Surgical repair of the anomalous aortic origin of the coronary arteries: a single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly. The aim of this study was to present our experience with patients who underwent surgery for the anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of our experience with patients who had anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery from 2019 to 2022. RESULTS: Seven patients were managed for anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery, including five males and two females. The median age of the patients were 16 years (IQR, 14.5-26 years). Five patients had anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery and two patients had anomalous aortic origin of the left coronary artery. Five patients were treated surgically, one patient refused surgical treatment despite myocardial ischaemia symptoms, and the other one was not operated because she had no symptoms. Two patients underwent pulmonary root anterior translocation and left main coronary artery unroofing procedure, one patient underwent right coronary artery unroofing procedure, one patient underwent pulmonary artery lateral translocation procedure, and the last patient underwent right coronary artery osteal translocation procedure. The post-operative mortality or myocardial infarction was not observed in any patient. Patients were followed for a median of 10 months (IQR, 6.75-20.5 months) after repair. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that surgical repair of anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery can be performed confidently and can be very effective for relieving myocardial ischaemia symptoms. Different surgical techniques can be used in anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery according to the course and origin of the coronary arteries. To the our knowledge, pulmonary root anterior translocation and coronary artery unroofing procedure were performed for the first time in the literature.

Successful surgical repair of critical ascending and descending aortic aneurysms at nine-year intervals in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome: A case report.

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is an uncommon X-linked inherited disorder related to primary immunodeficiency, infections, eczema, and thrombocytopenia. A 21-year-old male patient with this syndrome underwent descending aortic aneurysm repair at the age of 12. The patient had ascending aortic aneurysm with aortic valve regurgitation and surgical aortic root replacement was performed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome operated due to aneurysms development in different segments of the thoracic aorta in both childhood and young adult periods.

Unifocalization with pericardial roll technique in pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare both the pericardial roll technique with the patch augmentation technique of the unifocalization, and single-stage complete repair with the unifocalization and shunt for the repair of the ventricular septal defect, pulmonary atresia, and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of the 48 patients undergoing unifocalization of the ventricular septal defect, pulmonary atresia, and major aorticopulmonary collateral arteries from a single center. Our cohort had two surgical pathways, including single-stage midline unifocalization (n = 40), unifocalization after pulmonary artery rehabilitation by creating an aortopulmonary window or central shunt (n = 8). There were two surgical techniques in single-stage midline unifocalizaton, including widening of the pulmonary arteries with a patch (n = 30), and connecting pulmonary arteries with a pericardial roll (n = 10). RESULTS: A total of 14 (29.2%) of 48 patients underwent single-stage complete repair, 26 patients underwent shunt palliation with unifocalization. Combined early and late mortality was seen in seven patients in those who underwent shunt palliation with unifocalization, while it was seen in one patient in those who underwent a single-stage complete repair (mortality ratio 26.8% vs. 7.1%, p = .22). There was no statistically significant difference between the pericardial roll and patch augmentation techniques in terms of pulmonary artery reintervention (p = .65). Although all pulmonary artery reinterventions were for unilateral pulmonary artery in the roll technique group, 41.7% of reinterventions were for bilateral pulmonary arteries in the pericardial augmentation group. CONCLUSION: Single-stage complete repair of the ventricular septal defect, pulmonary atresia, and major aorticopulmonary collateral arteries has better results than unifocalization with a shunt. In terms of nonvaluable raw material, the use of the pericardial roll technique is a considerable alternative for unifocalization.

Single-center outcomes after surgical creation of aortopulmonary window in pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries.

