Explantador de Cabrera: un nuevo dispositivo para explantar endoprótesis aórticas después de reparo endovascular de aneurisma de aorta, un estudio experimental ex vivo / Cabrera explanter: a new device to explant aortic stents after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair, an ex vivo experimental study

Introducción. Las complicaciones posteriores a la reparación endovascular de aneurisma (EVAR) pueden resolverse con técnicas endovasculares. Sin embargo, cuando está indicada, la explantación de una endoprótesis es un procedimiento complejo, que se asocia a lesiones vasculares o viscerales, con alta morbimortalidad, en pacientes con edad avanzada y múltiples comorbilidades, y por lo tanto, alto riesgo quirúrgico. No existen dispositivos producidos por la industria para explantar las endoprótesis aórticas, por lo que el objetivo de este trabajo fue desarrollar un dispositivo para la explantación de endoprótesis aórticas. Métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio experimental, en fase preclínica, para desarrollar un dispositivo para la explantación de endoprótesis aórticas, con pruebas en modelos 3D y en un modelo animal porcino cadavérico. Resultados. Es factible desarrollar un modelo experimental de un nuevo dispositivo para explantar endoprótesis aórticas, denominado explantador de Cabrera, y comprobar su funcionamiento en un modelo animal cadavérico. El uso del explantador de Cabrera limitó el daño de la pared aórtica por parte de la endoprótesis en un 100 % al momento de su explantación en un modelo experimental ex vivo. Conclusión. Usando una jeringa septo, el explantador de Cabrera es superior a la técnica estándar de explantación de una endoprótesis al limitar la lesión de la pared aórtica, al colapsar y liberar los ganchos de fijación suprarrenal de forma controlada y segura al interior de la luz aórtica y, posteriormente, extraerla de forma rápida y efectiva, conservando la mayor cantidad de aorta sana para la posterior reconstrucción aorto-ilíaca.

Introduction. Complications after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) can be resolved with endovascular techniques; however, when indicated, stent explantation is a complex procedure, which is associated with vascular or visceral injuries, with high morbidity and mortality in patients, with advanced age and multiple comorbidities, and therefore high surgical risk. There are no devices produced by the industry to explant aortic endoprostheses, so the objective of this work was to develop a device for the explantation of aortic endoprostheses. Methods. An experimental study was carried out, in the preclinical phase, to develop a device for the explantation of aortic endoprostheses, with tests in 3D models and in a cadaveric porcine animal model. Results. It is feasible to develop an experimental model of a new device for explanting aortic endoprostheses, called Cabrera explanter, and verify its operation in a cadaveric animal model. The use of the Cabrera explanter limited damage to the aortic wall by the endoprosthesis by 100% at the time of explantation in an ex vivo experimental model. Conclusions. Using a septum syringe, the Cabrera explanter is superior to the standard stent explantation technique by limiting injury to the aortic wall, collapsing and releasing the adrenal fixation hooks in a controlled and safe manner into the aortic lumen, and subsequently, extract it quickly and effectively, preserving the greatest amount of healthy aorta for the subsequent aorto-iliac reconstruction.

Un caso complejo de isquemia mesentérica crónica: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / A complex case of chronic mesenteric ischemia: Case report and literature review

Introducción. La isquemia mesentérica crónica es una entidad infrecuente, con una prevalencia de 0,03 %, donde más del 90 % son debidas a enfermedad arterioesclerótica que compromete principalmente la arteria mesentérica superior. Sus síntomas son dolor abdominal crónico y pérdida de peso, asociado a alteraciones imagenológicas que hacen el diagnóstico. El tratamiento depende de las condiciones clínicas del paciente y el número de vasos comprometidos. Es claro que la enfermedad multivaso sintomática requiere revascularización. Caso clínico. Mujer de 67 años, fumadora activa con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial y dislipidemia, con cuadro de crisis hipertensiva tipo urgencia que requirió manejo en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Se hizo diagnóstico de aneurisma toracoabdominal Crawford IV, oclusión aorto-ilíaca (TASC D) y oclusión crónica del tronco celíaco y la arteria mesentérica superior. Por los síntomas de isquemia mesentérica crónica fue llevada a tratamiento quirúrgico con baipás aorto-bifemoral más baipás retrógrado a la arteria mesentérica superior por vía abierta. Resultado. La paciente tuvo mejoría de la sintomatología y aumentó 13 % del peso al seguimiento a los 3 meses. Conclusión. La isquemia mesentérica crónica es una condición subdiagnosticada, marcador de riesgo cardiovascular, con alta carga de morbilidad y mortalidad, en la cual, con una identificación temprana se puede ofrecer una terapia de revascularización, sea por vía endovascular o abierta, con el fin de mejorar la calidad de vida y la ganancia de peso, y evitar la necrosis intestinal.

Introduction. Chronic mesenteric ischemia is a rare entity, with a prevalence of 0.03%, where more than 90% are due to arteriosclerotic disease that mainly affects the superior mesenteric artery. Its symptoms are chronic abdominal pain and weight loss, associated with imaging alterations that make the diagnosis. Treatment depends on the patient's clinical conditions and the number of vessels involved. It is clear that symptomatic multivessel disease requires revascularization. Clinical case. A 67-year-old woman, an active smoker with a history of high blood pressure and dyslipidemia, presented with an emergency-type hypertensive crisis that required management in the Intensive Care Unit. A diagnosis of Crawford IV thoracoabdominal aneurysm, aorto-iliac occlusion (TASC D), and chronic occlusion of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery was made. Due to the symptoms of chronic mesenteric ischemia, she underwent surgical treatment with aorto-bifemoral bypass plus retrograde bypass to the superior mesenteric artery via an open approach. Result. The patient had improvement in symptoms and gained 13% weight at 3-month follow-up. Conclusion. Chronic mesenteric ischemia is an underdiagnosed condition, a marker of cardiovascular risk, with a high burden of morbidity and mortality, in which, with early identification, revascularization therapy can be offered, either endovascularly or open, in order to improve quality of life and weight gain, and avoiding intestinal necrosis.

