Impact of persistent malperfusion syndrome following central repair of acute type A aortic dissection on early outcomes.

We investigated impact of persistent malperfusion syndrome (MPS) following central repair of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) on outcomes. Thirty patients who underwent central repair for ATAAD with MPS were included. Patients were divided into two groups:23 patients without MPS following central repair (No-MPS group) and 7 with MPS (Persistent-MPS group). The mean age was 66.8±9.6 and 59.4±13.4 years in the No-MPS and Persistent-MPS groups, respectively (P=0.176). Preoperative MPS included the left coronary artery (n=3), brain (n=3), abdomen (n=7), and extremities (n=11) in the No-MPS group. In the Persistent-MPS group, the right coronary (n=1), brain (n=2), abdomen (n=3), and extremities (n=5) were observed. In the No-MPS group, one patient died of extensive cerebral infarction (4.3%). In the Persistent-MPS group, 2 patients died of sepsis and multi-organ failure, respectively (28.6%) (P=0.061). The Persistent-MPS group had more patients requiring hemodialysis than the No-MPS group (P=0.009). Three patients underwent intestinal resection due to persistent MPS (P<0.001). Persistent MPS following central repair for ATAAD significantly contributed to outcomes. J. Med. Invest. 71 : 158-161, February, 2024.

Fixation devices made of poly-L-lactide composite for rib reconstruction after thoracotomy.

GRAND FIX mesh-type plates and pins (Gunze, Kyoto, Japan) are thin, bioabsorbable fixation devices made of poly-L-lactide (PLLA) composite. These devices are new, and how best to use them in clinical practice remains to be determined. Thus, we describe our approach to rib fixation after thoracotomy in an aortic surgery using GRAND FIX mesh-type plates and pins. The advantage of our approach is that it is easy to perform, but careful attention should be paid to fix the ribs appropriately.

Outcomes of ascending aorta and partial arch replacement with entry resection for DeBakey type I acute aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated early and late outcomes between ascending aorta/partial arch replacement and total arch replacement with entry resection in DeBakey type I acute aortic dissection (DIAAD) repair. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study included 98 patients who underwent DIAAD repair from January 2005 to December 2020. Seventy-four patients underwent ascending aorta and partial arch replacement with entry resection (Non-TAR group), and 24 underwent total arch replacement with entry resection (TAR group). The mean follow-up period was 4.8 ± 3.2 years. The follow-up rate was 92.3%. The mean age in the Non-TAR and TAR groups was 68.8 ± 10.4 years and 61.6 ± 13.7 years, respectively (P = 0.046). No difference in preoperative shock and malperfusion syndrome was observed between the groups. Hospital death was observed in 5.4% and 12.5% of the Non-TAR and TAR groups, respectively (P = 0.241). Postoperative permanent neurologic deficits and temporary hemodialysis were more frequently seen in the TAR compared to the Non-TAR group (P = 0.03 and 0.003, respectively). The 5-year survival rates were 95.1% ± 3.4% and 89.2% ± 7.2% in the Non-TAR and TAR groups, respectively (Log-rank P = 0.603). Freedom from downstream aorta-related reinterventions at 5 years was 87.8% ± 4.5% and 64.1% ± 11.0% in the Non-TAR and TAR groups, respectively (Log-rank P = 0.007). Three patients in each group underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair for residual aortic dissection. CONCLUSIONS: Early and late outcomes in the Non-TAR group were satisfactory compared to those in the TAR group. Entry resection with graft replacement remains a standard approach in DIAAD repair.

Novel operative technique for Scimitar syndrome: Posterior flap technique.

Various surgical techniques have been reported for Scimitar syndrome, because of the heterogenous anatomy of the disease. We developed a novel surgical method to repair Scimitar syndrome, in which, a new pulmonary venous route is constructed behind the inferior vena cava using autologous flaps of the inferior vena cava and the interatrial septum. An adult case of Scimitar syndrome was repaired by this method with good results.

