Acute Pulmonary Thromboembolism: 14 Years of Surgical Experience

BACKGROUND@#Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a life-threatening disease with high mortality. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of surgical embolectomy and to clarify the sustained long-term effects of surgery by comparing preoperative, postoperative, and long-term follow-up echocardiography outcomes. Of 22 survivors, 21 were followed up for a mean (median) period of 6.8±5.4 years (4.2 years).@*METHODS@#We retrospectively reviewed 27 surgical embolectomy cases for massive or submassive acute PTE from 2003 to 2016. Immediate and long-term follow-up outcomes of surgical embolectomy were assessed on the basis of 30-day mortality, long-term mortality, postoperative complications, right ventricular systolic pressure, and tricuspid regurgitation grade.@*RESULTS@#The 30-day and long-term mortality rates were 14.8% (4 of 27) and 4.3% (1 of 23), respectively. Three patients had major postoperative complications, including hypoxic brain damage, acute kidney injury, and endobronchial bleeding, respectively (3.7% each). Right ventricular systolic pressure (median [range], mm Hg) decreased from 62.0 (45.5–78.5) to 31.0 (25.7–37.0, p<0.001). The tricuspid valve regurgitation grade (median [range]) decreased from 1.5 (0.63–2.00) to 0.50 (0.50–1.00, p<0.05). The improvement lasted until the last echocardiographic follow-up.@*CONCLUSION@#Surgical embolectomy revealed favorable mortality and morbidity rates in patients with acute massive or submassive PTE, with sustained long-term improvements in cardiac function.

Acute Pulmonary Thromboembolism: 14 Years of Surgical Experience / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a life-threatening disease with high mortality. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of surgical embolectomy and to clarify the sustained long-term effects of surgery by comparing preoperative, postoperative, and long-term follow-up echocardiography outcomes. Of 22 survivors, 21 were followed up for a mean (median) period of 6.8±5.4 years (4.2 years). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 27 surgical embolectomy cases for massive or submassive acute PTE from 2003 to 2016. Immediate and long-term follow-up outcomes of surgical embolectomy were assessed on the basis of 30-day mortality, long-term mortality, postoperative complications, right ventricular systolic pressure, and tricuspid regurgitation grade. RESULTS: The 30-day and long-term mortality rates were 14.8% (4 of 27) and 4.3% (1 of 23), respectively. Three patients had major postoperative complications, including hypoxic brain damage, acute kidney injury, and endobronchial bleeding, respectively (3.7% each). Right ventricular systolic pressure (median [range], mm Hg) decreased from 62.0 (45.5–78.5) to 31.0 (25.7–37.0, p<0.001). The tricuspid valve regurgitation grade (median [range]) decreased from 1.5 (0.63–2.00) to 0.50 (0.50–1.00, p<0.05). The improvement lasted until the last echocardiographic follow-up. CONCLUSION: Surgical embolectomy revealed favorable mortality and morbidity rates in patients with acute massive or submassive PTE, with sustained long-term improvements in cardiac function.

Vanishing Venous Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts after Sepsis

The dehiscence of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) is a rare, often fatal, complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We present the case of a 57-year-old man who underwent hemiarch graft interposition and CABG for a Stanford type A aortic dissection. Five months after discharge, the patient developed streptococcal sepsis caused by a hemodialysis catheter. Complete rupture of the proximal anastomoses of the saphenous veins and containment by the obliterated pericardial cavity was observed 25 months after the initial operation. The patient was successfully treated surgically. This report describes a patient who developed potentially fatal dehiscence of SVGs secondary to infection and outlines preventive and management strategies for this complication.

Recurrent Stent Thrombosis in a Patient with Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Dual Anti-Platelet Therapy Non-Responsiveness

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), the most common acquired hypercoagulable condition, is diagnosed by persistent presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and episodes of vascular thrombosis. It may be an important predisposing factor for stent thrombosis, resulting in poor outcomes. Also, anti-platelet therapy non-responsiveness is associated with stent thrombosis. We report a case of a 39-year-old man who after undergoing successful percutaneous coronary intervention for significant coronary artery disease suffered repeated stent thrombosis events leading to ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Eventually, he underwent coronary artery bypass surgery because of uncontrolled thrombosis and was diagnosed as having APS and dual antiplatelet therapy non-responsiveness.