Curva de Aprendizagem da Mortalidade Hospitalar da Substituição da Válvula Aórtica Transcateter: Insights do Registro Nacional Brasileiro / Learning Curve for In-Hospital Mortality of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Insights from the Brazilian National Registry

Resumo Fundamento Dados robustos sobre a curva de aprendizagem (LC) da substituição da válvula aórtica transcateter (TAVR) são escassos nos países em desenvolvimento. Objetivo Avaliar a LC da TAVR no Brasil ao longo do tempo. Métodos Analisamos dados do registro brasileiro de TAVR de 2008 a 2023. Pacientes de cada centro foram numerados cronologicamente em número sequencial de caso (NSC). A LC foi realizada usando um spline cúbico restrito ajustado para o EuroSCORE-II e o uso de próteses de nova geração. Ainda, os desfechos hospitalares foram comparados entre grupos definidos de acordo com o nível de experiência, com base no NSC: 1º ao 40º caso (experiência inicial), 41º ao 80º caso (experiência básica), 81º ao 120º caso (experiência intermediária) e 121º caso em diante (experiência alta). Análises adicionais foram conduzidas de acordo com o número de casos tratados antes de 2014 (>40 e ≤40 procedimentos). O nível de significância adotado foi p <0,05. Resultados Foram incluídos 3194 pacientes de 25 centros. A idade média foi 80,7±8,1 anos e o EuroSCORE II médio foi 7±7,1. A análise da LC demonstrou uma queda na mortalidade hospitalar ajustada após o tratamento de 40 pacientes. Um patamar de nivelamento na curva foi observado após o caso 118. A mortalidade hospitalar entre os grupos foi 8,6%, 7,7%, 5,9%, e 3,7% para experiência inicial, básica, intermediária e alta, respectivamente (p<0,001). A experiência alta foi preditora independente de mortalidade mais baixa (OR 0,57, p=0,013 vs. experiência inicial). Centros com baixo volume de casos antes de 2014 não mostraram uma redução significativa na probabilidade de morte com o ganho de experiência, enquanto centros com alto volume de casos antes de 2014 apresentaram uma melhora contínua após o caso de número 10. Conclusão Observou-se um fenômeno de LC para a mortalidade hospitalar do TAVR no Brasil. Esse efeito foi mais pronunciado em centros que trataram seus 40 primeiros casos antes de 2014 que naqueles que o fizeram após 2014.

Abstract Background Robust data on the learning curve (LC) of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are lacking in developing countries. Objective To assess TAVR's LC in Brazil over time. Methods We analyzed data from the Brazilian TAVR registry from 2008 to 2023. Patients from each center were numbered chronologically in case sequence numbers (CSNs). LC was performed using restricted cubic splines adjusted for EuroSCORE-II and the use of new-generation prostheses. Also, in-hospital outcomes were compared between groups defined according to the level of experience based on the CSN: 1st to 40th (initial-experience), 41st to 80th (early-experience), 81st to 120th (intermediate-experience), and over 121st (high-experience). Additional analysis was performed grouping hospitals according to the number of cases treated before 2014 (>40 and ≤40 procedures). The level of significance adopted was <0.05. Results A total of 3,194 patients from 25 centers were included. Mean age and EuroSCORE II were 80.7±8.1 years and 7±7.1, respectively. LC analysis demonstrated a drop in adjusted in-hospital mortality after treating 40 patients. A leveling off of the curve was observed after case #118. In-hospital mortality across the groups was 8.6%, 7.7%, 5.9%, and 3.7% for initial-, early-, intermediate-, and high-experience, respectively (p<0.001). High experience independently predicted lower mortality (OR 0.57, p=0.013 vs. initial experience). Low-volume centers before 2014 showed no significant decrease in the likelihood of death with gained experience, whereas high-volume centers had a continuous improvement after case #10. Conclusion A TAVR LC phenomenon was observed for in-hospital mortality in Brazil. This effect was more pronounced in centers that treated their first 40 cases before 2014 than those that reached this milestone after 2014.

Resumen: Consenso internacional para la nomenclatura y clasificación de la válvula aórtica bicúspide congénita y su aortopatía, con fines clínicos, quirúrgicos, intervencionistas y de investigación / Summary: International consensus statement on nomenclature and classification of the congenital bicuspid aortic valve and its aortopathy, for clinical, surgical, interventional and research purposes

resumen está disponible en el texto completo

Abstract This consensus of nomenclature and classification for congenital bicuspid aortic valve and its aortopathy is evidence-based and intended for universal use by physicians (both pediatricians and adults), echocardiographers, advanced cardiovascular imaging specialists, interventional cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, pathologists, geneticists, and researchers spanning these areas of clinical and basic research. In addition, as long as new key and reference research is available, this international consensus may be subject to change based on evidence-based data1.

Tratamiento endovascular exitoso de aneurisma del arco aórtico en un paciente pediátrico / Successful endovascular treatment of aortic arch aneurysm in a pediatric patient

Resumen Antecedentes: Los aneurismas de la aorta ascendente son patologías poco frecuentes en la infancia, sobre todo en ausencia de enfermedades previas como el síndrome de Marfan. Objetivo: Dar a conocer la posibilidad del manejo endovascular exitoso de los aneurismas de grandes vasos, usando stent y micro catéter con embolización del saco aneurismático. Método: Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 10 años y 2 meses, previamente sana, en quien se documentó un pseudoaneurisma entre el origen de la arteria carótida común izquierda y la arteria subclavia izquierda, que logró manejarse de forma endovascular, inicialmente con un stent cubriendo el cuello del aneurisma con el fin de remodelarlo y posteriormente por medio de microcatéter se realizó embolización del saco del aneurisma con coils, con resultado exitoso. Resultados: Los aneurismas de los grandes vasos, como la arteria carótida común y la arteria subclavia, tienen riesgo de ruptura con complicaciones devastadoras; el manejo endovascular se plantea como una opción poco invasiva de manejo, con resultados favorables. Conclusión: El manejo de aneurismas de grandes vasos, por vía endovascular usando stent y microcatéter con embolización del saco aneurismático, es una opción novedosa de manejo que logra resultados exitosos.

