Hepatic-to-azygos vein redirection after a failed bifurcated graft Fontan conversion.

A successful hepatic-to-azygos vein redirection was performed in a patient with absent inferior vena cava using a long vascular graft to address a pulmonary arterio-venous fistula after a failed Fontan conversion. No exacerbation was observed 5 years postoperatively.

Neonatal sutureless pericardial marsupialization for isolated iatrogenic pulmonary vein stenosis.

A 12-day-old girl underwent extended end-to-end aortic arch reconstruction with proximal pulmonary autograft patch augmentation on moderately hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. At the end of the procedure, the right superior pulmonary vein developed a severe stenosis at the insertion site of the left atrial vent, as a consequence of multiple hemostatic sutures. We report the successful intraoperative ad hoc application of the sutureless pericardial marsupialization technique for the herewith described severe, isolated, iatrogenic pulmonary vein stenosis in a neonate.

Intrapulmonary artery septation for unilateral absence of the pulmonary artery.

We describe a seven-month-old boy with tetralogy of Fallot and an absent left pulmonary artery. Due to the diminutive size of the left pulmonary artery, we performed a native tissue left pulmonary artery reconstruction and intrapulmonary artery septation procedure with a left modified Blalock-Taussig shunt. After confirming left pulmonary artery growth, the patient underwent tetralogy of Fallot repair, removal of septation patch, and division of the Blalock-Taussig shunt. Nine months post-surgery, we confirmed his balanced lung perfusion (R/L ratio 6:4). The intrapulmonary artery septation procedure would be suitable for both the resuscitation and reconstruction of the hypoplastic absent pulmonary artery.

[Metastasis of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma to the Left Ventricle].

Cardiac metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is relatively rare. It generally initiates from the right atrium with or without involvement of the inferior vena cava (IVC). Here, we report a case of metastasis of isolated clear cell RCC to the left ventricular( LV) papillary muscle. An 84-year-old male who had undergone renal resection due to RCC 19 years before, presented to our hospital with suspected LV tumor by echocardiography. The tumor was located near the posterior papillary muscle, with a size of 15×12 mm. The patient underwent resection of the LV tumor. Pathologically, the tumor was diagnosed as clear cell RCC. The postoperative course was stable, and he did not require any chemotherapy. Although there is no definite evidence of the mechanisms of metastasis, the tumor was supposed to metastasize lymphogeneously.

Successful Ascending to Descending Aortic Bypass and Endovascular Embolisation of a Late Pseudoaneurysm Following Patch Aortoplasty for Coarctation of the Aorta.

INTRODUCTION: A late aortic aneurysm at the site of previous open surgery for coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a life threatening complication. Several strategies have been reported, however, these strategies have issues. This is the report of a case involving successful ascending to descending aortic bypass concomitant with endovascular embolisation for a pseudoaneurysm. REPORT: The patient was a 23 year old man with a history of patch aortoplasty for coarctation of the aorta (CoA) via a left thoracotomy and patch closure of a ventricular septal defect. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) angiography performed in 2014 revealed a pseudoaneurysm at the site of the previous patch aortoplasty. CT also revealed a hypoplastic and severely kinked aortic arch that made it difficult to perform conventional thoracic endovascular aortic repair for this aneurysm. Therefore in order to prevent rupture, a combination of ascending to descending aortic bypass and endovascular embolisation using Amplatzer vascular plugs and coils was employed. Transection of the aortic arch and transposition of the left subclavian artery were performed to prevent antegrade flow into the aneurysm. DISCUSSION: The aneurysm was successfully excluded without complications. CT performed three years after the operation showed that the pseudoaneurysm had shrunk completely. Extra-anatomic bypass concomitant with endovascular embolisation for a late coarctation patched site aneurysm might be an alternative strategy that should be carefully considered in specific cases.

Antegrade thoracic endovascular aortic repair via the left axillary artery in a patient with aortoiliac occlusive disease (Leriche syndrome).

