Frozen elephant trunk versus conventional proximal repair of acute aortic dissection type I.

Objective: The extent of surgery and the role of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) for surgical repair of acute aortic dissection type I are still subjects of debate. The aim of the study is to evaluate the short- and long-term results of acute surgical repair of aortic dissection type I using the FET compared to standard proximal aortic repair. Methods: Between October 2009 and December 2016, 172 patients underwent emergent surgery for acute type I aortic dissection at our center. Of these, n = 72 received a FET procedure, while the other 100 patients received a conventional proximal aortic repair. Results were compared between the two surgery groups. The primary endpoints included 30-day rates of mortality and neurologic deficit and follow-up rates of mortality and aortic-related reintervention. Results: Demographic data were comparable between the groups, except for a higher proportion of men in the FET group (76.4% vs. 60.0%, p = 0.03). The median age was 62 years [IQR (20), p = 0.17], and the median log EuroSCORE was 38.6% [IQR (31.4), p = 0.21]. The mean follow-up time was 68.3 ± 33.8 months. Neither early (FET group 15.3% vs. proximal group 23.0%, p = 0.25) nor late (FET group 26.2% vs. proximal group 23.0%, p = 0.69) mortality showed significant differences between the groups. There were fewer strokes in the FET patients (FET group 2.8% vs. proximal group 11.0%, p = 0.04), and the rates of spinal cord injury were similar between the groups (FET group 4.2% vs. proximal group 2.0%, p = 0.41). Aortic-related reintervention rates did not differ between the groups (FET group 12.1% vs. proximal group 9.8%, p = 0.77). Conclusion: Emergent FET repair for acute aortic dissection type I is safe and feasible when performed by experienced surgeons. The benefits of the FET procedure in the long term remain unclear. Prolonged follow-up data are needed.

Sex disparities in popliteal artery aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Only 5% of patients with popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) are female. Evidence on PAA treatment and outcomes in women is therefore scarce. The POPART Registry provides one of Europe's largest data collections regarding PAA treatment. Data on clinical presentation, aneurysm morphology, and perioperative outcomes after open surgical PAA repair in women will be presented. METHODS: POPART is a multicenter, noninterventional registry for open and endovascular PAA repair, with 42 participating centers in Germany and Luxembourg. All patients aged >18 years who have been treated for PAA since 2010 are eligible for study inclusion. Data collection is based on an online electronic case report form. RESULTS: Of the 1236 PAAs, 58 (4.8%) were in women. There were no significant differences in age or cardiopulmonary comorbidities. However, female patients had a lower prevalence of contralateral PAAs and abdominal aortic aneurysms (P < .05). PAAs in women were more likely to be symptomatic before surgery (65.5% vs 49.4%; P = .017), with 19% of women presenting with acute limb ischemia (vs 11%; P = .067). Women had smaller aneurysm diameters than men (22.5 mm vs 27 mm; P = .004) and became symptomatic at smaller diameters (20 mm vs 26 mm; P = .002). Only 8.6% of women and 11.6% of men underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (P > .05); therefore, the perioperative outcome analysis focused on open surgical repair. In total, 23.5% of women and 16.9% of men developed perioperative complications (P > .05). There were no differences in major cardiovascular events (P > .05), but women showed a higher incidence of impaired wound healing (15.7% vs 7.2%; P = .05) and major amputation (5.9% vs 1.1%; P = .027). Female sex was significantly associated with the need for nonvascular reinterventions within 30 days after surgery (odds ratio: 2.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.26-4.88), whereas no significant differences in the odds for vascular reinterventions were observed (odds ratio: 1.98, 95% confidence interval: 0.68-5.77). In the multiple logistic regression model, female sex, symptomatic PAAs, poor quality of outflow vessels, and graft material other than vein graft were independently associated with perioperative reinterventions. CONCLUSIONS: Women have smaller PAAs, are more likely to be symptomatic before treatment, and are more often affected by nonvascular reinterventions in the perioperative course. As our understanding of aneurysmatic diseases in women continues to expand, sex-specific treatment strategies and screening options for women in well-selected cohorts with modified screening protocols should be continuously re-evaluated.

