Disparities in Outcomes Between Sexes in Type B Aortic Dissection Patients Treated with TEVAR.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate differences in presentation and outcomes between sexes in patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair for type B aortic dissection (TBAD). METHODS: Between January 1, 2012 and January 1, 2017 186 patients underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair for TBAD at a single institution. Men (n = 112) and women (n = 74) were compared based on presenting demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative complications. Primary outcomes were survival and need for reintervention. RESULTS: Women were older (P = 0.04) and had a lower body mass index (P = 0.03). More women (F) presented with continued pain or refractory hypertension (51.0% F, 30.0% M), while more men (M) presented with acute complicated dissections (19.0% F, 39.0% M) (P = 0.008). At presentation, women had statistically higher relative rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = 0.05), hyperlipidemia (P = 0.03), and smoking (P = 0.03). Significantly more women were on Medicare without Medicaid (55.0% F, 34.0% M), while men had private insurance (35.0% F, 13.0% M) (P = 0.005). There was no significant difference in blood pressure control at presentation, discharge, or at 30 days. When normalized by body surface area, women had larger ascending aortic diameters (19.2(3.10)F, 17.5(2.40)M, P = 0.0002), as well as proportionally larger true lumens at the left subclavian artery (14.9(2.90)F, 13.4(2.50)M, P = 0.0002), carina (12.6(5.80)F, 9.90(4.80)M, P = 0.0009), and celiac (10.5(4.50)F, 8.50(4.10)M, P = 0.006) levels, and at the largest point of dissection (11.6(6.50)F, 9.60(4.80)M, P = 0.04), as well as proportionately smaller false lumens at the carina (5.90(5.60)F, 9.30(6.10)M, P = 0.003). Despite not being statistically significant, women had lower rates of stroke (6.80% F, 8.00% M, P = 0.7) and acute kidney injury (5.40% F, 11.6% M, P = 0.2), as well fewer days in the intensive care unit (ICU) (3.20(4.30)F, 4.60(6.60)M, P = 0.2) and an overall shorter length of stay (6.80(6.70)F, 8.00(8.20)M, P = 0.5). Kaplan-Meier estimates for survival for women versus men were 96.0% vs. 92.0%, 90.0% vs. 79.0%, and 70.0% vs. 69.0% at 30 days, 1 year, and 3 years, respectively (P = 0.042). Kaplan-Meier estimates for freedom from reintervention for women versus men were 89.0% vs. 90.0%, 58.0% vs. 72.0%, and 48.0% vs. 58.0% at 30 days, 1 year, and 3 years, respectively (P = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Women present with TBAD at an older age, have more comorbidities, lower socioeconomic status, and have larger ascending aortic diameters for their size. Despite having less severe dissections as evidenced by smaller false lumens and wider true lumens, it does not appear that this correlates with improved outcomes for women when compared to men. It appears that this is one of the few, if not only, aortic pathologies that result in comparable outcomes between sexes.

Thoracic Stent Grafts Induce Persistent Aortic Remodeling in Aortic Coarctation.

BACKGROUND: This study's objective is to describe outcomes of adult patients who underwent thoracic stent graft placement treatment for primary or recurrent aortic coarctation. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 30 adult patients who underwent thoracic stent graft placement for aortic coarctation at our institution. Average age was 46.5 years, with 53.3% of patients presented with no prior treatment or repair for coarctation. Indications for repair included gradient ≥20 mm Hg with anatomic evidence of coarctation on imaging with left ventricular hypertrophy, pseudoaneurysm, aneurysm, refractory hypertension, or claudication. Stent grafts used for repair included MDT (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, CA) and GORE TAG (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ). RESULTS: Patients were observed for a median of 979 days, with one death during the study. All patients had complete resolution of symptoms with no recurrences. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair significantly reduced the gradient across the coarctation (P < 0.0001). Aortic coarctation diameter significantly increased at 30 days postoperatively and continued to increase up to 5 years posttreatment. At 3+ years, aortic remodeling was observed at the coarctation site and surrounding regions. At 30 days, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure were all reduced. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure continued to significantly improve 1-year posttreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Stent grafts are a safe and effective treatment for aortic coarctation. We observed a clinically significant improvement in blood pressure and longitudinal aortic remodeling of the coarctation segment and the entire aorta that persisted more than more than 3 years.

