Stanford Type A Acute Retrograde Aortic Dissections: From Surgical to Endovascular Strategy?

Acute type A retrograde aortic dissection is characterized by a port of entry located in the descending aorta near the subclavian take-off, and is currently treated with surgery. Our experience with two patients who underwent a complicated postoperative course stimulated a review of the current literature and discussion of possible alternative strategies in light of recent advances in endovascular treatment.

Role of computational modeling in thoracic aortic pathology: a review.

Thoracic aortic diseases are life-threatening conditions causing significant mortality and morbidity despite advances in diagnostic and surgical treatments. Computational methods combined with imaging techniques provide quantitative information of disease progression, which may improve clinical treatments and therapeutic strategies for clinical practice. Since hemodynamic and wall mechanics play important roles in the natural history and progression of aortic diseases, we reviewed the potential application of computational modeling of the thoracic aorta. We placed emphasis on the clinical relevance of these techniques for the assessment of aortic dissection, thoracic aortic aneurysm, and aortic coarctation. Current clinical guidelines and treatment are also described.

Left main coronary in-stent intimal hyperplasia and hemodynamics as detected by contrast-enhanced transesophageal echocardiography.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In-stent hemodynamics were studied by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in a group of 54 patients after left main coronary artery stenting, during a 6-month follow-up. TEE was performed within 24 hours after stenting and at 1- and 3-month follow-up. Pulsed wave and color Doppler signals were enhanced by IV administration of Levovist. RESULTS: Angiographic immediate success was obtained in all patients. No in-hospital death occurred. Ten patients (18.4%) complained of recurrent angina at the follow-up of 4.8 ± 1.2 months. Both TEE and coronary angiography confirmed in-stent restenosis in all. Thirty-nine patients (68.5%) remained symptoms free. Mean late loss in these patients was 0.69 ± 0.20 mm. A linear significant positive relation between mean late loss values and diastolic coronary velocity (r: 0.89, P < 0.001) was found. After 3- and 6-month follow-up, PDV showed a significant increase in comparison with basal values (0.7 ± 0.3 and 0.6 ± 0.26 vs. 0.32 ± 0.2 cm/sec, P < 0.01). All patients with restenosis showed a significant increase of diastolic coronary velocity in comparison with basal values (2.89 ± 0.25 cm/sec, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: TEE can predict the development of in-stent intimal hyperplasia in patients with unprotected left main coronary artery stenting.

Impact of prosthesis-patient mismatch on cardiac events and midterm mortality after aortic valve replacement in patients with pure aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) occurs when the effective orifice area (EOA) of the prosthesis being implanted is too small in relation to body size, thus causing abnormally high transvalvular pressure gradients. The objective of this study was to examine the midterm impact of PPM on overall mortality and cardiac events after aortic valve replacement in patients with pure aortic stenosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: The indexed EOA (EOAi) was estimated for each type and size of prosthesis being implanted in 315 consecutive patients with pure aortic stenosis. PPM was defined as an EOAi < or =0.80 cm2/m2 and was correlated with overall mortality and cardiac events. PPM was present in 47% of patients. The 5-year overall survival and cardiac event-free survival were 82+/-3% and 75+/-4%, respectively, in patients with PPM compared with 93+/-3% and 87+/-4% in patients with no PPM (P< or =0.01). In multivariate analysis, PPM was associated with a 4.2-fold (95% CI, 1.6 to 11.3) increase in the risk of overall mortality and 3.2-fold (95% CI, 1.5 to 6.8) increase in the risk of cardiac events. The other independent risk factors were history of heart failure, NHYA class III-IV, severe left ventricular hypertrophy, and absence of normal sinus rhythm before operation. CONCLUSIONS: PPM is an independent predictor of cardiac events and midterm mortality in patients with pure aortic stenosis undergoing aortic valve replacement. As opposed to other risk factors, PPM may be avoided or its severity may be reduced with the use of a preventive strategy at the time of operation.

