Rare association between giant-cell aortitis and giant-cell aortic valvulitis

ABSTRACT Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a type of chronic vasculitis that affects medium and large-caliber arteries, frequently related to aortic involvement and, consequently, to aneurysm formation. However, associated valvulitis with giant cells is uncommon. We describe the case of a 50-year-old female patient with aortic aneurysm and valvular insufficiency, whose anatomopathological examination revealed giant-cell aortic valvulitis associated with giant cell aortitis.

Nonatherosclerotic Giant Right Coronary Artery Aneurysm

Abstract We present an unusual case of a 67-year-old woman with an incidental finding of a cardiac mass on a chest computed tomography. Coronary angiotomography confirmed the diagnosis of right coronary artery aneurysm, with 5.7×5.7 cm. The patient underwent aneurysm resection and coronary bypass surgery, with subsequent histologic study suggestive of arteritis sequelae. Giant coronary artery aneurysms have a high risk of complications and aneurysm exclusion must be beneficial. This is a rare condition that can also be part of a systemic inflammatory disease.

Pericardial Effusion and Cardiac Tamponade: Etiology and Evolution in the Contemporary Era

Abstract Background: Pericardial effusion is a relatively common finding and can progress to cardiac tamponade; etiological diagnosis is important for guiding treatment decisions. With advances in medicine and improvement in the social context, the most frequent etiological causes have changed. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics, etiology, and clinical course of patients with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. Materials and methods: Patients with pericardial effusion classified as small (< 10 mm), moderate (between 10-20 mm), or severe (> 20 mm) were included. Data from the clinical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and complementary tests were evaluated in patients with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: A total of 254 patients with a mean age of 53.09 ± 17.9 years were evaluated, 51.2% of whom were female. A total of 40.4% had significant pericardial effusion (> 20 mm). Pericardial tamponade occurred in 44.1% of patients. Among pericardial effusion patients without tamponade, the most frequent etiologies were: idiopathic (44.4%) and postsurgical (17.6%), while among those with tamponade, the most frequent etiologies were postsurgical (21.4%) and postprocedural (19.6%). The mean follow-up time was 2.2 years. Mortality was 42% and 23.2 in those with and without tamponade, respectively (p=0.001). Conclusions: There is an etiological difference between pericardial effusion patients with and without cardiac tamponade. An idiopathic etiology is more common among those without tamponade, while postinterventional/postsurgical is more common among those with tamponade. The tamponade group had a higher mortality rate.

Brazilian single-center experience with aortic root replacement in 448 patients: what is the best technique?

Abstract Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a surgery with the use of valved conduit is capable of leading to better immediate and late results than those obtained by the valve-sparing aortic root reconstruction technique. Methods: Between January 2002 and June 2016, 448 patients underwent aortic root reconstruction. These were divided into three groups according to the technique used: 319 (71.2%) patients received mechanical valved conduits, 49 (10.9%) received biological valved conduits, and 80 (17.9%) underwent the valve-sparing aortic root reconstruction technique. The results were examined by univariate and multivariate analyses of Cox proportional hazards models with multiple logistic regression. Results: The hospital mortality rate was 7.5%. The mortality rates were 8.2%, 12%, and 2.5% in the mechanical valved conduit, biological valved conduit, and aortic valve-sparing groups, respectively, with no significant difference between groups (P=0.1). Thromboembolic complications and reoperation-free survival were also similar (P=0.169 and P=0.688). However, valve-sparing aortic root replacement was superior in terms of long-term survival (P<0.001), hemorrhagic-free survival (P<0.001), and endocarditis-free survival (P=0.048). Multivariate analysis showed that the following aspects had an impact on mortality: age > 70 years (P<0.001; hazard ratio [HR] 1.05), preoperative acute kidney injury (P<0.0042; HR 2.9), diagnosis of dissection (P<0.01; HR 2.0), previous cardiac surgery (P<0.027; HR 2.3), associated coronary artery bypass grafting (P<0.038; HR 1.8), reoperation for postoperative tamponade (P<0.004; HR 2.2) and postoperative acute kidney injury (P<0.02; HR 3.35). Conclusion: Valve-sparing technique seems to be the operation of choice, whenever possible, for aortic root reconstruction.

