Repair of a right coronary artery rupture with perforated right ventricle following spontaneous pseudoaneurysm: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Following the rupture of a coronary artery, a patient's condition usually deteriorates rapidly due to cardiac tamponade. A pseudoaneurysm due to a coronary artery rupture is rare; however, when a spontaneous coronary artery pseudoaneurysm occurs without tamponade, it creates a fistula in the right ventricle, often requiring surgical repair. CASE PRESENTATION: This report describes the case of a 68-year-old man who presented with chest discomfort after a 12-day course of antibiotic treatment for bacteremia. Following coronary angiography, echocardiography, and enhanced computed tomography, he was diagnosed with a right coronary artery pseudoaneurysm accompanied with perforation of the right ventricle. Severe adhesions were observed during emergency surgery surrounding the entire heart. The patient presented with risk factors for coronary artery disease, including hypertension and smoking history. His coronary artery was severely calcified due to end-stage renal failure requiring dialysis; thus, a covered stent could not fit inside the arterial lumen. Consequently, coronary artery bypass grafting to the right coronary artery and right ventricle repair were performed. Unfortunately, the patient died postoperatively due to sepsis from intestinal translocation. This rare development was hypothesized to be an incidental result of the combination of severe post-inflammatory adhesions, extensive coronary artery calcification, and rupture of the calcification crevices. CONCLUSIONS: In the case of a severe post-inflammatory response, shock without cardiac tamponade may require further scrutiny by assuming the possibility of inward rupture. For patients in poor condition, two-stage surgical treatment might be considered after stabilization with a covered stent.

Relationship between false lumen morphology and entry tear in acute type A aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between false lumen morphology and the size, aortic segment and position of the entry tear for acute type A aortic dissection. METHODS: The records of patients who underwent emergency operation for acute type A aortic dissection in our institution between April 2011 and May 2022 were examined. Data regarding size, location and position of the entry tear and preoperative computed tomography findings were reviewed. The relationship of these variables with false lumen morphology was examined and retrospectively compared according to tear size. RESULTS: Of 243 cases, characteristics of the entry tear, visualized during surgery, were confirmed in 134 cases (age = 70.9 ± 12.6 years, male = 45.5%). Tear sizes at different aortic segments were not significantly different (P = 0.376). Tears posterior to the lesser curvature were significantly smaller than those anterior to the greater curvature (P = 0.004). A thrombosed false lumen was associated with a significantly smaller tear size and position on the posterior to the lesser curvature side in aortic cross-section (all P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that tear size, the presence of re-entry and tear position anterior to the greater curvature were independent predictors of a patent false lumen. CONCLUSIONS: In acute type A aortic dissection, larger tear size, the presence of re-entry and tear position anterior to the greater curvature are risk factors for a patent false lumen. Although the results of this study are valid only for patients in whom intimal tears were detected during aortic surgery, this trend may provide information for pathophysiology of the disease.

[Vegetation Developed in the Artificial Graft of Ascending Aorta:Report of a Case].

The case was a 65-year-old woman. She underwent graft replacement of ascending aorta because she developed Stanford type A acute aortic dissection in November 2016. After six months she had a fever, so she underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography and echocardiography at the previous hospital. An abnormal shadow was found in the artificial blood vessel, and the blood culture test was positive. The abnormal shadow was suspected to be a vegetation and was referred to our department. Vegetation was highly mobile and emergency surgery was performed considering the risk of embolism. Intraoperative findings showed that vegetation was attached to the anastomotic site of the artificial blood vessel. She was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital 57 days after the operation and is currently rehabilitating.

Hybrid zone zero debranching thoracic endovascular aortic repair of ascending aortic injury after surgery and radiotherapy for breast cancer.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair of the ascending aorta remains challenging. We have reported the case of an 81-year-old woman with ascending aortic injury who underwent a life-saving hybrid repair. The patient had previously undergone extended radical mastectomy and postoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer, which had resulted in a right thoracic wall defect and bone exposure and osteonecrosis of the sternum. Therefore, the ascending aorta was directly compressed by the sternum at the level of the brachiocephalic artery bifurcation, causing persistent bleeding from the thoracic wall. Hybrid zone 0 debranching thoracic endovascular aortic repair with a left subclavian artery inflow was emergently performed and achieved hemostasis.

