Elective late open conversion after endovascular aneurysm repair is associated with comparable outcomes to primary open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Three of four patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm are now treated with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The incidence of secondary procedures and surgical conversions is increasing for a population theoretically unfit for open surgery. The indications and outcomes of late open surgical conversions after EVAR in a high-volume tertiary vascular unit are reported. METHODS: This retrospective single-center study includes all patients who underwent a late open conversion between January 1996 and July 2018. Data were collected from records on patient demographics, operative indications, surgical strategy, perioperative outcomes, and medium-term survival. RESULTS: Sixty-two consecutive patients (88.7% male) with a mean age of 77.5 years are included. The median duration since index EVAR was 38.5 months; 65% of stent grafts requiring late open conversion had suprarenal fixation. Indications included 22.6% type IA, 16.1% type IB, and 45.2% type II endoleaks; 12.9% graft thrombosis; and 14.5% endoprosthesis infection. Complete endograft explantation was performed in 37.1% of patients and a partial explantation in 54.8%, whereas 8.1% of stent grafts were wholly preserved in situ. Overall 30-day mortality was 12.9% (n = 8) in the cohort and 2.7% for elective patients. The all-cause morbidity rate was 40.1%, and the median length of hospital stay was 9 days. After follow-up of 28.4 months (range, 1.8-187.3 months), all-cause survival was 58.8%. Avoidance of aortic clamping (P = .006) and elective procedures (P = .019) were associated with a significant reduction in the length of hospital stay. Moreover, the 30-day mortality (P = .002), occurrence of postoperative renal dysfunction (P = .004), and intestinal ischemia (P = .017) were increased in the emergency setting. Excluding cases with rupture or infection, survival estimates were 97%, 97%, and 71% at 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Technically more complex than primary open surgery, late open conversion is a procedure that generates an acceptable perioperative risk when it is performed in a high-volume aortic surgical center. Elective open conversion is associated with excellent early and late outcomes. Endograft preservation strategies decrease perioperative morbidity.

Outcomes of Left Subclavian Artery Transposition for Hybrid Aortic Arch Debranching.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization for hybrid aortic arch debranching. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2015, 68 patients (41 men; mean age, 67 ± 16 years) underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with LSA coverage, 19.2% (n = 13) were never revascularized, and the remaining patients underwent LSA revascularization (n = 55; 80.8%). Revascularization was achieved by LSA-carotid transposition via a medial approach in 81.8% (n = 45) and a lateral approach in 18.2% (n = 10). The indication for TEVAR was aneurysmal disease in 30.9% (n = 17), dissection in 29% (n = 16; acute, n = 5), traumatic aortic injury in 21.8% (n = 12), pseudoaneurysm in 10.9% (n = 6), aortobronchial fistula in 5.5% (n = 3), and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer in 1.9% (n = 1). Elective cases accounted for 52.7% (n = 29). Follow-up computed tomography scans were performed at 1 week, 3 and 6 months, and annually thereafter. RESULTS: LSA revascularization was achieved in all the cases. Thirty-day mortality rate was 12.7%. Thirty-day mortality related to LSA revascularization was 0%. No patient suffered a stroke. Vocal cord paralysis was detected in 7.2% of patients (n = 4). Hematoma requiring surgical drainage was observed in 3.6% of patients (n = 2). Lymph leak requiring revision surgery was observed in 1.8% of patients (n = 1). Phrenic nerve palsy was not observed. The local complication rate was significantly higher (P = 0.03) in patients with LSA transposition via a lateral approach (20%; n = 2) when compared to patients with LSA revascularization via a medial approach (11.1%; n = 5). After a mean follow-up of 31.5 months (range, 2-171 months), the patency of the LSA revascularization was maintained in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: During TEVAR, when LSA coverage is required, LSA revascularization is a durable procedure associated with a low morbidity rate. LSA transposition via a medial approach would appear to be associated with significantly fewer complications.

Patient risk factors for conversion during video-assisted thoracic surgery-the Epithor conversion score.