Left Subclavian Artery Sacrifice in Acute Aortic Dissection Repair using the Frozen Elephant Trunk.

OBJECTIVE: Surgery of acute aortic dissection using the frozen elephant trunk (FET) can be complicated when the origin of the left subclavian artery (LSA) is dissected and sacrifice by ligation is a viable option. However, the LSA is supposed to play a role in neuroprotection as a major collateral. We, therefore, analyzed our results of LSA sacrifice in this cohort. METHODS: We identified a total of 84 patients from our prospectively collected database who underwent FET repair of acute aortic dissection between October 2009 and April 2018. LSA was sacrificed in 19 patients (22.6%). Results were analyzed and compared with regard to neurological outcomes. RESULTS: New postoperative stroke was seen in two patients (2.4%) and spinal cord injury in three patients (3.6%) overall, none in the LSA-sacrifice group. We observed a temporary neurological deficit in five patients (6.0%) overall, none in the LSA-sacrifice group. None of the patients developed acute ischemia of the left arm. Only two patients (12.5%) came back for carotid-subclavian artery bypass due to exertion-induced weakness of the left arm 3 to 4 months after the initial surgery. In-hospital mortality was 15.5% overall, with no difference between groups. CONCLUSION: LSA sacrifice was not associated with elevated postoperative risk of either central or spinal neurological injury. Thus, it can facilitate FET repair of acute aortic dissection in selected cases when the left subclavian origin cannot be preserved. Carotid-subclavian artery bypass became necessary in only a small fraction of these patients and can be performed as a second-stage procedure.

The MitraClip System: a systematic review of indications, procedural requirements, and guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter interventions (TIs) are new treatment options for patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation (MR) who cannot undergo open mitral valve surgery (oMVS). Despite the lack of scientific evidence demonstrating the benefit of these procedures, there has been a steady increase in their use. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there are any indication criteria, process, and structural requirements, or scientific society and institutional guidelines for the use of the MitraClip System (Abbott Vascular-Structural Heart, Menlo Park, California, United States). METHOD: A systematic literature search was conducted using the common medical and scientific databases. Of a total of 1,395 publications, 42 publications met the inclusion criteria and were included for the evaluation. RESULTS: Despite a general lack of high-quality evidence and of consensus recommendations from scientific societies or institutions, an assessment of indication criteria and process and structural requirements for the use of the MitraClip System, including noncontrolled studies, was possible. The majority of studies agree that an interdisciplinary heart team including a cardiothoracic surgeon, an interventional cardiologist, and an echocardiographic specialist should actively participate in clinical decision making, and in the procedure itself. Participation in a scientific-based registry is strongly recommended. CONCLUSIONS: The MitraClip System is a promising procedure, but evidence-based indication criteria, structural, and process requirements for its use are lacking. Further results from prospective, randomized controlled trials are needed to determine patients, potential adverse events, device durability, and long-term follow-up. MitraClip should be used in only a small number of centers with procedure-specific, high-quality surgical and interventional experience, and training.

Vascular endostapling systems for vascular endografts (T)EVAR--systematic review--current state.

PURPOSE: Recently, vascular endostapling systems were developed to achieve better sealing at the proximal neck of the aneurysm and to prevent endograft migration. The purpose of this study was to provide a systematic review about the current state and possible options of vascular endostapling systems. RESULTS: No randomized controlled trials were published. The results showed that the use of an endostaple system considerably reduced the rates of endoleaks type 1a and endograft migration. Regarding the use of endostaples in different types of endografts, only a few results were available. CONCLUSION: The results are not conclusive. With endostaple systems, patients with difficult anatomic features and high risk can potentially be treated. These systems might reduce the high reintervention rates after endovascular aneurysm repair. Controlled randomized trials with larger number of patients are warranted with endostapling use in primary endograft implantation and for use in reintervention for late endoleaks or endograft migrations.

