False Lumen Catheterization in a Patient Who Has Type A Aortic Dissection That Mimics Acute Inferior Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report.

We report a 61-year-old patient who suffered from a type A aortic dissection that mimicked an acute inferior myocardial infarction. During a routine cardiac catheterization procedure, diagnostic catheters can be inserted accidentally into the false lumen. Invasive cardiologists should keep this complication in mind.

Acute type-A aortic dissection with obstruction of the right coronary artery.

Occlusion of a coronary artery by an acute type A aortic dissection presents a life-threatening emergency that is rarely seen and easy to misdiagnose. We present the case of a 75-year-old male who experienced sudden onset of severe left-sided chest pain due to an acute type A aortic dissection that obstructed the right coronary artery. Following an initial misdiagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, imaging revealed the presence of an aortic dissection. An emergency modified Bentall procedure was performed, in which the damaged aorta and aortic valve were replaced.

Pressure-controlled mechanical ventilation is more advantageous in the follow-up of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after open heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiopulmonary bypass deteriorates pulmonary functions to a certain extent. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with increased mortality and morbidity risks in the postoperative period of open-heart surgery. In this study we compared 2 different mechanical ventilation modes, pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) and volume-controlled ventilation (VCV), in this particular patient population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients with severe COPD were assigned to 1 of 2 groups and enrolled to receive PCV or VCV in the postoperative period. Arterial blood gases, respiratory parameters, and intensive care unit and hospital stays were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Maximum airway pressure was higher in the VCV group. Pulmonary compliance was lower in the VCV group and minute ventilation was significantly lower in the group ventilated with PCV mode. The respiratory index was increased in the PCV group compared with the VCV group and with preoperative findings. Duration of mechanical ventilation was significantly shorter with PCV; however, intensive care unit and hospital stays did not differ. CONCLUSION: There is not a single widely accepted and established mode of ventilation for patients with COPD undergoing open-heart surgery. Our modest experience indicated promising results with PCV mode; however, further studies are warranted.

Innominate artery as an alternative site for proximal anastomoses in patients with a severely calcified aorta.

BACKGROUND: Atheromatous plaques of the ascending aorta are one of the most important risk factors for postoperative mortality and morbidity in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We have retrospectively analyzed the results of proximal anastomoses constructed on the innominate artery in patients with calcific atheromatous plaques (CAP) in their ascending aorta detected intraoperatively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of 16 consecutive patients who underwent CABG operations and had CAP on their ascending aorta between November 2006 and June 2009. The atheromatous lesions were detected intraoperatively and the operation plan was changed to off-pump surgery. All the proximal anastomoses were made on the innominate artery, left internal thoracic artery (LITA) or the other saphenous vein grafts (SVG). Thirteen patients were male and three were female with a mean age of 63.7 ± 5.3 (ranged, 53-71) years. RESULTS: A total of 56 distal anastomoses (3.5 per patient) and 25 proximal anastomoses on the innominate artery were performed. Of the 16 patients, seven (43.7%) had received a sequential SVG; two (12.5%) patients, sequential LITA graft; and one (6.25%) patient sequential SVG and LITA graft. One of the proximal anastomoses was performed on the SVG in four patients (25%) and on the LITA graft in one patient (6.2%). One patient (6.2%) died due to cerebrovascular morbidity. No other complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The innominate artery is an alternative site for proximal anastomoses in patients with calcific atheromatous aorta.

Simultaneous beating heart coronary artery bypass surgery and modified radical mastectomy.

Concomitant surgeries for unrelated diseases can be performed to minimize the risks associated with surgery and general anesthesia. In treating a male patient with breast cancer and severe coronary artery disease, we used the beating heart technique for a coronary artery bypass graft to avoid the negative effects of on-pump bypass on the possible acceleration of tumor growth. In this report, we present a unique case of concomitant off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery and modified radical mastectomy in a 56-year-old man.

Left anterior descending artery revascularization in low-risk patients: early outcomes after off-pump versus on-pump surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to compare the early outcomes of off-pump and on-pump myocardial revascularization in patients with stenosis in the left anterior descending artery (alone or with diagonal artery disease). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 300 patients: 150 who underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass and 150 who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to medical data and operative findings. On-pump and off-pump groups were compared in terms of mortality and morbidity within 30 days of the operation. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 3.3% (5 patients) in the on-pump group and 2.6% (4 patients) in the off-pump group. Five patients (3.3%) in the on-pump group experienced myocardial infarction; 3 died of cardiogenic shock. Four patients (2.6%) in the off-pump group experienced myocardial infarction, and 2 of these patients died. Two patients (1.3%) in the on-pump group and 2 patients (1.3%) in the off-pump group experienced stroke; 1 patient in each group died. One patient (0.6%) in the on-pump group had mediastinitis and died of sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Among low-risk patients (defined according to EuroSCORE criteria) who underwent left anterior descending coronary artery bypass, the results obtained with the on-pump and off-pump methods showed no significant differences with respect to morbidity or mortality.

