The burden of major complications on failure to rescue after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection: Analysis of more than 19,000 patients.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the number and type of postoperative complications and mortality in the setting for surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) remains underexplored despite its critical role in the failure-to-rescue (FTR) metric. METHODS: This retrospective study used data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgical Database on ATAAD surgeries performed between January 2018 and December 2022. Patients were categorized based on their number of major complications. The primary outcome was FTR. We used multilevel regression and classification and regression tree models. RESULTS: We included 19,243 patients (33% females), with a median age of 61 years. Regarding complications, 47.7% of patients had 0, 20.2% had 1, 12.7% had 2, and 19.4% experienced 3 or more. The most frequently reported complications were prolonged mechanical ventilation (30.3%), unplanned reoperation (19.5%), and renal failure (17.2%). Cardiac arrest occurred in 7.1% of cases. FTR increased from 13% in patients with 1 complication to >30% in those with 4 or more complications. Cardiac arrest (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 10.9) and renal failure (aOR, 5.3) had the highest odds for mortality, followed by limb ischemia (aOR, 2.7), stroke (aOR, 2.6), and gastrointestinal complications (aOR, 2.4). Hospitals in the top performance quartile consistently showed lower FTR rates across all levels of complication. CONCLUSIONS: The study validates a dose-response association between postoperative complications and mortality in patients undergoing surgery for ATAAD. Top-performing hospitals consistently show lower FTR rates independent of the number of complications. Future research should focus on the timing of complications and interventions to reduce the burden of complications.

Volume-failure-to-rescue relationship in acute type A aortic dissections: An analysis of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between volume of cases and failure-to-rescue (FTR) rate after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) across the United States. METHODS: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons adult cardiac surgery database was used to review outcomes of surgery after ATAAD between June 2017 and December 2021. Mixed-effect models and restricted cubic splines were used to determine the risk-adjusted relationships between ATAAD average volume and FTR rate. FTR calculation was based on deaths associated with the following complications: venous thromboembolism/deep venous thrombosis, stroke, renal failure, mechanical ventilation >48 hours, sepsis, gastrointestinal complications, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and unplanned reoperation. RESULTS: In total, 18,192 patients underwent surgery for ATAAD in 832 centers. The included hospitals' median volume was 2.2 cases/year (interquartile range [IQR], 0.9-5.8). Quartiles' distribution was 615 centers in the first (1.3 cases/year, IQR, 0.4-2.9); 123 centers in the second (8 cases/year, IQR, 6.7-10.2); 66 centers in the third (15.6 cases/year, IQR, 14.2-18); and 28 centers in the fourth quartile (29.3 cases/year, IQR, 28.8-46.0). Fourth-quartile hospitals performed more extensive procedures. Overall complication, mortality, and FTR rates were 52.6%, 14.2%, and 21.7%, respectively. Risk-adjusted analysis demonstrated increased odds of FTR when the average volume was fewer than 10 cases per year. CONCLUSIONS: Although high-volume centers performed more complex procedures than low-volume centers, their operative mortality was lower, perhaps reflecting their ability to rescue patients and mitigate complications. An average of fewer than 10 cases per year at an institution is associated with increased odds of failure to rescue patients after ATAAD repair.

Optimal circulatory arrest temperature for aortic hemiarch replacement with antegrade brain perfusion.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to identify the optimal temperature for moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest in patients undergoing elective hemiarch replacement with antegrade brain perfusion. METHODS: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons adult cardiac surgery database was queried for elective hemiarch replacements using antegrade brain perfusion for aneurysmal disease (2014-2019). Generalized estimating equations and restricted cubic splines were used to determine the risk-adjusted relationships between temperature as a continuous variable and outcomes. RESULTS: Elective hemiarch replacement with antegrade brain perfusion occurred in 3898 patients at 374 centers with a median nadir temperature of 24.9°C (first quartile, third quartile = 22.0°C, 27.5°C) and median circulatory arrest time of 19 minutes (first quartile, third quartile = 14.0 minutes, 27.0 minutes). After adjustment for comorbidities, circulatory arrest time, and individual surgeon, patients cooled between 25 and 28°C had an early survival advantage compared with 24°C, whereas those cooled between 21 and 23°C had higher risks of mortality compared with 24°C. A nadir temperature of 27°C was associated with the lowest risk-adjusted odds of mortality (odds ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.91). A nadir temperature of 21°C had the highest risk of mortality (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.73). Risk of experiencing a major morbidity was elevated in patients cooled between 21 and 23°C, with the highest risk occurring in patients cooled to 21°C (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.24). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with aneurysmal disease undergoing elective hemiarch with antegrade brain perfusion, circulatory arrest with a nadir temperature of 27°C confers the greatest early survival benefit and smallest risk of postoperative morbidity.

Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair After a Migrated EVAR Bypassing a Severely Kinked Previous Endograft.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel technique to repair a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (JAAA) after failed endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) with severely kinked anatomy. TECHNIQUE: We present a patient who underwent an EVAR with a Medtronic Talent device 15 years ago and a proximal cuff extension 3 years earlier for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Computed tomography (CT) done for a known gastritis showed a 12 cm JAAA, with a migrated endograft and a type Ia endoleak (EL). Endovascular repair was performed, accessing and navigating the aneurysmal sac outside the previous graft. The type I EL was reached and the suprarenal aorta catheterized. A 4-vessel inner-branched EVAR device was deployed in the distal thoracic aorta and their target vessels bridged through femoral access. A distal bifurcated component was deployed and both iliac limbs were extended to the native distal iliac arteries. Completion angiogram as well as early and 12-month CT showed a fully patent straight course branched EVAR with no ELs. CONCLUSION: Complex aortic reinterventions in the presence of previous EVAR can be performed by choosing a straighter course along and parallel to the previous endograft. Several technical aspects must be considered to successfully perform this type of reinterventions. CLINICAL IMPACT: We present a technique of a complex endovascular aortic repair in a failed EVAR with kinked anatomy, navigating through the thrombosed aneurysmal sac, outside the previously placed endograft and thus obtaining a straighter path for a new branched endograft. The novelty lies in a different approach to repair a failed EVAR with a branched graft through an uncommon access on the side of the previous endograft, avoiding repeated displacement or occlusion of the new endograft. We exemplify the feasibility of such a complex procedure and highlight important steps to perform it, whether in the abdominal or even thoracic Aorta.

Age, sex, and contemporary outcomes in surgical repair of type A aortic dissection: Insights from the National Inpatient Sample.

Objective: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a surgical emergency with significant morbidity and mortality, as well as significant center-level variation in outcomes. Our study aims to leverage a nationally representative database to assess contemporary in-hospital outcomes in surgical repair of ATAAD, as well as the association of age and sex with outcomes. Methods: The National Inpatient Sample was queried to identify hospital discharge records of patients aged ≥18 years who underwent urgent surgical repair of ATAAD between 2017 and 2018. Patients with a diagnosis of thoracic aortic dissection, who underwent surgical intervention of the ascending aorta, were identified. Patient demographics were assessed, and predictors of in-hospital mortality were identified. Results: We identified 7805 weighted cases of surgically repaired ATAAD nationally, with an overall mortality of 15.3%. Mean age was 60.0 ± 13.6 years. There was a male predominance, although female subjects made up a larger proportion of older age groups-female subjects up 18.4% of patients younger than 40 years with ATAAD but 53.6% of patients older than 80 years. In multivariable analysis controlling for sex, race, comorbidities, and malperfusion, age was a significant predictor of mortality. Patients aged 71 to 80 years had a 5.3-fold increased risk of mortality compared with patients ≤40 years old (P < .001), and patients aged >80 years had a 6.8-fold increased risk of mortality (P < .001). Sex was not significantly associated with mortality. Conclusions: Surgical repair of ATAAD continues to carry high risk of morbidity and mortality, with outcomes impacted significantly by patient age, regardless of patient comorbidity burden.

Emergency endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms in COVID-19 times.

In this paper, we describe a case series of four patients who were admitted with emergencies related to aortic aneurysms over a 3-day period and were treated with endovascular repair. The first patient was an 81-year-old female with a history of abdominal pain and a ruptured aortic aneurysm diagnosed by AngioCT-scan. The second patient was a 63-year-old male with a history of oral digestive bleeding and an AngioCT-scan showing an aortoenteric fistula. The third patient was a 77-year-old female with sudden-onset abdominal pain and ruptured right common iliac aneurysm. The fourth patient presented with abdominal pain and an AngioCT-scan showed aortic rupture. All four patients were discharged with no major complications or surgical mortality. These case series show that despite the Covid-19 pandemic situation, since elective surgeries decreased, vascular emergencies have increased.

