Surgical Treatment for Giant Multiple Coronary Artery Aneurysms Caused by an IgG4-Related Disease.

Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) due to an immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease (IgG4-RD) are relatively rare, and there is no consensus on the choice of treatment method. In the present study, we report the results of the surgical treatment for multiple giant CAAs caused by IgG4-RD. A 71-year-old man was diagnosed with severe aortic regurgitation and CAAs. A blood test showed high IgG4 levels, and computed tomography revealed four giant coronary artery aneurysms: two in the right coronary artery (RCA) (proximal RCA and posterior descending artery (PDA)), one in the left anterior descending (LAD), and one in the diagonal branch (Dx). We planned aortic valve replacement, coronary aneurysm resection, and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). After finishing aortic valve replacement, the CAAs in proximal RCA, LAD, and Dx were resected. The proximal and distal tracts of the aneurysm were closed with a pericardial bovine patch and ligation. However, since the distal PDA was too calcified to be anastomosed, and the PDA aneurysm was smaller than the others, it was decided to leave the PDA aneurysm. The anastomoses of SVG-RCA and Dx, as well as the left internal thoracic artery to LAD, were performed. Histopathological examination of the aneurysm wall showed a high IgG4-positive cell/IgG-positive cell ratio, and a diagnosis of IgG4-RD was made. In the treatment of CAAs due to IgG4-RD, it is essential to select a procedure that takes into account the size, location, and nature of the aneurysm, and comorbidities. To ensure resection of the aneurysm and blockade of blood flow, closure of the inflow and outflow tracts with a pericardial bovine patch and CABG are effective.

Diagnosis of Type IV Endoleak After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Using Visualization With Novel Software.

A Type IV endoleak is a very rare complication following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and differential diagnosis can be difficult. Reported here is a case that showed the development of a Type IV endoleak after an EVAR procedure, for which a novel software was useful to differentiate that from Type I based on visual confirmation. The 89-year-old man was diagnosed with a large abdominal aortic aneurysm, sized 70 mm, as shown by computed tomography (CT). EVAR was performed in a routine fashion using an Endurant II stent graft. Postoperative CT revealed a massive endoleak around the neck that was difficult to differentiate between Types I and IV. The use of the novel software Viewtify (SCIEMENT, Inc., Tokyo, Japan) to visualize the endoleak with surrounding tissues as real-time three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) resulted in confirmation that the endoleak was not from the proximal end but rather the stent graft body. CT findings obtained one week later showed that the endoleak had diminished and no additional procedures were needed. Following a diagnosis of endoleak after EVAR, images viewed with Viewtify helped to confirm the appropriate diagnosis. This novel software was found useful to clarify the position and mechanism of a Type IV endoleak.

Cardiac tamponade complicating esophagectomy and retrosternal gastric tube reconstitution in a patient with an abnormal ascending aorta position: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac tamponade is a rare postoperative complication of esophageal cancer surgery, which leads to rapid hemodynamic changes and can be fatal if not treated properly and promptly. Herein, we report a case of cardiac tamponade after thoracoscopic subtotal esophagectomy and retrosternal gastric tube reconstitution for esophageal cancer that was successfully treated with surgical drainage. CASE PRESENTATION: An 86-year-old man with lower thoracic esophageal cancer underwent thoracoscopic subtotal esophagectomy and retrosternal gastric tube reconstitution. No intra-operative complications were observed. On the first postoperative day, tachycardia and hypotension were observed, and pericardial effusion was identified on computed tomography images. The patient was diagnosed with obstructive shock secondary to cardiac tamponade. As percutaneous puncture drainage was not possible due to the presence of a retrosternal gastric tube, pericardiotomy with a small left anterior thoracotomy was performed, and a large amount of hematogenous fluid was drained, which instantly improved circulation. On the second postoperative day, the patient showed decreased pulse pressure, and computed tomography revealed a residual and enlarged hematoma around the right ventricle. The patient underwent surgical drainage and another pericardiotomy with a small right anterior thoracotomy was performed to drain the hematoma. At this time, multiple injuries to the fatty tissue, epicardium, and myocardium with active bleeding were observed on the anterior surface of the right ventricle near the root of the pulmonary artery. In this patient, the ascending aorta ran further to the right and dorsal sides than usual, causing the anterior wall of the right ventricle near the root of the pulmonary artery to be closer to the back of the sternum. This abnormality may have contributed to injury during the creation of the retrosternal pathway, leading to cardiac tamponade. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac tamponade after esophagectomy can occur because of manipulation during creation of the retrosternal route, with an anomaly in the aortic position being present in this case. Gentle manipulation and selection of the reconstruction route according to the patient's condition are necessary in cases with such anatomical abnormalities.