[Stanford Type A Acute Aortic Dissection Accompanying Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery:Report of a Case].

A 64-year-old man was transferred to our hospital due to a diagnosis of Stanford type A acute aortic dissection complicated by cardiac tamponade. He was in shock status as well. Careful inspection of contrast- enhanced computed tomography revealed Kommerell's diverticulum with the aberrant right subclavian artery running behind the esophagus. The artery connected to the right axillary artery. The left vertebral artery was separately branched from the aortic arch. Primary entry was not detected on the preoperative computed tomography( CT). Left ventricular function was preserved by transthoracic echocardiography. At emergency surgery, total aortic arch replacement with reconstruction of the right axillary artery, both carotid arteries, and the left subclavian artery along with the left vertebral artery was successfully performed. The aberrant right subclavian artery was ligated at the origin. Kommerell' s diverticulum was completely excluded. Postoperative contrast-enhanced CT showed the patency of all reconstructed arteries. Although he suffered from acute cholecystitis and persistent bilateral pleural effusion, he was discharged in a good condition.

Mid-term outcomes and hemodynamic performance of the St Jude Medical Epic aortic bioprosthesis for severe aortic stenosis.

The St. Jude Medical Epic Supra valve is a porcine bioprosthesis designed for complete supraannular implantation. No report has shown the hemodynamic performance and clinical outcomes of aortic valve replacement with the Epic Supra valve for severe aortic stenosis in a Japanese cohort. We retrospectively evaluated 65 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement using the Epic Supra valve for aortic stenosis at our department between May, 2011 and October, 2016. The mean follow-up period was 68.7 ± 32.7 months, and the follow-up rate was 89.2%. The mean age was 76.8 ± 5.3 years. The 1-, 5-, and 8-year survival rates were 96.9%, 79.4%, and 60.3%, respectively. The rates of freedom from valve-related events were 96.6% and 81.9% at 5 and 8 years, respectively. Four patients were diagnosed with structural valve deterioration (SVD), and reintervention was performed in two patients. The rates of freedom from SVD were 98.2% and 83.3% at 5 and 8 years, respectively, and the mean time to diagnosis of SVD was 72.5 ± 25.3 months. The mean pressure gradient (MPG) was 16.8 ± 6.0 mmHg postoperatively, 17.5 ± 9.4 mmHg at 5 years, and 21.2 ± 12.4 mmHg at 8 years (p = 0.08). The effective orifice area index (EOAI) was 0.95 ± 0.2 cm2/m2 immediately after surgery, 0.96 ± 0.27 cm2/m2 at 5 years, and 0.84 ± 0.2 cm2/m2 at 8 years (p = 0.10). An increase in MPG and decrease in EOAI were also observed, which may be associated with SVD. Follow-up after 5 years is important to determine if there is an increase.

[Stanford Type A Acute Aortic Dissection Associated with Polycystic Kidney Disease].

Whereas cerebral aneurysm is a well-known consequence of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), acute aortic dissection has been rarely reported. A patient was a 44-year-old male with a diagnosis of ADPKD, who had previously undergone transcatheter arterial embolization for a renal cyst hemorrhage. He presented with sudden onset of back pain, which got worse at emergency service. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed Stanford type A acute aortic dissection. The patient subsequently underwent partial aortic arch replacement with a vascular graft under circulatory arrest. His postoperative course was complicated by pneumonia and required ventilation support for a week. Peak creatinine level was 3.28 mg/dl, but hemodialysis was not required. Patients with ADPKD should be considered a high-risk cohort of aortic dissection.

[Idiopathic Ascending Aortic Thrombosis with Multiple Embolism:Report of a Case].

Ascending aorta thrombosis unaccompanied by an aneurysm or a primary hypercoagulable state is rare. We report a surgical case of ascending aorta thrombosis with multiple emboli. A 44-year-old woman visited the hospital for evaluation of dysarthria and was diagnosed with multiple cerebral infarcts. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a mass in the ascending aorta and the brachiocephalic artery. We performed emergency removal of the masses and endarterectomy with cardiopulmonary bypass under hypothermic circulatory arrest. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen showed thrombi. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged 12 days postoperatively. No recurrent thrombus or hypercoagulable state was observed for 3 years postoperatively.

