A Surgical Case of Right Coronary Ostial Stenosis, Aortic Regurgitation, and Annuloaortic Ectasia Associated with Syphilitic Aortitis / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

<p>We report a case of syphilitic aortitis (SA) associated with severe right coronary ostial stenosis, aortic regurgitation (AR), and annuloaortic ectasia (AAE). A 48-year-old man presented to a regional hospital with easy fatigability and nocturnal dyspnea. Echocardiography revealed Seller's grade 3 AR. A computed tomography scan showed AAE, dilatation of the ascending aorta, and calcification of both coronary ostia. Coronary angiography demonstrated that the left coronary artery was intact ; however, the right coronary artery was obscure. Active syphilis was detected on routine blood tests on admission. Therefore, the patient was started on a course of ampicillin/sulbactam (ABPC/SBT). Subsequently, he underwent the Bentall procedure and coronary artery bypass grafting with the right internal thoracic artery. The intraoperative findings showed degeneration of the aorta and severe right coronary ostial stenosis. The pathological findings of the aortic wall and aortic valve were consistent with SA. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient continued receiving ABPC/SBT for 3 weeks postoperatively, and was then switched to oral amoxicillin.</p>

Aortic Root Replacement with a Valve Sparing Technique for Quadricuspid Aortic Valve / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 67-year-old man with ascending aortic aneurysm was referred to our hospital. Transthoracic echocardiography showed severe aortic regurgitation with annuloaortic ectasia and transesophageal echocardiography revealed a quadricuspid aortic valve. This patient underwent aortic root replacement with a valve sparing technique. Under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with retrograde cerebral perfusion, replacement of the ascending aorta was successfully performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. This patient is doing well 6 months after surgery without recurrence of aortic regurgitation.

Clinical Experience with the Bentall Procedure: 28 Years

PURPOSE: We retrospectively analyzed 28 years of experience with the Bentall procedure in patients with aortic valve, aortic root, and ascending aortic disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 1982 and December 2010, a total of 218 patients underwent the Bentall procedure using a composite valved conduit. The "inclusion technique" was used in 30 patients (13.8%), the "open-button technique" in 181 patients (83.0%), and the Cabrol technique in 7 patients (3.2%). RESULTS: The early mortality rate was 5.5% (12/218). The mean follow-up duration was 108.0+/-81.0 months (range: 1-329 months). Seven patients required re-operation, and 1 patient required stent graft insertion at the descending thoracic aorta for progression of aortic arch or descending thoracic aortic dissection or aneurysm after the first operation, and 5 of them had Marfan syndrome. Kaplan-Meier estimated survival rates at 1, 5, 10, 20, and 25 years were 90.4%, 82.7%, 77.6%, 65.3%, and 60.3%, respectively. Freedom from reoperation rates at 1, 5, 10, 20, and 25 years were 99.0%, 98.3%, 95.5%, 90.8%, and 90.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In our experience, the Bentall procedure provided optimal survival with improved functional status. The disease of the aorta may progress, especially in patients with Marfan syndrome. Therefore, careful follow-up with regular computed tomography angiograms should be performed in these patients.

A Case of Aortic Root Replacement with a Left Main Trunk Patch Plasty / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 63-year-old woman with annuloaortic ectasia and severe aortic regurgitation was referred to our hospital. Preoperative coronary angiography revealed 50% stenosis of the orifice of the left main trunk. She underwent aortic root replacement, but we were unable to insert a 12-gauge cannula into the orifice of the left coronary artery because of cardioplegia. Therefore, we decided to perform patch plasty of the left main trunk by a saphenous vein patch. Her postoperative course was uneventful, and postoperative computed tomography (CT) showed good expansion of the left main trunk without any evidence of aneurysm formation.

Aortic Root Replacement for Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Annuloaortic Ectasia in a Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 48-year-old man was admitted with shortness of breath. He had been given a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis by an orthopedic surgeon 20 years previously. A grade III/VI to-and-fro murmur was audible at the left sternal border. Echocardiography revealed moderate to severe aortic regurgitation with annular dilatation. He had also suffered complained rigidity of the neck muscles and back pain for 20 years. He underwent aortic root replacement and his postoperative course was uneventful. Aortic valve regurgitation with ankylosing spondylitis in Japan has been seldom reported, compared with European or American. We discuss surgical problems and the management of these lesions are discussed.

