Correlation between the electrocardiogram amplitude detected by an implantable cardiac monitor and the implantation depth.

INTRODUCTION: Implantable cardiac monitors (ICMs) primarily use R-R intervals in subcutaneous electrocardiograms (ECGs) to detect arrhythmias. Therefore, reliable detection of R-wave amplitude by an ICM is vital. Since ICMs detect subcutaneous ECGs, the impact of the implantation depth should be assessed. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study investigated the influence of ICM depth on R-wave (ICM-R) amplitude on an ECG generated by an ICM (JOT Dx; Abbott). Overall, 58 patients who underwent ICM implantation at Kamagaya General Hospital from May 2022 to April 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The depth-position was measured using ultrasound imaging after implantation. The depth of the ICM did not show any correlation with ICM-R amplitude (r = -.0141, p = .294). However, the distance between the ICM and the heart surface showed a significant correlation with ICM-R amplitude (r = -.581, p < .001). Body weight (r = -.0283, p = .033) and body mass index (r = -.0342, p = .009) were associated with ICM-R amplitude. S wave in the V1 -lead was also associated with ICM-R amplitude (r = .481, p < .001). After multivariate analysis, the distance between the ICM and heart surface and the S wave in V1 were independent determinants for the ICM-R amplitude. CONCLUSION: The ICM-R amplitude may be higher with the ICM implanted deeper.

Transapical endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in a patient with shaggy aorta syndrome.

We report a case of a 68-year-old man with a large saccular aneurysm (70 mm) of the aortic arch. Although abundant atherosclerotic plaques or mural thrombi are generally considered to be a contraindication for endovascular repair, the patient's multiple comorbidities and anatomic limitations with a patent internal thoracic artery graft adjacent to the aneurysm made him unfit for open repair. Transapical deployment of the endograft through the less-diseased ascending aorta, with a concomitant chimney graft and carotid-carotid bypass, was performed, without evident stroke or embolism.

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens after endovenous cyanoacrylate closure of incompetent small saphenous vein.

A previously healthy 70-year-old woman underwent cyanoacrylate closure of an incompetent left small saphenous vein. Six days later, grade 2 treatment-induced thrombosis occurred at the sapheno-popliteal junction. Three days later, the patient presented with pale, cold pain in the left lower extremity. Diffuse thrombosis of the left lower extremity involved the small and great saphenous and deep veins. The patient was admitted and immediately administered heparin with anticoagulant factors, with symptoms began resolving 1 d later. The superficial vein thrombi were resolved. Although a deep venous thrombus remained, symptoms disappeared, and the patient was discharged.

Placing two inferior vena cava filters for the bail-out management of opening failure of an inferior vena cava filter.

A 93-year-old man with a femoral fracture was admitted to the emergency department. The patient presented with severe hypoxemia and shock. Enhanced computed tomography confirmed deep venous thrombosis in the left leg and pulmonary embolism. Subsequently, an inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) was implanted. Although the IVCF was completely unsheathed for deployment, it remained fully folded and did not open; it was not deployed or retrieved. A new IVCF was successfully placed in the same position. Acute treatment for the deep venous thrombosis and further pulmonary embolism was achieved.

Torsade de pointes during an oral surgery caused by a combination of herbal medicine-induced pseudoaldosteronism and trigeminocardiac reflex.

Licorice can cause pseudoaldosteronism and QT prolongation as its side effect. Trigeminal nerve stimulation, including surgical intervention involving the face, can cause transient bradycardia, known as the trigeminocardiac reflex. Although rare, a combination of these two etiologies can cause ventricular tachycardia. A 50-year-old female patient with a history of hypertension and intake of an herbal drug containing licorice underwent impacted wisdom tooth extraction under general anesthesia. Immediately after placing a month-long prop for visualization in the oral cavity, sinus bradycardia occurred, followed by ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes. Mouth prop was removed and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated, and the arrhythmia was resolved. Hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis and normal aldosterone levels were observed. An inverted T wave and a prominent U-wave were observed on the electrocardiogram. Potassium excretion in urine was normal, although hypokalemia was present. The patient was treated with potassium correction.

Application of ultrasound-guided tumescent local anesthesia in prepectoral pacemaker implantation: A detailed procedural report.

Ultrasound image-guided tumescent local analgesia (TLA) is an effective technique in prepectoral pacemaker implantation surgery. The technique provides enough analgesic effect, at the same time, the pocket creation procedures become easy because of the hydrodissection effect of TLA solution. This technique relieves patients from intra-operative pain and relieves physicians from stresses during pocket creation.