Stent Compression in Iliac Vein Compression Syndrome Associated with Acute Ilio-Femoral Deep Vein Thrombosis

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate stent compression in iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) and to identify its association with stent patency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2005 and June 2014, after stent placement for the treatment of IVCS with acute ilio-femoral deep vein thrombosis, follow-up CT venography was performed in 48 patients (35 women, 13 men; age range 23-87 years; median age 56 years). Using follow-up CT venography, the degree of the stent compression was calculated and used to divide patients into two groups. Possible factors associated with stent compression and patency were evaluated. The cumulative degree of stent compression and patency rate were analyzed. RESULTS: All of the stents used were laser-cut nitinol stents. The proportion of limbs showing significant stent compression was 33%. Fifty-six percent of limbs in the significant stent compression group developed stent occlusion. On the other hand, only 9% of limbs in the insignificant stent compression group developed stent occlusion. Significant stent compression was inversely correlated with stent patency (p < 0.001). The median patency period evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis was 20.0 months for patients with significant stent compression. Other factors including gender, age, and type of stent were not correlated with stent patency. Significant stent compression occurred most frequently (87.5%) at the upper end of the stent (ilio-caval junction). CONCLUSION: Significant compression of nitinol stents placed in IVCS highly affects stent patency. Therefore, in order to prevent stent compression in IVCS, nitinol stents with higher radial resistive force may be required.

Diagnosis and treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysm

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is the most common pathology of the thoracic aorta. The incidence of TAA is increasing and the true incidence of TAA is likely to be higher than currently reported because of its inherently silent nature. TAAs are an increasingly recognized condition that is diagnosed incidentally on imaging studies performed to evaluate unrelated conditions because most patients with TAA have no symptoms. TAAs normally grow in an indolent manner, but can become rapidly lethal once dissection or rupture occurs. Indeed, aortic aneurysms (both abdominal and thoracic) represent the 15th leading cause of death in individuals older than 55 years, and the 19th leading cause of death in individuals of all ages in the United States. The etiologies underlying TAAs are diverse. Therefore, the evaluation and management of TAAs are complex. The present review summarizes the knowledge of the pathophysiology, natural history and diagnostic modalities, as well as current treatment strategies of TAA on the basis of current literature.

Endovascular Revascularization for Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia: Impact on Wound Healing and Long Term Clinical Results in 189 Limbs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact on wound healing and long-term clinical outcomes of endovascular revascularization in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study on 189 limbs with CLI treated with endovascular revascularization between 2008 and 2010 and followed for a mean 21 months. Angiographic outcome was graded to technical success (TS), partial failure (PF) and complete technical failure. The impact on wound healing of revascularization was assessed with univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression models. Analysis of long-term event-free limb survival, and limb salvage rate (LSR) was performed by Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: TS was achieved in 89% of treated limbs, whereas PF and CF were achieved in 9% and 2% of the limbs, respectively. Major complications occurred in 6% of treated limbs. The 30-day mortality was 2%. Wound healing was successful in 85% and failed in 15%. Impact of angiographic outcome on wound healing was statistically significant. The event-free limb survival was 79.3% and 69.5% at 1- and 3-years, respectively. The LSR was 94.8% and 92.0% at 1- and 3-years, respectively. CONCLUSION: Endovascular revascularization improve wound healing rate and provide good long-term LSRs in CLI.

Successful Surgical Treatment of a Right Atrial Myxoma Complicated by Pulmonary Embolism

A 76-year-old woman with hypertension was admitted to the hospital with complaints of chest pain and dyspnea. An echocardiogram and pulmonary computed tomography angiography showed right atrial myxoma complicated with pulmonary thromboembolism. An operation to resect the right atrial myxoma and pulmonary embolism was recommended; however, the patient refused and was discharged with anticoagulation therapy. Two years later, she developed dyspnea. Radiological studies and echocardiography showed similar results with the previous findings. The patient underwent mediastinotomy with resection of the right atrial myxoma and pulmonary embolectomy. As there are few reports on right atrial myxoma complicated with pulmonary embolism, we report a successful case of surgical removal of right atrial myxoma and pulmonary embolism.

Use of a Valved-Conduit for Exclusion of the Infected Portion in the Prosthetic Pulmonary Valve Endocarditis

A 51-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with complaints of fever and hemoptysis. After evaluation of the fever focus, he was diagnosed with pulmonary valve infective endocarditis. Thus pulmonary valve replacement and antibiotics therapy were performed and discharged. He was brought to the emergency unit presenting with a high fever (>39degrees C) and general weakness 6 months after the initial operation. The echocardiography revealed prosthetic pulmonary valve endocarditis. Therefore, redo-pulmonary valve replacement using valved conduit was performed in the Rastelli fashion because of the risk of pulmonary arterial wall injury and recurrent endocarditis from the remnant inflammatory tissue. We report here on the successful surgical treatment of prosthetic pulmonary valve endocarditis with an alternative surgical method.

