Surgical treatment in the chronic phase for uncomplicated Stanford type B aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: The most appropriate surgical method for patients with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (UTBAD) in the chronic phase remains controversial. This study evaluated the outcomes of patients with UTBAD who needed aortic treatment as well as the impact of the treatment method or indication criteria on their prognosis. METHODS: This retrospective review of 106 consecutive patients with aortic events in the chronic phase who underwent initial treatment for UTBAD between 2004 and 2021 comprised three groups: 19 patients who underwent endovascular repair (TEVAR), 38 who underwent open aortic repair and the medication group that included 49 patients. Aortic events were defined as a late operation or indication for operation for dissected aorta, aortic diameter (AD) ≥ 55 mm, rapid aortic enlargement (≥5 mm/6 months), and saccular aneurysmal change. The endpoint was all-cause death. We assessed the association between treatment methods or surgical indication criteria and mortality using a Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The 5-year actuarial mortality rates were 27.1% in the TEVAR group, 19.6% in the open aortic repair group, and 38.4% in the medication group (p = 0.86). Moreover, the 5-year actuarial mortality rates in patients who had AD ≥ 55 mm were significantly higher than those patients with other surgical indication criteria (41.2% vs. 18.7%, p < 0.01). Multivariable analysis revealed a significant difference in AD ≥ 55 mm (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38-6.02, p < 0.01) and age (HR: 1.09, 95% CI 1.05-1.13, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Under the existing surgical indication criteria, there was no difference in mortality rates among patients with UTBAD based on their surgical treatment.

A Case of Postthoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair Stent-Graft Infection Caused by Campylobacter insulaenigrae.

An 81-year-old Japanese man who had distal aortic arch dilatation at age 77 had thoracic endovascular aortic surgery. The patient developed a fever and was taken to the hospital. Reduced diffusion in the descending aortic wall along the stent graft was discovered using whole-body diffusion-weighted imaging with background body signal suppression, and stent-graft infection was identified. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene analysis and blood culture results identified Campylobacter insulaenigrae as the etiological bacterial species. The patient was released from the hospital after 6 weeks of antibiotic treatment since the swelling and inflammatory response had decreased.

False lumen being larger than true lumen is associated with late aortic events in uncomplicated type B aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: In uncomplicated type B aortic dissection, a large false lumen (FL) is reportedly a risk factor for late aortic events. However, it is unclear how the relationship between the false and true lumen (TL) diameters affects the dissected aorta. This study aimed to evaluate the impact on clinical outcomes of the FL being larger than the TL. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 111 consecutive patients with uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissection between 2004 and 2018. We divided the patients into group A (FL > TL; n = 51) and group B (FL ≤ TL; n = 60), and compared the outcomes. The endpoints were aortic events, including surgery for aortic dissection and indication for surgery, and mortality. RESULTS: The 5-year incidence rates of aortic events were 68.4% in Group A and 33.6% in Group B (P = 0.002). The 5-year all-cause mortality rates were 5.3% in Group A and 21.9% in Group B (P = 0.003). The multivariable analyses revealed that FL > TL was an independent factor associated with aortic events (adjusted hazard ratio 2.482, 95% confidence interval 1.467-4.198, P < 0.001), but had low mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.209, 95% confidence interval 0.073-0.597, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection with FL > TL at admission are at increased risk of aortic events but improve mortality compared to patients with FL ≤ TL. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN000036997.

Heterogeneous double cardiac tumor: myxoma concomitant with papillary fibroelastoma.

Heterogeneous double cardiac tumor is rarely encountered. We present a case of simultaneous resection of myxoma and papillary fibroelastoma. Transesophageal echocardiography showed typical characteristics of each tumor. The myxoma was completely excised with a surgical margin, and the papillary fibroelastoma was shaved, preserving the cusp of the aortic valve. Pathohistologic examination confirmed the diagnosis. We discuss the echocardiographic characteristics and preferred surgical approaches for the two tumors.