Abstract Background: Ascending aortic aneurysms are rare pathologies in childhood, especially in the absence of previous diseases such as Marfan syndrome. Objective: Present the possibility of successful endovascular management of large vessel aneurysms, using stents and microcatheters with embolization of the aneurysm sac. Method: We present the case of a previously healthy ten-year-old patient, in whom a pseudoaneurysm was documented between the origin of the left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery, successfully managed endovascularly, initially with a stent covering the neck of the aneurysm to remodel it and later with embolization of the aneurysm sac using a microcatheter. Results: Aneurysms of large vessels, such common carotid artery and subclavian artery, are at risk of rupture with devastating complications; endovascular management is considered a minimally invasive management option, with favorable results. Conclusion: The endovascular management of large vessel aneurysms using stents and microcatheters with embolization of the aneurysmal sac is a novel management option that achieves successful results.

Prevalencia de estenosis aórtica moderada-grave en pacientes con amiloidosis cardiaca en un centro de referencia / Prevalence of moderate-severe aortic stenosis in patients with cardiac amyloidosis in a referral center

Resumen Antecedentes: La estenosis aórtica (EA) es actualmente la enfermedad valvular más frecuente, con una prevalencia estimada de más del 4 % en octogenarios. Objetivo: Describir la prevalencia de estenosis aórtica (EA) moderada-grave en pacientes con amiloidosis por transtiretina wild type (ATTRwt). Además, describir las características clínicas, ecocardiográficas y la evolución en este grupo de pacientes. Método: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes con diagnóstico de ATTRwt, pertenecientes al Registro Institucional de Amiloidosis del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, en el periodo del 30/11/2007 al 31/05/2021. El seguimiento de los pacientes se realizó a través de la historia clínica electrónica de la institución. Se estimó la prevalencia de EA moderada-grave, que se presenta como porcentaje con su intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). Se compararon las características por grupos según tuvieran o no EA moderada-grave. Resultados: Se incluyeron 104 pacientes con diagnóstico de ATTRwt. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 476 días [rango intercuartílico: 192-749]. La prevalencia de EA moderada-grave al momento del diagnóstico de ATTRwt fue del 10.5% (n = 11; IC95%: 5-18%). La mediana de edad de los pacientes con EA fue de 86 años [78-91] y predominó el sexo masculino (81.8%). La mayoría de los pacientes tenían el antecedente de insuficiencia cardiaca (n = 8) y fibrilación auricular (n = 8). Predominaron los pacientes con EA grave de bajo flujo y bajo gradiente (n = 7). Cuatro pacientes fueron sometidos a alguna intervención en la válvula aórtica. Durante el seguimiento, 5 pacientes (46%) tuvieron internaciones por insuficiencia cardiaca descompensada y 4 (36%) fallecieron. Conclusiones: En nuestra cohorte, la coexistencia de ambas patologías tuvo una prevalencia similar a la reportada en la literatura internacional. Se trató de una población añosa con alto porcentaje de fibrilación auricular y antecedente de insuficiencia cardiaca. La mayoría presentaron EA grave de bajo flujo y bajo gradiente.

Abstract Background: Aortic stenosis (AS) is currently the most common valvular disease, with an estimated prevalence of over 4% in octogenarians. Objective: To describe the prevalence of moderate-severe aortic stenosis (AS) in patients with wild type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt). Also, describe the clinical features, echocardiographic characteristics and clinical evolution. Method: Retrospective cohort of patients with diagnosis of ATTRwt, belonging to Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires Institutional Amyloidosis Registry, from 30/11/2007 to 31/05/2021. Patients follow up was carried out through the institution clinical history. The prevalence of moderate-severe AE was estimated and presented as a percentage with its 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The characteristics were compared by groups according to whether or not they had moderate-severe AS. Results: 104 patients with ATTRwt were included. Median follow up was 476 days [interquartile range: 192-749]. Moderate-severe AS prevalence at the ATTRwt time of diagnosis was 10.5% (n = 11; 95% CI: 5-18%). The median age of patients with AS moderate-severe at the time of diagnosis of ATTRwt was 86 years [78-91] and the male sex predominated (82%). Most of the patients had a history of heart failure (n = 8) and atrial fibrillation (n = 8) prior to the diagnosis of ATTRwt. Most of the patients were subclassified as low flow low gradient severe AS group (n = 7). Four patients underwent some intervention on the aortic valve. During follow-up, 5 patients (46%) were hospitalized for decompensated heart failure and 4 (36%) died. Conclusions: In our cohort, the coexistence of both pathologies had a similar prevalence as reported in the international literature. It was an elderly population with a high percentage of atrial fibrillation and history of heart failure. Most of the patients presented with severe AS with low flow low gradient.

