Un caso complejo de isquemia mesentérica crónica: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / A complex case of chronic mesenteric ischemia: Case report and literature review

Introducción. La isquemia mesentérica crónica es una entidad infrecuente, con una prevalencia de 0,03 %, donde más del 90 % son debidas a enfermedad arterioesclerótica que compromete principalmente la arteria mesentérica superior. Sus síntomas son dolor abdominal crónico y pérdida de peso, asociado a alteraciones imagenológicas que hacen el diagnóstico. El tratamiento depende de las condiciones clínicas del paciente y el número de vasos comprometidos. Es claro que la enfermedad multivaso sintomática requiere revascularización. Caso clínico. Mujer de 67 años, fumadora activa con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial y dislipidemia, con cuadro de crisis hipertensiva tipo urgencia que requirió manejo en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Se hizo diagnóstico de aneurisma toracoabdominal Crawford IV, oclusión aorto-ilíaca (TASC D) y oclusión crónica del tronco celíaco y la arteria mesentérica superior. Por los síntomas de isquemia mesentérica crónica fue llevada a tratamiento quirúrgico con baipás aorto-bifemoral más baipás retrógrado a la arteria mesentérica superior por vía abierta. Resultado. La paciente tuvo mejoría de la sintomatología y aumentó 13 % del peso al seguimiento a los 3 meses. Conclusión. La isquemia mesentérica crónica es una condición subdiagnosticada, marcador de riesgo cardiovascular, con alta carga de morbilidad y mortalidad, en la cual, con una identificación temprana se puede ofrecer una terapia de revascularización, sea por vía endovascular o abierta, con el fin de mejorar la calidad de vida y la ganancia de peso, y evitar la necrosis intestinal.

Introduction. Chronic mesenteric ischemia is a rare entity, with a prevalence of 0.03%, where more than 90% are due to arteriosclerotic disease that mainly affects the superior mesenteric artery. Its symptoms are chronic abdominal pain and weight loss, associated with imaging alterations that make the diagnosis. Treatment depends on the patient's clinical conditions and the number of vessels involved. It is clear that symptomatic multivessel disease requires revascularization. Clinical case. A 67-year-old woman, an active smoker with a history of high blood pressure and dyslipidemia, presented with an emergency-type hypertensive crisis that required management in the Intensive Care Unit. A diagnosis of Crawford IV thoracoabdominal aneurysm, aorto-iliac occlusion (TASC D), and chronic occlusion of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery was made. Due to the symptoms of chronic mesenteric ischemia, she underwent surgical treatment with aorto-bifemoral bypass plus retrograde bypass to the superior mesenteric artery via an open approach. Result. The patient had improvement in symptoms and gained 13% weight at 3-month follow-up. Conclusion. Chronic mesenteric ischemia is an underdiagnosed condition, a marker of cardiovascular risk, with a high burden of morbidity and mortality, in which, with early identification, revascularization therapy can be offered, either endovascularly or open, in order to improve quality of life and weight gain, and avoiding intestinal necrosis.

Reemplazo de aorta ascendente con paro circulatorio con hipotermia sistémica moderada y perfusión cerebral retrógrada / Total replacement of the ascending aorta with moderate systemic hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion

Resumen: Antecedentes: El daño neurológico es una complicación devastadora de la cirugía con paro circulatorio del cayado aórtico y aorta ascendente. La perfusión anterógrada del encéfalo permite disminuir la incidencia de esta complicación, pero es un procedimiento engorroso que interfiere el campo quirúrgico. Para procedimientos más simples que requieran de paro circulatorio de menor duración, la Perfusión Cerebral Retrógrada (PCR) es una alternativa válida. Objetivo: Evaluar nuestros resultados en la cirugía del reemplazo total de la aorta ascendente tubular con paro circulatorio con hipotermia sistémica moderada y PCR. Material y Método: Entre enero de 2015 y enero de 2020 se identificaron los pacientes en la Base de Datos del Servicio de Cirugía Cardiaca de nuestra institución, se revisaron los protocolos operatorios, registros de perfusión y epicrisis, para obtener datos demográficos, clínicos y quirúrgicos pertinentes. La supervivencia alejada se certificó a través del "Servicio Registro Civil e Identificación de Chile". Resultados: En el periodo en estudio, 27 pacientes (21 hombres) tuvieron un reemplazo total de la aorta ascendente tubular con paro circulatorio con hipotermia moderada y PCR. Ocho pacientes tenían una cirugía previa; 7 de estos un reemplazo valvular aórtico. El 75% de los otros 20 pacientes tenía una válvula aórtica bicúspide. El diámetro máximo de la aorta ascendente fue en promedio 53,7 mm (45 a 67), y fue reemplazada en el 52% de los casos con un tubo protésico de 34 mm (promedio:32,4 mm; margen:30 a 34 mm). En 20 pacientes se efectuó un reemplazo valvular aórtico (15 con prótesis biológica). El tiempo promedio de circulación extracorpórea fue 174,6 min (97 a 243) y la temperatura sistémica mínima promedio fue 21ºC (18 a 25). El tiempo promedio de paro circulatorio fue 22,3 min (12 a 40) y de PCR 13 min (6 a 27). No hubo mortalidad operatoria. La morbilidad más frecuente fue la fibrilación auricular (33%). Una paciente presentó un episodio convulsivo aislado y otro fue reoperado por hemorragia postoperatoria. Una paciente falleció a los 48 meses de su operación. Conclusión: El paro circulatorio con hipotermia sistémica moderada y PCR para la cirugía de reemplazo total de la aorta ascendente facilitó la operación, con baja mortalidad y morbilidad en este grupo de pacientes.