Use of a Valved-Conduit for Exclusion of the Infected Portion in the Prosthetic Pulmonary Valve Endocarditis

A 51-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with complaints of fever and hemoptysis. After evaluation of the fever focus, he was diagnosed with pulmonary valve infective endocarditis. Thus pulmonary valve replacement and antibiotics therapy were performed and discharged. He was brought to the emergency unit presenting with a high fever (>39degrees C) and general weakness 6 months after the initial operation. The echocardiography revealed prosthetic pulmonary valve endocarditis. Therefore, redo-pulmonary valve replacement using valved conduit was performed in the Rastelli fashion because of the risk of pulmonary arterial wall injury and recurrent endocarditis from the remnant inflammatory tissue. We report here on the successful surgical treatment of prosthetic pulmonary valve endocarditis with an alternative surgical method.

Kidney Transplantation from a Donor Following Cardiac Death Supported with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

To expand the donor pool, organ donation after cardiac death (DCD) has emerged. However, kidneys from DCD donors have a period of long warm ischemia between cardiac arrest and the harvesting of the organs. Recently, we used extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to minimize ischemic injury during 'no touch' periods in a Maastricht category II DCD donor and performed two successful kidney transplantations. The kidneys were procured from a 49-yr-old male donor. The warm ischemia time was 31 min, and the time of maintained circulation using ECMO was 7 hr 55 min. The cold ischemia time was 9 hr 15 min. The kidneys were transplanted into two recipients and functioned immediately after reperfusion. The grafts showed excellent function at one and three months post-transplantation; serum creatinine (SCr) levels were 1.0 mg/dL and 0.8 mg/dL and the estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were 63 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 78 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the first recipient, and SCr levels were 1.1 mg/dL and 1.0 mg/dL and eGFR were 56 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 64 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the second recipient. In conclusion, it is suggested that kidney transplantation from a category II DCD donor assisted by ECMO is a reasonable modality for expanding donor pool.

A Ruptured Salmonella-Infected Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm of the Suprarenal Type: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Infected aortic aneurysms are rare, but the mortality of patients with infected aortic aneurysms remains high. Open surgical procedures are the standard of care for infected aneurysms of aorta, but the surgical results are often disappointing. The risk factors related to the high mortality include aneurysm rupture and a suprarenal aneurysm location. The classic method for treating infected aneurysms has been aneurysm resection, soft tissue debridement, remote arterial reconstruction out of the field of infection and antibiotics. Infected anuerysms located in the suprarenal aorta are highly lethal because of the need to reimplant the visceral or renal arteries and the graft related complications. We reported here on a case of suprarenal infected aortic aneurysm in a 55-years-old man. We also include a review of the relevant medical literature.

Resolution of peripheral artery catheter-induced ischemic injury in infants: Two case reports / 대한마취과학회지

The occurrence of catheter-induced vasospasm of small caliber arteries is a well known complication of arterial catheterization in neonates. However, there is rare publication about these complications in infants. We report infants with peripheral ischemia caused by arterial catheterization of the femoral artery.

Asystole induced by laryngosopy and tracheal intubation after induction of general anesthesia: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Vagal reflex during laryngosopy and tracheal intubation may result in cardiac arrhythmia such as bradyarrhythmia and asystole. A 66-year-old woman, scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery, received intravenous bolus of midazolam 2 mg, sufentanil 50 microgram, and vecuronium 10 mg for induction of general anesthesia. After two minutes of manual ventilation, tracheal intubation was attempted and the patient became asystolic during laryngoscopic manipulation. The laryngoscope was immediately withdrawn, and the patient returned to normal sinus rhythm. Ten minutes later, more experienced practitioner performed the second laryngoscopic intubation, but it eventually induced asystole again. External cardiac massage was commenced and normal sinus rhythm retuned at a rate of 60 beats/min after 1-2 minute later.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a common disease that may be lethal when ruptured. A need for the repair is indicated when the aneurysm becomes greater than 5.5 cm in diameter or grows more than 0.6 cm per year. While open surgical repair has been performed safely, an endovascular approach is used in select patients if the aortic and iliac anatomy are amenable. The present review summarizes the knowledge of the pathophysiological incidence and risk, as well as current treatment strategies of AAA on the basis of current literatures.

Acute Mitral Regurgitation due to Spontaneous Chordal Rupture in a Patient With Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

A 69-year-old male presented with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, mitral valve regurgitation, and myxomatous mitral valve prolapse. A spontaneous chordal rupture and acute severe mitral regurgitation resulted in abrupt clinical deterioration despite complete relief of severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral leaflet. The patient underwent extensive cardiac surgery due to intractable heart failure. Surgical procedures included a mitral valve replacement, a septal myectomy, and the Maze procedure.

