Medium-Term Outcomes of Treatment with a VIABAHN VBX Covered Stent for Aortoiliac Occlusive Lesions in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment (EVT) for aortoiliac (AI) occlusive lesions is now conducted worldwide, but there are challenges in EVT for complex AI lesions. The VIABAHN VBX (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) is a next-generation balloon-expandable covered stent designed for use with complex AI lesions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the medium-term outcomes of VIABAHN VBX for such lesions. METHODS: Symptomatic patients who underwent EVT with VIABAHN VBX for an AI lesion from 2018 to 2020 at 7 Japanese centers were reviewed retrospectively. The primary endpoints were primary patency and freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR). RESULTS: A total of 95 EVT procedures with VIABAHN VBX for AI occlusive lesions were performed in 71 patients. The patients had high rates of dyslipidemia (53%) and chronic kidney disease (61%), and 22% had chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). The Transatlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC Ⅱ) class was A in 12 patients (17%), B in 12 (17%), C in 10 (14%), and D in 37 (52%). Severe calcification (360°) of the treated lesion was present in 31 patients (33%). The median procedure time was 84 (49-158) min, with a technical success rate of 100%. The median follow-up period was 36 (32-43) months. The 3-year primary and secondary patency of VIABAHN VBX were 91% and 99%, the 3-year freedom from TLR was 92%, and the 3-year freedom from major adverse limb event (MALE) was 98%. No limbs required major amputation. Lesion severity (TASC Ⅱ C or D) and severe calcification did not affect the primary patency or freedom from TLR. CONCLUSIONS: Medium-term outcomes after EVT with VIABAHN VBX for AI lesions were acceptable regardless of lesion severity and calcification. These results suggest that VIABAHN VBX may be suitable for AI occlusive lesions with severe anatomical complexity and/or severe calcification.

Clinical Outcomes of Common Femoral Thromboendarterectomy with Bovine Pericardium Patch Angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of thromboendarterectomy (TEA) for common femoral occlusive disease using bovine pericardium patch angioplasty. METHODS: The subjects were patients who underwent TEA for common femoral occlusive disease with bovine pericardium patch angioplasty from October 2020 to August 2021. The study had a prospective, multicenter, and observational design. The primary end point was primary patency (freedom from restenosis). The secondary end points were secondary patency, amputation-free survival (AFS), postoperative wound complication, hospital death within 30 days, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 30 days. RESULTS: Forty-seven TEA procedures with a bovine patch were performed in 42 patients (34 males; median age, 78 years; diabetes mellitus, 57%; end-stage renal disease with hemodialysis, 19%). Clinical presentations were intermittent claudication (68%) and critical limb-threatening ischemia (32%). Sixteen (34%) limbs underwent TEA alone and 31 (66%) underwent a combined procedure. Surgical site infection (SSI) occurred in 4 limbs (9%) and lymphatic fistulas in 3 limbs (6%). One limb with SSI required surgical debridement 19 days after the procedure, and 1 limb (2%) without postoperative wound complications required additional treatment due to acute bleeding. Hospital death within 30 days occurred in 1 case due to panperitonitis. There was no MACE within 30 days. Claudication was improved in all cases. Postoperative ABI of 0.92 [0.72-1.00] was significantly higher than the preoperative value (P < 0.001). The median follow-up period was 10 months [9-13 months]. One limb (2%) required additional endovascular therapy due to stenosis at the endarterectomy site at 5 months postoperatively. Primary and secondary patencies were 98% and 100% at 12 months, respectively, and the AFS rate was 90% at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Common femoral TEA with bovine pericardium patch angioplasty has satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Removal of a left ventricular thrombus complicated by cardiac sarcoidosis using a 3D microscope system.

A woman in her 60s was brought to the previous hospital with respiratory distress. She was referred for the treatment of severe cardiac dysfunction and a mobile mass in the left ventricle. Echocardiography revealed the mass to be of 20×11 mm in size, mobile and slightly attached to the left ventricle by a stalk. As MRI had already revealed a small cerebral infarction, we have decided to perform emergency thrombectomy of the left ventricle. As the left ventricular contractility was diffusely impaired, we were able to remove the mass without any residuals using a transseptal approach without a left ventricular incision using a three-dimensional microscope system. The pathological diagnosis of the mass was thrombus, and subsequent close examination led to the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis. We report the surgical technique and removal of a left ventricular thrombus complicated by cardiac sarcoidosis.

