Coarctation of Aorta and Post-Stenotic Dissecting Aortic Aneurysm Successfully Treated with Endovascular Stent.

Coarctation associated with a dissected aneurysm is uncommon and has an incidence of less than 1%. There are few reports describing treatment of this condition with stent graft. Challenging as it may be, endovascular treatment of complex cases has become the preferred modality especially when the anatomy is amenable. We describe the case of a 36-year old male, who suffered a car accident and was diagnosed with acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD). CT-scan revealed a coarctation associated with a large dissected aneurysm (11cm). Complexity of pathology and high risk of rupture required immediate intervention. Open repair necessitates extensive surgery with a considerable risk of morbidity and mortality. We decided to perform an endovascular repair and subsequentially the patient was successfully treated with stent graft deployment, showing durable early-midterm results. Patient remains asymptomatic to this day and CT-scan at 3-year follow-up revealed a reduced and thrombosed aneurysm.

Skill acquisition process in vascular anastomosis procedures: a simulation-based study.

OBJECTIVES: There is growing evidence that practice on simulation models can improve technical skills in surgery. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of our tissue-based simulation model of vascular anastomosis on skill acquisition. METHODS: Five junior (Group I) and five senior (Group III) cardiovascular surgery residents, and five surgeons from different surgical departments (Group II) attended the study. A total of 180 vascular anastomoses on a bovine heart simulation model were performed in a 3-month period; each group performed 20 anastomoses per month (each participant in each group conducted four anastomoses per month). The anastomoses were evaluated according to criteria including, duration of the procedure, existence of anastomotic leak, additional suture requirements, matching between graft diameter and arteriotomy length, patency rates and inadvertent posterior wall injuries. Each practice was recorded with a video camera and eventually reviewed by three cardiovascular surgeons, who were blinded to groups. Results were compared for analysing the skill acquisition process in each group. RESULTS: The mean anastomosis time (Group I: 22.25 ± 2.02, 18.10 ± 0.78, 15.00; Group II: 17.05 ± 1.39, 15.45 ± 0.82, 13.00 ± 0.79; Group III: 13.65 ± 0.67, 11.45 ± 1.14, 10.50 ± 1.10) and additional suture requirements (Group I: 1.95 ± 0.68, 1.30 ± 0.80, 1.00 ± 0.32; Group II: 1.80 ± 0.41, 1.45 ± 0.60, 1.45 ± 0.60; Group III: 0.65 ± 0.48, 0.40 ± 0.50, 0.40 ± 0.50) decreased gradually (P < 0.0001 for each) in all groups. There was statistically significant improvement over time in anastomotic leakage (Group I: 90, 65, 20%; Group II: 50, 25, 5%; Group III: 20, 25, 5%), match between the arteriotomy and the graft (Group I: 35, 25, 75%; Group II: 60, 45, 85%; Group III: 85, 65, 95%), posterior wall injury (Group I: 70, 50, 15%; Group II: 50, 30, 5%; Group III: 30, 30, 5%) and patency (Group I: 45, 15, 75%; Group II: 60, 50, 95%; Group III: 80, 85, 95%) in all groups, except for the occurrence of anastomotic leaks and patency rates in the senior cardiovascular resident group (Group III). CONCLUSIONS: Although the most significant improvement was observed in Group I, all groups demonstrated improved skills with the simulation model. Therefore, it can be suggested that anastomosis training on tissue-based simulation models may be beneficial for the skill acquisition process.

Intra-aortic balloon pump rupture and entrapment.

Intra-aortic balloon pump is used frequently to support a failing myocardium in cardiac patients. Due to the invasive nature of this device, usage is accompanied by consistent risk of complications. Balloon rupture, although it occurs rarely, may lead to entrapment if diagnosis delays. A 78-year male who underwent cardiac surgery experienced balloon rupture and entrapment in the right femoral artery during the postoperative follow-up. Surgical extraction under local anesthesia was performed and the patient had an uneventful course. Fast and gentle solution of the problem is necessary to prevent further morbidity or mortality related to a retained balloon catheter in these delicate patients.