An operative case of pseudocoarctation with chronic dissection.

A 47-year-old man with a history of hypertension was found to have a prominent aortic knob on routine chest X-ray and was referred to our hospital. Enhanced computed tomography angiography showed severe flexion at the proximal descending aorta with chronic type B dissection localized to the flexion region. Graft replacement of the distal aortic arch was performed. Surgical management of chronic pseudocoarctation dissection is sparsely reported in the literature because of its rare occurrence. We present an operative case of a patient with chronic dissection of distal aortic arch pseudocoarctation.

Successful "PETTICOAT" procedure assisted by aortic angioscopy for complicated type B aortic dissection: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a useful treatment for acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD). A PETTICOAT (Provisional ExTension to Induce COmplete ATtachment) procedure can be an alternative surgical option for a patent false lumen. Non-obstructive aortic angioscopy is an attractive modality that can visualize the aortic intima for things such as entry or re-entry tears that are difficult to detect with computed tomography (CT). Herein, we describe a successful PETTICOAT procedure assisted by aortic angioscopy for subacute TBAD complicated by lower limb ischemia. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 63-year-old man who had been treated with conservative therapy for subacute TBAD had intermittent claudication. Enhanced CT revealed a primary entry tear at the distal arch, and the true lumen at the thoracoabdominal level was narrowed by the patent false lumen. Therefore, the PETTICOAT procedure was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, with normalized lower limb pressure. DISCUSSION: Although PETTICOAT procedure is effective for treating complicated TBAD, there is no consensus on where and how far the proximal stent graft or distal bare stent should be implanted. Non-obstructive aortic angioscopy during PETTICOAT is useful to detect and cover the entry and re-entry tears. The PETTICOAT procedure assisted by aortic angioscopy could contribute to determining the appropriate coverage range of the stent graft. CONCLUSION: Aortic angioscopy could contribute to the surgical success of PETTICOAT procedure for complicated subacute TBAD.

Successful concomitant minimally invasive surgery for aortic valve stenosis and right lung cancer via right mini-thoracotomy : A case report.

BACKGROUND: The case of aortic valve stenosis complicated with lung cancer have compelled cardiovascular surgeons to make challenging. We report the first successful short-term outcomes of one-stage minimally invasive aortic valve replacement and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy through right mini-thoracotomy in a patient with synchronous bicuspid severe aortic valve stenosis which was unsuitable for transcatheter aortic valve implantation and right lung cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: A 76-year-old man with severe aortic valve stenosis was diagnosed with lung cancer of the right upper lobe with stage IA2. Considering the potential risk of tumor metastasis, a one-stage surgical therapy for right lung cancer and type 0 bicuspid aortic valve stenosis was required; however, transcatheter aortic valve implantation was unsuitable due to a bicuspid aortic valve with severe calcification. Therefore, concomitant minimally invasive aortic valve replacement and lobectomy via right mini-thoracotomy were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Concomitant aortic valve replacement and right lobectomy via right mini-thoracotomy may reduce surgical invasiveness, leading to early recovery. This surgical strategy is a useful option, particularly for patients with aortic valve stenosis complicated with right lung cancer.

Successful redo aortic valve replacement using Perceval for multiple recurrent prosthetic valve dysfunction.

A 50-year-old man who required aortic valve replacement (AVR) 3 times for severe paravalvular leakage (PVL) was diagnosed with a recurrence of severe PVL. Since the PVL recurred each time because of prosthetic valve detachment from the annulus, a fourth AVR was performed using a self-expanding sutureless valve. Postoperative echocardiography showed no significant PVL. The patient was discharged without any complications and returned to normal work soon after. In cases such as our patient, sutureless AVR could be a powerful alternative to conventional AVR.

Successful redo aortic valve replacement using Perceval valve in a patient with prosthetic valve endocarditis complicated by acute cerebral infarction.

