Long-Term Outcomes After Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Valve Regurgitation　- Importance of Left Ventricular End-Systolic Diameter.

BACKGROUND: We determined the left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVDs) cut-off value for risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in Japanese asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic valve regurgitation (AR), and investigated the effect of left ventricular dilation on long-term postoperative outcomes.Methods and Results: The 168 patients who underwent surgical AVR for AR at Shiga University of Medical Science between January 2002 and December 2022 were included in this study. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the cut-off value of preoperative LVDs for the incidence of MACCE was 42.8 mm (area under the curve 0.616). Postoperative outcomes were compared between patients with preoperative LVDs >42.8 mm (n=77) and those with preoperative LVDs ≤42.8 mm (n=91) using propensity score matching. The 10-year estimated rates of freedom from MACCE in those with LVDs >42.8 and ≤42.8 mm were 59.9% and 85.7%, respectively; the curves differed significantly (P=0.004). In multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses, preoperative LVDs >42.8 mm was an independent predictor of MACCE (hazard ratio 2.485; 95% confidence interval 1.239-4.984; P=0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative LVDs >42.8 mm is associated with an increased risk of MACCE in Japanese patients undergoing AVR for AR.

Effect of Preoperative Left Ventricular Mass on Outcomes After Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: We determined the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) cut-off value for the risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic regurgitation (AR) and investigated the effect of preoperative left ventricular remodeling on long-term outcomes postoperatively. METHODS AND RESULTS: Of the 1,580 patients who underwent surgical AVR at Shiga University of Medical Science between January 2002 and December 2022, we retrospectively analyzed data for 263 patients who underwent surgery for AR. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the cut-off value of preoperative LVMI for the incidence of MACCE was 200 g/m2(area under the curve=0.692). We compared postoperative outcomes between patients with preoperative LVMI >200 g/m2(n=92) and those with preoperative LVMI ≤200 g/m2(n=171) after adjusting for preoperative characteristics using inverse probability of treatment weighting. The mean (±SD) follow-up period was 6.9±5.1 years. The rate of MACCE at 10 years was significantly higher in patients with preoperative LVMI >200 g/m2than in those with preoperative LVMI ≤200 g/m2(25.6% vs. 13.5%; P=0.020). In multivariable Cox models, preoperative LVMI >200 g/m2was significantly associated with a higher risk of MACCE (hazard ratio 2.356, P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative LVMI >200 g/m2was associated with a higher rate of MACCE in patients undergoing AVR for AR.

Off-Pump Bilateral Skeletonized Internal Thoracic Artery Grafting in Octogenarians.

BACKGROUND: We compared postoperative outcomes in octogenarians who underwent off-pump isolated coronary artery bypass grafting for multivessel disease using either skeletonized bilateral or single internal thoracic artery (ITA).Methods and Results: Among 1,532 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting between 2002 and 2021, 173 octogenarians were analyzed retrospectively. After inverse probability of treatment weighting, we found no statistically significant difference regarding patients' preoperative characteristics. No patient experienced deep sternal wound infection. More patients in the single than bilateral ITA group died within 30 days after surgery (5.0% vs. 0%, respectively; P=0.003). The mean follow-up duration was 4.2 years. At 5 years, the freedom from overall death following bilateral versus single ITA grafting was 78.2% and 53.7%, respectively (log-rank test, P=0.003), and freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was 67.9% and 44.8% respectively (log-rank test, P=0.002). In multivariable Cox models, bilateral ITA grafting was significantly associated with a lower risk of overall death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.555; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.342-0.903; P=0.018) and MACCE (HR 0.586; 95% CI 0.376-0.913; P=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with single ITA grafting, off-pump skeletonized bilateral ITA grafting is associated with lower rates of overall death and MACCE in octogenarians undergoing CABG and does not increase the risk of deep sternal wound infection.

[Ascending Aortic Replacement and Aortic Valve Replacement in a Patient with Cold Agglutinins].

Cold agglutinins are commonly found in healthy individuals. Cold agglutinins bind to red blood cells at low temperatures, such as during cardiovascular surgery. Agglutination leads to hemolysis and embolism. A 73-year-old man with cold agglutinins disease underwent ascending aortic replacement and aortic valve replacement. As there was no agglutination reaction at 34 degrees centigrade in preoperative testing, we performed the operation under cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia at a temperature above 34 degrees centigrade. He was discharged without any complications.

[Total Arch Replacement with Open Stent Grafting for Chronic Dissecting Aortic Aneurysm with Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery:Report of a Case].

