Early surgical intervention for unusually located cardiac fibroelastomas / 영남의대학술지

Papillary fibroelastomas are the second most common primary cardiac tumor in adults. Over 80% of fibroelastomas occur on the cardiac valves, usually on the left side of the heart, while the remaining lesions are typically scattered throughout the atria and ventricles. Although the optimal timing for surgery is controversial and depends on tumor size and location, prompt surgical resection is warranted in patients at high risk of embolism. A tumor on the cardiac valve can be removed using the slicing excision technique without leaflet injury. Here we present two cases of papillary fibroelastomas occurring on the ventricular surface of the aortic valve and in the right ventricle.

Bentall Operation in a Patient with a Unicommissural Unicuspid Aortic Valve / 대한흉부외과학회지

A unicuspid aortic valve is a rare congenital malformation that frequently presents with valvular dysfunction and dilatation or aortic aneurysm, requiring combined aortic valve surgery and aortic repair. Some patients show severe valve calcification extending into the interventricular septum, possibly resulting in damage to the conduction system during debridement for valve replacement. We present a rare case of severe aortic stenosis with a unicommissural unicuspid aortic valve diagnosed by preoperative transesophageal echocardiography in a 36-year-old man. After composite graft replacement of the aortic valve, aortic root, and ascending aorta, a permanent pacemaker was placed because of postoperative complete heart block.

Bentall Operation in a Patient with a Unicommissural Unicuspid Aortic Valve

A unicuspid aortic valve is a rare congenital malformation that frequently presents with valvular dysfunction and dilatation or aortic aneurysm, requiring combined aortic valve surgery and aortic repair. Some patients show severe valve calcification extending into the interventricular septum, possibly resulting in damage to the conduction system during debridement for valve replacement. We present a rare case of severe aortic stenosis with a unicommissural unicuspid aortic valve diagnosed by preoperative transesophageal echocardiography in a 36-year-old man. After composite graft replacement of the aortic valve, aortic root, and ascending aorta, a permanent pacemaker was placed because of postoperative complete heart block.

Usefulness of Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy in the Treatment of Esophageal Perforation Following Thyroidectomy / 대한이비인후과학회지

Perforation of the cervical esophagus after thyroidectomy is a rare complication. Esophageal perforation is usually treated conservatively with simple surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotic therapy. If complicated by abscess, it needs aggressive surgery including resection and anastomosis. But the aggressive treatments mentioned have low success and high morbidity. Herein, we report a patient with complicated deep neck infection caused by esophageal perforation following thyroidectomy, which was successfully treated with multiple vacuum-assisted closure and intravenous antibiotic therapy after the failure of simple suture and simple drainage as conservative managements.

Application of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Deep Neck Infection / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) has been used in many surgery to treat complicated wound and impaired wound healing by delivering negative pressure at the wound site through a patented dressing, which helps draw wound edges together, remove infectious materials, and actively promote granulation at the cellular level. Recently application of NPWT has been increased to treat deep neck infection. We aimed to retrieve indications and guidelines to treat deep neck infection from our cases and after reviewing articles. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: From our experience with 9 cases presented as deep neck abscess in which the application of a Vacuum-assisted closure device was used instead of common drainage tubes after surgical evacuation and journal review, indications and guidelines to apply NPWT as one of the tools to treat deep neck infection were retrieved. RESULTS: Indication and Guideline of NPWT. 1) For simple abscess involving single space excepting the mediastinum, intravenous administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics, needle aspiration or simple surgical drainage is recommended. 2) In the case of failure of previous treatments, NPWT will be necessary for immunocompromised hosts such as diabetic patients for whom more than two spaces are involved, the mediastinal involvement, compromised airway or disseminated intravascular coagulation. In severe cases involving the chest, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or mediastinoscopy could be used. 3) For patients with improving signs such as decreasing pus, increasing granulation formation, negative culture results from sponge, and normalized C-reactive protein, we can stop NPWT and convert to the regular wound care. CONCLUSION: Indication and Guideline of NPWT could be applied to treat deep neck infection.

A Case of Retropharyngeal Abscess Treated by Vacuum-Assisted Closure Application / 대한이비인후과학회지

The incidence of retropharyngeal abscess has been decreased with the use of antibiotics, but it can cause critical complications such as airway obstruction, aspiration pneumonia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, mediastinitis, or sepsis. A vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) device is a surgical drain that can help prevent reaccumulation of purulent collections. We present one case of retropharyngeal abscess treated by VAC and highlight the utility of VAC in the management of retropharyngeal abscess.