Background: The aim of this study is to present our experience regarding the creation of an aortopulmonary window as the initial palliative procedure. Methods: Between February 2016 and February 2021, a total of eight patients (3 males, 5 females; median age: 2 months; range, 0.7 to 6 months) who underwent aortopulmonary window creation were retrospectively analyzed. Data collection was performed by review from our institution. Results: There was no occurrence of early or late mortality in any patient. The median postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation and length of hospital stay were five and eight days, respectively. No postoperative reperfusion injury or severe pulmonary overcirculation was observed in any of the patients. Four patients achieved complete repair with unifocalization of the major aortopulmonary collateral arteries, one patient had a second procedure, and the remaining three patients waited for complete repair. The median right ventricle-toaortic pressure ratio after complete repair was 0.6 (range, 0.4 to 0.7). The median follow-up after complete repair was 1.4 (range, 0.9 to 2.8) years, and the median follow-up period for all survivors was 2.7 (range, 0.9-5.8) years. Conclusion: Our study results suggest that aortopulmonary window operation can be safely performed in selected patients with good early and mid-term outcomes. Although the central pulmonary arteries are very small, half of the patients underwent complete repair and achieved acceptable right ventricle-to-aortic pressure ratios. Patient selection criteria and early postoperative interventions are of utmost importance to prevent postoperative pulmonary overcirculation.

COVID-19 and ECMO support after neonatal congenital heart surgery: a case report.

Coronavirus disease 2019 causes respiratory and systemic disease and has led to a sudden epidemic affecting people of all ages. Patients with congenital heart disease represent a high-risk population. In this article, we present a newborn who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for acute respiratory failure in the early postoperative period due to exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 after aortic arch repair and ventricular septal defect closure. To the best of our knowledge, this patient represents the first neonatal case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection after congenital heart surgery and is the youngest patient to need extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.

Management of a primary cardiac leiomyosarcoma in a young woman.

Cardiac leiomyosarcoma is an extremely rare tumor with a poor prognosis. An 18-year-old female patient was admitted to our clinic with a left atrial leiomyosarcoma extending to the right lower pulmonary veins. We performed complete tumor excision by the right anterolateral mini-thoracotomy approach using minimally invasive techniques. After pathological confirmation of the tumor, right lower lobectomy was performed with the same incision one week later to prevent recurrence. Although no tumor remnant was found in the lobectomy specimen, adjuvant chemotherapy was started. No recurrence was detected during the 12-month follow-up. In conclusion, the right submammarian minithoracotomy approach has the advantages of its less invasive nature and suitability for complete tumor resection with lobectomy.

Successful Repair of Infantile Scimitar Syndrome with Contralateral Pulmonary Vein Stenosis in an Infant.

Infantile scimitar syndrome (SS) is a rare congenital heart disease and has high mortality. Guidelines have not been established, but surgery is indicated in symptomatic patients. Despite the various surgical approaches, outcomes continue to be disappointing. We present our surgical experience with an infantile SS patient who had stenotic pulmonary veins contralateral to the hypoplastic lung with complicated anatomy. There are few cases with this complex pathology in the literature. Moreover, our patient was the first transplant-free survivor with this complexity in the literature.

Successful repair of infantile scimitar syndrome with contralateral pulmonary vein stenosis in an infant

Abstract Infantile scimitar syndrome (SS) is a rare congenital heart disease and has high mortality. Guidelines have not been established, but surgery is indicated in symptomatic patients. Despite the various surgical approaches, outcomes continue to be disappointing. We present our surgical experience with an infantile SS patient who had stenotic pulmonary veins contralateral to the hypoplastic lung with complicated anatomy. There are few cases with this complex pathology in the literature. Moreover, our patient was the first transplant-free survivor with this complexity in the literature.

