Robotic Totally Endoscopic Coronary Bypass to the Left Anterior Descending Artery: Left Versus Right Internal Thoracic Artery Grafts.

INTRODUCTION: The left internal thoracic artery (LITA) is most commonly used to bypass the left anterior descending artery (LAD) given its well-established mortality benefit. In some cases, the grafting strategy necessitates placing the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) on the LAD. We compared outcomes in our robotic beating-heart totally endoscopic coronary bypass surgery (TECAB) population between patients receiving LITA versus RITA-LAD grafts. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing robotic TECAB with skeletonized ITA conduits over 9 y. Outcomes were compared between those receiving LITA (Group-1) versus RITA (Group-2) grafts to the LAD (with/without other grafts). End points were early angiographic patency (in patients undergoing hybrid revascularization) and mid-term mortality/major adverse cardiac/cerebrovascular events. A propensity matched subanalysis was performed comparing only patients who received bilateral ITA grafting in each group. RESULTS: Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted mortality risk score was higher in Group-2. Group-1 patients had lower incidence of multivessel disease (75% versus 96%, P ≤ 0.001). Early overall graft patency (97% versus 96%, P = 0.718) and LAD graft patency (98% versus 95%, P = 0.372) were equivalent. At mean 42-mo follow-up (longest 8.5 y), Group-1 had lower all-cause mortality but no difference in cardiac mortality or repeat revascularization. In the propensity matched subanalysis, mid-term outcomes were equivalent. CONCLUSIONS: Grafting the LAD with the LITA or RITA during robotic beating-heart TECAB resulted in similar early outcomes and angiographic patency. RITA-LAD patients were more likely to have multivessel disease and higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk and had higher all-cause mortality at mid-term analysis but no difference in major adverse cardiac/cerebrovascular events, including cardiac mortality.

The interplay of inflammation and coagulation in COVID-19 Patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.

OBJECTIVE: Bleeding and thrombosis are common complications during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) support for COVID-19 patients. We sought to examine the relationship between inflammatory status, coagulation effects, and observed bleeding and thrombosis in patients receiving venovenous (VV) ECMO for COVID-19 respiratory failure. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTINGS: Quaternary care institution. PATIENTS: The study period from April 1, 2020, to January 1, 2021, we included all patients with confirmed COVID-19 who received VV ECMO support. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were supported with VV ECMO during the study period, and 17 patients (53%) survived to hospital discharge. The ECMO nonsurvivors mean lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were markedly elevated in comparison to survivors (1046 u/L [IQR = 509, 1305] vs 489 u/L [385 658], p = 0.003). Platelet/fibrinogen dysfunction, as reflected by the low Maximum Amplitude (MA) on viscoelastic testing, was worse in nonsurvivors (65.25 mm [60.68, 67.67] vs 74.80 mm [73.10, 78.40], p = 0.01). Time-group interaction for the first seven days of ECMO support, showed significantly lower platelet count in the nonsurvivors (140 k/ul [103, 170] vs 189.5 k/ul [ 146, 315], p < 0.001) and higher D-dimer in (21 µg/mL [13, 21] vs 14 µg/mL [3, 21], p < 0.001) in comparison to the survivors. Finally, we found profound statistically significant correlations between the clinical markers of inflammation and markers of coagulation in the nonsurvivors group. The ECMO nonsurvivors experienced higher rate of bleeding (73.3% vs 35.3%, p = 0.03), digital ischemia (46.7% vs 11.8%, p = 0.02), acute renal failure (60% vs 11.8%, p = 0.01) and bloodstream infection (60% vs 23.5%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The correlation between inflammation and coagulation in the nonsurvivors supported with VV ECMO could indicate dysregulated inflammatory response and worse clinical outcomes.

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery with or without robotics: Examining the evidence.

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery can be performed with or without robotic assistance. In this issue of the journal, Zheng et al. compare between these two approaches in a propensity-matched study over a 5-year period and show that the two techniques have similar successful short and mid-term outcomes. Although we are proponents of the robotic approach, we agree with their conclusions and discuss in this commentary some of the previously published studies that have shown similar findings.

