[Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Severe Aortic Stenosis with Preexisting Mitral Prosthesis;Report of a Case].

An 81-year-old woman presented with progressive congestive heart failure. Seventeen years before, she had undergone mitral valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis. Echocardiography revealed severe aortic stenosis with a depressed left ventricular ejection fraction of 32%.At first, rescue balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) was performed. After transient improvement of symptoms, she was readmitted 2 months later with recurrence of severe congestive heart failure. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with an Edwards Sapien valve was performed. During the procedure, BAV was performed to confirm that the balloon did not interfere the movement of the mechanical valve. Moreover, supported by a veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, we could prevent myocardial ischemia during rapid pacing and slowly deploy the valve in a precise position. TAVI can be safely and successfully performed in patients with a preexisting mechanical mitral prosthesis.

[Effectiveness of Mitral Natural Folding Plasty for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Mitral Valve Plasty (MICS MVP)].

We performed 45 cases of Natural folding plasty without leaflet resection for degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) between September 2005 and July 2014. Twenty cases of 45 were operated by right small intercostal approach (MICS). There was no operative mortality. No patient had greater than mild MR intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography. The median follow-up was 847 (19~1,747) days. One case needed a second pump run performed without complication. One patient had a reoperation performed for recurrent MR 20 months later. Natural folding plasty for degenerative MR with favorable long term out come in our results. This technique is simple and reproducible for most surgeons. Furthermore, with its simplicity and reversibility, we considered it to be suitable for MICS approach.

[Surgical Treatment of Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis; Tips of Complete Resection of Infective Tissue and Valve Replacement].

Fifteen consecutive prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) patients were operated from March 2009 to September 2014. The average age of patients was 68 years ( range 49 to 82) and 7 patients were male. The interval between initial surgery and reoperation was 62.4 months(range 2.6 to 340.9). Seven of these cases(47%) developed PVE within the 1st year after surgery were defined as early PVE. All microorganisms isolated from blood cultures in early PVE were Staphylococcus species. Generally, the infective prosthetic valve was removed 1st, then all infective tissues were excised from the periannular cavity. A new prosthetic valve was replaced in supra-annular fashion. One patient who had a severe discontinuity between the most part of left ventricle and aorta necessitated a root replacement. One patient in aortic PVE, needed an additional patch-plasty of anterior mitral leaflet. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping times were 250 minutes( range 132 to 426) and 165 minutes( range 117 to 309), respectively. Four patients needed permanent pacemaker implanted for complete A-V block. Five patients had transient acute renal failure, and 1 required dialysis could be weaned at 40 post operative day. Average postoperative hospital stay was 39 days (range 21 to 108), and the operative mortality was 0%. The postoperative follow up was 3.1 years( range 0.6 to 6.0), all patients were doing well without re-infection and heart failure except 1 patient died by non-cardiac disease.

[Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) Combined with Embolization Technique for Saccular Aortic Arch Aneurysm].

Many of saccular aortic arch aneurysms exist near left subclabian artery(LSA). The thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair( TEVAR) landing on zone 2 is a less invasive and suitable procedure for this type of aneurysm. However, there are several cases with the aneurysm located close to LSA necessitate landing TEVAR on zone 1 or zone 0, otherwise the aneurysm could not be sealed completely. And this procedure seems to increase the invasiveness. In order to complete the sealing of the aneurysm and also keep the less invasiveness, we performed TEVAR using an axillo-axillary bypass or simple occlusion of LSA followed by an embolization using metal coil and NBCA through the catheter which detained in the saccular aneurysm beforehand. We report our experience of seven cases have been successfully treated by this procedure with good results.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid Level Predicts Long-Term Survival and Cardiovascular or Limb Event in Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Objectives: We examined the relationship between plasma eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) level and long-term all-cause death (ACD) and cardiovascular or limb events in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Method: We performed a prospective cohort study on 637 PAD patients. The endpoints were ACD, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), and lower extremity arterial events (LEAEs). Results: The incidences of ACD, MACEs, and LEAEs had correlation with EPA levels (p <0.05). Plasma EPA level had significant positive correlations with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and negative correlation with C-reactive protein (CRP). In Cox stepwise multivariate analysis, lower EPA (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.996, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.993-1.000, p = 0.034), ankle brachial pressure index (ABI), body mass index, serum albumin, eGFR, age, CRP, D-dimer, critical limb ischemia, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease (CVD), and statin were related to ACD (p <0.05); lower EPA (HR: 0.997, 95% CI: 0.994-1.000, p = 0.038), ABI, serum albumin, eGFR, age, diabetes, coronary heart disease, CVD, and statin were related to MACEs (p <0.05); and lower EPA (HR: 0.988, 95% CI: 0.982-0.993, p <0.001), ABI, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were related to LEAEs (p <0.05). Conclusions: Low plasma EPA level was a significant risk factor for ACD, MACEs, and LEAEs in patients with PAD.

