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Intraluminal aortic clamping has been achieved until now by means of a sophisticated device consisting of a three-lumen catheter named Endoclamp, which allows at the same time occlusion of the aorta, antegrade delivering of cardioplegia, and venting through the aortic root. This tool has shown important advantages allowing aortic occlusion and perfusate delivering without a direct contact with ascending aorta reducing meanwhile the risk of traumatic and/or iatrogenic injuries. Recently, a new device (Intraclude catheter) with the same characteristics and properties has been proposed and introduced in clinical practice. The aim of this paper is to investigate the differences between Endoclamp and Intraclude catheters and to analyze the advantages advocated by this new device for intraluminal aortic occlusion since it is noticeable as these new technological tools are gaining more and more attractiveness due to their appraised clinical efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviewed aortic root replacement with a stentless xenograft for Stanford Type A aortic dissection. Total aortic arch replacement plus aortic root reconstruction with a stentless xenograft was conducted in 2 patients with acute aortic dissection. In another 2 patients, aortic root replacement with a bioprosthesis was performed for chronic redissection of the aortic root which might be associated with the previous use of gelatin-resorcin-formalin glue. Full root replacement using this device is safe, reliable, reproducible, and technically less demanding. This device also provides a radical option for acute aortic dissection even in patients requiring concomitant aortic arch and root replacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We read with great interest the recently published paper from Faggion Vinholo and coworkers, in which the authors described their experience in the treatment of 23 patients affected by ascending aorta aneurysm in presence of a normally functioning bicuspid aortic valve (BAV).[1] Fate of normally functioning bicuspid aortic valve in patients undergoing ascending aorta surgery. 5 Nardi P, Russo M, Saitto G, Ussia GP, Ruvolo G. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement for a bicuspid aortic valve following replacement of the ascending aorta. [Extracted from the article]

A 58-year-old male patient presented with acute type A aortic dissection. Complete arch and ascending aorta replacement were performed using a Thoraflex Hybrid prosthesis. The left subclavian artery was ligated and the remaining supra-aortic trunks were reimplanted using the branches of the prosthesis. After an uneventful early postoperative period, sudden onset of hypotension and bradycardia occurred, with severe vasoplegia, requiring vasopressors. Ischemia of the upper left limb and compartment syndrome ensued, leading to left carotid subclavian bypass. After discontinuation of sedation, tetraplegia was noted due to spinal cord ischemia from C3 to C7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Background: In patients undergoing open surgery for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA), survivors demonstrate a high platelet count, and proactive administration of platelets (and fresh frozen plasma) appears to influence mortality. Objectives: This trial investigated the effect of platelets administered before transport to surgery. Methods: In a prospective study design, patients were randomised to receive platelets (intervention; n = 61) or no platelets (control; n = 61) before transport to vascular surgery from 11 local hospitals. The study was terminated when one of the vascular surgical centres implemented endovascular repair for rAAA patients. Results: Thirty days after surgery, mortality was 36% for patients with intervention vs 31% for controls (P = 0·32). Post‐operative thrombotic events (14 vs 15; P = 0·69), renal failure (11 vs 10; P = 0·15) and pulmonary insufficiency (34 vs 39; P = 0·15) were similar in the two groups of patients. No adverse reactions to platelet administration were observed. In addition, length of stay in the intensive care unit was unaffected by intervention. Conclusions: For patients planned for open repair of a rAAA, we observed no significant effect of early administration of platelets with regard to post‐operative complications and stay in the ICU or in hospital and also no significant effect on mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 65-year-old Japanese man living in the United States presented with pyrexia and chills associated with intermittent lower abdominal and back pain for 5 days. He denied recent travel, rash, diarrhea, or rectal bleeding. Physical examination revealed spiking pyrexia, and routine laboratory tests revealed mild leukocytosis and neutrophilia. Abdominal CT with contrast showed findings highly compatible with aortitis. Comprehensive autoimmune evaluation was negative. Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis was isolated from blood cultures. IV antibiotics were administered, but the patient continued to experience low-grade pyrexia and mild leukocytosis, and follow-up abdominal CT showed progressive aortic inflammation. The patient therefore underwent resection of the affected aortic segment with in-situ graft replacement and lifelong suppressive antibiotics. The patient is asymptomatic with no complications at 18 weeks of follow-up. This case report illustrates that patients with infectious aortitis from nontyphoidal Salmonella may (1) present with nonspecific and nonlocalizing symptoms and signs except for sepsis; (2) have diagnostic blood cultures and abdominal CT findings; and (3) typically require aggressive, prolonged IV antibiotic therapy and surgery for potential cure of this life-threatening infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes existing inconsistencies as well as the disparate processes and logistics required when obtaining ethics approval in Australia and New Zealand in order to initiate a multi-centre bi-national surgical trial. The endovascular aortic aneurysm repair trial is a large multi-centre trial that aims to obtain pre- and post-operative data from patients in hospitals across Australia and New Zealand. As the trial was research based, ethics applications were submitted to all hospitals where surgeons wished to be involved in the trial. Few ethics committees have embraced attempts to simplify the application process for multi-centre trials. There was limited mutual review between Human Research Ethics Committees necessitating the submission of multiple applications. Though the use of the National Ethics Application Form in ethical review is increasing, some Human Research Ethics Committees do not accept it in its entirety; many require site-specific applications or sections of the Common Application Form modules. Queensland, New South Wales and New Zealand were the easiest systems to prepare, submit and lodge ethics applications because of their understanding and accommodation of reviewing multi-centred trials. The time, expense and complexity of obtaining ethics approval for multi-centre research projects are impediments to their establishment and reduce the time available for research. Australia is working to implement a system named the Harmonisation of Multi-centre Ethical Review to ease the process of obtaining multi-centre ethics clearance. Our experience suggests there will be some teething problems with implementation and acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 32-year-old African American female presented with dyspnea, and after several cardiac diagnostic tests, the diagnosis of an anomalous origin of the RCA from the pulmonary trunk was established by multislice coronary CT angiography. She underwent surgical correction with reimplantation of the RCA, from the pulmonary artery to the aortic root. However, 10 days after surgery, she developed frequent episodes of chest pain, and repeat coronary CTA showed a partially occlusive thrombus in the surgically reimplanted RCA. Anticoagulation with warfarin resulted in complete resolution of the patient’s symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ fenestration of stent-grafts allows patients with life threatening aortic pathologies to be amenable to emergent 'off the shelf indications for use' percutaneous treatments as a bail out technique. Three types of aortic stent-grafts were subjected to laser fenestration in a physiological saline solution followed by balloon angioplasty using 8, 10 or 12 mm in diameter noncompliant balloons. The morphology and the size of fenestrations were observed under optical and scanning electron microscopy. The damage to the fabrics was analyzed and quantified. The creation of fenestrations was feasible in all devices, with varying degrees of fraying and/or tearing. The monofilament twill weave (Medtronic Valiant) tore in two directions (warp and weft) while the multifilament weave fenestrations showed more fraying (Anaconda Vascutek and Zenith TX2 Cook). The size and directions of tearing were more predictable with the 8 mm diameter balloon whereas the results obtained with the 10 and 12 mm diameter balloons were more unpredictable. The fenestrations were free of melting of the yarns and blackening of the filaments. The in situ fenestration is feasible but the observed damage to the fabric constructions must be carefully considered. This procedure must currently be limited to urgent and emergent life threatening cases because it is off indications for use for approved devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) method is an alternative treatment for thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) compared to open surgery. It is believed that stent graft implantation can potentially reduce the risk of aneurysm rupture by altering the associated blood flow disturbances within an aneurysm. To investigate the hemodynamics changes of TEVAR intervention to the TAA, three models, namely healthy, aneurysm before treatment, and aneurysm after stent graft implantation models were built. These three models were presented and compared in terms of their flow patterns, time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), oscillating