Mitral valve repair in a patient with thrombocytopenia-absent radius syndrome: case report.

Thrombocyte level and functions are vital factors during cardiac surgery. Thrombocytopenia-absent radius syndrome (TAR) is a rare genetic disorder consisting of skeletal abnormalities and thrombocytopenia. In this report, we present the management strategy for a 23-year-old female patient with TAR syndrome who underwent mitral valve repair.

Mitral regurgitation secondary to anterior leaflet rupture during percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty: case report.

Rheumatoid heart disease and the mitral stenosis secondary to it in the long term are still important cardiovascular problems in developing countries. Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty is a valid treatment option with low complication rates for relieving the signs and symptoms of selected patients with mitral valve stenosis. In this report, we describe subacute mitral regurgitation secondary to anterior leaflet rupture following percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty and the management strategy in a 54-year-old female patient. Such a complication is rare in experienced hands in the current era.

Long-segment patchplasty of diffuse left anterior descending artery disease on the beating heart.

OBJECTIVE: The rate of patients with diffuse left anterior descending artery (LAD) disease being referred for surgery has increased as a result of advances in endovascular techniques. In surgery of diffuse or multisegment LAD disease, surgical procedures with or without endarterectomy can be performed. In this article, we report our results of longsegment onlay patchplasty of the LAD with a left internal thoracic artery (LITA) graft without endarterectomy, on the beating heart, in patients with multisegment LAD disease. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in our hospital between 1 January 2015 and 31 July 2017. We included LITA onlay patchplasty patients with multisegment LAD disease who had been operated on the beating heart. We excluded patients who underwent coronary endarterectomy and were operated on under cardiopulmonary bypass. RESULTS: In this period, 54 patients with multisegment LAD disease were treated with LITA patchplasty on the beating heart. The mean length of the arteriotomy was 42.8 ± 13.3 mm (25-75 mm). There were two postoperative myocardial infarctions (3.7%) and three deaths (5.5%). In the remaining patients, there was no haemodynamic instability that needed long-term (> 24 hour) inotropic support. Patients were discharged from hospital on postoperative 9.3 ± 7.1 days with dual antiplatalet therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Bypass grafting of the LAD with long-segment LITA onlay patchplasty can safely be performed in patients with multisegment LAD disease, with acceptable early-term results. In this procedure, proximal and distal segments of the diseased LAD are revascularised with LITA grafts, which may improve long-term survival and quality of life.

Surgical treatment of post-infarction left ventricular pseudoaneurysm: a two-decade experience.

Herein, we present a retrospective analysis of our experience with acquired pseudoaneurysms of the left ventricle over a 20-year period.From February 1985 through September 2004, 14 patients underwent operation for left ventricular pseudoaneurysm in our clinic. All pseudoaneurysms (12 chronic, 2 acute) were caused by myocardial infarction. The mean interval between myocardial infarction and diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm was 7 months (range, 1-11 mo). The pseudoaneurysm was located in the inferior or posterolateral wall in 11 of 14 patients (78.6%). In all patients, the pseudoaneurysm was resected and the ventricular wall defect was closed with direct suture (6 patients) or a patch (8 patients). Most patients had 3-vessel coronary artery disease. Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in all patients. Five patients died (postoperative mortality rate, 35.7%) after repair of a pseudoaneurysm (post-infarction, 2 patients; chronic, 3 patients). Two patients died during follow-up (median, 42 mo), due to cancer in 1 patient and sudden death in the other. Although repair of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is still a surgical challenge, it can be performed with acceptable results in most patients. Surgical repair is warranted particularly in cases of large or expanding pseudoaneurysms because of the propensity for fatal rupture.

Five-year follow up of Konno aortoventriculoplasty for repeat aortic valve replacement in an adult patient.