OBJECTIVES: Intraoperative conversion from video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) to thoracotomy may occur during anatomical lung resection. The objectives of the present study were to identify risk factors for intraoperative conversion and to develop a predictive score. METHODS: We performed a multicentre retrospective analysis of French thoracic surgery departments that contributed data on anatomical lung resections to the Epithor database over a 10-year period (from January-2010 to December-2019). Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, we determined risk factors for intraoperative conversion and elaborated the Epithor conversion score (ECS). The ECS was then validated in a cohort of patients operated on between January- and June-2020. RESULTS: From January-2010 to December-2019, 210,037 patients had been registered in the Epithor database. Of these, 55,030 had undergone anatomical lung resection. We excluded patients who had upfront a thoracotomy or robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (n = 40,293) and those with missing data (6,794). Hence, 7943 patients with intent-to-treat VATS were assessed: 7100 with a full VATS procedure and 843 patients with intraoperative conversion to thoracotomy (conversion rate: 10.6%). Thirteen potential risk factors were identified among patients' preoperative characteristics and planned surgical procedures and were weighted accordingly to give the ECS. The score showed acceptable discriminatory power (area under the curve: 0.62 in the development cohort and 0.64 in the validation cohort) and good calibration (P = 0.23 in the development cohort and 0.30 in the validation cohort). CONCLUSIONS: Thirteen potential preoperative risk factors were identified, enabling us to develop and validate the ECS-an easy-to-use, reproducible tool for estimating the risk of intraoperative conversion during VATS.

Medicoeconomic analysis of lobectomy using thoracoscopy versus thoracotomy for lung cancer: a study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial (Lungsco01).

INTRODUCTION: In the last decade, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has had a major effect on thoracic surgery. Retrospective series have reported benefits of VATS when compared with open thoracotomy in terms of postoperative pain, postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. However, no large randomised control trial has been conducted to assess the reality of the potential benefits of VATS lobectomy or its medicoeconomic impact. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The French National Institute of Health funded Lungsco01 to determine whether VATS for lobectomy is superior to open thoracotomy for the treatment of NSCLC in terms of economic cost to society. This trial will also include an analysis of postoperative outcomes, the length of hospital stay, the quality of life, long-term survival and locoregional recurrence. The study design is a two-arm parallel randomised controlled trial comparing VATS lobectomy with lobectomy using thoracotomy for the treatment of NSCLC. Patients will be eligible if they have proven or suspected lung cancer which could be treated by lobectomy. Patients will be randomised via an independent service. All patients will be monitored according to standard thoracic surgical practices. All patients will be evaluated at day 1, day 30, month 3, month 6, month 12 and then every year for 2 years thereafter. The recruitment target is 600 patients. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol has been approved by the French National Research Ethics Committee (CPP Est I: 09/06/2015) and the French Medicines Agency (09/06/2015). Results will be presented at national and international meetings and conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02502318.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Penetrating Aortic Ulcer: Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to provide a literature review of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) outcomes for penetrating ulcer of the aorta. METHODS: Relevant articles in the Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases reporting the results of endovascular repair for penetrating ulcers of the thoracic aorta were systematically searched and reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty-one articles were integrated after a literature review, and 310 patients treated by TEVAR for penetrating ulcers of the aorta were identified. In this cohort, most patients were male (65.8%), had a history of smoking (60.4%), and systemic hypertension (90%). Only 9% were asymptomatic at initial presentation. Most cases (76%) occurred among patients with a single ulcer, located in the descending thoracic aorta (81%), with associated intramural hematoma in 45%. The technical success of TEVAR was 98.3%. Surgical conversion during the postoperative period with stent-graft explantation was required in 1 patient. The overall 30-day mortality was 4.8% (15 of 310). The most frequent complications were endoleaks (8%, 25 of 310) and access problems (16.1%, 26 of 161). After a mean follow-up of 17.7 months (range, 1 to 52), the all-cause mortality was 22.9% (71 of 310), and the aortic-related mortality was 4.1% (13 of 310). During follow-up, new endoleak and ulcer recurrence were observed in 5.4% (n = 15 of 274) and 4.5% (n = 5 of 110), respectively, requiring a new aortic endovascular procedure in 50% (n = 10). CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair of penetrating ulcer has excellent short-term and midterms results. The endovascular approach should be the first line management for aortic ulcer when intervention is indicated.