Coronary artery bypass grafting in children aged under 1 year: a report of three cases.

We performed coronary artery bypass grafting with the internal thoracic artery in three infants. Grafts were patent in all cases. One patient was lost due to chronic heart failure. Coronary artery bypass grafting can be performed even in infancy, and early surgical intervention may be necessary when myocardial ischaemia is recognised.

Defibrillator electrode placement in the pleural cavity for a child.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators are implanted in children to prevent sudden death due to life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Transvenous electrode placement is difficult for children because of the small vessel size. Especially, defibrillator electrode placement requires other innovative techniques. We successfully implanted a defibrillator electrode in the pleural cavity using a thoracoscopic approach for a 4-year-old child with sodium channelopathy.

Tricuspid valve repair with papillary muscle approximation for congenital tricuspid valve regurgitation due to tricuspid valve dysplasia.

We experienced a case of a 1-year-old female with congenital tricuspid valve regurgitation caused by tricuspid valve dysplasia. The anterior and septal leaflets were particularly dysplastic, and leaflet tethering was observed. The anterior papillary muscle was approximated to the interventricular septum, and a commissural edge-to-edge suture was inserted on the anteroseptal commissure. Tricuspid valve regurgitation improved to be trivial after surgery and has not worsened 1 year later. Papillary muscle approximation could be one of the feasible reparative techniques for congenital tricuspid valve regurgitation.

Sneezing-Induced Subclavian Arterial Rupture: A Case of Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in a Child.

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a fatal disease caused by a type III collagen mutation that can result in the rupture of blood vessels, the intestinal tract, and/or the uterus. Despite being the most severe form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, it is not well known in the pediatric context because it rarely presents serious complications in childhood. In this case, the patient experienced a subclavian artery rupture triggered by sneezing, which was initially managed with an endovascular stent. However, the descending aorta subsequently ruptured, and the patient died. Traditionally, surgical or endovascular treatments have been avoided due to the inherent fragility of blood vessels. Nevertheless, favorable outcomes have been documented with a wait-and-see surgical approach or endovascular treatment, especially when the diagnosis precedes the onset of vascular complications. Notably, celiprolol, a partial ß2-agonist and ß1-blocker, has demonstrated efficacy in preventing vascular complications. Therefore, early diagnosis plays a pivotal role. Raising awareness about this syndrome, along with its management and prophylaxis, holds the potential to enhance the survival rate.

[Surgical Outcomes of Mycotic Aneurysm of the Aortic Arch].

Mycotic aneurysm of the aortic arch is a rare, but critical entity. We reviewed our surgical experience of mycotic aneurysm of the aortic arch. Between January 2007 and December 2015, we operated on six patients who had mycotic aneurysm of the aortic arch. The mean age was 72 years old, and four males were included. Preoperative white blood cell count was 18,266/µl and C-reactive peptide was 18.5 µg/dl, respectively. The initial presentations included fever( n=2), hoarseness( n=2), weakness of a leg( n=1), dyspnea (n=1) and hemoptysis (n=1). Preoperative blood cultures were positive in three patients. All patients underwent a total aortic arch repair with a four-branched vascular tube, and five received pedicled omental grafting. One patient who did not receive pedicled omental grafting died of recurrence of infection on postoperative day 21, and the other died of multi-organ failure on postoperative day 77. We experienced tracheostomy( n=1), minor stroke( n=1), and atrial fibrillation( n=1). During the follow-up period, no recurrence of infection was observed in four survivors. Our surgical strategy is satisfactory to achieve good clinical outcomes.

Pneumatosis intestinalis and hepatic portal venous gas caused by enteral feeding after a heart valve surgery.