[Self-made Bovine Pericardial Roll Graft Replacement of Infected Aneurysm Following Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair;Report of a Case].

A 72 years-old man was admitted with fever and cough. He had undergone aortic arch graft replacement with elephant trunk and endovascular stent graft for distal arch aortic aneurysm 1 year ago. Additionally, he had treated type I endoleak with an endovascular stent graft 3 month previously. Computed tomography showed soft tissue around the aneurysm and visible gas bubble within intramural thrombus, and he was diagnosed with stent graft infection. The stent graft was removed and aortic reconstruction was performed using bovine pericardial roll grafts. The grafts were covered with the greater omentum. He was discharged on the 48th postoperative day, and was alive and well 4 years after the operation.

Transgraft embolization by using long needle for the treatment of type II endoleaks after endovascular abdominal aortic repair.

We used a long custom needle (LCN) to improve transgraft embolization (TGE) in 10 reported cases that underwent TGE with LCN for type II endoleak (T2E) treatment after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. TGE was performed with a LCN enabling the usage of microcatheter and embolization coils in 10 cases with T2E after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Embolization was successfully achieved in the nidus in all 10 cases. The aneurysmal sac diameter significantly decreased by TGE, and none of the 7 of 10 cases exhibited recurrence of sac expansion or T2E throughout the 2-year follow-up period.

[Migration of a Temporary Epicardial Pacing Wire into the Aorta Following Open Heart Surgery].

The patient was a 76-year-old female. An epicardial pacing wire was inserted in an open heart surgery. As there was some resistance when extracting it, it was cut off at the cutaneous level. Ten months after discharge, she was referred to our hospital for further examination due to a flap found in the left external carotid artery by the carotid echography. The remaining wire was found between the ascending aorta and the left external carotid artery by computed tomography (CT). It was considered that the wire, with no resistance after being cut off, became isolated, pierced the ascending aorta, moved further by the heart beat, and reached the left external carotid artery. Surgery was performed via median re-sternotomy and left common carotid artery incision, since the proximal edge of the wire remained in the mediastinal space. It is quite rare for a remaining pacing wire to migrate into the aorta.

Safety and efficacy of an ultrashort-acting ß1-blocker on left ventricular dysfunction.

Landiolol hydrochloride, an ultrashort-acting ß1-selective blocker, is a highly regulated drug. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of this drug for cases of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with left ventricular dysfunction. Between September 2006 and August 2009, 32 patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction of <40% underwent CABG. Two groups of patients, a group administered landiolol hydrochloride and a control group not administered this drug, were compared. The administration of landiolol hydrochloride was initiated at 1 µg/kg per minute (γ) after cardiopulmonary bypass in on-pump cases and after completion of all the distal anastomoses in off-pump cases. We observed no significant differences between the groups with respect to preoperative patient background or incidences of complications, except for postoperative atrial fibrillation. The heart rate decreased significantly 30 minutes after landiolol hydrochloride administration, but no change was observed in arterial pressure. No change was observed in other parameters; the hemodynamics were stable. The occurrence of atrial fibrillation during the intensive care unit stay (during landiolol hydrochloride administration) was significantly lower in the administration group. The difference remained significant after multiple logistic regression analysis; landiolol hydrochloride was the sole inhibitory factor.

Superior vena cava obstruction caused by ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm as assessed by multi-detector row computed tomography.

We describe a case of a 64-year-old man with superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction caused by a huge pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta. Pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta is an uncommon cause of SVC obstruction. Multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) simultaneously clarified the SVC obstruction and coronary artery stenosis.