We present the case of a 77-year-old man with a saccular descending thoracic aortic aneurysm who underwent successful antegrade thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) via the left axillary artery. The patient had a history of axillo-bifemoral bypass grafting due to aortoiliac occlusive disease (Leriche syndrome), which precluded normal retrograde TEVAR. Upon successful procedure completion, no endoleak was noted on postoperative computed tomography. The patient was discharged from the hospital without any complications. The left axillary artery is useful as an alternative access site in cases wherein conventional retrograde TEVAR is not feasible.

Modified Single-Patch Technique Versus Two-Patch Technique for the Repair of Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect: A Meta-Analysis.

Technical selection for surgical repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD) still remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the modified single-patch (MP) technique with the two-patch (TP) technique for patients with CAVSD. Relevant studies comparing the MP technique with the TP technique were identified through a literature search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. The variables were ventricular septal defect (VSD) size, cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) time, aortic cross-clamp (ACC) time, intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, and other outcomes involving mortality, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, atrioventricular valve regurgitation, residual septal shunt, atrioventricular block, and reoperation. A random-effect/fixed-effect model was used to summarize the estimates of mean difference/odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Subgroup analysis stratified by region was performed. Fifteen publications involving 1034 patients were included. This meta-analysis demonstrated that (1) VSD size in the MP group was significantly smaller; (2) CBP time, ACC time, and hospital stay in the MP group experienced improvement; (3) Other postoperative outcomes showed no significant differences between two groups; and (4) The trends in China and other countries were close. The MP and TP techniques had comparable outcomes; however, the MP technique was performed with significantly shorter CBP and ACC times in patients with smaller VSDs. Given this limitation of data, the results of comparison of the two techniques in patients with larger VSDs remain unknown. Further studies are needed.

Successful management of apical abscess after Nipro left ventricular assisted device explantation by removal of apical cuff and omentopexy.

Nipro-Toyobo-paracorporeal pulsatile flow VAD (Nipro VAD; Nipro, Osaka, Japan) has been used most commonly as a paracorporeal VAD (p-VAD) in Japan. There are few reports describing clinical course of post LVAD explantation and its complication. We herein present two cases of apical abscess after the explantation of the device. SSI is a main risk factor of formation of the apical abscess at the time of LVAD explantation. It is mandatory to perform sufficient debridement and closure of the layers including abdominal muscle and anterior abdominal fascia at exit sites in the explantation surgery. Omentopexy is also helpful for prevention from infection. Routine removal of apical cuff and outflow graft could be considered as one of the options when LVAD is explanted as bridge to recovery.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma presenting as paraplegia after cardiac surgery.

An 86-year-old woman was scheduled to undergo aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass graft. On postoperative day 3, she developed sudden-onset neck pain followed by weakness in the right arm. Her symptoms worsened with time, and she developed paraplegia. At 60 h after the first complaint, spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) from C2 to C6 with spinal cord compression was diagnosed from a magnetic resonance image of the cervical region. We decided on conservative therapy because operative recovery was impossible. Delayed diagnosis led to grievous results in the present case. When neurological abnormalities follow neck or back pain after open heart surgery, SSEH must be considered in the differential diagnosis. Further, if it is suspected, early cervical computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging and surgery should be considered.

Repair of a simple total anomalous pulmonary venous connection coexisting with a persistent left superior vena cava.

A simple total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) coexisting with a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is extremely rare. Connection of the PLSVC with the coronary sinus behind the left atrium induces coronary sinus dilatation. This reduces the free posterior wall space to which the common pulmonary vein is anastomosed for repairing the anomalous connection. Postoperative recurrent pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO) is the most important complication. To prevent PVO, sufficient tension-free anastomosis is necessary. When dilated, the coronary sinus becomes an obstacle for obtaining sufficient incision length in the left atrial cavity. We encountered two cases of a simple TAPVC with a PLSVC in infants weighing 1.8 and 2.9 kg, respectively. To obtain sufficient incision length, we extended the incision line to the right atrium for an atypical supracardiac TAPVC and incised from the left atrium to the coronary sinus via the right atrium for an infracardiac TAPVC. Moreover, we recreated the atrial septum with a rightward shift using a tanned pericardium in both cases. The postoperative courses were uneventful, without recurrent PVO.