shear index (OSI), and relative residence time (RRT). Reduced TAWSS and OSI with altered flow pattern were found on the aneurysm wall after the deployment of the microporous stent graft. Elevated RRT on the aneurysm sac indicated that red blood cells and platelets tended to stay longer in the aneurysm sac after implantation of the microporous stent graft. The alteration of flow patterns caused by the microporous stent graft revealed its potential to create a beneficial hemodynamic environment, which promotes platelet activation within the aneurysm and elicits localization of thrombus formation that ultimately lead to the recovery of an aortic aneurysm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cases in which an anomalous single coronary trunk arises from the ascending aorta are extremely rare. In percutaneous coronary intervention for the lesion of a coronary artery anomaly, several problems may occur, including selection of a guide catheter, insufficient backup force, and difficulties of stent delivery. The GuideLiner catheter, which is a coaxial guide extension having the advantage of rapid exchange, facilitates coronary intervention for complex lesions. We report a case of angina having a lesion in the left anterior descending artery of a single coronary trunk arising from the ascending aorta. We successfully performed revascularization by using the GuideLiner catheter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a technique of multidimensional modeling and 3D printing in preplanning of Type A acute aortic dissection (TAAD) repair. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12772 (J Card Surg 2016;31:441-445). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether there remain developmental differences between term infants at 3 years of age following major non-cardiac surgery (NCS) and cardiac surgery (CS) compared with healthy control infants in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.Study Design: Between 2006 and 2008, term infants who required NCS or CS within the first ninety days of life were enrolled in a prospective population-based study. Their developmental outcome was then compared with a cohort of healthy term infants. Infants initially assessed at 1 year of age were then re-assessed at 3 years of age using the Bayley scales of infant and toddler development (version-Iii) Results: Of the 539 term infants assessed at 1 year of age, 417 returned for the 3-year assessment, with 378 complete assessments. The mean scores for the infants who underwent CS (P < 0.001) were significantly lower in all subscales of the assessment compared with the controls, while the mean scores for the infants who underwent NCS were significantly lower in three of the subscales (P < 0.05). The infants who underwent CS scored significantly lower in four of the subscales (P < 0.05), compared with the infants who underwent NCS.Conclusion: The second phase of this unique population-based study provides further data on the outcomes of infants who underwent major NCS and CS. Major surgery in infants continues to be associated with developmental delay at 3 years of age compared with control infants; however the majority of the delay is mild. The risk remains higher in CS group with the pattern and severity of delay similar to that observed in the first study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To determine whether the hybrid approach to acute type A aortic dissection results in improved outcomes in terms of mortality, neurologic complications, need for distal aortic reintervention, and false lumen thrombosis compared with the conventional approach. Methods Data from comparative studies of hybrid versus conventional treatment of acute type A aortic dissection were combined through meta-analysis. Pooled odd ratios were calculated using random effects models. Results Seven comparative studies including 967 patients were identified; of these, 503 underwent conventional proximal aortic repair and 429 extensive distal aortic repair including a stented elephant trunk technique. Between the two groups there was no significant difference in operative mortality (p = 0.96), permanent neurologic deficit (p = 0.95), and late mortality (p = 0.59). Distal aortic repair showed a higher rate of false lumen thrombosis of the thoracic aorta (odd ratio 11.16; p < 0.001) and a reduced risk of distal reintervention (odd ratio 0.37; p = 0.01). In sub-group analysis, frozen elephant trunk procedure showed a lower rate of distal aortic reintervention and a higher rate of false lumen thrombosis than antegrade/retrograde stent deployment techniques (p = 0.008 and <0.001, respectively). Conclusions Distal aortic repair may reduce the risk of distal reintervention and increase the rate of false lumen thrombosis without significant increase in operative mortality and permanent neurologic deficit; however, no benefit with respect to late mortality was found. The frozen elephant trunk may reduce the risk of distal aortic reintervention and may increase the false lumen thrombosis of the thoracic aorta in comparison with antegrade/retrograde stent deployment procedures. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12598 (J Card Surg 2015;30:707-713) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Severe post-operative bleeding in cardiac surgery is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that variation in genetic susceptibility contributes to post-operative bleeding in addition to clinical factors. Methods We included 1036 adults undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Two different endpoints for excessive post-operative bleeding were used, either defined as blood loss exceeding 2 ml/kg/h the first 4 h post-operatively or a composite including bleeding, transfusions, and reoperations. Twenty-two single nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNPs) central in the coagulation and fibrinolysis systems or in platelet membrane receptors were genotyped, focusing on replication of earlier non-replicated findings and exploration of potential novel associations. Using logistic regression, significant SNPs were added to a model with only clinical variables to evaluate whether the genetic variables provided additional information. Results Univariate tests identified rs1799809 (located in the promoter region of the PROC gene), rs27646 and rs1062535 (in the ITGA 2 gene), rs630014 (in the ABO gene), and rs6048 (in the F 9 gene) as significantly associated with excessive post-operative bleeding ( P < 0.05, P-values confirmed by permutation). The SNPs were significant also after adjustment with clinical variables, showing almost unchanged odds ratios except for rs1799809 ( P = 0.06). Addition of the genetic covariates to a logistic regression model with clinical variables significantly improved the model ( P < 0.01). Conclusion We identified five SNPs associated with post-operative bleeding after cardiac surgery, of which two validated previously published associations. Addition of genetic information to models with only clinical variables improved the models. Our results indicate that common genetic variations significantly influence post-operative bleeding after cardiac surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Optimal management of patients with abdominal secondary aorto-enteric fistula or erosion (SAEFE) complicating aortic graft replacement is controversial. Objective: The aim of the present study was to report on the postoperative and long-term outcomes of patients operated on for SAEFE. Methods: From 2002 to 2012, consecutive patients operated on for SAEFE were identified. All were managed with in situ revascularization by cryopreserved allograft associated with the treatment of the digestive tract involved. Postoperative and long-term outcomes were collected prospectively and analysed retrospectively. Results: A total of 32 patients (median age 65 years) underwent an aortic replacement for SAEFE after a median of 5 years after the initial aortic surgery. Fistula location was duodenal ( n = 20), small bowel ( n = 6), colonic ( n = 5), or gastric ( n = 1). Digestive treatment included suture ( n = 16), resection with anastomosis ( n = 13), and Hartmann's procedure ( n = 3). An omentoplasty was performed in 18 patients (56 %), and 17 patients (53 %) had a feeding jejunostomy. Postoperative mortality was 25 %. Among perioperative risk factors, preoperative shock was associated with postoperative mortality ( p = 0.009). Among the 24 patients who survived, 15 patients developed 27 postoperative complications (overall morbidity rate of 62.5 %), including six (25 %) patients with severe morbidity (Dindo III-IV). Reoperation was required in five (21 %) patients. During follow-up (median 31 months), no patient developed a recurrent aorto-enteric fistula. Conclusions: Surgery for SAEFE is a major undertaking, with high mortality and morbidity. Excision of the prosthetic graft with cryopreserved allograft replacement and management in a tertiary referral centre with expertise in both vascular and digestive surgery allows good long-term results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study is to assess mid-term outcomes of reduction aortoplasty and wrapping technique which is an alternative method to replacement of the aorta in ascending aortic aneurysms. We aimed to show the efficacy of this technique especially when used for patients with increased perioperative mortality or morbidity due to their concomitant pathologies. Materials and Methods From March 2009 to May 2011, 22 patients underwent reduction aortoplasty and wrapping for ascending aortic aneurysm. The study group consisted of 16 male and six female patients with a mean age of 68 ± 13.1 years. Linear plication with wrapping was performed as concomitant surgery in 20 patients and as a primary procedure in two patients. The diameter of the aorta was measured using a computed tomography scan 12 months after surgery and was compared with the preoperative value. Results Mean aortic clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 91.0 ± 58.1 and 150.7 ± 80.9 minutes, respectively. Mortality was 9.1%. In no case was the postoperative death related to the aortoplasty procedure. The mean postoperative