Com o aumento da expectativa de vida nas últimas décadas, tem ocorrido aumento concomitante da prevalência da estenose aórtica degenerativa e da doença aterosclerótica arterial coronária. O presente estudo visa avaliar a influência da doença ateroslerótica arterial coronária crítica na mortalidade hospitalar de pacientes portadores de estenose aórtica submetidos à substituição valvar isolada ou combinada à revascularização do miocárdio. No período de janeiro de 2001 a março de 2006, no Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, foram analisados 448 pacientes submetidos à substituição valvar aórtica isolada (grupo GI) e 167 pacientes submetidos à substituição valvar aórtica combinada à revascularização do miocárdio (grupo GII). Os dados pré-operatórios eleitos para análise foram: sexo, idade, índice de massa corpórea, antecedentes de: acidente vascular cerebral, diabete melito, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, febre reumática, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, endocardite, infarto agudo do miocárdio, tabagismo, fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo, doença aterosclerótica arterial coronária crítica, fibrilação atrial crônica; operação valvar aórtica prévia (conservadora), classe funcional de insuficiência cardíaca congestiva, valor sérico de creatinina e de colesterol total, tamanho da prótese utilizada, extensão (completa ou incompleta) e número de anastomoses distais da revascularização do miocárdio, tempo de circulação extracorpórea e tempo de pinçamento aórtico. No estudo estatístico empregou-se análise univariada (teste Qui-Quadrado e teste t de Student) e multivariada (regressão logística) para avaliação da influência da doença aerosclerótica arterial coronária crítica na mortalidade hospitalar dos dois grupos estudados. No grupo GI (substituição valvar aórtica isolada), a mortalidade hospitalar foi 14,3% (64 óbitos), sendo 14,5% (58 óbitos) nos pacientes sem doença aterosclerótica arterial coronária crítica associada (grupo GIB) e 12,8% (6 óbitos) nos que apresentavam essa associação (grupo GIA). No grupo GII (substituição valvar aórtica combinada à revascularização do miocárdio), a mortalidade hospitalar foi 17,6% (29 óbitos), sendo 16,1% (20 óbitos) nos pacientes submetidos à substituição valvar aórtica combinada à revascularização completa do miocárdio (grupo GIIA) e 20,9% (9 óbitos) nos com revascularização incompleta do miocárdio (grupo GIIB). Nos pacientes submetidos à substituição valvar aórtica isolada, a presença de doença aterosclerótica arterial coronária crítica associada, em pelo menos duas artérias, influenciou a mortalidade hospitalar (p= 0,016). Nos pacientes submetidos à substituição valvar aórtica combinada à revascularização do miocárdio, o número de artérias coronárias com doença aterosclerótica crítica e a extensão da revascularização do miocárdio realizada não influenciaram a mortalidade hospitalar (p>0,05), mas a realização de mais de três anastomoses distais influenciou (p= 0,03). / With the increase in life expectancy in recent decades has occurred concomitant increase in the prevalence of degenerative aortic stenosis and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. This study aim to evaluate the influence of critical atherosclerotic coronary artery disease in hospital mortality of patients with aortic stenosis underwent isolated valve replacement or combined coronary artery bypass grafting. In the period of january 2001 to March 2006, at the Heart Institute University of Sao Paulo Medical Center were examined 448 patients underwent isolated aortic valve replacement (GI group) and 167 patients underwent combined aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting (GII group). Preoperative data analised were: sex, age, body mass index, history of stroke, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rheumatic fever, hypertension, endocarditis, myocardial infarction, smoking, chronic atrial fibrillation. Left ventricular ejection fraction, concomitant critical atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, previous surgical aortic valvuloplasty, congestive heart failure functional class, serum creatinine and cholesterol level, aortic valve prosthesis size, concomitant complete or incomplete coronary artery bypass grafting and number of bypass grafts, cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross clamping time. Univariate statistical analysis (Chi-square and Student\'s t test) and multivariate (logistic regression) were used to evaluate the influence of critical atherosclerotic coronary artery disease in hospital mortality of two groups. GI group (isolated aortic valve replacement) hospital mortality was 14.3% (64 deaths), and 14.5% (58 deaths) in patients without associated critical atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (GIB group) and 12.8% (6 deaths) in patients with that association (GIA group). GII group (combined aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting) hospital mortality was 17.6% (29 deaths), and 16.1% (20 deaths) in patients underwent combined aortic valve replacement and complete coronary artery bypass grafting (GIIA group) and 20.9% (9 deaths) in patients with combined incomplete coronary artery bypass grafting (GIIB group). In patients underwent isolated aortic valve replacement, associated critical atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, of at least two arteries, influenced hospital mortality (p = 0016). In patients underwent combined aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting, the number of coronary arteries with critical atherosclerotic disease and coronary artery bypass grafting extension didnt influenced hospital mortality (p> 0.05), but more than three coronary distal anastomoses influenced the hospital mortality (p = 0.03).

