Endovascular treatment of coarctation of the aorta with a self-expanding endoprosthesis: how i do it using the braile dominus ® coarctation aorta device

Abstract The coarctation of the aorta is a relatively highly prevalent congenital heart disease and may be diagnosed as an underline cause of hypertension in adolescents and adults. The gold standard treatment for coarctation of the aorta in these patients is being replaced - from open surgery to endovascular therapy. Some prostheses have been developed to treat the coarctation with less acute and chronic complications. The Dominus® Coarctation Aorta (Braile Biomédica) is the first self-expandable prosthesis created specifically to treat coarctation of the aorta, reducing possible acute complications, like aortic rupture or aortic dissection. Here, we discuss the step-by-step method for using this prosthesis.

Implementación de balón de resucitación aórtico endovascular (REBOA) para el control de hemorragia no compresible de torso / Implementation of the resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) for the control of non-compressible torso hemorrhage

Resumen Introducción: La hemorragia no compresible de torso, actualmente tiene una alta morbimortalidad aún en los centros de referencia más especializados. El REBOA es una herramienta emergente que se utiliza como control hemostático precoz en este tipo de pacientes. Caso Clínico: Presentamos el caso de una paciente femenina de 25 años que sufre un trauma pélvico grave tras caer de altura. Ingresa hemodinámicamente inestable por lo cual se activa protocolo de transfusión masiva y realiza acceso arterial femoral común derecho. Al presentar una respuesta transitoria a la reanimación, se instala balón de REBOA en zona 3, logrando aumentar presión sistólica hasta 130 mmHg, trasladando posteriormente a quirófano. Se realiza packing pélvico preperitoneal y fijación externa, desinflando el balón después de 29 min en zona 3. La paciente sale a unidad de cuidados intensivos sin drogas vasoactivas, para completar cirugía a las 48 h y fijación definitiva 6 días después. La paciente evoluciona en buenas condiciones generales.

Introduction: Non-compressible torso hemorrhage currently has a high morbidity and mortality even in the most specialized referral centers. REBOA is an emerging tool that is used as early hemostatic control in this type of patient. Clinical Case: We present the case of a 25-year-old female patient who suffers severe pelvic trauma after falling from a height. He was admitted hemodynamically unstable, for which a massive transfusion protocol was activated and a right common femoral arterial access was performed. After presenting a transient response to resuscitation, a REBOA balloon was installed in zone 3, increasing systolic pressure up to 130 mmHg, later transferring to the operating room. Preperitoneal pelvic packing and external fixation were performed, deflating the balloon after 29 minutes in zone 3. The patient left the intensive care unit without vasoactive drugs, to complete surgery 48 hours later and definitive fixation 6 days later. The patient evolves in good general condition.

Surgical treatment of pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta in a patient with sepsis

Abstract Pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta (PAA) is a hazardous and potentially fatal cardiovascular disease. This condition is caused by the rupture of at least one layer of the vessel and contained by the remaining vascular layers or the surrounding mediastinal structures. We presented the surgical treatment of a patient with sepsis and large PAA and brachiocephalic trunk, which was compressing the brachiocephalic trunk leading to syncope.

Experimental comparative study of arterial implants made of silicone reinforced with polyester fabric and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in rabbits aorta / Estudo experimental comparativo de implantes arteriais em silicone com reforço de poliéster e politetrafluoretileno expandido (PTFE) em aorta de coelhos