Homemade proximal scalloped stent graft for thoracic endovascular aortic repair of zone 2 acute aortic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of homemade proximal scalloped stent grafts for thoracic endovascular aortic repair of zone 2 acute aortic syndrome. METHODS: Between May 2015 and December 2015, 10 patients with unremitting symptoms or rupture secondary to an acute aortic syndrome involving zone 2 underwent urgent or emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Among them, 8 were treated using homemade proximal scalloped stent grafts to preserve the patency of the left subclavian artery. Indications included traumatic transection (n = 3) and acute (n = 4) and subacute (n = 1) complicated type B aortic dissection. Follow-up computed tomography scans were performed at 1 week and 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: The median duration for stent graft modification was 15 minutes (range, 14-17 minutes). The technical success rate was 100%; sealing was achieved in all cases with no type I endoleaks. All left subclavian arteries were patent, although 1 case was associated with a 50% stenosis. No deaths occurred as a consequence of the aortic repair, but 1 patient died of a traumatic renal hematoma on postoperative day 5. During a mean follow-up of 7.2 ± 2 months, there were no conversions to open surgical repair, aortic ruptures, paraplegia, retrograde dissection, or other aortic complications. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the homemade proximal scalloped stent graft is both feasible and effective for left subclavian artery revascularization during thoracic endovascular aortic repair involving a spectrum of acute thoracic aortic pathology. This approach provides a rapid, reproducible method of scalloping the endograft. Durability concerns will need to be assessed in additional studies with long-term follow-up.

Titanium Implant Failure After Chest Wall Osteosynthesis.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to assess potential contributing factors to implant failure (displacement or rupture) after titanium chest wall osteosynthesis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data and preoperative and postoperative computed tomographic scans of patients undergoing chest wall osteosynthesis with titanium implants: the Stratos or the Matrix Fixation System in two European departments of thoracic surgery. The indications for titanium chest wall osteosynthesis, the type and number of implants, the topography of the reconstruction, surgical site infection, and role of associated flap and mesh were assessed. RESULTS: Between January 2009 and January 2013, 54 patients underwent osteosynthesis after surgical correction of chest wall deformities (n = 25, 46.2%) or to bridge the defect after tumor removal (n = 29, 53.7%). The topography of osteosynthesis was anterior (n = 20), lateral (n = 3), or posterior (n = 1), an average of 1.9 ± 0.9 implants (range, 1 to 5 implants) being used. A combined mesh restored continuity of the chest wall in 15 patients, and muscle flap coverage was performed in 20. The mean follow-up time was 20.2 ± 8.4 months (range, 3 to 48 months). Among these 54 patients, 24 (44%) experienced an implant failure. Seven (29%) were symptomatic. Broken (n = 20, 83.3%) or displaced (n = 4, 16.7%) implants were removed with or without replacement. In patients with broken or displaced implants, the mean duration without implant failure was 6.6 ± 3.1 months (range, 1 to 12 months). There was a significant relationship between the anterior topography of osteosynthesis and implant failure (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow-up after chest wall osteosynthesis using titanium implants is required, especially in anteriorly placed implants. The high rate of implant failure at 1 year advocates for early removal whenever possible and suggests the need for improvements in design.

Endovascular repair for acute traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta.

BACKGROUND: We report endovascular treatment of acute traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta as a potential alternative to open surgery for high-risk patients. METHODS: Between January 2001 and July 2002, 9 patients with acute traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta were treated with a stent-graft. In all cases the endovascular management was selected because of age, associated polytrauma, or comorbidities. Preoperative workup included chest computed tomography scan, transoesophageal echography, and angiography. The devices used were the Excluder and the Talent stent-grafts. RESULTS: Eight patients underwent immediate repair and 1 patient was treated within 5 days of the accident because of delayed diagnosis of aortic rupture after surgical management of spleen rupture. The stent-graft was successfully expanded in all patients through the common femoral artery (n = 7) or the common iliac artery (n = 2). There was no perioperative death, renal failure, or neurologic complication (paraplegia or stroke). In 1 patient the computed tomography scan at 7 days postoperatively showed proximal endoleak requiring placement of a second stent-graft. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 20 months. All spiral computed tomography scans performed during follow-up revealed no evidence of endoleak, migration, or alteration of the stent-graft. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular repair in the acute phase of traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta is technically feasible and safe, and may represent an alternative to open surgery for high-risk patients.

