Aortic pulse wave analysis and functional capacity of heart transplantation candidates: a pilot study.

We compared cardiovascular parameters obtained with the Mobil-O-Graph and functional capacity assessed by the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) before and after Heart Transplantation (HT) and also compared the cardiovascular parameters and the functional capacity of candidates for HT with a control group. Peripheral and central vascular pressures increased after surgery. Similar results were observed in cardiac output and pulse wave velocity. The significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) postoperatively was not followed by an increase in the functional capacity. 24 candidates for HT and 24 controls were also compared. Functional capacity was significantly lower in the HT candidates compared to controls. Stroke volume, systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure measured peripherally and centrally were lower in the HT candidates when compared to controls. Despite the significant increase in peripheral and central blood pressures after surgery, the patients were normotensive. The 143.85% increase in LVEF in the postoperative period was not able to positively affect functional capacity. Furthermore, the lower values of LVEF, systolic volume, central and peripheral arterial pressures in the candidates for HT are consistent with the characteristics signs of advanced heart failure, negatively impacting functional capacity, as observed by the lower DASI score.

Angulation and curvature of aortic landing zone affect implantation depth in transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

In transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), final device position may be affected by device interaction with the whole aortic landing zone (LZ) extending to ascending aorta. We investigated the impact of aortic LZ curvature and angulation on TAVI implantation depth, comparing short-frame balloon-expanding (BE) and long-frame self-expanding (SE) devices. Patients (n = 202) treated with BE or SE devices were matched based on one-to-one propensity score. Primary endpoint was the mismatch between the intended (HPre) and the final (HPost) implantation depth. LZ curvature and angulation were calculated based on the aortic centerline trajectory available from pre-TAVI computed tomography. Total LZ curvature ( k L Z , t o t ) and LZ angulation distal to aortic annulus ( α L Z , D i s t a l ) were greater in the SE compared to the BE group (P < 0.001 for both). In the BE group, HPost was significantly higher than HPre at both cusps (P < 0.001). In the SE group, HPost was significantly deeper than HPre only at the left coronary cusp (P = 0.013). At multivariate analysis, α L Z , D i s t a l was the only independent predictor (OR = 1.11, P = 0.002) of deeper final implantation depth with a cut-off value of 17.8°. Aortic LZ curvature and angulation significantly affected final TAVI implantation depth, especially in high stent-frame SE devices reporting, upon complete release, deeper implantation depth with respect to the intended one.

Circumferent dissection of the ascending aorta resulting in the occlusion of supra-aortic vessels repaired using the frozen elephant trunk technique - a case report.

BACKGROUND: Our patient presented with acute back pain and dyspnea, without neurological symptoms. The computed tomography (CT) scan showed a circumferent rupture of the ascending aortic intima which was invaginated in the arch and descending aorta. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old male patient was diagnosed with a Type A aortic dissection. He was immediately transferred to our operation room (OR) from the emergency department of a peripheral hospital. He presented with a circumferential dissection of the ascending aorta originating just distal to the coronary ostia, with the invaginated intimal mass extending through the arch down the descending aorta. In mild hypothermia, the intimal mass was safely extracted and a frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the extensive dissection affecting the ascending aorta and aortic arch, resulting in partially occluded supra-aortic vessels by an intimal mass, the patient remained without neurological symptoms in the pre- and post-operative period and remains well one year post surgery.

Late Migration of Fully Deployed Left Main Coronary Stent into Aortic Root: A Late Complication and Its Surgical Management.

ABSTRACT: Migration and embolization of a deployed stent is a rare complication of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and can result in serious and potentially life-threatening complications. There are many reports of intracoronary stent entrapment, stripping, and dislodgement during PCI, however, only a few reports about migration. We report a rare case of migration of the left main coronary stent into the aortic root, which happened 5 months after the procedure and was treated by its partial removal through aortotomy along with surgical revascularization. The patient was discharged 5 days later, after an uneventful hospital stay.

Apico-aortic conduit: a readily available technical modification.

When neither surgical valve replacement nor transcatheter aortic valve implantation is possible, performing an apico-aortic conduit remains a therapeutic option. This procedure has become rare and the rigid angled apical connectors usually used to facilitate ventricular anastomosis are no longer commercially available. We described the technique that we performed on a 60-year-old patient with readily available material.