ascending diameter was 29.5 ± 1.04 mm (vs. preoperative 49.1 ± 4.1 mm, p < 0.001). Mean follow-up time was 17.2 ± 8.88 months. During the follow-up period we observed that there were no findings to suggest redilatation. Conclusion Linear plication with external wrapping is a therapeutic option with promising mid-term results, in carefully selected, high surgical risk patients with an ascending aortic aneurysm. doi:10.1111/jocs.12139 (J Card Surg 2013;28:421-426) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ablation in the noncoronary aortic cusp (NCC) potentially has a role in the treatment of perinodal atrial tachycardias (ATs). The objective of the study was to characterize clinical and electrophysiological properties of perinodal ATs between two groups of requiring and not requiring NCC ablation. Methods: A total of 113 patients with focal ATs who underwent electrophysiologic study and radiofrequency catheter ablation were enrolled in the study. The clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of ATs that need and not need NCC ablation were compared. Results: Totally 20 cases were revealed to have the focal ATs located in the perinodal area. Among them, only five cases (25%) warrant ablation in the NCC, whereas the remainder could be successfully eliminated by ablation from the endocardial right atrium at the perinodal region. There were no clinical and electrophysiological clues observed to have the potential to predict the true original site, including the activation mode, the three-dimensional mapping characteristics of earliest activation site in the right atrium, as well as the time of termination during the ablation in the perinodal area. Conclusions: Approximately, one-fourth of the perinodal ATs warrant ablation in the NCC. However, no clinical and electrophysiological clues could predict the potential site of the perinodal ATs. (PACE 2012; XX:1-8) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the implications of reliability adjustment on hospital mortality with surgery. We used national Medicare data (2003-2006) for three surgical procedures: coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, and pancreatic resection. We conducted an observational study to evaluate the impact of reliability adjustment on hospital mortality rankings. Using hierarchical modeling, we adjusted hospital mortality for reliability using empirical Bayes techniques. We assessed the implication of this adjustment on the apparent variation across hospitals and the ability of historical hospital mortality rates (2003-2004) to forecast future mortality (2005-2006). The net effect of reliability adjustment was to greatly diminish apparent variation for all three operations. Reliability adjustment was also particularly important for identifying hospitals with the lowest future mortality. Without reliability adjustment, hospitals in the 'best' quintile (2003-2004) with pancreatic resection had a mortality of 7.6 percent in 2005-2006; with reliability adjustment, the 'best' hospital quintile had a mortality of 2.7 percent in 2005-2006. For AAA repair, reliability adjustment also improved the ability to identify hospitals with lower future mortality. For CABG, the benefits of reliability adjustment were limited to the lowest volume hospitals. Reliability adjustment results in more stable estimates of mortality that better forecast future performance. This statistical technique is crucial for helping patients select the best hospitals for specific procedures, particularly uncommon ones, and should be used for public reporting of hospital mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Reimplantation valve-sparing aortic root replacement has been increasingly performed with improving perioperative and midterm results. However, extending the age criterion in patient selection remains a debate. This study reviews the results of reimplantation valve-sparing aortic replacement in patients greater than 60 years of age. Methods: During a 51-month period, 63 patients with aortic root aneurysms underwent reimplantation valve-sparing aortic root replacement. The Gelweave Valsalva™ prosthesis (TERUMO CardioVascular Systems Corp., Ann Arbor, MI, USA) was used in all but one case. The patients were predominantly male, and the mean age was 67 years (range, 61–83 years). Four patients had congenital bicuspid aortic valves, and cusp repair was required in one patient. The mean follow-up was 25 months (range, 1–51 months). Results: There were one hospital and two late deaths. Overall survival at 51 months was 84 ± 9.9%. During follow-up, one patient developed severe aortic incompetence (AI) requiring an aortic valve replacement (AVR). Freedom from reoperation at 51 months was 92.8 ± 6.8%. Moderate AI was present at latest echocardiogram in one patient. Freedom from moderate or severe AI at 51 months was 90 ± 9.4%. There was no episode of endocarditis on follow-up. Univariate analysis demonstrated that no preoperative or intraoperative factor was a predictor for late reimplantation failure. Conclusions: Reimplantation valve-sparing aortic root replacement in patients greater than 