Dacron graft intussusception technique for treatment of type a aortic dissections: technical notes and preliminary results

Abstract Introduction: Optimal surgical management for acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) remains unclear. The in-hospital mortality rate is still high (15%), and the intraoperative bleeding is an independent risk factor for hospital mortality. Objective: The aim of our study was describe a new method for aortic anastomosis in the repair of AAAD and report the hospital mortality and bleeding complications. Methods: Between January 2008 and November 2014, 24 patients, 16 male, median age 62 years, underwent surgical treatment of AAAD. The surgical technique consisted of intussusception of a Dacron tube in the dissected aorta, which is anastomosed with a first line of 2-0 polyester everting mattress suture and a second line of 3-0 polypropylene running suture placed at the outermost side. Open distal anastomosis was performed with bilateral selective antegrade cerebral perfusion in 13 (54.1%) patients. Results: Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping time ranged from 75 to 135 min (mean=85 min) and 60 to 100 min (mean=67 min), respectively. The systemic circulatory arrest ranged from 29 to 60 min (mean=44.5 min). One (4.1%) patient required reoperation for bleeding, due to the use of preoperative clopidogrel. The postoperative bleeding was 382-1270 ml (mean=654 ml). We used an average of 4.2 units of red blood cells/patient. There were two (8.3%) hospital deaths, one due to intraoperative bleeding and another due to mesenteric ischemia. The average length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital was 44 hours and 6.7 days, respectively. Conclusion: This new method for surgical correction of AAAD was reproducible and resulted in satisfactory clinical outcomes.

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

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

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

Mortality within the endovascular treatment in Stanford type B aortic dissections / Mortalidade no tratamento endovascular nas dissecções aórticas tipo B

BACKGROUND: Endovascular stent-graft repair of aortic dissections is a relatively new procedure, and although apparently less invasive, the efficacy and safety of this technique have not been fully established. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate mortality in patients with complicated Stanford type B aortic dissections submitted to endovascular treatment. METHODS: Clinical, anatomical, imaging and autopsy data of 23 patients with complicated type B aortic dissections were reviewed from November 2004 to October 2007. The main indications for transluminal thoracic stent-grafting included: persistent pain in spite of medical therapy, signs of distal limb ischemia, signs of aortic rupture, progression of aneurismal dilation of the descending aorta during follow-up (defined as a diameter > 50 mm) and the diameter of descending thoracic aorta of 40mm or larger at the onset of aortic dissection. Data were analyzed statistically; all p-values were two-tailed and differences < 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. Continuous variables were expressed as mean (± SD), and medians were compared by the Student's t test. Differences in categorical variables between the groups were analyzed by the Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The procedure presented primary technical success in 82.6 percent of patients. Four patients (17.4 percent) had an incomplete proximal entry seal. Three patients (13 percent) died within 30 days of the procedure and eight patients (34.8 percent) died after 30 days. CONCLUSION: Endovascular correction of complicated Stanford type B aortic dissections is a feasible and effective treatment option.

INTRODUÇÃO: O tratamento endovascular na dissecção de aorta é um procedimento relativamente novo e, embora aparentemente menos invasivo, a eficácia e a segurança dessa técnica não estão totalmente estabelecidas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a mortalidade e complicações nos pacientes submetidos a tratamento endovascular na dissecção de aorta tipo B de Stanford. MÉTODOS: Foram revisados, a partir de novembro de 2004 a outubro de 2007, em estudo clínico, anatômico, de imagens e dados da autopsia de 23 pacientes com dissecção aórtica tipo B. As principais indicações para o procedimento foram: dor persistente apesar da terapia médica, sinais de isquemia distal do membro, sinais de ruptura da aorta, progressão da dilatação do aneurisma da aorta descendente, durante o seguimento (definida como um diâmetro > 5 cm) e descendente da aorta torácica de 40 mm ou mais de diâmetro no início da dissecção aórtica. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente considerados erro alfa de 5 por cento. As variáveis contínuas foram expressas como média (± dp) e medianas e comparadas pelo teste t Student. As diferenças entre os grupos em variáveis categóricas e analisadas pelo chi-quadrado ou teste exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: O procedimento apresentou sucesso técnico primário em 82,6 por cento dos pacientes. Quatro (17,4 por cento) pacientes tinham um selo de entrada incompleto proximal. Três (13 por cento) pacientes morreram antes de 30 dias e oito (34,8 por cento), após 30 dias do procedimento. CONCLUSÃO: Os procedimentos endovasculares são factíveis na dissecção da aorta torácica tipo B, na qual as complicações das causas de mortalidades alertam sobre a gravidade da doença e de intercorrências das próteses como no caso das fistulas.

