Development of modified laser Doppler flowmetry device for real-time monitoring of esophageal mucosal blood flow: a preclinical assessment with an animal model.

This study aimed to modify a laser Doppler flowmeter designed and assembled at our institute. After measuring sensitivity evaluation in ex vivo experiments, we confirmed the efficacy of this new device for monitoring real-time esophageal mucosal blood flow changes after thoracic stent graft implantation by simulating various clinical situations in an animal model. Thoracic stent graft implantation was performed in a swine model (n = 8). Esophageal mucosal blood flow decreased significantly from baseline (34.1 ± 18.8 ml/min/100 g vs. 16.7 ± 6.6 ml/min/100 g, P < 0.05) in the lower esophagus (Th6-Th8) where the stent graft covered the aorta. In the hemorrhagic shock model (shock index ≥ 1.0), esophageal mucosal blood flow showed a remarkable change from baseline in the upper esophagus (Th1-Th3), where the stent graft did not cover the aorta (20.8 ± 9.8 ml/min/100 g vs. 12.9 ± 8.6 ml/min/100 g, P < 0.01); however, it returned to the baseline value within a 30-min period. Mucosal blood flow remained stable in the esophagus, where the stent graft did not cover the aorta. After elevating the mean blood pressure to > 70 mmHg with continuous intravenous noradrenaline infusion, esophageal mucosal blood flow increased significantly in both regions; however, the reaction was different between the two regions. Our newly developed laser Doppler flowmeter could measure real-time esophageal mucosal blood flow changes in various clinical situations during thoracic stent graft implantation in a swine model. Hence, this device can be applied in many medical fields by downsizing it.

Aortic Valve Replacement for Patients with Functioning Internal Mammalian Artery Grafts.

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) for patients with functioning internal mammalian artery (ITA) grafts is technically challenging, and the optimal treatment strategy for these situations remains controversial. Here, we report five cases of AVR with ITA graft using continuous retrograde cardioplegia in addition to moderate hypothermia without the clamping of ITA and discuss the management of these cases.

Adventitial Cystic Disease Communicating with the Knee Joint: A Case Report with Histopathological Study of the Connection.

Adventitial cystic disease is a rare nonatheromatous cause of popliteal artery disease. Here, we present a case of a 51-year-old male patient who presented with right calf claudication caused by adventitial cystic disease. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative findings revealed the presence of a connection between the cyst and adjacent knee joint. In addition, histopathological examination revealed that the tissue structure of the connection was similar to that of adventitial cysts. The tissue composed of 2 types of cells, namely macrophages and fibroblast-like cells, and lesional cells expressed D2-40. These findings supported the ganglion theory as the underlying physiopathology of this disease and were helpful in deciding the management of this case.

Adventitial cystic disease of the popliteal artery.

We describe a patient with adventitial cystic disease of the popliteal artery with intermittent claudication involving the right calf during exercise. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) revealed a cystic lesion that encircled and compressed the popliteal artery. Resection of the cyst involving a segment of the affected popliteal artery and interposing an autologous vein graft resolved the symptoms, and the postoperative course was uneventful. The cyst was histologically similar to a ganglion.

A Case of Simultaneous Endovascular Aneurysmal Repair (EVAR) and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG).

A male patient with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and coronary artery disease was referred to our hospital. Coronary angiography showed multiple coronary lesions including the left main trunk. Computed tomography revealed a large AAA measuring 78 mm. To prevent aneurysmal rupture after coronary artery bypass grafting or cardiac complications after AAA repair, we performed simultaneous endovascular aneurysmal repair and coronary artery bypass grafting. The postoperative course was uneventful. Endovascular therapy and beating coronary artery bypass grafting is less invasive and may offer another promising option for the treatment of complicated case of AAA with severe coronary artery disease.

Left ventricular lipoma with pseudoaneurysm-like appearance.

We describe an extremely rare cardiac lipoma, with electrocardiographic changes in ST segments and T waves, suggesting ischemic heart disease. The abnormal electrocardiogram was identified during a routine physical examination of an asymptomatic 57-year-old man. Coronary angiography showed no stenotic or occlusive lesions in the coronary arteries except that the left anterior descending artery followed a winding course in the apical region. Left ventriculography revealed a pseudoaneurysm-like mass around the apical portion. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cardiac lipoma that communicated with the left ventricle and resembled a pseudoaneurysm. After complete resection of the lipoma and left ventricle patch plasty, the postoperative course was uneventful. Histologically, the tumor was an intramyocardiac lipoma with no evidence of malignancy. To our knowledge, we are the first to describe an intramyocardiac lipoma resembling a left ventricle pseudoaneurysm.