Artery fistula causing aortic regurgitation in pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries.

We report a case of aortic regurgitation (AR), coronary artery-to-pulmonary artery (CAPA) fistula, pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD), and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAS). As a result of coronary steal and AR, myocardial ischemia and ventricular dysfunction occurred. When the patient was 2 months old with a body weight of 2.7 kg, we performed fistula ligation, aortic valvuloplasty, unifocalization of the MAPCAS, and right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunting. After the operation, the AR volume reduced, and the patient was scheduled for repair.

Permanent epicardial pacing lead implantation for scheduled multistage operations in Fontan candidate.

The use of an epicardial pacing lead may be essential in pediatric patients with rhythm disturbances. In patients with single-ventricle physiology who need scheduled multistage operations, the lead could be an obstacle because of the induction of tight adhesions and the need for dissection in the next operation. We propose a novel reproducible technique for the placement of an epicardial pacing lead followed by easy dissection of the entire length of the lead in the next operation in neonates or young infants who need multistage operations.

Resolution of acromegalic cardiomyopathy in mild acromegalic physical abnormality after short-term octreotide therapy.

Congestive heart failure developed in a 42-year-old man who had very mild acromegalic features. Echocardiography showed a marked dilatation of the left ventricle and decreased systolic function. Laboratory examinations revealed the elevated levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 and pituitary microadenoma was demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging. Although the extensive conventional medical treatment was ineffective, short-term addition of somatostatin analog, octreotide, rapidly improved his cardiac function. After discontinuation of octreotide, further improvement was observed with minimal residual diastolic dysfunction. All medical treatment could be stopped after successful trans-sphenoidal surgery. Early diagnosis and effective treatment is important to reverse the acromegalic cardiomyopathy.

Systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the posterior mitral leaflet: left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in a patient without left ventricular hypertrophy.

Systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the anterior mitral leaflet with mitral-septal contact was generally thought to be a major contributor to dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We report an interesting case of SAM of the posterior mitral leaflet in a patient without left ventricular hypertrophy, which led to dynamic left ventricular obstruction.

Treatment of acute inflammatory cardiomyopathy with intravenous immunoglobulin ameliorates left ventricular function associated with suppression of inflammatory cytokines and decreased oxidative stress.

Although an autoimmune mechanism has been postulated for myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy, immunosuppressive agents had not been shown to be effective. Potential benefits of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in the therapy of patients with myocarditis and recent onset of dilated cardiomyopathy were reported. Also, experimental studies showed that IVIg is an effective therapy for viral myocarditis by antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Accordingly, in the current study, the effects of IVIg in the patients were investigated with the analyses of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Nine patients (six in myocarditis, three in acute dilated cardiomyopathy) were treated with high-dose intravenous IVIg (1-2 g/kg, over 2 days). All were hospitalized with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III to IV heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%, and symptoms for <6 months at the time of presentation. Five patients were diagnosed using endomyocardial biopsy. LVEF determined by echocardiography improved from 19.0+/-7.5% (mean+/-S.D.) at baseline to 35.4+/-9.1% at follow up (12.2+/-5.8 days after the treatment) (P<0.01). C-reactive protein and plasma inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6) were decreased by this treatment. In addition, plasma level of thioredoxin, which regulates the cellular state of oxidative stress, was decreased by the treatment. All nine patients improved functionally to NYHA class I to II, and were discharged without side-effects. There have been no subsequent hospitalizations for heart failure during the course of follow-up (3 months-4.5 years). LVEF improved 16% of EF in the patients with myocarditis and acute dilated cardiomyopathy with the reduction of cytokines associated with improvement of oxidative stress state by high-dose of IVIg. Thus, IVIg seems to be a promising agent in the therapy of acute inflammatory cardiomyopathy in view of not only suppression of inflammatory cytokines but a reduction of oxidative stress.

Acute and long-term outcomes of rotational atherectomy in small (< 3.0 mm) coronary arteries.

