The Aortic Pathologies: How Far We Understand It and Its Implications on Thoracic Aortic Surgery

Abstract Thoracic aortic diseases contribute to a major part of cardiac surgeries. The severity of pathologies varies significantly from emergency and life-threatening to conservatively managed conditions. Life-threatening conditions include type A aortic dissection and rupture. Aortic aneurysm is an example of a conservatively managed condition. Pathologies that affect the arterial wall can have a profound impact on the presentation of such cases. Several risk factors have been identified that increase the risk of emergency presentations such as connective tissue disease, hypertension, and vasculitis. The understanding of aortic pathologies is essential to improve management and clinical outcomes.

Management of lower limb ischemia during operative repair of acute type a aortic dissection by distal crossover grafts: a case series

Abstract Objective: To describe our experience of nine patients with extra-anatomical bypass for clinically ischemic distal limb during repair of acute Type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Methods: We retrospectively examined a series of nine patients who underwent surgery for ATAAD. We identified a subset of the patients who presented with concomitant radiographic and clinical signs of lower limb ischemia. All but one patient (axillobifemoral bypass) underwent femorofemoral crossover grafting by the cardiac surgeon during cooling. Results: One hundred eighty-one cases of ATAAD underwent surgery during the study period with a mortality of 19.3%. Nine patients had persistent clinical evidence of lower limb ischemia (4.9%) and underwent extra-anatomical bypass during cooling. Two patients underwent additional fasciotomies. Mean delay from symptoms to surgery in these nine patients was 9.5 hours. Two patients had bilateral amputations despite revascularisation and, of note, had long delays in presentation for surgery (> 12 hours). There were no mortalities during these inpatient episodes. Outpatient radiographic follow-up at the first opportunity demonstrated 100% patency. Conclusion: Our experience suggests that, during complicated aortic dissection, limb ischemia may have a devastating outcome including amputation when diagnosis and referral are delayed. Early diagnosis and surgery are crucial in preventing this potentially devastating complication.

"Overtime Hours Effect" on emergency surgery of acute type A aortic dissection

Abstract Objective: Treatment of acute diseases of the aorta is still associated with high mortality and morbidity. It is believed that interventions for these diseases on overtime hours (night shifts or weekend shifts) may increase mortality. In this study, we investigated the effect of performing acute type A aortic dissection surgery on overtime hours in terms of postoperative outcomes. Methods: 206 patients who underwent emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection were retrospectively evaluated. Two groups were constituted: patients operated on daytime working hours (n=61), and patients operated on overtime hours (n=145), respectively. Results: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and repeat surgery were higher in group 1. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of operative and postoperative results. Mortality rates and postoperative neurological complications in group 1 were 9.8% and 13.1%, respectively. In group 2, these rates were 13.8% and 12.4%, respectively (P=0.485 - P=0.890). Multivariate analysis identified that cross-clamp time, amount of postoperative drainage, preoperative loss of consciousness and postoperative neurological complications are the independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions: As the surgical experience of the clinics improves, treatment of acute type A aortic dissections can be successfully performed both overtime and daytime working hours.

Sun's procedure for patients with acute type A aortic dissection / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To analyze the early outcomes of the Sun' s procedure,which is an approach integrating total arch replacement using a 4-branched graft with implantation of a special stented graft in the descending aorta,and observe the mortality,morbidity and mid-term clinical results of postoperative in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD).Methods Clinical data of 61 consecutive AAAD patients undergoing the Sun' s procedure were analyzed.There were 53 male and 8 female,aged (54 ± 12) years.61 patients had postoperative follow-up and the clinical effect of Sun' s procedure were retrospectively analyzed.Results Cardiopulmonary bypass time was (229 ± 46) min,aortic clamping time was (147 ± 37) min and unilateral selective cerebral perfusion time was (35 ± 9) min.Reoperation for excessive bleeding in 5 cases (8.2％),acute renal failure in 3(4.9％),tracheotomy patients for pulmonary infection in 3(4.9％),and spinal cord injury in 2 (3.3％),delayed thoracic incision healing in 1 (1.6％),and osteofascial compartment syndrome of the right lower limb in 1 (1.6％).The 30 day mortality is 8.2％,and the leading causes was low cardiac output syndrome in 2(3.3％),multi-organ failure in 1 (1.6％),pulmonary infection in 1 (1.6％) and ruptured of abdominal aortic dissection in 1 (1.6％).The average follow-up time is(5.1 ± 0.7) years.Postoperative 1 year survival rate was 91.8％,5 year survival rate was 83.6％.Conclusion The Sun' s procedure has generated a relatively lower mortality rate in 61 patients with AAAD.Postoperative survival rate is high,and the reoperation rate is low.