A necessidade de cirurgia para substituição da aorta ascendente e valva aórtica com reimplante coronariano em grupos especiais de pacientes onde a anticoagulação é indesejável, como nos idosos, é crescente nos últimos anos. Este estudo objetiva desenvolver e avaliar em modelo animal o comportamento de um conduto valvado aórtico feito com pericárdio bovino tratado pelo glutaraldeído (CVAP). Para tanto, CVAPs foram implantados em 8 ovinos jovens e explantados após serem sacrificados com 150 dias de pós-operatório. Realizou-se estudo angiográfico e hemodinâmico no préoperatório e antes do explante. Ecodopplercardiogramas foram realizados nos dias 30 e 150 de pós-operatório (teste) e também em 5 ovinos não operados (controle). Após explantados, submetemos os CVAPs à avaliação macroscópica, radiológica e histológica por microscopia óptica e eletrônica de transmissão. A análise estatística foi feita com teste não-paramétrico de Mann-Whitney, teste não-paramétrico de Wilcoxon e teste exato de Fisher. O nível de significância utilizado foi 5%. Na análise hemodinâmica houve acréscimo (p>0,05) das pressões arterial e capilar pulmonar entre os dias 0 e 150. Na análise ecodopplercardiográfica, o grupo teste apresentou valores maiores (p>0,05) dos diâmetros diastólicos e sistólicos do ventrículo esquerdo. No grupo teste entre os dias 30 e 150 houve acréscimo (p>0,05) de: peso, espessura das paredes do ventrículo esquerdo, gradiente transvalvar máximo, gradiente transvalvar médio, diâmetro diastólico do ventrículo esquerdo e decréscimo da fração de ejeção. Dois animais com endocardite podem explicar essas diferenças. A macroscopia demonstrou calcificação de grau variável, além de abaulamento na região dos seios em todos os CVAPs, sem aumento de diâmetro. A microscopia óptica revelou dados similares ao da literatura com o uso do pericárdio bovino tratado pelo glutaraldeído. A quantificação realizada com a microscopia eletrônica de transmissão mostrou percentual maior (p>0,05) de colágeno nos seios e nas cúspides e maior conteúdo hídrico na porção mais distal do CVAP. Estes dados indicam que a bioprótese aqui estudada permite a realização desse tipo de experimento no modelo proposto e que os resultados hemodinâmicos encontrados se assemelham aos parâmetros fisiológicos. / The need for replacement surgery of the ascending aorta and aortic valve with coronary reimplantation in special patient groups where anti-coagulation in undesirable, such as elderly, is increasing in the past years. This study aims to develop and evaluate the performance of an aortic valved conduit made with glutaraldehyde treated bovine pericardium (AVCP) in an animal model. Therefore, AVCPs were implanted in 8 young ovine and explanted after being euthanized at 150 days of the post-operative period. An angiographic and hemodynamic study was performed at pre-operative and prior the explant. EchoDoppercardiograms were performed at day 30 and 150 of post-operative (test) as well as in 5 non-operated on ovines (control). Following the explant, AVCPs were submitted to a macroscopical, radiological and histological evaluation by optic and electronic transmission microscopy. A statistics analysis was performed with a Mann-Whitneys nonparametric test, Wilcoxons non-parametric test and Fishers exact test. The significance level used was 5%. In the hemodynamic analysis an increase (p>0,05) of arterial and pulmonary capillary pressure occurred between day 0 and 150. In the echoDoppercardiographic analysis, the test group presented higher values (p>0,05) in the diastolic and systolic diameters of the left ventricle. In the test group, between day 30 and 150, occurred an increase (p>0,05) of weight, thickness of the left ventricle walls, maximum transvalvar gradient, medium transvalvar gradient, left ventricle diastolic diameter and a decrease in the ejection function. Two animals with endocarditis could explain those differences. Macroscopy showed a calcification in variable degrees besides a bulging of the sinus region in all AVCPs, without an increase of diameter. Optic microscopy revealed data similar to literature with the use of glutaraldehyde treated bovine pericadium. The quantification performed by electronic transmission microscopy showed a higher percentage (p>0,05) of collagen in sinus and cusps, and a higher watery content in the most distal portion of the AVCP. These data indicate that the bioprosthesis hereby studied allows the performance of this kind of experiment in the proposed model and that the hemodynamic outcomes found are similar to physiological parameters.

Introdução: as mucopolissacaridoses (MPSs) são doenças lisossômicas de depósito, caracterizadas pela degradação enzimática deficiente dos glicosaminoglicanos (GAGs): ácido hialurônico, condroitin sulfato, dermatan sulfato, heparan sulfato e queratan sulfato. A classificação baseia-se na enzima comprometida, tendo sido descritos sete tipos com manifestações clínicas heterogêneas: MPS tipo I, II, III, IV, VI, VII e IX. O comprometimento cardiovascular é variável, porém a falência cardiopulmonar contribui significativamente para a morbidade e mortalidade. Lesões valvares esquerdas e a hipertrofia do ventrículo esquerdo são os achados mais citados, ainda que não haja concordância quanto à relação entre o comprometimento cardíaco e o tipo de MPS. Especula-se que o acometimento é mais grave em pacientes cujo defeito enzimático traz acúmulo do dermatan sulfato (MPS tipos I, II, VI e VII), visto que esse GAG predomina naturalmente em válvulas e vasos sanguíneos. Frente à perspectiva de tratamento específico dessas patologias através de reposição enzimática, torna-se fundamental conhecer o comprometimento cardiovascular inicial, para determinar com segurança o impacto destas terapêuticas sobre as crianças a elas submetidas. O propósito deste estudo foi caracterizar as alterações ecocardiográficas de pacientes pediátricos com MPSs, além de testar a associação entre o acúmulo de dermatan sulfato e a gravidade das lesões cardiovasculares. Métodos: foram analisados retrospectivamente os prontuários e os ecocardiogramas de 28 pacientes (15M: 13F) entre 2 e 14 anos (9 ± 3 anos), acompanhados no Ambulatório de Genética do Instituto da Criança de setembro de 2003 a novembro de 2005: 6 com MPS tipo I, 2 com tipo II, 7 com tipo III, 6 com tipo IV, 5 com tipo VI e 2 com tipo VII. No período estudado nenhum paciente realizava terapia de reposição enzimática. Um único ecocardiografista executou 53 avaliações, visto que 17 indivíduos submeteram-se a múltiplos exames, com intervalo de 10,3 ± 5,6 meses. Todos os ecocardiogramas foram realizados segundo as normas da Sociedade Americana de Ecocardiografia. Os pacientes foram analisados quanto aos aspectos clínicos e parâmetros xvi ecocardiográficos, sendo realizada em seguida a comparação entre o grupo que acumula (D+) e o que não acumula dermatan sulfato (D-). O grupo D+ incluiu os tipos I, II, VI e VII e o grupo D-, os tipos III e IV. O programa estatístico utilizado foi o Statistical Package for Social Sciency e os testes