Clinical effectiveness of valve-sparing aortic root replacement in the treatment of patients with dilated aortic root after operation for tetralogy of Fallot / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) in the treatment of patients with dilated aortic root after operation for tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Methods     A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of TOF patients with aortic root dilation who underwent VSARR in our hospital from 2016 to 2022. Results     Finally 14 patients were collected, including 8 males and 6 females, with a median age of 22 years ranging from 12-48 years. Among them, 5 patients had severe aortic valve regurgitation, 4 moderate regurgitation, and 5 mild or no regurgitation. Six patients had sinus of valsalva dilation, and 8 significant dilation of the ascending aorta. One patient had residual shunt due to ventricular septal defect, and 9 severe pulmonary valve regurgitation. The David procedure was performed in 10 patients, Yacoub procedure in 2 patients, and Florida sleeve in 2 patients. There was no perioperative mortality in the group. The median follow-up time was 2.9 years (ranging from 0.4 to 6.0 years). One patient had mild aortic valve regurgitation, and the rest had minimal or no regurgitation. One patient had mild stenosis of the left ventricular outflow tract, and the rest patients had no obvious stenosis. Conclusion     VSARR is a satisfactory treatment for aortic root dilation in patients with TOF, with no significant increase in the incidence of left ventricular outflow tract stenosis or aortic regurgitation during mid-term follow-up.

Research Progress in Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

With continuous improvements in surgical techniques， medical engineering and material science， root replacement with composite valve graft （CVG） or Bentall procedure has become the standard procedure for aortic root lesions. As an alternative to the Bentall procedure， valve-sparing aortic root replacement （VSRR） avoids the complications associated with lifelong anticoagulation and mechanical valves； reduces the incidence of thromboembolic and bleeding events； and its favorable haemodynamics and potentially lower risk of endocarditis ensure durable postoperative aortic valve function and a much better quality of patient survival. This article reviews the indications for root replacement with preservation of the aortic valve， the key points of the standardized technique and its long-term results in different patients.

Surgical strategy and clinical outcomes of reoperative aortic root replacement after prior aortic valve replacement / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To summarize the surgical strategy of reoperative aortic root replacement after prior aortic valve replacement (AVR), and analyze the early and mid-term outcomes. Methods    From April 2013 to January 2020, 75 patients with prior AVR underwent reoperative aortic root replacement in Fuwai Hospital. There were 54 males and 21 females with a mean age of 56.4±12.7 years. An emergent operation was performed in 14 patients and an elective operation in 61 patients. The indications were aortic root aneurysm in 38 patients, aortic dissection involving aortic root in 30 patients, root false aneurysm in 2 patients, prosthesis valve endocarditis with root abscess in 2 patients, and Behçet's disease with root destruction in 3 patients. The survival and freedom from aortic events during the follow-up were evaluated with the Kaplan-Meier survival curve and the log-rank test. Results    The operative procedures included prosthesis-sparing root replacement in 45 patients, Bentall procedure in 26 patients, and Cabrol procedure in 4 patients. Operative mortality was 1.3% (1/75). A composite of adverse events occurred in 5 patients, including operative death (n=1), stroke (n=1), and acute renal injury necessitating hemodialysis (n=3). The follow-up was available for all 74 survivors, with the mean follow-up time of 0.5-92.0 (30.3±25.0) months. Four late deaths occurred during the follow-up. The survival rate at 1 year, 3 years and 6 years was 97.2%, 91.4% and 84.4%, respectively. Aortic events developed in 2 patients. The rate of freedom from aortic events at 1 year, 3 years, and 6 years was 98.7%, 95.0% and 87.7%, respectively. There was no difference in rate of survival or freedom from aortic events between the elective patients and the emergent patients. Conclusion    Reoperative aortic root replacement after prior AVR can be performed to treat the root pathologies after AVR, with acceptable early and mid-term outcomes.