60 years old can be performed with satisfactory perioperative and midterm results. Long-term results are needed to define the durability of this technique and its role in this subset of patients. (J Card Surg 2010;25:56-61) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although rare, aortic dissection is one of the most devastating, but least studied, intraoperative complications. The objective of this study was to assess risk factors of aortic dissection and assess outcomes in patients with aortic dissection experience. Methods: A study from a 10-year hospitalization cohort (N = 12,907) with prospective data collection was conducted. Patients without aortic dissection were matched to 33 aortic dissection patients 3:1 on the type of procedure. The study examined 24 potential confounding risk factors and 12 outcome variables. Results: Univariate analysis on potential confounding risk factors revealed two significant risk factors. There was a significant difference between aortic dissection and nonaortic dissection patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (p = 0.03). Patients with aortic dissection were more likely to be in Class I or II. Patients with aortic dissection had significantly longer perfusion time (p = 0.008). There was a significant difference between patients with and without aortic dissection on four outcome variables. Patients with an aortic dissection were more likely to need prolonged ventilation (p = 0.046), have renal failure (p = 0.005), require intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) (0.043), and have a higher mortality rate (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Aortic dissection occurs infrequently during coronary artery bypass grafting, but is a devastating complication and greatly increases morbidity. Although few patients dissect intraoperatively, this study attempted to identify predictors that may label a patient as high risk for possible aortic dissection. Although two factors in this study were statistically significant, they are not reliable preoperative predictors of high-risk patients that can be used to screen patients and help prevent aortic dissection and its sequela. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From a disease that just a few decades ago carried an ominous prognosis, aortic dissection has become a highly treatable condition. Similar development has occurred in regard to the treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms. Treatment options are medical, surgical, or endovascular. Aortic dissection always presents as a hypertensive emergency and requires parenteral antihypertensive agents to control blood pressure (BP) and prevent target organ damage. Diligent control of BP is of utmost importance in order to stop the progression of dissection with possible aortic branch malperfusion. Treatment for hypertensive emergency begins in the intensive care unit and continues during and after surgery. Improved surgical techniques as well as newer, safer agents that reduce BP to acceptable levels have reduced the risk of mortality and improved prognosis in the postoperative period. Nevertheless, mortality rates remain high, and successful management of aortic dissection and aortic aneurysm still poses a clinical challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the contribution of swab washing to the efficiency of red cell recovery by intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) in 10 patients undergoing elective aortic aneurysm repair.Volumes and haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were recorded in the blood recovered by direct suction and from washed swabs, both before and after processing with a Haemonetics Cell Saver 5.The mean ± standard deviation (SD) estimated blood loss was 991 ± 403 ml, resulting in a mean ± SD salvaged RBC volume of 380 ± 124 ml. The median[interquartile (IQR) range] Hb collected from suction was 84·9 (61·8–131·4) g, of which 50·1 (45–71·5) g was returned to the patient after processing, a median yield of 68 (49–77)%. The swab wash produced a median (IQR) Hb of 39·4 (28·4–64·9) g, of which 26·2 (16·8–31) g was reinfused, a 67 (33–98)% yield. Swab wash thus contributed with a median (IQR) of 31 (24–39)% of the total RBC recovery.Washing swabs improves the efficiency of red cell recovery by ICS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate whether the use of a stentless porcine aortic xenograft can be an alternative for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction during the Ross procedure, 9 patients underwent the Ross procedure and RVOT reconstruction with a stentless xenograft since January 2000. After the aortic valve was replaced with a pulmonary autograft, a stentless xenograft with a xenopericardial roll was implanted in the RVOT. One patient required subsequent aortic valve replacement because of severe regurgitation of the pulmonary autograft. All patients recovered well from the operation. The right ventricle-pulmonary arterial pressure gradient was 18 ± 7 mm Hg at discharge and was not significantly increased during the 2-year follow-up period. Although 1 patient