The Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent: A One-Fits-All Strategy for the Treatment of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection?

The treatment of DeBakey type I aortic dissection remains a major challenge in the field of aortic surgery. To upgrade the standard of care hemiarch replacement, a novel device called an "Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent" (AMDS) is now available. This hybrid device composed of a proximal polytetrafluoroethylene cuff and a distal non-covered nitinol stent is inserted into the aortic arch and the descending thoracic aorta during hypothermic circulatory arrest in addition to hemiarch replacement. Due to its specific design, it may result in a reduced risk for distal anastomotic new entries, the effective restoration of branch vessel malperfusion and positive aortic remodeling. In this narrative review, we provide an overview about the indications and the technical use of the AMDS. Additionally, we summarize the current available literature and discuss potential pitfalls in the application of the AMDS regarding device failure and aortic re-intervention.

Long-term use of intrathecal baclofen reduces neuropathic pain and its interference with general activity in spinal cord injury individuals.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term analgesic effect of intrathecal baclofen was reported in individuals with spinal cord injury. We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the effect of intrathecal baclofen on subtypes of neuropathic pain and its interference with general activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine spinal cord injury individuals who presented with severe spasticity and moderate to severe neuropathic pain received intrathecal baclofen via an implanted pump. We applied the ASIA Impairment Scale to assess spinal cord injury severity. Neuropathic pain was evaluated by numerical rating scale, Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory, and Brief Pain Inventory. Evaluations were performed at baseline and after at least 6 months of continuous intrathecal baclofen treatment. RESULTS: Intrathecal baclofen led to significant pain reduction as measured by numerical rating scale, Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory, and Brief Pain Inventory (p < 0.05). Improvements were significant for paroxysmal pain and dysesthesia and for pain interference with general activity, as assessed by the Brief Pain Inventory (p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between the time since spinal cord injury and changes in paroxysmal pain as well as in the total Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory score (p < 0.05). The baclofen dose correlated also to the percentage changes in neuropathic pain improvement and sleep (p < 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The present results provide evidence that intrathecal baclofen effectively reduces neuropathic pain, particularly paroxysmal pain and dysesthesia, and improves pain interference and overall well-being in individuals with spinal cord injury. Clinicians should be aware of this less well-known beneficial effect of intrathecal baclofen and should consider such a treatment option for better control of neuropathic pain in individuals with spinal cord injury.

The Influence of Audiovisual Distraction on Pain Reduction During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Under Monitored Anesthesia Care: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of an audiovisual distraction system on the dose of remifentanil for perioperative sedation during transcatheter aortic valve implantation under monitored anesthesia care. DESIGN: Single-center prospective randomized nonblinded study. SETTING: Tertiary referral academic hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety patients who underwent transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation between July 2019 and July 2021. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to use either a novel audiovisual distraction system during the intervention (n = 45) or standard care without an audiovisual distraction system (n = 45). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Standardized questionnaires were given to each patient at admission and before and after the intervention to assess their levels of anxiety. Primary endpoints were the average and peak infusion rates of remifentanil. All patients were considered for the final analysis according to an intention-to-treat design. No relevant differences in pre- and postinterventional anxiety status were observed between the groups. Similarly, there were no significant differences in reported pain scores (p = 0.364). The average infusion rate (p = 0.028) and peak infusion rate (p = 0.025) of remifentanil were lower in the group with an audiovisual distraction system. CONCLUSIONS: Audiovisual distraction is a useful adjunct to reduce the dose of remifentanil under monitored anesthesia care during transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Larger studies are needed to evaluate potential positive effects on patient satisfaction, incidence of delirium, and possible economic benefits.

