Impact of Reconstructing Intercostal Artery on Spinal Cord Circulation During Open Surgery for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm

ABSTRACT Introduction: We evaluated the outcomes of the selective intercostal artery reconstruction for preventing spinal cord injury during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Methods: We retrospectively assessed 84 consecutive patients who underwent thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repairs between 2004 and 2016. The mean age of the patients was 57.3 years. We performed preoperative multidetector computed tomography in 74 patients (88.0%) to identify the Adamkiewicz artery. Spinal cord injury preventive measures included motor evoked potential monitoring, hypothermia induction, Adamkiewicz artery or other intercostal artery reconstruction, and cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Results: The hospital death rate was 5.9%, and paraplegia occurred in four patients (4.7%). The Adamkiewicz artery or other intercostal arteries were reconstructed selectively in 46 patients (54.7%). Of these patients, 41 underwent postoperative multidetector computed tomography, which revealed occlusion of the reconstructed grafts in 23 patients (56.0%). There was no paraplegia in the patients who underwent reconstruction of the Adamkiewicz artery, which was patent on postoperative multidetector computed tomography. Univariate analysis showed no significant effect of various risk factors on the development of spinal cord injury. Conclusion: Outcome of open surgery for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm in our institution regarding spinal cord injury was satisfactory. The benefits of Adamkiewicz artery reconstruction remain inconclusive, and further larger studies are required to identify its validation for spinal cord protection in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

A preliminary experience of retroperitoneal approach by partial resection of the tenth rib for repairing Crawford type Ⅳ thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm and complex abdominal aortic aneurysm / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate a surgical approach for partial resection of the tenth rib through a retroperitoneal approach for the exposure of Crawford type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm and complex abdominal aortic aneurysm from 2014 to 2019.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data and follow-up results of 7 patients who underwent treatment for Crawford type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm and complex abdominal aortic aneurysm through partial resection of the tenth rib via a retroperitoneal approach.Results:One case (14.3%) had associated Marfan syndrome, and 5 cases (71.4%) underwent left renal artery reconstruction. None of the patients experienced severe complications such as cardiopulmonary complications or renal failure postoperatively, and there was no statistically significant difference in serum creatinine levels between preoperative and postoperative stages during hospitalization ( P=0.205). Follow-up examinations showed no long-term vascular stenosis. Conclusions:Partial resection of the tenth rib through a retroperitoneal approach can avoid incisions of the pleura and diaphragm. It allows for the exposure of the aorta below the diaphragm and has the ability to treat aortic diseases below the diaphragm with smaller incisions and lower complication risks.

3D printing-assisted pre-fenestration and branch stent endovascular repair for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 3D printing-assisted pre-fenestration and branch stent endovascular repair (F/b EVAR) in the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.Methods:The clinical data of 26 patients treated with 3D printing-assisted F/b EVAR for complicated thoracic and abdominal aortic diseases at the Department of Vascular Surgery, the Ninth People's Hospital,Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from May 2019 to Sep 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:The success rate in these 26 cases of TAAA with 3D printing combined with F/b EVAR was 97.89%, and the mean follow-up time was (8.03±4.15) months. Four cases had Ⅲc internal leakage and disappeared during the follow-up. One case of type Ⅲ leakage were narrowed during follow-up. Ic type internal leakage occurred in 1 patient and disappeared after the addition of a stent at the distal end. During the follow-up period, aortic CTA indicated that 1 patient had renal artery stent occlusion and smooth blood in other visceral branches. No complications such as organ ischemia, lower limb ischemia and all-cause death occurred during follow-up.Conclusion:3D printing-assisted F/b EVAR minimally invasive repair of TAAA is a feasible, effective and safe technique, with high success rate and low complication rate of visceral branch artery reconstruction.

Mid term results of fenestrated branch stent technique for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the mid-term results of fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair (f/b EVAR) for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. M ethods The clinical data of 105 thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm patients treated with f/b EVAR at the Department of Vascular Surgery of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from 2018 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Results:There were 43 cases of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm and 62 cases of thoracoabdominal aortic aissection.A total of 336 branch arteries were reconstructed,and technical success rate was 94.3%. 100 cases (95.2%) were followed-up, 6 cases (5.7%) received reoperation interventions, and 11 cases (10.5%) died. During the follow-up period, 69 cases had complete imaging data. Based on the recent CT date of the thoracoabdominal aorta, 58 patients hael positive aortic remodeling and 11 patients hael negative and indeterminate remodeling; there were 31 cases (29.5%) of endoleaks, including 7 cases (6.7%) of type Ⅰb endoleaks, 8 cases (7.6%) of type Ⅱ, 1 case (0.95%) of type Ⅲa, 13 cases (12.4%) of type Ⅲc endoleaks and 2 cases (1.9%) of type Ⅳ. Conclusions:The mid-term follow-up results were satisfactory for TAAA treated with f/b EVAR. Internal leakage remains key point for f/b EVAR.