Conventional balloon angioplasty (BA) of small coronary arteries (SCA) is followed by a high rate of restenosis. Rotational atherectomy may be effective as an alternate treatment of stenoses unsuitable for other devices. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of RA in the treatment of SCA. A retrospective analysis was performed of 226 lesions in 159 consecutive patients who underwent RA of SCA (mean diameter = 2.36 +/- 0.49 mm). One hundred forty-eight lesions (65.5%) were type B2 or C of AHA/ACC criteria. Follow-up angiography was performed at 3 and 6 months after the procedure. Procedural success was achieved in 96.9% of patients. The mean burr-to-artery ratio was 0.74 +/- 0.17. Adjunctive BA and stent implantation were needed in 94.2% and 22.6% of lesions, respectively. Minimal lumen diameter (MLD) increased from 0.66 +/- 0.35 mm to 1.97 +/- 0.58 mm (P < 0.01). Angiographic complications consisted of acute reclosure (3.5%), no reflow/slow flow (12.4%), and coronary artery perforation (1.8%). No death, Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI), or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) occurred during the initial hospitalization. Restenosis rates at 3 and 6 months were 40.6% and 44.2%, respectively, and target lesion revascularization (TLR) rates were 28.5% and 33.0%, respectively. Restenosis and TLR rates during follow-up were comparable among patients who underwent RA + adjunctive BA versus patients who underwent RA + stenting. Long-term clinical follow-up was complete in 143 patients over a mean period of 348 +/- 166 days. The survival free from cardiac death, MI, CABG or repeated BA was 59.6% at 1 year. In conclusion, RA of SCA has relatively high restenosis rates, but may be appropriate for more complex, calcified lesions unsuitable for other devices.

Effect of intracoronary nicorandil administration on preventing no-reflow/slow flow phenomenon during rotational atherectomy.

A major limitation of the rotational atherectomy (RA) procedure is the occurrence of the no-reflow/slow flow phenomenon and the optimal strategy is still evolving. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of nicorandil, an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium channel opener, on no-reflow in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of nicorandil on no-reflow/slow flow phenomenon during RA procedures. Sixty-one patients who underwent RA of complex coronary lesions were randomly divided into 2 groups: (i) nicorandil cocktail (n=24 patients, 37 lesions) and (ii) verapamil cocktail (n=37 patients, 63 lesions). In each group, the drug cocktail mixed with pressurized saline was infused through the 4Fr Teflon sheath of the rotablator system during the RA procedure. In the nicorandil group, the drug cocktail consisted of 24 mg of nicorandil, 5 mg of nitroglycerin, and 10,000 U of heparin. In the verapamil group, the drug cocktail consisted of 10 mg of verapamil, 5 mg of nitroglycerin, and 10,000 U of heparin. Baseline and procedure characteristics did not differ between the 2 groups. RA was performed successfully, and death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, or emergency coronary artery bypass surgery did not occur in any patients. The no-reflow/slow flow phenomenon was observed in 11/63 (17.4%) lesions of the verapamil group, but in only 1/37 (2.7%) lesions of the nicorandil group (p=0.03). No untoward complications were observed during nicorandil infusion. These data indicate that the intracoronary continuous infusion of nicorandil during RA procedures is easy and safe, and prevents no-reflow/slow flow phenomenon more effectively than infusion of verapamil.

Successful immunoglobulin treatment for fulminant myocarditis and serial analysis of serum thioredoxin: a case report.

A 31-year-old woman suspected to have acute myocarditis was admitted to hospital and was managed with intra-aortic balloon pumping and a percutaneous cardiopulmonary support system because of sustained ventricular tachycardia. After immunoglobulin treatment, cardiac function and systematic inflammation were improved. The left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy revealed massive necrosis and degeneration of myocardial cells, and extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells. The clinicopathology of this patient was thought to be fulminant myocarditis. Serial serum thioredoxin (TRX) analysis showed that the serum level was high during the acute phase, and decreased during the chronic phase. Immunohistochemistry for TRX in the biopsy samples showed that inflammatory cells and cardiomyocytes were positively stained.