Herramientas para el tamizaje de aneurisma de aorta abdominal / Tools for abdominal aortic aneurysm screening

Introducción. El aneurisma de la aorta abdominal (AAA) es la dilatación de la aorta abdominal mayor de 1,5 veces el diámetro esperado. Su prevalencia es variable, con tasas reportadas de hasta el 12,5 %. Se considera como causa de muerte de más de 10.000 personas al año en los Estados Unidos. El objetivo de esta revisión de la literatura fue describir los factores de riesgo y las herramientas de tamizaje de AAA. Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura utilizando dos ecuaciones en bases de datos electrónicas, empleando términos seleccionados de "Medical Subject Heading" (MeSH) y "Descriptores en Ciencias de la Salud" (DeCS). Se evaluó la calidad de los estudios con la herramienta STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology). Resultados. Se recolectaron 40 artículos y a partir de ellos se construyó el texto de revisión, identificando en estos, los factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de AAA, tales como sexo masculino, tabaquismo, hipertensión arterial, antecedente familiar y obesidad, entre otros. La diabetes mellitus parece actuar como factor protector. Dentro de los instrumentos de tamizaje, el ultrasonido abdominal es uno de los más usados. Conclusión. El AAA es una patología multifactorial. En la actualidad la ultrasonografía de aorta es el método de elección para el tamizaje, permitiendo la detección precoz. El tamizaje de AAA con métodos no invasivos, como el ultrasonido, es útil sobre todo en zonas con prevalencia alta de la patología y en pacientes con determinados factores de riesgo.

Introduction. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dilation of the abdominal aorta greater than 1.5 times the expected diameter. Its prevalence is variable, with reported rates of up to 12.5%. It is considered the cause of death of more than 10,000 people a year in the United States. The objective of this literature review was to describe risk factors and screening tools for AAA. Methods. A literature search was conducted using two equations in electronic databases, using terms selected from "Medical Subject Heading" (MeSH) and "Descriptors in Health Sciences" (DeCS). The quality of the studies was evaluated with the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) tool. Results. Forty articles were collected and from them the review text was constructed, identifying the risk factors associated with the development of AAA, such as male sex, smoking, high blood pressure, family history and obesity, among others. Diabetes mellitus seems to act as a protective factor. Among the screening instruments, abdominal ultrasound is one of the most used. Conclusion. AAA is a multifactorial pathology. Currently, aortic ultrasonography is the method of choice for screening, allowing early detection. Screening for AAA with non-invasive methods, such as ultrasound, is useful especially in areas with a high prevalence of this pathology and in patients with certain risk factors.

Tendencias de mortalidad y hospitalización por aneurismas y disecciones de aorta en México / Mortality and hospitalization trends for aortic aneurysms and dissections in Mexico

Resumen Antecedentes: Existe evidencia escasa en México respecto a la mortalidad y patrones del ingreso hospitalario asociados a aneurismas y disecciones aórticos. Objetivo: Analizar las bases de datos nacionales y describir las características epidemiológicas de diferentes patologías aórticas agudas. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal y observacional de una base de datos retrospectiva, en el que se analizó la mortalidad y hospitalización atribuidas a aneurismas y disecciones aórticos. El análisis estadístico se realizó en Stata 16. Resultados: Se documentaron 6049 muertes en la población general, 2367 hospitalizaciones y 476 muertes intrahospitalarias. Adicionalmente, se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre las medias de edad de fallecimiento de la población general (65.5 años) y de los pacientes que murieron en el hospital (64.1 años), p < 0.001. En cuanto a las hospitalizaciones secundarias a aneurisma de aorta abdominal roto, 149 casos fueron evidenciados con una media de edad de 65.6 años; 53 (35.5 %) de estos tenía menos de 65 años, con una media de edad de 47.8 años. Conclusiones: Los reportes epidemiológicos de patología aórtica en México son escasos, por ello la implementación de programas de tamizaje y la detección de patologías aórticas son necesarias para mejorar las disparidades encontradas en este análisis.

Abstract Background: In Mexico, there is a paucity of evidence on mortality and hospitalization patterns associated with aortic aneurysms and dissections. Objective: To analyze national databases and describe the epidemiological characteristics of different acute aortic pathologies. Material and methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study, in which mortality and hospitalization attributed to aortic aneurysms and dissections were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed on Stata 16. Results: A total of 6,049 deaths were documented in the general population, which included 2,367 hospitalizations and 476 in-hospital deaths. In addition, a statistically significant difference was found between mean age at death in the general population (69.5 years) and the in-hospital death group (64.1 years), p < 0.001. As for hospitalizations secondary to ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, 149 cases were identified, with a mean age of 65.6 years, out of whom 53 (35.5 %) were under 65 years of age, with a mean age of 47.8 years. Conclusions: Epidemiological reports of aortic pathology in Mexico are scarce; therefore, implementation of screening and detection programs for aortic pathologies is necessary in order to address the disparities identified in this analysis.

Trauma cerrado de aorta torácica, desde el servicio de urgencias hasta el quirófano: revisión narrativa / Blunt trauma of the thoracic aorta, from the emergency department to the operating room: narrative review / Trauma contuso da aorta torácica: do pronto-socorro ao centro cirúrgico, uma revisão narrativa

El trauma es la principal causa de muerte de la población en edad productiva. El abordaje del trauma torácico cerrado todavía es un desafío para el médico de urgencias. Aunque no es una entidad frecuente, se asocia con una alta mortalidad y resultados adversos. El diagnóstico del trauma cerrado de aorta torácica (LCAT) requiere un alto índice de sospecha, dado que los signos y síntomas no son específicos de esta enfermedad (dolor torácico, dolor interescapular, disnea, disfagia, estridor, disfonía). Es importante resaltar que la ausencia de inestabilidad hemodinámica no debe descartar una lesión aórtica. Para su diagnóstico imagenológico se debe tener en cuenta que los rayos X de tórax no tienen el rendimiento adecuado, el patrón de referencia es la angiotomografía y el ecocardiograma transesofágico (ETE) constituye una opción diagnóstica. El manejo incluye líquidos endovenosos y antihipertensivos como medida transitoria, manejo quirúrgico definitivo y, en algunos casos, manejo expectante o diferido. Los pacientes inestables o con signos de ruptura inminente deben ser llevados de manera inmediata a cirugía. El manejo quirúrgico temprano ha impactado en la mortalidad. A pesar de los avances en las técnicas quirúrgicas, la técnica quirúrgica abierta documenta mayor tasa de mortalidad que el manejo endovascular, el cual tiene numerosas ventajas al ser poco invasivo. Esta es una revisión narrativa que destaca algunos aspectos clave sobre los mecanismos de lesión, diagnóstico y manejo inicial del trauma cerrado aorta torácica. Por último, se propone un algoritmo de abordaje de trauma de aorta.