Risk score system for late aortic events in patients with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE: Several risk factors for late aortic events in patients with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (UTBAD) have been reported; however, they remain controversial. We developed and validated a new risk prediction score system for late aortic events in patients with UTBAD. METHODS: We reviewed 187 consecutive patients diagnosed with UTBAD from 2004 to 2017 at 2 centers (derivation cohort) and 219 consecutive patients diagnosed with UTBAD from 2012 to 2016 in 4 other centers (validation cohort). We explored predictors of late aortic events using Fine-Gray generalization of the proportional hazards model, then developed a risk prediction score model and determined the test reliability using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analyses. Finally, we validated the model using external multicenter data. RESULTS: The risk prediction score system was developed using the following independent predictors: initial aortic diameter of ≥40 mm (2 points), false lumen diameter larger than true lumen diameter (2 points), ulcer-like projection (1 point), and age ≥70 years (1 point). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that a cut-off total additive score of 2 points. In the validation cohort, the low-risk group (score, 0-1 point) demonstrated lower 1- and 3-year incidence rates of late aortic events than the high-risk group (score, 2-6 points) (0.9% vs 32.5% and 0.9% vs 47.1%, respectively; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: We developed a simple risk prediction score system for late aortic events in patients with UTBAD. High-risk patients can be identified using our model, and they should be closely monitored and considered for interventions at the appropriate timing.

Late Disruption of a Polyethylene Terephthalate Aortic Graft 30 Years after Initial Graft Placement.

A 71 year old male who had undergone extra-anatomic bypass grafting between the ascending aorta and the thoraco-abdominal aorta at 41 years of age for aortic coarctation was admitted with back pain and dyspnea. A 16 mm Cooley double velour knitted polyethylene terephthalate (PET) graft was used in the initial operation in 1983. Computed tomography showed disruption of the initial PET graft perforating the right atrium, and a pseudoaneurysm at the distal anastomosis. The patient was in acute cardiac failure because of left to right shunting. A two stage operation was performed. The first stage comprised emergency re-grafting and right atrium repair, and the second stage re-grafting for the pseudoaneurysm. The patient is doing well 48 months post-operatively; however, monitoring of the patient will continue for potential PET graft rupture.

Impact of initial aortic diameter and false-lumen area ratio on Type B aortic dissection prognosis.

OBJECTIVES: Medical treatment is the gold standard for uncomplicated acute Type B aortic dissection (ATBAD). Although endovascular treatment could become an alternative therapy, it is unclear which ATBAD patients should undergo endovascular intervention. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients with uncomplicated ATBAD and identify the risk factors for major adverse events. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 134 consecutive patients who underwent initial treatment for uncomplicated ATBAD between 2004 and 2015. Follow-up rate was 98.5%, and the median follow-up period was 47 months. We evaluated the incidence of major adverse events (aortic-related death, aortic surgery and dilated aorta ≥ 55 mm) and identified the predictors of major adverse events using multivariable analysis. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality rate was 0.7% (1/134). During follow-up, 46 patients had major adverse events. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year rates of freedom from major adverse events were 79.8%, 71.4%, and 63.6%, respectively. The independent risk factors for major adverse events were initial aortic diameter ≥40 mm (hazard ratio 3.735, 95% confidence interval 1.888-7.390; P < 0.001) and false-lumen diameter > true-lumen diameter (hazard ratio 3.411, 95% confidence interval 1.491-7.806; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Initial aortic diameter ≥40 mm and false-lumen diameter > true-lumen diameter are predictors of major adverse events after uncomplicated ATBAD. Patients with these risk factors may benefit from early endovascular intervention. Clinical registration number: UMIN 000025388, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000029229.