Abstract: Background. Neurological damage is a devastating complication of aortic arch and ascending aorta surgery with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Antegrade cerebral perfusion significantly decreases the incidence of this complication, but it is a cumbersome procedure that interfere the surgical field. For more simple procedures, requiring a shorter period of circulatory arrest, retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) would be a valid alternative. Objective. To evaluate the results of total surgical replacement of the tubular ascending aorta with moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP). Methods. Patients operated between January 2015 and January 2020 were included.Demographic, clinical and surgical information was obtained from the operatives notes, perfusion registry and discharge reports. Long-term survival was certified by the "Chilean Civil and Identification Registry". Results. 27 patients (21 men) underwent a total replacement of the tubular ascending aorta with circulatory arrest with moderate hypothermia and RCP. Eight patients had been previously operated on;7 of them had a previous aortic valve replacement. Of the remaining 20 patients, 75% had a bicuspid aortic valve. Average maximum diameter of the ascending aorta was 53.7 mm (45 - 67). Average size of the ascending aorta replacement graft was 32.4 mm (30 -34). In 20 patients a concomitant aortic valve replacement was performed (15 with a biological valve). Mean extracorporeal circulation time was 174.6 min (97 - 243) and mean minimal systemic temperature was 21ºC (18 - 25). Mean circulatory arrest time was 22.3 min (12 - 40) and mean RCP time was 13 min (6 - 27), There was no operative mortality. Atrial fibrillation was the most frequent post-operative morbidity (33%). One patient presented an isolated convulsive episode and another was re-operated due to postoperative hemorrhage. One patient died, 48 months after her operation. Conclusion. Moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest with RCP simplifies total tubular ascending aorta replacement, with low mortality and morbidity.

Retroperitoneal iliac conduits as an alternative access site for endovascular aortic repair: a tertiary care center experience / Condutos ilíacos retroperitoneais como local de acesso alternativo para reparo endovascular de aneurisma: experiência em centro de atenção terciária

Abstract Background Retroperitoneal open iliac conduits (ROIC) are used in patients with hostile iliac anatomy undergoing endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). Objectives We hereby report our experience of ROIC in patients subjected to EVAR. Methods This was a retrospective evaluation of 8 patients out of a total of 75 patients (11%) who underwent EVAR in the last 10 years. Pre-procedure computed tomography angiography was used to assess the dimensions of iliac and femoral arteries. Patients who had small arterial dimensions (i.e. smaller than the recommended access size for the aortic endograft device) were subjected to ROIC. Results The mean age of the 3 males and 5 females studied was 45.7 ± 15.2 years. The indication for ROIC was the small caliber ilio-femoral access site in 7 patients and atherosclerotic disease in 1 patient. All external grafts were anastomosed to the right common iliac artery except one which was anastomosed to the aortic bifurcation site because of a small common iliac artery. The procedural success rate was 100%. Local access site complications included infection (n=1), retroperitoneal hematoma (n=1), and need for blood transfusion (n=3). The median post-intervention hospital stay was 10 days. All patients had favorable long-term outcomes at a median follow-up of 18 months. Conclusions Female patients require ROIC during EVAR more frequently. Adjunctive use of iliac conduit for EVAR was associated with favorable perioperative and short-term outcomes.

Resumo Contexto Os condutos ilíacos abertos retroperitoneais são utilizados em pacientes submetidos a reparo endovascular de aneurisma (REVA) com anatomia ilíaca hostil. Objetivos Relatamos a nossa experiência com os condutos ilíacos em pacientes submetidos a REVA. Métodos Trata-se de uma avaliação retrospectiva de oito pacientes, de um total de 75 (11%), os quais foram submetidos a REVA nos últimos 10 anos. Foi realizada angiotomografia computadorizada antes do procedimento para avaliar as dimensões das artérias ilíaca e femoral. Os pacientes com dimensões arteriais menores, abaixo do tamanho de acesso recomendado para o dispositivo de endoprótese aórtica, foram submetidos a condutos ilíacos. Resultados A média de idade dos participantes foi de 45,7±15,2 anos, sendo três do sexo masculino e cinco do sexo feminino. As indicações para condutos ilíacos foram local de acesso ilíaco femoral de pequeno calibre, para sete pacientes, e doença aterosclerótica, para um paciente. Todas as próteses externas foram anastomosadas na artéria ilíaca comum direita, com exceção de uma, que foi anastomosada no local da bifurcação aórtica por apresentar artéria ilíaca comum menor. A taxa de sucesso do procedimento foi de 100%. As complicações no local de acesso incluíram infecção (n = 1), hematoma retroperitoneal (n = 1) e necessidade de transfusão de sangue (n = 3). O tempo mediano de internação hospitalar pós-intervenção foi de 10 dias. Todos os pacientes apresentaram desfechos de longo prazo favoráveis no seguimento mediano de 18 meses. Conclusões As pacientes do sexo feminino necessitaram de condutos ilíacos durante REVA com maior frequência. O uso adjuvante de condutos ilíacos com REVA foi associado a desfechos perioperatórios e de curto prazo favoráveis.

Cirugia vascular y covid 19: tres casos con diferentes implicaciones / Vascular surgery and covid 19: three cases with different implications

Introducción: por primera vez en poco más de un siglo, el mundo se ha enfrentado a una pandemia, la del COVID 19, que ha infectado y matado a millones de personas . Esta enfermedad presenta una amplia gama de manifestaciones y órganos y sistemas afectados, siendo uno de los principales el sistema circulatorio. Material y Métodos: Se presentan tres casos de enfermedades vasculares complejas, que fueron tratadas quirúrgicamente y en las que el covid 19 alteró el curso normal de la enfermedad y su tratamiento. (AU)

Introduction: after a century the whole world suffered a pandemic: the covid 19 that affected and killed million of patients. This desease cause a wide range of clinical manifestations and organs and systema afectation, including the cisrculatory system. Methods: we describe three complex vascular desease cases that needed surgical treatment and in which the covid 19 alters the normal disease and surgical course. (AU)

"Overtime Hours Effect" on emergency surgery of acute type A aortic dissection

Abstract Objective: Treatment of acute diseases of the aorta is still associated with high mortality and morbidity. It is believed that interventions for these diseases on overtime hours (night shifts or weekend shifts) may increase mortality. In this study, we investigated the effect of performing acute type A aortic dissection surgery on overtime hours in terms of postoperative outcomes. Methods: 206 patients who underwent emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection were retrospectively evaluated. Two groups were constituted: patients operated on daytime working hours (n=61), and patients operated on overtime hours (n=145), respectively. Results: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and repeat surgery were higher in group 1. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of operative and postoperative results. Mortality rates and postoperative neurological complications in group 1 were 9.8% and 13.1%, respectively. In group 2, these rates were 13.8% and 12.4%, respectively (P=0.485 - P=0.890). Multivariate analysis identified that cross-clamp time, amount of postoperative drainage, preoperative loss of consciousness and postoperative neurological complications are the independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions: As the surgical experience of the clinics improves, treatment of acute type A aortic dissections can be successfully performed both overtime and daytime working hours.