Open-stent grafting with a GORE TAG thoracic endoprosthesis for an extended severely atheromatous thoracic aortic aneurysm: report of a case.

An 82-year-old man with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease experienced sudden back pain. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) 63 mm in maximum diameter, with severe atheromas, representing "shaggy aorta", extending down to the level of the ninth thoracic vertebra. Emergency surgery was necessitated by the impending rupture of the aneurysm. The patient underwent successful total arch replacement with open-stent grafting using a GORE(®) TAG(®) thoracic endoprosthesis. His postoperative course was uneventful and there were no neurological complications. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using the GORE TAG system for an open-stent graft.

Fifteen-year clinical prognosis and cardiovascular or limb event associated with homocysteine levels in peripheral arterial disease.

BACKGROUND: There are limited reports on the relationship between plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels and long-term all-cause death (ACD), cardiovascular events, or limb events in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). We examined the relationship between plasma Hcy levels and 15-year these events in PAD patients. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study in 955 PAD patients. The patients were divided into four groups based on plasma Hcy levels with median (interquartile range). The endpoints were cumulative incidences of ACD, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and MACE plus limb events (MACLE). RESULTS: The incidences of ACD, MACE, and MACLE were correlated with plasma Hcy levels (P < 0.05). In multiple regression analysis, plasma Hcy had positive correlations with C-reactive protein (CRP), men, and critical limb ischemia (CLI) and negative correlations with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05). In Cox multivariate analysis, higher Hcy (HR 1.614, 95 % CI 1.229-2.119, p = 0.001), age, CRP, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), D-dimer, lower body mass index, ankle brachial pressure index (ABI), serum albumin, eGFR, CLI, coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes were related to ACD; higher Hcy (HR 1.242, 95 % CI 1.004-1.535, p = 0.045), age, BNP, lower ABI, serum albumin, diabetes, and CHD were related to MACE; and higher Hcy (HR 1.290, 95 % CI 1.057-1.574, p = 0.012), BNP, lower ABI, serum albumin, CHD, and diabetes were related to MACLE (P < 0.05). Statins improved ACD, MACE, and MACLE (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma Hcy was a risk factor for 15-year ACD, MACE, and MACLE in patients with PAD.

Bronchogenic cyst of the interatrial septum.

Although bronchogenic cysts are the most common primary mediastinal cysts, intracardiac bronchogenic cysts are extremely rare. We report a case of a bronchogenic cyst of the interatrial septum in a 42-year-old woman who presented with recent onset of dyspnea on exertion. Cardiac investigations including transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography revealed a cystic homogeneous mass in the interatrial septum. The patient underwent surgical resection, and the resultant atrial septal defect was repaired using an autologous pericardial patch. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed findings consistent with a benign bronchogenic cyst. Although bronchogenic cysts are extremely rare, they should be considered in the differential diagnoses of intracardiac tumors. Complete resection of bronchogenic cysts is recommended primarily for diagnostic and potentially therapeutic purposes.

[Acute coronary syndrome caused by giant right coronary artery aneurysm; report of a case].

A 52-year-old man suffered from sudden chest pain. After urgent hospitalization, electrocardiogram showed complete atrioventricular (A-V) block. Computed tomography and coronary angiography showed a giant right coronary artery aneusysm. The patient was reffered to our hospital and elective operation was scheduled. The patient was re-attacked by chest pain and A-V block. Emergent coronary angiography showed mural thrombus in the right coronary artery aneurysm, which apparently caused the acute coronary syndrome. Under extracorporeal circulation, ligation of coronary artery aneurysm and coronary artery bypass using radial artery graft was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. The histological findings revealed atherosclerotic coronary aneurysm.

Statins Reduce Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Growth in Marfan Syndrome Mice via Inhibition of the Ras-Induced ERK (Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase) Signaling Pathway.