[Stenting of multiple peripheral pulmonary stenosis with the coronary technique in an adul patient with Eisenmenger-like syndrome]. / Stenting di multiple stenosi di rami polmonari periferici con tecnica coronarica in adulto con sindrome tipo Eisenmenger.

Peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis is a quite rare condition that can lead to misdiagnosis, particularly in adults. We describe the case of a 48-year-old woman with multiple stenoses, challenging anatomy and Eisenmenger-like presentation, who was treated percutaneously with a coronary technique.

Sildenafil in severe pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled multicenter clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a well-known independent prognostic factor in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a sufficient criterion for lung transplant candidacy. Limited data are currently available on the hemodynamic and clinical effect of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in patients with severe PH associated with COPD. This study assessed the effect of sildenafil on pulmonary hemodynamics and gas exchange in severe PH associated with COPD. METHODS: After screening, this multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind trial randomized patients to receive 20 mg sildenafil or placebo 3 times a day (ratio 2:1) for 16 weeks. The primary end point was the reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance. Secondary end points included BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity) index, 6-minute walk test, and quality of life questionnaire. Changes in the partial pressure of arterial oxygen were evaluated as a safety parameter. RESULTS: The final population included 28 patients, 18 in the sildenafil group and 10 in the placebo group. At 16 week, patients treated with sildenafil had a decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance (mean difference with placebo -1.4 WU; 95% confidence interval, ≤ -0.05; p = 0.04). Sildenafil also improved the BODE index, diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide percentage, and quality of life. Change from baseline in the partial pressure of arterial oxygen was not significantly different between the sildenafil and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study found that treatment with sildenafil reduced pulmonary vascular resistance and improved the BODE index and quality of life, without a significant effect on gas exchange.

Computational fluid dynamics simulation to evaluate aortic coarctation gradient with contrast-enhanced CT.

Coarctation of aorta (CoA) is a narrowing of the aorta leading to a pressure gradient (ΔP) across the coarctation, increased afterload and reduced peripheral perfusion pressures. Indication to invasive treatment is based on values of maximal (systolic) trans-coarctation ΔP. A computational fluid dynamic (CFD) approach is herein presented for the non-invasive haemodynamic assessment of ΔP across CoA. Patient-specific CFD simulations were created from contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and appropriate flow boundary conditions. Computed ΔP was validated with invasive intravascular trans-CoA pressure measurements. Haemodynamic indices, including pressure loss coefficient (PLc), time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI), were also quantified. CFD-estimated ΔP values were comparable to the invasive ones. Moreover, the aorta proximal to CoA was exposed to altered TAWSS and OSI suggesting hypertension. PLc was found as a further geometric marker of CoA severity. Finally, CFD-estimated ΔP confirmed a significant reduction after percutaneous balloon dilatation and stenting of the CoA in one patient (e.g. from ΔP∼52 mmHg to ΔP∼3 mmHg). The validation of the ΔP computations with catheterisation measurements suggests that CFD simulation, based on CT-derived anatomical data, is a useful tool to readily quantify CoA severity.

Determinants of postinfarction remodeling affect outcome and left ventricular geometry after surgical treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effects of the time between myocardial infarction and surgery, the site of infarction, mitral involvement on ventricular geometry, and clinical outcome in the treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy in patients with heart failure. METHODS: Sixty-nine consecutive patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, indexed end-systolic volume > or =50 mL/m(2), ejection fraction < or =35%, and heart failure underwent surgery 81.9 +/- 100.8 months after myocardial infarction, using different techniques of ventricular restoration. Thirteen geometric parameters were studied pre- and postoperatively. Paired and unpaired t tests and general linear model for multivariate analysis were used to analyze subgroups. Logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier survival curves with pairwise log-rank were used to correlate covariates to clinical outcome. RESULTS: Longer time to surgery and posterior necrosis linearly correlated with higher left ventricular volumes (r(2) =.66) and diameters (r(2) =.40). High grade of mitral regurgitation was always present in posterior infarctions. Hospital mortality was 4.3%. Complicated postoperative course was predicted by mitral surgery (P =.004) and longer time to surgery (P =.04). Survival was significantly lower in the posterior infarction (P =.0002) and mitral surgery (P =.001) subgroups. At a mean follow-up of 1.9 +/- 1.3 years, functional status and geometrical restoration are influenced by the studied covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Longer time to surgery after myocardial infarction, its posterior location, and significant mitral regurgitation can affect left ventricular remodeling, surgical restoration, and clinical outcome in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Uncommon presentation and surgical correction of unroofed coronary sinus syndrome.