Proximalized Total Arch Replacement Can Be Safely Performed by Trainee.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to validate safety of total arch replacement (TAR) using a novel frozen elephant trunk device, operated by trainees as surgical education. METHODS: Sixty-four patients including 19 patients (29.6%) with acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) underwent TAR in our institute between April 2014 and March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-nine patients were operated by trainees (group T) and 35 patients were operated by attending surgeons (group A). RESULTS: Patient characteristics did not differ between groups. Operative time (409.4 ± 87.8 vs. 468.6 ± 129.6 minutes, p = 0.034), cardiopulmonary bypass time (177.7 ± 50.4 vs. 222.9 ± 596.7 minutes, p = 0.019), and hypothermic circulatory arrest time (39.5 ± 13.4 vs. 54.5 ± 18.5 minutes, p = 0.001) were significantly shorter in group A than in group T, but aortic clamping time did not differ between groups (115.3 ± 55.7 vs. 114.2 ± 35.0 minutes, p = 0.924) because the rate of concomitant surgery was higher in group A (37.1 vs. 10.3%, p = 0.014). Thirty-day mortality was 3.1% in the entire cohort. Although operation time was longer in group T, there were no significant difference in postoperative results between the groups, and the experience levels of the main operator were not independent predictors for in-hospital mortality + major postoperative complications. There was no difference in late death and aortic events between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that TAR can be safely performed by trainees, and suggests TAR as a possible and safe educational operation.

Edge-to-edge mitral repair for iatrogenic chordal rupture related to Impella 5.0.

Iatrogenic chordal rupture with severe mitral regurgitation is a rare but serious complication associated with the use of Impella device. We present a case of a 47-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy who required insertion of an Impella 5.0 device. During Impella support, he developed acute pulmonary edema secondary to newly diagnosed posterior mitral valve chordal rupture and subsequent severe mitral regurgitation. He underwent implantation of a durable left ventricular assist device with concomitant edge-to-edge mitral valve repair through the apex.

A proposed redosing interval of del Nido cardioplegia solution in adult cardiac surgery: a propensity-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Recently, del Nido cardioplegia solution (DN) has been utilized in adult cardiac surgery. However, adequate interval of maintenance dose(s) is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of our DN protocol by comparing with conventional cold whole blood cardioplegia (CWB). METHODS: A total of 1003 consecutive patients (DN group, N = 350 vs. CWB group, N = 653) underwent cardiovascular surgery between July 2013 and September 2018 were included in this study. The DN protocol was to administer 1000 to 1200 ml as an initial dose and to add maintenance dose(s) (500 ml each) every 60 minutes when the estimated cross-clamp time was over 90 minutes. CWB was given every 20 minutes, regardless of cross-clamp time. Propensity matching identified 254 matched pairs for analysis. The preoperative and postoperative data were reviewed. RESULTS: Cross-clamp time was significantly shorter in the DN group compared with the CWB group (107 ± 56 minutes vs. 116 ± 49 minutes, p = 0.0458). A retrograde cannula was used in 124 (48.8%) patients in the DN group and 181 (71.3%) patients in the CWB group (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in requiring postoperative cardiac supports (inotropes, mechanical circulatory supports) and major complications. In-hospital mortality was similar between two groups (DN group: 3.2% vs. CWB group: 2.4%, p = 0.5872). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term clinical outcomes in the patients underwent cardiovascular surgery with the DN protocol including the redosing interval strategy were acceptable. Also, DN protocol was associated with shortened cross-clamp time and less usage of the retrograde cannula.

Successful Conservative Management of Inferior Mesenteric Artery Aneurysm with Arteriovenous Fistula: A Case Report.

Inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) aneurysm is a rare occurrence, accounting for 1% of all visceral artery aneurysms and is often found incidentally. Surgical resection and endovascular intervention have been first-line treatments because IMA aneurysms have a relatively high risk of life-threatening rupture. Herein, we report the case of a 57-year-old man having a large IMA aneurysm with an arteriovenous fistula that was treated conservatively. The IMA aneurysm was incidentally found using computed tomography (CT) and was connected to the splenic vein through the abnormally dilated tortuous vessels of an arteriovenous fistula. Surgical resection was planned initially; however, preoperative follow-up CT revealed that the aneurysm had shrunk with the growth of an intraluminal thrombus. Subsequently, the condition was conservatively managed with serial CT follow-up. Two years after the first visit, the aneurysm had shrunk and been completely replaced with a thrombus.

