Endoleak after use of the fenestrated frozen elephant trunk technique to treat acute type A aortic dissection.

Several studies have indicated that the fenestrated frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique enhances early outcomes in cases of acute aortic dissection, although long-term outcomes remain unclear. A case involving a 62-year-old male who experienced endoleak from a fenestration site following total arch replacement using the fenestrated FET technique for a DeBakey type I aortic dissection is reported. The patient underwent successful reoperation involving total arch replacement and reinsertion of the FET. Postoperatively, there was an absence of endoleak from the fenestration, and a noteworthy reduction in the diameter of the aortic arch was observed. It is imperative to recognize that endoleak from a fenestration poses a risk for prompt aortic expansion, thus necessitating vigilant postoperative monitoring. Furthermore, when adopting fenestrated FET, it is crucial to ensure firm fixation around the fenestration to prevent endoleak.

Sutureless Repair for Iliac Vein Bleeding Using an Elastomeric Sealant.

Addressing venous bleeding is a frequent complication of vascular and abdominopelvic surgeries. We present a novel sutureless repair technique using HydrofitⓇ (Terumo, Tokyo, Japan), an elastomeric sealant. In a patient experiencing common iliac vein bleeding during abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery, this technique successfully achieved complete hemostasis. By applying the elastomeric sealant with an autologous arterial patch to the bleeding site, we demonstrate the simplicity and effectiveness of sutureless hemostasis for venous bleeding.

Embolization of left anterior descending artery due to pledget after a redo surgery.

A 53-year-old man underwent aortic root replacement for acute aortic dissection. Following this procedure, the patient developed a pseudoaneurysm at the aortic root, necessitating reoperation. The subsequent surgery was performed routinely, allowing the patient to be weaned from mechanical ventilation on the same day. Postoperative electrocardiography revealed ST-segment elevation, suggesting myocardial ischaemia. Coronary angiography identified 90% stenosis in the left anterior descending artery, and computed tomography revealed a high-density mass. These findings suggested an embolus from a previous surgery. A snare catheter was successfully employed to extract the embolic material, which was identified as a pledget used for aortic valve replacement in the initial operation. This case underscores the potential for complications associated with pledgets used in valve surgeries, illustrating the risk of embolization when the valve is subsequently removed.

Insertion Multi-Parachute Suturing and Knotting (IMS-K) Technique for Aortic Surgery.

Successful surgical interventions for aortic surgery, such as hemiarch repair and total arch replacement, pivot on the foundation of optimal anastomosis. We propose an alternative approach to anastomosis. The "insertion multi-parachute suturing and knotting" (IMS-K) technique entails the deployment of two parachute sutures, which can be effectively employed for both proximal and distal anastomoses. The first suture is applied loosely to the posterior half of the anastomosis and subsequently parachuted down, tightening the suture with a nerve hook. The second suture replicates the procedure in the anterior half of the anastomosis, loosely securing it in a similar manner and tightening it with a nerve hook at the end. As a result, the artificial graft is completely inserted into the aorta with a substantial grip. This technique simplifies the aortic anastomosis by ensuring procedural simplicity while minimizing bleeding risk, thus potentially advancing surgical outcomes.

Mid-term outcomes of hypogastric artery embolization in endovascular aneurysm repair: a case series.

Hypogastric artery embolization is performed during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) involving the common iliac artery. Within this case series, we have observed elevated rates of sac expansion subsequent to this intervention. April 2009 to March 2021, 22 patients underwent EVAR with hypogastric artery embolization. We evaluated the mid-term outcomes for these patients. The mean follow-up period was 57 months. We achieved a 100% technical success rate without open conversion and no hospital deaths. The rates of freedom from aneurysm expansion at 1, 3, and 5 years were 90.5%, 59.1%, and 37.5%, respectively. The percentage of sac expansion exceeding 5 mm was 54.5% (12/22). Combined endovascular aortic aneurysm repair and embolization of the hypogastric artery might be associated with a high rate of remote sac expansion. Larger trials are needed to verify risks and benefits.

Occurrence of pseudoaneurysm of the coronary button due to aortic remodeling after Bentall operation.

