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OBJECTIVES Our goal was to review our surgical experiences in patients with complex pathologies of the aortic arch who have undergone anterolateral thoracotomy with a partial sternotomy (ALPS). METHODS From October 2019 to November 2023, a total of 23 patients underwent one-stage repairs of complex pathologies of the aortic arch through the ALPS approach. The mean age was 61.9 ± 16.7 years old. The aortic pathologies were as follows: aorta-related infection in 11 (aorto-oesophageal fistula: 4, graft infection: 6, native aortic infection: 1); aortic dissection in 9 including shaggy aorta in 2, non-dissecting aneurysm in 1, and coarctation of the aorta (CoA) in 2. RESULTS Eighteen patients underwent aortic replacement from either the sinotubular junction or the ascending aorta to the descending aorta; 1 patient underwent it from the aortic root to the descending aorta (redo Bentall procedure and extensive aortic arch replacement); 3 patients underwent it from the aortic arch between the left carotid artery and left subclavian artery to the descending aorta; and 1 patient underwent a descending aortic replacement. Ten patients underwent omentopexy, latissimus dorsi muscle flap installation or both procedures. The hospital mortality rate was 13.0% (3/23). The overall survival and freedom from aortic events were 73.3%±10.2% and 74.1%±10.2%, respectively, at the 3-year follow-up. There was an absence of aorta-related deaths, and no recurrent infections were identified. CONCLUSIONS The short-term outcomes using the ALPS approach for the treatment of complex pathologies of the aortic arch were acceptable. Further studies will be required to determine the long-term results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Post-extubation dysphagia (PED), an often overlooked problem, is a common and serious complication associated with mortality and major morbidity after cardiovascular surgery. Dysphagia is considered an age-related disease, and evaluating its long-term effects is a pressing issue with rapidly progressing ageing worldwide. Therefore, we examined the effect of PED on functional status and long-term cardiovascular events in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. Methods and results This single-centre, retrospective cohort study included 712 patients who underwent elective cardiovascular surgery and met the inclusion criteria. Patients were divided into PED and non-PED groups based on their post-operative swallowing status. The swallowing status was assessed using the Food Intake Level Scale. Functional status was evaluated as hospital-associated disability (HAD), defined as a decrease in activities of daily living after hospital discharge compared with preoperative values. The patients were subsequently followed up to detect major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). Post-extubation dysphagia was present in 23% of the 712 patients and was independently associated with HAD (adjusted odds ratio, 2.70). Over a 3.5-year median follow-up period, MACCE occurred in 14.1% of patients. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed HAD to be independently associated with an increased risk of MACCE (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.85), although PED was not significantly associated with MACCE. Conclusion Post-extubation dysphagia was an independent HAD predictor, with the odds of HAD occurrence being increased by 2.7-fold due to PED. Hospital-associated disability accompanied by PED is a powerful predictor of poor prognosis. Perioperative evaluation and management of the swallowing status, and appropriate therapeutic interventions, are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are common after a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Further, the majority of post-LVAD ventricular tachycardias (VTs) are secondary to a preexisting cardiomyopathy substrate. Intraoperative ablation of patients with recurrent preoperative VTs may reduce post-LVAD VTs. Case summary A 59-year-old female with advanced heart failure due to non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (LV ejection fraction = 24%) and recurrent VTs was referred for an LVAD implantation as a bridge to a heart transplant (INTERMACS Profile-5A). The previous endocardial ablation failed due to an epicardial arrhythmogenic substrate. Therefore, open-chest epicardial mapping during the LVAD implantation was indicated and three target areas of the arrhythmogenic substrate were found, which were ablated by radiofrequency applications. To minimize the cardiopulmonary bypass time, cardiopulmonary bypass was initiated after ablation, and then, an LVAD was implanted. An additional 68 min was required for mapping and ablation. All procedures were performed without any complications, and the post-operative course was uneventful. Thereafter, no VT episodes were observed without any anti-arrhythmic drugs during a 15-month follow-up with LVAD support. Discussion Intraoperative epicardial mapping and ablation during an LVAD implantation can play an important role in the management of