Procedimiento de Bentall en la enfermedad aneurismática de la aorta ascendente: mortalidad hospitalaria / Bentall procedure in ascending aortic aneurysm: hospital mortality

Introducción: La enfermedad aneurismática de la aorta ascendente (EAAA) se caracteriza por su baja frecuencia, comportamiento heterogéneo, riesgo de rotura y disección, que conllevan elevada mortalidad, por lo que la cirugía electiva es fundamental. Se han desarrollado diversos procedimientos quirúrgicos, considerándose la técnica de Bentall el estándar de referencia. Se describe la mortalidad hospitalaria de la EAAA tratada quirúrgicamente mediante el procedimiento de Bentall. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo en el que se incluyeron 23 pacientes con EAAA operados entre el 1 de marzo de 2005 y el 30 de septiembre de 2008; la información fue obtenida de los expedientes clínicos. Resultados: Los 23 pacientes correspondieron a 1.2 % de las cirugías efectuadas. Edad media de 46 años (rango 16 a 74), sexo masculino 83 %. Etiología: degeneración inespecífica de la capa media con implicación valvular 43 %, aorta bivalva 22 %, síndrome de Marfán, de Turner y aneurismas posestenóticos, 9 % cada uno. Enfermedad de Takayasu y espondilitis anquilosante, 4 % cada uno. Enfermedad cardiaca asociada en seis (26 %): coartación aórtica (2), cardiopatía isquémica (1), comunicación interauricular (1), insuficiencia mitral severa (1) y rodete subaórtico (1). Procedimientos realizados: cirugía de Bentall 20 (87 %), aortoplastia con prótesis valvular tres (13 %). Complicaciones: sangrado anormal con reintervención 17 %, neumonía nosocomial 13 %, arritmias 13 %, choque séptico 9 %. Mortalidad tres (13 %): choque séptico y fibrilación ventricular. Conclusiones: La mortalidad hospitalaria para la cirugía de Bentall fue semejante a la registrada en otros centros especializados. Los eventos relacionados con la patología aórtica, técnica quirúrgica, prótesis valvular aórtica y la disfunción ventricular izquierda, obligan a realizar estudios de seguimiento a largo plazo.

BACKGROUND: Ascending aortic aneurysm disease (AAAD) shows a low frequency, heterogeneous behavior, high risk of rupture, dissection and mortality, making elective surgery necessary. Several procedures have been developed, and the Bentall technique is considered as the reference standard. The objective was to describe the hospital mortality of AAAD surgically treated using the Bentall procedure. METHODS: We carried out a descriptive study. Included were 23 patients with AAAD who were operated on between March 1, 2005 and September 30, 2008 at our hospital. Data were obtained from clinical files, and descriptive statistics were selected for analysis. RESULTS: The study population was comprised of 23 patients with an average age of 46 years; 83% were males. Etiology was nonspecific degeneration of the middle layer with valve implication in 43%, bivalve aorta in 22%, Marfan syndrome, Turner's syndrome and poststenotic aneurysms each represented 9%, and Takayasu disease and ankylosing spondylitis 4% each. Associated heart disease was reported in six (26%) patients as follows: aortic coarctation (2), ischemic cardiopathy (1), atrial septal defect (1), severe mitral insufficiency (1) and subaortic membrane (1). Procedures carried out were Bentall surgery in 20 (87%) patients and aortoplasty with valve prosthesis in three (13%) patients. Complications reported were abnormal bleeding with mediastinal exploration (17%), nosocomial pneumonia (13%), arrhythmia (13%), and septic shock (9%). Mortality was reported in three (13%) patients due to septic shock and ventricular fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical mortality with the Bentall procedure is similar to published results by other specialized centers. Events related to the basic aortic pathology, surgical technique, aortic valve prosthesis and left ventricular dysfunction encourage longterm studies with follow-up.