Superficial femoral artery-anterior tibial artery bypass with great saphenous vein grafting via the lateral femoropopliteal route for infection after Viabahn placement.

We report a case involving an elderly man who successfully underwent superficial femoral artery-anterior tibial artery bypass via the lateral femoropopliteal route following development of a stent infection after placement of a small-diameter covered stent for a ruptured superficial femoral artery pseudoaneurysm. This report suggests that appropriate treatment strategies for device infection subsequent to device removal are paramount for the prevention of reinfection and preservation of the affected extremity.

[Ruptured Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Treated with Total Arch Replacement and Direct Transaortic Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair].

Open stent grafting is an effective technique in surgery for treating-ruptured aortic aneurysms in the distal aortic arch, but it is not always applied as it depends on the shape of the aneurysm. In this case, the aneurysm was long in the distal aortic arch and sharply angulated into the descending aorta;thus, it was anticipated that an off-the-shelf open stent graft would not cover the ruptured area. Therefore, we used a stent graft device for thoracic endovascular aortic repair as an open stent and succeeded in saving the patient's life.

[Distal Anastomosis with Pleural Flap Wrap for Ruptured Acute Aortic Dissection].

A 69-year-old woman developed back pain was brought to our hospital. She was diagnosed with acute Stanford type B aortic dissection, and had a history of ascending aortic replacement for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection at another hospital 10 years before. In three days after admission, enhanced computer tomography (CT) revealed ruptured aortic dissection at the distal arch. Total aortic arch replacement was performed using the frozen elephant trunk technique. The Dacron polyester fabric prosthesis and aorta were anastomosed using the modified turn-up method at the distal anastomosis. Due to the fragility of the oesophageal side, the pleural flap was detached with the surrounding fatty tissue and transection was performed from the elephant trunk to the intima, adventitia, pleural flap, and felt strip. The use of an autologous pleural flap is a simple and effective method for controlling bleeding in a ruptured aortic dissection and for the distal anastomosis of fragile adventitia.

Arteriovenous malformation with pseudoaneurysm on the left upper limb.

A 61-year-old woman developed a pulsatile mass on the left upper limb and was diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation with pseudoaneurysm. A two-stage operation including ligation and resection of the aberrant branches and subsequent resection of the mass with revascularization was performed. Histological analysis suggested arteriovenous malformation and pseudoaneurysm.

Successful one-stage operation for type B acute intramural hematoma with descending aortic rupture.

A 76-year-old man who complained of back pain was referred to our hospital. Computed tomography revealed an intramural hematoma with a descending aortic rupture. Total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk technique and thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed emergently in one stage. The patient was discharged without symptoms.

[Florida Sleeve Technique Concomitant with Total Aortic Arch Replacement].

A 73-year-old man with chest pain was brought to our hospital. He was diagnosed with acute myocardial infraction (AMI) by coronary arteriogram and underwent emergent intervention. Enhanced computer tomography( CT) revealed thoracic aortic aneurysm extending from sinus of Valsalva to proximal aortic arch. Fifty days after the onset of AMI, we performed valve-sparing aortic root replacement with the Florida sleeve technique, total aortic arch replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting. Post operatively, the patient's recovery went well without any complications. In subsequent CT, sinus of Valsalva was shrunk from 47 mm to 38 mm. The Florida sleeve technique is simple, effective and could reduce surgical risks.

Concomitant decalcification of the anterior mitral leaflet via the aortic annulus during aortic valve replacement for significant aortic and mitral stenoses.

An 82-year-old man undergoing regular hemodialysis with substantial aortic and mitral valve stenoses underwent aortic valve replacement with concomitant mitral decalcification via the aortic annulus. Postoperative transthoracic echocardiography showed reduced mitral stenosis. The patient was discharged on the 14th postoperative day uneventfully.

