Transcatheter aortic valve implantation for pure aortic insufficiency in a patient following David-type aortic valve-sparing root replacement after aortic dissection-A successful off-label procedure.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has traditionally been indicated for the treatment of aortic stenosis. However, in this case report, we describe a successful TAVI procedure in a 46-year-old male patient who had previously undergone David aortic valve-sparing aortic root replacement for type 1 aortic dissection. The patient presented with aortic valve insufficiency 4 years after the initial surgery and was subsequently treated with a 34 mm Medtronic CoreValve Evolut R prosthesis via TAVI. This case highlights the feasibility of TAVI as a viable treatment option for postoperative aortic valve insufficiency in patients with prior ascending aortic or aortic arch surgery.

Sedation with Ketamine-Propofol in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Comparative Retrospective Study on General Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is used for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at high risk for surgery. Since these patients are elderly and have comorbidities, their management is of great importance. OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study compares two anesthesia techniques during TAVI: sedation (ketamine and propofol) and general anesthesia. METHODS: Patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI during 2021 in our hospital were retrospectively screened. Demographic data, comorbidities, anesthesia management, complications, and mortality of the patients were obtained from the records. RESULTS: There were 137 patients treated with TAVI; 74 (54%) patients had sedation and 63 (46%) had general anesthesia. When the anesthesia management was evaluated, no significant difference in mortality was observed between the patients who received general anesthesia and sedation. After univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate factors having an impact on mortality, anemia (only in univariate analysis) in the whole study population was a statistically significant risk factor for mortality in patients undergoing TAVI (p<0.014). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in mortality in terms of anesthesia management. Anemia was a risk factor for mortality (only in univariate analysis) in the whole study population. We concluded that conscious sedation with ketamine and propofol is effective and safe for TAVI procedures compared to general anesthesia.

Neonatal Outcomes of Critical Congenital Heart Defects: A Multicenter Epidemiological Study of Turkish Neonatal Society : Neonatal Outcomes of CCHD.

Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) is one of the leading causes of neonatal and infant mortality. We aimed to elucidate the epidemiology, spectrum, and outcome of neonatal CCHD in Türkiye. This was a multicenter epidemiological study of neonates with CCHD conducted from October 2021 to November 2022 at national tertiary health centers. Data from 488 neonatal CCHD patients from nine centers were entered into the Trials-Network online registry system during the study period. Transposition of great arteria was the most common neonatal CHD, accounting for 19.5% of all cases. Sixty-three (12.9%) patients had extra-cardiac congenital anomalies. A total of 325 patients underwent cardiac surgery. Aortic arch repair (29.5%), arterial switch (25.5%), and modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (13.2%). Overall, in-hospital mortality was 20.1% with postoperative mortality of 19.6%. Multivariate analysis showed that the need of prostaglandin E1 before intervention, higher VIS (> 17.5), the presence of major postoperative complications, and the need for early postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were the main risk factors for mortality. The mortality rate of CCHD in our country remains high, although it varies by health center. Further research needs to be conducted to determine long-term outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Ascending Aortic Coarctation - an Atypical Location in a Non-Takayasu Arteritis Female Patient.

Coarctation of the aorta is a well-known congenital cardiovascular disorder that typically occurs within proximity to the ductus arteriosus. The ascending aorta, distal descending aorta, and abdominal aorta are segments which are prone to development of an atypical coarctation. The etiologies of atypical cases are usually associated with various types of vasculitis syndromes or underlying genetic disorders. In this report, we present a 24-year-old female patient with an ascending aortic coarctation which developed secondary to an atherosclerotic process.

Does perivascular fibrin glue application have a preventive effect for the endothelial damage on saphenous vein graft? An experimental model.

BACKGROUND: The effect of tissue adhesives on coronary grafts in cardiac surgery is a controversial issue. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of fibrin glue (FG) applied around the saphenous vein grafts (SVG) in preventing cellular damage resulting from intraluminal pressure increase. METHODS: Twenty volunteer patients were included in this ex vivo study. The SVGs remained after coronary artery bypass grafting were connected to the arterial line of the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. The grafts were divided into two segments and one segment received perivascular FG applied whereas the other part was used plain. SVGs were kept in circulation at 120 mmHg pressure 250 mL/min flow rate for 60 min. The tissues were sent for histopathological examination to determine the endothelial damage. RESULTS: Endothelial damage was more pronounced in the control group when compared with the FG group. In the FG group, no damage was seen in 13 samples and no Type 3 endothelial damage was observe whereas Type 1 injury was detected in seven specimens, Type 2 injury was observed in seven specimens, and Type 3 injury was detected in two specimens in the control group. CONCLUSION: Perivascular application of FG on the SVG showed a protective effect against endothelial damage resulting from increased intraluminal pressure.