died of ventricular arrhythmia 5 months after, his cardiac function was normal, and transpulmonary valve pressure was 19 mm Hg in the follow-up. The other 7 patients are currently in New York Heart Association functional Class I. Although long-term follow-up is required to explain the durability, the stentless xenograft with a pericardial roll is considered to be an alternative for reconstruction of the RVOT within 2 years after the Ross procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although desflurane is commonly used to control surgically induced hypertension, its effects on left ventricular (LV) function have not been investigated in this clinical situation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the LV function response to desflurane, when used to control intraoperative hypertension. Methods: In 50 patients, scheduled for vascular surgery, anesthesia was induced with sufentanil 0.5 μg/kg, midazolam 0.3 mg/kg and atracurium 0.5 mg/kg. After tracheal intubation, anesthesia was maintained with increments of drugs with controlled ventilation (N2O/O2=60/40%) until the start of surgery. A 5 Mhz transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe was inserted after intubation. Pulmonary artery catheter and TEE measurements were obtained after induction (t0)(control value), at surgical incision (t1) if it was associated with an increase in systolic arterial pressure (SAP) greater than 140 mmHg (hypertension) and after control of hemodynamic parameters by administration of desflurane (return of systolic arterial pressure to within 20% of the control value) (t2) in a fresh gas flow of 3 l/min. Results: Sixteen patients developed hypertension at surgical incision. SAP was controlled by desflurane in all 16 patients. Afterload assessed by systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), end-systolic wall-stress (ESWS) and left-ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI) increased with incision until the hypertension returned to post-induction values with mean end-tidal concentration of 5.1±0.7% desflurane. No change in heart rate, cardiac index, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, stroke volume, end-diastolic and end-systolic cross-sectional areas, fractional area change and left ventricular circumferential fiber shortening was noted when desflurane was added to restore blood pressure. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that in patients at risk for cardiac morbidity undergoing vascular surgery, desflurane is effective to control intraoperative hypertension without fear of major cardiac depressant effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study concerning a patient who underwent surgical repair of an aortic dissection and aortic valve incompetence in which an epicardial-pacing electrode was inserted. The authors mention that such electrode implantation on the diaphragmatic surface of the left ventricle can produce echocardiographic acoustic shadows and reverberation artifacts which can be mistaken as a foreign body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Subspecialization of vascular surgery and the advent of endovascular techniques for aortic aneurysm repair have had a large impact on the approach to aortic surgery in main centres. Centralization of vascular surgery has been proposed to lower mortality and morbidity rates. More recently, clinical governance standards have been set by professional bodies for acceptable adverse outcome rates in aortic surgery. A peripheral general surgeon’s experience with aortic surgery is reviewed in the present report in order to identify the local adverse outcome rates, and to relate them to case data and governance recommendations. Methods: A retrospective audit of 100 cases of elective and emergency aortic aneurysm repair (performed by the senior author over a 10-year period) was undergone for the present review. Demographic and outcome data were recorded, and a data analysis was performed to identify factors related to mortality. Significance was tested using chi-squared analysis. Results: Postoperative mortality rates were 1.7% for elective cases and 21% for acute cases. Mortality was related to rupture of the aneurysm, blood loss and American Society of Anesthetists score > 3. Conclusion: Morbidity and mortality rates from this audit compare favourably with those from larger vascular units. They are well within the accepted clinical governance rates, although the latter do not account for any case mix variation which may exist between peripheral and tertiary referral centres. These results support the continuation of aortic aneurysm surgery in peripheral centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an abstract of the paper 'The Effect of Autologous Transfusion on Blood Transfusion Requirements in Aortic Surgery: A Pilot Study,' by S.L. Haynes, J.C. Wong, K. Dalrymple, C.N. McCollum, presented at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh Consensus conference on autologous transfusion in November 1998. Reduction of homologous blood requirements in aortic surgery by the autologous transfusion technique.

