A systematic review of primary endovascular repair of the ascending aorta.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular repair of the ascending aorta is currently limited to patients at high surgical risk with aortic diseases originating above the sinotubular junction. A number of different endovascular technologies and approaches have been used, although no consensus exists regarding a standardized technique. To better understand real-world endovascular approaches to the ascending aorta, we performed a comprehensive review of the types of endovascular aortic stents and associated vascular access used in repair of the ascending aorta. METHODS: A search of the MEDLINE database was conducted from January 1, 1995, through January 31, 2017, with the search term "ascending aortic stent." Studies involving endovascular stenting in which the primary therapy was confined exclusively to the ascending aorta were included. Studies involving hybrid arch procedures and surgical replacement of the ascending aorta associated with aortic stenting were excluded. The type of aortic stent, underlying aortic disease, and surgical approach were recorded along with outcomes, need for reinterventions, and follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 46 publications that focused on primary endovascular repair of the ascending aorta were identified. Thirteen different aortic stent grafts of various designs were used in 118 total patients. The most commonly used device types were thoracic stents (n = 84 [71.2%]) along with abdominal cuffs (n = 13 [11%]) and custom-made grafts (n = 12 [10.2%]). The most commonly treated aortic disease was type A aortic dissection (n = 59 [50%]), followed by aortic pseudoaneurysm (n = 35 [29.7%]), aortic aneurysm (n = 6 [5.1%]), penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (n = 5 [4.2%]), and acute aortic rupture (n = 3 [2.5%]). Femoral arterial access was used in 62.7% of patients (n = 74); transapical (n = 17 [14.4%]), carotid (n = 15 [12.7%]), and axillary (n = 8 [6.8%]) approaches were also used. The overall type I endoleak rate was 18.6% (n = 22), with 11 patients (9.3%) requiring reintervention. Other complications included all-cause mortality (n = 18 [15.2%]), conversions to open surgery (n = 4 [3.4%]), and cerebrovascular complications (n = 4 [3.4%]). Aorta-related mortality was 5% (n = 6), and average follow-up was 17.2 months. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the absence of a dedicated aortic stent graft for the ascending aorta, patients with a range of ascending aortic diseases are being successfully treated by endovascular technologies. For optimal outcomes, patient selection is critical to align aortic anatomy with the limited device sizing options, and it should be reserved for patients at high surgical risk.

Examining Mortality and Rejection in Combined Heart-Lung Transplantations.

Background There is a paucity of data on outcomes related to combined heart-lung transplantations (HLTs). Our objective was to identify variables associated with mortality and rejection in HLT. Methods The United Network for Organ Sharing database was reviewed for HLT performed between 1993 and 2008. Long-term survivors (survival > 5 years) were compared with short-term survivors (survival < 5 years). Factors associated with rejection were examined. Risk-adjusted multivariable Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to examine variables associated with mortality and rejection. Results Multivariable analysis revealed that recipient male gender was associated with mortality at 1 year (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-2.54, p = 0.01) and 5 years (HR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.05-1.89, p = 0.02). Preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was associated with mortality at 1 year (HR: 7.55, 95% CI: 2.55-22.30, p < 0.01) and 5 years (HR: 3.14, 95% CI: 1.19-8.32, p = 0.02). Preoperative mechanical ventilation (MV) was associated with mortality at 1 year (HR: 3.51, 95% CI: 1.77-6.98, p < 0.01) and at 5 years (HR: 2.70, 95% CI: 1.51-4.85, p < 0.01). Multivariable analysis showed that male gender (HR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.03-3.09, p = 0.04) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) positivity in the recipient and donor (HR: 3.09, 95% CI: 1.59-6.01, p < 0.01) were associated with rejection. Clinical infection in the donor (HR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.16-3.61, p = 0.01) was also associated with rejection. Conclusion Survival was affected by recipient male sex and need for preoperative ECMO or MV. Risk factors for rejection included male sex, CMV positivity in the donor and recipient, and donor with clinical infection.

Multispecialty involvement in the management of type B aortic dissections in the endovascular era-Implications for training cardiothoracic residents.

