Cartoid Near Occlusion: Time to Re-think Endarectomy?

OBJECTIVES: Carotid near occlusion (CNO) treatment is still controversial. In the discussion of surgical revascularization of these patients, periprocedural complications and technical failure should be considered in addition to the long-term results. We examined the efficacy and safety of surgical treatment in CNO and non-CNO patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS: Data from 152 patients (118 male and 34 female) who underwent isolated CEA between January 2018 and June 2020 without critical contralateral lesions were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: CNO (n = 52) and non-CNO (n = 100). The groups were compared regarding postoperative transient ischemic attack (TIA), ipsilateral ischemic stroke, and mortality. RESULTS: The success rate of the procedure was 100% in the CNO group and 99% in the Non-CNO group. In the Non-CNO group, 1 patient had ipsilateral ischemic stroke on postoperative day 0, and this patient was treated with carotid artery stenting. While the number of patients who died in the non-CNO group was 3 (3%) overall, the exitus rate was 1 (1.9%) in the CNO group (P >.05). In the CNO group, retinal TIA was observed in 1 patient (1.9%), ischemic stroke in 2 patients (3.8%), and TIA in 1 patient (1.9%). In the non-CNO group; Retinal TIA was observed in 1 patient (1.0%), ischemic stroke in 2 patients (2.0%), and TIA in 2 patients (2.0%). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of postoperative neurologic complications and primary endpoints at 12-month follow-up (P >.05). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid endarterectomy is a safe, feasible, and advantageous procedure in selected CNO patients, as in non-CNO carotid artery patients. Therefore, we recommend a surgical approach to prevent neurological events in CNO patients.

Comparison of Bretschneider HTK cardioplegia solution and blood cardioplegia in terms of postoperative results in patients who underwent isolated supracoronary ascending aortic replacement.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac arrest with cardioplegia is the most common and reliable method of myocardial protection in cardiac surgery, but there is no definite consensus on the use of different types of cardioplegia. Two of the commonly used types of cardioplegia are Bretschneider histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution (Custodiol) and conventional blood cardioplegia. In this study, Custodiol solution and conventional blood cardioplegia used in patients with type A aortic dissection who underwent supracoronary ascending aortic replacement were aimed to be compared in terms of postoperative results. METHODS: 70 patients with type A aortic dissection who underwent supracoronary ascending aortic replacement in our clinic between January 2011 - October 2020 were included. Patients were divided into two groups, blood cardioplegia group (n = 48) and Custodiol group (n = 22) and they were compared regarding preoperative, perioperative and postoperative variables. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between cardiopulmonary bypass time and cross-clamp time (p = 0.17 and p = 0.16, respectively). Mechanical ventilator weaning time, intensive care unit stay and hospital stay were shorter in Custodiol group (p = 0.04,p = 0.03 and p = 0.05, respectively). While inotropic support need was higher in the blood cardioplegia group (p = 0.001), there was no significant difference in terms of mortality, arrhythmia, neurological complications and renal complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that Custodiol cardioplegia solution may be superior to blood cardioplegia in reducing mechanical ventilation weaning period, intensive care and hospital stay, and reducing the use of inotropic agents in patients with type A aortic dissection undergoing supracoronary ascending aorta replacement.

The effect of bovine serum albumin-glutaraldehyde and polyethylene glycol polymer on local tissue reaction and inflammation in rabbit carotid artery anastomosis.