Treatment of aortic dissecting aneurysm involving visceral arteries with multi-layer bare stents

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Aortic dissecting aneurysms involving visceral arteries are difficult for clinical treatment. This study aimed to explore the clinical efficacy and safety of multi-layer bare stents technique in the treatment of aortic dissecting aneurysms involving visceral arteries. METHOD: The clinical data of 16 patients of aortic dissecting aneurysm involving visceral artery treated with multi-layer bare stents technique from March 2013 to March 2017 in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. To explore the clinical efficacy, the number of stents applied, postoperative aortic dissecting thrombosis and postoperative cumulative branch arterial patency of the16 patients. RESULTS: The operations of the 16 patients were successfully completed without peri-operative death cases. The 16 patients were implanted with 39 bare stents with an average of 2.44 per person. There were 2 cases with 1 stent, 8 cases with 2 stents and 7 cases with 3 stents. One month after the operation, CTA showed complete thrombosis in the arterial dissection in 4 cases (25.0%), partial thrombosis in 12 cases (75.0%); CTA showed that celiac artery, left and right renal arteries, and superior mesenteric artery were all unobstructed. There were 4 cases (25.0%) of dissecting artery with reduced diameter, 12 patients (75.0%) without changes in the diameter, and no diameter expanding cases. CONCLUSION: The treatment for aortic dissecting aneurysm involving the visceral arteries using multi-layer bare stents technique is safe and reliable with a higher patency rate of postoperative accumulated branch arteries.

RESUMO Objetivo: Aneurismas dissecantes da aorta envolvendo artérias viscerais são de difícil tratamento clínico. O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar a eficácia e segurança clínica da técnica de stents multicamadas não farmacológicos para o tratamento de aneurismas dissecantes da aorta envolvendo artérias viscerais. Métodos: Foi feito um estudo retrospectivo usando os dados de 16 pacientes com aneurisma dissecante da aorta envolvendo artérias viscerais e tratados com stents multicamadas não farmacológicos de março de 2013 a março de 2017, do Hospital da Escola de Medicina da Universidade de Tianjin. Foram analisados nos 167 pacientes: a eficácia clínica, o número de stents aplicados, trombose dissecante da aorta no pós-operatório e patência cumulativa pós-operatória do ramo arterial. Resultados: As operações dos 16 pacientes foram concluídas com sucesso sem nenhum óbito perioperatório. Os 16 pacientes receberam 39 stents não farmacológicos, com uma média de 2,44 por indivíduo. Houve 2 casos com 1 stent, 8 com 2 stents, e 7 com 3. Um mês após a operação, a ATC mostrou trombose completa da dissecção arterial em 4 casos (25,0%) e trombose parcial em 12 casos (75%). Também mostrou que a artéria celíaca, as artérias renais direita e esquerda e a artéria mesentérica superior estavam todas desobstruídas. Houve 4 casos (25,0%) de artéria dissecante com diâmetro reduzido, 12 (75,0%) pacientes sem alteração no diâmetro, e nenhum caso de aumento de diâmetro. Conclusão: O tratamento para aneurisma dissecante da aorta envolvendo artérias viscerais com a técnica de stents não farmacológicos multicamadas é seguro e confiável, com uma taxa mais alta de patência de ramos arteriais acumulados no pós-operatório.

Mortality and survival in aortic arch surgeries with preservation of supra-aortic vessels: thirteen years of experience / Mortalidade e sobrevida em cirurgias do arco aórtico com preservação de vasos supra-aórticos: treze anos de experiência

Background: The aortic arch diseases exhibit high morbidity and mortality rates. Some surgical strategies recommend partial preservation of the aortic arch and the supra-aortic vessels, but the immediate and mediumterm mortality rates of patients undergoing this surgical strategy is uncertain. Objectives: To compare overall mortality and mid- term survival curve of patients undergoing surgical strategy of partial preservation of the aortic arch and supra-aortic vessels (group A) compared to conventional strategies of the aortic arch approach (group B); to assess cardiovascular mortality over time. Methods: Descriptive and retrospective study of the medical records of patients undergoing aortic arch repair surgery between February 2000 and July 2013. We analyzed 111 patients, 29 in group A and 82 in group B. The overall survival and survival from cardiovascular events were assessed by Kaplan-Meier test. Results: In- hospital mortality from any cause was 31% in group A and 29.3% in group B. At 1 year, 2 year, and 5 year general survival was similar between the groups. In-hospital, 2 years and 5 years mortality from cardiovascular causes was 13.8%, 14.8%, e 22.7% in group A and 26.8%, 34.6% e 50.9% in group B. The difference between the groups in 5 years showed statistical significance (p = 0.0234). Survival from cardiovascular causes in 2 years and 5 years was 85.2% and 77,3% in group A and 65.4% and 49,1% in group B. Occurrence of urgent and emergency procedures were greater in group A, but without statistical significance. Conclusions: There was no difference in all-cause mortality over time between the groups. Group A showed lower cardiovascular mortality at 5 years than group B

Predictors of outcomes after correction of acute type a aortic dissection under moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest and antegrade cerebral perfusion

Abstract Introduction: Hypothermic circulatory arrest is widely used for correction of acute type A aortic dissection pathology. We present our experience of 45 consecutive patients operated in our unit with bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion and moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest. Methods: Between January 2011 and April 2015, 45 consecutive patients were admitted for acute type A aortic dissection and operated emergently under moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest and bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion. Results: Mean age was 58±11.4 years old. Median circulatory arrest time was 41.5 (30-54) minutes while the 30-day mortality and postoperative permanent neurological deficits rates were 6.7% and 13.3%, respectively. Unadjusted analysis revealed that the factors associated with 30-day mortality were: preoperative hemodynamic instability (OR: 14.8, 95% CI: 2.41, 90.6, P=0.004); and postoperative requirement for open sternum management (OR: 5.0, 95% CI: 1.041, 24.02, P=0.044) while preoperative hemodynamic instability (OR: 8.8, 95% CI: 1.41, 54.9, P=0.02) and postoperative sepsis or multiple organ dysfunction (OR: 13.6, 95% CI: 2.1, 89.9, P=0.007) were correlated with neurological dysfunction. By multivariable logistic regression analysis, postoperative sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction independently predicted (OR: 15.9, 95% CI: 1.05, 96.4, P=0.045) the incidence of severe postoperative neurological complication. During median follow-up of 6 (2-12) months, the survival rate was 86.7%. Conclusion: Bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion and direct carotid perfusion for cardiopulmonary bypass, in the surgical treatment for correction of acute aortic dissection type A, is a valuable technique with low 30-day mortality rate. However, postoperative severe neurological dysfunctions remain an issue that warrants further research.

