The Long-Term Outcome and Quality of Life after Replacement of the Ascending Aorta.

(1) Background: Despite optimal surgical therapy, replacement of the ascending aorta leads to a significant reduction in the quality of life (QoL). However, an optimal result includes maintaining and improving the QoL. The aim of our study was to evaluate the long-term outcome and the QoL in patients with aneurysms in the ascending aorta; (2) Methods: Between 2014 and 2020, 121 consecutive patients who underwent replacement of the ascending aorta were included in this study. Acute aortic pathologies were excluded. A standard short form (SF)-36 questionnaire was sent to the 112 survivors. According to the surgical procedure, patients were divided into two groups (A: supracoronary replacement of the aorta, n = 35 and B: Wheat-, David- or Bentall-procedures, n = 86). The QoL was compared within these groups and to the normal population, including myocardial infarction (MI), coronary artery disease (CAD) and cancer (CAN) patients; (3) Results: 83 patients were males (68.6%) with a mean age of 62.0 ± 12.5 years. Early postoperative outcomes showed comparable results between groups A and B, with a higher re-thoracotomy rate in B (A: 0.0% vs. B: 22.1%, p = 0.002). The 30-day mortality was zero. Overall, mortality during the follow-up was 7.4%. The SF-36 showed a significant decay in both the Physical (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) in comparison to the normal population (PCS: 41.1 vs. 48.4, p < 0.001; MCS: 42.1 vs. 50.9, p < 0.001) but without significant difference between both groups. Compared to the MI and CAD patients, significantly higher PCS but lower MCS scores were detected (p < 0.05); (4) Conclusions: Replacement of the ascending aorta shows low risk regarding the operative and postoperative outcomes with satisfying long-term results in the QoL. The extent of the surgical procedure does not influence the postoperative QoL.

Coronary Artery Aneurysm Rupture in a Patient With Polyarteritis Nodosa.

We present the case of a 42-year-old male patient with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and pericardial effusion due to rupture of the left anterior descending artery most likely secondary to polyarteritis nodosa. Successful surgery was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass using antegrade and retrograde cardioplegia combined. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Risk Factors for High Blood Product Use in Patients with Stanford Type A Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative and postoperative bleeding associated with allogeneic blood transfusion and reoperation is still a common and feared complication in patients undergoing surgery due to acute Type A Aortic Dissection (aTAAD). The aim of our study was to identify risk factors for higher transfusion rates. METHODS: In this retrospective single center study we evaluated pre -, intra-, and postoperative data of 121 patients with aTAAD. Depending on the median of received packed red blood cells (PRBCs), patients were divided into Group A (<8 PRBC, n = 53) and Group B (≥8 PRBC n = 68). Statistical analyses (descriptive statistics, univariable and multivariable logistic regression) were performed using SPSS software 25.0. Statistical significance was assumed at p-value <0.05. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients received a blood product during their perioperative course. Among others we identified age, hemorrhagic pericardial effusion, and dual antiplatelet therapy as preoperative risk factors, low rectal temperature as intraoperative risk factor and low body temperature, positive fluid balance, high lactate level and beginning development of acute renal failure as postoperative risk factors. CONCLUSION: Our study identifies several factors which predict a higher likelihood of bleeding and consecutive blood transfusion. Knowledge of these factors could influence the therapy to reduce transfusion requirements and lead to a targeted and more efficient use of coagulation products.

Clinical outcomes and thrombus resolution in patients with solid left atrial appendage thrombi: results of a single-center real-world registry.

BACKGROUND: Data on thrombus resolution and clinical outcome data after a therapy of LAA thrombus with novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are scarce. METHODS: In this single-center study, we retrospectively analyzed 78 patients diagnosed with a solid LAA thrombus by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). We assessed baseline clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, the anticoagulatory regimens and outcomes of patients with (responders) and without (non-responders) thrombus resolution. RESULTS: Mean age was 76.1 ± 8.3 years, patients were male in 57.7% and presented with a high risk for thromboembolism (CHA2DS2-VASc: 4.3 ± 1.1). At thrombus diagnosis, 44.9% patients were treated with a NOAC, while 41.0% were under therapy with a VKA. Complete thrombus resolution was achieved after a mean of 116 ± 79 days in a total of 51.3% of patients, 35.9% showed a reduction of thrombus size, whereas 12.8% showed no changes in thrombus dimensions. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of LAA thrombus resolution between VKA and NOACs (41.2 vs. 57.1%, p = 0.18). However, in cases in which only the therapy with a NOAC led to complete thrombus resolution, the time needed was significantly shorter than with VKA (81 ± 38 vs. 129 ± 46 days, p = 0.03). Regarding safety outcomes, no differences in bleeding or thromboembolism were observed between patients with and without thrombus resolution. CONCLUSIONS: In this registry, approximately 85% of LAA thrombi were diagnosed in patients with ongoing OAC. Thrombus resolution was observed in nearly 50% of cases. Although there was no difference in the rate of LAA thrombus resolution between VKA and NOACs, the resolution time was shorter in patients prescribed a NOAC.

Retrograde Stanford type A dissection caused by a multilayer stent graft in a patient with chronic type B dissection.

A patient with progressive chronic type B dissection and contraindication for open surgery underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair using a Cardiatis Multilayer Flow Modulator®. Two weeks after the intervention, the patient experienced a ruptured retrograde type A aortic dissection caused by the stent's uncovered proximal ends.