The analysis on risk factors of postoperative acute renal injury in acute Stanford type A aortic dissection / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To analyze the risk factors of postoperative acute renal injury (AKI) for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection in 137 cases.Methods From January 2010 to December 2011,137 patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection were received surgical operations in our hospital.There were 106 males and 31 females with their mean age of(46.8 ± 13.1)years and mean weight of (69.9 ± 18.0) kg.The postoperative acute renal injury diagnosis was according to AKIN diagnosis standard of acute kidney injury network working group in 2005.All patients were received surgical repair with cardiopulmonary bypass,including 120 patients with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective cerebral perfusion.Among them,there were 54 cases with total arch replacement and 66 with right half arch replacement.The postoperative managements were include control the patients' mean arterial blood pressure at 80 to 90 mmHg (1 mmHg =0.133 kPa),supplement the blood volume timely,and correction of hypoxia and hypoproteinemia.The patients were received renal replacement therapy if still oliguria after medical treatments,or their blood creatinine raising continually more than 500 μmol/L.Results A total of 12 patients died in hospitalization with a total in-hospital mortality of 8.74％ (12/137).76 cases had AKI in the first day after operations,including 38 cases (27.7％) with stage Ⅰ and 21 cases (15.3％) with stage Ⅱ and 17 cases (12.4％) with stage Ⅲ.There were 36 patients have acute renal failure (ARF) with morbility of 26.3％ (36/137),and 34 patients among them were received renal replacement therapy.Single factor analysis showed that preoperative creatinine,total arch replacement,cardiopulmonary bypasstime,intraoperative day transfusion of concentrated red cells are risk factors of ARF.Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis showed that total arch replacement and preoperative creatinine abnormalities are independent risk factors for postoperative AFR.Conclusion Total arch replacement and preoperative creatinine abnormalities were independent risk factors of AFR for acute type A dissection after operation.

Change trend of clinical characteristics of aortic dissection over 10 years in Henan / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To discuss the clinical epidemiology features and change trend of aortic dissection (AD) in Henan Province.Methods Retrospective analysis of consecutive 906 patients with AD over 10 years in Henan Provincial People' s Hospital,the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Provincial Chest Hospital.Hospital records and prognosis were compared between two five-year periods.Results 906 cases with AD were hospitalized during the past 10years.The mean age was (50.2 ± 9.8) years.The male/female ratio was 3.49 ∶ 1.Hypertension was present in 60.3 ％ of all patients.Heavy smoking history was elicited in 32.2％ of all patients.Type A dissection were identified in 57.8％ of all the cases,and type B in 42.2％.In-hospital mortality of acute type A dissection was 21.8％,acute type B dissection 6.8％.In two five-year periods,the total number of cases increased by 216％,among which type A was the fastest,increased by 294％,Changes of mean age and male/female ratio were not significant.For acute AD,changes of prognosis in one year improved,and reach statistical significance (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion This study provides insight into current regional profiles of AD.The number of hospitalized patients with AD is increasing dramatically.The mean age of the first-attack is much younger and the male ration is much higher than that reported by other regional researchers.These data support the urgent need for further improvement in prevention and treatment of AD.