LVAD recipients with recurrent VAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to evaluate the fate of the downstream aorta following total arch replacement. METHODS Between October 1999 and March 2018, a total of 740 patients underwent total arch replacement. After excluding connective tissue disease, previous descending or thoracoabdominal aortic surgery, patients without adequate preoperative images or operative mortality, late outcomes consisting of additional surgery for distal dilation and distal aortic events were evaluated in 623 survivors (240 aortic dissections, including 139 patients with acute dissection and 383 with a non-dissection aneurysm). The mean follow-up was 5.0 ± 4.0 years. RESULTS The mean preoperative maximum diameter of the descending aorta was 36.9 ± 8.0 mm. An elephant trunk was inserted in 232 patients, including 183 patients with aortic dissection. Freedom from additional surgery for distal dilation was 88.5% at 5 years and 80.2% at 10 years. Freedom from distal aortic events was 81.9% at 5 years and 70.5% at 10 years. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that the preoperative diameter of the descending aorta was a significant risk factor for unfavourable distal aortic events. Computed tomography evaluation demonstrated a significant increase in the descending aortic diameter over time (P  < 0.001). Positive aortic remodelling was observed in the proximal descending (P  < 0.001) to mid-descending (P  < 0.001) aorta exclusively in patients with acute aortic dissection. CONCLUSIONS The diameter of the descending aorta increased significantly after total arch replacement, particularly in the distal descending aorta. The preoperative descending aortic diameter portended a significant risk for unfavourable distal aortic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify predictors of postoperative permanent neurological deficits (PNDs) and evaluate the early management of cerebral perfusion in patients undergoing surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection with cerebral malperfusion. METHODS Between October 2009 and September 2018, a total of 197 patients with acute type A aortic dissection underwent aortic replacement. Of these, 42 (21.3%) patients had an imaging cerebral malperfusion (ICM). ICM was assessed preoperatively, which also revealed whether dissected supra-aortic branch vessels were occluded or narrowed by a thrombosed false lumen. After September 2017, early reperfusion and extra-anatomic revascularization were performed in cases with ICM. RESULTS Hospital mortality rates for cases with ICM were 4.8% (2/42). Before September 2017, PND were observed in 6 patients (54.5%) with preoperative neurological symptoms (n  = 11), and 7 patients (33.3%) without neurological symptoms (n  = 21) in patients with ICM. Occlusion or severe stenosis of supra-aortic branch vessels (odds ratio, 7.66; P  <   0.001), regardless of preoperative clinical neurological symptoms, was a risk factor for PND. After September 2017, 7 of 10 patients with ICM underwent early reperfusion and extra-anatomic revascularization. PND did not occur in any of these 7 patients. CONCLUSIONS Occlusion or severe stenosis of supra-aortic branch vessels is a predictor of PND risk in patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. Early reperfusion and extra-anatomic revascularization may reduce the risk of neurological complications in patients with ICM, with or without neurological symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES Valve repair for aortic insufficiency (AI) requires a tailored surgical approach determined by the leaflet and aortic disease. In this study, we used a repair-oriented system for the classification of AI, and we elucidated long-term outcomes of aortic root reimplantation with this classification system. METHODS From 1999 to 2018, a total of 197 patients underwent elective reimplantation (mean age: 52.7 ± 17.7 years; 80% male). The aortic valve was tricuspid in 143 patients, bicuspid in 51 patients and quadricuspid in 3 patients. A total of 93 patients had type I AI (aortic dilatation), 57 patients had type II AI (cusp prolapse) and 47 patients had type III AI (restrictive). In total, 104 of the 264 patients (39%) had more than 1 identified mechanism. RESULTS In-hospital mortality was 0.5% (1/197). Mid-term follow-up (mean follow-up duration: 5.5 years) revealed a late mortality rate of 4.2% (9/197). Aortic valve reoperation was performed on 16 patients (8.0%). Rates of freedom from aortic valve replacement and freedom from aortic valve-related events at 10 years of follow-up were 87.0 ± 4.0% and 60.6 ± 6.0%, respectively; patients with type Ib AI (98.3 ± 1.7%; 80.7 ± 7.5%) had better outcomes than patients with type III AI (59.6 ± 15.6%; 42.2 ± 13.1%, P  = 0.01). In patients with types II and III AI who had bicuspid aortic valves, rates of freedom from aortic valve-related events at 5 years of follow-up were 95.2 ± 4.7% and 71.7 ± 9.1%, respectively (P  = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS This repair-oriented system for classifying AI could help to predict the