Propensity score-matched comparison of total arterial off- and on-pump coronary artery bypass with complete revascularization.

Little is known regarding the long-term (> 10 years) outcomes and risk factors of total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study evaluated the long-term outcomes and risk factors for all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) following total arterial on-pump CABG (ONCAB) or off-pump CABG (OPCAB) with complete revascularization. This retrospective cohort analysis enrolled patients with stable angina who underwent total arterial CABG with complete revascularization in our institute between July 2000 and June 2019. The endpoints were all-cause mortality and MACCE incidence, including a comparison between OPCAB and ONCAB. Long-term (10-year) outcomes were analyzed using propensity score-matched pairs, and risk factors were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Overall, 401 patients who underwent primary total arterial CABG were classified into the OPCAB (n = 269) and ONCAB (n = 132) groups. Using propensity score matching (PSM), 88 patients who underwent OPCAB were matched with 88 patients who underwent ONCAB. The mean follow-up period was 7.9 ± 6.3 years. No significant difference in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.53-2.04; p = 0.9138) and MACCE incidence (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-1.65; p = 0.7901) was observed between the two groups. Renal failure requiring dialysis was a significant risk factor for mortality (p < 0.0001) and MACCEs (p = 0.0003). Long-term outcomes of total arterial OPCAB and ONCAB with complete revascularization showed similar findings using PSM. Renal failure requiring dialysis was a significant risk factor for mortality and morbidity.Journal standard instruction requires an unstructured abstract; hence the headings provided in abstract were deleted. Kindly check and confirm.Thank you for your kindness.Clinical registration number 5598, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital.

Left hepatectomy with suprahepatic inferior vena cava resection and reconstruction under veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Curative surgery is the most effective treatment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). When an ICC involves the suprahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC), hepatectomy with suprahepatic IVC resection and reconstruction is challenging. For reconstruction of the suprahepatic IVC, total hepatic vascular exclusion (THVE), veno-venous bypass, and/or in situ hypothermic portal perfusion are required, but mortality and morbidity remain high. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 73-year-old woman with mass-forming ICC which invaded the suprahepatic IVC and middle hepatic vein. Left hepatectomy, suprahepatic IVC resection, and reconstruction with an artificial graft were successfully performed during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) to maintain blood pressure. While clamping the IVC diagonally, the right hepatic vein confluence could be preserved. No congestion in the right liver was seen; therefore, there was no requirement for the Pringle maneuver or THVE during reconstruction. No morbidity or mortality was seen after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatectomy with suprahepatic IVC resection and reconstruction under V-A ECMO can be performed safely. When an ICC invades the suprahepatic IVC, V-A ECMO during resection and reconstruction of the suprahepatic IVC with an artificial graft is recommended as one of the options.

[Introduction and Activities of Nurse Practitioner in Japan in a University Hospital].

Nurse practitioner (NP) is widely known to be an essential position of medical team in the United States, but has not yet been established as an official qualification in Japan. NP in Japan (NP-J) is accepted instead of NP, but they are not the same. We summarized the actual activities of NP-J at our hospital and had an insight into the roles of NP-J in a university hospital and the problems of introduction of NP in the future. The benefits of working as a NP-J at a university hospital are the safe acquisition of procedures at an educational institution and the involvement of various departments. In the future, the education of NP-J in a university hospital may lead to the training of NP-J working in public and private hospitals. The problem of introduction of NP in the future is the legislation. The importance of task shifting and education of NP-J in a university hospital may lead to the spread of NP in the future in Japan.

Trans-cuff leakage in bio-Bentall operation.

We have reported a case of trans-cuff leakage that occurred in a composite graft of bio-Bentall operation. The leakage resolved several months after surgery, similar to the trans-cuff leakage seen in simple aortic valve replacement. We have proposed hypotheses on the mechanism of trans-cuff leakage during a bio-Bentall operation and suggested ways to prevent it from occurring.

