[A Combination Therapy with Antibiotic and Surgical Treatment in a Patient with Patent Ductus Arteriosus with Pulmonary Vegetation:Report of a Case].

We present a case of a 24-year-old female who presented with a history of fever and back pain. She had no particular medical history and was not taking any medication. Transthoracic echocardiology and computed tomography showed a patent ductus arteriosus with vegetation in the pulmonary artery. She was treated with penicillin G;however, the vegetation embolized into the left pulmonary artery. After the antibiotics was changed to clindamycin and ceftriaxone, the resolution of the lung abscess was shown by computed tomography( CT). Two months later, a surgical repair of the patent ductus arteriosus was successfully performed. Patent ductus arteriosus-associated infectious endocarditis is relatively rare in adulthood.

Pseudoaneurysm of mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa with rupture: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa (MAIVF) is a fibrous region connecting the anterior mitral leaflet (AML) and aortic valve. Pseudoaneurysm of the MAIVF is a rare condition that has been reported as a sequela of infective endocarditis (IE) and surgical trauma. Here, we report a case of a ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the MAIVF, along with some literature reviews. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old man diagnosed with moderate aortic regurgitation five years previously had a fever of unknown origin. He suddenly developed headache and apraxia and was transported to our hospital. He was diagnosed with intracranial hemorrhage and admitted. One week after admission, echocardiography revealed aorto-mitral discontinuity and protrusion with severe regurgitant flow from left ventricular outflow tract to the left atrium. The AML was suspected to have ruptured. However, intraoperatively, the AML structure was preserved. A ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the MAIVF was also observed. Therefore, we successfully performed pseudoaneurysm repair using a bovine pericardial patch, aortic valve replacement, and mitral annuloplasty. CONCLUSIONS: P-MAIVF is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of IE, for which timely diagnosis and prompt appropriate therapeutic intervention are required. In the present case, although neither obvious active IE nor history of previous IE could be identified, healed IE was considered based on the clinical course. The patient had intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) with well-controlled heart failure and underwent elective surgical repair more than one month after the onset of ICH, while the clinical course after the surgical procedure was uneventful.

Renal Biomarkers in the Early Detection of Acute Kidney Injury After Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery-associated (CSA) acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe postoperative complication in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Early detection of postoperative CSA-AKI may be key to improving patient outcomes. This study explored the use of renal biomarkers measured immediately after surgery for the early detection of CSA-AKI in patients undergoing OPCAB.Methods and Results: In all, 111 patients who underwent OPCAB at Kumamoto University Hospital between June 2020 and October 2022 were included in this study. Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, liver-type fatty acid-binding protein, and N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) were measured upon arrival in the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery. AKI was diagnosed using KDIGO criteria. Of the 111 patients, 32 (28.8%) developed postoperative AKI. Regarding AKI staging, 19 (59.4%), 11 (34.4%), and 2 (6.3%) patients had Stage 1, 2, and 3 AKI, respectively. There were significant differences in chronic kidney disease, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and NAG between the AKI and non-AKI groups. Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative eGFR (odds ratio [OR] for 5-mL/min/1.73 m2increase in eGFR 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63-0.89) and increasing urinary NAG concentrations at ICU admission (OR 2.44; 95% CI 1.30-4.60) were significant risk factors for CSA-AKI in OPCAB patients. CONCLUSIONS: NAG and eGFR may be valuable biomarkers for the early detection of CSA-AKI in patients undergoing OPCAB.

Do chronic total occlusive lesions affect patency of coronary bypass grafts to the right coronary artery?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions on the patency of bypass grafts to the right coronary artery territory. METHODS: Two hundred patients undergoing primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting with revascularization to the right coronary artery territory between April 2015 and July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Study patients were divided into two groups according to their right coronary artery lesion: patients with CTO lesions (n = 76) and those without CTO lesions (n = 124). Graft flow of the right coronary artery territory was evaluated by intraoperative transit time flow measurement and patency of the bypass graft was evaluated by multidetector row computed tomography. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients (76 patients with CTO and 124 patients without CTO) were included in this study. Intraoperative transit time flow measurement demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the median mean graft flow (30 ml/min vs. 25 ml/min; p = 0.114), pulsatility index (2.1 vs. 2.4; p = 0.079), and diastolic filling rate (65% vs. 64%; p = 0.844) between patients with CTO and those without CTO. Postoperative multidetector row computed tomography demonstrated that the patency of bypass grafts to the right coronary artery territory was similar between the groups (94.7% in patients with CTO vs. 96.0% in those without CTO; p = 0.733). In patients with CTO, the patency of bypass graft tended to be worse in subgroup with rich collateral blood flow (Rentrop grade 3). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic total occlusion lesions do not affect the patency of bypass grafts to the right coronary artery territory.