INTRODUCTION: and importance: For treatment of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE), redo-aortic valve replacement (AVR) is usually required. However, the recurrence of PVE continues to be a serious problem that needs a solution. CASE PRESENTATION: An 83-year-old woman who had undergone AVR for aortic infective endocarditis 12 years ago was diagnosed with PVE complicated with acute cerebral infarction. Urgent redo-AVR was performed. After complete removal of the prosthesis, Perceval S valve was implanted successfully. There were no postoperative neurological deteriorations, and the echocardiogram showed no recurrence of PVE. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Theoretically, the fewer prostheses left in the heart, the lower the risk of PVE recurrence. CONCLUSION: In patients with PVE, redo-AVR using the Perceval valve may be a suitable option since Perceval reduces the prosthesis in the heart compared with conventional redo-AVR.

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair for a Patient with Horseshoe Kidney and the Importance of Watershed Sign and Volumetry by Preoperative Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography.

We report a case of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in a patient with horseshoe kidney (HSK) in whom preoperative contrast-enhanced (CE) computed tomography (CT) showed watershed sign. This sign enabled prediction of postoperative renal function by accurate renal volumetry. A 75-year-old man with HSK and a 59-mm abdominal aortic aneurysm was referred for treatment. Preoperative CECT showed watershed lines at the margin of the isthmus, which was perfused by the accessory renal arteries. Using this sign, we calculated the accurate volume of the isthmus, which was 24.5% of the total parenchyma. EVAR was safely performed without renal dysfunction.

Infective calcified amorphous tumor on mitral valve and critical course of left ventricular rupture.

Calcified amorphous tumor is a rare intracavitary cardiac lesion and an accompanying infection is extremely rare. A 76-year-old woman was transferred to our hospital because of cerebral infarction. Echocardiography and chest computed tomography showed a calcified large mobile mass on the posterior mitral valve that was diagnosed with a calcified amorphous tumor. Moderate aortic regurgitation and severe mitral regurgitation were also confirmed. Her blood culture detected Gamella sp. We surgically dissected this infective calcified amorphous tumor. The border between this infective tumor and the mitral annulus was unclear because of severe infection and necrotic tissue. After careful complete resection, the healthy ventricular muscle was exposed and we performed annular reconstruction with bovine pericardial patches. And we replaced the aortic and mitral valves using bioprosthesis. While weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, however, left ventricular rupture occurred twice. Despite successful repair of left ventricular rupture, which controlled bleeding, she died from multi-organ failure on postoperative day 6. An infective calcified amorphous tumor in such a critical case has not been reported previously. The calcified amorphous tumor probably become serious when the infection occurred. In this situation, the utmost caution should be paid to the patient. .

Minimally invasive surgical repair for unroofed coronary sinus syndrome directed by three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: The recent remarkable development of cardiac imaging technology for unroofed coronary sinus syndrome has led to accurate preoperative diagnosis. We report a case of unroofed coronary sinus syndrome repaired via a minimally invasive approach, under the excellent command of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. CASE PRESENTATION: A 77-year-old woman with hypertension was admitted for aggravation of bilateral leg edema and diagnosed with type III unroofed coronary sinus syndrome with Qp/Qs ratio of 1.6:1. The unroofed portion was detected at the atrial side between P2 and P3 of posterior mitral leaflet by preoperative three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. Right minithoracotomy was performed at the fourth intercostal space and cardiopulmonary bypass routinely established. Right atriotomy and left atriotomy incisions were made under antegrade cardioplegic arrest. The unroofed portion was revealed at the same location by preoperative transesophageal echocardiography and was clearly recognized only by endoscopy, not by direct vision. It was repaired by direct running suture under endoscopic visualization. We observed no blood cardioplegia leakage or mitral insufficiency, which was also confirmed by postoperative transesophageal echocardiography. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and she was discharged home 14 days after surgery without any residual shunt. CONCLUSIONS: Successful repair of unroofed coronary sinus syndrome was safely and effectively achieved by a minimally invasive approach supported by preoperative three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.