Rare brachial artery injury caused by blunt trauma; a case of the brachial artery laceration in an amateur volleyball player.

Low-energy blunt brachial artery injury is very rare and can be easily missed. Moreover, brachial artery injury in an amateur volleyball player is extremely rare. A 33-year-old woman was referred to our emergency department with swelling on her left upper arm after playing volleyball. Paresis or paralysis was not observed. The pulse of the left brachial artery was palpable, but relatively weak. An ultrasound examination and a computed tomography, both, revealed a pseudoaneurysm on the posterior wall of the left brachial artery in the antecubital fossa. A massive hematoma was also observed beneath the artery. The examination ruled out any concomitant injuries such as fracture and dislocation of the joints. An emergency surgery was performed. A hockey stick skin incision was made from the distal brachium to the antecubital fossa. The left brachial artery was detected in the hematoma. A 15 mm-long laceration was observed on the posterior wall of the artery. The condition of the vessel wall around laceration was poor. Therefore, we resected the injured lesions. The defect was so long that the lesion was interposed by a reversed saphenous vein graft. Heparin was administered one day after the surgery, which was later changed to apixaban on the sixth day after the surgery. Apixaban was discontinued after a month post-surgery. During the follow-up period, the patient did not report any complications and the graft was unobstructed.

Traumatic brachial artery injury successfully treated with a stent-graft: A case report.

There are few reports on brachial artery injury treated with stent-grafts. A 69-year-old man presented with a crush injury to the left upper arm. Enhanced computed tomography revealed left humerus fracture and disruption of the blood flow of the brachial artery along with paresis of the forearm. Following external fixation of the fracture, we performed endovascular therapy for brachial artery injury. Using real-time ultrasound imaging guidance, the injured lesion was crossed by the wire, and Viabahn endoprosthesis was placed in the left brachial artery. Hemostasis was achieved, and blood flow to the forearm was restored. Subsequently, the paresis improved.

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair with reversed chimney graft technique in a patient with crossed fused renal ectopia: a technical note.

Crossed fused renal ectopia is a very rare congenital ectopia and poses great challenges when performing abdominal aortic surgery because of the accompanying abnormal vessels and urinary tracts. A 79-year-old woman with an abdominal aortic aneurysm and L-shaped crossed fused renal ectopia was referred to our facility. One of the large ectopic renal arteries arose from the right common iliac artery. The aneurysm was treated with an endovascular aortic repair. The reversed chimney graft technique was applied to preserve the ectopic renal artery while elongating the distal landing zone on the right side. The patient experienced no complications such as renal dysfunction or recurrence of the abdominal aortic aneurysm during the 6-month follow-up period.

Clinical Features of Early Stage COVID-19 in a Primary Care Setting.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remains a global healthcare crisis. Nevertheless, the majority of COVID-19 cases involve mild to moderate symptoms in the early stages. The lack of information relating to these cases necessitates further investigation. Methods: Patients visiting the outpatient clinic at the Kamagaya General Hospital were screened by interview and body temperature check. After initial screening, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was suspected in 481 patients who then underwent blood tests and the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test for SARS-CoV-2. Clinical characteristics between positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 groups were compared. Further, the novel predictive value of routine blood test results for SARS-CoV-2 infection was evaluated using ROC analysis. Results: A total of 15,560 patients visited our hospital during the study period. After exclusion and initial screening by interview, 481 patients underwent the LAMP test and routine blood tests. Of these patients, 69 (14.3%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 and diagnosed with COVID-19 (positive group), and 412 (85.7%) were negative (negative group). The median period between the first onset of symptoms and visit to our hospital was 3.4 and 2.9 days in the negative and positive groups, respectively. Cough (p = 0.014), rhinorrhea (p = 0.039), and taste disorders (p < 0.001) were significantly more common in the positive group, while gastrointestinal symptoms in the negative group (p = 0.043). The white blood cell count (p < 0.001), neutrophil count (p < 0.001), and percentage of neutrophils (p < 0.001) were higher in the negative group. The percentage of monocytes (p < 0.001) and the levels of ferritin (p < 0.001) were higher in the positive group. As per the predictive values for COVID-19 using blood tests, the values for the area under the curve for the neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio (NMR), white blood cell-to-hemoglobin ratio (WHR), and the product of the two (NMWH) were 0.857, 0.837, and 0.887, respectively. Conclusion: Symptoms in early stage COVID-19 patients were similar to those in previous reports. Some blood test results were not consistent with previous reports. NMR, WHR, and NMWH are novel diagnostic scores in early-stage mild-symptom COVID-19 patients in primary care settings.