Surgical device exchange provides improved clinical outcomes compared to medical therapy in treating continuous-flow left ventricular assist device thrombosis.

The purpose of this study is to compare clinical outcomes of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients with device thrombosis who underwent device exchange (DE) or medical therapy (MT) alone. Consecutive patients undergoing LVAD implant between July 2008 and December 2017 were included. Device thrombosis was diagnosed with comprehensive assessments including ramp test, laboratory data, device parameters, and clinical presentations. First, MT was initiated in all patients. After MT, DE was considered if device thrombosis was refractory to initial MT, and it caused end-organ impairment and/or hemodynamic instability. Among 319 consecutive LVAD patients, 43 patients (13.5%) were diagnosed with device thrombosis. DE was performed in 28 patients (DE group); device explant was performed in 1 patient. MT was continued in 14 patients (MT group). In-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the DE group than the MT group (3.6% [1/28] vs. 28.6% [4/14], P = .0184). One-year survival was significantly better in the DE group (74.0% vs. 30.1%; log-rank = .001), and freedom from cerebrovascular accident (CVA) at 1 year was greater in the DE group (87.1% vs. 47.7%; log-rank = .004). DE was associated with improved 1-year survival and fewer CVAs. Surgical intervention, if feasible, is recommended for LVAD device thrombosis.

Serum Neuron-Specific Enolase Level as Predictor of Neurologic Outcome after Aortic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the significance of serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) level as a predictor of neurologic injury in thoracic aortic surgery. METHODS: We neurologically assessed 60 consecutive patients who underwent thoracic aortic surgery for thoracic aortic aneurysm (n = 26) and aortic dissection (n = 34). Using moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest with antegrade cerebral perfusion, total arch replacement and hemiarch replacement were performed in 37 and 23 patients, respectively. Serum NSE levels in venous blood samples drawn before surgery and at 1 day after surgery were measured. Severity of neurologic injury was categorized as either uncomplicated (n = 48), temporary neurologic dysfunction (TND, n = 5), or permanent neurologic dysfunction (PND, n = 7). The extent of stroke was estimated on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: The NSE level significantly differed among the three groups (PND > TND > uncomplicated) on the first postoperative day. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the cutoff value of NSE level was 34.14 ng/mL for neurologic injury (sensitivity, 0.769; specificity, 0.851) and 43.56 ng/mL for PND (sensitivity, 1.000; specificity, 0.963). The NSE level significantly correlated with the extent of stroke (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Serum NSE level is a significant predictor of adverse neurologic outcomes and extent of stroke after thoracic aortic surgery.

Correction to: A subcostal approach is favorable compared to sternotomy for left ventricular assist device exchange.

In the original publication, the title of the article was published incorrectly.

Transplantation of a decellularized mitral valve complex in pigs.

PURPOSE: Conventional mitral valve replacement is associated with the loss of natural continuity of the mitral valve complex. This study evaluated the morphologic/histological characteristics and function of a decellularized mitral valve used as a transplantable graft. METHODS: Hearts excised from pigs were decellularized by perfusion using detergent. Grafts with the mitral annulus, valve, chordae, and papillary muscle isolated from the decellularized heart were then transplanted into recipient pigs. After transplantation, the function of the graft was analyzed through echocardiography. A histological analysis was performed to evaluate the postoperative features of the decellularized graft. RESULTS: The decellularized graft was successfully transplanted in all cases but one. The remaining grafts maintained their morphology and function. They did not exhibit mitral regurgitation or stenosis. Only one animal survived for 3 weeks, and a histological analysis was able to be performed in this case. The transplanted valve was re-covered with endothelial cells. The microvessels in the papillary muscle were recellularized with vascular endothelial cells, and the papillary muscle was completely attached to the papillary muscle of the recipient. CONCLUSION: The early outcome of decellularized mitral graft transplantation was acceptable. This native organ-derived acellular scaffold is a promising candidate for the replacement of the mitral valve complex.