Acid ceramidase gene therapy ameliorates pulmonary arterial hypertension with right heart dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Up-regulation of ceramides in pulmonary hypertension (PH), contributing to perturbations in sphingolipid homeostasis and the transition of cells to a senescence state. We assessed the safety, feasibility, and efficiency of acid ceramidase gene transfer in a rodent PH model. METHODS: A model of PH was established by the combination of left pneumonectomy and injection of Sugen toxin. Magnetic resonance imaging and right heart catheterization confirmed development of PH. Animals were subjected to intratracheal administration of synthetic adeno-associated viral vector (Anc80L65) carrying the acid ceramidase (Anc80L65.AC), an empty capsid vector, or saline. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated 8 weeks after gene delivery. RESULTS: Hemodynamic assessment 4 weeks after PH model the development demonstrated an increase in the mean pulmonary artery pressure to 30.4 ± 2.13 mmHg versus 10.4 ± 1.65 mmHg in sham (p < 0.001), which was consistent with the definition of PH. We documented a significant increase in pulmonary vascular resistance in the saline-treated (6.79 ± 0.85 mm Hg) and empty capsid (6.94 ± 0.47 mm Hg) groups, but not in animals receiving Anc80L65.AC (4.44 ± 0.71 mm Hg, p < 0.001). Morphometric analysis demonstrated an increase in medial wall thickness in control groups in comparison to those treated with acid ceramidase. After acid ceramidase gene delivery, a significant decrease of pro-inflammatory factors, interleukins, and senescence markers was observed. CONCLUSION: Gene delivery of acid ceramidase provided tropism to pulmonary tissue and ameliorated vascular remodeling with right ventricular dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension.

Use of longitudinal rigid sternal fixation in prevention and treatment of wound complications among high-risk patients after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, wire cerclage closure has been used to reapproximate the sternum after cardiac surgery. Recent evidence suggests that rigid sternal fixation may reduce the risk of wound complications. The aim of this study was to analyze our 10-year experience with longitudinal rigid sternal fixation (LRSF) for prevention and treatment of wound complications in high-risk patients. METHODS: We reviewed data from cardiac surgical database of patients who underwent LRSF, and compared their outcomes with conventional wire cerclage closure (CWS). Among these 319 patients were designated as having high-risk for the development of deep wound complications and received primary LRSF (treatment group). We matched their outcomes with 319 patients who met indications for LRSF however, underwent standard closure with CWC (control group). RESULTS: Both groups were comparable regarding preoperative and intraoperative variables. The benefit observed among matched patients who had undergone LRSF was largely driven by a decreased rate of deep wound infections (0.63% vs. 3.45% vs., p < .01), 30-day mortality (1.57% vs. 5.96%) and hospital length (8.2 vs. 11.7 days) p < .05, respectively. A multivariate logistic regression analysis found four independent risk factors for the development of sternal dehiscence. Sternal healing evaluated by computerized tomography scan using 6-point scale at 3 months after surgery was superior in LRSF patients. Pain scores were significantly lower in LRSF patients as well. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with an increased risk for sternal instability and wound infections after cardiac surgery, sternal reconstruction using LRSF is an effective technique to stabilize sternum for preventive and treatment purposes.

Cause of Ascending Aortic Dilatation in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valves: The Final Link.

BACKGROUND: This article discusses about the cause of dilatation of the ascending aorta in patients with congenitally bicuspid aortic valves (CBAVs). Some members of the profession believe that it is genetic, while others attribute it to turbulence. The author previously presented in vitro data proving that CBAVs are inherently morphological stenotic, even in the absence of measurable gradient and clinical symptoms. This article reinforces the view that the dilatation of the ascending aorta in patients with CBAV represents a "poststenotic dilatation" by demonstrating that the structure of the aortic wall is normal in infants who have CBAV as a sole cardiac anomaly. METHODS: The aortic wall was studied in newborns who had CBAV as the sole cardiovascular anomaly and in those where CABV was associated with other inborn cardiovascular defects. RESULTS: We found that in patients where CBAV is the sole cardiovascular anomaly, aortic structure is normal at birth, but abnormal if additional cardiovascular anomalies are present. CONCLUSIONS: Dilatation of the ascending aorta in patients, where CBAV is the only cardiovascular anomaly, is caused by turbulence (poststenotic dilatation). If additional cardiovascular anomalies are present, this process may be exaggerated by genetic abnormalities of the aortic wall.

