Cardiac rehabilitation in a heart-failure patient using customized "cardiac support net" treatment: a case report.

At our hospital, we are conducting the "Clinical Study of a Patient-Specific Cardiac Support Net for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (jRCTs042180025)", a multi-facility clinical study of a customized cardiac support net (CSN). Here, we describe the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) of a heart failure (HF) patient after CSN treatment. The patient was a 65-year-old man who exhibited dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) because of left ventricular non-compaction; his New York Heart Association status was class III. In November 2019, he received CSN treatment. The early CR program was adapted for this patient, and his postoperative course was uneventful. Functional measurements showed improved leg-muscle strength (before treatment: 61.4% BW; at discharge: 77.3% BW). During long-term follow-up, the patient's exercise tolerance increased, as shown by 6-minute walk distance (before treatment: 576 m; long-term follow-up: 600 m) and peak oxygen uptake (before treatment: 12.5 mL/kg/min; long-term follow-up: 13.3 mL/kg/min). In the 2 years since discharge, the patient has not been hospitalized for HF. This report is the first to show that the CSN can be used to perform a CR program in a DCM patient without significant functional decline.

Impact of an improved driveline management for HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist devices.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the impact of a standardized driveline care strategy, including a subfascial-tunneling method and dressing protocol, on the incidence of driveline infection (DLI). METHODS: DLI data from all HeartMate II (HMII) and HeartMate 3 (HM3) patients (including exchange devices) were retrospectively collected between 2013 and 2021. The driveline subfascial-tunneling method was altered in three steps (A: right direct; B: left triple, C: right triple), and the shower protocol was changed in two steps (A: with/without cover, B: with cover). Disinfection was individually tailored after changing the shower protocol. Complications associated with morbidity and mortality were evaluated for each modification. RESULTS: During the study period, 80 devices were implanted (HMII, n = 54; HM3, n = 26). The 8-year incidence of DLI was 15% (n = 8) in HMII patients and 0% in HM3 patients (p = 0.039). DLI was not associated with hospital mortality. The modified dressing protocol and tunneling method was associated with a significantly better DLI incidence rate in comparison to the previous one: Protocol-A (n = 17), Protocol-B (n = 63), 35% vs 3% (p = 0.0009), Method-A (n = 13), Method-B (n = 42), Method-C (n = 25), 46% vs 5% vs 0% (p = 0.0001). The rete of freedom form DLI at 1, 2, and 3 years had also significant difference between groups: Protocol-A and Protocol-B, 80%, 54%, 54% vs 96%, 96%, 96%, respectively (p < 0.0001), Method-A, Method-B and Method-C, 76%, 44%, 44%, vs 94%, 94%, 94% vs 100%, 100%, respectively (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: A standardized triple driveline tunneling strategy and waterproof dressing protocol reduced driveline infection in HM3 patients to 0%.

Multiple giant coronary artery aneurysms with extended coronary ectasia emerging 12 years after previous coronary artery bypass grafting.

A 73-year-old man presented with multiple giant coronary artery aneurysms. Twelve years prior to the presentation, he had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting. At that time, he exhibited small aneurysms (16 mm diameter) in the right coronary artery and a single aneurysm (10 mm diameter) in the left circumflex artery. During follow-up, the aneurysms gradually increased in size (to 45 and 30 mm, respectively, at 12 years after surgery). We resected all of the aneurysms and performed coronary artery bypass grafting of the left circumflex artery through re-sternotomy.

Higher F-wave frequency associates with poor procedural success rate after Maze procedure.