ABSTRACT Objectives: the aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of a new silicone vascular prostheses with PTFE vascular prostheses, on a rabbit experimental model. Methods: forty rabbits underwent infra-renal aorta replacement with 4 mm diameter prostheses, twenty animals with PDMS and twenty animals with PTFE (control group). Retrograde aortic angiography was performed to assess patency. Histological graft samples were examined by electron microscopy to evaluate prostheses endothelialization. Results: patency rates were 100% for both grafts after 30 days; after 60 days, patency rate for PDMS was 92.3% (±7.4), and 73,8% (±13.1) at 90 days. PTFE grafts had patency rates of 87.5% (±11.7) at 60 and 90 days. No statistically significant difference was found in between groups for patency rates (p=0.62). Postoperative complications (death, paraplegia) rates (p=0.526) and aortic clamping times (p=0.299) were comparable in both groups. No statistically significant difference for stenosis was found on angiographical analysis between groups (p=0.650). Electron microscopy revealed limited anastomotic endothelial ingrowth in both prostheses. Conclusion: in this experimental model, PDMS and PTFE vascular prostheses had comparable outcomes and PDMS prosthesis could be used as a vascular graft.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar novo tubo de silicone como material para prótese vascular e compará-lo a prótese de PTFE, em modelo experimental com coelhos. Métodos: quarenta coelhos foram submetidos a interposição, na aorta infrarrenal, de próteses de 4mm de diâmetro, sendo 20 animais com PDMS e 20 com PTFE (grupo controle). Foi realizada arteriografia retrógrada da aorta para avaliar a patência das próteses. Para avaliar a endotelização das próteses foi realizada microscopia eletrônica de maneira amostral pareada. Resultados: a patência em 30 dias foi de 100% para as duas próteses. Aos 60 dias, a taxa de patência do PDMS foi de 92,3% (± 7,4), e de 73,8% (±13,1) em 90 dias; as próteses de PTFE tiveram taxas de patência de 87,5% (± 11,7) aos 60 e 90 dias. Não foi observada diferença significativa entre as taxas de patência dos grupos (p=0,62). Não foi observada diferença entre os grupos quanto à evolução com complicações pós-operatórias (p=0,526) e quanto ao tempo de clampeamento da aorta (p=0,299). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto ao grau de estenose das próteses (p=0,650) à avaliação angiográfica. A microscopia eletrônica mostrou crescimento endotelial limitado às regiões próximas às anastomoses nos dois tipos de próteses. Conclusões: o PDMS mostrou-se passível de utilização como prótese vascular, com resultados comparáveis aos do PTFE no modelo utilizado.

Retroperitoneal iliac conduits as an alternative access site for endovascular aortic repair: a tertiary care center experience / Condutos ilíacos retroperitoneais como local de acesso alternativo para reparo endovascular de aneurisma: experiência em centro de atenção terciária

Abstract Background Retroperitoneal open iliac conduits (ROIC) are used in patients with hostile iliac anatomy undergoing endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). Objectives We hereby report our experience of ROIC in patients subjected to EVAR. Methods This was a retrospective evaluation of 8 patients out of a total of 75 patients (11%) who underwent EVAR in the last 10 years. Pre-procedure computed tomography angiography was used to assess the dimensions of iliac and femoral arteries. Patients who had small arterial dimensions (i.e. smaller than the recommended access size for the aortic endograft device) were subjected to ROIC. Results The mean age of the 3 males and 5 females studied was 45.7 ± 15.2 years. The indication for ROIC was the small caliber ilio-femoral access site in 7 patients and atherosclerotic disease in 1 patient. All external grafts were anastomosed to the right common iliac artery except one which was anastomosed to the aortic bifurcation site because of a small common iliac artery. The procedural success rate was 100%. Local access site complications included infection (n=1), retroperitoneal hematoma (n=1), and need for blood transfusion (n=3). The median post-intervention hospital stay was 10 days. All patients had favorable long-term outcomes at a median follow-up of 18 months. Conclusions Female patients require ROIC during EVAR more frequently. Adjunctive use of iliac conduit for EVAR was associated with favorable perioperative and short-term outcomes.

