Medium-Term Outcomes of Treatment with a VIABAHN VBX Covered Stent for Aortoiliac Occlusive Lesions in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment (EVT) for aortoiliac (AI) occlusive lesions is now conducted worldwide, but there are challenges in EVT for complex AI lesions. The VIABAHN VBX (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) is a next-generation balloon-expandable covered stent designed for use with complex AI lesions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the medium-term outcomes of VIABAHN VBX for such lesions. METHODS: Symptomatic patients who underwent EVT with VIABAHN VBX for an AI lesion from 2018 to 2020 at 7 Japanese centers were reviewed retrospectively. The primary endpoints were primary patency and freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR). RESULTS: A total of 95 EVT procedures with VIABAHN VBX for AI occlusive lesions were performed in 71 patients. The patients had high rates of dyslipidemia (53%) and chronic kidney disease (61%), and 22% had chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). The Transatlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC Ⅱ) class was A in 12 patients (17%), B in 12 (17%), C in 10 (14%), and D in 37 (52%). Severe calcification (360°) of the treated lesion was present in 31 patients (33%). The median procedure time was 84 (49-158) min, with a technical success rate of 100%. The median follow-up period was 36 (32-43) months. The 3-year primary and secondary patency of VIABAHN VBX were 91% and 99%, the 3-year freedom from TLR was 92%, and the 3-year freedom from major adverse limb event (MALE) was 98%. No limbs required major amputation. Lesion severity (TASC Ⅱ C or D) and severe calcification did not affect the primary patency or freedom from TLR. CONCLUSIONS: Medium-term outcomes after EVT with VIABAHN VBX for AI lesions were acceptable regardless of lesion severity and calcification. These results suggest that VIABAHN VBX may be suitable for AI occlusive lesions with severe anatomical complexity and/or severe calcification.

[Development of a Novel Simple Electrophysiological Study During Atrial Fibrillation Surgery:the Methods of Identifying AFs Where Pulmonary Vein Isolation is Effective].

BACKGROUND & AIM: Surgical procedure for chronic atrial tiburillation (Af) associated with organic cardiac disease is still superior, but atrial potential mapping has rarely been performed for these patients. An epicardial mapping is necessary to elucidate the electrophysiology of Af as a disease, and to verify whether interventions are correctly performed to establish surgical treatment. We report the development of a new method that enables simple and immediate intraoperative decisions electrophysiologically. METHODS & RESULTS: To realize real-time epi-atrial mapping, we planned to apply the mapping system (ExTRa Mapping System), which is already clinically applied during catheter ablation in Japan, for potential acquisition analysis. We developed an epicardial probe (20-point spiral electrode, 25 mm in diameter) that is compatible with the ExTRa mapping system. Using these electrodes, 5-second continuous recordings were made at 12 right atrial (RA) and 7 left atrial (LA) areas, covering the entire atrial surface, to confirm the existence and distribution of multiple wavelets and their central rotors (Ro). Both atria were mapped in 3 patients with chronic Af with mitral valve disease who underwent open heart surgery through a median sternotomy (mean age 73 years, 3 males). Ro was clearly expressed on the monitor display which can be observed by operator in real time. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION: The system we have developed made it possible to observe Ro, which electrically characterize chronic Af, including their distribution in real time. The development of electrophysiologically- supported theoretical Af surgery can be expected through the accumulation of cases, detailed potential analysis, and verification of the placement of the isolation line and surgical results.