OBJECTIVES: Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) causes atrial remodeling, which causes myocardial fibrosis and micro-reentry. Fibrosis may reduce wave voltage and micro-reentry may enhance the dominant frequency (DF) of the F-wave. We investigated whether the DF predicts procedural success by the Maze procedure. METHODS: In 138 consecutive patients who underwent mitral valve surgery and a modified Cox-Maze III procedure for persistent AF in Nagoya University in 2002-2018, 96 (70%) were successfully cardioverted (group S); 42 had persistent or relapsed AF after surgery (group F). Patient data were compared between the groups. Cut-off values were determined by an ROC analysis and predictors of procedural success were evaluated. The DF was obtained from the F-wave of V1 by a high-speed Fourier analysis using the CEPAS software program. RESULTS: Group F showed a significantly larger LA diameter, better LVEF, lower F-wave voltage, higher DF, and longer duration of AF. The cut-off values were as follows: LA diameter, 56 mm; EF, 64.5%; F-wave voltage, 0.13 mV; DF, 7.3 Hz; and duration of AF, 44 months. Each factor showed statistical significance in a univariate analysis; DF lost significance in the multivariate analysis. The higher (DF ≥ 7.3 Hz) and lower voltage group (≤ 0.13 mV) showed the worst procedural success rate (36%), while the lower DF (< 7.3 Hz) and higher voltage group (> 0.13 mV) showed a good rate (86%). CONCLUSIONS: The DF of the F-wave is a useful predictor of procedural success after the Maze procedure in addition to the voltage of F-wave.

Surgical and multitreatment approach in a case of primary cardiac angiosarcoma: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Primary cardiac angiosarcoma is extremely rare, and its prognosis remains poor, with a mean life expectancy of only a few months. Here, we report a case of primary cardiac angiosarcoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 49-year-old Japanese woman with a month-long history of dyspnea was admitted to our hospital for pericardial effusion. Chest computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass in the right atrium. The patient underwent surgical resection of the tumor, and the pathological diagnosis was angiosarcoma. The patient received radiotherapy after surgery. Six months following surgery, she underwent chemotherapy following the diagnosis of lung metastasis. The patient died 18 months after the initial diagnosis. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Cardiac angiosarcoma is rare and difficult to diagnose early because it is associated with few symptoms. Moreover, there are currently no established guidelines for the treatment of this disease because of its rarity and sparse descriptive literature Therefore, multidisciplinary therapies should be considered, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: There is no standard treatment for cardiac angiosarcoma, but surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these therapies may be useful.

Predictors of Failure of Mitral Valve Repair Using Artificial Chordae.

BACKGROUND: We investigated predictors of failure of mitral valve repair (MVr) using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and its durability in the long term in a single institution. METHODS: Four hundred twenty-one consecutive patients with primary mitral valve disease underwent MVr using artificial chordae (group A, n = 304) and suture repair (group S, n = 117) at our institution from January 2002 to April 2020. A comparison study was performed to examine the long-term outcomes, reoperation rate, and risk factors for reoperation. RESULTS: One hospital death and 5 late deaths occurred in group S, and 20 late deaths occurred in group A. The reoperation rates were similar: group A, n = 8 (2.6%); and group S, n = 6 (5%). The major cause of reoperation was ruptured ePTFE (CV-4, n = 1; CV-5, n = 6) in group A, and suture rupture in group S. Reoperation was performed after a median of 88 months for ruptured ePTFE, and 26 months for group S. The rate of ePTFE rupture was 1.8% with CV-5 and 0.2% with CV-4. Risk factors for reoperation included postoperative arrhythmia, urgent operation, no annular ring, ruptured ePTFE, and suture rupture. The rates of freedom from reoperation and actuarial mitral valve survival rates at 5, 10, and 15 years were 99%, 95%, and 93% and 96%, 91%, and 89%, respectively, in group A; and 96%, 91%, and 91% and 95%, 94%, and 94%, respectively, in group S. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term surgical outcomes of MVr using both techniques were feasible. Over the long term, the ePTFE rupture rate of CV-5 was higher than that of CV-4.

