Transapical Endovascular Repair of Thoracic Aortic Pathology.

BACKGROUND: Alternative access for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been explored for patients with unsuitable femoral and iliac access, but few cases of transapical access have been described. We report our experience with transapical access for various aortic pathologies. METHODS: We reviewed 6 cases undergoing transapical access for endovascular repair of thoracic aortic pathology between December 2013 and August 2015. Five patients had an aortic arch aneurysm and 1 patient presented with Stanford type A subacute aortic dissection. Transapical access was indicated to avoid approach through the severely atherosclerotic thoracic descending aorta in 4 patients and severely kinked aorta in 1 patient and to treat an ascending aortic dissection lesion in 1 patient. RESULTS: Transapical endografting was completed in all patients. Significant aortic valve regurgitation occurred in 3 patients when a large bore sheath was placed across the aortic valve. There was 1 death attributed to global cerebral ischemia due to carotid dissection after carotid bypass and chimney stent-graft insertion. There were no access-related complications. Computed tomography revealed complete exclusion of the aortic aneurysm in 4 patients, and shrinkage of the false lumen in 1 patient with aortic dissection. CONCLUSIONS: Transapical access for TEVAR would be a potential alternative when the anatomy is unfit for routine retrograde approach. This method might have potential benefit of reducing the risk of embolism in patients with severe atherosclerotic thoracic descending aorta. However, certain safety concerns must be addressed, including maintenance of hemodynamics, wire exteriorization for navigation of the device tip, and rapid pacing during deployment.

Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Tolvaptan on Management of Fluid Balance after Cardiovascular Surgery Using Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

Background: Tolvaptan is an orally administered selective vasopressin 2 receptor antagonist that promotes aquaresis. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tolvaptan on management of systemic fluid balance after cardiovascular surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. . Methods: Sixty-four patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass in our hospital were enrolled for this prospective, randomized study. These patients were divided into three groups: tolvaptan 15 mg+furosemide 20 mg (TH group), tolvaptan 7.5 mg+furosemide 20 mg (TI group), and furosemide 40 mg+spironolactone 50 mg (C group). The endpoint was safety management of systemic fluid balance using tolvaptan without renal dysfunction and electrolyte imbalance. Results: The mean daily urine output in the TH and TL groups (2656±767 and 2505 ±684 mL) was significantly higher than that in the C group (1956±494 mL, TH vs C: p<0.01 and TL vs C: p=0.03). The lowest serum sodium level during medication in the TH group (139.3 ±2.3 mEq/L) was significantly higher than that in the C group (137.1±2.9 mEq/L, p=0.03) The lowest serum osmolality during medication in the TH group was significantly higher than that in the C group (284.8 ±4.3 vs 279.5± 6.3 mOsm/kg, p<0.01). None had critical hypernatremia, hyperosm6lality, or renal dysfunction in any. of the groups. Conclusions: Tolvaptan exerts, a strong diuretic effect compared with conventional diuretics (furosemide and spironolactone) during the postoperative period after an operation using cardiopulmonary bypass without adverse effects on electrolyte balance and renal function.

[Risk Factors in Surgical Intervention for Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis].

The aim of this retrospective study was to detect the risk factors for in-hospital mortality after surgery for active prosthetic valve endocarditis ( PVE). We reviewed 35 operations for active PVE, including 6 cases of early PVE. Seven patients were New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class IV. Preoperative mechanical ventilation was necessary in 3 patients, 1 patient required intra-aortic balloon pumping, and another needed percutaneous cardiopulmonary support. Preoperatively, cerebrovascular events were observed in 13 patients, annular abscess in 12, and perivalvular leakage in 14. Valve replacement was performed in 24 patients and aortic root replacement in 11. Annular reconstruction was required in 18 patients. There were 6 hospital deaths (17.1%). The results of risk factor analysis showed that early PVE, NYHA functional class IV, and preoperative mechanical ventilation were independent risk factors for in-hospital death after surgery. In conclusion, surgical treatment of PVE should be performed before hemodynamic deterioration.

[Surgical treatment for pseudoaneurysm of the sinus of valsalva ruptured into the right atrium after mycotic right coronary artery aneurysm repair;report of a case].

A 67-year-old man was admitted to our hospital by ambulance after syncope due to complete A-V block. He had received surgical treatment for mycotic aneurysm of the right coronary artery 3 months before, with patch plasty of the right sinus of Valsalva and bypass grafting to the right coronary artery (RCA) as well as the left anterior descending branch. Computed tomography revealed pseudoaneurysm of the right Valsalva sinus of about 8 cm in diameter and a shunt flow to the right atrium. The previous bypass graft to RCA had been occluded due to compression by the aneurysm. As he was in a shock state, emergency operation was performed. Cardiopulmonary bypass was first established, and after the rectal temperature reached to 26 degrees centigrade, the chest was opened. The pseudoaneurysm burst out when the sternum was re-opened. Under circulatory arrest, the ascending aorta was clamped, and then the circulation was resumed. The previous bovine pericardium patch repairing the Valsalva sinus was detached due to infection, and mural thrombus and pus were observed in the aneurysm. At the bottom of the aneurysm, a fistula connected to the right atrium was found. Debridement around the aneurysm was performed as much as possible. The defect of the Valsalva sinus was repaired with a Dacron patch immersed in gentian violet. The postoperative course was uneventful without any recurrence of infection.

