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Introduction and aim. Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an alternative treatment method to reduce the risk of thromboembolism. Epicardial closure can be performed with LARIAT devices or with AtriClip devices. Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database contains device reports submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by mandatory reporters. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the adverse effects of epicardial LAAC between LARIAT and AtriClip device based on MAUDE. Material and methods. Two independent researchers queried the MAUDE to obtain LARIAT and AtriClip device reports from July 2012 to July 2022. Records were included according to study protocol. Results. 460 reports were obtained from the MAUDE database. 287 studies were included. Problem with device occurred in 46.8% of reports for LARIAT (29/62) vs. 67.1% for AtriClip (151/225) (p<0.001). It coexisted with patient complications in 100.0% of cases with device problem in LARIAT (29/29) vs. 14.6% in AtriClip (22/151) (p<0.001). Pericardial effusion and hemorrhage appeared more often in LARIAT group (43.5% vs. 2.2%, p<0.001, 45.2% vs. 14.4%, p<0.001, respectively). Stroke occurred in AtriClip group more often (0.0% vs. 7.8%, p=0.042). Left atrial appendage (LAA) and right ventricle (RV) were perforated more often during LARIAT procedure (80.0% vs. 31.6%, p<0.001, 16.0% vs. 0.0%, p=0.021). Conclusion. Adverse effects of the procedure with the usage of two different devices differ significantly. Patients who undergo LARIAT procedure are more prone to pericardial effusion and hemorrhage, as well as LAA and RV perforation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Copyright of Polish Journal of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery / Kardiochirurgia i Torakochirurgia Polska is the property of Termedia Publishing House and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Reflected wave increases after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in patients with aortic aneurysm. This affects the left ventricular (LV) diastolic function and leads to a poor prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between increased reflected wave amplitude and aortic diameter after EVAR. EVAR was performed in seven healthy goats. We assessed wave intensity (WI), aortic diameter, and stiffness parameter β. Moreover, we evaluated the relationship between negative reflected wave (NW, reflected waves toward the heart from the periphery by WI) and other parameters after EVAR. Results showed an increase in stiffness parameter β (3.5 ± 0.3 vs 15.9 ± 4.7, p = 0.018) and a decrease in the change of aortic diameter (6.9 ± 0.7 vs 2.7 ± 0.4%, p = 0.018) after EVAR. The NW was significantly amplified after EVAR from baseline (−589.8 ± 143.4 to − 1192.3 ± 303.7 mmHg-m/sec3, p = 0.043). The NW showed a significant correlation with maximum aortic diameter (R = 0.707, p = 0.038) and minimum aortic diameter (R = 0.724, p = 0.033). The reflected wave was enhanced after EVAR and was correlated to the aortic diameter at the stent-graft site. It is important to consider that patients with smaller aortic diameters in landing zone who undergo EVAR may develop LV dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ischemic colitis (IC) is a severe emergency in gastrointestinal surgery. The aim of the present study was to identify the predictors of postoperative mortality after emergent open colectomy for IC treatment. Additionally, we compared postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing emergent colectomy due to aortic surgery-related IC (AS-IC group) vs. other IC etiologies (Other-IC group). Methods: We analyzed records of consecutive patients who underwent emergency open colectomy for IC between 2008 and 2019. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify clinical and operative parameters associated with postoperative mortality. The AS-IC and Other-IC groups were compared for mortality, morbidity, ICU stay, hospital stay, and survival. Results: During the study period, 94 patients (mean age, 67.4 ± 13.7 years) underwent emergent open colectomy for IC. In the majority of cases, IC involved the entire colon (53.2%) and vasopressor agents were required preoperatively (63.8%) and/or intraoperatively (78.8%). Thirty-four patients underwent surgery due to AS-IC, whereas 60 due to Other-IC causes. In the AS-IC group, 9 patients had undergone endovascular aortic repair and 25 open aortic surgery; 61.8% of patients needed aortic surgery for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurism (AAA). Overall, 66 patients (70.2%) died within 90 days from surgery. The AS-IC and Other-IC groups showed similar operative outcomes and postoperative complication rates. However, the duration of the ICU stay (19 days vs. 11 days; p = 0.003) and of the total hospital stay (22 days vs. 16 days; p = 0.016) was significantly longer for the AS-IC group than for the Other-IC group. The rate of intestinal continuity restoration at 1 year after surgery was higher for the Other-IC group than for the AS-IC group (58.8% vs. 22.2%; p = 0.05). In the multivariate model, preoperative increased lactate levels, a delay between signs/symptoms' onset and surgery > 12 h, and the occurrence of postoperative acute kidney injury were statistically associated with postoperative mortality. Neither IC etiology (aortic surgery vs. other etiology) nor ruptured AAA was associated with postoperative mortality. Conclusion: Emergency open colectomy for IC is associated with high postoperative mortality, which appears to be unrelated to the IC etiology. Preoperative lactate levels, > 12-h delay to surgery, and postoperative acute kidney injury are independent predictors of postoperative mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purposes: We aim to develop a rabbit model system for studies on uterus transplantation.Methods: Six sexually mature female New Zealand white rabbits of proven fertility were used for harvesting the uterine allograft with an aortic-caval macrovascular patch (including the aorta, inferior vena cava, common and internal iliacs, and uterine arterial and venous tree). The patches were transplanted in the six recipients orthotopically using aorta and cava anastomoses. Tacrolimus (0.5 mg twice daily, p.o.) was administered postoperatively for immunosuppression.Results: Surgical survival was 100% (n = 6), and the graft survival rate was 83.3% (n = 5). No rabbits died intraoperatively, but only one achieved short-term survival (for 8 days). Four rabbits (#1, #2, #3 and #4) died within the first 24 h as a result of veno-vena anastomosis breakdown, bradycardia, intestinal necrosis, and respiratory failure, respectively. Rabbits #5 (30 h) and #6 (8 days) died from intestinal obstruction and pneumonia, respectively. Uterine morphology was normal in rabbit #6, and rejection was not observed in the grafted uterus, which was further verified by H&E and immunohistochemistry.Conclusions: Aorta and cava anastomoses can be used to ensure a viable transplanted uterus by reconstructing an adequate blood supply to the transplanted uterine graft in a rabbit model. We have demonstrated the feasibility of tacrolimus monotherapy in suppressing the rejection of an allotransplanted uterus in a rabbit model. However, UTx in a rabbit model seems difficult to achieve long-term survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iatrogenic aortic stenosis is a serious complication and potentially fatal due to erosion of the aortic wall. Timely management is necessary to prevent complications.Case Presentation: A 2-year-old boy underwent surgery to remove part of an Amplatzer occluder after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) device embolization in the thoracic aorta. He exhibited moderate to severe obstruction with erosion of the intimal layer of the aorta caused by the device, part of which was retrieved surgically with restructuring of the thoracic aorta segment and occluder remnant. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful.Conclusions: When possible, retrieving only part of an embolized device can be advocated because it reduces the risk of aortic and pulmonary artery damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide Open in new tab Download slide Limited uptake of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) of the aorta hinders assessment of its efficacy compared to median sternotomy (MS). The objective of this systematic review is to compare operative and perioperative outcomes for MIS versus MS. Online databases Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched from inception until July 2018. Both randomized and observational studies of patients undergoing aortic root, ascending aorta or aortic arch surgery by MIS versus MS were eligible for inclusion. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality, reoperation for bleeding, perioperative renal impairment and neurological events. Intraoperative and postoperative timing measures were also evaluated. Thirteen observational studies were included comparing 1101 MIS and 1405 MS patients. The overall quality of evidence was very low for all outcomes. Mortality and the incidence of stroke were similar between the 2 cohorts. Meta-analysis demonstrated increased length of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time for patients undergoing MS [standardized mean difference 0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15–0.58; P  = 0.001]. Patients receiving MS spent more time in hospital (standardized mean difference 0.30, 95% CI 0.17–0.43; P  < 0.001) and intensive care (standardized mean difference 0.17, 95% CI 0.06–0.27; P  < 0.001). Reoperation for bleeding (risk ratio 1.51, 95% CI 1.06–2.17; P  = 0.024) and renal impairment (risk ratio 1.97, 95% CI 1.12–3.46; P  = 0.019) were also greater for MS patients. There was substantial heterogeneity in meta-analyses for CPB and aortic cross-clamp timing outcomes. MIS may be associated with improved early clinical outcomes compared to MS, but the quality of the evidence is very low. Randomized evidence is needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to present and compare different surgical techniques of root translocation of the great arteries except the Ross procedure. The historical aspects, technical considerations, and results are briefly elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in penetrating injuries is an emerging adjunct in the civilian trauma surgeon’s toolbox for the management of traumatic hemorrhagic shock. Furthermore, within the Canadian civilian context, little has been reported with regard to its use as an assisted damage-control measure in vascular reconstruction of the lower extremity. We report a case of penetrating gunshot injury of the lower extremity where the preoperative deployment of REBOA had a remarkable positive impact in the resuscitation phase and the intraoperative control of blood loss. A description of the procedure and the advantage gained from REBOA are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This meta-analysis study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of TEVAR versus OCSR for TBAD patients. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, EmBase, and the Cochrane library to identify studies compared the effectiveness of TEVAR and OCSR in TBAD patients from the inception up to July 2019. The summary results were calculated using a random-effects model. Results: The electronic search identified 1,894 studies, and 18 studies with 9,664 TBAD patients were included. We noted patients received TEVAR were associated with a reduced risk of in-hospital mortality, acute renal failure, respiratory failure, and bleeding as compared with OCSR, whereas no significant differences between groups for the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, paraplegia, mesenteric ischaemia/infarction, reinterventions, sepsis, and spinal cord ischaemia. Conclusions: The findings of this meta-analysis study suggested that TEVAR resulted in more short-term survival benefits. Moreover, the reduced risk of acute renal failure, respiratory failure and bleeding was detected in TEVAR group. The treatment effects of TEVAR versus OCSR on specific complications should be further verified by a study with high-level of evidence. Comprehensive collected studies investigated the treatment effectiveness between TEVAR and OCSR for TBAD patients TEVAR resulted in more survival benefits, in addition to lower risk of acute renal failure, respiratory failure and bleeding The results of stratified analyses according to patients' characteristics were conducted [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been considered as a first-choice treatment for type B aortic dissection (TBAD). However, some patients that is lack of optimal landing zones (<15 mm in dissected Z2, Z3 or the presence of a lusorian artery) still pose significant challenges for TEVAR. We utilized a surgical stent-graft implantation in the descending aorta combined with supra-aortic vessels transposition through median sternotomy for these special TBAD patients. The short- and mid-term results showed that our procedure is a good and alternative therapy for such kind patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to describe the novel four-patch technique for repair of supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS). Supravalvular aortic stenosis is a rare malformation as a result of an abnormal thickening of the aortic wall. SVAS may present in two forms: a localized form (affecting only the aortic sinotubular junction) and a diffuse form, where the aortic arch and its side branches are also affected. We present the novel four-patch technique as modification of Brom three patch technique. After transection of the aorta at the sinotubular junction, three longitudinal incisions are made into the three sinuses. The aortic root geometry is then restored by placement of three separate patches of autologous pericardium in the opened sinuses. One additional diamond shaped pericardial patch placed anteriorly between proximal and distal aorta. This modified four patch technique provides a complete and symmetric restoration of the aortic anatomy with insignificant gradient and good short-term and potentially good long-term results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES Our study describes and analyses the results from aortopexy for the treatment of airway malacia in children. METHODS Demographic data, characteristics and preoperative, operative and outcome details, including the need for reintervention, were collected for children undergoing aortopexy between 2006 and 2016. RESULTS One hundred patients [median age 8.2 months, interquartile range (IQR) 3.3–26.0 months] underwent aortopexy. Sixty-four (64%) patients had tracheomalacia (TM) only, 24 (24%) patients had TM extending into their bronchus (tracheobronchomalacia) and 11 (11%) patients had bronchomalacia. Forty-one (41%) children had gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, of which 17 (41%) children underwent a Nissen fundoplication. Twenty-eight (28%) children underwent a tracheo-oesophageal fistula repair prior to aortopexy (median 5.7 months, IQR 2.9–17.6 months). The median duration of follow-up was 5.3 years (IQR 2.9–7.5 years). Thirty-five (35%) patients were on mechanical ventilatory support before aortopexy. Twenty-seven (77%) patients could be safely weaned from ventilator support during the same admission after aortopexy (median 2 days, IQR 0–3 days). Fourteen patients required reintervention. Overall mortality was 16%. Multivariable analysis revealed preoperative ventilation (P  = 0.004) and bronchial involvement (P  = 0.004) to be adverse predictors of survival. Only bronchial involvement was a predictor for reintervention (P  = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS Aortopexy appears to be an effective procedure in the treatment of children with severe airway malacia. Bronchial involvement is associated with adverse outcome, and other procedures could be more suitable. For the treatment of severe airway malacia with isolated airway compression, we currently recommend aortopexy to be considered. [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]

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]

Copyright of Medical Science Pulse is the property of Public Higher Medical Professional School in Opole and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Serum creatinine is a 'gold standard' criterion of recognizing and staging of acute kidney injury (AKI) despite it being a suboptimal, delayed indicator. The interpretation of increased values of biomarkers imposes great difficulty regarding cardiac surgery procedures performed with cardiopulmonary bypass and may lead to under- or overestimated diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of the sole serum creatinine or urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) concentration used for identification of patients with AKI after cardiac surgery. Material and methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on a group of 88 adult patients undergoing a coronary artery bypass grafting procedure. Serum creatinine was evaluated on the day of the operation, and 24 and 48 h post-operatively. Urinary NGAL concentration was measured: immediately after and one hour after cardiopulmonary bypass, and 24 h from the beginning of the operation. We assessed features of kidney injury and 30-day and 5-year mortality. Results: Patients in the AKI group diagnosed with creatinine level and urine output criteria presented more advanced age (p = 0.01), higher body mass index (p = 0.01) and preoperative myocardial infarction (p = 0.02). Elevation of NGAL level was observed in 5 of 13 cases with AKI, based on creatinine criteria and 4 of 75 cases without AKI. Within 5 years after the surgical procedure the recurrence of renal failure was 36% in the AKI group (with perioperative NGAL elevation in 2 cases only). Conclusions: In the cardiac surgery patients the diagnosis of AKI based on sole serum creatinine or urine NGAL concentration confirmed transient kidney injury. However, the clinical implications of these findings are insufficient for prediction of clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effect of REBOA, compared to resuscitative thoracotomy, on mortality and among non-compressible torso hemorrhage trauma patients. Methods: Relevant articles were identified by a literature search in MEDLINE and EMBASE. We included studies involving trauma patients suffering non-compressible torso hemorrhage. Studies were eligible if they evaluated REBOA and compared it to resuscitative thoracotomy. Two investigators independently assessed articles for inclusion and exclusion criteria and selected studies for final analysis. We conducted meta-analysis using random effect models. Results: We included three studies in our systematic review. These studies included a total of 1276 patients. An initial analysis found that although lower in REBOA-treated patients, the odds of mortality did not differ between the compared groups (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.17-1.03). Sensitivity analysis showed that the risk of mortality was significantly lower among patients who underwent REBOA, compared to those who underwent resuscitative thoracotomy (RT) (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.68-0.97). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis, mainly from observational data, suggests a positive effect of REBOA on mortality among non-compressible torso hemorrhage patients. However, these results deserve further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: In this study, a propensity-matching analysis was used to compare biological versus mechanical composite valve graft implantation for early mortality and morbidities and for late complications including the need for aortic reintervention. METHODS: Between 1978 and 2011, 1112 consecutive patients underwent a complete aortic root replacement using either a biological Bentall (BB, n = 356) or a mechanical Bentall (MB, n = 756) valve conduit. Preoperative data were stratified according to the type of valve graft, and treatment bias was addressed by propensity score analysis. RESULTS: Two homogeneous groups of 138 patients were obtained. Hospital mortality between them was comparable (MB = 7.2% and BB = 5.8%, P = 0.6). They also had similar results after a mean follow-up time of 40 ± 38 months. Propensity-adjusted Cox-regression analysis showed no relationship between the type of prosthesis and all-cause mortality at follow-up (hazards ratio: 0.88; 95% confidence interval: 0.50--2.14; P = 0.4). Freedom from proximal aortic reintervention at 1, 5 and 7 years was 99.1 ± 0.9% in the MB group compared with 98.4 ± 1.1%, 93.0 ± 3.2% and 93.0 ± 3.2% in the BB group (long-rank P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: The Bentall procedure is a safe and reproducible treatment for ascending aorta pathologies. The choice of either a mechanical or a biological valve graft seems to have no influence on early and late midterm adverse outcomes including need for aortic reinterventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Presence of retro-aortic left renal vein poses special challenge in creating spleno-renal shunt potentially increasing the chance of shunt failure. The technical feasibility and successful outcome of splenectomy with proximal spleno-renal shunt (PSRS) with retro-aortic left renal vein is presented for the first time. The patient was treated for portal hypertension and hypersplenism due to idiopathic extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction.Case Presentation: A twenty year old male suffering from idiopathic extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction presented with bleeding esophageal varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy, asymptomatic portal biliopathy and symptomatic hypersplenism. As variceal bleeding did not respond to endoscopic and medical treatment, surgical portal decompression was planned. On preoperative contrast enhanced computed tomography retro-aortic left renal vein was detected. Splenectomy with proximal splenorenal shunt with retro-aortic left renal vein was successfully performed by using specific technical steps including adequate mobilisation of retro-aortic left renal vein and per-operative pressure studies. Perioperative course was uneventful and patient is doing well after 3 years of follow up.Conclusions: PSRS is feasible, safe and effective procedure when done with retro-aortic left renal vein for the treatment of portal hypertension related to extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction provided that attention is given to key technical considerations including pressure studies necessary to ensure effective shunt. Present case provides the first evidence that retro-aortic left renal vein can withstand the extra volume of blood flow through the proximal shunt with effective portal decompression so as to treat all the components of extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction without causing renal venous hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate the impact of the aortic valve reimplantation (David) and of the aortic root (AoR) remodelling (Yacoub) on the AoR haemodynamics. METHODS: In an experimental setup where the clinical scenario of Yacoub, (n=5, domestic pig) and of David (n=5, domestic pig) procedure was performed in each AoR, six high-fidelity (200 Hz) sonomicrometric crystals were implanted. Crystals were positioned at three commissures with their projection at the root base. In post-measurement processing 3D deformation of both AoR was determined and used for computed fluid dynamic modelling in order to evaluate pressure, velocity and shear stress profiles. RESULTS: In David AoR: high pressure (> 150 mmHg) and low to moderate shear stress (0-30 Pa) were found from the period of isovolemic contraction to the closure of the aortic valve. At mid diastole pressure augmentation (> 120 mmHg) a low shear stress (0-10 Pa) was registered at the leaflets, three commissures, and intervalvular triangles. In Yacoub AoR: high pressure (110-130 mmHg) with moderate low shear stress (0-30 Pa) was only registered at isovolemic contraction. CONCLUSION: The results show that haemodynamic conditions following a David procedure have a less favourable pattern as compared to a Yacoub AoR. In David AoR, high pressure and low shear stress are present during 2/3 of the cardiac cycle, whereas in Yacoub root, these conditions are present only for a short period of isovolemic contraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent data have highlighted a higher rate of neurological injuries in minimal invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) compared with the standard sternotomy approach; therefore, the role of specific clamping techniques and perfusion strategies on the occurrence of this complication is a matter of discussion in the medical literature. The purpose of this trial is to prospectively evaluate major, minor and silent neurological events in patients undergoing right mini-thoracotomy mitral valve surgery using retrograde perfusion and an endoaortic clamp or a transthoracic clamp.Methods/design: A prospective, blinded, randomized controlled study on the rate of neurological embolizations during MIMVS started at the University of Turin in June 2014. Major, minor and silent neurological events are being investigated through standard neurological evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging assessment. The magnetic resonance imaging protocol includes conventional sequences for the morphological and quantitative assessment and nonconventional sequences for the white matter microstructural evaluation. Imaging studies are performed before surgery as baseline assessment and on the third postoperative day and, in patients who develop postoperative ischemic lesions, after 6 months.Discussion: Despite recent concerns raised about the endoaortic setting with retrograde perfusion, we expect to show equivalence in terms of neurological events of this technique compared with the transthoracic clamp in a selected cohort of patients. With the first results expected in December 2016 the findings would be of help in confirming the efficacy and safety of MIMVS.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT02818166 . Registered on 8 February 2016 - trial retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) may affect mid-size and large-size arteries. Although temporal arteritis is a well-characterized clinical entity, GCA of the thoracic aorta remains ill defined. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical presentation, surgical and mid-term outcomes in patients operated for GCA of the thoracic aorta. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients operated for GCA of the thoracic aorta was conducted. The diagnosis of GCA was established by the pathology report. RESULTS: Forty consecutive patients (mean age of 66.6 ± 9.1 years) with a diagnosis of GCA of the thoracic aorta were operated on. A history of polymyalgia rheumatica or temporal arteritis was positive in 22.5% of patients. Emergency surgery was performed in 10% of patients (3 'type A' dissections and 1 'type B'). Mega-aorta syndrome was present in 10% of patients. Involvement of the ascending aorta was present in 100% of patients. One patient had a previous branched thoracic endovascular replacement (TEVAR) with a type I proximal endoleak. In 4 patients, the thoracic aorta was totally replaced. Eighty-five percent of patients had an arch replacement; 79.4% a hemiarch and 20.6% a full arch. The mean circulatory arrest time was 16.3 ± 12.3 min. Eighty percent of patients had an aortic valve procedure; aortic valve replacement was performed in 50% of them and Bentall-De Bono/valve sparing in 50%. Cerebrovascular accident occurred in 2.5% of patients. No patient died during hospitalization. The mean hospital stay was 8.7 ± 3.0 days. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 4.2 ± 2.3 years, with a mean of 4.2 ± 2.2 thoraco-abdominal computed tomographies (CTs)/patient. Four patients had late reinterventions: 2 were valve-related, 1 for a distal type I endoleak treated with a distal TEVAR extension and 1 type II open thoraco-abdominal replacement for disease progression. One distal type I TEVAR endoleak was treated medically. Aortic diameter progressions on CT (mm/year) were 0.7 ± 1.0 mm for the arch, 1.2 ± 2.0 mm for the isthmus, 1.1 ± 1.7 mm for the mid-descending, 0.7 ± 0.9 mm for the aortic hiatus, 0.5 ± 0.5 mm for the supra-renal aorta and 0.6 ± 0.6 mm for the infra-renal aorta. One patient who declined reoperation on the descending aorta died suddenly 3 years after her initial operation. The 5-year overall survival rate was 91%. CONCLUSIONS: GCA of the thoracic aorta may be suspected in less than 25% of patients preoperatively. Clinical presentation may be acute or chronic with localized or diffused aortic involvement but always involved the ascending aorta. Surgery may be performed with excellent outcomes. Follow-up imaging is mandatory to assess aortic progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: Hemolysis related to a kinked prosthetic graft or inner felt strip is a very rare complication after aortic surgery. We describe herein a case of hemolytic anemia that developed due to aortic flap of the dissection and inversion of an inner felt strip that was applied at the proximal anastomosis of a replaced ascending aorta 10 years previously.Case Presentation: A 74-year-old woman presented with consistent hemolytic anemia 10 years after replacement of the ascending aorta to treat Stanford type A acute aortic dissection. The cause of hemolysis was attributed to mechanical injury of red blood cells at a site of stenosis caused by aortic flap of the dissection and inversion of the felt strip used for the proximal anastomosis. Repeated resection of the strip and graft replacement of the ascending aorta resolved this problem.Conclusions: We considered that blood flow disrupted by a jet of blood at the site of the proximal inner felt strip was the cause of severe hemolysis, we describe rare hemolytic anemia at the site of aortic flap and inverted felt strip after replacement of the ascending aorta. [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]

Background and Aim: Aortic valve (AV) prolapse and subsequent aortic regurgitation (AR) are two complications of ventricular septal defects (VSD) that are located close to or in direct contact with the AV. This finding is one of the indications for surgical VSD closure even in the absence of symptoms to protect the AV integrity. The goal of our study was to assess the outcome and to identify the predictors for improvement or progression of AR after surgical repair. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of all children with VSD and AV prolapse who underwent cardiac surgery at King Abdulaziz Cardiac Centre in Riyadh between July 1999 and August 2013. Results: A total of 41 consecutive patients, operated for VSD with prolapsed AV, with or without AR, were reviewed. The incidence of AV prolapse in the study population was 6.8% out of 655 patients with VSD. Thirty-six (88%) patients had a perimembranous VSD, and four had doubly committed VSD. Only one patient had an outlet muscular VSD. Right coronary cusp prolapse was found in 38 (92.7%) patients. Preoperative AR was absent in five patients, mild or less in 25 patients, moderate in seven, and severe in four patients. Twenty-six patients showed improvement in the degree of AR after surgery (Group A), 14 patients showed no change in the degree of AR (Group B) while only one patient showed the progression of his AR after surgery. Those with absent AR before surgery remained with no AR after surgery. Improvement was found more in those with mild degree of AR preoperatively compared to those with moderate and severe AR. Female gender also showed a tendency to improve more as compared to male. Conclusion: Early surgical closure is advisable for patients with VSD and associated AV prolapse to achieve a better outcome after repair and to prevent progression of AR in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, the optimal management strategy for chronic type B aortic dissections (CBAD) is unknown. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the literature to compare results of open surgical repair (OSR), standard thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) or branched and fenestrated TEVAR (BEVAR/FEVAR) for CBAD. Methods: EMBASE and MEDLINE databases were searched for eligible studies between January 2000 and October 2015. Studies describing outcomes of OSR, TEVAR, B/FEVAR, or all, for CBAD patients initially treated with medical therapy, were included. Primary endpoints were early mortality, and one-year and five-year survival. Secondary endpoints included occurrence of complications. Furthermore, a Time until Treatment Equipoise (TUTE) graph was constructed. Results: Thirty-five articles were selected for systematic review. A total of 1081 OSR patients, 1397 TEVAR patients and 61 B/FEVAR patients were identified. Early mortality ranged from 5.6% to 21.0% for OSR, 0.0% to 13.7% for TEVAR, and 0.0% to 9.7% for B/FEVAR. For OSR, one-year and five-year survival ranged 72.0%-92.0% and 53.0%-86.7%, respectively. For TEVAR, one-year survival was 82.9%-100.0% and five-year survival 70.0%-88.9%. For B/FEVAR only one-year survival was available, ranging between 76.4% and 100.0%. Most common postoperative complications included stroke (OSR 0.0%-13.3%, TEVAR 0.0%-11.8%), spinal cord ischemia (OSR 0.0%-16.4%, TEVAR 0.0%-12.5%, B/FEVAR 0.0%-12.9%) and acute renal failure (OSR 0.0%-33.3%, TEVAR 0.0%-34.4%, B/FEVAR 0.0%-3.2%). Most common long-term complications after OSR included aneurysm formation (5.8%-20.0%) and new type A dissection (1.7–2.2%). Early complications after TEVAR included retrograde dissection (0.0%-7.1%), malperfusion (1.3%–9.4%), cardiac complications (0.0%–5.9%) and rupture (0.5%–5.0%). Most common long-term complications after TEVAR were rupture (0.5%–7.1%), endoleaks (0.0%–15.8%) and cardiac complications (5.9%-7.1%). No short-term aortic rupture or malperfusion was observed after B/FEVAR. Long-term complications included malperfusion (6.5%) and endoleaks (0.0%-66.7%). Reintervention rates after OSR, TEVAR and B/FEVAR were 5.8%-29.0%, 4.3%-47.4% and 0.0%-53.3%, respectively. TUTE for OSR was 2.7 years, for TEVAR 9.9 months and for B/FEVAR 10.3 months. Conclusion: We found a limited early survival benefit of standard TEVAR over OSR for CBAD. Complication rates after TEVAR are higher, but complications after OSR are usually more serious. Initial experiences with B/FEVAR show its feasibility, but long-term results are needed to compare it to OSR and standard TEVAR. We conclude that optimal treatment of CBAD remains debatable and merits a patient specific decision. TUTE seems a feasible and useful tool to better understand management outcomes of CBAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The optimal surgical strategy for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is still controversial because of the inconsistent or even conflicting results of proximal aortic repair (PR) versus extensive aortic repair (ER) on early and late prognostic outcomes. This metaanalysis pooled data from all available studies of PR versus ER to get a summarized conclusion. METHODS: Studies were identified by searching the Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. Early and late prognostic outcomes of interest were evaluated with meta-analysis. Fixed- or random-effect models were used according to the significance of heterogeneity. Robustness of pooled estimates and the source of heterogeneity were assessed via sensitivity analyses and meta-regression, respectively. Publication bias was evaluated by the funnel plot and Egger's test. RESULTS: Nine studies with a total of 1872 patients were included for the meta-analysis. Pooled results indicated that, when compared with the ER procedure, PR was associated with lower early mortality [risk ratio (RR) = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54-0.90, P = 0.005] but higher incidence of postoperative aortic events including reoperation of the distal aorta (RR = 3.14, 95% CI 1.74-5.67, P < 0.001). PR and ER demonstrated analogous prognosis on long-term mortality (HR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.51-2.06, P = 0.96) and the incidences of early postoperative renal failure (RR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.49-1.14, P = 0.17) and stroke (RR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.30-1.78, P = 0.50). All the pooled results were robust to sensitivity analysis. Heterogeneity was insignificant except for the meta-analysis of late mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Performing a less aggressive initial surgical procedure of PR in ATAAD patients would have lower early mortality but elevated incidence rates of late aortic reintervention, when compared with ER. Other prognostic results of the two surgical strategies including long-term mortality were similar for both. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have shown that aortic diameter alone is an insufficient parameter to identify patients at risk for aortic dissection. The aim of this study was to determine the value of the ratio of aortic diameter to medial wall thickness as a new marker of risk. METHODS: We obtained data from 181 patients with an ascending aortic aneurysm (n = 94) or an acute type A aortic dissection (n = 87), surgically treated at our institution (1996-2012). Measurements of the maximum aortic diameter and the medial wall thickness were conducted by retrospective review of preoperative imaging studies and histological specimens, respectively. RESULTS: Nearly 60% of the dissection patients had aortic diameters smaller than 50 mm. There was a significant negative linear correlation between medial wall thickness and aortic diameter (P = 0.01) in the dissection group only. Among patients with aortic diameters above 50 mm, dissection patients had significantly thinner aortic media (P = 0.04). Among patients with a mildly dilated aorta (>45 mm), the aortic diameter to medial wall thickness ratio was significantly higher in the dissection group (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with a dilatation of the ascending aorta of more than 45 and 49 mm, patients experiencing aortic dissection have a significantly higher aortic diameter to wall thickness ratio and a thinner aortic media, respectively. In the subset of patients with mild aortic dilatation, wall thickness might in the future serve as an additional parameter to help identify those patients who would benefit from prophylactic aortic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present paper describes three cases where ER-REBOA® was used with partial aorta occlusion (AO), by performing a partial resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta or pREBOA, in an austere pre-hospital military environment. In addition, because no specific REBOA algorithm for pre-hospital environment exists yet, this paper seeks to fill this gap, proposing a new pragmatic REBOA algorithm. Methods: Belgian Special Operations Surgical Team applied REBOA in three patients according to a decisional algorithm, based on the MIST acronym used for trauma patients. Only 3 ml, in the first instance, was inflated in the balloon to get AO. The balloon was then progressively deflated, and reperfusion was tracked through changes of end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2). Results: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) before ER-REBOA® placement was not higher than 60 mmHg. However, within the first 5 min after AO, SBP improved in all three cases. Due to the aortic compliance, a self-made pREBOA was progressively achieved while proximal SBP was raising with intravenous fluid infusion. Afterwards, during deflation, a steep inflection point was observed in SBP and EtCO2. Conclusions: ER-REBOA® is suitable for use in an austere pre-hospital environment. The MIST acronym can be helpful to select the patients for which it could be beneficial. REBOA can also be performed with pREBOA in a dynamic approach, inflating only 3 mL in the balloon and using the aortic compliance. Furthermore, while proximal SBP can be convenient to follow the occlusion, EtCO2 can be seen as an easy and interesting marker to follow the reperfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the early and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing complex aortic root reconstructions for complicated aortic root abscesses. METHODS: A total of 1199 patients underwent aortic valve surgery for aortic valve endocarditis between July 1999 and June 2012. Of these, 150 patients, who underwent complex isolated aortic root operations for aortic root abscesses, were included in this study. Radical resection of the abscess was performed in all patients followed by an aortic root replacement (ARR) in 91 (61.7%) or an aortic valve replacement with patch reconstruction of the aortic root in 59 (39.3%) patients. Prosthetic valve endocarditis was observed in 74 patients (49.3%). Logistic regression analysis identified the predictors of 30-day mortality. Estimated mean follow-up was 7.0 ± 0.5 years (range 0–12.6 years). RESULTS: Mean age was 62 ± 15 years and 87% (n = 130) were male. The majority of patients (91%; n = 137) underwent urgent or emergent surgery. Overall 30-day mortality was 19% (n = 29; ARR 21%; AVR 17%; P = 0.4). Postoperative low cardiac output, stroke and dialysis developed in 10.7, 4.7 and 25.3% of patients, respectively. Sepsis was the only independent predictor of 30-day mortality (odds ratio: 2.8; 95% confidence interval: 1.1–7.3; P = 0.03). The 1-, 5- and 10-year survival was 66 ± 5, 54 ± 5 and 51 ± 6%, respectively. Overall, 9% of surviving patients required a reoperation for recurrent endocarditis resulting in a 1-, 5- and 10-year freedom from reoperation of 93 ± 2, 91 ± 3 and 85 ± 5%, respectively, which was not influenced by surgical technique used (ARR vs AVR with patch reconstruction; log rank P = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment of aortic root abscess is a challenging operation and is associated with a high early morbidity and mortality. However, the long-term survival and freedom from reoperation is satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We retrospectively analyzed 25 years of experiences with the button Bentall procedure in patients with aortic root pathologies. Even though this procedure has become widespread, there are only a few very long term follow-ups available in the clinical literature, especially regarding single surgeon results.Methods: Between 1988 and 2013, a total of 147 patients underwent the Bentall procedure by the same surgeon. Among them there were 62 patients with Marfan syndrome. At the time of the surgery the mean age was 46.5 ± 17.6 years. The impact of surgical experience on long-term survival was evaluated using a cumulative sum analysis chart.Results: The Kaplan-Meier estimated overall survival rates for the 147 patients were 91.8 ± 2.3 %, 84.3 ± 3.1 %, 76.3 ± 4.9 % and 59.5 ± 10.7 % at 1,5,10 and 20 years, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified EuroSCORE II over 3 % (OR 4.245, 95 % CI, 1.739-10.364, p = 0.002), acute indication (OR 2.942, 95 % CI, 1.158-7.480, p = 0.023), use of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (OR 3.267, 95 % CI, 1.283-8.323, p = 0.013), chronic kidney disease (OR 6.865, 95 % CI, 1.339-35.189, p = 0.021) and early complication (OR 3.134, 95 % CI, 1.246-7.883, p = 0.015) as significant risk factors for the late overall death. The survival rate for freedom from early complication was 94.3 ± 2.2 %, 88.0 ± 3.3 %, 82.9 ± 4.7 % and 69.2 ± 8.4 % at 1,5,10 and 20 years. The main pathological findings of the aortic wall were cystic medial degeneration in 75 %, fibrosis in 6 %, atherosclerosis in 13 % and no pathological alteration in 6 % of the samples. The overall survival rate was significantly lower in patients operated in first 15 years compared to patients operated in the last decade (log-rank p = 0.011).Conclusion: According to our long-term follow-up the Bentall operation provides an appropriate functional result by resolving the lesions of the ascending aorta. Based on our results, 25-30 operations done is necessary to gain such a level of confidence and experience to aquire better results on long-term survival. In addition, we discussed that there were no co-morbidities affecting on the survival of Marfan patients and prophylactic aortic root replacement ensures a longer survival among patients with Marfan syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Multiple arterial coronary artery grafting (MABG) improves long-term survival compared with single arterial CABG (SABG), yet the best second arterial conduit to be used with the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) remains undefined. Outcomes in patients grafted with radial artery (RA-MABG) versus right internal thoracic artery (RITA-MABG) as the second arterial graft were compared with SABG. METHODS: Multi-institutional, retrospective analysis of non-emergent isolated LITA to left anterior descending coronary artery CABG patients was performed using institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeon National Adult Cardiac Surgery Databases. 