Surgical Treatment for a Super-Giant Right Coronary Artery Aneurysm Induced by Kawasaki Disease.

A 32-year-old man diagnosed with Kawasaki disease at the age of three years presented with coronary artery aneurysm (CAA). The aneurysm increased in size, and the patient was referred to our hospital for surgery. Preoperative computed tomography scan showed a super-giant right CAA and giant left CAAs; surgery was performed. The super-giant right CAA was resected, and the ostium of the right coronary artery was closed; then, coronary artery bypass grafting was performed. The left CAAs were not treated surgically because the risk of rupture was low. Here, we describe the successful surgical treatment of a right super-giant CAA.

Surgical Treatment for a Super-Giant Right Coronary Artery Aneurysm Induced by Kawasaki Disease

Abstract A 32-year-old man diagnosed with Kawasaki disease at the age of three years presented with coronary artery aneurysm (CAA). The aneurysm increased in size, and the patient was referred to our hospital for surgery. Preoperative computed tomography scan showed a super-giant right CAA and giant left CAAs; surgery was performed. The super-giant right CAA was resected, and the ostium of the right coronary artery was closed; then, coronary artery bypass grafting was performed. The left CAAs were not treated surgically because the risk of rupture was low. Here, we describe the successful surgical treatment of a right super-giant CAA.

Internal thoracic artery pseudoaneurysm after redo aortic root replacement.

Pseudoaneurysm of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) or bleeding from the ITA is an extremely rare complication after cardiovascular surgery via a median sternotomy. Early treatment is needed in the case of massive haemorrhage or a rapidly enlarging pseudoaneurysm. Herein, we present a rare case of a delayed large pseudoaneurysm of the right ITA in a 49-year-old woman with Marfan syndrome who underwent redo aortic root replacement via re-median sternotomy and pacemaker implantation. Diagnostic selective angiography revealed the origin of the pseudoaneurysm, and simultaneous transcatheter embolisation of the ITA was successfully performed. Follow-up computed tomography imaging showed no evidence of contrast media extravasation from the ITA and recurrent extra-pleural haemorrhage. Our findings suggest that postoperative management of patients who have undergone median sternotomy, including cardiovascular surgeries, should also focus on the prevention or early detection of pseudoaneurysm of the ITA to avoid life-threatening conditions.

Batista Procedure with the Aid of Intraoperative Epicardial Echocardiography.

INTRODUCTION: The number of cases for which the Batista procedure is indicated is small, but some patients with appropriate indication can achieve good therapeutic results. OBJECTIVE: To avoid incorrect left ventricular incision and obtain good surgical results in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy suitable for partial left ventriculectomy, we employed intraoperative direct echocardiography to determine the exact extent and position of the myocardial incision, even for surgeons who are not very experienced with the Batista procedure. METHODS: A 72-year-old man with dilated cardiomyopathy underwent the Batista procedure with the aid of epicardial echocardiography to confirm the location of both the papillary muscles and the diseased myocardium. RESULTS: We were able to accurately perform left ventricular incision and remove the diseased lateral ventricular wall. Two years later, the patient had no symptoms of heart failure, and his brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level decreased from 1155 to 49.3 pg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the use of intraoperative echocardiography may have the potential to make the Batista procedure less technically demanding and more reproducible for surgeons with little experience in the procedure.

[Patch Closure of Posterior Type Ventricular Septal Perforation with Posterior Left Ventricular Aneurysm through Right Ventricular Incision].