Preoperative characteristics and surgical outcomes of acute intramural hematoma involving the ascending aorta: A propensity score-matched analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the preoperative characteristics and surgical outcomes of acute type A intramural hematoma. METHODS: Between January 2000 and June 2011, 460 consecutive patients underwent emergency open surgery for type A acute aortic syndrome at Sakakibara Heart Institute. Among these patients, 121 had intramural hematoma and 339 had typical aortic dissection. We compared the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes using propensity score matching. RESULTS: In all patients, the intramural hematoma group had an older age (69.2 ± 10.4 years vs 63.4 ± 13.5 years; P < .001), included a higher ratio of female patients (56.2% vs 44.0%, P = .020), and more frequently had hypertension (94.2% vs 83.5%, P = .005), hyperlipidemia (25.6% vs 12.7%, P < .001), and cardiac tamponade (33.1% vs 18.3%, P < .001) than patients with aortic dissection. Cerebral malperfusion (0.8% vs 5.3%, P = .033), myocardial malperfusion (0.8% vs 8.2%, P = .002), lower limb malperfusion (1.7% vs 7.9%, P = .015), Marfan syndrome (0% vs 3.5%, P = .042), and aortic valve insufficiency (2.5% vs 15.0%, P < .001) were less frequently observed in the intramural hematoma group than in the aortic dissection group. After propensity score matching, 116 matched pairs were created. In the matched analysis, operative mortality was 0.9% in the intramural hematoma group (1/116) and 3.4% in the aortic dissection group (4/116, P = .179). The intramural hematoma group demonstrated higher actuarial 1- and 5-year survivals than the aortic dissection group (99.1 % vs 93.6% and 97.3% vs 85.9%, respectively, P = .006). In the multivariate analysis, intramural hematoma was shown to be associated with lower midterm mortality (hazard ratio, 0.316; 95% confidence interval, 0.102-0.974; P = .045). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with intramural hematoma have different preoperative clinical characteristics compared with patients with aortic dissection. Emergency open surgery for type A intramural hematoma demonstrated low operative mortality and excellent 5-year survival.

Outcomes of contemporary emergency open surgery for type A acute aortic dissection in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate surgical outcomes of type A acute aortic dissection in elderly patients. METHODS: Between January 2004 and July 2011, 422 patients underwent emergency open surgery for type A acute aortic dissection at our institution. Of those, 124 patients who were ≥75 years (mean age, 78.6 ± 3.4 years) were reviewed. We also reviewed 26 patients (≥75 years old) who were diagnosed with acute aortic dissection at our institution during the same period but who did not undergo surgery. We analyzed early and late outcomes of surgical and nonsurgical patients. RESULTS: The operative mortality was 4.8% (6/124), and the incidences of stroke and prolonged hospital stay (>30 days) were 17.7% (22/124) and 20.1% (25/124), respectively. The actuarial survivals at 1, 3, and 5 years were 89.3%, 84.7%, and 79.1%, respectively. Predictors of stroke are preoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation (odds ratio, 17.5; 95% confidence interval, 3.1-98.9; P = .001) and previous cardiac surgery (odds ratio, 14.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-164.7; P = .036). The 30-day or in-hospital mortality of patients who were indicated for surgery but refused surgery was 63.6% (7/11). CONCLUSIONS: Emergency open surgery for type A acute aortic dissection in elderly patients resulted in a low mortality but high incidences of stroke and prolonged hospital stay. Preoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation and previous cardiac surgery were significant predictors of stroke. Emergency surgery is still the primary option for most elderly patients with acute aortic dissection.

Efficacy and pitfalls of transapical cannulation for the repair of acute type A aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Selection of a cannulation site for the repair of acute type A aortic dissection remains controversial. Several cannulation sites have been introduced, but each is associated with a risk of adverse complications. Transapical cannulation is a simple procedure to restore antegrade blood flow during ECC. However the efficacy of this procedure is unknown. METHODS: Among 400 patients undergoing surgical repair of acute type A dissection at Sakakibara Heart Institute between 2003 and 2010, transapical cannulation was performed in 52 patients, and these patients were included in this study. Transapical cannulation was selected as the initial cannulation site in 44 patients and as conversion from femoral cannulation in 8 patients. RESULTS: There were 4 in-hospital mortalities (mortality rate, 7.7%) and 5 patients had strokes (stroke rate, 9.6%). Transapical cannulation was successful in 47 patients (90.4%). Conversion of the cannulation site was necessary in 5 patients: Malperfusion on initiation of ECC was observed in 4 patients and emergence of aortic regurgitation was observed in 1 patient. The cannula was moved to another artery for correction in these patients. There was no mortality in patients undergoing conversion of the cannulation site. CONCLUSIONS: Transapical cannulation is considered an effective option for the repair of acute type A aortic dissection. Transapical cannulation cannot eliminate the risk of intraoperative malperfusion, and therefore careful assessment with intraoperative monitoring is necessary.

Outcomes of total arch replacement with stepwise distal anastomosis technique and modified perfusion strategy.