[The Mid-term Results of Transapical Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Aortic Stenosis].

We aimed to evaluate the results of transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for aortic stenosis. Thirty patients who had aortic stenosis and underwent transapical TAVI between 2016 and 2020 were enrolled. Medical records were reviewed, and the following data were retrieved and analyzed:basic demographic data, and intraoperative data and postoperative outcomes. Mean age was 85.8 years. There were 3 intraoperative complications (1 apex bleeding, 1 coronary stenosis and 1 mitral regurgitation). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated due to unstable hemodynamics in two patients. One patient was converted to mitral valve replacement due to severe mitral regurgitation. There were 2 in-hospital complications (1 with sick sinus syndrome and 1 with cerebral infarction). One patient died of cerebral infarction and eventually, the 30-day mortality was 3%. Median observational period was 1.3 years. Three-year survival was 87.3%. Left ventricular ejection fraction increased by six months after the procedure and then, reached plateau. Left ventricular mass index decreased constantly throughout the observational period. Both parameters at one year after the procedure were significantly higher than preoperative ones. In conclusion, survival after transapical TAVI was favorable because of the low critical complication rate. Both left ventricular functional improvement and reverse remodeling were obtained.

[Giant Left Atrial Myxoma Complicated with Hemorrhagic Cerebral Infarction].

A 48-year-old woman developed paralysis of the left upper limb and dysarthria. Two days later, she was admitted to a local hospital due to no improvement of symptoms. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed acute hemorrhagic cerebral infarction in the left nucleus basalis. Echocardiography demonstrated a large left atrial mass in the left atrium, shuttling between the left atrium and the left ventricle and moderate mitral regurgitation. Then, she was transferred to our hospital for surgery. Five days after the initial symptoms, resection of the left atrial mass was performed under total cardiopulmonary bypass. First, heparin sodium, and then nafamostat mesilate were used as intraoperative anticoagulation treatment. The left mitral mass was removed via an atrial septal incision and the defect was repaired using a bovine pericardium. The mitral valve was intact and there was no regurgitation. The mass was immunohistologically diagnosed as myxoma. Postoperative brain computed tomography scans demonstrated no exacerbation of the cerebral infarction. She was discharged 13 days after surgery without neurological symptoms.

[Missing Floating Mass in the Ascending Aorta;Report of a Case].

A 65-year-old man, with a history of hypertension, presented with dizziness and emesis and was admitted to a local hospital. He was a moderate smoker, but he did not take any hormone-based medication. Magnetic resonance imaging showed scattered cerebral infarction in the bilateral cerebral hemisphere and right cerebellar hemisphere. There were no abnormal findings in Holter monitor and echography of heart, carotid artery, and leg vein and then, antiplatelet therapy was initiated. After that, both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a floating pedunculated mass in the ascending aorta measuring 10×8×14 mm. He was admitted to our hospital 15 days after the symptom onset. Laboratory tests including immunological and coagulation studies were within normal. Computed tomography showed on the second day of the admission that the mass spontaneously disappeared, thus canceling the schedule of surgery. He received an oral anticoagulant and discharged uneventfully. During a follow-up period of 6 months, there is no recurrence of the thrombus in the aorta and thromboembolic events.

[Rapid Expansion of Distal Aortic Arch Aneurysm with the Short Elephant Trunk;Report of a Case].

A 78-year-old female patient was introduced to our hospital with chief complaint of massive hemoptysis. She had a history of total arch replacement using a short elephant trunk for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection 3 years before. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed kinking of the short elephant trunk and distal aortic arch aneurysm which caused aortobronchial fistula. She was treated by emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair and long-term administration of antibiotics. Three years later, distal aortic arch aneurysm disappeared by CT and there was no recurrence of hemoptysis. This is the aortic aneurysm was considered to be caused by the short elephant trunk.

[Surgical Results for Left Ventricular Thrombus Formation after Myocardial Infarction].

