Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for blunt cardiac rupture.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) followed by operating room sternotomy, rather than resuscitative thoracotomy, might be life-saving for patients with blunt cardiac rupture and cardiac arrest who do not have multiple severe traumatic injuries. A 49-year-old man was injured in a vehicle crash and transferred to the emergency department. On admission, he was hemodynamically stable, but a plain chest radiograph revealed a widened mediastinum, and echocardiography revealed hemopericardium. A computed tomography scan revealed hemopericardium and mediastinal hematoma, without other severe traumatic injuries. However, the patient's pulse was lost soon after he was transferred to the intensive care unit, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated. We initiated ECPR using femorofemoral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with heparin administration, which achieved hemodynamic stability. He was transferred to the operating room for sternotomy and cardiac repair. Right ventricular rupture and pericardial sac laceration were identified intraoperatively, and cardiac repair was performed. After repairing the cardiac rupture, the cardiac output recovered spontaneously, and ECMO was discontinued intraoperatively. The patient recovered fully and was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 7. In this patient, ECPR rapidly restored brain perfusion and provided enough time to perform operating room sternotomy, allowing for good surgical exposure of the heart. Moreover, open cardiac massage was unnecessary. ECPR with sternotomy and cardiac repair is advisable for patients with blunt cardiac rupture and cardiac arrest who do not have severe multiple traumatic injuries.

[Hybrid Coronary Revascularization of Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in a Patient with Left Main Coronary Stenosis].

We report a successful case of hybrid coronary revascularization of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting( MICS-CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). The patient was a 78-year-old man with angina pectoris due to left main trunk (LMT) lesion, and had a history of repeated PCI to the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the left circumflex artery (LCX) for angina pectoris. He presented with a chest pain on effort in June, 2015. A coronary angiogram showed a severe stenosis in the LMT extending to LAD and LCX. We performed hybrid therapy of CABG to LAD, and PCI to LMT and the proximal portion of LCX because the lesion was technically and suitable for PCI. CABG to LAD was performed via left mini thoracotomy using the left inter mammary artery (LIMA). LIMA was harvested under 3-dimentional endoscope. On the 5th post-operative day, PCI was performed to LMT and LCX. The postoperative course was uneventful and he was discharged on the 11th post-operative day. This case suggests that hybrid coronary revascularization is less invasive and feasible for selected patients with multi-vessel disease.

[Suspended Ventricular Septal Defect Closure Due to Heparin Resistance;Report of a Case].

We present a case of heparin resistance whereby open heart surgery was discontinued. A 53-year-old woman who was diagnosed with ventricular septal defect and atrial septal defect was scheduled for intracardiac repair. However, after intravenous heparin (400 U kg-1) supplementation, the activated clotting time (ACT) increased only to seconds. The operation was discontinued because the addition of heparin( 200 U kg-1) did not show sufficient prolongation of ACT, fully indicative of heparin resistance. Additional antithrombin III concentrate was also ineffective. Postoperative study of the administration of heparin in vitro to the patient's serum showed the probability of transient heparin resistance arising from the stress of surgery.

[Midterm Outcomes of Root Replacement Using Homograft for Aortic Valve Infective Endocarditis].

From August 2003 to June 2013, 9 patients with aortic valve endocarditis underwent aortic root replacement using homografts which were harvested and preserved in our institute. The median patient age was 62 years (range 46~84) and 5 patients were men. Four cases were prosthetic valve infections. The in-hospital mortality was 0%. In 8 of 9 cases were evaluated on midterm outcomes. At a median of 52 months (range 19~156), overall survival was 100%, freedom from cardiovascular events was 87.5%. The peak aortic pressure gradient was 9.04 ± 4.2 mmHg. Aortic regurgitation was less than 2 of 4 in all cases.

Discovery of novel 7-membered cyclic amide derivatives that inhibit 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1.

A series of novel 5-trans-hydroxyadamantan-2-yl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrazolo[4,3-c]azepin-4(1H)-ones that inhibit 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 are described. We discovered these 7-membered cyclic amide derivatives by introducing a distinctive linker through pharmacophore analysis of known ligands included in X-ray co-crystal structures. Further optimization using docking studies led to highly potent inhibitors 15b and 27, which furthermore showed the potent efficacy in in vivo studies.

[Full root replacement with a Freestyle bioprosthesis for prosthetic valve endocarditis complicated by aortic-root pseudoaneurysm after subcoronary technique; report of a case].