A 59-year-old man was referred to our hospital for surgery for a dissecting aortic aneurysm with an aberrant right subclavian artery( ARSA). He had a history of surgery for atrial septal defect at the age of 3 and developed Stanford type B aortic dissection at the age of 53. The maximum diameter of the aortic aneurysm was 68 mm, and the entry was located close to the ARSA origin. We established cardiopulmonary bypass using the femoral artery and vein and performed a median re-sternotomy. We performed total arch replacement with the open stent-grafting technique. The ARSA was ligated from the right thoracic cavity. Three arch branches were reconstructed in situ, and the right axillary artery was bypassed with a 9 mm Dacron graft. Six months after that operation, reduction of the false lumen was observed. This strategy is considered to be effective for chronic aortic dissection with ARSA.

[A Novel Virtual-reality Imaging System in Cardiovascular Surgery:a Potentially Promising Technology for Surgeons].

Adequate preoperative planning may facilitate successful procedures in cardiovascular surgery. We have developed a system named the Vesalius 3D suite, combining three-dimensional (3D) image-processing software with an optic-tracking spatial navigation, allowing quick, accessible 3D image interpretation for virtual reality (VR) exploration and measurement from one or more of a range of imaging modalities. We present a novel method of virtual imaging analysis for preoperative planning and simulation in cardiovascular surgery using this 3D-VR system. Based on unimodal or multimodal medical imaging data, digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM) data sets can be reconstructed for 3D visualization. Virtually reconstructed images can be viewed on flat-screen or stereoscopic display, revealing each patient's specific anatomy and the internal structures in exquisite detail. Highly accessible 3D interpretation promptly permits precise measurements of repair-relevant anatomical parameters including geometrically complex shapes. This technology may promote understanding of form and function in the cardiovascular system, and facilitate operative procedures in more challenging cases, and it seems especially valuable for any surgeon to gain experience in practicing for rarely-performed procedures or uncommon patient-specific preoperative surgical rehearsal.

[Refractory Lower Leg Ulcers with Giant Aortic Aneurysm Accompanied with Chronic Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection and Severe Aortic Regurgitation;Report of a Case].

A 54-year-old male presented with severe aortic regurgitation. Physical examination showed severely infected lower leg ulcers(LLU). Giant aortic aneurysm( 110 mm) with Stanford type A aortic dissection was revealed by computed tomography. We treated his infected legs first and on the 22nd day he underwent modified Bentall operation. Postoperative course was uneventful and he moved to other hospital for skin grafting of the lower extremities. Pathological study showed no specific change in the aorta.

[Extended Sandwich Patch Technique through Right Ventriculotomy in Patient with Septal Perforation Developed after Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting;Report of a Case].

A 72-year-old diabetic man was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction of the anterior wall and underwent emergency off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. He was diagnosed with ventricular septal perforation(VSP) 3 days after the operation. We urgently performed surgical repair of VSP with "extended sandwich patch technique through right ventriculotomy". There was no shunt recurrence. This technique is considered to offer safe, simple and leak-free repair even in an acute phase of VSP.

Surgical repair of Kommerell's diverticulum and an aberrant subclavian artery.

PURPOSE: The coexistence of Kommerell's diverticulum and an aberrant subclavian artery (ASCA) is a rare congenital variation of the vascular structure. We report our experience of treating aneurysms associated with these anomalies. METHODS: Between June 2007 and November 2011, five consecutive patients underwent repair of an aneurysm associated with Kommerell's diverticulum and an ASCA at Shiga University Hospital. Four of the five patients had a right-sided aortic arch associated with the ASCA. One patient underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured thoracic aneurysm. The operations performed were descending aorta replacement through right thoracotomy in one patient and total arch replacement through a median thoracotomy, under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective cerebral perfusion, in four patients. No staged operation was required. RESULTS: One patient died of mediastinitis, subsequent to a ruptured Kommerell's diverticulum, 45 days postoperatively. There were no other deaths in the early or late (6-58 months) postoperative period. One patient required re-exploration for bleeding, but none of the patients suffered neurologic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic disease with an ASCA and Kommerell's diverticulum can be repaired safely under elective conditions.