A case report of atrial septal puncture "mistakenly" penetrated the aorta during left bypass radiofrequency ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Transseptal punctures (TSPs) are widely used in left atrium and left ventricle surgery. Accidental puncture of the puncture needle into the aorta is a rare complication that is rarely reported but has serious consequences. The appropriate management of this complication remains unclear. PATIENT CONCERNS: This report describes a case of a male with the chief complaint: paroxysmal palpitation for 1 year, aggravated for 1 month. DIAGNOSIS: The electrophysiological diagnosis was atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia caused by left-side bypass. INTERVENTIONS: Radiofrequency ablation of the heart was a necessary treatment and a TSP operation was needed, in which a puncture was mistakenly believed to have entered the aorta, a series of measures were taken urgently. Although the surgical procedure in this case was a false alarm, we still initiated a series of emergency plans. Emergency measures to address the complications were effectively implemented, and the emergency measures were promptly terminated after it was clear that complications had been misjudged. OUTCOMES: At last, it was confirmed that the angiogram was a pulmonary artery image, not an aorta image. Then the atrial septal puncture operation was successfully completed, and under the guidance of the Carto system, the ablation was successfully completed. Postoperative fluoroscopy showed no complications, such as pericardial effusion. After 2 years of follow-up, there was no reoccurrence of tachycardia, and there were no complications. It is crucial that emergency procedures are terminated in a timely manner after a clear miscarriage of performance. Although accidental puncture into the aorta is urgent and serious, performing a blockage or even thoracotomy in an emergency if complications are not clearly confirmed can cause further damage to the patient and would be a definitively wrong strategy. CONCLUSION: Strict and standardized TSP operations can avoid complications. Correct judgment of the authenticity of complications is crucial, and remedial measures that may cause further damage should not be blindly adopted. The retention of the aortic guide wire can provide convenient access for further differential diagnosis and remedial treatment.

Patient-specific ascending aortic intervention criteria.

OBJECTIVES: Ascending aortic aneurysms pose a different risk to each patient. We aim to provide personalized risk stratification for such patients based on sex, age, body surface area and aneurysm location (root versus ascending). METHODS: Root and ascending diameters, and adverse aortic events (dissection, rupture, death) of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm patients were analysed. Aortic diameter was placed in context vis-a-vis the normal distribution in the general population with similar sex, age and body surface area, by conversion to z scores. These were correlated of major adverse aortic events, producing risk curves with 'hinge points' of steep risk, constructed separately for the aortic root and mid-ascending aorta. RESULTS: A total of 1162 patients were included. Risk curves unveiled generalized thresholds of z = 4 for the aortic root and z = 5 for the mid-ascending aorta. These correspond to individualized thresholds of less than the standard criterion of 5.5 cm in the vast majority of patients. Indicative results include a 75-year-old typical male with 2.1 m2 body surface area, who was found to be at increased risk of adverse events if root diameter exceeds 5.15 cm, or mid ascending exceeds 5.27 cm. An automated calculator is presented, which identifies patients at high risk of adverse events based on sex, age, height, weight, and root and ascending size. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis exploits a large sample of aneurysmal patients, demographic features of the general population, pre-dissection diameter, discrimination of root and supracoronary segments, and statistical tools to extract thresholds of increased risk tailor-made for each patient.

Inflammation in aortic surgery: postoperative evolution of biomarkers according pathologies and segments of the aorta.

OBJECTIVES: Aortic pathologies often present with elevated inflammatory biomarkers due to the nature of the disease. Open aortic surgery causes significant trauma to the body due to often mandatory ischemic periods, long cardiopulmonary bypass times and polytransfusion. We aim to determine postoperative trends on inflammation biomarkers for different aortic pathologies and type of surgery in different segments of the aorta. METHODS: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data of 193 consecutive patients who underwent aortic surgery in our centre between 2017 and 2021, grouped according to the type of aortic intervention: (1) Type A aortic dissection (AD) repair with ascending aorta/hemiarch replacement, (2) Aortic root replacement (ARR), (3) Aortic arch + Frozen elephant trunk (FET), (4) Descending thoracic aorta (DTA)/Thoraco-Abdominal aortic repair (TAA). Primary outcomes were daily values of white blood cells (WBC) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) during the first 15 postoperative days. RESULTS: All groups had a similar inflammatory peak in the first 2-4 days (WBC 12-15 × 109 c/L). AD and FET groups show similar trends with WBC and CRP peaks on days 2 and 10. The ARR group didn't experience the 2nd peak as most patients were already discharged. DTA/TAA patients experienced a more prolonged inflammatory response, reaching a plateau by day 5-10. AD group shows the highest WBC levels and the DTA/TAAA group the highest CRP levels. CRP levels remain elevated (100-200 mg/L) in all groups after 15 postoperative days. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory biomarkers show different postoperative trends depending on the clinical presentation and complexity of the aortic procedure performed. Further understanding of the inflammatory response to different aortic pathologies and surgical procedures will permit reduction on the liberal use of antibiotics that this cohort of patients are usually exposed to. An earlier version of the data included in this manuscript was presented as Oral Abstract in the UK Society of Cardiothoracic Surgery Annual meeting in 2021.