PURPOSE: Involvement of qualified specialists with proficiency in endovascular therapies has created flux regarding the role of cardiothoracic surgeons, vascular surgeons, and other catheter-skilled specialists in the management of type B aortic dissections. We used manuscript authorship trends and recent match data in order to study how multi-specialty involvement in treating aortic dissections has changed in the endovascular era. METHODS: A PubMed review of published literature between 1998 and 2015 was performed with "aortic dissection" in the title. Case studies and entries with incomplete author or identifying information were excluded. Author number, specialty affiliation, and treatment focus were recorded. Available residency match data were obtained from the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). RESULTS: Cardiothoracic surgeons represented 38.5% (10/23) of the authors for papers with an endovascular focus in 1998 compared with 27.7% (59/213) in 2015. Vascular surgeons represented 19.2% (5/23) and 37.1% (79/213) of authors in 1998 and 2015, respectively. Radiologists accounted for 30.4% (7/23) of authorship in 1998 and 8.9% (19/213) in 2015. NRMP match data revealed a 10.6% decrease in thoracic surgery matches from 2004 to 2015, while vascular surgery and interventional radiology increased by 74.7% and 191.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular technologies have resulted in significant changes as to which specialties manage complicated type B aortic dissections. Vascular surgeons, with both open and extensive endovascular training are optimally positioned to assume a major role in the care of aortic dissection patients. Continued emphasis on endovascular training and multispecialty collaboration is essential for cardiothoracic surgeons in the endovascular era.

Study design and rationale of the heterotopic implantation of the Edwards-Sapien XT transcatheter valve in the inferior VEna cava for the treatment of severe tricuspid regurgitation (HOVER) trial.

BACKGROUND: Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is an under treated disease. Although surgery for TR remains an effective therapy, many patients are considered to be at a high risk or otherwise inoperable. Caval valve implant (CAVI) offers an alternative to surgery in these patients. Trials assessing the safety and efficacy of caval valve implant are lacking. METHODS: The Heterotopic Implantation Of the Edwards-Sapien XT Transcatheter Valve in the Inferior VEna cava for the treatment of severe Tricuspid Regurgitation (HOVER) trial is an FDA approved, physician initiated, prospective, non-blinded (open label), non-randomized safety and feasibility study to determine the safety and efficacy of the heterotopic implantation of the Edwards-Sapien XT valve in the inferior vena cava for the treatment of severe TR in patients who are at high risk or inoperable. Patients with severe TR in the absence of severe pulmonary hypertension will be recruited. They will be evaluated by a multi-disciplinary team who will agree by consensus that the patients' symptoms are from TR. They will undergo imaging to assess the size of the inferior vena cava (IVC) to determine feasibility of the procedure. If patients meet the inclusion criteria and are free from exclusion criteria, after informed consent they will be eligible for enrollment in the study. A total of 30 patients will be enrolled. The primary objective of the study will be to demonstrate procedural success at 30-days and patient success at 1-year. CONCLUSION: Caval valve implant may present an alternative for patients who are at high risk or inoperable for tricuspid valve surgery (TVS) for TR. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Endoanchor stenting for the repair of a Type I endoleak in the aortic arch following the endovascular repair of a Kommerrell's diverticulum.

As more challenging aortic arch anatomy is being treated using aortic stent-grafts, there is an increased risk for proximal Type I endoleaks at the proximal seal zone or subsequent graft migration. We report a case of an endoanchor-assisted thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair of a patient with an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) and aortic arch aneurysm who developed a proximal Type I endoleak in the aortic arch which was subsequently treated with endoanchors.

Hybrid repair of thoracic aortic lesions for zone 0 and 1 in high-risk patients.