Efficacy of propafenone hydrochloride in preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common complications after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and the incidence of postoperative AF (PAF) is estimated to range from 10% to 40%. PAF is a serious complication that is related to unstable hemodynamics, development of embolisms, patient discomfort, and increased medical costs associated with the prolongation of hospital stay. Sometimes, immediate attention is also necessary. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of treatment with the antiarrhythmic drug propafenone hydrochloride, which was administered in the early postoperative period, in preventing the development of PAF, and we attempted to identify risk factors for PAF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were 78 patients who underwent isolated off-pump CABG between July 2007 and October 2008. We conducted the study by dividing the patients into 2 groups, a group of 26 patients who received propafenone hydrochloride (P group) and a control group of 52 patients who did not receive this drug (C group). The patients in the P group were given propafenone hydrochloride (150-450 mg/day orally) for 10 days, starting on the day after surgery, and were observed for the development of AF by means of continuous 12-lead electrocardiographic monitoring. Development of AF was defined as AF that lasted

Endoscopic radial artery harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting: the initial clinical experience and results of the first 50 patients.

BACKGROUND: The radial artery (RA) is a commonly used arterial conduit in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Traditional open-vessel harvest often leads to postoperative wound complications and cosmetic problems. Endoscopic RA harvesting (ERAH) has been widely used to prevent these problems. The purpose of this study was to assess these problems and graft patency in the first 50 patients who underwent ERAH. METHODS: Between February 2006 and October 2007, 50 patients underwent ERAH with the VasoView system (Boston Scientific). These patients were compared with 50 patients who underwent the traditional open technique. RESULTS: The mean age was 62.8 years in both groups. All RAs were successfully harvested. No conversion was made from ERAH to the traditional open technique. The mean harvesting time (forearm ischemic time) was 27.4 + or - 6.5 minutes, and the mean length of the RA in the ERAH group was 18.5 cm. Neither wound complications, such as wound infection and skin necrosis, nor severe neurologic complications were recorded. The patency rate was 95.9% (95/99) in the ERAH group and 94% (94/100) in the open group. CONCLUSION: ERAH can be performed safely, and the early results are satisfactory. Endoscopic vessel harvesting is therefore recommended as the technique of choice for RA harvesting.

New method of thermal coronary angiography for intraoperative patency control in off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the effectiveness of a new thermal coronary angiogram system using intraoperative imaging with an infrared camera for coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: The thermal coronary angiograms of 51 patients who underwent a total of 107 coronary artery bypass grafts were evaluated. Thermal coronary angiograms were obtained after completing distal anastomoses by the injection of cold saline solution into the vein grafts or free arterial grafts or by reperfusion with warmer blood in the internal thoracic artery grafts. Temperature differences of greater than 0.1 degrees C between the injectant and the epimyocardium resulted in high-contrast images. RESULTS: Thermal coronary angiograms were obtained from 107 coronary artery bypass grafts; 103 grafts were patent (96.3%), and 2 internal thoracic artery grafts were occluded. After reanastomoses, thermal coronary angiograms were again obtained, and all grafts appeared to be patent. Four grafts did not clearly show hemokinesis because of an intramyocardial segment or circumferential fat surrounding the artery. CONCLUSIONS: Thermal coronary angiograms cannot show hemokinesis clearly in cases with an intramyocardial arterial segment or in patients in whom the grafts are surrounded by fat. Therefore, thermal coronary angiograms are considered to play a valuable role in confirming the success or failure of myocardium revascularization because this diagnostic modality does not interfere with the surgical procedures, is noninvasive, and can be both quickly and easily performed.

Coronary artery bypass grafting in DES era.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has played an important role in the treatment of ischemic heart disease. Recently, the introduction of a drug-eluting stent (DES) has decreased the incidence of restenosis after percutaneous intervention (PCI). PCI with a DES is being increasingly performed, whereas the number of patients for whom CABG has been indicated has decreased over the last few years in Japan and the United States. According to a report, the number of patients undergoing CABG will not decrease in the future due to its usefulness in the treatment of multi-vessel lesions. We have also reviewed how CABG should be improved. For this purpose, it may be important to carry out less invasive CABG by the off-pump method and to improve the long-term results obtained by CABG with an internal thoracic artery graft and complete revascularization. Hence, CABG may achieve better long-term results compared with PCI and continued future application of CABG.