Cirugía convencional del aneurisma tóraco-abdominal / Open surgical treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Experience in 45 patients

BACKGROUND: Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) is an infrequent disease and demands a highly specialized and experienced management. Open repair (OR) is the gold standard but it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Paraplegia and renal failure are the most important complications. AIM: To report our results with OR treatment of TAAA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive study including all patients with TAAA operated electively and consecutively by OR between 1983 and 2019. Main outcomes are operative mortality, renal and neurological morbidity, and long-term survival. RESULTS: We report 45 operated patients aged 33 to 84 years, 74% males. Aneurysm extension according to Crawford classification was I in 18%, II in 18 %, III in 36% and IV in 29%. Operative mortality was 4%. The frequency of paraplegia or paraparesis at discharge was 9%. No patient was discharged on hemodialysis. Survival at 5 and 10 years were 60% and 40% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: OR of TAAA is a complex procedure. Our results show perioperative mortality rates comparable to highly experienced centers. Although being a major procedure, OR remains an alternative to treat this serious condition.

Survival of mother and infant following treatment of acute Stanford type B aortic dissection with endovascular repair under local anesthesia in second trimester: a case report / 中华围产医学杂志

We report the diagnosis and treatment of a pregnant woman with acute Stanford type B aortic dissection in the second trimester who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair under local anesthesia and later gave birth to a live neonate. The patient was admitted due to acute upper back pain at 27 weeks of gestation, who was diagnosed as acute Stanford type B aortic dissection. Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair was performed with low radiation dose under local anesthesia. A live neonate was born through cesarean section at 33 +6 gestational weeks due to the flat baseline of the fetal heart monitor, with a birth weight of 1 840 g and Apgar score of 9 at 1 min. The neonate was discharged after a 20-day treatment. During the follow-up of 12 months, the infant grew and developed well, and covered stent was well placed in the mother without leakage in the distal or proximal ends of the stent or any other complications.

Renal ischemia reduction in TAAA hybrid operation by VORTEC renal artery revascularization / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To compare the effect of hybrid open-endovascular repair (HOER) and Viabahn open revascularization technique (VORTEC)+HOER in the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA).Methods:From Apr 2005 to Jul 2019, 33 TAAA patients underwent HOER including 21 cases of standard HOER, and 12 of VORTEC+HOER. The intraoperative renal ischemia time (RIT), incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI), rate of renal artery patency (RAP) and another short-term outcome were observed.Results:RIT was significantly shorter in the VORTEC+HOER group than in the standard treatment group [(9±3) minutes vs. (15±6) minutes, P<0.05]. The increase in serum creatinine (SCr) levels on the 1st postoperative day in the standard treatment group was significantly higher than that in the VORTEC+HOER group [(1.68±0.79) μmol/L vs. (1.05±0.06) μmol/L, P<0.05]. AKI occurred in 5 patients in the standard HOER treatment group (5/21, 24%), while no patient experienced AKI in the VORTEC+HOER group (0/12, 0). Conclusion:VORTEC significantly reduces RIT and postoperative SCr increasing, thereby potentially decreasing the incidence of postoperative AKI.

Management of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm: experiences in 39 cases / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of different treatment methods for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm(TAAA).Methods:The clinical data of 39 TAAA patients admitted to our department from Jan 2010 to Feb 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:There were 25 patients in endovascular group, 11 in open group and 3 in hybrid group. The mean age in the endovascular group was significantly higher than that in the open group ( P<0.05). The blood loss and operation time in the endovascular group were significantly lower than those in the open group and the hybrid group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the operation success rate, the complication rate in post-operative 30 days and the rate of re-intervention ( P>0.05) among the three groups. The post-operative 30 days mortality was significantly higher in the hybrid group than that in the endovascular group and open group ( P<0.05). During the follow-up period, the complication rate in the endovascular group was significantly higher than that in the open group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Endovascular surgery is more suitable for elderly patients because of shorter operation time, less trauma and bleeding.