Sudden circulatory collapse caused by mechanical obstruction of the left main coronary trunk with infective endocarditis vegetation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) caused by mechanical obstruction of the coronary artery with a vegetation is extremely rare but associated with high mortality. The optimal management strategy of this condition remains controversial because of its scarcity. We experienced a case of sudden circulatory collapse due to mechanical occlusion of the left main coronary trunk with a vegetation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old woman with aortic and mitral valve infective endocarditis suffered sudden dyspnea followed by heart arrest while awaiting surgery. Despite treatment with adequate antibiotic therapy, she had had multiple embolic infarctions and ruptured infectious cerebral aneurysms. We conducted transcatheter arterial embolization of the aneurysm and postponed the cardiac surgery due to residual aneurysmal blood flow. She suffered sudden cardiac arrest, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was applied after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. An echocardiogram revealed diffuse severe hypokinesis, and emergency coronary angiography was performed under suspicion of ACS. It revealed obstruction of the left main coronary trunk by a vegetation. Emergent cardiac surgery was performed. A vegetation had occluded the left coronary orifice. Aortic and mitral valve replacement with coronary artery bypass to the left antero-descending branch was performed. Regarding her cardiac function, she still required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after surgery. She passed away 19 days after surgery due to multiple organ failure. CONCLUSIONS: ACS caused by mechanical obstruction of the coronary artery with a vegetation is rare but associated with high mortality. When circulatory collapse acutely occurs in patients with aortic valve infective endocarditis, we should suspect acute coronary artery obstruction. Urgent coronary angiography is mandatory to rescue the patient while preparing for emergency surgery.

Left Upper Lobe Trisegmentectomy After Pulmonary Endarterectomy.

Major pulmonary resection has been successfully performed after pulmonary endarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in a few cases. A pulmonary nodule was detected in a 68-year-old man with a diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. After pulmonary hypertension was resolved with pulmonary endarterectomy, left upper lobe trisegmentectomy was performed for small lung cancer. Dissection of the pulmonary artery was carefully performed with a possibility of a fragile state on the arterial wall due to previous pulmonary endarterectomy. Pathologically, the arterial media with an uneven thickness was exposed to the vascular lumen in the resected pulmonary artery.

Is Hybrid Repair for an Entire Shaggy Aorta Feasible?

OBJECTIVE: This paper reviewed clinical experiences to evaluate the feasibility of a surgical strategy for an entire shaggy aorta. METHODS: Fifty-two (52) surgeries (47 men, average age 72±7 years) were performed for an entire shaggy aorta at the current institution from 2002-2017. Open surgery was performed in 30 cases, including total arch replacement in 12, extended aortic arch replacement via L-shaped thoracotomy in 10 and median sternotomy combined with left thoracotomy in two, and thoracoabdominal aortic replacement in six. Hybrid procedures were performed in 22 cases: type I hybrid arch repair in six, type II hybrid arch repair in seven and type III hybrid arch repair in nine. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was significantly higher with a hybrid repair: surgical, one case (3%); hybrid, six cases (27%), (p=0.0125). Stroke occurred at relatively high rates in both groups: surgical, seven cases (23%); hybrid, six cases (27%) (p=0.75). Spinal cord injury was significantly higher in hybrid repair: surgical, one case (3%); hybrid, seven cases (32%), (p=0.004). Open surgery revealed a better long-term survival rate than the hybrid procedure at 5 and 10 years: surgical, 82%, 65.7%; hybrid, 53%, 35.1%, respectively (p=0.0452). The rate of freedom from aortic events was significantly better with open surgery than a hybrid procedure at 5 and 10 years: surgical, 96%, 85%; hybrid, 83%, 41.3%, respectively (p=0.0082). CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for an entire shaggy aorta was frequently associated with embolic complications such as stroke, paraplegia, renal failure, and bowel necrosis. However, open surgical repair may produce better early and late outcomes and freedom from aortic events compared with hybrid repair.

Surgery for Anomalous Papillary Muscle Directly Into the Anterior Mitral Leaflet.