ANTECEDENTES: El efecto de los adhesivos tisulares sobre los injertos coronarios en cirugía cardíaca es un tema controvertido. OBJETIVO: Investigar el efecto del pegamento de fibrina aplicado alrededor de los injertos de vena safena para prevenir el daño celular resultante del aumento de la presión intraluminal. MÉTODO: En este estudio ex vivo fueron incluidos 20 pacientes voluntarios. Los injertos de vena safena que quedaron después del injerto de derivación de la arteria coronaria se conectaron a la línea arterial del circuito de derivación cardiopulmonar. Los injertos se dividieron en dos segmentos y a uno de ellos se le aplicó pegamento de fibrina perivascular, mientras que la otra parte se usó sola. Los injertos de vena safena se mantuvieron en circulación a una presión de 120 mmHg y una velocidad de flujo de 250 ml/min durante 60 minutos. Los tejidos se enviaron para examen histopatológico para determinar el daño endotelial. RESULTADOS: El daño endotelial fue más pronunciado en el grupo de control que en el grupo de pegamento de fibrina. Se observó lesión de tipo 2 en siete muestras del grupo de pegamento de fibrina y lesión de tipo 3 en dos muestras del grupo de control. CONCLUSIONES: La aplicación perivascular de pegamento de fibrina en los injertos de vena safena mostró un efecto protector contra el daño endotelial resultante del aumento de la presión intraluminal.

A surgical method to be reminded for the treatment of symptomatic ipsilateral central venous occlusions in patients with hemodialysis access: Axillo-axillary venous bypass case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: In this case report, we present two chronic hemodialysis patients with upper extremity swelling due to central venous occlusions together with their clinical presentation, surgical management and brief review of the literature. METHODS: The first patient who was a 63-year-old female patient with a history of multiple bilateral arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) was referred to our clinic. Physical examination demonstrated a functioning right brachio-cephalic AVF, with severe edema of the right arm, dilated venous collaterals, facial edema, and unilateral breast enlargement. In her history, multiple ipsilateral subclavian venous catheterizations were present for sustaining temporary hemodialysis access. The second patient was a 47-year-old male with a history of failed renal transplant, CABG surgery, multiple AV fistula procedures from both extremities, leg amputation caused by peripheral arterial disease, and decreased myocardial functions. He was receiving 3/7 hemodialysis and admitted to our clinic with right arm edema, accompanied by pain, stiffness, and skin hyperpigmentation symptoms ipsilateral to a functioning brachio-basilic AVF. He was not able to flex his arms, elbow, or wrist due to severe edema. RESULTS: Venography revealed right subclavian vein stenosis with patent contralateral central veins in the first patient. She underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) twice with subsequent re-occlusions. After failed attempts of PTA, the patient was scheduled for axillo-axillary venous bypass in order to preserve the AV access function. In second patient, venography revealed right subclavian vein occlusion caused secondary to the subclavian venous catheters. Previous attempts for percutaneously crossing the chronic subclavian lesion failed multiple times by different centers. Hence, the patient was scheduled for axillo-axillary venous bypass surgery. CONCLUSION: In case of chronic venous occlusions, endovascular procedures may be ineffective. Since preserving the vascular access function is crucial in this particular patient population, venous bypass procedures should be kept in mind as an alternative for central venous reconstruction, before deciding on ligation and relocation of the AVF.

Patent ductus arteriosus ligation under high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in two critically ill pre-mature newborns.

Information on the use of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in neonatal surgeries is very rare. In this report, we discuss two pre-term infants who had to receive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation as a rescue treatment due to severe pre-maturity. These two cases underwent successful bedside patent ductus arteriosus ligation under high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, and this shows us that patent ductus arteriosus ligation can be performed successfully in neonates even under high-frequency oscillatory ventilation.

Giant pulmonary pseudoaneurysm following balloon dilatation of the pulmonary artery to relieve pulmonary band.

Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms are uncommon. They may occur secondary to trauma, infectious diseases, vasculitis syndromes, neoplasms, congenital diseases, and pulmonary hypertension. Due to increasing number of cardiac interventions, iatrogenic complications are among the major causes of pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms.In this report, we present a 6-month-old patient with pulmonary pseudoaneurysm that occurred following pulmonary balloon angioplasty for the relief of a pulmonary band.

Ascending Aortic Coarctation - an Atypical Location in a Non-Takayasu Arteritis Female Patient

ABSTRACT Coarctation of the aorta is a well-known congenital cardiovascular disorder that typically occurs within proximity to the ductus arteriosus. The ascending aorta, distal descending aorta, and abdominal aorta are segments which are prone to development of an atypical coarctation. The etiologies of atypical cases are usually associated with various types of vasculitis syndromes or underlying genetic disorders. In this report, we present a 24-year-old female patient with an ascending aortic coarctation which developed secondary to an atherosclerotic process.

Follow-up Results of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Following Abdominal Visceral Debranching

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of this study is to present a series of six cases with thoracoabdominal aneurysm treated with hybrid technique in our center. Methods: Between May 2015 and December 2018, the data of six patients with thoracoabdominal aneurysms and various comorbidities who underwent visceral debranching followed by endovascular aortic aneurysm repair were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Patients' mean age was 65.3±19.6 years. All of them were male. Comorbidities were old age, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, previous surgical interventions, and/or esophageal hemangioma. Except for one patient who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (inflow was taken from ascending aorta), debranching was performed from the right iliac artery. Debranching of four visceral arteries (superior mesenteric artery, celiac trunk, and bilateral renal right arteries) was performed in three patients, of three visceral arteries (superior mesenteric artery, celiac trunk, right renal artery) was performed in one, and of two visceral arteries (superior mesenteric artery, celiac trunk) was performed in two patients. Great saphenous vein and 6-mm polytetrafluoroethylene grafts were used in one and five patients, respectively, for debranching. Endovascular aneurysm repair was performed following debranching procedures as soon as the patients were stabilized. In total, three patients died at the early, mid, and long-term follow-up due to multiorgan failure, pneumonia, and unknown reasons. Conclusion: Hybrid repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms may be an alternative to fenestrated or branched endovascular stent grafts in patients with increased risk factors for open surgical thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair; however, the procedure requires experience and care.

Giant Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Aneurysm in a Patient with Behçet's Disease.

Coronary artery involvement is quite rare in the course of Behçet's disease. Complications secondary to coronary artery aneurysms, including rupture, dissection, and myocardial ischemia, may be fatal. In young patients without cardiovascular risk factors, systemic inflammatory vasculitis syndromes should be investigated in case of acute coronary syndrome secondary to dilated coronary arteries. In this report, we present our management strategy in a 31-year-old male patient with Bechet's disease.

Giant Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Aneurysm in a Patient with Behçet's Disease

ABSTRACT Coronary artery involvement is quite rare in the course of Behçet's disease. Complications secondary to coronary artery aneurysms, including rupture, dissection, and myocardial ischemia, may be fatal. In young patients without cardiovascular risk factors, systemic inflammatory vasculitis syndromes should be investigated in case of acute coronary syndrome secondary to dilated coronary arteries. In this report, we present our management strategy in a 31-year-old male patient with Bechet's disease.

Congenital tricuspid insufficiency due to rupture of chordae tendinea secondary to intrauterine obliteration of ductus arteriosus.

Congenital rupture of tricuspid chordae tendinea leading to severe tricuspid insufficiency is an extremely rare pathology associated with signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure presenting at birth. If the diagnosis and treatment of this pathology are not made early in life fetal demise may become inevitable.We herein present a neonate with central cyanosis and congestive heart failure due to rupture of an anterior leaflet chordae resulting in severe insufficiency of the tricuspid valve who was treated with appropriate surgery.

Atrial fibrillation designation with micro-Raman spectroscopy and scanning acoustic microscope.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is diagnosed with the electrocardiogram, which is the gold standard in clinics. However, sufficient arrhythmia monitoring takes a long time, and many of the tests are made in only a few seconds, which can lead arrhythmia to be missed. Here, we propose a combined method to detect the effects of AF on atrial tissue. We characterize tissues obtained from patients with or without AF by scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) and by Raman spectroscopy (RS) to construct a mechano-chemical profile. We classify the Raman spectral measurements of the tissue samples with an unsupervised clustering method, k-means and compare their chemical properties. Besides, we utilize scanning acoustic microscopy to compare and determine differences in acoustic impedance maps of the groups. We compared the clinical outcomes with our findings using a neural network classification for Raman measurements and ANOVA for SAM measurements. Consequently, we show that the stiffness profiles of the tissues, corresponding to the patients with chronic AF, without AF or who experienced postoperative AF, are in agreement with the lipid-collagen profiles obtained by the Raman spectral characterization.