We report a surgical case of prosthetic valve endocarditis( PVE) after aortic valve replacement with a Freestyle stentless bioprosthesis, which was successfully treated with full root replacement using a Freestyle valve. A 80-year-old man underwent aortic valve replacement with a Freestyle stentless bioprosthesis, using subcoronary technique for aortic stenosis in 2004. Three years later he had late PVE, and we found the aortic-root pseudoaneurysm. Although homografts are the optimal for cases of severe aortic annular destruction, availability of these are limited in Japan. We chose a Freestyle valve with full root technique, which fitted well to the destroyed annulus. The postoperative course was uneventful. Freestyle stentless bioprosthesis can be useful option for PVE, meanwhile care should be taken to dead cavity between prosthesis and aortic wall in the subcoronary technique.

[On pump beating heart mitral and tricuspid valve annuloplasty via right mini thoracotomy approach in a patient who had undergone cardiac surgery 3 times].

The patient was an 84-year-old man. He had a history of 3-time median sternotomy with a functioning coronary bypass graft. Because of his dependence on inotropic agents caused by a progressing mitral and tricuspid valve insufficiency, we decided to perform surgery. To avoid heart damage and injury to the bypass graft by adhesiotomy, we performed on-pump beating heart mitral and tricuspid valve annuloplasty via right mini-thoracotomy approach. He was discharged 16 days after surgery. The on-pump beating heart valve repair via right mini-thoracotomy approach was useful in a selected case with multiple surgeries.

Nutritional Status Assessed with Objective Data Assessment Correlates with a High-Risk Foot in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Malnutrition and diabetes are likely to co-occur. There are few reports on the association between nutritional status and foot risk in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Therefore, we aimed to investigate this relationship in this cross-sectional study. We investigated the relationships between objective data assessment (ODA), especially Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and foot risk, evaluated by the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF), in consecutive patients with T2D. Patients were divided into groups 0 to 3 by IWGDF, and groups 1 to 3 were defined as high-risk groups. Among 469 patients, 42.6% (n = 200) of them had high-risk foot. Patients with high-risk foot were significantly older (71.2 ± 11.3 vs. 64.2 ± 13.4 years, p < 0.001) and had a longer duration of diabetes (18.0 ± 12.0 vs. 11.5 ± 10.0 years, p < 0.001) than those in the low-risk group. In the high-risk group, serum albumin level, total lymphocyte count, hemoglobin, and CONUT score were significantly worse, especially in older patients (≥75 years). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between CONUT score and high-risk foot in older patients (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.05−1.86; p = 0.021). Our results indicated that nutritional status, assessed by ODA, correlated with high-risk foot, especially in older patients with T2D.

Giant aneurysm of left circumflex artery branch with fistula to the coronary sinus: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysm of a coronary artery branch with a fistula is extremely rare. Here, we present a case of giant aneurysm of the left circumflex artery branch with a fistula to the coronary sinus treated successfully with aneurysmectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to an abnormal pericardial mass found by multidetector computed tomography. Imaging examination revealed a dilated left circumflex artery branch with a 30-mm aneurysm. Coronary angiography confirmed a left circumflex artery branch aneurysm with a fistula to the coronary sinus. As percutaneous occlusion of the aneurysm by catheterization was considered unsuccessful, the aneurysm was resected, and the fistula was occluded surgically with excellent outcome. Pathological examination suggested that congenital factors may have contributed to the development of the aneurysm. Computed tomography showed no recurrence of the aneurysm at 1-year postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We presented a case of giant aneurysm of the left circumflex artery branch with a fistula to the coronary sinus. This is the first report of the combination of a giant coronary artery branch aneurysm with a fistula to the coronary sinus. Surgical aneurysmectomy should be considered in such cases to avoid fatal aneurysmal complications.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in a patient with aplastic anemia.

Aplastic anemia is a syndrome involving pancytopenia caused by bone marrow insufficiency. Pancytopenia increases the surgical risk of bleeding and infection. Here, we report a successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in a patient with aplastic anemia. The patient was a 76-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital with syncope. Laboratory testing showed pancytopenia, and echocardiography revealed severe aortic valve stenosis. Although the log.EuroSCORE and STS Score were not overly high, because of the presence of pancytopenia, surgical aortic valve replacement was considered too high risk, making her a candidate for TAVI. In this case, the patient's pancytopenia was so severe that even TAVI without preparation was considered high risk. In light of this, we carried out a two-day preoperative administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and transfused packed red blood cells and platelet concentrates. TAVI was performed via the left femoral artery using the cut-down procedure under general anesthesia. The postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged on the sixth postoperative day. With adequate preoperative preparation, TAVI may be performed safely in high-risk patients with hematologic disorders. .

Aortic root replacement for annuloaortic ectasia with a single coronary artery.

A single coronary artery, arising from the left sinus of Valsalva, associated with a bicuspid aortic valve and annuloaortic ectasia, is very rare. We report on a surgical case of bicuspid aortic valve regurgitation, annuloaortic ectasia, and dilation of the ascending aorta to the aortic arch in a patient with a single coronary artery. We successfully performed aortic root replacement with reimplantation of the single coronary artery and total arch replacement. The reimplantation of the coronary orifice required particular attention. Postoperative CT demonstrated the expected contours from the aortic annulus to the aortic arch with a patent implanted coronary artery.

