Impact of frailty and prefrailty on the mid-term outcomes and rehabilitation course after cardiac surgery.

PURPOSE: This study examined the impact of frailty and prefrailty on mid-term outcomes and rehabilitation courses after cardiac surgery. METHODS: A total of 261 patients (median age: 73 years; 30% female) who underwent elective cardiac surgery were enrolled in this study. The Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study Frailty Index classified 86, 131, and 44 patients into frailty, prefrailty, and robust groups, respectively. We examined the recovery of walking ability, outcomes at discharge, mid-term all-cause mortality, and rehospitalization related to major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) across the three cohorts. RESULTS: The 3-year survival rates in the frailty, prefrailty, and robust groups were 87%, 97%, and 100%, respectively (p = 0.003). The free event rates of all-cause mortality and re-hospitalization related to MACCE were 59%, 79%, and 95%, respectively (p < 0.001), with a graded elevation in adjusted morbidity among patients in the prefrailty (hazard ratio [HR], 4.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-19.4) and frailty (HR, 9.29; 95% CI 2.21-39.1) groups. Patients with frailty also experienced a delayed recovery of walking ability and a reduced number of patients with frailty were discharged home. CONCLUSION: Frailty and prefrailty adversely affect the mid-term prognosis and rehabilitation course after cardiac surgery.

Aortic Remodeling After Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Nonacute Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Entry closure with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD) results in aortic remodeling recently. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between aortic diameter or timing of surgical intervention from onset and remodeling after TEVAR for uncomplicated nonacute TBAD. METHODS: Between April 2014 and December 2021, 83 consecutive patients underwent TEVAR for TBAD at our center. Forty patients with subacute and chronic uncomplicated TBADs with a patent false lumen, who could be followed up for at least 6 months, were included in this study. Indications for TEVAR included aortic diameter enlargement and preemptive treatment to prevent future aneurysmal changes in patients at risk of aortic diameter enlargement. Aortic remodeling was accessed, and data between the remodeling and nonremodeling groups were compared. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 97.5%, with a type Ia endoleak remaining in 1 patient. No operative or in-hospital mortality occurred. Paraparesis occurred in only 1 patient (2.5%). Follow-up was completed at a median of 53.5 months. Late death occurred in 3 cases, but there were no aortic-related deaths. Late aortic remodeling was achieved in 22 patients (55%). The preoperative maximum aortic diameter (PMAD) in the thoracic aortic region was 51.5 mm in the nonremodeling group, significantly larger than 42.5 mm in the remodeling group (P < 0.0001). The cutoff value of the PMAD for predicting aortic remodeling was 45 mm (area under the curve, 0.917; P = 0.028). The remodeling group had an earlier time from onset to intervention than the nonremodeling group, with a cutoff value of 6.3 months (area under the curve, 0.743; P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: TEVAR for nonacute uncomplicated TBAD resulted in a late aortic remodeling rate of 55%. This study suggested that a PMAD of >45 mm or a period >6.3 months between dissection onset and surgery hinders aortic remodeling after TEVAR.

Early and late outcomes of repaired acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection after graft replacement.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to determine the impact of the extent of graft replacement on early and late outcomes in acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection. METHODS: Between October 1999 and July 2014, 197 consecutive patients were surgically treated for acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection. The extent of graft replacement (hemiarch, partial, or total arch replacement) was mainly determined by the location of the primary entry. Early and late results were compared in patients after total arch replacement (n = 88) and combined hemiarch and partial arch replacement: non-total arch replacement (n = 109). RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rates of the total arch replacement and non-total arch replacement groups were 10.2% and 14.7%, respectively (P = .47). Multivariate analysis revealed preoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation and visceral organ malperfusion as significant risk factors for in-hospital mortality, but not total arch replacement. During a mean follow-up period of 60 ± 48 months, the 5-year survivals in the total arch replacement and non-total arch replacement groups were 88.6% ± 4.2% and 83.8% ± 4.4%, respectively (P = .54). Rates of distal aortic events (defined as freedom from surgery for distal aorta dilation or distal arch diameter expanding to 50 mm) at 5 years were significantly better in the total arch replacement group than in the non-total arch replacement group (94.9% ± 3.5% vs 83.6% ± 4.9%, P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: The operative mortality of patients with acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection treated by total arch replacement was acceptable with good long-term survival after both total arch replacement and non-total arch replacement. The frequency of distal aortic events might be reduced in patients after total arch replacement compared with non-total arch replacement.