The use of a silicon sheet for gradual wound closure after fasciotomy.

We present a silicon sheet for temporary wound covering and gradual wound closure after open fasciotomy. Fasciotomy was performed in a total of 70 limbs with compartment syndrome (CS). The main etiology of CS was predominantly vascular. All patients were treated with a silicon sheet to cover the soft tissue defect and gradually reapproximate the skin margins. In 53% of the patients, a delayed final wound closure was achieved after a mean of 11.9 days. This method allows final closure of fasciotomy wounds without scar contractures, marginal necrosis, infection, or significant pain.

Stent-assisted embolization as "bailout" option in aortic aneurysm.

The authors report two cases of stent-assisted embolization (SAE) in the aorta. In one case, SAE was performed for treatment of a pseudoaneurysm; the procedure consisted of stent placement and embolization with an AMPLATZER Vascular Plug and detachable coils through the stent struts. In the second case, SAE was performed to stop acute bleeding from an aortoureteral fistula. Before SAE in this case, the aortic bifurcation was reconstructed with self-expandable and balloon-expandable stents. SAE was technically successful in both cases. SAE for aortic pathologic processes may be useful in selected cases as an alternative to surgery or endovascular stent-graft therapy.

Brain natriuretic peptide in cardiac surgery--influence of aprotinin.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to examine plasma concentrations of BNP and its correlations to the perioperative course in patients' cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: Sixty-five patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing CPB were examined. Pre, intra and postoperative BNP values and hemodynamic parameters were measured. RESULTS: The BNP peak correlated neither with any hemodynamic parameters, with the duration of aortic cross-clamping (AXCL), of the operation or with CBP-time, nor with the use of catecholamines. BNP values were significantly higher with the perioperative use of aprotinin. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that the metabolism and biological activity of BNP may differ following CPB. An additional reason for increased postoperative BNP values might be the use of aprotinin.

A practical approach for bridging anticoagulation after mechanical heart valve replacement.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Following mechanical heart valve replacement, patients may require a form of 'bridging' anticoagulation to prevent valve-associated thromboembolism until oral vitamin K antagonists take effect. In 2000, the present authors changed their bridging protocol to a fixed dose of 40 mg enoxaparin twice daily (b.i.d., subcutaneous), regardless of the patient's body weight and renal function. The study aim was to evaluate the feasibility of this protocol with regards to thromboembolism, hemorrhage and other valve-associated adverse effects. METHODS: Between April 2000 and December 2004, a total of 256 consecutive patients who had undergone mechanical heart valve replacement were enrolled into this retrospective study. All patients received 40 mg enoxaparin b.i.d., subcutaneously, as bridging anticoagulation for a mean of 6.7 days, commencing at a mean of 3.8 days (range: 2-42 days) after surgery. This was approximately 55% (range: 32-95%) of the recommended dose considered to be safe in this setting. RESULTS: A total of 18 (7%) minor bleeding events and two (0.7%) arterial thromboses were seen to arise from previously existing high-grade (>90%) stenosis of the affected vessels. At discharge, all prosthetic valves showed regular, echocardiographically confirmed, function. The mean follow up was 38.6 days (range: 8-106 days). Mitral valve replacement (p = 0.005) was shown to be a significant risk factor for minor bleeding, but not for thromboembolism. None of the other risk factors reached significance when testing for minor bleeding or major thromboembolic events. CONCLUSION: Within the special setting of postoperative cardiac surgery, this modified anticoagulation protocol appears feasible and safe, with efficacy equivalent to that of full-dose protocols reported elsewhere using either low-molecular-weight or unfractionated heparin. By using this protocol, the effort required to bridge patients to effective oral anticoagulation was greatly reduced as there was no requirement for repeated laboratory measurements and dose adjustments. A prospective multi-center study should be conducted to confirm the hypothesis that the first bridging period after prosthetic heart valve replacement with extracorporeal circulation is different, and permits the use of a bridging protocol with a lower anticoagulation dose.