Off-pump bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting in patients with left main coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: To compare postoperative outcomes in patients with left main coronary artery disease who underwent off-pump isolated coronary artery bypass grafting for multivessel disease using either skeletonized bilateral or single internal thoracic artery (ITA). METHODS: Among 1583 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in our hospital between 2002 and 2022, 604 patients with left main coronary artery disease underwent single (n = 169) or bilateral (n = 435) ITA grafting. We compared postoperative outcomes between the two groups after adjusting preoperative characteristics using inverse probability of treatment weighting. RESULTS: After adjustment using inverse probability of treatment weighting method, the sum of weights was 599.74 in BITA group and 621.64 in SITA group. There was no significant difference in postoperative deep sternal wound infection (p = 0.227) and 30-day mortality (p = 0.612). Follow-up was completed in 98.7% (596/604) of the patients, and the mean follow-up duration was 6.7 years. At 10 years, the overall survival following bilateral versus single ITA grafting was 71.2% and 60.6%, respectively (log-rank test, p = 0.040), and freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was 63.3% and 46.3%, respectively (log-rank test, p = 0.008). In multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, bilateral ITA grafting was significantly associated with a lower risk of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.706, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.504-0.987; p = 0.042) and MACCE (HR: 0.671, 95% CI: 0.499-0.902; p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral skeletonized ITA grafting is associated with lower rates of all-cause death and MACCE than single ITA grafting in patients with left main coronary artery disease undergoing off-pump CABG.

Later aorta operation after aortic valve replacement for bicuspid aortic valve.

BACKGROUND: We investigated long-term outcomes, particularly later aorta operations and overall death in patients who underwent aortic valve replacement for bicuspid aortic valve without aortic surgery. METHODS: Between January 2002 and December 2022, 274 patients underwent aortic valve replacement for bicuspid aortic valve at our institution. Of them, 181 patients who did not undergo aortic surgery, in accordance with current guidelines, were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 6.1 (2.0-10.6) years, and follow-up was completed in 97.8% of pateints. There were 3 patients (1.7%) who underwent later aorta operation during follow-up period. The cumulative later aorta operation rate at 10 years adjusting overall death as competing risk was 16.3%, and the estimated rates of freedom from overall death at 10 years was 83.7%. Fine-Gray competing risk regression model showed that aortic valve stenosis was only the predictor of later aorta operation (hazard ratio 8.477; p = 0.012). In multivariable Cox models, predictors of overall death were aortic valve stenosis (hazard ratio: 8.270, 95% confidence interval: 1.082-63.235; p = 0.042) and operation time (hazard ratio: 1.011, 95% confidence interval: 1.004-1.017; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with bicuspid aortic valve with ascending aortic diameter less than 45 mm are at low risk of later aorta operation after isolated aortic valve replacement.

Successful revascularization using a saphenous vein for a ruptured brachial artery aneurysm in a patient with neurofibromatosis type I.

Vasculopathy in patients with type 1 neurofibromatosis is known. Brachial artery aneurysms in patients with type 1 neurofibromatosis are rare, but any rupture can be extremely serious. A 56-year-old woman presented to our hospital with sudden pain in her right upper arm. Computed tomography revealed a ruptured brachial artery aneurysm, and operative reconstruction using a saphenous vein graft was performed. This is one of the few case reports of such successful revascularization using saphenous vein. The pathologic findings suggest neurogenic tumor invasion, and end-to-side anastomosis was effective in avoiding hemorrhagic complications.

Moderate hypothermia circulatory arrest as a brain-protective strategy for type A aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: Brain-protective strategies for acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) remain controversial. Moderate hypothermia circulatory arrest (MHCA) without cerebral perfusion is not commonly used. However, we aimed to assess its safety and efficacy in 358 patients who underwent hemiarch replacement with MHCA for acute type A aortic dissection at our institution from August 2012 to August 2022. METHODS: Clinical outcomes were compared according to circulatory arrest time [≤15 min (S group, n = 52) vs ≥16 min (L group, n = 306)]. The primary outcome was postoperative stroke. RESULTS: The S group had more older patients (72.5 vs 68.8 years; P = 0.04), a greater incidence of carotid artery malperfusion (21% vs 11%; P = 0.043) and a lower body mass index (21.7 vs 23.6 kg/m2; P < 0.01) and hemodynamic instability (3.8% vs 16%; P = 0.02) than the L group. The incidence of postoperative stroke (7.7% vs 12%; P = 0.33) and the rate of 30-day mortality (5.8% vs 6.5%; P = 0.83) did not significantly differ between groups. After adjusting for all potential confounding factors pre- and intraoperatively, there was no significant difference in postoperative outcomes between groups. CONCLUSIONS: MHCA alone for TAAD had comparable postoperative outcomes with circulatory arrest times under and over 15 min. However, longer arrest times were associated with a higher risk of stroke.