Early and midterm results of ductal stent implantation in neonates with ductal-dependent pulmonary circulation: a single-centre experience.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the early and midterm outcomes of ductal stenting in neonates with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow. METHODS: Between January, 2014 and July, 2018, 102 patients who underwent 115 cardiac catheterisation procedures for ductal stent implantation in our department were retrospectively reviewed. The age of the neonates ranged from 3 to 30 days (median: 11 days) and their weights ranged from 1.8 to 5.8 kg (mean, 2.8 ± 0.53 kg). Fifty-two patients had functional single ventricle and 50 had biventricular physiology. Thirty-one patients' weights were <2,500 g (30.3%). The patent ductus arteriosus was vertical in 60 patients (58.8%). The mean ductal length was 12.4 ± 4.1 mm (range, 7.8-23 mm), and the mean narrowest ductal diameter was 2.1 ± 0.7 mm (range, 1.2-3.4 mm). RESULTS: The technical success rate was 85.2%. Procedure-related mortality occurred in three patients (2.9%). After the procedure, the aortic oxygen saturation increased from a mean of 73.1 ± 6.2% to a mean of 90.4 ± 4.3% (p < 0.001), and the ductus diameter increased from a mean of 2.1 ± 0.7 mm to a mean of 4.2 ± 0.9 mm (p < 0.001). Either transcatheter or surgical reinterventions were required in 35 patients (34.3%) during the follow-up period after a median of 101 days (2-356 days). Thirty-three patients (32.3%) were bridged to surgical repair after a median of 288 days (163-650 days). The median duration of palliation with ductal stents was 210 days (range, 2-525 days). CONCLUSION: Ductus arteriosus stenting may be a reasonable and effective alternative to surgery for the initial palliation procedure in neonates with ductus-dependent pulmonary flow.

Vascular Tumors of the Neck in Adults: 10-Year Experience in a Tertiary Center.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis and management of vascular lesions of the neck is a challenging task that requires a multidisciplinary approach. This retrospective study assesses the single center experience of vascular tumors of the neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with a vascular tumor and/or a mass in close proximity to the carotid artery were identified from our records over a 10-year period. The demographic characteristics, clinical features, surgical approach, and outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Surgical excision of 17 vascular lesions were performed in 16 patients with a mean age of 51.56 ± 17.35 years at the time of operation. Intra- and/or postoperative clinical and histological assessment revealed unilateral glomus caroticum (N = 11), glomus vagale (N = 2), bilateral glomus caroticum (N = 1), cavernous hemangioma (N = 1), and carotid sheath tumor (N = 1). In three patients, internal carotid artery, common carotid artery and vagal nerve were sacrificed to facilitate complete tumor excision. During the follow-up period, no tumor recurrences were observed, and the morbidity and mortality were minimal. CONCLUSION: Preoperative evaluation concerning the size, extent, and anatomical relationships of the tumor thoroughly should be investigated. Multidisciplinary approach involving vascular surgery, otolaryngology, and radiology is preferred to treat these patients for better outcomes. Preoperative embolization in selected cases may decrease estimated blood loss and operative time.

Cardioprotective effects of erythropoietin in diabetic rats determined by CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor levels.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, the effects of diabetes mellitus on the cardiovascular system were investigated by assessing the stem cell levels in serum and heart and compared with the normal population. Additionally, efficacy of erythropoietin, which is known to increase stem cells, was studied in diabetic rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups as a control group (group 1), diabetic group (group 2) and erythropoietin induced diabetic group (group 3). A diabetes model was created with streptozocin. In group 3 rats received 3000 U/kg of erythropoietin. At the end of 1 month blood reticulocyte levels, degree of tissue fibrosis and immunohistochemical assessment of reliable stem cell markers, CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were analyzed. RESULTS: The increase in the blood glucose levels resulted in a significant decrease in reticulocyte levels in group 2. The increase in blood glucose levels resulted in a statistically significant increase in tissue level of fibrosis, CD34 and VEGF. When the rats in groups 1 and 2 were compared, the fibrosis, CD34 and VEGF levels were found to increase significantly. When group 2 and group 3 were compared, the amount of fibrosis was lower and the levels of CD34 and VEGF were significantly higher in group 3 than group 2. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicated that the amount of CD34 and VEGF which function in cellular protection and tissue regeneration may be enhanced with safely applicable erythropoietin leading to increase in reticulocyte levels in serum, and CD34 and VEGF levels in right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle as a protective mechanism in diabetic rats.

Complete sternal cleft treatment in a low birth weight patient.

A complete sternal cleft is a very rare congenital anomaly causing severe respiratory compromise. Surgical reconstruction options are limited, particularly in low birth weight newborns. Herein, we report a case of low birth weight premature newborn with a complete sternal cleft and its surgical treatment.