Outcomes of mitral valve replacement with complete annular decalcification.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the clinical outcomes of mitral valve replacement (MVR) in patients with severe mitral annular calcification (MAC) who required extensive decalcification and mitral annular reconstruction. METHODS: We reviewed 15 patients with severe MAC who underwent MVR between January 2016 and May 2022. In all cases, the calcified mitral annulus was resected completely using a Cavitron Ultrasound Surgical Aspirator, and a new annulus was created using bovine pericardium. In the acute postoperative phase, strict afterload reduction therapy using an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was administered. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 73 ± 8 years, and 13 (86.7%) were women. Concomitant aortic valve replacement was performed in 11 (73.3%) patients, tricuspid annuloplasty in 9 (60.0%), coronary artery bypass grafting in 1 (6.7%), and arrhythmia surgery in 7 (46.7%). The mean aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 143 ± 32 min and 175 ± 34 min, respectively. In 13 patients, an IABP was used for 2 or 3 days postoperatively. There were no in-hospital deaths, left ventricular ruptures, or other MAC-related complications. Postoperative echocardiography revealed no paravalvular leakages. CONCLUSION: Our strategy for managing severe MAC is safe and reproducible even in relatively high-risk patients. Afterload reduction using an IABP in the acute postoperative phase may reduce the risk of fatal complications after extensive decalcification and mitral annular reconstruction.

Mitral valve replacement with annuloplasty in a patient with infected mitral annular calcification.

Key Clinical Message: Extensive resection of the infected calcified annulus and the reconstruction with a pericardial patch for the debrided annulus is an effective surgical option for the treatment of infectious endocarditis in patients with mitral annular calcification. Abstract: A 78-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of left-sided hemiparesis. During the treatment for cerebral infarction, the patient became feverish and lost consciousness. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed mitral annular calcification and a tumor-like mass on the posterior leaflet despite no findings of mitral regurgitation. She underwent successful mitral valve replacement with debridement of the infected mitral annulus and reconstruction of the posterior annulus (annuloplasty) with bovine pericardium after removal of the mitral annular calcification.

Factors Affecting Recovery of 6-Minute Walk Distance After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Background: This single-center retrospective analysis investigated the number of days required for postoperative 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) to recover to preoperative values after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and the factors influencing this recovery. Methods and Results: The 6MWD was measured in 101 patients (median age 69 years; 18 women) before and every day after CABG. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors affecting 6MWD recovery to preoperative values after CABG. The median number of days required for recovery of 6MWD after CABG was 9 (interquartile range 7-11 days). Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the median number of days required for recovery of 6MWD; there were 60 patients in the early recovery group (<9 days) and 41 in the "non-early" recovery group (38 who recovered after the median 9 days, and 3 who did not recover during hospitalization). Using univariate logistic regression analysis, diabetes (P=0.01), stroke (P=0.26), left ventricular ejection fraction (P=0.27), and grip strength (P=0.13) were selected for multivariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that diabetes (odds ratio 2.955; 95% confidence interval 1.208-7.229; P=0.02) was the only independent predictor of 6MWD recovery. Conclusions: Diabetes was the single factor influencing the recovery of postoperative 6MWD in patients undergoing CABG.

Free Jejunal Graft Interposition with Vascular Reconstruction in Patients Undergoing Pharyngo Laryngo Esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pharyngo-esophageal reconstruction using free jejunal grafts has been widely used for the treatment of locally advanced carcinomas of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. However, the procedure is technically demanding and requires complex recontractions. The aim of this study was to evaluate our institutional outcomes of reconstruction using a free jejunal graft with vascular reconstruction in patients undergoing pharyngo laryngo esophagectomy with a multidisciplinary surgical team. METHODS: There were 90 consecutive patients between October 2006 and February 2021. The mean age was 64.6 ± 10.3 years, and there were 76 male patients. Of 90 patients, 49 underwent preoperative chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Jejunal vessels were commonly anastomosed to the common carotid artery and the internal jugular vein (77.8% and 92.2%, respectively). Continuous intravenous infusion of heparin was used postoperatively. RESULTS: Necrosis of the graft was observed in 5 patients. An isolated revision of vein was necessary in 1 patient. In all cases of graft failure, heparin was not used postoperatively. On the other hand, among the patients without graft failure, heparin was used for about two-thirds of the patients and was significantly different (0% vs. 66%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Free jejunal graft with vessel reconstruction is a safe and effective method for patients undergoing pharyngo laryngo esophagectomy. The position for the prevention of kinking as well anastomosis maneuver of vein is especially important. Moreover, early postoperative anticoagulation is essential.

[Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting via Partial Sternotomy Late after Partial Chest Wall Resection:Report of a Case].

A 74-year-old man was referred to our department to receive coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) because of severe triple vessel disease. He had undergone a chest wall resection including the right clavicle and the first and second ribs for the fibrosarcoma 40 years ago. The right internal thoracic artery was resected at the operation. Twenty-nine years after the operation, the plate used for the reconstruction of the chest wall was removed because of its infection. Off-pump CABG using left internal thoracic artery and vein grafts with lower partial sternotomy was successfully performed for the complete revascularization. This patient had a high possibility of sternum dehiscence and postoperative mediastinitis due to poor blood flow in the right upper sternum.

[Concurrent Surgical Venous Repair during Laser-assisted Pacemaker Lead Extraction].