Analysis of >100. 000 Cardiovascular Surgeries Performed at the Heart Institute and a New Era of Outcomes / Análise de >100. 000 Cirurgias Cardiovasculares Realizadas no Instituto do Coração e a Nova Era com Foco nos Resultados

Abstract Background: The current challenge of cardiovascular surgery (CVS) is to improve the outcomes in increasingly severe patients. In this respect, continuous quality improvement (CQI) programs have had an impact on outcomes. Objective: To assess the evolution of the incidence and mortality due to CVS, as well as the current outcomes of the Hospital das Clínicas Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo Medical School (InCor-HCFMUSP). Methods: An outcome analysis of CVSs performed at the InCor, between January 1984 and June 2019. We observed the surgical volume and mortality rates in 5 time periods: 1st (1984-1989), 2nd (1990-1999), 3rd (2000-2007), 4th (2008-2015) and 5th (2016-2019). The CQI program was implemented between 2015 and 2016. The analysis included the total number of surgeries and the evolution of the most frequent procedures. Results: A total of 105,599 CCVs were performed, with an annual mean of 2,964 procedures and mortality of 5,63%. When comparing the 4th and the 5th periods, the average global volume of surgeries was increased from 2,943 to 3,139 (p = 0.368), bypass graft (CABG), from 638 to 597 (p = 0.214), heart valve surgery, from 372 to 465 (p = 0.201), and congenital heart disease surgery, from 530 to 615 (p = 0.125). The average global mortality went from 7.8% to 5% (p < 0.0001); in CABG surgery, from 5.8% to 3.1% (p < 0.0001); in heart valve surgery, from 14% to 7.5% (p < 0.0001) and in congenital heart disease surgery, from 12.1% to 9.6% (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: In spite of a recent trend towards increased surgical volume, there was a significant decrease in operative mortality in the groups studied. After the implementation of the CQI program, the mortality rates were closer to international standards.

Resumo Fundamento: O desafio atual da cirurgia cardiovascular (CCV) é melhorar resultados em pacientes cada vez mais graves. Nesse sentido, Programas de Melhoria Contínua da Qualidade (PMCQ) tem impactado os resultados. Objetivo: Avaliar a evolução da incidência e mortalidade das CCV, assim como os resultados atuais do Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (InCor). Métodos: Análise dos resultados das CCV realizadas no InCor entre jan-1984 e jun-2019. Foram observadas as tendências dos volumes cirúrgicos e da mortalidade em 5 períodos 1º (1984-1989), 2º (1990-1999), 3º (2000-2007), 4º (2008-2015) e 5º (2016-2019). O PMCQ foi estabelecido entre 2015-2016. A análise incluiu o total de cirurgias e a evolução dos procedimentos mais frequentes. Resultados: Foram realizadas 105.599 CCV, com uma média anual de 2.964 procedimentos e mortalidade de 5,63%. Comparando o 4º com o 5º período, o volume global médio de cirurgias foi de 2.943 para 3.139 (p = 0,368), cirurgias de revascularização miocárdica (CRM) de 638 para 597 (p = 0,214), valvas cardíacas de 372 para 465 (p = 0,201) e cardiopatias congênitas de 530 para 615 (p = 0,125). A mortalidade média global passou de 7,8% para 5% (p < 0,0001), nas cirurgias de revascularização miocárdica de 5,8% para 3,1% (p < 0,0001), nas cirurgias valvares de 14% para 7,5% (p < 0,0001) e nas cirurgias de cardiopatias congênitas de 12,1% para 9,6% (p < 0,0001). Conclusão: Embora haja uma tendência recente ao aumento dos volumes cirúrgicos, houve uma diminuição significativa da mortalidade cirúrgica nos grupos analisados. Após o estabelecimento do PMCQ, as taxas de mortalidade se aproximaram a dos padrões internacionais.