Síndrome da hipoplasia do coração esquerdo: a influência da estratégia cirúrgica nos resultados / Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: the influence of surgical strategy on outcomes

OBJETIVOS: Relatar uma estratégia cirúrgica para a operação de Norwood na síndrome de hipoplasia do coração esquerdo (SHCE), que possibilite tempo curto de parada circulatória hipotérmica e reconstrução do arco aórtico com pericárdio autólogo. Comparar os resultados das técnicas anastomose de Blalock-Taussig modificado (B-Tm) e tubo ventrículo direito para artéria pulmonar (VD-AP) no restabelecimento da circulação pulmonar. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo compreendendo 71 neonatos portadores de SHCE, consecutivamente operados entre março de 1999 e fevereiro de 2006. Foi usada a mesma técnica de reconstrução da neo-aorta e duas técnicas diferentes de restabelecimento da circulação pulmonar: anastomose de B-Tm nos primeiros 37 neonatos e tubo VD-AP nos últimos 34. A canulação do canal arterial para a perfusão arterial foi a parte principal da estratégia cirúrgica para diminuir o tempo de parada circulatória hipotérmica. RESULTADOS: A sobrevida geral foi de 74,64 por cento, sendo de 67,57 por cento no grupo B-Tm e de 82,35 por cento no grupo tubo VD-AP (p = 0,1808). Os índices de mortalidade entre o primeiro e o segundo estágios foram de 40 por cento e de 4,4 por cento, respectivamente, nos grupo B-Tm e tubo VD-AP (p = 0,0054). Os tempos de parada circulatória hipotérmica foram, respectivamente, de 45,79 + 1,99 minutos e de 36,62 + 1,62 minutos (p = 0,0012). Coarctação tardia da aorta ocorreu em cinco pacientes (7,2 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: Essa estratégia cirúrgica resultou em tempo curto de parada circulatória, baixa mortalidade e boa morfologia da neo-aorta, com baixa incidência tardia de coarctação aórtica. A maior sobrevida ao primeiro estágio com o tubo VD-AP não foi significante, mas a mortalidade interestágios foi estatisticamente menor na comparação com o procedimento B-Tm.

OBJECTIVES: To report a surgical strategy for the Norwood procedure in the hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) that enables short hypothermic circulatory arrest time and aortic arch reconstruction with autologous pericardium patch, and to compare the results of the modified Blalock-Taussig (mBT) shunt with the right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduit procedures as the source of pulmonary blood flow. METHODS: Retrospective study of 71 newborns with HLHS consecutively operated between March, 1999 and February, 2006. One technique for reconstruction of the neoaorta and two different techniques for reestablishment of the pulmonary blood flow were used: the mBT shunt in the first 37 newborns and RV-PA conduit in the last 34. Cannulation of the ductus arteriosus for arterial perfusion was the main part of the surgical strategy to reduce the hypothermic circulatory arrest time. RESULTS: In-hospital survival for the entire cohort was 74.64 percent, or 67.57 percent and 82.35 percent for the mBT shunt and RV-PA conduit groups, respectively (p=0.1808). Mortality rates between the first and second palliation stages were 40 percent and 4.4 percent for the mBT shunt and RV-PA conduit groups, respectively (p=0.0054). Hypothermic circulatory arrest times were 45.79±1.99 min and 36.62±1.62min (p=0.0012), respectively. Late coarctation of the aorta occurred in five patients (7.2 percent). CONCLUSION: This surgical strategy resulted in short circulatory arrest time, low mortality and favorable morphology of the neoaorta, with low incidence of late coarctation of the aorta. The higher rate of survival to first palliation stage with the RV-PA conduit was not significant, but interstage mortality was statistically lower when compared with the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt procedure.