durable aortic valve repair techniques. Patient selection according to the classification is particularly important for long-term durability. Clinical trial registration number B190050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Japanese encephalitis (JE) is the leading cause of viral encephalitis with high mortality and morbidity in Asia. In Japan, however, the active recommendation of JE vaccine was retracted in 2005 because of the potential risk of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. We aimed to determine the recent incidence of childhood-onset JE after the domestic change of vaccination policy in Japan, and to analyze the clinical features of affected children. Methods A retrospective nationwide survey was conducted for pediatric patients with JE in Japan from 1995 to 2015. The national surveillance system was used to identify the pediatric patients with JE. Follow-up questionnaires were sent to analyze their clinical and neuroimaging profiles. Results Among a total of 109 patients registered to the national surveillance, 10 (9%) were less than age 15 years. The annual incidence rate of childhood-onset JE was higher during 2005–15 than that during 1995–2004 (4.3 × 10–3 vs 1.1 × 10–3 per 100000, respectively; P =.04). Endemic regions overlapped with prefectures that farmed pigs harboring antibodies against JE virus with high prevalence. Detailed clinical data were collected from 9 patients. None of them died, but 5 of 9 patients (56%) had neurological sequelae after recovery. One patient who was partially vaccinated with 2 doses of JE vaccine fully recovered from a coma. The age of 3 years or less was associated with unfavorable neurological prognosis. Conclusions Our data provide evidence for the importance and prophylactic effect of the JE vaccine in young children in the endemic area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric Rheumatology Association of Japan has developed evidence-based guideline of vaccination in pediatric rheumatic diseases (PRDs) as a part of Guideline of Vaccination for Pediatric Immunocompromised Hosts. Available articles on vaccination in both adult rheumatic diseases and PRDs were analyzed. Non-live vaccines are generally safe and effective in patients with PRDs on corticosteroid, immunosuppressant, and/or biologics, although efficacy may be attenuated under high dose of the drugs. On the other hand, efficacy and safety of live-attenuated vaccine for the patients on such medication have not been established. Thus, live-attenuated vaccines should be withheld and, if indicated, may be considered as a clinical trial under the approval by Institutional Review Board. All patients with PRDs anticipating treatment with immunosuppressants or biologics should be screened for infection of hepatitis B and C and tuberculosis before the commencement of medication. Varicella vaccine should be considered in sensitive patients ideally 3 weeks or longer before the commencement of immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, or biologics. Bacille Calmette-Guérin should be withheld at least for 6 months after birth, if their mothers have received anti-tumor necrosis factor-α antibodies during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE Impact of the decrease of regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) on postoperative delayed awakening after total aortic arch replacement (TAR) was validated. METHODS From 2008 to 2013, 143 consecutive patients underwent TAR using selective antegrade cerebral perfusion. rSO2 was monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy. We calculated a percent decrease of rSO2 (%-D) immediately after rewarming according to the following formula: %-D = rSO2 (X1) − rSO2 (X2)/rSO2 (X1) × 100 (%), where rSO2 (X1) was measured at the beginning of rewarming, and rSO2 (X2) was measured 10 min later. Delayed awakening was defined as patients not waking up for more than 6 h after the termination of anaesthesia. RESULTS The average time to wake up was 3.6 ± 2.0 h. Fourteen patients showed delayed awakening. %-D showed a positive linear relationship to awakening time (y = 0.67x − 0.7, r = 0.23, P = 0.007) and receiver operating characteristic analysis showed %-D had a good predictive value for delayed awakening (area under the curve = 0.84). %-D was significantly different between the delayed awakening and the normal group (7.1 ± 5.1 vs 1.3 ± 6.6%, P = 0.002). Two patients (1.4%) who had multicomorbidity with higher %-D died in the hospital due to colon necrosis and sepsis. There were significant differences between patients with normal and delayed awakening in hospital mortality (P = 0.04) and transient neurological deficit (TND, P = 0.007). CONCLUSION The maintenance of rSO2 at the early phase of rewarming may be important to avoid delayed awakening or TND after TAR. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