Median Sternotomy After Sternal Reconstruction With Bilateral Longitudinal Plating in a Patient With Osteoporosis.

In recent decades, new information has arisen regarding sternal healing and extended indications for using rigid plate fixation in patients during cardio-thoracic procedures. Three randomized controlled multicenter clinical trials recently demonstrated positive results after rigid plate fixation, including reduced sternal complications and decreased length of hospital stay. However, redo-sternotomy after sternal reconstruction utilizing rigid fixation has not been previously delineated in surgical literature. This case highlights the technical challenges of performing a median sternotomy for cardiac surgery after sternal reconstruction with bilateral longitudinal plating.

Ethnic disparities in outcomes of patients with complicated type B aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the difference in outcomes after endovascular intervention in patients with complicated type B aortic dissection (TBAD) based on ethnicity and blood pressure control. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2016, there were 126 patients who underwent endovascular procedures for complicated TBAD at a single-institution quaternary referral center. Patients self-identified as African American (n = 53), white (n = 70), and Asian (n = 3). African American and white patients were compared on a number of variables, including age, ethnicity, insurance type, blood pressure, comorbidities, number of previous interventions, and number of antihypertension medications they were taking before intervention. Primary outcomes were survival and need for reintervention. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier estimates for survival for African Americans vs whites were 94% vs 89%, 91% vs 83%, 89% vs 79%, and 89% vs 76% at 30 days, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years, respectively (P = .05). African Americans were younger overall (52.5 ± 11 years) vs whites (63.7 ± 14.7 years; P < .0001). African Americans required a significantly greater number of reinterventions (P = .007). They also had higher rates of chronic kidney disease (P = .01), smoking (P = .03), and cocaine use (P = .02) and were more likely to be on Medicaid (P = .02). Hypertension was poorly controlled in both groups, with the percentage of patients with uncontrolled hypertension (systolic >140 mm Hg) preoperatively, postoperatively, and 30 days after intervention at 32%, 32%, and 39%. There was no significant difference between the cohorts in uncontrolled hypertension preoperatively (P = .39) or postoperatively (P = .63). However, more African Americans had uncontrolled hypertension at 30 days (African Americans, 49%; whites, 31%; odds ratio, 2.1; P = .09). African Americans were taking a greater number of antihypertension medications at presentation than whites (P = .01) and specifically had higher use rates of beta blockers (P = .02), diuretics (P = .02), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: African Americans with TBAD present at a younger age than their white counterparts do and have a survival advantage up to at least 5 years. However, African Americans have a higher rate of reintervention that is probably associated with poor blood pressure control despite taking more antihypertension medications both before and after the repair. It appears that optimal medical therapy is difficult to achieve in all groups. More aggressive medical management is needed, particularly more so in African Americans, which may in turn decrease the number of interventions and potentially improve long-term survival.

Right Atrial Anomalous Muscle Bundle Presenting with Acute Superior Vena Cava Syndrome and Pulmonary Embolism: Surgical Management.

BACKGROUND: An anomalous muscle bundle (AMB) crossing the right atrial cavity represents a pathologic finding with unproved clinical significance. This congenital anomaly may be difficult to recognize via echocardiography and could be confused with other intracavitary lesions. METHODS: We report the case of a 53-year-old woman presented to the cardiovascular service with acute superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome and submassive pulmonary embolism. RESULTS: The patient underwent venography, confirming SVC stenosis. A ventilation/perfusion lung scan showed 2 sizable perfusion defects because of pulmonary embolism. Magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography imaging demonstrated a right atrium (RA) mass. Surgery was then carried out using standard cardiopulmonary bypass; the right atrial muscle bundle was excised, and SVC reconstruction was performed. The patient was discharged uneventfully and remains symptom-free at 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of nonmalignant pathology of SVC syndrome, appropriate studies should be conducted to exclude potential congenital abnormalities such as this AMB in the RA. Open-heart surgery is a viable treatment option in select cases.

An Extrapericardial Minimally Invasive Approach for Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.