Cocaine-related aortic dissection: what do we know?

Abstract Introduction: Cocaine use is known to be associated with an increased risk for vascular diseases. It is likely to trigger or increase the risk for an aortic dissection. We conducted an analysis of 45 cases of cocaine-related aortic dissection to further characterize the clinical features and outcomes of this patient cohort. Methods: Our study cohort of 45 patients consisted of 11 cases from our institutional database and 34 published case reports. Results: The observed cases of acute aortic dissection related to cocaine use showed a high proportion of young (41.3±8.67 years) and male (88.9%) patients. Most of the cases (75%) were classified as Stanford type A. Also, in 75% of the cases, cocaine use was prevalent for more than one year. Median time from last cocaine use to onset of symptoms was one hour. In-hospital mortality was 21.4%, while additional 11.9% of the cases died before arriving at the hospital. Conclusion: Acute aortic dissection related to cocaine use occurs in predominantly young male patients and has a dismal outcome when compared to all comer series.

Which is the optimal frozen elephant trunk? a systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes in 2161 patients undergoing thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery using e-vita open plus hybrid stent graft versus thoraflex hybrid prosthesis

Abstract Objective: To systematically review the rate of morbidity and mortality associated with the use of E-vita hybrid stent graft and ThoraflexTM in patients undergoing complex aortic surgery. Methods: A comprehensive search was undertaken among the four major databases to identify published data about E-vita or Thoraflex™ in patients undergoing repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms. Results: In total, 28 papers were included in the study, encompassing a total of 2,161 patients (1,919 E-vita and 242 Thoraflex™). Patients undergoing surgery with E-vita or Thoraflex™ were of similar age and sex. The number of patients undergoing non-elective repair with Thoraflex™ was higher than with E-vita (35.2% vs. 28.7%, respectively). Cardiopulmonary bypass time was associated with increasing mortality in E-vita patients, however a meta-analysis of proportions showed higher 30-day mortality, permanent neurological deficit, and one-year mortality for Thoraflex™ patients. Direct statistical comparisons between E-vita and Thoraflex™ was not possible due to heterogeneity of studies. Conclusion: Although there are limited studies available, the available data suggests that mortality and morbidity are lower for the E-vita device in thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery than for Thoraflex™. Long-term data of comparative studies do not yet exist to assess viability of these procedures.

Chylous ascites developing after open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair in a patient with marfan syndrome

Abstract Chylous ascites is the pathologic accumulation of chylous fluid in the peritoneal cavity, caused by lymphomas, metastatic malignancies, and abdominal surgeries, rarely due to surgical trauma of the cisterna chyli or its major branches. A 24-year-old man with history of Marfan syndrome presented to our hospital with abdominal distention, abdominal pain, fluid in the incision region, and weakness. He had underwent an elective open aneurysm repair surgery nine days before for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Computed tomography revealed massive fluid collection in the abdominal cavity, which was drained surgically. He was diagnosed with chylous ascites and was discharged after conservative treatment.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of the elastic properties of ascending aortic aneurysm

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the aortic wall elasticity using the maximal rate of systolic distension (MRSD) and maximal rate of diastolic recoil (MRDR) and their correlation with the aortic size index (ASI). Methods: Forty-eight patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm were enrolled in this study. A standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol was used to calculate MRSD and MRDR. Both MRSD and MRDR were expressed as percentile of maximal area/10-3 sec. ASI (maximal aortic diameter/body surface area) was calculated. A correlation between MRSD, MRDR, ASI, and the patient's age was performed using regression plot. Results: A significant correlation between MRSD (t=-4,36; r2=0.29; P≤0.0001), MRDR (t=3.92; r2=0.25; P=0.0003), and ASI (25±4.33 mm/m2; range 15,48-35,14 mm/m2) is observed. As ASI increases, aortic MRSD and MRDR decrease. Such inverse correlation between MRSD, MRDR, and ASI indicates increased stiffness of the ascending aorta. A significant correlation between the patient's age and the decrease in MRSD and MRDR is observed. Conclusion: MRSD and MRDR are significantly correlated with ASI and the patient's age. They seem to describe properly the increasing stiffness of aortas. These two new indexes provide a promising, accessible, and reproducible approach to evaluate the biomechanical property of the aorta.