Pacemakers are widely used to treat arrhythmia, however, one of problems after implantation of pacemaker is device infection. Total removal of leads and generator is recommended for radical cure. Recently, transvenous laser-assisted extraction of pacemaker leads has been developed and has achieved good results. However, catastrophic complications during pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads extraction have been reported, and cases requiring surgical reconstruction have been also reported. Most of the repair technique include a direct suturing or a partial repair with patch. We herein report two cases of superior vena cava and innominate vein reconstruction with bovine pericardium during transvenous laser-assisted extraction. A hybrid approach using transvenous laser-assisted extraction and surgical repair through median sternotomy should be considered to perform complete lead extraction in complex cases with pacemaker lead infection.

Left atrial intramural hematoma after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Left atrial intramural hematoma is a rare complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. The combination treatment with surgery and interventional therapy is one of therapeutic options.

Incidentally detected atrioventricular septal defect in an adult.

A 34-year-old woman, a liver transplantation donor for her son, was referred to our hospital for preoperative evaluation. She was diagnosed with an incomplete atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). She underwent double valve repair and patch closure of the defect. Incidental discovery of an asymptomatic AVSD in an adult is rare.

Radiotherapy-related skin ulcer communicating with a left ventricular aneurysm.

Although radiation therapy is widely used to treat breast cancer, high doses of radiation may cause various complications. We report a case of a left ventricular aneurysm complicated with an intractable skin ulcer caused by radiation therapy for breast cancer. The communication between the aneurysm and skin ulcer caused severe bleeding. An urgent left ventricular repair and chest wall reconstruction with a rectus abdominis flap were performed successfully.

Enlarged coronary sinus thrombosis after repair of Ebstein's anomaly.

A 58-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with progressively increasing breathlessness. She reported a history of bioprosthetic valve implantation for tricuspid valve replacement and direct closure of an atrial septal defect for Ebstein's anomaly, 31 years before presentation. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed prosthetic valve failure, an enlarged coronary sinus, and severe mitral regurgitation. Computed tomography revealed a giant coronary sinus with thrombosis and persistent left superior vena cava. She underwent successful mitral and tricuspid valve replacement; however, severe hemodynamic deterioration necessitated mechanical ventilatory support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Early Progression of Aortic Stenosis Associated With Iatrogenic Variant Transthyretin Amyloidosis After Domino Liver Transplantation.

We report a 65-year-old man who underwent aortic valve replacement because of severe aortic stenosis associated with de novo iatrogenic variant transthyretin amyloidosis derived from a liver graft extracted from a patient with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis 9 years after the domino liver transplantation. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Collateral Formation from Left Lateral Thoracic Artery to the Adamkiewicz Artery.

A 68-year-old man who had undergone descending thoracic aortic replacement was referred to our hospital with a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. During the original surgery, the Adamkiewicz artery was directly reconstructed. However, multidetector row computed tomography showed occlusion of the reconstructed artery at its orifice, with supply by a collateral vessel from the left lateral thoracic artery. With careful incision to avoid damage to the collateral vessel, no postoperative neurological deficit was observed.

Long-term durability of preserved aortic root after repair of acute type A aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Optimal management of aortic root in type A aortic dissection (AAD) is controversial. To determine the most appropriate strategy, we studied the late outcomes after conservative repair of aortic root. METHODS: 234 AAD patients (mean age 68 ± 12 years) underwent surgical repair using supracommissural replacement (SCR) for aortic root reconstruction from 1989 to 2014. Ascending aortic replacement or hemi-arch replacement was performed in 180 patients (non-arch group), whereas total arch replacement (TAR) was performed in 54 patients. In both groups, proper and firm reapproximation of proximal edge was performed exactly at the sinotubular junction (STJ). The long-term durability of preserved aortic root (mean follow-up 89 months) was evaluated. RESULTS: Hospital mortality occurred in 25 of 234 patients (10.6%). Aorta-related deaths occurred in five patients (four in non-arch; one in TAR), with over 90% 10-year actuarial survival rate in each group. Among 19 aorta-related events, there were only four proximal events (three in non-arch; one in TAR). The 10-year freedom rate from proximal aorta-related events exceeded 90%, with no significant difference in both groups. Freedom rate from moderate aortic regurgitation at 10 years was statistically similar between non-arch (86.3%) and TAR (85.7%) groups. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term durability of SCR with proximal aortic reapproximation exactly at the STJ was acceptable with low rates of proximal aortic events. This technique can be the standard technique for aortic root reconstruction in AAD patients, except those with aortic root pathology.

Simultaneous thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair and coronary artery bypass grafting through median sternotomy.

Patients with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) often have severe ischemic heart disease. The determination of which condition to treat first is based on disease severity, but in some cases the conditions are equally severe. A 78-year-old woman received a diagnosis of a 59-mm TAAA and coronary artery stenosis. We performed simultaneous TAAA repair, using the patched aortoplasty method, and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) through a median sternotomy. No perioperative complications occurred, the patient was discharged in stable condition, and early follow-up visits were uneventful.