A cure with successful staged treatment of aortoesophageal fistula.

Aortoesophageal fistula is a fatal disease which needs immediate control of bleeding and infection. We report a case of aortoesophageal fistula successfully treated with extra-anatomical bypass and complete resection of infected aorta and esophagus following endovascular repair. He was discharged after reconstruction of esophagus and recurrence of infection has not been observed for the past 5 years.

Surgical strategy for aortic prosthetic graft infection with (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography.

A 30-year-old man with Marfan syndrome who underwent Crawford type II extension aneurysm repair about 9 years ago was referred to our hospital with persistent fever. Computed tomography (CT) showed air around the mid-descending aortic prosthetic graft. Because the air did not disappear in spite of intravenous antibiotics, (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) was performed. FDG-PET/CT revealed four high-uptake lesions. After dissecting the aortic graft particularly focusing on the high-uptake lesions, this patient underwent in situ graft re-replacement of descending aortic graft with a rifampicin-bonded gelatin-impregnated Dacron graft and omentopexy. The patient remains well without recurrent infection at 3 months after surgery.

Mid-Term Results of Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement in Patients With Expanded Indications.

BACKGROUND: The mid-term results of valve-sparing aortic root reimplantation (VSRR) for various indications were investigated. METHODS: From 2000 to 2013, 183 consecutive patients undergoing VSRR were enrolled. Expanded indications, defined as a patient on the marginal operative indication, included age 65 years or older (n = 33), age 15 years or younger (n = 4), acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) (n = 21), aortitis (n = 8), reoperative root replacement (n = 11), cusp prolapse (n = 67), large aortoventricular junction of greater than 28 mm (AVJ) (n = 42), preoperative severe aortic regurgitation (AR) (n = 89), left ventricular ejection fraction 0.40 or less (n = 12), LV dilation (n = 66), New York Heart Association class III or greater (n = 5), need for total arch replacement (n = 29), and concomitant mitral valve repair (n = 12). RESULTS: The overall survival at 5 years was 96.6%. Freedom from greater than mild AR and reoperation at 5 years was 85.8% and 92.9%, respectively. Cox proportional hazard model revealed that AAAD, cusp prolapse, AVJ 28 mm or greater, and operation before 2009 were at risk for late AR recurrence (p = 0.015, p = 0.0041, p = 0.032, and p = 0.014, respectively). After 2009, freedom from late AR in the cusp prolapse group improved (p = 0.055, versus control). Both freedom from recurrent AR and reoperation were worse as the number of expanded indications increased (log-rank trend p = 0.00017 and p = 0.00067, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical outcomes of VSRR in these patient cohorts were satisfactory with some room for improvement in patients with cusp prolapse. Although the indications for VSRR are being expanded, a larger number of expanded indications were associated with poor outcomes in terms of longevity of valve function.

Influences of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on outcomes of total arch replacement.

BACKGROUND: Although an association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and adverse surgical outcomes has been proposed, the impact of COPD severity on postoperative outcomes remains unclear. Our objective was to analyze the prognostic implication of COPD severity on outcomes after total aortic arch replacement. METHODS: Between October 1999 and December 2012, 269 patients undergoing total arch replacement through median sternotomy, who were elective cases with preoperative spirometry records, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into four groups: control group, with ratio of forced expiratory volume of air in 1 second (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) of 70% or greater; mild airflow obstruction, with FEV1/FVC ratio less than 70% and FEV1 80% or greater of predicted; moderate airflow obstruction, FEV1/FVC ratio less than 70% and FEV1 50% to 79% of predicted; severe airflow obstruction, FEV1/FVC ratio less than 70% and FEV1 less than 50% of predicted. Symptoms of functional dyspnea and disability were also assessed. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression methods were used to determine if there was an independent association between COPD and short-term and long-term outcomes, respectively. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate was 2.2% (6 of 269). A consistent trend of increasing frequency of postoperative respiratory complications with advanced airflow obstruction was noted. In multivariate analysis, in-hospital mortality (p = 0.022), incidence of respiratory complications (p = 0.021) and overall mortality (p = 0.025) was significantly associated with the symptoms of COPD, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of COPD as defined by spirometry and symptoms of functional dyspnea may be an important prognostic marker of patients undergoing total arch replacement.