Aortic Root Replacement 42 Years after Aortic Valve Replacement with the Björk-Shiley Spherical Valve in a Patient with an Aortic Root Aneurysm / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Herein, we present a case of aortic root replacement 42 years after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the Björk-Shiley Spherical (BSS) valve in a patient with an aortic root aneurysm. The patient was a 67-year-old man who had undergone AVR with BSS and aortic root enlargement for the treatment of infective endocarditis and aortic insufficiency at 25 years of age. He underwent aortic root replacement for an enlarged aortic root (73 mm). Under general anesthesia, median re-sternotomy was performed, and the BSS valve was removed. The valve functioned well with no pannus or thrombus. We performed an aortic root replacement using a composite graft consisting of a 24-mm mechanical valve and 30-mm artificial graft. We experienced a rare case of long-term durability of the BSS valve, which functioned well for 42 years.

A Case of Giant Unruptured Left Coronary Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

We herein report a rare case of unruptured, giant left coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm and discuss surgical pitfalls associated with sinus of Valsalva aneurysms. A 63-year-old man was referred to us for clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment of a huge mass in the mediastinum. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed that the mass was a left coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm with a diameter of 74×57 mm ; moreover, the left coronary artery originated from the aneurysmal wall. In addition, echocardiography showed moderate aortic regurgitation (AR) caused by dilatation of the aortic annulus. Based on these findings, the Bentall procedure was selected for the Valsalva aneurysm and significant AR. The orifice of the aneurysm was 15×15 mm in size, and the aortic wall of the left coronary sinus was relatively thin. The left main trunk was injured due to severe adhesion between the trunk and the aneurysm ; therefore, vein patch repair was performed with a saphenous vein graft. Since the aortic annulus of the left coronary cusp was fragile, proximal anastomosis of the composite graft to the lesion had to be placed in the fibrous continuity between the aortic and mitral valves. With respect to the proximal anastomosis at the aortic annulus of the left coronary cusp, the suture line was covered with a bovine pericardium patch as there were no remnants of the normal aortic wall. The postoperative course was uneventful, and postoperative CT revealed complete resection of the aneurysm with no evidence of stenosis of the left main trunk.

Clinical analysis of redo aortic root replacement after cardiac surgery / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To analyze the etiologies, operation techniques and outcomes of redo aortic root replacement after cardiac surgery. Methods    Between December 2013 and December 2019, 30 patients who had at least one previous cardiac operation received aortic root replacement in our hospital, including 20 males and 10 females with an average age of 50.4±12.7 years. The mean time interval between this operation and the previous one was 8.0±8.5 years. The principal indication for surgery was aortic sinus dilatation and ascending aortic aneurysm in 14 patients (47%), acute aortic dissection in 5 patients (17%), pseudoaneurysm in 3 patients (10%), prosthetic valve endocarditis in 4 patients (13%), prosthetic leakage in 4 patients (13%). Bentall procedure was used in all 30 patients, with concomitant mitral valve plasticity or replacement in 5 patients, tricuspid valve plasticity in 6 patients, coronary artery bypass grafting in 3 patients, and total aortic arch replacement and elephant trunk procedure in 2 patients. Results    The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 96-296 (161.3±43.0) min, and the mean aortic occlusion time was 48-117 (85.7±20.4) min. There were 5 in-hospital deaths with an overall in-hospital mortality of 17%. The causes of deaths were low cardiac output syndrome in 2 patients and septic shock in 3 patients. The follow-up time was 3-75 (33.5±21.1) months. Three patients died during the follow-up, 1 patient died of septic shock and 2 died of cerebral hemorrhage. Conclusion    Redo aortic root replacement is difficult to deal with, and the risk is high. Preoperative evaluation is required, appropriate surgical approach, adequate myocardial protection, and a complete surgical plan are essential to ensure the success of the operation.

A Case of Aortic Root Replacement in Freestyle Valve Reoperation / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Medtronic Freestyle Stentless bioprosthesis as well as stented bioprosthesis, can lead to structural valve deterioration (SVD) or disruption of the porcine aortic root. Seventeen years ago, a 52-year-old woman with aortitis syndrome underwent aortic root replacement in a full-root fashion for aortic regurgitation (AR) with a Freestyle aortic bioprosthesis. A recent follow-up echocardiogram revealed severe AR due possibly to SVD. Thus, we planned an aortic valve replacement (AVR) for AR with possible leaflet tear of the prosthesis. Upon completion of AVR while the aortotomy was being closed, however, a disruption in the porcine aortic wall was found. Root replacement had to be performed because of this finding. In stentless valve reoperation long after AVR with the full-root method, both the porcine aortic root and leaflets can be disrupted. Aortic root replacement may be necessary if preoperative images reveal dilatation, as well as disruption of the sinus of Valsalva.