Surgical repair for primary tricuspid regurgitation related to trauma.

We report a case of a 45-year-old man presenting with tachycardia and palpitation. Echocardiography indicated severe tricuspid regurgitation. We suspected traumatic tricuspid damage due to high energy trauma in a motor vehicle accident 17 years earlier. He underwent a sternotomy, and his tricuspid valve was repaired with chordal reconstruction, indentation closure, and ring annuloplasty. The postoperative period was uneventful, and he was discharged 10 days after the operation. This report highlights the value of echocardiography for diagnosis of primary tricuspid regurgitation related to trauma, and the importance of early diagnosis to allow surgical intervention before irreversible damage occurs. Learning objective: Traumatic tricuspid regurgitation is a rare cardiovascular complication of blunt chest trauma. The mechanism of the tricuspid valve injury is thought to be secondary to sudden impact causing an anteroposterior compression of the right ventricle by the sternum in end-diastole. This injury is often incidentally identified or can be missed until the patient experiences symptoms of right heart failure resulting from severe tricuspid regurgitation.

Is central repair with coronary artery bypass grafting enough for multi-organ malperfusion in acute type A aortic dissection with coronary malperfusion?

OBJECTIVES: Acute type A aortic dissection with coronary malperfusion syndrome is rare but associated with high mortality. Multi-organ malperfusion is an independent predictor of acute type A aortic dissection. Coronary malperfusion requires treatment, but it is not feasible to treat all malperfusions. The adequacy of "central repair and coronary artery bypass grafting" for patients with coronary and other organ malperfusion is unknown. METHODS: Of the 299 patients who underwent surgery between 2008 and 2018, 21 patients with coronary malperfusion, who received cental repair with coronary artery graft bypass, were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided; into Group M (n = 13, coronary and other organ malperfusion) and Group O (n = 8, coronary malperfusion only). The patient background, surgical content, details of malperfusion, surgical mortality and morbidity, and long-term outcome were compared. RESULTS: There was no difference in operation time (205 ± 30 vs. 266 ± 88, p = 0.49), but the time from arrival to circulatory arrest tended to be shorter in Group M (81 vs. 134, p = 0.05). Among Group M, cerebral malperfusion was the most common at 92%. Two of the three cases with mesenteric malperfusion died. The mortality of Group M and Group O was 13% and 15% (P = 0.85), respectively. There was no difference in long-term mortality (p = 0.62). CONCLUSIONS: Central repair and coronary artery bypass grafting is a sufficiently acceptable treatment for patients with acute type A aortic dissection and multi-organ malperfusion, including coronary malperfusion.

The impact of CK-MB elevation in patients with acute type A aortic dissection with coronary artery involvement.

BACKGROUND: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a fatal disease and requires emergency surgery. In particular, it is known that mortality is high when a coronary artery is involved. However, the degree of myocardial damage of the coronary acute artery involvement (ACI) varies and may or may not increase creatine kinase muscle and brain isoenzyme (CK-MB). It is unknown how CK-MB elevation affects the surgical outcome. This study compared the surgical results between the two groups of ACI with or without CK-MB elevation. METHODS: Among 348 patients who underwent an emergency operation for acute type A aortic dissection, there were 28 (8.0%) patients complicated by ACI and underwent additional coronary artery bypass grafting. We divided 26 of those patients into two groups; the MI group ( with CK-MB elevation) and the NMI group (without CK-MB elevation), and compared both groups. RESULTS: Of the 26, sixteen were in the MI group, and ten were in the NMI group. The average CK-MB in the MI group was 225.5 IU/L, and that in the NMI group was 13.5 IU/L. The mean time from onset to surgery was 248 min in the MI group and 250 min in the NMI group. There was statistical significance in mortality ( 69% vs. 13%, p = 0.03). There was no significance in major complications (ICU days, reintubation, reoperation, pneumonia, sepsis). CONCLUSIONS: Acute coronary artery involvement was associated with 8.0% of patients with ATAAD, and 62% had myocardial ischemia with CK-MB elevation. The MI group had significantly higher mortality than the NMI group. It is crucial for cases with suspected ACI to obtain coronary perfusion as soon as possible to prevent CK-MB from elevating.

Transit-Time Flow Measurement of Saphenous Vein Graft Used for Surgery of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection with Coronary Malperfusion.