A Case of Acute Total Obstruction of the Left Main Coronary Artery Presenting with Atypical Momentary Electrocardiogram Changes

Acute total obstruction of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) is a serious emergency condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Unless properly treated, it will likely progress to cardiogenic shock and a high mortality rate. We report a case of acute LMCA total obstruction presenting with atypical momentary electrocardiogram (ECG) changes including right bundle branch block with left axis deviation, and ST-segment elevation in aVR and aVL. We focus on the unusual ECG changes associated with LMCA obstruction which should be noted in order to ensure revascularization without delay, especially when this condition is accompanied by cardiogenic shock.

Risk Factors of Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Isolate off Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

BACKGROUND: Perioperative transfusion of red blood cell (RBC) may cause adverse effects. Bloodless-cardiac surgery has been spotlighted to avoid those problems. Off pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery can decrease the transfusion. However, the risk factors of transfusions in OPCAB have not been investigated properly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirteen patients (male:female=35:78, mean age=66.7+/-9.9 years) who received isolated OPCAB were retrospectively analyzed from March 2006 to September 2007. The threshold of RBC transfusion was 28.0% of hematocrit. Bilateral internal thoracic arteries graft were used for 99 patients (87.6%). One hundred and three (91.1%) and 35 patients (31.5%) took aspirin and clopidogrel just before surgery. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients (47.5%) received the RBC transfusion (mean 2.2+/-3.2 units). Mortality and major complications were not different between transfusion and no-transfusion group. But, ventilator support time, intensive care unit stay and hospitalization period had been reduced in no-transfusion group (p75 minutes) and total operation time (>5.5 hours, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We performed the transfusion according to transfusion guideline; over 40% cases could conduct the OPCAB without transfusion. There were no differences in major clinical results between transfusion and non-transfusion group. In addition, when used together with accurate understanding of transfusion risk factors, it is expected to increase the proportion of patients that do not undergo transfusions.

Results of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Support before Coronary Reperfusion in Cardiogenic Shock with Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND: Despite aggressive treatment, the mortality rate of cardiogenic shock with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is high. We performed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) prior to coronary reperfusion, and evaluated the early clinical results and risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2006 to November 2009, we reviewed the medical records of 20 patients in cardiogenic shock with AMI (mean age 67.7+/-11.7 yrs, M : F 14 : 6). After initially performing ECMO using the CAPIOX emergency bypass system (EBS(R)Terumo, Tokyo, Japan), patients underwent coronary reperfusion (coronary artery bypass grafting, 13; percutaneous coronary intervention, 7). RESULTS: All patients were in a cardiogenic shock state, cardiopulmonary resuscitations (CPR) were performed for fourteen patients (mean CPR time 20.8+/-26.0 min). The mean time from vascular access to the initiation of ECMO was 17.2+/-9.4 min and mean support time was 3.8+/-4.0 days. Fourteen patients were able to be weaned from ECMO and ten patients were discharged (mean admission duration 50.1+/-31.6 days). Patients survived on average 476.6+/-374.6 days of follow-up. Longer CPR and support time, increased cardiac enzyme, lower ejection fraction, lower albumin, and major complications were the risk factors of mortality (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The early application of ECMO prior to coronary reperfusion and control of risk factors allowed for good clinical results in cardiogenic shock with AMI.

Results of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Support before Coronary Reperfusion in Cardiogenic Shock with Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND: Despite aggressive treatment, the mortality rate of cardiogenic shock with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is high. We performed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) prior to coronary reperfusion, and evaluated the early clinical results and risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2006 to November 2009, we reviewed the medical records of 20 patients in cardiogenic shock with AMI (mean age 67.7+/-11.7 yrs, M : F 14 : 6). After initially performing ECMO using the CAPIOX emergency bypass system (EBS(R)Terumo, Tokyo, Japan), patients underwent coronary reperfusion (coronary artery bypass grafting, 13; percutaneous coronary intervention, 7). RESULTS: All patients were in a cardiogenic shock state, cardiopulmonary resuscitations (CPR) were performed for fourteen patients (mean CPR time 20.8+/-26.0 min). The mean time from vascular access to the initiation of ECMO was 17.2+/-9.4 min and mean support time was 3.8+/-4.0 days. Fourteen patients were able to be weaned from ECMO and ten patients were discharged (mean admission duration 50.1+/-31.6 days). Patients survived on average 476.6+/-374.6 days of follow-up. Longer CPR and support time, increased cardiac enzyme, lower ejection fraction, lower albumin, and major complications were the risk factors of mortality (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The early application of ECMO prior to coronary reperfusion and control of risk factors allowed for good clinical results in cardiogenic shock with AMI.