Resumo Contexto Os condutos ilíacos abertos retroperitoneais são utilizados em pacientes submetidos a reparo endovascular de aneurisma (REVA) com anatomia ilíaca hostil. Objetivos Relatamos a nossa experiência com os condutos ilíacos em pacientes submetidos a REVA. Métodos Trata-se de uma avaliação retrospectiva de oito pacientes, de um total de 75 (11%), os quais foram submetidos a REVA nos últimos 10 anos. Foi realizada angiotomografia computadorizada antes do procedimento para avaliar as dimensões das artérias ilíaca e femoral. Os pacientes com dimensões arteriais menores, abaixo do tamanho de acesso recomendado para o dispositivo de endoprótese aórtica, foram submetidos a condutos ilíacos. Resultados A média de idade dos participantes foi de 45,7±15,2 anos, sendo três do sexo masculino e cinco do sexo feminino. As indicações para condutos ilíacos foram local de acesso ilíaco femoral de pequeno calibre, para sete pacientes, e doença aterosclerótica, para um paciente. Todas as próteses externas foram anastomosadas na artéria ilíaca comum direita, com exceção de uma, que foi anastomosada no local da bifurcação aórtica por apresentar artéria ilíaca comum menor. A taxa de sucesso do procedimento foi de 100%. As complicações no local de acesso incluíram infecção (n = 1), hematoma retroperitoneal (n = 1) e necessidade de transfusão de sangue (n = 3). O tempo mediano de internação hospitalar pós-intervenção foi de 10 dias. Todos os pacientes apresentaram desfechos de longo prazo favoráveis no seguimento mediano de 18 meses. Conclusões As pacientes do sexo feminino necessitaram de condutos ilíacos durante REVA com maior frequência. O uso adjuvante de condutos ilíacos com REVA foi associado a desfechos perioperatórios e de curto prazo favoráveis.

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

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

The largest reported giant ascending aortic aneurysm presented with superior vena cava syndrome

Abstract Giant ascending aortic aneurysm is a rare condition. In this paper, we present an uncommon case of giant ascending aortic aneurysm with a maximal diameter of 14 cm in a 77-year-old woman presenting with unusual symptoms. The patient underwent a successful surgery involving ascending aortic replacement, and was discharged without any complication. After discharge, she was followed regularly and no major problem was observed in her control visits. To the best of our knowledge, our case is the largest ascending aortic aneurysm reported to date in the existing literature.

The Russian conduit - combining bentall and ozaki procedures for concomitant ascending aorta replacement and aortic valve neocuspidization

Abstract In aortic valve disease cases, prosthetic valves have been used for valve replacement, however, these prostheses have inherent problems, and their quality in some countries is lower comparing to new-generation models, causing shorter durability. Aortic valve neocuspidization (AVNeo) has emerged as an option, which can be applied to a wide spectrum of these diseases. Despite the promising results, this procedure is not widely spread among cardiac surgeons yet. We developed a surgical technique combining Bentall and Ozaki procedures to treat patients with concomitant ascending aorta replacement and AVNeo and we describe it in this paper.

Challenging the management of bleeding and coagulopathy in ascending aortic surgery in a Jehovah's Witness patient: case report / Desafiando el manejo del sangrado y la coagulopatía en cirugía de aorta ascendente en un paciente testigo de Jehová: Reporte de Caso

Abstract Introduction: Not transfusing in certain medical settings can be a life-threatening decision; however, Jehovah's Witness patients who reject transfusions have led to learning and multiple medical interventions to avoid it. Despite this, heart surgery follows a specialty that is clearly related to the risk of transfusion, making operating on a Jehovah's Witness patient a challenge. Case presentation: An ascending aorta surgery was performed on a Jehovah's Witness patient, where different strategies were applied, both for blood saving and for the prevention and management of coagulopathy. Results: Surgery of the ascending aorta with extracorporeal circulation was successfully performed without requiring administration of blood components. Conclusions: Adequate planning and implementation of bleeding prevention strategies and coagulopathy management may contribute to avoid and/or reduce the administration of blood products, allowing for the absence of transfusions to not be utopia in major cardiac surgery.