Intravalvular regurgitation of the mitral bioprosthetic valve detected by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography : A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (IOTEE) is an invaluable diagnostic method for management of cardiac surgical patients, including patients undergoing valve replacement surgery. We report a patient who underwent reoperation for mitral valve replacement due to intravalvular regurgitation following mitral valve replacement with a bioprosthetic valve. The condition was detected by IOTEE and caused by suture entrapment.

Compromised Ventilation Caused by Transesophageal Echocardiography Probe in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Congenital Heart Surgery: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become an important monitoring device for patients undergoing repair of congenital heart disease. TEE allows preoperative assessment of ventricular volume and function, pre and postoperative anatomy and the existence of intracardiac air. Although complications associated with TEE are infrequent, interference with ventilation as a result of direct compression of the endotracheal tube, distal trachea, or mainstem bronchi has been reported. Here, we report two cases of intraoperative ventilation interference caused by the TEE probe.

Development of Artificial Vessels with Autologous Bone Marrow Cells and Polymers / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: To treat anastomosis site stenosis and occlusion of the artificial vessels used in vascular surgery, tissue-engineered artificial vessels using autologous cells have been constructed. We developed artificial vessels using a polymer scaffold and autologous bone marrow cells and performed an in vivo evaluation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We manufactured a vascular scaffold using biodegradable PLCL (poly lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone) and PGA (poly glycolic acid) fibers. Then we seeded autologous bone marrow cells onto the scaffold. After implantation of the artificial vessel into the abdominal aorta, we performed an angiography 3 weeks after surgery. After the dogs were euthanized we retrieved the artificial vessels and performed histological analysis. RESULT: Among the six dogs, 2 dogs died of massive bleeding due to a crack in the vascular scaffold 10 days after the operation. The remaining four dogs lived for 3 weeks after the operation. In these dogs, the angiography revealed no stenosis or occlusion at 3 weeks after the operation. Gross examination revealed small thrombi on the inner surface of the vessels and the histological analysis showed three layers of vessel structure similar to the native vessel. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated regeneration of the endothelial and smooth muscle cell layers. CONCLUSION: A tissue engineered vascular graft was manufactured using a polymer scaffold and autologous bone marrow cells that had a structure similar to that of the native artery. Further research is needed to determine how to accommodate the aortic pressure.

Preclinical Test of an Electro-Mechanical Implantable Left Ventricular Assist System

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ventricular assist systems are used in patients with end-stage heart failure to prolong life or as a bridge to transplantation. Several types of ventricular assist systems have been developed and they are now being used. We developed a new Biomedlab(R) electro-mechanical implantable ventricular assist device (IVAD) and we performed in vivo experimentation to evaluate the durability and safety of the device, as well as its hematologic effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We implanted the newly developed IVAD in the pre-peritoneal cavity of 5 Hallstein calves. The inflow tract was inserted through the left ventricular apex, and the outflow tract was anastomosed to the descending thoracic aorta. Postoperatively, we administered heparin intravenously for 2 days after implantation, and then we administered warfarin sodium daily. We examined, both preoperatively and postoperatively, the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), haptoglobin, fibrinogen, whole blood hemoglobin, hematocrit, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and the plasma hemoglobin. We also recorded the assisted flow rate and the hemodynamic parameters of the animals. After IVAD implantation, the international normalized ratio (INR) was monitored and maintained in the range of 3.5-4.0. Postoperatively, when any device-related problems developed, we euthanized the animals and performed autopsy. RESULTS: After IVAD implantation, the 5 calves lived for 1, 6, 3, 12 and 21 days, respectively. Three of them were euthanized due to mechanical problems such as electrical shorts, and the other calves died suddenly due to blood leakage at the outflow tract on postoperative day 21 and graft disconnection on postoperative day 3, respectively. Autopsy was performed in all the animals and there was no evidence of thromboembolism or hemorrhage in the kidney, liver or lungs. There was also no evidence of thrombosis on the valve, blood sac or inflow/outflow tract. Hematologic and chemical examinations revealed mild hemolysis in the early postoperative period, which stabilized with minimal hemolysis. There was no organ dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Our newly developed Biomedlab(R) IVAD was feasible for implantation and it functioned well in a calf model. Although there were 3 mechanical problems, we did not find any device-related thrombosis and serious hemolysis. With this encouraging result, it may be possible to perform animal experiments with the final version of IVAD, after correcting the mechanical problems, to evaluate the device's longterm durability and stability.