aplicados foram o Exato de Fisher e o de Correlação de Spearman, com um valor de p significativo 0,05. Resultados: 26 (93%) pacientes exibiram alterações ecocardiográficas ao exame final. No entanto, em apenas 16 (57%) havia registro de ausculta anormal e em 6 (21%) alguma queixa cardiovascular. Hipertrofia de septo e de parede posterior foram detectadas em 12 pacientes (43%) e em 5 (18%) ocorreu hipertrofia septal isolada. Somente 2 (7%) apresentaram dilatação ventricular. Em 22 casos foi possível avaliar a função diastólica de ventrículo esquerdo. Destes, 6 (27%) apresentaram disfunção de grau leve. Todos apresentaram função sistólica preservada. Detectou-se hipertensão pulmonar em 10 pacientes (36%). Quatro foram admitidos à Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e dois evoluíram a óbito, todos por agravamento de hipertensão pulmonar. Valva mitral normal foi o achado em 5 (17,8%) e espessamento sem disfunção em 6 (21,4%). Espessamento valvar com disfunção ocorreu em 17 pacientes (60,8%): 12 (42,8%) com insuficiência, 2 (7,2%) com estenose e 3 (10,8%) com dupla lesão. A valva aórtica foi normal em 5 (17,8%) e espessada sem disfunção em 13 (46,4%). Espessamento com disfunção ocorreu em 10 pacientes (35,8%): todos com insuficiência de grau leve ou moderado. Verificou-se forte associação entre o acúmulo de dermatan sulfato e a presença de: disfunção valvar mitral (p = 0,0003), disfunção valvar aórtica (p = 0,006) e hipertensão pulmonar (p = 0,006). Entre os 17 indivíduos com múltiplos exames, 14 (82%) mostraram piora ecocardiográfica justificada por: surgimento (4/14) ou agravamento (6/14) de lesões valvares, surgimento (5/14) ou progressão (6/14) da hipertrofia ventricular, desenvolvimento de disfunção diastólica (1/14) e de hipertensão pulmonar (4/14). Conclusões: as alterações ecocardiográficas em pacientes pediátricos com mucopolissacaridoses são freqüentes e têm caráter progressivo, enquanto os sinais e sintomas são escassos. Lesões valvares esquerdas, hipertrofia ventricular e hipertensão pulmonar foram os achados mais comuns, havendo associação significativa entre o acúmulo de dermatan sulfato e o comprometimento cardiovascular. Diferentemente do que é descrito em adultos, a hipertensão pulmonar foi a causa mais importante de óbito e não a disfunção sistólica de ventrículo esquerdo. / Introduction: mucopolysaccharidosis (MPSs) are lysosomal storage diseases, characterized by deficient enzymatic degradation of glycosaminoglycanes (GAGs): hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate and keratan sulfate. The classification is based on the defective enzyme and seven types with heterogeneous clinical manifestations have been described: MPS type I, II, III, IV, VI, VII and IX. The cardiovascular involvement is variable, but the cardiopulmonary failure contributes significantly towards the morbidity and mortality. Left valve lesions and left ventricle hypertrophy are the most commented findings, although there is still no agreement about the relationship between the heart involvement and the type of MPS. It is speculated that the lesions are more severe in patients whose enzymatic defect lead to the accumulation of dermatan sulfate (MPS types I, II, VI and VII), because this GAG prevails naturally in valves and blood vessels. Due to the perspective of specific treatment for the pathology through enzymatic replacement, it is essential to know the initial cardiovascular abnormalities to determine the impact of this therapeutics on pediatric patient. The purpose of this