BACKGROUND: The anomalous insertion of papillary muscle directly into the anterior mitral leaflet is a rare congenital anomaly concomitant with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We herein report our surgical technique, which is designed to relieve left ventricular obstruction and preserve the mitral valve and subvalvular apparatus. METHODS: Among 38 patients who underwent septal myectomy from 2007 to 2020, 4 had an anomalous mitral subvalvular apparatus with papillary muscle with direct insertion into the anterior mitral leaflets. In all cases, mitral valve repair was accomplished with excision and reconstruction of all anomalous papillary muscles, concomitant with septal myectomy. In another 34 patients, 20 cases needed mitral valve repair with regard to systolic anterior motion by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The comparison study was conducted between the anomalous papillary muscle group (group A) and the others (group B). RESULTS: There was no early or late death in group A, and there were 3 early deaths and 2 late deaths in group B. The mean peak gradient in the left ventricle was significantly decreased in both groups. Mitral valve regurgitation grade was also significantly decreased from 3 to 0.5 without valve replacement in group A, and from 2 to 0.6 in group B. Six patients needed mitral valve replacement because of the thickness of anterior mitral leaflet in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy associated with the anomalous insertion of papillary muscle can be successfully treated without mitral valve replacement. Excision and reconstruction with the anomalous papillary muscle seems to be a feasible operation to reduce mitral regurgitation and relieve outflow tract obstruction.

The incidence and risk factors of hypofibrinogenemia in cardiovascular surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular surgery often causes massive bleeding due to coagulopathy, with hypofibrinogenemia being a major causative factor. We assessed the intraoperative incidence of hypofibrinogenemia and explored predictors of hypofibrinogenemia. METHODS: The intraoperative serum fibrinogen level (SFL) was routinely measured in 872 consecutive patients [mean age: 66.9 ± 13.3 years; 598 men (68.6%)] undergoing cardiovascular surgery from July 2013 to November 2016 at Nagoya University Hospital. There were 275 aortic surgeries, 200 cases of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 334 valvular surgeries and 63 other surgeries. We estimated hypofibrinogenemia incidence (intraoperative lowest SFL ≤ 150 mg/dL) and identified its predictors by a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The average intraoperative lowest SFL of all cases, aortic surgery, CABG and valvular surgery was 185 ± 71, 156 ± 65, 198 ± 69 and 198 ± 68 mg/dL, respectively. Aortic surgery had a significantly lower intraoperative lowest SFL than CABG (p < 0.001) and valvular surgery (p < 0.001). The incidence of hypofibrinogenemia was 32.8%, 50.2%, 26.5% and 22.8% in all cases, aortic surgery, CABG and valvular surgery, respectively. The predictors of hypofibrinogenemia were the preoperative SFL, re-do surgery and perfusion time. A receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that the best preoperative SFL cutoff value for predicting hypofibrinogenemia was 308.5 mg/dL. Assuming preoperative SFL 300 mg/dL as the cutoff, the odds ratio for hypofibrinogenemia was 7.22 (95% confidence interval 5.26-9.92, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of hypofibrinogenemia in aortic surgery was high. The preoperative SFL, re-do surgery and perfusion time were identified as predictors for hypofibrinogenemia. Intraoperative measurement of SFL is important for detecting hypofibrinogenemia and applying appropriate and prompt transfusion treatment.

Spinal cord injury following aortic arch replacement.

PURPOSE: Postoperative spinal cord injury is a devastating complication after aortic arch replacement. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of this complication. METHODS: A group of 254 consecutive patients undergoing aortic arch replacement via median sternotomy, with (n = 78) or without (n = 176) extended replacement of the upper descending aorta, were included in a risk analysis. The frozen elephant trunk technique was used in 46 patients. The patients' atherothrombotic lesions (extensive intimal thickening of > 4 mm) were identified from computed tomography images. RESULTS: Complete paraplegia (n = 7) and incomplete paraparesis (n = 4) occurred immediately after the operation (permanent spinal cord injury rate, 1.97%; transient spinal cord injury rate, 2.36%). A multivariable logistic regression analysis identified the use of the frozen elephant trunk technique (odds ratio 36.3), previous repair of thoracoabdominal aorta or descending aorta (odds ratio 29.4), proximal atherothrombotic aorta (odds ratio 9.6), chronic obstructive lung disease (odds ratio 7.1) and old age (odds ratio 1.1) as predictors of spinal cord injury (p < 0.0001, area under curve 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Spinal cord injury occurs with a non-negligible incidence following aortic arch replacement. The full objective assessment of the morphology of the whole aorta and the recognition of the risk factors are mandatory.