Resumen Introducción: No transfundir en algunos escenarios médicos puede ser una decisión que amenaza la vida del paciente, sin embargo, los pacientes testigos de Jehová quienes rechazan las transfusiones, han conducido al aprendizaje y realización de múltiples intervenciones médicas para evitarla. A pesar de ello, la cirugía cardiaca sigue una especialidad claramente relacionada con el riesgo de transfusiones, por lo que operar a un paciente testigo de Jehová constituye un reto. Presentación del caso: Se llevó a cabo una cirugía de aorta ascendente en un paciente testigo de Jehová, donde se aplicaron diferentes estrategias, tanto de ahorro sanguíneo como de prevención y manejo de la coagulopatía. Resultados: Se llevó a cabo exitosamente una cirugía de aorta ascendente con circulación extracorpórea, sin requerir la administración de componentes sanguíneos Conclusiones: La adecuada planeación y realización de estrategias de prevención del sangrado y manejo de la coagulopatía pueden contribuir a evitar y/o reducir la administración de hemoderivados, permitiendo que en cirugía cardiaca mayor la ausencia de transfusiones no sea una utopia.

Indicações e resultados para o uso expandido da oclusão ressuscitativa por balão endovascular da aorta - REBOA / Expanding indications and results for the use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta - REBOA

RESUMO A oclusão ressuscitativa por balão endovascular da aorta (REBOA) é utilizada para controlar hemorragias não compressíveis do tronco como uma opção menos invasiva e com menos distúrbios fisiológicos quando comparado à toracotomia de emergência com clampeamento da aorta. Isso permite a melhora dos parâmetros hemodinâmicos até que a cirurgia definitiva seja realizada. É utilizada no trauma como uma medida para prevenir o colapso hemodinâmico em pacientes que estão em choque hemorrágico grave, mantendo a perfusão do cérebro e do coração enquanto diminui o sangramento distal até que o controle da hemorragia possa ser realizado. As principais complicações relatadas são insuficiência renal aguda, amputações de membros inferiores e óbitos. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a expansão do uso do REBOA em situações não traumáticas de outras áreas da medicina, assim como, avaliar os resultados obtidos até o momento. Uma pesquisa online do PubMed, Medline e SciELO foi realizada com o termo "REBOA" nos últimos cinco anos, e os artigos incluídos foram os 14 que descrevem especificamente o uso do REBOA para condições não traumáticas. Os resultados sugerem que o uso do REBOA levou a um melhor controle do sangramento e aumento da pressão arterial, reduzindo a necessidade de transfusão de sangue e permitindo que os pacientes sobrevivam ao tratamento definitivo das lesões. Concluindo, o uso expandido do REBOA para emergências não traumáticas parece ser eficaz, mas estudos prospectivos e protocolos bem estabelecidos devem ser desenvolvidos para maximizar os resultados.

ABSTRACT Currently, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is used in trauma surgery for controlling non-compressible torso hemorrhages, as a less invasive option and with fewer physiologic disturbances compared with an invasive emergent thoracotomy for aortic cross-clamping. This can allow improvements in hemodynamic parameters until definitive surgery is performed. REBOA is also used in trauma to prevent hemodynamic collapse in patients who are in severe hemorrhagic shock, as a method to maintain perfusion of the brain and heart while decreasing distal bleeding until hemorrhage control can take place. The major complications reported are acute kidney injury, lower leg amputations, and even death. As experience with REBOA in emergency surgery grows, new indications have been described in the literature. The aim of this study was to assess the expansion of the use of REBOA in other areas of medicine, as well as evaluating the current published series. We performed an online search of PubMed, Medline and SciELO with the term "REBOA" in the last five years, and the articles included were the 14 specifically describing the use of REBOA for non-traumatic conditions. The results suggest that the use of REBOA led to improved bleeding control and increased arterial pressure, reducing blood transfusion requirements and allowing patients to survive to definitive treatment of injuries. In conclusion, the expanded use of REBOA for non-traumatic emergencies appears to be effective. However, prospective studies and well-established protocols for specific indications should be developed to maximize patient outcomes.