Devastating fungal endocarditis involving ascending aorta in a patient with a history of aortic valve replacement: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Fungal endocarditis is a rare but serious condition associated with high mortality rates. Various predisposing factors contribute to its occurrence, such as underlying cardiac abnormalities, cardiac surgeries, prosthetic cardiac devices, and central venous catheters. Diagnosing fungal endocarditis, particularly Aspergillus, poses challenges, often complicated by negative blood cultures. CASE PRESENTATION: This report details a case of extensive ascending aorta involvement in Aspergillus endocarditis (AE) in a 24-year-old man with a history of bioprosthesis aortic valve replacement (AVR). Three months post-AVR, he presented with pericardial effusion and aortic rupture, leading to a redo biological valved conduit aortic root replacement (Bentall surgery). Despite the intervention, the tubular graft exhibited extensive Aspergillus involvement, resulting in graft disruption and significant peri-aortic infection. A second redo procedure involving aortic homograft root replacement was performed. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed two days after the surgery. CONCLUSION: A combined approach of medical and surgical therapies is recommended to manage fungal endocarditis. Despite efforts, the mortality rate associated with Aspergillus endocarditis remains unacceptably high, with no significant difference observed between combination therapy and antifungal treatment alone. Further research is essential to explore novel therapeutic strategies and improve outcomes for patients with this challenging condition.

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided versus open cut-down access to femoral vessels for the placement of a REBOA catheter.

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) may be useful in treating exsanguinating trauma patients. This study seeks to compare rates of success, complications and time required for vascular access between ultrasound-guidance and surgical cut-down for femoral sheath insertion as a prospective observational case control study. Participating clinicians from either trauma surgery or anesthesiology were allocated to surgical cut-down or percutaneous ultrasound-guided puncture on a 1:1 ratio. Time spans to vessel identification, successful puncture, and balloon inflation were recorded. 80 study participants were recruited and allocated to 40 open cut-down approaches and 40 percutaneous ultrasound-guided approaches. REBOA catheter placement was successful in 18/40 cases (45%) using a percutaneous ultrasound guided technique and 33/40 times (83%) using the open cut-down approach (p < 0.001). Median times [in seconds] compared between percutaneous ultrasound-guided puncture and surgical cut-down were 36 (18-73) versus 117(56-213) for vessel visualization (p < 0.001), 136 (97-175) versus 183 (156-219) for vessel puncture (p < 0.001), and 375 (240-600) versus 288 (244-379) for balloon inflation (p = 0.08) overall. Access to femoral vessels for REBOA catheter placement is safer when performed by cut-down and direct visualization but can be performed faster by an ultrasound-guided technique when vessels can be identified clearly and rapidly.

Surgical Considerations in Adult Congenital Heart Disease Heart Failure.

Surgical intervention is often used in the management of heart failure in patients with adult congenital heart disease. This review addresses anatomic variations and complications due to prior surgical interventions, including sternal reentry, collateral vessels, and the neo-aortic root after the Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure. Surgical considerations for systemic atrioventricular valvular surgery, Fontan revision, and advanced heart failure therapies including ventricular assist devices, heart transplant, and combined heart-liver transplant are discussed, with a focus on unique patient populations including those with systemic right ventricles and those with Fontan circulation.

[Surgical Treatment for Ruptured Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm Following Descending Aortic Replacement with Double Barrel Anastomosis].

A 75-year-old woman was diagnosed with type B acute aortic dissection 14 years ago and 3-channeled aortic dissection 7 years ago. She received total arch replacement 6 years ago and descending aortic replacement with double barrel anastomosis technique for distal anastomosis 5 years ago. Computed tomography( CT) revealed giant thyroid tumor and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm( 58 mm in diameter). She suffered from back pain during her follow-up period. CT revealed ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. First, the false lumen of descending aorta was closed by thoracic endovascular aortic repair, and then thoracoabdominal aortic replacement was performed uneventfully.

Cabrol procedure and its modifications: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The Cabrol procedure has undergone various modifications and developments since its invention. However, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding meta-analyses assessing it. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and long-term outcomes of the Cabrol procedure and its modifications. Pooling was conducted using random effects model. Outcome events were reported as linearized occurrence rates (percentage per patient-year) with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies involving 833 patients (mean age: 50.8 years; 68.0% male) were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled all-cause early mortality was 9.0% (66 patients), and the combined rate of reoperation due to bleeding was 4.9% (17 patients). During the average 4.4-year follow-up (3,727.3 patient-years), the annual occurrence rates (linearized) for complications were as follows: 3.63% (2.79-4.73) for late mortality, 0.64% (0.35-1.16) for aortic root reoperation, 0.57% (0.25-1.31) for hemorrhage events, 0.66% (0.16-2.74) for thromboembolism, 0.60% (0.29-1.26) for endocarditis, 2.32% (1.04-5.16) for major valve-related adverse events, and 0.58% (0.34-1.00) for Cabrol-related coronary graft complications. CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides evidence that the outcomes of the Cabrol procedure and its modifications are acceptable in terms of mortality, reoperation, anticoagulation, and valve-related complications, especially in Cabrol-related coronary graft complications. Notably, the majority of Cabrol procedures were performed in reoperations and complex cases. Furthermore, the design and anastomosis of the Dacron interposition graft for coronary reimplantation, considering natural anatomy and physiological hemodynamics, may promise future advancements in this field.