OBJECTIVES: In addition to the hemostatic properties of hemostatic agents, the investigation of their immunogenic properties, their local effects on application area has been the subject of many experimental studies. There are limited data on the inflammatory effects of Bovine serum albumin-glutaraldehyde and Polyethylene glycol polymer. Therefore, we investigated the effects of these agents on tissue reactions and inflammation in rabbit carotid artery anastomosis in our experimental study. METHODS: Twenty-one New Zealand male rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. The right carotid artery anastomosis was performed on the control group after transection. Hemostatic agents were applied locally to other two groups separately after transection and anastomosis. At the end of 28 days, the type of inflammation, inflammatory cell infiltration, degree of inflammation, and amount of residual adhesives were examined and compared statistically. RESULTS: Cell infiltrations associated with inflammation on the anastomosis site (eosinophils, epithelioid/giant cells, lymphocytes, and plasma cells) and inflammation grade in the groups of hemostatic agents were significantly lower compared to the control group (p < .05). There was no difference between the hemostatic agents. While mild inflammation (61.9%) was dominant in the groups of hemostatic agents, moderate inflammation (85.7%) was more common in the control group. No severe inflammation was observed in any of the three groups. Residual sealant grade between hemostatic agents did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: When inflammation and tissue reactions of the 4th week were evaluated, it was determined that both hemostatic agents did not cause severe inflammation. However, comparative results at multiple time intervals are needed due to the dynamic process of inflammation.

Impact of Preoperative Embolization on Carotid Body Tumor Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of preoperative carotid body tumor embolization (CBTE) on the amount of bleeding, and vascular and neurological complications in carotid body tumors. METHODS: Fifty patients treated for 51 carotid body tumors in 2 clinics, between 2005 and 2020, were evaluated. Polyvinyl alcohol embolization of the carotid body tumor was performed in 23 patients before the surgical excision. The results were compared with the remaining 28 patients, in whom CBTE was not performed, in terms of neurological complications, requirement of additional vascular interventions, bleeding amount, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Mean bleeding amount was significantly lower in the CBTE group (406-217 mL, P < 0.05). Median erythrocyte suspension transfusion was significantly lower in the CBTE group (0.3 units vs. 1.1 units, P < 0.05). Neurological deficits developed in a total of 13 patients: 6 in the CBTE group and 7 in the non-CBTE group, in the early postoperative period (P = 0.90). No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of additional vascular interventions and length of hospital stay (P = 0.79 and P = 0.61). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid body tumors are rarely encountered tumors. However, their surgical excision is challenging for surgeons regarding intraoperative and postoperative bleeding. This study demonstrates that preoperative CBTE significantly reduces the amount of bleeding, especially in Shamblin type II/III tumors.

Histopathologic Evaluation of COVID-19 Patients With Peripheral Arterial Thromboembolism: Does Clot Composition Make Any Sense?

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes thromboembolic complications during or post-infection period despite a lack of conventional risk factors. The study aims to learn fundamental changes in COVID-19 patients who underwent embolectomy in terms of clinical characteristics and clot composition. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study design, we evaluated 21 patients who underwent embolectomy in our clinic between March 12, 2020, and December 31, 2020. Demographics, characteristics, and laboratory values were abstracted and analyzed. Histopathological assessment was held in the pathology department. RESULTS: Of these 21 patients, 11 (52.3%) were SARS-CoV-2 positive and 10 (47.6%) were SARS-CoV-2 negative. There is no statistical difference in terms of anatomic distribution, diagnostic method, length of hospital stay, amputation or mortality levels. Thromboembolic material of COVID-19 patients include significantly less red blood cell (RBC) (21.2-32.6%; P= 0.01), more lymphocyte (14.1-2.6%; P< 0.001), and more leukocyte (27.1-22.1%; P= 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the fibrin ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory cells are prominent in arterial thromboembolic material of COVID-19 patients. A combination of hyperinflammation and prothrombotic status may be responsible for this phenomenon.

Direct kidney injury or lower extremity ischemia induced indirect kidney injury: Which one is more harmful for kidneys?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the severity of kidney damage following lower limb ischemia-reperfusion and direct kidney ischemia-reperfusion. METHODS: Thirty Sprague Dawley male rats were randomly divided into three groups; lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion group (Group 2), renal ischemia-reperfusion group (Group 3) and control (anesthesia and median laparotomy only) (Group 1). In group 3, 1-h ischemia was performed on the kidney and in group 2, 1-h ischemia was performed on the left lower extremity. This procedure was followed by reperfusion for 24 h. Renal tissues were removed after the reperfusion period and the groups were evaluated for glutathioneperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde and GSH levels, and furthermore, their histolopathological scores were calculated. RESULTS: Renal malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in Group 2 and Group 3 than they were in the Control group. There was no significant difference in renal malondialdehyde levels between Group 2 and Group 3. Kidney glutathione (GSH) levels were statistically lower in Group 2 and Group 3 than in the Control group. No statistically significant difference was found between Group 2 and Group 3 regarding their GSH levels. In histological evaluation, there was no statistically significant difference between Group 2 and Group 3 in terms of kidney damage score. CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified that lower extremity ischemia induces remote kidney damage with similar features to kidney injury, occurring after direct kidney ischemia-reperfusion.