Clinical Outcomes of Common Femoral Thromboendarterectomy with Bovine Pericardium Patch Angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of thromboendarterectomy (TEA) for common femoral occlusive disease using bovine pericardium patch angioplasty. METHODS: The subjects were patients who underwent TEA for common femoral occlusive disease with bovine pericardium patch angioplasty from October 2020 to August 2021. The study had a prospective, multicenter, and observational design. The primary end point was primary patency (freedom from restenosis). The secondary end points were secondary patency, amputation-free survival (AFS), postoperative wound complication, hospital death within 30 days, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 30 days. RESULTS: Forty-seven TEA procedures with a bovine patch were performed in 42 patients (34 males; median age, 78 years; diabetes mellitus, 57%; end-stage renal disease with hemodialysis, 19%). Clinical presentations were intermittent claudication (68%) and critical limb-threatening ischemia (32%). Sixteen (34%) limbs underwent TEA alone and 31 (66%) underwent a combined procedure. Surgical site infection (SSI) occurred in 4 limbs (9%) and lymphatic fistulas in 3 limbs (6%). One limb with SSI required surgical debridement 19 days after the procedure, and 1 limb (2%) without postoperative wound complications required additional treatment due to acute bleeding. Hospital death within 30 days occurred in 1 case due to panperitonitis. There was no MACE within 30 days. Claudication was improved in all cases. Postoperative ABI of 0.92 [0.72-1.00] was significantly higher than the preoperative value (P < 0.001). The median follow-up period was 10 months [9-13 months]. One limb (2%) required additional endovascular therapy due to stenosis at the endarterectomy site at 5 months postoperatively. Primary and secondary patencies were 98% and 100% at 12 months, respectively, and the AFS rate was 90% at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Common femoral TEA with bovine pericardium patch angioplasty has satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Successful conservative treatment for left ventricular free wall rupture after acute myocardial infarction.

Left ventricular free wall rupture (LVFWR) is a rare but fatal complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). An 81-year-old female patient with several cardiovascular risk factors presented to the emergency department with symptoms of developing a chronic stomachache and cold sweat. An echocardiograph showed wall motion abnormalities from the lateral to posterior wall, as well as pericardial effusion containing clots of up to 17 mm in the posterior wall that indicated LVFWR after AMI. Although she was conscious after being brought to the initial care unit, she suddenly lost consciousness and fell into electromechanical dissociation (EMD). Endotracheal intubation was immediately initiated and her pericardial drainage and intra aortic balloon pump (IABP) placement, and hemodynamics recovered. Although she had 100% obstruction in the left circumflex artery (LCX) #12 on coronary angiography (CAG), she was discharged to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Conservative treatment such as intubation, sedation, pericardiocentesis and strict blood pressure management as well as treatment by IABP long-term support led to the patient being uneventfully discharged after 60 days.

Distal Stent Graft-Induced New Entry After Frozen Elephant Trunk Procedure for Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of distal stent graft-induced new entry (dSINE) after frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure for aortic dissection (AD) and to consider strategies to prevent this complication. METHODS: This retrospective review included 52 patients who had undergone aortic arch repair for AD with the FET procedure using J Graft FROZENIX from 2014 to 2020 at a single center. Baseline characteristics, aortic characteristics and mid-term outcomes were compared between patients with and without dSINE. The extent of unfolding of the device and movement of the distal edge of the device were analyzed by multidetector computed tomography. The primary endpoints were survival and freedom from reintervention. RESULTS: dSINE was the most prevalent complication after FET procedure, with an incidence of 23%. Eleven of 12 patients with dSINE underwent secondary interventions. dSINE was common in chronic aortic dissection (P = 0.001) and was associated with the residual false lumen area (P < 0.001) and movement distance of the distal edge of the device in the cranial direction (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The distal edge of the FET is more likely to move in the cranial direction, and this movement may cause dSINE.

Strict control of phosphorus concentration of hemodialysis patients may decrease structural valve deterioration after aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVES: The number of hemodialysis patients requiring aortic valve replacement (AVR) is increasing. Although bioprosthetic valves are increasingly popular, they are associated with a risk of structural valve deterioration (SVD). The aim of this study is to examine the outcomes of bioprosthetic valves in hemodialysis patients undergoing AVR and to identify treatment strategies that can decrease the risk of SVD. METHODS: Between February 2010 and November 2019, 61 patients on hemodialysis underwent AVR using bioprosthetic valves at our hospital. Five patients died while still in the hospital. Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall survival and univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed for the remaining 56 patients. RESULTS: During follow-up, there were six SVD events (10.7%) related to the bioprosthetic valves. The survival rate was 67.9% at 3 years and 39.5% at 5 years. In all SVD cases, SVD was caused by aortic stenosis. The mean interval between AVR and the discovery of SVD was 41.5 months. The SVD-free rate was 88.6% at 3 years and 65.3% at 5 years. Preoperative phosphorus levels are associated with SVD risk. High preoperative phosphorus concentration is associated with elevated SVD risk. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we determined that the risk of SVD can be influenced by preoperative phosphorus level. Strict control of the phosphorus concentration of hemodialysis patients may decrease structural valve deterioration after aortic valve replacement.