Sub-coronary aortic root replacement post-aortic valve dehiscence: a case report.

This is a case report of a 78-year-old male who underwent a sub-coronary aortic valve and root replacement due to valve dehiscence and aortic root pseudoaneurysm. The patient had complex anomalous coronary anatomy and had undergone a previous tissue aortic valve replacement in 2013. The patient made an uneventful recovery and was discharged from the hospital five days later. The authors suggest that the sub-coronary root replacement technique should be considered in elderly patients and patients with complex coronary anatomy.

Iatrogenic aortic dissection in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: A systemic review of published literatures.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic aortic dissection (IAD) is a rare but highly lethal complication that may occur following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Aortic dissection (AD) is often asymptomatic, making early detection difficult. We aimed to optimize preoperative evaluation strategies of CABG surgery for minimizing the incidence of IAD and assess early recognition and management of IAD for improving outcomes. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched to identify all case reports of patients undergoing CABG surgery who developed IAD. Clinical characteristics, operative information, perioperative management, and patient outcomes were compiled and analyzed. RESULTS: Nineteen case reports involving 27 patients aged 50 to 81 were included. Patients were from Europe (n = 23) and Asia (n = 4), mostly men (n = 25). The aorta was described as normal, abnormal, and unmentioned (n = 8, 5, and 14, respectively). Sixteen patients had a bypass with more than 3 grafts. Most patients (n = 25) experienced type A dissection. There were intraoperative (n = 12) and postoperative (n = 15) cases. Surgery (n = 19) was the most common treatment, with 9 patients selecting deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Eighteen patients were restored to health, while 9 patients died (3 died before treatment). CONCLUSIONS: Our study focused on patients with IAD and developed a recommended management protocol for patients undergoing CABG surgery.

Feasibility of tracheal reconstruction using silicone-stented aortic allografts.

OBJECTIVES: Tracheal reconstruction post-extensive resection remains an unresolved challenge in thoracic surgery. This study evaluates the use of aortic allografts (AAs) for tracheal replacement and reconstruction in a rat model, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of tracheal regeneration. METHODS: AAs from female rats were employed for tracheal reconstruction in 36 male rats, with the replacement exceeding half of the tracheal length. To avert collapse, silicone stents were inserted into the AA lumens. No immunosuppressive therapy was administered. The rats were euthanized biweekly, and the AAs were examined for neovascularization, cartilage formation, respiratory epithelial ingrowth, submucosal gland regeneration and the presence of the Sex-determining region of Y-chromosome (SRY) gene. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully completed without severe complications. The AA segments were effectively integrated into the tracheal framework, with seamless distinction at suture lines. Histological analysis indicated an initial inflammatory response, followed by the development of squamous and mucociliary epithelia, new cartilage ring formation and gland regeneration. In situ hybridization identified the presence of the SRY gene in newly formed cartilage rings, confirming that regeneration was driven by recipient cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of AAs transforming into functional tracheal conduits, replicating the main structural and functional characteristics of the native trachea. The findings indicate that this approach offers a novel pathway for tissue regeneration and holds potential for treating extensive tracheal injuries.

[Rupture of Artificial Blood Vessel by a Sternal Wire:Report of a Case].

Formation of a pseudoaneurysm due to blood leakage from the anastomotic site of the vascular graft in large-diameter vessels is often seen, but formation of a pseudoaneurysm from the non-anastomotic site is extremely rare. A 68-year-old woman presented with a history of double valve replacement for combined valvular disease at 37 years old and hemiarch replacement for thoracic aortic dilatation at 65 years old. She visited the emergency room with a 2-week history of chest pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a 5-cm-diameter pseudoaneurysm and extravasation from the ascending aorta, so emergency surgery was performed. Around the ascending aorta area, we confirmed bleeding from a 5-mm dehiscence in the non-anastomotic part of the graft prosthesis, so hemostasis was performed with a cross-stitch mattress suture over a felt strip. Initially, the cause of the pseudoaneurysm was unknown, but re-examination of CT images from after the previous hemiarch replacement confirmed contact between the sternal wire and graft prosthesis. The wire was thus considered to have caused damage and bleeding. The patient was discharged from the hospital with a good postoperative course and is being followed-up in the outpatient department.