The indications for placement of an implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have greatly expanded over the last years. However, standard transvenous approach is not suitable for a subset of patients who cannot benefit from ICD therapy. Here, we have demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of extrapericardial ICD placement through a minimally invasive access in intact hearts as well as in postmyocardial infarction large animal models. Based on our data, we conclude that extrapericardial ICD placement is a feasible approach that may be a valuable alternative or adjunct to current defibrillator lead systems.

Unilateral Lung Removal in Combination with Monocrotaline or SU5416 in Rodents: A Reliable Model to Mimic the Pathology of the Human Pulmonary Hypertension.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic and progressive disorder characterized by elevated mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and the development of concentric laminar intimal fibrosis with plexiform lesions. While rodent models have been developed to study PH, they have certain deficiencies and do not entirely replicate the human disease due to the heterogeneity of PH pathology. Therefore, combined models are necessary to study PH. Recent studies have shown that altered pulmonary blood flow is a significant trigger in the development of vascular remodeling and neointimal lesions. One of the most promising rodent models for increased pulmonary flow is the combination of unilateral left pneumonectomy with a "second hit" of monocrotaline (MCT) or SU5416. The removal of one lung in this model forces blood to circulate only in the other lung and induces increased and turbulent pulmonary blood flow. This increased vascular flow leads to progressive remodeling and occlusion of small pulmonary arteries. The second hit by MCT or SU5416 leads to endothelial cell dysfunction, resulting in severe PH and the development of plexiform arteriopathy.

Atrial Cannulation During Resuscitative Clamshell Thoracotomy.

BACKGROUND: Resuscitative thoracotomy and clamshell thoracotomy are performed in the setting of traumatic arrest with the intent of controlling hemorrhage, relieving tamponade, and providing open chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Historically, return of spontaneous circulation rates for penetrating traumatic arrest as well as out of hospital survival have been reported as low as 40% and 10%. Vascular access can be challenging in patients who have undergone a traumatic arrest and can be a limiting step to effective resuscitation. Atrial cannulation is a well-established surgical technique in cardiac surgery. Herein, we present a case series detailing our application of this technique in the context of acute trauma resuscitation during clamshell thoracotomy for traumatic arrest in the emergency department. METHODS: A retrospective case series of atrial cannulation during traumatic arrest was conducted in Charlotte, NC at Carolinas Medical Center an urban level 1 trauma center. RESULTS: The mean rate of return of spontaneous circulation in our series, 60%, was greater than previously published upper limit of return of spontaneous circulation for penetrating causes of traumatic arrest. DISCUSSION: Intravenous access can be difficult to establish in the hypovolemic and exsanguinating patient. Traditional methods of vascular access may be insufficient in the setting of central vascular injury. Atrial appendage cannulation during atrial cannulation is a quick and reliable technique to achieve vascular access that employs common methods from cardiac surgery to improve resuscitation of traumatic arrest.

Chronic thoracic pain after cardiac surgery: role of inflammation and biomechanical sternal stability.

Introduction: The pathogenesis of chronic chest pain after cardiac surgery has not been determinate. If left untreated, postoperative sternal pain reduces the quality of life and patient satisfaction with cardiac surgery. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of chest inflammation on postoperative pain, risk factors for chronic pain after cardiac surgery and to explore how chest reconstruction was associated with the intensity of pain. Methods: The authors performed a study of acute and chronic thoracic pain after cardiac surgery in patients with and without sternal infection and compared different techniques for chest reconstruction. 42 high-risk patients for the development of mediastinitis were included. Patients with mediastinitis received chest reconstruction (group 1). Their demographics and risk factors were matched with no-infection patients with chest reconstruction (group 2) and subjects who underwent conventional sternal closure (group 3). Chronic pain was assessed by the numeric rating scale after surgery. Results: The assessment of the incidence and intensity of chest pain at 3 months post-surgery demonstrated that 14 out of 42 patients across all groups still experienced chronic pain. Specifically, in group 1 with sternal infection five patients had mild pain, while one patient experienced mild pain in group 2, and eight patients in group 3. Also, follow-up results indicated that the highest pain score was in group 3. While baseline levels of cytokines were increased among patients with sternal infection, at discharge only the level of interleukin 6 remained high compared to no infection groups. Compared to conventional closure, after chest reconstruction, we found better healing scores at 3-month follow-up and a higher percentage of patients with the complete sternal union. Conclusions: Overall, 14 out of 42 patients have chronic pain after cardiac surgery. The intensity of the pain in mediastinitis patients significantly decreased at 3 months follow-up after chest reconstruction. Thus, post-surgery mediastinitis is not a determining factor for development the chronic chest pain. There is no correlation between cytokines levels and pain score except interleukin 6 which remains elevated for a long time after treatment. Correlation between sternal healing score and chronic chest pain was demonstrated.