Surgical repair of complex aortopulmonary window: a case study

Abstract Aortopulmonary septal defect, also known as the aortopulmonary window, is a rare congenital macrovascular malformation. This case involves a 9-year-old boy with aortopulmonary septal defect (type I combined with type IV). Before surgery, milrinone and alprostadil were used to counteract high lung pressure. Surgery was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass, following which the pulmonary pressure decreased. The aorta was cut, and the right pulmonary artery opening was connected with the main pulmonary artery septal defect using polyester patch. An internal tunnel was made, and the deformity correction was completed. The child exhibited normal postoperative recovery with no discomfort. A complex aortopulmonary window is a rare condition that can be treated successfully with appropriate preoperative and surgical management.

Aortic valve replacement combined with ascending aortic aneurysmectomy in a patient with sickle cell disease: a case report

Abstract Sickle cell anemia is a haematological disorder characterized by multiple vaso-occlusive complications, resulting in a reduced life expectancy. These patients are exposed to several triggering factors for sickle cell crises when they are submitted to cardiovascular surgeries with extracorporeal circulation. Therefore, meticulous care and perioperative management are required. This paper reports a successful case of combined cardiovascular surgery - aortic valve replacement and ascending aortic aneurysmectomy - with no serious post-operative complications. In this report, we emphasize the peculiarities of perioperative care in patients with sickle cell anemia.

Evolução no tratamento dos aneurismas da aorta torácica / Evolution and treatment of throracic aortic aneurysms

Os autores realizam uma revisão, de característica didática, das aortopatias, focalizando o histórico, o desenvolvimento do tratamento e os aspectos atuais de abordagem, utilizando a alta tecnologia das salas híbridas. Nos últimos anos, graças ao desenvolvimento das técnicas endovasculares, ocorreu uma verdadeira revolução no tratamento, especialmente para as patologias da aorta descendente, em que procedimentos eficientes foram aplicados com acentuada redução da morbimortalidade. A utilização de salas híbridas e tecnologia de moldes 3D, permitindo endoprótese customizadas, constituem-se em avanços significativos a serem utilizados nos próximos anos e que mudarão os paradigmas de uma subespecialidade

The authors performed a didactic review of aortic diseases, focusing on the historical aspects, the development of treatment, and aspects of the current approach using the latest technology of hybrid surgical rooms. In recent years, thanks to the development of endovascular techniques, there has been a real treatment revolution, especially for diseases of the descending aorta, with the application of efficient procedures, resulting in a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality. The use of hybrid technology rooms and computer 3-D reconstruction technology, enabling customized endoprostheses, are significant advances to be used in the coming years, and that will change the paradigms of a sub-specialty.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de la úlcera penetrante de aorta ascendente: casos clínicos / Penetrating ulcer of the ascending aorta treated surgically: report of two cases

Penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) is an ulceration of an atherosclerotic plaque which disrupts the aortic internal elastic lamina and that can evolve to an intramural hematoma (IH), aortic dissection or aortic rupture. We report two cases with PAU. A 73 year-old woman with a history of hypertension, presented with acute chest pain of three days of evolution and a hypertensive emergency. An electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation and elevated cardiac enzymes. Computed tomography (CT) scans showed an acute ascending aortic mural hematoma secondary to PAU and hemopericardium. Replacement of ascending aorta was performed with a vascular prosthesis with extracorporeal circulation (ECC). PAU and IH were confirmed by histopathology. A 62-year old woman with a history of hypertension, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, consulted for abdominal pain of two days of evolution. A thoracic-abdominal CT scan visualized an uncomplicated PAU and an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Because of abdominal pain and signs of peritoneal irritation, an exploratory laparotomy was performed finding a typhlitis. Resection and ileo-ascendo-anastomosis were performed. A new CT scan showed PAU with high risk of rupture without a clinical acute aortic syndrome. The patient was operated replacing the ascending aorta with a vascular prosthesis using ECC. Three PAU were found. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. Both patients evolved without postoperative complications.