Procedimentos cardiovasculares híbridos / Hybrid cardiovascular procedures

O desenvolvimento das salas cirúrgicas híbridas permitiu que operações de abordagem cirúrgica convencional pudessem ser realizadas e complementadas com a abordagem percutânea e endovascular, criando uma nova forma de tratar os pacientes por meio de cirurgias híbridas. Os procedimentos híbridos permitem que cirurgiões e cardiologistas intervencionistas possam associar suas expertises para tratar, da melhor forma possível, os pacientes com doenças cada vez mais complexas e avançadas, com melhores resultados, reduzindo a morbidade e mortalidade perioperatória e permitindo recuperação mais rápida

The development of hybrid operating rooms allowed that conventional surgical approach operations could be performed and complemented with the percutaneous and endovascular approach, creating a new way of treating patients through hybrid surgeries. Hybrid procedures allow surgeons and interventional cardiologists to combine their expertise to best treat patients with increasingly complex and advanced diseases, with better outcomes, reducing perioperative morbidity and mortality and allowing faster recovery

Perioperative management of the diabetic patient referred to cardiac surgery

Abstract Currently there is a progressive increase in the prevalence of diabetes in a referred for cardiovascular surgery. Benefits of glycemic management (< 180 mg/dL) in diabetic patients compared to patients without diabetes in perioperative cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study is to present recommendations based on international evidence and adapted to our clinical practice for the perioperative management of hyperglycemia in adult patients with and without diabetes undergoing cardiovascular surgery. This update is based on the latest current literature derived from articles and guidelines regarding perioperative management of diabetic patients to cardiovascular surgery.

Use of 3d printing in preoperative planning and training for aortic endovascular repair and aortic valve disease

Abstract Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) printing has become an affordable tool for assisting heart surgeons in the aorta endovascular field, both in surgical planning, education and training of residents and students. This technique permits the construction of physical prototypes from conventional medical images by converting the anatomical information into computer aided design (CAD) files. Objective: To present the 3D printing feature on developing prototypes leading to improved aortic endovascular surgical planning, as well as transcatheter aortic valve implantation, and mainly enabling training of the surgical procedure to be performed on patient's specific condition. Methods: Six 3D printed real scale prototypes were built representing different aortic diseases, taken from real patients, to simulate the correction of the disease with endoprosthesis deployment. Results: In the hybrid room, the 3D prototypes were examined under fluoroscopy, making it possible to obtain images that clearly delimited the walls of the aorta and its details. The endovascular simulation was then able to be performed, by correctly positioning the endoprosthesis, followed by its deployment. Conclusion: The 3D printing allowed the construction of aortic diseases realistic prototypes, offering a 3D view from the two-dimensional image of computed tomography (CT) angiography, allowing better surgical planning and surgeon training in the specific case beforehand.

Dissecção da aorta: manejo clínico e cirúrgico / Aortic dissection: clinical anda surgical management

A dissecção da aorta é uma condição grave cujo diagnóstico preciso precoce é fun-damental para a sobrevida dos pacientes. Dentro do contexto da dor torácica aguda no setor de emergência, seu diagnóstico pode passar despercebido, o que exige um alto índice de suspeição para ser realizado em tempo hábil. A disponibilidade dos métodos de imagem têm contribuído para a prontidão desse diagnóstico. Os objetivos iniciais do tratamento consistem no controle da dor e da pressão arterial através, principalmente, do uso de betabloqueadores endovenosos. Tais medidas diminuem o stress na parede da aorta, minimizando a propagação da delaminação. A identificação da localização do segmento de aorta dissecado é crucial, pois impacta no tratamento e no prognóstico. Pacientes com dissecção tipo B de Stanford e sem complicações podem receber trata-mento medicamentoso exclusivo, enquanto que a dissecção aguda tipo A de Stanford é uma emergência cirúrgica. Em relação à cirurgia, têm-se discutido o benefício da técnica do Frozen Elephant Trunk, a qual corrige uma maior extensão de aorta comprometida, po-dendo beneficiar pacientes com isquemia distal, apesar de apresentar maior complexidade e aumentar o risco de complicações neurológicas. Para as dissecções tipo B, o reparo endovascular tem sido amplamente utilizado e vários especialistas têm sugerido essa abordagem também para os casos não complicados, pois estudos recentes descrevem a influência do tratamento no remodelamento aórtico e, consequentemente, na sobrevida

