Very-long-term outcomes of mechanical valves in mitral position focusing on valve-related complications.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine very-long-term outcomes of a mechanical valve at the mitral position. METHODS: This study included all patients who underwent mitral valve replacement (MVR) using a mechanical valve including urgent operation at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Hyogo Brain and Heart Center, Himeji, from January 1987 to December 2015. RESULTS: Five hundred and eighty-three patients (277 men [47.51%]; age, 61 [54-67] years) were included in this study. The implanted valve models were as follows: SJM, 221 (37.91%); ATS, 35 (6.00%); On-X, 68 (11.66%); and Carbomedics 194, (33.28%).The median clinical follow-up duration was 13.3 (7.4-19.6) years. The survival rates at 10, 15, 20 and 25 years were 81.42%, 69.27%, 56.34% and 45.03%, respectively. Thromboembolism was observed in 38 patients, and the linearized ratio for each event was 0.626%/patient-year [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.443-0.859%]. Intracranial haemorrhage and gastrointestinal bleeding were observed in 26 and 9 patients, and the linearized ratio for each event was 0.425%/patient-year (95% CI, 0.277-0.006%) and 0.145%/patient-year (95% CI, 0.067-0.276%), respectively. Major paravalvular leak was observed in 32 patients, and the linearized ratio was 0.532%/patient-year (95% CI, 0.364%-0.751%). The cumulative incidence rate of major paravalvular leak at 10, 15, 20 and 25 years was 3.7%, 5.6%, 6.4% and 10.4%, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that repeated MVR and male gender were associated with major paravalvular leak. CONCLUSIONS: Male gender and repeated MVR were risk factors for paravalvular leak after mechanical MVR. Paravalvular leak could have occurred regardless of postoperative period even at 25 years after implantation. Lifelong clinical follow-up is considered necessary.

Modes of the bioprosthetic valve failure of the porcine and pericardial valves in the mitral position.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to examine the incidence and modes of the bioprosthetic valve failure of the porcine valve in the mitral position and compare them with those of the pericardial valve. METHODS: This study included 240 patients (116 men [48.3%]; mean age, 74.87 ± 6.61 years) who underwent mitral valve replacement using the St. Jude Medical Epic bioprosthesis (Epic) (N = 125) or Carpentier-Edwards Perimount (CEP) pericardial valve (N = 115) from January 2000 to December 2020. RESULTS: The median clinical follow-up durations in the Epic and CEP groups were 54.5 months (range, 0-111 months) and 81.5 months (range, 0-194 months), respectively. Structural valve degeneration (SVD) was observed in 9 patients (7.2%) in the Epic group and 11 patients (9.6%) in the CEP group. The rates of freedom from SVD at 3, 5 and 7 years were 97.7%, 90.5% and 75.5% in the Epic group and 100.0%, 96.1% and 90.0% in the CEP group, respectively. SVD reoperation was performed for 7 patients (5.6%) in the Epic group and 6 patients (5.2%) in the CEP group. The rates of freedom from SVD reoperation at 3, 5 and 7 years were 97.7%, 90.5% and 75.5% in the Epic group and 100%, 96.1% and 90.0% in the CEP group, respectively. Epic SVD was predominantly due to leaflet tearing, whereas CEP SVD was predominantly due to leaflet calcification and adhesion to the subvalvular apparatus. CONCLUSIONS: SVD of the porcine valve was predominantly due to leaflet tearing. The rate of reoperation for SVD was slightly higher for the porcine valve in the mitral position than for the pericardial valve at adjusted survival analysis.

Dynamic changes in insulin requirements with post-operative time using bedside artificial pancreas to maintain normoglycemia without hypoglycemia after cardiac surgery.

It is difficult to manage postoperative blood glucose levels without hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in cardiac surgery patients even if continuous intravenous insulin infusion is used. Therefore, the insulin requirements for maintaining normoglycemia may be difficult to evaluate and need to be elucidated. In this single-center retrospective study, 30 adult patients (age 71.5 ± 9.0 years old, men 67%, BMI 22.0 ± 3.1 kg/m2, diabetes 33%) who underwent cardiac surgery and used bedside artificial pancreas (STG-55) as a perioperative glycemic control were included. We investigated the insulin and glucose requirements to maintain normoglycemia until the day after surgery. The bedside artificial pancreas achieved intensive glycemic control without hypoglycemia under fasting conditions for 15 h after surgery (mean blood glucose level was 103.3 ± 3.1 mg/dL and percentage of time in range (70-140 mg/dL) was 99.4 ± 2.0%). The total insulin requirement for maintaining normoglycemia differed among surgical procedures, including the use of cardiopulmonary bypass during surgery, while it was not affected by age, body mass index, or the capacity of insulin secretion. Moreover, the mean insulin requirement and the standard deviation of the insulin requirements were variable and high, especially during the first several hours after surgery. Treatment using the bedside artificial pancreas enabled intensive postoperative glycemic control without hypoglycemia. Furthermore, the insulin requirements for maintaining normoglycemia after cardiac surgery vary based on surgical strategies and change dynamically with postoperative time, even in the short term.