Mortalidade relacionada ao tratamento endovascular do aneurisma da aorta abdominal com o uso dos modelos revisados / Procedure-related mortality of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair using revised reporting standards

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a definição da mortalidade relacionada ao procedimento após tratamento endovascular do aneurisma de aorta abdominal (EVAR) como definido pelo Committee for Standardized Reporting Practices in Vascular Surgery. MÉTODO: Dados de pacientes com aneurisma de aorta abdominal foram analisados do banco de dados EUROSTAR. Os pacientes foram submetidos ao EVAR entre junho de 1996 a fevereiro de 2004 e foram estudados retrospectivamente. A probabilidade explicita da causa de morte foi registrada. O intervalo entre a operação, alta hospitalar ou intervenção secundária até a morte foi registrado. RESULTADOS: De um total de 5612 pacientes, 589 (10,5 por cento) faleceram após o EVAR em acompanhamento total e qualquer causa de morte foi inclusa. Cento e quarenta e um pacientes (12,5 por cento) morreram devido a causa relacionada ao aneurisma, sendo que 28 (4,8 por cento) foram rupturas, 25 (4,2 por cento) infecções do implante e 88 (14,9 por cento) foram pacientes que morreram num prazo de 30 dias após o procedimento inicial (definição atualmente utilizada, também conhecido como resultado clínico a curto prazo). Além disso, 25 pacientes faleceram após 30 dias, mas continuavam ainda hospitalizados (ou transferidos a home-care para reavaliação posterior, ou necessitaram intervenção secundária). Levando em conta a duração da admissão ao hospital e a mortalidade imediata após o procedimento relacionada a intervenções secundárias, 49 mortes tardias também podem ser relacionadas ao EVAR. CONCLUSÃO: Morte tardia compõe uma proporção considerável da mortalidade relacionada ao EVAR dentro do tempo de análise revisado.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the definition of Procedure-related mortality after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) as defined by the Committee for Standardized Reporting Practices in Vascular Surgery. METHODS: Data on patients with an AAA were taken from the EUROSTAR database. The patients underwent EVAR between June 1996 and February 2004 and were analyzed retrospectively. Explicit probability of cause of death was recorded. The time interval from operation, hospital discharge or second interventions till death was recorded. RESULTS: A total of 589 out of 5612 patients (10.5 percent) died after EVAR in total follow up and all causes of death were included. 141 (2.5 percent) patients died due to aneurysms reported after the EVAR procedure of which 28 (4.8 percent) were ruptures, 25 (4.2 percent) graft-infections and 88 (14.9 percent) patients who died within 30 days after the initial procedure (present definition, also known as short term clinical outcome). In addition 25 patients died after 30 days, but were then (at moment of death) still in the hospital, or were transferred to a nursing home for further re-evaluation, or needed second interventions. Taking into account the duration of hospitalization and mortality immediately after procedure-related second interventions, 49 delayed deaths might also be regarded as being EVAR procedure-related. CONCLUSION: Delayed deaths are a considerable proportion of procedure-related deaths after EVAR within the revised time frame.

Resultados clínicos alejados del uso de prótesis Ultracor en posición aórtica / Late results of aortic valve replacement with the Ultracor prosthesis

Introducción: La prótesis Ultracor® es una válvula mecánica monodisco. Se utilizó para reemplazo valvular aórtico(RVA) en nuestro servicio entre 1995 y 2003. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados del uso de prótesis Ultracor en posición aórtica. Método: Revisión retrospectiva de fichas clínicas de pacientes sometidos a RVA exclusivo con prótesis Ultracor entre 1995 y 2003 en el Hospital Regional de Concepción (N=117). Se tabularon los datos demográficos, patología valvular, capacidad funcional (CF) y fracción de eyección pre operatorios; y la morbi - mortalidad operatoria. En el seguimiento se evaluaron los episodios de hemorragia, tromboembolismo, endocarditis, necesidad de reoperación y defunciones tardías. Resultados: 77 pacientes (65.8 por ciento) de sexo masculino. Edad promedio 54.4 años. 62 pacientes (53 por ciento) estaban en CF I ó II. La indicación quirúrgica fue por estenosis en 59 (50.4 por ciento) e insuficiencia en 42 (53.9 por ciento). Se presentaron complicaciones en 34 pacientes (29 por ciento) y fallecieron 6 (5.1 por ciento). Seguimiento en 105 pacientes (94.6 por ciento) con un total de 402 años/paciente (promedio 3.9 años). Las tasas de complicaciones ( por ciento / año) fueron: 1.2 para tromboembolismo y 2.5 para hemorragia, 1 para endocarditis y 1 para reoperación. Fallecen 18 pacientes en el seguimiento (2.2 por ciento /año). Se realizó ecocardiograma a 75 pacientes. No hubo disfunción estructural y se presentaron 4 leak perivalvulares. Conclusiones: En esta serie observamos tasas de complicaciones similares a las publicadas para otras prótesis. La mayoría de ellas (tromboembolismo, hemorragia, endocarditis y reoperación por endocarditis) no son atribuibles directamente a la prótesis y consideramos que los resultados obtenidos con ella son satisfactorios.