PURPOSE: Some patients with aortic arch or descending thoracic aorta pathologies are not suited for open repair because of comorbidities that may increase their risk of procedural complications or death. Endovascular approaches may also be difficult when there are inadequate proximal landing zones in the aortic arch. We report our experience using rerouting techniques with bypass, stenting of the branches, or a combination of both to create a landing area in zones 0 and 1 of the aortic arch. METHODS: Since November 2002, thoracic aortic endoluminal grafts were placed in 38 patients in whom the endograft was deployed in zone 0 (n = 27) or zone 1 (n = 11). A retrospective review is included. RESULTS: There were 11 women and 27 men with a mean age of 65.4 years (range 38-88). Aortic pathology included 12 Stanford type A dissections, 10 aortic arch aneurysms, 8 Stanford type B dissections, 3 descending thoracic aortic aneurysms, 2 aortobronchial fistulas, 1 innominate artery aneurysm and 2 aortic arch pseudoaneurysms. In zone 0, 21 had thoracic debranching with an ascending bypass, three patients had a remote-inflow and three patients had a chimney-stent with carotid-carotid bypass. In zone 1, five patients had a carotid-carotid bypass, one patient had an aortic to left common carotid artery (LCCA) bypass and five patients had chimney-stent on the LCCA. Fifty-eight percent of the patients were symptomatic and 26% emergent. Three patients required hemodialysis postoperatively (7.9%), 18 patients (47.4%) required prolonged mechanical ventilation for respiratory insufficiency. Paraplegia occurred in one patient (2.7%), and five patients suffered a cerebrovascular accident (13.1%). There were four early type I and two type II endoleaks. Overall 30-day mortality was 23.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The hybrid approach for repair of the aortic arch pathologies is feasible in patients unfit for open repair. We present the results of performing different techniques to treat the aortic arch with hybrid repair with antegrade or retrograde inflow, stenting of the branches or a combination of both. Long-term results are unknown, and larger series results and comparative studies are needed to determine safety and efficacy.

In situ fenestration of the internal iliac artery as a bailout technique associated with endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm: long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: To describe a bailout technique for in situ fenestration of an inadvertently covered internal iliac artery (IIA) associated with endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). TECHNIQUE: The procedure is demonstrated in a 76-year-old patient who underwent elective repair of a 5-cm infrarenal AAA using an Excluder endovascular graft 2 years following thoracic aortic stent-graft repair of a chronic type B aortic dissection. A completion angiogram demonstrated unintentional coverage of the left IIA. The iliac limb of the stent-graft was not able to be displaced away from the ostium, so to preserve IIA perfusion in a patient with prior thoracic aortic stent-grafting, a bailout technique was performed using an Outback re-entry device to successfully fenestrate the polytetrafluoroethylene graft material. An iCast balloon-expandable stent was placed across the fenestration creating a patent side branch to maintain patency. Six-year follow-up demonstrates a stable repair. CONCLUSION: In situ fenestration of a stent-graft overlying the internal iliac artery can be a useful bailout technique when other options are unsuccessful.

Six-month preclinical results of novel vascular anastomosis device intended to facilitate open aortic and arch vessel reconstruction.

The surgical repair of type A aortic dissection often involves prosthetic proximal aortic and arch reconstruction. Hypothermic circulatory arrest is typically used in these complex surgeries given the required prolonged ischaemia and the associated morbidity and mortality. A novel vascular anastomoses device (Device) has been developed to rapidly connect a native vessel to a polyester graft. This study describes deployment of the Device in the ovine model (n = 3; 6 carotid arteries). Anastamoses were created rapidly, and brain ischaemia time was limited to 6 min in all but one vessel. All vessels remained fully patent with normal blood flow and thrombus-free transitions through 6 months. Results thus suggest that this Device has the potential to reduce anastomosis time versus conventional suturing techniques and thereby reduce hypothermic circulatory arrest time.

Transcatheter closure of recurrent aortic pseudoaneurysm previously treated by Amplatzer occluder device.

Thoracic pseudoaneurysms are a rare variety of aortic disorders that are potentially fatal. Traditionally, these are treated surgically. False aneurysms are usually a late complication of a previous surgical procedure. Surgical management is often complicated by poor outcomes with high morbidity and mortality. We report a patient with recurrence of an aortic pseudoaneurysm after closure with an Amplatzer (AGA Medical Corp, Plymouth, NH) septal occluder that was successfully treated with a second Amplatzer device.

Percutaneous closure of aortic pseudoaneurysm by Amplatzer occluder device-case series of six patients.

