[Surgical technique of saphenous vein harvesting using a Cusco vaginal speculum].

We used Cusco vaginal speculum in harvesting saphenous vein graft (SVG) as an assist device for making a skin tunnel. After making 2 incisions of 3 to 4 cm, the SVG was dissected in a usual procedure. Then Cusco vaginal speculum was inserted into the skin tunnel between the 2 incisions. The SVG was dissected in a usual fashion under direct vision with the speculum. This procedure requires only small incisions, short learning curve and low cost. The new technique using Cusco vaginal speculum can be a reliable option for harvesting SVG.

A novel technique for H-shaped reinforcement of double-barreled aorta in surgical treatment of chronic aortic dissection.

Anastomosis of the prosthetic graft to the double-barreled aorta with intimal flap fenestration is a useful technique in surgery for chronic aortic dissection. Conversely, anastomosis to the false lumen's outer wall is prone to complications such as pseudoaneurysms, but little is known about the technique of reinforcing the double-barreled aorta. In this report, we describe a surgical case of chronic aortic dissection in which an H-shaped prosthetic graft was sutured to both aortic lumens, including the intimal flap, to prevent complications at the anastomosis site.

Life-Threatening Conditions and Preoperative Complications Associated with Cardiac Neoplasm Do Not Affect Surgical Outcomes or Mortality.

Background: Cardiac neoplasms may cause life-threatening symptoms associated with cerebral infarction, ventricular arrhythmias, and heart failure. Emergency surgery or preoperative treatment may be required for these patients. However, no study has reported the surgical outcomes in cases involving cardiac neoplasms with life-threatening complications. The current study investigated the mid- to long-term outcomes of surgery in patients with cardiac neoplasms in life-threatening conditions. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 36 consecutive patients who underwent resection for cardiac neoplasms with life-threatening cardiovascular, respiratory, and cerebral nervous system complications from January 2000 to December 2022. Their mean age at surgery was 54.9 years. In terms of fatal events, one patient who experienced a ventricular tachycardia storm caused by a left ventricular neoplasm was placed under deep sedation and managed with a ventilator preoperatively. Seven patients who presented with limb motor paralysis and visual defects had cerebral infarction. Two of the seven patients with cerebral infarction received cerebrovascular treatment before cardiac surgery. Results: During the follow-up period, cerebral- and cardiovascular-related deaths were not recorded. All postoperative cerebral and cardiovascular complications were new-onset cerebral infarction (n = 2) (with symptoms that improved during the long term). The mean follow-up period was 6.2 years. The 5- and 10-year survival rates of all patients were 89.8% and 78.7%, respectively. There were no significant differences in postoperative prognosis between patients with preoperative cerebral infarctions and those without. Conclusions: The long-term surgical outcome of patients with life-threatening symptomatic cardiac neoplasm was good. Thus, preoperative complications did not affect prognosis.

Off-Pump Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting With a Heart Positioner: Direct Retraction for a Better Exposure.

OBJECTIVE: Lateral and inferior territories are difficult to expose during off-pump minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS CABG). The use of cardiopulmonary bypass is required at times. We initiated a direct retraction method by using a cardiac positioner for a better exposure, in order to complete off-pump, multivessel MICS CABG safely. METHODS: We recently initiated multivessel MICS CABG, performed via a 6- to 9-cm left thoracotomy. For distal anastomoses, the lateral pericardial edge was pulled to the chest wall to optimize exposure of the lateral and inferior area. Next, a single- or multisuction cardiac positioner was put on the sides of the target vessel through the small thoracotomy and pulled directly toward the incision. Finally, a distal anastomosis was made with an epicardial stabilizer via the thoracotomy, as in standard off-pump CABG. RESULTS: There was no mortality or conversion to sternotomy. A total of 10 cases were targeted for off-pump multivessel MICS CABG with this approach. Nine were completed, while 1 still required pump assist. The average number of distal anastomoses was 2.8 ± 0.8. Two were successful off-pump quadruple bypass grafting with sequential anastomoses. All patients were discharged and remain well to this day. CONCLUSIONS: Most multivessel MICS CABG was feasible without pump assist even at the initiation period. This approach is easy and helpful in providing good exposure of target vessels without requirement of additional incisions.

Redo off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting for high risk hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: The number of reoperative (redo) coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for patients with long-term hemodialysis has been increasing. Off-pump CABG (OPCAB) may decrease risks associated with redo CABG. METHODS: Two patients on chronic hemodialysis with calcification of the ascending aorta underwent redo double coronary OPCAB for the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the posterior descending artery (PDA) via median sternotomy. The LAD was bypassed with the left internal thoracic artery (LITA). The PDA was exposed with minimum dissection and bypassed with a composite graft of the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) and the saphenous vein (SV). RESULTS: Both patients made a quick recovery with no complications and one had postoperative angiography that showed the patent grafts. Both patients were free from angina pectoris at follow-up of 6 months and 3 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Redo OPCAB of the LAD and PDA can be performed with minimal dissection via median sternotomy using the LITA and a composite graft of the RITA and SV.