Background Statins reduce aneurysm growth in mouse models of Marfan syndrome, although the mechanism is unknown. In addition to reducing cholesterol, statins block farnesylation and geranylgeranylation, which participate in membrane-bound G-protein signaling, including Ras. We dissected the prenylation pathway to define the effect of statins on aneurysm reduction. Methods and Results Fbn1C1039G/+ mice were treated with (1) pravastatin (HMG-CoA [3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A] reductase inhibitor), (2) manumycin A ( MA ; FPT inhibitor), (3) perillyl alcohol ( GGPT 1 and -2 inhibitor), or (4) vehicle control from age 4 to 8 weeks and euthanized at 12 weeks. Histological characterization was performed. Protein analysis was completed on aortic specimens to measure ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) signaling. In vitro Fbn1C1039G/+ aortic smooth muscle cells were utilized to measure Ras-dependent ERK signaling and MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) activity. Pravastatin and MA significantly reduced aneurysm growth compared with vehicle control (n=8 per group). In contrast, PA did not significantly decrease aneurysm size. Histology illustrated reduced elastin breakdown in MA -treated mice compared with vehicle control (n=5 per group). Although elevated in control Marfan mice, both phosphorylated c-Raf and phosphorylated ERK 1/2 were significantly reduced in MA -treated mice (4-5 per group). In vitro smooth muscle cell studies confirmed phosphorylated cR af and phosphorylated ERK 1/2 signaling was elevated in Fbn1C1039G/+ smooth muscle cells (n=5 per group). Fbn1C1039G/+ smooth muscle cell Ras-dependent ERK signaling and MMP activity were reduced following MA treatment (n=5 per group). Corroborating in vitro findings, MMP activity was also decreased in pravastatin-treated mice. Conclusions Aneurysm reduction in Fbn1C1039G/+ mice following pravastatin and MA treatment was associated with a decrease in Ras-dependent ERK signaling. MMP activity can be reduced by diminishing Ras signaling.

Obturator foramen bypass for infective groin caused by closure device.

A 69-year-old man underwent carotid artery stenting through the right femoral artery with a percutaneous vascular closure device for hemostasis. Eleven days later, an infective femoral artery pseudoaneurysm was diagnosed by computed tomography. At surgery, a defect in the femoral artery was observed, corresponding to the remnants of the closure device. Removal of the foreign material, debridement, wound irrigation, and arterial patch plasty were performed, but the infection and leg ischemia did not improve. After several failed attempts to revascularize and control the infection, obturator foramen bypass was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, indicating the usefulness of this procedure.

Endovascular Total Arch Repair Using In Situ Fenestration for Arch Aneurysm and Chronic Type A Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Total arch replacement and ascending aorta and arch replacement are the gold standard treatments for aortic arch aneurysm and are possible treatment strategies for chronic type A dissection, with good reported outcomes. However, because total arch replacement is extremely invasive, it can be difficult to perform in some patients. We designed an endovascular total arch repair procedure with the use of in situ fenestration and commercially available devices, and we present our initial experience. METHODS: Seven patients (chronic type A aortic dissection, n = 3; thoracic arch aneurysm, n = 4) who underwent endovascular total arch repair with the use of in situ fenestration thoracic endovascular aortic repair from a zone 0 landing were retrospectively analyzed. All the procedures were performed under general anesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass. The triple branches were manually punctured in a retrograde manner with the use of an 18-gauge/30-cm needle or a 21-gauge aspiration needle, and all the branches were reconstructed with the use of stent grafts; balloon touch-up was performed if appropriate. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in 6 of the 7 patients; the remaining 1 patient additionally underwent an axillary-axillary artery bypass during the operation because the left subclavian artery was difficult to puncture. All the patients had an acceptable postoperative course, with no 30-day and in-hospital deaths. None of the patients had endoleaks, and all the patients exhibited a reduction in aneurysm diameter or thrombosed false lumen during a mean follow-up period of 17.6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular total arch repair with the use of in situ fenestration can be performed with commercially available devices with acceptable interim results.

Type IA endoleak embolization after TEVAR via direct transthoracic puncture.

We report the case of a 74-year-old man who developed type IA endoleak after endovascular thoracic aortic repair. The patient was admitted with expansion of the aneurysm after TEVAR, for additional therapy. Fluoroscopy and cone-beam computed tomography-guided direct transthoracic sac puncture and complete embolization of the endoleak channels with metal coils and glue were performed, and resulted in complete exclusion of the endoleak. One month after the coil embolization, the type IA endoleak was completely excluded, and the thoracic aneurysm had decreased in size.