Follow-up Results of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Following Abdominal Visceral Debranching.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to present a series of six cases with thoracoabdominal aneurysm treated with hybrid technique in our center. METHODS: Between May 2015 and December 2018, the data of six patients with thoracoabdominal aneurysms and various comorbidities who underwent visceral debranching followed by endovascular aortic aneurysm repair were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Patients' mean age was 65.3±19.6 years. All of them were male. Comorbidities were old age, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, previous surgical interventions, and/or esophageal hemangioma. Except for one patient who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (inflow was taken from ascending aorta), debranching was performed from the right iliac artery. Debranching of four visceral arteries (superior mesenteric artery, celiac trunk, and bilateral renal right arteries) was performed in three patients, of three visceral arteries (superior mesenteric artery, celiac trunk, right renal artery) was performed in one, and of two visceral arteries (superior mesenteric artery, celiac trunk) was performed in two patients. Great saphenous vein and 6-mm polytetrafluoroethylene grafts were used in one and five patients, respectively, for debranching. Endovascular aneurysm repair was performed following debranching procedures as soon as the patients were stabilized. In total, three patients died at the early, mid, and long-term follow-up due to multiorgan failure, pneumonia, and unknown reasons. CONCLUSION: Hybrid repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms may be an alternative to fenestrated or branched endovascular stent grafts in patients with increased risk factors for open surgical thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair; however, the procedure requires experience and care.

Interleukin-35 Levels in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease. / Níveis de Interleucina-35 em Pacientes com Doença Arterial Coronariana Estável.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that interleukin-35 (IL-35) subunits are strongly expressed in atherosclerotic plaques in humans. Therefore, it is considered to play a role in atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVES: In this study, IL-35 levels were compared with the control group in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), and the association between IL-35 levels and the lesion type, lesion severity and extension was investigated with the Gensini score (GS) and the Syntax score (SS) in the patient group. METHODS: Sixty patients (18 female and 42 male) with CAD diagnosed by coronary angiography, who presented with typical chest pain and positive noninvasive cardiac stress test, and 46 patients (18 female and 28 male) with normal coronary lumenogram, were included in this study. Gensini and Syntax scores were calculated in the patient group, and these values were compared with IL-35 levels. Non-normally distributed variables were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test, whereas normally distributed parameters were assessed by Student's t-test. The difference between categorical variables were evaluated by the Chi-square or Fisher test. P-values<0.05 were considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between patients and the control group in terms of demographic characteristics and laboratory findings. Compared to the control group, IL-35 levels of the CAD group were considerably lower (36.9±63.9 ng/ml vs. 33.2±13.2 ng/ml, p<0.008). Although not statistically significant, IL-35 levels were higher in patients with low SS than among those with high SS (33.2±13.7 vs. 31.8±8.9, p=0.51). The IL-35 values of the patients with high GS were significantly lower than in patients with low GS (35±17.4 vs. 30.7±8.6, p=0.043). CONCLUSION: It has been shown that IL-35 levels can be a new biomarker for stable CAD, and IL-35 is associated with the extension of CAD.