Aortic dissection is a dramatic condition whose early accurate diagnosis is fundamen-tal for patient survival. Within the context of acute chest pain in the emergency room, its diagnosis can be overlooked, requiring a high level of suspicion to be performed in a timely manner. The availability of imaging methods has contributed to a faster diagnosis. The initial management goal is to control pain and blood pressure, mainly through the use of intra-venous beta-blockers. This strategy decreases shear stress on the aortic wall, minimizing the progression of delamination. Identifying the location of the dissected aortic segment is crucial, as this will impact on the treatment and prognosis. Patients with uncomplicated Stanford type B dissection may receive pharmaceutical treatment alone, while acute type A dissection is a surgical emergency. In relation to surgery, the benefit of the "Frozen Ele-phant Trunk" technique has been discussed, which corrects a greater area of compromised aorta and may benefit patients with distal ischemia, despite adding greater complexity and increasing the risk of neurological complications. For type B dissections, endovascular repair has been widely used, and several experts have also suggested this approach for uncomplicated cases, as recent studies have described the influence of the treatment on aortic remodeling and consequently, on survival

Importance of Clinical and Laboratory Findings in the Diagnosis and Surgical Prognosis of Patients with Constrictive Pericarditis / Importância dos Achados Clínicos e Laboratoriais no Diagnóstico e Prognóstico Cirúrgico de Pacientes com Pericardite Constritiva

Abstract Background: International studies have reported the value of the clinical profile and laboratory findings in the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis. However, Brazilian population data are scarce. Objective: To assess the clinical characteristics, sensitivity of imaging tests and factors related to the death of patients with constrictive pericarditis undergoing pericardiectomy. Methods: Patients with constrictive pericarditis surgically confirmed were retrospectively assessed regarding their clinical and laboratory variables. Two methods were used: transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Mortality predictors were determined by use of univariate analysis with Cox proportional hazards model and hazard ratio. All tests were two-tailed, and an alpha error ≤ 5% was considered statically significant. Results: We studied 84 patients (mean age, 44 ± 17.9 years; 67% male). Signs and symptoms of predominantly right heart failure were present with jugular venous distention, edema and ascites in 89%, 89% and 62% of the cases, respectively. Idiopathic etiology was present in 69.1%, followed by tuberculosis (21%). Despite the advanced heart failure degree, low BNP levels (median, 157 pg/mL) were found. The diagnostic sensitivities for constriction of echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging were 53.6% and 95.9%, respectively. There were 9 deaths (10.7%), and the risk factors were: anemia, BNP and C reactive protein levels, pulmonary hypertension >55 mm Hg, and atrial fibrillation. Conclusions: Magnetic resonance imaging had better diagnostic sensitivity. Clinical, laboratory and imaging markers were associated with death.