Aortic Root Replacement Using Composite Grafts for Prosthesis-Patient Mismatch after Aortic Valve Replacement with the Björk-Shiley Monostrut Valve 27 Years Ago : a Case Report / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

We encountered a case of aortic root replacement of a prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) after performing aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the Björk-Shiley Monostrut (BSM) valve. The patient was a 55-year-old female. She underwent AVR with a bioprosthesis for the treatment of congenital aortic stenosis at 20 years of age ; AVR was performed again using the BSM valve at 28 years of age. Congestive heart failure gradually worsened, and she was referred to our hospital at 55 years of age, where she was diagnosed with PPM after AVR. Under general anesthesia, standard median resternotomy was performed, and cardiopulmonary bypass was established with right femoral artery and right femoral vein cannulation. Cardiac arrest was achieved with the antegrade application of a cold, crystalloid, cardioplegic solution. The BSM valve was removed, and her annulus was extremely small, measuring less than 19 mm. We performed an aortic root replacement with a 21 mm mechanical valve composite graft because aortic root enlargement was difficult owing to the fragility of her annulus and very severe adhesion surrounding the ascending aorta. The postoperative course was uneventful. Postoperative ultrasonic echocardiography showed reduced transvalvular mean gradients. Although the BSM valve is durable, non-structural valvular deterioration surrounding the implanted BSM valve may occur and should be monitored.

Modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty in patients with aortic root aneurysm / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To evaluate the feasibility and safety of modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty in the patients with aortic root aneurysm and dilatation of aortic annular base. Methods    We performed a retrospective review of 6 patients with aortic root aneurysm undergoing modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty from November 2017 to January 2019. There were 5 males and 1 female, with a mean age of 54.1±12.3 years. The preoperative cardiac function of 3 patients was in New York Heart Association (NYHA) classⅡand the other 3 patients were in class Ⅲ. There were two patients with bicuspid aortic valve, and no Marfan syndrome. There was aortic regurgitation in the patients measured by the echocardiogram, 1 in mild aortic regurgitation, 1 in moderate aortic regurgitation, and 4 in severe aortic regurgitation. The diameter of aortic annular base was 27.8±1.9 mm, and the largest diameter of aortic root was 49.8±3.7 mm. Six patients underwent modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty, including 5 patients who underwent aortic cusp repair at the same time. Results    All 6 identified patients survived. There was no severe complication (bleeding, stroke, or acute renal failure). The cardiopulmonary bypass time was 204.6±13.5 min, aortic cross-clamping time 168.0±17.1 min, mechanical ventilation time 21.3±19.5 h, ICU stay time 67.8±62.2 h. The follow-up time ranged from 4 to 18 months with an average time of 12.8±4.7 months. Patients' cardiac function improved postoperatively with four patients in NYHA classⅠand two patients with classⅡ. Two patients had no aortic valve regurgitation, four patients had mild regurgitation. Left ventricular end diastolic volume decreased significantly (118.6±20.4 mL vs. 169.1±58.4 mL, P<0.05). Conclusion    The modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty is effective and safe for the patients with aortic root aneurysm and dilatation of aortic annular base, and the early- and mid-term outcomes are satisfactory.

Progress in surgical selection of aortic root diseases / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Total root replacement (TRR) with a valved conduit has long been the treatment standard for most aortic root diseases. However, with advances in technology and a deeper understanding of aortic root anatomy and hemodynamics, valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR) and personalised external aortic root support (PEARS) have emerged. It is especially important to choose the appropriate procedure for different aortic root diseases. When evaluating these three surgical procedures, it is necessary to focus on the treatment and prevention of the dissection and balance the short-term and long-term risks of the patients. This article outlines aortic-related diseases and the selection of surgery.