study was to characterize the echocardiographic alterations of the pediatric patients with MPSs, besides testing the association between the accumulation of dermatan sulfate and the severity of the cardiovascular lesions. Methods: the medical records and echocardiograms of 28 patients (15M: 13F) aged 2 to 14 (9 ± 3 years), seen at the Genetic Clinic between September 2003 and November 2005, were retrospectively analyzed: 6 with MPS type I, 2 with type II, 6 with type III, 7 with type IV, 5 with type VI and 2 with type VII. During the period of study no patient had enzymatic replacement. A single pediatric cardiologist executed 53 echocardiograms, since 17 individuals underwent multiple exams, with an interval of 10.3 ± 5.6 months. All the echocardiograms were performed according to the recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography. Patients were analyzed according to both clinical and echocardiographic parameters, and then a comparison was made among the group that accumulates (D+) and the one that does not xviii accumulate dermatan sulfate (D-). The group D+ included the types I, II, VI and VII and the group D included types III and IV. The statistical program used was the Statistical Package for Social Science and the applied tests were the Fisher\'s exact test and the Spearman correlation, where a p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: echocardiographic alterations were detected in 26 patients (93%), whereas 16 (57%) had abnormal auscultation, and only 6 (21%) presented cardiovascular complaint. Septum and posterior wall hypertrophy were diagnosed in 12 patients (43%) and five (18%) showed signs of isolated septal hypertrophy. Only 2 (7%) presented ventricular dilation. In 22 patients it was possible to evaluate the diastolic function of the left ventricle. Of these, 6 presented mild dysfunction. However, all patients had preserved systolic function. Pulmonary hypertension was detected in 10 patients (36%). 4 patients were admitted in the Intensive Care Unit and 2 died, due to aggravation of pulmonary hypertension. Normal mitral valve was found in 5 (17.8%) and thickening without dysfunction in 6 cases (21.4%). Valve thickening with dysfunction occurred in 17 (60.8%): 12 (42.8%) with regurgitation, 2 (7.2%) with stenosis and 3 (10.8%) with double lesion. The aortic valve was normal in 5 (17.8%) and thickened without dysfunction in 13 cases (46.4%). Thickening with dysfunction happened in 10 patients (35.8%): all with mild or moderate aortic regurgitation. A strong association was observed between accumulation of dermatan sulfate and presence of mitral valve dysfunction (p = 0.0003), aortic valve dysfunction (p = 0.006) and pulmonary hypertension (p = 0.006). Among 17 individuals with multiple exams, 14 (82%) had a worsening evolution justified by the appearance (4/14) or aggravation (6/14) of valve lesions, appearance (5/14) or progression (6/14) of ventricular hypertrophy, development of left ventricle diastolic dysfunction (1/14) and of pulmonary hypertension (4/14). Conclusions: echocardiographic alterations in pediatric patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis are frequent and have a progressive character. Left valve lesions, ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary hypertension were the most common findings and there was association between accumulation of dermatan sulfate and cardiovascular involvement. Unlike in adults, pulmonary hypertension was the main cause of death, not left ventricle systolic dysfunction.

