Management of Iatrogenic Aortic Dissections During Percutaneous Right Coronary Artery Interventions

ABSTRACT Iatrogenic acute aortic dissections during percutaneous coronary interventions are an extremely rare but potentially life-threatening complication, occurring in less than 0.02% of transcatheter procedures. We report three patients with different characteristics suffering from iatrogenic aortic dissection during percutaneous coronary intervention successfully treated with an emergency open-heart surgery. A conservative strategy should be pursuit only in small, localized lesions.

A Clinical Analysis of Thirty-Five Patients Undergoing Aortic Reoperation

Abstract Introduction: At present, there are few reports regarding the issue of aortic reoperation due to its complexity and high risk and individual differences among patients. Methods: From November 2016 to December 2017, the data from 35 cases of aortic reoperation at our institution, out of 212 consecutive aortic repairs, were reviewed. We retrospectively summarized and analyzed their surgical indications, operative data, time interval from previous aortic repair, and outcomes. The time intervals until reoperation were analyzed for differences. Results: Patients' mean age was 40.9±14.5 years, and 25 of them were men (71.4%). The indications for reoperation were aortic valvular problem (14.3%), aneurysmal dilatation (25.7%), pseudoaneurysm formation due to anastomotic leakage (43.2%), and aortic dissection (17.1%). For patients who had underwent primarily emergency operations due to aortic dissection, the time interval until reoperation (4.8±3.2 years) was significantly shorter than that of the whole group (5.5±3.6 years, P<0.01). Among the 35 reoperations, Sun's procedure was selected for 16 patients (45.7%) with total aortic arch reconstruction. The average follow-up was 12 months (range 9-15 months). Hospital mortality was 5.7% (two patients). Among the hospital survivors there were no cases of death, rupture of residual dissection, paraplegia, or central nervous system complications during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Patients with acute aortic dissection required repeat surgery significantly earlier compared to other diseases. As to reoperation strategy, we recommend Sun's procedure as the choice for extended arch reconstruction since minimal effect on overall mortality and complication rates were found.

Disección aórtica: verdadero valor diagnóstico de la radiografía de tórax / Aortic dissection: True diagnostic value of thorax X-ray