Clinical outcomes of combined aortic root reimplantation technique and total arch replacement.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate early and late outcomes of combined valve-sparing aortic root replacement and total arch replacement (TAR). METHODS: From October 1999 to May 2014, 195 patients underwent valve-sparing operations using the David reimplantation technique. Thirty-one patients underwent combined TAR for aortic regurgitation (AR) with extended aortic aneurysm from the aortic root to the aortic arch. Aetiologies included acute type A aortic dissection in 12 cases, chronic aortic dissection in 8 cases and non-dissecting aneurysm in 11 cases. There were 9 patients with Marfan syndrome. The preoperative severity of AR was mild in 4, moderate in 16 and severe in 11. Even though half of those were emergent operations for acute aortic dissection, preoperative haemodynamic conditions were stable in all patients. RESULTS: No hospital deaths occurred. Postoperative complications included prolonged mechanical ventilation (>48 h) in 1 case and re-exploration for bleeding in 2 cases. Other complications, such as neurological dysfunction or low cardiac output syndrome, were not observed. At hospital discharge, 2 patients had mild AR, 22 had trace AR and 7 had no AR. During follow-up, 2 patients had moderate AR, 7 had mild AR, 18 had trace AR and 3 had no AR. Follow-up was completed in 95.1% of patients, and the mean follow-up period was 60.5 ± 9.1 months. No late death and thromboembolic complication occurred during follow-up. One patient required reoperation for AR. Freedom from reoperation at 5 and 10 years was 100 ± 0 and 83.3 ± 3.5%, respectively. Freedom from moderate or severe AR at 3 and 5 years was 83.3 ± 3.5 and 83.3 ± 3.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Early outcomes of combined aortic root reimplantation and TAR were satisfactory and provided excellent freedom from thromboembolic complication. The rate of freedom from reoperation during long-term follow-up was acceptable. Further follow-up is required to evaluate this procedure.

Strategies for the treatment of aorto-oesophageal fistula.

OBJECTIVES: Presenting a surgical strategy for aorto-oesophageal fistula (AEF). METHODS: From October 1999 to August 2013, 16 patients with AEF were treated at Kobe University Hospital. The mean age was 65.5 ± 10.2 years, and the male/female ratio was 13/3. Eight patients had non-dissecting thoracic aneurysm, 3 had chronic aortic dissection, 5 had oesophageal cancer and 1 had fish bone penetration. Five patients were in shock. Four patients had previous thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in the descending aorta and 1 had hemi-arch replacement. As treatment for AEF, 8 patients underwent TEVAR, 2 had a bridge TEVAR to open surgery, 2 had extra-anatomical bypass (EAB) and 5 had in situ reconstruction of the descending aorta. The oesophagus was resected in 8 patients, and an omental flap was installed in 7 patients. For the 4 most recent cases, simultaneous resection of the aorta and oesophagus, in situ reconstruction of the descending aorta using rifampicin-soaked Dacron graft and omental flap installation were performed. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was noted in 4 patients (25.0%; persistent sepsis n = 3 and pneumonia n = 1). However, since 2007, only 1 of 5 patients died (pneumonia). All patients with oesophageal cancer died during follow-up. Two patients underwent oesophageal reconstruction using a pedicled colon graft and one is on the waiting list for oesophageal reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Bridging TEVAR is a useful adjunct in treating AEF patients with shock. One-stage surgery consisting of resection of the aneurysm and oesophagus, in situ reconstruction of the descending aorta and omental flap installation provided a better outcome in the AEF surgical strategy compared with conservative treatment.