[Axillo-axillary bypass for coronary-subclavian steal syndrome].

We describe a case of coronary-subclavian steal syndrome in a 77-year-old man who presented with progressive coronary ischemia 8 years after coronary artery bypass grafting with an in-situ left internal thoracic artery graft. Coronary and left subclavian artery angiogram revealed completely patent internal thoracic artery graft and 90% stenosis in the proximal left subclavian artery. We performed axilloaxillary artery bypass using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)[8 mm] graft. No coronary ischemia was noted postoperatively. Axillo-axillary artery bypass grafting was effective for coronary subclavian steal syndrome.

A surgical case of infected cardiac myxoma.

A 60-year-old woman presented with a fever of unknown origin. Echocardiography revealed a large left atrial tumor protruding into the left ventricle during diastole. Laboratory investigation showed an elevated white blood cell count, C-reactive protein concentration, and interleukin-6 concentration. Magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperacute microinfarcts and multiple old lacunar infarcts. Surgery was performed under suspicion of cardiac myxoma. A dark red jelly-like tumor with an irregular surface was removed. Histopathological examination revealed cardiac myxoma, the surface of which was covered with fibrin and bacterial masses. Preoperative blood culture was positive for Streptococcus vestibularis. These findings were compatible with a diagnosis of infected cardiac myxoma. We used an antibiotic therapeutic regimen for infective endocarditis, and the patient was discharged home on postoperative day 31. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including effective and efficient antibiotic therapy and complete tumor resection, increased the chance of a better outcome in patients with infected cardiac myxoma.

Successful surgical treatment of advanced follicular thyroid carcinoma with tumor thrombus infiltrating the superior vena cava: report of a case.

We report a case of advanced follicular thyroid carcinoma with massive involvement of the great veins of the cervix and mediastinum, and extensive tumor thrombus growing intraluminally into the superior vena cava. The patient, a 70-year-old Japanese woman, was treated successfully by a cooperative surgical team of endocrine and cardiovascular surgeons. Total thyroidectomy with thrombectomy was performed via a minimum phlebotomy in the right brachiocephalic vein, sacrificing only the right internal jugular vein, achieving complete primary tumor resection. She recovered quickly without any complications, and received (131)I radioisotope ablation for her multiple lung metastases. At the time of writing, more than 12 months after surgery, she was well. These treatments thus achieved progression-free survival without impairing her quality of life. Following the case report, we discuss the surgical indications for locally advanced thyroid carcinoma involving the great veins of the mediastinum by reviewing previous reports.

Efficacy of landiolol hydrochloride for prevention of atrial fibrillation after heart valve surgery.

The goal of this prospective study was to examine the effects of landiolol hydrochloride on prevention of atrial fibrillation and on hemodynamics in the acute postoperative phase after heart valve surgery. The subjects were 60 patients who underwent valve surgery at our hospital from April 2008 to July 2010. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the landiolol group (30 patients) and the control (no landiolol) group (30 patients). In the landiolol group, continuous intravenous landiolol was initiated immediately on admission to the intensive care unit at a dose of 10 µg/kg/ minute. Occurrence of atrial fibrillation was compared between the groups over an observation period of 72 hours after surgery. Atrial fibrillation occurred in 6 patients (20%) in the landiolol group and 16 (53.3%) in the control group during the observation period. Landiolol hydrochloride significantly reduced the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in the acute postoperative phase after heart valve surgery. Heart rate was significantly decreased by landiolol, but aggravation of hemodynamics was not observed. These results suggest that landiolol is a useful drug for prevention of atrial fibrillation after valve surgery.

Comprehensive Pain Control Strategy in Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair.

PURPOSE: The effect of our comprehensive strategy to reduce pain after minimally invasive mitral valve repair through a right mini-thoracotomy was assessed retrospectively. METHODS: Our comprehensive strategy constituted the following: planned rib cutting to avoid rib injury, sufficient intercostal muscle division to mobilize the cut rib, limiting the number of intercostal ports, avoiding nerve entrapment, continuous extra-pleural intercostal nerve block, and regular use of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We compared patients treated with this comprehensive strategy (Group S, n = 13) and patients before this strategy was implemented (Group C, n = 13). We used a numerical rating scale (NRS) as a pain scale during the first 3 days postoperatively. RESULTS: The average NRS was significantly lower in Group S (0.82 ± 0.49) than in Group C (2.40 ± 1.46) (P <0.01). The maximum NRS was also significantly lower in Group S (3.23 ± 1.17) than in Group C (5.69 ± 2.43) (P <0.01). The number of patients using additional single-dose analgesic were significantly less in Group S (23.1%) than in Group C (84.6%) (P <0.01). CONCLUSION: Our comprehensive pain control strategy effectively reduced postoperative pain in minimally invasive mitral valve repair.