Antithrombotic therapy after bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement: ACTION Registry survey results.

AIMS: A variety of antithrombotic regimens have been described for the early postoperative period after bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (AVR). This study reviews antithrombotic practice for patients undergoing bioprosthetic AVR with or without coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) amongst the centers participating in the ACTION (Anticoagulation Treatment Influence on Postoperative Patients) Registry. METHODS AND RESULTS: An antithrombotic therapy questionnaire was answered by the 49 centers participating in the ACTION Registry located in Europe, Middle East, Canada and Asia. The 43% of centers prescribe vitamin K antagonist (VKA), 20% prescribe VKA and acetyl salicylic acid (ASA), 33% prescribe only ASA and 4% do not prescribe any therapy after bioprosthetic AVR. For patients undergoing bioprosthetic AVR and CABG 39% of the centers prescribe VKA and ASA, 37% prescribe VKA and 24% prescribe ASA. After the first three postoperative months following bioprosthetic AVR, 61% of the centers prescribe only ASA, while 39% do not prescribe any therapy. Patients with bioprosthetic AVR and CABG receive ASA in 90% centers, in 2% centers VKA and ASA, and 8% centers do not prescribe any antithrombotic. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that, despite guidelines published by several professional societies, medical practice for the prevention of thrombotic events early after bioprosthetic AVR varies widely among cardiac surgical centers.

Usefulness of BNP-administration in cardiac surgery: animal model.

OBJECTIVE: The pharmacologic properties of Brain natriuretic peptide make it a favourable substance to use after cardiac operations. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of BNP following cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB). METHOD: Nineteen pigs were operated on using CPB. One group received BNP and the control group received placebo. A 30-minute ischemic episode was simulated. Following declamping, BNP was administered by an IV bolus, followed by an infusion for 60 minutes. Hemodynamic and clinical chemistry parameters were documented, as well as the amount of catecholamines. RESULTS: The Cardiac output and Cardiac Index in the BNP group were significantly higher 60 minutes after ending CPB. Seven of ten animals in the control group needed catecholamines at the end of the experiment, whereas none of the animals in the BNP group did at this juncture. Creatine kinase and Lactate were significantly lower. CONCLUSION: BNP is a well-tolerated agent that could present a new treatment option for heart failure following cardiac surgery. Hemodynamics are greatly improved with almost no need for pharmacological support.

Preserved Windkessel function in patients following reduction aortoplasty of the ascending aorta.

OBJECTIVE: Reduction ascending aortoplasty (RAA) is a controversial procedure. Agreement has not yet been made regarding the indication for surgery and surgical technique. The goal of this study was to examine the long-term outcome of RAA without external support, and to compare the accuracy of transthoracic echocardiographic with computed tomographic (CT) measurements. Of particular interest was whether the important elastic properties of the aorta, the Windkessel function, is preserved following reduction aortoplasty of the ascending aorta without external wrapping. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients with dilation of the ascending aorta underwent reduction aortoplasty with concomitant cardiac procedures. Fifty-four patients were available for follow-up. Measurement of the ascending aortic diameter was performed prior to and directly following surgery, and 37 months postoperatively (range: 10-96 months). Both echocardiography and CT imaging were performed. The elastic properties of the ascending aorta were determined by measuring the distension of the ascending aorta during diastole and systole by means of transthoracic echocardiography. Fifteen patients with graft replacement of the ascending aorta were examined, and the control group contained 11 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: The diameter of the ascending aorta was significantly reduced in all patients who had undergone RAA. The change in diameter between diastole and systole was 3 mm in patients with reduction aortoplasty. Patients with graft replacement had a change of only 0.07 cm. There was no relevant increase (2 mm) in diameter at follow-up. Echocardiographic and CT measurements of the aortic diameter did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: RAA without external wrapping shows good long-term results in patients with a dilated ascending aorta who underwent concomitant cardiac procedures. Echocardiography is very accurate in measuring the ascending aortic diameter, which makes it a cost-effective diagnostic tool. Moreover, ascending aortoplasty without external wrapping preserves the important elastic properties, namely the Windkessel function. Follow-up of the cardiac function and aortic diameter can be performed easily and precisely in the outpatient setting.