In situ total aortic arch replacement for infected distal aortic arch aneurysms with penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer.

BACKGROUND: We present a series of patients who underwent in situ total aortic arch replacement for infected distal aortic arch aneurysms. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2013, 9 patients with infected distal aortic arch aneurysms underwent total aortic arch replacement using antegrade selective cerebral perfusion. There were 4 male and 5 female patients with a mean age of 72.7±9.0 years. All patients had penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer in the distal aortic arch, which formed saccular aneurysms. Four patients had preoperative hoarseness. Maximum preoperative white blood cell count was 10,211±4375/µL, and mean serum C-reactive protein concentration was 12.7±7.2 mg/dL. Causative microorganisms were identified by blood culture or aortic wall culture and were as follows: Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Edwardsiella tarda, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus (2 cases), and unknown (2 cases). Radical debridement with in situ total aortic arch replacement was performed in all patients, followed by the omental flap grafting in 7 patients. All surgery was performed on an urgent or emergency basis. RESULTS: Average cardiopulmonary bypass time and lower body circulatory arrest time were 199.7±50.7 minutes and 66.6±13.8 minutes, respectively. There was no in-hospital mortality, but 1 patient died of asphyxia 5 months after hospital discharge. Freedom from recurrence of infection was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment with the combination of radical debridement with in situ total aortic arch replacement using antegrade selective cerebral perfusion and omental flap grafting was a reliable procedure for the treatment of infected distal aortic arch aneurysms.

Early patency rate and fate of reattached intercostal arteries after repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: The present study analyzes the early patency of intercostal artery reconstruction, using graft interposition and aortic patch anastomosis, and determines the fate of reattached intercostal arteries after repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. METHODS: We selected 115 patients (mean age, 63 ± 15 years; range, 19-83 years; male, n = 83) treated by thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair with 1 or more reconstructed intercostal arteries at the Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine between October 1999 and December 2012. The intercostal arteries were reconstructed using graft interposition (n = 66), aortic patch anastomosis (n = 42), or both (n = 7). RESULTS: The hospital mortality rate was 7.8% (n = 9). Eleven patients (9.6%) developed spinal cord ischemic injury (permanent, n = 6, transient, n = 5). The average number of reconstructed intercostal arteries per patient was 3.0 ± 1.5 (1-7), and 345 intercostal arteries were reattached. The overall patency rate was 74.2% (256/345) and that of aortic patch anastomosis was significantly better than that of graft interposition (90.8% [109/120] vs 65.3% [147/225], P < .01), but significantly worse for patients with than without spinal cord ischemic injury (51.9% [14/27] vs 76.1% [242/318], P = .01). There was no patch aneurysm in graft interposition during a mean of 49 ± 38 (range, 2-147) postoperative months, but aortic patch anastomosis including 4 intercostal arteries became dilated in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic patch anastomosis might offer better patency rates and prevent spinal cord ischemic injury compared with graft interposition. Although aneurysmal changes in intercostal artery reconstructions are rare, large blocks of aortic wall reconstruction should be closely monitored.