An 81-year-old female with a history of type I diabetes mellitus underwent mitral valve repair and tricuspid annuloplasty for severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. A nasogastric tube was inserted on postoperative day 2, and enteral feeding was initiated. She complained about severe abdominal pain on postoperative day 7. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a massive hepatic portal venous gas and pneumatosis intestinalis of the small intestine. Emergency laparotomy showed no evidence of transmural necrosis. Bowel resection was not performed. On the next day, computed tomography showed an almost complete resolution of the portal venous gas and pneumatosis intestinalis. She was discharged home. Learning objective: Cardiac surgeons should still be aware that enteral feeding is a potential risk factor for pneumatosis intestinalis and hepatic portal venous gas as a sign of non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia due to impaired blood supply, intestinal distension, and toxic mucosal injury.

Midterm Outcomes After Surgical Management for Mitral Valve Regurgitation in Infancy.

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve repair is preferred for pediatric mitral valve disease. However, it is technically difficult because of complex lesions, poor surgical exposure, and tissue fragility, especially in infants. We investigated the midterm outcomes of mitral valve surgery for mitral regurgitation in infancy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 18 patients (aged <12 months old) undergoing mitral valve surgery for mitral regurgitation at our institution between October 2005 and March 2019. The patients had 10 acquired and 8 congenital valve lesions as follows: torn chordae (n = 6), leaflet prolapse (n = 4), posterior leaflet hypoplasia (n = 3), anterior leaflet cleft (n = 2), infective endocarditis (n = 1), papillary muscle rupture (n = 1), and hammock valve (n = 1). RESULTS: All patients initially underwent mitral valve repair. There was no operative mortality, and 1 case of late death. The median follow-up period was 7 years and 9 months. Reoperation was performed in 3 patients, re-repair (twice) in 1 patient with a hammock valve, and mitral valve replacement in 2 patients. Fifteen patients had at most mild mitral regurgitation at the last follow-up. A transmitral mean pressure gradient of over 5 mm Hg was observed in 3 cases, including the patient with a hammock valve. Postoperative mitral annular diameter increased within the normal range in all patients. Survival and reoperation-free rates at 5 and 10 years were 94.4% and 83.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Mitral valve repair for mitral regurgitation in infancy is safe and feasible with satisfactory midterm outcomes, even under serious preoperative conditions.

[Primary Volvulus of the Small Intestine Mimicking Nonocclusive Mesenteric Ischemia Following Open-heart Surgery].

A 73-year-old female who underwent aortic valve replacement with a biological valve, coronary artery bypass, and left atrial appendage closure had sudden onset of nausea and abdominal pain 43 days after surgery. She had a history of nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia on 4th postoperative day, for which conservative management was successfully carried out. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT) was performed because a recurrence of nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia was suspected. It revealed a whirl sign in the small intestine, suggestive of small intestine volvulus. At the subsequent emergency laparotomy, volvulus caused severe congestion in the small intestine, aproximately 40 cm from the cecum. However, there was no evidence of transmural necrosis, and reduction of torsion notably improved blood supply to the small intestine. Her regular diet was resumed on 4th postoperative day, and her postoperative course was uneventful. Volvulus should be considered as a differential diagnosis in the setting of acute abdominal pain after open-heart surgery.

Mitral valve repair and tricuspid annuloplasty for Coffin-Lowry syndrome.

Coffin-Lowry syndrome is a rare X-linked disorder that shows a varied clinical presentation. We report cardiac involvement, particularly abnormalities of mitral valve morphology, in a 14-year-old male adolescent with a known diagnosis of Coffin-Lowry syndrome, who presented with easy fatigability. Echocardiography revealed severe mitral and moderate tricuspid regurgitation, and the papillary muscles were attached to the base of the left ventricle. We performed tricuspid annuloplasty and mitral valve repair using two artificial chordae and a semi-rigid full ring. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. Postoperative echocardiography revealed reduced mitral regurgitation, and his cardiac failure improved.