Konno aortoventriculoplasty (AVP) is performed for various types of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. We report on a 32-year-old woman who had undergone double valve replacement five years earlier. She presented with increased interventricular septum thickness, small aortic root and gradient across the aortic mechanical valve. We performed Konno AVP with repeat aortic valve replacement (AVR). The control echocardiography showed no significant residual gradient. Konno AVP with repeat AVR may be safely performed with satisfactory results.

Midterm results of aortic valve repair with the pericardial cusp extension technique in rheumatic valve disease.

BACKGROUND: The encouraging results of valve repair in the atrioventricular valves have influenced a decision about aortic valve (AV) reconstruction. We report our experience with pericardial cusp extension to repair rheumatic AV disease. METHODS: From 1993 to 1998, 46 patients (25 women, 21 men) with a mean age of 31.5 +/- 12.2 years (range, 15 to 58 years) underwent AV repair. Twenty-two (47.8%) patients had moderate and 24 (52.2%) had severe aortic insufficiency (AI). Severe cusp retraction was repaired with glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium. Twenty-one patients had more than one maneuver (mean, 1.8) to attain competence besides augmentation, which consisted of the release of stenotic commissures (in 11 cases), thinning of the AV cusps (in 10 cases), and resuspension of the cusps (in 17 cases). Simultaneous mitral valve repair was performed on 17 patients. Eight patients received triple valve reconstruction. RESULTS: There was no early mortality. Thirty patients no longer had AI with any significant transvalvular gradients. Five patients were followed with mild residual AI, and 2 patients with moderate AI not requiring reoperation. Nine patients developing severe AI required AV replacement with a reoperation rate 19.6% (4.26%/patient-year). The mean interval between repair and reoperation was 28.2 +/- 18.3 months (range, 3 to 58 months). The mean observation time was 4.6 +/- 3 years (211.6 patient-years). Late mortality rate was 2.2% with 1 patient. The significant negative predictors of aortic reoperation determined by univariate analysis were preoperative New York Heart Association class (p = 0.002) and postoperative severe AI (p < 0.001). Cox hazard studies identified that all risk factors were insignificant for aortic reoperation. The actuarial rate of freedom from aortic reoperation was 76.1% +/- 7% at 7.5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Although AV repair by extension with pericardium is worth considering with an acceptable solution to achieve a good geometry from unequal cusps, especially in young rheumatic patients for preservation of the native AV, the patients should be followed periodically for reoperation risk.

Five-year experience in aortic root replacement with the flanged composite graft.

BACKGROUND: Replacement of the aortic root with a composite graft containing a prosthetic mechanic valve is the preferred surgical procedure for tailoring the aortic root. The aim of this study is to determine the 5-year experience with the composite root replacement using our new modification of the Bentall technique. METHODS: Between January 1996 and June 2001, 96 patients underwent aortic root replacement using a flanged composite graft. Eighty patients (83.3%) were male, and 16 patients (16.7%) were female with a mean age of 48.7 +/- 14.4 years. Indications for operation were a true or false aneurysm (65.6%), severe calcified aortic valve stenosis (4.2%) or severe aortic insufficiency (2.1%) with dilated ascending aorta, acute dissection (2.1%), or combination of indications (26%). Thirty-one patients (32.3%) received a concomitant cardiac procedure. Mean aortic cross-clamp time was 89.5 +/- 28.6 minutes, and mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 146.2 +/- 45.6 minutes. Total follow-up was 253.9 patient-years. RESULTS: Operative mortality was 8.3% (8 patients). The causes of hospital mortality were severe bleeding (3 patients), low cardiac output syndrome (2), acute respiratory distress syndrome (2) and cerebrovascular event (1). No patient died of flange-related complications. Univariate predictors of early mortality were low cardiac output syndrome (p < 0.001), neurologic complication (p = 0.03), and renal complication (p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis demonstrated only low cardiac output syndrome to be significant (p = 0.001) predictor for early mortality. There were five (5.7%) late deaths. Actuarial survival was 82.65% +/- 4.8% at 5 years (1.95% patient-year). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis demonstrated only low cardiac output syndrome to be significant (p = 0.032) predictor for late mortality. Actuarial freedom from prosthetic- and technique-related mortality was 100% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: The flanged composite graft offers excellent long-term results, with very low prevalence of prosthetic-related complications. The new created sinuses and the flange are especially helpful to continue physiologic function of the aortic root.

Coronary artery bypass grafting alone for advanced ischemic left ventricular dysfunction with significant mitral regurgitation: early and midterm outcomes in a small series.