INTRODUÇÃO: Avaliação da função diastólica de pacientes portadores de estenose ou insuficiência aórtica submetidos à troca valvar. OBJETIVOS: Avaliação da função diastólica através da análise do NTpró-BNP como método não invasivo para caracterização da insuficiência cardíaca diastólica, comparando com os dados ecocardiográficos através do Doppler Pulsado em Fluxo Mitral, Doppler Pulsado em Veias Pulmonares e Doppler Tecidual em portadores de IAO e EAO. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 63 pacientes, 32 pacientes com IAO (25 pacientes do sexo masculino e 7 do sexo feminino), 31 pacientes com EAO (11 pacientes do sexo masculino e 20 pacientes do sexo feminino). As variáveis foram comparadas na média entre os pacientes portador de IAO e EAO no pré e pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: A idade dos pacientes variou de 21 a 81 com média de 55 anos. Observa-se diferença quanto à média de idades entre as diferentes patologias (t-Student p< 0,0001). Os pacientes com IAO apresentam uma média de idade igual a 45,7±14,3 com variação entre 21 e 79 anos e os pacientes com EAO apresentam uma média de idade igual a 61,5±14,7 com variação entre 21 e 81 anos. Na IAO em relação à disfunção diastólica tivemos os seguintes dados com significância estatística do pré para o pós-operatório (6 meses): TRIV (p=0,0011), diferença entre Tempo de onda A mitral e onda A pulmonar (p=0,0097), Vol. Sistólico de AE (p=0,0019), Vol Sistólico de AE Indexado (0,0011), Vol. Diastólico de AE (p=0,0110), DDVE (p<0,0001), DSVE (p<0,0001), VSF (p<0,0001), VDF (p<0,0001), Massa Indexada de VE (p<0,0001) e Relação Volume/Massa do VE (p<0,0001). Na EAO em relação à disfunção diastólica tivemos os seguintes dados com significância estatística do pré para o pós-operatório (6 meses): E/E (p=0,0379), TRIV (p=0,0072), diferença entre o tempo de onda A mitral e tempo de onda A pulmonar (p=0,0176), Vol sistólico de AE(p=0,0242), Vol. Sistólico de AE indexado (p=0,0237), FEdeAE (p=0,0339), DDVE (p=0,0002), DSVE (p=0,0085), VDF (p=0,0194), Massa Indexada de VE (p<0,0001) e Relação Volume/Massa de VE(p<0,0001). O NTpró-BNP se correlacionou positivamente com os diversos graus de disfunção diastólica tanto no pré como pós-operatório CONCLUSÃO: Foram verificados no estudo da função diastólica variação com significância estatística tanto na IAO como na EAO na comparação do pré e o pós-operatório. Da mesma forma notamos variação do NT-proBNP com correlação com as variáveis ecocardiográficas que caracterizam a disfunção diastólica. / INTRODUCTION: Assessment of diastolic function in patients with aortic stenosis or aortic regurgitation waiting for aortic valve replacement. OBJECTIVE: Assesment of diastolic function with Doppler methods:Doppler signals from transvalvar mitral inflow, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and Doppler in pulmonary veins(DPV) correlating with serum brain peptide natriuretic (NTproNP) before and 6 months after aortic valve replacement (AVR). METHODS: We have analyzed 63 patients, 32 with AR (25 males and 7 females), 31 AS (11 males and 20 females).The indices were compared with AS and AR before and after AVR. RESULTS: The ages of patients ranged from 21 to 81 mean age was 55 years old.We have seen difference between mean age of AS and AR (t-Student-p<0.0001). Patients with AR have had mean age 45.67 plus/minus 14.28, range 21 to 79 years old and patients with AS have had mean age 61.50 plus/minus 14.72, range 21 to 81 years old. The patients who had AR the indices showed differences: Isovolumetric Relaxation Time IRT(p=0.0011), Diference between the pulmonary A wave duration and mitral A duration (p=0.0097), Left Atrial Systolic Volume (p=0.0019), Left Atrial Systolic Volume Index(p=0.0011), Left Atrial Diastolic Volume (p=0.0110), Left Ventricular Diastolic Diameter (p<0.0001), Left Ventricular Systolic Diameter (p<0.0001), End Systolic Volume (p<0.0001), End Diastolic Volume (p<0.0001), Left Ventricular Mass Index (p<0.0001) and Left Ventricular Volume and Left Ventricular Mass Index ratio (p<0.0001). Analyzing patients with AS the indices who showed differences: (The ratio of mitral velocity to early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus) E/E (p=0.0379)(Isovolumetric Relaxation Time)(p=0.0072) IRT, Diference between the pulmonary A wave duration and mitral A duration (p=0.0176), Left Atrial Sistolic Volume (p=0.0242), Left Atrial Systolic Volume Index (p=0.0237), Left Atrial Ejection Fraction (p=0.0339) Left Ventricular Diastolic Diameter (p=0.0002), Left Ventricular Systolic Diameter (p=0.0085), End Diastolic Volume (LVEDV) (p=0.0194), Left ventricular Mass Index(p<0.0001), Left Ventricular Volume and Mass Index Ratio (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: As we studied diastolic function we have verified significant statistic variation in aortic regurgitation and aortic stenosis comparing before and after aortic valve replacement. Likewise we have seen there is correlation between NTproBNP and echocardiographic variables that show diastolic dysfunction.