Concomitant Repair of Annuloaortic Ectasia, Aortic Regurgitation, and Pectus Excavatum in Marfan Syndrome / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Marfan syndrome may include cardiovascular disease co-exising with thoracic deformities. A 24 year-old man given a diagnosis of Marfan syndrome and annuloaortic ectasia (AAE), aortic regurgitation (Ar) and pectus excavatum, was referred to our hospital due to the rapid dilatation of a root aneurysm. Chest computed tomography showed a root aneurysm measuring about 60×55 mm in diameter with mild Ar. Moreover, the sternum, which had been displaced in a posterior direction, contacted with the root aneurysm and heart. The heart was deviated to the left, because of compression from the sternum. We performed a concomitant repair of AAE and Ar and pectus excavatum with partial sternal turnover and elevation, and Bentall procedure. First, median skin incision was made, and dissected to the sternum. The ribs and cartilage below the third rib were cut, and the sternum was transected at the two-thirds point. The root aneurysm and heart were visible so it was easier to operate than a post median sternotomy. A cardiopulmonary bypass was established by ascending aortic perfusion, right atrial drainage and pulmonary arterial venting. The Bentall procedure was done using a Carrel patch methods. The removed sternum was formed flat and turned over, and sternum elevation was perfomed using sternal wire, after cutting and removing the excess ribs and costal cartilage. The postoperative course was uneventful with good hemodynamic and respiratory function. Concomitant surgery provides good operative exposure, which can avoid accidental aneurysm laceration, although operation time is longer and operative invasion and bleeding are greater than in staged operations.

The Results of using the Cabrol Technique for Aortic Root Replacement / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Composite valve graft replacement is currently the treatment of choice for a wide variety of the lesions of aortic root disease. The purpose of this study was to explore the results of aortic root replacement after using the Cabrol technique over a 13-year period at our institution, and we analyzed the results to help surgeons make better decisions when repairing aortic root disease. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between January 1994 and December 2006, twenty-five patients underwent a Cabrol technique operation at our institution. The mean patient age was 43.7+/-14.1 years old (range: 6~65 years) and the male and female ratio was 21:4 (84%:16%). The patients' follow-up was 100% complete, and the mean follow-up period was 60.7+/-50.4 (range: 1~162) months. Annuloaortic ectasia (n=18) was the most frequent cause of aortic disease in this series, followed by aortic dissection (n=7). The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 177.2+/-44.9 minutes and the mean aortic cross clamping time was 123.4+/-34.1 minutes. Nine patients were checked with MDCT (Multidetector computed tomography) for evaluating a well functioning secondary graft and the coronary anastomosis site. RESULT: The early mortality rate was 4% (1 of 25 patients). A significant stenosis, kinking or occlusion of the secondary graft was detected by MDCT in 4 patients. The overall survival rate was 88%. CONCLUSION: The Cabrol technique demonstrated a significant incidence of long-term complications such as secondary graft stenosis or obstruction. It could be used when the modified Bentall technique is not feasible.

Surgical Repair of Left Coronary Artery Pseudoaneurysm 10 Years after a Bentall's Procudure / 대한흉부외과학회지

The aortic inclusion technique is frequently used in the original Bentall's procedure for the control of excessive postoperative bleeding. Although this procedure has improved the outcome of patients with aortic root disease, there is a high incidence of both early and late complications, including coronary artery stenosis, kinking or pseudoaneurysm formation at the coronary suture lines. Pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta is a relatively rare, but fatal complication, which occurs after wrap-inclusion composite graft replacement. Herein, the case of a 45-year-old female, who developed a perigraft aortic pseudoaneurysm 10 years after a Bentall's procedure (wrap-inclusion technique), but was successfully managed using the Cabrol's method, is reported.

Six Cases of Aortic Root Replacement Using Anatomic Ventriculoaortic Junction Suture / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

For aortic root replacement in annuloaortic ectasia (AAE), an artificial prosthesis is commonly sutured to the aortic annulus (hemodynamic ventriculoaortic junction). We consecutively had 6 cases of aortic root replacement using anatomic ventriculoaortic junction suture. This anatomic ventriculoaortic junction suture is a simplified and practical method for aortic root replacement in the same way as using stentless bioprostheses or homografts.

