Predictors of long-term stenosis in bicuspid aortic valve repair.

OBJECTIVES: The use of modern techniques for bicuspid aortic valve repair has been shown to provide safe and durable results against recurrent regurgitation. However, an emerging body of evidence is indicating that aortic stenosis might be an additional late complication of these procedures. To date, the pathogenesis and clinical impact of aortic stenosis after bicuspid aortic valve repair are poorly understood. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 367 patients with bicuspid aortic valve repair was performed to identify predictors of reoperation for stenosis. Bicuspid aortic valve repair was performed using a combination of procedures on the leaflet, annulus, and aortic root. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 8 years, reoperation for stenosis was required in 33 patients (9.0%). Freedom from reoperation for stenosis was 100%, 99.6%, 91.7%, and 74.9% at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. The following factors were independently associated with reoperation for aortic stenosis: Leaflet or raphe resection with shaving was a protective factor (hazard ratio, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.71; P = .004), whereas the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene for free-edge running suture (hazard ratio, 2.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-5.57; P = .019), supracoronary replacement of the ascending aorta in combination with valve repair (hazard ratio, 5.41; 95% confidence interval, 2.11-13.85; P = .001), and the need for a second aortic crossclamp (hazard ratio, 10.95; 95% confidence interval, 2.80-42.80; P = .001) were associated with increased risk of reoperation for aortic stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: While confirming previous findings, our analysis suggests that the inability to restore leaflet mobility and polytetrafluoroethylene for free-edge running suture are risk factors for stenosis. The so-called ascending phenotypes are probably more prone to stenosis. If the first attempt to repair is unsuccessful, the risk of late reoperation for aortic stenosis is high.

Results of Coarctation Repair by Thoracotomy in Pediatric Patients: A Single Institution Experience.

BACKGROUND: Aortic coarctation is among the most common cardiovascular congenital abnormalities requiring repair after birth. Besides mortality, morbidity remains an important aspect. Accordingly, we reviewed our 20-year experience of aortic coarctation repair by thoracotomy, with emphasis on both short- and long-term outcomes. METHODS: From 1995 through 2014, 214 patients underwent coarctation repair via left thoracotomy. Associated arch lesions were distal arch hypoplasia (n = 117) or type A interrupted aortic arch (n = 6). Eighty-four patients had isolated coarctation (group 1), 66 associated ventricular septal defect (group 2), and 64 associated complex cardiac lesions (group 3). Median follow-up was 8.4 years. RESULTS: There was one (0.5%) procedure-related death. Nine (4.2%) patients died during index admission. In-hospital mortality was 0.7% in group 1 and 2 and 12.5% in group 3 (P < .001). No patient had paraplegia. Actuarial five-year survival was 97.5% in group 1, 94% group 2 and 66% in group 3. Recurrent coarctation developed in 29 patients, all but four (1.8%) successfully treated by balloon dilatation. Freedom from reintervention (dilatation or surgery) at five years was 86%. At hospital discharge, 28 (13.5%) patients were hypertensive. At follow-up, hypertension was present in 11 (5.3%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term results of aortic coarctation repair by thoracotomy are excellent, with percutaneous angioplasty being the procedure of choice for recurrences. Patient prognosis is dependent on associated cardiac malformations. In this study, the prevalence of late arterial hypertension was lower than previously reported.

Minimally invasive robotic excision of a cardiac septal neuroendocrine metastasis.

We present a rare case of a myocardial neuroendocrine metastasis in a 45-year-old male patient. The tumor was localized on the left side of the interventricular septum. Complete surgical excision of the tumor was successfully performed robotically  through a left atriotomy, using a transmitral approach. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. A robotic mini-invasive approach is a safe and feasible alternative to conventional surgery and should be considered when the anatomy is suitable for a minimally invasive procedure.

Distal Aortic Arch Hypoplasia and Coarctation Repair: A Tailored Enlargement Technique.

BACKGROUND: Several techniques have been described to correct coarctation associated with distal arch hypoplasia. However, in neonates, residual gradients are frequently encountered and influence long-term outcome. We reviewed our experience with an alternative technique of repair combining carotid-subclavian angioplasty and extended end-to-end anastomosis. METHODS: From 1998 through 2014, 109 neonates (median age, 9 days) with coarctation and distal arch hypoplasia (n = 106) or type A interrupted aortic arch (n = 3) underwent repair using this technique. Thirty patients had isolated lesions (group 1), 44 associated ventricular septal defect (group 2), and 35 associated complex cardiac lesions (group 3). Median follow-up was 98 months. RESULTS: Repair was performed via left thoracotomy in 97%. There was one procedural-related death (0.9%) and overall five patients died during index admission (4.6%). Ten deaths were recorded at follow-up. Actuarial five-year survival was 86% (100% in group 1, 91% group 2, and 66% in group 3). Recurrent coarctation (clinical or invasive gradient >20 mm Hg) developed in 15 patients, all but 2 successfully treated by balloon dilatation. Freedom from any reintervention (dilatation or surgery) at five years was 86%. Only two patients were on antihypertensive drugs at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This combined technique to correct distal arch hypoplasia and isthmic coarctation results in low mortality and acceptable recurrence rate. It preserves the left subclavian artery and allows enlargement of the distal arch diameter. Late outcome is excellent with very low prevalence of late arterial hypertension.

Gastric Perforation due to Giant Trichobezoar in a 13-Year-Old Child.

Trichotillomania and trichotillophagia can cause the formation of enormous intragastric hairballs. We report the case of a 13-year-old girl who was brought to the emergency service for evaluation of an acute abdomen. Abdominal CT scanner showed a giant gastric trichobezoar which had to be removed by susombilical laparotomy and transverse gastrotomy. This case illustrates the fairly uncommon perforation risk of these gastric bezoars.