Successful hybrid TEVAR for distal anastomotic pseudoaneurysm and coarctation following previous palliative left subclavian artery to descending aorta bypass: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Anastomotic pseudoaneurysm is one of the most common but catastrophic complications in coarctation of the aorta (CoA); this is equally true even if the initial surgery is not directly related to the coarctation. Redo open heart surgery is usually required for the pseudoaneurysm; however, redo surgery remains challenging with high morbidity and mortality rates. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 38-year-old woman with CoA, who had undergone left subclavian artery (LSCA) to descending aorta bypass 21 years prior, was referred to us for the treatment of distal anastomotic pseudoaneurysm. Zone 2 thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with LSCA debranching was performed to exclude the distal anastomotic pseudoaneurysm and expand the CoA using a stent graft. The patient completely recovered and resumed work without delay. DISCUSSION: In patients who require surgical treatment for both pseudoaneurysm and CoA, hybrid TEVAR can be an alternative surgical option instead of conventional open repair. CONCLUSION: TEVAR for concomitant pseudoaneurysm and native CoA is feasible and less invasive, especially for young patients who have to resume work early after surgery.

[Tips for Use of Chordal Guide System for Easy Adjustment of Appropriate Artificial Chordae Length in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair].

OBJECTIVES: In patients who require minimally invasive mitral valve repair (MICS-mitral), it is difficult to determine the appropriate length of artificial chordae, position, and number of artificial chordae. The Memo 3D Rechord, a complete prosthetic ring associated with a temporary chordal guide system comprised of yellow loops that function as a reference guide for automatically determining the height of neo-chordae. We sought to evaluate our tips for use of this system. METHODS: Five patients (1 male, mean 68 years old) who underwent MICS-mitral using artificial chordae with the Memo 3D Rechord were evaluated. Prior to surgery, we assessed the prolapse position using 3-dimensional( 3D) echocardiography to decide the number and positions of the artificial chordae. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sutures were passed through the papillary muscles and the free margin of the prolapsed leaflet, then appropriate positioning of the PTFE chordae was performed using a saline test. The PTFE chordae were passed through the loops and the free margin of the prolapsed leaflet was brought to the posterior annulus. Then, the PTFE sutures were tied and the temporary loop system removed. RESULTS: All patients had posterior leaflet prolapse. The number of the artificial chordae was 2 in 3 patients, and 1 in 2. The base of the artificial chordae was attached to the anterior papillary muscle in 3patients and posterior in 4. Additional indentation closure was required in 1 patient. All mitral valve repairs were performed successfully. Postoperative echocardiography mitral regurgitation( MR) grade was trivial in 5. CONCLUSIONS: Using our technique, it was possible to decide the appropriate length and position of the artificial chordae and MICS-mitral for leaflet prolapse with the Memo 3D Rechord is a simple and reproducible method.

Aortic valve replacement with annular patch enlargement for a patient with Werner's syndrome and severe aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Werner's syndrome is an autosomal recessive rare genetic disorder characterized by clinical features suggestive of accelerated aging caused by mutation of the WRN gene. Although some reports exist of aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis in patients with Werner's syndrome, case using annular patch enlargement for a small aortic annulus are rare. We report herein the rare case of a patient with Werner's syndrome and severe aortic stenosis treated by aortic valve replacement with annular patch enlargement. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old woman genetically diagnosed with Werner's syndrome suffered from symptomatic severe aortic stenosis with small annulus. Elective aortic valve replacement was performed. Intraoperatively the aortic annulus measured < 16 mm in diameter. Nicks technique for aortic root enlargement using a Hemashield patch was performed and an 18-mm mechanical valve was successfully inserted. After being discharged home her postoperative course was satisfactory for 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic valve replacement with annular patch enlargement to treat a small aortic annulus in a patient with Werner's syndrome was successful. Treatment strategy must be determined while considering of the patient's age, physical status, and severity of complications.

Blood flow modification might prevent secondary rupture of multiple pancreaticoduodenal artery arcade aneurysms associated with celiac axis stenosis.

A pancreaticoduodenal artery arcade aneurysm (PDAA) is rare and often associated with celiac axis stenosis by the median arcuate ligament. Although rupture risk of the PDAA is not related to its size, treatment guidelines are absent. Here we describe a 59-year-old woman with multiple ruptured PDAAs associated with celiac axis stenosis who was successfully treated with coil embolization. As follow-up computed tomography revealed rapid expansion of residual PDAAs and new gastric artery dissection, median arcuate ligament resection was followed by aorta-common hepatic artery bypass, which resulted in aneurysmal regression. Blood flow modification might prevent secondary rupture of PDAA associated with celiac axis stenosis.

Laminin-511 Supplementation Enhances Stem Cell Localization With Suppression in the Decline of Cardiac Function in Acute Infarct Rats.