Anterior mediastinal tracheostomy as salvage operation.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess early and long-term results after anterior mediastinal tracheostomy (AMT) as a salvage operation for recurrent neck malignancies. METHODS: Between October 2006 and February 2013, 12 patients (mean age, 57 years) underwent AMT. All patients had experienced stomal recurrence, with or without esophageal involvement, after laryngectomy. All patients had undergone previous radiotherapy (50.3 ± 6.2 [43-60] Gy) and previous surgical treatment: total laryngectomy (n = 11) and thyroidectomy (n = 2). RESULTS: The mean length of resected trachea was 3.7 ± 2.7 (2.5-6) cm. Resection was complete in 10 patients. All patients required relocation of the remaining trachea below the innominate artery and myocutaneous flap for coverage/stoma construction. AMT was associated with esophagectomy (n = 4) and supraaortic trunk resection (innominate artery, n = 2; carotid artery, n = 3). Seven patients required resection of the pharyngoesophageal region, and 4 patients underwent reconstruction, including primary closure of a pharyngeal remnant (n = 1) and gastric pull-up (n = 3). There was 1 operative death (8.3%) resulting from an infectious process leading to bypass fistulization. Major complications were partial tracheal necrosis (n = 3), pharyngeal fistula (n = 1), pneumonia (n = 4), and flap dehiscence (n = 2). Length of hospital stay was 30 ± 22.8 (13-86) days. Actuarial overall 5-year survival was 58.3%, and median estimated disease-free survival was 53 (31-75) months. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience with AMT as salvage therapy has shown acceptable long-term results if complete resection is achieved. This procedure is not risk free, and very careful patient selection is required because of a tortuous postoperative course, especially in combined pharyngeal-esophageal and vascular reconstruction.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy: an unavoidable trend? A retrospective single-institution series of 410 cases.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the feasibility, safety and oncological validity of video-assisted thoracic lobectomy (VATS). The VATS study exclusion criteria included T3 or T4 tumours, central hilar tumours, tumours visible on bronchoscopy requiring sleeve resection, hilar lymphadenopathy, N2 disease, history of neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiation, previous thoracic surgery or pleurodesis. METHODS: A retrospective study of 410 patients (143 women, mean age 61.5 ± 13.1 years (84-15) treated by VATS lobectomy between 1996 and 2011 was performed at our institution. VATS lobectomy was performed for lung cancer (n = 364, 88.9%), pulmonary metastasis (n = 25, 5.8%) and non-neoplastic diseases (n = 21, 5.1%). In lung cancer, a systematic radical lymph node dissection was performed. RESULTS: There was no intraoperative death. The conversion rate was 6.1% (n = 25): bleeding (n = 4), extended pleural adhesion (n = 6, 1.4%), technical difficulty (n = 6, 1.4%), tumour extension to the fissure or mediastinum or adenopathy (n = 7, 1.7%) and intolerance to one-lung ventilation (n = 2, 0.4%). The postoperative mortality rate was 1.2% (n = 5). Major complications occurred in 21 patients (5.1%). The mean number of mediastinal nodes removed was 14.6 (5-44) and 42 patients (10.2%) presented N2 disease at the definitive staging. The mean operating time was 152 (85-315) min. The mean drainage duration was 3.2 days (1-15). Mean postoperative length of hospital stay before return at home was 6.8 days (3-75) and 5.5 days in patients without major complications. There was no port site recurrence. Kaplan-Meier 3-year survival rates were 76.5% for Stage I and 87.3% for Stage IA, 58% for Stage II and 61% for Stage III. CONCLUSIONS: VATS lobectomy is an acceptable alternative and seems equivalent to open lobectomy in terms of complications and oncological value. Our experience prompts us to consider VATS lobectomy for early stage NSCLC as the first surgical approach in view of the improvement in outcome, provided that the procedure is performed by a surgeon with adequate experience with this approach.

Pulmonary sleeve resection in locally advanced lung cancer using cryopreserved allograft for pulmonary artery replacement.

BACKGROUND: During lobectomy, resection of pulmonary artery, followed by reconstruction or replacement with or without concomitant sleeve bronchial resection, is feasible in selected cases. We report morbidity, mortality, and technical issues in pulmonary artery replacement using a cryopreserved arterial allograft after sleeve resection for centrally located non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). METHODS: We reviewed clinical and pathologic data of patients who underwent arterial sleeve lobectomy with pulmonary artery replacement in our institution from 2007 to 2012. RESULTS: Of 178 centrally located NSCLCs, sleeve resections were performed in 92 (51%), pneumonectomies in 33 (18%), and lobectomies in 53 (31%). Of the 32 (34.7%) pulmonary) reconstructions (excluding tangential suture), 20 (21.7%) were end-to-end anastomosis, 2 (2.1%) were pericardial patch reconstructions, and 10 (11%) were PA replacements. Clinical T staging was cT2a in 4 patients, cT2b in 3, cT3 in 2, and cT4 in 1. Four patients received concurrent induction chemoradiotherapy. Three patients underwent a double-sleeve right lobectomy. Cryopreserved allografts used were descending thoracic aorta (n = 3) and pulmonary arteries (n = 7). Complete resection (R0) was achieved in all patients. Final N staging was pN0 (n = 4), pN1 (n = 5), and pN2 (n = 1). There was no operative mortality. Four patients had major morbidity, including 1 early conduit thrombosis treated by pneumonectomy completion. Graft patency, assessed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan, was 90%. Mean follow-up was 25 ± 14 (range, 8-47) months (30% for >36 months). Overall 5-year survival was 66.7%, and the estimated median disease-free survival was 42 months. CONCLUSIONS: In central NSCLCs, conservative surgery using a cryopreserved arterial allograft to replace the pulmonary artery after extended segmental resection could avoid pneumonectomy in selected patients.