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la capacidad diagnóstica de los signos radiológicos y su aplicabilidad para el diagnóstico de disección aórtica (DA). Establecer un valor de corte para el ensanchamiento mediastínico izquierdo en la DA y determinar su sensibilidad (S) y especificidad (E). Método: Se incluyeron 39 pacientes a los que se realizó angiotomografía de aorta torácica por sospecha clínica de DA, en un instituto cardiovascular de alta complejidad, del 1 de agosto de 2018 al 1 de febrero de 2019. Se realizaron radiografías de tórax de frente a todos los pacientes. Resultados: el 72% de los pacientes eran hombres. El promedio de edad fue de 63 años. La hipertensión arterial fue el factor de riesgo cardiovascular más común. El 43% de los pacientes tuvieron DA, el 76% fueron de tipo B. La media del ancho mediastínico máximo mostró una diferencia de 1,5 cm entre los pacientes con DA y sin DA. En cambio, la diferencia fue de 2 cm para el ancho mediastínico izquierdo. El ensanchamiento mediastínico máximo y del mediastino izquierdo fueron signos estadísticamente significativos; este último con muy buena capacidad diagnóstica (área bajo la curva: 0,84). Se calculó un punto de corte para el ancho mediastínico izquierdo de 5,39 cm (S: 82%; E: 77%). El ensanchamiento del botón aórtico, aorta ascendente/descendente o asimetría entre ambas también fueron signos estadísticamente significativos. Conclusiones: Los signos radiológicos para el diagnóstico de DA fueron validados. Se calculó un punto de corte para el ancho mediastínico izquierdo de 5,39 cm, con buena capacidad diagnóstica.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic capacity of the radiological signs for aortic dissection (AD) and their applicability for the diagnosis, as well as to establish a cut-off value for left mediastinal width in AD and determine its sensitivity (S) and specificity (E). Method: From a high complexity cardiovascular institute, 39 patients were selected and chest X-rays were performed from August 1, 2018 to February 1, 2019. Selection criteria involved those who underwent computed tomography angiography of thoracic aorta for clinical suspicion of AD. Results: Within the sample, 72% were men (mean 63 years old), with hypertension as a most common risk factor. 43% of the patient had AD, 76% were type B. The mean maximum mediastinal width showed a difference of 1.5 cm between patients with AD and those without it. In contrast, the difference was 2 cm for the left mediastinal width. Maximum mediastinal width and left mediastinal width were statistically significant signs. Left mediastinal width presented good diagnostic capacity (area under the curve: 0.84). Cut-off point of 5.39 cm for the left mediastinal width was calculated (S: 82%; E: 77%). Finally, widening of the aortic knob, ascending/descending aorta or asymmetry between both showed to be statistically significant signs. Conclusions: Radiological signs for the diagnosis of AD was validated. Also, a cut-off point for the left mediastinal width of 5.39 cm was found with a very good diagnostic capacity.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair Following Axillo-Femoral Bypass in a Patient with Stanford B Acute Aortic Dissection Accompanied by Renal Ischemia / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 71-year-old male was admitted to our institution because of right leg pain and paleness, accompanied by sudden chest-back pain. The right femoral artery was not palpable. The reticulated cyanosis appeared on the right leg. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed an acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD) extending from the descending thoracic aorta to the left common iliac artery and right external iliac artery. The intimal tear was located at thoraco-abdominal aorta. There was a severe stenosis of the true lumen at bilateral common iliac arteries because of the dynamic compression caused by the extended false lumen. Blood to the right leg was not supplied from the dissected iliac artery, the peripheral circulation was maintained by collateral flow. The patient was diagnosed acute TBAD complicated with lower limb ischemia. An emergent right axillary artery-bifemoral arteries bypass was carried out for malperfusion of lower extremities. The symptoms in the lower limbs disappeared immediately. The bilateral femoral arteries were well palpated. However, 4 days later, uncontrollable severe hypertension and anuria appeared suddenly. Contrast enhanced CT revealed the stenosis of true lumen at bilateral renal arteries and an exacerbation of stenosis of true lumen at abdominal aorta. Emergent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for entry closure was performed to improve the renal function and prevent mesenteric ischemia. Postoperative contrast enhanced CT revealed the complete closure of the entry tear and dilatation of the true lumen at the descending and abdominal aorta. At the bilateral renal arteries, the blood flow improved. The renal function recovered and mesenteric ischemia did not occurred. In this report, we presented a case of acute TBAD complicated with lower limbs ischemia and late onset acute ischemic renal failure. We first performed the right axillary artery-bifemoral arteries bypass grafting, after that we had to perform TEVAR to close the entry tear. One-stage emergent TEVAR should be considered for acute TBAD with the dynamic compression at the level of abdominal aorta in future.

A Case Report on Localized Acute Aortic Dissection of the Sinus of Valsalva Associated with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve Diagnosed with the Onset of Acute Coronary Syndrome / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

We experienced a rare case of a patient who had a bicuspid aortic valve associated with acute aortic dissection limited to the sinus of Valsalva involving the left main coronary artery and acute coronary syndrome. The patient was a 36-year-old male who was identified as having a congenital bicuspid aortic valve. He visited our emergency room with a chief complaint of acute chest/back pain. He was diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome based on ECG findings and underwent an emergency coronary angiography. This test revealed filling defects at the entrance of the left main coronary artery, with aortic dissection limited to the sinus of Valsalva suspected. Emergency chest contrast-enhanced CT (ECG gated) led to his being diagnosed as having an acute aortic dissection limited to the sinus of Valsalva. After an intra-aortic balloon pump was inserted in order to maintain the coronary blood flow by surgery, emergency coronary artery bypass surgery and a modified Bentall procedure (the Carrel patch method) were carried out. His postoperative course was good and he was discharged home on the 19th disease day.

A Case of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Subacute Aortic Dissection Stanford Type B in a Patient with Marfan Syndrome / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 41-years-old man with Marfan syndrome developed acute aortic dissection Stanford Type B. A new entry was located at the distal aortic arch. Medical treatment was given for a month, but the proximal descending aorta expanded to 50 mm. Because he had undergone partial arch replacement at the age of 36, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) using the synthetic graft as proximal landing zone was performed to close the entry. Six months after TEVAR, the false lumen around the stent graft disappeared. Distal stent graft-induced new entry (d-SINE) did not occur after TEVAR. Three years after TEVAR, we performed thoracoabdominal aortic replacement because of expansion of the residual false lumen without any complication. Endovascular therapy could be useful option for extensive aortic lesion even in Marfan syndrome.