BACKGROUND: The extracellular matrix, in particular basement membrane components such as laminins (LMs), is essential for stem cell differentiation and self-renewal. LM511 and LM221 are the main extracellular matrix components of the epicardium, where stem cells were abundant. Here, we examined whether LMs affected the regeneration process by modulating stem cell activities. METHODS: In vitro, adhesive, and proliferative activities of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were evaluated on LM511 and LM221. To examine the effects of LMs in vivo, we established an acute myocardial infarction model by ligation of the proximal part of the left anterior descending artery at the height of the left atrial appendage and then placed atelocollagen sheets with or without LM511 and LM221 over the anterolateral surface of the left ventricular wall. Four or 8 weeks later, cardiac function, histology, and cytokine expressions were analyzed. RESULTS: MSCs showed greater proliferation and adhesive properties on LM511 than on LM221. In vivo, at 4 weeks, isolectin B4-positive cells were significantly higher in the LM511-transplanted group than in the control group. Moreover, some isolectin B4-positive cells expressed both platelet-derived growth factor receptor α and CD90, suggesting that LM511 enhanced MSC recruitment and attachment at the implanted site. After 8 weeks, these cells were more abundant than at 4 weeks. Transplantation with LM511-conjugated sheets increased the expression of cardioprotective and angiogenic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Transplantation with LM511-conjugated sheets enhanced MSC localization to the implantation site and modulated stem cells activities, leading to angiogenesis in acute myocardial infarction rat models.

The Cattell-Braasch maneuver might be a good option for a huge abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Endovascular repair is often difficult in the case of a huge abdominal aortic aneurysm for anatomic reasons. Here, we describe open repair of a huge infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. Open repair was performed through laparotomy with the Cattell-Braasch maneuver, a technique for right-sided medial visceral rotation. Laparotomy with the Cattell-Braasch maneuver is simple and effective in open repair of a huge abdominal aortic aneurysm extending into the right common iliac artery, for which proximal clamping is difficult because of a tortuous proximal neck just below the hepatic region.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for the management of critical airway stenosis.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is used not only support gas transfer of patients suffering from respiratory failure, but also to manage hypoxic patients with critical airway obstruction during various procedures. We present a case in which we electively used VV-ECMO to facilitate tube placement and tracheal biopsy in a 67-year-old female with critical tracheal stenosis. The patient was transferred to our hospital for a surgical treatment after emergent tracheostomy for postoperative management of cerebral hemorrhage in right putamen. Her trachea was severely stenotic and just enough for a 5.5 mm tracheostomy tube. Removal of tracheostomy tube, tracheal wall biopsy and intra-tracheal tube placement were successfully performed under VV-ECMO support, drainage from inferior vena cava returned into the right ventricle (RV). RV perfusion was a very useful and effective method in VV-ECMO system, although some careful wire management was needed under fluoroscopic guidance.

Biodegradable vs Nonbiodegradable Cardiac Support Device for Treating Ischemic Cardiomyopathy in a Canine Heart.

Clinical studies of the efficacy of the nonbiodegradable CorCap device have shown inconsistent findings, at least in part, because of device-related impairment of diastolic cardiac function. We hypothesized that use of biodegradable material for the cardiac support device could contribute to an improvement in the diastolic function of the failing heart. Polyglycolic acid and polyethylene terephthalate were used to prepare biodegradable and nonbiodegradable cardiac support devices, respectively. Twelve-month-old beagles underwent anterior coronary artery ligation. One week after, the beagles were randomly assigned for implantation of a biodegradable cardiac support device (n = 7), nonbiodegradable cardiac support device (n = 8), or sham operation (n = 8). Twelve weeks after coronary artery ligation, the biodegradable group showed a significantly greater recovery of echocardiographical ejection fraction than the nonbiodegradable and the sham groups (40% ± 3.3%, 32% ± 2.5%, and 29 ± 2.6%, respectively). Of note, diastolic function, as assessed by Tau, -dp/dt min, and end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship in the cardiac catheter, was significantly better in both left and right ventricles in the biodegradable group than in the nonbiodegradable group. Moreover, global end-systolic wall stress was significantly lower in the 2 device groups than in the sham group (P < 0.03). Furthermore, global end-diastolic wall stress was significantly less in the biodegradable device group than in the nonbiodegradable group (P < 0.02). The cardiac support devices made of biodegradable material were more effective in improving systolic function, with preservation of diastolic function in the canine infarct heart, than devices made of nonbiodegradable material.