Experimental evaluation of homemade distal stent graft fenestration for thoracic endovascular aortic repair of type A dissection by a transapical approach.

OBJECTIVE: The use of off-the-shelf stent grafts for thoracic endovascular aortic repair of type A dissections is limited by variability in both the length of the ascending aorta and the location of the proximal intimal tear. This experimental study aimed to assess the feasibility of using a physician-modified thoracic aortic stent graft to treat acute type A dissection by a transapical cardiac approach. METHODS: The experiments were performed on six cadaveric human heart, ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta specimens. Fenestration was fashioned in each standard tubular Valiant thoracic stent graft (Valiant Captivia; Medtronic Vascular, Santa Rosa, Calif) to match the anatomy of each specimen. Stent grafts of sufficient length were selected to cover the entire ascending aorta and aortic arch. Stent graft diameters in proximal sealing zones were oversized by 5% to 10%. The length of the fenestration was the distance between the left subclavian artery and the proximal edge of the origin of the brachiocephalic trunk with an additional 10 mm. The diameter of the scallop was that of the brachiocephalic trunk with an additional 5 mm on all sides. The length of the covered portion of the stent graft was the distance between coronary arteries and the proximal edge of the origin of the brachiocephalic trunk. Two lateral radiopaque markers were positioned to delineate the distal and lateral edge of the scallop. Another 3-cm radiopaque marker was sutured onto the sheath to ensure accurate radiologic positioning of the scallop on the outer curve of the aorta. The left ventricle and the thoracic aorta were connected to a benchtop aortic pulsatile flow model. A 5-mm 30-degree lens was introduced through the left subclavian artery to monitor the procedure. The customized stent graft was deployed by a transapical approach under fluoroscopic control. RESULTS: Median duration of stent graft modification was 21 minutes (range, 17-40 minutes). All attempts to deploy the homemade proximal scalloped stent graft by a transapical approach were successful. Completion angiography demonstrated patency of the supra-aortic trunks and of the coronary arteries in all cases. Macroscopic evaluation did not identify any deterioration of the customized stent graft. CONCLUSIONS: The use of physician-modified stent grafts is feasible for thoracic endovascular aortic repair of type A dissection by a transapical approach in this model.

Early results for active infective endocarditis.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac surgery is frequently needed during active phase of infective endocarditis (IE). The purpose of this study was to analyze the immediate and late results and determine the risk factors for death. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 101 patients with IE operated in the active phase. The mean age was 40.5 ± 12.5 years. 16 patients (15.8%) were diagnosed with prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). 81 (80.9%) were in NYHA functional class III-IV. Blood cultures were positive in only 24 cases (23.9%). RESULTS: in-hospital mortality rate was 17.9% (18 cases). Multivariate analysis indentified five determinant predictor factors: congestive heart failure (CHF), renal insufficiency, high Euroscore, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (> 120 min) and long ICU stay. The median follow-up period was 4.2 (2-6.5) years. Overall survival rate for all patients who survived surgery was 97% at 5 years and 91% at 10 years. CONCLUSION: Despite high in-hospital mortality rate, when patients receive operation early in the active phase of their illness, late outcome may be good.

[Persistence of the 5th aortic arch associated with interruption of the aortic arch]. / Persistance du 5ème arc aortique associé à une interruption de l'arche aortique.

We report a case of persistence of the 5th aortic arch associated with total interruption of the aortic arch. This clinical case shows the diagnostic pitfall of the persistence of the 5th aortic arch and its beneficial hemodynamic effect. Preoperative clinical picture was misleading, due to the persistence of femoral pulses and clinical signs of left-to-right shunt via a wide ductus arteriosus. The diagnosis was intraoperatively adjusted on the basis of blood pressure monitoring using catheter placed into the femoral artery.

Use of magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of constrictive pericarditis: a Moroccan center experience.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis continues to be a clinical challenge. Magnetic resonance imaging provides excellent visualization of the pericardium. The aim of our study is to clarify the contribution of this non invasive exploration in the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis in our center. METHODS: we conducted a prospective study over a period of two years, since 2008, covering a series of patients (n = 11), mean age 44 ± 15 years, in whom constrictive pericarditis was suspected clinically and on transthoracic echocardiography. We studied its characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis showing pericardial thickening in all cases, measuring 8.2 +/- 2.6 mm on average, circumferential in 64%, and localized in 36%. The imaging data, particularly pericardial thickening and its topography, were confirmed by surgical exploration, and results were concordant in all cases. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging is a powerful tool to establish constrictive pericarditis diagnosis.