Aligning Orifice of the Renal Artery with Fish-Mouth FIXation Technique During Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair for Hostile Neck Anatomy.

Background: As the success of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) depends on sufficient proximal fixation of the endograft to the aortic wall, the proximal hostile neck anatomy (HNA) is the major potential treatment-limiting factor in EVAR. The Aorfix endovascular stent graft was designed to operate on highly angulated aortic necks. The Aligning Orifice of the Renal artery with fish-mouth FIXation (AORFIX) technique uniquely and accurately aligns the trough part of the proximal stent end with the orifice of the lower renal artery and is used to optimize the proximal fish-mouth design for maximum proximal seal use. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the AORFIX technique for EVAR in patients with HNA. Methods: Eighty-one consecutive patients who underwent EVAR with the AORFIX technique (+AORFIX technique group, n = 16) and without (standard group, n = 65) were evaluated. The HNA was defined as any of the following: neck angulation ≥60°, neck length ≤15 mm, or neck thrombus or calcification ≥50% of the circumference and conical neck. Results: Each HNA criterion was similar between the two groups. However, the average number of HNA criteria was significantly higher in the +AORFIX technique group (1.9 ± .2 vs. 1.3 ± .1; P < .01). The two groups showed 100% procedural success. The concurrent renal angioplasty and stenting rates (88% vs. 4.6%; P < .01) were significantly higher in the +AORFIX technique group. There were no 30-day deaths in either group and no in-hospital device-related events in the +AORFIX technique group. The median follow-up period was 39 months, and there was no significant between-group difference in freedom from reintervention rate (+AORFIX group vs. standard group, 100% vs. 91.0%; P = .327). Conclusion: EVAR using the AORFIX technique might be useful even in patients with more complex HNA.

[Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction after Mitral Valve Replacement:Report of a Case].

We report a case of delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) after mitral valve replacement (MVR). A 67-year-old woman with a history of blood transfusion( BT) was admitted for MVR. Preoperative laboratory test proved to be negative for irregular antibodies except anti-Dia. She underwent MVR using a mechanical prosthesis and compatible blood products were transfused perioperatively. On post-operative day 13, she developed hemoglobinuria and anemia with elevated serum total bilirubin and lactic dehydrogenase levels. Transesophageal echocardiography showed trivial transvalvular leakage. Laboratory test successfuly identified another irregular antibody, anti-Jkb antibody. The patient had Jkb negative BT and did not need re-operation. Later, she recovered with no signs of hemolysis. Since anti-Jkb antibody gets undetectable within a few months, it is difficult to find out before surgery. As hemolysis following cardiac surgery is more commonly associated with prostheses and extracorporeal circulation than DHTR. Physicians should, however, be aware of this unusual complication especially in patients who underwent BT.

Modified Candy-plug Device for Dilated False Lumen Occlusion: Is a Candle Better Than a Candy?

The AFX stent graft (Endologix) has an active seal mechanism that can conform to an irregular vascular lumen. We modified the candy-plug technique using an AFX VERA suprarenal extension with restricted purse-string sutures to shape it into a candle-like contraption. We treated 2 patients with patent, dilated false lumens (FLs) after central aortic repair using this technique. This plug was deployed into the FL to block retrograde blood flow proximally. Partial or complete thrombosis of the FL was observed in both patients 6 months after surgery. This technique was feasible for FL occlusion.

[Retrieval of the Ruptured Balloon during Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement without Complications:Report of a Case].

A 77-year-old man with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR) via femoral artery for severe aortic stenosis(AS). Preoperative computed tomography(CT) showed there was mild calcification at the sino-tubular junction(STJ). Sapien 3 was implanted successfully, but at the end of full inflation, the balloon ruptured. The ruptured balloon was retrieved without any remnants or vascular injury. A transesophageal echocardiogram showed adequate valve deployment. TAVR with its less invasiveness has become an alternative treatment for high risk patients who cannot endure surgical aortic valve replacement(SAVR). Although there are several complications related to TAVR, they can be predicted in many cases by analysis of preoperative imaging. In this case, the rupture of the balloon was not predicted because there was no significant calcification at the STJ. Caution should be taken even though there seems to be low risk of complications by preoperative imaging modalities.

[Hybrid Treatment for Left Internal Thoracic Artery-Pulmonary Artery Fistula with Aneurysm Complicated with Mitral Regurgitation:Report of a Case].