Operative strategy for Stanford type A aortic dissection: total arch versus hemi-arch replacement / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective This report is to compare the difference outcome between total arch replacement and hemi-arch replacement for Stanford type A aortic dissection.Methods The subjects were 208 consecutive patients,including 121 who received total arch replacement(group A) and 87 who had hemi-arch replacement(group B) for Stanford type A aortic dissection from August 2001 to July 2013 in Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University.The cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time,average cross-clamping time,selective cerebral perfusion(SCP) time,complications,in-hospital mortality and follow-up after surgery were retrospectively compared between the A and B groups.Results The age,sex ratio,preoperative complications do not show a significant difference between the A and B groups.The CPB time [(247.68± 58.65) min vs (212.68±60.75) min,P =0.000],cross-clamping time[(154.85±45.96) min vs(137.83± 38.91) min,P =0.000] and SCP time [(36.98± 10.62) min vs(29.85± 13.46) min,P =0.000] of group A are all longer than group B.The incidence of postoperative complications(14.0％ vs 10.3％,P =0.619) and in-hospital mortality(9.1％ vs 8.0％,P =0.791) between the A and B groups do not have a significant difference.The mean time of follow-up differed significantly between two groups [(21.86± 18.89) months vs(61.23± 38.57) months,P =0.000] and did not differ in the rate of follow-up(94.5％ vs 96.3％,P =0.585).The rate of false lumen thrombosed at the proximal descending aorta showed a significant difference between the twogroups(91.8％ vs 23.8％,P =0.000),but the rate of secondary surgical intervention (0 vs 2.3 ％,P =0.095) and follow-up death (6.4％ vs 6.3 ％,P =0.975) do not.Conclusion For the Stanford type A aortic dissection patients,surgery is the only treatment that can save lives.Total arch replacement need more time in CPB,cross-clamping and SCP,but the complications,in-hospital mortality and follow-up death do not show a significant difference compared with hemi-arch replacement,and higher rate of false lumen thrombosed have been showed in total arch replacement.

The surgical repair for Stanford type A aortic dissection after cardiac surgery / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To summarize the experience of surgical repair for Stanford type A aortic dissection after cardiac surgery.Methods From February 2009 to December 2011,11 patients who underwent previous cardiac surgery accepted the aortic surgery for Stanford type A aortic dissection.There were 8 males and 3 females.The range of age was from 29 to 64 years,the mean age was(52.27±9.90) years.In these patients,one patient had underwent ventrical septal defect,one patient atrial septal defect,nine patients aortic valve replacement.The interval between the two operations was 1-26 years.The types of aortic dissection was A1S(4 patients),A1C(1 patient),A2S(1 patient),A2C(4 patients),A3C(1 patient).All the patients underwent aortic surgery for aortic dissection.Results The time of cardiopulmonary bypass was 75-409 minutes,the mean value was(185.36± 99.67) minutes.Aortic cross clamp time was 37-203 minutes,the mean value was (84.09± 48.36) minutes.Total six patients needed deep hypothermia and selective cerebral perfusion time was 8-32 minutes.The mean value was(17.71 ± 9.48) minutes.One patient dead in the hospital and the mortality was 9％.The morbidity was 27％.Ten patients followed up 16-45 months.No aortic rupture,paraplegia and death were observed in follow-up time.Conclusion The delayed Stanford type A aortic dissection after cardiac surgery should be attached great importance and always need emergency surgery to save patients' life.The technique is demanding and risk is great for surgeons and patients.For the patients who suffered aortic valve disease combined with dilation of ascending aorta larger than 4.5 cm,the ascending aorta also should be repaired while aortic valve replacement is performed,which could avoid delayed aortic dissection in the future.

Risk factors for cerebral neurological injury after operation of acute Stanford type A aortic dissection / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To analyze risk factors for cerebral neurological injury after operation of acute Stanford type A aortic dissection.Methods Between January 2005 and December 2011,329 cases of acute Stanford type A aortic dissection patients underwent aortic arch replacement were retrospectively analyzed.Univariate and multivariate analysis(multiple logistic regression) were used to identify the risk factors for postoperative cerebral neurological injury including permanent neurological dysfunction (PND) and temporary neurological dysfunction (TND).Results Cerebral neurological injury occurred in 77 cases (23.4％),PND 11 cases(3.3％) and TND 66 cases(20.1％).Multiple logistic regression showed that age(OR =1.087,95％ CI 1.013-1.166,P =0.020) and stroke history (OR =10.383,95 ％ CI 1.596-67.534,P =0.014)were independent risk factors for PND,serum creatinin (OR =1.013,95 ％ CI 1.004-1.023,P =0.006),WBC (OR =1.199,95 ％ CI 1.087-1.324,P =0.000) and peak intraoperative glucose level (OR =1.011,95％ CI 1.004-1.018,P =0.003) were independent risk factors for TND.Conclusion The older age or stroke history indicate the occurrence of PND,Whereas the higher WBC lever preoperative or higher intraoperative glucose level indicate the occurrence of TND.The incidence of TND probably will be reduced by controlling intraoperative hyperglycemia actively.

