Doppler probe method to reduce delayed bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection in the stomach: a propensity-score matched study (with video).

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic coagulation after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) decreases the rate of delayed bleeding; however, it cannot prevent bleeding completely, and delayed bleeding may occur from non-exposed vessels that were not detected immediately after ESD or where prophylactic coagulation was inadequate. Doppler monitoring systems which can evaluate vascular flow have been recently introduced in the endoscopic field. We developed the Doppler probe method (DOP) using the novel system and conducted a comparative study. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected at a tertiary hospital between January 2017 and May 2021. Patients who underwent DOP were matched to those who did not (no-DOP, 1:3 ratio). After successful ESD, DOP was performed, and coagulation was additionally performed as necessary. The primary outcome was the rate of 30-day delayed bleeding. RESULTS: Fifty DOP patients were matched to 151 no-DOP patients. Although the differences were not statistically significant, the DOP group had lower rates of delayed bleeding (2.0% vs. 8.6%, P = 0.11; risk differences, 6.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-12.1%), readmission due to bleeding (0% vs. 2.7%), and blood transfusion (2.0% vs. 3.3%) compared to the no-DOP group. In the whole study population (n = 245), the log-rank test revealed that DOP was correlated to a lower incidence of delayed bleeding (P = 0.036). The Cox regression model revealed a marginally significant effect on delayed bleeding (hazard ratio = 0.17, 95% CI 0.022-1.26, P = 0.082). No procedure-related adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: DOP is safe and may reduce delayed bleeding; however, further prospective studies are required to validate our findings.

Evaluation and management of esophageal varices by through-the-scope endoscopic Doppler probe method.

OBJECTIVES: Objective assessments of esophageal varices (EVs) are inadequate. The recurrence of variceal bleeding after endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is associated with residual blood flow underlying EVL or incomplete treatment of a perforating vein by EVL. We aimed to assess our novel through-the-scope endoscopic Doppler probe method (DOP) for the evaluation and management of EVs. METHODS: This study included 20 patients (54 varices) with a history of esophageal variceal rupture from June 2019 to May 2021 who underwent DOP at a tertiary hospital. Variceal velocities were compared based on the size and endoscopic variceal findings. Additionally, we performed EVL assisted by DOP (EVL + DOP) in nine patients. RESULTS: Doppler imaging of EVs was observed in all 20 patients. The velocity of varices was significantly higher in EVs with a larger size, greater form, blue color, and red color sign positive. Perforating veins connecting to the EVs were identified in six out of nine patients who underwent EVL + DOP. Eight out of nine patients underwent repeat EVL. Repeat EVL was performed until the variceal velocity reached absent. No recurrence of variceal bleeding occurred during the follow-up period (mean 8.7 ± 3.2 months). No adverse events associated with DOP were observed. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of EVs using DOP is feasible and accurate. EV velocities are related to the variceal size, form, blue color, and red color sign. EVL + DOP may be a more reliable treatment for EVs. Further large-scale, long-term comparative studies are warranted.

[Valve Replacement for Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation due to Pacemaker Lead Adherence;Report of Two Cases].

We experienced tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) due to pacemaker lead adherence in an 81-year-old woman and in a 68-year-old woman, who both had right heart failure. The cause of TR was deformation of the tricuspid valve by pacemaker leads. Because of strong adherence between the lead and the leaflet or the tendinous cord, lead extraction and valve replacement were performed. The living lead was preserved by fixation at the septum wall outside the valve cuff in 1 patient. In the other patient, the epicardial lead was used for implantation because it was easier compared to intravenous lead implantation. The heart failure and TR improved after the operation in both patients.

Postoperative hyperglycemia and atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We investigated the risk factors for postoperative AF and analyzed the relationship between blood sugar concentration (BS) and AF after CABG. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 199 consecutive patients who underwent isolated CABG were retrospectively examined and classified according to the presence (n=95) or absence (n=104) of postoperative AF. On univariate analysis mean postoperative BS (P<0.001), postoperative drainage volume (P<0.001), age (P=0.034), presence of diabetes mellitus (DM; P=0.004), and postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (P=0.032) were significant risk factors for postoperative AF. On multivariate analysis mean postoperative BS (OR, 1.041; 95% CI: 1.008-1.079; P<0.001), postoperative drainage volume (OR, 1.003; 95% CI: 1.001-1.006; P=0.001), and age (OR, 1.040; 95% CI: 1.002-1.083; P=0.041) were significant risk factors for postoperative AF. Postoperative AF often occurred in patients with high postoperative BS, irrespective of DM. The BS cut-off that predicted postoperative AF occurrence was 180 mg/dl. A strong positive correlation existed between the time of the maximum postoperative BS and AF onset time (ρ=0.746). CONCLUSIONS: Mean postoperative BS and postoperative drainage volume are risk factors for AF after CABG. AF was strongly associated with maximum postoperative BS. Intensive glycemic control could reduce AF occurrence after CABG.