Surgical Resection of a Posterior Mediastinal Tumor That Was Previously Treated with Aortic Stent-graft under the Misdiagnosis of Aortic Aneurysm: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 70-year-old man was transferred to our center due to severe epigastric and back pain with the impression of a ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm. Six months previously, he had undergone insertion of stent graft into the descending thoracic aorta at another hospital. The findings of the computed tomographic scan suggested a rapidly growing malignant mediastinal tumor rather than a ruptured aneurysm. Exploratory thoracotomy confirmed the diagnosis and the tumor was resected along with the portion of the aorta contained in it. This exemplary case should raise the concern against overzealous application of endovascular aortic repair.

The Surgical Management of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome andthe Results of a Fontan Operation / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is uniformly fatal if this condition is not properly treated. We reviewed the surgical results of treating hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and we evaluated the hemodynamics and functional status of these patients after they underwent a Fontan operation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: To assess the surgical results, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 6 (M/F=4/2) patients who underwent a staged operation, including a Norwood procedure, a bidirectional Glenn procedure and a Fontan procedure between October 1997 to May 2005. The mean age of the patients was 17.3+/-10.8 days (range: 9~36 days) at the 1st staged operation, 8.9+/-7.1 months (4.6~23.3 months) at the 2nd staged operation (the Bidirectional Glenn procedure) and 32.4+/-9.8 months at the final staged operation (the Fontan procedure). During the 2nd staged operation, one of the patients received tricuspid valve repair due to regurgitation. All the patients underwent an extracardiac Fontan procedure using Gore-Tex conduit (20 mm: 2 patients, 18 mm: 4 patients) and one of them required fenestration. RESULT: 21 patients underwented a Norwood procedure. There were 7 early deaths and 4 interstage deaths. Bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt was performed in 10 patients and the Fontan procedure was done in 6 (mortality: 1 patient, Flow up loss: 1 patient, Awaiting a Fontan procedure: 2 patients). After the Fontan procedure, there was no complication except for one case of post operative bleedings. All the patients had good ventricular function and 2 had grade I tricuspid regurgitation, as noted on their echocardiography. The average follow up period after the Fontan procedure was 19.6+/-14.9 months (range: 1.5~39.1 month). All the patients had normal sinus rhythm and they were put on aspirin and cardiac medication. During follow up period, all the patients had a good functional status (NYHA functional class I). CONCLUSION: All the patients who suffered with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and who underwent a Fontan procedure achieved a good hemodynamic and functional status, even though there was a relatively high operative mortality rate after stage I Norwood palliation. Therefore, thise staged operation should be strongly recommended as an important surgical strategy for treating hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Modified Nikaidoh Procedure for Patient with TGA, Restrictive VSD, and PS / 대한흉부외과학회지

The surgical management of complete transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect, and pulmonary stenosis still remain a significant challenge. The Rastelli (REV procedure) remains the most widely applied procedure for surgical repair of these lesions. Although the Rastelli procedure can be performed with good early results, the intermediate- and long-term results have been less than satisfactory because of deterioration of the hemodynamic performance of the LVOT or RVOT. We performed a modified Nikaidoh procedure as an alternative surgical procedure in a 19-month-old boy weighing 10.4 kg with this anomaly. Aortic translocation with biventricular outflow tract reconstruction resulted in a more "normal" anatomic repair and postoperative echocardiography showed straight, direct, and unobstructed ventricular outflow.

Aortic Arch Aneurysm Repair using a Prosthetic Graft with a Pre-mounted Distal Stent (Frozen Elephant Trunk) / 대한흉부외과학회지

Difficulty in exposing anastomotic sites is a frequently encountered problem during surgical repair of a distal aortic arch aneurysm via median sternotomy or lateral thoracotomy. Endovascular repair has the limitation that it usually requires surgical rerouting of some of the brachiocephalic branches in order to get sufficient length for proximal fixation of the stent-graft. To take advantage of each approach, we fixed the distal end of the prosthetic graft by means of a pre-mounted metallic stent instead of performing conventional surgical anastomosis during the repair of distal arch aneurysms with using median sternotomy and hypothermic circulatory arrest. We report here on our experience with such 3 patients.