Prophylactic corticosteroids for cardiopulmonary bypass in adult cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery triggers a strong inflammatory reaction, which carries significant clinical consequences. Corticosteroids have been suggested as a potential perioperative strategy to reduce inflammation and help prevent postoperative complications. However, the safety and effectiveness of perioperative corticosteroid use in adult cardiac surgery is uncertain. This is an update of the 2011 review with 18 studies added. OBJECTIVES: Primary objective: to estimate the effects of prophylactic corticosteroid use in adults undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass on the: - co-primary endpoints of mortality, myocardial complications, and pulmonary complications; and - secondary outcomes including atrial fibrillation, infection, organ injury, known complications of steroid therapy, prolonged mechanical ventilation, prolonged postoperative stay, and cost-effectiveness. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: to explore the role of characteristics of the study cohort and specific features of the intervention in determining the treatment effects via a series of prespecified subgroup analyses. SEARCH METHODS: We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods to identify randomised studies assessing the effect of corticosteroids in adult cardiac surgery. The latest searches were performed on 14 October 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials in adults (over 18 years, either with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease or cardiac valve disease, or who were candidates for cardiac surgery with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass), comparing corticosteroids with no treatments. There were no restrictions with respect to length of the follow-up period. All selected studies qualified for pooling of results for one or more endpoints. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, and cardiac and pulmonary complications. Secondary outcomes were infectious complications, gastrointestinal bleeding, occurrence of new post-surgery atrial fibrillation, re-thoracotomy for bleeding, neurological complications, renal failure, inotropic support, postoperative bleeding, mechanical ventilation time, length of stays in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital, patient quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS: This updated review includes 72 randomised trials with 17,282 participants (all 72 trials with 16,962 participants were included in data synthesis). Four trials (6%) were considered at low risk of bias in all the domains. The median age of participants included in the studies was 62.9 years. Study populations consisted mainly (89%) of low-risk, first-time coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or valve surgery. The use of perioperative corticosteroids may result in little to no difference in all-cause mortality (risk with corticosteroids: 25 to 36 per 1000 versus 33 per 1000 with placebo or no treatment; risk ratio (RR) 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75 to 1.07; 25 studies, 14,940 participants; low-certainty evidence). Corticosteroids may increase the risk of myocardial complications (68 to 86 per 1000) compared with placebo or no treatment (66 per 1000; RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.31; 25 studies, 14,766 participants; low-certainty evidence), and may reduce the risk of pulmonary complications (risk with corticosteroids: 61 to 77 per 1000 versus 78 per 1000 with placebo/no treatment; RR 0.88, 0.78 to 0.99; 18 studies, 13,549 participants; low-certainty evidence). Analyses of secondary endpoints showed that corticosteroids may reduce the incidence of infectious complications (risk with corticosteroids: 94 to 113 per 1000 versus 123 per 1000 with placebo/no treatment; RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.92; 28 studies, 14,771 participants; low-certainty evidence). Corticosteroids may result in little to no difference in incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding (risk with corticosteroids: 9 to 17 per 1000 versus 10 per 1000 with placebo/no treatment; RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.67; 6 studies, 12,533 participants; low-certainty evidence) and renal failure (risk with corticosteroids: 23 to 35 per 1000 versus 34 per 1000 with placebo/no treatment; RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.02; 13 studies, 12,799; low-certainty evidence). Corticosteroids may reduce the length of hospital stay, but the evidence is very uncertain (-0.5 days, 0.97 to 0.04 fewer days of length of hospital stay compared with placebo/no treatment; 25 studies, 1841 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The results from the two largest trials included in the review possibly skew the overall findings from the meta-analysis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: A systematic review of trials evaluating the organ protective effects of corticosteroids in cardiac surgery demonstrated little or no treatment effect on mortality, gastrointestinal bleeding, and renal failure. There were opposing treatment effects on cardiac and pulmonary complications, with evidence that corticosteroids may increase cardiac complications but reduce pulmonary complications; however, the level of certainty for these estimates was low. There were minor benefits from corticosteroid therapy for infectious complications, but the evidence on hospital length of stay was very uncertain. The inconsistent treatment effects across different outcomes and the limited data on high-risk groups reduced the applicability of the findings. Further research should explore the role of these drugs in specific, vulnerable cohorts.

The blink reflex and its modulation - Part 2: Pathophysiology and clinical utility.

The blink reflex (BR) is integrated at the brainstem; however, it is modulated by inputs from various structures such as the striatum, globus pallidus, substantia nigra, and nucleus raphe magnus but also from afferent input from the peripheral nervous system. Therefore, it provides information about the pathophysiology of numerous peripheral and central nervous system disorders. The BR is a valuable tool for studying the integrity of the trigemino-facial system, the relevant brainstem nuclei, and circuits. At the same time, some neurophysiological techniques applying the BR may indicate abnormalities involving structures rostral to the brainstem that modulate or control the BR circuits. This is a state-of-the-art review of the clinical application of BR modulation; physiology is reviewed in part 1. In this review, we aim to present the role of the BR and techniques related to its modulation in understanding pathophysiological mechanisms of motor control and pain disorders, in which these techniques are diagnostically helpful. Furthermore, some BR techniques may have a predictive value or serve as a basis for follow-up evaluation. BR testing may benefit in the diagnosis of hemifacial spasm, dystonia, functional movement disorders, migraine, orofacial pain, and psychiatric disorders. Although the abnormalities in the integrity of the BR pathway itself may provide information about trigeminal or facial nerve disorders, alterations in BR excitability are found in several disease conditions. BR excitability studies are suitable for understanding the common pathophysiological mechanisms behind various clinical entities, elucidating alterations in top-down inhibitory systems, and allowing for follow-up and quantitation of many neurological syndromes.