FUNDAMENTO: Foi demonstrado que as subunidades de interleucina-35 (IL-35) estão fortemente expressas nas placas ateroscleróticas em humanos. Assim, considera-se que elas têm um papel na aterosclerose. OBJETIVOS: Neste estudo, os níveis de IL-35 foram comparados com o grupo controle em pacientes com doença arterial coronariana (DAC) estável, e a associação entre os níveis de IL-35 e o tipo, gravidade e extensão da lesão foram investigadas com o escore Gensini (GS) e o escore Syntax (SS) no grupo de pacientes. MÉTODOS: Sessenta pacientes (18 mulheres e 42 homens) com DAC, diagnosticados por meio da angiografia coronária, que apresentaram dor no peito típica e teste de esforço não invasivo positivo, e 46 pacientes (18 mulheres e 28 homens) com luminograma normal, foram incluídos no estudo. Tanto o GS quanto o SS foram calculados para o grupo de pacientes, e esses valores foram comparados com os níveis de IL-35. Variáveis com distribuição não normal foram avaliadas com o teste U de Mann-Whitney, enquanto os parâmetros com distribuição normal foram analisados com o teste t de Student. A diferença entre as variáveis categóricas foi avaliada pelo teste de qui-quadrado ou de Fisher. Os valores de p<0,05 foram considerados como estatisticamente sinificativos. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre pacientes e o grupo controle em termos de características demográficas e achados laboratoriais. Em comparação ao grupo controle, os níveis de IL-35 no grupo com DAC foram consideravalmente menores (36,9±63,9 ng/ml vs. 33,2±13,2 ng/ml, p<0,008). Embora não tenha sido estatisticamente significativo, os níveis de IL-35 foram maiores em pacientes com SS mais baixo do que nos com SS mais alto (33,2±13,7 vs. 31,8±8,9, p=0,51). Os valores de IL-35 em pacientes com GS alto foram significativamente mais baixos do que em pacientes com GS baixo (35±17,4 vs. 30,7±8,6, p=0,043). CONCLUSÃO: Demonstrou-se que os níveis de IL-35 podem ser um novo biomarcador para a DAC estável, e que a IL-35 está associada à extensão da DAC.

Identifying the optimal monopolar electrocautery output power in pedicular internal thoracic artery harvesting: 20 or 40 watts?

BACKGROUND: Monopolar electrocautery is an important tool for harvesting the pedicular internal thoracic artery (ITA) in cardiac surgery. The different power outputs of cautery may affect graft integrity and long-term patency. This study aimed to identify the optimal threshold of electrocautery power for ITA harvest. METHODS: This prospective study included 30 patients who underwent elective coronary artery bypass surgery at the Medipol Mega University Hospital. The ITA was harvested by monopolar electrocautery after a median sternotomy. The output of cautery was adjusted at 20 W in group A and 40 W in group B. Three to 4 cm of a distal ITA sample from each patient was examined under a light microscope by two independent pathologists. RESULTS: The ITA harvest time was longer in group A (21.2 ± 7.5 vs 10.3 ± 8.1 min, p < 0.001) than in group B. ITA free flow was similar in the two groups (43.6 ± 48.7 vs 51.7 ± 45.0 Ml/min, p = 0.762). Mild to moderate injury in the endothelial and sub-endothelial sample was more frequent in the low-cautery group (p = 0.0037). CONCLUSIONS: ITA endothelial integrity was found to be better preserved with 40W electrocautery. Moreover, 20W of monopolar electrocautery may not be safe in pedicular ITA harvesting.

Cost and clinical effectiveness of aggressive surgical debridement and delayed primary closure of infected cardiac surgical wounds.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative wound infection in cardiac surgery remains a subject of significant concern due to associated morbidity, prolonged hospital stay and rise in treatment cost. A conservative management approach to postoperative wound infection with topical dressings and healing by secondary intention is not cost-effective and cosmetic results are less acceptable. We developed our institutional protocol for the treatment of infected postoperative cardiac surgical wounds to reduce hospital stay and improve cosmetic outcome. This study aims to compare our institutional protocol with the conservative management approach. METHODS: Adult patients with postoperative superficial or deep sternal and/or leg wound infection were divided into two equal-sized groups and data collected from medical records. Group A was treated according to our institutional protocol of aggressive surgical debridement and delayed primary closure. Group B was treated according to conservative management with topical antiseptic wound dressings and healing by secondary intention. Data were analysed in retrospect with comparative statistics. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients took part in the study. Group A (n=15, seven male, eight female) had a mean age of 55.34±12.84 years. Group B (n=15, eight male, seven female) had a mean age of 56.46±10.21 years. Mean length of hospital stay in Group A and Group B was 5.13±2.06 and 36.67±22.28 days, respectively (p<0.0001). Calculated mean hospital costs were 16,271.61±6815.50 Saudi Riyals (approximately equivalent to $4330±700 USD) in Group A and 116,212.2±26,311 Saudi Riyals (approximately equivalent to $30,932±1813 USD) in Group B (p<0.05). Patients in Group A had linear scars comparable with primary postoperative wound scars, whereas patients in Group B had excessive non-linear scarring. CONCLUSION: In this study, cost and clinical effectiveness of aggressive surgical debridement and delayed primary closure was superior to conservative management with topical antiseptic wound dressings and healing by secondary intention in terms of a shorter hospital stay and better cosmetic outcome.