Two Cases of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair Using the Carotid Artery as the Access Route / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) is widely used for high-risk patients with thoracic aortic pathology. However, access to the thoracic aorta can be difficult because TEVAR requires the introduction of a large a sheath especially in those with aortoiliac occlusive diseases and thoracic shaggy aorta. We herein report two cases of TEVAR in which the common carotid artery was used as the access route. Case 1 : An 86-year-old male patient whose past surgical history was significant for infected abdominal aortic aneurysm with abdominal aortic stump closed and axillo-bilateral femoral bypass. Computed tomography revealed a saccular aneurysm of the descending aorta, which required a carotid artery approach as the access route. Case 2 : A 79-year-old female patient who developed type A thoracic aortic dissection. She was considered to be of prohibitive risk for surgical repair and was treated conservatively. However, an intramural hematoma with an ulcer-like projection lesion in the ascending aorta expanded and definitive treatment was indicated. Because the descending aorta was significantly shaggy, we decided to perform TEVAR via the right common carotid artery as the access route. Both patients' pathology was successfully treated and were discharged without any complications. TEVAR via common carotid artery access is a useful and safe procedure for patients in whom femoral and abdominal aortic aorta access is not feasible or safe.

A Case of Paraplegia after Total Arch Replacement with Frozen Elephant Trunk for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

The frozen elephant trunk technique (FET) for the treatment of acute aortic dissection is associated with more favorable remodeling in the descending aorta compared to those patients without FET, but it may also be associated with postoperative spinal cord injury (SCI) and actually,some postoperative SCI cases after FET are reported. Several risk factors for SCI are known and one of them is due to the occlusion of intercostal arteries from false lumen. A 71-year-old woman underwent total arch replacement with FET, but after surgery, she noticed decreased movement in both lower extremities and was suspected of postoperative paraplegia. She went through cerebrospinal fluid drainage but didn't get better at all. According to the preoperative contrast computed tomography images, seven out of ten intercostal arteries were originating from the false lumen and six of them were occluded after surgery. When most of intercostal arteries are originating from the false lumen and there is no entry inside the descending and abdominal aorta, the intercostal arteries may be occluded due to thrombosis of the false lumen and it may cause spinal cord ischemia after surgery.

Independent risk factors related to acute respiratory distress syndrome after acute type A aortic dissection surgery: A retrospective analysis / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To investigate the independent risk factors associated with postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients undergoing type A aortic dissection surgery. Methods    The clinical data of 147 patients who underwent acute type A aortic dissection surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from 2015 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 110 males at age of 51.9±10.1 years and 37 females at age of 54.3±11.1 years. According to whether the patients developed ARDS after surgery, all of the patients were divided into a ARDS group or a non-ARDS group. Logistic regress analysis was utilized to establish the predictive mode to identify the independent risk factors related to ARDS. Results    Of the patients, 25 developed postoperative ARDS. Among them, 5 patients were mild ARDS, 13 patients were moderate, and 7 patients were severe ARDS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that deep hypothermic circulatory arrest time [odds ratio (OR)=1.067, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.014-1.124, P=0.013], cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR=1.012, 95%CI 1.001-1.022, P=0.027) and perioperative plasma input (OR=1.001, 95%CI 1.000-1.002, P=0.011) were independently associated with ARDS in patients undergoing acute A aortic dissection surgery. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated a good discrimination ability of the logistic regression model, with an area under the curve of 0.835 (95%CI 0.740-0.929, P=0.000). Conclusion    Duration of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, cardiopulmonary bypass time and perioperative plasma are independent risk factors for postoperative ARDS in patients undergoing type A aortic dissection surgery.