Thoracic pseudoaneurysms are rare variety of aortic disorders. Although mostly asymptomatic, they represent potentially fatal conditions (Sullivan et al., Chest 1988;93:138-143; Razzouk et al., Ann Surg 1993;59:818-823) that are traditionally treated surgically. False aneurysms of aorta are usually a late complication of previous surgical procedure (Sullivan et al., 1988)-especially reconstructive surgery, trauma (Razzouk et al., 1993), and rarely infection (Sanchez-Recalde et al., J Am Coll Cardiol 2003;41:152-154). Surgical management is often complicated by poor outcomes with high morbidity and mortality (Mulder et al., Arch Surg 1998;133:45-49). Endovascular treatment is emerging as promising options for aortic diseases with fewer complications. We report a series of six cases at a single center where Amplatzer device was used to treat thoracic aortic pseudo aneurysm. To our knowledge only one series of three cases (Kanani et al., Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2007;69:146-153) and few case reports (Bashi et al., Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2005;65:547-551) of successful closure have been published previously. Our case series is the largest, so far, including mortality and specifically the preprocedural and postprocedural CT angiographic assessment of the pseudoaneurysms.

Retrograde type A dissection after endovascular stenting of the descending thoracic aorta. Is the risk real?

OBJECTIVE: Retrograde type A dissection during or after endoluminal graft repair of the descending thoracic aorta is a potentially lethal complication unique to thoracic endografting. Our aim is to increase its awareness and to review possible etiological factors. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-seven patients with different thoracic aortic pathologies were treated with endovascular prostheses over the last 6 years (February 2000 to March 2006) under a single-site protocol. A retrospective review was conducted to identify any retrograde aortic dissections by both chart and film review. Factors that may have contributed to its formation were also documented. This population was analyzed for the complication of retrograde aortic dissection as well as the factors related to its occurrence. RESULTS: Seven patients (2.4%) with a gender distribution of three males and four females experienced a retrograde type A dissection within this sample at a median of 202 days. The mean age was 74 years (range 53-83). Aortic pathologies included aortic dissections (n=6) and thoracic aortic aneurysm (n=1). There were (n=3) 43% retrograde type A dissections identified within the perioperative period. Balloon angioplasty was performed in 71.4% (n=5). Two female patients (28.6%) had this event identified within their initial hospitalization with fatal consequences. Overall mortality was 57% (n=4) with extension of dissection the primary cause of death n=3 and open surgical repair (n=1) after an extension of retrograde dissection. CONCLUSIONS: Female gender, use of stent-grafts for dissection and possible aggressive balloon angioplasty may play a role in the cause of retrograde type A dissection. A close surveillance program is recommended when using thoracic endografts outside the recommended device instructions for use.

Gastric duplication cysts expressing carcinoembryonic antigen mimicking cystic pancreatic neoplasms in two adults.

Gastric duplication cysts in adults are very rare and usually found incidentally during evaluation for an unrelated ailment. When they are found in close proximity to the pancreas, they can be confused with cystic neoplasms of the pancreas, which are typically also asymptomatic yet more common. As part of the evaluation of cystic pancreatic lesions, cyst fluid analysis for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is undertaken to determine malignant potential. Herein we present two cases of cystic lesions thought to arise from the pancreas found to have elevated preoperative cystic CEA levels. At operation, they were found to be gastric duplication cysts and were resected. We report the histologic findings and review of the current literature.

Endovascular reconstruction of a new aortoiliac bifurcation to manage a ruptured thoracoabdominal pseudoaneurysm in a Marfan patient.

Traditional open surgical repair for aortic rupture from a thoracoabdominal pseudoaneurysm is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. The use of advanced intravascular imaging and endovascular techniques permits selection and customizing endoluminal graft components to treat such catastrophic events in high-risk surgical patients. We report the successful management of a ruptured thoracoabdominal pseudoaneurysm with an endovascular approach.

Right Axillary Artery Cannulation for Endovascular Repair of an Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

We present the case of a 48-year-old woman with an acute type A aortic dissection that was treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair at our institution. The patient was found to have a focal type A dissection with pericardial effusion but no tamponade physiology and no involvement of the aortic valve or root. We elected to treat the patient's type A aortic dissection with an endovascular stent because of the patient's favorable anatomy and no evidence of neurologic deficits or signs of distal malperfusion. The patient was successfully treated with an abdominal aortic cuff deployed through the axillary artery. An axillary approach was necessary because of the short length of the delivery sheath preventing a transfemoral delivery. At 2-year follow-up, the patient remains free of complications with computed tomography scan revealing complete false lumen thrombosis and a stable endovascular repair. This report demonstrates a case of acute type A aortic dissection successfully treated using thoracic endovascular aortic repair and illustrates the utility of axillary cannulation for precise deployment of stent grafts in the ascending aorta.