Application of a new suture material called the U-Clip for composite and sequential grafting with off-pump coronary bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: The U-Clip was found to facilitate the interrupted anastomosis of coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG). This device may be beneficial especially in multivessel off-pump CABG (OPCAB) using composite grafts or sequential anastomosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate our early clinical experience using the U-Clip in OPCAB cases. METHODS: This retrospective study included 118 patients who underwent off-pump CABG between 2001 and 2004. The mean age of the 91 men and 27 women was 69.5 +/- 8.0 years (range, 47-85). The U-Clip was adopted for sewing 73 proximal ends of the free graft to the side or end of the inflow conduit to prepare the composite graft. The U-Clip was also applied to 112 distal anastomoses, especially to the side-to-side anastomosis of the sequential graft. RESULTS: Hospital mortality rate was 0.8% (1/118). The early patency rate of distal anastomoses using the U-Clip was 95% (96/101). The early patency rate of proximal anastomoses using the U-Clip was 98.4% (62/63). Interim angiography was performed in 12 patients (range, 3.8-42 months; average, 16 months). In these 12 patients, a total of 8 proximal anastomoses of conduits using the U-Clip were all patent without stenosis. The patency rate of a total of 10 distal anastomoses in the 12 patients using the U-Clip was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The U-Clip-interrupted anastomosis enables a safe, definite, and rapid end-to-end or end-to-side connection of arterial grafts. We therefore consider the U-Clip to be a useful suture material especially for multivessel OPCAB using multiple arterial grafts.

Central arterial cannulation and the arch first method for aortic arch aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether the axillary artery or ascending aorta cannulation combined with the arch first method decreases the risk of stroke during total arch replacement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2002 to January 2006, 35 total arch replacements were performed with the arch first method and central arterial cannulation. The mean age was 66+/-10 years. The cannulation sites were the axillary artery in 19 and the ascending aorta in 16. The arch first method (a short period of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with retrograde cerebral perfusion and then subsequent antegrade cerebral perfusion) was used in all patients. RESULTS: The mean retrograde cerebral perfusion time was 29+/-7 min. The incidence of the permanent neurological dysfunction related to the surgical procedures was 2.9% (1/35). Hospital mortality was 5.7% of patients (2/35). There was no difference in the operative outcome between the 2 arterial inflow sites. CONCLUSION: At the time of total arch replacement, the use of central arterial cannulation and the arch first method are effective methods for preventing permanent brain injury. Cannulation of the ascending aortic using Dispersion cannula perfusing toward the aortic valve is considered to be a safe and favorable method for central arterial cannulation.

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for hemodialysis patients is high risk compared with other patient groups. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential benefits of off-pump CABG for hemodialysis patients. METHODS: From April 1994 through December 2000, 26 hemodialysis patients underwent CABG. The off-pump group consisted of 15 patients operated on without a pump and the on-pump group consisted of 11 patients operated on with a pump. RESULTS: There was no difference between the two groups with regard to mean age, mean number of diseased vessels and mean number of anastomoses per patient. No patient died in either group during hospitalization. The postoperative complication rate was low in both groups. The postoperative ventilation time was shorter in the off-pump group (8.5 vs 26.1 hours, p < 0.001, respectively [off-pump group vs on-pump group]). The length of ICU stay was shorter in the off-pump group (1.7 vs 3.5 days, p = 0.01, respectively [off-pump group vs on-pump group]). The medial cost was lower in the off-pump group (26,200.80 dollars versus 44,024.10 dollars p = 0.0001 respectively [off-pump group vs on-pump group]). CONCLUSIONS: Off-pump CABG provided excellent less-invasive cardiac surgical results for dialysis patients.