A 59-year-old man with signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure, occurring a few months after an infective episode, underwent cardiac investigations revealing severe biventricular dysfunction, persistent left superior vena cava with almost completely unroofed coronary sinus, and critical stenosis of the proximal right coronary artery. Surgical correction of the congenital malformation associated with revascularization of the right coronary allowed a prompt recovery of clinical conditions and ventricular function.

Mass regression in aortic stenosis after valve replacement with small size pericardial bioprosthesis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine whether left ventricular mass regression is influenced by valve size after the implantation of a Carpentier-Edwards Perimount (CEP) pericardial bioprosthesis for pure aortic stenosis. METHODS: Patients receiving 19-mm, 21-mm, and 23-mm CEP aortic valves underwent echocardiography preoperatively and at least 1 year after surgery (mean, 2.3 +/- 1 years) and the echocardiograms were compared within and between groups. RESULTS: The study involved a total of 88 patients: 34 receiving 19-mm CEPs, 29 receiving 21-mm CEPs, and 25 receiving 23-mm CEPs. The mean postoperative prosthetic gradients were respectively 20.6 +/- 6.6 mm Hg, 17.9 +/- 5.8 mm Hg, and 13.2 +/- 4.1 mm Hg (p = 0.0001); the mean postoperative valve areas were respectively 1.24 +/- 0.16 cm(2), 1.45 +/- 0.2 cm(2), and 1.63 +/- 0.21 cm(2) (p = 0.0001). In comparison with the preoperative echocardiographic measurements absolute left ventricular mass significantly decreased by -54.1 +/- 48.8 g, -54.1 +/- 55.1 g, and -74.4 +/- 57.4 g respectively with no statistically significant between-group difference (analysis of variance) but ventricular septum and posterior wall thickness significantly decreased in each group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of 19-mm, 21-mm, and 23-mm CEP aortic prostheses significantly reduces left ventricular mass without any size-related differences.

Mid-term results of cardiac autotransplantation as method to treat permanent atrial fibrillation and mitral disease.

OBJECTIVES: The results of current surgical options for the treatment of permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with mitral surgery are widely different, particularly in very enlarged left atria. The aim of this study was to assess the mid-term efficacy of cardiac autotransplantation for this goal, through a consistent reduction of left atrium volume and a complete isolation of the pulmonary veins. METHODS: From April 2000 to September 2002, 30 patients (male/female 5/25) underwent cardiac autotransplantation for the treatment of mitral valve disease and concomitant permanent AF (>1 year). Surgical technique of bicaval heart transplantation was modified maintaining the connection of inferior vena cava in all but three cases. Twenty-eight patients had mitral valve replacement and two had mitral valve repair. Associated procedures were: aortic valve replacement (6 cases), tricuspid valve repair (2 cases), coronary re-vascularization (2 cases) and right atrium volume reduction (4 cases). RESULTS: No hospital death occurred; 1 patient died 3 months post-operatively for pneumonia. At a mean follow-up of 21.1+/-7.7 months (range 6-35), 26 patients (89.7%) were in sinus rhythm and 3 (10.3%) in AF. Santa Cruz Score was 0 in 3 patients, 2 in 2 patients and 4 in the remaining 24 patients (82.7%). Mean left atrial diameter and volume decreased from 65.1+/-16.4 mm (range 50-130 mm) to 49.9+/-8.4 mm (range 37-78) (P < 0.001) and from 118.3+/-68.4 ml (range 60-426) to 69.4+/-34.1 ml (range 31-226) (P = 0.001), respectively, after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac autotransplantation is a safe and effective option for the treatment of permanent AF in patients with mitral valve disease and severe dilation of left atrium.