OBJECTIVES This report describes our experience with surgical management of aorta-related infections. METHODS From November 1999 to April 2013, 70 patients underwent surgical management for aorta-related infection, including aortobronchial fistula in 12 patients, aorto-oesophageal fistula in 14 and aortoduodenal fistula in 4. The location of infection was aortic root to arch in 22 patients, descending aorta in 29, thoraco-abdominal aorta in 12 and abdominal aorta in 7. Forty-seven patients had infections of the native aorta and 23 had postoperative graft infections. In situ replacement [bridge thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR); n = 1] was performed in 45 patients, endovascular aortic repair in 18 and extra-anatomical bypass (bridge TEVAR; n = 2) in 7. Omental flap was installed in 29 patients and a pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap was used in 3. Since 2008, we have been trying to resect not only the infected tissues, but also the surrounding aneurysmal wall as well. RESULTS Hospital mortality was 17.1% (12/70). Late death occurred in 15 patients. Overall survival at 3 years was 60.1 ± 6.7%. Freedom from infection-related death of patients who had in situ graft replacement, endovascular repair or extra-anatomical bypass at 3 years was 88.5 ± 4.9, 75.2 ± 10.9 or 14.3 ± 13.2%, respectively (P < 0.01). In situ graft replacement provided a better freedom from aortic event (recurrent infection and reintervention) at 3 years compared with endovascular repair (85.6 ± 5.5 vs 61.8 ± 12.5%, P = 0.029). Freedom from infection-related death at 3 years improved significantly from 61.1 ± 9.7 (before 2008) to 84.7 ± 5.8% (since 2008) (P = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS Surgical treatment for aorta-related infection is still associated with high mortality and morbidity. However, our current strategy, which is aggressive surgical management, including resection of infected tissues, extensive debridement, in situ graft replacement of the aorta and omental or muscle installation provided a better patient survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Background: Phase II and III clinical studies were conducted to evaluate immunogenicity and safety of a novel DTaP-IPV vaccine consisting of Sabin inactivated poliovirus vaccine (sIPV) and diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP).Methods: A Phase II study was conducted in 104 healthy infants using Formulation H of the DTaP-sIPV vaccine containing high-dose sIPV (3, 100, and 100 D-antigen units for types 1, 2, and 3, respectively), and Formulations M and L, containing half and one-fourth of the sIPV in Formulation H, respectively. Each formulation was administered 3 times for primary immunization and once for booster immunization. A Phase III study was conducted in 342 healthy infants who received either Formulation M + oral polio vaccine (OPV) placebo or DTaP + OPV. The OPV or OPV placebo was orally administered twice between primary and booster immunizations.Results: Formulation M was selected as the optimum dose. In the Phase III study, the seropositive rate was 100% for all Sabin strains after primary immunization, and the neutralizing antibody titer after booster immunization was higher than in the control group (DTaP + OPV). All adverse reactions were clinically acceptable.Conclusions: DTaP-sIPV was shown to be a safe and immunogenic vaccine.Clinical Trials Registration: JapicCTI-121902 for Phase II study, JapicCTI-101075 for Phase III study (http://www.clinicaltrials.jp/user/cte_main.jsp). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES We present our experience of total aortic arch replacement. METHODS Twenty-nine patients (21 males and 8 females; mean age 63.3 ± 13.3 years) with extended thoracic aortic aneurysms underwent graft replacement. The pathology of the diseased aorta was non-dissecting aneurysm in 11 patients, including one aortitis and aortic dissection in 18 patients (acute type A: one, chronic type A: 11, chronic type B: six). Five patients had Marfan syndrome. In their previous operation, two patients had undergone the Bentall procedure, three had endovascular stenting, one had aortic root replacement with valve sparing and 12 had hemi-arch replacement for acute type A dissection. Approaches to the aneurysm were as follows: posterolateral thoracotomy with rib-cross incision in 16, posterolateral thoracotomy extended to the retroperitoneal abdominal aorta in seven, mid-sternotomy and left pleurotomy in three, anterolateral thoracotomy with partial lower sternotomy in two and clam-shell incision in one patient. Extension of aortic replacement was performed from the aortic root to the descending aorta in 4, from the ascending aorta to the descending aorta in 17 and from the ascending to the abdominal aorta in eight patients. Arterial inflow for cardiopulmonary bypass consisted of the femoral artery in 15 patients, ascending aorta and femoral artery in seven, descending or abdominal aorta in five and ascending aorta in two. Venous drainage site was the femoral vein in 10, pulmonary artery in eight, right atrium in five, femoral artery with right atrium/pulmonary artery in four and pulmonary artery with right atrium in two patients. RESULTS The operative mortality, 30-day mortality and hospital mortality was one (cardiac arrest due to aneurysm rupture), one (rupture of infected aneurysm) and one (brain contusion), respectively. Late mortality occurred in three patients due to pneumonia, ruptured residual aneurysm and intracranial bleeding. Actuarial survival at 5 years after the operations was 80.6 ± 9.0%. Freedom from the subsequent aortic events was 96.0 ± 3.9% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS Our treatment method for extensive thoracic aneurysms achieved satisfactory results using specific strategies and appropriate organ protection according to the aneurysm extension in the selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To present our experience of total aortic arch replacement through a left posterolateral thoracotomy. Methods: Sixteen patients (13 males; mean age 62.1±11.3 years) with extended thoracic aortic aneurysms, including those in the thoracoabdominal aorta, underwent replacement through a left posterolateral thoracotomy. The pathology of the diseased aorta was non-dissecting aneurysm due to aortitis in 1 patient and aortic dissection in 15 patients (acute type A: 1, chronic type A: 12, chronic type B: 2). In a prior operation, the patient with aortitis had undergone the Bentall procedure with endovascular stenting of the brachiocephalic artery, and among the other 15 patients, one previously had endovascular stenting for the aortic arch and 12 had hemi-arch replacement for acute type A dissection. Extension of arch replacement was the aortic arch and descending aorta in eight patients, the ascending arch and descending aorta in five patients and the descending arch, and thoracoabdominal aorta in three patients. Additional retroperitoneal dissection was required for the repair of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Results: One patient died of traumatic cerebral hemorrhage on day 145 (hospital mortality 6.3%). Average duration of ventilation support was 19.4±17.0h and length of ICU stay was 3.6±1.6 days. Actuarial survival at 2 years after the operations was 67.7%. However, no aortic-related mortality was observed during follow-up. Conclusions: Early results of extended aortic arch replacement through a left posterolateral thoracotomy were satisfactory in selected patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aortic angiosarcoma is an exceedingly rare clinical entity. A significant delay in diagnosis can occur due to its rareness and lack of specific clinical manifestation. A 71-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department owing to an acute episode of abdominal pain. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed thoraco-abdominal aortic occlusion and splenic infarction. The patient was initially treated with descending aortic replacement for degenerative atherothrombotic aneurysm. An FDG-positron emission tomography-CT scan and biopsy ultimately confirmed the diagnosis of aortic angiosarcoma. This case highlights the difficulties of making an early diagnosis of aortic angiosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A 65-year-old male with four-channel aortic dissection successfully underwent replacement of the thoracoabdominal aorta, reconstruction of the celiac, superior mesenteric artery, renal arteries, and 5 pairs of intercostals or lumbar arteries using deep hypothermic technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A 75-year-old woman who had suffered type B dissection had coronary artery bypass grafting surgery using a mechanical aortic connector. Four days after the operation, she had a sudden syncope. CT demonstrated type A dissection, and an emergency operation was done, and postoperative course was uneventful. This case demonstrates that this connector should be used carefully in patients with a history of type B dissection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We describe our experience with a patient who had metastasized pulmonary artery sarcoma, but survived 7 years after diagnosis. A 61-year-old man was diagnosed with pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma after resection of metastatic tumours to the bilateral lungs. The primary lesion in the pulmonary artery trunk extending into the bilateral branches was treated by tumour endoarterectomy followed by chemotherapy. He underwent resections of lung metastases two more times before detection of recurrent obstructive pulmonary artery sarcoma 4 years after the tumour endoarterectomy. En bloc resection of the tumour including the pulmonary artery trunk, valve and interventricular septum was performed, and the right ventricular out flow tract was reconstructed with a stentless pulmonary valve and equine pericardium. He died of the disease soon after an operation for metastatic brain tumour 3 years later. Pulmonary artery sarcoma has a dismal prognosis, but aggressively repeated surgical interventions may lengthen survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Abstract: Objective: Although computed tomography, angiography, or magnetic resonance imaging is most commonly used for diagnosing mesenteric ischemia caused by acute aortic dissection, use of these modalities is often limited in the