Comparison of the One-year Follow-up Results after Coronary Bypass Surgery versus Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Drug-eluting Stents in Patients with Left Main Coronary Artery Disease / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Drug-eluting stents are contributing to the exponential growth of percutaneous coronary intervention, and even in the patients with left main coronary artery disease, owing to the decreased restenosis rate. Our study aimed at comparing the one-year results after coronary artery bypass grafting versus percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents in patients with left main coronary artery disease. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Those patients who underwent coronary bypass surgery or stenting at our hospital under the diagnosis of left main coronary artery disease were divided in two groups. The variables for comparison were the preoperative disease severity, the length of the hospital stay, the early mortality and the cumulative incidence of mortality, myocardial infarction and repeated revascularization. RESULT: There were 101 cases in the surgery group and 78 cases in the stent group. Age, gender, the risk factors, the left ventricular ejection fraction and the proportion of acute coronary syndrome showed no significant differences between the two groups. The surgery group showed a more severe condition according to the Euroscore, a greater incidence of urgency, a longer hospital stay and a greater incidence of multi-vessel disease. The early mortality and one-year cumulative mortality were not different between the groups. The Euroscore-matched comparison for the surgery group (41 patients) and the stent group (78 patients) showed no significant differences in the Euroscore, age, gender, risk factors and the proportion of acute coronary syndrome. The surgery group in the Euroscore-matched comparison showed more multi-vessel disease and a longer hospital stay. The surgery group showed lower early mortality and lower one-year cumulative mortality, but this was statistically insignificant (0% vs 2.6%, respectively, p=0.55; 0% vs 6.6%, respectively, p=0.30). The rates of repeated revascularization and major adverse events (death or myocardial infarct) were lower in the CABG group, but this was not statistically significant (13.3% vs 6.3%, respectively, p=0.48; 10.0% vs 0%, respectively, p=0.09). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous coronary intervention using drug-eluting stents in low-risk patients with left main coronary artery disease resulted in a shortened length of the hospital stay, as compared with that of the CABG group of patients. However, the patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention using drug-eluting stents showed a tendency for an increased rate of repeated revascularization and higher one-year cumulative mortality. Further studies with large populations and longer follow-up will be necessary to reaffirm our findings.

Percutaneous Endovascular Stent-graft Treatment for Aortic Disease in High Risk Patients: The Early and Mid-term Results / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Aortic surgery for high risk patients has high mortality and morbidity rates, and the necessity of performing aortic surgery in cancer patients is questionable because of their short life expectancy. Endovascular repair of aneurysm repair can be considered for high risk patients and cancer patients because it has relatively lower invasiveness and shorter recovery times than aortic surgery does. Especially, percutaneous endovascular stent graft treatment is more useful for high risk patients because it does not require general anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From July 2003 to September 2007, twelve patients who had inoperable malignancy or who had a high risk of complication because of their combined diseases during aortic surgery underwent endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. The indications for endovascular repair were abdominal aortic aneurysm in 5 patients, descending thoracic aortic aneurysm in 6 patients and acute type B aortic dissection in one patient. The underlying combined disease of these patients were malignancy in 3 patients, respiratory disease in 6 patients, old age with neurologic disease in 6 patients, Behcet's diseae in one patient and chronic renal failure in one patient. RESULT: Stent grafts were inserted percutaneously in all cases. There were 4 hospital deaths and there were 3 delayed deaths during the follow-up periods. There were no deaths from aortic disease, except one hospital death. There were several complications: a mild cerebrovascular accident occurred in one patient, acute renal failure occurred in 2 patients and ischemic bowel necrosis occurred in one patient. Mild type I endoleak was observed in 2 patients and type II endoleak was observed in a patient after stent graft implantation. Newly developed type I endoleak was observed in a patient during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous endovascular stent graft insertion is relatively safe procedure for high risk patients and cancer patients. Yet it seems that its indications and its long term results need to be further researched.

Cardiac Rupture Induced by Angiosarcoma / 대한흉부외과학회지

Angiosarcoma is the most common primary intracardiac malignancy, but many published papers have reported it to be rather rare. The prognosis of angiosarcoma is known to be very poor, and the treatment of choice has been surgery until recently, but many centers currently tend to try multimodal therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this report, we present a rare case in which an intracardiac angiosarcoma could have threatened the patient's life in short time by the rapid progression of the tumor, which caused right atrial rupture.

Venovenous and Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Repeated Life Threatening Hemoptysis: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in cardiopulmonary resuscitation has remarkably increased in recent times. We report here on a case of successful resuscitation with using ECMO for a patient who suffered from repeated life threatening hemoptysis. We applied both veno-venous and veno-arterial ECMO to treat this patient's respiratory failure and cardiac arrest, respectively. By clinically judging the different cardiopulmonary conditions of this patient, we were able to apply the appropriate types of ECMO.