Cardiac autotransplantation for the treatment of permanent atrial fibrillation combined with mitral valve disease.

OBJECTIVE: The results of current surgical options for the treatment of permanent atrial fibrillation associated with mitral valve surgery are widely different, particularly for extremely dilated left atria. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of cardiac autotransplantation in restoring a normal sinus rhythm via a consistent reduction in the left atrium volume associated with a complete isolation of the pulmonary veins. METHODS: From April 2000 to April 2002, 28 patients (men/women, 5/23) underwent cardiac autotransplantation for the treatment of mitral disease and concomitant permanent atrial fibrillation (>1 year). A modified surgical technique derived from bicaval heart transplantation procedures maintained the connection of the right atrium with the inferior vena cava in all but 3 cases. In 2 patients, the mitral valve was repaired, and it was replaced in 26 patients. Associated procedures were 6 aortic valve replacements, 2 tricuspid valve annuloplasties, and 2 coronary revascularizations. RESULTS: No hospital deaths were recorded, but 1 patient died of pneumonia 3 months postoperatively. At a mean follow-up period of 17.2 +/- 6.7 months (range, 6-30 months), 24 patients (88.9%) were in sinus rhythm, and 3 (11.1%) were in atrial fibrillation. The Santa Cruz Score was 0 for 3 patients, 2 for 1 patient, and 4 for the remaining 23 patients (85.2%). The mean left atrial diameter decreased from 65.4 +/- 17.1 mm (range, 50-130 mm) before the operation to 48.4 +/- 5.6 mm (range, 37-78 mm) postoperatively (P <.001), and the mean left atrial volume decreased from 119 +/- 70.5 mL (range, 60-426 mL) to 69.1 +/- 35.1 mL (range, 31-226 mL) (P <.0001). CONCLUSION: Cardiac autotransplantation is a safe and effective surgical option for the treatment of permanent atrial fibrillation in patients with long-lasting mitral valve disease and severe enlargement of the left atrium.

Myectomy-myotomy associated with aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis: effects on left ventricular mass regression.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular outflow tract dynamic obstruction may develop after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis with a higher mortality and morbidity and may persist until left ventricular mass regression occurs. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of myectomy-myotomy on the left ventricular mass and mean wall thickness regression and on left ventricular mass normalization at least 1 year postoperatively. METHODS: A total of 162 patients including 71 with myectomy-myotomy (group I) and 91 without (group II) were studied at pre- and postoperative echocardiography. RESULTS: The relative left ventricular regression, after adjustment by ANCOVA analysis, was significantly greater in group I than in group II (-24.6 +/- 14.7 and -16.8 +/- 17.8%, p = 0.004) and the absolute mean wall thickness regression was greater in group I than in group II (-1.6 +/- 1.3 vs -1.1 +/- 1.6 mm, p = 0.019). Multivariable analysis showed myectomy-myotomy as an independent predictor of left ventricular mass regression. CONCLUSIONS: Myectomy-myotomy may improve left ventricular mass regression after aortic valve replacement for pure aortic stenosis.

Ross procedure for severe congenital aortic regurgitation in a three-month-old patient.

We here describe the case of an infant with severe aortic regurgitation due to a congenital dysplastic aortic valve. Surgical treatment (autograft replacement of the aortic valve) was carried out when the patient was 3 months old. The technical aspects and the results of instrumental examination during follow-up are discussed.

The new patent foramen ovale occluder FIGULLA in complex septal anatomy: a case series.