A Case of Aortitis Syndrome with Annuloaortic Ectasia and Aortic Regurgitation Which Was Successfully Treated by Aortic Root Replacement with Freestyle Stentless Bioprosthesis / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 34-year-old woman who was suffering from aortitis syndrome with annuloaortic ectasia (AAE) and severe aortic regurgitation (AR) from 18 years of age was admitted for an aortic root replacement. She has been on 5mg predonine daily. Aortography, CT and echocardiography examinations revealed dilated aortic annulus (D=30mm) and valsalva sinuses (D=43mm) and overstretched aortic valve leaflets. The ascending aorta was aneurysmal (D=50mm). Because of the patient's strong desire to have children, a Freestyle bioprosthesis was chosen for replacement. A collagen impregnated tube graft was interposed between the Freestyle and the proximal end of the transverse aorta. In order to reconstruct the coronary arteries, the Cabrol technique was utilized because of severe inflammatory adhesion of the aortic root. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. This case shows that an aortic root replacement with Freestyle bioprosthesis offers a great benefit to those patients who are not suitable to receive postoperative anti-coagulation therapy to enable future pregnancy and child delivery.

One-Staged Operation for Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection, AAE, Mitral Valve Regurgitation and Pectus Excavatum in a Patient with Marfan's Syndrome / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 22-year-old man was hospitalized due to severe back pain having being diagnosed as Stanford type A aortic dissection, AAE, mitral regurgitation and pectus excavatum associated with Marfan's syndrome. A single staged operation including ascending aortic replacement, mitral valve replacement and sternal turnover with a rectus muscle pedicle was carried out in order to keep the blood supply to the plastron to reduce the risk of infection during such a long operation. By this approach, it was found that the operative field was excellent and postoperative hemodynamics were stable. However, frail plastron occurred because of difficulties in keeping the patient stabilized because of severe pain thus re-fixation was required. The necessity of strong pain control after such an operation was also recognized.

Composite Graft Aortic Root Replacement with Coronary Button Reimplantation: The Early and Mid-Term Results / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to investigate the outcome of composite graft aortic root replacement using coronary button reimplantation technique for the treatment of aneurysms of the ascending aorta involving the aortic root. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between April 1995 and September 2001, 54 patients having aortic root replacement with a composite valve graft using direct coronary button reimplantation were reviewed retrospectively. Left ventricular dysfunction was present in 14 patients(25.9%), aortic regurgitation in 48(89%), and Marfan's syndrome in 17(31.5%). The indications for operation were annuloaortic ectasia in 29 patients(53.7%), aortic dissection in 11(20.4%), aneurysms of the ascending aorta involving aortic root in 12(22.2%), and aortitis in 2(3.7%). Six patients(11.1%) had previous cardiac or ascending aortic operations. Concomitant procedures were arch replacement in 21 patients(38.9%), coronary artery bypass graft in 7(13%), mitral valve repair or replacement in 4(7.4%), and others in 6. The mean time of circulatory arrest, total bypass, and aortic crossclamp were 18+/-9 minutes, 177+/-42 minutes, and 127+/-31 minutes, respectively. RESULT: There was 1 early death(1.9%). Mean follow-up was 24.6+/-19.5 months. There were two late deaths(3.8%) including one death due to the traumatic cerebral hemorrhage. The Kaplan-Meier survival rate was 98.0+/-2.0% and 93.1+/-5.1% at 1 and 6 years, respectively. Two patients required reoperation owing to a false aneurysm at the root anastomosis site anda malfunction of prosthetic aortic valve(3.8%). Staged operation for dissection of the remaining thoracoabdominal aorta was performed in 1 patient. The freedom rate from reoperation was 97.8+/-2.0% and 65.3+/-26.7% at 1 and 6 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that composite graft aortic root replacement using open button technique is a safe and effective therapy for a variety of aneurysms of the aortic root, resulting in good early and mid-term results. Careful follow-up of all patients following composite graft root replacement is important for the good long-term results.