In 31 consecutive patients with ischemic left ventricular dysfunction and mitral regurgitation ranging from 2/4 to 3/4 (mean, 2.87 +/- 0.34), we performed coronary bypass grafting alone and assessed early and midterm outcomes. Our patients' mean preoperative New York Heart Association functional class was 3.64 +/- 0.48, and their mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 0.25 +/- 0.05. Preoperative thallium imaging revealed that all patients had at minimum a partially reversible defect in the anterior wall. All patients survived the operation. Hospital length of stay ranged from 5 to 21 days (mean, 8.35 +/- 4.07 days), and mean length of follow-up was 21.35 +/- 13.24 months. Postoperatively, patients' functional classification improved to a mean of 1.32 +/- 0.6; left ventricular ejection fraction improved to a mean of 0.43 +/- 0.09; and severity of mitral regurgitation decreased to a mean of 1.35 +/- 0.96. Statistical analysis showed that all improvements were significant. Five late cardiac deaths occurred. Preoperative variables showed no correlation with late death. However, postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction and mitral regurgitation did correlate with late death, which suggests that the reversibility of damaged ischemic myocardium plays an important role after revascularization. This study supports the concept that ischemic mitral regurgitation might well improve after myocardial revascularization regardless of its severity; therefore, it should not be corrected at the primary operation, except in patients with organic valvular changes.

Is posterior leaflet extension and associated commissurotomy effective in rheumatic mitral valve disease? Long-term outcome.

In this prospective study, the long-term effect of posterior leaflet extension with glutaraldehyde-preserved autologous pericardium and associated mitral valve commissurotomy was investigated in patients with mixed mitral valve disease of rheumatic origin. Mitral commissurotomy and posterior leaflet extension using a pericardial patch were performed in 25 patients from 1 January 1994 through 31 December 1995 for mixed mitral valve disease. Preoperatively, no patient had chordal rupture or papillary muscle dysfunction. Four patients had left atrial thrombosis. The mean age was 35.7 +/- 15.4 years. Associated procedures were tricuspid annuloplasty in 4 patients, aortic annuloplasty in 3, aortic and tricuspid annuloplasty in 1, and aortic homograft replacement in 1. There were no early deaths. One patient died 2 years after surgery due to noncardiac causes. Mitral valve area increased from 1.53 +/- 0.63 cm2 to 2 +/- 0.33 cm2 (P = 0. 09), and left atrial diameter decreased from 5.8 +/- 1 cm to 4.86 +/- 1.27 cm (P = 0.07) after 6.1 +/- 0.7 years (range, 5.5 to 71 years). Mitral insufficiency was reduced significantly, from grade 2.65 +/- 0.9 to grade 1.2 +/- 0.9 (P = 0.007). Functional capacity improved in all patients (New York Heart Association functional class, 3 +/- 0.58 preoperatively vs 1.44 +/- 0.82 postoperatively; P = 0.001). Three patients required reoperation and valve replacement. This type of reconstruction may be a good alternative for patients who are not able to use anticoagulant therapy. Long-term results of this technique are acceptable; however, the risk of reoperation is an important disadvantage in these young patients.

Partial cardiac autotransplantation for reduction of the left atrium.

Various surgical procedures have been employed to treat a greatly enlarged left atrium. We review the use of partial cardiac autotransplantation to reduce left atrial volume in 7 patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease and left atrial and ventricular volume in 2 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. There were 5 males and 4 females aged 25 to 62 years. The patients with rheumatic etiology had atrial fibrillation, while those with dilated cardiomyopathy had sinus rhythm. The mitral valve was replaced in 6 patients and reconstructed in 3. Mean aortic cross clamp time in the operations involving isolated left atrial resection was 119 +/- 44 min. Mean left atrial volume fell from 331 mL to 92 mL, while mean left atrial diameter decreased from 8.6 cm to 4.7 cm. Sinus rhythm was restored in 5 of the 7 patients who had preoperative atrial fibrillation. There was no operative mortality. The patients with dilated cardiomyopathy died in the postoperative period, one on the 14th day from low cardiac output and the other on the 113th day from multiorgan failure. Partial cardiac autotransplantation can be effective in reducing heart chamber size in selected patients, especially those with giant left atrium.

Relationship between exercise-induced heart rate increase and the formation of microbubbles and high-intensity transient signals in mechanical heart valve implanted patients.