Relationships between phenotype and function of blood cd4+ t-cells and ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm: an experimental study

Abstract Introduction: Non-familial ascending thoracic aorta dilation and aneurysms (TAAs) are silent diseases in elderly patients. Histopathology revealed that functionally polarized infiltrating CD4+ T-cells play a key role in aortic wall weakening. Objective: To evaluate the possible associations between phenotype and cytokine production of circulating CD4+ T-lymphocytes and the presence of TAA in patients with aortic valve disease (AVD). Methods: We studied blood samples from 10 patients with TAA and 10 patients with AVD. Flow cytometry was used to quantify: a) CD4+ T-lymphocytes surface expression of CD25, CD28, and chemokine receptors (CCR5, CXCR3, CX3CR1); b) fractions of in vitro stimulated CD4+ T-cells producing cytokines (interferon gamma [IFN-γ], interleukin [IL]-17A, IL-21, IL-10); c) CD4+CD25highFoxP3+ regulatory T-cells (Treg) fraction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were performed for cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-23, transforming growth factor beta [TGF-β]) and chemokines (RANTES, CX3CL1). Results: The total CD4+CD28±CD4+/CX3CR1+ T-cells fraction was higher (P=0.0323) in AVD (20.452±4.673) than in TAA patients (8.633±2.030). The frequency ratio of CD4+ T-lymphocytes producing IFN-γ vs. IL-17A+IL-21 cytokine-producing CD4+ T-cells was higher (P=0.0239) in AVD (2.102±0.272) than in TAA (1.365±0.123) patients. The sum of CD4+CD28±CD4+/CX3CR1+ T-cells correlated positively with values of the previous cytokine ratio (P=0.0002, R=0.732). The ratio of CD4+CD28±CD4+/CX3CR1+ T-cells vs. Treg was higher (P=0.0008) in AVD (20.859±3.393) than in TAA (6.367±1.277) patients. Conclusion: Our results show that the presence of TAA in subjects with AVD is associated with imbalance between phenotypic and cytokine-producing subsets of circulating CD4+ T-lymphocytes, prevalently oriented towards a pro-fibrotic and IFN-γ counteracting effect to functional polarization.

Novel Association of a Familial TGFBR1 Mutation in Loeys-Dietz Syndrome with Concomitant Hematologic Malignancy / 대한흉부외과학회지

Concomitant Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) and hematologic malignancies are exceptionally rare. This is the first report of a patient operated on for aortic root dilation who had been previously diagnosed with LDS and B-cell-lymphoma. After completion of chemotherapy and complete remission, an elective valve-sparing aortic root replacement (using the David-V method) was performed. Due to the positive family history, pre-operative genetic counseling was conducted, and revealed LDS with a TGFBR1 (transforming growth factor beta receptor type I) mutation in 6 probands of the family, albeit in 1 of them posthumously. This missense mutation has been previously described in relation to aortic dissection, but a causative relationship to malignancy has so far neither been proposed nor proven.

Should sinus of valsalva be replaced in patients with dilated ascending aorta and aortic valve diseases?

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate the change in the dimension of sinus of Valsalva in patients who underwent supracoronary ascending aorta replacement with aortic valve replacement. Methods: A total of 81 patients who underwent supracoronary ascending aorta replacement with aortic valve replacement were included. Ten of 81 patients died during the follow-up. The patients were divided into three groups according to the aortic valve diseases. Group I (n=17) included patients with bicuspid valves, group II (n=30) included patients with stenotic degenerative valves, and patients with aortic regurgitation constituted group III (n=24). In preoperative and follow-up periods, the sinus of Valsalva diameter of the patients was evaluated by echocardiographic examination. The mean age was 54.1±15.1 years. Twenty-eight (34.6%) patients were female and 12 (14.8%) patients were in New York Heart Association functional class III. Results: There was no early mortality. Late mortality was developed in 10 (12.4%) patients, 8 (9.9%) due to non-cardiac reasons. Late follow-up was obtained in 71 patients with a mean of 60±30.1 months postoperatively. During follow-up, the increase in the diameter of the sinus of Valsalva was significant in Group I (P<0.01), while in Group II and III it was insignificant (P>0.05). Conclusion: To avoid the risks associated with sinus of Valsalva dilatation, it is reasonable to replace the sinus of Valsalva in the setting of aortic valve replacement and ascending aorta replacement for bicuspid aortic valve with a dilated ascending aorta and relatively normal sinuses of Valsalva in young patients.