Analysis of factors affecting outcome in acute type A aortic dissection complicated by preoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) aggravates the pre-existing dismal prognosis of patients suffering from acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). We aimed to identify factors affecting survival and outcome in ATAAD patients requiring CPR at presentation at 2 European aortic centres. METHODS: Data on 112 surgical candidates and undergoing preoperative CPR were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to 30-day mortality. A multivariable model identified predictors for 30-day mortality. RESULTS: Preoperative death occurred in 23 patients (20.5%). In the remaining 89 surgical patients (79.5%) circulatory arrest time (41 ± 20 min in 30-day non-survivors vs 30 ± 13 min in 30-day survivor, P = 0.003) as well as cardiopulmonary bypass time (320 ± 132 min in 30-day non-survivors vs 252 ± 140 min in 30-day survivor, P = 0.020) time was significantly longer in patients with worse outcome. Thirty-day mortality of the total cohort was 61.6% (n = 69) with cardiac failure in 48% and aortic rupture or haemorrhagic shock (28%) as predominant reasons of death. Age [odds ratio (OR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.09, P = 0.034], preoperative coronary (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.34-9.26, p = 0.012) and spinal malperfusion (OR 12.49, 95% CI 1.83-225.02, P = 0.028) emerged as independent predictors for 30-day mortality while CPR due to tamponade was associated with improved early survival (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.091-0.81, P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of underlying cause for CPR is mandatory. Pericardial tamponade, rapidly resolved with pericardial drainage, is a predictor for improved survival, while age and presence of coronary and spinal malperfusion are associated with dismal outcome in this high-risk patient group.

The benefit of knowledge: postural response modulation by foreknowledge of equilibrium perturbation in an upper limb task.

For whole-body sway patterns, a compound motor response following an external stimulus may comprise reflexes, postural adjustments (anticipatory or compensatory), and voluntary muscular activity. Responses to equilibrium destabilization may depend on both motor set and a subject`s expectation of the disturbing stimulus. To disentangle these influences on lower limb responses, we studied a model in which subjects (n = 14) were suspended in the air, without foot support, and performed a fast unilateral wrist extension (WE) in response to a passive knee flexion (KF) delivered by a robot. To characterize the responses, electromyographic activity of rectus femoris and reactive leg torque was obtained bilaterally in a series of trials, with or without the requirement of WE (motor set), and/or beforehand information about the upcoming velocity of KF (subject`s expectation). Some fast-velocity trials resulted in StartReact responses, which were used to subclassify leg responses. When subjects were uninformed about the upcoming KF, large rectus femoris responses concurred with a postural reaction in conditions without motor task, and with both postural reaction and postural adjustment when WE was required. WE in response to a low-volume acoustic signal elicited no postural adjustments. When subjects were informed about KF velocity and had to perform WE, large rectus femoris responses corresponded to anticipatory postural adjustment rather than postural reaction. In conclusion, when subjects are suspended in the air and have to respond with WE, the prepared motor set includes anticipatory postural adjustments if KF velocity is known, and additional postural reactions if KF velocity is unknown.

The blink reflex and its modulation - Part 1: Physiological mechanisms.

The blink reflex (BR) is a protective eye-closure reflex mediated by brainstem circuits. The BR is usually evoked by electrical supraorbital nerve stimulation but can be elicited by a variety of sensory modalities. It has a long history in clinical neurophysiology practice. Less is known, however, about the many ways to modulate the BR. Various neurophysiological techniques can be applied to examine different aspects of afferent and efferent BR modulation. In this line, classical conditioning, prepulse and paired-pulse stimulation, and BR elicitation by self-stimulation may serve to investigate various aspects of brainstem connectivity. The BR may be used as a tool to quantify top-down modulation based on implicit assessment of the value of blinking in a given situation, e.g., depending on changes in stimulus location and probability of occurrence. Understanding the role of non-nociceptive and nociceptive fibers in eliciting a BR is important to get insight into the underlying neural circuitry. Finally, the use of BRs and other brainstem reflexes under general anesthesia may help to advance our knowledge of the brainstem in areas not amenable in awake intact humans. This review summarizes talks held by the Brainstem Special Interest Group of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology at the International Congress of Clinical Neurophysiology 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland, and provides a state-of-the-art overview of the physiology of BR modulation. Understanding the principles of BR modulation is fundamental for a valid and thoughtful clinical application (reviewed in part 2) (Gunduz et al., submitted).