Trauma is the leading cause of death in the productive-age population. Addressing blunt chest trauma is still a challenge for the emergency physician. Although it is not a common entity, it is associated with high mortality and adverse outcomes. The diagnosis of blunt thoracic aortic trauma (LCAT) requires a high index of suspicion, given that the signs and symptoms are not specific to this disease (chest pain, interscapular pain, dyspnea, dysphagia, stridor, dysphonia). It is important to highlight that the absence of hemodynamic instability should not rule out aortic injury. For its imaging diagnosis, it must be taken into account that chest X-rays do not have adequate performance; the reference standard is angiotomography and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a diagnostic option. Management includes intravenous fluids and antihypertensives as a temporary measure, definitive surgical management and, in some cases, expectant or deferred management. Unstable patients or patients with signs of imminent ruptura should be taken immediately to surgery. Early surgical management has impacted mortality. Despite advances in surgical techniques, the open surgical technique documents a higher mortality rate than endovascular management, which has numerous advantages as it is minimally invasive. This is a narrative review that highlights some key aspects about the mechanisms of injury, diagnosis and initial management of blunt thoracic aortic trauma. Finally, an algorithm for addressing aortic trauma is proposed.

O trauma é a principal causa de morte na população em idade produtiva. Abordar o trauma torácico contuso ainda é um desafio para o médico emergencista. Embora não seja uma entidade comum, está associada a alta mortalidade e resultados adversos. O diagnóstico de trauma fechado de aorta torácica (TACE) requer alto índice de suspeição, visto que os sinais e sintomas não são específicos desta doença (dor torácica, dor interescapular, dispneia, disfagia, estridor, disfonia). É importante ressaltar que a ausência de instabilidade hemodinâmica não deve descartar lesão aórtica. Para seu diagnóstico por imagem deve-se levar em consideração que a radiografia de tórax não apresenta desempenho adequado; o padrão de referência é a angiotomografia e a ecocardiografia transesofágica (ETE) é uma opção diagnóstica. O manejo inclui fluidos intravenosos e anti-hipertensivos como medida temporária, manejo cirúrgico definitivo e, em alguns casos, manejo expectante ou diferido. Pacientes instáveis ou com sinais de ruptura iminente devem ser encaminhados imediatamente para cirurgia. O manejo cirúrgico precoce impactou a mortalidade. Apesar dos avanços nas técnicas cirúrgicas, a técnica cirúrgica aberta documenta maior taxa de mortalidade do que o manejo endovascular, que apresenta inúmeras vantagens por ser minimamente invasivo. Esta é uma revisão narrativa que destaca alguns aspectos-chave sobre os mecanismos de lesão, diagnóstico e manejo inicial do trauma contuso da aorta torácica. Finalmente, é proposto um algoritmo para tratar o trauma aórtico.

Effects of Zhuyu Pill （茱萸丸） and its Ingredient on Aortic Plaque and the NLRP3/Asc/Caspase-1 Signaling Pathway in Aortic Tissue of Mice in Atherosclerosis Model / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of action and combination of medicinals of Zhuyu Pill （茱萸丸） in the treatment of atherosclerosis. MethodsThirteen normal C57BL/6J mice were used as blank group， and 40 ApoE-/- mice of the same strain were randomly divided into model group， Huanglian （Coptis chinensis Franch.） group， Wuzhuyu （Tetradium ruticarpum） group， and Zhuyu Pill group， with 10 mice in each group. Except the blank group， the other groups were fed with high-fat diet for modeling， and the total modeling cycle was 12 weeks. After modelling， Huanglian group was given Huanglian solution 143.34 mg/（kg·d）， Wuzhuyu group with Wuzhuyu solution 301.78 mg/（kg·d）， Zhuyu Pill group with 261.07 mg/（kg·d） of Zhuyu Pill solution， blank group and model group were given 0.3ml of normal saline. Mice in all groups were gavaged for 12 weeks. The levels of total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C） and fasting blood glucose were measured by biochemical method； fasting insulin in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and insulin resistance index was calculated； HE staining was used to observe the pathological and morphological changes of aortic tissue， liver and epididymal fat in mice， and oil red O staining was used to observe the lipid deposition of aortic tissue in mice， and the percentage of positive area of aortic HE staining， the percentage of positive area of aortic oil red O staining， the non-alcoholic fatty liver activity score （NAS） score， and the cross-sectional area of epididymal fat were calculated； serum levels of interleukin 1β （IL-1β） and interleukin 18 （IL-18） were detected by ELISA； protein expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerisation structural domain-like receptor family pyridoxal structural domain protein 3 （NLRP3） in aortic tissues was detected by Western blot； and immunofluorescence was used to detect the levels of apoptosis-associated granulocyte-like protein （ASC）， which contains the CARD structural domain （ASC） and cysteine-containing aspartic protease 1 （Caspase-1） protein expression； and real-time fluorescence PCR was used to detect NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， IL-1β， and IL-18 mRNA expression in mouse aortic tissues. ResultsCompared with blank group， serum TC， TG and LDL-C were increased， insulin was decreased， fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance index were increased in model group （P＜0.01）. Aortic plaque area increased， liver lipid deposition increased， epididymal fat cells volume increased， liver NAS score increased， and epididymal fat cross-sectional area increased. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 increased， and the expression levels of NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1 protein and mRNA in aortic tissue increased （P＜0.01）. Compared with model group， serum TC， TG and LDL-C in Huanglian group， Wuzhuyu group and Zhuyu Pill group decreased， fasting insulin increased， fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance index decreased （P＜0.01）； aortic plaque area decreased significantly， liver lipid deposition decreased， liver NAS score decreased， epididymal fat cell volume decreased， epididymal fat cross section area decreased， serum IL-1β and IL-18 were decreased， the expression levels of NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1 protein and mRNA in aortic tissue were decreased （P＜0.01）， and the improvement of all indexes in the Zhuyu Pill group was better than that in Huanglian and Wuzhuyu groups （P＜0.01）. ConclusionZhuyu Pill has a good therapeutic effect on atherosclerosis in mice， and the combination of Huanglian and Wuzhuyu has a synergistic effect， the mechanism of which may be related to regulation of the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 aortic signaling pathway， and thus reducing the vascular inflammatory response.