Relatamos uma série de casos de quatro pacientes consecutivos, admitidos com emergências relacionadas a aneurismas aortoilíacos em um período de 3 dias e submetidos a tratamento endovascular. A primeira paciente, do sexo feminino, com 81 anos e com histórico de aneurisma da aorta, apresentou dor abdominal iniciada nos últimos 12 dias. O segundo paciente era do sexo masculino, com 63 anos e foi admitido com hematêmese 3 dias antes da admissão, com angiotomografia demonstrando fistula aortoentérica. A terceira paciente, do sexo feminino e com 77 anos, foi admitida com quadro de ruptura de aneurisma da artéria ilíaca comum direita. O quarto paciente consecutivo apresentou dor abdominal iniciada 2 semanas antes da internação e aneurisma roto da aorta. Todos os quatro pacientes apresentaram emergências aortoilíacas e receberam alta sem complicações maiores ou mortalidade cirúrgica. O relato desta série de casos demonstra que, apesar da situação pandêmica da COVID-19, uma vez que as cirurgias eletivas diminuíram, as urgências vasculares aumentaram.

Emergency endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms in COVID-19 times / Tratamento endovascular das emergências dos aneurismas aortoilíacos em tempos de COVID-19

Abstract In this paper, we describe a case series of four patients who were admitted with emergencies related to aortic aneurysms over a 3-day period and were treated with endovascular repair. The first patient was an 81-year-old female with a history of abdominal pain and a ruptured aortic aneurysm diagnosed by AngioCT-scan. The second patient was a 63-year-old male with a history of oral digestive bleeding and an AngioCT-scan showing an aortoenteric fistula. The third patient was a 77-year-old female with sudden-onset abdominal pain and ruptured right common iliac aneurysm. The fourth patient presented with abdominal pain and an AngioCT-scan showed aortic rupture. All four patients were discharged with no major complications or surgical mortality. These case series show that despite the Covid-19 pandemic situation, since elective surgeries decreased, vascular emergencies have increased.

Resumo Relatamos uma série de casos de quatro pacientes consecutivos, admitidos com emergências relacionadas a aneurismas aortoilíacos em um período de 3 dias e submetidos a tratamento endovascular. A primeira paciente, do sexo feminino, com 81 anos e com histórico de aneurisma da aorta, apresentou dor abdominal iniciada nos últimos 12 dias. O segundo paciente era do sexo masculino, com 63 anos e foi admitido com hematêmese 3 dias antes da admissão, com angiotomografia demonstrando fistula aortoentérica. A terceira paciente, do sexo feminino e com 77 anos, foi admitida com quadro de ruptura de aneurisma da artéria ilíaca comum direita. O quarto paciente consecutivo apresentou dor abdominal iniciada 2 semanas antes da internação e aneurisma roto da aorta. Todos os quatro pacientes apresentaram emergências aortoilíacas e receberam alta sem complicações maiores ou mortalidade cirúrgica. O relato desta série de casos demonstra que, apesar da situação pandêmica da COVID-19, uma vez que as cirurgias eletivas diminuíram, as urgências vasculares aumentaram.

Hypotension associated to a bilateral quadratus lumborum block performed for post-operative analgesia in an open aortic surgery case / Hipotensão associada ao bloqueio bilateral do quadrado lombar realizado para analgesia pós-operatória em caso de cirurgia aórtica aberta