The study on perfusion flow of cardiopulmonary bypass during acute Stanford type A aoritc dissection procedure / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To research the reasonable perfusion flow of cardiopulmonary bypass during aortic arch procedure of patients with acute type A aortic dissection.Methods Forty patients suffered from acute Stanford type A aortic dissection had been divided into two groups randomly.Group A named traditional perfusion flow group,group B named modified perfusion flow group.Monitoring cerebral blood flow and cerebral tissue oxygen during deep hyperthermia circulatory arrest and antegrade aelective cerebral perfusion procedure by transcranial doppler(TCD) and near-infrared spectroscopy(NIRS).The concentration of S100 protein and lactic acid was measured at six time point.Results Statistical difference of mean blood flow velocity of MCA had been found between two group 3 min after total flow reperfusion.TOI was more tban 60％ during study in both of groups.S100 protein in group A was significantly higher than group B at T6,T7 and T8.Statistical difference of blood lactic concentration had been found between two groups,(4.88± 1.62) mmol/L in group A,(3.83± 1.48) mmol/L in group B,P ＜ 0.05.Safe consciousness time between two groups was difference,(7.36± 2.86) h in group A and (5.27± 3.11) h in group B,P ＜ 0.05.Conclusion Compared with the traditional perfusion flow,modified perfusion flow can provide sufficient cerebral perfusion and prevent the luxury perfusion.

Application value of carotid artery ultrasonography,CT angiography and DSA in the diagnosis of carotid artery dissection / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of carotid artery ultrasonography,CT angiography (CTA)and digital subtraction angiography (DSA)for carotid artery dissection. Methods The image data of carotid artery ultrasonography,CTA,and DSA of 24 patients with carotid artery dissection were analyzed retrospectively. Results Twenty-four,16,and 21 patients were examined with DSA,CTA,and carotid artery ultrasonography respectively. The detection rates of carotid artery dissection with DSA,CTA, and carotid artery ultrasonography were 95. 8%,75.0%,and 71. 4% respectively. The DSA mostly showed the line-like sign (n=12,50 %). CTA and carotid artery ultrasonography mostly showed the double lumen sign;they were 37. 5%(n=6)and 52. 4%(n=11)respectively. Compared with DSA,the concordance rates of carotid artery ultrasonography and CTA were 66. 7% and 81. 3% respectively. There was no significant difference (Kappa=0. 39,P=0. 08 and Kappa=0. 43,P =0. 22 respectively). The concordance rate of ultrasonography in combination with CTA and DSA reached 87. 5%(n=15,Kappa=0. 67,P =0.047). There was significant difference. Conclusion DSA is a gold standard for the diagnosis of carotid artery dissection,and it is irreplaceable. Carotid artery ultrasonography in combination with CTA can improve the diagnostic rate. Carotid artery ultrasonography can be used as a screening method for carotid artery dissection.