Examination of Anterior Leaflet Pseudoprolapse Causing Severe Mitral Regurgitation and Its Ideal Surgical Procedure.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate severe mitral regurgitation caused by so called atrial leaflet "pseudoprolapse" and verify the effect of simple annular stabilization. METHODS: One-hundred-twenty-two patients underwent surgery for severe mitral regurgitation at our institute between January 2015 to July 2018. Of those, 32 cases diagnosed as anterior leaflet prolapse that underwent mitral repair were analyzed. Ten cases with pseudoprolapse, which is defined as anterior leaflet prolapse without dropping into the left atrium beyond the annular line causing eccentric regurgitation flow directed to the posterior atrium, were classified as the Pseudoprolapse Group. The other 22 cases had obvious anterior leaflet prolapse dropping into the left atrium; these cases were classified as the True Prolapse Group. We compared clinical findings between the 2 groups and reviewed pseudoprolapse cases. RESULTS: Patients in the Pseudoprolapse Group had lower ejection fraction and lower regurgitation volume than those in the True Prolapse Group. A2 lesion as main inflow of regurgitation was more included in the Pseudoprolapse Group. All but one patient in the Pseudoprolapse Group received only simple annuloplasty, and all patients in the True Prolapse Group received leaflet repair and annuloplasty. In both groups, mid-term regurgitation grade and the reoperation rate were satisfactory. In the Pseudoprolapse Group, 6 cases were clarified as atrial functional mitral regurgitation, and 4 cases were considered to have focal posterior leaflet tethering. CONCLUSIONS: Pseudoprolapse cases could be characterized by low ejection fraction, low regurgitation volume, and A2 prolapse. For most cases with pseudoprolapse, simple annuloplasty may be enough, however further study is needed.

A subcostal approach is favorable compared to sternotomy for left ventricular assist device exchange field of research: artificial heart (clinical).

This is a single-center retrospective study to summarize clinical outcomes of patients requiring surgical continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (HeartMate II) exchange. The patients who underwent HeartMate II exchange were divided into two groups either via a subcostal approach (SC group) or a full sternotomy (FS group). The exclusion criteria of a subcostal approach for device exchange included the presence of outflow graft obstruction, and/or the need for concomitant cardiac procedures. Among 277 consecutive patients who underwent HeartMate II implantation from July 2008 to December 2015, 25 patients (9.0%) required device exchange (SC group; N = 13, FS group; N = 12). The SC group, compared to the FS group, had a shorter operative time (200.6 ± 31.4 min vs 534.2 ± 123.9 min; P < 0.001), shorter cardiopulmonary bypass time (33.1 ± 22.0 min vs 151.5 ± 53.1 min; P < 0.001), fewer blood transfusion (0.31 ± 0.48 units vs 4.67 ± 3.65 units; P = 0.002). The SC group had lower incidence of postoperative prolonged intubation (> 24 h) (7.7% vs 90.9%, P < 0.001), tracheostomy (0.0% vs 41.7%, P = 0.015), acute kidney injury requiring dialysis (0.0% vs 33.3%, P = 0.039). In-hospital mortality was 0.0% (0/13) in the SC group and 16.7% (2/12) in the FS group (P = 0.220). In conclusion, a subcostal approach was associated with shorter operative time, fewer blood transfusions, and less postoperative complications, compared to full sternotomy. A subcostal approach, if feasible, is preferred for HeartMate II device exchange.

Predictors of blood transfusion use in robotic beating-heart totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass with anastomotic connectors.