Risk factors and preventive strategies of postoperative delirium in 209 patients with Stanford B aortic dissection: A retrospective cohort study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective To investigate the risk factors and prevention strategies of postoperative delirium in Stanford B aortic dissection. Methods Clinical data of the patients diagnosed with Stanford B aortic dissection and undergoing endovascular aortic repair from January 2020 to August 2021 in our department were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into a non-delirium group and a delirium group according to the presence of postoperative delirium. The risk factors for postoperative delirium after Stanford type B aortic dissection and the protective effect of dexmedetomidine on delirium were analyzed. Results A total of 659 patients with Stanford type B aortic dissection were enrolled, including 540 males and 119 females with a median age of 58.00 (41.00, 75.00) years. There were 450 patients in the non-delirium group, and 209 patients in the delirium group. There was no statistical difference in gender, body mass index, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking and drinking history, cholesterol triglyceride level, or creatinine glomerular filtration rate (P＞0.05). Age was an independent risk factor for postoperative delirium in Stanford type B aortic dissection (OR=1.392, 95%CI 1.008-1.923, P=0.044). Moreover, whether dexmedetomidine was used or not had no effect on the duration of postoperative delirium (χ2=4.662, P=0.588). Conclusion Age is an independent risk factor for postoperative delirium in patients with Stanford type B aortic dissection. The incidence of postoperative delirium in young patients is lower than that in the patients with middle and elderly age, and it may be of reference value to prevent postoperative delirium. Dexmedetomidine has no significant effect on controlling the duration of postoperative delirium.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for post-aortic surgery: A retrospective study in a single center / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective To describe the outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for patients after aortic surgery and to summarize the experience. Methods The clinical data of patients who received ECMO support after aortic surgery in Fuwai Hospital from 2009 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients who received an aortic dissection surgery were allocated into a dissection group, and the other patients were allocated into a non-dissection group. The in-hospital and follow-up survival rates were compared between the two groups, and the causes of death were analyzed. Results A total of 22 patients were enrolled, including 17 patients in the dissection group [13 males and 4 females, with a median age of 54 (46, 61) years] and 5 patients in the non-dissection group [3 males and 2 females, with a median age of 51 (41, 65) years]. There was no statistical difference in the age and gender between the two groups (P>0.05). The in-hospital survival rate (11.8% vs. 100.0%, P=0.001) and follow-up survival rate (11.8% vs. 80.0%, P=0.009) of the patients in the dissection group were significantly lower than those in the non-dissection group. The causes of death in the dissection group included massive bleeding and disseminated intravascular coagulation (3 patients), ventricular thrombosis (1 patient), irreversible brain injury (2 patients), visceral malperfusion syndrome (4 patients) and irreversible heart failure (5 patients). Conclusion ECMO after aortic dissection surgery is associated with high mortality, which is related to the pathological features of aortic dissection and severely disrupted coagulation system after the surgery. For these patients, strict indication selection and optimal management strategy are important.

Surgical strategy for treatment of complex aortic coarctation / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective To summarize the clinical experience of the treatment for complex aortic coarctation with extra anatomic bypass and anatomic correction techniques. Methods The clinical data of patients with complex aortic coarctation treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture between April 2012 and November 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Results A total of 12 patients were enrolled, including 5 males and 7 females aged 11-54 (34.3±16.2) years. Extra anatomic bypass grafting was performed in 8 patients and anatomic correction was performed in 4 patients. The operations were successful in all patients. There was no perioperative death. The average cardiopulmonary bypass time was 203.0±46.0 min (7 median incision patients), and the average intraoperative blood loss was 665.0±102.0 mL. The average postoperative ventilator support time was 32.3±7.5 h, and the average postoperative hospital stay time was 10.2±4.3 d. The mean drainage volume of median incision was 1 580.0±360.0 mL, and the mean drainage time was 9.3±2.7 d. The mean drainage volume of left thoracotomy was 890.0±235.0 mL, and the mean drainage time was 4.8±2.5 d. One patient had a transient hoarse after operation and recovered 6 months later. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 10 years with an average time of 81.0±27.0 months. All patients had a recovery of hypertension, cardiac afterload after 2 years postoperatively. One patient who received an artificial blood vessel replacement in situ was examined stenosis recurrence at the third year after discharge. Others were asymptomatic during the follow-up period. There were no death or other complications. Conclusion The treatment strategy for complex aortic coarctation should be individualized according to the anatomical features and concomitant heart diseases. Extra anatomic bypass technique is a safe and feasible choice.