Blood coagulation and fibrinolytic response before and after acute aortic dissection repair / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To studied perioperative changes in blood coagulation and the fibrinolytic system in patients undergoing acute aortic disec tion repair analyse the reason and outcome for these changes.Methods Between August 2011 and December 2011,30 patientsk[22 male and 8 female,mean aged (43.0±9.13) years] had undergone open repairs of aortic dissection or aneurysm with DHCA.Indications for surgical intervention were type A sortic dissection in 26 patients and aortic aneurysm in 4 patients.According to the time from clinical onset of the dissection to operation,acute group(less than 7 days,A group) 20 patients; chronic group (more than 30 days and aortic aneurysm,C group) 10 patients.Data were gathered for muhiple preoperative and intraoperative factors including age,sex,diagnosis,aortic dissection type,preoperative ejection fraction,aortic surgery history,surgical intervention type,cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time,aortic cross-clamp time,blood transfusion volume (PRBC),mechanic ventilation time,ICU length of stay and hospital length of stay.Platelet (PLT),fibrin degredation product (FDP),D-dimmer,thrombin-antithrombin (TAT),and soluble fibrin monomer complex (SFMC) were assayed before and after operation,as well as 0 h,24 h,48 h,72 h.These valuables were recorded and compared statistically between two groups.Results Preoperative serum level and postoperative peak level of FDP and D-dimmer in group A were significant higher than in gnoup C (P ＜ 0.05)and postopertive serum peak level in group C were significant higher than preoperative level (P ＜ 0.05 ).Preoperative snd postoperative most hours there was significant intergroup difference on the serum levels of SFMC and TAT (P ＜ 0.05 ).Preoperative level of PLT in group A is lower than in group C significantly (P ＜ 0.05 ).The level of PLT in each hour after surgery were much lower than the level before surgery in both group (P ＜0.05 ).In addition,thromhus fonantion in ascending aortic falsc lumen in group A was much moee common than in group C (P ＜0.05 ).There was significant difference on incidence of postoperative complications between two groups (P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusion Activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis which results from acute aortic dissection and surgical procedure was obscrved before and after surgery to treat acute aortic dissection.There is increasing risk for consumption coagulopathy and thromboembolism during perioperative period.

Clinical experience of early anticoagulant therapy after endovascular stent-graft exclusion for Stanford B type aortic / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To summarize the preliminary experience of early anticoagulant therapy after endovascular stent graft exclusion for Stanford B type aortic dissection.Methods From June 2006 to June 2011,75 patients[ 65 males,10 fe males,mean age (59.1±13.5) years,range 22 -81 years ] under went endovascular stent-graft exclusion for Stafford B type aortic dissection in Shanghai Xinhua Hospital.Computed tomography angiography (CTA) was used to evaluate the lesions of aortic dissection before endovascular stent-graft exchusion.The descending thoracic aortic diameters were 22 mm to 42 mm [ mean (30.3±4.0) mm ].The distance from the breakage of dissection to the left vertebral artery(LSA)was longer than 1.5 mm in 29 cases,and shorter than 1.5cmin 46 cases.During the operation,left subclavian artery revascularization was per formed to patient,whose left vertebral artery was advantage and needs to be fully or partially covered From the second day after operation,asprin was given to patint,whose left subclavian artery was fully or partially coverd by endovascular stent-graft(no endoleak and residual distal tear).Early anticoagulant therapy lasted 3 months.The symptoms or signs about nervous system were observed in the early stage of postoperation,and the CTA was examined at postoperative 3 months.Results The operation succeeded in 75 patients.The diameters of aortic stent were 26mm to 46rmm[ mean(34.3±4.0) mm ].Left subclavian ar tery revascularization was carried out for 2 cases of all patients.The left subclavian artery was fully or partially coverd in 58 patients(fully covered in 19 cases,2/3 covered in 15 cases,1/2 covered in 24 cases),and 56 patints(no endoleak and residualdistal tear) were given anticoagulant therapy to prevent vertebral artery thrombosis.2 patients(2.7％)died in the early stage after operation.1 patient died of renal failure,1 patient died of dissection rupture,The duration of hospitalization was 4 to 19 days [ mean (7.9±3.5)days ].No neurological complications occurred in hospital.The follow-up period was 6 to 66 months.1 patient died during the follow-up,1 patient had recurrence of Stanford A type aortic dissection and was cured by ascending aorta and aortic arch replacement,1 patient had recurrence of Stanford B type aortic dissection and was cured by second endovascular stent-graft exclusion.All patients had no neurological complications,such as cerebral infarction and paraplegia.Concluslon Early anticoagulant therapy could safely and effectively prevent the neurological complications (such as cerebral infarction and paraplegia) related to vertebral artery thrombosis for Stanford B type aortic dissection patients whose left subclavian artery was fully or partially coverd by endovascular stent-graft.