The Potential of Intertwining Gene Diagnostics and Surgery for Mitral Valve Prolapse.

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is common among heart valve disease patients, causing severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Although complications such as cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death are rare, the high prevalence of the condition leads to a significant number of such events. Through next-generation gene sequencing approaches, predisposing genetic components have been shown to play a crucial role in the development of MVP. After the discovery of the X-linked inheritance of filamin A, autosomal inherited genes were identified. In addition, the study of sporadic MVP identified several genes, including DZIP1, TNS1, LMCD1, GLIS1, PTPRJ, FLYWCH, and MMP2. The early screening of these genetic predispositions may help to determine the patient population at risk for severe complications of MVP and impact the timing of reconstructive surgery. Surgical mitral valve repair is an effective treatment option for MVP, resulting in excellent short- and long-term outcomes. Repair rates in excess of 95% and low complication rates have been consistently reported for minimally invasive mitral valve repair performed in high-volume centers. We therefore conceptualize a potential preventive surgical strategy for the treatment of MVP in patients with genetic predisposition, which is currently not considered in guideline recommendations. Further genetic studies on MVP pathology and large prospective clinical trials will be required to support such an approach.

Case Report: Successful endovascular treatment of acute type A aortic dissection.

Introduction: Open surgical repair remains the current gold standard for the treatment of acute type A aortic dissection. However, especially elderly patients with relevant comorbidities who are deemed unfit for open surgery may benefit from a minimally invasive endovascular approach. Methods: We report a case of an 80-year-old male with retrograde acute type A aortic dissection and peripheral malperfusion after receiving thoracic endovascular aortic repair due to thoracic aortic aneurysm. Our individualized endovascular approach consisted of left carotid-subclavian bypass, proximal extension of thoracic endovascular aortic repair using a covered stent graft and a single covered stent graft for the ascending aorta in combination with an uncovered stent for the aortic arch. Results: Postoperative computed tomographic angiography demonstrated excellent outcome with no signs of endoleak or patent false lumen. Follow-up after 3.5 years showed a stable result with no signs of stent failure or dissection progress. No aortic re-interventions were needed in the further course. Discussion: An individualized endovascular approach may be justified for acute type A aortic dissection in elderly patients with high surgical risk if performed in specialized aortic centers. Additional short-length stent graft devices are needed to address the anatomical challenges of the ascending aorta. For enhanced remodeling of the dissected aorta, the use of an additional uncovered stent may be advisable.

Alternative minimally invasive surgical explantation techniques for failed transcatheter mitral valve repair devices.

Objective: The use of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) devices is increasing in elderly and high-risk patients. However, the increasing number of patients with recurrent mitral regurgitation (MR) has confronted surgeons with the issue of how to explant the devices and whether the mitral valve should be repaired or replaced. The aim of the study is to summarize our clinical experience with the explantation of different TMVr devices and to provide alternative surgical techniques that can be performed in different clinical scenarios. Methods: A simulator system including a dummy valve representing native valves was used to create video documentation and to develop alternative surgical methods for clip explantation. Moreover, the clip explantation techniques were shown in 2 patients undergoing minimally-invasive mitral valve repair after a failed TMVr. Results: Alternative explantation techniques were described for each TMVr device; 2 techniques for MitraClip and 3 techniques for PASCAL (Precision Transcatheter Valve Repair System), which may be adjusted for each individual according to the underlying valve pathology and the degree of device encapsulation. The patients were discharged without residual MR and remained MR free at the follow-up. Conclusions: Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair devices can be surgically explanted without damaging the MV leaflets. Removal of each device may require a different technique tailored to the degree of device encapsulation and valve pathology. Increasing experience may facilitate repair in patients with recurrent MR after TMVr.

The impact of malperfusion patterns in elderly patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the outcome of elderly patients with surgically treated acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) complicated by malperfusion. METHODS: Patients ≥70 years old who underwent surgical treatment for ATAAD between January 2000 and December 2020 were enrolled in this study and stratified by their specific Penn Classification into 4 different subgroups, where Penn Abc was defined as multilevel malperfusion. Short- and long-term outcomes were investigated. Multivariable binary logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for 1-year mortality. RESULTS: Four hundred elderly patients underwent surgical treatment for ATAAD. A total of 204 (51%) patients had no evidence of malperfusion (Penn Aa), 106 (26.5%) had localized organic malperfusion (Penn Ab), 44 (11%) patients had systemic malperfusion (Penn Ac) and 46 (11.5%) suffered from multilevel malperfusion (Penn Abc). For the latter, in-hospital mortality was 70% (P < 0.001). Age (P < 0.006) and multilevel malperfusion (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for 1-year mortality. Patients with multilevel malperfusion showed the worst 1-year survival (P < 0.001). In the case of Penn Aa, in-hospital mortality was 13% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Surgery may lead to satisfactory results in the absence of malperfusion, even in octogenarians. Elderly patients with multilevel malperfusion show very poor surgical outcome. In these patients, the decision for surgery should be taken with caution. Operation, if performed, should be carried out by experienced teams only.