Risk factors for postoperative delirium after Stanford type A aortic dissection : A systematic review and meta-analysis / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective To systematically evaluate the risk factors for postoperative delirium after surgery for Stanford type A aortic dissection. Methods We searched the CNKI, SinoMed, Wanfang data, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, EMbase, The Cochrane Library database from inception to September 2022. Case-control studies, and cohort studies on risk factors for postoperative delirium after surgery for Stanford type A aortic dissection were collected to identify studies about the risk factors for postoperative delirium after surgery for Stanford type A aortic dissection. Quality of the included studies was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). The meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 software and Stata 15.0 software. Results A total of 21 studies were included involving 3385 patients. The NOS score was 7-8 points. The results of meta-analysis showed that age (MD=2.58, 95%CI 1.44 to 3.72, P＜0.000 01), male (OR=1.33, 95%CI 1.12 to 1.59, P=0.001), drinking history (OR=1.45, 95%CI 1.04 to 2.04, P=0.03), diabetes history (OR=1.44, 95%CI 1.12 to 1.85, P=0.005), preoperative leukocytes (MD=1.17, 95%CI 0.57 to 1.77), P=0.000 1), operation time (MD=21.82, 95%CI 5.84 to 37.80, P=0.007), deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) time (MD=3.02, 95%CI 1.04 to 5.01, P=0.003), aortic occlusion time (MD=8.94, 95%CI 2.91 to 14.97, P=0.004), cardiopulmonary bypass time (MD=13.92, 95%CI 5.92 to 21.91, P=0.0006), ICU stay (MD=2.77, 95%CI 1.55 to 3.99, P＜0.000 01), hospital stay (MD=3.46, 95%CI 2.03 to 4.89, P＜0.0001), APACHEⅡ score (MD=2.76, 95%CI 1.59 to 3.93, P＜0.000 01), ventilation support time (MD=6.10, 95%CI 3.48 to 8.72, P＜0.000 01), hypoxemia (OR=2.32, 95%CI 1.40 to 3.82, P=0.001), the minimum postoperative oxygenation index (MD=−79.52, 95%CI −125.80 to −33.24, P=0.000 8), blood oxygen saturation (MD=−3.50, 95%CI −4.49 to −2.51, P＜0.000 01), postoperative hemoglobin (MD=−6.35, 95%CI −9.21 to −3.50, P＜0.000 1), postoperative blood lactate (MD=0.45, 95%CI 0.15 to 0.75, P=0.004), postoperative electrolyte abnormalities (OR=5.94, 95%CI 3.50 to 10.09, P＜0.000 01), acute kidney injury (OR=1.92, 95%CI 1.34 to 2.75, P=0.000 4) and postoperative body temperature (MD=0.79, 95%CI 0.69 to 0.88, P＜0.000 01) were associated with postoperative delirium after surgery for Stanford type A aortic dissection. Conclusion The current evidence shows that age, male, drinking history, diabetes history, operation time, DHCA time, aortic occlusion time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, ICU stay, hospital stay, APACHEⅡ score, ventilation support time, hypoxemia and postoperative body temperature are risk factors for the postoperative delirium after surgery for Stanford type A aortic dissection. Oxygenation index, oxygen saturation, and hemoglobin number are protective factors for delirium after Stanford type A aortic dissection.

Status and prospect of transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation for biological valve degeneration / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Along with the coming of aged society, the prevalence of heart valvular disease is significantly increasing, and the use of bioprosthetic valves for treating patients with severe valve disease has increased over the last two decades. As a consequence, a growing number of patients with surgical bioprosthesis degeneration is predicted in the near future. In this setting, valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic/mitral valve replacement (TAVR/TMVR) has emerged as an alternative to redo surgery. A deep knowledge of the mechanism and features of the failed bioprosthetic heart valve is pivotal to plan an adequate procedure. Multimodal imaging is fundamental in the diagnostic and pre-procedural phases. The immediate and mid-term clinical and hemodynamic results have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of ViV techniques, but the development of these techniques faces several specific challenges, such as coronary obstruction, potential post-procedural mismatch and leaflet thrombosis. This article reviews the current status and prospects of ViV-TAVR technology in the treatment for biological valve degeneration, and suggests that ViV-TAVR should be promoted and implemented in existing medical centers with good surgical aortic valve replacement experience, so as to provide better treatment for patients.

Characteristics of abnormal coronary aorta origin in adults and cause analysis of missed diagnosis by transthoracic echocardiography / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To analyze the characteristics of adult anomalous aortic origin of coronary artery(AAOCA)and the causes of missed diagnosis by transthoracic echocardiography(TTE)so as to facilitate TTE in diagnosing adult AAOCA.Methods A total of 37 adult patients with AAOCA diagnosed by non-invasive coronary CT angiography(CCTA)and/or invasive coronary angiography(ICA)were selected as research samples at some hospital from January 2019 to December 2022,and their clinical symptoms and the findings of 12-lead electrocardiogram,cardiac enzymes and TTE were summarized;the patients were typed according to the site of origin of coronary artery anomalies,and the causes for the missed diagnosis of TTE were eplored.Chi-square test was used to compare the differences in TTE missed diagnoses.Results Of the 37 patients,31 ones had no or only mild symptoms;most ones had negative results in terms of 12-lead electrocardiography,cardiac enzymes,changes in the size of the cardiac chambers,segmental ventricular wall motion abnormalities and left ventricular systolic function.The patients with anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from left sinus(ARCA-L)gained the largest proportion of 59.45％(22/37);21 patients were diagnosed with anomalous origin of coronary artery arising from the opposite sinus(ACAOS)in the two examinations of TTE,of whom there were 19 cases of ARCA-L,and the detection rate of ACAOS by TTE was 87.5％;all the 13 patients origins in branches and high-grade openings were missed by TTE.The detection rate of ACAOS by TTE was significantly higher than that of coronary artery anomalies originating in branches and in high openings,and the difference was statistically significant(21/24 vs 0/13,P＜0.001).Conclusion Most adult AAOCA patients lack specificity in symptoms and related examination results.TTE has a high detection rate of ACAOS,while it is easy to miss the diagnosis of coronary artery anomalies originating from branches and high openings.Ultrasonographers have to identify false negative AAOCA by multi-section and multi-angle scanning and color Doppler flow imaging in order to reduce the rate of missed diagnosis.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(1):71-75]

Establishment and Validation of a Model for Differential Diagnosis between Aortic Dissection and Myocardial Infarction / 医学研究杂志