Optimized arterial perfusion strategy in total arch replacement for acute type A aortic dissection with malperfusion syndrome / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To investigate the effect of optimized arterial perfusion strategy on total arch replacement for acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) with malperfusion syndrome (MPS). Methods    From 2017 to 2019, 51 patients with AAAD and MPS who had received total arch replacement with optimized arterial perfusion strategy in our hospital were included in the optimized perfusion group, including 40 males and 11 females, with an average age of 47.43±13.39 years. A total of 40 patients with AAAD and MPS who had been treated with traditional Sun's surgery were taken as the traditional control group, including 31 males and 9 females, with an average age of 50.66±12.05 years. The perioperative clinical data of the two groups were compared. Results    The preoperative baseline data of the two groups were basically consistent (P>0.05). The comparison of operative data between the optimized perfusion group and the traditional control group showed that in the optimized perfusion group, the extracorporeal circulation time, aortic occlusion time, and circulation-out cerebral perfusion time were significantly less than those in the traditional control group (223.64±65.13 min  vs. 266.77±87.04 min, 114.48±27.28 min vs. 138.20±39.89 min, 8.28±3.81 min vs. 50.53±23.60 min, all P≤0.05). The lowest intraoperative nasopharyngeal temperature in the optimized perfusion group was significantly higher than that in the traditional control group (27.10±1.18℃ vs. 23.6±3.30℃, P=0.000). Postoperative wakefulness time of the optimized perfusion group was earlier than that of the traditional control group (4.50±1.35 h vs. 5.27±1.15 h, P=0.019). The volume of blood transfusions in the optimized perfusion group was significantly less than that in the traditional control group (13.25±9.06 U vs. 16.95±7.53 U, P=0.046). There was no significant difference in ICU time and invasive ventilation time between the two groups (P>0.05). Postoperative complications of the two groups showed that the incidence of postoperative continuous renal replacement therapy in the optimized perfusion group was significantly lower than that in the traditional control group, with a statistically significant difference (21.6% vs. 42.5% P=0.003). The incidence of postoperative delirium, coma, low cardiac row syndrome and limb ischemia in the optimized perfusion group was lower than that in the traditional control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The incidence of postoperative hemiplegia, sepsis, and secondary thoracotomy in the optimized perfusion group was higher than that in the traditional control group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Postoperative mortality in the optimized perfusion group was significantly lower than that in the traditional control group (13.7% vs. 27.5%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.102). Conclusion    Optimized arterial perfusion strategy and its related comprehensive surgical technique reduce surgical trauma, shorten the operation time, reduce perioperative consumption of blood products. Postoperative wakefulness is rapid and the incidence of complications of nervous system, kidney and limb ischemia is low. Optimized arterial perfusion strategy is suitable for operation of AAAD with MPS by inhibiting the related potential death risk factors to reduce operation mortality.

Short-term effects of extended adventitial inversion with graft eversion anastomosis technique in the root treatment of acute type A aortic dissection / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To evaluate the short-term therapeutic effect of extended adventitial inversion with graft eversion anastomosis technique in the root treatment of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Methods    From November 2019 to July 2020, 28 patients with ATAAD were treated by extended adventitial inversion with graft eversion anastomosis technique in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, including 19 males and 9 females, aged 60.11±11.11 years. The intima of the ascending aorta was trimed to 5 mm above the sinotubular junction. The adventitia of the ascending aorta was longitudinally cut to the reserved intima margin along the junction of the three aortic valves. The extended adventitial inversion was sutured continuously, no coronary sinus was sutured over the aortic annulus, and the left and right coronary sinus was sutured above the coronary ostium. The anastomotic graft was everted and inserted into the aortic lumen, and the everted graft was continuously sutured at the level of sinotubular junction which was 5 mm away from the edge of graft. Results    There was no intraoperative death, intractable root hemorrhage, residual root false lumen, root dilatation, anastomotic hematoma or other complications. There was no recurrence of the pain in the back of all patients, and the results of the CT angiography were not significantly changed. In 22 patients with no regurgitation, only 1 (4.55%) patient had a mild regurgitation. In 6 patients with mild aortic regurgitation, the disappearance rate of regurgitation was 50.0% (3/6). Conclusion    The treatment of extended adventitial inversion with graft eversion anastomosis technique in the root treatment of aortic dissection eliminates the residual dissection at the root. The anastomotic hemorrhage is prevented, the root structure of aortic dissection is reconstructed and strengthened, the root function is restored, and the possible expansion of the root is prevented. The short-term results are satisfactory.