A 78-year-old man with mitral regurgitation incidentally diagnosed with aneurysm of the left internal thoracic artery(LITA) and several internal thoracic artery-pulmonary artery( ITA-PA) fistulas originating from the aneurysm. To prevent rupture of the aneurysm, ITA ligation was performed during surgery for the mitral valve. Because of the complex anatomy surrounding the aneurysm, the main duct of the ITA was ligated at the peripheral and center of the aneurysm, then arterial fistulae were resected as many as possible. Postoperative computed tomography (CT), however, showed patent LITA and contrast material in the aneurysm. Second stage coil embolization procedure was performed with successful results. Intravascular treatment is effective for ITA aneurysms or ITA-PA fistulae because we can clearly visualize and confirm blood flow during operation.

Utility of the minimum-incision transsubclavian approach for transcatheter aortic valve replacement on clinical outcomes in patients with small vessel anatomy.

BACKGROUND: The optimal approach for patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), who are contraindicated for a transfemoral (TF) approach, is still controversial. The present study aimed to evaluate the utility of the TAVR via a subclavian artery with a small diameter, by minimal incision and a double Z suture hemostasis technique using 18 Fr DrySeal Flex sheath, namely minimum-incision transsubclavian TAVR (MITS-TAVR), in patients contraindicated for the TF approach. METHODS: We included consecutive patients who underwent the MITS-TAVR (MITS group; n = 21) and TF-TAVR (TF group; n = 81) using the CoreValve Evolut R/PRO valves and examined the incidence of in-hospital adverse events and post-discharge mortality between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean body surface area was significantly smaller in the MITS group (1.33 ± 0.04 vs. 1.43 ± 0.02 m2; p = 0.045). The minimal lumen diameter of the femoral artery was significantly smaller in the MITS group (5.01 vs. 6.43 mm; p < 0.01). The lumen diameter of the left subclavian artery (LSA) in the MITS group was 4.97 ± 0.14 mm. The duration of the TAVR procedure to discharge was not significantly different (9.7 ± 2.0 days vs. 13.2 ± 1.0 days; p = 0.239). We did not experience in-hospital death in both groups, and no significant differences were observed in the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events between the two groups. The post-discharge survival rate was not significantly different between the groups (at 2-year; MITS group vs. TF group = 91.0% vs. 89.0%; p = 0.725). CONCLUSIONS: The MITS-TAVR using 18 Fr Dryseal Flex sheath was safe and effective and might be a promising alternative approach even in patients with a small body and small LSA diameter, who are contraindicated to the TF approach.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation after branched thoracic endovascular aortic repair in zone 0.

An 83-year-old woman who underwent emergent hemi-arch replacement for acute aortic dissection (Stanford Type A) and staged branched thoracic endovascular aortic repair in zone 0 was admitted for severe aortic stenosis. We performed transfemoral transcatheter aortic-valve implantation with an SAPIEN 3 valve. The interference between the stent frames of the valve and the stent grafts in the aortic arch was concerning. However, using the SAPIEN 3 valve's flex system, the valve was successfully delivered through the complex structure in the aortic arch without any aggravation. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful.

Safety and efficacy of the percutaneous thoracic endovascular repair with regional anesthesia.

OBJECTIVES: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is typically performed with general anesthesia (GA) and surgical cutdown (G-TEVAR). As the latest generation of TEVAR delivery systems are smaller, we introduced percutaneous TEVAR with regional anesthesia (RA) (R-TEVAR) and an arteriotomy closure device. In this study, we compare the safety and efficacy of R-TEVAR to that of the G-TEVAR. METHODS: This single-center observational study included consecutive patients who underwent either G-TEVAR between January 2015 and October 2018 (33 patients) or R-TEVAR (41 patients) between January 2018 and April 2020. RA was achieved using an ultrasound-guided nerve block. RESULTS: The mean outer diameter of the delivery device was significantly smaller in R-TEVAR (18.5 vs. 22.7 Fr; p < 0.01) and the time from arriving into the operating room to beginning of surgery (34.1 vs. 68.5 min; p < 0.01), procedural time (46.4 vs. 103.6 min; p < 0.01), and operating room stay time (108.3 vs. 194.6 min; p < 0.01) were significantly shorter. The mean rate of change in blood pressure was significantly lower in the R-TEVAR group (7.7% vs. 32.2%; p < 0.01). One case of spinal cord ischemia occurred in the G-TEVAR group (0% vs. 3.0%; p = 0.262) and one case of inadequate hemostasis and conversion to surgical cutdown without GA occurred in the R-TEVAR group (2.4% vs. 0%; p = 0.366). CONCLUSIONS: The R-TEVAR is safe and minimally invasive. Further, RA may provide additional benefits of mean blood pressure stability and early recognition of neurologic complications.