Effective analysis of sixty-five patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection operated under different cooling tempera / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To comparatively analyze effect of different cooling temperature on postoperative results of patients with Stanford type A aortic disaection underwent surgical treatment.Methods Clinical data of 65 patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection perforred aortic root shaping,ascending aorta and total aortic arch replacement combined with stented elephant trunk technique from April 2007 to March 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the cooling temperature,the patients were divided into two groups:group A and group B.The cooling temperature was 20 ℃ to 24 ℃ in group A and 25 ℃ to 2.8 ℃ in group B.Extracorporeal circulation time,circulatory arrest periods,volume of postoperative drainage,ventilation time and cerebral complications incidence after operation were analyzed contrastively.Results There was significant difference between two groups about extracorporeal circulation time,circulatory arrest periods,volume of postoperative drainage,ventilationtime and transient neurological dysfunction(TND) incidence after operation.There was no significant difference between two groups in postoperative pemunent neurological dysfunction (PND),use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and mortality.Conclusion It is safe to appropriately increase the standard of cooling temperature through operating skillfully under the circumstance of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.It,to some extent,shortens operating time and decreases injuries on patients,time of recovery,volume of blood transfusion and complications.

A study of the treatment method of cerebral artery dissection / 中华放射学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the best treatment method of cerebral artery dissection.Methods This study included eight patients who were definitely diagnosed as cerebral artery dissection by the cerebral angiography in our department of neurology during Oct.2009 and Nov.2011.They were all treated by the anticoagulation or anti-platelet methods.Some patients received the stent therapy.All patients' were followed for at least three months. The treatment effect was assessed by NIHSS,mRS and by the cerebral angiography.ResultsSix patients had carotid artery dissection,2 had vertebral artery dissection.Four patients were given anticoagulant therapy and the other 4 were given anti-platelet therapy. The reexamination by angiography 10-14 days after admission showed that in 3 patients,the stenosis was aggravated or the infarction occurred.They were diagnosed as having repeated transient ischemic attack (TIA) during pharmacotherapy and received stents for treatment.There was no TIA and cerebral infarction in the follow-up period after individualized therapy.Mean NIHSS scores of 8 patients between pre and post treatment were 5.9,1.6 respectively. Mean mRS scores pre and post treatment were 2.5,0.9respectively.Conclusion The treatment for patients with cerebral artery dissection should be individuated.The patients in acute stage should get anticoagulation,anti-platelet therapy and angiography re-examination.According to the clinical manifestation and cerebral angiography,the next step for the treatment should be done.

One stage hybrid aortic arch replacement and early results / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To summarize the clinical experience of one stage hybrid operation for aortic arch replacement and explore the indication. Methods From July,2009 to March,2010, 22 consecutive patients received one stage hybrid operation in our hybrid suite for aortic dissection or aortic aneurysm involving aortic arch. Two operative methods are used. (1)Bypass from ascending aorta to brachiocephalic arteries using midstemotomy and normothermia with antegrade aortic arch endovascular stented graft implantation. (2) Ascending aorta replacement and/or aortic valve replacement and/or coronary artery bypass grafting using midstemotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass with antegrade aortic arch endovascular stented graft implantation. Results All patients were technically successful. Angiography during the operation showed 100% patency of all the bypass grafts and no obvious translocation or endoleak of the stents. One patient in the first group died on sixth day after operation due to distal dissection rupture. There was one case of mediastinal lymph effusion in the second group and one case of death due to renal failure and respiratory failure 12 days after operation in the second group. The ICU stay and hospital stay were obviously shorter in hybrid open chest group than that in traditional open chest operation group(P ＜0.05). The blood product consumption and expenditure were also obviously less in hybrid open chest group than that in traditional open chest operation group (P ＜0.05). All the patients were followed up with a mean period of (14.45 ±2.33) months (range: 12 -20 months). All other patients were recovered with normal social life. CT showed neither endoleak nor translocation of the stented grafts. Faulse lumen closure rate at stented-graft segment is 100%. There was no obvious change of distal part of the dissection three months after operation except some thrombosis formation in some of the false lumen. Conclusion One stage hybrid operation for aortic arch replacement is safe and effective in shortening the duration of the operation and reducing the surgical trauma and risk of interval between procedures, shortening the hospital stay and reducing the blood product consumption compared with conventional operation with satisfactory early results. The midterm and long term results are still needed to be followed up.