Dacron graft intussusception technique for treatment of type a aortic dissections: technical notes and preliminary results

Abstract Introduction: Optimal surgical management for acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) remains unclear. The in-hospital mortality rate is still high (15%), and the intraoperative bleeding is an independent risk factor for hospital mortality. Objective: The aim of our study was describe a new method for aortic anastomosis in the repair of AAAD and report the hospital mortality and bleeding complications. Methods: Between January 2008 and November 2014, 24 patients, 16 male, median age 62 years, underwent surgical treatment of AAAD. The surgical technique consisted of intussusception of a Dacron tube in the dissected aorta, which is anastomosed with a first line of 2-0 polyester everting mattress suture and a second line of 3-0 polypropylene running suture placed at the outermost side. Open distal anastomosis was performed with bilateral selective antegrade cerebral perfusion in 13 (54.1%) patients. Results: Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping time ranged from 75 to 135 min (mean=85 min) and 60 to 100 min (mean=67 min), respectively. The systemic circulatory arrest ranged from 29 to 60 min (mean=44.5 min). One (4.1%) patient required reoperation for bleeding, due to the use of preoperative clopidogrel. The postoperative bleeding was 382-1270 ml (mean=654 ml). We used an average of 4.2 units of red blood cells/patient. There were two (8.3%) hospital deaths, one due to intraoperative bleeding and another due to mesenteric ischemia. The average length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital was 44 hours and 6.7 days, respectively. Conclusion: This new method for surgical correction of AAAD was reproducible and resulted in satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Complicações cardíacas em cirurgia vascular / Cardiac complications in vascular surgery

CONTEXTO: Aproximadamente 60% dos pacientes portadores de doença arterial oclusiva crônica periférica têm doença coronariana grave, sendo que a principal causa de morte no pós-operatório de cirurgia vascular de grande porte é o infarto agudo do miocárdio. OBJETIVOS: Determinar a prevalência da doença coronariana em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia vascular eletiva de grande porte e sua relação com as complicações cardiológicas pós-operatórias. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados 200 pacientes submetidos a cirurgia vascular arterial eletiva: doença obstrutiva carotídea, aortoilíaca e femoropoplítea distal e doença aneurismática de aorta abdominal e de artérias ilíacas. Os pacientes constituíram três grupos: grupo I, sem doença coronariana; grupo II, com doença coronariana assintomática; e grupo III, com doença coronariana sintomática. As complicações cardiológicas consideradas foram infarto agudo do miocárdio fatal e não fatal, insuficiência cardíaca congestiva, choque cardiogênico, fibrilação atrial aguda e outras arritmias. RESULTADOS: Complicações cardíacas ocorreram em 11 pacientes (5,5%): três infartos agudos do miocárdio não fatais (1,5%) sempre em pacientes do grupo III. A complicação cardíaca mais frequente foi arritmia (exceto fibrilação atrial) ocorrida em cinco (2,5%) pacientes, sendo três do grupo II. A mortalidade precoce foi de nove pacientes (4,5%). Apenas uma morte foi decorrente de problema cardíaco: choque cardiogênico em paciente do grupo III. CONCLUSÕES: A doença coronariana não foi preditora de óbito nos pacientes submetidos a cirurgia vascular periférica de grande porte. A sobrevida dos pacientes com ou sem doença coronariana não mostrou diferenças estatísticas.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 60% of patients with chronic occlusive peripheral arterial disease have severe coronary disease and the principal cause of death during the postoperative period after major vascular surgery is acute myocardial infarction. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of coronary disease among patients scheduled for elective major vascular surgery and its relationship with postoperative cardiological complications. METHODS: A total of 200 patients who underwent elective vascular arterial surgery for obstructive carotid disease, aortoiliac and distal femoropopliteal disease and aneurysmal disease of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries were analyzed. These patients were allocated to three groups: group I, free from coronary disease; group II, asymptomatic coronary disease; and group III, symptomatic coronary disease. The cardiological complications analyzed were fatal and nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, acute atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias. RESULTS: Cardiac complications occurred in 11 patients (5.5%): three nonfatal acute myocardial infarctions (1.5%), all in patients from group III. The most common cardiac complication was arrhythmia (excluding atrial fibrillation) in five (2.5%) patients, three from group II. Early mortality was nine patients (4.5%). Just one death was caused by a cardiac problem: cardiogenic shock in a patient from group III. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary disease was not predictive of death among patients who underwent major peripheral vascular surgery. There were no statistical differences in survival between patients with or without coronary disease.

Tratamento endovascular de aneurisma de aorta abdominal pela técnica de chaminé / Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurism using the chimney grafttTechnique

Paciente idoso, portador de insuficiência renal não dialítica e doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica dependente de oxigênio, foi admitido no pronto-socorro com quadro de dor abdominal lancinante. A angiotomografia de abdome revelou a presença de grande aneurisma aórtico com comprometimento das artérias viscerais. Devido ao elevado risco cirúrgico, foi proposto o tratamento endovascular pela técnica de chaminé para a preservação dos vasos viscerais. Essa técnica mostra-se promissora por permitir o reparo endovascular desses aneurismas, seja em casos eletivos, em situações de urgência/emergência ou de resgate de uma artéria visceral acidentalmente encoberta por uma endoprótese aórtica.