Minimal incision superficialization of the brachial artery: a technical note.

The Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy recommends superficialization of the brachial artery (BA) for vascular access in patients with comorbidities. We describe a novel minimal incision superficialization surgery of a BA through a single small incision. A 78-year-old male, who underwent chronic hemodialysis through an arterio-venous fistula, was transferred to our hospital for treatment of heart failure. We chose superficialization of the right BA for new vascular access. Under tumescent local analgesia, though a single 2-cm long incision, the BA was superficialized for 10-cm long. To complete procedures in the narrow and deep space, vessel branches were ligated by vascular clip and knot-less barbed suture was applied for closure of the brachial fascia beneath the BA. The hemodynamic status during the hemodialysis improved and the New York Heat Association (NYHA) classification grade improved from IV to II. This technique can be an alternative for arterio-venous fistula in patients with comorbidities.

Hybrid repair of isolated internal iliac artery aneurysm.

The best operation method for an isolated internal iliac artery aneurysm remains controversial. We report on a repair of an isolated internal iliac artery aneurysm. A 78-year-old man was referred to our facility for treatment of a left isolated internal iliac artery aneurysm. At first, we embolized the arteries distal to the aneurysm using coils and vascular plugs. Two weeks later, we performed open surgery. We resected the aneurysm wall through a transperitoneal approach only with proximal blood flow control and without surgical exposure and clamping of the arteries distal to the aneurysm. The blood flow of the internal iliac artery distal to the aneurysm had completely ceased after embolization in the first stage, which enabled us to avoid further pelvic dissection and potential bleeding. At the 6-month follow up, the patient was well and without complaints.

Endovascular Aortic Repair under Extracorporeal Cardiac Support in a Patient with an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Impending Rupture and Aortic Stenosis: A Case Report.

Aortic stenosis is a serious valvular disease that increases the risk of cardiac arrest and/or cardiogenic shock during noncardiac surgery. A 93-year-old woman with an abdominal aortic aneurysm impending rupture and aortic stenosis underwent endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. During surgery, the patient presented with ventricular tachycardia. Due to on-going cardiogenic shock, we did a direct cannulation into the right axillary artery for the immediate establishment of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The endovascular treatment of the abdominal aortic aneurysm was completed according to the standard procedure. The patient recovered without any complications, including heart failure or neurological dysfunction.

Popliteal Venous Aneurysm and Pulmonary Embolism Initially Presenting with Recurrent Pre-syncope: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Popliteal venous aneurysm (PVA) can lead to recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE) and therefore necessitates prompt diagnosis and treatment. PVAs are often asymptomatic, and their most common symptoms are associated with thrombosis. The clinical presentation of PVAs varies from asymptomatic to PE induced cardiopulmonary arrest, but there are few reports of cases initially presenting with transient impairment of consciousness. REPORT: A 75 year old man was referred with recurrent episodes of pre-syncope. He had normal vital signs and oxygen saturations, and his electrocardiogram was normal. Detailed interview revealed that the patient had suffered from calf pain and swelling before visiting the clinic. Therefore, an evaluation for deep venous thrombosis and PE was conducted. Lower limb ultrasound revealed an enlarged popliteal vein, measuring 20 mm in diameter, with a spontaneous echo contrast. Enhanced computed tomography showed peripheral pulmonary artery embolism. The patient was diagnosed with PE secondary to PVA. An inferior vena cava filter was inserted, followed by tangential aneurysmectomy and lateral venorrhaphy; apixaban 10 mg/day was initiated on post-operative day 1. The filter was removed one week after the surgery, and the patient remained symptom free on completion of treatment and did not complain of any symptoms such as pre-syncope. DISCUSSION: This patient with PVA presented with the initial symptoms of repeated pre-syncopal episodes that were attributed to recurrent PE caused by thrombi from a PVA. Complete symptom resolution was obtained by inferior vena cava filter placement, PVA surgery, and post-operative anticoagulation. Transient consciousness disorders such as pre-syncope can be the initial symptoms of PVA and PE.

A case of nickel allergy after endovascular aortic repair.