Effect of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation on Renal Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) theoretically increases cardiac output and renal blood flow, and renal function (RF) recovers in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). However, procedural steps of TAVI including contrast use potentially damage RF. Data describing RF improvements after TAVI in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are lacking. We aimed to determine preoperative predictors of RF improvement after TAVI in severe AS patients with CKD. This observational study included 121 consecutive patients with severe AS and CKD (grade ≥3) who underwent TAVI. The patients were grouped according to their RF improvement after TAVI that was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increase ≥10% at discharge from their preoperative level. Sixty-five patients' (54%) RF improved after TAVI. Patients with lower preoperative eGFR tended to achieve greater eGFR increases after TAVI (r = -0.17, p = 0.059). After adjustments for the factors that were significant in the univariate analysis, the preoperative mean transaortic pressure gradient (TAPG) (adjusted odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 1.07) and E/e' (adjusted odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.88 to 0.99) independently predicted RF improvement. The cut-off values for the preoperative mean TAPG and E/e' for an RF improvement after TAVI were 47.0 mm Hg and 13.8, respectively. In conclusion, preoperatively, a high mean TAPG and a low E/e' could predict RF improvement after TAVI in patients with CKD.

Recurrent pericardial effusion with pericardial amyloid deposition: a case report and literature review.

Pericardial amyloidosis is a rare cause of pericardial effusion. Here, we report a case of recurrent pericardial effusion because of pericardial amyloid deposition. The patient was a man in his 40s admitted for pulmonary embolism. During hospitalization, arterial fibrillation and cardiac tamponade were observed, and an initial pericardial puncture was performed. Thereafter, pericardial puncture was repeated nine times over the next two years. Cytological examination of the pericardial effusion suggested malignant mesothelioma. Afterward, pericardial fenestration and partial resection were performed. Intraoperatively, a thickened pericardium and hemorrhagic pericardial effusion were noted. Histologically, the surface of the pericardium was covered by an eosinophilic amorphous material. Congo red and DYLON stains, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical findings revealed localized amyloidosis composed of an immunoglobulin lambda light chain. Although the patient did not receive further treatment for 5 years postoperatively, his renal and cardiac functions remained within normal limits. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with localized amyloidosis. So far, hemorrhagic pericardial effusion has been reported in few cases with systemic amyloidosis. Because localized immunoglobulin light-chain-derived (AL) amyloidosis may progress to systemic disease (although it is a very rare occurrence), long-term follow-up is necessary to detect recurrence or progression to a systemic form.

[Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Stenosis with Complicated Anatomy;Report of a Case].

An 89-year-old female was admitted with progressive dyspnea. She had history of old myocardial infarction. Echocardiography revealed severe aortic valve stenosis (AS) with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Computed tomography (CT) detected an ascending aortic aneurysm and a left ventricular apex aneurysm. CT confirmed the BAV with severe calcification and tight horizontal angulation. We scheduled transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). While careful wire manipulation, the valve was successfully implanted. BAV is frequently associated with dilation of the ascending aorta. The coexistence of an ascending aortic aneurysm would indicate surgery in order to be able to treat both lesions simultaneously and to avoid catastrophic stent-related complications, such as prosthesis dislodgment and aneurysm rupture. In the present case, there was also risk of left ventricular rupture due to wire manipulation. The horizontal aorta also complicates accurate positioning of the prosthesis during TAVR. This case highlights TAVR for AS with complicated anatomy.

Surgery for detached coronary ostial anastomosis 21 years post-Bentall procedure.

Though a high frequency of postoperative complications after an original Bentall procedure has been reported, several procedures that reduce the incidence of complications have been developed. Complications relating to anastomoses of the interposed graft are infrequent but life-threatening. This report describes a case of a 61-year-old man who presented with heart failure secondary to bilateral detachment of coronary ostial anastomoses and graft stenosis 21 years after undergoing a modified Bentall procedure. These complications were successfully repaired by reconstructing the conduit and coronary arteries.

[Aortic annulus repair with xenogeneic pericardial flap after extensive debridement in active prosthetic valve endocarditis associated with an aortic annular abscess].

Prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis(PVE) is one of the devastating diseases and some cases present with extensive annular destruction requiring complex surgical repair. We report 2 cases of PVE with more than one-half of aortic annular destruction after complete debridement of the infected tissue. In these patients we successfully performed mechanical valve implantation following annular repair using a square piece of xenogeneic pericardium that was soaked in highly concentrated vancomycin solution. To increase rigidity of an annulus, a square piece of xenogeneic pericardium was interposed into abscess cavity with some single interrupted sutures. Sutures were placed along the abscess cavity and tied to the fragile tissue carefully. Both patients were discharged from hospital and have been doing well without any signs of recurrent endocarditis at a year postoperatively. This procedure might enable us to avoid patch closure of the abscess cavity in some severe PVE patients.