We aimed to review the surgical results of left ventricular restoration for left ventricular thrombus after myocardial infarction. A retrospective study was conducted on 5 patients who underwent thrombus removal and left ventricular restoration for left ventricular thrombus after myocardial infarction. Two patients were in an acute phase of myocardial infarction, and 3 in a chronic phase. Cerebral infarction occurred in 3 patients preoperatively. Median observational period was 1.0 year. Left ventricular thrombus removal with septal anterior ventricular exclusion technique was performed. Concomitant procedure included 3 coronary artery bypass graftings and 1 left ventricular apex ablation. There was no perioperative bleeding event. The 30-day mortality occurred in 1 patient. There has been no systemic embolic complication, left ventricular dysfunction, nor recurrence of left ventricular thrombus during the observational period. The postoperative left ventricular volume reduced in 3 of the 4 survivors. The left ventricular ejection fraction increased postoperatively in 3 of the 4 survivors. In conclusion, the septal anterior ventricular exclusion technique is an effective method for controlling perioperative bleeding, removing left ventricular thrombus completely, and preventing a recurrence of left ventricular thrombus and systemic embolism. This procedure also contributed to reducing the left ventricular volume, resulting in the improvement of the left ventricular function.

[Mediastinal Hematoma after Intravenous Thrombolytic Therapy for Cerebral Infarction in a Patient with a History of Total Aortic Arch Replacement].

An 80-year-old male patient with a history of total arch replacement for thoracic aortic aneurysm 5 years before was introduced to our hospital with a chief complaint of chest pain. Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) had been administrated because of acute brain infarction. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a large hematoma in the posterior mediastinum extending from the level of distal aortic arch to the descending aorta together with left pleural effusion. On the next day after admission, CT scan revealed that the hematoma became smaller. This is a rare case of a posterior mediastinal hematoma caused by t-PA with a history of total aortic arch replacement.

Valve-sparing partial root repair for aortic dissection limited to the right coronary sinus of Valsalva.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: To reveal a technical feasibility and safety of valve-sparing partial aortic root repair for spontaneous aortic dissection limited to the right coronary sinus of Valsalva. METHODS: A 68-year-old woman presented with chest pain. Twelve-lead electrocardiogram revealed atrioventricular dissociation and ST-segment elevation on II, III, and aVF. Enhanced computed tomography images showed aortic dissection limited to the right-coronary sinus and the other non-dilated sinuses of Valsalva. Localized aortic dissection was repaired by valve-sparing partial aortic root repair using a trimmed U-shaped Dacron graft and a felt strip, and the right coronary artery was revascularized by coronary artery bypass grafting using saphenous vein graft. RESULTS: The patient was discharged on postoperative day 12 with no complications. CONCLUSION: Valve-sparing partial aortic root repair with the patch and coronary artery bypass grafting for aortic dissection limited to the right coronary sinus of Valsalva were technically feasible and safe.

[Acute Aortic Insufficiency due to the Avulsion of Aortic Valve Commissure;Report of a Case].

A 61-year-old man with a history of hypertension and cerebral infarction, presented to a clinic with sudden dyspnea at rest. He was diagnosed with heart failure and referred to our hospital. Echocardiography and three-dimensional computed tomography showed acute heart failure and aortic insufficiency due to avulsion of the aortic valve commissure between the right coronary cusp and the non-coronary cusp. He had no symptoms such as fever or infection and no history of rheumatic disease. He underwent intima fixation of the avulsed commissure and aortic valve replacement using a tissue valve because acute left heart failure was refractory to medical treatment. Postoperative echocardiography demonstrated good left ventricular contraction without any aortic regurgitation. He was discharged on the 35th postoperative day.

Adventitial Wrap Technique for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

We describe a simple and reproducible technique to achieve complete and immediate hemostasis of the distal anastomosis in total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk technique. The adventitia was left seamlessly 1.0 cm longer than the level of the suture line. The adventitial remnant covered most of the distal anastomosis line tightly while the distal anastomosis was completed with continuous sutures. The adventitia was thin and tough, making it suitable to cover the suture line. This technique can contribute to eliminating bleeding from the distal anastomosis independent of unreliable blood coagulability during aortic surgery for acute aortic dissection.