Endovascular Repair in Acute Complicated Type B Aortic Dissection: 3-Year Results from the Valiant US Investigational Device Exemption Study

Acute complicated type B aortic dissection (TBAD) is a potentially catastrophic, life-threatening condition. If left untreated, there is a high risk of aortic rupture, irreversible organ or limb damage, or death. Several risk factors have been associated with acute complicated TBAD, including age and refractory hypertension. In the acute phase, even uncomplicated patients are more prone to develop complications if hypertension and pain are left medically untreated. Innovations in stent graft technologies have incrementally improved outcomes since their first use for this condition in 1999, though improvement is needed in mitigating periprocedural complications, adverse events, and mortality. In the past decade, endovascular repair has become the preferred treatment because of its superior outcomes to open repair and medical therapy. The Valiant Captivia Thoracic Stent Graft System is a third-generation endovascular stent graft with advancements in minimally invasive delivery, conformability to the anatomy, and the minimization of adverse sequelae. Herein, this stent graft is briefly reviewed and its 3-year outcomes are presented. Freedom from all-cause and dissection-related mortality was 79.1% and 90.0%, respectively. The Valiant Captivia Stent Graft represents a safe, effective intervention for acute complicated TBAD. Continued surveillance is needed to verify its longer-term durability.

Clinical Efficacy of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Treating the Patients With Complicated Thoracic Aortic Dissection / 中国循环杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinical efifcacy of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for treating the patients with complicated thoracic aortic dissection and to report the relevant clinical experiences. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 56 patients with complicated thoracic aortic dissection who received the operation of TEVAR in our hospital from 2011-02 to 2015-10 in order to analyze their operation methods with reasons. Results: There were 21 patients with complex anatomic conditions for aortic arch, 7 of them received TEVAR and 14 received TEVAR with covered left subclavian artery; 16 patients with complex shape of aortic dissection, 5 of them received TEVAR and 11 received TEVAR with covered left subclavian artery; 19 patients with aortic dissection involving aortic arch, 17 of them received hybrid procedures of aortic arch branch bypass surgery + TEVAR and 2 received TEVAR with fenestrated stent grafts. All operations were successful and no severe complications occurred. Conclusion: TEVAR is a fast and effective method for treating complicated thoracic aortic dissection, which may expand the application ranges as covering left subclavian artery, branch vessel bypass and modiifed stent grafting.

Application and comparison of moderate and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest during adult aortic arch surgery / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To compare the effects of moderate and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) during aortic arch surgery in the adult patients,to offer the evidence for the detection of which temperature provides best brain protection in the subjects who accept the great aortic surgery.Methods A total of 109 patients undergoing the surgery of aortic arch were divided into the moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest group and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest group.We recorded the characters of the patients and their cardiopulmonary bypass time,aortic clamping time,cerebral perfusion time and postoperative recovery time,tracheal intubation time,time of intensive care unit (ICU) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction.Results Patients' characteristics were similar in two groups.All the patients were cured.There were no significant differences in aortic clamping time of each group [(111.4 ± 58.4) min vs.(115.9 ± 16.2) min];selective cerebral perfusion time [(27.4 ± 5.9) min vs.(23.5 ±6.1) min] of the moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest group and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest group.There were significant differences in the cardiopulmonary bypass time[(207.4 ± 20.9) min vs.(263.8 ± 22.6) min],the postoperative recovery time [(19.0 ± 11.1) h vs.(36.8 ± 25.3) h],intubation time [(46.4 ± 15.1) h vs.(64.4 ± 6.0)h];length of ICU [(4.7 ± 1.7) d vs.(8.± 2.3) d],and postoperative cognitive dysfunction of the two groups.Conclusion Compared to the deep hypothermic circulatory arrest,the moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest can provide better brain protection and achieve good clinical results.

Progress on coverage and reconstruction of left subclavian artery in thoracic endovascular aortic repair / 国际外科学杂志

Coverage of the left subclavian artery is often necessary to establish an adequate landing zone in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair,which can avoids endoleaks that contribute the important aspect of technical success of thoracic endovascular aortic repair.However,there have been controversial whether the routine revascularization of left subclavian artery benefits in preventing the complications in perioperative,like cerebrovascular accident,and which approach of revascularization should be taken for more advantages.In this review,the disputes have been discussed between the routine revascularization and selective revascularization of left subclavian artery based on clinic research published in recent years,and also introduce the progress in open surgery and endovascular technique of left subclavian artery revascularization.