Midterm Performance of the Autologous Adventitial Overlay Method in Aortic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: We developed an adventitial overlay method for reinforcing aortic anastomoses. This study evaluated the midterm morphological and clinical outcomes of this method. METHODS: We harvested and prepared adventitia from a resected aneurysm or dissected aortic wall and performed aortic repair using the adventitial overlay method. At the midterm follow-up, we examined the differences among overlay, inversion, and felt-sandwich (FS) methods by evaluating the morphology of the anastomosis using computed tomography (CT) scans. Moreover, we performed macroscopic evaluation of one patient who required a second operation. RESULTS: Between May 2009 and April 2020, 160 consecutive patients (104 males, 56 females; mean age, 68.6 ± 11; range, 39-88 years) underwent thoracic aortic surgery. The overlay technique was successfully performed in 84 cases. The anastomosis sites of the overlay method maintained their morphology without any clinical complications. The inner diameter ratio of anastomosis/graft was measured using CT, which revealed that the overlay method was not significantly different from inversion and was significantly larger than the FS method. There was no anastomotic stenosis in the proximal or distal overlay anastomosis. Only one patient required a second operation for an enlarged aneurysm of the distal false lumen. We observed that the proximal overlaid adventitia was smoothly attached to the native lumen and was macroscopically indistinguishable from the original intima. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the midterm stability of the overlay technique. The midterm outcome was clinically acceptable. No anastomotic stenosis or pseudoaneurysm formation in either the true aortic aneurysm or dissection cases was observed.

[Hybrid repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm in high-risk patients using a quadrifurcated graft].

Surgical treatment for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is still challenging and is associated with a high risk of paraplegia. Hybrid repair with stent graft insertion for the thoracoabdominal aorta excluding the branches of the lumbar and visceral arteries and bypass grafting to the visceral branches has been introduced as a less invasive treatment that reduces the risk of paraplegia. For hybrid repair, it is important to have appropriate management of the revascularized grafts to the 4 visceral arteries with sufficient inflow. We have recently adopted a knitted quadrifurcated graft applied inversely from the abdominal aorta or the iliac artery to the 4 visceral arteries; the celiac, superior mesenteric, and bilateral renal arteries. To date, we have used the graft in hybrid repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm in 2 high-risk elder patients who had disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and severe renal failure, respectively. We found that a knitted quadrifurcated graft was easy to handle and useful for reducing the number of anastomoses, which were expected to shorten the operation time. Postoperative courses were uneventful without paraplegia in either patient. Postoperative computed tomography showed excellent patency of the inversely applied quadrifurcated graft without any endoleak or migration in the thoracoabdominal stent. In conclusion, revascularization of 4 visceral arteries using a quadrifurcated graft should be considered a preferable option in hybrid treatment for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm.

Utility of Ultrasonographic Assessment of Distal Femoral Arterial Flow during Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of ultrasonographic assessment of blood flow to the lower limb below the cannulation site in minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). METHODS: Twenty-two patients who underwent ultrasonographic assessment in MICS were reviewed retrospectively. In all patients, the right femoral artery was used for arterial cannulation. Ultrasonographic assessment was performed using a 15-MHz ultrasonography small probe, and regional oxygen saturation was monitored by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). RESULTS: The mean flow velocity at the distal side of the cannulation site was 46.2 ± 25.4 cm/s. In six patients, a >40% decreased from baseline regional oxygen saturation was observed. In five of the six patients, the flow velocity was very slow, and spontaneous echo contrast was also observed in three cases. Their regional oxygen saturation was improved rapidly after distal leg perfusion. In the remaining case, the flow velocity was not decreased. In another one case, the stenosis at the cannulation site was detected after decannulation and repaired immediately. No limb ischemic complications were observed in this series. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographic assessment combined with the NIRS monitoring is useful to prevent lower limb ischemic complications after femoral arterial cannulation in MICS.