Acute Aortic Regurgitation and Low Cardiac Output Syndrome due to Avulsion of the Aortic Valve Commissure: A Case Report / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 73-year-old woman presented with epigastric discomfort and lightheadedness. She was admitted to another hospital with congestive heart failure due to severe aortic and mitral regurgitation. However, her heart failure was refractory to medical treatment, necessitating transfer to our hospital for surgical treatment. Emergency surgery was performed for worsening heart failure after admission to our hospital. Intraoperative findings showed aneurysms of the ascending aorta and aortic root and avulsion of the aortic valve commissure between the right coronary and non-coronary cusps. Replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic root replacement using the Florida sleeve method as well as double valve replacement (mitral and aortic) were performed with a favorable outcome. Histopathological examination showed myxomatous degeneration, which suggested that it could have contributed to avulsion of the aortic valve commissure.

Surgical Treatment for the Annulo-Aortic Ectasia Concomitant with Membranous Ventricular Septal Aneurysm / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 60-year-old man complained of palpitation due to transitory atrial fibrillation. The annulo-aortic ectasia was recognized, and was getting enlarged to 52 mm. After an additional examination, membranous ventricular septal aneurysm was revealed. There was no evidence of thrombus, shunt, or infection in the membranous ventricular septal aneurysm. The valve-sparing aortic root replacement (reimplantation) and the patch-closure of the membranous ventricular septal aneurysm were performed. Stabilizing the subannular tissue by a Dacron patch made the reimplantation technique feasible. To secure a subannular suture line, 3 mattress stitches were passed inside-out through the Dacron patch, the fibrous rim of the membranous septum and the prosthetic graft again. He was discharged without any complication 12 days after the operation.

The study of surgical treatment of the bicuspid aortic valve with aortic root aneurysm / 医学研究生学报

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is one of the most common congenital valvular diseases, which is often associated with aortic stenosis or insufficiency.Aortic disease is an important component of BAV, aortic root aneurysm is the most finding when it comes to the dilatation of any or all segments of the proximal aorta from the aortic root to the aortic arch.The choice of operation has a great influence on the prognosis of patients.This article discusses the anatomic basis, pathophysiology, surgical treatment and treatment effects of the bicuspid aortic valve with aortic root aneurysm.

A Case of Giant Unruptured Left Coronary Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 40-year old man with chest pain was admitted to our hospital. A three-dimensional CT revealed an unruptured left coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm and mild stenosis of the left main trunk. An echocardiogram revealed severe aortic regurgitation. He was operated on with an aortic root replacement procedure. Though the procedure was itself uneventful, he could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass because of unexpected coronary events ; relative stenosis of the RCA and stretched LMT due to a huge aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva. Additional CABG with LITA to LAD and SVG to RCA led to weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. Left coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is rare, and it requires early surgical intervention for an increase in the diameter of the aneurysm together with myocardial ischemia due to compression of the coronary artery.

Surgical treatment of ascending aortic aneurysm caused by Marfan Syndrome:a report of 16 cases / 临床外科杂志

Objective To summarize the experience of surgical treatment and to explore the oper-ation method choice of ascending aortic aneurysm caused by Marfan Syndrome. Methods The clinical da-ta of 16 patients from 2005 January to 2011 November were retrospectively analyzed. Results Among all, there was no operative mortality,but 6 cases of early postoperative complications(37. 5%),including 2 ca-ses of arrhythmia,2 cases of pulmonary infection,1 case of renal insufficiency and 1 case of pneumothorax. The follow-up time was 12~63(25 ± 9)months. During follow-up,2 patients died(12. 5%),1 due to rup-tured abdominal aortic aneurysms and 1 due to renal failure. Besides there were 2 cases of anticoagulation complications and 1 case of coronary heart disease. Conclusion Although sparing aortic root replacement of aortic valve has similar curative effect as Bentall operation and avoids the mechanical valve-related com-plications,the indications are relatively strict. Bentall operation is still the first choice for severe patients.