Efficacy of nafamostat mesilate as anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass for early surgery in patients with active infective endocarditis complicated by stroke.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Recent brain complications (e.g., bleeding or infarction) in patients with active infective endocarditis (AIE) are recognized as a contraindication for early surgery. Nafamostat mesilate (NM) is a synthetic protease-inhibiting agent that has not only potent inhibitory activity against coagulation factors (Xlla, Xa) but also an anti-inflammatory action. Herein is reported the authors' successful surgical experience using NM with low-dose heparinization in patients with AIE complicated by recent cerebral complications. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients (mean age 54.9 +/- 18.7 years) who had undergone surgery for AIE of the native valve (n = 21) or prosthetic valve (n = 7) were reviewed retrospectively. AIE was present in the aortic (n = 8), mitral (n = 16), aortic/mitral (n = 4) and tricuspid (n = 1) valves. Twenty-two of 28 patients had preoperative stroke, and six had active brain bleeding. Surgery was performed at a mean of 2.4 +/- 2.1 days after the onset of stroke. NM (209 +/- 152 mg) with low-dose heparin (3796 +/- 1218 IU; 67.4 +/- 20.3 IU/kg) was used for anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The activated clotting time (ACT) was maintained at 350-450 s by the precise administration of NM into a cardiotomy reservoir (0.5 mg/kg/h) and a venous reservoir (sliding controlled dose at 1.5 mg/kg/h). RESULTS: The CPB time was 181.3 +/- 92.6 min. Five patients (17.8%) died during hospitalization due to persistent sepsis (n = 3), brain death caused by massive brain embolism before CPB establishment (n = 1), and pneumonia (n = 1). There was no further aggravation of intracranial bleeding, and no new hemorrhagic stroke. CONCLUSION: Nafamostat mesilate, administered in conjunction with low-dose heparinization, served as an effective anticoagulant for early surgery in patients with AIE complicated by stroke, and caused no further deterioration of the cerebral lesions.

Impact of postoperative cusp configuration on midterm durability after aortic root reimplantation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aim was to examine the echocardiographic features associated with recurrent aortic regurgitation (AR) after valve-preserving aortic root reconstruction surgery. METHODS: Echocardiographic data from 86 patients who underwent aortic root replacement with or without cusp repair were retrospectively reviewed. An analysis was conducted of the height difference between the level of the ventriculoaortic junction (VAJ) and the central free margin of the cusp, defined as the effective height (EH), and the length from the aortic annulus to the edge of the body of Arantius, defined as the geometric height (GH), in addition to root dimensions (diameter of VAJ, sinus of Valsalva, and sinotubular junction). RESULTS: All patients presented with < or = mild AR at discharge. After a median follow up duration of 46.4 months, the development of moderate AR or greater was observed in 14 patients. The overall actuarial freedom from moderate AR or greater, and freedom from reoperation at three and five years were 86.2 +/- 4.4% and 81.8 +/- 5.2%, and 94.0 +/- 3.0% and 91.8 +/- 3.6%, respectively. The postoperative EH (7.47 +/- 3.3 mm in > mild AR group, versus 8.81 +/- 2.1 mm in < or = mild AR group, p = 0.049), the incidence of postoperative eccentric jet (57.1% in > mild AR group versus 12.5% in < or = mild AR group, p = 0.0005) and cusp billowing (78.6% in > mild AR group versus 20.8% in < or = mild AR group, p < 0.0001) were significantly correlated with > mild AR in the follow up. There was also correlation between postoperative EH and the severity of recurrent AR at follow up (p = -0.33, p = 0.0019). CONCLUSION: Objective information on cusp configuration, such as EH, should play an important role in stabilizing the outcome of valve-sparing surgery.

[Total aortic arch replacement;our current surgical management and outcomes].

OBJECTIVE: We report our current surgical management and early and late outcomes of total arch replacement. METHOD: From October 1999 to December 2012, 372 consecutive patients (mean age 71.8±12.0) underwent total arch replacement through a median sternotomy at our institute. Mean Japan score (predicted 30 day mortality) was 8.0±9.2( median 4.4). Our current surgical approach included the following:(1) meticulous selection of arterial cannulation site and type of arterial cannula;(2) circulatory arrest at tympanic temperature (below 23 °C) and rectal temperature (below 30 °C);(3) antegrade selective cerebral perfusion and cerebral monitoring of regional cerebral saturation;(4) early rewarming just after distal anastomosis;(5)maintaining fluid balance below 1,000 ml during cardiopulmonary bypass. RESULTS: Overall 30 day and in-hospital mortality was 1.6%( 6/372) and 3.8%( 14/372), and was 1.0%(3/308)and 2.6% (8/308) in elective cases. Permanent neurologic deficit occurred in 2.2%(8/372) of patients. The mean follow up period were46±39months(range2~165 months). Survival at 5 and 10 years after surgery was 75.8±2.8% and 66.0±3.8%, respectively. During follow up period, there was only one total arch replacement related problem (proximal anastomosis aneurysm). Freedom from additional aortic surgery and aortic related event at 5 and 10 years was 90.8 ±2.2% and 86.1±3.4%,respectively. CONCLUSION: Our current approach for total aortic arch replacement was associated with low hospital mortality and morbidities and with favorable long-term outcome.