The revascularization of the left subclavian artery with a cross over axilloaxillary bypass for the hybrid repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms.

AIM: We present our subclavian artery revascularization experiences in the patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm who underwent hybrid repair. MATERAIL AND METHODS: Between May 2015-December 2018,4 patients underwent TEVAR procedure following axilloaxillary bypass grafting.The mean age of the patients was 72.5 ± 3.01 years.One patient was female and 3 patients were male.Patients had thoracic aortic aneurysms including the left subclavian artery or aberrant right subclavian artery. RESULTS: All patients underwent endovascular stent graft repair following axilloaxillary bypass grafting in the same day.Mortality did not occur in the perioperative period.One patient had graft infection at 8th month of the operation and the graft was removed.He was lost due to pneumonia following the operation.The control computed tomographies of the other 3 patients revealed patent grafts together with successful endovascular interventions and they have been following uneventfully a mean of 27±6.2 months (range:24-32,median:29). CONCLUSION: The risk of stroke,spinal cord ischemia, and upper extremity ischemia are found higher in the patients who underwent coverage of the left subclavian artery without revascularization.The axilloaxillary bypass grafting may be performed in the patients with high risk to prevent carotid artery manipulation and clamping during carotid-subclavian bypass with long term promising patency rates.

OBJETIVO: Presentamos nuestras experiencias de revascularización de la arteria subclavia en los pacientes con aneurisma de aorta torácica sometidos a reparación híbrida. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: entre mayo de 2015 y diciembre de 2018, 4 pacientes fueron sometidos a TEVAR después de un injerto de derivación axiloaxilar. La edad media de los pacientes fue 72,5 ± 3,01 años. Un paciente era mujer y 3 pacientes eran varones. Los pacientes tenían aneurismas de la aorta torácica incluyendo el arteria subclavia izquierda o arteria subclavia derecha aberrante. RESULTADOS: Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a reparación endovascular con endoprótesis vascular en el mismo día después de un bypass axiloaxilar, no hubo mortalidad en el perioperatorio, un paciente presentó infección del injerto a los 8 meses de la operación y se retiró el injerto, se perdió por neumonía Las tomografías computarizadas de control de los otros 3 pacientes revelaron injertos permeables junto con intervenciones endovasculares exitosas y han estado siguiendo sin incidentes una media de 27 ± 6,2 meses (rango: 24-32, mediana: 29). CONCLUSIÓN: El riesgo de ictus, isquemia medular e isquemia de la extremidad superior es mayor en los pacientes sometidos a cobertura de la arteria subclavia izquierda sin revascularización; en los pacientes con alto riesgo se puede realizar un bypass axiloaxilar para prevenir la manipulación de la arteria carótida. y pinzamiento durante la derivación carótido-subclavia con tasas de permeabilidad prometedoras a largo plazo.

Evaluation of chronic inflammation in the aetiology of venous insufficiency by investigating cytomegalovirus DNA.

INTRODUCTION: Lower extremity venous insufficiency is a significant health problem with economic and sociological consequences, lowering the quality of life, and sometimes leading to serious complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cytomegalovirus (CMV) effect on chronic inflammation in the aetiology of chronic venous insufficiency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between November 2017 and August 2018, 468 patients who underwent radio-frequency ablation therapy and phlebectomy were included in the study. PCR analyses for CMV DNA were performed on the venous tissue samples. Patients with post-thrombotic syndrome were excluded from the study. After ethical approval, the relationship between the presence of CMV DNA, gender, body mass index, and bilaterality of chronic venous insufficiency were investigated. RESULTS: When the relationship between CMV DNA and gender or body mass index was examined, a significant relationship was not detected. But when the patients with bilateral chronic venous insufficiency and patients with unilateral chronic venous insufficiency were compared regarding CMV DNA positivity, the patients with bilateral chronic venous insufficiency had significantly higher CMV DNA positivity (p = 0.002). Also, the incidence of venous ulcers in the CMV DNA exposed group was significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS: In the literature there are many studies showing that CMV triggers atherosclerosis, but there is no study in which CMV directly produces chronic venous insufficiency. The high rates of positivity suggest that CMV, which is the basis of chronic inflammation, may be a significant factor in the aetiology of chronic venous insufficiency.