Non-aneurysmal ascending aorta diameter changes after aortic valve replacement in patients with stenotic bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve.

OBJECTIVE: The appropriate timing of aortic repair in patients with bicuspid aortic valve-related aortopathy remains controversial. We describe the changes in diameter of the non-aneurysmal ascending aorta after aortic valve replacement for bicuspid or tricuspid aortic valve stenosis. METHODS: This retrospective review included 189 patients who had undergone aortic valve replacement for severe stenotic aortic valve with a non-aneurysmal ascending aorta diameter of 45 mm or less between January 2008 and December 2018. A linear mixed-effect model was used to analyze and compare the enlargement rates of the non-aneurysmal ascending aorta at the tubular portion after aortic valve replacement in bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve patients. RESULTS: The enlargement rate of the non-aneurysmal ascending aorta after aortic valve replacement was significantly greater in the bicuspid aortic valve group than in the tricuspid aortic valve group (0.36 mm/year vs. 0.09 mm/year, p < 0.001). The specific form of bicuspid aortic valve also affected aorta diameter enlargement: the enlargement rate of 0.85 mm/year in the Type 0 (according to Sievers' classification) group was approximately five times that in the Non-Type 0 group (p < 0.001). No aortic events were observed, and no patients needed reoperations for the ascending aorta, in either the bicuspid or tricuspid aortic valve groups. CONCLUSION: The persistent possibility of progressive ascending aortic dilatation after aortic valve replacement for bicuspid aortic valve stenosis, especially in Type 0 bicuspid aortic valve patients, demands careful post-procedural evaluation of the ascending aorta.

A case of supra-annular mitral valve replacement using chimney technique for severe mitral stenosis with extensive mitral annular calcification.

When patients with extensive mitral annular calcification undergo mitral valve replacement, excessive debridement of calcification may result in fatal complications and may protract operation time. We report a case of supra-annular MVR using "the chimney technique" on a high-risk patient for severe mitral stenosis with extensive mitral annular calcification. This technique is usually used in small infants whose mitral annulus is smaller than the smallest available prosthetic valve. We apply this technique to minimize the debridement of calcification and shorten the operation time. The operation was successfully completed, and the postoperative course has been uneventful. This technique was safely and easily performed, and eliminated the need for aggressive debridement of the calcification. We believe this technique may be a good choice for high-risk patients with mitral annular calcification.

Enlargement Rate of the Ascending Aorta After Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair.

It is known that the elasticity of the thoracic aorta decreases when it is covered with endografts. It remains to be clarified, however, whether endografts in the descending aorta affect aortic stiffening in the ascending aorta. We analyzed 46 patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm between January 2008 and June 2016. We calculated the preoperative and postoperative rate of enlargement of the mid-ascending aorta using enhanced computed tomography. In 3 of these patients, we evaluated the peak systolic and time-averaged wall shear stress and relative cross-section area change at the level of the mid-ascending aorta using 4-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging. The postoperative rate of enlargement of the mid-ascending aorta was significantly greater than the preoperative rate (0.78 [0.31-1.38] mm/y vs 0.32 [0.12-0.60] mm/y; P < 0.001). In 2 of the 3 patients analyzed by 4-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging, the waveform of time-averaged wall shear stress had changed, and the relative cross-section area change decreased after thoracic endovascular aortic repair. There were no secondary surgical interventions for the ascending aorta after thoracic endovascular aortic repair. The rate of enlargement of the ascending aorta may be affected by the change in wall shear stress or aortic stiffening after thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

Complete brain protection during debranching thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

We describe the case of a 71-year-old man with an asymptomatic saccular-type thoracic aortic aneurysm and severe atheroma in the distal arch. As he had previously undergone coronary artery bypass grafting, we decided to perform thoracic endovascular aortic repair rather than open repair to avoid injury to the bypass grafts. Owing to severe atheroma, we completely blocked the native forward flow before deploying the endograft using percutaneous cardiopulmonary support, thus preventing perioperative stroke.

Hybrid Repair for Ruptured Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique with Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair.

We present a case of ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) with type B aortic dissection in which hybrid repair, namely, the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), was performed. The TAA extended to the proximal descending aorta at the level of the pulmonary trunk bifurcation. We thus employed the FET technique to control the blood flow into the TAA. After performing the FET technique, intraoperative catheter aortography revealed slight type 1B endoleak. We therefore performed additional TEVAR to control the blood flow into the TAA. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful.