No description available.

<p>The obligate intracellular bacterium <i>Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp</i>), a common human pathogen, has been associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The aetiology of non-rheumatic aortic valve sclerosis has, however, not been clarified. In two prospective studies of 42 and 46 patients undergoing surgical valve replacement because of aortic valve stenosis, the presence of <i>Cp </i>DNA could be demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 49% and 35% of the sclerotic valves as compared to 9 % and 0%, respectively, of valves from forensic control cases with no heart valve disease. Some inflammatory and infectious diseases are associated with trace element changes. Eleven of 15 trace elements showed changed concentrations in sclerotic valve tissue compared to control valves in support of an active process in the sclerotic valves. Notable was an increased iron concentration in the patients´ valves suggesting a possible link to <i>Cp</i>. Furthermore, a disturbed trace element balance existed in the patients´ sera, the pattern of which was compatible with ongoing infection. In a prospective study of 38 patients operated on for thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection, <i>Cp</i> DNA <i>w</i>as detected byPCR in 12 % of the aneurysms and the result was confirmed byelectron microscopy(EM<i>).</i> In none of the dissection patients could <i>Cp </i>be demonstratedin the removed tissues. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values for doxycycline and azithromycin increased with longer <i>Cp </i>preincubation times when tested in vitro<i>.</i> EMwas performed to visualise the inactivation at a cellular level.Thus, the results demonstrate <i>Cp </i>in the tissues in non-rheumatic aortic valve sclerosis and in thoracic aortic aneurysm but not in aortic dissection.</p>

The obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp), a common human pathogen, has been associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The aetiology of non-rheumatic aortic valve sclerosis has, however, not been clarified. In two prospective studies of 42 and 46 patients undergoing surgical valve replacement because of aortic valve stenosis, the presence of Cp DNA could be demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 49% and 35% of the sclerotic valves as compared to 9 % and 0%, respectively, of valves from forensic control cases with no heart valve disease. Some inflammatory and infectious diseases are associated with trace element changes. Eleven of 15 trace elements showed changed concentrations in sclerotic valve tissue compared to control valves in support of an active process in the sclerotic valves. Notable was an increased iron concentration in the patients´ valves suggesting a possible link to Cp. Furthermore, a disturbed trace element balance existed in the patients´ sera, the pattern of which was compatible with ongoing infection. In a prospective study of 38 patients operated on for thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection, Cp DNA was detected byPCR in 12 % of the aneurysms and the result was confirmed byelectron microscopy(EM). In none of the dissection patients could Cp be demonstratedin the removed tissues. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values for doxycycline and azithromycin increased with longer Cp preincubation times when tested in vitro. EMwas performed to visualise the inactivation at a cellular level.Thus, the results demonstrate Cp in the tissues in non-rheumatic aortic valve sclerosis and in thoracic aortic aneurysm but not in aortic dissection.