Hybrid procedure without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest for DeBakey type Ⅰ aortic dissection / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective Some major procedures for DeBakey type Ⅰ aortic dissection used to be performed with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, which had been associated with more complications than seen with standard extracorporeal circulation. We reviewed the cases who received the treatment for DeBakey type Ⅰ aortic dissection by hybrid procedure without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. The procedure consisted of ascending aorta replacement, ascending aorta-aortic arch branch vascular bypass reconstruction and endovascular graft exclusion. Methods From January 2009 to June 2010, 39 patients [mean age (55 ±16) years] who had DeBakey Ⅰ aortic dissection underwent hybrid procedure without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. The femoral artery and right axillary artery were cannulated for perfusion. The ascending aorta and/or aortic valves were replaced under conventional extracorporeal circulation with Bentall procedure or Wheat procedure. The aortic arch branch vessels were dissected and the proximal part was sealed. Then the ascending aorta-aortic arch branch vascular bypasses were constructed with 4-bifurcation vascular grafts, Y-shape bifurcated vascular grafts or artificial vessels. Finally the endovascular grafts were deployed via the femoral incisions monitored dynamically with DSA, or via the ascending aortic bifurcated vessels monitored with transesophageal echocardiography. Results The operation succeeded in all 39 patients. Eight patients underwent ascending aorta replacement without aortic valve replacement or prosthesis, 20 patients underwent Bentall procedure ( Carbrol procedure were used in 11 cases), and 11 underwent Wheat procedure. For ascending aorta-aortic branch vascular bypass reconstruction, sequential anastomoses were performed in 8, Y-shaped bifurcated grafts were used in 15, and 4-bifurcated grafts were employed in 16 patients. The endovascular stent grafts were deployed via the former femoral incisions in 36 patients and via ascending aortic bifurcated vessels in 3. The cardiopulmonary bypass time was (61 ±22) minutes, the aortic crossclamp time was (48 ±18) minutes, and the post-operative intubation time was (30 ±9) hours. The thoracic drainage from each patient was less than 300 ml in 24 hours. No complication, such as hemiplegia, paraplegia, severe infections, renal failure or coagulation disorder, was observed. The duration of hospitalization was (21 ±6) days. No hospital death occurred. Follow-up was performed 1 to 15 months [mean (8.4 ±7.2) months] postoperatively. All patients survived without any organ dysfunction at follow up. The CTA examination 3 months after operation revealed that the false lumens had been closed in 91.2% of the patients. Conclusion Our findings indicated that the hybrid procedure, which combining ascending aorta replacement,ascending aorta-aortic arch branch vascular bypass reconstruction and endovascular graft exclusion under conventional extracorporeal circulation, may be an option for avoiding the possible complications associated with profound hypothermic circulatory arrest. The novel hybrid operation may improve the surgical outcomes and provide a simplified surgical approach for the treatment of DeBakey Ⅰ aortic dissection.

Treatment strategy of aortic arch for type A acute dissection / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective Stanford type A acute aortic dissection is a life-threatening medical condition with high rates of morbidity and mortality that requires surgical repair, on an emergency basis. The extent of aortic arch repair that should be carried out during emergency surgery of this type is controversial. This study was conducted to report clinical experience on aortic arch repair and determine surgical indication, optimal operative procedures and strategy for Stanford type A acute aortic dissection. Methods 210 consecutive patients with acute Stanford A aortic dissection who underwent aortic arch replacement combined with implantation of stented elephant trunk into the descending aorta between August 2005 and August 2010. Surgical procedures included hemi-aortic arch replacement in 92 patients, subtotal aortic arch replacement in 50 patients and total aortic arch replacement in 68 patients. All operations were performed with the aid of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP). Enhanced computed tomography scanning was performed to evaluate the postoperative outcomes, particularly the fate of the false lumen remaining in the descending thoracic aorta by aortic arch replacement combined with implantation of stented elephant trunk during follow up. Results Average cardiopulmonary bypass time was (146 ±52) min. The average cross clamp time was(93 ±25)min and average selective cerebral perfusion and circulatory arrest time was(35 ±14)min. The overall in-hospital mortality was 4. 8% (10/210) and morbidity was 8. 6% ( 18/210). Postoperative complications included acute renal failure, stroke, mediastinitis and respiratory insufficiency. During the follow-up period [mean (27 ± 18) months, ranged 2 to 60 months], 1 patient underwent reoperation due to the descending thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm. There was no late death. Follow-up enhanced CT scanning showed about 74% false lumens obliterated at the level of the distal border of the stent graft post operation. Conclusion Open aortic arch replacement is an effective approach and provides acceptable outcomes for type A acute aortic dissection. Optimal treatment strategy is the key factor to success in emergency surgical intervention.