perioperative period. Thus, we have introduced transesophageal echocardiography to cover this deficit. Purpose of this study is to report the feasibility and accuracy of transesophageal echocardiographic diagnosis on mesenteric ischemia. Methods: The consecutive 24 cases with acute aortic dissection which involved abdominal aorta and underwent surgery were examined. The celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery was visualized with 5MHz biplane transesophageal echocardiography and was assessed for presence of dissection and blood flow in each of true and false lumen. The transesophageal echocardiographic findings were then correlated to the clinical course, computed tomographic findings, and laboratory data. Results: The celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery was successfully visualized in 24 cases (100%) and 23 cases (95.8%), respectively. Perfusion patterns in superior mesenteric artery were categorized into four patterns: (1) intact artery with adequate perfusion (type A: 14 cases); (2) dissection in the artery but with adequate perfusion in true lumen (type B: 5 cases); (3) dissection in the artery with narrowed true lumen compressed by false lumen without detectable blood flow (type C: 1 case); and (4) obstruction of arterial orifice by the intimal flap with narrowed true lumen in the proximal aorta (type D: 2 cases). One case with immediate postoperative death and another case with unsuccessful visualization of superior mesenteric artery were excluded from the analysis. Clinically apparent intestinal ischemia was present in three cases: one case with type C and two cases with type D, but in none of the remaining 19 cases with type A or type B (both sensitivity and specificity were 100%). The superior mesenteric artery was opacified in all of these three cases with ischemia. Conclusions: The transesophageal echocardiographic assessment is feasible in nearly all patients and potentially provides correct diagnosis on intestinal ischemia in the perioperative period of acute aortic dissection. Types C and D indicate significant mesenteric malperfusion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: Although malposition of a catheter for selective cerebral perfusion can lead to postoperative neurologic complications, the clinical relevance or even an incidence of this event is not clear because there have been no measures to diagnose it. The purpose of this study is to report the results of intraoperative diagnosis of catheter malposition by means of near-infrared spectroscopy, orbital ultrasound, and transesophageal echocardiography. Methods: The 35 consecutive patients of aortic arch aneurysm undergoing total arch replacement (13 patients) or transaortic stent graft implantation (22 patients) were examined. The regional oxygen saturation in the frontal lobe was continuously monitored with near-infrared spectroscopy. When cerebral malperfusion was suspected with saturation drop and reduced blood flow in orbital ultrasound, blood flow in the cervical branches and catheter position were examined with transesophageal echocardiography. Results: Catheter malposition was detected in 4 of 35 cases (11.4%). The echo findings included: (1) reduced or absent flow and/or collapsed lumen in the common carotid artery despite an adequate perfusion rate; and (2) the balloon of catheter blocking the inflow to the common carotid artery. There was no unusual changes in parameters of other conventional monitors. After the catheter was withdrawn (three cases) or replaced (one case) based on the above diagnosis, cerebral perfusion was restored, confirmed by these three modalities. An accidental entry of catheter into the right common carotid artery was detected by transesophageal echocardiography in one case, in which there was no abnormal finding of oxygen saturation or orbital blood flow. Conclusions: Catheter malposition on the right side is not a rare event during selective cerebral perfusion. The catheter can migrate into the right subclavian artery or common carotid artery. Pressure monitoring cannot reliably detect an occurrence of catheter migration into the right subclavian artery. Combined use of near-infrared spectroscopy, orbital ultrasound, and transesophageal echocardiography can be useful for detecting this event and making an appropriate decision without delay to prevent irreversible brain damage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To minimize the neurological complications following cardiovascular surgery, it is essential to prevent an occurrence of cerebrovascular embolism and to detect and solve cerebral malperfusion without delay in the operating theater. Although we have introduced near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring for the purpose of detecting cerebral malperfusion, no criterion has been available. We searched for this criterion by examining the relationship of sustained drop in the regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) of the frontal lobes to the occurrence of neurological events. Methods: The 59 consecutive patients undergoing aortic surgery with selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) were examined. The rSO2 was monitored throughout the surgery and the durations of drops in rSO2 to below 55% and those below 60% were determined for each patient. The durations of rSO2 drop and other surgery-related parameters were compared between the patients in whom neurological events occurred and those without such events. Results: A total of 16 cases (27.1%) presented with neurological events. Newly developed cerebral infarction was documented in 6 of these 16 cases. Operation time and the durations for which rSO2 dropped were significantly longer for the 16 patients with neurological events than for the 43 patients without events (Op time: 546.8 versus 448.1min, P=0.0064; rSO2 below 60%: 141.2 versus 49.8min, P=0.0032; rSO2 below 55%: 66.6 versus 10.6min, P=0.0011), while there was no significant difference in age, bypass time, aortic clamping time, SCP time, and circulatory arrest time between the two groups. In the 3 patients with infarcts suggestive to hypoperfusion, sustained decrease in rSO2 was observed, while it was not significant in the remaining 3 patients with infarcts suggestive to embolism. Among the 53 patients without infarction, transient neurological events occurred more frequently in patients with sustained drop in rSO2 below 55% for over 5min (44.4% versus 5.7%, P=0.0014). Conclusions: A sustained drop in rSO2 during aortic surgery is closely related to the occurrence of neurological events following surgery. We recommend that recovery of drop in rSO2 below 55% should be addressed without delay. However, use of NIRS is limited for detecting embolic events or hypoperfusion in the basilar region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: Although endovascular stent-grafting is available for atherosclerotic thoracic aneurysms, it is unknown whether the excluded thrombosed aneurysms shrink. We evaluated serial changes in distal aortic arch or proximal descending aortic aneurysms excluded space after transaortic stent-grafting. Methods: Thirty-four patients with true distal aortic arch or proximal descending thoracic aortic aneurysms were treated by stent-grafts introduced via proximal arch aortic incisions. Follow-up included computed tomographs (CT) every 6 months in 31 patients. The maximum dimensions for excluded space and aneurysmal diameters were measured and evaluated to determine whether the aneurysmal space had decreased or shrunken following this alternative procedure. Results: Two hospital deaths (5.9%) were caused by a cerebral embolism and a peri-operative myocardial infarction. Another case died from pneumonia a year after surgery. Thirty-one cases (91%) survived during follow-up, but one case suffered from paraplegia (2.9%). The follow-up period ranged from 10 to 72 months (average 39.3±27.2 months). There were no aneurysmal ruptures during follow-up. Post-operative serial CTs showed a disappearance or a significant shrinkage of the excluded aneurysmal space in 30 of the 31 cases (97%); one case suffered endoluminal leakage. Conclusions: Transaortic endovascular stent-grafting is feasible for distal aortic arch or proximal descending aortic aneurysms. The excluded aneurysmal space disappears or shrinks after successful stent-graft placement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Total arch replacement necessitating deep hypothermia with circulatory arrest has a greater effect on pulmonary function than other cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Since April 2004, 100mg of sivelestat sodium hydrate was administrated by bolus injection into pulp circuit at the initiation of CPB in every case performed total arch replacement. We investigated the hypothesis that prophylactic use of the drug attenuates post-pump pulmonary dysfunction. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 120 consecutive patients who underwent total arch replacement from August 2001 to December 2006 was conducted. Patients were divided into two groups according to the date of surgery, April 2004, when we started sivelestat administration. Group A (n =60), operated after April 2004, was administrated sivelestat at the initiation of CPB. Group B (n =60), before April 2004, was not administrated. Time courses of hemodynamic variables were evaluated until 24h after surgery and those of respiratory variables and inflammatory markers until 48h after surgery. Results: There were no significant differences in patient age, sex, prevalence of chronic obstructive lung disease, preoperative lung function, time of operation and CPB, minimum temperature, and aprotinin usage. Hospital mortality occurred in two patients in the group B (3.3%) and no patient in group A (0%). Postoperative hemodynamic variables were not different between the two groups. Respiratory index, oxygenation index were significantly better in patients pretreated with sivelestat (respiratory index; p <0.001, oxygenation index; p <0.001, respectively). CRP was significantly lower in patients pretreated with sivelestat (p =0.022). Except for patients who required tracheostomy or re-exploration for bleeding, patients