Abstract Background and objectives: Bilateral quadratus lumborum block has been described for major abdominal procedures when sepsis is present, because risks associated to epidural are considered elevated. In an open aortic surgery, a single-shot bilateral quadratus lumborum block type 1 may be an alternative to thoracic epidural block for post-operative analgesia in a patient having an increased cumulative risk for thoracic epidural hematoma. Case report: A 56-year-old female patient presenting controlled hypertension, chronic renal disease stage 3b, dyslipidemia and a platelet count of 102,000/µl, and taking aspirin, was scheduled for bilateral aortoiliac endarterectomy. She was submitted to a sole general anesthesia plus, at end of the surgery, a bilateral quadratus lumborum block type 1 for post-operative analgesia with 20 mL of ropivacaine 0.5%, per side, before extubation. Immediately after post anesthesia care unit admission, patient developed moderate hypotension (dopamine infusion was needed during 18 h), concomitantly with a rapid reduction in the pain scores. Low numeric rating scale and opioid consumption were noted, particularly in the first 24 h post-operatively. Conclusions: Quadratus lumborum block was an effective analgesic technique for open aortic surgery in this case, although hypotension associated to bilateral quadratus lumborum block type 1 may occur. Associated sympathetic block probably related to the bilateral paravertebral extension of the block, may contribute for post-operative hypotension associated to reperfusion-ischemia syndrome in a patient that had long-lasting intraoperative aortic cross-clamping. The use of high concentration of local anesthetic to obtain longer duration of action of a single-shot quadratus lumborum block to avoid thoracic epidural or bilateral quadratus lumborum block catheterization should be used judiciously.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: O bloqueio bilateral do quadrado lombar foi descrito para procedimentos abdominais de grande porte quando há presença de sepse, uma vez que os riscos associados à peridural são considerados altos. Em uma cirurgia aórtica aberta, um único bloqueio bilateral do quadrado lombar tipo 1 (QL tipo 1) pode ser uma opção ao bloqueio peridural torácico para analgesia pós-operatória em paciente com risco cumulativo aumentado de hematoma epidural torácico. Relato de caso: Paciente feminina de 56 anos, portadora de hipertensão arterial controlada, doença renal crônica (estágio 3 b), dislipidemia, plaquetopenia de 102.000/µl e tomava aspirina, estava programada para endarterectomia aortoilíaca bilateral. A paciente foi submetida à anestesia geral e, no fim da cirurgia, a bloqueio do quadrado lombar tipo 1 bilateralmente para analgesia pós-operatória com 20 mL de ropivacaína a 0,5%, para cada lado, antes da extubação. Imediatamente após a internação na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica, a paciente evoluiu com hipotensão moderada (necessidade de infusão de dopamina durante 18 horas), concomitante à rápida redução dos escores de dor. Escore numérico para dor baixo e consumo de opioides foram observados, especialmente nas primeiras 24 horas de pós-operatório. Conclusões: O bloqueio do quadrado lombar foi uma técnica analgésica eficaz nesse caso de cirurgia aórtica aberta, embora a hipotensão associada ao bloqueio bilateral do quadrado lombar possa ocorrer. O bloqueio simpático associado, causado pelo bloqueio do QL tipo 1, provavelmente relacionado à extensão paravertebral bilateral do bloqueio, pode contribuir para a hipotensão pós-operatória associada à síndrome de isquemia-reperfusão em paciente submetido a pinçamento aórtico intraoperatório de longa duração. Alta concentração de anestésico local para prolongar a ação de uma injeção única no bloqueio do quadrado lombar, com o objetivo de evitar cateterização de ambas as anestesias peridural e do quadrado lombar bilateral, deve ser usada de modo criterioso.

[Hypotension associated to a bilateral quadratus lumborum block performed for post-operative analgesia in an open aortic surgery case]. / Hipotensão associada ao bloqueio bilateral do quadrado lombar realizado para analgesia pós­operatória em caso de cirurgia aórtica aberta.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bilateral quadratus lumborum block has been described for major abdominal procedures when sepsis is present, because risks associated to epidural are considered elevated. In an open aortic surgery, a single-shot bilateral quadratus lumborum block type 1 may be an alternative to thoracic epidural block for post-operative analgesia in a patient having an increased cumulative risk for thoracic epidural hematoma. CASE REPORT: A 56-year-old female patient presenting controlled hypertension, chronic renal disease stage 3b, dyslipidemia and a platelet count of 102,000/µl, and taking aspirin, was scheduled for bilateral aortoiliac endarterectomy. She was submitted to a sole general anesthesia plus, at end of the surgery, a bilateral quadratus lumborum block type 1 for post-operative analgesia with 20mL of ropivacaine 0.5%, per side, before extubation. Immediately after post anesthesia care unit admission, patient developed moderate hypotension (dopamine infusion was needed during 18h), concomitantly with a rapid reduction in the pain scores. Low numeric rating scale and opioid consumption were noted, particularly in the first 24h post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: Quadratus lumborum block was an effective analgesic technique for open aortic surgery in this case, although hypotension associated to bilateral quadratus lumborum block type 1 may occur. Associated sympathetic block probably related to the bilateral paravertebral extension of the block, may contribute for post-operative hypotension associated to reperfusion-ischemia syndrome in a patient that had long-lasting intraoperative aortic cross-clamping. The use of high concentration of local anesthetic to obtain longer duration of action of a single-shot quadratus lumborum block to avoid thoracic epidural or bilateral quadratus lumborum block catheterization should be used judiciously.