Endovascular Repair of Iliac Artery Aneurysms: A Single Center Experience in 10-Years.

OBJECTIVES: Isolated iliac artery aneurysms (IAAs) are rare, but nonetheless life-threatening when ruptured. The endovascular approach has taken over open repairs in time. The reported data is constituted of a retrospective series. We reviewed our 10-year-long experience with elective endovascular treatment of iliac aneurysms. METHODS: Data regarding 22 patients with 24 IAAs treated with endovascular stent grafting between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (aged 68.4 ± 9.6 years, range 50-82) with 24 unilateral or bilateral iliac aneurysms were treated. Twenty patients (91%) were male. Two patients with unilateral IAA had prior abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgical repair. The mean aneurysm diameter was 4.8 ± 2.1 (3.8 to 7.1) mm. Procedural success rate was 100%, only one patient with an iliovenous fistula had periprocedural type II endoleak. Internal iliac artery coil occlusion was applied in 16 of 24 procedures (66%). Thirty-day mortality included one patient (4%). CONCLUSION: Endovascular repair is the preferred approach for isolated IAAs. Because of the retrospective nature of data sets, larger cohorts are necessary for better definition of morbidity and mortality rates.

Outcomes of hybrid and Norwood Stage I procedures for the treatment of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and its variants.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we present the outcomes of hybrid and Norwood Stage I procedures for the treatment of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and its variants. METHODS: In this study, a total of 97 pediatric patients who were operated due to hypoplastic left heart syndrome and its variants between March 2011 and October 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-two of the patients (28 males, 4 females; median age 5 days; range, 1 to 25 days) underwent Norwood Stage I operation (Group N), while the remaining 65 patients (44 males, 21 females; median age 6 days; range, 1 to 55 days) underwent a hybrid procedure (Group H). Both treatment strategies were compared. RESULTS: The median body weight in Group H was significantly lower and the number of patients with a low birth weight (<2,500 g) was significantly higher than Group N (p=0.002 and 0.004, respectively). The postoperative early mortality rate was similar between the groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the need for preoperative mechanical ventilation was a significant factor for mortality (p=0.004 and 0.003, respectively). Syndromic appearance was also a significant factor the multivariate analysis (p=0.03). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the inter-stage mortality rates (p=0.0045). Second-stage procedure was performed in 32 patients. The early mortality rate after the Glenn operation was 7.6%. Six patients died after comprehensive Stage II operation. Five patients underwent biventricular repair and 8 patients had third-stage fenestrated extracardiac Fontan operation (Group N, n=7 and Group H, n=1). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve demonstrated that Group N had a higher survival rate at both one and five years than Group H, although the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.15). Subgroup analysis showed that the Norwood procedure with Sano modification had the highest survival rate with 40% at five years. CONCLUSION: Our study results show that patients undergoing the Norwood procedure have a more uneventful course of inter-stage period and Stage II and III, despite drawbacks early after Stage I procedure. Based on our experiences, we recommend performing the hybrid intervention in patients with a poor clinical condition and a body weight of <2,500 g.

Surgical Resection Of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms In Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome.

Aortic aneurysms are a rare condition in children. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by infections, thrombocytopenia, and eczema. Aortitis and aneurysm formation seem to be progressive in patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. The risk of death from aneurysmal rupture in patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is high and surgery is required for resection of aneurysms. We report a case where a successful resection of a descending thoracic aneurysm. We present a-12 year-old child with this syndrome who underwent a one-stage descending aortic aneurysm repair under continuous visceral perfusion.Histologic examination showed the presence of an aortitis withgranulomatous inflammatory response and multinucleated cells.

Cerebral protection with a crossover external carotid artery bypass during arch debranching.

Endovascular stent graft repair of the thoracic aorta sometimes requires debranching of the aortic arch and reimplantation of the left common carotid and left subclavian arteries to the brachiocephalic trunk. Cerebral protection has utmost importance during such a procedure. The surgical technique detailed here offers pulsatile flow inside the internal carotid arteries despite proximal clamping of the common carotid arteries throughout the whole procedure.