OBJECTIVE: Total arch replacement has been reported to present high morbidity and mortality. We have introduced a stepwise distal anastomosis technique and modified perfusion strategy, including selective antegrade cerebral perfusion, moderate hypothermia, and separate lower-body perfusion, to minimize organ ischemia and secondary morbidities. We report the operative outcomes of total arch replacement with our modified perfusion strategy. METHODS: Between August 2006 and December 2008, 119 patients underwent total arch replacement with the current perfusion strategy. Of these patients, 56 (47%) underwent emergency operation for acute type A aortic dissection (n = 48) or ruptured thoracic aneurysm (n = 8). The mean age of patients was 68 years, and the mean follow-up period was 25 months. We analyzed operative mortality, morbidity, and 4-year survival of this patient group. RESULTS: The mean operation, cardiopulmonary bypass, and circulatory arrest times were 313, 183, and 47 minutes, respectively. Operative mortality was 3.4%. Operative mortality of elective cases was 1.6%. The incidences of permanent neurologic deficit, paraparesis, and renal insufficiency were 5.0%, 1.7%, and 7.6%, respectively. Actuarial 4-year survival was 86.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Total arch replacement with our modified perfusion strategy has demonstrated low operative mortality and morbidity.

Preoperative evaluation of patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing open heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical outcomes after open heart surgery in patients with liver cirrhosis are not satisfactory. For evaluating hepatic function, the Child-Pugh classification has been widely used. It has been reported that open heart surgery can be performed safely in patients with mild liver cirrhosis. In this study, we examined the clinical outcomes after open heart surgery in patients with liver cirrhosis and evaluated the usefulness of the Child-Pugh classification. METHODS: There were 12 liver cirrhosis patients who underwent open heart surgery between January 2002 and December 2006 at our institution. The severity of cirrhosis was graded according to the Child-Pugh classification. We reviewed clinical outcomes, such as postoperative mortality and morbidity, and tried to determine the risk factors. Finally, we assessed the usefulness of the Child-Pugh classification. RESULTS: Six patients were classified as having Child class A, and the other six patients were classified as B. The overall mortality of group A was 50%, and that of group B was 17%. Postoperative major morbidities occurred in half of the patients of Child class A and in all of the patients of Child class B. Patients who experienced major morbidities had markedly lower levels of serum cholinesterase (106 +/- 46 vs. 199 +/- 72 IU/l; P = 0.02) and lower platelet level (7.5 +/- 2.9 vs. 11.9 +/- 3.6 x 104/microl; P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The mortality and morbidity rates were high even in the Child class A patients. The Child classification may be an insufficient method for evaluating hepatic function. We have to assess other factors, such as the serum cholinesterase level or the platelet count.

Pneumopericardium caused by a permanent endocardial pacing lead.

A 59-year-old woman with a history of bronchiectasis was admitted due to a two-day history of fever and hemosputum. A permanent pacemaker (DDD mode, screw-in lead) had been implanted three months previously to treat complete atrioventricular block. On computed tomography, pneumopericardium was seen, and the right atrium pacing lead was stuck into the right lung. A semi-emergency operation to remove the pacing lead and part of the right middle lobe was performed through a right thoracotomy. Although pneumopericardium caused by pacing lead perforation is rare, the possibility of perforation by the pacing lead should always be considered.

Patency of distal false lumen in acute dissection: extent of resection and prognosis.

We assessed the hypotheses that extension of aortic replacement would reduce the patency of the false lumen of the descending aorta and that postoperative patency of the false lumen would result in poor prognosis. One hundred and twenty-four consecutive patients underwent surgical repair for acute type A acute dissection on an emergency basis. Among the 124 patients, 89 patients had De Bakey type I dissection. Among the patients with De Bakey type I dissection, the false lumen of the descending aorta was preoperatively patent in 52 patients. Distal extent of aortic replacement was ascending aorta in 16 patients, hemiarch in 15 patients, partial arch in seven patients, and total arch in 11 patients. Patency of the false lumen was not influenced by distal extent of the aortic replacement. In a one-year follow-up, the maximum diameter of the descending aorta with patent false lumen had increased significantly than that with closed false lumen. Survival rates were 96% at one year and 67% at five years in the patients with patent false lumen and no mortality in the patients with closed false lumen. Patency of the false lumen was not influenced by extension of aortic replacement and associated with poor prognosis.