Acute Coronary and Cerebral Emboli From a Pedunculated Ascending Aorta Thrombus.

Hyperprolactinemia is a risk factor for thrombus formation. We present a rare case of a mobile ascending aorta thrombus leading to acute myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction in a patient with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).

Recurrent Pulmonary Embolism Caused by Superficial Femoral Vein Aneurysm.

Venous aneurysms (VA), particularly superficial femoral VAs (SFVAs), are rare vascular lesions. A 65-year-old woman with a history of pulmonary embolism (PE), treated with tissue plasminogen activator and oral anticoagulation, was admitted to hospital for dyspnea. Enhanced computed tomography showed recurrent PE and right SFVA with a mural thrombus. The SFVA was not identified during the first PE. The PE was not massive and was treated with direct oral anticoagulants. The thrombus in the SFVA caused the PE, and surgical repair was performed to prevent further embolic events. Under general anesthesia, the SFVA was excised, and direct anastomosis was performed. PE recurrence, venous aneurysmal changes, and thrombosis were not noted at the 1-year follow-up.

Giant pseudoaneurysm that developed seven years after surgical repair of a postinfarction ventricular septal defect.

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication after myocardial infarction or cardiac surgery. An 88-year-old woman who developed a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm 7 years after the repair of a postinfarction ventricular septal defect was admitted to our hospital with a complaint of a pulsatile epigastric mass, which had persisted for a month. Enhanced computed tomography revealed a large left ventricular pseudoaneurysm that extended to the subcutaneous epigastric tissue through the supra-diaphragmatic space. Dehiscence of the patch on the lateral side, which was used during previous surgery, provided the entry site. Surgical repair with aneurysm exclusion patch plasty was successful, and the patient was discharged without any complications.

Distal Stent Graft-Induced New Entry after Total Arch Replacement with Frozen Elephant Trunk for Aortic Dissection.

Objectives: Distal stent graft-induced new entry (dSINE), defined as a new tear caused by a stent graft, has been increasingly observed following total arch replacement using frozen elephant trunk (FET) for aortic dissection. We aimed to investigate the incidence and treatment of dSINE after the use of FET. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 70 patients who underwent total arch replacement using FET for aortic dissection between August 2014 and March 2020. They were followed up for at least 6 months postoperatively. Between-group comparisons were performed between those who did and did not develop dSINE. The risk factors for the development of dSINE and the treatment of dSINE were analyzed. Results: dSINE occurred postoperatively in nine patients (12.9%) with a median time frame of 17.7±11.7 months. The incidence of dSINE did not differ significantly according to classification, phase of dissection, or oversizing. All patients in the dSINE group developed enlargement of the false lumen. dSINE closure was successfully achieved without complications via thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in all patients. Conclusion: No independent factors predicting the development of dSINE were noted in this study. Additional TEVAR for dSINE provides good results and achieves false lumen thrombosis in the thoracic aorta, with no complications.

Efficacy of left atrial plication for atrial functional mitral regurgitation.

OBJECTIVE: Atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) is caused by atrial fibrillation and left atrial enlargement. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of left atrial plication (LAP) for AFMR. METHODS: Of 1164 mitral valve surgery patients at our hospital from January 2000 to May 2019, 22 patients underwent surgery for AFMR. Our retrospective analysis divided the patients with AFMR into two groups according to whether LAP was performed (LAP + group, n = 9; LAP - group, n = 13). Mitral valve angle (MV angle) (horizontal inclination of mitral valve) was measured by pre- and post-operative computed tomography scan. Individuals with type II mitral regurgitation, left ventricular ejection fraction of < 55%, males with left ventricular endo-diastolic dimension of > 60 mm and females with > 55 mm, aortic valve disease, mitral valve calcification, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, and both "redo" and emergency cases were excluded. RESULT: Mitral valve replacement was performed in 6 patients and mitral ring annuloplasty in 16 cases. No recurrence of mitral regurgitation or structural valve deterioration occurred during the follow-up period. There were no hospital deaths; 3 deaths occurred during the follow-up period. Compared to the LAP - group, the LAP + group demonstrated a significantly greater decrease of MV angle (16.6 ± 8.1° vs. 1.2 ± 6.9°, p < 0.01) and left atrial dimension (18.4 ± 7.0 mm vs. 6.9 ± 14.6 mm, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical results of AFMR were satisfactory. LAP may be appropriate for correcting the angle of a mitral valve tilted horizontally. More cases need to be considered in the future.

Hybrid Repair of Kommerell's Diverticulum with Embolization of Aberrant Left Subclavian Artery.