Neurologic Deficit After Aortic Arch Replacement: The Influence of the Aortic Atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative neurologic deficits are associated with severe morbidity in aortic arch replacement. METHODS: A group of 198 consecutive patients undergoing isolated total aortic arch replacement with the use of antegrade cerebral perfusion were analyzed for the risk factors for predicting neurologic deficit. With the use of computed tomography, atherothrombotic lesions (defined as extensive intimal thickening exceeding 4 mm) were identified in the proximal aorta (the ascending aorta or aortic arch) in 26.2% of cases and in the distal aorta in 34.9% of cases. RESULTS: Permanent neurologic deficits occurred in 11.1% (including non-disabling stroke confirmed by imaging) and transient neurologic deficits in 8.1% of patients. A univariate analysis identified proximal atherothrombotic aorta (p = 0.0057), distal atherothrombotic aorta (p = 0.032), and retrograde systemic perfusion from the femoral artery in the presence of distal atherothrombotic aorta (p = 0.0022) as risk factors for neurologic deficits. A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified atherothrombotic proximal aorta (odds ratio 2.4, p = 0.033) as the independent risk factor. The presence of carotid stenosis did not affect the rate of neurologic deficit. Intracranial hemorrhagic lesions were found in 23% of permanent neurologic deficit cases. CONCLUSIONS: Atherothrombotic lesions found by objectively graded computed tomography were predictors of neurologic deficit. Retrograde perfusion in the presence of a distal atherothrombotic lesion should be avoided whenever possible. Strategies based on the full assessment of the whole aortic morphologic characteristics appear to be mandatory. Anticoagulation therapy should be performed carefully to avoid intracranial hemorrhagic changes.

Strategy of Cardiovascular Surgery for Patients With Dementia as Evaluated by Mini-Mental State Examination.

BACKGROUND: The strategy for cardiovascular surgery in dementia patients is controversial, so we aimed to investigate whether preoperative dementia and its severity might affect the outcomes of cardiovascular surgery by evaluating with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Methods and Results: The study group comprised 490 patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. Their preoperative cognitive status was evaluated using the MMSE, and analysis was performed to compare the patients with MMSE score <24 (dementia group, n=51) or MMSE score 24-30 (non-dementia group, n=439). Furthermore, the effect of the severity of dementia was analyzed with a cut-off MMSE score of 19/20. Risk factors for surgical outcomes were explored using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Hospital mortality was 11.8% in the dementia group and 2.1% in the non-dementia group (P=0.002). Regarding the postoperative morbidities, the incidence of cerebrovascular disorder (P=0.001), pneumonia (P=0.039), delirium (P=0.004), and infection (P=0.006) was more frequent in dementia group. Among the patients with MMSE <20, hospital mortality was as high as 25%, and the rate of delirium was 58%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that MMSE score <24 (P=0.003), lower serum albumin (P=0.023) and aortic surgery (P=0.036) were independent risk factors for hospital death. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative dementia affects the outcomes of cardiovascular surgery with regard to hospital death and delirium. The surgical indication for patients with MMSE <20 might be difficult, but surgery with an appropriate strategy should be considered for patients with MMSE <24.

Clinical outcomes and quality of life after surgery for dilated ascending aorta at the time of aortic valve replacement; wrapping versus graft replacement.

Wrapping and graft replacement are two optional procedures for the treatment of dilated ascending aorta at the time of aortic valve replacement (AVR). Wrapping is considered less invasive. The aim of this study was to compare the short- and long-term clinical outcomes as well as the long-term quality of life in patients undergoing these two procedures.This study enrolled 40 consecutive patients with dilated ascending aorta who had undergone either wrapping (WAA group, n=20) or replacement (RAA group, n=20) of the ascending aorta at the time of AVR. Short-term outcomes, long-term deaths, and aortic events were evaluated, as was quality of life using the SF-36 Short Form. Long-term maximal proximal aortic diameter was also obtained.There were no early deaths in either group. Pump time was shorter, and transfusion (55% vs. 95%, p=0.035) and postoperative atrial fibrillation (5% vs. 30%, p=0.036) rates were lower, in the WAA than in the RAA group. At a mean follow-up of 4.9 years, the overall 5 year survival rates in the WAA and RAA groups were 78.1% and 87.5%, respectively. There were no significant between group differences in SF-36 scores in any subcategory of this survey. Long-term maximal aortic diameter remained stable in both groups. Both surgical interventions for dilated ascending aorta at the time of AVR yield favorable and comparable results in patients with suitable anatomy. Furthermore, we found no differences in quality of life between these procedures.