We report a case of patch closure of posterior type ventricular septal perforation (VSP) with posterior left ventricular aneurysm (PLVAN) through right ventricular incision. A 70-year-old man was transferred to our hospital because of persistent epigastric pain. He was diagnosed with inferior acute myocardial infarction, and percutaneous coronary intervention was performed to the right coronary artery[ atrio-ventricular(AV)]. After 2 weeks, he developed congestive heart failure and was treated with inotropic support and intra-aortic balloon pumping. Echocardiography and computed tomography (CT)showed posterior type VSP between PLVAN and the right ventricle. The operation was performed via standard median sternotomy and under cardiopulmonary bypass. After right ventricle incision parallel to the left anterior descending artery, there was VSP (20×20 mm) behind the trabecular septmarginalis (TSM). We closed VSP with a 2-layer patch (40×40 mm) consisted of Dacron and bovine pericardial patches. Postoperative echocardiography showed no residual shunt, and postoperative CT showed no enlargement of PLVAN. He was discharged home on foot without right heart failure and has been well without major complications.

[Pleuro-peritoneal Shunt for Intractable Pleural Effusion Complicated with Unresectable Cardiac Tumor].

We present a case of palliative pleuro-peritoneal shunt for refractory hydrothorax complicated with unresectable cardiac tumor. The patient was a 77-year-old woman, who was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of intractable pleural effusion. It was attributed to severe diastolic dysfunction associated with cardiac tumor. The cardiac tumor occupied a large area of the anterior surface of the right atrium, and curative surgical resection was difficult. Therefore, we planned multidisciplinary staged treatment with chemotherapy followed by tumor excision. Persistent intractable bilateral pleural effusion necessitated repeat chest drainage. To maintain the patient's quality of daily life, bilateral pleuro-peritoneal shunts were inserted. Then, the problem of pleural effusion was resolved and her symptoms were improved. However, she expired 3 months later, due to deterioration of general condition. Pleuro-peritoneal shunting is a useful palliative approach to improve quality of life in patients with refractory hydrothorax.

Arterioplasty using gastroepiploic artery patch for common femoral artery occlusive disease.

We present the first case of arterioplasty of the common femoral artery performed using a gastroepiploic artery (GEA) patch for a 59-year-old man on haemodialysis. He was incidentally diagnosed with coronary artery disease with left main trunk stenosis and double-vessel disease upon screening examination for peripheral artery disease. Preoperative computed tomography revealed a severely narrowed right common femoral artery. We planned a simultaneous off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) involving the bilateral internal thoracic arteries and GEA, and endarterectomy of the right common femoral artery. Because the remnant GEA was sufficiently long and its diameter was sufficiently large, we used a GEA patch during arterioplasty to preserve the saphenous vein. This method is limited to simultaneous surgery with CABG using GEA but is a useful alternative for preserving the saphenous vein.

Pulmonary infiltration shadows associated with acute aortic dissection mimicking coronavirus pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: In acute aortic dissection, various findings can be found in computed tomography. However, pulmonary infiltration is rarely observed. CASE REPORT: A 57-year-old man was diagnosed with acute aortic dissection (AAD), but had marked infiltration shadows in his right lung. Intraoperative findings showed that large subadventitial hematomas had spread from the ascending aorta to the right pulmonary artery, which may have caused the infiltration of the lung. CONCLUSIONS: Subadventitial hematoma must be considered in rare cases of AAD with pulmonary infiltration.

Treatment Strategy for Severe Airway Stenosis Due to a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm.

A 75-year-old woman who underwent total aortic arch replacement complained of dyspnea for a few days. Computed tomography revealed a thoracic aortic aneurysm causing compression of the trachea. She was referred to our hospital for surgical treatment. The tracheal stenosis was severe, with a risk of an inability to ventilate during the general anesthesia. Therefore, under respiratory support for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO), we performed decompression of the thoracic aortic aneurysm by thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair, followed by tracheal stent placement. The postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged without any symptoms. VV-ECMO is useful for treatment of tracheal stenosis.

Harvest of the right gastroepiploic artery graft using a novel hybrid ultrasonic/bipolar energy device.