pretreated with sivelestat were extubated significantly shorter (group A: 12.6±10.8h, group B: 25.5±12.9h, p =0.033). No patient with postoperative respiratory failure requiring tracheostomy was noted in sivelestat group. Conclusion: Prophylactic administration of sivelestat at the initiation of CPB results in better postoperative pulmonary function, leading to earlier extubation time. Our study suggests that sivelestat was effective in facilitating postoperative respiratory management in total arch replacement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: In order to determine whether critical intercostal artery is present in the aneurysm during descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic surgery, changes of transcranial motor-evoked potentials (Tc-MEPs) were monitored following infusion of cold blood into the aorta as an adjunct ‘on-site assessment’. Accuracy of this method was evaluated. Methods: Fourteen patients were examined for Tc-MEPs changes following infusion of cold blood (4°C, 300–450ml) into the aneurysm. The intercostal arteries in the aneurysm were reconstructed when the Tc-MEPs amplitude decreased to below 50% of the baseline within 3min after cold blood infusion. When the amplitude did not decrease, every intercostal artery in the aneurysm was ligated. Results: The Tc-MEPs amplitude did not decrease in eight cases (57%), while it decreased in six cases (43%). In the former, no case presented with paraplegia despite every intercostal artery being ligated. In the latter, the amplitude recovered after reconstruction in four patients, who had no paraplegia postoperatively. In the remaining two cases, however, the amplitude did not recover: one died of multiple organ failure with postoperative assessment unfeasible; the other developed paraplegia following surgery. Except one case with operative death, both sensitivity and specificity of our criteria with cold blood infusion was 100% in this series. Conclusions: Cold blood infusion into the clamped segment of aorta accelerates Tc-MEPs changes and can possibly reduce ischemic insults of spinal cord during diagnostic process, while it accurately detects presence of critical intercostal artery in the segment. This method appears to be promising adjunct on-site assessment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: We investigated whether propofol, a widely used anesthetic, injected into clamped aortic segments quickly attenuated transcranial spinal motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes and protected against spinal cord injury during thoracoabdominal aortic surgery. Methods: Eighteen beagle dogs were divided into three groups (n =6, each group): group 1 (20ml of saline, intra-aortic injection), group 2 (1.5mg/kg of propofol, intravenous injection), and group 3 (1.5mg/kg of propofol, intra-aortic injection). Aortic cross-clamping was performed for 30min. In each group, MEP amplitudes were recorded before, during, and after aortic cross-clamping. Tarlov score and histopathological examination were used to evaluate the protective effects of intra-aortic propofol injections. Results: MEP amplitudes in group 3 attenuated to a value that was 60% of the control in just a minute after aortic cross-clamping, but maintained 40% of the control value during aortic cross-clamping. However, MEP amplitudes in groups 1 and 2 gradually attenuated and almost disappeared. Groups 1 and 2 amplitudes were lower than those in group 3, 30min after aortic cross-clamping (p <0.001). Twenty-four hours after ischemia, the Tarlov score in group 3 was 3.5±0.5 and was higher than scores from groups 1 and 2, which were 0.5±0.5 and 1.3±1.2 (mean±SD, p <0.001, and p <0.001), respectively. Histopathologically, normal spinal cord motor neurons in group 3 were preserved to a significantly greater extent than in groups 1 and 2 (p =0.0031, and p =0.0282, respectively). There was a strong correlation between Tarlov scores at 24h and the number of normal motor neurons in the anterior horns of spinal cords (r =0.897; p <0.001). Conclusions: Intra-aortic propofol injections produce the quick suppression of MEP amplitudes and protect spinal cords from ischemia during aortic cross-clamping. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report a patient with Takayasu''s disease surgically treated who had presented severe manifestation due to aortic coarctation associated with occlusion of all arch branches. This patient had suffered cardiac failure and recurrent fainting attacks before surgery. The operative procedures included ascending to infra-renal aortic bypass grafting combined with reconstruction of the right axillary artery. Cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB) was used to facilitate the proximal aortic anastomosis. Regional oxygen saturation in the bilateral frontal lobes was measured intraoperatively using near-infrared spectroscopy to detect cerebral ischemia. Regional oxygen saturation was managed above the critical level throughout the CPB. No new cerebral complications occurred in the perioperative period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]