Comparison of Femoral and Axillary Artery Cannulation in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most important points of the acute type A aortic dissection surgery is how to perform cannulation regarding cerebral protection concerns and the conditions of arterial structures as a pathophysiological consequence of the disease. OBJECTIVE: In this study, femoral and axillary cannulation methods were compared in acute type A aortic dissection operations. METHODS: The study retrospectively evaluated 52 patients who underwent emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. Patients without malperfusion according to Penn Aa classification were chosen for preoperative standardization of the study groups. The femoral arterial cannulation group was group 1 (n=22) and the axillary arterial cannulation group was group 2 (n=30). The groups were compared in terms of perioperative and postoperative results. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in terms of preoperative data. In terms of postoperative parameters, especially early mortality and new-onset cerebrovascular event, there was no statistically significant difference. Mortality rates in group 1 and group 2 were 13.6% (n=3) and 10% (n=3), respectively (P=0.685). Postoperative new-onset cerebral events ratio was found in 5 (22.7%) in the femoral cannulation group and 6 (20%) in the axillary cannulation group (P=0.812). CONCLUSION: Both femoral and axillary arterial cannulation methods can be safely performed in patients with acute type A aortic dissection, provided that cerebral protection strategies should be considered in the first place. The method to be performed may vary depending on the patient's current medical condition or the surgeon's preference.

Which Distant Organ is Most Affected by Lower Extremity Ischemia-Reperfusion?

BACKGROUND: It has been experimentally shown that reperfusion injury occurs in many remote organs after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) of the lower extremity. However, which distant organ is affected more after I/R of the lower extremity has not been investigated. In this study, we investigate which remote organ is predominantly affected after lower extremity I/R. METHODS: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: sham (group 1) and lower extremity I/R (group 2). In group 2, 1 hr of ischemia of the left lower extremity was followed by 24 hr of reperfusion of the limb. After reperfusion, the lung, liver, kidney, heart, and small intestine tissues were harvested in both groups. RESULTS: In the I/R group, the malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in the heart and small intestine tissues than those in other tissues (P < 0.05). In addition, in the I/R group, the glutathione and glutathione peroxidase activities were also higher in the heart tissues than those in other tissues (P < 0.05). However, these results were not significant because the malondialdehyde, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase levels of the heart tissues in the control group were higher than those of the other tissues. Therefore, no statistically significant difference was found between the tissues in terms of the histological damage score we created and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling-positive cell numbers. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in the severity of reperfusion injury between the tissues we examined after lower extremity I/R. This suggests that every distal organ should be carefully monitored after lower extremity I/R.

Approach to an unusual cardiac mass: mitral annulus caseoma

Abstract Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (CCMA) is known to be a rare variant of mitral annulus calcification, a chronic and degenerative process of the mitral valve fibrous ring. It usually carries a benign prognosis. The following case demonstrates a huge mitral annulus caseoma that complicated with severe mitral regurgitation and was treated with a successful surgery. The common consensus on the optimal management of CCMA is conservative medical management and avoiding unnecessary surgery. Therewithal, the current indications for surgical intervention include mitral valve dysfunction, strokes and uncertain diagnosis. Aggressive debridement, risk of left ventricular perforation and exposure of caseous debris to the systemic blood flow may increase the risk of a standard mitral valve surgery. Mitral valve replacement should be preferred compared with mitral valve repair.