Advantages of intraoperative implantation of Impella 5.5 SmartAssist in the Management of Acute Post-Infarction Ventricular Septal Defect with cardiogenic shock.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in surgical techniques and aggressive therapy of post-infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) with cardiogenic shock, the overall morbidity and mortality is frustratingly high. The Impella 5.5 SmartAssist (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) is a surgically implanted temporary device, recently approved by the FDA ( https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190925005454/en/ ) for treatment of patients in cardiogenic shock, and may fill a technological gap for patients who require acute circulatory support after VSD closure. CASE PRESENTATION: We report our initial experience for two patients with post myocardial infarction VSD in the setting of cardiogenic shock supported with trans-aortic implantation Impella 5.5 SmartAssist. First patient had a posterior VSD with a left to right shunt (Qp/Qs ratio of 3.3), blood pressure 80/35 mmHg, right ventricle dysfunction, severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (an estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure of 45 mmHg), and severe mitral valve regurgitation. Second patient was admitted for massive MI with large anterior VSD (Qp/Qs ratio of 2.8). Under cardiopulmonary bypass with cardioplegic arrest both patients underwent urgent VSD closure with trans-aortic implantation of the Impella. Minimal postoperative support was required. Patients were discharged on postoperative day 10 and 14 and remained well 3 months later. Follow-up echocardiogram showed no residual shunt. CONCLUSIONS: Early surgical implantation of Impella 5.5 SmartAssist can prevent multiorgan dysfunction and stabilize the patients in cardiogenic shock with post-myocardial infarction VSD.

Revision of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator to intermuscular pocket to prevent inappropriate shocks.

Sensing and defibrillation threshold for a S-ICD are impacted by positioning at implant or revision. The intermuscular pocket prevents device migration and provides appropriate, stable sensing vectors.

Spontaneous splanchnic dissection: application and timing of therapeutic options.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous splanchnic dissection (SSD) occurs infrequently and has a poorly defined natural history. Few studies address the application, timing, and consequences of therapeutic options. Our goal was to apply conservative (non-operative) management in the care of each patient, reserving interventions for specific indications that may be predictive of adverse outcomes. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2008, 10 consecutive patients (mean age 54.7-years-old, 70.0% male) presented with 11 SSDs involving either the celiac artery (n = 6), superior mesenteric artery (n = 3), or both (n = 1). Each patient had acute, spontaneous onset of persistent abdominal pain and was diagnosed with SSD following multidetector row computed tomographic angiography (CTA). Non-operative management (anticoagulation, anti-impulse therapy, analgesics, and serial CTA examinations) was initially used in 9 patients. Endovascular (n = 2) or operative (n = 2) intervention was performed either immediately (n = 1) or following failed medical management (n = 3) in 4 patients for specific indications that included persistent symptoms (n = 3), expansion of false lumen (n = 3), and/or radiologic malperfusion (n = 3). RESULTS: All patients were asymptomatic after successful non-operative management or following intervention. No morbidity occurred. Upon complete follow-up (mean 13.4 months, range, 2 to 36 months), all patients remained asymptomatic. Preservation of distal perfusion with either thrombosis or ongoing regression of false lumen was achieved in 5 patients who received only non-operative management and in 4 patients following intervention. A stable chronic dissection was present in 1 patient who had only non-operative management. CONCLUSION: Successful outcomes following SSD may be achieved with either non-operative therapy alone or intervention if persistent symptoms, expansion of false lumen, and/or malperfusion occur. The unpredictable response of the false lumen to conservative management mandates close, long-term follow-up. Endovascular and operative interventions produced similar outcomes in a small number of patients with limited follow-up. Although SSD is currently perceived as rare, the increasing use of CTA may prove that the true incidence has been underestimated.

Case report: Re-emerging significance of surgical embolectomy in pulmonary embolism.