A new end graft holder for coronary artery bypass grafting.

This article describes the construction and use of a new end graft holder during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The instrument consists of a pinching device attached to a flexible arm and a fixation clamp. This device provides secure stabilization and enables excellent positioning of the graft without producing graft injury.

[Infarct exclusion for postinfarction left ventricular free wall rupture with severe congestive heart failure].

A 70-year-old man was transferred to our hospital with severe congestive heart failure and ventricular arrhythmia due to acute myocardial infarction. He had experienced chest pain 3 weeks previously and was admitted to another hospital for dyspnea, where he required assist ventilation, 1 week prior to the transfer. An echocardiogram revealed a broad anteroseptal infarction and very poor left ventricular function with an ejection fraction (EF) of 22%. He remained in a severe congestive heart failure condition despite a full administration of catecholamines. Coronary angiogram findings revealed an occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery and 1 week later severe hypotension was suddenly presented. An echocardiogram showed pericardial effusion with signs of cardiac tamponade. A pericardiocentesis was performed and hemodynamic improvement was obtained for a short time, after which the patient underwent urgent open heart surgery. During the operation, exclusion of the anteroseptal akinetic area using an oval patch was performed under a cardiopulmonary bypass and ventricular fibrillation. Severe cardiac failure remained postoperatively and the patient could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass, therefore, we implanted a percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) and started intraaortic balloon pumping (IABP). The patient was weaned from PCPS at 26 days after surgery and from IABP at 30 days. Following hospital release, he has continued to do well without heart failure for 39 months after the operation.

Transapical aortic cannulation using a deep hypothermic procedure through a left thoracotomy for acute traumatic aortic rupture.

We describe a transapical aortic cannulation procedure through a left thoracotomy for a case of acute traumatic aortic rupture. A 26-year-old man was involved in a motor vehicle accident and admitted in a state of hypovolemic shock. Chest computed tomography findings revealed a rupture of the proximal portion of the descending aorta and a massive hematoma around the aorta extending into the thoracic cavity. Under hypothermic circulatory arrest, he underwent an emergency graft replacement through a left thoracotomy. We used transapical aortic cannulation together with femoral cannulation, in order to avoid malperfusion of the brain and upper body that can occur as a result of retrograde perfusion. The postoperative outcome was favorable. Transapical cannulation is a useful alternative for hypothermic aortic operations through a left thoracotomy.

Post-approval study of a highly pulsed, low-shear-rate, continuous-flow, left ventricular assist device, EVAHEART: a Japanese multicenter study using J-MACS.

BACKGROUND: The EVAHEART left ventricular assist device was approved in 2010 by the Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) for bridge to heart transplantation (BTT). However, its effectiveness has not been evaluated since approval. In this study we evaluated the EVAHEART device in a commercial setting in Japan. METHODS: Ninety-six consecutive patients enrolled in the Japanese Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (J-MACS), who were listed for transplant or likely to be listed and who received an EVAHEART device, were enrolled from 2011 to 2013 at 14 Japanese centers. Patients' survival rates, adverse events and quality-of-life data were obtained from the J-MACS Registry. RESULTS: Patients' median age was 43 years (85% male). The Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support profiles revealed 12 patients in Level 1, 45 in Level 2, 37 in Level 3 and 1 in Level 4. The mean support duration was 384.7 days, with a cumulative duration of 101.2 years. The Kaplan-Meier survival rate during support was 93.4% at 6 months, 87.4% at 1 year and 87.4% at 2 years. Seventy-seven patients (80.2%) currently remain on support, 7 received a transplant and 10 died during support. Major adverse events included drive-line infection (14.6%) and neurologic events such as ischemic stroke (17.7%), hemorrhage (13.5%), transient ischemic attack (3.1%), pump thrombosis (1%) and hemolysis (1%). There was no gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or right heart failure requiring right ventricular assist device (RVAD). There was no pump exchange due to mechanical failure. CONCLUSIONS: The EVAHEART device provides safe, reliable and long-term circulatory support with improved survival in commercial settings of BTT in Japan, where the transplant waiting period is much longer. Incidences of GI bleeding, hemolysis, right ventricular failure, device thrombosis and mechanical failure were extremely rare in patients on EVAHEART devices.

New anastomosis assist devices for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Two new graft holders and an anastomosis assist mirror, designed for coronary artery bypass grafting, are described. The graft holders are pinching devices with sponges inside to prevent graft injury. The anastomosis assist mirror is a small circular mirror designed to show a reflective view of the lateral or posterior wall of the heart. Together they can provide secure stabilization of the graft and an excellent view of the anastomotic site.