Background To evaluate the graft outcomes after orthotopic heart transplantation (HTx) with a novel bicaval anastomosis technique between recipients with and without a history of prior cardiac surgery. Methods Of 70 patients who underwent HTx with a novel four-corners traction bicaval anastomosis technique from August 2017 to November 2019, 60 recipients underwent the HTx procedure as their first cardiac surgery (group A), while 10 recipients underwent HTx after prior cardiac surgery (group B). Patients in the two groups were compared in terms of their preoperative baseline variables such as etiological categories, history of blood transfusion and panel reactive antibody (PRA), intraoperative operation time and blood infusion volume, postoperative treatment time, and complications such as acute rejection and 30-day mortality as well as survival rates. Results Preoperative variables were comparable in group A and group B except for the history of blood transfusion (0% vs. 90.0%, P<0.001, respectively); the level of PRA was 7.5%±5.8% and 9.5%±10.9% for group A and B, respectively (P=0.583), but the time of the operation was nearly 1 hour longer for group B than group A (all P<0.05). No cases of left atrial thrombosis and donor heart distortion were observed in either group. Reoperation (1.7% vs. 10.0%, P=0.267), infection (0% vs. 10.0%, P=0.142), other postoperative complications as well as the 30-day mortality (1.7% vs. 10.0%, P=0.267), and postoperative survival rates (91.5% vs. 90.0%, P=0.805) were comparable between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions Four-corner traction bicaval anastomosis combined with a continuous everting suture technique may result in approximately comparable prognoses for heart recipients with a history of cardiac surgery when compared with those without a history of cardiac surgery and this technique may reduce the incidence of left atrial thrombosis and distortion. Further follow-up of the long-term outcomes will be required to validate these results.

Background In December 2019, Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection appeared in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The disease is highly infectious. Wuhan, Hubei Province decided restrict personnel movement on January 23.We analyze relevant data to show the situation of the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Methods The data was classified according to Hubei group, non-Hubei group, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan group, and Chinese Mainland group, and analyze the current situation and trend of the epidemic. Results There was an explosive growth in the early stage of the epidemic. The epidemic situation began to improve in about two weeks after Wuhan was restricted,and the situation in non-Hubei was significantly better than that in Hubei. Conclusion The blockade of Wuhan was a correct decision, cut off the outflow of tinfection sources, and the epidemic situation in all places turned around after the incubation period.

Objective: To investigate an effective and convenient method of intercostal artery reconstruction during the surgery,we analyzed the clinical data of 21 cases treated by thoracoabodimnal aorta replacement. Methods: From January 2001 to January 2010,total thoracoabdominal aortic replacement was performed in 21 patients.There were 15 male and 6 female patients with a mean age of(45 ± 8) years.We used the posterior wall of aorta to make a common channel of intercostal arteries,and then connected the intercostal artery common channel and the artificial thoracic aorta with an 8 mm artificial vessel through the end-to-side anastomosis to complete the reconstruction of whole intercostal artery blood circulation.Results: Two patients died after surgery,the rest of 19 patients survived and had been followed up for 6-12 months.Spinal cord ischemia complications,such as limb dyskinesia and sensory deficit symptoms were not found in the these patients.CTA did not find the pseudoaneurysm formation,the obstruction and abnormal enlargement of the intercostal artery common channel as well.Conclusion: Using the posterior wall of aorta to make an intercostal artery common channel for reconstruct intercostal artery blood circulation is an effective and convenient method to prevent the complication of spinal cord ischemia.