An elderly patient with non-dialysis renal failure and oxygendependent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was admitted to the emergency room with lancinating abdominal pain. Angiotomography of the abdomen revealed the presence of a large aortic aneurysm with involvement of visceral arteries. Due to the high surgical risk, endovascular repair was proposed, using the chimney graft technique for the preservation of the visceral vessels. This technique is promising because it enables endovascular repair of aneurysms, be it in elective cases, emergencies, or rescue of a visceral artery accidentally covered by an aortic stent graft.

Repair of aortic root in patients with aneurysm or dissection: comparing the outcomes of valve-sparing root replacement with those from the Bentall procedure / Reparação de raiz aórtica em pacientes com aneurisma ou dissecção: comparando os resultados da técnica de substituição valve-sparing com os da operação de Bentall

INTRODUCTION: Management of aortic root aneurysm or dissection has been the subject of much discussion that has led to some modifications. The current trend is a valve-sparing root replacement. We compared the outcome following valve sparing root repair with Bentall procedure. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 70 patients who underwent root replacement for aneurysm or dissection and compared the outcomes of valve-sparing root replacement with those of the Bentall procedure from January 2007 to December 2011 at our institution. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients had valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSR, including reimplantation or remodeling) (23 males and 2 females), and 45 patients had the Bentall procedure (34 males and 11 females). Patients who underwent a VSR were younger with a mean age of 55.4 ± 14.8 years compared to those who underwent the Bentall procedure with a mean age of 60.6 ± 12.7 (P=ns). The preoperative aortic insufficiency (AI) in the VSR group was moderate in 8 (32%) patients, and severe in 6 (24%). Preoperative creatinine was 1 ± 0.35 mg/dl in the VSR group and 1.1 ± 0.87 mg/dl in the Bentall group. In the VSR group, 3 (12%) patients had emergency surgery; by contrast, in the Bentall group, 8 (17%) patients had emergent surgery. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (excluding coronary reimplantation) was performed in 8 (32%) patients in the VSR group and in 12 (26.6%) patients in the Bentall group (P=0.78); additional valve procedures were performed in 2 (8%) patients in the VSR group and in 11 (24.4%) patients in the Bentall group. The perioperative mortality was 8% (n=2) and 13.3% (n=6), for the VSR and Bentall procedures, respectively (P=0.7, ns). The total duration of intensive care unit stay was 116.6 ± 106 hours for VSR patients and 152.5 ± 218.2 hours for Bentall patients (P=0.5). The overall length of stay in the hospital was 10 ± 8.1 days for VSR and 11 ± 9.52 days for Bentall (P=0.89). The one-year survival was 92% for the VSR group and 79.0% for the Bentall group. The seven-year survival for the VSR group was 92% and 79% for the Bentall group (95% CI [1.215 to 0.1275], P=0.1). CONCLUSION: Aortic valve-sparing root replacement can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality with a comparable long-term survival to the Bentall procedure.

INTRODUÇÃO: Manejo de aneurisma da aorta ou dissecção da raiz tem sido objeto de muita discussão que levou a algumas modificações. A tendência atual é o uso da técnica de substituição valve-sparing (VSR). Nós comparamos o resultado da reparação da raiz utilizando a técnica de substituição valve-sparing com o procedimento de Bentall. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados, retrospectivamente, 70 pacientes submetidos à substituição da raiz de aneurisma ou dissecção, comparando os resultados da técnica de substituição valve-sparing com os do procedimento Bentall de janeiro de 2007 a dezembro de 2011 em nossa instituição. RESULTADOS: Vinte e cinco pacientes foram submetidos à substituição da valva aórtica com o uso da técnica valve-sparing (VSR, incluindo o reimplante ou remodelação) (23 homens e duas mulheres), e 45 pacientes pelo procedimento de Bentall (34 homens e 11 mulheres). Pacientes que se submeteram à VSR eram mais jovens, com idade média de 55,4 ± 14,8 anos em comparação àqueles que foram submetidos ao procedimento Bentall, idade média de 60,6 ± 12,7 anos (P = ns). A insuficiência aórtica pré-operatória no grupo VSR foi moderada em oito (32%) pacientes e grave em seis (24%). Creatinina pré-operatória foi 1 ± 0,35 mg/dl, no grupo do VSR, e 1,1 ± 0,87 mg/dl, no grupo de Bentall. No grupo VSR, três (12%) pacientes foram operados em caráter de emergência e, no grupo de Bentall, oito (17%). Revascularização do miocárdio concomitante (excluindo reimplante coronariano) foi realizada em oito (32%) pacientes no grupo VSR e, em 12 (26,6%), no grupo de Bentall (P=0,78); procedimentos valvares adicionais foram realizados em 2 (8%) pacientes no grupo do VSR e em 11 (24,4%) no grupo de Bentall. A mortalidade perioperatória foi de 8% (n = 2) e 13,3% (n = 6), para os procedimentos de VSR e Bentall, respectivamente (P=0,7, ns). O tempo de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva foi de 116,6 ± 106,0 horas para pacientes VSR e 152,5 ± 218,2 horas para pacientes Bentall (P=0,5). O tempo de permanência no hospital foi de 10 ± 8,1 dias para VSR e 11 ± 9,52 dias para Bentall (P=0,89). A sobrevida em um ano foi de 92,0 % para o grupo VSR e 79,0% para o grupo de Bentall. A sobrevivência de sete anos para o grupo VSR foi de 92% e 79% para o grupo de Bentall (IC95% [1,215 a 0,1275], P=0,1). CONCLUSÃO: A técnica valve-sparing substituição da raiz aórtica pode ser realizada com a morbidade e mortalidade aceitáveis, e sobrevivência aceitável a longo prazo comparável com o procedimento de Bentall.