Background: The Ultracor® monodisk prosthesis was used to correct aortic valve disease in our institution in the 1995-2003 period. Aim: To evaluate late results of aortic valve replacement using the Ultracor® prosthetic valve Methods: The clinical records of patients receiving an Ultracor® prosthesis as isolated valve replacement for aortic valve disease at the Hospital de Concepción from 1995 to 2003 were reviewed. A total of 117 patients were evaluated preoperatively to determine the type of aortic valve disease, functional class and LV ejection fraction. Operative mortality and morbidity were recorded. Late results were evaluated in terms of thrombo-embolic and hemorrhagic complications, infective endocarditis, need for reoperation and late death. Results: There were 77 males (66 percent) and the mean age was 54.4 years. Sixty two patients were functional class 1 or 2 (53 percent). Aortic stenosis in 50.4 percent and aortic insufficiency in 53.9 percent were the indications for surgery. Operative mortality was 5.1 percent and significant complications developed in 29 percent. Follow up was obtained in 105 patients (94.6 percent) for a total of 402 patient-years (mean 3.9). Complication rates ( percent per year) were: thrombo-embolism 1.2, bleeding 2.5, endocarditis 1 and reoperation 1. Eighteen patients died during follow up (2.2 percent per year). An echocardiogram performed in 75 patients showed a paravalvular leak in 4; there were no instances of structural damage of the prosthesis. Conclusion: Overall clinical results of aortic valve replacement with the Ultracor® prosthesis were quite satisfactory and complications occurred with rates similar to those reported for other aortic prosthesis. They were not related to the valve.

Tratamiento endovascular de aneurisma aórtico abdominal: resultados en 80 pacientes consecutivos / Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm: Results in 80 consecutive patients

Background: Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) avoids laparotomy, shortens hospital stay and reduces morbidity and mortality related to surgical repair, allowing full patient recovery in less time. Aim: To report short and long term results of endovascular repair of AAA in 80 consecutive patients treated at our institution. Patients and Methods: Between September 1997 and February 2005, three women and 77 men with a mean age 73.6±7.7 years with AAA 5.8±1.0 cm in diameter, were treated. The surgical risk of 38 percent of patients was grade III according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. Each procedure was performed in the operating room, under local or regional anesthesia, with the aid of digital substraction angiography. The endograft was deployed through the femoral artery (83.7 percent bifurcated, 16.3 percent tubular graft). A femoro-femoral bypass was required in 11.3 percent of cases. Follow-up included a spiral CT scan at 1, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and then annually. Results: Endovascular repair was successfully completed in 79/80 patients (98.7 percent technical success). The procedures lasted 147±71 min. Length of stay in the observation unit was 20.6±13.5 h. Blood transfusion was required in 10 percent. Sixty two percent of the patients were discharged before 72 h. One patient died 8 days after surgery due to a myocardial infarction (1.3 percent). During follow-up (3-90 months), 1 patient developed late AAA enlargement due to a type I endoleak, requiring a new endograft. No AAA rupture was observed. Survival at 4 years was 84.2 percent (SE =9.2). Endovascular re-intervention free survival was 82.7 percent (SE =9.5). Conclusion: Endovascular surgery allows effective exclusion of AAA avoiding progressive enlargement and/or rupture and is a good alternative to open repair. Close and frequent postoperative follow up is mandatory.

Aortic arch aneurysms.

Aneurysms involving the aortic arch are formidable surgical challenges. Though the first successful surgery was performed more than 40 years ago, the risk of surgical treatment remained prohibitively high until recently. Intra-operative protection of the brain from ischaemic injury was the main concern. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with retrograde cerebral perfusion technique has considerably reduced the risk of surgery to acceptable levels.