Risk factors for spinal cord ischaemia after thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

OBJECTIVES: Spinal cord ischaemia (SCI) is a serious complication of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence, risk factors, clinical manifestations of SCI after TEVAR and which type of patients could benefit from cerebrospinal fluid drainage. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted for 175 patients who underwent TEVAR from January 2008 to July 2014. All patients were divided into groups with and without SCI, and they were compared to identify significant risk factors for SCI. RESULTS: The incidence of SCI after TEVAR including paraplegia and paraparesis was 6.9%. SCI usually occurred within 24 h, but delayed SCI was observed after 5 days in 1 patient. In all patients with SCI, we tried to increase the blood pressure to improve spinal perfusion. Three patients recovered completely, and the 6 patients with some remaining neurological deficit included 3 with motion against gravity and bladder dysfunction and the 3 remaining patients with only bladder dysfunction. Three patients did not recover. In our study, significant risk factors for SCI were as follows: rupture, shaggy aorta, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 1-stage procedure, the coverage of more than 9 segments, the coverage from Th8 to Th12, minimum of postoperative haemoglobin and the number of postoperative patent segmental arteries. CONCLUSIONS: Sufficient perioperative care should be given to high-risk patients who have endografts that cover more than 9 segments and endografts that cover segments from Th8 to Th12. Adequate haemoglobin levels and mean arterial pressure are needed to provide sufficient spinal cord perfusion.

Thoracic Pseudoaneurysm Caused By Malignant Lymphoma.

We describe the case of a 69-year-old man with a thoracic pseudoaneurysm caused by a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. He had a large mass inside the aortic arch. Five weeks later, an asymptomatic aneurysm protruding from the minor curvature of the distal aortic arch was observed. We suspected a mycotic pseudoaneurysm and performed total arch replacement with an omental pedicle flap graft. Intraoperative tissue cultures and histopathologic tests identified no bacteria, however. Eventually, a pathologic examination revealed that the structure initially suspected to be an intramural thrombus was a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

[Valve Replacement for Infective Endocarditis of Pulmonary Valve;Report of a Case].

Generally, infective endocarditis is found at the left side of the heart. The right side infective endocaritis accounts for only 5~10% of all cases of infective endocarditis. The right side infective endocarditis occurs especially among drug users employing intravenous injection. A typical site of infection is the tricupid valve, and isolated pulmonary valve involvement is rare. It is assumed that its rarity is due to the low pressure gradients within the right heart, the low prevalence of valve disease, and the lower oxygen content of the venous blood. We describe a case of isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis requiring valve replacement. Antibiotic therapy was conducted for 4 weeks before surgery and 2 weeks after surgery. Clinical course was favorable and the patent was discharged home 18 days after surgery.

Coronary artery bypass surgery is superior to second generation drug-eluting stents in three-vessel coronary artery disease: a propensity score matched analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Compared with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) appears to be a promising revascularization strategy for multivessel coronary disease. Trials comparing these treatments have not used second-generation drug-eluting stents (2nd DES). We conducted a retrospective evaluation of both treatments using a propensity score-matched analysis (PSMA). METHODS: A total of 537 patients with three-vessel with/without left-main-trunk coronary artery disease underwent CABG (n = 239) or primary PCI using 2nd DES (298) at a single institution. PSMA resulted in 168 matched pairs. For both treatments, Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression were used to compare all-cause mortality, cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke rates and target-vessel revascularization (TVR). RESULTS: The CABG group included sicker patients with renal dysfunction, peripheral vascular disease, low ejection fraction and current smokers than those in the PCI group. After PSMA, both groups were well matched in all parameters. Mean follow-up (months) was 32 in CABG and 35 in PCI. In the unmatched patient population, there was no difference in the incidence of all-cause death, cardiac death, MI, or stroke but the incidence of TVR was significantly higher in the PCI group [hazard ratio (HR) 4.63; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.43-8.82; P < 0.001] and, after PSMA, the incidence of all-cause death (HR 2.71; 95% CI 1.14-6.46; P = 0.019) and TVR (HR 9.0; 95% CI 2.73-29.67; P < 0.001) was significantly higher in the PCI group than in the CABG group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease, CABG is associated with better survival and less revascularization than PCI using 2nd DES at mid-term results.