Results of Castro Bernardes intraluminal ring in surgery for ascending aortic aneurysms and dissections / Resultados do anel intraluminal de Castro Bernardes nas cirurgias de aneurismas e dissecções da aorta ascendente

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate surgical results using Castro Bernardes intraluminal ring in ascending aorta surgery, instead of conventional suture. METHODS: 95 patients underwent ascending aorta surgery from December 2008 to April 2011 at Madre Tereza Hospital (Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil), using Castro Bernardes intraluminal ring instead of conventional suture of the aorta. RESULTS: Ninety five patients underwent ascending aorta surgery with Castro-Bernardes intraluminal ring. Thirty patients presented acute dissection and 65 aneurism. Overall postoperative mortality was 15.78% (15/95). Nine patients in 15 (60%) died due to acute type A dissection. For acute type A dissection, mortality was 30% and for aneurism mortality was 9.23%. The intraluminal ring was inserted in distal position in 89 patients and in proximal and distal position in 6 patients. Mortality was related to Bentall & De Bono or Cabrol associated techniques. Average extracorporeal circulation time was 57.4 minutes and average aortic cross-clamping time was 37 minutes. CONCLUSION: The use of Castro Bernardes intraluminal ring in ascending aortic surgery avoiding conventional suture reduces extracorporeal circulation time and aortic cross-clamping time, improving surgical results. This approach simplifies ascending aortic surgery whether the disease is type A dissection or aneurysm, and may be considered a good alternative technique.

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar os resultados do uso do anel intraluminal de Castro Bernardes no tratamento cirúrgico dos aneurismas e dissecções da aorta ascendente. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 95 pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de aorta ascendente, no período de dezembro de 2008 a abril de 2011, no Hospital Madre Teresa (Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil), nos quais foi utilizado anel intraluminal de Castro Bernardes, ao invés de sutura convencional na aorta. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade pós-operatória geral foi de 15,78% (15 pacientes em 95). Dos óbitos, 60% (nove pacientes) foram por dissecção aguda tipo A. Do total de 95 pacientes operados, 30 apresentavam dissecção aguda tipo A, com mortalidade de 30% e 65 pacientes apresentavam aneurismas de aorta ascendente, com mortalidade de 9,23%. Utilizou-se o anel em posição distal em 89 pacientes e, em posições proximal e distal, em seis A mortalidade foi maior no grupo de pacientes submetidos a técnica cirúrgica de Bentall & De Bono ou Cabrol, quando comparados àqueles submetidos ao uso de prótese de Dacron, associada ou não à plastia ou troca valvar aórtica. O tempo médio de circulação extracorpórea (CEC) foi de 57,4 minutos e o tempo médio de pinçamento de aorta, 37 minutos. CONCLUSÃO: A utilização do anel intraluminal de Castro Bernardes, que evita sutura convencional, foi eficaz em reduzir o tempo de CEC e de pinçamento de aorta e, por conseguinte, de melhorar os resultados pós-operatórios. Essa opção contribuiu para simplificar o tratamento cirúrgico dos aneurismas e dissecções da aorta ascendente e constitui boa alternativa técnica.

Reinforced aortic root reconstruction for acute type A aortic dissection involving the aortic root / Reconstrução da raiz da aorta reforçada para dissecção aguda da aorta tipo A envolvendo a raiz da aórtica

OBJECTIVE: There are debates regarding the optimal approach for AAAD involving the aortic root. We described a modified reinforced aortic root reconstruction approach for treating AAAD involving the aortic root. METHODS: A total of 161 patients with AAAD involving the aortic root were treated by our modified reinforced aortic root reconstruction approach from January 1998 to December 2008. Key features of our modified approach were placement of an autologous pericardial patch in the false lumen, lining of the sinotubular junction lumen with a polyester vascular ring, and wrapping of the vessel with Teflon strips. Outcome measures included post-operative mortality, survival, complications, and level of aortic regurgitation. RESULTS: A total of 161 patients were included in the study (mean age: 43.3 1 15.5 years). The mean duration of follow-up was 5.1 1 2.96 years (2-12 years). A total of 10 (6.2%) and 11 (6.8%) patients died during hospitalization and during follow-up, respectively. Thirty-one (19.3%) patients experienced postoperative complications. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 99.3%, 98%, 93.8%, and 75.5%, respectively. There were no instances of recurrent aortic dissection, aortic aneurysm, or pseudoaneurysm during the entire study period. The severity of aortic regurgitation dramatically decreased immediately after surgery (from 28.6% to 0% grade 3-4) and thereafter slightly increased (from 0% to 7.2% at 5 years and 9.1% at 10 years). CONCLUSION: This modified reinforced aortic root reconstruction was feasible, safe and durable/effective, as indicated by its low mortality, low postoperative complications and high survival rate.

OBJETIVO: Há um debate sobre a melhor abordagem para dissecção aguda da aorta tipo A (DAAA) envolvendo a raiz da aorta. Nós descrevemos abordagem aórtica reforçada modificada de reconstrução de raiz para o tratamento DAAA envolvendo a raiz da aorta. MÉTODOS: Um total de 161 pacientes com DAAA envolvendo a raiz da aorta foram tratados pelo nosso abordagem reforçada modificada da reconstrução da raiz da aorta de janeiro de 1998 a dezembro de 2008. As características-chave da nossa abordagem modificada foram a colocação de um remendo de pericárdio autólogo na falsa luz, forro do lúmen supravalvar com um anel vascular, poliéster e envolvimento dos vasos com tiras de teflon. A avaliação pós-operatória incluiu mortalidade, sobrevivência, complicações, e grau de insuficiência aórtica. RESULTADOS: Um total de 161 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo (média de idade: 43,3 1 15,5 anos). A duração média de acompanhamento foi de 5,1 1 2,96 anos (2-12 anos). Um total de 10 (6,2%) e 11 (6,8%) pacientes morreram durante a internação e durante o acompanhamento, respectivamente. Trinta e um (19,3%) pacientes apresentaram complicações pós-operatórias. A 1 -, 3 -, 5 -, e as taxas de sobrevivência de 10 anos foram 99,3%, 98%, 93,8% e 75,5%, respectivamente. Não houve casos de dissecção aórtica recorrente, aneurisma ou pseudoaneurisma da aorta durante o período de estudo. A gravidade da regurgitação aórtica diminuiu drasticamente logo após a cirurgia (de 28,6% para grau 0 de 3-4%) e, posteriormente, teve ligeiro aumento (de 0% a 7,2% em 5 anos e de 9,1% aos 10 anos). CONCLUSÃO: A reconstrução da raiz da aorta reforçada modificada é viável, segura e durável/eficaz, como indicado pelas baixas mortalidade e complicações pós-operatórias e taxa de sobrevivência elevada.