Cardiac Tamponade due to Detachment of the Aortic Valve Commissure / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 68-year-old man was taken to our hospital by ambulance due to syncope. He was in shock with cardiac tamponade. Pericardial drainage was performed. Aortic valve regurgitation gradually increased and surgery was performed at 25 days after onset. Surgical finding showed that there was a detachment of the commissure between the right and non coronary cusps of the aortic valve. An intimal tear was detected in the same place and aortic root replacement was required. The patient had a good recovery and he was discharged 14 days after surgery.

Successful Treatment of Prosthetic Graft Infection 7 Years after Ascending Aorta Replacement and Aortic Root Replacement with a Freestyle Stentless Valve / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 62 year-old man presented with severe septic shock complicated by prosthetic graft infection, 7 years after aortic root replacement with a Freestyle stentless valve and graft replacement of the ascending aorta. We initially managed the patient with antimicrobial therapy for 2 months and subsequently surgery was performed, replacing the infected aortic graft with rifampicin-bonded prostheses, and added omentopexy. The infection was cured and has not recurred.

Reoperation for Rupture of the Porcine Aortic Wall of a Stentless Bioprosthesis / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 63-year-old woman presented with pseudoaneurysm formation due to rupture of the porcine aortic wall of the stentless bioprosthesis. She had undergone aortic root replacement using the full root technique with the 25-mm Prima Plus bioprosthesis for annuloaortic ectasia. Congestive heart failure, appearing 65 months after the first surgery, progressed rapidly. Multidetector computed tomography (CT) showed a pseudoaneurysm of the aortic root, and echocardiography revealed severe mitral regurgitation. At reoperation, a large pseudoaneurysm with a 20-mm horizontal tear was seen in the non-coronary sinus of the Prima Plus valve. A repeat aortic root replacement and mitral valve replacement with two mechanical valves were performed. The patient had an uneventful recovery. Histologic examination of the explanted porcine aortic root showed host mononuclear cells and macrophages between the well-stained and poorly stained areas, suggesting that the torn tissue had undergone host-mediated degeneration to some extent. Porcine aortic roots have excellent hemodynamic features, but ruptures in the aortic sinuses of the porcine aortic root have been reported in some cases. Careful follow up with CT or echocardiography is therefore needed after aortic root replacement with stentless bioprostheses.

A Case of Aortic Root Replacement and Patch Closure for Aorto-Right Ventricular Fistula Secondary to Infective Endocarditis / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 62-year-old man with a history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was admitted to our hospital because of a high-grade fever and general fatigue. Laboratory data showed evidence of inflammation and <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae </i>was identified in the blood cultures. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed vegetations on the right coronary cusp of the aortic valve and septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve, and an aorto-right ventricular fistula secondary to abscess formation in the aortic annulus. We diagnosed active infective endocarditis with an aorto-cavity fistula and performed an emergency operation. The infected tissue was curetted as much as possible and the fistulous openings in the right ventricle and aortic root were closed using bovine pericardial patches. We subsequently performed aortic annular reconstruction and aortic full-root replacement using a Freestyle^® stentless valve. Although a permanent pacemaker was implanted to treat a complete atrioventricular block, the postoperative course was uneventful and the C-reactive protein level normalized. He was discharged on the 46th postoperative day. Postoperative echocardiography revealed no signs of valve dysfunction, recurrent endocarditis, or residual abscess cavity and shunt. Infective endocarditis with abscess formation complicated by a fistula formation between the cardiac chambers is rare, and surgical treatment for this is challenging. In such cases, both radical debridement of the infected tissue and precise closure of the fistulous tract are essential.

Aortic Root Replacement with a Valve Sparing Technique for Quadricuspid Aortic Valve / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 67-year-old man with ascending aortic aneurysm was referred to our hospital. Transthoracic echocardiography showed severe aortic regurgitation with annuloaortic ectasia and transesophageal echocardiography revealed a quadricuspid aortic valve. This patient underwent aortic root replacement with a valve sparing technique. Under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with retrograde cerebral perfusion, replacement of the ascending aorta was successfully performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. This patient is doing well 6 months after surgery without recurrence of aortic regurgitation.