4484 (54.5%) SABG [LITA ± saphenous vein grafts (SVG)], 3095 (37.6%) RA-MABG (RA ± SVG) and 641 (7.9%) RITA-MABG (RITA ± SVG) patients were included. The RITA was used as a free (68%) or in situ (32%) graft. RA grafts were principally anastomosed to the ascending aorta. Long-term survival was ascertained from US Social Security Death Index and institutional follow-up. Triplet propensity matching and covariate- adjusted multivariate logistic regression were used to adjust for baseline differences between study cohorts. RESULTS: Compared with the SABG cohort, the RITA-MABG cohort was younger (58.6 ± 10.2 vs 65.9 ± 10.4, P < 0.001), had a higher prevalence of males (87% vs 65%, P < 0.001) and was generally healthier (MI: 36.7% vs 56.7%, P < 0.001, smoking: 56.8% vs 61.1%, IDDM: 3.0% vs 14.4%, CVA: 2.6% vs 10.0%). The RA-MABG cohort was generally characterized by a risk profile intermediate to that of SABG and RITA-MABG. Unadjusted 5-, 10- and 15-year survival rates were best in RITA-MABG (95.2%, 89% and 82%), intermediate in RA-MABG (89%, 74%, 57%) and worst in SABG (82%, 61% and 44%) cohorts (all P < 0.001). Propensity matching yielded 551 RA-MABG, RITA-MABG and SABG triplets, which showed similar 30-day mortality. Late survival (16 years) was equivalent in the RA-MABG and RITA-MABG cohorts [68.2% vs 66.7%, P = 0.127, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.28 (0.96-1.71)] and both significantly better than SABG (61.1%). The corresponding SABG versus RITA-MABG and SABG versus RA-MABG HRs (95% confidence interval) were 1.52 (1.18-1.96) and 1.31 (1.01-1.69) with P < 0.002 and P = 0.038, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RA-MABG or RITA-MABG equally improve long-term survival compared with SABG and thus should be embraced by the Heart Team as the therapy of choice in LITA-based coronary artery bypass surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2008, a 26-year old man had personalized external aortic root support (PEARS) with a macroporous mesh. He was the 16th of 46 patients to have this operation. He had a typical Marfan habitus. His mother died of this disease as did his brother, with an aortic dissection. The patient himself died suddenly 4.5 years after his PEARS operation. At autopsy, there was no blood in the pericardium. The coronary orifices and proximal arteries were normal. His bicuspid aortic valve was minimally regurgitant as it was prior to operation and remained throughout follow-up. Macroscopically the implanted mesh was embedded in the adventitia and not separable from the aortic wall. Microscopically it was fully incorporated with collagen fibres as has been seen in our animal studies. The unsupported aortic arch showed some focal fragmentation of elastic fibres and a mild increase in mucopolysaccharides consistent with Marfan syndrome. These appearances were not present in the supported aortic root, which had the histological appearance of a normal aorta. He was the first patient to die with an implant. The histological appearances suggest the possibility that the incorporated support of the aortic root allowed recovery of the microstructure of the media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to evaluate our results of acute aortic dissection repair taking into account the impact of surgical experience in aortic surgery. METHODS: Between August 2002 and March 2013, 162 consecutive patients (mean age: 63 ± 14 years) underwent surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. All patients were operated on by one of the clinic's attending surgeons with wide experience in cardiac surgery (at least 2000 procedures performed personally), however about one-half of the patients (75 patients, 46%) were operated by the aortic team (AT) surgeons with profound experience in complex aortic pathologies. All perioperative data were collected prospectively and retrospective statistical analysis was performed using uni- and multivariate analyses to identify predictors for surgical adverse outcome (AO) containing in-hospital and/or 90-day mortality and new permanent neurological and organ dysfunctions. RESULTS: AO was observed in 36 patients (22.2%) including in-hospital mortality in 22 (13.6%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified surgery not performed by the AT as the strongest predictor for AO (odds ratio: 14.1; 95% confidence interval: 3.5-55.6; P < 0.0001) followed by any malperfusion, myocardial infarction and creatinine level. Two groups were built according to the surgery performed by the AT (Group AT) or by the surgeons not on the AT (Group No-AT). The comparison of the groups showed no relevant differences regarding the preoperative characteristics, especially compromised consciousness, malperfusion and extent of dissection. Yet, the outcomes in Group AT vs No-AT were significantly different presenting AO: 8.0 vs 34.5% (P < 0.0001), in-hospital mortality: 4.0 vs and 21.8% (P < 0.001), new permanent neurological deficit: 2.7 vs 11.5% (P = 0.03), even if valve-sparing repairs and complete arch replacements were much more frequent in Group AT. The groups also differed considerably in regard to cannulation and perfusion management, which might play a decisive role in surgical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic repair in acute type A dissection, when performed by highly specialized aortic surgeons, offers not only much better outcomes but also provides significantly higher rate of curative albeit valve-sparing aortic repairs. Patient-centred care in referral aortic centres with surgery performed by specialized teams should be striven for to improve surgical results in acute aortic dissection surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Small caliber vascular prostheses are not clinically available because synthetic vascular prostheses lack endothelial cells which modulate platelet activation, leukocyte adhesion, thrombosis, and the regulation of vasomotor tone by the production of vasoactive substances. We developed a novel method to create scaffold-free tubular tissue from multicellular spheroids (MCS) using a “Bio-3D printer”-based system. This system enables the creation of pre-designed three-dimensional structures using a computer controlled robotics system. With this system, we created a tubular structure and studied its biological features. Methods and Results: Using a “Bio-3D printer,” we made scaffold-free tubular tissues (inner diameter of 1.5 mm) from a total of 500 MCSs (2.5× 104 cells per one MCS) composed of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (40%), human aortic smooth muscle cells (10%), and normal human dermal fibroblasts (50%). The tubular tissues were cultured in a perfusion system and implanted into the abdominal aortas of F344 nude rats. We assessed the flow by ultrasonography and performed histological examinations on the second (n = 5) and fifth (n = 5) day after implantation. All grafts were patent and remodeling of the tubular tissues (enlargement of the lumen area and thinning of the wall) was observed. A layer of endothelial cells was confirmed five days after implantation. Conclusions: The scaffold-free tubular tissues made of MCS using a Bio-3D printer underwent remodeling and endothelialization. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanism of endothelialization and its function, as well as the long-term results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Aortic dissection DeBakey type I and II may require distal reinterventions after initial proximal repair. We evaluated outcomes following open versus endovascular approaches to distal aortic pathologies after surgery for acute dissection. METHODS: One hundred and forty-one consecutive patients underwent 152 distal reinterventions after previous type I or II dissection repair [63 (first quartile, 55; third quartile, 72) years old; initially 86% DeBakey type I; 54% hemiarch, 39% isolated ascending, 7% total arch replacement] at two tertiary centres in the USA and Europe over the last 14 years. Among them, 56 and 85 required reintervention for the aortic arch and the descending aorta, respectively. The median follow-up was 2.1 (first quartile, 0.8; third quartile, 5.8) years (439 patientyears). RESULTS: The median time between acute aortic dissection repair and descending aortic reintervention was longer in the open group (2.7 (first quartile, 0.8; third quartile, 6.7) vs 0.6 (first quartile, 0.1; third quartile, 3.5) years, P < 0.01). There was one irreversible spinal ischaemia in the open and one stroke in the endovascular group. Two patients in the open and none in the endovascular group required re-exploration for bleeding. Two open and 4 endovascular patients required more than 1 distal reintervention (6 vs 8%, P = 1). Descending aortic open-repair patients experienced higher in-hospital mortality (23 vs 0%, P < 0.01) and lower survival at 1 and 5 years (74 ± 8% vs 96 ± 3%, 65 ± 9% vs 92 ± 5%, P < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular intervention for descending aortic pathologies after DeBakey type I or II dissection surgical repair is associated with lower in-hospital mortality and better survival, and does not raise the likelihood of later reinterventions at the mid-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: External wrapping is a surgical method performed to prevent the dilatation of the aorta and to decrease the risk of its dissection and rupture. However, it is also believed to cause degeneration of the aortic wall. A biomechanical analysis was thus performed to assess the stress of the aortic wall subjected to external wrapping. Methods: A stress analysis using the finite elements method was carried out on three models: a non-dilated aorta, a moderately dilated aorta and a wrapped aorta. The models were subjected to a pulsatile flow (120/80 mmHg) and a systolic aortic annulus motion of 11 mm. Results: The finite elements analysis showed that the stress exerted on the outer surface of the ascending aorta in the wrapping model (0.05-0.8 MPa) was similar to that observed in the normal aorta (0.03-0.7 MPa) and was lower than in the model of a moderately dilated aorta (0.06-1.4 MPa). The stress on the inner surface of the ascending aorta ranged from 0.2 MPa to 0.4 MPa in the model of the normal aorta, from 0.3 to 1.3 MPa in the model of the dilated aorta and from 0.05 MPa to 0.4 MPa in the wrapping model. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the aortic wall is subjected to similar stress following a wrapping procedure to the one present in the normal aorta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The management and prognosis of aortic dissection (AD) is often challenging and the use of personalised computational models is being explored as a tool to improve clinical outcome. Including vessel wall motion in such simulations can provide more realistic and potentially accurate results, but requires significant additional computational resources, as well as expertise. With clinical translation as the final aim, trade-offs between complexity, speed and accuracy are inevitable. The present study explores whether modelling wall motion is worth the additional expense in the case of AD, by carrying out fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations based on a sample patient case. Methods: Patient-specific anatomical details were extracted from computed tomography images to provide the fluid domain, from which the vessel wall was extrapolated. Two-way fluid-structure interaction simulations were performed, with coupled Windkessel boundary conditions and hyperelastic wall properties. The blood was modelled using the Carreau-Yasuda viscosity model and turbulence was accounted for via a shear stress transport model. A simulation without wall motion (rigid wall) was carried out for comparison purposes. Results: The displacement of the vessel wall was comparable to reports from imaging studies in terms of intimal flap motion and contraction of the true lumen. Analysis of the haemodynamics around the proximal and distal false lumen in the FSI model showed complex flow structures caused by the expansion and contraction of the vessel wall. These flow patterns led to significantly different predictions of wall shear stress, particularly its oscillatory component, which were not captured by the rigid wall model. Conclusions: Through comparison with imaging data, the results of the present study indicate that the fluid-structure interaction methodology employed herein is appropriate for simulations of aortic dissection. Regions of high wall shear stress were not significantly altered by the wall motion, however, certain collocated regions of low and oscillatory wall shear stress which may be critical for disease progression were only identified in the FSI simulation. We conclude that, if patient-tailored simulations of aortic dissection are to be used as an interventional planning tool, then the additional complexity, expertise and computational expense required to model wall motion is indeed justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the use of amplatzer occluder family in daily clinical practice has already overcome on-label indications, with growing clinical experience and the technological evolution of devices. Areas covered: We present the case of a patient with a very rare complication following proximal aortic surgery treated using a unique strategy. A huge pseudoaneurysm around an ascending aortic prosthesis ruptured into the right pulmonary artery. A hybrid treatment strategy consisting of percutaneous closure of the fistula followed by cardiosurgery was chosen due to the patient’s poor haemodynamic condition. We also review current clinical experience of endovascular treatment of aortopulmonary fistulas by searching case reports in PubMed. Expert commentary: Closure of the APF using an Amplatzer occluder via the antegrade venous approach is feasible, and may improve the haemodynamic conditions and decrease the risk of subsequent cardiac surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES To evaluate our results of valve-sparing aortic root replacement and associated (multiple) valve repair. METHODS From September 2003 to September 2013, 97 patients had valve-sparing aortic root replacement procedures. Patient records and preoperative, postoperative and recent echocardiograms were reviewed. Median age was 40.3 (range: 13.4–68.6) years and 67 (69.1%) were male. Seven (7.2%) patients were younger than 18 years, the youngest being 13.4 years. Fifty-four (55.7%) had Marfan syndrome, 2 (2.1%) other fibrous tissue diseases, 15 (15.5%) bicuspid aortic valve and 3 (3.1%) had earlier Fallot repair. The reimplantation technique was used in all, with a straight vascular prosthesis in 11 (26–34 mm) and the Valsalva prosthesis in 86 (26–32 mm). Concomitant aortic valve repair was performed in 43 (44.3%), mitral valve repair in 10 (10.3%), tricuspid valve repair in 5 (5.2%) and aortic arch replacement in 3 (3.1%). RESULTS Mean follow-up was 4.2 ± 2.4 years. Follow-up was complete in all. One 14-year old patient died 1.3 years post-surgery presumably of ventricular arrhythmia. One patient underwent reoperation for aneurysm of the proximal right coronary artery after 4.9 years and 4 patients required aortic valve replacement, 3 of which because of endocarditis after 0.1, 0.8 and 1.3 years and 1 because of cusp prolapse after 3.8 years. No thrombo-embolic complications occurred. Mortality, root reoperation and aortic regurgitation were absent in 88.0 ± 0.5% at 5-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Results of valve-sparing root replacement are good, even in association with a high incidence of concomitant valve repair. Valve-sparing aortic root replacement can be performed at a very young age as long as an adult size prosthesis can be implanted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES Several techniques have been described for the treatment of thoraco-abdominal aneurysms in patients with mega-aortic syndrome (MAS), but the incidence of stroke, spinal cord injury and endoleaks remains significant. We present the mid-term results of a new hybrid, multistep technique to treat patients with MAS. METHODS From November 2005 to November 2012, 118 patients with MAS underwent surgical repair of thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aneurysms with the Lupiae technique. Fifty-five patients presented chronic aneurysms and 63 patients Type A acute dissections. Eighty-three patients underwent ascending aorta and arch replacement with a multibranched Dacron graft and epiaortic vessels rerouting (thoracic Lupiae procedure). Twenty patients had the thoracic Lupiae procedure plus partial visceral debranching (coeliac trunk and superior mesenteric artery [SMA]) through an upper mini-laparotomy. Fifteen patients had the thoracic Lupiae procedure plus a complete visceral debranching (coeliac trunk, SMA and renal arteries) using a second multibranched Dacron graft to replace the infrarenal aorta. All the patients with chronic aneurysms and 34 of 63 patients with Type A dissections underwent implant of endovascular stent grafts. RESULTS In-hospital mortality was 8.4%. No patients had stroke or spinal cord injury. The incidence of temporary renal failure was 5.2%. No patients presented endoleaks immediately and at follow-up CT scans. No death or reoperation occurred during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS These results evidence that the Lupiae technique is a safe and effective option for the treatment of patients with MAS, achieving the complete exclusion of thoraco-abdominal aneurysms and of the residual false lumen in patients with acute aortic dissections. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction: The aim of our study was to develop a reproducible murine model of elastase-induced aneurysm formation combined with aortic transplantation. Methods: Adult male mice (n = 6–9 per group) underwent infrarenal, orthotopic transplantation of the aorta treated with elastase or left untreated. Subsequently, both groups of mice were monitored by ultrasound until 7 weeks after grafting. Results: Mice receiving an elastase-pretreated aorta developed aneurysms and exhibited a significantly increased diastolic vessel diameter compared to control grafted mice at 7 week after surgery (1.11±0.10 mm vs. 0.75±0.03 mm; p≤0,001). Histopathological examination revealed disruption of medial elastin, an increase in collagen content and smooth muscle cells, and neointima formation in aneurysm grafts. Conclusions: We developed a reproducible murine model of elastase-induced aneurysm combined with aortic transplantation. This model may be suitable to investigate aneurysm-specific inflammatory processes and for use in gene-targeted animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) is a percutaneous treatment option for severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis. Due to early restenosis and failure to improve long term survival, BAV is considered a palliative measure in patients who are not suitable for open heart surgery due to increased perioperative risk. BAV can be used also as a bridge to surgical or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in haemodinamically unstable patients or in patients who require urgent major non-cardiac surgery. Patients and methods. We reported on 6 oncologic patients with severe aortic stenosis that required a major abdominal and gynaecological surgery. In 5 cases we performed BAV procedure alone; in one patient with concomitant coronary artery disease we combined BAV and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Results. With angioplasty and BAV we achieved a good coronary artery flow and an increase in aortic valve area without any periprocedural complications. After the successful procedure, we observed a hemodynamic and symptomatic improvement. As a consequence the operative risk for non-cardiac surgery decreased and the surgical treatment of cancer was done without complications in all the 6 cases. Conclusions. BAV can be utilized as a part of a complex therapy in severe aortic stenosis aimed to improve the quality of life, decrease the surgical risk for major non-cardiac surgery or as a bridge to surgical or transcatheter aortic valve implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise mechanisms underlying dissections, especially those without connective tissue diseases or congenital vascular diseases, are incompletely understood. This study attempted to identify both the expression profile of the dissected ascending aorta and the interactome hotspots associated with the disease, using microarray technology and gene regulatory network analysis. There were 2,737 genes differentially expressed between patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection and controls. Eight interactome hotspots significantly associated with aortic dissection were identified by an integrative network algorithm. In particular, we identified a JAK2-centered expression module, which was validated in an independent gene expression microarray data set, and which was characterized by over-expressed cytokines and receptors in acute aortic dissection cases, indicating that JAK2 may play a key role in the inflammatory process, which potentially contributes to the occurrence of acute aortic dissection. Overall, the analytical strategy used in this study offered the possibility to identify functional relevant network modules and subsequently facilitated the biological interpretation in the complicated disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of emergency surgery for acute type B aortic dissection with rupture and to compare results between open surgery and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). METHODS Two hundred and ninety-four patients with acute type B aortic dissection were admitted to our hospital between January 2000 and March 2012. At presentation, 30 (10%) patients had rupture (20 men, 10 women; mean age, 71 ± 15 years), among whom 23 underwent emergency surgery: 9 underwent TEVAR and 14 underwent open surgery. The objective of TEVAR was closure of the primary entry site and the secondary tear site in the descending thoracic aorta. RESULTS In the TEVAR group, technical success was achieved: the primary entry site was closed, and bleeding was controlled in all 9 patients. There was no operative death, and 1 (13%) patient had cerebral infarction. In the open surgery group, 2 (14%) patients died during hospitalization, and 4 (29%) had cerebral infarction in the acute phase. Hospitalization tended to be longer in the open surgery group than in the TEVAR group. The overall survival rate at 1 year was 71 ± 17% in the TEVAR group and 86 ± 9% in the open surgery group (P = 0.89). CONCLUSIONS TEVAR for acute type B aortic dissection with rupture could be performed with relatively low morbidity and mortality, with no significant difference when compared with open surgery. The main objective of TEVAR for acute type B aortic dissection with rupture is control of bleeding, which can be achieved by closing the primary entry site and the secondary tear site in the descending thoracic aorta. If anatomically feasible and performed immediately, TEVAR is the treatment of choice for acute type B aortic dissection with rupture because it is less invasive than open surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES Conflicting results have been reported on late aortic growth and complication rates of the descending thoracic aorta in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) after proximal aortic surgery. METHODS Of 198 Marfan patients followed up regularly, 121 (43% David-I, 7% David-II, 11% supracoronary replacement, 52% mechanical conduit, 8% arch replacement) were analysed after proximal aortic surgery retrospectively. 97% had MFS1, 3% MFS2 (Loeys-Dietz-Syndrome); 56% were male and the mean age was 35 ± 13 years. 65% were initially operated on for root/ascending aortic aneurysm and 35% for aortic dissections. Using automated computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography cross-sectional analyses, the mean diameters of the distal arch, mid-descending and distal supradiaphragmatic descending thoracic aorta were measured at early and late follow-up (mean 6.3 years for aneurysms and 4.7 years for dissections). The mean duration of clinical follow-up was 7.6 years and the cumulative clinical follow-up comprised 894 patient-years. RESULTS At 20 years, overall freedom from distal aortic complications and/or reintervention was 76% (51–86%) for aneurysms and 52% (28–71%) for dissections (P = 0.03). In non-dissected aortas, distal aortic growth was significant, but minimal: arches grew from 25.2 ± 0.6 to 26.3 ± 0.8 mm (P = 0.01), mid-descending aortas from 22.2 ± 0.5 to 24.9 ± 1.2 mm (P = 0.05) and distal descending aortas from 22.1 ± 0.7 to 24.2 ± 1.4 (P = 0.02, 0.58 mm/year ± 0.5 mm). Dissected distal aortas increased by a mean of 0.3 ± 0.5 mm/year. Dissection (P < 0.001), urgent procedure (P = 0.02) and hypertension (0.052) were associated with larger distal aortic diameters at late follow-up and more significant aortic growth over time. CONCLUSIONS Late distal complication rates are low for patients initially presenting with aneurysms. The risk of late distal reoperation is dictated by the initial pathology and by the presence of an initial dissection and not by faster distal aortic growth. Strategies to completely restore a non-dissected anatomy might improve late surgical outcome in Marfan's syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

OBJECTIVES To investigate mid-term outcome in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for non-dissected aortic pathology with favourable and unfavourable landing zone and aortic anatomy. METHODS Between 2000 and 2011, TEVAR was performed in 208 patients with descending thoracic aortic disease. Of 105 patients with non-dissected thoracic aortic pathology, 69 presented with unfavourable anatomy as defined by short length (<15 mm), large diameter (>42 mm), angulation of >60° of the proximal or distal landing zone or extreme aortic tortuosity. The endpoints perioperative mortality, 1-year survival, endoleak occurrence and incidence of secondary intervention were compared with the remaining 36 patients with favourable anatomy. RESULTS Median follow-up was 18 months. TEVAR was performed emergently in 24 of 69 (35%) patients with unfavourable anatomy and in 11 of 36 (31%) of those with favourable anatomy (P = 0.68). No patients underwent conversion to open surgery, no periinterventional rupture was observed. Perioperative mortality did not differ between cohorts (1/69 vs 1/36, P = 0.78). Postoperative permanent spinal cord ischaemia occurred in patients with unfavourable anatomy only (2/69 vs 0/36, P = 0.78). Early endoleak and secondary intervention were more frequent in patients with unfavourable anatomy (19/69 vs 7/36 and 13/69 vs 1/36), but not statistically significant (P = 0.5 and P = 0.13, respectively). One-year aorta-related survival rates were similar in both groups (66/69 vs 33/36, P = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS Mid-term outcome after TEVAR does not differ between patients with favourable and unfavourable landing zone anatomy in terms of aorta-related survival. However, the more frequent need for secondary intervention warrants a more rigorous follow-up after TEVAR in patients with unfavourable anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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