Resumo Fundamento: Estudos internacionais têm relatado o valor de perfil clínico e exames de imagem no diagnóstico e prognóstico da pericardite constritiva. Entretanto, dados da população brasileira são escassos. Objetivo: Avaliar as características clínicas, sensibilidade de exames de imagem e fatores relacionados ao óbito em uma série de casos de pericardite constritiva submetidos à pericardiectomia. Métodos: Pacientes com pericardite constritiva confirmada por cirurgia foram avaliados retrospectivamente quanto a variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais. Dois métodos diagnósticos foram utilizados: ecocardiograma transtorácico e ressonância cardíaca. Preditores de mortalidade foram determinados por análise univariada usando metodologia das proporções de Cox e hazard ratio. Todos os testes foram considerados bicaudais e um erro alfa ≤ 5% foi considerado como significante. Resultados: Foram estudados 84 pacientes com idade média de 44 ± 17,9 anos, sendo 67% do sexo masculino. Sinais e sintomas de insuficiência cardíaca (IC) predominantemente direita estiveram presentes com estase jugular, edema e ascite em 89%, 89% e 62% dos casos, respectivamente. Etiologia idiopática foi observada em 69% dos casos, seguida por tuberculose em 21%. Apesar do grau de IC, encontramos baixos níveis de BNP (mediana de 157 pg/mL). As sensibilidades diagnósticas para constrição do ecocardiograma e da ressonância foram 53,6% e 95,9%, respectivamente. Durante a evolução clínica, houve 9 óbitos (10,7%) e os fatores de risco foram: anemia, elevações de BNP, PCR, hipertensão pulmonar > 55 mmHg e fibrilação atrial. Conclusões: Pericardite constritiva manifesta-se com sinais e sintomas de IC biventricular com predomínio à direita e baixos níveis de BNP. A ressonância magnética apresenta melhor sensibilidade para diagnóstico. Marcadores clínicos, laboratoriais e de imagem estiveram associados ao óbito.

Hybrid approach of aortic diseases: zone 1 delivery and volumetric analysis on the descending aorta

Abstract Introduction: Conventional techniques of surgical correction of arch and descending aortic diseases remains as high-risk procedures. Endovascular treatments of abdominal and descending thoracic aorta have lower surgical risk. Evolution of both techniques - open debranching of the arch and endovascular approach of the descending aorta - may extend a less invasive endovascular treatment for a more extensive disease with necessity of proximal landing zone in the arch. Objective: To evaluate descending thoracic aortic remodeling by means of volumetric analysis after hybrid approach of aortic arch debranching and stenting the descending aorta. Methods: Retrospective review of seven consecutive patients treated between September 2014 and August 2016 for diseases of proximal descending aorta (aneurysms and dissections) by hybrid approach to deliver the endograft at zone 1. Computed tomography angiography were analyzed using a specific software to calculate descending thoracic aorta volumes pre- and postoperatively. Results: Follow-up was done in 100% of patients with a median time of 321 days (range, 41-625 days). No deaths or permanent neurological complications were observed. There were no endoleaks or stent migrations. Freedom from reintervention was 100% at 300 days and 66% at 600 days. Median volume reduction was of 45.5 cm3, representing a median volume shrinkage by 9.3%. Conclusion: Hybrid approach of arch and descending thoracic aorta diseases is feasible and leads to a favorable aortic remodeling with significant volume reduction.

Does aortic valve repair in valve-sparing aortic root reconstruction compromise the longevity of the procedure?

OBJECTIVES: The effect of performing aortic valve repair in combination with valve-sparing operation on the length of time for which patients are free from reoperation is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine if the performance of aortic valve repair during valve-sparing operation modified the freedom from reoperation time. METHODS: From January 2003 to July 2014, 78 patients with a mean age of 49±15 years underwent valve-sparing operation. Sixty-eight percent of these patients were male. Twenty-two (28%) aortic valve repair procedures were performed in this patient population. In the aortic valve repair + valve-sparing operation group, 77.3% of patients had moderate/severe aortic insufficiency, while in the valve-sparing operation group, 58.6% of patients had moderate/severe aortic insufficiency (ns = not significant). Additionally, 13.6% of patients in the aortic valve repair + valve-sparing operation group had functional class III/IV, while 14.2% of patients in the valve-sparing operation group had functional class III/IV (ns). RESULTS: The in-hospital and late mortality rates, for the aortic valve repair + valve-sparing operation and valve-sparing operation groups were similar, as they were 4.5% and 3.6%; and 0% and 1.8%, respectively. In the aortic valve repair + valve-sparing operation group, 0% of patients presented moderate/severe aortic insufficiency during late follow-up, while in the valve-sparing operation group, 14.2% of patients presented with moderate/severe aortic insufficiency during this period (ns). In the aortic valve repair + valve-sparing operation group, 5.3% of patients presented with functional class III/IV, while in the valve-sparing operation group, 4.2% of patients presented with functional class III/IV (ns). In the aortic valve repair + valve-sparing operation group, 0% of patients required reoperation, while in the valve-sparing operation group, 3.6% of patients required reoperation over a mean follow-up period of 1621±1156 days (75 patients). CONCLUSION: Valve-sparing operation is a safe and long-lasting procedure and performance of aortic valve repair when necessary does not increase risk of reoperation on the aortic valve.