The long-term results and changing patterns of biological valves at the mitral position in contemporary practice in Japan.

Mitral valve surgery has changed with the wide acceptance of mitral valve repair. The aim of this study is to obtain the long-term results of patients who underwent mitral valve replacement (MVR) using a biological prosthesis in contemporary practice in Japan. From January 1990 to December 2013, 76 patients underwent MVR using a biological prosthesis with or without concomitant surgery. Data were obtained by means of a questionnaire and a telephone interview. The mean follow-up period was 4.26 years. The etiologies of the patients included dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (n=20 [26.3%]), ischemic mitral regurgitation (n=7 [9.2%]). There is a trend towards decreasing number of rheumatic and degenerative disease and increasing number of DCM and ischemic mitral regurgitation. Three patients (3.9%) died in the perioperative period. The 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 69.6% and 31.7%, respectively. The 5- and 10-year freedom from valve related death were 95.6% and 80.6 %, respectively. The linearized rates of valve-related complications were as follows: thromboembolism (0.63%/patient/year), bleeding (1.25%/patient/year). One patient underwent reoperation for structural degeneration 13 years after the first operation. The present study shows the long-term results of mitral valve replacement with bioproshtesis in a contemporary case series. The practice pattern is changing. The low rate of valve-related complication justify the current patient selection.

[Aortic Valve Replacement of Quadricuspid Valve with Regurgitation].

Congenital quadricuspid aortic valve is a very rare malformation. In most cases it has been found incidentally at aortic valve surgery or at autopsy. It frequently causes aortic regurgitation, which may become manifest in adulthood and require surgical treatment. We reported 4 cases of aortic regurgitation with quadricuspid aortic valve. In all cases, aortic valve replacement was preformed with prosthetic valve, and their postoperative courses were uneventful. Two were Hurwitz's classification type b, one was type a and the last patient was type c. Although quadricuspid aortic valve is a rare anomaly, its potential for severe valve failure in adulthood should be kept in mind.

Early and Late Outcomes of Thoracic Aortic Surgery in Hemodialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: The number of cardiovascular surgeries among hemodialysis patients is increasing according to the growing population of hemodialysis patients; however, the clinical outcome has not yet been clarified, especially in thoracic aortic surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the early and late outcomes of thoracic aortic surgery in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 700 consecutive open thoracic aortic surgeries from 2002 to 2014. We identified 21 patients receiving preoperative hemodialysis (group HD) and 679 patients not receiving preoperative hemodialysis (group N). The patients were predominantly male, had diabetes mellitus and cardiogenic shock, and had less hyperlipidemia and elective surgery in group HD. The early and late outcomes were compared between 21 patients in each group using a propensity-score matched analysis. RESULTS: The hospital stay and intensive care unit stay were significantly longer in group HD even after matching. The 30-day mortality and inhospital mortality showed no significant differences, whereas the rate of postoperative pneumonia was significantly higher in group HD compared with the matched group N (p = 0.0067). The 1-year, 3-year, and 7-year survival rates in group HD were 73.4%, 45.7%, and 30.5%, respectively, which were significantly poorer than that of group N both in the prematched (p < 0.001) and matched analyses (p = 0.0027). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the various operative risks associated with hemodialysis patients, the early mortality rate is acceptable, even after the association with many respiratory complications. Although hemodialysis patients have a compromised prognosis after surgery, excessive hesitation to perform thoracic aortic surgery may be avoided.