A 78-year-old man with no history of allergy, underwent endovascular aortic repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture. Postoperatively, he had low-grade fever and persistently raised white blood cell counts, but tests showed no infection. A skin rash appeared on the trunk and upper arms; we suspected a drug allergy. Despite withdrawal and/or change of medications, the symptoms remained. Finally, a patch test for nickel showed a strongly positive result. Oral prednisone 5 mg·day-1 was started, and the clinical findings resolved thereafter. No recurrence of allergy, infection, or exacerbation of the treated abdominal aortic aneurysm was noted at the 2-year follow-up.

Subpectoral pacemaker implantation under tumescent local analgesia.

Tumescent local analgesia (TLA) is an anesthetic technique used for inducing local analgesia over large areas and is rarely used in cardiothoracic surgery. An 83-year-old, extremely thin woman was hospitalized with sick sinus syndrome, requiring pacemaker implantation. We chose a subpectoral mode of implantation to prevent skin complications. General anesthesia was deemed risky due to the history of chronic pulmonary disease; therefore, the operation was successfully performed under TLA. Moreover, TLA helped introduce a subpectoral pocket for implanting the pacemaker with minimal trauma and bleeding. The analgesia was sufficient, with minimal postoperative pain, and required no additional sedatives and analgesics. The patient was discharged without any complications.

A case of chronic left main trunk occlusion treated with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Ischemic heart disease presents with various symptoms, and chest pain is a chief complaint. Occlusion of the left main trunk often results in serious symptoms such as cardiogenic shock. However, while extremely rare, left main trunk occlusion can present with only slight chronic symptoms. In the present case, a 62-year-old woman with few risk factors for ischemic heart disease visited our hospital complaining of exertional chest pain, which had gradually intensified over the past several years. Coronary artery computed tomography revealed total occlusion of the left main trunk, which was examined closely using coronary angiography. Coronary angiography showed that the left coronary artery was perfused by collateral pathways from the right coronary artery. The patient was thus diagnosed with chronic occlusion of the left main trunk. She underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, which proved to be an effective treatment.

The ratio of contrast medium volume to estimated glomerular filtration rate as a predictor of contrast-induced nephropathy after endovascular aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the perioperative predictors of contrast medium-induced nephropathy (CIN) after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 203 consecutive patients who underwent elective EVAR for thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm between January 2014 and September 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. CIN was defined according to the diagnostic criteria of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (6.9%) developed CIN after EVAR. Contrast medium volume (CV), preoperative serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and the CV/eGFR ratio were significantly related with CIN development after EVAR. The CV/eGFR ratio was significantly higher in patients with CIN than those without CIN. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the CV/eGFR ratio was 0.782, indicating that it was the most important predictor. The appropriate CV/eGFR ratio cutoff was 1.62. Sensitivity and specificity were 85.7% and 65.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The CV/eGFR ratio was a useful predictor of contrast medium-induced nephropathy after EVAR. It is possible that the score can be used in patients when managing the EVAR techniques and contrast medium volume. J. Med. Invest. 65:116-121, February, 2018.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury: A Report of Three Cases in Which Surgeries Were Performed at Different Timings.

INTRODUCTION: Blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) is a critical condition. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is considered a surgical treatment for BTAI. Reports reveal that some patients benefit from conservative and delayed operation rather than emergency operative therapy. Here, we present three BTAI cases that were treated with TEVAR using different timings. CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1 involved a 49-year-old man injured in a car accident and who went into shock. After stabilization with Advanced Trauma Life Support in the emergency room, TEVAR was performed immediately. Case 2 involved a 69-year-old man who was injured after falling. His hemodynamic status was stable and enhanced computed tomography revealed intraluminal hematoma. He underwent TEVAR 15 days after the injury occurred, following conservative therapy. Case 3 involved a 60-year-old man who was injured in a car accident and presented BTAI with subarachnoid hemorrhage and diaphragm tear. A pseudoaneurysm was observed in the distal aortic arch. After open abdominal exploration, diaphragm repair, and observation for subarachnoid hemorrhage, TEVAR was performed 8 hours after arrival. All three patients survived. CONCLUSIONS: We treated BTAI successfully. We suggest that TEVAR is useful for BTAI. The timing of the operation and therapeutic option, including conservative therapy, should be decided for each patient.

Pericardial fat flap: surgical technique for infection control after graft replacement.

Surgical treatment of mycotic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta is challenging because contamination from surrounding tissues may occur even after complete debridement with a prosthetic graft replacement of the aneurysm. This study describes the simple but very useful technique of using a pericardial fat flap to protect the prosthetic graft from reinfection.