Considerations in timing of surgical intervention for infective endocarditis with cerebrovascular complications.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The timing of the surgical intervention for active infective endocarditis (IE) is particularly difficult when there is a cerebrovascular complication. The study aim was to investigate the results of surgical treatment for active IE in patients with recent cerebrovascular events, and to evaluate the relationship between the size of cerebral infarction and timing of the surgical intervention. METHODS: Between January 1991 and April 2009, the details of 21 patients with cerebrovascular complications before surgery were analyzed retrospectively. Types of complication included cerebral infarction (n = 13), hemorrhagic infarction (n = 4), and cerebral hemorrhage (n = 4). The surgical treatment was single valve surgery (n = 14), multiple valve surgery (n = 3), and modified Bentall surgery (n = 4). The mean interval between onset of the cerebrovascular event and surgical intervention was 27.0 +/- 18.8 days. RESULTS: Eight patients underwent surgery within two weeks; among these patient, seven had a small cerebral infarction (< or = 15 mm diameter) and one patient had a cerebral hemorrhage. Postoperative exacerbation of cerebral complications was not observed among the eight patients treated within two weeks. The interval between onset of the cerebral event and cardiac surgery was significantly shorter in patients with a small infarction (18 days) than with a large infarction (38 days) (p < 0.05). None of the patients with a small infarction had postoperative exacerbation of their cerebral complication, even with a significantly shorter interval. However, postoperative hemorrhage into the infarction area was observed in one patient with a large infarction. CONCLUSION: The study results showed that IE patients with a small non-hemorrhagic cerebral infarction may safely undergo cardiac surgery, even within two weeks of the onset of a cerebrovascular event.

Open stent-grafting for an aortobronchial fistula.

A 78-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with intermittent hemoptysis. She had undergone descending aortic replacement through a left thoracotomy 7 years previously. Enhanced computed tomography revealed a pseudoaneurysm at the proximal suture line in the descending aorta and an ascending aortic aneurysm. Bronchoscope revealed bleeding from the left lower bronchus. Ascending and total aortic arch replacement and simultaneous open stent-graft placement into the descending aorta were performed through a median sternotomy. Selective antegrade cerebral perfusion and moderate hypothermia were used during these procedures. The postoperative course was favorable. Open stent-graft placement is a good alternative for treating aortobronchial fistula caused by suture line pseudoaneurysm in the descending aorta.

Trunk Muscle Cross-Sectional Area as a Predictive Factor for Length of Postoperative Hospitalization after Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement.

PURPOSE: We investigated the utility of trunk muscle cross-sectional area to predict length of hospitalization after surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis (AS). METHODS: Adult AS patients who underwent isolated AVR at a single institution were studied. The cross-sectional area of the erector spinae muscles (ESM) at the first and second lumbar vertebrae and that of the psoas muscle (PM) at the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae were measured on preoperative computed tomography (CT). Each was indexed to body surface area. Risk factors for prolonged postoperative hospitalization (>3 weeks) were assessed using multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: Of 56 patients (mean age 76 ± 9 years; 25 men), 20 (35.7%) patients required prolonged hospitalization. A smaller indexed ESM cross-sectional area at the first lumbar vertebra (per 1 cm/m2, odds ratio [OR] = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57-0.88, P <0.01) and lower preoperative serum albumin level (per 0.1 g/dL, OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.70-0.99, P <0.05) were shown as independent predictors. Indexed PM cross-sectional area was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The cross-sectional area of the trunk muscles can be used to identify patients at risk for prolonged hospitalization after AVR for adult AS.

Commissure enhancement technique in aortic valve repair.

Sinotubular junction enlargement is one of possible causes of aortic valve regurgitation. However, there is no appropriate technique for sinotubular junction diameter reduction in aortic valve repair in a patient without disease of the ascending aorta or sinus of Valsalva. Herein, we report a simple commissure enhancement technique comprising the placement a horizontal mattress suture buttressed with felt at the sinotubular junction level in the commissure area. This technique results in the relocation of the commissure to the inner side, and a reduction in the diameter of the sinotubular junction.

The Risk Factor Analysis for the Late Graft Failure of Radial Artery Graft in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the early operative results and detect the factors influencing the fate of radial artery grafts (RAGs) by evaluating the mid-term patency. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 410 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting using RAG. RAGs were anastomosed to 526 coronary arteries. Mid-term angiography was performed in 214 patients at an average 4.9 years after the operation. RESULTS: The early patency of RAGs was 97.6%. Cumulative 5-year patency was 86.5% for RAG, 94.1% for LITA graft, and 81.0% for saphenous vein graft (SVG). RAG was significantly superior to SVG in mid-term patency. Individual grafting (not sequential grafting) (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.535; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.293-5.281; p = 0.006) and grafting to the target coronary artery with ≤75% proximal stenosis (HR: 1.947; 95% CI: 1.090-3.484; p = 0.025) were found to be independent risk factors influencing late RAG patency. CONCLUSIONS: The patency of RAGs was superior to that of SVGs in the studied population. When using RAGs, grafting to the target vessel with severe proximal stenosis is favorable. The RAG is suitable for sequential grafting.