An asymptomatic 70-year-old man presented with Kommerell's diverticulum (KD) and an aberrant left subclavian artery. Computed tomography revealed a KD diameter of 53 mm, severe aortic arch angulation, and no landing zone for thoracic endovascular aortic repair from the arch vessels to the diverticulum. We performed single-stage hybrid repair of KD of the right aortic arch, left carotid-left subclavian artery bypass, and embolization of the subclavian artery, followed by replacement of the descending aorta through deep hypothermic circulatory arrest via right thoracotomy. He was discharged home without any symptoms and remained uneventful at 1 year after the operation.

Bail-out thoracic endovascular aortic repair for incorrect deployment of frozen elephant trunk into the false lumen.

We report a rare case of bail-out thoracic endovascular aortic repair after incorrect deployment of a frozen elephant trunk into the false lumen. A 54-year-old man presented to our department complaining of chest pain. Enhanced computed tomography revealed Stanford type A acute aortic dissection, which had a large entry site at the mid-descending aorta. Emergency total aortic arch replacement with a frozen elephant trunk was performed. Progressive intraoperative acidosis was observed. Immediate postoperative enhanced computed tomography showed that the distal end of the frozen elephant trunk was deployed into the false lumen through the initial tear at the proximal descending aorta. We performed emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair through a fenestration made into the intimal flap using an Outback LTD re-entry device. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 67 after a complete recovery.

Endovascular Treatment of a Ruptured Pseudoaneurysm of the Intercostal Patch after Descending Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Anastomotic pseudoaneurysm and patch aneurysm are life-threatening complications following thoracoabdominal and descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA) repair. The aortic wall tissue is fragile in patients with Marfan syndrome, who are at high risk of anastomotic pseudoaneurysm and patch aneurysms. We experienced a rare case of ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the intercostal patch after DTAA repair in a patient with Marfan syndrome. A hematoma was separated from the pseudoaneurysm caused by adhesion of the left lung after DTAA repair, which made diagnosis difficult. To prevent type II endoleak and achieve thoracic endovascular aortic repair, we treated the patent intercostal arteries by embolization.

Outcomes of Late Open Conversion after Endovascular Abdominal Aneurysm Repair.

Objective: To review our experience with a late open conversion as a final option for an endograft infection and aneurysm expansion after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), especially in endoleaks for which radiological intervention is impossible. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 13 late open conversions out of 513 consecutive patients treated by EVAR were analyzed. Indications for an open conversion were aneurysm enlargement, including all endoleaks, endograft migration, and endograft infection. The patients' data on demographics, operative details, and outcomes were reviewed. Results: Indications for a late open conversion included endoleaks, infection, and migration in 61.5%, 30.8%, and 7.7% of patients, respectively. The median interval from the initial EVAR was 32.4 months. Complete endograft explantation was performed in four patients with an endograft infection. In endoleak cases, the endograft was partially preserved and a neo-neck was used. Sacotomy and branch ligation were performed in one case. One major operative complication was an aortic injury during infrarenal aortic cross-clamping in an endograft migration case. There was no operative mortality. Conclusion: A late open conversion after EVAR is valuable as a final option. The aortic cross-clamp site, especially in endograft migration cases, should be carefully considered. To avoid aneurysm-related events, graft replacement is recommended, if possible.

Preventing brain embolism by using a modified isolation technique in transcatheter aortic valve implantation for a patient with shaggy and porcelain aorta.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a useful and effective treatment for surgical high-risk patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). Stroke is one of the most frequent complications associated with TAVI. Shaggy and porcelain aortas are a risk factor for procedure-related strokes. Preventing brain embolism is one of the most important goals in patients with diseased aortas. We present a case where we performed TAVI in an 89-year-old man with severe AS, a shaggy aorta, a porcelain aorta, and congestive heart failure. TAVI via a transfemoral approach was performed using a modified isolation technique with cannulation from bilateral axillary arteries and cardiopulmonary bypass to prevent brain embolism. The catheter-delivered embolic protection device is necessary to pass the diseased aorta, but the modified isolation technique can be used without any contact with the shaggy aorta. Embolism did not occur, and his heart failure improved immediately. .

Fatal Complications of New-Onset Complicated Type B Aortic Dissection After Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Report of 2 Cases and Literature Review.

New-onset antegrade Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is rare. The extension of aortic dissection leads to various symptoms and affects the stent graft. Moreover, various symptoms may arise owing to a stent graft being present. We describe 2 cases of complicated acute TBAD occurring after EVAR, which were ultimately fatal. The case in which rupture occurred could not be treated and the patient died. In another case with bilateral lower extremity malperfusion caused by collapse and occlusion of the endograft, extra-anatomical bypass was performed. Although the collapsed endograft gradually re-expanded, the patient ultimately died because of multiorgan failure. We have reviewed the literature and analyzed the treatment of complicated TBAD after EVAR.