Reemplazo de arco aórtico y aorta descendente proximal por aneurisma o disección aórtica con prótesis Thoraflex / Aortic arch and proximal descending aorta replacement with the Thoraflex* prosthesis

Resumen: El compromiso simultáneo del arco aórtico y aorta descendente proximal, ya sea por disección o aterosclerosis, constituye uno de los mayores desafíos que puede enfrentar un cirujano cardiovascular. La prótesis híbrida Thoraflex, introducida en los últimos años, ha resultado ser una importante ayuda para el tratamiento quirúrgico de esta compleja y grave patología. Esta consiste en un tubo protésico de Dacron con 4 ramas, para el reemplazo del arco aórtico y sus troncos braquiocefálicos y perfusión corporal distal, y una endoprótesis que queda como "trompa de elefante suspendida" en la aorta descendente proximal. Presentamos en esta oportunidad nuestra experiencia inicial en 4 pacientes, 3 con disección aórtica crónica y una con un aneurisma aterosclerótico, usando la prótesis híbrida Thoraflex.

Abstract: Atherosclerotic aneurysm or dissection of the aortic arch and proximal descending thoracic aorta is one of the major challenges for a cardiovascular surgeon. The new hybrid prosthesis Thoraflex has become an important devise to simplify the surgical treatment of this very complex and technically demanding aortic pathology. This hybrid prosthesis consists of a 4-branched arch graft with a stent-graft at the distal end. The proximal part is a gelatin-coated woven polyester prosthesis. The stented section is a self-expanding endoprosthesis constructed of thin-walled polyester and nitinol ring stents that is left in the proximal descending aorta as a "frozen elephant trunk". We present our initial experience with the Thoraflex prosthesis in four patients, three of them with chronic aortic dissection and one with an atherosclerotic aneurysm.

Aortic Center: specialized care improves outcomes and decreases mortality / Centro de Tratamento da Aorta: a especialização reduz complicações e mortalidade

Objective: To compare in-hospital outcomes in aortic surgery in our cardiac surgery unit, before and after foundation of our Center for Aortic Surgery (CTA). Methods: Prospective cohort with non-concurrent control. Foundation of CTA required specialized training of surgical, anesthetic and intensive care unit teams, routine neurological monitoring, endovascular and hybrid facilities, training of the support personnel, improvement of the registry and adoption of specific protocols. We included 332 patients operated on between: January/2003 to December/2007 (before-CTA, n=157, 47.3%); and January/2008 to December/2010 (CTA, n=175, 52.7%). Baseline clinical and demographic data, operative variables, complications and in-hospital mortality were compared between both groups. Results: Mean age was 58±14 years, with 65% male. Group CTA was older, had higher rate of diabetes, lower rates of COPD and HF, more non-urgent surgeries, endovascular procedures, and aneurysms. In the univariate analysis, CTA had lower mortality (9.7 vs. 23.0%, P=0.008), which occurred consistently across different diseases and procedures. Other outcomes which were reduced in CTA included lower rates of reinterventions (5.7 vs 11%, P=0.046), major complications (20.6 vs. 33.1%, P=0.007), stroke (4.6 vs. 10.9%, P=0.045) and sepsis (1.7 vs. 9.6%, P=0.001), as compared to before-CTA. Multivariable analysis adjusted for potential counfounders revealed that CTA was independently associated with mortality reduction (OR=0.23, IC 95% 0.08 – 0.67, P=0.007). CTA independent mortality reduction was consistent in the multivariable analysis stratified by disease (aneurysm, OR=0.18, CI 95% 0.03 – 0.98, P=0.048; dissection, OR=0.31, CI 95% 0.09 – 0.99, P=0.049) and by procedure (hybrid, OR=0.07, CI 95% 0.007 – 0.72, P=0.026; Bentall, OR=0.18, CI 95% 0.038 – 0.904, P=0.037). Additional multivariable predictors of in-hospital mortality included creatinine ...