Chest-wall reconstruction in case of infection of the operative site: is there any interest in titanium rib osteosynthesis?

OBJECTIVES: To describe the management of thoracic reconstructions in the presence of primary chest-wall infection (PCWI) or secondary deep chest-wall infection (SCWI), focussing on local tolerance of a titanium rib osteosynthesis system. METHODS: PCWI included infected chest wall tumours (CWT), infected T3 non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and open flail chest. SCWI was defined by deep infection of previous thoracic-wall reconstructions. Infection was identified by preoperative bacterial analysis of the tumour or surgical site. In PCWI, a one-step procedure combined extensive resection of infected tissues and rigid reconstruction of the defect; skeletal rigidity was achieved using titanium implants. In SCWI, we removed all synthetic material except titanium implants. In both groups, the surgical field was thoroughly cleaned and implants were wrapped or covered by flaps. RESULTS: From January 2005 to December 2011, 11 patients (54 ± 10.2 years) with either PCWI (3 CWT, 3 T3 NSCLC, 1 open flail chest) or SCWI (3 CWT, 1 funnel chest) were treated. Infection was polymicrobial in all but 1 case. Bacteria observed in PCWI patients were multidrug resistant. In PCWI, we resected 4.2 ± 0.6 ribs en bloc with the lung (n = 5), the skin and the pectoralis major and then used mesh and 2.1 ± 1.2 titanium implants for reconstruction (n = 6). The mean defect was 1154.4 ± 318 cm(3). Surgical SCWI management removed polytetrafluoroethylene-mesh and preserved the titanium implants. A Vicryl mesh (n = 3) and greater omentum flap (n = 3) were added. One of the 2 postoperative deaths in the PCWI group was related to infection recurrence. No other patient had infection at the 6-month follow-up with leucocyte-labelled scintigraphy. CONCLUSION: Titanium rib osteosynthesis is reliable in two complex and life-threatening situations: PCWIs and SCWIs. In combination with a flap, this allows rapid, reliable, rigid reconstruction of infected full-thickness chest-wall defects in a single-step procedure.

The combination of polytetrafluoroethylene mesh and titanium rib implants: an innovative process for reconstructing large full thickness chest wall defects.

OBJECTIVES: The reconstruction of large full thickness chest wall defect after resection of T3/T4 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or primary chest wall tumours presents a technical challenge for thoracic surgeons and is a critical factor in determining post-operative outcome. When the defect is large, complications are common with a 27% mean rate of respiratory morbidity. METHODS: Since 2006, 31 patients underwent reconstruction for wide chest wall defects using titanium implants and strong mesh. The reconstruction was achieved using a layer of polytetrafluoroethylene or a XCM biologic tissue mesh shaped to match the defect and sutured under maximum tension to re-establish the skeletal continuity. The mesh was placed close to the lung and was fixed onto the bony framework and onto the titanium plate. In one case, we used XCM biologic tissue because of a large infected T3 NSCLC. A horizontal titanium rib osteosynthesis system was used to reestablish the rigidity of the thoracic wall by bridging the defect except for one case in which we use a vertical rib osteosynthesis system. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients underwent a complete R0 resection with the removal of a mean of 4.67 ± 1.5 [3-9] ribs, including the sternum in 14 cases. The mean defect area was 198 ± 91.2 [95-400] cm². Reconstruction required a mean of 2.06 ± 1.1 [1-4] titanium plates. There were two cases of deep wound infection that required surgical removal of the osteosynthesis system in one patient. Only one patient developed a major complication in the form of respiratory failure. There were two postoperative deaths neither of which was directly related to the surgical procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience and initial results show that titanium rib osteosynthesis in combination with strong biologic or synthetic mesh can easily and safely be used in a one-stage procedure for the reconstruction of major chest wall defects.