Fatores de risco pré, intra e pós-operatórios para mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de aorta / Risk factors for pre, intra, and postoperative hospital mortality in patients undergoing aortic surgery

OBJETIVOS: O objetivo primário deste estudo é identificar preditores de óbito hospitalar em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de aorta. O objetivo secundário é identificar fatores associados ao desfecho clínico composto hospitalar (óbito, sangramento, disfunção ventricular ou complicações neurológicas). MÉTODOS: Delineamento transversal com componente longitudinal; por meio de revisão de prontuários, foram incluídos 257 pacientes. Os critérios de inclusão foram: dissecção crônica de aorta tipo A de Stanford e aneurisma de aorta ascendente. Foram excluídos casos de dissecção aguda de aorta, qualquer tipo, e aneurisma de aorta não envolvendo segmento ascendente. As variáveis avaliadas foram demografia, fatores pré, intra e pós-operatórios. RESULTADOS: Variáveis com risco aumentado de óbito hospitalar (RC; IC95%; P valor): etnia negra (6,8; 1,54 30,2; 0,04), doença cerebrovascular (10,5; 1,12-98,7; 0,04), hemopericárdio (35,1; 3,73-330,2; 0,002), operação de Cabrol (9,9; 1,47-66,36; 0,019), cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica simultânea (4,4; 1,31-15,06; 0,017), revisão de hemostasia (5,72; 1,29-25,29; 0,021) e circulação extracorpórea (CEC) [min] (1,016; 1,007-1,026; 0,001). Dor torácica associou-se com risco reduzido de óbito hospitalar (0,27; 0,08-0,94; 0,04). Variáveis com risco aumentado do desfecho clínico composto hospitalar foram: uso de antifibrinolítico (3,2; 1,65-6,27; 0,0006), complicação renal (7,4; 1,52-36,0; 0,013), complicação pulmonar (3,7; 1,5-8,8; 0,004), EuroScore (1,23; 1,08-1,41; 0,003) e tempo de CEC [min] (1,01; 1,00-1,02; 0,027). CONCLUSÃO: Etnia negra, doença cerebrovascular, hemopericárcio, operação de Cabrol, revascularização miocárdica simultânea, revisão de hemostasia e tempo de CEC associaram-se com risco aumentado de óbito hospitalar. Dor torácica associou-se com risco reduzido de óbito hospitalar. Uso de antifibrinolítico, complicação renal, complicação pulmonar, EuroScore e tempo de CEC associaram-se ao desfecho clínico composto hospitalar.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to identify predictors of hospital mortality in patients undergoing aortic surgery. The secondary objective was to identify factors associated with clinical outcome composed hospital (death, bleeding, neurologic complications or ventricular dysfunction). METHODS: A cross-sectional design with longitudinal component. Through chart review, 257 patients were included. Inclusion criteria were: aortic dissection Stanford type A and ascending aortic aneurysm. Exclusion criteria were acute aortic dissection, of any kind, and no aortic aneurysm involving the ascending segment. Variables assessed: demographics, preoperative factors, intraoperative and postoperative. RESULTS: Variables with increased risk of hospital mortality (OR, 95% CI, P value): black ethnicity (6.8, 1.54-30.2; 0.04), cerebrovascular disease (10.5, 1.12-98.7; 0.04), hemopericardium (35.1, 3.73-330.2; 0.002), Cabrol operation (9.9, 1.47-66.36; 0.019), CABG simultaneous (4.4; 1.31 to 15.06; 0.017), bleeding (5.72, 1.29-25.29; 0.021) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time [min] (1.016; 1.0071.026; 0.001). Thoracic pain was associated with reduced risk of hospital death (0.27, 0.08-0.94, 0.04). Variables with increased risk of hospital clinical outcome compound were: use of antifibrinolytic (3.2, 1.65-6.27; 0.0006), renal complications (7.4, 1.52-36.0; 0.013), pulmonary complications (3.7, 1.58.8, 0.004), EuroScore (1.23; 1.08-1.41; 0.003) and CPB time [min] (1.01; 1.00 to 1.02; 0.027). CONCLUSION: Ethnicity black, cerebrovascular disease, hemopericardium, Cabrol operation, CABG simultaneous, hemostasis review and CPB time was associated with increased risk of hospital death. Chest pain was associated with reduced risk of hospital death. Use of antifibrinolytic, renal complications, pulmonary complications, EuroScore and CPB time were associated with clinical outcome hospital compound.

O tratamento operatório da dissecção aórtica crônica tipo A em pacientes submetidos à revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio / Surgical treatment of chronic type A aortic dissection in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

O tratamento operatório da dissecção aórtica é um desafio para o cirurgião cardíaco, sobretudo nos pacientes submetidos a operação cardíaca prévia. Nosso objetivo neste relato de caso é demonstrar como tratamos a dissecção aórtica crônica tipo A em paciente revascularizado utilizando cânulas arterial e venosa percutâneas.

Surgical treatment of aortic dissection is a challenge for the cardiac surgeon, especially in patients undergoing cardiac operations. Our objective in this case report is to demonstrate how we treat the chronic type A aortic dissection in patients revascularized using percutaneous arterial and venous cannulae.

Endovascular repair of an aorto-iliac aneurysm succeeded by kidney transplantation / Tratamento endovascular de aneurisma aorto-ilíaco sucedido por transplante renal

We present the case of aorto-iliac aneurysm in a patient with chronic renal failure requiring dialysis who were treated with an endovascular stent graft and, later on, submitted to kidney transplantation. A 53-year-old male with renal failure requiring dialysis presented with an asymptomatic abdominal aorto-iliac aneurysm measuring 5.0cm of diameter. He was treated with endovascular repair technique, being used an endoprosthesis Excluder®. After four months, he was successfully submitted to kidney transplantation (dead donor), with anastomosis of the graft renal artery in the external iliac artery distal to the endoprosthesis. The magnetic resonance imaging, carried out 30 days after the procedure, showed a good positioning of the endoprosthesis and adequate perfusion of the renal graft. In the follow-up, the patient presented improvement of nitrogenous waste, good positioning of the endoprosthesis without migration or endoleak. The endovascular repair of aorto-iliac aneurysm in a patient with end-stage renal failure under hemodialysis treatment showed to be feasible, safe and efficient, as it did not prevent the success of the posterior kidney transplantation.