Surgery of the aortic root: should we go for the valve-sparing root reconstruction or the composite graft-valve replacement is still the first choice of treatment for these patients? / Cirurgia da raiz da aorta: deve-se preservar a valva aórtica ou a operação com o tubo valvulado ainda é a primeira opção de tratamento para esses pacientes?

AbstractObjective:To compare the results of the root reconstruction with the aortic valve-sparing operation versus composite graftvalve replacement.Methods:From January 2002 to October 2013, 324 patients underwent aortic root reconstruction. They were 263 composite graft-valve replacement and 61 aortic valve-sparing operation (43 reimplantation and 18 remodeling). Twenty-six percent of the patients were NYHA functional class III and IV; 9.6% had Marfan syndrome, and 12% had bicuspid aortic valve. There was a predominance of aneurysms over dissections (81% vs. 19%), with 7% being acute dissections. The complete follow-up of 100% of the patients was performed with median follow-up time of 902 days for patients undergoing composite graft-valve replacement and 1492 for those undergoing aortic valve-sparing operation.Results:In-hospital mortality was 6.7% and 4.9%, respectively for composite graft-valve replacement and aortic valve-sparing operation (ns). During the late follow-up period, there was 0% moderate and 15.4% severe aortic regurgitation, and NYHA functional class I and II were 89.4% and 94%, respectively for composite graft-valve replacement and aortic valve-sparing operation (ns). Root reconstruction with aortic valve-sparing operation showed lower late mortality (P=0.001) and lower bleeding complications (P=0.006). There was no difference for thromboembolism, endocarditis, and need of reoperation.Conclusion:The aortic root reconstruction with preservation of the valve should be the operation being performed for presenting lower late mortality and survival free of bleeding events.

ResumoObjetivo:Analisar comparativamente os resultados da operação de preservação da valva aórtica e do tubo valvulado nas reconstruções da raiz da aorta.Métodos:No período de janeiro de 2002 a outubro de 2013, 324 pacientes foram submetidos à reconstrução da raiz da aorta. Foram 263 tubos valvulados e 61 preservações da valva aórtica (43 reimplantes e 18 remodelamentos). 26% dos pacientes estavam em classe funcional III e IV; 9,6% com síndrome de Marfan e 12% apresentavam valva aórtica bivalvulada. Houve predomínio dos aneurismas sobre as dissecções (81% contra 19%), sendo 7% de dissecções agudas. O seguimento completo de 100% dos pacientes foi realizado com tempo mediano de seguimento de 902 dias para pacientes submetidos à tubo valvulado e de 1492 para aqueles submetidos à preservação da valva aórtica.Resultados:A mortalidade hospitalar foi de 6,7% contra 4,9% respectivamente para tubo valvulado e preservação da valva aórtica (ns). No seguimento tardio, a insuficiência aórtica importante foi de 0% e 5,8%, e a insuficiência cardíaca crônica, classe funcional I e II de 89,4% e 94%, respectivamente, para tubo valvulado e preservação da valva aórtica (ns). A reconstrução da raiz da aorta com a preservação da valva aórtica apresentou menor mortalidade tardia (P=0,001) e menos complicações hemorrágicas (P=0,006). Não houve diferença para tromboembolismo, endocardite ou necessidade de reoperação.Conclusão:A reconstrução da raiz da aorta com a preservação valvar deve ser a operação a ser realizada por apresentar menor mortalidade e sobrevida livre de eventos hemorrágicos.