Here, we present a case report detailing a pseudoaneurysm of the coronary button due to aortic remodeling that occurred 2 years after aortic root replacement. The patient was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of left coronary artery pseudoaneurysm. Intraoperative findings revealed substantially loosened sutures in both the left and right coronary arteries with bleeding. Specifically, the left coronary artery was detached at the 6-9 o'clock positions. The operation was concluded with ligation of the loose suture and addition of a new suture. Chronic dissection thickened the aortic wall of the coronary artery ostium in the initial Bentall operation, whereas the sutured coronary button in this operation exhibited a normal arterial wall without a thickened dissected intima. This suggests that aortic wall remodelling of the coronary ostium leads to suture loosening and subsequent haemorrhage. Aortic wall remodeling may lead to bleeding or pseudoaneurysms during the remote period.

Severe right ventricular infarction due to iatrogenic aortocoronary dissection successfully treated by surgical repair and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Iatrogenic aortocoronary dissection (IACD) is a rare but potentially fatal complication of percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary angiography (CAG). In particular, if the condition of the patient is complicated by cardiogenic shock and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, the mortality rate is high. Herein, we report the case of an 85-year-old woman with IACD who underwent elective CAG of the right coronary artery complicated with cardiogenic shock due to RV infarction. After prompt surgical repair and postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, the postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged to a rehabilitation facility.

Sutureless repair for vena cava bleeding using an elastomeric sealant in a porcine model.

To address the issue of bleeding from the vena cava, a common complication of cardiac and aortic surgeries, we developed a sutureless repair technique using Hydrofit, an elastomeric sealant. In a porcine model, we surgically incised the inferior vena cava and applied the elastomeric sealant with a pericardial patch, achieving complete haemostasis through manual compression. This simple and rapid technique demonstrates effective sutureless haemostasis for the vena cava.

Outcomes of isolated CABG from "OPCAB favor institution" for patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: Although off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) has been reported to have better short-term results than on-pump coronary artery bypass (ONCAB) in terms of bleeding and stroke even in patients with cardiac dysfunction, details are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of CABG (coronary artery bypass graft) in patients with low cardiac function based on our treatment policy. METHODS: Retrospectively, we reviewed patients with low ejection fraction (< 35%), who underwent isolated OPCAB or ONCAB between 2013 and 2020 in our institute. RESULTS: Isolated CABG was performed for 67 patients: 54 OPCABs and 13 ONCABs. In the ONCAB group, six were converted from OPCAB. Patients with AMI, heart failure, liver dysfunction, cardiogenic shock, and ventricular arrhythmia were more common in the ONCAB group. More patients required postoperative mechanical circulatory support in the ONCAB group. Intra-operative blood transfusion, ICU stay, intubation time, and hospital stay were significantly worse in the ONCAB group. Postoperative graft patency was 91.5%. Hospital mortality was 7.5%. Mid-term survival at 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year were 98.5%, 84.6%, and 75.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In our institute, ONCAB was selected for the patients who could not complete treatment with OPCAB due to poor preoperative circulatory status. Our treatment policy for the patients with impaired cardiac function was acceptable.

Impact of supra-aortic vessel dissection on the neurological outcome in surgery for acute type A aortic dissection.

We investigated whether supra-aortic vessel (SAV)s dissection is a risk factor for neurological dysfunction (ND) after surgical repair for type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD). A retrospective review was done in 178 patients with TAAAD undergoing aortic repair between 2015 and 2019, comparing those with SAV dissection to those without it. Preoperatively, 93 patients (54.4%) had SAV dissection. Postoperatively, ND occurred in 26 patients (14.6%), 17 of whom (65.4%) already had been present with preoperative ND. Patients with SAV dissection were more likely to have postoperative ND than those without it (21.5% vs 7.7%; p = 0.02). The severity of preoperative dissection-related stenosis in common carotid artery significantly related to postoperative ND (right; p =0.0071, left; p < 0.0001). Multivariable analysis showed dissection-related stenosis of > 75% in brachiocepharic and left common carotid arteries, and thrombosed false lumen in common carotid arteries were independent risk factors for postoperative ND. However, SAV dissection was not related to new onset of ND. Dissection with stenosis of > 75% in SAVs were significantly decreased after aortic repair and even after ascending aorta/hemiarch replacement. In conclusion, ND after surgical repair for TAAAD is closely related to SAV dissection, especially to stenosis of > 75% and thrombosed false lumen in common carotid arteries. Aortic repair significantly decreased SAV dissection and severity of stenosis.