Objetivo: Comparar desfechos intrahospitalares em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia da aorta torácica e toracoabdominal, antes e após a constituição do Centro Especializado de Tratamento da Aorta (CTA). Métodos: Coorte prospectiva com controle não contemporâneo. A criação do CTA envolveu treinamento cirúrgico especializado, sala híbrida, monitorização neurológica, capacitação de pessoal de apoio, aperfeiçoamento dos registros e uso de protocolos específicos. Foram incluídos 332 pacientes operados em 2 períodos: janeiro/2003 a dezembro/2007 (pré-CTA, n=157, 47,3%); e janeiro/2008 a dezembro/2010 (CTA, n=175, 52,7%). As características demográficas, clínicas, dados cirúrgicos, complicações e mortalidade hospitalar foram comparados nos 2 grupos. Resultados: A idade média foi 58±14 anos, com 65% sexo masculino. O grupo CTA teve idade, prevalência de diabete (DM) e glicemia maiores; menor prevalência de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica e insuficiência cardíaca; maior proporção de aneurismas e cirurgias eletivas; e mais procedimentos endovasculares que o pré-CTA. Na análise univariada, o grupo CTA mostrou redução de mortalidade (9,7% x 23,0%, P=0,008), que foi consistente nos diferentes subgrupos estratificados por patologia e por procedimento. O grupo CTA teve também redução de reoperações (5,7% x 11%, P=0,046), complicações maiores (20,6% x 33,1%, P=0,007), acidente vascular cerebral (4,6% x 10,9%, P=0,045) e sepse (1,7% x 9,6%, P=0,001), comparado ao pré-CTA. Na análise multivariada, o CTA se associou de forma independente a redução de mortalidade hospitalar (OR=0,23, IC 95% 0,08 - 0,67, P=0,007). A redução de mortalidade do CTA também ocorreu na análise estratificada por patologia (cirurgias de aneurisma, OR=0,18, IC 95% 0,03 - 0,98, P=0,048; cirurgias de dissecção, OR=0,31, IC 95% 0,09 - 0,99, P=0,049) e por procedimento (híbridos, OR=0,07, IC 95% 0,007 - 0,72, P=0,026; Bentall, OR=0,18, IC 95% 0,038 – 0,904, P=0,037). Também foram ...

Toll-like receptor 4-dependent microglial activation mediates spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Paraplegia continues to complicate thoracoabdominal aortic interventions. The elusive mechanism of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury has delayed the development of pharmacological adjuncts. Microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system, can have pathological responses after a variety of insults. This can occur through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) in stroke models. We hypothesize that spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury after aortic occlusion results from TLR-4-mediated microglial activation in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: TLR-4 mutant and wild-type mice underwent aortic occlusion for 5 minutes, followed by 60 hours of reperfusion when spinal cords were removed for analysis. Spinal cord cytokine production and microglial activation were assessed at 6 and 36 hours after surgery. Isolated microglia from mutant and wild-type mice were subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation for 24 hours, after which the expression of TLR-4 and proinflammatory cytokines was analyzed. Mice without functional TLR-4 demonstrated decreased microglial activation and cytokine production and had preserved functional outcomes and neuronal viability after thoracic aortic occlusion. After oxygen and glucose deprivation, wild-type microglia had increased TLR-4 expression and production of proinflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of functional TLR-4 attenuated neuronal injury and microglial activation after thoracic aortic occlusion in mice. Furthermore, microglial upregulation of TLR-4 occurred after oxygen and glucose deprivation, and the absence of functional TLR-4 significantly attenuated the production of proinflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, TLR-4-mediated microglia activation in the spinal cord after aortic occlusion is critical in the mechanism of paraplegia after aortic cross-clamping and may provide targets for pharmacological intervention.

Tratamento endovascular de ruptura traumática da aorta torácica descendente / Endovascular treatment of traumatic descending thoracic aortic rupture

Paciente do sexo feminino, 55 anos de idade, vítima de atropelamento, foi admitida em unidade de emergência, onde se realizou o diagnóstico clínico, radiológico e tomográfico de ruptura traumática da aorta torácica descendente. Diante do achado, a paciente foi encaminhada para tratamento endovascular com colocação de endoprótese auto-expansível (stent) pela artéria femoral. O tratamento obteve sucesso, evidenciado pela exclusão da lesão localizada previamente no istmo aórtico. O tratamento endovascular tem sido indicado nas afecções de aorta torácica descendente com bons resultados iniciais. Na ruptura traumática de aorta, a terapêutica endovascular representa uma alternativa aceitável, especialmente devido aos riscos do tratamento operatório convencional.

A 55-year-old, female patient who was run over by a motor vehicle was admitted at an emergency room. Clinical, radiological and tomographic diagnosis of traumatic descending aortic thoracic rupture was performed. The patient was referred for endovascular treatment with placement of a self-expandable stent through the femoral artery. Treatment was successful, with exclusion of the lesion previously located in the aortic isthmus. Endovascular treatment has been indicated in the treatment of descending thoracic aortic diseases, with good initial results. In case of traumatic aortic rupture, endovascular treatment is a feasible alternative, especially due to risks offered by the conventional surgical treatment.