Unsupported reduction ascending aortoplasty: fate of diameter and of Windkessel function.

BACKGROUND: Moderate aneurysms of the ascending aorta that are associated with other cardiac diseases are frequently encountered by cardiac surgeons. Reduction ascending aortoplasty (RAA) provides an elegant technique to handle these aneurysms; however, its applicability is still under debate. Many surgeons reject RAA because of an assumed redilatation. We investigated the postoperative stability of RAA without external support and whether the elastic property of the aorta (Windkessel function) remains preserved. METHODS: From 1996 to 2003, 97 patients (mean age, 67 years) underwent RAA without external stabilization in our institution as a concomitant procedure during cardiac surgery. The diameter of the ascending aorta was measured before and directly after surgery, as well as postoperatively from 10 to 96 months (median, 32 months). RESULTS: The mean preoperative diameter was 4.55 +/- 0.43 cm, while the early postoperative diameter measured 3.53 +/- 0.44 cm. Fifty-four of the 97 patients were available for follow-up. The mean diameter measured at follow-up was 3.68 +/- 0.41 cm. The mean increase was 0.17 +/- 0.27 cm. There was no relevant difference in redilatation between patients with follow-up of more than 60 months or less. Furthermore, the aortic wall demonstrated a near normal diastolic-systolic augmentation assessed by echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction ascending aortoplasty without external stabilization is a reliable treatment for patients suffering from a moderately enlarged ascending aorta who require cardiac surgery for other indications. In these cases, with the technique described, a redilatation can be prevented and the Windkessel function of the ascending aorta remains preserved.

Administration of brain natriuretic peptide improves cardiac function following operations using extracorporeal circulation in an animal model.

The critical phase during cardiosurgical procedures is weaning the diseased heart from the ECC (extracorporeal circulation). Post-ischaemic heart failure sometimes requires the administration of inotropic and/or vasconstrictive agents. The natriuretic peptides influence pre- and after-load through their natriuretic, diuretic and vasodilating actions. To date, there are only a few reports describing the therapeutic effect of BNP (brain natriuretic peptide) administration during cardiosurgical procedures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of BNP administration following ECC in an animal model. Surgery was performed on 20 pigs using ECC. A 30-min ischaemic episode was simulated. Following de-clamping, BNP was administered to the BNP group (n=10) by an i.v. (intravenous) bolus at 0.3 microg x kg(-1) of body weight x min(-1), followed by an infusion at a rate of 0.015 microg x kg(-1) of body weight x min(-1) for 60 min. The animals in the control group (n=10) received a saline solution instead of BNP. Haemodynamic and clinical chemistry parameters as well as the amount of catecholamines that were required were measured. All of the animals in the BNP group had a significantly better cardiac output and cardiac index at the end of the experiment. Seven out of 10 animals from the control group required catecholamines, whereas only one animal from the BNP group did. Creatine kinase levels were significantly lower in the BNP group. Systemic vascular resistance was markedly lower in the BNP group. In conclusion, administration of BNP is highly effective in treating post-ischaemic heart failure following ECC. Haemodynamics are greatly improved, and there is almost no need for pharmacological support.

Aortic dissection mimicking subarachnoidal hemorrhage.

In this report we describe a comatose patient with proximal aortic dissection who presented with the signs of subarachnoidal hemorrhage. Shortly before losing consciousness, the patient complained of an excruciating headache. Upon initial examination, neck stiffness and opisthotonos were present. The cardiovascular examination, chest radiograph, and cerebral computed tomography were normal. Eight hours later, the aortic dissection was verified by a thoracic computed tomography. This case shows that aortic dissection, which causes severe pain and possibly transient malperfusion of the carotid arteries, may present with the misleading signs of subarachnoidal hemorrhage but without classical symptoms of aortic syndromes.