Image-based ring size prediction for mitral valve repair.

OBJECTIVES: Annuloplasty rings are routinely used in mitral valve repair (MVr). However, accurate annuloplasty ring size selection is essential to obtain a favourable outcome. Moreover, ring sizing can be challenging in some patients and is highly influenced by surgeons' experience. This study investigated the utility of three-dimensional mitral valve (3D-MV) reconstruction models to predict annuloplasty ring size for MVr. METHODS: A total of 150 patients undergoing minimally invasive MVr with annuloplasty ring due to Carpentier type II pathology and who were discharged with none/trace residual mitral regurgitation were included. 3D-MV reconstruction models were created with a semi-automated software package (4D MV Analysis) to quantitate mitral valve geometry. To predict the ring size, univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Between 3D-MV reconstruction values and implanted ring sizes, the highest correlation coefficients were provided by commissural width (CW) (0.839; P < 0.001), intertrigonal distance (ITD) (0.796; P < 0.001), annulus area (0.782; P < 0.001), anterior mitral leaflet area (0.767; P < 0.001), anterior-posterior diameter (0.679; P < 0.001) and anterior mitral leaflet length (0.515; P < 0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, only CW and ITD were found to be independent predictors of annuloplasty ring size (R2 = 0.743; P < 0.001). The highest level of agreement was achieved with CW and ITD, and 76.6% of patients received a ring with no >1 ring size difference from the predicted ring sizes. CONCLUSIONS: 3D-MV reconstruction models can support surgeons in the decision-making process for annuloplasty ring sizing. The present study may be a first step towards accurate annuloplasty ring size prediction using multimodal machine learning decision support.

Minimally Invasive Extirpation of Benign Atrial Cardiac Tumors: Clinical Follow-Up and Survival.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence determining the optimal treatment for cardiac tumors is rare. We report our midterm clinical outcome and patient characteristics of our series undergoing atrial tumor removal through a right lateral minithoracotomy (RLMT). METHODS: From 2015 to 2021, 51 patients underwent RLMT for atrial tumor extirpation. Patients receiving concomitant atrioventricular valvular, cryoablation, and/or patent foramen ovale closure surgery were included. Follow-up was performed using standardized questionnaires (mean: 1,041 ± 666 days). Follow-up involved any tumor recurrence, clinical symptoms, and any recurrent arterial embolization. Survival analysis was successfully achieved in all patients. RESULTS: Successful surgical resection was achieved in all patients. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamping times were 75 ± 36 and 41 ± 22 min, respectively. The most common tumor location was the left atrium (n = 42, 82.4%). Mean ventilation time was 12.74 ± 17.23 h, intensive care unit stay ranged from 1 to 1.9 days (median: 1 day). Nineteen patients (37.3%) received concomitant surgery. Histopathological analysis showed 38 myxoma (74.5%), 9 papillary fibroelastoma (17.6%), and 4 thrombus (7.8%). Thirty-day mortality was observed in 1 case (2%). One patient (2%) suffered a stroke postoperatively. No patient had a relapse of cardiac tumor. Three patients (9.7%) showed arterial embolization during follow-up. Thirteen follow-up patients (25.5%) were in New York Heart Association class ≤II. Overall survival was 90.2% at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: A minimally invasive approach for benign atrial tumor resection is effective, safe, and reproducible. Of the atrial tumors, 74.5% were myxoma and 82% were located in the left atrium. A low 30-day mortality rate with no manifestation of recurrent intracardiac tumor was observed.

[Diabetic neuropathy and diabetic foot syndrome (update 2023)]. / Diabetische Neuropathie und diabetischer Fuß (Update 2023).

These are the guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of diabetic neuropathy and diabetic foot.The position statement summarizes characteristic clinical symptoms and techniques for diagnostic assessment of diabetic neuropathy, including the complex situation of the diabetic foot syndrome. Recommendations for the therapeutic management of diabetic neuropathy, especially for the control of pain in sensorimotor neuropathy, are provided. The needs to prevent and treat diabetic foot syndrome are summarized.