The blood pressure, cardiac rate, temperature, postoperative bleeding, orotracheal tubing time and inotropic drug requirement were also compared. Statistical significance was assumed when p <FONT FACE="Symbol">£</font> 0.05. RESULTS: In Group I TNF<FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font> was not detected and IL-6 was detected in 13 patients, with levels ranging from 8.6 to 101.8 pg/ml. In Group II TNF<FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font> was detected in 13 patients, with levels between 5.4 and 231.0 pg/ml. The IL-6 in this group was detected in 15 patients, with higher levels than those in Group I, varying between 5.5 and 2569.0 pg/ml. The Group I patients had higher medium blood pressure (7.9 ± 0.5 vs 7.3 ± 0.4 mmHg) and lower inotropic drug requirement (5 vs 11). They evolved with less tachycardia (105.6 ± 5.9 vs 109.3 ± 7.2 bpm), lower temperature (36.5 ± 0.2 vs 37.3 ± 0.2°C), lower postoperative bleeding, (576.6 ± 119.5 vs 810.0 ± 176.2 ml), shorter orotracheal tubing time (11.0 ± 2.0 vs 14.6 ± 2.9 hs) and lower leukocytosis. The glycemia level was just significant (Group I > Grupo II) in the immediate postoperative and in the first postoperative samples. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate did not present significant statistical difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The methylprednisolone significantly inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines mainly the TNF<FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>. The systemic adverse effects caused by the inflammatory response after CPB were minimized by corticoid use.

OBJETIVO: Apresentar a correção de dissecção da aorta descendente, utilizando stent recoberto com dácron® introduzido através da artéria femoral na sala de hemodinâmica. MÉTODOS: Quatro pacientes foram submetidos à sedação, anestesia local de ambas regiões inguinais e a heparinização sistêmica, com cateter contendo o stent introduzido, através da artéria femoral comum, previamente dissecada, até a aorta descendente no seu terço médio. RESULTADOS: A expansão do stent foi realizada no local onde existia a lesão da íntima, diagnosticada por arteriografia e ecocardiograma. A oclusão da falsa luz foi imediata. O tempo do procedimento foi em média de 1h e 30min. A alta hospitalar ocorreu sem complicações. CONCLUSÃO: Este procedimento poderá proporcionar uma melhora substancial nos resultados do tratamento das dissecções da aorta descendente.

PURPOSE: We present four cases of dissection of the thoracic descending aorta that underwent treatment with an auto expandable dácron®-covered stent. METHODS: The stent was deployed through the femoral artery in the hemodinamic laboratory after sedation, local anesthesia in both inguinal areas and systemic heparinization. The catheter with the stent was introduced through a cutdown in the left femoral artery until the area in the thoracic aorta with the previously diagnosed tear. RESULTS: The stent was expanded with immediate occlusion of the false lumen. The whole proccedure took 90 minutes and the patients were discharged without complications. CONCLUSION: Stent utilization is an important step to improve treatment results in type B aortic dissection.