INTRODUCTION: Massive pulmonary embolus (PE) is associated with a high mortality if not treated aggressively. Treatment classically includes thrombolysis, catheter embolectomy, or open surgical embolectomy. This is the case report of a 38-year-old female presenting with massive PE three weeks status post gastric sleeve resection. PRESENTATION OF CASE: 38-year-old female status post gastric sleeve resection presented to the emergency department with acute onset shortness of breath and dizziness. Computed Tomography (CT) chest angiography showed extensive PE with pulmonary artery saddle embolus, and an enlarged right ventricle suggesting strain. Her treatment consisted of anticoagulation, AngioVac suction embolectomy, EKOS catheter thrombolysis, fragmentation with catheter, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and lastly surgical embolectomy due to refractory clinical course. DISCUSSION: This case report details the natural history of a complex massive pulmonary embolism presentation requiring multiple catheter-based measures, ECMO initiation, and subsequent surgical embolectomy. CONCLUSION: This case report should serve as encouragement for early adoption of surgical therapy in pulmonary embolism cases where patients present with a complex presentation.

Single-stage hybrid repair of a ruptured Kommerell diverticulum associated with dextrorotation, bovine arch, and bicuspid aortic valve.

BACKGROUND: A strategy for the surgical repair of ruptured Kommerell diverticulum has not yet been established. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that this entity could be associated with a number of other cardiac anomalies and this lesion can be successfully treated by a hybrid approach. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient, with a combination of ruptured Kommerell diverticulum, dextrorotation, bovine arch, and bicuspid aortic valve, underwent emergency surgery. A single stage hybrid surgical/endovascular repair including subclavian artery revascularization, aortic resection with open proximal anastomosis under circulatory arrest, endovascular stenting, and valve repair was performed. Histological studies indicated the presence of the aortic wall media degeneration. Postoperative course was uneventful and patient is free of symptoms during 2-year follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Less invasive hybrid technique is safe and effective treatment option. Accumulated knowledge of Kommerell diverticulum has lead to understanding the best clinical treatment for this complicated aortic anomaly.

Early Surgical Reconstruction of Sternum with Longitudinal Rigid Polymer Plating after Acute Chest Trauma.

PURPOSE: The surgical management of the patients with traumatic sternal fractures remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an early surgical reconstruction of a displaced sternal fracture utilizing longitudinal rigid polymer fixation in the settings of an acute chest trauma. METHODS: To perform the sternal fixation, we utilized a longitudinal rigid plating system. The plate is made of polyether ether ketone (PEEK), an organic thermoplastic polymer. RESULTS: We used the entire length of the plate on each side of the fracture, secured in multiple places with 6-8 screws. Once the plates have been fully secured we tighten all the screws with a screwdriver. We demonstrated that the method minimizes pain and prevents the development of pulmonary complications. CONCLUSION: This technique provides cosmetically acceptable results, minimizing risk of sternal nonunion, and decreases length of hospitalization.

Endovascular exclusion of mycotic aortic aneurysm.

The presence of prohibitive risk may preclude usual surgical management. Such was the case for a critically ill, 60-year-old woman who presented with concomitant, life-threatening conditions. The patient presented with acute central cord syndrome and lower-extremity paraplegia after completing a 6-week course of intravenous antibiotics for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and osteomyelitis of the thoracic spine. Radiologic examination revealed bony destruction of thoracic vertebrae T4 through T6, impingement on the spinal cord and canal by an inflammatory mass, and a separate 2.5-cm mycotic aneurysm of the infrarenal aorta. The clinical and radiologic findings warranted immediate decompression and stabilization of the spinal cord, aneurysmectomy, and vascular reconstruction. However, the severely debilitated patient could not tolerate 2 simultaneous open procedures. She underwent emergent endovascular exclusion of the mycotic aneurysm with a stent-graft, followed immediately by laminectomy and stabilization of the thoracic spine. Intraoperative microbiology specimens showed no growth. The patient was maintained on prophylactic antibiotic therapy for 6 months. Fourteen months postoperatively, her neurologic function was near full recovery, and neither surveillance blood cultures nor radiologic examinations showed a recurrence of infection or aneurysm. Although the long-term outcome of endovascular stent-grafts in the treatment of culture-negative mycotic aneurysms is unknown, the use of these grafts in severely debilitated patients can reduce operative risk and enable recovery in the short term.