BACKGROUND: We sought to identify the independent predictors of blood transfusion requirement in robotic beating-heart patients with totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing TECAB with distal anastomotic connectors from July 2013 to May 2017 at our institution. The cohorts were divided into patients who received a blood transfusion (BT group) and patients who did not (non-blood transfusion [NBT] group). RESULTS: Two-hundred seventy-four consecutive patients underwent TECAB, and 47 patients (17%; BT group) received BT. The BT group had a lower preoperative hemoglobin level and a higher rate of preoperative risk profiles and higher society of thoracic surgeons (STS) predicted the risk of mortality. Kaplan Meier analysis showed decreased 1-year survival in the BT group compared with the NBT group (90.9% vs 96.4%; logrank, 0.017). The Youden index identified a preoperative hemoglobin cutoff value of 12.2 g/dL (sensitivity 60.9%, specificity 79.3%) and operative time of 300 minutes (sensitivity 61.7%, specificity 59.0%) for BT requirement. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified a preoperative hemoglobin <12.2 g/dL (odds ratio, 6.03; 95% confidence interval, 3.01-12.1) and an operative time >300 minutes (odds ratio, 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-4.33) as independent factors associated with BT requirement. CONCLUSIONS: We found that preoperative hemoglobin and operative time were independent predictors of BT requirement during robotic beating-heart TECAB. These data would help to select patients to minimize perioperative BT as well as predict outcomes after this procedure.

Preoperative Right-Sided Cardiac Congestion Is Associated with Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

BACKGROUND: Large scale data on preoperative risk stratification for gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) following continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) implantation are scarce. AIMS: To identify independent predictors for GIB following CF-LVAD implantation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive 243 patients who underwent CF-LVAD implantation (HeartMateII) from January 2009 to March 2015 at the University of Chicago Medical Center. GIB was defined as the presence of overt bleeding or occult GIB with ≥ 2 g/dl drop in hemoglobin (Hgb) from recorded baseline values and hemoccult-positive stool. The preoperative and postoperative data were reviewed. RESULTS: Within a median follow-up duration of 408 (IQR 113-954) days, 83 (34%) patients developed GIB after a median of 149 (IQR 27-615) days after implantation of CF-LVAD. There were no significant differences between the groups of GIB and non-GIB with respect to preoperative demographics and comorbidity except for ethnicity. The source of bleeding was identified in 39 (47%) patients and arteriovenous malformation or submucosal streaming vessel was the most frequent cause of bleeding (18/39, 46%). Multivariate-adjusted analysis demonstrated preoperative central venous pressure (CVP) ≥ 18 mmHg (HR 3.56; 95% CI 1.16-10.9; p = 0.026), mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPA) ≥ 36 mmHg (HR 4.14; 95% CI 1.35-12.7; p = 0.013), and the presence of moderate/severe tricuspid valve disease (HR 1.01; 95% CI 1.01-3.86; p = 0.046) were associated with the risk of GIB. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, preoperative right-sided cardiac congestion (i.e., increased CVP, mPA and the presence of moderate/severe tricuspid valve disease) was associated with GIB in patients with CF-LVAD.

Papillary muscle rupture after myocardial infarction during left ventricular assist device support.

We report a rare case of papillary muscle rupture due to myocardial infarction during left ventricular assist device support. A 69-year-old woman with cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was transferred for further surgical intervention. Six days after the event, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was decannulated, and an extracorporeal left ventricular assist device was implanted. On postoperative day 11, she suffered from sudden onset hypoxia due to pulmonary edema. Transesophageal echocardiography showed new onset severe mitral regurgitation. No further surgical intervention was performed according to the family's wishes, and she passed away on the 22nd postoperative day. Autopsy findings revealed papillary muscle rupture. Although the left ventricle is unloaded by the left ventricular assist device, papillary muscle rupture should be recognized as a possible complication after myocardial infarction.