PURPOSE: Transit-time flow measurement (TTFM), consisting of pulsatility index (PI), mean graft flow, and diastolic filling, is mainly used as a bypass assessment for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, little was known about TTFM in the case of coronary malperfusion (CMP). This study aimed to clarify the difference in the results of TTFM between two different diseases. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2020, 138 patients underwent aortic surgery and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with vein grafts. Patients were divided into two groups: CMP (n = 26) and CAD (n = 27). Their results were compared. The primary endpoints were the results of TTFM. Secondary endpoints were the relation between TTFM and mortality, morbidity, and short-term patency in each group. RESULTS: The PI in the CMP group was significantly higher than the other group (4.7 ± 2.9 vs. 3.4 ± 1.9, p = 0.04). There was no statistical significance in the other two elements. In both groups, the short-term graft patency, mortality, and morbidity but for cardiac tamponade did not significantly change depending on the TTFM results. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CMP tended to have a higher PI than those with CAD. With additional CABG for aortic dissection, insufficient TTFM results did not necessarily mean poor short-term graft patency, complications, or case mortality.

Psoas muscle size, possible sarcopenia and frailty, and long-term survival in elderly patients after isolated surgical aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the use of psoas muscle area index (PAI) as an indicator of mortality risk in relation to survival in elderly patients after isolated surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for aortic valve stenosis (AS). METHODS: Between January 2005 and March 2015, 140 patients with AS, aged ≥ 70 years, and with preoperative abdominal computed tomography scans, underwent elective, primary, isolated SAVR. PAI showed the ratio of the psoas muscle cross-sectional area at the fourth lumbar vertebral level to body surface area, and PAI less than the gender-specific lowest 20th percentile we called "low PAI" for the purposes of this study. Patients were classified as low PAI (n = 29) or normal PAI (n = 111). RESULTS: The mean age in the low-PAI group was significantly older than in the normal-PAI group (81.0 vs. 77.3 years; p = 0.001). The mean follow-up was 4.25 years. The low-PAI group had a lower survival rate than the normal-PAI group at 1 year (89.7 ± 5.7% vs. 96.3 ± 1.8%), at 3 years (71.6 ± 9.3% vs. 91.5 ± 2.7%), and overall (53.0 ± 13.4% vs. 76.0 ± 5.6%; p = 0.039). The prognostic factors of mortality included low PAI (hazard ratio 2.95; 95% confidence interval 1.084-8.079; p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: PAI was associated with reduced overall survival after isolated SAVR in elderly people. PAI measurement may help to predict patient risks.

Validation of Virtual Imaging of a Dynamic, Functioning Aortic Valve Using an Ex Vivo Porcine Heart.

PURPOSE: To investigate a virtual reality imaging system in terms of visualization accuracy and appropriate orientation when displaying cardiac anatomy, we used an ex vivo model enabling direct comparison between reconstructed 3-dimensional visualization of intracardiac structures and real-time visual images. DESCRIPTION: We established a systole-diastole platform using a swine heart activated by an external mechanical pump and reservoir, allowing simultaneous acquisition of endoscopic visual and computed tomography images of the aortic valve. Virtual images were processed from computed tomography data using 3-dimensional software (the Vesalius 3D suite; PS Medtech, Amsterdam, Netherlands) and compared with visual images seen through a fiberoptic scope. EVALUATION: An endoscope gave a fine view of the aortic valve, whereas the virtual images elucidated the valve structures. Superimposition of the images from the 2 different modalities showed the virtual reality images precisely matching the visual images in both systole and diastole, confirming the validity of this virtual reality application. CONCLUSION: In view of this demonstrated fidelity of virtual imaging, this technology may be of sufficiently high quality to be considered a gold standard for cardiac anatomy.

Vascular smooth muscle RhoA counteracts abdominal aortic aneurysm formation by modulating MAP4K4 activity.

Whether a small GTPase RhoA plays a role in the pathology of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has not been determined. We show here that RhoA expression is reduced in human AAA lesions, compared with normal areas. Furthermore, incidence of AAA formation is increased in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-specific RhoA conditional knockout (cKO) mice. The contractility of the aortic rings and VSMCs from RhoA cKO mice is reduced, and expression of genes related to the VSMC contractility is attenuated by loss of RhoA. RhoA depletion activates the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling, including MAP4K4, in the aorta and VSMCs. Inhibition of MAP4K4 activity by DMX-5804 decreases AAA formation. Set, a binding protein to active RhoA, functions as an activator of MAP4K4 by sequestering PP2A, an inhibitor of MAP4K4, in the absence of RhoA. In conclusion, RhoA counteracts AAA formation through inhibition of MAP4K4 in cooperation with Set.