Objective Most of the clinical manifestations of aortic dissection and myocardial infarction are chest pain,which can easily lead to misdiagnosis and disastrous consequences.Therefore,this study intends to establish a differential diagnosis model and verify it in order to achieve early accurate prediction.Methods The relevant information of 200 patients with myocardial infarction and 120 pa-tients with aortic dissection diagnosed in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University was collected,including age,gender,blood routine examination,electrolytes,markers of myocardial necrosis and blood coagulation function at admission.The patients were di-vided into myocardial infarction group and aortic dissection group.The independent risk factors were found out through t-test,AN OVA and binary Logistic regression analysis,and the nomogram was further drawn using R language to develop and validate the differential diag-nosis scoring table.Results The procalcitonin,prothrombin time(PT)、international normalized ratio(INR)、fibrin degradation product(FDP),D-dimer,white blood cell(WBC),percentage of neutrophil,percentage of lymphocyte,absolute value of neutrophil,absolute value of lymphocyte,C-reactive protein,cardiac troponin T(cTNT)、creatine kinase isozyme(CK-MB),systolic blood pressure of pa-tients in the two groups were statistically significant(P＜0.05),There was no significant difference in other indexes(P＞0.05).Binary Logistic regression analysis further showed that procalcitonin,D-dimer,C-reactive protein and systolic blood pressure were independent risk factors for diagnosing aortic dissection,while percentage of lymphocyte and absolute value of lymphocyte were independent risk factors for diagnosing myocardial infarction.According to the validation results of the score table developed by the nomogram,the the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.978,and the best cut-off value was 40.70 points.The sensitivity and specificity were 92.5％and 96.0％.Conclusion This study confirms that procalcitonin,D-dimer,C-reactive protein and systolic blood pressure are independent risk factors for diagnosing aortic dissection,while percentage of lymphocyte and absolute value of lymphocyte are independent risk factors for diagnosing myocardial infarction.The differential diagnosis scoring table proposed in this study can effectively differentiate patients with aortic dissection and myocardial infarction at an early stage,so as to guide further clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Progress of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in 2023 / 中国介入心脏病学杂志

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)has become one of the effective methods for treating patients with aortic valve disease.With the continuous maturity of technology,innovation of instruments and increasing experience,the indications for TAVR has been expanded.Following international trends,the number of TAVR in China has steadily increased with each passing year.In 2023,the long-term follow-up results of TAVR in low-risk AS patients further confirm the long-term benefits of TAVR.The relevant research on TAVR for patients with aortic regurgitation and patients with bicuspid aortic stenosis provide evidence support for the expansion of TAVR indications.At the same time,the development of valve devices and new technological innovations are emerging in an endless stream,and the new concept of full life cycle management is increasingly being valued.Especially in China,the development of local devices is progressing rapidly,and multiple devices have entered the clinical research stage.The clinical manifestations and research results are worth pursuing.

Prediction and risk factor analysis of new-onset conduction disturbance after transcatheter aortic valve replacement / 中国介入心脏病学杂志

Objective To explore the relevant factors of new-onset conduction disturbance(NOCD)after transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR),such as anatomical structure,device type,surgical strategies,etc.,discover relevant predictive factors,and establish a predictive model to assess the risk of conduction blockages.Methods From January 2016 to March 2022,clinical data of symptomatic patients with severe aortic valve stenosis or severe regurgitation who underwent TAVR at Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University were collected through the hospital information system and imaging database.ECG,echocardiography,CTA,surgical materials,etc.,were extracted and analyzed by specialists.SPSS software was used for statistical analysis,and a multi-factor regression prediction model for NOCDwas built.Results A total of 184 patients were included,the occurrence rate of NOCD after TAVR was 31.0%,pure regurgitation patients'NOCD occurrence rate was 63.6%(7/11).The NOCD group had a larger aortic angles[(57.7±10.3)°vs.(52.0±9.0)°,P＜0.001],larger Oversizing[(129±28)%vs.(120±21)%,P=0.018],deeper implantation depth[(7.2±5.1)mm vs.(4.8±4.2)mm,P=0.001],and higher pure regurgitation patients'proportion[12.3%vs.3.1%,P=0.037]than the non-NOCD group.Multifactorial Logistic regression analysis indicated that an aorta angle＞54.5°(OR 3.78,95%CI 1.86-7.63,P＜0.001)or implantation depth＞5.7 mm(OR 3.39,95%CI 1.68-6.85,P＜0.001)are independent risk factors for new onset conduction disturbances after TAVR,and a predictive model was established with aortic angle,implantation depth,and Oversizing ratio as variables.The receiver operating characteristics curve showed area under ROC curve 0.709,95%CI 0.623-0.795,predicting NOCD after TAVR.Conclusions A retrospective analysis carried out at a single center discovered that the aortic angle in the NOCD group was larger than that in the non-NOCD group,the Oversizing ratio was higher,the implantation location was deeper,and there was a higher proportion of patients with pure regurgitation lesions.An aortic angle greater than 54.5°or an implantation depth more than 5.7 mm were identified as independent risk factors for NOCD after TAVR.

New advances in stroke and cerebral embolism protection devices in transcatheter aortic valve replacement / 中国介入心脏病学杂志

Stroke is one of the most serious complications of transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR),tremendously increasing mortality and the loss of neurocognitive function.Since TAVR is expected to further spread into lower-risk patient groups,there will be greater emphasis to obviate such serious complications.One possible technique for preventing stroke is using cerebral embolic protection devices(CEPDs).CEPDs are designed for capturing or deflecting emboli that are enter route to the brain and hence to protect the brain from embolism.Since this is a rapidly growing field with recent advances,and the impact of CEPD on preventing neurological events is still limited,there is an urgent need for understanding the role of CEPD in preventing clinically significant strokes.Although their clinical utilization is increasing,the risk factors for stroke related to TAVR and evidence for using CEPDs are not yet clear.In this review,we present an overview of the available literature on TAVR related stroke and CEPD,and outline recent advances within this field.