The aortic valve maintains unidirectional blood flow between the left ventricle and the systemic circulation. When diseased, the valve is replaced either by a mechanical or a bioprosthetic heart valve, that carry issues such as thrombogenesis, long term structural failure, and calcification, necessitating the development of more structurally and biologically sufficient long-term replacements. Tissue engineering provides a possible avenue for development, combining cells, scaffolds, and biochemical factors to regenerate tissue. The overall goal of this dissertation was to create a foundation for the rational design of a tissue engineered aortic valve. The novel approach taken in this thesis research was to view each of the three leaflets as a laminate structure. The first three aims consider the leaflet as a laminate structure comprising of layers of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). In the first aim, the effect of GAGs on the tensile properties and stress relaxation in the leaflet was investigated, by removing GAGs through increasing amounts of hyaluronidase. A decrease in GAGs led to significantly higher elastic moduli, maximum stresses, and hysteresis in the leaflet. In the second aim, the 3D elastic fiber network of the leaflet was characterized using immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy. This structure was found to have regionally varying thicknesses and patterns. In the third aim, a novel hydrogel-fiber composite design was proposed to match the anisotropy of the leaflet. This composite composed of aligned electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) within a poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) matrix. Surface modification and embedding of the PCL did not significantly alter the anisotropy or strength of the underlying PCL scaffold, providing the basis for an anisotropic, biocompatible scaffold. In the last aim, a novel co-culture model was designed using magnetic levitation as a layered structure of valvular endothelial cells and interstitial cells. This technique was used to create co-culture models within hours, while maintaining cell phenotype and function, and inducing extracellular matrix formation, as shown by immunohistochemical stains and their gene expression profiling. The overall result of this dissertation is a clearer understanding of the layered structure-function relationship of the aortic valve, and its application towards heart valve tissue engineering.

The number of patients that are waiting for heart transplants far exceed the number of available donor hearts. Left Ventricular Assist Devices are mechanical alternatives that can help and are helping several patients. They work by taking blood from the left ventricle and ejecting that blood into the aorta. In the University of Louisville they are developing a similar device that will take the blood from the aorta instead of the ventricle. This new device is called an Artificial Vasculature Device. In this thesis the arterial system and AVD are modeled and a simple control algorithm for the AVD proposed. The arteries are modeled as a tube with linear resistance and inertia followed by a chamber with linear compliance and last a tube with linear resistance. The model is identical to the 4-element Windkessel model. The values for the resistances, inertia and compliance are identified using pressure and flow measurements from the ventricle and aortic root from a healthy patient. In addition to the Windkessel model the aortic valve is also modeled. The valve is modeled as a drum that closes the aorta and the parameters identified like before. The measurements are also used to model the left ventricle by assuming it has a constant compliance profile. The AVD is modeled using common modeling structures for servo motors and simple structures for tubes and pistons. The values for the AVD could not be measured and identified so they are fetched from preliminary motor and part specifications. The control algorithm for the AVD uses a wanted load to create a reference aortic flow. This wanted aortic flow is then achieved by using a PI controller. With these models and controller the interaction between the arterial system and AVD is investigated. With this preliminary understanding of the interaction further research can be made in the future to improve the understanding and improve the AVD itself.

<p>The number of patients that are waiting for heart transplants far exceed the number of available donor hearts. Left Ventricular Assist Devices are mechanical alternatives that can help and are helping several patients. They work by taking blood from the left ventricle and ejecting that blood into the aorta. In the University of Louisville they are developing a similar device that will take the blood from the aorta instead of the ventricle. This new device is called an Artificial Vasculature Device. In this thesis the arterial system and AVD are modeled and a simple control algorithm for the AVD proposed. </p><p>The arteries are modeled as a tube with linear resistance and inertia followed by a chamber with linear compliance and last a tube with linear resistance. The model is identical to the 4-element Windkessel model. The values for the resistances, inertia and compliance are identified using pressure and flow measurements from the ventricle and aortic root from a healthy patient. In addition to the Windkessel model the aortic valve is also modeled. The valve is modeled as a drum that closes the aorta and the parameters identified like before. The measurements are also used to model the left ventricle by assuming it has a constant compliance profile. </p><p>The AVD is modeled using common modeling structures for servo motors and simple structures for tubes and pistons. The values for the AVD could not be measured and identified so they are fetched from preliminary motor and part specifications. </p><p>The control algorithm for the AVD uses a wanted load to create a reference aortic flow. This wanted aortic flow is then achieved by using a PI controller. With these models and controller the interaction between the arterial system and AVD is investigated. </p><p>With this preliminary understanding of the interaction further research can be made in the future to improve the understanding and improve the AVD itself.</p>