Total arch replacement using selective antegrade cerebral perfusion as the neuroprotection strategy.

BACKGROUND: Optimal neuro-protection strategy in aortic arch surgery is a controversial issue. The present study reported surgical outcomes of total arch replacement using selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP). METHODS: From January 2002 to December 2012, 438 consecutive patients (mean age 69.1±13.4 years) underwent total arch replacement using SACP through a median sternotomy. Acute aortic dissection was present in 86 patients (18.3; 80 type A, 6 type B) and shaggy aorta in 36 (8.2%). Emergent/urgent surgery was required in 144 (32.9%). Our current approach included: (I) meticulous selection of arterial cannulation site and type of arterial cannula; (II) selective antegrade cerebral perfusion; (III) maintenance of minimal tympanic temperature between 20 and 23 °C; (IV) early re-warming after distal anastomosis; and (V) maintaining fluid balance below 1,000 mL during cardiopulmonary bypass. A woven Dacron four branch graft was used in all patients. RESULTS: Overall hospital mortality was 4.6% (20/438). Hospital mortality was 9.7% (14/144) in urgent/emergent surgery and 2.0% (6/294) in elective cases. Permanent neurological deficit occurred in 5.3% (23/438) of patients. Prolonged ventilation was necessary in 58 patients (13.2%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that risk factors for hospital mortality were octogenarian (OR 4.45, P=0.03), brain malperfusion (OR 23.52, P=0.002) and cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR 1.07, P=0.04). The follow-up was completed in 97.9% with mean follow up of 2.3±2.3 years. Survival at 5 and 10 years after surgery was 79.6±3.3% and 71.2±5.0% respectively. In the acute type A dissection group, 10-year survival was 96.8±2.9%, while in the elective non-dissection group 5- and 10-year survival were 81.4±7.2% and 77.0±5.9% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our current approach for total aortic arch replacement utilizing SACP was associated with low hospital mortality and morbidities leading to favorable long-term outcome.

Early and midterm outcomes of open surgical correction after thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

BACKGROUND: We present a single center's experience of secondary interventions after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). METHODS: One hundred and forty-seven patients underwent TEVAR at our institution between 2000 and 2012. A total of 26 patients (19 male, mean age 68.4 ± 12.7 years), including 7 patients with primary TEVAR at other centers, underwent secondary interventions. The median interval to secondary intervention was 17.2 months (range, 0.22 to 36.1). The indications for secondary interventions included procedure-related dissection (n = 1), collapse of the endovascular device (n = 1), aortoesophageal fistula (n = 1), residual dissection (n = 3), and endoleaks causing dilation of the sac (n = 17) or aortic rupture (n = 3). Sixteen patients underwent open conversion including total arch replacement (n = 2), extensive replacement of the aortic arch or descending aorta (n = 10), and thoracoabdominal aortic replacement (n = 4). Second-time TEVAR was performed in the remaining 10 patients. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate was 11.5% (3 patients; 1 case of multiorgan failure after open conversion, and 1 case of mesenteric ischemia and 1 case of aortic rupture after second-time TEVAR). Postoperative stroke after second-time TEVAR occurred in 1 patient. The cumulative survival rate of the 26 patients was 80.0% ± 8.0% at 5 years after secondary intervention. Short proximal neck (p = 0.0036), steep angulation of landing zones (p = 0.033), and nonuse of commercially available devices (p = 0.011) were significantly correlated with incidence of TEVAR failure. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary surgical procedures after TEVAR can be performed with low mortality and morbidity, despite the precarious preoperative conditions and complex aortic pathologies of patients.

Vegetation attached to the elephant trunk.