BACKGROUND: The appropriate treatment strategy for secondary stroke prevention in patients with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale (PFO) remains challenging. The aim of this study was to describe a case series of patients with PFO and complex septal anatomy who underwent percutaneous correction using a FIGULLA (Occlutech) septal occluder (FSO). PATIENTS: Ten consecutive patients (6 females, 4 males, mean age 41.6 ± 16.0 years, range 17-52 years; group 1) with cryptogenetic stroke and/or transient cerebral ischemia and complex septal anatomy, as defined by intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) were compared with a group of 25 patients (10 females, 15 males, mean age 43.7 ± 12.3 years; group 2) with usual tunnel-like PFO anatomy in whom PFO was closed by an Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO; AGA). RESULTS: No significant differences were noted between group 1 and group 2 for immediate success rate, residual intraprosthetic shunt at the end of the procedure, discharge, 1, 6 and 12 months follow up, number of attempts, procedure time, fluoroscopy time, or cardiac complication (atrial arrhythmias, device embolism). The only significant difference was shown for delivery sheath size (11 ± 2 versus 9 ± 1 F) and incidence of local hematoma (30% versus 12%) between group 1 and group 2, without any clinical consequence (need of transfusion) or increase in length of stay. CONCLUSION: FSO shows high performance in patients with PFO and complex septal anatomy when compared with patients with PFO and uncomplicated atrial anatomy treated by ASO. Its favorable behavior is probably related to fabric features such as the total amount of metal and the presence of titanium.

Haemodynamic predictors of a penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer rupture using fluid-structure interaction analysis.

We present preliminary data on the flow-induced haemodynamic and structural loads exerted on a penetrating atherosclerotic aortic ulcer (PAU). Specifically, one-way fluid-structure interaction analysis was performed on the aortic model reconstructed from a 66-year-old male patient with a PAU that evolved into an intramural haematoma and rupture of the thoracic aorta. The results show that elevated blood pressure (117 mmHg) and low flow velocity at the aortic wall (0.15 m/s(2)) occurred in the region of the PAU. We also found a low value of time-averaged wall shear stress (1.24 N/m(2)) and a high value of the temporal oscillation in the wall shear stress (oscillatory shear index = 0.13) in the region of the PAU. After endovascular treatment, these haemodynamic parameters were distributed uniformly on the luminal surface of the stent graft. These findings suggest that wall shear stress could be considered one of the major haemodynamic factors indicating the structural fragility of the PAU wall, which ultimately lead to PAU growth and rupture.

Midterm follow-up dynamic echocardiography evaluation after aortic valve repair for aortic valve insufficiency.

We prospectively evaluated 46 patients who underwent aortic valve repair (AVR) for AV regurgitation. Rest/stress echocardiography follow-up was performed. Follow-up duration was 30.7 months, age 56 ± 14 years, ejection fraction% 57.5 ± 10.5%. Preoperative bicuspid AV was present in 14 (30.4%), leaflets calcifications in 8 (17.4%), thickening in 17 (37.0%) and prolapse in 22 (47.8%). Surgical technique included commissuroplasty (22, 47.8%), leaflet remodelling (17, 37.0%), decalcification (7, 15.2%) and raphe removal (14, 30.4%). At follow-up, rest/stress echocardiography median AV regurgitation (rest 1.0 vs. stress 1.0) and mean indexed AV area (IAVA) (rest 2.6 ± 0.74 cm(2)/m(2) vs. stress 2.8 ± 0.4 cm(2)/m(2)) were unchanged (P = ns). Mean (rest 4.7 ± 3.9 mmHg vs. stress 9.7 ± 5.8 mmHg) and peak (rest 9.5 ± 7.2 mmHg vs. stress 19.0 ± 10.5 mmHg) transvalvular gradients were significantly increased (P < 0.0001). At linear regression, there was an independent inverse correlation between commissuroplasty and AV gradients during stress (B = -9.9, P = 0.01, confidence interval= -17.7 to -2.1). Although follow-up haemodynamics of repaired AVs are satisfactory, there was a fixed IAVA and significant increase in AV gradients. We were not able to identify any pre-existing anatomical condition independently related to this non-physiological behaviour under stress. Moreover, commissuroplasty seems to prevent abnormal increase of the AV gradients.