Short-term outcome of ascending aorta replacement combined with total aortic arch fenestration technique for acute type A aortic dissection / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To report our clinical experience and outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for acute Stanford type A dissection using ascending aorta replacement combined with implantation of a fenestrated stent-graft of the entire aortic arch through a minimally invasive technique. Methods    From 2016 to 2020 in our hospital, 24 patients (17 males and 7 females, aged 45-72 years) with complicated Stanford type A aortic dissection, underwent replacement of the proximal ascending aorta with TEVAR. None of the patients with dissection involved the three branches of the superior arch, and all patients were replaced with artificial blood vessels of the ascending aorta under non-hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, preserving the arch and the three branches above the arch, and individualized stent graft fenestration. Results    Surgical technical success rate was 100.0%. There was no intraoperative complication or evidence of endo-leak in 1 month postoperatively. Hospital stay was 10±5 d. During postoperative follow-up, the stent was unobstructed without displacement, the preserved branch of the aortic arch was unobstructed, and the true lumen of the descending aorta was enlarged. Conclusion     This hybrid technique by using TEVAR with fenestrated treatment is a minimally invasive and effective method to treat high-risk patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection.

Preoperative ascending aorta diameter and prognosis analysis of patients with acute type A aortic dissection / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the preoperative ascending aorta diameter in patients with acute type A aortic dissection in the Chinese population, compares and analyze the differences in preoperative blood biomarkers, and evaluate the impact of the preoperative ascending aorta diameter in this part of patients on the short-term prognosis of patients.Methods:A collection of 641 patients with acute type A aortic dissection who were enrolled in the " Acute Aortic Syndrome High-Risk Early Warning and Intervention Study" project from January 2018 to January 2020 were collected. Divide the patients into two groups (group Ⅰ<55 mm, group Ⅱ≥55 mm) according to the preventive intervention value of ascending aorta diameter recommended by the guideline for studying preoperative ascending aorta diameter difference in blood biomarkers and the influence of ascending aorta diameter on the short-term prognosis of patients. All patients had CT scans to assess the diameter of the ascending aorta before operation.Results:In this study, all patients with acute type A aortic dissection had a mean preoperative ascending aorta diameter of (46.9±9.7)mm. The preoperative ascending aorta diameter of all patients was less than 55 mm, accounted for 84.1%. Male patients were more likely to have aortic dissection than females; most patients' age was less than 60 years old. The preoperative blood inflammatory index counts were higher in the ascending aorta diameter ≥55 mm group. However, the long-term prognosis of patients with different ascending aorta diameters before surgery was not apparent in this study. The preoperative survival rate and short-term survival rate of patients with ascending aorta diameter <55 mm were higher than those of other groups, but the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion:In patients with acute type A aortic dissection, the diameter of the ascending aorta is usually less than 55 mm. Moreover, the blood inflammatory index counts are high in the preoperative ascending aorta diameter ≥55 mm group. Meanwhile, patients with smaller ascending aorta diameter have better survival rate and short-term prognosis.

The risk factors for and outcomes of preoperative hepatic dysfunction in patients who received surgical repair for acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To identify the risk factors for and outcomes of preoperative hepatic dysfunction (HD) in patients who underwent surgery for the treatment of acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection (ADIAD).Methods:A retrospective study including 810 consecutive patients between January 2014 and December 2019 in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital was performed with emergency surgical repair. All patients were divided into non-HD and HD groups according to the Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score before surgery and their clinical parameters and clinical outcomes were collected and compared. To determine independent predictors of preoperative HD, multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using variables with P<0.5 in the univariate analyses. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were conducted to analyze the association between preoperative HD and postoperative long-term survival. Results:The mean age of the patients was (52.4±12.5) years. 215 patients (26.5%) were identified as the preoperative HD group. In univariate analysis, significant difference was found with respect to the postoperative complications (98.6% vs. 94.5%, P=0.011) and 30-day mortality (20.0% vs. 8.4%, P<0.001) between the two groups. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that elevated serum troponin T levels upon admission( OR=1.921, P<0.001) and preoperative cardiac tamponade ( OR=2.158, P=0.002) were independent risk factors for preoperative HD. The long-term mortality rate was not significantly affected by preoperative HD. Conclusion:Early HD before surgery was commonly observed in patients with ADIAD and was associated with increased postoperative complications and 30-Day mortality. Elevated serum troponin T levels upon admission and preoperative cardiac tamponade were identified as risk factors for preoperative HD.