Where have all the cardiothoracic surgery residents gone? Placement of graduating residents by United States thoracic surgery training programs, 1998 to 2002.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the evolving job placement trends of graduating cardiothoracic surgery residents over a 5-year period from the perspective of the program director. METHODS: Graduate placement questionnaires were sent to program directors of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited United States thoracic surgery residency programs (n = 92). Program directors were asked to categorize the type of job that each resident chose upon graduation (1998-2002). RESULTS: Of the program directors surveyed, 71.7% (66/92) responded, representing 76.4% (545/714) of the total graduating resident population during the study period. Three-year training programs constituted 24.2% (16/66) of the respondents and accounted for 20.2% (110/545) of the graduates. Annually, graduates most commonly chose private practice jobs. Between 2001 and 2002, the percentage of graduates entering fellowships increased (11.8% [13/110] versus 19.1% [21/110], P = .008) as the percentage of graduates choosing private practice positions decreased (56.4% [62/110] versus 45.5% [50/110], P = .15). In total, 12.8% (70/545) of the graduates pursued fellowships, with associated specialty choices being: 38.6% (27/70) adult cardiac, 37.1% (26/70) congenital, 15.7% (11/70) transplantation, and 8.6% (6/70) thoracic. There were no significant differences between 2-year and 3-year training program graduates in choice of private practice versus academic jobs. CONCLUSIONS: In 2002, a greater percentage of graduates chose to pursue fellowship training at the expense of private practice employment. This difference may in part result from fewer employment opportunities rather than graduate choice. Ongoing studies are needed to follow this trend. Annual analysis of the placement of all graduating residents would help to identify changes in employment.

Axillary Artery Access for Combined Endoaortic Balloon Occlusion and Perfusion During Robotic Mitral Valve Surgery.

We aimed to develop a method that provides an alternative cannulation site in robotic mitral valve surgery that allows simultaneous endo-occlusion and antegrade perfusion. A 71-year-old man with severe mitral regurgitation and history of coronary artery bypass grafting underwent totally endoscopic robotic mitral valve repair. A 23-mm endoreturn cannula was placed through a 10-mm graft that was sewn to the left axillary artery. An endoballoon was passed through the Dacron/cannula complex and into the ascending aorta. This complex was used for simultaneous antegrade perfusion, endoballoon occlusion, and antegrade cardioplegia. Completion transesophageal echocardiography showed no evidence of mitral regurgitation. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was doing well at his 2-month follow-up appointment. The left axillary artery is a viable option for simultaneous endoballoon occlusion, antegrade perfusion, and antegrade cardioplegia in robotic mitral valve surgery. This has the potential benefit of providing antegrade perfusion, which some studies have shown to be associated with a decreased risk of complications when compared with retrograde perfusion specifically in patients with severe peripheral vascular disease.

Ascending Aortic Endoballoon Occlusion Feasible Despite Moderately Enlarged Aorta to Facilitate Robotic Mitral Valve Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Aortic occlusion with an endoballoon is a well-established technique to facilitate robotic and minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. Use of the endoballoon has several relative contraindications including ascending aortic dilatation greater than 38 mm in size. We sought to review our experience using the endoballoon in cases of totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery with aortic diameters greater than 38 mm. METHODS: A retrospective review of our single-site database was conducted to identify patients undergoing totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery by a single surgeon using an endoballoon and who had ascending aortic dilation. We defined aortic dilation as greater than 38 mm. Computed tomography was done preoperatively on all patients to evaluate the aortic anatomy as well as iliofemoral access vessels. Femoral artery cannulation was done in a standardized fashion to advance and position the endoballoon, to occlude the ascending aorta, and to deliver cardioplegia. RESULTS: From October 2011 through June 2015, 196 patients underwent totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery using an endoballoon at our institution. Twenty-two patients (11.2%) had ascending aortic diameters greater than 38 mm (range, 38.1-46.6 mm; mean, 40.5 ± 2.5 mm). In these cases, there were no instances of aortic dissection or other injury due to balloon rupture, balloon migration, device movement leading to loss of occlusion, or inability to complete planned surgery due to occlusion failure. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that it is possible to successfully use endoaortic balloon occlusion in patients with ascending aortic dilation with proper preoperative imaging and planning.