BACKGROUND: The right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) is a useful in-situ graft, and skeletonization is effective to prevent spasm and achieve good patency. To harvest the skeletonized RGEA easily, ultrasonic scalpel has been widely used, but the tip shape of conventional ultrasonic device was not optimal for this procedure. Recently, a novel hybrid ultrasonic/bipolar energy device (THUNDERBEAT Open Fine Jaw [TOFJ]) has been developed and is widely used in general surgery. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The operator holds forceps in left hand and TOFJ in right hand, incises the anterior layer of the omentum, and extends the incision distally along the RGEA. The side branches and satellite veins were sealed and cut. Because the tip of the TOFJ is well-designed to easily grasp and peel off the tissue, there is no need to change instruments throughout the procedure. After the dissection was advanced distally, the proximal side was subsequently dissected. CONCLUSIONS: This novel device is useful for harvesting skeletonized RGEA.

Clinical significance of the prognostic nutritional index in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The prognostic nutrition index is an immunonutritional indicator and postoperative predictor of oncological surgery. However, its prognostic value in cardiovascular disease is unknown. This study assessed the value of the prognostic nutrition index in cardiovascular surgery. METHODS: This retrospective study included 453 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery. The patients were divided according to cutoff values of the prognostic nutrition index: < 48, low prognostic nutrition index group and ≥ 48, high prognostic nutrition index group. Clinicopathologic features, including the preoperative state, surgical procedure, and postoperative morbidity and mortality, were compared between the groups. The Mann-Whitney U or Chi-square test, univariate and multivariate analyses, and log-rank test were used in the statistical analyses. RESULTS: Old age, a low body mass index, and elevated creatinine levels correlated significantly with a low prognostic nutrition index. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that a high prognostic nutrition index status was statistically related to a shorter length of intensive care unit stay, shorter intubation time, and lower incidences of mediastinitis and pneumonia. Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex (hazard ratio 3.93; 95% confidence interval 1.29-11.91, p = 0.016), age (hazard ratio 3.35; 95% confidence interval 1.11-10.15 p = 0.032), and the prognostic nutrition index (hazard ratio 0.40; 95% confidence interval 0.18-0.90, p = 0.026) were independently associated with postoperative survival. CONCLUSIONS: A low prognostic nutrition index was significantly associated with postoperative complications and survival. The prognostic nutrition index may be useful and reliable as a preoperative assessment of nutritional status, and it should be considered in the indication and strategy of cardiovascular surgery.

Gerbode defect and left ventricular-aortic discontinuity in prosthetic valve endocarditis.

Communication between the left ventricle and right atrium is known as the Gerbode defect. The defect is usually congenital but can be acquired secondary to infective endocarditis. Left ventricular-aortic discontinuity is another serious complication of extensive infective endocarditis. Here, we report a rare case of prosthetic valve endocarditis complicated with both acquired Gerbode defect and left ventricular-aortic discontinuity. We successfully performed reconstructive surgery involving patch closure of the Gerbode defect and reconstruction of the circumferential left ventricular outflow tract with a xenopericardial patch, followed by supra-annular aortic valve replacement with the Solo Smart bovine pericardial stentless valve.

Simple Redo Proximal Thoracic Aortic Surgery with Peripheral Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Minimal Dissection.

Reoperations on the proximal thoracic aorta are increasingly observed after previous aortic or cardiac operations. Redo proximal aortic surgery remains challenging with an increased mortality compared to first-time operations. For a successful redo proximal aortic surgery in a patient with complex pathological conditions, the surgical procedure and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) should be simplified as much as possible. Herein, we report our experience of proximal aortic reoperations in which the strategy consisted of an axillo-axillary (jugular) and a femoro-femoral CPB in combination with minimal dissection of surgical adhesions. Satisfactory full-flow CPB was achieved with peripheral cannulations and the aid of vacuum-assisted venous drainage. A suitable surgical view of the proximal aorta was obtained without dissection of the heart. There was no operative mortality and the peripheral CPB was well managed without technical problems. We consider that the proposed strategy makes proximal aortic reoperations safe and simple.