Clinical experience of off-pump arch branches preferential reconstruction and whole brain perfusion in the treatment of type A / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To introduce the early results of total aortic arch replacement (TAA) without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and without interruption of cerebral blood supply, using the technique of arch branches preferential reconstruction and whole brain perfusion for brain protection.Methods:Between June 2020 and March 2021, a total of 9 Stanford type A aortic dissection patients we performed total arch replacement by using the technique of arch branches preferential reconstruction and whole brain perfusion without cardiopulmonary bypass and without interruption of blood supply to the brain. The method of this reconstruction technique is as follows: A 24F aortic cannula was inserted into the true lumen at the root of the transverse innominate artery (IA) to connect one end of the artery for cardiopulmonary bypass. The access was connected to 14F artery via Y-connector and inserted into IA cavity to maintain blood supply to brain. Without cardiopulmonary bypass, the 10 mm branch of the four branch artificial blood vessel was anastomosed with the innominate artery IA. The perfusion collateral was connected to the second end of the artery of CPB (single pump and double tubes) to continue to supply blood for IA. The left common carotid artery (LCA) and left subclavian artery (LSCA) were reconstructed by the same method. When IA and LCA were anastomosed, the distal blood supply was not interrupted. After the three branches of the aortic arch were anastomosed, we started to turn the machine, then cooled down and blocked the ascending aorta to further complete the operation of the aortic root and arch. During the period of lower body circulatory arrest, the whole brain was perfused with low flow.Results:No intraoperative death or perioperative complications occurred in all patients, and they were discharged smoothly. The cardiopulmonary bypass time was (192.4±58.1) min, the aortic clamping time was (128.3±52.4) min, the lower body circulatory arrest time was (29.1±1.3) min, and the postoperative awake time was (8.2±3.7) h.Conclusion:Off-pump arch branches preferential reconstruction can provide physiological whole brain perfusion, shorten the cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic occlusion time, and the operation is safe and effective.

Arch-clamping technique for surgical repair of acute Type A aortic dissection / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of arch-clamping technique in Sun’s procedure to repair acute type A aortic dissection.Methods:20 consecutive patients[17 males with mean age of (49.7±10.9)years old] with acute type A aortic dissection who underwent total arch replacement and frozen elephant trunk implantation (TAR+ FET) from May 2019 to April 2020 were divided into group with using arch-clamping technique during operation (arch-clamping group) or group without (traditional group). Circulatory arrest time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, recovery time, ventilation time, platelet count during the first 3 days postoperatively, blood loss during the first 12 h postoperatively, death, cerebral infarction and acute renal failure were compared. Patients with advanced age(age>70 years old ), or malperfusion syndrome preoperatively or who did not receiving TAR+ FET surgery were excluded from this study.Results:Circulatory arrest time[(4.1±0.6 )min vs. (17.2±2.6)min, P=0.001] and cardiopulmonary bypass time[(158.4±6.8 )min vs. (198.2±12.6)min, P=0.01] were significantly lower in arch-clamping group, compared with traditional group. Postoperative recovery time[(8.9±2.6 )h vs. (16.0±7.3)h, P=0.94] and ventilation time[(13.6±2.2)h vs. (34.1±14.3)h, P=0.18] were non significantly lower in arch-clamping group. Although postoperative platelet counts were higher in arch-clamping group during the first three days, those difference did not reach statistical significance ( P>0.05). All patients were discharged alive. There was no significant difference among the two group with respect to drainage during the first 12 h postoperatively, death, cerebral infarction and acute renal failure. Conclusion:Arch-clamping technique decrease circulatory arrest time dramatically and provide good protection of brain, coagulation and renal function by shortening ischemia time, thereby reducing postoperative complications. It is a safe and feasible innovative approach to effectively improve surgical outcome of Sun’s procedure for repair of acute type A aortic dissection.