[Quadricuspid Aortic Valve Repair].

A 58-year-old man presented with severe aortic regurgitation(AR) with quadricuspid valve. Intraoperatively, the small accessory cusp was separated from non-coronary cusp( NCC). The NCC and small accessory cusp were sutured to obtain 1 competent cusp, aiming at an effective height of 8 mm. His AR was trivial at the postoperative 7th day.

The second best arterial graft to the left coronary system in off-pump bypass surgery: a propensity analysis of the radial artery with a proximal anastomosis to the ascending aorta versus the right internal thoracic artery.

OBJECTIVE: The second best arterial graft to the left coronary artery (LCA) system between the radial artery (RA) and the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) has been unknown. Moreover, a composite RA may be inferior to direct aorta-RA bypass grafting. The aim of the present study is to compare clinical outcomes between the RA anastomosed to the aorta and the RITA as a second arterial graft to the LCA. METHODS: A total of 805 patients received off-pump coronary arterial bypass grafting between 2000 and 2013. Of these patients, 232 received the bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITA) and 152 received left internal thoracic arteries (LITA) + RA anastomosed to the aorta, following the inclusion criteria. Patients (1) received at least two arterial grafts in the LCA, (2) did not have renal insufficiency, and (3) did not receive composite RA grafts. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed, resulting in 118 matched pairs. RESULTS: There was no difference in operative mortality and stroke rate between the matched groups; however, the mean operation time was significantly shorter in the LITA + RA and the incidence of mediastinitis was lower in the LITA + RA (BITA: 2.5 %, LITA + RA: 0 %, p < 0.01). Kaplan-Meier cumulative mortality and freedom from cardiac events were similar. The long-term patency rates of the RITA and the RA were similar at 5 years (RITA: 78 %, RA: 84 %, p = 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: The RA anastomosed to the aorta appears to have good long-term outcomes, similar to the RITA as the second arterial graft. Furthermore, the choice of RA avoids sternal complications and shortens the operation time compared to the use of BITA.

[Papillary fibroelastoma of the left ventricular outflow tract complicated with acute coronary syndrome; report of a case].

We experienced a case of papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) that was incidentally diagnosed along with acute coronary syndrome( ACS). An 83-year-old female with paralysis of the left leg was diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome(ACS) based on an increased level of cardiac troponin I and ST elevation in the chest lead on electrocardiogram(ECG). On an echocardiogram, the patient was found to have a mobile mass that was likely to be a cardiac tumor. Coronary angiography showed 99% stenosis in the middle left anterior descending coronary artery. We performed emergent coronary aortic bypass graft(CABG) and excision of the tumor. The tumor was attached to the left ventricular outflow tract wall beneath the right coronary cusp with a sea anemone appearance. The histopathological findings revealed a papillary fibroelastoma. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful.

[A new method for reversed bevel technique using single-branched graft in hemi-arch replacement].

We describe a reversed bevel technique in hemi-arch replacement with a single-branched graft that enables long elliptical distal anastomosis and easier proximal anastomosis under antegrade systemic perfusion. If the distance between the clamped graft and the proximal aorta is too short, it becomes challenging to perform the anastomosis by everting the end of the graft. Because we clamp the graft at the most distal site, the side branch ends up being located at the beveled graft site.This method ensures sufficient surgical view during proximal anastomosis.

Rupture and bleeding secondary to renal infarction in a patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

A 57-year-old man had been followed up for severe left ventricular dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction with a left ventricular thrombus. He had been treated with anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy and was admitted to our hospital because of abdominal pain and shock. He had no prior episode of trauma. The electrocardiogram (ECG) showed no changes compared with the previous ECG. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed a retroperitoneal hematoma around an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and the right kidney. We suspected rupture of AAA or the right kidney, and we performed AAA replacement with a Y-shaped graft and nephrectomy of the right kidney. Pathological examination revealed hemorrhagic infarction of the lower part of the right kidney, with hemorrhage and rupture at the center of the infarct. In our case, enhanced CT showed extravasation from the lower part of the right kidney. In addition, postoperative echocardiography showed that the left ventricular thrombus had disappeared. We report a case of rupture and bleeding secondary to renal infarction in a patient with an AAA.