Surgical treatment of complex aneurysms and thoracic aortic dissections with the Frozen Elephant Trunk technique / Tratamento cirúrgico dos aneurismas complexos e dissecções da aorta torácica utilizando a técnica "Frozen Elephant Trunk"

Abstract Objective: Report initial experience with the Frozen Elephant Trunk technique. Methods: From July 2009 to October 2013, Frozen Elephant Trunk technique was performed in 21 patients (66% male, mean age 56 ±11 years). They had type A aortic dissection (acute 9.6%, chronic 57.3%), type B (14.3%, all chronic) and complex aneurysms (19%). It was 9.5% of reoperations and 38% of associated procedures (25.3% miocardial revascularization, 25.3% replacement of aortic valve and 49.4% aortic valved graft). Aortic remodeling was evaluated comparing preoperative and most recent computed tomography scans. One hundred per cent of complete follow-up, mean time of 28 months. Results: In-hospital mortality of 14.2%, being 50% in acute type A aortic dissection, 8.3% in chronic type A aortic dissection, 33.3% in chronic type B aortic dissection and 0% in complex aneurysms. Mean times of cardiopulmonary bypass (152±24min), myocardial ischemia (115±31min) and selective cerebral perfusion (60±15min). Main complications were bleeding (14.2%), spinal cord injury (9.5%), stroke (4.7%), prolonged mechanical ventilation (4.7%) and acute renal failure (4.7%). The need for second-stage operation was 19%. False-lumen thrombosis was obtained in 80%. Conclusion: Frozen Elephant Trunk is a feasible technique and should be considered. The severity of the underlying disease justifies high mortality rates. The learning curve is a reality. This approach allows treatment of more than two segments at once. Nonetheless, if a second stage is made necessary, it is facilitated. .

Resumo Objetivo: Relatar experiência inicial com a técnica "Frozen Elephant Trunk". Métodos: Entre julho de 2009 e outubro de 2013, 21 pacientes, 66% homens, média de idade de 56±11 anos, 66,7% portadores de dissecção da aorta tipo A de Stanford (9,6% agudas e 57,1% crônicas), tipo B (14,3%, todas crônicas) e aneurismas complexos (19%), foram operados pela técnica Frozen Elephant Trunk. Foram 9,5% de reoperações e 38% com procedimentos associados (25,3% revascularizações do miocárdio, 25,3% troca da valva aórtica e 49,4% tubos valvulados). Remodelamento da aorta foi avaliado com a comparação de angiotomografia pré-operatória e pós-operatória mais recente. Seguimento 100% dos pacientes, tempo médio de 28 meses. Resultados: Mortalidade hospitalar de 14,2%, sendo 50% nas dissecções do tipo A agudas, 8,3% nas tipo A crônicas, 33,3% nas tipo B crônicas e 0% nos aneurismas complexos. Tempos médios de CEC (152±24min), isquemia miocárdica (115±31min) e perfusão cerebral seletiva (60±15min). Principais complicações pós-operatórias foram sangramento (14,2%), acidente vascular encefálico (4,7%), paraplegia (9,5%), intubação>72h (4,7%) e insuficiência renal aguda (4,7%). Houve necessidade de complementação do tratamento (distal ao stent) em 19%. Houve trombose da falsa luz em 80%. Conclusão: Frozen Elephant Trunk é opção técnica a ser utilizada. A gravidade e extensão da doença justificam mortalidade mais elevada. A curva de aprendizado é uma realidade. Esta abordagem permite abordar mais de dois segmentos de aorta em um estágio, mas se necessário segundo estágio, este é facilitado. .