INTRODUCTION: The formation and collapse of vapor-filled bubbles near a mechanical heart valve is called cavitation. Microbubbles can be detected in vivo by doppler ultrasonography (USG) as HITS (high intensity transient signals) in cranial circulation. We investigated the relationship between exercise induced heart rate increase and HITS formation in cranial circulation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-nine mechanical heart valve implanted (8 aortic valve replacement (AVR) + mitral valve replacement (MVR), 9 AVR, 22 MVR) patients aged 18-80 years old were included in our study. Microbubbles were counted in the left ventricular cavity via transthoracic echocardiography at rest per cardiac cycle. Afterwards transcranial Doppler USG was performed and HITS were counted in each patient's middle cerebral artery at 5 min duration. Subsequently an exercise test according to the Bruce protocol was performed. After achieving maximal heart rate, microbubbles in the left ventricle and HITS were counted again. RESULTS: Microbubbles in the left ventricle and transcranial HITS increased after exercise significantly compared to resting values (15.79 ±10.91 microbubbles/beat vs. 26.51 ±18.00 microbubbles/beat, p < 0.001; 6.13 ±8.07 HITS/5 min vs. 13.15 ±15.87 HITS/5 min, p = 0.001). There was a significant correlation between microbubbles and HITS counts after peak exercise (r = 0.55, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we found that the microbubbles were increasing as the heart rate increased and more HITS were propelled to the cerebral circulation. As previously shown, HITS can alter cognitive functions. Therefore heart rate control is essential in mechanical heart valve patients to protect neurocognitive functions.

The effect of postoperative positive end-expiratory pressure on postoperative bleeding after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

INTRODUCTION: To compare postoperative prophylactic use of two positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels in order to prevent postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing an elective off-pump CABG operation were included in this prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial. Patients were divided into two groups as receiving either 5 cm H2O (group 1) or 8 cm H2O PEEP (group 2) after the operation until being extubated. Chest tube outputs, use of blood products and other fluids, postoperative hemoglobin levels, accumulation of pleural and pericardial fluid after the removal of chest tubes, and duration of hospital stay were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Low- and high-pressure PEEP groups did not differ with regard to postoperative chest tube outputs, amounts of transfusions and crystalloid/colloid infusion requirements, or postoperative hemoglobin levels. However, low-pressure PEEP application was associated with significantly higher pleural (92 ±37 ml vs. 69 ±29 ml, p = 0.03) and pericardial fluid (17 ±5 ml vs. 14 ±6 ml, p = 0.04) accumulation. On the other hand, high-pressure PEEP application was associated with significantly longer duration of hospitalization (6.25 ±1.21 days vs. 5.25 ±0.91 days, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic administration of postoperative PEEP levels of 8 cm H2O, although safe, does not seem to reduce chest-tube output or transfusion requirements in off-pump CABG when compared to the lower level of PEEP. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm the benefits and identify ideal levels of PEEP administration in this group of patients.

Symptomatic intercostal lung hernia secondary to sternal dehiscence surgery.

Patient: Male, 60 Final Diagnosis: Iatrogenic intercostal lung hernia Symptoms: - Medication: No medication Clinical Procedure: Surgically cerrected Specialty: Thoracic surgery. OBJECTIVE: Unusual clinical course. BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic intercostal lung hernia is a rare thoracic pathology. Injury of intercostal muscles and costocondral separation during median sternotomy and sternal dehiscence surgery are important factors in the development of hernia. We report for the first time a case of a 60-year-old man with acquired lung hernia after sternal dehiscence surgery, presenting as chest pain and exertional dyspnea. CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old man presented with a 6-week history of progressive exertional dyspnea, particularly following vigorous coughing. Past medical history included slight chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and coronary artery bypass grafting surgery 8 weeks previously, using the left internal mammary artery for the left anterior descending artery via median sternotomy and sternal dehiscence by the Robicsek method. A chest X-ray showed intact sternal and parasternal wires, but the bilateral lung parenchyma appeared normal. A spiral computed tomography scan of the chest found intercostal herniation of the anterior segment of the left upper lobe. The lung hernia was repaired surgically to relieve exertional dyspnea and incarceration, and to improve respiratory function. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient recovered well. CONCLUSIONS: Intercostal lung hernia after median sternotomy and sternal dehiscence surgery is rare, and it has been previously reported on. Preventive techniques include gentle manipulation of the sternal retractor, avoidance of rib fractures, and using a protective method of intercostal arteries and nerves such as Sharma technique. Thoracic surgeons should be aware of this rare complication in sternal dehiscence surgery.