Minimally invasive hybrid surgery for Stanford B aortic dissection involving the aortic arch / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect and safety of one-staged hybrid surgery in the treatment of complicated Stanford B aortic dissection.Methods:246 consecutive patients who underwent one-staged hybrid technique with complicated type B aortic dissection (cTBAD) between January 2014 and July 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The perioperative mortality and morbidity of the hybrid technique was assessed and the early results of follow up were evaluated.Results:The mean age of patients was(57.1±11.2)years old, and 175 (71.1%) were male. There were 166 cases of left common carotid artery-left subclavian artery vessels bypass + TEVAR (A group), operation time(62±8)min, post-operated hospitalization(5.2±1.3)days; 62 cases of right common carotid artery-left common carotid artery vessels bypass+ left common carotid artery-left subclavian artery vessels bypass + TEVAR (B group), operation time(88±12)min, post-operated hospitalization(6.1±1.8)days; 18 cases of debranch + TEVAR, operation time(236±36)min, post-operated hospitalization(8.8±2.1)days. 246 patients underwent hybrid procedure successfully (The technique success rate was 100%). 1 patient(0.4%)with traumatic aortic dissection (with cerebral trauma) died after operation 7 days. The average follow-up period was 5 years(30.3±7.1)xmonths. 236 patients(96%) without endoleak, 10 patients(4%)with proximal endoleak, 5 patients with regular follow-up, 5 patients with surgical treatment during one year (3 patients with re-TEVAR; 2 patients with opening operation); 25 patients(10.2%)incision hematomas, all these patients settled with closely observing and conservative treatment, and all these patients without reintervention. The rate of second intervention was 2% (5/246) the patency of bridging vessel was 99.7% (343/344). There was no paraplegia and stroke during perioperative period.Conclusion:One-staged hybrid surgery has a good short-term and med-term efficacy and safety for complicated Stanford B aortic dissection.

Application of aortic root repair in acute type A aortic dissection with aortic sinus involvement / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the outcomes of aortic root repair in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) with aortic sinus involvement.Methods:The clinical data of patients with ATAAD involving the aortic sinus and an aortic root diameter of ≤45 mm who were treated from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2016, were collected. Patients were divided into group A (involvement of one aortic sinus or part of one aortic sinus) and group B (involvement of more than one aortic sinus). The effectiveness of aortic root repair in ATAAD with sinus involvement was analyzed by comparing the preoperative imaging characteristics and postoperative results between the two groups.Results:The study cohort comprised 155 patients, including 100 patients in group A and 55 in group B. There were no differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics, aortic root diameter, 30-day mortality, and complication rates. During an average follow-up of(49.1±14.6) months, there was no difference between the two groups in the survival rate (92.0% vs. 89.5%, P=0.61). The aortic root diameter at follow-up showed no progressive expansion compared with preoperatively in either of the two groups[(38.1±3.6) mm vs. (37.9±3.5)mm, P=0.92, A; (38.4±4.1) mm vs. (38.3±3.6) mm, P=0.74, B]; furthermore, there was no difference between the two groups in aggravation of aortic regurgitation. Conclusion:Aortic root repair achieves satisfactory medium-term outcomes in ATAAD with more than one aortic sinus involved, but the long-term outcomes need to be evaluated.

