Two Cases of Successful Treatment of Percutaneous Transarterial Embolization via Costocervical Trunk Approach for Patients with Persistent Type II Endoleak and Sac Enlargement of Arch Aneurysm after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Among the less reported complications after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is type II endoleak (T2EL). The intercostal and bronchial artery are known as feeder vessels to T2EL after TEVAR. We experienced two cases of successful treatment of percutaneous transarterial feeder vessels embolization via right costocervical trunk approach for patients with persistent T2EL and sac enlargement of an arch aneurysm after TEVAR. The costocervical trunk route is possible for key vessels to construct a collateral pathway to feeder vessels of the endoleak nidus of T2EL after TEVAR procedures for aortic arch aneurysm. A preembolizational Catheter-Directed CT angiogram (CTA) can be helpful to prevent harmful complications (e.g., spinal cord infarction).

Hemolytic Anemia after Mitral Valve Surgery / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

<b>Objective</b> : The aim of this study is to describe a series of patients undergoing reoperation due to hemolytic anemia after mitral valve surgery and assess the mechanisms and surgical outcomes. <b>Methods</b> : Between 2009 and 2014, we performed redo mitral valve surgery in 11 patients who had refractory hemolytic anemia after mitral valve surgery at Kyoto University Hospital. The mean age of the patients was 72.2±6.8 years old, and there were 5 men. <b>Results</b> : Preoperative echocardiography demonstrated that only 3 patients had ≥ grade 3 mitral regurgitation (MR), the rest of the patients had only mild to moderate MR. The mechanisms of severe hemolysis included paravalvular leakage (PVL) after mitral valve replacement (MVR) in 8 patients, structural valve deterioration (SVD) after MVR using a bioprosthesis in one, and residual/recurrent mitral regurgitation after mitral valve plasty (MVP) in two. All the patients except one (re-MVP) underwent MVR. The mean interval between previous operation and current operation was 14.1±9.4 years in post-MVR cases, and 2.0±1.9 years in post-MVP cases. There were three late deaths, one of which was due to cardiac death (exacerbation of heart failure due to pneumonia). There was one patient who required re-MVR for recurrent hemolysis due to PVL after MVR. <b>Conclusion</b> : Although hemolytic anemia after mitral valve surgery is rare, it often requires reoperation regardless of the degree of MR at late follow-up period. Thus, patients after mitral valve surgery should be carefully followed-up.

A Case of Aortic Regurgitation Accompanied by Multiple Metal Allergy Treated with Aortic Valve Replacement under Median Sternotomy / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 58-year-old man who complained of dyspnea on effort was given a diagnosis of decompensated congestive heart failure. Echocardiography revealed severe aortic regurgitation and cardiomegaly. We decided to perform aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve, however his past history made us suspicious of allergy to metal. From his previous patient records, we determined he was allergic to many metals : gold, iron, platinum, cobalt, chrome, bronze, and zinc. Newly performed skin patch tests showed positive reactions to aluminum, tin, palladium, indium, iridium and stainless steel. We selected a CarboMedics mechanical valve made of nickel-titanium alloy. Aortic valve replacement with a 27-mm CarboMedics mechanical valve was performed by median sternotomy. At sternum closure, we used polyester non-absorbable suture thread, instead of surgical steel wire, because it contains stainless steel. His postoperative progress was good and he was discharged on the 10th postoperative day. One year after surgery he is doing well without any allergic symptoms.

A Rare Case of Intracardiac Angiomyolipoma / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 34-year-old woman was admitted with a history of syncope and a mass was detected in the right atrium (RA) by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Preoperative chest computed tomography (CT) also demonstrated an RA tumor measuring 4×3 cm. We performed resection of the RA tumor under cardiopulmonary bypass. Histopathological findings showed that the tumor was an angiomyolipoma. It is well known that angiomyolipomas are most frequently found in the kidney and are associated with tuberous scleroses. There was no evidence of tuberous sclerosis in this case. Primary tumors of the heart are rare. However, there have been a few intracardiac angiomyolipomas reported previously.