Comparison of femoral and axillary artery cannulation in acute type a aortic dissection surgery

Abstract Introduction: One of the most important points of the acute type A aortic dissection surgery is how to perform cannulation regarding cerebral protection concerns and the conditions of arterial structures as a pathophysiological consequence of the disease. Objective: In this study, femoral and axillary cannulation methods were compared in acute type A aortic dissection operations. Methods: The study retrospectively evaluated 52 patients who underwent emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. Patients without malperfusion according to Penn Aa classification were chosen for preoperative standardization of the study groups. The femoral arterial cannulation group was group 1 (n=22) and the axillary arterial cannulation group was group 2 (n=30). The groups were compared in terms of perioperative and postoperative results. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in terms of preoperative data. In terms of postoperative parameters, especially early mortality and new-onset cerebrovascular event, there was no statistically significant difference. Mortality rates in group 1 and group 2 were 13.6% (n=3) and 10% (n=3), respectively (P=0.685). Postoperative new-onset cerebral events ratio was found in 5 (22.7%) in the femoral cannulation group and 6 (20%) in the axillary cannulation group (P=0.812). Conclusion: Both femoral and axillary arterial cannulation methods can be safely performed in patients with acute type A aortic dissection, provided that cerebral protection strategies should be considered in the first place. The method to be performed may vary depending on the patient's current medical condition or the surgeon's preference.

Approach to An Unusual Cardiac Mass: Mitral Annulus Caseoma.

Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (CCMA) is known to be a rare variant of mitral annulus calcification, a chronic and degenerative process of the mitral valve fibrous ring. It usually carries a benign prognosis. The following case demonstrates a huge mitral annulus caseoma that complicated with severe mitral regurgitation and was treated with a successful surgery. The common consensus on the optimal management of CCMA is conservative medical management and avoiding unnecessary surgery. Therewithal, the current indications for surgical intervention include mitral valve dysfunction, strokes and uncertain diagnosis. Aggressive debridement, risk of left ventricular perforation and exposure of caseous debris to the systemic blood flow may increase the risk of a standard mitral valve surgery. Mitral valve replacement should be preferred compared with mitral valve repair.

"Overtime Hours Effect" on emergency surgery of acute type A aortic dissection

Abstract Objective: Treatment of acute diseases of the aorta is still associated with high mortality and morbidity. It is believed that interventions for these diseases on overtime hours (night shifts or weekend shifts) may increase mortality. In this study, we investigated the effect of performing acute type A aortic dissection surgery on overtime hours in terms of postoperative outcomes. Methods: 206 patients who underwent emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection were retrospectively evaluated. Two groups were constituted: patients operated on daytime working hours (n=61), and patients operated on overtime hours (n=145), respectively. Results: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and repeat surgery were higher in group 1. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of operative and postoperative results. Mortality rates and postoperative neurological complications in group 1 were 9.8% and 13.1%, respectively. In group 2, these rates were 13.8% and 12.4%, respectively (P=0.485 - P=0.890). Multivariate analysis identified that cross-clamp time, amount of postoperative drainage, preoperative loss of consciousness and postoperative neurological complications are the independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions: As the surgical experience of the clinics improves, treatment of acute type A aortic dissections can be successfully performed both overtime and daytime working hours.

"Overtime Hours Effect" on Emergency Surgery of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of acute diseases of the aorta is still associated with high mortality and morbidity. It is believed that interventions for these diseases on overtime hours (night shifts or weekend shifts) may increase mortality. In this study, we investigated the effect of performing acute type A aortic dissection surgery on overtime hours in terms of postoperative outcomes. METHODS: 206 patients who underwent emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection were retrospectively evaluated. Two groups were constituted: patients operated on daytime working hours (n=61), and patients operated on overtime hours (n=145), respectively. RESULTS: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and repeat surgery were higher in group 1. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of operative and postoperative results. Mortality rates and postoperative neurological complications in group 1 were 9.8% and 13.1%, respectively. In group 2, these rates were 13.8% and 12.4%, respectively (P=0.485 - P=0.890). Multivariate analysis identified that cross-clamp time, amount of postoperative drainage, preoperative loss of consciousness and postoperative neurological complications are the independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: As the surgical experience of the clinics improves, treatment of acute type A aortic dissections can be successfully performed both overtime and daytime working hours.