Apresentamos o caso de aneurisma aortoilíaco em um paciente com insuficiência renal crônica dialítica tratado com uma endoprótese vascular, sendo, após, submetido a transplante renal. Um homem de 53 anos com insuficiência renal dialítica apresentava um aneurisma abdominal aortoilíaco assintomático com 5,0cm de diâmetro. Foi tratado com técnica endovascular com uma endoprótese Excluderâ. Após quatro meses, foi submetido a transplante renal (doador cadáver) com sucesso, com anastomose da artéria renal do enxerto na artéria ilíaca externa distal à endoprótese. A ressonância magnética 30 dias após o procedimento mostrou a endoprótese bem posicionada e o enxerto renal bem perfundido. No seguimento, o paciente evoluiu com melhora das escórias nitrogenadas, bom posicionamento da endoprótese, sem migração ou endoleak. O reparo endovascular do aneurisma aortoilíaco em paciente com insuficiência renal terminal em hemodiálise mostrou-se exequível, seguro e eficaz, e não comprometeu o sucesso do transplante renal posterior.

Disección aórtica tipo A: Resultados operatorios y seguimiento a mediano plazo / Surgical results among 100 patients with type A aortic dissection: Retrospective review

Background: Tipe A aortic dissection involves the ascending aorta and has high mortality rates without surgical treatment. Aim: To report the results of surgical treatment of type A aortic dissection. Material and Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of 100 patients aged 17 to 78 years (73 percent males) operated between January 2000 and August 2008, for type A aortic dissection. Follow up was performed with telephone interviews and review of national death records. Results: Eighty three percent of patients had an acute dissection. Operative mortality was 27 and 20 percent for patients with acute and chronic dissection, respectively. Mortality was 50 percent among patients aged 70 years or more, compared with 21 percent among their younger counterparts, The most common complication was bleeding that required a new surgical procedure in 18 percent of patients. Actuarial survival was 70 percent at five years. Cardiovascular problems caused the death of two of the nine patients that died during follow up. Conclusions: Surgical mortality among patients with type A aortic dissection was higher among patients with acute episodes and those aged 70 years or more.

Variáveis prognósticas de evolução hospitalar e no longo prazo de pacientes portadoras de dissecção crônica de aorta Tipo A de Stanford e aneurisma de aorta ascendente, submetidos a procedimento cirúrgico / Hospital and long-term prognostic variables in patients with ascendent aortic aneurism or Stanford Type A aortic chronic dissection wgo underwent surgical procedure

Aneurismas e dissecções da aorta constituem as principais doenças da aorta, as quais podem ser submetidas a princípios e técnicas de tratamento cirúrgico em comum. A conduta clínica e cirúrgica continua sendo um desafio nos procedimentos eletivos, bem como em casos de emergência...

Aortoplastia redutora com contenção externa associada à troca valvar aórtica em pacientes de alto risco / Reduction aortoplasty with external wrapping associated with aortic valve replacement in high-risk patients

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a evolução de pacientes de alto risco submetidos a aortoplastia redutora com contenção externa associada a troca valvar aórtica. MÉTODOS: Seis pacientes portadores de aneurisma de aorta ascendente e valvopatia aórtica, sendo quatro do sexo masculino, foram incluídos no estudo. Um paciente apresentava insuficiência mitral importante. A idade variou de 61 a 70 anos (média de 65,7 anos). A insuficiência aórtica foi a indicação de troca valvar em 83,3 por cento dos pacientes e a estenose aórtica, em 16,7 por cento. Os critérios de inclusão foram: pacientes portadores de valvopatia aórtica com indicação cirúrgica, aorta ascendente com diâmetro > 5,5 cm, EuroSCORE > 6 e idade acima de 60 anos. O diâmetro da aorta ascendente variou de 57 a 68 mm (média de 63,7 mm). Análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o teste t pareado para as variáveis estudadas, com nível de significância menor que 5 por cento. RESULTADOS: Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a aortoplastia redutora com contenção externa associada a troca valvar aórtica. Não houve mortalidade hospitalar na série estudada. Um (16,7 por cento) paciente apresentou fibrilação atrial no pós-operatório. O diâmetro médio da aorta ascendente foi de 37,0 +4,5 mm aos 6 meses de pós-operatório (P < 0,0001, em relação ao pré-operatório). A curva atuarial de sobrevivência é de 100 por cento ao final de 28 meses de seguimento. CONCLUSÃO: A aortoplastia redutora associada a contenção externa e troca valvar aórtica é uma opção terapêutica com resultados promissores a médio prazo, em pacientes de alto risco cirúrgico portadores de aneurisma de aorta ascendente e valvopatia aórtica.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the midterm follow-up of reduction aortoplasty with external wrapping associated with aortic valve replacement in high risk patients. METHODS: Six patients with ascending aortic aneurysm and aortic valve disease were included in this study. Four of them were male. The age ranged from 61 to 70 years (mean 65.7 years). One patient presented severe mitral valve insufficiency. All patients underwent aortic valve replacement (83.3 percent with aortic insufficiency and 16.7 percent with aortic stenosis). The inclusion criteria were: surgical aortic valve disease, ascending aortic aneurysm > 5.5 cm, EuroSCORE > 6 and age above 60 years. The ascending aortic diameter ranged from 57 to 68 mm (mean 63.7 mm). Data were analyzed by paired T test for comparison between the studied variables and P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: All patients underwent reduction aortoplasty with external wrapping associated with aortic valve replacement. The postoperative hospital mortality and morbidity was 0 percent and 16.7 percent (atrial fibrillation), respectively. The mean ascending aortic diameter was 37.0 + 4.5mm after 6 months of follow-up (P < 0.0001, compared with the preoperative period). The actuarial survival curve after 28 months of follow-up was 100 percent. CONCLUSION: Reduction ascending aortoplasty with external wrapping associated with aortic valve replacement is a safe procedure with excellent midterm results in high risk patients with ascending aortic aneurysm and aortic valve disease.