[Successful surgical case of DeBakey III b dissecting aortic aneurysm associated with right-sided aortic arch].

A 66-year-old man was admitted to our institute for surgical treatment of chronic dissecting aortic arch aneurysm with right-sided aortic arch which occurred 2 months previously. The size of the aortic arch aneurysm was larger than 6 cm. Total arch replacement using open stent grafting was performed through median sternotomy. The postoperative condition was well, and the patient was discharged without any complications.

[Simultaneous coronary artery bypass grafting and the ascending aorta to bifemoral bypass].

OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery disease and arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) frequently coexist. Concomitant revascularization procedures may be required because harvest of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) in patients with ASO carries a risk of leg ischemia. This study reports our experience with combined coronary and femoral revascularization using the ascending aorta to bifemoral bypass. PATIENTS: Seven male patients (including 4 high aortic occlusions) underwent concomitant aorto-femoral bypass and coronary revascularization between 1990 and 2007. Mean age was 66 years old. RESULTS: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was performed on-pump in 5 cases and off-pump in 2 cases. The number of bypass grafts were 2.4 +/- 0.9. We harvested ITA in all cases. The prosthetic tube graft was positioned behind the muscles of the abnominal wall. One hospital death was related to mediastinitis. Perfect patency of the aorta-femoral grafts was obtained in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The ascending aorta is a good source of inflow to femoral arteries and the ascending aorta to bifemoral bypass did not require an intraperitoneal procedure. Therefore the simultaneous operation can be performed in shorter time, and it is an interesting alternative in cases with ischemic heart disease and leg ischemia.

[Total aortic arch replacement for aortic aneurysm in a 91-year-old man: report of a case].

A 91-year-old man was transferred to our hospital because of severe chest pain. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed impending rupture of the true aneurysm of the aortic arch. The patient underwent emergent graft replacement of the total aortic arch. He was extubated on the 1st postoperative day, and received continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) for oliguria. However, he recovered from oliguria and renal dysfunction. He discharged at the 67th postoperative day.

[Infective endocarditis with the fistula from sinus Valsalva to right atrium and ventricle; report of a case].

A 77-year-old man complained general fatigue and fever. Preoperative echocardiography revealed vegetation of aortic valve, abnormal shunt flow from the sinus of Valsalva was detected in the right atrium and ventricle without perivalvular abscess cavity or aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva. He diagnosed aortic valve endocarditis with aorto-right atrium and ventricle fistula. He received aortic valve replacement and patch closure at the sinus of Valsalva using the pericardium. Residural aortic-right atrium and ventricle shunt was not detected after the operation, the post operative course was uneventful without congestive heart failure nor signs of infection.

[Large coronary aneurysm after coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction; report of a case].

A 59-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of angina pectoris and a large right coronary aneurysm. Two years previously, he underwent percutaneous coronary balloon angioplasty for a stenotic lesion in right coronary artery (RCA) #3. Angiography and computed tomography showed a large right coronary aneurysm. On-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), ligation of RCA proximal and distal to the aneurysm, resection of the aneurysm was performed successfully. Postoperative course was uneventful with satisfactory angiographic results.

[Management of quadruple valves for severe infective endocarditis; report of a case].

A 74-year-old man had pustulant bilateral arthritis complicated with sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Microbiologic study of blood sample showed Streptococcus and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). He was complicated with postulant diskitis since then. Medical treatment for DIC and administration of antibiotics were performed. Preoperative echocardiography revealed massive aortic regurgitation and vegetation of aortic valve, moderate pulmonary regurgitation and vegetation of pulmonary valve, massive mitral regurgitation, massive tricuspid regurgitation. He was diagnosed as infective quadruple valve endocarditis. He received aortic valve replacement, pulmonary valve replacement, mitral valve repair and tricuspid valve repair. Postoperative echocardiography showed satisfactory function of bioprosthesis. Postoperative course was uneventful.