Long-term results of external valvuloplasty in adult patients with isolated great saphenous vein insufficiency.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to present our 7-year results of external valvuloplasty for isolated great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency. METHODS: External valvuloplasty was applied in 83 patients with isolated GSV insufficiency. Follow-up consisted of venous color duplex scanning performed on the first postoperative day, the first postoperative month, and then annually. Valvular insufficiency, venous reflux, and venous thrombosis formation in the saphenofemoral junction were the main outcomes. RESULTS: A complete clinical and radiological healing was observed in 50 patients (60%). In 13 cases (15.6%), a secondary surgical treatment was performed consisting of vena saphena magna high ligation/stripping and varicose vein excisions, mainly due to severe and progressive vena saphena magna valvular insufficiency and clinical persistence of symptoms. Eight patients (9.6%) developed superficial vein thrombosis, and only one patient (1.2%) developed deep vein thrombosis. Contact was lost from 32 patients (38.5%) for different reasons. CONCLUSION: External valvuloplasty is an effective surgical technique for selected cases of isolated GSV insufficiency without extensive varicose dilatations. This alternative method can be safely administered as an alternative to high ligation and conventional GSV stripping.

[Effect of bosentan on intimal hyperplasia of carotid artery anastomoses in rabbits]. / Tavsan karotis arterlerinde yapilan anastomozlarda bosentanin intima hiperplazisi üzerine olan etkisi.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effect of bosentan on intimal hyperplasia of carotid artery anastomoses in rabbits. STUDY DESIGN: Eighteen New Zealand male rabbits were randomized into two groups, as drug (Group B) and non-drug (Group A). The right carotid artery of all the subjects was transected and anastomosed end-to-end with 10/0 polypropylene suture. The left carotid artery was left intact. Group B subjects received 30 mg/kg/day oral bosentan for 21 days, starting 3 days before the operation. Group A subjects did not receive any medication. After 28 days, the anastomoses site and the contralateral control site were removed, and samples were investigated histomorphometrically. RESULTS: Significant intimal hyperplasia was observed at all anastomoses compared to the non-anastomotic left side. Bosentan decreased significantly the intimal area [Group A: 48.3 µm(2) (37.1 µm(2)-65.7 µm(2)), Group B: 31.4 µm(2) (12.2 µm(2)-63.2 µm(2)), (p=0.04)] and intima/media area ratio [Group A: 0.49 (0.13-0.74), Group B: 0.22 (0.09-0.37), (p=0.024)] compared to the non-drug group. CONCLUSION: According to our investigation, bosentan decreased the intimal hyperplasia developed in a rabbit carotid artery model. Further investigations are needed to support the potential clinical utilization of bosentan after vascular interventions.

Iliopsoas hematoma due to muscular rupture following defibrillation.

We describe a 62 year old patient who presented with acute anterior ischemia and subsequently developed an iliopsoas hematoma. The patient was treated surgically due to rapid progression and femoral neuropathy, and the iliopsoas muscle rupture was diagnosed intraoperatively. The rupture was related to the external electrical defibrillation the patient had on admission. This was a rare case, and we hope the report would help to raise physicians' awareness regarding this complication and treatment.

Evaluation of skill-acquisition process in mitral valve repair techniques: a simulation-based study.

INTRODUCTION: Increased patient awareness, duty-hour restrictions, escalating costs, and time constraints in the operating room have revolutionized surgical education. A bovine heart model was designed for training in mitral valve repair procedures. In this article, we aimed to share our experience with this model and to test the validity of simulation with respect to skill acquisition during the training course. METHODS: After reviewing instructional video recordings of mitral valve repair techniques, 5 junior residents (first and second year) and 5 senior residents (year 4 or higher), who had no experience in mitral valve repair surgery previously, performed mitral valve repair techniques on bovine heart model in a three-month period. Nine different internet videos demonstrating surgical techniques were watched prior to performance in each case. Different text books were studied before the study course. Following repair in each case, the left ventricle of each bovine heart was statically pressurized, the coaptation depth was measured, and the regurgitation (if any) was scored. Each performance was recorded. At the end of the study, video records were evaluated in a blind fashion by 3 different surgeons experienced in mitral valve repair techniques. The monthly scores obtained were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The mean coaptation depth values measured on a monthly basis were as follows: 2.75±0.63, 4.90±0.91, and 6.55±0.88 for the junior residents and 4.30±0.65, 5.45±0.68, and 7.00±0.64mm for the senior residents. Regurgitation scores noted were 2.20±0.52, 1.65±0.58, and 0.10±0.30 for the junior residents and 1.50±0.60, 0.65±0.67, and 0.70±0.65 for the senior residents During the study period, the practice improved in terms of the aforementioned parameters in both groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This simulation model of mitral valve repair helped in skill acquisition on monthly basis in both resident groups.