Redo Operations for Recurrent Dissection After Operation for Type A Aortic Dissection / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Stanford type A aortic dissection after graft replacement of ascending aorta and/or aortic arch required careful follow-up due to progression of the enlarged false lumen or the recurrence of dissection. From June 1984 to June 2000, 124 patients underwent operations for type A aortic dissection. Among them, 6 patients underwent reoperation due to recurred aneurysm or dissection. We evaluated that the causes of reoperation, including Marfan syndrome, the approach and result of reoperation, and strategy to reduce the risk of reoperation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The first operation was done on acute stage in 4 cases, and chronic stage in 2 cases. There were Marfan syndromes in 3 cases. The entry site was the ascending aorta for all cases except one who underwent Bentall operation(n=3) or ascending aorta graft replacement(n=2). In one case, Bentall operation and total arch replacement was performed due to chronic type A dissection with multiple fenestrations. Mean interval of reoperation was 67.6months(range 5 months to 14 year 4months) after the first operation. Reoperations were performed with recurrence of dissection(n=4), threatening aneurysmal evolution of persisting dissection(n=1), and false aneurysm with infection(n=1). The redo operation involved the hemiarch in 1 case, distal ascending to total arch and descending thoracic aorta in 4 cases, and only descending thoracic aorta in 1 case. RESULT: There were Marfan syndromes in 18 patients. The mean age in type A dissection was 56.7 years and that in the first operation of reoperation cases was 32.2 years. Especially in 3 patients with Marfan syndrome, the mean age was 29 years. All patients who underwent reoperation survived. Postoperative complications were bleeding and tracheostomy in 1, mediastinitis in 1 and transient delirium in 1 case. Postoperatively, all the patients were followed-up in regular interval. Five patients were evaluated with computerized tomography, 1- 79months(mean: 31.5months) after the reoperation. The false lumen had regressed in 1 cases, persisted without progression in 4 cases. CONCLUSION: The clinical results of reoperation after type A aortic dissection operation were satisfactory. In younger patients with Marfan syndrome, the risk of reoperation was high. Careful and regular follow-up for the persistent false lumen is necessary.

Aortic Root Remodeling Procedure in Marfan Syndrome associated with Aortic Dissection: Yacoub-David Technique / 대한흉부외과학회지

We operated on a Marfan patient who had Stanford type A acute aortic dissection, aortic root aneurysm, and aortic regurgitation. The Yacoub-David aortic root remodeling procedure which preserves native aortic valve and replaces all three aortic sinuses and ascending aorta by a Dacron graft, was applied for this patient. A 24mm Hemashield graft was designed to three tongues at the aortic root end to meet the shape of the Valsalva sinuses. The patient recovered from the procedure uneventfully and there was no aortic regurgitation postoperatively.

Early and Midterm Results of Cabrol Technique in the Aortic Root Replacement / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the early and midterm results of Cabrol technique to assist in making future decisions on a more adequate technique for repairing aortic root diseases. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From August 1993 to July 1999, we performed Cabrol technique in 18 patients ; 12 annuloaortic ectasia, 6 Stanford type A aortic dissection. Male and female ratio was 11;7, mean age was 46.9+/-12.3 years and mean follow up period was 22.5+/-21.5 months. We analysed the factors influencing postoperative complications and early mortality. The factors were old age(>60 years), high NYHA(>III), preoporative concomitant disease, urgency of operation, concomitant procedure, long pump preoperative concomitant disease, urgency of operation, concomitant procedure, long pump time(>200 minute), and hospital stay time (>30 days). RESULT: Operative mortality was 11.1%, late mortality was 11.1%, and overall mortality was 22.2%. The causes of operative death were a heart failure and an arrhythmia. The causes of late death were an acute myocardial infarction and an unknown etiology. Postoperative complications were bleeding, wound infection, toxic hepatitis, acute renal failure, and cerebral infarction. The factors influencing postoperative complications were hihg MYHA Fc(>III) (p=0.044), concomitant disease (p=0.044), long pump time(>200 minute)(p=0.015), and concomitant procedure(p=0.004). There were no significant factors influencing early mortality. CONCLUSION: The lower postoperative bleeding rate and no complication related to tension of anastomosis after Cabrol technique warrant its consideration in patients requiring aortic root replacement, especially without feasible mobilization of coronary arteries. However, to confirm the graft thrombosis, a more detailed study including periodic angiography will be required.