Clinical outcomes of redo median sternotomy on proximal aortic repair / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To summarize the clinical outcomes and experience of redo median sternotomy on proximal aortic repair. Investigate the relationship between first operation and reoperation, reoperation indications, cardiopulmonary bypass strategy, intraoperative technical details, early and mid-term postoperative results.Methods:There were 28 patients underwent 29 times of redo median sternotomy on proximal aorta from April 2017 to December 2019. There were 23 males (79.3%) with an average age of (45.1±12.7) years (26-79 years), 15 Marfan syndrome (15/29, 51.7%) and 3 Behcet's disease (3/29, 10.3%). The primary operation included aortic valve or mitral valve replacement, Bentall procedure, ascending aortic replacement, simultaneous abdominal aortic replacement, Sun's procedure and coronary artery bypass grafting. The indications for reoperation were: aortic root aneurysm or coronary artery aneurysm, anastomotic leakage, perivalvular leakage due to inflammatory aortic disease, acute or chronic type A aortic dissection and aortic root abscess, aortic arch aneurysm. The surgical methods were Bentall, Cabrol, wheat, aortic valve sparing root replacement with replantation, anastomotic leakage repair, CABG, total arch replacement + stent elephant trunk implantation (Sun's procedure), ascending aorta to abdominal aorta bypass, abdominal aortic replacement.Results:One patient (3.4%) died in hospital because of severe postoperative pulmonary complications, consolidation of both lungs, ARDS and hypoxia. Postoperative low cardiac output was occurred in 2 cases (6.9%), 1 case was cured by ECMO, and 1 case died half a year after operation during follow up period. Re-exploration for postoperative hemorrhage was occurred in three cases (10.3%). Renal failure requires dialysis was 3 cases (10.3%), and transient paresis was 1 cases (3.4%), respectively. All of them were recovered before discharge. During the follow-up period, one patient died of multiple organ failure due to low cardiac output, and one patient underwent total thoracoabdominal aortic replacement. One patient underwent Cabrol for aneurysm of the coronary artery after Bentall procedure. One year later, type A dissection occurred again and Sun's procedure was performed through a median sternotomy.Conclusion:Reoperation of proximal aorta after cardiac and aortic surgery is safe and effective, with good short-term and medium-term results. Comprehensive preoperative evaluation, successful sternotomy, establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass and effective organ protection are the key to successful operation. Patients with aortic diseases, especially Marfan syndrome, are more likely to undergo reoperation. Close follow-up and timely reoperation are necessary to avoid aortic rupture. Sun's procedure is suitable for redo complex arch operation.

Therapy experience and clinical features of patients with acute type A aortic dissection involving coronary malperfusion / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics, surgical methods and prognosis of patients with acute type A aortic dissection combining coronary artery involvement.Methods:415 patients diagnosed with acute type A aortic dissection from October 2016 to September 2019 were included in the study.Among them, 358 were males and 57 were females; aged(51.2±10.7) years old.According to the results of intraoperative coronary probes, 342 patients in the group were without coronary involvement, and the other 73 were with coronary involvement.Data on the coronary involvement classification, site, and treatment methods of the coronary involvement group were collected by consulting the ward medical record system.Meanwhile, preoperative baseline data, surgical data and prognostic results were retrospectively collected between the two groups. The data of the two groups were compared by chi- square test, t-test and Mann- Whitney U test. Results:Coronary involvement group: Among 73 (17.6%, 73/415) patients with coronary involvement, 8 (11.0%) in the left coronary, 48 in the right (65.8%), and 17 (23.3%)cases with involvement of both left and right coronary arteries. Classification of coronary artery(90) involvement: Neri A in 47(52.2%, 47/90), 33 with Neri B (36.7%, 33/90), and 10 with type Neri C (11.1%, 10/90). Type Neri B/C coronary artery involvement was mostly treated with artificial vascular coronary artery replacement or coronary artery bypass grafting. Comparison between the two groups show, patients in the coronary involvement group had higher preoperative levels of CK-MB, D-dimer and more severe aortic valve regurgitation compared to the coronary non-involvement group. The comparison of surgical data suggests that the coronary involvement group had a higher proportion of aortic root treatment, longer operation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic clamping time. A higher percentage of intimal tear located in the ascending aorta or aortic root was found in the coronary involvement group. The mortality rate in the coronary involvement group was significantly higher than that of the non-involvement group (12% versus 4%), and it was more likely to combine heart failure (5% versus 1%) and renal failure (26% versus 13%).Conclusion:Compared with pure type A dissection, patients with coronary artery involvement are more common in patients whose primary intimal tear were found at the proximal aorta, and are more prone to severe aortic valve regurgitation. Coronary artery treatment procedures include direct suture and fixation, coronary artery replacement, and coronary artery bypass grafting. Among them, Neri A coronary involvement can mostly be fixed with direct suture and stabilization, while the Neri B / C type mostly requires artificial vascular replacement of the affected coronary artery or coronary artery bypass. Patients with coronary artery involvement have a higher proportion of deaths and confer relatively higher risk of post-operative renal/cardiac failure.