The elephant trunk technique is used as a standard method in the approach to staged repair of extensive thoracic aneurysms. Here, we present a rare case of a graft infection, in which vegetation was attached to the distal end of the elephant trunk. A 36-year old male who had undergone total arch replacement with elephant trunk installation for type A aortic dissection was readmitted for high-grade fever. At the time of admission, Osler's nodules were present and brain magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple small emboli and haemorrhages. Transoesophageal echocardiography could not locate any sign of infection within the cardiac chambers, but disclosed vegetation attached to the elephant trunk. He underwent successful emergent graft replacement of the lesion, and no recurrence of the infection has been observed.

Early and late results of graft replacement for dissecting aneurysm of thoracoabdominal aorta in patients with Marfan syndrome.

BACKGROUND: When treating dissecting aneurysm of the thoracoabdominal aorta surgically in patients with Marfan syndrome, we have usually performed graft replacement- including the entire thoracoabdominal aorta and reconstruction of all visceral branches, even if dilatation is mild in some segments-to avoid further aortic operations in the follow-up period. METHODS: From October 1999 through July 2011, 20 consecutive patients with Marfan syndrome underwent repair of dissecting aneurysm of the thoracoabdominal aorta (median age, 45 years; range, 19-65 years). All patients underwent surgical intervention with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage and distal aortic and selective organ perfusion. Deep hypothermia was used in 13 patients for spinal cord protection. RESULTS: No in-hospital mortality was observed. One patient had temporary spinal cord ischemia but was fully recovered by discharge. Other complications included exploration for bleeding (n=1), prolonged ventilation (n=1), and graft infection (n=1). At a mean follow-up of 54 months (range, 9-129 months), 1 patient had died of interstitial pneumonia at 38 months postoperatively. Survival at 8% years was 91.2±9.0%. Two patients required additional aortic procedures (total arch replacement and aortic valve-sparing surgery). Actuarial rate of freedom from aortic operations at 8 years was 83.9%±10.5%, but no patient needed required repeated thoracotomy for an aortic procedure. Neither false nor patch aneurysms were observed using computed tomography (CT) during follow-up surveillance. CONCLUSIONS: Graft replacement for dissecting aneurysm of the thoracoabdominal aorta in Marfan syndrome offers good early and long-term results. We believe total aortic replacement including the entire thoracoabdominal aorta and reconstruction of all visceral arteries should be recommended for selected patients with Marfan syndrome.

Short and midterm outcomes of elective total aortic arch replacement combined with coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to investigate the early and late outcomes of total aortic arch replacement (TAR) with or without coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: From October 1999 to December 2010, 200 consecutive patients underwent elective TAR for nondissecting aneurysm through a median sternotomy. Of this number, 131 (65.5%) had isolated TAR (TAR group) and 69 (34.5%) underwent concomitant CABG (TAR/CABG group). Patients in the TAR/CABG group were older and had more advanced chronic kidney disease and higher additive/logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation and Japan scores than patients in the TAR group. RESULTS: Overall 30-day mortality was 0.5% (1 of 200) and hospital mortality was 3.5% (7 of 200). Hospital mortality was 1.5% (2 of 131) in the TAR group and 7.2% (5 of 69) in the TAR/CABG group (p=0.036). Multivariate analysis showed that operation time (odds ratio [OR] 1.01, p=0.013) was a risk factor for hospital mortality, but failed to demonstrate concomitant CABG as a risk factor. Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that age (OR 1.08, p=0.05), female sex (OR 3.58, p=0.0004), chronic kidney disease (OR 7.70, p<0.0001), and operation time (OR 1.01, p=0.0002) were risk factors for midterm mortality, whereas concomitant CABG was not (OR 0.92, p=0.87). There was a significant difference in midterm survival and freedom from major cerebrocardiovascular events in the TAR group versus the TAR/CABG group. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant CABG was not a risk factor for hospital morality with TAR. However, patients with concomitant CABG have more preoperative comorbidities, which may adversely affect outcomes, and which may therefore deserve special attention.