Use of the titanium vertical ribs osteosynthesis system for reconstruction of large posterolateral chest wall defect in lung cancer.

We report a case of reconstruction of a large full-thickness posterolateral defect of the chest wall after resection of a stage III non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) using the combination of a vertical expandable prosthetic titanium device and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mesh. A 40-year-old female presented with a NSCLC classified as type IIIA and required both neoadjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. An en bloc resection including the left upper lobe, posterolateral segments of five ribs (K3-K7) and vertebral bodies (T3-T6) was performed through a posterior J-shaped approach. A vertical rib osteosynthesis system was used to ensure thoracic wall stability and mechanical organ protection, prevent ventilatory impairment, avoid incarceration of the tip of the scapula, and maintain an acceptable cosmetic aspect. The device was locked onto the middle arch of the second and eighth ribs. We hung the PTFE mesh from the titanium bars with multiple non-absorbable sutures under maximal tension. Final pathological classification was T4N0M0 with an R0 final resection status. After an uneventful course, the patient was discharged on postoperative day 10. This first experience indicates that vertical rib osteosynthesis combined with a PTFE mesh can be used safely and easily in a one-stage procedure for major posterior chest wall defects.

Titanium plates and Dualmesh: a modern combination for reconstructing very large chest wall defects.

BACKGROUND: The reconstruction of large full-thickness chest wall defects after resection of T3/T4 non-small cell lung carcinomas or primary chest wall tumors presents a technical challenge for thoracic surgeons and plays a central role in determining postoperative morbidity. The objective is to evaluate our results in chest wall reconstruction using a combination of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) mesh and titanium plates. METHODS: Since 2006, 19 patients underwent reconstruction for wide chest wall defects using a combination of ePTFE mesh and titanium plates. The chest wall reconstruction was achieved by using a layer of 2-mm thickness ePTFE shaped to match the chest wall defect and sewed under maximum tension. The ePTFE is placed close to the lung and fixed onto the bony framework and onto the titanium plate, which is inserted on the ribs. RESULTS: Seventeen patients underwent a complete R0 resection with the removal of 3 to 9 ribs (mean, 4.8 ribs), including the sternum in 7 cases. Reconstruction required 1 to 4 horizontal titanium bars (mean, 1.7 bars). In 1 patient, a vertical titanium device was implanted for a large posterolateral defect. There were 2 cases of infection, which required explantation of the osteosynthesis system in 1 patient. One patient had partial skin necrosis that required prompt debridement. One patient had a major complication in the form of respiratory failure. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience and initial results show that titanium rib osteosynthesis in combination with Dualmesh can easily and safely be used in a one-stage procedure for major chest wall defects.

Proximal fixation of thoracic stent-grafts as a function of oversizing and increasing aortic arch angulation in human cadaveric aortas.

PURPOSE: To assess the fixation of 4 commercially available thoracic stent-grafts as a function of oversizing and increasing aortic arch angulation. METHODS: A benchtop pulsatile flow model was devised to test stent-graft anchorage in a 2-cm-long proximal landing zone at varying landing zone angles (70 degrees to 140 degrees ) and stent-graft oversizing (5% to 37%). The experiments were performed using 15 human thoracic cadaveric aortas and 4 stent-grafts with different proximal anchoring mechanisms: TAG, Zenith TX, Valiant, and Relay. The lack of device-wall apposition was measured as a function of landing zone angulation and oversizing during static and dynamic (60 pulses/min, 300/150 mmHg) tests; stent-graft collapse was also investigated. RESULTS: The Valiant stent-graft remained apposed to the aortic wall at each increment of neck angulation and degree of oversizing. Lack of apposition of the proximal anchorage segment (Relay: bare spring; TAG: scalloped flares) was observed with the Relay above 80 degrees landing zone angulation (1-7 mm) and with the TAG above 90 degrees angulation (1-6 mm). The lack of device-wall apposition was greater with Relay than TAG (p = 0.009), but the "body" of these devices always remained well apposed. Lack of "body" apposition (1.0-7.5 mm) was first observed with the Zenith stent-graft above 70 degrees angulation (p<0.001). No stent-graft collapse was seen. An increase in stent-graft oversizing significantly (p<0.01) increased the lack of device-wall apposition for the TAG, Zenith, and Relay devices. CONCLUSION: In the face of severe aortic arch angulation, stent-grafts with hooks do not improve fixation. Major factors in stent-graft design that contribute to secure proximal anchorage seem to be radial force and the presence of a proximal open stent segment.