Discusses the endovascular method of repairing abdominal aortic aneurysm. Advantages and disadvantages of the method; Comparison with conventional open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

An adult patient with a congenital bicuspid aortic valve, an aneurysm, and a calcific atherosclerotic plaque of the ascending aorta, underwent an aortic valve replacement, a vertical reduction aortoplasty, an endarterectomy, and a distal external synthetic wrapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Indirect re-implantation of the left coronary artery (LCA) via an interposition graft simplifies difficult LCA re-implantation during aortic root replacement. Little information exists regarding the results of this technique. In this study, we report our experience. Methods: Between January 2001 and July 2008, of 82 aortic root replacements, 24 (mean age 48.2 years, 83% male) used the indirect re-implantation technique. All case notes were retrospectively analyzed. Indications for operation were; aortic root aneurysm (n = 16), acute dissection (n = 6), existent homograft calcification (n = 1), failed Ross procedure (n = 1). Reasons for indirect re-implantation were: difficult LCA mobilization secondary to previous cardiac surgery (n = 7), short left main stem (n = 6), acute dissection (n = 6), adherence to surrounding tissues (n = 5). All patients had yearly CT or MRI follow-up. Results: Mechanical and tissue valved conduits were implanted in 22 and two patients, respectively. Ten millimeters (n = 17) or 8 mm (n = 7) Dacron grafts were used for LCA re-implantation. Thirty-day mortality was 12.5%. Postoperative complications were: re-opening for bleeding (n = 2), pericardial effusion (n = 4), renal failure (n = 1). Over a median follow-up of 26 months (range 4 to 81), one developed a false aneurysm at the right coronary artery anastomosis five months postoperatively, which was subsequently repaired. All interposition grafts remained patent on MRI or CT. There were six late deaths. At median follow-up survival rate was 71%. Conclusions: The indirect re-implantation of the LCA during aortic root replacements is a reliable, safe, and effective method in dealing with the LCA in difficult circumstances. Survival at 26 months is equivalent to other series of similar patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) under moderate hypothermia may improve cerebral protection. Intraoperative measurement of cerebral regional oxygen saturations (rSO2) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can provide accurate monitoring of cerebral perfusion during ACP. We evaluated the role, outcomes, and advantages of using NIRS in providing effective cerebral protection with ACP. Methods: Between May 2006 and March 2009, 27 patients (mean age 60%, 93% elective) underwent ascending aorta replacement with ACP monitored by NIRS. ACP was established through the right axillary artery (n = 26). All patients had continuous intraoperative measurement of both anterior cerebral rSO2 using NIRS (INVOS; Somanetics Corporation, Troy, MI, USA). Posterior cerebral perfusion was measured using left radial artery pressures. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using a Short Form 36 questionnaire. Results: Mean cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross clamp time were 169 ± 27 and 95 ± 22 minutes, respectively. Mean ACP rate of 1.27 ± 0.35 L/min provided a mean left radial artery pressure of at least 60 mmHg. All patients' cerebral rSO2 were maintained above their baseline using NIRS. Mean ACP time was 14.3 ± 2.6 minutes at a mean core temperature of 23.4 °C ± 2.0 °C. Temporary neurological deficit was observed in two patients (7.4%). No permanent neurological dysfunction was observed. Thirty-day mortality was 3.7%. At median follow-up of 18.3 (interquartile range 10.8 to 23.3) months survival was 92% and mean norm-based QoL score was above average at 52.5 ± 6.5. Conclusion: Cerebral rSO2 and left radial artery pressure monitoring with ACP during aortic surgery provides accurate measurement of cerebral perfusion resulting in minimal neurological and perioperative complications and good midterm QoL outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstracts for articles on cardiothoracic surgery are presented, including "Thoracoscopic Approach to the Thymus," "Is Cryoablation the Best Ablative Technique for Atrial Fibrillation?," "Tracheal Resection," "Left Atrial Reduction for Atrial Fibrillation in Mitral Valve Surgery," and "Aortic Surgery: Perfusion and Protection."

Presents several abstracts on vascular surgery. "The Australian Audit of the Safety and Efficacy of Endoluminal Grafts for the Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms," by R. Fitridge, M. Boult, W. Babidge and G. Maddern; "With Ruptured AAAS, is Every Patient a Surgical Candidate?," by A. S. Johari and R. Englund; "Unruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Probabilistic, Interactive, Internet Accessible Decision Support System," by N. Ghinea, J. M. Van Gelder and J. A. Crozier; "Clinical Outcomes of Aortic Graft Infections Treated With Radical Graft Excision and Axillo-Femoral Bypasses," by M. J. Jackson, N. J. Cheshire, M. I. Kerle, J. H. N. Wolfe and A. O. M. Mansfield.