Two Cases of Aortic Root Replacement Using Anatomic Ventriculoaortic Junction Suture / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

For aortic root replacement in annuloaortic ectasia (AAE), an artificial prosthesis is commonly sutured to the aortic annuls (hemodynamic ventriculoaortic junction). In this case report, suturing was conducted using the anatomic ventriculoaortic junction along with full-thickness-suturing. The first case was a 28-year-old man and the second, his 31-year-old brother. The former showed AAE (maximum diameter, 120mm) with 4°AR and the latter, AAE (maximum diameter, 54mm) without AR. The present method is simple due to the flat suture line and is quite reliable owing to full-thickness-suturing.

Small Circumscribed Aortic Dissection Complicating Annuloaortic Ectasia in a Non-Marfanoid Patient

Annuloaortic ectasia, cystic medial degeneration of the afflicted aortic wall leading to progressive dilatation, is often accompanied by Marfan's syndrome. Some portions of intimal flap is commonly demonstrated along the aorta in the noninvasive diagnosis of aortic dissection. We report the first case of circumscribed aortic dissection developed in a 28 year old obese non-Marfanoid patient. He was transferred after thrombolytic therapy at a community hospital because of severe chest pain and ST segment elevation. Transthoracic echocardiography showed markedly dilated aortic root, moderate amount of pericardial effusion, mild aortic regurgitation in spite of normal regional wall motion of left ventricle. Intimal flap, characteristic of aortic dissection, was not seen with computed tomography. Intimal tear was demonstrated just above aortic valve only by transesophageal echocardiography. Two parallel intimal tear and small circumscribed dissection was demonstrated by autopsy.

Cabrol, Technique Performed on a Patient with Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries, Complicated by Annuloaortic Ectasia and Aortic Regurgitation / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Cabrol's technique was performed on a patient with corrected transposition of the great arteries (SLL), complicated by annuloaortic ectasia (AAE) and aortic regurgitation (AR). The patient, a 52-year-old male, complained mainly of dyspnea on physical exertion. In 1983, he underwent implantation of a pacemaker to treat advanced atrioventricular block. In 1994, his cardiac function deteriorated to NYHA III. Cardiac catheter examinations exhibited 2nd degree Seller's aortic valve insufficiency and 2nd degree insufficient closure of the left atrioventricular valve. The patient was Cardell classification B3, with a Shaher Type 4 coronary artery. A composite graft was made using a 27mm St. Jude Medical valve and a 30mm woven Dacron graft. The left atrioventricular valve had three leaflets, accessible from the right atrium using the septal approach. Kay's method was used to suture the posterior leaflet and reduce regurgitation. The patient has made favorable progress during the two-year follow-up period.

Aortic Root Replacement with Valve Preservation in a Patient with Annuloaortic Ectasia / 대한흉부외과학회지

Patients with aortic root disease, frequently seen in Marfan syndrome have progressive dilatation of the aortic sinuses and dilatation and distortion of the aortic annulus, leading to aortic incompetence. They are currently treated with composite graft replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve and reimplantation of the coronary arteries. Recently, we experienced an aortic root replacement with aortic valve preservation in a patient with annuloaortic ectasia. The ascending aorta and sinus was excised except the aortic annulus and aortic valve. The aortic valve was reimplanted inside of a collagen-impregnated tubular Dacron graft. The coronary arteries were also reimplanted. The patient was followed up for six months and reevaluated with the echocardiography. Postoperative Doppler echocardiography revealed normal aortic valve function. With this technique, it is possible to preserve the native aortic valve if the aortic leaflets are anatomically normal.

Supraarterial Myotomy for Myocardial Bridges: Two Cases Report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Myocardial bridges as an anatomical arrangement in which an epicardial coronary artery becomes engulfed, for a limited segment, by myocardial fibers. These diseases are recognized primarily because of their systolic narrowing or milking effect as seen on coronary angiography. The most frequent site of myocardial bridging is the middle segment of left anterior descending artery. Myocardial bridges have an ischemic effect capable of causing : angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, ventricular fibrillation, or even sudden death in athletes. We report 2 patients having a milking effect of the middle segment of left anterior descending artery who were suffered from angina. The operation procedure was a simple supraarterial myotomy over the embedded segment of the LAD under cardiopulmonary bypass. Angina and milking effect were disappeared after the operation.