Preservation of Mobility of the Posterior Mitral Leaflet After Mitral Valve Repair With Neochordae Using Loop Technique.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the loop technique has been standardized for mitral valve repair, with excellent long-term outcomes reported. This study thus analyzed whether the loop technique could preserve mitral leaflet mobility on trans-thoracic echocardiography. METHODS AND RESULTS: Among 367 concomitant patients who underwent mitral valve repair at Keio University Hospital between January 2007 and December 2014, 304 patients had a prolapse of the posterior leaflet. Of these, 84 cases assessed on echocardiography were retrospectively analyzed for this study. These patients were divided into 4 groups based on the procedure used: (1) group L1 (n=28), loop technique alone; (2) group L2 (n=14), loop technique with resection and suture; (3) group L3 (n=33), loop technique with plication of indentation; and (4) group R (n=9), resection and suture alone. The mean postoperative mobile posterior mitral leaflet (PML) angles in groups L1 and L2 (39.3±16.0°, 37.3±16.0°) were significantly larger than those in groups L3 and R (18.8±15.7°, 15.3±15.7°), respectively (P<0.01). Ring size, age, and mobile PML angle had a statistically significant correlation with the postoperative mean mitral valve pressure gradient (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The loop technique preserved PML mobility and enabled implantation of a larger ring, resulting in a reduced mean mitral valve pressure gradient. (Circ J 2016; 80: 663-667).

Kinked Graft and Anastomotic Stenosis-Induced Hemolytic Anemia Requiring Reoperation.

We report a case of hemolytic anemia caused initially by narrowing of a proximal anastomotic site and subsequently by a kinked prosthetic graft after total aortic arch replacement. A 55-year-old man was diagnosed with acute type A aortic dissection by computed tomography (CT). After total aortic arch replacement, hemolytic anemia and renal dysfunction developed. CT detected narrowing of proximal anastomotic site of the graft. Removing the graft and ascending aortic replacement resolved the signs of hemolytic anemia. However, 50 days after the surgery, severe hemolytic anemia developed again. CT revealed a sharply kinked graft. Total arch replacement was again performed to resect the kinked graft. He was discharged on the 24th postoperative day without hemodialysis.

Postoperative Stroke after Debranching with Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the perioperative stroke rate, stroke lesions, outcome, risk factors, and stroke prevention following debranching with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: Between February 2011 and February 2015, 74 consecutive patients underwent debranching with TEVAR at our institution. Of these, the TEVAR proximal landing zone was "zone 0" in 23 patients, "zone 1" in 28, and "zone 2" in 23. Left subclavian artery (LSA) occlusion with coil embolization, balloon occlusion, or vascular plugging was performed in 27 patients. Mean follow-up time was 19.2 months (range 2-52 months). RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate was 4.1%. Stroke developed in 7 patients (9.5%), zone 0 in 4 patients, zone 1 in 2, and zone 2 in 1. Six of these patients had stroke lesions arising from the vertebral/basilar artery. Univariate analysis revealed a significant increase in the risk of postoperative stroke in patients with intraluminal atheroma (P = 0.001), those who underwent prior percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft (P = 0.002), and those with a long operative duration (P = 0.001). Additionally, LSA occlusion significantly decreased the incidence of stroke (P = 0.041). The postsurgical 1- and 2-year cumulative survival rates were 87.3% and 77.0%, respectively, in those without stroke, and 68.6% and 22.9%, respectively, in those with stroke (P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Stroke after debranching with TEVAR was associated with a high mortality. To prevent stroke, careful patient selection and protection of the vertebral artery are important. Prophylactic LSA occlusion at the time of stent-graft deployment might reduce the risk of perioperative stroke.

A delayed splenic rupture after transcatheter arterial embolization required total splenectomy in a patient with an implantable left ventricular assist device.

We successfully managed a splenic injury and delayed splenic rupture in a patient with an implantable left ventricular assist device (iLVAD). A 42-year-old man with an iLVAD for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy was admitted to our department complaining of dizziness. Laboratory data showed severe anemia, and computed tomography demonstrated a traumatic splenic injury. Following conservative treatment, partial splenic embolization was performed. Fifteen days after the intervention, the patient went into hemorrhagic shock due to delayed splenic rupture. Emergency total splenic embolization was performed, and total splenectomy was conducted later to prevent re-bleeding or abscess formation. His postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged on postoperative day 22. Finally, he underwent orthotropic heart transplantation without post-splenectomy sepsis or thrombotic complications 472 days after splenectomy. Splenic injury should be considered as a possible complication of iLVAD. In addition, careful follow-up after transcatheter arterial embolization for splenic injury is essential for managing delayed splenic rupture.