Efficacy of thermoreactive nitinol clip implantation in reconstruction of sternal dehiscence.

BACKGROUND: Sternal dehiscence is a severe complication of open heart surgery. Reinforced wiring, a system of reinforced sternal closure, fixation of a rigid plate, and implantation of thermoreactive nitinol clips (TRC) are some surgical procedures used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of TRC for secondary sternal reconstruction. METHODS: Of 1198 patients who underwent their operations via median sternotomy in 2 separate medical centers, sternal dehiscence was observed in 16 patients overall (1.33%). The mean (SD) age of the patients was 64.06 ± 9.18 years (range, 40-77 years). Sternal dehiscence was diagnosed in all patients between the fifth and 30th postoperative days. RESULTS: TRC were implanted in all of the patients who developed sternal dehiscence (16 patients). One patient developed severe respiratory failure, became ventilator dependent, and died from pneumonia on postoperative day 24. The other 15 patients were discharged without complications. Postoperative follow-up of the surviving patients revealed adequate and satisfactory sternal stability. CONCLUSION: Implantation of TRC is an effective and easy method for fixing the sternum and can be performed rapidly and securely.

Repair of a right coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery.

We present here the fourth patient in the literature, over the age of 50 years old, with an abnormal right coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery, who was successfully treated with surgery. Pre-operative computerised tomography (CT) angiography revealed an abnormal right coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery. The right coronary artery was surgically transposed from the pulmonary artery to the ascending aorta with the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and the corrected anatomy was documented by postoperative CT angiography.

An instrument facilitates mitral valve repair training at home.

The importance of surgical simulation has grown in the quickly changing climate of modern surgical training. Prior to operating on human hearts, practice in appropriate experimental models is necessary to attain adequate experience. Nowadays, training of surgery residents has shifted to simulation workshops and residency programmes outside the operating theatre. We have experience in training our residents to perform mitral valve repair techniques in bovine hearts. Previously, the heart would be fixed on the tablecloth with simple stitches, which proved to be a complex and difficult technique while performing surgery. Moving forwards, we have built a successful 'surgical table' to achieve better stabilization and to simplify the surgery. This paper describes our model, which could be a helpful tool for any cardiac surgeon performing surgical techniques successfully at home.

Is there any cardioprotective role of Taurine during cold ischemic period following global myocardial ischemia?

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the cardioprotective effect of Taurine on the donor hearts during cold ischemic period. METHODS: 32 rats were divided into four groups (sham, taurine, ischemia, treatment group, 8 rats in each). All rats were fed with rat food for three weeks. Taurine and treatment groups were given a 200 mg/kg/day dose of Taurine by oral gavage besides rat feed. Cardiectomy was performed in all rats after three weeks. In ischemia and treatment groups, harvested hearts were kept in 0.9% sodium chloride at +4 degrees C for 5 hours. Tissue samples were taken from left ventricle in all groups. These samples were evaluated by histopathologic and biochemical examination. RESULTS: In the present study results of the biochemical and histopathological examination reveals the protective effects of Taurine. As a marker of lipid peroxidation, Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in ischemia group were significantly higher than both Sham and Taurine groups. MDA values were recorded; 3.62 ± 0.197 in the sham group, 2.07 ± 0.751 in the Taurine group, 9.71 ± 1.439 in the ischemia group and 7.68 ± 1.365 in the treatment group. MDA levels decreased in treatment group. (p < 0.05) In accordance with MDA findings, while superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels decreased in ischemia group, they increased in treatment group. (p < 0.05) There was no differences in Catalase (CAT) enzyme level between treatment and ischemia group (p = 1.000). CAT level results were recorded; 7.08 ± 0.609 in the sham group, 6.15 ± 0.119 in the Taurine group, 5.02 ± 0.62 in the ischemia group, and 5.36 ± 0.384 in the treatment group. Less intracellular edema and inflammatory cell reaction were observed in histologic examination in favor of treatment group. (p < 0.01) CONCLUSION: Taurine decreased myocardial damage during cold ischemic period following global myocardial ischemia.