The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and the pathological changes of vascular smooth muscle cell in patients with acute ascending aortic dissection / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective Ascending aortic dissection(AAD),for which the pathogenesis remains unknown,is life-threatening.Matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)and the pathological changes of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)have been reported to have roles the pathogenesis.The study examined the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)and the pathological changes of,VSMCs in patients with AAD.Methods AAD samples were taken from 35 patients(disease group)in acute phase during aortic replacement operation for AAD and control samples were corresponding part of ascending aorta(control group,n=21)collected from the donor hearts for transplantation.Transmission electron microscepe,hematoxylin-eosin(H-E)staining.Mallory staining were used for observing the pathological changes of VSMCs and matrix in the affected aortic wall.The immunohistochemicai staining of MMP-9 was carried out in both groups and semi-quantified by staining intensity analysis.The affected patients were further grouped according to the diameter of dissected aorta as with a AAD of <55 mm or with a AAD of≥55 mm.The associations of clinical factors,such as smoking status,hypertensive disease and aneurysm diameter,with the expression of MMP-9 were analyzed.Results Increased synthetic function of VSMCs with decreased density,disrupted elastic fibers and fibrosis in the dissected aortic wall were observed in the disease group,but not in the control group.MMP-9 was scarcely expressed in the aortic wall of the patients in the control group,though it was notably expressed in the VSMCs of disease group.Both subgroups presented more MMP-9 than the control group(both P<0.001).In the disease group,sub-group with a AAD diameter of ≥55 mm presented more MMP-9 than that with a diameter of <55 mm(P<0.05).MMP-9 expression was positively correlated with a history of hypertension(P<0.01)or a great aneurysm diameter(P<0.05).MMP-9 expression was not associated with age,smoking status or other clinical factors.Conclusion Increased secretion of VSMCs and the expression of MMP-9 induced by elevated blood pressure may lead to the destruction of matrix proteins.The resulting fibrosis of the aortic wall would decrease the tensile strength of the wall.When the fibrotic aortic wall dilated further,the increased expression of MMP-9 would aggravate the damage to the wall.It can be speculated that acute AAD would occur as a result of partial tearing of the aortic intima.

Aneurysmal disease after blunt injury of the thoracic aorta / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective To sum up the experience in treating thoracic aortic aneurysmal disease caused by blunt injury.Methods From September 2003 to March 2009,12 Patients were admitted into our center due to thoracic aortic aneurysmal disease after blunt injury,including 8 Stanford type B aortic dissections and 4 descending aorta pseudoaneurysms.Diagnosis was established by CT angiography and re-evaluated by angiography before endovascular treatment. Once severe co-morbidity due to iniury wag stabilized,endovascular repair of the lesions Was carried out with stent-graft implantation.Follow.up was done by CTA at 3 months、6 months、1 year and then annually postoperatively.Results Eleven patients underwent endovascular surgery,while 1 died before intervention.Technical success was achieved in all patients with left subclavian artery intentionally covered in 6 cases.Endoleak Was observed in 3 cases andmanaged with balloon dilation in 2 easels.9 cases were followed up without mortality,including 6 disseetions and 3 pseudoaneurysms.No ischemic symptom of left uppar extremity or positive neurological sign or paralysis were observed,CTA revealed no newly-developed dissection or aneurysm、no endoleak or stent migration. Conclusion Thoracic aortic aneurysmal disease after blunt injury mostly locates in aortic isthmus;endovascular stent-graft implantation after stabilization of concurrent disease is effective.