Safety of retrograde cerebral perfusion under moderate hypothermia for hemiarch replacement.

OBJECTIVES: Aortic surgeries performed under moderate hypothermia require antegrade cerebral perfusion. The influence of retrograde cerebral perfusion under moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest remains unknown. To clarify this effect, this study aimed to compare the early outcomes of retrograde versus antegrade cerebral perfusion under moderate hypothermia for hemiarch replacement. METHODS: Between March 2009 and April 2020, 391 hemiarch replacements under moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest via median sternotomy were performed at our institution. Of these, 70 involved retrograde perfusion and 162 involved antegrade perfusion. Propensity score matching was used to compare 61 pairs of retrograde and antegrade cases. RESULTS: Retrograde and antegrade strategy under moderate hypothermia resulted in comparable operative mortality (3.3% vs. 1.6%, P > 0.99), permanent neurological deficits (8.5% vs. 6.6%, P > 0.99), and temporary neurological deficits (24.6% vs. 39.3%, P = 0.33). Retrograde surgery was associated with shorter circulatory arrest times (31.4 ± 8.2 min vs. 37.4 ± 12.2 min, P = 0.005) and fewer red blood cell transfusions (4.6 ± 3.9 units vs. 8.2 ± 5.1 units, P < 0.001) than those with antegrade surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Retrograde cerebral perfusion under moderate hypothermia for hemiarch replacement yields excellent operative outcomes, equivalent to those achieved using an antegrade strategy.

Atypical presentation of isolated traumatic ascending aortic dissection with cardiac tamponade.

Blunt traumatic aortic injury is a rare but life-threatening condition, usually following high-energy trauma. We present the case of a 79-year-old man who was transferred to a hospital complaining of nausea after being struck on the chest. Computed tomography led to diagnosis of ascending aortic dissection with cardiac tamponade. Emergent ascending aortic replacement was performed successfully and he was discharged home on postoperative day 24 without any complications. The key to early diagnosis of blunt traumatic aortic injury is careful and detailed history-taking. If trauma patients complain of unexplained symptoms, the threshold for conducting computed tomography should be lowered to avoid misdiagnosis or therapeutic delay.

Sutureless hemostasis of a coronary sinus rupture with Hydrofit.

Coronary sinus rupture (CSR) is a rare operative complication, and a standard procedure for its treatment has not been established. We report successful repair of a CSR in a 68-year-old man who underwent total arch replacement for type A acute aortic dissection. CSR was caused by the coronary sinus cannulation for retrograde cardioplegia and was detected during cardiopulmonary bypass weaning. We applied an elastomeric sealant with a bovine pericardium patch on the beating heart. After manual compression for 2 min, complete hemostasis was achieved. A clampless and sutureless hemostasis for repairing coronary sinus rupture is a simple, fast, and effective technique.

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction by transatrial left ventricular cannulation.

Transatrial cannulation of the left ventricle was introduced as a safe and easy cannulation method for antegrade arterial return in type A aortic dissection. However, because of the paucity of clinical reports, little is known about the complications or shortcomings of this technique. Herein, we report a case of pulmonary haemorrhage resulting from left ventricular outflow obstruction, necessitating the exchange of the arterial cannulation site. Monitoring the jet of the arterial cannula with transoesophageal echocardiography and pulmonary artery pressure is mandatory for early detection of complications.

Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Grafts in Hemodialysis: A Single-Center Propensity Score Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Clinical evidence comparing the surgical risk and long-term effectiveness of the bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) and single internal thoracic artery (SITA) for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in hemodialysis patients is limited. We sought to clarify the short-term and midterm outcomes of CABG using BITA or SITA grafts in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: Between October 2000 and December 2015, 161 hemodialysis patients underwent isolated CABG by internal thoracic artery grafting; 67 received BITA grafts and 94 SITA grafts. Propensity score matching was used to compare 59 BITA and SITA patient pairs. RESULTS: BITA and SITA grafts resulted in comparable 30-day mortality (1.7% vs 0%, p = 1.00), incidence of deep sternal wound infection (5.1% vs 1.7%, p = 0.62), stroke (3.4% vs 3.4%, p = 1.00), and respiratory failure (8.5% vs 11.9%, p = 0.75). The Kaplan-Meier model showed the survival rate in the BITA and SITA groups was 83.4% ± 5.1% vs 87.0% ± 4.6% at 1 year, 69.1% ± 7.3% vs 68.5% ± 6.9% at 3 years, and 47.4% ± 10.45% vs 58.2% ± 8.1% at 5 years of follow-up, respectively. There were no statistical differences in survival (p = 0.81), freedom from cardiac death (p = 0.51), or freedom from cardiac events (p = 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: CABG using BITA grafts showed no advantages in midterm outcome among hemodialysis patients; however, there were no adverse effects on perioperative morbidity or death. For hemodialysis patients with limited available conduits, BITA may be an important option for multivessel revascularization.

Successful surgical treatment of a giant right coronary artery aneurysm with a patent left internal thoracic artery graft.

We report a rare case of a giant right coronary artery aneurysm 13 years after coronary artery bypass grafting. Coronary angiography at the time of primary surgery demonstrated irregular aneurysmal dilatation in the mid-right coronary artery that expanded greatly over a 13-year period to a maximum diameter of 80 mm. The patient underwent aneurysmectomy and interposition using a saphenous vein graft through a right lateral thoracotomy. The patient did not undergo dissection or clamping of the left internal thoracic artery graft, and myocardial protection was obtained using systemic hypothermia and hyperkalaemia in addition to continuous antegrade cardioplegia. Postoperatively, coronary computed tomography showed a lack of residual aneurysm and good flow in the saphenous vein graft. The patient made an uneventful recovery.

[Surgical treatment of coarctation of the aorta concomitant with left main coronary stenosis; report of a case].

A 60-year-old male was referred to our institution for investigation of intractable hypertension. Coarctation of the aorta was detected by computed tomography (CT). Bilateral internal thoracic arteries played an important role as a collateral source to the lower extremity. Coronary angiography showed stenosis at the ostium of left main trunk. Ascending aorta to bilateral external iliac artery bypass grafting and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) was done simultaneously, this is because we had to harvest left internal thoracic artery as a conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG).Postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged 10 days after the operation. We could perform less-invasive surgery despite the simultaneous operations.

Significance of peritoneal fluid drainage in management after repair of complex heart defects in infancy: cytokine dynamics in vivo.

BACKGROUND: In vivo redundancy of pro-inflammatory cytokines results in a vicious cycle of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and low cardiac output syndrome (LOS). The purpose of this study was to elucidate the influence of peritoneal fluid (PF) drainage on cytokine dynamics in vivo and the significance of early induction for infants with LOS. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seven infants, who underwent early PF drainage to manage LOS after repair of complex heart defects under cardiopulmonary bypass, were enrolled. The serum and PF levels of the pro- and antiinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6, -8, -10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, were measured during the perioperative period. Clinical outcomes were observed simultaneously. There were no cases of early or late death, or infectious complications. Drainage volume of PF peaked just after operation, and decreased completely. The amount of proinflammatory cytokines in the PF increased for 3 days after operation. Of the proinflammatory cytokines in the PF IL-6 increased the earliest and cleared the fastest. The amount of cleared IL-8 and TNF-alpha peaked on the 3rd postoperative day and resembled the course of C-reactive protein (CRP). Serum levels of CRP and proinflammatory cytokines in patients with PF drainage decreased significantly more than those without PF drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Early initiation of PF drainage is useful in the postoperative critical care of infants with LOS by improving cytokine dynamics in vivo, although there are differences between the severity of patients undergoing PF drainage and those who do not.

A successful transatrial repair in redo surgery of postinfarction inferoposterior ventricular septal rupture.

A successful transatrial repair in redo surgery of postinfarction posterior ventricular septal rupture (VSR) was performed after an infarct exclusion technique through left ventriculotomy incision of the infarcted area. For the infarct lesion, this approach provides excellent results with sufficient closure of the VSR and prevention of the ventricular remodeling for five years. A right atrial approach for postinfarction posterior VSR is very useful for avoiding any further ventriculotomy in an already impaired ventricle, securing a stable suture, and preserving the left ventricular geometry and function.